Chronicle 19.8

Volume 19 Issue 8 | William Mason High School | 6100 Mason Montgomery Rd., Mason, OH | 4.29.22

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

“FOCUSED ON

FAITH”

Ramadan and the
student athlete

See page 12-13

Illustration and page design by Allison Droege

2 News April 29, 2022

Teens ignore negative effects Graphic by Allison Droege
of caffeine consumption
likely struggle.”
Divy Bose | The Chronicle feine intake as a response to stressful for athletic performance or any com- Learning to adjust to that one-
amounts of homework or tasks. Mur- petition,” Weatherwax said. “These
Every sip counts. phy said that each drink actually ben- drinks instead cause insomnia, short- hundred milligrams per day that
Students at Mason High School efits his productivity by giving him ness of breath, or rapid heartbeat that are considered healthy for teenagers
(MHS) can be found with an energy the motivation to finish two things at can lead to eventual heart issues or is a challenge that is hard to over-
drink in their hands from class to once in his more advanced classes. worsen current complications.” come. Weatherwax said that drawing
class, prying to keep their eyes open. back from the extreme amount that
As students continue to thrive off of “If I have two essays due on the Energy drinks continue to not scare they’re already accustomed to is what
these drinks, the popularity of energy same day, I can crank both of them students away though as some claim will make a safe consumption pos-
drinks has skyrocketed in past years. out at the same time after a drink,” to know where they stand with their sible.
Many students, however, are un- Murphy said. “Without each drink limit. Murphy said that knowing his
aware of the health consequences that though, I feel unaccomplished.” own personal dependency level has “Try to find the reason why the
come with drinking can after can, as benefited him. addiction has developed and slowly
the milligrams of caffeine pile up The appeal of energy drinks is what go backward,” Weatherwax said. “Set
within their bodies. With the possibil- students tend to be drawn toward as “There’s a spot between a good, those goals that are necessary to
ity of developing a strong dependency well, such as the color or name brand. beneficial, and an unhealthy amount slowly get back off of the reliance
on caffeine, students become wired Junior Grace Major said that hear- [of caffeine],” Murphy said. “I have that had developed on the extreme
to have a certain amount of caffeine; ing about what new flavors there are never crossed my own limit which has number of caffeine.”
thus becoming addicted. and hearing about the names of the kept me in check, but every student’s
Teenagers have developed addic- drinks gets her to buy them quite caffeine intake is different no matter Certain labels on energy drinks
tions that can cause health issues often. the drink.” are evident such as “eighteen years
and concerns later down the line. or older” or “do not consume if any
Nutritionist Dawn Weatherwax, who “I go for what I think sounds good Students who make caffeine a part heart issues”, but students continue to
specializes in sports nutrition and and looks good,” Major said. “I always of their daily routines experience drink anyways, ignoring health risks.
health at Sports Nutrition 2 Go, said get excited to try new flavors and tell withdrawal when they go without Weatherwax said that students who
that teenagers will go to desperate my friends about them. They give it, creating massive headaches and do not take the initiative of taking
measures to keep their eyes open and me the energy I think I need in the making it even harder to concentrate. these precautions before thinking
simply feel better, but that they will morning. I love the appeal of energy Major said that without her caffeine about taking another sip are at fault.
later regret it. drinks, specifically the popular Alani fix in the day, problems will arise.
“Caffeine is simply a drug,” New brand.” “Every drink most likely has an age
Weatherwax said. “Once you start, it “I tend to get really bad migraines limit or restriction on it,” Weatherwax
is difficult to get off of it. [But] it is With new drinks on the rise, the or headaches without at least drink- said. “I am not saying that this has
possible and that is what teenagers do energy boost’s rejuvenation has the ing one a day in order for myself to stopped every teenager, but in reality,
not want to hear.” same effect as a cup of coffee consid- just feel good,” Major said. “If I forget it should.”
Students have made drinking an ering their similar amounts of caf- to pack it with me for even one day to
energy drink throughout the day feine. Weatherwax said that teenagers school and I have a test, I will most
a routine to keep them “alive” to tend to fall into the trap of overriding
stimulate endurance. Well-known for safety precautions in order to stay on
his energy intake, Junior Will Murphy task.
said that his busier days require at
least one energy drink per day. “Students don’t eat right or get
“Energy drinks demand my focus,” enough sleep when it comes down to
Murphy said. “I cannot always fit in it,” Weatherwax said. “Kids are drink-
a good six to eight hours of sleep so ing these sugary and caffeine-loaded
I rely on the drink to give me the drinks when it really is not for them
efficiency I need to get either a good to have.”
workout in or homework done.”
This “get it done” mentality with Since caffeine is known to keep
many students is what propels the caf- the energy up, student-athletes view
caffeine as an opportunity to store
energy for practices or games after
school. Weatherwax said that as a
sports nutritionist, athletes should
turn away from them.

“Energy drinks are not to be used

April 29, 2022 Feature 3

Students skip prerequisites to advanced language courses

Tanya Keskar | The Chronicle “I might never get the chance to try After studying Mandarin in a nearby communicate with the kids in Spanish
Mason students have taken initiative out another language,” Edsall said. “It’s Chinese school, freshman Ellie Li took while volunteering with them.
just for the fun of it. It’s something Mandarin III as her first language
of their learning by immersing that I enjoy and there’s a whole lot class in high school. Li’s parents are “I was volunteering and helping
themselves into additional language of things that I learned about culture from China and speak Mandarin, kids make these crafts – traditional
courses, some having no prior from doing all these years of Spanish, allowing her to be immersed in the Hispanic crafts for the holidays – and I
prerequisites. so being able to branch out somewhere language from a young age. Li said was communicating with the children
else was also very interesting.” that her Chinese heritage has always in Spanish,” Edsall said. “It was a lot of
By plunging themselves into the been a part of her life, through food, fun.”
realm of foreign language courses Currently in French III, MHS celebrations, visits to China, and
with little prior knowledge of the junior Gabriel Caal, decided to study speaking Mandarin. Spanish is spoken by many people
inner-workings of a language is French for a year on his own, gaining from many different backgrounds.
allowing driven students to discover a background in the language before “I would say Chinese [is my first Caal has always lived in the United
the facets of speech. Mason High taking French III. Growing up with language] because my grandmother States (US), but his parents are from
School (MHS) senior Lincoln Edsall parents speaking both French and actually spoke Chinese to me when Guatemala, a third world country. Caal
decided to take Advanced Placement Spanish, Caal was heavily determined I was first born,” Li said. “In the said that living in the US has allowed
(AP) German in his senior year to take AP Spanish his sophomore beginning, I learned [English and him to learn about many different
without any prior knowledge of the year, but wanted to continue learning Chinese] at the same time, but then my cultures, and learning Spanish has
language. With a keen interest in French, which led him to the online English went faster than my Chinese. been eye-opening to hardships faced by
world languages, Edsall took all of the language learning platform Duolingo I can speak to my Chinese friends or Spanish speaking communities.
Spanish classes offered by Mason but which he used to learn basic French. people who live in China, just day to
wanted to continue learning a foreign Caal said that through Duolingo, day conversations.” “I do think that I haven’t
language. Edsall said that taking he was able to start understanding experienced some of the hardships that
AP German seemed like a unique conversations between his parents Language classes provide come with growing up in [Guatemala],”
opportunity for him to gain additional better, which benefited him in his foundations for preserving cultures Caal said. “Growing up in the United
exposure to another through discussing holidays and States, a big country that’s full of
language. classes. traditions. Caal said that there is still so many cultures, I have definitely
“I can understand [my a lot of value in learning different absorbed things from the world around
Graphic by Becca Hunter family] pretty well,” Caal languages, as it allows for cultures to me.”
said. “My Duolingo spread and be preserved.
progress [has] made In college, Edsall plans to major
it a lot easier to “It’s important to maintain your in computer science and minor in
understand and culture, and if it’s not [your culture], Spanish, as languages can be a part
know vocabulary, it’s cool to learn some other language of the professional world. Minoring
especially in and it can help you or other people in in a second language can open new
French class.” the future,” Caal said. job opportunities around being an
interpreter or translator, and has an
Languages spread to different average salary increase of between
parts of the world and build cultural 1.5% to 4%. He said that knowing
interconnectedness throughout the another language would allow him
globe. Li said that her knowledge to communicate with more people,
of Mandarin allows her to connect especially in a field like information
to other parts of the world and technology that involves much global
understand new cultures. collaboration.

“I feel more connected with the “Being able to have experience with
world,” Li said. “It’s important to still foreign languages is very helpful no
have diversity among people because matter what career you’re going to,”
it makes you experience different Edsall said.
cultures.”
There are now many resources
Knowing how to speak another available to learn languages such
language also allows students to as online platforms or classes, and
reach out and help in the community. reasons to learn range from connecting
Edsall is the Vice President of the with the culture, communicating with
MHS Spanish National Honors family in native languages, or simply
Society, which organizes projects wanting to try something new. Edsall
aimed at furthering learning about said that learning a language is like
Spanish culture and helping Spanish a mental puzzle of trying to convey
speaking communities. The club a message with a limited vocabulary,
volunteers with the St. Susanna and he enjoys the process.
Church, which has a large Hispanic
population, and at Matthew 25, which “Learning a language can be
directly supports people in Spanish difficult,” Edsall said. “Instead, if you
speaking communities. Edsall said focus on having fun interacting with
that his Spanish skills enabled him to the language, there is so much more
you can learn.”

4 News April 29, 2022

Shortage of skilled workers leads to

Trade careers offer lifestyle that deviates from conventional four-year college

Risha Chada | The Chronicle learn from [them] and move on,” Giovin- high school, one option
Aimee Liu | The Chronicle azza said. “You have to hire the right
people to keep you out of trouble [as a is the Great Oaks Career
A national shortage of skilled workers business owner].”
has threatened the conventional post- Campuses. Based out of
graduation path. For Giovinazza, trades provide an
avenue for growth and improvement Cincinnati, the Oaks aims
Despite what many high school that he finds fulfillment in. The ever-
students believe, going into a trade—a changing workplace, however, is not the to provide innovative
skilled job that often requires manual only benefit of going into a trade. With
labor—can prove to be a resulting and a shortage of skilled workers (such as career training to empower
lucrative career. Michael Giovinazza, tradespeople) nationwide, Giovinazza
the owner of Raiden Electric, a local said there are many considerable finan- individuals and their com-
electrical company, believes that the cial benefits to doing his job that should
trades offer an immediate headstart into not be overlooked. munities by offering a
a career that students who go to college
would not necessarily have. Giovinazza “All the tradespeople are suffering variety of programs such as
said that college is not for every student, from too many people retiring and not
and many would benefit from a more enough people coming into the trades,” auto services, construction,
dynamic trades path. Giovinazza said. “The downside is that
we’re having to work a lot more, but cosmetology, culinary arts,
“The environment that I work with the upside has to do with supply and
and look at is never static,” Giovinazza demand, because I’m able to raise my digital art, electricity, fire-
said. “The people I [work] with change prices considerably.”
day to day and week to week and month fighting, health care, game
to month. That kind of change [makes Starting Raiden Electric has proven to
electricity] a good field to be in.” be not only rewarding, but also finan- development and welding.
cially successful for Giovinazza. He said
Much like the benefit of a dynamic that knowing what he used to make at One of these campuses
environment, the opportunity to learn a corporate job, as well as what those
from one’s mistakes is also very com- around him make in traditional careers, is Scarlet Oaks, which is
mon when working in a trade. For he is satisfied with the path he has taken.
Giovinazza, who owns his own business, located in Sharonville and
making the right investments and hiring “Most people in my family are engi-
the right people determines whether or neers and lawyers, but I have more job serves Mason High School
not his company succeeds. Giovinazza happiness and probably make more
said that, while college is not a necessity money than most of them,” Giovinazza students.
to go into a trade, learning from one’s said. “[Opening a business] was the right
mistakes is. decision for me.” The Director of Teach-

“You just have to make mistakes, For high school students who may also ing and Learning at Great
want to pursue a trade immediately after
Oaks, Joel King, oversees

the four campuses and Photo contributed by Raiden Electric
works with teachers, Electricians at Raiden Electric work on a building’s system.
administrators and business

partners to develop and im- Because Great Oaks hosts students

prove programming. Students at Scarlet from many different school districts,

Oaks take a mix of regular, Honors and high schoolers get to share their interests

College Credit Plus (CCP) courses that and meet many new people. In addition

comprise their eight-period schedule. to this fostered community, King said

Four of the periods are the required high that the benefits of getting to actually

school core courses, while the other four apply course information help many

are in a lab-based environment geared students, not only attain success in

toward a specific program the student certain fields, but also realize their other

is enrolled in. Ultimately, King said the possibilities.

student experience at Great Oaks is very “They get to understand the different

similar to one of a typical high school. parts and understand how that benefits

“Typically, in [a high school] schedule, their program. I’m actually applying ter-

you have some electives, like art classes, minology so I’m not just going to learn

foreign languages, choir or band,” King about those concepts, but I’m going to

said. “For our students, their elective learn how to do things effectively.

would be their lab. It’s exactly what While the heavily application-based in-

[Mason] has, it’s just that half of your day struction at the Oaks may not be seen in

you get to spend in a career tech lab.” a traditional classroom setting, counsel-

The benefit of attending a Great Oaks ors from these career centers as well as

school comes in the half-day that differs counselors from students’ home districts

from a typical high school schedule. For are “always in constant communication,”

students that are passionate about a spe- according to King, to make sure kids

cific trade, the labs at Great Oaks offer are on track for graduation. He said that

hands-on training and job preparation. students at Great Oaks “still have to meet

King said one of the biggest benefits of all the same requirements for gradua-

attending the Scarlet Oaks campus is tion” as those in typical high schools.

that they simulate a real-world working Guidance Counselor Sally Clark,

environment and provide training for who taught before she became a school

free. counselor, believes that regardless of

“Our auto tech lab looks just like a car whether a student is going into a trade

dealership, with the lifts and wheel bal- or a four-year college, the skills taught

ancers,” King said. “All that equipment is in the classroom will stay with a person

there because students are learning how forever. Clark said that in high school,

Photo contributed by Raiden Electric to apply their knowledge and actually both at Mason and the Oaks, certain
Electric consultants of Raiden Electric fix wiring while atop a roof.
use that equipment.” skills are taught that can be applied to

April 29, 2022 News 5

high-demand for trade employement

Continued from Page 4 who are still undecided to help them find they are going after high school, if it is college,” King said. “Some of our students
something they love. not a traditional four-year university, actually get their college paid for by their
every aspect of a professional career. there is often a stigma surrounding that employers. It’s a unique opportunity.
“The skills that you learn in a class- “[The next group] is students who path. Many high schoolers feel pressure, [This] generation is the first realizing
would like to try the college experi- whether internal or external, to follow that there are so many opportunities and
room—organization, time management, ence, but are maybe looking to stay at possibilities, you can do anything and
attendance, the ability to work together everything you want to do. The [Great
in a group—you’re gonna take all of that Photo contributed by Raiden Electric Oaks] is really just a way to get a leg up
to a job,” Clark said. “Those skills that you Electric worker dresses protectively to perform task safely. on experience and competition.”
learn as a youngster, you take with you
into the real world, regardless of what home which is a wave that is actually a traditional high-school to college ap- Clark believes much of this college
you’re gonna do.” really growing,” Clark said. “We’re seeing proach. King said that with the increasing mindset also comes from her generation
[tremendous] growth in that two year openness of the current generation, he giving kids the perception that college is
During their time with the Great Oaks start, but we also continue working with hopes that people will begin to see the a necessity to be successful. Oftentimes,
programs, many students also pursue some other students who are still unsure freedom that Great Oaks provides for op- Clark sees parents who have gone to col-
real-world career experience. Because of of their path and connecting them with portunities after graduation. lege guide their kids down the same path,
the resources that Great Oaks has access employers until the end of the year.” resulting in the mindset that college is
to, being involved in their programs often “One thing about our programs is that the only next step after high school. Clark
makes it easier for students to find em- Even for students who know where they don’t prevent you from going to said that going to the Oaks or a vocation-
ployers. King said that many companies al school, however, can result in a career
are willing to talk to students and offer as lucrative as pursuing a degree and
positions. working a “traditional” job after college.

“All of our programs have a business “The kids that start at the Oaks voca-
and advisory council made up of employ- tional school really do have a jumpstart
ers, post-secondary partners, parents, and and are able to come out [of school]
students,” King said. “We’re always trying working [and earning],” Clark said. “If we
to connect students with those possibili- are all open minded about what we want
ties and encourage them to participate in to do, and we stay on our own path, it is
all those different opportunities. One of more than likely that [students will] find
the best things about the Oaks is that you the one that works.”
get to experience a lot of different things
and understand what it is you’re really The success that many kids who
passionate about.” graduate from vocational schools experi-
ence dispels the common misconception
Information about vocational schools that pursuing a trade or enrolling at the
is easily accessible to high schoolers, Great Oaks and attending college are
according to King, many just choose to mutually exclusive. King has worked
go down the traditional college path. to make sure that families have all the
Students can talk to counselors to get in- information they need before making
formation, schedule individual visits, and future decisions. He said that the many
also have virtual tours and interactive opportunities the Oaks provide simply
videos through the Great Oaks website, give students tools to set them up for
but many choose not to take advantage success in the world.
of the opportunity. King said he believes
one of the biggest reasons for this is that “It is a leap of faith to come to the
students simply do not want to leave their Oaks, but it’s important for everybody to
friends. explore different career fields,” King said.
“It gives you an opportunity to really
“One of the hardest things [about go- explore, and it’s ultimately just about
ing to Scarlet Oaks] is, when I was in high having opportunities and possibilities.”
school, I didn’t want to leave my friends,”
King said. “[Going to the Oaks] means While many people tend to hold limit-
taking a chance to see if it’s something ed views of what they may be able to pur-
you really want to do.” sue in the future, the opportunities that
vocational schools and local businesses
Another option for those who have are providing, as well as counselors like
decided that a traditional four-year col- Clark, have been working to erase the
lege after high school is not for them is stigma of needing to attend a four-year
to attend a two-year college, or an off- college and work a corporate job. Clark
campus university to stay closer to home. said that because life will always have
Clark categorizes these paths into three ups and downs, perseverance is crucial.
main groups: students going to a tradi-
tional four-year college after graduation, “Regardless of where you’re going,
students going to two-year colleges or whether you’re going to college or to the
looking to continue their education from workforce, life is about learning,” Clark
home, or students who are unsure of said. “It truly is a journey, no matter what
their next step. Clark said there has been path that you take.”
much growth in the second group, but
Mason has plenty of resources for those

6 Feature April 29, 2022

Students object to Ohio’s proposed Don’t Say Gay bill

Alisha Soni | The Chronicle will be so much harder to come out numbers of the community standing said that as Ohio faces the addition
and figure out about ourselves.” against this bill. of this bill, keeping awareness alive
Modeled after a recent proposed is one of the most important ways to
Florida bill, the Ohio House of Repre- Over the past few years, the Mason “We wanted to create momentum protest against Bill 616.
sentatives has introduced House Bill City School district established three around the issue,” Levin said. “The
616, a bill that would ban discussion focus areas, known as big rocks. The petition allows us to keep this in the “At the end of the day, our exis-
over gender identity, sexuality, or three big rocks – culture, inclusive conversation, have something action- tence shouldn’t be up for debate,”
critical race theory in grades K-3. excellence and personalized learning based that people can do, and again, Rossey said. We’ve gotten used to our
– are the official values of the Mason it shows that there is community sup- peers [bullying us], but to see the state
A version of Florida’s House Bill community. In the school district of port for the [ban of Bill 616].” [bully us], it hurts in a different way.”
1557, more commonly known as the Mason, Paley believes that the bill
‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill, has been intro- would attack the big rocks that Mason As the largest high school in Ohio,
duced in Ohio. Ohio’s Proposed House has tried to build. Paley said Levin said that the Mason community
Bill 616 has caused controversy due that the bans Bill 616 would carries tremendous influence. Rossey
to its provisisions, and has even led impose would especially
to outrage and some forms of protest target Mason’s second big Graphic by Allison Droege
from some citizens, including stu- rock, inclusive excellence.
dents from Mason High School like
senior Lyra Mamacos. They believe “[The bill] is not inclu-
that the adaptation of this bill to all sive whatsoever,” Paley
Ohio schools is risky in erasing the said. “It’s putting us all
history of queer people and minori- into one box. We can’t
ties. share the things that
make us unique, the
“It’s in all kinds of ways a step things that make us us.”
back,” Mamacos said. “Awareness
and more information shared on Although Bill 616 has
the history of queer people in our restrictions for specifi-
country have accounted for so much cally grades K-3, the ban
of the progress that we’ve seen, and would also broaden to
educating the younger generations is all grades. The bill states
how we’re going to keep making that that teachers are prohib-
progress.” ited from teaching “in
any manner that is not
Both Mamacos and sophomore age-appropriate or devel-
Alyssa Hill believe that with the onset opmentally appropriate for
of such restrictions, a dangerously students in accordance with
closed-off mindset could easily arise. state standards.” Mamacos
With no acknowledgment of queer or said they find that deciding
racial history, they think that people, whether or not something
especially young people, may end up is age-appropriate is “entirely
struggling with the idea of accepting subjective.”
others.
“I think that wording makes
“When [students] get out in the real it very easy for the Ohio School
world it’s gonna be a giant smack Board to designate what is age-
in the face because they’re gonna appropriate and what would be
be like, ‘I didn’t know about these appropriate for kids to learn at
diverse concepts,” Hill said. “I think a certain age,” Mamacos said. “It
[the big issues] should be discussed to could be anything that [the school
a certain extent [but people] can’t just board] decided was not age-appro-
ignore it.” priate.”

To freshman Jesse Paley, banning In an effort to voice opposition
any discussion of gender identity or to the bill, many local citizens and
sexuality would also be harmful as students are attending the Mason
many students start to explore their school board meeting on April
identities. They said that without the 26. Seniors Andrew Levin and
ability to educate students in a school Kaya Rossey plan to
setting, it will create an obstacle protest against
in preparing children for a diverse Bill 616 at
world. this meeting.
Levin said
“[Younger people] won’t know that that they
being gay is okay,” Paley said. “It’s have created
not wrong to love who you love. If we a petition
haven’t learned about things like that, in order to
whether it’s from school, from class, display visual
or even talking with friends, then it

April 29, 2022 Feature 7

Truancy laws create headaches for students with attendance issues

Izzy Gaspar’raj | The Chronicle spite having sent doctor’s notes to the Steed said that the school’s actions job, if you miss this much work, you’re
administration explaining his physical regarding student absences are for the going to get fired. I kind of look at that
When Juliana Ramirez received a ailments. He said that these notices most part dictated by the state of Ohio, with our attendance policy.”
letter from Mason City Schools, she was “surprised” him, as well as overwhelmed and it is her job to adhere to those
shocked to see that she could be facing a him in anticipation of possible conse- mandates. These standards include Furthermore, Drake said that the most
possible court date due to her absences. quences to come, and these truancy no- hour amounts that define truancy. In important thing in handling absences
tices added “an extra level of stress” for addition to sending truancy notices, the related to illness is to provide appropri-
In Ohio, schools are required to take him along with the missing work, too. school also sets up meetings between ate documentation to the school, such
action when a student misses five con- counselors, administrators, and families as doctor’s notes so that the school
secutive days of school, seven days in a Senior Johnathan Van Valkenburgh to help improve students’ educational understands what is occurring. This
month, or twelve days in a school year, has persistent migraines that cause him experience and try to understand their documentation can allow absences to
excused or unexcused. When students to have to stay home from school about absences. Due to the large number of be excused more easily and helps the
reach or pass these thresholds, students twice a month. In November, he had an students in MHS, it is often difficult to administration understand the circum-
are automatically sent truancy notices extended absence due to surgery, aimed juggle the many absence cases. stances surrounding student absences.
through MCS’s computerized attendance at eliminating his migraines.
system. When this instance occurs, “The school is overwhelmed with the “I think it’s so important to have con-
schools have the option to file a truancy Once his absences started to add up, many issues that confront the students crete documentation justifying what the
charge against that student with legal Van Valkenburgh received truancy and families of such a large population,” absence is so that we have it on record,”
consequences in court. notices from the district. Similar to Steed said. “Other than that, I feel we do Drake said. “That would decrease the
Ponkshe, Van Valkenburgh said he was the best we can under the circumstanc- likelihood of anything happening be-
In sophomore Juliana Ramirez’s case, worried about the truancy notices prior es. There is a system in place that is ef- cause we just need to know what’s going
she accrued numerous absences from to obtaining doctor’s notes to excuse his fective in notifying students and parents on and we need the right documentation
dealing with her mental wellness. She absences. of existing attendance issues and offers in place.”
struggles with the effects of bipolar various interventions and supports to aid
disorder, and these effects caused her Missing school often makes him feel in getting students to school regularly.” Even though these students recog-
to miss school sometimes up to twice a “guilty”, even though he feels he has nize the challenge the district faces in
week. a reason. Van Valkenburgh also said Assistant Principal Tina Drake is one dealing with absences, the anxiety they
that he wishes there were not so many of a few administrative staff members at feel when they receive notices with the
“One of the symptoms is not be- obstacles in getting absences excused, MHS who manage student absences and threats of juvenile court is very unset-
ing able to wake up in the morning,” including always having to obtain a doc- truancy. Her job is to hold intervention tling.
Ramirez said. “But, I was also hyper- tor’s note. meetings with families and students to
aware of what was going on in school make sure students don’t “fall through “I was stressed out because I thought
and how much I was missing without “I have chronic migraines, and there’s the cracks” with their attendance. At [the truancy notices] were going to be
being able to make up the work; it was nothing a doctor can do other than just these meetings, they create interven- on my record,” Ramirez said. “And I
getting really stressful.” get me ibuprofen, which is something tion plans that are aimed at improving personally care a lot about my grades,
I already have,” Van Valkenburgh said. the student’s attendance. Drake said and I thought it was going to affect my
The letter threatening potential court “So, if I’m in a lot of pain and can’t re- that these plans typically work, but if academic record, and I didn’t want it to
action did not help her anxiety, but after ally go to school, I feel like it should be they don’t, that’s when the school would do that. I felt very helpless in the situa-
a meeting with an assistant principal an option where the parents can call in choose to file a truancy claim with the tion.”
and a guidance counselor, she was able and make it [an] excused [absence].” juvenile court.
to clear up the situation including hav- Ponkshe said it was confusing and
ing her absences excused. This type of When a parent notifies the school Drake believes that attendance is difficult trying to figure out how to
meeting is one that the district holds of an absence, it is usually marked as vital to a good education and that how work with the school to fix his situation
with families when a student has exces- excused, but as part of Ohio law, both the school handles truancy is reason- and even though it eventually worked
sive absences. excused and unexcused absences trigger able and effective in getting students to out, he feels that the school should take
sending a truancy warning home to school each day. She sees a high school more responsibility in working with stu-
When she received the truancy notic- students. student’s current job as attending school dents who are truant to figure out what
es, Ramirez said she felt “helpless” with and said it is comparable to a job, too. is going on with the student, and then
her situation, not knowing what would Mary Steed works in the Mason High take appropriate action.
happen to her and if it would be on her School attendance office where she “I think attendance is crucial,”
permanent record. The letter Ramirez manages student absences. Steed said Drake said. “Our job at the high “If this happens to anyone else, I want
received, which is the same sent to that absences are “generally excused” the school to be more active in the way
all students with numerous absences, when parents are involved in notifying school is to help students get they deal with truancy because I feel
mentioned the possibility of being sent the school of a student’s absence. But, ready for the real world. At a like the entire process is pretty hidden,”
to juvenile court, and this potential some examples, such Ponkshe said. “There’s no transparency;
legal complication caused her additional as “traffic, trans- I still don’t know how the truancy sys-
stress. But, she said that she realizes the portation issues, tem works.”
absence policies are in place for a reason and oversleep-
and acknowledges their legitimacy. ing” qualify
as unexcused
“I understand that the [truancy] rule is absences.
there to help,” Ramirez said. “You need
to have a certain amount of discipline Illustration by Alisha Verma
with kids that take advantage of [missing
school]. But for me, I truly couldn’t get
up and it was super difficult for me.”

In September of 2021, senior Kunal
Ponkshe began to experience chronic
stomach issues that caused him to miss
almost two weeks of school. Not long
after, Ponkshe started receiving the
truancy letters from the district. Already
feeling unwell due to his illness, the
threats of potentially ending up in juve-
nile court did not help.

Ponkshe ended up receiving five
truancy notices from the school, de-

8 News April 29, 2022

New aquatic center to be valuable tool for community

Sean Speidel | The Chronicle to house the Mason Manta Rays Graphic by Nishka Mishra
but also to serve as a lap pool
The city of Mason has a new open to active members of the
fifty-meter, Olympic-sized swim- Mason community. White said
ming pool. that she believes it is impor-
tant that people in the city
After 24 seasons, the Lou of Mason were able to swim
Eves Municipal Pool closed on at their own leisure, and that
September 2, 2019 in order to be- the new pool would help to
gin construction on the Mason accomplish that.
Municipal Aquatic center, which
presently includes an outdoor “Our community has such
heated leisure pool and a newly a strong focus on promoting
opened indoor fifty-meter com- safe swimmers having access
petition pool. to bodies of water,” White
said. “We really want to be
On April 4, 2022, the neigh- conscientious about having
boring fifty-meter pool opened (the pool) be available to the
for its introductory swimming community”
hours. The 12,800 square foot
and 705,000-gallon pool is the The City of Mason's mission
only indoor Olympic-sized pool is to build an "enjoyable qual-
within 20 miles of the aquatic ity of life in a safe and viable
center and is set to provide the community." Through the con-
city with the new opportunity of struction of the new 50-meter
hosting high-level events that pool, Mason plans to further
can seat up to 900 spectators. promote safe swimming
skills as a part of extending
The non-profit organization, A wellness in the community.
Matter Of 50 Meters, launched Administrative assistant to
the fundraising campaign that the city manager, Jenna Pan-
elevated the project to include tling, said that water safety is
an enclosed fifty-meter pool in the city's number one priority
the Mason Municipal Aquatic when it comes to opening the
Center. A Matter Of 50 Meters doors of a newly constructed,
started this funding goal in Olympic-sized swimming
hopes to aid the Mason Manta pool, and that the ability to
Rays, a USA Swimming Silver host large events is secondary
Medal Club team that ranks to that.
within the top 1% in the na-
tion, by providing a facility “[The pool] is going to pro-
that would advance the skills vide an opportunity for all of
of their competitive swimmers our residents to learn how to
during their summer-long be safe in the water,” Pantling
course season. said. “If we could teach every
Mason resident how to swim
Mason High School (MHS) and be safe in the water, that
head swim coach and part-time is the goal of our aquatic
Manta-Ray coach, Mark Sullivan facilities.
said that the new pool provided
both teams a new opportunity to The Mason Municipal
spread out and have more room Aquatic Center is aimed to be
to function. a valuable tool for the city of
Mason in a multitude of ways.
“With our current pool we White said that it is very im-
were obviously limited,” Sulli- portant for the state-of-the-art
van said. “Now we’ll have more facility to be widely acces-
room to have a larger team” sible, which inspires a closer
Mason community.
Although the original inten-
tion was to support the Mason “We know it's exciting and
Manta Rays, the Assistant Direc- it’s a great facility so we really
tor of Parks and Recreation, want to be able to highlight
Haleigh White, said that the it and have a lot of people be
city is focused on ensuring that able to access it,” White said.
the facility functions not only

April 29, 2022 Feature 9

Student hobby combines sustainability and creativity

Aditya Thiyag | The Chronicle chains to clasps.” a person. I [also] do not think I would have a lot of supplies on hand, use what
According to Shrivastava, the be able to maintain this focus [for long you have or even old jewelry to create
Teenage artisans are stringing enough] to be able to sell anything.” something new. ”
together a new pastime. “incredibly intricate” pieces done by
the internet star and seeing other Despite the hobby taking several
A hobby that dates back centuries content creators repurpose their hours to even get into and several
and transcends cultural barriers, the jewelry to craft new ones inspired her more to perfect, Marra said that this
art of jewelry-making is not a new one. to craft unorthodox pieces of jewelry potential effort should not be
A piece of jewelry is defined as any instead of the necklaces, rings and something that should turn
collection of ornaments threaded or bracelets that most jewelry consists one off to jewelry-making
shaped together into a wearable object, of. The re-utilization of parts from and that she does not regret
and jewelry-making is the minutiae of other pieces to make new jewelry is a the hard work put into
crafting said objects. In a world where process commonly known as upcycling, her craft, believing that
sharing thoughts and ideas is near- something that Shrivastava said taught anyone can get into it.
instantaneous through social media, the her how to be versatile in crafting new
ability for creativity within the crafting pieces as well as fixing old ones. “Be resourceful, and don’t
of jewelry has opened the practice up to be afraid to try new things,”
a larger audience that has quickly taken “In a lot of my earlier projects, I Marra said, “ Look for things that
over the internet. upcycled broken jewelry I’ve found on inspire you, and even if you don’t
the side of the road, and I’ve continued
Freshman Gina Marra said that she to revamp and rethink the possibilities Photo by Aditya Thiyag
began to pursue jewelry-making as of what jewelry can be,” Shrivastava
a byproduct of the initial pandemic said. “I spent days thinking about how Creating Beautiful Smiles Every Day.
lockdown in March 2020. She said that I could fix the broken plastic clasp on 513.777.7060 7242 Tylers Corner Drive
the extended time spent in isolation my favorite leotard until I realized that
inspired her to pick up a new hobby and I could thread in chains and add a new WestChesterOrthodontics.com
she began experimenting with making metal clasp to make it wearable.”
jewelry, mainly using household items
and objects she found lying around. Upcycling is something that Marra
said she relied on due to her lack of
“I started to gain an interest in parts during the lockdown. The lack
wearing more jewelry, but [I] was of a stable supply source and constant
unable to buy it [during lockdown],” repurposing is something she said
Marra said. “So I just thought, ‘what heavily influenced her approach to
if I made it myself?’ I was also bored jewelry-making.
and just [started] experimenting a bit
and to make some things based on the “In the beginning, making things
materials I had.” was a lot of trial and error,” Marra
said. “Sometimes I’d make things I
In order to “get the feel of” making didn’t like, but it’s quite easy to take
jewelry, Marra said that she mostly it apart and retry. Since I didn’t have
relied on “imitating things [she] had many supplies, I just started with some
seen before”, a practice that is fairly scissors instead of pliers and some old
common among other aspiring jewelry beads I had lying around to create
makers looking to start crafting pieces. something I enjoy.”
Senior Miriam Shrivastava said that
she relied on the internet to teach The trial and error mindset is one
her jewelry making. She said that that Shrivastava said that she shared as
watching a TikTok content creator well. She said that this was a part of the
with the username “funkierthanthou” reason that the hobby required such a
create non-traditional jewelry helped large time commitment and why her
Shrivastava develop her own style after love for jewelry making is something
her original foray into the hobby. that she is keeping as a hobby rather
than a potential source of income.
“My pieces don’t resemble clothing,
since I design more extensive pieces “I will sit in front of a mirror for five
that aren’t [worn] just around the neck hours [to] re-measure and reference
or wrist,” Shrivastava said. “A lot of my concept sketches,” Shrivastava said. “I
projects are based on the use of chain always make sure to sit in front of a
spools and jump rings, which connect mirror so I can try it on and see how the
pieces of chain together and connect jewelry will actually drape and lay on

10 News April 29, 2022

Student artists showcase artwork at local cafe anniversary

Ava Yungbluth | The Chronicle leverage that in a way that benefits Photo by Alisha Verma
everyone.” Student artwork displayed at Kitty Brew Cat Cafe’s five-year anniversary on April 9, 2022.
Talented artists at Mason High
School were given the opportunity Senior Maya Rao, the Public Rela- NAHS. Senior Meriele Green was the making things, that’s a lot more
to showcase and sell their original tions Officer for NAHS, organized top seller of the event, having sold open ended that allows for a lot more
pieces of art. the event after having experience six copies of her watercolor painting creativity.”
volunteering at the cafe for their that captured her sister’s cat. Green
On April 9, 2022, an anniversary past four years of high school. They considers herself an avid artist, and Rao sees any response to artwork as
gallery art show at the Kitty Brew pitched the idea of a partnership for although she mainly takes digital something to be grateful for, and said
Cafe was put on through a part- the cafe’s anniversary to the owner image design (DID) classes, her being able to see the community, or
nership between the cafe and the of the cafe, Jenni Barrett, and got to primary medium of personal work is individuals emotionally respond to
National Art Honor Society (NAHS). work as soon as possible. Rao said watercolor. The anniversary gallery pieces is a “gift.” Rao said that the
The gallery allowed art students at that they saw the partnership as a gave her strongest area of expertise aspect that they like most about art
Mason High School (MHS) to display pathway to bridge two events that recognition, and Green said that she is the way anyone can receive it, in a
and potentially sell their projects to would promote the recognition of not was grateful for the freedom and variety of different forms.
members of the community, only the cafe’s fifth anniversary, but lack of rules she had to follow when
and although students could have also NAHS as an organization of a creating. “My motivation to create art is to
chosen to merely display their pieces plethora of artists with differing pas- make other people feel a certain way,
to the community, some chose to sell sions and concentrations. “Art classes usually have a spe- whether it’s happy or sad, or making
them. In fact, a total of 17 pieces had cific set of guidelines,” Green said. them question some sort of cause or
been sold by the conclusion of the “As an artist, I’m always looking for “There’s a rule set for what you have situation,” Rao said. “I always want
showcase. ways to get my art out there and to to make. Whereas when you’re just to make sure that my art is invoking
have my art be shared with others,” something in another person.”
MHS art teacher Dan McKay said Rao said. “I know a lot of other artists
that NAHS strives to have students our age feel that way.”
channel and utilize their artistic
abilities into projects that directly Rao believes that sharing artwork
impact the community, and half with others is a necessity for all
the money raised at the showcase artists, and that art shows provide a
goes towards future NAHS projects. crucial physical constant in display-
McKay said that the showcase aims ing their talents and abilities. Rao
to give as many young artists as said that showcases additionally
possible the chance to influence the provide feedback on their work and is
public through their artwork. a factor that can serve as a motivator
for artists.
“[The showcase helps] fund some
of the mural work we do; like paint- “Making sure to share it with the
ing the rock and getting supplies for community gives you perspective on
that, and different artwork,” McKay what’s out there,” Rao said. “It helps
said. “We look for opportunities to give you feedback, both positive and
use art to serve the community [and] negative, so you can keep working on
take the skills they’ve acquired, and your art.”

Participation in the art show was
not limited to just members of the

April 29, 2022 11

12 Feat

focused

Muslim student athletes work to bala

Evelina Gaivoronskaia | The Chronicle Nafees said that he finds that Ramadan brings in a rough spot one time in my life and all I
him a sense of community amongst others had was God and he helped me, so [fasting] is
Abstaining from food and drink is both that choose to observe the celebration. the least I can do.”
physically and mentally challenging, but that
demand is enhanced when Muslim athletes “[Ramadan] brings me closer to my family Senior Mir Ashraf understands the health
juggle the celebration of Ramadan with their and the Muslim people around me,” Nafees risks that Ramadan fasting might impose,
beloved sports. said. so his priority during the 2022 spring season
has been balancing his fasting with Track
Ramadan is a religious holiday that is ob- For many Muslims, Ramadan is celebrated and Field. Maintaining adequate hydration is
served during the ninth month of the Islamic to strengthen their relationship with God. an important practice for athletes, however,
calendar. During it, Muslims fast by not eat- Nafees views the Ramadan period as a time of students who are fasting cannot drink water
ing or drinking anything from sunrise to sun- self-reflection and gratefulness. Nafees said
set. Although this tradition allows Muslims that for him it is an opportunity during the day.
to feel closer to Allah, the absence of food or to thank God for the gifts he Because of health concerns and risks,
water can be challenging to Muslim students has been given. athletes that find themselves in the
involved in sports.
“I owe everything to
Junior Moazzam Nafees is a sprinter for the God,” Nafees said. “I was
Mason High School Track and Field team. To
him, the purpose of the Ramadan fast is
to be “thankful for the food you have
and all the stuff you take for granted.”

At daily practices, Nafees finds himself
alongside his peers who do not participate in
the fast and can drink water during practic-
es and eat beforehand, so their performance
is not hindered by hunger or thirst. Despite
being in an altered state of mind, Nafees
said that he still regularly finds a “sort of
thrill” within his sport while fasting.

The month of Ramadan and the cus-
toms that surround it, however, differ for
all Muslims. Nafees has made a promise
to his parents that he will fast daily,
except for race days when he needs his
strength the most. During these race
days, he can “see [his] hard work show
up in races,” even if he had to push
through days of practice while fasting.

Although it can be hard for stu-
dent-athletes to abstain from food
and water for a month during their
sports seasons, they often find their
fast rewarding within social aspects
of their life, like friends and family.

ture 13

on faith

ance life and religion during Ramadan

same position as Ashraf have to make com- can and should do in the month of Ramadan, had to be careful about how she uses her en-
promises to both follow their beliefs and be especially if you aren’t fasting during that ergy during practices and games.
able to safely compete. Some will skip days month.”
of their fast and make them up at a later date “Soccer is a lot of running, but you also
when the season is done, while others may Despite the physical challenges they may have to read the game,” Hamdan said. ‘And
donate money or food to the less fortunate as face while fasting, some athletes have positive because I am fasting and I want to run as
a way of giving thanks when they are unable and rewarding experiences with their sports little as possible, I have to make my runs
to fast. during Ramadan. Junior Tala Hamdan plays purposeful.”
for the Kings Hammer 05 Academy Soccer
“There will be days where I can’t fast,” team. She said that while celebrating Rama- For Hamdan, Ramadan is about appre-
Ashraf said. “I’ll make food and give it to the dan this year, she experienced an increase in ciating the blessings that she has, and she
poor. Just last week my family and I made a her strength and skill in regard to her sport. finds that during her fast, she appreciates
bunch of dishes and donated them to our lo- her food more because “it takes away the
cal mosque, which is something you “Sometimes I’ll do better and I really don’t one big blessing [she] considers very small,
know how it works,” Hamdan said. and takes for granted.” Similar to Hamdan,
“I’ve done better at practice many other Muslims find joy and growth in
when I’m fasting and [my their fast. Ashraf said that this year’s fast has
mom] tells me that it’s God helped him steady his life to “find a balance
giving me blessings.” between [his] team and [his] religion.” He can
Even though Hamdan extend this experience to aid him in creating
sometimes feels empow- a healthy schedule in other aspects of his life
ered both physically and such as school, even if that balance involves
mentally during her fast, picking one over the other.
she knows that during the
fast a person’s energy is “I have to pick one,” Ashraf said. “I wish I
lower than usual and could do both, but I simply just don’t have
they are “not at 100%”, the energy to do both at the same time. It has
so she said that she helped me to find a balance in my life and
tune it so that it fits me best.”

I’ve done better
at practice when
I’m fasting and [my
mom] tells me that
it’s God giving me

blessings.

Tala Hamdan, junior

Illustration by Allison Droege

14 Entertainment April 29, 2022

“Right now we are learn- Girls Soccer coach Andrew Schur is
ing different ways to use wa- currently reading Quiet Strength: The
ter color to create different Principles, Practices, and Priorities of
effects like reflections and a Winning Life by Tony Dungy. “Faith
can play in my role with student
transparency.” athletes,” Schur said.
- Ariella Scoburgh, fresh-
Evelina Gaivoronskaia | The Chronicle
man
The goth subculture can be traced back as far
as the 1960’s and has stayed relevant up until the
current day.The term goth first appeared in main-
stream media when critic John Stickney described
a band’s sound as “gothic rock”. As more gothic-
rock bands emerged, the musicians adopted bold,
dark makeup and eccentric, yet mysterious cloth-
ing. In the modern day, goth has developed sub-
categories of its own, expanding to fit more styles
and aesthetics into itself. Victorian Goth relies
on old-fashion silhouettes; featuring ball gowns,
corsets, and a general air of brooding elegance.
Pastel Goth, as the name suggests, leans more
into a mix of back and pastels, often including
pleated skirts and simple patterns like checkers or
stripes. Freshman Lex Bolton said she likes to shift
between the different types of goth depending on
her mood, but the defining features of her style
is her hand-made jewelry and fishnets. These as-
pects are present in the featured outfit, as well as
the less visible silver bat earrings with black beads
on the bottom. The patterned fishnets also make
an appearance, echnancing the outfit alongside a
celestial skirt with moons and suns. For shoes she
styles platformed mary janes with striped socks.
To balance out the abundance of patterns, Bolton
wore a simple black long-sleeve top.

One Right Now by Post Malone Kids by Current Joys 7 Summers by Morgan Wallen Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis
Stay by Jenil and Naeleck long story short by Taylor Swift GOOD TIME by Niko Moon Presley
Stupid Deep by Jon Bellion
Money Trees by Kendrick Lamar Furniture by Maude Latour Fly Me to the Moon by Frank Sinatra
and Jay Rock Nothing by Bruno Major

April 29, 2022 Entertainment 15

Pop artist Conan Gray has used his music to ARTIST
connect to young teenage heartbreak since his SPOTLIGHT
2017 debut. He contrasts his soft voice during
the verses with powerful and emotional hooks, by Josie Lorenz
which is best exemplified by songs like his
2022 single “Jigsaw”. One of his most well- Sunset Season Kid Krow
known songs, “Heather” from the album Kid (2018) (2020)
Krow, launched him into the spotlight while it
went viral on social media back in 2020. His conan gray
utilization of background vocals and percus-
sion in songs like “People Watching”, a song
that has crossed over 100 million plays, is
additionally stellar and is what separates Gray
from his peers. Conan is to release a new
album this June called Superache when his
current tour is complete. If the newly released
“Memories” is any indication of Superache’s
sound, his upcoming project will consist of
powerful piano melodies and slow percussion
to enhance his melancholic lyrics.

TV REVIEW The Netflix original series Bridgerton is back with a from her family. As Edwina becomes“the diamond”of What really surprised me was the choice to feature
second season. the season, she is quick to catch the eye of London’s two female Indian protagonists who were women
Bridgerton (Season two) heartthrob, Anthony Bridgerton. As the two begin with dark skin. India’s Bollywood film franchise faces
CREATOR: Chris Van Dusen Its second season has worked its way back up to their relationship, Anthony and Kate cannot help but much backlash for its colorism as its main heroines
Netflix’s No. 1 in many countries and amassed millions become infatuated with each other. As the drama seem to be composed of beautiful women with
4/5 of views within just days of its release. Bridgerton’s unfolds with Edwina soon discovering the truth about eurocentric features. Noticing the way the characters
inclusive nature shines throughout the entire season, her sister and fiance, the story becomes submerged of Edwina and Kate were crafted in the season took
Review by Shravani Page particularly with the introduction of the Sharma sisters into a plot filled with lust and over-arching desire, me by surprise.They weren’t the stereotypical, nerdy
as a brooding love triangle binds itself between the which isn’t anything new to the show’s style. Indian girls.They weren’t some humorous ploy inte-
two sisters and viscount Anthony Bridgerton. grated into the show under a“diversity”premise.They
The season followed a classical tale with steamy were watermarks that reflected and contradicted
The first season of Bridgerton centered around romances and rather predictable endings.While the traditional beauty norms.They weren’t just another
Daphne Bridgerton and her relationship with the plot itself follows the same path nearly every“love- box to check off.They were powerful, intelligent and
famed Duke of Hastings, it was remarkable not only triangle”drama anticipates, it was an entertaining, confident women who challenged transcultural
for its chaotic tale but also for its music. Both these worthwhile watch.The plot is dramatic and chaotic as standards.
traits weave themselves into the second season it follows the blooming romance between Kate and
with a similar plot structure and moreVictorian-pop Anthony through a journey driven by a helpless love, Nevertheless, the second season of Bridgerton was
music stylings, such as Madonna’s“Material Girl”and the natural habitat of a typical hopeless romantic’s a worthwhile watch.While it didn’t go as in-depth
Nirvana’s“Stay Away.” liking. Accompanied by familiar musical stylings and into the events of the first season, the show’s dramatic
remarkable diversity within its characters, the show’s nature takes a toll on its audience as it transcends
In season two, Kate and Edwina Sharma reach influence becomes increasingly prominent. them into another heartfelt tale driven by love, fate,
London just in time for the dating season as Edwina and desire.
hopes to find a match. Kate, however, intends to help The casting choices of Bridgerton have never failed.
her younger sister while also obtaining a fortune

Camila Cabello’s third studio album, Familia, is ed across many of the other tracks in the 34-minute became very cringe-worthy, with the verses being ALBUM REVIEW
an attempt to provide a deeper look into the heart- runtime. As a result, this track feels out of place and interrupted by 20 full seconds of Cabello repeating
ache and self doubt caused by her breakup with distracts from the already messy focus of the album. “Ba-da bam-bam-bam-bam-bam-bam”in the Familia
longtime boyfriend Shawn Mendes. Unfortunately, laziest post chorus put in a modern pop song.This
the lack of a coherent sound prevents the supposed While most of Familia’s sound aimlessly drifted is shamelessly repeated twice more throughout the by Camilla Cabello
familial theme of the album from fully developing. between two extremes, the track“No Doubt”com- rest of the track and makes this song a chore to get
bines the musical aspect of Latin-pop and Cabello’s through. Considering how serious and sorrowful 1/5
Familia’s largest drawback is that it feels like it is heart wrenching lyrics very well. It still features the the topic of the album is, the tonal shift to Cabello Review by Sean Speidel
two albums that were crammed into one. Many of Latin-pop sound present in multiple other tracks singing about how she has bounced back and is
the tracks where Cabello mainly sings in Spanish, across Familia, but isn’t too upbeat to take away happily dancing away is baffling to say the least. Page Design by Della Johnson
such as“Celia,”are very fast-paced and have musical from the sorrowful aspect of the album.The lyric
aspects of mariachi and salsa, which help to pay “Cause when **** is getting good, I just worry‘bout For an album titled Familia, you would think
homage to Cabello’s Cuban and Mexican roots, but the bad again”best displays the shattered state of Cabello would sing more about growing up with
the tracks where Cabello sings in English have a very Cabello’s psyche that she fails to clearly express in her family instead of a wild assortment of thoughts
different feel. Not only the lyrics, but the instrumen- the other tracks. and emotions that are loosely connected to her
tals have a very somber feel to them.The drastically split with Shawn Mendes. Overall, the album was
slower pace of the closing track,“Everyone at this The main hit off of the album so far,“Bam Bam embarrassingly inconsistent in terms of quality and
party”leaves the listener with a very gloomy and (feat. Ed Sheeran)”is easily my least favorite of the lyricism, and fell well short of what Camila Cabello is
grim feeling, something that is rather unrepresent- 12 tracks. After a somewhat promising start with capable of creating.
upbeat, acoustic production, the song quickly

16 April 29, 2022

Comets pitching staff led by trio of flame throwers

Andrew Little | Sports Editor us and so many people who would be When teams face us, even on an off “Most people don’t see [speed] until
With three of the state’s top start- just as good as the nine teams through- day, we still have [depth].” they play us,” Murphy said. “So if you’re
out the whole postseason will help us one of the hardest throwers they’ll see
ing pitchers on the mound and more tremendously.” Samol and Garula are left-handed, all year you can set them up with off-
firepower in the bullpen, the Comets’ and Murphy is right-handed. Most speed and then blow fastballs by him.
pitching staff is among the nation’s The talent doesn’t stop after the hitters are right-handed so having It’s a lot. It’s easier said than done, but
most dangerous. pitching staff. The team returns five two southpaws makes preparing for it works really well for us throughout
starters in the field in Hanley, Auburn the Comets difficult. Teams can not the whole year. No one’s really been
Seniors Brenden Garula and Noah University commit Mark Rutherford, focus too much on practicing for a able to catch up to us.”
Samol, committed to the University of Ohio University commit Drew Cox, lefty pitcher based on the chance that
Cincinnati and Georgia Tech respec- University of Charleston commit Brady Murphy starts. Not only have the three been able
tively, and junior Michael Murphy, Bly, and outfielder Kevin West. Garula to put each other in the best positions
who holds multiple division one offers, and Murphy also will contribute off All three aces also possess upper- to succeed, but they have helped each
form a trifecta of gifted starters. While the mound for the second consecutive level velocity. Samol’s fastballs have hit other grow as pitchers. Murphy said the
most teams are lucky to have one season, with Garula playing outfield as high as 95 miles per hour, putting healthy competition the pitching staff
pitcher of that caliber, the Comet’s on his off-days, and Murphy serving him in consideration for fastest pitcher shares in practice has allowed them
rotation is stacked. Head coach Curt as the team’s designated hitter. Samol nationwide. Murphy has thrown as to bond and improve together in their
Bly refers to them as “the three aces,” a said the Comets gain a competitive ad- high as 93 miles per hour, and Garula shared quest to make it as far in the
term typically reserved for one stand- vantage from having such a complete has thrown as much as 89. Murphy state playoffs as possible.
out pitcher. roster. said that having three of the fastest
throwers in the state allows the team “We all work together to make each
Also on the roster is a plethora of “It’s definitely a big confidence other better and physically learn what
bullpen talent, who are also capable booster for our team because if we can [the others] do to make themself spe-
of winning games as starters, includ- go out and put up zeros on the board cial,” Murphy said. “I feel like we have
ing senior AJ Lefton, a Jefferson early in games, then we can get our of-
University commit, senior Jax Rogan, fense going and have a little cushion,” a great way of teaching each
juniors Quintin Kaylor and Ben Fosnot, Samol said. A lot of teams have other.”
and sophomore Bryce Brannon. The one or two really good guys
depth allows for players like junior and then after that it
Sean Krueckenberg, an outfielder and kind of falls off.
pitcher, and sophomore infielder Jake
Hanley, an Indiana University commit Armed and
who also serves as the team’s closer, to Dangerous
focus on their field positions yet still
pitch when called upon. Garula said to attack
that beyond having three star pitchers, and intimi-
the overall strength of the pitching date opposing
staff will give the team an unusual hitters.
amount of flexibility in its lineup
throughout the season. Players from left to right: Brenden Garula, Noah Samol, and Michael Murphy.
Photo by Lily Haller. Page design by Izzy Gaspar’raj and Abby Waechter.
“We have a lot of depth in the bull-
pen, too,” Garula said. “So it’s gonna
take a lot of stress off of us early in
the season. We won’t have to ride out
90 pitches because we can trust our
bullpen a lot and then when we get in
later in the tournament it’s a two or
three-man rotation.”

In the playoffs, the rotation will
shrink to just Samol, Garula, and
Murphy starting games with the
other pitchers relegated to a full-
time bullpen role. The two that
aren’t starting will also be avail-
able in the bullpen. Bly said the
depth of the pitching staff will
allow the team to make pitching
changes without sacrificing quality,
and keep the ace’s arms fresh and
healthy deep into the season.

“It allows you to not stretch guys
out unnecessarily or too early,” Bly
said. “ We have 12 guys that can get
varsity guys out, and we have some
guys that are gonna pitch JV that
would pitch varsity in other years. It
allows us to kind of set roles and not
tax our arms, and hopefully continue
to get stronger and be fresh as the
season goes on when we get to the
tournament.”

“I feel like our aces are better than
any other team’s aces and our relief
guys are the other team’s aces. So I feel
like having their best pitcher in our
bullpen is tremendous and will carry

April 29, 2022 Sports 17

CHRONICLE SPORTS SUPERHEROES

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Andrew Little

Divy Bose

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Savannah Libby Sean Speidel

Illustration by Alisha Verma and Nishka Mishra. Page design by Abby Waechter.

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

18 Sports April 29, 2022

Photo by Evelina Gaivoronskaia

Sophomore Duncan Beckel practices on the parallel bars ahead of the national gymnastics championship meet in Mesa, Arizona from May 10-15th.

Mason gymnasts qualify for national meet

Isabelle Paley | The Chronicle located in Region five, so all four boys This year’s National meet will be the immense amounts of upper body and
competed with every single level ten last of senior Kan Suzuki’s career. Suzuki core strength so it’s not just flipping and
Only 258 gymnasts compete at the athlete in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, said hopes to end his years of gymnas- tumbling all practice. 45 minutes to an
Men’s National Gymnastic Champion- Michigan, and Ohio for the chance to tics with a bang, and he believes that hour of practice consist of just strength
ship, and four of those athletes come make it to the podium. This year a total there is no better way to do that than and conditioning training.
from Mason High School of 50 boys from region five advanced to with Nationals.
the national championship. Putting in over 18 hours a week to
Duncan Beckel, Conner Beckel, Owen “This is my last meet I think before prepare for nationals, it can be difficult
Tong, and Kan Suzuki have all quali- At the Men’s Gymnastics National my body’s gonna break,” Suzuki said. to stay motivated. Suzuki enjoys coming
fied for the men’s National Gymnastic Championship, 258 level ten gymnasts “My goal is to not regret anything and to practice even on his toughest days
Championship the top annual meet in will be competing for the first place do my best so that I can. But really I just because his teammates are his biggest
the country. The meet will be held May medal as well as a chance to be placed want to enjoy it since it’s my last one.” cheerleaders.
10th-15th in Mesa, Arizona on the national team. At a competition
as large as this, it’s easy to allow the To prepare for Nationals, these “The coaches and my teammates
In gymnastics there are different weight of the competition to become too athletes are putting in the extra work. just have a positive attitude everyday,”
levels for different skill sets ranging one much. Sophomore Duncan Beckel said They spend five days in the gym and 18 Suzuki said. “Their attitude and the
to ten with ten being the highest. Only he prioritizes staying calm and having hours a week working on their routines. compliments they give me are what
gymnasts who are level eight, nine, or fun during big meets. Male Gymnastics consists of six events, keep me motivated and makes me want
ten are eligible for nationals. Duncan floor, pommel horse, rings, vault, paral- to succeed.”
Beckel, Tong, and Suzuki are compet- “I get in my head and [sometimes] let lel bars, and horizontal bars. All six
ing as level ten gymnasts and Conner the pressure get in the way,” Beckel said. events are competed individually and Extra practices and conditioning is go-
Beckel as a level nine. “This meet I’m really hoping that I do the top three gymnasts from each team ing to be added to the athletes already 18
really well and show up for my team.” have their scores added up for the team hour weeks to ensure that they each per-
To ensure that the best of the best are awards as well. Tong enjoys gymnastics form to the best of their ability. Through
represented at this competition, athletes For some of these gymnasts, Nationals because of the opportunities to work as a the grueling practices, Beckel says that
need to obtain qualifying scores from is much more than a big competition, team but also further himself individu- at the end of the day what makes every-
state and regionals to compete at the it represents years of hardwork and ally. thing worth it is his teammates.
national level. The qualifying scores are dedication finally paying off. Sopho-
altered slightly from season to season more Owen Tong has been dreaming of “It’s a lot different than any other “I love our team and we have a
depending on the level of competition qualifying since he started gymnastics at sport,” Tong said. “It’s an individual blast because we spend so much time
that year. age seven. sport because you compete for yourself together we get to really bond,” Beckel
but it’s also a team sport. So the collabo- said. “You get to see each other grow in
Within USA Gymnastics there are “This is my first time going to nation- ration aspect while still doing things for the sport as well. So everyone gets better
nine different regions each with differ- als and it has always been one of my myself is nice.” and then you keep pushing yourself and
ent state and regional championships goals,” Tong said. “I really want to enjoy it’s just a great time.”
before heading to nationals. Ohio is it.” A majority of the events require

April 29, 2022 Sports 19

STAYING IN THE GAME

Athletes from career centers maintain Comet connection through sports

Savannah Libby | The Chronicle to compete for the district where Photo by Savannah Libby
they live. In Barge’s case, since
They’re still Mason Comets even she attended Mason through her Senior Aneesa Barge, a Great Oaks student, throws the shotput for the
though they do not attend school sophomore year and still lives in Mason track and field team.
at 6100 South Mason Montgomery Mason, she can compete for Mason’s
Road. athletic teams. early childhood education at Great and experiences I’ve attained from
Oaks, where he enrolled following Mason,” Harper said.
Many Mason High School stu- Barge found that many of her his junior year at Mason. He is on
dents choose to further their educa- classmates shared her experience track to obtain an associates degree Choosing to attend a career cen-
tion at a career center like Great of attending a career center while through his Oaks’ program at the ter had many trade-offs for Barge.
Oaks. For these students, it can be also being an athlete for the school end of the school year. Even though she may miss out on
easy to lose a connection to friends district where they reside. Barge some of the day-to-day happenings
and their identity as MHS students. said that Mason sports helped to Harper continues to compete for at MHS, she feels that her involve-
However, one way that they are able settle her anxiety about transferring the Mason track and field team. He ment on the track team helps her
to maintain a close connection to to Scarlet Oaks, the campus located said that maintaining his rela- stay connected and maintain bonds
their home school is by participat- in Sharonville. tionship with his teammates and with her friends.
ing in one of the many athletic coaches has allowed him to keep
teams at MHS. “Playing sports has kept me in a sense of belonging to the Mason “I still feel connected with my
touch with everything [at Mason],” community. friends in an athletic position and a
Great Oaks is one of the largest Barge said. “I feel like one of my genuine friendship,” Barge said. “Al-
career and education districts in biggest fears transferring to Scarlet “I’d say [that the friends I have though I may miss physical events
the United States with four large was that I would be so out of touch gained in athletics are] one of the and experiences at the school, I still
campuses in Southwest Ohio. It with things and I would feel so left few things that still anchor me to feel connected to my teammates at
is also a place where many Mason out from my friends or events the the school beyond the memories Mason.”
students choose to study career school were having or even the
education programs ranging from daily gossip of the day like I used to
firefighting, cosmetology, occupa- have for all my years at Mason.”
tional therapy, and construction
technologies. Barge cited her previous relation-
ship with the Mason coaching staff
For many Mason students, when as a factor in her continued involve-
they choose to study at the Oaks ment with the team. She said their
they lose a connection to their support and consistent communica-
home school. But due to the part- tion has allowed her to maintain
nership between the Oaks and local her enjoyment of her athletic
districts, students can still partici- experience.
pate in extracurricular activities
since the career campuses do not “Having a good relationship
offer athletic teams. with my coaches was something I
always wanted in my high school
Senior Aneesa Barge, who is experience,” Barge said. “So that’s
studying occupational therapy at always [helped in] connecting to
the Oaks, is a thrower for the Mason me in all my years, especially this
track and field team. After transfer- year. They’ve helped me a lot with
ring to the Oaks, she continued to me still being involved in certain
compete for the Comets. The Ohio school things, either with Mason or
High School Athletic Association Great Oaks things.”
allows home-schooled students or
those who attend a career campus Senior Jackson Harper is studying

20 Feature April 29, 2022

Beauty in Black and White

Bradyn Johnson | The Chronicle more.” best to ensure that the inexperienced models are
Most of the girls that undergo the photoshoot as comfortable as possible, guiding them step-by-

Girls at Mason High School are taking a shot at have never participated in one and are usually not step throughout the photoshoot process. By giving

disbanding beauty standards. sure how to pose or act. Juniors Sophia McMahon the girls different poses and props to work with,

Project Beauty was founded in 2017 by Cincin- and Kaitlyn Steele modeled for Project Beauty in Nguyen wishes to show the models different im-

nati photographer Thomas ages of themselves.

Nguyen to help young girls Throughout the hour-long

to embrace their true selves photoshoot, those in front of the

through photos that do not edit camera are encouraged through

out any sort of bumps, bruises each photo. Ngyuen said that

or blemishes, and depict the he hopes to put the girls at ease

model in their most natural when they come to his studio

state. Nguyen’s inspiration for so that he can produce quality

the undertaking stemmed from images.

a couple of seniors on his photo “They judge it by their experi-

team going through difficult ence,” Nguyen said. “If they had

times with self-image, and a good experience, they know the

Nguyen did not want to be a pictures are going to come out

bystander in this situation, so he well.”

decided to help these girls dis- McMahon said that she first

cover their true beauty through saw this campaign on social

photography. media, and was quickly intrigued.

Before the girls come in, She instantly knew that she

there are certain requirements wanted to be a part of the photo-

that they must follow before shoot process, not just because of

taking part in the photoshoot. the pretty pictures, but because

For instance, they cannot apply of the message behind them.

makeup, wear bright colors or “I always saw pictures on ins-

make distinct facial expressions. tagram from people I followed,”

Girls are also made aware that McMahon said. “His pictures

the photos will not be shown in were so good.”

color, but rather, in black and The main goal of the shoot

white. According to Nguyen, is to show young girls that they

this choice was made to help do not need fancy clothes and

enhance each girls’ natural makeup to be beautiful. Steele

features. said that she felt more self-

“I want to really focus on the assured after being picked for the

expression and the soul of the shoot because the project is such

person,” Nguyen said. “Keeping an amazing campaign that show-

all black and white keeps every- cases so many talented, beautiful

thing leveled.” people.

To participate, potential Steele said that, once she got

models must complete an her pictures back, she remem-

application that enters them bered negatively focusing on

into photoshoot consideration. little details or perceived flaws.

The questions on the form ask Photo contributed by Thomas Ngyuen However, she noted that she soon
realized that, to truly go along
applicants about topics such as Junior Kaitlyn Steele poses for Project Beauty with the meaning of the shoot,
she had to embrace her genuine self.
the meaning of beauty or the March 2022. McMahon said that she was unsure “It made me feel very confident in myself,”
Steele said. “Getting recognized and feeling ac-
importance of the campaign. Nguyen said that about the entire process at first, but quickly cepted by someone that takes so many amazing

the application is not on a first-come, first-serve changed her mind due to the friendly environ-

basis, as he chooses who takes part in the project ment that Nguyen created.

through an analysis of the answers provided. “I have never modeled before,” McMahon said. “ pictures. The second I went in there, I felt so wel-

“It’s based on the girls that I feel would benefit

most out of the campaign,” Nguyen said. “I look He just kept reassuring me that I was doing good.” comed, and like I was a part of something bigger

for those that will be impacted by Project Beauty When taking pictures, Nguyen said he does his [than myself].”

April 29, 2022 News 21

Needs of all students taken
into consideration for new
Student Activities website

Josie Lorenz | The Chronicle ity, it will tell you like okay, this is a Photo from MHS Student Activities
very loud club,” Allen said. “So if noise Users of the Student Activies website can filter clubs by chosen Noise Level and
The Student Activities user guide is bothers you, or you don't like to be in Mobility Level to find a club that fits them.
getting an upgrade. a highly stimulating environment, you
can know that that club may not be for
Mason High School’s (MHS) Student you.”
Activities Board has put in motion a
plan to incorporate methods to make Jen Christmas, a parent of two Mason
the user guide, a website on the Ma- students understands the importance of
son student hub laying out events and students being able to access a commu-
activities for students during the school nity of students they feel comfortable
year, more accessible for students and in. With a younger mason student with
families alike. a disability, Christmas holds this project
dear and relies on the website's updates.
Jana Surace, the mother of two MHS She said this website can help families
students, created the initial idea for the like hers navigate extracurriculars for
Student Activities Board in the summer students easier than ever before.
of 2021 after working on the idea with
the school's student guidebook team. As “I want my son, who has a disability,
a mother of a student with a disability, to have the same type of experience if
she felt like there needed to be more he so chooses,” Christmas said. “The
and easier access to information on the activity page will be helpful in guiding
website. us as to which clubs, sports, or activi-
ties will best fit his needs and allow us
“The project started with a simple to have a real conversation with him
question,” Surace said.‘What would a outlining what the expectations of the
parent of a student with a disability club are, what supports he may need,
want to know when choosing a club or and how we can make his experience
activity. How do we present the informa- the best for him.”
tion in a way that makes sense and is
available to all?” Additions to the website are still
expanding, with the team hoping to
Surace hopes that the changes to the reach other students that may need help
user guide can help not only students accessing information differently. Allen
with disabilities, but all students and said that she hopes for an easier transla-
families in figuring out which activi- tion and a way to reach out to incoming
ties interest them. Surace said that the students and their families of that sort.
intention was to make the information
on every event and club’s accessibility “I hope that it becomes a very [useful]
apparent to all but not separate from tool for all of our families,” Allen said.
the main sources. “The one thing that we haven't been
able to do is to make the website more
“[We thought] if all the students are accessible for ESL students. But we are
going to be accessing the same club or hoping to expand the accessibility fur-
activity, why have a separate source of ther with that.”
information about it,” Surace said. “If
the club is inclusive, the information for Surace and the team working on mak-
access to the club should be viewable by ing a transparent user guide are proud
all users as well. This led to the format of where they have been able to go with
chosen for the new Activities page on the updates to the student activities
the MHS website.” website and hope it can be of great use
to students, teachers, and families alike.
Lorri Fox Allen, a Student Activities Surace said her goal is to make sure all
director, accompanied by her team, students can find a club that fits them.
engaged in Surace’s thoughts immedi-
ately. They collaborated with students, “By simply including that informa-
parents, and staff to circulate ideas of tion, we have created the space for these
ways they could bring the website’s issues to be addressed and discussed,”
additions to life. The group working on Surace said. “Not every club is right for
the project said that they took to the every student, but the new page has
website looking to incorporate ways provided information for students and
students and parents can consider pos- parents to find the right fit and provide
sible choices of afterschool activities or background information. It sends that
events that fit their needs. message that all are welcome.”

“When you click on a club or an activ-

22 Opinion April 29, 2022

Post-school Staff Editorial

options outside of HB 616 restricts learning and student engagement

college deserve Don’t Say Gay. for, and as such, prevents us from getting
It’s a commonly used tagline to describe any questions about these topics answered.
more respect House Bill 616 which was originally intro- But if schools are meant to prepare us for
duced in Florida. If enacted, the bill would the “real world”, where there is no protec-
Bradyn Johnson | The Chronicle ban any discussion of sexual orientation tion from such topics, how are we meant to
or gender identity in grades Kindergarten handle discussion around those issues when
The toxicity in the “college vs. no college” debate is getting out of hand through 3rd and would restrict any discus- we graduate high school?
as it’s making kids who don’t plan on attending college feel as if they sion centered around these topics for all
don’t measure up to their peers. grade levels. Any topics deemed “inappro- Addressing uncomfortable truths and
priate” would additionally be considered off topics is a core mechanic within our educa-
Throughout our adolescent years we have been taught that attending topics for discussion, and if such discussion tion system, and stripping us from these
college is the best way to ensure a great future. We’ve been taught that occurs, parents are given full authority to subjects will only make us more ignorant of
college is the only way to succeed. While college does provide young sue the school, with teachers even running important issues and their impacts on the
adults with a terrific education, it is not the only way to learn and become the risk of losing their jobs if they indulge LGBTQ+ community. By discussing these
a wiser adult. in any discussion. issues, we can have our beliefs challenged,
These “inappropriate” topics are not speci- even turned around completely, and learn
The only semi-logical explanation for college being so heralded would fied within the bill and nor are the people valuable lessons about the world around us.
be that graduating college is considered the best way to provide better who determine the topics, something that If we aren’t learning about topics labeled
financial and job benefits, which is not always the truth. It is unfair to feels intentional given the controversy controversial in a safe space, how are we
deem someone unworthy or lesser simply because they chose not to surrounding critical race theory as well as expected to learn this information at all?
attend college when there are many reasons as to why teens don’t want other race and LGBTQ+ related issues and
to attend college, from expensive costs to their intended career not re- efforts to reduce education on both topics in Discussion around these topics extends to
quiring a college education in order to succeed. Construction, plumbing, schools. class content as well. Passages from books
welding, and food service are all examples of vital occupations that do Simply put, this bill flies in the face of that cover topics like slavery and other
not require a traditional college education, and frowning upon individu- everything that our school celebrates. difficult topics are often used for prompts
als that are interested in these jobs just because they aren’t considering Schools were established to be a place of on national exams like AP tests and are dis-
the university lifestyle does not benefit anyone. learning. A safe place where students can cussed extensively in class curriculums due
freely ask questions to learn more about to this. Preventing us from exploring these
One way that schools encourage their students to attend college are themselves and the world around them. texts in class would hinder students both for
college fairs, where representatives from various local universities stop How can students feel safe in their learning AP Exams and from dealing with difficult
by and hand out pamphlets explaining their curriculum. They are used environment when their school is under conversations in the future.
to help teens find which colleges fit their needs and wishes. But how are constant threat of being sued and how can
these fairs helping students who are not interested in attending college teachers feel comfortable answering ques- From the second we enter elementary
tions when their job is at stake? school to when we proudly wear our cap
Are these students supposed to figure their futures out for themselves More than anything, the bill is a restric- and gown, we are taught the importance
because they were passionate about something that didn’t require further tion of our first amendment rights. of asking questions. Our teachers tell us
education? This bill’s entire creation and justifica- to question everything and learn from the
tion revolve around the idea that we, as questions we ask. This bill’s very proposal
I always see the armed forces at different schools inviting teens to students, need to be protected from topics threatens the core ideals that Mason and
think about joining different military groups such as the Army, Navy, that we are deemed not mature enough every other place of education are built
and Air Force. Things like that usually mean opportunities for the kids upon, and its implementation in our schools
that want to join the armed forces, which is a step in the right direction. would have disastrous consequences.
But what about the people that don’t want to join military groups or go
to college? It is almost like we have disregarded these individuals’ futures Keep asking questions, MHS.
because they have taken an unfamiliar route. Instead of pushing them off
to the side, it would be beneficial to provide those who are not interested
in college with job and career fairs to help them prepare for life after
high school.

It’s not like job fairs are an unrealistic expectation. The Cincinnati
area is home to large companies such as P&G and the global operations
division of General Electric, local startups, and there are multiple job
opportunities in between that cater to a lot of interests. Companies are al-
ways looking to recruit more and more individuals especially because of
the unemployment rates post-pandemic, making this a great opportunity
for students and recruiters alike, so organizing this fair could definitely
be achievable.

With how prevalent college preparation is within the course curricu-
lum, it feels like school has become less about preparing students for
the real world and more about shifting that responsibility to college. By
providing a job fair, it would reduce the stigma around pursuing other
trades and provide resources for students who are otherwise expected to
either figure it out on their own or unwillingly go to college.

The Chronicle’s Policy Josie Lorenz

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

The Chronicle is published monthly.

April 29, 2022 Opinion 23

People first and Editorial Cartoon
athletes second

Andrew Little | The Chronicle Environmental waste is recyclable, less than 34% of it actually is
protection is recycled. If the only personal inhibition to recy-
Having a competitive spirit is part of what makes a life frag- everyone’s cling is an inconvenience, then theoretically, the
ile. Unfortunately, nothing reminds people of this spirit more responsibility percentage of waste recycled should be way up.
than tragedy. On the morning of April 9, former Ohio State
quarterback Dwayne Haskins passed away after being struck by Izzy Gaspar’raj | The Chronicle Another devastating statistic is that the Great
a car on a highway. Pacific Garbage Patch is twice the size of Texas.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. The patch is a more than 600,000 square mile
Like many, I found out from seeing the initial report tweeted Many of us learn this quick and easy phrase patch of garbage in the middle of the Pacific
by Adam Schefter, the most prominent reporter in football. His in early elementary school science classes and Ocean, between Hawaii and the west coast of
choice to include the line “before struggling to catch on with somewhat silly energy conservation presenta- the US. The patch was discovered in 1997 and is
Washington and Pittsburgh in the NFL” came as a shock. A tions. They taught us this so young in an attempt believed to contain plastics that are 50 years old.
24-year-old died suddenly and tragically and a respected jour- to limit the usage and waste of materials that This is just one of many examples of our collec-
nalist decided to reference the struggles of his early career. our Earth is quickly running out of. Even though tive ignorance that is contributing to the destruc-
the presentations we had to watch when we were tion of our home.
Dwayne Haskins was more than an athlete trying to find his younger might have been very made-up, their
place in the NFL. message was vitally important, and the order of Nowadays, many use the excuse that large cor-
this catchphrase is too. porations are the ones that can make the differ-
Yes, we all came to know him because of his time as quarter- We first try to reduce the number of materi- ence needed in our crippling environment. And
back of the Ohio State Buckeyes where he conducted one of the als we are consuming, especially the amount of yes, large corporations can do the most to save
most prolific passing offenses of the decade before becoming a packaging used in the goods we purchase. Then, our planet, but that doesn’t mean our efforts to
first-round pick. And yes, Haskins’ professional career didn’t go we reuse these goods as much as possible or re- minimize our waste should completely halt.
as planned, but that’s all irrelevant. purpose them by donating or passing them down.
Lastly, we recycle these materials to be used in The only disadvantage of being environmen-
He’s still a young man gone too soon. the production of new goods. tally aware and taking action based upon that
A son taken from a family. But because this fact is not kept in mind, many is a personal inconvenience, and our individual
A husband taken from a wife. people choose ‘Recycle’ first, as it has become time is not more important than the Earth’s
I don’t want to villainize Schefter. He was a man doing his the ‘easiest’ to take part in. And some don’t even time. The effects of our actions should be care-
job that made a mistake. While his apology left some to be do that. Some excuse themselves for not recy- fully thought through because every action has
desired, it sheds light on the bigger issue. Gil Brandt, an NFL cling with the statement that “recycling doesn’t an intended or unintended consequence on our
Hall of Famer, spoke on a podcast directly after Haskins’ death work anyway.” Furthermore, the Environmental environment.
where he criticized the 24-year-old’s lifestyle. Again, Brandt Protection Agency estimated that though 75% of
apologized, but that doesn’t change that his brain immediately Learn what you can and cannot recycle. Take
went to criticism and analysis of Haskins. This issue plagues time to think about the goods you are buying
many of us as fans, albeit in less obvious ways. and if they could be replaced with more waste-
We fail to see the bigger picture, see athletes, instead of just efficient alternatives. Environmental waste
being celebrities with sports careers, as human beings. should not be somebody else’s problem; it’s
Professional athletes are placed on a pedestal. They are everyone’s responsibility.
larger than life, role models to children, and envied by many.
With that fame, we as fans often forget their humanity.
Should athletes be immune to criticism? Absolutely not.
When you work in such a public setting where your salary
comes from fans investing their hard-earned money in you and
your team, criticism is a given by-product. But it should stop at
the field.
Another former Buckeye, Harry Miller, recently brought this
issue to light. The offensive lineman announced his retire-
ment from football citing his struggles with mental health in
a gut-wrenching statement. Thankfully, Miller got the help he
needed and is here as an advocate for athletes’ safety. One line
that stood out to me was “I was planning on being reduced to
my initials on a sticker on the back of a helmet.” Under differ-
ent, but still, tragic circumstances, Dwayne Haskins’ initials
were marked on the field and became a helmet sticker at the
2022 Ohio State spring game, and possibly into the regular
season this fall.
That doesn’t mean Haskins will be reduced to his initials. He
left a legacy that will long outlive him. Those that knew him
characterized him as a passionate and energetic young man
that gave life to all those he was around. He was a quarterback
and a leader of men on and off the field.
As the football community mourns the loss of a young man
taken away from us far too soon, let’s also celebrate his ac-
complishments and all the joy that his play brought. Let him
serve as a reminder to treat athletes with genuine humanity
and respect.
Rest In Peace, #7.

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