Chronicle 21.3

Photo by Andrew Little “The Dynamic Duo” see page 18 Volume 21 Issue 3 | William Mason High School | 6100 Mason Montgomery Rd., Mason, OH | 11.17.23

2 November 17, 2023 Photos by Drew Hoffmaster Senior Chase Hacker works in his father’s local mechanic shop. Photo by Drew Hoffmaster Hacker enjoys driving his 1986 SAAB 900 to school with the top down. Hacker’s favorite hobby is going under the hood Photo contributed by Chase Hacker A SAAB Sonnet Two Stroke Hacker helped restore. Drew Hoffmaster | The Chronicle As the pop of a 1986 Saab convertible engine is heard in the distance, Senior Chase Hacker’s prized vehicle is hard to miss as it rolls into its parking spot. Hacker spends most of his free time working at Hacker Automotive Group, his father’s automotive repair shop. The Hacker family started the business 13 years ago because his father was tired of automotive companies reusing previous parts, giving false estimates, and taking shortcuts. Just like the rest of his siblings, when Hacker was seven, he started by helping his father with small tasks, including holding a flashlight and tightening screws. He found these tasks interesting and started studying more of his father’s work with auwtomobiles. “I’m a visual learner,” Hacker said. “I’ve been watching [my dad] work, so just from being around [cars] when you’re young, you understand it and it’s like second nature to you to figure out a problem.” Hacker Automotive Group focuses on doing engine repairs, oil changes, and any other mechanical problems while offering honest service. Hacker said he found doing these tasks fun and freeing. “I don’t like being in the classroom for long,” Hacker said. “I like being a hand outside at the shop with my dad. I spend all my free time [at the shop], and I just find so much joy there.” The Hackers enjoy restoring old Swedish cars from the 1950s to be drivable again in their free time. Due to the family hobby, Chase drives a 1986 Saab 900 convertible and a 1950 Crosley Hotshot. Hacker enjoys the perk of getting to drive the repaired cars and impress his friends with their unique styles. “[The Saab] is a really cool car,” Hacker said. “It’s definitely a head-turner. People definitely like the way they look and turn their heads from the sound.” Hacker’s immense knowledge of cars has come in handy in helping his friends and family. He knows how to do metal work, allowing him to perform maintenance checks on friends’ cars to help diagnose and fix problems. “I love being able to help my friends,” Hacker said. “They’re always asking me when they have a question and it’s just nice to have someone to talk to even if they do not know much about their car.” Hacker has spent his entire life surrounded by cars and machines and plans to take that experience to pursue a career in engineering, after taking a gap year working for his father. He says that he does not want his skills from mechanics to be unused. “I enjoy working on cars, but I don’t know if I would want to go into that my entire life,” Hacker said. I always knew I wanted to do some sort of thing related to [cars]. But I don’t want it to be my career but like a hobby. I don’t want what I learned to go to waste.” After working in the shop for many years, Hacker still loves working on cars. Hesaid he is excited to continue working in the shop past high school. “I find satisfaction when a car leaves the shop,” Hacker said. “I just love the way it feels just making a car run just right. Working on cars feels natural. I can not imagine not working on them.”

November 17, 2023 3 MHS organizations joining forces to promote a season of giving Srinidhi Valathappan | The Chronicle All for one, and one for all. Every year, Students Involving and Befriending Students (SIBS), Student Government (StuGo) and National Honor Society (NHS) each typically run a week-long independent charity fundraiser. The three clubs plan their own incentives and organize their respective members, but this time, they’re pooling their efforts to make a greater impact, joining forces for the inaugural Mason High School (MHS) Season of Giving fundraiser. The united fundraiser was prompted after advisors and students realized it would make it easier for community members to focus their donations toward a combined initiative. Senior Dylan Wang is a SIBS board member and is involved with much of the planning behind Season of Giving. Wang said that by joining forces, the clubs also realized they could improve the incentives they were offering, and encourage more students and community members to donate more towards their $25,000 goal. “This is different because it’s all one collective effort,” Wang said. “It’s not just the incentives that we’re trying to make bigger and better. We’re trying to show that we as a school can come together.” Each classroom is led by a trio of students from each organization who promote the causes, setting class goals and incentives as they collect donations. Rather than individual asks, Wang said a group of classroom leads can better spread a message of unity. “Instead of just working with just SIBS members we already know, we get to work with new people,” Wang said.” It’s pretty cool. We get to talk about all these cool places students can support, and we get to do it together.” The first week of Season of Giving highlights SIBS and its fundraiser for the Mason Food Pantry, which is one of the only client-based food pantries in the nation. Junior Arunima Rao, a SIBS member and classroom lead in Season of Giving, stresses the importance of giving back to the Mason community by raising money for the food pantry. “Just $1 of a student’s money can go towards $7 of food,” Rao said. “And chances are, it’s someone you know. It’s a cause very close to home.” StuGo’s fundraiser for Joshua’s Place, previously known as Kids Count, is the main focus of the second week. Joshua’s Place provides meals and essentials to Mason families living in poverty and aims to end the cycle of poverty in this area. Junior Vivian Chang is the Student Body Treasurer of StuGo and oversees StuGo’s Season of Giving committee as well as handles B2 class collections as a pod leader. She said that it is vital for each classroom lead to clearly communicate the importance of each of these causes in an empathetic manner, echoing Rao on the local impact of the causes. “It’s important for every student in the class to understand why these causes are meaningful,” Chang said. “You never know who in your class will benefit from these organizations.” The final week of Season of Giving is centered around NHS’ fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). LLS is the largest research fund for cancer cures and also provides support to families of children with blood cancer. Senior Moyo Ogunfayo is an NHS member and a classroom lead for Season of Giving. She stressed the importance of remembering the people behind the monetary goals. “Sickness can have the power to drain someone of hope,” Ogunfayo said. “So hopefully we can raise enough to bless someone and give them a little more hope.” To further promote the donations, the clubs have planned several schoolwide and classroom incentives, including a school lip dub if students raise $25K by the end of the three weeks. Senior Jodie Topich explained that the incentives were another way to unite the student body and increase enthusiasm for the event. “We hope to see more enthusiasm from all the students,” Topich said. “Just getting everyone really hyped because this a huge event, and these causes are really great.” The fundraiser is also uniting students between clubs, encouraging them to learn about the other charities being supported as well. “Whether it’s Joshua’s Place or LLS or the Food Pantry, this fundraiser showed us [that] giving is not isolated,” Ogunfayo said. “It’s something that all of Mason can rally around as a whole.” Working with other students can make it more comfortable to ask for monetary donations. Freshman Lucas Joseph is an executive member of StuGo and is part of StuGo’s Season of Giving committee. He said that he appreciates being able to work with students from other clubs, using it as a chance to improve his confidence and public speaking skills. “I’m not the best public speaker, but [the other members] have helped me out a lot,” Joseph said. “Working with them has been really great.” The combined fundraiser will not only benefit the chosen charities but also serve as a testament to the power of unity among the students of MHS. Ogunfayo said that this collaborative effort is a clear example of how teamwork and shared purpose can create positive change in our community. “We’re not just trying to raise money,” Ogunfayo said. “We’re raising hope.” Graphic by Alisha Verma

4 November 17, 2023 Students avoid conflict with peers despite varied viewpoints Megan Lee | The Chronicle As the echoes of the recent election make their way through Mason High School (MHS), students and staff emphasize the importance of facts, empathy and political discourse. With the conclusion of the November 7, 2023 election and as voters begin to prepare for next year’s Presidential election, this has recently emphasized a vast array of political views. With increased discussions of politics, students and staff at MHS are working to maintain professionalism within classroom-based debates. MHS offers a variety of classes that discuss politics, most prominently AP Government, where students have to actively engage in discussions over solutions for political issues. Junior Emma Zellner is an AP Government student, and said she knows the importance of political opinions and the opportunity to learn about differing beliefs gives others the ability to acknowledge other sides of the political spectrum. She said this skill has proven to be helpful as she navigates controversial topics that arise throughout the school day. “I think that everyone should be able to have an opinion, even if that’s hard for me to accept,” Zellner said. “Opinions on specific topics can sway from person to person, we need to respect that.” Zellner said the use of accurate information and a respectful mindset within these debates, especially when discussing political opinions, provides students with a comfortable platform to discuss their opinions without invoking an argument. Zellner said that having evidence as to what you believe can be helpful to have reasoning behind your opinions. “I like relying on facts and statistics,” Zellner said. “It’s one thing to make up your own logic and reasoning, but you can’t deny evidence.” Zellner said that with the diverse range of opinions at such a large high school, she knows she will encounter peers with different views. Zellner said that she chooses not to encourage bias towards others, and to not let differing opinions be the source of an argument. “Put yourself in someone else’s shoes,” Zellner said. “I personally have a hard time understanding why someone might believe something, but I find it easier when I try and just take a moment and put myself in their perspective.” In AP Psychology and Sociology teacher Paul Reedy has the students in his classes take the Big Five personality test to identify major sections that make up one’s personality. Reedy said one section of the test has to do with how agreeable a person is, which relates to how a student would react when placed in a debate. “I do think for most people, it’s part of our nature to feel like ‘I don’t want to be attacked,’” Reedy said. “And when you’re verbally attacked, it can be emotionally painful, especially when we’re talking about someone you’re close to.” Reedy defines the psychological term, cognitive dissonance, which is the inner conflict a person may experience when given new information that clashes with previous beliefs. Cognitive dissonance ultimately causes the typical defensive response. “It is not easy for us to admit when we were wrong about something or someone, that’s very common in politics where there’s cognitive dissonance, and you have to figure out how to resolve that,” Reedy said. Reedy said that here at MHS, there is a distinct culture of respect between students and staff. Reedy said Comet Culture has given reinforcement to the idea that students are open to voicing their opinions while maintaining respect for the opinions of the other side. “We have this idea of Inclusive Excellence that most students really believe in and live up to,” Reedy said. “[But some] students may feel a certain way, [and] they realize if they were to say that publicly, to another student or in the classroom, it might rub some people the wrong way so they just keep it to themselves.” Sophomore Emori Witmer-Gautsch said that in a classroom setting, conversations between peers can easily turn from debating into a verbal argument and that it is important to be cautious regarding those situations. “Especially if it’s a class that you would have to talk about those topics, I’m very careful,” Witmer-Gautsch said. “I don’t want to disrespect anyone.” Witmer-Gautsch said she has identified the difference between projecting her political views onto others and simply voicing her opinion. She said that she chooses not to incite arguments with others who have differing political opinions. “I’m pretty open about my opinions, especially on social media, which is so public,” Witmer-Gautsch said. “I haven’t struggled with backlash because I tried to separate myself from people that I know that I’m not going to get along with politically.” Witmer-Gautsch has made it a point to educate herself on multiple controversial topics to justify her opinions. “I think having political conversations is crucial to the success of our country no matter where it takes place,” WitmerGautsch said. ”If we’re not having those conversations, then we aren’t going to be politically educated.” Witmer-Gautsch said that by participating in political discourse, students can normalize a healthy format of debate. AP Government teacher Maria Mueller said that the skill to identify and discuss differing opinions will encourage students not to let a disagreement ruin relationships. “If anyone has a genuine wish to solve problems then they must have an understanding of how to have civil discourse,” Mueller said. Mueller said that in her classes, when students debate, the assignments are concise and thorough, requiring multiple accounts of research and evidence. This differs from political discussions that are fueled by controversy. “You cannot solve problems by ranting or by looking down on the person who disagrees with you,” Mueller said. “It’s just not possible.” With acknowledging others’ opinions comes the ability to easily problem solve and come to an agreement. Mueller said this skill will be important for students even after their high school career, especially as they continue to learn about the government. “A healthy democracy contains people who respect all the people, not a matter of having to earn each other’s respect,” Mueller said. AP Government teacher Susie Wilcox said that learning how to listen to your peers is what ultimately allows for compromise and problem-solving. “We’re not even talking about solving the world’s major political topics,” Wilcox said. “We’re talking about having a skill that when you go out into the world, you have the skill to be able to have a conversation with someone and to problem solve despite a differing opinion.” Wilcox said that she makes it a point to connect her students by emphasizing the importance of hearing what each side has to say and taking into account a person’s experience. “I use the phrase ‘I hear you’ a lot in my classroom,” Wilcox said. “It’s not about saying we have to agree with each other, but it’s about acknowledging to someone that I hear what you’re saying, and what you’re saying is valid.” Having the ability to be open about politics and spread their ideas in a school environment is important for students like Witmer-Gautsch and Zellner. Zellner said that as she grows closer to politics, the more she comes to appreciate how needed educational conversations are. Zellner said that especially for high schoolers, there is a need for balance when it comes to when it is acceptable to discuss politics, and that every political conversation does not need to end with a clear person in the right or wrong. “We need a place to speak our opinions without being scared,” Zellner said. “Opening up these conversations with our peers can be educational to all parties involved.” Graphic by Alisha Verma

Allie Keim | The Chronicle Mason’s Black Student Union (BSU) is putting a modern twist on the classic ball. To avoid losing a glass slipper, students will lace up their sneakers to dance the night away. On Saturday, November 18, 2023, Mason High School (MHS) students will gather in the small commons for the first annual Sneaker Ball. The dance hosted by BSU will take place from 6-9 p.m. With a DJ, food trucks and 360 degree photo booth, BSU hopes to create a fun environment for all attendees. The idea for the Sneaker Ball stemmed from multiple BSU members who saw students change into their tennis shoes for school dances. Senior Cam Miller, the founder and president of Mason’s BSU, said that the attire for the event is formal wear and sneakers, so all can be comfortable in their choice of shoe. “I know some people love wearing Jordans and others love to wear Converse, Filas or Reeboks,” Miller said. “ [At the dance] it doesn’t matter what sneakers you show up in as long as it’s your favorite pair to wear. I think it’s fun getting dressed up and then putting on a pair of shoes that you just love.” With the dance revolving around sneakers, members of BSU feel that they can express themselves and their culture through their choice of shoes. Senior Josh Sweeney, a member of BSU, said he is excited to see how people’s shoe choices will represent them. “Sneakers are a major part of our culture, and one of our [club’s] goals is just to share and promote that culture, to make other people feel included and create a safe space for ourselves,” Sweeney said. Sweeney has seen much of the progress throughout the growth of Mason’s BSU and said he wants the dance to represent every component of the club’s momentum. “I have been around since the start of the club and everybody’s working so hard to make sure that we get the most attention possible for the dance,” Sweeney said. BSU has worked to promote the dance and grow attendance through the usage of social media and flyers. The club has also invited other BSUs from schools in the area to come with an advisor. One of the main goals for the Sneaker Ball is to promote and market the club itself. Miller said she hopes that through the dance, students can learn more about BSU’s mission and that the club can become an even more inclusive space for students to reflect on their experiences. “It’s for everybody that aligns with our mission statement, which is fostering an environment where Black students and students of color feel supported and like they can relate to one another,” Miller said. “If you align with those views, then you’re more than welcome [in this club] and you’re more than welcome at the ball.” Members of BSU, including sophomore Maddy McCaster, have been actively helping throughout the planning process for the dance. During club meetings, votes have been held over decisions from spirit week themes to types of food trucks. McCaster said that she is excited for each different aspect of the dance BSU has been preparing for. “I am excited to just dress up, have a cool pair of shoes on, hang out with my friends and just listen to good music,” McCaster said. “I think it will be a good time.” After weeks of planning and preparation, BSU hopes to make the Sneaker Ball a recurring event for years to come. Miller said she is thrilled to end her last year in the club with this event and set a precedent for future members to find creative ways to promote BSU’s mission. “I feel like I’m leaving something that people will look forward to doing every year,” Miller said. “Something that includes not just the Black students, but the high school at large. That will be a great legacy to leave.” November 17, 2023 5 Black Student Union to host Sneaker Ball Photo by Allie Keim Alyssa Martin prepares a banner for the BSU Sneaker Ball. Photo by Allie Keim Rylee Glover prepares a banner for the BSU Sneaker Ball. Editor's Note: On November 15, the Black Student Union announced that the Sneaker Ball is being postponed to a later date. The BSU changed the date of the ball after the paper was sent to the printer.

6 November 17, 2023 THE ULTIMATE FALL Ruhi Kaneria | The Chronicle Freshman Katie Samol Samol’s grandma’s molasses cookie recipe is a staple for the family during the fall season. TO-DO LIST Mason High School (MHS) students and staff share their favorite fall traditions and activites. “My grandparents come over during Halloween night and we all have dinner together. We are all really busy so having a time to get together and spending time in each other’s company is important.” “I always [go to a pumpkin patch] with my family because it’s a fun family tradition that we always do at Niederman farm. We [also] carve [the picked] pumpkins the night before Halloween and bake the seeds.” Junior Preston Vornberg Front desk staff Jaclyn Duma Clinic staff Alex McManus “[My favorite activites are] running outside and going to all the cross country meets to cheer on my son.” “[A tradition I have is] reading and going to pumpkin patches with my friends. It’s something I did when I was younger and I created a lot of amazing memories there, so I love going there. Another tradition I have is baking. Within the first week or two of fall, I try to bake for all my friends. I always start the season with brownies. It’s a cool and fun way to start the season.” Freshman Amruta Puntambekar “I like to go to the pumpkin patch with my kids and do all the fun activities like the hayride and picking out a pumpkin. 1) Popular fall drink flavor 2) A TV show with a motherdaughter duo titled “ __________ Girls” 3) A 2022 album by Noah Kahan titled “Stick __________” 4) A Taylor Swift song titled a common fall clothing item 5) Leaf gathering tool 6) Popular fall sport 7) Type of shirt with a checkered print 8) Marshmallows + Graham Crackers + Chocolate 9) Popular shoe brands wore during fall/winter Graphic by Alisha Verma Check answers on @mhschronicle Instagram Photo contributed by Katie Samol

November 17, 2023 7 Graphics by Alisha Verma

8 November 17, 2023 Students pursue Rubik’s cube competitions Shrija Shandilya | The Chronicle Mason High School (MHS) students have elevated a childhood toy into a competitive, record-breaking activity. MHS senior Sujan Feist, currently holds the state record in the 2x2x2 Rubik’s cube with a time of 1.23 seconds and won the 2023 CubingUSA Great Lakes Championship. Feist said he got his start through his determination for the first cube he solved when he was younger. “I remember I sat at a table for 7 hours straight not doing anything else,” Feist said. “I watched a video on how to do it and eventually I solved it and I’ve been getting better since.” Feist said he is motivated by constantly looking for different ways to solve cubes, and that awards are a secondary bonus to his enjoyment of the hobby. He said that because he views it as a fun activity, he is able to get better times and feel less pressure. “It’s almost addictive because you always want to find a different way to solve [a cube] after solving it once,” Feist said. “It’s a hobby to me and awards just kind of come with it.” Rather than compete to seek titles or recognition, Feist said that he instead goes to competitions to beat his own records. “I wouldn’t necessarily call it work, it’s fun to me every time I pick up the cube,” Feist said. “I don’t look at cubing like trying to beat someone else, I look at it as trying to better myself from what I am right now.” The process for Feist of setting a state record involved taking an average time of multiple solves. He said this was a standout moment in his cubing journey and that the long process taught him persistence. “I think I’ve failed out of the state record five times,” Feist said. “It was the final round and people were commenting on it and I ended up getting a personal best and state record through the five sets of solves.” Senior Daud Malik started cubing after seeing other students solve cubes in middle school. He said he enjoys the activity because of the involvement of problemsolving skills, which he also uses in his other activities “Every single piece you play is like a new problem to solve,” Malik said. “The satisfactory feeling of solving a problem is the reason I continue.” Malik said he enjoys the competitive nature of cubing, as well as the variety of cubes. “If you have better times you have more opportunities to compete and move on,” Malik said. “I’m also motivated by the opportunity to try different puzzles.” The cubing community has also allowed Malik to grow closer to individuals who share similar interests. He said a large part of why he enjoys cubing is because of the niche community it has provided. “Competing makes me feel like I’m more involved in the community,” Malik said. “Since it’s this small community, it’s funny that you see these people grow up over time.” Senior Neel Godbole, who has also competed in national cubing competitions, got his start in the activity after seeing kids younger than him solving cubes at his job. “A seven year old kid took the cube out of my hand and solved it in a matter of a minute or two,” Godbole said. “I thought there’s no way a second grader can solve this and I can’t.” Since then, Godbole began cubing and said that despite being in a competitive environment, he still prioritizes improving his own time. “Even in a competitive environment I always want to beat myself,” Godbole said. “There’s obviously satisfaction in making it to the second round of competition but there’s an even greater satisfaction in beating your previous record.” Godbole said that cubing has helped in developing confidence with quickly learning and applying new skills. “It’s helped me get better at learning a different alternative to something I already knew,” Godbole said. “It boosts my confidence to know that I can take two different approaches to the same problem.” There is a wide variety of combinations and methods to solve cubes. Godbole said that the majority of the work associated with cubing is memorizing different combinations of solving. While he does put in work to memorize combinations, he also said he tries to see it as more of a relaxed hobby rather than a strenuous activity. “Instead of practicing religiously I like to just solve a cube if I see that it’s unsolved,” Godbole said. “It’s nothing too serious at the moment.” In April 2023, Godbole qualified for the 2023 CubingUSA National competition in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He said this was a memorable moment, as his cube broke during his qualifying run. “I broke the cube and had to fix it and still qualify under 40 seconds,” Godbole said. “That was a really fun moment for me and I ended up still qualifying.” In addition to getting better at solving cubes themselves, Feist said that cubing has also helped him outside of competing and learning a new skill. He said the mental aspect of the activity has taught him compartmentalization and how to handle stress more efficiently. “Sometimes I would let small things related to cubing ruin my whole day but I’ve learned to not focus on small things like that anymore,” Feist said. “It helped me a lot with mental barriers.” Photo contributed by Daud Malik Senior Daud Malik works to solve a cube during a Rubik’s cube competition.

November 17, 2023 9 Book a day keeps boredom away for high school sophomore Graphic by Becca Hunter Kendall Davis | The Chronicle With a good book and a quick reading speed, MHS sophomore Marley Feng is expanding her horizons in the world of reading. With the ability to read at a much faster speed than most, Feng has a unique outlook on books and the impact of reading. She has the exceptional talent of finishing a new book every couple of days. Feng said although the number of books she finishes depends on the amount of free time she has in a day, she always tries to find a way to get books done. “A 400-page book will take me one to three days depending on how much I read,” Feng said. “If I have an hour at home, then it’s basically finished. If not, then maybe two to three days.” Feng, who has always been an avid reader, said that her rapid reading habits started in elementary school, where she would read whenever she had free time. “I started reading when I was about five years old,” Feng said. “I started reading a lot and found out my reading speed is quite fast. I’d read books and turn them in and check out more.” Feng’s Honors English II teacher Michelle Bruewer said she noticed Feng’s interest in reading immediately, as she asked many questions about book recommendations. “From the beginning of the year, she was automatically starting to ask me questions about books,” Bruewer said. “One of my first memories of Marley is looking over and seeing her on day one looking at my shelves like she was already picking her books out.” Bruewer said that Feng has already read around 15 to 20 books this semester and that she has already run out of new suggestions for Feng. “She comes in pretty much every day and she’s either finished the book that she just started or she’s started a new one,” Bruewer said. “She reads all the time, she reads fast, and she devours books.” Feng said she does her best to fit in reading in little bits of time when she is not already doing something else. This strategy, according to Feng, is how she manages to read numerous books while also maintaining a busy schedule full of high-level classes and extracurricular activities. “I fit [reading] in when I can,” Feng said. “For example, [even if] it’s [late] at night and I should be sleeping, I like to stay up and read. Other times, if it’s too late, I will read in the morning or ten minutes before class.” Feng is also involved in many other activities, but she said reading has always been her focus in terms of hobbies. “I play violin, I’m in the school orchestra, I do other orchestras and Science Olympiad,” Feng said. “But I would say those aren’t really hobbies, they’re more just things I do. I enjoy them, but reading would always be my [top choice].” Although Feng’s love for reading is clear, she also continues to put forth time and effort into other commitments. Orchestra teacher Stephanie Jones said that though Feng is a dedicated reader, it is evident that she does not disregard other activities either. “[Feng] is always very prepared for class,” Jones said. “She obviously is putting in time outside of class to prepare, taking lessons, and being involved in other groups. She’s a very hardworking student and is always at the top of her game in being prepared.” For others that want to develop a reading hobby, Feng recommends they find books that appeal to them specifically. “With reading, it’s all about finding the right books, genre or author,” Feng said. “If you find a book you don’t like, just drop it. Don’t force yourself to read something that you’re not going to like.” Feng said she has felt certain books have been important to her throughout her life and have motivated her reading journey. “I think [my reading interest was sparked by] Percy Jackson and Harry Potter,” Feng said. “[Recently], I read Parachutes by Kelly Yang and it hit me. I think it was really impactful because the characters experience stuff that I’ve never experienced before.” Feng said she believes that books are more important than ever in the modern world because they can provide important information and offer unique perspectives to everyone. “Books give you a point of view you might have never experienced before,” Feng said. “You can feel things you’ve never felt before. Everybody should get into reading. It’s important nowadays because we have phones and we have electronics, but we shouldn’t abandon books.” Feng said she looks forward to future releases of books and hopes to meet more people with similar interests. “I’m looking forward to forming a bigger reading community,” Feng said. “And connecting with people over reading books.” Amongst a busy schedule, Marley Feng finds time each day for reading A few of Marley Feng’s favorite books

10 November 17, 2023 Self-taught instrumentalists embrace making music Aybika Kamil | The Chronicle Mason High School (MHS) students march to the beat of their own drums as they navigate learning instruments by themselves. Junior Oliver Tebbe began piano lessons when he was four years old, so although he did not take the instrument seriously until more recently, he has always been around music. Despite the fact that neither of his parents are musicians, Tebbe began listening to jazz music and said he was drawn to the drums in it, making him the first person in his family to take an interest in and formally study instruments. “I was listening to a lot of jazz songs, but the drums in the songs really caught my ear,” Tebbe said. “I just thought it sounded really interesting, and that’s kind of what got me into [the drums].” Tebbe is in the MHS Jazz Band and is aiming to get into the highest group. Combined with the desire to get gigs outside of school, Tebbe said this goal motivates him to keep pushing himself. “Being able to work through something and get really good at whatever piece you’re trying to play is my favorite part of it,” Tebbe said. In addition to his intrinsic motivations, Tebbe said that getting to play music and share his talents in front of an audience is also incredibly rewarding. “Getting to play in front of people is the payoff to all your hard work,” Tebbe said. “Everyone gets to see how hard you’ve been working, and performing is just so fun because of the adrenaline and how you get to do it in front of people.” Senior Miles Denbow was also originally formally trained in the piano, but he has not let himself be constrained to one instrument. Although Denbow began taking piano lessons when he was seven years old and has stuck with them since, his parents heavily encouraged learning all kinds of different instruments. Denbow said his father specifically was a multiinstrumentalist who would pick up a new instrument if anyone needed it, and he has done the same. “That’s a part of my family, being able to figure out instruments and being a jack of all trades for that kind of musical stuff,” Denbow said. Denbow was contacted by Isabella Naranjo, a senior at MHS, who needed a bassist for a band, called “Anthropods,” she was establishing in May 2022. Similar to how his father picked up the bass, Denbow said he accepted Naranjo’s request and began learning the bass guitar. “I was starting to listen to that music a lot more and a lot of the bass parts are just really fun to play,” Denbow said. “I was learning that along with practicing the songs that we were playing for shows with ‘Anthropods.’” Sophomore Julian Riveros had a different introduction to music, never attending formal lessons, but rather teaching himself instruments out of interest from a very young age. Riveros said he began playing the keyboard in his house when he was little, and after playing it up until a year ago, he also began playing and enjoying the acoustic guitar. Being of Hispanic heritage, Riveros said he had always enjoyed listening to the guitar parts of Hispanic music, and that the cultural aspects of the instrument have drawn him to it. “I feel connected to it,” Riveros said. “Listening to the guitar is nice, but playing it is something on a whole other level, it feels amazing.” Tebbe also said that learning instruments himself has given him a new appreciation and understanding of the music he enjoys. He said that his connection to his instrument is elevated when he is the one actually producing the music. “When you listen to music with your headphones, sometimes it’s just not enough and you want to turn it up louder,” Tebbe said. “It’s really fun to be able to actually play the music and be a part of it. That’s also why I like drums so much, you get to be the beat and you hold everything together.” Photo by Aybika Kamil Graphics by Alisha Verma Senior Miles Denbow plays the bass guitar. Photo by Aybika Kamil Graphics by Alisha Verma Sophomore Julian Riveros plays the acoustic guitar. Photo contributed by Oliver Tebbe Graphics by Alisha Verma Junior Oliver Tebbe plays the drums.

November 17, 2023 11 2024 Seniors LITTLE RASCALS/513-573-3510

12 November 17, 2023 Harper Stull | The Chronicle Wishing you a Happy Merry “I think it’s kinda cool. It’s hard to do anything on my actual birthday though, so it kinda sucks.” New Year’s Day January 1 Senior Presley Daniels Freshman Delaney Radtke “My mom has acted like she has forgotten my birthday and she just surprises me and says she didn’t because it’s April Fools Day.” “I have friends and family come over on New Year’s Eve and we countdown, it’s like Happy New Year, but also Happy Birthday.” Senior Zoie Zirkle Halloween October 31 April Fool’s Day April 1 MHS students explain what it is like to have a birthday that also falls on a holiday.

November 17, 2023 13 Foolish Frightful Lucky Birthday Freshman Sofia Ramirez “For my last birthday I went to Colombia and I stayed wth my family. We stayed up until midnight and celebrated the change from my birthday to Christmas.” Freshman Chloe Zhang “It’s just something fun and unique, it’s funny to see people’s reactions. People threaten to prank me every year, but it hasn’t happened yet.” Sophomore Caleigh McCurrach “My family and I go out to dinner every year, I’ve never been pinched, I always remember to wear green.” April Fool’s Day April 1 Christmas Eve December 24 St. Patrick’s Day March 17

14 November 17, 2023 teacher feature club shoutout why? transportation station festive foods 71.4% 28.6% 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 did the school start to bring outside restaurants like BibbiBop and Marco’s Pizza to MHS lunches? Food Service Director Rachel Tilford- “This is a great way to bring in additional help to cover our staff shortage while offering something new and exciting for our students,”Tilford said. “We’ve received a lot of positive feedback, so we will continue to bring in outside sources and plan on offering Bibibop once a month. Keep an eye out for the dates on the menu boards so you can join us too!” “I like driving vintage cars because they’re fun to drive and they have a very classic design. After band rehearsal, people like to come up to me and check out my car and it’s kind of like I am a little celebrity.” Senior Jack Corder and his 1965 Cutlass convertible KIDS’ TABLE GROWN-UPS’ TABLE Results taken from Google Form poll with a sample of 42 responses... “The best part of working at Mason has been the kids. I [have gotten] to work with a lot of really cool people and got to know a lot of people throughout the district. I’m gonna miss them all. I hope to get to spend a lot more days on my boat, this summer on the lake and some time with my dogs and just see what each day brings.” Student Activities director Lorri FoxAllen retiring after 23 years at Mason Members of Fashion Club sort through donated clothes for the Pop-Up Thrift Shop Fashion Club president senior Ethiopia Jegol on the upcoming November Pop-Up Thrift Shop “The pop up thrift shop is basically a more sustainable version of a Goodwill or any other kind of thrift shop. All of our donations are from students and teachers. This year, [to prepare] I thought it was a good idea to do stations so we have [things] like sorting clothes, ironing clothes, disinfecting, preparing the mannequins with clothes of trendy outfits. “The stations really help it keep more organized.” What are student’s favorite fall holiday foods? Thanksgiving - Baked Mac N Cheese Thanksgiving - Buttered Corn Thanksgiving - Mashed Potatoes Diwali - Chicken Vindaloo Sophomore Thomas Minniear Freshman Mitalee Godbole Freshman Henry Malich Freshman Soham Tarafder

November 17, 2023 15 entertainment by Taylor Swift 1989 (Taylor’s Version) Five Nights at Freddy’s Now and Then Taylor Swift has continued the rerelease of her first six studio albums with the release of 1989 (Taylor’s Version) on October 27. Originally released in 2014, 1989 was seen as Swift’s first full pop album. Amplifying the fun, poppy vibe of the original, 1989 (Taylor’s Version) has cemented itself as a pure example of the command Swift’s artistic voice has over her music. 1989 (Taylor’s Version) includes five new vault tracks along with the album’s original 16 songs. In her five new songs, Swift touches on a past relationship while still keeping the upbeat, nostalgic energy of the original album. Throughout all her re-recorded albums, Swift has done an amazing job at keeping the mood of the album whilst adding factors she wished she had added when she was younger. Original songs like “Style” and “Bad Blood” sound more mature, while still keeping the youthful tone of the original album. Swift previously referred to 1989 as an album about her friends and her life in New York. However, she felt as though the original album didn’t accurately reflect the issues she was dealing with at the time. On the 2014 release, Swift touches on her struggles with her mental health and feeling alone in the song “Clean”. In the re-release, we can hear her further explore these feelings in the vault tracks “Is It Over Now?” and “Say Don’t Go”. 1989 (Taylor’s Version) also does a great job of sticking to those heartfelt lyrics Swift is known for while keeping its songs confident and hopeful. The vault track, “Now That We Don’t Talk”, has easily made its way into my top list of Swift songs with her play on a pop track that incorporates the classic, emotional lyrics of a Swift song. 1989 (Taylor’s Version) is perfectly suited for the nostalgia that comes with the end of summer. As Swift continues to take the music industry by storm, fans can only hope to see what will come in 2024. album review movie review song review by Megan Lee by Alisha Verma director: Emma Tammi by The Beatles by Drew Hoffmaster Page design by Alisha Verma 3/5 5/5 4.5/5 Five Nights at Freddy’s (FNAF) is a game series created by Scott Cawthon and released in August 2014. The franchise has since grown to encompass 20 games, 48 novels and now a movie. The story is based on the plot of the original game, following a security guard named Mike as he takes a job at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria, a restaurant with murderous animatronic mascots. The movie expands on the original storyline, with Mike trying to unpack the trauma of his younger brother’s kidnapping as he tries to care for his sister. The cast does a great job at making moments where you have to suspend your disbelief feel real and align with their character’s identity. Josh Hutcherson’s excellent portrayal of Mike makes his fear of the animatronics feel genuine while his fearful screams of sorrow strike the audience’s hearts. The movie also is brimming with easter eggs, a treat for long-time fans of the franchise. Going in, I hoped the movie would have the game’s original uncanny charm, but the scares did not make me jump enough. I found it disappointing that the supposedly terrifying animatronic models instead looked warm and fuzzy. However, despite the film’s lack of scariness the creepy, techno soundtrack did help create a chilling atmosphere. Overall, I found the story engaging and fun to watch. It is clear that Blumhouse Productions has managed to successfully take a popular game and make it into another shining example of a successful video game movie! Director Douglas Sirk’s 1955 melodrama brings a truly modern indictment of the homogeny of suburbia wrapped in lush, autumnal hues. 53 years after their break up, the Beatles have released their final song. “Now and Then” was recorded by John Lennon in 1977, three years before his death. With the help of artificial intelligence (A.I.), the song has been completed by surviving bandmates Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. When it was announced that the Beatles would be releasing a new song using A.I., they were met with raised eyebrows. However, McCartney explained that the technology would be used only to clean up Lennon’s demo. Lennon’s wistful, yet haunting voice compliments his melancholic, heartfelt lyrics well. As McCartney joins the late Lennon in singing “Now and then / I miss you,” the lyrics are even more poignant as the two halves of history’s most successful songwriting partnership are reunited beyond death. The track also features a soulful slide guitar solo, an ode to late guitarist George Harrison’s signature technique. The bridge is wrought with emotion as the guitar, strings, and backing harmonies from old Beatles tracks blend together to create a stirring emotional climax. Though the track doesn’t reach the heights as the band’s other realizations of Lennon’s demos, “Now and Then” is a touching finale to the greatest musical act in history. retro recommendation By Alisha Verma All That Heaven Allows (1955)

16 November 17, 2023 On Saturday, November 4, the boys’ cross country team had the opportunity to go for the three-peat: three consecutive state cross-country championship victories. Since 2000, only four boys teams in Ohio’s division one have repeated as state champions and no one has placed first three times in a row. The Comets finished in second place with 148 points behind Massillon Jackson, who scored 86 points. There was a tight race for the state runner-up trophy, with only a 43-point difference from the second to fifth-placed teams. The Comets managed to pull ahead by a 24-point margin over third-place Olentangy Orange. Senior Max Liao made his second consecutive individual appearance on the podium. Last year, he finished in 18th place. This year, he improved his time by 26 seconds, clocking in at 15:28 and finished 11th. Following Liao, Mason had four runners finish within seven seconds of each other. Senior Jerry Xu led the pack and finished 53rd with a time of 16:14 Brendan Roe followed with a time of 16:20, followed by Will Buckalew finishing with a time of 16:21. Behind Buckalew was Alex Folmer with a time of 16:27, and Jason Xu with a time of 16:27 Mason cross country Sports Will Buckalew running past the one mile mark. Jerry Xu passing runners as he goes up a hill. Max Liao running up the hill at the 4k mark. Max Liao finished 11th in the state and earned All-Ohio honors.

November 17, 2023 17 The girls had the opportunity to repeat as state champions after their victory last season. They finished in third place behind Perrysburg and Hilliard Davidson Mason and Shaker Heights each scored 175 points, with third place determined by each team’s sixth runner. At the end of the race, Mason and Shaker Heights ended up deadlocked, and the decisive factor in breaking the tie boiled down to the performance of the sixth runners. Atalia Hawkins finished with a time of 20:01 as the Comets’ sixth runner, beating out Shaker Heights’ sixth finisher by four seconds. Efa Paschka made the podium, finishing in 12th place with a time of 18:27. Placing 49th overall, the next Mason runner was Carlie Condit with a time of 19:15. Next for the Comets was Addison Stephens with a time of 19:28, followed by Bella Teply in 77th place finishing in 19:39 and Sharanya Nair in 85th place with a time of 19:49. state meet recap Camden Paeltz | The Chronicle Photos by Camden Paeltz Bella Teply and Addison Stephens at the 4k mark. Carlie Condit passing the one mile mark. Efa Paschka passing the four kilometer mark. Sixth runner Atalia Hawkins

18 November 17, 2023 Chaudhuri and Wagner serve up state title Mitchell McMillen | The Chronicle With multiple key graduated seniors no longer representing the Mason Comets at the tennis state tournament this year, a new young duo has emerged and earned the title of state champions. On October 20 at The College of Wooster Tennis Courts in Wooster, Ohio, Emma Wagner and Pratyusha Chaudhuri took home the Ohio Tennis doubles state championship. They are the first pair in Mason girls tennis history to win the state doubles tournament. Wagner, a freshman, and Chaudhuri, a sophomore, were the youngest duo in the tournament this year. In only their first year playing together, Wagner and Chaudhuri proved to be a dynamic duo, winning Mason High School’s (MHS) first girls doubles state championship in decisive fashion. Wagner and Chaudhuri won each of their four matches during the tournament in straight sets, winning the finals 6-0 and 6-1. In the finals, Wagner and Chaudhuri faced Richie Francois and Paige Cornelius of New Albany. Francois and Cornelius, both seniors, were state finalists in 2022. The tournament was Wagner’s and Chaudhuri’s first state appearance. Although young, the duo was confident in their abilities. Heading into the state tournament, Wagner and Chaudhuri knew that they were going to be facing older and more experienced players. Wagner said this took pressure off of the duo, and they saw the tournament opportunity to test their ability as a team against great competition. “I feel it just kind of gave us [the mentality] like, ‘oh, we have some more years to try this,” Wagner said. “Let’s just try and give it our all.” This mindset proved effective in their dominant tournament run. Throughout the state tournament, Wagner and Chaudhuri outscored their opponents 48-11. Compared to the rest of the state field, Chaudhuri and Wagner were inexperienced in the doubles format. Before this year, the duo was separate and focused on their singles game. This year, however, the stars aligned to allow them to play doubles together. “We’ve known each other for a few years now,” Chaudhuri said. “And we usually play singles but it just somehow worked, I guess.” The pair have played together at United States Tennis Association (UTSA) tournaments before, but never as a duo at MHS. Chaudhuri played singles last year and Wagner was still in middle school, so this was the first year they had an opportunity to play together. Early in the season, Chaudhuri voiced her desire to play doubles with Wagner to her head coach Mike Reid. Reid has coached Mason through multiple state championships and saw the growth firsthand of Chaudhuri and Wagner throughout the season. “Pratyusha let me know early in the season that she would like to play doubles with Emma,” Reid said. “They work well together, they have fun, and they’re both very positive competitors.” Wagner and Chaudhuri spent the season focusing on practicing together and improving as a duo, as they were new to the format. Chaudhuri credits Reid for his role in identifying specific skills to improve their doubles team. “I feel like our coach helped a lot because he focused specifically on doubles,” Chaudhuri said. “So he’d help us with follies and especially overheads and a lot of the team got a lot better.” Chaudhuri also attributes some of her success to watching Shyla Aggarwal compete last year. Aggarwal was a two-time individual state champion with zero losses in her junior and senior years. Aggarwal currently plays tennis at a division one level at Yale University. Chaudhuri said that she grew a lot last year through Aggarwal’s encouragement. She noticed Aggarwal’s discipline and composure during important matches. Taking what she learned from Aggarwal, Chaudhuri was able to find her own state tournament success this year. “It helped [because] she would always be telling me motivational things,” Chaudhuri said. “She wouldn’t ever be nervous even if she was down in a match. You learn a lot from that.” Photo contributed by Emma Wagner Pratyusha Chaudhuri and Emma Wagner celebrate their Doubles state championship win. Tennis ushers in new era with State Championship Mitchell McMillen | The Chronicle On October 21, Mason beat Upper Arlington in the finals to earn the title of Ohio Tennis Coaches Association (OTCA) state team champions for the seventh year in a row. Despite six straight state championships, the Comets were not considered the clear favorites to win the state championship. Ohio Tennis Zone had Mason finishing in third place for the preseason rankings. Losing multiple seniors, including two-time singles state champion Shyla Aggarwal, put the Comets in an unfamiliar position. The team was relying on more underclassmen than in years past, including sophomore Addison Cassidy for first singles matches, and freshman-sophomore first doubles duo Emma Wagner and Pratyusha Chaudhuri. Head coach Mike Reid said that the team showed consistent growth throughout the season, and proved themselves in the postseason. “I had high expectations going into the season,” Reid said. “We lost a lot of really good players, but I was hopeful that our new kids could come together and give us a chance for a state championship. I watched these kids get better every day in practice and felt pretty good about our chances by final four Saturday.” Chaudhuri said despite the team’s inexperience, she was confident in the team’s abilities. “We were a little nervous,” Chaudhuri said. “But then we realized that there were a lot of good incoming freshmen. We have four freshmen on the team right now who were all in the lineup.” For most of the team, it was their first year competing for a state championship. Nerves mixed with excitement gave the team a lot of energy going into the tournament. Chaudhuri said she felt the energy from her teammates cheering her on as she played. “They were always there cheering,” Chaudhuri said. “I remember teams would get mad at us because our cheering would be so loud. That helped a lot.”

November 17, 2023 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 off ered by the Ohio National Guard. No other branch of service off ers 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 benefi ts 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 November 17, 2023 Comets go on exciting playoff run Round 1 vs. Lebanon The Comets entered the playoffs as the #9 seed after a 5-5 regular season. They opened their postseason run on the road against #8 Lebanon. Mason’s offense took an early lead, scoring 17 points in the first half including a 66-yard touchdown run from Temi Adesanya. The defense held on for a shutout 17-0 victory with four interceptions. Andrew Little | Editor-in-Chief Photos by Lily Haller Round 2 vs. Milford Regional semifi nals vs. Moeller Mason moved on to face the Milford Eagles, the #1 seed in southwest Ohio. The Eagles were 11-0 and Eastern Cincinnati Conference champions. Mason’s defense held Milford to 144 yards of offense and had three fourth down stops. Late in the third quarter, the Comets trailed 3-9. Senior linebacker Tyler Dalton blocked a Milford punt, recovered by Kai Woofolk in the endzone for a touchdown. The Comets held onto their 10-9 lead, toppling the undefeated #1 seed and advanced to the regional semifinals for the second consecutive year. Charlie Raymond had three interceptions in the victory. Temi Adesanya breaks free for a 66-yard touchdown run. The Comets’ defensive line teams up for a sack. Kai Woofolk had 12 tackles including two tackles for loss and a half sack along with his special teams touchdown. “Everybody on our team knew we were capable of winning big games. We blocked out the outside noise and focused on believing in us. Coming into the Milford game the defense had a lot of momentum and pitched back-to-back shutouts. [The] whole team felt a great energy. The run we made in the playoffs happened because of the love the players and coaches had for each other.” Noah Dowers (#33) embraces with a teammate. The Comets celebrate go-ahead touchdown block punt. Senior linebacker and team captain Kai Woofolk The Comets entered the regional semifinals looking to avenge their 24-16 loss to the Moeller Crusaders in the same round last year. This season, #5 seeded Moeller entered the game with momentum, winning seven of their last eight games including a victory over #4 St. Xavier in round two. The Crusaders got off to a hot start, scoring 22 points in the first quarter, and held on for a 38-3 victory over the Comets. Kai Woofolk and Liam Davidson hype each other up. The Comets run onto the field for the final time this year. Seniors Tyler Dalton and Charlie Raymond embrace.

November 17, 2023 21 Students investors navigate waters of stock market and crypto Visual by Becca Hunter Elina Bishoyi | The Chronicle Stockbrokers and businesspeople aren’t the only ones investing a part of their paychecks for their futures. Students in Mason High School (MHS) often get jobs or internships as a source of income while balancing their school and social life demands, however, some students are turning to the stock market and virtual investments to gain real-life experience. Robinhood, Charles Schwab and E*Trade are some of the brokerage platforms that offer Custodial accounts for minors to invest in the stock market under the supervision of a guardian. Junior Siva Dasaka has been investing in the stock market, cryptocurrencies, and bonds for over a year. Dasaka said that his parents supported him financially in exploring the stock market through a Custodial account on Robinhood. “Right now it’s an experimental type of account,” Dasaka said, “As I get older, I’m probably going to put more money into it. This is just to gain experience.” Dasaka is a founder of the MHS Economics Club, a club aimed at providing education and competition opportunities for students to learn about the way the economy works before investing in the real world. “You need [to understand] economics to get better at investing,” Dasaka said. “I dedicated a lot of time over the summer to learning to watch YouTube videos about day-trading and market analysis.” Dr. Carmen Scalfaro is a teacher in the Business Department, and said he has seen the benefits of investing among his students. “I think [investing] is one of those things you cannot start early enough,” Scalfaro said. “Once you understand compound interest- time is your friend. [Investing early] helps you to have potential more earning power. More than that, it allows you to learn from mistakes, so you can experiment, you can be aggressive and you can try things that older people can’t necessarily benefit from.” Cryptocurrencies are a new form of investment with decentralized digital currency, meaning that they tend to be more volatile than stocks or government bonds. “It’s important to diversify,” Dasaka said. “If stocks went down and crypto went up, I don’t incur as much of a loss.” Junior Avaneesh Konda has been investing in cryptocurrencies since he was a freshmen in 2021. Konda said he took over his parent’s cryptocurrency account on an app called Uphold. “When I first started investing, in late 2021 the crypto market crashed,” Konda said. “Bitcoin’s value dropped from around $60,000 to around $18,000 from late 2021 to early/mid 2022 and this took a huge hit on my investments but I learned a lot about the crypto market and investing in general during that time period which I know will help me.” Konda discovered cryptocurrencies after researching about the metaverse, a type of internet virtual reality. Konda said he was drawn to cryptocurrency because of its novelty and uncertain nature compared to traditional investing strategies. “I thought crypto was extremely interesting and thought it could be the future,” Konda said. “I felt that other investments like stocks were boring because it’s more of a known area. Crypto is a much more risky and volatile market and I find that more captivating.” As a state reporter for the Ohio Future Business Leaders of America organization, Konda said he has a passion for business and hopes to pursue it in college. “I’ll definitely be investing for the rest of my life,” Konda said. “I find real estate really interesting and hope to plan on investing in that in the future. I am mainly investing now so that 5-10 years down the line my investments could be worth a lot more.” Scalfaro said that learning about investing money is helpful for students, regardless of their interests or intended career path. “You do not have to be business oriented [to invest],” Scalfaro said. “You don’t have to be a brainiac or money driven. You can kind of set things up and just let them roll. That’s really what investing is. Investing takes time. Stay simple but every now and again, take a plunge in something that sounds a little bit more risky, because you can afford to.”

22 November 17, 2023 The Chronicle’s Policy Connect with the Chronicle: In the age of hashtags and trending topics, our lives are increasingly intertwined with the vast realm of social media and the internet. It’s a space where opinions clash, movements are born, and ideas spread like wildfire. However, amidst the constant flow of information, there’s a danger lurking— a danger that threatens to oversimplify complex issues and divide us into stark, black-and-white camps. The immediacy of social media often pressures us to hastily pick a side without diving into the depth of understanding. It’s as if the digital world demands instant allegiance, urging us to conform to popular opinions or conform to the narrative that is most conveniently packaged. This rush to judgment, driven by peer pressure or cherry-picked facts, is a perilous path that can blind us to the nuances of reality. As we scroll through our TikTok feeds or watch YouTube videos, algorithms work tirelessly in the background, reinforcing our existing beliefs and preferences. The danger lies in the creation of an echo chamber, where our perspectives are constantly validated, but not necessarily challenged. This cycle not only perpetuates misinformation but also breeds a confirmation bias that can lead us down the rabbit hole of one-sided thinking. Whether we’re reposting a powerful slide on our Instagram story or casting our votes in an election, it’s crucial to acknowledge the responsibility that comes with shaping our own perspectives. Blindly following the crowd or succumbing to the allure of convenient narratives might provide a momentary sense of belonging, but it robs us of the opportunity to form wellinformed opinions. To break free from the shackles of binary thinking, it’s imperative that we embrace a more thoughtful approach. Instead of succumbing to the pressure of choosing a side, we should actively seek out diverse viewpoints, engage in open-minded discussions, and most importantly, conduct thorough research. Understanding all facets of an issue empowers us to make decisions based on knowledge rather than mere influence. In an era where information is abundant but misinformation is equally pervasive, it’s our duty as responsible digital citizens to challenge ourselves. We must resist the allure of simplicity and actively cultivate a habit of critical thinking. By doing so, we not only broaden our own perspectives but contribute to a more informed and nuanced online discourse. So, the next time you come across a conflicting post or a trending topic, pause for a moment. Rather than immediately jumping on the bandwagon, read articles from a variety of reliable sources, watch interviews, read firsthand stories, and keep an eye out for hyperbolic or cherry-picked facts. Take the time to explore the shades of gray that exist between the extremes. It’s okay to stay silent until you feel knowledgeable enough to speak. It’s okay to not know the answers. It’s okay to be working up the courage to respond. And it’s okay for this process to take more than a day or two. In a world that often pushes us towards polarization, let’s strive to be the generation that breaks the cycle and embraces the complexity of the issues that shape our lives. It’s not always black and white Staff Editorial As I lie awake in bed, I see the outline of the half-finished 24x18 canvas leaning against my bedpost. Last summer, I learned how to paint in the style of ancient Kerala murals and finished an intricate painting over the course of three months. Excited by the possibility of further painting ideas, I started planning my next mural. There’s something deeply satisfying about the idea of starting anew. The promise of a blank canvas, whether it be a literal one or a metaphorical representation of a fresh beginning, is exhilarating. However, the thrill of starting often overshadows the commitment required to finish. My life is a gallery of half-painted murals, incomplete novels, and abandoned projects. For days, I had my canvas propped up against the wall. Armed with enthusiasm, I gathered the necessary materials – brushes, pigments, and a bowl of water (that soon evaporated). As I started sketching the outlines of deities and mythological figures, I felt a surge of creativity. Each brushstroke felt like a step closer to realizing my vision. Yet, as the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, my once-dedicated art corner gradually transformed into a neglected sanctuary of half-finished aspirations. That was more than six months ago. The mural, once a symbol of my artistic ambition, became a silent witness to my struggle with commitment. I’d pass by it daily, each glance accompanied by a pang of guilt. The colors that once danced in harmony now stood frozen, waiting for the touch that would bring them to life. However, this painting was far from an isolated case; it was just one of the several unfinished paintings strewn across my room, half-baked business ideas filed away, and partly-written novels in my Google Drive that haven’t even made it past the drawing board. In fact, my Notes app could show you just how many projects I have on my wishlist – 57, to be exact. I’ve started probably around 20 of them, and finished just three. My multitude of hobbies combined with a short attention span is the perfect recipe for a vicious cycle of impulsively trying new things and losing interest just as quickly. Although I often know that I don’t have the time or the energy to finish many of the projects I take on, it doesn’t stop me from starting new things anyway. Each fall break, winter break, and summer break, I promise myself that this is the week I’ll finish all the halffinished projects collecting dust in the corner. And while I made steps of progress, I still didn’t have anything to show at the end, because despite all that I did, I never finished any one project. What keeps me from finishing though? Is it the fear of imperfection, the thrill of trying new things, or simply a lack of discipline? In our culture of creating the Next Big Thing, novelty often outshines completion. My unfinished mural serves as a reminder – to confront my need for new beginnings and to stop evading the hard work that comes with seeing a project through to the end. True beauty is not just in the promise of a blank slate, but the satisfaction of completion. Even if I don’t create a masterpiece, I know that I will have put in the commitment to persevere, and I will have witnessed the evolution of a concept into a tangible reality. Srinidhi Valathappan | The Chronicle Unfinished canvases and abandoned pursuits @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 Harper Stull Akshay Vadlamani Srinidhi Valathappan Advisor Dale Conner OPINION

November 17, 2023 23 Second place is the first loser. This seems to be a prevalent mentality in Mason athletics, but it shouldn’t be. When I attended the state crosscountry meet, most Mason runners had high hopes for a third consecutive championship victory. Instead, they fell just short and placed second to a very talented Massillon Jackson team. It would be easy for them to feel disappointed for not reaching their goal of a thirdstraight state championship, but a state runner-up finish is not a failure. Only 20 schools send full teams to the state meet each year. Just making it to state is an incredible accomplishment for most schools. Then they had to compete against the 20 best teams in the state and finished second. That’s something to be proud of. The band sets its own high standards, and that’s understandable because Mason boasts one of the best bands in the state, and that’s a fact. However, they only placed third at 2023 Indianapolis Super Regional Championship. Third out of 66 teams. Third out of 66 teams sounds much more impressive than just third. Competing with potentially the best bands from six states and still finishing in the top 5% of bands is even more impressive. Yet, according to the Mason stereotype, they didn’t win. The girls’ volleyball team has won eight straight Greater Miami Conference championships and has not lost a conference game since 2015. There is a sense of pressure to continue that legacy and maintain perfection in conference games. Sports can be very volatile, with each season bringing in new players and rival teams changing up their game. The Mason program has a strong recent history of GMC dominance but perfection is not a realistic expectation. They continued their undefeated streak and won the conference, but what would the reaction have been if they dropped a game? Is first place the only acceptable outcome? It is true that Mason is the biggest high school in Ohio. Our strength in numbers certainly increases our chances of success in academics, sports, and activities. Success is normalized and is now an expectation. Other schools look up to Mason and want to beat us because of our well-rounded achievements. Mason has a “win or lose” mentality and because of it many achievements fall under the radar and don’t always get the proper recognition. It’s important to aim high and accomplish as much as possible, but it is important to keep things in perspective. Success can be measured in many ways, not just a first-place trophy. The passage of Ohio Issue 2 has led to the legalization of marijuana usage for Ohioans over the age of 21, sending waves of concern across the state on the detrimental effects of such legislation. Marijuana has been in use medically for almost a century, however, research regarding the effect of its use on mental and physical health has just gained traction. Marijuana is prescribed to patients on a case-by-case basis, and just because it treats some doesn’t mean it treats all. Now that marijuana can be purchased legally by adults of age, concerns are naturally going to rise about accessibility to minors. Legalizing marijuana makes it objectively safer for the general public as it goes through pharmaceutical protocols before being distributed, however, this also means it can be misused by naive people much more frequently. I may be painting a picture that marijuana isn’t all that bad, however, the inherent danger with marijuana lies within the good it can do. As humans, if we’re told even one good reason why we should do something, it trumps all the possible bad reasons. This is the paradox marijuana presents to those who aren’t properly educated: simply because marijuana has medicinal properties and poses a solution to those suffering from specific illnesses doesn’t mean it fails to pose a threat to those who misuse it. Cigarettes and vapes have been medically proven over the years to be cancer-causing and life-destroying, however, marijuana lacks that endall-be-all threat. As minors, it is illegal for us to purchase and use marijuana. Marijuana has been shown to cause psychological problems to those who misuse it, and this develops faster in teens who start from an earlier age. Perpetuated physical fatigue, as well as stunted brain development also await teenagers who misuse marijuana. Using marijuana isn’t the best choice you can make. You probably already know that, however, there are many people who simply don’t understand the long-term effects it can have on their health. What’s the solution to preventing people from throwing their lives away when they may not have to? Education. Drug education has been prevalent in schools for decades, however, there has to be a special emphasis on marijuana. Its friendlier demeanor, which will be justified to some by the passage of Issue 2, is a primary toxic quality of the substance. As students, we have learned about the dangers of drugs like marijuana in health classes. Now that marijuana is legalized for adults, the cultural discourse around its usage is going to shift. It’s still important to remember that like tobacco products, which are legal for adults ages 21 and older in Ohio, there are still risks involved with marijuana that need to be addressed with youth. Associate Principal of Teaching and Learning Tina Drake believes that the systems put in place to help accommodate those struggling with drug use will remain the same, however, the education and awareness methods will change to accommodate for the effects of Issue 2’s passage. “I think [education is] going to be more directed as this is what this is, what it does to your body, and this is how it could affect your overall life,” said Drake. “Now that it’s legalized, we really need to continue to emphasize it. There’s age restrictions, and it’s illegal for you to use it. And try to keep the education positive with a positive tone to it.” The way we educate our children and impressionable members of our community is crucial to their response to such situations in the future. By the time someone falls into the rabbit hole of addiction and repetition, it’s too late to reverse the damage that has been done. By uniting as a community and pushing for comprehensive and supportive education on the topic, we can help keep students safe and prevent negative repercussions from recent legislative changes. The issue of Issue 2 Akshay Vadlamani | The Chronicle Editorial Cartoon Championship or Bust Camden Paeltz | The Chronicle OPINION

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