Volume CXI, Issue 2
The student news publication of Walnut Hills High School
September 30, 2016
2,000,000 year every
EMMA HEINES/CHATTERBOX
Symia Grayson, ‘17 2,000,000 cases of diagnosed self-harm are reported annually in the U.S. This Viewpoints article hopes to bring attention to the related issue of self harm. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month so The Chatterbox spoke to students who have harmed themselves in the past about the issue of self-harm. For personal reasons all chose to stay anonymous. There are many misconceptions about self-harm and how to aid the recovery of those struggling. A common question surrounding the issue is why someone would intentionally hurt his or her self. There is no straight answer and some argue there is no ‘right’ solution either. As every case of self-harm differs, so does the reasoning behind why a person might turn to harming himself or herself. The causes for the interviewed students’
depression were different, but the results were the same: both people turned to self-harm at a young age and both students have stopped harming themselves since. And while both sought help, their approaches varied greatly. One student started self-harming in seventh grade when dealing with family problems. As the issue grew the student finally consulted the mother who then sought help with a professional by enrolling the student in a medical hospital for several days. That, coupled with new friends who shared similar interests, initiated the recovery process. The other student interviewed went to a small school where the student was bullied over physical appearance. The student found that professional counselling didn’t help and explored other ways of recovery. As an alternative coping method the student frequently reflected on the factors affecting his or her depression. When the student felt the urge to harm again, he or she fought
to calm down and reassured his or her self that life would eventually get better. After seeing how easily influenced some people could be, the student was reminded of the replicative consequential decisions others might take when seeing the students choices. “[Self-harm] should never be the answer. Even when it looks like nothing else will help, there’s always something else you can turn to,” a student said. If you are considering self-harm, seek out a friend or mentor before making any decisions. Talk your problems over with someone and get support. Even if you’ve already started, it’s never too late to begin trying to stop. If you’ve tried one recovery method and that didn’t help, explore other ways until you find your own personalized therapy path. If you have previously hurt yourself, seek help before it escalates beyond your control. If you are considering self-harm, find someone to talk to or something to distract
you before you start on the destructive and possibly irreversible path of self-harm. If you know someone who has suicidal thoughts, tell a trusted adult and find time to talk to the person one-on-one to let them know that you’re there for them and that you care. Listen to their problems and encourage them to seek help. The school nurse Meg Dietz is always willing to listen and has done so for a number of students. She, along with other trusted adults, can help those struggling with self-harm connect to their parents, school counselors and get extended help. If you or someone you know self harms or is thinking about self harming, contact the 24/7 Cincinnati Crisis Care Center at 513-281-2273 or talk to a trusted adult about how to get help.
WHHSCBOX.COM
PEANUTS
CINCINNATI, OHIO
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016
PAGE 3
SECTION EDITOR: CAROLINE HORVATH
Junior high tennis team serves the competition Caroline Horvath, ‘20
JACK SAMUELS/CHATTERBOX Mackensie Long, ‘21, plays in the first singles game against Sycamore at the junior high tennis match on Sept. 20. The junior high tennis team is undefeated so far this year with a record of 10-0.
Friends forever? Camille Williams, ‘18 Sabine Verhaak, ‘22 High school students might not remember all the pep rallies or lectures, but most will remember the times someone stood up for them and shared their unconditional love. While students face conflicting schedules, changing interests and friend drama, the craziness of high school may impact friendships in the most powerful and everlasting ways. Think of a good friendship, a cliche middle school trio. For story-telling purposes, they will be referred to as Ryan, Sam, and Alex. They met in seventh grade orientation. None of them came from the same school but were good friends - not “bffs” but close. As their relationship strengthened they were determined to stay inseparable and always made time for each other. Over the years, they grew apart due to their conflicting sched-
ules and other friendships but still talked in the hallways and at lunch. When Sam started dating his first serious girlfriend, Alex and Ryan adjusted to fact that they would have to share Sam’s time with a new person. And while they missed seeing him as often as before, they were content with the knowledge that no one could ever come between the trio’s friendship. “A true friend is someone who lets you have total freedom to be yourself - and especially to feel. Or, not feel. Whatever you happen to be feeling at the moment is fine with them. That’s what real love amounts to--letting a person be what he really is,” American singer Jim Morrison said.
JULIA DUELL/CHATTERBOX
In the history of Walnut Hills High School, the school has been best known for its academics, not its sports. This year, however, the sports at Walnut seem to be following academics’ high rank. “We have not lost a game yet,” Lila Weizer, ‘21, said. Weizer, a doubles player on the junior high girls tennis team, has been apart of the organization for two years. With a 12:0 record this season, the seventh and eighth grade girls are “serving” the other schools. The team credits their wins to the dedication and assistance of their coach, Mark Honschopp. “[Honschopp] is very nice and very supportive, he’ll always help us,” Weizer said. Along with hour long practices aided by an encouraging coaching staff, the girls are also really close. “I like that we can
all joke with each other. It’s not like practice, it’s like hanging out with your friends” Weizer said. Since most girls have played before and already have a basic tennis foundation, their practices are primarily focused on improving intricate skills. “[During practice, Honschopp] goes over the mechanics a lot, which helps because if you know the mechanics, you can do everything” Weizer said. The tennis courts, new this season, have also given the team a home court advantage. The courts make practices and games easier, since they don’t have to travel to another court every match. The team hopes to stay undefeated for the rest of the season, which goes through October. The season will end with the Cincinnati Country Day School Middle School girls fall tennis invitational.
2016-2017 clubs available to junior high students CLUB
ADVISOR
FIRST MEETING DATE
TIME
ROOM #
INDIAN CULTURE
Rajni Harsh
Wednesdays
Contact for After school
2720
JUNIOR CLASSICAL LEAGUE
Tara Ligon
Tuesdays
After school
2114
JEWISH CULTURE
Susan Donnett
First and third thursday of the month
After school
3111
LANGUAGE
Yanping Ji-- Chinese Doreena Fox-French Jeremy Collins-German Johanka HartTompkins-Russian Kathleen Wilke-Spanish
•October 5th-Chinese •Second Tuesday Monthly-French •Every other WednesdayGerman •Second Tuesday Monthly-Russian •Third Tuesday Monthly-Spanish
After school
1607Chinese 2609French 1603- German 2611Russian 1606- Spanish
MATH COUNTS
Debbie Burris & Mary Rhame
Wednesdays and Tursdays, starting mid-October
2:40-3:30
2308
MATH TEAM
Bill Gordon
Tuesdays
After school
1309
MOCK TRIAL JUNIOR HIGH
Ricky Harris
Thursdays
3:30-4:30
3115
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CLUB
Katie Sullivan
Trips are on Saturdays
Outside of school
3717
PING PONG
Jeff Brokamp
Fridays
After school
Forum
ROTARY INTERACT SERVICE CLUB
Kathleen Keener
Thursdays
After school
2113
SCIENCE OLYMPIAD
Sandee Coats-haan
Wednesdays
After school
3711
SCI-FI FANTASY
Tara Ligon
Fridays
After school
2114
SUSTAINABILITY
Brian Link
Thursdays
After school
3724
HANNAH REINHARDT/CHATTERBOX Are you looking for a way to stay connected with your peers? Join a club today! SARAH DAVIDOFF, ‘13
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,
The Chatterbox Policy Statement 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.
The Chatterbox Editorial Staff Augusta Battoclette, Editor-in-Chief Ibrahim Munir, Managing Editor of News and Features
Maham Usmani, Managing Editor of Student Life
Ashwini Kamath, Managing Editor of Opinions
Hannah Bundschuh, Managing Editor of Visual Elements
Pavan Yaddanapudi, Business Manager
Nick Robertson, Online Content Manager
Samantha Gerwe-Perkins, Adviser
Dawn Wolfe, Adviser
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016
PAGE 4
STYLE & CULTURE
WHHSCBOX.COM
SECTION EDITOR: KEEGAN SULLIVAN
Avoid fall fashion faux pas
REGGIE CALLENDER/CHATTERBOX
REGGIE CALLENDER/CHATTERBOX
CINCINNATI, OHIO
REGGIE CALLENDER/CHATTERBOX
JACK SAMUELS/ CHATTERBOX
Cheyenne Cooper, ‘18, Chloe Coleman, ‘17, Nina Boyd, ‘18, and Tad Whalers, ‘19, show their different types of style and comfort. They all show the differences between trending fall styles. Reggie Callender, ‘18 As October makes its way onto the calendar, it is time to welcome back all the rich colors associated with fall: reds, dark blues, grays, oranges and browns. According to Anna Becher and Mary Kate Beck, ‘18, the return of fall brings a new season of fashion ranging from the “oversized sweatshirts with leggings and boots with a messy bun,” to a “purple quar-
ter sleeve lace dress with nude stilettos.” Whether dressing for comfort or for fashion, there is an outfit for every occasion. According to Cosmopolitan, everything from “Seventies accents, super-long sleeves and the return of the puffa jacket” to the “traditional autumn navies, blacks, greys and dark greens” have recently become more popular. “Flower dresses, pleated skirts and bomber jackets,” are back in style according to H&M’s website. “Blanket
scarfs and ankle booties [are also back]”. Comfort: “[Fall is just a] preparation for winter,” Cheyenne Cooper, ‘18, said. And in school, for more stressful situations, some students prioritize comfort and convenience over the latest trends. “Leggings and an oversized hoodie is always the way to go. And a pair of sweatpants or loose jeans and a T-shirt for the guys; It’s easy and fast and everyone loves it,” Anna Becher, ‘18, said.
“When I’m dressed nice, I feel like I could take on the entire world and nothing can stop me,” Chloe Coleman, ‘17, said. Whether replicating the latest outfit of a famous celebrity, or simply wearing a special color, the diversity of clothing styles at Walnut exemplifies the different ways individuals judge fashion. “A maroon halter-top dress with combat boots [is the way to go!]” Niyera Campbell, ‘18, said.
Dance Dance Evolution Keegan Sullivan, ‘18 History of dance is filled with interesting events that shaped its foundations, inventors that created new styles, periods of time when dance and music were put in the forefront of innovations, which all enabled it to become the popular social pastime of today. History of Dance The history of dance closely follows the development of human race. Since the earliest times of our existence, far before the creation of first modern civilizations, dance served as an irreplaceable way of expressing human thought and emotion. As our civilization traveled through millennia, dance was modified to the point of being popular means of expression, health, communication and competition. Elizabethan Dance During the period of time in 16th century that is today remembered as an Elizabethan Era, dance and music received unprecedented attention, advancement and refinement that allowed it to become one of the most popular ways for socialization and exercise, and a foundation for the creation of all modern dances. Religion and Mythology Connection between dance and religion and myths can be observed from the dawn of our
civilization to the modern times. Here you can find out how dance influenced the religion ceremonies, became storytelling device in describing tales of gods and myths, or in some cases become very integral part of some religions. History of Ballroom Dancing History of ballroom dancing started with the rise of European renaissance in 16th century. Ever since then, tradition of ballroom dancing expanded across entire world, pushing along its path creation of many popular dances that are in use today. History of Tango One of the most famous and popular dances of modern human history is without a doubt tango – energetic, sensual and passionate dance that was born in the suburbs of Buenos Aires in late 19th century. Here you can find out more about historical origins and expansion of Tango across entire world. History of the Waltz Ever since it first appeared on the ballrooms of Venice, Waltz managed to revolutionize the way we dance. Here you can read detailed accounts of the way waltz was created, moved from folk roots to royal ballrooms, and helped to kickstart new era of social dances and music styles. History of the Salsa Salsa is the Latin American dance that managed to revolutionize the way we dance and move one the dance floor. Here you can find out ev-
BLAISE SEWELL/THENOUNPROJECT.COM
erything you need to know about history of salsa, its origins, popularity in Cuba, and spreading to United States and the rest of the world. History of Ballet Ballet is a formal dance technique combined with costumes, scenery, and music. Ballet integrated dance, music, stage design and poetry
to make a dramatic storyline. It developed under the aristocratic influence as a formalized form of dance. At first its roll was a virtually component of the opera. In a time, it was formalized and codified, and there were founded popular ballet stages all over the world.
WHHSCBOX.COM CINCINNATI, OHIO
FEATURES
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016
PAGE 5
SECTION EDITOR: MATTHEW YOUKILIS
Homecoming: a week full of spirit, games and dancing
KAYLA MURRELL/CHATTERBOX Students and guests spent three hours dancing at the Duke Energy Convention Center. The decorations and lights were made to fit this year’s theme of Homecoming: Mardi Gras. The two masked faces projected on the wall were there to help with the theme and the bright greens and purples as well.
Walnut pride shines at the pep rally
Football coach Brian Lainhart was discovered to be the school’s mascot at Friday’s Senior High pep rally. Having been de-headed by his own team Lainheart just smiled for the crowd. Kayla Murrell, ‘17 The week of the pep rally, students from all grades were participating in Spirit Week and building up school spirit and energy the entire week starting Sept. 19. Monday was Jersey Day, where students, teachers and administrators wore jerseys of their favorite teams and players or their
own sport teams jerseys. Tuesday was Preppy Day/Dress Up, and once again the school participated, with many wearing ties and jackets and other preppy clothing. Wednesday gave students a break from coming to school in the middle of the week because of the teacher work day, and students didn’t come into school. However, the students continued to display their spirit and school pride on Thursday with Spirit Day, wearing all their Walnut gear. The final day of Spirit Week and the day of the pep rally, Friday, students wore their designated class color. During the senior high pep rally, Walnut students from all grades were dressed up in their class color to show their Walnut pride. First, the junior varsity and varsity cheerleaders riled up their sections with school spirit as they performed their routine and recited the familiar Walnut cheers. The Homecoming court followed and finalists had the chance to walk around the gym, waving to fellow classmates as the crowd cheered them on. Shortly after, various fall sports were announced. The football team came out last and engaged in a game of tug of war in a team with Walnut’s mascot facing Turpin’s mascot. Turpin’s mascot was no match against Walnut’s football team and mascot combined. Although the football team didn’t win that night, the school spirit shown throughout the week represented what it truly means to be an eagle.
Dancing the night away King Jhariah Wadkins, 17 Queen Shakira Crawford, 17 Prince Rashaan Boyd,18 Princess Evelin Johnson, 18
Krishyra Mitchell, ‘17 Another Homecoming has come and gone for Walnut Hills students and guests. Saturday, Sept. 24, many students came out to enjoy the dance. Students had a lot of opinions on the dance, whether it was this year’s theme, Mardi Gras, the music, the decorations or their overall experience. “I think it’s a little bit better because they actually played upto-date music this time,” SENIOR Diana Simmons said. Some were even trying to fit in with
this year’s theme: Mardi Gras.“The [Student Congress] officers wanted something glamorous,” Kathy Noland, student congress and class adviser, said. Security was also a bit different this year with the addition of bag searches. “We just wanted to up security because there were so many students coming. We sold over 1000 tickets for the dance, it wars downtown and there was another big high school dance in the room next door and we were really just concerned about students’ safety,” Noland said.
Walnut students sprint through Homecoming
KAYLA MURREL/CHATTERBOX
Students sprint across the field holding large “effie backpacks” during the Homecoming Games. During the week long festivities leading up to Homecoming, games were used to determine which signed up team would be Homecoming Games champion.
KAYLA MURREL/CHATTERBOX
Walnut students participate in a three-legged race during the Homecoming Games. Each eight person team signed up prior to the games beginning, and teams were eliminated throughout the week.
SPORTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016
PAGE 6
WHHSCBOX.COM
CINCINNATI, OHIO
SECTION EDITORS: AARON ESPELAGE AND EMMA FARRELL
Controversy with the anthem Michael Sweeney, ‘17
PHOTO COURTESY OF THEARON W. HENDERSON/GETTY IMAGES
Colin Kaepernick and one of his teammates, Eric Reid kneel during the national anthem before a game on Sept. 1. This has caused a massive chain of events; many high school students have responded with their own silent protests.
The anthem. It is a representation of American freedom, pride and loyalty to the U.S. Many people believe it should give citizens a warm feeling of patriotism and integrity when they see the red, white and blue flag and hear the “Star Spangled Banner” song. It should make every U.S. citizen stand up and feel proud of the freedoms given to Americans every single day, right? So why would someone kneel while the nation’s song is playing? The San Francisco 49er’s quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, has caused a nationwide stir with his stance on kneeling during games when the national anthem plays. Kaepernick has expressed his frustration with the treatment of minorities in the U.S. and was first seen sitting during a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers on August 26. His decision to protest the anthem has garnered outrage from National Football League (NFL) vet-
erans, fans, executives and commentators. He’s also seen widespread support. From 49er fans, athletes from different sports like U.S. women’s soccer team member Megan Rapinoe and even musical artists such as J Cole and Trey Songz. His most notable supporters are his fellow NFL players, however. In week one of the season players from numerous teams were seen either kneeling, locking arms or raising a fist. On Sept. 23 Withrow, Walnut Hills’ football conference rival, had nearly all of it’s players raise a fist in protest of the flag. This type of protest raises major questions within our culture and society. Is Kaepernick right? Does he have legitimate reason to disrespect a major symbol of the country? It brings up major ideas that should be taken into consideration by society. Whether one agrees with his method or not, there should be a discussion on the treatment of minorities in this country.
Josh Hardin rising to the top of the Athletic Department Michael Sweeney, ‘17 Walnut Hills High School alumnus Josh Hardin has spent the last four years as Assistant Athletic Director at Walnut Hills High School--raising his status as a contender for a major Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) Athletic Department position. He has excelled to the top in a short period of time. From 2012 to 2016 Hardin was an assistant to Athletic Director Tom Donnelly, learning the tools to organizing a large athletic program and successfully positioning Walnut into becoming one of the top athletic programs in all of Ohio. This success did not go unnoticed as he was recently promoted to becoming athletic manager of all CPS schools, taking over for Dave Dierker, who retired after 18 years. Hardin is a 2000 Walnut Hills graduate. He was a star basketball player for the team at the time and played on scholarship at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. He eventually came back to Cincinnati and launched the Ohio Ballstars with his brother
Football Turpin Kings Walnut Hills Anderson Loveland Milford Withrow Glen Este
Overall 5-0 4-1 4-1 3-2 2-3 1-4 1-4 0-5
Trey Hardin. This AAU basketball organization has helped many kids receive college scholarships, while also making sure neighborhood kids could have a chance to play organized basketball at an elite level. The organization has flourished for over 10 years. Hardin’s rise through the racks seems to be no surprise to Donnelly; who worked closely with Hardin when he was an assistant. When Donnelly first became Walnut’s Athletic Director in 2008, he took notice of a seventh grade basketball coach that gave him the impression of a fantastic vocal leader, while also maintaining a good relationship with his players; one of which turned out to be Hardin. Hardin first became assistant athletic director in 2012. According to Donnelly, Hardin began to make an immediate impact to the program because of his prior business with the Ballstars. When they had to share a room because Walnut was going under construction, he began to take notice of Hardin’s potential; because of his great communication with staff, parents and hard work.
PHOTO COURTESY OF EVAN IVORY
Josh Hardin has recently been promoted to Athletic Director following the resignation of Dave Dierker at the end of last school year. His extensive experience will help build the success of the CPS athletics.
Conference standings as of September 27
Conference 2-0 2-0 1-1 1-1 1-0 0-1 0-1 0-1
Men’s Cross Country
Time 15:14 1. Conant Smith/Middletown 15:19 2. Dustin Horter/Lakota East 16:13 3. Jackson Siddall/Lebanon 16:16 4. Joe Ingram/Anderson 16:16 4. Kelby Caplinger/Lebanon 16:17 6. Kevin Lawso/Sycamore 16:17 7. Joe Murdock/Indian Hill 106. Weston Floro-Hageman/Walnut 17:47
Men’s Golf
Score 35.7 1. Tyler Goecke/Carroll 35.98 2. Garrett Wood/Mason 36.17 3. Cooper Hausfeld/Wyoming 36.9 4. Ty DeBonis/McNicholas 37 5. Nolan Schrand/Holy Cross 37 5. Alex Major/Indian Hill 37.1 7. Nathan Arnold/Milford 55. Max Broxterman/Walnut Hills 37.11
Women’s Cross Country 1. Samantha Bush/Turpin 2. Maddie Walker/Amelia 3. Hannah Rasmussen/Kings 4. Rachel Ploeger/Monroe 5. Leah Maschino/Kings 6. Jessie Hartman/Lebanon 7. Alayna Garver/Monroe 110. Chloe Shiff/Walnut Hills
Time 17:50 18:06 18:16 18:29 18:35 18:40 18:44 21:13
Do you love the Chatterbox but wish there was more content to look at? Want exclusive content that you can’t find in print? Are you interested in fun and vibrant photo essays about student life here at Walnut?
Women’s Golf
Score 35.67 1. Katie Hallinan/Walnut Hills 37.95 2. Isabel York/ St. Ursula 38.1 3. Hallie Heidemann/McAuley 4. Natalia Sompolvorachai/Lakota W. 38.33 38.8 5. Vivienne Su/Mason 40 6. Delany Day/Taylor 40.2 7. Orchid Wang/Sycamore 40.2 7. Karly Egbers/Oak Hills
Women’s Volleyball
Turpin Loveland Anderson Kings Walnut Hills Glen Este Milford Withrow
Overall 13-2 11-4 10-3 9-6 8-7 7-8 3-12 1-12
Ace HArdwAre clifton Est. 2009
Visit our website <whhscbox.com> today for all of the above and more!
Conference 7-1 7-1 6-2 5-3 3-5 3-5 1-7 0-8
Men’s Soccer Anderson Turpin Walnut Hills Milford Kings Withrow Loveland Glen Este
Overall 9-1-1 8-2-0 4-3-2 5-5-0 3-6-2 2-6-0 1-8-1 1-10-0
Conference 4-0-0 4-0-0 2-2-0 1-3-0 2-1-1 1-3-0 1-2-1 0-4-0
Women’s Soccer
Loveland Walnut Hills Anderson Turpin Milford Kings Glen Este
Overall 9-0-1 5-4-1 4-3-2 4-4-3 4-5-1 3-4-3 1-7-1
Conference 4-0-0 1-3-0 1-2-0 2-1-1 2-0-1 1-2-0 0-3-0
344 Ludlow Ave Cincinnati, OH 45220 (513) 2819600
NEWS
WHHSCBOX.COM
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016
PAGE 7
SECTION EDITOR: MATTHEW YOUKILIS
CINCINNATI, OHIO
Heroin overdoses at crisis levels in Hamilton County numbers have skyrocketed recently. This is largely due to batches of pure heroin being laced with carfentanil, an opioid 10,000 times stronger than morphine, according to the Washington Post. It causes stronger and extended highs because of its greater potency and therefore, it is very deadly. Some students at Walnut Hills have even been affected in some way by heroin. Max Smallwood, ‘19, said, “One of my family members, a few years ago, he was my cousin, died from a heroin overdose.” While heroin may seem like an issue that does not have a major impact on most students, neighbors and family members could now be more susceptible to the drug. Students may also fall victim to its addictive qualities very easily. “If a student gets depressed enough and sees that heroin makes people feel better for a short while
then they’ll definitely do it,” Smallwood said. “[But] people should really understand that heroin’s not the way out of their problems.” Smallwood believes that Cincinnati is at crisis level for heroin usage in Cincinnati. While finding a sound s ol ut ion to the p ro b l e m is nearly i mp os s i ble, Smallw o o d h o p e s that Cincinnati is able to. To accomplish this he said, “Well, first I would try to find where all [these] drugs are coming from and try to close off that gateway, and help the people that have been affected.” While this is easier said than done, it does bring up the common desire for a solution to this crisis. Cincinnati may be in danger of being even further overtaken by this epidemic and everyone should do all that is possible to stop the spread of the deadly drug that is heroin.
“People should really understand that heroin’s not the way out of their problems.” Max Smallwood, ‘19
PHOTO COURTESY OF EY LAW/HARVEY LAW
A syringe used to inject heroin lies on a table. Heroin laced with carfentanil has become a major problem in the Cincinnati area, causing a much higher fatality rate from heroin overdoses. Matthew Youkilis, ‘19 Cincinnati has struggled through controversies and crises many times in its history but it may be facing another serious situation: heroin. According to Tim Ingram, the Hamilton County health commissioner, heroin overdoses are
at an “unprecedented” level in Cincinnati. Other health officials have stated that heroin has become a public health emergency. Cincinnati has long been embroiled in a battle against increased heroin usage in its metropolitan area, but overdoses have reached epidemic levels in recent months.
At the end of August, nearly 200 people in the Cincinnati area overdosed on heroin in one month, with 78 overdoses occurring in one 48 hour period, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Three of those who overdosed, died because of it. While Cincinnati averages about four heroin overdoses per day, those
How the streetcar is shaping Cincinnati
Amanda Anderson, ‘19
On Friday, Sept. 9 hundreds of people rushed downtown to witness the opening of Cincinnati’s first streetcar--the Cincinnati Bell Connector. This multi-million dollar project celebrated its completion with a weekend full of free rides and discounts at local businesses along the track. The streetcar travels along an expansive track, winding through
the downtown and Over-theRhine areas. The streetcar is meant to serve as a way for Cincinnati to connect profitable parts of the city, hence the name Connector. The 3.6 miles of track have been under construction since early 2012 and have caused quite a stir along the way. The project was shut down during the 2013 local elections due to its main political supporter, Mayor Mark Mallory, reaching his term limit.
AMANDA ANDERSON/CHATTERBOX
The Cincinnati Bell Connector approaches a crowded stop by the Banks downtown. Some passengers waited for the Connector to arrive before finding out it was overcrowded and hopping on Metro busses.
Mallory was replaced by John Cranley, a democratic city council member who began opposed the continuation of construction out of concern for the cost of operation. This momentary pause in construction appeared to be the end of the project for many local supporters. The large price that came along with the streetcar fell heavy upon city-goers and the project began losing steam. This was until The Haile Foundation, an independent bank foundation, donated nine million dollars towards the extension of the project. The construction was finished shortly thereafter. Upon the opening of the streetcar, opinions were mixed. The grand opening made its presence known by the massive crowds squeezing into each car, causing great irritation among passengers. When asked about his experience, Rafael Ramirez, ‘21, shared his view. “I thought [the streetcar] was nice. But it stopped too often and there were always people in the way. It would keep going and
AMANDA ANDERSON/CHATTERBOX
Passengers board the crowded cars of the Connector at one of its various stops along the main streets of downtown. The flow of traffic was constant throughout the day as passengers kept arriving to climb aboard. stopping and it was kind of jerky.” This constant stopping and starting was due in part to city drivers adjusting to the presence of the streetcar on the road. This change in traffic flow has installed a wariness among drivers simply due to how different this form of mass transportation is in comparison to the Metro Buses drivers that are accustomed to seeing downtown. The addition of the streetcar has not only changed the flow of traffic in Cincinnati but the way citi-
zens have begun viewing their city. Although the streetcar has obviously connected the city physically, it has connected residents socially as well. The streetcar has brought with it a form of local nationalism that citizens are proudly brandishing. These physical and social changes are the result of the Connector truly living up to its name, but who knows what other ways these connections will be able to shape in our city.
ARCADE
SEPTEMBER 30, 2016
PAGE 8
WHHSCBOX.COM
SECTION EDITOR: SARAH HANSEN
Spirit Week Styles
CINCINNATI, OHIO
JACK SAMUELS/CHATTERBOX
Preppy Day
JACK SAMUELS/CHATTERBOX
Jersey Day
Sudoku
BRIANNA JONES/CHATTERBOX
School Spirit Day
JACK SAMUELS/CHATTERBOX
Class Colors Day
DISCLAIMER: Reggie Callender is a member of The Chatterbox.
Messy hair from self-generated wind
wild, anxious (but hopeful) eyes
overloaded backpack filled with homework, every textbook ever assigned, and various emergency supplies.
CXI.1 Sudoku answers & solving tips • Go through each block, column and row, determining which numbers need to be placed. • Annotate spaces when needed. • Remember, every number (1—9) must be used once per block, column and row, and may not be repeated. • Every puzzle has exactly one solution. Go forth and solve!
Perpetually wearing gym shoes, often with one or both laces untied
Kneepads to protect against the occasional scrape incurred while running frantically through the halls.