The Chronicle, 4.8

WILLIAM MASON HIGH SCHOOL

STYLE Softball team is headed to state final How to spice up your dorm room four In COVER STORY page 2> > PLUS: A conversation with senior powderpuff head coach Derek Brown on the seniors victory over the juniors.

Volume 4 Issue 8

MAY 31, 2007 WHAT’S

inside School crest to be revealed at graduation Story on page 3 > >

Story on page 20> >

CL A S S E S O F S E V E N

Graduating classes from 1947 to 2017 dish on their favorite classes, hangouts, and fears Story on page 20 > >

Student run powderpuff football game rallies spirit, revenue, competition See Page 21 > >

STATE

We’re going to...

FAS TP ITCH TE A M CA P TURE S RE GIONA L T IT L E ; S T A T E NE X T

Quick thinking, training helped save sophomore’s life Story on page 4 > >

center SPREAD

Current world issues affect grads’ outlook on future, evoke fears surrounding job opportunities story on page 12 >> Freshman catcher D.J. Engelman and senior pitcher Carly Miller celebrate the Comets’ victory. photo courtesy of The Pulse Journal

The Chronicle The official student newspaper of William Mason High School 6100 S. Mason-Montgomery Road Mason, Ohio 45040

They started the season 2-7, they finished the regular season with a losing record, they didn’t even win their league, but coach Brian Castner’s Comets are on fire and headed to the state’s final four.

Story on page 2 > >

check IT OUT

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The percentage of students who don’t wear their seatbelt when they are the passengers in a car Story on page 4 > >

In SPORTS: Track team captures regional championship

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May 31, 2007

chroniclecoverstory

Whatt are e the e Com mets saying?

MASON 17-14

HUDSON 26-3 PICKERINGTON 25-4

"How does it feel going to state?"

State Championship

ELRYIA 29-3

"Amazing. It's what you dream of."

Christin Miller Freshman Shorstop

"I can't describe it."

Holly Baas Senior Designated Hitter

Pictured left to right: Holly Baas, Danielle Engelmen, Sara Rye, Li’Ana Jackson, Erin Roark, Katie Wills, coach Lian Muff, Lindsay Roth, Kellie Morris, Katie Stone, Megan Roussos, Kristin Miller, Amy Allen, manager Nate Petrey, coach Brian Castner, Carly Miller, Amanda Allen, Rachel Burrell, Katie Mountsier, Colleen Reinoehl, coach Jill Scherz.

STATEBOUND

photo provided

"It's kind of surreal."

Comet softball team continues tournament run will face Elyria in final four

Carly Miller Senior Pitcher

By COLEMAN SANDERS Staff writer

"It feels awesome to be the first team in school history to go to state."

Katie Wills Junior 3rd Base

"Outstanding considering how far we've come."

DJ Engelman Freshman Catcher

"Awesome."

Brittni Tibbs Sophomore Centerfield

"Incredible. It's the biggest accomplishment ever."

Katie Stone Senior Leftfield Photos courtesy Scott Tibbs

Impossible. Destiny. Miraculous. Divine intervention. These words and more can only partly describe the improbable run to the state finals for the Mason Comets varsity softball team. Storylines are abundant with the team.

They play the top teams in the south and start the year with an abysmal 2-7 record. They return home and work their way back to near .500. Their starting pitcher throws with pain every outing. The team remains extremely close despite adversity. They lose four straight one run games leading into the playoffs. Now they have won five straight postseason matchups, and for the first time in school history they're headed to the state's final four, where they'll compete for a state championship.

The team's current position would have been deemed fantasy a mere four weeks ago, when the Comets lost 1-0 in extra innings to Fairfield. It looked as if the team was headed for a quick exit from the playoffs. At the time it seem like a fitting end to a season that started 2-7.

However, that start is what made them ready for the postseason.

"We went and played in the Best of the Midwest tournament in Tennessee and played against some of the top teams in the area," coach Brian Castner said. "Then we went to Florida and played other teams."

Even though they ended the trip seven games under .500, members such as senior second baseman Katie Stone felt most of the losses were attributed to experience.

"We were only playing our first games," Stone said. "In the south they start their seasons really early. Some of the teams we played already had twenty-five wins."

Three of the Florida teams they played ended up in their state's elite eight, with one being the runner-up and the other the state champ.

Castner feels that the early schedule helped

"I'm speechless it's so exciting."

Katie Mountsier Junior 1st Base

prepare the team for their postseason run.

"We could have padded our schedule with weaker teams and started 8-1. We had a reason for playing a tough schedule and that's pretty

photo courtesy Scott Tibbs

The Comets celebrate their regional semi final win.

"The state title, it's a lot of want, And we want it pretty bad." evident now. We wanted our girls to be battle tested," Castner said.

Senior pitcher Carly Miller agrees that the early schedule helped the team.

"We definitely had one of the hardest schedules in the state of Ohio. But we needed it to grow as players," Miller said.

In addition to growing as players, they grew as a team. Many of the players voluntarily practiced until after the coaches went home.

"I love practicing," Stone said. "We love working together."

Castner thinks that the team's chemistry is

"Amazing. I never thought we'd go this far."

Erin Roark Sophomore Right Field

evident when they play.

"All the girls are fine with each other," Castner said. "Win or lose they support each other."

One example of the team's support is with pitcher Carly Miller. While pitching in 21 games and winning 17, Miller has had to undergo five surgeries in three years for nerve damage in her leg.

"My injury is probably the hardest thing I've ever had to go through," Miller said. "I've probably been pitching at 85 percent. I just try not to think about it."

Her dedication to work through the injury has inspired the team to raise their level of play.

"Carly is a really strong individual," Burrell said. "She's amazing. I don't know how she does it. She's amazing. Everybody rallies behind her. We go hard so she doesn't have to throw more pitches."

Castner has also seen what Miller has had to endure.

"Carly's done a great job," Castner said. "She perseveres."

In addition to their on-field chemistry, the team also spends time off the field together.

"I've never grown stronger friendships than I have with the people on the team," Stone said.

Burrell agrees that the chemistry among teammates is strong.

"We have team dinners every week. We have sleepovers. We feel like we have to hang out.

I'll probably cry when this is all over," Burrell said.

The team hopes things end on a high note Saturday, when the championship game is played. There the team is up against three other teams that have at least 25 wins. The Comets only have 17. The girls don't feel that the teams' records aren't an indicator of how good they are.

"Record doesn't matter," Stone said. "The state title, it's a lot of want."

"And we want it pretty bad," Burrell added.

"Amazing.

Nothing I've felt before."

Sara Rye Junior 2nd Base

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MHS commitee takes closer look at class rank "If a quick glance and a quick number can eliminate a student's chances of getting into college, I want to look to see whatever we can do to avoid that,"

BY STEPHANIE VISSCHER Associate Editor Mason High School recently formed a committee to determine whether the school should report a student's class rank to colleges.

Assistant principal Mindy McCarty says that the committee includes students, parents, administrators, and teachers, as well as a guidance counselor, so that everyone possibly affected by any changes to the system have a voice in the decision.

"We have found that students were waitlisted or denied admission based on class rank even if they have a high GPA or high test scores," McCarty said.

"We've had counselors calling up schools begging them to take another look. There were too many instances where we were finding the class ranks were hurting our students' opportunity to get into college."

According to McCarty, some colleges determine a student's admission based on whether they meet a certain class rank, and may not take other factors, such as letters of recommendations, into consideration.

"We've had counselors calling up schools begging them to take another look. There were too many instances where we were finding the class ranks were hurting our students' opportunity to get into college."

Mindy McCarty Assistant Principal McCarty said.

However, some colleges require a class rank to be reported, as do several scholarship applications. As the committee conducts its research into Mason's best option, they're taking into account such situations, according to McCarty.

"There's so many questions that come out," she said.

"We are compiling every possible question that a stu-

dent or parent may have. We're taking a very detailed look at it and coming out with a recommendation for what's best for students."

Although the school may be changing the way it reports the class rank, traditions of having a valedictorian and salutatorian may not be lost.

"We have found school districts that have been very successful in keeping that tradition while not reporting class rank," McCarty said. "It's not about eliminating school rank, it's about modifying the way you report it."

McCarty said that the committee, which has been working for several months, has not come to a final decision.

"We are formulating what the research has shown us and when we get there we're going to present our findings to the Student Achievement Committee," she said.

The Student Achievement Committee includes two board members, but the final decision will not be decided by a school board vote, according to McCarty.

"It will be the [class rank] committee's recommendation and a building level decision," McCarty said.

SENIOR Feedback What would you want to change about your freshman year?

"Not getting arrested."

Steven Burke

Academic crest to debut at graduation Input from community sought to determine final choice this community and we are proud of it."

The input of the student committee members is also very influential in the creation of the crest.

Hundreds of students blur together in a green and white mass "It's important to have students on the committee because the as Pomp and Circumstance slowly begins to sound. As names crest is a symbol of our school," Morozova said. "Without stuare announced, one by one the students make their way on dents' input, its difficult to create something that's meant to stage to receive their high school diplomas. While this regirepresent Mason High School.” ment is typical for MHS gradWith graduation approachuation ceremonies, the class of ing, the committee continues to What do the symbols mean?

2007 will be the first to take take steps forward as four “The open book symbol indicates this part in a unique addition not potential crests have already learning community's openness to new only to graduation, but Mason been designed. The committee, High School and the commuwith the help of graphic design knowledge and exploration. Additionally, the nity as well. book, as a medium for storing information, is teacher Aaron Roberts, was Led by MHS teacher Jerry able to brainstorm and create Schrock, a committee has been intended to be a link to all of the knowledge four crests for students to of the forefathers of the community. The pen choose from. Students are able formed with the intent of creating an official Mason High to go on to www.masonis included atop the book as we value the School crest, which will make exploration of new knowledge for a lifetime.” comets.org to vote for the its debut at this year's graduapotential crest they like. The tion ceremony. most popular choice will be “The globe symbol indicates the importance "We wanted to include [in revealed at this year's senior the committee] students, staff, of service to all of humanity. Additionally, the graduation on June 10 at the alumni, former school board Cintas center. globe depicts the increasingly globally members and community With graduation approaching, interdependent world for which our students members," Schrock said. the committee continues to take One of the students involved are preparing.” steps forward as four potential includes senior Lisa crests have already been Morozova, who became part designed.

“The block "M", standing for Mason, of the committee after being "We want to give people symbolizes our honor.” involved in the Walking choices," Schrock said. "We History Tour, a group which wanted [the crests] to stand for strived to connect old and new “The torch, a traditional academic symbol, the same thing, but look differrepresents the conglomeration of our values Mason. ent." "[Mr. Shrock] thought that People in the community, as we seek achievement.” since I was part of helping including students are able to influence MHS' history in that way, I might be interested in provide their opinions of the crest design, input that will evenbeing part of [the crest committee]," Morozova said. tually help decide which crest will be chosen.

The crest design, which is still being developed, will help "We're going to look at all of the information. People are create a stronger sense of unity between students, MHS and giving us their input and then the people who have been workthe community, according to Schrock. ing on it are going to come together and choose a design that "It brings pride," Schrock said. "It's a crest of honor. It is an will represent everybody," Schrock said. honor to go to a school in this community."

Morozova finds that student will be proud of the final prodThe importance of creating a school crest here at Mason is a uct. top concern for Schrock and the rest of the community.

"I think students will accept the crest and probably embrace "[It is important because it] helps show everybody what we it because it'll show the history of our school," Morozova said. expect of our students; long traditions of excellence," Shrock "There will be a little part of them in it because they were said. "It sends a message to the community that we are part of around when it was created."

BY CANDICE PHILPOT Staff Writer

Bond passage gives district the green light to begin H.S. expansion

BY OLGA BORODULIN Editor The bond issue on the May 8 ballot passed with a 59 percent push, and for students, this means expecting the high school to be surrounded by construction plans and bricks by spring of next year. The building is expected to be completed by Fall 2009.

"This was a wonderful affirmation that the people of Mason recognize the need for space at our high school," Public Information Officer Tracey Carson said.

While construction progresses, Carson stated that administrators and teachers will use rooms such as the Harvard room and Kiva as classrooms in order to utilize as much space as possible for teaching.

"We want to minimize interruption to student learning," Carson said. "We'll be jamming as much con-

struction as we can into those summer months."

Carson projects that class sizes will reach 950, with a 3800 total student body size. The new building's capacity is set to hold 3900. While Carson admitted that the student body size may reach higher levels, the board is confident that the new high school can handle minor increases. As of now, she expects that the board will not be asking community members for another bond issue until restoration is needed.

With 15 percent of Mason land still left to be developed, Carson feels assured that Mason has little growth left, and that the high school will hold any incoming numbers of students.

The high school's growth has raised concerns of student's ability to connect to teachers and students.

According to Carson, teachers and administrators are "working to make sure that students stay connected."

"We want to make sure to keep those connections so

that students don't feel lost in a building that will be big but will provide them with lots of opportunities to connect with peers and teaching staff," Carson said.

If student population rises above number of teachers needed, Carson says that the district will hire new teachers.

While construction plans are still being finalized, according to Carson, Mason superintendent Kevin Bright and treasurer Dick Gardner have been attending state conferences regarding acquiring more funding for growing school districts like Mason, Lakota and Olentagy.

"We hope the State will support growing districts like Mason and understand [such] districts' need for more funding," Carson said.

The next operating levy is expected to be requested in 2009.

"I wouldn't care as much about grades and I wouldn't check Edline everyday."

Brittany Bare

"I wouldn't have gotten suspended."

John Lamm

"I would want to start out at MHS since I moved here."

Bryan Fusco

“I would try to be less intimidated by the seniors.”

Brittany Kuntz

“Cliques.”

Danielle Waggoner

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SENIOR Feedback What is number 6 on Keeton’s Big 5?

"Remember the Big 5 because no one knows it."

Yuange Yang

"Wear pants."

Matt Kraatz

"Ben Rood is in charge."

Ben Rood

"Make sure you don't have dog treats sitting in the bottom of your locker when the search dogs come in."

Ian Gibson

May 31, 2007

Quick thinking, training helped save sophomore’s life

BY SHEA DAVIDSON Staff Writer What started out as "throwing around lacrosse" at a friend's house ended in a near death experience for one Mason High School sophomore.

Taylor Gasper was thrown into the windshield of his car after failing to buckle up.

After a recent fatal accident that involved MHS student Dustin Russell, Taylor Gasper said he considers himself lucky to have had two friends with lifeguarding training present at the accident to help save his life.

On Monday, April 30, Taylor along and a few friends were at junior Matt Puma's house playing lacrosse together. Junior Adam Manning, who was at Puma's house and at the scene of the accident, said that he was going to a lacrosse game. Juniors Tim Oliver and Matt Puma were going to a separate lacrosse game. Taylor Gasper, who was on his way home, said that he does not remember any part of the accident.

"Mark [Dritt] told me that he would drop me off so I just got in his car," Taylor Gasper said. "The last thing that I remember is actually just getting into Mark's car and then waking up in the hospital. Those are my only two time frames."

The accident occurred when senior Mark Dritt's car rear-ended Oliver's car. According to the Police Report, the accident caused non-functional damage to Oliver's car and disabling damage to Dritt's.

Oliver says he started to turn around to take Puma back to his house after Puma realized he forgot something.

"It all took place pretty quickly. I just slowed down over the course of 30 seconds. We weren't going that fast and [Dritt] rear ended me," Oliver said.

Oliver said after his car had been hit, he got out of the vehicle and saw that Taylor Gasper had thrown into the windshield.

"The first thing that we did was call the police. Then we tried to get in touch with everyone's parents while we made sure that Taylor was okay," Oliver said.

The scariest part for Oliver he said was seeing Taylor Gasper after his head had been smashed into the windshield.

"Getting out of the car and seeing Taylor not responding and just seeing the huge hole in the windshield and [Dritt's] car was scary. The windshield was ripped forward and his head had smashed it," Oliver said.

Manning said he could see that

Taylor Gasper had numerous injuries after hitting the windshield and was bleeding substantially.

"He had a huge cut on the back of his head that was bleeding quite profusely, a cut on the side of his neck, some cuts on his face and nose, and his face was pretty swollen," Manning said. "There was a large hole in the windshield where his head had obviously gone through and there was hair left on the broken glass of the windshield."

Due to training received from a lifeguarding class at MHS, Manning and Puma knew what to do when they saw Taylor Gasper's injuries.

"Luckily, Matt and I were lifeguards, so we held his neck straight and we applied pressure to his numerous wounds," Manning said. "He was bleeding quite profusely but we talked to him and made sure he was alright."

Taylor suffered from multiple injuries, including a broken left index finger, a four inch laceration on the back of his head, neck abrasions, a swollen face, and a broken nose.

Officer Andrew Herrlinger, the police officer on the scene, said that he was finishing up another accident when he was called and told to respond to another accident in the area.

Herrlinger said he watched as paramedics transported Taylor Gasper from the car to the ambulance.

"When we got there, EMS had already arrived on the scene and were treating the passenger in the second car, which was Taylor Gasper," Herrlinger said. "I immediately started to take photographs, passed out witness statements, and gathered as much information about what happened."

Tami Gasper, Taylor's mother, said that she found out what happened to her son after two boys that had been present at the accident knocked on her door.

"Two boys, who I still don't know for sure what their first names were, came to my door and very politely told me that Taylor had been in a very serious car accident and gave me his cell phone back," Tami said.

Tami remembers the small amount of details given to her at the hospital. "[The receptionist] told me 'Oh, the chaplain has been waiting for you.

He's sitting right over there,'" Tami said. "I went over to him and he said, 'Oh, I was just trying to call you' and, of course, I was freaking out, thinking that he was going to tell me that my son had died. He said 'Let me take you to Taylor,' but he didn't really give me any prognosis at that time."

Tami said that her son was conscious

photo contributed

MHS sophomore Taylor Gasper crashed into the windshield of his car on April 30. Fellow juniors Adam Manning and Matt Puma helped stabilize Gasper until paramedics arrived. once she got to him, but that he had serious injuries.

"By the time I got to Taylor, he had already been stabilized for the first time," Tami said. "He almost flat-lined, later on in the evening, but at the time he was stable."

Even though Taylor was conscious when she got there, Tami said she learned from one of the trauma nurses that Taylor was unconscious when they arrived.

"According to the trauma nurse, Taylor was unconscious when they first arrived, and they had cut his clothes away and that type of thing," Tami said. "He had a little bit of conscious memory of the actual helicopter ride, but he had no memory of the accident whatsoever."

Taylor said that he remembers his mom at the hospital and that he feels bad for causing her to worry about him. "[My mom] was freaking out," Taylor said. "It's really bad for a mom to go through that. She was telling me that she was so glad that I was alive and that I could have come out so much worse. I came close to dying."

Taylor said that he is unsure of why he did not put on his seatbelt, but that it was definitely not worth it.

"It's weird, because for the past two months when I get in the car, I haven't even thought about wearing a seatbelt when before I used to wear it every time I got in," Taylor said. "I started thinking that it was uncomfortable, I guess. I don't know why I didn't buckle up after Dustin. We were going through a neighborhood and you don't think anything bad is going to happen to you when you go through a neighborhood."

Manning said that he is unsure why Taylor was not wearing his seat belt,

but thinks that it might have been because they had just left when the accident occurred.

"We had left the house probably 30 seconds before and we were in the neighborhood, so we weren't going too fast. He probably hadn't even thought about it yet," Manning said.

Herrlinger said he is certain that if Taylor had been wearing his seat belt, he would not have suffered so many injuries.

"If he had been wearing his safety belt, then he most likely would have been sore but he would have walked away," Herrlinger said.

Taylor said that he is thankful that Manning and Puma were there to use their life guarding training on him until the paramedics got there.

"We were good friends before, but after that I just feel like I owe them," Taylor said. "I know he looked at me differently from seeing me unconsciously and he had to actually press on my head to keep me from bleeding out.

Taylor said that he does not want to think about what may have happened if Manning and Puma had not been there to apply their life guarding training on him.

"I could have been a lot closer to death," Taylor said. "I'm definitely trusting that they did a great job because I'm still walking."

Taylor said that he is also scared to think about what the outcome may have been if they had been moving any faster when the wreck had occurred.

"I'm scared to think [that] if we were going any faster, I could have had a broken neck, or been paralyzed," Taylor said. "Walking away and being in school the next week is definitely a plus."

Turnitin under review before final implementation District lawyers will review privacy issues with anti-plagiarism software

BY STEPHANIE VISSCHER Associate Editor

"Don't park in the visitor parking."

Lyn Faulk

After announcing its intent to implement anti-plagiarism software "Turnitin" in Mason High School, the administration is now taking steps to investigate that the program does not infringe upon student rights. According to assistant principal Mindy McCarty, the school's lawyers are making sure that the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is not violated.

"We're just having our lawyers look at FERPA before we take steps to pilot it," McCarty said.

"What we're doing is making sure that there's not anything with these programs that violates the privacy of students, so it's protecting students."

According to the U.S. Department of Education's website, FERPA is meant to grant certain rights to parents and their children with regards to their student record. Among them is the right to not have certain information disclosed and the right to inspect and ask for corrections to the record.

"We're not saying that Turnitin doesn't [protect students], we're just sending it through a lawyer to double check," McCarty said. "Other than that we love everything about it."

The administration's love of the program is not shared among some students.

"This is an outrage," said junior Eric Hall, who said that Turnitin infringed upon both website and student rights. "It infringes upon the rights of internet websites because it takes information from the website unauthorized and then takes that information and charges others for use of it." Hall is referring to when the program searches other internet sites for possible content that has been copied in an assignment.

Hall also said that Turnitin.com damages the trust between educators and students.

"It violates the trust bond between students and teachers because it assumes students are guilty when students have to turn in the paper," he said. "It makes them guilty until proven innocent."

Another problem according to Hall is that students

don't have a choice whether to turn in their paper to Turnitin.com.

"The school is making that decision for them," he said. "A lot of papers could be considered personal and Turnitin.com takes those papers and makes them available."

However, according to McCarty, the school is trying to make sure that no unauthorized person's has access to a paper turned in to Turnitin.com.

"When you submit your document and it's stored in a server we want to make sure that it's protected so that only the teacher and the student has access," McCarty said.

Junior Monica Wagner said that she liked how Turnitin.com protects a student's papers from being copied by others. "I like how it protects your papers and if it gets in the wrong hands they can't copy it, so it's like your own personal copyright," Wagner said. "I think I'll spend more time on papers to make sure I'm not accidentally not citing something."

After the lawyers okay the program, Turnitin.com will be piloted to a small group of teachers.

May 31, 2007

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Hubley Driving School

STUDENT OF THE MONTH

Megan Steele Class: Sophomore In School Accomplishments: Performed in Suessical the Musical freshman year Recieved Acting Achievement award Student of the Month award from Mason Rotary Club Nominated as Making a Difference student Out of school Accomplishments:: Performed in Music Man Junior with Lebanon Community Theatre Performed in Annie Junior and Sideway Stories of Wayside School with the Children’s Theatre of Mason, Performed in Grease and Once on This Island with Acting Up.

5606 Tylersville Road Mason, Ohio 754-8652

Favorite Classes: Math, English, Enhanced Communications Future Plans/Goals: Move to New York City, attend College and perform on broadway.

Personal Quote: “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”

-Cinderella Story Teacher Quote: “Megan has been singing since she was 2 years old. She’s always had an incredible voice and she simply glows when she’s on stage.”

-Arlene Borock Enhanced Communications Applications teacher

Hubley Driving School

5606 Tylersville Road Mason, Ohio 754-8652

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chronicleeditorials

May 31, 2007

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 Editor Morrison Tracy Editorial Cartoonist Peter Springsteen Distribution/Circulation Manager Michelle Rotbart Business Manager Caroline Johnson Staff Photographers Michelle Rotbart Shea Davidson Technical and Graphic Assistants Peter Springsteen Patrick Lipka Beth Lipton Staff Writers Drew Allen Shea Davidson Stephanie Denzel Beth Lipton Kirsten McCafferty Amanda Miller Caroline Johnson Candice Philpot Jeremy Powers Coleman Sanders Rachel Slezak Peter Springsteen Patrick Lipka Jeff Stephens Sharon Stewart Danielle Williams Spencer Webb Tricia Wolford Adviser Mr. Dale Conner

staff editorial

Seniors, don’t worry; every generation has its problems We're soon to fall victim to social security problems, global warming catastrophe, nuclear warfare, terrorism, and there's always more to come.

In this issue's centerspread, Chronicle staff writer Rachel Slezak discussed the doom looming around the corner for this year's seniors.

Students are being bombarded with messages of how we've so little to look forward to, and how the world's end must be coming as all our selfinflicted issues are facing us. But what keeps us sane from all the doom and gloom? What can assure us that we, despite what news analysts may say, won't actually witness the complete annihilation of the human race?

Perhaps the notion that this isn't the first time high school seniors have been faced with thoughts of imminent fate.

The twentieth century has been referred to as the American century, mostly because of America's participation in many world issues and the prominence of America in world problems. Beginning with the 1920's, the crash of '29 completely wiped out any hope for those in high school.

Imagine coming to high school knowing that your country's economy is completely depleted, along with all banks. What promise of a future can you expect if the richest people in the world are scrambling to make a living?

World War II began in 1939 and lasted till 1945, leaving mothers wor-

ried, fathers scarred, and sons dead. With 57 million deaths, no student in high school could focus on a future when the world was at war.

The after effects of the war were still simmering when Vietnam began in 1959, marking the most graphic photographs to be aired on television.

After seeing depictions of charred villages and twisted contortions of bodies, the American public was turned off the thought of war and could hardly take any more. How could the seniors pay attention to having a nuclear family when every news station blared statistics of death? Not to mention that the deteriorating state of America in Vietnam only hindered our confidence in our ability to succeed.

Vietnam's effects were only followed by a massive race for arms, only ending in the 90's. The fear instilled by nuclear warfare and "the enemy" made students feel an end to their world was coming, and that planning for the future was hardly a realistic concept.

Yet, somehow, through all the problems facing students, they were able to prevail. Our economy now is booming, and while problems surrounding environmental issues and war are present--the world is vigilant in trying to fix them. As Glen Knight commented in Olga Borodulin’s article, “ There has always been some thing afflicting our generations. It's all in how you handle it.” So how will you handle it?

guest column

Students need to be aware of the world around them Nkosi Johnson approached the podium at the 13th International Conference on AIDS in the year 2000. His speech followed that of the president of his country, South Africa. How courageous it was for a very weak 11-year-old boy dying Ms. Nancy of AIDS! Ziegler The president, Thabo Mbeki, had just finished telling the assembly that AIDS was not a problem in his country.

The assembly was amazed that he could be in such denial. When Nkosi approached the podium, President Mbeki left the hall.

Nkosi was born with HIV; a disease he acquired at birth from his mother, who would never live to see her son at this conference.

But Nkosi was fortunate. His mother managed to get him adopted by a well-off white South African woman who absolutely fell in love with this small baby. His white mother fought the system to get this little African boy with AIDS into school. She took great strides to get medical treatment that would possibly help lengthen his short life. It was a miracle that he lived so many years. The doctor attributed his ability to live through twelve years of AIDS to his loving environment.

Nkosi was almost clairvoyant when he was addressed by those who came to know him.

He could see beyond the suffering he endured every day. And he did speak at the conference.

He said: "We are all the same. We are not different from one another. We all belong to one family.

We love, and we laugh, we hurt and we cry, we live and we die. Care for us and accept us. We are all human beings. We are normal. We have hands. We have feet. We can walk, we can talkand we have needs just like everyone else.

Don't be afraid of us. We are all the same."

But we are not all the same in some respects.

We are not all able to pay for college, for clothing, for food. We are not all healthy; some of us limp, breathe heavily, stretch out our arms with tears flowing from our eyes and question our fate. We are not all happy, and nor are we all capable of bringing happiness into our lives.

And this type of unfairness amongst human beings of the "same feet" and the "same needs" is even more of a push for us to change thingsor at least be educated on these topics.

Statistics can't just be numbers flashing through your mind for one moment. For instance: 38.6 million, the number of people living with AIDS; 2.3 million of these are children. 3444 people have died so far in the war in Iraq; 8 thousand people die each day from

AIDS. The magnitude of the afflicted is hardly trite; signifying why we must, as people and as human beings, care for the lives of those around us. While they may not sit next to you in class, they are connected to you as humans, suffering in the same way you feel pain.

There are many ways to be involved. Visiting websites connected to what you're passionate about, donating time, effort, and brainpower to a cause. Simply researching, being informed, and being grateful is an accomplishment.

Ignorance is one thing students who are blessed to attend Mason High School can't afford.

You're surrounded with all the necessities to be informed; all that's required of you is the drive.

How can we, as human beings, ignore our brothers and sisters who are suffering and dying and can see very little hope in their world?

Those struggling, orphaned children in Africa and throughout the world deserve life, and desperately need our outside intervention. My conscience would not rest until I did something to help. I believe that even a little step forward is better than nothing at all. Thus, I have done the AIDS Angel Rides for awareness and fundraising. I truly hope that those who read this will be compelled as I am. We must embrace our human family; for, as Nkosi said, we are all the same.

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The senior staff writers’ experience: When I cleaned out my... ...car, I began wondering how my class lost Pasta for Pennies. It's amazing how much change gets lost in the hustle of life. Based on the pile of old receipts I finally threw away, there was at least five cents left over for every trip I took. I once read that disorganization represents a lack of control in life. Maybe every penny scattered under the pedals is a symbol for all the forms I have yet to send in to CSU, and will probably do so late. The quarters stuck between the seats are the people in my life that are more sick, more changed, or more far away than I would like. Or, maybe it all is just functional clutter.

Stephanie Visscher ...locker for the last time in my four years of high school, I realized that many of the items that were held within possessed valuable lessons for me. Inside my locker I found…Two math textbooks. How this happened, I don't know. I do have to apologize to whoever’s textbook I stole. Some really expensive English books. I highly recommend shopping for you literary needs at the Comet Zone. Always look in the clearance section first, because you can find your book for $2 instead of $20. One unused school planner. This thing turned up missing during the first week of school. As a result, bathroom passes for Coleman Sanders appear in around thirty different people's planners in school. One sky-blue book cover with white daisies on it. I have found that when your mother buys book covers for you and your siblings, don't wait until those with the fish or swirl patterns on them are gone. Those are all the lessons I could extricate, hope it helps!

Coleman Sanders ...dance bag, this is what a got to relive…Dance shoes, of course: Each different shoe reminds me of the dances I wore them in.

From my pointy shoes to my tap shoes, each one prompts me to think of many different songs and memories. The CD’s either have songs that my dance friends and I have inside jokes to or that get us pumped up before we go on stage.

Band-aids: Every dancer has band-aids around somewhere. Dancers also get blisters from there shoes, and we always need band-aids. A 'Congratulations' card: This card was from my dance friends with a personal note from each one saying how much they will miss me this next year and how they all love me. My dance bag has some more cleaning out to do, but with all of this cleaning out starts a new chapter in my lifeCollege. Though I don't think I will be needing my dance bag in this next chapter, it will stay in my closet just like it has for the past thirteen years of my life.

Stephanie Denzel

...hockey bag the first thing that came to mind was how badly I needed to invest some money in a couple bottles of Febreze. As I begin to pull out my pads, I am reminded of all the late night hockey practices that would, at times, get me through the week.When I pull out my helmet, I think of the time we played Badin, the game in which I received my very first major sports injury. I remember my first time skating and my first spill, which unfortunately came back to back. I remember my first goal and how it was pure dumb luck that it even went in, bouncing off a defender's skate. I then find my broomball pads; broomball made me look forward to Thursdays and teaching new people about the game. It’s exhilirating watching people get better and seeing the different teams come together as a family. At the very bottom of my bag I found random papers that have ended up there over the years. Missing homework assignments, hockey playbooks, team contact information, and even a math test form freshman year. My oversized hockey bag has become a kind of dumping bag for me and my junk, a reminder of my four years as an athlete.

Beth Lipton

...locker for one final time, I opened it and was pleasantly surprised. There wasn’t a single shred of paper, book, pen or pencil. Nothing.

Seeing this made me realize how ready I am to move on to something bigger and better.

Honestly, I floated through my senior year of high school and I somewhat regret it. I feel like I went through the motions in what people call "the most exciting time in your life". Sadly enough, I can't wait to get to college. I can sit here and say that I can't wait to be at The Ohio State University. MHS to me was the first step in me becoming a man. I learned things that I will never be able to replace; met people that I will never ever forget. As much as college intrigues me and all the rest of you seniors sitting in the same boat I am anxious to leave. I'm going to look back and remember playing baseball and hanging out with my best friends and of course, my girlfriend. Those moments will always be dear to me and be a part of lifetime of memories.

Now that it's time to shut it all down, I just want to say thank you to everyone who touched my life and helped make me the person I am today.

Good bye Mason and congratulations seniors!

Morrison Tracy ...I have yet to clean out my car. I have only legally been able to drive for two months. Maybe to make up for all the time I spent bumming rides off everyone and waiting endlessly to be picked up, I drive everywhere now. For two months I've been driving to school every morning. We practice six days a week for rowing, so for two months I've been driving my amazing carpool to practice every afternoon. For two months I've had a nice little universe in my car, full of laughter and music. If I ever get around to cleaning out my car, I'll probably find sharp bits of glass from the back window someone smashed one Friday night, all the mix CD's we made, Mapquest directions and notes. Somehow we crammed more than two months of jokes and experiences into our time in the car. The last day of rowing practice was a sad day for my carpool, especially for me. After going to the river every day for three years, it was strange and sad to know that I never had to go again. Leaving the river was good practice for graduation a few days from now. It's going to be strange knowing that I never have to come back to MHS, and sad that I'm going to have to say goodbye to all of the people who have made my high school experience worthwhile. I've only had this particular universe for two months, and though I'm excited for college, I'm not sure I'm ready to let it go yet.

Rachel Slezak ...desktop on my computer I finally found the answer to the question, “What have I learned in my four years in high school?” By the end of your senior year the files you accumulate are not only quite substantial, but quite humorous as well. Going all the way back to seventh grade I found files from my science fair project. I compared pH levels of the mouth and I felt extremely intelligent for knowing what pH was. I also thought it was a huge deal to compete at the regional competition at Miami University. Upon retrospect, I remember thinking all of those students on the campus were so old. Well, nothing has changed. I still look back on that day and think of all of those college students as far older than me. The only difference now is that I am about to be one of them. I found my persuasive PowerPoint from ECA-A and my ad campaign. I can remember thinking that Excel was one of the hardest programs to master, and now I am Excel-certified.Of course, I found old AIM conversations that I saved for whatever reason that I have no recollect of. I found old cards that I made for people and stories I wrote for fun. And when I was done, do you know what I did? I deleted them.

Caroline Johnson

...CD cases, I was humored by my previous music selections: Paul Oakenfield, Portishead, N’sync, Jay-Z, and Rascal Flatts all made the list. But as I sifted through each CD, I realized just how much one particular song meant to me at that point. "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder: always a classic that incites memories of the good ol' times. "I still haven't found what I'm looking for" by U2: a melody picked up by summer winds as you sat back and relaxed, soaking it in. "Blue" by Eiffel 65: the one-hit wonder you pretended not to like, but listened to at every chance you got. These led all the way up to "This is why I'm hot" by MIMS, a catch-phrase that could make a person with even the smallest self-esteem sing along and "walk it out". And then there was "Beautiful" by Christina Aguilera, which made you accept yourself even when no one else would. While part of me wants to get rid of the evidence of my “poor” music taste, it's interesting to see how in your worst moments one song could bring solace. I'm hardly a music guru, but even I can agree that music really can reach you somewhere nothing else can, making you passionate, miserable, ecstatic, and vulnerable--and that's not such a bad thing after all.

Olga Borodulin

...overnight bag from my fourth senior year prom, I put away all my perfume, combs, bobby pins, make-up, jewelry, and clothes I wore for after-prom, but as soon as I zipped up the dress that I desperately searched for, a feeling of sadness washed over me. As cliché as it sounds, I realized my high school days were almost over and the people I carelessly danced and partied with the night before, would probably never see again after this summer. Even the people I pass in the hallway everyday, exchange hugs with and friendly smiles, will ultimately be nameless faces in my future, just people I used to know. Sharing experiences, knowledge, laughs, hurtful and inspiring words with friends, teachers and people I barely even knew is what life is about and the only thing I'll miss from high school. I've learned my lessons in high school and they weren't from any teachers' lesson plans. They were from the personal experiences shared and connections made from everyone I encountered; things I will never find in a textbook. It's depressing, yet exciting to think about how my life is about to dramatically change, but change is inevitable. I may cry at graduation, but I'm ready to move on, learn from other people and grow as a person. I don't regret anything; it's over, it's done. I'm out!

Danielle Williams ...junky old truck, the Love Mobile, last weekend, I reminded myself again of how much disdain I feel towards driving. Dad was getting on my case, trying to teach me for about the seventy fifth time how to change my oil, check my gauges, and generally work my way towards becoming a responsible adult, and I was lying mangled on the driveway, foreign-looking tools in hand, fervently trying to measure the PSI of my tires like a squirming worm suddenly exposed to the sunlight. Letting my mind wander, I thought about driving-from rattling along on my grandpa's knee as a baby while he plowed soy bean fields, to becoming entranced by the roaring of the crowds and the crunching of metal at the fair's Demolition Derby. I even considered, with a cringe, the summer before freshman year when I crashed our van through our house during a childhood driving lesson. I really swore I'd never drive again. I'd like to boast that my reasoning was out of reverence for the greenhouse effect, or even simple courtesy to the lives of other drivers, but really, I think the problem was more with myself. Throughout high school, I've learned that being unable to move on despite life's fender benders or even all out car-totaling isn't really living at all. Taking it slow and easy is refreshing for a while, but a life in cruise control is still a life without power over the accelerator. Taking chances, driving fast, and making mistakes are

what's helping me to learn the lessons I need to become the adult Dad knows is waiting to flourish inside of me. I'm glad for the freedom growing up gives us and am excited to make the most of the years to come. Pass me the air pressure gauge, Dad! Sharon Stewart ...locker…I failed miserably. As I considered vacating the oblong, metal cubbyhole so graciously provided by our school district, I was dissuaded by the daunting task of wading through a sea of worksheets and handouts (the subject matter of which have long been forgotten). Floating atop the monolithic tower of papers was a tattered sketchbook; exposed binding, creased pages, and a missing frontcover were just a few of the fatalities suffered by this sacrosanct paperback that accompanied me to every class and school sanctioned event. The pictures penciled in the front of the sketchbook have become mere graphite smears, and the random ink doodlings tell tales of boredom. A pristine stack of dividers passively mocked me from the top partition of my locker. A reminder of the resolution to maintain an organized binder that I made at the beginning of each trimester; a resolution that I am happy to report was almost attempted this last time around. I don't remember ever seeing the base of the locker, and it is quite possible it doesn't have one. I think I recall a crushed chocolate milk carton, compliments of our school's culinary provisions. Here is the part where I would a conclusion of sorts saying that I am going to miss this institution and all the people in it, blah, blah, blah, etc., etc., etc.

Peter Springsteen …jewelry box I came across pieces of jewelry that I couldn't believe I still had, treasure more than anything else, and were the fads of the moment. There was a ripped woven anklet which I wore the summer between sophomore and junior year. It was at this time that I accepted myself, stopped wearing eye-liner every day and stopped straightening my very curly hair. It was the time I realized my body would not be stick straight and I would never again be 110 pounds. I found the Star of David that I received when I was in the desert in Israel.

I fainted from being too hot and dehydrated, and an Ethiopian boy brought me ice to cool off with.

In my delusional state, I told him I loved his necklace and he gave it to me. My grandmother's ring is the most important piece within the drawer. She raised me so her ring lets me always keep her with me when I'm away from home. It's brought me good luck, fortune, and is stunning like her. Overall I found that while I had gold and silver in my jewelry box, my most prized possessions were far less weighted.

Michelle Rotbart I couldn't even begin to tell you how many paper clips I have found stranded on the hallway floors of MHS this year. All I know is that as I empty out the sack that I like to call my purse, complete with an emergency camcorder tape and a toy dinosaur, I laugh at the number of paper clips that fall with it. It reminds me of Nancy Drew. When I think back on the excitement of my senior year, I can easily sum it all up in three words: Nancy Drew Adventures. It's amazing how some paper clips can really bring back some good memories; memories of video explorations, singing karaoke, lunch in the costume shop, musing over certain individuals at speech tournaments, squirrel noises, cramming to finish MBC broadcasts and glory that was State Thespian Conference. My best and favorite days were spent in the theater, Hands Down.

Unable to throw away these paper clips, which I consider clues, I put them back into my bag, knowing that while my days here at MHS are ending, my adventures never will.

Candice Philpot

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MASON CITY SCHOOLS WISHES

CONGRATULATIONS to the NATIONAL and STATE award winners of 2006-2007 NATIONAL QUALIFIERS ACADEMICS American Scholastic Press Association Drew Allen Olga Borodulin Shea Davidson Stephanie Denzel Caroline Johnson Beth Lipton Kirsten McCafferty Amanda Miller Candice Philpot Jeremy Powers Michelle Rotbart Coleman Sanders Peter Springsteen Jeff Stephens Sharon Stewart Morrison Tracy Stephanie Visscher Spencer Webb Danielle Williams Tricia Wolford Columbia Scholastic Press Association National Gold Circle Winner Rachel Slezak Math Counts Matt Tan National Merit Semi Finalist Chris Abernathy Benjamin Brown Lee Chuan Li Conor Craft Daniel Evans Jacob Huggins Chris Oh Andrea Sohn Puffs Plus Magical Moments Contest Jenna Bovenzi Amanda Kahl John Marshall Nicole Muller Sarah Tuohy Katelyn White Nadine Zaki Speech and Debate Shalini Goyal ATHLETICS Comet Skippers Lauren Adams Carlie Anderson Brittany Astles Arleth Bravo Tracey Brignole Macie Cousineau Amelia Davis Christina Dulovich Michael Dulovich Emily Eckes Olivia Gaus David Gill Cassidy Hackney Allyson Haidet Lydia Hare Kaitlyn Hart Angelina Hendley Jessica Hudspeth Brendan Kelly Carley Kline Gabby Lasala

"The noblest search is the search for excellence."

Lyndon Baines Johnson Ruth Liang Katie Lipps Lynn Lipps Claire Murray Sean Newport Brooke Parker Kate Parker Brittany Pelopida Jeress Pendleton Logan Richardson Symran Robinson Alexandra Simpson Stephen Simpson Jasmine Staples Ellie Thieken Gus Thieken Sammie Thieken Teddy Thieken Lindsay Thomas Patrick Vorbroker Sarah Wells Amy Wilkinson Molly Wilkinson Mayuko Yabe Cameron Zambello Lauren Zambello Competition Cheerleaders Tiwa Akomolede Chanel Allen Jasmine Allen Jamesha Allen Rosalyn Ballato Erin Barsan Jenna Bookman Amber Celesti Priscilla Clark Kaitlyn Crowe Courtney Dunford Katie Earhart Kelsi Harris Sarah Lacca Kelsey Lenert Erin Milner Shelby Money Kaitlyn Muff Bianka Nguyen Kelly O'Neil Megan O'Neil Ashley Petersman Autumn Poovey Christina Rump Katie Schappacher Heidi Schmid Jenna Stauffer Kristy Stephens Maddie Tepe Shannon Wallace Allie Williams Lauren Woycke Dance Team Allyson Barham Alexa Botelho Lauren Bridges Caitlin Burke Brenna Dawson Evelyn Dawson Alexis Dittmer Sara Ditzel Brittany Elam Jessica Fawcett Kayla Greenstone Alexis Hauck Madelaine Hudson Megan Kelley Alli King

Brianna Lawhorn Michelle Malblanc Deanna Mychalishyn Shannon Niehaus Erin Peery Haley Raffensperger Megan Roehm Laura Sirk Hope Slater Justine Thomas Carrie Waide Jessica Zitscher

STATE QUALIFIERS ACADEMICS Buckeye Boys State Competition Brendan Caprio Brian Caprio Chris Harrill Niro Wimalasena Tom Xu Buckeye Girls State Competition Melanie Lennon Shining Li Lindsey Roth Sarah Soliman Destination Imagination Brianna Beckham Bradley Cutter Jarui Desai Brittney Dorton Dillon Drozdz Sophia Drozdz Anuradha Haridhas Sam Hodge Joanne Li Stephen Liao Andrew Lonsway Sabrina Patel Garrett Popovich Harsha Ramesh Julia Shepherd Shivank Singh Ethan Valentine Vivek Vattyam Ben Wilcox Geography Bee Adam Kuenzig Journalism Association of Ohio Schools Olga Borodulin Candice Philpot Rachel Slezak Peter Springsteen Stephanie Visscher Math Counts Kevin Feng Avinash Joseph Jenny Liao Lynne Liao

MHS National History Day Kyle Ammons Nathan Fisher Alex Muetzel Courtney Wittekind MMS National History Day Amanda Dych Josh Glemaker Casey Heim Sharon Liao Umeirra Savani Lauren Wilson

Caroline Johnson Joyce Li Yibo Shao Anjana Venkatesan Christina Westley Tong Zhan Kevin Zhang State Science Day Alex Chernyakhovsky Alex Holzer Avinash Joseph Jenny Liao Ian Lu Namratha Sandella Mubashira Sarnaik Saad Sarnaik Jamie Sobotka Raymond Tan Kaeleigh Warfield Margaret Zhang ARTS

Mock Trial Elliott Betley Anupama Joseph Garrett Leeson Lee Li Wil Miller John Ren Jenny Shen Lauren VanHook Matt Wilkins Ohio Mathematics League Jansen Besecker John Deaton Kevin Huang Jeff Huang Naina Singh Matthew Tan Will Zhang OHMIO Tournament Julian Lu Raymond Tan Dennis Tseng Ray Wang Tong Zhan Power of the Pen Charlotte Eads Ian Howard Katelyn Kang Sharon Liao Amanda Matson Beena Raghavendran Gina Wei Science Olympiad Eric Ditzel David Fritz Chris Harrill Ruby Kandah Lee Li Shining Li Rebecca Lyon Mike Michalak Brendan Rice Rebecca Rothgeb Yibo Shao Andrea Sohn Adam Soliman Sarah Soliman Ray Wang Tong Zhan Xiaomin Zhang Yuanhang Zhang Speech and Debate Melissa Alkiewicz Shea Davidson

All State Choir Alex Muetzel All State Orchestra Eric Hennies Bel Canto Stephanie Ahlers Tiwa Akomolede Kayla Bittner Dori Branch Bianca Brewer Jordan Broughton Christina Burton Kelly Carl Renee Carpenter Lauren Caserta Moira Cevasco Priscilla Clark Jennifer Clay Nicole Croley Mindy Crummitt Kerri Dauzat Nicole Denzel Stephanie Denzel Jessica Donaldson Kate Dowrey Eva Duvall Tess Eger Jessica Fawcett Davin Fluker Candice Fulcher Katie Fulton Diana Gabriel Kristina Geiger Jacqui Germain Kaitlin Goodhew Casey Handy Jenna Hayden Shannon Hebel Lindsay Horlacher Rachel Howie Lara King Julianna Langmajer Aly Lawhead MaryAnn Meyer Sarah Mulkie Barbara Napier Caroline Nesbit Emily Noel Kiley Nolan Renee Rabenold Gabby Reilly Michelle Reinhart Lauren Ringel Katie Sepela Bianca Sidoti Tamra Sims Molly Smith Shannon Steele Melissa Stout Traci Tibbs Mackenzie Touby Lizy Volk

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MASON CITY SCHOOLS WISHES

CONGRATULATIONS to the NATIONAL and STATE award winners of 2006-2007 Kristen Warren Elani Wilson Kirsten Worth Hannah Zimmerman Concert Band Caitlin Allen Jennifer Beckman Megan Bennett Zach Blair Lindsay Buck Nathan Buddemeyer Ian Callander Emma Cevasco Mandy Chiara David Chrzanowski Nick Corey Alex Court Emily Dearworth Kate Delaney Emily Delman Sarah Dubose Jacob Dugan Jared Dvorsky Richard Eckenrode Nick Farrell Brian Fitzgerald Graeme Guinup Kyle Hack Garrett Hackler Shelby Hamet Andrew Hare Julia Heslop Nick Holderbaum Clare Hover AJ Jones Keegan Kallmyer Brent Kane Yohan Kang Dan Lacy Katie Lamb Erin LaMontagne Jeremy Lee Michelle Lee Justin Lightfield Dan Marque Miranda Marshall Cara Maxwell Lyndsey McCall Ryan McCoy Whitney McCoy Matt McKenney Andrea McWhirter Christin Miller Matt Miller Matt Montes Tim Neumann Cody Nolan Ryan Patterson Jesse Patton Dan Pierson Alec Prusinski Dan Scurry Dan Sileo Danni Simms Chad Singleton Victoria Sliger Scott Spencer Sophia Stahl Katie Stigers Sarah Stoffolano Andrew Taggart Stephanie Tape Grant Westrich Kayla Wiemers Mike Wilhelm Honors Concert Choir Michael Ablordeppey Maureen Adaghebalu Brooke Antoine Sarah Avery Megan Bracher Christie Carmichael Emma Cevasco Darien Cooper Becky Crabtree Jessica Donaldson Nick Elliott Ryan Fitzpatrick

"The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor."

Vince Lombardi Ian Gibson Kayla Greenstone Allison Hardman Abby Haynes Tiffanie Heile Lauren King Shelby Knapke Jonathan Lamm Kelsey Lenert Kristin Lonsway Rebecca Lyon Ashley McCall Dan McGlothlin Jacob Mirick Alex Muetzel Elle Muhlbaum Caitlin Mulkie Brittany Palmer Christina Parks Katie Parrott Tony Patti Kyle Raffel Justin Raymundo Courtney Reeves Jordan Reeves Jessica Sanders Abby Scaggs Megan Spillers Adam Stang Jack Stemen Cecilia Suarez Stephanie Tokarz Luke Turner Brett Valls Jill Vincent Mike Weingand Kelsey Whited Jamie Williams MMS Art Exhibitions Joseph Ebersole Marina Ikemoto Devin Owsley-Aquilia Erica Searer Saki Takenaka Ohio Governors Youth Art Exhibit Kathryn Ebaugh Sarah Fukatsu Paul Giovis Miharu Kato Cassandra Mahan Ossian Mendoza Jenny Shen Drew Shields Ben Shields Peter Springsteen Meredith Waddell Shuhui Wen Jamie Williams Scholastic Art Winners Kevin Bland Jessica Brown Caitlin Burke Stephanie Chausse Caitlyn Crites Lauren Dowrey Kathryn Ebaugh Glorimar Garcia Paul Giovis Hannah Hupke Julia Hustedt Betty Kang

Cassandra Mahan Nolan Mann Andrew McLaughlin Ossian Mendoza John Overly Jenny Shen Drew Shields Ben Shields Lauren Simendinger Peter Springsteen Wind Symphony Chris Abernathy Seye Akomolede Henry Aldridge Abby Anderson Kelly Anderson Matt Aumann Rachel Barnes Jordan Barry Aaron Boyle Laura Brignole Kerri Brosenne Jeff Brown Kaitlyn Clendenen Laura Cook Conor Craft Michelle Crenshaw Matt D'Auria Tim Davison Amanda Downey Eric Ebersole Jeff Ellis Daniel Evans Jon Gazda Caryn Gibb Jacob Gibson Chris Glover Andrew Gort Shalini Goyal Eric Hennies Zach Hinson Isaiah Ianniello Tyler Iverson Ben Jiang Tom Keene Matt Keller Nick Kroeger Joe Larson David Lee Lee Li Steven Lim Lily Liu Mallory McKeehan Wil Miller Zach Moehring Ian Molitors Jesse Niehaus Brandon Nolan Chris Oh Adam Paljieg Tyler Pawlak Bryan Petrinowitsch Anthony Pham Mallory Sanders Doug Schoensiegel Leah Seggerman Brittany Sileo Stephen Simpson Adam Soliman Dan Sweeney Vinny Vanslyke Michael Verleye Ben Wagner Matt Walston

Ben Weaver Matt Wilkens Jen Wolf Teddy Yang Xiaomin Zhang Yuanhang Zhang Winter Guard Alissa Bunn Danielle Dakin Rebecca Dritt Chelsea Dynes Glorimar Garcia Clare hover Carli Hudson Lori Jackson Erin LaMontagne Marissa Piloto Alyssa Springsteen Sam Taks Stephane Tape Rachel Trenaman Diana Wu Katie Young Women's Choir Amanda Allen Amy Allen Lisa Arens Jill Bailey Caleigh Bourgeois Leah Bromley Abbie Bruck Justine Burns Kelsey Carpenter Amanda Case Angel Caudill Elyssa Comperchio Emily Cornett Laura Davis Lauren Day Carlie DeMann Katie Elliott Iten Elyassaki Nicole Flask Kira Fluker Sarah Goforth Shelley Granitz Renee Grice Elizabeth Grimm Amy Haake Alex Harvey Tiffany Hays Sammie Heimann Lauren Heslop Jessica Kantor Lindsey Lambert Kayla Mackey Emma Mason Mallory Matson Kristin McMillan Hilliary Melnick Lindsay Miller Samantha Miller Shelby Money Katie Morris Lilly Mueller Elizabeth Nebraski Kris Ogungbemi Abby Paljieg Amanda Puckett Jasmynn Recchia Blayr Richie Lindsay Romaniw Nisha Sachar

Heidi Schmid Lindsay Shaefer Hope Slater Bonnie Smith Jessica Smith Megan Steele Abbey Thomas Ariana Thompson Erica Yancey Carolin Zaniewicz ATHLETICS 2006 Girls Track Ayana Ball Angela Bizzarri Maggie Chaney Katie Chaney Molly Culbertson Catherine Earl Kelsey Flaherty Katie Fulton Elyse Gabel Courtney Gunn Angela Koehler Megan Rudy Emily Staresinic Stephanie Staresinic Rachel Weber Girls Cross Country Natalia Carvalho Stephanie Chaney Angela Koehler Meg Rapp Stephanie Staresinic Emily Staresinic Danielle Terreri Tricia Wolford Girls Gymnastics Jenna Bookman Kiersten Wones MHS Wrestling Nick Difabritus Chad Kline Josh Kline Robert Shepherd MMS Wrestling Jeremy Artrip Spencer Chilcote Jesse Gorsek Brian Luria Jacob Mescher Erich Myers Aaron Walden Kendall Walker Swim Team Jared Bollman Haley Bull Cari Caprio Becky Crabtree Tayor Edwards Brandon Evans Courtney Gunn Spencer Hewes Danielle Jansen Jonathan Joyce Brad Langford Morgan Parker Chris Ragnacci Stephen Sargent Nick Steege Mary Wunderle MHS Tennis Sso-Rha Kang Ashley McCall Emily Pham Lindsay Shaefer

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Congratulations class of ‘07, you’re...

Doomed

...or are you?

Graduates hear similar message each year, ‘times are a changing;’ grads forced to change with them Current world issues affect graduates’ outlook on their future; evoke fears surrounding job opportunities

SENIOR Feedback What concerns you about your future?

BY RACHEL SLEZAK Staff Writer Traditionally seniors graduate from high school with feelings of accomplishment, optimism and high hopes for the future. These hopes can be dashed, however, when students are reminded of the problems they will face in their futures.

While worries for the future are hardly uncommon, this year's seniors will go out into the world to face a unique situation created by

“Being undecided about my major."

Andrew Rutowski

"I'm probably most worried about the war in Iraq and for our country's future.

Let's face it, it seems we’re going nowhere fast."

Katelin Sowders

"Getting out of college and being alone."

Zach Moehring

photo art by Peter Springsteen

"Not being able to achieve all that I believe I can."

Patty Morbach

concerns about global terrorism, Social Security and economic competition.

Statistics show pros, cons of current problems Paul Reedy, Current Global Issues teacher, says that domestic issues will present major problems to high school graduates.

"Issues like the cost of health care, Social Security and violent crime are big concerns and will impact all Americans," Reedy said.

The Cato Institute shares concerns about Social Security; according to their website, "Social Security will begin running a deficit by 2017, just 10 years from now." Unless this year's graduates plan to retire within the next decade, at the rate things are going Social Security will be out of money before they can take advantage of it.

Also, even though Social Security is not yet running a deficit, it is already facing problems. According to the Cato Institute, "The program's total unfunded liabilities now exceed $15.6 trillion," which is $100 billion more

than 2006.

But though Social Security is running out of money, the Bush administration has stated on the White House website that they are committed to solving the problem.

According to the White House website, "President Bush has pledged to work with Congress to find the most effective combination of reforms. He will listen to any good idea that does not include raising payroll taxes."

The Cato Institute is also at work on a solution. Their website states that they are asking Congress to "make tough choices."

Senior Jennifer Wolf says that Social Security isn't a major issue for her at this point.

"I'm not really worried now." Wolf said.

"The older I get the more worried I will be."

By the time this year's seniors graduate, many efforts will have been made to fix Social Security. This could prove to be very important given the increasing costs of health care.

According to the National Coalition on Health Care (NCHC) on their website, "by several measures, health care spending continues to rise at the fastest rate in our history."

For example, according to the NCHC, in 2005 national health expenditures rose 6.9 percent - two times the rate of inflation.

National surveys cited by the NCHC have shown that this increased cost is the primary reason people are uninsured.

However, the government has recognized this problem and is attempting to fix it. For example, President Bush has proposed a plan to Congress involving mainly privatized health care.

On the White House website, Bush is quoted saying that "this plan will help a lot of people afford [health insurance], like the uninsured, the working uninsured…"

In addition to domestic issues, upon graduation seniors will face global conflicts and potential terrorist threats. Current Global Issues teacher Chip Dobson lists Global Terrorism, Fundamentalism and Nuclear Proliferation as three of the most important global problems.

Reedy says that the threat of terrorism is important for seniors though the chance of being directly impacted by an attack is low.

"Even though the chances are very remote that any single Mason student would become the victim of a terrorist attack, the threat of terrorism impacts our world that we live in and this threat will not disappear anytime soon," Reedy said.

But as Reedy mentioned, the chances of a Mason student being a victim of terrorism are very low. Wolf agrees that there is a very small likelihood of her being attacked.

"I feel really bad for the people it happens to, but I don't feel like I'm a target, or where I live is a target," Wolf said.

Job security secured for MHS students by promise of college Other major issues facing high school graduates involve job security in a changing economy. Reedy says that increased global economic competition is one of the major issues students will face.

"Even though outsourcing and offshoring tends to have a bigger impact on poor people in the U.S., the changing world economy will force today's students to be more qualified than previous generations if they want to get good jobs," Reedy said.

Senior Christina Parks says she has realized the increased importance of higher education.

"Every year more people are going to college," Parks said. "Now you can't get a good job without going to college."

Also, work may be harder to find in Ohio; according to CNNmoney.com, Ohio has one of the worst unemployment rates, with 5.6% unemployed.

According to the Department of Labor, between January 2003 and December 2005, 3.8 million workers were displaced from jobs they had held for at least 3 years.

However, the unemployment rate has been dropping since 2003.

According to the Department of Labor, 3.8 million workers was a decrease from 5.3 million in the previous survey from January 2001 through December 2003.

Also, despite worries about the job market, certain professions will always be called for. Wolf, who plans to attend Purdue to study nursing, says this reassures her.

"It's a perk knowing that I'm never going to be without a job," Wolf said.

Diminishing world resources showcase student apathy, reluctance to change Reedy lists increasing demand for the world's resources as one of the most important problems facing graduates.

"As the most populated countries in the world start demanding more resources it will affect Mason graduates as they pay much more for items such as gas, and if alternative energy sources are not soon developed this could lead to international disputes," Reedy said.

This is something Parks says she is very concerned about.

"Resources are getting used up and there will not be enough for the next generation," Parks said.

Continually using resources like petroleum is also contributing to climate change. While there is controversy over Global Warming, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report, released this February, there is 90 percent certainty that climate change is being caused by human activities like burning fossil fuels.

"There is definitely a problem with climate change," Wolf said. "Burning fossil fuels is burning a hole in the ozone layer, and paying for gas is burning a hole in my pocket."

Finally, Dobson says that "indifference to world problems" is one of the worst problems that seniors face. Though there are several issues, including social security and global terrorism, that need solutions, people have a "lack of support for change."

Parks says that while she believes that people have the power to change things, it's "not going to happen."

"People aren't doing anything because these issues are going to effect the next generation, not them," Parks said.

Parks says that our biggest hope is that information about these issues will be spread by word of mouth, but even that may not help solve them.

"You can't force anyone to change," Parks said. "You can ask, beg, and tell them why, but you can't make them."

On the other hand, Wolf says that she thinks the majority of the problems facing this year's graduates, from social security to the depletion of resources, will be solved.

"Our generation will be able to solve a lot of these problems, but not everything," Wolf said.

Past MHS grads say history repeats itself; up to grads to fix today’s problems

BY OL GA BORODULIN Editor Failing social security, skyrocketing gas prices, and the war on terror are just some of the events seniors are encountering as they graduate. But while these threats are serious-it's not the first time Mason graduates have walked into a world plagued with disease and disaster. Mason graduate Glenn Knight, 38, remembers graduating amidst the cold war.

"When I graduated, people were talking about World War III and atomic warfare," Knight said.

However, Knight says any fears concerning the issues he graduated with have been eradicated.

"Things are constantly changing, there are always different solutions but there will always be problems facing the country and the world," Knight said. "Because I'm a parent I worry about what the future holds for my children rather than myself. Either way, I know that history repeats itself but is self-correcting."

Knight isn't wrong in this assumption. The twentieth century has housed the crash of '29, World War II from '39 to '45, Vietnam in '59, along with tuberculosis, AIDS, and SARS outbreaks, not to mention the discovery of the theory of relativity and major breakthroughs in quantum physics. But according to MHS graduate Christine Meibers, 58, changes over time aren't necessarily a bad thing.

"My parents had WW2," Meibers said. "I had Vietnam. It just keeps cycling around. There's always something. Life is messy. But what matters is how you deal with those messes. It builds character to get through a difficult time and to learn something positive from it."

Knight also agreed that if current issues trouble seniors-now is the time to make amends.

"As an individual, if you have strong feelings on an issue you have to understand the situation and educate yourself on the topic," Knight said. "You can make a difference."

Such amendments have already affected past issues in positive ways. By most measures, the economy is doing well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, unemployment has been falling since 2003. The current unemployment rate, 4.5 percent, is low according to the White House.

Unemployment is low thanks in part to creation of new jobs. According to the White House, the economy has added jobs for 44 straight months, creating more than 7.8 million jobs since August 2003.

Americans themselves, not simply the economy, are healthy. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the life expectancy in 2004 was 77.9 years, a record high.

Recent advances have been made in the field of health. A vaccine against HPV, a cause of cancer, has been introduced. Proponents say that this vaccine could "reduce the toll" of cancer, according to the Washington Post.

A vaccine for AIDS may soon follow. According to CNN.com, chimpanzee tests of an experimental vaccine have been "sufficiently promising to allow human trials."

Other advances in AIDS have also been made; the same CNN.com story talks about a threedrug cocktail that "was shown to devastate HIV in the tonsils and lymph nodes, where the virus is produced and stored."

Today's graduates may end up in a world free of AIDS with a booming economy.

Knight looks upon the next few years of college as the best years for graduates to explore.

"I think there's great optimism for current seniors-to me, some of the best years of my life were in college," Knight said. "In the next four or five years, seniors will be able to explore the options of their future and progress on their own. You can pursue anything."

As for allowing tragedy to affect one's life, Meibers finds that focusing too much on tragic events doesn't help those afflicted with specific issues.

"During Vietnam, several boys in my class' number was picked to serve and three students died," Meibers said. "My husband, at the time, was missed [for the draft] by five numbers. I can't imagine how different my life would have been if he had served in Vietnam."

Meibers still finds that the events of Vietnam while she was a senior simply shaped her as a person.

"I have faith in people," Meibers said. "The bottom line is people are strong and I don't think God gives you things in your life without the strength to handle them. It's possible to rise about anything."

Knight, too, agrees that the history always has problems but is able to be changed.

"If you go back through history, there are always issues facing us: World War I, World War II, polio, malaria, Vietnam, the Holocaust," Knight said. "History does repeat itself; there has always been some thing afflicting our generations. It's all in how you handle it."

-Staff Writer Rachel Slezak contributed to this report

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May 31, 2007

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SENIOR Feedback Who was your most hated opponent?

Lady Comet track team continues its reign over the FAVC “Glen Este, because their coaches and players were obnoxious.”

Emilee Harpen, Girls Bowling

“Kings because they have an attack man named Yoshi and that kid is a punk.”

Ben Rood, Boys Lacrosse

Make it five in a row for dominant Comet track team Solid foundation has been built for continued success

By COLEMAN SANDERS Staff writer

“Sycamore because we played each other tough and they always gave us a good game.”

Ali Bagley, Girls Basketball

Few Mason teams, if any, have been as dominant as the girls varsity track team for the past five years. Last month, the team became the first in Mason history to win the FAVC crown for five consecutive years in any sport.

An even more significant indicator of the program's continued success is the fact that this is the first year all members of the team have been part of the program's second generation of athletes. Last year's seniors were freshman when the first in the current string of league titles was won. This year, without the likes of Angela Bizzari, Kelsey Flaherty, or Elise Gabel, the team showed that success wasn't because of just two or three classes of talented runners. Instead, it looks like sustained excellence is what this team is built for.

The construction of the powerhouse began in 2002 when head coach Tony Affatato took the helm of the program. In the six seasons since, Affatato says that the team's foundation for winning has not changed.

"There are three main reasons why we're successful," Affatato said. "First, we have a lot of multi-sport athletes on the team. Second, we have a great coaching staff. Finally, the girls that compete on the team are dedicated, determined, disciplined, and they like performing."

The Talent

“Harrison becuase they talk a lot and they think they are the best.”

Brian Hyland, Wrestling

“Springboro because they always give us a good game.”

Chris Hall, Baseball

Mason athletic teams have the benefit of drawing from one of the largest talent pools in the area. With total high school enrollment near 3000 students, there is a good probability that there are athletes that the program could use. Sometimes though, they just don't know it.

To combat this and bring interest to the sport, Affatato works with other coaches to get top athletes onto the team.

"We do go after athletes on other teams who have not done track before," Affatato said. "Catherine Earl is a perfect example. She played basketball and for years we had gone after her. Now she shot puts for us and she's one of the best in Ohio. She ranked third in the state."

Earl is now thankful that she took up the sport.

"Affatato first started trying to get me to do it sophomore year," Earl said. "I didn't really want to do it because I didn't think I would be good at it. Now, looking back, I think I should have taken it up earlier. It's probably something I'll do in college."

Earl also feels that her basketball skills have helped her be successful at shot put.

"Being a post-player has helped me, because footwork is important in both sports," Earl said.

One would think that after 25-plus state qualifiers and several once-in-a-program runners later, the talent well would run a little dry. Instead, this year's varsity squad has several sophomore runners, including Rachel Harley, who is ranked as one of the top hurdlers in the Cincinnati area.

The Coaching The stability of a program all starts with the coach. A changing of the leadership every couple of years can affect the focus of a team. Luckily for the girls track team, leadership has been a constant for all the members' high school

careers.

Members of the team, like junior Rachel Weber, feel that having Affatato and his style of coaching for their time on varsity is part of the winning formula.

"With coach Affatato being a constant, I think he has played a big part in our success," Weber said. "He knows all the girls, knows what we can do, how to push us. We're very comfortable working with him."

Junior Katie Fulton agrees.

"We have excellent coaching," Fulton said. "We have so much faith in our coaches. We work hard to make them happy."

That is the way Affatato wants the girls to feel about him and the rest of the coaching staff.

"I would hope that we as a staff would do what's best for the team and best for the kids," Affatato said. "All of us care about them like daughters. We want to coach them how we would want our daughters to be coached by others."

Affatato also feels that a lot of the credit should go to others on the staff.

"I feel that all the members do an unbelievable job," Affatato said. "Most of us have been together for five or six years."

One of the notable philosophies of the coaching staff is the emphasis on strength and conditioning.

"One of our biggest goals while the girls are with the team is to make them better athletes," Affatato said. "When girls hit the weights, they recover quicker than boys and the results show faster. You can definitely see the difference with our team versus others on a windy day."

The girls themselves acknowledge that the lifting has helped make them successful.

"We focus on getting stronger. We know we have to get in and lift," Fulton said. "Getting stronger has very much played a part in our success."

The Legacy Having teams that finished first, fifth, and second the last three years at state finals will leave a lasting impression on a program. Affatato knows that success breeds more success and hopes that each year builds upon the previous. To do this, he makes the teams know that they are part of greatness.

"Bizzarri, Gaunt, Dooley, Flaherty, Young, Sistrunk; those are some of the greatest runners in school history. They're almost legends," Affatato said. "We want the girls to remember the past to honor those who came before them."

The responsibility of living up to the legacy is not lost on team members.

"We want to follow in the foot steps of those who came before us," Weber said. "We want to surpass what the people before us did."

Weber's teammates also feel that they have to meet the level of success previously enjoyed.

"We strive to meet the standards set by the people who ran before us," Harley said.

During their final season, seniors like Courtney Gunn work to leave their imprint on the program behind.

"I try to lead by example," Gunn said. "When I was younger, Bizzarri and the rest showed us what it took to be successful.

Affatato can see how the team passes the mantel of success from one year to the next among its members.

"Our girls understand the tradition," Affatato said. "They're good apprentices of the program."

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SENIOR Feedback What was your worst practice moment?

“When we kept missing free throws and we had to run for 45 straight minutes.”

Matt White, Football, Basketball, Baseball

“When we had to do five one mile repeats in 90 degree weather without a water break.”

Angela Koehler, Track, Cross Country

“Six in the morning practices for baseball on Saturdays.”

Kyle Weldon, Baseball

“Running gasers until we all died from exhaustion.”

Jen Phillips, Girls Lacrosse

“95 degree heat and fielding a million balls” Katie Stone, Softball

May 31, 2007

Girls track team claims 4th straight regional title; next up state championship "Words cannot even describe what amazement I am under in what Wones has done from this year to last year," Affatato said. "Never in my life have I ever seen After losing some of the most prolific track runners in something so incredible. Last year she jumped 7'06.00 Ohio history, it would have been easy for the Girls track and now she's jumping a 10'04.00. That's almost a three team to have low expectations coming into this season. A feet distance; it's the most amazing thing I have ever fifth consecutive FAVC title and now a fourth straight seen done in any sport." regional championship later and the 2007 Comets have Catherine Earl (shot), Lindsey Ossim (disc), Tiwa earned their stripes. With 11 girls qualifying Akomolede (high jump), and Kiersten for the state meet, coach Tony Affatato is Wones (pole vault) make up the four optimistic. competitors from the field that will be "When you get into state competition, going to state. anything can happen," Affatato said. "We "Our four girls in the field were incredcan't have any let down and we need to stay ible," Affatato said. "There is a bright focused on the task ahead." future in those events for years to come.

At the Regional Championship, Affatato They can take us a long way." stressed the importance of teamwork to his The traditional running dominance is athletes before they competed. In what is still in full throttle as seven runners will the foundation for the girls track program, be moving on to state. Affatato believes teamwork has guided the team to where that was the biggest space to fill. they are today according to Affatato.

"We had to replace three state quali"The girls were unselfish in the meet and fiers and an eight-time state champion in they did what we had to do to win," running," Affatato said. "Our girls "We had to replace Affatato said. "They did a lot of things to stepped up huge this year." three state qualifiers score points and in the end we won.

According to Affatato, Rachel Weber, Everyone that has competed since our con- and an eight-time state Rachel Harley, and Molly Culbertson champion in running. have been some of the brighter spots on ference meet has really been a huge part of our success."

Our girls stepped up the roster. Harley and Culbertson were In what can be called the biggest surprise both part of the junior varsity team last huge this year." of the season, the field aspect of the sport season as freshman. has stunned not only Affatato himself but "Those three girls have really turned it Mr.Tony Affatato many of their opponents as well. Mason up a notch this year," Affatato said.

Head Girls’ Track Coach will be sending a qualifier for four of the "Harley and Culbertson last year both ran five events, a feat Affatato described as junior varsity and both are big time studs "unbelievable". now; all three of them will be participating at state now."

"We've been a traditional running school for a long With state around the corner, Affatato remains happy time," Affatato said. "Now we are dominant in the field with what the team has accomplished so far. He also. Winning in both events makes life a lot easier." described that team as a "pleasant surprise".

During Affatato's coaching tenure in both football and "I feel great right now and I'm looking forward to see track, never before has he seen a more shocking surprise how the girls perform," Affatato said. "This team has than the excellence sophomore Kirsten Wones has disreally showed me something and I'm glad to see them fill played in her first four weeks competing at the varsity some big shoes. That teamwork will get you a long way." level.

By MORRISON TRACY Sports Editor

MHS staff members run in Flying Pig Marathon to help couple in need

By MORRISON TRACY Sports Editor People say a good friend would run a thousand miles for a friend in need; softball coach Brian Castner did just that at the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon on May 5.

Running alongside Castner was Mason High School principal Dave Allen, both striving to raise money for an in vitro fertilization process meant for Mason education aide Craig Buken’s wife.

"I ran for a close friend and his wife to help off set the cost of the in vitro process," Castner said. "It's very expensive and a single operation can cost around ten thousand dollars. We had to do something to help them out."

Bucken and his wife have been looking forward to having children since their marriage, but have unable to conceive. The in vitro procedure, which involves removing a females eggs and placing them in a fluid medium containing the male's sperm so as to increase likelihood of conceiving, has a 43 percent success rate. Castner hopes that this venture may give the couple the family they'd been working for.

"The fact that running a race would help Craig and his wife to have a kid was motivation enough for me," Castner said. "I wanted to help them have a baby."

When Castner received word that Bucken needed help, he quickly began talking with other MHS teachers to raise money. Girls basketball coach Rob Matula jumped on board with Castner and ran in the marathon.

"I talked to several teachers like Rob and had them join in on raising money," Castner said. "Matula and three of my friends ran a relay together. Dr. Allen and myself were the two that ran the whole marathon."

Castner, with the help of Allen and Matula, was able to raise over $4600 for the Bucken family.

"With the money we raised in total, I think we made a great effort to help our friend," Castner said. "I hope things go well with Craig and his wife."

Besides the obvious benefits of helping a friend, its apparent marathons are challenging and taxing. Castner and Allen followed a strict regiment to prepare.

"The training was very difficult.Dr. Allen and I started a three month program to help us prepare," Castner said.

"We had a weekly agenda that went like this: Monday we ran two miles, Wednesday we ran six to eight miles, Thursday we ran two miles, and finished with Saturday, which was the toughest. Saturday we started at 10 miles and added two each week till we reached 20 miles."

According to Allen, he also was able to lose a significant amount of weight.

"I was about 30 pounds over weight at the beginning of the school year and I wanted to get in better shape," Allen said. "I really needed to have a goal to help me stay motivated through weight loss, so what better way to stay on course than to train for a marathon."

The Flying Pig Marathon is a grueling and agonizing 26 mile race. Castner says running the marathon was the hardest hing he’s ever done.

"It was the hardest thing I've ever done and ever will do," Castner said. "I have competed in sports my entire life and nothing compares to this. I thought wrestling was hard but now I know better."

Allen agrees with Castner.

"Finishing a marathon is an unbelievable feeling," Allen said. "It's pretty emotional when you cross the finish line."

Castner, looking back on the race, remembers the marathon as a great accomplishment in his life.

"Running the marathon was a really big accomplishment for me," Castner said. "It's something I always wanted to do but never thought I would. I honestly never thought I would run in an actual marathon."

Days after the marathon, the pain and the aches set in immediately. According to Allen, the effects of running a marathon are all part of the event.

"I was actually surprised at how good I felt during the marathon, my legs felt great," Allen said. "I did develop a blister the size of a softball on the bottom of my foot. It still hurts."

Aches and pains aside, Castner feels that it was all for Bucken.

"He's the only reason I ran it," Castner said. "All the pain and aches are worth it because of the money we raised. I think that is what I am most proud of."

the CHRONICLE

conversation A CONVERSATION WITH...

Derek Brown Senior Powderpuff Head Coach

How does it feel to be head coach of the 2007 Powder Puff Championship winning team?

I'm not going to lie, it is extremely satisfying. It feels good to wake up every morning as a champion.

Where does Powder Puff Football rank in your memorable events at MHS? It was definitely one of the most electrifying things I've ever done at Mason. I had a lot of fun contending in such an intense competition. It was also nice to bond with the coaches and girls.

What inspired you to take the head coach position and what was the hardest part of the job?

I knew with my resources I could assemble a top notch coaching staff. I never back down from a challenge, so when the offer was thrown my way, I had no choice but to accept. The hardest part of the job was organizing the girls because they didn't have the longest attention span. We had to work hard to keep practice exciting yet instructive.

Who did you look up to as a coach and why?

Bob Stoops and Frank Beamer because they really demand a lot from their players and they don't except anything but perfection. I tried to instill a lot of their coaching beliefs into my program.

What was the largest obstacle that the juniors threw your way?

It was a struggle the whole game to control the clock. We tried to run the ball and somehow the juniors still found ways to stop the clock.

After Victory over the juniors, does the team have any plans to move on to bigger and better things?

A lot of the girls want to get a game together this summer against Lakota East or West.

A rematch against the juniors has also been tossed around.

Has Powder Puff Football changed the way you view woman's sports? How? No. How has your team inspired you as a coach and as a person?

After seeing the effort and dedication that the girls exhibited, I've really been encouraged to give my all at everything I do.

What will you cherish most about Powder Puff Football 2007?

I will always remember the intensity of the girls underneath those Friday night lights.

Also, I will never forget the joy on their faces when Kristen crossed the goal line for victory in overtime.

--Compiled by Jeff Stephens

May 31, 2007

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Earl receives letter from former record holder After only one year of competition senior could challenge for state title

By COLEMAN SANDERS Staff writer With less than a season of any shot putting experience under her belt, senior Catherine Earl took her place in school history earlier this season by breaking the school distance record.

The record, previously held

by Jeannie King since 1981, stood at 37'5". In her first meet of this season, Earl Earl shattered the mark with a distance of 38'7". Since then, she has broken the record several times more, with it now standing at 40'4.5" When she began, Earl did not feel that she would be so successful.

When I first started I didn't think I'd go anywhere with it. I was just trying to get better," Earl said.

Her coach, George Coates, agrees that she didn't start well.

"Last year was her first year doing the event," Coates said. "She threw it about 22 feet, which is not very good. I could still see the potential though.

By the end of last year she got it up to 37 feet."

That distance was on five inches short of the

school record. Once informed of it, Earl made the throwing she was competing at state," Coates said. school mark her goal for the year.

"This year she looks to be #1 at regionals and a con"It was what I was trying to shoot for this season," tender for the state title."

Earl said. "Once I got it, it Earl is more modest about how she'll perform. was an awesome feeling.

"There is so much more that I can work on.

Its amazing to think that I Every day I learn something new am part of the record from Mr. Coates," Earl Excerpt of note books now." said. sent to coach M Shot & Discu Upon hearing of the Despite her lack of Am I co s r. Georg rrect at e Coate s experience, Earl can see reading new mark, former record was bro m ke this y ear by C y shot put reco throw o holder Jeannie Ward herself competing in colr f 40 fee a t!? WOW therine Earl w d contacted both Earl and awesom lege. ith a th e. see it. P I wish I would at is totally Coates to offer her "I definitely want to lease te h a ve been ll her I congrat congratulations. throw in college," Earl t h e s r aid e to ula "Jeannie Ward came The pres tions! I hope s said. "I've been blessed to he mak sure go es t later & and visited when she be able to be this successI still w to me and I ble it to State. on’t for w course I it heard the record had ful." .

2 5 years get t am disa ppointe hat feeling. Of been broken," Coates meant to Coates also sees more big d, but a be brok ll recor en. said. "Last year, things in Earl's future. ds are Best reg when Catherine "Catherine is a very gifted ards, Jeanne came so close, I and talented person," Coates War told [Ward], 'We're Class of 8 d said. "For someone to jump in 2 going after your after the first year and be state record'. She said qualifier, it shows that she has that was fine, that it had dedication and drive. She wants stood for long enough." to be good. She'll be very comNow, with her place in Mason history firmly petitive in college; she has secured, Earl looks to do well this postseason.

Division I ability. She's making her mark."

"Last year, with just half a season of varsity

The Comet Culture Grid How do the COMETS fit in?

Which Mason athletes jersey would you buy?

CARLY MILLER Sr., Softball

Christa Miller’s #1 because she’s my sister

CALEB SWANSON Sr., Baseball

Robby Boyd’s baseball jersey

KELLY STROSNIDER Sr., Track

Kevin Wehby’s #4

NICK ELLIOT Sr., Lacrosse

ERIN SWIGART Sr., Lacrosse

DAVID VALENTINE, Sr., Lacrosse

Bare’s #20 becuase she is a beast

Derek Courts #27

Laying Someone Out

Owning some serious n00bs

Hitting somebody

Whit...e

White

Cheerleading

Great Outdoor Games

Anchovies

Larosa’s sauce

CiCi’s Macaroni & Cheese Pizza

Dumbest idea ever

Crazy!

Intense

Branden Lindsey’s

Winning What is the sweetest feeling in sports?

Winning

White or Wheat?

White

White, definitely white

Wheat

White

Cheerleading

Soccer

Cheerleading

Cheerleadi ng

...is not a real sport.

What pizza topping makes you Anchovies sick?

Powder Puff football was...

Awesome!

Hitting a walk off homerun

I don’t eat anything but cheese

I like everything on my pizza

Incredibly unathletic

A breeze for the seniors!

SENIOR Feedback What was the most overused phrase used by coaches?

“Two ships passing in the night.”

Matt Koman, Football

“Wehby you’re going to be a decoy this week.”

Kevin Wehby, Football

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ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

Ali Rice

1st Team All Fort Ancient Valley Conference

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1st place finish at FAVC meet with a distance of 9’06.00”

Hours: Monday-Saturday 11am-10pm Sunday 12pm-9pm

Top Pole Vault height 10’06.00”

May 31, 2007

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SENIOR Feedback What style are you glad is out?

“Sweater vests because they are disgusting.”

Rachel Burrell

“Bad hair dying jobs.”

Kiley Nolan

May 31, 2007

Fashion Wire Four tips to keep your future dorm room your own personal oasis

BY DANIELLE WILLIAMS Staff Writer Summer is swiftly approaching and for seniors, college is just weeks away. Before we can completely relax by the poolside in our bikinis and trunks we will be preparing to pack everything we own, our whole lives, only to move it in a fourth of the space we're used to. Impossible? Not exactly.

After talking with returning college friends, researching several sites, and actually seeing my own dorm room, I've learned it's possible to turn a small space into a spacious living area with the use of organizers, colors and a dash of personal style.

Now, I'm determined more than ever to create a comfortable, spacious suite to make dorm life like a luxury hotel stay..

A Piece of You is Essential In college whether you're a plane ride away from home or right around the corner, if you're planning on living on campus it is imperative to decorate your dorm because a piece of you is essential. There will be many days when we will crave to be in the comfort of our own homes, and our only desire will be to flop tiredly onto our own beds. However, to prevent these homesick wishes, create a collage of friends and family on a bulletin board, set frames around your room with more pictures of loved ones, bring sentimental items such as the blanket you can't live

without or the stuffed animal you've had since you were five.

Put up posters of your favorite movies or musicians and anything else you might like. These items will undoubtedly give you a closer feeling to home.

In order to relieve stress from classes, create an oasis by adding a large comfy rug, large body pillows and adding a mattress pad to your bed for extra comfort.

By creating a comfortable, personal living space you will be sure to feel focused, productive, energized and a little less homesick!

Organization is key Although we only have so much space to work with, staying organized is a factor in making the most of your living space and college experience.

Your dorm serves as a place to store your necessities, study, sleep, and entertain. And let us not forget this small space also has to be shared with a roommate. Rearrange your furniture to not only fit your personal style, but to create more storage and living space.

Maximize your storage space by lofting your bed.

Use closet organizers to arrange your clothes and accessories. Buy Spacemaker bags to throw your clothes in and roll them to make more room in your closet.

Also, it is imperative to keep up with your busy schedule of classes, homework, social events, and personal time, so bulletin boards, calendars and plas-

Express Yourself "The spandex leggings under girls' skirts."

Eric Ebersole

"When girls would color the tips of their hair with highlighters."

Mary Ann Meyer

Name: Yelizaveta Morozova Age: 18 Style Inspiration: “I don't have a style icon, I'd like to think I come up with my own signature look; nothing borrowed, just my own creation.”

Signature Color: “I love to put all different colors together to mix and match.”

Favorite Store:” I don't really have a favorite store. I like going into vintage places. You can always find something unique.”

Best Creation: “I don't have a best creation because I love to put pieces together and just see what comes out.”

That’s got to go: “When people try too hard to match. Like your belt and shoes don't really have to be the same color.”

Favorite Trend: “I love how the 80s and 20s are coming back with the high pant and frilly top.”

Best Cosmetic Line: “I use MAC and Bare Essentials because they both use minerals as their base product.”

My summer look consists of: “striped bright colored shorts, tank top with ruffles, and a waist belt, topped off with chunky strappy heels, and a ponytail with a head band.”

Guys vs Girls Takes His&Her Q&A To feel more confident, girls sometimes feel the need for excessive amounts of makeup. What's your take?

"Ponchos."

Laura Hurt

His take

“Girls don't need excessive makeup to be confident. Makeup is just a way for girls to feel more secure. I believe that this applies to some girls but not all.”

Ryan Collins, Junior

Her take "Gauchos."

Nav Singh

“I'm comfortable with having no makeup on. It's fun to play with makeup and it makes me feel confident, but I rather have people like me and think I'm pretty with no make up.. all natural.”

Jessica Fawcett, Sophomore

StyleStatistics Summer is a time of fun in the sun and bright, funky accessories. Where are you planning to find yours?

"Crop tops."

Kelsey Lenert

Claires 22% Target 20% Fossil 8% Forever 21 50% Based on a poll of 100 randomly selected students.

tic crates are perfect for storing books, notebooks, etc.

Keepin’ it clean Staying clean is also important, so designate one day out of the week to clean and maintain your organization. Depending on your schedule, maintain one day out of the week to clean. A trash can, trash bags, laundry hampers, vacuum cleaner, and all purpose cleaner, will be necessities for your dorm.

Think about how quickly your dirty clothes pile up now. With the limited space you have it will be imperative to keep those dirty clothes in a hamper.

Try to schedule days to do laundry to maintain a clean, organized room. from having a messy room your mother would not be proud of.

Where to get it!

After reading about all the necessities I will need for my dorm, I immediately begin to ask where is the best place to find all of these things at the best price. The best places are stores most of us go to often such as, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, Linens' and Things, Pier 1, Costco.

Make a list of everything you will need and as you gather these necessities keep them all together and check them off. Before going out and buying everything on your list, I would suggest going through your house first, but don't clean out the whole house, leave your parents some things!

? t a h t Picasso at your fingertips

What’s up with

BY MICHELLE ROTBART Staff Writer

The newest fashion accessory is nothing that can be washed, dried or stowed away in your dresser drawer or jewelry box. In fact you could even change it every day (if you had the time and patience) to match every outfit and show off every mood. Still unsure of what this obscure could be? Well it's not an item, its nail art. Just after Prom, I took note of less French manicures and light pink hues and more checkers, stripes and candy inspired colors on girls’ nails. Really? Dominos and polka-dots on your nails? What's up with that?

According to about.com, "Nail polish can be traced back to at least 3000 BC when it originated in China. The Chinese found ways to use egg whites, gelatin, and bees wax to create varnishes and lacquers for the nails. In certain countries including China and Egypt, lower ranking women were only permitted to wear pales tones. These women could even be punished for wearing the royal colors."

Sounds like very extreme measures for something a bit minute. Cute but still minute.

Unlike the ancient women of these empires, girls at Mason High School have no obstacles to overcome to wear what lacquer they choose. The girls have creatively thought of yet another way to show of their imagination without having to go to the mall and put together clothes and accessories.

According to junior Rachel Weber she started doing her nails with white and green polka dots at her first track meet this year to "distract the other girls on the starting line." Rachel's originality has extended past competitive tactics and now she does her nails in different designs every three days.

Senior Jamesha Allen says that her wild nail design themes are inspired by ordinary object and patterns she sees throughout the day.

"Whenever I go to get them done, I'll bring in pictures or come up with my own idea. I've been inspired by skittles and dominions and I turned it in to the theme for my nails. I'll look at something cute and funky and be like 'oh I can put that on my nails," Allen said.

Allen also likes that her nail designs are unique and show a character of her.

"I want to be exclusive; if I'm paying money for it I want it to look hot and distinctive. I'm able to show my individuality because I'm not all calm and collective and safe so my nails aren't either," Allen said.

Weber also likes to fun and different according to her mood and attire.

"One day I got tired of pink. I do my nails myself so I have the ability to change them whenever I want. I use NYC Brands which are 93 cents at Wal-Mart; they have good colors and are cheap," Weber said.

Though this fad is a bit over the top, it definitely takes personality to pull it off. However, to keep it looking classy and cute just paint your design on your two ring fingers. Take advantage before this fad chips away!

Style Giveaway

Summer is finally here and we know you want mark. by Avon to keep your skin glowing for the beautiful weather. This month for the final issue, The Chronicle is givng away stimulating shower water, a purifying mud facial and a mini-facial kit. (At least now you won’t be spending money at an expensive spa.) You are the winner if you have a sticker somehwere on this page! Come down to room C110 by the end of the day and claim your spa package.

You Really Can Win!

Senior Sarah Avery was last month’s winner of The Chronicle style giveaway, which was a beauty travel package from Lancome.

“My birthday is next week so this is a good present,” Avery said. “A girl can never have enough perfume.”

the

May 31, 2007

chronicle

21

SENIORS 18, JUNIORS 12

Powder Puff game proves spirit is alive

BY OLGA BORODULIN Editor It took a sudden death overtime but in the end the senior girls were victorious in the rebirth of what students hope to see as an enduring tradition at Mason High School.

After a six year hiatus Powder Puff football returned to the gridiron on May 5 with incredible results.

"It was definitely intense," junior girls coach Josh Krusling said. "The competitiveness really showed through. We really wanted it."

The game was proof that a student run activity could succeed. With the help of high school health teacher Emily Shiverski the game was a well attended spirited affair that featured tremendous athleticism and plenty of excitement. It began at six o'clock on Friday, May 5, and stretching into nine o'clock.

In the end the senior girls fended off the pesky juniors 18-12 in sudden death overtme. While the seniors seemed to consistently dominate throughout the game, the juniors made a desperate comeback to send the game in to overtime.

While some "battle injuries" were sustained according to senior and MVP Kristen Lamotte, the game was played with a level of competitiveness that was not expected.

"Honestly, I didn't think that we had as many athletic girls that would be able to stand playing football," Lamotte said. "But once we started practicing, I realized that these girls knew what they were doing and wanted to play."

It was a combination of athleticism that made this game so intense.

"I think that if we weren't so competitive, the game wouldn't have gone into overtime," Lamotte said.

"That's what made it so interesting because I didn't think they would score, and once they did, all the sen-

iors wanted to win that much more.”

Junior Rosalyn Ballato was disappointed in the loss but found the entire night to be an exciting event for students.

"Even though we lost, we had so much fun," Ballato said. "I think we really saw that in the fans, as well. The juniors tailgated, and took our practices seriously, and we had a lunch photo contributed beforehand where we The seniors were victorious in the Powder Puff football game. practiced and got juniors and seniors," Ballato said. pumped. We took it really seriously."

Shiverski attributed much of the popularity of the Both teams spent several weeks preparing for the game to the student’s incentive to arrange most of the game with numerous practices. Senior coaches Derek activity.

Brown and Matt Koman along with junior coach Josh “I think that because it was student-led, students were Krusling were able to focus on plays along with the able to involve others in it,” Shiverski said. “They were basics of football. excited about it.”

"They really took to the plays pretty fast," Krusling The difference in spirit at the powderpuff game was said. "I thought they wouldn't catch on but they did." also something noticed by both Krusling and Ballato.

Krusling attests that he had classic coach moments of "I'm a cheerleader, and it's so difficult to raise spirit at frustration and ecstasy during the game, and held severMason games," Ballato said. "I've gone to a lot of other al huddles where he tried to evoke inspiration from his school's games and they have so much more school players. spirit. But I definitely thought at this game we really got "There was definitely emotion in it," Krusling said.

"You want all of the hard work to pay off, and they real- a response from our crowd."

While this year marked the game's first run, the curly went out there and were incredible." rent juniors look forward to repeating it next year and The game, according to Shiverski, raised around taking the role of the seniors. $1500 and had around 250 people in attendance.

"I can't wait to do it again next year," Ballato said.

Shiverski noted that there was a variety of students in "We'll have stories to tell and of course, as seniors, we'll attendance, ranging from freshman to seniors. want to win. This is definitely a tradition I hope contin"There were freshman and sophomores, along with ues."

SENIOR Feedback What have you gotten away with at MHS?

"I cut the leg off a frog and threw it in someone's locker."

Ben Doublett

"Texting, sleeping in class, and cheating."

Beth Carter

22

the

chronicle

May 31, 2007

Have fun this summer and

make great money Seeking outgoing individuals who can easily approach people No selling Must be at least 17 Work close to home Great pay and bonus

Call Pam 870-8083

the

May 31, 2007

The Classes of

SE7EN To compare high school experiences through the years, we've talked to members of past, present and future graduating classes. Times have changed since the class of 1947 graduated, and will change again by the time the class of 2017 passes through the school. Certain things, however, like friendships, school and concerns for the future, appear to be universal.

What did you like to do on a Friday night with your friends?

As a Seventh-day Adventist Christian, I was at home worshipping the Lord on Friday night, the beginning of the Bible Sabbath.

What were your concerns for the future?

I really didn't have any concerns. It always seemed as though everything would just work out right.

Baird Corrigann

‘47

What activities were you involved in?

I was in the band. The only thing we had was basketball, track, and baseball. That's all we had in school.

What was the most important event that happened during your high school years?

In 1947 one of the newsworthy things that happened was at our commencement the principal, [Mr. Wilson] died. He died in the hall next to the gym. I'm thinking he had a heart attack. He was out in the hall. I guess [the ceremony] was over and we went out there and there he was.

What was your favorite class?

I wasn't very academic. I probably didn't have any favorites. I didn't care for school and I didn't go to college. I'm trying to think how many kids from my class went to college. I don't think any of them did. People didn't go to college back then like they do today.

What were your plans for after high school?

I planned to attend Miami University and become a Math teacher.

Class of

What was your favorite TV show?

Believe it or not, I didn't have a television! I could usually be found in front of a football game at a friend's house on Sundays, though.

‘87

What was your favorite class?

That's a tough one. Algebra II or AP Calculus with Mrs. Sandra Stanutz, or possibly AP English IV with Mrs. Katherine Ross.

What were your concerns about the future?

I don't think I was "concerned" about the future, per se... I looked forward to it, even if I wasn't sure how everything was going to play out. I guess I was either pretty confident, or just naïve.

What did you like to do on a Friday night?

Probably went up to Girton's and played cards. It originally was a bus station and soda fountain and you could get your ice cream and soda's there. It was right next to where Angelo's is.

What were your concerns about the future?

The Korean War was getting close to starting. We had to register for the draft because World War II was just over two years ago. I was two years too Ted Honerlaw young, maybe three, to be in the Second World War. [When] we were sophoWorld War II was big news and when that got over it was just a relief to Class of mores have freedom and go play.

Zachary Moore

Class of

‘97

What was your favorite class?

No contest. Orndorff's Brit Lit. That class was awesome. I'd sell my house and come back to Mason just to take that class again if he was still teaching. I can't imagine a more sublime mixture of literature, philosophy, and utter coolness in one 50-minute period. And anyone who says differently is lying. Of course, I'll happily give a consolation prize to Chris Ennis' Chem II class- competing against Brian Harshman to see which one of us could titrate sodium hydroxide to get the lightest possible shade of phenolphthalein- that was the entrancement that led me into a science PhD. What do you like to do on a Friday night?

Hang out with friends,do whatever. We go out to eat a lot, [go to] movies, sometimes shopping.

What activities were you involved in?

I was in both the junior and senior musicals, [South pacific and guys and Dolls.] They were huge back then. It was almost a class thing. You had a junior play and a senior play and then you had a junior and senior musical. I Gary Popplewell played football, basketball, and I ran track for one year.

What are your concerns about the future?

That if it won't turn out how I want it to. Global warming. I'm afraid that war will get worse than it already is.

Class of

Carly Miller

‘67

Class of

What was your favorite class?

I had a lot of them. I would say Brit Lit with mrs. Ross who taught for years and years. She's my all time favorite teacher. We used to do soliloquies and lines from plays we had to recite from memory.

It was the only senior English and there weren't any AP levels.

What did you do on a Friday night with your friends?

If it was during basketball season I had a game. If it was after that there wasn't much to do around here so we had to drive to the Frich's in Sharonville. That was the closest restaurant thing around.

What were your concerns for the future?

Back then as teenagers I don't think we looked that far into the future. I don't think we looked at what was going to happen 10-15 years from now. We had already basically been through a war. When I grew up that was when the Greg Richards Vietnam War was going on. We thought we wouldn't have to go through that Class of again.

‘77

What were your plans for after high school?

My plans were to go to college and I wanted to be a baseball player. I did get a chance to be a minor league player. And I was able to become a teacher and a coach, what I set out to do.

What was the most important event that happened while you were in high school?

By junior year Kings Island opened. It brought something for us to do and people to the community.

I think it paved the way for more things to come out this way.

‘07

Class of

‘77

What was your favorite class?

I can't say that I had a favorite class, but I would say that one of my favorite teachers was Mr. Hamilton, who taught Government. He was one of the few teachers who had an impact on me after I graduated high school and I truly believe I wouldn't be the person I am today if it weren't for some of the advice he gave me right before graduation.

What activities are you involved in?

Varsity Softball

What was the most important event that happened during your high school years?

The aftermath of 9/11, [and] Virginia Tech was pretty big.

What clique would you have associated yourself with and why?

"Softball girls" because we spend a lot of time together.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

A teacher or a scientist. I collect rocks. I love rocks. They tell about the future of the world, they tell about the past. They tell about everything!

What are your favorite TV shows?

Sponge Bob Square Pants, Fairly Odd Parents, American Idol, The Planet's Funniest Animals.

Levi Malin

Class of

‘17

What are you most excited for when you grow up?

Knowing how to drive. There's a lot of cars. It's hard for me to choose a car.

It's hard to choose what toy you want.

Are you worried about anything in the future?

Taxes. There's a lot of money to spend on taxes and some people lose their house or car because they can't pay taxes.

What is the most exciting thing that has happened at Western Row? Being in second grade and doing fun stuff and experiments.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I want to be a zoo keeper because I want to learn about how they live in their environment, how they survive and what they eat and all about them.

What were your plans for after high school?

The only plan I can remember making for after high school was to move out of my father's home as quickly as possible.

What activities were you involved in?

DECA. I don't remember what the letters stood for, but it was basically a class in which we learned about business, how to run our own, etc. There were regional and state competitions that we did as a group or as individuals.

What are your plans for after high school?

I'm going to college to major in engineering and business.

What show can you not miss every week?

American Idol because I'm hooked. I guess hearing the songs is the best part.

What did you do on a Friday night with your friends?

I liked to go to the high school football games or just hang out with my friends.

Charlotte Fister

What television show could you "not miss" every week?

Well, it was the late 90's, so there wasn't much good television on. Most people will probably say "Friends," but I could take or leave that. "The XFiles" premiered when I was a freshman, and I watched that pretty faithfully throughout high school. Seinfeld was really popular, and I'd watch it if I happened to be home, but the one show that I really began to love was "South Park," which premiered right after I graduated, so I don't suppose it really counts as a high school show.

What was the most importan event (historically, socially, etc.) that happened during your high school years?

There really wasn't much of importance going on while I was in high school- the O.J. Simpson trial was right at the beginning, but after that, nothing much until the end of the Clinton administration, but by then I'd graduated.

What were your concerns about the future?

Our class lost two guys to the Vietnam war. We were the only class at Mason that lost anyone in the Vietnam War. So being drafted and going to war was a concern.

What was the most important event that happened during your high school years?

I would think the assassination of JFK was huge. I was in Spanish class and my spainish teacher, Mrs. Boggs, announced it to us. She could barely get it out she was crying so hard.

chroniclefeature 23

What are you most excited about for when you grow up?

That I'll be able to have my own house. Being able to have my own dogs. I want kids.

Sarah Wade

Class of

Are you worried about anything in the future?

I'm worried about my friend. She's autistic. I don't want kids to be mean to her because she's different.

What's the most exciting thing that has happened to you since you've been at Western Row? Funfest. The whole day we don't have to do any work. We got to play outside all day and we got to eat popsicles.

‘17

COMPILED BY STEPHANIE VISSCHER AND CANDICE PHILPOT

the

May 31, 2007

chronicle

21

SENIORS 18, JUNIORS 12

Powder Puff game proves spirit is alive

BY OLGA BORODULIN Editor It took a sudden death overtime but in the end the senior girls were victorious in the rebirth of what students hope to see as an enduring tradition at Mason High School.

After a six year hiatus Powder Puff football returned to the gridiron on May 5 with incredible results.

"It was definitely intense," junior girls coach Josh Krusling said. "The competitiveness really showed through. We really wanted it."

The game was proof that a student run activity could succeed. With the help of high school health teacher Emily Shiverski the game was a well attended spirited affair that featured tremendous athleticism and plenty of excitement. It began at six o'clock on Friday, May 5, and stretching into nine o'clock.

In the end the senior girls fended off the pesky juniors 18-12 in sudden death overtme. While the seniors seemed to consistently dominate throughout the game, the juniors made a desperate comeback to send the game in to overtime.

While some "battle injuries" were sustained according to senior and MVP Kristen Lamotte, the game was played with a level of competitiveness that was not expected.

"Honestly, I didn't think that we had as many athletic girls that would be able to stand playing football," Lamotte said. "But once we started practicing, I realized that these girls knew what they were doing and wanted to play."

It was a combination of athleticism that made this game so intense.

"I think that if we weren't so competitive, the game wouldn't have gone into overtime," Lamotte said.

"That's what made it so interesting because I didn't think they would score, and once they did, all the sen-

iors wanted to win that much more.”

Junior Rosalyn Ballato was disappointed in the loss but found the entire night to be an exciting event for students.

"Even though we lost, we had so much fun," Ballato said. "I think we really saw that in the fans, as well. The juniors tailgated, and took our practices seriously, and we had a lunch photo contributed beforehand where we The seniors were victorious in the Powder Puff football game. practiced and got juniors and seniors," Ballato said. pumped. We took it really seriously."

Shiverski attributed much of the popularity of the Both teams spent several weeks preparing for the game to the student’s incentive to arrange most of the game with numerous practices. Senior coaches Derek activity.

Brown and Matt Koman along with junior coach Josh “I think that because it was student-led, students were Krusling were able to focus on plays along with the able to involve others in it,” Shiverski said. “They were basics of football. excited about it.”

"They really took to the plays pretty fast," Krusling The difference in spirit at the powderpuff game was said. "I thought they wouldn't catch on but they did." also something noticed by both Krusling and Ballato.

Krusling attests that he had classic coach moments of "I'm a cheerleader, and it's so difficult to raise spirit at frustration and ecstasy during the game, and held severMason games," Ballato said. "I've gone to a lot of other al huddles where he tried to evoke inspiration from his school's games and they have so much more school players. spirit. But I definitely thought at this game we really got "There was definitely emotion in it," Krusling said.

"You want all of the hard work to pay off, and they real- a response from our crowd."

While this year marked the game's first run, the curly went out there and were incredible." rent juniors look forward to repeating it next year and The game, according to Shiverski, raised around taking the role of the seniors. $1500 and had around 250 people in attendance.

"I can't wait to do it again next year," Ballato said.

Shiverski noted that there was a variety of students in "We'll have stories to tell and of course, as seniors, we'll attendance, ranging from freshman to seniors. want to win. This is definitely a tradition I hope contin"There were freshman and sophomores, along with ues."

SENIOR Feedback What have you gotten away with at MHS?

"I cut the leg off a frog and threw it in someone's locker."

Ben Doublett

"Texting, sleeping in class, and cheating."

Beth Carter

22

the

chronicle

May 31, 2007

Have fun this summer and

make great money Seeking outgoing individuals who can easily approach people No selling Must be at least 17 Work close to home Great pay and bonus

Call Pam 870-8083

the

May 31, 2007

The Classes of

SE7EN To compare high school experiences through the years, we've talked to members of past, present and future graduating classes. Times have changed since the class of 1947 graduated, and will change again by the time the class of 2017 passes through the school. Certain things, however, like friendships, school and concerns for the future, appear to be universal.

What did you like to do on a Friday night with your friends?

As a Seventh-day Adventist Christian, I was at home worshipping the Lord on Friday night, the beginning of the Bible Sabbath.

What were your concerns for the future?

I really didn't have any concerns. It always seemed as though everything would just work out right.

Baird Corrigann

‘47

What activities were you involved in?

I was in the band. The only thing we had was basketball, track, and baseball. That's all we had in school.

What was the most important event that happened during your high school years?

In 1947 one of the newsworthy things that happened was at our commencement the principal, [Mr. Wilson] died. He died in the hall next to the gym. I'm thinking he had a heart attack. He was out in the hall. I guess [the ceremony] was over and we went out there and there he was.

What was your favorite class?

I wasn't very academic. I probably didn't have any favorites. I didn't care for school and I didn't go to college. I'm trying to think how many kids from my class went to college. I don't think any of them did. People didn't go to college back then like they do today.

What were your plans for after high school?

I planned to attend Miami University and become a Math teacher.

Class of

What was your favorite TV show?

Believe it or not, I didn't have a television! I could usually be found in front of a football game at a friend's house on Sundays, though.

‘87

What was your favorite class?

That's a tough one. Algebra II or AP Calculus with Mrs. Sandra Stanutz, or possibly AP English IV with Mrs. Katherine Ross.

What were your concerns about the future?

I don't think I was "concerned" about the future, per se... I looked forward to it, even if I wasn't sure how everything was going to play out. I guess I was either pretty confident, or just naïve.

What did you like to do on a Friday night?

Probably went up to Girton's and played cards. It originally was a bus station and soda fountain and you could get your ice cream and soda's there. It was right next to where Angelo's is.

What were your concerns about the future?

The Korean War was getting close to starting. We had to register for the draft because World War II was just over two years ago. I was two years too Ted Honerlaw young, maybe three, to be in the Second World War. [When] we were sophoWorld War II was big news and when that got over it was just a relief to Class of mores have freedom and go play.

Zachary Moore

Class of

‘97

What was your favorite class?

No contest. Orndorff's Brit Lit. That class was awesome. I'd sell my house and come back to Mason just to take that class again if he was still teaching. I can't imagine a more sublime mixture of literature, philosophy, and utter coolness in one 50-minute period. And anyone who says differently is lying. Of course, I'll happily give a consolation prize to Chris Ennis' Chem II class- competing against Brian Harshman to see which one of us could titrate sodium hydroxide to get the lightest possible shade of phenolphthalein- that was the entrancement that led me into a science PhD. What do you like to do on a Friday night?

Hang out with friends,do whatever. We go out to eat a lot, [go to] movies, sometimes shopping.

What activities were you involved in?

I was in both the junior and senior musicals, [South pacific and guys and Dolls.] They were huge back then. It was almost a class thing. You had a junior play and a senior play and then you had a junior and senior musical. I Gary Popplewell played football, basketball, and I ran track for one year.

What are your concerns about the future?

That if it won't turn out how I want it to. Global warming. I'm afraid that war will get worse than it already is.

Class of

Carly Miller

‘67

Class of

What was your favorite class?

I had a lot of them. I would say Brit Lit with mrs. Ross who taught for years and years. She's my all time favorite teacher. We used to do soliloquies and lines from plays we had to recite from memory.

It was the only senior English and there weren't any AP levels.

What did you do on a Friday night with your friends?

If it was during basketball season I had a game. If it was after that there wasn't much to do around here so we had to drive to the Frich's in Sharonville. That was the closest restaurant thing around.

What were your concerns for the future?

Back then as teenagers I don't think we looked that far into the future. I don't think we looked at what was going to happen 10-15 years from now. We had already basically been through a war. When I grew up that was when the Greg Richards Vietnam War was going on. We thought we wouldn't have to go through that Class of again.

‘77

What were your plans for after high school?

My plans were to go to college and I wanted to be a baseball player. I did get a chance to be a minor league player. And I was able to become a teacher and a coach, what I set out to do.

What was the most important event that happened while you were in high school?

By junior year Kings Island opened. It brought something for us to do and people to the community.

I think it paved the way for more things to come out this way.

‘07

Class of

‘77

What was your favorite class?

I can't say that I had a favorite class, but I would say that one of my favorite teachers was Mr. Hamilton, who taught Government. He was one of the few teachers who had an impact on me after I graduated high school and I truly believe I wouldn't be the person I am today if it weren't for some of the advice he gave me right before graduation.

What activities are you involved in?

Varsity Softball

What was the most important event that happened during your high school years?

The aftermath of 9/11, [and] Virginia Tech was pretty big.

What clique would you have associated yourself with and why?

"Softball girls" because we spend a lot of time together.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

A teacher or a scientist. I collect rocks. I love rocks. They tell about the future of the world, they tell about the past. They tell about everything!

What are your favorite TV shows?

Sponge Bob Square Pants, Fairly Odd Parents, American Idol, The Planet's Funniest Animals.

Levi Malin

Class of

‘17

What are you most excited for when you grow up?

Knowing how to drive. There's a lot of cars. It's hard for me to choose a car.

It's hard to choose what toy you want.

Are you worried about anything in the future?

Taxes. There's a lot of money to spend on taxes and some people lose their house or car because they can't pay taxes.

What is the most exciting thing that has happened at Western Row? Being in second grade and doing fun stuff and experiments.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I want to be a zoo keeper because I want to learn about how they live in their environment, how they survive and what they eat and all about them.

What were your plans for after high school?

The only plan I can remember making for after high school was to move out of my father's home as quickly as possible.

What activities were you involved in?

DECA. I don't remember what the letters stood for, but it was basically a class in which we learned about business, how to run our own, etc. There were regional and state competitions that we did as a group or as individuals.

What are your plans for after high school?

I'm going to college to major in engineering and business.

What show can you not miss every week?

American Idol because I'm hooked. I guess hearing the songs is the best part.

What did you do on a Friday night with your friends?

I liked to go to the high school football games or just hang out with my friends.

Charlotte Fister

What television show could you "not miss" every week?

Well, it was the late 90's, so there wasn't much good television on. Most people will probably say "Friends," but I could take or leave that. "The XFiles" premiered when I was a freshman, and I watched that pretty faithfully throughout high school. Seinfeld was really popular, and I'd watch it if I happened to be home, but the one show that I really began to love was "South Park," which premiered right after I graduated, so I don't suppose it really counts as a high school show.

What was the most importan event (historically, socially, etc.) that happened during your high school years?

There really wasn't much of importance going on while I was in high school- the O.J. Simpson trial was right at the beginning, but after that, nothing much until the end of the Clinton administration, but by then I'd graduated.

What were your concerns about the future?

Our class lost two guys to the Vietnam war. We were the only class at Mason that lost anyone in the Vietnam War. So being drafted and going to war was a concern.

What was the most important event that happened during your high school years?

I would think the assassination of JFK was huge. I was in Spanish class and my spainish teacher, Mrs. Boggs, announced it to us. She could barely get it out she was crying so hard.

chroniclefeature 23

What are you most excited about for when you grow up?

That I'll be able to have my own house. Being able to have my own dogs. I want kids.

Sarah Wade

Class of

Are you worried about anything in the future?

I'm worried about my friend. She's autistic. I don't want kids to be mean to her because she's different.

What's the most exciting thing that has happened to you since you've been at Western Row? Funfest. The whole day we don't have to do any work. We got to play outside all day and we got to eat popsicles.

‘17

COMPILED BY STEPHANIE VISSCHER AND CANDICE PHILPOT