The Chronicle, 5.7

WILLIAM MASON HIGH SCHOOL

Check out the spring sports highlights In SPORTS page 7 > >

PLUS: A conversation with aspiring Olympian Spencer Hewes

Volume 5 Issue 7

NEWS

Allen wants Alumni to get connected Story on page 3 > > NEWS

Senior earns national recognition for artwork Story on Page 4 > >

MAY 2, 2008 WHAT’S

inside Randee Morris spends senior year bringing her life back into focus Story on page 15 > >

Bringing a little history to the walls of Mason High School. See Page 4 > >

Dissecting a classic

F O C U S G R O U P TA K E S A I M AT I S S U E S I N M O C K I N G B I R D

center SPREAD

Going stag is the trend for this year’s Prom

Photo By Jackie Swoyer

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

Teachers and administrators at MHS are dissecting a classic novel and re-evaluating the techniques used to teach controversial material.

Story on page 2 > >

check IT OUT

72

The percentage of students who say they are looking for a summer job.

Story on page 4 > >

In SPORTS: Spring teams battle for league superiority

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May 2, 2008

Classic novel ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ delivers impromptu lesson in diversity

By SHEA DAVIDSON Editor and JACKIE SWOYER Associate Editor Most people who have grown up attending the public school system in the United States have been taught books in "the canon," or novels that are considered "classics," such as Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird.

Since its publication in 1960, the book has faced different criticisms for being an expected read in high school curriculums, specifically given its use of the n-word.

A controversy surrounding the use of the word reached Mason High School last month in a class discussion of To Kill a Mockingbird in Storey Mecoli's Honors English class.

Since the incident, the administration has taken steps toward clearing up miscommunications in teaching the book, as well as broadening diversity within MHS. Mecoli said that students and parents were concerned about the use of the n-word in the novel and how it was brought up during an in-context discussion, as well as the way some of the African American characters were portrayed.

Sophomore Nadira Long, a student in Mecoli's class, said that the controversy which arose while discussing To Kill a Mockingbird in class made her feel uncomfortable; yet she also said she thought Mecoli handled the circumstance appropriately.

"People were looking for a reaction in me because it is a derogatory word towards black people, and I was one of the black students in the class," Long said. "I probably would have handled [the situation] in the same way [as Mecoli]."

After evaluating the situation and having contact with the parents of students in the class, Mecoli said she spoke with Associate Principal Mindy McCarty-Stewart, who oversees the English Department.

"I talked to Ms. McCarty about it, and the [English] department," Mecoli said. "Because of [the situation], it opened up a discussion within the English department about how to deal with books that may potentially have controversial language."

Mecoli said the English department was optimistic toward resolving the situation. "[Everyone] seemed pretty positive, looking at what kind of action could be taken," Mecoli said.

In response to the controversy, the administration organized a focus group discussion on diversity. On April 7 guest speaker Tommie Lewis, the Senior Manager of Global Diversity with Convergys Corporation in Cincinnati, presented to about fifteen students and ten faculty members about the importance of diversity.

While most of the students present were in Mecoli's English class, other students were also in attendance.

McCarty-Stewart said the focus group was a positive step toward improving the learning environment at MHS. "[The focus group] allowed us to learn from experiences and get some feedback so that we can make Mason High School a better place to learn," McCarty-Stewart said.

Rather than confronting the issues of To Kill a Mockingbird directly, Lewis' presentation used the book as a tool to address issues of diversity on a wider scale. Lewis focused on the importance of respect for others, as well as the importance of respect for oneself.

In relation to the book, Lewis said he can see where controversy could arise in discussions in schools today. "[The book] was written during a time in our country when that word had different connotation," Lewis said. "So [the question is], how do you teach it to the kids of this millennium?"

Long said the discussion was not what she expected, but that she did learn from it.

"When I came into the discussion group, I thought it was going to be about the book itself," Long said. "Instead he talked about our emotions and intellect. After a while I understood what we were supposed to be talking about."

“People were looking for a reaction in me because it is a derogatory word towards black people, and I was one of the black students in the class.”

Nadira Long Sophomore This initial focus group discussion has helped the administration evaluate how to go about teaching the book in the future, McCartyStewart said.

"We have a group that has studied To Kill a Mockingbird and researched modern criticism that looks at how the book and themes in the book are similar and different from today," McCarty-Stewart said.

Tim King, the head of the English department, said the English teachers agreed that they needed to meet in order to reevaluate how controversial novels are taught.

"As English teachers, to find out that some students did feel uncomfortable, we have to question how we teach these novels," King said.

King said the English department scheduled professional development time in order to prevent students from feeling uncomfortable while reading these novels in the future.

"We had the sophomore college prep teachers meet for a whole day at the curriculum building," King said. "We looked at a lot of materials, mostly about Mockingbird [including] essays that looked at the novel from different points of view. We have 25 teachers, and none of us are African American, so we tried to read essays that show how the novel could be taken differently. The way we see it, and have taught it -- it's all about tolerance. But now we see that it can be seen from a different perspective. We talked about how to teach a novel with emotionally charged language."

McCarty-Stewart said that after discussions with teachers and students about the appearance of racial slurs in literature, the decision was that addressing the potential issues beforehand would minimize any uncomfortable feelings later.

"We've learned that talking about [potential problems] when dealing with racial slurs and telling the class ahead of time about [their] presence is best because those words still drive such heightened emotions," McCarty-Stewart said. "We've talked to students and they also feel that this is the best way to handle that."

Based on the importance of being familiar with this piece of the "canon" throughout higher education, McCarty-Stewart said that the situation has in no way caused the administration to consider pulling To Kill a Mockingbird from the reading list. Instead, it has sparked new teaching techniques, including the incorporation of

“It's never been a matter of removing the novel, but more about how we can approach the themes and ways in which we look at characters. Students are going to be exposed to the novel. One parent I talked to even brought up the excellent point that there are even ACT questions about To Kill a Mockingbird.”

Mrs. Mindy McCarty-Stewart MHS Associate Principal

“We've learned that talking about [potential problems] when dealing with racial slurs and telling the class ahead of time about its presence is best because those words still drive such heightened emotions. We've talked to students and they also feel that this is the best way to handle that.”

Mrs. Mindy McCarty-Stewart MHS Associate Principal modern criticism into the curriculum.

"It's never been a matter of removing the novel, but more about how we can approach the themes and ways in which we look at characters," McCarty-Stewart said. "Students are going to be exposed to the novel. One parent I talked to even brought up the excellent point that there are even ACT questions about To Kill a Mockingbird."

These new teaching techniques will provide students with the background they need for college as well as provide a learning environment that is non-offensive, without compromising the integrity of the book.

In a 2007 interview Miami University English Professor Dr. Katharine Gillespie said she often cites "classic" books in her lectures and stressed the importance of being familiar with "the classics".

"I do think that classical texts are an integral part of English," Gillespie said. "By 'classical,' I mean both well-known texts such as [To Kill a Mockingbird], but also texts from the classical periods of Greek and Roman history. The more [classics] students have read in high school, the more prepared they will be for college in general and advanced work in college in particular."

Miami University English Professor Mary Jean Corbett said that she also references "classic" books during lectures and expects students to be familiar with these books upon entering college.

"I've probably referred to Gatsby and The Scarlet Letter a time or two, and the latter has come up very recently in one of my classes -- I definitely expect a level of literacy about 'the classics' -- or 'the canon,' as we more typically call it, from my students, especially from English majors," Corbett said.

McCarty-Stewart said she feels that any book or activity containing controversial content has the potential to offend students, and that is why it is important for teachers and administrators to be educated in handling these issues.

"When you're in the career of teaching students I don't think there will ever be a time where you don't have to deal with controversial issues, but we want students from all backgrounds to feel comfortable learning," McCarty-Stewart said. "The district is very focused on diversity and diversity training. We have a staff diversity group that is planning ongoing training for our staff next year so that our teachers will be equipped to handle discussions that deal with racism and prejudice."

King said that if there was a positive to the situation it would be the added focus on diversity at MHS. "That's been the good thing to come out of this," King said.

"Ironically, diversity and tolerance have been a focus of the school and the district and we've discovered that we still have things to learn."

“That's been the good thing to come out of this.

Ironically, diversity and tolerance have been a focus of the school and the district and we've discovered that we still have things to learn.”

Mr. Tim King English Dept. Head Mecoli said that while the school has gone to great lengths to continue to diversify its teaching methods, there will continue to be focus groups to keep people talking about ways to make positive change.

After attending the focus group, Long said she felt like the focus group was a good way to allow people to understand controversial material better and express their views and opinions.

"I think the focus group gave everyone a chance to talk, [especially if] they didn't understand the situation or what had happened, or that the word was in fact used [in class] in context," Long said.

According to McCarty-Stewart, students were interested in continuing the focus groups and sharing their thoughts about how to improve diversity at MHS. "Every student that was at [the focus group] left me their e-mail to be invited back to follow-up focus groups," McCarty-Stewart said. "The focus groups allow us to have a heightened awareness for diversity and tolerance. They give us an opportunity for open dialogue when things happen, and it helps us to better plan our lessons with things that are more tense."

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May 2, 2008

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Local tragedy the impetus behind Jarod’s Law

By NISHA GIRIDHARAN Staff Writer On Friday, December 19, 2003, six-year-old Jarod Bennett was killed as an upright 290pound cafeteria table fell on his head with over eight tons of force. As Jarod's mother arrived at Louisa Wright Elementary School in Lebanon, Ohio, where her son was attending a YMCA after-school program, she found her son lying on the ground bleeding profusely. He was pronounced dead soon after at the nearest hospital, but no one knew that Jarod's story would become the foundation for an Ohio safety law.

Students and staff at Mason High School may not have known Jarod Bennett personally, but this six-year-old boy has left a legal mark on MHS. Signed on February 7, 2006 by Governor Taft, Jarod's Law requires all schools in the state of Ohio to undergo safety checks on all classroom equipment.

While some students say they think the new rules are tedious, sophomore Megan Gamm says she feels that the law has a purpose to protect against tragedies like that which happened to Jarod.

"I feel bad for [Jarod]," Gamm said. "You

expected the school to have [the cafeteria tables] checked out and make sure they are secure, especially around little kids because they are all over the place."

Although Gamm said that this particular incident could have been prevented if the school had been more cautious, she explained that something was bound to happen.

"It was an accident," Gamm said. "It wasn't the kid's or the school's fault. [The accident] was a cause for change."

Many students at MHS say they feel that the law outlines rules that are common sense, but Gamm said that students are looking past Jarod's age.

"He's a six-year old kid," Gamm said. "What do you expect? [This age group] is all over the place -- they climb on things and they shove things in their mouth. I think it's wrong for people to say that he should have had common sense, because he was only six; he wasn’t a high schooler. If it was a high schooler then I would have expected them to have that common sense."

Even though the law was created in response to an accident involving a six-year-old, Gamm said that some people think the law is unneces-

sary for high schoolers; but she says that in reality high schoolers can be just as careless.

"There are high schoolers -- guys and girls -that can get playful," Gamm said. "When a teacher leaves the room, [students] throw markers around and if the cap was off and it hit someone in the eye, then it could hurt someone.

The MSDS sheets are safety nets [in these situations]."

The thought of high schoolers ingesting glue and spraying Windex on their skin because of one little kid in Lebanon may seem humorous to students at MHS, but freshman Tanmayi Sai said that she believes it is wrong for students to joke around about Jarod's death.

"I think it's inappropriate [for people to ridicule Jarod's death] because his death was so tragic and not something to make fun of," Sai said. "I think everyone can be careless sometimes and it just depends on the person and their surroundings."

AP Government and psychology teacher Maria Mueller said that she too believes that mocking a child's death in any situation is heartless.

"To make fun of [this tragedy] or to laugh at it not only shows a lack of compassion, it

would seem to demonstrate a lack of value for life in general," Mueller said. "I think someone that laughs at that kind of tragedy forgets their own humanity."

In response to their son being killed, the Bennetts filed a lawsuit against Lebanon City Schools, the local YMCA, and the manufacturer of the cafeteria table that fell on Jarod's head. They say they are in agreement with the law and hope the idea is passed on to other states to follow.

"I believe other states need this type of law, and I plan to do whatever I can to make that happen," Jim Bennett, Jarod's father, told WTOL 11. "Although the pain of losing Jarod will be with us forever, it would be much worse if we didn't try to keep this from happening to other children."

Despite the fact that the rules embedded in the law may be tedious to an MHS student or staff member, Mueller said that the Bennetts have endured a painful loss.

"No one deserves that fate, a child doesn't deserve to be killed as a result of an accident,” Mueller said. “The family doesn't deserve to be in pain and experience such loss and have such disruption to their entire world.”

High School history being preserved in the hallways

By RACHEL BROCKHAGE Staff Writer Mason High school art teachers and administrators have teamed up to honor history in a new way, through senior class pictures from yearbooks dating back more than seventy years ago. Art teacher Aaron Roberts and several others recently began to showcase senior portraits from 1921 to 1939 in the C1 Pod. "We are currently working on a long-term project meant to honor the history of Mason," Roberts said. "The end result will be a self-guided tour that takes people on a trip through the history of Mason while walking the halls of the high school."

Roberts said these portraits have been moved around different district buildings over the last several years, and only now are coming to light.

"We are working on matting and framing the images," Roberts said. "Each pod and the corridors between the pods will hold a couple of decades apiece. We are currently working on getting the 40's and 50's into the B1 Pod. They are to be a permanent display."

The project has been a joint effort of other teachers, administrators, and community members. English Department Head and English teacher Tim King and other members of the History of Mason committee have been photo by Jackie Swoyer working on the senior composite pictures for four years, Art teachers Aaron Roberts and Beth Eline admire the 1931 sen- recreating the display originally found in the lobby of the old high school. ior class portrait in the C1 Pod. "We've recently dug these composite pictures out of stor-

age, inventoried them, all in one place," King said. "Our ultimate goal is to hang every graduation picture since 1921."

King thinks this will be a great way to further connect students to the community and the school.

"I've been at Mason for twenty-five years," King said. "It has been great to see the history become part of the new school. These photos are excellent sources of history."

Assistant principal Tim Keeton, Harlan Graphic Corporation, and the PLC have been working in a joint effort to create more displays, modeled after how St. Xavier High School designed their displays. Citing the cafeteria and athletic wing as two locations that will feature highlights in the future, Keeton claims there is much more to come.

"In the C Pod, we're going to have two [displays] coming down off the pillar," Keeton said. "It's going to feature what happened in the world, what happened locally, in Mason, and on the other side Mason school facts of the 20s, like who the superintendent was, how many people were in a class, school facts."

Keeton finds that older Mason graduates may not connect with the school in its current state and location; showcasing high school history is meant to end that.

"The ultimate purpose is for people who graduated from Mason five years ago to realize [that] this is their high school," Keeton said. "This school is simply in a different location, with different bricks and mortar. We want to bring some of the history back, so that they feel, 'this is my school.'"

Allen wants to establish alumni network

By RACHEL SCHOWALTER Staff Writer Plans are currently under way to strengthen and expand Mason High School's alumni network. According to Principal Dave Allen, the main goal is to keep past graduates connected and involved at MHS. "The overarching vision that I have for Mason High School is that when students graduate, they're still connected to their school, they're proud that they went to school here, they know that we appreciate they graduated from Mason High School, and we still acknowledge them as part of us," Allen said. "The big goal is to continue to reach out to our alumni network and to make that network larger."

Allen said that this would be a long term project, but getting it off the ground is the most important step. This would first involve acquiring email addresses and demographic information about alumni to contact them.

Further ideas to expand the network have also been created by administration. Allen

said he hopes to have composite pictures of every graduating class on the school's walls, along with a virtual yearbook on the Mason Comets website, where scanned pictures of each graduating class will lead to pictures from that yearbook.

The administration is also creating an alumni chair on the Mason City Schools Foundation, which will be in charge of getting in touch with past graduates.

"It's going to be that person's responsibility to network with those alumni and to create that [alumni network]," Allen said. "We're starting a position, in terms of our Mason Foundation, where they are specifically targeting our alumni to get them reconnected to Mason High School."

Alumni networks are often used for job networking, a major component when trying to apply for a competitive position. According to Allen, MHS has distinguished alumni that operate major businesses and institutions.

Allen said that networking to these alumni will give MHS graduates an advantage when applying for jobs.

"When you have an alumni network that you can disaggregate by occupation, and we know that one of our graduates here works for ESPN, anyone interested in that particular field has a network to reach one of those individuals," Allen said. "Maybe [it will] get a resume to the top of the stack, maybe you're applying for a position that there may be two or three hundred applicants for one position. Any way that can get your name to the top of the stack can help an employer recognize that you went to a very good school system and get you in the door to be able to communicate with that person."

Allen said that the alumni network will not only increase the possibilities for alumni to network with their classmates, but will build a rich foundation for Mason's school system.

"Whether you are a graduate from many, many, years ago or a graduate from 2008, [we hope] that you still feel connected and have a voice in what happens in this school district, and that you are connected not only to this school, but to your classmates," Allen said.

"Whether you are a graduate from many, many, years ago or a graduate from 2008, [we hope] that you still feel connected and have a voice in what happens in this school district, and that you are connected not only to this school, but to your classmates.”

Dr. Dave Allen H.S. Principal

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May 2, 2008

Students have more options on the job market

By NINA BRESSAU Staff Writer There aren't many excuses left for unemployed Mason students who cannot find a fitting job in the area. The job market for teenagers is expanding and students are not limited to amusement parks and fast food chains anymore.

According to a conducted survey of Mason students, more than half of students say they do not currently have jobs.

Senior Jenna Garcher has not had a job since the beginning of her senior year, but is planning on working this summer.

"I don't [work] because I'm in difficult classes right now and would like to focus on my education," Garcher said, "I would like to apply for a summer job after the AP testing."

The survey indicated that almost 72 percent of all unemployed students are looking for a summer job.

Several chain restaurants, including the Mongolian Grill, Noodles & Company,

Starbucks and Graeters expanded their businesses with new facilities recently opening in Mason or nearby. A new location of Dewey's Pizza is opening on May 12th.

Carrie Buerkle, regional manager of Dewey's Pizza, said that many students are currently applying for summer jobs and plan on quitting in fall.

"It doesn't work for us because once we get them trained, they will be leaving for college," Buerkle said. "We are looking for permanent employees that will work during the school year as well."

Although Buerkle said that the majority of applicants at Dewey's are college students, high school students sixteen and older can work as server assistants and also in the kitchen.

"We're always hiring," Buerkle said. "We're looking for young and energetic workers."

Other common job locations of Mason students include the Great Wolf Lodge, Kings Island, Beach Waterpark and well-known fast food places. However, there are many other locations where a student can apply.

While senior Chelsea Horn works at Target, she also found a second job that matches her personal likes. Horn has worked at the Young Chefs Academy, a cooking school for children in the Western Row Plaza, for one and a half years now.

"My mom saw it advertised in the newspaper [almost two years ago]," Horn said, "It had just opened."

Horn said that she loves cooking and she loves kids, so the job is a perfect fit. She said that she prefers this job over being a cashier at Target because it's more fun. Horn said that she was also glad that the manager immediately got back to her.

"I filled out an application online and got offered an interview two days later," Horn said.

According to their website, the YCA is currently looking for an employee that is willing to work fewer than 15 hours per week and according to Horn the salary would be around seven dollars per hour.

For seniors that are seeking a higher pay to earn college spending money, hotel chains like

the Marriott are another opportunity. Garcher said that she would like to get paid around nine dollars per hour this summer.

"I don't want to work anywhere with food or retail," Garcher said, "I would like to work in telemarketing, hotels or businesses."

According to the survey, over 60 percent of Mason students said that they would not like to work with food. Other locations, such as community or sport centers, grocery stores, movie stores and theaters are also a widespread job opportunity for teenagers.

"There are a lot of opportunities for teenage jobs [in Mason]," Garcher said. "There are so many places that are willing to work with high schoolers and adjust to [students'] schedules."

Buerkle agrees on the quality of the job market in Mason. "[The job market is] excellent," Buerkle said.

"There are all kinds of retail stores and restaurants here at the crossing of Tylersville. There are plenty places that hire high school students."

Giovis’ artwork earns national recognition

By SAMANTHA STULEN Staff Writer Over Spring Break, senior Paul Giovis was awarded the National Scholastic Art Award, Portfolio Master with Silver Key. Students who submit their art portfolios for competition may win individual awards. Giovis, however, set a Mason High School first as his entire art portfolio was honored.

Aaron Roberts, Digital Image Design teacher at Mason High School, is one of the people who helped Giovis get his portfolio into the competition.

"There are portfolios from all the [80] regions," Roberts said. "Our region alone sent 25 to 30 portfolios," Roberts said. "[MHS has] had National winners in Computer Arts before.

[Paul] competed against all the great drawing, painting, and sculpture portfolios in America.

[It's] the first time anyone at Mason High School ever won [in these areas]."

Giovis said he has been working all four years in his high school career to get where he is today. Giovis said he has taken all the Digital Image Design classes and an Independent Study all three trimesters this year to prepare for the competition.

"I worked really hard to get where I am," Giovis said. "I've been working on it since last year. I've been taking multiple Independent Studies and Digital Image Design."

Art teacher Beth Eline has had Giovis for Drawing I, II and III. "I had him in College Prep Portfolio and I've probably had him for at least three Independent

Studies. He has a tendency to live in the [art] room, the digital design [room] and the photo [room]," Eline said.

Giovis says he will go to Carnegie Hall in New York in June for a ceremony to officially receive his award.

Roberts said that the award will give other students in the Computer Arts an example toward which they can strive and achieve.

"I think in athletics, you always hear that [a] tradition [of winning] plays a big part [in] winning today," Roberts said. "It's establishing a winning tradition in Computer Arts.”

“We [have] a student that has achieved national [recognition], [and has] gotten a lot [of] scholarship money for his work in Computer Arts and other arts," Roberts said. "He's very talented in all the arts that he's participated in. It legitimizes Computer Art because it's really cutting-edge to consider work on the computer 'fine art.'"

Painting and Calligraphy teacher Audrey Gorman said that Giovis' success will bring credit to MHS. "This brings national recognition to our outstanding program and it validates the integrity of the program we worked so hard to develop," Gorman said.

Giovis' accomplishment was the first time a student at Mason got a Portfolio Master at nationals.

"I was so ecstatic and it was really great his work was recognized," Eline said. "As far as graphic design goes, I don't know anyone in the school that can create art work at his level, which is college level."

photo by Jackie Swoyer

Paul Giovis stands with his favorite pieces from his portfolio, which won Mason High School’s first ever National Portfolio Master.

Jack’s Driving School 7588 Central Parke Blvd.

Mason, OH 45040 (513) 398-1999 For class schedules and registration visit: www.jacksdrivingschool.com

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May 2, 2008 STAFF POLICY

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.

Do you think it is ok to go to prom without a date?

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 Drowning in the dreaded acronyms The neon hue of its cover smacked me with a reminder that I didn't need. From the magazine's vantage point on my kitchen counter, the 2008 edition of "America's Best Colleges" from U.S. News &

By ALYSSA HOWARD World Report promised to show Staff Writer me "how to be a stand-out applicant" and "the latest on loans and aid". I'm about as pumped for college as any other third-trimester sophomore, but I slide the magazine aside for now.

Don't get me wrong: I do understand the reasoning behind the hype over college admissions. Future plans -- whether they include college, trade school, vocational school, or just getting a job -- are extremely important. It'd be pretty pointless to spend these four years preparing for the real world without beginning to formulate a plan.

But I think most would agree that something has been lost beneath this all-consuming set of standards of the College Board, Deans of Admissions, and the state of Ohio.

We're drowning in the dreaded acronyms: ACT, SAT, AP, GPA. But what's the true meaning within these insignificant groups of letters?

Yeah, I said it: insignificant.

While academic success is most definitely valuable and admirable, what are we paying for this achievement at any cost? At what point did our passions accept surrender, taking second priority to looking impressive on a college resume?

Amidst avid resume building and essay constructing, the causes about which we care seem to shift out of frame. It's easy for me to focus on studying for my next math test, but there's always something else I could be

doing when I have the time to get engaged with current events or sharpen my perspectives on the world. And I can't stand the fact that a great percentage of us, myself especially, succumb to the triviality that dominates our motivation.

High school has become a four-year period of transition in which we cram our lives with busy work and disregard the actual value of our accomplishments. We layer meaningless numbers and words onto admissions essays to those ever-elusive institutions of higher learning. We mold ourselves into model citizens and model students and model athletes. But these models of achievement are hollow examples of supposed excellence.

Our time at 6100 Mason-Montgomery Road is a fleeting era, constituting a measly twelve trimesters of our lives. So, why are we just biding our time? When else will we have the easily accessible opportunity to hone our interests or dabble in various fields?

Maybe we could make the path to wherever we're going more enjoyable. While perfecting our image on applications for our futures, we could do something that actually matters to us. It's ridiculous for us to accumulate massive stress over organizations or clubs for which we are not passionate. School-affiliated organizations exist for us to better ourselves by gathering groups of students with similar interests. So, in this mad dash to join every existing group and rack up empty leadership experience, aren't we counterproductive?

We discard personal values to stand out. In the years of our youth - the most active period of our lives - we accept the fact that we can't, or won't, make a difference. We sprint through seven hours here five days a week, nine months a year, never slowing down to stop and process. Why can't we change this school, our community, the world, constructively?

I ask this question: Why not truly defy mediocrity?

Yes, you're not attached to anyone, you can dance with whoever you want; you're not obliged to one person, and you can spend more time with your friends.

Bria Garner Junior

No, during your senior year it's more fun to have an option, to have a backup. You don't want to be . . . the one.

Brian Bradley Senior

Sure, you can also go with your friends.

Having a date shouldn't matter, if it means holding you back from having a fun time.

Jaja Smith Sophomore

I think its ok. It's your last dance, you'll remember all the fun times. Your friends will be there, too.

Stephanie Hassert Sophomore

Yes, its fine to go to prom without a date.

People like Ben Wagner can't get a date anyway.

Michelle Lee Sophomore

It's totally fine [to go to prom without a date].

You're supposed to have fun, no matter what.

Ben Wagner Junior

It depends on your mentality. If you want to hang out with your friends, then, sure, you don't have to go with a date. But if you want to spend time with one person, then you should. You have to have an open mind.

Gabby Reilly Senior

Yes, because you don't have to stay with one person, when you go with your friends. You don't have to devote all your time to one person, and you can definitely socialize more.

Katie Pfeil Sophomore

-Compiled by Rachel Brockhage

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Spring Has Sprung A late winter hasn’t frozen Comets in competition Softball team in the thick of GMC race

Brandon Mason and Sophomore Andrew Grage have been leading the team and playing pretty consistent this season," Melnick said.

BY DUNCAN FISCHLEY Staff Writer

Women’s lacrosse facing top competition

After dropping a 1-0 heartbreaker to Lakota

BY DUNCAN FISCHLEY East, the Comets bounced back by dumping Staff Writer Sycamore, 14-6 on Wednesday, April 23. With the win the Comets pushed their GMC record to 9-3. Comet softball coach Brian Castner Despite some early season setbacks admits that the early season success is due the women’s lacrosse team is optiin large part to team chemistry. mistic as the second half of the "We have a great group of girls; they season approaches. According have all really grown together," to stand-out junior Kristen Castner said. "We just need to put Wood, the team has all of the pieces together; our improved tremendously line up needs to start and play from last season. consistently. Our seniors have "We have improved a lot really stepped it up and have from last year; we won become great leaders for the against Mariemont, which rest of the team." has always been really The Comets good,” Wood said.

Katie Wills have had little Still a relatively young trouble adjustprogram, the women’s ing to the deep talent pool offered by the GMC. lacrosse team isn’t shying away from top level "The GMC is filled with a lot of good teams competition. [including] Fairfield, Hamilton, and Lakota “We keep going up against tough teams, like West," Castner said. But our toughest competithis New Trier from Illinois that won state,” tion is ourselves; just facing ourselves is a Wood said. tough challenge."

“Our five losses are from very highly ranked If the Comets are to make another strong post teams including New Trier ranked number one season run they will have to continue to swing in Illinois, and Denver East, which is ranked the bats with consistency. number eight in Colorado,” Head Coach Paul “We’ve done a good job making contact with Limpert said. “We are going against a high ball; there are times in a game where we are the level of competition and competing well best hitting team in Cincinnati," Castner said. against it.”

We also put a lot of pressure on the other Local rival Sycamore, the defending state teams. We have let up on them especially champion, is among the local teams that because of our great hitting."

Limpert and his squad had circled on their schedule as a measuring stick for how far the program has come.

“The toughest team we will face is Sycamore,” Limpert said. “Sycamore is undefeated and is the number one team in Ohio.

BY JEREMY POWERS Sycamore has been rolling over everyone and Staff Writer no one has been close yet.,” Limpert said. “We tried our best and we gave them a tough game, The Mason High School men's volleyball but in the end we lost 17-8.” team has been off to a hot start, currently holdAs the team continues to improve, Limpert is ing a 11-3 record overall and 3-2 in Greater excited for the post season.

Miami Conference play. Despite their success, "The team has progressed beyond my expectheir head coach still hopes his team can pull tations; they have worked hard and have a lot off a signature win over one of the top teams in to show for it,” Limpert said. If they continue the Cincinnati area. at this pace there is no telling how far they can "We really have not had that great of a highgo when the state tournament starts in May.” light this season," Head Coach Paul Melnick said. "Hopefully we Early season success for can knock off one of the top ranked men’s track team teams left on our

BY DREW ALLEN schedule."

Sports Editor The Comets

Volleyball team off to winning start

Andrew Grage

have been beating the teams they are expected to this season.

"We are going to keep improving and hopefully make some noise in the upcoming tournament," Melnick said.

According to Melnick, the second half of the season looks promising thanks to four key seniors and a surprising sophomore.

"Seniors Brian Norri,s Jordan Heatherly, Adam Garland,

al match up of Cincinnati areateams, the team finished a close second to LaSalle. Their performance was buoyed mainly by their relay teams. The 4x800 relay claimed a title, and their other three relay teams placed within the top four of the tournament field.

Sophomore Taylor Celestin also placed third in the 300 and 110 meter hurdles, while Brendan Caprio claimed a title in the 800 meter run.

Hubbard said.

“But we really need to work on staying focused. We have had trouble getting overexcited then losing to teams we should have won against."

Women’s Grant Lewis

Comet baseball team has work to do

BY JEREMY POWERS Staff Writer After suffering a disappointing and embarrasing 11-0 lose to Lakota West on April 22, the Comets nearly shocked the nationally ranked West squad before falling 3-2 the following night. Despite the loss the Comets are still letting the GMC know they’re a team that’s going to compete in this always deep conference.

The Comets, ranked eighth in the most recent Enquirer coaches' poll, have overcome a lot of doubt that surrounded the team before the season kicked off.

"Even though we are off to a good start this season many people still don't believe that we are as good as we have shown," senior outfielder Josh Stolz said. "We need to keep playing well and prove them wrong."

Stolz is one of several Comets that rank atop a statistical category so far this season. Stolz is currently tied for second in runs batted in (RBI) with 18. Senior Bryan Apking and Junior Destul Huff are tied for second with three homeruns. Senior Grant Lewis also tied for second with three wins as a starting pitcher.

Sporting a solid 8-4 record in the conference the Comets hope to avoid the same fate that fell on the team in last year’s state tournament.

"We did not make it far in the tournament last year and had an unfortunate early exit," Stolz said. "This year we are capable of making an upset, so if we can string a few together we can go far."

track tops in city

BY DREW ALLEN Sports Editor Since winning the regional title in 2007, the Women’s track team has ascended to the top of the city rankings yet again.

They solidified their rankings by claiming victories at the annual citywide Coaches Classic, the Hilliard Davidson Wildcat Premier, the Lebanon relays and a second place finish at the Starr’s Panther relays in Georgia.

“I think our effort in Georgia was very good considering it was their seventh meet and our first,” Head coach Tony Affatato said. “Coaches Classic was a great effort and showed we are quite balanced between distance, sprint and field events.”

The team’s title in the classic was boosted by individual titles from Rachel Harley in the 100 and 300 meter hurdles, and Lindsey Ossim in the discus throw. Several other runners and field events finished in the top five. However, despite early season success, the team is still concentrating on one thing.

“I think we are focused on only one goal; a [Greater Miami Cnference] championship,” Affatato said.

Men’s tennis stands atop Conference

By JEREMY POWERS Staff Writer

Men’s Lacrosse

BY DUNCAN FISCHLEY Staff Writer

If men’s lacrosse coach Randy Hubbard gets a little defensive, you can’t blame him. The Comet coach likes it that way. After blanking Lakota East 17-0, on April 18 to push their record to 5-1, its been defense that’s keyed the After finishing second at districts and Comets, outscoring opponents 80-17.

18th at regionals in 2007, the men’s "The season has gone really well so far; track team is determined to continthe team has been playing tough," ue climbing the ladder.

Hubbard said. “We have Scott Spencer They return five individual who is the number three goalie in the regional qualifiers and three city and Taylor Craig has really stepped members of their 4x400 relay up and is helping to lead the team.” team.

Even though the team has experienced 2008 thus far has been off to a sucearly season success, Hubbard knows cessful start. At their first meet of the there are some tough teams looming for the season in Peachtree City, Georgia, upstart Comets. the team claimed second place against “Sycamore and Moeller will be the toughest a competitive field that featured teams teams we will face,” Hubbard said. “Both are from all over the country. ranked high in the city.”

They followed that performance up Hubbard is pleased with the team’s progress with a third place finish at the Lebanon but insists that in order to beat these top relays. The following day they placed tiered teams they will have to refine their sixth at the Wildcat Premier in Columbus, skills. where they faced teams from all over the "We have gotten much better at handling state. In their own Comet relays on April our sticks; we have gone six min19, the team claimed third place.

Naman Rahkeja utes without dropping the ball," At the Coaches Classic, an annu-

The Mason High School men's tennis team has started off the 2008 season with a bang, winning eight of their first nine matches in route to a current 6-0 Greater Miami Conference record and 10-2 overall.

Four seniors make up the five man starting rotation for the Comets, all having two or more years of varsity experience.

"With four returning seniors to the starting lineup, we have leadership and a high-level of experience at playing at this level," Head Coach Linda Kirtley said. "Most of these seniors have played Varsity A all four years."

Senior Chris Hall, who holds the reigns at first singles, is carrying a 3-2 record in the conference and is 7-3 overall. Senior Bobby Eberhard also holds a 3-1record in conference play. The first doubles team, consisting of Seniors Brain Caprio and junior Naeem Shahrestani, also stand at 3-0 in GMC play and are heading towards expectations so far this season by the Comets, which includes heading towards lofty expectations.

"Our goals for this season is to win the GMC conference, compete in the A flight of the Coaches Classic tournament, and take home some trophies," said Kirtley. "Finally, our postseason goals are to win in sectionals and districts and go to the state championship."

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May 2, 2008

Getting to Know...Ryan

Collins

Mason High School is full of different types of students, whether they be athletes, scholars, or do any other activities in their free time.

There are several multi-sport athletes that suit up for the Comets.

These athletes might have a tough time choosing their favorite, but for senior Ryan Collins, his favorite sport is a no brainer. It’s baseball. Collins is the son of former Cincinnati Reds’ baseball player, Dave Collins. Dave, a Minor League Manager, stresses baseball as an important aspect of his son’s life and Ryan embraces it. This month, The Chronicle Sports Staff asks Ryan a few questions spanning from his love for the game, to his preference of food during play.

C C hronicle

onversation

Spencer Hewes Comet Swimmer Competing for Olympic spot What was it like earning an Olympic trial cut?

The first time in the 200 breaststroke I didn’t expect it, but I had worked for the 100 [breaststroke] all season, so I was pretty excited.

What was your reaction at the end of the race?

I looked up at the time and did that little fist pump. And my two friends were swimming next to me and also got it, so it was pretty exciting.

How have you been training for the race?

It’s been my goal since I began swimming at three, but it became a reality a year and a half ago. That’s when I started training for it.

What aspect of baseball do you find the most rewarding?

The most rewarding thing is when you put a lot of work into your game in the off season and you watch it pay off during the season.

When you are successful and get positive results from the work you put in, it is rewarding.

What is it like to be a senior on the team this year?

It is good to be a leader, and this year more than any other year we have good team chemistry. It is not just the senior class or the junior class, but we all come together.

Is your performance more demanding because your dad is a Minor Leage Manager?

Sometimes there is a little more pressure. When I think about that kind of stuff I seem to get into a slump. When I am not thinking about my dad though and not letting that pressure get to me, I get better results.

What is the worst thing about baseball in your mind?

The worst thing about baseball is losing. I hate to lose because I am pretty competitive. Most people think striking out is the worst part, but really everytime you strike out you get closer to getting a hit.

As a baseball player, what do you think about the whole steroid scandal?

I disagree with using steroids. I believe that it ruins the game because you have some people who chose to cheat and enhance their game while others are playing by the rules and are not enhancing their game.

Sunflower seeds or gum? What is your in-game treat?

I usaully chew gum. Sunflower seeds are too much trouble and they cut the inside of your mouth. Gum is easier and you do not have to worry about cracking the seeds and spitting them out when you are out on the field.

This was definitely bigger. Being named a state champion is great, but making the Olympic trials blows my mind.

Do you find it grueling to have games everyday for as much as a week at a time?

No, I like having games everyday for the most part. If we are not playing games then that means we are practicing and I would much rather play than practice.

Also the season goes by really fast, so I would like to be playing as many games as possible.

Where does this rank you?

-As told to Jeremy Powers

What was more exciting, your state title or qualifying for the trials?

I’m 70th in the nation and 150th in the world.

When do you compete for the olympic team?

Trials start June 27th and end July 6th.

It’s a long meet.

What’s up with that?

What’s What’s up up with with The The Reds?

Reds? They They start start off of the season with a hot streak and dazzling pitching, then fall apart a week later with a 2-6 skid. However, this is nothing new, as they made it a habit with old managers Jerry Narron and Dave Miley.

The COMET CULTURE Grid

What type of preparation have you put for the trials?

My coach and I are building myself back up and getting me higher yardage. We’re working on making everything stronger.

Swimming is a demanding and time consuming sport. How do you like to relax?

It’s been a while since I’ve relaxed from swimming, but I just like to sit down, watch TV and hang out with friends.

Do you find it difficult to balance swimming and school?

It’s pretty difficult because you have dedicate so much time to both, but when you’re swimming from four to seven it’s difficult to get in the school mindset.

-By Drew Allen

HOW DO THE COMETS FIT IN? LAUREN STEFAN SR., LACROSSE

Worst Singer Ever

I’m addicted to...

____ Should be President

I can’t play____

Britney Spears

Pizza

T.I.

Rock Band

Garth Brooks

Food

Barack Obama

Lacrosse

I use my ipod

Justin Timberlake

Smarties

Michael Jordan

Video Games

My CD player is broken right now

William Hung

One Tree Hill

I have no clue

KYLE DOOLY SR., BASEBALL

BOBBY EBERHARD SR., TENNIS

EMILY STARESINIC JR., TRACK

Baseball

CD in my Car right now

Mista Fab

Danity Kane

May 2, 2008

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A THLETE OF THE

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chronicle 13 Prom attire to reflect latest trends

May 2, 2008

Going

STAG . . . a n d

t h a t ’ s

By MEGAN ROEHM Staff Writer Every year for prom, high school students go through the trouble to find the perfect prom attire, make sure they look their best, and find the perfect date. However today, there is one less thing that students are worried about.

Instead, going to prom without a date and with a group of friends has become more popular over the years. Senior Kristen Ingram said she has found she doesn't need a date to have a good time at prom. She said it can be just as much fun, if not more, with just a group of friends.

"I think it has become more acceptable to go stag to prom because now people tend to dance and socialize with a bunch of people, instead of just their date," Ingram said.

She said after going to prom junior year and seeing that it is more fun to mingle and dance with everyone, she is more willing to go stag.

"Going stag means you aren't tied down to just one person all night," Ingram said. "It makes a lot less drama not having to worry about your date all night."

Ingram said her friends that have boyfriends are going to prom as dates, but the single ones are going stag.

"I'm more willing to go without a date because a lot of my friends are also going stag, so I won't feel like the odd one out," Ingram said.

Senior Lauren Woycke also agrees that it is more acceptable to go to prom stag this year than it has been in the past.

"For the first prom junior year, everyone had a date and it was just expected so I felt more pressure to have a date as well," Woycke said.

She said most of her friends are just going with friends, and they don't feel so much pressure to have a date this year.

"I think the reason people are going stag now is because that way they don't have to deal with the feeling of being tied down to just one person," Woycke said.

"It is more fun to go and be able to dance with whoever you want."

Although many students still plan to go with dates, senior Kaitlyn Muff agrees that is more acceptable to

By MEGAN ROEHM Staff Writer

O K

just go with a group of friends.

"I think it is more acceptable now because it used to be the traditional thing to do, and it was expected of you to have a date," Muff said.

She said that she thinks if someone isn't in a serious relationship, it could be more fun to go stag because they can dance with multiple people, rather than just one person all night. Muff said she doesn't want to miss her senior prom, so she will go either stag or with a date.

"I am definitely more willing to go stag this year because I don't think not having a date is a reason to miss senior prom," Muff said.

While going stag is an increasing trend, there are still students, like Junior Hope Slater, that insist on going to prom with a date.

"I think it is more traditional to go to prom with a date," Slater said. "I don't think I would go if I didn't have one."

Slater said all of her friends that are going to prom are going with dates, and those that don't have dates are just going to after prom. She said because it is her first prom, she wants to have a date because she has always pictured going to prom with one.

Junior Mike Bembry said while most of his friends have dates this year as well, he agrees that it can still be fun going to prom without a date.

"I think going stag is still fun, and that way people don't have to worry about someone else all night," Bembry said.

He said that it is more laid back going stag, but prom is still going to be fun with or without a date.

Senior Brandon Mason said he thinks going stag seems more common this year than it has before.

"I think now that students have already been to prom, they would feel a lot more comfortable going without a date this year," Mason said.

He said if he didn't already have a date, he would definitely go to prom anyway without one.

"I would go to prom either way because it's senior year, and I just want to go and have a good time," Mason said.

So while many students are still going through the stress of figuring out their prom plans this year, many of them didn't even include getting a date on "the list."

Brandon Mason had plans to be trendy and go stag but at the last minute he caved and decided to attend prom with a date.

Limo provided courtesy of Jake Sweeney Tuxedo provided courtesy of Skeffington’s

For juniors and seniors at Mason High School, prom is one of the biggest events of the year, and many students go to great lengths to make it an unforgettable night. One of the most important items for the perfect prom is the perfect attire.

Every year, trends change, and different styles of dresses and tuxes become popular. According to Club Dress employee Danielle Rinaldi, there have been some new popular styles of dresses for this upcoming prom.

"More short dresses and low or open back dresses seem to be really popular this year," Rinaldi said.

Rinaldi said bright colored dresses are still very popular this year, but not as many pink dresses are being sold.

"There are more girls buying blue and yellow dresses than pink this year, which I found to be very surprising," Rinaldi said. "Prints like zebra print and leopard have been pretty popular as well."

For the guys this year, it is still trendy to match the shirt and tie with their date's dress.

"Club Dress is linked with Skeffington’s, so it is an option to take the prom dresses to the tux department to match it with the shirt and tie," Rinaldi said.

Rinaldi said more boys have been getting white tuxes every year, but black and white are both very popular.

With prom just around the corner, students at MHS are trying to find all of the most popular trends for that special night. While some girls need hours on end in the dressing room with hundreds of dresses to try on, others, such as senior Tara Buesking, didn’t need as much time to find the perfect dress.

"I went down to a boutique in Lexington to find my dress," Buesking said. "I took three dresses into the dressing room -- tried the first one on and loved it."

No matter how long it may take, finding the perfect prom outfit is one of the most important steps to take to make prom an unforgettable night.

Photo by Shea Davidson

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May 2, 2008

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May 2, 2008

15

After Randee Morris’ mother succumbed to her battle against breast cancer, the Mason High School senior finally had a chance to think about

GETTING MY LIFE IN

FOCUS.

I

t was midnight. Senior Randee Morris had just arrived home after having dinner with friends.

Her mindset was forced to shift as she began the poem that she would read at her mother's funeral the next morning.

As she finished writing, memories flooded her mind. The pressure to complete the piece in time and the difficulty of sifting through her thoughts while remaining composed overwhelmed her, but somehow she managed.

photo art by Jackie Swoyer

By

ALYSSA HOWARD

ELLEN DUFFER

MANDY CHIARA

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chronicle features

The Morris family arrived at Grace Baptist Church on November 11, 2007, where Randee shared her poignant memories, confidence stemming from the spirit of her mother, Dee Morris.

"I felt like she was there with me," Randee said. "Guiding me."

"My mother smelled of sweet apple pie on a brisk fall day"

May 2, 2008 Oh, Why Do They Leave?

Gazing into the mirror I see a peaceful warrior An image embedded in my mind Such a beautiful exterior, sewn together with crimson roses.

I admire her from a distance Because I'm afraid she'll see the fear in my pale blue eyes, Yet her screaming silence is killing me.

But the delicacy of words that roll off her tongue is soothing.

I wanted to hold her in my arms And leave all this to yesterday Because I wanted to take the pain away And I was bitter at the fact I was helpless.

"I always wanted to sew, but I never got the opportunity," Randee said.

Dee also instilled in her daughter a love of photography. After Randee learned of her mother's aspirations as a photographer, her interest in the art form intensified.

"My mom wanted to be [a photographer]," Randee said. "[And] I was really interested in the way I felt when I looked at something that someone else took pictures of."

Randee and her mother also enjoyed spending time together during everyday life.

"We would always go shopping together and sometimes just sit at home, watching TV," Randee said.

Randee was ten years old when her mother was first diagnosed with breast cancer. In My mother's smile could brighten a whole room an effort to shelter her from knowledge of And bring warmth to a complete stranger.

"I'm afraid she'll see the fear her mother's illness, Randee's parents had You could always count on her to say the right thing her stay with Jill Vincent, a close friend. in my pale blue eyes" Or someone to listen to when everyone's life got too busy "They wanted to protect me from what Because her words were soften spoken and tender. was going on," Randee said. "They didn't After a period of remission, Dee's Her heart was delicate, want me to know that my mom was sick." breast cancer relapsed during Randee's As a child, Randee viewed her time away sophomore year. As Randee's underAnd the battles she faced were as fierce as thunderstorms from home as a way to have fun with Jill. It standing of her mother's illness had But she had the strength of something superior. was like an extended sleepover. largely increased since her first Something I could never seem to grasp, but always desired Of course, Randee did not feel entirely at encounter with the disease, she felt the Because to walk in her shoes, I don't think I could've survived‌. home with the Vincents. She didn't have the impact differently than she had as a same relationship with her friend's mom child.

My mother's eyes glimmered with beams of brilliant lights that she did with her own.

"When I was younger, I really didn't "I loved having sleepovers, but it was just know anything about it so I couldn't realScattering like the powering sunshine, ly have feelings towards it," Randee kind of weird because she wasn't my mom," And every ounce of undying faith she held in her gentle hands Randee said. "I didn't really have that same said. "When I got in my sophomore year, Filled my life with encouragement to wake each morning and love to live. kind of bond with her that I did with my [I realized] what she had, what she had My mother smelled of sweet apple pie on a brisk fall day to go through." mom."

And sage citrus on a warm winter's night Even so, Randee utilized soccer pracSince she was away from her family for Cuddling next to her by the fire, watching Lifetime movies tice during sophomore year as a break extended periods, Randee was not aware of Would always be enough for me to know from the problems she faced at home. all that was occurring with her mother. She "I had [soccer practice] after school did not completely comprehend the seriousI was safe at home, and I played in school," Randee said. "I ness of her mom's illness, and Randee Because with her it's always "home sweet home." had it every day and then some days I believed that all complications would disaphad it twice. It's just like things you do pear by the time she returned home.

Written by Randee Morris "Being young, I thought 'sick' meant that to get away from being home."

November 2007 it would just go away," Randee said.

Randee's mother continued to run the Randee assumed that her mom would Morris household, completing basic a night," Randee said. simply get better, allowing them to continue with the tasks to the best of her ability; however, Randee knew Her mother supported Randee in her pursuit of faith, activities they were frequently involved in when Randee that she was in pain. buying her books on Christianity and guides to cope with was a child.

"She still did the normal 'mom' things," Randee said. high school. Randee's mother made herself available to From the age of three, she played soccer, a pastime that "But I guess I took advantage of that because she always discuss struggles and concerns of faith on a regular basis. would eventually serve as an escape from difficulties predid everything. It was so hard for her to do those things "She was always there to listen when you wanted to sented by her mother's illness at home. sometimes." talk about something," Randee said. "My mom was the Dee coached her daughter during Randee's early particAs Randee entered her junior year, her mother's exhauscore to everything." ipation in soccer, encouraging her while on the field. tion increased as the cancer worsened.

Religion also played a role in Morris family holiday "She would push me more, because she was there," "The chemotherapy wasn't working like the doctors traditions. These customs gave Randee and her mother a Randee said. "She was on the sideline, so she would tell thought it would," Randee said. "I think she went on a chance to spend time together. me what I was doing wrong or how I could improve." couple of different medications. She was taking a pill last "[Christmas times] were my favorite," Randee said.

Randee tended to shy away from direct communication, November when she would have hallucinations."

She was always there to listen when you wanted to talk about something.

My mom was the core to everything. however. This may have stemmed from growing up in a busy house with two older siblings who were constantly on the move.

"Growing up, we didn't communicate a lot and we didn't really have family dinners," Randee said. "We were always running to soccer games and my sister wasn't there all the time -- she was at college -- and my brother had soccer. We didn't really get to settle down and relax."

"Gazing into the mirror I see a peaceful warrior" Despite the Morris' frequent involvement in various sports and activities, the family regularly attended Hope Church before later switching to Grace Chapel. Randee's relatives were strong Christians, and she matured in an environment that encouraged religion.

"I would read the Bible with my mom, a couple [pages]

"My mom [and I] would always make cookies during December and we would always listen to Christmas music. It was just a fun time, coming together and shopping with my mom. She always loved shopping."

In addition to baking, Randee's mother sewed matching sweaters to celebrate various holidays.

"We had different outfits for different holidays," Randee said. "She would make [matching] winter sweaters with snowmen on [them]."

Randee and her mom cherished time together around Halloween as well. Dee created her children's dream costumes from scratch, sewing them by hand.

"That was really neat because we had unique costumes, other than [what] another kid would have," Randee said.

"She would paint our faces: when I was a jester she did it really cool [with] a diamond [painted around] my eye."

Dee's creative prowess in stitching her children's costumes made Randee long to be able to sew.

As Randee and her sister, Rachael Morris, would take walks with their mother, the hallucinations would confuse Dee's perception.

"Sometimes I really didn't know what she was talking about," Randee said. "She would say, 'Was there someone standing next to us when we were walking?' We would say yes, so she wouldn't freak out about it. She would say that she would see things, but they weren't there."

As the disease progressed, Randee made a decision to distance herself from her home life to evade the sadness of her mom's situation.

"It was harder my junior year because I wasn't really there for her," Randee said. "I was always out with my friends‌and I would try not to remember what was going on at home. So, I would do things that I shouldn't have been doing, just to numb the pain that I was feeling."

Randee's mom was admitted to the hospital for the

features

chronicle

May 2, 2008 entire month of October 2006, during which her health progressively deteriorated.

"That was when she really, really started getting sick," family friend Jackie Schauer said. "We didn't think she was going to make it."

However, Randee struggled to confront the ordeal her family faced.

"I hate seeing people in pain," Randee said. "It hurts me to see someone go through that, knowing that I can't really do anything about it."

Randee wishes she would have been more involved at some points of her mother's illness.

"I have that regret of not being there as much as I would have liked to and telling her that I loved her as much as I would," Randee said.

Randee harbored anger over her mother's situation as Dee's condition worsened.

"I was just so confused and angry that I couldn't do anything about it and she was just lying there so helplessly," Randee said.

She was also forced to confront unspoken fears as her mother succumbed to the disease.

"I was scared," Randee said. "I didn't like thinking about it, but I was scared to think that my mom wasn't going to be there."

As Randee's junior year drew to a close, the chemotherapy became entirely ineffective. Rachael moved up the date of her wedding so that her mother could be involved.

Randee's mother realized that it was too big due to excessive weight loss from the disease. "[The dress] was two sizes too big," Schauer said. "[Our friend] had called around, found [a new] dress, and went to pick it up. She came in the door just in time to change clothes and go to the rehearsal dinner."

After the rush to get ready, Dee was a cheerful focal Randee enjoys a day of friendly competition at FunFest in the third grade with her mother.

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dance at the ceremony was especially important.

"I was just happy that she was there for it and it wasn't later that my sister had the wedding," Randee said. "It was a relief."

Her mother was equally excited to be able to attend the ceremony, glad to see her first child take the monumental walk down the aisle.

"That was the one thing Dee really wanted to stay alive for," Schauer said. "She really wanted to make it to the wedding."

The light-hearted mood and happiness that the wedding brought proved to be a much-needed reprieve from the hardships of Dee's illness. Rachael's wedding gave the Morris family an occasion to enjoy their time together. "[My mom] was making the best of it because she wanted my sister to have the best for her wedding," Randee said. "Obviously, we know that she was sick but there are happy times that we can celebrate in the pain."

However, Randee could not help thinking about the future. As she watched her mother at Rachael's ceremony, Randee's mind drifted to various events that Dee would miss later.

"My mom wasn't going to be there for my graduation or my wedding, or when I have a child, or when I go off to college," Randee said. "I hated thinking about it, but it was on my mind a lot." photo contributed

point of the wedding ensemble. Her glittering presence was treasured by Morris family and friends.

"It was just so awesome seeing her there, all dressed up," Randee said. "She was so beautiful, dancing and everything."

"Her screaming silence is killing me"

By Randee's senior year, her mother's chances of beating cancer a second time seemed slim. Dee was constantly

I hate seeing people in pain. It hurts me to see someone go through that, knowing that I can't really do anything about it.

"Such a beautiful exterior, sewn together with crimson roses" On August 4, 2007, Rachael Morris wed Roger Rist in Christ's Church at Mason. Following the ceremony, the reception took place at the 20th Century Theatre in Oakley.

"It was such a beautiful day; it really was," Schauer said. "It was so surreal because it went by so fast, but we wanted to make it last forever."

However, the preparations for the wedding weren't as smooth as the ceremony. After trying on her dress the day of the rehearsal dinner at the suggestion of her friends,

For that brief day, the burdens of breast cancer could be forgotten with dancing, singing and laughing.

"I can't even describe how beautiful she looked," Schauer said. "She didn't look sick at all. She had a wig on and someone did her makeup…she was just so happy that day."

Randee's mom made special preparations to better enjoy and participate in the ceremony.

"She had an oxygen tank that she used and she didn't want to go to the wedding with it, so she got surgery to help her breathe," Randee said. "She didn't want to have to carry it around during my sister's wedding."

With the growing severity of Dee's illness, her atten-

exhausted.

"She wasn't functioning the way that she would normally," Randee said. "She couldn't really do anything. She couldn't walk up stairs, so she had to sleep on the couch a lot."

Her mother's obvious fatigue did nothing to hide what Randee could tell was true pain. Randee felt helpless watching her mother try to do regular tasks.

"I hated seeing that she was in pain," Randee said.

"Even though she didn't tell us that she was feeling pain, I knew that she was."

Randee and her sister would take their mother on walks in the chilled November air, but Dee could not walk on

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her own. As Randee's mom appeared weaker, those around her began to understand that she would not recover.

"We tried to get her outside to enjoy the weather and we would push her in a wheelchair," Randee said. "It was just then, where she was totally lifeless and she couldn't do anything, that we realized that she wasn't going to get better."

Dee had been ill on and off over a span of several years, but still Randee could not envision life without her mother.

"I couldn't put together that it was actually going to happen," Randee said.

Along with avoiding the seriousness of her mom's illness, Randee began to grow angry at the situation.

"In my senior year, it progressed into becoming angry the more that she became tired and she couldn't really do anything," Randee said. "I was angry at God and just [had] so many emotions."

Randee challenged her faith.

"I always question why God would let this happen to me or let this happen to my family," Randee said.

She felt powerless and unable to help her mother, but wished that she could.

Randee felt frustrated by her inability to alleviate her family's problems.

"I couldn't help that she passed away; I couldn't do anything about it," Randee said. "That's what sucked. That's what I was angry about."

As a child, Randee would turn to prayer to ask for help, but as time wore on and her mother's illness progressively

May 2, 2008 "Encouragement to wake up each morning and love to live" In dealing with recent events in her family, Randee has turned to friends for support.

Randee, her mother, and her sister pose at Rachael’s wedding in August 2007.

"[My friends] were strong in setting morals," Randee said. "[I am] getting back with my life and not just dwelling in the past."

Erin Scott is a friend in whom Randee has found solace during hardships.

hard times of Dee's illness, leading up to her passing.

"I was there with her when her mom died," Hayes said.

"She was just there breathing -- and then she wasn't."

With all that the two have endured together, Hayes is sure that she and Randee will always maintain a close friendship.

"You go through something like that with someone, and you know they're going to be in your life forever," Hayes said.

Senior Courtney Dunford has also been a confidant for Randee.

"We were on the same soccer team when we were little," Dunford said.

"We met in first grade in school, but then we were friends [in soccer]."

Dunford and Randee were close as children but drifted apart after Dunford stopped playing soccer in elementary school.

"I quit soccer so we stopped hanging out and then after her mom died we started hanging out more," Dunford said. "I felt like she needed some support, and I love her."

The Morrises were close with the Dunfords, so Courtney attended Dee's funeral with her family. At the ceremony, Dunford noted the strength of Randee's character.

"She wasn't crying; she was smiling almost," Dunford said. "She knew that her mom was in a better place, and photo contributed that's so Randee. She was obviously sad, but at the visitation, she was talking to everyone."

Despite the situations Randee has faced, Dunford observes Randee's sunny disposition.

"She's really funny," Dunford said. "She's just a cool, spirited girl, and she's lively. You would never guess that

I couldn't help that she passed away; I couldn't do anything about it. That's what sucked. That's what I was angry about. worsened, she found it increasingly difficult to believe in a higher being.

"When I was younger, I thought that if I prayed about it, something would happen," Randee said. "The more I prayed about it, the more it just seemed nothing would happen. [But] even though I struggled for faith I found myself attending church to regain strength and hope."

After her mother passed away in November, Randee had to plan for the funeral, gathering photographs and music to be featured. This was difficult, as it brought back painful memories.

"It was really hard just getting together photos for her video that was showing and picking out songs that reminded us of her," Randee said. "It was really depressing. I don't know how I held myself together."

"It's just that trust that's there when I tell her things," Randee said.

Senior Emily Hayes is another friend in whom Randee can confide and seek advice.

"She was just really supportive," Randee said. "She would help me out with trying to get my work done in classes and trying to keep my grades up, even though I was going through this stuff."

Randee frequently stays at Hayes' house this year.

"She pretty much moved in with us," Hayes said. "She's part of the family. It's another daughter for my parents and basically a sister for me."

Hayes and Randee have bonded over years of sleepovers and get-togethers as children, and they continue that close relationship today. Hayes was present through the

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anything that she went through happened."

Senior Mallory Matson is another friend that Randee has connected with over the past couple years.

"We were inseparable," Randee said. "I was with her family a lot."

With the strong foundations that Randee has found with her friends, she has learned the worth of true friends.

"It's taught me to really value the people that I care about most in my life and to love them every day," Randee said. "I know that I have support from my sister, my brother, or my best friends."

"Leave all this to yesterday" Randee uses photography as a release from the upheaval she faces. Her photos are a way of communicating feel-

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chronicle

May 2, 2008 ings, as they have helped in the healing process; however, Randee also converses with those she knows well to express her emotions.

"I would say the one thing that kept me going was talking to people about what was going on and the problems," Randee said. "It was just easier, because I didn't feel as alone as I used to. Something that I could dedicate myself to, or motivate myself to keep going, was photography."

Randee aspires to be a fashion or nature photographer.

She would like to study photography after attending community college in the upcoming school year.

would want the best for me. I just had to keep that in the back of my mind and know that she's always there looking down. I just want to make her happy."

Even though Randee distanced herself from her family and friends at first, she said she plans to pick up where she left off. Her setbacks have allowed her to learn to appreciate the people she loves and grow stronger.

"If I make mistakes, then I make mistakes," Randee said. "I can't do anything about it. I can't go back and fix them. I can fix them in the future or in the present, but [they’re] what make me who I am today."

Randee said that she continues to discover herself with all of the changes that have occurred. She wants to be someone her mom would be proud of. "[I am] finding out who I truly am just by being myself,

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Randee and friend Emily Hayes pose for pictures before Junior Prom 2007.

She'll always be in my heart and there's always going to be that empty space, but I know that she would want the best for me.

As she plans for the future, Randee tries to keep a positive attitude and remember that her mom would want her to achieve her goals.

"Obviously, I'm never going to forget about her," Randee said. "She'll always be in my heart and there's always going to be that empty space, but I know that she

not following what other people would want me to be, and loving myself for who I am," Randee said. "Things are going to happen and they happen for a reason. I feel like I have the strength that my mom had to hold on. It's just life: you have to move on. You can't stay in the past."

photo contributed

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