Walnut Hills High School Association NEWSLETTER

Editor: Patti Newberry, [email protected], Design: Hillary Wood, [email protected] 2011-12 WHHS Parent Board Executive Committee President, Cassandra Clement Past President, Carol Philpott Vice President, Susan Shelton Recording Secretary, Gail Webb Treasurer, Erin Hellmich Directors PR/Mktg, Andrea Chase CIC, Maria Horn ILT, Quiera Levy-Smith ILT, Gail Webb LSDMC, Jenny French LSDMC, Joann Avant LSDMC, Rich Coleman Legacy of Excellence, Erin Hellmich Walnut Fest, Melissa Murphy Walnut24, Doug Newberry Mailing Coordinator, OPEN 7th/8th Grade Co-Chair, Cathy Cook 7th/8th Grade Co-Chair, Tracy Mason 9th/10th Grade Co-Chair, Susan Shelton 9th/10th Grade Co-Chair, Kim Frierson 9th/10th Grade CoChair, Leslie Young 9th/10th Grade Co-Chair, B. Gordon 9th/10th Grade Co-Chair, Ellen Boggess School Board Rep, OPEN Directory, Dwight Wilson Hospitality, Open House, SR Karla Bailey Hospitality, Open House, SR Valencia HarrisBrown New Student Hospitality, Judie List Sweeney New Student Hospitality, Jennifer Schmitz Staff Appreciation, Amy Kappers Staff Appreciation, Lucy Blanchard Staff Appreciation, Meg Dietz Newsletter, Patti Newberry Volunteer Coordinator, Debbie Sheets Communications, Diane Van Bakel Clubs, Peggy Groeber Ex-officio directors Jeff Brokamp, Principal Debbie Heldman, Alumni Foundation Exec. Dir. Penny Poirier, WHIP Representative Molly Akin, Athletic Boosters

Summer 2011

President’s Message Dear Parents:

Thank You!!! You are a big part of the reason we had a terrific year at Walnut!! Our students continue to rise to the highest because you drove them to school, packed lunches, helped with homework, and cheered them on at games, plays, concerts, theater productions or just doing their homework. Our students are the best, but it would be so much harder without their families and friends behind them all the way. In the past year, we faced a tremendous budget cut in our extracurricular programs: teachers and coaches were working with no guarantee of getting paid. And yet they continued to support our students no matter the situation – and we owe them a big thanks!! Happily, because of dedicated volunteers who put together two great fundraisers, along with parents, students and friends of Walnut who attended those fundraisers, we were able to cover the majority of that cut (with a little help from the Alumni Foundation). Walnut Fest raised over $40,000, an increase from last year of more than $10,000, which was divided between Parent Board, WHIP and the Athletic Boosters. Mark your calendar for next year’s Walnut Fest, Feb. 25. If you want to volunteer to help in the planning this fall, contact any of your Parent Board, WHIP, or Booster board members. Walnut24 was a huge success in its inaugural year. Despite the rain and cooler temperatures we had over 700 walkers who enjoyed a Walnut teacher Don Stocker and student Noah Fetter make another lap at Walnut24.

great event. We raised over $60,000 and donations were still coming in weeks after the walk was over. The walk will be back in the fall (hopefully we won’t have so much rain) the weekend of Oct. 15-16,

and planning has already begun. Check it out on Facebook or at Walnut24.com and sign up now to help as we aim to hit $100,000 at the second annual walk. Now that the 2010–2011 school year has come to a close, I want to thank the entire Parent Board!

Walnut Hills Parent Association (also known as Parent Board) works to support and create opportunities for WHHS students, teachers, administrators and families. Meetings are open to all. Meeting dates are listed on the back of this newsletter.

Each member has been a great support, showing a dedication above and beyond. Walnut Hills is lucky to have such a great group of parents and friends. Thank you, Carol Krone Philpott Parent Board President 2009-10 and 2010-11

Congrats to Our Grads

Walnut Hills High School celebrated the success of the 259 members of the class of 2011 with a festive graduation ceremony May 26 at the Cintas Center at Xavier University. The event featured seven valedictorians, each taking a turn for a group speech built around the days of the week and what they mean to students. Valedictorians (students with the highest weighted GPA of the class) were Sarah Brennan, Rachel Chung, Serena Dugan, Melani Kekulawala, Jacob Kraus, Carter Michael and Abraham Moller. Also honored were two salutatorians — David Gordon-Johnson and Simon Lazarus — with the second-highest GPAs. Another 41 students (designed with * in the list of graduates that follows) were recognized as Cum Laude initiates, selected for their academic and citizenship accomplishments. And 126 more students graduated with honors, for completing required hours in various academic topics; maintaining a 3.5 GPA; and earning at least 27 on the ACT or 1260 on the SAT.

Members of the class of 2012 and their college choice: Temiloluwa Adeniyi University of Cincinnati Gabriela Aguilera University of New Hampshire Philip Akanbi Case Western Reserve University Emily Akin* Centre College Rachelle Ancona University of Cincinnati Elizabeth Arthur Cincinnati Christian University Keita Arthur Northern Kentucky University Kori Asante* The Ohio State University Terrence Aufermann University of Cincinnati James Avant IV University of Cincinnati Emily Back University of Dayton Mary Bange Oberlin College Bethany Bartmess Undetermined Simone Bates-Smith University of Cincinnati Bridget Battle Undetermined Madeline Becker Maryland Institute College of Art Madisynn Beckett Xavier University Zachary Beckner University of Cincinnati Eden Belay University of Cincinnati Keith Benjamin Northern Kentucky University Elizabeth Berliant University of Cincinnati Sarah Berman* University of Cincinnati Kishan Bhakta University of Cincinnati Alexander Bill Undetermined Stephen Bishop University of Cincinnati/Raymond Walters Vashti Blackmon Cornell College Sarah Blume Northern Kentucky University Daniel Bordicks Auburn University Elizabeth Bosken* University of Missouri – Columbia Crosley Brammer University of Cincinnati Sarah Brennan* Massachusetts Institute of Technology Crista Brown University of Cincinnati/Raymond Walters Benson Browne North Carolina State University Brent Bruner University of Toledo Peter Burrell Undetermined Cayla Burton Xavier University of Louisiana Emily Butterbaugh University of Cincinnati Savannah Caldwell Xavier University Tiffany Caldwell The University of Akron Thomas Caley* University of Cincinnati McCall Calvert Beloit College Roman Campolo The Ohio State University Celine Carey Pacific Northwest College of Art Hollis Carlton-Ford University of Cincinnati Marisa Castagna Hawaii Pacific University Clayton Castle Northern Kentucky University Jasmin Chapman Wilberforce University Samantha Chesser Northern Kentucky University Rachel Chung* Columbia University Sydney Church Miami University Ebony Clarke-Evans University of Cincinnati/Raymond Walters Photos provided by Lifetouchevents.com. To order photos of your graduate, visit the Web site and sign on with Walnutgrad11 to see the graduation day portfolio.

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Lianna Costantini* The Ohio State University Miles Crawley Notre Dame College Savannah Cuff Angel Academy of Art Kenan Daniels University of Kentucky Duvall Davis Undetermined Jorden Davis The University of Toledo Page Davis The Art Institute of Ohio Nicholas Defilippo University of Cincinnati Mose’ Demasi Xavier University Tierra Dennis Hampton University Laura Dent University of Cincinnati Luke Desando University of Miami Monique Donald The Ohio State University Jessica Donaldson* Denison University Samuel Dubin* The Ohio State University Serena Dugan* Vanderbilt University Isaac Durst* The Ohio State University Victoria Eby* University of Cincinnati Brian Ehrsam The Ohio State University Julia Esposito Loyola University Theresa Evans University of Cincinnati Marshalla Eves University of Cincinnati/Raymond Walters Sonja Faul University of Cincinnati Austin Ferrari Undetermined Janusia Figueiredo University of Cincinnati Jacob Findley* Purdue University Stephanie Fiorelli Xavier University Nicole Fisher Tulane University Caleb Fleischer University of Cincinnati Isaac Folzenlogen* The Ohio State University lan Fon Northern Kentucky University Layla Franke University of Georgia Tasia-Iman Franklin University of Cincinnati Marissa French DePaul University Elizabeth Fricke Miami University Nia Furr Howard University Mackenzie Gable Heidelberg University Jacquilyn Gardner The College of Mount St. Joseph Jaisha Garnett University of Cincinnati Tyler Gassett Ursuline College Benym Gebremeskel University of Cincinnati Shante George Xavier University Allison Gibson Eastern Kentucky University Michelle Glazer The Ohio State University Brittany Goodin University of Cincinnati Kiyana Gordon University of Cincinnati David Gordon-Johnson* Indiana University Amber Gray Miami University Jeleah Griffin University of Cincinnati Matthew Guffey Ohio University – Athens Grant Hackett Bowling Green State University Matthew Hagerty Tulane University Monzer Haj Hamed University of Cincinnati Bridget Hamilton University of Cincinnati Philip Hamilton Cincinnati State Technical & Community College Kiara Hampton Auburn University Autumn Hansen The University of Kentucky

Markisa Harris Cincinnati State Technical & Community College Shaquisha Harris-Hayes Capital University George Harrison* College of Wooster Ferris Harvey Howard University Samuel Heldman Northern Kentucky University Caleb Herrick* University of Cincinnati Charlotte Hines* The Ohio State University Megan Hoard University of Cincinnati Brittany Hodge Tennessee State University Jacob Holden University of Cincinnati Rachel Hopkins University of Cincinnati Sterling Hubbard Tennessee State University Alyxandra Ingram Denison University Carly Irvine Ohio University Moriah Israel Nothing Reported Derek Jackson University of Cincinnati Jaelynne Johnson University of Cincinnati Molly Johnson Brigham Young University Trafawn Johnson Tennessee State University Allen Jones Sullivan University Somalia Jones University of Michigan Jay Jung Northern Kentucky University Gabrielle Junker* The Ohio State University Shiwani Kamath* Manipal University (Kasturba Medical College) Melani Kekulawala* University of Michigan – Ann Arbor Alexandra Kelley University of Cincinnati/Raymond Walters Julia Kelley-Swift* Wesleyan University Cush King University of Cincinnati Jacqueline Kitzmiller* Cleveland Institute of Music Benjamin Klein Lewis & Clark College Jesse Kleinhenz undetermined Madison Koenig Ohio University Athens – Honors Tutorial College Molly Koenig The Ohio State University Brian Konerman University of Cincinnati/Raymond Walters Jackson Kosztala Northern Kentucky University Harry Kran-Annexstein Ohio University – Athens Jacob Kraus* Macalester College Kara Kroeger Kent State University Eric Krohn The Ohio State University Anna Kuertz* Elon University Devin Landers Kent State University Lindsey Lassiter Davidson College Aysia Lathan University of Cincinnati Simon Lazarus* University of Chicago Skylar Lewis Central State University Olivia Lucas University of Cincinnati Emily Luken* Washington University – St. Louis Samuel Lustig The Ohio State University Jessica Ly University of Cincinnati Michelle Martinez* University of Cincinnati Asia Mays Wright State University Aviance McBride University of Cincinnati Karen McCormick* Purdue University Phillip McDonald The Ohio State University

Nathaniel McGlothin Northern Kentucky University Shelley McKinley Miami University Olivia McKinney University of Toledo Thomas McMillan University of Cincinnati/Raymond Walters Kelsey Medley University of Cincinnati Marie Menzies Barry University Carter Michael* Yale University Lovette Mike Wright State University Sophen Mil University of Cincinnati/Raymond Walters Adrienne Miller undetermined Alex Miller University of Cincinnati/Raymond Walters Jameeka Miller Wright State University Donneshia Mitchell University of Cincinnati Jasmine Mitchell University of Cincinnati Abraham Moller* University of Pennsylvania Kalilah Montgomery University of Cincinnati Corey Morin Undetermined Mogan Mosier University of Toledo Braden Mossbarger University of Georgia Emily Neely Miami University Bria Neil Bowling Green State University Samantha Nelson Northern Kentucky University Corbin Noschang Florida International University Alison Nurre Ohio University – Athens Joseph Nutter* Michigan State University Marco Orso University of Cincinnati – ROTC/ Marines Alese Packer Antonelli College Terrence Padgett Cincinnati State Technical & Community College Shamia Payne University of Kentucky Michael Peelman University of Cincinnati Johnathan Peterson University of Cincinnati/Raymond Walters Katelyn Price Xavier University Ian Privitera Skidmore College Lydia Prophett University of Cincinnati Gabriel Puente-Lay University of Cincinnati Chelsea Ralls Howard University Claire Randall* DePaul University Robert Rankin Northern Kentucky University Benjamin Record Wesleyan University Paige Reid U. S. Navy – ABF Alisa Rethy* Kenyon College Tiara Rice undetermined Rebecca Risch The Ohio State University Henry Risemberg University of Cincinnati/Raymond Walters Nicholas Robertson Northern Kentucky University Summer Robinson University of Toledo Gymil Roley Bluffton University Chelsea Rose University of Dayton Dana Roth* Washington University – St. Louis Jason Schmidt University of Cincinnati Makiah Sebastian Ohio University – Athens

Ahana Sen University of Cincinnati – DAAP Anthony Sena undetermined Bunrith Seng University of Cincinnati/Raymond Walters Briana Shaw Tennessee State University Julie Shaw University of Dayton Jessica Siemer The Ohio State University Jonathan Simmons Bowling Green State University Lovieree Simmons undetermined Brooke Smith Bellarmine University Hugh Smith DePaul University Kermit Smith III University of Louisville Ellen Sorkin* University of Cincinnati Alexandra Spitz Ohio University – Athens Kasmir St. John-Fausz* Skidmore College DezMeawn Stewart Ohio Dominican University Amber Stokes University of Cincinnati Jasmine Stuckey Tennessee State University Courtenay Summers University of Cincinnati/Raymond Walters Riley Theurer Ohio University – Athens Jalen Thomas Kentucky State University P. J. Thomas University of Cincinnati Cahla Thorman University of Cincinnati Jared (Cody) Tolbert University of Cincinnati Lucien Turner* Miami University Matthew Verbryke University of Cincinnati Albwin Wagner-Schmitzer University of Cincinnati Avery Waklatsi Loyola University of Chicago Raven Walker undetermined Jaron Warmack Kent State University Chloe Watkins University of Cincinnati – DAAP Barrett Weckel Xavier University Eric Wesseling* University of Cincinnati Destini White Ohio University – Athens Kayla White Northern Kentucky University Ciara Williams Capital University Latrice Williams University of Cincinnati Ruby Wilz The Ohio State University Emily Windle* Northwestern University Thomas Witkowski Wabash College Adam Wolf University of Cincinnati Nicole Womack undetermined Sean Wood Oregon College of Art & Craft Brianna Woods Ursuline College Gabrielle Wray University of Cincinnati Hannah Yunger University of Tennessee – Knoxville

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Parent Board Second Walnut24 set for Oct. 15-16

We did it — and we’ll do it again! The Walnut24 Walkathon in April was a huge success. The walk raised $60,000 to put toward the $110,000 total cost of 2010-11 student activities, specifically for coaches and advisers. With additional money donated from Parent Board, a very generous donation from the Alumni Foundation, Walnut24 Event Director Doug Newberry provides a and some few sound bites for a local TV reporter. administrative maneuvering, the 2010-2011 activity budget was met. To continue to offer great opportunities to our students next year, we’ll stage the second annual Walnut24 this fall on Oct. 15-16. To learn more about this Walnut students await the start of the inaugural great new event, Walnut24. visit Walnut24. com. You’ll see a review of the spring action, and information on how to support and/or get involved with this fall’s fun. Or just contact Event Director Doug Newberry at doug@ eventfund.com and he’ll put you to work.

WHHS closet open for donations With graduation complete, the Class of 2011 has one more opportunity to lend a helping hand to students who follow. In 2009 several seniors established the WHHS Closet. The concept is to collect graduation caps and gowns from this year’s graduates and then offer them free of charge to next year’s seniors who may need assistance. We have a good selection but with sizing issues can always use more! If you are interested in donating your student’s cap and/or gown to the WHHS Closet, please bring them Alumni Foundation office any time over the summer! Jenny French Alumni Foundation

Walnut’s newest graduates enjoy a post-ceremony moment.

Senior Sendoff a smash Thank you to the many wonderful parents who helped make this year’s senior send-off a huge success! Class of 2011 advisers Emma Massie and Dawn Wolf are extremely appreciative that the parents stepped in to coordinate and fund the food. They repeatedly voiced what a luxury it was to hand off those logistics… which allowed them to focus on student’s exam preparation!!! An added bonus… as a result of parent donations, funds were then available to help purchase the “deluxe” graduation package at the Cintas Center. This included the WHHS logo and motto in lights around the perimeter and use of the Jumbotron. It was a great addition. Let’s make it a great tradition!

Carol Philpott wraps up two-year term Continuing in the tradition of great leadership at Walnut, Carol Philpott ends her reign as president of the Walnut Hills Parent Board. Always willing to give more than most, she led Parent Board for two years rather than one. Walnut families were able to be involved in the fun in more ways than ever, with such activities as the WalnutFest fundraiser, an annual silent auction and party which benefits WHIP, Boosters, and Parent Board; and the Homecoming Tailgate for parents and students. Additionally, Carol helped launch the first annual walkathon fundraiser, the Walnut24. Carol Philpott, Parent Board thanks you for your dedication to the school! Cassandra Clement Parent Board, 2011-12 president

Jenny French Alumni Foundation

Tennis tourney funds Ober scholarship Sixteen of Cincinnati’s leading tennis players joined amateurs and friends of Jake Ober for the first Walnut Hills High School ProAm Tennis Tournament, in memory of Jake Ober, ’07, May 22, at the Cincinnati Tennis Club. The event raised funds for the Jake Ober Memorial Scholarship at Walnut Hills High School and raised awareness of depressive illness. Jacob Ober, a 2007 Walnut Hills graduate who grew up in Westwood, was a student at Indiana University when he took his life in February 2010. The endowed scholarship will be awarded each year to a graduating senior who aspires to a career helping others.

Co-chairs of the Pro-Am were T.J. Cunningham, Jeff Levine, Nathan Siegel, Brian Starr, Ricky Steiner and Max Wayne, Class of 07; Luke Elsener, ‘06; and Joey Wayne, a Seven Hills graduate, ‘10. For more information, please visit www.jakeoberscholarship.org. Jenny French Alumni Foundation

Walnut’s Web page offers needed info Summer may be in full bloom, but fall and back-to-school season will arrive quickly. Don’t forget to check the Walnut Hills Web site for summer homework assignments. Just go to www.walnuthillseagles.com and click on the list on the front page, center column. And if you are new to Walnut this year, follow the links in the same center column to lots of great activities to learn about Cincinnati’s best public high school!

Extra costs offer surprises $198,060. That’s the amount researchers estimated it would cost to raise our bundles of joy born in 1994. Today’s costs push that total to $300,000 and neither figure even incorporates college or all those little extras. For my family, these costs seemed to be around every corner this past school year. We all know there are $10 purchases here or there, but during my son’s junior year at Walnut, the extra costs seemed to snowball — and will continue to grow in the year ahead. So I thought I would share our list of “little things” (which in the end were not so little) so you are not caught off guard. First was the graphing calculator for school and the ACT/SAT. They average about $100. Next came the ACT in December and the SAT in January. Basic test fees were $48/$47 respectively — but you may want to add $18 to purchase the test book, something strongly recommended by Walnut’s College Information Center. Then multiply those times three if your student will be taking the tests three times, the recommend number for students to do their best. That’s over $250! Want a tip for something for free? Take advantage of everything the CIC offers, especially ACT/SAT prep. It is called Lunch Bunch and it is free to every Walnut Hills student. Next up are all the social activities and school-related items: homecoming dance, prom, class T-shirt, and yearbook, just to name a few. What about AP fees which top out at nearly $90 an exam? Multiply that by the number of APs in your student’s schedule, plus the study guides, and things start to add up. Last and certainly not least is driver education. This is a necessary evil unless you want to be a chauffeur forever! Cost: About $450. Rough calculation for the entire junior year: More than $1,700. Now add to that costs for college visits (gas, food, lodging and always a souvenir) and summer camps. If you have a member of the Class of 2012 in your home, you’ll also be shelling out for senior class photos early in the fall. Another biggie will be college application fees — to the college, for ACT/SAT scores, for transcripts, and maybe for a final try at improving an ACT or SAT score, important for students vying for scholarships.

What else? Homecoming dance, class T-shirt, yearbook, prom, and the Senior Dinner Dance, all the events that lead to that last special moment, graduation. Then come graduation announcements (photos included), and gap and gown. Finally, one last important item suggested by Amy Forrester, assistant for the Music Department: a box of tissues at $2.99. You’ll need those at graduation as you celebrate your student and realize your investment in his or her’s future was worth it. Jennifer Schmitz Parent Board New Student Hospitality

Writing Center

Graduate turns to Writing Center for college essays May 2011 graduate Sam Dubin visited Walnut’s Writing Center two or three times a week for about two months during the spring as he drafted more than 20 versions of his college application essays.

Sam Dubin perfected his college application essays at the Writing Center.

He credits Cindy Carleton-Ford of the Writing Center with helping him perfect his message and earning a spot in the Ohio State University Honors Program, where he plans a biology major with additional classes in art history and music. While at Walnut, Sam led the Community Action Team for three years; served as page editor of the Chatterbox for three years; and ran the locker clean-out project, among other priorities. Sam is the son of Laurie and Neil Dubin of Hyde Park.

Counseling Office Three counselors retire

The Walnut Hills Guidance and Counseling Department will miss three staffers who are making the big leap into retirement this summer.

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Kay Kombrink, our psychologist, retired in June. She was an invaluable psychologist and lifesaver for many students and parents as they struggled through life’s many challenges. She was also a tremendous resource to the entire staff at Walnut Hills High School. She will be devoting her time to her new grandchild and travel. Lynda Maxwell, our eighth- and ninth-grade counselor, also retired in June. Lynda has been a teacher and counselor for over 40 years in the private and public schools in Cincinnati. Lynda was the architect of the “Back on Track” curriculum, which started at Bloom Middle School. Lynda will be missed in the counseling department for her dry wit and “out of the box” counseling skills. Jeanette Grant, our records clerk, will retire in July. She has kept the records, transcripts, and enrollments organized and in perfect order since 2002. Jeanette plans on traveling and remodeling her house. Julie Nash-Holt will move from the office of Dr. Sally Thurman to the records clerk position, where she will continue her duties as the Power School Coordinator. She will continue to assist parents in obtaining access to the Power School program. With these changes, the Walnut Hills Counselors caseload will change too. The list of assignments, still subject to change based on funding decisions, are: • Tanya Ficklin, seventh, eighth and ninth grades, last names A-L. • Laci Tucker, seventh, eighth and ninth grades, last names M-Z. • Linda Sawan, 10th and 11th grades, last names A-L; and 12th grade, last names H-R. • Carl Grueninger, 10th and 11th grades; last names M-Z; and 12th grade, last names A-G and S-Z. Finally, next year we will welcome a counseling intern from Xavier University to our department. Carl Grueninger Director of Guidance and Counseling

Library

Library serves 89,000-plus in 2010-11 The Walnut Hills High School Library was a very busy place in 2010-11. From the beginning of school through the end of May, more than 89,000 students visited the library and more than 100,000 books were checked out. We also added more than more than 400 new books to our collection. Many thanks to our great volunteers for helping with the library’s annual Used Book Sale in April: Lori Verbryke, Lois Smith, Aki Moller, Mary Beth Donica, Jodie and Sarah Tengen, Lori Strubbe, Liz Haradan, Kristin Holm, and Suzanne Schweller. The library made over $3,000 on the sale, all of which will be used to buy new materials for students to use. Every year, there are some students who are particularly regular library users. This year, they are as follows, with the student who checked out the most listed first: • Grade 12: David Gordon-Johnson, Emily Neely, Kalilah Montgomery, Joe Nutter, Ina Gaysek.

• • • • •

 rade 11: Shelby Fears, Sandy Aufermann, Antwan Owens, G Diamond Penn, Gregory Tewksbury. Grade 10: Brandon Wagner, Remington Hackbarth, Donovan Martin, Andrew Beitzinger, Bronwyn Kuehler. Grade 9: Zoe Schack, Taylor Edwards, Quincy Canady, Thomas Ross, Morgan Dinkelacker. Grade 8: Raghad Kodvawala, Miranda Burch, John Davis, Hannah Sanders, Peyton Mays. Grade 7: Trent Carson, John Backers, Amel Osman, Avery Dixon, Amiene Fetwi.

Likewise, there are always some books that are just more popular than others. This year, the top three picks were: • Fiction: “Catching Fire” by Suzanne Collins; “The Fight” by L. Divine; and “Mockingjay” by Suzanne Collins. • Nonfiction: “Roman Life” by Mary Johnston; “The Ancient Greek Olympics” by Richard Wolff; and “Myths of Greece and Rome” by Helene Guerber.

We need your books!

The annual Used Book Sale is our major fundraiser of the year. It will be May 3-4 next school year. 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! We accept donations through the summer. Just drop your donations off in the library or Main Office. We will be glad to write letters, on request, for tax deductions. The library’s webpage continues to be updated. 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 webbased resources for students and staff, many of which are new this year. These are: • The Student Resource Center, a full text source for literary, social studies, and biographical information (ID:cinc 48953; Password: cinc_log) • 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 full text magazine and newspaper articles. (ID:learn, password:infohio) 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 3:40 if they need to stay after school to work on projects and may get a special late bus pass if needed from the librarians. Visit www.walnuthillseagles.com, then link to library, for more about what the library can do for you. Sallie Barringer WHHS Library

Athletic Department New tennis coach joins Walnut

Steve Levine is the new tennis coach at Walnut Hills, mentoring young tennis players on the Varsity, JV and Middle School teams. Levine has had significant tennis training and continues to coach boys and girls to improve their games. Levine started playing tennis at a very early age and trained with his father. He grew up in Cincinnati and New tennis coach Steve Levine counts daughter played four years Alex among his tennis students. at Wyoming High School. His training paid off when he became No. 1 his senior year. Levine was then elected to the High School All Star Team. Later, he played at University of Miami Florida, but then transferred to play at University of Cincinnati. “I played both singles and doubles for UC and did well,” Levine said. “But my play escalated when my mentor and coach, Steve Contardi (Cincinnati Hall of Fame Coach), brought a pro player just off the tour to Cincinnati.” The pro, John Whitlinger, Stanford University’s head tennis coach for 25 years, was NCAA Singles and Doubles champion, ranking Top 100 in the world. “Steve and John worked with me together, and in 1982, John and I teamed up to win the Cincinnati Metropolitan Doubles championship,” Levine said. Levine also trained at Nick Bollitierri’s and Harry Hopman’s World Class Academies. “I met and trained with many players who ended up on the professional tour and learned advanced teaching skills,” he said. Currently, Levine teaches at Eastern Hills Indoor Tennis Club along with The Lindner Tennis Center at Lunken Playfield. “I also am very proud to be the Head Girls Coach at Summit Country Day where my girls won the MVC in 2009 and I was honored by being voted Coach of the Year,” he said. Levine’s motivational skill wasn’t the only factor that drew him to Walnut. “This is where my father Stuart Levine, his brothers Larry and Gordon and my cousins James Levine, Tom and Janet Levine all went,” he said. “Back then the Walnut Hills Team was a powerhouse and I can still remember all of their names and see their faces.” Levine is grateful for his successes and the people who influenced his tennis career.

“Steve Contardi was more than a mentor; he was a second father to me. He and my father, Stuart Levine, showed me how to work hard, never give up and always look for what’s good in myself and others,” Levine said. “I’m sure my father, my mother Suzanne, and children, Alex, Max and Blake are proud of me.” All three of his children also play tennis. Levine and some of his children also participate in Martial Arts. Levine is a recognized, qualified and certified instructor who has owned and operated a Martial Arts Academy, competing, training and teaching for 30 years. “In 2004 I won state, national and a world championship [in Martial Arts],” he said. “The coolest part was my boys were with me and got to see that hard work pays off,” Levine added. Levine is now concentrating on his students at Summit, Walnut Hills and Cincinnati Tennis Academy. He is currently working on training and conditioning boys and girls at Walnut for the upcoming tennis season. “I was very moved when Tom Donnelly, the Athletic Director at Walnut, contacted me for this position,” Levine said. Oriana Pawlyk Miami University journalism student

What You Need to Know and Do 2011 Fall Sports @ Walnut Hills Contact Coaches Immediately, Many Important Activities Are Going on Right Now!

To try out or participate, you must have all paperwork completed by the date indicated for your sport. Details are below and on the Web Page under “Mandatory Paperwork.” Web Page: www.walnuthillseagles.com/sports High School Football 1) MUST have all *paperwork completed by July 29. 2) For info on ongoing weightlifting & conditioning, July clinics, and mandatory August practices, contact Coach Kontsis, [email protected], 363-8662. 7th & 8th Grade Football 1) MUST have all *paperwork completed by Aug. 1. 2) For info on ongoing weightlifting & conditioning, July clinics, and mandatory August practices, contact Coach Miller, [email protected], 830-4061. HS Cheerleading 1) Teams have already been selected. Women’s High School Soccer 1) MUST have all *paperwork completed by Aug. 1. 2) For info on ongoing weightlifting/conditioning/open fields, July training dates, and mandatory August tryouts/practices, contact Coach Muro, [email protected], 604-5908. Girls’ Junior High Soccer 1) MUST have all *paperwork completed by Aug. 17. 2) For info on summer open fields and mandatory August tryouts/practices, contact Coach Kleisinger, [email protected], 532-1051.

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Men’s High School Soccer 1) MUST have all *paperwork completed by Aug. 1. 2) For info on ongoing weightlifting/conditioning/open fields, July training dates, and mandatory August tryouts/practices, contact Coach Rothwell, [email protected], 937-829-2305. Boys’ Junior High Soccer 1) MUST have all *paperwork completed by Aug. 17. 2) F  or info on summer open fields and mandatory August tryouts/ practices, contact Coach Nolan, [email protected] , 886-4932. Women’s High School Volleyball 1) MUST have all *paperwork completed by Aug. 1. 2) For info on ongoing conditioning/open gyms, camps, and mandatory August tryouts/practices, contact Coach Reyes, [email protected], 305-6667. Girl’s 7th & 8th Volleyball 1) MUST have all *paperwork completed by Aug. 17. 2) For info on ongoing open gyms, training, and mandatory August tryouts/practices, contact Coach Reyes, drey260728@ gmail.com, 305-6667. High School Cross Country 1) MUST have all *paperwork completed by Aug. 1. 2) For info on ongoing conditioning/open runs and mandatory August tryouts/practices, contact Coach Valenzano, [email protected], 316-9942. Junior High Cross Country 1) MUST have all *paperwork completed by Aug. 1. 2) For info on ongoing conditioning/open runs and mandatory August tryouts/practices, contact Coach Stocker, stocked@ cps-k12.org, 779-4133/675-1609. High School & Junior High Golf 1) MUST have all *paperwork completed by Aug. 1. 2) For info on ongoing conditioning and training dates and mandatory August tryouts/practices contact Larry Klein, [email protected], 312-8359. Women’s High School Tennis 1) MUST have all *paperwork completed by Aug. 1. 2) For info on ongoing conditioning/open courts, training, and mandatory August tryouts/practices, contact Coach Lacey, [email protected], 305-2070. Girl’s Junior High Tennis 1) MUST have all *paperwork completed by first practice, which will be after school starts. 2) For info on mandatory August tryouts/practices, contact Coach Lacey, [email protected], 305-2070.

*Paperwork You MUST Have Completed 1.) OHSAA Preparticipation Physical Form (aka Sports Physical), 2.) Emergency Medical Authorization Form, 3.) CPS Release of Liability/Informed Consent/Assumption of Risk Waiver (Grades 7-8 or Grades 9-12), 4.) CPS Transportation Waiver Form, and 5.) Authorization to Disclose Personal Health Info. — All these forms are available outside the athletic office near the gym or on the Web Page under “Forms.”

Do you still have a valid sports physical? They are good for one year. Still valid? Call 363-8601 right away. Do you need to get a sport physical? 1.) At Walnut Hills by Beacon Sports Medicine on July 26 from 6 to 8 pm. Cost $10. Details on the Web Page. 2.) On July 23 from 9 to noon at Beacon’s Summit Woods office (500 E-Business Way, Sharonville, OH 45241, 354-3700) and July 20 from 6 to 8:30 pm at Beacon’s Western Hills office (6480 Harrison Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45247, 354-3700). Cost $20. 3.) Your primary care physician, but it may be difficult to get an appointment in time for your tryouts. 4.) Consider an “Urgent Care” office or “The Little Clinic” inside some Krogers. Use the phone book or internet to locate them; the Athletic Dept. does not keep contact info for them. Bring your OHSAA sports physical form and they will do it without an appointment.

Other questions, contact Steve Castator at 363-8601 or [email protected].

Solid season qualifies runners for state meet When Bill Valenzano first joined the Walnut Hills’ track and field, and cross-country coaching staff three years ago, he saw the perfect opportunity to turn a mediocre team into a great one. After solid improvements and steady growth, this spring’s track season was complete with back-to-back conference championships, new records and number of state qualifiers. As varsity coaches of the boys and girls track teams respectively, Valenzano and first-year coach Amanda Robinson were each honored with coach of the year awards at the Fort Ancient Valley Conference (FAVC) meet earlier this season. “They [the runners] made me look good by winning the league championship,” Valenzano said. Throughout the season, both coaches saw a great number of successes in both short- and long- distance events. Both the girls and boys teams won the FAVC conference meet in mid-May. On the girls’ side, mid-distance runner Maryn Lowry highlighted the girls’ win by setting a new record in the 800 meters with a time of 2:18.1. Lowry was also on the conference winning, all-sophomore 4x800 relay along with runners Kaia Amoah, Erin McAuliffe and Frankie Rimer. Despite competing in one of the toughest regionals in their division, the Walnut Hills’ girls’ team also had a strong showing at the regional meet. Lowry placed fifth in the 800, running an

improved time of 2:15.77. The girls’ 4x100 meter relay team (Brianna Woods, Jaelynne Johnson, Tiffany Caldwell and Alijah Carpenter) placed third with a time of 48.94, also good enough to qualify for the state meet. Additionally, the boys’ 4x100 relay team made up of Phillip Akanbi, Dez Stewart, Cush King and Kenneth Davis were also state qualifiers after placing third with a time of 42.76. As an individual, Davis raced a 22.12 in the 200 meters, strong enough for a third place finish and qualifying spot for the state meet. “I think me and Amanda’s thinking is the same,” Valenzano said just before the state championships in June. “We’re both hoping for all of them that they make it out of the preliminaries and into the state finals. I don’t like to count my chickens before they hatch, but I believe they can do it.” At the OHSSA track & field championships June 3-4 at Jesse Owens Stadium at The Ohio State University, both the boys and girls team had strong performances. The boys’ 4x100 meter relay made it to the finals and placed fifth with a time of 42.35. Davis took third place overall in the 200 meters with a time of 21.64. On the girls side, the 4x100 relay team placed seventh in the finals with a time of 48.40. Julianna Roche Miami University journalism student

Art Department Maddie Becker wins ‘gold key’ for art

Madeleine Becker, a new Walnut Hills graduate, received a 2011 “gold key” award for her artwork from The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, which annually gives regional and national awards for “students who excel in the visual arts. The gold key is the highest regional award attainable. As a gold key winner, Becker’s work was displayed for several weeks at RiverCenter in Kentucky, which also held an opening ceremony where all the award qualifiers were announced and honored. While Becker mostly produces oil paintings, she said, “I like to do everything; I like color a lot and I like design; I like shapes and lines, either a lot of line or no line.” She hopes to keep on painting, but would also love to produce installations at some point using big spaces or galleries. She is also interested in sculpture using varying materials and collages as well. In the fall she will attend Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in Baltimore, where she plans on double-majoring in film and painting. “I like cinematography a lot, partly because it’s a lot like painting in how you put together shots. I also like people and film is very collaborative and you don’t get that from painting.” While Becker’s exposure to art began at a young age, her desire to enter the art world herself did not come until later. “My dad’s an artist so I’ve grown up around him; he’s done a lot of painting and sculpture.”

However, the catalyst for her artistic career occurred her sophomore year when the WHHS Alumni Foundation enabled her to travel to southern France (where Cezanne painted) in order to paint for three weeks. “[This experience] pushed me from the idealized stage of wanting to be an artist, to where I’m actually going to do this,” said Becker. Now, with wide open opportunities ahead of her, Becker is pulling inspiration from her dad, Ingrid Bergman and Gerhard Richter to establish her own distinct style and career in the arts that is forcing people to take notice. In addition to Becker, other students winning recognition from The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers in the past year were: • Carol Newbaurer, with a Gold Key for photography. • Gabriela Harney, with honorable mention for photography. • Madison Danner, with honorable mention for design. Allison Richard Miami University journalism student

Foreign Languages

Michelle Martinez a standout in Classics In today’s fast-paced world of Smartphones, eBooks, and Social Networking, one new Walnut Hills alumna returned to the Classics to find her niche. Class of 2011 graduate Michelle Martinez began studying Latin in the seventh grade (“It was the best bell of the day,” she says), and her passion for the language has garnered her praise from not only Walnut Hills faculty, but from national organizations Michelle Martinez began Latin in grade 7. and universities as well. Martinez is the sole recipient of a scholarship to the National Junior Classical League convention, which will take place at Eastern Kentucky University in July. Martinez, who said she was “really surprised” when she learned of her scholarship, previously attended four Ohio Junior Classical League Conventions, and is looking forward to her first national convention. “Latin is a valuable language,” she explained. “It’s logical, and your verbal skills just go way up. It’s a great way to be exposed to languages, and it’s a great intro to Romance Languages.” While at WHHS, Martinez was also an active participant in the Latin Quiz Team, Certamen, identifying Latin teacher Tara Ligon as her mentor. According to Ms. Ligon, Martinez will also be eligible for a renewable scholarship from the American Classical League for winning a gold medal on the National Latin Exam for her senior year. She also won an Oxford Classical Dictionary valued at $125.

WHHS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER | SUMMER 2011 | 11

In addition to her participation in conventions, Martinez also had an opportunity last summer to study in an intensive Greek program at Brown University. Taking on a year’s worth of Greek in six weeks was no small task, and Martinez credited Walnut Hills for her rigorous preparation. “If I hadn’t gone to Walnut, I would have burned out,” she commented. “Walnut is a great school. I’ve been challenged by all my teachers across the board.” After spending the summer tutoring Latin and attending the convention, Martinez will continue her education at the University of Cincinnati, where she has been awarded a full Classics Scholarship. She will complete a second major in secondary education, and plans on becoming a Latin teacher. Maggie Simpson Miami University journalism student

Language teachers win recognition Congratulations to German teacher, Ms. Carol VanAbbema, who is the 2011 recipient of the Duden Award for Teaching Excellence from the American Association of Teachers of German. Congratulations also to French teacher, Ms. Madeleine LaJeunesse who has been awarded a Fund for Teachers Strive Partnership Fellowship for Summer, 2011.

15 French students land national awards Nationally, nearly 100,000 students competed in the National French Contest sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of French. Fifteen Walnut students earned national awards and AATF Ohio Chapter awards. Twenty-two more students of French earned certificates of honor for scoring in the top 20 percent. Nationally, the Top 10 scores earn medals: Rank 1 is gold; ranks 2 and 3 earn silver; ranks 4 to 10 earn bronze. Congratulations to the following students:

McAllister, Ndeye Guisse, Jordan Posey, Julianna Hofmann, Maximillian Wildenhaus. •

 evel 1B, Certificat d’Honneur : Shana Watkins, Natosha L Dudley.

13 Spanish students earn top medals Nationally, nearly 140,000 students participated in the National Spanish Exam. Thirteen Walnut students earned national awards of Gold, Silver or Bronze medals. Eighteen more earned honorable mention certificates. Students scoring in the top 5 percent earn gold medals. Those in the 6th to the 15th percentile earn Silver medals. Bronze medals are awarded to those who earned scores in the 16th to 25th percentiles. Congratulations to the following students: •

Level 5, silver: Bryan Villeda.

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Level 3, gold: Emily Akin, Carter Michael, Jasper Gores.

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 evel 3, silver: Sarah Davidoff, Claire Randall, Michael L Manning, Katarina Warnick.

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 evel 3, bronze: Emily Back, Neha Sinha, Emily Cavallier, L Tre Shockley.

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 evel 3, honorable mention: Micaiah Copeland, Corbin L Noschang, Sophia Melnyk, Cassandra Sherwood, Patrick Moren.

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Level 2, gold: Stuart Johnson.

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Level 2, silver: Karah Brown, Iman Said.

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 evel 2, bronze: Johnathan Avant, Clara Smith, Diamond L Penn, Ruby Bachemin, Frankie Rimer, Amanda Dias, Ellen Risemberg.

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 evel 2, honorable mention: Amara Barakat, MK Kitzmiller, L Taylor Black, Nadalee Koth, Micah Collier, Erin McAuliffe, Caitlin Davis, Marianne Robison, Graham Fowler, Jessica Rybolt, Katie Williams, Nicholas Wymer.

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 evel 1, silver: Edward Atkinson, Alexis Monroe, Nathan L Lamba, Jordan Whatley.

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Level 4A, Lauréat du Chapitre Award / Certificat d’Honneur: Mackenzie Baird, national rank of 12 and Ohio rank of 8.

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 evel 3A, Silver Medal and Lauréat du Chapitre, and Book L Award and Chapter Pin: Charlotte Hines, national rank of 2 and Ohio rank of 1.

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 evel 3A, Bronze Medal and Lauréat du Chapitre: Janusia L Figuereido, national rank of 9 and Ohio rank of 8.

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 evel 1, bronze: Emily Friedman, Nia McKenney, Caleb L Lustig, Matthew Roth, Jaylen Hill.

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 evel 3A, Certificat de Honneur: Jessica Ly, national rank of L 13 and Ohio rank of 12.

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Level 1, honorable mention: Aaron Holmes.

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 hio Buckeye Winners, local chapter, level 5, Category O Bilingue: Bryan Villeda, Carlos Macias.

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 hio Buckeye Winners, local chapter, level 3, Out School O Experience: Emily Cavallier, Neha Sinha.

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 evel 2A, Bronze Medals and Lauréat du Chapitre: Jahkila L Brunner, 4; Rachel Hoff, 9; Maya Sekhar, 6; Jessica Fan, 10; Monica Diller. 7; Jane Corwin, 10.

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 evel 2A, Certificat d’Honneur: Nils Knobloch, Mia L Manavalan, Emily Law, Jonathan Schmitz.

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 evel 1A, Silver Medal and Lauréat du Chapitre Award: L Elizabeth Sukin, national rank of 3; Ohio rank of 2.

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 evel 1A, Bronze Medal and Lauréat du Chapitre (with L national and Ohio ranks): Eileen Giglia 5/4; Helen Bedree, 8/7; Clarisse Wean, 5/4; Ndeye Guisse, 10/9; Erin Speno, 7/6; Margaret Ross, 10/9.

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 evel 1A, Certificat d’Honneur: Othman Adil, Olivia Horn, L Cossette Buchman, Olivia Kappers, Mitchell Eaton, Lilah

15 German students earn top scores Nationally, over 22,000 students participated in the National German Exam sponsored by American Association of Teachers of German (AATG). Fifteen Walnut students earned the top award on the National German Exam earning scores above the 90th percentile and eligibility to apply for the AATG-PAD Study Trip Awards. Thirteen additional students earned honors by scoring above the 80th and 70th percentiles. Congratulations to the following students:

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Level 4, silver: Aaron Kinskey at 84 percentile.

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Level 3, bronze: Kaylie Suttles at 73 percentile, Anna Shapiro at 71.

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 evel 2, gold: Emmi Banner at 99 percentile, Field Barach L at 95, Grace Counts at 99, Christopher Brown at 95, David Donnelly at 97, Megan Koenig at 95, Katherine Rhame at 96, Joe Pieper at 94, Ericka Vasquez at 94, Eleanor Demaree at 93, Samuel Engle at 93, Charlotte Petera at 91, Monroe Trombly at 90, Collyn Downing at 90, Josephine Kammer at 90.

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 evel 2, silver: Ella Micheli at 88 percentile; Fenna L Henderson at 86, Mikaela Smith at 86, Sean Platte at 85; Donzel Bailey at 83; Williams Price at 81.

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 evel 2, bronze: Jacob Kroth at 79 percentile, Laura Davis at L 78, Matthew Crable at 76, Nathan Donnelly at 76 Madeleine LaJeunesse Chair, Foreign Language Department

German Club boosts program’s profile The Walnut Hills German program gained acclaim and prestige this year with its active German Club and the continuation of a strong relationship with Foreign Exchange programs. This year the school hosted seven German students with the help of the Friendship Connection, allowing American and German students to improve their skills in their respective languages while learning about another culture. The German Club, which met on a weekly basis, reached new heights with the renewal of Walnut’s traditional Oktoberfest. The event took place on Blair Circle with the help of more than 20 German students who sold traditional German food and cold root beer. The festival attracted students and faculty alike and generated ample proceeds that funded many club activities. Among these activities, open to all students, were a trip to the Hofbräuhaus in Newport, KY, and the creation of Bunteteller, a German Christmas tradition filled with cookies, treats, and oranges atop a hand-colored plate. These activities, involving students of all ages, reflected the strength of the German program in 2011 which boasts the achievement of regularly receiving the highest scores on AP language examinations. This trend will no doubt be reinforced in the years to come when the language class will become available to eighth grade students beginning in the 2011-2012 school year. Lisa Bosken 2011 graduate German AP student

Spanish teacher hosts five guests Walnut Spanish teacher Mrs. Kathleen Wilke had the opportunity to invite five guest speakers to her classroom in the past school year. Cecilia Turner, mother of Jacob Turner, represented Mexico and life along the Texan border. Alex del Pino, a friend of Mrs. Wilke, presented the products of Puerto Rico and brought in several pictures to share with the students. Kyle Li, a guest of the Wilke family who spent part of the school year at Nativity School in Pleasant Ridge, spoke about education in China as well as how to become proficient in a foreign language. Andrew Fite, husband of

Erin Fite, Mrs. Wilke’s student teacher, spoke about life and culture in his childhood country of Paraguay. Alba Brown, grandmother of Karah Brown, presented on Ecuador. Mrs. Wilke would welcome more guest speakers for the upcoming school year. She can be reached at wilkeka@cps-k12. org to arrange the details. Kathleen Wilke WHHS Spanish teacher

Music Department Seniors book surprise conductor

When John Caliguri walked into his classroom one day late in spring, he was surprised to find his students assembled, playing their music. The Walnut Hills orchestra teacher looked around and slowly realized other people were in the room as well, including his family. It wasn’t until someone asked, “Hey, who’s conducting?” that he noticed the Soon Hee Newbold conducted “Irish Legend. real surprise: his favorite living conductor, Soon Hee Newbold, leading it all. “My jaw dropped,” Caliguri said. The mission to bring Newbold to Walnut Hills began in May 2010, a personal goal of 2011 graduate Vashti Blackmon. Every year, Caliguri’s students give him a senior gift. Blackmon wanted to go the extra mile and made it her mission to have Newbold conduct a piece at the final senior high orchestra concert. Blackmon, who will attend Cornell College in Iowa next fall, sent Newbold a Facebook message, asking her to visit Walnut Hills. After she agreed, Blackmon began selling pizzas at school to raise the $700 needed for expenses. The hardest part was not in raising the money, Blackmon said, but in having to do so without drawing attention to herself. “For four months I was running around like a chicken, a quiet chicken, with its head cut off, trying to keep this big secret but still raise the money,” she said. She did so successfully, and Caliguri didn’t suspect a thing. “Normally I get a gift card and they usually give me a scrapbook … which is really what I expected,” he said. “This was just over the top. Unbelievable.” Newbold said she too was impressed by the students’ efforts to bring her to Walnut Hills, so much that she made the flight from California to Cincinnati to conduct “Irish Legend,” a piece she arranged. “I know it meant a lot to him that the students arranged this,” Newbold said. “That’s why I did it.” With the help of music department secretary Amy Forrester, Blackmon’s mother, classmates and Newbold, Blackmon managed to pull off a feat she herself doubted at times. The end result, she said, is what kept her focused and driven.

WHHS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER | SUMMER 2011 | 13

“Mr. C is the teacher I’m closest with, the teacher I know the most about,” Blackmon said. “Even though it was hard, we didn’t mind putting forth the work to do this for him because we knew he’d love it.” When the concert featuring “Irish Legend” ended and the auditorium began to clear, Caliguri pulled one of the students aside to express his thanks. “I don’t remember the day I graduated from high school,” Caliguri said. “But I’ll remember yours because of this.”

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Will Tekulve: Superior in physics.

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 ophie Lueng-Wolf: Excellent in biology with the Human S Nutrition Award valued at $100.

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Ashley Grooms: Superior in medicine and health.

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Olivia Grondin: Superior in medicine and health.

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Sydney Link: Superior in behavioral science.

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Andrea Gutmann: Superior in behavioral science.

Molly Shanks Miami University journalism student

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Matthew Heldman: Excellent in microbiology.

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Sven Knoblock: Excellent in physics.

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Elena Miyasato: Superior in botany.

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Rachel Kimura: Superior in botany.

Science Department

The Walnut Science Department congratulates students who won awards at the 2011 University of Cincinnati Regional Science Fair: •

 eter Huang: CECH Exemplary Scientist Award, with a P $100 award; Clair Hulley Scholarship at $2,000; CECH and UC Office of Research Young Scientists Award, $100; GE Aviation, $20; and Greater Cincinnati Amateur Radio Award.

Dominic LoVaglio Science Department

Students excel in chemistry contest Congratulations to the following students for their performance on this year’s Oesper Chemistry Competition: On the first-level test: Char Daston: First place

Matthew Roth: Sixth place

Lucy Hattemer: First place

Olivia Horn: Eighth place

Gabriel Plummer: Sixth place

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 ill Tekulve: CECH Exemplary Scientist Award, $100; W Civil Engineering Alumni Scholarship, $1,200; GE Aviation Engineering Award, $100.

150 students from six schools participated at this level. Lucy Hattemer and Char Daston received cash awards for their performance.

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 arretson Oester: Champion Window Engineering & G Energy Award, $250.

On the second-level test:

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 ndrea Fuentes Gutmann: Cincinnati Area Mensa Award, A $62.50; CECH and UC Office of Research Young Scientists Award, $50.

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 ydney Link: Cincinnati Area Mensa Award, $62.50; CECH S and UC Office of Research Young Scientists Award, $50.

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 ophie Leung-Wolf: College of Medicine Award in S Medicine or Health Science: $100.

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Peter Grimm: GE Aviation, $20.

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Joe Raabe: GE Aviation, $20.

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Sven Knobloch, GE Aviation Engineering Award, $100.

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J amison Ragusa: Sigma Xi, University of Cincinnati Chapter Award: $50.

In addition, 12 eighth- and ninth-graders competed in the State Science Fair on May 7 at Ohio State University, earning six superior and three excellent ratings. Superior is the highest rating, followed by excellent, good and fair. They included: •

 atalie Norman: Superior in medicine and health, with a N first place and the National Association Biology Teacher Award.

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 eter Huang: Superior in medicine and health, with a first P place and the Ohio Wesleyan University State Science Day Scholarship, valued at $15,000 a year and renewable for three additional years.

Josh Mansfield: Second place

Luke Turner: 10th place

Abigail Janke: Fourth place

Nishat Tiothy: 10th place

Jacob Kraus: Fourth place

Sev Sheets: 10th place.

106 students from 11 schools participated at this level. Josh Mansfield and Jacob Kraus received cash awards, while Abigail Janke was not eligible for cash because she was one of the cash award winners the previous year. In addition, Josh and Abigail qualified for the second round of the National Chemistry Olympiad competition. Jeff Lazar Science Department

Outside the Classroom

Math Team counts many student successes Math Team congratulates the following students for their success in Math Club action for 2010-11: •

I saac Folzenlogan, 12th grade: Best score overall, first in the Ohio Math League and American Scholastic Mathematics Association Competitions.

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 ucy Hattemer, 10th grade: Best in the Calculus League L Competition.

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 aelyn Willingham, 11th grade: Best in the MathFax K Competition.

Here are the top 25 Walnut students in Math Team this year along with their composite scores from all competitions: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Isaac Folzenlogen, 12th, with 116.30 points overall. Lucy Hattemer, 10th, 105.70. Kaelyn Willingham, 11th, 102.60. Abigail Janke, 11th, 95.90. Benjamin Kovarsky, 11th, 92.10 William Harrison, 12th, 89.00 Eric Wesseling, 12th, 88.40. Josh Mansfield, 11th, 79.80. Jon Moller, 12th, 78.00. Sev Sheets, 11th, 77.00. Sven Knobloch, 8th, 76.30. David Gordon-Johnson, 12th, 75.10. Karen McCormick, 12th, 72.50. Evi Zhang, 11th, 70.30. Katie Williams, 11th, 69.20. Simon Lazarus, 12th, 69.10. Lucien Turner, 12th, 68.30. Adam Wolf, 12th, 65.90. Daniel Nolan, 11th, 64.20. Grace Counts, 11th, 64.10. Matthew Hagerty, 12th, 63.00. Joe Nutter, 12th, 63.00. Amy Mays, 11th, 60.70. Karah Brown, 11th, 60.00. Jonathan Schmitz, 11th, 60.00.

JETS finishes first in Ohio Walnut’s JETS (Junior Engineering and Technology Society) Varsity TEAM A finished first in Ohio and 28th nationally. The TEAM A members were: Simon Lazarus, Jon Moller, Abby Janke, Lianna Constatini, Shiwani Kamath, Ben Kovarsky, Kaelyn Willingham, William Harrison.

Sophomores Sarah Adams, Stuart Johnson, Will Schweller, and juniors Anna Mendlein, and Josh Mansfield took the team into the final rounds where the superior OAC play of senior cocaptain Joe Nutter pushed the team past Sycamore High School. The team finished in fourth place in the OAC State Tournament the following weekend. Several members of the team represented Walnut Hills at the PACE national tournament the first weekend in June. Next year’s team hopes to continue the excellence under the leadership of next year’s co-captains Ashwin Kumar and Will Schweller. Stuart Johnson, Joe Nutter, Aswhin Kumar, Josh Mansfield and Will Schweller also competed in the Brain Game sponsored by Westfield Insurance in Columbus. The team placed “in the money” once again this year, earning $1,000 for the school. The game can be viewed on ONN’s website. Over the last four years, the Quiz Team has won $19,000 from the Brain Game! The team thanks the administration, athletic director, Alumni Foundation, faculty (especially our moderator for home matches, Mr. Lazar, and our hosts in the music modular classrooms, Mr. Kruze, Mrs. Peters, and Mr. Caliguri), along with our supportive parents for their continued support of the Academic Quiz Team. Scott Grunder Social Studies Department, Quiz Team adviser

Student Congress Students step up for Congress, class offices

Congratulations to students elected to lead student government in the 2011-12 school year: •

 011-12 Student Congress officers: Darren Wethington, 2 president; Jessica Fan, vice president; Katie Deutsch, secretary; Emily Law, treasurer.

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 lass of 2012 officers: Henry Curell, president; Frances C Newberry, vice president; Abimbola Oyadiran, secretary; open position, treasurer. Class representatives include Emmi Banner, Emma Currens, Eleanor Demaree, Jillian Hassel, Emma Patty and Randy Ziadeh.

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 lass of 2013 officers: Paige Swanson, president; Clara Smith, C vice president; Acadia Carson, secretary; and Lauren Boulding, treasurer. Class reps include Precious Adeleye, Kaia Amoah, Elizabeth Caley, Pohebe Chaiken, Ariel Cohen, Peter Glotfelty, Gregory Hatch, Eric Haas, Erin McAuliffe, Ansley McElroy, Alexis Monroe, Garret Oester, Taiwo Oyadiran, Nick Rahaim, Lincoln Smith, Simon Stuard, Joshua Tye and Abigail Ward.

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 lass of 2014 officers: Ellery Lassiter, president; John C Simerlink, vice president; Peter Huang, secretary; Bhargav Vemuri, treasurer. Representatives will be Jake Friedman and Daniel Youkilis.

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 lass of 2015 officers: Erykan Scruggs, vice president, with C open positions for president, secretary and treasurer.

Susan Cantey Math Department, Math Team and JETS adviser

Quiz Team undefeated in FAVC Another fantastic season has ended for Walnut’s Academic Quiz Team. The team went undefeated in FAVC play, bringing the regular season record to 154 -10 since the fall of 1999! The team proudly represented the FAVC in the OAC Walnut teacher Scott Grunder, left, oversees Quiz Team SW Regional students Stuart Johnson, Josh Mansfield, Will Schweller, tournament. Matt Roth and Joe Nutter.

Elections for open positions are anticipated when school resumes.

WHHS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER | SUMMER 2011 | 15

Newsletter to go electronic The Parent Board Newsletter is going green! Beginning this fall, the newsletter will be delivered electronically to Walnut families via the Parent Board Constant Contact system. To add yourself to Constant Contact, go to walnuthillseagles. com, and look for the headline “Join the Parent Board Mailing List” in the center column. Insert your email address there. You’ll get an email message in return, allowing you to specify what types of WHHS information you’d like to receive regularly. To continue to receive a paper copy of the newsletter, submit the form by Aug. 1. The newsletter will be issued six times in 2011-12, with deadlines of Aug. 1, Oct. 1, Dec. 1, Feb. 1, April 1 and June 1. Submissions from teachers, parents and students all quite welcome!

Parent Board Newsletter Paper Copy Request Form Send to Parent Board Newsletter Editor Patti Newberry c/o WHHS, 3250 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45207, by Aug. 1, 2011 ____ Yes, I would like to continue to receive my Parent Board newsletter in paper form through the mail. Name: Address:

Walnut student(s) and grade(s):

For the benefit of the Parent Board, please disclose why you would prefer the newsletter in paper form.

Questions or comments? Please be in touch at [email protected].

Directory ‘opt out’ date Aug.1 The 2011-2012 WHHS Directory will be compiled in August from data in PowerSchool. Please take a moment to logon to PowerSchool to check whether the information in the “Demographic” and “Email Alert” tabs is up to date. Please contact the school to update the information in “Demographic.” The “Email Notification” field may be updated online. In addition, if you would like to opt out of the directory, please send an email with “Opt Out” in the subject line to [email protected] by Aug. 1. Please include the student’s first and last names in the body of the email. Please also include a contact number if follow up is needed.

Walnut Hills High School 3250 Victory Parkway Cincinnati, Ohio 45207

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Cincinnati, OH Permit No. 3546

Dated Materials: Please Deliver Promptly

Save the dates

Parent Board Meetings 2011/12

Walnut24 Walkathon Oct. 15-16, 2011

Walnut Hills Parent Association (also known as Parent Board) works to support and create opportunities for WHHS students, teachers, administrators and families. Meetings are held 7-9 p.m., usually in the conference room off the main hall at school (with the December meeting location to be determined) and are open to all.

WalnutFest Feb. 25, 2012

2011-12 meetings: Aug. 30 Jan. 24 Sept. 27 Feb. 28 Oct. 25 March 20 Nov. 15 April 24 Dec. 13