Chronicle 19.6

Volume 19 Issue 6 | William Mason High School | 6100 Mason Montgomery Rd., Mason, OH | 2.17.22

“Dozing Off”

See page 2

An aerial view of Shadow Lake Mobile Home Village, the neighborhood Emerik Moser lives in.

Illustration by Becca Hunter

2 News February 17, 2022

Student health impacted by lack of sleep

Aimee Liu | The Chronicle Although Kalavakolanu tries to Photo by Aimee Liu
maintain the quality of her work when Freshman Akshay Vadlamani struggles to stay awake in class after not getting
Sleep, a time that should be rejuve- she is tired, she said that missing out enough sleep the night before.
nating, is causing some students more on her nightly dose of rest usually adds
stress than relief. an additional layer of difficulty to get- to a cycle where he sleeps late and health more than the number of hours
ting tasks done efficiently. remains tired the next day. Between he spends sleeping.
Though not a new phenomenon, not wanting to do assignments, text
sleep deprivation (a state caused by “[Being tired] does affect how much message conversations with friends and “It’s not the schoolwork that annoys
inadequate quantity or quality of sleep) time it takes me to do things,” Kalava- other distractions, Vadlamani said he me or is difficult, it’s just the time that
in students at Mason High School kolanu said. “I still try to do my best usually does not get work done until you need to put in to complete it,” Vad-
(MHS) has caused a recent trend of on it, but sometimes I do make silly late in the night. lamani said. “It’s [harder] when I have
difficulty focusing in and out of the mistakes because I’m so tired. I’ll either other things I need to do so I just have
classroom. Factors including stress, not see something, miss it or forget “I usually go home pretty exhausted to get [schoolwork] over with.”
increasing usage of social media and learning about it.” because school makes me tired,” Vad-
involvement in activities outside of lamani said. “By the time I shower, eat Many MHS students find themselves
school have contributed to students Sophomore Nikhil Gunda said he dinner and am settled, it’s the end of constantly complaining about being
getting less than the recommended has found himself occasionally doz- the day and I physically cannot think.” tired and sleep-deprived, an aspect of
eight to ten hours of sleep a night. ing off in classes, particularly those high school that Vadlamani does not
that come at the end of the day. These Affected more by the social aspect appreciate. He said that how little sleep
Junior Shrilekha Kalavakolanu usu- experiences, according to Gunda, often of school, Vadlamani’s stress over situ- one may get and the negative conse-
ally does not go to sleep until past mid- come as a result of going to sleep later ations outside of his classes tends to quences of those actions are nothing to
night, then often wakes up before five than around 10 p.m., which is the time trigger procrastination more often than be proud of.
in the morning. With an intense course he aims to sleep at. Additionally, the his coursework itself. He said that the
load, featuring Advanced Placement increased complexity of his high school quality of his school day depends more “I understand if you’re just trying to
courses such as Calculus and Chemis- workload, as compared to his work in on his mood than how much sleep he express [being tired] to your friends so
try, Kalavakolanu has had to stay up middle school, has made it more dif- got, as sleep is more of just a physical they understand, but if it’s something
late to complete assignments and study ficult to get to bed on time. factor. you take pride in, getting [little] sleep
for assessments. She said these aca- should not be an attribute of your
demic responsibilities, partnered with “I have bigger assignments now and “My mood usually depends on how greatness,” Vadlamani said.
her devotions outside of school, have I still have to get used to managing my my friends are doing,” Vadlamani said.
helped lead to her poor sleeping habits. time around such large assignments,” “If I’m in a good mood, I can usually Vadlamani feels that the expecta-
Gunda said. “[Sleeping late] is mostly plow through classes but personally tions put on students for future success
“I normally have homework every [due to] my poor time management.” when I’m stressed, I’m extremely tired. are often more stressful than the actual
day and a lot of tests and quizzes every Feeling like I have to do this and this work itself. He said that the mental
single week,” Kalavakolanu said. “With According to Gunda, his lack of sleep and that is what makes me tired.” strain it takes to do assignments, as
extracurriculars, sometimes I get home has contributed to having “a more well as pressure from sometimes toxic
later and I don’t have much time to negative outlook” on small things Vadlamani has some experience fall- competition to perform well, causes
start my homework earlier. It’s a mix that otherwise would not bother him. ing asleep in his classes, something he procrastination that, in turn, leads to
of not only school, but social life, and Gunda said that he has experienced is aware of when he does. He said that sleep deprivation.
keeping up with things like volunteer- his will to go to school decrease after a the organization of his schedule lends
ing, sports and clubs.” subpar night of sleep. itself to making him sleepy and that he “I frequently hear people joking
sometimes feels he can afford to take a about mental health and the student
Since entering high school, Kalava- Gunda is not alone in these experi- nap in class, often “dozing off in earlier experience, at the expense of their
kolanu’s daily schedule--one balancing ences. He said that he has many friends bells” or classes that “do not interest sleep and well-being,” Vadlamani
school, hanging out with friends, and who also experience sleep deprivation [him] as much.” said. “I’ve been raised in a competitive
a bit of procrastination--did not allow and that the frequent competition over culture. I was that person at a certain
her much sleep at night. She said that, who gets less sleep can be unhealthy, For Vadlamani, the factors that cause point, but your life is not going to be
unlike how it was for her in middle normalizing behavior that is frequently sleep deprivation are more stressful ideal if you spend all your time worry-
school, sleeping late is no longer her detrimental to their well-being. than the lack of sleep itself. He said ing about [your future]. At some point,
“own choice.” In fact, she said it has that stress from his social life and per- you have to have some respect for
been since around grades seven and “I wish I heard less of people com- sonal responsibilities affect his mental yourself.”
eight that she remembers sleeping well peting on [how little sleep they got],”
on a school night. Gunda said. “From firsthand experi-
ence, I can tell you it should not be a
“I’ve not slept that much in a good competition.”
while,” Kalavakolanu said. “I’m used to
it. I can easily pull an all-nighter when For Kalavakolanu, her journey with
I have multiple tests the next day and time management and tactics such as
go to school without feeling too tired.” napping or doing work in the morning
instead of the evening have helped her
According to the Centers for Disease steer away from procrastination. She
Control and Prevention, around 72.7% still experiences sleep deprivation, but
of high school students do not get it has gotten easier to get work done
the recommended amount of sleep. quickly. Kalavakolanu said that her
Alongside that, a 2019 medical journal lack of sleep used to have severe effects
by the National Center for Biotechnol- on her mood.
ogy Information found that insufficient
sleep, especially among teenagers, is “It was very exhausting and tire-
associated with a wide variety of nega- some,” Kalavakolanu said. “Sometimes
tive outcomes, ranging from health I didn’t even remember waking up at
complications such as obesity and certain times or doing certain assign-
heart disease to poor performance in ments. It definitely caused me to not be
school to depression and other mental able to think straight a lot of the time
illnesses. These poor cognitive effects because I was just so tired and groggy.”
have impacted students, like Kalavako-
lanu, who find it harder to be produc- Freshman Akshay Vadlamani is often
tive when sleepy. exhausted at the end of the day follow-
ing a lack of sleep at night and usually
does not have the energy to begin do-
ing school work. He said this then leads

February 17, 2022 News 3

Black hole leaders feel restriction after pushed to become school club

Sean Speidel | The Chronicle order to send students

to away games, provide

The Black Hole is going to free admission to home

have a new look next school games, or buy themed

year. shirts.

On Wednesday, January “[Fundraising] is

19 2022, Mason High School probably the best thing

(MHS) principal, Bobby we can do since we’re

Dodd, announced that the going to be a club,”

Black Hole has been ap- Dodd said. “ We can

proved by the school district fundraise as a club,

to become an official school build up an account,

club. This means that there Photo by Lily Haller and utilize the money.”
will be a new application The increased re-
process, new rules and new
opportunities for the Black sponsibilities that come
Hole in the 2022-23 school with being a club have
year. led Dodd to incorpo-
rate an application and
Dodd said that he views interview process. This
this change as an opportuni- is a change of pace as
ty to maintain and improve opposed to previous
one of the best student sec- years, when the lead-
tions in the state of Ohio.

“Our student sections here The Black Hole supports the boys varsity basketball team at their annual “Pink Out” night. ers would select their

have been something we’ve “If we’re abiding by the sports- Hole will be led by senior “leaders” replacements. The
been proud of over the years,” Dodd manship policies of the league, our who stand in the front, cheering and
said. “We want to keep that tradition school, and what we think is appro- uniting students in chants. The rest committee involved with
going.” priate, then it’s all good,” Dodd said. of the seniors, and all junior, sopho-
“We’re kind of just facilitators to more, and freshman club members the interview process involves ad-
Although administration feels students. It’s their voice and choice will be a part of a new Black Hole
that making the group a school they’ll be the ones that get to run Board. Board members will be tasked ministrator, staff and student input
club is a step in the right direction, the club.” with organizing themes or chants in order to best decide who to elect
current leaders feel as if the school and engineering new methods of as a Black Hole member.
is infringing on the tradition of the The newly created club comes showing support to Mason’s student-
student-led and appointed Black with new rules and regulations. The athletes. Dodd said that the committee is
Hole. new bylaws for Black Hole members looking for students that embody
include a list of eight actions that Dodd said that he believes the the ideals of school spirit, leader-
Current leader, Owen Bostico, Black Hole leaders cannot partake collaboration between these two ship, and the will to represent Mason
feels there is no need for the school in. Notably, “Black Hole leaders will groups will create a more balanced well.
to overtake the Black Hole, and said not Lead and/or take part in any and more organized version of the
that the student section’s indepen- non-supportive chants, cheers, or ac- Black Hole. “[Being a Black Hole member is]
dence was part of the reason that tions which are directed toward the about leadership,” Dodd said. “It’s
students attend games. opposing team.” “We think that representatives about doing the right things and
from each class will be able to knowing that you’re representing
“I feel as if this is a move for the Black Hole leader Jack Waldon communicate more efficiently and us and that people are looking up to
school to try and take control out of feels that these new policies are un- effectively [to students],” Dodd said. you as a leader.”
the students’ hands and put it into necessary and said that he believes “What we think that will do is create
their own,” Bostico said. the current Black Hole has been a more cohesive student section.” Bostico, however, feels that an
appropriate while still maintain- application process would prevent
As the Black Hole will now be an ing an exciting atmosphere for the Not only does Dodd think this some students from becoming lead-
students. move will help the club to be more
official school club, Dodd said that ers. He said that the growing influ-
“There’s a point where you’re organized, but that it will provide for
this move was not a push to restrict crossing a line,” Waldon said. “We ence from administration could be
new opportunities as well. Dodd said intimidating to potential successors
what the students can and cannot do, of the Black Hole.
that because the Black Hole is shift-
rather, it was to promote inclusive “I think some students might be
scared to put themselves out there
excellence within the group and to towards an admin,” Bostico said. “ I
don’t think I would have applied to

try to mimic other schools’ student have stayed under that line.” ing to become a club, they will have be [a Black Hole leader] if it was a

section policies. Just as inprevious years, the Black the opportunity to raise money in club.”

4 News February 17, 2022

Photo by Tanya Keskar
(From left to right) Mason City School school board Vice President Desiree Batsche, newly elected member Ian Orr, and President Connie Yingling.

Election, new appointments signal change for school board

Tanya Keskar | The Chronicle through the Mason school system, the pandemic and the growth of the students to learn in a variety of different
Batsche appreciated the opportuni- district. Batsche said that flexibility is ways, which allows all students, regard-
The Mason school board is continu- ties given to parents to be involved in key in making the best decisions for the less if they are on the college track or
ing to reflect the evolution of the Mason their child’s learning and said that she school district. not, to study what they are interested in.
community. wanted to continue her involvement and
contributions to students’ learning, and “I don’t know what my future holds,” Orr said that the personalized learn-
On January 11th, 2022, Ian Orr was decided to run for the school board. Batsche says. “[We] just have to have an ing rock’s purpose is redefining what
sworn in as the first person of color on open mind and have [our] thumb on the success means for individual students,
the Mason City School Board. On top She said that when she ran for the pulse of the needs of our community, which is key in representing all students.
of that, Connie Yingling and Desiree school board, her goal was not to target students, and families, and make sure
Batsche, both women, were elected as a specific problem, but was instead to we’re serving the best we can.” “We want to support our students in
the president and vice president of the help the school district continue creat- the pursuit of their success,” Orr said.
school board. ing an amazing experience for students. The new Mason School board team is “[We’re] making sure that we let stu-
set on expanding opportunities for stu- dents know that those things are options
Connie Yingling, Mason City Schools “The schools are such an important dents who are following the non-college and that they’re viable options if that’s
Board of Education President, has been part of the community,” Batsche said. track. Consequently, the district has cre- what they want to pursue when they
serving on the board since 1999. Yin- “It’s almost like the heart of Mason.” ated programs that connect students to graduate from Mason.”
gling has been a major part of adapting local businesses to learn trades or help
the schools to reflect the growth of the Ian Orr was elected as the first person them pursue military opportunities. The Mason City School Board made
Mason community. Throughout the last of color on the Mason City Schools Yingling said that she is excited to see history by electing the first person of
20 years, she has seen Mason’s farming Board of Education in November of 2021. Mason continue to help students pursue color, and for the second time ever,
areas transform into residential com- Orr said that he is looking forward to their passions. elected women as both officers on the
munities and the number of students hearing from the community and repre- board. As the community in Mason
in Mason High School (MHS) increase senting Mason’s families. “There are a lot of opportunities to evolves, the leadership of Mason will
from about 1400 to nearly 4000. just be educated and trained in so many continue to evolve and adapt to meet
“I’m very humbled and honored different fields,” Yingling said. “I’m hop- the needs of the students and the com-
Yingling said that she is thankful for to be in [this position]. I feel like it’s a ing that we’re able to pull that off and munity.
the community’s continued trust in her wonderful accomplishment, not one do more for our kids and families, just
as she was re-elected for her fifth term. that I intended to make when I decided give them more opportunities.” Batsche said that the inclusion
to run, but I’m very proud to have made represented on the school board has
“It’s just incredible to see how we that history because there’s always a Personalized learning is making its led her to appreciate all of the different
have evolved,” Yingling said. “I feel very first,” Orr said. “It shows others that our way to the front line of the district’s fo- perspectives brought before her by the
happy, very humbled, that the commu- race doesn’t have to be a barrier to any cus because it prioritizes individual stu- diversity of the community, and plans to
nity has put me on the board yet again.” accomplishment or achievement.” dent success regardless of their future continue to represent the evolving com-
track. It is one of the school district’s munity to the best of her abilities.
Desiree Batsche, Mason City Schools The school board’s purpose is to repre- Three Big Rocks (personalized learn-
Board of Education Vice President, sent the voices of the community and ing, inclusive excellence, and culture). “Our community is so diverse and
was first elected onto the school board students, which requires adapting to the With the personalized learning rock in it’s great to see a representation on the
in 2019. As she watched her kids go many situations that the Mason commu- mind, the school board’s goal is to allow board of that diversity,” Batsche said.
nity has faced over the years, including “It’s a wonderful place.”

February 17, 2022 Feature 5

Student-led organization committed to continued service

Josie Lorenz | The Chronicle from donations for school supplies, Photo contributed by Rishika Jeyaprakash
volunteering at places, or even Sophomore Rishika Jeyaprakash and her sister Joshika Jeyaprakash depicted
Little Helpers are making big something small like making blan- sharing Little Helpers’ mission at an activities fair.
impacts. kets, or just something small like
giving a compliment to someone.” ers and continues to make time for anyone can make a difference and
Sophomore Rishika Jeyaprakash school as well as her herself with- believes that others should see that
has continued serving her com- These project goals have been out letting those she helps down. too.
munity for the last seven years accomplished thanks to the dedi-
through Little Helpers, a non-profit cated work of volunteers, some of Planning for the future, Jey- “As a kid, people don’t tend to
organization she founded in the which are as young as three years aprakash doesn’t plan on leaving take you seriously no matter the
third grade. Little Helpers focuses old. Jeyaprakash is grateful that she Little Helpers in her past. She number of things that you’ve done
on giving back to the community could show that anyone, at any age considers Little Helpers a big piece or whatever you’ve accomplished,”
through monthly projects such as can make a difference. of her and her daily life. As she Jeyaprakash said. “I think it is time
food drives and donations to small continues her education and plans that people do take us seriously.”
businesses. “Over time, the number of youth to attend college in the future,
volunteers we were able to encom- she said she wants to continue the Jeyaprakash is proud of all she
The idea of the organization pass grew and grew,” Jeyaprakash organization and help more people, and Little Helpers have been able
sparked when Jeyaprakash had said. “We were able to have so many no matter where she is or what shes to accomplish, no matter their
watched the news and seen head- youth volunteers for projects just pursuing. age. She hopes the future has even
lines discussing war and violence. because everyone wanted to be in- greater things in store and that
She noticed the positivity that was spired and [wanted]to give back.” “Once college arises, I will con- she can make a positive impact
shown when people gave back to tinue Little Helpers because it’s on her community and those in it.
those who were in need. She was Jeyaprakash has been able to always going to be a part of me,” Throughout their time collecting
inspired by thoseacts of kindness continue Little Helpers due to the Jeyaprakash said. “And although I donations, Jeyaprakash her organi-
and charity. Wanting to amplify support of her community and the won’t be here physically to help out zation have raised $18,000 and plan
the kindness she had noticed, Jey- lasting joy given by those she helps with the kids, I’ll always be there on continuing their progress for
aprakash said she decided to create such as local children, even despite whether it be online [or in-person].” years to come.
Little Helpers with a mindset of being a full-time student. In 2015,
making a positive impact on the the organization had the opportu- While the non-profit has con- “Our motto is to give back and
world around her. nity to collect toys to give children tinued to work hard to make their spread kindness,” Jeyaprakash said.
in hospitals, and Jeyaprakash’s mark, many continue to question “We want to keep doing that forever
“As a kid, I was able to see both spirits were lifted by “thank you” their ability to make a difference and continue inspiring kids so that
the positives and negatives in the notes and by the smiles of children, because of their age. Jeyaprakash they also have a way to give back.”
world,” Jeyaprakash said. “ I [real- parents, and doctors. has made a point to prove that
ized] that the positivity was able to
overshadow the negative. I wanted “It’s always been the motivation
to do something to show the posi- that I’ve been receiving, whether it
tive.” be from the people I help or other
people that have always supported
With the help of social media, as me, that kept this [initiative] going,”
well as aid from friends and family, Jeyaprakash said. “My parents have
Jeyaprakash said that Little Help- always been extremely supportive,
ers has been able to do monthly along with the school. They’ve al-
service projects for nearly the last ways pushed me to continue giving
seven years. Jeyaprakash and her back.”
team collaborate to find causes, big
or small. While Jeyaprakash remains busy
with Little Helpers, she also faces
“All the way from 2015 all the way burnout, a growing problem in high
up till COVID, [we] did a project ev- schoolers. However, Jeyaprakash
ery single month,” Jeyaprakash said. makes sure to prioritize Little Help-
“[The project goals go] all the way

6 Feature February 17, 2022

Independent Studies provide extended learning opportunities

Risha Chada | The Chronicle studying much more independent than a usual class, Graphics by Nishka Mishra
as the name indicates. Unlike the student-teacher
A passion for learning has pushed some students dynamic of a traditional course, Archiable said her
beyond the course catalog. ceramics teacher is more of a mentor and guide than
a teacher.
After completing the courses for a certain subject,
students can develop a course with a teacher to fur- “As an independent study, my teacher is more of a
ther research and learn about a certain field. Students mentor than a [traditional] teacher,” Archiable said.
at Mason High School take up independent studying “It’s a little bit different because I know she’s always
to gain a deeper understanding of a subject matter helped me, but now I can use what she has already
that could be crucial to their future. The students taught me and also have her to fall back on if I need
must create their own curriculum, or structured plan, it.”
to follow throughout the year and must check in
periodically with their teachers. Senior Seri Braun, also a Ceramics Independent
Study, feels that the stress-relieving element of the
Senior Sankalp Agrawal is currently independent class is one of the leading reasons as to why she
studying computation structures. After participating took it. Braun said she finds the course relaxing,
in Science Olympiad freshman year and discovering as being able to choose whether she works on her
a love for circuits, Agrawal took Advanced Placement wheel-throwing skills or simply plays with clay has
(AP) Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism during offered her time away from the usual rigidity seen in
his junior year to learn more about the hardware of a normal curriculum.
computers. Agrawal said that, after taking the course,
there were no others available at Mason that dealt “I really like being able to do my own thing,”
with circuits, so he decided to craft his own indepen- Braun said. “Sometimes if I get a little too stressed
dent study. with trying to make something on the wheel, then I
can just make something myself.”
“I had already completed all the courses that were
related to [computer hardware], but I wanted to learn Senior Neev Gupta independent studies for Or-
more about what I was passionate about,” Agrawal ganic Chemistry and, after taking AP Chemistry as a
said. “Even if I’m not necessarily earning college sophomore and planning on taking higher levels of
credit, I can still go into college and have that basic chemistry in college, Gupta did not want there to be
foundation from what I’ve been learning in [this] a gap in his knowledge. Gupta said he independent
class.” studies in order to build off the concepts he learned
in AP Chemistry and create a better foundation for
As Agrawal researches his passion through a plat- college.
form called edX, where he takes courses from schools
such as Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of “I wanted to build off what I’d learned in AP chem-
Technology (MIT), he benefits from the flexibility istry and revisit some of the concepts that I struggled
that independent study courses provide. Agrawal said with so I would be more prepared when I took higher
his learning is almost entirely independent, which he level chemistry courses,” Gupta said. “I hope [being
found more advantageous than a more conventional an independent study] helps make my journey easier
course. because I don’t want there to be a gap. Learning
about chemistry is a continuous process.”
“[Independent studying] definitely helped me learn
that I’m a very independent learner and I’m so much Braun, unlike Gupta and Agrawal, looks at her
happier when I’m learning at my own pace,” Agrawal independent study role as a lifelong hobby rather
said. “If there’s a day that I didn’t get that much sleep than a future career. While Braun said she is still pas-
the night before, or there’s other homework that’s sionate about Ceramics, she believes it will be most
more pressing, I don’t necessarily have to work on beneficial to her as a creative outlet in the future.
my independent study. I really just appreciate the
flexibility of it all.” “I think [ceramics] is a passion, but it’s more of
a stress reliever,” Braun said. “I just like knowing I
Senior Morgan Archiable also benefits from the would be able to do it all throughout my life. There’s
flexibility of independent studying as she continues definitely times when I know I’m not the best at it,
her Ceramics journey. After completing Ceramics I, but I still enjoy being able to make anything while
II and III, Archiable was not ready to let Ceramics go also being really creative.”
and chose to end her senior year as an independent
study for the course. Archiable said she loves the Compared to other independent studies, Gupta
self-paced aspect of the course and the wide range of feels that independent studying for Chemistry is built
projects she can explore. within a more rigid structure. Instead of building
projects as Braun and Archiable do, Gupta works out
“[Independent studying] is kind of just taking of a textbook and uses textbook questions at the end
everything you learned from the past four years of of each unit to determine his grade. Gupta said that
Ceramics and going in your own direction which is the structure of the course benefits him because he
really fun,” Archiable said. “You get to make your knows exactly where the curriculum is going next.
own calendar and your own projects, so everything is
really up to you. It’s really fun and exciting because “I’d say Chemistry has been a little bit more
you just get to pick what you want to learn and just structured for me,” Gupta said. “I know what I’m
try new things.” going to do beforehand, and I know there’s a certain
curriculum of topics that I’ll eventually have to learn.
As Archiable continues to make projects and Knowing what I need to learn helps me stay on track
expand her knowledge, she found independent and also make sure that I know all the content I need
to by the end of the year.”

February 17, 2022 Feature 7

Increased popularity of adoption prompts introspection for adoptees

Alisha Soni | The Chronicle pers. Through a closed adoption, Hildeb- Photo contributed by Jorja Meere
rand was officially adopted seven months Senior Jorja Meere and her mother, Kristen Meere, in China right after Meere was
Blood relation is not the only formula later in October 2006.
for a family. adopted, in November 2004.
Although Hildebrand’s parents are
Senior Jorja Meere was just one day old open about her adoption, little infor- Meere, the adoption system has its flaws. off to your adoptive parents.”
when she was found near the gates of an mation is known about her biological Its complication and disorganization af- Adoptees do not immediately become
orphanage in China. At nine months old, family. Hildebrand said that especially if fect its ability to serve its purpose. Foster
she was adopted on October 31st by her the reason why the birth parents place a care has other imperfections, with many a perfect fit for a family once adopted. It
adoptive mother in the United States. child up for adoption is unknown, many adoptees’ experiences being more nega- takes time and effort. However, adopt-
adoptees end up questioning their self- tive than positive. Hildebrand said that ing can grant a child a chance at a better
Since Meere had been adopted at such worth. Hildebrand said that her biological although her former foster parents were life. As people look to continue to adopt,
a young age, she has no remembrance of parents putting her up for adoption was to very kind, foster care, as a system, is some- Meere said that the most important thing
her life in China. For the most part, the most likely save her from factors such as thing that should not ideally exist. about having a child is accepting who
entirety of her life has been lived in the financial difficulty and give her a chance they are.
United States with her adoptive mother. at a better life. Although there are many “Foster care is not a permanent thing,”
However, being adopted has had an im- reasons that people look to put children Hildebrand said. “It’s just sort of this “Keep an open mind,” Meere said.
pact on her life and a few questions have up for adoption, adoptees seem to struggle middleman history between biological “Some people want kids so badly, but
arisen about her past. with the thought of being unwanted. parents and adoptive parents. If the sys- if their kids are trans or gay, they will
tem [ran] smoothly, foster care wouldn’t disown them because of who they are.
“Knowing I was adopted sometimes “A big problem for adoptees is think- exist. It would be that the [biological Despite whatever views you have, if you
made me wonder where I belonged when ing, ‘my parents didn’t want me and I am parents] sign the papers and [then] you’re want a child, you should love the child
I was growing up,” Meere said. “[But] most worthless because of that,’” Hildebrand for whoever they are.”
of the time I didn’t really question where said. “But a lot of the time, that’s not the
I came from and that was ok with me.” case. It’s because your parents wanted a
better life for you because otherwise you
Society creates the expectation that probably would have struggled in your
people should gravitate towards their childhood.”
ethnic groups. However, when adoption
transcends ethnic groups, it adds a new Meere has also experienced feeling
challenge for many to connect with their unwanted but has started to understand
cultural background. that many other factors are taken into
consideration when putting a child up
Growing up with a single white mother, for adoption. Besides the chance that her
Meere had faced internal pressure to fit biological parents were unable to care for
into her Chinese culture. Her mother her, Meere was also born during China’s
was open for her to further explore her “one-child policy”, where families were
culture, but Meere has recently noted that permitted to have only one child.
it feels like more of an obligation for her
to force a connection with the culture. Growing up with a single parent and
Meere said that even without added expo- fewer relatives, life for Meere would often
sure to the culture, she still maintains her just consist of her and her mother. With
Chinese identity. the undivided attention and love from her
mother, she knows that she has always
“I’m not as connected with my culture,” been her mother’s “person.” The bond be-
Meere said. “My mom would give me a lot tween them has helped Meere understand
of opportunities to try to integrate myself her importance and value. Especially with
in Chinese culture and community, but their relationship, Meere said she finds
I found that I wasn’t all that interested. herself lucky to have been adopted.
I feel like I’ve started to learn that I
don’t need to be into [the] culture to be “[My mom] made me realize how
Chinese.” wanted I was,” Meere said. “There are so
many people that have not been adopted
The day that sophomore Elena Hil- and are still struggling with either a foster
debrand was born, she was put up for care system or not having a family, so it
adoption and directly sent into foster just made me realize how lucky I am.”
care. Hildebrand’s adoptive parents were
legally kept from adopting her until her In the eyes of both Hildebrand and
biological father was found to sign the pa-

8 Feature February 17, 2022

Mortuary sciences peaks student career interest

Isabelle Paley | The Chronicle for college students. Hartmann said they are considered fully trained.
that they were lucky they found
As junior Ava Hartmann someone willing to allow them to Hartmann enjoys learning from
searched for a career, they found take such a position in the funeral
that becoming a mortician was home. Hartmann had previous their job as it teaches them impor-
anything but a dead end. connections to the funeral home
through a local theater group that tant lessons needed not only for
Mortuary science is the study of practiced there and continued to
the deceased, specifically concen- call and email the facility until their future career, but also daily
trating on the burial process. As they were offered a position in
a career, morticians prepare the shadowing the lead mortician. They life.
deceased for their funerals in a said that everyone at the funeral
process called embalming, as well home is very accepting of their “[My job] is just like any other
as coordinating the cremation or career path and ready to help in
burial process. whatever way they can. customer service job, just in a

Junior Ava Hartmann cur- “My [co-workers] honestly find different setting,” Hartmann said.
rently works at Mueller Funeral it amusing, because how many
Home and is hoping to pursue 16-year-olds want to be a morti- “People think you're working with
cian?” Harmann said. “They are all
a career in mortuary sciences very patient with me because they the dead, but you're also work-
after graduation. Though are introducing me to some stuff
sometimes it is a vocation that other people can’t stomach.” ing with the living. It can be hard
people may shy away from,
Hartmann said that they find Hartmann’s job has allowed them because people experience grief
joy in mortuary sciences as it to see new perspectives, not only
combines many of their inter- on death, but on how death should differently… but I just have to be
ests. be talked about. They said they
“I [enjoy] art and science know that “death is still scary,” but extra patient.”
as well as sociology or social that avoiding the subject causes Hartmann has had to learn to
work, but that didn’t fit for “more harm than good.” Hartmann
believes that if death and dying be very aware of the emotions
me,” Hartmann said. “I think are normalized, instead of “keep- of others, as those that they are
that mortuary science com- ing it taboo,” then it won’t be such working with are undergoing
bines all of that, while also a frightening event in one person's devastation. Since experiences
life. in grief often vary from person
helping people.” to person, Hartmann said the
While working at the They said they hope that, as they customers all have different
continue studying mortuary sci- attitudes and behaviors when
funeral home, Hartmann ences, they can bring a more open working on planning funerals.
said they get to drive the and realistic light on the topic of
hearse (the vehicle contain- death, as well as changing societal “I’ve had to deal with some
ing the coffin), help plan funer- views on morticians. pretty angry people,” Hartmann
als, assist in embalming and aid said. “You just have to be extra
in general housekeeping roles. Pursuing higher education as a patient because you do know
Although Hartmann is not allowed mortician can be a difficult en- what they're going through.”
to participate in the embalming deavor, as not many schools offer
process on their own, they said that such programs, so Hartmann said Hartmann does still experi-
they do appreciate being able to they feel that they are lucky to ence sadness from time to time
assist the lead mortician in making live in Ohio, a state with the first when it comes to their job. The
the dead look alive again. mortuary science school in the hardest job they had to com-
“Embalming in itself is an art,” United States. They hope to go to plete was working with a child’s
Hartmann said. “Sometimes you the University of Cincinnati's pre- death, having to assist the
have to do facial reconstruction, mortuary science program, then to mother in planning the funeral
there's makeup involved and you the Cincinnati College of Mortuary while she was in a very raw
have to make sure the dead look Sciences. Future morticians, similar state of grief. Hartmann said
rested and at peace to make ev- to other professions in the medical that it is difficult to maintain a
eryone more comfortable.” field, are required to go through an sense of professionalism while
It is uncommon for teenagers apprenticeship or internship before also being sympathetic.
to receive an internship like Hart-
mann, as they are usually reserved Even during tough situations
such as that, the importance of
the job is what Hartmann said
keeps them so engaged.

“You’re helping people get
through one of the hardest
times in their lives,” Hartmann
said. “They just lost somebody,
and it's your responsibility to
help them through that. You
can’t bring a person back but
you can make the experience of
letting go a lot easier for them.”

Photo by The Chronicle Staff

February 17, 2022 Feature 9

Multiple-named students balance culture, identity

Tanya Keskar | The ChronicleIllustrations by Alisha Verma and NishMason, but after, he found it difficult to pursue Sophomore
these fields due to the amount of reading Anna Matu, whose
Names have many purposes but are often seen as comprehension required to succeed. legal name is “Nkemdilim”, has used both names
a reflection of identity that stays constant throughout Throughout middle and high school, Lee throughout her entire life. Matu’s first name is
a lifetime. Students with two cultures in their lives, said that he found himself enjoying math Nkemdilim but she goes by her middle name, Anna.
however, find themselves balancing life with two more than history classes, as math courses The name Nkemdilim means “mine” and is from the
different names. require less English comprehension to Igbo tribe that Anna’s Nigerian dad is from. Matu said
understand, which has led him to decide to that she sees “Anna” as her nickname for regular use,
Balancing two names stems from many major in Mathematics in college. and “Nkemdilim” as her formal name, but it has always
factors, including the difficulty that comes with a been very normal for her to use both names.
mispronounced name. Junior Julia Li, whose Chinese “I definitely think that my school performance “They both mean the same thing to me,” Matu said.
name is “Yujia”, moved from Beijing when she was four was affected by English,” Lee said. “I’m fine with “From the outside perspective, they are very different,
years old, and prefers to go by “Julia” in a school setting, listening to English and understanding it, but because one is a very typical, American name, and
but goes by “Yujia” at home. speaking English or reading English is a little one is very African, very Nigerian. When you’re a
hard.” kid and you learn to write your name, it’s this big
Li started using an English name at school in second milestone. I remember being able to write both of
grade, a decision that was largely because the name After many misspellings and them and being all proud.”
“Julia” is easier to pronounce by American standards. mispronunciations, Lee felt obligated to go by an The culture in Mason has evolved tremendously
Although Li has been balancing two names for many easier name “Alex”. Lee said that he likes his English over the past few years as the student population has
years now, she said that her two names tend to divide name, but if everyone could pronounce his name become more diverse. Matu said that she appreciates the
her school and home life. diversity of Mason.
correctly, he “Even though there isn’t a huge African-American
“[My] name is kind of like a border would prefer community in Mason, it was nice growing up in a school
between my ethnic and cultural life, and to be where even though it is majority white, there’s a lot of
my life here, at predominantly American, called other cultures, so you never truly feel singled out,” Matu
white schools,” Li said. by said.
Mason’s diverse student population has also led to
Senior Jeongho Lee’s name means his real name because it makes him feel unique. more emphasis on inclusivity and understanding of
to “shine brightly”, and his English name “Jeongho is only for me,” Lee said. “There is different cultures. Li said that continuing to take steps
is “Alex.” Lee moved from South Korea to Mason no other Jeongho in this school. The name towards creating an inclusive culture is crucial.
when he was in seventh grade, and experienced name separates me from others because it’s unique “It’s hard because we’re not exposed to everything and
pronunciation problems, cultural differences and a to me.” everyone, so there are going to be stereotypes. I think
language barrier. In South Korea, Lee studied English at This difference in names also creates it’s good that people are working towards [an inclusive
a basic level, as a second language, but was not fluent, what can feel like a difference in world], and I think if we continue to work towards it,
and he faced difficulties speaking and understanding identity. Lee said that most people that’s all I can ask for.”
English in Mason. in his school life refer to him by
“Alex”, while people in his home
Lee has also faced difficulties learning within a life refer to him as Jeongho,
predominantly English school. He said that he enjoyed creating a divide with a tangible
learning social studies and history attachment to a name.
prior to moving to “I think I’m crazier when I’m
Jeongho, showing who I actually
ka Mishra am,” Lee said. “Compared to when I’m

at school using Alex, I’m quieter.”

10 Feature February 17, 2022

Student-run TechOlympics offers IT education though competition

Evelina Gaivoronskaia | The Chronicle 24-hour event where students can compete,
individually or in teams, for prizes by solv-
Made by students and for students, the ing different digital problems with code.

TechOlympics leadership team has created Last year, the TechOlympics consisted of
a month full of different sessions conducted
an accessible event to engage with their over the video calling platform Zoom. Due
to that arrangement, the leadership team
peers in the field of Information Technol- found themselves under copious stress,
planning the event on top of keeping up
ogy (IT). with their academic and social lives. Ravela
said his daily routine for that month was
TechOlympics is the current largest “getting home from school, doing a little bit
of homework, and then getting right onto
student-run tech conference in the nation, Zoom calls.” He felt this was “very hectic,”
not only for the leadership council, but also
inviting tech executives from across the for the students involved. The team hopes
that scheduling all sessions and competi-
United States to host classes and challenges tions over two weekends will alleviate the
hectic feeling of the prior year.
in a variety of areas, such as programming,
Another responsibility of planning the
networking, and design. event for the team was finding the venue
where it would happen. For 2022, TechOlym-
The entire event is organized by high pics will have to occur in an online space
due to COVID-19 restrictions. This change
school students, with a large sector from prior years caused Ravela and his
team to have to make a quick adjustment to
of the TechOlympics student lead- er- this change of plans.

ship team consisting of Mason High School “I feel that making [TechOlympics] free
was a great decision,” Ravela said. “Now that
(MHS) students. Senior Suhaas Ravela, we have made it free, a lot more students
will be able to attend.”
the Chief Operating Officer (COO), is in
Even without the changes, Ravela said
charge of overseeing the team that keeps in the event presents a plethora of stressors to Photo by Evelina Gaivoronskaia
the student leadership team. Senior Suhaas Ravela leads the planning meeting for the upcoming TechOlympics
contact with the speakers and schedules the and Hackathon.
“I’ve had to dedicate a lot of time to
events. He attended the TechOlympics his [planning] both in school and out of school,”
Ravela said. “I need to keep in constant con-
freshman year and realized that he “loved tact with a lot of companies, making sure
that they are happy, so we get sponsors for
what the TechOlympics had to offer, and the next few years. It is a really big respon- Ravela said he feels that the amount of Shah said keeps the leadership team ac-
sibility, which is fun, but a lot of work.” effort he has had to put into the project is countable and on-task.
[he] really wanted to get involved.” worth it because the TechOlympics features
Though the extra effort is required, 35 different companies that offer intern- “We have to keep our spending down to
Many of the students on the leadership ships to the participants. The event allows the cent because [they] work with a non-
students to get an internship where they profit, so there cannot be anything wrong,”
team have participated in TechOlympics can apply their IT skills. Shah said.

themselves so they can draw from their With 38 different break-out sessions, keep- As former participants of the TechOlym-
ing track of materials and general finances pics, Ravela and Shah both understand
experiences as participants to improve what is important to the student leadership team. how important the opportunities this event
Senior Sahil Shah is the Chief Financial Of- provides are for their peers’ future. Ravel
the event offers. ficer (CFO). He is in charge of the financial said that meeting IT executives from well-
branch of the leadership team, which runs known companies, such as Microsoft, Ama-
“We want it to be done by students for the budget of the program. One of the main zon, and NASA, allows students to envision
sponsors of the event is INTERalliance of their future in IT and follow their passions.
students,” Ravela said. “Students know more Greater Cincinnati, a non-profit organiza-
tion. They work closely with the student “I like seeing students that are my age
about what type of sessions students want to finance team in handling the costs of the meeting IT executives,” Ravela said. “I
speakers and workshop materials, which just like seeing their faces when they get
see. So we come up with ideas for the events to speak with the people that they might
become.”
and then we utilize our network to get the

speakers.”

Unlike previous years, the event will

be spanning over two February weekends,

February 19 through 20 and 25 through 27.

The TechOlympics will be conducted on

the first weekend, while the second week-

end will be dedicated to the Hackathon, a

February 17, 2022 11

12 Feat

coding for a

Video game development combin

Game design by Luke Trenaman Aditya Thiyag | The Chronicle With his initial games serving as his workload. During this pur
prototypes, Trenaman said that he used Trenaman met Senior Eric Zh
While most teenagers opt to spend his knowledge and love for playing ing the 2019 Hackathon wher
their afternoons playing video games, video games to code future games. By developed a game together.
others have stayed up to design games combining his knowledge with the
of their own. feedback he received from his friends, Zhang said that as a result
Trenaman was able to rectify mistakes tinuing to collaborate with Tr
A majority of popular video games made in his debut title, Snake Maze, since then, his game-making
are “AAA” games, which are any which he said was largely considered evolved drastically to be mor
games released by game developing to be “unforgiving” and “lengthy.”. neous.
companies with a larger budget. Since Trenaman said that he then sought to
most people do not have access to such make his games contain a “gradual “Each project is very differe
a budget, smaller-scale developers, difficulty curve” to increase the profes- my [game making] process is
high schoolers included, traditionally sional quality of his games, taking tured.” Zhang said, “It [involv
develop and publish independent titles, inspiration from his favorite games. trial and error. If I build som
traditionally referred to as “indie” like it, I’m going to build [mo
games. “After the feedback that I received and just see what happens. An
on Snake Maze, I tried to decrease the trying new things until it cra
Senior Luke Trenaman has been overall length of my games.” Tre- burns.”
coding indie games for eight years. He naman said, “I modeled that based on
said that his coding exploits started as a game called Cuphead, which [gives As someone seeking to mak
a result of his older siblings and that you] checkpoints and it tells you how design his future career, Zhan
they introduced him to a basic coding far along you got. So in [my] new that his biggest worry with hi
software known as “Scratch”. Trenaman game[s], I made a progress bar to moti- mental development style wa
also said that the communal nature of vate people to keep playing.” would quickly exhaust all pos
the platform is what kept him engaged game ideas. To combat this ra
with game development to this day. Trenaman said that he quickly growing fear, Zhang said that
learned what an arduous task coding to his favorite video games on
“On Scratch, you could look at the games individually was. Even for indie market and attempted to noti
games other people had made and the games, he found that collaboration patterns between them that m
code for that,” Trenaman said. “It was was a vital part of the game-making unique and innovative and in
cool because I could share the games process. Trenaman sought designated rated those aspects into his br
I made with people on the website and individuals, seniors Jessica Li and ing process. He said that he e
they gave me feedback on them. So Meriele Green, to help manage the art discovered that a lot of the ga
I had fun using it in third or fourth direction, “website architecture”, and ing released were “essentially
grade, even though my games were other aspects of his games to reduce core game” but felt different
really bad.” “simple” twist.

Luke Trenaman, senior Game design by Eric Zhang

“Making games teaches you
how and where you need

to put things on a screen to
make it intuitive.”

ture 13

a passion

nes creativity with technology

rsuit, “For example, Super Mario Odyssey trying to complete an Honors diploma, Game design by Luke Trenaman
hang dur- took Mario and made it open-world like and since he thought the original Eric Zhang, senior
re the pair The Legend of Zelda, but it was really website did not contain much “style”,
good.” Zhang said, “The tiniest spin can his development process was heavily
of con- turn anything from a straight copy of influenced by the visual flair he picked
renaman an original idea to something that can up through coding games and websites
process be vastly different and interesting.” while continuing to make it usable.
re sponta-
Unlike Zhang, Trenaman said that he “Making games teaches you how
ent, but is reluctant to make video game design and where you need to put things on a
s less struc- into a full-time career. He said that screen to make it intuitive.” Trenaman
ves] a lot of the competitive nature of the gaming said. “With web design, it’s the same
mething and industry does not mesh well with his thing. You have to create an interface
ore of] it approach to game development, but he where the information is easy to find
nd I [keep] still plans to keep pursuing it. and it’s easy to use. But I still wanted it
ashes and to have my programming style.”
“For someone who can get burnt out
ke game while making games, [coding] them The skills learned from the game
ng said serves as a good hobby.” Trenaman development process were not strictly
is experi- said. “It took me two years to make tied to those coding. Zhang said there
as that he Snake Maze [because] I’d frequently are numerous facets of developing
ssible take a three-month break where I did a game and not all of them revolve
apidly not code at all. So I don’t feel like I around computer science. He also said
t he took could commit consistently to working that with the rapidly growing state of
n the on making games because gaming the game industry there is no short-
ice key companies tend to overwork you.” age of job opportunities available for
made them individuals looking to apply their skill
ncorpo- Despite not wanting to professionally sets in a real-world context.
rainstorm- develop games, Trenaman said that
eventually game design still led to new and excit- “If you want a good game, you need
ames be- ing opportunities. He used the exten- people to write dialogue, to compose
y the same sive coding and design knowledge he soundtracks, to draw characters, and
due to one accumulated through game design to more,” Zhang said. “ There are so many
design a new student activities website available opportunities across a wide
for Mason High School (MHS). spectrum of talents and even if you
don’t know how to code, there’s still a
Trenaman said that he stumbled place for you in game design.”
upon the opportunity in the process of

“Each project is different. My
[game making] process is less
structured. It [involves] a lot

of trial and error.”

Game design by Luke Trenaman

Illustration by Nishka Mishra

14 Entertainment February 17, 2022

Senior Jack Morgan Bradyn Johnson | The Chronicle
was working on his
quad strength by do- Head varsity girls track coach Tony Affatato is
ing standing terminal currently reading Coach to Coach: An Empow-
ering Story About How to Be a Great Leader
knee extensions. by Martin Rooney. The book displays a young
coach named Brian Knight who was at a
crossroads in his career. He then encounters
a retired coach that teaches him how to
navigate the pitfalls and successes of coach-
ing through many stories and parables to
help guide Knight back on track. Affatato
enjoys the short stories that are told, he
recommends this book to all coaches. Af-
fatato gives Coach to Coach a 5/5 stars.

Evelina Gaivoronskaia | The Chronicle

Just like many of their peers, freshman
Yolanda Han finds their inspiration through on-
line spaces like Tiktok and Pinterest. Her outfit
combines the different aesthetics that have
been trending in an elegant blend. The mostly
neutral colors of the outfit resemble the ‘light
academia’ aesthetic. The white button up and
beige jeans direct the feel of the outfit into light
academia while creating a solid base. The black
tank top and lace-up corset belt sway the outfit
towards a more edgy style. Edgy styles like goth,
e-girl, and alternative have been trending in
internet spaces throughout the years, shifting
in popularity and presentation. Topping off the
outfit are red butterfly clips, used by aesthetics
like Y2K and soft girl. They not only add a pop
of color but also match perfectly with Han’s red
peekaboo hair style. Despite the variety of aes-
thetics present in their outfit, Han finds a way
to effortlessly combine them so that they com-
plete each other to create a beautiful outfit.

Whiskey Sour by Kane Brown P power by Gunna Die For You by The Weeknd Rare by Selena Gomez
PARADISE TO ME by Niko Moon Cigarettes by Juice WRLD Treasure by Cody Johnson Ms. Jackson by OutKast
Sand In My Boots by Morgan Wal- ‘87 Stingray by Tory Lanez I Believed It by Dvsn and Ty Dolla $ign
Work Out by J. Cole
len

February 17, 2022 Entertainment 15

ARTIST by Aditya Thiyag Years after drill rap’s original conception in Chicago
SPOTLIGHT courtesy of Chief Keef, the rap subgenre has found
new life in the UK courtesy of rappers like 22 year old
Adolescence Rise Above Hate Unknown T. His breakthrough hit, “Homerton B” was
(2021) (2020) the first drill song from the UK to be certified silver by
the British Phonographic Industry, and found its way on
unknown t multiple publications’ end of year song lists. Boasting a
speedy flow and a knack for storytelling, T has defend-
ed the gritty reality of the drill lifestyle against criticism
in and out of his songs. Most recently, his rapping ex-
ploits have attracted the attention of R&B singer Jorja
Smith as well as electronic artist FKA Twigs, leading to
a collaboration between the trio on Twigs’ latest album
CAPRISONGS. With two mixtapes out and the drill
sound growing exponentially in popularity, Unknown T
has provided a voice for those unable to speak and his
reach seems to only be increasing as time goes on.

Movies, more than any breakneck speed of the second film’s favor. Its intermittency brings shoddily constructed caricatures MOVIE REVIEW
the sound design to the forefront, of characters, but they can’t save KIMI
other form of entertainment, have half, Soderbergh keeps the film highlighting every camera move the poor writing in the story DIRECTOR: Steven Sonderbergh

always been an escape from real- engaging with extended long

ity, and in our current pandemic takes, dynamic sound design, and and action on screen, but its department. With an ending that

world, that has especially become extreme close-ups. The film then jazzy presence is a much-needed is rushed at best, the visual flair 3.5/5

the case for millions worldwide. moves into a high-stakes thriller reprieve from the tense moments and Kravitz’s Angela Childs are the

However, Stephen Soderbergh’s when Childs discovers that a KIMI that characterize the film. beating heart and soul of this film, Review by Aditya Thiyag
Directed, edited, and cinema- and it is impossible to understate
latest film, KIMI, excels due to it system, similar to an Amazon Al-

taking place during the CO- exa, may have recorded a murder tographed all by Soderbergh how much this story would falter

VID-19 pandemic, with a premise that higher-ups at corporate are himself, the only integral aspect of without these aspects.

centered around an ever-growing trying to mask. KIMI that isn’t entirely in his hands Diegetically lit, framed to per-

fear of digital surveillance in the The visuals and the singular is the writing - which explains fection, but with a straightforward

modern age. focus on Childs are what primarily the dissonance between the narrative that feels rather flavorless

KIMI follows Angela Childs, set KIMI apart from other thrillers refreshingly original direction and at times, KIMI is a thrill ride from a

an agoraphobic tech employee - rather than spending time on camera moves and the relatively visionary director whose knack for

whose anxiety has prevented her needless exposition about the paint-by-numbers paranoid thriller eye-catching visuals gives him a

from leaving the house even in intricacies of the KIMI system or plot. Outside of the initial delve unique voice in a landscape where

a post-lockdown world. Played elaborate plot reveals and twists, into Childs’psyche, every other such voices are often overshad-

earnestly by Zoë Kravitz, Childs’ the film prioritizes Childs and her character in the film is surface-level owed by studio interference. Albeit

detachment from those around crumbling life in the pandemic, at best, with nothing more than a few hiccups in the character writ-

her is the primary focus of the film’s allowing viewers to connect with. a name or character quirk to hold ing department, the film is still

first third; while this did initially feel The soundtrack’s subtlety is an ad- onto. The supporting cast all try an entertaining watch all the way

slow-paced in comparison to the ditional element that works in the their best to breathe life into their through.

ALBUM REVIEW Eddie Vedder’s Earthling is opening song set the tone for wound, making for a definite Songs like “The Haves” and
a return to form after 2011’s a lively album, building up a high point of the album. “Rose of Jericho” don’t stir any
3/5 quaint Ukulele Songs, as his momentum that is maintained deeper emotion, while “Try”
signature howling baritone from beginning to end. The punk-oriented and sticks out like a sore thumb at
Review by Alisha Verma and pulsating guitar the world unapologetically angry “Good best with its odd mix of classic,
has come to know and love As for the album’s strengths, and Bad” is another standout. Ramones-Esque punk and
from his days as the frontman “Brother the Cloud” is the The eerie chords of its opening the squall of Stevie Wonder’s
of the legendary grunge band album’s undeniable highlight. are cut by its grimy riff and harmonica. Nothing about the
Pearl Jam are front and center. Catchy, yet heartbreaking, it the frantic drums, all perfectly album is overtly bad, but it fails
His first solo album in 11 years, harkens back to two major loss- paired with Vedder’s crazed to amaze or surprise – the type
Earthling is energetic and am- es Vedder faced several years vocals. of album you listen to once and
bitious, boasting cameos from ago, the death of his stepbroth- promptly forget.
music legends Stevie Wonder, er, and the suicide of his close Earthling’s main drawback is
Elton John and Ringo Starr. friend and Soundgarden front- how the songs blend together Earthling will surely appeal
man Chris Cornell. Whether or as you listen, stifling the impact to fans of Vedder’s earlier work
The album’s opener, “Invin- not “Brother the Cloud” is about of Vedder’s strong lyricism. De- in Pearl Jam with its straightfor-
cible”, begins with the hum of a those losses is unknown, with spite all of the legendary cam- ward rock and punk-influenced
synth creating an otherworldly Vedder wanting to leave the eos and Vedder’s captivating songs, but outside of previous
atmosphere soon met by the meaning up to interpretation. songwriting, the album seldom fans, new listeners will struggle
strum of an acoustic guitar and Even without any definitive link has anything awe-inspiring in to find anything deep or pro-
Vedder’s powerful voice, unmis- to Vedder’s losses, the raw rage its almost 48-minute runtime, found to carry with them after
takably his. This high-spirited and grief are worn like an open despite the vivid songwriting listening.
and Vedder’s strong voice.

Page Design by Della Johnson

16 February 17, 2022

All-American
Kyla Oldacre

Photo by Lily Haller
Kyla Oldacre shows off her court vision against the Colerain Cardinals. Oldacre will play in the McDonald’s All American Game on March 29 in Chicago.

Kyla Oldacre becomes third Comet selected for McDonald’s All American Game

Ava Yungbluth | The Chronicle game. the top post player in her recruiting mates be the best players they can be,
Mason varsity girls’ basketball coach, class. just as they have done for her.
The honors continue to roll in for
Mason basketball star Kyla Oldacre. Rob Matula, is grateful to have seen Oldacre is planning to use the “You always want what’s best for the
The latest accolade is impressive as Oldare transform from “being a raw McDonald’s All American game as a team and not just for yourself,” Oldacre
the University of Miami commit was post player’’ when she first arrived at chance to get more eyes on her play. said. “Just make everybody be better
among 24 players nationwide named to Mason to developing a balanced skillset. She hopes to not only one day become than what they are and just want what’s
play in the McDonald’s All American Matula said some of the things that he the first Mason Comet to play in the best for the team and accomplish our
game. admires about Oldacre’s game and help WNBA, but aspires to be a high draft main goal.”
make her one of the top 24 players in pick, and expects to get on fans’ and
The McDonald’s All American game the nation are her basketball IQ and professional scouts’ radar with a big Like Muñoz and Puisis, Oldacre wants
is a place where many future NBA the way she can excel anywhere on the game. to leave behind a lasting impact on
and WNBA players first played in the court. Mason girls’ basketball. She would like
national spotlight. The game will take “[Being an All-American] became a to show that there are always things
place at DePaul University’s Wintrust “I think that’s what makes her goal in my life when I started taking that one can do to achieve great things
Arena in Chicago on March 29. Olda- special,” Matula said. “I don’t think basketball seriously around sophomore in spite of adversity. Oldacre is a high
cre is the third Mason Comet to earn she’s just one dimensional, she’s a well year,” Oldacre said. “I wanted to make a achiever, but she also hopes to inspire
McDonald’s All American honors, She rounded basketball player [that has statement.” her younger teammates and future
joins Michelle Muñoz-Trenz and Sam- many abilities].” Comets to know that they all have the
mie Puisis on this illustrious list. At the All-American game, Oldacre potential inside them to also reach their
Oldacre is not a stranger to playing will be one of three Cincinnati players fullest potential.
In order to be an All American player on the national circuit, as she competed along with Winton Woods’ Chance Gray
like Oldacre, a player cannot be one at the 2021 Nike Girls EYBL National and Mount Notre Dame’s KK Bransford. “[I want to] leave the same legacy [as
dimensional. It takes hours of com- Tournament over the summer where Muñoz-Trenz and Puisis] and also pass it
mitment and dedication to the sport in she led the 17U division in points, Oldacre credits her teammates and down to my other teammates,” Oldacre
order to master different areas of the rebounds, and blocks per game. There, coaches as key pieces in her develop- said. “I want to show them they can be
the four-star recruit asserted herself as ment as a basketball player. Oldacre so much more.”
said that she strives to help her team-

February 17, 2022 Sports 17

CHRONICLE SPORTS SUPERHEROES

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Andrew Little Savannah Libby

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Sean Speidel

Illustration by Alisha Verma and Allison Droege. Page design by Abby Waechter. Divy Bose

Chronicle sports STAFF RECOGNIZES THE HEROIC EFFORT OF SOME OF MASON’S MARVELOUS ATHLETES

18 Sports February 17, 2022

Instagram account takes Mason rec basketball by storm

Divy Bose | The Chronicle Photo by @officialmccrecleague said. “Teams want to be highlighted and
Mason Rec Basketball Instagram account posts updates and game pictures. shown attention as much as possible to
An anonymous Instagram account show off and earn that level of respect.”
has taken Mason recreational basketball more competitive atmosphere than pre- “It’s really about playing for your own
by storm, and transformed it from a The individual team accounts have
casual Sunday activity to a microcosm vious years due to the account’s mystery bragging rights,” Adleta said. “Bragging generated a mixture of both an enthusi-
of professional sports leagues. astic and cutthroat attitude. More than
and publicity. to your friends who are your opponents prior years, teams and now fans are
For years the Mason community cen- trying to treat the league more signifi-
ter has hosted a recreational basketball “The anonymous account has made at times that you beat them playing a cantly to balance out recreational bas-
league for students of all ages, but an ketball’s inherit goofiness. Shaikh said
anonymous social media account has almost every team go crazy,” Suraapane- sport you love is the best part.” said she has noticed that the publishing
led to a spike in popularity with its of game results has caused teams to
upper high school division consisting ni said. “The account consists of interest Being able to take the heat after a loss take wins and losses seriously,
mostly of 11th and 12th graders. In the
past, teams have utilized creative names eaters who know exactly what they are is also something that each team has “If your team ends up winning, you
and custom jerseys to add to the fun of just end up winning for yourselves,”
the league, but this year each team has doing.” to deal with. . With each weekly recap Shaikh said. “But if you do lose it ends
its own Instagram account along with up being publicized all over the account
the anonymous league wide media ac- With the increase of media produc- or new power rankings, players debate and that is where the backlash starts to
count, officialmccrecleague. make an appearance.”
tion and posts from the account, players over the performances of the week and
The account describes itself as “the of- Winning the game is a reward, even if
ficial media for Mason Rec Basketball.” are starting to amp up their game as where their team should be ranked. there is no real trophy at the end. Adleta
It was first created to upload post game said that he appreciates how the account
photos and give the teams a forum to opposed to messing around or playing Surrapaneni said that a loss can stir up has embraced the casual spirit of the
engage before and after games, but league by personalizing the games and
now it has turned into a much bigger purely for amusement. The perfor- “smack talk” on social media and has treating the players like they are NBA
platform with over 300 followers. superstars.
mance of each league determines what added intensity to rivalries.
The account releases weekly power “It’s all about pride,” Adleta said.
rankings, game predictions, and even power ranking they will receive, which “The comment section just adds fuel “Going up to my friends in the hall and
has started releasing virtual trading getting to joke around with them or
cards with player ratings akin to the makes each team even more competi- to the fire ,”Surrapaneni said. “There getting to repost my game card on my
popular basketball video game NBA2k. Instagram story with me on it is such a
Senior Laila Shaikh creates content for tive. In addition to its game previews, will be at least sixty comments just ar- good feeling.”
the account as a correspondent for the
account. Shaikh’s role is to conduct pre results, and power rankings, the account guing who is better and who falls short.” With the new all star team on the
and post game interviews as the official come up, the anonymous account has
account’s reporter, interviewing the top has started putting out weekly recaps As the rankings continue to change taken it upon themselves to let their
players in each game to post along with followers decide who gets placed on
final scores. Shaikh said she does this to that include awards like most valu- weekly from one loss of a matchup, the team. Whoever has the most votes,
have a good time with her friends who gets put on a “super” team together and
have teams, and it gives her a chance to able player, most improved player, and each league remains cautious of their are placed according to their position
inflate the competitive atmosphere of in basketball. Players who receive fifty
the league. defensive player of the week. own performance. Three teams have votes are automatically a guarantee on
the team, as there are two teams that go
“I make sure to talk with the account Junior Zack Adleta, a member of made it to the top of the power rankings against each other to compete for the
before releasing any ranking, logo, or final trophy.
interview because of how serious some the Sea Men who as of February 12 are thus far and each has found a target on
teams take each game,” Shaikh said. Last season, the league had to be
“But at least on my end, what I produce ranked fourth in the power rankings, its back because of it . Shaikh said that scaled back due to the COVID-19 pan-
is all for fun and I make sure that each demic, and many games were canceled
interview will make viewers laugh.” was named the league’s MVP of week the fight for this spot ensues as each due to cases. Shaikh cited losing much
of their junior season as key motivation
As efforts from the account continue 4 when he scored 22 points. Adelta said game determines each ranking. for current seniors to leave a legacy on
to put more emphasis on the entertain- Mason recreational basketball, and have
ment aspect, leagues are focusing on that the account has motivated him and “People are on their toes this year be- as much fun as possible their last year
fighting for stardom. Senior Mahith of high school. Shaikh said the players
Surrapaneni, a member of the Southside his teammates as well as brought them cause if you reach the number one spot, wanted to create lasting new traditions
Elite team who as of February 12 is 3rd like the social media accounts, and give
in the power rankings with a 7-1 record, closer with their friends on rival teams. you want to secure that spot,” Shaikh the league spectacle before they gradu-
is one of the league’s top scoring guards. ate.
He was given a 94 overall diamond
player card and averaged 13 points and “Every team this year just wanted to
had four assists per game. Surrapaneni go out and have a blast,” Shaikh said. “I
said that the league now has a much think this year the account also played
a huge factor into the seniors wanting
to be competitive, but also make it their
own production.”

February 17, 2022 Sports 19

Coaches adjust instructional approach when guiding female athletes

Bradyn Johnson | The Chronicle learning.

No two athletes are the same, and “There’s a difference in how you
it is a common misnomer to coach
both genders that way. motivate any individual to learn

Versatile coaches have the ability that technique,” Newland said.
to transition their coaching styles
to accommodate all genders of “Everyone is different.”
athletes. They can spot differences
in anatomy as well as mental ap- Girls Cross Country coach Chip
proaches and apply adequate coach-
ing techniques. Dobson was previously also the

The noticeable contrast has head boys track and field coach,
altered the way that coaches have
coached because they see the differ- said that throughout his years as a
ences in how each gender plays and
how they react to coaching. There coach, he has seen a clear-cut dif-
can also be differences in how both
boys and girls respond to criticism, ference between the ways boys and
how they handle their environ-
ments when competing and their girls are motivated.
reactions to motivation and stern
coaching. “Having coached both, I found

Girls Basketball coach Bill that I think girls are a little easier
Newland took note of differences
between the athletes when he to motivate,” Dobson said. ”They
transitioned from coaching men’s
collegiate basketball to women’s seem more focused and driven.”
collegiate basketball at Wilmington
College, and then again to girls’ Regardless of gender, each ath-
high school basketball. Newland
said that the more physical nature lete is unique in how they generate
of mens’ games typically leads to a
faster pace of play in comparison to motivation. Some find it within
the pace of both girls’ high school
and womens’ college games. themselves, and others need a

“If we were to line the girls and coach to drive it out of them. Dob-
boys team up to have a foot race,
the boys would probably win,” son said that he has noticed situa-
Newland said. “Therefore the game
itself is played a little bit faster.” tions where boys have been more

Although a faster pace plays a difficult to coach because of their
large part in the differentiation
between boys and girls basketball, headstrong qualities that may de-
athleticism is not the only aspect
that determines the contrast. New- ter them from being coachable. Photo by Abby Waechter
land believes that motivation also “I think it can be challenging
challenges the flexibility of a abil- Bill Newland (center) coaches and makes adjustments for the girls varsity
with boys because sometimes basketball team during a time out.
ity to mold themselves into their
there’s different compliance is- boys Wrestling coach Nicholas ankles, shin splints and tears, Dob-
role, and said that motivation has sues,” Dobson said. “Sometimes Maffey said that girls are more son said that he has to shift how
boys can be more stubborn.” guidable when being coached, hard he pushes his athletes in any
no gender in sports, and it comes
Egos tend to play a larger role resulting in an exciting wrestling given season.
down to an individual’s reaction to
amongst male athletes which can environment. “With girls you have to be a little

tilt a coach’s style, further foster- “The girls are more coachable,” more careful with some injuries

ing a competitive environment that Maffey said. “I found that girls tend that can pop up that aren’t as preva-

the boys tend to create whereas the to listen more, there is no ego, and lent as boys,” Dobson said.

girls demonstrate a less demand- they are excited to be coached.” No matter what sport is being

ing behavior. Dobson said that boys Because the girls wrestling team played or what gender the athlete

become eager to succeed when com- is a relatively new program to is, the game will always be played

peting, which, in turn, can motivate Mason, Maffey said that he has differently, it just depends on how

them to become the best athletes begun his own transition of coach- the coaches adapt to coaching con-

they can be. ing by altering the training setting trasting genders. Maffey said that

“I think with boys, sometimes in order to fit the needs of all of his he wants to show not only boys but

they latch on to wanting to be athletes. girls what hard work and dedication

dominant or crush their opponents,” “Now we are inviting ladies into is through influencing and coach-

Dobson said. the room, it has to be a different ing them in a positive way.

Aspects that further divide ath- training environment,” Maffey said. “I want to give those same experi-

letes is the coachability of a player Another aspect of coaching that ences to the young ladies so that

and how willingly they are to take a coach pays attention to is injury they can carry them beyond the

their coaches advice in order to prevention. Because females are classroom and beyond the wrestling

make themselves better. Girls and more prone to injuries like sprained mat and into their lives.”

20 Opinion February 17, 2022

OUR PA G E S ,

The Chronicle asked the To APUSH or Drew Hoffmaster, I deserve to Andrew Levin,
students of Mason High senior
School to send in their col- not to APUSH sophomore learn my history
umns, their opinions, about
anything that they wanted. When it was time to pick my sophomore classes, I am gay, and I would like to learn my history.
The ask for these editorial I followed in the steps of many of my fellow fresh- In 1924, the Society for Human Rights, the first gay
pieces was broadcasted to men and chose to take AP United States History, group in the United States, formed (and was quickly
the entire school, giving notoriously known as APUSH. Like many, I felt the shut down). In 1962, lllinois became the first state to
every possible student a academic pressure to take the toughest version of a remove sodomy from its criminal code. In 1963, the first
chance at having their voice class possible. Now as a sophomore who has experi- US protest for gay rights took place in New York City. In
heard. And those students enced half of APUSH, I feel that I can voraciously 1969, the Stonewall riots, led by trans women of color,
delivered. The featured col- give my opinion regarding this class that basically took place, and the first pride parade occurred one year
umns were selected by the consumes your life for a school year. later.
editing staff of The Chroni- In 1973, the second edition of the Diagnostic and Sta-
cle and edited for grammar I would describe this course as the good, the bad tistical Manual of Mental Disorders declassified homo-
and space. As a newspaper and the “Oh my gosh, why did I take this class?!” So, sexuality as a mental illness. In 1974, Kathy Kozachenko
at a school with over three I guess I’ll start with the worst. This class can be a became the first openly gay person elected to poltical
thousand students, it is only very grueling, time-consuming monster. If you’re office in the United States. In 1982, AIDS was discovered,
proportionally accurate to lucky, you can find yourself with about two hours and, throughout the decade, advocacy organizations
give a few more students of homework a night, usually preparing for chapter popped up to protest the government’s inaction on the
a chance to offer their quizzes. After an “OK” quiz grade, the missed mate- epidemic. Throughout the 1990s, major LGBTQ+ mile-
thoughts up for publication. rial will be re-explained in a simpler way, which is stones were achieved in pop culture, notably when Ellen
sometimes frustrating. As a bonus, you’ll constantly Degeneres came out as a lesbian in 1997 and her show
Columns selected and find yourself over-stressing for the unit tests that became the first with an openly gay lead character.
edited by editors Shravani mimic the infernal final exam. In 2004, the year I was born, over three million Ohio
Page, Della Johnson and voters passed the Ohio Definition of Marriage Amend-
Abby Waechter. Let’s talk about the benefits that I and others have ment to the Ohio Constitution. The amendment says
gained from this class. Depending on the teacher, “Only a union between one man and one woman may
and if you’re a history nerd (like me), you will find be a marriage valid in or recognized by this state and its
yourself almost always excited for class and capti- political subdivisions.” Even though it is unenforceable,
vated by every lecture. This class also allows you to it is still on the books today. In 2014, ten years after I
unlock the supernatural ability to whip out random was born, Obergefell v. Hodges made same-sex mar-
American history facts, an ability that will, for sure, riage legal in all 50 states.
impress your friends. Furthermore, APUSH teaches That’s a lot of history. But if all I had to go on was
you how to study at a college level, making you a my Mason education, I would only know about the
homework guru. APUSH also provides its students very last one, Obergefell v. Hodges. This is the history
a strange sense of community. Honestly, I have no of this country, just as much as women’s suffrage, the
clue why this happens, but my fellow classmates Civil Rights Movement and the Cold War. This is a his-
claim it’s because we all understand what we’re go- tory that we deserve to learn in school. It’s time for the
ing through. school board and administration to implement a truly
inclusive curriculum; to teach future queer students
In the end, APUSH has been an enthralling, tough who walk through the halls of Mason City Schools their
experience. I would only recommend the class if history; to allow them to feel seen, to feel accepted, to
you’re someone who is passionate about history. feel like they are part of a community.
Don’t just take this class to fancy up your college This is a history that we have a right to learn, and it’s
resume, as it might not be worth it. about time it’s taught.

February 17, 2022 Opinion 21

YOUR VOICES

Don’t assume Rowan Ulsh, You can't force Joseph Winkler, Let us into Abby Samol,
sophomore
things about me junior Comet Culture freshman games for free

It’s horrible, being told not only what you’re Comet culture lessons are an ineffective use of The memories you make in high school are sup-
meant to be, but what you’re meant to feel. We’re students' time. I, as a student, really appreciate posed to be priceless.
all aware that’s awful, and we’ve all tried to be that the Mason School system is trying to build
someone we’re not. I’m going to assume the per- a strong culture and am not against them trying Going to sporting events is an expected pleasure
son reading this is not a jerk planning on forcing to do so, but it’s obvious that it’s flawed, and it’s for high school students, but when a single ticket
others to fake their own personality and emotions, time we quit going over the same lessons over costs nearly as much as an hour of labor, it's not
and if I’m correct, they (you) might want to be and over again. Before I begin, I would like to worth it.
aware of amatonormativity. be clear that I’m not claiming to be a perfect
student, nor am I using this article as a means to Over the last few years student attendance at home
I know, it’s a big word. But who doesn’t want to criticize other people. games has decreased drastically. Being the biggest
feel smart by throwing it into random conversa- public high school in the state of Ohio, that’s a disap-
tions? So maybe stick around for the rest of this First off, comet culture lessons are cringe- pointing fact. As the largest high school in Ohio, this
incredibly short column. worthy. Multiple times a year we are forced to comes with a standard to uphold. Being one of the
watch the same videos (with a few minor adjust- first to make this move could set an upward trend.
Amatonormativity is the assumption that one ments) and discuss the same topics. I don’t know This change being that all Mason High School stu-
central, exclusive, romantic relationship is neces- about anyone else, but when someone tells me dents get into athletic events for free.
sary for all people to live a happy life. That one the same thing over and over again, it gets very
relationship should be strived for, and valued bothersome. For instance, the term E+R=O has The home court advantage is something that every
above all others. This may be news to you, but been said so many times, it’s at the point where team tries to use to their advantage but does no good
that’s both a ridiculous and harmful concept. Sure, it feels like someone is poking me in the hips when our stands are empty. An easy way to bring
lots of -maybe even most- people want that central with a stick. Reason number two, nobody seems back the filled stands and the home court advantage
romantic relationship. And there’s no problem to care. If someone were to just look around the is through free admission for all students at the high
with that. What hurts is assuming that everyone room while one of these “lessons” was taking school, but instead the athletic department relies on
does, that it’s a requirement of being human. place, they would quickly draw the conclusion the profit of student entry.
Asexuality and aromanticism exist: people with a that about 90-100% of people in the room were
lack of sexual or romantic attraction. To be clear, on their phones. Not only do students not seem This needs to change. Attendance builds the “Com-
it is a spectrum (graysexual, demiromantic, etc.) to not care, but topics reviewed in culture lessons et Culture” that the district prides itself upon, and it’s
with a ton of separate identities within it. The quickly seem to find themselves being used as a time to act. It’s time for free admission, it’s time to
point is, not only does not everyone want a roman- snarky joke. Lastly, it’s ineffective. If you were to fill the stands, it’s time to build a culture that sides
tic, sexual relationship with someone of a differ- read what's written or observe the “artwork” on on the behalf of their athletes. If this is implemented
ent sex, but not everyone wants that relationship the bathroom stalls, it would make you ques- in our district, the attendance at all sports games
at all. They just don’t feel that kind of attraction tion whether you're living in Mason or Compton. would increase. We understand that the athletic
(romantic and sexual attraction are different, but There are many other examples of the lessons department relies on the revenue made from ticket
that’s for another time). being ignored. sales, however, the profit isn’t to their benefit when
the bleachers are empty. As a community we can find
This doesn’t mean people who don’t feel roman- Trying to force a culture is like trying to force a different way to provide for the department so we
tic or sexual attraction (aromantic asexual people) a relationship, it usually fails. Discussing the can support the entire Mason athletic program.
can’t feel other kinds of attraction, or love. They– same topic over and over again isn’t working and
we–can still have meaningful relationships with it’s time the administrative staff goes back to As student-athletes ourselves, we recognize the
friends and family, and that can be enough. We the drawing boards to come up with a fresh way need for support from the student body at games and
can be enough. to better our school system. In the meantime, the lack of it in the recent past. As students, we need
students should just be given the choice to enjoy to rally around each other, but four games a week
So please, don’t assume people like me are bro- their “connect time” with each other. starts to add up. Support shouldn’t come with a price,
ken, inhuman, or just nonexistent. especially from team to team. In a school centered
around community, playing in front of empty stands
Don’t be a jerk. doesn’t feel like a home court advantage. With high
school sporting events being a place to go for a
sense of community, free admission will draw more
people. Not only would a game become meaning-
ful to athletes, but a place to make a big school feel
smaller. (Sophomore Gabby Affotato contributed to
this column.)

22 Opinion February 17, 2022

Love is Staff Editorial
something
attainable It’s time to hold the media accountable

Abby Waechter | Managing Editor Sensationalism is a fickle thing. volunteer of how they had to inform loved
In celebrity culture, it is used to cultivate ones that a family member of theirs had
What is love? gossip, giving people everywhere clickbait passed away.
Someone told me that they loved me, and I didn’t say it headlines to like and retweet.
back. Why do we think that love is something we just know is In politics, it is used to spread propaganda So why is the news report writing off this
there? against a particular candidate or party, misla- issue to promote high schoolers as heroes
What do any of us know about love and how do we know beling scandals and spurring tensions among rather than victims of a broken system?
that we mean it? My parents tell each other every day that both sides. Because empowering stories of heroes are
they love each other, and they’ve been happily married for But more often than not, sensationalism is significantly easier to sell than stories that
over eighteen years. Do they truly mean it every time they used to transform a dystopic and inane aspect highlight what society is doing incorrectly.
mouth the phrase? of society into a feel-good story that is easily
Love is something that, in my eyes, is earned- through time, digestible to general audiences. We have got to stop enabling this behavior.
trust, and truth. For those who are unaware, sensational- As our high school’s newspaper, we strive
When I was with my ex-boyfriend, I thought that love was a ist writing in journalism is essentially any to bring accurate information in a way that
fake sort of Snapchat relationship, hidden behind filters and journalism that might bend or warp the truth highlights hot button issues in our local com-
flirtatious interactions. I thought that I loved him because I to evoke emotional reactions from the widest munity without sacrificing our credibility
just wanted to say three words to his face. variety of people possible. While sensational- and without detracting from the hard work of
Love is an awe-inspiring, everlasting, feeling of patience ist writing within political journalism and any other individuals. But we rely on stu-
and kindness towards those you care for. celebrity gossip err on the side of misinfor- dents to continue to hold us accountable for
As a high schooler, who has ever-changing ideas of what mation and intentionally omission of key de- not just the individual errors in the words we
they’re going to do after graduation, I don’t think that we tails, the mass media market’s insistence on print, but also those in the stories we tell.
have the capacity to grasp the qualities of an everlasting repackaging injustices as tales of heroism is With our staff consisting of students of
flame that “inspires.” heavily reliant on appealing to one’s pathos all grade levels, backgrounds, and cultures,
Love to me, right now, is simply a partnership, bound to end above all else. there are a lot of opinions to go around. Even
with summer’s cusp. Saying “I love you” is a lie that I don’t In late January, CBS News reported on on a larger scale, viewers are bombarded
think I can live up to. how a rural area in New York saw local high with an influx of sensationalist pieces from
But I’m willing to try. school students train to maintain a crippled media outlets fighting to stay relevant. But
Typically high schoolers say, and have said, “I hate Febru- volunteer ambulance service. Titled “Ameri- we cannot lose sight of what the role of a
ary.” February marks the beginning of the month dedicated to can youth to the rescue”, the news report media organization is, regardless of how big
lust, desire, intimacy, warmth, and love; all qualities that we primarily focused on how teenagers had
typically tend to shy away from. stepped in to fill in a void left after immu- our world gets.
But we’re only here for so long so why not play into capital- nocompromised and elderly members of the
ism’s palm. volunteer service were fearful to go out due Media organizations should give a voice
I’m going to give “love” my best shot. to the pandemic, completely dancing around
It’s time to experiment, to encounter feelings we haven’t the reality that teenagers are attempting to to the unheard, tell stories of injustices, and
felt before, to learn what love is and what it is not. So, within fill in a void that the government should be
this “month of love,” instead of cringing at the sight of pink filling in already. bring attention to issues that do not get
and red and white let’s appreciate the love in the world According to the National Rural Health As-
around us. Let’s use it as an opportunity to realize just how sociation (NHRA), 35% of emergency medical enough of it. They should never warp the
attainable love can be. services are entirely volunteer-run, with close
So, this February, I’m going to fling myself out of my com- to 70% struggling to find help. This statistic truth, especially when it concerns the lives of
fort zone, out of the “relationships are temporary” mindset, was briefly mentioned in the report, along
and into the one where I give them all of myself— to try and with a harrowing account from a teenage others.
achieve this definition of “true love.”
Creating a sensationalist piece for a pay-

check instead of addressing the root of the

problem lies in the face of the role of jour-

nalistic outlets globally, and it is something
that we wish to never fall victim to when
telling the stories of the 3600 students and
beyond here at Mason.

Hold us accountable, MHS.

The Chronicle’s Policy Josie Lorenz

The Chronicle is the official student Call 398-5025 ext. 33103 for infor- The National Scholastic Press Asso- The Chronicle Staff Staff Designers Isabelle Paley
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The Chronicle promises to report the appropriate for a high school publica- Association. Shravani Page Alisha Verma Aditya Thiyag @mhschronicle
truth and adhere to the journalistic tion. Contact Information Abigail Waechter Ava Yungbluth facebook.com/
code of ethics through online and print The Chronicle Sports Editor Staff Writers mhschronicle
mediums. As an open forum for students, let- William Mason High School Andrew Little Divyana Bose @mhschronicle
ters to the editor are welcome, but are 6100 S. Mason Montgomery Rd. Business Manager Risha Chada Advisor
The Chronicle is produced by students subject to be edited for length, libel, ob- Mason, Ohio 45040 Alexa Crociata Evelina Gaivoronskaia Dale Conner
enrolled in Journalism I, II and III. scenity, clarity and poor taste. Letters to (513) 398-5025
the editor may be dropped off in room Izzy Gaspar’raj
Editorials reflect the staff ’s opinion C103 and must be signed. Bradyn Johnson
but do not necessarily reflect the opin- Tanya Keskar
ions of the school administration or the The Chronicle is a member of The Savannah Libby
Mason City School District. Columbia Scholastic Press Association, Aimee Liu

The Chronicle is published monthly.

February 17, 2022 Opinion 23

New Black Hole policies Editorial Cartoon
limit student enjoyment

Savannah Libby | The Chronicle Blindly trusting have to change our mindset around success.
the definition of Slow down and think about what’s important
Having a competitive spirit is part of what makes a success in life. It’s not a number, title, or letter on a
great athlete. piece of paper -- those are the resources that
Tanya Keskar | The Chronicle enable us to engage in fulfilling activities.
Now hear me out, a part of what draws people towards
Mason is not only our academics but also our athletics. Life can feel like we’re constantly trying to Life is about the feelings that are brought
Mason has always been one of the best sports schools in keep up. There’s always the next stage of life out when you do what you love.
the state, with eight out of the nine fall sports winning the to reach. It’s a race to see who can get the
Greater Miami Conference. farthest, who can be the most successful. To- I love the excitement that comes with
day, success seems to refer to money, fame, launching crazy ideas and creating flam-
So it begs the question of why Mason is becoming so and prestige, so we’re pushed to pursue this boyant presentations. I am in awe as I meet
concerned with the public image it has that it is suppress- definition of success as early as possible. But new people and learn about their individual
ing the competitive spirit of athletes? that definition of success, that we’ve consis- stories. I love the energy I get from spending
tently pushed on ourselves, shouldn’t be our an afternoon alone with my music.
Next year, our student section, the Black Hole, is turn- ultimate goal.
ing into a club. Although the club will likely result in Society has continuously reinforced the
female leaders, a positive change, the regulations barely Instead, everything that we do in life – idea that we should always be striving to
allow for any chants at games. especially trying to be successful – isn’t to at- reach a higher level of prestige, continu-
tain a level of prestige, but to have a fulfill- ously improving in whatever we attempt.
Sports are entertainment; the biggest reason that people ing life. To do so, we have to break free from These motivational phrases have become
go to sporting events is to be entertained. Cheering on a the prescribed pathways that we follow to commonplace, but this mindset can be very
team, rooting for the underdog, or seeing a team that has attain prescribed goals and focus on under- detrimental as it develops a feeling of falling
only been to the Superbowl three times try to finally take standing what we want from life. behind. Not everything has to be done as a
a trophy. If the cheering and energy are taken out of the competition or twisted in a way to look bet-
crowd then what do people have left to come for? Titles shouldn’t matter. Grades shouldn’t ter on a resume.
matter. Ranks shouldn’t matter. Awards
I’m an athlete myself and some of the best games I can shouldn’t matter. The only thing that mat- Don’t blindly trust what society has always
remember playing in are the ones where I am in constant ters is how we feel about ourselves. This may told us. We need to redefine success. Success
conversation with the other team. Playing in games like seem like a very cliche and repetitive state- isn’t the pursuit of money, fame, and pres-
that gave me an edge and pushed me to want to play more ment, but it certainly holds some truth. We tige, but the pursuit of personal fulfillment
competitively. Along with games where my teammates throughout life. This happiness doesn’t stem
would lose their minds on the bench. from money, fame, or prestige, but from the
joy that comes from everything we do – the
Pulling energy from your teammates is good and typi- big things and the little things.
cal in sports but having a student section should help
some and all of the energy should not just come from the
bench. Having that thought in mind, why are the leaders
of the black hole given so many restrictions?

Correct me if I am wrong, but the point of a student
section is to cheer on the athletes and encourage friendly
competition.

Right now, at least to me, it seems that the student
section is proceeding to sit in silence. There is low at-
tendance at games, even with the level of competition or
talent individual players have currently. If students are
not permitted to cheer and have fun at games, then games
will become a ghost town. I have a hard time believing the
blame is completely on the shoulders of the student body.

If the reason that students go to games is for entertain-
ment, then why are the restrictions moving closer towards
limited school spirit and interaction? When the Black Hole
does attend, restrictions have the hands of the leaders tied.

The focus of administration should be on the students
and less on politics. I mean when it comes down to it
students are just attending the games to have fun, hang
out with friends, or support an athlete. Sports are about
energy and having fun, so I wonder why is that in the
process of being revoked.

February 17, 2022 24