Chronicle 18.8

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

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2 Cover Story April 9, 2021
The Story Behind The Ink

Students honor and connect with loved ones through tattoos

Ally Guo | Staff Writer to commemorate their father, who thing to put right there.” with multiple members of her family.
passed away several years ago. The tat- Similarly, senior Griffin Miller’s tat- According to Patel, in Hindu tradition,
The permanent nature of a tattoo too is of a cross located on his inner left Om is a mantra and sound that repre-
is often viewed as a risk, but for some forearm, with the word “Dad” inscribed toos also represent values shared within sents the Universe and the Ultimate
students, that permanency is the perfect across it, as well as the words “U.S. his family. One of his two tattoos is a Reality, symbolizing peace, tranquility,
way to memorialize a treasured family ARMY,” paying tribute to his father’s dragon on his leg in honor of his father. and unity and serving as a reminder to
connection. service in the military. Although it is not the exact same people to “slow down and breathe.”
design, Miller’s father also has a dragon
People get tattoos for a variety of “My dad passed away and my brother tattoo in the same spot, commemo- “Both my grandmothers had the
reasons: to express a certain aesthetic, ended up getting that tattoo,” Rodri- rating his time serving in the United [Om] tattoo and so when my sister and
to represent ideas important to them, guez said. “After [about] a year he had States Navy onboard the USS Hué City, I wanted a tattoo, that just seemed like
or to celebrate the people who inspire it, I was like, ‘Okay, I want that, too. It which has a dragon on its emblem. the right one,” Patel said.
them. For several students at Mason means something to my family and
High School, tattoos allow them to im- my brothers.’ So I ended up getting the “I wanted something similar to what With this important family connec-
mortalize family members same exact tattoo in the same exact my dad had because if it was important tion to Om, Patel, her mother, and her
and personal values enough for him to tattoo on his body, younger sister all decided to get the
in a form that is spot for my dad.” it was obviously important enough for same tattoo together on her sister’s
individual and On the other side of his fore- me to get something similar,” Miller sixteenth birthday. Although the tattoo
everlasting. arm, Rodriguez’s second tattoo said. itself serves as a physical reminder of
depicts an open-winged dove her family, Patel said she also valued
According alongside the phrase “For Miller’s second tattoo, a ladybug the shared experience as a “moment
to senior those I love I will sacrifice.” over his heart, commemorates his for [them] that [she’ll] always be able to
Paul Rodri- “I love my family and grandfather, who was an entomologist, remember.”
guez, his we’ve been through a lot a scientist who studies insects. Ac-
first tattoo together, so I decided to cording to Miller, the ladybug was his “The tattoos that I get or that I would
is a way put ‘For those I love I grandfather’s favorite insect, and when get would all mean something to me,
for him will sacrifice,’” Rodri- he passed away, it became a “symbol and so it’s a moment that I can cherish
and his guez said. “The dove, for him within [his] family.” He got it forever,” Patel said.
brother [it’s] because we’re tattooed so that he would always have
kind of religious. a “little bit of [his grandfather] with Although Rodriguez, Miller, and
I was talking to [him].” Patel said their families were sup-
my mom and portive of their tattoos, Wahl said that
we [felt] like Senior Katie Wahl said her tattoo was when she was younger, her parents
that was a also an important part of honoring her were sort of against tattoos, which led
perfect late mother, who passed away when she her to believe they were not a good
kind of was very young, but also served as a thing to have. However, as she has
way for her to discover more about who grown older and gotten her own tattoo,
her mother was. Located on her thigh, she now views them as a “nice way to
the tattoo is of carnation, which was express yourself.”
both her mother’s favorite flower and is
often considered a symbol of love. Rodriguez said that his mindset has
shifted in a similar way over time. In
“[My mother] passed away when I the past, if he saw a person with many
was a lot younger, so I don’t remember tattoos, he might have viewed them as
her that much,” Wahl said. “I recently strange, but as he started thinking more
started to learn more about her because about it, he realized that tattoos “[tell]
my family doesn’t talk about her much a story” and that “you can learn a lot
because my stepmom has been like my from someone’s tattoos,” which led him
mother figure [for] as long as I can re- to love the idea of tattoos.
member. I learned that [the] carnation
was [my mother’s] favorite flower.” Continued on page 3

For senior Dharma Patel, her tattoo, a
spelled out version of Om in Hindi on
her forearm, is a way for her to connect

Dharma Patel Photo by Rachel Cai Photo by Rachel Cai
Senior
Patel’s tattoo, a written out version of the mantra Om in Rodriguez’ forearm tattoo commemorating his late

Hindi, matches that of her grandmother, mother, and sister. father, a tattoo which he shares with his brother.

Cover Story

4 News April 9, 2021

MHS Asian Americans grapple with national increase in violence amid COVID blaming

Della Johnson | Staff Writer have increased by 833%. While investi- ism and work toward its eradication.
gators have shown a direct link to China They launched the Stop Hate Reporting
As cases of COVID-19 begin to level as to the origin of the virus, Ye believes Center in March of 2020. The group has
that hate violence directed at Asian been outspoken in discussing the rise
out and even decline in some areas of individuals should be redirected at those of anti-Asian violence during the
who are actually responsible. Covid-19 pandemic. The data
the United States, the virus has given they have collected isn’t very
“We see a lot of Asian people getting positive. In one year 3,800 hate
rise to another unfortunate symptom beat up,” Ye said. “There’s a lot of anger, incidents directed toward Asian
but that anger should be directed at the Americans were reported.
of the pandemic. There has been a Chinese Communist Party for mishan-
dling the virus, not ordinary people Another disturbing aspect
significant increase in violence and hate who don’t have anything to do with a in the rise of hate and violence
pandemic.” towards Asian Americans is that
speech toward Asian Americans. women are more likely to be targeted.
Even before COVID-19, America’s AAPI reports that women made up 68%
As the world found itself in the grips Asian population often faced assump- of the incidents. Freshman Jillian Wu
tions and judgement. Many Asian saw the horrific images on the news,
of a pandemic that originated in China, American students at MHS have had to when a lone gunman killed eight wom-
deal with uncomfortable personal ques- en in Atlanta, Georgia. The investigation
in the United States the blame shifted tions about their skin color, diet, and
even their intelligence level. Chen revealed that the assailant targeted
to innocent Asian Americans. Soon after has dealt with cultural Asian American women.
microaggressions “These past events have
the disease became globally known, it from friends, been so devastating to
peers, and hear about and hear-
was referred to with nicknames such as strangers alike ing people still inval- been reported in the
idating the racism news and by everyday citizens on social
the “Chinese Virus” or “Kung Flu”. Last year against Asians media, posts of support for Asian Ameri-
when fear disgusts me,” Wu cans and Pacific Islanders are starting to
According to a Pew Research Center was spread- said, “Is killing six drown out some of the hate rhetoric.
ing as fast Asian women not
study, 31% of Asian-Americans stated as COVID-19, enough? Is seeing Ye noticed these positive posts and
many political [Asian-American] the movement, but he is cautious as to
that they had faced racially motivated leaders started elders beaten and whether or not this signals a change in
using the term disrespected not how people treat Asian Americans. He
hate speech since the beginning of the “China Virus” enough?” warns against the movement being too
in reference to the Chen has voiced similar pain short-lived and wants it to continue not
pandemic. Mason High School (MHS) Coronavirus. Arizona Congressman only for Asian Americans, but any race
Paul Gosar even tweeted the term “Wu- and worry about the extreme violence that feels undervalued in America.
senior Alex Ye saw the comments on han Virus” and then Secretary of State occurring throughout the nation. To
Mike Pompeo called it the “China virus” her, a clear solution lies in how people “We’ve seen a lot of coverage by the
social media and in the news, some of during a broadcast news interview. Ref- treat one another. She believes respect media of violence against Asian Ameri-
erences like these gave rise to a wildfire must be the foremost prior- cans,” Ye said. “I want to encourage
it fueled by political leaders. As private of hate on social media platforms that ity to begin effectively and people to not let this become a trend.
has seeped into the lives of some of Ma- thoughtfully addressing the Try to carry the attitude forward, not
citizens and world leaders tried to find son’s own Asian American population. deep wounds that the pandemic just for Asians, for all races and types
has created. of people. Keep this attitude of aware-
the origin of the virus and people devel- These occurrences have become a ness, of trying to learn more about other
daily distraction for Chen, who is “There’s just a lot of tension cultures. Racism is not a one-time thing.
oped their own opinions about its origin, right now, especially with We can’t let the current movements die
exposed to this vitriol on social COVID,” Chen said. “There’s down after the ‘trend’ has passed.”
it soon became clear that China was media platforms and even the so much injustice happening,
nightly news when she sees we need to approach things Graphics by Rachel Cai
going to bear the brunt of the blame. reports of innocent Asian Ameri- with kindness. Because if we’re
cans being randomly attacked on all mad, we’re all frustrated, we’re
Ye believes that regular citizens the streets. all irritated, we’re all going to be at each
other’s necks. That’s just going to make
should not be the target for anger The social organization Asian- things worse.”
American and Pacific Islanders
towards a country’s government. “There (AAPI) tracks incidents of discrimi- There could be some light at the end
nation, hate, and xenophobia against of the tunnel. After the recent attacks
was a lot of emphasis that the disease Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. against Asian-Americans that have
Their goal is to address anti-Asian rac-
came from China,” Ye said. “[People]

need to differentiate between the gov-

ernment of China versus actual Chinese

people.”

In the United States, anti-Asian hate

crimes have grown by an astonishing

150% in 16 of America’s largest cities.

Even in the multi-ethnic city of New

York, anti-Asian hate crimes

5 News April 9, 2021

Swastika incident tests efficacy of Safeschool’s Tipline for Acts of Bias

Shravani Page | Staff Writer

The Mason community takes According to Carson, many Graphic by Rachel Cai gjkfjglfdjkgfjlgjfljgfkjg-
bias seriously. people may interpret offensive enough.
signs and symbols as jokes, how- use this moment
That was made evident when ever, they can be offensive and use this moment as an oppor- “What we have to help our stu-
community members used the may even spark distress in the tunity to try to educate. She dents understand is when fami-
bias reporting option in the community. feels students need to learn the lies showed up to the playground
SafeSchools Tipline to report a meaning behind hate speech like and saw that drawing, it invoked
swastika that had been marked “[Symbol acts] can lead to the anti-semitic drawings that fear and questions. Questions
on a playground at Mason Early violence. When we think about appeared on the middle school about whether they felt welcome
Childhood Center (MECC) on discrimination and violence, we playground and why this type of here and safe here,” Gentene said.
March 22. learn that symbols matter,” Car- behavior cannot be tolerated. “It’s not just that it’s offensive,
son said. “We were really grateful it’s that we want to be a commu-
Mason’s response team was that community members saw it While there were some who did nity where everybody feels safe
able to generate a quick re- and responded.” participate in the drawings Gen- and feels like they belong. Speak-
sponse from the numerous tips tene pointed out that there were ing up is a responsibility to each
reported by community mem- After learning that the students kids who didn’t participate but other, to our families, but most
bers through the SafeSchools Ti- who committed the act attend were present. She felt like when importantly to ourselves.”
pline. Tracey Carson, Mason City Mason Middle School (MMS), the these events do occur students
Schools’ Public Information Of- incident functioned as a cata- must learn “how [to] reestablish Carson believes silence is a
ficer and leader of the response lyst for future education aimed and neutralize the threat and get stance and when people don’t
team, felt the response showed at bias. MMS Principal Lauren back to safety.” Gentene wants speak up that act of silence does
how the Mason community does Gentene plans on implement- students to learn from the expe- send a message. She feels it is
not tolerate these acts and keeps ing more bias training for the rience, even those who “didn’t important to report anything
one another safe by stepping up students in her building. With speak up who could have stopped that could be discriminatory if if
to bias. events such as “Say Something it or “the kids who felt fear be- there is some doubt about wheth-
Week” coming up, Gentene feels cause of it.” er or not it should be reported.
The SafeSchools Tipline has the school has an opportunity to
been part of Mason’s safety re- discuss bias in further detail. Gentene hopes she can con- “What we know is that when we
sources for nearly 20 years, but tinue to encourage students to do take a stand, sometimes in sol-
this is the first year members of “Bias is actually something that speak up when they see some- idarity with somebody who’s next
the community have been given we address regularly,” Gentene thing and to especially step up to us, it changes the culture,”
the option to report actual acts said. “About once a month, we do to bias. The graffiti incident at Carson said. “It might be the
of bias. In years’ past the Tipline a culture lesson with our stu- MECC left many members of first time that that person even
was often used to report the pres- dents and we’ve done ‘Step Up the community feeling threat- has had that moment to consider
ence of drugs or the potential To Bias’ lessons before across the ened and questioning where they what they were doing, because
of someone getting hurt, now as building.” belong. Gentene believes it is they may not have intended it to
the school community embraces important to follow these events be what it is, and it gives them an
a more proactive approach to Gentene believes that as an with action and simply saying opportunity to learn.”
eliminating discrimmation the educational leader she needs to something is offensive isn’t
district decided the Tipline could
also be a valuable tool in report-
ing acts of bias and discrimmina-
tion.

“We saw [the Tipline] starting
to get used as a way to report
concerns about a student’s men-
tal health,” Carson said. “What
we found is there was really a
need to have it as an opportunity
to report these Acts of Bias.”

The Mason community was
quick to take advantage of the ti-
pline and to report the graffitied
swastika as an “Act of Bias”.

6 Feature April 9, 2021

Mason FBLA members gain professional experience through State Presidency

Risha Chada | Staff Writer “For my event, I crafted a speech and on March 20, 2021, junior

about the steps to [becoming] an ef- Nikith Vangala was elected

Look out Bill Gates and all the fective leader, such as Bill Gates and President for the 2021-

business tycoons out there, some other business tycoons,” Mehta said. 2022 school year.

Mason High School (MHS) entre- “I spoke about what makes them Mehta held the

preneurs are learning from you so successful and since I want to position of State

and hoping to use what they have become a business leader, research- Parliamentar-

learned to blaze their own paths in ing about my topic, something I’m ian last year

the business world. so passionate about, has definitely and is the

Some of these young business taught me [skills] I’ve been able to current State

leaders are getting a head start apply.” President as

through the MHS chapter of the Junior Nikith Vangala also feels well as the

Future Business Leaders of Ameri- that FBLA has taught him valu- current North

can (FBLA). FBLA is an organization able skills for his future. Although Central Regional

dedicated to exposing high school Vangala is still unsure about what Vice President. She

students to the field of business. The he plans to study in college, he is believes

club exposes participants to over confident that the skills he learned FBLA’s mission to

60 competitive events, spanning through FBLA and the connections provide business

from technology to public speaking. he made will help him with a pos- education opport-

Members showcase their knowledge sible business-related career. unities to help Junior Nikith Vangala
students grow as
of these categories at the state lead- “Even if you don’t choose to do

ership conference where they have something with business or some- individual and Ohio FBLA President
community mind-
the opportunity to advance to the thing related to that exact field, you

national level. still learn through communicating ed business leade- 2021-2022
rs aligns with her
For her future, senior Rhea Mehta with other people,” said Vangala.

knows she will either go into op- “When [you] are presenting, talking own goals of being

erations management and business to judges, and interacting with a lot a well rounded, responsible leader. running things at the local level,

analytics to become a management of these soft skills, you kind of get “With the pand- Vangala was inspired to take his role

consultant, or explore engineering the true benefits of FBLA.” emic, [I] had to rethink and retailor in FBLA further and take on more

and eventually work toward a Master During the annual FBLA state the initiatives I’ve worked on with responsibilities.

of Business Administration (MBA). presidential election, voting dele- my team because the projects, and “I thought there were just a lot of

Mehta believes that by participating gates from each local chapter witness even our State Leadership Confer- different things that we could do,

in the public speaking competitions, the candidates’ speeches and cast ence, was virtual,” Mehta said. “As and different ways we could branch

she is refining skills that will help their final vote over a five-day period. a national and state official [I have] out and interact with our members,”

her in her future professional career. Once the State President is elected, developed a set of skills—whether Vangala said. “I decided then that I

he or she is tasked with develop- it be problem-solving or strategic might as well try running for state

ing the program for the coming thinking—that I’ll use in the corpo- office because it seemed similar to

year, designing an entire state rate world when I’m working with what I was already doing, just at a

conference, and leading teams.” bigger scale that impacted more

and creating material for MHS FBLA advisor Lori Toerner people.”

all of the state officer has been with the club since its in- FBLA has given unique skills to

meetings. The stu- ception four years ago. She attributes all of its presidents, and each will

dent elected is faced its success to the students’ self-moti- take something different with them

with decisions that vation and dedication to their work. as they progress. For Mehta, the re-

affect all of Ohio Toerner believes that while the State lationships she has built during her

FBLA, provid- President role is a huge accomplish- administration and the legacy she

ing an impactful ment, the foundation for leadership will leave behind have impacted her

student leadership is first built through gaining experi- the most.

opportunity. ence at the local level. “The network I’ve created in FBLA

Though the role of “Because every President has also with my state advisors, state officer

State President is open led at the local level first, that has team, and every single FBLA mem-

to students from high enabled them to improve their lead- ber I’ve met along the way are the

schools across the state, the ership skills and run the chapter,” relationships I’ll take with me for the

past three winners have been Toerner said. “It’s a time commit- rest of my life,” Mehta said. “I hope

MHS students. ment and these students show their Ohio FBLA and our Mason Chap-

Mason alum Tani [dedication]. It makes them qualified ter continue to participate in FBLA

Senior Rhea Mehta Madichetti held the to run the entire state.” activities, attend conferences—even
presidential position
The multitude of events, services, if they’re virtual—and find a sense of

Ohio FBLA President in 2019-2020, the cur- and paths that FBLA hosts have pro- community within FBLA as I have.”
rent president is MHS
vided inspiration for Vangala. After

2020-2021 senior Rhea Mehta,

April 9, 2021 Feature 7

Unconventional mentorship leads Speech and Debate Team to victory

Divy Bose | Staff Writer knowledgeable and they do a wonderful job.” Captain of Debate and MHS’ seventh state
Senior and Vice-Captain of Debate Alex Ye said championship winner, senior Tony Liu, said that
The term “team mom” can get thrown around developing a disciplined side of himself was es-
when it comes to school organizations. Sukanya Ponkshe’s duties go beyond those of a typical sential to his success. Liu felt it was important for
Ponkshe, is more than just a team mom of the team parent as she makes sure to congratulate or seniors like himself to provide mature leader-
Mason High School (MHS) Speech and Debate cheer up each of her team members. “She is al- ship to the team, but to also make sure the team
team. Along with providing guidance and men- ways there to give us her support,” Ye said. “She’s members knew that they had a reputation to
torship she does a great deal of the heavy lift- the first one to text any team member about how uphold.
ing behind the scenes so her team can enjoy the the match went, win or lose.”
accolades of their hard work when they are in the “When we go out of town to a respected tourna-
spotlight. The team is a close-knit community that relies ment, the reputation of Mason falls on us, even
on each other for guidance, even from those who if we are going by ourselves,” Liu said. “We want
The MHS Speech and Debate team entered are no longer in high school. This year, MHS everyone to have fun, but damaging the school’s
their 2020-2021 season without a coach, causing a Speech and Debate alumnus Vinamra Agrawal reputation can cost us.”
plethora of hurdles for the team to clear in order felt it was important for him to step in and help
to have a successful season. In addition to the as- mentor the team. As a former event leader, Agar- Behind the scenes, the team members work
sistance provided by Ponkshe, the team’s upper- wal is able to draw upon his previous leadership hard to prepare for their performances. The team
classmen took on a greater role by completing experience to help the current team sharpen approach has proven to be a success with every-
tasks a coach would typically be responsible their skills. one relying on each other to critique performanc-
for, such as researching the opposing team’s es and provide constructive feedback. Mehta
strengths and weaknesses and organizing prac- believes this approach not only benefits their
tices to keep the team engaged and motivated. performances, but also helps them prepare for
life outside of the competition.
The goal of Speech and Debate is to teach
students important public speaking, debating, “Being punctual is something that prepares
critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. you for the real world and is needed to assert
The team competes in 10 speech events each your authority, even when your friends are
week and two debate tournaments each year. on the team,” Mehta said. “But helping the
After each tournament, the participants that freshman perfect their speaking techniques
rank the highest get “bids,” earning them- and watching them progressively improve was
selves a secured spot in the statewide tourna- fulfilling to watch.”
ment.
Ye believes it is important for him as an expe-
This season, the team rallied around each rienced team member to pass on his knowledge
other, providing critical feedback to foster as he prepares to graduate. He feels this collabo-
their success. Their reliance on one another ration will help to prepare the underclassmen
paid off with several successful perfor-
mances throughout the season, ending with on this team for their roles in the future.
a record number of 42 qualifiers in the Ohio “There’s a real sense of community when
Speech and Debate Association’s State Finals.
you have all the seniors helping the fresh-
Although the team members handled man,” Ye said. “I am making sure I am doing
many of the aspects of coaching such as my best to pass on all the debate knowledge
strategy and skill development, Sukanye to the underclassmen so that they can be in
Ponkshe, mother of team member Kunal my shoes in years to come.”
Ponkshe, has been a valuable mentor to
the team. Ponkshe takes care of the team’s While the team does have adult mentorship
logistics such as hotel reservations, transpor- to help mentor and organize, they are proud
tation, and tournament schedule. Ponkshe of how healthy criticism created a sense of
said her role expanded past the usual ownership in the team’s overall performance.
“team mom” duties this year as she soon They know they have their teammates’ sup-
became the team’s biggest cheerleader port, win or lose. According to Liu, this col-
and an integral part of their program. lectivity has helped the team build an even
stronger foundation.
“My wonder team of students does the
coaching by themselves,” Ponkshe said. “In a way, it’s a hidden blessing not having
“I just give them guidance. They are so that set head coach because it forces us to
connect with one another,” Liu said. “We get
to build that level of friendship as winners.”

Graphic by Aadrija Biswas and Rachel Cai

8 News April 9, 2021

New club empowers female students to pursue STEM careers

Evelina Gaivoronskaia | Staff Writer to acquiesce to the young men change. pletely female-owned company.
in the class. That’s when she Stubenrauch is eager to help By highlighting women in key
After noticing a lack of decided to take action. STEM leadership positions,
the club grow, but she is also Riehm hopes to encourage club
women in Science, Technology, Armed with the desire to cre- excited to meet other girls at members to believe in them-
ate a space for women to pursue MHS who are interested in selves after meeting women
Engineering, and Math (STEM), their interests without fear, learning more about STEM. who can serve as role models.
Riehm teamed up with high She would like to help create a
Mason High School junior school geometry teacher Diana strong sense of community and Even though the club is
Stroud to create the Women in be a valuable resource for just getting started,
Marissa Riehm decided she was STEM club: a club that would the young women Riehm has plans for
empower women by expos- interested in the club’s future.
going to do something about it. ing them to a variety of STEM STEM. She would like
to organize a
She chose to create a club that careers. Freshman Jodie workshop at Ma-
As a high school Topich has been interested in
allows young women to explore STEM since she was a young son Middle School to introduce
student, Stroud felt girl. She felt like opportunities middle school girls to opportu-
their STEM interests. that she was never really for girls to learn more about nities in STEM.
exposed to opportunities in science were limited. When Stroud is encouraged by the
The young women of MHS STEM. While she loves teaching she noticed there was a group young women who have helped
mathematics, she did not know that had similar interests she get this club off the ground.
have a variety of STEM courses of “anything else” she could immediately felt the need to She has hopes that these young
pursue as a STEM career when women will not be afraid to fail
available to them-- many of she was younger. Now, she learn more. Topich has or be discouraged from pursu-
views the opportu- attended summer
these courses are even nity to mentor ing their science and engineer-
young wom- camps and ing interests. She believes that
taught by women. On en as a at times felt many young girls have a strong
chance to discouraged be- desire to be perfect but as with
the national scale, provide cause of her gender, but any scientific endeavor there’s
them now she hopes this MHS club a trial and error period and she
however, there is with will help her embrace her love hopes young women will not
more of science. be disheartened from pursu-
still only a small per- infor- The club, which plans to meet ing STEM for fear of failure
mation bi-weekly, will feature mentor- because she believes that they
centage of women who occupy about ship, career exploration, and will “learn so much more from
opportuni- guest speakers from women in when [they] fail than you do
professions in STEM-related ties and jobs a variety of STEM fields. An when [they] just get it right the
that exist in upcoming speaker will be a first time.”
fields. STEM. chemical engineer from a com-
The club held its first Graphic by Rachel Cai
According to the 2019 United meeting on March 25. It didn’t
take junior Kirsten Stuben-
States Census Bureau’s Ameri- rauch long to figure out

can Community Survey (ACS), she wanted to be one of
the club’s newest mem-
women make up 26.7% of total bers. Stubenrauch said
she plans to go into a
STEM-related occupations. STEM field in the future and
she believes empowering young
Riehm decided it was time to women is essential for future

see this number grow, so she

teamed up with a Mason teach-

er to offer a club that would

allow young women to find a

comfortable place to learn more

about STEM opportunities.

Even though she is passion-

ate about STEM, Riehm did not

always feel confident pursu-

ing her STEM-related interests.

Riehm said she has always been

interested in career paths

like science and business

where women are in the

minority. As she developed

a greater desire to pursue

the sciences, she noticed

that girls often lacked the

confidence to speak up in

class. It was almost as if the

young women felt as if they had

April 9, 2021 Feature 9

Sophomore advocates to expose more children to STEM

Scott Reckers | Staff Writer

Mason High School sophomore Eashan Vytla

loves computer sciences and this passion is

fueling a drive to help others who may not have

access to the Science, Technology, Engineering,

and Mathematics (STEM) field.

Vytla believes STEM will play a pivotal role

in human’s daily life now and in the future. He

knows that students in underprivileged and un-

derserved areas find it difficult to get involved in

STEM due to the high cost and lack of resources.

As STEM continues to be a vital facet of everyday

life, especially robotics Vytla fears that many

young people are going to get left behind.

At the Oyler School, an institution in the

Cincinnati Public Schools district that serves

a population of students who often find them- Vytla’s innovation and problem-solving skills
selves in challenging socioeconomic conditions, allowed him to figure out a way around the team
Vytla recognized that the students there lacked not being able to meet in person to work on a
exposure to STEM and some essential resources. robot they had been testing. When they couldn’t
He decided he was going to do something to meet in person he created a simulation that al-
help. He held virtual camps that anyone could lowed them to test their robot virtually.
attend and from the revenue he generated from
the camps, he donated the proceeds to the Oyler “It started because I made a robotics simula-
School. tion software that made robotics a little more
accessible,” Vytla said. “The software I made is
“I’ve hosted three camps in total so far,” Vytla called MyBot Simulator. The software is es-
said. “Over the summer I hosted two summer sentially a simulation of how the robot would
camps, which were fundraisers, and then one theoretically work in the real world. It gets rid of
more on Thanksgiving break but that one was a lot of trial and error because you can simulate
free. The turn-around was pretty good, there your robot first, look for any problems, and solve
were obviously more people at the free one, over the problems without having to find them on the
50 people from all over the world came.” real one first.”

Vytla’s passion for STEM got him in the posi- Once MyBot started getting attention and
tion to organize and host these camps. Due to downloads off the website, Vytla saw an opportu-
COVID restrictions, Vytla’s team was not able to nity. Utilizing the same creative ingenuity with
meet as often as necessary in the summer. the development of the MyBot Simulator, Vytla

hosted two summer camps for robotics. Usu-

ally camps like these are very expensive

but Vyla only charged $10 because he

didn’t want the camp to be cost prohibi-

tive and instead of pocketing the money

he decided to donate the money to the

students at Oyler.

“I built that connection with the Photos contributed by the Oyler School
Sophomore Eashan Vytla provided headsets to students at the Oyler
school and in the future I want to do School in Cincinnati to help them with their online learning using the
proceeds he made from virtual STEM summer camps he organized.
something with them where I could
share in this experience and he’s dedicated to tak-
actually teach the students of Oyler,” ing action and doing something about it rather
than just talking about it.
Vytla said. “But right now I just
“My ultimate goal is to spread STEM, especial-
got them 65 headsets because with ly to underprivileged students,” Vytla said. “It’s
not only about building robots but also spread-
online learning ramping up it was ing STEM because not everyone has the same
opportunities I do,” Vytla said. “ Giving back to
hard for the students to get in a nice the community in general and building the next
generation of programmers is extremely impor-
environment for learning.” tant.”

Vytla believes it was money well spent.

“I would much rather create an impact on

the community than save the money for my-

self,” Vytla said.

Vytla is truly passionate about

Sophomore Eashan Vytla the STEM field and tinkering
with robotics. He wants more
kids to get the opportunity to

10 Feature April 9, 2021

HEARD BUT NOT SEEN
Pit orchestra remains invisible, still crucial component to Mason musicals

Evan Ponstingle | Staff Writer program and trying to divide some things ing to see us play. You’re coming to see the (strings), or Choir. Pit orchestra unlocks
up so different people aren’t overwhelmed actors sing and act. We compliment them.” the unique opportunity to combine all
The audience can hear them. The audi- at different times,” Protzman said. “And he three, although this year’s orchestra will
ence can sense them. They put the “music” offered the pit orchestra situation to me for Because there is less pressure on this only use percussion and strings.
in musical. And yet, they go unseen. this year and I really enjoy that so I said supporting cast, the pit orchestra forms
‘yes.’” a close bond throughout the weeks of “It’s a neat sharing that develops, and
Pit orchestras are used for plays and rehearsal. It’s an experience that Siverston I think a lot of the band and orchestra
musicals all over the world. Typically set The altered approach this season results wouldn’t trade for anything, not even being and choir kids don’t get to see that on a
in an orchestra pit below the stage so as to in trying to find a new way to work around up on the stage. regular basis,” Protzman said. “So, for the
be invisible to the audience, a pit orches- the obstacles, a challenge Protzman is look- pit orchestra, and then working with the
tra’s job is to provide the soundtrack to the ing forward to taking on. “[Being the center of attention] is really show with the singers, it’s bringing all the
show. Usually this means an orchestra will not me as a person,” Sivertson said. “One elements together.”
combine brass, woodwinds, strings, and “It’s an interesting year to take it over of the things I really like about the pit is
percussion instruments. because it’s so different,” Protzman said. it’s more laid back. It [the rehearsals] was Allen Young sees the pit orchestra as
“But I’m really glad that, even in a COVID [after] school, it was more informal, like the adding an extra dimension to the actors
The Mason High School (MHS) Spring situation, we can make something happen people there are more relaxed than they and actresses.
2021 musical “Songs For a New World” is for the students.” are in school.”
rehearsing throughout April for a May 8 “Live music had been a part of theatrical
video broadcast. For this musical, the pit The pit orchestra is an integral aspect Hidden below the stage, the pit orches- performances since the time of classical
orchestra will be in a different situation of the musical, even with the new COVID tra has become a tight-knit group with a Greek theater,” Young said. “Having live
than usual: their audio will be recorded to format. While its members will still be in- unique dynamic. instrumentalists during a show allows
be overlayed with the video of the actors visible, musical director Allen Young still the actors on stage to really engage in the
and actresses. But, similar to the nature of sees them as an important part of the show, “By the time the whole thing is done, music in an entirely different level than
the classic pit orchestra, they will still be and is working to include them in a setting there’s usually a pretty close bond because they would if they were using pre-recorded
invisible, yet still provide the soundtrack as close to normal as possible. you’re working in a small group in a small music. It also helps prepare or band and
that makes all the difference. setting, and it’s kind of a unique experi- orchestra students for potential work in
“Because the musical is going to be ence,” Protzman said. “That’s very different accompanying live performances in the
Senior Mikey Sivertson plays bass in the recorded and streamed this year, we are than band or orchestra class.” future.”
pit orchestra. 2021 will be his second musi- going to record our cast and orchestra to-
cal, although it would be his third if last gether over the course of a week in April,” Pit orchestra typically goes through sev- Throughout this unique experience, the
year’s spring show had gone as planned. Young said. “We wanted to preserve the eral rehearsals by themselves before they pit orchestra group members remain invis-
From his first rehearsal in 2019, he was feeling of a live performance, and this was go underground to join forces with the ible, but satisfied.
hooked. the best way to do that. We will then film performers. Sivertson believes that perfect-
the cast performing the show in the ing the timing between the music of the pit “I think the way they normally do it
“I think the ability to play with that black box theater to the sound track and the music of the performers is one of [recognize them] is at the end of the show,
smaller group [than in class], it was a really they’ve recorded together with the the most challenging aspects. they’ll acknowledge the musicians,”
unique experience that I’m very much glad orchestra.” Protzman said. “I’m not one who feels like
I had,” Sivertson said. “The ability to play “We all [performers and musicians] there should be more recognition. It really
with musicians, play with the singers [on- Some members don’t ever want have to watch Mr. Protzman, and we all works well.”
stage] and the band, which is something the invisible aspect to change. have to react to him,” Sivertson said.
we don’t get to do very often. The fine arts Sivertson’s pit orchestra experience has
department, we don’t really cross over that “I think for one thing, “So that might cause us to get a little opened up a whole new world for him. He
much, so that was a great experience.” whenever I make a mistake, the bit behind or a little bit ahead. While might be invisible to the audience of the
audience can’t see me and boo Mr. Protzman is the boss, we still have play, but he’s content with making a big
In addition to COVID precautions for me like they can on the stage,” to listen to the actors up on stage sound -- and a significant impact.
this season, the MHS pit orchestra has Sivertson said. “If you go to because ultimately, they’re the ones
a new conductor. Director of Bands Ed a classical music concert or a who are controlling what’s going on. “I get to hear the violin, I hear a viola,
Protzman will be taking over for longtime concert like AC/DC, the main We have cues written on our music -- l hear them playing almost every day [in
pit orchestra conductor Jason Sleppy. goal there is to see them play certain lines tell us when we play.” class],” Sivertson said. “But when you hear
live. But I think when you go instruments and you get to see people you
“We’re taking a look at the whole [music] to a musical, they’re not com- During a typical MHS school day, haven’t seen in a long time or you don’t see
students can take either Band (brass/ a lot, I think that’s very impactful.”
woodwinds/percussion), Orchestra

Graphic by Riley Johansen

April 9, 2021 11

12 Fea

Retro

Reemergence of bell bottoms sparks conversation of t

Sheren Avary Hutzelman | Staff Writer wearing, and I think it spurs inspiration in servativ
Mirib today’s generation.” Bell b
Bell bottoms are back.
Like most fashion trends, bell bottoms Gorman is proud of the current bell-bot- radicals
went on sabbatical. But now they’re back tom wearers, especially the ones who are not brands
and their return is catching the attention afraid to speak up on issues at MHS. women
of some bell bottom veterans at Mason taking
“I think it’s really great to know that we outside
High School. have so many people that are not afraid to fabric t
Bell bottoms were born during a decade say, hey that’s not right’ or ‘I’m going to step
in and tell you to stop doing that,” Gorman But b
of controversy, spanning from the mid said. among
1960’s to the late seventies. These long fashion
flowing pants that came to symbolize Even though bell bottom jeans and pants they ch
freedom, expression, and rebellion are re- are fashionable, sometimes clothing is not Long ti
turning during the 2020’s, a time period just clothing when it connects to a deeper was one
meaning. The reemergence of the bell bot- from th
that seems to resemble the sixties, with tom seems to coincide with a time when well int
cries of social justice, voting rights, and young people are making their voices heard.
equality. Even
Sophomore Sophie Seiveking loves her in his b
Not only are bell bottoms making a bell bottoms. She likes the look and how free around
return, but young people are speaking spirited they make her feel. But Seiveking looked
out again. They’re taking to the streets, isn’t afraid to speak up in support of people idealist
spawning a new generation of activism who need a voice.
from today’s young people who just King
just by some unique coincidence are “I speak my mind especially if I have a voting
seeing bell bottoms return as a fashion contradicting opinion,” Seiveking said. “I and equ
that has awoken from a long slumber. think it’s really important to [share] other ing whe
Visual arts teacher Audrey Gorman, an ad- perspectives.”
mitted bell bottom wearer during her teen- “I arg
age years believes that the current women’s Sheren Mirib, a sophomore at MHS enjoys about b
rights movement plays a large part in the the styles of the seventies. When she saw bell said. “T
return of bell bottoms. Gorman sees history bottoms making a comeback she felt right at that my
repeating itself as the fashion resurfaces home in her flared legged pants. side an
at the same time women are once again we’d ev
fighting for some of the same things they “[Bell bottoms] feel really authentic,” Mirib
fought for over 50 years ago. said. “I take a lot of inspiration from past The V
“In the sixties and seventies, women decades. The [clothes] are so different and the bell
were taking on bigger roles. They were fi- it’s fun to revisit a style.” against
nally deciding they can have both a fam- Vietnam
ily and a career,” Gorman said. “I think As women continue to fight for equal pay, drafted
that we look back at our leaders from that respectful treatment in the workplace, and worse. T
time period and we see the clothing they’re women’s health rights, Seiveking takes pride of their
in her involvement with the feminist move- protest.
ment which gained popularity in the ’60s. flected
aware t
Women’s activism was marked by a time
when the young women who joined this
movement wanted to break free from con-

ature 13

ofitted

their utilization in past and present activism

ve clothing. a statement regarding his beliefs.
bottoms were viewed as a style for “There’s no doubt that [bell bottoms]
s which made some popular clothing
hesitant to sell the jeans. In response, signaled the protest movement of the ’60s
n often had to make their own by and ’70s,” King said. “They were definitely
their straight leg jeans, cutting the related to the anti-war protests and to make
e seam, and adding another triangle of the world a better place movement.”
to create a wider leg.
bell-bottoms weren’t just popular MHS Guidance Counselor Phyllis Bell
g the girls. As with many popular fondly recalls wearing her bell bottoms. She
n guys didn’t want to get left out. So even remembers being asked if she was a
hose to wear bell bottoms as well. hippie when she wore flares to teach an Eng-
ime MHS English teacher Tim King lish class when she first started teaching.
e of those guys. He wore bell bottoms
he time he was elementary school to “It was a counter-culture movement,” Bell
to his college years. said. “Mainstream in the ’60s was not that.
though the jeans could get hung Even though it looked like there were all
bicycle chain due to all the material these movements everywhere, the music,
d the ankles King liked how his jeans the clothes, the protests, it was not main-
and he felt they reflected his own stream culture.”
tic personality.
was raised by parents who believed in While fashion trends and especially bell
rights, environmentalism, diversity, bottoms were not mainstream, the adults at
uality. He was also brought up know- MHS who once wore bell bottoms who have
en he needed to voice his opinion. since moved to the trends and styles of the
gued with my friends all the time 2020’s, haven’t lost sight of their symbolism.
beliefs. I got in fights over it,” King While they may no longer wear these pants
The typical war-loving point of view with the excess ankle space, they haven’t lost
y friends had, I would take the other their voice when it comes time to speak out
nd we would argue and sometimes against inequality.
ven start wrestling.”
Vietnam War played a huge part in Bell may have been young at the time.
l bottom trend. Many people were Bell bottoms may have gone out of style but
t the United States’ involvement in speaking up hasn’t. She continues to take
m. When young men began to get her involvement with issues very seriously,
d to fight in the war, the tension got and while she may no longer wear bell bot-
The youth felt like things were out toms that doesn’t stop her from voicing her
r control. They took to the streets to opinion because the influence of her youth
. Even though King knew his pants re- adorned by the fashion of her time remains
the style of the times, he was keenly strongly a part of her personal belief system.
that his long flowing pants also made
“I am a social justice warrior, I am an
advocate for kids,” said Bell. “ I have partici-
pated in women’s marches. So even though I
was younger when that was happening, it is
part of my life now.”

14 Feature April 9, 2021

GETTING INTO THE GAME

Alternate reality games bring escape room experience to real life

Meghan Dincler | Online Editor One of the more mainstream ARGs was organized by the A clue posted to online forums, originally with words scratched out,
Duffer Brothers, the directors of Stranger Things, in order to
Ominous codes and encrypted files are the stuff of thriller promote the show’s third season. The game is most commonly after being decoded by Enderwalk ARG participants.
novels. But these mysterious items are being brought to the real referred to as “Operation Scoop Snoop,” given that was the name
world through Alternate Reality Games. of the covert mission players were asked to go on after starting One of the most common resources for finding active games is
the game. the website “argn.com,” short for “ARGNet,” a website that keeps
The popularity of Alternate Reality Games (ARGs) is on the an updated list of active games. There are no set guidelines for
rise on social platforms such as Reddit and present a way for The game began with a message left in morse-code in a when a game is considered active, with the only real rule being
people to solve a mystery with nothing more than their brains Baskin Robbins commercial and took off from there as players that “it has to resurge every once in a while” according to Ky-
and a computer. ARGs are a form of entertainment for many decoded passwords using a cipher found in various Baskin selica. He’s observed that “sometimes it [the games going cold]
that utilize the real world as their game board, guiding the play- Robbin shops around the world, followed a mysterious contact happens and everyone forgets about it, but then it can happen
ers to unravel a mystery or story through a series of clues and through online forums in the hunt for secret portals -- most again and people usually remember and come back.”
puzzles. likely leading to “The Upside Down”, the alternate dimension
that plays a significant role in the Netflix show -- and eventually, ARGNet presents a valuable resource for avid Alternate Real-
Photo by Meghan Dincler “saved the world.” ity Game fans, but Kelsey found the game she’s participating in
Junior Olivia Kelsey and freshman Josh Kyselica discuss the most through Ranboo’s YouTube channel. Along with the information
recent clue in the Enderwalk ARG in which Kelsey is participating. While every ARG will look different, it is not uncommon to on YouTube, “there’s a Twitter account who runs the Discord
see show and game franchises taking advantage of them as a and will send out updates and stuff that we have to uncover and
ARGs operate largely through platforms like Discord, where unique way to promote their product. With Stranger Things be- decode.”
players can exchange information and collaboratively discuss ing a critically-acclaimed Netflix show, the game drew in a more
clues. mainstream audience, leading new players to rely on help from Social media is often used as a starting point for ARGs, includ-
others to decipher clues and get access to the webpages needed ing one that became a staple in the history of Alternate Reality
to play the game. Games. The game got players involved in real-life conflict and
even went as far as doxxing players’ real life identities, meaning
For this reason, the largest component of ARGs is arguably that the game’s creators collected and leaked personal informa-
the social aspect; the collaborative effort that almost resembles tion about the players. This is an act that is completely out of
that of an escape room. However, in place of a room, players are line with the set precedents of Alternate Reality Games, turning
expected to work together worldwide through online forums many people away from the community before it had even re-
like Discord and Reddit to solve the clues and figure out the ally gone mainstream (with the events of the game occurring in
conclusion to each game’s story, since most games involve a cast 2009). That game is generally referred to as “Junko Junsui”, after
of characters living out their own story in the alternate reality of the main character of the game, and serves as a cautionary tale
the game. As a result, ARGs provide an interesting way to meet of the potential dangers for those getting into ARGs
new people, as junior Olivia Kelsey found out after playing her
first game. Even armed with the technical knowledge that many avid
ARG players have, games can still be tedious and challenging.
“There’s a massive Discord with close to 15,000 members,” Kelsey has only been involved in the Enderwalk ARG for less
Kelsey said. “ARGs are collaborative. It’s a group of people try- than a month, but she has already encountered difficulties, and
ing to work together to solve this mystery. It’s helpful because seen many others do the same.
I don’t know how to decode certain things but someone else
might, so I can say ‘Hey, I think this might be this type of code, “You get stuck often,” Kelsey said. “There was an ARG that I
could you figure this out for me?’” didn’t participate in, I kind of joined near the end of it so I didn’t
really participate but I knew what happened in it, and it started
While he has not yet gotten into a game, freshman Josh about two years ago and just got solved a few months ago.”
Kyselica is involved in an online chatroom on Discord as well,
where he has met multiple people who are also interested in Regardless of the time it takes to complete an ARG, common
ARGs. He believed that “[he] didn’t think [he’d] be socializing traits that can be seen in almost anyone who plays a lot of Al-
with these people if [he] didn’t know about them” and that “it ternate Reality Games is resilience and persistence. Whether it’s
makes it a lot easier to talk to people online when you have working for years to solve clues, or combing through pages of
similar interests.” information to find one pair of coordinates, Kyselica knows that
they will never give up.
Both Kyselica and Kelsey have met people through the world
of ARGs, with Kelsey having met “a lot of online friends all over “You would think that after like, two years, they’d be done
the world, [including] an online friend who lives in India.” Ky- with it,” Kyselica said. “But as soon as they find something new,
selica enjoys being able to use ARGs as a common conversation they’re like ‘ok, we did it, we got one step closer.’ They’re think-
topic while online, and often having conversations about them ing about the steps they’ve taken, not how many steps they have
“while [he’s] playing a game and on voice call. [He] meets people left.”
that have similar interests about that stuff [ARGs] and talk with
them about that.”

Along with meeting new people, the ARG she is participating
in has brought new experiences to Kelsey’s life as well. Her love
of Minecraft YouTube, specifically the Dream roleplay survival
multiplayer [SMP] world, unlocked these new experiences, being
the catalyst for her to begin to play the Alternate Reality Game.

“The one that I’m doing right now is called the Enderwalk
ARG,” Kelsey said. “It’s based on some of the lore behind a
Minecraft YouTuber whose name is Ranboo, whose character in
the server is part Enderman. He goes into a sort of sleepwalking
paralysis throughout the Dream SMP, and the goal of the game
for us is to figure out why.”

In order to achieve this goal, she has had to puzzle through
coded messages which range in difficulty, making some clues
difficult to understand -- even with the help of others.

“The first clue we got was really just common sense,” Kelsey
said. “It was a document with origins, genetics and stuff [related
to the game’s storyline] and there were certain words scribbled
out or written over. We had to figure out what those words were;
for example, we solved that one of the words was ‘circadian,’ tell-
ing us the clue related to the sleep cycle. However, one came out
today that is quite literally just a square with a zigzag.”

ARGs can originate from many different groups or places.

April 9, 2021 Feature 15

Foster dog finds a home ‘close to home’

Alisha Soni | Staff Writer kept me up the whole night. Then, we plinger said. “A couple of days after we her, fostering provides animals with
sort of got a routine down. Olive and got her, I was laying down on the couch a safe environment and a chance to
Sometimes when you love something Lacey figured out how to play together and she came up and laid right next to recover their trust -- an opportunity she
you have to set it free. That’s exactly and would cuddle with each other on me. She’s starting to settle in and she’s encourages others to take advantage of
what happened when Hope Conrad and the couch. We were also able to potty really sweet.” as well.
her family decided to foster a rescued train her and teach her tricks.”
puppy; they eventually had to let her After growing close to Lacey, the “Fostering is a really good thing to do
go. In the month she fostered, Conrads faced the difficult reality of because you don’t know what these pup-
Conrad experienced all of the having to give up their foster dog. The pies have been through,” Conrad said.
Through the organization Homeless struggles and joys that come memories that she and Lacey have “Before we were thinking about getting
Animal Rescue Team (HART), senior with raising a new member of created over the month led to an emo- our own puppy but we decided that we
Hope Conrad and her family were the family -- until it came time to tional goodbye. wanted to foster instead. It gives some
able to foster their first dog, a rescue give her away. Luckily, Lacey puppies a chance at finding a forever
puppy named Lacey. The volunteer-ran was not going far. “Lacey was special to me because she home and HART really needs more
program gathers animals from mills or was the first dog that we fostered
high-kill shelters and contacts approved Lacey was adopted by senior and we had her for a people to get involved.”
fosters in order to provide temporary Ryan Caplinger and his fam- month, which is usually
homes to animals in hopes that they ily. Through HART’s Facebook way longer than you
can later be adopted. account, Caplinger’s family had usually have them,”
noticed Lacey’s posts and decided Conrad said. “I remem-
The Conrads had been wanting to they were ready to add another dog ber that she wanted
foster for a couple of years, but had to their family. So, they contacted the to be held like a baby
never believed it was the appropriate Conrads. Since the two families knew 24 seven. Every night
time. When they finally thought they each other, it didn’t take long for the at eight o’clock Lacey
were ready, they submitted their ap- Caplingers to meet Lacey. would pass out on the
plication to be fosters through HART.
Almost immediately after, they were “When we first met her, Lacey was couch while [she was]
approved and contacted with news of a a little hesitant to go up to anyone in asleep on top of me,
puppy needing to be fostered. my family,” Caplinger said. “She met so I’d have to carry her
my golden retriever, Payton, and that from the couch to my
“Lacey and her sister were found day they both went in our backyard and
on the side of the road somewhere in played around a bunch.” bed. I think my family
West Virginia or Virginia,” Conrad said. had an easier time
“When we got the dog, her eye was all Despite Lacey’s “closed personality”, with the transition but
messed up, so she had to stay at the she was immediately adopted. A week I kind of got attached
vet’s for a little bit and get surgery. and a half later, Lacey has started to ad- a little bit.”
Then the [organization] asked us if we just to her new environment. Caplinger Regardless, Conrad
wanted to foster her, so of course we describes her as “food motivated” insist- has already received
said yes.” ing training has not been too difficult, another rescue dog to
although at first housebreaking was a foster through HART. To
Besides right timing, Conrad said bit of a struggle. Occasionally Payton
that her decision to foster was sparked and Lacey break into fights, but, for the
by the idea of being a part of helping most part, they keep each other com-
dogs, especially those previously ne- pany and constantly play together.
glected and abused. Conrad’s own dog,
a yellow lab mix, Olive, has also helped “Lacey seems to like the girls
foster Lacey. It took some a lot better than me and my dad,
time for Lacey to adjust
to her surroundings. but she’s getting there,” Ca-

“She didn’t want to
sleep in a crate, so
she slept in my bed,”
Conrad said. “It was
an adjustment for
me too because she

Graphics by Riley Johansen Photo contributed by Hope Conrad

16 Feature April 9, 2021

MHS students utilize their platforms to speak out

this year to improve public health promote health, prevent injuries,
is to write letters to senior homes diseases and eliminates health dis-
to reduce loneliness among seniors parities. When people think about
during the COVID-19 pandemic by public health they only think about
partnering with Letters for Rose. generic topics but there are various
topics that everyone should talk
Monaa Gopinath What do you hope to do through spread- about. Everyone can make a differ-
Sophomore ing the word and informing others about ence when it comes to public health.

Tell Us about yourself! What kinds these topics? What would you like to see change or
of things do you like to do, Hobbies, Fun improve within the world we live in?
As a YLPHM member, one of my That is, what do you want to change by
Facts, Etc? goals, as well as the club’s, is to raise advocating for the topics you're speaking
awareness for certain topics in order
My name is Monaa and I’m a to inform and educate the public on out on?
sophomore here at MHS. I am also a how to promote health, prolong life,
co-founder of Young Leaders in Pub- and prevent disease. I also hope to As a co-founder of MHS YLPHM, I
lic Health and Medicine (YLPHM). inform people about different ca- aim to encourage and form a group
Some of my interests are playing reer options to help them figure out that brings positive change and ex-
the piano, camping, reading, collect- what path they may want to pursue hibits an appreciation for investing
ing rocks and crystals. in the medical field. in the future of others. By spreading
awareness on public health I hope
What issues are you passionate about advocating How does your identity and the issues you that everyone as a community will
for? Are there any organizations or clubs you're support play a role in your outlook on help to reduce premature deaths
a part of that work to help spread the messages the world? and minimize the effects of disease,
disability, and injury. So it can lead
that you're advocating for? Before I started this club, I heard to a healthy, happy, and sustainable
a lot of people saying that they had society.
I am passionate about advocating trouble figuring out which career
for spreading awareness about pub- path they want to pursue in the If there's one thing you want people to
lic health. I strongly believe that ill- medical field. So when Harshita (co- take away from reading this, what would
ness prevention is better than cure- founder of YLPHM) and I started
not only will people have a higher this club, we saw a lot more people it be?
chance of living a long life, but it who were struggling with the same
will be a more enjoyable life too. As issue and were interested in public One thing I want people to take
a member of the national YLPHM health and medicine. away from reading is a quote from
club, I gained a better understand- HN Taylor Ramsey said, “No matter
ing of the disparities that exist in Why are these topics meaningful to you? what role you play, know that you’re
our society and the importance of important and that you can make
community collaboration in ad- Raising awareness on public a difference and Public Health is
dressing these problems. One of our health is so rewarding and knowing everyone’s responsibility.”
mini-project MHS YLPHM is doing you’re a part of a group that helps
Interview by Risha Chada
Page Design by Aadrija Biswas

April 9, 2021 Entertainment 17

MOVIE REVIEW: GODZILLA Vs. KONG

With Zack Snyder’s absolutely massive, 4-hour long director’s cut of the 2017 DC film Justice League in the Godzilla may be the “King of the Monsters,” but Kong
spotlight, there’s a renewed interest in the “long movie,” a remarkably volatile cinematic experience that serves as a bows to no one. The two stars of the ‘Monsterverse’
double edged sword for any viewers up to the task. If a filmmaker gets it wrong, you’re stuck sitting through a miser- have finally clashed together, and the promise of a visual
able, endless bore. But if they get it right? There’s truly nothing like taking in the cinematic sprawl of a truly great spectacle is fulfilled. The current state of visual effects is
“long film” (which is basically anything over three hours). Here are four of the best ones to clear your schedule for. the future we dreamed of years ago, and the fight scenes
are spectacular, though they can’t always make up for the
Seven Samurai (1954) dir. Akira Kurosawa film’s flaws.

207 minutes -- (3 hrs. 27 minutes) My main gripe with this movie is a common one: the plot
and the human characters often take a backseat to the fight
In many ways, Seven Samurai is the blueprint for a film like Zack sequences. It would have added weight to the fight scene if
Snyder’s Justice League. Often regarded as one of the greatest and most there was ever something at risk, but the fights fall short in
foundational action films of all time, it earns its length, filled with impec- reason, and what ends up is something visually pleasing,
cably choreographed fight sequences, fantastic performances, and enough yet all too predictable, a disposable piece of entertainment.
heart and humor to make the runtime feel like a breeze. The movie actually
invented the “assembling the team” trope, and it still holds up over half a This fast-paced slug-fest may be a pleasure to sit
century after its release sent shockwaves down Japanese and American through, but it doesn’t always live up to the hype. The
film industries alike. potential with the budget, actors, and studios working on
the film was huge, but the outcome is just a little bland.
Jeanne Dielman, 23 Commerce Quay, 1080
Brussels (1975) dir. Chantal Akerman Album Review: CHEMTRAILS OVER THE COUNTRY CLUB

201 minutes -- (3 hrs. 21 minutes) Following what might be her most problematic year yet in
the eyes of the internet, Lana Del Rey has released a quiet,
Belgian director Chantal Akerman’s watershed Jeanne Dielman is a beauti- gentle record, perhaps more vintage than any of her other
ful study of the mundane, an essential work of feminist filmmaking that centers works.
around the titular character as she goes about her daily life as a single house-
wife over three days. A film where something as small as overcooking potatoes Experimenting with folk (and even teetering on country
is treated as a genuine plot point, the minute details of Jeanne Dielman feel with a feature from Nikki Lane), her lyrics embody a free
engrossing, even if very little is actually happening. And, when something finally spirit, mentioning “leaving LA” (in “Let Me Love You Like
does happen, it’s truly worth the wait. A Woman”) and having an entire song dedicated to her
yearning for travel (“Not All Who Wander Are Lost”).
JFK (1991) dir. Oliver Stone
It isn’t the soft acoustic instrumentals that make the
206 minutes -- (3 hrs. 26 minutes) album’s sound, it’s Del Rey’s voice — her highest register
is on display, “White Dress” being where she makes it most
A lightning rod for controversy as soon as it came out, Oliver Stone’s epic prominent.
political thriller on the conspiracy behind John F. Kennedy’s assassination
may not hold up as fact, but it’s an utterly unreal work of filmmaking. Thanks The album is cohesive yet diverse, with misfires (like the
to its unmatched editing work and great performances, the film is tense, para- disjointed “Dark But Just A Game”) few and far between.
noid, and gripping for its entire runtime, even with all it throws at the wall. It’s Chemtrails Over The Country Club certainly feels like a
an insane, high-octane feat, and few films match its intensity and magnetism seventh album, but it’s clear that Del Rey is still, after all
from start to finish. these years, open to exploring her sound as an artist.

The Irishman (2019) dir. Martin Scorsese Page Design by Rachel Cai

210 minutes -- (3 hrs. 30 minutes)

Though I could’ve easily chosen another legendary gangster film with
all-time performances from Robert De Niro and Al Pacino for this spot — The
Godfather, pt. II is only eight minutes shorter than this movie — The Irishman
deserves a spot on this list. A poetic meditation on violence, religion, family,
identity, and guilt, The Irishman expands on what a gangster film can be, worn
by age and filled with a profound weariness that’s fascinating to see unfold.
Thanks to Scorsese’s peerless vision and a marvelous cast, the film flies by,
enthralling to the very end.

18 April 9, 2021

April 9, 2021 Sports 19

The Coaching conundrum
Student-parent duos navigate dynamic of athlete and coach

Photo by Abby Waechter
Mason High School Head Varsity Baseball Coach Curt Bly instructs his son, junior Brady Bly on his catching technique during a practice. This is Brady’s first year as a Varsity athlete under his father’s leadership.

Abby Waechter | Staff Writer decisions that he believes will help the team Davis said that having her dad coach her a challenging conversation to go home with,”
do so. throughout a large portion of her lacrosse Davis said. “I have to have that conversation
Coaches’ kids get treated differently. Even career has offered her and her dad a “special as both a coach and a dad, whereas a coach
though parents and teammates think coaches’ “When [putting Brady in] gives us the best connection” both on and off the field. At home, I made the decision and as a dad, I have to
kids get special treatment, it is usually the chance to win that day, he plays like everyone Davis enjoys the fact that discussions regard- smooth it over.”
furthest thing from the truth. else,” Bly said. “When he doesn’t give us the ing her athletic performance does not have to
best chance to win that day, he won’t play, it’s be limited to the lacrosse field. Although on As a coach, it is Davis’ job to see that all
Parents often try to coach their kids from the that simple.” the field, Claire is aware that a deeper connec- of his athletes are working hard in order to
sidelines or on the drive home. After a while, tion comes with “a bit higher standard.” display the skills needed in order to ensure the
a child can start to resent the parent coaching. For both Coach Bly and Brady, it is impor- team’s success. Davis said that while he enjoys
But when your coach is actually your mom or tant that they are not always a coach-athlete “I kind of like the extra push because it having the opportunity to spend an extra two
dad, that brings in a whole new dynamic. duo. Brady said that he and his dad work well helps me to be a better player every time I’m hours with his daughter every day, he under-
together in distinguishing boundaries between out on the field,” Davis said. “I also like being stands that as a coach he will have to make
Varsity baseball player junior Brady Bly has the two realms of being an athlete versus be- able to go home and talk about the practices sure that he does not give his daughter special
to deal with being under the microscope of ing a son. and the games to see what he has to say about attention.
both skeptical parents and teammates. Brady what went well and what could have gone
knows that there are many eyes on him when “We do a pretty good job of keeping things better.” “She is my favorite and I tell the entire team
he plays, none more critical than those of his separate,” Bly said. “At practice, he’s my coach, that,” Davis said. “They all know and under-
dad, who happens to be longtime varsity head and when I go home he’s my dad.” At home, Coach Davis blends the con- stand that I’m tough on her, but that I also
coach Curt Bly. nection between lacrosse and family when hold her accountable.”
Although Brady has been working with his interacting with his daughter. Davis said that
“He definitely holds me to a higher work dad since the early days of his baseball career while he tries to stay away from coaching her Coach Davis said that he is not shy to admit
ethic standpoint because I am his kid,” Brady and served as the team bat-boy when he was at home, he feels that having an athlete as a that he is just as hard on his daughter as he is
Bly said. ten, Coach Bly said that he still thinks it is daughter gives him the opportunity to see dif- on all of the other players, if not harsher on
important to just be Brady’s dad when they go ferent perspectives of his coaching style. her. For example, when Claire Davis did not
Coach Bly said that, as a coach, he wants the home for the day, allowing his son to escape abide by his rule of bringing a jersey to prac-
same for all of his athletes. He wants them to from the stress of the game, especially after “The line of separation between coach and tice every day, Coach Davis did not allow her
have a season full of great performances. As tough practices. father, athlete and daughter are important to to practice that day and left Claire “emotional”
a dad, Bly said that he tries not to overwhelm keep well defined,” Davis said. “But also I am for the rest of the practice. While Claire refers
Brady while also silently expecting great “It’s important that we agree to keep the able to home and have some good discussions to the jersey incident as more of an annoying
things. baseball side of our relationship on the field about ‘team’ with her.” “trauma,” Coach Davis views it as a “lesson
and the home and family at home,” Bly said. “I learned” and an example of how he does not
“Everyone wants great things from their don’t want [Brady] to have an experience where Davis feels as if the distinction of the line of give special treatment to his daughter.
kids,” Bly said. “But while that is true, I try my he has no downtime because all of the other separation between home and lacrosse is pri-
best as [Brady’s] coach to not put more pres- players get to get away from me so it wouldn’t marily crucial when he has to fulfill his duty as Davis said that while at times it can be
sure on him while also expecting the very best be fair if I was always on him.” a coach and post the rosters and starters. Davis difficult for her dad to also be her coach, the
from him as a dad.” said that the hardest part of juggling the titles relationship that she has built with him is one
Unlike the Bly’s relationship on the baseball of “dad” and as a “coach” is making the roster that is unlike any other.
Squashing the belief that Brady receives field that is relatively new, the Davis’ relation- and deciding where his daughter is going to
special treatment because the coach “happens ship on the lacrosse field is one that senior play in a game. “Some days it is hard because I will go home
to be his dad” is something that he communi- Claire Davis has “gotten used to.” Throughout not wanting to talk to him because we are both
cates to his players by his actions. Coach Bly her life, Davis has grown up with her dad “In a particular situation where [Claire] mad at each other,” Davis said. “But at the end
said that his team understands that the point of coaching her, as he saw her transition from doesn’t get to start, and then I have to explain of the day, we both know he’s my dad above
baseball is to win and that he makes objective middle school as her coach to her high school to her my reasoning as to why is sometimes anything else.”
career where he continued to coach her.

20 Sports April 9, 2021

Johnson will be counted on to lead talented but young Comet team

Matthew Smith | Sports Editor In the eyes of Bly, the team is Photo by Abby Waechter
In a normal season, the Mason already moving in the right direc- Senior Max Johnson will be one of just two players with varsity experience for Mason.
baseball program would be looking tion. However, there have still been
to build off what they did last season. growing pains. Sophomore Drew dard that this program has set over on them to lead. At the same time
But this spring isn’t normal and the Cox is one of the six kids who has the last few seasons. Coach Bly has though, we will need them to produce
last time the Comets took the field never played in a Mason High School gotten us to be one of the best pro- too.”
was in 2019. baseball game. For Cox, he said the grams in the midwest and some years
The Comets will be entering their biggest adjustment is the speed of the even the country.” Cox also knows the importance
2021 season without having played a game and learning the nuances of of the seniors to his development
game in two years. Many teams are varsity baseball. In order to reach these expectations along with the other first-time varsity
dealing with this dilemma, however and goals, Bly knows he will have to players. As guys that Cox looks to
inexperience will be a major factor “The biggest thing is to pick up rely heavily on his seniors. Not only for tips and mentoring, he said that
the Comets will have to deal with the pace of my play, and that will do they have the experience, but he leadership will play a huge role in the
this spring. Seniors Max Johnson and hopefully help me perform better,” believes their leadership will be key team’s success.
Jaxon Orlando are two players who Cox said. “There are also a lot of to bringing the most out of the un-
have plenty of varsity experience new plays and baseball situations us derclassmen. “All the younger guys look up to
and they will be counted on to lead a young guys need to learn, all while those seniors,” Cox said. “Personally
very young Mason baseball team this building chemistry with the team.” “There is going to be a ton of I have been going to Max [Johnson]
spring. responsibility on the shoulders of for a long time to improve my game,
Not only do the Comets have in- With Bly still figuring out exactly the older guys,” Bly said. “They know getting a lot of advice and tips. These
experience but they also have youth. what he has in his team, the play- that. Younger players grow up under guys have been in the program a
There are six freshman or sopho- ers still have their eyes on big goals. the leadership of their older team- long time, and they know how to win
mores on the team who have never Senior Max Johnson said that they mates just as much, if not more, than games.”
played a game in the Mason program. aren’t quite there yet, but he believes their coaches. So we are going to rely
On top of that, all but two juniors on his teammates can bring home more
varsity were expected to play junior championships.
varsity last season to further their
development. “There are a lot of new faces on the
With all these factors, head coach team,” Johnson said. “Once we get
Curt Bly knows it will be a challenge everyone going in the same direction
to get this team back to where it once and work out the kinks, we can be
was, but he believes they are moving pretty good. We have a lot of pieces
toward reaching that point. and we can definitely compete for a
“So far I’ve just seen a lot of inex- regional championship.”
perience,” Bly said. “Losing last year,
a year of development and a year of The team has large goals, but
teaching, hurts. The guys are working large expectations have already been
hard and we are really trying to play placed on the Comets. On March 16th,
catch up. Teaching situational base- Mason was ranked number one in the
ball and how you win or lose games Southwest Ohio preseason coaches
has been the focus, and we have seen poll. Johnson said that he doesn’t
a lot of growth.” give any attention to rankings, but
that is where he expects his team to
be.

“I don’t really pay attention to
things like [the coaches poll],” John-
son said. “However that is the stan-

Leadership, communication key ingredients for new soccer, volleyball head coaches

Raghav Raj | Staff Writer legacy of success she has inherited soccer coach, Nate Baer. For Baer, this vision also involves
Two of Mason’s most successful ath- from Myer. Baer takes over the program from providing the players a deeper and
letic programs will have new leaders in more intricate understanding of how
the fall of 2021. “With how good this girls team has two time GMC Coach of the Year, Mike the game of soccer is played.
A 2020 Greater Miami Conference consistently been, there’s obviously Combs, who stepped down at the con-
coach of the year takes over for the a lot of pressure for any new coach clusion of the 2020 season. The Mason “As someone with a data analytics
departed Tiann Myer in girls volleyball, coming in,” said Dinkelacker. “But, to boys soccer program is no stranger background, there’s this sort of em-
while a former Ohio Coach of the Year me it feels like a good pressure. It’s one to success — the Comets have domi- phasis on detail and structure orienta-
has been tapped to take over the boys of those things that really holds the nated the GMC, won their fair share of tion that informs a lot of how I view
soccer program. players, the staff, and just the program district championships (most recently the game of soccer,” said Baer. “I want
Myer, who stepped down at the as a whole to a higher standard, where this past year), and took home a state my players to constantly be mentally
conclusion of the season after win- we’re not able to slack and we can keep title in 2013. engaged, and I want to focus on mind-
ning five consecutive GMC titles, will striving for bigger and better things.” set to the point that they’re ready for
be replaced by former Colerain head In eight seasons as the head coach whatever they have to face.”
coach Lindsey Dinkelacker, who guided For Dinkelacker, these bigger and of the boys team of Ottawa Hills, a
her Cardinal squad to one of their better things involve postseason suc- Division III school located just west of While soccer and volleyball don’t
best seasons ever. Dinkelacker has an cess, from continuing Mason’s string of Toledo, Ohio, Baer’s Green Bears had share many similarities (except that
impressive resume, which includes GMC championships to gearing up the an overall record of 112-34-6, along with they both employ a ball and a net), it
turning around the struggling Colerain girls for a run at the state title. Howev- a Division III state runner up finish in does appear that Mason newest fall
program, as well as guiding one of the er, her primary goal as a new coach is 2017. In 2018, Baer was named the Ohio sport coaches share a similarity when
area’s top club volleyball programs. to build a strong and trusting relation- High School Athletic Association’s it comes to mental preparation and a
Dinkelacker has some big shoes to ship with her players, something she Ohio Soccer Coach of the Year, and in deeper strategic understanding. The
fill. Myer, who moved to Georgia after hopes to translate into a continuation 2019 he was recognized as Coach of focus on preparation and working
the 2020 season, is the winningest of their winning culture. the Year by the National Federation of toward a common goal is something
coach in Mason Girls Volleyball history. State High Schools. also Dinkelacker hopes to instill in her
In her 14 year tenure, Myer racked up “I’m not trying to overhaul every- players.
286 wins and only 90 losses. Along the thing these girls have built, as much as While Baer has some impressive
way, she turned the Mason program I’m trying to help them grow and build accomplishments, he plans to bring a “It’s easy to set these big goals,
into one of the area’s best, racking up upon what’s been done here at Mason,” coaching style that puts the focus on but we have to be realistic and work
seven coach of the year honors, claim- said Dinkelacker. “I have a plan for shared leadership and service. towards them every week, set these
ing seven GMC titles, and sending sev- how we can reach our goals, and I want smaller goals and work our way up
eral players onto the collegiate level. them to be able to trust and buy into “My leadership style is one where we, to the bigger ones,” said Dinkelacker.
Dinkelacker, who actually shared that plan, to be able to communicate as coaches, are serving the players and “There’s always a lot of variables being
coach of the year honors with Myers and count on each other, and execute putting them in positions where they thrown around that we have to adjust
this past season, is cognizant of the consistently when it comes down to can be successful and grow,” said Baer. for, and I want to make sure that we’re
game time.” “We want to pair that sort of leadership, prepared to meet whatever gets thrown
that service-based leadership, with a at us and adapt, because that’s how we
Building a culture of strong leader- clear vision, a clear plan on how we can get where we want to go.”
ship and communication is also im- move forward as a team and get where
portant to newly anointed head boys we want to be.”

April 9, 2021 Sports 21

The Numbers Game

Athletes have personal attachment to the number on their jersey

There are some numbers that are synonymous with sports. Michael Jordan's number 23,
the number three on Dale Earnhardt's car, Babe Ruth's number three, or the iconic num-
ber 42 of Jackie Robinson. Sometimes in high school an athlete is simply handed a jersey
and that's their number. Some athletes grow to love their number and then they hand
it in at the conclusion of the season only to be handed another number the next year.
There are also those athletes who will fight for their number or hover around the coach
when they hand out uniforms so they can lay claim to a number that carries a special
meaning. Several Mason athletes have a special backstory when it comes to the number
they proudly wear on when they compete for the Comets.

M Y SECOND HOME BE CAUSE OF MY DAD

“I chose this number because when I was LAST CHOICE NOW “I picked number five because that’s the number my dad
in third grade I moved to Georgia and was BEST CHOICE wore when he played football in high school. My dad is a role
devastated. In Georgia I was introduced model to me and he preaches hard work. That’s what I want
to lacrosse and I have played ever since. “Last year as a freshman, I got the last to be known for. Hard work.”
It was a great distraction to help me not choice of uniforms so I grabbed #33.
think about my old friends. I was fortu- Soon after, the season got cancelled and
nately given another opportunity to move it became meaningful. Now when I see
back to Ohio to reunite with my friends, or think of #33 I think of how lucky and
even though it was sad to have to leave grateful I am to have a season. Now I
the new friends I had just met. So, the want that number to be mine for the rest
reason I picked number two is because it of high school because it represents the
always reminds me that I have a second challenges I went through with it.”
home.”

BECAUSE OF MY LU CKY NUMBER CA RRYING ON A LEGACY
BROTHER
“I’m number 15, and it’s my lucky "Twelve has always been my number. It had no real meaning
“My brother was the reason why I started number. It has a lot to do with the day, until my sophomore year. For soccer I now wear 12 because
playing lacrosse. Being three years time, and situation in which I was born. it was passed down to me from Natalie Sears. I wear number
younger than him, I got to experience I was born on September 15, 2003. I was 12 not only to continue Natalie’s legacy on the program but
everything first through his lens, and 8 pounds, 15 oz when I was born. I was continue everyone else who came before me and wore the
then again through mine. When I was a born at 1:15pm. The most important part number 12. For basketball, my best friend and mentor Megan
freshman, he was a senior and because is that 15 days prior to me being born, Wagner happened to wear number 12, so getting to wear
freshmen get the last choice on jersey my uncle on my dad’s side passed away. number 12 just has a special meaning.”
number, I had a select few to choose He had a brain tumor that ruptured. I was
from. My brother was #44 when he was ultimately named after him as well, both
in high school, so I decided to choose our initials being KML. I take to heart this
the same one. Some people change their number and remember him, even though I Player content and photos compiled by Cody Allgor, Staff Writer
numbers to a lower or ‘cooler’ number never met him.” Graphic Design by Riley Johansen
but I didn’t want to change.”

22 Opinion April 9, 2021

Mason’s mental health Staff Editorial
training deserves roll
out to everyone Cleveland Browns quarterback proved wrong

Shravani Page | Staff Writer about Mason when he shouldn’t have been

Mason has had its fair share of mental Remember when Cleveland Browns Quarterback We aren’t gonna tell you what you’ve already been
health-related issues. Baker Mayfield tweeted at Mason High School calling told. That college acceptances don’t define you or solid-
And Mason has done a lot to help students us soft? ify your life path (which is true). That authentic passion
combat them. and hard work will always prevail when the smoke and
They’ve allocated more resources and even trained teachers Yeah, so do we. mirrors of rejections by at times corrupt and always
and a small group of students in suicide prevention. They’ve One of the more tumultuous moments here at money-making institutions fade away (also true).
developed numerous connections with Cincinnati Children’s, Mason High School began as a way to reduce stress
the Lindner Center of Hope, and organizations such as and ease the cutthroat academic culture here at Mason. Instead we offer a different story. Playing into
MindPeace. We have therapy dogs and relaxation rooms now. Somehow it ended in a viral tweet by Cleveland Browns this competitiveness, into the toxicity that Mayfield
The school is endeavoring to give us students that sense of Quarterback Baker Mayfield on May 11, 2019. He came supported, is not only unhealthy, but it just doesn’t
comfort. to the enlightening conclusion that Mason students work anymore. With thousands of applicants who
However, there are still students who find themselves amid would fail to push themselves academically with the have already tested out the valedictorian lifestyle, a
a mental health crisis. removal of the valedictorian and salutatorian titles. perfect GPA or good test score or impressive rack of
As much as Mason has done to provide students with Now, with this directive in place for almost two extracurriculars is old news. Contrary to Mayfield’s
resources, they haven’t managed to provide many students years, it is safe to say that Mayfield and the Barstool twitter stance that competition “bring[s] out the best in
with the proper training needed to guide themselves or others. Sports article that echoed his opinion couldn’t have people,” it seems that this sort of competition has in-
A diminutive percentage of students in the building has been been farther from the truth. stead brought out the worst, churning out resumes de-
equipped with this training. Because while the world is in disarray, for many pendent on scantron scores when the students behind
Having students involved is a great idea, but why just a Mason students, the real apocalypse still remains to them feel inadequate rather than proud and worthy.
small number of them? be keeping up academically even as we reach unparal-
Being properly trained to tackle a mental-health crisis is leled levels of burnout. Colleges, however, don’t want scantron machines.
an important, life-long skill. Having those resources on you, A key indicator of this truth lies in the numbers Similar to the real world, they want students who
knowing what to do, can truly help save a life. themselves, which only seem to get more and more are deeply interested and invested in promising ideas
Numerous students struggle, and it can be incredibly hard extreme. This year every single prestigious university and people and are motivated but not to an extreme.
to detect when someone is struggling. It’s almost normalized saw a dramatic increase in college applications, an ef- It is good to have ambition and getting into college
now. When I finally opened up to some of my close friends fect of the pandemic. The most selective colleges used is something we all deserve to feel good about and to
about my struggles, I found a lot of their responses consistent. to range from 4-6% acceptance rates. celebrate.
It was always “I knew something seemed off, but I didn’t Now these rates are dropping by about half. But sometimes, goals for the future are just present
know how I could talk to you about it. I didn’t know what I It appears that those vying for these colleges (Mason agents of pain in disguise. The idea that a success in
could say or who to tell.” students are no strangers to this bunch) just have to the distance will excuse all the the present anguish
Now, I’m not saying I was necessarily looking for anyone hope that their application doesn’t get lost in the stack. shouldn’t be the mindset, especially in high school.
to help me, and in typical teenage fashion, I refrained from Because the incentive of being the at top of the class Yeah, we already know this. And yet, we often refuse
asking for help. was never the entire reason kids at Mason strategically this reality until it’s too late. But what if we told you
That’s why Mason still seems to be internally trapped in this took GPA boosting courses. The scope is much larger accepting this early on will help you both personally
cycle. It’s hard to reach out. and complex, involving the glamour of the Ivy League, and professionally? That in this compeitive world of
Students are more likely to approach their close peers and the reason why the college admissions bribery scandal perfection, being human is rare? That finding a passion
trusted adults than a separate student they may not know who exists at all, and the notion that a .03 increase in GPA is and a reason to be happy is the elusive “holistic” factor
is “certified” to help them. We are more liable to trust those we worth the 30 more hours per week of work. colleges seek?
are close with, right? Located at just one branch of the college admissions We can’t ensure a 100% success rate. This path prob-
This isn’t me dismissing any of the school’s groups. In fact, frenzy that has boosted selectiveness, Mason finds itself ably won’t work every single time. But at least you’ll
I’m even a part of some of them. And this isn’t me complain- in the category of The High-achieving Public School: come out the other side (where everyone ends up
ing about Mason not doing anything about arising mental not quite rich enough for all of the students to coolly anyway) a little less jaded about what the world has to
health concerns. The school has supported me through my pay their way to the top nor like an exclusive private offer.
hardships which is something I will forever be grateful for. school that designs itself to be a direct feeder into elite Yes, it’s true that Mayfield missed the mark with
However, the mental health of many of our students is at a institutions. a comment about our school which has churned out
rapid decline. Instead what we have are a lot of smart, hard-work- more success without assigning a valedictorian than all
Most students don’t reach out to the school directly, many ing students with enough resources and supportive of the Brown’s recent football seasons combined. But to
of them reach out to their friends or peers who may not know teachers to allow them to see glimpses of the academic begin piecing back together your sanity and give you
what to do in the situation. The only reason I genuinely feel high life — and enough glimpses to want it. the edge you didn’t know was so simple to obtain, it
capable of being able to “help” or guide someone else is Because at the root of it, under the ton of pounds of may be smart to take his insult as advice.
that I’ve been in a similar place. I’ve equipped myself with self-inflicted and external pressures, we all feel deep Take a breather, do something you love, do it as well
resources to do my part because I don’t want another student down that these early “wins” are head starts (or even as you can, and maybe, just for a moment, realize that
to feel what many of us have felt. tickets of entry) to a successful, prosperous life. we could all benefit from going a little soft.
Yes, we have made so much progress but we have to start
educating the entire student population about how to respond.
We have to start giving them the option to take the time to
learn basic skills, responses, and coping mechanisms.
We all have the same goal here.
We want our students to do their best, we want them to be
happy, we want them to be independent, and we want them to
become the best versions of themselves they can be.
And we can only do this if we give them what they need: by
providing the entire student body, not just a select group of
students, with the training to help themselves and each other.

The Chronicle’s Policy Risha Chada
Evelina Gaivoronskaia
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The Chronicle is published monthly.

April 9, 2021 Opinion 23

We need to do more Editorial Cartoon

about climate change We can’t keep looking to understand what being on it is like until you’ve wrestled
hormonal rage at its core. Doctors will freely admit that
before it is too late birth control as the it is unpredictable at first and girls will also freely admit
that it is a “hit or miss” prescription. Because it is. Starting
Raghav Raj | Staff Writer culprit the pill marks the beginning of your trek through the
jungle of its delusion.
On April 31, President Joe Biden Abby Waechter | Staff Writer
unveiled new measures to overhaul There are days of normalcy and days of horror. There
and upgrade American infrastructure, proclaiming his plan I hate birth control. are weeks where your emotions are constantly at war with
“a once-in-a-generation investment in America.” Officially Ever since I’ve started it, nothing but a series of each other. And there are months where you don’t feel
titled the American Jobs Plan, the initiative is the largest unfortunate events has occurred. My body doesn’t know comfortable in your own body.
presidential effort to fight climate change ever, dwarfing how to react to it, my emotions are out of control, and my
former President Barack Obama’s 2009 Stimulus bill which boyfriend broke up with me. But despite all of its trouble, I came to a realization. A
allotted a comparatively paltry $90 billion to clean energy The emotions that came over me after my breakup realization that unveiled a side of me that was dripping in
investments. The bill clocks in at $2 trillion over the next were amplified because of birth control. I was going crazy. truth.
decade, with billions of those dollars going into improve- Most people who know me were shocked to hear that I
ments in things like public transport, severe weather was the slightest bit emotional after it happened. Birth control did not make up the feelings I felt, it just
services, the electrical grid, and climate research. I’m not the kind of person who typically shows emo- enhanced them.
On the surface, this seems like a landmark piece of tion.
legislation (and the Biden administration is all too eager I’m the person who shoves it deep down and gets I felt deep down that something was wrong in my re-
to argue that it is), but that assertion belies a simple, yet through it by herself. I won’t confide in other people. lationship. I just didn’t address it until I began taking the
devastating fact: this effort is not nearly large enough to I will tell everyone I’m okay, and I will get through it. pill. I knew I was upset with my friends for their actions
address the grand existential threat that climate change It might be a period of silence or a time of ignoring my months before I started it, but I didn’t begin to defend my-
presents. feelings until I am completely and truly over it, but I’ll self until I began taking the pill. My life was going down
For starters, the bill doesn’t pass the basic spending re- get over it. But that is NOT how it was. the drain. The pill forced me to realize who I am and that
quirements put forth by climate scientists to reach carbon A week later I tried to have a totally normal conversa- I deserve to be treated with so much love and respect. The
neutrality by 2050, a goal that most climate scientists deem tion with my mom and I cried through the entirety of it. pill revealed the truth behind what I really wanted to be:
essential for preventing the most catastrophic effects of This was not like me. happy.
global warming. While the bill spreads $2 trillion out over Did I really just grow to embody the essence of a teen-
the next ten years, most estimates (specifically, ones from age girl overnight? Then she brought up all of the other The pill made me control the things I didn’t want to
economists at the New Climate Economy and The Roos- offenses that I was guilty of that took place over the last control. But I had to. The only reason why I didn’t explode
evelt Institute) demand — at the bare minimum, no less — two months: I was overly emotional (for a teenage girl, I into pieces after my breakup was because it was the first
a trillion dollars per year for full decarbonization. know) and I was so much more irritable. I didn’t know the step towards my happiness, and deep down I knew that. I
As Farhad Manjoo of the New York Times puts it, answer: Why was I acting like this? needed a way out. I needed time to remember how liberat-
“Biden’s proposal is just a fifth of what [climate economists] Then she asked me how birth control was going. ing it was to not be tethered to another person’s emotions.
estimate is the minimum amount that the government Suddenly it all made sense.
needs to spend to stave off the worst projected dangers of a My doctor prescribed me a heightened dose and said Now that it’s actually happened, and I’ve gotten a differ-
warming climate; at the high end of spending projections, that it might “play” with my feelings. Oh, it “played” with ent prescription, I can define my happiness without other
it’s only an eighth.” my feelings. It ruined them. I had totally forgotten about people influencing it. We have to control what makes us
Not just that — Biden’s proposal falls short of even his her warning. happy, and sometimes that means leaving. We have to
own campaign promises. As many climate activists — from The thing about birth control is you can’t really keep ourselves happy, and through doing that we ensure
Congressional Progressive Caucus chair Pramila Jayapal, to that we are involved in the right relationships. We pave
the Sunrise Movement — pointed out, Biden had cam- the way for our own happiness and we are the ones who
paigned on a $2 trillion ‘accelerated investment’ to address decide if we are truly happy.
climate change over a four-year period. Considering that
even $500 billion a year doesn’t reach the low end of what No one can define your happiness. Not a friend, not a
climate economists suggest is necessary to combat climate parent, not even a pill.
change (that low end, for reference, clocks in at $980 billion
according to a 2019 BloombergNEF study), this makes the You do.
American Jobs Plan feel like even more of a disappoint-
ment, one that doesn’t rise up to the challenge of our times.
But, then again, we have to ask ourselves this question:
could we have ever counted on Joe Biden to deliver the
change we need to save the planet? A man who ardently
refuses to ban fracking, which is ridiculously harmful to
the environment while disproportionately hurting people
of color? A man who chose Cedric Richmond, a known fos-
sil fuel industry ally, as his climate liaison? A man whose
climate policy essentially boiled down to rejoining the Paris
Agreement, which most scientists deem ineffective at limit-
ing global temperature rise to 1.5 or 2 degrees C?
Quite simply, we cannot rely on Joe Biden for climate
justice. He is a continuation of the capitalist status quo that
prioritizes profit over the environment, and his policies
will never bring us to the change we need to ensure the
existence of our planet. Instead of leaving our fate in the
hands of politicians who don’t care about us, we must band
together, organize, and work collectively for the good of
the Earth. It’s the only way that change will come.

April 9, 2021 24