CV.3 - January 2011

January 26, 2011

Walnut Hills High School

Vol. CV, No. 3

From the Editors

The Chatterbox

January 26, 2011

The Chatterbox Editoral Staff

Shiwani Kamath, Co-Editor-in-Chief

Marshalla Eves, Co-Editor-in-Chief

Mia Manavalan, Senior Managing Co-Editor

Mac Calvert, Photo Editor Serena Dugan, View Points Editor Simon Lazarus, Copy Editor JP Schmitz, Cartoon Editor Adam Wolf, Sports Editor

Letter from the Editors Shiwani Kamath Co-Editor-in-Chief

SENIORS, our coveted time is finally here. No more standardized tests or extensive application essays for us! Even if you haven’t received one of those beautiful, thick 9x11 envelopes, enjoy the last semester of your time in high school. Underclassmen, kindly try not to express your bouts of jealousy; its all very much sound and fury. Your time will come... eventually.

As we move into the month of February, I think of all the things that could happen. Spring could arrive, and I could go puddle hop-

Sarah Davidoff, Junior Managing Co-Editor

Clayton Castle, Fine Arts Editor Emily Friedman, Style & Culture Editor Jonah Roth, News & Features Editor Riley Theurer, Visual Editor Advisors: Samantha Gerwe-Perkins & Dawn Wolfe

ping. I could romp around in the snow during an administration-approved day off (in that case, we will have one day left). I could get extremely nostalgic and buy the platinum graduation package. I could simply just submit to senioritis and watch House for hours.

Or, I could practice some self-control and do my homework on trigonometric integrals.

Whatever may happen, you should join me in a couple of things. Definitely go to the Dance Marathon on February 19, while dancing and talking (or singing) amidst a fog machine and cool lights, we could win cash and certificates for Chipotle and Don Pablos. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with your other half and a pile of chocolate candy grams. Appreciate Black History and visit the Freedom Center. Have fun. Just don’t try to garner advice from anonymous Facebook sources.

Until we speak again, enjoy this month and this issue.

As always, suggestions are welcome. cboxwalnut@ gmail.com

Photo Credit: Gerwe-Perkins

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Walnut Hills High School

The Chatterbox Policy Statement The Chatterbox has been guaranteed the right of freedom of the press through the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. The administration of Walnut Hills High School is thus bound to support and protect The Chatterbox’s inalienable rights as a free press.

As an integral part of the Walnut Hills High School community, The Chatterbox has the responsibility to report in the most comprehensive and objective manner possible. Students, parents, faculty, and administrators are encouraged to use this publication as a forum to express any ideas or concerns, whether they be personal or of local, national, or international scope.

Journalists are required to work under established guidelines. Invasion of privacy as a means of news gathering is prohibited. Articles found to be discriminatory, libelous, or unnecessarily obscene (as determined by the editors or the advisor) will not be published. Finally, journalists are granted the right to keep private the name of a source from whom they received information with the understanding that the source was to remain anonymous.

The role of the newspaper advisor will be to provide counsel and criticism pertaining to the newspaper’s content and production. Although both the advisor and the administration hold certain powers regarding The Chatterbox, both must respect the paper’s autonomy. No student shall be prevented from joining the staff on the basis of sex, race, creed, or national origin.

Vol. CV, No. 3

View Points

New Year’s Resolutions: Why You Shouldn’t Even Try Serena Says

The Chatterbox

January 26, 2011

To say that I was dismayed would be a terrible understatement as the caliber of writing was truly appalling. However, despite a serious lack of literary merit, the stories woven

by Meyer, albeit by only one or two Serena Dugan threads, are quite brilliant. Not brilChatterbox Viewpoints Editor liant in the sense of Dostoevsky or Dumas, but brilliant in terms of their As we return to school with An (Attempted) Field commercial feasibility. The truth is minds brimming with holiday Guide to Mythical Crea- this: sex and violence sell better than cheer, pleasant wintertime fantaany topic in modern entertainment. sies are brusquely supplanted by tures To combine sexuality with violence in the academic grindstone. MemoRachel Chung one fantastical creature is ingenious. ries of joyful tree trimming and Chatterbox Staff Writer Meyer even offers readers multiple Christmas caroling reside no lonoptions: Edward, the perfect, sophisger in minds now freshly assaulted As a self-declared mythical creaticated vampire, or Jacob, the rough, by an onslaught of knowledge. tures expert, I find that I have neglect- emotional werewolf.

Blitzkrieg! Newton’s method, osed to address a topic that has revoluTo anyone unfamiliar with Twimotic pressure, and implicit differ- tionized literature and entertainment. light, such a pairing would seem entiation besiege us as our holiday You guessed it—vampires. Vampires utterly ridiculous. And it probably is. joviality is reluctantly usurped have long been present in legends of However, Twilight is only the beginby doom, despair, and ennui. For old. During the Romantic era of litning of vampires’ rise to stardom. those preaching optimism in light erature, to many, a vampire story was Vampire-related television series, of the New Year, I am here with put on parchment, to be preserved for such as True Blood, have skyrockvoluble cynicism to guide you back the inspiration of future readers. This eted in popularity, not to mention the to reality. For alas, is it no great interred inspiration was rediscovered Twilight films. To be sure, I have no surprise that the majority of our in the 20th century with film versions field experience with vampires, but resolutions will fail? My friends, of famous vampire tales, most notably I can say with some confidence that this is not pessimism but realism. among them Dracula. The vampire they possess a baffling sex appeal and In all likelihood the well intencraze somewhat waned towards the therefore have captivated readers for tioned resolution to clean your end of the 1900s, but, as we all know, centuries. Somehow, women of all room will dissipate as you hastily has had a recent resurgence in the ages are intoxicated by thoughts of deposit clothing on the floor in past six.

Edward Cullen and Jacob...whateverattempting to adequately apparel Thanks to what some would call his-last-name-is. However, as much as yourself for a friend’s glow bowlliterary genius and others the disgust- literary snobs like myself may critiing party. Or take for instance ing shallowness of present day society, cize Twilight and ostracize Stephanie your scholastic resolution to spend a young author by the name of StepheMeyer from the circle of great fantasy Friday evenings at home working nie Meyer has resuscitated the vamauthors, vampires have become an diligently on calculus homework pire frenzy. I must confess that when integral part of pop culture. And, as and US history flashcards. the first Twilight book was released is a customary portion of this field Despite the sincerity of your around my seventh grade year, I was guide, my advice to one who happens intentions, I doubt that few if any captivated. I engaged in heated arguto meet a vampire (especially one with of you will forgo glow bowling for ments with my mother in defense of red eyes): if you are a normal human Marybeth Norton and riemann Stephenie Meyer’s literary skill and being, cry. If you are self-pitying, sums. Whether you lay blame to arguments of even greater heat with confused, and generally challenged in moral laxness, your teachers, or my friends over whether Jacob or Edthe art of communication, you have glow bowling for these shortcomward was the better man (I was a Janothing to worry about, because said ings, it is unrealistic that your cob fan, for those who are wondering). vampire will fall in love with you on un-idealistic expectations of Years later, I find myself appalled. the spot. yourself will warrant any considAfter rereading the first Harry Potter erable success. So I advise you to book this year, I decided to brave my take New Year’s resolutions with a long-abandoned copy of Twilight.

Vol. CV, No. 3

grain of salt this year and to set goals you might actually accomplish. Now resolving to study only after a hearty rendezvous at the bowling alley, however, that may be a resolution you actually keep.

Walnut Hills High School

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Sports

The Chatterbox

January 26, 2011

Wrestling Team

Walnut Swimming

Barrett Weckel: The Ice King

Wrestling, while being an extremely physical sport, has proved to be no match for Walnut Hills students. These athletes have learned how to conquer the sport and are on their way to a very successful season. The Wrestling Team has already competed against McNicholas, Withrow, Centerville, St. Xavier, North College Hill, Badin, and Mariemont.

The team may be small, but it has strong players, including Thomas Brame (T.J.), Randall Mincy, and Dylan Volt.

In the Deer Park Tournament, Randall Mincy defeated Tyler Berger from Loveland, earning him the first place medal. To date, Randall Mincy is the number one wrestler with nine straight wins and only one loss. Randall Mincy says, “we have a strong nucleus, competitive wrestlers, and an excellent coaching staff, and although we are a young program, we have the makings of an elite team that will be very good for years to come.” Even though Dylan Volt has been on the squad for one year, he is off to a great start. T.J. is a second year member and has won one match so far this year.

Chelsea Carpenter, the team’s manager, has this philosophy: “Pain is temporary. Pride is forever. To be great, you have to work for it and that’s what the wrestling team is all about.” As more matches come, the team hopes more victories will come as well, bringing much pride to one of Walnut’s newest teams.

Swimming has been recognized as a competitive international sport that forces athletes to have a very strong mentality to work well under pressure and time constraints. The Walnut Hills Swim Team continuously works to achieved its goals, such as competing at state. The participants swam strongly in all of their meets this season against Taylor, Colerain, Norwood, Glen Este, and Purcell. They have had some terrific wins this year, including an invitational in which Junior Michelle Baverman finished first in the 100 Backstroke and Sophomore Zach Fisher finished first in the 100 Fly. At the Coaches’ Classic at Mason High School, Juniors Grace Counts, Jillian Hassel, and Zach Fisher were invited back to Finals. This success is largely due to the team’s hard work and commitment, even in the offseason.

During the season, practice is held Monday through Friday for two-anda-half hours each day. Mandatory dry land practices are also held during the week, during which swimmers focus on strength building exercises.

Many athletes participate in year round teams or compete in summer clubs. Students primarily focus on drills to improve their times. It’s clear that Coach Greg Lynch and Assistant Coach Madeleine Sheblessy have this team in top condition. They have prepared them well for the next upcoming meet: FAVC Sectionals which will be held in February. Sheblessy has been such a positive influence for the team that one swimmer has even called her “the best thing to happen to Walnut swimming”. There are more great things to come, so stay tuned to these last meets as Walnut swimming continues to impress.

Perhaps one of the most unknown sports at Walnut Hills is the ice hockey team. Most people are not aware of its existence; even if they did, most would not think twice about it. So why should people go watch the team perform? “For one thing, we’re better than many other teams around here,” says SENIOR team captain Barrett Weckel. “It’s a bit out of the ordinary, but its much more in-your-face than other sports, and plus, there’s nonstop action.” Barrett has been playing hockey for eight years, and has been on the Walnut team since eighth grade. While he mainly plays defense, he can play all other positions as well, including center and wings.

Every winter, he looks forward to two things: plowing driveways and playing hockey. He looks forward to playing club hockey at either the University of Cincinnati or Xavier University.

All the players, included Weckel, are very fond of their coach, Jim Flannery. “He’s a motivator and he’s very dedicated”, says Weckel. In fact, this dedication has produced great results for all the members of the team. Weckel and the rest of the team members are very proud of all their success, and Weckel predicts a winning season.

Kibret Alem Chatterbox Contributor

Eli Wilz Chatterbox Staff Writer

Adam Wolf Chatterbox Sports Editor

Barrett Weckel poses in the snow.

Photo Credit: Mac Calvert

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Walnut Hills High School

Vol. CV, No.3

Fine Arts

Steel Drum Band Ruby Wilz Chatterbox Contributor

Next year the Walnut Hills Steel Drum band will celebrate a very important milestone: its tenth anniversary. The Walnut Steel Drum program was started

by Ed Leborgne, who learned the trade while studying at Miami University in nearby Oxford, Ohio.

The steel drum band is a unique opportunity, and Mr. Leborgne is not shy about reminding his students of that. “ I never imagined that the steel band program would have grown as much. The students and I are so privileged to have the equipment that we do.

The fact that I teach two classes of steel drums a day [beginning steel drums and advanced steel drums] makes my job extremely enjoyable.

Loud! But enjoyable.” The band is loud, so students are required to buy ear plugs. They play mostly music of the soca or calypso style. The band has ventured out into the realm of popular music, recently playing songs like “I’m a Believer” from Shrek and “What I Like About You” by the Romantics. Many students enjoy dancing and grooving to the music they make each day in class.

Steel drums, also known as steel pans, originated on the island of Trinidad, where they are still played today. Steel Pans are made out of 55 gallon oil drums through a 5 step process. Walnut’s Steel Drum band has four different drums: the lead pan, the double tenor pans, the guitar pans, and the bass pans. The lead pan is just one drum, while the bass pans include four drums. The deeper the sound of the drum, the more pans it has. Each year in Trinidad during a large carnival Vol. CV, No. III

The Chatterbox known as Panorama, large steel band groups come together to perform.

Unlike what many music students at Walnut are used to, these groups learn to play their songs without sheet music, so it is mandatory that they learn and understand the music.

Want to come and hear some great music? This year the Walnut Steel Band will be making an appearance at Miami University’s Steel Drum festival and many other school performances. The next performance will be January 22nd at “Nuts About the Fine Arts”. Their official spring concert will be on April 8th at 7 p.m. The following day the band will travel to Oxford, Ohio to play in the Miami Steel Drum Festival.

January 25, 2011

E: I do a lot of fantasy, but I’ve really been trying to branch out recently, doing pretty much any genre that suits the mood that I’m in for that time period. I’ve never done non-fiction, but I have been into more realistic fiction.

C: Do you plan on writing a major work, such as a novel, at any point in your life?

E: Honestly, yes. When I look at the majors for college, I can’t find anything that really suits me, other than writing, and it would be nice to write a novel and make a lot of money and not have to do any of those other jobs.

C: Take me step by step on how you develop a piece of writing. Do you plan? Do you form an outline?

E: Whenever I start writing a piece, Backstage with it usually starts with a singular idea Clayton: Eric Krohn that doesn’t have many details to it, Clayton Castle like “a baby falling from a roof.” I basiFine Arts Page Editor cally start with that one simple idea, write a couple sentences, then my With a literary magazine, newslet- writing creates a life of its own. I’ve ter, and writing lab, Walnut Hills is never created an outline for my stories prone to have several talented writers. or really known where the direction I had the great honor of sitting down will go. It kind of just flows and the with one of those artists this month story makes itself. when I spoke with Eric Krohn, an accomplished writer. As a sophomore, he C: Any last words to aspiring writers? won the Mount Saint Joseph Fiction E: It’s very hard to make it as a Writing Contest. This year, Krohn was writer. The opportunities are there, selected to represent Walnut Hills at but you have to search for them. I’ve the Overture Awards in the category been rejected and lost competitions, of Creative Writing. but I have succeeded in the past and it’s just my love of writing that keeps C: Eric, when did you first develop a me going. To the aspiring writers, just love for writing? stick with it and never give up. If you E: Probably in about first grade. In el- do that, great things will happen. ementary school, our teachers always made us do what were called “written To read Eric Krohn’s Overture Creillustrations”, where you had to write ative Writing submission, please visit a story and draw pictures for it. I the Chatterbox Fine Arts webpage at wrote the most ridiculous stories, but www.walnuthillseagles.com . as ridiculous as they were, I loved doing them and I still write them today.

C: What type of writing do you do?

Any specific genre?

Walnut Hills High School

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Style & Culture

The Chatterbox

Learning From Our Exchange Students

own country, French clothing is common, but the majority of the styles are the same. I asked for any other differCiara Williams ences. In Tunisia, “kids and teenagers Chatterbox Staff Writer have cars. But I don’t get my driver’s license until I’m 18.”

Since August, new exchange Unlike America, anyone in Tunisia students have walked the Walnut can use hookah, a form of smoking campus, navigated the halls, and tobacco, though drinking alcohol in begun to know their peers. Each Tunisia is not as normal as it is here. one of them was brave enough to Tunisian teens are allowed to date, leave their homes and experience but Amel adds that “guys aren’t as dislife as a teen in America. Two of respectful of girls here and that isn’t the new students, Amel Miladi allowed in my country.” from Tunisia and Monica Haugen Embracing Cincinnati’s culture, from Norway are willing to not Amel Miladi went to Findlay Market only learn from us, but teach us and was excited to find sausages, about their culture. I sat down pastas, and spices from her country. with them and talked with them “I miss my country’s foods, but I like a about new life in America. lot of foods here! You’d think mayon“It’s hard to make friends, but naise with French fries is disgusting I like it here,” said Monica, combut it’s really good!” menting on her current experience So America isn’t that different in Cincinnati. According to her, than Tunisia or Norway. Still, so much Norwegian culture is very similar can be learned through a simple conto Cincinnati’s. Walnut is a much versation with someone from another bigger school than high schools in country and culture. Monica Haugen Norway, which only have three says, “It is good to go to another coungrades. Another major difference-- try and become stronger as a person. food. “There is more junk food Not only that but to understand and here.” She added. learn one another’s culture.” But for Monica misses Norway, but is those of us who can’t, we have the still enjoying her year in America. amazing opportunity of learning from “I recommend going to another our foreign exchange students who country and learning to be strong.” have joined our school.

She adds that it not only helps you learn more about another country, All Star Weekend Plays but about yourself as a person.

Coming to us from Tunisia, the Mad Hatter multilingual Amel Miladi can Dana Roth speak Arabic, French, English, Chatterbox Contributor/Photographer and is in the process of learning Italian. She loves Cincinnati, It’s thirty degrees on a Thursday but misses her favorite beach on night at the Mad Hatter in Covington, the Mediterranean Sea, near her Kentucky. From the street over a huncountry. While in Tunisia she dred teenage girls can be seen eagerly went to boarding school, so attend- waiting outside. Some have been there ing a school like Walnut is a big since 10:30 a.m., waiting for Allstar change. At her old school, students Weekend, the latest band, who got had to study long hours with only their start from Hollywood Records Sundays off. Amel commented on and Radio Disney’s N.B.T. Devoted the fashion differences between fans have spent hours shivering in line Tunisia and Cincinnati. In her for their favorite boys, Zach, Nathan, 5

Walnut Hills High School

January 26, 2011

Cameron, and Michael, to take the stage and let the records play.

The doors opened late, and everyone ran inside, half to get out of the cold, half to dash for a front row spot.

As if everyone wasn’t tired enough from school and waiting outside, three opening acts opened before Allstar Weekend even got on stage.

The Scene Aesthetic opened, but wasn’t received with much enthusiasm. The crowd was growing impatient. But everyone became ecstatic during the band’s mash up of “Down”

by Jay Sean and “Mine” by Taylor Swift.

Waiting for Stephen Jerzak to come on, the audience was either ready to fall asleep or break out into expletives because Allstar Weekend was still not on stage. But Stephen and his band were anything but boring. Girls pushed closer to the stage as he sang the songs “Cute” and “King.”

And then, Allstar Weekend hit the stage. The crowd blew up into high pitched screaming. Girls rushed forward, leaving the people in the front row crushed against the stage.

The band rocked out to their hit songs “A Different Side of Me,” “Come Down With Love,” and “Dance Forever.” They even did covers, including “Magic” by B.o.B. and a rock twist on Shania Twain’s “You’re Still the One.” The band members even brought a special girl on stage and serenaded her with the love ballad, “Amy.” Although it was ten on a school night, the concert was filled with high-energy, and everyone left with huge smiles on their faces.

Vol. CV, No. 3

News & Features

The Chatterbox

Bullying at Walnut Hills

sixty percent of teenage bullies have at least one adult criminal violation; nine out of ten lesbians, gays, Mia Manavalan bisexuals, and transgender have been Senior Managing Editor victims of bullying; and nearly one third of American teens are involved On December 1st, 2010, Prinin bullying. All of the statements are cipal Brokamp called an assembly in fact true. The most alarming fact for all seventh and eighth grade might be that one third of teenagers students regarding the topic of are involved in bullying. However, less bullying. As soon as the students than 10% of teenagers even admit to sat down, Mr. Brokamp began to bullying others. give examples of types of bullying After the survey was over, Ms. he has observed at Walnut Hills; Tucker enumerated more chilling he stated that the most common details. She began with a fact that is type of bullying is using the word extremely well-known, yet, often ig“gay” to mean “stupid” or “absurd.” nored: “Bullying has led to huge numHe encouraged students to think bers of suicides and homicides. One before they speak in order to real- girl was even set on fire for being gay.” ize what they might be implying.

She explained that victims often have He then introduced Ms. Tucker, low self-esteem and feel angry, lonely, the seventh grade guidance coundepressed, friendless, and helpless. selor, who gave the presentation.

Ms. Tucker next had students come She began with a “True or False to the stage and perform skits demSurvey” and read several stateonstrating both bullying among girls ments aloud; students responded and bullying among boys. The girls to the statements with either acted out a situation in which three “true” or “false” and an explanagirls crowded around one and began tion of their reasoning. These to taunt her about the way she looked. were some of the testimonies: The boys’ skit included physical asone in twelve students stay home sault of a boy because of the way he because they are afraid of being acted. The main difference between bullied; bullying is most severe these recurring situations, according in grades seventh to ninth, but to Ms. Tucker, is that girls most often begins in grades fourth to sixth; abuse each other verbally while boys are more prone to abuse each other physically.

Ms. Tucker’s examples and statistics reiterated that bullying is a big problem in schools today. It includes both verbal and physical Vol. CV, No. 3

Walnut Hills High School

January 26, 2011

abuse that has extreme effects on students that can ruin their self- esteem.

Many have felt the repercussions of bullying and seek no help. At Walnut Hills, we can prevent it by notifying parents, teachers, counselors, or the school psychologist, Mrs. Kombrinck.

After all, assault is against the law, and students have the right to report it.

Announcements Jewish Student Union

The Jewish Student Union at Walnut Hills is more than it seems. For one, members don’t have to be Jewish or join a union in order to participate.

Despite exposure to the student body over the morning announcements, the Jewish Student Union is a club that rarely garners true attention.

It and many other hidden clubs at Walnut Hills will be revealed for their true greatness in a monthly feature, coming soon to the ‘Chatterbox’, both in print and online. To tap into these wonderful, obscure clubs or to suggest a subject for the limelight, go to www. walnuthillseagles.com.

Yearbooks

Wow! The end of school is rapidly approaching! There are so many things we will remember: friends, teachers, dances, student activities, and even the beginning stages of the school’s renovation. All these events and more are a part of the 20102011 REMEMBRANCER Yearbook!

There is still time to purchase your yearbook for $75! Go to WWW.YEARBOOKFOREVER.COM to make your purchase or visit room 215 for more information!

Spelling Bee Champ

Walnut Hills has a new spelling bee champion - Shwaib Siddiqui, 8th grade. Congratulations to Shwaib on his spelling prowess.

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News & Features

Overture Awards

Emily Friedman Style & Culture Page Editor Clayton Castle Fine Arts Page Editor Have you ever spent hours writing the dialogue to a script or screenplay? Do you spend days practicing hard sheet music for your musical instrument? Have you danced to Tchaikovsky’s ballets or recited Shakespeare in a play? All competitors in the Overture Awards competitions have done one or more of the above and come together every year to compete and perform for judges and an audience.

The Overture Awards have been in Cincinnati for over ten years. Thousands of students from all over the city enter their creative works in hope of being chosen for one of six $2,500 scholarships. The program was created as a way to honor and appreciate the arts. Teens enter works rang-

The Chatterbox ing from screenplays to poetry, and are judged by professionals in creativity, artistry, form, structure, plot, grammar, spelling, use of language, and the overall strength of the submission. Other competitors in dance, theatre, music, and voice, prepare a song, monologue, or solo to perform at the competition. Although no one from Walnut won last year, many were semi-finalists and finalists. This year, Walnut will be represented by 14 students (2 or 3 in each category) at the Overtures. They will compete against students from other high schools and music studios. The regional competition took place on January 8. At that time, all of the competitors will present their works. The semi-finals took place on January 15, with the finals being held on February 26 at the Aronoff Center.

The Chatterbox Staff would like to congratulate the following students who will be representing Walnut at the 2011 Overture Awards, Cincinnati: Eric Krohn (Creative Writing), Emily Windle (Creative Writing), Stephanie Gerard (Dance), Molly Johnson

Overture Winner Hugh Smith Photo Credit: Mac Calvert 7

January 26, 2011

(Dance), Sam Dubin (Instrumental Music), Jacqueline Kitzmiller (Instrumental Music), Vivian Mao (Instrumental Music), Claire Beauchamp (Theatre), David Gordon-Johnson (Theatre), Madeleine Becker (Visual Arts), Savannah Cuff (Visual Arts), Sydney Lister (Visual Arts), Rachel Chung (Vocal Music), and Hugh Smith (Vocal Music).

Congratulations and good luck to all of the competitors!

Wasteland Jazz Unit Interview Preview Bridget Battle Chatterbox Staff Writer

Wasteland Jazz Unit is a free jazz duo that has shaped Cincinnati’s experimental music scene. I sat down with WJU members (and Art Damage Lodge founders) John Rich (clarinet) and Jon Lorenz (sax) and talked about what it’s like to melt people’s faces off with their raw noise. We discussed not only their music but also the closing of the Art Damage Lodge and what the future holds for live experimental music in Cincinnati.

Why should Walnut kids go online to read about Wasteland Jazz Unit?

JL: Well, hmmmm, that’s a tough one.

I don’t think many Walnut students would like our music at all, but in general I think it’s more important that the younger kids realize that there is more to music than just what is on the radio.... I think there are a lot of people locally that are making interesting music and maybe this will help spark their interest. Also, there might be kids in high school who are interested in weirder music, but just don’t know that it actually exists in their own town. It’s not something that only happens in New York or something.

JR: Explosions.

The complete interview can be found at www.walnuthillseagles.com

Walnut Hills High School

Vol. CV, No. 3

News and Features

The Chatterbox

January 26, 2011

The Renovation: Appearance Garret Oester Part of a series of articles

Walnut Hills High School’s campus is scheduled to receive many improvements during the renovation. One of the areas receiving much of the attention is the interior decor of the 1932 Building.

Many of the new design elements will enhance the classical theme of the building.

In the lobby, the first noticeable difference will be the classical lighting. The paint colors here will lighten the museum hallway leading to the Sulsur Avenue entrance. The hallways throughout the building will be painted cream, white, and black. Alumni Foundation Director Debbie Heldman also says that hallways will also feature new lighting, lockers, and solid-surface flooring. The main office and other administration areas will also reflect this color palate. All doors in the school will be widened to make them compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and replaced with real wood in a cherry hue.

Wood trim will also exist in the classrooms while built-in bookcases and storage closets will be installed. Each room will get new furniture and have a unique quote stenciled on the wall. Some ceilings will be lowered to place air conditioning ducts. However, this will be minimized as much as possible to allow the windows to be exposed. All rooms will feature new technology, including overhead projectors.

The restrooms will be completely gutted during the renovation. They will be tiled in warm colors with all new plumbing and lighting. The fixtures will all be replaced with low water usVol. CV, No. 3

Museum Hall is the inspiration for the design elements of the remodel, but it too will be recieving a facelift.

Photo Credits: Gerwe-Perkins

age versions. The bathrooms will of course be ADA accessible. However, one shortfall in the planning for the renovation is the lack of an elevator during the North Wing renovation phase. The existing gym renovation is planned to include a new floor, bleachers, scoreboards and other equipment.

The locker rooms will be completely overhauled. The weight room will move from the “Old Colonies” to below the gym. The color scheme for the renovation of the existing gym will include school colors in neutral tones.

The current pool area will be turned into a multi-purpose room.

The main auditorium renovation will include new carpeting and a new stage floor. The newest in sound and lighting equipment will also be installed. New lighting and flooring will be added in the lobby area of the auditorium. The small theater will receive a lobby similar to the new Main The-

Walnut Hills High School

ater lobby. The lunchroom will be one of the most noticeable changes to the structure. The courtyards on either side will be expanded for outdoor dining, and new furniture will be added.

Heldman says, “The lunchroom will take on the feel and appearance of a college student union.” A kiosk for distribution of Walnut publications and Spirit Shop merchandise will also be installed.

The next article will focus on how the administration is preserving the heritage of the building. Questions about the renovation can be emailed to whhsrenovation@gmail.com.

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Features

The Chatterbox

Senior Ensemble Puts Walnut on Map

semble members. “It was amazing to perform with the Cincinnati Pops. The energy they gave us with the music Clayton Castle was exhilarating,” says junior Abby Fine Arts Page Editor Gilster. SENIOR Michelle Glazer also gave her opinion. “It was a great Google it: The Walnut Hills Seexperience working with John Morris nior Ensemble. The search should Russell and it’s exciting to say that I take no longer than thirty seconds have sung with Debby Boone.” (unless you have a slow computer), “Happy Holidays with the Pops” was and you will find recent articles not only the Pops debut of the Senior and reviews that praise the WalEnsemble but also John Morris Rusnut Hills Senior Ensemble for its sell’s first series since he was named wonderful music and hard work. the new Cincinnati Pops Conductor.

December was a long month “It felt like being a part of local history for the Ensemble, who sang with John Morris Russell there; it was in five spectacular concerts in great working with someone who was twelve days. Considering that that enthusiastic about what he was exams were two days after the doing,” said junior Joe Neidhard. final concert, these concerts put Congratulations to the entire Walquite a strain on the Ensemble’s nut Hills Senior Ensemble and Mrs. members. However, the Senior Peters for their amazing performances Ensemble still thrilled its audithroughout December. The next conences at each performance. After cert for the Senior Ensemble will be the Ensemble’s performance with the choir SENIOR night on Wednesthe Cincinnati Pops, Janelle Gelday, April 27th, 2011 at 7:00 P.M. in fand of the Cincinnati Enquirer the auditorium. They will also perform said: “The choruses sang well on January 22nd during “Nuts About all evening, and were especially Fine Arts Day.” Please come out and impressive in Handel’s ‘See the support the Senior Ensemble as well Conquering Hero’ from ‘Judas as all of Walnut’s other music groups Maccabaeus.’” throughout this next semester.

Senior Ensemble gave its second of two performances during To view Clayton Castle’s interview school hours with the Cincinnati with Pops Conductor John Morris RusSymphony at Music Hall. Three sell, visit the Chatterbox site at www. days later, it gave a stunning walnuthillseagles.com . The Chatperformance of 19th-century folk terbox can be found under “Clubs and tunes at the Mercantile Library in Orgs.”

Downtown Cincinnati. The following week, it performed in two school concerts with the Walnut Hills Men’s Ensemble, Women’s Ensemble, and Senior Choir. For the next three days, the Senior Ensemble performed a weekend holiday series with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, which featured Grammy-award winner Debby Boone.

Performing with the Pops was an exciting time for many En9

Walnut Hills High School

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Vol. CV, No. 3

News

Waiting for “Superman”

Jade K. Clark Chatterbox Contributor As Americans, we always hear about how other countries like South Korea and Finland rank higher in education than the U.S. We are also aware of impoverished countries where children are poorly educated or not educated at all. However, have any of us ever even taken into consideration the fact that some American students are being barred from a chance at a great American education?

Some students are only getting the chance to go to college if their assigned number is called out of a hat. To foreigners, America is seen as the “golden country”, where anything is possible. If any of them knew about this concealed disaster spreading ever so quietly, but ever so swiftly throughout the nation, they would be surprised.

The riveting documentary Waiting For “Superman” from Academy Award-winning director, Davis Guggenheim, reveals this hidden truth. Waiting For “Superman” is an intense personal and emotional account of the current conditions of public education in the United States. Guggenheim, ignited by his inner voice and the need for major change, journeys into the lives of five American children whose chance at a great education, and even more, their dreams are at stake. Five students were chosen from various parts of the country, giving the audience a chance to see this American disaster from different perspectives.

Eighth grader, Emily, from Silicon Valley, California is afraid of not being fit for college. Daisy, a fifth grader from Los Angeles, is so determined to reach a bright future, Vol. CV, No. 3

The Chatterbox

January 26, 2011

even if it means switching schools to get a better education. Another fifth grader, Anthony, from Washington D.C., is trying to live a different life than his father who died from a drug addiction. A first grader from the Bronx, named Francisco, has a determined mother who will do anything to give him a better life. And finally, Bianca, a kindergartner from Harlem, is trying to defy the odds with the help of her brave single mother.

Waiting For “Superman” is not a movie to be just watched and done away with. The whole purpose of the documentary is to show people that there is no such “Superman” who will come to save America from this disaster; there is something that we as Americans, we as teachers, we as parents, and yes, we as students have to do. Because Walnut Hills gives students such a quality education (and our school was ranked number 65 in the top 100 schools in America), we sometimes take American education for granted. The reality of this subject is shocking. Critics and audiences alike agree that viewing this movie will encourage you to appreciate your education.

one JV match. The team is currently undefeated in FAVC play.

Five members of the team will travel to Columbus to participate in the Brain Game taping on January 29: Joe Nutter, Ashwin Kumar, Joshua Mansfield, Stuart Johnson, and Will Schweller. The Quiz Team has won $17,000 for Walnut Hills over the past three years, and they hope to qualify for a cash award again this year.

Congratulations go out to Team A: Joe Nutter, Will Schweller, Sarah Adams, and Sarah Berman; and Team B: Ashwin Kumar, Matt Verbryke, James Avant, Anna Mendlein, Olivia Kappers, Matt Roth, and Stuart Johnson.

Quiz Team Rocks!

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8 9 Walnut’s quiz team has nothing but good news. The team travelled to Northmont (west of Dayton) on Saturday, January 15, and entered 2 two varsity teams into a field of 32 teams. Team A won their division, and Team B went 6-1, being edged out for 4 4 their division. Both teams qualified for the playoffs, an unusual feat for any school. Team A won the overall 2 2 tournament!

The team had its first Fort Ancient Valley Conference home event of the year Wednesday, January 19, 2011 4x4 Medium Answers From November’s in Mr. Caliguri’s room. They played Issue Glen Este in two Varsity matches and

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Walnut Hills High School

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The Wally Hill

The Chatterbox

Is it Me, or is the Pitcher’s Mound Sinking?

the most brilliant scientists of our age, while tourists from all over the world pour out of charter buses to view the campuses.

However, every seemingly perfect Wally Hill establishment has its hidden setbacks.

Chatterbox Staff Writer While few top institutions are lacking in available opportunities, every school has a weakness. Many univerJanuary. Deadlines for college applications are quickly approach- sities ranked among the best in the nation are also infamous for having ing, if not long past. In the coma poor quality of life. Schools like the ing months, SENIORS will make University of Chicago and the Massathe decision of a lifetime or so it chusetts Institute of Technology have seems. But how much does the college decision actually mean? In some of the best academic programs in the world. Even so, the University of days of old, an Ivy League diploma opened countless doors; the Chicago greets visitors with a banner skills learned and the connections that reads, “Welcome to the University of Chicago: where fun goes to die.” In made were well worth the price addition to the academic rigor, hightag. However, times are always ranking universities often earn repuchanging. As I contemplate what a college education means to me, I tations for snobbery. Often for this begin to wonder what it will mean reason, many top students at Walnut Hills, who would easily be successin ten years. In other words, is it ful at this country’s top universities, worth writing three essays, paychoose schools less well-known than ing $90 to submit the application, going to an interview, waiting four these academic giants.

It seems that the playing field is bemonths, and then paying $60,000 ginning to level out. In the age of techa year for a “top-notch” college nology, attendance at an illustrious education? Of course, there are institution no longer guarantees sucseveral schools of thought regardcess. While top-ranking institutions ing the answer to this question.

Some parents would pay almost still offer extraordinary programs and anything to see their child at a top culture, the names of these universities no longer strike awe and fear in institution. It is true that some of the hearts of those who did not attend the benefits of attending such an them. Therefore, college has become a institution, especially a member of the Ivy League, still hold water. far more personal choice. The school a student chooses is not only a declaraWhile some students value these tion of one’s future plans, but of one’s connections and prestige, others current beliefs. are interested in the Ivy League and its equals simply because of their academic opportunities. With the exorbitant price of these illus- RULES FOR KENKEN® trious schools comes an exorbitant Fill the grid with digits so as not to repeat endowment. The opportunities a digit in any row or column, and so the available become more vast as digits within each heavily outlined box more money becomes available; will produce the target number shown in the facilities of the wealthiest that box by using the operation (addition, institutions closely resemble those subtraction, multiplication, or division) of country clubs. The laboratories shown by the symbol after the numeral.

So, for example, the notation 6+ means at these universities host some of 11

Walnut Hills High School

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that the numerals in the box should add up to 6, and the notation 48x means that by multiplying the numbers in the box you will get 48. A 4x4 grid will use the digits 1-4. A 5x5 grid will use 1-5. A 6x6 grid will use 1-6, and so on.

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The Chatterbox

Cartoons

The Chatterbox Caption Contest:

Place caption suggestions in The Chatterbox mail in the main office, or email to cboxwalnut@gmail.com

January 26, 2011

“I’m startin’ my own blue-grass band, ‘Santa and the Elves.’ We’re doin’ a world tour -- in one night!”

Last Month’s Winner: Jackson Luken

All Cartoons by JP Schmitz

“Adding to the list of graduation requirements, every student must now take one semester of detention.”

Vol. CV, No. 3

Walnut Hills High School

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Just Nuts

A Day In The Life...

Of Ms. Janis Frazier Paige Reid Chatterbox Contributor

When a student receives a schedule listing “Frazier, Rm: 136B,” he or she may have trouble finding the hidden classroom, located on the first floor of the west wing in the old building.

Upon first meeting Ms. Frazier, her cool demeanor is noticeable; elaborately-tailored outfits radiate her sense of personal style. After conversing with her, one will find that her appearance reflects her unique easygoing and amiable personality. In high school, she was the preppy, spirited cheerleader captain and performer in her school’s band and choir. Her high interest in music eventually led her to be the President of the Music Club in her high school.

Ms. Frazier was involved in many musical activities during high school and it makes sense 13

The Chatterbox that she began as a music major in college. “I had no intention of becoming a teacher,” Ms. Frazier says. Her parents, being educators themselves, dissuaded her from choosing such a career. However, after a wonderful first experience with teaching, she realized that education, not music, was her true calling. She abandoned a Fine Arts degree to pursue teaching. Nonetheless, Ms. Frazier still continues to appreciate the arts; she is now the advisor of the Gospel Choir at

Walnut.

When Ms. Frazier speaks of teaching, a smile appears on her face that expresses more than her words. I enjoy teaching because the students are funny,” she said, chuckling lightly.

“I enjoy motivating, counseling, and watching them become successful.”

Ms. Frazier has truly found a special talent in teaching and has shared it with others.

January 26, 2011

ous gift cards and prizes. Grades 9-12 are eligible to participate. Listen to announcements and see DM representatives during lunch in the lunchroom and arcade for further information.

Bad Chemistry Char Daston Gleam Member

Chemistry.

I knew from the start we had Chemistry, As you sat next to me in Chemistry class.

Light shined in your eyes, reflected in your glasses from the bright fluorescent bulbs above.

And as we lit the Bunsen burner, I hoped that the flame of our love would never go out, that we would be partners in lab and life, that we would form an ionic bond so strong that no solvent could break it.

Let us live, my Lesbia, and let us love, we sang in our hearts on our way to Latin, where we would romance in a Romance language.

That night we read each other literally-translated lines of Catullus between osculations.

Dance Marathon to come to Walnut

But the next day, In the more discerning eye of PreCalculus class, Sam Dubin I rounded our relationship to three Chatterbox Contributor decimal places, And discovered that, Want to dance, raise money, and alas, you failed my vertical-line test, win prizes all at once? Participate in Student Congress’ Dance Marathon on and are not a function of me.

Saturday, February 19th from 6pm to But thanks for the ions, midnight. Help raise money for Face AIDS by dancing through the decades! thanks for the memories, thanks for the Chemistry.

The student who dances for the longest time will win a cash prize and any student fundraising is eligible for vari-

Walnut Hills High School

Vol. CV, No. 3

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The Chatterbox

Vol. CV, No. 3

Walnut Hills High School

January 26, 2011

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Some critics will write “Maya Angelou is a natural writer”—which is right after being a natural heart surgeon. . . . Nothing will work unless you do.

Maya Angelou

The Writing Center

Room 133 7:30-2:30 Wednesday and Friday 7:30-3:30 Thursday (closed 3rd lunch) Photo: AP Photo/Kristie Bull/Graylock.com

Fine Arts Calendar Walnut Hills Theater Department presents Summertree February 10-12 Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center presents The Odd Couple January 28- February 14 Footlighters, Inc. presents Blithe Spirit January 20- February 5 Ensemble Theater of Cincinnati presents Next Fall January 26- February 14 Broadway Across America presents Fiddler on the Roof February 15-27 For a complete list of Fine Arts events at Walnut, visit www.walnuthillseagles.com .

Athletics Calendar Friday, January 28 Boys and Girls Varisty Swimming @ FAVC Diving Championships, Anderson High School, 5 PM Boys Varsity Wrestling @ Milford Invitational, 5:30 PM Boys JV Basketball, Glenn Este High School, 6 PM Boys Varisty Basketball, Glen Este High School, 7:30 PM Saturday, January 29 Boys and Girls Junior Varsity Bowling @ Crusader Challenge, 9:30 AM Girls JV Basketball, Loveland Junior / Senior High School , 11:30 AM Girls Varsity Basketball, Loveland Junior / Senior High School, 1 PM For a complete list of sporting events at Walnut, visit www.walnuthillseagles.com.