LETTERS FROM THE EDITORS
MAY 17, 2022
PAGE 2
WHHSCBOX.COM
CINCINNATI, OHIO
SENIOR EDITION
Bobby Keegan, Editor-in-Chief To the endearing WHHS community, Being Editor-in-Chief of this newspaper is something that I dreamed of doing for a very long time. I never thought that dream would become reality, but here we are. A whole school year of living my dream has come to an end, and frankly… the feeling is surreal. Writing this letter is the end of a part of my life that I will never forget. Of the 74 clubs offered by the school, I honestly couldn’t tell you what led me to walk into room 2306 in 8th grade… but I couldn’t imagine where I would be right now if I hadn’t. Walking into the J-Lab for the first time, I had no idea the impact that one room could have on me. In that room was my second mom, GP, eager to teach unmotivated 13 year olds about journalism and all its intricacies. That room is where I met some of the people who I have come to love most in this world. Making this paper over the last five years has been the opportunity of a lifetime. It has made me question who I am as a person and helped me truly realize the importance of having a voice in the community. The Chatterbox has provided me with a forum to open up to the world and express my true self
HAJRA MUNIR/CHATTERBOX
through my writing. I have learned so many things over this great journey, but the one thing that I will never forget has nothing to do with writing or journalism at all. I have learned to always appreciate those around you and never take people’s unwavering love and support for granted.
I could write for hours about those people who have always supported me, but there aren’t enough words in the world (or space on this page) to express my utmost gratitude for you all. To Owen, Kylie and Izzy - you have all been right by my side throughout the toughest of times in
making this paper and for that I am eternally grateful. It’s finally time to put the tough times behind us and truly celebrate the great work that we have all done together over these years. Finally, to my mom (probably already in tears by this point), none of my success in this paper would
have been possible without your unyielding love and support. You are the strongest person I know and that strength will continue to motivate me with every new day of my career. Peace out Walnut, BK
Izzy Zinchini, Deputy EIC My fellow Eagles,
HAJRA MUNIR/CHATTERBOX
Owen Cummings, Managing Editor of Viewpoints To those who read this far down, To try and consolidate what my time on the Chatterbox staff has done for me into roughly 300 words will not even come close to expressing the amount of gratitude I have for this publication. As cheesy as it sounds, I will never be able to thank those responsible for making this experience what it was as much as they deserve. I originally joined Chatterbox four years ago because I wanted to become a better writer. I knew I wanted to go into a creative field in my adulthood, so any practice I could get in bettering my creative voice was certainly appreciated. By the time my ninth grade year ended, I could tell that this would become a much bigger part of my life than I had anticipated.
By being able to write about and critique the things I love, such as theatre, filmmaking, and music, I not only became more confident in these hobbies of mine, but in my appreciation of them, which has allowed me to become more aware of quality in my own creative endeavors. These past few weeks, I’ve taken a step back from writing articles to focus on editing, and, in that process, I was able to realize just how strong this year’s leadership has been, and how the people that I have worked alongside as editors are even more important to me than the skills I’ve learned along the way. I’ve been able to watch Kaylee, Hajra and Izzy grow from writers in a section I managed to my editor peers (and in Izzy’s case, one of my bosses and one of my closest friends). Syd has an incredibly sharp eye for design, and Lonzo and
Ryan are two of the most confident people I know. I have every ounce of confidence in those who will be continuing to lead next year, and I cannot wait to see the mark they leave on the paper. Lastly, I cannot sing the praises of our Editor-in-Chief enough. Bobby was the first friend I made in Chatterbox, and I am so incredibly proud of the work he has done over the past four years I’ve known him. He’s never going to admit it himself, but I couldn’t have done any of this without him. I don’t have the space to write a super flowery conclusion, but I will end on one of the most sincere “thank you’s” I will ever give. To GP, to Bobby, to Izzy, Hajra, Kaylee and everyone else who made Chatterbox great, I’ll miss you. Thank you for your time, Owen
I’ve been thinking about this moment for a long time, and to be honest, I thought I would be much more prepared. Now that the time has finally come, I’m having trouble finding the right way to say goodbye. I have written several versions of this letter trying to pen exactly what I feel, but everything I write seems to fall so far short that I just end up deleting it and starting over. So, as I rewrite for the seventh time, I’m going to try to follow the advice given to me by someone very close: “Say what is important to you. It doesn’t have to sound pretty, but it will if you write from the heart.” I was a sophomore when I officially joined the Chatterbox. I knew I loved to write so it was a pretty easy decision to make. I did not know, however, that it would become such an important part of who I am. Over the last four years, the J-lab has served as my second home, the Chatterbox my second family. And now that I’m here, I’m not entirely sure how to feel. Sad? Of course. Nostalgic? Definitely. But the reality of it is, this is only the beginning. The countless lessons that I have learned on this staff come from not only being a writer or an editor, but from the people that I have met and the stories I have had the honor of telling.
Possibly the greatest lesson I have learned thus far is this: people have the biggest impact on people. Yes, that’s a bit obvious, and while I wish it were the case, I did not learn this right away. It took a long time of forming bonds with teachers, authority figures and my fellow peers to understand the importance of relationships in relation to success. So to those I have had the great honor of knowing, I want to say my sincerest thank you. To my day one Peanuts gang, Owen, Hajra and Kaylee: you never ceased to make CBX fun. Working alongside you three has been the most amazing experience. Your energy and enthusiasm for your work is unmatched. To next year’s editorial team: I am so proud of what you have accomplished and am overjoyed to know that we are leaving our publication in such capable hands. I can not wait to see where you take it. And finally, to my wonderful Editor-in-Chief Bobby: I will never be able to thank you enough for your undying support and encouragement. Your passion for journalism - true journalism - is inspiring. I really could not have asked for a better team. A piece of my heart will always remain in room 2306 thanks for everything. All my love, Izzy
TIMELINE
WHHSCBOX.COM CINCINNATI, OHIO
MAY 17, 2022
PAGE 3
SENIOR EDITION
Events Through the Years
Creepy clowns are spotted around the US.
2016
7
The first total solar eclipse visible in the US since
Principal Brokamp retires.
1979 occurs.
2017 Women’s March protests take the streets.
2017
Donald Trump is inaugurated.
8
Tide Pod challenge takes off .
Metal detectors are introduced to WHHS.
2018
9
The first picture of a black hole is taken.
2019
2020
WAP becomes the first all female rap collaboration to debut at No. 1 on the Hot 100.
11
2018
Parasite becomes the first foreign language film to win best picture at the Oscars. Students have the option to return to WHHS in person.
2021
Joe Biden is inaugurated and Kamala Harris becomes the first woman, African American, and South Asian American to become vice president.
The Afghanistan War comes to an end.
Construction on the tennis court bubble begins.
2020
TikTok reaches 2 billion downloads.
12
2021
WHHS.
A walkout is held to protest gun violence after the Parkland Shooting.
10
2019
Aretha Franklin, George H.W. Bush, Stan Lee and Mac Miller pass away
Massive Black Lives Matter protests take place.
WHHS transitions to virtual learning.
Hank and John Green visit
Euphoria averages 16.2 million views per episode during Season 2.
2022
The Bengals make it to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1989.
Page by: Kate Stiens, Kat Swift, Nazret Degaulle, Rylee Williams Photos by: Clown Courtesty of Tania Van den Berghen/Flickr, Principal Brokamp courtesy of Chatterbox, Solar Eclipse Ryleigh Sanborn/Chatterbox, John and Hank Green and metal detectors Isabel Nissley/Chatterbox, Trump and Aretha Franklin courtesy of GPA Photo Archive/Flickr, Women’s march courtesy of Ted Eytan/Flickr (edited by Kate Stiens), Tide pods courtesy of Michael Paul/Flickr (edited by Kate Stiens), Gun protests Trent Willhite/Chatterbox, Black Hole courtesy of Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration/European Southern Observatory (edited by Kate Stiens), Virtual learning Kate Stiens/Chatterbox, Parasite courtesy of Republic of Korea/Flickr (edited by Kate Stiens), Tiktok courtesy of Muhammad Salman/Pixabay, Black Lives Matter Abby Jay/Chatterbox, Return in person Solie Thress/Chatterbox, Afghanistan courtesy of Sgt. Russell Gilchrest (The US Army)/Flickr (edited by Kat Swift), Euphoria courtesy of Eddy Chen/ HBO Warner Media Press Room, WAP courtesy of Atlantic Records (edited by Kat Swift), Biden and Harris courtesy of Adam Shultz/Flickr (edited by Kate Stiens), Construction Hajra Munir/Chatterbox, Begnals Kaleyah Render/Rembrancer
FUTURE PL
MAY 17, 2022
PAGE 4
SENIOR E
nal o i t rna e t n I r este nch i fW a ty o anth ersi , Sam v i n lett den eU Lei Th Row eit ise t i s iver , El Un Allen yon titia de L es, Lae é t t si iver poin Un s-Des e u ygh Hu
Gap Year r Gap Yea nna Make , rs e d n Sa Andrea Wolins, organ M , e it Wh , Lily d n ra Ingab yin , d n o Ka Hamm a ic ss Stout, Je him ra Ib , o k c Sa , Eli Barnett ison ad M Palmer, orah N Miller, Stephon Ridley,
Gap Year Unterhaslberger, Sophie Mathews, Kimmariya Smith, Ella Grove, Sarah Graner, Elizabeth Boland, James Pernell, NaTese Clark, Ramir Glenn, Laila Tregre, Salome Castleberry, Alhana
Nor
Tiffin University Martin, Erin Central State Thomas, Yazmeen Jamison, John Demu, Sade Xavier University Kassem, Mohammad Walro, Nicholas Jenkins, Leo
ty Universi Wallace ollin in w ld a B nd, C Hildebra niversity State U en re gG n li ia w d o B In Hardy, ersity rg Univ u b n te hie Wit p o S s, on Hamm iversity n U n Bluffto k, Justin Sedgwic seph Mt. St Jo an th Imm, E
nd y, M ity ser ve ers eve , ar T an Mar cus lan Cu d S , K gar et cch tat y ett e U i, S ni op ver hia sity
Cl
Xavier University Cruise, Liam Farmer, Olivia Geeding, Denny Immerman, Andrew Sherwood, Ian Thiam, Anta r
The College of Wooste Johns, Lucia
Kenyon College Johnson, Lillian
Oberlin College Astafiev-Holmes, Evelyn Robinson, Sydney Ohio University McGraw, Kayla McCudden, Paige Lewis, Saidah
Georgetown Stoffregen, Brady Michigan State University Berke, Olivia Michael, Annika University of Missouri-Columbia Dorr, Megan
Mid wes t
Sha wn Cam ee Sta pbe te Un Th ll, C i eU har versity niv lott Sow ersity e d o Oh ers, f io W Jayd Findla esle y y Nu Th n We yan U rsi e C ber ng hr , Em niver is Pau sity B m row and H t Co a l Stro Mithe M n, ealt llege o C Un h, Z ll ase lde Kam h Sc of ive o No rsity o e We n, A yi ien ble, fA the ah ces st U Eliz kro n C n er abe n Fla orb iver n Re a th s
Ohi o Hya Unive r c Ke inth, sity McG egan, R Atlas o o Na vern, bert Nic berhau Cecilia h s Roo olson, , Mila ksbe Kath Wal rry, So ryn k Wed er, Jela phia ig, K ni Wh evi itt Alle enburg n n, D , Eva Coy eann n App e, Josh e io, A ua very
Un
University of Michigan Sullivan, Mary Ball State University Canter, Lily te Rose-Hulman Institu of Technology Domke, Emory G
iver We sity of bb, No Ale Chica rthw g xan der o este Deb rn U Lau ono, R niver er, A uth sity insl Loy ey ola Kol Uni v sho e r s Lan rn, A ity der , Lu rin cy
Ohio Brid Univers gem ity Cast an, Kyli eel, E e Cole man van , G S ila erth, The Aud s Ohio ra State Univ B e McK igelow, K rsity at N innie ewar ellin k Moo -Myers, J r a e y , d Jasm The e ine Ohi Bala o State U chan n i ver dran , Ma sity ya
yment Emplo onathen ,J s ld o el Reyn t, Ang Wrigh Army nne ia s, Adr Hilliga De’Onjelo , ir St.Cla o , Yainel s Alfon
c of Musi College es Berklee m Ja , Dawson y niversit U n o Bost rina b a S , y rr McShe k Fox, Jac y George Washington niversit astern U Northe uez, Isabel University Rodrig therine Hurst, Katherine Ka Smith, Wright, Phoebe Weller, Nicolas Howard University Cummings, Zoe
st a e th
DePaul University Gray, Sadie Holm, Zoe Indiana UniversityBloomington Berman, Julia Hastings, Isabel Poynter, Maxwell Pinnell, Kristyna Mangan, Ella Purdue University Rebich, Hannah
University of Gorman Manolis Smyth, Ni The Univers ity o Culbertson, A Lewis and C Murphy, L Occidental C DeJong, C University of Co Latto, Paige Lee Univers it Koch, Carol in
l Schoo Trade Aaron ue , s d d iq Do omon trick, D Fitzpa ing in a r rvice T Fire Se e, Dalton Low
y
Washington Universit Betts, Kaylaa
ences
University of Health Sci & Pharmacy Schultian, Ulysses
Th
eN
ew
Eng lan d Fair of Mu ma n, M si Mo unt ax H Gu olyok eC ven , Le o Suff yla olk Ma Univ y, Ia ersi miy ty a
SENIO Futu Plan
The Ohio
State Un iversity Belcher, Z Berninge oe r, Lu Chan, Ju ke st Cochran in ,N Phalen, C oah ori Sears, Sim na o Shuck, E ne mma Smiley, E v Weinrich e Wijesoori , Jack ya, Kiran Armstea d, Farrah
The Ohio Stat e University Cotton-Riker, Sophia Brennan, Lillian Islas-Campos, Derick Laube, Nathan Liu, Benjamin McCune, Glyn is Meier, Abigail O’Callaghan, A deline Rodas-Morales, Luis Otten, Tess
The Ohio State Un Donaldson, Bra Ghezae, Rezva Haque, Farha Hoskins, Hen Hubbell, Elij Kothari, Nikh Lewis, Amya Martin, Samu McGaughey, Em McSherry, Kels Papp, Sophie
Ohio START
University of Cinci Bossie, Mal nnati com Davidson, Peyton Gillotti, Is abella Mays, Josi Ndome, C e oumba Parry, Bry nne Seurkamp, Eve Walker, A unjelic Arcuino, E lla Bahri, Soph ia Beyene, Ya co DeRosa, Jo b seph Robertson , Jack Vilski, Mar cus
University of Cincinnati Bicknell, Eleanor Bishop, Charles Bley, Nina Brand, Solomon Clarke, Aidan Clincy, Ariel Connelly, Lai Corcoran, Ava Craven, Luisa Cummings, Anna Adkins, Aidan DiMenna, Natalie Render, Kaleyah
MAY 17, 2022
LANS MAP
PAGE 5
EDITION
Washington n, Mia s, Elsie icholas of Montana Andrew Clark Liam
College Clio
olorado e
ty ne
West
Tenn e
ssee S Ellis tate Uni , Ma v disyn ersity Will ia Tisd ms, Zoe al Tru e, Dalla Simm e, Trevo s n ons, Simo Vand ne e Ham rbilt Un iv mon Texa d, N ersity s Ch atha n ri Ariz Walt stian Un ona ivers e rs, R State ity ober Uni t Dum versity C am on Spur t, Kathe pus Imm r lock ersio , Oli ine n via
Univ ersit
Sout Carl h Carolin son aDiet , Kiley Columb z, Br ia o n Furm an U Vogt niversit , Eth y an Woff ord C oll Vogt , Rya ege West n Virg inia West U Z ech, n Virg Tim iversity inia othy Univ ersit y In Diet rich, stitute o f Tec Kai hnlo gy
dC on ic servat ory xwe ll Jo h olle Co ns H ge lb o erg pk -H ins ard U Ba tes in niv Un g, er Zi C nk ol Bl sit Ga iv l ais y , L eg rd ersi e ily e oc ty Pr k i i, C of M D nce iP to ass ai a n an ne M ola, Un dr en K iv a g, ath ers Cl er ity air in e e
ty rsi ve ic ni ron us aU e M f bi , M m w lo lu che oo n gh ch va Co Bela ur n S r, E sb itt na tta lo ha Tay f P ale n o d t e an ity ag w on M s M O r rm ive h, y, a s r Ve race Un Ru ur of M ty , G rsi an ive ufm Un Ka
Ch ath Mc am U Co Car n nive neg ie M n, Sop rsity hia Sch ellon Un ade Un iver , El i sity lery versity o Liu f Pen , So nsyl Buc phi van kn a ia Sta ell Un llm eye iversit r, A y va
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Ellsworth, Rosemary Brown, Quinton Appalachian State University Wealer, Margaret University of Pikeville Collopy, Katherine Centre College Bergeron, Elise
Un
iver s Fro ity of Geh st, Ca Kentu th r c Lor lich, T erine ky e i We nsen, gerlily Zin lden, Halle S chi Un ni, amir iver Isab ella Mu sity o tter f Lo Bla s, Cam uisvill Gal ir, Tay eron e l vin , Lu or cia Kentucky State University
Jackson State Mitchell, Jaia Bolden, Jeremiah
South iversity Auburn Un uinn Q , an Donov e Keener, Paig
sity & M Univer Alabama A e ol Cooper, C Johna Crenshaw, ia Palmer, Tam aia am K , ds ar dw Hall-E ia D y’ M Cruz,
Thomas More University llege an Co Covington, Alexis Spelm s, Ayanna a Smith-Trondle, Noah Thom , Taylin n esig Ware t&D Berea College of Ar e g e ll Grant, Llewelyn h Co ney, Liam a n n a t Sav Cour Aubrey , y Lauer versit e Uni t a t S iana oline Louis iton, Car rleans Pep ew O N y t iversi riana d la Un Loyo Sneed, A
y iversit ma Un mie a b la A ll, Re Russe rsity Unive a State elanie id r lo F ell, M Mitch e Colleg Eckerd ancesca , Fr Annis ollege ouse C vier h e r o a M niel, X McDa
ity ers niv deline U i am Ma o Mi hler, n, Le tha e n Bu Fento Sama ker , ar iel s P ine n, an Ga armo ath lie H ow, N , Kel n b ry Lu artin , Lau iam M sch ill ua i Ra ter, W, Josh a u Re dnick , May n u e R ind S
ersity Univ State ey o i h The O Shiff, Lan ry n n, He Simo anin, Liza h z Volog en, Caleb Warr t, Zayd a Barak Octavio s, o t r a B very ns, A e v e St sity niver ate U asia t S t n Ken n, Da Griffi , Grace e r a W Leah Dah,
University of Cincinnati Cummings, Owen Cuyubamba Kong, Sam Davis, Jason Diallo, Youssouf Drammeh, Jainaba Drummer, ReBen Eagle, Adia Franks, Benjamin Frost, Eleanor Fu, Bojun Fuchs, William Porter, Kellen Thompson, Nile
Johnson C . Smit Battle, Jade h n Isome, Jaid en Duke Uni versit Khan, Hus y na North Car olina A & T Stat Butts, Ren e University ia Couch, M ariah Mercer Vondersch midt, Chr istopher University of Southe rn Califor nia Melley, Lia m
Ly, Racky Gray, Aizerah Smoot, Erin Northern Kentucky University Hysell, Gianna Wardlow, Hannah Blackburn, Logan Kojo Davies , David-Michael
OR ure ns
niversity ando an an nry ja hil a uel mma sey e
y of
Art Academy of Cincinnati Richards, Lena Cincinnati State Technical and Community College Kenney, Andrew Rogers, Jakayla Jackson-Sanders, Amaree
ty rsi ua e v ni sh a i U , Jo nik l iel ai m nick l, A brie han M ud kel Ga at s R oc te, c, N ola V it vi ch n W ano Ni Sea va d z, r, A oz int ecto aag, oah v L p G S n Pr ti, N nna n n Va isco g, A oge V on r, D W ste Fo
University of Cincinnati Schumann, Gwendolyn Losacker-Arenas, Sebastian Sennett, Elyse Studaway, Mario
ity ers niv U e ison tat t S All a igh cott, The ya r W S ars, Sik n Se ers, yto Da rin gg i f t o S ar y rsit , D ie ive ander Natal n a U lex er, A oop , Emm am i r C ave ill y G en, W Mar ey t ich, dn t O str Ro en We den, Steph w , Bo erger Bo
University of Cincinnati Garcia Maya, Janet Godshalk, Rachel Goedde, Luke Green, Catherine Griffin, Hannah Gupta, Prakriti Habte, Aremiyas Hall, Jacqueline Haskin, Evelyn Headworth, Alton Hisle, Aaron Isham, Adrian McLaughlin, Alexander Platte, Nicholas
i
University of Cincinnat Nutter, Julian Seward, Tanner Wale, Hulda Watts, Jolie Williams, Isaiah Dreith, Valerie Gross, Trey Reblando, Xavier
i
University of Cincinnat Ell, Tayla Gudorf, Mason Holloway, Camden Nolan, Maxwell Ballew, Alizah
i
University of Cincinnat Johnson, Caleb Kelley, Silas Konare, Ibrahim Moore, Joshua Murray, Daniel Miller, Austin Vicino, Alberto
University of Cincinnati Walton, Miranda Warburton, Riley Warvel, Reagan Worku, Mathious Wyatt, Avery Zimmerman, Jacob Shafer, Tierney
University of Cincinnati Hughes, Fiona Johnson, Christian Kaufmann, Nicholas Kelley, Liam Krall, Andrew Larsen, Isaac Maddox, Jack McLaughlin, Ilana Mehnert, Annika Morgan, Ximen Morriss, Eleanor Yisrael, Yeremyyah Andrews-Griffin, Hank Heckerman, Rowan
i University of Cincinnat Mouti, Amin Munoz, Sophia Murphy, Sarah Ogonek, Meredith e Ogunremi, Adebowal Ottley, Sarah Oudomsouk, Violet Person, Abigail Prince, Laurel Rafi, Ibrahim Draud, Ciara Menz, William Stefanov, Nia Tebbe, Oleg
cinnati ty of Cin Universi -Barrios, Angie o Redond John Pablo Reed, , Janaya Render aniya h S e, ic R , Sophia Roberto l, Sofia el w th o R ilah Sall, Na nna er, A ss lo h c S n k, Jorda Sedgwic , Tyler Seward Reda ir, Bensgh athan n Bruce, Jo bs, Ethan om -C n a d Kash
University of Cincinnati Sherman, Grace Smiley, Isaac Tacho, Precious Timmers, Olivia Trimble, Sofia Verhaak, Sabine Veytsman, Nikita Grimaldi, Arlo Devan, Ashreya Watkins, Quinn Richmond, Samuel
Page by: Sydnie Barrett, Bobby Keegan, Izzy Zinchini, Kylie Bridgeman Photos courtesy of: Sketchify/Canva,
RETIREES
MAY 17, 2022
PAGE 6
WHHSCBOX.COM
CINCINNATI, OHIO
SENIOR EDITION
WHHS bids farewell to retirees Marilyn Ray
Debbie Burris Lonzo Montgomery, ‘23 As the school year comes to an end and students are preparing for a different journey in their lives, so are some adults. One such is current Algebra 1 teacher, Debbie Burris. Burris started at WHHS teaching PreAlgebra, now known as Math 7 Accelerated. While most teachers first start in August, Burris is an exception to this. “I’ve been here since September of 2008 because when school started in August 2008, [administration] realized they had too many math students and lots of pre-algebra classes were overloaded,” Burris said. “It made more sense to, instead of paying all those teachers overload pay, to bring me in.” She was offered the job by former principal Jeff Brokamp, after graduating from Xavier University. When Burris first started teaching, she would come in at 5:30 a.m. to take advantage of the quiet environment, and have the copy machine to herself. With being part-time and having more copiers now, she usually comes in about an hour before her first bell. One of the biggest changes Burris remembers from her time at WHHS, is finally getting air conditioning in the building. “I remember teaching where we kept the windows open because it was so stifling [and the] outside doors were propped open.” One time she even ran to check on a teacher who she heard screaming because a squirrel had climbed into her room. While she will always look back and remember laughing with students and coming in early to get to the copier first, Burris looks forward to not having a schedule and having time to do all of the things she loves. Burris plans on visiting her grandchildren in Florida and Chicago more often. She also has a garden that she has already harvested and cooked asparagus from. Burris and her
LONZO MONTGOMERY/CHATTERBOX Be [someone] that the alumni can be proud of and say, ‘that was a really cool kid’, and just keep the heartbeat of Walnut,” Burris said.
husband love to walk through parks together and have already walked through all of the Hamilton County parks. She also hopes to spend more time in the kitchen, after discovering her love of cooking during the pandemic. “I never thought that I [would enjoy] cooking because I have five children. I was always trying to make five children and a husband happy but I have been enjoying finding recipes and cooking more plantbased meals. My husband is very big on vegetable gardening and we have already enjoyed asparagus from our garden,” Burris said. Burris is fond of her time at WHHS and thanks Brokamp for giving her the opportunity to work at the school. As she leaves, Burris hopes WHHS keeps up the rigor it is known for and that students keep their drive for achievement.
Peggy Groeber Jakayla Rogers, ‘22 WHHS prides itself on having a space where students can thrive and reach their true potential. Many of the staff set aside their own personal time to ensure students’ success because of how much they care. One of these people is Peggy Groeber. Groeber has worked at WHHS for 11 years. Before she ever became a teacher, she used to work as an engineer. She transitioned into teaching and started off at Withrow High School. Groeber came to work at WHHS in 2011 and has been here ever since. She started off as a teacher for a previously offered class, Study Skills until 2018. Later that year, the Student Success Center opened and filled the spot of this class. Groeber found herself easily adapting to the WHHS environment. She thrived in her new position, working in the SCC, being able to help and guide students through their academic journey has not only been her specialty, but her passion as well. Over the years, she has made a positive impact in the lives of many students. “Ms. Groeber made me realize I had the potential to make it through Walnut’s program and without her I don’t think I would be at this school today,” SENIOR Ximen Morgan said. While she mainly focused on helping kids academically, she also allowed kids to view her as a safe person to come to when
SAMANTHA GERWE-PERKINS/CHATTERBOX
Peggy Groeber works with students in the Student Success Center, and has been since it was founded in 2018. things get too difficult to bear. “I remember when [Groeber] brought me aside after she found me crying in the 8th grade and let me just vent. She let me release all of my anger and helped me work through it. I’ll always be grateful to her for that,” SENIOR Jessica Stout said. While Ms. Groeber will greatly be missed at WHHS, she is ready to start a new chapter in her life. “I’m excited to travel around and see all the sight the world has to offer, maybe I’ll stop by in Colorado and see Ms. Deitz,” Groeber said.
Kylie Bridgeman, ‘22 Marilyn Ray, social studies teacher, has worked in education for 36 years, and will be retiring from WHHS after teaching here for six. Ray spent the majority of her career teaching at Sycamore High School, where she took over 750 students on trips to Europe, which was the highlight of her career. “Memories of staying up all night, talking, on the banks of the river in Paris are unmatched,” Ray said. After being at Sycamore for 25 years, Ray began her retirement, but two years later she received a call from Cincinnati Public Schools. “They needed an experienced teacher immediately,” Ray said. “Mrs. Mcgill, [who already taught at WHHS], was my student, and she told them to call me.” She had zero interest in returning to the classroom, but the idea of teaching at WHHS, a mecca for broad and worldly education, intrigued her. “[When they told me] it was Walnut Hills calling, I asked when do I start,” Ray said. “They called Friday, and I was in the classroom on Monday.” In her time teaching at WHHS, she has grown fond of the diverse student body, and the diverse set of opinions and opportunities that has come along with it. “I’ve loved working here. With the diversity, I’m able to feel connected to my work outside of the classroom. I’ve been a leader working with immigrants in the city,” Ray said. “I have students from all over the world here.” Ray’s life partner is Italian, and they spend
KYLIE BRIDGEMAN/CHATTERBOX Ray had zero interest in returning to the classroom, but the idea of teaching at WHHS, a mecca for broad and worldly education, intrigued her.
their summers in Italy where she hopes they will spend more time together during her retirement. Ray’s love for Italy and Italian culture led her to find her passion in teaching AP European History, which she has continued to pursue at WHHS. “My love of Europe and the lifestyle there, the history there, I just love it,” Ray said. “Europe just always resonated with me, I’ll miss sharing that with students.” However, her love for teaching has coupled with the joy of instilling good virtue in the lives she touches as an educator. “To whom much is given, much is required,” Ray said. “Much has been given to Walnut students. I hope they go out and make a difference in the world, because Cincinnati needs it.”
Kim Watling Faith Wallace, ‘24
For nine years at WHHS, Kim Watling has been a teacher, friend and inspiration to all those she crossed paths with. She has kept the art passed down from past students and now she leaves to pass down her legacy. Before teaching became her passion for 25 years, Watling worked for the marketing, advertising and design firm at Kroger. While she was working there, she volunteered to teach at Washington Park. “I just wanted to do something that was more meaningful with my art,” she said. After Washington Park, she went on to get her masters in education. Waling began teaching part-time for students with disabilities and elementary school kids. “[After] being an artist over the years and teaching programs, I thought, ‘I want to share this with more people,’’’ Watling said. “I want to be able to do this full-time and take my life’s experiences and hopefully, share those with students.” When the opportunity came, she said ‘yes’. At WHHS she sees students express themselves through art, style and clubs. “This is a school that’s so diverse and has so much to offer students,” Watling said. Since Watling started, she has been involved with the Art Club and has focused on community projects like the mosaics and cranes in the forum. She unveils her students’ work frequently at the fall and winter shows, helping students’ talent get published in Scholastic, art shows at Xavier University, art shows at Pendleton and a five-year student program with the Taft Museum. When asked what her favorite part of teaching is, Watling said, “Seeing the joy on the students’ faces when they create something that they really like and are proud of and then seeing their artwork displayed,” One of the things she’s noticed from going from elementary to high school is how self-critical students tend to be. Watling’s space is a journey in the art of self-
FAITH WALLACE/CHATTERBOX
Kim Watling retires after teaching at WHHS for nine years. “I want my students to feel when they walk in, take a breath and relax,” Watling said.
expression.“She has shown me how good of an artist I am,” SENIOR Alana Castleberry said. “I did not realize that until this year and I’m gonna miss having that.” While Watling shares her experience, her students also share what they know. “We both work together, we have learned from each other,” Watling said. “I think I learned from them, just as much or probably more than they learned from me.” She has learned to enjoy the chatter amongst the students becoming a teacher and friend to many of those in her class. “She is a really good teacher to have because if you’re going through a hard time she will help you,” SENIOR Everlyn Haskin said. Moving away from old friends, hanging up forms of art in her room as well as the smiling
faces. She focuses on looking ahead to her art career and visiting family. “I might come back here and haunt them as the art spirit,” Watling said.
CHATTERBOX SENIORS
WHHSCBOX.COM CINCINNATI, OHIO
MAY 17, 2022
PAGE 7
SENIOR EDITION
Chatterbox send off Goodbye from Wilkinson For the past eight years, journalist Howard Wilkinson has been working with the students of the Chatterbox, helping them grow and develop in their writing. Each year, including this one, however, he has to say goodbye to the SENIORS on staff. This year, Wilkinson will be saying goodbye to seven of the current staff members. “[The SENIORS have] been great… these are very impressive people,” Wilkinson said. Wilkinson has seen great things from each and every one of them. “They’ve been leaders. They’ve been outspoken, they’ve tried different things…I admire [them] a lot.” Wilkinson knows that great things are to come for every SENIOR leaving the Chatterbox legacy behind. “I’m really anxious to see when they go off to college and just how well they do because I think they’re going to do really well.”
Owen Cummings Years on Staff: 4 Current position: Managing Editor of Viewpoints
Favorite memory: Eating lunch with his sections and Bobby in 10th grade Plans to: Major in Media Production at the University of Cincinnati Fun fact: Has seen all 36 Godzilla movies
Kylie Bridgeman
Bobby Keegan
Years on Staff: 5 Current position: Editor-in-Chief
Favorite memory: His
first front page article on the Chatterbox Plans to: Major in journalism at Ohio University Fun fact: Enjoys cutting grass in perfect parallel lines
Izzy Zinchini
Years on Staff: 3 Current position:
Deputy Editor-in-Chief
Favorite memory:
Meeting her best friends and lifelong relationships Plans to: Major in Journalism at the University of Kentucky Fun fact: Hates yellow skittles
Jakayla Rogers
Years on Staff: 1 Current position: Sports
Years on Staff: 1 Current position:
Favorite memory:
Favorite memory: The
Writer
Interviewing Isaiah Birl in Blair Circle Plans to: Major in Journalism at Ohio University Fun fact: Laughs like a smoke alarm
Megan Dorr
Arcade Section Editor
Valentine’s Day party Plans to: Major in diagnostic Sonography at Cincinnati State Fun fact: She has been playing piano since she was six years old
Isabel Rodriguez
Years on Staff: 1 Current position:
Years on Staff: 2 Current position:
Sports Section Editor
Opinions Section Editor
Building friendships with other sports writers Plans to: Major in Journalism at the University of Missouri Fun fact: Jonas brothers reposted her Halloween TikTok
Memories made at late work night Plans to: Major in Journalism and political science at the Northeastern University Fun fact: Has run a half marathon
Favorite memory:
Favorite memory:
Page by: Kaylee Robbins, Lael Ingram, Sarah Wilson Photos by: Lael Ingram, Kaylee Robbins, Sydnie Barrett, Audrey Warren, Tracy Cummings, Wilo Rosado, Kayce Dolwick
THEN & NOW + ADVICE
MAY 17, 2022
PAGE 8
WHHSCBOX.COM
CINCINNATI, OHIO
SENIOR EDITION
Blast from the past
Match the departing SENIORS’ past pictures with their current SENIOR portraits
1
2
3
4
5
A
B
C
D
E
Answers: 1C John Fox, 2E Rosemary Ellsworth, 3A William Fuchs, 4B Zoe Cummings, 5D My’Dia Cruz
Faculty give advice to SENIORS
KIMAYA MUNDHE /CHATTERBOX
KIMAYA MUNDHE /CHATTERBOX
“Don’t continue doing something you hate,” Samantha Stephenson, English teacher, said. “That sounds obvious, but people will stick themselves into something they don’t even enjoy. My advice is to try lots of new things and find the things you like and stick with those.”
“Take time and enjoy the journey of college, don’t rush through it,” Principal John Chambers said. “Take advantage of and experience everything college has to offer.”
KIMAYA MUNDHE /CHATTERBOX
KIMAYA MUNDHE /CHATTERBOX
“Make sure to stop and take a breath every once in a while to enjoy the moment, especially if [you are] going away to college or starting a new career and new way of life after high school,” art teacher Elizabeth Lloyd said.
“Drink plenty of coffee to combat periodic bouts of senioritis and continue to enlarge and diversify your friend group,” social studies teacher Kevin McCormick said. Page by: Dominic Hamon, Hajra Munir, Kimaya Mundhe, Kate Stiens Photos courtesy of: John Fox, Rosemary Ellsworth, William Fuchs, Zoe Cummings, Mason Gudorf