William Mason High School Mason, Ohio
The
Chron l cle
Their final curtain call, see story page 9.
May 26, 2006 Volume 3 Issue 8
6100 South Mason Montgomery Road, Mason, Ohio 45040
Every senior class has its own unique set of characters, the class of 2006 is no different...
John 3:16
...Introducing,the characters of the class of ‘06
In late April, Mason City Council and the Mason Park Board selected skate park design B (to be set behind the Lou Eves pool) by collecting student votes. City council must still set aside funds for the park in order for construction to begin this summer. For more information, visit www.sitedesigngroup.com.
Do you think people are taking The Da Vinci Code too seriously? See related story page 7.
P ll
65%
yes
10%
no
25%
not sure 200 students surveyed
changing educational experience together which engrains the memories. Thus we bring to you the characters of '06, a succinct exposition on students who underscore more notable qualities in the class. Whether under the radar or front and center we found their eccentricities endearing. They, and you, have helped construct the diversity in which you have been emerged in every day since becoming a member of Mason's educational body. We still made it up though.
!Check out the CHARACTERS, page 2
INSIDE... ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 7 SPORTS
15
OPINION
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SNEAK PEEK
MHS Skate park design finalized
Chronicle
NEWS Flash
The ballots are in, the chips are on the table, the shuttle has landed - Mason's "characters" of 2006 have been selected. Miss the voting process? Probably, because there wasn't one. Each class that comes through Mason High School establishes its own identity. There are always the students who excel on the playing field and in the classroom. But there are also those who carve out their own unique niche in this concrete jungle we call MHS. Oh-Six, you sure are something else. What else? We don't know, but it's something, and that says everything. Perhaps not the sweethearts of
acceptable school conduct, the 4,326 (somewhere around there) suspensions freshman year were indeed improved upon and just look at those academic achievements! 2006 is oozing with Summa Cum Laude, prepared to spread its intellectual discharge to a whole new arena of homeworkinduced boredom: college. But what really makes a graduating class worth remembering? Is it the level of success in the classroom? The number of name-engraved plaques and trophies? The popularity of after-school involvement or a willingness to test the limits of the school administration? Perhaps, but we're confident the proper response is personality. It's the characters who remain unique to that entity of 600-odd pupils stepping through the same life-
CENTERSPREAD
B Y M ATT PARTINGTON Chronicle Staff Writer
The Wolf Pac is one of the many gangs at MHS. The Chronicle takes a look at their origins.
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The characters of the class of B Y M ATT PARTINGTON , Chronicle Staff Writer, Class of ‘06
The iant v De
The lar o Sch
l Evi vel e Kni
th x i S The Man
Brittany Lewis
Brandon Lutz
Greg Silverman
Who ever said capes were out of style? Last time we checked, Nosferatu was the darling of the paparazzi and sucked the life out of Paris Hilton. Okay, maybe that's just wishful thinking, but the point is that Mason High School, as if some type of microcosm of social hierarchy, surely isn't devoid of abstract characters. What would school be without the polar end of what's considered socially acceptable? Dreadfully boring (not to imply that it isn't already). Brittany fits this mold, or rather antimold, as well as anyone in 2006. You see, not every girl wants to freeze in a $70 Guess skirt and we can't do much but honor such deviation from the pressure to act like you're on Laguna Beach (you know who you are). Those characters are all dispensable. It's difficult to say the same about the opposite.
Teenagers: Don't listen to your parents, you are invincible. Seriously. Dying wasn't designed for the young -- that's saved for old people. It's the cycle of life, baby. Anyhow, we're not trying to say that Brandon doesn't value life, it's just that he has a blatant disregard for it. Ever heard of consequence? Brandon hasn't, and if living near the edge floats his boat then we won't intervene. But boats get holes; big ones in fact (just ask Hemingway). Give Brandon an obstacle and he'll conquer it, even if it risks the wellbeing of others. Take for instance the time he spotted a scalable mesa in Arizona and ended up dislodging rocks, one of which hit a little kid in the head. Sure, he hasn't rollerbladed on a tightrope over Victoria Falls yet, but that's only because it's in Zimbabwe. He'd do it though.
Even the most narrow-minded individual can acknowledge the importance of a reliable sixth man. This doesn't even have to apply solely to sports. Isn't everyone a benchwarmer at heart? Well, no, because then no one would ever win. And if no one ever won, there'd be no competition. And without competition the entire quantum balance of space and time would deconstruct in a cataclysmic nullification of the universe. Now that we understand why we were put on this planet (fightin'), one would think that Greg, 2006's most sprightly sixth (or seventh, or eighth) man, would be less depended upon for those big games. Not the case. Teams need soul, you see, and this is precisely where Greg comes in, continually lifting spirits with the melodic power of Hall & Oates tunes. Just be thankful it's not Michael Bolton.
Bobby Yu
We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; some just go to Harvard. Every classroom has its smart kid, able to humble other pupils with ten dollar sentences and academic versatility. But Bobby, you've literally gone above and beyond. Seriously, is that GPA even possible? Does Mason High School even have that many AP courses? Did you just give that teacher a cake? We're all pretty convinced you're a machine, Bobby, which is exactly why we wouldn't be the lunatics to contest you in a match of Scrabble. "Esoteric" doesn't exactly spell itself. Bobby has proven that endlessly striving actually does pay off. Aside from that, it doesn't hurt to have so much charisma it emits like a fluorescent light. Shoot for the stars, son.
‘06
May 26, 2006
ur o g Y n i v Sa l u o S
to t e Gh girl w Co
Maddy Pittman Whatchu think we live on a farm? Homefry be fo' REAL. We live in the 'urbz yo, the best, and probably only, turf where rich white kids can blend their urban and rural idiosyncrasies. As for Maddy, the uncontested queen of Ghetto Cowgirlidity (yes, it's a word), the dichotomy speaks for itself: she rides horses, loves nightclubs, rides horses while loving nightclubs, is a Mason socialite and plans on attending Alabama A&M (to narrowly list a few). She also speaks solely in Brokeback Ebonics, floats like gravity and has got more rhymes than the Winans got family. Check it.
Phil Buttram
The Passion of the Christ was great and all, but who knew there were books? Phil gave the second one "five stars"and has lived his life accordingly, anxiously awaiting Passion 2: Resurrection. If this demonstrates anything it's that some simply prefer to tread on the more ethical side of the moral fence. In other words, if Mason were struck down Gomorrah-style (I think Pat Robertson prophesized this) we all know who'd live - mole people. Not only do they live underground but Phil saved their souls, teaching them to live humbly and give generously. At any rate, with a singing voice like that how could Phil be anything but God-sent?
A Portrait of the Author as a Young Man Raised in the merciless tundra of northern Nova Scotia, Matt Partington (born December 18, 1987) spent most of his childhood futilely chasing snowflakes and other such airborne apparatuses. It was in this melancholy isolation Matt first garnered his ability to observe and satirize in third person. Annoying, pretentious and completely unnecessary, Matt continued to refer to himself in third person until stricken with a brilliant screenplay concept: Snakes on a Plane. Due out in August and starring Samuel L. Jackson (watch the trailer), Snakes on a Plane was written in two hours during an electrical storm with an Etch-ASketch. Its rights were sold immediately being that Hollywood will make anything, but its true brilliance is found in how Matt merged America's two biggest fears - snakes and planes. Four million dollars richer and with the literary reputation of a doorknob, Matt is currently preparing for living a long summer vacation with his own eccentricities, most of them not interesting enough for someone to read.
Senior Feedback: What was the best excuse you you gave for not doing your summer reading?
"I read the wrong book." Ashlie Mcswain
"Do we still have summer reading?" Cody Hansen
"The book was in my luggage on the plane and it was sent to West Africa!" Emily Johnson
"I said I moved when I really didn't." "I couldn't find the book anywhere!" Chris Weingand
Elyse Roberts
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Let the “free for all” begin; underclassmen line up for the best parking spot BY REBECCA ZIEGLER Chronicle Staff Writer As seniors graduate and wave goodbye, they exit the parking lot of Mason High School for the last time forgetting to realize that their parking passes are now turned in, thus making the lot of our high school a frenzied free-for-all for the last two weeks. Many students who haven't had passes all year will become parking-space-hungry fiends and will ignore the rules of parking everywhere. Junior Jodie Winchester has been forced to park "as far away as possible" for the entire year, and will be making up the time she lost out on in the last two weeks of school. "I'll park in senior's parking spaces when they leave. I'll disguise my car if I have to. I want to be able to walk closer, but two weeks really won't pay back the entire year of parking far away," Winchester said. Winchester feels no remorse for those spots she might be taking that belong to juniors who were lucky enough to have a close spot for the entire year. "[I won't feel bad for taking someone else's spot because] I've had my spot taken before. There will be so many open spots when the seniors leave; an entire grade will be leaving this school!" Winchester said. Like many other juniors, Winchester feels that sophomores who have closer parking spaces than she has are a problem. Issues like that make students like Winchester even more angry, and ready for retaliation in the last fourteen days. "I'm a junior. I've gone to school here my entire life. I'm not walking further than I have to," Winchester said. Parking coordinator Karen Johnson assures students that spaces are assigned spaces by grade level, though many believe differently. However, once the seniors leave, there are no methods of assigning those parking spaces to students. "If nothing else, I just want students to realize that just because a spot is empty doesn't mean it's a senior's spot. It's frustrating for a lot of students who might be at an appointment that day or arriving later who get their spots taken," Johnson said. Johnson wants students to take the issue seriously and to park in their regular parking spaces when the seniors leave. "Why should students who paid for their ‘good’ spots
Chronicle photo by Olga Borodulin
A aerial view of the high school parking shows all spaces are taken. With the exit of seniors underclassmen are on the look out for the best spot to call their parking home. have to put up with chaos in the last two weeks? It's not fair. Brown, however, will one of the more considerate stuYou shouldn't frustrate your classmates," Johnson said. dents during the chaotic parking mornings. Junior Chris Anderson is one of the lucky students who "I'd feel bad [if I took someone else's spot who wasn't a was assigned a close parking spot right outside of the stu- senior]. I'll try and find a spot that I know would be a sendent entry door. If his spot happens to be taken by a park- iors'," Brown said. ing culprit, Anderson has alternative plans. Assistant principal Tim Keeton gave his permission to all "I'll park at the community center [if someone takes my students to park in the seniors' spaces in the last two weeks. spot]. I'm not going to get really mad about it, but I'll think "We didn't have trouble last year. I didn't hear any comit's stupid," Anderson said. plaints what-so-ever. People liked it because they could To avoid spots being stolen altogether, Anderson believes park closer," Keeton said. that the senior spots should be marked somehow, allowing As for worried parkers with the best spaces, Keeton no confusion with "good" spaces like his. assures that he will take care of the matter. "If no one is using a spot, then it's fine [to park there]. But "If someone takes your spot then tell me and I'll tell them if someone parked in my spot before I got there then that's to move," Keeton said. not cool," Anderson said. Nonetheless, be aware, juniors. With seniors gone, Sophomore Andy Brown might be one of the unsuspect- assigned parking will be just another rule for non-pass ing parking thieves in the last two weeks. holders to laugh about and your spot might be taken by "It's a lot closer and less of a walk, especially in the morn- your best friend, or your worst underclassman enemy. ing," Brown said.
Schrock heading up grass roots group committed to the preservation of the “Old Mason” BY DANIELLE WILLIAMS Chronicle Staff Writer Connecting the new with the old. That is the goal that a group here at Mason High School is committed to accomplishing. As new people take up residence in Mason a few staff staff and local community members are collaborating to connect the Mason we live in today with the Mason of the past. Artifacts, yearbooks, trophies, interesting facts and newspaper clippings are among the few remnants being discovered to reveal the unknown past of Mason. American history teacher Jerry Schrock has recently taken on a significant role in the process to creating enlightened walk-
throughs for visitors. "We're planning to collect anything we can find that has to do with old Mason. Then we're going to decide what should be displayed around the school. We still haven't figured out how we're going to organize everything," Shrock said. Some students have acted on the desire to be involved with the history of Mason by researching significant events to eventually share in the hallways of MHS. Junior Andrea Sohn has become an active volunteer to connecting the new and the old. "It's something not a lot of people know about. It's the history of our school. It's interesting [facts] I'd like to take a look at and help with," Sohn said. As visitors come to tour the school, they
will not only be able to learn about the building, but the history of the community as well. Due to the rapid growth of the community, Mason is often referred to as New Mason. But for those who have witnessed the transformation, adjustment is hard to cope with. "It kind of saddens me when I hear people talk of Old Mason and New Mason. I want to make sure [longtime Mason residents] know we haven't forgotten about their traditions and accomplishments. I want old Mason and new Mason to be one community rather than two separate ones," Shrock said. MHS is constantly welcoming new students to the building and with the history in
the halls, the new as well as the old students will be able to connect with the community. "The school is so big. This will give us a look back at the past and how [our community] got here," Sohn said. The main goal of displaying pieces of Mason's history through the hallways is to significantly connect old and new Mason. "My hope is to help students understand what [our community] is established on. [Mason students] need to know about all the distinguished people who have come through Mason and maybe they can identify. I think by putting our history in the school we will have a stronger bond and deeper pride. This will strengthen that," Shrock said.
Senior Feedback: What was your best excuse for being late to class? "I was at the nurse." Tim Mcloughlin
"I got lost!" Alex Larcomb
"My locker wouldn't open!" Roman Zmood
"I was helping a freshman to class because they were lost." Nisha Bhatara
"I went to McDonald's and the drivethru line was really long." Nick Workman
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Retirees prepare for life after MHS BY STEPHANIE VISSCHER Chronicle Associate Editor
It would be redundant to say that Mason City School district has seen many changes. Numerous reports of Mason's growth over the past ten years and further plans for expansion are constantly heard by MHS students. Though many people have come and gone over the past few years, this year is different. When school lets out on June 1, Mason will be losing someone who has been here to see it all: counselor Gary Popplewell. Even after 35 years in education, saying goodbye is still difficult for Popplewell. "I've never done anything but education. It's bitter in that way," Popplewell said, "but moving on is good for Chronicle photos by Stephanie Visscher me too. After 35 years on the job guidance counselor Mr. Gary Popplewell is looking forward to spending Popplewell first started teaching social studies at more time with his three grandchildren. Mason Middle School in 1971. He eventually became one of the school's assistant principals, a position he held frame holds three aerial photos of the school from 1988, Work Experience program for at Risk Youth, and was for five years, the last of which was at the high school. 1998, and 2005. finally given his current position in 1998. Finally, Popplewell became a guidance counselor in "I always feel when you're giving [an] opportunity to "I have enjoyed working with students with disabilities. 1982, where he has been working for the past 24 years. leave things better than when you came along," Russell They tend to be more appreciative of your efforts and are Not one to be a spectator at sporting events, Popplewell said regarding his pending retirement. "Now is as good a a joy to work with," Boston said. spent many years on the time as any to transfer [the Though he is unsure of his exact sidelines, coaching the stujob to someone else]." plans for after retirement, the one dents of Mason. As he lists Another valuable member thing Russell knows for certain is that off the sports he has to the staff Mason will be he will remain a constant presence at coached, one notices much losing is Earl Boston, the MHS. variety; basketball, track, Work Study coordinator for "I'm not the kind of person who football. At one time, he the high school. Boston's will disappear," Russell said. even coached with current started teaching in 1976, Boston also hopes to stay connected athletic director Rod where his first job was in a with young people, especially if he Russell. small town in Victoria, decides to start a second career. Coincidentally, Russell is Australia. "Continued contact with youth also retiring this year. "I spent two years cowould be good. Students keep you Russell has been in educateaching physical education determined to stay as young as possition for 31 years, 27 of to high school students," ble," Boston said. which were at Mason. Boston said. Despite living in Mason for his Mr. Rod Russell is retiring after Mr. Earl Boston is retiring after During the 1984-85 school spending 24 years at Mason After moving back to the entire life, Popplewell has no plans to spending 27 as a teacher and year, he taught the first com- High School. states, Boston taught in two athletic director at MHS. leave. puter science class at different districts before com"It's a community that takes great Mason. A frame on his wall ing to Mason as a substitute teacher in pride in itself. I wouldn't change it for tells the story of Mason as Russell has experienced it, the 1982. That fall he became in charge of the Occupation anything in the world," Popplewell said.
Senior Feedback: What was your favorite teacher antic?
"Mr. Little's explanation of wars with little figures while yelling!" Meri Nagapetyan
"Mr. Reid always yelled, ‘Hey Princess!’ since freshmen year and gave me a high five." Dani Meibers
"Ms. Ziegler runs around the room like a crazy person!" Diana Jiang
"Mr. Goetz crazy songs that he makes up like 'this is not my own.’” Dan Lansdown
"Mrs. Eline always calls us muffins, beautiful little muffins." Maddie Wilkens
May 26, 2006
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The Hubley Driving School Student of t he Month Hubley Driving School & The Chronicle are proud to honor Grade: 12
Favorite Class(es): British Literature Honors Concert Choir Independent living and Wellness
In school accomplishments: Highest Honors - all 4 years GPA 3.5 Academic Letter Wrestling Stat Varsity Letter Out of school accomplishments: Mission trip to Oblon, TN Mission Trip to Toronto, CA Mission Trip to Rockford, IL Personal Quote: "Work as if you have no money. Love as if you have never been hurt. Dance like no one is watching. Sing like no one is listening. And live everyday as if it were your last." -Anonymous
5606 Tylersville Rd Mason, OH 45040 754-8652
S A R A VA N L A N D I N G H A M
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Future Plans/Goal: Will attend The Ohio State University and plans to major in Speech Pathology Teacher Quote: "Sara has got to be the quietest, yet most outspoken student at the same time. She is genuine." -Mrs. Jennifer Striker ECA-B teacher
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5606 Tylersville Rd Mason, OH 45040 754-8652
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Wild Oats hosts cooking classes The Mason Public Library has teamed up with Wild Oats Natural Market Place to provide a series of cooking classes. The free classes are once a month at the Wild Oats Location in Deerfield Town Center. Registration is required. For more details, call (513) 981-0794.
Mason Public Library offers online book club The Mason Public Library now offers an online book club. Members will be emailed excerpts of a book daily for one week to help them decide if they would like to check out the book. Each Monday they will receive excerpts from a new book. Several genres are available. For more information, visit http://www.masonpl.lib.oh.us/.
MHS Drama Club theater camp registration begins MHS Drama Club will be hosting a theatre camp for kids aged 7-15. Classes will take place daily from 9:00 am to noon with a cumulative performance on Friday, May 9. The cost for the camp $120 for Mason Residents, $145 for non-residents. The registration deadline is May 29. For more information, visit imaginemason.org
MCC to host art camp The Mason Community Center will be hosting a week-long art camp for children ages 6-12 during the week of June 19. Students will learn about several different mediums of art and create numerous masterpieces. For more information, visit imaginemason.org.
MAAC hosts Mason in Bloom On June 17 the Mason Area Arts Council will be partnering with Mason In Bloom to sponsor the second annual Art in the Garden Tour. From 10:00 am to 4:00 pm residents will be able to tour 10 residential gardens while enjoying artwork by local and regional artists. Tickets are available at Sunspot Tanning or The Bird Garden for $10 each. They will also be available at the Mason Public library the day of the event. For more information visit masonarts.org. -compiled by Stephanie Visscher
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Eric Loy to perform in Mason Musician Eric Loy will be performing at the Deerfield Town Centre Borders location on May 28 at 2:00 pm. The Borders website calls Loy "a one man solo instrumental guitar show of surprises, merging the unexpected with taste and panache." For more information, visit the upcoming events section of Borders.com.
CHRONICLEArts&Entertainment
Premiere of Da Vinci Code movie ignites controversy BY RACHEL SLEZAK Chronicle Staff Writer Across the world, protests are being staged against blasphemy. Petitions are being drawn up to combat opposition to the Church. Some remain silent so excess attention is not paid, which would send more people to the bookstore or box office. When Dan Brown published his conspiracytheory thriller The Da Vinci Code in 2003, he had no way of knowing the impact that the instant bestseller would have on the spiritual lives of millions of international readers. Recognized as a deft crafter of thrilling plotlines, Brown's initial success was apparently due to the compelling plot, in addition to the thoughtfully invented conspiracies. The controversy, however, was sparked by the premise of the novel. In the book, contrary to Christian doctrine, Christ was married and had a child, which was elaborately covered up by the vilified Catholic Church, but remains visible by those who are aware in the artwork of Leonardo Da Vinci. Before The Da Vinci Code, Brown wrote two science thrillers and a book featuring the main character from The Da Vinci Code, all met with meager success compared to that of The Da Vinci Code, and post-Da Vinci Code sales of these older books. According to junior Annie Cai, the increase in popularity may be due to the controversial subject matter. "It's an interesting subject. The idea of Christ having a wife fascinates people," Cai said. Because of the themes of his novel, Brown has drawn criticism from experts on Leonardo Da Vinci's artwork and Catholics and other Christians, especially members of the Catholic Opus Dei society, which is darkly portrayed in the novel as violent and shadowy. Cai, a nondenominational Christian, is an example of one who is opposed to the themes of the novel. Though she disagrees with certain aspects, on a superficial level, Cai enjoyed reading the book. Cai does not oppose the book in general, but opposes the attitude with which it has been received. "I don't have a problem with the novel itself, but with the way it's being perceived by people as true and factual," Cai said. According to Cai, many readers are beginning to take Brown literally. "The author has come out and said it is a work of fiction, but people are making it out to be more than it is and accepting it as a valid theory," Cai said. Cai has noticed some people who are highly offended by the theories presented in the novel. "I know people who refuse to read it because it disagrees with the Bible," Cai said. Father Dan Schuh, a priest at St. Susanna, finds that protests of this sort can be counterproductive. "Most of the time when the book is addressed it gives it more publicity than it deserves," Schuh said. Many Christian scholars have begun criti-
“People don't always do things the way they should, but you can't let that small group, whether it is five percent or ten percent, reflect badly of the entire organization.” Father Dan Schuh St. Susanna, Mason
“The author has come out and said it is a work of fiction, but people are making it out to be more than it is and accepting it as a valid theory.” Annie Cai MHS Junior
“There are so many different interpretations of artwork that it’s easy to find conspiracies.” Rachel Cooper MHS Senior cizing Brown for his inaccuracy, especially in light of the statement in the beginning of The Da Vinci Code that says, "All descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals in this novel are accurate." However, responding to a question posed on his website, Brown explained that the statement was exclusively in reference to the objects, not necessarily the attitude with which they are presented, or the significance they are given. "The fact page makes no statement whatsoever about any of the ancient theories discussed by fictional characters. Interpreting those ideas is left to the reader," the website states. Schuh emphasizes the fact that that The Da Vinci Code is fictional and believes that people are capable of understanding this. Cai found that she was able to do this.
"I believe there is a Mona Lisa out there, but I don't believe there are hidden messages in it," Cai said. Senior Rachel Cooper has read The Da Vinci Code twice. She is not a conspiracy theorist, but she believes that Da Vinci had the potential to hide secrets in his artwork. "Da Vinci was a genius, and if he wanted to put messages in his artwork, it is possible that he could have," Cooper said. According to Cooper, it wouldn't be unprecedented for a painter's artwork to have hidden intricacies. "A lot of artists put hidden things in their artwork. Michelangelo put his self-portrait in The Last Supper," Cooper said. Due to the secretive nature of the organizations involved in the novel, it would not have been common knowledge if the artist had been involved. "Leonardo Da Vinci could have been in a secret society, but we wouldn't know about it," Cooper said. But though she is open to the possibility of the conspiracy's truth, Cooper feels that most of the theories are mostly based on opinions. "There are so many different interpretations of artwork that it's easy to find conspiracies," Cooper said. But though most of the novel is based on fictional interpretations of actual things, according to Schuh, The Da Vinci Code has sparked real interest in two authentic components of the novel. "The book has inspired two things: interest in church history and interest in the group Opus Dei," Schuh said. Though he acknowledges that misdeeds have been committed by those connected to Opus Dei and the Catholic Church, both in reality and in the novel, Schuh does not believe that the entire Church should be held responsible. "People don't always do things the way they should, but you can't let that small group, whether it is five percent or ten percent, reflect badly of the entire organization," Schuh said. Cai is concerned at the kind of thinking that negative portrayal of Christianity or of Christian individuals may inspire. "It gives people who are agnostic or atheist validity by showing that Christ isn't perfect. It becomes part of their argument to not worship Him," Cai said. Schuh recognizes that some may begin questioning their faith when presented with the theories in the book. "Our job as thinking people is to question and figure out what is right," Schuh said. Cai did feel that her beliefs were being questioned, though in the end she found it made her faith stronger. "God didn't intend for us to accept everything. It means more to reach a decision because you've considered both points of view than just accepting it because someone says so. Seeing the other side brings value to your judgment," Cai said.
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CHRONICLEReviews
May 26, 2006
Sam Goldsmith Music Review
Eric Ditzel Video Game Review
Wendy Wei Book Review
Stephanie Visscher Movie Review
Jewel’s album; a bad combination
Splinter Cell fails to deliver
Discworld proves to be an unforgettable comedy
Mission: Impossible 3 contains cliché themes
It has been faithfully toted by various critics across the globe that satires are nigh impossible to create without dropping them to a basic humor that brings out only “gnurr gnurr gnurr” caveman laughs from the audience. Safe to say, however, that Terry Pratchett’s bestselling Discworld series goes well beyond the typical puns-and-innuendo combination that pass for humor in the literary world; every book hits the perfect combination of wit and wordplay without ever losing its audience. Parodying everything from governments to the Grim Reaper, the books are more than well worth reading – all fifty of them. Even so, the sheer size of the series should be a recommendation rather than a put-off; most of the books can be read as stand-alones, though many of them involve the same characters. As far as specific recommendations go, his later work may be considered his best: Hogsfather particularly, which involves the murder of a certain jolly old man in a red suit just before the end of December, and the various appearances of the Tooth Fairy, the Verruca Gnome, the God of Hangovers, the granddaughter of Death, and a certain good-natured, manipulative assassin whose name is spelled but not pronounced like an English snacktime of the afternoon – not to mention the Grim Reaper’s obligation to stand in for his deceased colleague on such an important holiday. Kind of confusing at first, but Pratchett’s skill readily launches the reader into the flat world that rides on the back of a turtle. Of all the books in the world, these can be considered among the easiest to pick up and the most difficult to put down (in both senses of the term). For those who prefer light, entertaining works without morals or extended metaphors, this could be a goldmine. Common protests against it include the fact that its early books are a very deliberate, British mockery of fantasy works – and thus appeal to a limited audience - but this is easily circumvented by skipping to the middle of the series, which is perfectly understandable. Or, to put it simply: The critics are wrong, and it’s likely to be funnier than anything else you’ll ever read. Reading, it is compulsory. You’ll never regret it.
Confession time: I have been excitedly anticipating the release of Mission: Impossible 3 for at least two years, when it was confirmed that the sequel was in the early production stages. The truth is that for a long time Mission: Impossible 2 was my favorite movie of all time. Though I have since graduated to much more mature films, such as Pirates of the Caribbean, I still was positive that Mission: Impossible 3 was going to be, for lack of a better word, awesome. I naively continued to have faith that any movie about agent Ethan Hunt (bare with me here) was sure to become one of my favorites. But as I sat at National Amusements on the night of May 5, (because I just had to see it opening night), not even the extra large bags of Sour Patch Kids in my lap could make me forget the fact that the movie I had been waiting ages to come out was a big disappointment. The plot is slightly clichéd: The bad guy (played by Phillip Seymour Hoffman) kidnaps Hunt's girlfriend and is forced to do Hoffman's bidding to get her back. The usual Mission: Impossible formula is that there's some incredible heist, and this was no exception to the rule. Oh, except that you never actually get to see Hunt use his spy-tricks to get past heavy security. Basically, he enters the building and then after being off screen for a couple of minutes declares over the radio to his team that he has retrieved the item in question. How? We'll never know. The biggest problem of the film comes from Hunt's love interest Julia (Michelle Monaghan), who looks like she's 17 when compared to Cruise. Her youthful persona makes it hard to believe she can relate to Hunt, who's world of secret agents is anything but smiles and butterflies. Though small in number, the film did have a few bright spots. Luther, played by Vang Rhames, was a pleasure as always. Phillip Seymour Hoffman, who rocks my socks, was awesome as the bad guy. And Jonathan Rhys Meyers (Bend it Like Bekham)…well, he's just really nice to look at. Really nice. At least the film has a catchy theme song. Too bad they only played it during the opening and closing credits.
Jewel… our favorite Alaskan musician is back again. She first rose to prominence with her revealing 1995 album Pieces of You which didn't get recognized on the charts until two years later. She became an icon in the late 90's woman's music movement, and with her follow-up album, 1998's Spirit, Jewel sold 23 million albums total by 2001. After writing two books, including one of extremely intimate poetry, and making two more albums, she's back with the same kind of confessional songwriting that made her career with "Goodbye Alice in Wonderland." There are two aspects of this woman we need to deal with: Jewel as an artist and Jewel as a person. As an artist, she is very middling and annoying, as is only accented with that nasally voice that she has. She writes songs like "Words Get in the Way" and "Fragile Heart" with little effort to bring out new emotional backdrops on the subject of love. It does not help that the music she has crafted sounds like half-baked pop country songs, with instrumentation that evokes that genre. But it is the "persona" that makes her a real pain. She has this conception that she's a true poet, but how come in the first single, "Again and Again," she can't stop saying "again," again and again? Also, in the title track she mentions how she "craves reality" and wishes to leave the fantasy of Hollywood and pop culture behind. Yet in the track "Stephenville, TX," even though she puts on a Dylanesque vocal, she admits, "Hey Mom, look, I'm an entertainer" (see her last Top 20 Britney Spears-like track, "Intuition") while also fashioning herself as a "modern day troubadour." Jewel constantly contradicts herself and shows her own pretentious nature in this light. What an ordeal it was to sit through this record, from its lame pop country to mixed-up lyrics. When she says, "All you need is a heart," what I would like instead is an aspirin.
Editor’s Note: Sam Goldsmith and Eric Ditzel are contributing writers to The Chronicle.
The Sony PSP is finally beginning to gain some worthy attention from game developers. As they become more familiar with the hardware and the consumers, better games are on the horizon. However, not even experience can prevent a game with great potential from succumbing to pressure for a release. Ubisoft's Splinter Cell Essentials has all the right core mechanics in place, but it is missing a much needed finishing polish. Fans of the series will first ask one huge question, "How do you play Splinter Cell with only ONE analog stick?" Sam Fisher still has the ability to perform all of the acrobatic and clandestine moves you've grown to love, however, while playing the absent stick will leave you with a feeling of ghost limb syndrome. The controls are very difficult to get used to, and they are much more complex than before: with time, you can adapt. Another problem with the shift to portable is the loss of processing power. I can guarantee you that you will run into gameplay hiccups and some irresponsive controls. The Splinter Cell series has always been at the forefront of new graphics technology and Essentials is a serious step backwards. Granted, the PSP has less power, but this hasn't stopped others from fully tapping the systems power. Many textures seem rough and incomplete; you can't tell if you can climb certain structures or not simply because you can't tell what they are. Night Vision also looks horrendous compared to predecessors. The AI reacts well and generally character and weapon models look comparable to console. There are some moments where the game plays wonderfully and everything looks and feels fantastic: sadly, these moments are far and few between. The special effects and voice acting are great. It's a shame the sound cuts out periodically. Please, buy a decent pair of ear buds: the stock speakers and headphones suck. Splinter Cell Essentials has a decent story and some great high points. However, with a few more months in the incubator, this game could have really shone. Fans like me will most likely appreciate and enjoy essentials, but for now, we will have to wait until September (SC Double Agent) for a true representation of what espionage is all about.
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May 26, 2006
CHRONICLEA&E
9
As the curtain prepares to fall...
Drama departments brightest starts prepare to conclude this chapter to their brilliant artistic careers BY CAROLINE JOHNSON Chronicle Staff Writer Senior Justin West's name is synonymous with almost every lead role in Mason High School's theatrical productions. He has taken on countless roles, generating applause for his past performances and excitement at
what role he may execute next. As his high school performance career comes to a close and he is preparing for college, the talent and success his name brought to every production will not soon be forgotten. Drama club advisor Mr. Allen Young has watched talent stream through MHS and realizes, yet again, they will be losing a vital member of their team. However, he appreciates the continuous talent at MHS. "You lose actors when they graduate, but young ones come up. It's neat to see the cycle and you can see the growth in actors when they take challenging rolls," Young said. West's success on the stage became a whirlwind as was cast as Enjolras, a lead roll, his freshmen year in Les Misérables. West continued his success as a fairy in A Midsummer's Night Dream and The Pirate King in Pirates of Penzance his sophomore year. In his junior year West again took lead rolls in both Inspecting Carol and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolored Dream Coat. West began his senior year with the lead roll of Atticus in To Kill a Mockingbird and finally with a bang in the role of Cat in the Hat in Seussical the Musical. "It's really cool. I'm happy. It is kind of sad too, that it is my last show, but I'm happy about it and it's a really cool part. I'm glad we are doing the Seussical this year, because it is a fun part, which not all the plays are, some of them are sad. But the Seussical is a lot of fun and it's goofy, so I like doing it," West said. In West's journey through the stage, he has learned a lot from advisors such as Young. "Mr. Young always says to go for your intentions as much as you can in a scene and if it is too big, he'll tell you to do less, but to really just go for it," West said. Young, along with much of MHS, is impressed by West's versatility on the stage. The difficulty associated with performing in dramatic, comedic and musical rolls is usually undermined. "Versatility is key in this industry. A strong actor can do all kinds of roles and has the greatest odds of getting a job. Justin has all kinds of talent and has done both serious and comedic rolls," Young said. When West enters Heidelberg college in the fall, he does not plan to major in theatre, but will not give up his acting career completely. "I'll try out for some of the plays, but I'm not going into musical theatre or acting, but I'll probably stay involved in drama for the rest of my life doing community shows and things like that," West said. Although acting will not be a career for West, he plans to major in Musical Composition, and hopes his background in the plays he has participated in will help him. Through all his experiences West knows he will miss the friendships he has made through the drama productions the most. "There's a lot I will miss, talking backstage with my friends, the excitement of putting on the show that night right before the crowd gets there and looking
out and seeing the people, and the laughs and it is great if you can make someone cry too," West said. "Just the overall experience. I'll miss my friends a lot. That's probably the main thing. I'll miss the people."
How could we forget... CLAIRE LANICCA The jack of all trades in the MHS drama department is senior Claire LaNicca. LaNicca has participated in both the acting and behind the scenes elements of theatre productions. She has been a stage manager for J.B., Inspecting Carol, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolored Dream Coat, and the recent Seussical the Musical. Apart from her numerous hours behind the stage, Claire has also had roles in Midsummer's Night Dream, Wild Honey, To Kill a Mockingbird, and The Diviners. Her accomplishments have helped the theatre department shine, and drama teacher Allen Young knows LaNicca's wide range of experience has helped her grow as a performer. "It's great that Claire has all kinds of experience and abilities. I encourage everyone to do all aspects of theatre. Claire is a better stage manager because she has acted, and a better actor because she has been a stage manager," Young said. LaNicca will attend Indiana University in the fall and plans to major in theater, focusing on backstage aspects rather than acting. Although she knows her career in the MHS drama department is over, she looks back upon her experiences with pride. "I try not to think about [leaving]. It is very bittersweet, because you have to pass it off to the juniors. As corny as it sounds, I do feel proud of what I've done because I've put countless hours in the past four years," LaNicca said. ANDREW MARLEY Although he has never performed on stage before, senior Andrew Marley's significance in the theatre department is vital. Focusing solely on technical theatre, Marley has impacted the drama department in a huge way. Beginning as an assistant stage manager his freshmen year for the musical Les Misérables, Marley's career in technical theater was never ending. Since then he has been the assistant technical director for Midsummer's Night Dream, J.B., Pirates of Penzance, Inspecting Carol, Wild Honey, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolored Dream Coat, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Diveners, and finally Seussical the Musical. Although he is unsure whether he will participate in theatre in college, his career at in technical theater at MHS has been vital. "You have a year to think about [leaving] and you learn to grow to except it," Marley said. Drama teacher Allen Young acknowledges that Marley's absence will be a significant loss for the department next year. "Andrew has a natural gift for technical aspects of theatre and that is where his strength lies. He is indispensable and will create a huge void when he graduates," Young said. - Caroline Johnson
Senior Feedback: What was the best excuse you have ever used when caught roaming the halls? "I don't have a fourth bell!" Eddie Lara
"I'm coming back from a very important appointment." Tiffany Lien
"I don't do that I'm a saint." Aaron Thompson "I'm too smooth to get caught!" Ernie Abbordeppy
“I come up with them on the spot. I don't make an excuse I small talk, you don't have to make an excuse just be nice. “ Matt Bohn
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They may not be fighting over hallway territory, but these seniors may hold the “toughest� friendships in the alleys of Mason High By Candice Philpot Chronicle Staff Writer In American society, the word "gang" is often associated with words such as: violence, crime and hate. Street gangs across the country often separate themselves by means of race and location. But after viewing their matching attire, including title-bearing t-shirts, it is apparent that the gangs of Mason High School can not be classified by these connotations. Fortunately for us, these gangsters are not considered to be violent criminals. These are the gangs of 2006. Of the hundreds of people who complete this year's senior class, four strong groups of friends have set themselves aside, giving themselves a special distinction among their class, and giving themselves a title. While The Fab Five, The Sexy Six, Q-Unit and Wolfpac feel no strong animosity towards each other, they also have one other thing in common. They have all been a part of a reliable friendship, unique in their own ways, with people who have made their senior year a memorable experience.
The Wolf Pac Long before the Class of 2006 became our senior class, six friends, Tom Loughead, Brandon Lutz, Zack Parr, Matt Partington, Harry Paul and Keil Weimer, inspired by a sports team of the past, created what can be considered one of the most well-known gangs of the Class of 2006: Wolfpac.
Although the six guys have always been friends, the formation of Wolfpac is what brought them all together. "We were mixed and matched, and then we finally joined forces, [forming Wolfpac]," member Tom Loughead said. With a unique title, some of the student body finds themselves confused as to the origin of the gang name. Member Zach Parr claims the title stemmed from an inside joke. "Wolfpac was an old wrestling group in the WCW. We started calling ourselves by it and that's how we would say 'what's up'; [Wolfpac what up?]," Parr said. The members of Wolfpac, like their rival gangs, say the formation of their group was purely for comedy. "[Our gang] is more of a joke more than anything. The Wolfpac was first out of any other group though," Parr said. The Wolfpac, who enjoy their minor celebrity created a unique way of spreading knowledge of their gang. "We made shirts and walked around with our boom box, [playing the Wolfpac wrestling group theme song], howling in the hallways," Parr said. While the Wolfpac finds themselves to be the foremost of the Gangs of 2006, they still
enjoy the others, in particular Q-Unit. "Q-Unit has been stealing our capes and wigs for years," Wolfpac member Brandon Lutz said jokingly. The guys happily take credit for the creation of the Gangs of 2006, claiming to have started the titling of groups of friends. "We definitely started the titling. Basically everything cool in this building was started by us," member Harry Paul said. Even though the six friends enjoy partaking in gang activity, they are all happy for the friendships they have gained through the Wolfpac. "I would take a bullet for any one of these guys," Parr said.
The Fab Five While The Fab Five finds themselves less prominent than their rival gangs, these five girls consider their strong friendship to be the foundation of their formation. The Fab Five, whose members include Brooke Baria, Anglea Bizzarri, Melissa Brindza, Elyse Gabel and Beth Riestenberg created themselves after hearing about their fellow gang: The Sexy Six. "We were basically talking about The Sexy Six and thought maybe we should make a group," member Melissa Brindza said. Similar to The Sexy Six, The Fab Five started their gang in jest.
"It was a joke," member Beth Riestenberg said, "We called ourselves The Fab Five in reaction to The Sexy Six." While it may seem that tension has formed between these two groups of senior girls, Riestenberg claims it to be anything but that. "I like The Sexy Six. I'm friends with some of the girls who are in it," Riestenberg said. Brindza agrees, claiming that poor gang relations do not exist. "It is good that they are able to be as close as we are. They are good friends and that is more important than anything else," Brindza said. Even though these five best friends are graduating soon, they are able to take away from their high school experience something much more important than gang involvement. "It's nice to see a group of consistent friends who are always together and it's good that people have friends that they can be that close with," Brindza said. While the girls find comic relief in the gangs which have formed within their class, they are able to benefit from their experience and know the true definition of friendship. "The truth is, you don't really need a title to have good friends," Riestenberg said.
inspired them, attracted attention from several members of the Class of 2006, one of which was Senior Patrick Dowrey. "I asked to join and they evaluated my sexiness, but it wasn't good enough," Dowrey said. While the girls were good friends before the formation of The Sexy Six, member Amber Taylor believes the gang has brought them together. "We started off as two different groups of girls and now we're sort of obsessed with each other. We have so much fun and we're always hanging out," Taylor said. The girls find humor not only in their own group, but in the formations of the others as well. "We like the other gangs. Nothing can compare [to The Sexy Six], but it's all just fun," Taylor said.
The Q-Unit The influence of rap and hip-hop music affects many aspects of our society. One Gang of 2006 has modeled its name after infamous rap group and former street gang, G-Unit. Like its fellow gang members, Q-Unit, founded by Brandon Adams, Brian Christeson, Evan Powers and Qui Tran, have made a great impression upon their class. Q-Unit was started
many students. "I would say there are at least thirty people in it, and there are a lot more who want to [join]," Tran said. While Tran is responsible for starting this Class of 2006 gang, some activity performed by Q-Unit is even unknown by himself. "[Gang members] made graffiti signs that said QUnit on it. A lot of them were hung in the bathrooms. I didn't even know about it," Tran said. Tran believes that events such as these are caused to the large amount of people participating in Q-unit, compared to other gangs. "There were people who wanted [Q-Unit] to be exclusive, but that's not [how it turned out]," Tran said. The majority of members in Q-Unit have good inter-gang relationships, despite their differences. Tran and member Evan Powers find themselves especially fond of Wolfpac. "Wolfpac is more like a puppy pac," Powers said. With their senior year coming to an end, it can be said that Q-Unit, along with the other Gangs of 2006 have played an important, and unique role on the 2005-2006 school year, and are short to be forgotten.
The Sexy Six When Kelsey Dunford, Kacyn Neu, Jessica Priessman, Kaitlyn Ries, Shannon Stratton and Amber Taylor jokingly decided to give their group of friends a title, they had no idea what kind of effect it would have on the Class of 2006. The Sexy Six formed after six best friends were inspired by the Jessica Simpson song, "These boots are made for walking." While their peers may be unaware of the groups' intentions, member Kacyn Neu claims The Sexy Six was formed just for fun. "It started off as a joke and we just kind of went with it," Neu said. After putting the name of the group onto their American Online Instant Messaging (AIM) profiles, the girls found themselves surprised when The Sexy Six began to spread through the school. "People mad fun of us, but we just laughed," Neu said. The girls, who adapted the motto "Ain't no crime in having a little fun" from the song which
primarily by Qui Tran. "Sophomore year in geometry class we were always making jokes, and then we started writing [Q-Unit] on people's planners; that's how [others] would know you were in it," Tran said. Unlike their fellow gangs, Q-Unit has an extensive following and has been open to join for
"We just wanted to say 'What's Up' to Mason High School, because there's not much going on around here," Tran said.
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Junior Carly Miller and the softball team are ready for another post season run. See story page 16.
The
William Mason High School Home of The Comets
Chronlcle
MAY 26, 2006
SPORTS Shorts
SPORTS
Senior varsity basketball player Lauren Gentene recently signed with Cedarville University to play basketball next winter. Gentene was a Gentene second team all Fort Ancient Valley Conference selection and was a two year varsity letter winner.
Diesel to play football at Trinity University Senior Andrew Diesel has committed to play football at Trinity University in Chicago, Illinois. Diesel has played offensive tackle for the past three years Diesel on varsity and received a partial scholarship to play this next fall.
Brown commits to Fairmont State to play basketball Senior Travis Brown committed to play basketball at Fairmont State in West Virginia. Brown was selected as Fort Ancient Valley Conference Athlete of the Year and first team Brown all conference. Brown led the Comets in scoring averaging 17.5 points per game and averaging 5.7 rebounds per game.
PORTS
STATS
4
The number of All Sports Trophies the MHS athletes have won consecutively.
Did you know?
Chris Rapp broke the 3,200 meter (two mile) school record with a time of 9:34.8. This 29-year-old record was previously set by Dave Campbell in 1977 with a time of 9:35.1.
V OLUME 3 I SSUE 8
Overhand vs. Underhand Even though it may appear unorthodox, fastpitch softball pitchers recover much faster than their baseball counteparts BY JOEY D'AMICO Chronicle Sports Writer
Gentene signs with Cedarville University
Senior Kelvin Pitts and the Comets finished a strong second at the FAVC meet. See story page 16.
It has become such a common occurrence in the realm of competitive baseball. A pitcher has his arm wrapped in a bag of ice in order to prevent any further soreness or injury to his arm. In essence, a pitcher with an arm injury will have limited success on the mound. However, if we look at fast pitch softball, one pitcher can pitch multiple games a week and not experience the same soreness or fatigue a baseball pitcher will experience after pitching only one game a week. Though the two games are very similar, the pitching styles are complete opposites, and one cannot help but wonder, what about the arm allows softball pitchers to be more durable than baseball pitchers?
A lot of its in the mechanics Proper mechanics are key for both baseball and softball pitchers when attempting to place velocity and spin on the ball. Though the key to both styles of pitching is originated from the legs, the mechanics are significantly different. "Pitching is 60 percent of your legs, 30 percent of your arm, and the rest is mental," varsity softball pitcher Carly Miller said. "It's basically all your legs while maintaining a good arm speed and wrist snap while driving toward the plate." While the success of a softball pitcher relies heavily on the pitcher's legs, arm speed and wrist snap, baseball pitchers focus on throwing the baseball on a downward plane. "To be successful you have to have a lively arm," varsity baseball coach Ken Gray said. "The key is getting on top of the baseball and throwing it on a downward plane while keeping your elbow above the shoulder. Having a strong leg drive is also important." Maintaining proper mechanics will have a positive impact on a pitcher's success when they take the mound. However, the slightest variation in one's mechanics can place stress on a pitcher's arm which can lead to injury. Compared to softball pitchers, baseball pitchers tend to experience more arm injuries which are a result of the arm's natural movement. "Throwing a ball underhand is a natural motion for the arm to travel," athletic trainer Sean Delfavero said. "When you throw the ball overhand the shoulder joint and muscles are put into a stressed position and the muscles groups when throwing overhand tend to be weaker than the arm muscles when throwing underhand."
The pain of pitching For a healthy baseball pitcher, fatigue is what usually removes them from a game, not injury. However, senior pitcher Mike Bottichio believes the worst day for a baseball pitcher is the day after they pitch because the pain within the arm is at its worst. "The day after I am done pitching I ice my arm two to three
times," Bottichio said. "I get knots down my back and I have a lot of elbow and shoulder pains. The arm can't handle it." Unlike Bottichio, Miller feels the pain she experiences is more psychological rather than physical. "When I was healthy I could pitch six games in a day and not experience a whole lot of pain in my arm," Miller said. "It is almost more mentally tiring than physically tiring."
Throwing different pitches A variety of pitches make up a pitcher's repertoire and deciding which pitch to throw may place stress on one's mind. However, each pitch a pitcher throws places stress on a different part of the pitcher's arm "The splitter is the hardest on my arm," Bottichio said. "The wide finger grip on the ball places a lot of stress on my shoulder and elbow." While Bottichio feels stress placed on his shoulder and elbow from throwing off-speed pitches, Miller says her off-speed pitches place stress on her wrist and forearm instead of the shoulder and elbow. "My curve ball and rise ball put the most stress on my arm because it is the least natural," Miller said. "The more spin that is on the ball the better the pitch is. However, it is worse on my wrist and forearm." Because the arm's natural motion is underhand as opposed to over hand, softball pitchers experience less injuries than baseball pitchers. While the overhand motion places more stress on a baseball pitcher's shoulder, the lack of shoulder strength in the pitcher's shoulder is also a contributing factor to the arm injuries they experience.
Arm Trouble "The main reason there is a lot more arm trouble in baseball is the lack of strength and conditioning of the rotator cuff muscles in the shoulder," Delfavero said. "Most high school kids do not warm their arm up properly before going out and throwing the ball as hard as they can. The less strength there are in the muscles, the greater the chance of getting tendonitis and having muscle tears. Injuries are a risk an athlete takes when competing at a level that places a lot of stress on their body. Baseball and softball are no exception to this either. While an arm injury is the most common type of injury for a baseball and softball player, there are steps that can be made to reduce the likelihood of experiencing an arm injury. "Before games, a good warm-up jog is good to do in order to loosen up the muscles," Delfavero said. "Warm up with some nice soft tossing and do a little bit of long tossing to warm up the arm and follow it with extensive stretching of the shoulder joint. Following a game, ice should be placed on the shoulder and elbow to reduce inflammation." With the baseball and softball season having a little over a month to play around thirty games, these two teams play everyday. While Bottichio usually pitches one game a week, he admits he enjoys not being able to pitch everyday because of the high demand it places on his body. For Miller, she enjoys having time off to rest, but on the other hand, she likes being on the field day after day. "I like being in the game all of the time," Miller said. "It keeps me focused and involved and it is fun when you are doing well."
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May 26, 2006
Girls claim another FAVC title, boys finish second BY BROOKE BARIA Chronicle Sports Editor As their high school track careers abruptly come to an end, the girl’s track team have once again claimed the Fort Ancient Valley Conference for the fourth consecutive year. Before the event, the team was confident that they were capable of performing well based on their season. Junior Stephanie Starsenic credited the sprinters for the team’s strengths this year. “I think we have a really strong team this year and our sprinters have really gotten stronger which will help us gain points,” Starsenic said. The Lady Comets ran away with the meet scoring 198 points as Loveland finished second with 135.5 points. The 3200 meter relay team of seniors Angela Bizzarri and Kelsey Flaherty and junior Stephanie Starsenic and freshman Emily Starsenic set a new record with a time of 8:02.2 breaking the Kings record set in 2001. Bizzarri was also named FAVC Athlete of the Year. Dartmouth bound senior Elyse Gabel also won the 400 meter dash with a time of 1:00.50 claiming first team all conference. Gabel, junior Angela Koehler , sophomore Katie Fulton and freshman Molly Culbertson won the 1600 meter relay by ten seconds over Anderson. With the league meet coming to an end and post sea-
son approaching, the girl’s track team has high expectations. “I think we have a really good chance at winning. Our field events have grown so much and the chemistry on our team is really good which will give us a good shot because we all support one another,” Starsenic said. On the boy’s side the Comets were unseated as FAVC champs by Winton Woods. The Comets finished a closed second place led by the always consistent Chris Rapp. Rapp, a senior who plans on running for the University of Tennessee next year, finished third in the one mile and first in the second mile and senior Mike Kelly placed second in the 800 meter run. Kelly and Rapp also contributed to the Comet win in the 3200 meter relay along with juniors Matt Baute and Aleq Whitt with a time of 8:08.20. Besides doing well in the track events, senior Nick Carey contributed to the boy’s second place finish at the league meet. Carey captured the pole vault event clearing 11'06.00" after finishing second in last year’s meet. Because of this Carey was named to first team All FAVC With the leadership from seniors Rapp, Kelly and Chronicle Sports Photo by Josh Geiger Carey, the boys hope to continue their success on to the Junior Stephanie Starsenic completes the first leg for the state tournament. Comets as the girls won their 4x800 meter race at the Mason Invitational.
Fastpich team settles for second turns Boy’s volleyball team looks optimistically attention to another post season run "Every part of our game is better toward the future B M T Y
ORRISON
RACY
Chronicle Sports Writer
Chronicle Sports Photo by Josh Geiger
Senior Colleen Casey leads her team and FAVC in home runs and is ranked third in the FAVC in runs batted in.
Over the past three seasons, Mason softball has firmly established that they are a force to be reckoned with. Wining three straight Fort Ancient Valley Conference titles is no simple task but the ladies simply dominated their opponents. For 2006 there was no disappointment with a 17-7 overall finish, however, the Comets fell short of winning their fourth crown in four years to Harrison by one game. Head coach Brian Castner is pleased with the finish and just wants the ladies to stay focused come tournament time. "We really need to improve on focusing on whatever game we are currently in," Castner said., "We can not afford to look toward the future otherwise we will fall short." The Ladies won their district tournament opener on May 10 beating FAVC foe Winton Woods 15-1. Castner attributed most of their success this season to the good team chemistry on and off the field.
with our team chemistry," Castner said, "and it all starts with out seniors who have been huge for us all season." Senior first basemen Colleen Casey has hit .487 in the regular season and has an FAVC leading four homeruns. "There isn't enough to say about how well our seniors handled the situation this season," Castner said. "They stepped up when needed to and delivered when called upon." Junior Carly Miller has been the Comets ace on the mound all season throwing 88 innings while maintaining a noteworthy 1.43 earned run average. Miller also had 11 wins which is among the league leaders. "The pitching, hitting, and base running is all there for us," Castner said, “We just need to keep executing in order to make a run in the tournament." The Lady Comets have won their first two games in the post season. In thie first game, the girls dominantly defeated the Winton Woods Warriors 15-1. In their second game, the girls were victorious over Sycamore 9-0.
BY DREW ALLEN Chronicle Sports Writer Over the past few years, the Mason Boys Volleyball team has not had much of a chance to develop familiarity in the program. They've had a different coach every season, and this season they have only one returning varsity player. Nonetheless, this has not kept them from being competitive this season. "We have a very young team, and only one person is returning from last year’s varsity team," Head Coach Paul Melnick said. "However, as a whole this entire team has done a great job being very competitive in almost every game." The Comets, who have a posted a 4-15 record against top area teams such as Oak Hills and Fairfield, also do not rely on a single star, but multiple players that each serve an significant and vital role. "Mike Marquardt, our setter, has been the most consistent all around player, at the toughest position. [He] plays his heart out every game," Melnick said. "Jordan Heatherly and Brian Norris are also our best hitters. When they get a great set they can hit the ball as well as anybody in the city. Dave Fritz and Adam Garland are our best passers and defensive players. Both of these players have made big plays all season."
Senior Feedback: What will you miss most about the sport you played at MHS?
“Not a lot” Mike Whipkey
“Playing in front of classmates and the atmosphere. I took pride playing for Mason and was close to all my teammates.” Andrew Moore
“The breakfast after first Saturday practices with Waffle Huose and Panera. It’s all free.” Kelvin Pitts
“The group of people I’m with everyday and the coaches that have helped support us through the years.” Angela Bizzarri
“Playing on Friday nights in front of a lot of people under the lights.” Andy Krusling
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The
CHRONICLESports
May 26, 2006
End of school year means the end to many athlete’s careers BY JOEY D'AMICO Chronicle Sports Writer Organized sports have become a prominent outlet for students and adults alike, but with the rigorous methods of training and the commitment that is expected, many student athletes have found their once rampant passion for their sport reduced to a simple enjoyment. In the years leading up to high school, the level of commitment a sport demands of an athlete can be a meager one practice and game per week. However, once an athlete enters into the realm of high school athletics, the daily schedule and time commitment is amped and as a result this can push athletes away from their sport. Former baseball player Jeff Lefeld found himself quickly becoming tired of the game after his sophomore year. "Practicing six days a week can be tiring and after so many years it gets old," senior Jeff Lefeld said. "With so much practice I would rather go out and play intramurals. It would be so much more fun." Not only do high school athletics place a high demand on athletes, but the grueling schedule and time commitment fall, winter, and summer leagues place on the athlete can also drain the passion athletes have for their sport. "You play so much during the summer ball season that it just takes up so much of your time," Lefeld said. "You play so many games in such a small amount of time that
it gets too political and competitive to be fun." Currently, there are 7.6 million athletes participating in high school athletics in the United States. In a similar statistic, there are only 360,000 athletes participating in NCAA intercollegiate athletics. With only 4.7 percent of high school athletes continuing their career into college, high school athletes need to be among the elite in their sport to be given a chance to compete at the collegiate level. While some high school athletes are presented with the rare opportunity to compete in college, others, such as senior swimmer Sarah Griffiths are simply burned out and choose not continue their athletic career into college. "Miami, Eastern Carolina, Dennison, and Emory have showed interest in me," senior swimmer Sarah Griffiths said. "I've been swimming for about thirteen years and I am so ready to be done. I don't enjoy it as much as I did when I was younger." A high school athlete can't help but feel overwhelmed when trying to balance athletics with academics, and as high school athletes approach college, the time commitment placed on collegiate athletics becomes a deciding factor for high school athletes not to pursue their athletic ability in college. "Having 2-3 practices a day in college would be hard to balance with school," senior volleyball player Beth Riestenberg said. "If it's hard now, I can't imagine what it would be like in college."
As freshman, many high school athletes have the determination of playing in college but as they progress through their high school career, athletic interest and determination take the backseat to academics and pursuing a successful future. "I told myself since freshman year I was going to run in college but during my junior and senior year, I started not liking the sport as much," senior track runner Mike Kelly said. "Track is a huge commitment and I would have to be at practice for many hours a day and my parents and I decided I should focus on academics first." While students still have a strong desire to play their sport in college, the decision to play at the collegiate level or attend the school of their choice remains a tough decision for athletes. "Ohio State is the school I want to go to but the way their volleyball program was handling things didn't give me a good vibe," Riestenberg said. "I like the volleyball program at The University of Cincinnati but I don't like the school. Overall, I think the school is more important." While high school athletes with the potential to play in college are opting not to pursue their athletic career at the next level, they aren't completely eliminating the sport from their life because of the strong tie they still have to it. "I think it would be too hard to stop playing completely, so I will keep playing for fun but not at the collegiate level," Riestenberg said.
Girls lacrosse team looks to win state, boys continue to improve Baseball teams plans to continue BY MATT SCRUTA Chronicle Sports Writer Only three years ago, the Mason lacrosse program was brand new to the district. Three years later, lacrosse has developed into the most rapidly-growing sport in Mason. The growth of the lacrosse program can be attested by the success of the girls lacrosse team. Led by Coach Paul Limpert, the girls have won thirteen games while losing only three. "We were nervous at first because we didn't know what to expect," two-year veteran Kaitlin Moore said. "After the first week, we really clicked and realized how good we could be." Leading the Comets in scoring is junior Erin Swigert. Swigert leads the team in goals and assists with 48 and 16, respectively. Senior Caitlin Camacho is second on the team with 40 goals scored. Seniors Kelly Chanatry, Moore, and Kaitlin Mather round out the deep Comet offense. A fresh approach on offense has contributed to their 13-3 record. "We rely on the team rather than the individual," Camacho said. "We're passing the ball to everyone. It makes everyone pay attention rather that the one that's on the goal." A solid defense and tremendous team chemistry have increased the level at which the Comets perform. "We all get along really well," Camacho said. "We all encourage each other on the field." A 5-4 victory over a quality Lakota squad provides credibility as the team looks to improve upon an impressive runner-up finish at the 2005 state championships. "Our goal is to win state finals," Camacho said. "It's nice because we've gotten that far last year and shown people what we're about." The Regional Finals will be held on May 25th at Summit
Country Day. The Comets have also earned home-field advantage at the Stat Championships held June 2nd and 3rd. "Our expectations [at championships] are high because of last year," Chanatry said. "We need to take it one game at a time and not get too far ahead of ourselves." While the girls lacrosse team looks forward to another run at the state championships, the boys lacrosse team is focused on developing talent for long-term goals. Led by secondyear coach Randy Hubbard, the boys have posted a 5-11 record. "Our goal [at the start of the season] was to make sure that every kid got better," Hubbard said. "We've done that, but we've had injuries, and some of the bigger teams have beaten up on us a little bit." Leading the Comets is senior Ryan Britenriker. Britenriker leads the team with 26 goals scored. Senior Matt Bohn leads the team in assists with 12, and sophomore Justin Mahoney has emerged as a scoring threat. The Comets have potential, but impatience has been a problem for the Comets. "[On offense] we end up trying to score too quickly," Britenriker said. "We need to slow it down because when we don't score, we end up playing defense." Some aspects of the game need improvement, but other aspects have impressed Hubbard. "Our defense and goalie have been our strengths," Hubbard said. "Our goalie has been a pleasant surprise after losing who played there last year." Patrolling the goal for the Comets is junior Eric Ebersole, who has 177 saves in his first-year as the starter. "We need to work on our individual skills and recruit kids that play other sports," Hubbard said. The Mason lacrosse program has come a long way in its three years of existence, and the development of the lacrosse program should continue into the near future.
winning ways in the post season BY MORRISON TRACY Chronicle Sports Writer What a difference a season makes. After finishing with an 11-17 record last season the Mason Comet baseball team turned in an impressive regular season record of 20-7 to cap off an amazing turnaround. Their 11-3 conference record solidified a strong second place showing two games behind league champ, Loveland. Strong senior leadership, impressive young talent, and timely clutch hitting has been the Comets calling card all season. Junior outfielder Chase Conn finished the season with a .381 batting average and nine RBI's. "Everyone is getting along well and we are doing the little things that help you win games," Conn said. Junior pitcher Josh Murphy who turned in a solid season credits teams chemistry for the turn around. "For the team having 25 guys on it, I think we all came together and meshed well," Murphy said, "Everybody is everybody's friend and that's how it should be." Murphy has put up stellar numbers on the mound posting an astonishing .58 earned run average through 24 innings pitched. After knocking off Edgewood in the opening round of the Division sectional tournament the Comets sent Lakota East packing on with an 8-5 victory behind homeruns by Kyle Weldon, Brian Porter and Mike Bottichio. Weldon believes the team’s improvement and cohesiveness could make for a rewarding tournament run in May. "We just need to stay focused on the task ahead," Weldon said, "I think that's the most important thing as we go into tournament time but we also need to continue hitting and pitching well."
Senior Feedback: What is your favorite sports memory as an athlete for MHS?
“Walking out of the curtains and tunnel at the state tournament in Columbus.” Eddie Suess
“We didn’t think we’d beat Anderson at the league meet and we did, making it our third consecutive title.” Sarah Griffiths
“When Brooke and I finished playing nine and Lauren Riley and Kelsey Nelson ate all of the sandwiches and drank all the gatorade. We made the bus driver stop because we had eaten crab apples on the course and were dying.” Emily Sweetman
“When we played Anderson our senior year and went into double overtime and won.” Ryan Britenriker
“My team. We really had good chemistry this year.” Beth Riestenberg
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The
CHRONICLESports
Gameday Rituals
“
Stephanie Starsenic, Junior Varsity Track
May 26, 2006 Peanut butter fires Starsenic up!
I have to have peanut butter the day of the race, a pria bar, power gel and the rest of the team and I always write on our left arm. Ialways listen to the Eye of the Tiger.
”
- Compiled by Drew Allen
How I got Started... The Chronicle wants to know how you got started playing your sport...
“I started in seventh grade because it was fun and something to do. I also met a lot of cool people doing it.”
Campus Scene Spring Sport Stars In this month’s College Watch we are checking on a former Mason High School student-athlete.
Jessica McCann: Class of 2004 Jessica McCann who was a 2004 graduate of Mason High School is in her sophomore season of varsity at golf Bowling Green State University. Finishing eighth of eighty four golfers at the Illini Spring Classic helped notch McCann's first ever Mid American Conference Player of the Week award. At the Illini Spring Classic, McCann shot a Bowling Green State career best 75 on University Facts day two, less than 24 hours after she Nickname: Falcons McCann shot a 77 on the first Colors: Orange and White day of the tournament. The 152 she shot on both days Conference: Mid American surpassed her career best of 154, Conference which she shot at the Northern Famous Alumni: Illinois Spring Invitational where she Tim Conway, Nate Thurmond, finished second. Orel Hershiser, Rob Blake, Scott McCann was quite an athlete in Hamilton high school, winning seven varsity letters in softball and golf. She was named Player of the Year by the Ohio Golf Course Owners Association, as well as three All City and All Fort Ancient Valley Conference first team selections.
Jon Ahlers, Senior Varsity Tennis - Compiled by Matt Hunter
- Compiled by Drew Allen
Senior Feedback: If you could say one last thing to your coach what would it be?
“Thanks for all the hard work! It’s been great!” Faith Juillerat
“See ya buddy!” Tyler Davis
The home of Mason Comet Bowling & The Mason High School Fun Bowling League
“Thanks for making us run so blasted much!” Lauren Gentene
“I’m too good for this team! Peace!” Dan Rist
”I would have to tell Gray to get a day planner or something so that we don’t miss our games.” Mark Lakas
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The
CHRONICLE
May 26, 2006
Aponte’s Pizzeria COLLEEN CASEY, SOFTBALL, SENIOR Senior Colleen Casey has made her mark this season leading her team to a second place finish in the Fort Ancient Valley Conference. The Lady Comets have an overall 17-7 record (at press time) and 12-2 in the FAVC. In their most recent post season game Casey led the Comets to a 15-1 victory over the Winton Woods Warriors. Casey is second in the league with a .487 batting average. Along with this standing, she is the FAVC leader in home runs totaling four thus far in the season. Finally, Casey is third with 31 runs batted in this year. She is a three year varsity letter winner for the Lady Comets leading the Comets to a top two finish in the FAVC the past three seasons. Because of her accomplishments, The Chronicle and Aponte’s Pizzeria are proud to present Colleen Casey as the May Athlete of the Month.
APONTE’S PIZZERIA & FAMILY RESTAURANT WHERE ALL OF OUR PIZZA IS HAND TOSSED NEW JERSEY STYLES ITALIAN ICE SIXTEEN FLAVORS Carry Out & Delivery Menu We charge for delivery (sorry, gas prices) We accept all major credit cards No personal checks 753 Reading Road, Mason Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday 12 p.m.-9 p.m. Minimum Delivery is $7.00 + Delivery Charge (513) 336-7400
10% off your next visit to Aponte’s Pizzeria with your student ID.
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The
CHRONICLEViews
May 26, 2006
STAFF POLICY The Chronicle is the official student newspaper of William Mason High School. The Chronicle is produced by students enrolled in Journalism I, II, and III. Editorials reflect the staff’s opinion but do not neccesarily reflect the opinions of the school administration or the Mason City School District. The Chronicle is published monthly. Call 398-5025 ext. 33110 for information regarding advertising in The Chronicle. The Chronicle reserves the right to refuse advertising we deem inappropriate for a high school publication. As an open forum for students, letters to the editor are welcome, but are subject to be edited for length, libel, obscentiy, clarity, and poor taste. Letters to the editor may be dropped off in room C110 and must be signed. The Chronicle is a member of The Columbia Scholastic Press Association, The National Scholastic Press Association, Quill and Scroll International Honorary Society for High School Journalists, and the Journalism Association for Ohio Schools.
CONTACT INFORMATION The Chronicle William Mason High School 6100 S. Mason Montgomery Rd. Mason, Ohio 45040 398-5025
THE CHRONICLE STAFF Editor Olga Borodulin Associate Editor Stephanie Visscher Sports E ditor Brooke Baria Business M anager Kelsey Flaherty Logistics M anager Michelle Rotbart Editorial C artoonist Peter Springsteen Staff P hotographers Michelle Rotbart Josh Geiger Rebecca Ziegler Sharon Stewart Technical a nd G raphic Assistants Matt Vollet Josh Geiger Staff W riters Drew Allen Joey D’Amico Caroline Johnson Matt Hunter Matt Partington Candice Philpot Matt Scruta Rachel Slezak Sharon Stewart Morrison Tracy Danielle Williams Rebecca Ziegler Business S taff Danielle Williams Michelle Rotbart Adviser Mr. Dale Conner
STAFF EDITORIAL
Well, now its time to see if we’ve learned anything Sunday, at around 6 p.m., seniors will never have to set foot into Mason High School again. A new chapter of their lives will unfold, opening its brilliance and versatility to them. In a crowded room of over 600 they will receive a paper that will acknowledge that they are now free to make their own decisions. They are free to change what they choose. They are free to make choices on their own. But some may lose this freedom even before the summer ends. Many times we've seen a report on a dead student who crashed because of a drunk driver, or had a life taken away because of not wearing his or her seat belt. Looking back on the first issue of The Chronicle, the detrimental effect that Mrs. Armstrong's death had on the student body was evident. However, the rest of the year
LETTER
TO THE
has lingered in a silence with not a single alcohol related death. The most prevalent time for student crashes is during prom, yet we returned unscathed. We've yet to see another death, and we hope it's because we, as a student body and community, have learned. After watching our teachers and friends faces plastered on news programs, we've learned the irreversible consequences of losing a life and a future. But the true test of our knowledge will come this summer, after our seniors leave and our underclassmen move up in the hierarchy of high school. Second to prom in teen deaths is graduation season. In the frenzy of freedom and the attitude of getting one last hoorah before college, students attempt to fill any void of lack of partying, and now, they can do so. However, few students heed the warn-
ings of their administrators and teachers during the summer. The spirit of freedom pulsingthrough their veins, invigorating their summers with hopes of new memories, and forcing them in a worryless nature. Math Department Head Jonothan Sauer knows this all too well. He's seen what he refers to as "bright, kind kids" walk out with diploma in hand, and two days later, their funeral is being planned. Similarly, we can't possibly infer what this summer may result in. However, we do know that during this school year we suffered far less casualties to alcohol. This school year was a mark of our growth. Our understanding of our consequences. Our choice to be responsible. For the future, we can only hope that this is one thing we will not change.
EDITOR
1956 grad offers class of ‘06 some friendly advice I am a Mason High School graduate of 1956. This year our class will be celebrating our 50th class reunion and anniversary in May. Our plan for this reunion will be to have a dinner, a tour of our original high school, which was located where the present administration offices for the school system are now located and a tour of the present high school. We will top the festivities off with a picnic at a classmate's home. Thought the class of 2006 might be interested in some brief history and facts when we graduated. 1.)The entire school system was comprised of close to 500 students. 2.)All classes from Kindergarten on up were held in the school facilitates where the Administration building and present Early Childhood Center are now located. 3.)The graduating class of 1956 was comprised of 37. There are 31 of us still living. 4.)Our class motto was "Tough as nails, hard as bricks, that's the class of 56." Sounds sort of corny now but it meant something to us. 5.)Going to college was a luxury as only people who could afford it were able to attend. Student loans, grants and other
ways to now for school were not available. Some of our classmates went on to college. 6.)Most students who graduated at that time either went to work in companies such as Ford Motor Co., General Motors or local companies in the area. Also, some stayed on the farms they grew up on or entered the Armed Forces. 7.)The only sports programs we had were baseball in the Fall, basketball in the Winter and track in the Spring. The same coach (Walter Dwire as in Dwire Field) had all three sports and boys were only involved. Basketball was the main sport and the community would show great support at the Tuesday and Friday night games. 8.)Girls were only involved in Cheerleading or the music area comprised of band or singing in he high school chorus. 9.)We had two school buses (driven by teachers) and if you did have an automobile, it was because you had a job. Jobs were scarce and farming was a main source of income for the residence surrounding the Village of Mason. 10.)Spring Break was never considered and students got out of school around the end of May.
I write this because the Mason School system has changed so dramatically over the past 50 years and for the better I might add. You have been fortunate to have taken many courses and been involved in many activities that were never available 50 years ago or even 25 years ago that help prepare you for the future in whatever area you may look towards. Take advantage of the future in a way that will lead you in the right direction. You have been given some of the tools to succeed and many more will soon follow. Life's journey is like driving a car. You get in and start it up, put it in gear and go forward. Stay on the right side of the road and obey all of the signs you approach, as they mean something or they wouldn't have been put there for you. The road is long, winding and has its ups and downs. Since this road is long, you may tend to veer towards the other side on occasions, but you can always bring yourself back to where you should be so that you can continue on your life's journey. The class of 1956 wishes the class of 2006 the very best in the present and future. Don Williams Class of 1956 Mason High School
The
May 26, 2006 Oh ‘The Places’ the seniors will go!
CHRONICLEViews
The importance of giving a graduation goodbye
“Congratulations! Today is your day. You're off to Great Places! You're off and away! You have brains in your head, You have feet in your shoes, You can steer YOURSELF, Any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.” It appears as if Theodore Geisel, AKA Dr. Seuss, was preparing a graduation speech in his last book, Oh The Places You'll Go. While Dr. Seuss used rhymes and imagery to entertain us in favorites like, Green Eggs and Ham and Hop on Pop, this book takes a fun, but serious message to encourage YOU to find the successes that lies within YOURSELF! In my final farewell, I want you to ask yourself "What is success?" Webster's defines success as the achievement of something desired, planned, or attempted. While many reach that achievement, they still don't consider themselves "successful". Why? Many measure success by wealth, power, or fame. However, if you use these attributes as indicators of success, you probably will never consider yourself successful either, for these are measurements that others have set as the standard for success. Microsoft cofounder, Bill Gates, is the richest man in the world, with his fortune an estimated 450 BILLION dollars. However, he recently stated in Newsweek "I wish I wasn't the richest. There is nothing good that comes out of that". Kurt Cobain, lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist of the 1990's band Nirvana, after becoming an international celebrity, stated "Famous is the last thing I wanted to be." This quote came one year before he committed suicide. I also doubt that the cooking, gardening, and home improvement guru, Martha Stewart, who happened to be voted as one of MSN's Most Powerful American Women, felt power and success during her five-month incarceration. So, if wealth, power, or fame don't necessarily deem success, I ask you "When will you consider YOURSELF successful?" The answer should lie within you. After years of searching, you will probably find the indicator to success will be happiness, and no one else can set the standard for your own happiness. Now, enjoy your journey, and allow your passions to drive you to success. It is only there that you will find happiness. No matter what your name is, YOU are off to great places for TODAY IS YOUR DAY! Your mountain is waiting. I wish YOU, the Class of 2006, the best of luck in finding success through happiness! So, off on your way!! Debbie Gentene Business teacher Marion Franklin High School class of '78
I wore a thin red paper gown and white shoes with a bow on the heel to my high school graduation. It was 310 degrees in the gymnasium, and I was sitting next to the girl I sat next to in homeroom since 10th grade. She was black and I was white, and since it was the late 60's, we agreed not to talk to each other much even though we liked each other. It wasn't a good idea in her crowd, Cheryl said, so we had a friendship of looks and nods. We were nodding and looking at each other, dripping with perspiration and listening to the scrappy band play "Pomp and Circumstance", and I was reflecting on my 8th grade graduation when I had agreed to play the piano for the processional. I should never have agreed because as often as I practiced "Pomp and Circumstance", I never got the hang of it, and I had to repeat the easy parts over and over, and almost none of the parts were easy. The parade of 8th graders was a slow half halting stream that went forever, and I kept thumping out the first page of the music, and even on the first page I had to leave out the left hand sometimes when it got too complicated. I was thinking about that and thinking about my aborted friendship with Cheryl as the last of my 500 or so classmates sat down on the metal chairs with black stenciled numbers on the backs. The dean of women was sitting up on the stage giving us the eye. She had taught us how to sit in our graduation gowns and most of us were probably not following procedure. We were supposed to cross our right ankles over our left ankles, making sure our knees were covered somehow which was difficult in miniskirts. We also practiced sitting down on the floor by sliding our right legs way under our left legs and easing into a sit position. I guess the sit position was for some sort of sitting emergency in case they ran out of the metal fold up chairs in the gym, or maybe that part of graduation practice was preparing us for life. Since I was a class officer or scholar or speaker of some sort, I was sitting up front and the ankle cross was important in the front row. Mrs. Brandenburg was demonstrating the correct form in her red suit and not smiling. We were all poor kids and mostly not going to college, so there was a good chance that there would be some upsets in the gym during the long call of names, but I couldn't see any of it since I was up front, and I couldn't hear any of it since giant fans were blowing hot air all over the place. After the speeches and the diplomas, we poured into the sun and stood around without direction since fancy graduation parties became the norm in the 80's. I stood with my only friend Reiffy for a picture. She was leaving for California where she would later name her children Rosemary and Thyme, and raise eucalyptus. She was a hippie. Graduation has not changed that much. The gowns are still made of paper. You'll still wear unusual shoes, and you'll stand next to your friends in pictures. The band won't be scrappy though, and your friends won't be hippies, and Mrs. Brandenburg won't be sitting on the stage. But your best friend may leave like mine did, and you'll have some friendship regrets like mine, and you'll be sitting up front or off in the back, but that part won't matter much 40 year later. What will matter is that you get a goodbye like Holden did. I got one. I hope you do too. Anne Helwig Honors English III teacher Garfield High School class of '68
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What I learned about life from... T
eamwork makes anything possible-even making it through four years of high school and, Teenagers are more fun than adults. H aving good hearing is not always a good thing and, Having your driver's license should not be taken for granted. E veryone is unique and should be valued and, Everything you do must be done with a lot of patience and kindness.
C
rying over a failed relationship is not worth the tears and, Cooking is not always as easy as it should be. L earning takes place inside and outside of the classroom and, Leaving a classroom of seniors alone with a large box or access to the projector remote is not a good idea. A friend never leaves your side, especially if you change over the years and, Always say things once in your head when talking to seniors before saying them aloud. S uccess is more than just passing tests and, getting good grades and 'Snakes on a Plane' is a real movie. S uccess is not about how much money you make, but about how satisfied you are at the end of a day.
O
vercoming obstacles molds an individual and, Only laughing once an hour is not possible when in the presence of the Class of '06. F orgiving is not easy for anyone and, Freshman can change a lot in four years, and usually for the better!
0
% equals not attempting to succeed and, 0 is the amount of days you will not enjoy time spent with the senior class. 6 White Castle Cheeseburgers is a well balanced dinner and 6 is the number of times you must repeat directions to a group of seniors with Senioritis. Over four years I have learned more than I could ever expect from a group of students. I have learned to appreciate life more because of this graduating class, and I will miss the daily reminder of that. The Class of '06 will be a successful one, and I look forward to watching these seniors accomplish some amazing things. I only hope that we all have learned a little something from this group of students so that we will never forget the Class of '06. Emily Shiverski Health teacher
Senior Feedback Question: If you could change one thing about your high school experience what would it be?
"I would be nice to all the little, little people under me." Toria Vinegar
"To not get involved in so much gossip." Stephanie Mclintosh
Senior Feedbacks compiled by Michelle Rotbart, Sharon Stewart and Danielle Williams
"I would make more friends; I wish I knew people better. Don't judge, be friends with everyone!" Matt Wikof
"I would have worked more on my golf game!" Evan Powers
"Not having so many tardies." Kaitlyn Abbas
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May 26, 2006
CHRONICLE
MASON CITY SCHOOLS WISHES
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NATIONAL AND STATE AWARD WINNERS OF 2005-2006 ACADEMIC NATIONAL QUALIFIERS
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit." Aristotle HANDWRITING CHAMPIONSHIP David Liao OHIO MATH LEAGUE Dennis Tseng QUILL AND SCROLL INTERNATIONAL Olga Borodulin SPEECH AND DEBATE Shalini Goyal AMERICAN SCHOLASTIC PRESS ASSOCIATION Olga Borodulin ACADEMIC STATE QUALIFIERS DESTINATION IMAGINATION Camille Borders Anna Carley Mychelle Davey Jacqueline Gazda Claire Getter Emma Green Lindsey Haver Corinne Hazen Colleen Kennedy Amanda Matson Kendall Murphy Kayleigh O'Leary Kelsey Owens Emily Pellot Tyler Phillips Alec Reuter Hailey Spencer Angela Vettikkal
MOCK TRIAL Ian Brastauskas Brent Burnett Kevin Harrison Evan Leeson Lee Li Will Miller
OHIO COUNCIL OF TEACHERS MATHEMATICS, OHIO INVITATIONAL MATHEMATICS OLYMPIAD, USA MATH OLYMPICS, AND OHIO MATH LEAGUE Tong Zhan
OHIO INVITATIONAL MATHEMATICS OLYMPIAD Zhi Yuan Lu OHIO MATH LEAGUE Tom Grant Prithvi Jami Rohit Rao Josh Wang USA MATH OLYMPICS Raymond Tan POWER OF THE PEN Nisarg Bakshi Austin Brune Alyssa Howard Claire Molitors Benna Raghavendran Chelsea Voorhis Josh Wang Jessica Zhang QUILL AND SCROLL INTERNATIONAL JOURNALISM HONOR SOCIETY Brooke Baria Joey D'Amico Josh Geiger Michelle Rotbart Stephanie Visscher Matt Vollet
T.J. Neumann Porus Prakash Namratha Sandella Mubashira Sarnaik Raymond Tan Margaret Zhang ART NATIONAL QUALIFIERS SCHOLASTIC ART AND WRITING Brielle Giovis Julia Hustedt Kana Minami Michelle Newell
“Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” Martin Luther King Jr.
SPEECH AND DEBATE Sarah Avery Jeff Bieszczak Nik Chatla Ryan Cieker Matt D'Auria Shea Davidson David Ernest
“Be not afraid of greatness; some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them.” William Shakespeare Dennis Furia Kashi Goyal Danielle Grage Kelly Loughead Jennifer Miller Danny Snider Carly Wells Speech and Debate Yiling Wu Bobby Yu STATE SCIENCE FAIR Alexandria Behne Alexander Chernyakhovsky Nouran Enany Shaista Mallik John McIntosh
Gina Scibetta Drew Shields
BEL CANTO Maureen Adaghebalu Megan Bracher Melissa Brindza Melissa Brittain Lindsey Brown Chirstina Burton Ewa Cabaj Kristi Calvert Christie Carmichael Lauren Caserta Jennifer Clay Veronica Cordero Nicole Croley Mindy Crummit Stephanie Denzel Jessie Donaldson Eva Duvall Katie Fulton Diana Gabriel Kristina Geiger Jacqui Germain Kaitlin Goodhew Kayla Greenstone Courtney Gunn Abby Haynes Megan Jack Brittany Johnson Amanda King Lara King Shelby Knapke Julianna Langmajer Bree McDonald Maryann Meyer Barbara Napier
Kiley Nolan Brittany Palmer Katie Parrott Natalie Pfennig Courtney Reeves Abby Scaggs Sara Schuessler Katie Sepela Kaitlyn Spangenberg Lindsay Stetler Melissa Stout Cecilia Suarez Amy Turpin Jill Vincent Amanda Wakeley Jamie Williams Elani Wilson
CONCERT BAND Scott Abernathy Tim Alcorn Aaron Allen Caitlin Allen Jasmine Allen Justin Avery Jennifer Beckman Andrea Beltran Megan Bennett Dan Bernhard Zach Blair Aaron Boyle Connor Bradley Laura Brignole Leah Bromley Jeff Brown Emma Cevasco Mandy Chiara Tiff Coleman Laura Beth Cook Alex Court Christina D'Amico Emily Dearworth Amy Drake Jake Dugan Corey Dunson Richie Eckenrode Nick Farrell Nathan Fisher Brian Fitzgerald Jared Forst Bria Garner Jacob Gibson Chris Glover Nick Granitz Ben Griffis Graeme Guinup
“The secret of joy in work is contained in one word - excellence. To know how to do something well is to enjoy it.” Pearl S. Buck Shelby Hamet Lauren Heslop Cody Holzmiller Michelle Howard Madelaine Hudson Zohair Hussain
Katie Jurman Brent Kane Jared Kolwyck Jeremy Lee Nirupa Manohar Ashley Martin David Martin Cara Maxwell Alex May Whitney McCoy Andrea McWhirter David Miller Ian Molitors Matt Montes Shannon Niehaus Brandon Nolan Jesse Patton Robert Peterson Matt Probel Alec Prusinski Chris Ragnacci Whitney Rohr Dan Romine Dan Sileo Adam Soliman Sarah Soliman Katie Stigers Molly Stothard Greg Symington
“It's not what you take but what you leave behind that defines greatness.” Edward Gardner Jackie Tesorero Demetrios Trester Wil Troescher Samantha Turjanica Matt Tyler Matt Van Slyke Ray Wang Andy Weaver Grant Westrich Yling Wu GOVERNOR’S YOUTH ART Exhibit Caitlin Burke Dustin Fawcett Elizabeth Hail Justin Hoffman Chris Johns Ali Rice Morgan Wilson HONORS CONCERT CHOIR Michael Ablordeppey Jocelyn Aden Michael Albondante Sarah Avery Jessica Baldwin Ashley Barnette Austin Bender Melissa Brittain Philip Buttram Traci Carryl Darien Cooper Becky Crabtree Brittany Crump
Nick Elliott Ryan Fitzpatrick Travis Forst Elyse Gabel
If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude. Colin Powell Nick Greenier Jen Greer Allison Hardman Tiffanie Heile Jon Lamm Kelsey Lenert Brandon Lutz Becky Lyon Nicolle Maurer Ashley McCall Ashley Merritt Stephanie Miller Heather Miner Elle Muhlbaum Caitlin Mulkie Meri Nagapetyan Alex Ogungbemi Andrea Pendell Kyle Raffel Jenna Rich Jessica Sanders Brittany Savoy Stephanie Schaffner Hope Sepela Kerri Shaefer Adam Smith Kaitlyn Spangenberg Megan Spillers Adam Stang Eric Storm Stephanie Tokarz Jennifer Tuell Luke Turner Louis Uecker Sara Vanlandingham Ben Villanyi Lindsay Waide Justin West Kelsey Whited Katie Workman
OHIO ALL-GIRLS CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP SriSivaa Karri SCHOLASTIC ART AND WRITING Caitlyn Crites Jenny Shen Rachel Whitaker
SYMPHONIC BAND Ernie Ablordeppey David Adams
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MASON CITY SCHOOLS WISHES
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NATIONAL AND STATE AWARD WINNERS OF 2005-2006 SYMPHONIC BAND Aaron Bartos Max Bothe Aaron Boyle David Brauer Andy Brooks Ben Brown Andrew Burton John Carey Heather Carr Pete Coleman Zach Cox Hannah Cranfill Matt D'Auria AJ Davidson Stephanie Dawes Joe DeBoy Chris Downer Jeff Ellis Michaela Fetterly Jill Fraser Maria French James Gay Jonathan Gazda Sam Goldsmith Andrew Gort Eric Hall Christy Harville Jordan Heatherly Chris Hiller Zach Hinson Adam Hitch Tyler Iverson Rachel Jackson Alex Johnson Beth Johnson Matt Keller Ryan King Lee Li Chris Lightfield Steven Lim Cassandra Mahan Justine McNulty
“People think that at the top there isn't much room. They tend to think of it as an Everest. My message is that there is tons of room at the top.” Margaret Thatcher April Poovey Katherine Reed Cory Ryan Mallory Sanders Scott Sargent Carl Schoensiegel Doug Schoensiegel Leah Seggerman Kara Shaner Brittany Sileo Laura Sirk AJ Sliger Jay Sliger Casey Smith Kathryn Tyler Francine Uebelacker
Michael Verleye Louise Vidkjaer Ben Wagner Monica Wagner Andy Weaver Ben Weaver Katie Weaver Dylan Weidlich Will White Valerie Wilke Katie Wills Nicole Wolford Kevin Zhang
WIND SYMPHONY Chris Abernathy Ernie Ablordeppey Jocelyn Aden Seye Akomolede Henry Aldridge Aaron Allen Abby Anderson
"The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor."
Vince Lombardi Kelly Anderson Nick Anderson Matt Aumann Ryan Barnes Jordan Barry Angela Bizzarri Kerri Brosenne Matt Burton Phil Cannon Heather Carr Megan Cheney Kaitlyn Clendenen Laura Cook Conor Craft Michelle Crenshaw Dan Davison Tim Davison Amanda Downey Eric Ebersole Dan Evans Adam Farmer James Gay Caryn Gibb Shalini Goyal Eric Hennies Ben Jiang Diana Jiang Emily Johnson Thomas Keene Brian Kim Kelly Kranjc Nick Kroeger Alex Larcomb Britt Larson Joe Larson Zach Leetch
Alvin Lim Lily Lui Ashley Martin Mallory McKeehan Will Miller Zach Moehring Graciela Negri Jesse Niehaus Chris Oh Adam Paljieg Jack Peszek Bryan Petrinowitsch Anthony Pham Evan Powers John Raptis Elyse Roberts Brad Robertson Joel Sanders Stephanie Schaffner Alicia Suguitan Vincent VanSlyke Matt Walston Andy Weaver Matt Wilkins Jennifer Wolf Teddy Yang Kevin Zhang Amy Zhu
YOUNG PEOPLE ART EXHIBITION Thomas Carns Andrew Grage Hope Kerkoff Molly Kirkham Sarah Neuss
YOUTH ART MONTH Kimberly Conner Lauryn Scott John Terreri Chelsea Voorhis
SCIENCE OLYMPIAD State Qualifiers Eric Ditzel Chris Harrill Ruby Kandah Shining Li Yang Li Daivd Liu Becky Lyon Mike Mickalak
“Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better.” Pat Riley Rob Powell Jason Rice Brendan Rice Rebecca Rothgeb Yibo Shao Andrea Sohn Adam Soliman Sarah Soliman Tong Zhan
ATHLETIC NATIONAL QUALIFIERS
COMET SKIPPERS Katie Adams Carlie Anderson Brittany Astles Tracey Brignole Lauren Brune Fania Christodoulides Amelia Davis
The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal EXCELLENCE. Eddie Robinson Christina Dulovich Michael Dulovich Sarah Fukatsu Olivia Gaus David Gill Cassidy Hackney Ally Haidet Jessica Hudspeth Carley Kline Katie Lipps Lynn Lipps Rina Nagai Jenny Nelson Abby Osika Brittany Pelopida Jeress Pendleton Alexandra Simpson Katie Simpson Jasmine Staples Rebecca Stewart Gabrielle Struempler Ellie Thieken Gus Thieken Teddy Thieken Lindsay Thomas Sydney Varner Patrick Vorbroker Sarah Wells Kaitlyn Wimmers Esther Yim Cameron Zambello Lauren Zambello
DANCE TEAM Kerri Brosenne Caitlin Burke Alexis Dittmer Kayla Greenstone Meghan Holliday Madelaine Hudson Kristen Ingram Alli King Brianna Lawhorn Kayla Mackey
Shannon Niehaus Haley Raffensperger Megan Roehm Laura Sirk Carrie Waide Rachel Whitaker Jessica Zitscher
Maggie Chaney Stephanie Chaney Kelsey Flaherty Jessica Homan Emily Staresinic Stephanie Staresinic Danielle Terreri
2005 GIRLS TRACK Ayana Ball Natalee Barnes Angela Bizzarri Katie Chaney Maggie Chaney Stacy Chew Kelsey Flaherty Katie Fulton Elyse Gabel Sharita LeGette Stephanie Staresinic Rachel Weber
“The price of greatness is responsibility.” Winston Churchill
BOYS CROSS COUNTRY Chris Rapp BOYS SWIMMING Jared Bollman Dennis Grimm Spencer Hewes Brad Langford Derek Meline Chris Ragnacci Shane Sauter Nick Steege Mike Whipkey
COMPETITION CHEERLEADING Chanel Allen Jasmine Allen Jamesha Allen Rosalyn Ballato Emily Barsan Priscilla Clark Kaitlyn Crowe
“I never had a policy; I have just tried to do my very best each and every day.” Abraham Lincoln Courtney Dunford Shelby Money Kaitlyn Muff Kelly O'Neil Autumn Poovey Christina Rump Leigh Sansone Katie Schappacher Heidi Schmid Maddie Tepe Ashley Thompson Brianna Thompson Lauren Woycke GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY Angela Bizzarri Katie Chaney
2005 GIRLS LACROSSE Brittany Bare Ahna Benson Alisha Butler Caitlyn Camacho Lindsay Camacho Tiffany Campbell Kelsey Carpenter Kelly Chanatry Meaghan Devaney Elyse Dull Adrienne Gaither Kelsey Lenert Halie Limpert Caitlyn Mather Nicole Mather Kelly McQuiniff Katlyn Moore Ashley Oleary Jennifer Phillips Sarah Reed Aja Shamblee Emily Speer Erin Swigart Jenny Taylor Michelle Trauger
GIRLS SWIMMING Amy Bland Becky Crabtree Sarah Griffiths Stephanie Hill Morgan Parker Sam Smit Mary Wunderele
GIRLS TENNIS Ashley McCall Emily Pham
WRESTLING John Bovenzi Cody Brausch Spencer Chilcote Joel Cooperstein Jesse Gorsek Maison Kana Miles Koutny Samuel Mizener Brian Porter Andy Porter Robert Shepherd Eddie Suess