Walnut Hills High School Association
NEWSLETTER
Editor: Tim Bonfield, [email protected]
2014-15 WHHS Association Board
Executive Committee
President
Past President
Recording Secretary
Treasurer
Legal Advisor
Beth Ewing
Susan Shelton
Jenny Workum
Jennifer Rodes
Sybil B. Mullin
Leadership & Board of Directors
CIC
Randi Chaiken
ILT
Adrienne Brandicourt
ILT
Melissa Murphy
LSDMC Felicia Williams
Steve Baker
Amy Kappers
Legacy of Excellence Lisa Pennekamp
Alex Stillpass
Kathy French
Kellie Boyd-Barnes
Roosevelt Barnes
Agnes Godwin Hall
Darin Hall
Walnut Fest Co-Chairs Jan Michele Kearney
Iris Siao
Reva Henderson
Ludi Festival
Lauren Lacerd
7th/8th Grade Liaison Sharon Smith
Ellen Austin-Li
Joyce Steiner
9th Grade Liaison Reva Henderson
Angie Smith
10th Grade Liaison
Janiene Baker
Debbie Whiteside
Janet Huston
11th Grade Liaison
David Doepke
Lynn Ryan 12th Grade Liaison
Julie Perry
Patti Heldman
Visual Arts Liaison
Elizabeth Boland
After Prom
Melissa Mazzola
Lynn Ryan Hospitality
Laura Stith-Deck
New Family Welcome Terri Knappenberger
Victoria Garland
Staff Appreciation
Emily Bond
Lynda Hannan
Newsletter
Tim Bonfield
Directory/E-Communication Renata Scanio
Parent Volunteer Support Jenny French
Student Volunteer Coordinator Michelle Boggs
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Ex-officio directors
Jeffrey Brokamp, Principal
Debbie Heldman, Alumni Foundation Executive Director
Pam Webb, WHIP Representative
Winter 2014
We salute an army of volunteers
WHHS Association has a dedicated army of volunteers, for which I am immensely thankful!
There are many parents and supporters who spend countless hours chairing committees,
working at events, donating time at fundraisers and performing administrative tasks on
behalf of the Association. Believe it or not, donating just a couple of hours can make a huge
difference. I encourage each of you to get involved when you can. It’s the livelihood of
WHHS and what sets us apart!
In this issue I want to recognize a handful of parents, and one resident alumnus, who I
consider extraordinary volunteers. While all have chosen not to chair a particular event,
they help with EVERY event! If there is a need, they are there. Please join me in thanking
the following individuals:
Joshua Hardin — Josh has an official role at WHHS as the Assistant Athletic Director
and he is also a WHHS alumnus. Beyond his official role, Josh helps with just about every
campus event that the Association sponsors. He was selfless in promoting Ludi, invaluable
to the tailgate committees, prompt in supporting Legacy of Excellence and the list goes
on… Without the help of Josh on campus, our events would only be half of what they are.
Renata Scanio — Renata handles the Association database, emails, parent directory,
print materials and specific event data needs. This is a huge task that never takes a break
throughout the year. It’s truly a labor of love to keep it all organized and professionally
produced. In addition to owning those specific areas, Renata also finds the time to serve on
all of the major committees and lend a helping hand wherever it is needed. I can count on
Renata to be at each event working hard for WHHS (also her alma mater!).
Julie and David Doepke — Julie and David selflessly volunteer for every major Association
event in addition to holding down the fort on grade level activities, recycling and active
involvement with sporting events. From Ludi, to After Prom, to WalnutFest, Julie and
David are always there soliciting volunteers, helping to set up and even more impressive,
helping to take it all down. Whenever there is a need, at least one of them is always more
than willing to serve. David is an alumnus and can also be found helping the Foundation.
Jen Rodes — Jen is in her third year as the Association Treasurer. In this capacity she
graciously serves twelve months of the year. For every event and need that we sponsor, Jen
cuts the checks. And there are lots of them. Jen also takes in and accounts for over $200,000
of Association revenue. And thank goodness, we have a lot of receipts too! There is not an
event that doesn’t impact Jen’s work. She also prepares and presents the financial statements,
reconciled to the bank, on a monthly basis. There is no time off for this volunteer.
So once again a special thank you to all of you that serve and a special
thanks to the five individuals above who overly serve. Please consider
joining us for a future event. I hope everyone has a happy holiday season
and a restful winter break!
Beth Ewing, WHHS Association President
WHHS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER | WINTER 2014 | 2
State of the School: Rising performance, crowded halls
The story of Walnut Hills has been an impressive story
of growth and a sobering reminder of the price of
success. For those who could not attend Principal
Jeff Brokamp’s “State of the School” presentation in
September, here’s a recap:
Enrollment is up 231 students from 2,432 last
year to 2,663 this year.
Only 45 of these additional students come from
beyond Cincinnati Public School borders. The rest reflect
the attractive power of Walnut’s excellence within the city itself. More
students are transferring from private schools. More families are moving into
the district to gain access. This year’s student body comes from at least 66 ZIP
codes, including several areas well beyond the I-275 beltway.
Test results keep rising to the highest
The average SAT composite score for Walnut Hills students has risen from
1729 to 1787 since 2011 and remains well above national and state averages.
The school’s state performance index has climbed from 111.8 to 113.2 in the
same period.
The number of students taking AP
exams has jumped from 575 to 788 since
2011. And with so many students taking
multiple AP courses, the number of exams
taken also has climbed from 1,237 to 1,928.
Likewise, more students are doing well in
those exams, with scores of “3” or above
rising from 465 to 666.
Meanwhile, more students have excelled on the PSAT, taken in junior
year. This year, 20 students achieved National Merit Seminfinalist status
and 29 more were named Commended Scholars. That adds up to nearly 13
percent of the class of 2015, up from 9 percent for the class of 2014.
This year’s student
body comes from at
least 66 ZIP codes
Academic courses grow
Walnut Hills welcomed 19 new faculty and staff members this year, which
reflects replacements for retiring and departing teachers, expansions related
to rising enrollment, and a wider range of courses. Students can choose from
three new AP courses plus new courses in Chinese, Irish American History
and Professional Athletic Studies. The school also received a grant that
will allow some students, beginning next year, to participate in information
technology internships at the University of Cincinnati.
Crowded halls
Even with the recently completed renovation and expansion, growth at
Walnut Hills has exceeded the school’s design capacity. So far, class sizes have
been minimally impacted, but now more teachers on planning periods are
sharing their classrooms.
“The hallways, cafeteria and auditorium are places where we really feel
it,” Brokamp says.
For example, continued growth could require moving to more than three
lunch shifts, which would be a significant disruption to the already complex
task of scheduling classes. Eventually, rising enrollment could limit course
choices for students by making the scheduling process less flexible.
Some options for addressing the challenge of rising enrollment might
include limiting open enrollment, raising entrance exam requirements or
revising admission policies for new city residents. Nothing has been decided.
Much more discussion about these issues is happening at the LSDMC, which
has a committee working on long-range planning.
Seniors Celebrate Diversity
Walnut Hills is a classic college preparatory high school, but
many students and families know that the unwritten curriculum
here is all about diversity. Principal Jeff Brokamp invited nine
seniors to speak at the State of the School presentation who
reflect not just the wide diversity of race, ethnic and economic
backgrounds found at Walnut – but also the wide diversity of
interests, activities and passions the students share.
The students were:
Kevin Blount, varsity quarterback, who says very few schools
offer the diverse experiences found at Walnut;
Taylor Darks, basketball and track standout, who says the
accepting atmosphere at Walnut allows people to have all sorts
of friends and teaches a special brand of leadership.
Claire Bowman, active in fine arts, who says having music in
her life has changed her life for the better;
Joe Raabe, who has a passion for political science, says he is
constantly impressed at the depth of class discussions;
Will Tekulve, who has started two robotics teams, praises the
diverse range of choices students have in customizing their
academic experience;
Celeste Kearney, who wants to pursue a liberal arts education,
says Walnut helps students get involved in the community.
Daniel Youkilis, a quiz team leader, who also praised Walnut’s
diversity;
Zoe Cheng, a school newspaper editor, who is proud that so
many students have the courage to speak their minds, even on
controversial topics.
Nathan Tiffany, one of Walnut’s top math students, who praises
the flexibility of instructors who make it possible for students to
go beyond the textbooks.
Walnut Welcomes New Faculty & Staff
Growing enrollment, retirements and expanding course offerings
combined this year to add nearly two dozen new staff and faculty
to the Walnut Hills roster. They are (in alpha order):
Chris Bannister
Daniel Beaven
Rebecca Bogard
Sam Canty Aaron Cucchetti Joseph Gerth
Jill Hollander Evan Ivory Jim Martin Brian Miller Denise Pfeiffer Lauren Posta Mary Rhame Jake Riordan Mackenzie Schimizzie Barrett Smith Katie Sullivan Kim Watling Shanli Zhao Math
Latin
English
Social Studies
Visual Arts
Social Studies
Assistant Principal
Assistant Athletic Director
Technology
English
Science
English
Math
English
Math
Latin
Science
Visual Arts
Chinese
WHHS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER | WINTER 2014 | 3
Christopher cuts the ribbon on South Athletic Complex
Sixty seven years after graduating from Walnut Hills himself, Robert Christopher,
’47, flew back to town Oct. 15 to officially open Walnut’s Christopher South Athletic
Complex, a major improvement to the school’s sports facilities.
Mr. Christopher and his wife, Martha Surnbock Christopher, ’44, were the
primary donors for the $1.8 million facility, which features an all-weather turf field,
seating for 400, press box and lighting. Two additional buildings house concessions,
restrooms and batting cages. Football, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, softball and fencing teams
will use the new complex along with physical education classes.
The ceremony was attended by representatives from Cincinnati
Public Schools, parents, alumni and various partners in the project; SHP
Leading Design (formerly Steed Hammond Paul), DER Construction,
and the Motz Group. Mrs. Christopher was unable to attend.
The ceremony began with members of the Marching Blue & Gold
presenting colors and eight men from Senior Ensemble performing
a stirring a cappella rendition of the National Anthem. Members of
Walnut’s football, lacrosse, soccer, baseball and softball teams filled the gym while cheerleaders delivered a
special cheer they wrote in honor of the Christophers and their gift.
The Christophers met at Walnut Hills but did not marry until after college. Mr. Christopher, a
successful businessman, was one of the inaugural board members of the WHHS Alumni Foundation in
1996 and still serves as the board’s vice president.
“Marty and Bob have traveled across the country with me for regional reunions throughout the
years and have been strong advocates for Walnut Hills both with their time and resources,” says Debbie
Heldman, executive director of the Alumni Foundation. “Their gift is a way of giving back to an
institution that gave them so much.”
The Christopher South Athletic Complex is one example of the partnership between the Alumni
Foundation and Cincinnati Public Schools, which began in 1999 with the opening of the Alumni Arts and
Science Center. The recently completed $65 million campus renovation and expansion — paid for by the
tax levy — provided additional opportunities for enhancements. The Alumni Foundation funded the new
natatorium, the fitness center, multi-purpose rooms and two new courtyards to help offset seating in the
cafeteria for our growing student population.
The Alumni Foundation facilities committee continues its work to acquire adjacent properties to
expand the campus, providing green space, playfields, and parking. A tennis complex, to bring that sport
back to campus, is on the drawing boards.
All of these projects, including the Christopher South Athletic Complex, are part of a current Capital
Campaign. Thanks to our generous donors, our $6 million goal is within sight.
WHHS Alumni Foundation Board
Stephen Baker ’82
Peter Bloch ’66
Neil Bortz ’50
Ray Brokamp
Calvin Buford ’77
Stan Chesley ’54
Bob Christopher ’47
John Fischer III ’61
Ira Goldberg ’64
Joshua Guttman ’88
Ellen Hattemer ’78
Clyde Henderson ’69
Grant Hesser ’65
Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney ’74
Bill Kern ’54
Terrence Poole ’76
Ted Schwartz ’41
Corky Steiner ’61
Charlie Stix ’43
William Strubbe ’70
Sandy Thomson ’55
Markus Trice ’71
Sallie Robinson Wadsworth ’53
Alex Young ’54
Ex-officio Members
Trip Wolfe
Jeff Brokamp ‘78
WHHS Alumni Foundation Staff
Debbie Heldman, Executive Director
Anne Jones, Assistant to Director
Jenny French, Reunions and Events
Coordinator
Barbara Bates, Bookkeeper
Carolyn Gillman, Data Coordinator/
Special Projects
WHHS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER | WINTER 2014 | 4
WHHS Association
Monster Mash
at the Boogie Bash
A monstrous crowd of 7th and 8th
grade heroes, minions and more turned
out for the Walnut Hills Boogie Bash,
held Oct. 24, one of the many events
supported by the WHHS Association.
Here’s a sampling of the
costumed kiddos.
How to Feed Your Newsletter
The WHHS Association newsletter welcomes submissions to keep
parents informed of the many events, activities, achievements and
news of interest happening at Walnut Hills High School.
Did your student make a difference in the community through
volunteer service? Land a leading role in a community theatre or
dance performance? Have an amazing adventure on a class or club
trip overseas? We know our Walnut students do many amazing
things. So let us know! And send us photos!
This year’s newsletter is edited by Tim Bonfield, parent of
Aurora (10th grade) and Madeline (c/o 2014). Tim is constantly
looking for more parents interested in helping as correspondents.
Please send submissions, comments and questions to
Tim at [email protected]. And thanks for your support!
Save These Dates!
February 28.........WalnutFest
January 10..........Senior Dinner Dance
Info at: http://www.walnuthillseagles.
com/parents/
WHHS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER | WINTER 2014 | 5
Athletic Dept
Katie’s Scorecard
Katie Hallinan Drives Her Way to State and National Rankings
She beats her dad, too!
When freshman golf standout Katie Hallinan found out that no other girls had tried out for this year’s team,
she had no choice but to play with the boys.
“I thought that none of the guys would talk to me. But instead they were all really nice and it was a lot
of fun. They treated me just like one of the guys,” Katie says.
Katie attracted media attention this year not just because she was the only girl on the men’s golf team at
Walnut, but also because she was really good. She ranks among the best in Ohio and the country in her age
group, and she’s just getting started.
In addition to the fall high school golf schedule, Katie competes all summer long and during many fall
and spring weekends. She logs many hours at the driving range and when it’s too cold to play outdoors, she
swings in the basement at home in Loveland.
Her passion, combined with hard work, is paying off with special experiences. Her success in
tournament play has taken her to courses throughout Ohio and the Midwest, even as far as San Diego.
“I can’t imagine myself doing anything else,” Katie says. “One of the best things about golf is that you
don’t have to depend on anyone else for your game. It’s just you and the golf course.”
Katie’s dad, Noel, introduced the game to her about five years ago. Now when they play, she wins. “And
it’s getting worse,” she grins. Next season, she’s hoping enough girls take an interest in the sport to field a
girls’ team.
Her message to parents: “It’s more rewarding than you think. You meet new people. You learn
etiquette. It opens up opportunities.”
Katie is pushing herself in hopes of earning a college scholarship in her sport. But no matter where her
competitive journey leads, she also knows she has a sport she can enjoy for many years to come – just for the
fun of it.
Eagles Soar in Fall Sports
Outstanding performances in tennis and soccer
highlight the season for Walnut athletes
GIRLS’ TENNIS
The Walnut Hills Lady Eagles won the Eastern Cincinnati
Conference (ECC) Tournament, held Sept. 26, and captured the
conference championship, with an impressive 17-5 overall record
and a dominant 6-0 season in conference play.
Lilly O’Toole was named Player of the Year, while Walnut’s
Steve Levine was named Coach of the Year. Lilly also was named to
the All-Conference First Team in singles while teammates Iris Kim
and Sarah Neuhauser were named to the All-Conference First
Team in doubles.
BOYS’ SOCCER
The varsity men’s squad won the ECC Conference title by going
6-0- 1 in conference play
and 13-4-2 overall.
Daniel Bundschuh,
the team’s top scorer, was
named Player of the Year,
while ECC Coach of
the Year honors went to
Walnut’s Eric Rothwell.
The Eagles won the
Sectional championship,
1: The only woman on the
men’s golf team at Walnut
Hills.
16: Katie’s finish in the
2014 Girls Division 1 State
Golf Championship – as a
freshman.
72: Her ranking nationwide
among her graduating class
of 2018 by the Junior Golf
Scoreboard.
14: Her age.
5: Years in golf.
290: Her longest drive in
yards.
80-plus: Competitive
tournaments played.
68: Her best round,
recorded during a summer
2014 tournament at the
“Grizzly” course at the Golf
Center at Kings Island.
beating Moeller 2-0. They advanced to the District finals, but lost
1-0 to Lakota East. Four players were named to the All-Conference
First Team: Daniel Bundschuh, Adam Cooper, Martin Myaka,
Logan Wiedmann.
Several Walnut Hills soccer games are posted on YouTube.
Here’s one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1tBjLk0yPg&featur
e=youtu.be&a
GIRLS’ SOCCER
The Lady Eagles went
10-6-2 overall and
4-2-1 in conference
play. Teammates
Scout Lacoe, Loren
Richardson, and
Mackenzie Richter
were named to the
All-Conference First
Team.
FOOTBALL
The varsity men
finished 7th in the
ECC, wrapping up
a tough season with
a 1-9 overall record.
The team went 1-6 in
conference play.
WHHS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER | WINTER 2014 | 6
VOLLEYBALL
The varsity Lady Eagles went 8-15 overall and finished 3-11 in
conference play. Meridith Shaw was named to the All-Conference
First Team.
Library News
We need your books!
The library’s Used Book Sale — our major annual fundraiser
— returns this year bigger and better than ever after a one-year
construction hiatus. The sale will be held April 30 to May 1. We need
any and all books, posters, records, CDs, sheet music, cassettes and
any other media that you would like to get rid of. We would be glad
to sell it! Just drop your donations off in the library or Main Office.
We will be glad to write letters, on request, for tax deductions.
We also need volunteers to help with the Used Book Sale and
our Library inventory in December. Call 513-363-8516 if you can
share a few hours of your time. Thank you!
Book club goes bump in the night
The Walnut Hills High School Library’s book club is focusing on
horror fiction in the second quarter. Instead of reading one specific
book, students can read their favorite scary book and join our online
discussion about what makes for a great horror story.
To join our mostly online discussion forum (Edmodo), go to
www.edmodo.com and join as a student. Use the code: vf58ts. If
you are already a student member of Edmodo, you can just join
the group. When you set up or join, make sure you choose to have
alerts sent to you, either by text or email. You will also need to read
the group guidelines before you start your posts. After you join
the online group and read the online instructions about posting,
you may contribute whenever and as many times as you want. We
will have one real-time meeting Dec. 9, during all three lunches at
school. We have some possible selections at the library main desk
but you can read any horror book you like.
BOYS’ GOLF
The varsity golf team finished with a 4-6 overall record and a 1-5
conference record.
GIRLS’ CROSS COUNTRY
In District competition, Walnut Hills had no individual qualifiers
but finished second as a team to advance to the Regional Meet.
Walnut
finished 15th in
Regionals.
Out of 166
runners in the
VOA District
race, Kelley
Coleman
finished third
with a time of
19:31. Kelley
was named to the All-conference First Team along with teammates
Hannah Schroeder and Collier Summay.
BOYS’ CROSS COUNTRY
Out of 203 runners in the VOA District race, teammates Jack
Lowry and Max Brockwell tied for 18th with a time of 17:15.
Webpage updates continue
We have teachers’ assignments and class websites, links to teacher
webpages through Homelink, links to websites recommended by
Walnut librarians and teachers, links to all our web-based resources,
and information and links about Walnut Hills organizations.
Through the webpage, we offer a number of web-based resources
for students and staff, many of which are new this year. These are:
• Student Resources in Context, a full text source for literary,
social studies, and biographical information (ID:cinc48953)
• Ancient World Online, with great information on ancient
cultures. A great place for information for Latin projects! (User
ID: walnut; password: hills)
• Newsbank Newsfile, a collection of magazine and newspaper
articles fulltext on the web (Account:7675; Password:7675)
• Culture Grams, a database of information on states and
countries around the world (User ID: walnut; password: eagles)
• InfOhio Collection, web-based resources through the
support of the state of Ohio, which includes the full version
of Encyclopedia Britannica on the web, and SIRS and
EBSCOHost collections of fulltext magazine and newspaper
articles. (ID:infocincy, password:cincyreads)
Remember the Library is open from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every
school day. Students without transportation can take the late bus at
WHHS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER | WINTER 2014 | 7
3:40 p.m. if they need to stay after school to work on projects and
may get a special late bus pass if needed from their grade level office.
Music
Department
Lyrics from the Lyceum
From Mayan Impressions to Singing for a Cause, Walnut
students made beautiful music in Fall 2014
Singing From the Heart — WHHS Choirs
Senior Ensemble, our top vocal performance group, was ready and
raring to go right from the start of the school year! This talented
group of singers, under the leadership of Anthony Nims, choir
director, was invited to participate in a joint performance, held Sept.
21 at the University of Cincinnati - College Conservatory of Music’s
Corbett Auditorium. Our students received great reviews from
audience and CCM staff alike. Cincinnati Children’s Choir was the
only other non-CCM group asked to perform. Their accomplishment
is even more remarkable when you realize that they pulled this off
only four weeks into the school year.
All of our senior high choirs were featured before a packed house
Oct. 29 in our first in-house concert of the season. Music in the Air
included selections by composers Moses Hogan, Gabriel Faure,
Tomas Luis de Vicotria, Matthew Harris, Felix Mendelssohn, and
Josef Rheinberger. They were performed by Senior Choir, Senior
Ensemble, Men’s & Women’s Ensembles, and our newest choral
ensemble, Chamber Choir.
We hope you can join us for the upcoming winter concerts:
Dec. 3 (Jr High) and Dec. 9 (Sr. High), both at 7 p.m. in the WHHS
Auditorium. Chamber Choir also will perform a full length concert at
8 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Hyde Park United Methodist Church. Also, keep
your eyes peeled for information regarding next semester’s charity
concert, Sing for a Cause. For this event, Senior Ensemble will join
forces with the Taylor High School Choir and the Winton Woods
Varsity Singers to perform Carl Orff’s masterpiece Carmina Burana.
The concert will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater
Cincinnati.
The WHHS Vocal Music Department also congratulates Alice
Hagerty for her selection to the OMEA All-State Choir. Alice
will represent Walnut Hills in February when the All-State Choir
performs at the OMEA Professional Development conference in
Cleveland. Well done, Alice!
Trumpeters On Fire — WHHS Musicians Play Taps at
Firefighter’s Memorial
The Cincinnati Fire Department again asked the WHHS Music
Department to provide two trumpeters for their service held Oct. 9
in downtown Cincinnati. Robert Dyehouse and Duncan Webb,
both 10th graders, played taps at the conclusion of the ceremony. It
is a very moving and emotional event to honor those firefighters who
have given their lives in the line of duty, and Walnut has provided
trumpeters for this memorial since the inaugural event in 2009.
Serenade with Strings — Orchestra Students Soar From the Nest
Walnut Hills is extremely well represented in this year’s Cincinnati
Symphony Youth Orchestra (CYSO). These students were selected
by audition during the first week of school. Then they attend weekly
rehearsals at the College Conservatory of Music, are invited to
attend CSO concerts at Music Hall, study with CSO musicians in
sectionals held several times throughout the season, and give concert
performances, often with peer soloists chosen through the CSYO
Concerto Competition. Kudos to CSYO violinists Bea Baker,
Isabella Geis, Weston Gilbert, Elton Tong; violists Rebecca Jenei,
Sydney Link, Veronica Phelan, Amy Ritter; cellists Richard Fu
and Myles Yeazell and Concert Orchestra violinist Sarvani Vemuri;
violist Sarah Monnin, horn player Gabriella His, and oboist Maria
Ramsey. Their first concert will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 14 at CCM’s
Corbett Auditorium.
The Southwest Regional Orchestra (SWRO) is a similar
assemblage of young musicians from southwestern Ohio high schools,
selected by audition, under the auspices of the Ohio Music Educators
Association (OMEA). They can be string, woodwind, or percussion
players. This is a three-day event – a read through, one day of
rehearsal, and a fall concert. Top seated string players in this orchestra
can qualify to participate in the OMEA All-State Orchestra concert
held at the OMEA convention later in the year. For the first time,
Walnut has four participants in SWRO, and all four also qualified for
State: Isabella Geis and Elton Tong on violin; and Sydney Link and
Veronica Phelan on viola.
Seventh grader Christina Nam is a very talented young
violinist who is starting out her career in Walnut’s very top string
ensemble, Chamber
Orchestra, which
gave a brilliant
performance Nov.
19. Christina has
been playing violin
since the age of four.
This fall, in addition
to the challenging
repertoire she is
tackling under the guidance of orchestra director John Caliguri, she
had her solo debut with the Kentucky Symphony on Oct. 28 and 29.
Interdisciplinary Challenge — Music Dept Secretary supports
CIC efforts
Expand your mental horizons, and have fun while doing it (there may
even be sweet treats to boot). Rumor has it that Mrs. Forrester will
reward enterprising students who venture to use the Word of the Day
in a music related sentence, with a selection from her candy jar. Find
her downstairs in the band office, Mondays and Wednesdays during
concert weeks; Tuesdays and Thursdays otherwise.
Music to Mine Ears — Upcoming Concert Schedule (all held at
7pm in Auditorium unless specified otherwise)
Dec 3 — Jr High Choirs
Dec 9 — Sr. High Choirs
Dec 11 — Beg Band & Strings
Dec 12 — Jazz (Schott Recital Hall)
WHHS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER | WINTER 2014 | 8
‘Mayan Impressions’ Impresses the Crowds
Marching Blue & Gold earns several awards during
outstanding season
The 89-member Walnut Hills Marching Band, under the direction of
Charles Ferrara, wrapped up a record-setting season with their wildly
popular 2014 show “Mayan Impressions.”
In their first competition of the season, Sept. 27 at Goshen H.S.,
the band swept the awards, earning Best Music, Best Visual, Best
General Effect, Best Color Guard, Best Percussion, 1st place in class,
the People’s Choice award, and Grand Champion!
Photos courtesy of Lori Ware.
From there, they collected People’s Choice awards at
competitions in Anderson and Centerville while qualifying to
participate in the OMEA State Finals.
At the OMEA competition, held Nov. 9 at the University of
Dayton, they earned Superior ratings in every category. It was the 13th
straight year the band earned the top rating, making the Marching
Blue & gold one of only eight bands in Ohio to achieve such an
impressive streak of success.
You can see the band in action on these videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYV5oiziKM4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z98c9ydliZQ
WHHS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER | WINTER 2014 | 9
Making the Mayan magic happen
Parent volunteers played vital roles in this year’s
Marching Blue & Gold success
They hemmed pants, fitted jackets and herded hat plumes. They sold
tons of hot dogs, pretzels and candy. They shot thousands of photos
and compiled touching videos. They hauled gear and packed trucks.
They chaperoned bus trips and supplied dishes for pot-lucks.
And, oh yeah, they built a pyramid.
As Charles Ferrara, band director, Michelle Bowers, color
guard director, and fellow staff members inspired 89 Marching
Band members to leave it all on the field, a small army of parents
worked behind the scenes to create the impression that the Mayan
Impressions show was effortless.
Long before the season, Kevin Ware and a team of Pit Crew
volunteers gathered at Dave Young’s aircraft hangar to assemble a
huge, three-piece, mobile pyramid to serve as the centerpiece of the
show. Long after the shows were over, Jackie Bonfield and Lisa
McSwain led a team of “unimommers” who made sure uniforms
and costumes were properly fitted at the beginning of the season and
squared away for the next performance. And at every home football
game, Chris Syzmaniak organized crews of concession stand workers
to feed the crowds. Lori Ware was there to photograph everything.
Mr. Ferrara, the band staff and all the band members thank these
parents, former students and friends of the band for all their hard work:
PIT CREW:
Cara Alpern, Rosemary Becher, Matt Becher, Tim Braverman, Lisa
Braverman, Jeanine Breadon, Jeff Burkey, Robert Cobb, KK Diaw,
Dave Doyal, Nicole Dyehouse, Sam Engle, Dave Groth, Dave
Huelsman, Andy Knapp, Graham Knapp, Jeff Lekson, Karen Luken,
Jeff McSwain, AJ McSwain, Dennis Mertes, Connan Morrissey,
Yolanda Oritz-Parker, David
Pfeiffer, Lisa Pfeiffer, Thomas
Ross, Nathan Stadnik, Rio
Turner, RuthAnne VanLoon,
Eric VonBargen, Kim
VonBargen, Kurtis VonBargen,
Konnor VonBargen, Kevin
Ware, Zach Ware, Daniel
Webb, Ken Webb, Dave Young.
CONCESSION CREW:
Tom Alloy, Cara Alpern, Carrie Barnett, Sallie Barringer, Rosemary
Becher, Tim Bonfield, , Nicola Caldwell, Christine and Kitty Cassidy,
Lorraine Grayson, Peggy Groeber, Susanne and Dominic Hagerty,
Scott Hoffmann, Karen Huelsman, Gabrielle Jackson, Karen
Jackson, Jeanne and Joe Kavinsky, Megan Kessler, Karen Luken, Jay
and Kirstin McKillop, Dennis Mertes, Connan Morrissey, Jeaunita
Olowe, Sara Pappa, Yolanda Parker, Pam Schall, James and Karen
Strausser, Mia Thompson, Melinda Utrecht, Kim, Kurtis and Konner
Von Bargen, and Pam Webb.
UNIFORM CREW:
2014 Uniform parent helpers: Kim VonBargen, Karen Young,
Christine Cassedy, Karen Strasser, Julie Groth, Jeanine Breadon,
Yolanda Ortiz Parker, Pam Webb, RuthAnne VanLoon, Lori Ware,
Chris Szymaniak, Lisa Pfeiffer, and Cara Alpern.
2014 Uniform student helpers: Madeline Bonfield, Skyler Ware,
Daniel Webb, Lexie Groth, Nathan Stadnik, and Zach Ware.
And special thanks to “The Granny Seamstresses” who finished
hemming all of the pants.
Photos courtesy of Lori Ware.
WHHS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER | WINTER 2014 | 10
Theatre
Department
The less honorable throats of Fleet Street would
be proud
Congratulations to the Walnut Hills Theatre Department for
staging a sharp – one might even say cutting -- performance of the
dark Stephen Sondheim musical, “Sweeney Todd.” Counting cast,
crew and orchestra, more than 100 students were involved in the
three-day run, and large audiences packed the 700-seat auditorium
for every show.
Mike Sherman, Theatre Department chair, praised the
students for all their hard work and expressed his deep appreciation
for all the parent volunteers who helped make the musical possible,
including: Sue and Andrew Speno, Willemien Patterson, Geri
Kolesar, Patty Donnelly, Gretchen Carroll, Betsy Lenhart, Steve
and Diane Bowman, Samantha Evans, Sally Moore, Kathy Neff,
Miriam Raider-Roth, Lisa DeLong, Lynn Johnson and Jenny Noe.
Another special thanks goes to the WHHS Alumni
Foundation for sponsoring dinner for the Cappies of Greater
Cincinnati critics.
Missed the show? Here’s a trailer that will give you a taste.
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=701756896598732&set
=vb.453608728080218&type=2&theater
Cappies critics praise performers, crew
The visiting Cappies critics watched the final showing of Sweeney
Todd and made these “critics’ choices”:
Marketing/Publicity: Alex Persiani; Sound: Cory
Bargemann, Nina Hayutin, Aundria Bradford, Makalya Friemoth;
Lighting: Erin Magner, Elanor Eberhardt, Jordan Lunsford,
Jennifer Zavon; Sets: Sam Petersen, Emma Raider-Roth,
Jordan Lunsford, Erin Ryan; Costumes- Lela Robinson, Annie
Brandicourt, and crew; Make-Up- Erin Ryan and Celeste
Sprague; Props- Karinne Hill, Marlo Whetstone, Payton
Mays, and Erin Ryan; Effects/Technology: Chase
Butler and Sam Petersen (for the Barber Chair); Stage
Management and Crew: Ada Barach, Jordan Louden
Matts, Clara Babcock, and Samuel Coffe; OrchestraWHHS Pit Orchestra; Ensemble- The Quintet; Featured
Actress- Anna Donnelly (Flashback Lucy); Featured ActorBradley Buchman (Pirelli); Female Vocalist- Claire Bowman
(Beggar Woman); Male Vocalist- Jake Kolesar (Anthony);
Comic Actor- Austin Lamewona (Tobias); Supporting
Actress- Claudia Neff (Johanna); Supporting
Actor- Michael Eagle (Judge Turpin); Lead
Actress- Maddie Eaton (Mrs. Lovett); Lead
Actor- Desmond Daly (Sweeney Todd); Song“The Ballad of Sweeney Todd.”
Photos courtesy of Dan Ledbetter Photography
WHHS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER | WINTER 2014 | 11
English
Department
Journalism students visit Capitol Hill
The Chatterbox and Remembrancer sent 32 journalism students to
Washington D.C. for the Journalism Education Association National
Conference Nov. 6-9. All students attended workshops and were able
to engage with professional journalists. The group even found time to
visit some museums, monuments, and universities. Students earn national writing honors
The following students placed in the JEA Fall National Writeoff Competition: Kate Crotty (Yearbook), Honorable Mention
in Photography Portfolio; Celeste Kearney (Newspaper),
Honorable Mention in Copy Editing and Headlines; Alexandra
Berding (Newspaper), Excellent in Newswriting; Olivia Grondin
(Yearbook), Superior in Yearbook Copy/Caption Writing – Sports.
Yearbook sales begin
The 2014-2015 yearbook may be purchased online by visiting
www.jostensyearbook.com. Yearbook pre-order sales end on Feb.
28. You can subscribe to the Chatterbox by visiting http://www.
walnuthillseagles.com/chatterbox. The yearbook adviser is Marji Platt, and the newspaper adviser
is Samantha Gerwe-Perkins. Clubs &
Activities
Community Action Team takes on tutoring, clean-up
and fundraising projects
The Walnut Hills Community Action Team (CAT) is taking on
several projects this year, including tutoring at a local elementary
school, supporting an art and drama club at the same school,
community clean-ups, Adopt-A-Family projects, and fundraising for
the organization Partners In Health.
Helping kids at Evanston Academy
As in past years, we continue to tutor students at the Evanston
Academy, a charter elementary school located about a mile away
from Walnut. With planning support from Resource Coordinator
Monna Beckford, our members work with kids from 1st to 6th
grades on math and science skills, reading comprehension, and
standardized test preparation. Last year, we also started a weekly
after-school art club at Evanston Academy where CAT members
work with children to make crafts. The kids love it!
This year, we’re adding another level to our involvement
at Evanston Academy — drama club! Walnut students will be
working directly alongside Evanston Academy kids, giving them
stage directions and helping them with their lines. Meanwhile,
after-school art club members will work on sets and props for the
fourth-sixth grade play, The Wizard of Oz. We hope to premiere in
the Spring!
Community clean-up
CAT members participated in a community clean up Nov. 15
organized by People Working Cooperatively (PWC). Groups of
volunteers traveled to houses in Evanston and Walnut Hills to rake
leaves and clean gutters. This helps the community have higher
property values and maintain a sense of pride. We worked with
PWC volunteer Keenan Beauchamp, whose daughter, Elise, was copresident of CAT last year.
Adopt-a-Family
Every year, Walnut Hills organizes Christmas
Adopt-a-Family drives. CAT will be adopting
a medium to large size family and be given
a list of things that they need for Christmas,
including gift cards to places like Kroger or
Walmart, clothing, and toys. Once all of the
items have been brought in by our members,
we spend an entire meeting wrapping the gifts. It
is always such a rewarding feeling to help someone’s family have a
happier holiday season.
Partners In Health
phone-a-thon
In previous years, CAT
has worked with an
organization called
FaceAIDS, which
recently became a part
of another organization
called Partners In Health
(PIH). One of PIH’s
main concerns has been
the recent outbreak of
the Ebola virus in West
Africa. To help combat the
epidemic, PIH is building
treatment centers in
Sierra Leone and Liberia.
These centers will provide
medical care, shelter, and
a stable environment to
fight the virus. Alongside
other groups that work with PIH, CAT held a Phone-A-Thon in
October to raise money for these new treatment centers. We raised
over $500!
Dance Marathon
In the spring, most likely in early March, we will be having our annual
Dance Marathon — an absolute hit at Walnut! Each year there is a
different theme (last year’s was “In The Jungle”). Students come to
WHHS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER | WINTER 2014 | 12
dance either on a team or solo from for six hours. Refreshments are
donated by local businesses and students work as DJs.
The money we raise goes towards AIDS research, including
proceeds from ticket sales, donations and selling red pins handmade
by women in Rwanda, along with the ticket sales and any donations
made by family and friends. Due to the merger of PIH and
FaceAIDS, this year’s proceeds will go towards PIH. Last year, we
raised over $2,000 and hope to raise more than that this year!
Join us!
As you can see, Community Action Team is very busy this year.
We meet every Thursday in Ms. Bernstein’s room, 2605, and new
members are always welcome!
Learning about 3D Vision Recognition at Kinetmetrix in Lexington, Ky.
Submitted by Madeleine Bogard and Grace Kunkel, Co-Presidents
‘The NUTS’ begin robotics season
The Walnut Hills Robotics Team season began in September with
the release of their mission for the 2014-15 competition.
Cascade Effect, the name of the new season, is played on a
12’x12’ field with three other robots. The requirements are to
collect two different size balls from among 120 golf balls and 40
whiffle balls, then place them into four rolling goal tubes at 30, 60,
90 and 120 centimeters off the floor. The robot cannot be any larger
than an 18” cube at the start of the match.
The first 30 seconds of the match is an autonomous period
where the robot has been pre-programmed to accomplish specific
tasks to accumulate points. During the next two minutes, team
members use game control pads they have programmed to drive
the robots. Early season
preparations include
planning game strategy,
robot design and function
as well as building
prototype mechanisms to
collect, shoot and score the
balls.
The FIRST Tech
Challenge (FTC) season
is about more than
competition. It is about
Buliding prototype mechanisms
teaching students the value of
hard work, innovation and creativity. Teams learn the importance of
working together, sharing ideas and treating each other with respect
and dignity.
Team members are: Nathan Tiffany, Will Tekulve, Ben
Holtzman, Thomas Clifford, Nick Abbott, Luis Temaj, Richard Fu,
Dimple Dhawan, Lars Knobloch, Rory Tekulve, Meredith Shaw,
Allie Cheng.
On Jan. 30 and 31, Walnut will host the Cincinnati area
Regional (FTC) Tournament, which will feature 24 teams from four
states. The tourney will include several teams that have competed
in the World Championships as well as a previous World Champion
team from Columbus.
We need a variety of volunteers to make this tournament a
success, including technical inspectors, judges and referees, emcees,
announcers and greeters. Not technical? Not a problem. We are also
looking for artists, communicators, record keepers and more. To get
involved, contact Rocky Tekulve at [email protected].
Learning how to program an Arc Plasma Cutter at The Manufactory in
Sharonville to be able to custom make parts for the robot.
Assembling rolling goals
Supporting education in Africa
Unified for Uganda (U4U) is a student-run, non-profit organization
that emotionally and financially supports the education of destitute
children in northern Uganda through the empowerment of
American youth.
U4U started as a simple club in 2005, launched at Moeller
High School. The group has since grown to encompass more than
30 high school and college chapters, most located in and around
Greater Cincinnati.
Last year the Walnut Hills chapter raised about $14,000, which
was used to sponsor tuition for two schoolchildren. Overall, U4U
sponsors 75 children who were chosen from 8,200 applications, says
club adviser Jerome Brady.
To learn more about U4U, check out their website here. http://
unifiedforuganda.com/