The Chronicle, 7.1

News: Meet the prospective members of the Mason School Board

Chronicle Sports: Major corporate sponsorships support Mason athletics

The William Mason High School

Volume 7

NEWS BRIEF

Halloween Haunt attraction pulled

October 2, 2009

Who can we trust?

Issue 1

Cedar Fair’s Kings Island has removed sections of an exhibit from its Halloween Haunt attraction that featured a display of late celebrities as skeletons, after nationwide criticism. The amusement park was especially condemned for its display of late Tennessee Titans footballer Steve McNair and his mistress Sahel Kazemi shown in positions resembling the scene of the homicide/suicide. The skeleton of McNair was displayed holding his helmet, with head wounds similar to the injuries inflicted upon his death. Kazemi allegedly shot the NFL star in their home early this summer.

Along with McNair and Kazemi, skeletons of Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, Heath Ledger, Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas and Billy Mays were also displayed.

TODAY

Homecoming ticket presale ends The last day to purchase Homecoming presale tickets is today. Tickets are $20 for singles and $40 for couples. Forms should be completed and turned in to Administrative Assistant Kathy Dean (Z228) with cash or a check to Mason City Schools. Last chance tickets will be sold the day of the dance, October 10, at the high school from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at $25 for singles and $50 for couples.

No tickets will be sold at the door. The dance will be held at the Mason Middle School Arena from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Away football game tonight Tonight, the Varsity Boys Football team will take on Lakota West High School at 7:30 p.m. Tickets will be sold during all lunches in the Comet Zone to students for $4 and adults for $7.

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

photo art by Caleb Schowalter

Media bias from both sides obscures the truth Alyssa Howard | Editor in Chief Amidst immense political bias of the media, American democracy is ailing, according to government teacher Maria Mueller. The deep divisions between conservative and liberal news sources create a close-minded environment, which Mueller said detract from the ability of citizens to listen to opinions differing from their own.

“I think sometimes we perceive that if we’re honestly willing to listen to someone else, that it will make us appear less serious about our own beliefs,” Mueller said. “[This approach] is, in my perspective, not healthy for democracy.”

The development of the biases from both sides, Mueller said, has evolved from the breakdown of a previous system.

“I think what we’ve kind of always

counted on is the counterbalancing concept that those who publish newspapers and newsmagazines traditionally have tended to be, as many business people are, towards the right side of the spectrum,” Mueller said. “Reporters themselves, though, tended to be more towards the left. So, the idea was that somewhere between the top and the bottom, you would find a medium.”

Currently, however, many organizations are filled with people all of the same belief system, according to Mueller, making balanced coverage virtually impossible.

“When you now have a structure where, from the first day reporter to the publisher, [everyone is] of the same mind, then your likelihood of even being able to produce something that comes near balanced becomes very difficult,” Mueller said. “We’ve come so far with integrating ourselves in so many ways,

but now we have this trend from maybe the past 25 years of segregating ourselves ideologically, becoming more partisan.”

Another contributing factor to this problem, according to English teacher Hannah Sole, is the dominance of corporate monopolies, owning numerous news organizations. Sole, who previously taught Media Studies in England, said that the majority of mainstream media traces back to only a few corporations.

“It changes a little bit every year; I think there are about seven massive conglomerates that own most of the world media now,” Sole said.

Sole said that the commercial mentality of most media outlets provides the most compelling rationale for companies to take partisan stances.

“They’re in it for a business,” Sole said. see MEDIA on page 2

PAGE 2 | NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2009 | THE CHRONICLE

Mason not immune to predicted H1N1 outbreak Rachel Schowalter | Staff Writer

from contracting the virus, but senior Carlos Suarez said it’s “better to be safe than sorry” by taking extra safety measures against H1N1. Suarez said he has worn a surgical mask to school to keep himself from getting infected.

“Not all types of masks work, but in some ways they are useful, and it can’t hurt in taking this extra precaution that

[preexisting health problems],” Fetterly said.

According to Fetterly, the symptoms she experienced while sick were similar to the seasonal flu. Fetterly said she was sick for a week and was told by her doctor that she would soon get over the illness like the regular flu or a cold. “[The hysteria] is crazy,” Fetterly said.

American swine flu concerns have resurfaced as flu season begins, prompting Mason City Schools to seek guidelines for preventing widespread infection amongst students.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the H1N1 virus was first detected in the American population in April 2009. Originally referred to as “swine flu” because it contained genes that were similar to influenza viruses commonly found in pigs, H1N1 has since spread to all 50 states in America through human-to-human contact.

Mason City Schools’ Student Services Director Tom Morris said he sent emails to the district’s families before the school year began in order to prevent misinformation about the H1N1 virus from being circulated.

“We wanted to assure parents that the school system was doing everything that we possibly could, so that all of our staff, students and parents could have all the information prior to any potential outbreak,” Morris photo by Rachel Schowalter said.

Senior Carlos Suarez, fearing the acquisition of Swine Flu, wore a surgical mask early in the school Morris said the two emails sent to students’ families spe- year, as he said he believes this will help repel germs. cifically discussed the guidelines given to Mason City Schools by the CDC can lower one’s risk of getting infected,” “The symptoms aren’t that bad, and it’s and how the district was adhering to Suarez said. not really that dangerous.” them. Jill Wittekind, the district’s Health In addition to the surgical mask, Suarez Although Fetterly said she does not feel Services Liaison and nurse at Mason said he is taking “as many precautions as that H1N1 is as harmful as it seems, MorIntermediate School, said the guidelines possible” against H1N1, including washris said Mason is still trying to be ahead were used to train Mason faculty about ing his hands frequently and disinfecting of the curve in terms of its preparedness the virus before the beginning of the any surfaces he touches. Suarez said that for H1N1 prevention and treatment. school year. According to Wittekind, the he believes H1N1 could potentially harm According to Morris, Mason faculty and district will take these necessary meaa great majority of the world population families will continue to be informed sures in order to prevent school closure. if it keeps mutating. through email or the district website As flu seasons begins, Wittekind said Senior Lindsey Fetterly, who contracted when he receives new information about that she advises all Mason students to the H1N1 virus and has since fully recovH1N1. practice “common-sense hygiene” by ered, said that she, however, thinks the “Our hope is to lessen any type of fear washing hands and avoiding the sharing H1N1 hype will end soon, because of her and to prepare parents by giving them of items, as the virus can survive on hard experiences with the illness. good, solid advice,” Morris said. “[We surfaces for two to eight hours. “[I wasn’t] really worried, because [my want] to allay any myths that might be Some people may seem overly cautious doctor] said most people are going to get out there and give them the facts by prewhen it comes to preventing themselves it, and it’s not dangerous unless you have senting it in a way that’s understandable.”

MEDIA: Politics constitute heavy influence on mainstream news sources continued from page 1 “They’re there to provide news that people want to read about or hear about. If you are marketing to an audience that has a particular point of view, there is no point in trying to sell media text of the opposite view.”

In addition, organizations vary in the way that they show their political biases, according to Sole. “[Bias] will manifest itself in various ways,” Sole said. “Sometimes it’s what makes the news; sometimes it’s the experts they select to talk to. They might pick people that would be of a certain viewpoint and therefore, it will come across that way.”

Although media bias has been a longacknowledged aspect of American politics, assessing its prevalence is generally left up to partisan organizations.

The Media Research Center’s mission is to convey the “strident liberal bias” existing in news, acting as “America’s media watchdog,” according to its website. On the other hand, Media Matters for America, “the liberal media watchdog organization,” exists to expose conservative sway of news corporations, according to PRWatch.org.

Mueller said that verifying facts

through unbiased or non-profit sources is a key remedy to keeping a balanced perspective. Factcheck.org, a non-partisan website founded by the Annenberg Public Policy Center, serves as a way to check information from politicians or media organizations. After listening to President Barack Obama’s September 9 speech on health care, Mueller said that she visited the site. “[Factcheck.org goes] both [political] ways, for sure,” Mueller said. “After [Obama’s] speech [on health care], they went through and they critiqued, and then they also went and critiqued some of the misinformation that was out there, that was at that time, predominantly from the right. So, it does seem very balanced, as far I can tell.”

In order to fulfill the duties of democracy, Mueller said, citizens must maintain an active role in seeking the truth.

“You have to make an informed choice, but you also have to be cognizant of that information that you’re making that informed choice from,” Mueller said. “And it really requires all of us to be engaged, if we really want a healthy democracy.”

Swine Flu at a glance The following are need-to-know facts and common misconceptions of the H1N1 virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mason Intermediate School Building 45 nurse and Mason City Schools’ Health Services Liaison Jill Wittekind and the district’s Student Services Director, Tom Morris.

•H1N1 is a virus and cannot be treated with antibiotics. Antiviral medications may help, but are not necessary, as the virus usually runs its course without major medical issues.

•Symptoms of H1N1 are similar to seasonal flu symptoms: fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills, fatigue, possible nausea or diarrhea.

•H1N1 is spread through the droplets produced from coughing or sneezing by people with the virus, landing on surfaces, other people or evaporating and traveling through the air. H1N1 can also be transmitted by touching something that has the virus on it and then touching the mouth or nose.

•Everyday hygiene practices are recommended for prevention of the virus, including: -Covering the mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing -Washing hands or using sanitizers, especially after coughing or sneezing -Avoiding touching of the eyes, nose or mouth -Wiping down surfaces or objects •Those who have contracted the virus are advised to stay at home until they have gone 24 hours fever-free without the help of medication.

•The H1N1 vaccine is expected to be released in late fall (mid-October to early November).

-Vaccine will be administered in a series of two shots -Compiled by Rachel Schowalter

Credit flexibility program to include out-of-school achievements Ellen Duffer | Associate Editor Students will be able to earn high school credit outside of the classroom through alternate and innovative methods by the beginning of next school year.

Due to the implementation of Ohio’s Senate Bill 311, which altered graduation requirements and provisions for earning course credit, Mason City Schools is in the process of designing a plan under which students can apply to have varying experiences accepted as transcript-ready credit.

Currently, high school students are able to acquire Carnegie Units of credit, created in 1909, which allot credit based on time spent in the classroom. According to Principal Mindy McCarty-Stewart, this measurement is not applicable to 21st century students. “[Senate Bill 311] raised the graduation requirements for high schools in hope that students will be able to meet the demands of a global society,” McCartyStewart said. “[As] part of that, we have to adopt a plan that allows our students to achieve credit through flexible options.

With the changes in education, really, seat time does not equate to learning – there [are] other avenues to get that.”

McCarty-Stewart said the plan should be ready for presentation to Mason’s Board of Education by December. It will

incorporate the ability of students to earn credit through a myriad of activities that will be indistinguishable from traditional courses on transcripts and will outline the procedure for translating activity results into credits. According to McCarty-Stewart, this process may involve presenting projects to a board that will assign grades for credit.

“We have to make sure that the policy states that students can earn credit through completing coursework, which is currently how we exist, and/or testing out or demonstrating mastery of course content or pursuing one or more educational options, which could be, for example: educational travel, independent study, internships, music, arts, after school programs [or] community service,” McCarty-Stewart said. “It’s just very open-ended.”

Because credit under this new plan could be achieved during off-school hours, like winter and summer breaks, students could meet graduation requirements more quickly than those just utilizing the Carnegie Unit of credit.

“We can’t limit the number of courses a student can take,” McCarty-Stewart said. “It very well could excel the amount of time a student is in high school. More than likely, [students could graduate early].”

THE CHRONICLE | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2009

NEWS | PAGE 3

Homecoming game fireworks canceled to keep spectators safe Jami Bechard | Staff Writer This year’s Homecoming game at Mason will be short of one popular tradition: the fireworks. With all of the additions to Mason’s campus, the fireworks have become a safety hazard and an insurance issue, according to Lorri Fox-Allen, Mason’s student activities director. So, the fireworks have been cancelled for the 2009 Homecoming game. Student Government paid for the fireworks each year previous; now, they have almost $3,200 to spend elsewhere.

Fox-Allen said she had a large say in the decision to cancel the fireworks. Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks had been hired each year to put on the fireworks at Mason’s Homecoming games, but Rozzi won’t pay for any damages or accidents within 1,000 feet of the launch area. This 1,000 feet parameter is called the fall-out zone and originates in the outfield of the girls’ softball field (the launch area). The fallout zone includes a part of Mason-Montgomery Road, parking lot C, the back side of the visiting bleachers and the new Atrium Medical Center, Fox-Allen said.

“With the new softball stadium and the Atrium [Medical Center], there’s always been an issue with how close the fall-out zone is to everything,” Fox-Allen said.

“Within [the] 1,000 foot radius of the launch site, anything that would get hurt or damaged, Rozzi Fireworks does not cover. That would fall back on Student Government or the school district.”

With Mason-Montgomery Road and the other team’s spectators so close

to the launch area and cars parked all around the stadium, the fireworks, she said, are a dangerous idea. Since Student Government is completely in charge of Homecoming, it would be responsible for paying for any damage caused by the fireworks.

“If somebody’s car gets damaged, and Rozzi’s not going to pay for it, then that would fall back to Student Government, and that’s not what we want the money that is raised by kids going towards,” FoxAllen said.

Each year, $2,000 to $3,200 is set aside

by Student Government to pay for the fireworks at the Homecoming football game, according to Stephanie Nally, Mason’s Student Government adviser.

Now, Student Government is brainstorming different ideas on how they can spend the money. “[Student Government is] brainstorming ideas that we could do instead of the fireworks,” Nally said. “Obviously, this wasn’t a Student Government decision, so right now they’re trying to figure out how they can still make [Homecoming] exciting and special.”

Nally said that it would be a challenge to try to replace the fireworks with a completely different idea for Homecoming, since the game is right around the corner. Most likely, the money will go to different things for the school or Homecoming dance.

“If there’s not something we can do when a touchdown is scored or when the [Homecoming] Court is announced, then more than likely, that money would

be donated by either going to Common Grounds, or Kids Count,” Nally said.

“More than likely, it could go to other service projects of Student Government.”

According to junior Kate Stein, Student Body Treasurer, the money might go in part to decorations for Homecoming, different aspects of the dance, different charitable functions or service projects for Student Government.

Senior Class Vice President Margaret Zhang said she is conflicted by the decision, being a senior and a Student Government member. She said Homecoming already brings a fun and exciting atmosphere to the school, and the cancelation of fireworks won’t kill that spirit. Zhang said she is understanding of the decision and knows the dismissal of fireworks won’t ruin her senior year.

Senior Class Secretary Samantha Crum said that the fireworks were a special tradition, yet the cancelation won’t take away from the Homecoming experience.

Fox-Allen said that the decision to cancel the fireworks was ultimately made

by Mason’s administration and insurance agents.

“It was a group of us, administratively in this building, along with the superintendent [Kevin Bright] and central administration [made the decision],” Fox-Allen said.

This year’s Homecoming game needs to be handled with safety and care, Principal Mindy McCarty-Stewart said. According to McCarty-Stewart, safety is a big concern with increasing amounts of fans in the stadium.

“We have to balance the safety,” McCarty-Stewart said. “It’s even more challenging with the increasing sizes of people.”

With Student Government taking the reins, McCarty-Stewart said she fully supports its decision and wants the students to decide where the money goes.

“I want it to be student decided: I just sit and wait for them to make that decision and I try not to get involved with that, because I don’t want my influence to be in on it,” McCarty-Stewart said.

As McCarty-Stewart became informed about the fireworks and safety hazards involved, her decision was made easy, she said.

“I supported the decision: it’s sort of a no-brainer on use,” McCarty-Stewart said.

“More or less, the decision is made for us. I know it’s hard -- I’m not underestimating it. It would be nice if we could do it just like we’ve been doing it. Again, not to say that it’s been an easy thing each year, [but] we’ve been able to do it successfully and safely [in the past].”

Fox-Allen was one of the big decision makers in the cancellation of the Homecoming fireworks, but she said her reasons are simple: she will fight for the students’ interests and desires, but, safety comes first.

“When kids want something, I think it’s my job to go to battle for that, but just like as a parent, sometimes [you] have to tell your kids no, because of a safety issue,” Fox-Allen said.

The Homecoming football game fireworks have been canceled for this year, due to the close proximity of the launch site (the softball field) to the football field.

photo by Jami Bechard

McCarty-Stewart introduces few changes as new Principal Julia Halpin | Staff Writer With former Associate Principal Mindy McCartyStewart now as Principal, buildings and staff changes mark the advent of her promotion.

McCarty-Stewart said her five years experience as Mason High School’s Associate Principal have definitely prepared her Mindy McCarty-Stewart for the job ahead.

“Really, my job interview has been for five years for this position.” McCartyStewart said. “You gotta love what you do.”

Time and energy is definitely something McCartyStewart needs to do her job, she said. With meetings to attend, emails to read and interactions that allow her to get to know her students, her daily routine, she said, is packed and ever-changing.

“Usually, I have to prioritize my day, depending on what’s in front of me,” McCarty-Stewart said. “That can change from moment to moment. There [ARE] so many

variables.”

With several changes already being made to the school, (including new wings, new sports facilities, etc.)

McCarty-Stewart said she has chosen to stick with the initiatives from previous years instead of making drastic changes.

“My goal was to open up the building with all the new facilities, nothing major new,” McCarty-Stewart said. “I don’t feel the need to do something different to stamp my name on it.”

Assistant Principal George Coates said he has faith in McCarty-Stewart as the new principal.

“I think she’s been doing an excellent job,” Coates said.

“She’s already faced some tough challenges, and I think she’s responded well.”

Along with the hiring of a new head principal, other major staff changes were made this year: McCarty-Stewart selected two new assistant principals for the staff of MHS. According to her, the school was looking for many different elements when filling her previous position.

“We needed to know, philosophically, what their mission [was] for education, if they have a vision for how to reach schools, have the high standards we do and if they match what the school wants,” McCarty-Stewart said.

Antonio Shelton coming from being an Assistant Princi-

pal position at Sycamore High School; and William Rice, previously an Assistant Principal at Pleasant Run Middle School, both proved to have the past experience to be fit for their new jobs, according to McCarty-Stewart, and were thus picked for the position.

“I have always been impressed by Dr. Shelton’s professionalism and great reputation as an administrator, and I knew that going into it. He’s been a great asset to the team,” said McCarty-Stewart. “Immediately with Mr. Rice, I recognized that he has a true compassion for his students and can work through some really tough situations.”

Shelton and Rice both have a lot to do as new assistant principals, according to Shelton. From Rice overseeing this year’s freshmen, and Shelton covering testing and the curriculum, no aspect of the school is overlooked.

“Most everything that Mrs. McCarty did, that’s what I’m doing,” Shelton said. “My face is now her face.”

Despite the responsibilities ahead of her, she said she retains a positive outlook on her position.

“Each day, or even [during] each encounter, I want people to walk away and say, ‘She really listened to what I had to say; she really cared a lot about me as a person,’” McCarty-Stewart said.

PAGE 4 | NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2009 | THE CHRONICLE

Get to know the candidates for Mason’s Board of Education Jessica Kantor | Staff Writer Kris Ogungbemi | Staff Writer Eight candidates vie for three open positions this Election Day (Tuesday, November 3) on the Mason City Schools Board of Education. The recently quarrelsome board camaraderie, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer, will pose a new challenge for candidates as they attempt to secure votes.

Jackie Blair Describe your previous experience with government or leadership roles.

My leadership experiences started in college as Treasurer of my pharmacy class for three years. Professionally, I have managed a retail pharmacy and nursing home care pharmacy.

My determination, focus and common sense would be an asset to the school board.

What was your favorite part of high school?

My fondest memories of high school revolve around the high regard our pep band and orchestra received from everyone I met during my school years. This praise for our band continues today.

What makes you different from the other candidates and what do you hope to contribute to the board?

Marianne Culbertson Describe your previous experience with government or leadership roles.

I have been a member of the Mason Board of Education for sixteen years. Three of those years I served as Board President, and another couple of years as Vice President.

What makes you different from the other candidates and what do you hope to contribute to the board?

Beth DeGroft Describe your previous experience with government or leadership roles.

I sit on the Mason Parks Foundation Board, and I have done that for three years. Three years ago, I chaired the bond issue for the Mason High School addition.

That’s how I got the bug to get into politics.

What makes you different from the other candidates and what do you hope to contribute to the board?

Rick Dotson

I am the senior member of the board with sixteen years. It brings a really strong sense of continuity to decisions that have been made in the past -- the clear understanding of how we got to where we are today.

What was your favorite part of high school?

I was not active in drama, but always enjoyed going and watching my friends perform [in school plays]. I can remember small-act plays that were in a small, black box theatre, and those memories stick with me today.

I am a parent of four students in the district. Of the eight people running, only one other person has a child in the district. I am the ultimate consumer -- I touch it, taste it, live it, see it every day.

What was your favorite part of high school?

Participating in extra-curricular activities was probably my favorite. I loved that piece of it. I played field hockey, ran track, sang in the choir and did musicals.

Describe your previous experience with government or leadership roles.

I taught for 31 years in the public school system in Kings School District. I spent five summers with the Warren County Summer Youth Employment and Training Program.

I worked 31 years as a teacher, and I also drove a school bus for 29 years. I served two different terms as president of the Kings Education Association. I have had 22 years of negotiations experience while at Kings, either with teachers or bus drivers. I am well aware of how a school district functions and how a school district sometimes spends its money.

What makes you different from the other candidates and what do you hope to contribute to the board?

What was your favorite part of high school?

That would be history class.

TRESA LOUDERBACK Describe your previous experience with government or leadership roles.

I enjoy working the polls on Election Day. I feel this is a good opportunity to serve my community and my country in a small way, yet important way.

I hope to help bring dignity and integrity back to the board. We’ve been in the news too many times for antics and drama during board meetings.

What makes you different from the other candidates and what do you hope to contribute to the board?

Jennifer Miller Describe your previous experience with government or leadership roles.

I’ve helped with a lot of conservative candidates on their campaigns. I’ve also started a ministry when we lived in Tiffin, Ohio called Parents for Traditional Values [which] was involved [in] raising money to purchase Christian material edited for public school use.

What makes you different from the other candidates and what do you hope to contribute to the board?

John Odell

What was your favorite part of high school?

My favorite part of high school was government class during my senior year. [My teacher] is responsible for my interest in government and politics.

I’m not part of the status quo. I’m not a PTO mom; I’m not a union member, or a former union member. I am a concerned parent, taxpayer, who is looking out for the best interest of the kids and not the best interest of the adults.

What was your favorite part of high school?

I didn’t like high school; I graduated early. High school was not an easy time. I never went to homecoming. I did go to one prom, but I don’t think I missed anything.

Describe your previous experience with government or leadership roles.

My political experience was mostly in evaluating candidates that are running and trying to make up my own mind through some of the hype.

was a teacher, my mother was a teacher, my sister was a principal. That gives me a perspective that is missing on the board at this point in time. I think it’s a needed perspective, especially when we’re talking about difficult choices, cuts or maintenance of programs -- we need someone who’s walked in a teacher’s shoes.

What makes you different from the other candidates and what do you hope to contribute to the board?

I spent 35 years teaching and in education. My father

What was your favorite part of high school?

I was a member of the swim team and I enjoyed that. I took some foreign languages -- I enjoyed that.

Connie Yingling

believe strongly that the school district belongs to the residents and families that live in the community. It is important to me that those individuals feel like they can come to me and they can talk to me about an idea, a concern, something they would like to see changed or just something they would like to see more of.

Describe your previous experience with government or leadership roles.

I’ve been on the school board for ten years now.

Outside of that, I’ve done some community activities, some community fundraising. I’ve worked with youth sports organizations.

What makes you different from the other candidates and what do you hope to contribute to the board?

One of the things that I’ve always tried to do, and I still consider it to be paramount, is communication. I

What was your favorite part of high school?

Probably group projects, because I thought learning was often more fun when you were learning with someone else.

photos contributed and

by Kris Ogungbemi and Jessica Kantor

THE CHRONICLE | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2009

PAGE 5

Views THE CHRONICLE | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2009

EDITORIAL | PAGE 6

Chronicle Policy

Round Table

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.

30046 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 C106 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 pop culture is a good representation of the average American’s values?

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 Business/Circulation Manager Griffin Frank Technical and Graphic Manager Caleb Schowalter Staff Writers Jami Bechard Jordan Berger Tony DeLotell Rachel Giesel Julia Halpin Ian Howard Janica Kaneshiro Jessica Kantor Trevor Maxim Cady Meece Kris Ogungbemi Beena Raghavendran Carlie Sack Rachel Schowalter Danielle Simms Janie Simonton Samantha Stulen Adviser Mr. Dale Conner

From left to right: Darakshan Malik, Adnan Ilyas, Andrea Danziger, Kate Creutzinger, Andy Crone, Andrea Schlosser.

photo by Rachel Schowalter

The Round Table is a forum-based discussion. The students picked for this edition were selected due to their opinionated natures. To be involved in the Round Table, please contact The Chronicle in room C106.

Darakshan Malik Sophomore No, because society is more heavily influenced by what the media brings to them, rather than media being influenced by society. A lot of times, one may go against their own true American values in order to be part of pop culture and make it their lifestyle. With pop culture around, the true values of an average American have been lost.

Adnan Ilyas Junior Yes. Pop culture is so diverse, it represents about every aspect of society. I would say that most Americans are caught somewhere within that ideal.

Andrea Danziger Freshman [I think pop culture represents] the average American’s idealistic values.

We like to watch famous people, because we would like to be famous.

We watch reality TV shows about inconsequential things, because we all wish we could be that carefree.

I believe that true Americans’ values are about family, succeeding in life and protecting what we love.

Kate Creutzinger Senior I do think pop culture reflects the values of an average American, to a limited demographic. The media and pop culture more define a younger society, teenagers and people in their twenties. But also, pop culture has to take everything to a lower level. Without the “shock” value, people would be uninterested. After that, our society sinks to that level.

Andy Crone Senior The first question a person needs to ask is, “What defines the average American?” To think pop culture is trying to display average values of America is a little absurd. It would be boring if everything in the media was like your life. Pop culture provokes and changes perspectives. Pop culture will never represent the “average,” because that would be uninteresting.

Andrea Schlosser Freshman No, because of the image most media portrays, many countries around the world see Americans as rich, spoiled and without values. What they don’t see is that Americans give one of the largest percetages of charity to the needy in the world....We as young Americans shouldn’t let pop culture influence our lives; we need to stay true to ourselves and our values.

Staff Editorial

Local politics still relevant to those under the age of 18 While America boasts itself as the home of a free and working democracy, voter turnout rates of late tell a contradictory story. In the 2008 general election, merely 44 percent of 18 through 25 year-olds voted in the intense presidential race widely considered of historical importance. State and local elections closer to home garner even less participation.

But with local elections quickly approaching, the democratic process will once again prove itself directly relevant to the Mason community this fall. Of immediate concern to Mason High School will be the candidates running for the school board.

We get the opportunity to decide who will represent our school district for the next two years. So, let’s participate this time.

While we understand that most of the students at MHS will not be old enough to vote in elections this fall, engaging with local politics includes a broader scope of action than just voting. Read about the candidates and understand their respective stances.

Talk to parents and friends about who they believe will best act in the capacity of a school board member. Anyone who will be 17 by November 3 also has the option of working the polls by signing up through the Warren County Board of Elections. Political involvement can begin long before one can submit his or her first ballot.

While we may sound slightly over the top in our suggestions to get involved, consider this: with the democratic opportunity we experience every two years,

there is attached immense responsibility.

Failing to participate in the system means devaluing the hard won movements of our predecessors. Political apathy cheapens the sacrifices that those before us have made to push for the ability to engage. In addition, by neglecting political involvement, we voluntarily remove our voices from our immediate and broader communities. In doing so, we revoke the personal investments that democracy requires from all of us to create effective government.

Most importantly, forsaking our right to participate also means giving up any entitlement to complain about the representation that is elected without our contribution. So, this fall, get engaged to ensure that we continue to be well represented in the future.

Sports THE CHRONICLE | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2009

The Press Box

Fans often want to have their say. The Press Box is a forum for Comet fans to voice their opinion on the latest games.

Do you think that the new weight room facilities should put more pressure on Mason athletics to succeed?

“There’s better equipment now, and if the other weight room wasn’t good enough, the expectations should be higher [this year].”

Emily Phelps Sophomore

“I feel that we’re dumping so much money into the training equipment for our athletes, so I think that we should be winning.”

Kyle Webb Senior

“I wouldn’t have higher expectations.

It doesn’t matter what they are lifting.

Work ethic is key, and without a good work ethic, you can’t expect to get better.”

Matt McKenny Senior

“Athletes that work harder should perform better. It’s not so much the weight room, but more [about] the work routine.”

Olivia Dean Freshman -Compiled by Ryan Hoffman

SPORTS | PAGE 7

Friday night football attracts big business

Tony DeLotell | Staff Writer Trevor Maxim | Staff Writer

[with] 4,500-5,000 [people],” Stemple said. “[For] the Centerville game this year, we pushed 8,000.”

Crotty said that the athletic department has also sold $13, 275 in family season passes, an increasingly popular option.

“Our ticket people hear a lot more complaints about [ticket prices] than

Township areas is the reason for the increased attention to sporting events at MHS. Friday night lights are attracting both “We’re a viable option for marketing, fans and sponsorship deals as the athto expose people’s products,” Stemple letic department focuses on extensive said. “And that’s grown over the years; corporate sponsorships, according to it’s become more and more attractive.”

Athletic Director Scott Stemple. New Varsity football coach and business additions this year, like teacher Jason Austerman, the Atrium stadium and in his third year of coaching, a scrolling advertisement said he has felt firsthand board, show a growing the impact of the increased trend among Mason sponsorships and facility sports. expansions.

The partnership with “[With] the facility upAtrium Medical Center, grades…if we can’t produce culminated by the conthe results on the field, then struction of the 20,000 there’s going to be some gray square foot health and area there,” Austerman said. wellness center, is only “People are going to be questhe most recent develtioning our coaching ability opment in an ongoing and what we’re doing.” expansion of the school’s Austerman said he sees the facilities, according to future Stemple. growth of the football facili“With Atrium coming ties in on, rather than 20 or hosting state playoff games, 30 thousand [dollars] allowing wider exposure to that you might get from people outside of the comcorporate sponsorships munity. over a period of time, “It’s probably going to be we’ve gone to million-dola Division III or Division IV lar types of sponsorships,” playoff game…but once we Stemple said. host that and once word gets As well as the major out about our facilities, [the Atrium sponsorship, the attention] is going to spread athletic department has pretty rampantly,” Austerman gained several other said. sponsors recently such As well as hosting Ohio High as Verizon Wireless and School Athletic Association Culvers. events, Stemple said the “When we go to generfacilities may even be further ate corporate sponsorupdated if the football team’s ships, we sell the fact that record improves.

Atrium has a presence “If our team ever really here; they put up a nice started having some success, facility,” Stemple said. as they did years ago, we “Corporate sponsorships photo by Ellen Duffer wouldn’t have enough room have changed dramatically Traditional Friday night football home games are now reinforced by in our stands,” Stemple said. over the past six to seven extensive corporate sponsorships to support recent improvements to the “We’ve had discussions of years because of the pres- Atrium Stadium, according to Athletic Director Scott Stemple. potential expansion.” ence of a partnership with Like Stemple, Austerman a corporation.” said he recognizes that not all fans will they have in the past,” Crotty said. “Our The first home game of the season on continue to be accommodated with the family passes have gone up September 11 against Centerville accurrent arrangements. tremendously because people are trying cumulated a ticket sales total of $24,300, to get that nice break.”

“It’s a great facility, but you’ve got according to Assistant Athletic Director to continue to improve at the same The city of Mason nearly doubled in Cathy Crotty. The attendance for this time—and our athletic department will population size between the years 1990 game was well above average, according continue to do so,” Austerman said. and 2000, according to the website to Stemple. citypopulation.de. Stemple said that this “Our home always seems to draw well, continued on page 8 rapid growth of the Mason and Deerfield

Team Tracker

photo by Alyssa Howard

The men’s junior varsity green soccer team has maintained an undefeated 8-0 record, including a tight 1-0 win over rival Sycamore. Sophomore Ian Koutny said given the team’s current success, he is hopeful for a Greater Miami Conference title, as well as regular season success. “We’re hoping to go undefeated—we’ve just got to keep playing,” Koutny said.

The junior varsity women’s volleyball team has achieved a 10-2 record this season, with its only two losses at the hands of rival teams, St. Ursula and Lakota East. Head Coach Maggie Long said she maintains optimism for the season, though, because the team did perform well, even in their losses. “The loss to St. Ursula went to three games,” Long said. “It was neckand-neck the whole time.”

photo by Alyssa Howard

PAGE 8 | SPORTS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2009 | THE CHRONICLE

BUSINESS: Mason football program expands on and off field continued from page 7

playing, according to Sedmak. [groups]; offense and defense can be separate. The “The crowd can be beneficial, but the crowd tends to locker room is great because there’s plenty of room. We Among the additions Austerman said he would like to respond more to how we play versus doing something to don’t have to trek all the way over to the middle school see are bleachers in the end zones and possibly a new get us to play better,” Sedmak said. on game days.” scoreboard at some point in the future. Both Stemple Brown said that the pride of representing his school Brown said that because the weight room wasn’t and Austerman said, however, that any expansions are and community is the biggest motivation for him. When finished until the summer, the team wasn’t able to use merely in the conversation stage, with no official plans the attendance is low, it’s hard to get excited to play, it over the off-season. As a result, the improvement will made at this point. according to Brown. show for next year’s team, according to Brown.

Even with the changes that Dwire Field has seen over “Football is a sport that has so much pride because “It will be interesting to see how it affects the team you’re representing a community,” next year because they get to use the weight room all Brown said. “When that’s not visually in offseason,” Brown said. front of you, you’re not as geared up.”

Because Mason has state-of-the-art facilities, such Senior Rhett Durbin said he finds his as the new weight room and the Atrium building, the motivation in the community as well. amount of pressure on the team is elevated, according “The community looks up to the footto Durbin. ball team, so I really take pride in the fact “I think there is definitely more pressure because that they look up to us,” Durbin said. everybody looks at Mason as this big giant school with Sedmak said that pride is an important everything,” Durbin said. “If we lose, people think, ‘Why aspect of football and that this year’s are we building all this stuff?’” team has done a better job at focusing.

“We have to remind [the players] about having pride in themselves and their photo by Tony DeLotell team and their product,” SedThe new weight room facilities accomodate both offensive and defensive mak said. “This players for the varsity football team. particular group, because they’ve the years, Stemple said the spirit of the game remains invested more, has done a better similar to how it always has been. job of being focused. The thing “Friday night football has always been a big thing,” is there’s a game, a contest every Stemple said. “Because we’ve grown so much, it’s just Friday night, so there’s preparamagnified.” tion for that contest.”

With this growth, Mason fans have built a strong According to Sedmak, the showing on Friday nights that senior Ethan Brown said football team spends 15 to 17 can have a big influence on the outcome of the game. hours a week preparing for a He said he uses the crowd as a way to get energized for Friday game doing their best to each competition. utilize the new facilities. Sedmak “I think [the crowd] is a huge factor,” Brown said. said that the new weight room, “Adrenaline going into the game is extremely imporlocker room and team room have tant. When I’m in the weight room, I’m always picturing all been beneficial to the team in playing in front of the home crowd and the Black Hole. their preparation for games.

Seeing that on Friday nights really gets you focused. It’s “The nice thing about the new photo by Trevor Maxim surreal.” weight room is that the whole Signs around the Atrium Stadium represent a diverse group of sponsorships.

Coach Dave Sedmak said that he believes that the team can lift at once,” Sedmak crowd can help, but it doesn’t influence the team’s play said. “The team room is great on the field. The crowd responds to how the team is because we can split it into two

Athletic scholarships sparse for high school athletes Ian Howard | Staff Writer While teenage athletes may look at their high school sports as potential tickets into collegiate athletics, less than 5.7 percent of high school athletes advance to the National Collegiate Athletic Association level on paid scholarships, according to NCAA.org.

Men’s Cross Country Coach Tom Rapp received 90 percent of his athletic scholarship to Pennsylvania State University in 1977. On the other hand, Rapp said that his son, Chris Rapp went to the University of Tennessee without any scholarships.

“He was number six in the state for cross country and he was a walk-on, [because he] didn’t get a scholarship,” Rapp said.

Athletic Director Scott Stemple said that this deficit in sports scholarships has came as a result of Title IX, which was enacted in 1972. Since this time, Stemple said it has become increasingly difficult for men to receive scholarships.

“Title IX says that there needs to be equal opportunity across the board [for male and female athletes],” Stemple said. “So, whatever sports [schools are] offering, there needs to be a balance.”

The balance is the strict monitoring of the number of sports that women and men play, while also equalizing the number of scholarships offered for each, according to Stemple. Because the vast majority of men’s scholarships are required by the NCAA in football and women have no sport that’s similar in popularity, this translates into a discrepancy in the opportunities provided for men in sports other than football and the opportunities provided for women athletes. Stemple said that wrestling is also affected by these requirements.

“In the past five years you’ve seen a lot of...the low Division I schools like Miami [University] and [Ohio University] drop their wrestling programs, and they’ve added to their female programs,” Stemple said.

The NCAA mandate that every Division I school must offer seven men’s sports and seven women’s sports or

eight women’s sports and six men’s sports affects how schools approach athletic budget cuts. This rule comes into play in men’s soccer as well, according to Varsity Soccer Coach Paul Reedy.

“A lot of schools that we think of as Division I schools don’t even have men’s soccer,” Reedy said.

While soccer and wrestling, both considered spectator sports, are affected by these budget cuts, swimming also loses scholarships due to Title IX regulations and other factors, according to Varsity Swim Coach Mark Sullivan.

“Right now, the women in our program have been receiving a lot more scholarships,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan said he has seen athletes go to top swimming schools such as The Ohio State University, University of Pittsburgh and Georgia Institute of Technology. However, Sullivan said that full ride scholarships are generally limited in race sports where lower spectator appeal results in fewer scholarships.

Chip Dobson, women’s cross-country coach and head coach of track and field, said he has also seen this force in action.

“There [are] a lot of partial [scholarships] out there, but full rides are hard to come by,” Dobson said.

This is made evident by the fact that, according to the NCAA Gender Equity Report, female NCAA athletes received $148 million less in available athletic scholarships than male NCAA athletes. This discrepancy is likely caused by the refusal of Division II schools to pay the maximum number of scholarships per sport, whereas Division I schools are required to pay the maximum number of scholarships. While men are offered smaller numbers of scholarships, women are at loss to spectator sports in Division II schools. Even in this relative inequality of women’s and men’s scholarships there is still a constant of excellence in the search for the athletic scholarship.

This line between professional and living in the past glories of high school team captainship is straddled by many players on the women’s golf team. A team that started in 2001 with a 5-8 season has became the holder

of a state championship title during 2008-2009.

“In golf, because such few girls actually play the sport, you have a much better chance of getting money for golf if you’re just simply decent,” Fred Reeder said.

Reeder has been the coach of the women’s golf team since its creation. Despite the sport’s large amount of success in Mason High School, Reeder said he has yet to see a full ride in the area.

“In the last five or six years, we’ve seen a definite increase in the number of girls playing golf, increasing the standards for getting a college scholarship,” Reeder said. “[Collegiate golf athletes] have to be very good now.”

The small amount of extra chance in getting an athletic scholarship is robbed of female golfers through the sport’s rising popularity and low number of scholarships per the average team size.

Football Coach Dave Sedmak said he does not see the same lack of scholarships as in most sports. He may not think it is easier to get a scholarship in football, but there are unarguably more football scholarships available.

“Out of 25 seniors, we have one full ride and four or five partials,” Sedmak said.

So about 20 percent of football players receive some kind of financial aid for their athletic ability, while the statistic stands at about 5 percent for other athletes to advance to the NCAA level. Not only do football players hold this advantage in obtaining sports scholarships, but there are certain requirements on a school’s minimum partial scholarship.

“In Division IA football they cannot break those [scholarships] up; they have to give full scholarships,” Sedmak said.

The guarantee of financial security without the division of scholarships makes football the best collegiate sport for athletes that want a full ride.

“He could have gotten 30 or 40 percent at a max school Miami or Kent State places like that,” Rapp said of son Chris. “But he wanted to run Division I at the top level and there was no money for it so he was a walk on.”

THE CHRONICLE | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2009

PAGE 9

PAGE 10 | SPORTS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2009 | THE CHRONICLE

Andrew Grage

Ch@tRoom

What you won’t find on Facebook

The_Chronicle: If the Bengals have another losing season, should Coach Marvin Lewis be replaced?

Freshman_Megan_Stamper:

qName: Andrew Grage qBirthplace and Date:

Freshman_Bryant_Allert: I think he has great

Cincinnati, OH, December 10, 1991 qFavorite TV show: Hard Knocks qFavorite music: Country – Brad Paisley qFavorite movie: Facing the Giants qWhat are you reading: Nothing qMost visited website: Rivals.com, GMCsports.com qSuperstition: Eating Subway before every game qLove to trade places for a day with…: Alex Farren qFirst job: Soccer Village qTalent you’d most like to have: Break dancing qFavorite meal: Steak fajitas qFavorite athlete to watch: Spencer Ware qFavorite team: UC [University of Cincinnati] Football qFavorite Halloween costume as a kid: Ninja qWorst Habit(s): Nail biting qFavorite value in others: Laid back, easy to talk to qDream date: Kyle Dodson’s sister qGreatest love: My Jeep Cherokee qHeroes: Father, youth pastor qMotto: “Point proven.”

No, I think they need a new offensive coordinator. I think he calls bad offensive plays.

coaching tactics. I believe that it’s the team that is not willing to be its best.

Junior_Mandy_Stapleton: Yes, because obviously if

they have been losing for the past few years, then to me, he is the problem.

Sophomore_Katy_Nicholas: No, I believe it’s the

team work and the chemistry of the team [that makes them lose], not the head coaching.

Sophomore_Mitchell_Smith: Lewis has only taken the Bengals to the playoffs once in his six years as head coach.

Freshman_Lee_Sponseller: No, Marvin Lewis should not be fired, because I think some players play for themselves and not for the team.

Freshman_Billy_Highfill: I don’t think Marvin Lewis is hard enough on his team and players. He is too encouraging and doesn’t hand out enough discipline.

-Compiled by Ryan Hoffman

TweetingTwits OGOchoCinco: All I can say is Wow!!! Hope you all enjoyed the game, that was a good [expletive] game , love you all who supported us!

-- Bengals wide reciever Chad Ochocinco after the Bengals’ win against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, September 27

-As told to by Tony DeLotell

SportsRant

Tony DeLotell | Staff Writer

The Bengals beat the Steelers at home last Sunday for the first time in eight years.

Yes, you have to go all the way back to 2001, when the Bengals edged out Pittsburgh 26-23 in overtime at Paul Brown stadium. Could it be that Cincinnati is back to its glory days once again?

Well, not exactly. The Bengals finished that 2001 season with a 4-12 record, not exactly anything to be proud of, and strangely similar to last season’s record of 4-11-1. I got excited there for a while, but it looks like this game will be a rare glimmer of false hope in an otherwise disappointing series of performances.

Don’t get me wrong—I would love to see the Bengals make a playoff run this year. But all it takes is more trouble off the field, and the Bengals could easily be headed for another losing record this season. I wouldn’t hold my breath for anything better.

Trevor Maxim | Staff Writer

The Pittsburgh Steelers have marched into Paul Brown Stadium and beat the Cincinnati Bengals each of the last eight seasons. Seven of eight ESPN experts picked the Pittsburgh. Last Sunday, all that changed with the Bengals 23-20 victory over the Steelers.

The streaks have been broken, and with it comes a new era of Bengal football. Cincinnati may not have dominated the game, but what separates good teams from great teams is the ability to finish. They were able to battle back, eventually taking the lead in the last 14 seconds. With the favorable schedule the Bengals play this year, there is no reason not to believe they could win the division.

With their win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Cincinnati Bengals have moved up to second place in the AFC North. Bengal fans have high hopes after their electric victory, but they could still be an average team. Since it’s only week three, the Bengals Ryan Hoffman | Staff Writer have both the potential to make a showing in the division, as well as the possibility of self destruction, as in seasons passed.

However, there are some evident problem areas that could jeopardize Bengal domination.

The Bengals cannot play the waiting game; they need to play more aggressive and score more points. With a good rushing game and effective play calling, the Bengals could float to the top of the AFC North. But if Carson Palmer can’t find an effective mix of a passing game and a good rushing game, the Bengals could just as feasibly sink.

photos by Alyssa Howard

THE CHRONICLE | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2009

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PAGE 12 | THE CHRONICLE

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2009

THE CHRONICLE | PAGE 13

Influenced by previous decades, some students feel they have been...

Born in the wrong generation

Janie Simonton | Staff Writer “Involvement with retro kitsch is … growing because of the escapist silliness it provides,” according to Irma Zandl, president of The Zandl Group, posted on chiefmarketer.com. Well, “retro kitsch” seems to have found its way to Mason High School.

“There are definitely things I borrow from previous generations,” senior Shane Riley said. “[I listen to] earlier rock, like sixties and seventies, and jazz from the sixties; a lot of music from the sixties counterculture.”

Riley seems to enjoy the inspiration previous decades have had on current ones.

“I listen to a lot of what is precedent for today’s music. I like [older customs] more because…I like…the pioneers of all the movements of now,” Riley said.

Riley said both his grandfather and his father had an effect on his fashion and musical interests, respectively.

“When [my grandfather] died,” Riley said, “he had a lot of clothes that I thought I enjoyed to wear, so I just started wearing some of them, like a lot of his suits.”

Riley’s musical interests run in the family as well.

“I think [why I started listening to the music I listen to now] had something to do with my dad’s music,” Riley said. “I started listening to that, and then I kind of just progressed from there.”

Junior Tony Rood said he looks to the past for musical influence also, citing the eighties in particular, the decade that sponsored Farm Aid, Madonna, Michael Jackson, CDs, Run-DMC and LL Cool J, according to http://teachers.

sduhsd.k12.ca.us/cblack/20thcentury/outline. html. “[F]or me, [the eighties were] a huge musical period when lots of music and different kinds of fashion were starting up,” Rood said.

Rood said he does not scorn today’s culture, however, apparent in the clean white Metallica shirt he wears, purchased from September 15th’s concert in Cin-

cinnati.

“Things like long hair, ripped jeans, [they’re] pretty modern concepts,” Rood said, “[I] like taking things we used to do and combining them with new things.”

And even though combination is fairly all-inclusive, it is not the only way to do things, according to Rood.

“I think it’s cool now to do whatever you’re interested in,” Rood said. “It’s not like a conformity thing; everybody’s doing their own thing.”

Junior Alison Bewley said she disagrees; not many people want to diverge from today’s standards.

“I think most people want to be in the now,” Bewley said.

And what is “the now”? According to http://en.allexperts. com, the 2000s represent an era of Harry Potter, LiveStrong bracelets, SUVs, William Hung, Tivo, Starbucks, Facebook and energy drinks, among other crazes.

According to Bewley, however, “the now” is very electronic-based.

“We do a lot of the Facebook stuff and the texting stuff and the IM and the technology,” Bewley said. “[I]t’s kind of speeding us up too much.”

Even though she said lots of people want to focus on current times, Bewley said she does not deny that some people are rewinding to figure out what they like.

“People who think about that sort of thing a lot…can be popular and cool at the same time,” Bewley said. “[I]t’s really cool to go backward or forward.”

Junior Kelly Hendrickson’s confession that the generation she would most likely fit into would be “the sixties or under” deposits her in the backward

category Bewley spoke of.

“I like all the culture, like the music today, but some of my activities…don’t really fit into people’s norms,” Hendrickson said.

So what does Hendrickson consider to be not the “norm”?

“I like doing crafts,” Hendrickson said, “[and] a lot of people don’t like [doing] that.”

But Hendrickson’s do-it-yourself hobbies are not just simple crafts.

“My friends and I knit a lot,” Hendrickson said. “And some of the music I listen to is not what people listen to today. Like my favorite singer is Frank Sinatra, [and I like] Michael Bublé, and … classical music.”

Hendrickson said her friends do not make fun of her tendencies to look back; they actually think it is “really cool.”

“I made a bag for one of my friends and my friends were all like, ‘Oh, that’s so cute! That’s awesome you know how to sew!’” Hendrickson said.

“Sometimes [my friends will ask], ‘What’re you doing?’ [and I say,] ‘Oh, I’m knitting right now,’” Hendrickson laughed.

Hendrickson does not laugh off the useful qualities of her hobbies, though.

“So, say there’s this fifty-dollar bag I want, I can go home and make it with the materials I have for free,” Hendrickson said. “Or say, I want a scarf in this color, I can knit it. I can make my own things how I like them.”

Although Hendrickson said she has friends she knits with, not all of them share her passion for music from earlier times.

“I’ll say, ‘Oh, I know Frank Sinatra, I listen to him all the time,’ and [my friends] are like, ‘Who’s Frank Sinatra?’” Hendrickson said.

Older musical interests may not be widely appreciated by a high school crowd, but Hendrickson said popular fashion crazes are turning back the dial.

“If you look at fashion trends,” Hendrickson said, “all fashion is going back to the seventies and the fifties.”

Riley agrees that “in” clothes now have been inspired by previous generations.

“Especially with clothing styles, retro is kind of a cool thing,” Riley said.

“Like leg warmers and stuff like that.”

Junior Jessica Harrison said she’s noticed the crop of older-looking clothes around Mason High School.

“There’s this girl who sits next to me [in class] and she always dresses in kind of the older generation stuff and it looks so cute,” Harrison said.

Harrison said she likes a lot about today, evident in the red Soffe shorts and black Old Navy flip-flops that she sports.

“I like all the songs [of today],” Harrison said. “They’re really upbeat and fun to dance to. Sometimes they say inappropriate stuff, but you just ignore photos by Janie Simonton

PAGE 14

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2009 | THE CHRONICLE

THE CHRONICLE | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2009

FEATURE | PAGE 15

FEATURES

PAGE 16 | FEATURE

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2009 | THE CHRONICLE

How not

to get a ticket

­­Consequences for moving violations mostly circumstantial Carlie Sack | Staff Writer While Ohio teenage driving laws state clear consequences for traffic violations committed by minors, courts can assign varying punishments depending on the circumstance, according to Mason High School Resource Officer Troy Nelson.

Senior Rachael Hardy said she was recently pulled over while driving 65 miles per hour in a 35 mile per hour zone. The officer only gave her a warning.

For drivers under age 18, any moving violation should result in some sort of license suspension, according to Nelson. “[Anytime] where you are driving the car and, through your negligence, you get a ticket [is] a moving violation,” Nelson said.

Junior Courtney Moses, 16, said she had her license for only four months when she received her first ticket for running a stop sign and having more than one other person in her car. Her license was consequentially suspended for six months.

“I slowed down, but I didn’t stop all the way,” Moses said. “It wasn’t that big of a violation.”

Even if the same violation is committed, juveniles and adults often have different consequences, according to Nelson.

“In an adult court, there [are] different fines you pay depending on the amount of miles over the limit you are,” Nelson said. “[But] juveniles have to go to court.

Juveniles can’t pay the ticket out.”

Senior Kyle Searer said he has received three tickets in his driving career. Despite a license suspension, Searer still receives certain privileges to drive to and from school, work and his sporting events.

According to Nelson, these requests for driving privileges will double the length of a suspension.

At the time of his first violation, Searer was 16 and received a license suspension of 30 days for driving 42 mph in a 25 mph zone. Searer was 17 when he received his second ticket for driving 43 mph in a 25 mph zone.

His punishment was a six-month license suspension.

“After the [first] ticket, I knew I’d get another one,” Searer said. “It’s too easy [to get a ticket].”

Searer’s third ticket was given for an accident when he was 17. By his court date, Searer was 18 but he still received a license suspension of one year.

“It makes sense for [the law] to be the way it is,” Searer said.

The Ohio teenage driving law, House Bill 343, states that any driver, who is not yet 16 and a half and has been licensed for less than six months, will receive a suspension of six months if one moving violation is com-

mitted. The bill also states that any driver, who is 16 ½ and has been licensed for less than six months, will be suspended until the age of 17 if one moving violation is committed.

However, if a driver commits one moving violation and is 17 by the court date, the judge will decide if license suspension is necessary.

During the time of a license suspension, the suspended driver may only drive with a parent or guardian, according to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

Punishments for minor accidents vary depending on each circumstance and the seriousness of the accident, Nelson said.

Junior Shelby Konrad received her first ticket from a fender-bender. She was 16 at the time of the accident and had had her license for six months and ten days.

After appearing in court, Konrad said she had to pay fees and go to a driving class, but did not receive a license suspension.

“I think [the consequences] are fair,” Konrad said. “[They] will teach you a lesson.”

The primary rule for students to avoid tickets is to be conscious of their surroundings, according to Nelson.

“Slow down and be aware of your speed,” Nelson said. “[Don’t be] distracted by the other things around you.”

photo by Carlie Sack

THE CHRONICLE | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2009

FEATURE | PAGE 17

From the beach to the boardroom

Flip-flop mania apparent in casual and business settings

Cady Meece | Staff Writer On the beach and in the board room, flip-flops are becoming an accepted part of everyday business attire, according to Spanish teacher Debbie Perry.

“Our society is becoming more casual, and flip-flops are starting to evolve,” Perry said. “When I first think of a flip-flop, I think relaxation and summer; but I think certain flip-flops are becoming dressier.”

According to Perry, a switch flop is a plain, raised flipflop with a twist, and is one of several sandals that could be accepted as professional.

“A switch flop is a regular flip-flop, but the straps have exchangeable Velcro pieces that can be changed into different colors and designs,” Perry said. “They can either be dressed up or dressed down, depending on the occasion.”

According to Principal Mindy McCarty-Stewart, the appropriateness of the flip-flop being worn as business attire depends on the occasion and what you wear.

“When I first started here, I never wore open-toed shoes,” McCarty-Stewart said. “Now, because of the variety of flip-flops, some styles can be worn and still look professional. It is really just a case-by-case judgment.”

According to ECA teacher Melissa Donahue, the type of flip-flops can determine how casual or professional they are.

“A plain rubber or foam flip-flop can imply a more casual look as opposed to more cutesy sandals with jewels, higher heels or made of leathers,” Donahue said.

According to Casualpower.com, there are three levels of business attire, none of which include flipflops as part of the business ensemble.

Even sopho-

photo by Cady Meece

more Brittany Boosveld, who said she was a flip-flop fanatic, said that flip-flops should never be worn with professional attire.

“I think flip-flops are the best shoes in the world, but they should never be worn with business clothes,” Boosveld said. “They are casual shoes, and they wouldn’t look right with most business dress.”

According to McCarty-Stewart, there is a definite line between professional dress and casual dress.

“Flip-flops can make an outfit too casual in some cases,” McCarty-Stewart said. “For instance, if you walk into a restaurant and you cannot tell who is an employee and who is simply out to lunch, it becomes too casual for business.”

According to Donahue, flip-flops are on the fence between casual and professional.

“Flip-flops have different materials and accessories on them, but they are right on the line,” Donahue said.

“They could go either way.”

According to McCarty-Stewart, first impressions are essential, and flip-flops may not make the cut in a professional setting.

“If I were to see a business man or woman in a suit, wearing flip-flops, it is human nature to immediately assess the person in front of you,” McCarty-Stewart said.

“I would probably giggle a little bit to myself if I were to see that.”

As a result, Donahue said that flip-flops can have a negative impact on an otherwise professional outfit.

“When you see someone dressed very professionally and you scan down to their shoes, it takes away from a positive first impression,” Donahue said.

“In class, I don’t take points off for it, but it al-

most ruins the outfit. I also think that girls get away with it easier than boys do most times.”

According to junior Caleb Warwick, the types of shoes appropriate for business attire varies for each gender.

“I think, for girls, flip-flops are okay to wear with some business attire,” Warwick said. “As far as boys wearing flip-flops with something like a suit, it just wouldn’t look the same as if a girl wore them with a dress.”

According to Perry, boys should not wear flip-flops at all.

“I personally don’t think boys should wear the flip-flops that go between your toes ever,” Perry said. “The slideon flip-flops are okay, but the ones between your toes are not.”

Warwick said that he thinks toe etiquette should be practiced by both boys and girls anytime toes are exposed.

“Hygiene is really important if you are going to wear open shoes,” Warwick said. “You can’t have gnarly nails, toe gunk or ugly toes. Just keep your feet clean.”

According to Boosveld, dirty feet are gross and not fitting to flip-flops.

“If you wear open shoes, just make sure your feet are clean,” Boosveld said. “I paint my toe nails every night to match my outfit because it is gross and unnecessary to have dirty feet.”

If toe etiquette is not practiced properly, professionalism can be weakened as a result, Donahue said.

“If you have really dirty toes that have gunk in them, it can make the possibly already too casual shoes look worse,” Donahue said. “If you are going to wear shoes that expose your toes, pick the gunk out of your toes, clean them and make sure that they don’t smell.”

According to Perry, if you are going to wear flip-flops, a pedicure is a necessity to be presentable.

“If you wear flip-flops, there is definitely some toe etiquette in effect,” Perry said. “If you are going to wear them, buy a ped-egg and get a good pedicure.”

PAGE 18 | FEATURE

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2009 | THE CHRONICLE

Knights of the 21st Century Is chivalry as we know it dead?

Samantha Stulen | Staff Writer While knights of old followed a code of chivalry, knights of the twenty-first century follow guidelines for chivalry, according to social studies teacher Vance Reid.

“I’ve been with my bride, my lovely woman, my better half, for 28 years,” Reid said. “We go out on a date; I still open her door. It’s just what you do.”

However, Reid said that he recognizes how times have changed due to the women’s right movement, and that now chivalry encompasses a different set of rules.

“If you’re young, and you want to share the cost [when it comes to eating out], when I was growing up, [the norm] was men paying for [dinner],” Reid said. “I understand that things change, and I’m okay with that, but [people should] treat women with respect and treat everybody with respect.”

The Oxford English Dictionary describes chivalry as courteous behavior, especially from men to women. Senior Sarah Brindza said she agrees with this traditional definition of chivalry. “[Chivalry] to me is a genuine gentlemanliness,” Brindza said. “[A man] being there [to make] the woman feel respected and special by going out of [his] way to do things for her.”

Brindza, a native of Tennessee, said the proper use of manners is more prevalent in the South.

“I notice a lot more manners and courtesy in the South,” Brindza said. “Down south, people were raised with a lot of manners. My sister went to etiquette school, and I went to the ‘Etiquette for a Day’ in Girls Scouts,” Brindza said.

While Brindza said the South places importance on manners, the North is considered polite as well, but not as strict on learning proper etiquette.

“I do notice chivalry and manners up here, . . . [but] it’s just a different environment [in Mason], especially with the South being in the Bible Belt,” Brindza said.

Whereas Reid said he believes in the vitality of modern chivalry, Brindza said she thinks chivalry is dead. “[Chivalry is] hanging on by a thread,” Brindza said. “A lot of people nowadays don’t have respect for women, especially with the media and how [it] treats women like objects. [The media] makes other people think that [women are] not as well respected.”

Reid and Brindza both said they are proponents for chivalry, but not as strict as they used to be enacted.

“My parents and grandparents raised me that

photo by Samantha Stulen

Senior Jason Zeek performs a casual act of chivalry: holding the door open for others.

women are to be treated from a male in a fashion to open doors for them, but I’m not going to throw my coat down over a mud puddle and let [a woman] walk across it,” Reid said.

Brindza said she likes chivalry in the context of a man performing gallant acts towards women, but she does not want to discomfort him.

Sophomore Morgan Liddic said she tries to do things for her boyfriend so he does not have to go out of his way constantly for her.

“I don’t always reject [chivalry], but sometimes I feel like I should do some things for him,” Liddic said. “I don’t want him to feel like he always has to do things for me.”

Liddic said she does not decline her boyfriend’s courteous acts, but wants to do things for him as well such as cooking for him and generally paying for herself. According to Liddic, the term chivalry does not solely apply to boy-girl interaction, but as general courtesy to everyone that she strives to practice in her own life.

“I’m very courteous to other people,” Liddic said. “I’m a cheerleader; I’m really good at making up choreography, [so] I help out a lot of different teams with making up routines so they can compete. At school, I’m pretty good at academics, [and] people ask me for help.”

Gender Viewpoints teacher Melanie Wright said she personally views chivalry as a positive behavior, but also knows how the opponents of chivalry feel.

“There’s this image [of a] theory [where] a female is like a bird, in a bird cage,” Wright said.

“There are a lot of different rungs that play a part in her being oppressed. Even though opening a door for a female isn’t overtly an oppressive act it is one rung in the bird cage that keeps a woman caged in.”

Wright said that chivalry has good intentions.

It can be viewed negatively however, because it allows for a male to certain behaviors to show a female his care for her, but this can be perceived as a subservient role women held yesteryear. “[Chivalry is] reminiscent to the female not being as independent, not as an active role,” Wright said.

“I think [chivalry] sometimes can get a bad name because it’s reminiscent of where females were before.”

While chivalry can generally be viewed in the context of boy-girl interaction, chivalry does cover universal courtesy, according to Reid equal treatment to all despite gender, despite ethnicity.

Wright’s knowing of the theory of a bird was during college, chivalry, and the disputes of chivalry occur in Mason High School.

Seniors Matt Larcomb and Jason Zeek were in the weight room when Larcomb did not want to give up a training machine, the only one he was able to use, and Zeek said that he should let a girl have a turn.

According to Larcomb, Zeek said he gave up a treadmill for a girl waiting but Larcomb came into the weight room, bot being on any machines yet, when the girl had been previously in the weight room working out. “[Zeek] mentioned [chivalry] should include everything if a girl has been waiting even [and] you’ve been sitting there waiting [too], you should give it up [to the girl] but [the girl] had already been on another machine and I said no, that’s not really what chivalry is [about],” Larcomb said.

Larcomb said chivalry is acceptable to not act on in every situation, but in certain cases – opening doors, or standing in a line for food -- ladies first.

“It depends on who you are,” Larcomb said.

“There are still people who believe in chivalry in any place, any situation like [Zeek]. There are certain times for [when chivalry is called for], [but] I believe, [but] some people believe it doesn’t matter [what the time or situation].”

THE CHRONICLE | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2009

FEATURE | PAGE 19

Embracing a Middle Eastern tradition

Hookah assimilates into Mason culture for those over 18

Jordan Berger | Staff Writer

just have fun and not try to learn, I can see why they could be offended.”

Smoking hookah, a traditional pastime and attribute While many students are searching to expand their of Middle Eastern culture, has begun its assimilation minds regarding various traditions from different into American teenage society, affecting the relationparts of the world, some believe American teenagships and viewpoints held by high school students, ers do not have valid reasoning and motivations for according to senior Ali Jamali, whose culture stems smoking hookah, according to senior Samuel Mizener. from India and the Middle East.

“If you can honestly say you are experimenting “People that are introducing hookah to the Ameriwith other cultures, and if that’s your reasoning for can lifestyle ultimately have some sort of connection doing hookah, then that’s great,” Mizener said. “But, to Arab nations,” Jamali said. “A lot of them are telling nobody I know that does hookah is doing it for that their [American] friends about hookah. It’s the incorreason. They’re doing it because it’s fun.” poration of a different culture into American society.”

Disregarding the differing motives of high school Sudden peaked interest of students in smoking hoostudents for smoking hookah, somewhat of a conneckah is reflected in the influx of business at restaurants tion or a unity among these students has emerged as such as TAZ, a Mason restaurant that serves Lebanese a result of the Middle Eastern pastime’s integration and Greek cuisine, and offers hookah, according to into American teenage society, said Jamali. senior Maddie Slutsky, who now works at TAZ and a “Hookah has become pretty big in Mason because year ago had never heard of hookah. there are so many different types of people com“Hookah is just something to do, and we get a lot ing here . . . from all over the world,” Jamali said. “If of money that way,” Slutsky said. “A lot of our sales you look at Cincinnati, there are so many different come from teenagers, [many] of them American restaurants from different countries and cultures that teenagers.” are open to sharing their cultures and traditions with A portion of students at Mason High School, whose America.” families’ cultures trace back to countries and areas The various religions and mixing of diverse backother than the Middle East, indulge in smoking grounds have led to a general increase of openhookah for various reasons. One main motive of these mindedness and the embracing of differing cultures, students is rooted in a desire to learn about outside according to Slanova. cultures, according to senior Angela Slanova.

“Mason, our whole school, is so diverse,” Slanova “Before I started going to TAZ, I didn’t know much said. “Embracing other cultures is something many about [Middle Eastern] culture,” Slanova said. “HooMason kids do. Awhile ago, we probably would have photo by Jordan Berger kah is a social thing, but it also helps us learn about seen hookah as bad. But, we’re embracing it; we’re Hookah, generally an Eastern tradition, involves smoking flavored other ways of life. [People] are always seeing our dif- tobacco through a Hookah pipe. not looking at it negatively. We’re making this part of ferences, but I saw [so many] similarities between us.” our life. The sharing of cultures and acceptance and An emphasis on education, acceptance and integration is necessary to most natives awareness helps [establish a connection.]” of the Middle East, just as American society feels about American values, according to The freedoms of America and cultural beliefs are currently presenting themselves Jamali. in multitude, creating a tie between diverse bodies of students as a result of other “There’s always a type of defense mechanism between people who want to keep cultures’ traditions assimilation into teenage society, according to Jamali. certain cultural beliefs within their own systems,” Jamali said. “So, if they see people “[Hookah] is more of a connection for [students] by incorporating other cultures into who don’t know about their culture or religion, who are using these cultural outings to their lives,” Jamali said. “America is a melting pot and [it is] open to ideas.”

PAGE 20 | FEATURE

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2009 | THE CHRONICLE

FML website a forum to vent Beena Raghavendran | Staff Writer Even though the phrase, “FML” hasn’t arrived in Webster’s Dictionary, Mason High School craves the failure it brings, according to junior Paige Hecker. The FAQ section of this website describes it as “a space where you can let it all out and unwind by sharing the little things that screw with your day, and maybe realize that you are not alone.”

Senior Sri Rajamouli said she can’t get through a school night without hourly doses of FML sentiments. “[While writing a paper], I’d take FML ‘breaks,’” Rajamouli said. “I’d write one paragraph and be like, ‘Okay, I can read one FML.’ It got me through the day.”

FMyLife.com, the American spin-off of the Frenchbased website with a similar name, currently gets 2.6 million visits a month since its creation in January of this year. Users post their stories of failure (known as “FML”s), rated by anonymous Internet users as “I agree, your life sucks,” or “You totally deserved it.”

Its FAQ section describes FMyLife.com as “a space where you can let it all out and unwind by sharing the little things that screw with your day, and maybe realize that you are not alone.” Junior Stephen McMillan said he agrees that FMyLife.com gives users a chance to let out their pent-up frustrations.

“It’s just a way for [the users] to vent,” McMillan said.

Sophomore Matthew McCann said he is an FMyLife. com regular, empathizing with the storytellers, but thankful that he’s not in their shoes.

“It’s amazing, because you don’t feel so bad about

Today, I was at a party, and I sat down on a chair. While conversing with friends, I shifted places on the chair, and broke it.

Embarrassed, I then proceeded to stand up and change chairs. After moving to the next chair, I broke that one too. FML --FML.com your life when you know others’ are worse,” McCann said. “It’s a lot of funny stories, and you think, ‘What would I do if that happened to me?’”

As funny as it may be to some, sophomore Lauren Kinnett said she thinks that several stories are fabricated, sending a pessimistic message to others.

“Half of them are made up,” Kinnett said. “It’s an entire website of bad things.”

Freshman Miranda Miller said she agrees about FMyLife.com’s negativity. “They say ‘FML’ after everything,” Miller said. “That’s pretty pessimistic.”

On the other hand, freshman Eric Reiman said he thinks viewers of the site don’t judge the victims of failure.

“I don’t look down on people,” Reiman said. “If they

post it, they do it so we read it.”

Junior Drew Sanders said he doesn’t mock the users, either.

“When people look at it, they don’t make fun of you as much because they laugh with you, not at you,” Sanders said.

But it’s not just this generation that discusses life’s ups and downs, according to AP American History teacher Darin Little. This concept of sharing and networking has been going on for awhile, Little said.

“I think America’s always been social,” Little said.

“There have always been gossip columns and different media outlets, [people] trying to find what’s going on.”

Similarly, Honors Pre-Calculus teacher Johnothon Sauer said he thinks that FMyLife.com has always been around, just in different forms. “[FML is] nothing new, just a written version of America’s Funniest Home Videos,” Sauer said. “You know, far more inappropriate, but it’s the same basic concept.”

As for what it’s doing to society and culture, Sauer said he thinks today’s generation needs to use its energy for more productive things.

“It’s narcissism to the extreme . . . opposed to trying to focus on what people really need,” Sauer said.

Though culture today emphasizes success, senior Maddie Slutsky said she doesn’t think that our occasional failures bring us down.

“It’s not that we’re attracted to failure; it’s just funny,” Slutsky said. “We strive not to fail, but it’s funny when we do.”

photos by Rachel Schowalter

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