Volume THE BULLETIN 5 Issue 6 “The Bear Necessities”
letter from the editor The Bulletin| PAGE 3 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR written and designed by emmy bush ‘23 Policy Statement: The Berlin Bulletin is an independent news magazine, created by the Advanced Newspaper Journalism students, as well as other student contributors at Olentangy Berlin High School. The views expressed in this publication are solely the students’ and not those of school offcials. The adviser discusses content with the students and aids them through the writing process. The Berlin Bulletin may be purchased seven times a year, for $1 per issue. It may also be purchased by subscription for $15. Advertisements may be purchased by emailing the staff at [email protected] Additionally, letters to the editor may be emailed to the staff. All letters must be signed. Opinion pieces refecting the view of a student staff member will be clearly marked as such. All opinions will contain bylines. The Berlin Bulletin is a member of the Journalism Education Association, Ohio Capital Conference Academic League and Ohio Scholastic Media Association. The journalism adviser is Erin Bush. cover by ashley mallon ‘23 I s your glass half full or half empty? This issue of The Bulletin, our staff chose to create a fip issue that highlighted two very different ways of interpreting the world around us. Whether you see yourself as a skeptic, an optimist, or you aren’t sure, this issue was crafted to refect opposing sides on many current issues, and will hopefully allow you to connect with our writing more than ever before. On one side, you’ll see the positive, optimistic, “rosecolored” half of our content. From progressive new technology to school dances, and everything in between, the “half-full” side of this magazine will leave you feeling bright, and will hopefully encourage positivity in the day of anyone who reads it. For the other half of the magazine, read the more realistic, skeptical take on different parts of our lives today. Hear from Bears about their takes on skepticism, and dive into popular “hot takes” from current culture. No matter what way you view yourself, your school, or your world, I believe that one can take comfort in knowing that there is always another side. As hopeful or hopeless as certain circumstances may seem, my hope is that this issue will serve as a reminder that perspectives are dynamic and subject to change. So, as you approach the pages of this magazine, the day ahead of you, or any new challenge that you may face, remember that your mindset is entirely up to you. As Bears, we are constantly reminded to “Control what we can control,” and I invite you to do the same. Whether you decide it is half-full, half-empty, broken, or overfowing, your glass is exactly that: yours. How you choose to think of it is a decision that belongs to you, and only you. Sincerely, Emmy Bush
The Bulletin| PAGE 2 table of contents table of contents designed by emmy bush ‘23 THE BULLETIN STAFF Senior Editor: Emmy Bush ‘23 Copy Editor: Elizabeth Koeppen ‘23 Design Senior Editor: Ashley Mallon ‘23 Design Junior Editor: Iva Horman ‘24 Online Editors: Teresa Barger ‘24 Reese Manley ‘24 Audrey Tartaglia ‘24 News Editor: Sal Gerich ‘24 Sports Editor: Nina Krupar ‘23 Photo Editor: Brooke Henrey ‘24 Business Manager: Rachel Bjorkman ‘24 Social Media Managers: Phoebe Durst ‘23 Mackenzy Shoemaker ‘24 Contributors: Emily Cain ‘23 Avery Callison ‘23 Phoebe Durst ‘23 Jocelyn Franz ‘23 Taylor Frecka ‘23 Caitlin Hill ‘23 Elizabeth Koeppen ‘23 Nina Krupar ‘23 Ashley Mallon ‘23 Katie Reinard ‘23 Ava Vaught ‘23 Alyssa Zuesi ‘23 Teresa Barger ‘24 Rachel Bjorkman ‘24 Izzy Borgstrom ‘24 Alexandra Downing ‘24 Kyler Foreman ‘24 Megan Friece ‘24 Sal Gerich ‘24 Brooke Henrey ‘24 Marin Himes ‘24 Iva Horman ‘24 Emily Koehrsen ‘24 Jocelyn Lawson ‘24 Reese Manley ‘24 Mackenzy Shoemaker ‘24 Audrey Tartaglia ‘24 J.D. Low ‘25 Adviser: Erin Bush 4 5 -7 news interactive 8 -10 opinion 11 lifestyle 12 -15 student life 16 -17 cover story This side of the March/April issue refects the optimistic culture here at 3140 Berlin Station Road. Multiple topics are covered in a positive light such as the perks of artifcial intelligence, the excitement of school dances and the pros of high school jobs. Bears who identify as optimists share how they feel about such issues and tips on how to look on the brightside. The Bulletin staff took a more positive approach to this half of the issue to showcase the optimists of Berlin. This section takes an angle on the idea of the glass being “half full” rather than “half empty,” and how a hopeful outlook can lead a path to positivity. Take a look into this issue and decide for yourself if optimism is what you line up with most. Check off a Bear bucket list for fourth quarter, or hopeful prospects for senior year. If you disagree, fip the issue and see what the skeptics of Berlin have to say.
letter from the editor The Bulletin| PAGE 3 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR written and designed by emmy bush ‘23 Policy Statement: The Berlin Bulletin is an independent news magazine, created by the Advanced Newspaper Journalism students, as well as other student contributors at Olentangy Berlin High School. The views expressed in this publication are solely the students’ and not those of school offcials. The adviser discusses content with the students and aids them through the writing process. The Berlin Bulletin may be purchased seven times a year, for $1 per issue. It may also be purchased by subscription for $15. Advertisements may be purchased by emailing the staff at [email protected] Additionally, letters to the editor may be emailed to the staff. All letters must be signed. Opinion pieces refecting the view of a student staff member will be clearly marked as such. All opinions will contain bylines. The Berlin Bulletin is a member of the Journalism Education Association, Ohio Capital Conference Academic League and Ohio Scholastic Media Association. The journalism adviser is Erin Bush. cover by ashley mallon ‘23 I s your glass half full or half empty? This issue of The Bulletin, our staff chose to create a fip issue that highlighted two very different ways of interpreting the world around us. Whether you see yourself as a skeptic, an optimist, or you aren’t sure, this issue was crafted to refect opposing sides on many current issues, and will hopefully allow you to connect with our writing more than ever before. On one side, you’ll see the positive, optimistic, “rosecolored” half of our content. From progressive new technology to school dances, and everything in between, the “half-full” side of this magazine will leave you feeling bright, and will hopefully encourage positivity in the day of anyone who reads it. For the other half of the magazine, read the more realistic, skeptical take on different parts of our lives today. Hear from Bears about their takes on skepticism, and dive into popular “hot takes” from current culture. No matter what way you view yourself, your school, or your world, I believe that one can take comfort in knowing that there is always another side. As hopeful or hopeless as certain circumstances may seem, my hope is that this issue will serve as a reminder that perspectives are dynamic and subject to change. So, as you approach the pages of this magazine, the day ahead of you, or any new challenge that you may face, remember that your mindset is entirely up to you. As Bears, we are constantly reminded to “Control what we can control,” and I invite you to do the same. Whether you decide it is half-full, half-empty, broken, or overfowing, your glass is exactly that: yours. How you choose to think of it is a decision that belongs to you, and only you. Sincerely, Emmy Bush
The Bulletin| PAGE 4 written and designed by Phoebe Durst ‘23 Fourth Quarter Bucket List As Bears enter the fnal quarter of the school year, people begin to plan for what they want to accomplish to get to summer as fast as possible. Bears of all grades are ready to get to the next step; freshmen are ready to, well not be freshmen, sophomores to fnally be upperclassmen, juniors are excited to be seniors, and of course, the seniors to fnish off their years of high school. Whether it be the warmer weather, lighter workload or the breaks ahead, there is a lot to look forward to in the last qauter of school. Before that though, students must fnish off the tasks that await them. We asked Bears what they will prioritize in these last few months of school in academics, sports or in their social life. No matter what it is, Bears are ready to check off the fourth quarter. “I’m excited to wrap up junior year and start preparing for all the fun things to come senior year!” Cassie Perdue ‘24 said Students, especially seniors, have a lot on their minds as the list of to-do’s begin to add up, but don’t forget to check off the ones we’ve compiled below that will be sure to fnish off the year strong. Get a prom date Graduate Get into dream school finsih with A’s Eat lunch outside successful sports season Pass AP Tests Excercise consistently Perform One Acts Pass finals Senior Prank Dress up for Spirit Week make a time capsule The choir Concert interactive
The Bulletin| PAGE 5 Artifcial intelligence, also known as AI, has been a hot topic in recent conversations. Some feel that it has a great future ahead, whereas others say it could be detrimental to future learning techniques. “Artifcial intelligence focuses on developing computer systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making and language translation,” according to Northrop Grumman. Technology will only continue to transform, evolve, and test the limits of how humans and machines can work together. “I don’t think it’s a for or against situation because it’s like the Internet, like a powerful technology. If people try to suppress it, it’s not going to work. It is exciting that if you use it properly, it will be a more effcient way, and we will be able to access information quicker,” Berlin science teacher Eric Gregg said. By 2030, Artifcial Intelligence will add $15.7 trillion to the world’s GDP (gross domestic product), boosting it by 14% , according to Forbes. AI has brought us more than just voice assistants on our mobile phones, it continues to provide advantages like self-driving cars and humanoid robots. “For a science classroom, I think chatbots and AI can be a valuable resource for both teachers and students if used in the right way. It is making me think more about the types of questions I ask my students. If a chatbot can generate an answer/response for a student, maybe I need to ask more questions that require critical thinking, or require students to apply their knowledge to a new scenario. I think an English teacher may have a different opinion, however. I am concerned that students will rely on AI for any question asked of them, and it may impact students negatively in terms of their ability to critically think, apply knowledge, or think “on the fy,” Berlin anatomy teacher Sarah Nethero said. According to Content Science Review, artifcial intelligence can also leverage computers and machines to mimic the problem-solving and decision-making capabilities of the human mind. “I think artifcial intelligence will be good for us in the short term but will harm us in the long run. It’s good now because it can help us advance our research in different felds of study but it will for sure harm us because people will start using it to cheat their way through the learning process,” Logan Parillo ‘24 said. AI will only advance the practice of replicating human behavior and tasks of a human’s everyday life. written by IZZY Borgstrom ‘24 designed by alexandra Downing ‘24 In anatomy class, Logan Parillo ‘24 uses Chat GPT, a form of artifcial intelligence. Berlin teachers have started to consider how to incorporate artifcial intelligence in their classes. AI Dominates the Future news
The Bulletin| PAGE 6 news opinion Bears embrace school dances P rom season is offcially here at 3140 BSR, and students are ready to go all out. From dates, to dresses, to dinner plans: the excitement has just begun. Whether it’s prom or homecoming, the anticipation sparks months in advance. Many students enjoy school dances for the sole purpose of quality time with friends and to make good memories. “They are such a great way to get out and have fun with friends,” an anonymous Berlin student said. Dances are also something that students look forward to even before they enter high school. Whether you see older siblings or neighbors all dressed up to go have their prom or homecoming night, you begin to dream of that night for yourself. Senior Ava First watched as her older sister would get ready for any school dances and knew they were something special. “Now that I get to experience them, I just try to take it all in and live in the moment because I know you only get to experience homecoming or prom a limited number of times in your life,” First said. Students also love to get dressed up and feel good about themselves. It may seem cliche to some, but the dresses and suits sometimes makes it feel like a fairytale. Dances put people in a good mood and create a positive energy that everyone around you can feel. They also show how much you care about your school and the culture that has been created. Soon enough, juniors and seniors will attend prom, and as that time approaches, dresses are bought, reservations are placed, and the excitement builds. Upperclassmen, especially seniors, need to make the most of these last few high school experiences. “It’s a rite of passage if you want it to be, and you will remember the experiences forever,” Principal Todd Spinner said. Written and Designed by Iva Horman ‘24 fun enjoyable feel fancy dinner good time with friends good memories What do bears like about school dances? prom information: When: April 15 Where: columbus Athenaeum theme: a night in disguise
The “Tangy Bubble” can be defned as the community of Olentangy Local Schools in which many students know each other despite going to different schools across a wide area. It involves the socioeconomic statuses, academics, and diversity rates of Olentangy Local School District. The district has over 20,000 enrolled students, four high schools, fve middle schools (with a sixth on the way) and 16 elementary schools. OLSD focuses on six main “pillars” of success: opportunity, personal achievement, community, pride, educational excellence, and exceptional value. Their mission is to “facilitate maximum learning for every student.” Many students, including those who have graduated, are supportive of the concept of the “Tangy Bubble,” and feel as though Olentangy has well prepared them for their future endeavors. “The ‘Tangy Bubble’ lets students thrive in a wide range of personal and, later on in life, professional connections. Also, the large intertwined bubble showcases the Olentangy Local School District at its best,” Berlin Alum Mason Zamilski said. The staff and teachers in all of the Olentangy District strive to make learning a fun and engaging endeavor each and every day. This practice shows in students’ test scores, graduation rates, and the advanced placement data. According to the introduction of the 2022-2023 Quality Profle, Superintendent Mark Raiff makes it a priority to be thoroughly transparent and informative with students, staff, and business partners of the district. “We have sustained excellence in numerous areas, and are proud to collaborate with our parents, community, and business partners to create unique learning experiences for our students,” Superintendent Mark Raiff said. According to the 2022-2023 Olentangy Quality Profle, the district’s average ACT score is a 23.4, while the national average is a 19.8. The graduation rate is 98%; the Ohio average graduation rate is 87%. In addition, according to the U.S News district report, 100 % of teachers within the district are licensed and 97.7% of teachers have three or more years of teaching experience. Olentangy Local Schools has created a community that not only excels in academics, but also has the potential to bring students from the different schools together despite the size of the district. With the constant construction of new high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools comes redistricting and a great opportunity. Students move from school to school and gain the opportunity to interact and become friends with many of their fellow students. “Every school district with multiple high schools needs a good sense of community between locations to have a unifed district. The [Tangy Bubble] is super smart and may be a great link between students,” Delaware Hayes senior Meg Wolf said. news opinion The Bulletin| PAGE 7 “Tangy Bubble” builds excellence Written by Katie Reinard ‘23 Designed by Iva Horman ‘24 “A lot of the Olentangy [schools] have a strong pressure on academic and athletic performance, so to share some of the same qualities with schools around us provides a more sense of understanding between all of us students.” - Olentangy Liberty senior Maddie Omorrow
The Bulletin| PAGE 8 opinion Seniority fosters sentiment written by Avery Callison ‘23 designed by JD Low ‘25 and iva horman ‘24 I n the transition from senior to high school graduate, it is easy to fnd comfort in the idea of change and new beginnings. However, no matter the excitement of the next steps, some students may fnd themselves sentimental about the loss of the familiar life they know and love. It could be the notion of being with family less that sets off the nostalgia, or even the irreversible realization that they’re growing up. Recently, with only a couple months left in highschool, I have identifed with the term “sentimental senior.” This doesn’t mean that I am apathetic about college or whatever the next chapter will be, as I am excited to exercise my independence and meet new people. However, I am not as eager to leave the area in which I have lived and loved my whole life. From elementary to middle to high school, we have grown accustomed to, at the end of a school year, the guarantee that we will see our classmates again in a few months. We enter the next grade with the knowledge that we will take the annual frst day of school picture in front of our houses. For seniors, this time it will be different. “At the beginning of the year it was really exciting because we were entering into all of our last frsts, but now as third quarter is coming to an end we’re entering the era of our last lasts,” senior Julianna Suozzi said. Through the relationships we’ve curated with friends, teammates, and classmates, we have also made memories. Whether it was a football game or school dance, each moment holds its own value. “Graduating in a few months is a bittersweet feeling! I am very excited to continue my career and serve my country but the memories I’ve made in highschool are irreplaceable. The moments and friendships I’ve made at Berlin I will hold close and cherish for a very long time,” senior Gianna Tassinari said. The main contender, however, which sets off my nostalgia, is the thought of my past self. I think about the frst time I rode on a school bus and how we will soon repeat the cycle as we send off on our own paths into unknown territory. As we progress through our last quarter of high school with our impending graduation, I encourage seniors to embrace those feelings of sentiment. Cherish those moments with your friends and family that may soon seem distant. As much as it is essential to look forward to what’s ahead, it is important to understand the value of what we have had now and growing up as our time here comes to a close with new beginnings on the horizon.
Not much truly compares to the raw passion and fortitude of sports. Through the narrative they tell, many emotions and perspectives can be expressed. Sports follow humanity through childhood to adulthood, and there is a reason for that. Often when sports are cast in a negative light it’s out of misconception, bias, or concern for athletes, many of which are issues that run vagrant regardless of interest. So why are sports so popular across the world, both in the media but especially in high school? Athletics trace back far into time as a way to stay ft, let energy loose, and have some competitive fun with others. Sports connect many people, even if they aren’t skilled or able to play. “Sport is a multi-dimensional and complex global social phenomenon. There are numerous and very different theoretical determinations of sport in which we start from various criteria of how it is understood but, in essence sport is an institutionalized game in which the result is the point of the game. Sport is a civilizational cultural heritage, and the connections between sport and society are very complex,” Jovan Bazic of University of Priština Kosovska Mitrovica, Serbia said. To discredit the importance of sports is to dismiss the cultural relevance sports have and their key place in different countries around the world, as well as the passion of fans and athletes alike. Athletics are deep-rooted in entertainment, but also serve as a true look into our societal beliefs. “The rituals and taboos which are a constituent part of sports activities, according to some of Durkheim’s followers shed light on society and the social order,” Bazic said. Often the problems witnessed in sports are general issues within human behavior, and those problems resonate throughout all aspects of society and interest. It’s true that these are problems of sports, but such problems are impossible to eradicate. Success driven mindsets aren’t observed in just sports, but also within the arts, such as music and visual arts, theater, business and education. Often in the argument of the issues of athletics, it’s overlooked that all aspects of life struggle with such problems. “But fandom has a darker side as well. When Lopez [Kristin Lopez] wrote about the portrayal of chronic pain in 2018’s Ant-Man and the Wasp, she got several days of vitriol online, including rape threats,” said Alan Yu on Nation Public Radio (NPR). Those with a dislike of sports often point to the behavior of fans as a negative of sports when that behavior shows up everywhere. Moreover such toxic behavior is rather an issue of human nature and psychology. Athletics contain many positives, most important are the social aspect and physical health pros. Playing in sports often promotes sportsmanship, healthy competition and strong community. Young teens often fnd sports help them connect to their teammates and form strong friendships they would have had trouble fnding before. Not to mention sports games rake in more money for schools than anything other than taxes. “Sports are a crucial part of a student’s growth and development. They help in the development of mental health and physical ftness of the body. Through participation in sports and games, a student gains various skills, experience and confdence that are helpful for developing their personality,” said Daffodil school. opinion The Bulletin| PAGE 9 Sports deserve the acclaim written by Jocelyn Lawson‘24 designed by JD Low ‘25 and iva horman ‘24 Photo Courtesey: Instagram @Obhsboysvball The boys Varsity volleyball team basks in success after their win against Olentangy Orange. The team saw many successful plays in their home opener.
The Bulletin| PAGE 10 OPINION Bears value experience gained at work Whether it be to make money or gain work experience, students often turn to a job to broaden their horizons. But, is holding a job in high school actually worth it? I vote yes. As of now, I work at Dick’s Sporting Goods, and I work in apparel. I make $12.50 an hour and work 3-4 times a week. I get paid biweekly and my paychecks range anywhere from $150-$250. I think the benefts of working outweigh the downsides. As an employed high school student, I have gotten the chance to meet people I normally wouldn’t have. I have coworkers that go to different high schools, have graduated high school, and some that have fnished college. Although the age group is wide, everyone is welcoming and helpful when you frst start out. “I think having a job helps you manage money better and prepares you for adulthood,” Ashley Hamad ‘24 said. There is a wide variety of jobs high school students can hold. At 3140, most students work as a nanny or in food service. A highlighted reason students work is to save for college. While in high school, living under a parent’s roof, holding a job allows students to learn accountability and responsibility while still having a safety net. Not only does a job in high school allow students to grow, it can prevent students from working in college. Schedules these days tend to be overwhelming, and the idea of adding a job can be beyond stressful. The only reason I chose to work was because I was not playing a club sport. I had a lot of free time on my hands and decided making some money wasn’t a bad idea. “Having extra money for yourself to spend when you go out with friends is nice and having your own money to put in savings for your future is nice to see,” Anonymous Bear said. There is a fne line between working and overworking. According to Your Teen Magazine, high school students should not work more than 20 hours a week. Working more than that could impair academic performance, mess with sleep schedules, and, if working late, can impair driving ability. To combat these issues, Ohio law prohibits minors to work past 10 p.m. on school nights. Over the past six months of holding a job, I’ve gained accountability skills that I would not have otherwise. Working in apparel means that you are on your own most nights and you don’t have an adult watching over you to make sure you are actually working. Although I love my job, some nights it is hard to just keep my head down and work, but you have no other choice. What I have realized is that people I’m working with actually need to be there. They have bills and mortgages to pay even though I don’t. written by Marin Himes ‘24 designed by Emily Koehrsen ‘24 do bears reccomend having a job in high school? yes 94.1% no 5.9%
Lifestyle The Bulletin| PAGE 11 Bears take on social media debates From trends and relationships to debates and news, social media handcrafts our lives. Debates are sparked left and right and cause an uproar through communities. The majority of people tend to share their opinions on social media and try to get others on their side. It all started in 2015 when a picture of a dress was uploaded to Tumblr by a user to end a debate between their friends. Quickly, the Internet flled with opinions on if it was black and blue or white and gold. Three years later another debate sparked when an auditory illusion began to trend and many heard “yanny” while others heard “laurel.” Social media played a huge part as users argued for their sides, and this also comes to play when drama begins. The most recent drama with Haily Bieber and Selena Gomez flled TikTok rapidly with users’ attempts to persuade others to be on Gomez’s side with the claim that Bieber copies Gomez and tries to be her as well as bullies her. Through a survey sent to Bears here at 3140, the students anonymously shared their opinions on popular debates and how social media can affect their opinions. written and designed by Emily koehrsen ‘24 What apps are used the most for drama? TikTok 70% Snapchat 5% Twitter 10% Instagram 15% How does social media affect bears opinions on debated topics/drama? -“I think it definitely influences your opinion by seeing those of everyone else. By feeling like your doing something different or that doesn’t fit what’s “trendy”, it can push a lot of people, especially teenagers, to change things about themselves to better match the rest of society what what is perceived as correct.” -“Social media in general can create very one sided opinions on topics and can make it hard to be open minded.” -“Social media affects my opinions after I see what the majority of people are thinking. Reading the comments on posts or watching videos on topics sways my opinion to either agree with them or strongly disagree.” black and blue dress 14 white and gold doors wheels yanny laurel hailey bieber selena gomez 2 18 6 6 14 12 8 bear opinions on popular debates How do bears pronounce pecan, coupon, and crayon? pee-can pa-con q-pon coo-pon cray-on cray-n 7 13 12 8 9 11
The Bulletin| PAGE 12 visual arts Art Department crafts community Although the art department is known for its creation of complex and innovative pieces, the students and staff involved focus on more than just the art itself. The art department’s wide range of courses offered allows for students to excel in their area of passion. From photography to ceramics and everything in between, there is no shortage of student masterpieces. Yet students have the freedom to expand their abilities beyond one specifc artistic medium and build a diverse portfolio. “The real key is for students to take a variety of classes and stretch their comfort zones. Classes are only a semester long, so there are lots of opportunities to test drive a medium you might not have a lot of experience with,” photography, digital design, and AP Art History teacher Israel Martin said. With the range of courses comes a wealth of knowledge. Collaboration is very important in the process, as it allows for students to work together to further their abilities. “It’s a much more free spirited and fexible environment than other departments. We’re encouraged to get feedback from the other art teachers and students who specialize in other mediums too,” Sam Klosterman ‘24 said. The department allows students to grow in ways that serve to beneft them both in and out of the classroom. Hayden Keller ‘23 has been able to build his resume in terms of artistic ability and leadership in just four years at OBHS. Keller is Co-President of both National Art Honor Society and Art Club. “It has really opened me up as a person,” Keller said. “The art department holds a really diverse group of people that are all so accepting of who you are and who you want to be.” The environment which the department fosters starts with the staff. All fve art teachers stress the importance of community, inclusivity, and positivity. Aside from the student’s progression of their art skills, the construction of relationships between the students and staff is an integral aspect of the department. The teachers know that once their students move on from Berlin, they will be prepared for the next step, regardless of whether their future plans focus on art. “[The teachers] have a different type of energy towards their art students where they really want them not only to do their best, but they care about them deeply,” Nissi Bishop ‘24 said. The students have the chance to showcase their talents on April 23 through the Fifth Annual OBHS Spring Art Show. This opportunity, along with other state-wide shows that Berlin students submit their art to, allow for their pieces to be both recognized and awarded. Aside from the art pieces and the awards they may acquire, what matters to the art department is the kind of people the students transform into over their four years at OBHS, and the connections and relationships they will carry beyond their days spent in the art room. No matter the level of a student’s involvement in the art department, there will always be a community to fall back on that invites kids to grow both personally and artistically. written and designed by emily cain ‘23 A charcoal drawing titled “Nissi” depicts a self-portrait of Nissi Bishop ‘24. Bishop specialized in drawing and digital design. This digital art piece titled “Surreal Silene” is Keller’s piece that won the Silver Key Award at the 2022 Scholastics Art and Writing Competition. Keller plans to further his education as a fne arts major at Ohio University. Photo Courtesy: Nissi Bishop ‘24 Photo Courtesy: Hayden Keller ‘23
performing arts The Bulletin| PAGE 13 Student directors commence one acts written by rachel bjorkman ‘24 designed by Emily Cain ‘23 From April 28-30, student-directed One Acts will be performed to give students in the Directing class an opportunity to use what they have learned this year and allow actors further fexibility and freedom within their new roles. Different from other performances given by the theatre department, such as the current Addams Family production, One Acts are directed by students and are only about 30 minutes long. These student directors, often also with acting experience, try their hand at the creation of a show through their eyes. Courtney Handschug ‘23 will direct Little Women along with Maysa Holloway ‘23. Although the scenes follow the classic plot, it covers only the frst half. Unlike an actor, the main focus of a director is the switch to multiple characters and perspectives. They must view and stick to the show in their own image with a thorough understanding of each individual character. Gracie Harding ‘24 along with Gabbie Morrison ‘24, will direct the performance of No Substitutes, the story of unqualifed teachers’ attempts to substitute when another teacher is absent. Harding changes her view of the show as an art form rather than a motion or one-lined character experience. The directors have prepared for their roles through the usage of character work exercises and blocking skills. Blocking is a term used to describe the location and movements characters intentionally make. Blocking can affect the power on the stage as well as create a scene that explains itself without words. The students must use their understanding of subliminal messages, from power stances to expressions, that they have learned from the analysis of other directors and shows. The One Acts, however, don’t just allow the directors to grow, but the actors as well. Since all of the directors have been in shows before, they have a stronger understanding and closeness to the actors in their play. Leah Thobe ‘25, the director of Bothered, even said that her experience in Mamma Mia and the current Addams Family showed her how she likes to direct to better organize her cast. The shows also allow new actors to come to the stage as the show is much more intimate and often smaller than that of other shows. “Because there’s multiple shows and there’s a lot of characters in each show, it gives a lot more chances for more people to get bigger parts and get their frst role in something,” Handschug said. Although he was previously part of backstage production, Gavric Herring ‘24 wanted to try his hand as an actor and ended up in two One Acts. He is Mr. Brooke in Little Women, as well as Jordy in The Customer is Always Wrong. He stated that theatre is a community that is united towards a goal and members gain a sense of camaraderie. The actors will face diffculties as well. Much of the cast is involved in multiple shows. “I know for a lot of people it’s going to be a little bit of a struggle to go back and forth between casts because some are double casts, and we’ve never really done that before with One Acts,” Harding said. For Gabriel Tilton ‘26, this means the improvement of punctuality and readiness for costume changes. He is a part of both Help Desk and No Substitutes. No matter the diffculties or new challenges, One Acts allow opportunities for both the actors and directors, and they encourage people to come to view the shows at the end of April. The cast of “Customer is Always Wrong,” meets after school to introduce themselves and read through the script. Director Elizabeth Koeppen ‘23 is familiar with the actors and actresses from past productions.
The Bulletin| PAGE 14 student life Humans of Berlin written and designed by caitlin hill ‘23 “Yes, I just like to keep things. I have a memory box full of things people have given me over the years. I like to keep them and think about them.” Are you a sentimental person? “ I would say I am a sentimental person! If I have a memory of something, I cherish it for a long time and want to revisit it often.” Are you more of a skeptic or an optimist and why? “Skeptic; I’m not confdent about a lot in life, let alone school.” “I would say I am an optimist because I tend to think on the brighter side of things and see the best in situations.” Olivia Yin ‘23 Clara Torlone ‘26 Nolan Wharton ‘24 Karyssa Dorto ‘23
student life The Bulletin| PAGE 15 What are you looking forward to in the fourth quarter? “I’m looking forward to having less homework and spending more time with friends.” “Looking forward to ending off the year well and getting closer to summer break.” Heard in the halls Compliled by nina krupar ‘23 Designed by caitlin hill ‘23 • “The feminine urge is telling me to do so.” • “I’m dating this girl…she kinda looks like my grandma.” • “How tall are you?” “6’3” “Why?” “Broccoli” • “Gotta let my kitten tendencies free…meow. meowmeowmeow” • “Outerbanks season 3!!!” • “I think I can save this relationship.” • “Why are you sitting all the way across the classroom?” “I’m trying to experience every seat in this classroom.” • “I want to be friends with Mr.Fraley.” Anshul Katta ‘25 Raheed Zaman ‘25
Photo Spread headline written by emmy bush ‘23 designed by ashley mallon ‘23 Bears spring into action Photo Courtesy: Twitter @todd_spinner Photo Courtesy: Megan Friece ‘24 Photo Courtesy: EmilyKoehrsen ‘24 Photo Courtesy: Keenan Meadows Photo Courtesy: Emmy Bush ‘23 Photo Courtesy: OBHS yearbook Photo Courtesy: Twitter @todd_spinner Photo Courtesy: Twitter @todd_spinner The Bulletin| PAGE 16
Photo Spread headline written by emmy bush ‘23 designed by ashley mallon ‘23 Photo Courtesy: Twitter @todd_spinner Photo Courtesy: Twitter @todd_spinner Photo Courtesy: Twitter @todd_spinner Photo Courtesy: Megan Friece ‘24 Photo Courtesy: EmilyKoehrsen ‘24 Photo Courtesy: Emmy Bush ‘23 Photo Courtesy: OBHS yearbook Photo Courtesy: OBHS yearbook Photo Courtesy: OBHS yearbook Photo Courtesy: Twitter @todd_spinner The Bulletin| PAGE 17
The Bulletin| PAGE 18 cover story Bears look on the bright side The dictionary defnes an optimist as a person who tends to be hopeful and confdent about the future or the success of a subject. An optimist typically views situations in a “glass half full” perspective. They do their best to see the good in all elements of their life, and truly believe that problems will all work out well. “I am defnitely an optimist especially when it comes to making decisions or being in diffcult situations. I never really think negatively about what could happen. I normally just see the good things in the circumstance,” Karyssa Dorto ‘23 said. Optimism has been continuously connected to positivity and confdence in yourself. Individuals who carry these outlooks tend to stray from and avoid “energy vampires.” These energy vampires are people who fxate on negativity and drain hopeful emotions. Marketing teacher Michael Weaver shares the book, “The Energy Bus” with his classes that focuses on the relationship between individuals who are optimistic or negative. “It’s not about avoiding energy vampires, it is more about how you address them with your positive attitude and honesty. The best medicine for an energy vampire is positivity. If this does not change their negative attitude, tell them the effect their negativity has on you, and if this still doesn’t work, KICK THEM OFF YOUR BUS,” Weaver said. On the contrary, it has been debated that it can be negative if one is too optimistic. If an optimist believes all will work out, risks can be often neglected. “Being too optimistic can lead to being naive, and many things may blindside you,” Anneliese Bragg ‘24 said. A healthy balance between a positive outlook, and awareness of dangers within a situation has been often believed to be the ideal lifestyle. This is known as a skeptical optimist: one who aims to see the light at the end of the tunnel while still being cautious about factors that could be threatening. “[This would be] Only seeing the best in the worst times, but being ready for either outcome,” Michaela Reeb ‘26 said. written and designed by ashley mallon ‘23 “An optimist understands that life can be a bumpy road, but at least it is leading somewhere. They learn from mistakes and failures, and are not afraid to fail again.” - Harvey Mackay Scan this QR Code to take a quick quiz on whether you are an optimist or skeptic.
Cover story The Bulletin| PAGE 19 Bulletin staff sheds light on both sides written by taylor frecka ‘23 designed by ashley mallon ‘23 “I’m defnitely an optimist. I try to see the positive outlook on everything rather than focus on the negatives and that helps to keep me motivated.” “I’d rather see the good side over the bad, when you focus on the good parts of life over the bad, it makes it easier to tackle situations.” “I think there’s no point in going through as a pessimist. Everything has a bright side, even if you have to look for it. ” “I always seem to prepare for the worst because I don’t want to get my hopes up and I try to be more realistic with how things will end up.” “I think it’s better to look at things from a skeptic side because it usually aligns more with the truth.” “I feel like I’m more of a skeptic because I try not to get my hopes up too much for things which makes them more exciting when they go well.” The Bears from the Bulletin gave their opinion on whether they were an optimist or a skeptic. With the newsroom full of students with di!erent outlooks on everyday life, they gave their perspectives and brought diverse opinions to the table. Caitlin Hill ‘23 nina krupar ‘23 marin himes ‘24 emily koehrsen ‘24 emily cain ‘23 megan friece ‘24
The Bulletin| PAGE 12 community sponsors
community sponsors The Bulletin| PAGE 13
The Bulletin| PAGE 10 cover story Do you often question the factuality of a claim? If you do, then you may be a skeptic. A skeptical person tends to have doubtful attitudes towards values, claims, plans, or the character of an individual. This typically then leads to a lack of trust and confdence in the integrity of the situations around the skeptic. “[A skeptic is] someone who tries to focus on the ‘what if,’” Renee Johnson ‘26 said. Skepticism results in problems when it conficts with common sense, and negative assumptions are believed too quickly. This is quite a common trait, and even some Bears have realized they are prone to skepticism. “I think towards myself as a skeptic, but with others I’m an optimist. By providing a brighter outlook on things for others, it’s helpful and creates a more positive tone towards things. Within myself, I’m a skeptic because I’m always focusing on how I should be improving or the negatives of what I’ve done,” Geneva Frasher ‘25 said. According to Britannica.com, the term skeptic goes all the way back to the father of skepticism in philosophy, Pyrrho of Elis, who denied the possibility of knowledge, or rational belief, in some sense. He lived from 365-275 B.C.E. and that same philosophy exists today, but debates still continue over whether the media causes people to more easily believe others without substantial thought. “History is repeating itself from going from a time when everyone thought similarly, to then thinking for themselves and questioning everything, right back into thinking similarly and believing easily,” junior Isabella Yandura said. On the other hand, it is important to realize that a little bit of skepticism is not always a bad trait. To put extensive thought into the actions you partake in or the situations you involve yourself in, it encourages you to see a deeper image of what could happen. “It never hurts to double check yourself or a common notion and ask questions, rather than aimlessly living your life according to other people’s opinions,” Yandura said. written and designed by ashley mallon ‘23 Skeptics question the world around them
Cover story The Bulletin| PAGE 11 Written by taylor frecka ‘23 designed by ashley mallon ‘23 50% 50% is it easier to think on the bright side of an issue, or to point out the negatives? Can someone too optimistic be negative? Should everyone be a little bit of a skeptic? 100% 87.5% Bears !lled out a survey to show whether they were a skeptic or an optimist. "e majority identi!ed as a skpetic, but students were able to !nd pros and cons for both. Students surveyed ranged from ninth through 12th grade. According to responses, there is no overwhelming correlation between grade level and life outlook because both upper and lower classman said that they were an optimist and the same occurred for skeptics. 12.5% are you an optimist, skeptic, or both? 25% 50% 25% bears share perspectives: negative numbers voted yes, everyone should be a little bit of a skeptic.
S ports have always been a part of high school culture, whether public, private, well-known, or obscure. Still, the overall culture around the activity has become overbearing and polarizing for me as a moderately invested viewer. The atmosphere around sports is something I would describe as shared electric energy between fans, where each person’s enthusiasm feeds off the others in an exciting and dizzying cycle. However, just past the initial hype of the game itself are the strict, die-hard fanatics of both teams that can overwhelm any casual viewers with the violent rivalry that can even lead to extreme fan outbursts on both sides. One such example is the Vancouver Stanley Cup Riot in 2011, where after the loss for the Vancouver Canucks, a riot broke out where cars were fipped, shops were looted, and buildings set afame. As a result, over 100 people were injured and the city incurred millions of dollars worth of damages. “You see what people are doing and then you just get more and more angry with the destruction,” one of the spectators of the game and riot, Robert MacKay, said, according to Sports Net. Even the negative fan culture toward players is often offputting. Since some fans have invested hours of watch time into their favorite teams, when that team and its players perform below average, they take it as a personal offense and will verbally attack whoever they deem responsible. For example, CJ Stroud, after the loss against the University of Michigan in the past season, faced a lot of criticism from fans. According to Columbus Dispatch, Stroud’s mother said that the quarterback had received death threats after the loss. As a former soccer player, what was more disturbing about the violence in sports culture was not discreet aggression between opposing teams – that is expected by players– but the constant verbal abuse by the onlookers. If you were not the one exhibiting “assertiveness,” you would be targeted by fans from your own and the other team, marked as a “weak link.” I can recall the shouts from viewers on the sidelines to shove, kick, or “take down” another girl to gain possession. If the players did not heed such orders, the same onlookers would hurl insults toward them for being too soft, weak, or scared. According to the Washington Post, there were several instances of fan outbursts in the French soccer league in 2022. This includes a game between Saint-Etienne to Monaco where several fans had lit fares and were unruly in stands and two instances where Marseille midfelder Dimitri Payet was hit by water bottles thrown by opposing team fans. “[Fan violence is] destroying the image of the league in France and internationally,” France’s sports minister said, according to the Washington Post. More recently added to widespread sports culture is legalized sports betting. Offcially legalized on Jan. 1 of the new year, sports betting has already become a central part of sports culture. According to Fox 8 News, Ohio’s launch is the second-largest in legalized sports betting history behind New York. “Overall, more than $1.1 billion in wagers were placed, $880 million in winnings were paid out, and Ohio sports gaming revenue totaled $209 million,” the Ohio Casino Control Commission said according to Fox 8 News. While sports betting is still limited to those 21 years or older, with money on the line, fans will continue to grow in their attachment toward the players, team, and most importantly, the results of the sports game. As a result, the atmosphere will only increase in intensity and alienate the more moderate audience. The Bulletin| PAGE 8 Opinion written by Audrey Tartaglia ‘24 designed by Kyler foreman ‘24 Fanatics ruin sports culture After a loss to the Boston Bruins at a home game, angry fans riot outside of the stadium in downtown Vancouver. According to the Daily Hive, the riot resulted in $3.78 million worth of damages. Photo Courtesey: Unsplash
As seniors get ready for graduation and the next step into adulthood, it poses a tough time for parents as they take a step back to allow their kids to embrace the independence in the new chapter ahead. What seniors might not realize is that during this time at home, just before they leave the nest, they might be unintentionally making the change easier for their parents. An anonymous survey was sent out to fnd out how seniors are feeling about their fnal weeks in highschool, one person revealed that “Towards the beginning of the year I found myself feeling more sentimental, but the feeling of being a senior hadn’t quite settled in yet. This year I’ve faced a lot of challenges that have made me realize my life can be so much bigger than high school, and I’m ready to move onto other things that can help me move on from diffcult things I’ve gone through in high school.” Through the stressors of senior year like schoolwork, college, and extracurriculars, it leads seniors to be more irritable than they might normally be. They’re also on the verge of the most independence they will have ever had, so in turn, having to still report to mom and dad might ruffe some feathers. This newfound teenage attitude is inevitable for many seniors, and it makes parents become even the slightest bit more ready for their senior to leave the house. As a senior, I feel that these past few months I have been living more alongside my parents than ever. What started as weekends with my family freshman and sophomore year, quickly turned into spending more time with friends and at sports events. While we all have busy lives, it’s hard for parents to understand their senior when it feels like everything is go-go-go all the time. I love getting to catch up with my parents and tell them about my day but sometimes after all of us have exhausted our social battery with school, time with friends, and sports events, this can draw up little arguments. I try my best to have a positive attitude as much as possible but stressors from school and sports defnitely make it harder sometimes. So, as I continue to grow into adulthood and on from highschool, these little arguments and busier schedules seem to be preparation for me to fnally leave on my own for college. Even Berlin parents can vouch for this concept known as “senior soiling,” which is a metaphor for birds where the babybird “soils” the nest right before it’s ready to leave and makes it easier on the mama bird to let them go. “In general, I believe that seniors that are getting ready for college do a great job of upsetting their parents for a multitude of reasons. Whether intentional or not, it’s frustrating because they act like they know more than we do, as if our age and life experiences don’t matter. We have no clue what it’s like ‘now-a-days.’ They also feel like they don’t have to follow the rules because they are 18 and an adult…it is a defnite power struggle. This ‘soiling the nest’ has been a bit of a roller coaster ride, but I believe it happens as a way to prepare all of us (the senior and families) for the very near future. It helps prepare all involved for what’s to come,” senior mom, Christi Tompkins said. opinion The Bulletin| PAGE 9 Big Changes Breed Bad Attitudes written by Ava Vaught ‘23 designed by Kyler Foreman ‘24 How do Bears Feel About Graduation? Nostalgic - 20% Ready for Change! - 80%
The Bulletin| PAGE 6 opinion Teens value time spent away from work Whether it be to gain experience or to make a few extra bucks, many students currently have a job. It is often seen as an integral part of high school; but is it really vital? I vote no. It is clear that students who have a job in high school receive a multitude of benefts. Many state that it prepares them for the future and teaches them important life skills. While this may be true, and even leads many adults to urge teenagers to get a job, the cons often fail to be recognized. Jobs can limit creativity, distract from academics or other activities, reduce the amount of sleep students receive, and hinder mental health as they cause additional stress. “I know a lot of people have to put in extra planning to work around their work schedules if a school event or practice is coming up,” Gwendolyn Laber ‘23, who does not have a job, said. The high school years are a vital time for teenagers to expand their world views, try new things, and fnd what makes them unique. The jobs that are available to high school students are, in most cases, limited, and usually involve the fast food or retail industries. These job positions, with exceptions, often cannot foster the creativity that teenagers should seek in order to establish what they are interested in and may pursue in the future. In addition, many teenagers participate in some form of extracurricular activity, as well as school. Having a job takes away from time spent in these activities and can even prove to be a fnancial loss in the future. “I do extracurriculars almost everyday after school and have an internship on weekends and they [my parents] don’t think I can ft a job into that,” Laber said. One of the main arguments in regards to having a job in high school is that it can help students save up money for their post high school plans. While working does allow students to get money, focusing on extracurriculars and academics can help students receive scholarships, foster a potential career, and in the case of sports, receive money through things such as NILs. Jobs can also prove to be costly in regards to health. Since high schoolers are at school during the day, this means they have to work at night and on the weekends. This takes away from vital sleep time that teenagers need in order to live a healthy lifestyle. According to childmind.org, 70% of high school students are sleep deprived. Sleep deprivation puts students at a higher risk for injury, risky behavior, mental illness, and causes negative emotions. When a student has a job, this is an additional factor to high rates of teenage sleep deprivation. It is also an additional stress in a student’s already hectic life and can lead students down the wrong path in regards to mental health. “If you’re working in a draining environment, whether physically or emotionally, that could also be a negative,” Laber said. High school is also the best time to enjoy the simplicity of life before entering the so-called “real world.” You should spend these years hanging out with friends, participating in school events, and making memories. You shouldn’t cut the last years of your childhood short by spending countless hours working. Overall, yes, having a job in high school has benefts, but it causes more harm than what meets the eye. High school students should focus on their individuality, academics, and extracurriculars, not working to make an extra buck. Written by Alexandra Downing ‘24 Designed by Taylor Frecka ‘23 Don’t work away your childhood “I wish I could spend my free time enjoying my last few years before being an adult, rather than working,” -anonymous Berlin student
news The Bulletin| PAGE 7 The “Tangy Bubble” sparks excellent academics, but also is low on diversity and often students in it tend to only focus on others in the Olentangy district. The “Tangy Bubble” is thought of as the community of OLSD students who often know each other, despite their attendance to different schools across a wide area. “Even though all the schools get along together over a wide area, it still feels kind of like a clique. They [Olentangy students] don’t really seem to interact with other schools outside of the Olentangy School District,” Buckeye Valley senior Sophie Ross said. Olentangy Local Schools have relatively low diversity rates, both socioeconomically and racially. According to the U.S. New’s “Overview of Olentangy Local,” the district has over 22,000 students, and only 30% of those enrolled are minorities. While Olentangy is considered a very large district, with 26 schools across 95 square miles, to have 30% minority enrollment is fairly low. Comparatively, Westerville City Schools roughly 14,500 students have a 50% diversity enrollment rate, U.S. News wrote. According to Statistic Atlas, Olentangy lies mostly in the wealthiest county in Ohio: Delaware County, with a small portion in Franklin County. With all of Olentangy in the top 20% of wealthiest Ohio counties, Olentangy students typically don’t interact with students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. “I’m against the ‘Tangy Bubble’ because I think that people should have diverse perspectives. It is important that people (such as those in Olentangy Local Schools) recognize that they are fortunate enough to go to a great school district and that others may not have the same opportunities,” Olentangy Orange senior Blake Bezold said. Students in the “Tangy Bubble” often strive academically, but at what cost? Many students in this district agree that students feel that they fail to succeed because of the high standards that were set by previous students. It is a hard standard for many to uphold. “I would say there are always negatives and positives to everything, but the competitiveness of our school can sometimes make you feel as if your hard work isn’t good enough. It is always good to push yourself, but not to the point where it can compromise your mental health,” Olentangy Berlin senior Rebecca Turay said. The toll that the academic rigor of Olentangy, compared to other schools, places on students can be seen as useless to some. Do Olentangy students really have it better in the career/college world post graduation? “I fnd that Olentangy being so much harder than other schools is kind of pointless. I don’t think Olentangy students are any better off because of their academics when applying to college than any other Ohio public school students,” Westerville North senior Anna Sekeres said. “Tangy Bubble” creates controversy written by Alyssa zuesi ‘23 designed by Taylor frecka ‘23 Despite OLSD efforts, the district still lacks diversity. “Only interacting with people of a similar socioeconomic or racial background can prevent students from making connections with people they would otherwise be friends with,” Sekeres said. Photo Courtesy: Instagram @olentangylocalschools
The Bulletin| PAGE 4 Student opinion School dances wreak havoc on Bears S chool dances have become a night to stay in for many high school students. From the steep cost to the bad music, it can be a dreadful night for those that attend. While certain students look forward to school dances throughout the entire year, others can’t wait for them to be over. Berlin students describe school dances as “stressful,” “overrated,” “expensive,” and “gross.” Many Bears have experienced frst-hand the well known “grind circle.” Whether they partake in the “grind circle,” or stare in disbelief at it, this is one of the main things that students dread to see during school dances. “The grind circle is an abomination to society,” a Berlin student said. One of the complaints students have about our school dances is the music choice. Bears have vocalized that the music should be chosen by the student body, as opposed to those that aren’t students. “The music is always terrible and everyone ends up leaving after 10 minutes,” an anonymous Bear said. While students understand that there has to be regulation of music, some feel that the music is juvenile, and so repetitive that it becomes boring. The Berlin student body has voiced that there are many clean versions of songs that would be appropriate to play. “The music is usually not good to dance to or it’s music that not everyone knows,” a Bear said. Along with this, Bears feel that they have to spend an excessive amount of money on school dances. Some do not have the means to spend a large amount of money for a one-night occasion. “Spending money on hair, nails, makeup, spray tan, a dress, a ticket, dinner and more is excessive for one night of people pretending they are having fun,” a Berlin student said. Given all of the stressors and expenses that come along with high school dances, some students don’t fnd how these nights can be enjoyable. “I don’t like school dances because they don’t follow the theme they go for, they’re very expensive for a dance, the snacks and food are not great and don’t have a good selection, and they’re wildly dramatic and overrated,” an anonymous student said. After the costs, stressors, and questionable music, school dances have become something many students would rather skip out on than attend. Written by Brooke Henrey ‘24 Designed by Iva Horman ‘24 overrated expensive waste of time do it for pictures stressful dramatic gross what do bears dislike about school dances? bears share thoughts on school dances: - “It’s not my typa night” - “The dj makes or breaks the dance” - “The vibe is just not right at them” - “You need a date or it’s awkward the whole time” - “The dance is too long” - “I think we could use a better dj” - “The music is always lame, sometimes the setup can be rough”
news The Bulletin| PAGE 5 Crash contaminates East Palestine with worry Over a month after a Norfolk Southern train derailed and spilled over a million pounds of toxic chemicals into the atmosphere, the people of East Palestine are still in search of answers. A little less than 5,000 people call this small Ohio town home. However, thousands of locals were forced to leave their homes after a train that housed toxic chemicals derailed on Feb. 3. Though the evacuation order was lifted just fve days later, East Palestine may still remain unsafe. Five of about a dozen cars carried vinyl chloride, according to NPR. Vinyl chloride is a manmade substance that, if inhaled, can cause immediate shortness of breath, as well as dizziness and headaches. More concerning, however, are its long-term effects. Chronic exposure has been connected to liver damage and cancer, the CDC states. This and several other chemicals posed threats to the smalltown residents the night of the crash, and will continue to raise risks. AP Environmental Science teacher Eric Gregg compared the accident to that of a small-scale nuclear bomb. “The chemicals won’t be metabolized, and they’ll just sit in the soil. The problem is that in that localized area, you’re probably going to see some bioaccumulation and biomagnifcation, which could be really bad for the wildlife,” Gregg said. While the EPA has declared the air safe, as well as municipal water sources, residents continue to worry about their health. According to an article from NBC, residents demand transparent testing. “Soil, water, and air testing must be conducted by scientists who are selected by the community, not by Norfolk Southern,” Jami Cozza, East Palestine resident, said. Additionally, community members have expressed concern for the handling of the disposal of the chemicals. Much of the chemical spill has been transported to several different licensed hazardous waste disposal facilities throughout Ohio, Indiana, Michigan and Texas, according to NPR. One of the facilities is located in East Liverpool, OH, just 17 miles away from East Palestine. Not only is its proximity concerning, but the incinerator has had a history of EPA violations as well. According to the EPA, violations arose during a 2013 explosion which ruptured incinerator ducting and released untreated fue gas, steam and boiler ash into the air beyond the company’s fence line. “After poisoning one community by burning these chemicals, we cannot poison another,” Cozza said. According to NPR, “EPA Regional Administrator Debra Shore testifed that the agency issued an administrative order last month that will hold Norfolk Southern accountable for all EPA costs related to the clean-up and restoration of East Palestine.” The clean-up process will be far from immediate, however. Local health offcials have yet to declare well water safe to drink, and multiple residents have “reported headaches, respiratory problems, and dizziness in the days after the wreck, yet understanding the specifc risks associated with this disaster is a challenge,” according to Vox. “I think the situation is scary, but a wake up call for many people in regards to the fragility of our environment,” Environmental Club offcer Izzy King ‘23 said. Written by Elizabeth Koeppen ‘23 Designed by Iva Horman ‘24 “[It’s] a wake up call for many people in regards to the fragility of our environment.” - Izzy King ‘23
The Bulletin| PAGE 2 community sponsors THE BULLETIN STAFF Senior Editor: Emmy Bush ‘23 Copy Editor: Elizabeth Koeppen ‘23 Design Senior Editor: Ashley Mallon ‘23 Design Junior Editor: Iva Horman ‘24 Online Editors: Teresa Barger ‘24 Reese Manley ‘24 Audrey Tartaglia ‘24 News Editor: Sal Gerich ‘24 Sports Editor: Nina Krupar ‘23 Photo Editor: Brooke Henrey ‘24 Business Manager: Rachel Bjorkman ‘24 Social Media Managers: Phoebe Durst ‘23 Mackenzy Shoemaker ‘24 Contributors: Emily Cain ‘23 Avery Callison ‘23 Phoebe Durst ‘23 Jocelyn Franz ‘23 Taylor Frecka ‘23 Caitlin Hill ‘23 Elizabeth Koeppen ‘23 Nina Krupar ‘23 Ashley Mallon ‘23 Katie Reinard ‘23 Ava Vaught ‘23 Alyssa Zuesi ‘23 24 ‘ Teresa Barger Rachel Bjorkman ‘24 Izzy Borgstrom ‘24 Alexandra Downing ‘24 Kyler Foreman ‘24 Megan Friece ‘24 Sal Gerich ‘24 Brooke Henrey ‘24 Marin Himes ‘24 Iva Horman ‘24 Emily Koehrsen ‘24 Jocelyn Lawson ‘24 Reese Manley ‘24 Mackenzy Shoemaker ‘24 Audrey Tartaglia ‘24 J.D. Low ‘25 Adviser: Erin Bush
table of contents The Bulletin| PAGE 3 table of contents designed by emmy bush ‘23 THE BULLETIN STAFF Senior Editor: Emmy Bush ‘23 Copy Editor: Elizabeth Koeppen ‘23 Design Senior Editor: Ashley Mallon ‘23 Design Junior Editor: Iva Horman ‘24 Online Editors: Teresa Barger ‘24 Reese Manley ‘24 Audrey Tartaglia ‘24 News Editor: Sal Gerich ‘24 Sports Editor: Nina Krupar ‘23 Photo Editor: Brooke Henrey ‘24 Business Manager: Rachel Bjorkman ‘24 Social Media Managers: Phoebe Durst ‘23 Mackenzy Shoemaker ‘24 Contributors: Emily Cain ‘23 Avery Callison ‘23 Phoebe Durst ‘23 Jocelyn Franz ‘23 Taylor Frecka ‘23 Caitlin Hill ‘23 Elizabeth Koeppen ‘23 Nina Krupar ‘23 Ashley Mallon ‘23 Katie Reinard ‘23 Ava Vaught ‘23 Alyssa Zuesi ‘23 24 ‘ Teresa Barger Rachel Bjorkman ‘24 Izzy Borgstrom ‘24 Alexandra Downing ‘24 Kyler Foreman ‘24 Megan Friece ‘24 Sal Gerich ‘24 Brooke Henrey ‘24 Marin Himes ‘24 Iva Horman ‘24 Emily Koehrsen ‘24 Jocelyn Lawson ‘24 Reese Manley ‘24 Mackenzy Shoemaker ‘24 Audrey Tartaglia ‘24 J.D. Low ‘25 Adviser: Erin Bush 4 - 6 opinion 7 - 9 news cover story 10 -11 community sponsors 12 -13 The March/April issue of The Bulletin is a fip issue which refects upon the varied perspectives of multiple topics. Our staff chose to take a skeptic approach to this half of the issue, which includes school dance cons, a nonsappy outlook on senior year, the negatives of the “Tangy Bubble,” and more. Individuals at Berlin identifed their perspective as a skeptic, rather than an optimist, most often when surveyed. To be of a “glass half empty” perspective, despite its negative connotation, is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, 100% of Bears surveyed said that a little skepticism in everyone’s life is a good thing. When you dive into this issue, keep your own mindset of thought and decide whether you are an optimist or a skeptic. You can even go to page 18 for a quiz that will tell you which you are. If you don’t see yourself in this side, fip to the other side for a more optimistic view on the same topics.
“The Bear Necessities” 6 Issue 5 BULLETIN THE Volume