The Chronicle, 8.7

William Mason High School

The Chronicle Volume 8

Friday, April 15, 2011 Friday, April 15, 2011 Issue 7

School News Senior class ranks final, males do not rank as highly as females

Measuring the

photo by Megan McCormack

pursuit of

happiness Happiness now tangible, quantified through feelings, actions

See page 18

Bright resigns, search for next superintendent begins Janica Kaneshiro | Staff Writer

Though Mason City Schools Superintendent Kevin Bright will resign in July, the district won’t be seeing any large scale changes in the next year, according to Mason City Schools’ Board of Education President Debbie Delp.

“Certainly anytime there’s a change in [staff], there’s a change in how things operate,” Delp said. “[Many students] have seen two principals [at Mason High School], so there is a sense that there are some differences, but for the most part, things haven’t changed dramatically at all. I think this [change of superintendent] will be the same way.”

The search to find a new superintendent is still in its preliminary stages, according to Delp. She said a main factor during these early stages is making sure the Mason community is confident in the school board’s ability to pick a new superintendent, or if they should hire an outside firm to find a candidate.

“Right now, we’re still at the point of deciding if we’re going to use an outside search firm,” Delp said. “We’re trying

Lakewood City Schools to welcome Bright as assistant superintendent next year photo contributed

Horace Mann Elementary is one of eight elementary buildings in Lakewood City Schools.

to decide if we’ll draw from [a] larger area than [the] immediate vicinity.

That’s the first step. We’re also spending time reassuring district that things aren’t going to change dramatically.

We want to maintain the success we’ve had, and assure [the public that] big changes don’t mean that everyone else has to worry that we don’t value their opinions. Those are the two things that are happening right now.”

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Bright’s resignation came early to school board members, according to Delp, though he was expected to retire the next year. What was unexpected, however, was that Bright is leaving to become Assistant Superintendent at Lakewood City Schools in northern Ohio, Delp said.

Bright said his friendship with the upcoming superintendent of see BRIGHT page 3

Male students did not place as frequently as females students in the top 25 percent of Mason High School’s senior class, according to class ranks by GPA completed after second trimester. While many articles have been written by “Newsweek” and “The New York Times” regarding the possibility of male students falling behind academically, male students could just learn differently than females.

Page 3

Heard it in the halls No makeup days for MHS in June Mason High School will not have to make up school days at the end of the school year; the last day of school for freshmen, sophomores and juniors will be June 3, as long as no more calamity days are used before then.

After former Governor Ted Strickland ruled for schools to be allowed only three calamity days a year, the Ohio Senate has ruled to return to the originally allotted five calamity days on March 22.

The bill will now be sent to Governor John Kasich, who has previously expressed his support to return to five calamity days, according to “The Columbus Dispatch.”

Ohio public surveillance cameras will not be linked In March, The Ohio Department of Homeland Security decided against the plan, called Camera Integration Project, that would have linked public security cameras as stated in the December issue of “The Chronicle” this year.

This would have meant cameras of schools, roads and businesses in Ohio would be available to authorized officials in times of disasters or emergency situations. According to “The Columbus Dispatch,” the plan was canceled and the state will spend the $234,000 elsewhere.

The state is looking at a computer modeling system instead that could provide better information in times of emergencies.

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FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2011

Unusual locations help Subway pass McDonalds in number of restaurants worldwide Bobby Gibler | Staff Writer

photo by Rebekah Barnes

Fourth-grade Intervention Specialist Christina Layton working with a fourth-grader in the classroom, using word games on the iPad.

iPads used in support education classrooms Rebekah Barnes | Staff Writer

The Apple iPad is being used at Mason City Schools as a communication device and learning tool in support education classrooms.

Intervention Specialist at Mason Intermediate (MI), Christina Layton, was given an iPad by the district, who purchased it with federal stimulus money. She is now testing it with students in her support education classes, which include students with autism. Layton said she was excited to be testing out the technology upon its arrival. “[Intervention Specialists] were given…three or four iPads in [the Mason Intermediate] building at the very beginning of the year, …as a pilot program,” Layton said. “Because what I teach is so specialized, I was approached to try [the iPad]. …I started right away in September.” iPads have been distributed throughout all buildings in the district, according to Support Education Supervisor Jody Bergman. She said support education teachers are incorporating the iPad and using it experimentally with students, Bergman said.

Intervention Specialist Hakim Oliver, who teaches at Mason High School, has been experimenting with the iPad. Oliver said he has been testing the technology with one of his students who has a visual impairment. “[One of my students] has a visual impairment so…I can team up with [her] to have the iPad help her in the classroom,” Oliver said. “This can help her take notes. This can help her enlarge readings so that she can see them.”

For students with speech impairments, the application that Layton said she uses most is “Proloquo2go,” a communication app. This app is similar to those included in communication devices like DynaVoxes, which are mobile machines that help individuals with speech impairments communicate their needs through visuals and typing The iPad, starting at around $500, compares to the DynaVox’s price of between $2,000 and $10,000. The “Proloquo2go” app for the iPad is $200. “$700 [for the app and the iPad] sounds exponential but, in the big picture, it’s not,” Layton said. “It’s only a fraction of [the cost of other communication devices.]”

Layton said that in her classes, an overall focus in using the iPad is improving social skills amongst the students in her classroom, and not just for students with specific disabilities.

Layton said that by using the iPad games with students, she has seen progress in how the students interact as a group.

“One [lesson] that most of my students have yet to learn is just basic turn-taking skills; ...we struggle through [that] for any board game,” Layton said. “But, if I pull up a memory game on here or tic-tac-toe, ...it’s just the magic of the iPad. They attend to it and they’re motivated.”

Layton said this progress shown recently has been sparked by the iPad with apps such as games, tutoring, communication tools, such as “Proloque2go” and videos.

“I’ve seen progress in all areas and even more so since introducing the iPad.” Layton said that the excitement for the iPad does not stem just from the teachers, but the students as well are amazed by the technology. “[The] students love it,” Layton said. “I have not yet seen a student in our building that is not excited or in awe of this technology. It’s really cool how far the technology’s come, and how much we can do now with what we have.”

Subway has finally overtaken McDonalds -- at least in terms of number of restaurants worldwide. As of March, Subway is the world’s largest restaurant chain with over 34,000 restaurants in 96 countries, according to online.wsj.com. The new leading restaurant chain’s success can be attributed to its convenient, out-of-the-ordinary store locations, according to Main Street Subway owner Bhamini Patel. “[Subway is] getting really creative; I don’t know what’s next,” Patel said. “Subway has locations inside gas stations, grocery stores, post offices, universities, hospitals and even Kings Island.”

Senior Connor Sweeney, a Subway employee, said Subway has become so successful because of its convenience and customizability. According to Sweeney, many Subway locations are welllocated and easy-to-reach.

“At Subway, you have a lot of choices; you can make a sandwich any way you want and you don’t have to have what someone else is having,” Sweeney said. “Subway has really good prices and [is located in] convenient places like gas stations.”

Senior Lauren Wilson said that Subway’s success can be attributed to its advertising through television and wellness campaigns. Wilson said Subway’s popularity has vastly increased over the past few years.

“Subway is worldwide,” Wilson said. “When I lived in England, Subway restaurants were literally in the subways -- and you really couldn’t

find them. And now they’re everywhere. They keep building stores, and people keep going [to them].

Subway is starting to take over [American culture].”

However, some Subway employees say that Subway’s success isn’t solely a result of the healthy food it offers. According to senior Keith Cooper, a Subway employee, the rapid growth of new Subway locations can be attributed to the chain’s low overhead costs, which allow potential business owners to open new restaurants with relative ease.

“Subway has one of the lowest overhead costs for franchise openers,” Cooper said. “People who either are in America or come to America come here and say, ‘Hey, I need to start a business but I don’t necessarily have a college degree.’ Subway is a high-profit business.”

Patel said Subway’s mission has been to provide excellent customer service, affordable prices, accessibility and healthy choices.

“The average person eats at restaurants several times per month,” Patel said. “Americans want the best value, and they’re conscious about health; that’s why [people] eat at Subway so much.”

Patel said the Subway she owns on Main Street has been a success since its 2010 opening. According to Patel, there is a great chance that new Subways will open in Mason in the future.

“When [this Subway opened], lot of locations were concerned that they would lose their business,” Patel said. “I think Subway has actually brought more business to downtown Mason. There are more choices and more people are coming to [the area]. It is a popular location; high school kids and middle school kids walk up [to Subway after school].”

The facts: Subway vs. McDonalds Fat and calorie counts Quarter Pounder with Cheese: 510 calories, 230 from fat 26 grams of total fat

12" Veggie Sub: 920 calories, 80 from fat 5 grams of total fat

12" Meatball Marinara Sub: 1160 calories, 400 from fat 46 grams of total fat Chicken McNuggets (10-piece): 460 calories, 260 from fat 29 grams of total fat Big Mac:

540 calories, 260 from fat 29 grams of total fat

12" Spicy Italian Sub: 1040 calories, 500 from fat 56 grams of total fat

photos by Bobby Gibler

FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2011

Bright accepts position at Cleveland area school Janica Kaneshiro | Staff Writer

Lakewood City Schools, the district at which Mason City Schools Superintendent Kevin Bright accepted an assistant superintendent position next school year, is located in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, approximately 3 1/2 hours north of Mason.

According to the Lakewood City School district website, Lakewood City Schools received a ranking of “continuous improvement” for the 2009-2010 school year.

Lakewood City Schools consists of 14 schools all of which are under a 10-year renovation process, according to the district website. Lakewood has one high school, three middle schools and eight elementary schools. The teacher to student ratio is 1-24 as of 2009. Lakewood City Schools’ current superintendent Joseph Madak announced that he will be retiring on July 31 of this year.

Bright said that Lakewood’s demographics are much different than those of Mason and that Lakewood is a more urban district than Mason.

“Lakewood has roughly 6,000 students,” Bright said. “It’s the second-

largest walking school district [in its number of students walking to school] in the state, because they have neighborhood schools.

There are only two buses which are reserved for students [with special needs]. Everyone else either walks or has [a] car and drives to school.”

Bright said another reason for his move is a will to help the district “achieve higher student learning.”

“The median income in Lakewood is $44,000 as compared to $88,000 in Mason,” Bright said.

“I’ve always wanted to go to a more urban setting.”

Bright said that Lakewood City Schools offers a diverse population with a supportive community.

“As far as community support, there’s high level of community support for schools in Lakewood -especially financially,” Bright said.

“It is a school district that has had a good reputation over the years and yet there is a lot of diversity now. ...It is a very interesting and yet a very challenging environment to be in right now.”

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Bright: district not expecting many changes next year continued from page 1

Lakewood is primarily what drew him to the position. “[I’m leaving early for] several reasons,” Bright said. “My good friend, Jeff Patterson, is going to be the next superintendent of Lakewood. I started teaching with him 37

“We want to maintain the success we’ve had, and assure [the public that] big changes don’t mean that everyone else has to worry that we don’t value their opinions,” Delp said. years ago. We talked about it, and I agreed to be the assistant superintendent. ...I’ve always had a love of student learning and achievement. I wanted to help him and his district to achieve higher student results.”

Delp said that, most likely, the changes to be made to Mason City Schools in the next year will happen regardless of a new superintendent.

“The changes [community members] are more likely to see are changes coming from [changes with the budget and other problems], more so than a new superintendent,”

Delp said.

Delp said she expects that the process of deciding on a new superintendent will start in May because Bright is leaving the district on July 31. She said the process involves a series of interviews which are centered on finding a person with the ability to best grasp the goals of Mason City Schools, and effectively reach the community which surrounds it.

“I think [the next superintendent] is going to be somebody who really understands the size of the job, and that that some districts have fewer students than we have in a single building,” Delp said. “To take on responsibility for an 11,000-student district, even at [the] level of food service and busing requirements, it will take more than many people would understand or have experience with.”

Above all, Delp said that the new superintendent will, like Bright, need to understand that Mason’s population is what services the schools, and that the community needs to be respected.

“We expect that [the next superintendent] will spend some time getting to know how things operate,” Delp said. “We want them to learn how to value people who are giving them administrative support, and to get to know people in the district and in our community.”

Senior class ranks finalized, female students place highly Carlie Sack | Editor in Chief

Female students are outperforming their male peers academically, according to the National Center for Eduational Statistics (NCES).

Because “women surpassed their male peers in educational expectations and degree attainment over the last 30 years,” according to NCES, education experts sometimes classify male students as falling behind academically; as explored in the “Newsweek” article, “The Trouble with Boys.”

While the top seven students ranked by GPA of Mason High School’s graduating class of 2011 are females, this pattern should not be generalized to the academic performance of all females, senior Sam Johnson said.

Female students are taking more challenging high school courses than male students and make up a majority of the undergraduate population in the U.S., according to NCES. Johnson also said he notices that female students take more challenging academic courses.

“This year, [my AP classes] are generally dominated by females or [an] equal [ratio of males to females],” Johnson said. “So maybe [the females] are striving a little [more]; I know they try harder and the males slack off more.”

Although senior Bharat Bhirani said he agrees that male students typically do not emphasize schoolwork as much female students, he said gender does not influence academic performance as much as family background.

“I don’t think gender has to do with what motivates [a student],” Bhirani said. “[Academic performance] depends on family, …not gender. …[But, females] do not fool around as much. They are more focused than a lot of guys; I think it does pay off. …The boys kind of slack off.”

Science teacher DeeDee

Messer, whose AP Physics class consists of nearly all male students, said that she sees differences in not only the focus, but the mindset of her male and female students.

“It is typical that a boy is expected to do better than a girl, so they kind of have that…chip on their shoulder,” Messer said. “If a girl gets it right and they didn’t, [they say,] ‘Oh my gosh, wow.’ I do see that.

I don’t know if [that expectation] stimulates from way-back, old-school chivalry [when] the boy is supposed to be the breadwinner. …So in the class, he is supposed to be able to perform better.”

According to AP Psychology teacher Paul Reedy, this “mistaken notion” of automatic academic success for males may extend to the future workplace, even if they do “not necessarily…work extremely hard” in the classroom.

Reedy said this confidence does not mean that males are Class of 2011 not successful in the ranked by GPA classroom, but from his experiences as a social Gender Rank studies teacher, males do not perform as highly as females.

“Overall, girls outperform boys, in my classroom,” Reedy said. “I don’t think it’s because they’re smarter, but…girls are more motivated. …You can only speculate [on the different motivations], but time after time when the top students are predominantly girls, [it could be that] girls want to be successful.”

Male students want to be successful academically, but are more hesitant

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to show this in front of peers, Reedy said.

“There’s this little bit of bravado [with males who say,] ‘I don’t want to put myself out on a limb if there’s a chance I’m going to fall; so it’d be better, in case I do fall, [to] say I didn’t really study,’” Reedy said.

Messer said that this pattern is applicable to all students, but male peer pressure often influences attitude toward schoolwork. “[In] general, students do not want to admit that they studied really, really hard,” Messer said. “They would much rather play it off [lightly by saying,] ‘Oh my gosh, I didn’t study hardly at all and I got a B on a test.’ And maybe they really did [study]. …But typically, the girls will tell you [that] they read the book.

And it’s the boys who will come in [and say,] ‘Oh, well.’”

Males’ external nonchalance may be an effect of academic struggles that were never addressed early in school.

As a mother of two twin boys and a girl, Messer said she has recognized different learning styles between genders at a young age; it has “been shocking” that “things that [her] daughter has easily picked up on in school...the boys have not.”

Oftentimes, boys’ maturity levels or preference for a more kinesthetic learning style may cause them to struggle academically at a young age, according to Messer.

“If [boys] struggle early in school [and] it’s [a subject] they never catch up on, they always feel like they’re behind and always struggling, then they are not more apt to take more advanced classes by the time they get to high school,” Messer said. “They’re either tired or they’re frustrated…and that can lead them to where they stand when they’re in high school.”

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FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2011

FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2011 PAGE 5 | C

American-made products in decline, but fill Mason classrooms Made in the U.S. Student chair manufactured in the U.S., with some parts imported.

Made in the U.S. Student chairdesk manufactured in the U.S., with some parts imported.

Thom Carter | Staff Writer

According to ABC News, American-made products have been on a sharp decline since the 1960s where nine of every ten products bought

by American consumers were made in America.

Now, more than 50% of the products bought by Americans are foreign-made.

When compared to the rest of the nation, Ron Guyer of Zimmerman School Equipment said that Mason City Schools defies much of the country in the number of American products in the school.

Mason City Schools Assistant Superintendent and Head of Operations Mike Brannon said that whether something is foreign-made or made in the U.S., it has never been part of the criteria when bidding for products to put into any of the buildings in the district.

“To date, we have not [considered where a product is made],” Brannon said. “I was really kind of interested to see [the results] come back to see exactly how much [of our products were] made in the U.S. I was kind of surprised by it, honestly.”

According to Brannon, his department purchases products that are deemed the most practical for the school and the most cost-effective.

Brannon said this was put into practice when building the current high school building, an effort that involved millions of dollars when it came to furnishings and determining exactly what to buy.

“We’re very much looking for what’s most costeffective, but for example, when we built the high school, we met with the teaching staff to make sure that we were buying what they needed,” Brannon said. “The last thing we wanted to do was furnish a building full of stuff that [teachers] couldn’t use.”

According to Guyer, Mason High School is furnished by many American-made products. When providing furniture to room Z126, a language arts classroom, in 2009 Guyer said all the products used were manufactured in the U.S.

From the many pieces of furniture in the classroom, ranging from the 28 chair-and-desk combinations to the teacher’s chair and teacher’s desk, are all American-made.

However, according to Guyer, many of the parts that go into making the products in the U.S. are imported. For example, the teacher’s desk includes plastic trim and raw steel that are both imported materials, while a utility table has legs that are also imported.

In room A205, while much of the furniture is made in America, much of the office equipment most often found on the teacher’s desk is made in China. Swingline staplers and hole-punchers along with all of the Dell and HP computers in the school are all made in China.

The Technology Department’s Chief Information Officer David Hickey said that much of the technology is made overseas.

“Although Dell and HP are North American companies, their products are made overseas like so much of the technology equipment,” Hickey said.

According to Hickey, both Dell and HP printers are made in China while 95 percent of all notebooks are assembled in China and Malaysia.

There isn’t an American factory for either company since the last U.S. plant, located in North Carolina, closed in November of 2010.

Junior Chris Wermes said that because of the sheer amount of foreign-made electronics in his home, very little would remain if they were all were to be taken out. “[My home] would probably be almost empty,” Wermes said. “TVs and [other electronics] would all be gone. There’s hardly any [electronics] made in America. Sony, Nintendo, [they’re] all foreignmade.”

Like Wermes, junior Colin Heim said he would face a similar situation if all foreign-made products were to be taken out of his home. “[My house would look] pretty barren,” Heim said. “My family [members are] avid IKEA shoppers.”

Made in Mexico Dell monitor assembled in Mexico.

Made in China Dell keyboard made in China.

Ohio government addresses high gas prices, questions of drilling Ian Howard | Staff Writer

The Ohio government under Governor John Kasich could be tapping into strategic fuel sources due to budget constraints, according to “The Columbus Dispatch.”

Some say that the money from drilling could raise money for state parks and that the operation could create jobs, while others worry about environmental consequences of drilling for natural gas, “The Columbus Dispatch” said. Kasich has appointed a pro-drilling former oil and gas executive, David Mustine, to head the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Mason City Schools’ transportation will be affected by rising gas prices although bus routes are already being consolidated for next year, according to Interim Transportation Supervisor Steve Hardy. Hardy said that because the cuts were decided by Mason City Schools’ Board of Education before the gas prices began to rise, anticipated rises are only a factor in the extent of the route reductions.

“We’re consolidating the routing to where high school students are going to have to walk or travel approximately a half mile or so to bus routes based on subdivisions,” Hardy said. “We’re going to consolidate the stops to one or two per subdivision.”

These cuts will mostly affect high school students because only lesser changes are being made to the middle and intermediate school busing systems, according to Hardy. Board of Education Board of Education Kevin Wise said that cuts on transportation would have probably happened regardless of gas prices, but as gas prices increase the savings of the school also increase.

House Bill 133, introduced by Representative John Adams in the Ohio House, will allow state lands to be leased for natural gas and oil drilling. Benefits of drilling include lower gas prices and more employment in Ohio, Kasich has said, according to Canton Ohio’s “Canton Rep.”

Business teacher Craig Murnan said that drilling in Ohio will have no effect on gas prices whatsoever. The problem of high gas prices is in oil refining rather than drilling, according to Murnan. A new oil refinery has not been built in America since 1976.

“You only have a certain number of refineries owned by big corporations and they are ultimately going to be the ones that determine the prices,” Murnan said. “There’s not really enough competition on that end to have change.”

According to Murnan, the plan is still in Ohio’s best interests, but it will not actually solve the purpose that it was originally set up for.

“The fact that they’re drilling in Ohio, that’s good for Ohio that’s good for jobs in Ohio that’s good for the individual company that’s drilling,” Murnan said. “Those are really great things, but to think that that’s going to drive a gallon of gas down that’s not going to happen.”

Senior Tyler Walton said he has, at this time, only vague plans for how he will cope with the astronomical projected increases.

“I am going to try to work as much as I can and drive as little as possible,” Walton said.

The high gas prices are terrible, according to Walton, but he said that does not completely justify drilling for oil in Ohio. Walton said that new energies should be pursued.

“I think it’s a positive that we [could be] lowering gas prices that way, but it is a negative as far as being ecofriendly,” Walton said. “We should be spending more time focusing on ways to find alternative sources for fuels rather than finding newer places to drill for oil, which is eventually going to run out.”

The holes in Kasich’s oil drilling plans extend to his appointments particularly in the appointment of Mustine, according to Walton.

“I’m sure [David Mustine has] experience and that’s a good thing,” Walton said. “I’m pretty sure that he’s good

photo by Carlie Sack

Gas prices are rising; to compensate, Governor John Kasich proposed drilling for oil in Ohio’s state parks. New director of Ohio Department of Natural Resources, David Mustine, is a proponent of drilling for natural gas and oil in state parks.

at making money if that’s what his goal is. I feel like it’s probably not the greatest move [Kasich] could have made.”

It is also easy to question the relevance of Mustine’s experience, according to Jackson.

“I just don’t see how much he can know about the other aspects of natural resources what about forestry what about all the others,” Jackson said. “My overall opinion would be [about] why we have an oil guy running the natural resource department.”

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C EDITORIAL Chronicle Policy The Chronicle is the official student newspaper of William Mason High School.

The Chronicle promises to report the truth and adhere to the journalistic code of ethics through online and print mediums.

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.

33106 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.

Contact Information The Chronicle William Mason High School 6100 S. Mason Montgomery Rd. Mason, Ohio 45040 398-5025 The Chronicle Staff Editor in Chief Carlie Sack Associate Editor Beena Raghavendran Editor Intern Julia Halpin Online Editor Janie Simonton Business/Circulation Manager Cady Meece Technical/Graphic Manager Jami Bechard Editorial Cartoonist Ajay Agrawal Staff Writers Rebekah Barnes Katelyn Cain Miranda Carney Thom Carter Bobby Gibler Ian Howard Janica Kaneshiro Megan McCormack James Nosek Joseph Spencer Samantha Weaver Adviser Dale Conner

FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2011

Editorial Cartoon

Staff Editorial

American fast food a cause of increasing obesity around world Since Subway has passed McDonalds in the number of restaurants worldwide, most people would immediately begin to think that our society is making strides to become a healthier human population. While Subway may provide Veggie Delites instead of Big Macs, this simple accomplishment doesn’t prove healthier eating. In reality, it simply proves that sometimes, Americans would like a salty bag of chips instead of fatty french fries.

McDonalds prides itself in “serving millions” of customers, and who doesn’t remember eating a Happy Meal as a child? Subway should celebrate its newfound popularity; they beat out the “big dog” of fast food.

Sadly, no obesity rates have gone down recently in America. No numbers of people suffering weight related issues have decreased and healthiness has not necessarily been furthered.

Just take a drive down Tylersville Road and you can still see that fast food is still prevalent. Taco Bell, Wendy’s and Burger King are just a few of the chains that line that street, and streets like Tylersville Road are replicated all over the country.

Nowadays, these familiar roads even exist all over the world. “American” food, burgers and fries, and restaurants with drive-thru lanes are popping up in various countries around the world. People in China are now fortunate enough to experience the great taste of KFC’s fried chicken, or the joys of a Crunch Wrap Supreme from Taco Bell and unfortunate enough to share our growing obesity rate.

While Subway is number one in America for now, McDonalds and other fast food chains still dominate our diets, and are spreading to the mouths of multiple other nations.

Subway has done a great job of gaining popularity through its catchy advertisements and appealing sandwiches, but it hasn’t exactly stopped American obesity.

Even though Subway is on top, Americans will still indulge in greasy french fries, burgers and chicken nuggets.

It’s going to take a little more than a few million Subways to fix our health problems.

Letters to the Editor Physical education waiver a negative I believe that students should have to take [physical education] class even if they are involved in sports. [Physical education] class not only involves kids in athletic activities, but [it] also educates them on many different sports and health issues. If a student plays a sport for the school, [he or she is] focusing on that particular sport, not the variety of activities that a [phyiscal education] class has to offer.

-Allie Rodriguez, freshman

Global issues may affect students inadvertently Living in a “bubble” like Mason, events that are occuring in the Middle East seem to have no effect on us. We may see something online or on TV, but we ignore it since it is so far away from us. We do need to become better informed and know what is going on in the world because, chances are, once we become older...we may not be completely ready. ...You never notice how a big issue that’s thousands of miles away could find its way into your life and change your outlook on the world.

-Dominic Fago, freshman

Email feedback.chronicle@gmail.com

to have your voice heard.

Kasich should focus on economy, not abortion Instead of worrying about abortion, the governor should focus on boosting our economy and other issue that affect people every day. ...Abortion doesn’t affect everybody. ...[It] is a tough ethical issue, but it is not our most important issue. [The economy] should be our top priority because this affects more people.

-Evan Zoutis, freshman

“Mac ‘n cheese” does not deserve attention I strongly believe [students’] maturity levels are slightly higher than “mac ‘n cheese.” Once I began reading this article, my attention was already lost; the only reason I finished it was due to its stupidity and hilarity. [“Mac ‘n cheese”] is very popular but when a high school student picks up the school newspaper, they want to read about current events...not popular food people like to mix up with their own “random combinations.”

-Brittany Cruse, freshman

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FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2011

FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2011

SPORTS C

Representin’ the

PAGE 9 | C

As of April 11, the members of the girls’ varsity track 4 x 100 relay team, junior Nazz Brandon, senior Brittiany Betts, junior Khara Walker and senior Sarah Hunter, have the fastest time in the GMC at 49.35 seconds.

TEAM

TRACKER

Girls’ varsity track

photo by Katelyn Cain The girls’ varsity track team opened the season with a win at the Centerville Elk relays where the team got first place by over 30 points.

Senior Emily Schulte said the win was a great one and set the stage for what hopes to be a special season.

“It was a big win for us and a great start to the season,” Schulte said. “Hopefully we continue our success all year and make a push for state.”

photo by Katelyn Cain photo art by Jami Bechard

Lacrosse for him, lacrosse for her Rules, styles of lacrosse differ between genders

Katelyn Cain | Staff Writer

Although most sports have the same rules between genders, lacrosse differs in contact rules, field length and style of play, which is crucial, according to freshman Tori Blakeman, a girls’ junior varsity and varsity lacrosse player.

“It is important that there [are differences between the genders] because it makes the sport more unique,” Blakeman said. “Because there are differences between the two [genders], it makes them two very different sports.”

With the first men’s NCAA lax championship held in 1971 and the first women’s in 1982, lacrosse was originally a male-dominated sport, since men

and contact rules, the length of the field and equipment is different as well.

“Girls have a longer field; we run more, and the girls’ game is much more about finesse and possession than boys,” Blakeman said. “Also, girls’ sticks are shallower than boys’ sticks, so it makes it harder to pass and catch, and also to control the ball when [the stick] is checked.”

According to sophomore Luke Biggers, a boys’ junior varsity lacrosse player, despite the fact that boys can legally have more physical contact than girls, the differences even out in the end.

“We both have things that the other doesn’t have,” Biggers said. “[The dif-

THE BOYS

“[Boys] can do body checks and stick checks,” Blakeman said.

be able to hit, but, realistically, that’s not good,” Yancey said. “We would get hurt, and our game would slow down if we wore pads and helmets.

Plus, even if we were allowed to hit, the game would probably still have a lot more restrictions on it than boys’ [lacrosse].”

Although the two genders both have elements of the game that the other doesn’t have, Yancey said, lacrosse spectators prefer to watch a more violent style of play.

“People think that girls’ lacrosse is boring,” Yancey said. “[Spectators] think that [boys’] lacrosse is more exciting because they’re allowed to hit, and people go to see the violence

The boys’ freshman green team has opened the 2011 season with a 5-1 record, as of April 5. The team’s beat Lakota East twice in the early season and the only loss of the season was the March 30 game against Hamilton.

Freshman Christopher Rice, a third baseman, who is hitting 4-7 (.571) on the year, said the first five games have been fun. “[The team has had] a good start,” Rice said. “But I think we can make more progress throughout the year.”

Junior varsity softball

THE GIRLS “[It’s] a lot more about agility and fitness,” Yancey said.

“[The differences]...even out,”Biggers said. were the first to play.

According to Blakeman, the biggest difference is contact. “[In] boys’ lacrosse, they wear more equipment,” Blakeman said. “They have a lot more padding. There is more contact in boys’ lacrosse. They are allowed to have moderate pushing, and they can tackle, depending on the severity of it. [Boys] can do body checks and stick checks, and girls can only do stick checks.”

Blakeman said that besides uniform

Boys’ freshman baseball

ferences]...even out, because [girls] can’t check as much, but their pockets, [which hold the ball,] are different than ours because theirs are smaller and the ball can come out easier, so that’s harder for them.”

Sophomore Kylie Yancey, a girls’ varsity lacrosse player, said that girls should not be able to have as much physical contact as boys because they would get hurt and change their style of play.

“I think everyone wants the girls to

and the intensity.”

Senior Ben Nolan, a boys’ junior varsity lacrosse player, said the reason there are such major differences between boys’ and girls’ lacrosse is because of physical contact.

“In lacrosse, there’s more free range of physical contact than [in] a sport like soccer,” Nolan said. “There [are less] rules pertaining to where you can hit in boys’ lacrosse than in many other sports.”

photo by Thom Carter The junior varsity softball team has started the season with an undefeated record of 6-0, as of April 4.

According to sophomore Emily Harrison, the team has not faced any tough competition so far.

“We’ve only given up a couple runs so far,” Harrison said.

Harrison said she hopes the streak will continue.

“It’s hard to beat a team that clicks together like our team does,” Harrison said.

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9 3

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training for the high school state titles

Olympics

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One of MHS’s greatest athletes, Angela Bizzarri, continues to burn up the track Bizzarri, an Olympic hopeful, one of country’s top five runners James Nosek | Staff Writer

2006 Mason High School graduate Angela Bizzarri, who has nine high school state titles and three NCAA National Championships at the University of Illinois, “is the greatest athlete to ever go to Mason High School,” according to her former head track coach Tony Affatato.

Bizzarri is currently a professional track and cross country runner sponsored by Brooks Running and is training for a berth in the 3,000- or 5,000-meter competition at the 2012 summer Olympics in England, according to Affatato.

photo contributed by Diane Bizzarri

Mason alumna Angela Bizzarri has raced in three Olympic trials and is in training for the 2012 Olympics.

She is training in Mammoth, California, as well as San Diego with a Brooks Running training group.

Between her time at Illinois and her training now, Bizzarri said she is confident that the Olympics are a realistic goal.

“I believe I do have shot at the Olympics, [but] it’s a lot harder said than done,” Bizzarri said.

Since her training, Bizzarri has raced in three Olympic trials and three U.S. Championships.

In 2008, Bizzarri’s sophomore year at Illinois, she ran an Olympic trial.

That year, she was a finalist, but did not qualify. She said it has been motivation for her second try to compete at Olympics.

“I wasn’t in the position to qualify because I was the youngest there, but I realize that I have potential to make it to the Olympics,” Bizzarri said.

Bizzarri was offered full-ride scholarships at five different Division I schools before she chose Illinois, according to Affatato.

“At the [2009 5,000-meter U.S. Championship] she finished third both [against] professional and nonprofessional [competition],” Affatato said.

Athletics weren’t Bizzarri’s only strengths in high school and college, at Illinois she majored in molecular and cellular biology. Last fall, she graduated from Illinois then became the graduate assistant for Illinois’ cross country team.

Affatato said Bizzarri is the most

elite women’s athlete to go to Illinois and was highly respected.

She won the 2009 NCAA Cross Country and the 2009 Outdoor 5,000meter Championship as well as the 2010 NCAA Indoor 5,000-meter Championship at Illinois.

She received the Duke Eddleman Award for female athlete of the year twice.

Between 2008 and 2009, Bizzarri broke five Illinois personal running records: three in indoor events and two in outdoor events. “[Bizzarri] has a very rare ability; she is so determined,” Affatato said. “That’s why she took this opportunity [to try for the Olympics].”

Affatato said he believes that Bizzarri can compete in the Olympics one day.

“I do think she is going to make it,” Affatato said. “She has the best shot out of anybody I’ve ever known.”

Trading Punches The University of Tennessee has once again fired another men’s basketball coach, while women’s coach Pat Summitt, continues to patrol the sidelines. With the success of coaches like Summit and UConn head coach Geno Auriemma, is it possible that we could soon see a women’s coach make the transition to the men’s side?

Women’s coaches are capable of making the switch to coach men’s basketball, Katelyn Cain but they wouldn’t be any better than the men’s coaches. It’s unrealistic to say that college men’s basketball players will respect a female coach rather than a male coach. With colleges running out of good male choices, female coaches may be making the switch to the men’s side soon.

Women’s coaches are able to coach men’s basketball.

It takes the Joseph Spencer same gameplanning and skills to play women’s basketball as in men’s basketball. Now may be the time for a women’s coach to switch over. Pat Summitt should be a legitimate contender for the head coaching position for the men’s basketball team at Tennessee.

The current Tennessee and UConn coaches have had amazing careers; just look at James Nosek her wins and championships. They could make great coaches on the men’s side, but that’s with every coach. Coaching has a lot to do with talent, and they both have the best talent of womens’ coaches. So, if they were coaching a team like Arizona State, would they be the greatest coach in the world? It’s hard to tell. photos by Beena Raghavendran

photo contributed by Diane Bizzarri

Coach’s Corner

Outside the Lines...

SPORTS IN PRINT “Soccernomics,” by Simon Kuper and Stevan Szymanski, goes inside the economic side of the world’s most famous sport, soccer. Kuper and Szymanski help explain the side of soccer that people don’t know and even contrast it to American football in the world. It also delves into one of the biggest sporting events every four years, the World Cup and explains why teams succeed or don’t succeed in it.

SPORTS IN MOVIES TriStar Pictures released the film, “Soul Surfer,” on April 8. Soul Surfer is a true story about Bethany Hamilton, a surfer who lost her arm in a shark attack. The film explores Bethany’s journey to overcome all odds and attempt to become a surfing champion once again.

Through Bethany’s perseverance, she shows the sports world that no matter what disability or setback an athlete has, miracles can happen.

SPORTS IN VIDEO GAMES Tiger Wood’s new video game series is taking a new turn. The 2012 version, “Tiger Woods 12: The Masters,” concentrates on the Master and Augusta golf course. The game let’s you work your way from pro-am to eventually competing on golf ’s greatest stage, The Masters.

Liann Muff Head Softball Coach First Year Softball coach Liann Muff has just started her first year as head coach of the Mason High School softball program. She previously played softball at Northern Kentucky University and has most recently been an assistant coach at Mason High School. Going into her first season, Muff has stressed hard work. “We are going to give it our all every time we hit the field,” Muff said. “We will pride ourselves on fundemenatally strong defense and an explosive offense.”

-compiled by Joseph Spencer

-compiled by James Nosek

-compiled by Katelyn Cain

-compiled by Joseph Spencer

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A night in the life of MHS Thursday, March 24, 2011

photos by Jami Bechard, Janica Kaneshiro, Beena Raghavendran and Carlie Sack

2:15 Green room/Auditorium Setup for National Honor Society’s annual Prom Fashion Show begins.

2:45 Softball field Softball athletes start practice (pictured).

Beena Raghavendran | Associate Editor

Perhaps calling Mason High School an insomniac is stretching the truth, but it isn’t far from it, according to Mason City Schools Facilities Schedulers Debbie Darland and Kim Ashman. Darland said there are approximately 1,900 events scheduled throughout the district’s buildings each month, and “there is [almost] always someone in the building” at any given hour.

“People would be amazed [to know] how much the school facilities run after the school day,” Darland said.

The quality of MHS’s facilities, Darland said -including a 1,000-seat auditorium, gymnasium and 700-seat dining commons -- make it a very in-demand school in the area, causing its frequent rentals and activity. However, it’s not just MHS that is growing; high schools today are busier than they used to be because of increased opportuni-

2:30 Black Box Theater Rehearsal for the spring musical, “All Shook Up.”

2:30 Costume shop/Scene shop Costume production (pictured) and set construction for the spring musical, “All Shook Up.”

2:30 Old athletic office Track and field athletes wait in line to receive spiritwear before practice.

ties for students, Darland said. “[MHS is] extremely busy,” Darland said. “But I bet it’s the same at other schools as well, because everyone’s so involved in after-school activities. ...I think all schools [are] running more [now] than they used to.”

This new adolescent culture of taking initiative, Ashman said, has also prompted MHS’s tendency to always be awake.

“Students [more often] take the initiative and the responsibility to follow their interests [nowadays], where that’s not [seen in previous] generation[s],” Ashman said.

Head football coach Brian Castner, who has coached and taught in other area districts, said that Mason’s level of activity exceeds that of other districts.

“I’ve never experienced the level of activity like I’ve experienced here [at Mason],” Castner said.

“I think there [are] other districts that obviously

4:45 Practice room Band members practice their music (pictured).

4:30 Atrium Fitness hallway 3:00 Track and field practice Dwire Field continues in weight rooms Track and field prac- and Atrium Fitness hallway tice begins (pictured); (pictured). athletes meet at Atrium Stadium.

5:00 Band room Winter drumline moves instruments from MHS to Mason Middle School for its 7 p.m. performance.

6:30 High school gymnasium Students of the I.K. Kim Tae Kwon Do Centers, Inc., practice in the gym (pictured).

from left: senior Allison Sirk works on a costume for the spring musical; senior Caitlin Rausch bats at varsity softball practice; sophomore Katie Garwood stretches at track and field practice; the athletic hallway filled with the schoolbags of athletes at track and field practice; sophomores Dan Li and Will Zhang practice music in a band practice room; the I.K. Kim Tae Kwon Do Centers, Inc. holds Tae Kwon Do class in the high school gymnasium; senior Cassandra Nguyen gets help adjusting her dress at the National Honor Society Prom Fashion Show.

The school that never sleeps

have activity, but I don’t think it compares to what we have here.”

Choral director Elaine Santos said the increase in events at school mirrors the increase in student activity and what she said is the centering of the city of Mason around MHS. “The school is a microcosm of society,” Santos said. “Just think of the number of students that attend school, [and] the number of events that happen in school...throughout the year; it brings families and community members to the school.”

Senior Mauricio Trujillo said he finds MHS to be the center of the community because of the of the feelings of spirit exhibited by the community.

“I can’t imagine people getting as motivated or as gathered as they do [at MHS] anywhere else in Mason,” Trujillo said. “This is headquarters.”

7:00 Auditorium/Green Room National Honor Society’s annual Prom Fashion Show begins (pictured).

MHS is center of Mason community

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From basketball necessity to fashion statement, Chuck Taylors’ popularity still strong Cady Meece | Staff Writer

The Chuck Taylor, most commonly known as “Chucks”, have transformed from a purely athletic shoe into a growingly popular fashion statement over the years.

According to “Classics: The Best the World Has to Offer”, written by Mon Muellershoen and Peter Steinfeld, the Chuck is placed in the category of “enduring classic objects, items that possess those rare qualities of timeless design, usefulness, and originality.”

The number of sales of these popular shoes still climbs as 750 million of the original black, high-top Chuck Taylors have been sold over Converse’s 80 years of business, according to Converse.com From plain black and white to a variety of colors, the Chuck Taylor has thousands of variations of their shoe available. Although the Chuck continues to evolve, students at Mason High School are still embracing the many styles of the shoe.

In 1917, Converse’s first basketball shoe was introduced. According to Converse.com, Chuck Taylors are forever linked to basketball due to the shoe’s popularity throughout the sport.

According to Physical Education teacher Greg Richards, the Chuck Taylor was popular, only because it was one of the only available shoe for sports.

“Well, back then it was the only shoe [available],” Richards said.

“All they had was the plain old, black and white Chuck Taylor. It wasn’t until they started making them in leather and things along that line, that they got more popular.”

Richards said that although popular, the Chuck Taylor wasn’t great in terms of support. “[The Chuck Taylors] had no support and they were flimsy,” Richards said. “I’m surprised there weren’t more ankle injuries back then.”

According to Alvarez, from what she can imagine, Chuck Taylors used to be the ultimate shoe for an athlete.

“I know they used to be used for basketball players, which I find hard [to believe] because I can’t even run in them,” Alvarez said. “I think back then, they were used for sports, and just like Nikes now, they have changed into more of a fashionable, trendy thing to wear.”

Alvarez said that the Chuck Taylor is a one of a kind shoe that can show anyone’s personality.

“It’s just a shoe brand and a man, who took everything that he wanted in his ideas, and what he thought, and put them into something everyone could wear,” Alvarez said. “I just think that [the concept] is really cool. You can put your personality into these shoes and make them your own.”

Senior Deanna Settles said that, for her, “Chucks” are simple shoes that have been with her since childhood.

“The Chuck Taylor, for me, is just a comfortable shoe,” Settles said. “I don’t wear them for the style. They were my first shoe when I was a little kid and I’ve always liked them.”

According to Junior Kylee Alvarez, The Chuck Taylor is not so much a fashion statement as they are the ultimate way to express one’s personality. “[Chuck Taylor’s] represent your individuality and you as a person because you can really [customize] them and you can create your own Converse online,” Alvarez said. “You can color on them and do anything you want and not feel bad because they are relatively cheap.

For Settles, even though the “Chucks” have evolved into a fashion statement, she doesn’t wear the shoes for that reason.

“I don’t wear them because I’m ‘punk’ or ‘gothic’ or as a fashion statement,” Settles said. “I just wear them because that’s what I’m used to and that’s what I like, but now, the image [of the Chuck Taylor] has been altered to fit a stereotype.”

When Alvarez described the value of The Chuck back then, she said that their value was comparable to the new age Nike’s that are popular now.

“I guess [having “Chucks”] was kind of like a status kind of thing; whoever had the newest nicest pair,” Alvarez said. “[Having the shoe] was sort of like a competition. Even in my dance studio, everyone wants the new Nikes or they have to have the newest style. It’s the same concept [with “Chucks”].”

When the Chuck Taylor first came out, they were called by their name, but according to Settles, since the evolution of the Chuck, Converse has moved away from the name, now putting “Chuck Taylor” smaller in size, replaced by “Converse” as the bigger, more notable word on both the box and the shoe.

According to Settles, there is a correlation between who calls them Chuck Taylors, and who call them Converse by when they wore the shoes.

“What I kind of get is that people that wore [the shoes] a long time ago call them Chuck Taylors,

but in the new age, I guess people started to call them Converse,” Settles said. “I guess the name has changed because it is what the company wants to go by now, because they don’t really put Chuck Taylor on the box anymore, they always just call them Converse, but [they’re] the same thing.”

Settles said she recognizes these changes, but she still calls the shoes by the original name.

“I call them Chuck Taylors because that’s what my mom called them when she wore them,” Settles said. “I guess I was just taught that way, because she still says that too.”

Settles has two different pairs of “Chucks”, but her favorite pair remains to be her first pair ever.

“I still wear the first pair I bought on my own,” Settles said. “They are ripped to shreds but they are my good luck shoes.”

According to Settles, Chuck Taylors are a blast from the past, and they give her a comfortable reminder that she can still be a kid.

“I feel like when I need to dress up, I don’t wear them, but when I do wear them, it makes me feel like I’m still kind of a kid, like I don’t have to grow up yet,” Settles said. “As seniors, you’re expected to dress nicer, like you’re going off to college as a mature adult, but when I wear my Chuck Taylors I just feel like everything is okay.”

CPnverse in histPry 1908 - Marquiz Mills Converse started a company specializing in rubber shoes.

1918 - Chuck Taylor, basketball-lover, joined the company.

1948-1958 - The high-top sneaker was adopted as a symbol of rock & roll and basketball, with the start of the National Basketball Association.

1958-1968 - All Stars were made in colors.

1968-1978 - All Stars were revamped with a star on the side, finding association with skateboarders and rebelliousness.

-Info provided by Converse.com

photos by Jami Bechard

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FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2011

Places of natural beauty a short drive from Mason Julia Halpin | Staff Writer

outside makes me happier than being inside. I love seeing different animals, and taking pictures of trees and flowers. Natural beauty is the Even though Mason is filled with shopping centers and grocery stores, students and Mason best. It just makes me feel so good.”

English and Words from the Wild teacher Tim natives can still experience natural beauty, according to senior Reesey Pearson. She said that King said that most students today don’t go out and explore nature like they should. while she is one of the few students that spend “[Students] appreciate [nature], but I think time in nature, anyone can explore the wilderfewer of them are spending time in nature,” King ness nearby.

“I go to Pine Hill a lot, and I think that if you said. “Anyone who is [a] 15,16, [or] 17-year-old today has a pretty rough time separating themgo deep into the woods and find interesting places, [you can see] a lot of cool stuff,” Pearson selves from all of that glittery [technology] and said. “In Words from the Wild [class], we’re talk- finding time to just go out and hike.”

Pearson said she gains a lot of valuable knowling about how there are a lot of different species edge about herself and others just by spending and birds that live back [in Pine Hill].”

Pearson said she enjoys taking pictures of the time outdoors.

“I think [spending time in nature] is good outdoors, and there are a few places around for you,” Pearson said. “I think you can learn a Mason that she finds to be naturally beautiful.

“I would either go to Keener Park or Pine Hill lot just from watching nature about life. I just [if I was going to spend time in nature], because feel like you can learn a lot about yourself, and they’re really close, and you can get some pretty you can learn a lot about the way that the world cool pictures back there if you explore; you have works by being outside, observing and exploring.” to be able to explore,” Pearson said.

While Pearson enjoys spending time outdoors, Pearson said that she enjoys spending time she said that some students don’t appreciate the in these places mainly because being in the nature around them. outdoors makes her happiest.

“I think some people take [nature] for grant“I just like being outside and I think that the ed,” Pearson said. “They would rather be inside. fresh air is good for you,” Pearson said. “Being

I know that there are some people who would rather just go to the movies, or do something indoors.”

While he encourages students to spend more time outdoors, King said that there are still some teenagers who take advantage of the nature they have around them. “[Students] do get out [in nature],” King said. “I see a lot [of] students over at Keener [Park]. There’s a certain personality of student[s] that like that park, and I run into them over there all the time.”

Pearson said that for her, nature is extremely important, and she appreciates the beauty that it possesses.

“I would love to be outside more, but I get out as much as I can,” Pearson said. “I just think that [nature] is a beautiful thing, and you shouldn’t waste it.”

Right outside of Mason...

These places of natural beauty are close to home.

Sharon Woods Located in Sharonville, Sharon Woods encompasses a total of 730 acres of land.

Among that land is Sharon Woods Lake which runs for 35 acres. The park also includes multiple walking trails, nature trails and a full 18-hole golf course.

Distance from Mason High School: 15 minutes, 8.3 miles.

-information from HamiltonCountyParks.org

L ov e lan d Bik e Tra i l The Loveland Bike Trail, located in Loveland, runs along the Little Miami Scenic State Park. The trail follows an old railway line and is 70 miles long, with a full view of the Little Miami River along the way.

Distance from Mason High School: 12 minutes, 5.2 miles -information from LovelandBikeTrail.com

Loveland Castle The Loveland Castle, located in Loveland, is an entirely full-scale castly, aside from its ballroom, which is about 1/5 the size of a real castle’s ballroom. It is open for tours, rents and overnight stays.

Distance from Mason High School: 9 minutes, 3.3 miles.

-information from LovelandCastle.com

From top to bottom: photo contributed by Reesey Pearson, photo by Megan McCormack, photo

by Megan McCormack, photo contributed by Reesey Pearson, photo by Megan McCormack, photo contributed by Reesey Pearson.

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FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2011

smile on

Harvard study claims to measure happiness Miranda Carney | Staff Writer

Happiness. Some people find it in a vacation to the beach, some find it in a phone call to a friend and some even find it in a successful test grade. Although there are many different views on what causes personal happiness, there are now ways of measuring what was once thought to be an intangible subject.

According to a Harvard University study called “Track Your Happiness,” happiness can be measured and quantified. The study is based on volunteer responses to 250,000 data points about the relationship between a person’s feelings and actions.

This project, which can be accessed at www.

TrackYourHappiness.org, asks the study’s participants how they feel about the activity they are currently doing via iPhone or email.

According to this study, the number-one source of happiness is a person’s ability to focus on the current moment and refrain from mind-wandering, which participants have reported doing 46.9 percent of the time.

AP Psychology teacher Danielle Lyons said that happiness is best measured by the level of engagement a person has in his or her current activity. “[Happiness] has a lot to do with your activeness,” Lyons said. “The more passive the activity…the less engaged [a person is]. And the less enjoyable [the activity is, the] less happy [a person is].”

According to Lyons, someone can measure a certain extent of happiness based on either the depth or the number of relationships.

“You [should] give priority to close relationships, intimate friends and those who care deeply about you,” Lyons said. “Especially in difficult times, confiding is good for soul and body.”

Senior Kunal Seenivasan, an AP Psychology student,

said he thinks happiness should be measured based on quality of relationships.

“I think it’s quality over quantity,” Seenivasan said. “You can have a lot of friends, but if the amount of interaction you have between your friends isn’t a lot, then you’re not necessarily happy.”

Lyons said that boys and girls will find happiness in different ways when it comes to friendships.

“Males [tend to] have big circles of friends,” Lyons said. “Women have...closer connections. [Women] don’t necessarily have as many relationships, but they have deeper relationships.”

Measuring the amount of sleep a person gets can also help measure overall happiness, according to Lyons.

“Happy people live active, vigorous lives yet reserve time for renewing sleep and solitude,” Lyons said. “Many

photo by Megan McCormack

people suffer from what is called sleep-debt, which results in fatigue...and gloomy moods.”

According to “The Boston Globe” article “Perfectly Happy,” people who have been through tragedy a year later, report being as happy as those who win the lottery.

They said the things most people consider smaller, such as an extra hour of sleep and friends, are what contribute most to a person’s happiness.

Seenivasan said he believes happiness is selfcontrolled, and that it can be measured based on the choices made.

“For the most part, I think [happiness] is controlled 75 percent [by choices] and 25 percent [by external things],” Seenivasan said, “You should try your best, and if it works out, [then] it probably leads to happiness.”

Off the cuff Destination Imagination a passion for six MHS students Janie Simonton | Staff Writer

Imagine having an extracurricular activity that you’ve been doing for ten years, that has introduced you to both your best friends and creative problemsolving abilities. And, yet, no one knows what it is.

Welcome to the world of Destination Imagination (DI).

Senior Amanda Matson said she’s been around the activity so long that it’s became an inherent part of her.

“Pretty much no one knows what [DI] is, but I’ve done it forever, so I don’t even know how to explain it,” Matson said. “We just get together and have a good time; we make up skits and we go to compete with them.”

Matson said she is part of Mason High School’s only DI team, the Mason Meatballs, which includes her, seniors Jesse Cherubini, Lindsey Haver, Tyler Philips, Kelsey Owens and junior Jacqueline Gazda, and is coached by Jacqueline’s mother, Lisa Gazda.

Cherubini said that the team is unique in its inclination toward improvised skits.

“Destination Imagination is a place to let your creativity out in the form of a skit,” Cherubini said.

“We do improv, which is what we’re best at. We study elements [of a category] for six months, [and then] we go to competitions.”

Matson said that although the elements are prepared in advance, the team does not know which they will have to incorporate into the skit until right before they perform.

“We research six [elements], and before we [perform], [the judges] roll a die, and they pick which one we have to incorporate,” Matson said.

“During the actual skit, we have five minutes to integrate those [elements] and make up the plot From le ft to rig line.” senior ht: se Jacqueline said that while DI is fit for specific Gazda Kelsey Owensnior Tyler Philip , senio , r Linds senior Ama s, senior Jes photo contrib students, people should still see the benefits nda M ey Hav atson, sie Cherubin uted er. junior i, that can come from it. She also said that less and Jacqu eline less students participate in DI as the years go on.

“When you get older, you start to prioritize, and final product that’s yours.”

[DI is] one of those things that gets cut first; it’s not Cherubini also said that DI has been an for everyone,” Jacqueline said. “It’s one of those things experience that has enhanced his self-awareness. that as [I] get older, …I appreciate more, and I real“I’m myself more at DI than most any other places,” ize more of the benefits than just hanging out with Cherubini said. “It’s definitely somewhere where I can my friends every week. ...People don’t give [DI] the just go, act ridiculous and be okay with that. People chance it deserves.” worry too much about how they’re going to be judged Cherubini said that remaining in the program has for being in an activity like this, but it really doesn’t taught him the significance of doing his own work. matter. It’s just a really fun time, and I’d say it’s better “You want everything to be [created] by [your own than most activities out there. It’s probably the best team],” Cherubini said. “I remember that was a big activity.” problem when I first started. …We fought through the [obstacle of not letting] our parents help, [which is a DI rule]. …Because in the end, you want to have a

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15 inches

FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2011

of fame

A traditional outdoorsman, senior Jacob Denny sports an intimidating beard, consumes a carnivorous diet and has been fishing since the age of two. His outdoorsmanship has landed him 15 inches of fame.

photo by Thom Carter

When did you begin to grow your beard?

“I’ve had it since the eighth grade, [and] I’ve been shaving since then. I’ve been able to grow a full beard since eighth grade. My mother hated it.”

Do you ever use your beard as a tool of intimidation?

“It already intimidates people.”

2011’s Prom planned by seven junior girls, supervisor Joe Hammond Megan McCormack | Staff Writer

What’s your favorite article of clothing?

“Pants. They’re just protective. If you’re out fishing, wearing a pair of pants prevents you from getting hooked in the legs.”

What’s your ideal meal?

“My ideal meal would probably be steak and smoked salmon.”

Do you have any fishing stories?

“This summer, I jumped into a lake and wrestled a fish. It was a grass carp, 130 pounds. I didn’t have a net so I just jumped in on my own.”

Do you have a favorite video game?

“No, I just like a lot. Lately, [I play a lot of] ‘Assasin’s Creed: Brotherhood.’”

Would you prefer spelunking in the world’s deepest caves or climbing the tallest peak?

“I’d rather go climbing. I do not like being trapped.”

What band, past or current, would you love to see live?

“The Zac Brown Band. That’s my favorite.”

What would be your ideal karaoke song? “‘Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya;’ that’s a good one. I don’t even know what band sings that.”

Hamburgers, hot dogs or fish?

“All three.”

-compiled by Thom Carter

[

Details, details, details

[

col·umn inch (n) - an area one column wide by one

inch deep, measuring the type that fills the space

Seven junior girls. The biggest dance of the year: Prom. Upperclassmen will experience it on May 14. The Prom Committee, consisting of juniors Chandler Cornett, Julia Cory, Jamie Ellison, Nadia El-Naggar, Jimena Esparza, Megan Helwagen, and Sarah Kent, makes all decisions concerning Prom, from the theme to the centerpieces, according to junior Sarah Kent.

“We plan everything for Prom,” Kent said. “We pick out a theme. We find the food. We choose the colors, the centerpieces, the background drops, where the pictures are being taken, and the favors… [that] all the students attending prom [will get].”

Supervisor Joe Hammond said he knows how to plan a prom because of his 25 years of experience. “[I’ve been Prom Committee Supervisor for] 25 [years],” Hammond said. “In my initial interview to get hired as teacher here at Mason Schools, they asked me if I would be junior class adviser, and of course I said yes, not knowing what one even does, to only find out at the end of March, my first year, that I had to put on Prom that year…and I’ve been doing it ever since.”

According to Hammond, some decisions the Prom Committee had to make took more time than others.

“Some things take longer than others,” Hammond said. “Some things are easily resolved and some things are ongoing from week to week. ...[When it comes to] decorating, you’re always talking about maybe adding something, changing something [or] deleting something.”

While trying to make these decisions over a long time period, the Prom Committee has had some disagreements about the aspects of Prom, according to Chandler Cornett, in those times, the Prom Committee turns to Hammond for resolutions.

“Normally, Mr. Hammond is one of the big deciding factors [when we make decisions], because he’s done it for so many years; he knows what he’s doing,” Cornett said. “If we can’t agree

on something he’s always there to say, ‘I think this is a better idea,’ …and [his input] ends up solving the issues.”

According to Hammond, this particular committee hasn’t had many disagreements over Prom in the planning process so far.

“This committee has been on the same page the whole time,” Hammond said. “That’s not necessarily the norm, but it does happen every now and then where the girls are like-mind[ed] and likeopinion[ed]. If disagreements occur on a committee, …you [deal with] it democratically.”

The Prom Committee feels a lot of pressure on them to make Prom a memorable experience for the upperclassmen, especially since it’s the last dance for the seniors, according to Cory.

“Prom is one of the highlights of your junior and senior year,” Cory said. “So, not only are we trying to make Prom good for the juniors, but we’re also trying to make it great for the seniors. … Hammond worded it as…‘our gift to the seniors.’ So, we want to make [Prom] good for the seniors’ last impression of high school.”

Junior Jamie Ellison said that she’s excited for Prom because she will know what it will look like before everyone else.

“You normally walk in[to] [Prom] and it’s a surprise,” Ellison said. “But, we know what it’s going to look like and we have input. …So, we make it to our standards and what we think everyone else will like.”

Cory said that it’s nice to have the dance in her hands and to be in control of her junior prom.

“I’m really excited [that Prom is] in my hands,” Cory said. “I get to pick a Prom that I think…people will like. I just like being in control.”

According to Cornett, she likes that her input will be remembered by her peers for years to come.

“It’s cool to know that my input is going to be something that people are going to remember for the rest of their lives,” Cornett said. photos by Megan McCormack

From top: supervisor Joe Hammond, juniors Chandler Cornett, Julia Cory, Jamie Ellison, Nadia El-Naggar, Jimena Esparza, Megan Helwagen, Sarah Kent.

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