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Students upset with removal of lab bells Akshay Vadlamani | The Chronicle After years of regular lab bells, a major schedule change is underway. In addition to the existing curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP) Biology and Chemistry students currently take a lab bell, an additional period where teachers host the various labs required of students without interfering with the teaching that happens in class. Due to the extensive nature of the AP Biology and Chemistry curriculums, this bell is both a time for students to do labs and is an established part of the class. For the 2024-2025 school year, the lab bell is being removed for AP Biology and Chemistry students, meaning teachers must fit the curriculum and any necessary labs into a single class period Mason High School (MHS) Assistant Principal Tina Drake said the reason for this change was that given class sizes for Biology and Chemistry rising to alarming levels, the new free bell would allow the AP Biology and Chemistry teachers to teach additional bells and have fewer students in each class. “Class size has always been a worried concern across content areas,” said Drake. “It’s not just here. I think it’s just teachers everywhere not being able to meet the needs of their students and help students more one-on-one.” Drake said that having been in the classroom herself, she sees the importance of giving teachers the opportunity to connect with their students more personally and provide more specialized learning. “When I was teaching, I knew which students I really needed to help, especially if I had a larger class size, but I didn’t have time,” Drake said. “I think students that are used to being in [larger] classes might not even realize the difference of a smaller class and how much more support it adds.” Because the lab bell has been part of AP Chemistry and Biology for several years, its removal has created backlash and posed a new challenge for teachers to figure out how to teach the curriculum with less time. While teachers understand the reasoning behind why the bell was removed, they still have worries about the future of student experience. AP Biology teacher Elizabeth Coleman said one concern is that some kids will struggle to compensate for the decrease of time. “Students who I would consider middle of the road do better under our current schedule because they need more time to process and ask questions,” Coleman said. “My worry is that these kids will be overwhelmed and I feel bad about that, because they are capable, but the constraints of time and what they’re able to commit becomes restrictive.” Current AP Chemistry student and junior Ava Leenellet said that the lab bell has provided her with extra time that was crucial to her success in the class. She said that if the lab bell was to be removed, most students like her who have commitments after school may not be able to take such demanding classes without sacrificing activities that they love in order to keep up with the workload. “Students are going to be more stressed,” Leenellet said. “The work is not all going to get completed because it’s just not realistic to expect that out of a high school student who has other commitments every single night.” To combat this, AP Biology and Chemistry teachers are building the curriculum next year to accommodate for the lack of a lab bell, in hopes that students who take the class will still receive a comprehensive understanding of the course. However, AP Chemistry teacher Aimee Hansen said that the supplemental experiences that teachers invest into the classroom experience may have to be minimized in order to fit all the content in. She said that these experiences are important for students to really process information, especially in such a fast-paced class. “That time in the lab bell leads to collaboration and relation-building between students,” Hansen said. “If we’re going to make our classes leaner, unfortunately, we’re gonna have to cut a lot of these components which are critical for how kids get through this class.” Former AP Chemistry student and senior Kate Hartley said she believes that the lab bell is as important as the curriculum itself, and she worries that removing it leaves a window for students to try and pile more upon themselves “A lot of people would take a full course load,” Hartley said. “The lab bell forced you to take a break on those days without lab and gave you more time to work on things..” Despite the removal of the lab bell, AP Chemistry teacher Monica Schneider said that it is the teachers’ jobs to maintain a consistent experience among students, and ensure that all curriculum is taught. Schneider said future students who take these AP sciences will simply not know the difference in the course structure and that she hopes students can continue to take interest in the classes, whether or not there is a lab bell. “They don’t know what they haven’t experienced,” Schneider said. “It’s just hard because it’s regular students that could feel a spark in your class that changes their whole path and what they were going to do with their life, which is exactly what we want. That’s why we teach what we teach.” 2 March 8, 2024 Visual by Becca Hunter Visual by Becca Hunter

March 8, 2024 3 Student photographers find passion behind camera Allie Keim | The Chronicle With the click of a camera, Mason High School (MHS) students capture moments for others and new perspectives for themselves. These students, being mostly selftaught and learning the basics of photography through basic instruction, have discovered their love for the art of photography and created their own businesses they wish to preserve throughout their futures. Junior Ella Fernandes first got into photography in March 2020 during COVID. Out of boredom she picked up her dad’s camera and snapped pictures of blooming flowers. In an attempt to deepen her skill level, Fernandes said journeyed into many different realms of photography. “When I started I mainly took photos of nature, flowers, birds and sometimes my brother,” Fernandes said. “Now I do different events. I take photos for nonprofits such as Live Like Maya and Spectrum Empowerment.” Using her photography skills and prior work experience with different nonprofit organizations, Fernandes has grown her business at many events, where she said she has enjoyed all her interactions with attendees. “The founder of the Live Like Maya Foundation Bonnie Collins reached out to me,” Fernandes said. “She had seen my photos and asked if I was interested in taking photos at their event, which is how I began taking photos for nonprofits.” Junior Nathan Stevens, a sports photographer and videographer, has learned the importance of patience through his time with a camera. Being paid by student athletes and the MHS Football team, he said he has formulated a method to produce high quality content. “Before I even take the picture or video, I come up with a script of what I want the video to look like,” Stevens said. “For pictures, I’m thinking of good action shots of people or how I am going to arrange them. Once you [make a plan], it is a lot easier during the editing process.” These student photographers are tasked with capturing real time moments with people as their subjects. In taking photos for non-profit organizations, Fernandes has had to direct event patrons to fit her shots. Through these events she said she has developed many skills to connect with people and execute her artistic visions. “When you’re directing someone for a headshot or a personal photo, you have to be engaging with them,” Fernandes said. “To help [them pose] I advise them to think of something fun or imagine you’re in a certain scenario. This helps to start conversations and just alleviates any boring moments.” Senior Phillip Chasse found his love for photography in Photography I, where he learned basic techniques for taking photos. This year he has ventured into taking senior photos, as well as photos from his travels. Chasse said he is always working to improve his ability. “Lighting is really important,” Chasse said. The lighting you create can have a dramatic effect on a photo. If it’s really dramatic on someone you can see that. Lighting is something that I’m continuing to work on in my photos, along with other skills.” While taking photos on a daily basis does occasionally make it difficult for these student photographers to stay fueled with ideas, Stevens said he has different methods for finding inspiration for his work. “When I get into a creative drought, I will ask other photographers, look for inspiration on YouTube or search up new fun things to take pictures of,” Stevens said. “I go out, take the pictures and edit them, so that hopefully I learn something new.” Photography provides students a creative outlet to foster outside of school. Fernandes said she sees photography as a beneficial hobby that allows her a break from worrying about the stresses of school. “I think if you’re focused a lot on your grades, it kind of gets to your head and you start developing your self-worth around that,” Fernandes said. “If you have other ways of being creative or ways to show your talents, it can help out your mental health and self-image. It also just gives you a nice break from school.” The opportunities that come with pursuing photography have given these students many new perspectives on the world. Chasse said he believes photography allows people to gain a deeper understanding of their surroundings that they might not have noticed otherwise. “When you pursue something that you really love, you can take it through the rest of your life,” Chasse said. “Photography is everywhere. It is everywhere you look. You can look at everything and you can make it a really good photo.” Photo by Becca Hunter Senior Phillip Chasse works on a photoshoot outside of Mason High School. Photo contributed by Ella Fernandes An image of an island captured by Ella Fernandes Photo contributed by Nathan Stevens An action shot of a girls basketball game captured by Nathan Stevens

4 March 8, 2024 Innovative Alterations: Fashion Club looks to break barriers Aybika Kamil | The Chronicle Stitching together dresses and realworld learning opportunities, Mason High School (MHS) Fashion Design teacher and Fashion Club advisor, Silvia Cattini, allows students to rent formal attire free of charge. In classroom C303, Cattini has dresses displayed on mannequins, waiting to be rented by students, whether it be for Prom, Homecoming or any other formal event. The only requirement for students who rent dresses is to bring them back clean. Raised in Milan, Italy, Cattini was not accustomed to the traditions in American high schools when she began teaching. When she was a student, her school did not have a Homecoming or a Prom. She said it was strictly academic and there were no parties hosted by the school or any sort of graduation ceremony. “We dress according to the requirements of our environment which may not express the full nature of a person,” Cattini said. “I saw the importance of these special events and how everybody wants to feel like a princess or have a special night.” Cattini was able to start her dress collection with support from other teachers and by shopping at thrift stores for formal clothing, practicing the value of sustainability she said she tries to instill in her students. “I found enthusiasm from teachers and they started donating bridesmaid dresses that are just perfect for Prom,” Cattini said. “I would love [the process] to be more of a donation to involve the most people possible.” Cattini said buying clothes for school dances or other events can also be difficult for many families considering the expensive cost of formal attire. Being unable to afford appropriate clothing, students may be subject to missing out on significant happenings such as Prom or Homecoming. “It can be a burden for families because prices are really high for nice dresses and it penalizes those who cannot buy new clothes,” Cattini said. “I thought about doing something that was mindful about the economy of the family.” Junior Ayesha Ahmad works as an Events Coordinator in the MHS Fashion Club along with other board members. The club is hoping to hold a Connect session on March 20 for more exposure, allowing students to have fittings for possible future rentals. Ahmad said that she hopes this project can help combat fast fashion. “I think it not only gives students who don’t have the money to buy a really nice prom dress, but it’s also a good way to save the environment,” Ahmad said. “It’s really good that people can reuse dresses from before. It’s a more sustainable way of getting dresses.” Within the Fashion Design curriculum, Cattini incorporates lessons about being environmentally conscious with clothing. She said that she has found that most students want a new dress for every occasion, and she sees the effects of waste and pollution. “You’re going to be on this planet for so long, and the next generation even more,” Cattini said. “You don’t want to live with my garbage or your leftovers sitting in the closet and eventually ending up in a landfill ten years later. It is just heartbreaking for me to think about.” Cattini said she wants to inspire a passion for environmental friendliness in others, and that this project is an example of her many ideas for implementing renewability with clothes. “I would like to see it as a process that can grow and really excite people about being sustainable and make it personal,” Cattini said. “It’s special, even if it’s not new, because you make it special.” Cattini has also used this project to give her students real-world practice. If a dress does not fit the way a renter wants it to, Cattini brings it to the attention of her students. She asks customers to pair with someone willing to do reversible alterations. By doing so, after the dress is used, it can be brought back to its original form and her students get firsthand experience as it happens. “Since I teach Fashion Design, my perspective to be mindful about the environment is learning how to do alterations,” Cattini said. “Even temporary alteration is important for my students [to] learn.” Cattini is looking to expand the array of clothing she has for more inclusivity. She hopes to include male and genderneutral attire with a variety of sizes. “My dream would be first to increase inventory,” Cattini said. “I hope more donations come that can cover everybody’s needs.” Ahmad and other Fashion Club members are aiming to increase their catalog of dresses by planning more donation events and visiting thrift stores for second-hand clothing. They are currently looking into advertisement opportunities to raise awareness about the rental dress program. “Having more donations is great,” Ahmad said. “We’ve been asking teachers and students to donate old dresses because once you have a Prom dress, where are you going to re-wear it? What are you going to do with it? It’s so much better to give it to someone else to wear than throwing it in your closet.” Through her experience teaching at MHS, Cattini has seen the value of school events where students have an avenue to express themselves and bond with peers. She said that she hopes giving students the opportunity to rent outfits for such occasions continues to allow them to access these events. “It’s good to enjoy and celebrate achievements,” Cattini said. “It’s about creating communities and connections.” Photo by Becca Hunter Fashion Club members Ethiopia Jegol, Ayesha Ahmad, Yuktha Arun Prasad and Wyatt Adkins discuss dress alterations. Photo by Becca Hunter Fashion Club member Ayesha Ahmad prepares dress on Ethiopia Jegol for alteration.

March 8, 2024 5 Instagram proposes parental restrictions for teens Shrija Shandilya | The Chronicle In the golden age of social media, its creators now want to confine it. In November 2023, the parent company to Instagram, Meta, called on lawmakers to pass a policy restricting young children on social media without parental approval. In the months prior to this, a bipartisan coalition of 33 attorney generals led a lawsuit against the company’s alleged negative impacts on youth mental health. With more than 75% of parents in agreement, Instagram said they “support federal legislation to put parents in charge of teen app downloads. ”Meta’s proposed policy requires children under 16 to get parental approval before downloading Instagram. Mason High School (MHS) senior Lauren Smith said she supports the proposed policy restricting young children from social media so they can experience childhood better. “We’ve already seen the bad impacts happening to the new generation of kids that have been raised from the start with technology in their hands,” Smith said. “When you’re raised with constant stimulation, it’s bad for your attention span.” Smith said this policy is important to implement because of how impressionable young children are and the behaviors they develop because of what they see on social media. “Kids are constantly soaking up information and they mirror what they see,” Smith said. “I’ve noticed my younger siblings are picking up behaviors they’ve seen on shows rather than their parents, which I think isn’t useful in the real world.” Smith said that because she moderates her social media and phone use, she lives a healthier lifestyle and does not find herself comparing herself to others. “I feel a lot more confident in myself because we aren’t meant to have so much information and see so many other people in a short span of time,” Smith said. “I just feel more accomplished.” She said the policy is a step in the right direction because people lack accountability in limiting social media even when they know prolonged use is not good for them. “The first step is acknowledging that there is a problem and that’s often hard for people,” Smith said. “Everyone knows social media is bad for you but no one takes action because they’re used to it and they’re comfortable.” In addition to policy, Smith said there needs to be more education to parents surrounding social media as it has changed drastically and continues to evolve. “Another important part of [the policy] would be educating parents because a lot of them didn’t grow up with it,” Smith said. “They don’t have that firsthand experience and they might allow their kids to have it without really knowing the impacts.” Sophomore Sahana Srikant said that while this policy would be effective, it could also encourage kids to go behind their parents’ backs. “If people are really interested in getting an app that they know their parents aren’t going to approve of, they will find a way to still get it,” Srikant said. “It would probably lead to more of the behavior they don’t want to happen.” Srikant said that one of the biggest problems with children being on social media is the addictiveness of algorithms and how they lure in children. “It’s hard to get on the right side of the internet because the way the program filters content is having you repeatedly click on the same information that then gets pushed to you more,” Srikant said. MHS School Psychologist Jeff Schlaeger has two varying standpoints on the policy and its implications. He said he thinks social media is an important tool for everyone as we are in an ever changing society, but on the other hand, Schlaeger also said that at some point this tool needs to be monitored and limited. “Everyday there are some new ways to communicate and I think it’s important for people to have the tool and understand it,” Schlaeger said. “But it’s a concern because it’s just overloading your brain.” Schlaeger said that in addition to parental approval, there should be greater content moderation, especially for younger children. “Even a minute of being exposed to the wrong thing at a young age could be incredibly damaging,” Schlaeger said. “It’s like flipping through TV channels now and young children could easily come across bad content.” While Instagram’s new proposed policy requires that children get parental approval, Schlaeger said parents need to be more informed about the use of social media in a more effective manner for this policy to be impactful. “Trying to get parents in the conversation at earlier ages, even elementary schools, would help parents make that decision,” Schlaeger said. “Not just telling parents in a form or paper but really making an effort.” Schlaeger said it is worrying how children are increasingly interested in social media and missing out on real experiences. “I’ll take a friend’s kid somewhere and on their phone the whole car ride,” Schlaeger said. “They don’t take in nature or even understand how we got from here to there.” To enforce spending less time on her phone, Smith switched her phone to a black and white filter and deleted certain apps that could be distracting. She said when considering policies like this one, the most important thing is being aware of the effects of social media. “I can look up at the world and it’s much more colorful than my phone,” Smith said. “I want to be more interested in the real world than I am in social media.” Graphic by Alisha Verma Photo contributed by Aimee Liu Visual by Alisha Verma

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March 8, 2024 7 Juniors organize group to encourage civic engagement Kendall Davis | The Chronicle With a strong interest in politics and inspiration from school, several students have set out to make a difference in the community when it comes to voting and civics. Junior Alisa Zhao founded the MasonVotes organization after taking an AP Government and Politics class in which she learned about low voter turnout in America. In the most recent statewide election in Ohio on November 7, 2022, the state had a 49.63% turnout. Shocked by the trend, Zhao contacted other students to create a club to encourage the younger generation, specifically in the local community of Mason, to vote. “The younger generation has a lot of things going on,” Zhao said. “We have high school, college, jobs, trying to climb the corporate ladder. Voting becomes this thing in the back of our minds.” Zhao said it is important for young people to take the time to vote so that they are represented in the government. “These issues are going to impact us,” Zhao said. “If we don’t vote on these measures that will soon be policies and laws, the community we live in won’t align with our values and our beliefs and that’s no one’s fault but our own because we didn’t go out and vote on election day.” Zhao began working on the project last year, but the organization ran its first workshop on February 18th, 2024. Knowing the 2024 election season would cause a busy year for voting, Zhao sought out other students to help her run MasonVotes. “I emailed people that I thought would work well together, had an interest in government specifically, and had a great work ethic,” Zhao said. “I wanted this to be people that maybe in the future want to go into politics or law or government.” As the club gains more members and the election dates approach, Zhao said she hopes to have more frequent workshops, as well as collaborate with other youth organizations with similar interests. Zhao’s collaborator, junior Zoe Fowler, said the club also hopes to have a larger audience for future events. “Our first [workshop] was a dry run,” Fowler said. “We only invited our friends, ten or so people, and it wasn’t super well marketed. In the future, [we’ll be] trying to have larger scale workshops where we can reach out to more people and bring people who we don’t know as well.” Another MasonVotes member, junior Aarin Sharma, said MasonVotes aims to educate more students about voting because many younger audiences are unsure of how to get started or how to be more politically active. “[Voting preparation] is not really the most [well-] taught thing in our society,” Sharma said. “Sometime in the summer, we’re gonna hold a voter registration drive at local events to get young people, especially incoming seniors, who will be 18 in November, to register to vote. Reflecting on the first workshop, Fowler said she thinks the information sparked an interest in the students, which led to engagement at the meeting. “Afterward we had several people come up to us with follow-up questions,” Fowler said. “It’s good for them to be like, ‘Oh, I didn’t realize I had this question, now I can get it answered.’” Fowler said she wants to help people become better educated on who they are voting for beyond just voting based on what others say or party-line voting, which is when an individual votes for candidates based only on their party affiliation. “I know so many people that have said things like, ‘Oh, my parents voted for this person, so I’m going to vote for them,’” Fowler said. “[I want to] teach youth and teens how to do their own research and how to understand what a candidate stands for.” Sharma said he wants to use MasonVotes to remind young people that voting is extremely important, especially because not everyone can vote. “I’m not a citizen, so I can’t vote, but I want other people to vote because they have that right,” Sharma said. “People don’t realize that as an immigrant I want to be able to vote, but people that do have that right aren’t exercising it.” Photo by Kendall Davis MasonVotes members Nethra Gunda and Aarin Sharma present at workshop. Workshop attendees work together on a campaign poster activity. Photo by Kendall Davis

8 March 8, 2024 Students manage chronic conditions in daily life Elina Bishoyi | The Chronicle Behind the scenes, some students have to navigate through the challenges of having chronic conditions. Some students are diagnosed with chronic conditions that may affect their lives in a day-to-day setting. Having to deal with impacts on their mental and physical health, they have learned how to address the challenges of the side effects, especially in school. Senior Mira Hill was diagnosed with scoliosis, a condition in which the spinal cord is curved, during her freshman year of high school. After visiting specialists in Pittsburgh for a specialized back brace, Hill said she struggled to adjust to school life. “The [hardest part] of school was when people saw [the brace] or when I had to hide it with baggy sweaters,” Hill said. “It was more comfortable for me [to hide the brace]. I didn’t have to see [the brace] as much as I didn’t want other people to judge.” Hill’s condition eventually worsened after her back brace no longer prevented her scoliosis from progressing. After traveling to Massachusetts for a specialized surgery, Hill said she underwent numerous treatments before she was able to return to school. “It was like a long process during and after surgery,” Hill said. “[I missed] about a month of school. When [I came back] I was in a wheelchair, I had physical therapists, a weight limit for my backpack, but I got stronger.” Hill said that her chronic condition not only interfered with her academic life but also her hobbies and passions. After playing for the MHS Softball team during her freshman and sophomore year, Hill said her surgery caused her to leave the sport temporarily. Now she plays for a softball league in downtown Cincinnati, where she said she regularly updates her coaches about her condition. “[Playing sports] was hard because I was on and off and going to different doctors,” Hill said. “After going through the surgery I had to take it day-by-day to get through all of the obstacles.” Hill said that she found strength through finding a community of others with scoliosis. By having conversations with people from all over the country, Hill said she gained new perspectives on her own condition. “I’ve been to conventions where I’ve met people from all around the world who have gone through the same thing,” Hill said. “I understood their struggles because I’ve had the same thing that they’ve had. I understood I didn’t have to hide it, but I also didn’t have to show it off.” Senior Joe Margeson was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 11 years old. Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little to no insulin, a hormone that regulates glucose levels in the bloodstream, typically developed in early childhood. Monitors and glucose meters can be attached to the body to observe blood sugar levels. “When I was first diagnosed it was hard for me to navigate how to effectively take care of myself in school,” Margeson said. “I was embarrassed to ask teachers if I could go to the nurse if my blood sugar was low or if my monitor beeped in class. As I’ve gotten older, I stopped caring about what others thought as long as I took care of my condition in that moment.” Margeson was recently diagnosed with another chronic condition called Rheumatoid arthritis, which typically causes inflammation in the joints. “My hands and knees had been in severe pain for years but due to my age, doctors never explored the possibility of me having arthritis,” Margeson said. “Finally I went to a specialist and she diagnosed me. It felt so validating to have someone finally tell me that the pain I was in was real and there was a reason why.” Margeson said that managing two chronic conditions has led to difficulties in academic and social aspects, however, she has learned to adapt this into her routine. “As I’ve gotten older, I have had to learn self-advocacy,” Margeson said. “If something is wrong with my diabetes I will take care of it even if I’m taking a test or giving a presentation. That’s not to say that it doesn’t have other challenges, every day is a struggle with checking my blood sugar, taking insulin, and being aware of how I feel.” Freshman Hannah Kaufman was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, inflammation in the digestive system when she was in fifth grade. Symptoms of this chronic illness typically include gastrointestinal pain, fatigue, and fevers. Now in remission, Kaufman said she has learned to live with her chronic illness as a high schooler. “[Crohn’s disease] was kind of easy to deal with [when I was younger] because my parents told my teachers everything,” Kaufman said. “Now that I’m older, I can communicate if I need something or if I’m going to be out of school for a doctor’s appointment.” As a member of the MHS Marching Band, Kaufman said she has experienced the effects of Crohn’s disease, such as stomach aches, during long practices, however has been able to work through and accommodate for the substantial time commitment. “I will just continue to get medications and try to stay in remission for my whole life,” Kaufman said. “And for me, personally, it’s pretty manageable. There have been times when I’ve had a stomach ache during a rehearsal, however most of the time, I just power through it.” Having lived with scoliosis from a young age, Hill said she has accepted her lifestyle and hopes to learn from it. “I’ve learned that everything will be okay in the end,” Hill said. “[I am] not the only person dealing with this. I take it one step at a time, just like everything else. It’s what makes me, me.” a month of school. When [I came back] I was in a wheelchair, I had physical therapists, a weight limit for my backpack, but I got stronger.” blood sugar, taking insulin, and being aware of how I feel.” Freshman Hannah Kaufman was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, inflammation Graphics by Alisha Verma

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10 March 8, 2024 Megan Lee | The Chronicle For the first time in program history, Mason High School’s (MHS) Varsity Dance Team cracked the top five at Universal Dance Association (UDA) Nationals. The MHS Dance Team took the stage from February 2 to 4, 2024 in Orlando, Florida at the prestigious UDA Nationals, a competition that hosts college and high school dance teams. The Dance Team competed in both Hip-Hop and Game Day this year and made it to the semi-finals for their Game Day performance. The team showed up to UDA Nationals hoping for a top ten placement for the program, however, they left breaking records, being fifth in the nation in Large Varsity Hip-Hop. Junior Morgan Welch said the team has grown these past couple of years through a common feeling of accomplishment. The hard work and dedication, Welch said, have been at the forefront of the progress of their program. “We made finals last year, in the top 14, but before that, we hadn’t made finals since 2007,” Welch said. “[That’s] literally the year I was born, which is kind of insane.” This drive for success has left Welch and her peers eager for more, with their fifth-place achievement this year serving as motivation for the years to come. With the success of the past couple of years, Welch is confident that the team will only continue to flourish. “Even though our division was so crazy hard, we really wanted to place good at finals,” Welch said. “Fifth place is more than we could have ever imagined.” Freshman Alex Hodges said that as a first-year team member, he was nervous about the atmosphere. However, Hodges said experiencing UDA Nationals was a thrilling experience and he could not be more proud of the team’s accomplishments. “For me, it was my first time going on to the Nationals floor,” Hodges said. “We were all so excited and very anxious because we wanted to prove ourselves as a team.” Hodges said that to everyone on the team, it was especially important that they support one another, especially on the national stage. Hodges said he wanted to succeed for the seniors who would soon be leaving the program behind for college, and who hold a very special place in his heart for their support all season. “The whole team is very welcoming and the seniors were so helpful,” Hodges said. “The whole team chemistry is just great.” Hodges said that his first year could not have gone any better and he hopes to continue reaching these kinds of achievements for the rest of his high school career. He said that being a role model to the students who come after him will forever be vital to the success of the dance team. “I definitely think that we should always try our hardest,” Hodges said. “No matter what place we get, we should always be striving to do the best that we can and support one another.” Junior Lauren Bowers said that the entire 2024 Nationals experience will always be a highlight of her time in the dance program. Even with the hardships, Bowers said that fifth place in the nation has proved to the team that they are so much more than they seem. “We were so insanely proud of ourselves,” Bowers said. “Our coaches were crying, everybody was just crying, it was just the best feeling ever.” Bowers said that the moment MHS was announced as the fifth place finalist, she could feel a connection between the entire team. Bowers said that as the team moves to the future, she wants to bring that connection into the dance studio, and work to make the team even better. “We are always cheering for each other, we are all there for each other,” Bowers said. “When we went out you can hear us yelling for each other and that support means so much when you are out there.” Bowers said that the support from her friends and teammates has not only made her a better dancer, but a better version of herself. Making program history, Bowers said that she knows there is more to come for the MHS Dance Team. “We feel like we are meant to be here,” Bowers said. “I hope next year we can do the same thing, even better.” Photo contributed by Morgan Welch MHS Varsity Dance Team dances for the final time at UDA Nationals. Photo contributed by Lauren Bowers Lauren Bowers holds the A in Mason as she performs Game Day at UDA Nationals. Dance Team makes history at nationals

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12 March 8, 2024 Dodd departing Mason High Drew Hoffmaster | The Chronicle At the conclusion of the 2023-24 school year, a six-year chapter is closing at Mason High School (MHS). On February 2, principal Bobby Dodd announced that he was resigning from his position. After helping kick-start and improve many of MHS’s many programs like the Experiential Learning Program (XLP), Hope Squad and the AMs, Dodd had decided to move on from MHS. He said that the decision was made because he felt that it was a good time to move on because his youngest daughter is graduating high school, and he feels it is time to try something new. “Me just trying something different is like something internally for me,” Dodd said. “I’ve been here a little bit, and it’s been fun. [The school] has accomplished so many things, but I’m ready for something else.” During his time at MHS, Dodd has given himself the goal of hearing student and staff voices. He has helped create the Big Rock Team, Inclusive Excellence Club and begun collecting data using the Panorama Surveys to learn more about where the school can improve. “I think as a principal, you have to be open-minded,” Dodd said. “You have to have a vision, but you have to be able to adapt and listen.” The best way to understand what students and staff want Dodd feels is to make good connections with them. Dodd has gone out of his way to roam the lunch room and implemented 15-minute connection meetings with staff. “I don’t know all the kids’ names here, but I think they know that they can approach me and the rest of the administrative team when needed,” Dodd said. “I hope that students know that we can help them when needed, and we are open to listening to them anytime.” Reflecting on his time here, Dodd said that he hopes he has been able to implement most of what students have wanted. He hopes he has helped make this school a better place than it was six years ago. “I tell staff all the time our goal should always be the best place to. work and learn,” Dodd said. “I feel that if we can achieve this MHS will become one of the best schools in the country, and I hope whoever replaces me can understand this.” Since he started his time as principal, Dodd provided the idea to give students real-world opportunities with job shadows, internships, trade work and post-secondary education tours. Senior Hamsa Tadpatri is a Business Industry Manager with the experiential learning program, which began under Dodd’s tenure, and said that Dodd had the original vision for the program with students getting a head start exploring their options after high school. “[Dodd] definitely has a huge legacy specifically in this program,” Tadpatri said. “If he wasn’t here, I don’t think we would have even had the idea of you know, bringing in student aspects of things.” Senior Liam O’Leary said that he feels the XLP program would not have been possible without the leadership skills of Dodd. With his connections and contacts, Dodd was able to help kick-start the program and even bring the current Experiential Learning Coordinator Joe Schroeder to the program. “Bobby Dodd is a huge leader, especially with being principal,” O’Leary said. “It’s not just his experience with students but more about the physical and experience with leadership. It’s his leadership with knowing everyone here and being able to communicate with us.” Dodd also offered students the opportunity to learn about leadership during Connect Time with the Principal Leadership Club. Senior Jackson McKinney was one of the students who participated in it, attending regularly to improve his leadership skills for the clubs and activities he was a part of like the Cosmic Cafe. “[Dodd] was a really good principal, and I’m sad that he’s leaving,” McKinney said. “He had a lot of leadership traits and gave very good speeches during his time here. He’s just a really good mentor to all.” McKinney also said that without the help of Dodd, opening the Cosmic Cafe would not have been possible. Dodd acted as a leader to them, giving the (Continued on page 13) announced that he was resigning from his position. After helping kick-start and improve many of MHS’s many programs like graduating high school, and he feels it is time to try something new. “Me just trying something different is like something internally for me,” student and staff voices. He has helped create the Big Rock Team, Inclusive Excellence Club and begun collecting data using the Panorama Surveys to learn more about where the school can improve. “I think as a principal, you have to be open-minded,” Dodd said. “You have to have a vision, but you have to be able to adapt and listen.” The best way to understand what students and staff want Dodd feels is to make good connections with them. Dodd has gone out of his way to roam the lunch room and implemented 15-minute connection meetings with staff. and we are open to listening to them anytime.” Reflecting on his time here, Dodd said that he hopes he has been able to implement most of what students have wanted. He hopes he has helped make this school a better place than it was six years ago. “I tell staff all the time our goal should always be the best place to. work and learn,” Dodd said. “I feel that if we can achieve this MHS will become one of the best schools in the country, and I hope whoever replaces me can understand this.” Since he started his time as principal, Dodd provided the idea to give students real-world opportunities with job shadows, internships, trade work and post-secondary education tours. Senior Hamsa Tadpatri is a Business Industry Manager with the experiential learning program, which began under Dodd’s tenure, and said that Dodd had the original vision for the program with students getting a head start exploring their options after high school. “[Dodd] definitely has a huge legacy specifically in this program,” Tadpatri said. “If he wasn’t here, I don’t think we would have even had the idea of you know, bringing in student aspects of things.” Senior Liam O’Leary said that he feels the XLP program would not have been possible without the leadership skills of Dodd. With his connections and contacts, Dodd was able to help kick-start the program and even bring the current Experiential Learning Coordinator Joe Schroeder to the program. “Bobby Dodd is a huge leader, especially with being principal,” O’Leary said. “It’s not just his experience with students but more about the physical and experience with leadership. It’s his leadership with knowing everyone here and being able to communicate with us.” Dodd also offered students the opportunity to learn about leadership during Connect Time with the Principal Leadership Club. Senior Jackson McKinney was one of the students who participated in it, attending regularly to improve his leadership skills for the clubs and activities he was a part of like the Cosmic Cafe. “[Dodd] was a really good principal, and I’m sad that he’s leaving,” McKinney said. “He had a lot of leadership traits and gave very good speeches during his time here. He’s just a really good mentor to all.” McKinney also said that without the help of Dodd, opening the Cosmic Cafe would not have been possible. Dodd acted as a leader to them, giving the

March 8, 2024 13 School after six years as principal (Continued from page 12) team ideas on how to expand the cafe’s image. “[Dodd’s] helped all of the small business [organizations] here,” McKinney said. “We had a meeting with him in December, and he said if [the Cosmic Cafe] needed anything, we can always ask him for help. If [the Cosmic Cafe] wants to do anything, he’ll most likely agree with it. He’s very open to new [ideas].” Dodd has also had a huge impact on the district’s Big Rock focus. He helped open the high school team to the students three years ago and helped contribute many different ideas. Senior Daud Malik, a member of the Big Rock Team’s Peak Moments Committee which plans memorable experiences and moments for the school, said that he has helped the team plan moments for the school, advising them in whatever ways needed. “He does a great job leading our meetings,” Malik said. “He has helped us brainstorm ideas that are feasible for all students to be involved with while still allowing for the inputs of teachers and students.” Dodd specifically has had the role of leading the Peak Moments Committee. Malik said he has done a good job of connecting with everyone on the team while successfully planning meetings and events for the team. “[Dodd] tries to work things out with us whenever we have ambitions to do something,” Malik said. “But if something seems like it won’t, he’ll tell you. He just leads us in a comforting way.” Even though Dodd did not start Hope Squad, he has been the principal since the first year it was implemented. He has made a point of attending Hope Squad events with his family and made sure the club has the funds needed to be a part of the national Hope Squad Committee. Senior Sydney Vargo, who has been a Hope Squad member for three years, said that Dodd has always made his support of the club clear and hopes whoever comes next does the same. “I really hope the next principal is just as personable as Dodd,” Vargo said. “He has really made a difference, making us feel more at ease and making going to get support easy.” Vargo said that Dodd has made himself open and receptive, always listening to the club’s ideas. Dodd always made it a point to tell the students within Hope Squad directly that they could come to talk to them at the beginning of each school year. “I would say [to Dodd] thank you for being so down to earth and so real with students,” Vargo said. “It’s really easy as a higher level person in the school to have a very professional relationship with students but he was very authentic.” “I would like to see a longer class time for Connect and maybe more outdoor classes.” -Junior Maddie Jones “More opportunities for different types of Connect sessions would be nice, like the chance to play physical activities in the gyms.” -Sophomore Jack Hayden “I would like the administrators to change the dress-code to be a little more lenient.” -Sophomore Kelly Boyle “I would like more hands-on involvment within student activities. I think it would be a spectacular edition to our excellent student activities department.” -Sophomore Rayyan Aquino “I think having more freedom in the student sections during home games would be more fun and bring in bigger crowds.” -Junior Izzy Herrlinger Contributed by Bobby Dodd Dodd poses for a picture with students while on a roadtrip to a leadership conference. What do you want to see from the next principal? Hudson Pitcock | The Chronicle Photos by Hudson Pitcock

14 March 8, 2024 teacher feature club shoutout why? transportation station pi day 36.4% 63.6% this or that? chron catalog Q A scan to ask a why? for next month! scan to answer a this or that? for next month! Why is the Sadie Hawkins dance now called the Snowball Dance? The original Sadie Hawkins story: Sadie Hawkins Day was inspired by a 1934 comic strip by Al Capp, in which a girl named Sadie Hawkins reached 35 without being married. In the story, Sadie’s father organized an event that he deemed “Sadie Hawkins Day.” He gathered all of the unmarried men and had Sadie chase them through the streets. If Sadie caught one of the men, they would be forced to marry her. The story is said to reverse the cultural norm of men being the romantic pursuers, which is why it is a custom for girls to ask boys to the Sadie’s dance. Jeff Schlaeger - Lead Student Government Advisor “The whole history behind [Sadie’s] is not a positive cultural image for Mason as a district, or for women in general.” COCOA PUFFS LUCKY CHARMS Senior Shreya Banerjee 2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet π day is Mar 14, 2024. How many digits of pi can MHS students and staff name? AP Psychology teacher Paul Reedy retiring after his 34th year teaching “It’s a convertible, the roof opens up. When it’s sunny and it’s good weather, it’s fun. But even though it seems like it’s not very private for having the roof open up, it’s my own private space.” Co-President Riya Koul on the return of Amnesty International Club “Amnesty International helps for human rights initiatives and things under that category. The reason me and Shrija decided to bring it back was we both had a talk about how we'd love to see more human rights initiatives in the school. If we can get in a few more campaigns, have [more] people who know about what Amnesty is and educate the underclassmen leadership on what they need to do, that’s the most I can do to leave an impact on Amnesty.” Sophomore Averi Braun: 3.14159265 Honors Geometry and Precalculus teacher Johnothon Sauer: 3.1415926535 Freshman Nico Marietta: 3.1415926535897932384 Senior Dylan Wang: 3.1415926535897932 3846264 Math teacher Aaron McAlpine: 3.14 “I think about pie P-I-E more than pi.” “[My favorite parts of Mason] are divided into two realms, coaching with the boys soccer team, which had a lot of great players and a lot of great moments, and in the teaching realm, getting feedback from students who wanted to major or minor in psychology in college, knowing it sparked an interest that kept them going in the field. While [my wife] is still teaching, I will probably sub occasionally here at Mason High School. I do a lot of outdoor activities so I'll have more time for that, but I'm trying to just get through the school year first and then I'll figure out the details of what's next.”

March 8, 2024 15 entertainment VULTURES 1 by ¥$ Avatar: The Last Airbender Dune: Part Two Only 29 days late from its original release date, Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign dropped their highly anticipated album VULTURES 1 on February 9. In contrast to West’s previous two albums JESUS IS KING and Donda where he explores his own spiritual beliefs, Vultures 1’s 16 songs feature West as he explores his thoughts on his recent controversies. In an attempt to validate himself in the song “VULTURES,” West asks his listeners how he could even be anti-Semitic when he’s had a relationship with a Jewish woman. Of course, this is meaningless in amending his bigoted public persona and it doesn’t help his message that it’s shown throughout the album that Kanye has not reformed his old belief system in any way. For example, on the track “BURN,” West responds to losing a total of $1.6 billion in brand partnerships due to similar racist comments by making it apparent that he still thinks his negative press attention was unwarranted, singing “I burned eight billion to take off my chains.” His words make it evident that he still thinks he was oppressed by society due to his beliefs, making it very difficult to believe any form of apology or signs of edification. In spite of West’s continued prejudiced remarks, VULTURES 1 still had some minor successes. The album’s most played song, “CARNIVAL,’’ had smooth-flowing, yet vulgar lyrics and an infectious introduction/chorus warranting its wide-spread popularity. Songs like “BURN” and “DO IT” were also stand-out tracks that had been designed to be more catchy and melody-based rather than lyrical. Though the rest of the album isn’t necessarily unpleasant, many of the other tracks hadn’t been up to par with expectations for the renowned artist. Tracks like “TALKING” and “PAPERWORK” are two examples of songs that both have a mediocre background beat accompanied by forgettable lyrics. With VULTURES 1, West and Ty have managed to produce a few great hits that are easily recognizable amidst a tracklist full of many less-alluring songs. As online debates continue over whether the album is West’s worst release, it is clear that compared to his previous music, VULTURES 1 is somewhat of a disappointing release from Ye. album review tv review movie review by Hudson Pitcock by Ruhi Kaneria creator: Albert Kim director: Denis Villeneuve by Drew Hoffmaster Page design by Alisha Verma 3/5 2.5/5 4/5 In 2010, an attempt at a live-action version of the action-fantasy TV show Avatar: The Last Airbender was a critical flop. Against all odds, however, Netflix’s 2024 live-action remake of the show was a success. Complete with a $120 million budget and stunning visuals, creator Albert Kim brought an amazing new spin on the story of Aang and his friends adventuring to get to the Northern Water Tribe. Netflix did an excellent job compressing 20, 22-minute episodes into eight, hour-long episodes. Managing to cover every necessary plot point from the original season one, the series still captured Jet’s vigilantism and Zuko’s growth. In addition, Netflix scattered many callbacks to the original series which helped give it the same charm and kept it light-hearted like the original series. The visuals and special effects were also done extremely well. The variety of different types of Asian architecture-inspired backgrounds and sets helped make the world feel more real and authentic. However, the series still had a few issues. My first gripe is how they included multiple aspects from the original animated series that should not have been in season one, such as the addition of character introductions and the omission of important character arcs. These made the story feel inconsistent and unfaithful to the source material. It is extremely tough to turn an animated series into a different form and keep everything the same. Nevertheless, Netflix still managed to capture the original feel of the animated series, crafting an enjoyable show that was fun to watch. Costello’s debut album with the Attractions is an electric 42 minutes of the singer’s signature biting wit and infectious, upbeat melodies. Dune: Part Two was a captivating 2-hour and 46-minute sequel, with action, prophecies, and sandworms. Adapted from the 1965 novel of the same name, the first movie was released in 2021. The movie continues on the storyline of the planet of Arrakis’ lucrative spice trade as Paul Atreides joins the Fremen, the native dwellers of the planet to fight the oppressive rule of the Harkonnen family. Director Denis Villeneuve did a phenomenal job continuing the storyline of Paul Atreides and Chani, played by Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya respectively. Austin Butler was also a standout in his role as a power-driven and dangerous member of the Harkonnen family. Dune: Part Two is action-packed, containing epic battles that are excellently shot. The cinematography does a great job showing the merge of combat as well as the usage of innovative technology. The camerawork also does a great job displaying the struggles of Paul as he works to advance in the Fremen ranks. While the prior movie focused on worldbuilding, this sequel focused more on highlighting the nuances of the Fremen culture and the involvement of the Bene Gesserit, the high power that dictates the universe alongside the Emperor. The only setback is the slight lapses in the timeline, which can leave watchers confused. Nevertheless, if the first Dune was appealing, then Dune: Part Two is a must-see. With its satisfying continuation of the plot as well as the beautiful bringing-to-life of the Dune universe, any Dune fans would be more than thrilled to see where Paul Atrieides, the Fremen, and the Harkonnen end up in Dune: Part Two. retro recommendation By Alisha Verma This Year’s Model (1978) by Elvis Costello & the Attractions

16 March 8, 2024 Comets celebrate Matula fi nal home game Sports Camden Paeltz | The Chronicle Rob Matula has dedicated 18 years to the Mason girls’ basketball program. For his final home game on February 10, the Mason community united to celebrate his impact. Matula has been coaching basketball ever since 1988. 26 of those years Matula has spent across three teams as the head coach, 18 of which have been with Mason. Since Matula took over in the 2005 season, he has won 375 games with the program. He has led the team to seven GMC Championships, 14 Sectional titles, 11 District Championships, three Regional titles and two state runner-up titles (Editor’s Note: All results and game totals as of March 4). The Mason Comets faced the Lakota East Thunderhawks at home in their final game of the regular season with a Greater Miami Conference (GMC) on the line. The Comets entered the game with a one-game lead in the conference over the Thunderhawks, needing a win to clinch sole possession of the title. At his final home game, the current team changed their warm-up shirts to a shirt with Matula written across the top, with various pictures of Matula across the front. Many of his former players spanning his entire coaching career were in attendance to pay tribute to Matula. Former player Kayla Michael (McDowell) from 2009 to 2013, a four-year starter under Matula, was one of the many alumni in the stands. She emphasized that Matula not only valued their skills on the court but also prioritized building a friendly relationship with his players. Under Matula’s guidance, Michael was able to lead the team into their first regional appearance since 2000, further solidifying his impact on their successful relationship with Matula, even if he was yelling at his players from the sideline. “It was amazing, he was the perfect balance of your biggest fan and you know that he loves you but then also he challenges you to be the best you can be,” Michael said. Jenna Gunn was a fouryear starter from 2010 to 2014 and was in attendance for Matula’s sendoff. Gunn said that Matula was able to balance being a tough coach and creating a supportive and friendly environment off the court, due to his intensive focus on cultivating healthy relationships with his team. “Good leaders are people that care about you,” Gunn said. “As a coach, Matula always showed that he cared about you far beyond just basketball — he cared about you as a person.” Photo by Preena Mehta Head coach Rob Matula is surrounded by players past and present in his fi nal game on the Comets’ home court. Photo by Camden Paeltz Team manager Koah Wilson, Madie Parrish, Becca Sanders and Anna Habra showing off their new warmup shirts. Photo by Camden Paeltz Matula coaching his players at the end of a quarter. Photo by Camden Paeltz Head coach Rob Matula instructs the Comets during a crucial time out against Lakota East.

March 8, 2024 17 with GMC clinching win over Lakota East The Comets were slowed down in the first half by the Thunderhawk’s defense, which allows just 36 points per game. A three-point barrage from Lakota East, who made eight threes in total, pushed them to a 22-16 lead at halftime. The Comets flipped the script in the second half, outscoring the Thunderhawks 11-8 in the third quarter to close the gap to a 27-30 deficit. In the fourth quarter, Mason completed the comeback by scoring 17 points, taking advantage of Lakota East’s foul troubles. The Thunderhawks had 22 fouls throughout the game, and the Comets shot 16-25 from the line. In comparison, Lakota East hit three of their ten attempts. Junior Madison Parrish led the way offensively with 16 points, including shooting seven for nine from the free-throw line. Sophomore Anna Habra added a gamehigh eight rebounds. The Comets won 44-39, clinching sole possession of the Greater Miami Conference championship, Matula’s seventh title. Photo by Preena Mehta Sophomore Anna Habra shooting a free-throw for the Comets. Photo by Camden Paeltz Junior guard Madie Parrish led the Comets with 16 points in the victory. Photo by Preena Mehta Senior Becca Sanders looking to pass around Lakota East guard Brooke Asher. Photo by Preena Mehta Freshman Addy Gillman guards Lakota East senior guard Emma Fohl.

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March 8, 2024 19 1-800-GO-GUARD nationalguard.com About Us The Ohio Army National Guard is made up of more than 11,500 Soldiers from all across the state. Guard members come from every walk of life, ready to put on the uniform at a moment’s notice to protect their families, neighbors, and community. Unlike any other branch of service, the Army National Guard focuses on the Citizen-Soldier, which emphasizes that dedication to service begins at home. Guard members train so that they will be ready if their community or their nation needs them. Ohio National Guard Scholaship Program The Ohio National Guard pays for up to 100% tuition at public Ohio colleges for up to four years. Those attending private insitutions are also eligible for funding at the average cost of state colleges. Guard members are eligible for the ONG scholarship as soon as they enlist, as long as they remain in good standing. For more information on the Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program, including application, deadline, eligibility and more, please visit: www.ong.ohio.gov/scholarship_index.html Contact Us SGT Andrew A. Noland (513)-330-3849 What is ONGSP? The Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program (ONGSP) is a state-funded scholarship program for individuals who enlist, extend, or re-enlist into the Ohio National Guard. This educational program is only offered by the Ohio National Guard. No other branch of service offers this program. This program exists through Ohio Revised Code 5919.34, which means it is statefunded and not subject to changing federal budgets. Let’s Talk Money The ONGSP pays up to 100% of the total instruction and general fee charges of Ohio public colleges and universities in pursuit of an undergraduate degree. The ONGSP will also pay the average cost of Ohio public college tuition and general fees towards approved private or proprietary degree-granting institutions of higher education. Let’s Talk Eligbility Each participant with a six-year enlistment is eligible for four years of scholarship as a full-time student. Participants with a threeyear enlistment are eligible for two years of scholarship as a full-time student. Members are eligible for benefits upon enlistment. Participants must remain enrolled for a minimum of three credit hours per term in a degree-granting program. Talk to a Recruiter to learn how part-time students use ONGSP. *Certain eligibility requirements may be subject to change Eligible universities include but not limited to:

20 March 8, 2024 New pickleball club rallies support for rising sport Mitchell McMillen | The Chronicle What once was seen as a way for older people to get their blood flowing, is turning into a sport for all ages. A group of students at Mason High School (MHS) are rallying to further pickleball as a sport for all to play. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s (SFIA) Topline Participation Report, pickleball has been America’s fastest-growing sport for the past three years. Some reports have a growth rate as high as 85% in 2023 alone. Pickleball courts are popping up all over Mason including at Cottell Park, Keehner Park, and Lifetime Fitness. The Pickleball Club is new to MHS this year and meets after school to play at the Pickle Lodge. The club, advised by Tracy Zimmaro, provides students the opportunity to get immersed in the sport and play with those of the same age. Zimmaro thought of the idea to form the club because her son, sophomore Carson Zimmaro, and some of his friends were big into pickleball and she realized Mason didn’t have its own Pickleball Club. “The Pickleball Club was formed [because] my son and his friends all play pickleball, just for fun,” Zimmaro said. “We realized Mason doesn’t have a Pickleball Club. So we started it.” Although pickleball has been around since 1965, it has been a largely niche sport until a recent rise in popularity. Senior Connor Buckingham has been playing pickleball for 4 years and previously had difficulty finding people his age to play with. The club provides MHS students with the means to find new competition with other high schoolers. Buckingham said finding competition closer to his age was exactly the reason why he joined the club. “I get to play with people my age versus like 56 year olds,” Buckingham said. “There was a way to connect with the school and play pickleball. So I was like, yeah, I’ll go join that and see if I find some people to play with.” There is no previous experience playing pickleball required to join the club. MHS students at a variety of skill levels play alongside each other. As of February 26, there are 26 students in the pickleball club’s Schoology group page. Buckingham said he enjoys the differing skill levels and the more experienced players’ willingness to help other players. “I enjoy how inclusive it is even if you don’t know what you’re doing,” Buckingham said. “I know what I’m doing but there’s some other kids that don’t. There’s more than enough of us willing to help.” Sophomore Nicholas Pederson joined the club without any prior pickleball experience He said his friends prompted him to join the club as he was looking to try something new. “A lot of my friends were already in the Pickleball Club,” Pederson said. “I never actually played pickleball before I joined. But I thought it might have been fun to do something with my friends and try something new.” Pickleball often gets the reputation of being a sport played by middle-aged and retired people. However, many younger people are picking up the game. The formation of the Pickleball Club is one way that younger generations are getting more immersed in the sport. Pederson said he initially saw pickleball through the stereotype of only being played by older people. When he joined, he realized that the sport is played by people of all ages and is meant for everyone. Pederson hopes the club furthers pickleball’s reputation as being a sport for all. “I hadn’t really heard of pickleball before I joined,” Pederson said. “I thought it was something that really wasn’t that cool and mostly old people do it. I thought it could be pretty cool if we could turn the sport into something different that everyone can do.” Buckingham is also a member of the boy’s tennis team at MHS. He said pickleball is a laid-back way to hone his tennis skills while still being competitive. “Pickleball is a fun break from tennis,” Buckingham said. “When I go back to tennis it helps hone the skills [because] it also is a fast-paced, you’re at the net kind of game.” On February 9, Buckingham and a few other members of the Pickleball Club played their first-ever tournament. The doubles tournament consisted of high school student pairs, and was called the “Next Gen Showdown.” Even though the club is just starting, Buckingham believes its growth will be significant. He sees the club joining more competitions in the future with the possibility for pickleball becoming a fixture in other schools. “I’m sure eventually there will be more competitions,” Buckingham said. “You’ll go play [other] schools and eventually [maybe] become a high school sport. But I can’t see that happening within the next four years.” Photo by Camden Paeltz Sophomore Carson Zimmaro returns a hit in a match with the Mason High School Pickleball Club at The Pickle Lodge. Graphic by Becca Hunter

March 8, 2024 21 Andrew Little | Editor-in-Chief The Mason girls swim and dive team entered CT Branin Natatorium looking to make a splash, and left as state runners-up. The Comets have been on an upward swing for the past three seasons, finishing in 16th place at the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) finals in 2022 and seventh place last year. The team entered the 2023-24 season with an experienced lineup. In the postseason, girls swept the Greater Miami Conference, Sectional and District championships. After winning the Southwest district meet, the girls entered the state meet seeded second behind the eventual champion Upper Arlington. Sophomore Bella Teply was on the state team last year, qualifying in the 200-yard and 500-yard freestyle events. She placed 18th and 13th respectively last season. This year, Teply returned to the state meet in both events, placing second in both. She also raced on the team’s 200 and 400-yard freestyle relays, which were both state runners-up. “We had so much improvement this year,” Teply said. “To go from seventh to second and for [individually] not even to make finals the year before to making a final and then getting second, [makes me] extremely proud of our team.” Ten of the eleven girls who qualified for the state team were returning qualifiers, including four seniors Olivia Hastings, Megan Schoenlein, Addison Soehnlen and Kaitlyn Weitz. The only athlete without state experience, Lucy Rhoten, is a freshman. Teply cited the team’s collective experience as a major boost this season, allowing them to lean on each other and succeed. “I think this year as a team we did better helping each other out [at state],” Teply said. “Last year we were all kind of nervous, but I think we dealt with it better as a team. I think we’re all really close to the upperclassmen so I didn’t see that gap.” Teply entered the state finals as the second seed in the 500-yard freestyle, third seed in the 200-yard freestyle, was the third-leg of the 200-yard freestyle relay and the anchor of the 400-yard relay. At state last year as a freshman, Teply felt like she put too much pressure on herself. This year, Teply worked with head coach Mark Sullivan to focus on each race at a time to not burn herself out and contribute to the team as much as possible. I knew I had to score as many points as I could,” Teply said. “I was trying not to put too much pressure on myself and just go one race at a time. I focused on my swimming rather than the after-effect.” Sullivan was named the state’s Coach of the Year for his team’s performance at the state meet. Sullivan has won two state championships with the girls program, in 2018 and 2019. The team was also state runners-up in 2017 and 2021. The current swimmers were starting in the program as middle schoolers during that stretch of success. He said that after two years of improvement at state, he is proud to see the team get back to the podium and establish the next generation of Mason swimming. “They’re starting a new legacy,” Sullivan said. “It’s been great to see and it’s just a testament to them. Hopefully [by] coming up and watching that group a couple years ago be successful, they want to share that same success.” Girls swim and dive earns state runner-up finish Photo contributed by Mason Swim and Dive Mason swim and dive team on the podium.

22 March 8, 2024 The Chronicle’s Policy Connect with the Chronicle: Recently, AT&T users were impacted by a widespread phone network outage that disrupted essential services like calling and texting. After service was restored, several articles like “Don’t fret, here are messaging apps if service goes out” and “AT&T outage just a preview of what can happen when cell service goes out: How to prepare” made headlines. In an age where communication is instantaneous and connectivity is taken for granted, this disruption was a stark reminder of our reliance on technology. The outage not only disrupted personal communication but also affected businesses, emergency services and various sectors reliant on uninterrupted connectivity. It underscored the critical role that technology plays in our daily lives and highlighted the risks associated with over-reliance on a single service provider or communication channel. For us, technology isn’t just a tool—it’s a lifeline. It’s how we stay connected with friends, keep up with the latest trends and navigate the highs and lows of teenage life. As we embrace the convenience and efficiency offered by modern technology, we must also acknowledge the risks of placing all our eggs in one digital basket. One of the foremost concerns is the impact of excessive screen time on mental health. Research has consistently shown a correlation between prolonged screen exposure and heightened levels of stress, anxiety and depression among adolescents. The constant barrage of notifications, the pressure to curate a perfect online persona and the addictive nature of certain applications can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and social isolation. But reducing our reliance on technology doesn’t mean ditching our smartphones or uninstalling all social media platforms—it’s about finding a healthy balance. It’s about recognizing that while technology enhances our lives in countless ways, it’s not immune to glitches and hiccups. Implementing strategies like screen time limits, and taking a moment to reflect on how much time you spend online each day can help us regain control over our digital lives. Whether it’s during meals or when with friends and family, turning off your phone for even just a few moments at a time can foster deeper connections with the world around us. Balancing technology usage requires intentional effort and discipline. However, the benefits far outweigh the challenges, as these practices contribute to enhanced focus, improved productivity and greater overall well-being. In a world where the only constant is change, let’s be the generation that embraces technology while staying grounded in what truly matters—our connections, our experiences and our humanity. Open your eyes to your reliance on your cell phone Staff Editorial Srinidhi Valathappan | The Chronicle From Lockdown to Cap and Gown @mhschronicle facebook.com/ mhschronicle @mhschronicle mhschronicle.com The Chronicle is the official student newspaper of William Mason High School. The Chronicle promises to report the truth and adhere to the journalistic code of ethics through online and print media, a, informing and engaging with Mason’s student body and the surrounding community. The Chronicle is produced by students enrolled in Journalism I, II and III. Editorials reflect the staff ’s opinion but do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the school administration or the Mason City School District. The Chronicle is published monthly. Call 398-5025 ext. 33103 for information regarding advertising in The Chronicle. The Chronicle reserves the right to refuse advertising it deems inappropriate for a high school publication. As an open forum for students, letters to the editor are welcome, but are subject to be edited for length, libel, obscenity, clarity and poor taste. Letters to the editor may be dropped off in room C103 and must be signed. The Chronicle is a member of The Columbia Scholastic Press Association, The National Scholastic Press Association, Quill and Scroll International Honorary Society for High School Journalists and the Ohio Scholastic Media Association. Contact Information The Chronicle William Mason High School 6100 S. Mason Montgomery Rd. Mason, Ohio 45040 (513) 398-5025 The Chronicle Staff Editor-in-Chief Andrew Little Managing Editors Aimee Liu Alisha Soni Business Manager Nishka Mishra Business Intern Ali Sami Staff Designers Becca Hunter Alisha Verma Staff Writers Elina Bishoyi Kendall Davis Drew Hoffmaster Aybika Kamil Ruhi Kaneria Allie Keim Megan Lee Mitchell McMillen Taylor Murray Camden Paeltz Hudson Pitcock Shrija Shandilya Akshay Vadlamani Srinidhi Valathappan Advisor Dale Conner “Unprecedented circumstances.” As I sit down to write this column, it’s hard to believe that four years have passed since the world as we knew it came to a screeching halt. Four years ago, on March 12, 2020, I spent my first bell Physical Science class discussing the new coronavirus phenomenon that seemed to take over the world. Yet, armed with our middle school naivete, we left class that day giggling and laughing at the unimaginable idea of it ever reaching us. The concept of a global pandemic seemed like something out of a dystopian novel, not a reality we had to confront. Yet a few hours later, Governor Mike DeWine announced lockdown plans across the state. Initially, like many others, I was overjoyed. The initial months of lockdown were characterized by a strange mix of fear, confusion, and, oddly enough, a sense of novelty. Online classes became the norm, and my bedroom transformed into a makeshift classroom. The technological hiccups and awkward virtual interactions were laughable at first, but as time wore on, the novelty wore thin. The thrill of attending class in pajamas soon gave way to a longing for the familiar buzz of the school hallways and the annoyingly endearing conversations with classmates. Transitioning from middle school to high school during a pandemic presented its own set of challenges. The traditional rites of passage, such as freshman orientation and the excitement of exploring a new school, were replaced by virtual introductions and Google Meet icebreakers. Yet, amidst the challenges, there was a silver lining. We became experts at finding ways to stay connected, whether through virtual game nights, socially distanced outdoor gatherings or the constant exchange of memes that served as a digital glue holding us together. Amidst the backdrop of these unprecedented circumstances, another pivotal chapter in my journey was competing in speech and debate during my freshman year. With the world pivoting to virtual interactions, the realm of speech and debate followed suit, transitioning to online tournaments. Sitting at the state banquet, surrounded by my teammates in person for the first time, was a surreal experience. I listened intently as seniors shared nostalgic stories about the traditions that bonded them—tales of laughter shared over meals at the food court during bus rides and humorous anecdotes from tournaments. They spoke of the family they had formed within the team, a sentiment I longed to fully understand. As a freshman who had only ever interacted with my teammates, competitors and captains over Zoom, these stories felt like echoes from a parallel universe. I was an outsider to these shared memories, unable to connect with the experiences that seemed to define the essence of our team. But now, after competing in my fourth and final state tournament and delivering my own senior speech, the narrative has shifted. I was no longer the outsider looking in; I had lived those moments of bonding and experienced the cherished traditions firsthand. The laughter, the shared meals, the collective excitement and disappointment—these were no longer stories told by others but memories I held dear. The journey from a freshman year marked by isolation to a senior year filled with shared experiences highlighted a profound transformation. Reflecting on my freshman year, amidst the challenges and the sense of disconnection from the team’s traditions, I wouldn’t change it. Like salt in a cake, those early experiences of adversity added depth to the sweetness of the ending. They made the eventual connection and shared memories with my team all the more precious. Fast forward to my senior year, and the scars of those early days still linger. I find myself caught in the crossroads of time, reflecting on the journey from an eighth grader grappling with uncertainty to a high school senior navigating the remnants of a pandemic-altered reality. I find myself appreciating the simple joys more than ever—the laughter of friends during lunch, the thrill of a live performance and the shared excitement of graduation plans. As we commemorate the four-year mark of those “unprecedented circumstances,” let us not only remember the challenges but also celebrate the resilience that emerged from the shadows. We are a generation marked by this shared experience, and as we step into the future, may we carry with us the lessons learned and the strengths discovered. OPINION

There may be such a thing as being too dedicated to your sport. Mason is an incredibly competitive and highachieving district. When most people talk about Mason compared to other schools, they refer to our academic prowess. However, just as equally impressive is our athletes’ dedication to their sports. Sometimes, to a fault. Dedication is a widely sought-after trait by most coaches, as it means that the athlete will give their complete all to the team no matter what they are going through, and they will never quit the sport without good reason. Although this is more of an idealized definition, many Mason students take it far too literally. I know students who work out two or three times a day, every day, with no breaks. They tell their friends that they are just “prepping for the season” or “staying in shape,” but they are doing more damage than good to their bodies. Working out too much without giving your body any rest can cause fatigue, a high resting heart rate, overuse injuries or even insomnia. Sports practices can be the same way -- and I have first-hand experience. My wrist started bothering me in July - the color guard has grueling, 8- to 12-hour band camp days in the summer, and we spend nearly all of our waking hours in the high school’s Large Commons with our color guard coach. I ignored the pain and decided that I was probably just sore because I couldn’t fathom missing any of the band camp days for an injury. I didn’t go to the doctor until October when I was told to rest it and use a brace. I ignored it again, slipping the brace under my uniform and performing at Super Regionals with the rest of the band. It was a huge competition, I couldn’t just not participate! After we returned from the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, I told myself that now the season was over, my wrist would heal on its own. I was wrong. I couldn’t play guitar, participate in orchestra, or even turn a door handle without pain anymore. I went back to the doctor and had to get an MRI, and they informed me that I would have to get surgery and drop out of the winter guard season if I wanted to participate in fall guard in my senior year. I can’t help but wonder if I would’ve been fine, had I just taken a good rest in October when they told me to. I have a friend who fractured his ankle after landing a jump badly in volleyball. He finally got out of his boot a couple of weeks ago and went back to practice as soon as he could, ended up pushing himself too hard, and aggravated his ankle again. Now he has to sit out of another two weeks of practice so that his injury can re-recover. Athletes, in love with their sport as they are, refuse to accept defeat – even if it’s their body telling them to stop. They’ll push through any discomfort, promising themselves, their parents or their coaches that they will go to the doctor and get rest…once the season ends. I can’t stress how important it is to let yourself take a break and get back up to full health. Speaking from experience, taking a few weeks off now to let your body catch up to you and work its healing magic is much more reasonable than pushing through an injury and ending up having to drop out, get surgery or set back your progress even further. March 8, 2024 23 The AP Frenzy Aybika Kamil | The Chronicle Editorial Cartoon Dedication is Important — In Moderation Taylor Murray | The Chronicle OPINION Advanced Placement (AP) classes have continually been a topic of conversation in high schools across the country, whether students are discussing how many APs to take, which ones to enroll in or if they’re even worth it. They are designed to be rigorous and demanding courses that take up time and mental space. AP classes allow students to explore their academic boundaries and prepare for college. However, the problem that often arises is that the majority of students tend to jam-pack their schedules with AP classes to impress colleges and inflate their GPAs. This practice is commonly followed by academic burnout and deteriorating mental health. These situations are prevalent, especially in hypercompetitive environments such as Mason High School (MHS). While these courses can aid in growth, they can also lead to over-exhausting students’ capacities and stretching them out too thin. In college, most students take three to four classes a semester at a maximum. Here, students are unlimited in their choosing when it comes to APs. On top of the APs, they take on electives and extracurriculars. The present brings forth the question; should there be a cap on how many AP classes a student is allowed to take in a year? I believe that there shouldn’t be a restriction on the number of APs a student takes, albeit I do think that students need to make well-thought-out decisions that best support them. Personally, I found it most helpful to ask upperclassmen and my peers for advice on curating a schedule with the perfect amount of APs. Discussing with students who have experience enriches your understanding of what course load is the best for you. Everyone’s needs and goals are different, which is why there can’t be one answer to the proper amount of APs to take. A maximum would limit students and recede their academic development. Be that as it may, students also need to take into consideration that sometimes a schedule that is far too stringent does more harm than it does good. As I brainstormed my schedule for junior year, I found myself victim to the sharp teeth of the AP overload trap. I had the urge to take as many APs as possible. I love challenging myself and I have always had a competitive personality. If my friend squats more than me at the gym, then you better bet that the next day I’ll be in there trying to beat their PR. So when I heard that one of my friends had already taken a few APs and was going to have almost all AP classes next year, I started seriously doubting whether I was going to be taking enough AP classes the upcoming year. If I scheduled every single one of my classes to be an AP class just like my friend, then the only reason, in this case, would have been to look better than or as good as other students. It wouldn’t have been because I wanted to truly dive into the content and learn. All of us here at MHS need to closely consider our intentions. The reason some people believe that there needs to be a limit is the suspicion of whether students taking APs are fully synthesizing the material they learn. Is it really effective to be taking a myriad of APs just to not at all understand what you’re doing in the end? There is a point at which you physically cannot take any more APs since the courses contain a great deal of memorization. It just will not be functional or productive for anyone including both the student and teacher. At the end of the day, I truly believe that whichever journey a student chooses, they should have the freedom to be able to decide—which is why there shouldn’t be a cap on the number of APs to take. Despite this, students need to consider all the possible routes to go down and make a conscious decision for the best outcome.

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