CVI.4 - December 2011

Volume CVI, Issue 4

December 9, 2011

Walnut Hills High School

www.walnuthillseagles.com

Teachers and students divided on cheating

http://my.hsj.org/chatterbox

A recent Chatterbox survey shows disagreements about what constitutes cheating and how often it happens

JOE SCHMIDLAPP/CHATTERBOX

According to a voluntary Chatterbox survey, 25% of students cheat on tests, and over 50% cheat on homework in some way.

Jonah Roth, ‘13 Design Editor Science teacher Dr. Rajni Harsh had a cheating problem in her classroom. She and former students alike agree that many people used to cheat on her homework assignments. With students choosing to copy instead of learn, grading for accuracy seemed much less effective.

According to an anonymous Chatterbox survey of 163 students conducted last month, less than 65 percent of students consider

INSIDE

CPS levy rejected

NEWS AND FEATURES Exams: The Pressure is On Walnut: Then and Now

2

VIEWPOINTS Are leggings pants?

Viewpoint:Formal Writing

3

SPORTS “Big Dogs” and Eagles have huge expectations Hockey brings the pain

4

FINE ARTS Annie Get Your Gun does it better Holiday Movies

5

STYLE AND CULTURE 6 I’ll Be Home for the Holidays!

ARCADE Horoscope of the Month The Flood Cometh

7

JUST NUTS Marching Band season ends The Nutty Notebook

8

Volume CVI.4

this kind of copying cheating.

Academic dishonesty, a persistent problem of all schools, has been receiving increased attention as technology enables students to do more, such as plagiarizing essays on the Internet and using cell phones to answer test questions.

Some say that Walnut Hills High School, is a highly competitive college-preparatory school and therefore creates a drive to cheat.

“Walnut’s a high pressure place,” says social studies teacher Kevin McCormick. “I think more and more students are encouraged

to be involved with more extracurriculars and as many APs as possible... there’s definitely more pressure on students, especially at Walnut Hills.” English teacher Virginia Hautz has also found that “the students who feel the greatest pressure to achieve… are the ‘best’ cheaters.”

“Everyone does it,” says one SENIOR. “It’s the only way to make something that’s already unfair as fair as it can be.” Others take it even farther: “[Walnut] is so hard you have to be a master at cheating to pass some of the classes.” Peer pressure was also among students’ top reasons for cheating: “The nickname, ‘snitch,’ dissuades me from turning in someone I see cheating.” Carley Stichtenoth, ‘17, thinks the problem is the friends, not the ethics. “If your friends want you to cheat then I don’t think they’re really your friends.”

“Busy work”, or unnecessary assignments, is a popular reason for cheating on homework. Some are frustrated with all the “busy work such as the vocabulary and grammar handouts I constantly have to turn in,” as one junior says.

Some, like Jesse Wilson, ‘16, abstain from cheating. “I figure that I’m [at Walnut] for a good education so I’m going to…work my hardest.” Others just feel that cheating isn’t worth the effort: “Walnut is crazy on their cheating

Josh Medrano, ‘13 News & Features Print Editor On November 8, voters placed a negative verdict on Cincinnati Public Schools’ improvement levy-Issue 32--with 47 percent in favor and 53 percent against.

In August, the school board approved a levy aimed to improve the district’s technology program which has been in existence for over 20 years. This levy would succeed the one placed in 2008.

The need for money was also emphasized by superintendent Mary Ronan who projected a loss of over $30 million from state funds next year. This money granted from the levy would be used for the renovation and expansion of several schools.

While the levy dramatically affected the district, Principal Jeffrey Brokamp says that it has less impact on Walnut Hills.

“The levy not passing will have a very dramatic impact on the rest of the district,” says Brokamp. “It

policy.” However, cheating comes so naturally to some that they justify their honesty: “I don’t sit next to smart people.” “If I were to cheat and one day I wasn’t able to because of seating arrangements, I would be screwed.”

Some students characterized their teachers as “totally oblivious” to the cheating in their classrooms: “I don’t think they realize how many kids cheat. They have [pictures] on their phones and... vocab books on their laps. Tests get put on Facebook and half the worksheets they give are available on the Internet,” one SENIOR said. Other teachers just don’t seem to care, as this freshman reports, “The teacher announces to the class that he or she is leaving the class for 15 minutes, and says that they left copies of the exam on the table.”

Teachers’ perspectives are very different from students’: 65 percent of the 26 teachers surveyed believe that they catch cheating students. “It’s pretty obvious,” says Latin teacher Christine Lynn. “[For example], they do poorly on the test and then their homework is exactly the same as somebody else’s.” Some teachers take direct action to catch cheating as it happens in the classroom. “When they’re taking a test you can’t just be sitting there at your desk,” says social studies teacher Keith Semrad. “I’m... looking for every single

thing [students] do that doesn’t seem right. I’ll purposefully... talk to a student and use that opportunity to see the deviance taking place.”

When asked what they think drives students to cheat, several teachers cited laziness as the leading factor. “Students don’t want to put in the work, but want to see a good end result,” says one teacher.

Others cited unrealistic expectations from parents, as well as the pressure Walnut creates.

Teachers looking to end cheating have found a variety of solutions. Mathematics teacher Michael Wathen does little to discipline cheaters. Frustrated with the flaws of the educational system, he fights cheating in his classroom by taking away the reasons and social pressure to cheat using cell phone polls. “Students can respond anonymously whether they cheated on the last test. Students can see the results... in real time,” he says. He also devalues cheating by requiring deeper answers on his tests: “If it’s… multiple choice, you can’t say ‘the answer’s B’. You have to explain everything about it. Why is it B?” Countering technology with technology, some teachers choose to use programs like Blackboard and ExamView to easily detect cheating in papers and tests, respectively.

Cont’d on page 2

Quiz team prepares for season will have an impact here, probably not as dramatic, but it’s still an impact.”

Walnut’s wide array of resources provides its funding. The Alumni Foundation and the Parent Board have been main players in providing the best education Walnut students could get. For instance, the Alumni Foundation donated over $9 million for the building of the Arts and Science Center in 1998 after a CPS levy was rejected; similarly, when CPS’ state funds were reduced last year, the Parent Board organized the Walnut24 Walkathon to save school clubs and extracurricular activities.

Nevertheless, the district’s levy stresses the need to modernize the district’s technology. The goal would also benefit Walnut Hills.

Cont’d on pg. 2

Josh Medrano, ‘13 News & Features Print Editor After placing first in both varsity and junior varsity categories in its first competition, the Academic Quiz Team prepares for another season of success.

Until a decade ago, Walnut Hills’ Quiz Team was not what one might call today a “sports team.” However, when social studies teacher Scott Grunder started coaching in the fall of 1999 the team practiced regularly, went to local tournaments and eventually won its first state tournament.

This year, the team, with three SENIORS, 16 juniors and four sophomores, is led by juniors and long-time members Will Schueller and Ashwin Kumar. With them, Grunder expects to win the Ohio Athletic Conference state competition, in which Walnut has been a runner-up in 2006 and 2009.

“I’d be surprised if they didn’t get to go,” says Grunder. “I used

Editor-in-Chief: Mia Manavalan

JOE SCHMIDLAPP/CHATTERBOX

Scott Grunder, Quiz Team advisor. to tell them... [to] stop losing at the state level in order to keep me as a coach.”

For most, the key to triumph is commitment, teamwork and confidence that counts. “Confidence is a big one,” says new team member Harrison Hildenbrandt, ‘13. “They give you a study packet to learn, but a lot of stuff you just [have to] know.”

As a result of their first competition and first victory of the season, the quiz team is headed for the Partnership for Academic Competition in St. Louis and National Academic Quiz Tournaments in Atlanta. Both will be held in May 2012.

Walnut Hills High School

News & Features

Page 2

Exams: The pressure is on

Kayla Boggess, ‘14 Staff Writer

“Studying for exams causes a lot of unnecessary stress,” says Katie Brown, ‘14, when asked how she feels about exams.

This is how many people view the final week before winter break.

Exams are just another part of being a Walnut student and the talk of them permeates many conversations in the halls, classrooms, and at home.

Effies are equally nervous about what the exams are going to be like and started studying midNovember. This is not the case for a lot of students, who tend to procrastinate and study the night before their exams. Here are some helpful studying tips from several teachers: Mr. Rucker’s Studying Tips for Science • Focus on “why”. Do not just memorize steps to solving problems.

• Do not just go over notes.

Rework example problems from homework and class.

• Pay attention and ask questions in class because many science classes build up from the first day. It’s important to try hard not to fall behind.

• Use flashcards to help with memorization.

• Even if you do not have homework for class, look over notes for at least 10 minutes a day.

• Attend help nights as often as possibly.

• Study with other students.

Mrs. Lynn’s Studying Tips for Latin • Review vocabulary and grammar regularly.

• Ask questions in class when

CPS, cont’d

Cont’d from pg. 1 “Replacing student computers... would absolutely have an impact on Walnut Hills to some degree,” says Brokamp. “As we unfold our new technology program... with the renovation...the program is really going to be predicated on students bringing their own technology.”

Online Features and Surveys What’s your opinion on marijuana usage? Make your voice heard at <http://is.gd/cbxmarijuana>.

Online Exclusives Is live music disappearing? On some stages, producers are cutting live orchestras!

Walnut’s robotics team, NUTS!, will be competing in the FIRST Lego League competition for its second year.

Links to all this and more are available online at <http://my.hsj.org/chatterbox>

Walnut Hills High School

they arise.

• Take advantage of the various support at Walnut, like Ascendo, tutors, and help nights.

• Listen carefully during class and take good notes.

• Learn the material when it is assigned. Do not fall behind and wait until the night before the test to cram.

Mrs. Stewart’s Studying Tips for English • Do not only know the literary terms, but how to apply them.

• Take good notes in class and pay attention.

Mrs. Ormsby’s Studying Tips for History • History requires a lot of memorization. Use flashcards for dates, names, etc.

• Look over old tests and quizzes and pay close attention to the answers that were wrong.

Mr. Herald’s Top Five Studying Tips for Math 5. Go through each diction and redo all the example problems given.

4. Go through the chapter reviews and do the selective problems and check the answers in the back of the text book.

3. Do any review worksheets that are handed out.

2. Bring chocolate to your teacher.

1. Sit next to a smart kid.

No teacher recommends procrastination - but every student has his or her own specific way of studying. Whatever way it is, there is one unavoidable fact: a student’s exam scores will affect his or her academic future.

Although odds are that the district will present another levy, it will not be “as soon as possible.”

Hope is not lost.

“We view this as a setback – not a defeat – and remain grateful to the thousands of voters,” said Superintendent Ronan in an e-mail. Along with CPS, Lakota District, Northwest and West Clermont have also failed to attract all of their voters.

Calendar

December 2011 - January 2012 December 13-16 First Semester Exams December 17 Winter Vacation Begins January 1 New Year’s Day January 3 3rd Quarter Begins January 5 AP Fair January 11 Sr. High Orchestra Concert January 16 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

The Chatterbox

Walnut Hills: Then and now

Alumni of Walnut Hills—now teachers—share their memories of learning here Ayana Rowe, ‘12 Copy Editor By now, most students are aware of Walnut Hills High School’s special environment. The triumph of admittance that hangs in the air is a defining characteristic of the school. But how does the Walnut of today compare to the Walnut of years gone by?

“Students were the same; it’s the world that’s changed,” said mathematics teacher Susan Cantey, Walnut Hills class of ‘67.

Though students tend to choose one group to mainly associate with, they are not restricted to it; students freely interact with many others with different interests.

Emma Massie and Linda Cotton, also math teachers, both agree that this freedom and acceptance have not changed much since their graduation in ‘96 and ‘97, respectively.

Cotton, however, commented that in the past students were more interested in taking part in the music and arts programs than sports. Not only were play-offs unimaginable for our football team, but sports events were mostly frequented by the family of those playing; student organizations such as the Nut House were unheard of. Cantey notes that

Cheating, cont’d Cont’d from pg. 1 Some students have suggested their solution, like Peter Glotfelty, ‘13. “When you do group work, you’re all working together, and you’re trying to understand the information.” Although the line between collaboration and cheating can be fuzzy at times, “at least you’re trying to figure it out yourself,” even if friends are involved, he also says.

JOSH MEDRANO/CHATTERBOX

Clockwise from left to right: Laurie Cotton, ‘97; Susan Cantey, ‘67; Emma Massie, ‘96.

SARA PATT/ CHATTERBOX

during her time, students were more focused on academics than anything else.

Students have always had an acute sense of social awareness as well, which can be seen in student led protests throughout the decades. According to current school principal Jeffrey Brokamp, class of ’78, and Cantey, the ‘60s and ‘70s were times of social unrest due to the Vietnam War and all the changes and revolutions that occurred. Cantey remembers students protesting the war in the circle. In the ‘90s, students protested the laying off of teachers and the loss of their freedom to eat on the front steps and lawn area.

Semrad, meanwhile, says that the best solution is to “stress the importance of learning ...and what a joy it is,” to present that message “across the board.” This, according to some, includes the abolition of busy work, and its replacement with fewer, more valuable homework assignments; the de-incentivizing of cheating; and a focus on learning over grades.

As divided as students and teachers are on the logistics concerning cheating, they all seem to have the same ultimate goal. As one SENIOR commented, “Stu-

Surprisingly enough, most of the faculty interviewed by the Chatterbox remember temporary buildings and constructions that came along with large class sizes.

When Cantey was a student the Old Building (called the Main Building then) was open, as well as an L-shaped annex where the new building now stands and the Old Colonies, the tin temporary building built in the ‘50s that is finally torn down this year. In the ‘70s the music wing and commons were under construction, and temporary buildings were built again. With the ‘90s came the construction of the Arts and Science Center, so the Main Building was opened along with the tin Old Colonies, four blue New Colonies and four to six “New New Colonies,” both located on the old softball field.

Walnut has undergone much change through the years, but regardless, Massie commented, “When I walk though the halls I can still remember myself as a little seventh grader.” As the French proverb goes: “The more things change, the more they stay the same.”

dents forget that the purpose of a school is to learn, not to get A’s.”

Therefore, Dr. Harsh has decided to take another approach: “When ... students are just copying the homework from other people, there’s no point in grading for accuracy,” Harsh has decided. She now usually grades for completion—”that motivates them to do it on their own even if they make mistakes,” she says. “That’s the point of doing homework.”

The Chatterbox Editorial Staff Mia Manavalan, Editor-in-Chief Tanner Walters, Senior Managing Editor Emily Friedman, Junior Managing Editor Ayana Rowe, Copy Editor Jonah Roth, Design Editor Kemarca Wade, Web Designer John Butler, Assistant Web Designer Luke Kloth, Print Photo Editor Signe Schloss, Online Photo Editor Garret Oester, Business Manager Akilah Phillips, Subscription Manager Page Editors: Josh Medrano, News & Features Print Editor Jessica Fan, News & Features Online Editor Jessie Heines, Viewpoints Print Editor Sierra Kingston, Viewpoints Online Editor Jenna Weber, Fine Arts Print Editor Amanda Dias, Fine Arts Online Editor Charlie Hatch, Sports Editor Joe Neidhard, Style & Culture Editor Dominick Clark, Just Nuts Print Editor Jaylen Hill, Just Nuts Online Editor JP Schmitz, Cartoon Editor Cody Stayden, Chatterbox Archivist Advisors: Samantha Gerwe-Perkins and Dawn Wolfe Front page masthead from the Chatterbox of 1997. Photo by Jonah Roth.

Illustration by Sarah Davidoff.

Editor: Josh Medrano

Volume CVI.4

Viewpoints

The Chatterbox

Are leggings pants?

Students and adminstration collide Jessie Heines, ‘12 Viewpoints Print Editor As you may know, the administration has started to crack down, once again, on “leggings.” Ladies are now being called into the office due to their “inappropriate dress.”

However, there has yet to be any definitive explanation as to what types of pants, jeans or sweats of the legging variety are “appropriate” for the school day.

Administrators and leggingloathers alike advocate that leggings pose a distraction in class and are too revealing to be flaunted in the halls. With the appearance of websites exploiting these ladies there is an unquestionable reason for the administration’s concern (even my mom proclaims that “leggings are not pants!”). But the guidelines regarding specific dress code infringements have yet to be defined.

Yes, we are all aware that “underwear should not be worn as outerwear,” but similarly to other controversies arising at Walnut, the consequences of breaking the dress code have only been addressed on a case by case basis.

What should the administration do regarding repeat legging offenders? Is this crime subject to

similar punishments discussed in the article to the right, or will the issuing of gym shorts suffice?

My potential compulsive shopping habits have led me to understand that leggings come in many varieties. While some stores stock up on the classic black knit garment, others advertise “chord leggings” and the ever-popular “jegging.” The dress code does not specify what counts as “leggings” and what does not. Will they simply have to add a “jegging” clause?

Moreover, I see no difference in wearing a tight pair of jeans or snug skirt. Technically, the same assets are being displayed.

Tandem to this legging libel is the issue of yoga pants. This exercise-chic trend has also come under fire. Yet again, who is to determine what is classified as yoga pants, leggings or sweat pants? Should boys who prefer a more tapered skinny jean be concerned for their fashion safety too?

Perhaps this clothing statement in itself is distracting to classmates and teachers.

So as the cold creeps in will this crackdown continue? I guess we will just have to wait and see, but for now ladies, keep it classy.

Viewpoint: Formal Writing Anonymous

I used to love writing, until MLA Came by and took all my laughter away It bent me and shoved me And really didn’t love me Just sucked all the pizazz right out

you whine Words like “I” or “a lot” or “very” or “you” MLA takes away all the stuff that makes you you Because one is weak by using certain vowels

If you write MLA, you might get good grades A lot of high scores in the sun with cool shades It’s very fun to spread my wings and f!y But since MLA didn’t like it I really could cry Just sucked all the pizazz right out

Be creative! Think freely! Today is the day!

Nope! Not anymore - now we’re MLA. And all underneath the rules and the gore No one really quite knows what MLA stands for Because one is weak if one expresses doubt

It is believed in some schools that it is okay to issue Creative styles and not have every tissue Have some aspect that is against the MLA rules But that is just preposterous - creating is for fools One must realize it sucks all of the pizazz right out of an individual

You know what? I’ll bet those rules I lost track of, those rules that I lose Those goons at MLA probably don’t even use In their own stupid papers with that perfect style That only makes me taste my own bile Really, it makes me want to puke.

Right down to the letter - every last line Stuff isn’t allowed; it might make

To read the complete poem visit the Chatterbox website at <http:// my.hsj.org/chatterbox>.

Volume CVI.4

Page 3

Viewpoint: Crime and punishment An opinion on Walnut’s disciplinary system

JOE SCHMIDLAPP?CHATTERBOX

Will we let Walnut’s esteemed reputation go up in smoke?

Garret Oester, ‘14 Business Manager There is a problem at Walnut Hills High School. It does not directly affect everyone, but the long-term repercussions impact all students.

Seventeen characters: illegal substances.

Now this is the primary issue, that students are using illegal substances, but a problem that is equally related is how those students who flagrantly disregard not only school policies, but also the laws of the United States of America, should be disciplined.

Some would say throw them out. However, this rarely happens.

Following the 2007 introduction of the Pyramid of Intervention—a plan used to discipline students— expulsion has been frowned upon.

The pyramid, which is actually in the shape of a cone, uses a method that is more effective with students half the age of a high school freshman. It utilizes steps of discipline—warning, detention, office

referral, etc. – hoping to discourage those who break the rules to reform their ways.

This approach makes some sense; the only way to positively influence teenagers is to have them around positive reinforcements, their peers. However, perhaps the people who those student associate we no positive reinforcements needed. Many of the people who were caught with possession of illicit substances were suspended for ten days, the maximum allowable time. There needs to be more repercussions for those who break the law while keeping them amongst actual positive reinforcements.

Criminal law scholars have divided the causes for discipline into four main categories: rehabilitation-working with those who are affected to get them help; deterrent-showing the consequences will be when the get caught; incapacitation-if you cannot get to a substance you cannot use it; and retribution-Hammurabi Code: an eye for an eye.

Wally Hill: Homework Wally Hill, ‘12 Staff Writer

Well, it’s that time of year again: the holidays. The time for hot cocoa, sledding, relaxing by the fire and doing a disgusting amount of homework. Though I’d love to say “happy holidays,” I can’t guarantee that this is the truth for everyone because the amount of work is aggravating. Teachers feel the need to pile on the work and with so much happening this time of year, it’s a bit unnecessary.

Now many of you, especially teachers, may be asking: “Now Wally, you’re a SENIOR, why are you complaining about homework? You signed up for this.”

Let me respond with a question: does a prisoner with a life sentence enjoy jail? Spoiler alert: the answer is no. He or she may be used to it, but they certainly do not enjoy it.

The same goes for homework. I do not enjoy it and this year the work load seems exceptionally heavy. It may be because I am a SENIOR, but after talking to those in other grades, I doubt we SENIORS are the only ones feeling this burden.

There should be less work. I understand having some homework to help us learn - that makes sense. But to throw work at students for no reason? I fail to

Editor: Jessie Heines

understand that. Plus, my workload, along with many others, is already overloaded with other requirements.

For SENIORS there are college applications, a dreadfully overcomplicated process upon which the rest of our lives depend, as well as a plethora of AP and AA classes.

Throw extracurriculars and sports into the mix and it makes the perfect storm of overworked kids.

Now I wouldn’t go so far as to say that a large amount of work is unexpected from a college prep school, but it can’t be healthy to give kids so much work. The average teenager needs 10 hours of sleep a night, and they don’t get that because of normal teenage habits. Adding all this work merely complicates their lives and jeopardizes their health. If students have an excess of work and studying to do, then they will be more likely to fall asleep in class or perform poorly. In turn they will perform poorly as a whole, making everyone’s life difficult.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that I don’t agree with the amount of work, or the teaching style of those who give it. There isn’t much I can do about it, but then again, I’m not here to incite change. I’ll leave that for the activists.

The question then turns to what is the motive behind student punishment. It would be easy to classify motive, but it overlaps greatly amongst several. Since it is unlikely that Principal Jeffery Brokamp is attempting to get revenge on the students, it is easy to eliminate retribution. However, there is ample support for all the others and the line blurs. Is the administration trying to incapacitate theses students by sending them away? But then within two weeks, they are back at school. If they were truly trying to deter, there would be expulsions, not this wishy-washy dancing around the subject as if it is taboo.

Herein lies the dilemma.

People refuse to talk about the issue. By taking the student out of school, you keep them from harming others, but within ten days they return to “receive positive influences.” What is this discipline policy trying to do? It sends a poor message.

Several things can be done to combat this problem: Firstly, there needs to be more education about the dangers and consequences of drug use in school and even outside of school. This should be done not through health classes or large scale assemblies, but through small sessions with counselors.

Secondly, consequences need to be clarified then enforced to provide a sequential system for punishment and reoccurring infringements.

Lastly, there needs to be dialogue between the administrative team and the students. This cooperation should work on finding new ways to deter and rehabilitate students, perhaps even through sessions that takes place during the school day.

Viewpoint: Umbrella Anonymous Walnut Hills has received a generous supply of rain and umbrellas are a useful tool for shielding oneself against massive rainstorms.

I’ve witnessed exaggerated attempts to block rain. Junior high students walk fully clothed in hooded red and yellow “rain ponchos” (covering their backpack as well). My transitions between classes have also proven hazardous.

Atop the third floor, underclassmen prematurely unleash their umbrella, nearly stabbing people with their sharp metal spokes. At major doorways, some struggle to close them. Many people decide the best course of action is to bring an umbrella to school and swing it by their sides, nearly hitting other individuals.

Rainy days are likely to produce an oversupply of wet umbrellas that must go somewhere after the user walks indoors. In classes, I discover a soaking wet desk located on a soaking wet floor. When boarding the bus, people that shake wet umbrellas against my books cause water damage to the pages. As I witness people nearly getting their eyes punctured, I can vouch that there needs to be a school wide umbrella reform.

Walnut Hills High School

Sports

Page 4

Eagles have huge expectations, tough schedule Charlie Hatch, ‘13 Sports Editor After a tough season last year, the boy’s basketball team is back and has high expectations for the upcoming 2011-2012 season.

This year, the varsity squad has eight returning players, which gives the Eagles a lot of experience and chemistry that will pay off. “[The] guys have been through the grind and will not be intimidated by tough situations,” said assistant coach Adam Lazar. “These players have now been together since they were freshmen, and that kind of continuity is only going to help us.”

Walnut also has a much more difficult non-conference schedule this year taking on LaSalle and St. Xavier on the road, and then Elder December 28 at home, which might possibly be the biggest home game of the year. These three teams all play in the GCL (Greater Catholic League,) and the Eagles want to build a reputation as a tough team, despite being in a weaker conference.

If the Eagles can play teams that have such storied traditions during the regular season, it will help in post-season preparation.

“Our goals go well past winning our conference, and in on order to have the type of tournament success we want to have, we need to be prepared,” explained Lazar.

“Playing a tough schedule is the only way to do that. The last five state champions from Cincinnati have come from the GCL. That says it all.”

VALENCIA BROWN

The boys basketball team hopes to be one of the top teams in the city, despite their incredibly difficult schedule.

Another advantage that will benefit the boy’s team this year is the fact that most of the home games take place on Fridays, whereas predominantly all of the home games last year occurred on school nights.

“We truly believe that, when full, the Nut House provides the best home court advantage in the city,” said Lazar. “When we knocked off Wilmington a couple of years back, a scout from Miami University said it was the loudest high school gym he had ever been in. It is not a coincidence that some of our biggest wins since Coach Moman’s arrival have come at home, in front of a full house.”

After that huge win against Wilmington and then the St. X. victory last year, the Nut House stormed the floor to celebrate with the team, and hopefully with impressive wins, it will continue.

Asst. Coach Lazar also said when it comes to the roster, “We will be very deep this year, with our top nine guys all being expected to contribute. The biggest names to watch are Khari Burton, Sterling Gilmore, Ricardo Hill, Andrew Mitchell, and of course Isaiah Johnson.” Burton, a junior guard, has been a member of the varsity team since freshman year, and will take the ball up the court for the Eagles this season.

Junior guard Ricardo Hill is very optimistic about the Eagles’ chances to be something special.

“We’ll be really good this year as a team with a year of varsity experience under our belts,” said Hill. “Excellent guard play and our strong big men will lead us to a deep run in the playoffs and put Walnut Hills basketball on the map.”

The coaches have also put a lot of expectations for the center, junior Isaiah “Big Dog” Johnson, to be the star player, and even the player of the conference. “This season is looking like it will turn out to be something special,” Johnson said. “I’m looking to follow what [the football team] did and do something that Walnut Hills basketball has never done before, and with this team I think we can accomplish that.”

Who Dey!? Cincinnati has incredible start Charlie Hatch, ‘13 Sports Editor This fall, the biggest surprise in Cincinnati has been the Bengals. With a 7-5 record, they are competing for a spot in the NFL playoffs. The Bengals’ memorable season can mostly be attributed to three factors.

Number 1: The offense, under rookie quarterback Andy Dalton, is performing above expectations, and has a number of weapons in their arsenal to catch opponents off guard.

Dalton has been able to connect to his receivers, and has found his new go-to guy in Pro-Bowl nominee A.J. Green, the Georgia rookie picked up last April in the NFL Draft. Green has faced double coverage, which has allowed other receivers or running backs to open up, giving Dalton more targets. With a candidate for NFL Rookie of the Year under center, the Bengals have newfound confidence in their franchise quarterback for the coming years.

Number 2: Despite being one of the most hated people in Cincinnati, Bengal owner Mike Brown has actually been impressive this off-season and through the first couple months this year when it comes to front office acquisitions.

Brown brought in corner-back Nate Clements from San Francisco, who replaced Jonathan Joseph

Walnut Hills High School

and has greatly helped in secondary coverage for one of the NFL’s best defenses.

Mike Brown also traded away Carson Palmer, the former quarterback for the team, who asked to take his talents elsewhere. Palmer got his wish, and moved back out to the West Coast to play for the Oakland Raiders, in exchange for a first round pick in 2012, and either a 1st or 2nd rounder in the 2013 Draft (depending on Palmer’s season this year.

Although it took awhile for Brown to release the former #1 pick out of Southern California, his latest move showed that he hasn't given up on this team and is trying to bring in more young talent in the upcoming April Draft.

Number 3: Cincinnati started their 2011 campaign with the NFL’s easiest schedule, which has allowed them to pick up some wins and climb in the divisional rankings. The team started with a victory over the floundering Cleveland Browns with good luck and later upset the Buffalo Bills.

The Bengals at one point held a five game win streak, and are currently 7-5 after a dismass, 35-7 stomping by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cincinnati is sitting in third place in the division, and hold the last spot in the AFC Wild Card picture.

Editor: Charlie Hatch

The Chatterbox

Hockey brings the pain Joe Schmidlapp, ‘14 Staff Writer Walnut Hills varsity ice hockey is back for the Cincinnati Amateur Hockey Association 20112012 high school season.

This year, the Eagles boast three SENIORS Ryan Richardson (#22), Sam McHugh (#20), and Lindsey Sipes (#5). Out of the sixteen players, only Adam Lindley ‘13, Simon Dallas ‘13 and Joe Schmidlapp ‘14 attend Walnut Hills. The other players belong to various schools in the area without their own hockey teams. Assistant captain Matt Riccetti (#12) said “This season looks very promising. We are a team of great age variation, yet somehow, we just seem to click!”

The Eagles play games on weekends, usually in the evenings, at Northland Ice Center or the Cincinnati Gardens against teams such as Mason, Lakota East and West, Indian Hill, Northern Kentucky, etc.

This year, Rick Riccetti stepped up to become the Eagles’ head coach, and former head coach Jim Flannery has moved down to assistant coach. The Eagles beat Lakota East 6-2 in the first game of the season, and have had a 7-game losing streak since.

Although the Eagles are currently in last place out of ten, their main focus is the post-season tournament. You can visit their webpage at http://bit.ly/sKab5d to check out standings, statistics and schedules.

Lady Eagles Basketball hope to rebound Alina Tashijan, ‘14 Staff Writer The Walnut Hills Lady Eagles varsity basketball team is hoping to bounce back from a disappointing season last year, when they tied for last place with league record of 3-12. With the loss of five seniors looming over the team this season, it seems as though this will be a year of rebuilding.

Although they suffered thirteen losses last year, eleven of them were by ten points or less, which is proves that they were competitive.

Will they be able to clinch those games this season?

Varsity captain and junior Katie Estep is eager for the season, believing that “the team’s skills have improved drastically since the summer league.” She comments on the loss of their seniors by saying that although they lost five seniors, two of them were injured for the majority of the season last year.

With a league record of 3-12 last season, the only place that they can go from there is up. She thinks that they should do well this season as long as “they go hard and come ready to compete every game.”

Will they be able to turn it around this season? With their winning attitude this season they may be able to clinch those close games they lost last season. Come out and cheer on your Lady Eagles to victory as they fight to make a comeback from the rocky last season.

JEFF SWINGER/CINCINNATI ENQUIRER. USED WITH PERMISSION.

Despite their preseason projection to be the worst football team in the NFL, Cincinnati has an opportunity to make the playoffs.

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Fine Arts

The Chatterbox

Annie Get Your Gun does it better Amanda Dias, ‘12 Fine Arts Online Editor After many months of rehearsal and preparation, Annie Get Your Gun finally opened on the Walnut Hills stage on Thursday, November 17. Between the rifletwirling, can-cans, shooting competitions, romance and the superficial glamour of show business, Annie is truly a production for all audiences.

Plaid shirts, cowboy boots, hats and rifles comprised most of the cast’s costumes, in addition to the floor-length gowns and ubiquitous white gloves of the show’s high society. The musical is set all over the country, from our own Cincinnati, to Minneapolis and New York City, from Pullman steam trains to cattle boats.

The real reason Annie Get Your Gun far surpassed my expectations lies not only in its visual appeal, but in its superb array of talented actors and actresses. SENIOR Abby Gilster’s portrayal of legendary sharpshooter Annie Oakley astounded all by showcasing her fantastic acting, powerful voice and adorable adopted drawl.

SENIOR Paul Linser played the overconfident yet secretly romantic “swollen-headed stiff” Frank Butler, who so happened to be Annie’s love interest. New to the Walnut Hills stage is Bre Jeffery, ’13, as Dolly Tate: the prim, proper and desperate assistant to Frank Butler.

Jeffery’s portrayal of the humorously melodramatic Dolly was a subtle reminder of the race perceptions and societal expectations of the time. Dolly’s unjust treatment of Tommy Keeler (played by SENIOR Andrew Greene), the half-Irish, half-Native American lover of Dolly’s little sister, Win-

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Marcia Hartsock visits Walnut

MARCIA HARTSOCK

An example of Hartsock’s embroidery Kahvah Yisrael, ‘12 Staff Writer

DAN LEDBETTER/ DAN LEDBETTER PHOTOGRAPHY

Abby Gilster shows off her sharpshooting skills on the Walnut Hills stage. nie (played by Katie Peters, ’13) shows this.

Parents may have had to explain to their children why Dolly treats Tommy as inferior and disapproves of his relationship with Winnie. In addition, Annie and Frank’s romantic relationship reflects the time’s perception of domestic gender roles. Annie is clearly an independent tomboy, but Frank wants a doting girl who “will wear satin and laces and smell of cologne.” Aside from the undercurrent of dated social issues, the plot provides plenty of drama and humor to thoroughly entertain.

I thought the highlight of the show is the musical number “Anything You Can Do,” widely recognized even by those who had never seen Annie before. Frank and

Annie engage in their most outrageous competition yet, claiming one can drink faster, shoot better, speak faster or even sing higher, sweeter and longer than the other.

Throughout the show, Annie is capable of a lot more than Frank, especially holding a note (in the last song) for seemingly an eternity.

The many months of hard work and perseverance paid off. All aspects of the production came together cohesively due to the dedication of director Tom Peters and the backstage crew, the accompaniment of the Music Department and the stellar performances by the cast. If only Annie Get Your Gun had run longer than three short days, I certainly would have attended again.

Jazz club changes venue

Marcia Hartsock, a medical illustrator and owner of the Medical Arts Company, visited Mrs. Smith’s Art X class on November 4 to present several different kinds of textiles, as well as the history behind several works of art. Hartsock’s knowledge and understanding of textiles comes from her work as a graduate student. She still incorporates art into her work as a medical illustrator as she creates images of disease and body parts for medical purposes.

“Digital work, to me,” said Hartsock, “still means work by hand.” Hartsock provided a brief look at the history of textiles, followed by the several techniques that are used. She began by showing photos of the embroidered Bayeux Tapestry from the 11th century to the class. She explained methods such as embroidery, tapestry weaving, applique, reverse appliqué, Batik and threedimensional contemporary techniques.

The class was shown the impressionism of Audrey Walker’s The Lemon Tree, which was created using hand embroidery, as well as a story quilt made by Harriet Powers in 1886. Hartsock also presented more contemporary pieces such as Cars from Alamogordo, New Mexico, created by Carol Shin using machine embroidery, and Kitchen by Liza Lou, a three-dimensional kitchen completely covered in beads and sequins.

Hartsock brought example pieces to show the different ways that textiles can be used to create different images. Her aim was to show textile’s diversity in what is possible to be made. She left the class with the question: “What kind of images can you create?”

Walnut’s Favorite Holiday Movies

CODY STAYDEN/ CHATTERBOX

Jazz band practices for an upcoming performance.

Joe Neidhard, ‘12 Style and Culture Editor A favorite venue of the music department, the Blue Wisp Jazz Club owned by Walnut alumni Ed Felson and Jack Brand, is moving to a new location downtown on January 1. Currently on East Eighth Street, the club, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer, is moving five blocks to the site of the former RedFish restaurant.

For years now the site has been a performance spot for Walnut’s jazz department to supplement their semesterly concerts in the small theater. The Jazz Lab, Ensemble and Combo have performed late afternoon concerts there.

A few years ago, a move to Clifton was anticipated, but never occurred. This current change was catalyzed when plans were

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made to demolish the building as to create parking for the casino.

The new spot is going to offer more space and allow for the club to open a restaurant.

“I think it’s gonna be better because it’s closer to Fountain Square. They’ll be able to expand more on their options,” said Jazz Ensemble director Kerry Kruze. “I’m just glad that it’s going to stay vibrant.”

The move could mean larger crowds for the concerts. “I think jazz is definitely something that deserves to be listened to,” said SENIOR and alto saxophonist Sev Sheets. “Not a lot of people are into it much anymore.”

Mr. Kruze says that the new site will not change Walnut’s tradition at the Blue Wisp.

“We definitely plan to continue. They must be doing well if they can do this.”

JOE NEIDHARD AND TANNER WALTERS/ CHATTERBOX

Walnut students turned out to be big fans of the classic A Christmas Story, with Elf trailing close behind. The Chatterbox also learned not to leave a blank option in the online survey: Gandhi is not a Christmas movie!

Editor: Jenna Weber

Walnut Hills High School

Style & Culture

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I’ll be home for the Holidays!

A guide for those staying put on winter break Hannah Shaw, ’14 Staff Writer We all know the feeling of when the appeal of winter break wears off, all your friends are on cruises, and the dreaded “I’m bored” phase sets in. Do not fret!

There is a mini stay-cation waiting to happen here in Porkopolis. From classic winter tales to shimmering light displays, holiday fun is closer than you think.

Festival of Lights: If you love the Zoo, you’ll love it even more with over two million LED lights. You’ll be able to meet Santa’s reindeer and admire a one-of-a-kind menorah display all in one night. Children and seniors $10; adult $14. From November 25 to January 1.

Ice Skating and Carriage rides at Fountain Square: Nothing says winter like good ole’ fashioned ice skating, and where better to do it than in the heart of Cincinnati? Ice skating is an activity everyone can enjoy.

Walnut Hills High School

JOE NEIDHARD/CHATTERBOX

Fountain Square sparkles.

After you wear yourself out on the ice, put your feet up in a horse drawn carriage and enjoy the scenery of Cincinnati in the winter.

Cincinnati Ballet’s Nutcracker: If you have never seen the Nutcracker or even if you’re a seasoned veteran of ballet, this year piques special interest with a brand new Nutcracker. That means new choreography, new costumes and new sets for the first time in 10 years.

The world premier is at the Aronoff Center for

the Arts on December 15 and the show runs through December 24. Tickets range from $40 to $80. For more information check out “newnutcracker.org”.

A Christmas Carol at The Playhouse in the Park: As one of the Playhouse’s most popular productions each year their version of A Christmas Carol combines faithful storytelling with enchanting stage magic to bring to life its classic story of grouchy old Scrooge given one last chance at redemption by four persuasive ghosts. A Christmas Carol’s heartwarming message, along with hundreds of costumes and uniquely spectacular special effects, achieves the always high quality performances of the Play House in the Park.

A Christmas Carol is suitable to please audiences of children age 5 and older.

This holiday classic will be running December 1 and December 2 and tickets range from $25- $50.

Editor: Joe Neidhard

The Chatterbox

Ceremonials: Florence + the Machine Delivers again Jaylen Hill, ‘13 Just Nuts Online Editor

manage the impressive task of captivating the attention of, but not overwhelming a English rock band Florlistener. ence + the Machine’s sophoOf course, I wouldn’t moric effort in Ceremonials be praising Ceremonials so is great in the sense that they much if I didn’t feel Florence deliver more of the huge and + the Machine were able to soulful sound from their first make every song so climacalbum, Lungs, while at the tic and full of feeling. For same time showing musical those looking for comparigrowth. sons, imagine the powerful Florence Welch’s voice is voice of someone like Adele louder, the drums sound like combined with the strength they’re being bashed harder and passion in delivery that than ever and the music is Beyoncé aspired for on her overall more invigorating. latest album, 4. However, The band does a great job unlike Adele (especially on of fusing myriad influences 21), Welch’s lyrics sound like calypso, rock, rhythm strong and as if they can be and blues and classical sung with one’s head held music into melodies that high. On the opening song, exhibit the intense emo“Only if for a Night”, she tions conveyed within the sings, “And the only solution album’s twelve songs like was to stand and fight”. the soundtrack to a movie.

Strength is a major The harp, strings, synthesiz- component in what makes a ers and percussion combine good album, and Ceremoniwell with Welch’s echoing als has a lot of it. A worthy voice as she sings of love, follow-up to 2009’s Lungs, longing, pain, joy and even I thoroughly enjoyed this the supernatural, creating album. dynamic blasts of sound that

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The Chatterbox

The Arcade

The Flood Cometh

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Spook of the Month Jarod Estes, ‘17 Chatterbox Cartoonist

JP Schmitz, ‘12 Arcade Editor

Student Submission Brandon Wagner, ‘12 Chatterbox Contributor

SENIOR Poetry Submission Alex Shoemaker, ‘12 Chatterbox Contributor In retrospect, it bothers me.

My youth was full of lies My arrogance was swallowing And yet I thought myself as wise My ignorance idolized me A prophet and preacher Until I met my own demise From the teachings of time’s teacher I cannot say I’ve learned much more From days when I was young But what I’ve learned since days before Is when and how to bite my tongue

A Series Unfortunate Eggnogz

We often speak just to talk or Glow in dramatic light With tongue in cheek, I’d rather walk Than make a claim to know what’s right

Jessica Fan, ‘12 News & Features Online Editor

Now I will try to speak my mind with art instead of word At least until my vision’s blind My voice will finally be heard

Horoscope of the Month Mia Manavalan, ‘12 Editor-in-Chief

Sagittarius You may be feeling a bit too stressed out now, so try and go back to your happy place. After the 19th, everything will settle down and your love life will open once again. Be sure to show that special someone that you really care, but don’t be too weird about it. Resolve your issues with that teacher of yours that you seem to never get along with before the semester ends to make sure you’re on good terms for 2nd semester.

Keep away from Scorpio and make friends with Leo.

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Editor: JP Schmitz

Walnut Hills High School

Just Nuts

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The Chatterbox

Marching Band ends with a bang Marchers bond over shared triumphs

Hannah Shaw ‘14 Staff Writer

When one thinks of high school sports, the usual sports come to mind: football, soccer, basketball.... But what about marching band? After another very successful season it’s time to give a well deserved “Kudos” to our Walnut Hills marching band, the Marching Blue and Gold.

As any other sport, the marching band committed countless hours to practices before and all through out the football season.

With over 400 hours of practice a season, marching band members became very close throughout the season. Marching band director Mr. Ferrara remarks that the team’s largest accomplishment this year was “unifying 84 strangers to work towards a common goal,” and evidently this goal was

HANNAH SHAW/CHATTERBOX

achieved.

SENIOR Randy Ziadeh, who portrayed the role of a prince in the crowd-pleasing halftime show, recounted coming into marching band this year as a stranger, but as the year progressed, his relationship with his fellow team members went from stranger, to friend, to family.

These countless hours are not just to entertain football fans at halftime. Marching Blue and Gold dominates in competitions across the state. This year, the band returned from the Ohio State finals ranked highest in all seven categories of competition– one of only eighteen teams to achieve this honor.

The marching band, with such impressive accomplishments under its belt, is clearly an asset to Walnut sports, despite its reputation as being “lame” or “dumb.”

Sophomore Sixten Heekin says, “Marching Band, as much time as it takes up, and despite the reputation it has for being ‘lame,’ is just one of those things I love

to do- and even if it will probably be the death of me, I don’t think there’s anything that would make me quit.”

Even though you don’t hear about members of marching band stepping in perfect time like you hear about touchdowns or soccer goals, it is just as pertinent to our school. “Walnut Hills students should remember to support one and another and be proud of the school, everything it has to offer and the staff who offers it.”

Whether it be on the football field, in the classroom or on the chess board, every team, club and group has their own successes and downfalls. As the Marching Blue and Gold have learned, we are a school and every piece of our puzzle is important. As Ziadeh says: “Work together, sweat together, bleed together. It’s pretty legit.”

The Nutty Notebook: Brazil Nut

Students help community, local and global

Jessica Fan ‘12 News & Features Online Editor

KATIE SPRENGARD

Signe Schloss ‘12 Online Photo Editor Although Walnut Hills may feel like a world within itself, many people here are reaching out to the community of Evanston which surrounds us. Members of the Spanish club, sponsored by Spanish teachers, "El Profe" Mr. Maddox and Mrs. Wilke, plan to have school supplies “hand-delivered to an orphanage" in Guatemala. Club members are also setting their sights a little closer to home with their plans to visit the Ronald McDonald House during

the holiday season.

Walnut's Community Action Team is also connected with the Ronald McDonald House. Last year, members organized an ice cream social for the children staying there. SENIOR Maya Sekhar, the leader of the Community Action Team, “loved being able to do something fun for the kids.”

This year, during their Thursday meetings at lunch, members of CAT have been making fleece blankets for people at the Ronald McDonald House using a simple knotting technique. These soft blankets provide comfort and

warmth during long mid-western winters.

While CAT has its roots in helping those in the Evanston community, the team is now branching out into an international outreach program. Through the Invisible Children program, CAT has organized a drive to send books to impoverished schools in Uganda.

The scope of Walnut students' initiative and impact now expands across national boundaries, spreading good deeds into both of earth’s hemispheres.

Due to the significance of nuts in our daily lives, I will be writing a review of nuts in every issue.

As I caress the nut, the skin peels off a bit. The size seems to dominate over my thumb’s physique. With 1% iron within each nut, thus making a total of 18% iron in each cup of nuts, the Brazil nut beats kidney beans in the war of iron. One can find these delicacies in rare flavors such as salted or with “a touch of vanilla”.

Other known names of this nut include: castanhas-do-Acre and sapucaia. However, the Brazil nut is extremely dependent on the Large Female Long-Tongued Orchid Bee, as it needs the tongue of such bee to pollinate the Brazil nut’s parental fruit tree.

Upon placement of the Brazil nut in mouth, the textural mouth feel was noted to be quite smooth.

The nutty aroma transitioned into a fine grained explosion of salt.

For as you munch on said nut, remember that Brazil nut trees are actually incredibly dangerous, since the Brazil nuts come in giant

QUADELL/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

sacks that descend from the tree and that Brazil nut pickers (also regarded as castanheiros) must risk their lives to retrieve the aforementioned nuts.

My experience with Brazil nuts has been off and on, as sometimes their size discomforts me. However, I believe it is uncalled for the Brazil nut to be rated among the lowest of the traditional mixed nuts.

In Character: Anthony Johnson

Anthony “Tony” Johnson, ‘13, a.k.a. G2, is a trombonist for the marching band and a dedicated member of the Animation Club whose hobbies include marching, soccer and eating.

He describes himself as a “loud, funny and an incredible person”. He had these words to share with the Walnut Hills community: “Turtle swag!”

JAYLEN HILL/CHATTERBOX

You caught the girl you like checking you out from across the room.

Walnut Hills High School

JAYLEN HILL/CHATTERBOX

Marching band just won first place in a national competition.

Editor: Dominick Clark

JAYLEN HILL/CHATTERBOX

Your male dog is giving birth to puppies.

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