The Chronicle, 5.4

WILLIAM MASON HIGH SCHOOL

FEATURES

Comet chess team squares off against GMC opponents In SPORTS page 7 > > PLUS: A conversation with cheerleader and track star Rachel Harley Volume 5 Issue 4

inside Is the media making teen pregnancy popular?

Story on page 4 > >

Story on page 20 > > NEWS

Online behavior could get you in trouble Story on Page 3 > >

JANUARY 29, 2008 WHAT’S

The life of the nocturnal

Check out the correlation between your wardrobe and your playlist S e e P a g e 1 9 > >

This isn’t supposed to happen here TRA GEDY RA TTLES TIGHT K NIT C O M M U N ITY

center SPREAD

“Holians” gear up for tonight’s game

photo by Jackie Swoyer

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

A quiet Mason neighborhood searches for answers in the tragic deaths of four children and their mother... Story on page 2 > >

check IT OUT

In SPORTS:

61

The percentage of students who said they don’t think icons like Jamie Lynn Spears or movies like Knocked Up and Juno have popularized pregnancy.

See Story on page 4 > >

Comet swimmers ready for post season

2

coverstory

chronicle

Why?

photo by Jackie Swoyer

A shocked community searches for answers

By SHEA DAVIDSON Editor On January 11 firefighters arrived at Brackenview Court to find heavy smoke and flames coming from a three-story house.

Outside they found Michael Veillette, father and husband, who jumped out a window, and inside was the rest of the Veillette family.

Nadya Ferrari-Veillette died on the scene due to stab wounds, and her four children Marguerite, Vincent, Mia and Jacob died due to the fire. Currently Michael Veillette has been charged for murdering his family and is waiting to go before a Warren County grand jury.

The city of Mason is considered by its residents to be upper-middle class and is the fastest growing city in the county. Residents of Mason were shocked after the Veillette tragedy and were left wondering why.

Mason High School senior Abby Scaggs coached eight-year-old Marguerite Veillette in cheerleading three days a week. Scaggs said that Marguerite’s mother and siblings were always there to watch her practice,but she never saw the father.

"It's so shocking that someone would do something like this," Scaggs said. "It surprised everyone that this could happen next door. I think it has relaxed people that they know who did it, but that doesn't make it any better. I feel like people are going to be more aware of stuff like this."

School Board and active community member Marianne Culbertson feels as if shock was a big factor that affected the community after hearing of the tragedy.

"It affected our community very deeply in the

shock of the situation where it appears a family member caused that on his family," Culbertson said. "I think we were all shocked by the magnitude, yet comforted by the support given by the schools and neighbors to each other."

Deborah Delp, school board and active community member, agrees that the community was shocked after hearing about the tragic event, but is also worried about Veillette.

"It shocked everyone," Delp said. "It made everyone more aware of the fact that life is precious, and I was proud of how the community reacted. We are as concerned for his welfare because obviously he is not well."

Scaggs said that the community came together by organizing a memorial service at St. Susanna since the Veillette's family lives in Canada, where they are originally from.

"None of their family lives [in the United States] so the service was done at St. Susanna completely by the community," Scaggs said.

"Anyone who felt like they wanted to help out could. The funeral was very child friendly by providing paper and paper dolls so they could draw pictures and messages for the kids. So many people have donated money to send all of the memorials up to their family in Canada."

Scaggs said that there were community members present at the memorial service that comforted her as well as the cheerleading squad Marguerite participated on.

"Even though the whole situation is so sad it really brought our cheerleading team together, and at the service people kept coming up to us telling us how sorry they were," Scaggs said.

Delp said that they way the community has come together since the event has caused her

to feel pride in her community.

"St. Susanna as well as the community came together in the way families have supported one another by putting monuments in front of their house," Delp said. "I can't say enough about how the community has reacted. It reminds you how fragile life is, and it makes you want to go home and hug your family."

Clinical therapist Jennifer Nabel said she feels that Mason may have the stereotype of a place where bad things don't happen, but it is unrealistic to think Mason is immune to unfortunate events.

"People have a stereotype of what Mason is because there are a number of well-off families, but also there are a lot of students who live here, so there will be some kind of tragedy," Nabel said.

Culbertson agrees with Nabel that tragedies can happen anywhere, even in a city like Mason.

"It makes you realize that tragedy can occur here, and it makes you feel or understand better the tragedies other communities face that aren't as lucky as we are," Culbertson said.

"Unfortunately tragedies are a part of life and how you deal with them is what makes the difference.

Scaggs thinks that after this event people outside of Mason will realize that Mason is like any other town and is affected just like them.

"Any town can be affected," Scaggs said.

"I'm sure people outside of Mason will see this tragedy and see this typical upper-middle class city isn't what it may seem to be, but you can't help that stuff like this happens."

January 29, 2008

Grief can have long term effects

By JACKIE SWOYER Associate Editor Following this latest tragedy in Mason, both Mason Heights Elementary and the Mason Early Childhood Center have offered counseling to students grieving Marguerite, 8; and Vincent,4; Veillette.

Mason City Schools' Public Information Officer, Tracey Carson, said that the schools responded quickly to the tragedy.

"On Saturday morning [January 12] both Mr. Messer from Mason Heights and Mr. Zimmermann from MECC immediately contacted their counselors and also reached out to counselors from other schools in the district," Carson said.

On the Monday following the tragedy, counselors started off in Marguerite Veillette's classroom with a planned activity for her classmates. "[The activity] was something for them to have some kind of closure," Carson said.

The counselors stayed in the classroom with the students every day during the first week following the tragedy.

Because the students of MECC are younger, Carson said that different precautions have been taken with them.

Administrators at MECC felt that they should shut the blinds of the school because the charred Veillette house is visible from the school’s windows.

The students at MECC had counselors available to them if necessary, but it was deemed inappropriate to hold counseling sessions with the younger students.

"We didn't want to encroach on the parents' rights to talk with their kids about what happened," Carson said.

Clinical therapist Jennifer Nabel said that properly handling grief is important to students, especially after losing friends in a tragedy such as the Veillette’s.

"It's great to have grief counselors, but it is important not to forget the long term implications," Nabel said. "They get through the initial impact, but then six months later they are still thinking about it. They will think 'What's wrong with me?' or 'Why am I still thinking about it?'"

According to the National Mental Health Association, one of the best ways to cope with grief is for mourners to express their feelings with others. Nabel agrees that discussions and peer support are important in grieving.

"Kids need to stay in tune with their feelings and rely on each other," Nabel said. "Peer support is important."

Nabel also said that it is important to notice the signs of grief among younger kids, who tend to grieve differently from high school students.

"Younger kids act out more [than older kids]," Nabel said. "They will have a harder time handling emotions, and they may be more difficult or aggressive."

Anger is cited by the National Mental Health Association as one of the signs of grief, and Nabel agrees that anger is a justified form of grief given the situation.

"They will be angry," Nabel said. "This has been a tragedy."

The Mason community continues to grieve the losses of the Veillette family.

"It'll come in waves as we reach different milestones," Carson said. "Right now we want to remember their lives."

news

chronicle

January 29, 2008

3

Schools have more rights than students thought

By NISHA GIRIDHARAN Staff Writer School consumes most of a student's day, seven hours and five days a week; but even after a high schooler returns home, the school still has an ominous watch on his or her actions.

Privacy and freedom are important parts of Keeton any teenager's life, but at school nothing seems to be a secret. At Mason High School, the administrators agree that exposing all the possible threats to our school is necessary to protect the student population. Tim Keeton, Assistant Principal, says that schools should have the right to discipline students for actions outside of school; however, Keeton says that every situation must be evaluated on a caseby-case scenario.

"If it affects our school day or disrupts our learning environment, we have full power under school law to take action," Keeton said.

Although school officials believe that it is

important to protect the students, most high schoolers at MHS believe that sacrificing privacy and freedom is not acceptable. Senior Phillip Liles is frustrated by the current system.

"I don't think they should be able to tell us what we can and can't do outside of school because it has nothing to do with school," Liles said. "Our private life, unless you play a sport, has really nothing to do with the school in general."

Sophomore Anna Lin says that it "is the police's job."

"The parents should make sure the kids are being responsible," Lin said.

Playing a sport or participating in an extra curricular activity at MHS requires students to sign a contract saying that they will not expose themselves to drugs or alcohol during the sport or extra curricular's season. But for the students that do not, Liles wonders why they should be punished.

"If I want to go out on the weekends and go drink or something, but I don't play a sport, I don't think it should be any of the school's business what I do outside of class," Liles said. "If it's affecting school, like not coming to school because I am getting drunk the night before or something like that, then I believe they have

some say about it."

Last year an incident at Cotton Wood in Indiana caused a huge issue between the administration and students that were invited on Facebook. A large end of the year party was to be held at Cotton Wood, a campus in Indiana, and an invitation was sent around on Facebook with hundreds of students from MHS invited. There was to be alcohol at the party and a staff member found out.

"They called our parents about everything and [tried] to tell our parents what to do," Liles said.

"I think they're trying to act like our parents when they're not."

Keeton says that the administration's job is to make sure that students are safe.

Recently at Taylor High School in Northbend, Ohio, students were caught for creating a Facebook account under a teacher's name using it as a pedophile. The students received long suspensions from school and recommendations for expulsion. But the students felt their first amendment rights were being violated, and chose to sue the school.

Mason has become recognized for its excellence and been grouped with Sycamore and St. Xavier in its academic achievement, and if such an incident were to occur here at MHS, the pun-

ishment would be severe.

Keeton says that "10 days OSS with recommendation for expulsion" would be his consequence. "I fully agreed [with Taylor High School's] reaction."

In the situation at Taylor High School Liles agrees that the students should be punished.

"That's going a little far with it," Liles said. "If they are going to use [a Facebook] to be a pedophile to begin with that's a little weird."

Sophomore Amanda La Rue agrees.

"I would say that the school does have authority over [this] situation because the teacher is sort of the property of the school, if you will, and since the teacher is employed by the school, they as a school have the right to take action against anyone who messes with their employees," La Rue said.

But whether it is an online pedophile, inappropriate pictures on your cell phone, or a party with alcohol, the school plays a role in a student's life outside of MHS. "I have punished students for behavior outside of school," Keeton said. "For example, a student saw a teacher in his car at a traffic light and shouted a barrage of inappropriate things to the teacher.10 days OSS with recommendation [for expulsion]."

Young Ohio voters paying close attention to upcoming primaries

By SPENCER WEBB Staff Writer On the first Tuesday in November the general elections to decide the next president of the United States will be held, but before that there is a six month primary election process to help the nation decide who will run in the general election.

"The primaries give the parties indication where the candidates stand in the eyes of the nation," Senior Niro Wimalasena said. "They are not a definitive indication but if a candidate does well and gains momentum there is a good chance they could be chosen to run for their party in the general election."

The primary elections are going to be held in Ohio on March 4 and will determine the number of votes each candidate will receive from a state's pledged delegates as a proportion of the election results. A number of superdelagate votes, unbound by the primary results, are also cast.

With the primary elections there are also caucuses held in certain states.

According to Iowacacus.org, "The caucuses are held in Iowa every two years. The caucuses held in the off-presidential years are usually smaller and focus on the party platform. The caucuses that coincide with presidential elections are better attended and receive more

media attention."

Wimalasena, who will be 18 in time for the primaries, considers himself to be more democratic and would like to see Barack Obama gain the nomination for the Democratic Party.

"Many people think he is an idealist but I believe he is fully capable of executing what he has planned for the country." Wimalasena said.

Junior Ryan Rice plans on voting in the general election. He said he has not affiliated himself with a particular party but is leaning more towards the side of the Republicans.

Rice said he does not plan on voting in the primary elections because he does not believe they effect which candidate each party chooses to run in the general election.

"I don't think it's that big of a deal -- I believe both parties could find their best candidate anyway," Rice said.

Senior Tim Oliver also plans on voting in the election, and registered to vote in his government class.

"We filled out an information sheet and it was mailed by our government teacher." Oliver said.

Oliver has not decided whether he is a republican or a democrat but he feels like he is leaning more to the side of the democrats.

"I feel they are more likely to change the set up in Washington." Oliver said.

Bhutto assassination hits close to home

By ALYSSA HOWARD Staff Writer

photo by Balkis Press/Abaca Press/MCT

Benazir Bhutto, the prime minister of Pakistan, was assassinated on December 27 in a suicide bombing.

Although the assassination of Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto occurred thousands of miles away, sophomore Sheroz Zindani said that his family felt the effects of the tragedy, which took place on December 27. "[My relatives living in Karachi, Pakistan] said that they couldn't go grocery shopping because there were a lot of riots in the city," Zindani said. "They left the house Monday morning to get whatever they needed and hundreds of people had been killed."

The turmoil was a result of the assassination following a rally in Rawalpindi. As Bhutto greeted supporters through the sunroof of her bulletproof and bombproof vehicle, she was shot three times before the assailant set off a bomb. The blast, now believed to have been the work of an al-Qaida suicide bomber, killed 20 others. Bhutto was pronounced dead at the Rawalpindi General Hospital at 6:16 P.M. Speculation as to the cause of death continues, although many of her supporters criticize gaps in security at the event. Some even blame

President Pervez Musharraf and his administration for their failure to prevent the assassination.

Despite the varying placements of blame, Bhutto's death has a significant political effect.

Occurring only 12 days before elections were slotted to take place, the assassination has left the country in a state of rioting turmoil.

The Bush administration is feeling the effects as well. President Bush had been relying on the pro-Western former prime minister to help stabilize the nuclear-armed country. The blame associated with American ally President Musharraf has driven a wedge between him and the people of Pakistan. This distrust of President Musharraf further alienates President Bush from opportunities to unite with Pakistan against Islamic extremist forces on the Afghan border.

Bhutto's death has also affected various others at MHS. Junior Marium Siddiqui, who was born in Canada to Pakistani parents, said that the assassination primarily affected her emotionally.

"Just the fact that she died shocked us," Siddiqui said. "We have lots of relatives there

and…we were completely shocked and embarrassed when we saw [the country's reaction] on the news. It was total chaos."

Senior Hassan Qureishi said that he was surprised but felt limited impact of the assassination.

"People that supported her more would have a different perspective," Qureishi said. "Living here I don't really know what the situation was there."

Zindani also said that he felt a degree of indifference to the event, but it affected his parents more directly.

"I actually didn't care that much, but my parents were in shock that she got assassinated," Zindani said.

Despite varying opinions of Bhutto's politics, as the first female prime minister of Pakistan, she left her mark in history. Siddiqui said that although her family didn't support Bhutto's policies, they recognized the prime minister's contributions to the country.

"One thing I am proud of her [for] is that she was a woman and a leader," Siddiqui said. "I think that's something more countries should be observing."

4

news

chronicle

January 29, 2008

Popular may be media sending the wrong message Innocent question by a little girl made me realize the impact of Spears’ recent revelation

By JACKIE SWOYER Associate Editor I've never seen Jamie Lynn Spears as an influential icon -- she has always just been "Britney's little sister" in my eyes.

But while she is not my idol, I know that she is a role model for just about every pre-teen girl who has ever watched her show on Nickelodeon, Zoey 101. Her face has been plastered on everything from the covers of teen magazines to tshirts and lunchboxes, and her character represents what I don't know young girls aspire to be today. if she Taking into realizes this, account her posibut she has tion as a role betrayed her model, I think her "tween" fans pregnancy is irresponsible and who have inconsiderate to always her young audilooked up to ence. I don't know her. She's no if she realizes this, but she has longer betrayed her smiling at "tween" fans who them from have always lunchboxes… looked up to her.

She's no longer Instead, we smiling at them will probably from lunchboxnext see her es… Instead, we modeling in will probably next maternity ads see her modeling in maternity ads for teen for teen moms. moms.

Jamie Lynn has left her audience confused about pregnancy. What scares me is that the girls who still look up to her are going to start thinking that getting pregnant is the average thing for teens to do.

I was babysitting one weekend, after the news about Jamie Lynn Spears had been released, when an eight-year-old girl asked me how old I was. After replying "18," I don't know what I was expecting her to say, but I know it was not this: "So that means you're pregnant, right?" I had no idea what she was talking about…I even waited a minute before saying anything because I was waiting for the punch-line to what I thought was a joke. But then she continued. "Because that girl from Zoey 101 is pregnant, and she's younger than you."

Thanks to Jamie Lynn, this confused girl I baby-sit for is now under the impression that it is normal for sixteen year old girls to get pregnant.

Parents, schools facing the difficult issue of dealing with the topic of teen pregnancy while Hollywood sends a different message

By SHEA DAVIDSON Editor and JACKIE SWOYER Associate Editor

cussion of the benefits of contracepnancy," Keeton said.

Mason City Schools' Public tives, Governor Ted Strickland Yingling agrees that abstinence is Information Officer Tracey Carson announced last year that his adminthe safest method of sex education agrees that it is the parents' job to do istration would not reapply for the to teach. this. fund at the end of 2007, according "I think it is probably the wisest "Our responsibility is to respect an article in the Cincinnati Enquirer. choice the school district can make," and recognize the role of the parents A one night stand leads to an "I don't believe abstinence-only Yingling said. "As a school district and their roles in teaching their unexpected pregnancy in the movie education programs work in the long where we have to address every stukids," Carson said.

Knocked Up. A high school junior run," Strickland said. dent that goes to our health proIn relation to icon Jamie Lynn getting pregnant causes her to give Despite Strickland's views, Mason gram, [abstinence is] the safest way Spears' pregnancy, Yingling said she up her baby for adoption in Oscar High School continues to teach an -- that's the safest instruction we can wonders if Spears' parents ever took nominated Juno. The hit "tween" abstinence give [students] that can keep them the opportunity to talk to her about television show photo www.firstshowing.net based from dealing with other issues." being sexually active.

Zoey 101 ran into Human Yingling also said she respects the "I wonder, as a parent, if her parcomplications when Growth and rights of parents to teach their chilents have conversations with her to Jamie Lynn Spears, dren their own values. help protect her," Yingling said. the title role, recently became pregnant at 16.

On December 18 it was announced on the front cover of OK! Magazine that Jamie Lynn Spears was 12 weeks pregnant.

This caused controversy among the fans of Spears’ show Zoey 101, and according to a poll in People Magazine 63 percent thought Nickelodeon's toprated show should be cancelled due to her being a bad influence on young viewers.

Through movies and television, pregnancy is becoming more prevalent in today's society and is leaving people wondering if the media is popularizing pregnancy among teenagers.

School board president Connie Yingling thinks that sometimes young girls don't realize that the outcome of celebrities getting pregnant and girls in communities like Mason are very different.

"I don't think the girls, even in upper class neighborhoods, realize that the effects of getting pregnant will be much different than these stars who can hire a nanny or won't have to quit their jobs," Yingling said.

People Magazine recently reported that 750,000 girls between 15 and 19 years old were pregnant in photo (Lionel Hahn/Abaca Press/MCT) 2006. This number represents a 3 Top left; Juno, a newly released movie, addresses the choices that come with teen pregnancy. percent increase from the previous Above;sixteen year old television star Jamie Lynn Spears was recently featured on the cover of year, ending a 14 year streak of OK Magazine announcing to the world and to her all her teen and pre-teen viewers that she’s declining teen pregnancy rates. pregnant.

People attributed the causes for these recent rises to both "a sexually Development curriculum. As the "It's up to each family to talk to "Those conversations you have as a permissive culture" and "a Federal staff member who initially presented their children about what their perparent are vital."

Government push for an abstinencethe abstinence based curriculum to sonal beliefs are and their personal Keeton said he feels that teaching only sex education." According to the School Board, Assistant feelings," Yingling said. abstinence leaves the choice of the Alan Guttmacher Research whether or not to Institute, be sexually Ohio's teen active with the pregnancy student in the rates rank end. sixth in the "We are teachUnited ing the facts States with Principal and former health teacher The health teachers send out a about what happens when you 29,650 pregnancies a year among Tim Keeton is an advocate of the parent letter every trimester which become sexually active," Keeton girls between 15 and 19 years old. program. assures that the Human Growth and said. "After that, it is up to students While Ohio has received funding "Abstinence is the only method of Development unit will avoid teachto make the choice." since 2003 for abstinence-only sex 100 percent protection against preging morals and values to students. education, which prohibits the dis-

"We are teaching the facts about what happens when you become sexually active. After that, it is up to students to make the choice."

views

chronicle

January 29, 2008 STAFF POLICY

Soundbytes

editorial cartoon

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.

What television show do you miss most because of the Writers Guild of America strike?

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

5

column Students value grades more than learning On a Friday morning, my teacher leaned back against the wall in his familiar stance: legs at a 25 degree angle, eyes surveying the classroom.

Why was he

BY RACHEL SCHOWALTER going to explain why Staff Writer he curved our quizzes? I just thought the quiz was too hard for our liking.

But on this Friday morning, when the sun was still barely shining, my teacher proceeded to give his AP students a lecture we've heard a thousand times before: a lecture on cheating. You would think that in an AP class these lectures would never have to be given; clearly such students value hard work and intellectual betterment, right?

This is a clear misconception. In any class, in any grade, students cheat. They cheat not only because they want to, but because they feel like they have to. Many MHS students will do anything to maintain a good GPA, even if it means cheating. To some, cheating means surviving high school and securing a spot in college.

Like most of my fellow classmates, I've cheated many times before. When I see myself glancing over at my friend's scantron, discreetly trying to decipher which bubble goes to which question, I lie to myself, trying to justify this barely legal act. Maybe my 89 percent will go up to an A, and soon I can work my way to a solid 95. But no matter what I say to cushion my decision, I cannot create excuses.

When I look closer at the situation, I realize how I must look to others. Straining my eyes over to my right, trying hard not to be

noticed. I focus in on the scantron and see a C, while I had put D. A small victory in the battle between my vision and my brain.

Despite that point I had gained on the test, I see myself forfeiting points of greater value, points encompassing the very attributes I need in life: integrity, honesty, and dignity.

At that very moment, it's the grade that matters. The single fraction out of 100 that will determine if I fail or pass the class (but in reality I have eight weeks left in the trimester). But will I really remember the subject this test is on in the future? Will I know what Benjamin Harrison's presidency was best known for when I have a career?

Chances are, I won't. And chances are, you won't either. It's not the trivial question on a test that really matters, or the amount of information you retain from a course you take. Directly, school is here to teach you math, science, history, English, and other various subjects. Indirectly, school teaches you how to problem-solve, work efficiently, and maintain your moral character. Twenty years from now, what will you need the most?

When you cheat, you deprive yourself of the indirect lessons you learn in school.

Even if you do something as simple as doing only half of your homework while you friend does the rest, the small skills learned can disappear. A little cheating can lead to more cheating, and laziness will start to kick in. Honesty will start to erode faster than the time it took to acquire it.

So when you find yourself peeking at your friend's answers on this week's history test, or listening to your teacher give you a familiar lecture on cheating, decide what you value more: the test grade, miniscule in the many points you'll receive all year, or the skills you acquire in high school and use for the rest of your life.

"I miss The Colbert Report because it's the only place where I get my news."

Tom Keene Senior

"I personally miss The Office because everyone gets addicted to that show and we really need to know what happens to Jim and Pam." Erica Yancey Sophomore

"Grey's Anatomy because it's the only show that I really watch. It hasn't been new for a while because aren't making any new episodes."

Meredith Klohe Junior

"House because it is a really cool medical show and there's all these twists and turns where you never know what's going to happen."

Payton Laws Freshman

"Scrubs. I miss my J.D. and Turk!"

Danni Simms Sophomore

"Private Practice. It's my favorite show and the men on it are extremely fortunatelooking."

Kate Delaney Sophomore

"My Name is Earl. I really want it to come back because I have nothing to watch."

Chas Maxwell Freshman

"I miss Chuck because I liked the nerdy references, as it made me feel special and loved."

Shy Ruparel Junior

Compiled by Rachel Schowalter

6

chronicle

January 29, 2008

sports

chronicle

January 29, 2008

7

SPORTS COVER STORY

Comet chess team goes head to head with GMC foes In first GMC meet chess team checks into second place

By RACHEL BROCKHAGE Staff Writer Chess may never be seen as a true American pastime, like baseball or football. But a fair level of mental athleticism is necessary if a player wants to face the best of the best in the Greater Miami Conference. Mason's players had to meet many challenges to prove themselves as one of the best chess teams in the area.

Mason came in second this season, behind Sycamore and in front of eight other teams in the GMC. Each team in the conference is made up of a school's five best players, who prepare for tournaments by working with chess coaches, according to Mark Meibers, the coach of the varsity team and advisor for Chess Club.

The competition the team faces is a major factor in game play.

Sirri Karri, the team's first chair, said he felt the pressure during this last tournament.

"When there's a team like Sycamore, and you're tied 8 to 1, and you want to win the whole thing, it gets pretty hectic," Karri said.

The pressure to win is also felt in friendships. Gautam Nagendra is Sycamore's first chair, and one of Sirri's best friends. Nagendra and Karri met during a chess tournament in fifth grade.

"When you're competing for Player of the Year, like Sirri and I are, you're really focused [on winning]," Nagendra said.

Sukhada Kulkarni is Sycamore's second chair, and the only girl in the whole GMC to compete. Besides facing the challenge posed by gender, Kulkarni also has to overcome the pressure that is felt by the team, in general, to win.

"Mason is the team to beat," she said.

Most of the stress all the players feel is from the time crunch. In the regular season, a player must make all of his or her moves within 45 minutes.

During the tournament, it must be done within 30.

"Some people may think that an hour total for a chess game is plenty of time, but it's not," Karri said. "I usually use two hours for forty moves, and then could use an hour after that. In the tournament, when two or three minutes are left in the match, I have to blitz, and play speed chess."

Meibers says that the key to success is the ability to persevere

against the challenge that is posed by time limits.

"A lot of [the game] is time management, along with keeping a cool head," Meibers said.

Meibers does not overestimate his role as the advisor of the team. He says that the players teach each other more than he teaches them.

"They all play what they want to play. I don't make suggestions to them. At least four of the five of them can beat me; they're better chess players than I am," Meibers said. "I'm the bus scheduler; I make sure we get here on time."

Meibers also feels the team had a good season with Mason's first year in the GMC. "This year, I think we've had a great season. I'm very proud of them; they did a good job."

(Bottom Right) Comet chess players Sirri Karri and Dennis Seung compete at the league tournament.

Experience key in developing chess strategy

By RACHEL BROCKHAGE Staff Writer General knowledge says that ultimate "check mate" victory will happen in three stages: the opening, middle, and end game. What happens in between the first few moves and the last is complex, according to Chess Coach Mark Meibers.

"The game of chess is very deep: there's a lot that goes into it, a lot of strategies and tactics, like the knowledge of different parts of play. It's very competitive," said Meibers.

"At the level these guys play at, they'll learn lots of strategies.

There's a French defense, a Scotch defense, a four pawn attack; there's a lot to it."

Junior Eric Wei finds that the precise calculation of each move is essential.

"Often times people just move their pieces without knowing what to do, which isn't a good idea, if you want to win," Wei said. "Even if the plan you think up might not be perfect, you have some idea at what you're aiming for."

Wei also said that there is not substitute for actual experience in playing the game that can be found in strategy books.

"Reading books on openings and going through recorded games are nice, but they are no substitute for game experience, and that's probably the best way to improve in chess," Wei said. "Like everything in life, time and practice translates to improvement on the board."

Sophomore Dennis Tseung agrees.

"I trust that actually playing is better than reading," Tseung said. "Chess tournaments take up my entire weekend: competing in them is the best way to improve."

photo by Rachel Brockhage

8

sports

chronicle

C C hronicle

onversation

Jordan Heatherly Basketball

What is it like playing in front of the black hole this season?

I love playing in front of the black hole.

Whenever you get the opportunity to play in front of 300-400 students it’s obviously a great feeling. The black hole has had a huge impact on the team and has influenced our season so far.

With more colleges starting to show interest in you, what are your thoughts about playing college ball?

I’m still unsure about playing in college.

I’m interested in majoring in engineering and that in its self is a big load.

Most of the schools I’m talking to like Wittenberg University, Mount Vernon Nazarene University, and Washington & Jefferson University don’t have the most appealing engineering programs.

January 29, 2008

GETTING TO KNOW... Rachel Harley When you think of a cheerleading you probably start to think of the typical girls that run out under the friday night lights or execute back hand springs on the arena floor. Most people do not categorize cheerleaders as athletes who train to perform.

Most just think cheerleading is an activity certain girls do to demonsrate a form of school spirit. Junior Rachel Harley disagrees with that assumption. She proves that belief wrong by being a cheerleader for the football and boy's basketball teams by night and an inspiring track star by day. When she is not getting the crowds pumped up for a big game she is working hard to get ahead of her competition on the track and making a run for the state meet coming up this spring. In this month’s Getting to Know, The Chronicle sat down with Rachel to learn what it is like to be a different type of two sport athlete.

What motivated you to start running track?

My older sister was a varsity track runner in 2004, now she runs track on a scholarship for Cedarville University, a Division Two school. I just remember going to her meets and watching her run and win at those meets. It has just been something that I have always wanted to do. So I started track in the seventh grade when we were allowed to run for our school.

Do you prefer track or cheerleading?

I love cheerleading. I have been doing it since the sixth grade but I [like to run] track, because I know I can go to college for it. I love the competition and pushing yourself to see what you can do. I like how you can control yourself [physically] and control winning. It impacts a lot of your self-esteem and your mentality. In track the ultimate goal is much greater than cheerleading.

What is the difference between cheerleading and track?

In cheerleading we just go over our chants and cheers, we do toe touches which is not really strenuous. It is fun to do it is not as intense as track and I get to hang out with my friends. Track is the complete opposite, when I come home from track I am exhausted, we just have to work so much harder. The competition is great; you have to push your self to see how far you can go and if you can go to state.

Where are you looking to attend college?

I am not sure really which college I want to go to but I would like to run for a Division One school. I have gotten some letters from Xavier University and my sister's college, Cedarville, but I haven't gotten anything else from other colleges because track hasn't really started yet. My coach has given me flyers for good track conferences like the Southeastern Conference. I haven't truly decided where I would like to go though.

Do people stereotype you when you say you are a cheerleader?

I think so, people think of a specific stereotype when they think of a cheerleader. But really a cheerleader can be anyone, as long they have a lot of spirit. They could be any person in the school there isn't a set cheerleader look. The stereotype just is not accurate of the real thing.

Do you think that cheerleading is a sport?

What went though your mind before and after your first dunk against Colerain?

Obviously everyone wanted me to dunk so I was ready to go up and do it.

After the dunk I was just happy I did it.

Seeing the black hole going crazy really pumped me up and the team reacted well with the excitement.

How has track and cheerleading affected your life?

I think that competitive cheerleading is a sport; they are working really hard to compete in competitions and win them. But sideline cheerleading is just there to support the football or basketball team. We can't really help them win a game or anything like that. Competitive cheerleading though is a sport.

Cheerleading is just for fun, it is just something I have been doing for six years. I do it to be with friends. With track though I want to get a scholarship and go to college on it. Track is a whole different level than cheerleading. I have to train all year long and all of my practices and meets leads up to the most important meet, the state meet.

Who was your role model growing up when it came to basketball?

As a basketball player I always liked Bill Russell. He was good on defense and he had good leadership. He wasn’t always the best on the offensive end, but he was a role model on the court for other players.

- As told to Duncan Fischley

What’s up with that?

In men’s college basketball what’s up with Maryland? The Terrapins lost at home to Ohio University and American University, then knocked off number one North Carolina at Chapel Hill last weekend.

What is it like to walk around the halls knowing you’re one of the tallest people in the school?

It’s kind of weird. It kind of makes me think I’m older than everyone else. I’ve gotten used to it over the years. I don’t like sticking out as much as I do, but it’s a pretty cool feeling to know I’m one of the tallest.

You seem to be a natural shot blocker. Has shot blocking always been the strongest part of your game?

Yeah it has definitely been one of my strengths. Over the past years I have just been able to develop that part of my game. I’m just glad that those skills are at a high level during my high school career and at the varsity level.

Also, volleyball has helped me with my timing and jumping abilities.

Compiled by Jeremy Powers

The COMET CULTURE Grid Language I would like to learn.

Last thing I you saw on Youtube is...

Americas Next Top Model

Chinese

Unforgiveable

DAN MCCORMACK JR., WRESTLING

That 70’s Show

German

KIERSTEN WONES JR., GYMNASTICS

Grey’s Anatomy

JOSH KRUSLING SR., BASKETBALL

Different Strokes

HOW DO THE COMETS FIT IN?

SARAH HUNTER FR., BASKETBALL

T.V. marathon you could watch all day.

What word should be added to the dictionary?

_____ is where i’m most likely to retire.

Ballin’

Thailand

My New Haircut

Aight

Cancun

Spanish

Gymnastics Routine

Kudos

Colorado

Ebonics

MHS Black Hole Highlight

Swagger-jackin’

South Beach

sports

chronicle

January 29, 2008

9

Comet swimmers tune up for the post season

By DREW ALLEN Sports Editor

Photo by Drew Allen

Returning State Qualifier Mary Wunderle swims in the 100 Butterfly against Lakota. Wunderle is part of a returning core of the women swimmers that finished 8th at state last season.

After a fourteenth and eighth place finish at the state team tournament, the Comet swim teams have reloaded for a run at the top five. Returning are state placers Spencer Hewes and Danielle Jansen, along with three members of the 200 yard freestyle relay team that placed fourth last February. Several individual state qualifiers have also returned with a chance to place.

"We return 90% of our state qualifiers, and just about all of our points from placers," Sullivan said.

"We lost one senior relay member, but that's only one part of a four person team."

The returning group of swimmers has shown marked improvement from last season.

"Most of our state qualifiers are where they were or better than this point last season," Sullivan said.

"However, we don't want them to be swimming better now but in February."

One of the main goals of the team is to knock off

32-time and defending Greater Miami Conference champion Sycamore.

“The first goal of ours is to always win a league title and a sectional title, which we did last year,” Sullivan said.

Both the men and womens teams appear well poised to accomplish their goal. A Mason swimmer leads the conference in 11 out of 12 womens events and 9 out of 12 womens events.

However, as the postseason looms, the focus remains on the district and state tournaments. With a third place finish by the womens team and fourth place finish from the mens team at the Southwest Ohio High School Swimming and Diving Classic, (the largest swim meet in the country), their goals do not appear far out of reach. “”We want to win sectionals, but our main goal is to qualify as many swimmers as possible to the district tournament,” Sullivan said. “From there, we want to finish in the top five at districts and again get as many as possible to state.”

Senior leadership guiding wrestling team to success, ranked second in Cincinnati

Dedicated seniors have Comets poised for post season run

BY JEREMY POWERS Staff Writer On Saturday, December 8 the Mason Comet Wrestling team stunned Toledo Waite, a strong state competitor, in winning the Mount Vernon "Waize Invitational" Championship. The Comets success against tough competition has continued, the team is 8-2 in duals and has won 4 out of 5 invitationals with one runner up finish to annual Cincinnati powerhouse Archbishop Moeller.

At the Coaches Classic in late December, the Comets placed second, their highest finish at the citywide tournament in several seasons. They rode nine individual placers with two champions to finish ahead of traditional powers Elder, Lakota West, Mater Dei [Indiana] and St. Xavier. They also claimed a definitive dual victory over past league rival Harrison by a score of 40-19 with nine wins in fourteen matches.

With quality performances against respected competition, the veteran seniors are receiving admiration and showing success.

"The seniors especially are getting the respect they deserve from the hard work they have put in," 3rd year head coach Craig Murnan said. "This year our kids are

expected to win with no surprise."

With the team gaining acknowledgement from the opposing wrestlers, the recognition from rival teams comes in quickly.

"Opposing coaches see our program making strides to compete at the elite level," Murnan said. "They know we have an aggressive style and our kids are putting in some time in the off season to get better."

According to Murnan, capturing a team championship at the Kevin Cleveland Memorial Invitational [Dublin Scioto] on Saturday, January 5th was a statement win.

"The point differential in our win showed how hard our kids work. We always seem to find a way to win," Murnan said.

A main staple in Mason Wrestling over the past few seasons has been the success of the team's heavy weight wrestlers. This year senior Josh Kline has been working hard in order to be unbeatable.

"The weight training he did with football in the off season helped him being in better condition for wrestling," Murnan said. "His mental mindset allows him to think he can out work his opponents."

In the finals of the Dublin Scioto tournament Josh Kline demonstrated that work ethic by knocking off the top ranked heavy weight in the state, Kyle Pritchard, by a final score of 4-2. Last season Pritchard, a

senior from Clayton Northmont, pinned Kline in the district consolation finals.

"Sometimes he does not get praised as much as he should for what he puts in to be successful," Murnan said.

Murnan praised his team’s early season success, but knows the team will be tested in the handling of their recent victories.

"The big question mark to our team is are we going to let it get to our head or are we going to respond to people gunning for us," said Murnan.

With the uncertainty being prevalent, Murnan is confident in his team's abilities.

He knows for the team to continue their success, his seniors need to use their experience to better the team.

"I have a dedicated senior group," Murnan said. "You have to handle losing before you handle winning. They have improved from freshman year and now are better."

Murnan recognizes that discipline is a staple of good teams in any sport and he sees a lot of good discipline from his dedicated team thisseason.

"Out of our starting line up, 8 of our guys have above a 3.4 G.P.A.," Murnan said.

"That points to how disciplined our kids are. They have to remain disciplined on the mat and in the classroom."

photo by Drew Allen

Returning state qualifier Nick Difabritus wrestles in the recent James Horning Invitational hosted at Mason. The team claimed first ahead of three time defending champion Lakota West.

It was the Comets first win in the tournament held in honor of former Mason wrestler James Horning.

Academic team plays important role Young Comets improving; upset in determining all sports champion ranked Oak Hills

By ALYSSA HOWARD Staff Writer While many consider traditional sports in the race for this year's Greater Miami Conference All-Sports Trophy, it is sometimes forgotten that the prestigious award requires brain as well as brawn. Along with the 13 athletic sports that factor into the trophy, the academic team, just like the chess team, also has equal representation in the award.

The Academic Team is coached by MHS English teacher Thurman Allen with math teacher Mark Wyatt.

"It's run just like any other sport," Allen said.

"The regular season sets up how the tournament is run and whoever wins the tournament is the winner of the conference."

The Comets have stepped it up in the GMC this year with a 6-6 record since the beginning of the official season in December. They started out with a rough early season record of 2-6 including a tough 55-53 loss against Oak Hills, but have since gone on a four match win streak and improved to .500. Currently they’re rankedfourth in the conference, which is good for seven points toawrds an All-Sports championship.

Matches are played against every team in the conference on a weekly basis and consist of three rounds per match. The first round is called team round in which players can work together to answer the 10 sets of 3 questions each. Next is the alphabet round where teams are given 20 questions with answers starting with the same letter to write down collaboratively. The last round is the lightning round which is a series of toss-up questions worth 2 points each.

Allen, who participated in an Academic Team in high school, said he acknowledges that some students feel that academic competitions shouldn't contribute to the All-Sports standings and championship.

"There's the idea that [the All-Sports Trophy] should just be athletic ability only," Allen said.

However, Allen said that he disagrees with exclusion of academic teams from representation in the award and that the academic team is still a viable part of the competition essential to the All-Sports Trophey "I feel that it's still a competition," Allen said. "I think the goal of the All-Sports Trophy is to show the competition between the schools and this is one way you get more students involved than just those that excel at sports."

By DUNCAN FISCHLEY Staff Writer After a rocky midseason, Women's basketball head Coach Rob Matula feels that the growth of the team can only be reflected in the way the girls have been playing. After their win over Oak Hills the team’s record is 7-4 in the Greater Miami Conference and 9-7 overall with impressive wins over Milford, Hamilton and Sycamore.

"We have definitely improved since the beginning of the season, our free throw shooting is better, overall the team has just improved as a whole," Matula said.

Junior Cara Werner, also feels that the team has improved through these past few games during the season. Werner believes that it is because they have come together that they have won more games, like the upset against Oak Hills.

"We have been playing all four quarters, coming out intense. We found that in some games that we didn't play all they way through," Werner said. "When we beat Oak Hills we came out with a strong team effort and played all four quarters. If we play like that we

can beat any team" As much as the team has improved there is always room for improvement. As they head into the end of the season they hope to get better in order to compete better at the state playoffs.

"We don't have a specific game plan and our defense still needs to get better,” Matula said.

“We haven't perfected everythingand we still need to work hard.”

Assisiting the team in their postseason aspirations will be both Werner, sopohmore Kayla Lamotte and junior Michaela Kleist. Lamotte is averaging 10.8 points per game, good for 12th in the GMC, and Kleist is averaging 7.9 rebounds per game. Kleist is currently ranked third in the conference in rebounding.

So as the girls drive through their last four games they look to that moment at state where they get the chance to earn the title of state champions. With their drive and hard work propelling them towards the playoffs, this team has a chance at shockinh a team or two.

"Anytime you get into a state playoff you have an opportunity to do a good thing and go all the way [to the state championship],” Matula said.

10

sports

chronicle

January 29, 2008

A THLETE OF THE

M ONTH J OSH K LINE V ARSITY W RESTLING

S TATS 28-1 1 21

PINS

3

T OURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIPS ***************************ECRLOT**C-086

Aponte’s Pizzeria & Family Restaurant “Where All Our Pizza Is Hand Tossed” 753 Reading Road Mason, OH 45040 All students get a 10% discount with student ID Phone: (513) 336-7400 | || |||| | | |||| | ||||||| | | ||||| |||| | | ||||

US POSTAGE PAID MASON, OH PERMIT45040

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

January 29, 2008

chronicle

11

12

chronicle [MASON VS. PRINCETON] center

January 29, 2008

[ Bring to the game tonight ]

spread

chronicle

13

.

15% off

1 Free Regular Sub

Party Subs & Party Platters

with purchase of a regular size sub Expires 3/15/08 Mason location only

Expires 3/15/08 Mason location only

14

chronicle

January 29, 2008

6 1 19 2 0

chronicle features

January 29, 2008

What’s on page...

Writer’s Strike & Reality TV

What keeps you from coming to school?

Creatures of the Night

Music and Style: The Unknown Correlation

15

January 29, 2008 chronicle Writer’s strike leaves television viewers watching re-runs features

By ELLEN DUFFER Staff Writer Three months ago, rumors began circulating in the media that the Writers Guild of America was planning a mass strike. With the writers absent from their posts, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, hosting the 2008 Golden Globes, were forced to resort to a different design for the award show.

The HFPA announced on January 7 that the Golden Globes would still occur on the original date, but with a new format. Instead of a ceremony with celebrity presenters and comedian hosts, it was comprised of Billy Bush and Nancy O'Dell (from the entertainment news show Access Hollywood) announcing the winners in a one-hour block of time.

Because NBC, the network airing the Globes, does not have to pay a fee to show portions of movies and television shows, clips were used frequently to go along with the announcements.

Sophomore Margaret Zhang, who opted not to watch the Golden Globes this year, felt that the show lacked what she usually found appealing.

"I like the Golden Globes, but because there weren't

any celebrities that were going to be there, there weren't any dresses to look at," Zhang said. "That's basically what I watch for anyway."

The stars that usually flock to the red carpet in gowns and tuxedos to accept awards were missing from this show, many of them choosing not to cross the picket line to display their support of the writers.

Instead of viewing the celeb-less Golden Globes that Sunday night, Zhang decided to finish an AP US History assignment.

"I did my homework, which is sad," Zhang said.

With other awards shows coming up, including the Grammys on February 10 and the Oscars on February 24, the WGA now faces the decision to script or refuse them as they did the Golden Globes. Musical acts Justin Timberlake and Beyonce had planned on performing at the Grammys, but are considering boycotting the ceremony as well.

Actors on affected shows, like Katherine Heigl from Grey's Anatomy, have picketed along with the writers of the many television shows for which networks have

stopped premiering episodes. Zhang thinks that the shortage of premieres will cause a loss in interested viewers.

"A lot of people just watch TV for the new episodes," Zhang said. "I know a lot of my friends, and especially my parents, don't like to watch reruns, so [the strike] will definitely affect the people who watch [TV]."

As the strike moves into its third month of action, the writers strike continues to cause the premature finale of many shows across networks. Their time slots have been replaced by reality television including American Gladiator and Dance Wars: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann. TV is not the only form of entertainment suffering from the strike - in the near future, movies will be affected as well. Multiple movies previously set to debut in 2009 and 2010 have

been put on hold due to the strike, including Angels and Demons and Justice League of America. Revisions to the scripts for these movies cannot be made without the writers, so production has halted for the time being.

Currently, the writers strike does not have an official ending date. The WGA has had negotiations with the Association of Motion Picture and Television Producers, but the two have yet to come to an agreement.

Th str e WG pe eets A s n o to tri ur s ke fav how has or ite solid supp photo tel ari or by P ter hil ev ty isi s on for t wa Halpin sh he w lkin , WG ow g A s. riter the .org sw ho

16

Whether you like or not get ready for more reality tv Reality on tap for ‘08 Writer’s strike prompts networks to produce alternative programming

By NINA BRESSAU Staff Writer Freshman Emily Kujawa pushes the button on the remote control every day after school and sees ordinary people on TV, struggling with their lives or trying to survive outside in the wild. This is reality television.

Due to the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike, an increasing number of reality TV shows have aired in the past few months. American Idol, The Biggest Loser, Party Mamas, The Hills, Survivor, The Bachelor, Real World and America's Next Top Model are only a few of the shows that have survived the Writers Strike because they lack actual scripts.

According to the Encarta® dictionary, reality television programs present real people in live, though often deliberately manufactured, situations and monitor their emotions and behavior.

Viewers tend to escape their own lives by watching these groups of people deal with everyday problems. On the TV screen, non-celebrities appear to be getting along, fighting, helping one another

and voting each other off the show. The unseen camera-crew follows every step of the individuals through their daily routines.

Freshman Caroline Hillen is one of these viewers who likes to relate to the characters on TV. "[Reality TV] is almost our lives," Hillen said. "Some of it seems real and it's interesting to watch other people deal with certain challenges."

Freshman Emily Kujawa has a different opinion on the TV show relation to reality.

"I think [reality TV shows] are pretty fake and I don't believe them," Kujawa said. "But they are fun to watch."

Although many of Kujawa's favorite reality shows have already ended their seasons, these reality shows will be returning in the fall while the Writers Strike persists.

"I often watch reruns," Kujawa said.

"But I can't wait until [the shows] come on again."

According to the American Psychiatric Association, a U.S. teenager will have seen 16,000 simulated murders and

200,000 acts of violence by the age of 18, most of which come from TV shows.

Kujawa said that important values of life are not truthfully represented in reality TV. "Love on reality TV shows is really fake, and everything is scripted," Kujawa said.

The reasons for people to go on public television and bear the humiliation, or live without electricity and society, are unclear.

"Most reality TV shows are meant for people to win money and find love," Kujawa said.

Kujawa also said that she enjoys the entertainment and often laughs at the actions of other people. Kujawa said that her favorite show is Tila Tequila and her least favorite is Survivor.

Whether it is through the next season of Real World or through a new source of reality entertainment, the media will continue to expand and chase more extreme stories to which viewers can relate.

CBS Big Brother 9 Survivor 16 The Amazing Race 13 Million-Dollar Password The Power of Ten with Drew Carey Do You Trust Me? NBC Celebrity Apprentice.

Amnesia My Dad is Better Than Your Dad Clash of the Choirs.

American Gladiators I vs. 100 Deal or No Deal

ABC Duel Wanna Bet? Oprah's Big Give.

Here Come the Newlyweds Dance Wars: Bruno vs Carrie Ann

Wife Swap Supernanny Extreme Makeover: Home Edition FOX The Moment of Truth When Women Rule the World American Idol Hell's Kitchen Cops America's Most Wanted.

A Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?

Don't Forget the Lyrics CW Crowned: The Mother of All Pageants.

Beauty and the Geek Pussycat Dolls America's Next Top Model.

features

chronicle

January 29, 2008

APPLICAT ARE DUE

JANUARY

IONS 31

Do you want to be a part of The Chronicle staff?

17

Tom’s Superior Driving School

APPLICATIONS CAN BE PICKED UP IN ROOM C110 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.

Qualified applicants should be: • Dedicated • Hard Working • Avid newspaper readers • Performing well in all classes • Prepared to make a long term committment to the newspaper The Chronicle will be looking for: • Writers/Reporters • Photographers • Graphic Designers • Editorial Cartoonist • Business & Advertising Staff • Sports Writers/Reporters

NS O I T A C I L APP E DUE AR 31 Y R A U N A J

Maneuver your way in...

779-1040 7368 Kingsgate Way West Chester, OH 45069

18

chronicle features

January 29, 2008

features

chronicle

January 29, 2008

M USIC

19

IS A

L IFESTYLE

Is there a correlation between what you wear and what you listen to?

By MEGAN ROEHM Staff Writer

the

music is definitely an influence on his style.

"I think it influences how I dress because it's kind of a lifestyle. You, eat, sleep, and When you see people with their own unique styles of breathe hip hop," Ennis said. clothes, hair, or makeup, it is easy to want to stereoEnnis does feel stereotyped by type them and assume that the way they dress shows the way he dresses as well. off their true personality. These days however, "People will look at me and there are other reasons why one may be dressexpect me to steal someing in a certain style. One influence could thing or say something be the type of music they are into. ignorant," Ennis said.

Does everyone that listens to rock He continues dress like they listen to rock? Do all that this is not the hip hop fans do the way he is at the same? Or all. Like could it possiKujawa, he bly be one big doesn't believe stereotype? stereotypes are Freshman always correct.

Emily Kujawa Another style of does music that may be believe she is a an influence is indebit stereopendent music, often the typed by called "Indie." her While these artists appearare not well ance known to many, and senior Jayme her Canava feels style. influenced "I by their think music and peostyle as ple do well. stereotype "I'm just me someattracted to times that kind of the because of style and that how I dress," kind of scene, Kujawa said. so these are "People just the clothes I right off the bat wear," Canava call me 'emo.'" said.

However, she He says he does said they are feel stereotyped at times usually somewhat by his look and the way accurate, and it is he dresses, but when true that she is asked if the stereointo the heavy type is correct, he metal and rock had a different music. Kujawa opinion. also said that her "No [the stereostyle does reflect types] are not accurate at all," this taste in music.

Canava said.

"I do see the way the Senior Aaron Lehmann is in a bands I like dress, and I like their different position with this topic.

While he is into many types of styles," Kujawa said. "I don't music, some of his favorite artists dress exactly like them, but if I like are Dave Matthews Band and Bob something [they wear], it influences Marley. He is really into his music, my style." however, unlike others, it really Senior Christian Ennis listens to doesn't affect the way he dresses. rap and hip hop, and agrees that

"I just wear whatever is comfortable," Lehmann said.

He does not dress according to the style of music, which shows that stereotyping someone cannot always be accurate, because sometimes it isn't as obvious as you'd expect.

In reality, music is often somewhat of an influence on the way people dress, but the way someone dresses is not always what people would expect. People are sometimes unintentionally stereotypical of others, but there is always a possibility that there is a whole other side of someone that you may never have expected.

"I think the stereotypes are accurate to an extent, but the way I dress is a lot different from the way I act," Ennis said.

] r e p p a [R

t]

en [Independ

[Rocker]

Photo art by Megan Roehm

From Left: Senior Jayme Canava, Senior Christian Ennis, Freshman Emily Kujawa, Senior Aaron Lehmann

the

[Anything Goes]

20

chronicle features

Student Excuses What have you missed school for?

Joe Ostrowski

10

One time I ran away from my house... I didn’t go to school until I was found.

Meredith Parker

12

January 29, 2008

Creatures of the night Some prefer the cover of darkness for their nocturnal habits

I went up to OSU to watch my old friend when they won state in relay.

Tyler Konkus

9

I don’t know if I would ever miss school, because I’ve had perfect attendance since third grade.

Kaitlyn Burklow

12

I missed school to go to a wedding for a person I’m not even related to across the country.

Regan Onweller

9

My cousin’s dog’s funeral in fourth grade.

Lauren Meritt

11

I missed a whole week because I was on a cruise.

Spencer Stucki

10

I missed school becasue I wanted to go play Dungeons and Dragons with my friends.

- compiled by Samantha Stulen

By MANDY CHIARA Staff Writer

Senior Lily Liu considers herself a morning person, but the reason her alarm sounds at 5:00 AM is not so that she can straighten her hair. Liu practices daily devotions every morning, an independent decision to grow in the Christian faith.

She prays, writes in a journal, studies the Bible, and memorizes verses.

"It just helps you to grow in your faith and know more about it," Liu said.

Rather than rolling out of bed at 6:30 every morning, Liu is one of several students at Mason who can be found performing daily tasks before school starts.

Liu was taught by her seventh grade Sundayschool teacher and moved her daily devotions to the mornings during her sophomore year. She uses two alarms and tries to get to sleep before midnight in order to drag herself out of the bed the next morning.

"I think you have to be committed," Liu said. "No matter what religion you pick or you follow, you have to be committed."

Liu uses the book Faith that Breathes by Michael Ross to guide her study.

She usually sits on the living room coach and does the verse cards while she's eating breakfast.

"I'm sure a lot of Christians do this, and it's not just me," Liu said. "I just

happen to be one of those weird teenagers who work well in the morning."

Senior Jessica Sanders is another one of those few who follows the early bird mantra, although she does not consider herself a morning person. Sanders works out independently at the Mason Community Center at around 5:30 AM. Slowly, she said, because of the benefits and routine of her morning workout, mornings have grown on her.

"Physically it helps my metabolism start out really fast, [and mentally] it caused me to have a more positive attitude," Sanders said.

Sanders strives to get her homework done earlier and claims to be able to focus more during the school day.

"I don't want to come [to school] and be like 'I hate life' because that's not what it should be about," Sanders said. "I feel when I get a head start I'm more alive and more happy with life."

Sanders admits that since her friend has stopped going with her in the mornings, motivation has been a challenge, but she finds encouragement when she sees Mason High School staff members at the Community Center.

"I found it really motivating to see them," Sanders said.

"They're beyond high school [and] they don't have to workout every morning, but they decide to go before work."

One staff member who hits the gym every morning is AP Statistics teacher Colleen Everett. For 13 years Everett has been waking up at the crack of dawn, 3:00 AM. She started getting up early to work on graduate work, and has stuck to the schedule ever since.

"I actually met my husband at a morning workout, so, thankfully he also gets up very early," Everett said.

Everett and her husband usually drink coffee, workout, and head to work. The couple gets to bed right after their two young boys are tucked in, between 7:30 and 8:00 PM. "It works for my family and I think that's the key," Everett said.

Everett is more productive and energetic in the morning. When she is ready for work early she does laundry, cleans the house, or sits with her sons.

"I can hang out with them, play with them, and just sit with them while they are waking up." Everett said, "That's the best part."

Instead of just jumping into the day when everything is already started, Everett sees the beauty and peace the morning offers.

"No one is out, [there is] no traffic, you can actually hear the birds, [and] the air is fresh." Everett said. "You kind of wake up and progress as the day wakes up."

chronicle features

January 29, 2008

The Chronicle Available FREE to Mason High School students, faculty and staff.

You can view The Chronicle online at www.masoncomets.org see sidebar, The Chronicle View The Chronicle on your PC. Anytime, anywhere!

masoncomets.org proudly brings you The Chronicle

21

22

chronicle features

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

January 29, 2008

January 29, 2008

chronicle

23

Prep are your holiday and vacation travels with. . .

Ruby Travels LLC 969 Reading Road, Suite D Mason, OH 45040 (513) 204-2838 We specialize in cruises and packages to exciting destinations such as the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, South America, and the South Pacific.

We offer great discounts for international airfares to anywhere in the world, such as India, Europe, China, and Mexico.

We offer great deals for all-inclusive vacation packages to places such as Mexico, the Caribbean, and the Bahamas.

June 28, 2008 on Princess Cruise line’s “Golden Princess” 7 Night Alaska Inside Passage...From $829.00 Receive complimentary Photo voucher per stateroom

June 29, 2008 on Princess Cruise line’s “Crown Princess” 10 Night Europe Baltic Scandinavia & Russia...From $1330.00 Receive complimentary $50.00 shipboard credit voucher per stateroom July 5, 2008 on Carnival Cruise line’s “Glory” 7 Night Eastern Caribbean...From $580.00 Receive complimentary $75.00 shipboard credit voucher per stateroom

July 6, 2008 on Norwegian Cruise line’s “Pride of Aloha” 7 Night Hawaii...From $809.00 December 29, 2008 on Carnival Cruise line’s “Destiny” 5 Night Eastern Caribbean New Year’s Cruise...From $510.00 *Prices reflect Cruise only. Certain restrictions apply. Prices are based on double occupancy/per person.

Prices do not include airfare, port charges, taxes, excursions, onboard charges, and trip insurance.

Ruby Travels does not guarantee availability, and prices are subject to change without notice.

Call for further information and deals on other cruises and specials.