News: Creativity inspired by Pasta for Pennies competition
Chronicle Sports: Comet athletes shell out big bucks to improve performance
The William Mason High School
Volume 6
NEWS BRIEF
Parking pass applications available Parking pass applications for the 20092010 school year will be available through Edline on March 21. This new system of application will be open to all students with valid driver’s licenses, and passes will be given based on the computer date of each submission. Senior applications will be considered first, and in order of submission. Online submission will close on April 10. Payments will be made between May 11 and 29 in alphabetical order of last names. According to administration, there will be sufficient parking for all students wishing to drive to school. All questions about parking applications should be directed to Administrative Assistant Angela Engen in room B201.
March 20, 2009
t u o b a k l Let’s ta
SEX
TODAY
Free student film festival Tonight at 7:30 p.m., the Film Club will be hosting the No Frills Film Festival. This event gives students interested in filmmaking a chance to share a short production with others. Student-made short films (less than twenty minutes in length) will be shown on the large screen in the auditorium. Anyone is welcome to come to the event, and admission is free.
Last day for senior photo proofing Today is the last day for seniors to stop by A63 (Administrative Assistant Kathy Dean’s office) to proof the senior class composite -- the group photo taken at the fall pep assembly. Parents or students can stop by the office any time between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to check the photo and for student name for proofing. If a student does not proof his or her photo, it will be left as is.
The Chronicle William Mason High School 6100 S. Mason Montgomery Road Mason, Ohio 45040
photo by Woody Goldsmith
Health teacher Gary Popovich faces the task of teaching sex education to freshmen, along with various other health and wellness topics. Here, he instructs his first bell students about the basics of first aid.
Woody Goldsmith | Staff Writer It happens to everyone: the “Talk,” the “Birds and the Bees,” the “Miracle of Life.” The students of Mason High School collectively let out an awkward groan at the notion of taking part in the sex education unit in health. The scene of explaining the “facts of life” to a group of mostly freshmen is a familiar one for MHS health teacher Gary Popovich. Popovich has the job of explaining a difficult topic to hundreds of freshmen a year. His responsibilities include informing students about the effects of STDs, the disadvantages of premarital sex and the process of childbirth. Popovich said that he does the most he can to prepare his students for the topics he is required to teach. He said that he gives permission slips the first day for participation in the unit and that he usually receives phone calls from parents after the permission slips are given with questions about subject matter and what specifically will be covered. He said he enjoys teaching the abstinence-based curriculum, and that he tries to keep current with its growth and the
evolution of the subject. Popovich also said he hopes to alleviate parents’ discomfort with the subject. “I don’t have a problem teaching the kids,” Popovich said. “It’s not the curriculum; it’s not hard. The material isn’t hard. But I think it’s necessary for us. Somebody has to do it, because a lot of parents, I think, are uncomfortable talking about it. I don’t want you guys to learn from the school bus or from places where I don’t think you’re getting the right message.” For the most part, Popovich said that it is not too uncomfortable to talk about sex with freshmen. However, he also said that there are certain times that are more awkward than others. “It is kind of awkward when I’m friends with some of the kids or when the kids know me,” Popovich said. “That’s the one thing about teaching and living here that I do know some of the kids’ parents pretty well and I socialize with the kids’ parents.” Popovich said that he thought it would be more uncomfortable for the students than for himself in this situation. See SEX on page 2
Issue 6
Punishment for sexting can be harsh Alyssa Howard | Editor in Chief
Legal action against sexting, which can render convicted participants under 18 as felons and registered sex offenders, doesn’t always correspond to the severity of the crime, according to Mason High School Resource Officer Troy Nelson. A recent newsmaker around the country, sexting is defined by the act of “sending nude pictures via text message,” according to CNN.com. Nelson said that although it is a current topic of heated debate among lawyers and legislators, the only laws currently on the books that are relevant to sexting are child pornography laws. “Unfortunately, it does fall under those stipulations that are laid out by the law,” Nelson said. “One of [these laws] is called illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented materials.” Nelson said that the charge for sexting entails the creation or dissemination of such pornographic materials. Warren County Prosecutor Rachel Hutzel has established a set of guidelines in treating sexting cases, according to Nelson. The material must include an identifiable subject as well as full-frontal nudity. Due to situational factors, Nelson said that Hutzel opted to charge the two MHS students with contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a misdemeanor of the first degree, which could include up to 180 days in prison and a $1,000 fine. “The prosecutor really weighed the circumstances of the situation and elected not to charge them with illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented materials, basically because it’s a felony of the second degree,” Nelson said. “And with that, conviction would require registered sex offender registration for up to 15 years.” Although the severity of the consequences could provide a deterrent for minors engaging in sexting, Nelson said he thinks that the child pornography laws are unfitting to apply to the crime. “I’ll be the first to admit I agree that [the punishment doesn’t fit the crime],” Nelson said. “Legislators made those [laws] 50 to 70 years ago. And, I think everyone can agree it’s for that sick individual sitting in some backroom, trying to take pornography shots of a young child. And certainly, our laws haven’t kept up with the advent of cell phones.”
PAGE 2 | NEWS
FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2009 | THE CHRONICLE
Winter Formal canceled for second year in a row Ellen Duffer | Associate Editor
For the second year in a row, Mason High School’s Winter Formal has been canceled. The Student Government-organized event, scheduled to occur on February 28, was called off on February 20 due to low presale ticket sales. According to StuGo adviser Maria Correale-Mueller, because of the lack of interest MHS students have shown toward Winter Homecoming, StuGo will not consider holding another for quite some time. “It would appear clear that the student body isn’t interested in [a winter dance], so that’s how it goes,” Correale-Mueller said. “I think it’s very unlikely [that StuGo will try to have another Winter Homecoming in a few years]. There’s no reason to believe that suddenly people will be interested in an event they’re not currently
interested in.” MHS administration set the limit for minimum tickets required to be sold during the presale period at 500. Because StuGo sold less than 50 tickets, all plans for the dance were curtailed. Despite StuGo’s partnership with National Honor Society to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society through donation of 100 percent of the ticket proceeds, Winter Formal, the second of three dances of the school year (two, officially, for underclassmen), failed to attract attendees. StuGo’s Winter Formal Co-Chair sophomore Hailey Frogge, however, said she wasn’t surprised by the event’s lack of popularity. “We kind of saw it coming,” Frogge said. “We knew that the stereotype [of the canceled dance] was really big and it was kind of consuming the idea of the dance.”
Although NHS could not use the event as a money-raising opportunity, members were still able to collect upwards of $20,000 through school-wide initiatives such as Pasta for Pennies, according to the NHS Chair for Pasta for Pennies, senior Connor Bradley. “The [cancellation of Winter Formal] actually did not affect the total amount we raised very much,” Bradley said. “We are going to end up raising our goal, which was $20,000. We’re going to have a little over that. Winter Homecoming would have definitely helped getting even more than $20,000, but it being canceled didn’t have that much of an impact on our goal.” NHS members were given the incentive of one community service hour earned for the purchase of tickets, in attempts to increase dance attendance. “With NHS helping advertise it, we were
hoping that it would get off the ground faster,” Bradley said. “We were hoping to get a lot of seniors to go.” Now, those students who purchased presale tickets have been refunded and the decoration orders for the dance have been canceled by StuGo advisers CorrealeMueller and Staphanie Nally, according to Frogge. “[StuGo] had a meeting [where] we talked about what went wrong,” Frogge said. “We took down the signs and our advisers for StuGo called to cancel the decorations and the photographer and the DJ.” Bradley said he has found that MHS students now expect Winter Formal to be canceled, which reduces interest. “It has a reputation now of being something that never happens, so they’re going to let it die down and then try to bring it back again,” Bradley said.
Pasta for Pennies sparks creativity among students Deanna Allbrittin | Staff Writer
According to Newsweek, charitable giving is down across the nation due to the current economic situation. At Mason High School, the overall Pasta for Pennies total is higher than ever. In addition to the basketball games and dinner at BD’s Mongolian Barbeque, third bell classes at MHS also found ways to fight the financial downturn by using creative incentives and food sales to raise money for the organization. With the recent sales of baked goods and lunch items making profits of over $700 in two days, MHS students have proven that they will open their wallets for food. The smell of hot dogs ready to be sold by Mr. Bly’s class filled the hallway in B2 for the first time on Tuesday, February 24. Senior Zach Anderson said he proposed the idea of selling hot dogs to raise money for their third bell class. “We said we wanted to sell something,” Anderson said. “Everyone was saying, ‘Bake sale, bake sale,’ and I was thinking, ‘Everyone does baked goods, but no one sells meat.’ I love meat and I thought, ‘If you bring meat, people will come.’ It was like a revelation.” With a total of over $700, the class came in fourth place in the overall competition. “I think it met our expectations,” Anderson said. “It exceeded them. We thought we might make a little money, but it was big-time. People like meat.” Some National Honor Society students who were representatives for their actual third bell classes decided to use their appearance to bribe their classmates into raising money. Senior Jeff Brown told his AP Physics class that if they met their goal of $390, or $15 per person, he would let them do anything they wanted to his hair. “I know I lot of people hate my hair,” Brown said. “So, I suggested [the idea] and everyone was like, ‘Okay, I love that idea!’ and started throwing out ideas [for my hair]. Also, I really need a haircut.” Brown said that he had many mixed emotions about his
incentive. He said he believed the bribe helped, but as the date of his hair appointment loomed closer, he said he was feeling nervous because he didn’t know what was going to happen. “I could [have] gotten a real haircut or patches or something. [Senior] Kevin [Zhang] was really set on a pink Mohawk and [senior] Shy [Ruparel] wanted a smiley face.” Brown’s class surpassed their goal and on Friday, March 13, his AP Physics class irregularly photo by Alyssa Howard chopped his hair. Senior Swetha Chatla helps cut the hair of senior Jeff Brown before other AP Physics Senior Ryan Doughton students have the opportunity to buzz half of it down. moved from Texas and only in AP Spanish teacher Rod Stewart’s winning class, whose wears shorts and flip-flops total of $563.51 gave them an average of $46.96 donated year-round. He said he struck a deal with his class stating per person. that if he wore pants and sneakers for one day, every “It was mostly people pulling out their wallets out person in the class had to put one dollar in the Pasta for every day saying, ‘Oh, I have a dollar I can give,’ or, ‘I have Pennies box. change in my pocket I can give,’” Abernathy said. “That “I show up to school every day wearing a t-shirt, flipjust happened every day. We were determined to win.” flops and short pants no matter how cold it is,” Dougton Stewart did not give any incentives for his class to win, said. “My class would make fun of me a lot. They told me but according to Abernathy, he berated those who bought if I dressed up and wore ‘normal’ clothing, they would items from competing classes. donate.” “I did buy a hot dog,” Abernathy said. “I was a little Senior Michael Tape works at Graeter’s and brought ashamed. I got berated by Señor Stewart.” in over $295 for Pasta for Pennies. Although he didn’t All of the incentives, sales and competition had one bring in money from his actual paycheck, he did decide to donate all his tips from the past ten months to the orga- thing in common: they got some students, who were previously unmotivated, excited about spending and raising nization. money for Pasta for Pennies. “I don’t usually use change, so I just had a whole lot of “They wanted to do something that was fun,” Anderson change in a big box, so I thought, why not bring it in?” said. “Our teacher, Mr. Bly, kept talking about sacrificial Tape said. “The only reason not to was just that it was giving and our class wasn’t really into that, but they didn’t really heavy.” mind selling stuff.” Tape, along with senior Scott Abernathy, was a student
SEX: Teaching taboo topic to freshmen awkward for students and teacher continued from page 1 “I think it’s more awkward for them as students because they know that I know their parents or watched them grow up,” Popovich said. “And now that they’re in my class, I think there’s a level of awkwardness with some of the kids that I teach. I feel a little weird about it, but I think the kids are even more uncomfortable than I am.” According to Popovich, most of the students are respectful toward the topic and anxious to learn more. However, he also said that the beginning of the unit is the most uncomfortable for the students. “[I] don’t get asked a lot of questions early on,” Popovich said. “It takes some time for the students to get a feel for the lesson or the unit. For the most part, the kids just get quiet and pay attention; they just kind of withdraw when it comes to [the subject matter] a little bit.” Popovich said that the students’ reactions to the lessons don’t usually get in the way of his teaching. He said that particularly at MHS, it has been easy to teach sex education. “I can count on one hand the immature outbursts and the immature questions that I’ve had over the last ten years teaching here,” Popovich said. “It’s a hard [topic] to discuss, and it’s a hard [topic] to discuss with parents, as well. So I think a lot of them, after we get into it, ask some
really intelligent, thought-out questions that they really want to know.” Freshman Eric Hildebrandt said that he had Popovich second trimester. He said that he felt like the subject matter was a little awkward to hear from a teacher. He also said, however, that the information learned was important to know and that Popovich did his best to keep the atmosphere comfortable. “It was important information that everybody needed to know,” Hildebrandt said. “It was a little awkward [to hear]; everyone kind of laughed and giggled. But Mr. Popovich was pretty cool and he told you what you needed to know about [sex], so it wasn’t too awkward.” Hildebrandt also said that he was glad that Popovich provided a new perspective and a strong approach on the subject. ““I thought he had a good attitude toward the subject, because he knew realistically what was going to happen and what wasn’t,” Hildebrandt said. “So, he had a more fair approach to it, knowing what people would think about it, and that some people wouldn’t like talking about it, and some people wouldn’t mind.” Freshman Bhanu Banda said she had taken health in the eighth grade, but Popovich’s method of teaching sex education was more effective.
“I think he did a wonderful job because he really managed to stress the points a lot,” Banda said. “I think in eighth grade, they didn’t really press on most of the points, but I think that Mr. Popovich did a really good job of [doing it].” According to Banda, Popovich conveyed the importance of the lesson without making the class feel uncomfortable. “He was really serious about [the topic],” Banda said. “But, he didn’t make the whole tone of the conversation totally serious. He made sure to stress the main points and stress all the important facts, but he didn’t take it to the extreme. He kept the atmosphere sort of light-hearted.” Banda and Hildebrandt both said that there was generally very little discomfort in regards to sex education. And regardless of the potential for awkwardness, Popovich said that he hopes the “facts of life” will help students make good decisions and prepare them for the future. “I just educate them,” Popovich said. “When you say, ‘Who wants to get married and have a family someday?’ ninety-nine percent of kids raise their hands. It’s hard to prepare them now for something that’s going to happen 15 years down the road, but at least we’re getting a head start on it.”
THE CHRONICLE | FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2009
NEWS | PAGE 3
Opportunity for full scholarship found in ROTC Mandy Chiara | Senior Staff Writer Mason High School students have the opportunity to receive a free college education, collect up to $500 a month for books and supplies and guarantee steady job after college. The benefits for students who join the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) are numerous and life-altering, according to Captain Heather Aubrey, who is in charge of enrollment and scholarships for the Army ROTC at the University of Cincinnati and graduated from UC’s Army ROTC Program herself. “[Students involved with ROTC] gain so much more than regular college students,” Aubrey said. “The leadership and strength they gain remains with them for the rest of their life.” Guidance counselor Winone Oliver organized MHS’s first Military Fair Day, which took place on December 4, 2008. Thirtyfive juniors and seniors attended along with 16 parents. Oliver said she thought it was successful in providing students interested in military with information and plans to continue Military Fair Day at MHS. “Military personnel, full-enlistment and ROTC heads [came] in,” Oliver said. “Lots of colleges and universities around our area have ROTC programs and that was a great way for the students to become acclimated and talk to the military representatives. We’re going to be doing that each year.” According to Oliver, even though there is information regarding military after high school always available to students in the guidance area, students are still unaware of the different approach the ROTC program has. “I speak to male and female graduates from the ROTC program from many colleges and universities, and it’s something that needs to be promoted a whole lot,” Oliver said. “Lots of students think that it’s either military or college and they don’t
know they can have both. It’s a wonderful marriage there, and I want to make sure we get the information out to our parents and our students.” Students can join the Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) in high school to develop skills helpful for the ROTC. According to Associate Principle Mindy McCarty-Stewart, the JROTC program is established in the Great Oaks vocational schools and is available to MHS students. After that students often apply to join the ROTC. According to GoArmy. com, scholarships for the ROTC are meritbased, not need-based. Students must be between ages 16-26, have a GPA of at least a 2.50, and score a minimum of 920 on the SAT (math/verbal) or 19 on the ACT. Students go through the ROTC program while attending college. “[The ROTC] is an excellent way for [students] to get their full college tuition paid and remain a college student,” Oliver said. There are no restrictions concerning where a student goes to school or what she chooses as a major; the college simply has to have an ROTC program. “UC has Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC,” Aubrey said. “There are about 75 Cadets in each program.” While there are no restrictions regarding a major, students who go through the ROTC program have a weekly schedule unlike that of another college student. UC offers electives such as Basic Rappelling, Marksmanship & Leadership, Military Field Crafts, Leadership Foundations, Historical Perspectives of Leadership and Leadership in Today’s Society. These aid students in fulfilling the requirements for the ROTC program. “The Cadets are required to take one military science class a quarter,” Aubrey said. “Depending on when they come to UC, a student could have anywhere between six and 12 military science courses throughout their education.”
On the walls & In the halls Information that can be found on the walls of MHS. PROM FAIR: On Tuesday, March 24, from 11 a.m. until one p.m., numerous vendors will be showcasing their prom services and products on the balcony above the Commons. Attendees will have the opportunity to win raffle prizes. MUSICAL: Mishpachah Inc., a Masonbased teenage acting organization, will be performing Dead Serious...About Life, a musical about numerous controversial issues, on Saturday, March 21 at six p.m. and Sunday, March 22 at three p.m. at the Lakota East Freshman School. Tickets cost eight dollars when purchased in advance (call 459-7268 for information) and nine dollars at the door. MONEy for fine arts: The Cincinnati Bell Learn Program, available to all residential subscribers of Cincinnati Bell, raises $10 yearly for Mason Fine Artsfor each household enrolling in the program.
Along with UC’s ROTC classes, Cadets are required to work towards maintaining physical strength and becoming future leaders of American soldiers, and are encouraged to participate in activities with other ROTC students, according to Aubrey. “Some things at school are mandatory, such as Physical Training (PT) on Mondays, photo contributed Wednesdays and Fridays and Army ROTC Cadets contract to the University of Cincinnati a leadership lab on Wednesin 2008. day for an hour,” Aubrey said. “Things like the Army ROTC Ready Reserve (IRR). The second option Focus Club, Color Guard, Pershing Rifles after graduation is to go straight into either competitions and Ranger Challenges are the U.S Army Reserves or National Guard optional. The Color Guard folds the Amerifor six years, followed by two years in the can flag and marches at UC games, events IRR. Even though there is a substantial and parades.” commitment, Aubrey said she believes the ROTC students are required to wear an benefits are many. Army uniform all day on Wednesday and “Students are 100 percent covered a Physical Training uniform to PT sessions. financially, and they receive stipend allowBut despite the pride that comes with the ance each year per month,” Aubrey said. uniform, Aubrey said she admits that some Oliver said that as a mother of two colstudents find that the program is not for lege students, she understands the burden them, and that the service commitment is parents face, especially right now. intimidating. “The economy is getting so rough and I “It’s not for everybody,” Aubrey said, think this is a wonderful opportunity that a “We are asking people to lead soldiers into lot of people overlook,” Oliver said. “When potentially harmful situations.” they get out of school [I hope they don’t] High school seniors who apply for an say, ‘I wish I was able to go that route.’ It ROTC scholarship must agree to serve as should be up to the family when they sit officers in the Army after graduation in down at the table and decide what’s best order to receive the aid and go through for them.” the entire program. Students who commit According to GoArmy.com, those who to the program must dedicate eight years graduate and complete ROTC training are after college to the Army. commissioned as Second Lieutenants in “We pay for your college education,” the U.S. Army. Second Lieutenants make Aubrey said. “In return, you have a military $40,086 each year of service, excluding obligation.” bonuses and allowances, not to mention According to Aubrey, the first option a freedom from the large debt that often after graduation is either active duty follows a college education. as a Second Lieutenant, the U.S. Army “A lot of people come out [of the ROTC Reserves (USAR) or the National Guard, program] not only with no debt, but with all followed by four years in the Individual money in the bank,” Aubrey said.
City to hire new chief of police Samantha Stulen | Staff Writer
The Mason City Police Chief Ron Farrell has stepped down, and city officials have begun a search for a new chief while former consultant for Mason’s fire department Mike Kelly has attained the new position as the Interim Police Chief. According to Kelly’s résumé, he has been working within the fire department as an in-house Mason City Manager consultant since 2006. Eric Hansen Kelly’s term will last until a decision on the new Police Chief can be made, according to City Manager Eric Hansen. The candidates to replace Farrell have yet to be decided, according to Hansen. “We’re just beginning to define the process,” Hansen said. “We customize the process, [because] the last time we hired a police chief was 1997.” The process is not like a civil service job selection where the applicants take tests to acquire a job. The city recruits for the position instead, according to Hansen. “I’d like to use as a model how we recruit our fire chief,” Hansen said. “We used a gentleman who has extensive history in police and fire and kind of call him an ‘in-house headhunter.’ What that means is he knows a lot of people who know a lot of people and had a good sense of what type of organization we were and what type of person we needed. He goes through a process of making calls and almost inviting folks and asking folks.” This process allows for a list of names to be generated, Hansen said. “I imagine we’ll probably [use this process] with the police chief as well,” Hansen said. “Concurrently with that, we’ll place an ad [and] we’ll send out a job posting [to] say [that] we’re looking for this. [But, this position] is almost by invitation only.” Hansen also said that Ron Farrell, former police chief, is in charge of finding his replacement. Farrell departed from his position to become the Executive Director of the Ohio Peace Training Academy. Accord-
ing to the Ohio Attorney General website, the academy trains about 1,000 police officers a year with a “scenario house and state-of-the-art driving track for enhanced law enforcement training.” According to Hansen, Farrell had been Mason’s police chief since 1997 and serving in this position, had been a Police Chief in Dublin and Lebanon, Ohio. Kelly, with his experience in municipal safety as the Consultant for the city fire department, said he expects to make sure the organization runs smoothly and efficiently and to continue Farrell’s work. According to Kelly, his job as the Interim Police Chief entails preparation for the 2010 budget which includes facility, personnel and operating expenses. Kelly also plans on staying on top of police calls when a course of action must be taken, and making sure such instances are taken care of before they happen. Kelly will also act as the official Police Chief, with the same duties as Farrell’s but with the implications of exercising authority. “It’s different because you’re in an acting capacity [but by] acting, you have to be very careful expressing your authority because you’re only here for a short [time],” Kelly said. Kelly said he will also be working to find Farrell’s replacement. “I’ll be working with the Mayor, City Council and Ron Farrell to put together a selection process,” Kelly said. Hansen said that he does not want any changes with the new police chief, because he liked how things were. “We’re here to keep a good thing going,” Hansen said. “Sometimes it’s hard to keep a good thing going because changes happen whether you want them to or not. I want to keep the department where it was despite the changes that could come.” Anytime a new police chief is brought in, there are going to be some changes made because there is an adjustment to a different style, Hansen said. He, however, wants the police department to stay at the same reputable place. “My directions to a new chief [are] that I like where the department’s been [and] I want it to stay with the reputation that it has,” Hansen said. “I want the place it has with the organization if it takes some changes to get it there, to keep it there. [But,] that’ll be up to the new police chief.”
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FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2009 | THE CHRONICLE
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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.
How do you think Student Government could better advertise Winter Formal to get more students to attend?
Contact Information The Chronicle William Mason High School 6100 S. Mason Montgomery Rd. Mason, Ohio 45040 398-5025 The Chronicle Staff Editor In Chief Alyssa Howard Associate Editor Ellen Duffer Senior Staff Writer Mandy Chiara Business/Circulation Manager Kirsten McCafferty Technical and Graphic Manager Caleb Schowalter Staff Writers Deanna Allbrittin Jordan Berger Tony DeLotell Duncan Fischley Woody Goldsmith Scott Hutchinson Jessica Kantor Trevor Maxim Cady Meece Rachel Schowalter Danielle Simms Samantha Stulen Adviser Mr. Dale Conner
“Better themes -Central Park wasn’t that cool.” Kieren Astall Junior
“Make it cheap. No decorations. Nothing. DJ. Informal. Just jams.” Danny Parrott Junior
In my Opinion
“Make tickets cheaper, and they need some sort of concessions: drinks, etc.” Emily Delman Junior
“They need to get seniors and the seniors could advertise it. Upperclassmen could talk it up.” Samone Banks Sophomore
“Put the notice on Edline on the front page.” Erin Fox Senior
“Maybe do fifth bell announcements because third bell, people don’t pay attention.” Wes Greene Sophomore
“Maybe a different name, one that is more appealing. Instead of ‘Winter Formal,’ it should be more exciting.” Colin Martin Freshman
“I vote that we survey the student population to gauge student interest in the dance.” Amanda La Rue Junior
Staff Editorial
Refocus, refresh, rejuvenate As another spring approaches, bringing with it annual promises of sunshine and new growth, we depart from the dreary winter mentality that seems to possess each individual at Mason High School. Call it mere perception or exaggeration; we all know it’s there. Winter’s gray skies always seem to sprinkle some melancholy dust over us in some area of life, whether it affects our bodies, minds or spirits. We’re more likely to put off studying for that next test, or lose the motivation to follow that diet. Something in the frost causes us to set goals by the wayside and forsake excellence for mediocrity. As the days stretch in length and we look ahead to the quickly approaching summer, we need to also keep an eye on the season that has passed. Although the holidays have traditionally been labeled part of the “season of giving,” we need to transition now into a season of contribution. Why not take the energy and exuberance characteristic of the spring season and dedicate these to the pursuit of furthering a common goal? Every year with the greening of leaves and blooming of buds, we note the successes of community fundraisers and renewed generosity of the human spirit. Returning to warm weather traditionally has meant reverting to
EDITORIAL | PAGE 5
warmness of spirit. But, as individuals, we have even more to gain. Spring cleaning can refer to more than just households and lockers. What if we could take this season to examine ourselves, our priorities, our goals? Complete what has needed to be done. It doesn’t matter what it is: the disarrayed junk drawer that has been irking you for months, a sense of unrest that has tickled your mind for over a year; forward motion is the key. Replace former worries and frustrations with the pursuit of peace, inside and out. Only then will we be able to rededicate ourselves to the truly important causes that retain our concern and attention throughout the rest of the year. If we want to truly achieve positive results in our community, we need to both know what we are striving towards and understand the personal trails that we wish to pursue. And, this doesn’t just apply to the community at Mason High School. Practice peace among family, friends, teammates. Renew goals and refresh thinking. During third trimester, figure out exactly what it is that you want, and don’t let the destructive forces in your life hold you back. Organize your room; organize your mind. Spring has sprung.
Missing out by clinging to comfort Ellen Duffer | Associate Editor The glossy lab tables fill quickly; latecomers have trouble finding seats near their friends. The chemistry classroom is a mélange of juniors and sophomores, many of whom are entirely unacquainted with each other. Within the pool of people, kids locate their preferred social groups and stick with them for the whole trimester. The opportunities to form new relationships among peers are plentiful in a classroom setting, especially when the course is an elective. Despite this, many will remain unfamiliar with their classmates, choosing to cling to pre-made bonds and vague childhood friendships. We have a tendency of reverting to relationships in which we already have experience, instead of opting to meet new people. In a school of almost 3,000 students, the possibilities for friendships are vast and intimidating. We walk into new classes each trimester, expecting to only know a few in the room, and hesitate when given the chance to be placed with those outside our bubbles, comprised of people we’ve known for a substantial period of time. We’d rather be grouped with our “friends,” even if that entails pairing up with people we’ve only spoken to once over those we’ve never seen. Holding conversations with new people isn’t daunting; building relationships isn’t a problem. We’re capable of making friends, but usually don’t have the desire. Comfortable with the people we already know and the number of friendships we have, making an effort to extend our personal worlds, full only of those persons that we recognize and acknowledge, is rarely a pastime with which we wish to involve ourselves. It’s hardly not worth it to approach strangers in such controlled settings as class in high school, where an acceptance of awkwardly formed new relationships abounds: a reluctance to ever speak to anyone new is irrational and unexciting. Our years in high school are an excuse to breach social boundaries. In the classroom, at the beginning of a new trimester, the origination of new friendships is not unwelcome, as many students struggle to assimilate into pre-formed cliques. When instructed to form groups in class, students immediately jump to claim their closest friends. Instead of selecting unfamiliar faces, speaking to someone new for a brief change, students are likely to fall into routine. It’s easier to acquiesce to the comfortable than to initiate a new situation. Because of this lack of interest in the new, in some cases, at the conclusion of the 60-day trimester, the names of many classmates remain elusive. Having never spoken to the kids sitting on the opposite side of the classroom, it’s as if some of our peers were never among us at all.
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THE CHRONICLE | FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2009
NEWS FEATURE | PAGE 7
Seniors opt for traditional school transportation Jessica Kantor | Staff Writer Around 6:40 a.m., as most seniors grab a cup of coffee and pull into their designated school parking spots, you’ll find seniors Shy Ruparel, Jordan Reeves and Alex Duncan waiting at their assigned corners to catch the bus to school. Seniors who ride the bus have various reasons for doing so. Senior Shy Ruparel said that riding the bus is merely a convenience for him and he does not plan to change his mode of transportation any time soon. “Cars are expensive, and while gas is cheaper, it still costs money,” Ruparel said. “My parents aren’t going to buy me a new car, and I only have three months left of high school.” Although he does ride with friends to Panera on Friday mornings for breakfast, Ruparel said that he wouldn’t want to catch rides from his friends daily unless they offered. “I know people live near me, but I wouldn’t want to impose myself on anyone,” Ruparel said. “If someone offers, I would. [Otherwise], it’s just easier for me to take the bus. It’s cold in the morning, but I usually get here before all of my friends anyway.” Some students walk to school, but Ruparel does not have that option because of the location of his home -walking would take approximately an hour. Ruparel was not always a bus rider, however. “I started riding the bus in sixth grade when I first moved here from England,” Ruparel said. “They didn’t have buses there, so my parents drove me or I used to walk. School was not that far away.” Ruparel said that convenience is not the only reason he chooses the bus: his driving test attempts did not result in a license. “I failed my driving test three times; I kept running over the same traffic cone,” Ruparel said. “I got a perfect score in Sharonville, but I kept running over the cone. I went to AAA Driving School; I took my classes over Christmas Break.” After taking his classes, Ruparel said his big mistake was waiting to take the test. “I waited until summer to take my test,” he said. “My temps expired after I failed three times, so I decided to just wait until I was 18.” Ruparel said that he has decided to keep riding the bus
even after he gets his license. “I am 18 now, so I will be getting [my license] soon,” he said. “But I still think I will be riding the bus.” Senior Jordan Reeves is also 18, but does not have his license for a different reason. “My mom will not let me get [my license],” Reeves said. “She won’t explain to me why, but she wouldn’t let me get it when I was 16 either.” After he turned 18, Reeves said he hoped that he would be able to drive and get his license -- especially after getting a car for his birthday. “[My mom] bought me a car for my 18th birthday, but she wrecked it,” Reeves said. Reeves said that he does not see any benefits to riding the bus, and he would much rather use a different mode of transportation.
photo by Jessica Kantor Senior Alex Duncan waits waits for the bus on a corner. He is consistently the only person at his bus stop.
“I get here at 7 a.m., and I would definitely want to be here earlier,” Reeves said. “There is one other senior on my bus, but we don’t really talk.” Despite a lack of seniors on Reeves’s bus, he said that there doesn’t seem to be a way out of riding the bus for him. “[My mom] doesn’t care if I don’t want to ride the bus,” Reeves said. “Last time I asked for a ride from a friend, I got in trouble and got grounded for a week. I used to get rides all the time, but now I am not allowed anymore.” Reeves said that he has tried to make the best of his situation, but he is very frustrated with it. “My bus stop is in my garage,” Reeves said. “The bus driver pulls up to my garage and I get on. It’s cold in the morning, and I don’t want to wait outside. [Riding the bus] is really annoying.” Senior Alex Duncan said his mom is doing the opposite of Reeves’s mom. “I can’t even drive freshman year at the college I am going to,” Duncan said. “But my mom has been getting on me to get my license for the last three or four weeks out of nowhere. I am 18 now, so I don’t have to take driving school.” Duncan said that he hasn’t taken the initiative to get his license because he never really felt the need to drive. “I have ridden the bus since my elementary days,” Duncan said. “I have no experience driving, but I eventually want to get my license. I am working on it.” Ever since seventh grade health class, Duncan said that he has had some second thoughts about driving. “In seventh grade in health class, we had a slide about car crashes,” Duncan said. “They showed us nasty pictures of people really messed up from crashes. That may have traumatized me.” Despite being a frequent bus rider, Duncan said that he often catches rides from friends. “I get rides with friends all the time,” Duncan said. “They know that when we want to go somewhere, they pick me up. But I give them gas money every once in a while, so it works out.” Duncan said that he doesn’t care what people think if he rides the bus. “It’s just a bus,” Duncan said. “I won’t get made fun of for not being cool because I ride the bus. [The bus] gets me from A to B.”
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FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2009
A View from the Outside Construction workers see MHS students as “typical teenagers”
Rachel Schowalter | Staff Writer
The construction workers that surround Mason High School view its students from the outside. As they look in, students cannot help but wonder what they really see. According to laborer Chris Hutchison, the Turner Construction Company is responsible for the main construction project at MHS. The company employs prime contractors, and the prime contractors employ skilled workers. “Turner runs the job, and then you have prime contractors like the masonry,” Hutchison said. “If we wanted something done that we didn’t want to do, we’d hire ‘subs,’ such as the carpenters and plumbers. But overall, everyone reports to Turner.” As a result, there are multitudes of different workers filtering in and out of the high school. In the corner of C1, Axis Architecture and Interiors employs construction workers to lay the cafeteria’s new floor. David Wood, a tile setter who works for the company, said that the school’s tremendous size is one of the biggest factors in his opinion of Mason. “We’ve been at probably every university you can think of all over Ohio and Kentucky,” Wood said. “This place looks like one of them.
THE CHRONICLE | PAGE 11
It’s not as big, but has the same amenities.” While MHS and the universities are under construction, Wood said they look not unlike Lebanon Correctional Institution. “[These schools] look like jails from the outside,” Wood said. “They look the same.” Wood, who graduated from Fairmont West High School in 1981, said Mason seems to be a slight exception to the worsening economy. He added that his son was “ready to move” to Mason after seeing the community. “You have everything you need right here in this community,” Wood said. “I get the impression that there’s nothing wrong with the economy when you come down here. It doesn’t look like there’s anything, but there’s work going on everywhere.” Tile setter Tony Combs, a 1980 graduate of New Lebanon High School, said he has cousins that live in the Mason area. “It’s [a] pretty high standard [of living], pretty high up,” Combs said. “People have a lot more, money-wise. It seems like they have a lot more opportunities in school here than what we would have in New Lebanon.” According to Combs, from what he has seen, Mason students aren’t always appreciative of their education. “I can see it in some kids that just don’t care or don’t see what they have,” Combs said.
The problem, Combs said, is only amplified by the school’s size. After walking through the halls of MHS, Wood said the immense hallway traffic between bells is a deterrent to traveling the school at those times. “Don’t try to go upstairs when people are coming downstairs,” Wood said. Although Wood has been working on the construction at MHS for months, he said he has never overheard a student conversation because there are simply too many of them. “It’s like a thousand voices at once,” Wood said. “You really can’t understand what anyone is saying; it’s just one big ‘blah.’” Hutchison, who is working near the new pod, said he can’t hear much of anything either. “We’re usually not too close in proximity,” Hutchison said. “It’s usually pretty loud out here so you can’t hear.” In the summer, however, when the noise level finally recedes, Hutchison said he has had a few friendly encounters with MHS students. This has led him to believe that despite the overwhelming aspects of a 2,767-student school, MHS students are the same as kids elsewhere. “I’ve had a couple kids come up to me and say, ‘Hi,’ and everything,” Hutchison said. “They seem like typical teenagers.”
photos by Rachel Schowalter
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FEATURE | PAGE 13
DREAMS CONNECT TO REAL LIFE Jordan Berger | Staff Writer Student dreams can have direct correlation to everyday life, according to senior Jessie Brown. Such dreams are a direct result of the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase of sleep where closed eyes rapidly move, brain activity peaks within the central nervous system and muscles paralyze temporarily, as dreams may be a result of attempted continuation of brain activity, according to an article by Discovery Health. These dreams may have a vaster role in students’ lives than most would expect, according to Brown. “I reflect on my dreams a lot,” Brown said. “In the Bible, God talks to different people through dreams, so I don’t want to totally disregard them.” Probing further into the plots and settings of night visions depends on personal motives, but sometimes dreams’ lengths mirror a direct expression of mood or current situation, according to Brown. “I have a lot of shorter dreams when I am stressed or
thinking a lot of things at one time before I go to bed,” Brown said. “And I have longer and more memorable dreams when I’m happier and less busy.” The fine lines disconnecting dream from reality are sometimes uncertain, as students often portray actions throughout trances as literal, according to Brown. “I have come to school many times thinking that my dream about due dates or conversations I had were real,” Brown said. “Then, I start talking to my friend about a conversation I actually dreamed and she looks at me like I’m crazy.” Psychoanalysis researchers such as Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung offer theories regarding dream content. According to the New York Association for Analytical Psychology, both Jung and Freud’s theories focus on using interpreting dreams as a tool for uncovering solutions to human suffering. Emotions buried within unconsciousness surface during dreaming as the remembered fragments of dreams can help uncover covered feelings, according to Freud’s Inter-
pretation of Dreams. While dreams sometimes hold the ability to permeate brains and formulate a reality within sleep, some see these often forgotten realms of sleep as purely scientific as they take no notice of a potential psychological connection or vast significance, according to sophomore Jessica Harrison. “I don’t think my dreams really mean anything or [offer solutions],” Harrison said. “None of the things that happen in my dreams ever happen in real life.” On average, humans have 1,825 dreams a year, according to Neuroscience For Kids, yet only recall a select few, according to Seattle News. These memories may be based on the past, offer glances into the future or present psychoanalysis of the dreamer. Regardless, among the different focuses of dreams, dreamers still swim throughout the ambiguity. “Writing in my journal help me [interpret] my dreams,” Brown said. “But, they’re always uncertain.”
A GUIDE TO YOUR DREAMS Falling Fear of losing control, sense of helplessness and terror, height = high expectations of you and living up to them, a period of rebirth Occurrence: most commonly reported dream, anxiety-based
Nude in Public The adoption of a new identity, something good has happened to you recently and you are uneasy about change, you are daring to expose yourself/a desire to break rules, you feel revealed Occurrence: times of great change, insecurity, or waning self-confidence
Car Accident A love relationship, your body, life as a whole, turbulence in waking life, an inability to deal with the crisis, a death wish, a psychological reflection Occurrence: times of personal or professional stress
Being Chased A decision is not ready to be made, a problem in your life is being avoided Occurrence: one of most commonly experienced, begins in childhood with familiar dream of being chased by monsters or wild animals
Teeth Falling Out Great life change, insecurity with upcoming change, anxious about losing power or vitality Occurrence: times of great responsibility
Hospitals A need for help to heal internally, you’re feeling overwhelmed and need to “check out” to tend to your own well-being Occurrence: times of significant stress or personal unhappiness
According to Field Guide to Dreams: How to Identify and Interpret the Symbols in Your Dreams by Kelly Regan
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THE CHRONICLE | FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2009
FEATURE | PAGE 15
Saying 'No’ in the Digital Age Cady Meece | Staff Writer Crushes and relationships are a noticeable feature in the lives of many students at Mason High School, but how do you let someone know that you’re just not into them? According to sophomore Amber Romani, one-sided crushes can be tough situations to handle. Romani said that she thinks it’s best to be honest when confronting someone about their feelings “Girls, even though they don’t want to hurt anyone, usually
tell them that they are not interested and let them move on,” Romani said. “Eventually, they will move on and find someone that is a better match for them.” According to junior Sam Mizener, the way that one acts around someone also gives off a certain image that can convey his or her feelings towards that person. Therefore, Mizener said he utilizes a more indirect method of letting someone know he’s not interested. “When someone likes me, but I don’t like them, I am more aware of how I act around them,” Mizener said. “I make sure that I don’t send any false signs or signals.” Awkward situations and gestures, according to Mizener, can also cause confusion about someone’s true feelings. In addition, Mizener said that being outgoing around girls can be confused for being interested. “I try my best not to act ‘weird’ around someone who likes me, but sometimes girls mistake my personality as flirtation,” Mizener said.
According to Sophomore Haylee Todd, even though a harsh approach is sometimes favored by girls, she chooses to politely turn them down. “When a guy likes me and I’m not that interested in him, I kind of want to blow them off and not really talk to him like most girls, but that is the mean thing to do,” Todd said. “Instead, I just tell him that I’m not ready for a boyfriend or a relationship.” Romani said that the best way to reduce the effects of a heart break on someone is to let them know as soon as possible that you aren’t interested. “When I know someone likes me but I don’t like them, I try to text them immediately and let them know that I’m really not interested in having a relationship,” Romani said. “I don’t want to string someone along when I already know that it won’t go anywhere.” According to Todd, girls try their best to let the other person know that they still want to maintain a good friendship after an awkward encounter. “I always make sure that the other person understands that I still want to be friends with them, even though they like me more than I like them,” Todd said. According to Mizener, a face-to-face approach should only be used if approached by the other person in the same manner. “The only time I would say anything to a girl directly to their face about not being into them would be if they told me to my face that they like me,” Mizener said. “Usually, I try to be as nice as possible. I would say something like ‘I’m just not looking for a relationship right now’ or something like that.” Although turning someone down can be an awkward situation, being turned down can be just as bad. According to Romani, there are certain signals that, when received, should be taken as a “not interested” sign. “You can definitely tell when a boy doesn’t feel the same way as you do,” Romani said. “They usually straight-up say they don’t like you, and they act like they don’t see you or know you exist.” When someone isn’t interested in you, according to Mizener, there are two major signals that put up a red flag when trying to decide if they feel the same way as you do. “If they don’t laugh at my truly funny jokes or if they don’t put forth a good effort to hang out, it usually means that they don’t feel the same way you do about them,” Mizener said. “If someone is openly rude or just don’t want to be around me, it’s also a good indicator of how they feel about you.” According to Mizener, giving someone space allows that person to decide for themselves how they feel without the pressures of having to make an immediate decision. “I can usually tell if someone doesn’t like me so I just give them their space,” Mizener said. “If they accept that space then I know I was right, but if I give them space and they try to close the gap, I might be wrong.”
photo by Cady Meece
If he’s just not that into you...
If she’s just not that into you...
“I like to pretend that they don’t exist in my world anymore. I just act like they are nothing more than shadows and dust.” David Lee Senior
“I act friendly, as to make sure that we are friends and nothing more.” Brandon Vasey Sophomore
“I tell them they’re such a good friend, so it’s not awkward and you can still be friends.” Corin Newman Senior
“Well, I don’t text him and I don’t flirt with him. I just make the conversations really short.” Regan Onweller Sophomore
“I don’t like to be mean, but I sometimes have to give the old cold shoulder. Then, if they text you a lot, just reply in short, delayed bursts full of nonsense.” Scott Spencer Junior
“If I don’t like a girl and they like me, I always try to talk about random, made-up girls that I’m dating. For instance, I might say, ‘Sure, we can hang out this weekend. Can my girlfriend, Sandy, come, too?’” Brad Dawes Senior
“I don’t really ignore him fully, and I just sort of put him out of my mind. But, I’m still nice to him.” Casey Robinson Freshman
“You say, ‘I’m sorry, I’m just not that into you.’” Becky Dunn Junior
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Sports THE CHRONICLE | FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2009
The Press Box
Comet athletes willing to spend big bucks for improved performance
Fans often want to have their say. The Press Box is a forum for Comet fans to voice their opinion on the latest games. What do you think of the varsity basketball team’s performance against Princeton in the district championship?
“I don’t think they did that well, honestly. They were overconfident. Their offense was good. I think on defense they could they have tried a little harder.” Meggan Pernell Sophomore
“They were a little sloppy. They shot okay when they had the chance. They should have taken more open shots instead of driving in.” Jared Dvorsky Junior
“They played well at the beginning, but Princeton is really aggressive.” Claire Wehby Freshman
“They played pretty mediocre at the beginning. But it’s Princeton, Ranked 20th in the U.S. So…It’s not surprising [they lost.]” James Weingand Freshman -Compiled by Danni Simms
SPORTS | PAGE 17
Danni Simms | Staff Writer Athletes with the latest expensive competition gear derive a definite advantage in performance, according to varsity swimming Coach Mark Sullivan. At this year’s state meet in Canton, Mason’s swim team did well. The top finisher was Danielle Jansen who finished second in two individual events and was wearing Speedo’s LZR racer swimsuit along with the majority of the Mason swimmers. “[The] original price is around $400 to $450, but we have a team discount with Kast-A-Way Swimwear, which is a suit company,” Sullivan said. “We were able to get the suits for $330.” According to Sullivan, the high-priced suit really hit the scene during the 2008 Beijing Olympics where Michael Phelps won eight gold medals wearing a LZR. Though the LZR was the most popular swimsuit among Mason swimmers, another swimsuit called the BlueSeventy valued around $395 was most worn at the 2009 State Swim Meet, Sullivan said. Of the 80 individual and relay champions at the meet, 23 swimmers wore the LZR, and 34 wore the BlueSeventy, according to Cleveland. com. The BlueSeventy and LZR suits have very distinct technology, according to Sullivan. “The BlueSeventy [is] a body suit made for scuba diving.” Sullivan said. “It makes the swimmer’s body position float higher in the water so they have less drag. The key with the LZR is that the body suit actually fills up with air, [which] creates buoyancy. Also with the LZR, it is nonpermeable, meaning that no water goes through.” Senior varsity swimmer Mary Wunderle, who has signed to swim for Georgia Tech University next year, competed with a LZR suit at the state meet. “The suit was designed to make you more buoyant in the water, and you could definitely feel it while you were swimming,” Wunderle said. “You feel high up [and] it is easy to go through the water, and then you go faster.” Wunderle said one of her
photo by Danni Simms
concerns with wearing the LZR was the possibility of ripping the extremely thin fabric. “I watched a YouTube video about how to put the suit on,” Wunderle said. “There are certain ways to grip the suit so you don’t rip it, and you have to make sure you cut your nails before you put it on.” The pricetag is attached to these revolutionary swimsuits has not been ignored by high school and USA swimming officials. According to Sullivan there has been a lot of controversy regarding the cost of the suits. “Let’s say you come from a low income family and I’m wealthy,” Sullivan said. “If you’re low income, you can’t afford a $400 suit. I can. Is that fair?
That puts the [swimmers from lower income families] at a different playing field.” The swim team is not the only athletic team at MHS that deals with pricey equipment, according to varsity softball player junior Danielle Engelman. Bats and cleats are expensive for softball players Engelman said. “A good bat costs somewhere between $250 and $300,” Engelman said. “A good pair of cleats is around $100.” The difference in the cost for bats is directly related to the way they are built according to Engelman. “The difference between a low-end and a high-end bat is that a low end bat doesn’t have a double wall, so the ball won’t go as far when it hits it,” Engelman said. “Higher end bats have double walls, which makes the ball go farther. The lower end bats would be aluminum, [whereas the more expensive] Synergy bats are composite material.” According to senior varsity baseball player Devon Davis, baseball bats differ in pricing due to similar reasoning. “Lower prices bats don’t have as much pop,” Davis said. “But, the more expensive bats have technology to make the ball go father.” Devon said that since he has several different pieces of equipment, the total price of the sport adds up quickly. “The H2 Louisville Slugger, which is the bat that I have, is $400,” Davis said. “My first base mitt is $150, my outfield mitt is $200, my pitching glove is $70, and my cleats are $90.”
According to Engelman and Davis, people with expensive equipment have at least one other characteristic in common besides high prices: If you are serious are about a sport, you are more likely to pay a higher price for the better quality. “It is worth it to buy the higher end stuff [if you are serious],” Engelman said. “But if you got out on Saturdays and just play games with your friends, then I would just say [to] go to Walmart and buy a cheap bat.”
photos by Alyssa Howard
Team Tracker
photo by Alyssa Howard
The boys’ varsity swim team concluded a successful season with a tenth place finish at the state meet. The swimmers collected a total of four medals, and placed eighth and sixth in the 200- and 400-meter relays, respectively. Senior Andy Supronas, a contributor to both relays, said that the team has worked this season to overcome the loss of some key swimmers. “As a team [we were successful], since we lost so many good swimmers last year,” Supronas said.
The girls’ varsity swim team placed fifth at the state meet. While Coach Mark Sullivan said he was proud of the team’s performance, he thought there was still room for improvement. “We probably could’ve finished a little higher than we did, because last year we finished fourth and we have the same team back [this year],” Sullivan said. photo by Alyssa Howard
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FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2009 | THE CHRONICLE
Team Tracker continued
photo by Scott Hutchinson
Varsity gymnasts seniors Kiersten Wones, Rebekah Wooten and junior Sarah Taylor qualified for state competition on March 7. While the team failed to reach their goal of qualifying for state as a squad, Wones said the season was undoubtedly a success. “We had three state qualifiers, so that’s impressive,” Wones said. “It was still a shame that we couldn’t all go and compete [at state].”
The varsity girls’ basketball team won the district championship in a victory over powerhouse Chaminade-Julianne on March 7. Despite a later loss to defending state champion Mount Notre Dame at the regional finals, senior Kelsey Egan said they still consider their season a success. “Not only did we get back [to districts], but we were the first Mason [girls basketball] team to win since 2001,” Egan said.
photo by Alyssa Howard
photo by Alyssa Howard
Following a perfect season of 16-0, the Mason boys’ bowling team suffered a 12th place finish at the district meet in Middletown. Despite their postseason shortcomings, senior bowler Mark Allen said that he is still content with the Comets’ season. “We should have made state, but we just choked,” Allen said. “We still had a lot of success all year long, though.”
The Mason Varsity Wrestling team concluded the season with a 13th place finish at the state meet, in much better spirits than they initially expected, according to state champion junior wrestler Robert Shepherd. “Our team had a great year, and I accomplished something I’ve been wanting since third grade,” Shepherd said. “It was just an awesome year.”
photo by Alyssa Howard
Getting To Know... THE ACROBAT
Flying from bar to bar, varsity gymnast senior Rebekah Wooten, leaped over many tough competitors, landing in 11th place at the state competition. Earning her title through participation in the bars event, Wooten performed a routine comprised of complex jumps, turns, spins and other amazing feats.
pointed; I knew that I could have done better, especially since I did an awesome routine at warm-ups. That is how it goes, though. If you have a good warm-up, you probably won’t do so good in front of the judges.
What is the most difficult thing about gymnastics? I shattered my ankle two years ago, the summer of my sophomore year, doing some tumbling. The doctor said that I probably dislocated my ankle on my first flip, and on the next couple I put too much pressure on it. This caused my ankle to completely shatter. And I am still recovering from it. What is it like to be up on the bars? It is awesome: you just feel like you are flying through the air. You develop muscle memory after a while so you don’t have to remember every little thing that you have to do.
How do you feel about leaving high school gymnastics? It is really sad. I really do love the sport of gymnastics, but I have been injured a lot, so I can’t seriously compete in club. I did high school just to have fun. High school is competitive, don’t get me wrong, but club gymnastics is where colleges look at to give scholarships. I do think, though, that I will do something with it in my future, like I will be a gymnastics coach or something like that.
Did your nerves influence your performance at all? I was pretty calm. Really I was there just to have fun. I did get nervous right before I performed in front of the judges. They just stare you down right before you go on, and it always makes me a little nervous. photo by Duncan Fischley
The Mason girls’ bowling team finished 12th at the sectional meet, concluding a mediocre season. Although the Comets only achieved three victories, junior Brittany Newswanger said that she feels confident about the progression of the team. “Next year we have some talented freshmen coming up though; I’m looking forward to a much more successful season in 2010,” Newswanger said.
The varsity boys’ basketball team concluded its season with a loss at the hands of top-ranked Princeton in the district championship game. The Comets notched a 14-8 record on their way to a sectional championship and a third place finish in the Greater Miami Conference. “It’s hard to be upset when the only teams that finished ahead of you are Princeton and Middletown,” senior Zach Brown said.
rebekah wooten
What goes through your mind as you compete in the bars event? I try to remind myself of each skill that I have to do. I have a word that I say, like tight core or head in, that helps me concentrate. If you try to think of everything that you have to do at once, you will end up messing up. Bars are fast so you have to narrow it down to one word.
Why did you start gymnastics? I don’t really know. When I was two I watched the Olympics gymnastic portion and I told my mom in my little kid voice, “I wanna do gymnastics.” I guess I was just fascinated by it. [But] my mom didn’t let me start until I was eight.
What was your favorite part of gymnastics this year? [I enjoyed] meeting the new people, [and] having that fun atmosphere that high school brings. [Also, I liked] not having a coach in your face all the time creating pressure. I loved club, but club gymnastics and high school are two completely different things. Club just puts on a lot of pressure.
Do you have a favorite routine that you do? I did the same bar routine for an entire year. That is how it generally goes; if you want to change your routine, you change it every year. Usually [the change] is to make it harder. I did do a floor routine for fun, but it hurt, so I just stuck to bars. How did you feel about the results at state? I was definitely disap-
-As told to by Duncan Fischley
photo by Kirsten McCafferty
-Compiled by Scott Hutchinson, Trevor Maxim and Tony DeLotell
Comet Culture Grid Name
_____ should play me in a movie
A real man...
Best advice I have ever received
Favorite pickup line
I would die for...
Stephen Sargent Varsity Diving Senior
Jim Carrey
Is Ron Burgundy
“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery; today is a gift.” -Kung Fu Panda
I saw your picture on Myspace. Someday we should turn it into ourspace.
Danielle Jansen Varsity Swimming Junior
Jennifer Aniston
Is not afraid to make the first move
“Enjoy what you do, you’ll be sucessful” -Coach Mark Sullivan
Are you tired? I have nothing ‘Cause you’ve I would want been running to die for. through my mind.
Austin Brune Varstiy Boy’s Basketball
Jim Carrey / Ace Ventura
Has chest hair “Don’t be anyone but yourself.”
Stat of the Month
3 4
My family
Do you have a A 60-inch library card? vertical jump ‘Cause I’m checking you out!
1
Points earned by Mason for Fall and Winter Sports, First Place in the GMC All Sports Trophy
THE CHRONICLE | FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2009
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