The Chronicle, 5.3

WILLIAM MASON HIGH SCHOOL

FEATURES

Young Comets forced What’s going on to grow up quickly in Tong’s brain Story on page 19 > > In SPORTS page 7 > >

NEWS PLUS: A conversation with sidelined basketball player Zach Brown.

Volume 5 Issue 3

Story on Page 3 > >

DECEMBER 14, 2007 WHAT’S

inside Teenage sleep deprivation Story on page 16 > >

Anti-Plagarism program halted

Are you a PDA Offe nde r? Or are you a nauseous witness? S e e P a g e 2 1 > >

Gone

but are they forgotten?

O UT OF SIGHT OU T OF MIND; DO WE FORG E T TO O Q U IC K L Y?

Construction date set Story on page 3 > >

center SPREAD

Brand name versus generic Story on page 12 > >

photo art by Patrick Lipka

The Chronicle William Mason High School 6100 S. Mason-Montgomery Road Mason, Ohio 45040

While the MHS students who tragically passed in the last year will never be forgotten in the hearts of their family and close friends, some are left questioning whether Mason has grown so large that these tragic events have become impersonal to the rest of the community. Story on page 2 > >

check IT OUT

79

The percentage of students who said they get less than eight hours of sleep per night.

See Story on page 16 > >

In SPORTS: Wrestlers open season with invitational win

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coverstory

chronicle

December 14, 2007

Are the lessons we should learn from their tragedies

Forgotten

Pantona’s mother fearful that students have become numb to tragedy

BY SHEA DAVIDSON Editor People usually do not deal with tragedy lightly, and the students at Mason High School are no exception. Accidents, including those that are drug and alcohol related, are supposed to leave a lasting impression on the surrounding community. Some, however, think the lessons that should teach students the hard way are only numbing future pain.

In about a six-month period, two students from MHS have passed away due to accidents involving alcohol. One graduate is still receiving medical attention after an alcohol related accident that could leave him paralyzed from the chest down.

Georgia Shafer is the mother of Anthony Pantona, who passed away in October after drowning in a retention pond. Shafer also personally knew Dustin Russell, who was killed in an April 2007 car crash, as well as Ilya Gikhan, who is still in the hospital after sustaining head injuries after falling off a catwalk at a party at Ohio University. Dustin and Ilya ran in the same social circle as her son.

Living firsthand through these tragedies, Shafer said she fears that students have gotten to the point where such accidents like these are not uncommon.

“It really didn't impact them the way it should have," Shafer said. "In Mason, unfortunately, I think they have kind of gotten to where they feel [death] is just a part of life.

Shafer said that she thinks that those who were really close friends with her son still remember.

At the same time, she sees a recurring pattern of students who seem to only temporarily be affected. A pattern that started with Dustin continued with Anthony and is occurring again with Ilya.

"A finite group of people who are [Anthony's] friends still call and talk to me, so I know they still think of him," Shafer said. "The rest of them

Three friends once bound together by a youthful friendship now connected by tragedy Dustin Russell (right) was killed in a tragic car accident in April 2007.

Ilya Gikhan (left) was injured after falling from a catwalk at a party.

Anthony Pantona (above) passed away in October after drowning in a retention pond

started to move on and not really think about it in three to four weeks. I still see kids doing little things, but it's fallen off a lot. [After Ilya's accident,] everyone wanted to see him for the first few weeks and now they’re getting over it. If there is one thing that can keep him going, it is his friends."

Anthony's sister, sophomore Erika Pantona, said she agrees with her mother and remembers how quickly students seemed to move on after Dustin passed away in April.

"With Dustin, they moved on really quickly," Pantona said. "It took them two months.

Everyone brought flowers up [to his tree] one time, but I haven't seen anything new. A lot of people are still visiting [Ilya,] but it's dropped off by almost half."

Shafer said she feels like those the tragedies have affected the most are perhaps students at MHS who knew the boys the least. By contrast, students that her son was friends with are becoming used to accidents and deaths happen-

ing within their social circle.

"People who really didn't know [Anthony] are the ones who are thinking about it longer than those who were his friends," Shafer said. "I think his friends -- who were also friends with Dustin -- they've gotten more numb to it."

Shafer said she thinks that accidents like her son's are "wake-up calls" for students and that accidents can happen to anyone -- whether they live a certain lifestyle or not. "[Anthony's] counselor told me about a girl who came in crying -- who didn't even know Anthony -- saying 'How can people be happy right now when this boy is dead? If this happened to me, is this what it would be like?

Would they just move on and forget about me?'"

Shafer said.

Shafer said she fears that students are not learning from the mistakes made by their friends, and would hate to see another of her son’s friends learn the hard way. Especially when they had the opportunity to learn from Dustin, Anthony and Ilya.

"I told some of them in the funeral that they were just like Anthony,” Shafer said. “They need to hear what it did to me as a mother and what it would do to their mother. As parents we don't think to tell you ‘don't drink and walk’ or, in Ilya's case, ‘don't sit and drink.’ You’re not killing only yourself. You're killing a mother who has to deal with it every day until she breathes her last breath. No parent ever wants to survive her children."

Shafer said that students might not realize poor decisions they make not only affect themselves, but also cause turmoil in the family that may never go away.

"I don't think kids realize in high school [that] it's about breaking away from your parents," Shafer said. "What they don't realize is that what they do impacts everyone in the family. A mother would rather have someone hit or kill her than [have] one of her children die."

Large student population impacts students’ response Smaller school communities seem to be more affected by tragedies

By JACKIE SWOYER Associate Editor

photo courtesy Little Miami Local Schools website

Little Miami Junior Kaitlyn Gentry was killed in a car accident on October 13.

Gentry was a stand-out on the girls’ basketball team and since her death the school has started a trust fund and taken steps to get the Warren County Engineers office to put up a stop light at the dangerous intersection where Gentry was killed.

Two months after the death of senior Anthony Pantona, his family and close friends are still adjusting to the loss. The students of Mason, however, seem to have moved on from the tragedy. The quick transition made by the students has been shocking to Pantona’s family.

Anthony's mother, Georgia Shafer, said she thought the Mason community has moved on too quickly.

"It's hard for my daughter who is still in school to see that her life is still upside down and everybody else is just moving on, getting ready for Prom and the next football game," Shafer said.

Some students also claim that the deaths which the student body has experienced over the past year have failed to leave a lasting impact because of the school's large size. Outside of the close family and friends of Dustin Russell and Anthony Pantona, not many students have been personally affected by the deaths. Sophomore Sam Templeton, who did not personally know Pantona, agrees that the size of Mason has kept most students from being impacted individually by the tragedy. "[Mason] is a pretty big school," Templeton said.

"You just can't know everyone. So it [death] doesn't affect people who don't know the person like their close family and friends do."

With close to 3,000 students, Mason High School has responded to student deaths differently from other smaller schools. When Kaitlyn Gentry, a jun-

ior at Little Miami High School, passed away due to The Superintendent of Little Miami Schools, Dan a car accident on October 13, most of Little Miami’s Bennett, was not surprised by the strong efforts 1,500 students were affected. One of her close made by the students, according to the article in the friends, Little Miami sophomore Macy Wright, said Enquirer. the whole school came through in light of the "It's always been like this in Little Miami," tragedy.

Bennett said. "We take care of each other like fami"We really pulled ly." together to help out Wright agrees that her friend's the Gentry family death has brought the school commuand be strong for nity together. them," Macy "She's really made our school a lot Wright said. "We closer," Macy Wright said. "People had a vigil and we still remember her." have a trust fund Macy Wright's younger sister, Mr. Dan Bennet going and we got freshman Mackenzie Wright, also together a petition that even now, two months later, Little Miami Superintendent feels to get a light put the school is still being affected by up at that intersection because it's dangerous, and Gentry's death.

Kaitlyn wasn't the only one who's had an accident "It's still in everyone's lives," Mackenzie Wright there." said. "Everyone remembers. Everything we do, The petition, according to an article in the everyone can relate [to] -- even everyday little Enquirer, pulled 2,007 signatures together and was things can relate to something Kaitlyn did or said." presented to the Warren County Engineer Neil In relation to Mason, Shafer feels like the Tunison on November 15. The petition is the largest tragedies have not caused a big enough ripple in the Tunison has seen in regards to road signs. community.

"And this is the first time we had a petition drive "[The tragedies] made people stop and realize, but done by students," Tunison said. they didn't stop and think long enough," Shafer said.

The 2,007 signatures show the support that has Templeton also feels that if Mason's community come from the small community of Little Miami. were smaller, the reactions of students would have The school's Student Government, of which Gentry differed. was a member, was able to get all 1,500 members of "I think if it was possible for everyone to know the student body, as well as members of the commu- everyone else, then people would have reacted difnity, involved in making a change after the tragedy. ferently [to the tragedies]," Templeton said.

"It's always been like this in Little Miami. We take care of each other like family."

news

chronicle 3 Legal concerns force school to drop Turnitin December 14, 2007

By ELLEN DUFFER Staff Writer Mason High School has put the use of Turnitin, a computer program enlisted to check students' work for plagiarism, temporarily on hold due to legal battles with the company across America. After researching the program for over a year, MHS legal Allen counsel uncovered student copyright disputes with the site and its parent company, iParadigms.

According to Principal Dave Allen, the English department proposed Turnitin two years ago, hoping to end plagiarism as well as to teach students about cheating.

"They recognized there was a lot of plagiarism going on and there was an educational component that rolled out in the beginning of last year," Allen said. "As part of that they wanted to take a look at that particular software to see if that could help educate students and eliminate some of the plagiarism that was going on."

The program requires students to submit electronic copies of their work to Turnitin.com. The site compares the student papers to all others in the database, along with internet and print sources, searching for possible copied phrases.

Teachers and students receive reports on the checked essays detailing the amount of plagiarized content.

Turnitin receives payment from schools per participant using the program, but does not compensate the students for the work that is essentially being paid for by other members.

Multiple users are resisting the software since

the papers are stored without paying the authors.

Students from McLean High School in McLean, Virginia and from Desert Vista High School in Phoenix, Arizona are suing the company because they think Turnitin initially presumes that students are guilty of plagiarism and violates copyrights. "Fair Use," concerning the US Copyright Act, allows portions of authors' work to be used without compensation, but Turnitin archives full papers without payment to authors.

John M. Barrie, President and CEO of iParadigms, told Education Week that he believes the use of student papers falls under "fair use," because Turnitin is for educational purposes; does not change the material; and does not hurt the value of the work.

While deciding on the use of Turnitin, MHS took the arguments into consideration, concerned about the rights of students and their

papers.

"When we were looking at doing it, we continued to seek information about the program, what it entailed, where exactly the papers would have been archived and who would have access to them," Allen said. "If [the English department of MHS] can get to a place where we're comfortable that we're not putting the identities of our students or their work at risk and we feel safe about where their work is going, we would certainly reconsider [Turnitin]."

MHS is waiting for the verdict of the lawsuit against Turnitin. In the meantime, no other similar programs are being considered to quench plagiarism.

"There's none out there, that we're aware of, that we feel comfortable with at this time," Allen said.

High school will be construction site beginning in March

By SPENCER WEBB Staff Writer There have been minor changes made to Mason City School's plans to build an addition to Mason High School along with the Middletown Regional Hospital facility.

Principal Dr. Dave Allen said the district plans to break ground around March 1, 2008 and be finished with construction before the beginning of the 2009-2010 school year.

"When the students are in the high school we expect there to be little disruption," Allen said. "[Turner Construction] has committed to us that there will be minimal noise during the school day," Allen said construction will be taking place during the school day but it will be taking place outside the school.

All renovations done inside the building will be done over breaks and summer vacation.

"The biggest inconvenience to students is the fact that the pod will take up a large amount of the student parking lot," Allen said.

Assistant Principal Tim Keeton says students will lose parking spots in the lower lot when the area is marked off for construction but he is working toward solving the parking problem during the construction.

"Hopefully we'll be able to reassign spots from the lower lot to the upper lot and some of the spots in the upper lot might be moved to the pool area," Keeton said.

Mason's Public Information Officer Tracey Carson said that in the new addition to MHS there will be 49 new classrooms, a new performing arts space, a multi-purpose space and a smaller commons area.

Carson has said that along with the new addition to MHS there is also going to be a new Middletown Regional Hospital facility to be attached to the stadium.

According to Mason Athletic Director Scott Stemple, Middletown Regional Hospital paid five million dollars to be allowed to build a facility on campus. MHS will only have to pay for the supplies such as weight machines and maintenance of the facility.

"Their philosophy is that they will be able to market to this area through this new facility," Stemple said.

Stemple said that in the new facility there will be locker rooms, a larger weight room and a physical therapy facility staffed by Middletown Regional Hospital employees.

Stemple said the addition is needed due to the over crowding of the weight rooms by athletic teams.

"If you go up to the weight room after school it is like being at a busy deli -- you almost have to take a number and stand in line in order to use the machines," Stemple said.

Carson said that the addition of a new weight room facility will allow for teams and individual students to work out.

Carson said the new facility will also be beneficial to the school from an academic standpoint because there will be shadowing opportunities and could also be used as another lab resource for sports medicine and anatomy classes.

Carson said the district will be able to save money on photo by Spencer Webb both projects by using the same construction crews.

The overcrowding of the weight room after school is one problem "We want to be able to provide students opportunities that will be fixed with the Middletown Regional Hospital facility, without costing the taxpayers extra money," Carson said. according to Athletic Director Scott Stemple.

Foreign Language department may add Mandarin next year

Unusual Scholarships Help Students with College

By ALYSSA HOWARD Staff Writer

By NINA BRESSAU Staff Writer

The introduction of a Mandarin-Chinese language program at MHS has been proposed by administration. The program will be launched next year if approved by the board of education.

Students in the class will study simple character writing, listening, and speaking. The course is projected to accommodate around 125 students, with six sections of both Mandarin IA and IB. Subsequent levels will be phased in later years.

Mandarin is a nationally recognized dialect of China with more speakers than any other language in the world. Assistant Principal Nicole Huelsman, who has been involved in the proposal's advancement since its research base last year, said that learning to speak the language gives students a boost in the business world.

"It's giving that competitive edge to students [in business] if they're able to learn some Mandarin because we [the United States] do a lot with China," Huelsman said.

Despite the fact that Mandarin's difficulty is comparable to learning Arabic, Huelsman said that the course will apply to the interests of a

varied student base according to a survey of eighth grade students last year.

"Based on the information that we collected from the eighth grade, with the level of interest here I think we'll fill up the schedule pretty quickly," Huelsman said. "It's just like any other foreign language students are taking… students that are interested in business after they leave high school are going to have an interest with it. We're going to have a diverse population of students that want to take it."

Huelsman said that the other foreign language teachers generally expressed support for the program following a presentation explaining the course.

"Obviously they're very passionate about their languages…[and] there's some concern that the numbers will decrease [in their classes] but based on the information and how we're offering it, [class sizes] should stay pretty consistent across the board," Huelsman said.

The decision whether to add Mandarin I to the curriculum will be announced at the last board meeting in December.

"The first of the year we should know if we're going to have [the Mandarin program], before the scheduling process at least," Huelsman said.

Scholarships that are used for financing college costs are usually granted to students with high GPA's and outstanding test scores. A new variation in scholarships now gives more students a chance to show off their personal skills and talents to carry on with their education.

Fastweb, one of many online scholarship search engines, displays a variation in scholarships after creating a free account, and guidance counselor Bob Furia recommends it to students.

"I think [scholarship engines] are great tools with a lot of information," Furia said. “But it comes down to the student's performance and scores.”

One example of an unusual scholarship is The Olive Garden's Pasta Tales Essay Contest, which gives away between 500 and 2,500 dollars and is open to all students from first to twelfth grade. In order to apply for this scholarship, students are required to write an essay about their favorite family activities.

In the event that a student has had an unusual duct tape experience, there is also an opportunity to pay less for college on ducktapeclub.com.

Students can even win 2,500 dollars in cash by

sending in a photo of them and a date attending Prom wearing duct tape.

Senior Chris Harrill said he has already applied to two merit-based scholarships. Harrill will have taken ten advanced placement classes by the end of his senior year and is an outstanding student, according to his counselor.

Although Harrill has not applied to any unusual scholarships, he said it could be a good chance for many students. "[Students] can express something about themselves, like creativity," Harrill said.

Furia said that while obscure scholarships are a good opportunity most scholarships are merit based.

"Students have to realize that the main source of scholarship money comes from merit, and is given from the schools they want to go to," Furia said.

About 90 percent of scholarships come from colleges, according to Furia. He said that the second source would be local scholarships, because good-solid average students qualify and the pool of applicants is smaller.

"The reality is that college has become very expensive," Furia said, "And it's a necessity to qualify for great jobs."

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chronicle

STAFF POLICY

December 14, 2007

editorial cartoon

Soundbytes

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 E DITOR Shea Davidson A SSOCIATE E DITOR Jackie Swoyer S PORTS E DITOR Drew Allen D ISTRIBUTION / C IRCULATION M ANAGER Kirsten McCafferty B USINESS M ANAGER Amanda Miller T ECHNICAL AND G RAPHIC Patrick Lipka S TAFF W RITERS Nina Bressau Rachel Brockhage Mandy Chiara Ellen Duffer Duncan Fischley Nisha Giridharan Alyssa Howard Megan Roehm Rachel Schowalter Samantha Stulen Jeremy Powers Spencer Webb Kristen Yawit A DVISER Mr. Dale Conner

What are your feelings on the excessive PDA (Public Display of affection) at Mason High School?

letter to the editor

"It's kind of gross and people need to stop doing it in the hallways."

Erika Pantona Sophomore

"It's disgusting and it's unnecessary. I don't know how anyone can be turned on in a school."

Jenna Garcher Senior

"You got to do what you got to do."

Will Dean Senior

"It's disgusting. People should take their own time for that. They should do it at home and not here at school."

Lauren Gaunt Senior

"Do you want some PDA?" Trent Arnone Sophomore

"I think it's okay to a certain degree.

[Students] should have their own freedom but there should be a limit to it."

Pushkaran Palani Freshman

"It can be appropriate at some point. If it's just hugging and holding hands I'm cool with it."

Corina Marziano Sophomore

"It is kind of nasty if people are [acting this way]."

Sam Allen Junior

Student responds to those who refuse to rise for the pledge Dear Editor Regarding your article "Refusing to Rise" (Sept. 28, 07), I would like to know why you did not interview any students about why they are proud to say the Pledge of Allegiance every morning.

I am proud to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance every morning. I feel very fortunate to live in the greatest country in the world. I appreciate the sacrifices our armed forces are making every day to keep us free.

Saying the pledge is akin to thanking soldiers for their sacrifices.

Even if you do not choose to say the words, you still should stand out of respect for those who choose to do so. America is not perfect, but it is vastly better than other countries. If you truly appreciate your rights here in America, you should express your gratitude by standing, albeit silently.

Rob Behlen Senior

column

You just gotta have faith If you have ever trusted a friend to keep your conversation on the down-low, depended on a teacher to grade an assignment fairly, or assumed your parents would drive you to your destination safely-you

BY MANDY CHIARA have demonStaff Writer strated faith in someone else. No one said you have to tack on the name of a religion to have faith-your thoughts, words and actions illustrate what you believe. Faith can be the belief that tomorrow will turn out better than today, or the hope in personal goals (the goal to watch as much T.V. as much as possible, or the goal to be accepted into Harvard).

In a school with about 3,000 people, teachers and staff have to put great faith in students. Often times their faith is looked at as lackadaisical, and in return, students stretch teachers' patience too far. Our teachers chose to teach high school students as apposed to elementary or middle school because by high school, kids know it is dis-

respectful to shout out answers and throw things across the room. If students do not begin to appreciate the freedoms they have, restrictions will be made, and "normal," given privileges will be fewer and farther between. Every relationship is based off of trust (or lack of trust). Students will receive trust when instead of expecting it; they prove that they want it.

Getting a hall pass or holding the door open only takes five extra seconds. Whether or not you immediately reap in the benefits of doing a homework assignment or simply helping out someone else -- you allow those around you to have faith in you, maybe even see you as trustworth.

While teachers put faith in students, students also need to put faith in their teachers.

Teachers are adults with lives (no way!).

Although we are their bundles of angst, and at times, joy, and our intelligent class discussions keep them tossing and turning at night, papers may not be graded by the next day, and Edline might not be updated every hour. But just have a little faith, and hopefully someday they’ll see you as trustworthy and you can begin reaping the benefits that come with your new found position.

Compiled by Nina Bressau

sports

chronicle

December 14, 2007

w o r Th

y a Aw

SPORTS COVER STORY

Heroes

When star athletes run afoul of the law

BY DREW ALLEN Sports Editor Michael Vick. Pete Rose. Barry Bonds. OJ Simpson. Sports icons who redefined their respective sports on and off the field.

Known for their tremendous abilities on the field, these athletes have tarnished their names and the games they play off the field.

They have very little in common in terms of styles of play, strengths and weaknesses, yet all have fallen from the public's grace. Gambling, cheating, perjury, animal cruelty and accusations of murder are just a short rap sheet of the offenses that have tarnished their images and damaged the public images of their sports.

In the last year, professional baseball and football have had to deal with more than their fair share of criminal athletes. When commissioner Roger Goodell took over the National Football League, the league was enjoying unprecedented prosperity: record ticket and merchandise sales, and the highest television ratings in 20 years. However, several sports stars have managed to cast a black cloud over the NFL in the past few months.

NFL Image Tarnished Before Super Bowl XXXXI, Chicago Bears’ defensive tackle Terry "Tank" Johnson was arrested for possessing six illegal firearms, including two assault rifles. A year earlier he was arrested on charges of aggravated assault and resisting arrest. Tennessee Titans defensive back Adam Bernard "Pacman" Jones has also been arrested on charges of assault, felony vandalism, disorderly conduct, and several other charges stemming from a nightclub altercation.

Even some coaches with once pristine public images have done damage to the sport they are in charge of preserving. The New England Patriots and Bill Belichick were fined $500,000 and lost a first round draft pick after they were discovered secretly filming their opponent’s signals in violation of NFL rules.

More negative publicity plagued the NFL when Michael Vick arguably the most popular and electrifying quarterback in the NFL, was arrested and eventually sentenced to 23 months in prison for his part in bankrolling a dog fighting ring.

Vick denied the allegations, despite all the evidence which pointed to his guilt.

"I'm never at the house...I left the house with my family members and my cousin...They just haven't been doing the right thing... It's unfortunate I have to take the heat behind it. If I'm not there, I don't know what's going on," Vick said.

Vick was proven a liar four months later when he signed a plea bargain for a federal felony dog fighting conspiracy charge. Not only did this place Vick’s career in jeopardy, but it also cost him millions of dollars off the field when several companies severed their ties with him. Nike, Reebok, Upper Deck, Rawlings and the NFL all pulled their products associated with his name. The majority of his record $130 million dollar deal with the Atlanta Falcons was also lost upon his suspension.

Baseball’s dirty laundry Vick is not the only athlete to leave a stain on the game. Former St. Louis Cardinal slugger Mark McGwire, who helped rekindle America’s love for baseball with his mammoth homeruns on his way to hitting 70 dingers in 1998, put his reputation on the line when he refused to

5

"talk about the past" with Congress during his testimony on illicit substance use in baseball.

Then there’s Giants’ slugger Barry Bonds, who has dominated the sports headlines under a cloud of steroid allegations.

Bonds, who passed Hank Aaron as baseball’s all time home run leader, faces the possibility of having an asterik placed next to his name in the record books. His once automatic admission into Baseball’s Hall of Fame even appears in jeopardy with Bond’s recent indictment for perjury.

“We’re not role models” Despite having much to lose along with their celebrity status, many pro athletes feel they should not have to live to up to a higher standard than regular members of society. Former NBA great and current television commentator Charles Barkley, an outspoken supporter of Bonds, was once featured in an advertisment with the slogan "I'm not a role model” emblazoned over his image.

When news of Bonds indictment was released to the media, Barkley voiced his opinion on the radio.

"I was so mad I wanted to scream and cry,” Barkley said.

“It's a witch hunt.”

Walter Peyton, former Chicago

Roberto Clemente Jr., agreed with Sandberg. "[My father] always felt that children were a very significant part of our society and should be cared for and influenced in positive ways. I believe that, too. Athletes make so much money and have so much exposure. They should take care of themselves and their images outside of the lines of the game."

Fans stick by their heroes Despite the notion that athletes should not be heroes, many of them are still revered in their home towns, even after an embarrassing arrest or scandal.

Los Angeles Laker guard Kobe Bryant, once embroiled in a scandalous rape case, had the National Basketball Association’s top selling jersey in 2007. His popularity has even stretched overseas, as his jersey is also the leading seller in China despite national hero Yao Ming's success in the NBA. Even Bonds is as popular in San Francisco now as he was during his record breaking season in 2001, which was before he ever fell under suspicion for steroid abuse. The Patriots, despite questions about their spying practices, are still deities in Boston, a town now known more for champions than curses.

Nationally, however, these criminal athletes are forever blacklisted.

There doesn’t seem to be an end in sight. Despite the attempts by professional organizations to curtail these activities, athletes continue to scuffle with the law.

Whether these players believe they are role models or not, they have let down their fans. Cincinnati Bengal fans have grown tired of the the immature actions of even some of their most beloved players.

“I think it’s pretty weak that they’re playing in the NFL, with everything they could dream of, yet still go out and screw up their lives,” Bengals fan and Mason student Chris Stratton said.

“It’s pretty embarassing that the Bengals are known as convicts because it doesn’t send a good message about our team.”

Bears great, agreed with Barkley back in 1999.

"I'm not a role model. I'm just Walter Payton.”

Accepting responsibility While some athletes reject the opinion that they should be role models, others embrace the position. Former Chicago Cub second basement and recent Hall of Fame inductee Ryne Sandberg stated his opinion in his Hall of Fame speech.

"The name on the front is a lot more important than the name on the back,” Sandberg said.

“I didn't want to let the fans down or my teammates or my family or myself. I had too much respect for them to let them down.”

Roberto Clemente Jr., son of baseball star

Photo Art by Patrick Lipka

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sports

chronicle

December 14, 2007

GETTING TO KNOW... Zach It’s that time of year to turn our attention indoors. Basketball season is already underway and both the Girls’ and Boys’ Basketball teams are expecting solid seasons in their inaugural seasons in the GMC. One of the top players in Ohio takes up residence here at Mason -- Zach Brown. Brown recently announced that he would be continuing his playing career at Division I Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee after graduating next year. Continuing a trend by many high school athletes, Brown is another example of high schoolers who are making college commitments during their junior year. Brown has major expectations this season for himself and the Comets, but he first must overcome a broken wrist that will have him sidelined for almost half the season. Introducing Zach Brown...

C C hronicle

onversation

Danielle Jansen Swimming

What compels you to swim competitively?

I love the team aspect and I have friends that got me into swimming, I just love the sport and the competition.

What has been your most embarrassing moment in the pool? Out of the pool?

In the pool my most embarrassing moment was at districts last year. I missed the wall off a flip in front of the entire crowd. Out of the pool it was a long time ago. I was playing basketball and during one of the games I scored for the other team.

What is your favorite thing to do besides swimming?

Since I don't play any other sports I just like to hang out with my friends. I have my swimming friends who are like family, and I have my other friends who I am really close to. With my non-swimming friends we go to the movies and parties. We have gone roller-skating, and we like trying new things. With my swimming friends we just veg out since we are so tired after practice.

Brown

How did you get injured?

There were three seconds left in our scrimmage against Ryle and a player from their team had an open shot under the basket. I ran from the three point line, jumped to block the shot and in that attempt my foot got caught with his shoulder. I ended up landing on the left side of my head, which knocked me out for a second or two and resulted in a concussion. My wrist must have hit the ground with some force to cause the break.

What about basketball do you love the most?

I love the competition. Especially competing against other players and teams. I enjoy playing my AAU teammates in high school. When we play Loveland, I play my teammate, Brian Wozniack. When we play Middletown, I play my teammate Bill Edwards. When we play Sycamore, I play my teammate Steve Hull.

Most students around school know you for your strong basketball skills. What would you say is the weakest part of your game?

My defense. When I first played as a freshman my defense was bad. Coach Richards and Coach Popplewell constantly work with me on my defensive skills and my defense is gradually getting better from game to game.

What are your expectations when you come back to the starting lineup?

What were some of the colleges you were considering before you committed to Lipscomb?

The team is going to get better during the first several weeks while I am out with my injury.

When I come back I will not try to be the main scorer or anything, but I will add to the scoring, and try to help the team win.

One was Miami [OH]. It is close to home and they had six open scholarships for the 2009 class which would guarantee some playing time. Bowling Green State University was also an option. It is also close to home. There were not as many scholarships, but it is a MAC school and a mid major program. Some other schools I considered were Oakland in Michigan, Davidson in North Carolina, and Belmont which is in the Atlantic Sun Conference like Lipscomb.

What is the potential of the team this year? How far do you think the team can go?

In the end, what persuaded you to commit to Lipscomb so early?

Our team this year has everything you need to be successful. We have great scorers and good post players. With Coach Richards teaching us everyday, I think we can go far in the state tournament and win the Greater Miami Conference.

The whole thing was a month long process. I had to talk to my family, my friends and all of my coaches.

Lipscomb gave me the opportunity to play right away. I felt confident knowing I would get playing time as a freshman and I like the fact I will be playing in the Atlantic Sun Conference.

What is your favorite part of swimming and what do you dislike the most?

My favorite part is the meets. I get to hang out with my friends before I race, then I turn it on for the competition. I really don't like the morning practices; we have to get up so early to swim.

Five to six forty five we have practice.

- As told to Jeremy Powers

What’s up with that?

What’s up with College Football? Kansas is in the top-10, there have been four top ranked teams, Notre Dame had its worst season in 120 years and Appalachian State beat Michigan. It truly has been a season to remember.

What do you think of the bathing suits you have to wear for swimming?

I really don't mind them, you just have to get used to them. If you haven't worn them before then it is uncomfortable, but I don't find them uncomfortable at all.

The COMET CULTURE Grid HOW DO THE COMETS FIT IN?

Do you miss out on doing things with your friends or your family because swimming gets in the way?

SKYLAR CHEW JR., SOCCER

I do miss out on some things, like I can't go out on Fridays because practices take up most of the day. I also miss getting to hang out with friendson Saturday and Sunday if we have a weekend meet to go to. That doesn't leave me much time to hang out with my friends. I can't leave over the Christmas Break because we have meets over the holidays so my mom and dad have to go to my grandparent's house without me.

SEAN DECKER SR., BASKETBALL

Compiled by Duncan Fischley

MAYA ANTOINE JR., BASKETBALL

SPENCER HEWES SR., SWIMMING

My childhood hero was...

Doug Funny

George Costanza

_____ should run for president.

Last movie you walked out of?

Exercise you hate the most?

My ringtone right now is...

Scary Movie 3

Squats

“Buy U a Drank” T-Pain

Mike Sparks

Jogging

Melody 1 - Verizon Wireless

Charles Barkley

Chocolate

Michael Jordan

Scary Movie 4

Frankensteins

“Late Night Special” - Pretty Ricky

Spiderman

Saw 3

Running

“Neighborhood”Big Daddy Weave

Me

Mr. Reid

sports

chronicle

December 14, 2007 Mason athletic department takes pride after ranking first in all sports standings

BY JEREMY POWERS Staff Writer Mason’s yearly athletic success has continued through the Fall season, as the Comets are the front runner for the Greater Miami Conference All-Sports Trophy. During Mason’s first year in the conference, the Comets have been able to top a list of GMC schools.

Little faith was given to the Comets going into the Fall sports season. Lakota West went so far as to put a poll on its school athletic website asking where Mason would fall in the All-Sports rankings. The majority of the poll s participants placed Mason dead last. Mason certainly entered the GMC this season with doubt, but it has crushed the uncertainty that people had about their success in the GMC. Athletic Director Scott Stemple however, knew that the GMC was more than happy to have Mason in their conference.

"The athletic directors of the GMC wanted us in their conference because they knew we would enhance the image," Stemple said.

"With our good athletes, facilities and academics we would only benefit the conference."

Stemple knows that to be atop a list of great athletic-oriented schools is a huge compliment to Mason as a whole.

"When you excel in all sports it impacts the athletic department by showing balance in terms of striving for excellence," Stemple said.

"The lead we have shows the great commitment from our athletes and coaches -- which is a great compliment."

Mason has brought their athletic dominance from the FAVC where they won the All-Sports Trophy the past three years. The high athletic achievement did not drop off this season.

"We have had a great Fall season in terms of going into the new league," Stemple said. "We have had three GMC Championships and four of our programs went to state competition this year."

Stemple is confident that the athletic programs will continue their winning ways and remain in the hunt for the All-Sports Trophy at the end of the school year.

"My philosophy has always been that we fear no one, but respect everyone," Stemple said.

"If we have that approach I think that we will be in the mix at the end."

7

Comets experience early season set backs without star point guard

BY JEREMY POWERS Staff Writer With five games behind them, the Mason boys’ basketball team has struggled to a 1-5 record, 0-3 in the Greater Miami Conference.

The team has had problems with offense, scoring an average 35.4 points a game.

"We have struggled with executing on offense and taking care of the ball," Head Coach Greg Richards said. "Right now we are turning the ball over in crucial situations."

The main reason for the lack of scoring is due to the injury to junior Guard Zach Brown, who suffered a fractured wrist in a preseason game against Kentucky’s Ryle.

"He had another X-ray on Wednesday, " Richards said. "We want him to be able to play now, but we will probably be without him for 12 or 13 games."

The injury to Brown has really disrupted the teams’ chemistry and the roles of each player.

"It has been an injury that [has] put us in disarray," Richards said. "Our established roles we had determined at the beginning of the season, before the injury, have been affected."

With Brown’s unfortunate injury the balance of experience the Comets have has been exposed by their opposition.

"Our inexperience has shown a little bit," Richards said. "Some of our team is first-time guys, and a lot of the teams we play have varsity experience."

Richards expressed the point that losing early in the season forces his team to learn from the losses and regroup to experience success for the rest of the season.

"I never like to lose any games," Richards said. "If it’s going to be a learning process it’s better for it to be early on. We will learn and get better towards the end."

One characteristic that the Comets know they can excel at over their opposition is their defense.

"We always feel like our defense will keep us in games," Richards said. "We allowed Glen Este to 41 points, Loveland to 36, and took Sycamore to overtime."

Richards said he knows their defense needs to stay strong like his teams over the years.

Defense has been our mainstay throughout the years, Richards said.

After FAVC dominance Comet swimmers set sights on the challenge for dethroning Sycamore in the GMC

BY DUNCAN FISCHLEY Staff Writer

photo by Jeremy Powers

Returning state placer Danielle Jansen practices her breaststroke form. Her success will be pivotal for the team.

If their early season success is an indication of what type of year the Comet swimmers are going to have, the opponents in the Greater Miami Conference better watch out "I have no doubt we have improved since last year, but we can’t tell yet, Coach Mark Sullivan said.

At the Mason Invitational both Boys and Girls took first place with individual placers senior Brandon Evans and junior Andy Supronas. However, a tough schedule with the likes of St. Xavier, Ursuline, St. Ursula, Centerville and Sycamore lie ahead for the Comets.

The Comets could get even stronger once all the swimmers are healthy.

"At the [Mason Invitational] meet we were not up to strength. Sullivan said. Even though we still won the meet kids from both teams were fighting illnesses, as you will find in any winter sport."

Wrestling team captures Mt. Vernon invitational title

BY JEREMY POWERS Staff Writer The Mason Varsity Wrestling Team started the season off in a dramatic fashion after capturing the 14th annual Mount Vernon "Waize Invitational" Championship. The Comets finished first atop a list of quality programs, including the pre-season number five ranked team in the state, Toledo Waite.

"Toledo Waite is a well coached team and has five kids in the top ten in their respected weight classes," Head Coach Craig Murnan said. "They are one of the eight teams to represent Ohio in the State Duals. That is based off their success last season."

Mason wrestlers combined for 51 individual match wins in order to capture the championship. This is the first time in three years that the team has won the Waize Invitational out of the three years attending.

"We have a sense of good leadership this year with eight seniors in the lineup," Murnan said.

"These kids have been buying into our program and they were motivated to start off the season with a championship."

According to Murnan, Senior Kyle Riffe played a key role in the Comets championship.

Riffe finished in first place of the 135 pound weight class with a 3-1 record.

"He is a kid that did not miss the weight

room all year and has been a true program type kid that is seeing success," Murnan said. "He was able to knock off a state level wrestler from Delaware Hayes because of his work ethic and the confidence he has."

With an already successful wrestling program in place, Murnan and the team have just added to their sterling reputation.

"This championship points to where we are as a program," Murnan said. "It is another step to get our team in the top ten in the state."

For the wrestling team, hours and hours of practice and preparation are needed to find success. The championship the team has captured is a great indication of what’s down the road for the team.

"To me this win is a reflection of the practice room," Murnan said. "Hopefully this motivates our guys to continue to practice to win. It says good things for the remainder of the season."

As the team looks ahead a tough Greater Miami Conference schedule is in sight. The Comets hope to bring depth and team balance into GMC play and prepare for the District and State tournament.

"The GMC for wrestling is going to provide more depth than the FAVC," Murnan said.

"You’re going to be battling a lot of good teams with good individuals. To me it is all practice, until district and state tournament."

The boys team is led by seniors Spencer Hewes, who placed fourth at the state meet last year, and two time state qualifier Brad Langford. Hewes recently signed a national letter of intent to swim at Ohio State, and Langford is bound for the University of Cincinnati, where he will swim alongside his older brother. Scott Sargent, a returning state qualifier, will anchor the dive team.

The girls team is led by returning state runner up Danielle Jansen, and returning state qualifiers Mary Wunderle, Cari Caprio, Haley Bull, Morgan Parker and Taylor Edwards.

With a strong returning core, the Comets will be looking to improve on their postseason finishes from last season. The boys team were 14th at state, fourth at districts, and claimed sectional and conference championships. The girls team placed eighth at state, fifth at districts, and also claimed sectional and conference championships.

"So far we are in good shape and our numbers still continue to grow with 90 kids

combined, Sullivan said.

The team has set high expectations for the 2007-08 campgain.

"Our first goal is to win the GMC, then we want to try for a repeat win at sectionals, and we want to try to make it in the top ten at districts," Sullivan said.

The league promises to be a showcase of the old versus the new. Sycamore, who has dominated the GMC for the last 18 years, promises to provide the Comets their stiffest competition. Mason, in just their first year of GMC competition, has quickly climbed among the elite in southwest Ohio after dominating the FAVC. Sullivan, who guided the Sycamore swimming jaugernaut prior to coming to Mason four years ago, knows that the Aviators will pose a challenge for the Comets.

They ve won both men and women s titles for the last couple of years, so they ll be a challenge, Sullivan said.

Matula hopeful that young Comets will grow up fast

BY DUNCAN FISCHLEY Staff Writer With a young group of girls to work with, Coach Rob Matula realizes the importance of growing up quickly. Matula hopes that some of the early season set backs that thelady comet basketball team have experienced will help his young squad better prepare for the season ahead in the gruling Greater Miami Conference.

"In all honesty [our toughest competitor is] Lakota West, Matula said. [They’re] Loaded with eleven seniors on their team and they are very good and very tough.

Compared to the opposition, Mason is an inexperienced team with one senior, eight juniors, two sophomores and a freshman making up the varsity squad. Even with those young players on the team, Matula feels like the girls are constantly improving.

"I think that with each practice we are getting better and better, Matula said. It just requires time and practice.

Matula has set the bar high for the girls making it a goal to win the GMC, but he admits that realistically the goal is to at least finish in the top half of the conference. "[As long] as we continue to represent Mason with a level of respect and commitment doing the right thing then we are going in the right

photo by Shea Davidson

Sanaya El-Naggar shoots a free-throw and Cara Werner watches during a recent loss to Colerain, 59-55. way, Matula said. We have had three close competitive games against three teams who have only one loss between them.

The Comets most recent victory came in a 4836 win over the Middletown Middies.

8

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December 14, 2007

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IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO START THINKING ABOUT YOUR FUTURE. To be a part of The Chronicle staff you must: • Submit an application • Go through the interview process • Be approved by the Journalism instructor • If you are approved you will be given permission to register for Journalism IA, IB, IC next year.

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December 14, 2007

December 14, 2007

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12

chronicle center

Fashion Trend Repeats

BY MEGAN ROEHM Staff Writer When a new fashion trend is introduced, people jump right in and go for those fashions that are "in style." Many trends go through somewhat of a "fashion cycle" where even after they go out of style, at some point, they come back around. Lately, the fashion industry is traveling back to the 80's and 90's, and taking some of those trends through this cycle, back to the present day.

One fashion trend making a comeback is the oversized shirt called the "shirtdress."

According to Vogue magazine, as winter is approaching, oversized sweaters are also returning. This trend was most popular in the mid 80's, and is back for more people to try it out. It is also popular today to add a belt to the shirtdresses and sweaters, up at the waist, instead of the hips.

To go with that shirtdress or sweater, a pair of leggings can be added, also a trend returning from the 80's. According to the editor of ShopEtc. Magazine, Charla Krupp, these are making their biggest comeback from when Madonna wore them in the movie "Desperately Seeking Susan" in 1985. She

said Madonna was one of the biggest fashion icons in the 80's and has started wearing them again today, now that the trend is back in style. Krupp told the "Today" show's Natalie Morales that leggings are not just leg-warmers. They can also be an accessory, whether to accompany a skirt that is too short or just to add a little something extra to the outfit.

If you don't feel like leggings are a good fit for you, try another fashion rewind-the skinny jeans. These can be worn with both heels and flats, and are available in many different colors. The skinny jeans first became popular in the 50's and 60's, or the "Rock-and-Roll" era, and remained a hit throughout the 80's. Many celebrities are bringing back this style, along with other styles of jeans from the past such as the distressed jeans and the high-waisted jeans.

Glamour Magazine says that colorful shoes are coming back in deeper shades for this fall and winter. Some popular colors right now are dark red, fuchsia, golden yellow, royal blue, gray, black, and brown. As far as the style of the shoe goes, ankle boots and ballet flats are making a big comeback from the 80's. These too are back in many different styles.

Brand Name vs. Generic

BY SAMANTHA STULEN Staff Writer We have all been there before. You go to the mall, buy a top for designer prices and then walk into Kohl's and see the same thing for half the price.

Sophomore Jordan Berger at Mason High School says she sees T-shirts at Abercrombie & Fitch between $24.50 and $29.50 that are very similar to the ones that you can get at Target for less money. An average T-shirt for sale at Target costs $9.99.

This 20 dollar difference may be what influences consumers to buy brand name clothing versus generic names. More expensive clothing is associated with having better quality of materials.

Junior Hannah Swoyer's closet is comprised of both generic and brand name clothing. Swoyer only buys designer clothing if it will receive a lot of use.

"The [designer clothes] that I have are the kind of clothes that I know I'm going to wear a lot," Swoyer said. "I'm going to spend more money on a pair of jeans that I'm going to wear a lot. Sometimes, when you buy jeans that are from a generic store they might not stay in the same condition as when you bought them. You spend more money on designer clothing that you know you are going to wear."

For Swoyer, owning designer clothing is okay as long as it is not a waste of money.

Shopping at any boutique or mall, the quality of clothing is better and will be worth the money.

"If you buy something from Target or Kohl's it might fall apart or the jeans might get faded." Swoyer said. "They won't stay nice.

But if you buy jeans or any type of clothing from Abercrombie or from a really nice store;

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chronicle

December 14, 2007

you know that you're going to take care of them."

Senior Nina Seung works at the Abercrombie store. She says some people go into "sticker shock" because of the high prices at the store, but most eventually settle down for the quality of the brand.

"A lot of people do look at the price because it has increased lately, but they do also say we have better materials than other stores which influences them," Seung said.

Seung's job is to get customers into the store while representing Abercrombie's popular image.

"I model for the store," Seung said. "When the customer comes in, they have to see me first. We portray the image and we have to go out and recruit people. They see us and know we work for Abercrombie. If they look they're fun and they're with their friends and they seem nice, they fit the persona."

The tactics used to entice consumers have the opposite effect on Berger.

"If I'm going to buy something at Abercrombie it'll usually be a sweater," Berger said. "I love their sweaters, because they don't have moose all over them."

Seung says she is aware of the "free advertisement" the store gets from customers wearing the clothing out in public, but it is their decision to carry the moose around or not.

"They don't have to buy the clothes that say Abercrombie on them," Seung said. "If you don't like it you can buy something more discreet."

Berger used to be into the mall-look of stores like Abercrombie but is branching out.

"Salvation Army is super for moccasins," Berger said. "I really love Target [because] they have really good sales, and then WalMart surprisingly has really cute tops."

13

Designer Styles for a Fraction of the Price Xhilaration Thermal Hoodie $11.99

American Eagle Thermal Top $24.50

Delia’s Babydoll Sweater $34.50

Xhilaration Babydoll Sleeveless Sweater $22.99

Mossimo Supply Co. Denim Wide-Leg $22.99

Hollister Cali Low Rise Jeans $59.50

Jessica Simpson Silver ballet flats $59.99

Total Cost of Designer Outfit: $178.49

Xhilaration Silver ballet flats $10.99

Total Cost of Generic Outfit: $68.96

14

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December 14, 2007

December 14, 2007

6 1 1 7

While acting as Principal of Mason High School is his day job Dr. Allen talks about his favorite hobby -- cooking, and his mean grilled grouper with homemade mango salsa.

Story on Page 16 > >

1

Led Zeppelin have finally

bandwagon. Look to see what MHS student will

soon be hosting her new

CD along with today's most popular artists.

Story on Page 17 > >

So you think you know Tong Zhan? The math-whiz reveals all in "Picking Tong's Brain."

Story on Page 19 >>

1

2

2

Babysitting isn’t all fun and games.

Everyone has a babysitting nightmare to tell.

Story on Page 21>>

15

Hours spent video gaming and completing homework assignments are both reasons Mason High School students are staying up late into the night, therefore, it comes as no shock to see students passed out in class due to the lack of sleep.

Story on Page 16 > >

8 90

Classic Rock icons such as

jumped on the iTunes

chronicle features

1

Text Messaging, IM, Facebook, Myspace and internet forums are all ways of communicating electronically.

With the popularity of these electronic communicators, people are becoming more comfortable with hiding behind them, leading people to say things they normally wouldn't face-to-face.

Story on Page 18 > >

Public displays of affection in the halls of MHS have some students gagging.

Story on Page 20 > >

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December 14, 2007

Why Can’ t We

Distractions keep students awake

By ALYSSA HOWARD Staff Writer

Over 79 percent of students from Mason High School get less than eight hours of sleep on average per school night according to a recent survey by The Chronicle, proving that students at Mason are no exception to a sleep deprived teenage nation. The American Sleep Association says that teenagers require approximately nine hours of sleep per night, but that still leaves the question of why teenagers are sleep deprived.

Around 66.5 percent of surveyed students claimed that homework was a cause of lost sleep. Senior Shining Li said she agrees with the results of the poll, in that homework is the main cause of sleep deprivation for teenagers.

Currently taking five Advanced Placement courses, Li averages about five to six hours of sleep per night with an estimated five hours of homework per school night. "[Homework is] what I spend most of the night doing," Li said.

Li said that she has gotten less sleep on average as she has progressed through high school.

"I know I got more sleep freshman year," Li said. "The end of freshman year was when I started slacking a little bit, so that's why I was getting less sleep. But then once sophomore year started it was just homework, not because I was slacking."

Sleep?

Playing video and computer games deters about 13.5 percent of surveyed students from going to bed. Sophomore Caleb Schowalter said that he can identify with this portion of students, spending approximately three hours each night playing video games.

"I have to get a lot of stuff accomplished, but I spend most of my time playing games," Schowalter said.

While Schowalter said that students with a heavy Advanced Placement course load get slammed with homework, he disagrees with the argument that homework is the main cause of lost sleep with the majority of students at MHS. "The school doesn't give that much homework, especially if you're taking the required courses," Schowalter said. "As soon as you get home, it's your chance to do stuff that you couldn't do at school, so [people] put [homework] off until the last minute…it's not really fair to say that [homework is] the main cause of sleep loss."

Schowalter said that it's not excessive home-

work, but procrastination on homework that keeps students awake on a regular basis.

"It's basically a matter of time management," Schowalter said. "People will put things off until they lose sleep because of school work and cramming things in at the last minute."

The amount of time spent on the internet causes about 28.25 percent of students surveyed to lose sleep, and about 10 percent of students added that watching television keeps them awake at night. Senior Tessa Xuan, who is currently taking five Advanced Placement courses, gets between four and five hours of sleep on school nights. Xuan said that her lack of sleep can be attributed to homework as well as surfing the internet and watching television.

"It's not always homework," Xuan said. "I'll just think of excuses for why I don't need to go to sleep yet."

Xuan said that frequent naps also contribute to an inability to maintain an early bedtime.

"If I have the time when I get home from school I'll take couple-hour long naps," Xuan

said. "Sometimes I'll get a five-hour nap, and sometimes I won't get a nap at all."

Generally Xuan said that she thinks the widespread sleep deficits of teenagers are most commonly caused by biological rhythms that are characteristic of adolescence.

"I think it's just in our nature; we just don't want to go to sleep early," Xuan said.

"Teenagers just naturally go to sleep later and want to sleep in."

Despite disagreements over the leading origins of the perpetual fatigue of teenagers, Li said that just being able to focus on accomplishing tasks would help students receive more sleep per night.

"It's a thing where I don't practice what I preach, but don't IM and do homework while on the computer," Li said. "The later you start homework, the less focused you are. The more tired you are, the more time it takes. So I would probably start homework earlier."

Principal by day ... chef by night; Allen enjoys preparing the perfect dish

. . . g n i c u

d o r t in

photo art by Patrick Lipka

By SHEA DAVIDSON Editor As a former college baseball player and a standout high school athlete, some people find it hard to believe that Principal Dr. Dave Allen's greatest passion outside of school is cooking.

"I love to cook," Allen said. "I make really elaborate meals for my wife and me. I love the idea of really understanding how to cook."

Not only does Allen have his personal favorite dishes to make, but he also makes sure that everything is prepared fresh.

"I do a grilled grouper served over garlic smashed potatoes with homemade mango salsa, and when I do steaks I make a homemade sauce to go with it," Allen said. "Everything is fresh with all the chopping done myself - and I love it."

Allen also admits to being a big fan of cooking shows on television, as well as magazines and cook books.

"I watch cooking shows, and have cooking magazines," Allen said. "I DVR the TV show Good Eats. It's my favorite because they go through the whole chemistry of making a dish."

Allen said that not only does he try out his cooking on his family, but on the administrative staff as well.

"Every year I make a big dinner for the staff and their families," Allen said. "It's at my house and I end up feeding around 30 people. This year I made baby back ribs with my own barbeque sauce."

While at home cooking, Allen admits to calling Assistant Principal Tim Keeton and asking him for advice when preparing various dishes. Allen and Keeton also tried starting a cooking class together due to time constraints, however, were unable to follow through with it.

"I'll call up Keeton and tell him what I'm making," Allen said. "Keeton and I started to do a cooking class, but we couldn't make the time commitment."

Allen has taken his culinary hobby to the next level by recently renovating his kitchen and splurging to buy a state of the art stove complete with all of the amenities.

"I've got the Cadillac of all stoves," Allen said.

"It’s really expensive. However, it's a combination of the equipment and knowing the science behind cooking."

Allen said that his passion for the art of gastronomy started about four or five years ago after his kids were born.

"We used to always go out to eat, but when the kids were born we started eating at home more because we didn't want to take screaming kids out in public," Allen said.

To Allen, the most important thing about preparing a meal is a combination between the taste and the presentation.

"The presentation is almost as important as the actual taste -- it's a combination," Allen said.

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December 14, 2007

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By NISHA GIRIDHARAN Staff Writer Tunes racing through her head, Senior Kelsey Whited puts her compilation of words and melodies into her new debut album, Living on the Other Side, released on October 3rd.

The CD, Living on the Other Side, has been a dream of Kelsey's for many years. She released the album after one year of hard work and dedication.

"This process has taken a year, [and] a lot of time, but I've loved every Saturday morning going to the studio and hearing back songs I've written," Whited said. "Sure it took effort, but it's what I love to

Inside the Music Store

do."

Not only did creating this album give Whited the opportunity to collect and record her lyrics and melodies, but it helped her develop her musical writing abilities.

Although Whited just released her CD, at 17, she has been crafting lyrics for years and has been hoping for the opportunity to record her own CD. "I've been working towards this ever since I started singing," Whited said. "After meningitis, music was the only thing I could fully remember, so I started writing, and have progressed from there."

Since Whited was seven, she has been struggling with shortterm memory loss from when she contracted bacterial menin-

gitis.

"I was told when I was 10 that I almost died," Whited told the Pulse Journal. "I had no idea how serious that was and how lucky I was to be alive."

After recovering from meningitis, Whited used her music as a way to heal her temporary short-term memory loss.

Whited's passion for music developed and she began writing lyrics.

Right now, Whited is trying to market her CD to a larger audience. Locally, she is trying to gain the community's support.

"I sell my albums at Kidd Coffee on Tylersville and have put up posters around the place," Whited said. "I am [also] selling them at the Comet Zone and had my posters put

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Classic Rock Artists Hit iTunes Music Store

By JACKIE SWOYER Associate Editor It's been years since classic rock legends like Led Zeppelin were blasting out on record players, but the rift has not kept them from the latest technology.

On November 13, the band released selected songs onto the iTunes Library for the first time.

Although iTunes was introduced by Apple in 2001, bands have been reluctant to put their music online because of the lost profit that comes with selling individual songs rather than a whole album. According to an article in FOXNews, the EMI Music North American Spokesperson Jeanne P. Meyer agrees with why artists have chosen to hold out for so long.

"Would Jackson Pollock want to have his paintings chopped up and sold separately?" Meyer asked.

Junior Brian Hough, though a fan of the iTunes Music Store, also sees this side of the debate. "[The bands] are making less money on iTunes because people can download just the one or two songs that they like, instead of buying the whole CD," Hough said.

Freshman Zach Wills, a fan of Led Zeppelin, said he thinks the band will have a big fan base as a part of the iTunes Music Store.

"The true fans will like the music online, but also the people who don't normally listen to Zeppelin will finally be able to buy it online," Wills said.

While top bands such as Radiohead

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up around the school."

Reaching more than just the community, Whited is trying to expand her audience to people nationally and internationally.

"My website kelseymira.com markets my singing," Whited said. "I am [also] up on CDbaby.com where other artists and studios can look at or purchase my album. After I get my cover songs [checked], I should be up and running on iTunes and other download sites."

Whited, or formally known by her stage name, Mira, describes her music as "jazzy with a taste of pop." Whited says that a lot of her lyrics contain the theme of nature, air and life. The music is gentle and usually features Whited on the guitar.

and The Beatles have adamantly avoided putting their music online, Led Zeppelin has encountered more popularity since releasing their music on iTunes because they are reaching listeners in a more upto-date form. The band's re-mastered version of the album Mothership has received over three hundred reviews with a four-and-a-half out of five star rating since the release in November.

According to MacNN.com, Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page said he was ready for the band's music to be released digitally.

"The addition of the digital option will better enable fans to obtain our music in whichever manner that they prefer," Page said.

With CD sales decreasing because of online stores like iTunes, Hough said he

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thinks that having their music online will help the band.

"If someone doesn't have [Led Zeppelin's] music but wants to listen to it, how are they supposed to do that?"

Hough asked. "Plus, buying the music online is so much easier than going to a store to buy the CD." Wills said he feels the band will also benefit by reaching people with their music through iTunes.

"I think it's a great idea that they are putting their music on iTunes," Wills said. "They are getting a new generation to appreciate their music--it will really help them out."

18

chronicle features

December 14, 2007

BY MANDY CHIARA Staff Writer

MySpace imposter steals identity

ND HI BE GY O NG OL DI HN HI EC T

Technology keeps teens from confrontation

BY SHEA DAVIDSON Editor

photo art by Patrick Lipka

Open 24/7, just the way we like it.

Grocery stores, gyms, fast food restaurants, and now people. Thanks to current technology, our personal lives are always open. "[My cell phone] has texting, Facebook, IMing, and emailing,” Junior Katie Weaver said. “My phone is loaded.

I really don't see how I could get through a day [without my phone]. I just have to know it's there.”

Weaver admits that she does more than small talk through texts.

"You get into really deep conversations," Weaver said. "I think sometimes people feel like they can tell you more because they're not face to face."

Weaver and Crye both argue that technology is more convenient even though it has its flaws.

"Technology is always there; you always have to communicate," Weaver said.

Crye believes that while she may say things online, she's not afraid to face up to what she's typed afterwards.

"I've been mean to girls over IM before [and said things] that I'd probably say to their face, but it's just way easier to say it over IM and stuff," Crye said. "There's a girl I just don't like, and if I said something to her over text I'd be fine with her coming up to me in the hallway."

Bullying of any kind has serious consequences. Thirteen year old Megan Meier of Missouri hung herself last October due to mean comments from a "boy" on MySpace. The "boy," under the alias of Josh, was a hoax created by a neighborhood mother who wanted to "teach Megan a lesson" for being mean to her daughter according to Yahoo news. After starting a fake relationship with Megan, the mother began cyber bullying her.

Senior Jeff Stephens submitted a video that was selected to be in the top five in a video contest for Fox 19.

Stephens received ill comments under his video from anonymous screen names.

"It's kind of a natural tendency of a person to be jealous and want to criticize other people's work because they didn't get picked as the top five finalist," Stephens said.

The jealous rant came off as insincere. While Stephens was slightly angry, he did not take the comments as a personal attack. But by commenting on the computer, the students did not feel the immediate consequences of their words.

"If they said something over the phone, I'd be able to defend myself right then," Stephens said. "On an internet thing they can type something and send it and then it's going to be up there and I'm not going to be able to defend myself."

One popular online forum in which students at MHS frequently comment on is the sports site Yappi. Yappi is also a website in which students can comment anonymously on various sports and players in Ohio.

Senior Niro Wimalasena has not only commented on Yappi but has also been commented about. He said he feels that some people take advantage of postings on Yappi being anonymous.

"Some people expose who they are, but most don't because they can hide behind their screen name," Wimalasena said. "They are more ready to attack other people and their teams about their ability."

Wimalasena said that the Yappi site is monitored for inappropriate content such as trash talking individual players. "[Yappi] is good for a community following sports for input, but is not always monitored properly when it comes to what people say," Wimalasena said. "Some people degrade people's playing ability -- this year it they monitored it better so nothing was written that was too bad."

Even though some people abuse the intentions of sites such as Yappi Wimalasena said he thinks that people should not be required to reveal their identity, and has even posted on Yappi himself.

"It takes the fun out of guessing where their from, and people will look for specific screen names to compare their opinions with them," Wimalasena said. "During soccer I am an avid [Yappi] reader, but I've only posted once -- just to see what or if anyone would comment on what I said."

MySpace -- designed to be a free social network -- allows people to upload pictures and post their personal information. Fake MySpace accounts, however, have become more common as people use fake names and pictures to hide behind the Internet.

Senior Aly Lawhead recently had a person make a fake MySpace of her, using pictures she had posted on Facebook (another Internet social network) and her personal information.

"They stole about 80 of my pictures."

Lawhead said. "They changed my name to Alexis and it even said I lived in Mason. [One] picture of me and my mom [said] 'RIP Mom,' so they even pretended that my mom had died."

Lawhead said that a friend recognized a picture of her on someone else’s top friends listing.

"Someone sent me a message saying there was someone who was faking me and sent me the link," Lawhead said.

"She found it on some guy’s top friends I didn't even know."

Lawhead admits to feeling both creeped out and mad that someone would use her pictures and information to make a fake person online.

"I was weirded out and mad that someone was pretending to be me, mad that someone was taking my pictures, and weirded out that they pretended my mom died," Lawhead said.

Lawhead said she thinks that the identity thief may have made a fake MySpace due to the lack of personal contact online. Instead, they may have felt more comfortable hiding behind the fake account when talking to people online.

"You don't have to really see people when you're on Myspace because you're just online," Lawhead said. "They can hide behind pictures of other people and no one knows it's not them.

They may have been more comfortable hiding behind someone else's pictures."

After sending a message to the fake account telling them to delete it, Lawhead messaged friends on the fake account telling them that this was a fake MySpace.

"The person didn't delete it, so I sent a message to a bunch of her friends saying it was a fake," Lawhead said. "I told them the girl ‘Alexis’ that you think you've been talking to is really me and this girl stole my pictures."

After looking more closely at the site, Lawhead found out that the imposter had made friends online from other states, and had even made plans to meet up with them. "[That person] said they used to live in Virginia so friends she had met on MySpace from there would comment and tell her to call them so they could meet up next time she was in town," Lawhead said. "Obviously, she wasn't planning on really meeting up with them though because she would look like her and not like me and my pictures."

Not only were friends made by the fake Myspace, but fights were started as well between ‘Alexis’ and girl that Lawhead had never met before.

"There was drama on the fake MySpace -- like fighting back and forth between her and another girl -- and Alexis wasn't even real."

features

chronicle

December 14, 2007

19

PICKING

TONG’S

BRAIN

By RACHEL BROCKHAGE Staff Writer

Junior Tong Zhan is known around Mason High School for being a “Math Superstar”.

As a finalist in numerous math competitions, it is clear that Tong does invest a lot of his time in math. But what students don’t see is the other side of Tong -- the side that enjoys video games and hanging out with friends. The Chronicle takes a look at what goes on in Tong’s brain.

Has any part of math ever seemed hard for you?

It's not really the topic that seemed hard; the hardest thing is knowing exactly how to approach a certain situation, because sometimes it requires a few clues. You have to try lots of things in order to get the intuition as to how to best attack a problem.

You qualified as a finalist for the elite Siemens Westinghouse Competition.

How did it feel when you found out you were a finalist?

I was surprised, [and] I was also satisfied. I put some good work into it, and I felt that it was good to be able to see other people's math and computer-science projects.

What do you find to be your biggest challenge when competing?

Nerves. Sometimes it has detracted from my performance, but usually I can keep it under control. Part of the problem is going in without knowing what's going to happen; but it usually ends up being a pleasant surprise. Nerves aren't always bad.

How do you spend your time when you are not working on math?

I play the violin, and am taking Honors Symphony Orchestra. I also am in Science Olympiad, Speech and Debate, and NHS.

What do you do with your non-aacademic-rrelated time?

I play video games with friends, play poker (Texas Hold-'Em), go to the movies, and listen to various concerts.

What do you plan to do with math in the future?

I'm hoping to take some of the stuff I learned and hopefully apply it to other fields, and see how I can use it. Probably something with physics, engineering, or computer-science.

Do you have any specific colleges in mind?

I haven't really thought about that. I figure I'll put that off for another year.

What's your favorite book?

I like The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. It's structured like a puzzle and it's fast-paced, since the main characters are always on the run from somebody.

What's your favorite movie?

Pirates of the Caribbean, because of the action.

What is your favorite food?

Ice cream, because it is cold and has lots of sugar.

What's your favorite video game?

Super Smash Bros. Melee, or most first-person shooter games, because there is a lot of action and a wide variety of choices in terms of weapons/techniques.

Where do you like to shop?

EB Games, for video games obviously.

photo art by Patrick Lipka

20

chronicle features

December 14, 2007

High school lovin’ has been taken too far

PDA Offenders

By RACHEL SCHOWALTER Staff Writer In between bells, the hallways of Mason High School seem like clips from romantic movies. At the corner of C1, a couple embraces for what seems like the last time. The young man gazes into his girlfriend's eyes, now brimming with tears, and whispers, "I'll be back soon."

Letting go of her delicate hand, he bravely strides toward his journey, each step now weak without her comfort.

The girlfriend is left staring longingly in her lover's direction, yearning for one more moment with him. But instead of leaving the country for three years, this young man is heading down the depths of the D wing -- to band class.

The seriousness of public displays of affection at MHS has become almost comical in the eyes of its lonely singles. These clips from romantic comedies soon become horror films when the PDA goes too far. Couples block the hallways like clogged arteries, and those subjected to their embraces begin to vomit in nearby waste bins.

Senior Stephen Peele and his girlfriend have been together for 11 months (one of MHS's longer standing commitments: very impressive). According to Peele, they see each other between every bell, and kiss every time.

"I'm comfortable with her, and that's how we show our affection towards each other," Peele said. "Kissing is not inappropriate unless you make it that way. If you're sucking face or making out, then there's going to be a

You’re gonna make me

BARF

Public displays of affection have some feeling nauseous problem. If it's innocent, it's okay."

Despite Peele's "innocent" acts, he realizes that others might feel uncomfortable with PDA. "I may be more sensitive around those people, just because I don't want to offend them," Peele said. "At the same time I don't want to stop what I'm doing because I'm constantly worried about someone else."(These students should appreciate his

empathetic consideration).

Although students witness PDA from bell to bell, teachers are also voicing their expriences in MHS hallways. Algebra II teacher Tina Leder said she sees PDA from "the same students" every day.

"Every time I observe the PDAers hugging in the hallways, they look at each other as if they are never going to see one another again," Leder said. "OH WAIT! They are going to meet again. 75 minutes later. Same place. And same display as before."

Most schools have strict rules concerning PDA; some have even banned hugging, like Fossil Hills Middle School in Keller, Texas.

Must MHS go so far as to ban this cushy embrace?

"I don't think there needs to be a ban on hugging or other forms of PDA," Leder said. "As much as I am adamant that people should be respectful where PDA is involved, I also think they should be given the right to express themselves in a school appropriate manner. I think most

students here at MHS know the difference between appropriate and non-appropriate behavior and are responsible enough to make the right decision."

Sophomore Katie Morris feels like hugging, holding hands, and kissing is appropriate behavior, but she doesn't want students to "push it."

"You can show your affection for people otherwise," Morris said. "Relationships shouldn't be based on that; they should be based on higher values. We don't want to see what you guys are doing in your personal life. Save that for another time."

PDA doesn't only make students feel uncomfortable, it also creates tardies. According to Principal Tim Keeton, many students are substituting the five minutes between bells for a quick smooch.

"PDA happens in between

classes, before school, [and] it adds to tardiness," Keeton said. "You try to see your boyfriend but you need to get to class."

As for MHS's PDA policy, Keeton said he needs to "get the handbook out" to make sure he's being "exact." (At least he's being honest).

The terms in the handbook are rather broad, however. Rule 42 states that "displaying excessive affection or other inappropriate behavior with a person of the same or opposite sex" is against school policy. This term "excessive affection" is up for debate.

Photo Art By Rachel Showalter

December 14, 2007

chronicle features

21

It’s a great way to make some extra money but almost everyone who has done so has had their own....

Babysitting Nightmares

By M EGAN R OEHM Staff Writer Agreeing to take on the job of babysitting is agreeing to a lot more than just playing Candy Land and watching TV with kids. Sometimes it gets a bit out of hand, and is more of a challenge than one may expect.

In the movie When a Stranger Calls, a babysitter is being stalked by a man outside the house, and has to try to save the kids, along with saving herself. While it may not always be a "life and death" situation like the ones in the movies, there are students at Mason High School who have had experiences that may have changed their decisions about whether or not they really wanted to babysit.

Senior Chelsea Thieken has had quite a memorable experience while babysitting the kids down the street from her house when she was just 14 years old.

Thieken said that they were playing baseball in the backyard, and her younger brothers and sisters came over to join them.

One of the girls she was babysitting was swinging a metal baseball bat, and accidentally hit Chelsea's 9-year-old brother in the head. She said his head started bleeding right after it happened.

"I called my parents because I was just down the street and they were at home making dinner," Thieken said.

Thieken said that her parents then took her brother to the hospital, where he had to get stitches. Thieken said it was a very scary moment at the time but, once everything turned out okay; it

was easier to lighten up a bit.

"It was funny afterwards," Thieken said.

Some babysitting experiences gone wrong are just an accident, and completely unexpected. Other times however, kids can be a little out of hand, and are even hard for their parents to control.

Senior Kristen Ingram first agreed to a babysitting job in the neighborhood but she soon found that she probably wouldn't go back again.

Ingram said that she knew the boy she was babysitting was supposedly a "wild child," but she didn't realize exactly how wild he was until she got there.

"When I told him it was time for bed he started throwing blocks at me," Ingram said. "Then, he locked himself in the bathroom and wouldn't come out!"

Ingram said that she finally got him into his crib, and stayed in the room until she thought he was asleep.

"Later I was just watching TV and somehow he got out of his crib and started running around the house," Ingram said.

She said she chased him around the house until she finally caught him and put him back in his crib. After that one night, Ingram said she hasn't babysat for that family since.

Photo By Megan Roehm

22

chronicle features

December 14, 2007

Jack’s Driving School 7588 Central Parke Blvd.

Mason, OH 45040 (513) 398-1999

Daytime Classes: Mason Community Center

Evening Classes: 7588 Central Parke Blvd For class schedules and registration visit:

www.jacksdrivingschool.com

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masoncomets.org proudly brings you The Chronicle

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