Volume CXVI, Issue #4
The student news publication of Walnut Hills High School
Tuesday Nov. 16, 2021
Into the Walnut Woods Students, Mondini bring the dream of a park on campus to life Bobby Keegan, ‘22 ‘The Walnut Woods’ has gone from an overgrown field full of invasive species, harmful to our local wildlife, to a steadily developing ecosystem for native plants and animals right in the backyard of Walnut Hills High School. The project started roughly five years ago when a group of students saw a space, right between Sular Street and Jonathan Avenue, and decided that someone needed to step up to care for it. WHHS science teacher, Alexandra Mondini, heard of the students’ idea and immediately stepped in to see what she could do to help the cause. “It started out really small, we didn’t have a whole lot of support, but the project just kept gaining momentum,” Mondini said. The project began by simply cleaning up the woods and getting rid of the invasive species, such as honeysuckle, that were harmful to the living things around them. As more and more volunteers got involved, the project saw community wide support by not only the Evanston Community Council, but also by Cincinnati Parks and the Civic Garden Center. With support from the community, Mondini and the students of WHHS were able to further their plans for the space. “We have a greenhouse at Walnut that hasn’t been used in many years…[and] with the Green Club at the time, we started germinating native trees and growing them in house,” Mondini said. “It kind of wrapped into the woods project because we were removing all the invasive species, these bad plants
BOBBY KEEGAN / CHATTERBOX
Annalise Smith, ‘23 , Calvin Brandt, ‘23 and Rickey Johnson, ‘23 plant trees as part of the “Walnut Woods project” to make the woods more habitable for native plants and animals. The project began as a small student effort but has now expanded, gaining support from the Evanston City Council as well as the Cincinnati Parks and the Civic Garden Center.
that aren’t contributing to the ecosystem, and now we’re planting natives that will support local wildlife and environmental education at Walnut.” Since the project began, the space has now been named an official Cincinnati Park, featuring trails for walking and an assortment of native trees sprouting up from the once untouchable grounds. On the morning of Saturday,
Oct. 23, volunteers from around the community, as well as WHHS students, gathered in the woods for their third annual tree planting event. “It’s going to help the overall community by creating this little 10 acre space where birds, even though it’s surrounded by highway, native species and native birds will be able to come through here and that will overall help the whole
OWEN CUMMINGS / CHATTERBOX
Mondini hopes that eventually, the space will be used for “more hands-on environmental education” in the future. The project plans began over five years ago and with Mondini’s help, they are finally seeing massive progress.
ecosystem,” SENIOR Tierney Shafer, a volunteer at the event, said. The event was a success, as more than 300 trees were planted across the 10 acres space in just one morning. For Mondini, the end goal of the project is not only to create a healthy and accessible habitat for local wildlife, but also to create a space for WHHS students to have access to a natural area for their curricular needs. “When you can walk out your front steps and have a whole woods at your disposal, we should be trying to do more hands-on environmental education,” Mondini said. At the end of the day, the project still has a long way to go, but the progress that has been made on the space will only have positive results on the WHHS community for many years to come. “If there is a lesson to be learned from my experience with this project, it is don’t let perfect be the enemy of good,” Mondini said, “if those students hadn’t just gone out there and got started, then the project may have never been started. If you see something wrong that you want to fix, just go out there and start doing it and it will snowball. Good brings more good and that’s how change happens.” BOBBY KEEGAN / CHATTERBOX
OPINIONS
NOV. 16, 2021
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WHHSCBOX.COM
CINCINNATI, OHIO
SECTION EDITOR: ISABEL RODRIGUEZ
Thankskipping WITH THE END OF HALLOWEEN THE GREATER POPULATION ALONG WITH MARKETING CAMPAIGNS TENDS TO SKIP OVER THANKSGIVING AND TURN STRAIGHT TO CHRISTMAS AND THE REST OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON
Holiday fast facts:
Owen Cummings, ‘22
Isabel Rodriguez, ‘22
OCT
31
Halloween is celebrated differently around the world, and not everyone celebrates on Oct. 31. Source: World Population Review
Over $10.14 billion is spent on decorations and candy alone. Source: National Retail Federation
NOV
25
Celebrated in the United States and Canada, Thanksgiving is traditionally celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. Source: Farmer’s Almanac
In the past, Americans would send roughly $604 million each year; this year it is estimated to be $927 million. Source: Finder
DEC
25
Observed by christians and non-christians alike, Christmas was traditionally a 20th century Christian festival. Source: National Retail Federation
Americans spent roughly $789 billion during last year’s holiday season, with an average of $1,536 per US household. Source: National Retail Federation
Lately, the traditional holiday season, which begins on the American Thanksgiving and ends on American New Year’s Day, has been blurred and has extended to before Halloween and ends almost as soon as the sun rises on Christmas morning. This has led to a widespread glossing over of several holidays, Thanksgiving in particular, as it falls directly between Halloween and Christmas. Several reasons have been speculated as to why this is happening, such as wanting to spread holiday cheer earlier each year, but ultimately, each reason boils down to an increase in consumerism through shopping and marketing. According to NBC, 27% of people who do holiday shopping started as early as September this year, partially due to shipping delays caused by the pandemic, and partially due to increases in online shopping as opposed to buying gifts in stores. “The last thing a parent wants is to miss out on that must-have toy,” Michelle Fox said. This movement of Christmas shopping earlier and earlier has led to a lot of people pivoting to the yuletide attitude and mentality before they’ve even taken the time to be in the grateful mind-set that Thanksgiving is supposed to bring. This is only furthered by the fact that this switch is driven by consumerism, not genuine belief that it’s time to celebrate. On the other end of the spectrum, there are those who gloss over Thanksgiving due to businesses and stores putting the idea in their head themselves that the time has come. Many department stores, such as Walmart, Sears and Meijer, begin playing Christmas music over the speakers on Nov. 1, and places like Target replace their Halloween decorations with Christmas
trees and lights halfway through October. Lots of people operate under the aptly named “set it and forget it” mentality, that is, that as soon as the first radio station or store plays Christmas music, they believe that the time has come to devote the entirety of their car rides in the months of November and December to Christmas carols. This is yet another business strategy for radio stations, as they have the ability to capture the listenership of those who turn their station on and leave it playing for the season, such as Y94FM in Syracuse, who began their holiday rotation on Nov. 5. All of this evidence points to the fact that Thanksgiving, a holiday widely publicized as a time to celebrate what one has and to be content with whatever place in life they may be in, seems to be abandoned for an increasingly capitalistic Christmas. Thanksgiving, that holiday sandwiched between Halloween and Christmas, might deserve its constantly overlooked reputation. Beyond the obvious: It will never generate as much profit for stores as the famed “day after” known as Black Friday and exciting decor is in limited supply because really, what is there as far as “Thanksgiving decorations”? A hand printed turkey? Fall wreaths? It’s a somewhat bland holiday, especially if your chosen head-chef forgets the
salt in the mashed potatoes. But that brings up the question, why is Thanksgiving really celebrated? Some will answer that it’s to bring families together for the holidays, and it’s an excuse to enjoy each other’s company, or just eat an obnoxiously large amount of food and then regret it later as you try and push a shopping cart through a crowded store to compete for the better deal on a flat screen TV. Hopefully, no one gives an answer that relates to the history of Thanksgiving, because that’s where things get tricky-the true reason that this holiday has a valid cause to be “Thankskipped” is its origins, which were made out to seem much different than their reality. The American version of Thanksgiving is based on the settling of the British colonists in the “New World,” and is often taught in schools as a peaceful gathering of the indigenous people of Virginia and the colonists over food and entertainment. But in an increasingly politically conscious
climate, many of these encounters with the Native Americans that have been glossed over in schools in favor of depictions of togetherness have been retconned and become much more inclusive. What was once Columbus Day is now referred to as Indigenous Peoples Day so as not to glorify the horrific treatment the Caribbean people endured under the Spanish, and increasing numbers of textbooks have been updated with the perspectives of minority groups in instances where they should have been included ages ago. Yet Thanksgiving remains, even despite being eclipsed year after year by Christmas, and there is some true emotional reasoning to be pointed out as to why it should continue to exist. While the false history of the Pilgrims should indeed be removed, the mindset that the holiday brings to those who celebrate it is a perfect antithesis of the Christmas season. A holiday to remind people to be grateful for whatever they choose to be grateful is important, and, while some devout Christmas purists may still celebrate Dec. 25 with this mind-set, deep down, the majority of those who go through the motions of the holiday do associate it with being given gifts or holiday bonuses, rather than “the joy of giving.” Perhaps a reevaluation of the holiday season is due, but at this current rate, and with the laughable track record most people have with any kind of resolution around the holidays, the possibility of abandoning consumerist instinct or a reformation of Thanksgiving is unlikely.
EA PERKINS/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.
The Chatterbox Editorial Staff
SARAH DAVIDOFF, ‘13
Bobby Keegan,
Isabella Zinchini,
Editor-in-Chief
Deputy Editor-in-Chief
Kaylee Robbins, Managing Editor of Current Events
Hajra Munir,
Managing Editor of Student Life
Owen Cummings,
Managing Editor of Viewpoints
Sydnie Barrett,
Managing Editor of Visual Elements
Ryan Helton,
Operations Manager
Alonzo Montgomery, Public Relations Manager
Samantha Gerwe-Perkins, Adviser
Brian Sweeney, English Department Chair
SPORTS
WHHSCBOX.COM CINCINNATI, OHIO
NOV. 16, 2021
PAGE 3
SECTION EDITOR: MEGAN DORR
State qualifying trio Behind the bench: The WHHS junior athletic trainers Kylie Bridgeman’22 Megan Dorr ‘22
KYLIE BRIDGEMAN /CHATTERBOX
Kate Stiens, ‘23, SENIOR Owen Murray, and Gianni Allwein, ‘23 qualified for the state cross country meet running times of 16:57, 16:49 and 19:41, respectively. Kylie Bridgeman, ‘22 The WHHS cross country team sent three Eagles off to the state meet on Nov. 6. SENIOR Owen Murrary, Gianni Allwein, ‘23, and Kate Stiens, ‘23, all qualified after running successful regional races on Oct. 30. Running cross country is a mental game. Alongside your athletic capability, you have to find it in yourself to push through adversity. “You work so hard, you go through so much pain, but you learn to love the pain,” Murray said. “Then you see it all pay off in your races.” Murray was unsure if he would qualify for the state meet. He entered the race ranked 24th in the region, but only the top 20 runners advanced to compete at the state meet. “You go out fast, basically a full sprint so that you’re with the faster guys,” Murray said. “That’s how you get faster.” Using that strategy, he was able to break through and placed 15th at regionals, qualifying him for state. “I was just happy that both of us were able to make it through,” Allwein said. “Owen came out of nowhere and performed that day.” Murray ran a time of 16:20 at the state meet, which beat out his time of 16:57 at the regional meet,
but was not fast enough for him to place at the state level. “While I didn’t get the result I wanted, the atmosphere was great,” Murray said. “I’d say it was a great last hurrah for my cross country career.” Murray was one of two men to race that day. Allwein also competed in the Division 1 state meet. Allwein entered the regional race and ranked 6th, making him a shoe in to qualify for the state race. However, his quest to the final meet was not as easy as he had anticipated. Allwein suffered from a cramp about a half mile into the course and this minor injury, coupled with the muddy terrain, set him back about 10 places. “I was ready to drop out of the race, but I got through it,” Allwein said. Despite the setbacks, Allwein placed 9th at the meet with a time of 15:28, breaking the WHHS school record, a mark he already owned. He broke the record for the first time since his freshman year. “It’s always great to get a new PR, after breaking the school record it’s just about getting faster and seeing how far you can push yourself,” Allwein said. Alongside the boys successful races was the performance of Stiens. Stiens was the first Lady Eagle to qualify for the state competition in
nine years. “It’s pretty cool, I wish my team advanced, but they’ve been really supportive anyway,” Stiens said. “They’re excited for me, and I’m just excited for the team next year.” Stiens qualified for the state meet after placing 12th at regionals, after running a time of 19:43. “Overall the [regional] race wasn’t my best performance. It was so muddy and a slow course,” Stiens said. “I wasn’t extremely happy with my time.” Stiens battled her way through the state meet, racing with a time of 19:14. Her personal record is 18:41. “I [wanted] to break the school record, which is 18:36,” Stiens said. She only trails this mark by 5 seconds, making it right within her reach. While Stiens was unable to break the record this season, she will continue running cross country next year as a SENIOR. She plans to utilize the offseason to work towards achieving her goal. “I’m just going to train hard again,” Stiens said. Overall, these three eagles have brought honor to WHHS emblem, by bringing new life to the cross country program. “It’s great to know that people are actually watching us,” Allwein said. “We’re leading the way for Walnut sports. It’s been awesome to put a new face on the WHHS program.”
A relatively unknown support staff behind the WHHS football team is the seven student athletic trainers, who do a wide variety of jobs to help the team. SENIOR Eleanor Frost was a student trainer for the first time, and greatly enjoyed her role. “This is my first year doing it,” Frost said. “I only found out about it from one of my friends who is in one of my classes, but I wanted to do it since I was a freshman. I just didn’t know the opportunity was available.” Frost worked alongside several other students in the program. SENIORS Angel Wright, Lulu Craven, Dallas Tisdale, Janaya Render, Katie Collopy and Delanie Gulley, ‘23, were all also athletic trainers. The athletic training program is led by Nathalie Towchick, who received her Bachelors of Science in athletic training from Xavier University and her Masters of Exercise Science and Health Promotion from California University of Pennsylvania. Towchick is able to serve as a role model for the junior athletic trainers throughout the athletic
seasons. This program allows students to discover if a career in sports medicine is right for them. “I’ve always wanted to work with athletes and I want to go into it as a career. So being able to get handson experience was a good thing,” Frost said. While the experience enables students to try out a possible career, it also allows them to form connections with the players they treat. “My favorite part was getting to know athletes because they are so much fun and to have that community is really nice,” Frost said. The athletic trainers are able to form these connections with players because they are there through every step of the season. “We set things up for practices and games,” Frost said. “We get the tents and all the medical equipment out. During the games we actually do water for the athletes because they can’t touch [the water bottles] because of COVID.” As the winter sports season approaches, only two athletic training spots are available, but fall season trainers such as Frost, hope to be back on the sideline in the Spring of 2022.
MADISYN ELLIS / CHATTERBOX
Athletic trainers are in charge of the water station during the football games, home and away.
WHHS basketball set at 50% capacity Liam Garth, ‘24
The recent announcement that the WHHS basketball games will only be allowing 50% capacity is proof that COVID-19 is still affecting WHHS sports teams. The new capacity limit will be a change for basketball players and the overall environment at the games. Even though there will be a limited number of fans, students plan to compensate for that missing spirit. “We’ll bring that energy needed to the court,” SENIOR Nut House leader Kylie Bridgeman said. With the capacity limit, it will most likely be only SENIORS allowed to attend the games, therefore, the Nut House will
have to work to make sure all the students feel involved in the game day atmosphere. “It’s not just the players, it’s not just the trainers, it’s not just the students at the game, but game day all across WHHS,” Bridgeman said. To get the same feeling as full capacity, the student section is going to have to be twice as loud. “It’s going to be a struggle with only having 50% capacity to still be the type of student section that we are,” Bridgeman said. After playing with no fans last year due to the pandemic, the SENIOR basketball players are excited about having at least some support. These eagles plan to make the most of their last basketball season here at WHHS, despite limited audiences.
Sean Harmon, ‘24 is very excited about his first year on varsity. He has watched games as a fan in the past and saw the energy the fans can bring to the court. “The environment won’t be at 100%, but still some fans are able to come, which I’m happy about,” Harmon said. Basketball players attest that the energy from the fans has an impact on how they play and the enjoyment of the game. Even though it is not 100% capacity, it’s a little taste of what the Nut House was like before COVID-19 and students are excited about the return of the WHHS eagles on the basketball court. “50% is going to feel like 100%,” Bridgeman said.
NAZRET DEGAULLE/CHATTERBOX
During the upcoming WHHS basketball season only 50% capacity will be allowed because of COVID-19. Even though there will be a limited number of fans, students plan to compensate for that missing spirit.
FINE ARTS
NOV. 16, 2021
PAGE 4
WHHSCBOX.COM
CINCINNATI, OHIO
SECTION EDITOR: NAZRET DEGAULLE
Cranes take flight in the forum
SYDNIE BARRETT /CHATTERBOX
The Art Club is taking on the 1000 cranes project, where they fold 1000 cranes and hang them all around the school. The first mobile was recently put up in the forum to create a “happy environment” for WHHS students.
Nazret Degaulle, ‘23 The WHHS Art Club has been around for many years and in that time they have made their mark on campus. Throughout these years, the Art Club has proven their devotion to improving WHHS. “The objective of the Art Club is to beautify the campus,” art teacher and club advisor Kim Watling said. To the Art Club, a part of beautifying the campus is tackling the issue of cleanliness in the bathrooms. To improve this detriment, the Art Club has decided to paint murals on bathroom stalls. Watling describes the laborious process they started shortly before school got shut down in 2020. “We cleaned the bathroom stall doors, we sanded them down, we repainted them, we primed them,” Watling said.
However, this process is ultimately worth it for many of the Art Club members. “We want to create a very colorful and happy environment,” Watling said. The Art Club is excited to continue working on this project
during the next few weeks. However, this is not the only project the Art Club is currently working on. Art Club is also partaking in the 1000 cranes project, in which they fold 1000 origami cranes and hang them on mobiles all around
the school. The origin of the 1000 crane story is based on the belief in Japanese Culture that if one folds 1000 cranes, a wish of theirs would come true. In a famous story, called “Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes” a little girl named Sadako Sasaki contracted cancer as a result of radiation exposure. She began folding 1000 cranes, hoping her wish of being healed would be granted. Sadly, she passed away after folding 644 cranes. Her classmates completed the project for her and she was buried with all 1000 cranes. “During such a challenging year, I was trying to find a project that would have more meaning,” Watling said. In the wake of the pandemic throughout the 2020-21 school year, Watling sought to find a project students could work on at home. She put together
Emily Frame, ‘24, folds an origami crane during an Art Club meeting Wednesday after school. The mobiles were displayed in Ms. Watling’s room as they awaited being hung in the forum.
art kits with origami paper and instructions on how to make cranes so that when they returned to school, they could bring their cranes with them. “When they came back for the last eight weeks [of the 2020-21 school year], I had a lot of cranes and then we continued to make them,” Watling said. Once members of the Art Club returned back to school, they began dedicating the cranes to their friends who had COVID-19. They wrote their dedications on the cranes and hung them on mobiles made of bamboo. “We thought that this would be a good project to dedicate to those who needed healing,” Watling said. Currently, the Art Club is still working on the project and has made around 600 cranes and six mobiles, which are what the cranes are stringed on. However, once they reach their goal of 1000 cranes, members of the art club plan to make more. They have already begun hanging cranes in the forum, to bring “peace and healing” to all students and they plan to hang the mobiles all around the school. When asked what the cranes mean to her, SENIOR Adia Eagle said that “the beauty and the uniqueness of the cranes” is what stood out to her. Eagle, who is the president of the Art club, noticed how every crane greatly differs. “It represents the uniqueness of Walnut,” Eagle said.
Students take over for the One Acts Festival Nazret Degaulle, ‘23 WHHS Students partaking in the One Acts Festival are currently rehearsing diligently for their upcoming performances from Dec. 2 to Dec. 4. This is the fourth edition of the One Acts Festival at WHHS. The One Acts consist of two SENIOR high and two junior high student-directed plays. Students can write, design, manage and direct every aspect of their performance. “The students do all of the work,” student director Oran Wilkins, ‘24, said. “We take our own show, we present our own show, we cast our own show, we design our own show; we do everything.” Many students taking part in the One Acts noted that being directed by their peers was different compared to other shows they have taken part in. “It’s a lot less intimidating,” Jennifer Kiefer, ‘27, said. Not only are the One Acts less stressful for students because fellow students lead them, but practices are also less intense.
“Since they’re shorter shows there’ll be less lines to memorize and less pressure,” student director Avery Frank, ‘23, said. Frank is the director for the Senior High One Act, “Home of Overgrown Weeds.” Rehearsals take place just every other day, in contrast with the other shows the WHHS theater department puts on that rehearse nearly everyday. This is because the One Acts are smaller shows. However, Frank notes that as the performance dates grow closer, rehearsals will get longer. “It’ll become more of a time commitment as it goes on,” Frank said. “So it’s putting it all together and just working really hard at it for a longer time and doing multiple runs in one day.” While the One Acts are relatively less intense compared to other shows, students still have a great deal of responsibility. However, these responsibilities are also a way for students to become exposed to a new outlook in the world of theater. “So the starting of the festival was to give students an opportunity to direct, which gave more students opportunities to design
NAZRET DEGAULLE/CHATTERBOX
Students get the opportunity to direct a show for the WHHS One Acts Festival. “I love handing off the work entirely to students,” drama teacher Helen Raymond-Goers said.
and stage manage,” drama teacher Helen Raymond-Goers, commonly referred to as RG by students, said. Since many students have wanted to become more involved in theater, when the WHHS theater program got the idea to put on the One Acts Festival from the Thespian Society five years ago, students were excited to take part. However, at that time the WHHS theater program was doing a five-show season, meaning they had to make room for the student-directed productions. So, the teachers made the decision to replace the junior high play. “So the One Acts Festival took the place of what used to be the junior high play with two
junior high plays in the festival.” RG said. RG mentions that the WHHS theater program is preserving the One Acts because teachers and the students feel it is ultimately worth it. “I think it’s a benefit to education. I mean, we’re educational theater, if somebody wants to direct we want to give them that opportunity,” RG said. Students get the unique opportunity to become fully immersed in the theatre production process. “The only way to really learn how to [direct] is to do it. You can study all the theory you want, but until you actually are in charge of a group full of people trying to execute your vision, you’re not directing,” RG said.
FEATURES
WHHSCBOX.COM CINCINNATI, OHIO
NOV. 16, 2021
PAGE 5
SECTION EDITOR: KIMAYA MUNDHE
Smooth sailing
AP PHYSICS STUDENTS RACE IN CARDBOARD BOATS
COURTESY OF SANDEE COATS-HAAN
KAT SWIFT/CHATTERBOX
Sandee Coats-Haan’s AP Physics 2 class worked through force calculations, prototypes and testing to make their final boats. A live stream of the event is available to be viewed on the Walnut Hills Chatterbox YouTube channel. Kimaya Mundhe, ‘25 Sandee Coats-Haan’s AP Physics 2 class held WHHS’s first annual cardboard regatta in the pool on Nov. 8. Groups of 3-4 students were tasked with creating a boat, using cardboard and duct tape, in which a team member had to row across the pool. “It’s been a goal now since October 2014 and [I’m looking forward] to finally doing it,” CoatsHaan said, “It’s kind of nice to have some different kinds of class time… you normally don’t teach physics in a pool, and it’s been a good bonding
experience for the class.” Because it was her first year doing the cardboard regatta project, the only additional criteria students had to follow was creating and testing a prototype using force calculations. The project is part of the fluid mechanics unit and teaches students how to apply concepts of buoyancy. “It’s been really cool just to see people that maybe don’t test well, but who’ve jumped into this. You can be really super smart and take tests but nobody really wants to take tests for a living, so it’s good to see them do practical stuff,” Coats-
Haan said. Katie DiPaola, SENIOR, and Blaise Colberg, SENIOR, were a part of the winning team. “Our design was like a kayak, there were a lot of physics calculations so in theory [because of] the buoyancy force, the boat would have floated,” DiPaola said. Despite initially being nervous about the outcome, Colberg enjoyed the race. “It was fun building [the boat] but we were not so certain if the cardboard was going to disintegrate,” Colberg said. They spent about two weeks
leading up to race day researching different designs, building a prototype which they tested with weights in water and making the final boat. Some teams used unconventional methods to build their boats such as folding the cardboard rather than cutting it to prevent water from entering. A few also found that using extra duct tape from the originally allotted amount was helpful with waterproofing the boat. “I was worried it was just going to tip over immediately… [but] once I got my balance it was better. I was shocked at how well it went, I
didn’t think it was going to work.” Mary Sullivan, SENIOR, said. Her group’s boat stayed afloat and successfully made it to the other end of the pool. Overall, Coats-Haan felt the project went very well especially for this being the first year doing a cardboard regatta. “My hope is that [the regatta] will be an annual tradition here at Walnut,” CoatsHaan said. The event was live streamed and is available to be viewed on the Walnut Hills Chatterbox You Tube channel.
“It’s a novelty, and it’s fun. We would love students to use it for academic purposes, but I also understand just the joy of being able [to make something],” Riggs said. To upload printing jobs, students and staff will need to first design their products through a 3D modeling platform, such as Tinkercad, and then export their items to the Polar Cloud to be approved by the library staff. Print time will vary largely based on each job’s design, but the library is working to develop a process to streamline the time for each print. “I try to save bigger jobs for overnight. It works better [to have] smaller jobs during the day when I’m here to be able to change out filament colors based on people’s requests,” Riggs said. While the library does not have a set direction for their exploration of the printer, Riggs hopes for students to simply have a new outlet to express themselves. “[I’m excited] to see them put the design process in action and have another way to show their creativity, their knowledge and their skills,” Riggs said. “I think sometimes when you get something new, it’s a way for some students to shine who have a talent in that area but have never really gotten to show [it] before.” The library has already started to gain more student engagement with
the printer through social media and the 3D-printed Pokémon giveaway contest held on Oct. 29. The library also hopes to run a brief ‘come and learn’ after school workshop, for students who are new to 3D printing. “I’m hoping that students see that there is more they can do with their projects; they can do more with what they’re learning in class. They can make it tangible… rather than just being in the abstract or flat in the 2D world of a book,” Riggs said. If you’re interested in learning more, visit the library to get started, and you might find yourself printing something more than paper. To support the 3D printer, purchase filament from the library’s wish list.
Printing more than paper
COURTESY OF MARGO FISHER-BELLMAN
The library ran a 3D printed Pokémon giveaway on Oct. 29 to promote the new printer. For a chance to win, students could submit Pokémon-themed selfies with WHHS teachers. Sarah Wilson, ‘25 As the WHHS library transitions towards a 21st-century media center environment, its latest addition displays a strong point of progress. The Dremel DigiLab 3D45 printer0, a 3D printer, currently housed on the library’s front desk, serves as a gateway to creation. Whether it’s a bookmark, a phone stand or a shelf to organize an overflowing locker, the printer can make it. The printer uses plastic filament, which is the main component in creating 3D objects, in interchangeable colors, and
features a 10 by 6 inch build plate. The library has not yet opened the printer for full-time use but hopes to do so in the near future. “We are hoping to make it open to everybody. We have an Amazon wish list for filament, so we’re hoping we can keep it free by providing filament because that’s the biggest cost associated with 3D printing,” librarian Melody Riggs said. Students and staff will be able to create a multitude of different products using the printer to enhance learning. Models of historical buildings, topographical maps and mathematical tools
are only a few of the possibilities available to create. “In an English class, students could design an award for a character or design a diorama… you can make lots of manipulatives for students who are more kinesthetic [learners],” Riggs said. “If you are trying to understand parabolas, we can print out a little parabola tool that shows you [its shape].” The library also plans to allow students to create nonacademic products and to have the opportunity to simply explore and experiment with this form of contemporary technology.
SARAH WILSON/CHATTERBOX
The Dremel DigiLab printer lays the groundwork for a new project, creating intricate lines and patterns.
STYLE & CULTURE
NOV. 16, 2021
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WHHSCBOX.COM
CINCINNATI, OHIO
SECTION EDITOR: KATE STIENS
The best vintage in 513 Kate Stiens, ‘23, and KatieBeth Christie ,‘24
The Daily Vintage The Daily Vintage, the new hotspot for vintage shoppers in Findlay Market, has a selection for both men and women. “They have the best selection of 90s stuff, but they also have 80s and 70s and a few items from the 60s which are extremely hard to find,” Luke Commandeur, ‘23, said. The Daily Vintage opened Oct. 2, and business has been booming for store owners Bessie Bruns and Ray Moore since day one. They are both very passionate about buying and selling vintage. Not only is the quality of the clothes great, but it is better for the environment.
“When I was in my 20s, I was looking for more sustainable options and options that didn’t have sweatshops involved,” Bruns said. Moore followed along in her vintage path when the two started dating. “She always wanted to go looking for vintage, so it just kind of became natural that I started finding stuff too,” Moore said. “I think [my favorite part is] seeing customers happy getting unique pieces and finding things that they are really interested in and keeping things out of the landfill,” Bruns said.
KATE STIENS/CHATTERBOX
Rad OTR
If you’re into 90s fashion, Rad OTR is the place for you. Open for almost four years, this small shop is filled with vintage tees, sweatshirts and sports jerseys; primarily menswear, but anyone is sure to find something to add to their wardrobe. Their flannels and vintage crewnecks are the perfect essentials for the upcoming winter season. Jackson Klug, employee of six months, says that he got into vintage through sustainability. “I love the environment [at Rad OTR]; I think it’s really relaxed. It’s really
interesting to see what people like because people like all different types of [styles],” Klug said. Rad OTR sources their vintage from estate sales, markets and thrift stores, but buys, sells and trades in store as well. In addition to the many graphic tees and sweatshirts, Rad OTR carries vintage denim as well. “I think it’s different because all of the clothes are affordable, especially the jeans; I have so many from there,” WHHS student Carmella Knott, ‘24, said.
KATE STIENS/CHATTERBOX
Mannequin Boutique Mannequin Boutique in Over the Rhine (OTR) is the perfect spot for the more feminine shoppers who are looking for both style and to support a cause. Every piece is donated to the store and 100% of proceeds are donated to charities, usually in the social service department, such as food banks, homeless, spay and neuter clinics and Red Cross. Moe Rouse, the store owner, opened Mannequin in 2010 on Vine St. after taking over a clothing charity during her years working as a college professor, but has been
located in the OTR area ever since. Rouse goes to see shows at the MET in New York and derives her style and fashion knowledge from traveling experience, but she got into this business mainly for the charity. There is a variety of vintage women’s clothing including sweaters, blazer and skirt sets, formal dresses, etc. available at Mannequin Boutique for purchase, but make sure to talk to Rouse while you are at it too; she loves her customers’ enthusiasm.
KATE STIENS/CHATTERBOX
PEANUTS
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NOV. 16, 2021
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SECTION EDITOR: FAITH WALLACE
The Roaring Spirit of JH
Effie Alert
FAITH WALLACE/CHATTERBOX
The class of E-flats intently focused on their dodgeball players and cheering them on against the Effies. Dominic Hamon, ‘25 Junior high students are making up for their missed year by holding their own events and adding a great deal to the atmosphere of school spirit surrounding WHHS. The 8th grade Student Council (STUCO) is in charge of holding monthly junior high events such as the dodgeball game and Boogie Bash. They held the first two events in hope to get 7th and 8th graders to socialize with each other and create excitement for events to come. “People are more involved this year because not many people got to do anything last year so people are more enthusiastic,” Tvisha Mirashi, ‘26, 8th grade STUCO member said. “We’re trying to do interactive events where everyone can have fun and get to know each other.” The 8th grade STUCO succeeded in planning the first two events because students were really able to enjoy themselves and the company around them. “The atmosphere was really fun, everyone was pretty hyped up because everyone in 8th grade didn’t get to go to any events last year, so this was like the first time
we went to any walnut events,” Leule Mesfin, ‘26, said. The best part about a good spiritfilled atmosphere at sports games is that students don’t even have to be involved to enjoy it. The vibes, gasps and screams of the fans, the quick and tactful moves of the players can prove a spectacle for anyone incorporated. “I sucked at dodgeball but it was still pretty fun watching people
Although extracurricular activities may sound distracting from school, Liam Christie, ‘27, disagrees. Christie enjoys practicing Taekwondo. He attends the new Taekwondo belt promotions where he looks up to the judges and aspires to be one of them. Originally, Christie started practicing Taekwondo in elementary school, but wasn’t too serious about it. His teacher was busy and he felt like he didn’t get to learn as much as he could. He stopped doing Taekwondo after elementary school until his mother received a recommendation about a new taekwondo school, and Christie decided to give it another go. “I really like the activity because it keeps me persistent and determined,” Christie said. Christie uses his role models for motivation in Taekwondo, such as Jackie Chan. “Whenever I go to a new promotion, I look at the cool black belts the panelists are wearing, and it makes me want to be a black belt,” Christie said. Christie’s most daring
get hit and stuff,” Claire Lefever, ‘26 said.” I wanted to go to them because they seemed fun and I didn’t want to miss out.” Even students who didn’t go to the JH events showed their spirit by attending other sporting events such as football or basketball. “I’ve been to all of the home football games and would for sure look forward to the football games next year,” Avy Albrecht, ‘26, said.
MADISYN ELLIS/REMEMBRANCER
Cheerleaders are one of the most influential parts of JH spirit. JH cheerleaders bring energy to the atmosphere as they get ready for their pep rally.
HEY SENIORS! GET YOUR SENIOR RECOGNITION AD BEFORE SPACE RUNS OUT!
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Jeannie Ngansop, ‘26
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moment during his two years of taekwondo was when he worked hard to master the hammer fist, striking a board with the bottom of a clenched fist, and getting it his first try. “I did a hammer fist and front kick and got them both [on] my first try. I just wish I didn’t get myself so worked up on practicing breaking the board,” Christie said. “So, the moral of the story is: it is good to push yourself, but don’t overdo it.” Christie has also played the trumpet in intermediate band since sixth grade.“I’ve been doing music related things for a long time; I’ve been going to music classes as long as I’ve been going to school,” Christie said. “I started being serious about the trumpet in fifth grade.” Christie does not believe that participating in extracurricular activities negatively affects him on his academic performance. Rather, he believes that you should always be wise with your time. “I still find time to just go up into my room to practice my new forms, do my school work, eat and play my instrument,” Christie said.
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C.J., What a joy it has been to watch you grow up! You are such an amazing young man. Your intelligence, heart, and resilience will take you as far as you’re willing to go in this big world. Always remember to be to true to yourself, good others, and ever faithful to God.
TELL YOUR PARENTS
On behalf of your family, CONGRATULATIONS! You did it. We are so proud of you. Onward and upward, “on 3!” Love, Mom
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SECTION EDITOR: JAKAYLA ROGERS
Perspectives
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CINCINNATI, OHIO
What are you looking forward to doing during Thanksgiving and Winter Break?
KIMAYA MUNDHE/CHATTERBOX
“Spending more time with my sister because she’s coming home from college.” - Andrew Anderson, ‘23
KIMAYA MUNDHE/CHATTERBOX
“I like having friends at school but if I had to choose I would say, family” - Godlove Nsang, ‘26
KIMAYA MUNDHE/CHATTERBOX
“Having a little time to myself and just calming down a bit because there’s a lot going on.” - Brianna Truitt, ‘27
KIMAYA MUNDHE/CHATTERBOX
“Definitely seeing my family during the breaks and I’ve sort of been looking forward to exams just to see how I’ll do since it’s been so long.” - Sabine Johns, ‘24
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