Volume CXIII, Issue 11 Tues., April 9, 2019 The student news publication of Walnut Hills High School
pg. 2 NEWS - Getting to know your Student Congress candidates for next school year
pg. 4-5 STYLE & CULTURE AND OPINIONS- A look into political tolerance at WHHS
pg. 6 SPORTS- Spring sports players preview what is coming for their teams in the new season
Eagle Buddies introduced at WHHS CAROLINE HORVATH/ CHATTERBOX
From left to right: Ava Gerwe, ‘23, Aidyn Kinney, ‘23, Riley Meininger, ‘21, Joschka Yang Vom Hofe, ‘21 and SENIOR Jasmyne Thomas play a game of Dungeons and Dragons during the weekly tabletop games club meeting. The club draws in a wide variety of grade levels from seventh to twelth, just as the Eagle Buddies program plans to do. Jayma George and Kathy Noland are two faculty members in charge of the new Eagle Buddies program. George and Noland held a meeting on March 19 with the SENIORS and juniors who volunteered to be a part of the the test group of mentors.
Heaven Onley, ‘19 Most teachers and parents would agree that junior high can be a difficult time for a lot of students. The brain is constantly developing, which makes social, personal and academic transitions challenging. Studies show that dealing with these challenges during this critical time can lead to disengagement and a higher dropout rate during the transition to high school. According to Education Week, between 60-70% of U.S. students become chronically disengaged from school during seventh or eighth grade. Most importantly, the biggest predictor of on-time graduation
is if a student is on track during his or her years in middle school. That’s why, with the leadership of teachers and upperclassmen, WHHS is testing a new program called Eagle Buddies. The initiative is a mentorship program between upperclassmen and junior high students; the plan is for each junior high student who wants an upperclassman mentor to option for it at the beginning of the school year, and the counselors will work with the upperclassmen to align the mentor’s and mentee’s study hall together. Girls Who Code club worked with students and administration to help make the pairing efficient and easy.
CAROLINE HORVATH/ CHATTERBOX
From left to right: Megan Graeler, ‘21, Lincoln Messerly, ‘21 and Sofia Moliterno, ‘23, play a card game after school as a part of the tabletop game club. Just like the unique mixing of grades in the tabletop game club, students involved in the Eagle Buddies program will be paired with someone from another grade level who will help them with their academic and social life.
The program is starting as a pilot in the fourth quarter to help underclassmen end the school year strong and do well on exams. If the program is successful, the advisers will roll out a full program for the entire 2019-2020 school year. The program was made possible through the collaboration of upperclassmen students and administration. One of these students was SENIOR Zuri Williams. Williams worked with Jayma George, Kathy Noland, Joe Stewart and Ashley Thomas-Morgan to help initiate the relationship between upperclassmen and junior high students. She met with a group of seventh graders and asked what they wanted to see from the upperclassmen, and then met with upperclassmen who wanted to create change, and all together they came up with the Eagle Buddies program idea. “It wasn’t that important to me until I talked with the seventh and eighth graders and saw how important this was to them and how much they felt they were struggling and didn’t have anyone to turn to. They were honestly scared of the [upperclassmen] and said they had no relationship with us,” Williams said. Their mission statement states, “Eagle Buddies is a mentoring program at Walnut Hills High School with the goal of helping underclassmen (7th and 8th graders) get acclimated to the school. It was created by upperclassmen
CURTIS JOHNSON/CHATTERBOX
WHHS upperclassmen attend the first meeting for the Eagles Buddies program, which will have an initial test run this school year before a possible broader implementation in 2019-2020. Upperclassmen were able to sign up via a form on schoology, and many responded with the desire to give back to the WHHS community.
who understand how stressful the demands of Walnut Hills can be. The goal is to make younger students feel welcomed and provide a sense of belonging and companionship in our big school.” Williams says her hopes for the program are to see improvement in school work and grades for the underclassmen, but also for them to learn how to balance sports, social lives and academics. The purpose of peer mentoring is not only to mentor, but also become friends with the mentee to ensure a more comfortable experience during their time at WHHS. A true mentor is a friend, coach, supporter and role model.
A positive peer mentoring relationship can have strong effects on the mentee’s mental health. Since there isn’t a big age gap between the mentees and mentors, mentees might feel more comfortable explaining issues and concerns to their mentor. It helps them receive more support and and resources through times of struggle. Those invested in the program, including many upperclassmen and teachers, believe it could be a major step forward for the school. The goal is ultimately to help younger students transition to WHHS and have more successful academic careers.
NEWS
APRIL 9, 2019
PAGE 2
WHHSCBOX.COM
SECTION EDITOR: DREW BROWN
CINCINNATI, OHIO
A Moment with the Candidates Student Congress Elections Start April 8 Polls close at Midnight on Sunday, April 14
Congress Presidential Candidate
Class of 2020
Presidential Candidate
Class of 2021
Presidential Candidate
Emmanuel Gebremeskel
Alma Russell
Yousuf Munir
“My main goal is to make sure that the opinions of the student body are represented in any decisions made by administration and to increase student involvement.“
“I want to incorporate the ideas and opinions of the students in order to really connect Student Congress with the class of 2020. I am planning on tying in more aspects of social media to make sharing viewpoints easier and also to more readily inform students of what is happening in our congress meetings!”
“Next year one of my main goals is to make sure that we have more service projects for the junior class that will make our Walnut community stronger. One of the things I want to do is more things like canned food drives, clothes drives more things that... make student congress’s impact on the overall community much better.”
Congress Vice Presidential Candidate Shiv Malhotra
Class of 2022
Presidential Candidate
Melanie Mitchell “I would continue with the tradition of spring fling, and implement community services at Walnut and a tailgate for games.”
Congress Vice Presidential Candidate
Esme Wright
ZACH BAHRI/CHATTERBOX
ZACH BAHRI/CHATTERBOX
“Since the largest role of the Student Congress Vice President’s office is the planning and executions of pep rallies, my main goal would be to incorporate more input from the Walnut student body on what they want during pep rallies... I was part of The Chatterbox from grades 8-10 and will continue it next year.”
“Next year I am going to emphasize getting a say from the student body in a lot of the decisions that Student Congress makes. It will be a goal of mine to keep students informed... I will also do my best to work with the other congress members and all of the classes in order to accomplish what is best for Walnut.”
Class of 2023 Presidential Candidates Class of 2024 Presidential Candidates
Louis Ke “My main goal would be to help reduce stress for the incoming freshmen since we only have a few outside events. I plan to have even more of these--even simple things like movie night after school.”
Thomas Maggart
Logan Symson
Audrey Boyne
“My main goal is to do something about mental health on schoology or something, where there’s more groups and where the groups that there [are], the word is all around. If somebody has an issue, they always have somebody that they can come out and speak to. I would talk to clubs like the mental health club and therapists and make sure all their dates are somewhere in schoology.”
“I would work to make the eighth graders to be heard more and have more privileges, and have more activities and less stress and try to include people more. I would try to have stuff that can help prevent stress and make people have more ways to communicate with each other and have help with homework and stuff like that.”
“I’d love to try to get to work with the student body more and get what their input is on stuff like school dances, what they would want to have, like music to be played and stuff like that, just to make it feel like more of what they want to do instead of what the school is saying.”
ALL PHOTOS ZACH BAHRI, CONRAD KLEINER, REHME LEANZA/CHATERBOX
WHHSCBOX.COM
FEATURES
CINCINNATI, OHIO
APRIL 9, 2019
SECTION EDITOR: DREW BROWN
Veni, vidi, vici
PAGE 3
Intermediate 3nd in state
Novice 2nd in state
Advanced 1st in state
Certamen (classics quiz team)
Banner Design Silver medal Graphic Arts Textiles, mixed media, models, metalworking, mosaics, map drawing
OJCL WHHS awards John Pablo Reed, ‘22 Sight reading: Best in Show
Placed top 10
Creative Arts Latin recitation and sight reading
Academic tests Derivatives, grammar, literature, mythology, pentathlon, reading comprehension, roman history, roman life, vocabulary
ABIGAIL JAY /CHATTERBOX
PHOTO COURTESY OF TARA LIGON
The WHHS Junior Classical League members who attended the convention pose with their awards on the final day of the convention. This convention is the only state-wide event that the WHHS JCL attends during the school year. Abigail Jay, ‘21
On March 8-10, the WHHS Junior Classical League (JCL) spent their weekend dressed as Ancient Romans, togas and all, in Columbus, Ohio. Thirteen members of the WHHS JCL, ranging from seventh graders to juniors, traveled to the Ohio Junior Classical League convention at the Crowne Plaza Columbus. “Every school that teaches
Latin in the state goes, and we compete in a whole bunch of events, but not all are Latin based,” Leah Dah, ‘22, said. The convention is made up of a series of Classics themed events, not simply translating Latin all weekend, from Certamen, which is a Classics version of Academic Quiz Team, to lectures given on topics such as Roman government. The team, along with club
advisers Tara Ligon, Michelle Martinez and Nick Lander, all WHHS Latin teachers, spent months preparing for the convention at their weekly meetings, practicing tasks such as textile creation and Latin reading comprehension. All this preparation paid off when the WHHS students dominated the competition, earning the titles of first overall per capita and first academic per capita for the first time in school history, blowing
the second place team out of the water by a margin of 15 points. “We have a couple of very good students on our team, such as Alan Zhang, and I feel that they were integral to our success,” Otto Kindel, ‘20, said. This was the first JCL conference for many of the team members. “It was cool to be with people who have the same appreciation of Latin as you,” Chloe Goodman, ‘23, said. “It takes a special kind of person to be this into Latin and Classics… and it’s fun to geek out about Latin and Roman culture and Greek mythology,” Pablo Reed, ‘22, said. The team participated in a variety of events, from jewelry making to a Classics pentathlon. They placed in many categories,
Stepping up their game
The past, present and future of the WHHS step team
REHME LEANZA/CHATTERBOX
The WHHS step team performed at both the junior high and high school winter pep rallies this year. Over twenty students from all grades participate in step, which partners with Black Culture Club.
Chyna Smith, ‘22 Stepping is a synchronized dance performance that mixes African Folk traditions with popular culture. It involves dramatic movements such as clapping, body slapping and vocalizations. Many scholars claim that hand clap-
ping and foot stomping movements originated from West Africa. This practice then made its way to the United States in the mid 19th century, possibly as a response to slave holders outlawing drums during slavery. Stepping took on a new form in African American sororities and fraternities in the mid 20th century.
winning medals and trophies in such an abundance of categories that there is no longer anymore room in Ligon’s room, where all the awards from previous years competitions have been stored. “The Classics team needs their own trophy case, I don’t have any place to put this year’s awards,” Ligon said. Outside of the competitions, other events are organized for the students to attend, such as classes that teach skills like weaving and academic panels on topics such as archaeology. In addition, on the last night of the convention there is a toga banquet. “We all used bed sheets to make togas to wear to the dinner, where everyone ate and danced. It was a lot of fun,” Dah said.
As for stepping today, it can be found in colleges, community organizations and our very own school. SENIOR Jamila Pitts shared how she got to be the current captain of the WHHS step team. “The people who were casting... saw the hard work I put in and they saw that and eventually I was their choice.”
Being the leader of the step team can be very hard work. Regarding the commitment, she said, “I am very passionate about stepping and I think it’s a very fun thing to do. Plus I had the right leadership qualities and I was good at organizing.” Naajay Moss, ‘23, auditioned for step because “When I saw it last year, I was like, ‘oh that looks cool,’ and I wanted to be a part of it and then when I auditioned I got in.” She said, “It’s just another way for me to show my culture.” Arielle Conner, ’21, also chimed in, saying, “I auditioned for step because I previously did step as a child and I really like dancing but I didn’t have a passion towards dance so I glided to step and it really encouraged me”. When asked about the intensity of step, Conner said, “ It’s not really intense but for most of the performances it kind of is because you’re really pressured to do your best.” She also shared what she believed is the hardest thing about step. “For me, the hardest thing about step is facial expressions and energy throughout the whole performance...there’s a difference between doing the step and performing,” she said. “Just like giving and putting your energy throughout the whole show [is important].” Pitts adds that step has helped her in her other extracurriculars at WHHS. “I joined step team the year before joining marching band, and they both require coordination, so they come hand in hand,” she said.
STYLE & CULTURE AND OPINIONS
APRIL 9, 2019
APRIL 9, 2019
PAGE 5
SECTION EDITORS: DELANEY OWENS AND ISABEL NISSLEY
PAGE 4
Perspectives on the political climate
Creating a culture of Isabel Nissley, ‘20 Delaney Owens, ‘21
ISABEL NISSLEY/ CHATTERBOX
“I feel that WHHS needs to be able to hear unpopular opinions and respect them as someone else’s opinion. Just because the opinion disagrees with yours, the opinion is not automatically false or wrong.” -Dhruv Rungta, ‘20
ISABEL NISSLEY/ CHATTERBOX
“There’s a lot of polarity. We don’t really hear much from what would be in the middle, like moderates are kind of silent.” -Ella Knellinger, ‘21
Arranged in six rows containing five desks each, WHHS students face their teacher, some engaged in the lecture while others fight off sleep. The classroom is quiet until the teacher asks a question. Eventually the floor is opened for discussion, and politics inevitably enter into the conversation. Different versions of similar opinions fly around the room, rousing nods and smiles. Then, someone interjects with a divergent, controversial thought. Previously drooping heads swivel to gape at the now heated debate that is happening before their eyes. It seems someone has taken a red marker and drawn a thick line down the center of the classroom; old allies turn into enemies. As the debate escalates, one can see the sides of the battle are not equal. The more homogeneous, popular idea is gaining steam, fast, and with each new supporter their battle cry gets louder. They corner the supporters of the different, less popular idea and confront them with their power in numbers. It seems the popular side is surely going to win, closing in on the opponents fast. But then the bell rings, and both sides retreat. The tension dispels quickly, and the students return to normal life as they pour into the halls.
“At Walnut I think there is definitely a majority of one opinion over the other opinion and supporters of a specific [one] aren’t very welcome.” - Olivia Wilke, ‘21
Sitting in that unnoticeably yellow classroom, within these somewhat more noticeably yellow hallways, under this blindingly noticeable yellow sun, WHHS students are learning. Each day they open their mind to new ideas, whether it be a different theorem in math, a strange law in science or an out-of-the-ordinary rhetorical strategy in English. Students consider new ideas,
size and resulting diversity that the United States boasts, not every person has the same set of views. Despite this, these same “individual rights” allow people with different beliefs to express them and be respectful of others. This, too, is political tolerance. Because of this, many, including researches at Vanderbilt University, have labeled political tolerance as a “fundamental principle of democracy,”, but those researchers say it has been on the decline in the
po·lit·i·cal tol·er·ance
ISABEL NISSLEY/ CHATTERBOX
“I’d say the vast majority of people here at Walnut hold a fairly standard Democratic point of view... It’s at the heart of human nature, we pick what we believe and we stick with it.” - Gibson O’Malley Kirsch, ‘20
Unite d States since the early 2000s.
What factors impact WHHS’ political discourse?
“Politics are too important to be intensely divisive... There’s a lot to learn by opening up your mind to other views. I have personally experienced this, and I find that it has led me to a better understanding of my views and sometimes a shift in my views.” What is politiSENIOR Tad Ehlers cal tolerance?
REHME LEANZA/ CHATTERBOX
even if they do not agree with them; they are tolerant. Political tolerance, just like other forms of tolerance, involves the respecting of ideas that differ from one’s own. Political tolerance, according to a 2001 study published by the Educational Resources Information Center, is “the willingness to extend basic rights and civil liberties to persons and groups whose viewpoints differ from one’s own.” Applied in the United States, it can be seen in the concept that the majority party is in control of the White House, yet under their regime, minority party members’ rights are still protected. However, political tolerance does not always manifest itself on such a large scale. Under the Constitution, each American possesses certain “individual rights,” which entitle them to their own opinions and beliefs. Of course, due to the
political tolerance
WHHS is a magnet, drawing students from every urban neighborhood in Cincinnati, as well as students from outside the school district. The diversity of the student body is one of the school’s most celebrated traits. When universities and institutions tout diversity statistics, they aim to present themselves as accepting communities where new ideas lead to progress. In this way, diversity is an attractive idea. WHHS embraces students of different cultures, socioeconomic standings, religions, races, genders and sexualities. In addition to these, and arguably because of them, WHHS is also diverse politically. The location of WHHS in a major city in a swing state also affects its political discourse. A 2019 study by The Atlantic
“a willingness to permit the expression of ideas or interests one opposes,”
according to Political Tolerance and American Democracy
measured the political prejudice of every county in America. Hamilton County falls in most prejudiced category, “more prejudiced” against the political “other” than 81 percent of counties. It is in most prejudiced category against both Republicans and Democrats. The study attributes this polarization, seen in many large cities, to the lack of interaction between parties: “As politics have become more about identity than policy, partisan leanings have become more about how we grew up and where we feel like we belong.” For example, the report found that the most prejudiced community was Boston, where nine in 10 married couples share political beliefs and eight in 10 neighborhoods had a common political party. The least prejudiced places were not necessarily the most politically diverse areas, but the areas where people of different parties are more likely to live and work together. The political culture of WHHS may also be shaped by the broader generational trend of young people toward political action. Research shows that the internet has raised a politically-aware generation. A study conducted by The
Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs found that American teens between age 13 and 17 who use Twitter and Instagram are more likely to participate in a protest and share political beliefs online than those who do not use the platforms. Adolescent development, a period now believed to extend into a person’s late twenties, also contributes to the social and political trends seen in young adults. According to Ronald Dahl, Director of the Institute of Human Development at the University of California, Berkeley, the development of an adolescent’s identity starts to rely less on parental influence and more on peer acceptance. Cognitive developments can lead to both egocentrism and self-consciousness. While adolescent development is still a relatively new field, it is important to consider the age group of WHHS students and the newness of their social identities. When students argue about politics, they are forging their identities as their brains seek a sense of both individuality and belonging in a group.
Do we need political tolerance? Many wonder if political tolerance has limits, or if it is even necessary. Where is the line between being tolerant and being complicit? “Political intolerance is not the issue,” Mimi Montefiore, ‘21, said, “The people who feel like it is are politicizing others’ existence and pretending that getting called out for being racist, homophobic and/or xenophobic is somehow an attack on their politics. It’s not, it’s telling them that they can’t be rude and not expect to get some social backlash.” This presents an important distinction; political tolerance does require respect and civil discourse, but it does not require agreement.
People struggle with protecting others’ rights to disagree with them. “Tolerance of [an] individual versus tolerance of political parties is an extreme variation,” an anonymous student said. “One questions the personal morality of a single student, while the other is near meaningless and forces individuals to be intolerant of the other group.” Additionally, there are some who do not feel that political intolerance is present at WHHS. Not every student interacts with politics, and some report that they simply have not experienced a problem.
How do we build a healthy political climate at WHHS? Ultimately, the definition of a healthy political climate is a matter of opinion. Assuming that the goal is constructive political discussion, how can it be achieved? According to Patricia Avery, author of “Developing Political Tolerance,” classroom discussion can have a lasting impact: “It appears that when students see that their teachers are interested in multiple perspectives, when they feel their own ideas are respected, and when they regularly listen to different viewpoints, they are more tolerant of diverse beliefs.” Teachers are not the only people who can work towards creating a culture of political tolerance. Students can also spark this change within their own classrooms. They can embrace political passion from their peers, while simultaneously expecting civility and a respectful environment. “I believe political tolerance is one of the only ways we can create a healthy environment,” James Montelisciani, ‘21, said, “Not accepting others’ views doesn’t equate to progress.” In a way, the political engagement of WHHS students points toward a bright and politically aware future in America. However, this political activism will not lead to progress if we do not also cultivate a respect for discussion.
Democrat 29%
Independent 19% Unsure 24%
according to AP-NORC
Gavin Kursman, ‘20
As a school, as a community and as a nation, we must do more to protect free speech. Our nation is divided by an ideological chasm, each of us identified as Republican or Democrat, conservative or liberal, traditional or progressive, left or right. The middle ground has collapsed into the abyss. Those who do not align with one side - the popular choice of their personal network, are shunned by friends and even family. We increasingly allow these labels to dictate who we interact with, what we listen to, what we read and how we act. Labels can not and should not be allowed to wield such power. Can we all agree that someone should never fear the reper-
“Can we all agree that someone should never fear the repercussions of voicing their beliefs? Isn’t free speech the foundation of individualism and true democracy?” cussions of voicing their beliefs? Isn’t free speech the foundation of individualism and true democracy? In a country where our Constitution and First Amendment protect the open discussion of ideas and thoughts, you might think there is nothing to fear. However, the intolerance of differing opinions has led to harassment, exclusion and violence--all of which define persecution. One should never be persecuted for sharing their beliefs, no matter how much you, I or anyone else may disagree
“There is a reason why freedom of speech is protected in the First Amendment of the Constitution: diversity of thought is the key to the progression of society.” with them. There is a reason why freedom of speech is protected in the First Amendment of the Constitution: diversity of thought is the key to the progression of society. The suppression of opposing thought is regressive and defines fascism. By listening to those with differing viewpoints and new ideas, even those counter to our own, we gain a greater understanding of complex issues, challenge and strengthen our own convictions, seek compromise and enhance the quality of life within our communities. It is only through diversity of ideology that we continue to progress as a nation and conquer the impossible.
The political identity of teens Republican 23%
Opinion: Political tolerance at WHHS
2/3 of Americans said they would not be willing to extend free speech to groups “whose ideas they find deplorable,” according to Education Resources Information Center digests.
All views shared in the Opinions section of The Chatterbox belong to their respective authors, and may not represent the views of the publication as a whole.
INFOGRAPHICS AND ILLUSTRATION DELANEY OWENS/ CHATTERBOX FACE ICONS COURTESY OF ADRIEN COQUET/THE NOUN PROJECT
SPORTS
APRIL 9, 2019
WHHSCBOX.COM
SECTION EDITOR: RYLEIGH SANBORN
PAGE 6
CINCINNATI, OHIO
A spotlight on spring sports
ALONNA JOHNSON / CHATTERBOX
SENIORS Bengy Mitchell and Andrew Van Landuyt and Georgia Goering, ‘20, and Anijah Triggs, ‘20, all look ahead to achieving their individual and team goals for their upcoming spring seasons. Alonna Johnson, ‘20 As the snow and the freezing temperatures start to fade, the beginning of spring sports open the final athletic season for the 2018-2019 school year. This year’s list of spring sports includes baseball, softball, boys and girls lacrosse, boys tennis, boys and girls track and field and boys volleyball. Baseball began their season with a game against Madeira on March 16. Last season, they finished fourth in the conference with a majority win season. This season, with consistent practice and improving skill, the baseball team believes they can surely win their conference. New changes come with the new season of softball as Jayma George recently became the coach of the team. George will be the coach to lead Evelyn Merritt, ‘20, and her fellow teammates to a winning season the team wants to have. Merritt is excited for her fifth year playing softball for WHHS and believes this is the year for victory. “We have a new coach and we have new equipment,” Merritt said in explaining why this season will be different. In the 2017-2018 season, the team placed seventh in the conference. The WHHS boys lacrosse team is ready to make a name for themselves, a name that the Nuthouse will remember in the future and that will leave a legacy for
the seniors who are graduating. In the 2017-2018 season, the boys lacrosse team finished in the middle of the conference. But this year, the chance of winning the conference is magnified. With varsity practicing six times per week going up to two hours and a senior-led team with years of experience, the fight for a conference win is achievable. Starting off the season with a win on the first game on March 15, the team plans to continue the winning streak all the way to the ECC championship. With it being SENIOR Andrew Van Landuyt’s fifth and final year playing for WHHS, his goal is “to win our first playoff game and have a winning season.” “We’re going to be good this year,” Charlie Steward, ‘20, said. The WHHS girls lacrosse team begins its seventh season this year as one of the newest sports here at WHHS. Last season, the girls did not do as well as in previous years. Captain Georgia Goering, ‘20, wants to reassure the Nuthouse that they will be back to winning this year. “I would like to have a winning season, so if that [is] one game over half or ten, I would be happy because with such a young team it’s hard to teach the game and still excel [at] a position,” Goering said. Last year, the girls varsity lacrosse team placed fifth overall in their conference. There are plenty of things that the team wants to do differ-
ently this year. Ally Standley, ‘20, says that the team is going back to the fundamentals. “Our team is putting a huge focus on basic skills because those are skills that are overlooked but mean the most in the game,” Standley said. But it is not just the skills that need to be built upon but also the sisterhood of the team. “When you have a good relationship off the field, you have an even better relationship on the field because you know each other, you know what each player is going to do and that way you can play effectively and efficiently. We’re just trying to hammer in the fact that we need to be friends off and on the field,” Standley said. The boys tennis team wants to strive for WHHS greatness. In the 2017-2018, the team had a solid season with the boys placing fourth in the conference. SENIOR Bengy Mitchell has been on the team for four years. Mitchell has a plan for his final year of playing WHHS tennis. “We have a bigger team this year so we are taking the time to get to know each other. Also people are going to be a little bit more flex-
tatesupply.com
ible about what they play [singles, doubles] and doing whatever is best for the team. I think that’s what is going to help us win more matches, an established coherent strategy,” Mitchell said. Regarding goals for the team, Mitchell said, “I want to win the Eastern Cincinnati Conference. We’ve gotten pretty close the past couple years. We got second two years ago and we got fourth last year. So we’ve always been in the top half. And this year I hope that we can win or at least perform really well,” M i t c h ell said. Track and field is one of the most award winning sports that WHHS has during the spring. With more than 10 members placing in the top 10 in track, runners placing first or second for three out of four relays and three members in top 10 for field, the chances of the boys team receiving as many or more awards than the last season is surely possible. The girls also had a successful conference as they placed six times in the top 10 in track, placed in the top half in the relays and had two members place in the top 10 for field. Even though they have
“Our team is putting a huge focus on basic skills because those are skills that are overlooked but mean the most in the game.” -Ally Standley, ‘20
859-727-1212
awards and recognition coming from last season, both teams still have to practice harder than before. Anijah Triggs, ‘20, sprinter and hurdler on the girls team, said, “We’re practicing harder than before.” Boys volleyball begins its third season at WHHS coming from a previous majority win season in 20172018. Boys volleyball began its start in spring 2017 and has been pushing for as many wins as possible. With playing a sport, a grand turnout always make the game more enjoyable. Out of all the sports seasons at WHHS, spring has a lower attendance rate than fall and winter. Lacrosse players would “like to see more fans, it’s an underappreciated sport, mostly because it’s new at Walnut and new in general. I’d still like to see people care because it’s a very fun game,” Van Landuyt said. “I hope they realize that we also have had a lot of accomplishments and that we have made a lot of progress as a team,” Mitchell said about the tennis team. Students and faculty are able to see baseball games at Roselawn Park, softball at Owl Nest Park, boys lacrosse at Marx Stadium, girls lacrosse down on the south field, Boys Tennis at WHHS tennis courts, Track and Field at Marx Stadium and volleyball in the High School Gym. A more detailed schedule for each team can be found on the Eastern Cincinnati Conference website.
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FINE ARTS
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APRIL 9, 2019
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SECTION EDITOR: AMIAH HEARD
CINCINNATI, OHIO
Medea addressing a current issue with a thousand-year-old script befitting profession for women,” Bettina Ernst, ‘20, the Assistant Director of the show, said. Medea, a sorceress and a mother of two who has been abandoned by her husband, Jason, and seeks revenge. The casting decision helps change the powerful message. “This story is about… a complex female character, subjected to the patriarchal systems in place during the time period, especially in terms of women’s relationships with their husbands,” Ernst said. “We believe it’s really important to tell this story using women’s voices.” Other stylistic choices include minimal set pieces, and the addition of the famous Greek theater masks. “The set is painted black, in order to really showcase the actors,” Ernst said. “The costumes are traditional Greek costumes, and we are incorporating traditional masks for all characters except Medea and her family. Using this style against the stark black background will really demonstrate the brilliant performances of the actors.” Of course, adapting a thousand year old play in order for it to remain fresh has its challenges. “The main challenge was demonstrating that the heightened and more presentational style is purposeful and specific,” Ernst said. “We addressed this by...
making sure that both through movement and vocal patterns,
ly used throughout the play.” Medea is a tale of deceit, revenge and family, involving characters from the story of Jason and the Argonauts, that is definitely worth seeing. “The script was translated by a poet who created beautiful and poetic dialogue that will be beautifully spoken by our actors,” Ernst said. “[Audiences] should come to see the wonderful performances by our talented...actors in a style of acting that is not seen often.” Medea will be performed on April 27 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm, and on April 28 at 2:00 pm in the Black Box theater. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students.
“This story is about… a complex female character, subjected to the patriarchal systems in place during the time period, especially in terms of women’s relationships with their husbands.” - Bettina Ernst, ‘20
This April, the WHHS theatre program invites you to travel back to Ancient Greece, the age of the epics, to witness an updated version of a classic tale, Euripides’s Medea. The production will be differ-
ent from many of the other shows that WHHS has done in the past because the cast of this show is all female. “Traditionally classical Greek theatre pieces, such as Medea, would be performed by a cast of all male actors, in part because acting was seen as an un-
PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKKI SCHAFFNER
Medea (Grace Fulton, ‘20, pictured in the center) and her family are the only characters in the production who do not wear traditional masks. This choice emphasizes the performance of the actors, as they will stand out to the audience.
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Owen Cummings ‘22
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PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKKI SCHAFFNER
Grace Kelly Fulton, ‘20, portrays the titular character Medea in the upcoming production. The show breaks the ancient tradition of having an all male cast by replacing it with a cast full of women.
the more e xtended and direct style is consistent-
ARCADE
APRIL 9, 2019
PAGE 8
Perspectives
SECTION EDITOR: RYAN HILL
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CINCINNATI, OHIO
Who is your favorite cartoon character?
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“Goku is my favorite cartoon character because he was on Dragon Ball Z and that’s one of my favorite shows.” - Isaiah Williams, ‘22
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“My favorite cartoon character is Bugs Bunny because he was in Space Jam.” - Nico Weller, ‘22
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“My favorite cartoon character is Patrick Star.” - Melanie Mitchell, ‘22
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“I would have to say SpongeBob SquarePants is my favorite cartoon character.” - Isabel Schemmel, ‘23
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