The Chatterbox - Jan. 28, 2020 - CXIV.06

Volume CXIV, Issue #6

The student news publication of Walnut Hills High School

Tuesday January 28, 2020

DREW HART/ CHATTERBOX

SENIOR Nic Smith leaps in the air during tip off against conference rivals, the Loveland Tigers. Smith led the Eagles to victory with 16 points and 9 rebounds for a 42-39 win over Loveland.

Bobby Keegan, ‘22

this season and is averaging 11.7 PPG. “Last year I thought I would be like It’s been a year of new faces for the the seventh man on the team this year, boys’ varsity basketball team. After losing but now I’ve started every game which six SENIORS last year, including their top has been a huge surprise,” Murray said, scorer Greg Phelia, ‘19, the team has not “If you told me last year that I’d be startfailed to fill the spots of the missing players. ing every game, I wouldn’t have beAfter 15 games this season, the team has lieved you but now it’s just the norm.” a winning record of 10-5. Last year after 15 Last year, as a freshman, Murray got quite a bit of playing time on varsity “My teammates, they’re great. They’re but because of his really encouraging and welcoming to all age, he was never able to develop ages. It’s just great to have such a supinto the player he is now. After a long portive group of guys around me,” offseason of train- Owen Murray, ‘22 ing with the coaching staff and getgames, the team had the exact same record ting more comfortable on the court, of 10-5.

Murray has settled into a crucial role on Last season, it was Phelia leading the the team as a three point shooter, who is team to their 10-5 record but this year it has on the court making plays all game long. been SENIOR Nic Smith who averages a “My teammates, they’re great. They’re team leading 15.4 points per game (PPG). really encouraging and welcoming to “The SENIORS this year really care a all ages. So it’s been very helpful and lot and try to do all that they can to get the it’s just great to have such a supportive team to succeed,” Smith said about why he group of guys around me,” Murray said. thinks the team has been able to find the However, Murray hasn’t been the only unsame success as they had last year. “We all derclassman that has made an impact on want to do well so it’s really helping us get the varsity team. Max Poynter, ‘22, known to where we need to be.” for his game-winning, buzzer-beater against However, the story this year hasn’t Loveland, is averaging 4.5 PPG as a sophobeen all SENIORS and upperclassmen. more.

The team’s second most consistent scorer The only freshman on the team is Aaron has been none other than Owen Mur- Odum, ‘23, who does not get much playray, ’22. Murray has started every game ing time, but has definitely made an im-

pression on his coaches and teammates.

Other impact players include Brody Foley, ‘22, who averages almost three rebounds per game off the bench. “[The sophomores have] obviously been very good. Everyone knows their role on the team now and everyone is scoring so there’s been a lot of development,” Smith said.

Other players, who have been very good on varsity this year include Collin Miller, ‘21, and Trent “Big Sauce” Borgmann, ’21, who both lead the team, behind Smith, averaging around three rebouds per game

(RPG). As well as well as SENIOR Ed Abernathy, who averages 7.0 PPG and SENIOR Mike Grant, who averages 9.4 PPG. So far, this season the team sits at fourth place in the Eastern Cincinnati Conference (ECC) and looks to improve going into the last part of the season. Along with the women’s team, over Thanksgiving break, they won a national basketball tournament in Tennessee.

After being ECC champions in two of the last three years the team looks to get a third title in the 2020 season.

DREW HART / CHATTERBOX

Max Poynter ‘22, defends the basket against Kings before the team secured their 59-38 win.

PEANUTS

JANUARY 28, 2020

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SECTION EDITOR: KAYLEE ROBBINS

PAGE 2

CINCINNATI, OHIO

Above and beyond the competition

HAJRA MUNIR/ CHATTERBOX

(Left to right) Corinne Adams, ‘24, Carolina Tollefson, ‘24, Lael Ingram ‘24, and Kate Sampson, ’24, are all winding down from another practice full of hard work.

Hajra Munir, ‘23 WHHS is known for its multitude of clubs and sports teams.

One team that is fairly young but still working their way to success is the dance team.

Lael Ingram, ‘24, has been dancing for ten years and joined the dance team this year. Ingram is enjoying her first season on the dance team and her love for dance only makes it more fun.

“I just love the energy and all the people here. Dancing is also something I have always really liked,” Ingram said.

However, dancing does come with its obstacles. “My body is always sore because it is a lot of hard work, but I always just try and keep a positive mind set. People here on the team help me keep that positive mind set,” Ingram said.

Corinne Adams, ‘24, did ballet for nine years before quitting. This is Adams’ first year on the WHHS dance team.

The dance team here is also open to new ideas and is all about variety. “The best part about this dance team is that it’s not as strict as my ballet classes. There is also a lot of different genres which makes it a lot more interesting and fun,” Adams said.

However, Adams did have some difficulty adjusting to this new team. “I took a break from ballet for a while and sometimes the moves are a little difficult, but you get the hang of it pretty quickly.”

The junior high students on the team are enjoying their season so far on the dance team. They hope to accomplish their goals this season and in future seasons to come.

Carolina Tollefson, ‘24, has been

dancing for WHHS dance team for two years and set some goals herself for motivation. “I really just want to get all my splits down and just become more flexible in general,”

is seeing how the dancers grow and see their progress throughout the years. I’m lucky enough to have some of them for six to seven years.

Seeing how they develop their technique over the grades is amazing,” Moore said.

Moore has no limit to her hopes and dreams for her dancers. “I want to improve from what we did last year. We are still a very young team and we have a lot of middle schoolers, so just to continue to improve on the momentum we started with in my first season of coaching last year,” Moore said.

The dance team has been competent in avoiding complications and issues this season, but if there are troubles within the team, they do they best to face it head on.

“I feel that any sports teams faces struggles but we luckily haven’t experienced anything major. Just getting everyone here when they are balancing school, other clubs, sports and activities is always diffi-

eryone why we’re here. A lot of my motivation comes from if you’re doing something, do it right. If you’re here and spending the time, you might as well make it a productive practice,” Moore said.

The dance team set goals at the end of the last season and the beginning of this season. Because of this a lot of them were able to do better in not only the competition but throughout the season.

The dance team has an upcoming competition and set goals for this event as well. “We have our Eastern Cincinnati Conference (ECC) competition in February and we are hoping to move up one spot in the rankings that we get from the competition,” Moore said. Moore’s team placed second to last at their competition last year, and they will work their hardest to beat that ranking while also having fun.

Be sure to check out the dance team at the ECC competition or find more information about the team on the WHHS website.

“I think it’s important just to make sure we come back from those struggles and just remind everyone why we’re here” -Dance coach Jamie Moore Tollefson said.

These dancers are all talented in different ways and couldn’t have done it without some guidance. Jamie Moore has been coaching since she was in high school but is in her second season of coaching the WHHS dance team.

Moore coached an all-star team in Chicago for three years.

“My favorite part of coaching

cult. We always use our time wisely and the best that we can, since it is limited,” Moore said.

Moore motivates her dancers to just do their best and push to their full potential but also to enjoy and gain the love of dance.

“I think it’s important just to make sure we come back from those struggles and just remind ev-

HAJRA MUNIR / CHATTERBOX

Effie alert: One semester into High School

KATE SAMPSON / CHATTERBOX

Kate Sampson, ‘24 Here at WHHS, a majority of the students experience academic pressure and stress.

Many of these students also fit in time for extracurricular activities, including sports.

Some of our students, especially seventh graders, must adjust to the new school environment alongside these challenges.

One of these seventh graders, Amir Kelow, ‘25, is participating in the winter sport of basketball.

Coming from Hyde Park School, Kelow has quickly eased into the new environment of WHHS. “Everyone’s nice, everyone welcomes you in, no one treats you differently,” Kelow said.

On top of this, Kelow has been building big dreams coming from a family legacy: becoming a demolitionist. Demolition is the practice of tearing down and destroying man-made things safely.

Kelow stated that his father and grandfather have also worked in the business of construction so, becoming a demolitionist would be his perfect future.

Kelow is not participating in any clubs, but he still has enough on his plate as a new student at WHHS.

LOGAN SYMSON / CHATTERBOX

Logan Symson, ‘24 Because of the stress of transitioning to a new school, joining a club or team makes the process a lot easier. Navigating a new and large school is a lot easier when you have friends by your side.

For Jaynae Hollywood, ‘25, joining the dance team has allowed her to develop many new friends of all different grades.

When asked what her favorite part about WHHS is so far Hollywood said, “Probably the dance team.” The WHHS dance team has helped Hollywood develop friendships and take part in one of many extracurriculars at WHHS. Hollywood is largely involved in her academic studies, and when asked what her favorite memory from life is, she answered, “Probably when I was eight and I got first place on this one test.” Hollywood continues to strive for excellence at WHHS, and excels in her studies.

Although Hollywood is not actively taking part in any clubs, she is excited for all that WHHS has to offer and she is planning on joining mock trial next year.

These are just small looks into the lives of two of the many students that WHHS is home to.

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 News and Features

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

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NEWS

CINCINNATI, OHIO

JANUARY 28, 2020

PAGE 3

SECTION EDITOR: SHIV MALHOTRA

“From the bench to the floor”

DREW HART / CHATTERBOX

SENIOR Nic Smith watches in anticipation as the WHHS SENIOR Aniyah Brown, who won the MVP title, races toward the hoop for a layup against Seton High men’s basketball team makes a shot in a game against School’s women’s varsity basketball team. The WHHS women’s basketball team participated in a tourna- Milford. The men’s basketball team participated in a tournament this past winter break in North Carolina. They played three games, winning all three, and then the ment in Tennessee over break. They won three of the three whole tournament. “It was a team effort! I had a good time,” Alana Tolentino, ‘21, said. games they played, and again winning the whole tournament.

DREW HART / CHATTERBOX

DREW HART / CHATTERBOX

SENIORS Ed Abernathy, Kellen Porter, Jerien Stallings, Aaron Odum and Lundyn Lane members of the men’s varsity basketball team huddle around their coach during a time out called by the opposing team, the Withrow High School Tigers. They had a lead over the Tigers and brainstormed strategies and plays in order to maintain it.

LUNDYN LANE / REMEMBRANCER

SENIOR Darien Burgan, a four year varsity starter for the WHHS women’s basketball team, beats everyone back down the court for an easy layup. Deter was a part of the success at their tournament over winter break, starting in all three games that they played in.

The unseen barriers in AP classes Mesgana Mekibib, ‘20

Colleges tend to look favorably on applicants who take higher level classes, such as Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) and honors classes. These courses are designed to provide a more rigorous curriculum for students and to give them a chance at receiving college credit.

However, these opportunities can seem futile when every student doesn’t get an equal chance to participate in them. Statistics say that some students, mainly those who are black or Latino, are put at a disadvantage.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, “black and Latino students make up 37 percent of high school students, but only 27 percent of students taking an AP class and 18 percent of students passing AP exams.”

Here at WHHS, there is a visible gap in the student demographics of who take these advanced courses, and it has been noticed by members of the faculty and student body alike. The students who take AP classes are not representative of the diverse community of students that walk the hallways.

Blake Taylor, an AP Literature teacher, said that “my classes over the last 14 years have been, as a majority, white.”

Sandee Coats-Haan, an AP Physics teacher, added that “the divide is worse in STEM classes.”

Emma Smith, ‘24, a student who takes honors classes, said that the accelerated classes she has taken consist of “mostly white people,” and Lilli Johnson, ‘22, also agrees with the notion that the advanced classes she has taken had a predominantly white makeup.

In 2019, according to College Board, there were 661 white students (including Middle Eastern origin) at WHHS taking AP Exams, which surpasses other ethnicities by approximately two-thirds.

Not only is there a racial gap in the students who take AP classes, but there is also a gender gap involved.

According to College Board, there were 617 female students at WHHS taking AP Exams in 2019, while there were only 509 male students.

When Smith was asked whether there were more African-American girls than African-American boys in her honors classes, she replied that there were “more girls.” Johnson said it was “about equal,” but she also said there was a slightly higher percentage of girls in some of her classes, particularly in her AP Seminar Class.

It is possible that more girls take AP classes than boys, regardless of race. For example, Taylor mentions that in his AP Literature classes that girls generally outnumber the boys.

Given the advantages that AP and IB classes have on the college

admissions process, even the slightest progress of working towards more equality in these classes could end up making a world of difference.

Dr. William Gordon, an AP Calculus teacher at WHHS, said that “AP teachers should be encouraging any student who has a likelihood of success to take the course.”

“If you’re talking about making our AP classrooms look like the school as a whole, and its demographic makeup, then that’s something that would require changes on multiple fronts,” Taylor said.

Coats-Haan said that she “wants to do everything in my power to ensure that my classroom matches the diversity of Walnut as a whole.

But I honestly do not know how to accomplish this goal.”

Additionally, some families simply have better opportunities than others, increasing barriers for many. Some families have the money to hire tutors for their children, while other students may need to prioritize a job or helping their family.

There needs to be certain steps taken by the fac-

ulty if changes are to be seen in the future. “The school needs to take into consideration more than just grades and homework,” Johnson said regarding how students were placed into honors and AP classes.

To add to this, Mariah Couch, ‘22, said that there should be “a required [event] in the auditorium just for AP classes, [just like] we do for optioning.”

Jakayla Rogers, ‘22, adds that “it’s more up to the student body to encourage more African American students in general.”

There are also some stu-

dents who simply do not want to work at an AP level and take it easy in high school. “If you don’t want to work, you don’t want to work,” Gordon said. But there should not be a correlation between that and ethnic background.

Regardless, while there are still gaps to be worked on, WHHS overall as a school is faring better in terms of diversity in AP classes than many other schools.

“Most people have zero or one [women or African American students] and I have plenty,” said Gordon about the students he has.

Coats-Haan said that for 18 years at the suburban school she formerly taught at, she “never had a single black female student” and added that “at Walnut, I have more black students, but not ABIGAIL JAY / CHATTERBOX nearly enough.”

OPINIONS

JANUARY 28, 2020

PAGE 4

WHHSCBOX.COM

SECTION EDITOR: GAVIN KURSMAN

The Peer Podium:

Impacts of Trump’s Impeachment

Addressing the long term impacts of Trump’s impeachment Otto Kindel, ‘20 Recent discourse in Washington has proved to be fruitless as policy debates have given way to partisan bickering.

The recent impeachment proceedings have only produced more distrust and a further attempt to tarnish the government’s institutions.

Cutthroat political maneuvers have unfortunately become the norm. The impeachment of President Trump in the House of Representatives last month was notable in that not a single member of the minority party voted to impeach the President. While Congress embroils itself in the drama of impeachment, important legislation is continuing to fall by the wayside as any long term foresight seems to have vanished from this congress.

The duty of Congress was never to destroy political rivals, but rather work with the executive branch to form real solutions to existential problems our representatives are ignoring.

Recent history makes this sentiment sound to contemporary ears quite silly. We have come to expect that our big problems can be kicked down the road.

Republicans have been guilty for years of pursuing scandals in search of political gain. Bill Clinton’s impeachment and eventual acquittal in the nineties was largely a media stunt to attack the President’s character rather than focusing on constitutional merits. In

the most recent decade, similarly odd obsessions over the Benghazi terrorist attack and Hillary Clinton’s private e-mail server struck many people as insincere and merely headhunting.

This period certainly weakened the reputation of the Republican Party being a party actually interested in the issues that matter to Americans - jobs, security, and certain civic liberties.

They abandoned their conservative message.

In the wake of the 2018 election, Democratic leaders promised a whole range of popular, bipartisan fixes to pressing issues such as the rising cost of prescription drugs, and regulating Silicon Valley monopolies.

The Democratic Party has had the opportunity to legislate on principle, but instead they too have been acting purely on emotion.

By pursuing impeachment, they broke their own message of being the decent party.

Many Republican congressmen have lamented correctly that Democrats have merely jumped from one hyped up scandal to another. Today, Democratic politicians sound just as biased and conspiratorial when discussing impeachment as Republicans did in the not so distant past.

Democrats in practice have now shown that they are really not any different than their opponents.

The next election should be decided by policy alone.

For the Democrats to continue to claim that they are somehow more civil and well educated is laughable.

THE U.S. PRESIDENTIAL IMPEACHMENT PROCESS 1. The President is accused of treason, bribery, or other high crimes and Misdemeanors

2. House Judiciary Committee opts to proceed with impeachment, and then proposes resolution to begin formal inquiry

3. After inquiry, Judiciary Committee will send resolution consisting of Article(s) of Impeachment to the entire House of Representatives detailing the merits of Impeachment

4. The House will then debate each Article of Impeachment and then vote

5. If Article(s) are approved by a majority vote (>50% of present Representatives), the acting President is “Impeached,” which is similar to being indicted for a crime. The Articles are then sent to the Senate

6. The senate sets rules and procedures for the trial

7. A trial will take place, with several Representatives from the House serving as prosecutors while the President is represented by his lawyers. The acting Chief Justice of the Senate (John G. Roberts), along with all Senators, serve as the Jury

Too little, too late Yousuf Munir, ‘21 Frankly, impeachment is too little, too

late.

President Donald Trump and the modern Republican Party have advocated for a Muslim ban, banned transgender people serving in the military and locked children and other asylumseekers in cages on the Mexican-American border.

So yes, impeachment is too little, too late. And both the Democratic and Republican parties were unable to check the powers of a bully who repeatedly violated the human rights of individuals who were seeking a better life and individuals who wanted to serve their country.

We must not focus on the effects of the impeachment finally occurring, but instead on the effects of the impeachment taking so long to occur when there had already been so many human rights violations.

CINCINNATI, OHIO

And the main, most clear effect is this: America’s collective morality has been abused.

Regardless of people’s feelings on the United States, we are seen as a global leader, not just with respect to economics and militarism, but also with respect to morality. And now the world has seen the Democratic Party refuse to impeach a man who violated the most basic human rights. And now the world has seen the Republican Party refuse to hold a fair trial.

And now the world has seen our government’s refusal to hold a man accountable for his open bigotry and continuous violation of human rights.

So yes, while it is good and important that the U.S. government finally held President Trump accountable and restored some semblance of checks and balances, it is too little, too late.

And this lateness may have just cost us our country’s morality.

Impeachment: Does anyone really win?

Lydia Graves, ‘20 After three years in office pushing the line of what a U.S. president can do, Donald Trump has finally found the Democrats’ breaking point. Trump’s administration seems to have multiple scandals come to light each month. However, the Democrats in the House have waited until now to use their strongest response possible: Impeachment.

After a somewhat lengthy trial, the House of Representatives voted to convict Trump by 230-197 to the article of abuse of power and 229-198 on the article of obstruction of congress.

But what does Trump’s impeachment mean for Americans and for U.S. politics?

The power of impeachment was given to the House as a check on the president, as it is their duty to use this power to preserve appropriate presidential conduct.

The House made it known to history textbooks to come that what Trump did is unacceptable for a president to do.

Another impactful effect of impeachment was the daily broadcasting of Trumps’ misuses of power for months. This media explosion was a way of engaging people who are usually less involved in keeping up with political news.

This constant news cycle surrounding impeachment expanded voters’ knowledge on Trump’s misuses of power, which will hopefully bring some undecided voters over to the Democratic Party.

This impeachment does not come without consequences for the Democrats. Since Trump was impeached by the House, this means that the articles of impeachment will be sent to the Senate to either remove Trump or allow him to stay in office. It is clear that with the Republican majority in the Senate, Trump will not be removed.

With Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell saying, “I would anticipate we will have a largely partisan outcome in the Senate.

I’m not impartial about this at all.” I predict that Trump will make the Senate’s vote out to be his “exoneration” on the whole case.

This is a possible dangerous impact of impeachment and one that Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, was thoughtful of. If the Senate votes to not remove Trump, this would have a consequence of changing the narrative of Trump’s improper conduct in the media. Making him out to be “not guilty” because of the Senate vote, despite his senior officials admitting what he did was impeccable in the House.

However, no matter what happens it was necessary and important for the House to impeach Trump.

The impacts of impeachment are highly polarized from whatever political side you come from, but overall this mechanism of Impeachment is important to use in order to protect our democracy.

Prolonged effect on Election Day 8. Following the trial, the Senate convenes privately and votes on a verdict Senate (John G. Roberts), along with all Senators, serve as the Jury

9. Following the trial, the Senate convenes privately and votes on a verdict

HISTORY OF IMPEACHMENT • Three of the 45 U.S. presidents have been impeached: Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton and Donald Trump, but none have been removed from office • President John Tyler, after seemingly restricting state rights, was brought up on a resolution calling for impeachment, which failed after being sent to the House • President Richard Nixon resigned following the Watergate break-in before impeachment proceedings began

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 more of these writers’ 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!

Jacob Wendel, ‘20

With the House of Representatives impeaching President Donald Trump on abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, the Senate is expected to begin the trial to remove him from office in the near future. It is unlikely that he will be removed from office, as Republicans are currently the Senate majority.

As many see this as a partisan issue, it is safe to assume that the majority of Senate Republicans will vote against his removal while the majority of Senate Democrats will vote for it, much like his impeachment. Trump’s impeachment and subsequent trial will have a profound effect on politics for years to come.

Only three of the forty five U.S. presidents have been impeached, leading some to believe that President Trump is being targeted by his political opponents rather than being removed for overstepping his power. While Republicans will no doubt use Trump’s impeachment to attempt to expand their base in future campaigning, they will only have more to

work with if he is removed from office, especially as we approach the next presidential election.

With 12 candidates contending to run for president, the majority of Democrats agreeing on Trump’s Impeachment will help strengthen the Democratic Party, which will be important on Election Day. In 2018, Democrats used Trump’s election in their campaign, and gained the majority in the House. If President Trump isn’t removed from office, Democrats will undoubtedly use that in their presidential campaign. And if they continue to increase voter turnout like they did in 2018, they could have a good shot at winning the presidential election.

Whether Trump is removed from office or not, 2020 is going to be a very close presidential election. Both Democrats and Republicans will use everything they have to try to win. While voter turnout is typically pretty low amongst other developed nations, it will be interesting to compare voter turnout in 2020 to voter turnout from 2016 as there’s been a push to get more people to vote.

WHHSCBOX.COM

FEATURES

CINCINNATI, OHIO

JANUARY 28, 2020

PAGE 5

SECTION EDITOR: SHIV MALHOTRA

A lasting legacy as lead secretary

ABIGAIL JAY / CHATTERBOX

Joan Kuethe retired Dec. 20, just before winter break, after 30 years as a secretary. Kuethe plans to travel with her husband in the coming months, already having planned three trips.

Isabel Nissley, ‘20 Legacy of kindness When the sky is still dark, WHHS Lead Secretary, Joan Kuethe, makes her way into the school.

Passing under the dome, framed by fading stars, she pushes open the door to her office and switches on the light.

The fluorescent brightness that fills the room is softened as Kuethe turns the dial on her radio, sifting through static until music flows out. Sounds of keyboard clicks, phone calls and voices start to swell as WHHS wipes the sleep from its

eyes. The radio disappears into the background.

When the bell sharply cuts through the noise, daylight is starting to peek out of the sky. The volume of the school fades and Kuethe takes a deep breath as a smile fills her face. She then turns to her computer, ready to face the day.

Having served in this role since 2013, Kuethe is accustomed to the sounds and sights of life at WHHS. However, on Dec. 20, she walked into her office and prepared for her final day.

After her 30-year-long secretarial career, Kuethe retired from

WHHS. The beginning Her career began in 1989. With a love of kids and a desire to have the summers off of work, Kuethe was drawn to the profession.

Kuethe also had children of her own, providing experience working with school-aged kids.

“I’m a mother first,” Kuethe said.

Working at schools around Cincinnati, it wasn’t until 2013 that Kuethe began at WHHS. When Kuethe arrived, she served as the secretary for former principal Jeff Brokamp until 2017, when he re-

tired. For the past three years, Kuethe has been Principal John Chamber’s secretary.

Building connections Over her time at WHHS, Kuethe’s wooden desk has become covered in trinkets given to her by friends, family and former student helpers. A framed picture sat next to stacks of paper and a sky blue sign that read: “I believe kindness changes everything.” Keuthe embodied this philosophy in her work, greeting everybody that she encountered with a smile.

This smile allowed her to build connections with many of the students and staff of WHHS. When janitors, Moses Harris and Mylon Lowe, came into her office looking for AA batteries, Kuethe supplied them with both the batteries and a couple minutes of easy conversation.

“I love our custodians,” Kuethe said.

When the nurse, Mary Jo Rose, was in need of saltine crackers for sick students, Kuethe began saving all of the crackers she acquired from eating out. Once she had gathered enough, she put the crackers in a bag and delivered them to the nurse.

And when the school’s Treasurer, Janet Fine, stood at Kuethe’s desk to talk, the pair’s discussions flowed naturally. This time, she looked at Kuethe sadly.

“I’m going to miss her more than anyone else,” Fine said.

With great responsibility A self-proclaimed “office manager,” Kuethe’s main duty was to coordinate Chambers’ schedule.

However, her work encompassed more than just the office. Overseeing shadowing, providing building access and organizing the payroll included just some of Kuethe’s responsibilities.

Kuethe also handled morning announcements. Handing them to Chambers, he inquired about a meeting. As Kuethe searched for information, Chambers turned around and laughed, good heartedly.

“Look at all the things she has to do for me,” Chambers said.

What comes next?

As Kuethe’s time at WHHS came to an end, her feelings were bittersweet.

“I do love it here,” Kuethe said.

However, after retirement, she will be able to spend her time differently. Kuethe has plans to travel and connect with her grandchildren.

Kuethe’s role was filled by WHHS’ former twelfth grade office secretary, Shelli Daniels.

At the end of the day By the time Kuethe walked out of the doors of WHHS, the sky had opened up, afternoon sun beaming down. The school was quiet once again.

As she departed for retirement, Kuethe left not only her job, but a legacy of kindness in her role.

Check-ing in on the competition WHHS hosts city-wide chess tournament

AZARIAH CUFF / CHATTERBOX

A multitude of students from all over the Greater Cincinnati area compete in one multiple of the CSCS tournament sections for a chance to win a medal and bragging rights.

Azariah Cuff, ‘23 Chess is a highly concentration-based game. This “Royal Game,” first played among the Indian nobility, requires a substantial amount of skill and experience to properly defeat your opponent, both physically and mentally.

Now, millions of people play the mind-based game around the globe, and on Jan. 11, hundreds of students around the Cincinnati

area gathered around boards at WHHS to truly test their skills on a competitive level.

Chess Club is one of many clubs at WHHS, but this club is purely devoted to teaching WHHS students of all ages, races and genders how to play chess. William Shaw, a psychology teacher at WHHS by day and chess enthusiast by night, is extremely passionate about all things chess and loves to share his knowledge with all the students

that walk through the doors of his classroom.

“The kids are learning how to play chess, they have fun doing it and they’re making friends… chess solves problems… if you think of all the different strategies that you can have in a chess game, you can make those parallels to life,” Shaw said.

The club also caters to new players too. If you come into chess club with no idea on how to play chess, but have an interest in what it’s all about, Shaw and many other experienced players will help you until you develop basic skills on how to play and, eventually, strategic tips and tricks to defeat your friends and possibly compete.

“If you’re new to playing chess, we teach you how to play, and if you’re more experienced, we can give you tips… Chess gives you a way to pass the time if you bring a friend, and it really helps you with your cognitive skills and how to analyze things a lot more quickly,” Chess Club President James Baur, ‘21, said.

Baur won an award in the championship rated section and continued to represent WHHS Chess Club as one of the most skilled players.

The goal of playing chess is to checkmate your opponent’s King.

When the King is threatened with capture, it’s called a check. Accord-

ing to the website Chess Coach Online, “checkmate is when the opponent’s king is attacked by one of your chess pieces and can’t escape, either by moving the king

their match with another player from their section, they joined the congratulatory spirits of their family and friends in the cafeteria, where many of the students played, ate pizza and simply did what they enjoyed most: played chess.

Many of the students had different strategies on how to defeat their opponent, but as it is with personalities, every strategy is unique and tailored to that individual’s experience and teachings.

“It’s like a sport for your mind, and it really helps you with all you do, with how much you have to focus… I mostly just try to stay focused no matter what happens and well… checkmate,” Sanbvi Jha, a fifth grader at Mason Intermediate, said.

Chess Club meets on Mondays once a week in room 1108 where members enjoy tons of pizza, donuts and, most of all, chess. The next scheduled chess tournament will be held at Lakota East High School on Feb. 1. To sign up your student, have your entries submitted no later than Jan. 30 and visit www.chesscincinnati.com for more info.

“If you think of all the different strategies that you can have in a chess game, you can make those parallels to life,” - Chess Club adviser William Shaw away or getting protection from other chess pieces,” and players at the Cincinnati Scholastic Chess Series (CSCS) kept this in mind.

The 2020 CSCS, held in the faculty lunchrooms and math wings of WHHS, possessed the same atmosphere as the WHHS Chess Club, only with more intensity and a lot more students.

Each student that entered into the competition beforehand was immediately matched up with a player of their skill level. This means that kindergarteners could very well be eligible to play in one of the championship rounds.

Winners from each section were presented with multitudes of medals and trophies by Shaw and other advisors of the tournament.

The first round began at 8:45 a.m. and ended no later than 1:30 p.m. As soon as each student ended

STYLE & CULTURE

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CINCINNATI, OHIO

The streaming war

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Recent debuts in the world of online streaming include Disney+ and Apple TV, each premiering their own original content. As more services are released, some wonder if this is a sustainable model for the future of television.

Faith Wallace, ‘24 Netflix has been a streaming service since 2007 and has become one of the most successful streaming services entrenched in American culture. However, according to the analytics, Cowen & Co., Netflix lost 1.1 million subscribers to Disney + within a month of its launch. Not only that but Apple + ,another new streaming service, has been using name recognition and big stars, winning many awards.

When Disney + came out fans from several generations were excited. From Avatar, The Simpsons, The Disney Princess Franchise and old episodes of the Proud Family there was a lot of loveable content to watch. However, on launch day, potential customers were greeted by Wreck-It Ralph and Penolope saying: Unable to connect to Disney+.

This is a problem for Disney subscribers who want a reliable

network. Another problem for Disney+ is at the conclusion of The Mandolarian. People without children might unsubscribe.

Though there is a promise of a second season and Marvel tv shows related to the Marvel Cinematic Universe are expected in a year. This begs the question: can

pany receives. Disney + needs to be successful or a whole chunk of money will go to waste within the decade.

Apple+ has recently had an executive leave two weeks after the streaming service debut. Apple needs to focus on Apple+ as iPhones, which is their most prof-

“Netflix lost 1.1 million subscribers to Disney + within a month of its launch,” - Cowen & Co. nostalgia hold up for nearly a year of $6.99 a month?

Disney may have the theme parks, movies and the streaming service, however that’s not where most of their money is generated.

Motley Fool, a financial advice site, reports that traditional television accounts for 6.14 billion dollars of income, generating most of the profit that the com-

itable item has had a 15% decrease in sales and shipping according to IHS Market. While some shows like the Morning Show starring Steve Carrel and Jennifer Aniston have been raging in good reviews, other shows like Home Before Dark have gained little attraction.

Unlike Netflix and Disney+, their reviews show that people are still divided.

Created in 1997 as a way to sell DVDs, Netflix has changed drastically. Becoming popular in 2016 with 93.8 million subscribers gaining 20 million from 2015. Recently, it has experienced a decline in subscribers because of the price increase, as they were expected to gain 5 million but received 2.7.

Netflix, just like Hulu, doesn’t have the luxury of having content created by the company. So they burn through enormous amounts in cash by making content and marketing them. Not to mention more and more networks are pulling their shows and movies in hopes of creating their own streaming service. For example The Office, a popular show is expected to be taken by NBC who will have a new streaming service called Peacock, by the end of 2020.

Many people subscribe to streaming services because the cost of cable is high with hundreds of shows you’re paying for but not watching. However with

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streaming services if you were to subscribe to all of them,with it would cost, according to the Los Angeles Times, $448.41 a month.

Considering this is out of the budget for most streaming services’ core audience, this could become a Paradox of Choice where one has so many choices that they decide to pick none of them out of being scared of picking the wrong one.

According to UTA IQ, 70 percent of consumers say that there are too many streaming services along with 87 percent who are worried it will become too expensive for them as more and more networks take off to create their own streaming service. The question that both the smaller and larger streaming services should be asking themselves is: Can we stay on top or is it time to close?

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FINE ARTS

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JANUARY 28, 2020

PAGE 7

SECTION EDITORS: NADYA ELLERHORST

Llyod shows what an empty bowl can do

PHOTO COURTESY OF LIZ LLYOD

Art teacher Liz Llyod (right) and Emely (left), the Nicaraguan child she sponsors, paint an owl together. Lloyd’s yearly donations allow Emely to attend school.

Alonzo Montgomery, ‘23 A bowl, while simple to some, can make a big difference for others.

WHHS art teacher Liz Lloyd travelled to Nicaragua with the organization Rayo de Sol last summer. Originally she went to train teachers, as they don’t receive much professional training, but she soon found herself wanting to go above and beyond to give back

to the communities she found.

After seeing the level of poverty and the living situations for people living there, Lloyd felt like she had to help. “When I met these people, I started learning about the culture. I saw the good things that the organization was doing,” Lloyd said. “I wanted to be a part of that. I knew I couldn’t just up and quit my job, but I knew that I could do something.”

Rayo de Sol is an organization based on Christian principles founded by Peter Schaller, in Matagalpa, Nicaragua, with corporate offices in Atlanta, Georgia.

According to their website rayodesol.org, and their YouTube channel, the organization is involved with a little bit of everything, from education to community development. They even give grants to Nicaraguans trying to

start businesses and learn trades.

Lloyd purchased 15 aprons from a Nicaraguan women’s sewing group to use for her classes that received a grant from Rayo de Sol. Rayo de Sol provided them with the resources to buy what they needed, such as sewing machines and fabric, and to sell what they make.

But Rayo de Sol doesn’t stop there. The organization also gives scholarships to kids wanting to go to high school. In Nicaragua, kids usually won’t go to school past the eighth grade, as their parents need them to work.

Additionally, high schools there are private, and most people can’t afford them. Families are able to go to organizations like Ray de Sol to help pay.

Rayo de Sol either gives them a scholarship, or people can volunteer to sponsor a child. It only cost 300 dollars a year to send a Nicaraguan child to high school. Lloyd sponsors a 5-year-old named Emely.

“Three hundred bucks for a kid to go to school for a whole year.

That provides their transportation, meals at school, their tuition, and their books and uniform,” Llyod said. Here, we spend more than that on televisions, clothes, shows, and more.

Rayo De Sol also provide cisterns, which are big barrels that collect rain water, to Nicaraguan

families.

“They can get water from it to bathe, wash their clothes and to get drinking water from. It is enough to last them three or four months where, in comparison in the States, we would go through one of those a week. So they conserve, and they have clean water because of that,” Lloyd said.

After learning about all of the issues Nicaraguans face day to day, she jumped into action with her mind set on helping.

Lloyd planned her Empty Bowl Fundraiser. She is going to have students from all of her art classes make bowls with the help of Emily Hanes, her student teacher from Xavier University who is majoring in Art Education with a concentration in Ceramics. Lloyd and Hanes also plan to reach out to local organizations for funding.

The bowls will then be sold for 10 dollars each at the Spring Art Show on April 30, with the money going back to Rayo de Sol. What Lloyd wants people to understand is that while things may seem bad, other people have it harder and can still be happy and joyful.

“The biggest takeaway is that what we have no matter how hard it is, no matter who’s leading our country, it is so much worse in other places, and then those people can still be happy every day and still be joyful and kind,” Lloyd said.

WHHS’s Urinetown Looks to Contend in the Cappies

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SYDNIE BARETT / CHATTERBOX

The ensemble of Urinetown practices choreography during rehearsal. The show’s ensemble, divided into the “Rich” and the “Poor,” plays a heavy role in the production, serving as additional actors, singers, and dancers.

SENIOR Oliver Vockell as Bobby Strong, the musical’s protagonist, leads his fellow cast members in taking a stand against corporatism in their town.

Otto Kindel, ‘20

in expanding his horizons with a new type of role is representative of the theatre department’s willingness to take new risks, especially in running such a large and inventive musical as Urinetown.

Urinetown consists of a considerable ensemble that plays an important role in the musical.

“The ensemble is just like supporting actors, singers and dancers that help further the plot and separate the rich from the poor, so I’m just like an extra voice in the poor ensemble,” ensemble member, SENIOR Joanna Acio-Alele said.

Because Urinetown is WHHS’ Cappies production, nearly all aspects of the show will be examined in great detail.

Beyond the actors on stage, an inordinate amount of time is devoted to ensuring the final product is flawless behind the

This month, the WHHS Theatre Department is debuting the musical Urinetown. This is the theatre department’s largest production of the year, and the stakes are high since the show will be under the review of Cappies critics and in consideration for many awards.

The Cappies of Greater Cincinnati is a regional awards competition where high schools compete over a broad variety of categories related to plays and musicals.

WHHS has traditionally performed well in this competition.

Last year, WHHS’ production of Into the Woods received 23 nominations and four Cappies awards.

“We have a 37 person cast and an over 30 person crew,” stage manager SENIOR Chloe Burwinkel said. Thus, for the theatre de-

partment, all hands are on deck.

The fun, satirical production delves into a wide variety of issues.

The musical is about a dystopian — yet socially pertinent — city where the citizens are given few freedoms, some involving basic bodily functions such as using the restroom without paying a fee. Urinetown is cynical about capitalism, socialism, greed and human nature.

This musical provides the type of social critique for which many students from this generation are yearning.

“It’s a very funny play, but it also lands some very important social commentary,” director Michael Sherman said.

Urinetown’s great humor softens its serious message, and one of the most distinguishable aspects of the musical is its satire on society. “[Urinetown] literally pokes fun

at every single show you can think of,” ensemble member Artemis Azure, ‘21, said.

Urinetown has a witty new take on musicals that will be of interest to even casual viewers of the genre.

Much of the cast is well experienced in WHHS’ theatre scene.

Peter Godsey, ‘21, is coming back for roughly his eleventh WHHS production, yet he sees Urinetown as a new challenge. He plays Mr. Cladwell, a wealthy businessman and perceived villain. For Godsey, an actor who has traditionally played the “good guy,” being a villain presents a problem beyond simply memorizing lines and stage position.

“It’s the first time I have to get actually angry... I have to be an evil character so it’s definitely different but it’s a fun challenge,” Godsey said. Godsey’s confidence

scenes for months in advance.

SENIOR Matthew Eggers, the show’s assistant choreographer, is tasked with creating the dances for the musical.

“My favorite part is, at the end of having everyone go through the steps and all the choreography, seeing it sort of come to life. It’s a really cool moment and it really makes me very happy to be a part of the experience,” Eggers said.

The production of Urinetown has been exciting for all those tasked with putting the musical on stage.

“I really like working as a team with everyone, it’s just fun to watch the whole show come together,” costume designer, SENIOR Abby Schwartz said.

WHHS’ theatre department is ready to impress the critics once again.

ARCADE

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SECTION EDITOR: CHLOE SMITH

PAGE 8

Perspectives

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CHLOE SMITH / CHATTERBOX

Q: Have you ever had a moment of total peace? What was it?

Q: What is one thing you would tell your past self?

Q: What is your greatest weakness and why?

“I would say, when I was on vacation, we go to a lake in Michigan every summer and I just think that’s very peaceful for me. It’s a nice place to be.”

-Iris Westfall, ‘24

“Be better with time management. I did slack a lot in the beginning of high school.

Less in seventh and eighth grade but more in high school. I think I would have done better in school.”

-SENIOR Christina Nam

“Giving second chances because people take it for granted. They think you’ll keep giving them chances over and over and over again and they just keep hurting you, for no reason.”

-Ny’Asia Ford, ‘25

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