whhscbox.com The student news publication of Walnut Hills High School Volume CXIV, Issue 3 Tues., Oct. 15, 2019
Storytellers of the stage
Inside the WHHS production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time ABIGAIL JAY / CHATTERBOX
Jack Giglia, ‘21, listens intently as director Michael Sherman gives advice on how to better connect to his character, Christopher. Meanwhile, the ensemble watches in the wings, as they do throughout they show, occassionally moving set pieces around the stage. Otto Kindel, ‘20 On the weekend of Nov. 9, WHHS’s theatre department will present the play, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. For the actors involved, this play is the culmination of months of hard work and meticulous practice. The hours of rehearsal are now paying off as the theatre department once again prepares to wow WHHS and Cincinnati’s theatre community. WHHS’s theatre department continues to stand out in the variety of experiences among the actors. For some actors such as leads Jack Giglia, ‘21, SENIOR Katie Sutkamp and SENIOR Oliver Vockell, The Curious Incident has given them the opportunity to explore new roles. For others who have been shy towards theatre before, they have found a place in the production. Actor Rafael Ramirez, ’21, was impressed by the welcoming environment for a self-described introvert like himself. “I’m not the most outgoing person, but everybody in the theatre department has been very accepting of me being here,” Ramirez said. Ramirez’s experience shows the welcoming nature of the theatre department and the opportunity WHHS’s students have at all levels of theater experience to get involved. The Curious Incident takes on many sensitive topics, primarily autism. To many of the actors, including SENIOR Katie Sutkamp, The Curious Incident provides
the opportunity to present the topic of autism in a way that exposes the audience to the everyday lives of families affected by autism. Moreover, autism is used as a way to tell a story about the adventures of a fifteen-year-old boy. By using Christopher Boone as the conduit of the satirical murder mystery, the audience is left with a greater understanding of how the world is seen by those with autism. Jack Giglia, ‘21, who plays Christopher, said “I think the show is trying to show us that Christopher isn’t really that different from all of us.” Michael Sherman, the show’s director, sees great social value in telling Christopher’s story. “I think it’s a really great experience for high school kids to see a story that is about someone their own age,” Sherman said. The murder mystery of Christopher’s neighbor’s dog may not seem like a complex plot, but Sherman contends there is a deeper understanding that can be found. “...actions that we take for granted every day, walking down the street, talking to our neighbors… navigating public transportation, all of these things sort of become this… Greek epic of a journey for him,” Sherman said. “It’s important to go in with an open mind just knowing that this is going to be completely different from how most people’s minds work,” Sutkamp said. The play takes into account the complex movement of individuals with autism in order to show how people with autism
still have their own interesting adventures. The actors must go beyond just memorizing the script. Since the play deals with sensitive issues, the actors must gain a deeper understanding of autism among other factors in the show, as did Giglia, who “did a lot of research on autism online.” This study was expanded by the cast hearing from a doctor who specialized in autism. Additionally, the actors were given the opportunity to learn about the experience of people living with autism by volunteering at Camp Stepping Stones.
The WHHS Theatre Department stands apart in its ability to tackle these new, more socially poignant plays. When speaking to members of the cast, there is no fear of the topic matter being too heavy, nor is there a fear of not reaching expectations. WHHS’s theatre department is ready to wow again. Disclaimer: in the interest of transparency, Owen Cummings, ‘22. is a cast member of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
ABIGAIL JAY / CHATTERBOX
Various cast members rehearse a bustling train station scene, in which the main character, Christopher, experiences sensory overload.
FINE ARTS
OCTOBER 15, 2019
WHHSCBOX.COM
SECTION EDITOR: NADYA ELLERHORST
PAGE 2
The people behind the spotlight
SYDNIE BARRETT/ CHATTERBOX
Crew members attend to lighting and set building during a Stagecraft class. The Rick Steiner Black Box Theater will play host to the upcoming production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Alonzo Montgomery, ‘23 When putting together a production, it takes the hard work of not only the actors who perform, but also the time and effort put in by the crew. Whether it be lighting, sound or costumes, everyone plays a part in putting the whole show together. The crew helps bring together The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time. The old phrase “Lights, Camera, Action!” can be used to describe how a play functions, especially when it comes to the lights. Lighting can affect how the entire play is viewed. John Paul Oberst, ‘21, the show’s lighting designer, has a lot of important responsibilities. The Curious Incident is Oberst’s first production as a part of the design team. As lighting designer, Oberst’s job is to design the lighting plot, which controls where lights will focus during the show. Oberst also has to write cues, which are times that certain lights have to come on and light up certain scenes. Some of the things that Oberst loves about the show is “the lighting” and “the diversity of the cast.” “It’s a really good group of peo-
ple, we are a movement based play,” Oberst said. “We have scenes where people are being picked up. We have a lot of actors imitating motions.” Along with lighting, sound can affect the show and how things are portrayed. This is where SENIOR Iris LeCates, the show’s sound designer, comes in. The Curious Incident is the first show she has done as sound designer. In her past shows, she has always done lighting design. LeCates wants the sound to portray the emotions of the characters or the general tone of the scene. For LeCates, a lot of the show has been learning about how things are for people with Autism, especially how sound can impacts them on a daily basis. “The way that it has been explained it to me is that when things get stressful, it becomes kind of like a sensory overload,” LeCates said. She hopes to use sound to convey this feeling throughout the show, especially in a bustling train station scene. Costumes also play an important part in making the production come together. They help solidify the setting for the people watching it, and help create a sense of uni-
form. But the costumes don’t make themselves. That takes the work of a person devoted to their craft, such as Nicole Domoe, ‘21, the show’s costume designer. She, like Oberst, has acknowledged the fact of this being a movement-based play. Part of what she is trying to do is “make sure everyone can move
CINCINNATI, OHIO
NADYA ELLERHORST / CHATTERBOX
Light designer John Paul Oberst, ‘21, perfects light cues. The Curious Incident is Oberst’s first production as part of the design team. easily while also bringing attention to Christopher.” The costume crew wants to avoid bright colors as much as possible. “We don’t want to do anything bright, because we want the focus to be on the lights as well, since we’re doing a lot of symbolism and stuff with what goes on in Christopher’s mind,” Domoe said. Bringing a production together
takes a lot of hard work. It takes a lot of time, and it takes the effort of the crew and actors to put it together. The final product can be seen on Nov. 7-9 in the Rick Steiner Black Box Theater.
SYDNIE BARRETT / CHATTERBOX
SENIOR Rian Oglesby sorts through various lighting equipment. Lighting will play a significant role in the show, as it will affect how the entire play is viewed by the audience.
Curious quotes from cast and crew
Anika Vockell, ‘22 “People should come see the show because it’s just so inspiring, and it talks about… the topic of how we should treat people who have been diagnosed with autism, and how this particular person, Christopher, sees the world.” Photos by Isabel Nissley and Nadya Ellerhorst
SENIOR Clare Brennan “I saw the show when it was on Broadway. And it was really amazing then, but we have such a different interpretation of it... we think that there’s a little bit of Christopher in all of us. We all kind of feel like an underdog in our own eyes.”
Sophia Rooksberry, ‘22
“The mystery aspect of it is… the most interesting part. And it’s just a fascinating, multifaceted show… it raises awareness about autism and also has this mystery aspect, and the fact that it’s a movement piece, and we’re working with movement and dialect coaches... it’s really an interesting show.”
OPINIONS
OCTOBER 15, 2019
PAGE 3
WHHSCBOX.COM
SECTION EDITOR: GAVIN KURSMAN
Democracy in danger
CINCINNATI, OHIO
The impeachment inquiry is a sign that our democracy is functioning and protecting us from an undemocratic leader.
Isabel Nissley, ‘20 The first time I heard the word was in my elementaryschool history class. It seemed that my teacher was not able to rid it from her mouth fast enough, spitting the word out like it was dirty: “Impeachment.” Landing in the open classroom, the word seemed to grow, coating everyone’s mind in fear. Impeachment was a last resort, something that was only brought about when something had gone terribly wrong in our government. It reflected a failure in America’s quest to “form a more perfect union.” Impeachment meant chaos. In my young mind, impeachment was nothing but bad in any situation. As I have grown older, I have heard the word tossed around more freely, especially in the era of Trump. At the Women’s March, I saw it in fiery orange letters on thin poster board: “Impeach Trump.” In government class, I learned about it in the Constitution: impeachable offenses include “treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.” And most recently, I have been reading it in news articles: “Pelosi launches formal Trump impeachment inquiry.” After a whistleblower exposed Trump’s improper communication with the Ukrainian
PHOTO COURTESY OF GAGE SKIDMORE / FLICKR
An impeachment inquiry has been launched by U.S. Democrats. President Donald Trump’s contact with Ukraine is at the center of the inquiry.
is a sign that our democracy is functioning, protecting us from an undemocratic leader. Since his election in 2016, concerns over Trump’s ability to serve as president have been raised. Some of his actions have been unpresidential, while others have been unconstitutional, uncomfortably stretching the bounds of our democracy. From Trump’s uncontrolled tweeting to Russian interference supposedly propelling him “Impeachment was a last resort, something to his 2016 electoral that was only brought about when something victory, there is ample had gone terribly wrong in our government.” reason for concern. Most recently, Trump’s phone call president, Democrats launched an impeachwith Ukraine suggests that he was solicment inquiry. It may be easy to react with fear iting help from a foreign nation in an to the possibility of the president being imelection. Not only does this undermine peached. However, it is also important to recthe legitimacy of Trump winning the ognize that the possibility of impeachment
2016 election, but it also puts into ques- able to say it enough, the word comes out of tion the fairness of the 2020 election. their mouths with urgency: “impeachment.” The premise of our “From Trump’s uncontrolled tweeting to Russian democracy is built on the interference supposedly propelling him to his 2016 right to vote electoral victory, there is ample reason for concern.” and hold fair elections. Trump’s invitation for foreign na- I will join their ranks in saying it. Impeachtions to influence our elections goes against ment is not a dirty word, it is a necessity to these very principles, making impeachment protect our country and our democracy from not only an abstract Constitutional concept, an undemocratic leader, Donald Trump. but a concrete reality that we must accept if we want to preserve our democracy. If Trump is removed from office via impeach- All views shared in the Opinions section of The ment, he would no longer be able to directly Chatterbox belong to their respective authors, harm this country and the people within it. and may not represent the views of the publication Now, I hear the word thrown around as a whole. constantly, on the radio, in the newspapers, and by my peers. It seems that people are not
Wally Hill: On college applications Sitting, watching, and taking in everything that I see in this environment of WHHS. Since I am a SENIOR, I am preparing for my exit at a school that I’ve been at for at least my high school career. The next step
my graduation package, many things that I want to tuck away in a treasure chest and throw into the ocean, but I cannot. Facing these things mean I am becoming an adult. The easiest solution I can say
“I want to say that after I turn in the applications I’ll be at peace. But I won’t.”
MACKENZIE CANTO / CHATTERBOX
Wassup. I am Wally Hill. For those of you who don’t know me, I am an anonymous SENIOR among you.
for many of us and the reason why we are here is to go to college. After revising my essays, researching colleges, and finding letters of recommendations, I say to myself as I sit in the corner in the dark “is it worth it?” Truly, that’s a question that I have to ask myself after sacrificing my social life for my future. I want to say that after I turn in the applications I’ll be at peace. But I won’t. I cannot be as I would have to worry about my final semester and financial aid and
is not to go to college. But I cannot waste these last couple years of my life, sacrificing my mental health to boost my GPA through the charts (it’s not through the charts but it’s above average). For some seniors, it’s an easier process as they’re applying to one or two schools. That’s not a bad thing but for some others, they’re applying to over ten. College is mandatory for me but to others, college is not necessary. I consider those people, who don’t go to college, smarter
than I. They know that they will not waste their money on pointless things like student loans and most have a plan after college that will sustain their lives. Apprentice programs and careers with high school diplomas are needed in this country. Not everyone needs a college degree but we need those who don’t to help the rest of us out. Plumbers, electricians, even McDonald’s workers are needed. I do wish that I was as smart as those people who don’t want to go to college or don’t find the need to. But here I am, applying to college locked in a cage in the corner of GP’s basement.
Salutations WHHS,
Wally Hill
The Chatterbox Policy Statement The Chatterbox has been guaranteed the right of freedom of the press through the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. The administration of Walnut Hills High School is thus bound to support and protect the Chatterbox’s inalienable rights as a free press. As an integral part of the Walnut Hills High School community, the Chatterbox has the responsibility to report in the most comprehensive and objective manner possible. Students,
parents, faculty, and administrators are encouraged to use this publication as a forum to express any ideas or concerns, whether they be personal or of local, national, or international scope. Journalists are required to work under established guidelines. Invasion of privacy as a means of news gathering is prohibited. Articles found to be discriminatory, libelous, or unnecessarily obscene (as determined by the editors or the advisor) will not be published. Finally, journalists are granted the right to keep private the name of
a source from whom they received information with the understanding that the source was to remain anonymous. The role of the newspaper advisor will be to provide counsel and criticism pertaining to the newspaper’s content and production. Although both the advisor and the administration hold certain powers regarding the Chatterbox, both must respect the paper’s autonomy. No student shall be prevented from joining the staff on the basis of sex, race, creed or national origin.
SARAH DAVIDOFF, ‘13
The Chatterbox Editorial Staff Caroline Horvath,
Isabel Nissley,
Editor-in-Chief
Deputy Editor-in-Chief
Abigail Jay, Managing Editor of News and Features
Alonna Johnson, Managing Editor of Student Life
Owen Cummings, Managing Editor of Viewpoints
Delaney Owens, Managing Editor of Visual Elements
Bobby Keegan, Managing Editor of Operations
Ryleigh Sanborn, Public Relations Manager
Samantha Gerwe-Perkins, Adviser
Brian Sweeney, English Department Chair
SPORTS
OCTOBER 15, 2019
PAGE 4
Lasting legacy
WHHSCBOX.COM
SECTION EDITOR: DREW HART
CINCINNATI, OHIO
How SENIOR athletes paved a new road for the soccer program
DREW HART / CHATTERBOX
SENIOR Bailey Brant celebrates after she scored against Winton Woods in the girls varsity soccer SENIOR night game. The WHHS Eagles dominated the Warriors 9-1. Drew Hart, ‘20
The varsity girls’ soccer program at WHHS has had a great run. All the ups and downs helped form the unbreakable bond shared by SENIORS Eva Schomaeker, Allie Keller, Bailey Brant and Megan Franke. When asked about the unique bond the girls share, Brant said, “I realized I was playing with my second family all along. Girls that will always have my back through the toughest times and all of the wins and losses.” They have been playing together for six years and it’s coming to an end quickly. Through the years, the players have looked up to five
classes of SENIORS. Now it’s their turn. These SENIORS have a big responsibility being the oldest players in the program. They must perform both on and off the field and be good examples of student athletes for the younger players. Their love of soccer has helped them be good role models and persevere through the big changes in the soccer program. They had to prove themselves to three new coaches in four years which is a lot of responsibility, especially for the SENIORS and captains that lead the team. “Playing a sport while maintaining good grades is not an easy task, especially at Walnut, but it has been 100 percent worth it,”
Keller said, “even if it means staying up late on school nights or not going out on the weekends, I wouldn’t have changed anything.” Taking on such an ambitious task wouldn’t have been possible if the team didn’t constantly s u p p o r t each other. Strength coach Kendal Fitzgerald experienced the SENIORS support for each other and the whole team first hand. “These SENIORS showed mental toughness, physicality on
the field, dedication to the program, and how to be leaders off the field,” Fitzgerald said, “the varsity team had a lot of fresh-
“They have demonstrated what hard work really means, they will be considered the cornerstones of the program for years to come.” -James Price, varsity soccer coach men and sophomores. The SENIORS even took some underclassmen underneath their wing and were good role models to them.” Even though their record
may not show it, the girls’ countless hours of hard work has not gone unnoticed. “They have laid a foundation for the work they have put in the weight room on the field and in the classroom. The SENIORS this year really exemplified what we want players to be in the future,” James Price, the girls’ varsity head coach, said. The girls are sad that the high school soccer days are winding down but all plan to play some level of soccer in the future and will continue being leaders for the rest of their lives. Their commitment to being a student athlete will be an example to many in the years to come.
DREW HART / CHATTERBOX
The girls varsity soccer team lines up for the national anthem at their senior night against Winton Woods before the biggest win of the season.
Serve. Set. SENIOR. Mackienzee Rasheed, ‘20 The end of SENIOR year is fast approaching. For some, the idea of graduation brings relief but for others it means the last time they will step on a high school field or court. For some the feeling of leaving all their hard work, late nights, bruised legs, court burn, turf burn and tears behind. Over the past few weeks many WHHS teams have experienced this sadness including the WHHS girls’ varsity volleyball team. The girls put up a hard fight
against Turpin on their SENIOR night last week. The match lasted for four sets going back and forth between Turpin and WHHS. “It’s been a long ride for all of us. We’ve gone through multiple coaches and a lot of ups and downs but I also wouldn’t want to play with any other group of girls,” SENIOR Maddy Edie said. Their SENIOR night game was close, but the girls are closer. They got to finish their high school career with teammates they love. No matter the record of their season they had fun.
DREW HART / CHATTERBOX
SENIOR Olivia Tombragel, a captain of the WHHS varsity girls’ volleyball team, serves the volleyball with excellent technique during her last home conference game as a SENIOR.
WHHSCBOX.COM
NEWS
CINCINNATI, OHIO
OCTOBER 15, 2019
PAGE 5
SECTION EDITOR: SHIV MALHOTRA
SENIORS vs. college applications Abigail Jay, ‘21 For many, fall only means crunchy leaves and pumpkin spice lattes, but for high school SENIORS it means an unparalleled amount of stress as college application deadlines loom over their heads. Tens of thousands of applications roll into a college or university every year. It seems that every college claims they want to get to know the “real you,” but it’s common-
amount to represent all facets of an individual. “The process is synthetic. Unless there is more in person/real life interactions with admission, the college is missing a large part of who you are,” SENIOR Dhruv Rungta said. These problems are at the front of every college applicant’s mind. How do you stand out? Will I make the cut? Am I the type of student they’re looking for? Which extracurriculars are most appealing? It can be a draining process, and is only multiplied with every college a person applies to. In addition, many students have other responsibilities that need to be completed on top of college applications, such as school work, extracurriculars and jobs. “They give me physical panic attacks,” SENIOR Mackienzee Rasheed said about her college applications. Nevertheless, college applications need to be done, no matter how flawed or timeconsuming it may be. In this day and age, a college education is vital when it comes to having a successful career in many cases, and the quality of that education can very well affect the rest of a person’s life. On top of this, college and or university can be the largest financial decision a person makes in their lifetime. That is a lot of pressure to put on a teenager, many of whom are barely legal adults.
“The process is synthetic. Unless there is more in person/real life interactions with admission, the college is missing a large part of who you are,” - SENIOR Dhruv Rungta ly perceived that test scores and transcripts play a great role in determining whether a person is admitted to an institution or not. When every student is represented by semester letter grades and a 1600 or 36 point scale, it is a struggle as to how a person’s true character can shine through. Many students’ grades are affected by their personal lives, and, as SENIOR Abigail Neurhor said, “my grades do not reflect how academically smart I am,” but that is often impossible to get across through a simple transcript. “I wish they would get to know the personality and dreams and goals of the students,” SENIOR Gabrielle Phillips said. A remedy for this is the personal essay requirement, but even that has its limitations. Six hundred and fifty words is a small
How much has cost has affected your college decision process?
Greatly (34.4%)
An average amount (45.9%)
When is your first application deadline?
Not at all (19.7%)
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ABIGAIL JAY / CHATTERBOX
Disclaimer: In the interest of transparency, SENIOR Mackienzee Rasheed is a staff member of the WHHS Chatterbox
New effies, new entrance exams The Terranova test is out, the Iowa is in, but how much has actually changed? Azariah Cuff, ‘23 The stress of the entry exam burdens many potential WHHS seventh graders every year. It puts the fate of their future education in the hands of a percentage rate. According to the Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) Board of Education, the test is changing from the Terranova to
results in a high-stress level for all incoming seventh graders and creates the common axiom that seventh grade is generally a tough year for any WHHS student. “The test was long and hard and I was kind of stressed the whole time…but after that, I felt good about it,’’ Stier said. According to the CPS Testing and Assessment page, the Iowa test will be based on a percentile scale. Eligibility for the SCPP program requires a composite percentile rank of 140 and a 65 or higher percentile in reading and mathematics. “It is changing from the Terranova to Iowa for students entering into the 2020-2021 school year,” Assistant Principal Jessica Smitson said, “It’s being administered right now for all CPS schools. You get to test twice during the school year. Only twice.” Current Walnut Hills High School seventh and eighth grader students will take their respective grade level Iowa Assessments on October 16. The Iowa Assessments have been in use for decades, and should provide students and teachers with a clear picture of what current students’ strengths are. Smitson stated that incoming students can look up practices online for the Iowa Assessment and to try to strengthen their chances score well and “Rise to the highest.”
“It’s being administered right now for all CPS schools... You get to test twice during the school year. Only twice.” - Assistant Principal Jessica Smitson
AZARIAH CUFF / CHATTERBOX
Alexis Miller, ‘24, works on her Latin homework while Shahd Mashali, ‘24, studies her vocab words in the Student Success Center, a place for students to improve their studying skills.
Iowa, meaning, this could all become true. The Terranova Test differed in difficulty for many WHHS students. Many viewed it as easy, but to some, it was the most stressful test they have ever taken. Bella Stier, ‘25, recently took the test as a sixth grader and by experiencing all the test had to offer, she knew where her strong-suits lied. “The English and math parts were okay but the science part was the hardest for me…there was just a lot of stuff we haven’t covered yet,” Stier said. This has been an issue for as long as the entrance exam has been around. Eager students ready to start a whole new chapter in their life, end up realizing that the test contained more than they bargained for. This
STYLE & CULTURE
OCTOBER 15, 2019
PAGE 6
WHHSCBOX.COM
SECTION EDITOR: CHYNA SMITH
Marvel makes progress with LGBTQ+ heroes
CINCINNATI, OHIO
10 LGBTQ+ Songs for National Coming Out Day Sydnie Barrett, ‘23 October 11 was National Coming Out Day. This American holiday recognized by the LGBTQ+ community was created in 1988 by LGBTQ+ rights activists Robert Eichberg and Jane O’Leary to be on the anniversary of the 1987 Gay and Lesbian Rights March on Washington. It’s important to remember that National Coming Out Day is not about forcing our friends out of the closet. This day is about sharing our stories to show everyone that it is okay to be who you are authentically and unapologetically. 10 LGBTQ+ coming out songs (in no particular order) in honor of National Coming Out Day (Oct. 11):
“True Colors “- Cyndi Lauper This song, released by Cyndi Lauper in 1986, is about seeing someone for who they truly are and loving and accepting them even if others have discouraged them from being themselves. “This Is Me” - The Greatest Showman This self-love anthem from the 2017 movie The Greatest Showman is about taking pride in who you are in the face of adversity. COURTESY OF FREEDOM TO MARRY / FLICKR
NorthStar is one of the first gay marvel heroes to come out since his coming out in issue 106 of Alpha Flight in 1992, and had the first same-sex wedding in mainstream comics when he married his husband Kyle Jinadu in issue 51 of Astonishing X-Men. Phoenix Brumm ’23
For many years, Marvel Comics has celebrated diversity among its characters. Ranging from Cloak and Dagger, the first bi-racial couple in 1982, to Ms. America, also known as America Chavez, who is the first openly lesbian Latina and team leader of the Ultimates, the company has always embraced different kinds of people. How has this affected the readers though? Seeing Karolina Dean, who glows rainbow fighting crime with her girlfriend, Nico Minoru, shows young lesbians how strong they can be. Other lesbian couples such as Wakandan warriors Ayo and Aneka, and Asgardian warriors Sera and Angela also inspire LGBTQ+ youth. In X-Men, the wedding of Northstar and his husband was
taken as seriously as other weddings of heterosexual couples from the team. Ice-Man came out as gay in 2015, 52 years after his first issue’s debut in 1963. Many of the X-Men have turned out to be queer, such as Roxy, a proud lesbian, Psylocke, an openly bisexual woman, Anole, who is gay, and more.
in mainstream comics helps spread positivity about the community. Additionally, with the rumors of a lesbian couple being in Thor: Love and Thunder (MCU), Valkyrie has been getting a fair amount of attention for her sexuality. Along with Valkyrie, there has been a rumored return of Korg, who is also queer,
“Every day more characters are coming out and being written . Marvel is changing from a cis-straight default.” Bisexuals and pansexuals are represented through Deadpool, whose civilian name is Wade Willson, Thor’s secondin-command Valkyrie, Prodigy from X-Men, Nico Minoru from Runaways, and numerous other characters. This representation
COURTESY OF GAGE SKIDMORE/FLICKR
In the book Loki, Agent of Asgard, the author confirmed that Loki is bisexual and gender fluid. This has not been represented in the Marvel cinematic universe.
in the upcoming Thor movie. “Gender rebels”, non-cis identities, are represented through Loki, who is genderfluid and bisexual, the Beyonder and Phoenix Force, who are agender, Xavin from Runaways who is a transgender woman, and Sera, a transgender lesbian Asgardian warrior from many Thor issues. Unfortunately, there is less representation of other gender identities in Marvel. There have even been same-sex parents represented in the Marvel universe in X- Men, with Irene Adler and Raven Darkholme, also known as Mystique, who raised Rouge. They are the first same-sex parents of the Marvel universe and are some of the oldest characters. These are only a few of the many LGBTQ+ characters in the Marvel universe. Every day more characters are coming out and being written. Marvel is changing from a cisgender/ heterosexual default, and they are doing a Marvel-ous job.
“Beautiful” - Christina Aguilera This soulful 2002 ballad by Christina Aguilera is about staying confident in yourself no matter what, despite any abuse you may endure. “Heaven” - Troye Sivan (feat. Betty Who) This introspective song is about self-acceptance and embracing rather than suppressing oneself. The vivid lyrics include details of gay singer Troye Sivan’s own struggles with coming out. “I Will Survive” - Gloria Gaynor This 1978 disco track by Gloria Gaynor is about staying strong and having faith in yourself through the obstacles that you face. “I’m Coming Out” - Diana Ross This classic 1980 pride song by Diana Ross was written by Nile Rodgers after being inspired by his first experience at a gay club. This song is about just enjoying being yourself and wanting to show the world who you are. “Bohemian Rhapsody” - Queen Because this song was written single-handedly by Mr. Farenheit himself, Freddie Mercury, along with his bicon (bisexual icon) status, some say that Bohemian Rhapsody is Mercury’s coming out song, but no one really knows what the lyrics mean because Mercury never gave an explanation. Regardless of how you interpret the six minutes worth of lyrics, this is the greatest song ever written. “I Want to Break Free” - Queen From the legendary British rock band, Queen, this song is about breaking free from expectations and becoming comfortable with who you are. Despite the impending backlash, which they received plenty of, all four of the band’s members, Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon, dressed in drag (women’s clothing) for the “I want to break free” music video, which was banned by MTV in America. “Born This Way “- Lady Gaga This empowering anthem has become nearly synonymous with LGBTQ+ pride since its release in 2011. In the song Gaga preaches self-love and acceptance and that despite gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, etc. at the end of the day we are all human. “Everyone is Gay” - A Great Big World In 2014 the musical duo, A Great Big World, was asked by EveryoneIsGay.com to write the gayest song ever, and they definitely delivered with this upbeat bop about how gay, straight, or in between, we all share the same world.
Check out our pride playlist with over 30 LGBTQ+ songs on our website whhscbox.com in the Style and Culture section!
WHHSCBOX.COM
PEANUTS
CINCINNATI, OHIO
OCTOBER 15, 2019
PAGE 7
SECTION EDITOR: KAYLEE ROBBINS
Junior high chalks it up at Earth Jam
SYDNIE BARRETT / CHATTERBOX
SYDNIE BARRETT / CHATTERBOX
Tyler Bowers and Maya Cucchetti, ‘24, are hard at work completing their piece for the chalk drawing competition.
Students from all grades at WHHS came together to create a wide variety of art pieces with just their creativity and chalk. Two junior high teams competed at the chalk drawing.
Isabella Zinchini, ‘22
all came up with the idea of Persephone together and each student added their own touch. “After seeing [the chalk
WHHS held their annual Earth Jam celebration the week of homecoming this year, and with it, the Chalk Drawing competition. One group of eighth grade friends, Andrew Rhoades, Evelyn Steudler, Alexis Miller and Daylei Cavins, ‘24, decided to enter this contest for a fun time and share their art with the school. They based their drawing
on the Greek goddess Persephone, the goddess of spring. “We thought it was a nice idea. She’s very peaceful and
got to work together all day and draw, I thought ‘Wow, that’s my paradise,’” Steudler said. “And it doesn’t hurt that you get to miss class,’’ Miller added. “After seeing [the chalk drawings] from last year, and see“Holding Earth Jam [in ing how groups of friends got to work together all day and the fall] is only draw, I thought ‘Wow, that’s my paradise.’” a minor in- Evelyn Steudler, ‘24 convenience,” Steduler said, looking at her makes you feel drawings] from last year, and “it’s hard with testing and it happy,” Steudler said. They seeing how groups of friends wouldn’t be fair to just not have
Effie Alert Isabella Zinchini, ‘22
it at all.” Earth Jam was held in the fall this year rather than in the spring. This change was due to testing taking place throughout the day in the spring. The four friends all agreed with Rhoads when he said “the school should have [Earth Jam] both times; spring and the fall.” They all said they had a fun time and plan on entering the contest again next year.
Learning from mistakes
KAYLEE ROBBINS / CHATTERBOX
Grace Oyediran and Noah Schlaudecker are two of WHHS’ new seventh graders with two very different interests. Between school, hobbies and clubs their interests are on completely different spectrums. Odyedrian, ‘25, previously attended North Avondale Mon-
tessori and enjoys drawing, reading and sleeping in her free time. Odyedrian is a part of WHHS’ animation club and puts her talents to work when she is there. Odyedrian has been playing the piano since age six and is looking forward to winter break, the first time she will have off from school in a while.
KAYLEE ROBBINS/ CHATTERBOX
The WHHS seventh and eighth grade girls’ volleyball teams prepare to receive yet another win against one of their many competitors. On Oct. 12 the seventh grade girls team played in the ECC tournament at WHHS. Kaylee Robbins,’24
KAYLEE ROBBINS / CHATTERBOX
Schlaudendecker, ‘25, is on WHHS’ cross country team and previously attended Kilgour Elementary. In his free time he likes to collect legos, read about physics and solve equations. When he grows up he hopes to be-
come a physics professor and is taking the right steps to reach his goals. So far this year, the class of 2025 is prospering in all they do and blossoming into the next generation of WHHS graduates.
Here at WHHS, we are known for our great academic success, but we rarely are noticed for the sports that many students participate in. Balancing school and sports can be difficult, but getting injured can be the worst thing for a student athlete. For Sara Kemper, ‘24, an injury was an unexpected and terrible shot that was fired at her. Kemper has been playing volleyball for seven years and during that time has never gotten an injury before. “It was a misunderstanding between me and my coach and I went to go for the ball and my coach went to hit the ball down… I went to go get it and she hit the
ball in my face,” Kemper said. Kemper was out with a concussion for 11 days and during that time, Kemper was unable to play or even touch a volleyball. Kemper said the hardest part about being injured is “not being able to play and having to watch other people play.” “Sitting on the side lines and watching the team not doing well and not being able to help them is really hard,” Kemper said. In the state of Ohio, student athletes such as Kemper who have been injured must go through a five day recovery process before they go back to full-on contact. During the process, a player eases into contact through different drills to make sure that they are physically and mentally
able to come back one hundred percent. “Listen to the doctors and trainers about procedures because if you don’t, your injury will just ramp up and become worse,” Kemper said. Kemper has learned from her injury and reflected on it to make her become a better and more aware player. “Treasure every moment doing what you love because you might not be able to do it again.” Kemper said. Throughout this experience, Kemper has learned to cherish every moment she gets on the court because she knows that at any moment it could be taken away from her.
ARCADE
OCTOBER 15, 2019
WHHSCBOX.COM
SECTION EDITOR: CHLOE SMITH
PAGE 8
CINCINNATI, OHIO
Perspectives
CHLOE SMITH / CHATTERBOX
CHLOE SMITH / CHATTERBOX
Q: How often do you pull all-nighters or stay up later than 11 p.m.?
Q: How was your Homecoming experience this year?
“Every night. Usually I get home from work late and then, on top of that, I have a lot of homework to do for AP classes.” - SENIOR Zaria Ruff
“Homecoming was really fun this year. I had a great time. The DJ was nice, everybody looked cute and we just had a great time.” - Cailee Robinson, ‘21
CHLOE SMITH / CHATTERBOX
Q: What do you hope people will think of you when they meet you? “I just hope they don’t think poorly of me. I don’t really know what to tell anybody. I just don’t want them to think ‘oh she’s a bad person’ or ‘oh I don’t want to be around her because she acts a certain way.’ But I mean I am who I am.” - Jada Scott, ‘23 2
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“My mom and dad not being together, because I guess it wouldn’t affect my life as much as it does now. I have to switch houses, and it puts a lot of pressure on me. It makes school a lot more difficult, because I have to switch houses, and then I have to tell my dad what’s going on and tell my mom what’s going on. It’d be easier if I could just tell them both. Like if they could both help me at the same time. I’m not saying I hate it, but it’s fine because they’re both happy now, so I’m happier.” - Mia Gibson, ‘24
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Q: Do you think you have lived a privileged life? “Yes, because I was given opportunities people weren’t given because of my family and my parents. I don’t think it’s helped me get where I am. I think I have gotten to where I am because I’ve worked hard for what I have.” - SENIOR Emma Hensley
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Trivia Competition benefit Oct. 26 The official Ormsby Family Benefit will be held Saturday, Oct. 26.
Join us for a Trivia Competition at WHHS in the Senior High gym from 4-7 p.m. After Party at Artsville in Madisonville (5021 Whetsel Ave, 45227) 8-11 p.m. (must be 21 to enter). Go to sites.google.com/view/ormsby for details, registration and volunteer opportunities.
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