Chronicle 19.9

Volume 19 Issue 9 | William Mason High School | 6100 Mason Montgomery Rd., Mason, OH | 5.13.22

Finding Comfort
in Choice

See page 2

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

Illustration and page design by Allison Droege

2 News May 13, 2022

Comfort found in color choice for 2022 graduating seniors

Izzy Gaspar’raj | The Chronicle Photo by Izzy Gaspar’raj do not conform to the gender binary.
Graduating senior Rachel Molnar decided to wear a green cap and gown. They said that only having one op-
One senior prefers green. Another tion for the color of caps and gowns
prefers white. On graduation day, this social change, with more stu- “I’ve never been the most femi- would make the decision easier for
both will proudly wear the cap and dents feeling comfortable in choos- nine person, so having the option many students.
gown color of their choice. ing whichever color they feel, is a [of gown color] is really affirming
step in the right direction for the to me personally,” Bussey said. “The “There are people who don’t
Mason graduating classes have al- school’s student culture. Bussey said green gown has been presented as identify as male or female and they
ways been able to choose whichever they felt more comfortable choos- more masculine, and it just felt more have to make a decision of green or
color they would like for their cap ing the color they preferred. Bussey comfortable to me to have that mas- white,” Bussey said. ‘If it was all one
and gown, but a large facet of this chose a green gown, not only because culine option.” color, I feel like it’d be a lot easier
choice dealt with gender. Tradition- of their affinity for the color green for people who don’t identify as male
ally, the color white was associated but also due to how they choose to Just as Molnar does, Bussey be- or female.”
with women at graduation, while express their gender identity. lieves that a one-color system would
dark green was the typical choice for be more inclusive for students who Senior Caden Quach said that he
men. hopes everyone can choose the color
of their graduation attire based on
The graduating class of 2022, how- which color they prefer, and not
ever, is defying this standard, not us- based on the previous associations
ing gender as a basis for their choice, with gender. Like Molnar, Quach
but simply choosing based on their chose the ‘opposite’ color. He said
preferred color. This change was he chose the white cap and gown
aided by an option in a graduation because it was the color he preferred
preparation form, stating “white” or out of the two to wear. Quach said
“green,” rather than “boy” or “girl” he was concerned about receiving
when purchasing caps and gowns. judgment from his peers due to his
choice. However, after discussing it
Senior Rachael Molnar wishes that with friends and family who believed
Mason offered a “one color system” he should have chosen green, he
because she believes that the current became “proud” of his decision.
two-color graduation gown system
can make “students feel ostracized “I’m proud to be able to choose a
because of their gender identity.” Fur- color that I want,” Quach said. “If
thermore, Molnar said that cap and I chose green only because I’m a
gown color should not force students male, and that’s the main reason, I
to be seen as different through what wouldn’t feel proud about that.”
cap and gown they choose.
Despite her desire for one color
“I think it’s super important for for everyone, Molnar still thinks that
students who are cisgender to choose students choosing non-traditionally
the ‘opposite’ color,” Molnar said. is an improvement. Molnar said
“[This is] so that students who aren’t she chose a green cap and gown in
public with their gender identity can an attempt to show everyone that
wear whatever color they want with- they can wear whichever color they
out feeling judged.” wish without fear of judgment. For
such a “universal” event, she said
Molnar said she wishes that Ma- graduation should not be centered
son’s cap and gowns were all one around what color gown you choose;
color, to avoid students having to it should be about graduating high
make a difficult decision on how school, which is “a huge milestone
they would like to portray them- for anyone.”
selves. According to Molnar, identify-
ing students by what color they wear “Graduation is a big day for every-
is “old-fashioned.” She also said that one, and I think it should be a day
a one-color system would avoid stu- of celebration,” Molnar said. “I think
dents having to explain themselves the last thing that kids should be
or choose one binary over the other. worrying about is how they present
their gender identity on this big day.”
Senior Chris Bussey believes that

May 13, 2022 Feature 3

STATE OF THE SCHOOL

Principal Dodd believes student-first focus is key to success at MHS

Abby Waechter | Managing Editor ‘Bobby’ Dodd started his first day atmosphere of the school projects and tutoring and a space
Assisted by Della Johnson and Shravani as principal of Mason High School throughout an unanticipated reserved for technology and
Page (MHS) after former principal Dave pandemic and mental health crisis, programming.
Hyatt retired. Dodd previously and has noted his time at Mason as
Though the slogan “Bobby served as the principal of Gahanna an accomplishment moving into his According to Dodd, the “coffee
Comet” has decorated Mason High Lincoln High School and, prior to future years as principal. zone” within the learning commons
School for four years, students that, spent three years as principal is projected to be finished by
question how their principal is at New Lexington High School in SAFETY & PHYSICAL “January 2023.” Dodd said that the
southeast Ohio. BUILDING CHANGES ultimate vision for the Learning
upholding the standards of Commons remains to transform it
“comet culture” behind the Now, four years later, Dodd In physical aspects, Dodd hopes into a space where “students can
scenes. believes that he has contributed to to continue the development of the come relax, talk, study and perform”
On August 1, 2018, Learning Commons into a more in a unified place designated for
Robert the overall them.
functional and appealing center for
students. Dodd’s plans for the Within Dodd’s term, he has
facility include splitting it attached himself to ensuring
into four parts, a space student and staff safety by closing
for a coffee shop, a certain entrances during arrival
stage area for student and dismissal times, as well as
performances, a guaranteeing access to Student
collaboration Resource Officers (SROs). At
area for group the beginning of his term Dodd
received a safety analysis of the
school from law enforcement
groups, which led him to restrict
certain areas at arrival times and
dismissal, and said that MHS is
“lucky” to be located across the

street from the police department.

Continued on Page 4

Photo by Evelina Gaivoronskaia. Page design by Izzy Gaspar’raj

4 Feature May 13, 2022

STATE OF THE SCHOOL, continued

Dodd believes mental health initiatives set MHS apart from the rest

Continued from Page 3 “I look at the tip line as a safety and the Prevention and Wellness I think we get a little caught up in
measure as well because students Coordinator, Molly Schmidt. competing with other classmates,
Dodd said that the appearance and adults submit that informa- and I think that is something
of administrative officers and tion because of their concern for Dodd said that the amount of that in a school culture needs to
SROs in the hallways and cafete- someone’s safety,” Dodd said. “We mental health programs avail- change,” Dodd said. “I’m living
rias throughout his four years is may think of safety as intruders able at MHS is unlike any other, proof, I have a daughter here who
something he believes has set him in the building, but I think that and that he is proud to represent a utilizes the available resources, so
apart from former principals in looking after the mental health school dedicated to ensuring men- that’s why I’m a huge proponent of
appearing as an student-advocat- of staff and students and their tal health safety of its students in- the resources because I, as a parent,
ing principal. general well being is also a safety stead of resorting to consequences. benefit as much as anyone from
concern.” what is here.”
“We just have a presence out “One of the first things we rec-
there, and I think that’s some- MENTAL HEALTH ommend in mental health situa- ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND
thing that we’ve changed over the SUPPORT AND tions is utilizing the resources that COMPETITIVE CULTURE
years,” Dodd said. INITIATIVES we offer, like talking to the well-
ness coordinator to see which areas Dodd recognizes MHS as a place
Dodd and his team of admin- Dodd is dedicated to continuing can help them,” Dodd said. “If you glittered with academic success
istrators have additionally estab- the pre-established initiatives that look at other districts, other states, from its students, however, he
lished the Safe Schools Tip Line, protect the mental health of staff even nationwide, you’re not going simultaneously feels as if these
which allows parents, students, and students. to find many schools that have accomplishments “entrench” an
teachers, or members of the these resources in their buildings, unconscious competition within
Mason community to report any While Dodd did not personally and that’s what sets us apart.” families and even among high
safety issues through an online bring mental health initiatives to school students.
platform, text message, or phone MHS himself, he plans to continue Dodd believes that it is crucial
call, which goes directly to all dis- working with the central office to implement and continue these Dodd said that he believes that
trict and building administrators staff, district mental wellness team, mental health initiatives within a person does not necessarily have
so that they are able to respond Dr. Johnathan Cooper, the Board MHS because it benefits not only to be the most successful student
immediately to any issues that of Education (BOE) and Nicole students going through difficult in order to be a successful person
come up. Pfirman in order to uphold the times, but also their families in in life, and that the competitive
resources set in place before him. educating them on the realities academic environment of MHS
Dodd said that the tipline builds Prime examples include Hope and complexities of mental health sometimes blinds students to that
off of his big rock of inclusive Squad, a peer-to-peer suicide pre- as well as finding information belief.
excellence because it incorporates vention program, therapists from about programs and solutions.
issues across the board, ranging Cincinnati Children’s brought in Continued on Page 5
from physical student safety and by the district available to students, Dodd said that in an environ-
mental health risks that may en- ment like Mason, he is open and
danger people. willing to introduce anything he
can in order to protect the mental
Photos by Evelina Gaivoronskaia. health of students and staff.
Page design by Izzy Gaspar’raj
“In a place like Mason, where
we’re always striving for greatness,

May 13, 2022 Feature 5

STATE OF THE SCHOOL, continued

Principal believes student section could be better respresentation of school

Continued from Page 4 these initiatives in order to expand always trying to do better things, Dodd said that he feels a
the enrichment opportunities but it starts at home too, and with responsibility to ensure that all
“My friends and I never got students have access to outside of students, as people, figuring out students are able to represent and
good grades, or took AP classes, school, whether the opportunities what they are passionate about.” lead the school in activities such
we didn’t get Summa [Cum Laude] come from a job, an internship or as sporting events, and that he
or high LSAT scores, and we’re all by simply sleeping in. STUDENT ENGAGEMENT expects the 2022-2023 Black Hole
doing okay,” Dodd said.“I don’t AND ACTIVITY to include accurate representation
think you need to have all those Dodd said that academic success from the school’s population.
big time academic standings to be is enhanced when students Student activities and
successful, and I don’t want people gain experience outside of the engagement is something that “Over the years, [the Black
to think that just because they classroom and plans to continue Dodd believes that “we can always Hole] has been [made up of]
aren’t the best student that they’re to advocate for real-world learning have more” of. He hopes to “dip the most popular people as the
not smart, because they’re just the for all students. [his] toes into the waters” of leaders,” Dodd said. “Well, that’s
same as everyone else.” introducing intramural sports to not us. That’s not Mason. If I’m
“When I think of academic MHS in order to create a closer- going to have hundreds of kids on
Dodd has also introduced success, I don’t think so much knit school community, and hopes a Friday night represent us, or go
personalized learning into the about sitting in classes,” Dodd to derive a “more structured away to different matches, I want
MHS curriculum as he believes said. “I think of everything that a environment” for after school something that represents who
the best way to absorb new ideas student can learn outside of the activity in his coming years as we are as a school, not something
and objectives is by immersing classroom along with a little bit of principal. that doesn’t look anything like
students into hands-on learning what they learn in the classroom.” [it].”
experiences. Consequently, Dodd Dodd also feels passionately
advocates for teachers to move Preparing all students for life about integrating Inclusive Throughout Dodd’s four years
away from final exams because beyond high school has become Excellence into the student section, at Mason, he has noted the
he “has enough trust in [MHS] a growing trend throughout the the Black Hole, at all school- differences that make MHS stand
teachers,” and believes that Mason community as the school affiliated sporting events in order out from the previous schools he
students are learning new things board and administration have to depict MHS’s diversity at all has served at, and said that the
every single day and that “one test started to introduce increased events. In the past, the Black Hole extraordinary nature of the school
shouldn’t make a student feel like information about career paths has lacked representation from is what makes him not take his
they didn’t learn anything [in the that do not require a college underclassmen, women and other role as principal for granted.
class].” education. Dodd is committed to ethnic groups from within the
supporting students in any plan school. “It’s kind of cliche, but it really
Although early release and that they may want to do after is the kids that we have here,
late arrival blocks were initially high school, even if it means Photos by Evelina Gaivoronskaia. mixed with the staff and then
imposed during the COVID-19 not attending college, as his Page design by Izzy Gaspar’raj the community, along with our
pandemic, Dodd plans to continue own daughter chose to pursue resources, that makes Mason
allowing students to continue esthetician school after her high stand out the most,” Dodd said.
school graduation. “The originality, the ideas, the
leadership that the students have
Dodd said that he encourages here–it’s not something I take for
students to “give it a shot” when granted.”
taking their passions into their own
hands and dictating their future
career paths; however, the effort to
engage in post-high school plans is
a team effort between the student
and their family as well.

“We need to do a better job

asking ourselves what we are

[passionate about] and then

creating our own opportunities

to do that,” Dodd said. “It’s

sometimes easy to say, ‘hey, the

school needs to do a better job,’

and I completely agree, [and] we’re

6 Feature May 13, 2022

Young Women’s Club not afraid to tackle tough topics
deal with vaginal infec-
Evelina Gaivoronskaia | The Chronicle
tions,” Rao said. “Non-
In the 2021-2022 school year, the
students of Mason High School fo- binary and transgender
cused on tackling serious topics like
abusive relationships and vaginal students deserve the same
yeast infections.
access to personal health
Yeast infection and general
vaginal health have been a topic education.”
covered mostly in health classes,
usually accompanied by awkward Rao felt that this project
silence and uncomfortable giggles.
Due to hesitation to talk openly was important to her
about these health subjects, many
young women find themselves un- because it was educating
dereducated about their health and
in possibly life-threatening medical people on essential health
situations.
matters. Through her re-
Senior Maya Rao witnessed the
tense air around the subject of search, Rao discovered that
vaginal health when she conducted
research for Health Occupations “53% of respondents avoid
Students of America (HOSA) about
vaginal yeast infection awareness. seeking professional help

“I conducted a survey to gauge due to embarrassment”.
students’ knowledge regarding
yeast infections and found that 37% If left untreated, yeast
of respondents had no clue what
a yeast infection was, 25% of those infections can develop
being female,” Rao said. “This made
me want to do something about it into severe skin infections,
as I felt that this was an important
personal health topic that people causing skin cracking
should be educated on.”
and severe itching. If the
Although she is not part of the
Young Women’s club, Rao decided fungus gets into the blood- Photo by Evelina Gaivoronskaia
to personally organize an effort
to educate the young women of stream it can be life-threat- Senior Arouba Shafiq hangs up a poster in an MHS bathroom.
MHS about this health issue. Rao’s
plan for educating students was ening, so medical attention
to distribute posters in the MHS
women’s restrooms. The posters in case of the infections is crucial. MHS focused on spreading aware- got a lot of support with it.”
contained facts and resources that
can be accessed by the women “Everyone experiences health ness on difficult topics. Senior Shafiq said that even though she
looking for more information about
vaginal yeast infections and their issues, but not everyone is com- Arouba Shafiq is the president of has personally “never really been
treatments. Members of the Young
Women’s Club helped Rao put up fortable discussing it with others, the Young Women’s Club – a club in an abusive relationship and [she
the posters around the bathrooms.
including healthcare professionals,” focused on empowering women. doesn’t] really know anyone in an
As she got further into her proj-
ect, Rao found that she wished to Rao said. “In order to make people One of their projects involves a abusive relationship”, she still has
put up the posters in the gender-
neutral bathrooms too, to educate feel comfortable getting help, campaign started by last year’s pres- immense empathy for the victims
everyone who might be dealing
with yeast infections. Unfortunately, education, and normalization of the ident, Senior Ayesha Chaudhry. The of abusive relationships, so she felt
she only had permission to distrib-
ute the posters around the women’s topic are essential.” campaign consisted of distributing that this was an important subject
bathrooms, so she was unable to
distribute them in gender-neutral or Although Rao said she has not informational posters in bathrooms. to spread awareness about. She
men’s bathrooms.
witnessed any outwardly negative The posters contained helpful hopes that the resources of the
“Women aren’t the only ones that
attitudes toward vaginal infec- resources for those who were in an campaign can help victims of abuse

tions, she has witnessed a lack of abusive relationship or knew some- “start healing [by] going through

knowledge on the subject. Because body in the same situation. Such something as traumatizing as that”.

of this, she felt her campaign had resources included hotline numbers For Shafiq, a major part of this

the potential to make a significant and a QR code to a website created project is to destigmatize victims of

educational impact. last year by Chaudhry. abusive relationships reaching out

“A lot of people did not even Besides the posters that still for help. She recognizes how hard it

know what vaginal infections are,” remain in the MHS bathrooms, the can be to come forward about heavy

Rao said. “This is more disappoint- Young Women’s Club also orga- experiences such as abuse for both

ing than anything considering nized a paper product collection men and women, so despite Young

health is a requirement for our for a shelter whose focus was on Women’s Club being the organizer

school. It points to where our educa- helping women flee from abusive of the campaign, it is aimed at all

tion system is failing.” relationships. Members of the club victims of abuse regardless of their

Although the topic of vaginal came into MHS classrooms for a gender.

infections may be uncomfortable, it week with daily announcements “When you’re in a bad situation

remains essential, because ignor- about the paper drive. Despite the and you need help, oftentimes

ing it may put people with vaginas difficulty of the topic they were ad- it’s hard to find it because of the

at risk of serious health issues. Rao dressing, they found a lot of people response you could get from other

said she found shedding light on to be open to supporting the cause. people,” Shafiq said. “For example,

vaginal infections rewarding for her “We didn’t really need to sugar- if you’re a boy, not a lot of people

because she was able to bring more coat any of [the topics],” Shafiq said. might believe you. And if you’re

understanding to this health issue. “We were upfront about what we’re a girl, there are roadblocks put in

“I felt [the project] was impor- doing and where it was going to. front of you. What if people are go-

tant,” Rao said. “Knowing I might We told them all about how [and] ing to believe me? Are people even

have helped even just one person is who this is going to help and how going to support what happened

enough for me.” it’s going to help them and why it’s to me? Because there [are] always

Rao is not the only student at important to help them and so we people who are against you.”

May 13, 2022 Feature 7

Photo contributed by Annalie Duncomb
(From left to right: Marc Oria, Annalie Duncomb, Chris Bak, Liz Hinley) compete in Peru for the Coastal Rowing tournament.

MHS rowers travel internationally to compete in coastal rowing tournament

Alisha Soni | The Chronicle which is what the Great Miami Crew “The Team USA tryouts were my different restaurants outside of their
team typically trains for, the competi- only real experience with the ocean, club and sightsee the capital of Peru.
Mason students traveled internation- tion uses coastal rowing. Flatwater the waves, that type of boat, that type Pence said that he was able to observe
ally to Peru to compete in a coastal rowing is made for speed, taking place of rowing,” Duncomb. “But I just aspects of Peruvian culture, whether
rowing competition. on still water, while coastal rowing showed up [to the competition] and it was clothing or food, while he was
is more “extreme” on open water. made it happen. I had one day to prac- there.
The Copa America Coastal is World These versions of the sport use differ- tice and figure everything out.”
Rowing’s first coastal rowing competi- ent boats and overall have different “Culture-wise, it’s a bit different,”
tion, hosted in Peru this year. Competi- concepts. The competition consisted of differ- Pence said. “You see a lot of people
tors from Central and South America, ent events to partake in, such as beach wearing their traditional clothes and
including five Mason students, trav- Sophomore Annalie Duncomb, who sprints, a 6-kilometer race, and a 25-ki- you see a lot of alpacas and llamas
eled to Peru in order to compete in the is also an athlete on the Great Miami lometer race. Duncomb participated in there too. There were a couple of
competition. Crew, had also seized the opportunity all three and was awarded five medals meals that I got, [including] this one
to compete overseas in Peru. Prior to by the end of the competition, and said food called lomo saltado. It was like
Sophomore Carter Pence found the competition, both Duncomb and that listening tothe national anthem steak, onions, and potatoes and it was
interest in rowing after observing his Pence held little experience in coastal during the medaling ceremony was really good.”
older brother’s career in the sport. Now rowing. one of her favorite memories during
six days a week, Pence flat water rows the trip. Pence and Duncomb saw the
with his team, the Great Miami Crew. Before the competition, Duncomb, competition as a great experience and
“The pride I felt with having earned one that they both would compete in
This year, the Great Miami Crew was along with the rest of her team, had again. Despite the rowing experience
invited by their coach to compete in my own medal for my country was that the both have earned, Pence said
the national competition and Pence spent some time learning about that it was also insightful to view the
said that he pursued that opportunity just really crazy to me,” Duncomb strength and competitiveness of the
to better his rowing skills. coastal rowing, when they had raced older athletes
in coastal boats on Buckeye Lake. said. “I never thought I’d make it that
“I decided to go on this trip [to] However, Duncomb’s only experience “It was a great experience because
further my rowing experience,” Pence with coastal rowing on a coastline far.” it opened your eyes when you see all
said. “I [also] wanted to see what it was when she attended Team USA these other athletes on their national
[was] like to row with some of the best tryouts last summer. After traveling Duncomb plans to continue her teams,” Pence said. “You can see how
athletes from other countries. There to Peru, Duncomb and her team were fast they are and how passionate they
were some athletes out there that were subjected to practice so that they could rowing career through college. She are for the sport. It’s just really inspir-
on national teams [for] their country.” quickly adapt to the maneuverability ing.”
and skills of coastal rowing before the also hopes to someday represent her
Unlike traditional, flatwater rowing, competition. country in the Olympics.

Between practice and competition
time, the team had a few opportuni-
ties to leave their resort and explore
Peru. The team was able to try a few

8 Feature May 13, 2022

MHS students celebrate Daylight Prom

Bradyn Johnson | The Chronicle
Tanya Keskar | The Chronicle

On April 29, Mason High School students from five resource

rooms, where students receive a modified curriculum with

special education teachers, attended the Daylight Prom, host-

ed by the Little Miami School district. The Daylight Prom is

a dance that specifically caters to the needs of students with

sensory and medical needs.

The dance had been canceled for the past two years in ac-

cordance with COVID-19 restrictions. This was the first year

since 2019 that the students were able to participate in all of

the festivities.

Although the dance provides students with an environ- Students at Daylight Prom enjoy the dance. Photo by Amy Shova
ment that is more beneficial for their specific needs, MHS

teacher Amy Shova said that it is still like any usual prom,

but provides additional resources, such as brighter lighting

and quiet break rooms.

“The Daylight Prom looks just like a typical prom,” Shova

said. “The music is still loud. There’s [just] a little more space

for people to move around if they need to.”

As a result of the COVID-19 guidelines becoming less

restrictive, the students were not required to wear masks or

socially distance themselves while they danced at the prom.

Shova said that the Daylight Prom gives students with sen-

sory and medical needs the opportunity to experience prom

in a different light.

“It gives them a chance to experience [prom] in an envi-

ronment that’s friendly,” Shova said. “There’s dancing and Photo by Amy Shova
photo booths.” (From left to right) James Martin, Ellen Hilbert, and Ella Vasconellos eat dinner at Daylight prom.

Prom is a time for teenagers to get their nails and hair

done, find the perfect prom outfit and pose for pictures.

Some students got their spa treatments two days before the

main event during Connect Time, where they got their nails

done.

Senior Ellen Hilbert prepared for the dance by picking out

a prom dress, as well as getting her nails decorated during

the Connect Time session, assisted by some other MHS stu-

dents. She said that she was elated to be attending.

“It was fun,” Hilbert said. “I liked the music. I liked being

with my friends and I danced with [them].”

On the day of the prom, the students gathered in front of

Z1-pod for pictures and took a bus to the dance at the Savan-

nah Center. MHS junior Jakie Niska said that he too enjoyed

prom, especially when the DJ turned up the music and ev-

eryone, including him, danced. Niska said that he “liked the Photo by Amy Shova
dance.”
Mason High School Daylight Prom attendees pose for a picture before the dance.

May 13, 2022 Feature 9

New social media app promotes authentic sharing
to the Apple App Store. Unlike other the idea of a post and displaying what Part of what makes BeReal so
Sean Speidel | The Chronicle popular social media apps such as other people’s actual lives look like. unique is the restriction instituted
Instagram, BeReal does not have Junior Ethan Nyhuis said that he likes by the daily two-minute window that
No filters. No influencers. No like- a like button. Rather, it utilizes the authentic nature of the app and everyone has to take their photos.
button. “RealMojis” in which users can react thinks that it is a breath of fresh air Without this punctuality, BeReal
to a post with a selfie. Bereal also compared to other social media apps. broadcasts a user’s tardiness through
At a random time every day, elected not to include any camera a notification to all of their friends.
BeReal users are notified that it is filters, differing from apps such as “Instagram puts pressure on you Some, like Dodd, take the two minutes
“Time to BeReal.” They then have Snapchat, where filters can be utilized and others, it only shows the good very seriously and do not want to
two minutes to take a picture with to entirely reconstruct a person’s portions of people’s lives and it makes be flagged as late. She said that she
both their front and back camera of appearance. some people think that others are always attempts to post on time
whatever they are doing at the time perfect,” Nyhuis said. “[BeReal is] an and that she finds it fun to sort of
they are notified. Though the concept The app is intended to set itself app that relieves you of that pressure drop everything and post when the
itself is seemingly not very difficult apart from other social media so that you feel better about yourself notification comes through.
or exceptional, the app has become platforms by detaching aesthetic and don’t compare yourself as much
increasingly popular, with students pressure to others.” “It’s kind of like a panic,” Dodd said.
school-wide downloading the newest from “It’s really stressful sometimes, but in
social media fad. While many follow thousands a good way.”
of accounts on apps such as
Sophomore Sophie Dodd has had Instagram or Twitter, BeReal Others may not prioritize posting
BeReal since February and has slowly users often follow only as soon as they get the notification
watched the app grow in popularity. a select few of their and like to avoid the stress. Nyhuis
Dodd said that BeReal has become peers. Dodd said that said that he often misses the posting
a fun part of her daily routine and she likes the tight- window, but will post whenever he
another way that she can interact knit atmosphere of can. He said that he does not mind his
with her friends. BeReal and that her post being labeled as late and likes
feed accumulates a being able to see what his friends are
“I like how everyone gets the feeling of friendship up to.
notification at the same time,” and community far
Dodd said. “It’s just fun to see what more than her other “I’m usually at lacrosse practice
all your friends are doing.” social media when it happens, so I’m always
does. posting late,” Nyhuis said. “I think
BeReal markets itself as “not “It’s fun of [BeReal] as more of a fun thing,
another social network,” according because it’s so I don’t really feel too much of an
only your obligation to [post].”
friends
and not Nyhuis also appreciates the
random community of authenticity that
people BeReal promotes, allowing him and
that you others to feel comfortable in what
follow, like they are posting without it being
on Instagram,” staged or posed.
Dodd said. “It’s
only people you accept.” “You might want to make [your
picture] perfect at first, but then
you see that everyone else is being
themselves,” Nyhuis said.

Graphics by Alisha Verma

10 Feature May 13, 2022

Horseback riding takes on new meaning for MHS Senior

Risha Chada | The Chronicle the night, often foregoing sleep in fa- thing,” Nemeth said. “We have a really Photo by David Heasley
Horseback riding is not just a sport vor of the extra practice. During shows strong bond and raising my own horse Mason High School senior Clara
and the night before Nemeth said she really helped me prepare for college Nemeth prepares for her show at the
for senior Clara Nemeth–it is family. practices at 8 pm that night, then again riding.” Quarter Horse Congress competition
Senior Clara Nemeth is a seventh- at 10 pm and 12 am before she goes to with her father.
sleep. Then she said she wakes up at 2 Nemeth’s connection to horses traces
generation horse trainer who dedicates am, sleeps, wakes up at 4 am, sleeps, far back to before her relationship because that is where her mother won
her life to horsemanship. Nemeth, who wakes up at 6 am, sleeps, and finally with Jay Z. Nemeth’s entire family the national championships.
has been riding horses her entire life, practices for the last time. has always been fond of horses, as she
comes from a family of horseback rid- comes from seven generations of horse “My [mom] won a national cham-
ers that traces back seven generations. “I practice insanely and spend so trainers. Nemeth’s grandmother, Dot pionship at Texas A&M, so it’s kind
Nemeth said that horseback riding many sleepless nights staying up all Morgan, started the New Vocations of cool that now I’m going there,”
and horsemanship are all she has ever night and practicing with my trainers nonprofit organization to rehabilitate Nemeth said.
known and that she could not picture a until I get [the pattern] right,” Nemeth and rehome racehorses that can no
life without horses. said. “Dedicating my life to being longer compete. The New Vocations Ultimately, Nemeth’s family has
extremely good at what I do is really program has placed more than 8,000 helped her connect with horsemanship
“I’ve been riding my entire life,” hard because I have had to make many retired Thoroughbred and Stan- and make it an integral part of her life.
Nemeth said. “My first time on a horse sacrifices.” dardbred horses in new homes with Nemeth said that coming from genera-
was when I was three days old and I experienced owners. Morgan, who has tions of horse trainers has given her
feel like I just don’t know any- Nemeth’s sacrifices, however, go past battled breast cancer, was also selected a leg up in the competitive world of
thing else. I wouldn’t be part of my missing out on a few hours of sleep. to be featured at the Kentucky Derby’s horsemanship.
family or who I am without [horseback Nemeth must sacrifice any semblance “Ladies in Racing” for being one of the
riding].” of a normal high school life due to most influential women in racing. “My family’s history with horseman-
frequent horse shows in the middle ship gives me more knowledge about
Although Nemeth’s family has a of the school year. Nemeth said she Through horses, Nemeth feels a what I do,” Nemeth said. “It helps me
racehorse background, Nemeth herself hardly ever gets to stay at a school for connection to her family, especially be more successful out in the arena.”
shows her horse to the American years because she has to switch horse with her grandmother, who she aspires
Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), trainers too often and move houses. to be like. The New Vocations pro-
the largest all-breed association. For gram gives racehorses a new life or
her particular event, Nemeth must “I started out with a trainer in a “forever home,” because racehorses
ride her horse and follow an assigned Michigan, and every time I outgrew can only race until they are about 12-14
pattern. Show horsemanship, Nemeth’s a trainer, we would have to move to years old, but they live for about 35
sport, is designed to show the rider’s where our new trainer was located,” years. Nemeth said after college she
ability to ride and handle their horses. Nemeth said. “Growing up, my social will work with her grandmother as part
The panel of judges will then score life was only my horse show friends be- of the New Vocations company and
them based on their ability to ride and cause I was with them constantly. I’ve pursue her passion for working with
work well with their horses. Nemeth even gotten the truancy letter every horses.
said the AQHA is one of the toughest year of school because I’m never here.
circuits and competing in it distin- I’m always showing.” “[New Vocations] was built com-
guishes her from the rest of her family. pletely off of donations because it’s
While Nemeth never had a chance a nonprofit charity, which I [think] is
“I show on the AQHA circuit which to get to know her school friends very really cool,” Nemeth said. “When I’ve
is the most competitive circuit because well growing up, she did have her loyal finished college, I’m going to work for
it’s [made up of] the best of the best,” horse, Jay Z, who has stuck by her side. my family’s charity. We basically take
Nemeth said. “[The competitiveness] Nemeth herself bred and raised her off-the-track racehorses, train them to
is one thing that sets it apart from the horse, Jay Z, who is an American Quar- be riding horses and then adopt them
rest of my family because they come ter Horse, a breed known for speed and out to their forever homes.”
from a racehorse background.” dependability, whose roots trace back
to the 1800s. Nemeth said raising Jay Z Like her grandmother, Nemeth’s
The high standards of the AQHA on her own developed a bond between mother, who was a national champion
require its members to stick to a the two that has helped her become a for horsemanship, also connects her
rigorous practice schedule to achieve better rider. family to her love for the sport. Ne-
perfection in their patterns. Nemeth, meth said by going to Texas A&M for
for one, has to practice at all hours of “It’s really hard to start with a baby college in the fall completes a circle
and raise [him] and teach [him] every-

May 13, 2022 11

12 Feat

MEANING IN

Students learn culture-specific instrum

Aditya Thiyag | The Chronicle ing [mridangam] takes me to a place where I can helped him better connect with his culture and
be free,” Atreyapurapu said. “I really enjoyed family.
Classical music has extended beyond the being in India with my friends but once I came
confines of band and orchestra rooms, helping here, it was just me. So I really appreciated the “My father and my sister are huge on Carnatic
Indian students connect with their roots. consistency I got from my [mridangam] teacher music and we do a lot of poojas in my house,”
because he didn’t let me go and now I learn over Atreyapurapu said. “Playing during poojas re-
Carnatic music is an older form of classical FaceTime.” minds me of some of the [religious] stories that
music that originated in the southern region my grandmother told me. I have played with my
of the Indian subcontinent. Having existed for Senior Anagha Rao got into Carnatic music at sister before during festivals and we bounce off
centuries, the art form is based in ancient South a young age similar to Atreyapurapu. A practic- [of] each other and improvis[e] and it’s been a
Indian culture, and most songs are composed in ing vocalist for ten years, Rao said that attending way for us to bond.”
the South Indian languages of Sanskrit, Tamil, carnatic music lessons, known as Sangeetham,
Telugu and Kannada. Carnatic music is built from a very early age was a normal thing for her Religious idols, figures and stories are often
on scales of keys and notes, similar to as it is family, and has since become an integral part of the focal point of the lyrics of
in traditional Western classical music, with the her identity. most Carnatic songs. As a
etymology primarily stemming from the ancient result, Rao said that
language of Sanskrit. Concerts in Carnatic music “Just like how kids in the United States go to learning the mean-
are characterized by emphasis on the vocalist, soccer [practice] or go to an art class, I went to [a] ing behind these
with accompanying instruments traditionally con- Sangeetham class growing up,” Rao said. “It’s how songs, especial-
sisting of a percussion instrument and a melodic my parents were brought up as well. One of my ly the ones
instrument. relatives is a Sangeetham teacher and my cousin known as
plays the flute at concerts. So music has always “krithis”,
Junior Sri Chanakya Atreyapurapu has played run in my family.” helped
one of these percussion instruments, the mri- her gain
dangam, since the age of nine. He said that his The Hindu religion is also a key part of
decision to pick up the instrument was in large Carnatic music. During Hindu rituals, known Junior Sri Chanakya Atreyapura
part thanks to his family’s great appreciation as “poojas”, Atreyapurapu said that it is com- Mridangam.
for Carnatic music during his childhood living monplace in Indian culture for carnatic
in India. However, it was only years later, when music to be played as a way to honor
Atreyapurapu moved to the United States, that the gods. When these take place
he began to enjoy and appreciate Mridangam and at his house or in temples where
carnatic music overall. he performs, Atreyapurapu said

“Play- that playing during them has

ture 13

N THE MUSIC

ments to connect with their identities

apu plays the a deeper appreciation for the art beyond simply culture, because community is really where all of
singing for the sake of singing. it started from.”
Photo by Aditya Thiyag
Illustrations by Becca Hunter “[My music teacher] would tell us the back- While singing and playing instruments differ
story behind the krithis and what the composer in their execution, both require a tremendous
was feeling as he wrote them,” Rao said. “And amount of dedication, hard work and practice.
after learning about the meaning, my family and Rao said that practicing Carnatic music has
I instantly get chills [when listening]. It’s so nice helped her achieve a state of devotion which she
to recognize this part of my culture and learning described as “Bhakti”. She said that this medita-
about the lyrics have helped me connect with it tive state is something that is easily observable
better.” due to the passion that is on display when it takes
place and can be achieved .
Additionally, the religious aspect of
Carnatic music is something that “Once, when my music teacher was singing a
Rao said allowed her to gain a song onstage, her hands were moving along to
sense of community during the lyrics,” Rao said. “You could see her move-
her time spent living ments echo[ing] the lyrics as she was internal-
in Bloomington, Il- izing them. Even if you couldn’t understand
linois. She said that exactly what the words are, you could hear the
she lived close to a emotion and pure devotion that goes into it. That
temple in Illinois is bhakti.”
and her family
quickly became Although Carnatic music performances have
well known in the typically remained within temples and other
community due to South Indian dominated areas, Atreyapurapu said
their involvement that he was grateful for this year’s talent show
with that temple. due to the platform he was given to showcase his
There, Rao met a heritage by performing Mridangam for a crowd
Carnatic music in- of people unfamiliar with the art form. He said
structor who or- that performing on such a stage was important
ganized an event for him because he wished to expose more people
titled “Margam” to a new culture that they were not typically ac-
that she would customed to seeing.
later join, in
which students of “In a school, [there are] so many people who
all ages and skill haven’t been exposed to other cultures,” Atreya-
levels learned purapu said. “They respect every culture, but
and performed they’ve never really [seen] what each culture is
music together. like. I felt like performing mridangam there gave
“We all got me a chance to spread my
together every own culture.”
weekend and
we just sat and
learned songs
together,” Rao said.
“And this community
became what I think of
when I think of home and

14 Entertainment May 13, 2022

“Our assignment was to “I’m currently reading Five Presi-
make tote bags. We could buy dents by Clint Hill. It’s a memoir of
any fabric we want and use any a secret service agent who served
design we want so we are able under five presidents for sev-
enteen years!” Lehman
to be really creative with it.” rates it 4/5 stars.
- Nicole Novotney,
sophomore Evelina Gaivoronskaia | The Chronicle

Despite the rise of fast fashion and
the microscopic trend cycles, some
people still prefer styles that have been
around for many decades. Freshman
Gresham Fout is sending off the school
year with a lovely vintage-inspired out-
fit. His outfit features a suit that most
closely resembles a lounge suit, a gar-
ment first introduced in 1850s Scotland
as a form of outerwear, made out of
heavier fabrics. Fout said he enjoys tak-
ing inspiration from the fashion of the
past and putting his own, modern twist
on how he wears them. In this outfit he
implements layering as a way to bring
more variation to his outfit. Under his
suit he has a knit deep navy vest over a
white button down. His gray jacket and
tan slacks are lighter than the vest, this
contrast highlighting the elegant blue.
Yet the vest’s darkness is supported by
the dark brown work boots, bringing
the outfit to a stylish balance. The outfit
is completed by his watch, irs brown
leather strap and round case securing
the vintage feel of his outfit.

Happy & Sad by Kasey Musgraves Freestyle by Rod Wave Chicken Fried by Zac Brown Band Roll with the Changes by REO Speed-
You by Don Toliver Whatever It Is by Zac Brown Band Baby by Justin Bieber wagon
Ms. Jackson by Outkast
Stars Align by Majid Jordan Run This Town by Jay-Z My Sweet Lord by George Harrison
Turn! Turn! Turn! by The Byrds

May 13, 2022 Entertainment 15

ARTIST by Alisha Verma Jack Harlow’s newest album, Come ALBUM REVIEW
Home The Kids Miss You attempts to by Bradyn Johnson
highlight his budding life in the music
industry. Throughout the album I no-
SPOTLIGHT ticed that it was not super cohesive,
the overall instrumentals and features Come Home the
like Drake, Justin Timberlake, Snoop
Dogg and Lil Wayne were one of the Kids Miss You
main things that gave Harlow’s songs by Jack Harlow
Formed in Stockton, California in 1989 by Ste- an electrifying sound.
phen Malkmus and Scott Kannberg, Pavement As the album progresses, there is
has cemented itself as one of the most influ- a translucent chronological order in
ential bands to come out of the 90s alternative which the songs had been placed,
rock scene. Whether he’s playfully half-singing, there were a lot of times that I was left
or shedding a blood-curdling scream, lead confused. For instance, in “Talk Of
vocalist and guitarist Stephen Malkmus’ voice The Town” Harlow tells his fans about
exudes an effortless charm reminiscent of a 70s Slanted and his old roots in Kentucky. In following
Lou Reed. Malkmus’ equally brilliant songwrit- Enchanted songs such as “First Class” and “I’d
ing is witty and sarcastic, filled with vivid and Do Anything To Make You Smile”, he
cryptic imagery that’s most on display in songs 1992 emphasizes the fact that money’s no
like “In The Mouth a Desert” and “Harness Your Brighten the object when it comes to impressing
Hopes.” Malkmus and Kannberg’s guitar skills Corners women he likes, making sure they
are another integral part of the band’s sound, 1997 know that he will indeed do any-
whether they’re distorted and furious on tracks thing to make them smile. I was left
like “Half a Canyon”, or gentle and melodic on Crooked Rain, confused a lot of the time because as
“Here”. Though Pavement would eventually Crooked Rain I continued listening, I noticed that
disband in 1999, they’ve set aside their differ- the album lacked a common theme. 3.5/5
ences to embark on a second reunion tour later 1994 One minute Harlow would be talking
this year – a perfect opportunity for newcomers about putting women in “First Class”
to experience this gem of 90s indie rock. and then mentioning that he wanted
to collab with Dua Lipa. However, girl is a “Good poison” possibly hinting
as you dive deeper into tracks such as at the fact that the mystery woman is the
“Churchill Downs,” you can tell that perfect person for him to be around.
Harlow begins to open up more within
his lyrics. “Churchill Downs” features five Unfortunately, the overall album was
minutes of Drake and Harlow opening difficult to piece together, and had no
pavement up about their lives in the music industry. consistent theme, however, the features
Harlow talks about where he started like Drake, Lil Wayne, Justin Timberlake
compared to his newfound stardom and and Snoop Dogg gave Harlow’s album
his newfound boastful attitude toward his another necessary sound. Harlow ma-
situation. He even mentions in the song tured with each individual song, begin-
that he, “[Knows] I should be humble, but ning with his need to impress every girl
it’s something I just haven’t learned.” to realizing that he was too good at what
he does to be chasing women. In the last
In his songs like, “Lil secret”, “Like A song, “State fair”, he closes the album
Blade of Grass”, and “Poison”, Harlow regarding his earlier life, connecting back
regularly mentions what seems to be to “Talk of the Town”.
the same girl, showing some signs of
consistency throughout his album. He Thankfully, Harlow was able to ef-
ficiently incorporate his old life, his new
first incorporates the girl in the song
“Lil Secret” where , Harlow speaks out life, and his rising fame within just fifteen
about how he tells his therapist about her, songs. Though there were some inconsis-
giving fans a glimpse into his personal tencies, I thoroughly enjoyed most of the
life. In “Poison” Harlow mentions that the instrumentals and features.

MOVIE REVIEWby Isabelle Paley With 28 Marvel movies and a variety and grow into her powers. This develop- effects failed to do.
of TV shows to date, Doctor Strange in ment brings a fresh face to the MCU with a Marvel utilizes a lot of special effects and
DR. STRANGE in the the Multiverse of Madness may be the heartwarming character you just can’t help
MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS most mind-boggling movie in the Marvel but root for. CGI to bring the multiverse to life, but the
Cinematic Universe (MCU). A runtime of sheer amount of effects used in the film
DIRECTOR: Sam Raimi 2 hours and 6 minutes, Doctor Strange Using the multiverse, Marvel opens up a leave some poorly edited scenes that take
provides fans with intense action sequences, new realm of possibilities for the MCU that away the focus on the main plot. The de-
3/5 new characters and a lot of questions. can be hard to keep up with. The laws of the mons Strange and Chavez have to fight are
multiverse and multiversal travel are vaguely semi-realistic at best. In the beginning of the
The movie follows Doctor Stephen outlined, relying on the viewer’s previous as- film, America Chavez is introduced when
Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) as he sumptions of time travel. One main conflict a cyclops looking creature is seen hunting
protects his new prodigy, America Chavez that Strange has to face is himself, though in her through the city. Strange saves Chavez
(Xochitl Gomez) from those wanting to steal different versions. Marvel uses the assump- by removing the creature’s eye, but the lack
her powers of multiverse travel. Strange and tion of multiversal travel that anything you of focus on the special effects makes it look
Chavez travel through the multiverse search- do in one universe has the possibility to like it was created with technology from the
ing for the book of Vishanti, a powerful spell impact the other. But Strange and Chavez 1980’s, not the quality we have gotten in
book that can be used to protect America are constantly seen causing havoc in one other Marvel films.
from the darkhold, the book of Vishanti’s evil universe and then jumping to the other with
counterpart. little consequences. It seems as if the rules An exciting action packed film for the
are created on the spot, leaving viewers average moviegoer, Doctor Strange in the
Due to the last minute director and writer confused as to how hopping from one uni- Multiverse of Madness seems like a filler
switch from the original Doctor Strange film, verse to the other actually pans out. movie to the superfans. With the laid out
it feels like the change to Sam Raimi (direc- plans and cultivating storylines of Marvel’s
tor) and writer Michael Waldron did not One of the highlights of the movie was previous phases, phase 4’s dependency
have the time necessary to come up with the soundtrack itself, created by Danny on the multiverse has not been clearly
a more original plotline. The movie closely Elfman. The dark and horror-like score outlined. The cliffhanger at the end of the
mirrors Marvel’s previous release of Spider- enhances Strange’s journey into the multi- film and plot holes throughout has fans leav-
Man: No Way Home where Doctor Strange verse. Intense percussion and high-pitched ing the theater with more questions than
has to save the multiverse again, except this strings, the music leaves fans on the edge of actual answers.With 28 Marvel movies and a
time with Chavez instead of Peter Parker. their seats during the drama filled moments. variety of TV shows to date, Doctor Strange
However, Raimi does a good job of creating At one point in the movie, the music is in the Multiverse of Madness may be the
relatable characters on screen. Chavez’s fear even the main weapon in a fight sequence most mind-boggling movie in the Marvel
of her powers stems from her childhood in between Doctor Strange and a multiversal Cinematic Universe (MCU). A runtime of
which she sent her parents into a different monster. The dramatic and action packed 2 hours and 6 minutes, Doctor Strange
universe. But as she travels the multiverse score transports the viewers into the provides fans with epic fight scenes, new
with Strange, she begins to forgive herself suspenseful quest, something the special characters, and a lot of questions.

Page Design by Izzy Gaspar’raj

16 May 13, 2022

Photo by Lily Haller
(From left to right) Pitcher Holly Zeuch and catcher Lindsay Breuer, the two seniors for the 2022 Mason Comets Softball team, pose together on senior night.

Breuer and Zeuch embrace roles as team mentors

Divy Bose | The Chronicle was more than comforting,” Zeuch themselves to make sure each team- ment it takes,” Breuer said. “It’s my job
said. “She was always there to defend mate is cared for. Zeuch said a lot to make sure everyone is doing theirs
In four years with the Mason me to anyone that told me I was too more goes into playing the role of by keeping up with their health and
softball program, Lindsay Breuer and young to have a voice on the team so I motherly figures outside of the field work ethic whether it is on the bench
Holly Zeuch have seen it all, so they wanted to do the same.” when her teammates are like her own or field.”
were ready for whatever their younger family.
teammates throw at them. Watching Zeuch and Breuer lead by Muff holds high expectations for all
example is something that Girls Varsi- “I braid all the girls’ hair before her players, not just the experienced
The 2022 Comet softball team is ty Softball Coach Liann Muff admires. each game,” Zeuch said. “Lindsay and I upperclassmen. She expects maturity
dominated by underclassmen, with Muff said that both seniors have not also drive all the girls to team bond- and commitment to team culture right
half of the varsity roster consisting of only mentored the team but demon- ing or events like a mom would in a out of the gate for her young players..
freshmen and sophomores. The two strated what she strives for her players minivan.” Muff said that both Zeuch and Breuer
seniors, Breuer and Zeuch, have been to look like on and off the field. make sure everyone’s needs are met
with the varsity team for four years, Breuer and Zeuch have learned to before their own, which she sees as a
and have come a long way from spir- “Both Holly and Lindsey have been bring the team together as a whole trait that good leaders need to have.
ited freshmen to influential leaders. instrumental in modeling the behavior this year despite the age gap. Having
Mason Softball wants to carry on and that responsibility means maintaining “I find it amazing that there has not
As part of an abnormally small off the field,” Muff said. “Not everyone discipline, and Breuer said creating an been a single incident this season of an
senior class, Breuer and Zeuch took on is a natural born leader and you can- environment that balances a serious, under-classmen forgetting their shoes
the bulk of the responsibility to disci- not invent that talent which is what but fun environment was difficult. or equipment for practice or a game,”
pline the team. Relying on their expe- both of these girls really have.” Muff said. “It’s because of both of these
rience in the program, their leadership “Whether you are on the field or girls’ help that they give out to the
has propelled the team to a successful Zuech and Breuer’s leadership in the dugout, the focus has to be on underclassmen seamlessly.”
season in what could have been seen has applied to more than just the the game,” Breuer said. “Since I am a
as a developmental year. softball diamond. Muff said the two catcher I can see if communication is Losing Breuer and Zeuch as they
have knocked it out of the park when happening or if we need to bring our move on to playing college softball at
The sheer number of freshmen it comes to raising awareness for heads together to come out on top.” Notre Dame College and Wilmington
and sophomores on varsity has given the team or leading fundraisers for College respectively is a bittersweet
Zeuch and Breuer a unique chance organizations like the Shine Like Sable Keeping everyone’s heads in the experience for the program. Muff said
to impact the future of the program. foundation. game can be a difficult task with the that both Breuer and Zeuch have left a
Zeuch said she was inspired by the large number of underclassmen, but significant mark on the team for years
precedent set by alumni like Grace “They worked tirelessly to make the expectations of the coaching staff to come.
Rhaeger, a senior during her fresh- sure the fundraiser ran smoothly do not change. Breuer said that even
man season, to be the best leader and went out of their way to further though varsity consists largely of “Both of them built that liaison
and mentor possible for her younger promote it to outside businesses,” Muff freshmen and sophomores the high between ourselves and the team,” Muff
teammates. said. “It brought a sense of energy to effort level should be there all around said. “They are the prime example of
the team from their drive to promote the team. an exceptional student athlete that will
“Seeing Grace take on that role of what is important to us.” continue to prosper, even if we do have
taking me in on the team when I was “I make sure to let them know to lose them next year.”
a scared little freshman on Varsity Continuing to take the initiative, ahead of time what exactly they are
both Zeuch and Breuer took it upon getting into and the level of commit-

May 13, 2022 Sports 17

CHRONICLE SPORTS SUPERHEROES

in1g6r0a05n:AI1na1vva.te7inr8ttyatohtuoeLioetgnLwsoaativluan.enlltdta-hned

Savannah Libby

inaa1sn-h1id0vi-s0ewssBsefueiiciutrnnrocvhgdsnketeldisfDenesiJdgavadBohtanmoueakuLadbamibatmlr.nlce3peshg-asr0enesrsdre-ceaconordrdd

stphreeceDtcrrCaoeyorcwmudoelevadtElersfrn'esir1nSas0yev-ce3asmviioncrteo.- Divy Bose

CorCluoemnrslaeahtiJnmosavmmkpitceereotrdoHopaaraaenynglll.atie1niw1yng-so0t-the

Sean Speidel

Illustration by Alisha Verma. Page design by Abby Waechter. Andrew Little

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

18 Sports May 13, 2022

chronicle all stars Spring sports coach of the year

At the conclusion of each sports season, the Greater Miami Conference (GMC) Bly has led his uber-talented squad to the
selects All-Conference teams for each individual sport based on althlete’s season top record in the GMC. The Comets opened
performances. The Chronicle, however, has determined our spring sports selec- their season with a brutal non-conference
tions for an All-Chronicle team. (All stats as of 5/9 per gmcsports.com) schedule including a road trip to Tennes-
see. The team has lost just two games
since the trip, and already matched its 2021
conference win total.

Curt Bly | Baseball

Brenden Garula | Baseball Vignesh Gogineni | Boys tennis Abby LovE | Girls Track

Brenden Garula has been arguably the top pitcher Vignesh Gogineni has followed up his 2021 state Abby Love has proven herself as one of the city’s
and hitter in the entire GMC. The future Cincinnati runner-up finish with an undefeated season in top sprinters in just her sophomore year. She has
Bearcat has a conference leading five wins on the singles matches, as well as serving as a critical the fastest 100 and 200 meter times in the GMC
mound to go along with 50 strikeouts. His three on-court leader for the team. The Yale signee with times of 12.28 and 25.16 respectively. Her
home runs are second in the conference, and he is has been the top player in the conference for the 12.28 would have placed 5th at the 2021 state
slugging a .379 batting average. second consecutive year. championship meet last year.

Noah Samol | Baseball Lily Eagleston | Girls Track brady Messer | Boys Track

Noah Samol, a Georgia Tech signee, missed all of Lily Eagleston has made an immediate impact as Brady Messer has done a little bit of everything for
last season due to Tommy John surgery, but has a freshman as one of the top hurdlers in the area. the boys track team this year. He runs a sub-two
emerged with five wins, tied for the most in the She won the Troy Invitational in the 300 meter minute 800 and a 5:24 1600, both top four in the
GMC, and 59 strikeouts, which is second in the hurdles. Her 46.26 time at the Anderson Invitational GMC, and is also the anchor leg for the 4x800
conference. His no-hitter in the backyard rivalary is the top in the GMC and one of the top freshman meter relay. The Eastern Michigan commit will
at Prasco Park against Kings cemented his debut times in the state. She also won the 100 meter be counted on to score in multiple events as the
season as one of the best in recent Mason history. hurdles at that meet. Comets look to retake the GMC titlle.

Michael Murphy | Baseball Sam Pennington | Softball anthony Fago | Boys Volleyball

Michael Murphy, the youngest of the three Com- Sam Pennington has an unbelievable .657 Anthony Fago has dominated in his senior season,
et aces, has put together a spectacular season batting average, third in the GMC, in the midst leading the GMC in both kills and aces. His 248
on the mound and at the plate. Murphy has the of her breakout season. Her 44 hits and 27 kills are second most in a single-season for Comet
second-lowest ERA of all GMC starters, and has steals are each second in the conference. Pen- since joining the GMC. Fago’s booming spikes and
four wins, tied for third best in the conference nington’s knack for getting on base has been on-court leadership have helped lead the Comets’
only behind his teammates. Murphy also adds instrumental in the Comet’s success. to a second-place standing in the conference.
hitting production with 21 RBIs, 2nd in the GMC.

Contributing Writers: Andrew Little, Sean Speidel, Savannah Libby, and Divy Bose. Page design by Andrew Little

May 13, 2022 Sports 19

Fago leads influential senior class

Photo by Izzy Herlinger Andrew Little | The Chronicle (As of 5/9) The Comets are in
second place behind Sycamore, their
Senior Anthony Fago jumps for a serve in a match against Lakota East. As the Mason Boys Volleyball third runner-up finish in as many
team prepares for its next chapter seasons. They started their season 2-2
as an Ohio High School Athletic As- after a close loss to Lakota West, but
sociation (OHSAA) sanctioned sport recovered with six straight wins in-
next season, it is preparing to say cluding defeating Dayton Carroll in
goodbye to an impactful senior class. five sets, who at the time was ranked
second overall in the state. They
Starting in the 2022-23 school year, then went on a three-game losing
boys volleyball along with girls skid including a loss to Sycamore,
wrestling will be officially recog- but recovered with six consecutive
nized as a state sanctioned sport, wins.
meaning that they will be eligible to
compete for OHSAA championship Melnick said the team relied on
titles. the seniors to provide stability while
the underclassmen continue to learn
The 2022 senior class is composed the sport, and that their leadership
of Anthony Fago, Porter Lorenz, has allowed the team to stay towards
Tyler Smith, Will Burke, Noah the top of the conference.
Hershberger, and Ruben Gonzalez.
Fago, Lorenz, Smith, and Burke have “The stronger [the seniors] are the
been with the program since they stronger we are,” Melnick said. “It’s
were freshmen while Hershberger been a growing thing throughout
and Gonzalez are in their second and the season. We keep getting better
first seasons with the team. After and better every week and it shows
the 2020 season was canceled due to in our play. We get more consistent.”
the COVID-19 pandemic, the group
has helped rebuild the program as it Fago was expected to play varsity
heads into its next era. minutes in his sophomore season,
but because of its cancellation he
Fago has been counted on as a key and his classmates were immedi-
leader for the team in his fourth sea- ately thrust into leadership roles as
son with the program. He placed an juniors while simultaneously mak-
emphasis on adding “fresh talent” to ing a varsity jump. This experience
the team as well as a focus on gaug- caused him to place an emphasis on
ing more interest for the program. preparing the next group of seniors
There are five varsity players in to be team leaders.
their first year with the sport, includ-
ing dual-sport athletes Ben Golan, a After finishing as one of the top
varsity basketball player, and Nick two teams in the GMC each of his
Sailers, a varsity football player. three seasons, Fago said that he is
proud of he and his teammate’s ef-
Fago said that he has found satis- forts to pass on their legacy.
faction in his role as a team leader
through mentoring the younger “I feel like we’ve been like great
players and new additions. leaders and mentors to the junior
class,” Fago said. “That’s most of our
“I feel like I’ve tried to make varsity team right now. But I feel
everyone else better around me, like we’ve just been leading them
along with recruiting other people,” and kind of teaching them how to
Fago said. “We got a few guys from play volleyball the right way.”
basketball this year that have been
great additions and I’m just trying to Mens’ volleyball has been gain-
teach them the game of volleyball.” ing popularity nationwide over the
past decade, with players like Fago
(As of 5/9) Fago leads the Greater playing year-round starting at a
Miami Conference (GMC) in kills young age. Melnick believes that
and aces, and is the favorite for con- OHSAA sanctioning will continue
ference player of the year. Lorenz that growth, and hopes that the team
leads the conference in assists and can add a freshman team in the near
Burke is third in blocks. Fago has future to continue its development.
already surpassed his junior season Melnick said he believes that this
total for kills, when he finished senior class’s approach to the game,
fourth in the GMC. and commitment on and off the
court to the team will trickle down
Head coach Paul Melnick said that into subsequent teams.
Fago has had one of the best careers
in his time coaching, and his consis- “The big thing is just [the seniors’]
tent presence has helped the Comets love for the game,” Melnick said.
compete with top competition in the “They’re kind of the first crop that
area. played a lot of volleyball all year
round and I think that’s helping us.
“He’s one of the most talented Like every sport volleyball is becom-
volleyball players in all of southwest ing an all year round sport. Our
Ohio,” Melnick said. “I’m lucky to younger kids are seeing the results
have a player like that. He makes us of the success that they’re having,
better and keeps us in games, and from where they started to where
the big thing is he’s consistent.” they are with seniors and hopefully
that’ll continue.”

20 Feature May 13, 2022

Tanya Keskar | The Chronicle Grapics by Nishka Mishra and Izzy Gaspar’raj
Ava Yungbluth | The Chronicle
We asked the seniors of MHS to shout out a staff member who has made an impact on their high school career.

Daniel Vennemeyer Veena Ganti

“Mr. Prescott. I never thought that I would actually like econom- “Mrs. Wilson. One of the really cool things about this class
ics, [but] I really enjoyed [it]. There’s one [demonstration] where is that we have the freedom to choose what book to read. I
everybody just got down on the ground and did a hundred push- thought that was an interesting way to combine not only struc-
ups in a day. It was supposed to show the idea of diminishing ture but also to have our own freedom. After every unit or after
marginal returns\, but it was a really cool way to do it. Arms were we write a set of essays, we always end off with a food party,
definitely tired after that day.” which always gets the class in a very fun, energetic vibe. When
one of our units was about culture, each one of us brought in a
Ella Vasconcellos food that was significant to a culture or had a profound effect
on us as individuals. I think that’s one of the best ways to really
“Ms. Charlotte because she helps me to work.” learn more about culture or even just through bringing what
we learned from our own books into a more optical sense.”

Erik Nowak Sophie Rothstein

“Mr. McKee. His classes are a very stress-free environment. I “Mr. Wigginton. [He got] me through junior year.”
like how laid back his classes are and how safe you feel in his
class.” Toni Rossetti

Krish Shah “Mrs. Kinross. She genuinely is the best teacher I’ve had here at
this school; she taught me so much. She’s incredibly kind and
“Ms. Hansen. She’d always lend an ear and listen [to] whatever caring and cares for all of her students. During AP Comp, when
I had to say. She would just come into people’s lab tables and it was online, I felt really isolated, but when I was on her Zoom
come in and crack jokes. One time especially, she walked in on meetings, it just felt like a sense of community and I learned a
me and my friends goofing off a little bit. She came over and lot.”
[with] both hands, smack[ed] the table. That got the entire class
to shut up, and it’s still an inside joke for me and those people Ellen Hilbert
today.”
“Miss Lillich because she helped me with my reading and my
Laila Shaikh meetings.”

“Mr. Beurket. [He] has made an enormous impact on my life, Jacob Hollenbeck
not only as a mentor, but as a teacher and a trusted adult that
I had here in the building, I was able to not only feel like I can “Mr. McKay. [He’s] been a constant source of knowledge and
open up about my personal life and journey throughout high help during senior year. I like to joke around with him a lot
school, but I also felt like I had a safe place at school where whenever I have a job because I’m the studio print manager,
I can go to, and know that I’d be accepted for every aspect of so I’ll go ‘Hey Danny, how you doing?’ He’s cool enough that I
myself and be able to truly express myself in any way, shape or could call him that.”
form.”
Nischal Suhas
Matt Ormsby
“Profe Perry. She’s one of the friendliest and more outgoing
“Mr. Hubbard and Mr. Wyatt. [Mr. Hubbard] is hands down the teachers I’ve ever had. She is the embodiment of fun in a class-
best teacher and [Mr. Wyatt] makes math fun.” room. In a setting that’s out of your comfort zone – learning
Spanish, learning a different language – she was always there,
Neev Gupta everyday, with a smile on her face, with tons of new activities for
the students to try and just made learning Spanish a lot more
“Profe Stewart. [He] has definitely been more than just a teach- fun. Every Friday, we would go out into the center of the pod
er to me. Along with teaching me Spanish and the language, and we would dance as a way to de-stress and as a fun way to
he’s also taught me more about collaborating in a group and end the week.”
more about working with other people and learning about dif-
Zach Burger
Sameer Samad
“Mr. Goetz. He’s always been positive and he still remembers
“Mrs. Carras. Every morning, I show up to her class, and she who I am today.”
brings in the positive energy in the classroom. My first bell
is with her, so I’m always tired, [and] she brings that positive
energy to wake me up.”

May 13, 2022 Feature 21

Reed Medina Nikith Vangala

“Ms. Lehman. She always brought a lot of energy to the “Ms. Messer. She always pushes our class to do well and always
classroom. She was always playing our favorite songs and expects the best out of us, always wants us to put in the most
music. She made the lessons fun and enjoyable, and she always effort, but she always balances it out with being really fun and
switched it up so it wasn’t always the same thing – we watched interactive with us, and really being supportive. She teaches
movies and did activities – stuff like that.” pretty difficult classes, but everyone enjoys going to her classes.
She creates a really welcoming environment where you’re not
Alex Markov afraid to make mistakes. You know you’ll be able to grow from
them as both a student and a person.”
“Mr. Snell. He always makes the classroom engaged in activi-
ties. He’s a funny and caring teacher and he’s made the year Jeremiah Husk
good, him always being at our chemistry table making fun of
us, us making fun of him, and having a fun time.” “Mrs. Verstreate and Ms. Stoll. They’ve done an amazing job
with helping us through and making sure we’re going to gradu-
Clay Woodruff ate on time, and I really couldn’t thank them enough.”

“Ms. Charlotte because she helps me in class.” Ashley Robey

Demi Xie “Coach Boselovic, Mrs. Affatato, Mr. Affatato, Coach Dobson
and Coach Pahren. During basketball, [Coach Boselovic]’s so
“Mr. Protzman. He always provided a safe and relaxing space encouraging and so funny. I can just see her kindness more
in my really hectic schedule in band to forget about hardcore and more. [Mrs. and Mr. Affatato] have been super supportive
academics for a while. Every single winter, they hand out Sleigh during track and in cross country. Coach Dobson and Coach
Ride, and then we just try to play Sleigh Ride as fast as possible. Pahren [are] really encouraging and supporting as well.”
Every year, we try to beat last year’s record. It’s just so funny
because you’re just kind of playing the notes but not really.” Eric Reigelsperger

Bella Jones “Ms. Nally. [Her class] really helped me take a different perspec-
tive and see that everything is more than just black and white;
“Ms. Creed because she helps me do my work.” there’s always a gray area. The very last day of APLAC, we had
an apprentice task where it was to make them laugh. They did a
Hafsa El Harchi dance off and it was absolutely hilarious, and felt like everyone
was unified at the very end.”
“Mrs. Schneider. She’s always there for you if you need help
with anything. For a person who teaches one of the hardest Lucas Kleimeyer
classes in Mason, she really finds a way to make her classroom
fun and enjoyable. There’s never a dull moment with her.” “Mrs. Loucks. I love how she connected with all of us; espe-
cially last year, we had mask breaks and we sometimes went
James Martin outside and she talked to all of us. It was just a very chill class
and was a lot of fun.”
“Miss Lynne. She’s nice, we dance together, and she lets me use
the interactive board sometimes.” Ethan Rudy

Isabella Diaz “Mrs. Broaddrick. When she teaches, she’s really excited about
the subject. Happiness spreads throughout the class and you get
“Dr. Scalfaro. He’s always so supportive and always willing the feeling that everybody is excited. It makes math the most
to take our ideas and run with it. He always puts a smile on fun it’s ever been for me.”
everyone’s face each day.”
Myles Tavernier
Suhaas Ravela
“Ms. White. She has always been one of my number one teach-
“Mrs. Everett. She was [a] very easy going and relaxed teacher ers. It’s been such an amazing time, and just being around such
that let me pace myself through the AP Stats curriculum. I like a great person is amazing. Before class, I would always get
when we went on walks around the bus circle during the class up in her class and tell dad jokes. Ms. White always loved the
[for] mask and brain breaks.” jokes. She always remembered that I had to do the jokes, and
it was just a really fun experience. I think it was just super cool
that she always took time out of her day to have a relationship
with her students.”

22 Opinion May 13, 2022

Fly high, Class of Staff Editorial
2022
Involvement trumps position

Aditya Thiyag | The Chronicle We have a lot of organizations here at leadership positions, and considering the
MHS. abundance of clubs at our school, the
Everyone’s heard of a coming-of-age story. impact of holding one is trivialized in a
A classic tale of a teenager transitioning into adulthood and finally real- From smaller clubs focusing on the school where students hold several.
izing what to do with their lives while they overcome their inner conflict most niche of hobbies to larger ones hop-
and climatically find themself as the credits roll on a film or the last page ing to spark change within the student Furthermore, the leadership position
of a book or the closing track of an album. But there’s always one thing body, there is a club or organization for is not always indicative of the level of
that these stories have missed the mark on. every interest imaginable. commitment one holds within the orga-
It’s the time between accepting the reality of adulthood and entering it. nization and can sideline the efforts of
For some seniors, the past year has been a frantic mess of college-related And yet, there seems to be a disconnect general members genuinely attempting
events. Scrutinizing every detail of a college essay, waiting with bated between the goals of these organizations to make a difference.
breath for a college decision, and texting random strangers on Facebook, and the students who are enrolled in
hoping that one of them might be your future roommate are all defining them. This is not a new issue, but it has be-
moments for a college-bound student. For those pursuing apprenticeships come glaringly obvious due to Mason’s
and military opportunities, this academic year has largely been charac- Organizations start initiatives in hopes large size. It’s also an issue that becomes
terized by learning about what their future aspirations entail and being of raising awareness for causes that mat- increasingly baffling when considering
heralded or dismissed for their decision to pursue alternate methods of ter and helping those in need but how that these clubs were invented as both
education. And for everyone else in between, it’s been a year to spend with many of the people in these clubs are an outlet for student expression and
loved ones and either savor every second in the building or count down the truly engaging in them for a purpose be- students to engage in what they enjoy
days they have until they leave. yond adding a bullet point to a resume? with similarly passionate people, not a
Surrounding the senior class as a whole, however, there’s been an air of battleground for students to fight over
finality pervading every one of our actions and events, from the last home- Beyond these initiatives, several of our titles and positions to put on a sheet that
coming football game to senior prom. clubs at our school seek to accomplish admissions officers will skim.
We’ve spent our entire lives with an external figure establishing and the same goals, with the same overarch-
incorporating a set structure into our lives to abide by. Regardless of how ing goals and ideologies of working Your position and resume don’t matter
personalized our learning has become over time, the school has still given towards a better school and community to colleges or anyone else. Your involve-
us set times for eating, learning, and working as well as guidelines for in very similar manners. And rather than ment does.
how to best learn. As soon as we walk across that stage on graduation day collaborating or merging clubs, these
and we throw our caps high into the air, we’re congratulated for making organizations are sprawling in size with So instead of writing your fifth leader-
it through high school before any and all external structure swiftly leaves different presidents, vice presidents, sec- ship position application, find one or two
our lives. So we ask ourselves a simple question. retaries, treasurers, and every position in clubs that you connect with. Proposing
Now what? between, resulting in weekly fundraisers new and exciting initiatives, organizing
There are graduation parties to throw and friends to hang out with but and students applying for positions in sev- meetings with fellow club members, and
when the festivities are over, what comes next for us? We might have plans eral clubs only to leave any that they do collaborating with other clubs are all
for higher education, sure, institutions where we hope to learn and gain ex- not gain leadership positions in. activities that don’t require a leadership
perience by attending, but our class, like many others before us, is wading position to accomplish and demonstrate
into a sea of unknowns with no instructions on where to go next. We can’t It feels like these club variants exist commitment in a tangible manner.
do laps anymore because we’ve gotten too old for the pool that we’ve been purely so more students have a chance
raised in and there’s no lifeguard at sea to guide us either. to gain titles rather than spark actual Most importantly, getting involved in
The only semblance of comfort we are given is that we are all diving change, and that’s disappointing. ways beyond attending club meetings
headfirst into something new, together. is what will allow you to develop and
I am excited about life after high school and being exposed to a plethora There’s this misconception that the enhance any passion you have for the
of new ideas but the existential dread that I feel isn’t rooted in worries only way to be recognized by colleges or club.
about making new friends or staying in touch with the ones I have here in other institutions is to join as many clubs
Mason. It’s the anxiety that I feel knowing that despite not everything in as humanly possible to list their names And that passion will burn far bright-
my future is in my control, I will be the one that has to figure out what to on applications despite not participating er than any position you could put on a
do on a regular basis and make decisions for myself while facing each and in a single one of them. This extends to
every individualized consequence. resume.
So if you’re feeling that way right now as you’re trying on your cap and
gown, mailing out graduation party invitations, and feverishly checking
Facebook and Instagram messages from potential roommates, look around

at your fellow senior friends. You’re not in this alone.

The Chronicle’s Policy Josie Lorenz

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

The Chronicle is published monthly.

May 13, 2022 Opinion 23

Growing up is not Editorial Cartoon
a movie

Della Johnson | Editor-in-Chief Animated to the movie’s relaxing and freeing nature.
Thrilling action that is found in superhero
I wrote my CommonApp essay about my baby blankets. I was films tap into movies can be very exciting, and I can see
hypervigilant and over-caffeinated, shivering in the middle of how they have grown exponentially in
July. child-like popularity. Even so, there is a lot of merit to
straightforward tales, which I find superior
It was sparked by my sudden obsession with Spotify, my innocence in general.
newfound ability to torture myself with hours of songs that
reminded me of my childhood, whether I was raised on them or Izzy Gaspar’raj | The Chronicle Protagonists of Disney movies and other
just the ideas they presented. My words spoke about my previous animated films are more often than not
desires to grow up, to learn the bitterness of black coffee and to Simplicity, empowerment and happy end- sent on a journey that begins their life, and
mimic my mother’s ability to run for enjoyment. Spoke about ings. this journey is an exciting new adventure
the ghosts of my bypassed youth, the Sesame Street I never for them. Freeing them, their adventure
watched and the pink tutus I never wore. I got far too emotional Those three reasons are why Disney mov- frequently concludes in empowerment and
for a Wednesday night, and when people told me how to edit it, ies are my absolute favorite type of video discovering a new life. Seen most prevalently
I got defensive. entertainment. in the most recent Disney film, stories of
empowerment can inspire anyone to be em-
600 words proved to be just a new branch of my fixation, spur- Though some may make the argument powered themselves. Empowerment can look
ring my mind’s tendency to romanticize and attach to the small- that Disney, as well as other animated films different for everyone, but learning through
est moments of feeling in my life, to yearn for youth as though I like Pixar movies, have ultra-simplified movies can be uplifting and enlightening,
were not currently living through it. plots and not enough focus on the magical and I think that’s what Disney movies can
elements of it, I believe that this simplified bring to their viewers.
Rationality tells me this is not entirely my fault. After all, nature provides a break from reality.
I was brought up a constant victim of high school flicks and Disney and Pixar movies have incredible
Pinterest, images of young people laughing over slushies in the This break, filled with exuberant animal animation, design as well as special effects.
back of a sedan and rhythmic montages of Americana, of Katy sidekicks, determined and resilient pro- The sheer amount of time and effort artists
Perry’s “Teenage Dream”, of expected happiness and the promise tagonists and even conniving villains, tells put into them is amazing. But the thing I
of boring adulthood spent missing the “glory days”. And yet, en- stories that are easy to understand, but still love the most about them is the storytelling,
tirely aware of the source of my angst, I find myself stuck in the effective. These stories portray themes that and how the stories feel so familiar. Though
same trap many other high schoolers find themselves in. I’m on are easily understood, but still not boring, sometimes the storytelling may feel repeti-
the cusp of graduation, about to have some of the most monu- from toddler to senior. tive, repetition familiarity can be comforting.
mental experiences of my lifetime, and all I can do is mourn,
impersonating Dorian Gray in a wish for youth to never escape Though they can be understood by viewers Arguably the most important aspect of a
me, to allow me to retry and rehash and redo until my upbring- of any age, Disney movies’ perceived audi- Disney movie is a happy ending. Happy end-
ing is indecipherable from a Lorde music video. ence is often young children. Therefore, ings allow consumers to feel relieved, and at
many adults use these movies to connect peace inside. Happy endings are the icing on
I, much like many others my age, have spent the majority with their inner child and remember the the cake of Disney films, and I am so grate-
of my genuine youth scrapping after a false one, dependent freeing feeling of what it felt like to be ful that they exist.
on the third-party visions in my head for instructions on how young. Furthermore, many think of predict-
to exist. My generation’s social media notoriety is tainted by ability as a negative point, but for me, it adds
our inability to detach glorification from reality, remove the
anticipations from our lifestyles and consume our endless media
in peace, free from comparison. And though this could be said
for any sought-after quality portrayed in film or online (fitness,
wit, intelligence and so on), there’s a specialty when it comes
to youth – it is fleeting, unable to be rewound to, soon a vague
memory. Yet, despite how quickly it goes, we simply cannot help
ourselves. We beg for it to be different.

Personally, I am exhausted from groveling at the feet of a
cinematic daydream, one that perpetuates the idea that teen-
agers should be ashamed of their lives, however eventful or
uneventful. Not everything beautiful is attainable, or even the
least bit suitable. Straining oneself for a certain life distracts
from the one already being lived. As I’ve reflected on my four
years of high school, the greatest memories I’ve had are the ones
that likely wouldn’t be featured in an early 2000’s rom-com or a
Netflix original show. They’re the ones I overlooked at the time,
holding onto hope for something more influential, more earth-
shattering to come along.

But my youth was not intended to be theatrical, it was in-
tended to teach me. And eventually, I’ll be okay with that.

May 13, 2022 24