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Walnut24: Conclusions

Jonah Roth, ‘13
Content Coordinator

Jaylen Hill, ‘13
Just Nuts Online Editor

Well, it’s been 24 hours since we first arrived here, and the Walknut24 Walkathon is finally winding down. People are buying their last Belgian waffles and coffee, the bounce castle is slowly deflating, and they’re handing out prizes for trash sweeps. Although the turnout this year seemed lower and the cold weather was not what I would call ideal conditions, the overall response from the students and volunteers who attended has been overwhelmingly positive.

“I came here last year, but I thought this one was a lot better,” said AJ Schwartz, ‘13, groggily. “It seemed a lot better organized, and I’m definitely coming next year.”

“I thought it was pretty neat,” said Chelsea Cookingham, ‘15. “I didn’t walk, though.” These sentiments were echoed by many, and by the population of the track around the football field, which at some points during the Walkathon had no one on it. “The one thing that people didn’t do at this walkathon is walk,” said a student who asked to be kept anonymous.

For those who stayed all night, there are some things that could have been done differently. “Warn us about the cold [next time],” said Erin Speno, ‘14. “This was my first time, and I had problems with the cold. . . .Do it in April again! When it’s not actually so cold outside!”

Whatever problems the Walkathon may have encountered, it resulted in at least $35,000 raised for Walnut (final numbers aren't in yet), heightened awareness of the plethora of clubs and organizations that happen here, and everyone generally having a good time and enjoying the Walnut community.

Thanks to the Chatterbox staff in attendance: Jonah Roth, ‘13, and Joe Schmidlapp, ‘14, were present for the full 24 hours. Other Chatterbx members who participated in our 24-hour liveblog: Josh Medrano, ‘13; Garret Oester, ‘14; Jaylen Hill, ‘13; KeMarca Wade, ‘13; JP Schmitz, ‘12; and adviser Samantha Gerwe-Perkins. Thanks also to the Walnut24 planning committee for generously giving us the Walnut stadium press box for our use during the event.

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Walnut24: Interview with Mr. Brokamp

Jonah Roth, ‘13
Walkathon Content Coordinator

Garret Oester, ‘14
Walkathon Scheduling Coordinator

Joe Schmidlapp, ‘14
Walkathon Chief Photographer/ Stand-in Writer

Walnut Hills principal Jeff Brokamp arrived at Walnut24 in time for a quick game of football and had time for the Chatterbox to ask a few questions. In agreement with most, Brokamp feels that the Walkathon is “going great, as far as I can tell, I’ve only been here half an hour, but [there is] a lot of energy, no question.” Brokamp has not been able to do much work in planning the Walkathon, but “it’s just unbelievable how much work [the parents and students] have put into this." There was a parent who began filling the barrels holding the large tents down, after the football game - last night! “There were something like 32, 55-gallon barrels, so you’re talking about 1600 gallons of water” Although the fundraising is less than expected, the student turnout has done nothing but grow, especially in the later hours.

 

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Walnut24 Snapshot: 12 Hours In

Joe Schmidlapp, '14
Walkathon Chief Photographer



Although the Walkathon has reached its 12 hour mark, energy is still high. There is plenty of fun around, despite the cold. With the end of live music, movies start playing all night. The Chatterbox will be burning the midnight oil as we work to keep everyone up to date on the festivities. 
 

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Walnut24 Snapshot: Amanda and the Amoebas

Joe Schmidlapp, '14
Walkathon Chief Photographer



Amanda Dias, Ben Brandicourt, Darren Wethington,  and Jonathan Webb fill the stadium with music.
 

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Walnut24 Snapshot: The Fun Continues

Jonah Roth, '13
Walkathon Content Coordinator



Amanda and the Amoebas prepare to play, principal Jeff Brokamp stops by for a game of football, and more. We'll be continuing to liveblog the event through the night and into tomorrow morning. Stay tuned for more...
 

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Walnut24: Walkathon Coordinator Doug Newberry (EXCLUSIVE)

Jonah Roth, ‘13
Walkathon Content Coordinator



I ran into Walnut24 coordinator Doug Newberry several minutes ago, as he was walking the track and watching the Walk that he spearheaded. Seven hours into the walkathon, he believes although it “started off a little slow this morning, with not as many kids as we thought”, that the Walkathon is now “picking up” and drawing crowds, thanks to the student bands and games that encourage students to stay.

This walk is the culmination of six months of hard work for Newberry. “We had met every two weeks for the past six months just coordinating lots of things. . . the food, the prizes. . .we had lots of volunteers coming in, and we had to figure out the whole tent situation.” The controversial rules about tents this year, he says, were caused by “some parents. . . worried that we had boys and girls sleeping in tents together. . .we know nothing happened last year - we were watching and nothing was going on,” but some parents were very concerned nonetheless. “We had to find some kind of happy medium. . . .one big tent where everybody’s out in the open.” Addressing student concerns and outrage about this new rule, Newberry reminded us that “some people said we should segregate boys and girls, so they’re not anywhere near each other,” and that the current rule is significantly more lenient. “That was the hardest part about planning this year,” said Newberry.

Another talking point about the Walkathon - perhaps not such a positive one - is the Walkathon’s current failure to reach its monetary goal. “I’m not sure we’re that close,” Newberry conceded. “We’re at $36,000 right now, which is pretty good, but it’s about a third of the way where we need to be. But I’m happy everybody’s out here having fun. That’s part of it as well.”

And as for you, reading this from somewhere that is presumably not at the Walkathon, Newberry has a message for you too: “Why aren’t you here? You should be coming out and having some fun!” 
 

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Walnut24: Josh Mansfield Takes the Stage

Josh Medrano, '13
News and Features Editor

For the first time SENIOR Josh Mansfield performs a stand-up comedy, in the 2nd Walnut24 Walkathon! The Chatterbox got in touch with him. Here is the full transcript:

Chatterbox: You were not actually one of the performers in the original set list. How did they discover you?
Josh: I was talking to my friend Sophia, and she was talking about how several [performers] were holding back. So, I basically said, as a joke, “Hey, I can do stand-up comedy.” And she’s like, “Oh do you want to?” And I said, “Yeah, I want to get a shot.” So they put me on the schedule.

CBX: Do you actually do stand-up comedies?
JM: I am not actually a stand-up comedian. This is my first time performing.

CBX: How did you prepare for this?
JM: I’ve been trying to frantically write jokes for the past week, and find things that have been funny for me, and usually I find things that are funny, but then this week I’ve been sitting and writing down more, and how I could mention them. And I’ve also been watching Youtube videos of stand-up comedy to get a better view.

CBX: Do you have a favorite comedian? Is he your inspiration?
JM: I have to say that my favorite comedian is probably Mitch Hedberg.

CBX: Is he your inspiration?
JM: I wouldn’t say he’s my one inspiration. I’ve always liked watching [stand-up comedy], and I never entertained the notion of doing it until this. It’s just for fun. What kind of got me first interested in doing stand-up comedy was a show in NBC called “Last Comic Standing,” which is basically, uh, kind of like American Idol but for comics, where they’d have people audition their comedy and go with good, move on and progress; it’s a competitive stand-up comedy.

CBX: Did you ever wish someday that you will be famous comedian?
JM: It’s not something I would set my life on but I would love to develop it like a hobby.

CBX: Describe yourself in three words.
JM: [long pause] Funny on accident.

CBX: What are you looking forward to this event?
JM: I am looking forward to laughter. I am always a fan of laughter. It’s kind of a unique inspiration. I’m pretty sure I’ll embarrass myself one way or another, but I’m hoping it goes well and so I’ll learn to become a better comedian out of it.

CBX: What are the essential components of a successful comedic act?
JM: I think the real successful things of a comedic act is that if it is something that what people haven’t heard before, that will generate laughter, and it almost doesn’t have to be as funny as it is so new and unexpected that draws laughter.

CBX: Who do you think is the worst comedian, and why? What do you think they have in common?
JM: I just tend to enjoy everyone I see. Maybe I will always have respect for stand-up comedians. Even bad ones are doing something right. There are probably some. [One thing that they have in common] is that if they rely too much on their character then they’re joke. I see people who are always loud and have a certain tone of voice that people might actually laugh at a couple of their jokes but after too much of the same thing they become not enjoyable to watch so you have to change something up when doing comedy.

CBX: What do you aspire to be?
JM:The future is wide open, but if I could choose anything, my field would be a research biologist with probably stand-up comedy on the side on the weekend.

CBX: Any other words of encouragement to aspiring stand-up comedians?
JM: I’ve obviously never done this before, but I would say, don’t care about what people think of what you’re doing and don’t think about what they think about because of what you’re doing.
 

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Walnut24: 46 Long (Mr. Taylor's Band)

Joe Schmidlapp, '14
Walkathon Chief Photographer

46 Long (Mr. Taylor's Band) from CBOX Walnut on Vimeo.

 

 

Walnut24: The Club Expo

Garret Oester, '14
Business Manager and Walkathon Scheduling Coordinator

Joe Schmidlapp, '14
Walkathon Chief Photographer


It is 3:00 here at the Walnut24 Walkathon, and the Club Expo is just wrapping up. There are approximately thirty five clubs here ranging from Green Club to the Junior Classical League. They are all offering many different giveaways. For example, Christian Connection is making custom bookmarks.



The French Club is also playing a fascinating game called La Pétanque, which is similar to Bocci ball, and like horse shoes with a target cochunette (little pig). French teacher Madame LaJeunesse says that "[it is] very popular all over France, especially in Provence, where you'll find people playing in the center of every town."



Some other clubs are also doing activities, but the turnout is rather low. Cooking for Kids is selling many different sweets to support tier efforts at the Lighthouse Youth Services crisis center in Clifton where they serve meals several times a month.



All in all, the expo was a success. There are still twenty hours left, so come out tonight for the movies.

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Walnut24: Tied on the Tracks

Jonah Roth, '13
Design Editor and Walkathon Content Coordinator

Joe Schmidlapp, '14
Walkathon Chief Photographer

The race is on with the Walnut24 three-legged races! Currently in its third heat, the three-legged race is sponsored by Starbucks and Graeters, both of whom are giving away gift cards as prizes. This is just one of the many exciting events happening at Walnut24! The next article will focus on the Club Expo, written by our renovation expert Garret Oester.

Walnut24: The First 3 Hours

Jonah Roth, '13
Design Editor and Walkathon Content Coordinator


Wanut 24's First Few Hours. Joe Schmidlapp '14

The Walkathon has gotten off to a good start (aside from the internet connectivity issues which have delayed this article), with sports teams, walkers, and bands enthusiastically participating in the activities. So far, the Walkathon has seen performances from DJ Shoeshine (with SENIOR Alex Shoemaker) and 46 Long (with English teacher Blake Taylor); concessions from Starbucks, Subway, and Cincinnati's own Graeters Ice Cream; and a bouncy castle.

Although Walnut Hills has put great effort into promoting the Walkathon, the turnout so far has been relatively low. "I'm just looking forward to having a good time associating with other parents and maybe alumni," said one Walnut Hills parent.

Currently the Walkathon is in the middle of its Club Expo, highlighting many of the clubs that Walnut Hills has to offer. Check back soon for more detailed coverage of the Club Expo.

The Chatterbox @ Walnut24
Come visit us in the Chatterbox club booth, or read our live coverage online right here, from 11:00 am Saturday to 11:00 am Sunday. We'll be there all 24 hours supporting Walnut's clubs and bringing you the latest news.

WHHS Academic Honesty Survey - Student Form 

WHHS Internet Usage Survey

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New Walnut Cooking Club Adds To The Community 



 

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Who's Next?

Posted 5:53 p.m., 2011-09-15, CVI.1 EDE

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Walnut Football Eagles rockin’ Their First Home Game!

Posted 2:16 p.m., 2011-09-04

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Downside to the Mods #723

See our newest cartoonist's first submission!
Posted 12:12 p.m., 2011-09-03

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Walnut Football is Victorious in Season Opener

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Dj Shoeshine plays Fountain Square tonight, Saturday, August 27.  Click here for the interview.

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