whhscbox.com The student news publication of Walnut Hills High School Volume CXIV, Issue 2 Tues., Oct. 1 2019
The Gold Standard DREW HART / CHATTERBOX
The boys varsity football team warms up after halftime ready for redemption after a heartbreaking 42-21 loss to Milford last season. The team is eager to show off all the hard work they have put in this season. coach cannot teach how to form bonds Mackienzee Rasheed, ‘20 Fourth down, 16 yards to go. Our or how to support one another; that linemen are set and ready, receivers ready to comes when you respect your teammates. Gerry Beuchamp, varsity head race down field. Quarterback, Jack Reuter, ‘23, obtains the snap and scans the field for coach, has been at WHHS for three years receivers. With no receivers open, he runs now and has played a large part in this shift for it, the linemen securing his route. From of attitude. “Change can be really hard, so it the 40 yard line to the 20 all the way to the is taking a lot of time end zone, it’s good for to make those changes a WHHS touchdown. The Gold Standard because bad habits are From late hard to break.” Beaunight games to early champ said. He has a morning workouts, Academic excellence phrase, “the gold stanthe WHHS football team is the closest they Treating people with respect dard,” which is the idea have ever been. Their Putting the team above oneself of a perfect WHHS student, which actual stuunwavering trust for Coachability dents came up with at each other is showing Dependability Camp Higher Ground on and off the field. (a camp that players What is different from Accountability and coaches went to past years that is causMentorship together). They have a ing this change? poster up in the locker According Loyalty room as a reminder of to Mao Glynn, ‘21, Passion the ten things that go “Leadership… it’s Grit with being a “gold stanmore of a leadership dard” student: academic than a dictatorship kind of thing,” Glynn said, “I think it’s excellence, treating people with respect, putmore like everyone does everything or every- ting the team above oneself, coachability, one does the right thing because they want dependability, accountability, mentorship, to see each other do better, we push each loyalty, passion, and grit. When asked about the gold stanother to do better. And we want to be good.” It is one thing to just run dard Hank Perry, ‘21, said “we all keep each plays but it’s another thing to want to be other to that standard and that’s been a big there with people that have your back. A help. It made us closer to our coaches, we
kind of realized that they just want what’s best for us and then that makes us work harder.” The bond doesn’t just include leadership and pushing each other to do
better. They have been building a bond that is unstoppable. The team is more than just teammates, they are a family from the off season to fourth down.
NADYAA BETTS / YEARBOOK
From left to right: Varsity football players Kruz Scott, ‘21, SENIOR Nathan Rudnick, Sereno Winn, ‘21, Avery Wyatt ‘22, SENIOR Lundyn Lane and SENIOR DJ Morgan watch as the offense takes on Miamisburg High School.
OPINIONS
OCTOBER 1, 2019
WHHSCBOX.COM
SECTION EDITOR: GAVIN KURSMAN
PAGE 2
CINCINNATI, OHIO
The Peer Podium
School Walkouts: Productive or Disruptive? Walkouts are becoming a field trip, not a protest Gavin Kursman, ‘20
ABIGAIL JAY / CHATTERBOX
“No more coal! No more oil! Keep your carbon in the soil!” WHHS students joined the national walkout to bring awareness to climate change on Friday, Sept. 20.
Walkouts productively generate awareness, get students involved Yousuf Munir, ‘21 Students left their seats, walked out to Blair Circle, and joined their peers at WHHS to protest climate justice. The walkout began with a simple chant: “Planet not profit!” This was one of many chants roared by WHHS students and millions of others around the world protesting climate injustice. With a desire for action, students fled from their seats and took to the streets to fight for what they believe in. To determine whether a walkout is effective, it is first important to determine its goals. The goals of any walkout are as follows: to raise awareness for an issue, to involve students who can often not be too involved and to get people to join a movement. WHHS’s student activists clearly achieved all three of these goals in their walkout. Students raised awareness for climate justice. The walkout involved a diverse array of students who had not been involved previously. And many students made it to City Hall. While this walkout met its goals and was therefore an effective protest, there are those who argue that it is still ineffective because youth protestors cannot vote. However, those who say that fail to realize that the power of young people has always been their ability to change minds. When over four million people, many of whom are young people, strike across the globe for a cause, it becomes irrational to argue that it will have no impact. Another common argument about why school walkouts are ineffective is that most students go unpunished and the walkouts are administration-approved. However, the claim that school administrators approve walkouts and excuse students from class is usually untrue. While it is difficult for administrators to punish every student who walks out, especially for bigger schools, the organizers of
most youth walkouts nearly always receive repercussions, usually in the form of a detention. All students accept a consequence when they walk out: giving up part of their schooling. They do this in order to raise awareness and take action for an issue that matters to them. This is true civil disobedience and is what adds power and effectiveness to a walkout. Finally, there are going to be those who argue that walkouts do not immediately result in a policy change and are therefore ineffective. These are the people who fail to recognize what a walkout really is: a first step. Most organizers never say that a walkout will create immediate policy change, but most will agree that walkouts inspire people to follow through with the next steps that are not as sexy as a walkout. It inspires people to reach out to their elected officials, to make a difference in their school and to do the less exciting aspects of activism, including canvassing, meeting with politicians, or volunteering. Walkouts are effective because they give students an opportunity to fight for their future. Walkouts are effective because they are a first step, not the final step. Walkouts are effective because they inspire people to fight for what they believe in. To those who walked out, you need to keep fighting for change. You need to contact your representatives (text RESIST to 50409). After you have walked out, you need to keep advocating for climate justice, especially for poorer black and brown communities. For those in Flint, Michigan, for the indigenous people near the Dakota Access Pipeline and for so many others who are already feeling the effects of the climate crisis, you need to take a stand. 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
Shouting and screaming erupted from gatherings of students not only at WHHS, but across the nation. With the purpose to bring awareness to the growing concern of climate change, students dropped their pencils, left their desks, assembled, and called for action from our leaders. As students across American highschools become more politically active, walkouts have become increasingly common. WHHS students have been active participants, engaging in multiple walkouts against gun violence and most recently, climate change. With the goal of spurring political and social change, students voluntarily leave their classrooms and gather in protest. But what does this achieve? At WHHS, the student body is intelligent, diverse and passionate. As a result, our voices are heard and our opinions valued in our local communities. However, in the never-ending game that is American national politics, the voice generated by a student walkout has been diminished; now just a buzz of a mosquito in a wide open room. The two most powerful ways to have a voice in politics are money and votes. Unfortunately, most students have neither. Besides awareness, walkouts fail to bring about political or social change. A walkout, in and of itself, does not generate additional supporters, resources, or the targeted change of policy or behavior. Those who walk out take on a passive role, only generating awareness by showing that they are willing to accept school repercussions. But even that is declining. The power of any protest comes from the willingness of protesters to show their acceptance of the repercussions of their actions. In his letter from a Birmingham
Jail, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said “one who breaks an unjust law must do so openly, lovingly, and with a willingness to accept the penalty.” The penalty at WHHS for walking out is a cut slip, the assignment of which has been questionably enforced during previous walkouts. As walkouts have become more common, students, parents and faculty have requested administrations to excuse students from class. During the climate change walkout, New York City schools excused the absence of student protestors as long as their parents signed a permission slip. If a walkout has parental and school support, it is no longer a protest—it is a field trip. Students have a lot of potential power and influence in the political process. If students are engaged in outreach or attempting to educate and gain someone’s support for a position, then they take on an active role in generating change. Through visiting legislative and executive offices, gaining corporate support, holding a voter referendum, leading an editorial campaign, signing a petition, promoting a fundraiser or being involved in other forms of grassroots activism, students gain money and votes, strengthening their political influence. These forms of activism are much more effective than a school walkout. If you are looking for an excuse to get out of class, walkouts are successful at providing that, but if you are truly interested in generating political or social change, other forms of activism are much more effective and do not interrupt students’ learning.
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.
ABIGAIL JAY / CHATTERBOX
Walkout or hangout? Some students believe that walkouts are just an excuse to leave class.
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
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SARAH DAVIDOFF, ‘13
The Chatterbox Editorial Staff Caroline Horvath,
Isabel Nissley,
Editor-in-Chief
Deputy Editor-in-Chief
Abigail Jay, Managing Editor of Current Events
Alonna Johnson, Managing Editor of Student Life
Owen Cummings, Managing Editor of Viewpoints
Delaney Owens, Managing Editor of Visual Elements
Bobby Keegan, Managing Editor of Operations
Ryleigh Sanborn, Public Relations Manager
Samantha Gerwe-Perkins, Adviser
Brian Sweeney, English Department Chair
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FEATURES
OCTOBER 1, 2019
PAGE 3
SECTION EDITOR: SHIV MALHOTRA
Class of ‘69 returns 50 years later Alumni reminisce on their time at WHHS
Matthew Proietti, ‘20
chitectural additions I saw … built on that classical quality and beauty When the 1968-69 school that had first impressed me,” Mauyear began at WHHS, students genest said. She believes that the arwere not allowed to wear jeans. chitecture of WHHS helped elevate When graduation came around, her education, which is a sentiment not only had students been able shared by the other alums as well. to don their denim proudly for They were then back in a semester, but the entire dress desks, sitting in on an English class, code had been rewritten. Girls listening and taking notes. They were now allowed to wear pants saw both Dawn Wolfe and Kelsey to school, instead of just dresses June-Fragale’s classes. The teaching or skirts. All students were given styles and subjects were very differmuch more freedom to express ent from what they remembered themselves through their clothing. in high school. They thought the By the time calendars classes were fast-paced and respectwere flipped to Jan. 1, 1970, Neil ful toward students, while still beArmstrong had walked on the ing thought-provoking and engagmoon, the Beatles had released Ab- ing. “It seems that there is more bey Road, and nearly 500,000 people of an investment in each student’s had flocked to Bethel, N.Y. for three unique interests and successes days of peace and music at Wood- than there was in ‘69,” Flaig said. stock. All this in one year – 1969. When describing their The 1960s were a decade SENIOR year, they seemed to of change, and the class of 1969 have nothing but fond memohere at WHHS got to experience it ries. “I would not trade my all. Just a few weeks ago, they cel- time and experience at Walebrated their 50 year class reunion. nut Hills,” one alum said. Some alumni chose to sit in for an “On the last day of school AP language class as a part of their I roller skated from home to school return to their alma mater. A few of - 4 miles. I was so exhilarated,” these former students provided The Maugenest said. She also rememChatterbox with their thoughts on bers a specific junior high social the changes WHHS has seen, their studies lecture in which the teacher experience in high school and the talked about the complexity of the world’s problems “Being part of the 60’s, you feel and how evlike you have to pay some dues for eryone has a different being part of the planet” stake in these problems. - Margaret Maugenest, ‘69 She said this decade that shaped their years here. was “eye-opening,” and she has car“What has not changed, ried that idea all the way through life. and what impressed me the Flaig belonged to the first time I entered WHHS for thespian club, and his favorite seventh grade, was how beau- SENIOR memory was being one tiful the building was,” Mar- of the leading men in The Diary of garet Maugenest, ‘69, said. Anne Frank. He added that most The alumni were giv- of his free time was spent hanging en a tour of the school, seeing out with friends, which the other both the old and new. The exte- alumni said was their favorite afrior of WHHS’s famous rotunda ter school activity as well. They all looks much the same as it did agreed that the college admissions 1969, along with much of the process of SENIOR year was not as school’s older structures. But the big of a deal back then as it is now. alumni noted that beyond that, They thought they got to live a almost nothing looks familiar. little bit more than students today. “[I] didn’t recognize the “Most folks I talk to re[inside], could not have found my member exactly where they were way around. It’s a campus now,” when JFK was shot - we were Effies Randie Flaig, ‘69, said. The school then,” Flaig said. The tragic assashas seen some major renovations sination of president Kennedy was since 1969, most notably the addi- just one of the major events of the tion of south field and the arts and 60s that occurred during the class science wing. WHHS is now much of 1969s time at WHHS. Everyone larger than it was 50 years ago. remembered the moon landing the One alum made sure to mention summer after their graduation. Inthat the addition of air condition- side WHHS, the big event during ing was huge. The students of 1969 their SENIOR year was, of course, had to suffer the heat. “All the ar- the addition of jeans to the cata-
Fall Fest is coming!
ABIGAIL JAY / CHATTERBOX
Alumni Randie Flaig and Brenda Pinkelton, ‘69, discuss a passage in AP Language & Composition - Human Rights with Nadiah Johnson, ‘21. The three of them also traded stories from their high school careers at WHHS. logue of school acceptable clothing (they unanimously agreed on what style was the best - bell bottoms). But more than just the concrete events of the 60s influenced this class. “The world changed in many ways because of the energies and visions of the 60s,” Maugenest said. Movements like feminism and environmentalism gained a huge following throughout the country, and WHHS was no different. The “radical” counterculture ideas of the 60s (like wearing jeans) were apparent in school. The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Led Zeppelin were played loud and proud by the class of 1969. Rock music was only just beginning to shed its mainstream image of being the youth-ruining music of the devil, but they listened anyway. That attitude of going against the grain is what motivated many to take part in those activist movements. Maugenest noted that more than a few of her classmates went on to pursue activism after they graduated. Personally, she is involved with clean Earth and safe food organizations in her community. “Being part of the 60’s, you feel like you have to pay some dues for being part of the planet,” Maugenest said. For their closing thoughts, the alumni gave their advice to the current SENIORS at WHHS. “Follow your heart’s desires and dreams. Enjoy the beauty of the world, of people, of art in all its forms. Trust yourself. Listen to your guts. Don’t try to control your life too much - allow for some magic to enter. The universe is mysterious and works in mysterious ways,” Maugenest said. “High school does not define you. Know your own Truth. Speak your Truth. Live your Truth,” Flaig said.
Hey Eagles! If you’d like to check out who the candidates are for 2019 homecoming court, look at the results of the chalk drawing contest, see pictures of WokeFest and Earth Jam or anything else that happens during the Fall Festival (Oct. 4), check out the exclusive Chatterbox website at whhscbox.com!
ABIGAIL JAY / CHATTERBOX
Norman Slutsky, ‘69, participates in a discussion of Sherman Alexie’s “The Joy if Reading and Writing: Superman and Me” in Dawn Wolfe’s AP Lang. Human Rights class.
ABIGAIL JAY / CHATTERBOX
Margaret Maugenest, ‘69, discusses a passage with her mother, Olly Maugenest, in the class she chose to shadow, AP Language & Composition - Human Rights. Fall Festival activities: • Chalk Drawing/Earth Jam • Fall Pep Rally • Homecoming parade • Homecoming games • Homecoming football game • Homecoming Court • & MORE
NEWS
OCTOBER 1, 2019
Planet of the Vapes Azariah Cuff, ‘23
The desire, the want, the feel. A teenager’s search for meaning, or perhaps, an escape. Many people think that vaping is a perfect alternative to smoking. Even the most popular vape companies, such as Juul, advertise that their products are better than smoking cigarettes, especially when it comes to odor and a more pleasurable feel. However, these products have far more disadvantages and teens, such as Simah Herman, can tell you how. The common misconception in today’s generation is that vaporizers are generally a “safe” product. It popularized the idea that you could smoke it for hours and the only risk you were putting in front of you is an empty Juul pod. It puts teens and young adults in the ideal mindset that they are not a smoker and that they cannot, and will not, be affected by this “harmless” device. However, this is just not the case. “There’s a campaign of misinformation when you use the word ‘safe’,” Panagis Galiatatsatos said in a statement to USA Today. She is a pulmonologist and tobacco treatment specialist at Johns Hopkins University. “These products were designed to appeal to teens and to go undetected by adults. According to the Surgeon General, there’s no safe level of exposure to nicotine.” ABC News recently reported that an 18-year-old girl in Los Angeles, Calif. named Simah Herman was hospitalized because
WHHSCBOX.COM
SECTION EDITOR: SHIV MALHOTRA
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of vaping. She seemed to have exhibited symptoms of pneumonia, a lung infection in which your lungs fill up with fluid from blockage, leaving you unable to breathe or move. “I just remember feeling like absolute... nothing. Like I just couldn’t do anything,” Herman said, “I couldn’t drink water. I couldn’t move. Like, I literally just wanted to crawl out of my skin.” Herman stated that she started smoking at the age of 15, meaning it could possibly just be the accumulation of nicotine inhalation over time. Dr. David C. Christiani wrote in The Journal that “about 80% of the persons who vaped and became ill, reported having used both nicotine products and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD) products”. Another teen named Adam Hergenreder in Gurnee, Ill. who had been vaping for two years, appeared on CNN for possessing the “lungs of a 70-year old” at the age of 18. “To know my 18 year old son… healthy, an athlete, and not being able to breathe… it’s every parent’s nightmare,” Hergenreder’s mother said. Experts from the Stanford Medical Center state that smoking just one cartridge of nicotine or one Juul pod is equal to an entire pack of cigarettes. “It is still difficult to even do normal activities, like going upstairs. I still get wind-
ed from that,” Hergenreder said. So what is causing this to happen? The real answer is, we don’t know. We don’t know the exact science of what could possibly be putting these teens’ lives on pause. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that the cause could possibly be due to “chemical exposure,” but they are still unsure of what makes this seemingly “harmless gas” so toxic. “CDC has made it a priority to find out what is causing this outbreak of e-cigarette or vaping-related injuries and deaths,” CDC Di-
“I just remember feeling like absolute... nothing. Like, I just couldn’t do anything” - Simah Herman rector Robert Redfield, M.D., said. Even students in WHHS have been strongly affected by this epidemic. Many teachers have stated how much it affects the productivity of their students. “The other day I had a student that went to the boys’ restroom and he was gone for about 10 minutes… I asked if he was okay and he said he had been waiting to use the restroom because all the restrooms were full with kids and their vaping,” Drew Couch, an English teacher, said. It’s not just in the classroom either, the draw of vaping and wanting to “fit in” has serious long-term effects from a physical and emotional standpoint.
CINCINNATI, OHIO
How many students have vaped?
42.5% of 12th graders
36.9%
of 10th graders
21.5% of 8th graders
What drugs do students consider harmful? vapor marijuana alcohol tobacco
47.6% 64.6% 76.5% 86.9%
ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE AND THE PREVENTIONFIRST STUDENT DRUG USE SURVEY 2018
DELANEY OWENS / CHATTERBOX
Dems gearing up for the election Mesgana Mekibib, ‘20
During a fierce election season, America’s democrats must pick the candidate that they think is the best fit to go up against Donald Trump in 2020. The process of determining the democratic presidential candidate involves a series of media-run debates. For a candidate to qualify for the democratic debates they must have the support of 2 percent or greater in four or more polls and demonstrate that their campaign has received donations from at least 120,000 donors (a minimum of 200 donors per state). Ten candidates qualified for the past Sept. 12 debate in Houston, Texas and the upcoming Oct.
has recently met the qualifications for the Oct. 15 debate as well. Polls are showing that Biden, Warren and Sanders are most likely to move on to the fourth debate, and it is now looking “like a three horse race” for which candidate will ultimately get chosen to move on to the main election. Certain candidates have plans for what they hope to bring to our nation. For instance, Biden, the current top-ranked candidate according to Business Insider, is bringing the idea of returning Obama’s legacy to the debate floor, having served as his vice president. Warren, the current second-ranked candidate, gets straight to the point about her goals for the country: she said “I don’t understand why anyone goes through the trouble of running for President of the United States to just talk about what we can’t do and what we shouldn’t fight for.” Her message is resonating around the country and she is quickly gaining support. Many people have their own opinions about the debates;
“The debates should be a tool for the American public to get informed about each of the candidates so they can choose for themselves who is nominated” - Nathan Long, ‘20 15 debate in Westerville, Ohio: Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, Cory Booker, Andrew Yang, Beto O’Rourke, Julian Castro and Amy Klobuchar. Tulsi Gabbard,
PHOTO COURTESY OF GAGE SKIDMORE
Elizabeth Warren has been a senator of Mass. since 2013. She is battling for second place in recent polls. this includes not only who they support, but also how efficient having many candidates run is. Some believe that having more candidates running for the election ends up causing inefficiency. Nathan Long, ‘20, said that he feels “many of the smaller candidates have great ideas but don’t have the charisma or media backing to win in the upcoming election. “With so many candidates, so many voters don’t want to research all of them,” Long said. This potentially could end up having uneducated voters voting for who they think is best, or who someone tells them is best, rather than having their own opinion. Many voters and media outlets only pay attention to the
front-runners without considering the ideas that the other candidates might bring to the table, and this ends up shunting ideas from many of the lesser-known candidates. “The debates should be a tool for the American public to get informed about each of the candidates so they can choose for themselves who is nominated,” Long said. Long prefers both Tulsi Gabbard and Andrew Yang because “they have proposed methods of paying for these which wouldn’t further burden American checkbooks like many of the front-runner candidates would.” Some are also worried about how having such a multitude of candidates may end up
causing division rather than a unification of the democratic party in addition to the inefficiency. In an election, it is essential that a party remains united rather than divided. History teacher Adam Lazar states that the idea of so many candidates running “was a circus,” also adding that while he thinks the party has some time, they “do not have a strong enough candidate to beat [Trump].” Despite divisions or inefficiency, one of these candidates will end up being in the running for the President of the United States, and the results of the primary elections will end up affecting America as a whole.
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FINE ARTS
CINCINNATI, OHIO
OCTOBER 1, 2019
PAGE 5
SECTION EDITOR: NADYA ELLERHORST
Artistic apparitions: the secret haunts of the queen city
NADYA ELLERHORST/ CHATTERBOX
Various specters may be lurking behind the stunning architecture of (from left) the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Eden Park Spring House Gazebo, Music Hall, and the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza hotel. Nadya Ellerhorst, ‘20 The Dent Schoolhouse, USS Nightmare, Halloween Haunt: all fun, tame attractions for mild scares. But if one seeks to really get chilled to the bone (and save a few bucks in the process), they should consider the many real-life haunts Cincinnati has to offer. Cincinnati isn’t just terrorized by the ghosts of devoured 3-ways and the long, dead hopes of the Bengals making the Super Bowl. Many of our city’s go to art sites are home to ghosts, as well as, stunning interiors, symphony orchestras and artistic masterpieces. Take the Cincinnati Art Museum, for instance, completed in 1886. Aside from 67,000 works by the likes of Van Gogh, Chagall and Monet, our very own “Art Palace of the West” also exhibits a mummy that may not be completely dead. There have been past
accounts from security guards that detail a human shaped mist floating up through its wrappings and glass case. Additionally, a tall figure enclosed in a black cloak has been seen standing outside the museum’s reproduction of a twelfth century Spanish chapel, only to float upwards through the ceiling, and a silversmith’s clock lacking any working parks is said to occasionally chime. Down the street from the museum, scenic Eden Park serves as a tranquil place for families, bikers, and the ghost of a Cincinnati bootlegger’s wife. In 1927, in the midst of their divorce, George Remus shot his spouse, Imogene, in Eden Park for her supposed infidelity and intention to kill him. Today, many have reported seeing a woman dressed in all black (as Imogene did at the time of her death in mourning of her failed marriage with Remus) around
the park’s Spring House Gazebo and Mirror Lake, only to have her suddenly vanish. Downtown’s Music Hall is allegedly home to more than one ghost. Built in 1878, over a former public graveyard and the site of an orphanage, multiple expansions and renovations have unearthed pounds of bones beneath the building. Perhaps this explains the dozens of ghost stories that have come out of the hall. For example, according to the Society for the Preservation of Music Hall, one night, a boy asked his father, the hall’s security guard, who the waving man in box nine was, only to have his father look and see no one. Another guard reported hearing music from an indistinguishable source long after the hall had closed for the night. Downtown’s paranormal hubs aren’t limited to Music Hall. The Lady in Green, the ghost of the widow of a worker,
Uniforms of blue, hearts of gold
The inner workings of the WHHS marching blue & gold machine
MEGAN FRANKE / REM
The WHHS Marching Blue and Gold practice for their competition at Ohio State University. Their next performance will be at the Homecoming game on Friday, Oct. 4. Alonzo Montgomery, ‘23 Quincy Barrett, ‘21 Nearly every day after school, the marching band and color guard can be found in Marx stadium practicing their performance, which can be seen at the halftimes of friday night varsity football games. It takes a lot to keep things running as smoothly as possible. Marching band is like a machine; it has many working parts that come together for multiple purposes. It consists of the instrumentalists, color guard, visual ensemble and drum majors. Working together, they bring meaning
to the old adage, “it takes a village.” The first part of the WHHS Marching Blue & Gold machine is the instrumentalists. They spend countless hours on and off the field memorizing their music and rehearsing for shows and competitions. In his fourth year as a member of the marching band, SENIOR Elijah Dage said that the parts he least enjoyed are the long nights of rehearsal. “We go nine to five on Saturdays,” Dage said. However, he finds it extremely rewarding when the group comes together working toward a common goal. Color guard is another
important element of the Marching Blue & Gold. Members of the color guard are part of a highly skilled group that add to the spectacle of the show by performing a choreographed dance of waving brightly colored flags and spinning wooden or plastic rifles. Cha’La Bucalo is leading the guard, in her first year as caption head. She is looking forward to the Forest Hills performance on Oct. 26. As far as preparation goes, the guard has seventh bell band and in this time, they catch up on anything they miss and make sure they know what to do. Bucalo takes home the drill sheets and listens
who died during the hotel’s construction, apparently continues to wander the stunning art deco interior of the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza hotel. She is said to be looking for her husband, whose body was never recovered. Although her exact origins are unclear and unverifiable, she is usually described as an African American woman in a green gown, and frequents the hotel’s Mezzanine level, Hall of Mirrors, and elevators. Whether or not you believe in phantoms, rather than paying to be terrorized by random strangers in dollar store masks, consider devoting some of the spooky season’s 31 days to visiting the aforementioned sites. If a ghoul doesn’t end up following you home, at least you’ll leave with something else undead: the rich artistic stories many of our city’s sites have to offer.
to the show while marking down what the guard needs to practice. Bucalo says the season has been good so far and the guard is definitely doing some harder things than before but she also wants the guard to walk off the field feeling like that they did their best and that they looked good doing it just as they are pushing Bucalo to become an even better instructor. Drum major, the beating heart of the band, plays a significant role in the Marching Blue & Gold. This position is one of leadership, and he or she is responsible for conducting the band’s entire performance.
It is important to notice the leadership in Bryce Allen, ‘16, visual ensemble coach, Richard Canter and Andrew Peoples, Marching Blue & Gold directors. Allen and Peoples have been leading for three years while Canter for five. Allen is excited for the Buckeye Invitational at Ohio State. He is preparing by making sure that his communication with everyone is the best that it can be. Canter is very hopeful and excited for the Blue & Gold “to continue the tradition of excellence as we continue to grow in size.” Currently, he has the help of 14 amazing staff members and the participation of
“[My goal is] getting more involved with the school and the student body to make it a community for as many people as possible” - SENIOR Jaylee Sowders In her second year as a senior drum major, SENIOR Jaylee Sowders, who works alongside Christine McDay, ‘21, and Chaya Jones, ‘21 , said that she is looking forward to future competitions as this is one of her favorite seasons yet. But Sowders’ personal goal is “getting more involved with the school and the student body to make it a community for as many people as possible.” Last but not least, a part of the Marching Blue and Gold that can’t always be seen but is always at work is the visual ensemble. Visual ensemble is responsible for all props involved in the season’s performances. This includes setting and moving people and equipment, maintenance and helping with the sound equipment when needed.
158 band members, who come together to work five times a week. This season, the marching band has already performed three halftime shows and their competition season started Sept. 28, the day of the Buckeye Invitational. Make sure to come and see the WHHS Marching Blue & Gold at halftime and during their competitions. To see their upcoming performance you can catch them at the Homecoming game on Friday, Oct. 4. Disclaimer: In the interest of transparency, Alonzo Montgomery, ‘23, Chyna Smith, ‘22, and Isabella Zinchini, ‘22 are members of the WHHS Marching Blue & Gold.
STYLE AND CULTURE
OCTOBER 1,2019
WHHSCBOX.COM
SECTION EDITOR: CHYNA SMITH
PAGE 6
When black culture went mainstream Chyna Smith, ‘22
Mainstream culture. It’s no doubt that people will say that it’s practically anything. But where do all these key things come from? Social media? Hollywood? No, it’s the people. Specifically people of color. When people say that Americans have this sort of culture, you cannot help but wonder where do we as Americans get this culture from? The answer is black people and other people of color. Other races can say that they have culture all day but where do you get this big blast of mainstream from? Where do you get these cultural ideas, from twerking and long Acrylic nails to big hoops? Most importantly, where do you find these big personalities that black women have that white men in wigs profit off everyday because of what WE act like. Let’s talk about the fact that black people in general have to work 10 times harder to get where the average white person is. According to The Center Of American Progress, “in 2017, for example, black women earned 61 cents for every dollar earned by white men, amounting to $23,653 less in earnings over an entire year. In the span of a 40-year career, this translates into an average lifetime earnings gap of $946,120 between black women and white men”.
ART COURTESY OF NICK DAVIS
Here pictured is a piece called “Statue In A Tired State Of Mind” by artist Nick Davis, @ ndartlife on Instagram. The piece represents the burden of black women. Meanwhile, when we post a viral video, we don’t get our coin. Did you hear about that girl that made “eyebrows on fleek?” There were thousands of merchandise items being produced on that popular phrase and she didn’t even get a dime. Even Rupi Kaur made a whole book about popu-
lar vines. The people that were in that book didn’t get any of the money or proceeds. That’s not even the biggest thing that’s happening right now. Let’s go into this even FURTHER. Specifically talking about the black woman and what she contributes to society. There is so much of “mainstream culture”
(or black culture) that is basically being deprived from us (black people) and being spread to be somewhat popular when we (black people) used to be shamed for it. Black Americans are walking around thinking that we, ourselves, have no culture. Our culture is basically stolen and embedded into mainstream culture.
CINCINNATI, OHIO
According to South China Morning Post. “The commitment with which some people refuse to acknowledge the contributions of black women is sometimes mindboggling”. Some of the “mainstream” stuff that has been stolen from black culture is often seen as hairstyles, dances, and nails. Kitanya Harrison from Medium says “They post up where we produce con`tent, spy, and pay whatever second-rate team they’ve put together (who never have the range) to butcher our ideas or just copy and paste them.” Over the course of hundreds of years, black people have used their art and have made up a new culture that was once sucked away from them. We did this by creating dances, songs and so much art that it made a lasting impact. It’s a great deal to remember that we as African Americans do have culture. Even though it’s constantly going mainstream, it’s ours. Celebrate the fact that we dominated the 90s and still grace the boards of what is hip-hop and rap music. Without further ado let’s start a millennium of black excellence.
All views shared in the Style & Culture section of The Chatterbox belong to their respective authors, and may not represent the views of the publication as a whole.
How WHHS influences student identity
OWEN CUMMINGS / CHATTERBOX
Class of ‘22 rehearsing lines for the highschool play, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime. Left to right: Megan Graeler, Brando Donaldson, Nia Stefanov, Kathryn Daniher. Sydnie Barrett, ‘23 With more than 3,000 students and staff from all over the tri-state area, WHHS is extremely culturally diverse, so it’s bound to happen that some people will have differences that may be new to others. Spending 40 hours a week surrounded by so many different personalities; when each has their own opinions, beliefs, styles, aspirations and interests not only gives everyone an opportunity to learn about unfamiliar cultures but also teaches us some things about ourselves. From political views and sexual identity, to religion and personality, whether it be a life-changing revelation or a
simple realization, change is inevitable. According to our recent Schoology survey, 91 percent of the 135 students who answered have experienced some type of change since beginning at WHHS. “I feel like being able to see all of the cultures and ethnicities, and the different types of people from a huge age range helped me to see a larger way of life,” Caelan McFadden-Grubenhoff, ‘21, said. In her fifth year at WHHS, McFadden-Grubenhoff says that her experiences at school have really shaped who she is and helped her find herself through observing other students and building off of their ideas and styles. In our survey, over one third of students claimed to
have experienced a personality change since becoming a WHHS student; almost all of them saying that they have become a better or more mature person, or are better able to interact and communicate with others. Samantha Rowlett, ‘22, said that since coming to WHHS she has learned how to reflect upon herself to improve her mindset. Before starting at WHHS she went to a small school in which most people had very similar beliefs and personalities. Since then she has learned from the diverse WHHS community and has been striving to better herself by recognizing her own faults in order to become the best person that she can be. WHHS culture has a
very wide range, and for some people, the melting pot of personalities is normal, but for others, walking in on their first day the view is hugely different from what they saw at their old school. “Walnut is very diverse in terms of race, sexuality, gender identification, etc. Although I was young, I never really saw any of that at [my old school], so starting at Walnut really opened my eyes to see that you can be who you want to be and not get judged or looked down on” Sophia Bahri, ‘22, said. In her fourth year at WHHS, Bahri said that since coming to WHHS she has become more open-minded in terms of accepting others who have differences that are new to her, and that she is “able to view other beliefs and understand them.” WHHS offers approximately 145 different classes and 110 clubs and teams, so it’s not hard for students to find topics that interest them. Many students’ interests and passions develop and dwindle as they explore these options. SENIOR Gavin Henry said that WHHS has helped him grow as a person not only due to the diversity of the people, but also the education. The wide range of class options that WHHS offers, including AP human geo and ethnic studies, has allowed Henry to explore his interests along with other cultures that he may not have been able to learn about otherwise. As teenagers we’re all still figuring out who we are and how we want the world to see us; showing our true selves to others is a bit daunting. The atmosphere
of acceptance here at WHHS is a breath of fresh air for many trying to figure out who they are or even those who already know but are afraid to express it. Brando Donaldson ‘22, who came out as bisexual in eighth grade said, “I was actually like hiding. I didn’t want to tell anyone because I was too nervous that people would like, not accept who I was, or anything, and once I told people everyone was like, really supportive.” Donaldson explained that due to the support of his family and the good friends that he’s gained since starting at WHHS a lot of pressure and nervousness was relieved, making him “really appreciative of everything. Even more than [he] was before.” This sense of relief helped him to do better in class and have a more positive outlook on life knowing that he is accepted and loved. The amalgamation of race, religion, style, personality, aspirations and beliefs that is WHHS is also simply a large box of impressionable teenagers, so it’s destined that some may graduate leaving not as the exact same person they were when they walked in on their first day. As the Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, said, “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.”
All views shared in the Style & Culture section of The Chatterbox belong to their respective authors, and may not represent the views of the publication as a whole.
WHHSCBOX.COM
PEANUTS
CINCINNATI, OHIO
SECTION EDITORS: KAYLEE ROBBINS
Effie Alert Hajra Munir, ‘23
KAYLEE ROBBINS/ CHATTERBOX
Ethan Donovan, ‘25, is an example of one of our new seventh graders that enjoys getting involved in the WHHS community. In his first year, Donovan has already joined school programs and plans to play multiple WHHS sports. Donovan is a member of the Eagle Buddies mentoring program at WHHS. He plays baseball and basketball outside of WHHS, but will be trying out for both when their seasons roll around. Donovan previously attended Covedale Elementary before coming to WHHS.
OCTOBER 1, 2019
PAGE 7
Piper Peanut Hey Peanuts!
It’s me Piper, here to give you a few pointers about how to balance school and extracurriculars! As a former Peanut myself I know how stressful it can be coming home from a long day of school to mountains of homework and worrying about how much sleep you’re going to get. My first tip is to create a schedule and stick with it. Fill in all your important school activities first, then extracurricular responsibilities then set aside a chunk of time for homework and studying. My next tip is to give yourself time to rest and recharge. It’s important to give your body and your mind some cool
down time to prevent over stressing and overworking yourself. My third and final tip is to make the most of your free time. It’s understandable that your weeks may be packed full of school activities and you may not have a lot of free time, but use the time that you do get wisely and try to take some time to yourself to unwind. This will greatly improve your mental health and you’ll find that you’re less tired. That’s all for now, if you have any other questions, feel free to submit them to room 2306 during your lunch period. From your very own, Piper Peanut
Audrey Symon, ‘25, previously went to Sands Montessori. Symon is involved in WHHS by being a member of the Rotary Club. Outside of WHHS Symon also dances. In her free time, Symon enjoys art and going outside. She especially likes riding her bike. Symon also enjoys watching Jurassic Park Movies and reading any Kate DiCamilo novels. ART COURTESY OF HANNAH WARDLOW
KAYLEE ROBBINS/ CHATTERBOX
Your friendly Piper Peanut is balancing soccer and studying while having time to hang out with friends and live happy.
CORRECTION: In the last issue we spelled a name wrong. Jorja Wilkerson is the correct spelling of the name featured on Peanuts in issue 1.
APRIL 19 MAY 3, 2020
FROM POLAND TO ISRAEL
FROM DARKNESS
TO LIGHT
WE ARE an all expense paid trip.* Open to Cincinnati high school seniors with at least one Jewish parent.
INFO SESSIONS October 10th, 7pm at the Mayerson JCC Oct. 17, 7pm | Oct. 24, 7pm | Nov. 3, 5pm All In-home presentations Contact Jourdan Stein at MOTL@MayersonJCC. org or 513.761.7500 x1294 for more questions and the locations of the info sessions. *This trip is generously funded by The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati, and organized by the Mayerson JCC, in partnership with the Nancy & David Holocaust and Humanity Center. Grants are administered by the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati. March of the Living grants are not need based and are offered to Cincinnati Jewish high school seniors who have not already used their high school Israel travel grant.
STILL HERE
TO LEARN MORE, VISIT
MAYERSONJCC.ORG
ARCADE
OCTOBER 1, 2019
WHHSCBOX.COM
SECTION EDITOR: CHLOE SMITH
PAGE 8
CINCINNATI, OHIO
Perspectives
CHLOE SMITH / CHATTERBOX
Q: What is your favorite part of fall?
Q: What do you think your best quality is?
“My favorite part of fall is the weather and the overcast. We don’t have sunny skies but they are not dark skies.” - Isaac Smiley, ‘22
“I’d say I’m very positive and I always have a positive outlook even on negative things.” - Anja Bell, ‘21
CHLOE SMITH / CHATTERBOX
CHLOE SMITH / CHATTERBOX
Q: What makes you happy on a daily basis? Q: How has the start of the school year been for you? “Being able to go home and sleep. I’m so serious, like watching Netflix and eating just brings me so much joy.” - Dennie Wells, ‘21
CHLOE SMITH/ CHATTERBOX
CHLOE SMITH / CHATTERBOX
“It’s been good getting back in the routine and getting up early because I’ve been off for three months but it’s good.” - Terrill Byrd, security
Q: Do you think college is important? “Yes because you get more introductions to new ideas, ways of thinking and experiences. I don’t think it’s essential for work. Most people don’t work in the field in which they major. But there are all kinds of other things that you learn in college, all kinds of other experiences you have in college. For example, I learned to ski in college and I had no interest at all in skiing until some friends of mine were going skiing and I wanted to go with them. Now I love skiing.” - Rickey Harris, social studies teacher
Halloween Drawing contest Do you like drawing? Want to show off your talent and win free stuff? Enter The Chatterbox’s drawing contest to win a $20 gift card to a place of your choosing.
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Draw your favorite part of halloween below. Email a picture to cboxwalnut@gmail.com or drop off your submission to room 2306 and we will post it onto our website at whhscbox.com and open a poll so you can vote for the winners. Submit the photos of your drawings by Oct. 11.
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