Volume CXII, Issue 9
The student news publication of Walnut Hills High School
Friday March 2, 2018
ENOUGH IS
ENOUGH AUDREY MELLO/REM
On Feb. 21 a crowd of WHHS students walked out of class to support gun control after the school shooting that left 17 dead in Parkland, Fla. “We are here because we are sick of fellow American children being killed and not being able to be safe in their own learning environment,” an anonymous student said.
Editorial
A call to disarm Chatterbox Editorial Board
We know it too well. From active shooter drills to seemingly weekly mass shootings in the news, the culture of gun violence in the U.S. has been as much a part of our childhood as Netflix and Instagram. Most recently, this has manifested itself in the deaths of 17 individuals at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. Fourteen students and three staff members went to school on Valentine’s Day—their biggest worries likely being a test that morning or discord among their friends—and never came home. This problem is not new. The shooting at Columbine High School occurred April 20, 1999, before virtually any current student at WHHS was born. Since then, hundreds of thousands
of people have died as a result of gun violence, both in mass shootings and gun-related homicides, according to the FBI. It seems that after every mass casualty event, there is a call for change that is never answered. Messages of “it’s too soon” and “thoughts and prayers” block any real action until the shooting has left the public’s mind. But the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School can be different. Already, change seems truly possible, and there is one primary reason: students. Students have stood up to call for stronger school safety, through improved mental health care, new school security procedures and more restrictive gun legislation. We stand with the students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. This is our safety, our country, our lives.
Though most of us cannot vote, at least not yet, it is our right and our responsibility to express our beliefs and to fight to make them a reality. We must stand up for legislative changes surrounding guns. We must stand up and help those in our community who suffer from mental illness. We can, and must, stand up for change so no one feels this pain again. School safety is an issue that we can work to solve. The Chatterbox encourages all students to learn more about this issue, contact their congressmen and take an active stand toward achieving true change in American society. We, as the future of America, as well as its present, must embrace the idea that every individual life matters and advocate for school safety.
CHILDREN COURTESY OF HYUK JUN KWAN/ THENOUNPROJECT
OPINIONS
MARCH 2, 2018
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WHHSCBOX.COM
SECTION EDITOR: NICK ROBERTSON
Thoughts and prayers Nick Robertson, ‘19 Shiv Malhotra, ‘20
We thought it was over after Sandy Hook. We thought it was over after Orlando. We thought it was over after Las Vegas. America’s cycle of mass shootings never ends. Every month there is another shooting, another set of fatalities, another set of faces, another set of names, another funeral, another protest. More children have died in school shootings so far in the first 18 years of 21st century than the entire 20th century, now totaling over 250. The latest tragedy in Parkland, Fla. marks the eighth fatal school shooting in 2018 alone. Even with these many fatalities, no major gun control legislation has passed through Congress since before the Sandy Hook shooting in 2012. The force that is preventing the passage of new legislation is the Republican Party and its controller, the National Rifle Association (NRA). The NRA has kept a stranglehold on the Republicans since the 1990s, through a pattern of strict rules and large checks. In the 2016 election cycle alone, the NRA spent over $54 million on Republican candidates and their campaigns, while only spending a reported $265 supporting Democrats, according to OpenSecrets.org, a non-partisan watchdog group. Even our own congressmen take large sums of money from the NRA. Rep. Steve Chabot, who represents a majority of the west side of Cincinnati and its northern suburbs, has taken over $100,000 from the NRA during his career. Rob Portman, one of Ohio’s senators, has also taken over three million dollars in direct and indirect support from the organization.
While this may seem like a lot of money, it’s important to note that this is what the NRA has to pay to buy your representation. Every politician that takes money from the NRA isn’t listening to the people that voted for them, they’re listening to the people that put money in their campaign’s accounts. It is important to not only stand against the NRA’s s e l f serving stance s on
gun control, but also to stand against their degradation of American democracy. The NRA advocates for the most lax gun control laws possible, and uses its money as a threat or a reward for lawmakers to follow their agenda. It is that agenda that let the National Assault Weapons Ban expire in 2004, which banned the same weapons that were used in nearly every school shooting since it expired. It is the same agenda that refused to ban the “bump stock,” which allowed a semi-au-
tomatic rifle to shoot at a fullyautomatic rate and kill 58 people in Las Vegas. The NRA and every politician that takes their money, puts that money ahead of their own constituents lives. I t
is the duty of every American to contact their representatives in Congress. Make your voice heard so it can not be overpowered by a check from the NRA. A new ABC/Washington Post poll shows that 90 percent of Americans want increased background check laws. It is time that Congress gets something
CINCINNATI, OHIO
Americ a’s never- ending m a s s sho oting cycle done to protect the people that elect them and their children. The NRA has decided to go on the offensive against those pushing for stricter gun laws, ramping up efforts since the Parkland shooting in February. Wayne LaPierre, the CEO and Executive Vice President of the NRA, attacked those favoring stricter gun laws, saying “they hide behind labels like Democrat, left-
w i ng , a n d p r o gressive, to make their socialist agenda more palatable, and that is terrifying.” LaPierre is accusing those who support stricter gun control of being communists, who are just using gun control to secretly push socialist ideals. This is completely ridiculous and unjust, and we as Americans must stand up against people who claim such absurdities against those who seek to make America a safer place, and use these fear tactics against us. Dana Loesch, the NRA’s na-
tional spokeswoman, instead of directly attacking those who seek less strict gun laws, attacked the media, another common target of many conservatives and their interest groups. During her speech on Feb. 22, Loesch stated “Many in legacy media love mass shootings.” Anyone in their right mind hates mass shootings. Such an attack on journalists is completely ridiculous and childlike, and it shows the NRA’s true intentions. The NRA does not stand for “preserving the core of our American values and traditions” like their mission statement says. Their intentions are to divide America. Pit Republicans against Democrats and profit off of it. Create fear in the hearts and minds of Americans that drives them to buy weapons. They do not want to help Americans, they only want to help themselves. Since the Parkland shooting, many businesses, from car rentals to airlines to banks, have stood up to the power of the NRA by parting ways with them. The NRA has lost over a dozen partnerships and with them many millions of dollars. The only way to defeat the NRA is financially. We must stand up to the NRA just like these businesses have, and separate ourselves from the power they hold on Washington and our government. Recently, conspiracy theorists have accused students who have been covered in media as ‘crisis actors’ These students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High have recently stood up against the NRA and other critics who have been making such claims. David Hogg, a student from Parkland High School, stood up against the NRA and other critics on national television when he said “You might as well stop now because we are going to outlive you.”
NRA LOGO COURTESY DEMOCRACY CHRONICLES/FLICKR
NICK ROBERTSON/CHATTERBOX
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 Hanna Bundschuh, Editor-in-Chief
Matthew Youkilis, Managing Editor of News and Features
Caroline Horvath, Managing Editor of Student Life
Camille Williams, Managing Editor of Opinions
Hannah Reinhardt, Managing Editor of Visual Elements
Aaron Espelage, Business Manager
Emma Heines, Video Content Manager
Amanda Anderson, Online Content Manager
Samantha Gerwe-Perkins, Adviser
Dawn Wolfe, English Department Chair
WHHSCBOX.COM
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FEATURES
MARCH 2, 2018
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SECTION EDITOR: IBRAHIM MUNIR
School shootings show a sinister side of history
AMANDA ANDERSON/ CHATTERBOX
The above timeline relays some of the earliest and most significant school shootings in American history. Although only ten are pictured above, the actual number is in the hundreds, with 291 shootings on school and university campuses having been reported since 2013.
Amanda Anderson, ‘19 Throughout this issue there have been many pieces expressing different levels of exhaustion at the seemingly unstoppable trend that applies to mass shootings. When thinking of school shootings, most view the Columbine High School Shooting as the beginning of this cultural shift that made classrooms a place clouded with fear. When asked why Columbine wasn’t the tipping point for gun control, many say it’s because this was an unprecedented event. However, this was far from the beginning of this epidemic. The first mass shooting at a school occurred at South Pasadena Junior High School on May 6, 1940. A principal, fearing he was going to be fired, went on a killing spree, shooting seven and killing four. This is the first mass shooting in history that was perpetrated with only a gun and
by a member of the staff or student body. This was followed by the more wellknown University of Texas at Austin shooting on August 1, 1960, where a former marine climbed to the top of the university’s main building tower and opened fire on the campus below. This resulted in the death of 14 people and the injuring of 31 more. These events show that school shootings are not a new crisis, but have plagued our country for over seventy years. In a piece on the Editorials page of the May 3rd, 1999 issue of the Chatterbox, Ruairi Rhodes, a member of the WHHS class of 2000, expressed her exhaustion at the Columbine High School slayings. In her article, “No answer to horrendous Colorado slayings,” Rhodes begins by mentioning three shootings: West Paducah, Jonesboro, and an Oregon shooting. She is referring to the large spike in school shootings that occurred during the
late ‘90s which consisted of many lesser known killing sprees than Columbine. Firstly, she mentions the Heath High School shooting in West Paducah, KY in 1997 which led to the death of five students. Then she alludes to the Westboro shootings which occurred on March 24, 1998 at Westside Middle School. This shooting was carried out by two former students who shot and killed four teachers and students and wounded ten. Lastly she mentions a shooting that took place at Thurston High School on May 21, 1998 in Springfield, OR, where an expelled student shot and killed two students and his parents and left 25 others injured. These recent shootings led Rhodes and many others to be shocked when Columbine happened, but maintained their air of frustration that coincided with their sadness. In her article, Rhodes can’t help but express her vexa-
tion when it came to the emerging pattern that gripped her high school years. “It’s the same every time, another bold print headline, a picture of crying girls, and another of injured students with paramedics. An article about shootings, and an article about the killers.” Reading this quote from an article written almost 20 years ago greatly highlights the lack of mobility and action when it comes to preventing these tragedies. No action is ever taken. We have allowed these slayings and these huntings of our peers to become a routine, a part of American life. We have spent 70 years sending our thoughts and prayers without working to make sure we never have to read another article detailing these horrific crimes. No matter what side you stand on when it comes to this issue, context and education is key if you want to see progression away from this gruesome circle of violence that plagues our schools.
Ibrahim Munir, ‘19 The recent tragedy in Parkland, Florida has once again brought attention to the uniquely American epidemic of mass shootings. Although many of the selected guests from the White House that accompanied President Donald Trump to Parkland to speak with victims that believe in targeting mental illness, bullying, gun-free zones and FBI negligence to solve this decades-long problem, stricter gun laws have proven to be an endgame solution in many other countries. Research has proved that countries with fewer guns have lower homicide rates. Even certain states in the U.S. that have less gun ownership have fewer gun deaths. A 2013 study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that every percentage point increase in gun ownership corresponded to a 0.9 percent higher risk of gun homicide. Mass shootings in other countries have been responded to differently than in the U.S. Automatic and semi-automatic firearms were banned in Germany in 2008 (excluding hunting and sportshooting, which require permits) in response to the 2002 Erfurt Massacre, when a 19 year old killed 17 people in school. In Switzerland, where gun ownership is viewed with similar attitudes as in the U.S., the law was changed in 2008 to require stricter ammunition storage after a man killed 14 and injured 14 more in a regional parliament. In 1996, Australia passed the National Fire-
arms Agreement 12 days after a mass shooting, banning automatic and semi-automatic firearms for personal defense, as well as enforcing stricter background checks. Australia has had no school shootings since. According to United Nations data, the U.S. has nearly six times the gun homicide rate of Canada, more than seven times that of Sweden, and nearly 16 times that of Germany. These overwhelming numbers reaffirm the grotesque trend of mass shootings in the U.S. German Lopez, a writer for Vox, a general interest news site, who has covered mass shootings since 2014, believes that the U.S. won’t admit that it has a gun problem. His most recent piece of evidence was President Donald Trump’s speech responding to the Florida shooting; he did not mention guns once, merely focusing on working “with state and local leaders to help secure our schools and tackle the difficult issue of mental health.” However, mental illness does not seem to be the main issue. Out of the 235 mass shooters in Columbia University’s database, only 52 had mental illnesses, 22 percent. Research and experience from other countries has shown that stricter gun laws have proven to be an effective solution against mass shootings, and if the U.S. wants to avoid another senseless massacre, it is important to reconsider our laws. Text “RESIST” to 504-09 to contact your local government officials and voice your opinion on the gun control debate.
Number of shootings
United States surpasses other countries in mass shootings
Country
AMANDA ANDERSON/CHATTERBOX
The above graph depicts the amount of mass shootings that resulted in the death of four or more people since 1966. When comparing the rates of gun violence and mass shootings in counties, the amount of mass shootings targeting random civilians greatly outnumbers other countries. As shown, the Philippines, who have the second largest number of shootings, have only suffered 18 compared to the U.S.’s 90
FEATURES
MARCH 2, 2018
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: IBRAHIM MUNIR
arge on school safety
nt call for safety
Parkland student leaders rise up Caroline Horvath, ‘20
GRACE SUBLETT/REM
Perri Wedlock, ‘19, leads students around Blair Circle during the Feb. 21 walkout. The students called for change to gun laws following the shooting in Parkland, Fla.
ves lost in Parkland Me a d ow Pol l a ck
f Scott Bei gel Aa ron Feis en ber g Ch r is H i xon a no Lu k e Hoyer Nichol a s Dworet en Schent r up i n a Mont a lto Al a i n a Petty
21, WHHS students and staff participated in a “white out” to honor the victims of the school shooting in Parkland. Hundreds of students also walked out of class to protest current gun laws. “I am a strong believer that if there is no change then there will be another community in some amount of days that will go through the same thing,” Goffstein said. “No change on our part means that we’d be crazy not to think that the same thing won’t happen again and again… so something needs to be done.”
But change to current gun regulations cannot come over night. “We are not expecting a silver bullet,” Goffstein said. “We’re not saying that one thing will make the difference and that this will never happen again. It will be multiple steps that need to be taken, but just because it’s hard does not mean that we shouldn’t take the first step.” MSDHS students are taking the first step and inspiring others to do the same. WHHS students are supporting their fellow eagles to fight for change.
Students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School (MSDHS) are paving the way for their peers around the nation to make a difference. Students from Florida to Ohio and all over the country are rallying together, just one week after the horrific shooting in Parkland, to voice their frustration. Students have been protesting current gun regulations through marches, school walkouts and meetings with state representatives. Students from MSDHS, such as senior Emma Gonzalez, are fighting for an end to mass shootings and for stricter gun regulations. Gonzalez quickly gained popularity after giving a speech at an anti-gun rally in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Feb. 16., just two days after the tragic ordeal. She has become a prominent activist for stronger gun regulation in the past week, reaching out to companies and politicians to cut ties with the National Rifle Association. “We are actively sharing our progress that our students are making and the steps they are taking,” said Carla Goffstein, a parent of one of the students from MSDHS. “It has become imperative as we talk to people to motivate and inspire [them] to vote for politicians who will make a change on this issue.” Students from MSDHS drove hours on a bus to Tallahassee to speak to state representatives about gun regulations. “It is very important to us [that people use their vote],” Goffstein said. “Especially after yesterday when the legislature voted against even bringing up the assault rifle ban for the state of Florida… they ROBB WILSON/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS voted down for even discussing it.” A girl holds up a poster declaring that she stands in solidarity with Emma WHHS students are taking Gonzalez. Gonzalez has become the face of the gun control movement since the action, following the lead of shooting in Parkland, leading many students toward action on the issue. those in Parkland, Fla. On Feb.
JACK KNELLINGER/CHATTERBOX
A history of student action in the U.S. Will Fitton, ‘20
UWDIGITALCOLLECTIONS/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Young people march in protest of the Vietnam War, leading the anti-war movement. Students throughout history have created change by voicing their opinions.
Right now, thousands of students across the country are walking out of their schools, wearing orange ribbons and showing their support for not only the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students, but a movement of young people that has seemingly come out of nowhere. Calling for legislation to be passed to prevent further gun violence in schools, they are pushing the limits of what adolescents in this country are able to do. While there are some who have questioned the ability of these young students to foster actual change, it is important to realize that this is far from the first time young Americans have come together to foster social change.
In the 1960s and 70s, students played a major part in taking a stand on social issues of the day, like civil rights and the Vietnam War. In 1960, a group of Atlanta students drafted An Appeal for Human Rights, which called for an end to the unjust segregation that was so rampant at the time. Six days after its publishing, the students staged sit-ins that followed in the steps of the Greensboro sit-ins. These peaceful demonstrations by local college students were an integral part of ending segregation in the United States. The anti-Vietnam War movement is well known for its student involvement, and protests at schools around the country helped to move public sentiment against the war effort. Especially infa-
mous were the Kent State shootings, when 4 students were killed by National Guard members while protesting the war. There was a significant response to these shootings; hundreds of schools closed across the country due to a student strike of 4 million. The shooting of innocent students protesting US expansion into Cambodia prompted national outrage. The recent shooting in Parkland is one that has brought national attention once again to the issue of gun violence and legislation. It’s certainly not the first time the U.S. has been talking about what we can do to prevent gun violence, but what is different is that this time, the charge seems to be led not by adults, but by students all around the nation.
NEWS & F
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SECTION EDITOR:
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Students lead the cha
Walkouts, marches highlight studen Grace Berding, ‘19 Ryleigh Sanborn, ‘21
In response to the recent shooting in Parkland, Fla., the WHHS community took action. On Feb. 21, at noon, dozens of WHHS students decided to walk out of their classes and join rally together in Blair Circle. “I participated in the walkout because if I couldn’t stand up for myself as a student, then who would?” Perri Wedlock, ‘19, said. “I wanted to do it not just for me, but for all the victims whose voices were silenced too soon, and so that no teacher, student or parent would have to grieve for their loved one or be mourned by a loved one because of senseless gun violence… Especially in schools,” Wedlock said. Approximately two hundred students participated in the walkout. Some even made impromptu signs for the event. “...[My sign] said, ‘We won’t be afraid’ which I like because I really think that we, as high schoolers, shouldn’t be afraid of going to school… I think that our society has not taken teenagers seriously and so we are left with fear for our futures and our safety,” Liza Allen, ‘19, said about the sign she held during the walkout. The unified stance students are taking has inspired many. “I think it’s time for our generation to take hold of our future. We will be the generation to end gun violence… Not all of the adults might take us seriously, but we have strength in numbers and strength in our passion,” Allen said. Not only did a walkout occur on Wed. 21, but there was also a school-wide call to wear all white with a single orange ribbon. Lucy Beauchamp, ‘19, began to or-
ganize the solidarity colors as soon as she started to hear the details about the shooting unravel. “White shirts and orange ribbons seems kind of trivial but I hope it helped unify us and made it obvious where we as a student body stand on this issue,” Beauchamp said. Beauchamp is continuing the fight by organizing a petition for a meeting with the superintendent and CPS board members. “I have been included in a couple groups of students that are hoping to continue the movement. A number of marches, walkouts and student led discussions are being planned,” Beauchamp said. In addition to the walkout that occurred at WHHS, many other schools and organizations across the country have participated in various shows of solidarity. Many upcoming walkouts and protests on a national level have been planned as well, including the National School Walkout on March 14 and another walkout on April 20 in honor of the 19 year anniversary of the Columbine school shooting. Another march scheduled for March 24, called the March for Our Lives, will occur in Washington, D.C. as a call to Congress for gun reform. All three of these marches align with the same theme: enough is enough. Along with the sense of empowerment and leadership many felt while protesting, students also feared retribution from school officials in the form of suspension or something even more severe. At Colerain High School, it was announced that they will not condone any form of protests and students who participate will be punished. As a result, many lawyers across the nation have offered free legal services to affected students to
ensure fair punishment by schools. “We’re not trying to drum up business here,” Milwaukee lawyer Jay Urban said in an interview with Wisconsin based newspaper, The Journal Sentinel. “We’re trying to be a resource so schools take into account the rights of students.” In addition to support from lawyers, many universities are also ensuring students that any punishment that occurs from walk-outs or other peaceful protests will not affect their chances of being admitted. Universities making these statements include the University of Cincinnati, Ohio University, Ohio State University, and hundreds of others across the nation. In addition to universities showing their support for students, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has listed the explicit rights of students involved in peaceful protests. Students who participate in walkouts and leave class can legally not be punished more than the standard punishment for missing class. Schools can not discipline students more severely for leaving class to express a political view or because the school administration does not support the views of the protest. Legal action can be taken against the school if a student receives harsher punishment for leaving class for a protest than what is listed in the schools policy or handbook. The stances taken by universities across the country and the ACLU highlight how large the movement for stricter gun laws has become. “I hope Walnut continues the movement. Students shouldn’t stop fighting for what they believe is right until real change is made. School should be a safe place, and right now that simply isn’t the case,” Beauchamp said.
GRACE SUBLETT/REM
WHHS students stand on the steps of Blair Circle leading chants during the walkout Feb. 21. Hundreds of students left their fifth bell classes to peacefully protest.
In memory of the liv
Joa qu i n Ol iver Alyss a Al h a d ef Alex Sch a cht er Ja i me Gutt e Ma r t i n Duque An g u i a Ca r a Lou g h r a n Pet er Wa n g Ca r me Helen a R a ms ay G A Students already spark change Response from CPS, teachers Allyson Garth, ‘19 Shiv Malhotra, ‘20
NICOLE BETSCHER/REM
Liza Allen, ‘19, and Ruby Krimmer, ‘19, raise signs during the walkout Feb. 21. Krimmer’s sign reads, “We are Walnut. We are Change,” representing the change students are pushing in the U.S. Nick Robertson, ‘19 Meeting with lawmakers in Florida, a group of survivors of the Parkland, Fla. Following protests, walkouts and school shooting also advocated for gun speeches from students across the councontrol legislation. After attending, Presitry, many companies have changed their dent Trump said during a cabinet meeting, stances on guns and the National Rifle “Take the guns first, go through due process Association (NRA). Dick’s Sporting Goods second.” This ostensibly marks a significant and Walmart have changed their policies, change in the President’s opinion, and may requiring all customers to be 21 years old lead to actual legislative progress in the futo buy firearms or ammunition. Delta also ture. Nevertheless, student action is already removed its partnership with the NRA, dis- having an immense impact on the discuscontinuing their exclusive Delta credit card. sion and policy surrounding guns.
CPS Response
Teacher Response
After the recent shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, in Parkland, Fla., Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) released a press statement in order to inform and reassure parents and students about school safety. Laura Mitchell, the CPS superintendent, reminded students and parents that, at the start of the 2017-18 school year, a task force was formed with the Fire Department, Cincinnati Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Homeland Security to provide any suggestions regarding the safety of CPS schools. This task force’s purpose is to use insights from other violent situations to strengthen the safety of the schools across the district, and strengthen the comprehensive security system already set in place. The current system for preventative drills used in CPS is the A.L.I.C.E. system, that stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate.
Michael Sherman, a theater and stagecraft teacher, wore white on Feb. 21 “to support the victims of the Parkland shooting.” He then went on to further state that he believes “gun violence is a fixable issue” and “it is absolutely devastating” that we have to think of putting extra safety measures in the school. Continuing, he says “I think it’s more about raising awareness” and “I hope some tangible change can happen.” Elizabeth Ormsby, a history and government teacher, says “what frustrated me the most is that when I heard the news, it didn’t sink in because it was another school shooting.” She then says that because of the similarities WHHS has to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, “there is more need to make the students feel safer.” However, in light of recent events, she states, “I think the most important thing we can do is to continue to draw attention to the problem.”
FINE ARTS
MARCH 2, 2O18 PAGE 6
WHHSCBOX.COM
SECTION EDITOR: ISABEL NISSLEY
CINCINNATI, OHIO
Shine a Light illuminates injustices Isabel Nissley, ‘20
ISABEL NISSLEY/ CHATTERBOX
From the left to the right, SENIORS Essenam Lamewone and Allison Singleton share their poems at the open mic night that was held Feb. 22 at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Although it was held on Shine A Light on Slavery Day, people shared art with subjects ranging from racism to the #MeToo movement.
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter,” Martin Luther King said. Now more than ever, people are raising their voices against injustices that affect them. With recent events and issues becoming deadly, such as the Parkland, Fla. school shooting, King’s quote has taken on quite a literal meaning for students. The WHHS Modern Abolitionist Movement encouraged students to speak out against injustice through their “Shine a Light” Open Mic night. SENIORS Camille Williams and Essenam Lamewona organized this in cooperation with the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. The event was held on the Shine a Light on Slavery Day, Feb. 22, a campaign to bring awareness to and fight modern slavery. The Blue Campaign, a sector of the US Department of Homeland Security, said “human trafficking is modern-day slavery and involves the use of force, fraud or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act.” The Blue Campaign estimates that human trafficking is the second most profitable transnational crime, beat only by drug smuggling.
“If 16,000 people are trafficked a song from the musical Ragtime, in the U.S., but it doesn’t make which addressed issues of racism the news, is it still newsworthy?” and taking the fight for social Lamewona said. Lamewona justice into one own’s hands. Similarly, SENIOR Kendwas unaware of the issue of human trafficking until “someone all Young presented her poem shined their light.” By organiz- in which she tried to answer ing events such as the open mic the question of if Martin Lunight, Lamewona hopes that ther King Jr.’s Dream had others will gain awareness too. been achieved today. Young According to the Polaris Proj- concluded that despite King’s ect, an organization striving to noble intentions, his dream eliminate modern slavery, reports has not been achieved today. Young cited things such as of human trafficking increases the fact that aleach year. “Empathy, not ignorance. though WHHS “This is m o s t l y Respect, not fear. Love, not brags about being one of the most didue to hate,” verse institutions people in Ohio, black and spreading white students still awareness Allison Sifri, ‘19 sit on opposite of human trafficking” The Polaris Project said sides of the lunchroom. “My American Dream is to be However, most cases of human trafficking go unreported. Most proud to be an American,” Young who are trapped in the system said. SENIOR Allison Singleton do not reach out for help because wrote about racism as well. “In this country, taking away they fear what would happen to them. Organizations like the Po- one’s freedom is as American laris Project provide services such as apple pie,” Singleton said. Despite the injustices presas hotlines in hopes that more will reach out for help. To con- ent in society today, in the words tact them, call +1 (888) 373-7888. of Robin Sharma, “Words can Although this event was or- inspire. And words can destroy. ganized around the topic of Choose yours well.” modern slavery, students presented art on a variety of top- Disclaimer: Camille Williams is ics. SENIOR Keely Connor per- a member of the Chatterbox staff. formed “Make Them Hear You”,
Art around Cincinnati: A list of current exhibits around the city Steel Drum Concert at WHHS On March 8, 2018, the WHHS Steel Drum band will give a performance in the auditorium. Students perform songs ranging in style from soca and calypso to reggae and the samba. In the Beginning Steel Drums course, students not only learn how to play the steel drum, but also the history of the pan and its use in Trinidad. In this concert, performers will exhibit some of the skills they learned in the Steel Drum classes led by Edward LeBorgne.
More Sweetly Play the Dance at Cincinnati Art Museum
Until May 20, 2018, William Kentridge’s video exhibit “More Sweetly Play the Dance” will make its debut in North America. The display includes over seven screens which contain animated pieces which tell a story of “storylines of refuge throughout history,” according to the Art Museum’s website. “More Sweetly Play the Dance”’s presentation is supported by the Cincinnati based company, FotoFocus.
“What They Wore” at Clifton Cultural Arts Center
From March 23 to April 21, 2018, Debora Myles’ works in her “What They Wore” collection will be on display. These works include pieces inspired by lost childrens’ clothing items. Myles used a variety of materials to create these pieces, ranging from handmade paper to thread. This exhibit was curated “in hope of evoking feelings and questions about the absent body” according to the Clifton Cultural Arts Center’s website.
IN THE WAKE OF TRAGEDY, ART INSPIRES Joseph Stanichar, ‘18 Tragedy can feel debilitating. When all seems wrong in the world, it can seem easy to stop everything, to avoid change and to wait. Some might even feel that doing so is “respectful,” that there is a period of time after a tragedy in which change should not be pursued. In the wake of the shooting at Majory Stoneman Douglas High School (MSDHS), Fla., in which 17 members of the school community were killed, and many more were seriously injured, this notion is being challenged. Students from MSDHS and others around the nation are speaking up, taking a stand to change the nationwide policies that they believe are the root of the alarming
rate of school shootings, especially when compared to the statistics of school shootings in most other countries around the world. However, political activism is only one of the many ways in which students can respond to tragedies with action. In 1999, following the events of the Columbine High School massacre, in which two students killed 12 students and one teacher before committing suicide, Bill Strauss and Judy Bowns founded the Cappies organization. They did this in order to “provide creative students with a means of cel-
ebration for their achievements and to promote the arts as a form of healing in the face of adversity and trauma,” according to the Cappies’ mission statement. Over 18 years, Cappies has
The WHHS theater program has a history of winning awards from the Cappies, with its two recent Cappies shows, The Cherry Orchard and Ragtime, winning awards for best play and best musical respectively, with many students involved with the show winning individual awards as well. The Cappies is an organization in which many different students from many different schools in one area attend a number of plays, for which they write critical reviews that focus on the positive aspects of each performance. This is intended to both
“Cappies aims to provide creative students with a means of celebration for their achievements and to promote the arts as a form of healing in the face of adversity and trauma.” The Cappies continued to pursue this goal, expanding into 13 local chapters from cities in the U.S. and Canada, all of which involve a total of over 800 student critics.
give writers experience in critical journalism and those involved with the show both experience in performing for critics and exposure through the Cappies awards, which go to outstanding critics, actors and the artists and technicians that make the performance come alive through sets, makeup, costumes and more. In response to the recent shooting, Cappies has released an official statement in support of MSDHS. To present a gift in memory of the 17 slain students and teachers, Cappies is asking for donations, with a target of $25,000. If you wish to contribute, you can make donations of any amount at www.cappies.com. If every student and teacher in this school donated $10, this goal would already be met.
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SECTION EDITOR: KEEGAN SULLIVAN
Florida shooting headlines in the news Accused Florida shooter allegedly etched swastikas into rifle magazines New York Post
Advice from a survivor of the Florida school shooting: It’s time to start ignoring Trump Washington Post
FBI says it failed to investigate tip on Florida shooting suspect Brinkwire (Press release)
Fighting gun violence after Florida shooting gives teens purpose The Denver Post
Florida Kids Will March On Washington To Shame Adult Politicians Newsweek
Florida school shooting suspect refused mental health services at 18, superintendent says CBS News
Head bowed, Florida shooting suspect returns to court for hearing Business Insider
‘It’s a lifestyle’: Teens at Florida shooting club defend guns Reuters
No one becomes a mass shooter without a mass-shooting gun Los Angeles Times
‘This Cannot Be The Normal:’ Survivors Call For Action On Gun Control In Wake Of Florida School Shooting CBS New York
Trump hits golf course 3 days after visiting shooting victims The Hill
Young, media-savvy and not OK with status quo on school shootings The Denver Post
KEEGAN SULLIVAN/CHATTERBOX
A look at the headlines after the devastating Florida shooting and how different publications handled the issue. Many people are angry about the handling of coverage for assaulters, versus the victims.
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STYLE & CULTURE
MARCH 2, 2018
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SECTION EDITOR: GRACE BERDING
Overcoming Workload Woes
LUCY MILTON/CHATTERBOX
A student stays up late studying and attempting to get homework done. Many students here at WHHS find themselves in this position, because of the amount of homework that they are assigned Sofia Tollesfon, ‘21 Ashley Wiles, ‘21 More than two hours of homework may be counterproductive according to a study published in The Journal of Experimental Education. Yet, a Schoology survey conducted by
the Chatterbox found that out of 255 students 72.7 percent of WHHS students that completed a Chatterbox homework load survey disclosed that they have over two hours of homework each night. Too much homework can isolate students from their family, friends and society in general, which can threaten stu-
Counseling conundrum Sofi Guven, ‘19 Maham Usmani, ‘19
Counselors dedicate an enormous amount of time just to conference with juniors and seA guidance counselors provides fundamen- niors about college applications, an incredibly tal academic and social services to ensure the important step for every high school student. But optioning and college appliwell-being of students throughout high school. There are three counselors for grades 10- cations are only a portion of guid12: Adrian Cabrera, Tanya Ficklin, and Linda ance counselors’ full responsibility. “We do a lot of class scheduling, optionSawan. Each one is assigned a certain group of students based on last names, amounting ing, at the beginning and end of the year, to approximately 460 students per counselor. a lot of evening programs, different college Not only is this a problem at WHHS, planning programs, financial aid, different ceremonies, scholarship type stuff, a lot but schools across the country are facing of different things” Sawan said. the same type of issues. The sheer number of academAccording to a recent ic planning responsibilities study conducted by The Na“I think that per student prevents countional Public Radio, school everyone who works selors from providing counselors across the here feels a little under- regular social counselcountry manage case ing, from which many loads of about 482 stustaffed,” students would benefit. dents each. However, Sawan is not -Linda Sawan The American School quite sure how to reCounselor Association solve this issue, but agrees recommends that counselthat the addition of another ors work with 250 students each. counselor would help considerably. With so many students and such a va“I know funding is a big issue…[but] riety of responsibilities, the counselors often feel overwhelmed with their workload. I think that everyone who works here “It would be nice if we could have one more feels a little understaffed,” Sawan said. WHHS may be both a stressful and counselor… [in fact] it would be nice if we could have two more counselors,” said Sawan . busy place to be a part of, but at the WHHS has a strong emphasis on aca- end of the day, it continues to serve as demics, and offers 34 AP classes. One conse- a unique environment with all sorts of quence of this emphasis is that a competitive opportunities with all sorts of people. “I feel like we have the greatest kids environment causes students to incorporate as many APs as they can fit into their sched- here, at Walnut Hills… anything I can do to move them along, guide them to where ule. The college application process is another they want to be, [I’d like to do],” Sawan said. factor in the counselors’ work-filled agendas.
dents’ sleep patterns and mental health. Studies by the National Sleep Foundation say that teenagers should get eight to 10 hours of sleep. However only 6.6 percent of the WHHS students recorded getting more than eight hours of sleep per night. Sleep deprivation can impact students’ mood, behavior, cognitive ability, academic performance and awareness throughout the day. “I think that homework is a huge cause of stress for students, not just for students at Walnut Hills but for students in general,” English teacher Christine Wickemeier said. “I see it with my own kids, I see it here. Kids come in scrambling to get their homework done.” Numerous AP and AA classes available to students at WHHS may extend the homework load. According to the Chatterbox survey, 46 percent of WHHS students expressed getting one to two hours of homework each night per AP or AA class. Out of 86.3 percent of surveyed students who reported taking at least one AP or AA class, 30 percent are taking four or more advanced classes. Assistant Principal Jerron Gray said that there are 1,009 students taking AP classes, which is roughly one third of the school. Therefore, students who take two advanced classes will have two to four hours of homework. This is already exceeding the time recommended to be spent on homework by The Journal Of Experimental Education. On top of that, they have homework for other classes, which could be anywhere from a half hour to two hours depending on the teacher. Avery Newman, ‘20, usually spends “an
hour and a half to two hours” of homework every night for AP U.S. History. All of this time spent on homework does not account for the time spent on extracurricular activities. Gray said that there are approximately 100 clubs and according to athletic director Steve Ellison, there are 1,600 students involved in 96 sports teams. These can range from taking less than an hour to more than four, depending on what the activity is and where it takes place. There are other aspects besides homework that contribute to stress levels that are connected to school. For seniors, choosing, applying and getting accepted into college can create stress. “Homework isn’t what stresses me out this year. Choosing the school I’m going to in a couple of months [is],” SENIOR Lonnie Jennings said. As the difficulty of classes increase in high school, so do obligations to homework. Teachers manage how much homework to assign, while students learn to manage their time. “[For] tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade [to have] some homework a night is good [for] time management, long term planning, and all of those kind of skills are fine tuned in those years. But before tenth grade, the need for more than 60 minutes of homework [isn’t necessary] and [there should be] none in elementary school,” Wickemeier said. In the face of extracurriculars, advanced classes and WHHS’ challenging curriculum, students and teachers must come to a consensus about what constitutes too much homework.
Minding Mental Health
20%
of youth ages 13-18 live with a mental health condition
Approximately 50% of students age 14 and older with a mental illness drop out of high school.
50% of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14 and 75% by age 24.
Warning Signs 1. Feeling very sad or withdrawn for more than 2 weeks (e.g., crying regularly, feeling fatigued, feeling unmotivated). 2. Trying to harm or kill oneself or making plans to do so. 3. Out-of-control, risk-taking behaviors that can cause harm to self or others. 4. Sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart, physical discomfort or fast breathing. 5. Not eating, throwing up or using laxatives to lose weight; significant
weight loss or gain. 6. Severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships. 7. Repeated use of drugs or alcohol. 8. Drastic changes in behavior, personality or sleeping habits (e.g., waking up early and acting agitated). 9. Extreme difficulty in concentrating or staying still that can lead to failure in school. 10. Intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities like hanging out with friends or going to classes.
Statistics from the National Institute of Health