Volume CXVI, Issue #7
The student news publication of Walnut Hills High School
Monday Feb. 28, 2022
Continue
the legacy Staff Editorial Black History Month has been recognized in the US since 1976. Relegating the importance of Black Americans’ historical contributions to a single month is our nation’s pitiful attempt at making amends to the community. Black History Month has its roots in Negro History Week, the brainchild of Carter G. Woodson in 1926. His intent was to create a greater public knowledge of the Black American community’s rich history. As we have grown up reading textbooks about the revolutionaries who fought for rights and freedoms for Black people, it’s easy to think that the fight against racism ended with the civil rights unit of our American history classes. In reality, history is still being made as we speak. From political to artistic sectors, the Black community has thrived and excelled in the modern world and will continue to shape the future. Our generation has spearheaded many major social changes, and someday our descendants will be reading textbooks about people we walk these halls with everyday. As a school newspaper, it is our job to tell the stories of our diverse
community, and we strive to accurately represent that in every issue we publish. This month, we are taking the opportunity to honor the original vision of Black History Month by showcasing the stories of our own community’s Black history makers. We understand that it is impossible to cover Black History Month without acknowledging that our country’s Black history started with violence, death, and subjugation and has been plagued by injustice ever since, with no end in sight. Despite this, Black people have continuously beat the odds by breaking through the glass ceiling and succeeding in all aspects of social, artistic, educational, throughout history. We encourage everyone to educate themselves on all sides of history. Go beyond the lecture notes and test questions; find something new to challenge your perception of history, be mindful of the biases of your sources, check your own biases, and learn to celebrate the successes of our society while also recognizing inequality and continue standing up for what you believe in. You are more than the epilogue of our ancestors’ story; there is still much more history to be made.
Read our coverage about Black history makers at Walnut on pages 2-5 of this issue.
SYDNIE BARRETT / CHATTERBOX
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
FEB. 28, 2022
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WHHSCBOX.COM
CINCINNATI, OHIO
MANAGING EDITOR: KAYLEE ROBBINS
Chambers Awesome alumni Kenneth Parker, in charge class of 1990 Kimaya Mundhe, ‘25 As a seventh-grader, Kenneth Parker walked the halls of WHHS for the first time as a member of the Class of ‘90. Like many, Parker struggled with the notorious Latin requirement early on, never suspecting that he would go on to love the language. By his sophomore year, Parker knew exactly what he wanted to spend the rest of his life doing. Although serving as United States Attorney has nothing to do with Latin, his years at WHHS taught Parker skills he uses at work every day. He believes it is the foundation for other languages and most importantly, teaches you the skills you need to succeed in other courses and in life. “Walnut Hills taught me that you need to apply yourself and work hard. It taught me to be focused… it taught me not to be afraid of things that at first I don’t understand.” Parker said. In his role as an attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, appointed by President Biden, Parker supervises both the criminal and civil divisions in office. He is currently in charge of supervising separate public corruption cases for suspended Cincinnati City Councilmembers P.G. Sittenfeld
and Jeff Pastor. On a national level, Parker is managing the cases of former Ohio House speaker Larry Householder and former Ohio Republican Party chairman Matt Borges. Both plead not guilty when accused of accepting a multimillion-dollar bribe to help pass controversial energy legislation. While Parker is not able to speak on pending cases, he is honored to serve as a federal prosecutor. “I can say that our office, as far as casework, we will go wherever the evidence takes us to look into matters, or potential allegations or alleged violations,” Parker said. Parker’s days typically begin early in the morning and consist of meetings with people from his office as well as with law enforcement officers from the FBI, Secret Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security, Marshal Service and many more. The main goal of these meetings is to best serve the public by prioritizing issues including national security, child exploitation, gun laws, environmental work, cybercrime and civil rights. “You’re serving the people, the residents of Ohio, but ultimately, you’re serving the residents of the nation,” Parker said. “It’s a great feeling to know that every day
KYLIE BRIDGEMAN /CHATTERBOX
Kylie Bridgeman, ‘22 Bobby Keegan, ‘22 John Chambers is the first Black principal of WHHS. Chambers took on the role as principal in 2017, and since then has been able to make an impact on WHHS’ diverse community. Chambers first worked as an assistant principal the school, but prior to Walnut he had roles both in the classroom and in administration at several other local schools including Aiken University and Western Hills. Despite working in other schools, Chambers feels the most at home here at WHHS. “You don’t get very many places where you will have a whole cheering section for the robotics team,” Chambers said. “It’s the students that make me love it here.” Beyond just school
spirit, the diversity here at WHHS is something that Chambers is particularly proud of. “Our kids come from so many different backgrounds, so many different neighborhoods so many different socioeconomic groups, it’s like having all those different experiences here in one building,” Chambers said. As a Black man, Chambers recognizes the importance of his position even more and makes it a priority to always consider the experience of Black students. “[I want to be] that voice for African American students to ensure that they feel welcomed as a part of the WHHS community,” Chambers said. “It’s about making sure that students of color have just as much access to all courses and all of the opportunities that we have to offer as any other student.”
Mary Wineberg, class of 1998
Wineberg ran the fist leg of the US Women’s 4x400 relay team in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and currently serves as a member of CPS Board of Education.
COURTESY OF U.S ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
you’re seeking to find justice to ensure that victims are taken care of, that you are working to protect the public, the community.” Parker finds being able to help real victims in the community and achieving a sense of justice to be the most rewarding aspect of his position. WHHS played a significant role in helping him learn the attitude to build relationships and gave him the determination to excel beyond expectations. WHHS taught Parker the basis of what he needed academically as well, “I would love to say I was academically incredible, but I wasn’t. I was probably your average student. I say this for all students to know.” Parker was just like many students who attend WHHS today. He was a student-athlete, playing football since sophomore year and participated in Youth and City Government. He thinks that even the average WHHS student is a top student at other high schools, as it provides a foundation for everyone. After graduating with the Class of ‘90, Parker attended Tuskegee University and graduated from the Indiana University School of Law. “Walnut Hills was just the best school I could have gone to when I was younger,” Parker said. “It was the pride and joy of my youth… it will always have a special place in my heart because it’s in my DNA. I am a graduate of Walnut Hills High School.”
Macio Teague, class of 2015
Teague scored 19 points, helping the Baylor Bears win in the 2021 NCAA Championship, and currently plays for the Salt Lake City Stars of the NBA G League.
WHHSCBOX.COM CINCINNATI, OHIO
BLACK HISTORY MONTH MANAGING EDITOR: KAYLEE ROBBINS
FEB. 28, 2022
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Students making history Jorja Wilkerson, ‘24 and Gabrielle Nelson, ‘23 Kaylee Robbins, ‘24 Hajra Munir, ‘23
COURTESY OF ANDREA WILKERSON
Jorja Wilkerson, ‘24, (left) and Gabrielle Nelson, ‘23, (right) attend the annual Jack and Jill Family Holiday Event.
Jorja Wilkerson, ‘24, and Gabrielle Nelson, ‘23, are both active in the nonprofit organization, Jack and Jill of America. Jack and Jill is about creating leaders and opportunities for African American students all over the country. By hosting fundraisers and events, they give kids the chance to gain real-world experience that they otherwise wouldn’t receive in their social environments. As vice president of the Cincinnati chapter, Nelson assists the president with planning events. “I generally help with what modules we do at each event, timings of the events, and other details to our gatherings,” Nelson said. As she makes memories with the
other members, Nelson is grateful for what Jack and Jill has helped her accomplish on a personal level. “Throughout Jack and Jill, it taught me to love being black,” Nelson said,“I hope to make other black people understand that they are more than what they think they are and that they have so much potential.” Wilkerson is in her first year of leadership, as the Super Saturday chairman. Super Saturday is an annual event that gives students from grades eight through 12 an opportunity to spend a day on a college campus and listen in on speeches from successful black leaders. Super Saturday is all about creating leaders within the community and that is just what Wilkerson aims to do. “I feel like everyone, at any age, is able to be a leader, by any means,” Wilkerson said.
SENIOR Maxwell Fairman
Ella Vaughn, ‘23 Sarah Wilson, ‘25
Kat Swift, ‘23
Ella Vaughn, ‘23, excels in both voice and theater performance. Vaughn began singing at a young age, and has since qualified as a finalist in the Overture Awards, performed in the WHHS Ensemble, and performed in multiple WHHS musicals, including The Spongebob Musical. “Performing in Spongebob has built a lot of confidence up for me, and doing choir has been really impactful [in my singing career],” Vaughn said. Vaughn, a soprano, sings pop, soul and jazz, but focuses primarily on opera music. She looks to a variety of different singers of all genres for inspiration in her own music, including singer Aretha Franklin, as well as multiple classical singers. “I love Kathleen Battle and Jessye Norman, they’re amazing singers, [who are] people of color… and you don’t really see that much in classical singing, so I look up to them.” Vaughn hopes to continue her success with a professional career in music. “My goal is just to perform professionally, and then to teach [as a professor],” Vaughn said.
COURTESY OF ELLA VAUGHN
SENIOR Maxwell Fairman is both a remarkable violinist and an exceptional student. Fairman has been playing violin for 13 years and has performed at the White House as part of the Sphinx Perfect Fourth String Quartet, won first place in the 2019 NAACP’s National ACT-SO competition and played at Carnegie Hall. Fairman is also currently the concertmaster of the CSYO Philharmonic, WHHS Chamber Orchestra and is the first violinist for the CSYO Nouveau Chamber Players. “[Playing the violin is] my favorite way to express myself because I’m not that good at expressing myself through my words or my facial expressions and it’s a way to connect with people,” Fairman said. Fairman’s most recent performance was as a soloist with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the CSYO at Music Hall. Along with his many musical accomplishments, he also excels academically. Fairman is a Presidential Scholar, National Merit Semifinalist, AP Scholar and has a perfect ACT score. In the future, Fairman hopes to become a professional violinist, play in a string
COURTESY OF MAXWELL FAIRMAN
quartet or be an orchestral musician. He wants to foster an interest in classical music from others through his work. “I hope to inspire people that come from different underrepresented communities to also pursue classical music, because right now… less than 2% of orchestral musicians are Black,” Fairman said. “So if I am working hard, and I can win auditions, then I’m also educating other people so they can work hard and they can win auditions [and] hopefully we can get that percent up.”
SENIOR Alex Webb Aniyah Mack, ‘ 23 Alonzo Montgomery, ‘23
Rylee Williams, ‘23
SENIOR Alexander Webb is a WHHS wrestler, who placed fifth at the Dixie Invitational on Feb. 12. There were ten competitors in Webb’s weight class, separated into groups of 5. Webb placed third in his group and fifth overall. “[Black History Month] is an opportunity to focus on and celebrate the history of Black people, and take time to recognize something other than the constant struggle we experience day to day,” Webb said. But more than his accomplishments in wrestling, Webb strives to be someone the younger, Black community at WHHS feels comfortable talking and looking up to.
Aniyah Mack, ‘23, is a soccer player who uses her voice to be a leader on and off the field. As an athlete who plays both varsity soccer and club, she wants to motivate young, Black girls to strive for high opportunities. “You don’t see a lot of Black girls getting scholarships and being in those high positions, so playing a club sport, but also a Walnut sport I feel like it’s just really inspiring to younger girls,” Mack said. Mack focuses on uplifting her community and inspiring others to look at her and think, “I can do that too and I can get those same opportunities.” During this month Mack is focusing on what being a Black in this world truly means.
COURTESY OF ALEX WEBB
“I feel as though the most stifling part about being Black at a majority white school is that there are not a lot of people to look [up] to that look like you, so I hope I can be that person for someone else,” Webb said.
COURTESY OF ANIYAH MACK
“It’s really a time for Black people to really be empowered and express themselves because all throughout the year we are kind of suppressed and this is our one month to really show who we are and not worry about everybody else,” Mack said.
BLACK HISTO
FEB. 22, 2022
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MANAGING EDITOR
The creation
Did you know?
5 Black history moments that you don’t learn about in school Nazret Degaulle, ‘23
Madame C.J. Walker (1867-1919) Madame C.J. Walker was an entrepreneur who became the first black woman in America to become a millionaire through her creation of haircare items. She used her own experience with hairloss to create a line of products to help other black women. Black Wall Street + Tulsa race massacre (1921) Black Wall Street, in Oklahoma’s Greenwood district, was home to an abundance of Black economic success; it was known nationally for its prosperous African American community. Until May 31, 1921, when a racist mob took over the streets and decimated the community. Businesses, homes, churches, and schools were all burnt down. Historians have estimated that the death toll may have been as high as 300, with around 10,000 people being left homeless.
Revolution of selfHow black fashion influenced modern trends Zoe Cummings, ‘22
From acrylics and streetwear to overstated jewelry, Black people have pioneered the trends that run the fashion industry. In the black community clothing is often not just about appearance. It is about the revolution of self expression, about activism, about joy. The use of extravagant jewelry, interesting proportions, and loud prints represents a conscious rebellion of a world that would rather not acknowl-
Queer ballroom scene + voguing (1960s - present) Harlem ballroom culture arose from the queer black community in the 1960s. These drag balls consisted of pageant style contests and voguing dance battles between houses. Voguing gained mainstream recognition after being featured in both Madonna’s “Vogue” music video and the documentary “Paris is Burning” in 1990.
African American Vernacular English AAVE, African American Vernacular English, is an English dialect that originates from parts of British English dialects and West African varieties. The dialect is intertwined with African American history and culture. It has been the topic of much public debate and controversy; internet culture has promoted non black people appropriating AAVE as “internet slang.”
Black American Sign Language (BASL) Individuals of the Black Deaf community were often excluded from both the Deaf and African-American communities. As a result of segregation and the language barrier, Black deaf students went to schools specifically for black deaf people. Due to the lack of socialization with other deaf communities Black deaf people developed their own way of signing. Much like AAVE, Black ASL is a dialect of American Sign Language.
GRAPHICS BY SKETHIFY/CANVA
edge their existence. Fashion represents the ability to put your best foot forward regardless of your circumstances. After the Emancipation Proclamation, Black people had no material possessions, but they had their skills. They had to create careers for themselves separate from the 400 years of oppression they had faced, and as they began to step out into the world, they used their experience as designers, tailors, and seamstresses to do so in their own designs. African Americans are unique because they were cut off from both American and African culture, so as they worked to create their own place in the world, fashion became one of their many stamps on America, claiming, “I’m here.” Today, Black designers carry fashion trends, from Telfar Clemmons, the creator of the iconic Telfar Bag to the creative stylings of the late great Virgil Abloh. But as they continue to be at the forefront
of everything iconic, their contribution is minimized by people who do not recognize the importance of their work. In the Black c o m m u n i t y, fashion is usually very close to activism. In the 1960’s, hoop earrings became popular during the black power movement. Activists and artists such as Angela Davis,Tina Turner and Janet Jackson embraced the style as a way of owning their identity. In the 70s, Stephan Burrows, who was instrumental in the development of the colorful, disco prints we all know and love, was also a huge proponent of the “my black is beautiful” movement. Fashion has been a way for Black people to celebrate themselves and to leave their mark on American culture. The argument is often made that, because we live in a multiethnic society, of course people “borrow” from each other’s culture. “But its appreciation!” they claim, “not appropriation.” The problem is, the
B t l b t t g p n b
d s w B C t w b f b
Born from 1
How the blues gave birth to Owen Cummings ‘22
Music has always been about telling stories, but in the 1900s, it became more popular to tell personal ones. This was partially due to the changing political and cultural landscape in America between the late 1800s and early 1900s. Slavery had been abolished, AfricanAmerican men gained the right to vote, and, even though segregation would remain until the 1960s, it stopped being illegal to celebrate African-American culture in the south. This change allowed for a spread and building of culture as opposed to a pure drive to preserve it. Freedom of self-expression and
sharing of feelings became encouraged in the communities where the blues arose from. The Mississippi Delta, specifically, became the birthplace of the modern blues movement. A voice and a guitar (or sometimes just a voice) was all that was needed to convey the raw emotions within the medium. The very first Delta blues recording, Freddie Spruell’s “Milk Cow Blues,” is the perfect example of this. The pining lyrics and twanging guitar echo throughout the rise of country music, which took the feelings and simplicity of the blues and added hooks, choruses, and heightened production. Country music was born on the basis of storytelling, much like folk music, but without the blues, the narrations would feel disconnected from the tales that were being told.
The Mississippi Delta wasn’t the only place where the blues was being developed. In the clubs of Chicago, the blues became louder and groovier than ever before. The addition of swinging drums and electric guitar allowed the instruments to catch up to the vocals in intensity, and the infectious energy of songs like Howlin Wolf’s “Back Door Man” and Muddy Waters’ “Rollin’ Stone” gave the blues a direct pathway to being showcased on radio. Chicago blues was a gateway to rock and roll, with songs like Earl Hooker’s “Two Bugs and a Roach” employing jazz-influenced guitar solos (which, in reality, is the blues without vocals) that were reflected in Chuck Berry’s earliest recordings. Blues influence was so pervasive that it made its way back
ORY MONTH
FEB. 22, 2022
R: OWEN CUMMINGS
n of culture
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-expression Black Culture Club
Black people who pioneer these trends are still punished for them, labeled as “ghetto,” and receiving backlash from school and work that target their cultural right to express themselves. But as Ron Blassingame, an Ohio-based designer and philanthropist, coined, “Ghetto is nothing but creativity that hasn’t been stolen, yet.” Here’s an example, Kim Kardashian wearing cornrows, a hairstyle that every black child knows well, and calling them “Bo Derek Braids” while Mya and Deanna Cook, two black sisters from Mystic Valley Regional Charter School, were suspended for wearing their box braids to school. How is that fair? Appropriation is such an issue because while non-black people are
hailed as fashion icons for the clothing and hairstyles they adapt from Black culture, young Black students are punished for embracing those same things. Part of appropriation is the erasure of the history and meaning behind the clothing or hairstyle, but it is never “just a piece of clothing” It is a symbol of our resilience, and brilliance . In clothing and in culture Black people created something beautiful out of nothing, and that is worth celebrating and recognizing. The next you put on a bucket hat, or Jordans, or a pair of hoop earrings, thank Black people, and remember, there is no American Culture without Black culture.
KYLIE BRIDGEMAN / REMEMBRANCER
Black Culture Club (BCC) is a long standing club at WHHS. During meetings, members learn about and explore Black history and culture through games, presentations, and discusions. This year’s leadership consists of co-presidents, SENIORS Madisyn Ellis and Tamia Palmer. Meetings are held after school on Wednesdays in room 2716.
LANGSTON MCGHEE / REMEMBRANCER
In October the club held their annual HBCU panel where students are able to meet with representatives from the universities. Upcoming events include their annual talent showcase and culture fest on March 24. IMAGES COURTESY OF ECCENTRIC GLOW / ESSENCE / WALLPAPER FLARE
12 bars
o American music to its origin, as folk musicians like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez played and told stories with just an acoustic guitar with the same energy as Muddy Waters sang about his lover. Even if the blues started as a medium to tell personal stories, its evolution correlated with the evolution of music. As its sound became more defined after the popularity of Chicago blues, the purpose of the songs found its way back to its origins in folk music: a way to entertain. The blues was responsible for making the singer as important as the song, regardless of genre, and those who contributed to its development have a hand in the last hundred years of musical storytelling.
Black Girls Prosper Black Girls Prosper is a new club at WHHS, started remotely during the 20202021 school year. Meetings are Tuesdays after school in room 1601.
MADISYN ELLIS / REMEMBRANCER
Members discuss topics pertaining to Black women’s history and culture through presentations, guest speakers, and community outreach.
LIONEL DECOSTER/FLICKR
Blues singer, Muddy Waters, plays in France on Nov. 7, 1976. Waters was a pioneer of the Chicago blues sound, capturing the raw emotion of blues origins with the electrifying energy of the growing rock and roll scene.
TAMIA PALMER / REMEMBRANCER
PHOTO COURTESY OF YOUSSOUF DIALLO
The club hosts annual pad/toiletry and toy drives which they donate to local shelters.
OPINIONS
FEB. 28, 2022
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WHHSCBOX.COM
CINCINNATI, OHIO
SECTION EDITOR: ISABEL RODRIGUEZ
Pandemic Pets 2 years later Animals adopted during the initial quarantine of the COVID-19 pandemic are now about two years old. How have these pets adjusted to society post isolation? Isabel Rodriguez , ‘22
Lael Ingram, ‘24
Last year, the day before Valentine’s Day, my family adopted our second dog, a German Shorthaired Pointer who, ironically, turned out to be much less loving and adorable than his adoption date suggests. We named him Tucker for the way he can sleep for hours after a long day of running through the house tormenting my older dog. Maybe we’re partially to blame for his hyperactive nature, with my return to school a month later leaving him a limited window to adjust to his new surroundings. Thankfully he wasn’t overly affected by the isolation, and became known throughout the neighborhood as “that dog who jumps on the fence when you walk by.”
ISABEL RODRIGUEZ/CHATTERBOX
To anyone seeking a new companion, please learn from our mistakes and research your future pet to be prepared to handle their temperaments. Although, as crazy as all my friends and family know Tucker is, he can be sweet and innocent in between energy shocks.
As an owner of a pandemic pet, I have first hand experience of how difficult it can be to raise one. Around May of 2020, my mom and I adopted an adorable dog we named Fiona Mae when she was around 2 months old. With our constant presence at home up until March 2021, my mom working and me in virtual school, Mae became attached to us quickly. However, because she was spending so much time with us, she developed separation anxiety. She cries every time we leave the house without her, but she is a handful to take with us, so it is hard to find balance between the two.
LAEL INGRAM/CHATTERBOX
Pancho - Ajax Wise, ‘26 Gizmo - Elizabeth Lloyd “He was most likely born in the pandemic. He doesn’t like most people, dogs, and especially squirrels. Most may just pass it off as him being a mean dog, but he’s honestly very sweet. When he goes outside, it’s like a switch goes off in his head. He barks at other dogs, squirrels.. even though he’s a little guy! Since the pandemic, he probably hasn’t had much contact with humans and other dogs. hence his feral behavior.” - Ajax Wise, ‘26
PHOTO COURTESY OF AJAX WISE
“He was getting used to his new home, so he was antsy and feisty. But I think it really helped him get acclimated because I was working from home.” - Elizabeth Lloyd
PHOTO COURTESY OF ELIZABETH LLOYD
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.
Jewish teens (16-18 years of age) can get up to $8,000 for high school Israel travel.
The Chatterbox Editorial Staff
SARAH DAVIDOFF, ‘13
Bobby Keegan,
Isabella Zinchini,
Editor-in-Chief
Deputy Editor-in-Chief
Kaylee Robbins, Managing Editor of Current Events
Hajra Munir,
Managing Editor of Student Life
Owen Cummings,
Managing Editor of Viewpoints
Sydnie Barrett,
Managing Editor of Visual Elements
Ryan Helton,
Operations Manager
Alonzo Montgomery, Public Relations Manager
Samantha Gerwe-Perkins, Adviser
Brian Sweeney, English Department Chair
SPORTS
WHHSCBOX.COM CINCINNATI, OHIO
FEB. 28, 2022
PAGE 7
SECTION EDITOR: MEGAN DORR
Girls swimming and diving captures first conference title in school history
PHOTO COUTESY OF WALNUT HILLS ATHELTICS
SENIOR Bela Noble and Elleka Boeres, ‘23, stand on the podium after finishing first and second at the Eastern Cincinnati Conference swimming and diving conference championship at West Clermont. Noble, who finished first, was named the ECC diver of the year
Megan Dorr, ‘22 Liam Garth ‘24 The Eastern Cincinnati Conference (ECC) is a highly competitive league for swimming and diving. Between the ECC conference championship dive meet on Jan. 21 and the swim meet on Jan. 22, the Eagles scored enough points to secure a first place finish for the girls and third overall for the boys.
This was a historic win for the girls because it was their first conference championship title in school history. They were able to finally take down their rival, Turpin, who had won the conference the previous four seasons. “I think it’s a great look for walnut and shows how much our program has improved these past few years, and how competitive we can be,” SENIOR Ava Stallmeyer said, a Bucknell University commit.
To help secure the win, the Lady Eagles collected four first place finishes in swimming. SENIOR Phoebe Wright, a George Washington University commit, placed first in the 200 freestyle and 100 fly. Stallmeyer won the 100 breastroke and Sofia Matern, ‘24, won the 200 Individual Medley. “I’d won a few years in the past but it’s always nice to win and get that winning feeling again”. Stallmeyer said. “I was kind of surprised with my times,” Matern said. At the diving meet, WHHS took up most of the podium, with SENIOR Bela Noble winning, and Elleka Boeres, ‘23, finishing as the runner up. Noble was also the conference champion last season. “I hoped to win, I won last year so I was really hoping to win again this year,” Noble said. All divers had to perform six different dives off a one meter board. Noble and Boeres completed a variety of different dives, including a reverse, front two and a half, and reverse one and a half. The scores of all six dives were added up and Noble and Boeres finished with the two highest scores. The points earned from the one-two finish was a huge factor in the Lady Eagles bringing home the first girls swimming and diving conference championship in school history. While Noble, Stallmeyer, and Wright are all SENIORS and this will be their last season competing for the Eagles, the future looks bright. The younger side of the team performed very well, adding in points with top ten finishes. Angelina Dipaola, ‘24, had two top six finishes in the 100 freestyle
and 100 backstroke. This projects the team to continue having success in upcoming seasons. Along with the success in the individual races, the WHHS swimming relays were instrumental in securing the win. The 400 freestyle relay finished first, with the 200 medley relay finishing second and the 200 freestyle relay finishing third. Relays are so important because they are worth double the amount of points. “Its a lot of fun to be competing with your teammates and cheering everyone on especially when your last and you can pull through for the team,” Matern said. Although winning the ECC is a huge accomplishment, the swim and dive team is not ready for the season to be over. Next up is the road to the state championship in Canton, Ohio. To get to state, swimmers and divers must qualify for districts, then qualify for states. Matern, Noble, Stallmeyer and Wright were all state qualifiers last season, and as indicated by their ECC victories, are expected to make it back to Canton. “I want to perform well in this championship season,” Stayllmeyer said. At last seasons state championship, Wright finished third in the 100 freestyle and fourth in the 200 freestyle. This year she looks to take home the crown in both of those events. “My goal for the end of the season is to win state,” Wright said. Noble finished twelfth at states last season. “I hope I make states and place in the top five. I am excited to finish this season out,” Noble said.
Sofia Matern, ‘24, (left) finished first in the 200 Individual Medley and was a member of the winning 400 freestyle relay. SENIOR Ava Stallmeyer (right) won the 100 breaststroke. SENIOR Phoebe Wright (below) placed first in the 200 freestyle and 100 fly.
PHOTOS COUTESY OF TAMMY SMITH
Committed to the next chapter SENIORS Sophia McConn and Katie Collopy sign their letters of intent for collegiate basketball
HAJRA MUNIR/CHATTERBOX
The girls’ basketball program held their SENIOR night on Feb. 2 alongside national signing day. SENIORS (from left to right) Sophia McConn, Katie Collopy, Micah Engram, and Simone Simmons were all recognized for their athletic careers.
Kylie Bridgeman ‘22
Two lady Eagles are headed to compete at the next level in basketball. SENIORS Sophia McConn and Katie Collopy, signed their letters of intent for collegiate basketball on Feb. 2. “It was very exciting, but also relieving,” McConn said. “I was super glad to have finally made my choice.” McConn chose Chatham University as her next destination in her basketball career. She was accepted into their fast track master’s program, therefore, she will be able to leave college with her master’s degree in just four years. However, the school’s basketball program also attracted her. “They have a very solid program and I really connected with the coach,” McConn said. For similar reasoning, Collopy has elected to continue playing basketball at The University of Pikeville. Collopy connected with the team’s positivity and spirit, but also sees the opportunity their education program can give her. “They have a ton of hands-on experience in all of their programs, and experience is super important in the field of education,” Collopy said. “It will undoubtedly prepare me for my future.”
Both McConn and Collopy have suffered injuries in the past that have disrupted their ideal high school career, but despite the obstacles they have reached the next level. “This season has been extremely hard to not be playing because of my knee injury, but senior night was the best,” McConn said. “I feel very proud to be a Walnut Hills graduate.” Not only have their seasons been riddled with injury, but uncertainty as well. “Our season last year was completely wrecked by COVID,” Adam Lazar, varsity head coach, said. The lady Eagles were unable to play 11 games last season due to COVID-19 shutdowns, both at the beginning and end of the season because of cases on their teams. Those shutdowns caused Collopy and McConn to miss big opportunities to showcase their talent in their junior year, but their SENIOR season has fulfilled a lot of their hopes. Fortunately, they’re not done playing the game they love just yet. “Playing my last home game was very surreal,” Collopy said. “I don’t think it’s fully hit me yet, but it’s a mix of indescribable happiness and sadness as I move on to this next chapter.”
Is Pluto a planet? ARCADE
FEB. 28, 2022
PAGE 8
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SECTION EDITOR: JAKAYLA ROGERS
ISABELLA ZINCHINI/CHATTERBOX
Students weigh in
The Dwarf Planets Ceres
“I definitely get where scientists are coming from because obviously they do research as their job, but it also seems weird that Pluto was a planet for a “Pluto is not a planet. Like good while and then all of the sudden scientifically speaking, just like based they were like ‘nope never mind’ so I off the size... I still like it though.” don’t know I just feel like it was kind -Caitlin Barilleaux, ‘23 of random and they were gate keeping planet status.” -Caroline Pepiton, ‘22
Discovered: 1801 Location: Asteroid belt Notes: Ceres was first discovered by Italian mathematician, Giuseppe Piazzi. It was originally considered a planet, but was reclassified as an asteroid in the 1850s due to its size. It was later reclassified again as a dwarf planet in 2006 because it is bigger than other asteroids.
Pluto “I think [it] should be. I think once you make something a planet it should stay a planet.” -Katie Berich, ‘24
solar system word search
Discovered: 1930 Location: Kupiter belt Notes: Pluto was first discovered by American astronomer, Clyde Tombaugh. It was originally considered a planet, but was reclassified in 2006 due to its similarities to the newly discovered and larger, Eris. This sparked much controversy in both pop culture and scientific circles, but NASA officially considers Pluto to be a dwarf planet.
Haumea
Discovered: 2003 Location: Kupiter belt Notes: Haumea was first discovered by American astronomer, Mike Brown. It is about the size of Pluto, but its fast rotation on its axis causes it to have an elliptical football shape.
Makemake
Discovered: 2005 Location: Kupiter belt Notes: Makemake is named for the Polynesian god of fertility, aligning with the standard of naming objects in the Kupiter belt after gods of creation. It is also the second brightest object in the Kupiter belt, Pluto being the first.
Eris
word bank sun
venus
mars
ceres
saturn
neptune
haumea
mercury
earth
asteroid belt
jupiter
uranus
pluto
makemake
eris
answer key on whhscbox.com
Discovered: 2003 Location: Kupiter belt Notes: Eris is the largest of the dwarf planets and the farthest from the Sun. Its discovery prompted scientists to edit the definition of “planet” and subsequently reclassify Pluto as a dwarf planet. It was named for the Greek goddess of discord and strife due to the controversy caused by its discovery leading to the reclassification of Pluto.