December 2016 Edition

Our mission: to enlighten and to entertain

Dulaney High School Timonium, Maryland

Volume 56, Issue 3 RENO ADVANCES

the griffin

Visit us at http://dulaneygriffin.org

December 16, 2016

‘Tis the season for college apps

see page 2

#

TO KNOW

$1,560

amount raised from the annual National Honor Society wreath sales see page 2

Seniors on pursuing college admission:

CLOSE WIN

38%

said they found the SAT to be very stressful

26%

art by tirzah khan

29%

said they weren’t stressed said they found Naviance about college apps to be fairly convenient

This spot survey of 300 students was conducted in all cafeterias during all lunch periods Nov. 28. Students were asked to respond to the following questions orally: On a scale of one to five, how stressed did the application process make you? How convenient was using Naviance for the application process? How stressful was the SAT?

Crafting unique college essays, ignoring competition preoccupy seniors see page 6

# TO KNOW

10,000 number of cans established as goal of canned food drive ending Dec. 20 PICS DAZZLE

see page 12

INDEX 2-3 news 4-5 opinion 6-7 sports 8-12 features

F

meher hans, editor-in-chief or senior Arielle Williams, the college application process has been nothing short of agonizing.

“I’m second guessing and worrying about getting everything done on time and if it’s good enough,” Williams said. “That’s the most stressful part.”

She’s not alone. According to a Nov. 30 spot survey, 75 percent of seniors here cite the college application process as a source of stress.

The National Center for Education Statistics reports that 20.5 million high school seniors nationwide will apply regular decision to college. They’re careening toward a Jan. 1 deadline.

According to guidance department chairman John Komosa, 242 students here applied to schools early action or early decision and therefore met a Nov. 1 deadline.

Those students generally learn their application status this week.

Regular or early decision, seniors like Sophie Sun cite college essays as a primary stressor.

“There are too many essays and they take a lot of time.

You have to put a lot of thought into each of them,” Sun said. “They aren’t just regular English essays that you can whip up in a night,” she said.

More than 700 colleges process admissions through the Common Application, according to the nonprofit’s website. This year’s prompt for application essays, which limits responses to 650 words, offered five open-ended questions. Among them were “Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure,” “Describe a problem you’ve solved or would like to solve” and “Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community or family.”

For senior Marjorie Bowerman, who is applying to nine schools, essays that ask applicants to describe themselves have proved to be the toughest.

“It’s difficult to come up with an essay that doesn’t sound scripted,” Bowerman said. To combat this, Bowerman gets input from her parents. “They tell me what sounds weird and needs to be fixed and what sounds good.”

The prestigious schools Sophie Sun is still considering – as of press time, she was still eyeing Princeton and Stanford – tend to require two to five essays of up to 800 words. Sun, who learned she was admitted to Harvard Dec. 13 and is considering whether she will actually attend there, has spent an hour each weekend since Aug. 1 writing and revising essays to avoid high stress levels right before deadlines, she said. For her, the hardest essays are those with prompts like, “What do you like most about [college name]?”

“For those, it’s not about you, which makes it a lot harder to write,” Sun said. “I had to do deep research about the colleges I was applying to and find the quirky, interesting facts about each school.”

But senior Jessica Yan has found a way to save time on college essays.

“A lot of prompts are repeated, so I can reuse my essays,” Yan said, noting that she has used the same essay for all schools that ask, ‘Why are you interested in this field of study?’

Senior Daniel Sun, Sophie Sun’s twin brother, found that writing essays was time-consuming, but not necessarily stressful. For him, an applicant to 10 schools, actuThis pen-and-paper survey of 113 seniors was ally generating the list of colleges was most difficult. conducted in selected A1 classes Dec. 12.

see APPLICATIONS, page 2

FYI: Winter assembly Dec. 20 period 2 auditorium

School resumes after winter break Jan. 3

Open Mic Night

Jan. 12 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. auditorium

MLK Day

Jan. 16 school closed

Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

Cabaret

Jan. 27-28 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. satellite cafeteria

SGO Winter dance Feb. 4 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. gym

2

news

the griffin

December 16, 2016

Announcements gets tech upgrade

photos by grace hazelhurst (Left) TELEPROMPTERS show the newscast reflections of the script for the Nov. 30 announcements. The upgrade included three Panasonic AVCCAM full-HD 1080p camcorders, one NewTek Tricaster Mini accompanied by a Tricaster Mini cabling kit, one 32-inch NEC LED slim display, one 25-foot HDMI cable for LED display, two 12-inch teleprompter units with software and mounting units and two Chroma Green Muslin backgrounds. (Center) JUNIOR ASHLEIGH PARSONS utilizes the new program, Tricaster, to control the new $3600 camera for the morning announcements Nov. 30. (Right) SENIOR TEVIAN WHITEHURST laughs before the morning announcements start Dec. 8.

Broadcasters weigh on tech grace knotts, editor-in-chief and daniel longest, staff writer embers of Dulaney News, the morning announcements team, are noting positive and negative following the addition of new equipment. The total cost of the new technology totaled $12,461.90. Students on the team noted adjustments they’ve had to make from last year.

Junior Jonathan Morthole sees benefits on the professional quality of the new equipment.

“I guess I can speak for the group when I say it makes this feel a lot more like a professional thing instead of a fun hobby,” Morthole said. “I want to be a producer for this sort of thing as a

M

career choice, and now I’ve got the actual equipment that they use at news stations.”

The addition of two NewTek Tricaster teleprompters to the pre-existing cameras allows anchors to read off of screens instead of sheets of paper, though the papers serve as a back-up in case the prompter is moving too slow or too fast, senior and news anchor Tevian Whitehurst said.

“Technology is great until it sucks,” he said, adding that the hardest task “was figuring out an order. You have to physically type [the announcements] in and choose and order for them so the papers follow it and people know what’s going on.”

Junior Anna Garman explained her own experience with the teleprompters.

“One time I didn’t know what the order was

for the announcements, and on the teleprompter they have what the order is,” Garman said.

“But my papers were out of order and I got really confused, and I sat there for like 15 seconds doing absolutely nothing, staring, looking like a total idiot, at the teleprompter. Eventually I figured out that I was going in the wrong order for my papers.”

Another problem student broadcasters experience is accidentally repeating an announcement, but overall the teleprompter is a great piece of technology, Whitehurst said.

The new program, NewTek Tricaster, has its own glitches, senior Daniel Nelson said.

“The computer completely shut down and we didn’t really know what to do, so we had to act fast and restart,” Nelson said.

‘Tis the season for college applications continued from page 1 “Picking the schools actually has a huge impact on your future,” he said.

Daniel Sun’s first-choice school is Duke University, he said, and he applied there early decision, which means he was awaiting an admission notification as of press time. For him, the campus was the major deciding factor.

“Honestly, I just thought Duke was really pretty. I like their buildings. It was stressful because online all schools look pretty,” he said.

Acceptance or rejection notices also generate their fair share of stress.

Guidance counselors John Komosa and Emanda Lenet have both witnessed the post-rejection state of upset students.

“It’s just like when you get your heart broken,” Komosa said. “You have to get a little distance and a little elevation from it and see that there are other things in life that are positive.”

Lenet agrees, adding that being upset is justifiable, but the college admission system isn’t perfect. Top schools aim to curate a geographically diverse student body, she said.

“They are aware of how many students they are admitting from Baltimore County,” Lenet said. “They can’t admit 1000 students from Baltimore County.”

Recently, the disappointment that accompanied rejection has magnified due to social media’s presence, Lenet and Komosa said.

“It’s not your one friend that knows. Everyone knows,” Lenet said. “It’s too overwhelming.”

“Kids who do get in blow it up. ‘I got into Cornell! I got into Cornell!’ And the kid who didn’t get in feels like their life is ruined although they will probably get into a fine school,” Komosa said.

Komosa’s and Lenet’s advice to seniors during the time of admissions notices? Stay off social

Reno advances: debate persists

E

meera rothman, editor-in-chief ven as plans for renovation are revised and revealed to the public with a June start date in mind, opponents continue public opposition.

Jennifer Tarr, parent of a student here and an active member of Friends of Dulaney, was one of the people who spoke up at the Nov. 17 Central Area Educational Advisory Council meeting in the auditorium.

“We spoke mostly about the useless limited renovation that covers very little and covers almost no site work,” Tarr said. “Pete Dixit with facilities attempted to answer questions about the

TIPS ON KEEPING CALM AND CARRYING ON:

Did you apply to at least one safety school?

1. Get parents, teacher and friends to edit your essays 2. Start early 3. Stay off College Confidential and social media 4. Submit well before the deadline Sources: seniors and My College Guide.

media.

In the face of admission decisions, senior Yasmeena Fakhouri, a Fashion Institute of Technology applicant, has resolved to remain optimistic.

“Rejection will bother me, but if it’s not meant to be, then it’s not meant to be,” Fakhouri said.

“I put all my heart into their application, but on the bright side, I love all of the other schools I applied to, so I wouldn’t be devastated to go to another school.”

Financial aid can also induce stress. Forms like the Free Application Federal Student Aid and College Scholarship Service Profile require the majority of applicants’ tax return information.

For senior Missy Dee, completing FAFSA became grueling and delayed because she couldn’t locate her father’s tax returns.

“My dad lives half an hour away so it’s not easy for him to drop them off,” she said. But even after she retrieved the forms, Dee faced issues with the FAFSA system, which notified her that the information she inputted did not match the IRS’s information. She is still troubleshooting this problem, Dee said.

Senior Brennan Manning applied to international universities and dodged such concerns. poor renovation proposed, but truly it’s up to the County Executive and Dr. Dance who were not present.”

The meeting, which drew about 20 people, enabled them to ask questions about the evolving renovation plans for the 51-year-old original

“A renovation is fiscally irresponsible...” school building. Friends of Dulaney member Yara Cheikh also spoke there and called the renovation fiscally irresponsible.

18% 81%

yes no

This pen-and-paper survey of 113 seniors was conducted in selected A1 classes Dec. 12.

“For American schools, you almost sign your life away. You have to fill out six forms, write two essays, and they finally take six different tests just to prove you are eligible to get in,” Manning said. “All I had to do for my international schools was fill out one small form and send my transcript and resume.”

Manning has already been accepted into University of Amsterdam, his dream school, he said.

Senior Zach Swanson, committed to LenoirRhyne for lacrosse, reports little to no stress during application season.

“I was banking on playing lacrosse,” Swanson said. “I had been playing in front of college lacrosse coaches so I had a good amount of options.”

Senior Megan Van Emden had a similar experience, although her early commitment was not related to athletics. Van Emden applied to one school, Eastern University, in early July and was accepted by late July.

“It was really easy. I kind of went around the system,” she said. “My admissions counselor said I could screenshot my SAT scores on my phone and text them to him.”

“The school needs to be rebuilt,” she said in an email. “The county has not committed to spending nearly the same funds per square foot that it has spent on recent renovations at neighboring high schools.”

Renovations will encompass air conditioning, new piping, classroom updates, office updates and more, principal Sam Wynkoop said this fall.

The auditorium will get new seats, flooring and air conditioning, he said.

During the school’s first faculty meeting, Wynkoop told staff that once renovation begins they should expect to see ttrailers on site and construction workers entering the school to complete projects after hours.

Staff writer Matilde Cascella contributed to this report.

Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

NEWS LINE

BAND BOWL BOUND The school’s marching band is performing in the Sugar Bowl Halftime Show and Parade in New Orleans Jan. 2. They will perform “Dancing in the Streets” and “Uptown Funk,” director Barry Chesky said. The group performed in this parade and field show four years ago and will receive lessons from Notre Dame University instructors. The 60 band and color guard students attending depart Dec. 30 and return Jan. 3, missing the school day. To prep here at school, the band has split into sections run by Chesky’s music leaders.

IT’S AC TO AIR The It’s Academic team’s previously-filmed competition will air Dec. 31 at 10 a.m. on WJZ-TV, sponsor John Wagner said.

The team played George Washington Carver Center and Thomas Johnson High School Oct. 29 for a spot in the upcoming playoffs, to be filmed in February. At the Nov. 12 Bel Air Invitational, the team placed fifth of 20 schools, according to the National Academic Quiz Tournaments website.

FUNDS RAISED The National Honor Society raised $1,560 from its 14th annual Balsam Fir Holiday Fundraiser after selling 156 wreaths and 18 centerpieces, sponsor Brocha Siff said. All of the profits made from sales go directly to national scholarships for seniors in NHS, Siff said.

MOCK TRIAL RESULTS After losing a Dec. 12 scrimmage against Park High at Calvert Hall High School, Mock Trial must work on objections during cross examinations, a spokesman said. Their next match against Eastern Tech is Jan. 11.

SCHOLARS NAMED Seniors Julia Clark, Meera Rothman and Daniel Sun are named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists based on their PSAT scores from last fall. The three have the opportunity to advance to the finalist tier early next year based on academic records, teacher recommendations and SAT scores.

WORDWRIGHT English students soared in this year’s first WordWright meet, English chairman Jason Bowman said. The school’s freshmen tied for sixth place nationally in this contest that has students read, analyze and answer multiple-choice questions, Bowman said, and sophomores tied for fourth. He added that juniors placed 11th in the challenge and seniors tied for eighth place.

Junior Dorrie Gaeng was one of seven juniors nationwide to earn a perfect score in the competition, winning the highest individual honor for the school.

3 news

the griffin

December 16, 2016

Class tackles cyber security

photo by sophie bates ADVANCED PLACEMENT Computer Science teacher Damon George talks about reasoning for discussing cyber security with his class. George sprung these debates after the class held an ethics debate on the San Bernardino shooting case of last December.

R

dorrie gaeng, staff writer eports of Russia hacking the United States election trouble computer science teacher Damon George.

“Whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican or other, I think we should all be concerned that we had a foreign country trying to-and arguably successfully--manipulating our election,” he said.

While George didn’t address this particular headline in his Advanced Placement Foundations of Computer Science class, his lessons have moved beyond basic computer science and into cyber security in the context of recent events.

“The environment we live in today and this election bring up

problems that we’ve never had to deal with before,” George said.

“The questions of these new ethical debates, over not just security but privacy as well, are becoming increasingly difficult to answer.”

George’s class tackled issues like phone security involved in last year’s San Bernardino case and the hack on Sony Picture Entertainment.

“At first kids are very pro-privacy, but it’s situational,” George said. “We all think the government shouldn’t be accessing our information, but there’s always a ‘but.’”

Security was at the forefront of this election, Goerge said. He noted that although the push for transparency is positive overall, there

are other considerations.

“Wiki Leaks is pushing for individuals to have access to information pertaining to their futures,” George said. “But how that information is acquired is controversial and we need to decide if that’s the precedent we want to set.”

For the first time this year, AP Computer Science counts for a technology or engineering credit.

George hopes that his students will think about working in the field of computer science.

“There is such a shortage of qualified individuals for this industry,” George said. “It’s an arms race, for the best young minds.”

Next year, George said he hopes to invite representatives from Dunbar, a cash management company, to talk to his students.

Dunbar recently launched a digital division and is moving toward digital currency.

George predicts his students’ generation may soon abandon cash.

“It’s inconvenient, it’s a liability and it slows us down,” he said.

Although not every student here will take computer science, George said they should all be literate in digital safety.

“Assume your digital life is not private,” George said. “The key is to be very aware. Be tuned into your finances and use proactive.

Take as many precautions as you can.”

At least one current student said George’s class has made him more confident.

“I’ve researched DDOS attacks, which is when someone overloads the network,” junior Michael Angelos said. “I’ve learned new things.”

Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

SPECTRUM ADVISOR Laura Braly speaks at a youth summit sponsored by the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) at Towson University Nov. 19.

She was one of four adults speaking at a panel about allies. “When I retire, that’s where my future is, working with LGBTQ youth,” Braly said.

Supporting LGBTQ+

T

emma walz, managing editor he link between white privilege and racial activism. The experiences of those with marginalized sexualities. Vulnerability and emotions in the face of oppression.

Students discussed these topics and more at Disrupt, a youth summit hosted by the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) at Towson University Nov. 19.

“I thought that it challenged the thinking of the people that were there, and that’s always valuable,” science teacher and Spectrum sponsor Laura Braly said.

Braly led a workshop on Allyship, which addressed how to be an ally to people who are LGBTQ+, African American or an ethnic minority.

“The goal was to help students realize their own privilege,” Braly said. “I think very often we are not aware of our own privilege.”

The event was aimed at high school-aged LGBTQ+ youth and allies. Around 70 to 80 students from schools all over Maryland attended this event to learn how to improve their own GSA, be more inclusive and make friends in the LGBTQ+ community.

“I really thought about how we can make sure young people can disrupt systems, where they can be advocates for themselves and where their voices are heard,” director of the Baltimore GLSEN chapter Jabari Lyles said.

Students then had the opportunity to attend workshops and discuss issues in a safe and non-judgmental environment.

“It’s about listening, not about speaking,” Braly said.

Braly has wanted to participate in this event for a number of years, and was very pleased to be involved this year.

“When I retire, that’s where my future is, working with LGBTQ youth,” Braly said. “You guys are my future. The best part of my week is Thursday afternoons.”

the griffin

4 opinion

December 16, 2016

Defending Trump’s agenda

Watch jobs return

Will you study or complete school work during winter break?

YES NO WATCH FUTURE EDITIONS FOR...

- The English department’s efforts to boost reading rates - The good, bad and ugly of group work

ON THE WEB:

Read “My Turn,” an online opinion blog, featuring... ...STAFF WRITER OLIVIA SUMMONS ON THE POSSIBILITY OF DOCTORS PRESSURING BREAST CANCER VICTIMS INTO HAVING BREAST RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

I

kevin zorbach, staff writer t’s the economy, stupid.

Bill Clinton won using that strategy in 1992. It can be argued Donald Trump won with that too.

To make America great, surely we can agree that jobs on American soil must make a comeback. Already, the presidentelect, who won in part by promoting this idea throughout his campaign, has made good on his promise.

Just three weeks after Trump was elected, he and Vice President-elect Mike Pence came to an agreement with air conditioning company Carrier to keep 1,000 jobs in America, a great feat for someone who’s not even in office yet.

Trump also plans on lowering taxes for corporations, which will provide an incentive to keep jobs here in the homeland rather than outsourcing to other countries. Major companies will actually have reasons to keep their factories and other branches within the U.S. On top of all this growth for working America, Trump plans on reducing taxes across the board, especially for working and middleincome Americans.

While I don’t agree with Trump on all of his views, mainly his environmental policies, I believe he might be exactly what America needs to get back on track. Trump definitely brings a different set art by emma walz of experiences to the Oval Office, something the nation could definitely benefit from. Notably, Trump preaches for national unity behind his presidency, stating it is time to heal the wounds of division and unite Republicans, Democrats and independents all across the nation.

While USA Today reports that Hillary Clinton’s popular vote lead tops 2 million, I’m still hopeful Trump can bring America together. He has more than just the charisma to do it.

EDITORIAL:

Pipes, roads, bridges will fuel economy

A

drew persinger, associate editor s the realization of Donald Trump’s coming presidency sets in, Americans must unite to create an environment of positive change for the next four years. Trump’s policy on infrastructure will inspire bipartisan support art by tirzah khan for a country with improved transportation and employment for blue-collar workers.

Trump has consistently advocated for an upheaval and massive renovation to America’s infrastructure, a proposal that builds on the work of previous presidents. His website explains his vision, which is to “Pursue an ‘America’s Infrastructure First’ policy that supports investments in transportation, clean water, a modern and reliable electricity grid, telecommunications, security infrastructure and

“Americans must unite to create an environment of positive change...” other pressing domestic infrastructure needs.”

While Obama’s platform also had a focus on infrastructure, Trump’s policy has new aspects that will enable him to better address this issue with a revived sense of urgency.

He also plans to rely on private financing. Some are skeptical of this public-private partnership, but it is more economically sensible to take advantage of the nation’s private capital than to exhaust federal funds.

Trump will also limit the bureaucratic delays that cost American tax dollars. He will streamline approvals and cut spending, allowing him to follow through on many of President Obama’s infrastructure projects that failed to take off.

While Trump’s policies may be controversial, his strong plan for infrastructure will work.

Dear Santa: here’s our holiday wish list

...DEPUTY EDITOR JASON FONTELIEU ON THE NEED TO REMAIN VILIGANT IN THE FIGHT AGAINST THE DAKOTA ACCESS PIPELINE

...STAFF WRITER NICOLE LEE ON RECENT CALLS FOR THE IMPEACHMENT OF SOUTH KOREA’S PRESIDENT

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.

December 16, 2016 Volume 56, Issue 3 http://dulaneygriffin.org

No need to wrap these, Santa, just hurry: 1. A new, state-of-the-art school 2. Wifi reception in every classroom 3. Water coolers that are promptly refilled 4. A bigger senior parking lot and speed bumps that don’t scrape cars 5. A deep cleanse for all bathroom clipboards 6. More sleep and a later start 7. The same redo policy in all classes

art by jane peterson

8. Computers that work consistently 9. Access to Google Drive and m.cool math-games.com 10. A stable building temperature so it’s not summer in one class and winter in another 11. Textbooks that aren’t vandalized 12. Graded classwork and homework 13. Wider hallways and two-way staircases 14. More attention to the arts 15. For people to submit to Sequel 16. To be allowed into the building before 7:30 a.m.

editors-in-chief sophie bates, julie chotivatanapong, doria diacogiannis, meher hans, grace knotts, amanda musolf, meera rothman managing editors tirzah khan, emma walz deputy editors randhika aturaliya, jason fontelieu sports editors patrick fitzgerald, daniel krugman associate editors hanna bewley, matt ellis, drew persinger, grace schneider adviser maria hiaasen

Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

17. Announcements broadcast in all classrooms 18. Theatre headsets that don’t malfunction 19. Working showers in the girls locker room 20. For winter break to come sooner 21. Chik-fil-A in the cafeteria 22. Air conditioning in the gym and auditorium 23. No more bus changes (Thanks for this one, history teacher John Wagner) 24. For people to read the Griffin website: dulaneygriffin.org

The Griffin welcomes story ideas, commentaries and letters to the editor. These may be brought to room 115, placed in Maria Hiaasen’s mailbox in the office or emailed to dulaneygriffin@ bcps.org. All submissions are subject to editing and must be signed. The Griffin Editorial Board makes all final decisions regarding content.

The staff editorial reflects the thoughts of the Griffin staff, but all other opinon pieces reflect individuals’ views, not the paper’s.

Interested in advertising in The Griffin or purchasing any photos seen in this issue? Use the same contact information.

December 16, 2016

5 opinion

the griffin

Seniors reflect post applications: Thanks to mom, she applied to 19 colleges and lived

A

mykayla milchling, staff writer pply to college, they said. It won’t be that bad, they said.

You’ll be fine, they said.

I am here to attest that applying to college is that bad and that, no, I am not fine.

It began at the beginning of this year when the guidance counselors stopped by senior English classes and explained how we should get the college application process started. After giving us the rundown of basic information, they opened up the floor for questions. How many schools should we apply to? About nine. Should we visit the schools that we’re applying to? Yes. When should we ask for teacher recommendations? Last year.

And in that moment, I knew I was destined for a massive burden of stress in the coming months.

I had no idea what colleges I wanted to apply to, how many I was going to apply to, and what teacher I was going to beg for a recommendation. Good thing I have a helicopter mom who took care of all of that for me.

After a conversation with my lovely

mother, I was given a list of four teachers that I would ask for a recommendation, two questions that I would write Common App essays for and 25 schools that I would be applying to. Yes, 25. Her philosophy is that if I cast a wide net, I was bound to catch something.

Thankfully, after realizing how much it would cost to apply and send my SAT scores, I convinced her to cut it down to a “mere” 15 colleges. From there I began my journey.

crastinating, I ended up going with the latter to save myself some time and energy.

During my procrastination period, a few things happened. One, I was contacted by a few volleyball coaches who urged me to apply. Two, another college had captured my attention. So, my list went from 15 to 17.

Surprisingly, applying was the easiest part. A little tedious, but very easy.

Honestly, writing your address 17 times gets pretty old.

But wait! There’s more! My amazing mother got a little too excited about a few new additions to our two-foot stack of college letters and brochures. So, once again, my list expanded. The final list includes 19 colleges, 15 of which I have applied to, and 7 of which I have been accepted into.

My heart goes out to all of the seniors who have powered through this process just as I have.

The chances of me asking my art by jane peterson mother to let me skip the last four applications are astronomically It took me forever to figure out what I high. I am still working on them and was going to do about my common app honestly, the only reason they aren’t essay. Would I write two and see which finished is because I was born into the one was better? Or would I write one procrastination generation. So we’ll see and roll with it, in hopes that it would how that goes. be good enough. The process of decidI’m not here just to complain about ing which option was better ended up the college application process though. being more cumbersome than the writ- So help me, all of our blood, sweat, and ing itself. After about a month of pro- tears will not be in vain.

Are mission trips purely benevolent or partly selfish?

A

jessie dorety, staff writer group of rich strangers appears in a town with a set of power tools and an overly enthusiastic greeting, claiming to build new schools.

Once the school is built, they leave with an equally enthusiastic goodbye. Then, another group shows up a week later.

This is the life of a child who witnesses the ebb and flow of mission trips.

Of the over 2 million people who go on mission trips every year, only 35 percent don’t leave the United States, according to a 2010 study by Short Term Missions, a program that is a part of the non-profit ministry Mission Data International.

Those people are serving others only a few states away.

The expensive overseas missions to socalled exotic countries are flashier and seem more interesting on the surface.

They offer opportunities for exposure to what life is like in places like Haiti, Costa Rica, or South Africa.

Obviously, mission trips benefit the targeted group. Schools are built, helping the community and enabling development. Mission trips within the United States seemingly sound less exciting on

photo by emily levitt JUNIOR MADDIE SEDGWICK paints a portrait of a young boy inspired by her mission trip to Kenya.

paper. People don’t go on them for the chance to visit Missouri; they go because of the opportunities make a difference in a community similar to their own.

But, there are those with the financial means to pack their bags and head overseas, all for an experience that their parents hope will inspire a meaningful essay for a prestigious college. Is it for good intentions? No, they do it to mostly to look like kind-hearted people.

“They’re largely reserved for students whose parents are affluent enough to assist the endeavors. And they’re often approached casually and forgotten quickly,” New York Times writer Frank Bruni said about such trips in his article “To Get to Harvard, Go to Haiti.”

There are certainly those who seek a meaningful experience from the trips.

Junior Maddie Sedgwick didn’t have college in mind when she went on a two-week mission trip to Kenya, but she was so inspired, she said, she will write about it in her college essay.

“The trip really gave me a new perspective on different types of life and how people who have nothing are still happy,” Sedgwick said.

Though the trip was enlightening for Sedgwick, it may not help her stand out among thousands of applicants.

Application readers undoubtedly see hundreds of essays about serving in third world countries, and they aren’t fooled. Even if the applicant was legit, it’s difficult for readers to see past the overused essay topics.

Like it or not, mission trips have become cliche.

City’s defeat of plan to rename Columbus Day makes sense

I

matilde cascella, staff writer have nothing against school holidays. They mean an extra day off and time that I get to share with friends or family. What I feel is a waste of calendar space are days like National Boyfriend Day, Flag Day or Columbus Day. When the Baltimore City Council debated changing the name of Columbus Day, I couldn’t help but think “who cares?”

I have never been given a day off for this “holiday” so why now is it imperative to change the name of just another Monday?

Historically, Columbus Day was created to celebrate the landing of Christopher Columbus in the New World Oct. 12, 1492. The day did not become a federal holiday until 1937.

I can justify that people should celebrate their heritage, and that Christopher Columbus was a crucial element to the discovery of “The Free World.”

But, I can’t justify that the day named to

celebrate such an event should be taken to offend people. According to bill creator Brandon Scott, the day should have been voted to be renamed to “Indigenous Peoples Day.” “We shouldn’t celebrate terrorists,” Scott said to the Baltimore Sun, “That’s

“Why now is it imperative to change the name of just another Monday?” what celebrating Columbus does.”

Scott believes that changing the name to “Indigenous Peoples Day” would honor the people that inhabited North America prior to European invasion.

I’m not denying that those who this country originally belonged to should

be compensated for one of the largest forgotten genocides. But, is renaming a day that has virtually no meaning really the best way to honor such a large group of people?

I don’t agree with Scott on his likening of Columbus to a terrorist. In an abstract way I can understand the relation but I also think that Columbus is tremendously important and should be celebrated just as much as the indigenous people. After all, none of us would be here without his sailing of the ocean blue.

Our council could have been spending their hours debating some more important topics, such as the high rates of homelessness and drug abuse in our city, rather than changing the name of a day that nobody celebrates.

If we want to honor indigenous peoples, we have a lot more work to do. The day’s overall lack of importance and influence just shows how disrespectful it would be to use it as an honor.

Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

it’s like this Words can denigrate

A

dorrie gaeng, staff writer group is eating lunch. One person complains about a teacher who gave him a B because he turned in an assignment late. The kid’s insult of choice is the derogatory f-word referring to a gay man.

Another group of friends is hanging out over weekend. One is dared to steal something. When he hesitates, his friends call him the p-word referring to female genitalia.

High school is home to a host of offensive language.

After witnessing countless instances of people casually throwing around derogatory terms, I can only hope that this habit does not follow them later into life.

With the social pressure and anxiety most teenagers face, it can be hard not to conform to norms like swearing. But everyone has the opportunity to break this demeaning vocabulary. Some people truly may not realize what they are saying is offensive, but that’s not usually how it goes. The vast majority of people probably recognize these aren’t things they would say around adults or teachers.

When confronted, offenders issue a long list of justifications. “Oh, they know we’re just joking,” “It’s okay because they’re not actually gay,” and “Don’t worry, I would never actually say that around a black person.”

The more excuses we make, the longer this behavior endures. When you find an assignment stupid and call it gay, you are connoting gay to mean stupid.

When you call a shirt gay, which you think is ugly, you are connoting gay to mean ugly. It doesn’t matter where you are or who is around you, if you say it,

“I can’t emphasize enough that words are not ephemeral.” you convey that you believe it.

Because members of the LGBTQA+ community are often the victims of crude and offensive language language, it’s no surprise that women are too. When a man is called the p-word, it is not implied that he is female genitalia. He is being called weak. He is being called un-masculine. He is being called afraid. These words are probably said to get a laugh, but there is nothing funny about labeling an entire gender weak.

Perhaps the most prevalent and widespread derogatory speech occurs in the form of racial slurs.

Whether it is the punch line of a bad joke or just everyday words, this is unacceptable. Many people have started to revive the use of the N-word, presuming that it’s okay as long as they don’t drop the “hard E-R.” The offensive connotation of this word does not lose its capacity when a letter is replaced.

Calling someone Jewish a “penny-pincher,” or calling a Native American “Big red” or “alcoholics” are probably less common in the high school setting, but no less disgusting and demeaning. It is impossible to address all the potential instances of derogatory speech, but it is important to understand the roots of this problem.

People who fail to examine the true implications of their words are fueling this vicious cycle of stereotypes. What we all need to do is remember to speak with conviction, to choose words carefully. In short, we must think before we speak.

I can’t emphasize enough that words are not ephemeral. It doesn’t matter who you are around. It doesn’t matter if it’s in writing or not. It doesn’t matter whether you are in a job interview, cafeteria, or social media website. Words matter.

Just because crude language abounds in high school hallways doesn’t mean we should let it stand.

The next time you hear a friend label another the pword or something equally offensive, I challenge you to speak up.

the griffin

6 sports

athletes

watch

VARSITY

Lovo leads with strategy

quinn mccabe, staff writer resh off of a fifth place finish at the Baltimore County Championships last year, junior captain Carlos Lovo is hungry for a State Championship this year.

“He put in a tremendous amount of training in the offseason, working out with the Maryland National Team at clubs and camps and we are very excited to see his imphoto by hanna bewley provement this season,” varCARLOS LOVO sity wrestling coach Scott Asher said.

Lovo believes his key to success this year is his heightened focus on adapting to his opponents’ strengths and weaknesses. analyze how my oppoTOP SPORTS IDOLS nent“I moves to figure out what 1) Former Olympic kind of wrestler they are and then I wrestle them using wrestler Dan Gable their weaknesses,” Lovo said.

Lovo is also proud of his 2) Former collemental control during matchgiate wrestler Cael es, noting a match last year against Towson, who the Sanderson team will face Dec. 22.

“My opponent was fighting 3) Best Wrestler of dirty the whole match but I the Year Zain Reth- was able to keep my cool and defeat him,” Lovo said. erford His teammates praise his abilities on and off the mat.

“He has a lot of great leadership qualities and everyone looks up to him,” junior Hunter McDonnell said. “His confidence and determination have rubbed off on us and hopefully they will during this season as well.”

Regarding their potentially most difficult match of the year against Owings Mills, Lovo has high hopes for the team.

“I am most proud of the development of the team because we have many more wrestlers this year with sheer, raw talent. I truly believe we can do it this year,” Lovo said.

F

Lions edge out Comets in S

off the backboard to give the Lions a 40-29 lead going into patrick fitzgerald, sports editor and sam harsel, staff writer ophomore guard Jaylen Wiggins found himself in the the break.

According to Byers, the play wasn’t designed for that to right place at the right time twice in the last minute of the Lions’ (2-1) 62-60 home victory over Catonsville (1- happen.

“The play was actually for Kyndle Jones, but I felt it so I de2) Dec. 9.

“We got to protect the Lions’ Den,” Wiggins said he was cided to take the shot and it went in thankfully,” Byers said.

“Huge,” head coach Matt Lochte called that shot after the thinking while standing at the line sinking the free throw that game. “It’s 3 points, and we won by 2.” helped clinch the win.

Wiggins (6 points) and Byers (12 points) comprised a balWiggins, the smallest player on the court at 5 feet, 8 inches, anced effort for the Lions, who had grabbed an offensive rebound five players score in double figures. and got fouled on the put Chambers led the Comets with 16. back attempt with 50.2 secThe second quarter featured a onds remaining and the score 15-0 run by the Lions, including tied at 60. He made the sectwo threes each by junior guard ond of two free throws to give Chase Drew and freshman guard the Lions a one-point lead.

Ché Evans Jr. During that run, EvAfter Catonsville’s senior ans blocked three shots. A sprained guard Nate Chambers missed ankle sidelined him during the third a three-point attempt at the quarter. other end, Wiggins got posThe Lions forced the Comets to session of the ball and drew a turn over the ball during that run foul with 22.5 seconds left on with their press. the clock. Again, he converted “The full court press is our bread on the second foul shot. and butter,” Lochte said. “We try to It was all the Lions would photo by sophie bates wear teams out.” need, as the game-winning Above: SOPHOMORE JAYLEN WIGGINS hits a foul shot to take the Lions to Senior point guard AJ Richardson three-point attempt by Chama 61 to 60 lead above Catonsville Dec. 9. labeled the team’s defense vital to bers fell well short as time exsuccess and added that team was not pired.

Although Wiggins played a crucial role in the game’s fi- pleased with the result of the first quarter.

The first quarter seemed to forecast a low-scoring game. nal minute, junior guard Charlie Byers kept the Lions in the The Lions only scored 13 points while allowing 19. They game.

Catonsville tied the score at 51 with 5:34 remaining in the struggled to convert despite the fact that they were getting fourth quarter and was up 58-53 with 2:49 left. Byers hit a good looks.

“First we are better than just scoring 13 points. But more three-pointer from the right corner with 2:16 on the clock, and a layup on the next possession to tie the score at 58. As importantly we gave up 19 points in the first which we were time expired in the second quarter, he made a three-pointer pretty disappointed and fired up about,” Lochte said.

Senior reigns at Winter Madness dunk contest Left SENIOR LAMONT SANDERS performs a two-hand dunk at Winter Madness Dec. 1 in the Lions’ den gym. Sanders won the competition and credits his ability to execute a dunk to the crowds during a home game. “A dunk excites a crowd a lot more than a layup and really gets the fans into the game,” Sanders said.

JUNIOR VARSITY

Practice leads to progress

andrew vuong, staff writer restling has always been the go-to for sophomore Destiny Benjamin. Last year, she was on the junior varsity team and had a chance to prove herself after the season ended.

Benjamin represented the Maryland Girls National Team in New York in the Lady Liberty Duals , where she finished photo by sophie bates with a 4-2 record.

DESTINY BENJAMIN “My key to success is do what I learned in practice,” Benjamin said, which has paid off as she successfully made the varsity team this season.

Varsity head coach Scott Asher commended Benjamin’s work ethic and her rise up to TOP SPORTS IDOLS varsity.

“She strives to learn new 1) Former collegiate moves, works hard to improve her technique and wrestler Kyle Dake uses her sturdy defense to shut down her opponents,” 2) Olympic goldhe said.

Benjamin’s perseverance is medalist wrestler evident on and off the mat.

“She knows she’s at a disHelen Maroulis advantage because she’s 3) Professional a girl, but she never fools around in practice and alwrestler Seth Rollins ways puts forth her best effort during workouts,” varsity captain junior Carlos Lovo said. “Her heart is her biggest weapon. She puts every ounce of energy during in-season workouts and off-season workouts.”

By winning both her matches against other varsity teammates, she was able to secure a position on the higher level team, exceeding the expectations of the team.

“Everyone was in awe after watching her win her matches, but we all know her move up was well-deserved,” Lovo said. “She continues to work hard and be a prime example of what hard work and dedication will give you.”

December 16, 2016

W

Right FRESHMAN CHE EVANS JR. does a tomahawk dunk at Winter Madness. “I first learned to dunk with a tennis ball, and progressively getting bigger sports balls and perfecting those until I got to the basketball,” Evans said. Evans’ desire to dunk was inspired by Lebron James. “If you dunk it hard enough, you feel like a god,” Evans said.

photo by hanna bewley

photo by hanna b

Phenom’s future shines despite ankle injury patrick fitzgerald, sports editor n the Lions’ game against Catonsville Dec. 9, they took an 11-point lead into halftime and were keeping the Comets at bay when freshman guard Ché Evans Jr. fell to the ground in pain after jumping for a loose ball.

Evans, who scored 10 points in the game, stayed down for a couple of minutes, clutching at his right ankle in front of a silent gym.

He was diagnosed with a sprained ankle, and according to head coach Matt Lochte, will be out for a few games. But he’ll still be a major factor for the Lions when he heals.

Lochte had the highest of praises for Evans.

“Ché Evans Jr. is as talented as any 14 or 15-year old I’ve seen,” Lochte said. “He legitimately has an opportunity to be great.”

So far this season Evans has averaged 12.3 points per game as a starter, leading the team to a 2-1 start. His success derives from hard work.

“I work out every day, and if I don’t, my dad gets on me,” he said, adding that he tries to put up at least 500 shots a day.

Evans has received four offers from Division I schools: St.

I

on the mound

Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org

John’s, Georgia Tech, University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Te as Christian University.

Evans’ versatility has gotten him a lot of this attention.

“He’s a 6-foot, 6-inch player that can dribble it, can shoot and can pass it,” Lochte said.

For Evans, basketball runs in the family. His father and two his uncles played hoops in college and overseas. Evans himse has lofty expectations, striving to make it to the National Ba ketball Association.

“That’s my main goal, and that’s what I’m focusing on,” Evan said.

“If I turn it up, I will most likely be unstoppable.”

At this school, we are pretty spoiled basketball fans. We hav had the fortune of watching Division I and II level talents on yearly basis.

But Ché Evans Jr. has the potential to be one of the best playe in school history, and he doesn’t shy away from it.

“I need to improve my intensity and motor,” he said. “If I tur it up, I will most likely be unstoppable.”

7

the griffin

December 16, 2016

n back-and-forth contest

bewley

watch

VARSITY

Junior vaulter runs, soars Left: JUNIOR CHARLIE BYERS shoots a layup on a fast break during the Dec. 9 home game against Catonsville. Byers noted that the crowd pushes him towards success during a game. “The fans are one of the best in the county and show so much support in all aspects of the game,” Byers said.

Below: SENIOR COLE HARSHMAN dodges defenders and goes up to complete a layup during the Dec. 9 game against Catonsville.

5

photo by sophie bates

photo by sophie bates

things to know: Girls Varsity basketball

1) Two players top 6 feet: forwards junior Lydia Naughton and sophomore Lily Davison are each 6 feet, 1 inch.

2) Six sophomores play on the team this year.

3) The team lost four seniors from last year.

4) A pair of sisters plays on the team: junior Akirra Pullen (guard) and senior Alleshia Pullen (forward).

5) Naughton scored 16 points to lead the team to a 56-38 victory over Towson Dec. 7.

The Lions’ record at presstime was 1-2.

For more information on winter sports, see updates in Lions Notebook on the website.

Cross Country captures first individual win at Nike Cross Regional Southeast

ex-

t it

of elf as-

ns

SOPHOMORE BROOKE RUFFIN made history by becoming the first Lion to win the prestigious Nike Cross Regional race held in Cary, N.C. Nov. 26. Her time of 19:29.7 in the Rising Stars 5K race was a personal best.

Ruffin’s strategy was to focus on the runner next to her. “We were pacing with each other, and at the last mile, I pushed up the hill. I kept saying ‘I can do this’ and everyone was cheering for me. I was so shocked.” Ruffin said. Her first-place finish led

ve na

the girls Rising Stars team to a victory.

In the varsity races, the boys finished 12th, led by a 55th place finish by junior Matt Owens in 16:11.8. The girls team’s top fin-

ers

rn

athletes

sports

isher was senior Jessica Meek, who ran 19:47.8 finishing 122nd. photo by debbi persinger

Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org

emily persinger, staff writer unior Paige Johnson has pole vaulted over 8 feet for the indoor track team. Of course she had to learn how.

“It was definitely scary at first,” Johnson said. “But I had a lot of friends to help me learn it.”

Junior Grace Jung was among these friends.

“Even though it can get frustrating, she’s always the one to photo by hanna bewley give reassuring advice,” Jung, PAIGE JOHNSON who also pole vaults with Johnson, said. “It is clear she’s constantly trying to get better.”

Johnson described the start of her pole vaulting TOP SPORTS IDOLS experience as slow—it took her almost six practices to 1) Jamaican Olympic get in the air. But she was gold-medalist sprint- able to learn the motion and jump 8 feet by the end er Usain Bolt of her first season.

While Johnson has ac2) Olympic gymnast complished a lot, she feels there will always be room and gold-medalist for improvement in order Simone Biles to accomplish her goal of 9 feet by the end 3) Former Olympic jumping of the winter. Johnson’s judoka and medalist coach, Chad Boyle, agrees.

“Paige is just a secondRonda Rousey year track athlete, and so she is just scratching the surface with her potential,” he said.

Johnson is one of the top pole vaulters in the county, one of the fastest mid-distance runners in the track program and will be a valued member of the relay teams, Boyle said. Johnson’s time of 1: 02 in the 400 meters last outdoor track season was the team’s best.

Meets can be stressful for all track athletes. Johnson finds her own way to shake out her nerves beforehand.

“Before I jump I just try to take a deep breath and cancel out everyone else and just go,” Johnson said.

J

JUNIOR VARSITY

Fledgling flies on track victor yang, staff writer ophomore Sarah Paetow joined track just this year.

But her experience with lacrosse and soccer has given her the determination of a veteran.

Paetow joined track to boost her speed in preparation for the upcoming lacrosse season, she said.

“I’ve been pretty fast my whole life, but now people are starting to catch up to me.

I’m going to use track to rise above,” Paetow said.

Paetow has been involved photo by sophie bates in sports all of her life. She SARA PAETOW has been playing soccer for as long as she can remember, and playing lacrosse since the third grade, TOP SPORTS IDOLS she said. Her experience with tough coaches and the 1) Two-time gold stress of playing multiple medalist American sports gives her an edge over other rookies in adjusting to soccer player Carli the harsh demands of track.

“Being on strong teams Lloyd from both soccer and lacrosse is a huge benefit,” 2) Annie Sachs head track and field coach Chad Boyle said. “The ex3) Kaitlyn Dabpectations of those programs are high, and that helps peokowski ple easily transition to our program.”

Though lacrosse is Paetow’s primary focus, she still gives her all on track.

Early on in the season, Paetow has demonstrated a positive attitude and acted as a role model to her teammates through her dedicated work ethic.

At the CCBC Essex meet, she finished 11th in 500-meter with a time of 1:38.54 and placed second and third in the 4x160 and 4x400 relays, respectively, Dec. 10.

“She is a great leader by example. She quietly does what is asked of her and leaves a lot of effort on the track,” Boyle said.

S

8 features

the griffin

December 16, 2016

post: connie dean

Assistant Principal Connie Dean rolled into the journalism lab to speak with staff writer Lauren Kuhr about her love for the Hallmark Channel, classic rock music and the renovations that are supposed to take place here soon.

READING: Right now, I’m reading a book called “Teach Like A Pirate,” which is a book that gives lots of different strategies and interventions for studentcentered learning. I’m also reading a book called “Whistling Vivaldi,” which is about equity and helping change culture, so they’re two professional reads. In my spare time, I like to read mushy-corny-happy-go-lucky-everybodyfalls-in-love ending kind of stories.

“Robyn Carr” is one that I like. I think that because I deal with a lot of difficult issues, sometimes, reading that kind of book is an easy read.

WATCHING: I’m not a huge TV fan. I’m one of those people who watches while doing five other things, so it’s kind of on in the background. For instance, my daughter is writing a paper and yesterday, I was helping her do some research while we were watching “The Voice.” I also like to watch “Blue Bloods” and “Hawaii Five-O.” “Blue Bloods” is about an Irish family where the father is a commissioner of the NYC Police Department and everyone in the family is tied-in to some legal job. “Hawaii Five-O” is about detectives and crime scenes. I’m going to be embarrassed to tell you that the reality of what I watch a lot of is the Hallmark and Lifetime channels. I love the Christmas shows. I’m not a huge movie watcher, maybe because of time. I like old movies, like “Dirty Dancing” and I enjoy the romance kind. I don’t like scary movies at all. My daughter watches “The Walking Dead,” but I could never watch that. I would have nightmares every night.

LISTENING: I am probably a destined Classic Rock fan. Although some of the lyrics to the Red Hot Chili Peppers

maybe aren’t the most appropriate, that’s one of my favorite bands. I love their music and that’s my favorite band. I’m actually going to go see them in concert in February in Philadelphia. I am so pumped, I just love them. They are my alltime favorite band.

FOLLOWING: I have Facebook and Twitter. I check my Facebook page maybe once a week, and I try to keep it more of me looking than of me responding. Mostly because of my job, I have to be very careful. While I was at Hereford, there was a time when I had Snapchat just to see what was going on with my kids—spying, I guess. I do have it, but I’m probably not as savvy as I could be.

Most of the information I receive on Twitter is professional or related to our school. I’ll post about things such as “One Love” and all that.

RENOVATING: I can say that renovations turned out beautiful [at Hereford]—it’s incredibly nice. Overall, the students and staff handled it very well, because they knew we were getting something new, but I think it’s different from here in some ways.

At Hereford, we weren’t looking to upgrade our fields and people were more agreeable to the renovations. And we did have a new building built. There was a whole new wing with a huge science building with a whole new cafeteria. There was a little more outcome than what we’re expecting here, so I think people were very excited about that. I was frustrated because as soon as my office was ready, I came here. But in the long-run, I’m really glad I’m here, I really love it here and it’s a very unique school.

HOPING: I think, for the most part, people here want a whole new building. First of all, the design of this building is really set in a 1960s kind of model, which causes people to think that it might be difficult to renovate in a way that might be meaningful for us. I have to remain neutral. There were different issues at Hereford, I think, like the water wasn’t as big of an issue because there was a running well of water over there and a water tower.

All-in-all, the community feeling here is different going in.

Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

SENIOR Arianna Minas sports a green cargo jacket from Nordstrom and a twist-up shirt with a layered necklace, both from Francesca’s, ripped jeans from American Eagle and booties from DSW Dec. 7.

fashion forward photo by sophie bates

Style keeps senior alert Active in the Greek Orthodox Youth Association, Allied Soccer and Relay for Life, senior Arianna Minas sat down with sports editor Partick Fitzgerald to talk about her look.

Q: What motivates you to dress nicely every day?

A: When I dress well, naturally, it helps me stay awake. If you look like a bum, you feel kind of ‘eh.’

If you dress nice, you feel like, ‘I should stay awake because I look cute.’ I dress for myself and my own satisfaction, not for anyone else. It’s true, when you look good you feel good.

Q: Where do you like to buy your outfits?

A: I go honestly anywhere. If I go into a store and see something I like, I’ll get it. I like Express, I like Nordstrom. You can honestly take me wherever and I’ll probably find something.

Q: Which celebrities’ fashion senses do you admire?

A: I feel like celebrity fashion sense is kind of outlandish and extreme. They all wear things that typically we think looks good on them, but it’s not really something that any of us would’ve bought.

Q: How long does it take you to get ready?

A: Thirty minutes because I don’t really wear makeup or anything, so if I plan an outfit from the night before real fast I’m set to go.

the griffin

December 16, 2016

9 features

They’re still hot

Ripped jeans persist in teen wardrobes

vinny arciaga, maria eberhart and emily williams, staff writers ophomore Lucia Qian learned how to rip her jeans from watching YouTube videos.

“I go to thrift shops and buy jeans that are only like $5 and just cut them off, cuff them and distress them,” Qian said.

It may be winter time, but ripped

S

photo by sophie bates JUNIOR KENDALL SNYDER sports ripped jeans she purchased from American Eagle for about $25.

jeans are practically everywhere. The popularity of this classic look has been around since the 1980’s, when ripped jeans were associated with the era of heavy metal and rock music.

The jeans resurfaced in this decade because they’re simple yet edgy.

“They are cute, and they catch the eye. You can express yourself,” sophomore Lilah Sidle said.

Styles include light-wash, jet-black, small slits or gaping holes. Senior Jared Lim mixes styles.

“I have one that’s really blown out at the knee and another with a couple of rips from mid-thigh all the way down to the ankle area,” Lim said.

Students reported spending from $20 to $50 on ripped jeans. Popular brands include H&M, PacSun, Hollister and Zara.

Junior Kendall Snyder’s go-to is American Eagle, where she prefers to buy dark blue jeans, she said.

Ripped jeans are often established as the focal point of the outfit. Because of this, students choose to go simple with solid-colored shirts and sweaters.

“The attention’s usually on the legs.

It depends on the color. You want something plain but also brings together the jeans and the top,” sophomore Lilah Sidle said.

While some like them for fashion purposes, others choose to wear them to make a statement.

“Teens like to feel rebellious,” junior Nicole Tregabov said.

No matter the reason for wearing them, students agree that ripped jeans aren’t going away anytime soon.

“This trend will last until the end of humanity,” Sidle said.

photo by hanna bewley

scenes

photo by hanna bewley

dulaney

photo by susan lee

(Left to right, top to bottom) SENIOR JED PENASO conducts a photosynthesis lab in Marty Stranathan’s Advanced Placement biology class Nov. 30. Students were tasked with testing the effects of temperature, wavelength of light and concentration of a carbon dioxide substrate on the rate of photosynthesis in leaf chads made from punching holes out of spinach leaves. “We were able to measure the rate of photosynthesis within 15 minutes just by following simple procedures,” Penaso said. “Different factors, like the concentration of baking soda and color of light, can have a great effect on the rate of photosynthesis in plants.”

SENIORS ANDREW FARNUM and Mary Charlotte Gitlin assume the roles of George Wickham and Elizabeth Bennet, in the theater’s annual fall production, “Pride and Prejudice,” Dec. 1.

JUNIORS JAMES PENTIKIS and Sepehr Akhtarkhavari play “Jingle Bell Rock” outside of the York Road Walmart for Key Club’s annual bell-ringing fundraiser for the Salvation Army Dec. 3.

Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

10 features

the griffin

December 16, 2016

Beloved classic disappoints C REVIEWS:

rebellious teen who had Rory when Despite these let-downs, this new olivia summons, staff writer hange has arrived in the she was unmarried and unprepared. iteration of “Gilmore Girls” does world of “Gilmore Girls.” SPOILER ALERT: The revival series contain moments of blissful remiLet’s just say the years shifts this original positivity and niscence. All members from the have not been kind to the charac- shows Rory’s integrity decreasing original series united again. Among those returning ters in the series, are townspeople which is available like quirky Kirk for streaming on Gleason, played Netflix following

by Sean Gunn, and a Thanksgiving Sookie St. James, weekend release. the charming chef The first episode played by Melissa initially showed McCarthy. promise with Any fan will fond30-year-old Rory’s ly recall scenes return to Stars Holfrom the original low. The opening series where Roseemed to reiterate ry’s grandfather, the sparkling relaplayed by Edward tionship between Herrmann, providher mother Lorelai ed comic relief and and her on-andoff boyfriend Luke photo from netflix consoling advice.

Herrmann was not Danes. But, much able to be a part to fans’ dismay, a of the reunion (he dry and scripted passed away Dec. revision takes the SENIOR TEAGAN SENIOR GIANLUCA SENIOR HANNAH 31, 2014). But the place of the once BOWEN: PAROTTA: BOSTWICK: cast paid a sentilively discussions among these char“Of course, I was “They completely “The characters mental and heartacters. excited to see that destroyed the show, really did shine out a warming tribute to in the For me, Rory’s Jess is still around the stories are un- lot more in this one Herrmann second episode of original strong and in Rory’s life. original and poorly as opposed to the the revival. work ethic and While there were positive attitude to#TeamJess” done.” original.” some sweet spots, ward conflict were and I appreciinspiring.

Disappointingly, she has downgraded further: losing her job, having a re- ate the 90-minute length of these to an unemployed woman facing a gretful one- night stand and getting new episodes, expectations soared mid-life crisis. Her interactions with pregnant by an unknown father. too high for this revamp. The moLorelai seem lackluster, leaving me FURTHER SPOILER ALERT: The ments of sweet nostalgia couldn’t tempted to abandon the cast and fourth episode of the new series outweigh the strikingly unnatural their fictional small town in Con- puts Rory Gilmore in the same posi- banter and the loss of a role model, tion as her mother was years before. Rory’s spunky adolescent shoes are necticut.

The original series featured a recur- Were there no more original ideas just too big to fill. ring theme of success. Lorelai was a among the show’s writers?

*SPOILER ALERT* Students React:

OVERALL RATING:

Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

photo from netflix

Check out comic’s sitcom

B

kevin zorbach, staff writer inge-worthy. That’s the best word to describe “Master of None,” a single-season comedy show streaming on Netflix. It’s composed of 10 episodes that draw viewers into the life of Dev Shah, an Indian actor living in New York, played by comedian and creator of the show, Aziz Ansari.

Most episodes follow a similar plot-line: an important event occurs at the beginning, and later themes of the episode all relate to this one event. In my favorite episode, “Parents,” Dev and his friend Brian (played by co-creator Alan Yang) realize all of the struggles their parents went through as immigrants after Dev auditions for a role in a minority-based film. The stark contrast between a modern-day New York lifestyle and more traditional Southeast Asian customs is apparent, creating a unique cultural clash that adds a more serious, yet funny, facet to the show.

One hilarious motif throughout the show is Dev’s poor ability to make decisions. In the episode “Hot Ticket,” Dev approaches different women throughout the day to ask if they would like to go to a concert with him later that evening, and ends up going with an aggressive kleptomaniac. This is one of the many poor choices Dev makes throughout the show.

The show also humorously satirizes millennial culture. Whenever Dev and his friends are socializing, they are actually just sitting around on their phones or binge-watching TV, satirizing the current culture of youth.

Overall, Ansari and Yang knocked this out of the park. The show earns the title of binge-worthy due to all of its hilarious moments and inimitable character cluster. Once you start watching, it is difficult to let go. Season 2 is coming out in April, and I cannot wait.

OVERALL RATING:

December 16, 2016

the griffin

11 features

REVIEWS:

Hunt Valley Iron Rooster debuts All-day breakfast entices shoppers with tempting treats

photo by sophie bates THE NEW IRON ROOSTER is in the Hunt Valley Towne Centre near Marshalls.

M

sophie bates, editor-in-chief ore than a typical breakfast joint, the Iron Rooster won over my friends and me – despite a 45-minute wait.

Starving, we entered the restaurant Dec. 3, took in the rustic patriotic feel of the dining area (two flags hang tapestry style amid dark wood tables) and mustered the energy for shopping before returning to a satisfying, caloric meal.

The chain opened its third restaurant in Hunt Valley Black Friday, Nov. 30. Two other Iron Rooser restaurants are located in Baltimore and Annapolis and have gained popularity for their indulgent, all-American breakfast food, which they serve all day.

It didn’t take long to settle on what to order. We chose the renowned mixed berry house-made pop tart ($6.95), the fried chicken benny ($15.95) and the challah French

toast ($10.95). Seated within five minutes of our return, we were greeted by our waitress for drink orders.

I went with bottomless coffee, priced at $3.50. The coffee was bold and flavorful, but not so bottomless, as I was never given a refill during the meal. All in all, it wasn’t worth the $3.50.

But our food arrived quickly. And oh boy, the portions were huge. We were instantly pleased with the decision for an appetizer and two entrees to split, rather than three individual meals. What’s more, we each wanted the entire savory and sweet experience.

The pop tart was delectable. I’m not talking about the average toaster pastry here, because this appetizer put those caloric frosted cardboard snacks to shame. With photo by sophie bates a decadent crust, the Iron Rooster pop tart FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: challah French toast, fried chicken benny and house-made mixed berry pop tart was stuffed with a homemade mixed berry The hostesses were polite, yet our waitress was a bit distant jam and frosted with icing, topped with whipped cream and served with fresh strawberries, blue- and didn’t provide constant service. This may be caused berries and raspberries. I could see myself eating the whole by a new staff, but I expected better service for the pricey thing for a meal. It was a huge serving, the perfect split for meal. Also, there was slight confusion on splitting the bill, a seemingly simple task. three hungry girls.

All in all, despite the flawed service, I left with a satisThe French toast was no joke either. The entrée was served with four slices of challah bread, soaked and toast- fied stomach, just the right amount of full. My next mission ed with an apple and vanilla egg batter. My favorite part is to try more meats and the pecan bread--highly recomof this meal was the bourbon maple butter topping, and I mended by a friend. snagged some whipped cream from the pop tart to make it an even better experience.

Lastly, I tried the buttermilk-fried chicken eggs bene- OVERALL RATING: dict, which was amazing. I prefer savory foods to sweets, so this dish ranked as my favorite. Atop an open-faced The Iron Rooster: flaky biscuit were two poached eggs and three moderately 50 Shawan Road sized pieces of chicken, served with a side of home fries. Hunt Valley The chicken was cooked to perfection, juicy on the inside Monday - Saturday: 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. with a crispy breading. The eggs were poached well, and Sunday: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. the peppered hollandaise gravy paired nicely with the soul food dish. Last but not least, the potatoes’ perfect crispness made this entrée complete.

While the food was incredible, the service was lackluster.

Upscale restaurant falls short of expectations

C

matilde cascella, staff writer unningham’s, which describes itself as a “refined bar and grill,” located right off the Towson Town roundabout and positioned in the lower half of an office building, offered a host of convincing pictures on their website. It was warmly lit with an open kitchen in the center and several dining rooms on either side. The soft lighting in tandem with the soft jazz, provided a comfortable environment for dining.

The seasonal menu advertised a variety of fresh vegetables and meats from Cunningham farms only half a mile away.

Serving everything from $8- simpleroasted pumpkin soup, to a $38-strip steak served with heirloom tomato salad, photo by matilde cascella balsamic roasted pearl onions and demiDATE PUDDING with spiced, poached pears. glace, Cunningham’s isn’t a cheap eat.

The “crispy” skin the menu promised was For appetizers, we decided on $12-cornmeal-fried oysters with heirloom tomato, soft and the dry breast was ruined even arugula, bacon sherry vinaigrette and more by the thickly cut chow-chow that buerre blanc and a $15-tuna crudo with overpowered the meat.

For dessert I chose a $7-date pudding pickled black plums, hazlenut, jalepeno and radish. The oysters were tender, even- with spiced poached pears, warm toffee ly coated with a light batter and elevated sauce and buttermilk ice-cream. The pudby the arugula. The tuna crudo was fresh, ding wasn’t the traditional JELL-O blob, buttery and went surprisingly well with but an unexpected bread pudding that had a soft, fluffy texture. the hazelnut, but was nothing worth $15.

While the ambiance was warm, I can say The entrée selection featured seafood, white and red meat and veggie options with certainty that there were no particuthat could be accompanied by sides such as larly delicious new flavors that I would go mac and cheese or truffle parmesan fries, back for. both of which we ordered. The fries were particularly disappointing because their truffle claim to fame fell flat. The mac and cheese was a mediocre house made mac OVERALL RATING: that didn’t offer any especially new flavors with its typical white cheddar and asiago Cunningham’s: 1 Olympic Place combination.

My main course consisted of a $25-crispy Towson chicken breast that sounded appetizing on Monday - Thursday: 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. the menu with a bed of corn bread purée, Friday - Saturday: 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. summer chow-chow and cayenne honey. Sunday: 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

the griffin

12 features

December 16, 2016

Photo transitions from film to digital

photo by jilly corbett

photo by jenny peterson

photo by lisa zimmerman

photo by lydia jung

photo by mckenzie weller

an artist among us:

Photographer snares nature shots

E

me like I’m crazy,” he said. emlyn langlieb and emily williams, staff writers Waleedh recalls one night when he stayed in an isover since he was young, senior Joodh Waleedh lated cabin in North Carolina and stayed up late has enjoyed art, but photography was special. to get the perfect picture of the stars. Another On his family visits to the Maldives, he was time in White Mountain National Forest, he frequently asked to snap photos of his family in improvised by using sunglasses to get front of countless picturesque landscapes. the shot he wanted.

But Waleedh was more interested in the scene Waleedh displays his photothan the people. graphs on his Instagram under the “My mom would always shout at me for not account name “a_lonely_traveler.” taking pictures of her and everyone else,” Only three months after he created it, Waleedh said.

Waleedh’s account hit 1,000 folWaleedh fully dived into the world of lowers. photography his sophomore year when he Followers and friends alike note purchased a Canon 1200D, joined photogWaleedh’s exceptional talent. raphy club and started watching YouTube “Joodh is able to capture the esvideos to learn more techniques. Although sence of the beauty of the moment,” he doesn’t always have the optimal equipsenior Jessica Yan said. ment, that doesn’t stop him from taking adThough many teachers haven’t vanced shots. seen Waleedh’s photos, they note his “I remember one night I took my music photo by julie chotivatanapong pensive and creative personality. stand and some rubber bands and attached “He is very deep and insightful. And I can’t imagmy DSLR into the stand to take pictures of the moon ine what kind of pictures he is making,” French teacher and stars,” he said.

Some of his most memorable moments came during Bella Nabutovsky said.

While he may not pursue photography as a profesvacations, he said.

“I get really excited on the inside and I freak out. I can sion, Waleedh said he will continue taking pictures as get an amazing photo and my parents always stare at a hobby.

photo by vladimir leung ADVANCED PLACEMENT Photography instructor Kate Martiyan admits the year started with a challenge.

“It was disappointing to lose the darkroom at first, but we are finding creative solutions to learning the fundamentals of photography in other ways,” Martiyan said.

New cameras bought by the school have helped, Martiyan said after completing an installation of her students’ photos outside photo class in room 314 last month. Among those displayed are works depicted here.

While complaints about the loss of film arise occasionally, A.P. Photo student and junior Reese Spann is optimistic.

“The dark room here was the only opportunity we had to do film photography, but we have a lot more opportunities with electronics,” she said.

WALEEDH’S TIPS ON HOW TO TAKE A GOOD PHOTO: 1. Evaluate light source 2. Use the rule of thirds 3. Have a clear focus

photos by joodh waleedh

Freshman animating, voicing own show FRESHMAN HAYLEY SHEARMAN’S animated online series, “Adventures of the Team,” features gods and goddesses as they work to use their powers to coexist on Earth. Shearman said she took inspiration from the Cartoon Network series “Steven Universe.”

“It’s the only currently running show on TV that I like and it has the same sci-fi kind of feel to it that I decided I wanted to convey in my series,” she said.

“The gods have codes to identify them.”

art by hayley shearman

T

vinny arciaga, staff writer o hear freshman Hayley Shearman tell it, creating and voicing much of her own animation show is a breeze.

“It’s fun to be able to make a story and have it come to life with characters that have a certain mood,” Shearman said. “It really adds a layer to how the viewers perceive them as a person, even if they aren’t real.”

Shearman, who has been animating for almost a year and is self-taught, is producing her series “Adventures of the Team” despite starting over 11 times. She plans 25 episodes online (See it via her YouTube account, YourTrustyScout), she said, adding that episodes will showcase adventures of gods and goddesses representing the five elements: light, water, fire, earth and air.

Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

She expects to finish the first episode no later than early spring, she said.

Shearman’s style includes bright colors, realistic body proportions and cartoonish faces, according to freshman Kyra Butler, who voices one of Shearman’s characters.

“She tries to make the character as proportionate as possible to actual human anatomy but still have faces that can easily convey expressions,” Butler said. Shearman’s listening ability and sense of compassion enhance her characters’ realism, Butler said.

Shearman’s advice for potential animators?

“Don’t be intimidated by how much work animation is,” Shearman said. ”The work will be worth it when you see the characters come to life.”