Volume CXIV, Issue #5
The student news publication of Walnut Hills High School
Tuesday November 26, 2018
ABIGAIL JAY / CHATTERBOX
Aidan Brogan, ‘24, is ready for the release of his first movie Dark Waters on Nov. 22. Through the process, Brogan was able to grow as an actor and start a resume that he hopes will expand tremendously.
Brogan on his debut in Dark Waters Kaylee Robbins, ‘24 WHHS is known for its academic excellence pushing a multitude of its students into the spotlight. Whether it’s for sports, school or theatre, each year many students work to achieve their dreams. For Aidan Brogan, ‘24, hard work and perseverance, mixed in with a little bit of luck, took
to the set before the main actor, testing the visuals and making sure the setting was right for them. Brogan recently heard from his casting agency asking if he would be interested in going for a role in the newly released film, Dark Waters. He said yes. Dark Waters is based on a true story that takes place in Parkersburg, West Virginia and Cincinnati. It’s about an attorney who uncovers the dark truth behind an international company whose chemicals are causing numerous deaths. In the movie, Brogan portrays Teddy, the son of the main characters, played by Anne Hathaway and Mark Ruffalo. Brogan said one of his favorite parts about filming was getting to meet and work closely with the two very successful actors. Naturally, Brogan was nervous working with the actors.
“No one is treating me differently that I notice. That is good because I am just my same self.” - Aidan Brogan, ‘24 him straight to the top to become one of the many profound students that walk these halls. Brogan has been acting for five years and is now able to say that the time and effort he put into memorizing lines and going to auditions has finally paid off. Two years ago, Brogan went to an audition for a movie that he was cast as a stand-in. A stand-in goes
“Don’t psych yourself out and be confident, be yourself,” Brogan said. Brogan feels lucky that he had the opportunity to work on a set with real, experienced actors and would not trade the experience for anything. Though filming was a blast for Brogan, it took place during the school year. Balance was often a tough aspect of the process considering the heavy workload of WHHS, but Brogan had help. “It was difficult but we had an onset tutor. So we [actors in school] would have to do three hours of work before going back on set.” Along with the onset rules, Brogan was able to maintain the grades to stay at WHHS while being successful in his growing career as an actor because of his many considerate and flexible teachers. “[My teachers] were understanding when I missed school and were supportive,” Brogan said. Going through the whole process and enjoying the people working around him, Brogan realized why he loves acting and he is deter-
mined to find another role to grow his career. For the moment, Brogan is taking a break from big picture movies to act in the WHHS one act festival. Along with acting, Brogan started swimming
for the WHHS junior high team. If you are interested in seeing his film, Dark Waters came out on Nov. 22 and is being shown in various movie theatres around the country.
NAME NAME/CHATTERBOX
PHOTO COURTESY OF AIDAN BROGAN
Aidan Brogan, ‘24, plays the son of actor Mark Ruffalo in Dark Waters. Through the process, Brogan was able to spend time and learn from Ruffalo as a fellow actor.
FEATURES
NOVEMBER 26, 2019
WHHSCBOX.COM
SECTION EDITOR: SHIV MALHOTRA
PAGE 2
CINCINNATI, OHIO
WHHS takes on Red River Gorge
PHOTO COURTESY OF JACK KNELLINGER
Students and advisers alike enjoy survival-style cuisine as they set up camp for the night. While on the trip, backpackers slept in hammocks, tents and sleeping bags.
PHOTO COURTESY OF HARRY BRANDICOURT
Backpacker Jack Knellinger, ‘21, sets down his bag in order to better explore the cliffs of Red River Gorge. Many students took part in climbing the rocky terrain that they encountered on the trip, often tossing aside their gloves to get a better grip, despite the cold. Mesgana Mekibib, ‘20 Recently, the WHHS Backpacking Club, led by club adviser Alexandra Mondini and club president Isaac Ludke, went on a trip to Red River Gorge. Backpacking club is meant for students with a passion for nature and adventure to experience backpacking together, during the various trips planned all throughout the year. Backpacking is a low-cost form of independent travel, and it has become popular over the years. The venture involves people carrying everything that
involving spending the entirety of a trip outdoors, focusing on nature itself opened members of the club’s eyes to what is around them. “Red River Gorge is a simply beautiful place. On this past trip, we spent a few minutes at Gray’s Arch, which is this massive rock archway that towers over the forest. It is next to a very tall cliff, and the whole thing was amazing,” Owen Hipskind, ‘21, said. By taking in nature as a whole through this type of travel, a person may end up learning a lot about themselves and their fellow travellers during their jour-
“Hiking has good physical effects for exercise, and being around a group of close friends while you do it makes it wildly fun,” - Owen Hipskind, ‘21 they would need on the trip, such as a water purifier, sleeping bag, hammock and matches, in a backpack as they go through the wilderness, experiencing the “real destination” instead of one marked by tourist attractions. The trekkers enjoyed themselves as they explored Red River Gorge. Henry Hattemer, ‘21, said that his favorite part of the trip was “the scenery and the climbing opportunities.” The idea
ney. Hipskind said that while he already had strong bonds with his fellow club members, “the trip only strengthened them.” Despite the breathtaking scenery and bonding potential, there are also pitfalls that come with taking on this type of travel during the fall season. The temperature was below freezing, so the importance of necessary supplies was key and is a major deterrent to students who may have other-
wise been interested in the trip. Hipskind said that “most of us on the trip slept in hammocks, and sleeping bags and ground pads did not do much to deter the cold.” However, in order to maintain good health, getting some sort of physical activity is essential, especially since society as a whole is getting more sedentary. Many people recommend that getting exercise is more fun and worthwhile when you don’t do it alone, and it is no different when it comes to the Backpacking Club. “Hiking has good physical effects for exercise, and being around a group of close friends while you do it makes it wildly fun,” Hipskind said. Due to this, the benefits of backpacking can greatly outweigh the negative aspects. In fact, Hattemer said that his least favorite part was “the brevity of the trip.” Despite the costs and low temperature, the trekkers wished they could have spent more time in the wilderness. From amazing scenery to closer bonds, the Red River Gorge trip was an overall success, and there are many trips like these the club has planned in the future. If you want to learn more about the WHHS Backpacking Club itself, you can go to room 2704 for more information.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CLAYTON BICKEL
Sarah Ogrin and Caroline Yaeger, ‘21, smile while roasting marshmallows and trading stories around the fire. With temperatures below freezing, campfires were vital in order for the trekkers to enjoy the trip.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JACK KNELLINGER
Reid Flessa, ‘21, admires the view from the top of the cliff at Red River Gorge. Despite low temperatures, the weather allowed for beautiful views, making the trek through the forest and cliffs worth it.
The Chatterbox Policy Statement The Chatterbox has been guaranteed the right of freedom of the press through the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. The administration of Walnut Hills High School is thus bound to support and protect the Chatterbox’s inalienable rights as a free press. As an integral part of the Walnut Hills High School community, the Chatterbox has the responsibility to report in the most comprehensive and objective manner possible. Students,
parents, faculty, and administrators are encouraged to use this publication as a forum to express any ideas or concerns, whether they be personal or of local, national, or international scope. Journalists are required to work under established guidelines. Invasion of privacy as a means of news gathering is prohibited. Articles found to be discriminatory, libelous, or unnecessarily obscene (as determined by the editors or the advisor) will not be published. Finally, journalists are granted the right to keep private the name of
a source from whom they received information with the understanding that the source was to remain anonymous. The role of the newspaper advisor will be to provide counsel and criticism pertaining to the newspaper’s content and production. Although both the advisor and the administration hold certain powers regarding the Chatterbox, both must respect the paper’s autonomy. No student shall be prevented from joining the staff on the basis of sex, race, creed or national origin.
SARAH DAVIDOFF, ‘13
The Chatterbox Editorial Staff Caroline Horvath,
Isabel Nissley,
Editor-in-Chief
Deputy Editor-in-Chief
Abigail Jay, Managing Editor of Current Events
Alonna Johnson, Managing Editor of Student Life
Owen Cummings, Managing Editor of Viewpoints
Delaney Owens, Managing Editor of Visual Elements
Bobby Keegan, Managing Editor of Operations
Ryleigh Sanborn, Public Relations Manager
Samantha Gerwe-Perkins, Adviser
Brian Sweeney, English Department Chair
OPINIONS
WHHSCBOX.COM
NOVEMBER 26, 2019
PAGE 3
SECTION EDITOR: GAVIN KURSMAN
CINCINNATI, OHIO
The Peer Podium
Solutions to gun violence in the U.S.
The solution is not restricting guns, but helping people Jacob Wendel, ‘20 Gun violence in the U.S. is a growing problem. Within 2019 alone, there have been more mass shootings in the U.S. than the number of days in the year. Nothing has changed from the continuous outcries, protests, and movements. It is time to seek a solution that not only can be implemented, but can be effective in preventing mass gun violence. The best way to combat gun violence is by taking preventative action toward potential shooters. In “School Shooters: The Warning Signs,” Dr. Peter Langman states that shooters often exhibit certain behaviors, like writing down lists of names and often making threats that are generally disregarded and not taken seriously by others. Teachers, students, friends and family members that notice and report these behaviors are saving lives by giving students that might have otherwise gone unnoticed the help they need. The shooter from Stone-
man Douglas High School had been reported many times by his peers, and even though the local deputies had been sent to his house numerous times, he still managed to carry out the shooting. Had a better system been in place to handle the student after he had been reported, 17 of his classmates might still be alive. This is why it is equally important that after the potential threat has been identified, the right course of action ensues. While gun violence, especially in schools, is on the rise, preventative steps can make THE difference in saving lives and stopping shooters. After someone is recognized as a potential shooter, they need to be monitored and provided with therapy and counseling. Any weapons in their possession should be confiscated and they should not be able to obtain any more. This way, it is harder for potential shooters to cause harm to themselves and people around them, and they can also receive the help they need.
Curing America’s gun epidemic Yousuf Munir, ‘21 The United States of America has an epidemic. It is an epidemic that has clear solutions, solutions that can save lives and create a safer, better America. The first step, before implementing any solution, is allowing the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to research gun violence in the U.S.. They are currently unable to research one of the most pressing issues in American history due to the Dickey Amendment, which prevented any research into the effectiveness of gun sense legislation. Regardless of what side of the political aisle you are on, research can never be a bad thing. Permitting the CDC to research how effective currently proposed solutions to gun violence are will help allow the U.S. to know what the next steps in mitigating gun violence come next. There is no reason our government shouldn’t be researching solutions to gun violence; it’s an issue that takes the lives of nearly 100 Americans every day. Despite the CDC not being allowed to research gun sense legislation, there is a plethora of research that has provided a wide variety of solutions. One very popular idea among gun sense activists is the implementation of universal background checks. Michael Siegel, a public health researcher and a professor of community health
sciences at the Boston University School of Public Health, states that universal background checks are “associated with a 14.9%... reduction in overall homicide rates.” This is a solution that can and does save lives, and should be implemented to prevent more people from dying, prevent more families from having their children murdered and prevent the loss of our right to life. Universal background checks also have widespread public support. According to Dr. Barry Colleen, a professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 87.8 percent of Americans support background checks. A majority of people want these universal background checks to be implemented, and yet our elected representatives refuse to represent the will of the American people. We are currently in a situation where students are actively fighting for the right to not be killed in their schools, in their homes, and in their places of worship. We are currently in a situation where the government is refusing to research an epidemic. We are currently in a situation where our government is no longer operating for the will of the people. We are in a situation that we can get out of by voting for gun-sense candidates who will advocate for research-based policies that can and will save the lives of tens of thousands of Americans every year.
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 See these writers’ full opinions at www.whhscbox.com. If you would like to share your opinion with The Chatterbox, please email us at cboxwalnut@gmail. com or stop by room 2306. New writers are always welcome!
QUICK RECAP OF U.S. GUN POLITICS & LEGISLATION 1791 Bill of Rights - Second Amendment “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” 1871 National Rifle Association (NRA) founded To “promote and encourage rifle shooting on a scientific basis.” 1934 National Firearms Act Classifies different weapons, taxes firearm producers, forces firearm registration, and attempts to remove machine guns, sawed-off shotguns, silencers, and more off-the-streets. 1938 Federal Firearms Act Required federal license for gun manufacturers, sellers, and importers. 1939 U.S. v. Miller Supreme Court Case Second Amendment does not guarantee an individual the right to carry a sawed-off shotgun. 1968 Gun Control Act Regulated interstate and foreign commerce in firearms, including importation, “prohibited persons”, and licensing provisions. 1986 Firearm Owners Protection Act Enacted protections for gun owners — no national registry of dealer records, redefined “gun dealer”, allowed licensed dealers to sell firearms at “gun shows” in their state, less regulated sale and transfer of ammunition, and more. Tightened machine gun and silencer laws. 1990 Crime Control Act No firearms in school-zones. Outlawed the assembly of illegal semi-automatic rifles or shotguns from legally imported parts. 1993 Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act Requires background checks to be completed before gun purchased from a licensed dealer, manufacturer or importer. Established National Instant Criminal Background Check System. 1994 Public Safety and Recreational Firearms Use Protection Act Temporary prohibition on “assault” weapons (AR-15’s, TEC-9’s, MAC-10’s, etc.) manufacturing and selling from 1994 to 2004. Also banned high-capacity ammunition magazines of more than ten rounds. 1995 U.S. v. Lopez Supreme Court Case Declared 1990 Gun-Free School Zone Act unconstitutional. Decreased reach of constitution’s commerce clause. 2003 Tiahrt Amendment Prohibited public release of data of where criminals purchased their firearms (only accessible by law enforcement officers or prosecutors). Can protect retailers from lawsuits, academic studies and public scrutiny.
2005 Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act Prevents gun manufacturers from being sued by victims of crimes involving guns made by that manufacturer. 2008 District of Columbia v. Heller Supreme Court Case Changed 70 year precedent of U.S. v. Miller. Determined hand-gun ban and trigger-lock requirement (as applied to self defense) unconstitutional.
So many gun control options, so why can’t we get there? Lydia Graves, ‘20
It is hard to reconcile with the fact that Walmart is doing more than our federal government on an issue of life or death. According to the Washington Post, Walmart will stop selling ammunition for military-style weapons, no longer allow customers to openly carry firearms in stores, and raise the purchasing age to 21. Walmart is not the only large corporation making more of an effort to keep Americans safer. Among others, Dicks’ Sporting Goods, will no longer sell guns to people under the age of 21, along with no longer selling assaultstyle weapons and high capacity magazines. So why is it that despite the mass political movements of teenagers, moms, and more, we can’t get our government to do anything? There are a multitude of actions that the United States Government should implement. A minimum age of 21 should be required for the purchase of any gun. There is scientific evidence to support this law, found in the concept of hot cognition. Teenage brains are still in development. Hot cognition, according to Dr. Johnson from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, refers to the teens who also deal with high levels of emotional conflict and stimulus, which is known as the hot cognition that teenagers face. This hot cognition aspect of the brain is the cause for most of the riskiest behaviors in teenagers, because they are acting on temporary impulses. Guns are a known catalyst to making bad situations even worse. So why give this dangerous catalyst
to humans whose brains are wired to respond to emotional distress? Emotional distress is temporary; guns act permanently. However, the most beneficial solution could be a ban on military style weapons, coupled with mandatory educational courses upon the purchase of a gun. These classes would teach potential gun operators proper safety techniques, safe storage of guns, and deescalation tactics. Take cars for example: they kill 11.9 people per 100,000 in the U.S. while guns kill 12.2 people per 100,000. Because of the serious nature of driving a car, people are required to have 50 hours of practice, 24 hours in classes and pass two tests. It only makes sense that guns, a more lethal piece of machinery, should require such courses. If someone truly needs a gun for the right reasons, they should be more than willing to learn how to operate it safely and prove to the government through tests. It should not be more challenging to gain access to driving a car versus gaining access to a gun. I have only mentioned four policy initiatives which could be implemented in the U.S., saving countless lives. But there are other fixes that have been enacted throughout the world. We can not just sit back and watch thousands more die while the National Rifle Association’s money keeps our government quiet. We can only hope that wonderful groups such as Students Demand Action and Moms Demand Action will finally put an end to the inaction of our government. The day where kids can go to school and no longer have to practice for a school shooter will be a monumental day.
Leave gun legislation to the States Otto Kindel, ‘20
Tragedy seems to have become something of a custom in the contemporary U.S.. So soon after the horror of a tragedy hit does it become drowned out by partisan yells. American gun violence has become politicized. The horrible feelings everyone feels when some heinous crime has been committed has led to the undoubtable conclusion that it is no longer excusable to do nothing. While this is certainly true, solutions are certainly not as black and white as politicians and activists alike make them appear. I do not personally understand the desire to obtain guns, especially those of such destructive capability. However, my experience as an urban, public school student in Ohio is only one of the many different voices on this issue. These voices, of course, do not have the same expe-
riences or the same needs. Due to this, is it really right for the Federal Government to be setting blanket gun policy for both urban cities and rural South Dakota? While more stringent gun control programs may be the right solutions for some areas, to other subsets of the U.S., these policies appear grossly offensive. Due to the great variety of opinions on the national stage, the best way to handle the issue of gun violence is not one particular policy. Instead, the Federal Government should give purview over gun regulation back to the states, as it was prior to the 1934 National Firearms Act. Such a solution does not necessarily violate any interpretation of the Second Amendment. In addition, this solution would bring greater support for gun policy because the increased regulation (or lack thereof) of guns will be due to policy decisions on the state level and not by congressmen thousands of miles away.
NEWS
NOVEMBER 26, 2019
WHHSCBOX.COM
SECTION EDITOR: SHIV MALHOTRA
PAGE 4
CINCINNATI, OHIO
Capitol Hill combat: impeachment edition
GIULIANI COURTESY OF MARC NOZELL, WHITE HOUSE COURTESY OF AGNOSTICPREACHERSKID, TRUMP AND PELOSI COURTESY OF GAGE SKIDMORE, CAPITOL HILL COURTESY OF LARZS DI SCENZA DESIGNED BY MATTHEW PROIETTI
Matthew Proietti, ‘20 Right now, the United States government is going through a process last carried out twenty years ago: the impeachment of a president. With the official hearings underway, tensions are high on Capitol Hill. Democrats are saying the impeachment is necessary in order to hold the president accountable for his actions and ensure that no public official can be above the law. Republicans are fighting back with accusations that the House has behaved unconstitutionally and used this as an opportunity to act on their personal vendetta against the president. Donald Trump himself has uncharacteristically remained somewhat outside of the affair, taking to Twitter to question the whistle blower’s credibility, proclaim that the whole ordeal is a “witch hunt” and not much else. New information is being revealed, questioned and examined everyday. With so much happening so fast, it’s important to keep in mind what began the calls for impeachment and how the situation
has grown into what it is today. In May 2014, Hunter Biden, the son of former vice president and current 2020 presidential hopeful Joe Biden, joined the board of a Ukrainian natural gas company, Burisma Holdings. Five years later, post Biden’s exit from the company, an investigation into Biden requested by Trump’s personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani occurred. Yuri Lutsenko, Prosecutor Gen-
news of Trump’s request slowly became public. First, an anonymous whistle blower came forward with suspicions of the call’s legality. The Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, announced the beginning of an official impeachment inquiry, the White House released a modified transcript of the call, the official whistle blower complaint was made public and Mike Pompeo and Rudy Giuliani were subsequently
“I think this is a ridiculous and time-wasting inquiry, and it’s not worthy of the time of investigators and officers of the court - President Trump has [done] nothing wrong,” - Daniel Chaitkin, ‘25 eral of Ukraine, found no evidence of Biden violating any Ukrainian laws. The matter seemed to be settled until July 25, 2019, when Trump called Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy with a request for another investigation into corruption for both Joe and Hunter Biden, implying that he would send military aid in return. Throughout September, the
subpoenaed. Moving through October, the situation is complicated by a second Ukraine-related whistle blower. In an official letter, the White House announced that it will not comply with the House’s investigation, believing it to be unconstitutional. More and more Trump officials were brought in to testify, and on Oct. 31, the House voted
to officially move forward with impeachment hearings and other procedures. When asked their opinions on what’s going in Washington, WHHS students’ opinions were scattered. Some see clear evidence of a quid pro quo (exchanging a favor for a favor) and think the investigation is deserved. “I feel like Donald Trump really should be impeached. Not only did he try to get Ukraine to interfere with the U.S. election, but he’s also canceling military aid to them until they give him information on the Bidens,” Chara Sarr, ‘25, said. Others were more focused on the reality of Congress and the complex politics of impeaching a president. “I feel like Trump will not be removed from office even if he is impeached. The Senate is full of Republicans, and I don’t think they’re going to let that happen,” one student said. This shines a light on a popular prediction many have for how the impeachment will shake out. The Democrat controlled House will impeach him, but the Republican majority in the Senate will vote to not remove him from office.
“I don’t think they really have all that much to go on besides the whistle blower complaint,” Andrew Culbertson, ‘22, said. Some students are skeptical of the validity of the whistle blower and think the impeachment is pointless considering the next presidential election is only a year away. Another group of students are in the innocence camp. “I think this is a ridiculous and time-wasting inquiry, and it’s not worthy of the time of investigators and officers of the court - President Trump has [done] nothing wrong,” Daniel Chaitkin, ‘25, said. The variety of opinions held by WHHS students is representative of the country’s polarized and uncertain outlook on the impeachment. Trump’s continued refusal to cooperate and the House’s equally strong push back has almost created a stalemate, despite new congressional testimonies. Americans are left stuck in the middle, unsure of the president’s future. With the 2020 elections on the horizon, the long term effects of the impeachment are unknown.
Teens rising above expectations
Local students fighting for adolescent suffrage in Greater Cincinnati
GRAPH COURTESY OF CIRCLE
This is an estimate showing the youth local election turnout statistics from 1994-2018. Last year, the midterm election youth turnout has been the highest it had ever been in 25 years. This trend has seen consistency since 2010. Azariah Cuff, ‘23 With the recent municipal elections for city council, mayor and all other local authoritative figures, many people, specifically teenagers below the voting age, are questioning what their role is in politics. Anyone could open their local newspaper and regurgitate the names of those who are running in the elections, but as the common saying goes: “actions speak louder than words,” and teens all across the U.S. are demanding action. Most campaigns to lower the
voting age so far have been youthled. This means that Generation Z is desperate to play a larger part in our nation’s democratic process. However, an act as large as lowering the voting age can only be executed by larger offices. According to the History Channel, when Richard Nixon changed the voting age of all federal, state and local elections from 21 to 18 in 1970, it seemed necessary, as 18 year-olds were being drafted into the Vietnam War at the time. David de la Fuente, a writer for USA Today, wrote an opinion
piece on why lowering the voting age is necessary for how teens are being held accountable in society. “About 250,000 youth are tried, sentenced or incarcerated as adults every year across the USA. When they’re contributing to society or being held liable by society in these ways, they should also be able to weigh in on the future of our country and those responsible for the laws that affect them.” Now that more controversial topics such as climate change and global warming are prominent, and teens have more access to tech-
nology and social media than ever before, the question arises of when, and specifically at what age, a person should have a say in political decisions. RYSE.16 is a WHHS/local organization working to lower the voting age to 16 in Cincinnati. RYSE stands for Rallying Youth for Suffrage and Empowerment, and they focus on educating teens on civic policies in order to prepare them to vote. “That’s part of our mission as RYSE advocates, adding to civics classes in order to prepare these students,” Lucy Phillips, ‘21, a member of RYSE, said. “The common argument is that kids don’t know anything, why should they be able to vote? So, if we can try to combat that with education, it really helps,” Phillips said. RYSE.16 also believes that with lowering the voting age, they can prevent many issues concerning voter attendance in municipal elections, because, historically, the voting group of 18-24 year-olds has had the lowest turnout in elections. “One of the main reasons why we rarely ever get above a 15 per-
cent voter turnout is because it’s so hard to vote. It’s very difficult to get to the polling station and find the information especially with all of the misinformation happening. As well as a feeling that no matter what you vote, it won’t change, which is why I think we need to we need to do something revolutionary and something to really change the system because in places where they have lowered the voting age to 16, it increased the voter turnout for all elections, including local,” Yousuf Munir, ‘21, founder of RYSE.16, said. When placed next to presidential elections, this may be seen as quite insignificant. However, there are many reasons to contradict this, especially when it pertains to today’s youth. Jaden Deal, a writer for Harvard Politics, wrote an article advocating for lowering the voting age in all local elections in the U.S. “Municipal elected officials make decisions for entire local communities, ranging from public safety to taxes and public education, which have significant effects on young people’s daily lives,” Deal said.
WHHSCBOX.COM
FINE ARTS
CINCINNATI, OHIO
SECTION EDITOR: NADYA ELLERHORST
NOVEMBER 26, 2019
PAGE 5
WHHS FALLS for art at seasonal art show
As a student in AP 2-D Art and Design, SENIOR Nawame Kitil’s personal concentration is “the institutional suppression of people of color, specifically black people.” Kitil uses her artwork as powerful social commentary, as in the above watercolor piece, where she seeks to draw attention to “the fact that a lot of trans women are being killed… specifically trans women who are black… or of color.” The Forum plays host to a variety of masterpieces by AP Studio Art students. From self-portraits to fantastical clay masterpieces, the artistic grandeur of the WHHS art department was reflected through the many unique compositions put on display. Fittingly enough, teacher Donald Stocker deems the offered AP courses “the most diverse” available in the art department.
Otto Kindel, ‘20 On Thursday, Nov. 7, the WHHS’s art department debuted the recent work of its students at the annual Fall Art Show, one of two art shows put on at WHHS this year. Artists from the seventh grade to SENIORS expressed their artistic talents through a variety of media, from photography to oil paintings to architectural models. The art that was presented at the show had a great
classes at the show. Whittaker has been very happy with his experiences in WHHS’ photography programs. “Film photography definitely has a lot more to it than just if you have a regular camera,” Whittaker said. Photography students get to interact with professional equipment. In fact, the art department contains an extensive dark-room specifically for the production of photographs and is used in Stocker’s AP classes. Other students have
“You could try a different class every semester for the rest of your school life and not hit everything that we do,” - AP Studio Art teacher, Donald Stocker impact on those who witnessed it, but had greater meaning to the artists. SENIOR Nawame Kitil uses art to express issues of social justice, especially in her piece where she tackles the recent murders of transgender women of color. “I chose to represent... the woman looking straight at the person who is viewing it, and daring you to look away,” Kitil said. In this piece, she is using art not only to impart emotion but also to express societal injustice. This emphasis shows the power that art can bring in pursuing social change and justice. Another artist, AP 2-D Art and Design student Ella Knellinger, ’21, uses her artwork to portray “human motion and emotions.” The human face is a particular focus of her artwork, as she uses it to express the emotions of her subject matter. WHHS’s artists are using their skills to make deeper statements about humanity and the human experience. David Whittaker, ‘21, was featured among the many artists from Donald Stocker’s
used WHHS’s photography program as a means to explore Cincinnati and its urban eccentricities. One photography student, Matthew Gambrel, ‘21, uses his photography to capture the world around him, in particular, a church in an urban setting. “I just thought that it was really good because it had a darker background that kind of portrayed life in the city,” Gambrel said. Photography has allowed WHHS students to examine their world from a new lens. Many of the students who presented their artwork in the show were taking an AP Studio Art class. These are the premier classes in the WHHS art department where students can specialize in thematic concentrations, such as SENIOR William Heidelberg, whose “concentration right now is family members.” Some students have expanded upon their artwork outside the classroom, including Alexandra Franz, ‘23. Recently, she won regional acclaim for her work, receiving the CAC Artists’ Choice award at the Greater
Cincinnati High School Art Students Plein Air Arts Competition for her piece “Purple Tree.” As an AP Studio Art: Drawing student, she is working to master a variety of skills in the field of visual arts. “I focus on realism and I like to explore mediums,” Franz said. Those mediums include oil paint, watercolor, and pastel among others. The AP Studio Art program allows students who have taken art at WHHS to fully express their artistic talents. Classes such as AP Studio Art and Photography are just a sliver of the vast opportunities offered by the WHHS art department. “There is pretty much whatever you want to try out. So you could try a different class every semester for the rest of your school life and not hit everything that we do,” Stocker said. Students who may have not considered taking an art class would be greatly impressed with how the wide variety of classes gives students of all skill levels a chance to participate and learn. When asked if they plan to pursue art in college, the artists’ responses were mixed. “I’m not sure that I’ll be going to college for art but I’ll definitely be continuing it through college,” Knellinger said. Similarly, one photography student, SENIOR Nicole Curley, responded positively. “I just got into Ohio University for photojournalism,” Curley said. WHHS’s art program opens up a future for study in the fine arts. The Fall Art Show once again illustrated WHHS’ emphasis on a classical education that includes a focus on the liberal arts, especially the fine arts, nurturing the whole student. For more Fall Art Show photos, visit whhscbox.com.
Photography students’ presence was especially prevalent in the show. Student photographers have access to a professional dark room, where they develop their own photos. Although such a process is complicated, its intricacies are no match for WHHS students, who exhibited dozens of photographs.
Alexandra Franz, ‘23, sits by the paintings she presented at the annual Fall Art Show, but she doesn’t limit her artistic presence to the WHHS art department. Franz recently won the CAC Artists’ Choice award at the Greater Cincinnati High School Art Students Plein Air Arts Competition for her drawing “Purple Tree.” “I love doing Plein Air, and it was sort of fun to have a little bit of competition,” Franz said.
Chloe Goodman, ‘23, examines the architectural models of student Genevieve Horvath, ‘21. Goodman had a few pieces of her own on display, but was still able to enjoy the work of her peers. PHOTOS BY NADYA ELLERHORST/CHATTERBOX
FEATURES
NOVEMBER 26, 2019
WHHSCBOX.COM
SECTION EDITOR: CHYNA SMITH
PAGE 6
The conspiracy of cancel culture
CINCINNATI, OHIO
Horoscopes Aries- Mercury Retrograde for you
is all about patience. Do not react violently. The people around you will be testing you, annoying you at every minute. Persist.
Aquarius- This is the time to focus
on your financial stability. If it means you’re going to go broke DON’T BUY IT. This mercury retrograde for you is all about communication. Expect some new ways to find your info. Maybe not from your phone?
Pisces- For you Pisces you are usuART COURTESY OF LACI JORDAN/VICE
Cancel culture is the internet practice of boycotting celebrities based on public controversies. It has become wide-spread across social media, but some believe it has gone too far. Chyna Smith, ‘22 Cancel Culture. We have all seen it plastered over Twitter involving some celebrity doing something offensive. But the question is, does it really work? Kanye West has been canceled ever since he came out as a Trump supporter last year. He even was canceled for saying that "slavery is a choice.” Yet his mixtape Jesus is King is currently topping the billboard 200. How is Kanye West canceled but he still making money with the same political views? The definition of being canceled is a vain public figure saying or doing something racist, homophobic or offensive and many people deciding that they no longer want to support them. Sometimes being canceled really has nothing to do with anything recent; it's just because you did something bad to a person. This so-called "cancel culture" usually comes from Twitter. The question is, does it really work? We've seen so many examples of cancel culture this year and people just bouncing back the following months. We've seen examples like Shane Dawson being canceled for his racist videos. These videos involved him in black-face to portray black characters like Wendy Williams and
Chris Brown. This is back in 2014, but people still today have considered him canceled. Even he has also bounced back from it since he and Jeffree Star just released the "Conspiracy Palette." People are on Twitter right now as we speak making posts and saying "did you forget about this?" referencing the acts that he once did. There are also two kinds of cancel culture. The first one is more for pop culture that can range from lies, deception or betrayal. The second one is the more serious like rape allegations and other criminal actions. We have James Charles being canceled for the betrayal of his beloved friend that was also in the makeup business. But three months later he bounced back and he released a whole palette that is constantly selling out. Lastly, going into more serious terms, we have the cancellation of Michael Jackson. This is very controversial, and occurred when the documentary Leaving Neverland came out. It involved two boys claiming that Michael Jackson had molested them. We can also reach this further to the cancellation of Bill Cosby. Bill Cosby, as you may know, is currently serving time in prison for raping women and drugging their drinks. Finally, we can also
connect this to the similar cancellation of R. Kelly involving inappropriate conduct with underage girls. What's really confusing about cancel culture is that people seem to believe that there's no room for growth, specifically for the people that have been canceled for things that weren’t very serious. What I'm referring to is the cancellation of James Charles. The situation involved a friend which he promoted the competition of her business before her business. So we can say James Charles can grow from that. But Bill Cosby and R. Kelly’s offenses are inexcusable. Can we prove that cancellation actually works? We have Jeffree Star that has said a lot of racist things but has a whole empire worth millions. We have Kevin Hart who is homophobic but it's still doing comedy shows and still making money. Gina Rodriguez "accidentally" posted to her Instagram story a clip of her singing a popular Fugees song. But instead of the lyrics she said "These n****s give me heebiejeebies." She was of course canceled by black Twitter; she tried to delete it, but everybody kept reposting it and the video is still out today.
Welcome back to the black parade Sydnie Barrett, ‘23
March 22, 2013, the hearts of killjoys everywhere broke as the emo punk rock band My Chemical Romance called it quits after 12 years together. Now, six years later, the band is back together, and the killjoys are overjoyed. Tickets for the first show of their tour, “Return,” sold out within minutes, but fans don’t have to put their black eyeliner away just yet. In the past weeks, several more dates have been added to the tour. The breakup was announced on the band’s website with, “and now, like all great things, it has come time for [My Chemical Romance] to end." Since then, fans have run wild with elaborate theories to determine the date of a possible reunion. Some of the most popular theories include the Smashing Pumpkins theory, the Danger Days theory and the Shrek theory. The Smashing Pumpkins theory suggests that MCR would emulate the other band which had been together for 12 years before splitting up and returning after a six-year hiatus. This theory was born from lead singer Gerard Way and bassist Mikey Way stating in an interview that Smashing Pumpkins had been a big influence for MCR. Due to the fact that MCR had been together 12 years before splitting up, fans
noticed the parallels and calculated that 2019 would be the year of the reunion. Other fans fancied the Danger Days theory. Danger Days is MCR’s last studio album with a story set in a dystopian society of 2019 that must be saved by the band’s alter egos from the evil Better Living industries, also known as BL/ind.
Although all of our heroes, Gerard Way as Party Poison, Ray Toro as Jet-Star, Frank Iero as Fun Ghoul, and Mikey Way as Kobra Kid, die in a final battle at BL/ind headquarters, many fans believed that the setting of Danger Days was foreshadowing a reunion for this year. Another one of the most popular theories is the Shrek theory. In a very strange coincidence, many large milestones for MCR have aligned with the release of each Shrek movie. In 2016 it was determined that Shrek 5 was set to be released in 2019 giving hope to the
MCR-my that their beloved band would continue the trend and make a comeback. During their time apart, each member continued on to other projects. Gerard Way continued the story of Danger Days with a comic book series titled The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys, which was published by Dark Horse Comics in 2013. He released a solo album titled Hesitant Alien in 2014, and his 2008 comic series The Umbrella Academy was adapted into a popular Netflix series earlier this year. Mikey Way started the band Electric Century and released an album in 2016. Ray Toro and Frank Iero also released solo albums with Toro’s in 2016 and Iero’s in 2014, 2016, and 2019. It is clear that fans were wishing for a 2019 reunion, and obviously the band got the memo. Although it’s unclear of what's in store for the fabulous killjoys in this new era, as Dr. Death Defying said, “The future is bulletproof! The aftermath is secondary,” so they will just have to wait and see. what's in store for the fabulous killjoys in this new era, as Dr. Death Defying said, “The future is bulletproof! The aftermath is secondary,” so they will just have to wait and see. MCR LOGO COURTESY OF ZAX/WIKIMEDIA
ally in your element. This mercury retrograde is going to throw you off a little so before you decide: think. Do you really want this? Decisions will require a lot of strength during this time.
Gemini- You and Pisces have a
thing in common. This mercury retrograde will throw you way off as well. Mercury is your ruling planet and you’re also a mutable sign who sees change. This retrograde will have you going alternate routes. Be prepared.
Leo- You love to be the center of
attention but what happens when it’s the wrong kind? Presentations will fizzle and you might go off track. A lot of random robust things will happen to you leo. Your mercury retrograde advice is to think through your plans and back everything up.
Virgo- You as a Virgo might love
order. Virgos love organization and everything about it. This retrograde is bad for you Virgo. You will be unorganized and disheveled.
Libra- The truly balanced sign. You
value relationships but like Pisces and Gemini your communications will be cut short. This will force you to actually have in person conversations.
Scorpio- As a fixed sign you don’t
really enjoy things being too crazy. You will be wise enough and prepared to overcome those obstacles . But you Scorpio can adjust to the crazy moments. You also know that the ups and downs have to end. Be patient Scorpio.
Capricorn- That plan you were
working on? Yeah that will hit a detour. You might feel hatred depending on people and then cardinal sign that describes you. Capricorn during this retrograde you might be dying to take control but be calm. Find your zen, Capricorn.
Taurus- Unlike the others you are a
very patient sign. This Mercury Retrograde with throw you in a loop. The calm attitude you usually have will not be there. Your close relationships will not be around this time.
Cancer- Let me say one thing this
will be an emotional trip for you. You will be tempted so much that you’ll go back into that invisible shell you hide in. You will be very moody, it might involve something at home. Remain caring and loving this time will try you.
Sagittarius- This mercury retro-
grade will hurt you in transportation type of way. You love to be constantly moving. Double check on your rides, car or keep track of your bus card if you have one. ICONS COURTESY OF HEA POH LIN/THE NOUN PROJECT
WHHSCBOX.COM
CINCINNATI, OHIO
ARCADE
SECTION EDITOR: CHLOE SMITH
NOVEMBER 26, 2019
PAGE 7
Thanksgiving Crossword The clues below are a combination of anagrams, math problems, and history facts. Let’s see if you can solve The Chatterbox’s Thanksgiving theme crossword. Down 1. 100-100+56-6+80-28-56+22x2-24+512+60+(2x8)+10(3x3x2)-287 3. rbsceuraynecrau 5. our upcoming holiday that gives us a three day break Across 2. turkey in Latin 4. was invented in 750 B.C. and comes from the Latin word for (√144)-3 6. otmpeshaodta 7. the early American Plimoth plantation settlers invented the first version of me in
Thanksgiving Word Search Apple Pie Cornucopia Beans Feast Mayflower November Thanksgiving Leaves Family Grateful Did you like these articles? Go to our website whhscbox.com for more content like..... “All you need to know about the impeachment hearings,” “An open letter to Gov. Mike DeWine,” “Nationals win World Series,” and “Style and Culture’s top 10 playlist.”
Girls Volleyball
SENIOR Olivia Tombragel
Boys Cross Country
Football
SENIOR Lundyn Lane
Henry Hoskins, ‘22
Girls Cross Country
Katie Steins, ‘23
Mao Glynn,‘21
Fall Sports Awards
Gianni Allwein, ‘23
This fall season, 15 WHHS athletes made ECC first team, signifying their dominance and sportsmanship in the league.
Girls Tennis
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROOTED MEDIA HOUSE
Boys Soccer
Alexis Covington, ‘22
Eric Meeks, ‘21
SENIOR Caleb Price
Claire Meng, ‘22
SENIOR Tyrese Banks-Dorn
SENIOR Logan Lintz
Girls Soccer
SENIOR Corinnne Capanari
Nick Presley, ‘21
Sophia Cuchetti, ‘22