Chronicle 18.9

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

2 News May 13, 2021

Blast from the Past

Senior class rediscovers Mason Heights memories through elementary time capsules

Abby Waechter | Staff Writer her students to write a letter identifying Photo contributed by Jill Hartsock
their child’s character traits for them to
Mason Heights closed its doors for compare in ten years when they would A picture found in one of the time capsules showing a class of ‘21 students on the Mason Heights playground.
the last time ten years ago, and all that get them back. Many parents included
remains of it are three time capsules. pictures and phrases that embodied grew up,” Iyanna said. “That’s changed for the rest of their lives” and that the
their child’s traits and sealed them in now because I have decided that I want time capsules served as a pathway
Mason Heights in 2011 was quite dif- envelopes that were forgotten until the to be a doctor now.” to “remember who they have always
ferent compared to the current orga- time capsules were unearthed again. been even though [the seniors] have
nization which is housed in both the With opening an aged box of trinkets, undergone so much change and have
Intermediate and Elementary schools Senior Abby Miller’s mom left her a memories of experiences and encoun- begun to explore who they really are.”
now. Eric Messer was the principal, the letter describing her daughter as: com- ters have reminded seniors of the
school was in session until the begin- passionate, creative, sensitive, enthusi- relationships and memories that were
ning of June and the building was astic, and loyal. Miller said that it was made during their Elementary school
reserved for second and third-grade interesting to first see how her mom careers. Miller said that the memories
classes only. characterized her as a third-grader and that were unearthed in her mind after
compare it to how she has evolved or opening her time capsule were a way to
In May 2011, however, Academic and stayed the same ten years later. remember both how far she has come
Creative Talents (ACT) teacher Jill in ten years and how much she has
Hartsock’s three classes put together “I’ve obviously matured, but I think remained the same.
time capsules that encapsulated their my core personality hasn’t changed
experience as the last classes that would much,” Miller said. “The traits that were “I remember the carnivals and field
be taught in the Mason Heights before listed in my time capsule letter still days and eating lunch with my friends
the building’s closing. The three time apply to me now, and it’s cool to have in the cafeteria, and I am still close to
capsules collected dust for ten years on something like this that gives me a fellow students and teachers,” Miller
top of a storage locker in Hartsock’s Ma- glimpse back in time.” said. “Looking back at what I put in my
son Intermediate classroom until her time capsule just makes me so grateful
class of 2021 students were preparing for Senior Amogh Iyanna’s parents left for the memories I’ve made through-
graduation. him an acrostic poem out of the letters out my years here at Mason.”
in his name, describing him as affec-
Hartsock said that the inspiration to tionate, merry, obedient, generous, and As the Class of 2021 prepares to grad-
create the time capsules came from her helpful. After looking at his poem in uate, Hartsock says that she hopes that
student’s passion for other projects that 2021, Iyanna said that his personality, her students will “carry the lessons
had been opened up throughout their for the most part, has not changed.
communities. they learned in ACT with them
“I’ve definitely exercised these
“In the fall of 2011, the City of Mason qualities throughout the last ten years,”
opened up the 100-year time capsule,” Iyanna said. “I’m not too sure about the
Hartsock said. “My students were invest- ‘obedient’ part now, but it’s funny that
ed in it, and I think that’s what inspired they thought I was obedient in third
[Hartsock and her assistant Elizabeth grade.”
Messerschmitt] to be like ‘okay let’s
make one then.’” Iyanna also left himself an excerpt
about what he was interested in in third
Hartsock took charge of its organiza- grade: “I love sports and football
tion by asking her students to bring in is my favorite sport. I am a Steelers
objects that showcased the year 2011. fan and Trey Polamalu is my favorite
Yellowed newspapers from The Cincin- player.” Iyanna said that his third-grade
nati Enquirer, TIME Magazines featur- self was “freakishly accurate to what
ing prominent artists such as Rhianna [he] still enjoys.”
and Katy Perry, as well as fads such as
Silly Bands and Legos filled the time Iyanna said that in his letter to his fu-
capsules to their brims. ture self, that there was only one thing
that differed thanks to his increased
Hartsock also asked the parents of curiosity within the medical field.

“In my letter, I said that I
wanted to be an engineer

when I

May 13, 2021 Feature 3

First-time drivers recover from first brush with disaster

Avary Hutzelman | Staff Writer were on their way to his house when Photo contributed by Peyton Flynn
it happened.
It can be the best of times. It can be Looking back at it now Peyton Flynn can laugh about her ticket but at the time she was terrified to be ticketed
the worst of times. “I was in the lane to go straight, for driving over the speed limit. Fynn admits it has made her a more cautious driver. (pictured behind Flynn is
heading towards my house,” Laprete an actual ticket the City of Mason Police department issues to driving offenders).
When a new 16 year old gets their said. “Somebody tried to get into my
driver’s license it can be a significant lane and brake checked me, [causing]
step in gaining independence and me to rear end them and I got in
enjoying the rites of passage for all trouble for it.”
teenagers. But, in an instance that
joy can be ripped away when the new The result of the accident had
driver looks in their rearview mirror several repercussions. Laprete has
to the flashing red lights of a police had to deal with having his parents
officer. driving him to baseball practices,
higher car insurance rates, and com-
Sophomore Peyton Flynn knows ing up with the money to pay for
the feeling of looking in her mirror to things insurance didn’t cover. Even
see lights flashing and a police officer though the damage to the car didn’t
approaching her car. Flynn got her require major repairs, the accident
license in November 2020. She was still caused him to think differently
ecstatic to be able to drive alone, drive when it comes to driving.
to social functions, to practices and
games. Then one evening on the way “You need to be extra careful,”
home from lacrosse practice Flynn was Laprete said. “Especially leaving the
pulled over for going 20 miles over school since there’s a lot of traffic. If
the speed limit. you have a court hearing, listen to
the judge and pay attention.”
“I really wish I wasn’t going that
fast,” Flynn said. “I was putting other Sophomore Evin Crowley didn’t
people in danger too and I should lose his license when he was in-
have been paying more attention.” volved in an accident but now he
is without a car. He was involved
Flynn’s license was suspended. Now in an accident. Even though police
she’s right back where she started, determined that no one was at fault,
relying on her mom, older sister, and Crowley is still feeling the sting of
friends to drive her to practices and being involved in a car crash. He
social events. can’t get over the fact that he chose
to be the driver that night for him
In Ohio, getting a speeding ticket at and his friends. That night, Crowley
16 can potentially result in a license and his friends had been discussing
suspension, requirement to pay court who was going to drive.
fines or restitution for any victim in
the offense, probation or community Nobody was injured in the acci-
control, or even taking an additional dent and Crowley’s parents were not
driving course, which Flynn was overly upset after he explained the
instructed to do in addition to the entire situation to them. His accident
suspension of her license. She was resulted in his car being totaled,
required to attend ‘Carteens,’ a driving leaving him incapable of getting
awareness program for juvenile traffic around. Although he was not at fault,
offenders. Crowley has become a more aware
driver after the incident.
Sophomore Surge Laprete definitely
got a taste of one of those worst of “Now when I drive, I’m way more
time scenarios when he was involved cautious,” Crowley said. “I’m [always]
in an accident just days after getting checking my surroundings. I’d say it
his license. Laprete and his friends made me a much better driver.”

4 Feature May 13, 2021

Military enlistment a popular route following graduation

Meghan Dincler | Staff Writer in what pushed her to enlist, since brother joined the Navy, I was like office setting.
After switching out their back- “[she] knew since middle school that ‘okay, I’m going to join the Navy.’” “I’m excited,” Acashian said. “I’m
[she] wanted to go into the mili-
packs for military uniforms, some tary.” Since she has been set on the done in high school, I’m done sit-
seniors are getting ready to head off Army since she was in middle ting around doing nothing. I’m not
to boot camp. Senior Zane Acashian felt a school, McMahon already com- really nervous because I’ve been
similar familial influence when pleted one round of basic training able to hear about the experience
When high schoolers consider considering his enlistment in the last summer. She plans to return from what my brothers have done,
going into the military, they are Navy, though for him it was from this July, and said that the training so I know most of what I’m getting
presented with a few options. They his older brothers, one of whom only made her more excited for her into.”
could go to basic training and then is actively serving, and the other future working in the army medical
straight into the military as their who served within the same field. Despite being nervous when
full time job, known as “active duty”. branch. she signed up and took her oath,
They could also go to basic train- “I loved it,” McMahon said. “Com- Stoughton now seconds that posi-
ing and then move into part-time “I have one [brother] that is a ing out of basic training, it made me tivity, saying that she is looking
military service, while also attend- vertan, he got out last Winter,” a lot more disciplined, motivated, forward to the adventures the Coast
ing college or holding a civilian job Acashian said. “I also have a and gave me more confidence in Guard can provide for her after she
through the National Guard. There brother that’s in [the Navy] right myself.” gets through boot camp this August.
are multiple other opportunities now. I just feel like since I’m lucky
within the military for students, enough to be able to live in this Mikal Stoughton, a senior at MHS, “I know that there’s going to
including the Army Reserve, or country, I should give back to it, says she is also excited for her fu- be ups and downs with it because
Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and this is what I chose to do to give ture within the military. She enlisted obviously it’s the military, it’s very
(ROTC) or military academies. back.” in the Coast Guard, and is looking serious,” Stoughton said. “But I hope
forward to the chance to serve her that they can teach me a new way
When it came to choosing be- Being able to give back to his country and learn as much as she of life and kind of shape me into
tween these options, senior Elle country was a strong motivator for can during her military career. who they want me. I just want to be
McMahon was set on active duty. De- Acashian’s enlistment, and he is able to see what I can see and go out
spite this, she enlisted in the Army planning on going into active duty “They had a few jobs that I was there and do my best.”
National Guard last September as soon after he graduates from high interested in,” Stoughton said.
a compromise with her mother in school. McMahon grew up always striv-
order to allow her to go to college “They can teach me how to be ing to do her best, and her strongest
while still serving her country. After “I go to boot camp July 29th,” a pilot, which I’m very inter- memories related to the military are
growing up with her father’s mili- Acashian said. “I feel good about ested in, and it seems like an of these values she learned through-
tary influence, McMahon said that it, I’m done wasting my time. I just incredible opportunity that I out her childhood, values that she
she is eager to get involved. want to start my life.” can’t pass up. I’d want to make hopes to carry with her after gradua-
[the Coast Guard] a career if tion and into her future in the Army.
“My dad is in the army, along with Because of the military history
his dad and my cousin,” McMahon in their families, both students had I can, and try to make it as “They taught me that you need to
said. “Growing up and hearing begun to seriously consider the mili- a pilot.” take responsibility for your actions,”
stories from them is what made me tary as a possibility for their futures McMahon said. “You need to step up
want to go in. It really changed his from a relatively young age, with Acashian has not been when it’s time and be a leader who
life, and he came out more moti- McMahon deciding on the Army in through any basic training serves others first. Because that’s
vated and disciplined.” middle school and Acashian becom- yet, but his decision to en- what a leader is, they don’t just tell
ing interested when he was even list was one that came with people what to do, they serve and I
McMahon deeply admired the younger. a lot of positive emotions for think that’s one of the best traits I
values that the military instilled in him. After trudging through learned is how to serve and put oth-
her father and said that she “loves “It all started back in like fifth or senior year of high school, he ers before myself.”
how disciplined and structured the sixth grade, when I started watching said he is ready to start his career
military [is].” Having that influence movies and reading military books,” and experience an environment
in her childhood was Acashian said. “That’s what really much different from a classroom or
a strong factor got me interested. And then my

Graphic by Aadrija Biswas

May 13, 2021 Feature 5

Seniors explore gap year as opportunity to escape school burnout

Ally Guo | Staff Writer of time.’” ment or their own opportunities to admitted students,
Another reason why Gardner decided to take a gap taking a gap year is still uncommon in the country. Gard-
The expectation is to begin college right after high year was so that he could continue to participate in Winter ner said that many people still do not know what a gap
school, but some seniors are taking a gap year before the Guard International (WGI), which runs from November year is and that he himself was unaware of that possibility
school bell rings again. to late April, as a member of the ConneXus Percussion until well into high school.
Ensemble, a drumline similar to a marching band but
A gap year is when students choose to wait a year after independent of any school. “Everyone that I knew was going to college right after
graduating high school before pursuing college or some Gardner said he attempted to participate in WGI con- [high school],” Gardner said. “Before, I would assume by
other form of higher education. Many use this time to currently with school junior year and while he enjoyed default that I would be doing the same thing. Sophomore
volunteer, travel, explore career options, find internships or the program, he “hated balancing [it] with school.” Since year, that was the first time I’d ever actually heard about
paid work, or explore interests and passions. While there are WGI took up all of his time, leaving him with no free what a gap year was, and I was like,’ Oh, that’s a thing?
specific gap year programs available, those are often expen- weekends from early December to March, it disrupted People do that?’”
sive, and some students prefer to design their own plans to his ability to focus on schoolwork.
fit their own unique reasons. Besides WGI, Gardner is also interested in getting a Similarly, Gardner said that whenever he tells people
full time job so that he can save up money for college or that he is going to take a gap year, there is always “some
Senior Jiahao Guo said that he had “long decided” to take other future plans. confusion, as if they don’t know that’s a thing that they can
a gap year after talking to several college graduates and For Guo, describing himself as a more “internationally- do.” Gardner said a possible reason why high school gradu-
current college students who told him about experiencing oriented” person, there are three things he wants to do ates are expected to immediately begin college is because
burnout, which carried over from high school into college. during his gap year: charity work in Southeast Asia, foreign it is considered the best way for people to “hurry their way
college programs in Mongolia and Tibet, and general through life” and “get a job as fast as possible.”
“Of those [I talked to] who [did] not take gap years, they internships.
wish they had because it’s basically a four year blitz of non- Working with a local nonprofit in Cedarville, Guo hopes However, in spite of taking a gap year being a relatively
stop homework and tests [in high school],” Guo said. “Then, to travel to Southeast Asia, specifically Myanmar, to partici- rare decision, both Guo and Gardner said that their family
afterwards, it’s another four year blitz [in college]. Having pate in volunteer initiatives. Although the current situation and friends were supportive of their choice.
one year to better define the direction that you want to take, in Myanmar is uncertain due to the recent coup d’état, the
especially at a young age, is really important.” nonprofit is also active in countries such as Cambodia and According to Gardner, he suggests that students take a
Nepal, so Guo has already tentatively made plans for this gap year if they are having difficulty balancing their educa-
According to Guo, he himself experienced burnout service work. tion with a simultaneous activity outside of school, which
throughout high school due to heavy pressure and competi- Additionally, Guo said that he has a “great interest in will allow them to better “excel at both of the things instead
tion, describing the toll maintaining high academics, par- Mongolia and Tibetan” and has been looking into non- of doing them both at the same time and not doing either
ticipating in many extracurriculars and summer programs, American college programs in both of those regions, such one of them very well.”
and looking for internships and research opportunities took as those offered by the Mongolian National University.
on him. According to Guo, he plans on studying international “I don’t think there [are] any wrong reasons for taking
relations or something business or finance related, but his a gap year,” Gardner said. “The only time I could see [it]
Guo said he believes the issue of burnout in students is decision is not set in stone. Similarly, Gardner said that becoming an issue ever is if you have no plans or no way of
often left overlooked and unaddressed, as most modern although he harbors an interest in architecture and has making a living without going into college. And when you
mental health practices, such as talking to a therapist, considered going to college for music education, potentially take a gap year, you realize you can put off college more
while potentially helpful, fail to address the root causes becoming a band director, he is also thinking of joining and more, and then you dig yourself into a hole of ‘Oh, I’ll
of burnout, which he defines as a “very high emphasis on United Airlines’ pilot training program, United Aviate, do it next year.’”
achievement and hard work.” instead.
“Being a pilot is something that I want to do,” Gardner Similarly, while Guo cautions against taking a gap year
“[Burnout is] an even greater reason to consider [taking said. “That, you don’t even need to go to college for. [With] “just for taking a gap year,” making poor use of the time
a gap year] because even though you may be seen as hard- United’s pilot training, after you go through [the] online and energy it provides, or incurring a financial burden
working or ambitious now, burnout [is] the silent killer,” course, [which is] like a substitute for college, they feed you from paid programs, he recommends that students take a
Guo said. “It’ll put you out of nowhere and then boom, all straight into their pilot programs -- [then] just straight into gap year if they have have a “better thing” they’d like to do
of a sudden, when you think everything’s going well, it’s a job.” during that time.
not.” In the case that they do reapply for college this upcom-
ing application cycle, neither Guo nor Gardner believe their “If you have some sort of thing that you want to pursue
For senior Kyle Gardner, burnout was also the “single overall college experience will be significantly negatively further or maybe that isn’t as commonly entrenched within
biggest contributor” to his decision to take a gap year. impacted by having taken a gap year. the present education system, a gap year is definitely a good
idea in that case,” Guo said.
“I didn’t want to go straight into college,” Gardner said. “Ultimately, a 19 year old is not going to be all that dif-
“I made the decision during the summer before senior year ferent from a 20 year,” Guo said. “One year isn’t going
started, and I was like, ‘You know, this is nice -- not having
to worry about school for an extended period to make isn’t gonna make or break the difference.”
Despite this, Guo said he believes a “social dis-
Graphics by Rachel Cai tance” could potentially form during a gap year.
Specifically, working at a nonprofit that does not
attract many volunteers at the typical college
age could “[hinder the] ability to foster real
connections or to even maintain the connec-
tions that you already have.” However, Guo
said this could be viewed as both a drawback
and a benefit.
“Throughout high school, throughout basi-
cally our entire lives, we all have basically the
same routine of going to school, talking with

friends, interacting with people who are basically
identical to ourselves, at least on the macro level,”
Guo said. “In adult life, you have to deal with being in
environments that you’re not comfortable with. I guess
[that] also could be a big plus and a big reason why
people take gap years.”
Although an increasing number of colleges support gap
years, with some institutions offering deferred enroll-

6 Feature May 13, 2021

Muslim students juggle fasting challenges with daily routine

Risha Chada | Staff Writer begins to compete with her attention. thing [towards] the end of the day.” and be super attentive and maintain
my strength while guarding someone,”
From sunrise to sundown, Mason “I’m dreading the fact that I have to As a junior, Shaikh also has to face Shaikh said. “I tried to give off that
High School students fast for Ramadan, same performance that I usually would,
a yearly religious tradition fast during AP exams,” Shaikh said. “I the additional stress of taking lengthy, with the restriction of not being able to
of putting the greater drink water.”
good before one’s needs. stay up after the sun is down to study arduous exams such as the ACT and AP
Although fasting has its challenges,
The Islamic tradition because when I try to [study] through- exams. Shaikh said that the tests in gen- it provides a sense of social and moral
of Ramadan is known betterment to many Muslims. While
as a season of spiritual out the day I find myself either eral are draining, and once the factor of Asgher understands how tough it is to
reflection, self-improve- balance fasting with daily life, he said
ment and heightened dozing off or just not focusing.” fasting is introduced, another level of that it helps him to gain a better sense
devotion and worship of compassion towards others.
throughout the Muslim Like Shaikh, Sophomore Hana difficulty is placed on her shoulders.
community. The holiday “Less fortunate people may not have
serves as a way to cleanse the Quraishi said that she found “When it comes to taking [long] tests any food or water for a considerable
soul by freeing it from harm- amount of time and [through fasting] I
ful impurities. It is a time of empathiz- fasting during the day to be a like the ACT and AP exam and you can put myself in their shoes,” Asgher
ing with the less fourtunate’s pain and said. “Fasting gives you a lot more
suffering. Through delayed gratitude challenging feat while trying to aren’t able to eat breakfast or drink sympathy and respect for [the less fortu-
of food and other necessities, Muslims nate], and it also allows you to empa-
highlight their blessings in order to feel get work done. Quraishi said that water, it gets frustrating,” Shaikh said. thize with them more.”
more thankful for the things that set
them apart from the less fortunate. getting some food in before sun- “You have a disadvantage compared to For Quraishi, Ramadan is an oppor-
tunity for her to improve herself and
For one month, Muslims partaking rise does help her stay more alert other students [who can eat] and you’re serves as a way for her to instill good
in Ramadan abstain from eating and habits. While fasting, Quraishi works
drinking until the sun has set. Although on occasion throughout the day; trying to score the highest that you directly with food and is in constant
it is not required, many students choose interaction with customers buying and
not to listen to music with profane lan- however, on the days she does not, possibly can because it will impact your eating food, which she said has given
guage, watch television and many more her a new perspective on how the less
activities that they feel would taint the it is harder for her to future.” fortunate feel.
season’s meaning. To a high school stu-
dent facing tough courses and Advanced keep her mind off of Aside from academics, “I’m always thinking like, ‘wow’, this
Placement (AP) exams, however, fasting is how people who can’t afford this type
can take a toll and affect their academic eating. fasting impacts all aspects of food feel when they’re watching ev-
performance. eryone else around them eat,” Quraishi
“Thinking of life—especially said. “I’m able to improve on things that
Junior Leila Shaikh said that refrain- during this time that I wouldn’t really
ing from food and water during the about eat- sports. Quraishi make time for the rest of the year. With
school day can make it hard to focus my sister, for example, I try to control
on what is right in front of her. Shaikh ing, or used to play myself and not get as irritated [with
is taking multiple AP classes, and said her].”
the difficulty of taking tough classes is regretting club basket-
amplified when she cannot eat or drink Fasting during Ramadan provides
during the day. not eat- ball during Muslims with a new level of empathy
aligned with the less fortunate. Shaikh,
“It definitely gets tough because some ing more, Ramadan
times [I’m] thinking about how many who has been fasting since she
more hours until I can break my fast in- is really and said that was four, said that fasting
stead of what the Great Gatsby is talking gives her discipline, a skill
about,” said Shaikh. “Fasting is really distracting playing without she knows will be helpful to
difficult in the beginning, but further in her now, and later in life.
it does provide a sense of clarity.” when I’m food or water “My sense of discipline
Aside from experiencing difficulty
during the school day, Shaikh has strug- trying to took a toll and self accountability has
gled to find energy to study after school been instilled from a young
hours. Shakih said that her ability to do work,” on her body, age” Shaikh said. “As I grow
stay on task and complete her assign- older and am faced with societal
ments has become a struggle as her fast Quirashi making the pressures or peer pressure, being
able to say ‘no’ to certain things
said. sport much people ask of me is a benefit that
many people overlook.”
“It’s not more dif-

a good ficult.

prac- “I couldn’t

tice, but drink any

sometimes water when we

I can’t help had timeouts,

thinking ‘I’m so I would just put

so hungry right Graphics by Rachel Cai ice packs on my
now I can’t neck or on my

wait until eight head to try and

o’clock.’” keep myself cool,” Quraishi said. “It was

While Junior Humza Asgher does find pretty rough because I couldn’t

that fasting makes focusing on academ- even eat right after the game; I

ics is difficult, his challenges start once would just come home, shower,

he gets home from school. As Asgher and wait to eat.”

has the last lunch of the school day Similar to Quraishi, Shaikh

followed by a lab bell, he said that hav- participated in track and recre-

ing to return home and study is more ational basketball while fasting

demanding than refraining from eating during her sophomore year.

during the school day. Shaikh said that being unable

“It hits you the hardest [when you to re-energize by eating or

get home] because at that point you’re drinking affected her perfor-

much farther into the fast,” Asgher said. mance on the court.

“The hunger and thirst really impacts “With basketball, [I had] to

you when you want to study or do some- move around on the court constantly

May 13, 2021 Feature 7

Biracial students grow to accept their identities

Ann Vettikkal | Managing Editor [races], and that’s what makes it so interesting.” by so many other people of color, especially black
Senior Sydney Womack has seen how the pre- people. And I really was able to just embrace that
Kaelyn Rodrigues | Managing Editor side of myself and see, like, how beautiful that cul-
sentation of the two sides of herself ebb and flow ture really is -- I should not ever be ashamed of that.”
In a society bent on labels, students who fail to fit depending on her age, circumstance, and mindset.
into just one category seek to resolve and accept their For instance, when she was younger, being around a Now as she continues her foray into the social jus-
biracial identity. predominately white crowd reflected an insecurity tice circle, she appreciates the meaningful diversity
upon herself that she was not white enough. Among and powerful impact that it provides. Womack also
Senior Chandrika Vasan, who is half-Indian and other practices, she recalled straightening her hair understands, however, how her biracial identity sets
half-white, grew up in a town with “no people of for what she considered “all the wrong reasons.” her up to be both inextricably linked to this com-
color around” before relocating to Mason when she munity and an ally that should stand back and listen
was in fifth grade. Vasan said she went through a “When I was younger, it’s a lot easier to be insecure when needed.
culture shock after moving to Mason and experienc- just being around so many white people,” Womack
ing the diversity of the city, which ultimately led to said. “You want to fit into that. It obviously was dif- “It’s trying to not overstep my boundaries when
her growing to “accept [her] identity”. ficult because I was never gonna meet that standard.” it comes to my blackness and trying to make sure
that I am always understanding that I do have a lot
“I struggled more with [my] identity as a kid than I On the other hand, when she is around her dad’s of privilege being biracial,” Womack said. “I don’t
do now,” Vasan said. “Growing up being the ‘differ- side of the family, she contemplates both her identifi-
ent’ one was a want to overstep
tough experi- cation with being black and the privilege that comes those boundaries
ence, but going with being half-white. “It can be kind of ostracizing,” and try to speak
from being the Womack said, in reference to this tension that she over people who
different one to feels internally and witnesses externally. are fully black and
being some- have a different
where as diverse “There’s still definitely a bit of a disconnect there, experience than I
as Mason has just because I don’t fully understand that experi- do. That’s probably
definitely ence,” Womack said. “It’s very clear to them that I the biggest thing
changed how [I] [have] more privilege than they do because of that. for me.”
view [myself].” So I think it makes it hard to fully see me as one of
them, which I understand. But it’s also difficult be- Reflecting on
Vasan, whose cause I see myself very much as a part of that group.” her experience
father is from when she was
South India Understanding these differences and considering younger and far
and mother is how her perspective shapes the distinct qualities and more insecure
from Indiana, uniqueness of her voice has been crucial toward ac- about her place
describes herself ceptance of the divide within herself. Womack credits in the world, she
as “white- her involvement with social justice as a community wished that some-
passing”. While that pushed her to reflect on the parts of herself she one would have
attending Indian previously tried to hide. helped shed light
functions, Vasan on her struggles.
said she was “Getting into activism when I was in high school Womack said that
oftentimes really helped me,” Womack said. “I was surrounded she would have
“the only white told her past self
person there”. to focus less on
Similarly, at the presentation
gatherings with of her identity and
her mother’s more on just living
side of the fam- and growing up,
ily, Vasan also felt Graphic by Rachel Cai letting her identity
ostracized, as if she was “the odd one out” because of shape itself in the
her Indian heritage. process. “[Don’t] be so worried about your identity
when it comes to your race, because I don’t think that
“I personally don’t look Indian-- you can’t re- should be the biggest factor for you,” Womack said.
ally tell unless you’re looking for it,” Vasan said. “I “And that it’s important to just focus on yourself as
definitely had trouble fitting in with other Indians, an individual and what you like and not constantly
but I also wasn’t white enough to fit in with the white be worrying about how that relates to your race.”
people. It’s like I had to be one or the other, but I While Vasan and Womack have distinctly differ-
couldn’t choose because I’m both.” ent experiences, the journey to find their place in
the world has been difficult but rewarding for both
Although she grappled with her identity as a child, of them. It is an identity that Womack feels is best
Vasan now sees being biracial as an advantage that understood by her biracial peers.
has allowed her to develop a unique cultural perspec- “I think that we all kind of share that experience
tive and gain a broader understanding of how the of not really having a set place in the world because
world works. the world is very centered around racial identity,”
Womack said. “And so when you do not fit into one
Vasan said she is grateful to have grown from the category, it can be really hard to find your place. It’s
mindset of wishing she could be fully Indian or fully very easy to connect with other biracial people and to
white that she had while growing up. “People who find other people who can understand that experi-
are biracial often try to fit into one side of their iden- ence.”
tity, which is something I’ve always struggled with,”
Vasan said. “A big point of growth for me has been
growing up and accepting myself. I’m a mix of both

8 Feature May 13, 2021

Sophomore cashes in on colorful hobby

Della Johnson | Staff Writer (SNS) dip powder and fake nails, as well business, it’s
as adding to her decorative armoire she finds com-
When it comes to owning a small with glitters and colors. While the new pany in hear- definitely more relaxing than a usual
business, sophomore Lillian Ehlers is supplies are more expensive, they are ing about others who part-time job.
nailing it. easier to use and last longer. have messed up their
manicures. . Owning her own business “Just do it,” Ehlers said. “It’s nice hav-
The concept of students having With only a small amount of experi- and being skilled in nail art has helped ing [work] at your own time. You’re able
jobs alongside their extracurriculars ence surrounding nail art before order- ease some of the agony surrounding the to control what you can do and how
is nothing new, with part-time jobs ing the supplies she needed on Amazon, loss of a painted claw. much you want to be involved with it.
at food chains and retail stores being Ehlers has used this experience as a way The funny thing is, I started as a joke
among the most common of working to improve her skills and, by exten- “I’ve definitely cried a few times with my friends. Now, it’s cool to see
environments for teens. Another route, sion, her patience. With her personal breaking a nail,” Ehlers said. “That’s that other people are finding out about
however, is for a student to start their improvements and validation from her why it’s nice, being able to do them it.”
own business. one that doesn’t revolve friends, she was confident enough to myself. I know the emotional pain. My
around goods, but rather, a service. make a practice out of it. friends on my teams obviously can’t
have long nails. It’s funny to hear the
Ehlers is one of those students that “I’m very impatient, and I would stories of other people breaking a nail
have chosen to tackle an unorthodox always have the cheap polish that and having breakdowns because they
job for her age range. Utilizing Insta- wouldn't work,” Ehlers said. “When I were so expensive.”
gram as a scheduling and promoting saw gel, I realized that’d be easier for
tool, she started her own manicure me. I kind of liked doing it for myself, Regardless of any funny sto-
venture in July of 2020. and then I started doing [manicures] for ries surrounding her skill or
my friends, and they told me I was good the small advantages to it, the
Having heard complaints from her at it.” business that Ehlers has built
friends about the heightened prices is one she truly enjoys, crafted
at most salons in the area, Ehlers has It isn’t the money or the skill around a seemingly simple
made it her mission to provide the improvement that really makes the hobby. While the journey to
people she cares about with something experience worthwhile for Ehlers, but making a profit from doing
more affordable. The most she charges the friendships she’s able to form and something you have fun
for her service is $16 for acrylic nail tips. strengthen through her work. As some- with may be viewed as
Her low prices have contributed to her one who plays basketball and softball just wishful thinking, she
business’ success. as well as runs cross country, she has wants to assure people
been able to simply ask teammates to that it’s worth it in
“My friends would say they’d come to just come visit her nail salon, leading to
me because I was so cheap, and it still more meaningful relationships. “I think the end, as
looks good,” Ehlers said. “I think it’s that it’s helped me to meet a lot of new
fun to do it for my friends and let them people,” Ehlers said.
have cheap prices. Money isn’t what’s
important to me.” Her time in sports has also led Ehlers
to quite a few personal nail-related
Starting out with only gel, Ehlers con- mishaps. Not only does she have to
tinued to expand upon what she offered experience the toll of a broken nail
for services. Now, she’s using Signature
Nail Systems but with her

Photos contributed by Lillian Ehlers.

Ehlers photographs each nail look for her Instagram page, @nails.by.lillian

May 13, 2021 Feature 9

Students find cosplay as new outlet of expression

Evan Ponstingle | Staff Writer mother’s sewing abilities for homemade creations. According to Holt, people should cosplay with pride.

Cosplayers have found a new way to step out of the world “My mom and I sew together and right now we’re “I think it’s something that people shouldn’t be ashamed
of high school and into the world of anime, video games,
and comic books. working on one of my cosplays,” Lewis said. “I’m going to of doing, or scared to show off,” Holt said. “It’s something

Cosplay (an abbreviation of costume play) is a relatively cosplay a character from a video game called Your Turn To you should be confident in! Show off your talent with a
new subculture blossoming from the increase of comic
conventions (popularly referred to as comic-cons) and Die. I’m cosplaying as one guy who has a plushie that I’m smile and who cares what others think. You only live once,
other fan-culture events. Cosplay involves dressing up in
elaborate uniforms, wigs, and makeup to reflect characters going to try to make just by myself..” so why live it worrying about others’ opinions.”
from video games, movies, and comic books. The cosplay
phenomenon has spread from coast-to-coast, around the Lewis sees cosplaying as characters from video games de Leon feels that people should embrace their favorite
world, and even to the halls of Mason High School (MHS).
Danganronpa and Omori as a meaningful way to escape the characters, and participate in an activity that she feels
Freshman Ashlyn Holt is one of MHS’s students involved
in the cosplay community. Holt has cosplayed numerous drudgery of everyday life. should be more widespread.
characters from shows such as the anime Soul Eater and
from video games like Five Nights at Freddy’s. Holt has “It’s almost a coping mechanism for me,” Lewis said. “It’s “I encourage everyone to try it at some point,” de Leon
cosplayed at least twelve characters over the span of the last
few months. She got her start in the cosplay community like being able to stop what you’re doing for an entire day said. “Put on a wig, throw on some eyeliner, find clothes you
through social media with just one makeup video that
snowballed into cosplay. and just pretend to be someone else and live their life. It’s wouldn’t normally wear...It’s good fun.”

“I first heard about [cosplay] when I saw a creator doing really weird, but it’s definitely one of my favorite things to
awesome makeup on the app Musical.ly,” Holt said. “I was
surprised at the likes and comments the video received and do. Sometimes when I go home, I’m not feeling okay, and
started buying makeup of my own to experiment. I ended
up buying wigs and cosplaying; it’s been quite an adventure I’ll just be like, ‘Okay, I’m going to pretend to be someone Chairs Lewis
and very fun.” else.’”

Freshman Chairs Lewis cosplays characters from the Holt sees the cosplay as a form of self-expression. “It
video games Danganronpa and Omori. They post the
cosplays on social media and even cosplay with friends brings out creativity and confidence,” Holt said. “When I’m
in public parks and malls. Lewis spends countless hours
meticulously planning every aspect of their cosplay wearing my cosplay, I feel more confident.I’m proud of
uniform. They budget their money accordingly and do
a combination of purchasing from online sources and what I’ve created and the effort it took.”
handcrafting for their outfit. Lewis works alongside their
Junior Rebeca Gomez de Leon has been cosplaying for
Ashlyn Holt
several years since she first started following cosplayers on
Photo by Evan Ponstingle
social media. Gomez de Leon sees the entire outfit, from

clothing to makeup, as a way to express a close relationship

with the character.

“Personally, I enjoy the makeup aspect more than the

costume,” Gomez de Leon said. “Don’t get me wrong, the

costume is fun, but I think the creative liberties I take with

makeup are more indicative of my personality. As much as I

enjoy my clothes and dressing up, I find it harder to express

myself when a character doesn’t have the same or similar

fashion as I do.”

Freshman Chairs Lewis sees their cosplay as a chance to

embrace the concept of escapism and be someone else.

“Pretending to be a different person is almost like a

break from reality,” Lewis said. “It’s like pretending to be a

different person to escape life. It’s about just taking a break,

pausing life, and just doing what you want for however

long you do it.

Gomez de Leon feels that cosplay allows participants to

gain a deeper insight into their characters. “Cosplay gives

me a deeper appreciation for the character because I tend

to notice little things about their design or personality that

I can incorporate into the cosplay,” de Leon said. “Plus, I can

explore other ways in which I can relate to the character

[for the cosplay].”

Lewis has found a welcoming community in cosplay.

The deep appreciation for characters allows for connection

points between individuals.

“Knowing who the characters are, being able to connect

with others on various platforms is such an experience. talk

for hours and hours on your favorite characters and plot

points.Lewis said.

Cosplay has gotten a bad rep in some media

representation. Lewis believes that students should see past

that mindset and view cosplay as a unique way to exit the

world for a little while.

“Cosplay shouldn’t be seen as weird,” Lewis said. “I

want people to learn that cosplay is a coping mechanism...

Coping mechanisms should be seen as normal and should

be like, it should be seen as that escape. And the amount

of times that I’ve been quote unquote, bullied for being

in cosplay or being in public and cosplay, it’s not fun.

I want more inclusitivtivity with everyone to be

like, hey, this is a thing, it’s going to be a thing, it’s

probably going to be a thing for a long time.” Photo by Della Johnson

10 News May 13, 2021

Mason Schools Foundation maintains generosity amid pandemic year

Anna Kinasewitz | Staff Writer decided it was important to offer mid year oppor-
In a pandemic year when everyone pressed tunities. They helped fund a therapy dog at Mason
Middle School, funded a digital storyteller for
pause the Mason Schools Foundation (MSF) online students, and when the high school found
pressed forward in their efforts to fund innova- itself struggling to find funding for the launch
tive learning programs in the Mason City School of the Inclusive Excellence Student Leadership
District. team, the foundation stepped in to provide a much
needed boost to this new organization.
As the local economy came to a standstill when
the Coronavirus shutdown occurred, the founda- “The high school was launching their Inclusive
tion still managed to find unique ways to generate Excellence Student Leadership Team, and they
funds in order to provide district teachers and staff just didn’t have any funding, the district couldn’t
members with the dollars to provide unique learn- stretch any further,” Patton said. “So we put in
ing experiences to the district’s students. Founda- $4,000, to help that team launch. We tried to be
tion grant chairperson Mindy Patton wasn’t about nimble, even during COVID, to respond to those
to let the constraints of Covid put a damper on needs that came up through the year.”
the foundations’ mission to empower teachers and
students. Thousands of students in the district have
been the beneficiaries of the foundation’s giving.
“Fundraising was challenging this year, as it Foundation dollars have helped provide everything
was for anything, because a lot of the partners and from a wheelchair swing at Mason Early Child-
businesses that are very good supporters are also hood Center, a nature discovery program for high
having a challenging year,” Patton said. “The foun- school students, and even stimulus funds to the
dation moved most of its fundraising online. We Mason High School newspaper The Chronicle
had an online school supply drive, our annual K-6 when local businesses advertising dollars were
reading challenge was online, and we had a virtual impacted by the Covid shutdown.
gala in the fall.”
The highlights of this past school year give Pat-
With virtual fundraising and an endowment of ton and the MSF hope of the potential that next
nearly a million dollars the foundation found itself year’s grants could be even more generous. Thanks
in a good position to continue funding programs to the foundation’s savings efforts, Patton said that
that benefit students throughout the district. By the she and her colleagues are looking to the future, to
end of the year Patton believes that MSF grants will where they can “hopefully be even more generous
add up to over a hundred thousand dollars. with their grants.”

“So far this year we’ve given $85,000 and will be “This year, we were delighted to partner with
at $100,000 by the end of the school year,” Patton groups trying to maintain their level of excellence,
said. “That represents 30 grants, one of which is a but were hitting a once in a lifetime, unusual year,”
$21,000 grant, The Catalyst Grant, that funds a lot Patton said. “I think that’s a neat opportunity for a
of individual, smaller grants.” group like the Mason Schools Foundation to come
alongside them and kind of bridge that gap, know-
Even though the foundation typically hands out ing that they’re going to get back on their feet next
grants at the beginning of the school year, they year.”

Graphic by Chronicle Staff

May 13, 2021 11

12 Fea

COME ONE.

Evolution of the circus-scene provides oppo

Alisha Soni | Staff Writer jumps -- all from 50 to 70 feet up in the air. r
When most people today hear the word “circus,” After discovering circus performances online, th
images of a bygone era filled with animated clowns, tu
sword swallowers, and performers catapulting Yuchasaz decided to attend a Circus Camp hosted s
through hoops of fire come to mind. by the Cincinnati Circus in 2018. It motivated him te
Despite circus performers attaining the ability to to continue taking classes since he possessed some v
thrill audiences through dangerous or tricky stunts, natural talent for the acts taught in the camp. He in
the circus has been rapidly decreasing in popularity. had chosen acrobats because it was the only act that c
Nowadays, many people seem to have never seen a allowed him to experience the thrill of falling from b
real life circus, as if it is only part of television and high heights. Yuchasaz quickly learned that acro- s
movies. However, against the struggling popular- batics brought him an adrenaline rush that he now lo
ity, some students at Mason High School (MHS) are constantly craves. w
dedicated to keeping the big top alive. y
Freshman Max Yuchasaz has been learning acro- “I was never super afraid of the heights or drops C
batics for three years, which consists mainly of aerial but I thought I would never do anything super u
crazy,” Yuchasaz said. “But I learned that I get really w
silks and sometimes trapeze. The acts excited doing that, going 50 feet in the air and just c
utilize props, such as aerial silks falling. It seemed scary at first, but I think the more u
and bars which you do it, the more fun it gets.” T
allow him to th
impress audienc- Regardless of Yuchasaz’s talent for acrobats, learn- h
es with flips, ing had still provided him with challenges. He e
twists, soon learned that acrobatics is not as simple as just G
and falling. Practicing and performing comes with the in
consequence of physically over-exerting himself and s
the dangers of possibly withstanding injuries. e
y
“The biggest challenge in my opinion was learn- C
ing the technique,” Yuchasaz said. “You have to m
make sure you get every loop right. You need to th
have enough strength to hold yourself upside down th

for long periods of time. If you’re not willing to
be patient in learning, You’re going to get hurt,
and it’s gonna suck.”
Before COVID, Yuchasaz had performed at
the ends of summer camps at the Cincinnati
circus where he had started at. Although they
had decent-sized crowds, to him, “it was less
about how many people show up and more of

getting the ability to show off to anyone.” An ar-

ature 13

COME ALL.

ortunity for students to explore unique crafts

rangement had been set so he could become one of forms more for herself rather than a crowd. Per-
he performers for the Cincinnati Circus, an oppor- forming allows her to tame her fear of being in the
unity he unfortunately lost due to the pandemic. spotlight.
Instead, Yuchasaz had migrated to a small yoga
studio to teach on a much smaller scale. He shows “I like being in front of people, but I don’t like
eachers new skills to teach classes and occasionally being on a big stage and performing,” Morris said.
visits to assist them and their students. Yuchasaz’s “But I think it’s helped me overcome things like that
nitial curiosity surrounding the circus has been recently. I would like to keep the circus in my life,
cultivated into a true passion for the circus. He lists even when I am in college, to learn new skills and
becoming one of the acrobats of a big circus as a overcome fears.”
significant overall goal and would even consider a
ong-term career doing so. Despite the dwindling popularity of circuses,
Sophomore Alia Morris also entered the circus Yuchasaz and Morris show no signs of quitting. To
world through a summer camp she had taken three them, the circus has become a sacred place where
years ago. She is now associated with the Evendale they have been able to develop new skills and abili-
Cultural Arts Center where she juggles, rides the ties from their circus acts.
unicycle, and does german wheel -- a large hoop in
which she can perform tricks with. “The Circus is not what it used to be at all,” Yu-
In the beginning, Morris said that she often felt chasaz said. “Circuses are made of people who’ve
challenged while learning her acts. German wheel is converted their tricks into storytelling. And if
usually three to six inches taller than the performer. any- one thinks they want to try it then
This includes high altitude when standing towards
he top of the hoop, and requires Morris to face they should go
her fear of heights. No matter her level of experi- check it out
ence when facing high ground, Morris says that
German wheel “always makes her feel nauseous because it’s
nside.” When learning the unicycle, she said that worth it.”
she had constant anxiety about falling off and had
even fractured a growth plate in her ankle her first Photos by Alisha Soni
year. Graphics by Aadrija Biswas
During each semester of Morris’ class at the Arts
Center, Morris’ class hosts a performance to raise
money which displays their learning progress. At
he end of the year, they arrange an extravaganza
hat showcases all of the skill sets they’ve completed.
Contrary to Yuchasaz, Morris admits that she per-

14 May 13, 2021

May 13, 2021 Feature 15

MHS students utilize their platforms to speak out

Yamha Sami gram, and we just wrapped up the What would you like to see change or
senior Protect Our People campaign, where improve within the world we live in?
we raised money to donate masks to That is, what do you want to change by
Tell Us about yourself! What kinds incarcerated people here in Ohio. advocating for the topics you're speaking
of things do you like to do, Hobbies, Fun
What do you hope to do through spread- out on?
Facts, Etc? ing the word and informing others about
I really just want to change the
Some hobbies of mine are draw- these topics? way issues are talked about especial-
ing and painting, specifically pen- ly in our generation. There’s a lot
cil drawings and acrylic painting! Well, I wasn’t always really in- of stigma around activism because
Sometimes watercolor too but I’m formed on the issues I am today. A of how performative a vast majority
not so good at it. I’m a part of NHS, combination of growing up and just of it is. For example, I’ve seen tons
SIBS, and I’m on the board for the going out of my way to understand of joke videos on TikTok about girls
Youth Activism Club here at MHS. the world around me has kind of who repost Instagram infographics
Fun fact about me is that it’s illegal brought me to what I do today, so I to their story even if half the people
for me to operate a motor vehicle. (I want to be able to be that resource viewing will never click the post.
just don’t have my license). for anyone who also wants to learn Now I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t
and grow in that way. But I do think one of these girls — but that’s the
What issues are you passionate about advocating the first step for anyone looking to not the point. I want our generation
for? Are there any organizations or clubs you're be apart of any type of activism is to to get to a point where we can all
a part of that work to help spread the messages go out of your way to learn about is- critically think about every action
sues that pertain to the communities we take. Posting on my story with
that you're advocating for? around you. an infographic may not be activ-
ism, but it is how I was motivated
I’m passionate about spreading How does your identity and the issues you to go out of my way to learn more
awareness and resources about local support play a role in your outlook on about issues. I want people to see
and global issues — activism — the world? something they don’t like or are
which is why I’m on the board for interested in learning about, and
Youth Activism Club! It’s a great My parents are Pakistani Muslim then go to Google and search up the
club where anyone who’s even a immigrants and I’ve been here at issue, what they can do about it, how
little bit interested in being apart Mason since kindergarten, so I’ve ex- to spread resources, and help. The
of the activism space can learn perienced my share of micro-aggres- extent of one’s knowledge on a topic
something. We’ve done a couple sions from my American raised and should never be just an Instagram
campaigns this year, like the micro- non-Muslim counterparts. When I post, but that’s not to say they don’t
aggressions campaign on our Insta- was younger it was like the feelings still help.
I had about being raised or taught
differently were constantly belittled, If there's one thing you want people to
because no one really understood take away from reading this, what would
where I was coming from. So as I’ve
grown up I definitely have learned it be?
to be more open-minded because I
know how it feels to have my feel- To really genuinely think about
ings put aside just because they’re opening up your world view and
different from everyone else’s. how you can make the world a bet-
ter place, because it’s so much easier
than you would think.

Interview by Kaelyn Rodrigues
Page Design by Aadrija Biswas

16 Entertainment May 13, 2021

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are just as In 2021, a musical year that hasn’t really had the sort of star-studded, critically adored releases that the year before it did (not yet,
insane as they sound. at least), the underground and independent music scenes have never been more important. We’re only five months into this year,
but luckily, there’s been no shortage of great music from the fringes of mainstream attention. In the past, we’ve shined a spotlight on
Riding the coattails of recent independent rock and R&B records we love, but for this edition, the Chronicle wants to take a look at another genre that’s often flown
cryptocurrency excursions like bitcoin, a under the radar: jazz. There was no shortage of great jazz releases in 2020, and 2021 is on pace to not just continue, but eclipse that
new form of cryptoart has formed. While trend. Here are a few of the best, boldest, most enjoyable independent jazz records this year has to offer (so far), from some truly
bitcoin is considered fungible, meaning it fantastic musicians worth paying attention to.
hold equal value with another bitcoin and
can be traded in a precisely equal matter, Promises - Pharoah Sanders, Floating Points, & the London Symphony Orchestra
NFTs are a form of cryptoart that are not
mutually exchangeable with other NFTs - it There is something truly, profoundly inspired about the meeting of minds that occurs
cements art in the digital world as unique over the gorgeous, 47-minute odyssey of Promises, in which celestial bodies seem
and easily ready to be “owned.” to collide for an out of body experience. Maybe it’s kismet that brought legendary
saxophonist Pharoah Sanders together with producer Sam Shepherd (fka Floating
For instance, a creation by Banksy was Points), or maybe a shared interest in improvisatory music; whatever the case, their
bought for $95,000 and then burned. The resulting collaborative piece is a marvelous one. Composed primarily by Shepherd,
consequent existence of such an event who enlisted the London Symphony Orchestra to perform it, Promises is a richly woven
was turned into a digital asset and is now tapestry, a nine-movement piece with chiming synths and swelling strings. But, it is
an NFT. the warm, resonant saxophone tone of an 80-year-old Sanders that truly makes this
a revelatory experience. To hear him play on this late-career masterwork is to simply
But frankly speaking, what’s the point? behold a master of his craft, pouring his heart out into every spiritual note.
That is, what is the problem it set out to
solve? One defense lies in the idea that it Made Out of Sound - Chris Corsano & Bill Orcutt
clearly sets parameters for ownership in a
digital atmosphere. But who really benefits The latest in a series of collaborations between veteran improvisors Chris Corsano
from this process? We’ve seen the effects and Bill Orcutt, Made Out of Sound is one of the more unique records this year has
already: the select few artists who were had to offer, jazz or otherwise. It is another record where the duo feed off each others
well-off before cryptoart are cashing in energy, with Corsano rumbling on the drums and Orcutt spinning webs of electric guitar
along with rich investors who can put their lines, but it’s the result of a process where the two couldn’t occupy the same space
money into a new craze. Because cryptoart due to the COVID-19 pandemic — Corsano would send Orcutt his drum parts, and
isn’t much of anything, attempting to mimic Orcutt would record over them. Yet, despite the disjointed recording process, this is a
the way physical art is bought and sold remarkably cohesive work from start to finish. The pair seem to operate without form,
on a platform that is the exact opposite of abstract and disjointed in their performances, but what comes through in Made Out of
scarcity. Sound is this unmistakable beauty, gleaming in the eye of their whirling storm.
On top of this, NFTs have one of the
ugliest and most preventable carbon Uneasy - Vijay Iyer, Linda May Han Oh, & Tyshawn Sorey
footprints out there. Cryptocurrency is
predicated on the notion that computers Like its title suggests, there is a sense of turbulence running throughout Uneasy,
expend energy in order to encrypt the latest album from pianist and bandleader Vijay Iyer, joined here by bassist Linda
transactions to replace the notion of a bank May Han Oh and drummer Tyshawn Sorey. The three instrumentalists — all critically
or governing force. This act called “mining” acclaimed and wildly talented at their craft — are often entangled with one another
done by computers is incredibly wasteful throughout the record, each navigating through circular, elliptical passages, dense
and an ecological disaster. polyrhythms, and fragmented harmonies. Yet, the triumph of a record like Uneasy is
On the whole, NFTs seem superfirical how pristine everything sounds in spite of the sheer musicality at play, how open and
and it doesn’t take much investigation to resonant it feels, even with its razor-sharp precision and angular textures. It is a deeply
corroborate this claim. In one comically complex work, filled with sharp political statements (“Contact Breathing”) and astute
confusing moment, I watched a serene reinventions (“Drummer’s Song”) alike, yet it still feels so open, so moving, and so
gif called “Yoink!” by artist Beeple pop beautiful.
up on my feed. It had just been sold for
$6.6 million dollars. The intricacies that Now - Damon Locks Black Monument Ensemble
create the groundwork for NFTs pale in
comparison to the obvious scam that I There is a profound urgency that has animated the works of Damon Locks for the
watched play out in front of my eyes. 30 years he’s spent in the heart of Chicago’s art scene, an urgency that has continued
This currency may be non-fungible. But it into his work as of late with the Black Monument Ensemble, a collective of musicians
is also non-sustainable, non-effective, and ranging from ages 9 to 52 that explores what Locks calls “the Black nod,” an unspoken
a non-equitable gimmick that is hoarding acknowledgement between Black strangers in public. On his latest record, Now, he
the attention as the average artist continues anchors a raging sonic storm around freeform jazz drumming, pulling in choirs, Angel
to struggle in a system that undervalues Bat Dawid’s clarinet, Ben LaMar Gay’s cornet, and a bevy of vocal samples, stitching
their art, no matter how “non-fungible” it them together into something that’s unapologetically Black and just wildly gorgeous.
claims to be. The record is another gripping work from Locks and his ensemble — it is deeply
political, starkly immediate, and utterly sensational.

May 13, 2021 Entertainment 17

As opposed to a surface-level Marvel series where Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes just On her new record, if i could make it go quiet, Marie Ulven — better known as girl in red
march around, beating up bad guys, the show faces its characters with tough decisions. — is inexplicably much more aggressive than we’ve ever seen her. Having risen to fame
Taking a refreshing look at systemic issues like racism and police brutality in America, the on a platform molded with the serenation of young, queer romance, her newest songs
show sees Marvel taking a sharp left turn, with Sam turning in his friend Captain America’s draw a contrast in tone; they’re heartbroken, confused, filled with rage.
shield to a museum and continuing onward as the Falcon.
Ulven is upset with living, with her previous relationships, and, most prominently, with
John Walker, played by Wyatt Russell, is the latest Captain America, carrying himself herself, which can be seen in songs like “Serotonin,” where she lists her grisliest intrusive
a sense of self-entitlement that’s overbearingly present in every situation, especially with thoughts, or in “Rue” (named after the character from HBO’s hit series Euphoria), where
Sam and Bucky. He’s a fascinating character, adding another layer to the MCU dynamic, she deadpans “I hate the way my brain is wired.”
but he’s often just insufferable.
Throughout the 11 song record, she attempts to explain her emotions by leading with a
Though the series sometimes fell victim to a convoluted plot, each episode of the show punk-esque sound and ending with quieter tracks, but the entirety of that second half rings
was solid and entertaining with a cohesive, entwining conclusion on most fronts of the hollow, landing with a half-hearted thud. It’s clear that Ulven is angry, but when there’s no
story and subplots. Like most of the MCU now, there’s at least some prior knowledge of explanation as to why, and with little vocal variation (besides an awkwardly brief shift from
the past required to understand what is going on, as the show wouldn’t even exist if Steve screaming to mumbling), the anger seems pointlessly shallow.
Rogers hadn’t died. But, if you have some spare time, and know a decent amount about
the franchise, I would definitely watch The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. While she produced a few catchy pieces — ”I’ll Call You Mine” definitely being a stand
out — there isn’t enough to shield the rest of the album from itself. It’s easy to understand
MOVIE REVIEW: that girl in red is still finding her sound, and when she does, I can’t wait to hear it. But on if i
could make it go quiet, her lack of a steady footing is just a little too obvious.

The first thing that practically leaps tuned commitment to the story at absolutely sensational performances.
off the screen in the opening moments hand. Zeller, who originally wrote Everyone is fantastic, from Rufus
of The Father is the sheer disarray The Father as an award-winning Sewell as the cold, menacing son-
of it all. As Olivia Colman’s character 2012 play titled Le Père, makes the in-law Paul, to Olivia Colman, who’s
walks to her apartment, striding transition from stage to screen feel just heartbreaking as Paul’s wife and
intently, the camera seems caught brilliantly effortless, maneuvering Anthony’s caring daughter, Anne.
off balance by her, almost struggling behind the camera with the grace of a
to stay with her as she walks into seasoned veteran. The art direction, Then of course, there’s Anthony
and out of its field of view from a spearheaded by Yorgos Lamprinos, Hopkins. About his Oscar-winning
peculiar set of angles. The music, turns a shapeshifting residence into performance, I shall say this much:
meanwhile, seems to chug forward at what’s almost this self-contained in a crop of nominees that included
breakneck pace, operatic and feverish world, where nothing feels familiar masterful career-defining turns from
all at once. She calls for her father, a and everyone seems like a stranger. Riz Ahmed, Steven Yeun, and the
tinge of exhaustion, of dread in her late, great Chadwick Boseman,
voice, but there’s no response, as the Living in this residence is Anthony, Hopkins is absolutely deserving of
camera hangs still in the hallways of a belligerent, dementia-addled old the trophy he came home with. He
the flat. She opens the door. He takes man whose memory has decayed delivers a performance here that’s
off his headphones. into something almost terrifyingly so utterly, magnificently, emotionally
hallucinogenic. He doesn’t recognize annihilating, worn with the weariness
The question that Anthony Hopkins’ the places he inhabits, the people that of age and run ragged by the
character (the titular father, Anthony) come in and out, the time that has heartbreaking passage of time, that
asks at the sight of his daughter Anne passed — and by that extent, neither it’s hard to see this as anything but his
in the doorway is one that, almost do we. We’re often just as untethered finest hour, maybe even eclipsing his
on purpose, seems to be written as as Anthony is, cast into a plot that’s own career-defining turn as Hannibal
innocuous — “what are you doing fragmented and warped beyond repair Lecter in Silence of the Lambs.
here?” Yet, the state of disorientation (the closest analogue to what Zeller’s
that he feels in that one moment goes doing here can be found in the films For Hopkins alone, The Father
on to define the rest of The Father, of Charlie Kaufman, particularly I’m would be worth watching, but this
a movie that’s just so remarkable at Thinking of Ending Things from this is just such a brilliant, fully formed
warping the mundane into something past fall). It’s a brilliant directorial film that it does his performance
utterly, absolutely devastating. trick, and it really conveys how utterly some justice. It is a genuinely
shattering the disease can be for heart-wrenching movie, more than
The film, despite being director everyone in its orbit. deserving of all the praise thrown its
Florian Zeller’s cinematic debut, is way.
remarkably unflinching in its vision, The impact of it all is visceral, and
perhaps as the result of his fine- it’s often amplified here by some Page Design by Rachel Cai

18 May 13, 2021

Freshman softball player lets her play do the talking

Rilee Malloy | Staff Writer better.” Photo by Riley Johansen
Mason softball player Audrey Renaud The worry that she would not be able Freshman Audrey Renaud has become a major contributor for the varsity softball team.
knows what it’s like to be mocked. She
also knows what it’s like to get the last to play because of her condition never
laugh. really crossed Renaud’s mind. Softball
Renaud has Tourette’s Syndrome. A has been helpful to her especially since
disorder that involves uncontrollable playing sports can be beneficial to
repetitive movements or unwanted people with Tourette’s and tic disorders.
sounds, also called tics. Even though Playing gives the mind something else
she started developing severe tics in to focus on, which can help limit the
the seventh grade, Renaud wasn’t diag- severity and frequency of the tics.
nosed with vocal, motor, and complex
motor tics until she was in the eighth “It helps my tics a lot, as well as a
grade. lot of other people with Tourette’s and
Despite dealing with what can often tic disorders,” Renaud said. “Anything
be an exhausting condition, Renaud that you focus on takes some of that off
feels most at home on the softball your chest and it helps.”
field. She grew up in a sports obsessed
family, inspired by her great uncle who Sometimes when an athlete has an
was a professional baseball player. injury or a condition, they can put a
Even though she thrives on the field, bandage over it or wear a brace. Ren-
it has also been a place where she has aud doesn’t have that luxury when it
experienced some painful moments comes to her condition. In fact, com-
at the hands of other players and even ing in as a freshman and supplanting
umpires. upper class players as a starter on the
When Renaud’s tics were at their varsity team can even add a layer of
worst, one of her most common vocal stress at times. She additionally has to
tics was repeating the word “rabbit”. manage her tics throughout the school
She would often utter this word when day. So when the bell rings and it’s time
she stepped into the batter’s box. to head to the field Renaud can finally
“I went up to bat and the umpire was breathe a sigh of relief because it is on
like ‘rabbits huh, what about squir- the field where she says she feels most
rels?’” Renaud said. “Then the catcher relaxed.
started mocking my squeaks and it
made me really angry.” “It’s always relaxing, once you get
While the catcher was talking from there and get everything set up you
behind the plate, Renaud let her bat do just get to play and that’s always fun,”
the talking. Renaud said.
“I hit a bomb out to right field,” Ren-
aud said. “That felt good.” Since she is only a freshman, her
People who suffer from Tourette’s teammates have not really been
can often control some of their tics around her very long so she is very
when they’re busy or actively involved aware that it could take a while for
in a situation. But there can be down- those around her to learn how to react
times on the softball field. Moments to her tics or vocal outbursts. She
between batters or a play when a player believes the most helpful thing that
is not involved are among the some of someone can do to help her is to do
the times that impact Renaud the most. nothing at all. She said that the less
Not only can Tourette’s be physically you make someone aware that they are
demanding on Renaud, it presents a ticcing, the more helpful you can be.
mental challenge as well. Sometimes
she has to suppress her tics on the field “If you’re aware that someone has a
which requires her to maintain a laser disorder like that, the less you fuel it
focus until she can return to the dug- or make them aware that they’re doing
out, which Renaud said “can be really it the better,” Renaud said. “Ask ques-
tiring, difficult and painful.” tions, questions are fine, but I feel like
Even though she deals with To- the more I think about it the more I
urette’s, Renaud hasn’t let that impact start ticcing.”
her performance on the field. As a
slick fielding freshman infielder on There have been a few times when
the varsity team, she has a .400 on Renaud has been unable to play
base percentage, collected 18 hits and because of her condition. She admits
has scored 22 runs for the 20-7 Mason that it can be frustrating, but she tries
Comets. to use that frustration as fuel to help
The numbers do not tell the whole her concentrate on overcoming the
story. setbacks and work toward improving as
Even though she’s only been around a player.
head coach Liann Muff for a short
time, the long time head coach has “I believe that the second you start
been extremely impressed with Re- talking up on yourself the person
naud’s mindset and approach to the behind you is using that time to get
game. She is the first player Muff has better,” Renaud said. “You’re not gonna
encountered with Tourette’s. Muff said be there as soon as you start working
that Renaud’s work ethic is no different but if you keep pushing, you will get
than any other players. where you want to be.”
“She is quick to smile even if she
makes a mistake,” Muff said. “She Muff believes Renaud embodies the
handles herself every day just like all Mason Softball program’s motto of
the other girls. She really wants to get self improvement and high standards.
She is impressed how the freshman
stand-out does not make any excuses
and never allows her condition to be an
obstacle.

“There’s nothing holding Audrey
back,” Muff said. “I have not seen
anything within her condition that has
held her back from getting a little bit
better every day.”

May 13, 2021 Sports 19

A DYing Breed

Multisport athletes becoming rare in age of specialization

Chronicle Staff Photo Photo by Caroline Wilkinson

Nolan McCormick runs the ball in a game against Oak Hills. Michael Molnar swings the bat in a baseball game, one of the three sports that he plays.

Cody Allgor | Staff Writer the sport he wanted to completely fo- to have,” Molnar said. “But if I’m play- Being a three sport athlete means
The three sport varsity athlete has cus on when thinking about his future. ing safety in football, there’s a lot of that no matter what sports season
slowly started to become something of lateral movement and with basketball, it is - fall, winter, or spring - you are
the past at Mason High School. Howev- “I gave up basketball and baseball that’s what defense is- sliding, strength constantly representing your school.
er, some Comet athletes are not ready because I decided after my sophomore and endurance. Hand eye coordination McCormick said that even though he
to give up playing the sports they love, year football season that football is the with baseball and catching the ball believes he made the correct decision,
even if it means dealing with a jammed sport I wanted to pursue,” McCormick in football and basketball, it all inter- he still misses playing sports at all
packed training schedule and lingering said. “That’s what I wanted to play and twines and helps me out in the long times.
injuries. that’s the sport that I wanted to give run.”
As a junior, Michael Molnar was the myself a chance to play in college.” “It’s super cool to be a three sport
starting quarterback for the football During his past two years as the start- athlete and be able to represent your
team, starting power forward for the Molnar has had his fair share of ing running back for the Comets, Mc- school year round,” McCormick said.
basketball team, and is currently the injuries while playing these sports, the Cormick put up over 1,600 total yards “A part of me is sad that I wasn’t able to
Mason baseball team’s center fielder. biggest coming when he tore his UCL and 14 touchdowns, giving the Comets do that. I tried to make the best deci-
Molnar has found success on every - a ligament in the elbow that allows a reliable running game. McCormick sion for myself, but that doesn’t mean I
team he has been on, despite being certain motions, such as throwing - said that his production ultimately ben- don’t miss playing basketball and base-
spread so thin. Molnar said that his love and was forced to have Tommy John efited from focusing on football. ball and having the chance to represent
of sports comes from watching Mason surgery at the end of his freshman my school in the winter and spring.”
games ever since he was little. year. Just one year later, Molnar tore a “I felt stronger and faster going into
“My dad has always been a football ligament in his thumb within weeks of this season,” McCormick said. “I dealt For Molnar, dedicating all the time
coach, and I remember being really returning from the torn UCL, and that with injuries my junior year, but I still and effort it takes to be successful at
little and going up to football games also required surgery. Molnar said that felt stronger playing in those games as three sports is worth it. His passion
every Friday night with my dad,” the injuries did not faze him, but he well. There would be times sophomore for each sport overcomes any second
Molnar said. “I would see these big still wanted to make sure he was healed year where I felt weaker and slower thoughts or doubts he has about con-
Mason football players, and they were for the long run. than some of the guys that I was going tinuing to play all three. Some athletes
like heroes. We would go to basketball against, so I feel like my performance though may be overwhelmed by the
games, football games, baseball games, “I was walking around last year at benefited from no longer playing bas- stress of playing multiple sports. Mol-
and I would always want to be like some point in the spring with a not ketball or baseball.” nar said that he suggests doing what is
them. And all I could do is just picture fully healed elbow and a thumb that best for you.
myself, someday, doing what they were was fresh out of surgery,” Molnar said. McCormick recently decided to fur-
doing. It’s always been a goal of mine.” “But I’ve played through so many ther his athletic career at Ohio Univer- “I would recommend doing what-
Senior Nolan McCormick was once injuries that it’s second nature to play sity, joining the football program as a ever makes you the happiest,” Molnar
in a similar position to Molnar, playing through a little bit of pain. At the same walk-on running back. McCormick said said. “It can definitely be too much for
basketball, baseball and football until time, you want to make sure everything that even though he is going to be a someone who doesn’t love every part.
his sophomore year. After giving up feels right for the long term.” walk-on, he believes that going down I do it because I love going to every
basketball at the end of his junior year, to one sport was ultimately the right practice and game. If you’re playing
McCormick solely competed on the Even though every sport has its decision. football, basketball, baseball, and you
football field as a running back for the own set of rules and gameplay, they don’t want to wake up four days a
Comets. McCormick said football was all seem to overlap in the skillset and “I believe it’s paid off,” McCormick week during your summer at five in
athletic traits you need to be successful. said. “My goal has always been to play the morning to go lift and run, you
Molnar said that this overlapping of division one football, and even though shouldn’t be doing it just to be called a
traits is beneficial to how he performs. I am going to be a walk-on, I still three sport athlete. Only do it if you’re
reached that goal. In the long run put- really enjoying it.”
“Each sport has its own set of skills ting my focus on football has paid off.”
you need to know and traits you need

20 Sports May 13, 2021

Runners overcome exhaustion, adversity to experience
exhilaration of crossing finish line in grueling race

Divyana Bose | Staff Writer tailored strategies that they have perfected through- need to do is remember the excitement and it over-
When senior Erica Fennimore hears the sound of out their hundreds of hours of preparation. powers my nerves,” Amshoff said. “My adrenaline
the starter’s gun she knows she’s about to go through pumps so hard that I forget about the aching and
what is considered one of the most gruelling races in There are many pitfalls for the distance runner. shooting pains that I feel throughout the race.”
high school track and field. They are tempted to get out fast, set the pace, or try
Eight laps around the track. Two miles of heart to keep up with the runner who they feel is their big- Junior Alex DeRoussel has the fourth best time
pounding, throbbing pain from the neck down, gest competitor. among GMC runners this season, clocking in at
screaming ankles, aching feet, and legs that feel like 9:58. DeRoussel says he trains daily for the first 3100
fifty pounds weights are anchored to them in the Fennimore, along with teammate Manuela Capi- meters of this race. However, as the finish line closes
race’s final few laps. ello, has turned in the top time among Greater Miami in and runners turn the corner of the eighth and final
The 3200 meter race is no cake walk. It requires the Conference runners so far this season with a time of lap, sometimes just split-seconds can be the difference
runner to exercise mental discipline while also endur- 11:34. When she runs the grueling event, the physical between winning and losing. DeRoussel has had his
ing the physical discomforts of the event. The run- pain doesn’t usually set in until half-way through the share of dramatic finishes, and in this “moment of
ner will employ breathing techniques, running form race. Fennimore said she must deal with the physi- truth,” training goes out the window. At this point in
adjustments, and mental gymnastics while they focus cal pain while also having the mental stamina to dig the race it’s time to ignore the pain, aching feet, and
on the goal of not just finishing, but finishing first. deep when the sensation of pain sets in, signalling doubt.
After the blast of the starting pistol, the runners the time when she must find the internal fortitude to
work their way into a groove, part of their personally perform at a high level in the race’s stretch run. For DeRoussel, there is one simple key.
“It’s not about how fast you are, it’s about who
Photo by Abby Waechter “Staying with that one person ahead or behind you wants it the most.
Senior Erica Fennimore is currently tied for the best time in is what gets me further, even if it physically hurts
the GMC in the girls 3200, at 11:34. me,” Fennimore said. “Get in a good position, settle Photo by Abby Waechter
in, and maintain your set focus on the finish line.” Junior Alex DeRoussel currently has the fourth best time in
the GMC in the boys 3200, at 9:58.
The fifth lap, indicating that runners still have one
more mile to run, can be the most unnerving for the
runners. For Fennimore, time begins to slow as her
body struggles to keep going. Although the crowd
may be cheering, the pounding of her feet on the
track reverberates through her head while she still
tries to focus on her breathing and her competitive
mindset. Fennimore said that as the pain slowly gets
worse and exhaustion kicks in, it’s important to stay
focused on the task at hand.

“Once the lactic acid in your leg starts kicking in,
you know you don’t have much time left,” Fennimore
said. “It feels like you’re walking in slow motion, my
hamstrings and quads lock up, and it makes my legs
go numb.”

Junior Aiden Amshoff knows that as the race
progresses, it is essential to his success that he con-
trols the way he overcomes the mental and physical
challenge of laps five and six. As the countdown to
the final lap approaches and the struggle to breathe
becomes more challenging, Amshoff relies on a
personal sense of accountability to his teammates to
finish as strong as possible.

“The fifth and sixth lap are the worst to overcome,”
Armshoff said. “Everything in your body is telling
you to quit but your head is telling you to keep going
for the team.”

That sense of accountability also stems from men-
tal toughness. Amshoff understands that he isn’t the
only runner on the track whose legs are in despera-
tion mode. In order to still be faster than everyone
else, maintaining a positive mentality is essential as
the finish line nears.

“Track is more of a mental sport instead of physical
one,” Amshoff said. “If I’m screaming in my head say-
ing ‘I can’t keep going’, then I’m not going to cross
that finish line.”

Amshoff, who currently has the top 3200 meter
time among GMC runners with a time of 9:36.35,
relies on his passion for running and the exhilaration
he feels competing in this gruelling race.

“When I’m running through cramps and pain, all I

May 13, 2021 21

22 Opinion May 13, 2021

Getting through the year: a personal Staff Editorial
journey toward acceptance
Final Year Report: Mason’s COVID response
Shravani Page | Staff Writer
proves impressive
We did it.
We got through this year. This new normal has started to feel, well, just grapple with their new pandemic realities.
This year has managed to throw an normal. And when cases rose, teachers worked to
ample of challenges our way and we’ve powered
through every one of them. So we won...right? And a lot of that is thanks to an environment create alternate remote plans for quarantined
As proud as I am of how far I’ve personally come this year, that was invariably supportive and adaptive students, a category that rose to the hundreds
I still find myself entrapped in my lingering thoughts. Linger- despite the difficult decisions and endless op- during the worst COVID bouts. Essentially do-
ing thoughts about everything I could’ve had if I didn’t have to portunity cost that are bound to come with a ing twice the amount of work, they made sure
overcome outside challenges in my life. A part of me just can’t devastating pandemic. that every kid had a chance to learn and keep
be proud of myself. A part of me just can’t let go of this year. up with their schoolwork.
I spend so much of my time devoted to “what ifs.” Like what Because all things considered, things could
if I pushed harder in school? What if I would’ve dedicated the have gone much much much worse. They And the ones guiding and supervising online
time of my breakdowns to studying for a test I ended up doing could’ve gone slightly better -- but they students over zoom held up their end, enter-
badly on? What if spending all this time trying to recover was could’ve gone far worse. ing unknown territory head-on to make sure
a waste if the thoughts would just bounce right back? remote learners weren’t left behind.
And even then, what if I would’ve just let go and lived life In August the general sentiment was that
as someone who only strived to be happy? Would I feel the in-person school wouldn’t last more than These teachers proved just how important in-
same way I do? two weeks. This wasn’t a hard conclusion to teraction with humans - both in-person and vir-
But the reality is that it is too late to spend my time contem- make: neighboring schools and colleges found tually - stands the test of computer softwares.
plating “whats ifs.” What has happened has happened and I themselves caught in difficult situations as the
have no choice but to move on. Life, even though it feels like amount of COVID cases was too high to keep It was these sort of everyday interactions
it sometimes, is never still. It is always moving forward, so in-person schooling. and heroes around the school that reveal the
maybe that’s what I should do. strength of a community working toward a
I feel that I’ve been carefully crafted into someone striving But somehow, Mason found a way to keep its common goal. Teachers that remembered to
for perfection, not happiness. This year of high school has doors open. press record before teaching a lesson so quar-
been the hardest to balance for a lot of us. antined kids can watch from home. Students
As a junior who’s going to be starting the college applica- Even when Mason was at its lowest, we could who powered through socially distant lunch
tion process in the next few months, I can safely say I am exactly pinpoint when that was (sometime times that were less lively and lonelier than
terrified. I’m worried about not having the perfect grades or around January) because administration was before. Parent volunteers who did their best to
the perfect “stats” as somehow I’ve been conditioned to believe always transparent about the number of cases create memorable experiences for seniors in
that those will guarantee me college acceptance. and quarantines afflicting students and staff. replacement of the ones lost.
So I lay here- or technically sit as I am currently doing
while writing this- thinking about what I could’ve possibly While it was concerning to see some of the The Chronicle Staff does not for a second
done this year to do better. To think better. mid-year numbers reach dangerous levels, the take for granted the incredible voices and envi-
And with that mindset, I start invalidating myself. I began fact that this data was never kept secret armed ronment we get to amplify and investigate and
invalidating my own experiences. I blamed myself for ev- families with the knowledge to make safe, in- discern each day in our stories.
erything I went through, I didn’t feel like I reached my full formed decisions about how to move forward.
potential this year. I invalidated my recovery. To those who struggled to overcome the
My best effort toward anything was never felt like enough. Administration had to consider some serious zoom interface learning curve; to those who
Still, with my best effort, I was average. questions with these numbers. did (and continue to do) their part in social
Earlier this year, I chose to shift my thought process from distancing and mask-wearing even when it is
primarily my academics to my mental health(something I felt What is the worst case scenario for continu- lonely and difficult; to those who worked hard
I had to sacrifice for a top-notch academic career). Recovering ing in-person school irresponsibly? At what but also tired of having to adapt for so long:
was by no means linear. It was a literal rollercoaster. I would point does the school decide that circumstance we hope that this year revealed the value of a
have days or weeks where my effort paid off. And I would have has crossed the line of what’s acceptable? What crowded stadium or loud lunchroom.
days where my effort didn’t. Somedays I’d wake up feeling is more important - health or education?
energized and ready to start the day. Most days I got up just But let’s allow ourselves look toward a post-
“because I knew I had to.” Negative thoughts are powerful. The But it was impressive to see the efficacy of pandemic life, thanks to the hard work of all
more those thoughts linger, the greater impact they have. most everyone sticking to the protocol. Mask those at Mason, where we can realistically
So to limit their impact, I am giving myself a well-deserved wearing was never taken lightly. Sporting dream of a future filled with hope and hand-
break this summer. Yes, I know I need to do my college apps, events, however heartbreaking it may have
wrap up studying, and somehow manage to credit flex 120 been, were responsibly off the table until shakes.
hours worth of P.E. credit. But I also know that I deserve to give COVID cases fell. Remote Wednesdays limited
myself grace. Give myself a well-needed break because I made interaction and gave students a breather to
it through a year where obstacles were thrown front-and-back,
left-and-right.
I lost myself this year; I want a chance to find myself again
and find out what makes me happy outside of the classroom.
And that’s what I hope for anyone reading this. To take a
break, even if it’s a small one, to revitalize the part of you that
truly wants to be happy. To find the person inside you who’s
intrinsically motivated. Who strives to live a life worth living.
Because you did it.
You got through this year.
Congratulations, I am so proud of you and you should be
too.

The Chronicle’s Policy Risha Chada
Evelina Gaivoronskaia
The Chronicle is the official student Call 398-5025 ext. 33103 for infor- The National Scholastic Press Asso- The Chronicle Staff Online Editor Ally Guo Connect with
newspaper of William Mason High mation regarding advertising in The ciation, Quill and Scroll International Editor-in-Chief Meghan Dincler Avary Hutzelman the Chronicle:
School. Chronicle. The Chronicle reserves the Honorary Society for High School Jour- Riley Johansen Business Manager Della Johnson
right to refuse advertising it deems in- nalists and the Ohio Scholastic Media Managing Editors Anna Kinasewitz Rilee Malloy @mhschronicle
The Chronicle promises to report the appropriate for a high school publica- Association. Kaelyn Rodrigues Alexa Crociata Shravani Page facebook.com/
truth and adhere to the journalistic tion. Contact Information Ann Vettikkal Evan Ponstingle mhschronicle
code of ethics through online and print The Chronicle Sports Editor Staff Designers Raghav Raj @mhschronicle
mediums. As an open forum for students, let- William Mason High School Matthew Smith Lexi Brown Scott Reckers
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May 13, 2021 Opinion 23

Why I need Editorial Cartoon
another year of
high school

Abby Waetcher | Staff Writer A goodbye worth the Had I allowed myself to seek just one role -- that one defin-
ing thing that would have made me who I thought I was sup-
All I want is to leave. heartache posed to be in high school, I would have lost out on finding
I crave the maturity that college offers, out that high school had so much more for me.
but I have another year stuck in the realm of high Riley Johansen | Editor-in-Chief
school. Going back to who I was before I stepped into high school,
All I want is to get into a school eight or more “How lucky am I to have some- I forgot to mention that in seventh grade, I was cut from
hours away and leave for good. thing that makes saying goodbye so the softball team. In eighth grade, I got a uniform, but spent
Yes, maybe, I will endure the journey home for hard.” more time on the bench than I ever did the field.
the winter holidays, but that’s it. I’m gone, I’m out,
and I won’t be back. The second I finished my junior I remember thinking to myself, “maybe athletics isn’t
But, isn’t high school supposed to be the best four year, I instantly knew what I wanted on my parking spot. A my thing.” I was probably right. I’ll never be mistaken for a
years of your life? simple quote from Winnie the Pooh, a piece of my childhood softball stud, but still, as I write this, I am preparing to lock
Well, yes, for some people. But let me make this that I had always kept close. It was cute, sentimental, but arms and walk out onto the field, in the starting lineup, for
clear: people are mean here. The atmosphere is tox- most importantly, it couldn’t be more true. my senior night, like I have been for nearly every game for
ic. The sky is painted with opportunity, but clouds the Mason Varsity softball team this season.
of judgment obscure our sight. The focus turns to Looking back on my high school experience, even in mo-
our perception, and it fogs the lens through which ments where it didn’t quite feel like it, I was lucky. I got to anchor all four years on MBC, but being on
high school is supposed to be perceived. camera was never really my love. I liked putting the pictures
In theory, high school should be the best four Walking into MHS my freshman year, I had been bullied together, connecting so many contrasting stories into one
years of our life. We have room to experiment and out of my middle school friend group. It had disrupted my polished product. I always liked doing the same in this paper,
room to fail and room to learn-- room to make it plans for my next years and added even more obstacles to telling the “untold stories” of MHS and those inside it. All of
our own. But here’s the thing with college, we don’t the already intimidating high school experience. The school the different stories that defined a school and community.
have to be surrounded by gossip that rules the way was big, the classes were harder, the stakes were higher, and
we are perceived because it’s simply too big, there on top of that, I was alone. That -- I guess -- is what Mason High School has done for
are too many people to care, people have grown up me.
there. It was awful. At least, it felt awful. But that feeling would
And I’m not saying that people don’t grow up in pass. That lonely, awkward, unsure freshman has turned into
high school, but, boy, people are not mature here. a girl filled with experiences that she couldn’t have ever
The fact that all I have to do is unlock my phone Looking back on it now, I think that life had given me an imagined when she walked through those doors. Each new
and go through Snapchat to find that I’ve been ridi- opportunity to start fresh. A semester into my freshman year, opportunity produced yet another passion that helped spark a
culed somewhere on someone’s private story shows I got invited onto the Chronicle staff and began to meet one new storyline in defining who I am to become instead of wait-
that we are not growing up. The fact I care is proof of the best friend groups that would’ve never come naturally. ing for someone to tell me who I was supposed to be.
that I am not growing up. They were weird. They were smart and funny, but each so dif-
Perhaps I do need another year to figure it out. ferent from the next -- and that’s what made it so great. So what group do I fit in?
Perhaps, I need a season where my lens is I’m still not sure. Maybe that’s the point. There have been
focused on clarity and fixated on myself. I need a I’d like to think everyone at one time adapted some of so many groups in my four years that have shaped me to be
summer spent uninterested in drama and aloof their high school expectations from the old 80’s classics who I am -- and who am I? I still couldn’t quite tell you. I am
from the niche that causes me so much anxiety. and Disney Channel Originals, “The Breakfast Club”, “High still waiting for the next passion, the next storyline, the next
I need a normal school year. School Musical” type stories. The stereotypes of tension lesson I’m supposed to learn; but that might not come from
I need a year with memories that reflect my ex- between the pops and the geeks, sticking to the status quo, here anymore.
perience in an optimistic light. I need to do wildly knowing your place and staying within the lines. The mistake I’ve been here long enough that MHS has now become my
silly things with friends who care, not about the some people make, unfortunately, is never realizing that comfort zone. But, like I said, all of my growth through high
drama, but me. This last year is destined to be so being the “main character” of high school involves sticking school was born from being uncomfortable. It’s about time I
many things, and we are responsible for making it to a script. move to somewhere to feel that way again. It’s a little scary, if
our own. I’m honest.
Seniors, I envy you, but I must stay here. Quite literally, I began to write my own story of high That’s what makes saying goodbye so hard.
We have so much to learn, so much to prepare school. My love of writing had brought me into the best
for. We must burn the bridges between the drama, group possible, the group I now have the incredible honor of But that’s why I am lucky.
and mend the ones between ourselves and our san- leading. That makes me the Editor-in-Chief. But that’s not all
ity. We need this last year. I am.
There’s nothing normal about the time we are
currently living in, and that’s what’s going to make
this last year interesting. We get to make up things
that don’t exist, and people are willing to make it
happen. There is a bank of potential waiting to be
opened, and all it is is our senior year. One last year
to inspire.
One last year to grow up.

May 13, 2021 24