The Chronicle, 3.6

William Mason High School Mason, Ohio

The

The talent show was once again a display of some of the most talented students at MHS. See story page 5.

Chron l cle

March 31, 2006 Volume 3 Issue 6

6100 South Mason Montgomery Road, Mason, Ohio 45040

IIss I N G G N R I P R S P S

B r o k K e n A ?

K E A R E B R B

You won’t see this scene in any glitzy spring break ads

When spring break gets broken; Guglielmi family haunted by son’s death

Mason first and second graders on the jump rope team raised $45,000 for the Cincinnati Chapter of the American Heart Association, and became the largest fundraiser in Ohio and ninth in the nation.

In desperate circumstances, do you think America would ever elect a dictator?

See related story page 4.

P ll

74%

no

17% yes

9%

(Based on a survey of 200 students.)

not sure

"Unfortunately, spring break is no longer an innocent respite from the rigors of academics. The tourism and alcohol industries promote heavy drinking and sex, creating an environment that can lead to rape, fatal injuries and death by alcohol poisoning," Hill stated in a letter addressing college parents.

Now spring break can be associated with young adults commuting to destinations in Mexico, Europe, and the Caribbean, and being surrounded by beaches, parties, alcohol and sexual promiscuity.

!" see SPRING BREAK page 2

INSIDE...

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 5 SPORTS

15

OPINION

20

SNEAK PEEK

Jump rope team raises $45,000

Chronicle

NEWS Flash

When Findlay resident Nan Guglielmi hugged her son, Andrew, and told him that she loved him before letting him leave for spring break, she didn't know that those would be her last words to her son. She awoke to her hotel's telephone ringing at around 3:00 a.m. only to be told that her 19-year old son had gotten drunk and fallen 30 feet from a Panama City hotel balcony. She and her husband, Frank, rushed to the Panama City Hospital where they prayed by his door. But after 12 days of stand-

ing next to a broken body with no motor functions or mental activity, Nan and Frank were forced to pull the plug. Six years later, Nan still mourns her son's death and lives with constant regret of her decision to allow him to spend spring break in Panama City.

"He was a vibrant, sunny kid with an amazing future ahead of him. He could've been anything, done anything," Nan said.

Spring break was once a casual getaway from school, a time to relax. However, according to American Medical Association (AMA) chairman Dr. J. Edward Hill this is no longer the case.

CENTERSPREAD

BY OLGA BORODULIN Chronicle Editor

Churches are revamping their style to attract more teens.

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Spring Break: One student’s paradise is a mother’s nightmare Parents seem to be unnoticing of promotions and !continued from 40% advertisements, according to an AMA survey, which SPRING BREAK page 1

found that 56 percent of parents are completely unaware that tour companies "market spring break destinations directly to college students emphasizing heavy drinking and sex." But out of those who are aware, 81 percent are outraged that companies send promotions through campus mail and 86 percent said "it is time to stop irresponsible marketing practices."

Of the parents who allowed their children to travel for spring break, more than 80 percent were concerned about their students drinking alcohol during their vacation, and rightfully so. The Journal of American College Health in 1998 stated that during spring break the average man consumed 18 drinks per day and the average woman consumed 10 drinks per day. 40 percent of the women and more than half of the men drank until they became sick or passed out. According to Nan, Andrew was just another student amongst everyone else who was getting drunk.

"He just kept drinking and his friends didn't try to stop him," Nan said.

Nan's biggest regret was allowing Andrew to leave, knowing that he may not return.

"I was worried about him when he left because anything can happen, but I wanted him to be happy and he assured me that he'd be safe," Nan said.

During Nan and Frank's stay in the Panama City hospital,they saw other students with drug overdoses, injuries and alcohol poisoning file into hospital doors, making them realize that they were not alone in their situation.

"Over those days we watched as a steady stream of bleary-eyed parents arrived from all over the country to see their sons or daughters lying in a coma," Frank said.

After hearing of Andrew's death, a common misconception is that the repercussions of making poor decisions will not be seen in Mason.

According to MHS seniors Kacyn Neu and Patrick Dowry, a tradition of Mason seniors going to Panama City for spring break has already been established and carried down for several years.

Neu and Dowry are both planning on visiting Panama City this spring break but do not anticipate any danger.

"I'm going to be surrounded by my friends so I'm not really worried. I'm more worried about the drive down to Panama," Neu said.

In Andrew's case, however, his friends' presence did little to help him, as it instigated even more dangerous activities.

Neu and Dowry claim that they are well equipped for the trip and don't think they'll fall victim to such activities. Jan Neu, Kacyn's mothphoto by BJ Preston, Guglielmi campaign staff assistant er, is not as concerned about her daughter's safety Nan (left) and Frank (right) Guglielmi found out that their son, Andrew (center), fell because she will be traveling to a nearby location 30 feet from a Panama hotel balcony after consuming a lethal amount of alcohol. along with other mothers whose children are also passes." Most cable network shows do illustrate a going to Panama. fun, careless atmosphere in teen minds. A new show "I haven't done a lot of research on [Panama] but I known as MTV's Spring Break, which will broadwill be nearby so I'm not as worried knowing that if The percentage of cast from a beach and will include celebrities and [Kacyn] needs me then I'll be there," Jan said. men who admitted to young adults partying, will be one of many sources Nan Guglielmi also stayed in Naples, Florida so binge drinking while that illustrates what spring break in Panama is "sup- she could be close to her son when he traveled to on Springbreak. posed to be," according to Nan. Panama. Despite her effort to stay close to Andrew "Shows like MTV make it seem so glamorous and offer her protection, she was still unable to save when really, these kids are surrounded by alcohol him from "the danger that spring break holds." and drugs," Nan said.

Though Nan still blames certain people for her After students have been reeled in by promotions, son's death, she knows that no matter how much The percentage of they must be able to afford to visit these destinaregret she holds, Andrew will never come back. All women who admitted tions. Matt Scriven, president of Paradise Parties in she has left of him are the memories by which she to binge drinking Aurora, Colo., finds that students are mostly attractcan remind herself of everything he had already while on Springbreak. ed to weeklong trips to Mexico, which range in cost accomplished. from $600 to $1200, because “they're affordable "He was the captain of his varsity hockey team. and, of course, being international, you can [legally] He was so charming but kind. He loved his poetry drink when you're 18." class. He was a diplomat, always able to bring peoBecause of such reckless, underage drinking and ple together," Nan said.

Parents who were careless behavior, executive director of the Trauma Although Nan appreciates the life Andrew lived, completely unaware Foundation at SFG Hospital Andrew McGuire she still wishes he could've lived longer, so that he that tour companies believes spring break has evolved into a period could have accomplished more with the talents and market Springbreak where students of all ages can consume alcohol intelligence he had. destinations directly without worrying about the local law enforcement.

"I try to put myself in his shoes and wonder what to students "It's a situation where you are infusing an ungodly he was thinking. I wonder what his friends were emphasizing heavy amount of alcohol on young people many of whom thinking. But nothing I can come up with makes it are not legal to drink by U.S. standards," McGuire okay," Nan said. "I just keep thinking, 'What a waste drinking and sex.

Statistics/Survey results provided by said. of a future. What a waste of a life.'"

of women and more than half of the men drank until they became sick or passed out.

"It's extremely difficult [for teenagers] to fight against something that all of their friends are doing.

When students are surrounded by hundreds of people who are drinking and they have no one to turn to, how can they say no?" Nan said.

Nan blames advertisements and media portrayals for students’ belief that spring break destinations allow students to make poor decisions without facing the consequences. Panama, what seemed like a The amount of paradise of beaches and warm weather for Andrew, drinks per day the turned out to be a "war zone" of deaths, according to average man Nan. consumes while on "You have to see it to believe it. There are springbreak. The teenagers who are in hospital beds with parents praying for their children's lives. What looks like a average woman consumes 10 drinks spring break of partying is a war zone," Nan said.

According to an AMA poll, students are first per day. drawn into these locations through advertisements made by companies, luring students in with "50 hours of free drinking," or "VIP all-day drinking

18

77%

53%

56%

the American Medical Association.

March 31, 2006 Mason teacher recalls tragic spring break accident that paralyzed star soccer player

BY OLGA BORODULIN Chronicle Editor Colerain High School senior Michael Haggard owes a great deal of his success in life to his legs. He has achieved the title of a first-team all conference varsity soccer player and was asked by several universities including Ohio Northern University to play at the collegiate level, all because he was able to score, kick, punt and pass with his legs and feet.

But as of April of 2004, Michael has been unable to walk. The loss of his ability to walk can be attributed to a drunken night in Gatlinburg during spring break, where he jumped from a 20 foot balcony and woke up in a hospital, paralyzed from the waist down.

Haggard's varsity soccer coach, Paul Reedy, now a MHS history teacher, recollects that his first reaction towards the accident was shock.

"At first I was in disbelief and shock. After it settled in, I was deeply saddened. Then I felt anger. [I wondered] 'Why did this happen to him?

Why didn't they use better judgment?'" Reedy said.

Although Haggard was gone most of the school year in rehabilitation, he was still able to graduate. However, Haggard's hopes to attend a larger college were no longer possible. He decided to attend Northern Kentucky University. Haggard has been forced to adapt even more to his surroundings, which Reedy believes has been a "difficult process."

"He's done well so far but he still struggles," Reedy said.

Reedy struggled with the knowledge that a talented athlete and a good person had lost his ability to walk because of one lethal decision.

"He was a good student and a great athlete. Now, he’s struggling [to walk,]" Reedy said.

Haggard was accompanied by several students from his soccer team.

Reedy remembers the guilt that those students who accompanied him felt.

After seeing a student whose life was majorly altered by his decision to drink, Reedy finds difficulty in hearing of other students who have suffered the consequences of drinking.

To try to dissuade students from making such decisions, Reedy made sure to address the soccer team the following year on the importance of being safe during the break.

"We all know that the worst thing in life is to see that happen again to somebody. [We wanted] our students to learn something from what happened," Reedy said.

But despite teachers' and administrators' pleas, two months later, a soccer player at Oak Hills sustained serious injuries from an accident involving alcohol.

Reedy, however, realizes that the best way for students understand the importance of making smart decisions during spring break is to see the repercussions.

“It hit home. No one thinks it'll happen to them but it can happen to anyone, anywhere," Reedy said.

The

March 31, 2006

OGT week not stressful to upperclassmen Teachers notice a much happier student when they’ve had some rest

BY CAROLINE JOHNSON Chronicle Staff Writer Just as senior Diana Jiang bit into her strawberry pancakes at the International House of Pancakes on Tuesday March 14, sophomore Michael Dulovich was finishing a word problem in the math portion of his Ohio Graduation Test (OGT). Jiang was able to sleep in and go to breakfast with her friends because of a late arrival permitted for upperclassmen by the administration. As a senior, Jiang was fortunate enough to experience late arrival for the second time. "[Last year] I felt so much more rested and energized, it was probably the best academic week of the school year," Jiang said.

Assistant principal Mindy McCarty, who oversees the administration of the OGT at MHS, noticed the high enthusiasm levels juniors and seniors exerted during OGT week.

"When the students came in under the modified schedule teachers felt they were more energized and focused in the classroom. They spoke highly of the schedule because

Student activities monitored through camera and internet filtering system

although class time was shortened, the [increased energy levels] helped to maximize that time," McCarty said.

It was teachers like Spanish teacher Deborah Sicking who noticed an increased energy level, which led to better performances in class, in upperclassmen during the week of OGT testing.

"The students were much happier. Although the class was at times harder to keep on task, I felt they were also more productive," Sicking said.

Junior Katie Matthews greatly anticipated her first experience of late arrival, and felt she reaped the benefits from the extra time.

"I [was] more relaxed and had less stress," Matthews said.

McCarty is proud of the behavior she saw in upperclassmen last year, and believes it is a privilege that is wellearned.

"Specifically here at Mason [the students] work very hard, have positive attitudes and last year not only did the sophomores score very well, but the upperclassmen handled this privilege with no problems, so we are putting trust into them and are treating them like the young adults they are becoming. We hope to be able to continue this [in years to come,]" McCarty said.

Primarily, this surveillance is done by campus supervisors. Campus supervisor Annie Bruck monitors the security footage, searching for instances of misbehaviour.

"I'm looking for irregular activity in the hallways, students missing from class [and] emergencies," Bruck said.

Bruck cites the number of students as a reason for the

BY RACHEL SLEZAK Chronicle Staff Writer Recently, MHS students were forced to evacuate due to a fire discovered in the A2 wing. At first, students and teachers alike were confused as to who the culprit could be. With the assistance of security cameras installed around Mason High School, however, the responsible students were soon discovered.

Security cameras have been installed at Mason High School since its construction. The overall cost of the security system, after taking into consideration the costs of installation, maintenance, and normal use, is $427,717.69.

Assistant principal George Coates estimates that there are over sixty cameras throughout the school. The footage taken from the cameras remains strictly within the high school.

According to Coates, one of the campus supervisors is watching the security cameras at all times. Because the cameras are monitoring the students, campus security supervisors see most instances of misbehavior.

"It is probable that if someone does something they will be caught," Coates said.

Administrators use footage to determine who is in the hallways at certain times, whether to catch students in the act or to investigate a previous occurrence.

"Security footage can be seen real time, and it is also saved and can be reviewed," Coates said.

After a recent bomb threat at MHS, cameras were used as an aid in catching a student responsible for a "copycat" threat. According to Coates it is not uncommon for cameras to be used, but rare for the student body to be conscious of their use.

"A lot of things go unnoticed by the majority of the school. Anything else would be a disruption of the normal schoolday," Coates said.

But though the cameras assist in finding students breaking the rules, Coates believes they serve a different primary purpose.

"The cameras are not specifically for catching people, they are more for deterring. Students know they are being watched," Coates said.

Chronicle photo by Olga Borodulin

Campus supervisor Annie Bruck monitors the school through a system of cameras located throughout Mason

high amount of activity in the hallways.

"There are 2,700 teenagers going through the hallways.

Sometimes they can get pretty creative," Bruck said.

In addition to being watched on the cameras, administrators can also monitor students on the computers.

Technology specialist Kevin McDonald can view all of the school's computers with a program called LANDesk.

"The program was installed on every computer in the school. We can go in and find every computer by name," McDonald said.

The program contains a list of the computers in each classroom and provides the possibility to view the contents of each screen. Though he can view what students are doing on each of these computers, monitoring students is not McDonald's first priority when using the program.

"It's mostly used for inventory purposes and adding new programs to many computers at once," McDonald said."[Monitoring students on computers] makes up about one percent of the work we do here. This is rarely used to catch students. I can't think of a case where we have

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Advisory board a key ingredient in successful test results This year marks the one year anniversary of the premiere of OGT testing for all sophomores in Ohio. Mason sophomores did significantly well with a more than 90 percent passage rate ranking MHS sixth in the state, raising the expectations for sophomores taking the test this year. When assistant principal Mindy McCarty met with the sophomore advisory board, she felt they were ready for the challenge, and hoped to be known as a class who excels academically. Due to last year’s success there were no major changes this year.

"Everything ran so smooth last year that we had little to adjust," McCarty said.

One change made was a larger advisory board, with a male and female representative from each sophomore homeroom. However, McCarty preferred the smaller group and plans to return to the small group setting next year.

"With the large group we lost a certain connected feeling. I got to know the group last year a lot better," McCarty said.

- Caroline Johnson

caught a student in the act."

However, in some cases, McDonald can use memory and the website history to catch inappropriate computer use.

"If there is a strong suspicion, we can investigate. Most of the time, things are caught after the fact," McDonald said.

But in the library, where students are in close proximity to supervisors, students are watched more closely.

According to Media Center aide Jane Coil, students are caught misusing computers every day.

Common offenses are those listed beneath the screens of most of the computers throughout the school: "NO Games or Music. NO Personal Emails, NO Instant Messaging.

You may ONLY visit Educational Sites."

"Most students are playing games, visiting unauthorized websites, and sending personal email," Coil said.

Technology specialists have also programmed certain sites such as myspace.com to not appear, and instead have a graphic of a monkey and a warning sign.

Despite the extent that technology specialists go to, some students still abuse computer priveliges, which may result in a two week suspension from computer use. Though this is the standard penalty, it is not the only possibility.

"The consequences can get more serious depending on what the student is doing," Coil said.

Coil works in conjunction with school-wide programs to keep students on task in the media center.

"There is a filtering system that we hope eliminates most of the harsher websites," Coil said.

Coil finds a new program enabling closer monitoring of student activity on computers to be useful. The new program was only recently installed in the library.

"This has been installed for only a couple of weeks.

Before we had to just walk around to watch what all the students were doing, which made it easier for students to just close out," Coil said.

Junior Kate Rutherford objects to the rules against personal email because often she has to access her email account for school reasons.

"Monitoring computers is getting a little extreme. We have schoolwork to do and we can't always ask permission to use email," Rutherford said.

Rutherford realizes that despite her feelings on the amount of monitering, the administration will always keep a watchful eye on MHS students.

"They're always going to be watching us. It's going to increase in coming years, so we may as well get used to it," Rutherford said.

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March 31, 2006

News Notebook

World Perspective

College Admissions 101 to be held at MHS auditorium

Protests in Belarus capital following controversial election

On Tuesday, April 11, at 7:00 pm, College Admissions 101 will be held in the MHS Auditorium. Bowling Green State University, Case Western Reserve University, Ohio University, Ohio State University, Miami University of Ohio, College of Mount St. Joseph, University of Cincinnati, and Xavier University will send representatives to provide college resources and help host a question and answer session with those interested.

BY MATT PARTINGTON Chronicle Staff Writer

Student Government hosts Crystal Ball, donates proceeds Mason High School Student Government recently hosted the Crystal Ball, MHS's firstever winter formal. The formal generated $1,000, which was donated to the Wendy Faulkner Children's Memorial Foundation.

Future Miami University students eligible for scholarship Students who demonstrate character and compassion and who have also committed to attending Miami University are eligible for The Jennifer Leigh Kynkor Scholarship.

Applications can be found in the guidance department, and are due on April 30.

Purdue University hosts EDGE Purdue University is hosting EDGE, exciting discovery for girls in engineering, for freshmen or sophomore girls who are interested in Engineering. The program will be held from June 11-16, and the deadline is April 17. The application can be found in the guidance office.

-compiled by Caroline Johnson

Following a purportedly fraudulent election, an estimated crowd of 10,000 protested in Minsk, the capital of Belarus, Monday, March 22. Incumbent Alexander Lukashenko, president since 1994, won an overwhelming 82.6 percent of the votes, ousting his main opponent Alexander Milinkevich, who only garnered six percent. Both the United States and European Union have demanded a re-vote, citing that Lukashenko has outright denied his citizens their human rights.

"Arbitrary use of state power and widespread detentions showed a disregard for the basic rights of freedom of assembly, association and expression," said Alcee L. Hastings, U.S. Representative and leader of the parliamentary assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

Although nowhere near the 100,000 protesters in the Ukraine and Georgia who managed to incite re-elections, the 10,000 in Minsk are considered an ambitious achievement against Lukashenko's government, infamous for suppression of opposing candidates, demonstrators, and independent media outlets. Called the "last dictator" in Europe, Lukashenko threatened to "wring the necks" of any protesters following the election. No violence has taken place, perhaps a sign that the rally is expected to die out on its own as crowds reduced to 2,500

the next day, and only 250 during the freezing cold night.

"We are dreaming about a free and independent country," Snezhana Lisovskaya, a 22-year-old student, said. "We're here and we have the feeling that something will change; if not tonight, then soon."

Milinkevich is demanding a new election without Lukashenko on the ballot.

Lukashenko's victory was predicted beforehand, but unethical polling practices alongside other various civil rights issues have left many troubled, particularly because of the recent repealing of the law which restricted the number of times an incumbent could run.

"We are demanding a repeat election without the participation of Lukashenko," Milinkevich said. "For us, this is very important. He does not have the constitutional right [to run again.]"

Belarus, situated between Russia and Poland, is still feeling the wake of the 1991 dismembering of the Soviet Union. A country of 10 million, Lukashenko is strongly supported by the agrarian industry hoping to stay along the lines of their Soviet past, while a more democratic sector hopes to become apart of the European Union and end Lukashenko's iron-fisted rule.

"Milinkevich gives us hope that we will pull ourselves out of this swamp," Nina Karachinskaya, a protestor, said. "The country must go not into the past but the future, and our future is Europe."

For his supporters, which consists of the

majority of the nation, Lukashenko is seen as a leader who provided stability to a country in immense turmoil, and has helped the economy prosper since his inauguration. "[Lukashenko]'s the best in the world," Nicolai Shebeka, a 33-year-old factory worker, said. "The place where I work was awful before he came to power."

Without a re-vote, the United States and European Union have threatened to put sanctions on individuals in Belarus.

"The election campaign was conducted in a climate of fear." White House spokesman Scott McClellan said. "It included arrests and beatings and fraud. We applaud democrats in Belarus for their courage and peaceful stand to reclaim their freedom."

The hope of a re-election is fading, however, as the crowds of protesters weaken.

"We have come here to express our solidarity with the process of democracy that we would like to see established in Belarus and that we believe the people of Belarus would like to see," British Ambassador Brian Bennett said. "I very much doubt there'll be a re-election though."

As for Lukashenko, he feels that Belarus must abide by the codes established in Belarus, and none other.

"We in Belarus are conducting the election for ourselves. What is important is that elections take place in accordance with Belarusan legislation," Lukashenko said.

"As for sweeping accusations, I've been hearing them for 10 years. I've already gotten used to them."

The

March 31, 2006

CHRONICLEArts&Entertainment

5

Senior Josh Bonomini

BY REBECCA ZIEGLER Chronicle Staff Writer

Sophomore, Jasdeep Singh Senior, Rajdeep Singh

Senior Ben Villanyi

Many students can relate to the hopeless feeling of seeing the stretch in the school calendar between President's Day and Easter: no holidays, no vacations, and total repetition. Mason students are fortunate to seek refuge in National Honor Society's talent show every March as a way to not only showcase their individual talents, but to also be entertained by peers. NHS advisor Barb Shuba took on the project six years ago to encourage kids to show-off their talents. “It has become more of a venue for kids that feel comfortable [showcasing their talents]. We have [kids like] Katie Workman and Andrea Pendell who have their own CDs, and Sam Goldsmith who has been in the show for four years in a row. Now a lot of the kids who have done it are pursuing [their talents] in college," Shuba said.

Before the talent show was adopted by National Honor Society, Drama Club hosted the event. Between plays and rehearsals, the talent show was a great amount of work for the club to handle. Two students who were involved in both NHS and Drama Club approached NHS with the idea of taking it on. NHS agreed to host it, and have watched it grow in audience and participation through the years.

"In 2003 we had 26 acts. This year we had 34. There were 300 audience members the first year we held it and over 1,100 this year. It continues to be a fun event for everyone," Shuba said.

All of the revenue generated by the show is donated to a specific charity each year. This year NHS will donate close to $4,000 to Pasta for Pennies, combined with other money from previous events in the school year. The planning for the show starts in September, and the hours are on-going throughout the year just for one night of fun. "[The talent show] is a chance for us to see school kids in a different light. It's not all athletes; it's an outlet for kids who have different kinds of talent. The show is run by kids, for kids," Shuba said.

Senior Jason Fruchey

Senior Alvin Lim

Senior Scott Sargent

Senior Katie Workman

Senior Sam Goldsmith

Compiled by Rebecca Ziegl From left to right: Jeremy Powers, Josh Bonomini, Jeff Stephens, Katie Workman, Andrea Pendel, Ben Villanyi, Rajdeep Singh

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CHRONICLEA&E

March 31, 2006 Broadway musical Wicked lives up to hype for several MHS students

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Musical appearing on April 7,8,9 Enjoy a night of entertainment at the Mason Community Center as members of the Children's Theatre of Mason Inc. put on the musical Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The show will be performed on Friday, April 7 at 7p.m., Saturday, April 8 at 2p.m. and 7p.m., and Sunday, April 9 at 2p.m. Tickets are $8 at the door and $7 in advance. For more information call (513) 398-0116 or visit www.childrenstheatreofmason.com.

The Second Time Around performed at MMS Attend the romantic comedy, The Second Time Around at the Mason Middle School performed by the Mason Community Players. The show dates are Thursday April 6 at 8 p.m., Friday, April 7 at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 8 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, April 9 at 2 p.m. The tickets are $10 and for seniors and students $8. For more details, call (513)-398-7804.

Barnes and Noble holds writer’s workshop Attend a New Writer's Workshop at Barnes and Noble Booksellers Fields Ertel on April 7, at 7:30 p.m. For further details, call (513)-683-5599.

Mason Public Library to hold book talk on Bergdorf Blondes Come and attend the Tuesday Night Group will be discussing Bergdorf Blondes by Plum Sykes at the Mason Public Library on May 16. The group meets at 7:00 p.m. For further details, visit www.masonpl.lib.oh.us, call (513)398-2711, or email masonplcir@oplin.org.

Symmes library hosts teen game night Attend a Teen Game Night at the Symmes Township Branch public library. The game night is for kids and teens ages 10-18. It will be held on Wednesday, April 5 at 7-8:30 p.m. The event is free. For more information, call (513)-369-6945.

Governor's Youth Art Exhibition features MHS student’s work On March 11, senior Justin Hoffman's artwork was selected by judges to be displayed from April 9 to May 19. This selection is one of only 275 pieces selected out of a total of approximately 12,000 from the regional competitions.

-compiled by Danielle Williams

BY CANDICE PHILPOT Chronicle Staff Writer The bright lights that illuminate the building reflect in the students' eyes as they exit the bus. They eagerly grasp their tickets as excitement fills the air. Scalpers stand on the sidewalk, selling highly priced tickets to the sold out show. The group of students enter the theater, not quite certain of what awaits them, but filled to the brim with anticipation.

On Wednesday, March 15, students of the MHS Drama Club attended a performance of the critically acclaimed Broadway musical, Wicked, at the Aronoff Center for the Performing Arts in Cincinnati. Wicked, based off the best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire, tells the back story of The Wizard of Oz, showing what happened before Dorothy arrived and how the Wicked Witch of the West became so "wicked."

Junior Ian Gibson felt fortunate to attend the performance, especially since many

people were unable to purchase tickets before all performances were sold out. "[Drama Club] got a group discount on the tickets, which is why a lot of us are able to go," Gibson said.

Fellow Junior Kathryn Tyler feels especially lucky though she is sympathetic for those who are ticket-less.

"Having a ticket [constitutes] bragging rights. I have something that all of Cincinnati wants," Tyler said.

Although many fans became familiar with Wicked from the novel, many others attended the performance based on the hype the musical has received, including freshman Woody Goldsmith.

"I've never heard the music of Wicked.

The reason I'm going is because of the hype. Everyone has been talking about it and it has been sold out. So I thought '[Wow], it must be something,'" Goldsmith said.

Freshman Renee Rabenold agrees with Goldsmith.

"I [became interested] in Wicked afterward, after everyone else got into it," Rabenold said.

Although the hype has contributed much to its success, die-hard Wicked fans also give to much of the musical's achievement.

Sophomore Josh Stayton has spent over $400 on Wicked tickets and merchandise, and claims it is well worth it.

"I saw the show opening night, and I saw it again on [March 10, 2006]," Stayton said.

Wicked also attracts fans of the original Wizard of Oz, who are interested by the change in story, one of which is junior Alexa Brown.

"I have been obsessed with The Wizard of Oz since I was little, so I was [extremely] excited to go see the show," Brown said.

Overall Wicked fans enjoy not only the plot, theme, characters and music, but the overall message and experience as well.

"If I had a chance to go [a second time], I definitely would," Gibson said.

Dancing to a new beat...

Ballroom and Latin dancing gains popularity

BY MATT PARTINGTON Chronicle Staff Writer An average 16.8 million viewers tuned into ABC's Dancing with the Stars in its first season, making it the number one watched show of the summer. DanceSport, an international organization of amateur and professional ballroom and Latin dancers, currently has the largest collection of members in its history, and instructional classes are sprouting across America.

What does this signal? Ballroom and Latin dancing has seemingly risen from its 1930s ashes, ready yet again to become a cultural phenomenon.

The immense interest can be seen as much nationally as locally, driven by a new degree of competitiveness and exposure.

Dancing with a partner in a more elaborate, routine fashion has garnered interest from those such as Jamie Clendenen. Clendenen, dancing since she was five, migrated over to Ballroom and Latin styles of dance for its unique appeal.

"I've always done jazz or ballet but I wanted to try something different," Clendenen said. "You get a chance to dance with an actual partner and be more involved."

Clendenen is currently involved with Mason's new Ballroom and Latin Dance Team, an eleven course training program which allows members to learn the fundamentals of Ballroom and Latin dance, as well as compete on intermediate and professional levels.

More than 35 people signed up for the team's first outing and will be taught Salsa, Rumba, Cha Cha, Waltz, Jive and Tango.

Brittany Heskamp, one of the team's instructors, thinks the Ballroom and Latin Dance Team offers more than just dancing lessons.

"It's very social. You can interact with people quickly and get to know them very easily," Heskamp said. "It was [created to] get people actually out and moving and getting more exercise; it's just more fun."

Television shows, specifically Dancing with the Stars and Fox's So You Think You Can Dance, are based on competitive dancing and have proven remarkably successful for networks internationally, garnering tens of millions of viewers in Europe and America.

A dancer since the age of 10, Mason English teacher Nikki Wilson feels that these shows have a positive impact on the activity.

"I think it's fantastic that shows like that have increased interest in the dancing," Wilson said. "Really knowing how to dance is an art and an excellent way for people to truly connect."

Wilson also thinks other facets of the sport are underlined by the television shows that viewers may have not prior noticed.

"I've read some articles about these shows, although I've never watched them.

The main point that was emphasized is that dancing requires a lot of hard work, and will result in a lot of sore muscles," Wilson said.

The physical demands dancing requires have been gaining more recognition from an international audience as well. Ballroom and Latin dancing will be included in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games which introduces the sport to a new realm of cultural significance.

"Dancing requires strength, stamina, grace and timing," Wilson said. "How is that any different than figure skating or floor routines for gymnastics?"

Aside from being a workout, partner dancing is a great experience according to junior Bethany Schuelke, a member of Mason's Ballroom and Latin Dance Team.

"It's not every day you get to learn it," Schuelke said. "It's a lot like Dirty Dancing."

For those wondering how to become involved, it's quite easy. Groups established such as the one in Mason are numerous, and websites such as SalsaCincy.com track current happenings of Latin dance in the metropolitan area including club nights and classes.

"The best way I have learned is through immersion into it," Wilson said. "If you really want to learn, but you're embarrassed to take a class, start with a video."

Most importantly, however, learning how to ballroom dance seems to be a valuable social tool, especially in contrast with the dancing similar to that seen on MTV latenight.

"In a social setting, it's fascinating and amusing to watch the poor schmucks lined up, clutching their drinks at the fringes of the dance floor, watching as their dates, wives or similar are being whisked around the dance floor gleefully by the 70-year-old man who knows how to dance," Wilson said.

March 31, 2006

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Sam Goldsmith Music Review

March 31, 2006

Eric Ditzel Video Game Review

Wendy Wei Book Review

Hawthorne Heights doesn’t reach new heights

GRAW’s terrain and sounds makes for realistic gameplay

Dragonriders of Pern proves to be a true science fiction classic

Hawthorne Heights is an emo band from our very own Dayton, Ohio that is starting to gain some true notoriety.

Through their self-reliant marketing via the internet and word of mouth, they have become one of the most successful independent acts of the decade, and particularly, thanks to their 2004 release The Silence in Black and White. Riding on this newfound fame, they have released their sophomore effort, If Only You Were Lonely.

I look through the artwork of album, (there are two different versions of the artwork), and I see a girl who is in pain, suffering and lonely. It was then I realized the true problem of the record: that girl probably has more interesting stories of hurt and sorrow than all five of the members of the band combined. It feels like they listened to stories such as these (hers) without actually experiencing them, and then tried to express the feelings in a third-rate fashion.

Also, it doesn't help that some of the songs that could have been good are easily self-sabotaged by more than a casual similarity, musically, between individual songs and between many other bands, including My Chemical Romance.

Therefore, songs like We Are So Last Year and Pens And Needles, though with different and unique titles, are almost exactly the same in structure and theme.

A different kind of failure, Breathing In Sequence, starts off with some real honesty about an stalled relationship, but somehow throws in the word, "industry" (huh?), and kills its own vibe.

Let's all face it, angst sells. The only reason why derivative bands like these keep coming up is exactly how Bart Simpson puts it, "Getting teenagers depressed is like shooting fish in a barrel."Well, after this record, I wasn't depressed; I was anxious. So I guess on that level they succeeded.

While there have been a wide variety of games released for the Xbox 360 in the past few months since its release, few have actually felt like a true next-gen game. Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter (GRAW) bucks that trend. Ubisoft delayed this title twice, but I for one am glad they added the finishing touches which truly make this game shine.

To start, this game looks amazing.

Ubisoft went to Mexico City and filmed miles of terrain to be used in the game.

Squares, buildings, and trees are all taken directly from the real world and planted right into gameplay. This is a very cool touch. Also, the lighting and reflection effects are realistic and help add a sense of heat from the scorching Mexican sun. The HUD in GRAW has to be one of the best I have ever seen. The command interface (the cross-com) is extremely easy to use and very informative. It lets you get information from and control everything from your fellow Ghosts to friendly Apaches in the area. The tactical map you can access is also great for planning attacks and scouting out areas with UAVs. Not only does the interface look great, the environments have a pretty decent amount of detail for such vast levels. The sound is great: the gunfire, explosions, ricochets, and movement noises are diverse and intense.

This game is a great step up from previous Ghost Recon games but it still maintains the same general feel as before. This isn't a bad thing. New features like the Cross-com, the new cover system, the black hawk chain-gunning sequences, more advanced weapons systems, and the magnificent, in-depth multiplayer give this great series a really nice fresh couple layers of paint that doesn't mess with the heart beneath. While you can't just run around shooting crazily, that doesn't mean you won't have a great time. I highly recommend this game to fans of the series and to anyone who has a 360: now is the time to take your rig for a ride!

Best-selling and renowned across the globe, SFWA Grand Master Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern series combines a delicately science-structured vision of a futuristic society with vivid strokes of fantastic storytelling to convert any doubter to a science-fiction fan. A sharply-drawn vision of a parallel Earth colonized long after humanity has suffered its last space war, it is strongly recommended for all those who have ever wished for better publicity for dragons as well as those who enjoy fictional speculations on the future of genetic engineering.

Though the majority of the series is related well into the future of the colony, when memory of its grand sciences has been lost in favor of developing a unique and simple civilization, the series is still captivating on its own grounds.

The first book begins with the story of Lessa, who comes to power in the last of the Weyrs - home of dragons - in a rapidly decadent age where no one believes that Thread - a deadly spore that falls from the sky every two hundred and fifty years to consume all organic material on the face of the earth - will fall again. Forming a mind-bond with the sole queen dragon left on Pern, she finds clues within old ballads that lead her to a stunning secret hidden in the past.The rest of the series hurtles along at the same breakneck, frenetic pace, meticulously balancing action and exposition to create a dazzling world where dragons rule. Each book is brilliantly unpredictable in where it goes, and the characters are only ever human, even as they shape the future of Pern for generations to come...

From her earliest books to The Skies of Pern, the series is captivating - though the reader should be wary of her son's, Todd, continuation of the series: his grasp on creating fully-fleshed characters is limited, and his grip on his mother's world is weak. The series, however, remains well worth reading - particularly for fans of Eragon, who might see a certain unsettling familiarity to that work in this timeold classic about dragons and a world threatened by greed.

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

Matt Partington Movie Review The Libertine shines dimly The domestic movie industry really needs help right now. Aside from being post-Oscar season (as if the Oscars even meant anything anymore), box office ticket sales are plummeting, and there's a slow oncoming threat of DVD replacing the theater experience. Not wanting to go 35 minutes to one of only two art-house theaters in Cincinnati, I decided to see perhaps the only film of modest artistic integrity released: The Libertine. I was skeptical. First of all, this film was on the shelf for more than a year after it was cut.

Secondly, the trailer made it look like a half-witted modern twist on a 17th century story.

Johnny Depp plays John Wilmot, Second Earl of Rochester, a poet, satirist and radical whose alcoholism and promiscuity catalyzed a social, physical, and emotional spiral. A good friend of King Charles II (John Malkovich), Wilmot basks in the crass London underworld whilst struggling with the relentless presence of the hierarchy's influence pervading his irreverent temptations and intellectual empowerments.

The film is more or less a representation of Wilmot's descent into rabid debauchery and illness. Wilmot is despicable throughout (he confides in a prologue that you will dislike him), and if there's a moral to this tale that has not already been delineated on in ten other films about struggling artists who gain posthumous recognition for their life's work then feel free to explain it to me.

The Libertine, however, is not so much about the destination as the journey.

Depp, aside from being the disposable attraction of 700 million teenage girls, truly should be recognized for his talents, and his portrayal of Wilmot is as challenging a role he has tried yet. Most of all, however, the film convincingly recreates two realms of 17th century London the rampant, seedy underbelly filled with prostitution, violence, and disease, and the neglectful monarchy which allowed such things to happen.

It's a rather complex story amidst provocative themes and literate dialogue.

Thus there are offerings if you're willing to take them, but this isn't a fun-hack blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean adventure. A noble effort at the very least.

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The Hubley Driving School Student of t he Month Hubley Driving School & The Chronicle are proud to honor Grade: 12 In school accomplishments: 2nd place at Mock Trial State Competition 1st place at Mock Trial Districts Achieved perfect score at local science fair Out of school accomplishments: 2nd place at district competition for National Oratory Contest Winner of YMCA's Tri-state Youth Character Award Won Battelle Science Award at Science Fair districts -Also achieved perfect score at districts

PORUS PRAKASH

Personal Quote: "The greatest test of knowledge is the ability to apply what one has learned in the world outside the wall of academia."

-Anonymous Favorite Class(es): AP Government Future Plans/Goal: Plan to go into engineering or business in undergraduate studies Teacher Quote: "Porus is one of those people who will be a life long learner. " -Mrs. Melody Hubley Biology teacher

5606 Tylersville Rd Mason, OH 45040 754-8652

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Car thieves strike in Mason, swipe cars from Flaherty sisters MHS graduate Jaysie Flaherty felt comfortable leaving her car unattended and her car doors unlocked because she presumed that Pine Run, the neighborhood she grew up in, was safe. But on Wednesday, February 22, Flaherty realized how wrong that assumption was when she walked out to an empty driveway.

"I was shocked when the car was stolen.

It didn't seem like it was really happening," Flaherty said. "I also felt really bad about making such a big mistake that not only affected me but my family as well."

The thieves were able to steal two of the Flaherty's cars, including Jaysie’s Ford Focus Hashback and her sister, Kelsey’s, Nissan Altima, and take several possessions from neighboring cars. Though the Flaherty's informed the police of the theft, there was no guarantee that their car would be returned.

"It had been about two weeks so I was starting to think we would never get it back," Flaherty said.

However, police were able to find the Altima and apprehend the thieves four days later during a high-speed chase on U.S. 42.

The Flahertys did have their cars returned to them but with significant damage and missing items including clothing, electronics and books. Since the incident, Flaherty has come to realize the importance of locking her car doors.

"What upset me most about losing my car was that it was a huge mistake on my part

and it could have been easily prevented," Flaherty said.

Senior Katie Boethe also made the mistake of leaving her car doors unlocked and, last December, discovered that someone had broken into her car. Boethe was fortunate to have the thief only steal money, and like Flaherty, she realized how many students may forget that motor vehicle theft or burglary is not exempt from Mason.

"I got comfortable and just didn't lock my car and suffered the consequences. I just didn't think it would happen to me," Boethe said.

Car burglaries and thefts in Mason are most common on Snider, Reading, Brewer and State Route 741 roads. With a car being stolen every 25.5 seconds in the U.S., there is at least one vehicle that is stolen out of the other 196 vehicles on the road, and only 13.6 percent of the thieves are ever apprehended. Mason has already reached over 35 car burglaries and thefts this year, and has reported a string of break-ins in June of last year.

Several families residing in Hunters Green, a neighborhood off Snider Road, also experienced car break-ins in October of this year, and were "horrified by the potential threats present in Mason."

As Flaherty has seen, remembering that anyone at anytime can be robbed or have their car stolen is key to protecting a person's possessions.

"I learned that you can't always assume nothing bad will happen to you," Flaherty said. "I never expected someone to take my car but things happen."

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Youth groups revamp, hoping to attract more teenagers

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Waiting to enter the worship room at Elevate, one can feel the doors vibrating from the music playing inside. Trying to discover the song, Amazing Grace is already ruled out. Amazing Grace doesn't have the base to shake the foundations of a building. People start to crowd around, eager to begin the service portion of their evening. Finally the doors open. Walking in, the ominous lyrics of "Jesus Walks"

by Kanye West fill the room. Only one question remains: This is church?

An idea originally developed by youth pastor Eric Geiger, Elevate first opened its doors in winter of 2001. Equipped with video games, televisions, and of course, food, Elevate is part of a rising trend of religions modernizing to attract more teens to the faith. Operated by Liberty Heights Church, Elevate recently relocated to the church's new campus off Princeton road. Freshman Dale Hupke has nothing but glowing reviews for the new facilities.

"Basically it's just a bigger, better Elevate. It's about three times the size and it’s just a place where we can get together and do a common thing, which is worship God," Hupke said.

According to volunteer Dan Mathis, Elevate's modern approach to youth services helps to draw teens' interest to the faith.

"We use all kinds of media because kids pay attention to that kind of stuff.

We have that here so that it won't be something that's boring and dull to them," Mathis said.

Senior Melissa Brindza agrees that the new technology utilized by Elevate makes the service more appealing to teens.

"We've got big screens where words are up [and] they have videos. It's very youth friendly. They do that so kids will come in, so you'll get the high school crowd," Brindza said. "At some other

churches you may just walk into a room and sit down and have a discussion.

[Elevate] is very much active. You're involved in the service and it's not just someone standing up there preaching to you."

The trend is not limited to Christianity.

Junior Elle Muhlbaum is one of the leaders of her temple youth group, The North American Federation of Temple Youth, or NFTY. According to the organization's website, NFTY strives to "instill Jewish idenity" and "increase synagogue participation among high school youth." Like Elevate, Muhlbaum feels NFTY helps teens to connect with their faith by showing them that Judaism can be fun.

"I think that happens a lot, where people don't find synagogue as much fun, but they get into youth group stuff," Muhlbaum said. "We lead services and do a ton of Jewish stuff, but it's just a different mindset than actually going to a synagogue and sitting there for two hours. It just puts a more fun spin on it."

In addition to youth groups, the world of Christian bookstores is also doing its part to get teenagers interested in religion. Bibles have not been revamped to be more teen friendly. The "God's Word: Girls" Bible showcases a holographic fluorescent pink cover, while the "Blossom," "Refuel," and "Revolve" bibles include the complete New Testament presented in magazine style.

Or for the slightly more technological, there is always the "iPocket Bible," the iPod compatible bible.

Christian music is also growing immensely popular. No longer reserved for specialized radio, contemporary Christian bands Mercy Me and Relient K have both received air time on top forty stations. According to senior Matt Zielich, music plays a large part in drawing teens to youth services.

"A lot of churches use music to draw people in. Christian music is not what people think when they think of church.

It's not the organ, [the artists] play gui-

tar," Zielich said.

Zielich, president of Hope Church's youth group Higher Ground, attributes a big part of the service's enthusiasm to its band.

"On Sunday mornings we have a band that plays. It's student led, anyone with a musical talent can participate," Zielich said. "They lead the worship service for our youth group. It just kind of kicks us into it."

Zielich believes music can help teens get more excited about the service.

"With the music that we have in our youth group now a-days, it enables you to be more passionate and you want to learn more; you just want to be a part of it," Zielich said.

Brinzda has also found people to be surprised at the upbeat music her youth group plays.

"It's not about when you come in and you worship you have to just stand there and sing and close your eyes [with] no excitement. People dance around, people clap, we bust out however we feel led to," Brindza said. "I think people see that, they see 'wow, this is not a church that goes by the little quiet Christian rules,'" Brinzda said.

According to Muhlbaum, Judaism also has its share of contemporary musicians.

"In this region of the country there's this guy, his name is Danny Nichols and he's really famous in all the youth groups," Muhlbaum said. "He plays a lot of stuff for us. He's like a Jewish rock musician."

Muhlbaum plans to capitalize on teens' love for music for a good cause.

"I'm trying to schedule a battle of the bands that are all Jewish kids. It's like a fundraiser, and we'll be donating the money to an organization called Project Heifer," Muhlbaum said.

Although the new formats of youth groups are effective at attracting teens, some question whether students are coming to the services for the right reasons.

Brindza believes that while some teens

may come to her youth group for the entertaining aspects than for the religious benefits, this was part of the design of Elevate.

"I think a lot of people do come in their first time and kind of feel that way, come in to hang out. That was their design, I think, to bring people in," Brindza said. "But as soon as you hear the message, as soon as you get involved in the service, there's something that makes you come back. I think if they return it's for a bigger reason than just to hang out."

For Hupke, it seems some people say they are a Christian just because it carries a popular image.

"It seems like that's almost the cool thing to say now, but it means much more than just you're a Christian. It's about living the life of a Christian and being able to back it up with your acts," Hupke said.

According to Zielich, some people run into difficulty when they try to fit in with teens in their youth group as well as their peers.

"That's when they begin leading a double life. Christianity should not be a trend, it's a life style," Zielich said.

Deciding on one side does not take long.

"I think it's very easy to discover what side you prefer to be on. People don't want to be Christians because they think they can't have fun. But once they realize that they can have a blast and more fun than they've ever had in their life, that's when they realize that they do fall into the Christian category," Zielich said.

Hupke agrees and feels modern youth groups help teens to be attracted to Christianity beyond the trends.

"I think that it looks appealing to them and then when they see what it really is, it actually is appealing to them in a different way then they thought it would be," Hupke said.

According to Brindza, the misconception that religion is boring is not rare.

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"I think that's a huge misconception. I think that's what most people see [church] as because they've kind of been trained to view it that way. That can be for a number of different reasons, [such as] family or other friends that they've seen act that way," Brindza said.

Brindza feels that the common image of churches has been morphed into something incorrect.

"Perceptions of Christianity have been twisted into you have to be this little perfect church person, and you have to go to church every day the door is open, [or] that you can't do anything, [and you can't be friends with anyone who [goes out] and parties," Brindza said.

Zielich also sees teens come to his youth group with the initial thought they are not going to have fun.

"We have a lot of people that walk into the church and they have this expectation of what it's supposed to be like. They're like, why are these kids pumped? Why are they excited. They realize it's not a chore. [Church] can be fun," Zielich said.

In Mathis's eyes, people tend to feel that churches are too judgmental.

"I think that kids think of church as a boring place; they think of church as a judgmental place," Mathis said.

One of the goals of Elevate is to rectify this common image.

"We try really hard to make sure that this is not that kind of place. And while they are going to hear about sin, and we're going to encourage them to live the right way and live with moral and ethics, we're not going to shake [our] finger in their face and say 'you're a bad person' and that kind of thing," Mathis said.

Although youth groups such as Elevate have spent money to make sure they have the right facilities to attract teens, according to Mathis the main goal is helping teens find God. "It's not about the building. It's about taking what God has blessed us with and reaching out to the community," Mathis said.

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The March Madness overcame this fan with the unexpected loss by Duke against LSU. See brackets, page 16.

William Mason High School Home of The Comets

Chronlcle

MARCH 31, 2006

SPORTS

SPORTS MHS goes Shorts

Moore

Parr

Stand-out soccer players Andrew Moore and Zach Parr have decided to continue their playing careers at Cincinnati State University.

Both players were first team FAVC members after guiding the Comets to a 2005 conference championship. Cincinnati State is a junior college located in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Sweetman to play golf at Highpoint next fall Comet senior golfer Emily Sweetman has decided to continue her career on the links at Highpoint University. Highpoint is a Division I instituSweetman tion in Highpoint, North Carolina. They complete in the Big South Conference. Sweetman finished fourth and was named to first team All FAVC.

Trio of Comet track stars make college commitments

K. Chaney

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Seniors Katie and Maggie Chaney committed to run track and cross country at Ohio University. Last track season, both Katie and Maggie were named second team all conference in the 800 meter run and 3200 meter run respectively. The Chaney twins helped lead the Comets to their third consecutive conference title.

Senior Elyse Gabel committed to run track at Dartmouth University. Last season Gabel was second in the 400 meter dash in the Fort Ancient Valley Conference.

PORTS

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23

The number of champions varsity swimming coach Mark Sullivan has coached. Sullivan has also led two teams to state titles.

V OLUME 3 I SSUE 6

in March

BY BROOKE BARIA Chronicle Sports Editor

Moore, Parr commit to play soccer at Cincinnati State

At least one person agreed with Air Force being included in the field of 64, see brackets, page 16.

There is only one time of year when fans define insanity. As winter comes to an abrupt end, an epidemic spreads across the country infecting everyone it encounters. The squeak of tennis shoes, thump of basketballs, roar of a crowd and that swoosh of a net filling the air are undying symptoms of this contagious and yet incurable infection: March Madness.

College basketball's most religious fans along with those that are completely clueless to collegiate sports find themselves embracing the madness of the National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball tournament.

Brackets swarm work places and schools in hopes of winning pools of various amounts of money, or in the sure thrill of competing against one another. But in order to even be competitive or in contingence for the money how would one even go about filling out a bracket?

Some may analyze their brackets for hours, while others will spend no more than ten minutes. Some may pick the teams based on which team colors they like better or which mascot stands out the most. This complex, or not so complex, way of analyzing brackets is no other than bracketology.

No matter which way one goes about it, March Madness draws in the greatest crowd according to senior basketball fanatic Dan Rist.

"It's exciting because if teams lose, they're out and you have the best teams around the country competing," Rist said. "March Madness is one of the only times a year games come on at noon on a Thursday."

Seniors Kacie Morris and Greg Silverman both agreed that March Madness was the most fair tournament out of any other post season sport.

"I think [March Madness] gets the biggest hype because there are so many upsets and there's always a surprise Cinderella team," Morris said. "No other sport has brackets and it's much more exciting than professional sports because kids are playing to win. Anything in March Madness can happen."

Morris has grown up around basketball as a Louisville Cardinal

fanatic and finds herself putting in a lot of time to analyze her brackets simply because she is a girl.

"I put in a pretty good amount of time just because I do it with my dad, brother and several guys," Morris said. "They all think I won't be able to do it right because I'm a girl, so I want to prove them wrong."

Although some spend hours upon hours filling out one or several brackets, Silverman decides based upon his gut feeling.

"I only spend about ten minutes on the bracket because the more I think about it, the worse I do," Silverman said. "I just go with my gut feeling and from what knowledge I've gained over the year. I usually look at the ESPN and CBS Sportsline websites as well."

Amongst all the intense analyzing many fans fill out several brackets in order to have a better chance of winning the entire pool.

"In the first day, I filled out five brackets," Rist said. "By the time I'm finished I'll probably have around ten [brackets]."

Although this seems to be a common strategy with many basketball fanatics, others may see it as an unfair tactic.

"I only fill out one bracket because if you do more than one it's cheating," Silverman said. "If you do more than one, you better have the same picks."

Although March Madness may attract the largest fan base, many MHS students find themselves disgruntled at the way teams were chosen in the tournament. Living in Bearcat country, Cincinnati fans could not help but be upset that they did not make an appearance in this year's tournament.

"I'm a pretty big UC fan and since they didn't get in, I've been disappointed about this year's tournament overall," Rist said.

Although finding March Madness the most fair tournament, Silverman still considers himself bitter that the Bearcats would not be in the tournament this season.

"It's the most competitive tournament played in the most fair way, except when Airforce is put in besides UC," Silverman said.

Despite the sour feeling toward the picks this season, fans still find themselves devoted and craving every game.

As the Final Four approaches, the insansity only intensifies as the best teams will attempt to mark their name as the best team of 2006.

!check out the brackets on page 16

Hewes captures Mason’s first swimming state championship

BY DREW ALLEN Chronicle Sports Writer In the history of Mason High School, few state champions have passed through the hallways. Banners have been raised in the arena from lacrosse to track. However, in the years since the inception of varsity swimming at MHS, no banner has ever graced the arena for swimming. Until now.

Only two days after Mason students finished up yet another trimester, Spencer Hewes was standing on the winner's podium after winning the first swimming state title in Mason's history. Ranking as a sixth seed going into the state title race for 100 yard breaststroke, Hewes finished fourth in the preliminary races with a time of 59.04 seconds. However, during his race, Hewes found the extra drive it took to win that elusive state title. He roared back in the finals race, beating his previous time by 1.27 seconds, and narrowly edged second place finisher Jim Merten from St Xavier by a meager .11 seconds.

"Even though I only placed fourth in preliminaries, I knew I had a chance to win the race and place first," Hewes said.

As the race time approached and drew closer and closer, Hewes kept his calm, waiting for one of the biggest races of his life.

"I had been waiting for this race for a long time," Hewes said. "And as it came closer, I just kept thinking about how to race my opponents and how I had to swim it."

Hewes, who was a state qualifier last year in the 100 yard breaststroke and narrowly missed the finals race by .95 seconds, already knew the level of competition that he would be facing in the finals race.

"I was a qualifier last year, so I knew what I was facing, and I knew that I could improve on my previous time," Hewes said. "However, I never even considered winning a state championship until I was about to race."

The first state champ in either Boys or Girls swimming in Mason's history, Hewes had a long road ahead of him to win the state race, which began at the beginning of the season.

"Over the course of the season, I trained a lot for the [100 breaststroke]," Hewes said. "My time last year was good, but we still worked on improving that."

Three year Mason coach Mark Sullivan, who has coached 23 state champions at four different schools, agrees.

"At the beginning, we just wanted to improve his time," Sullivan said. "But I think deep down, he wanted to win the title, and was definitely going up to the meet to win."

While Hewes had raced in preliminaries last year and missed the finals race by 2 spots, he was still the underdog in this year's race.

"I thought Spencer had a good shot," Sullivan said. "However, he was a fourth seed, and fourth seeds don't typically win."

Over the past four years, the 100 yard breaststroke champion has been Chris Ash of Akron, who swam in the Olympics and is currently a member of the Stanford swim team. Ash never finished lower than a one seed in his four years. With two years left to go, Hewes has both the potential and the will to add two more of his own state titles to his resume.

"I'm going to train a lot harder," Hewes said. "I have a target on my back, but I hope to decrease my time and pull off another state win next year."

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March Mad ness Final Four Predictions. . .

George Mason’s stunning defeat of UConn has thrown a wrench into our local “expert’s” picks Duke

UConn

UCLA

BC

WVU

UCLA

Mr. Tony Affatato Guidance Counselor

UConn

Villanova

Dan Rist Senior

Texas

Memphis

Texas

UConn

UCLA

Villanova

UConn

Kansas

BC

UConn

Duke

UConn

BC

Gonzaga

BC

UConn

Duke

UConn

Villanova

UCLA

BC

Jon Schoppacher Junior

Texas

Illinois

Kansas

BC

Ryan WInkler Junior

Memphis

MSU

Renee Defrank Senior

LSU

BC

Danny Tracy Freshman

Gonzaga Chase Conn Junior

LSU

Memphis Greg Silverman Senior

BC

Florida

Derek Chambers Senior

Duke

Memphis

Duke

Mr. Hans Loewe Campus Supervisor

Gonzaga

UConn

Michael Otting Senior

UConn

Mike Tibbits Junior

Syracuse

Texas

Krystina Mand Senior

UConn

Duke

Villanova

Xavier

UConn

OSU

Duke

UConn

Kansas

Villanova

Kacyn Neu Senior

Jessica Knapp Senior

Spring Sports Preview: Comets look to continue FAVC dominance into spring FASTPITCH SOFTBALL The Mason softball dynasty has been firmly established over the last three seasons with the ladies winning the Fort Ancient Valley Conference three years in a row. Last year, the girls finished with a 226 record capturing the FAVC championship once again.

A team packed with talented seniors last year left head coach Brian Castner looking for new leaders and younger talent to step up in the 2006 season.

"It's going to have to be a complete team effort this season," Castner said.

Loosing six starters from last year’s team has the Comets looking for answers.

"We only have three seniors this year," Castner said. "We have to rely on them to step up and guide our younger players if we are going to have success this season."

Returning varsity starters Dani Meibers,

Jessica Preistman, and Colleen Casey are the three lone seniors to be leaders on Castner's youthful team.

"Meibers, Preistman, and Casey are going to have to be the biggest players for us," Castner said. "We need them to help make our team better every day we cross those white lines."

According to Caster, other teams in the FAVC are better than they have been in the past. "Over the last couple of years, we were able to reach the district finals and the regional finals with hard work and a senior heavy team," Castner said, "but this year's league is going to be the hardest ever. We have the state runner up [Loveland] in our division."

The Comet’s goal for this season is to improve on their skills and become more united as a team on and off the field.

"I want the girls to work as hard as they

can," Castner said. "We need to be a team on and off the field. I think the closer we get, the better we will end up in the long run."

Rebuilding and retooling is certainly in the Comets near future.

"We have a lot of young talent that is just waiting to be developed," Castner said, "I hope we can just get them to their full potential while winning games this year."

TENNIS After the loss of several key players to graduation, the Comets bring back plenty of firepower to fill the gaps.

The Comets finished a promising 2005 season with a second place finish to powerhouse Walnut Hills in the conference tournament. The Comets finished well enough to earn coach Linda Kirtley Coach of the Year honors for the conference. However,

many Comets from last year's team, such as first singles star Chris Butera and second doubles duo Matt Robbins and Nitin Pemmaraju, have graduated. Mason will have to reload if they look to duplicate their success this season Leading the reloading process for the Comets this year is junior Anthony Pham.

Pham and doubles partner Bobby Eberhard were undefeated in conference play and were first-team all conference last year.

They also earned first place for first doubles in the conference tournament, so they look to sustain their status as the best in the conference. Pham is also a top-notch singles player, as his record of 5-1 was tied for second best in the conference. Another player to watch is sophomore Chris Hall.

As a freshman, Hall was third singles for

Previews continued on page 17

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Spring Sports Preview Continued: Comets look to continue FAVC dominance Mason and compiled a record of 9-1. Hall also placed second for third singles at the conference tournament. Look for Hall to continue to play well as he moves up the depth chart. Other seniors who should anchor the experienced varsity team include Jon Rushton, Paul Hutchinson, and Jon Ahlers. The experience of the seniorladen squad is crucial as the Comets look to improve upon their 2005 season and win the elusive conference championship.

BASEBALL The Comets look to improve upon a mediocre season in which they finished with a record of 11-17.

Leading the offensive attack for the Comets this year is returning all-conference catcher Brian Porter. Porter led the team with three home runs and sported a consistent batting average of .393. With 12 stolen bases last season, Porter showcased his versatility with his blend of power and speed.

The offensive catalyst for the Comets is senior Mark Lakas. A first baseman, Lakas led the offense with 29 hits and was tied for third in the league with ten doubles. Junior Chase Conn is another key player for the Comet offense. Conn held a batting average of .384 and stole a team-high 15 bases.

His ability to move around the base paths should help the Comets manufacture runs.

Conn's speed is also an asset defensively, as he will start in center field. Also returning for the Comets are seniors Matt Stolz and Mike Bottichio, and junior Josh Murphy.

Sophomore Grant Lewis also looks to find some playing time as an outfielder.

The Comets will need consistent pitching

if they are to make a run at league this year.

Jimmy Rapp, the team leader in wins last season has graduated. Murphy, an up-andcoming pitcher as well as catcher, should be an important factor on the pitching staff.

Last year as a sophomore, Murphy struck out 21 batters while pitching only 17 innings, and is the leading candidate to take Rapp's position. Bottichio is another pitcher who can strengthen the rotation. Having pitched only 11 innings, Bottichio managed to strike out 15 batters while posting an earned run average of 3.74. Seniors Trent Barker and Justin Kraus may also see pitching appearances this year.

The Comets last won a conference championship three years ago in 2003. With this year's mix of senior leadership and young potential, a conference championship for the Comets is a definite possibility.

TRACK Over the last three seasons, Mason boy's and girl's track has captured a combined five Fort Ancient Valley Conference championships. Some might sum up the past seasons with one word. Domination.

2005 coach of the year Tony Affatato will rely on a senior class that is accustomed to winning. Since arriving at the high school in 2002, the seniors have three FAVC titles.

Last year's 3200 meter state champion senior Angela Bizzarri looks to return to top form in 2006. Bizzarri recently committed to the University of Illinois on a full ride scholarship.

Other senior commits include Katie and Maggie Chaney both running for Ohio University next year, Elyse Gabel attending Dartmouth University and Kelsey Flaherty

who signed with Xavier University this past fall.

The Lady Comets will be looking to take home their fourth FAVC title in as many years. With eight returning first team all FAVC runners, Mason is hoping to contend once again for the league and state title.

After last season’s boy's head coach of the year Darin Little resigned, the Comets will run under Tom Rapp.

The Comet boys lost some key runners in the off season but still are returning five first team all FAVC runners. Seniors Kelvin Pitts, Ryan Bowman, Mike Kelly, and Chris Rapp along with junior Matt Baute make up last season’s first team runners. Losing Stanford, Hill, Brad Stephens, John Moyer, and Addison Colgrove to graduation leaves the Comets with options in the 2006 season. Young talent and returning seniors will look to step up and provide a lift for the Comets all season long.

LACROSSE The boy’s and girl’s lacrosse teams come off their second year in competition last year both finishing with decent records.

Hope and optimism looms in the back of most athletes’ minds for the 2006 season.

Boy’s lacrosse coach Randy Hubbard is looking to bulk up the schedule to prepare the team for next year's jump from a division II team to a division I team.

"We play teams from Columbus who are division I and more local teams like Sycamore who also play in the upper division," Hubbard said.

Hubbard needs the senior leadership of Ryan Britenriker, Sean Slattery, and Brent Lapak to become the key for the Comets’

offensive and defensive attack.

"We are going to need big production out of our seniors," Hubbard said. “We will really need big contributions out of Ryan, Sean and Brent."

The girl’s lacrosse team was able to have success through their seniors and talented juniors. Returning seniors Tiffany Campbell, Sarah Reed, and Nikki Mather will be the captains on this year’s girl’s squad.

"We will have a strong team this season," Hubbard said. "A strong, talented, and very competitive team."

VOLLEYBALL The Mason boy’s volleyball team has undergone many changes from last year's team, but hopes remain high for another successful season.

Scott Kerr, head coach of the 2005 volleyball team, left Mason to take the basketball head coaching vacancy at Mariemont High School. Kyle Nagengast, TJ Lovell, and Brad Davis are just a few key players who have graduated.

Taking over for Coach Kerr is Paul Melnick from Sycamore High School.

Melnick brings plenty of volleyball coaching experience, as he was the varsity coach for Sycamore.

Leading the Comets this season is senior Dan Rist, a volleyball veteran. Other seniors who return as starters are Zach Leetch and Andrew Riley. The trio of seniors looks to provide leadership as the young team gains playing experience. The Comets hope that some of the momentum from last season will translate to more wins in 2006.

- Compiled by Matt Scruta and Morrison Tracy

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Gameday Rituals

“

Mike Bottichio ,

Senior

Varsity Baseball

Sunflower seeds and gatorade always fuel Mike Bottichio before the big games.

I like to rest before the game. Ilisten to some music to get pumped up, and Ialways have to have a Gatorade and eat sunflower seeds.

”

Senior Mike Bottichio is a returning starter for the Comet baseball team.

Bottichio pitched last season and posted an impressive 3.74 Earned Run Average (ERA) in his first year of varsity action.

HIGHLIGHT REEL Varsity boy’s basketball head coach Greg Richards led his team to an 19-3 season record. Richards was also named Fort Ancient Valley Conference Coach of the Year. He led the Comets to their second consecutive FAVC title with a 13-1 conference record.

Varsity wrestling head coach Craig Murnan led the wrestling team to a second place finish in the Fort Ancient Valley Conference tournament in his first year as head coach. Murnan had another solid team sending seven wrestlers to the district tournament and two to the state tournament.

Varsity boy’s and girl’s swimming head coach Mark Sullivan won his third consecutive Fort Ancient Valley Conference titles. Sullivan was named boy’s swimming Coach of the Year and coached sophomore Spencer Hewes to Mason’s first swimming championship.

- Compiled by Matt Hunter

Varsity girl’s basketball coach Rob Matula coached the Lady Comets to a winning record this season of 11-10 and 9-5 in the Fort Ancient Valley Conference. The girl’s basketball team finished third in the conference.

How I got Started...

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

- Compiled by Brooke Baria

"In eighth grade, my brother played for Mason’s first volleyball team, and I thought it looked fun. I decided to follow in his footsteps and went out my

Dan Rist, Senior

Campus Scene

freshman year and made junior varsity.”

Spring Sport Stars

Varsity Volleyball

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

- Compiled by Matt Hunter

What’s Your Take?

With Bob Huggins accepting the coaching position at Kansas State, Andy Kennedy at Ole Miss and Mick Cronin as the new head coach for the Bearcats, which team do you think will make it to the NCAA tournament the soonest?

38% 36%

26%

100 students surveyed.

The home of Mason Comet Bowling & The Mason High School Fun Bowling League

Kyle Peters: Class of 2004 Former 2002 graduate Kyle Peters is coming off one of his most successful seasons at the collegiate level. Peters, a utility infielder and pitcher, posted a batting average of .345 and 28 RBI's and a team best 58 runs scored last spring. On the mound, Peters garnered a 3-0 record with a 3.75 ERA and lead the team with four saves.

Producing those numbers helped Peters earn a selection to the American Mt. Vernon Nazarene College Mideast Conference Peters Facts South Division Second Team, the NCAA East Region Team and Nickname: Cougars the NCAA Honorable Mention All American Colors: Blue, Green, and White Team. Peters also owns a spot in the Mount Vernon Nazarene baseball record Conference: American Mideast books by hitting three doubles in one Conference game, becoming only the third player to accomplish that feat in MVNU history.

Famous Alumni: He is also ninth all time in career assists Tim Belcher-drafted first overall to the Minnesota Twins in 1983 with 287. In their season opener against Capital University, Peters batted two for three and scored two runs in route to the Cougars' first win of the season, beating the Capital Crusaders 16-3.

- Compiled by Matt Hunter

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Aponte’s Pizzeria SPENCER HEWES, SOPHOMORE, SWIMMING To no surprise, sophomore Spencer Hewes finds himself in the same position as last month. As only a sophomore Hewes was named the Fort Ancient Valley Conference Swimmer of the Year after winning the 100 yard breaststroke and finishing second in the 200 yard I.M. Hewes was named first team all FAVC in the 100 yard breaststroke, 200 yard medley relay and 400 yard freestyle relay and second team in the 200 yard I.M. After leading his team to their third consecutive FAVC championship, Hewes qualified to districts finishing fifth in the 200 yard I.M. and second in the 100 yard breaststroke qualifying to state along with his two relay events.

At the state meet in Canton, Ohio, Hewes became Mason's first swimming state champion as he captured the title in the 100 yard breaststroke with a time of 57.77 seconds. This time broke his previous record of 59.18 seconds at the sectional meet just three weeks earlier.

Because of his accomplishments, The Chronicle and Aponte’s Pizzeria are proud to present Spencer Hewes as the March Athlete of the Month.

APONTE’S PIZZERIA & FAMILY RESTAURANT WHERE ALL OF OUR PIZZA IS HAND TOSSED NEW JERSEY STYLES ITALIAN ICE SIXTEEN FLAVORS Carry Out & Delivery Menu We charge for delivery (sorry, gas prices) We accept all major credit cards No personal checks 753 Reading Road, Mason Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Sunday 12 p.m.-9 p.m.

Minimum Delivery is $7.00 + Delivery Charge (513) 336-7400

10% off your next visit to Aponte’s Pizzeria with your student ID.

- Photo contributed by The Pulse Journal

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

The Chronicle is published monthly.

Call 398-5025 ext. 33110 for information regarding advertising in The Chronicle.

The Chronicle reserves the right to refuse advertising we deem inappropriate for a high school publication.

As an open forum for students, letters to the editor are welcome, but are subject to be edited for length, libel, obscentiy, clarity, and poor taste. Letters to the editor may be dropped off in room C110 and must be signed.

The Chronicle is a member of The Columbia Scholastic Press Association, The National Scholastic Press Association, Quill and Scroll International Honorary Society for High School Journalists, and the Journalism Association for Ohio Schools.

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

THE CHRONICLE STAFF Editor Olga Borodulin 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 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 Matt Hunter Matt Partington Candice Philpot Matt Scruta Rachel Slezak Sharon Stewart Morrison Tracy Danielle Williams Rebecca Ziegler Business S taff Danielle Williams Michelle Rotbart Adviser Mr. Dale Conner

STAFF EDITORIAL

Does anyone care about Katrina victims any more?

After over $43,000 raised from the Mason community towards Katrina relief funds, we have yet to show what we have learned from this disaster. For about a month after Katrina hit, newspapers and news programs focused primarily on informing the public of the effects Katrina had on the inhabitants of New Orleans and its surrounding communities.

And we listened to those programs for a month, gave money, and considered our good deed done.

But this natural disaster hit our country, demolished homes, forced families into poverty, and stories of survival under meager conditions arose. Though after seven months we've created t-shirts and given money, both admirable, have we learned anything? The word "Katrina" is rarely referenced anymore.

Do we even know how or if situations in New Orleans have improved? Or have we simply given money to make ourselves feel like we've done our job to give back and no longer have to worry about it?

Katrina was the largest hurricane to hit the United States and affected Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. It flooded nearly 80 percent of the cities it hit and caused over $75 billion of damage. But the impact of Katrina certainly couldn't be erased within seven months and donations from residents around the globe, no matter how we tried.

The communities that were hit by Katrina have still been suffering its effects. The mortality rate during Katrina resulted in the death

LETTERS

TO THE

of 1,599 people. Since Katrina, the death rate has been steadily increasing, according to the February 2006 issue of The Washington Post.

The areas experiencing the increase in the mortality rate do not attribute this increase to physical problems resulting from Katrina, rather blame stress induced by the hurricane, flooding and relocation. President of Charbonnet-Labat Funeral Home Louis Charbonnet, 67, dubbed stress as the "hidden killer." He also mentioned in The Washington Post that citizens are "dying away" because they are "distressed by being displaced."

It's not difficult to understand why Katrina victims are still under stress. Insurance companies still aren't providing families with enough money to rebuild homes. Families are grieving for those they lost, or are continuing their search for "missing" family members. To make matters worse, on February 13, FEMA stopped paying for 12,000 homeless families to stay in hotels and shelters forcing families who were already crammed into hotel rooms with twelve other people to deal with eviction notices.

Despite having to live in meager conditions, the families have yet to see changes made in their towns. They've awaited some response from the government to revamp their towns, but none has been made. Lisa Ling, a reporter for Oprah magazine, visited a town in Mississippi and commented on what she saw: "This place disappeared off the radar screen. It's just this forgotten

place."

The forgotten areas are now fending for themselves, as many have simply stopped listening to their complaints. Now, cartoons mock their situation, claiming Katrina victims misuse the money. The only option the victims have left is to fight for themselves and force those around them to be educated in hopes of inspiring change.

We, as a community, raised an amazing amount of money towards Hurricane Katrina relief funds. But we've failed to actually keep Katrina relevant. It is vital that we remember Katrina and continue to watch for the changes made to improve the victims' lives.

CNN reporter Anderson cooper has been one of many to notice how so many people have so easily forgotten the importance of Katrina.

"It seems like, to people [in the Gulf Coast], that the rest of the country has moved on," Anderson said. "But, when you go to New Orleans, when you go to Waveland, Mississippi, Katrina's winds are still blowing. I mean the storm is still all around…the disaster continues."

As distraught communities sit in the rubble Katrina left behind, hoping for the government to bring change, other communities in the U.S. are slowly forgetting that Katrina’s wake is still felt. We must make it of utmost importance to keep up with how the effects of Katrina are being handled because if we don’t, then who will?

EDITOR

Spring break provides anxious moments for high school principal They do not teach you when getting your doctorate degree how to handle the anxiety when you are a principal of a high school and your students venture out for spring break.

My first thought is that I try to tell our student body here at MHS whenever I can how proud I am of them. We have students that make good decisions every day.

My second thought is that I am not naive to the challenges of what teenagers face.

This is that time of year that those challenges are magnified.

Now I am aware that some people might say, "Dr. Allen that is the job of the parents". I could not agree more. I also know that as a parent when my children are in high school I hope that they are exposed to caring adults they look up to and hear

them saying things like "make good choices…remember no empty seats". I will not stop making every attempt for our students to know that I care about the safety and well-being of every student in this building.

You might not know that we as adults sit around and figure out ways to share our wisdom, concern and knowledge of the world in a way that you will accept. I know what it is like as a teenager to tune out the adult advice that is always in constant surplus.

We as adults work hard to find catchy little ways to send our messages of good choices, do not drink and drive, safety in numbers, look both ways when crossing the street. The reality is that the events like spring break are tests that prepare you

for adult hood. My only message is that I want each of you to pass that test.

I have to accept that as your building Principal that when you leave us on April 13, I have to sit back and allow you to make the decisions that will possibly impact the rest of your lives. I have to rely on that we all did what we could to send the right messages and role-modeled what we could. The rest is now in your hands.

Remember that I am proud of you, but more importantly, you need to be proud of yourself.

Dr. Dave Allen Principal, Mason High School

!see more Letters, page 21

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March 31, 2006 LETTERS

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EDITOR CONTINUED

Return safely from springbreak What if I started a letter that said, go ahead and drive recklessly at excessive speeds, cram more of your friends in your car then it can hold, give into peer pressure, think carelessly when making life and death decisions.

Hey, it's a risk. You might come out okay and you might not. For years adults have searched for what to tell our teenagers to steer them away from harm and we just end up sounding like a broken record, or should I say a scratched CD or broken iPod. So, please forgive me if my letter sounds too much like an adult.

I made the decision several months ago that we would stay home this year during Spring Break. Now, as the vacation days are approaching, I am feeling a bit left out even as an adult and mother of a six-yearold son and ten-year-old daughter.

I hear of all the wonderful places that my friends will be heading off to visit and a tinge of jealousy and envy creeps in. It brings back fun memories of my teenage years and the excitement surrounding the Spring Break culture. It is an exciting time.

Then I prepare myself as I channel surf and catch glimpses of Jerry Springer and MTV Spring Break shows. I know that I will sit here in Ohio and watch the pageantry of Spring Break as depicted by media and hope that each an every student is safe and healthy.

My adult urge to "do something" to make sure students stay safe is quadrupled when I think about these dangers, and the same speeches that were given to me when I was a student start to well up inside. It's

a broken record, but the only records that break are favorites that get played all the time because they're good.

As you venture out for fun and relaxation, I have to accept that this is a rite of passage into adulthood. My desire is that you all return to Mason High School proud of all the choices you made.

I look forward to watching you bustle through the hallways excitedly posting new pictures in your lockers of you with friends and family. I will smile as I hear the tales of fun and adventure. I will sigh with huge relief when I see that you are all a bit more relaxed, rested, wiser, and safe.

Ms. Mindy McCarty Assistant Principal, Mason High School

Student pleads with classmates to get involved and stand up against atrocities Sixteen-year-old Sevki was walking down a street in his village, when he was captured by troops looking for guns that tied a blindfold over his eyes and beat him.

Sevki's captures then shot the animals in his village, destroyed the food stocks, wrecked the homes and dragged Sevki down the road.

Then they lit a fire and waited until the flames had died down and the coals had become hot enough to grill meat. What they did then is unimaginable in the eyes of most high school students: they stripped Sevki of his tattered clothes, and "barbecued" him over the burning coals.

Presuming Sevki was dead; his captures

went on their way and left him on the side of the road. Sevki miraculously survived, even though his back, arms and legs are permanently scarred. In a small town in Liberia, a young teenage boy by the name of Blama Massaquoi was walking home from school one day when he, too was kidnapped off the street to fight for a rebel organization within Liberia. Blama, as well as two of his good friends who were also captured, were forced to drink a caustic substance that ultimately destroys the esophagus from thencek down.

He survived this cruel punishment; his two friends did not. Thousands of children, men and women face very similar situations around the world each day. Just in the Americans in 2003, 21 countries reported acts of torture and ill-treatment (including rape) in countries such as Argentina, Guatemala, Mexico, Venezuela, Haiti and the USA. Although there are no exact statistics on the number of torture victims around the world, there is a conservative estimation that of the world's 12 million refugees, nearly 1/3 have been subjected to torture.

Count the refugees and those who have been tortured and faced some of the worst forms of punishment for the most illegitimate reasons. In the United States alone, it is estimated that there are 400,000 victims of foreign government torture living among us as refugees today.

As the president of Mason High School's Amnesty International, I want to encourage ever student to take a look at their own lives compared with the lives of the two boys mentioned above, and realized just how lucky we are to be born far away from something this sickening. [Next week], Amnesty International will be raising an awareness within Mason High

School for a campaign that many human rights organizations are taking part in: the effort to stop torture worldwide.

As part of the awareness, Amnesty will be sending a letter to Ohio's senators, Mike Dewine and George Voinovich, and Ohio's representative Jean Shmidt. This letter will be urging our congressmen to support full funding of the Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of 2005, an Act that will adequately support centers for victims of torture in the United States and around the world that provide services directly to torture survivors that include the following: medical and psychological treatment and social services, trained health, education and human service professionals, funding for research on the effects of torture and on effective treatment methods, and support for advocacy and awareness on the injustices done around the world.

Blama Massaquoi, a torture victim mentioned above, was just one of the victims sent to a U.S. relief center where a team of doctors rebuilt his esophagus and gave Blama his life back. Amnesty members will be scouting out signatures during all lunches from those that support an end to injustices done to people just like Blama and ourselves-providing services to the victims is a direct way to do this.

Olga Borodulin wrote in the December edition of The Chronicle demanding that students no longer remain silent and blind to the world's atrocities- now is your chance! You can help to make the difference Mason High School. Join in the urgent worldwide fight against torture and support our governments funding for victim relief centers; you could save a life!

Adam Clevenger Senior

Beauty is not measured by a waistline, rather by personality

Any girl who walks into a mall ready to shop for the perfect swimsuit better be ready for a daunting task. Many store shelves are full of revealing bikini styles which, while very fashionable, only flatter a limited number of body types.

Yet young women are constantly bombarded with images of models with supposedly "perfect bodies" modeling these skimpy suits. Magazines give tips on how to work out and eat with the end goal being achieving "your best body" or getting fit "just in time for spring break!"

Such messages give teens the impression that they somehow fall below a certain beauty standard, an impression that is completely false.

Everyday it seems I receive some sort of new message to make me feel uncomfortable with my body. With every tabloid that celebrates a celebrity's remarkable weight loss into a sexy new figure comes the feeling of failure inside myself because I've yet to do the same. Have you ever had a time when every Monday was the start of your new diet? Been there, done that. I even once considered taping a picture of some celebrity whose body I wished to imitate on my pantry door.

When I get in those moods it seems as if every time I indulge myself, even as small as having a bag of fruit jammers, I have somehow let myself down. I'll start out on Monday with the promise to workout at least three times that week, and if I only make it to one, I somehow feel guilty. The same guilt I feel if I chose to treat myself to tator tots on Wednesday, or if I have a slice of cake on Friday. But I've gotten sick of it.

Some people, mostly beauty editors, would label eating a slice of chocolate cake a "guilty pleasure." I'm sorry, but the last time I checked, there's nothing morally wrong

with eating chocolate. We should no longer eat our favorite foods only when we've been "good," but just for the heck of it. We need to stop wasting time in gyms and instead spend more time outside walking our dogs (or cats, if you're feeling brave). The most important thing to focus on when looking in a mirror is not your waist line but your laugh lines. If you can make time for fifty sit ups a day but haven't found an occasion to smile, you've wasted your time.

I'm not saying we should stop exercising and replace fruits and vegetables with French fries and potato chips.

But people should do it for the right reasons. Go running so you can take care of your heart, not so you can fit into a new size of jeans. Eat an orange because you love its sweet flavor, not because it's low in carbs.

We need to change what we consider achievements. I may never be a size four, but if I have made someone's life a little easier today, or made someone smile, then I can look into the mirror at night and see someone beautiful.

Feedback Question: How early in the school year do you begin planning for spring break?

"November, that way we have our activities planned out and are ready for anything."

Renee DeFrank Senior

"Probably 6 months ago so we can get a good condo."

"November, so we can get a hotel."

Nate West Junior "Three months ahead so I can save up money."

Jennifer Barrendse Junior

" December, to make sure we good a place.�

Molly Fritts Sophomore

Cassidy Swanson Senior

Compiled by Michelle Rotbart

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