Cviii 2; 2013 10 09

Walnut Hills High School

Volume CVIII, Issue 2

October 10, 2013

Former Ugandan child soldier visits Walnut Hills

CELESTE KEARNEY/CHATTERBOX

(From Left to Right) Maddie Eaton, ‘16; Rachel High, ‘16; Lily Beane, ‘16; Innocent Opwonya; Ryan Sennett, ‘16 and Will Tardio. Opwonya was once a child soldier in Uganda for the Lord’s Resistance Army.

Celeste Kearney, ‘15

West Africa. A few more students start to trickle in just before the program begins. Opwonya and Will Tardio, a founding member of Unified for Uganda (U4U), enter and begin with a twentyquestions-style forum.

Unified for Unifat (U4U) started in 2008 by sponsoring the education of 10 children. It is a student-run organization that

50 students and a few teachers sit in the recital hall in the music wing patiently waiting to hear about Innocent Opwonya’s experience as a child soldier in Uganda for the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). Joseph Kony leads the LRA, which is a rebel group in Uganda and other parts of

sponsors the education of children in Uganda. Unified for Unifat did experience a name change to Unified for Uganda. U4U now sponsors over 100 children. Education is said to be the best chance of success for children. Opwonya now tells others about the “opportunities [he] got through education.”

Opwonya grew up in Uganda.

The Republic of Uganda has been facing internal conflicts ever since it received its independence from Britain in 1962. There are over 100 tribes in Uganda, each with a different language. English is Uganda's central language.

“When you talk to [Opwonya]… he just starts to seem like this normal guy,” says Ryan Sennett, ‘16, communications leader for Walnut’s branch of U4U. “When you hear him tell his story, it... takes your breath away because he doesn’t seem like someone who has been through that.”

Opwonya “grew up knowing” about Kony and the LRA leader’s violent demonstrations.

He “found [himself ] appreciating pretty much everything” because of his family’s limited resources and the poverty he experienced.

At the age of 10, Opwonya was abducted from his house. This was the last time he saw his father. Opwonya was then moved to Southern Sudan, which is about 400 miles away from his home. He was one of six children to be abducted

that night. He was “crying so loud” because he was separated from his family. Opwonya was “forced to go and fight; [he] didn’t have a choice.” For Sennett, “it’s really weird because it’s something that doesn’t seem real.”

“Knowing [that he] had nobody,” he followed his abductors from Northern Uganda to the training camp in Southern Sudan.

60 children began the training and he was one of 42 children to complete training. He “[considers himself ] lucky” because he “never got [shot].”

The child soldiers were told to overthrow the Ugandan government and were given weapons, though Opwonya says he never used the gun to kill people. He did, however, use the gun to scare people into giving him food, medicine and other necessities.

This article is continued on the News page of the online Chatterbox at <whhscbox.com>.

Halloween in haunted Cincinnati Grace Hill, ‘15 From the legends of ghosts residing in Music Hall to the haunting of Eden Park, Cincinnati has a long history of being haunted. Music Hall is said to be haunted by the ghosts who once called it their home, as it was the site of Ohio’s first insane asylum (the bones of the patients are said to be buried under the building).

The legend of the ghost at Eden Park revolves around Imogene Remus, the wife of famous bootlegger George Remus. Imogene was shot to death by George at the gazebo in the park for abandoning him for another man and also for taking much of George’s huge fortune when he went to jail. She is said to remain to this day at that gazebo, haunting the place of her death. Whether or not the haunted legends of Cincinnati’s past are to be truly believed by the public, anyone can still take part in the haunted culture of today.

1. One of the most frequented haunted spots in the area is actually a boat. The USS Nightmare located on the Ohio River in Newport, Kentucky is open on Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7 pm to 11 pm and on Friday and Saturday from 7 pm to

FEATURES

1 am. Tickets for general admission on Wednesday are $13, while tours from Thursday through Sunday cost $18. A skip-the-line pass (RIP Admission) is $22 and must be purchased over the USS Nightmare’s website. The tour path takes the participants through this historic and eerie steamboat’s pantry, captain’s quarters, torture chambers and much more to offer a truly unique haunted house experience. It has been ranked in past years as one of America’s top haunted houses by World Haunt Magazine. For more information, visit its website at <www.ussnightmare.com>.

2. Halloween Haunt at King’s Island is another favorite in the city. Here you can pair the haunted house experience with roller coasters. The park itself boasts a number of thrill rides to go on, and, now that Halloween is coming, zombies, vampires and the like will run rampant throughout the park. Luis Temaj, ‘15 says, “I love the unexpected and the thrill you get of being frightened.

However, [I] especially love when others are scared; their reactions are hilarious.” Visit Ed Alonzo’s Psycho Circus, Madame Fatale’s Tavern of Terror, Nightmare Alley and more to experience the scary

offerings of Halloween Haunt.

Tickets are sold on the website at $26.99 for Fridays and $32.99 for Saturdays. Visit the website at <www.visitkingsisland.com/ haunt>.

3. For a truly haunted experience, visit the Dent Schoolhouse.

This haunted house has been highly acclaimed both regionally and nationally as one of the best Halloween experiences around. It is rumored that the school house is haunted by a janitor who over a period of years murdered a number of the students at the school, hiding their bodies in the basement. Finally, years later, he was caught and the bodies were found.

He and the students are now said to haunt the school. Tickets range from $10 to $30 and include a tour through the school as well as a maze. SENIOR Tyler Bast particularly enjoys the frightening tour around the schoolhouse, saying, “It’s a lot of fun to cling to a friend and run away from the chainsaw guy that chases you around.” For dates and times, visit <www.frightsite.com>.

4. Lastly comes one of the most realistic Halloween experiences. At the Ghosts of the Queen City Tour, from Haunted Cincin-

VIEWPOINTS

SPORTS

FINE ARTS

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KARINNE HILL/ CHATTERBOX

Ravid Bunny from Halloween Haunt frightens bypassers at Kings Island.

This is one of many terrifying characters roaming the park. nati Tours, participants board a bus and drive to some of Cincinnati’s most famous haunted spots to experience first-hand if the claims of their hauntings are true.

For $28, each person is supplied with real ghost-hunting equipment to use when departing the bus for a walking tour of each location. This three-and-a-half hour tour explores places such as Music Hall, Eden Park, Windsor Elementary and the Taft Mu-

Can’t remember what Read about the Learn about how some You may have heard it Walnut looked like women’s varsity cross vocalists at Walnut are on the radio 1,000 times, before all that construc- but find out the deeper country team’s succesful taking their training to tion? See the difference meaning to the hit song season and their upcoming the next level with private meets. between then and now.

“Blurred Lines.” lessons.

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whhscbox.com

Hannah Shaw, Editor-in-Chief

seum. This tour has dates running through November and tickets go quickly. For available dates and more information, visit <www. hauntedcincinnatitours.com>.

Whatever you enjoy doing for Halloween, Cincinnati has something to offer. But keep in mind, if all else fails, there is a rumored hellmouth (a supposed opening to hell created to let the devil out) located in Blue Ash.

STYLE & CULTURE

PEANUTS

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“The procrastination handTake a look at a comparison between two book” demonstrates how 7th and 8th graders can kick bad recently released study habits before entering top-selling high school. hip-hop albums.

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FEATURES

Features Staff Ashwini Kamath, ‘17 Neriya Servant, ‘15

Garretson Oester, Editor

No more metal shacks as classrooms Garretson Oester, ‘14 Ashwini Kamath, ‘17 Before 2010, some classes were conducted in metal shacks, school was canceled because of excessive heat and lunch was eaten on top of the 1970s-era, concrete, leaking music classrooms. Currently, Walnut Hills High School “is positioned for the next 100 years,” according to Alumni Foundation Executive Director Debbie Heldman. However, until March 31st, 2010, the renovation seemed like a dream. That Friday before spring break, students first made the walk down the hill to the mods with their fourth bell classes for a tour of the new space. When students returned one week later, their classes were located there.

Approximately 67,000 square feet was added to the 257,223 square-foot building in the most expensive project within Cincinnati Public Schools, costing $67 million.

“[Old Walnut] was dingy and old-looking. ” -Christina Pappa, ‘15

In 2001, Cincinnati Public Schools did an assessment of the current space of Walnut. This determined that in addition to renovations of the 1931 building, more space was needed for the current enrollment of 2204 students. The current capacity of the building was 1605. The assessment ranked arts and science spaces as “state-of-the-art,” but held that music and older academic facilities were antiquated and hindered the educational process. The average classroom had four outlets, no air conditioning and asbestos floor tiles.

“It was kind of a wreck.” says

GARRETSON OESTER/CAHTTERBOX

THe renovated museum hall; major fixtures, such as the statues, returned to an updated space with new paint colors and light fixtueres SENIOR Peter Thompson when describing his experience in his early years at Walnut. “It wasn’t even a full working institution.”

At the time, restrooms that were said to be well and working were out of order and/or not clean.

Furthermore, construction was oftentimes disruptive to students in classrooms. “During the construction, loud bangs and crashes came from the walls!” says Thompson.

But Thompson is pleased with the final product: a “pristine, gorgeous building” that is full of “nice, new classrooms with absolutely no character.” After growing along with the school, “[he] can finally fit into the desks now!”

Heldman spearheaded the project, and placed an emphasis on including all stakeholders. “The design process really started in 2005, when the school was notified [of ] the amount of funding it was going to be provided [with].”

These funds came from the $1 billion Facilities Master Plan, passed in 2002 to update every school building in CPS. Walnut was given freedom to allocate the new space determined by the assessment, and after an internal review it was determined

GARRETSON OESTER/CHATTERBOX

ALUMNI FOUNDATION STOCK PHOTO

The top shows Mrs. Donnett’s room as it is now, which is in the same location as her old room, pictured below.

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that one-third of the space would be allocated to a new physical education facility, one-third to a new music facility and one-third to new academic space, approximately 20,000 square feet each.

This review was conducted with a focus group of major stakeholders.

“Some [needs] were obvious, [such as air conditioning], others, like traffic patterns, were less so,” says Heldman.

Technological improvements were another aspect of the renovation. This included the elimination of computer labs. The

“I liked the old Walnut, it had character ” Johnson, -Di’Azia ‘14

remaining rooms that still feature banks of computers include: the library (functioning as the new “drop in” lab), the Computer Science Lab and the Science and Engineering Lab. Teachers who need to use computers in class can now check out mobile carts with laptops. This fit within the priority of creating a wireless campus. The network features routers in every room and along hallways, which facilitate the mobile labs and the new bring-your-own-device policy instituted last year.

Another objective involved ensuring that every room is accessible to people with disabilities.

Doorways were widened and an additional elevator was placed to access the South Wing, Old Gymnasium and loading dock.

However, there are still two rooms which are not accessible to those with disabilities, located on the second level behind the auditorium. This new priority also led to issues with library capacity. Every shelf needed to be accessible. The old floorplan featured nooks with tables and shelves separating the outer ring which were difficult to access even when fully mobile. So, to limit the storage capacity lost, the architects designed shelves jut-

October 10, 2013

ting into the central seating area.

Access to the campus was another safety concern to the review panel and Heldman. “If there was a life-safety emergency at 7:15, how would the paramedics get here? Down Blair [which is often backed up to Montgomery Road]?

Down Sulsar? They’d have to walk through the stadium!” To remedy this, new entrances from Gilbert Ave and Jonathan Ave were added to alleviate traffic congestion and also resulted in additional parking.

Comfort for students and staff, in order to better facilitate the educational process, was another aspect of the building that needed improvement. “[Old Walnut] was… dirty and there were… old heaters that burned you,” says Chris McCleary, ‘16. Before the renovation, only the Arts and Science Building was fully air conditioned. In the renovated structure, every room is air-conditioned - sometimes “to frigidity and beyond,” according to Carolyn Newberry, ‘17. All teachers now have more storage, and lighting levels have been increased to promote learning. Desks were increased in size to accommodate the size range among 12-to-18year-old students.

Aesthetic finishes in the renovated structure were designed to evoke classical values. The old finishes needed to be updated and were graded as “poor;” however, the assessment did comment upon the historical significance of the building and its style. Some students liked the patina of an 80-year-old building. “I liked the old Walnut; it had character,” says SENIOR Di’Azia Johnson. The old structure featured blue walls with rust and teal trim and brown, poured concrete floors. This contrasts with the new finishes: cherry wood trim and cabinetry, bronze light fixtures in major areas and yellow walls. However, elements of the old finishes remain: Museum Hall kept its wainscoting and pilasters. The library still features its Assyrian Rookwood reliefs and the auditorium still contains its plaster masks. As part of the renovation, the library received terrazzo marble floors, an update

to the poured concrete.

New, non-classroom spaces were also added. The old natatorium under the old gymnasium has been converted into two spaces, for new exercise facilities (one of the points of the school’s new health and wellness plan) that contain modern equipment which can be used for physical education classes, and a large multi-purpose space, featuring multiple projector seating configurations and a moveable dividing wall. This room can facilitate standardized testing, guest speakers or large meetings.

The Schott Recital Hall, of a similar size to the Small Theater, can be used for presentations, small musical performances and even dramatic projects. All other major spaces have been updated, including the auditorium, forum and conference room.

After more than 20 moves, large and small, 75,000 bricks and 300,000 miles walked through rain and sleet to the mods, Walnut Hills High School is once again under one dome. The class of 2019 will not remember the Commons, Tin Cans, forks in the cafeteria ceilings,and life before automatic toilets.

“Time will show that we

ALUMNI FOUNDATION STOCK PHOTO

THe library before (top) and after (bottom) the renovation, new finishes were the primary aesthetic changes

GARRETSON OESTER/CHATTERBOX

overcame many problems that may have crippled other projects,” says principal Jeffrey Brokamp. “I think all things considered, things have gone as smoothly as we could hope.”

This is the final in a series of 16 renovation articles conducted over four years.

Issue CVIII.2

VIEWPOINTS

Viewpoints Staff Jason Hettesheimer, ‘14 Bradford Williams, ‘15

Sarah Wagner, Editor

“Blurred Lines”: can we not?

Jason Hettesheimer ‘14

In the wake of Steubenville one question has been brought to the forefront of sexual relationships: are there blurred lines of consent?

In August of 2012 a high school girl in Steubenville, Ohio was highly intoxicated and continually sexually assaulted by her peers.

The actions were caught on tape and after the case caught media attention, the debate on whether or not she “asked” for the sexual assault began. Some blamed the victim, saying that she should have known not to get intoxicated at the party; others blamed the rapists for having non-consensual sex.

The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines consent as “compliance in or approval of what is done or proposed by another.” But how would a piece of media be involved in this debate? Over the past summer, “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke came out and pushed the perceived line on consensual sex versus sexual assault and rape.

However, when it comes to sexual relationships the definition of consent needs to be more rigid.

According to the Sexual Assault and Violence Prevention (SAVP) at Vassar University, consent for relationships has to be “sober, enthusiastic, wanted, informed, mutual, and honest.” This applies to EVERYONE you have relationships with; just because you are partnered with someone does not mean there is automatic consent.

During the past summer, the song “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke brought up arguments about whether or not there can be blurred lines of consent, and if male and female sexuality (the state of being involved in sexual activities that include but are not limited to physical intercourse) are the same, or if there are different levels of appropriateness for each.

The difference between the appropriateness of sexualities between two of the sexes has been shown with the controversy over YouTube temporarily banning the feminist parody of “Blurred Lines,” “Defined Lines” by Law Revue girls Olivia Lubbock, Zoe Ellwood and Adelaide Dunn, which puts the scantily clad men in submissive roles while the

women were fully dressed. The song highlights the flaws of the original music video, that there are blurred lines between consensual sex and rape and the objectification of women.

However, although both the original video and the parody both showcase one group of people scantily-clad in submissive roles and one group of people welldressed in dominant roles, only one video was banned. YouTube stated that “Defined Lines” had “sexually inappropriate content” but retracted this statement 24 hours later and admitted it had made a mistake.

The original has not gotten away scot-free though. In the United States, “Blurred Lines” has gotten by fairly easily with only criticism; however, it was not as lucky in the United Kingdom.

There, it has been banned in several universities because it “excuses rape culture,” says Hollie O’Connor, president of the University of Derby Students’ Union in an interview with NBC News.

Around the school there have been many different reactions to

Letter from the Editor a tabloid or a gossip magazine, and

Turn on the news and the headlines are Miley’s tongue-wagging escapades and the partial government shutdown. What is happening in Syria and what is happening in the Kardashian household could be considered equally pressing in the eyes of the average mainstream media audience member.

I admit that I am guilty of surpassing a dry story about foreign policy to find out what household object— or intermediate direction— a celebrity named their child after this time. But the Chatterbox is not

while we are dedicated to entertaining and informing the Walnut Hills community, we are also dedicated to maintaining our obligation to remain truthful and objective.

We may not publish the latest celebrity scoop or break earth-shattering international stories, but the Chatterbox can provide you the ins and outs of what’s happening at our school. In this issue we uncover just what Walnut thinks of the chart-topping and controversial hit song “Blurred Lines”, as well as a side-by-side comparison

showing just how far we’ve come since the beginning of a seemingly endless renovation.

If there is something that you believe the Chatterbox is overlooking or you wish to voice your opinion on a topic, we always welcome questions, comments or the occasional rant. Ultimately, the Chatterbox’s purpose is not just to inform, but also to provide a voice for our readers to express what is truly important in our community.

Yours Truly, Hannah Shaw Editor-in-Chief

Questions or comments?

We would love to hear your thoughts! All feedback and corrections for the Chatterbox should be directed to <cboxwalnut@gmail.com>. Written feedback and submissions can also be dropped off in Room 2307.

SAMUEL WITKOWSKI

Consent comes from an informed individual decision. It is not from a coerced and confused action.

the song, ranging from the belief that the song does no harm and is good, to that it is terrible because it promotes rape culture.

Mariah Davidson, ‘17, believes the song is good. “It is a clean song because it doesn’t have any cuss words in it; the theme doesn’t play a role in the song,” she says.

Unsurprisingly, she agrees with YouTube that the original video is appropriate because “there are worse things on YouTube,” but disagrees with YouTube for banning the “Defined Lines” parody, because it as appropriate as the original. When it came to defining consent -- a key aspect to the controversy -- she says that there are blurred lines of consent because “there are no clear black and white situations.”

Danny Rocles, ‘18 is caught in the middle of the debate. He agrees with much of what Davidson had to say. “I think the song is good,” he says. “I’ve only seen the rated version of the video and I think that is appropriate, but from what I’ve heard, the unrated version went too far.” The rated version had the women clad in bras and the unrated version showed the women’s breasts. He also sides with Davidson that the parody

should not have been pulled at all. However, he disagrees with her when he says, “I don’t know [if the video should be allowed on YouTube] because young kids use [YouTube] and if young kids find the video, it could be bad.” He also believes that whether or not the song is appropriate depends on the person. But where does he stand on consent? “[Consent is when] both people are aware of what is happening. There are blurred lines when one person is aware of what is happening and the other person just follows.”

Overall, he thinks that “the song has a good beat but the message is kinda sketchy.”

Other students, such as Katie Nikaidoh, ‘15, believe the song is “gross in a sleazy, maybe a daterapist kind of way.” However she agrees with Davidson in saying that “it is his right to be able to show [the original] video on YouTube, and there are warning systems in place so it’s fine.” She uses a similar line of thinking for justifying her belief that it was wrong to remove the “Defined Lines” parody. When it comes to consent, Nikaidoh’s definition is, “All parties explicitly give consent; if all parties are of sound mind, then there’s only room for implicit consent.” She also states that the song cannot be clean because it is “obvious” that the message is not appropriate. Her final thought is: “I just can’t summon up the energy to care that much about this gross song.”

“Blurred Lines” is a catchy song, and rocking out to it does not mean that someone is bad or believes in rape culture. I didn’t even realize what the song meant until the fourth time I listened to it. What my late reaction, as well as those of others, means is that we need to listen closely to our music and be aware of what it is saying so that we can hold artists accountable for their lyrics.

Someone: a poem by Wally Hill Here is a story that isn’t so swell, But you will see, It could end rather well.

The Chatterbox Editorial Staff Zoe Cheng, Managing Editor Joe Schmidlapp, Design Editor Neriya Servant, Business Manager

Hannah Shaw, Editor-in-Chief

Celeste Kearney, Managing Editor Alex Persiani, Photo Editor Oliver Olberding, Online Manager

Page Editors Abrena Rowe, News Garretson Oester, Features Editor Sarah Wagner, Viewpoints Editor Kibret Alem and Kyren Palmer, Sports Editors Karinne Hill, Fine Arts Editor

Grace Hill, Style and Culture Editor Kandyce Clark and Kendall Young, Peanuts Editors Sean Wood, Arcade Editor Advisors: Samantha Gerwe-Perkins and Dawn Wolfe Illustration by Sarah Davidoff 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

De

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

Issue CVIII.2 Turn on the news and

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.

October 10, 2013

In the city of Walls, Near the city of Nuts, The people called SEAMERS Were strutting their struts When along came a Somemore, So very well-meant, Who voiced an idea Which was not so well sent So all of the SEAMERS, So special, so grand, Strutted their strut Right out of that land They thought to themselves, “Someone will care, Someone will be Somemore’s friend, While we’re who-knows-where.”

Poor Somemore, poor peer, Was ignorant so Of feelings the SEAMERS Did unduly show The SEAMERS did travel To faraway lands

To islands and fairies And 80’s boy bands There asked they of locals, The Cheachers of Um, For food, rest, a shelter and bubbly gum, But Cheachers don’t talk to nonCheachers, no fun!

“They’re younger than we, They can’t have what they want,” Say the Cheachers of Um, “Someone will help them learn Immanuel Kant.”

So Somemore is lonely And SEAMERS cast out And Cheachers, oh Cheachers, All boring, they pout Then one little Whale, Who goes by E. Hill, Said, “Someone should do something; Somebody will.”

Well, Hill, here’s the truth, Somebody is you!

Stand up for what’s right, And Someone will too.

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SPORTS

Sports Staff Tony Heim, ‘15 Alina Tashjian, ‘14

Kibret Alem and Kyren Palmer, Editors

Women’s tennis season comes to an end

MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY

Varsity went on to finish their season with 14 wins and 5 losses.

Tony Heim, ‘15 The end of the season is always melancholy, but the Lady Eagles finished with excitement when they won the league and conference tournament. The women came together and each singles and doubles team got second place in their branches. This is the ladies’ first Eastern Cincinnati Conference team title, and they look to add another title next year.

In addition to a multitude of accomplishments is their win in the Coaches Classic, which included teams from St. Ursula, Sycamore and Mason, Lilly O’Toole, ‘17

is seeded fourth in the sectional tournament and is in line to play at districts. Doubles partners Ali Fisher, ‘15 and Katie Hanley, ‘15 look to move to the district tournament where Fisher has had previous experience. “Last year it was a huge accomplishment to make it to districts and it was for sure exciting!

It showed how hard work pays off,” says Fisher.

Sectionals and districts are individual competitions, but the state playoffs are a team tournament.

The playoffs began earlier in the season when the Lady Eagles defeated Mount Notre Dame 3-2 in a dramatic match. The game was tied 2-2 and the last match was won by

injured SENIOR Alex Reblando.

Reblando says this was a turning point for the team. Looking back, “it was extremely awkward because everyone was watching me at my weakest, but I knew I had to play the final game because I had [my opponent] in a tough spot and I was confident I could finish the match. In addition, I knew that our team would progress to the next round of the team state tournament, so it was a mind-over-matter sort of thing.” Afterward, the team rushed out to congratulate and massage Reblando, a sign of the amount of respect and love the teammates share.

Looking to the future, the tennis team hopes to remain successful because of their coach, Steve Levine.

Levine, a former tennis pro, is now teaching his talents to young budding stars.

The team loves playing together.

Fisher expands on this, saying, "We have an extremely tight team. After matches we go out to eat and just talk. I don't know what I would do without these girls." Once the season is over, coach and players keep in contact, making sure the girls are working on their skills.

Megan Burke, ‘16 says that “our potential is endless. I think we have the tools to go far for years to come.”

Player profile: Jess Carr

RICK NEFF

Carr uncoils a kick against Fairfield. Walnut went on to win 2-0. in the city, maybe even the state: Alina Tashjian, ‘14 in the midfield we have Daniel Bundschuh, ‘15 and SENIOR He shoots, he scores! Jess Carr, Andrew Moore, so you can see ‘16 is lighting up the scoreboard how by the time the play gets to for the Walnut varsity boys soccer me, my job is easy.” team with nine goals so far this Carr adds that “the team has season and claiming the title of high-intensity practices every day leading goal scorer for his team. and the team chemistry is fantasHe shows that just because he’s tic. We are all friends… always young doesn’t mean that he can’t joking around and whatnot.” be a pivotal striker in the Eagles’ In the Eagles’ stats book, he sits offense. in the lead with nine goals, three Carr talks about his success on assists, 21 points total and two the field, saying that “[his success more games in the regular season is] because of the players I get to play with, starting with our goalie, to continue his run before tournament time.

Logan Weidman, ‘15, who’s in Carr plays Club soccer for the state record books.” But he Cincinnati United Premier (CUP) doesn’t just stop with Weidmann: in the spring and hopes to play “Next, our defense, who I would soccer collegiately. say could be called one of the best

Women’s varsity cross country runs ahead of their competition

Kibret Alem, ‘14

Cross country is one of the sports that often gets overlooked, but this isn’t the case for Walnut Hills women’s varsity cross country. They are one of Walnut’s many teams that have shown success this season and has been a tough competitor to schools in the city: they are currently ranked second in Cincinnati’s Division I. The varsity team is led by captains Grace Kappers, ‘15; Collier Summay, ‘15 and SENIORS Grace O’Donnell and Heather Luken. This year’s team had big shoes to fill, left by last year’s record-breaking team. Last year’s runners won their conference and district and almost went to state, placing fifth at regionals. On top of that, alumna Maryn Lowry

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advanced to state individually.

With last year’s impressive record, there were worries about how well this year’s team would do knowing that most of its top runners had graduated. “I was a little worried at first,” admits Luken.

Head Coach Bill Valenzano had the same thought during preseason, stating that “during the summer, I was more focused about getting Olivia Connaughton to Walnut Hills.” Before coming to Walnut, Connaughton was already well-known in the cross country world for her speed and success in races. In late June, it was confirmed that Connaughton was going to attend Walnut. “Once I knew Olivia was coming,” says Valenzano, “I knew we were going to have a very talented team of runners.” His assumption proved

JOE LUKEN

The

women’s varsity cross country team poses with Olympian Duane Solomon (far left). currently the third fastest female true when the girls won their first runner in the school and seventh meet of the season, the Milford in all of the Eastern Cincinnati Invitational. They then went on to Conference. Luken was on varsity win the St. Xavier Invitational the in ninth grade and this year, after second year in a row, with Conenduring an injury for two years. naughton leading the team and “I’m really happy to be on varsity earning fifth spot overall. again,” says Luken.

Unlike last year, when the team Reflecting on her last year runhad four SENIORS, this year the ning for Walnut, O’Donnell says only SENIORS are O’Donnell that “this season has been fun and and Luken. O’Donnell, who has I really enjoyed it. But postseason been on varsity for three years, is is what’s more important and we’ll

October 10, 2013

try to make it to state.” With the regular season over and the girls having won two of their five meets and placing four runners in the ECC’s top 10 all-time runners list, it seems like the ideal season that any SENIOR would want for their last year.

The girls will be competing for the ECC Champions Title on October 12th and in the District Competition on October 19th.

Valenzano is hoping for the team to make it to regionals on October 26th. If the girls do manage to go to regionals, it will be the fourth time in five years. If the girls end up being one of the top four teams at regionals, they’ll advance to state. “[The] State Championship is our World Series, our World Cup, and our Super Bowl,” says Valenzano.

Issue CVIII.2

FINE ARTS

Fine Arts Staff Kemi Goode-Mayo, ‘14 Oliver Olberding, ‘15

Karinne Hill, Editor

Award-winning musicals come to Cincinnati

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

The Aranoff Center is located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati. It will play host to several celebrated shows in the next year. the thick of the AIDs epidemic Karinne Hill, ‘15 and extreme poverty. Book of Wicked, Flashdance, The PhanMormon fans in Cincinnati can tom of the Opera, Book of Morlook forward to January, when the mon and American Idiot all have show will be in town from the 7th something in common: they are through the 26th. award-winning musicals that are The “prologue” to The Wizard coming to Cincinnati’s Aranoff of Oz, Wicked, has won three Tony Center. Among other shows, these Awards and a Grammy Award five productions will be performed since its opening in 2003. The acduring the 2013-2014 season. tion takes place before and during Fans of South Park will be the time span of The Wizard of Oz. interested to know that the team Wicked details how the lives of the that brought them an award-winWicked Witch of the West and ning animated comedy also helped Glinda the Good Witch intercreate the Tony-winning producsected and influenced Dorothy’s tion Book of Mormon. SENIOR adventures in The Wizard of Oz. It Erin Speno expressed her excitewill be performed at the Aranoff ment for the show by saying, “I’ll Center March 5th through 23rd, always be sad I’m not a guy so I 2014. Frannie Comstock, ‘15 can never play Elder Price!” Price says she is “especially excited for and his partner Cunningham are Wicked and Book of Mormon,” as sent to Africa to spread the Morwell as the rest of the season. mon religion (more specifically, Flashdance, the self-acclaimed the Book of Mormon itself ) into “pop culture phenomenon,” will

bring its 30th anniversary celebration to Cincinnati from October 29th through November 10th.

Flashdance chronicles Alex Owens’ journey from exotic dancer to student at the Pittsburgh Conservatory of Dance and Repertory, merging Academy Award-winning songs from the movie with 16 songs written especially for the stage production.

In May, the sold-out United Kingdom tour of The Phantom of the Opera will come to Cincinnati.

The show won multiple Tony and Oliver Awards when it initially came out in the late 1980s. It is also the longest-running broadway show in history. The plot line details the twisted love story of opera singer Christine Daae, Raoul de Chagny and the Phantom of the Opera himself. Death and destruction are plentiful as the men battle for Christine’s love and the love triangle falls apart. Natasha Victa, ‘15, who has only seen the 2004 film adaption, says she “can’t wait to see a professional Phantom production.”

American Idiot combines a Grammy Award-winning Green Day album wtih Tony Awardwinning musical theater aspects.

The show follows three friends, Johnny, Will and Tunny, as they leave the safety of their life-long hometown for the big city. In addition to being nominated for the Tony award for Best Musical, American Idiot’s crew was recognized for its lighting and set design. The Aranoff Center will host this internationally touring show April 11th and 12th, 2014.

These five musicals and several others make up a season at the Aranoff for which Walnut students are very excited.

Student art feature

The private lesson advantage Keni Goode-Mayo, ‘14 At Walnut, students are provided with many opportunities to get ahead. One opportunity is private vocal lessons, which many choir and theater students take advantage of.

When it comes to vocal lessons, teachers have different concepts and opinions about pedagogical approaches and vocal technique. The pedagogical approach is the art and science of voice instruction. This helps to define singing, how singing works and how proper singing technique is accomplished within private vocal lessons.

One of Walnut’s private vocal instructors, Ester Nam, has been teaching here since 1996. She received her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music in vocal performance degrees at University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, enabling her to perform at many recitals, oratorios, concerts and operas internationally. Her skills help her to teach all her students the positive effects of

private lessons. “Teaching young men and women from scratch is more rewarding,” says Nam. She believes that taking voice lessons helps to “control your voice with breath support which helps with vocal performance.”

Many Walnut students have taken voice lessons for a long period of time. “I’ve taken [voice lessons] since seventh grade and they’ve really helped me develop my tone and sight reading skills,” says SENIOR Heather Luken. “I’ve learned how to use my voice as a soloist which is very different from how I usually sing in choir.” “[Voice lessons teach] me how to breathe correctly for a louder vocal projection and ease in singing and how to make my vocal tone clear,” says SENIOR Kayla Moore. “They’re actually really fun. I always enjoy my voice lessons because they give me a way to relax and focus only on my voice.”

Voice teacher Ester believes that learning to sing “is almost like painting: voice building takes time.”

KEMI GOODE-MAYO/CHATTERBOX

SENIOR Kayla Moore practices a piece for her private lesson. Students of any experience level may take lessons.

This issue, in place of the Student Photograhy Feature, the Fine Arts page has decided to feature the pen-on-paper work of SENIOR Rachel Knobloch. To see a full student feature on Knobloch, visit <www.whhscbox.com>.

PHOTO BY OLIVER OLBERDING, WORK BY RACHEL KNOBLOCH

Issue CVIII.2

October 10, 2013

PHOTO BY OLIVER OLBERDING, WORK BY RACHEL KNOBLOCH

Page 5

STYLE & CULTURE

Style & Culture Staff Alison McNair, ‘14 Nisa Muhammed, ‘15 Kristian Tatum, ‘14

Grace Hill, Editor

Born Sinner vs. Yeezus Style Tips As fall weather blows in, use these tips to transtion into your winter wardrobe.

JCOLEMUSIC.COM

J. Cole’s album Born Sinner has been at the top of the charts since this summer. It has recieved much positive attention from fans here at Walnut.

Nisa Muhammed, ‘15 The hip-hop world went haywire when it was confirmed that J. Cole’s sophomore album Born Sinner was to be released the same day as Kanye West’s sixth album Yeezus. Fans of both artists began to anticipate which album would sell more and be of better quality.

On June 14, 2013, social media buzzed with critiques of both albums. Cole fans cheered when they heard the line, “I’m a drop the album the same day as Kanye just to show the boys the man now like Wanyá. And, I don’t need no disrespect. I praise legends, but this one’s next,” in the song “Forbidden Fruit.” West fans answered solely with the facts that West’s album is entitled Yeezus (in relation to Jesus) and that his prestige as a hip-hop artist who just released

his sixth album mean more than a line in a song by a rapper who is in the midst of transitioning to mainstream.

While both artists discuss in their songs topics including relationships, race and materialism, the two choose to convey their messages in completely different styles. “Born Sinner is like a story, whereas Yeezus is more for people [who] like complex beats and a different sound in music,” says SENIOR Eion Hindsman.

“They don’t compare.” Cole takes a much more subtle approach with a slow and mellow flow. Cole even samples the 90’s hip-hop sensation, A Tribe Called Quest, in one song. Besides having quality lyrics, West’s album is filled with techno-like beats, a little reggae, an upbeat tempo and even old school samples. “I liked Yeezus,

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2 Zoe Cheng, ‘15 Let’s face it: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 is a “sequel” in every sense of the stereotype. It is fresh, but overdone. Charming, but dull. Decent, but not as enjoyable as the first movie. What began as a whimsical children’s book lay the premise for the surprisingly riveting original movie. But take what’s already exaggerated -- um, food falling from the sky -- and blow it up even more in the sequel -- mutated food that has feelings -- and the product is messy. What could have ended with the first movie is now revived and revisited, a process that sacrifices story for sequel and takes on all the consequences in between.

The movie begins where it left off: our hero, Flint Lockwood, voiced by Bill Hader, has destroyed his newest invention, the Flint Lockwood Diatonic Super Mutating Dynamic Food Replicator -- or, FLDSMDFR, which felled his native city of Swallow Falls with its perpetual rampage of edible precipitation. Oh, and did I mention he also managed to fall

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in love in the process? Sam Sparks, his meteorologist girlfriend, is voiced by Anna Faris.

At the end of the first movie and it seems like Flint has saved the day -- however, he has also buried his beloved city under mountains and piles of bigger-than-life-sized donuts, pizza and pancakes in the process.

All of a sudden, the second movie rushes in, and -- plot twist!

-- out of the blue appears Chester V, a highly-renowned hippie inventor and Flint’s number one idol, who offers to clean and restore the island through the help of his employees. Chester V, as an added bonus, invites Flint to work for him at Live Corp in San Franjose, California. In fact, everyone on Swallow Falls moves to San Franjose as a temporary home during the cleanup process.

Life goes on happily in San Franjose, until Flint hears from Chester that the FLDSMDFR has revived itself and is now producing food that walks, scuttles, breathes, loves -- food that is alive! Chester urges Flint to go back to Swallow Falls and destroy the FLDSMDFR once and for all! Flint agrees,

DEFJAM.COM

Yeezus is Kanye West’s sixth album. It topped the Billboard 200 chart as number one. but it’s such a hype album that I can’t listen to it often, but I love Born Sinner. Album of the summer!” says Zoe Harvey, ‘15.

Comparing the two albums can be difficult considering their different styles. The fact that the two artists are at different points in their careers plays a significant role in their chosen styles.This is evident through the song titles: one is humbling and the other is self-praising. “Born Sinner is a great album,” says Tony Mitchell, ‘16. “It was more about J. Cole’s point of view and what he sees happening in his surroundings.

Yeezus was just another rap album, if that.” West is at the time in his career when he may consider himself to be successful enough to try new things and still keep the same fan base. However, “he can and has done better,” says Jelani

Thompson, ‘15. Cole, on the other hand, is at the point where he has to try to reach a different, more mainstream demographic, but still be able to keep the fans who are accustomed to his early mixtapes.

Since their releases, both albums have received praise from the media and from the fans, each catapulting to the top of the iTunes and Billboard 200 charts.

Born Sinner came in first on the iTunes list and second on the Billboard 200 chart. On the two prestigious lists, Yeezus came in second and first respectively.

Whether creating music that makes people want to relax or dance, both West and Cole achieved their goals through their music. Both artists conveyed their messages and were able to move people with their work.

packs his bags, and sets sail for home. And, of course, his loyal band of friends comes with him.

But there is something more going on beneath the surface of this kid’s movie, besides the fact that the possibility of death by cheespider looms large. Will the friends’ bond be strong enough to support them through the toughest of conditions? And who exactly is Chester V? And what are his real intentions?

Cloudy 2 is visually gorgeous -shots of watermelephants playing in a sunset-lit pond will definitely stir the mind -- yet its animation lacks the subtle realism found in Pixar films. Flint Lockwood’s nose is exaggeratedly round and the gigantic cherry pie lacks the luster and visual deliciousness of cherry pie in real life. In effect, Cloudy 2 is like an animated cartoon given shadow and light.

However, Cloudy 2 does explore some pretty heavy themes for a kids’ movie: messages such as environmental consciousness and animal safety are paired with betrayal and the consequences and rewards of friendship.

In conclusion, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 is not a movie to take your date to, nor is it a movie for anyone who has read literature, watched classic

cinema or possesses more than a superficial knowledge of story.

That said, the audience who can most appreciate this film will be

October December 10,4,2013 2012

#11: Spice things up with a warm scarf. #30: Wear tights with skirts and dresses to keep warm. #814: Just bought a tank top that you desperately want to wear but it’s 55 degrees out? Layer it with a plaid or denim jacket.

young, generally enthusiastic and easily humored. Though it has its own faults, Cloudy 2 is charming, but a bit too carried away.

Issue IssueCVIII.2 CVII.4

PEANUTS

Peanuts Staff Riley Taylor, ‘18 Camille Williams, ‘18

Kandyce Clark and Kendall Young, Editors

The handbook for procrastinators: Five super-fun ways to retain information the day before the test Kandyce Clark, ‘15 There’s no need to sugarcoat it: Walnut is known for its procrastinators. You procrastinate, the smartest student you know procrastinates and even some of your favorite teachers procrastinate. While procrastination is not the best method of preparation for your next history test, we all have weeks in which we just can’t pull away from our TV screens because Dr. Who just regenerated.

If you’re feeling regretful of all of those lost hours and you are sick of wallowing in self-pity, here are some life-saving tips to help you get the grade.

1. Get on YouTube. This might seem too good to be true, but YouTube can get you prepped for the test! There are so many great videos out there that supply students with crazy visuals or hilarious songs, most under 30 minutes!

Why spend hours upon hours staring at a boring book when you can watch a quick video and get the same information? Need help

KANDYCE CLARK/CHATTERBOX

These students are studying diligently for upcoming tests. Studying can be fun as well as beneficial. go as big as creating a colorful imwith remembering the Battle of By drawing little pictures of terms age of the plum pudding model.

Trenton? Check out the hilarious you need to memorize or even the If you aren’t feeling artsy, stick-fig“Battle of Trenton - Revolutionplot of a book for English class, ures never stopped the prehistoric ary War (Educational Parody of you’re marking your brain with cave artists at Lascaux!

Beauty & a Beat)” by Tom Miller. little flags that keep what you 3. Come up with catchy ac2. Make studying an art projlearned in your mind. You can ronyms and mnemonic devices. ect. A great way to retain informa- go as simple as making minute We’ve all heard of PEMDAS and tion is to create a visual reference. sketches for your vocab words or

Peanut of the issue

KENDALL YOUNG/ CHATTERBOX

Singleton poses in class. She aspires to be a politician one day.

Camille Williams, ‘18 Who is this Peanut? This Peanut was born in, according to herself, “the most awesome year: 2000,” in our nation’s capital.

This Peanut plays soccer, has a birthstone of Garnet, is a Capricorn, was born in the year of the dragon, takes German classes, loves cheeseburgers and cake pops and has a dream of becoming a politician. Who is this Peanut?

She’s Allison Singleton, ‘18.

Singleton has wanted to be a

politician for a long time. Most kids wouldn’t even consider that as a job, but that is what sets her apart. “I want to make a difference in the world,” says Singleton. “I want to make the world a better place so that later generations can live more comfortably than our own. I want my voice to be heard, not ignored, not tossed away, but heard. I have good ideas and people should listen and debate with me.”

Singleton’s parents are both lawyers and, in Singleton’s eyes, each true role models. “My mom [inspires me] because she had this amazing case that went to the Supreme Court, and she’s such a strong, powerful woman. My dad [inspires me] because he defends people who most [attorneys] would just dump in the trashcan.

My dad never judges anyone. He would represent anyone, and that’s extremely powerful to me.”

Keep your eye on this Peanut!

With her powerful words and intellect, she might just be on your ballot someday!

Piper Peanut Dear Piper, I am always late to my classes because the upperclassmen walk too slowly. How can I get to my classes on time and avoid getting a detention?

Tardy Tanner Hey, Tardy Tanner!

It is always very hard to assimilate into Walnut as a junior high student. One thing that is the hardest to do is going to your locker, weaving around slow upperclassmen and making it to class - all under five minutes. The

Issue CVIII.2

best advice I can give you is to try out different routes. Ask teachers and security guards for faster routes. You can also plan to go to your locker three times a day: before first bell, at lunch and after seventh bell. Going to your locker at these times will allow you to avoid the infamously huge “Effie Backpack” and be on time to every class! As for the slow upperclassmen, walk around them! Pay them no mind if they laugh at you because they were once effies, too.

Best of luck, Piper Peanut

‘Super Man Helps Every One’ (Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, Ontario), but who ever said that you can’t make up a more interesting one on your own? Examples include: ‘Mary’s Very Evil Macaw Jumped Somersaults Under Nancy’ (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune) and CLASS (Come Late And Start Sleeping). Just kidding.

Stay in school.

4. Have a Jeoparty. Review your material by inviting all of your friends over and playing Jeopardy!

To spice it up, offer candy prizes to the winners.

5. Remix the text: A super-fun way to remember boring textbook gibberish is to create your own version of the textbook! Rewrite the text in a way that entertains you! For instance, write about Caesar’s rise and fall in terms of the Urban Dictionary. You’re bound to get at least a B there.

You have 24 hours. Start studying!

Dress to impress

One lady Peanut shares her fashion insight

KENDALL YOUNG/CHATTERBOX

Avery Plummer, ‘18 (far left) and her friends dress in their own style. They have no problem dressing around the weather.

Kendall Young, ‘18 your hair or an accessory - make or to her outfits by pairing printed sure it goes with your outfit. and/or brightly colored skirts and With unexpected weather each Plummer often wears a simple pants with neutral colored tops. week, it may be hard for our lady Remember to tuck whatever top but fashionable topknot (which is Peanuts to figure out the right you choose into the bottom of basically a smaller bun) “because outfit to wear. Luckily, Avery your choice to make your outfit [topknots] are easy [to make] and Plummer, ‘18 manages to keep her look cute.” A topknot helps evoke business on the top and party on head, shoulders, knees and toes the bottom! effortless style. If you are feeling in style for the fall season. What a bit more daring, try adding a defines Plummer’s style? “My style bandana, which is a very quick Toes is pretty girly overall, because you “I love Toms and combat and cute hair accessory. won’t see me in… running clothes boots,” says Plummer. Plummer’s and stuff,” she says. On days when Shoulders opinion agrees with many fashion she has no time to get all dolled trends among our lady Peanuts.

Since the weather is constantly up, Plummer simply wears a cute With all the walking across changing from blazing hot to hairstyle, comfortable shoes and campus students do, these are freezing cold, Plummer likes to nice accessories. She says that “my comfortable and popular choices wear T-shirts, blouses and dresses favorite store is Forever 21, and I when styling the shoulders. Plum- for girls. These shoes make a stateshop at thrift stores because if you ment without taking the spotlight mer often chooses to wear her hunt enough, you can find good from an outfit. favorite color purple, but color deals [that] are still cute.” doesn’t matter as long as what you Consider these examples and With all these tips in mind, get wear represents you! “[I like] flowwords of advice, and you, too, can ing tops and [you should] tuck ready to discover your fall fashion! achieve fashion success! shirts into whatever bottoms you are wearing,” states Plummer.

Head Whatever you do for your head Knees - whether you’re working with Plummer adds splashes of col-

October 10, 2013

Page 7

ARCADE

Arcade Staff A.J. Newberry, ‘14 Joe Schmidlapp, ‘14

Sean Wood, Editor

Sudoku

Sean Wood, ‘15 The object of sudoku is to place the numbers 1 through 9 in each column, row and 3x3 box without repeating any of them. Order is not important as long as the numbers don’t repeat.

Raised by wolves A.J. Newberry, ‘14

Pack for class A.J. Newberry, ‘14

Answers for CVIII.1 crossword Sean Wood, ‘15 Joe Schmidlapp, ‘14

Crossword puzzle Joe Schmidlapp, ‘14

Answers for CVIII.1 Sudoku Sean Wood, ‘15

Every issue, the Chatterbox publishes the answers to the previous issue’s Sudoku puzzle. Do you think that the puzzle was too difficult? Too easy? Let us know at <cboxwhhs@gmail.com>.

Page 8

Across

5. sympathy, helpfulness or mercy 6. person who complies with accepted rules and customs 7. showy, displaying wealth 8. hard to detect or describe; perceptive 10. nameless, without a disclosed identity censure, to criticize harshly 11. a crowd of people, an assembly 12. ordinary, commonplace 13. to improve, bring to a greater level of intensity

October 10, 2013

Down

1. worship, profound respect 2. misfortune, an unfavorable turn of events 3. persistent, hard-working 4. to unnecessarily delay, postpone, put off 9. respected because of age

Issue CVIII.2