Indian Hill Chieftain

December 2014 | Asher Weinstein

With all the emphasis placed on Christmas in the winter season, for some people, it can be easy to forget that other religions have their own holidays at around this time. Two other major holidays are celebrated by different peoples during the holiday season: Hanukkah, celebrated in Judaism, and Kwanzaa, celebrated by many Diaspora Africans and African-Americans.

Hanukkah, surprisingly, is one of the lesser Jewish holidays, as it is never mentioned in the Torah (also known as the “Old Testament” in Christianity), but in America it is one of the most well-known to non-Jews and Jews alike. The holiday commemorates the struggle of the Israelite people against the Greeks and the miracles that occurred both during the battle and afterward. Although the victory itself is seen as a miracle, most focus is put on the holy oil that should have been enough to light the menorah in the holy temple for one day, yet lasted eight, prompting the rabbis to create an 8 day holiday in which one of the chief ceremonies is lighting candles in a menorah for each of the eight days. Hanukkah is a joyous holiday, because of its triumphant roots. Other customs include spinning tops, eating potato pancakes called latkes, giving chocolate coins, and in some places, gifts.

Kwanzaa is a very different holiday, and also lasts multiple days—a week. Kwanzaa was created in 1965 to be a holiday for all Diaspora Africans and was the first specifically African-American holiday. Its original purpose was to both connect African-Americans to their African roots and to be in opposition to Christmas, but it was later changed to have nothing to do with Christmas, so now many people celebrate the holiday alongside Christmas. The holiday is about the seven principles of Kwanzaa, which is an African philosophy based around desirable traits. Those who celebrate the holiday decorate their houses with colorful cloth and sometimes include song and dance. However, it seems as if Kwanzaa is frequently overshadowed by Christmas and Hanukkah, perhaps due to the minority population who celebrates it, and the fact that it was created so late in American history that the materialistic visions of Christmas already existed in American society.

No matter which holiday you celebrate this winter, remember that there are many others out there. We wish you a religiously non-specific good December!

November 2014 | Jacob Young

Although most students cannot vote (except for certain seniors), Election Day has great implications and effects in the lives and futures of many students. Election Day, always landing on the first Tuesday of every November, occurred November 4th this year. Millions of Americans casted ballots this November, yet the turnout was actually quite low. Only 33.9% of eligible voting Americans voted ballots compared to 40.9% in the last midterm election in 2010. Ohio’s voter participation was 32.2% a drastic decline from the last midterm in part due to the implosion of Ed Fitzgerald’s campaign creating a very uncompetitive governor’s race.  As a result, the low voter participation favored the Republican Party. The Republican Party benefits from a whiter and older electorate, which was the case this year. Compounding the favorable electorate and Obama’s lack of popularity, the GOP was in for a big year at the polls.

            The Republican Party, before the election, controlled the House of Representatives comfortably (231-204) while the Democrats held the Senate (55-45).  The Republicans extended their lead in the House, capturing 16 more seats (247-188). However, the GOP really had its eyes on the Senate and hoped to take advantage of the political climate to reclaim the Senate. The Republicans needed 6 seats to take the Senate. Yet, there was an abundance of vulnerable Senate seats for Republicans to target since many Democrats were elected in Republican states during the Democrat “wave” of 2008. Three seats were vacated in deep-red states, Montana, West Virginia, and South Dakota, which easily secured three gains for the GOP. Now, the swing states would determine the balance of the Senate. Alaska, Louisiana, North Carolina, New Hampshire, and Arkansas had Democratic incumbents that were in deep danger due to the political nature of their states.  In addition, there were open seats in Michigan and Iowa. Yet, Republicans also faced challenges in Kansas, Kentucky, and Georgia.

The Republican Party cleared the hurdle for capturing the majority during the 2014 Midterm elections by holding Kansas, Kentucky, and Georgia handily and winning several battleground states. The Republicans picked up Arkansas, North Carolina, Iowa, and Alaska, as well as Montana, South Dakota, and West Virginia. The balance currently sits at 53-46 in favor of the Republicans with one election to be decided in December: the election in Louisiana. Neither Mary Landrieu nor her two Republican opponents managed to capture above the 50% threshold of votes leading to a run-off between her and Bill Cassidy. The Republicans are favored in this run-off, which could put the Senate balance at 54-46, a net 9-seat gain, and their largest Senate gain since 1980. The new majority leader will be Mitch McConnell (KY) who will have to work with Obama to establish a functioning government.

            The new Republican majorities in the House and Senate will have several options on how they will deal with the President. However, although many see the new Republican majority in the Senate as another roadblock to functional government, it is actually a benefit. Congress could not pass anything or compromise on important issues such as immigration, welfare reform, tax reform, and Obamacare. The Republican House and Democratic Senate already had a terribly dysfunctional relationship, so conceivably it could not get any worse. At least now, Obama will be burdened with bills to sign and more or less reject. Rand Paul triumphantly declared that the Congress would fill his desk with Obamacare repealing acts. However, a divided government has produced some positive things in the past such as with Ronald Reagan and his Democratic Congress and during Newt Gingrich’s Congress with Bill Clinton as president.  Bill Clinton and Congress compromised on many issues that need reform today, such as immigration and welfare. In addition, they also passed a balanced budget, so perhaps this divided government can behave as a functioning government. Republicans need to show they can govern if they want a chance in 2016 and Obama has to compromise or he’ll be seen as a lame duck the last two years of his presidency.

            At the local level, in Ohio, the Ohio House and Senate have Republican supermajorities. In the Ohio House, the GOP controls 65 out of 99 seats), a historic feat in Ohio history. In the Ohio senate, the GOP has a 23-10 supermajority too. Kasich gained an easy reelection as governor, as Republicans swept the statewide ballots.  Republicans will completely control Ohio for the next two years and can really accomplish whatever they desire. This election was truly a Republican year and it will be interesting how they use the new power they just gained. 

Rhian Horton | October 2014

Inside Look: New Clubs for the High School

This year’s activities fair saw the appearance of a multitude of new clubs. So, what is the purpose of all these new additions to the IHHS’s diverse repertoire? Here’s and inside look.

Revive: Revive is a unique Christian club that incorporates the combination of God’s word and community service based projects. With the main goal of a mission trip to the Dominican Republic, Revive offers a great opportunity to grow spiritually while giving back to the community. Meetings are every Thursday after school in Mr. Whitt’s room.

IHeart: IHeart is an engineering club centered on aspects of design and hands- on building. If you love applying science and math to the real world, be sure to contact Cooper Winans or Kate Robinson for meeting times in the engineering room.

IH Good Vibes: Who doesn’t love a friendly gesture from a fellow peer as you make your way to your next class? IHGoodVibes is focused on promoting random acts of kindness throughout the high school. Whether it is high-fiving a friend in the hallway, or giving a shout out on Twitter to someone you appreciate, joining the IH Good Vibes movement will help spread some much needed love.

Jew Crew: Jew Crew is an opportunity for both Jewish and non-Jewish students to learn more about Jewish holidays, traditional foods, and community service opportunities while bonding with other members of the club. If interested, be sure to contact Hannah Vigran for meeting times.

Unified for Uganda: U for U is a club with a goal that extends beyond our community. It focuses on raising as much money as possible in order to provide education to young children in Uganda. With it costingBecause it costs $300 to send one child to school for a year, U for U could use as much help as possible to raise enough money to donate. Meetings are Thursdays during MP in Mrs. Silvius’s room. Be sure to check it out!

United Cultures: Want to learn about the customs of other cultures? United Cultures is a club designed to promote an understanding and acceptance of the different cultures found all over the world. If interested, please contact Andrea Wright for more information.

Sailing Club: Master nautical techniques and the layout of a boat by joining sailing club! With a possible field trip to experience the difficulties of sailing firsthand, this is definitely a club you want to join. Contact Mackenzie Owen or Natalie More for more information.

One of the best things about Indian Hill is that we’re constantly striving to improve our environment. Be sure to get involved with all the great new opportunities available to you!

Lizzie Mukai | September 2014

Crazy dancing that leaves you breathless, a ton of friends who make you laugh, and pulsating music that lets you feel the beat pounding in your very veins. There’s only one thing in this fall season that would have all of these three things wrapped up into one exciting and huge event: the annual homecoming dance. With the creative and cute Sadie Hawkins proposals, the ever so fancy clothes, and the mysterious masquerade theme, there is something to get everyone eager for the fantastic experience that is going to be this year’s homecoming, homecoming 2k14.

               For anyone who is unaware, the actual homecoming dance is not the only homecoming activity that occurs; there are a plethora of events leading up to the big night. Friday evening, the day before the dance itself, is the homecoming parade as well as the football game. The parade highlights the sports teams that are playing in the fall, the Indian Hill marching band, and the homecoming court (that is to say, the students from each grade who have been voted for to be the homecoming princes and princesses and the senior homecoming king and queen). The Boosters also have a fun pre-game cookout from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm, immediately before the game starts, that you don’t want to miss. Then, at the game, official homecoming princes, princesses, king, and queen from each grade are announced, so make sure you stay until that point so that you can congratulate the winner from your grade! Additionally, this year the Indian Hill football team takes on Deer Park for the homecoming game, so don’t forget to come out and support your fellow students as they play for victory (go Braves!).

               While Friday night is all about sweating and cheering on our awesome football players, Saturday night is when the actual homecoming dance goes down. Last year, there were some very exciting and fun things to do at the dance (besides dancing itself). For example, the photo booth complete with its props was a hit. But the main event is the dancing, for which energetic and popular music are played for the whole of the dance. But if straight pop music isn’t your thing, no worries! Requests are also taken at the dance so that there is an opportunity for everyone there to hear at least one song that they know and utterly love.

               This year for the homecoming dance, the theme is a masquerade, so make sure you do not forget your masks (that applies not just for girls but also for guys) at home or dinner when you make your way to the high school and meet in the cafeteria. The party goes on in there from 8:00 pm until 11:00 pm.

               Similar to last year, it is once again a Sadie Hawkins dance, so ladies, make sure you don’t leave your dates hanging. Furthermore, it is still going to have fun and popular music that you probably jam out to in the car with your friends, or by yourself in the shower. Either way, it is a night of upbeat and great music and even greater people. What’s not to love about such a vivacious, energetic, and overall fun occasion?

               So, whether you are a freshman and this is your very first homecoming, or you are a senior and this is your very last one, or even a sophomore or junior who still has more dances to come, homecoming is a great time to come out with your friends and just have a good time with your peers.

               Make sure that you come out Friday night for the game, parade, and Boosters cookout as well as Saturday night for the grand ‘ole event itself. It will be the absolute, hands down best weekend of the entirety of your 2014 autumn season, guaranteed. 

Laney Myers | February 2014

At Indian Hill, change is perpetually occurring, which is why it may feel like all non-Seniors have been caught in a whirlwind of changes while preparing for next year. Chieftain spoke with Dr. Shelton about the reasons for some of the biggest changes affecting students going into the 2014-2015 school year.

We began with AP European History, which, beginning next year, will be offered solely to incoming freshmen. The Social Studies Department considered some of the most important factors contributing to this issue.

They considered that the nature of Indian Hill’s four-year curriculum tends to alternate between global studies and United States studies, beginning with Modern European History freshman year, and that AP Euro could fit conveniently in its place.

In addition, they considered that each year there are driven, gifted students entering from the Middle School that are eager to begin the Indian Hill tradition of academic challenge.

They considered that of the eight social studies AP classes offered by the College Board, Indian Hill offers seven, and that no student could realistically make use of each of them exclusively in their last two years in high school.

The major disadvantage, which will only really affect next year’s upper classmen, is while they will not be unable to take AP Euro, it will be a freshman-oriented class.

Although everyone seems to have a different opinion about this issue, the student body can rest assured that the most qualified people are making this decision.

Next we discussed the AP Capstone program coming to Indian Hill. We are fortunate to be one of about one hundred high schools asked to participate in the project. The first of two yearlong English classes, AP Seminar and AP Research, will be offered next year to sophomores.

The uniqueness of this course comes from the fact that it transcends a classroom setting. Each student’s work in a field of his or her choice culminates in a final Capstone project, which, while based on the skills learned in these English classes, includes information, projects, and ideas from the four other AP courses required to earn the Capstone diploma from the College Board. AP Seminar and AP Research simply give students the tools to write about a topic about which they are passionate.

The most exciting part is that Indian Hill is fundamentally involved in the maturation of this new program. As one of the first schools taking part, we have the responsibility of identifying problems and innovating solutions for future participants across the country.

Next we discussed the College Board’s decision to divide AP Physics into two yearlong classes: AP Physics I and AP Physics II.

There is little to understand about this decision and much to evaluate.

Next year’s physics students will be faced with the decision to continue to Physics II, spread their focus to other fields of science, or sacrifice time in their already tight schedules to take two science classes.

In deciding which classes to take, we are creating a profile of what is important to us. But, more importantly, we are setting a foundation for our learning careers. Dr. Shelton told Chieftain, “I think you have to do what you believe you will get the most out of. Will you get the most out of having a survey of classes, versus having one focus? That’s going to have to be something that the student will have to decide.”

Moreover, Dr. Shelton urges students to consider the value of the experience in the classroom over how it may appear on a college transcript: “I think this is where kids need to start thinking about the experience in the classroom. Where do I feel like I’m gaining the most experience? Because learning is about the experience.”

Also featured in this issue is a pro/con editorial piece entitled “Are We Trying Too Hard to Be The Perfect College Candidate,” outlining the benefits and drawbacks of pushing ourselves to be involved in as many AP courses as possible.

The real problem stems from desire for excellence so strong that it clouds our drive to learn. Dr. Shelton asks us: “If you’re stretching yourself to the point that you’re not even enjoying the experience, which I think a lot of kids have lost, the experience, and they’re just going through the motions of being in the class, what’s the point?“

I think that you have to limit and make choices. Just because it’s here doesn’t mean you should take it.”

With the coming school year, we must consider what it is we need to be successful. For most of us, it is creating a balanced schedule. It is focusing on our passion, be it art, math, literature, or biology. It is working toward enrichment and fulfillment. This is what it means to be successful.