Our mission: to enlighten and to entertain
Dulaney High School Timonium, Maryland
Volume 56, Issue 6 HIDDEN BURDEN
the griffin
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TO KNOW
672
April 28, 2017
Reacting to Dance’s departure S
see page 3
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emma walz, managing editor tudents yelled out in the middle of class as the unexpected news broke around 10:15 a.m. April 18. Staff received an email from Dallas Dance, and the news trickled down to students from social media announcing that the superintendent will resign from his position June 30, according to a Baltimore Sun article. “I’m shocked. I mean, nobody knows what to say,” Latin teacher Dawn Mitchell said. French teacher Bella Nabutovsky said she was happy about the news. “The grading system is a complete mess, and I don’t think he understands what he has done,” Nabutovsky said. “Maybe that’s why he resigned. He wasn’t sure that he’d be able to solve these problems himself.” Freshman Anne Wang also critiqued Dance for
implementing the grading policy. “Because homework isn’t graded so now, kids aren’t going to do it,” Wang said. Still, Wang applauded Dance’s motivating videos for students at the beginning of each school year. An educational advocate shared such praise for Dance. Although she has appeared before the school board to criticize some of the superintendent’s decisions, Jean Suda, whose children attended county schools, praised Dance for team building and for the steady increase in minority achievement. “He has pushed people to reevaluate how they teach students of different races and ethnic backgrounds,” she said. In fact, black graduation rates have topped those of whites in the county schools for the first
photo by sophie bates SUPERINTENDENT DALLAS DANCE, seen here during a 2015 school visit, is to leave his post by June 30.
time, according to the Sun. Suda also praised Dance for making so much information available to stakeholders on the Baltimore County Public Schools website. see DANCE, page 2
students are registered to take AP exams this year RIDER EXCELS
see page 7 # TO KNOW
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number of FALS/ CALS students performing at BCPS State of the Schools see page 2 GROWING SKILL
see page 12
INDEX 2-3 news 4-5 opinion 6-7 sports 8-12 features
graphic by tirzah khan This information was gathered in an anonymous pen-and-paper survey March 2-3 in select English classes. Surveyors urged students to be candid and honest in their responses to 26 multiple choice questions.
Sex survey finds students tend to be more cautious than liberal
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sophie bates, editor-in-chief hile rates of sexual activity in some categories are increasing locally, an anonymous pen and paper survey of students in all grades and academic levels finds that when it comes to sexual intercourse, sexting and oral sex, students here are less active than their peers nationwide. Among the salient findings of a survey of 217 students in February: nearly a third of females and 43 percent of males reported that they’ve had intercourse. The National Center for Health Statistics website reports that between 2011 and 2013, 44 percent of American females 15 to 19 and 47 percent of males in that age group had sexual intercourse. Still, this year’s stats are higher than those found with a similar Griffin survey given here three years ago. For girls, the 2017 rate inched up about a percentage point. For boys, the rate jumped 12 percent. In 2014, 31 percent of females
and 28 percent of males reported having sex. On a related note, the Griffin’s 2017 survey found that most students here – 76 percent – report that they have never had unprotected sex. That’s good news, according to science and
“I think nude pictures are not really safe, especially in high school.” health teacher Laura Braly. “With so many people testing positive for sexually transmitted infections, and sexually transmitted infections, most of them have no symptoms,” she said. “It’s really important for kids to
use protection.” While national figures on the rate of sexting are notoriously difficult to verify, the results of the Griffin survey suggest students here are either on par with peers or may be exercising more caution than peers elsewhere. Fewer than a third of students here (29 percent) indicated that they had ever sent nude photos of themselves. A 2014 Drexel University study detailed in TIME Magazine found that 54 percent of teenagers nationally admit to sexting. But in a New York Times op-ed a year ago, Amy Adele Hasinoff, author of “Sexting Panic: Rethinking Criminalizaton, Privacy, and Consent,” cited a series of surveys suggesting that only 20 percent to 30 percent of American teens have ever sexted. As TIME noted, the Drexel survey polled college students about their past behavior, which may make that survey’s results more accurate. Of course, any sexting raises concerns. “I think nude pictures are not really safe, especially in high school,” senior Taelon Um said. “Nowadays if you send one, then they are probably never going to go away.”
see SURVEY, page 2
FYI: Spring dance Junior Prom History Honors Society Relay For Life AP Exams Kendall Burrows April 29 May 1-12 April 22 hosts U.S. Rep. Dutch Blood Drive concert 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Loyola Graduate 7 p.m. 10 p.m. April 30 April 21 Ruppersberger gym Center classic cafeteria 7:30 p.m. auditorium
and gym
April 24 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. satellite cafeteria
Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.
see page 2
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. classic cafeteria
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the griffin
news
April 28, 2017
Survey finds students cautious continued from page 1 While Braly conceded that generations who didn’t grow up with cellphones have a different attitude to sexting, she too expressed concern that some students may learn only from a hard-life lesson. “Unfortunately I think that for some people it will take the experience of having somebody do something with a picture that you did not intend for the world to see, something that might cost you the respect of your parents, or your grandparents, or your pastor,” she said. “Or perhaps somebody distributes that picture in such a way that it compromises your employment.” As for oral sex, this year’s survey found that 35.6 percent of females and 40 percent of males have participated. These numbers are up from
three years ago, when 22 percent of females and 38 percent of males reported having oral sex. Yet, this is a category in which local figures are much more conservative than national figures. A 2005 survey by the government’s National Center for Health Statistics reported that more than half of all teenagers between 15 and 19 have had oral sex, according to a news item published in the New York Times. Editor-in-chief Meera Rothman, deputy editor Emma Walz, sports editor Patrick Fitzgerald and staff writers Vinny Arciaga, MyKayla Mitchling, Jane Peterson, Emily Levitt, and Lauren Kuhr contributed to this report.
Do you agree that women should have the option to have an abortion?
79%
9%
yes
no
12%
no opinion
This information was gathered in an anonymous pen-and-paper survey March 2-3 in select English classes. Surveyors urged students to be candid and honest in their responses to 26 multiple choice questions.
For more survey results, see our website—dulaneygriffin.org.
SPOT SURVEY:
67.5% of students defined “contraceptive” correctly.
32.5% did not.
This data was gathered from a non-scientific survey of volunteers who completed a questionaire during A-C lunches March 29.
Shift yields declining suspension rate
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daniel longest, staff writer hanges in the school system’s behavior handbook follow a national trend, veering from zero tolerance, a system of rigid punishments for specific infractions. The result? Figures from the administration show the percentage of students with one or more suspensions has declined to less than 2 percent (see chart) after topping 3 percent two years ago. “We were suspending for attendance,” Princi-
photo by longest PRINCIPAL SAM WYNKOOP signs Honor Roll certificates in his office Feb. 9.
pal Sam Wynkoop said. “Does that make sense? You put a kid in his house when the reason he’s in trouble is because he was in his house.” Zero tolerance debuted in schools in the 1990s, according to Education Week Magazine, but research began to erode its support. A 2015 report from the Duke Center for Child and Family Policy found a potential link between suspensions and an increased likelihood of future involvement in the juvenile justice system. Now, there’s greater nuance in the handbook’s wording, giving administrators more leeway when doling out punishment for infractions. After-school detention may be used instead of automatic suspension for weapons possession if a student mistakenly leaves a hunting knife in a backpack, Wynkoop said. “The philosophical shift has been toward support as opposed to punishment,” he said, noting that each county school now has a liaison to provide work and ensure that students suspended at home don’t fall behind. Restorative justice has brought greater reliance on in-school suspension. This is a logical shift, science teacher Marty Stranathan said, because it lets students focus solely on their school work. The shift to less stringent punishment is not without critics. Three anonymous teachers noted that infractions such as leaving school without permission, cursing at teachers or cutting
classes have gone unpunished, leaving teachers at a disadvantage with discipline. Assistant principal Robert Murray defended the new system. Depending on the severity of a student altercation, he said, there may be no need to suspend antagonists. “Nine out of 10 times they’re friends who had an issue with each other that went too far, and you can usually mediate,” Murray said.
RATE OF STUDENTS IN ALL GRADE LEVELS WITH ONE OR MORE SUSPENSIONS OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS:
Reacting to Dance’s departure continued from page 1 But Suda criticized Dance’s tendency to issue decisions without explaining or negotiating. She cited his decision to implement the block schedule in all high schools despite complaints as an example. She also said she wished the county had studied the efficacy of placing laptops in the hands of young students before placing them in all elementary schools. Students also cited laptops as a concern along with abandoned scanner-read I.D. cards – initially labeled mandatory.
As for traits in the next superintendent, teachers were specific. Science teacher Marty Stranathan said he would like to see money spent to hire more teachers rather than to fund technology. World language department chairman Eva Van Horn requested more involvement from higher-ups. “I need somebody who is in the trenches with us.” And art teacher Joanna Waring identified one essential prerequisite for the next superintendent – experience as a classroom teacher.
2012-2013 2.68% 2013-2014 3.12% 2014-2015 1.61% 2015-2016 1.94% Source: Administration
NEWS LINE RELAY FOR LIFE
Relay for Life is set to take place April 29 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the gym. The fundraising event will benefit the American Cancer Society and will include activities such as Zumba, tug-of-war, musical chairs and lip-singing. According to club president and senior Lauren Kuhr, the event this year will include more survivors than last year’s and teams will manage on-site fundraisers like bake sales and photo booths for all participants to use.
FALS/CALS WOWS Musicians, poets and dancers from the school earned the honor of performing at the Baltimore County Public Schools Educational Foundation’s State of the Schools gala earlier this month. FALS/CALS bucket drum band members Matt O’Connor, seniors Brady Elrick, Katy Knittle, Sam Wilson and Sierra AyersMutchler as well as juniors Rowan Hessein, Ellen Scheel and sophomores Eddie Kil and Chase Douglass performed for the fundraiser, which drew more than 100 people. Their selections? Chakira’s “Try Everything” from the “Zootopia” soundtrack and the 1999 song “Thank You” by English singer-songwriter Dido. “Everything that the kids performed today is a reflection of what they created,” chorus teacher Christy Senita said after the event April 5. “They picked the songs, and they picked the elements, like the sign language, bells and dancing,” she said.
ARTISTS IMPRESS Of the 16 student poets chosen by the county to perform at State of the Schools, eight were from this school, creative writing teacher Meekah Hopkins said. Their poems were selected after being submitted to contest judges last fall, she said, adding that juniors Madisen Elliott, Faith Hall, Emily Williams and Sam Niehaus as well as seniors Jen Medrano and Abby Fanshaw recorded their poems for the event. Junior Kelly Stone and senior Majorie Bowerman performed theirs on stage. Additionally, sophomore Keira Levy and junior Alissia Metcalfe – each members of the county school’s All Honors Dance Ensemble – delivered interpretations of an African musical selection and a poem, dance teacher Deborah McWilliams said.
FRESHMAN WINS Freshman Regan Amos has won the 2017 Senator for a Day essay contest. Participants were asked to write a 100-word-essay highlighting the issues they would change if they were a senator. Regan and her family were invited to be guests of Senator J.B. Jennings to see the General Assembly in action. Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.
April 21, 2017
3 news
the griffin
Juggling family duty, school
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meera rothman, editor-in-chief tudent A, a female sophomore, works 40 hours a week but doesn’t keep a penny for herself. “I [give] my mom my whole paycheck to be able to pay the rent,” she said. She works from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. She is not alone. Student B, a male junior here, works a minimum of 37 hours per week. “When I was eight, my dad started a cleaning company and then I had to help him out,” he said. “My hours vary if a worker quits. The minimum is guaranteed, and the maximum can vary even higher.” Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicate that in 2014, 22 percent of high school students had a job. But for these students and more, working is more than just a way to make extra spending cash. The money that Student A makes is the main source of income for her family: her mother lost her job and her step father was deported in February on his way to court for a suspected DUI. “They stopped him outside of our house and from there, they just took him,” she said. “He was [in jail] for like a month and a half and then they just deported him.” Her friend, sophomore student C, also carries a heavy financial responsibility due to her father’s deportation. “[It happened in] June of last year. I went to court with him,” she recalled. “After that day I didn’t see him. One day to another you could be here and the next you’re not.” Law enforcement asked her family for money. “We gave it to them—it was in the thousands range,” she said. “They returned it, but they didn’t give me my dad back.” As a result, she also has long hours. She works 10 hours Saturday and Sunday and five hours Wednes-
photo by tirzah khan
day through Friday. “I’m trying to help out my family as much as I can,” she said. Despite these heavy workloads, all three students are managing a full schedule of classes in school. “It’s totally affected my attendance,” student B said. “A lot of times it’s not my fault, but at the same time I really don’t care, because after I graduate I know I’m going to work for my dad’s company. I don’t have choices.” Student A, an aspiring cop, tries to finish her homework in class so she can stay on top of her work. “When I’m in class, I have to make sure I get all my work done because if I don’t get it done then, I’m not going to have time after school,” she said. The combined pressure of work, school and family responsibilities takes its toll. “I mean, it’s hard,” student C said. “I feel like I’m going to explode one day. But if it’s not that, where am I going to go? I’m just going to end up on the streets if I don’t go to school. At the end of the day, it’s all worth it.” After graduating high school, she hopes to go to college. Editor-in-chiefs Amanda Musolf and Julie Chotivatanapong contributed to this report.
Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.
scene dulaney: (Top: right to left) SENIORS IRENE ANGELOS and Amanda Campoverde cut paper to line the staircases April 5 outside room 316. Lines of student-written poetry were taped to the risers of the stair cases in the old and new wings to promote Art Fest, which showcases student works and serves as the debut for Sequel Magazine. (Right) SEQUEL STUDENTS also created a horoscope wall, where certain poems were placed within envelopes denoting the 12 star signs, serving as “horoscopes.”
photo by you jin park
photo by tirzah khan
the griffin
4 opinion
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Focus on classes, studies, not that frivolous Snapchat Dear Editor, I cannot tell you how many times I look around my classes and see other students wasting the time away playing their latest iPhone games or taking Snapchats to keep up their streaks. Even sometimes I give in to temptation and glance at my phone to check the time and to see if I received any messages. While I do think that having access to cellphones is a convenience that improves society overall, the leniency that students are given in class with their phones goes well beyond what I would consider acceptable. Cell phones and social media inhibit our ability to learn on a daily basis. When students actively choose to play mindless games on their phones instead of taking the opportunity to learn from some of the best teachers in the state, it troubles me. Receiving a good education is paramount, and social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram impede the learning process significantly. This is not to mention that cell phone use in a class also has a “snow ball effect,” that is, if one person whips out their iPhone everyone else does as well and sooner or later half of the class has chosen to ignore whatever is being taught and instead play Wordwizzle. I’m not advocating for a ban on cell phones or social media. On the contrary, the best thing for students in modern society is a break from all of the craziness of the world. But do yourselves a favor, and leave the phone in the backpack when the bell rings. - Bradley Stansbury, 12
Spring break needs to spring back for sense, benefits Dear Editor, Coming back from what will be Baltimore County Public School’s last spring break, I began to contemplate the benefits of having our traditional, week-long break over the newly-instated long weekend. Spring break has always been an important time to study, especially given its closeness to AP exams. I use the time and the decompression from the stress of school days to read over general material and take practice AP exams. Given my rigorous schedule during a typical school week, I wouldn’t be able to accomplish this without staying up into the early hours of the morning. The most pressing issue I have with shortening spring break is that for seniors, it can be (and is) used as a prime time to visit colleges during the school year. Of course, seniors can visit colleges during the summer, but college students aren’t on campus. In order to truly assess the school’s environment and really get a sense of what it’s like being there, it’s beneficial to be surrounded by other students. I think that in order to rectify this issue and restore spring break to its rightful length, the county must roll back on the number of professional development (PD) days included in the school year. I’m skeptical that 40 random PD days a year is wise when five of those can be taken off and allotted to spring break. I don’t see what the difference would be. As nice as it is to have a four-day week every so often and have at least one day off every month, I think the benefits of spring break outweigh that, and I hope the superintendent who succeeds Doctor Dallas Dance will see that. - Marjorie Bowerman, 12
the griffin Dulaney High School, 255 E. Padonia Rd. Timonium, MD 21093 dulaneygriffin@bcps.org (410) 887-7633 Student population: 1,851 Staff population: 150 The Griffin prints 1,500 to 2,000 copies of each edition. These are distributed during homeroom on the fourth Friday of October, November, December, February, March, April and May. Extras may be found in the library or room 115. A Columbia Scholastic Press Association member The Griffin’s mission is to enlighten and entertain. March 17, 2017 Volume 56, Issue 6 http://dulaneygriffin.org
April 21, 2017
Don’t write off cash just yet A
grace schneider, staff writer s the world careens toward a more technology-based society, it appears that even the familiar concept of paper money might be called into question. In India, according to BBC, street sellers are taking to mobile wallets— online banking systems that allow people to transfer money electronically—to save their businesses. Singapore has 61 percent of consumer transactions made electronically, according to Business Today. In Belgium, that number rises to a whopping 93 percent, the New Yorker reported. Science and technology are beautiful things, but it would be destructive for society to become cashless. What if your app crashes when you need groceries? What if you drop your phone in Walmart and lose all access to all your money? Phones are stolen every day—not to say money is stolen less frequently— but can you imagine the phone-thief having access to your bank account? With credit it’s easy to limit what
thieves have access to: simply cancel the credit card as soon as it is stolen. But with mobile wallets, it might not be so easy. Thieves wouldn’t have to steal the phone, even—all it takes is some hack-
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supplies, according to NPR. The U.S. Court of Appeals denied this. Judge Boasberg claimed this argument was too late and of “questionable merit,” according to Fox News. Tribe members have accused the federal government of putting aside their needs. Native Americans have been
art by jane peterson
ing genius, and there goes the college fund. Companies are required to keep detailed security measures set by the PCI
Security Standards Council, according to Mobile Payments Today, but they do not nullify the possibility of hacking. Given the newness of mobile wallets, very little information exists about protocol surrounding their use, but CNBC hypothesizes that going cashless would permit governments to exercise incredibly powerful control over all human behavior. In the future, this could lead to control as far as the products users are allowed to buy, according to CNBC. Supporters say that the technology is quick and convenient. You can send money directly to others’ bank accounts and avoid the inconvenience of a card. According to CBS News, though, these transactions tend to be more unreliable than cash or credit cards, and many establishments do not accept app-based payment methods. Despite their convenience, mobile wallets are too unreliable and pose too many risks to make such a bold switch.
Native Americans deserve better
emily williams, staff writer hen President Donald Trump turned a blind eye to the protests of the Standing Rock Sioux tribes and other indigenous tribes against the North Dakota Access Pipeline (NDAP), they brought their protests to his front door. During the Native American March, tribes gathered in Washington D.C. March 10 to not only protest the pipeline, but to show that their rights should be respected as much as any other citizen’s. The NDAP, starting in North Dakota and ending in Illinois, ships crude oil between the east and Midwest markets. It crosses four states and is a $3.7 billion project (CNN). According to Energy Transfer, the manner in which the pipeline does this is not only cost effective, but more “environmentally friendly.” Though it may claim to be, the NDAP is not so to the Native Americans who inhabit the surrounding region. The Standing Rock and Cheyenne River Sioux tribe filed a lawsuit against Energy Transfer because of its proximity to their traditional lands, endangering their cultural site and its water
art by hanna bewley
oppressed, forced to “Americanize” and shoved onto reservations, as well as have had their own sacred land stolen from them. This time, it is no different. Despite six months of protesting, they were, yet again, told to leave their land and evacuate their camps or risk be-
ing arrested. While the past cannot be changed, the federal government should focus on progressing their relationship with Native Americans. Admittedly, the pipeline will provide the U.S. with an economic boost by making the country more energy independent and providing jobs. But at what cost? Is a single pipeline worth the destruction of a heritage? The Keystone pipeline had been overturned by the State department and White House in 2015, according to CNN, but with President Donald Trump’s executive order, the NDAP and the Keystone XL Pipeline projects were advanced. The government, including President Trump, must drop their investments in the pipeline and completely review their ethics. Due to conflicting interests, the most realistic solution would be a compromise that would preserve sacred land and possibly shorten or relocate parts of the pipeline. As the protesters chanted, “You can’t drink oil. Keep it in the soil.”
EDITORIAL:
Resignation calls for reevaluation of priorities
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uperintendent Dallas Dance is the source of fervid and varied opinions. Mentioned frequently in hallways and classrooms, Dance and his policies are closely followed by students and teachers alike. At times, he has even become a comical scapegoat for student frustrations – “Why no 2 hr delay @DallasDance???” But his unexpected announcement of resignation April 18 demands that we seriously consider what direction we want to go from here. Throughout his term, Dance has been rebuked for his lack of experience and for ignoring community input in his decision-making. His implementation of mastery grading, block
schedule, BCPSOne cards and the laptop-per-student initiative all seemed abrupt. Despite countless concerns with the implementation of bold new programs, it seemed like the feedback forums were merely perfunctory. Still, Dance was certainly effective in connecting with students, stopping in at schools and extracurricular events to talk and partake in oh-so-many selfies with students. Dance also made commendable racial progress for the county. He raised the graduation rate of white and black students in the county to the same level, 89 percent, according to the Baltimore Sun. As the county searches for a new superintendent, we hope the replace-
ment will build on previous changes instead of drastically altering or reversing them. The past four years have brought changes so impactful that we are still adjusting. We need a superintendent who will allow us to transition smoothly, carefully assessing what has been effective and what needs to be remedied. Only then can we confidently move forward with programs that are actually in the best interests of the majority. Perhaps the most important quality in a new superintendent is the willingness to listen. As people affected daily by Dance’s wide sweeping changes, we have a lot to say.
The Griffin welcomes story ideas, commentaries and letters to the editor. These may be brought to room 115, placed in Maria editors-in-chief sophie bates, julie chotivatanapong, doria diacogi- Hiaasen’s mailbox in the office or emailed to dulaneygriffin@ annis, meher hans, grace knotts, amanda musolf, meera rothman bcps.org. All submissions are subject to editing and must be managing editors tirzah khan, emma walz signed. The Griffin Editorial Board makes all final decisions deputy editors randhika aturaliya, jason fontelieu regarding content. sports editors patrick fitzgerald, daniel krugman The staff editorial reflects the thoughts of the Griffin staff, associate editors hanna bewley, matt ellis, drew persinger but all other opinon pieces reflect individuals’ views, not the adviser maria hiaasen paper’s. Interested in advertising in The Griffin or purchasing any photos seen in this issue? Use the same contact information.
Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.
5 opinion
the griffin
April 21, 2017
Weed’s harm outweighs good The General Assembly’s brief discussion of legislation that would legalize recreational use of marijuana sparked debate among our staff. Fueling further discussion was Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement earlier this month that he is taking steps to legalize pot’s recreational use in his country. Staff writer Giorgio Gayleard (below) and columnist Dorrie Gaeng (right) hold opposing views on marijuana.
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giorgio gayleard, staff writer annabis, weed, pot or marijuana, whatever you hear it called, is all around us. It’s everywhere, and affects us every day. Regardless of who you are or where you live, you know what it is. I don’t care if someone smokes weed; they can do what they want, but I do care if it harms our country. Its legalization would do just that. Weed isn’t good for you. Despite advocates’ views that it causes no harm, it does. A 2013 study from the University of Maryland School of Medicine published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology found that the regular use of marijuana during adolescence may permanently impair cognition and increase the risk for psychiatric diseases. One may argue that weed should only be legalized for adults. Currently, it’s illegal for everyone, and teens still find a way to get it. Also, alcohol is only legal for adults and, being a 16-year-old sophomore, I know that alcohol can be easily obtained. The same thing would happen with weed; it’d get filtered down to adolescents. Another study revealed more negative effects of the drug. A 2014 National Institute on Drug Abuse report summarized a long-term Duke University
study which stated that people who began smoking marijuana heavily in their teens lost an average of 8 points in IQ between ages 13 and 38. Importantly, it
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adverse health effects on humans as well. Manufacturing Styrofoam puts workers at risk for irritation of the skin, eyes, upper respiratory tract and gastro-
art by john ray cayanan
was also revealed that cognitive abilities were not fully restored even in those who quit smoking as adults. Reports suggest that the government could make $7 billion annually by taxing weed as it does tobacco. Yes, we’d make money, but your health insurance would, without a doubt, skyrocket. The legalization of weed would cre-
ate a lackadaisical, care-free society. This would result in more accidents and cause health insurance companies to raise their rates, in turn cancelling out the money made from less taxes. An Obama Administration report states that the additional revenue would be outweighed by the increased health care costs, per Time.com’s article, “Legalize Pot? You Must Be High.” A 2009 study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that 18 percent of drivers in fatal accidents tested positive for a non-alcoholic mindaltering drug, mainly marijuana. The legalization of this drug would just cause even more accidents and inevitably, more deaths. Finally, think about the effects it’d have on our workforce. Legalize pot, and you have a workforce that is worth, not more, but less. It makes people more likely to suffer from poor memory, reduced motivation and emotional problems. Marijuana use doesn’t affect me directly, but I’m looking out for the efficiency of our country. In the end, marijuana is always readily available, legal or not, but its legalization gives Americans the right to use it, creating an apathetic society and an inefficient joke of a country.
Styrofoam destroys planet’s health
victor yang, staff writer t’s strange to think that something among us kills animals, chokes our environment, wastes our land and has a lifespan of a million years. Unfortunately, this thing isn’t an outlandish Stephen King monster; it’s the little white thing that holds your coffee. Polystyrene, commonly known as Styrofoam, has long provided cheap and convenient storage for leftovers, liquids and potluck dinners. The cost of this easily replacable commodity, however, far outweighs the middling benefits. The issue with Styrofoam is that it cannot decompose, doesn’t breakdown for hundreds of years and is difficult to recycle. Its light weight and aggravating perseverance cause Styrofoam to crowd landfills and disperse into ecosystems. Styrofoam takes up 25 to 30 percent of landfill space, according to the Foundation for Advancements in Science and Education. When Styrofoam litter is haphazardly thrown into the environment, it breaks down into tiny pieces that pollute the area and its surrounding water stream. Animals subsequently mistake the hazardous material as food, causing them to poison or choke themselves. If choking animals isn’t enough, Polystyrene’s building block, styrene, has
photo by julie chotivatanapong
intestinal system according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Replacements for this archaic foam giant already exist, eager to meet the new demand for disposable containers. Renewable materials such as corn plas-
tics, post-consumer paper and bamboo are all readily available resources, according to the Earth Resource foundation. Several major cities have already banned polystyrene, including New York City, Washington D.C. and Los Angeles. These cities have set a precedent that gives other cities or states a model to follow if they decide to prudently ban polystyrene. Several Styrofoam manufacturers oppose the ban because of the economic loss they’d experience once it takes place. Though the industry would take a hit, former Styrofoam tycoons could turn to producing the clean, renewable materials mentioned above to replace their lost production asset. Maryland needs to follow in the footsteps of other major state governments and finally put the great foam monstrosity to rest. An organization, Trash Free Maryland, is already working towards banning polystyrene. Our earth is slowly being choked by waste, and it’s our responsibility as its inhabitants to clean it up, whether it be through writing to your representatives, using renewable materials or just picking up a piece of trash. Slowly we can clean up our planet, one Styrofoam cup at a time.
Seatbelts on buses could save students’ lives
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emily persinger, staff writer he school bus industry is the largest form of mass transit in the U.S., moving about 25 million students every day according to the American School Bus Council (ASBC.) With the exception of handicap seats, no students are able to wear seatbelts. Students’ safety is a huge priority for the school system, so why should transportation to and from school be any different? NBC News reported that around 17,000 students are sent to the hospital each year for school bus accidents, and the numbers will continue to grow if nothing is done. Last fall, a school bus driver in Chattanooga, Tenn. crashed into a tree and flipped over a bus full of children. This accident left six dead and 12 wounded. According to the ASBC, seatbelts are
not worn by passengers because the structure of the bus and seats provide enough safety for all riding it. However,
photo by grace knotts
the gap for error has the potential to be deadly. After over six hours of sitting at a desk,
it is inevitable that kids will be eager to run around and talk with their friends. Drivers may try to discipline kids throughout the ride, but considering that the ratio of kids to adults is about 60 to one, there’s not much they can do. In 2013 a Pikesville Middle School bus flipped off the side of the road resulting in five students and the driver going to the hospital with minor injuries. A Baltimore County Public Schools’ spokeswoman claimed the reason the accident was so minor that the students could move and quickly exit the bus. But once the accident occurred and it was time to exit the bus, the damage was already done. Seatbelts are not needed when students are properly sitting on the bus, but that will never be the case.
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it’s like this Legalize, don’t criticize: pot’s time has come dorrie gaeng, staff writer
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y brother recently came home with an assortment of edibles, which were legally purchased from Seattle, Wash. As he began to recount his numerous adventures that transpired while he was under the influence of marijuana, I saw my mother’s face twist and contort as she tried to conceal her discomfort. Her internal struggle–consisting of a progressive mindset trying to overcome old conventional tendencies–was clearly evident. This nonchalant purchase of and conversation about marijuana is the way the world is moving. The practical reasons for the legalization of marijuana for people over the age of 21 are irrefutable. According to Colorado’s Department of Revenue, tax revenue from retail marijuana sales amounted to $40.9 million, just from the first year of sales. That total does not include revenue from medical marijuana, licenses and fees. This extra revenue the state received was allocated to increase the number of health professionals in Colorado public schools, which includes nurses and social workers who focus on mental health support and educational programs about drug abuse. Imagine all the possible positive services the state of Maryland could offer or improve upon if extra tax money was collected from retail marijuana sales. As of April 2014, the state has already legalized medical marijuana and all marijuana has undergone decriminalization, meaning that if you are caught
“The most appropriate measure to take is to legalize marijuana for adults in order to confront the issue head on.” with the drug for personal use—as opposed to intent to sell—it is treated as a civil offense. There may be a fine, but no incarceration. It is clear that the next step is in this pattern is legalization. Concerned parents and their allies may argue that marijuana simply should not be legal because of its harmful effects. It is true that chronic use of cannabis has been linked to mood changes and low levels of motivation. But these side effects are nothing compared to the negative consequences of alcohol and tobacco use—both legal drugs. Alcohol abuse is associated with pancreatitis, gastritis cirrhosis, permanent dementia, physiological dependence and fatal withdrawals. It is quite possible to consume a lethal dose of alcohol. With marijuana, not so much. Another “concerned parent” argument against legalization is the idea that marijuana is a “gateway” drug. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the majority of people who use marijuana do not go on to use other harder substances. Also, the idea of marijuana cross-sensitization applies to alcohol and tobacco as well—meaning nicotine and alcohol prime the brain for a heightened response to other drugs. Health implications are clearly not a valid argument for the illegal status of marijuana so long as alcohol remains legal. Legal dispensaries would prevent the dangerous purchase of marijuana on street corners, where youngsters may find themselves buying from questionable persons, or purchasing marijuana laced with other substances. Marijuana consumption occurs. And it will continue to occur. The most appropriate measure to take is to legalize marijuana for adults in order to confront the issue head on—ensuring safety of consumers while adding to our tax revenue in the process.
the griffin
6 sports
athletes
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VARSITY
Sisters propel softball team
April 21, 2017
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photos by meher hans
ALLESHIA PULLEN
grace gary, staff writer or senior Alleshia Pullen and junior Akirra Pullen, softball has always been a dual act. “Our father got us into softball when we were 7 and 6 years old,” Alleshia said. “We’ve been playing ever since.” Not only did the sisters start together, they also spend time with each other working on their games. Stress Relievers: “[We] hit into the net at home and hit off a tee and just practice our form,” Akirra: Alleshia said. 1) Call of Duty “We just try to get as much 2) 5-hour naps after practice in as we can,” Akirra said. school As upperclassmen on the 3) Pencil drawing varsity softball squad, the Pullen sisters have been Alleshia: crucial assets to the team’s 9-0 start. 1) Video games “[Akirra and Alleshia] get 2) Softball along with everyone and 3) Running they definitely work their hardest,” junior teammate Hope Eckhart said. While Alleshia is a starting center fielder and batting at a .400 average, Akirra has been contributing on the mound, earning Fox 45 News’ Prep Player of the Week April 2. As of press time, the team’s record stands at 10-1. Both sisters agree that this is a positive sign for the future. “I think we have a good chance of going to States,” Akirra said.
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(Left) JUNIOR MAGGIE KELLY leaps to catch the ball during the March 11 game against Cape Henlopen at the Delmar/Mid-Atlantic Lacrosse Play-Day tournament hosted by Cape Henlopen high school in Delaware. Girls varsity lacrosse (3-3) played against three teams at the tournament: Stephen Decatur, Cape Henlopen and Bishop Ireton. (Above) FRESHMAN BRIDGET KELLY pushes past a Stephen Decatur defender to scoop the ball during the team’s first game of the tournament. (Below) SOPHOMORE LUCY HUGHES and senior Bridget Hughes take a break between games during the tournament.
photos from megan proefrock
Pan-American visit reaps bounty
JUNIOR VARSITY
upper 90
Sophomore proves reliability
anna jensen and anna mason, staff writers ophomore Alex Kallaur did not have the best first impression of softball. “I was really bad, and I got hit in the stomach by the coach on the first day of practice,” Kallaur, who started playing softball when she was 8 years old, said. As captain of the girls junior photo by meher hans varsity softball team, Kallaur’s ALEX KALLAUR leadership is demonstrated in her commitment to her teammates and passion for the game. “She takes a leadership position before we go out in the field, and is encouraging us every at bat,” sophomore teammate Kyra Mahoney said. Kallaur’s intuition as shortstop has helped the team beat out the competition, coach Michelle Barwick said. “Her keen base coaching abilities provide a sometimes baffling situation for the other team,” Barwick said. A year-round player on the Lutherville-Timonium Stress Relievers: Lazers fast pitch travel team, Kallaur said her 1) Netflix schedule becomes hectic in the springtime, as she is 2) Chick-fil-a committed to both teams. 3) Playing piano Kallaur’s focus and determination earned her the lead-off position in the batting order this season, Barwick said, and led to victories such as an 8-5 win over Catonsville in the team’s first home game. “In the fall I was kind of in a slump hitting wise,” Kallaur said.“I was working really hard all winter on improving my hitting and then at my first at bat of the season, I hit a triple. That was a good moment to see my efforts pay off.” Teammates also attribute Kallaur’s success as both a player and a captain to her reliability on the field. “She is very consistent when she is fielding the ball, getting it to first base and getting those outs,” Mahoney said.
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daniel krugman, sports editor tepping onto the all-dirt field for the first time I immediately noticed the thick lines of barbwire surrounding the lineless field with two iron goals at each end. At the time, while only thinking about the plethora of scenarios that a 15-year-old white American male could face while being alone in the most dangerous nation in the world, I had no idea how much this dirt field, the players of CF Shashos and the people of Honduras would come to mean to me. After four trips to the small hill town of Copan Ruinas in the Western region of Honduras, I have learned the importance of sports in its simplest form, on a simple field with a ball and with people
who solely play because of their love for the game. In America, we idolize sports as a struggle to get a full ride scholarship or make it to the pros. From the youngest age groups of youth football, lacrosse and basketball kids are groomed to attend powerhouse schools. Sports at the professional level is a business and the road to this business has become plagued by parental aspirations of their children as professional athletes and the notion that sports are glamorous. The children of the small Mayan-descended towns, listed as living in extreme poverty according to the United Nations World Bank, and even the young adults of CF Shashos, a semi-pro club team composed of educated social workers in Copan, could not have a more different outlook than the American mindset. They play because it is the only game they have ever known. It is a break from the fields and motivation to go to school for the children, and for the Shashos, a brief escape from the reality of drug crime and homicide that plague their generation.
What the people of Honduras taught me is that sports are more than the scholarships, commitments and money. I once was part of this sports culture in America, idolizing the idea of college soccer and forgetting about why I played, only looking at the potential outcome of working hard for this one goal. I have been fortunate enough to share over 2,000 physical donations of cleats, shin guards, jerseys and donated indestructible soccer balls from One World Play Project, an internationally renowned manufacturer of soccer balls for third world countries, with the children of Honduras. But for every new ball they get to play with or new pair of cleats they get to wear, the memories and mindset that they have installed in me will always be greater. Reflecting back on my last trip and now as I enter the final stretch of my soccer career, I see how much irrational pressure we put on our young athletes to succeed and how much more I, and other athletes, would love sports if we played as if all we had was a dirt field and love of the game.
Upcoming Varsity Home Games: 1) Baseball April 24 vs Eastern Tech 3:30 p.m. 2) Softball April 24 vs Perry Hall 4 p.m. 3) Boys Lacrosse April 29 vs John Carroll 1:30 p.m. 4) Girls Lacrosse April 28 vs Loch Raven 5:15 p.m. Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org
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the griffin
April 21, 2017
ax to early season wins
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VARSITY
Quiet force ignites team
jessie dorety, staff writer nanimously voted captain by his teammates, senior midfielder Joey Wenzl is a modest but formidable presence on the field. “It’s very humbling to know that my teammates trust me to lead them,” Wenzl said. Senior goalie Lorenzo Pavoni praised Wenzl’s ability to stay focused in games. photo by meher hans JOEY WENZL “He’s not afraid to correct you, but he’s easy to talk to,” Pavoni said. “His presence makes you want to play better.” A soft-spoken leader, Wenzl chooses a different approach to encourage his teammates on the field. “Something I struggle with is being able to pump up my teammates since I’m not really a ‘rah rah rah’ guy,” Wenzl said. “The best way to pump them up is to make Stress Relievers: an exciting play or score a great goal when we really 1) Driving and listening need it.” Varsity head coach Kyle to country music Fiat said that Wenzl’s mild2) Fishing mannered persona attributes to others’ high level of 3) Playing basketball regard towards him. with friends “He’s not incredibly vocal, but when he speaks, he’s heard and respected for what he says,” Fiat said. As a faceoff and offensive midfielder, Wenzl likes to try new things such as underhand passes, backhanded shots and fakes to confuse the defense and their goalie. Wenzl’s teammates say that his work ethic sets an example for the team. “He’s a great teammate. He always tries his hardest and never takes a day off,” senior midfielder and co-captain Jack Hermann said. Teammates also commend Wenzl for his reliability on the field, scoring goals when needed most. “He has a good lacrosse IQ,” Pavoni said. “He understands where he needs to be on the field and when to make a play work.”
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frederick, hyungsung ko and annabel park, iters r the women’s varsity lacrosse team, speed nd skill are featured in their quest for anther state title. one unnoticed is the tandem of not one but airs of sisters, the Kelly and Hughes sisters, rting one another every day. d coach Kristi Korrow, who also played lawith her sister in high school, understands he sisters’ bonds benefit their play. h sets of older sisters have really improved ast year and having a younger sibling on the as pushed that,” Korrow said. sister freshman Bridget Kelly on the team, attacker Maggie Kelly says she’s more alert field. ke to make sure that she’s doing everything Maggie said. ow notes that both sets of sisters desire to ne another improve athletically. e sisters] are harder on each other because trying to make sure that they’re achieving est,” Korrow said. or Bridget Hughes returns as an attacker, sophomore Lucy Hughes joins as a defend-
like having your best friend by your side he time,” Lucy said. “I’m really fortunate to er as a role model on the team.” r sister Bridget says that while she isn’t an on Lucy’s position, she tries to encourage the field. the first time we’ve ever played together,” t said. “She’s my best friend, and we’re competitive on the field because we play te positions.” y adds that playing with her sister is the xperience I could ever have.” re the first to congratulate each other after hing good happens,” she said.
athletes
sports
photo from megan proefrock (Above) SENIOR BRIDGET HUGHES maneuvers to position for an attack during the Stephen Decatur game March 11. “We have a lot of fun, especially because we play opposite positions,” she said of playing with sister Lucy.
Player Highlights*:
Maggie Kelly: 23 goals, 7 assists Bridget Kelly: 8 goals, 6 assists Bridget Hughes: 1 goal Lucy Hughes: no defense stats available *As of press time
Source: Megan Proefrock
Rider hurdles toward nationals amanda musolf, editor-inchief or senior Nikki Gorrell, horseback riding is a family tradition. “We have my great-greatgreat-grandmother’s side saddle from when she was a midwife and rode house to house,” Gorrell said. Gorrell began competing 10 years ago after attending her older sister’s shows. “She was my motivation,” Gorrell said. Teammates laud Gorrell for her grace in the ring. “When she rides, everything just flows,” sophomore Madison Roller said. “She makes it look effortless.”
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photo from imogen wright (Above) SENIOR NIKKI GORRELL rides during her four-fence course at the National Capitol Equitation League Finale March 12 at Prince George’s Equestrian Center. To secure fifth place in the Finale class, Gorrell had to answer a question regarding how long a horse must wait to exercise after eating. The correct answer is approximately an hour, Gorrell said.
Gorrell will ride May 14 at the Plantation Fields Horse Trials, her final qualifying show for the U.S. Pony Club National Championships. “She’s got as good of a shot as anyone else that’s going into that ring,” Roller said. Gorrell hopes to continue competing at North Carolina State University, where will study industrial engineering next fall. “I love the atmosphere,” Gorrell said. “I love working hard and riding with the best of the best.” Editor-in-chief Sophie Bates and staff writer Emily Williams contributed to this report.
Event encourages new experiences, leadership
photos by sophie bates (Above left) SENIOR ALEXIS RANJBAR plays Jumbo Super Stack with Brady Elrick and (above right) senior Emma Klein plays badminton and catch with Richard Opfer III during the “Awesome Activity Day” for special education students March 24. The annual event was launched 5 years ago by gym teacher Kellie Fialcowitz. “Students here lead activities at each station and we also have those that are group leaders and travel through the stations,” Fialcowitz said. Ranjbar participated for the first time this year and was paired with Elrick. “It’s amazing to experience something so different from what we do every day. I missed class for it, but I don’t regret it at all,” Ranjbar said.
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JUNIOR VARSITY
Dudas’ energy proves critical matt ellis, associate editor reshman midfielder Matt Dudas doesn’t back down from a challenge. He was one of two freshmen to try out for the varsity lacrosse team. Although Dudas didn’t make the varsity squad, his willingness to push himself has led to success at the junior varsity level. photo by meher hans MATT DUDAS Dudas has scored five goals this season, leading the team to a 4-0 record as of press time, including a critical win over rival Towson. Teammate and freshman attackman Bobby O’Grady notes that Dudas’ ability to dodge has proven to be a key asset to his success, as he scores approximately 50 percent of the time he slips a defender successfully. “About once a game, he’ll dodge and break someone’s ankles and get right by them,” O’Grady said. “Then , [he’ll] Stress Relievers: just have this sweet shot.” Freshman defender Owen 1) Listening to music Campbell, the other freshman who tried out for varsi2) Hanging out with ty, speaks highly of Dudas’ friends skills and determination on 3) Chocolate chip CLIF the field. “He’s one of our top bars players on offense and he doesn’t give up on the play,” Campbell said. “If he loses the ball, he always tries to get back in and make a stop on defense.” Dudas developed his craft by playing catch with his brother, Jack, when he was younger and growing from Carroll Manor recreational lacrosse to the club Team 91 Maryland. Despite having early success in high school, Dudas still knows where he needs to improve. “I’m working on my left-handed shot and my left hand just in general,” Dudas, a naturally right-handed player, said. “If you learn to shoot with both hands, you can be a dynamic athlete.”
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8 features
the griffin
April 21, 2017
Birks cast unique spell TRENDING:
photos by meher hans JUNIOR LUCA GREEN (LEFT) AND SENIOR HANNAH BOSTWICK flaunt patterned socks with their Birkenstock sandals.
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meher hans, editor-in-chief or senior Hannah Bostwick, Birkenstocks provide unprecedented levels of comfort and utility. “It’s like Sleep Number but for your feet,” Bostwick said. Students here are deeply divided in their opinions of Birkenstocks, a brand of German cork sandals that have gained popularity in recent years after about a two-decade hiatus. The most ardent supporters of the sandals wear them year-round as a means to showcase flamboyant
socks in the winter. For junior Luca Green, the sockswith-sandals trend is what makes the shoes so stylish. “They don’t look good unless you wear cool socks,” Green said, specifying that she only wears earthtoned socks with her Birkenstocks. For Bostwick, only white and grey socks are off limits. “They are the Dad socks,” Bostwick said. “Birkenstocks should be reserved for plain, black ankle socks or really cool design socks.” Bostwick argues that the shoes’ biggest
asset that is that they serve as the perfect platform for displaying colorful socks. “To be able to showcase my blue, ruffled, ankle-grazing socks but also have shoes on my feet is the best of both worlds,” Bostwick said. Sophomore Summer Sheldon contends that the shoes’ comfort multiplies when worn with socks. “The comfort is the most important feature of the shoe,” Sheldon said. Her friend, sophomore Amanda Purvis, is critical of the trend. “I like the sandals,” Purvis said. “It’s just the socks that ruin it. They make her look like an old German man.” While both the Birkenstocks and socks-with-sandals trends have faced considerable backlash, supporters of the shoe remain fervently attached to them. “No matter if it’s hot or cold outside, I’m wearing my Birkenstocks,” Bostwick said. “And if it’s snowing, I will put plastic bags over my Birkenstocks.”
Cold shoulder trend bridges multiple seasons, occasions
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR THE POLL— In which season are coldshoulder tops best worn?
“I don’t really have a name for it. I call it my holey shirt,” sophomore Makayla Grant said of her black Francesca’s top.
“I got it on sale!” freshman Regan Amos said about her olive green blouse. photo by vinny arciaga
photo by meher hans
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fashion forward Distance runner, soccer player and driven student Eugene Choe maintains his reputation of sporting a preppy style by having an eye for fashion. Staff writer Perry Harrington sat down with Choe to find out more about his current fashion favorites.
Q: How would you describe your style? A: Modern, preppy and sharp. I think if you looked up a picture of modern or preppy, a picture of me would pop up. Q: Where do you usally shop? A: I shop at a lot of places. I like to shop at Calvin Klein, Banana Republic and sometimes Hollister or Abercrombie. You can’t find all the clothes you want at one place, so you have to shop around to find what you are looking for. Those stores match the kind of clothes I already wear. They are really preppy. Q: What are your go-to shoes? A: My dark green, limited-edition Converses because they match JUNIOR EUGENE CHOE sports a blue dress shirt from Banana Republic, with just about everything I wear. green pants from Abercrombie & They, like most of my shoes, are Fitch and dark green Converse from Nordstrom Rack because I from Nordstrom Rack March 28. can always find a good discount. They were marked for around $100, but I got them for $60. photo by julie chotivatanapong
Q: Why do you wear such bright colored shorts, and how do you decide when it’s time to bring out the shorts? A: When I shop, I try to look for colors that are unique. You don’t see too many people wearing mint green shorts, so I decided to get them. I also have a bright red pair of shorts. I start to wear shorts once it gets warm out. If the weather says it is going to be in the 60s, then it’s time to wear shorts. Q: Explain your habit of wearing solids colors? A: When you wear solids you don’t have to worry about matching as much. They kind of go with everything. I tend to wear solid colored pants so I can wear a checkered shirt or another patterned shirt and it works well.
the griffin
April 21, 2017
9 features
post: john enders
Science teacher and environmental enthusiast John Enders sat down with staff writer Emily Persinger to share his latest entertainment favorites along with his opinion on the Science March on Washington and helpful tips to reduce your carbon footprint.
READING: I’m reading a book from the 1970s that’s called “Beautiful Swimmers.” The reason is because there’s a new movie coming out, a local, small video, and I know the gentleman making the movie. He’s a guy that taught me environmental science many years ago. He’s currently a professor at Salisbury and he’s a former Baltimore Sun environmental editor.
(Left) ENGLISH TEACHER BRITTA SCHAFFMEYER competes in an ultimate frisbee tournament April 1.
trouble. Your political decisions need to be fact-based and evidence-based. Let’s march on Washington to support the EPA, fund the EPA and allow us to conduct business in a reasonable, responsible manner. That’s where the disparity is. You can make a whole lot of money real quick by not following any EPA laws. That’s what we did in the 60s and 70s. We broke all these laws or didn’t have any laws and made a lot of money, but we paid for it environmentally.
CHANGING: To reduce carbon footprint for students and teachers, just make sacrifices. You pound the accelerator and speed off as fast as you can, and then LISTENING: I listen to everything, you’re going to hit your depends on who I’m with and breaks as hard as you can where I’m at. Anything from all in a quarter mile. If you contemporary Christian to Top just accelerate gently and 40 to pop punk. Actually, I just come to a coasting stop, bought my tickets to All Time you’re saving money twice. Low. They’re coming to concert Do you really need to go and they’re the Dulaney band out and go to a restaurant all from years ago. I’m going to see the time where it’s much more my former students coming up in expensive? What’s more enviAugust at Rams Head Live. ronmentally friendly, cooking a meal at home or going to a FOLLOWING: My social media is mostly restaurant? Drink tap water just Facebook, and I use it just to instead of bottle water. Do you wish people a happy birthday really need to continue using and see what’s going on around. several hundred bottles a photo by sophie bates year? Refill it. Reuse it. Tap MARCHING: The Science March on Washington: that’s something w a t e r costs less than a penny a gallon. that’s definitely needed. We need people It’s the simple things. Recycle, especially to be aware of where science has had aluminum cans. Aluminum is externally short cuts because, once you start short recyclable. It comes from an ore called cutting science, research and empiri- bauxite. Bauxite takes a lot of money, cal knowledge about what’s happening and it’s expensive to build an entire mine on our Earth, then you’re going to be in to get that, while you can recycle an aluminum can eternally.
(Right) SCHAFFMEYER teaches her B3 English class April 20.
photo taken by kevin leclaire, uplift photos, from schaffmeyer
photo by sophie bates
Teacher competes in niche sport audrey houghton, staff writer he may be only 5 feet, 6 inches tall, but on an Ultimate Frisbee field, she’s a giant. English teacher Britta Schaffmeyer began playing the sport – like football, sort of, except with a Frisbee instead of a ball – during her sophomore year at Luther College in Iowa. Originally, she planned on playing soccer, but her plans changed. “I went to a tournament, played like five games, and I was hooked,” Schaffmeyer said. Schaffmeyer plays for the Baltimore team that goes by “backhanded.” It’s for women 18 and older, and it’s ranked one of the top 30 Ultimate Frisbee teams in the country. Her role on the team? Cutting. She’s a natural at it.
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“I’m good at running around the field and getting open,” she said. She’s not kidding about the running. “In a typical tournament, I keep my Fitbit on, and I run between 12 and 14 miles a day,” Schaffmeyer said. “It’s about two hours of being out there sprinting when you’re playing the game. It’s pretty exhausting.” She concedes that the physical exhaustion is balanced with periods of waiting on the sidelines. Still, she said she loves the thrill of the sport and more. “I really like competition,” Schaffmeyer said. “I really like to be competitive, and I like being better than people at things.”
“I like being better than people at things.”
10 features
the griffin
April 21, 2017
REVIEWS:
Mixed reviews for reissued classic: Look mars film
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sophie bates, editor-in-chief rowing up, Disney movies were always the go-to productions for my family and me. I came to the conclusion that Belle was one of the best princesses. Now, 26 years since the animated film first aired, Disney released their live action reboot of the classic “Beauty and the Beast.” My sister and I saw it opening weekend. Apparently, that was everyone’s plan, as the film took home a whopping $170 million in its debut weekend, the highest earning non-summer release since “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” Maybe it’s because I paid for an overthe-top VIP experience or just had high expectations, but this movie wasn’t all it was hyped to be. When you hear about any movie with a $160 million budget, you expect it to be phenomenal. The computer-generated imagery (CGI) was quite a disappointment. While I know talking inanimate objects aren’t real, looking at Lumière, Cogsworth and Mrs. Potts for two hours was uncomfortable, like their faces were drawn on in a fourth-grade art class, not a high quality studio. The sets and the backgrounds were off-putting, especially distracting in the tense castle battle between Gaston and Beast. The worst offense was the star of the film: Beast. While Dan Stevens was able to play the character well, the gaping black hole of CGI on the Beast form made me wince because of his lifeless eyes and gross fur. Besides that, costume director Jacqueline Durran did a phenomenal job, as every outfit the characters wore brought the animated film to life. Belle’s signature golden gown was stunning and vibrant, and Gaston’s striking red petticoat somehow made him seem more arrogant than before. The musical numbers were quite the show in itself too. My favorite was by far
the performance of “The Mob Song,” an iconic number led by Luke Evans as Gaston when the village is ready to kill the beast. The song even starts to make you hate Beast too, if that’s possible. Emma Watson’s performance was very mismatched. In terms of playing the vivacious princess, Watson fully understood the character and portrayed her gentleness well. But her musical performance was lackluster. In comparison to the animated character’s vocals, sung by Broadway actress Paige O’Hara, Watson was disappointing, quiet and jacked with auto tune. Overall, this was a missed opportunity for Disney. Instead of taking those big bucks to invest in enchanting the viewers, they used them to make an expensive, yet subpar casting decision for Watson and mediocre CGI on the others. Disney has announced live action reboots of both “Mulan” and “The Lion King” in upcoming years, so I can only dream they’ll come out with a bang. victor yang, staff writer eeing the word “remake” next to a OVERALL RATING: timeless classic justifiably draws out a few groans, especially if it’s a film as renowned as Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” Going into the theater, I had my skepticisms, but when I walked out of the theater the magic that captivated me so many years ago left me with a big grin stuck on my face, “Be Our Guest” still playing in my head. With impeccably picked casting, wonderful scenery and a fun upbeat score, Disney’s remake manages to retain what made “Beauty and the Beast” so enchanting while evolving aspects to bring it up to modern day morals. Disney’s revival of this tale as old as time translates the animated film’s larger-thanlife characters well into live-action, capturing what made them unique while simultaneously giving them more personality. Emma Watson’s Belle brings a beloved character to the modern world, portraying
Soundtrack vitalizes childhood favorite
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photo via Popsugar
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acai, banana and apple juice. To top it off, emily williams, staff writer etting ready for summer vacation there was a layer of coconut flakes, honey, has never been easier. With deli- strawberries, blueberries and bananas. cious low-calorie fruits, Pure Raw The Berrylicious smoothie was made with Juice Bar, located in Towson, offers cus- mixed berries, bananas and apple juice. The fruit was fresh and ripe and meshed tomizable meals made straight from naperfectly with the smoothie base and grature’s candy. nola. The smoothie had The interior the perfect texture, it of the restauwas blended evenly and rant was almost not too thick or soupy. It as refreshing as was obvious that there its food, with a were no artificial sweetclean and coleners in the bowl or the orful appearsmoothie—just natuance. Though I ral goodness. The juice expected to be bar truly lived up to its o ve r w h e l m e d name. by all the opHowever, in the acai tions, I was bowl there were parts pleasantly surof the base that were prised to find not completely blended. how clear the About three times, I got menu is. I chose large, frozen chunks of a regular-sized fruit. But overall, this traditional acai was a minor fault in the bowl ($9.45) and delectable bowl. a Berrylicious fruit smoothie ($7.95). The staff was friendly and efficient and my Pure Raw Juice: order was ready 6809 York Rd., Towson in no time. Monday–Friday: 7 a.m.– When I received 7 p.m. my bowl, which Saturday: 8 a.m.–7 p.m came in a clear, photos by williams plastic contain- (Above) A BERRYLICIOUS fruit smoothie ($7.95) made of Sunday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. er, I was taken mixed berries, bananas and apple juice and a regularaback by how sized acai bowl ($9.45) with a base of acai, banana and apple juice with granola, topped with coconut flakes, photogenic and honey, strawberries, blueberries and bananas. (Below) Instagram-wor- THE BRIGHT INTERIOR of Pure Raw Juice. thy it was. And trust me, it tasted just as good as it looked. It had crunchy granola at the OVERALL RATING: very bottom topped with a blended base of Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.
photo via Culturess
her as an intelligent and innovative woman above the rest of her town’s outdated views. Similarly, Dan Stevens’ portrayal of the Beast gave the previously simple character depth through pompous arrogance, enlightened intellect and Steven’s suave, baritone voice. The casting of Beauty and the Beast’s strong supporting characters was nothing short of on point as well, with Gaston’s arrogance bulging out and Lumière’s charisma shining through 26 years later. While the plot does make Belle and Beast’s relationship more believable, it doesn’t try to elevate it past anything other than that of a children’s movie. But a complex and interwoven plot isn’t what this movie is about. Beauty and The Beast is at its core a fun, enchanting love story and the remake delivers just that. Let yourself be immersed in nostalgia as a vibrant and magical world filled with charming characters and talking furniture awakens while a soul-swelling score fills the theater and delights your ears once again.
OVERALL RATING:
April 21, 2017
the griffin
Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.
11 features
the griffin
12 features
April 21, 2017
Living with stress, coping with anxiety Victims share turmoil triggered by anxiety
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grace schneider, staff writer or an anonymous junior, chronic anxiety struck early in high school. “In ninth grade I would just scream for hours on end,” the junior said. Although she has made strides, she still battles with anxiety today. “Instead of actually doing my work, I just go to sleep,” she said. “I sleep 90 percent of the time when I’m not in school, sometimes even when I am in school. And I don’t do my work because doing the work makes me more anxious.” She’s far from alone. TIME Magazine’s Nov. 7 cover story – “Anxiety, Depression and the Modern Adolescent” – reported that the anxiety rate among teens has been increasing since 2012. The article quoted U.S. Health and Human Services Department statistics showing that more than 2 million teens endure anxiety that harms their daily routines. TIME went on to note that—according to the National Institutes of Health – anxiety strikes nearly a third of all American girls and about a fifth of boys, more than 6.3 million U.S. teenagers in all. It plagues all socio-economic levels, the magazine reported, triggered in some cases by grade pressure, in others by financial pressure. How to tell anxiety from stress? Anxiety is more intense, guidance counselor Emanda Lenet said. “Stress is when you’re feeling tense and worried. It’s hyped up energy about having a lot to do and you can’t do everything you want to do, “ she said. “Anxiety has strong physical symptoms like tightening of the chest, dizziness, headaches, nausea. And it’s ongoing. Stress is more temporary.” Recalling her worst anxiety, a senior who controls anxiety with medication concurs. “It wasn’t, ‘I’m stressed. I have so much to do,’” she said. “It was, ‘I’m going to die.’” Both students labeled school a major impetus. “I got two C’s on my report card this quarter and I was all worked up about it,” the junior said. Pressure to do well or tying to do too much are often to blame, Lenet said, but so is social media. “If one negative thing is posted about you, everyone knows, whereas 10 years ago it would have been written on a piece of paper to one person,” Lenet said. “Now everyone on social media can see that one negative comment, and that’s stressful.” As students grow, they become better at coping with stress, Lenet said. But for anxious students seeking help, school counselors teach strategies of breathing exercises, organization and time-management. To ease ever-present stress, Lenet suggests getting enough sleep, putting away the phone at a reasonable time and alloting time for yourself.
What does stress do to you? “I’ve noticed that I get more migraines toward the end of a quarter.” - Kyle Knotts, 10
“I used to get sinus infections all the time.” - English teacher Dirk Frey
“Stress had weakened my immune system. I actually got shingles once because my immune system was so weak that even though I’ve never had chicken pox, the vaccine had the virus in me.” - Anna Boland, 10
This information was gathered in an anonymous spot survey March 27 during select lunches.
“I don’t eat when I’m stressed. I have to be reminded to eat.” - Drama teacher Tamara Moon
“My sleep deprivation has gotten pretty bad from me spending all my time on homework.” - Kiera McGinn, 10
“I’m rarely thinking about school when in school, and constantly feeling sick to my stomach.” Nikki Gorrell, 12
photo by julie chotivatanapong
photo by sophie bates
CLICKING, TWISTING, SPINNING STRESS AWAY See our website for testimonies on stress relievers from sophomore Mark Hemmeter, junior Bella Martin and senior Alli Hill This information was gathered in an anonymous spot survey April 7 during select lunches.
an artist among us: Gifted artist diversifies abilities
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art by kuo Clockwise from top left: THE GIRL surrounded by cherry blossoms was digitally painted; THE LION logo for the Robotics team here was digitally painted; AN OWL flies in the clouds at night. Kuo used chalk to create the soft texture of the feathers and clouds; THE CAT was drawn with pencil; KUO’S WINNING OIL PAINTING for the Coastal America Ocean Art Contest depicts ducks swimming in a pond.
audrey bartholomew, staff writer alents evolve over time. For senior Kevin Kuo, his art deviated from traditional media into the world of digital art only a few months ago. “Normally when you paint, it’s really messy and your hands get dirty all the time,” he said. “With digital painting it’s cleaner and easier to do.” Using free software recommended by peers, Kuo developed his skills in digital painting by watching YouTube videos from channels such as WLOP, which produces in-depth graphic art tutorials. More recently, Kevin was asked by senior Matthew Levis to create the new mascot for the Dulaney First Robotics team, to draw in more sponsors for the group at competitions. “Kevin’s logo is a great improvement over our old one,” Levis said. “Its variety of col-
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ors make it great for pamphlets and handouts.” Kuo’s process in creating digital art begins with a simple sketch on a computer screen, then developing the foreground and background and focusing back onto the subject of the piece. Beginning in middle school, Kuo’s mother compelled him to pursue traditional art which led to an award winning career, going as far to present one of his oil paintings at the National Aquarium for the Coastal America Ocean Art Contest. This self-taught undertaking of digital painting has produced working opportunities for the senior, being hired by the Taiwanese-American First Responder Benevolent Organization to create their logo and to design a pamphlet for the Dragon Boat Festival in Maryland.