February 2015 by Dulaney Griffin

Our mission: to enlighten and to entertain

Dulaney High School Timonium, Maryland

Volume 55, Issue 4 MOVING

the griffin

Visit us at http://dulaneygriffin.org

February 20, 2015

Group mobilizes to fund fixes sarah feustle, deputy editor, sierra prior and kira stiers, associate editors v e r y day we w a l k into the bathroom and we see brown water. In classes we’re sweating, everyone feels miserable. People don’t want to take pride in a school where they aren’t comfortable,” Student Government Organization president Left: Custodian Bill Underwood sweeps water into the courtyard following a pipe burst in the main hallway Feb. 18. The flood was the second of and senior Kristin the day. Friends of Dulaney cite pipe bursts, termite infestation and temperature fluctuations, among other building issues, as evidence to prove that renovations are needed. Newman said to third district state Right: Custodian Derek Williams and county employee Anthony Gentry clean the library classroom floor after a pipe burst Feb. 18. “We are not r e p r e s e n t a t i v e attempting to raise any private funds for the Dulaney’s facility needs. State and public funding are the appropriate sources for school construction Wade Kach during projects,” Friends of Dulaney member Yara Cheikh said. a tour of the school photos by kira stiers Jan. 28. The tour was one yet heard back from them, despite contacting Even with the cuts, the Friends of Dulaney conof many led by the Friends of Dulaney, a recently them about the tests. As for termites, Assistant tinues to push for full renovation. The group’s formed parent group advocating improvements Principal Thomas Dugas said that infested cabi- current goal is to have the design and building here. Along with the tours, the group has been nets have been removed but extermination has funds covered under the 2017 capital budget, appearing at Board of Education meetings and yet to happen. Additional problems, like the in- which is approved by the local school system, submitting letters to the Baltimore Sun and othoperable, corroded showers in the girls’ locker with input from the county. er local papers. Their goal is to ensure that our room, also remain unresolved due to slow re“We can’t prioritize any one project because school is given the necessary funding for a fullsponses to submitted work orders. to bring Dulaney into the 21st century environfacility renovation, estimated to cost $60 million. Despite the group’s efforts, superintendent ment and meet the needs of our students we Among the issues the group is striving to reDallas Dance cut $18 million from the proposed need systemic renovations to our facilities and solve are faulty pipes, poor water quality, tembudget, which was originally set for $1.5 bil- air conditioning,” Friends of Dulaney member perature fluctuations and termites throughout lion, according to an article in the Baltimore Sun. Yara Cheikh said. “We have to spend wisely and the building. Dance had also originally asked for $2 million part of that is doing all the renovation at once.” Friends of Dulaney submitted a request months more to fund the maintenance of schools, but anago to have water quality here tested by Baltinounced at a school board meeting that the ad- see GROUP MOBILIZES, page 3 more County Public Schools. The group has not ditional amount would be cut.

“E

see page 6

# TO KNOW

the percentage of juniors deemed college-ready based on 2014 PSAT scores RAPPING

see page 12

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

Survey results: Alcohol use drops, pot use inches up as school outpaces nation

sumin woo, deputy editor and holly sutley, staff writer lthough school-wide drinking rates appear to be declining, the overall rate remains high compared to the national average. An anonymous survey of 256 students in English classes of all grades and levels shows that half of students here drink recreationally. The figure is down from 60 percent last year. “I’m proud that students are making better decisions,” principal Lyn Whitlock said of the trend. “It’s very encouraging.” 24 percent of freshmen said they drink recreationally, compared to triple the number of seniors. At least one student expressed surprise. “I’d expect there to be more student-drinkers here honestly, as sad as that sounds,” junior Emma Hardisky said. “You can’t really judge who drinks and who doesn’t by what classes they take.” In fact, this year’s survey shows 60 percent of Advanced Placement students admit to drinking recreationally. Both years’ overall statistics are still significantly

higher than the national drinking average. Of 12to 17-year-olds, 30.8 percent admit to drinking, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). A local physician suggests there’s a biological connection. “Incomplete myelination of the frontal lobes of the brain where the decision making process occurs results in bad decisions,” Nishi Das, an internist, said. Effects of drinking at a young age include alcohol addiction, poor academic performance, encounters with the law (such as DUIs) and increased drug use, Das said. The rate of the school’s marijuana use is more than double the national rate. Only 16 percent of the same national age group has used pot nationally, compared to the 33 percent of students here. School marijuana consumption increased slightly from last year’s 32 percent.

STUDENTS WHO DRINK RECREATIONALLY 71

see DRUGS AND ALCOHOL, page 2

FRESHMEN

the number of people who attended December school meeting on race (see page 5) CHANGING

SOPHOMORES

JUNIORS

TO KNOW

SENIORS

PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS

see page 3

FYI: Stakeholder survey Ends Feb. 28

Ring Dance March 7 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Classic Cafeteria

SGO Battle of the Classes

Interims distributed March 13

March 11 6 p.m. Gym

Visit us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

Junior Interviews March 17 – 18 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. Library

National Honor Society Induction March 31 7:30 p.m. Auditorium

the griffin

news

february 20, 2015

Drug and alcohol survey results DRUGS AND ALCOHOL, continued from page 1

Survey Highlights • Drunk driving rates have decreased over the past two years. This year only 1 percent of students have driven drunk comYes pared with 7 percent two years No ago. • 9 percent of the school had their first alcoholic beverage before the age of 10. • 11 percent of students have been to school or a school event under the influence of a drug. • 14 percent of students have taken ADD or ADHD medication without a perscription.

No 16% Yes 84% SURVEY METHODOLOGY This anonymous, pen-and-paper survey of 256 students was conducted in Standard, Honors and Gifted and Talented or Advanced Placement English classes for each grade level. Students were asked 23 multiple choice questions.

MOST COMMONLY TRIED DRUGS AMONG STUDENTS PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS

“They call us Druglaney for a reason,” freshman Matthew Schmuff said, echoing similar sentiments of students in the past. The survey shows school heroin use is five times the national average of 0.2 percent. “Unfortunately, where we’re placed is right next to the heroin capital of the world, Baltimore,” an anonymous senior said. “A lot of kids feel pressured into doing it. When you’re high, you don’t want to hang around someone sober.” About 14 percent of students indicate that they have taken attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication without a prescription. The medication is often used to stay awake, lose weight or enhance athletic or academic performance, the NIDA said. A University of Michigan study showed about 7 percent of students nationally who are not prescribed for ADHD medication use Adderall or Ritalin. One anonymous junior said he takes Adderall when he’s bored or has a big test coming up and needs to concentrate to study. “It helps my studying 110 percent,” he said. “It’s easy to get. I can get it from basically any friend who has ADHD and is willing to give it.” He has not seen any long term effects of using Adderall, which can include cardiovascular failure, paranoia and hostility, according to the NIDA. The school’s generally high averages beg the question: Why are students interested in drugs and alcohol to begin with? “Young adults are particularly prone to several behaviors: thrill seeking, lure of the forbidden, belief in their own invincibility and an attempt to assert control on some aspect of their lives,” Das said.

ARE DRUGS AND ALCOHOL EASILY ACCESSIBLE?

MARIJUANA 33 HEROIN 1 ECSTACY/MOLLY 5 TOBACCO 18

Alluring vapes pose risk, doctor says

“I

sarah feustle, deputy editor and holly sutley, staff writer t is the new, cool thing!” That, along with a cheaper price and a misguided belief that vape smoking is safer than regular cigarette smoking, has fueled the rise in e-cigarette use according to Dr. Nishi Das, a physician who practices internal medicine at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center. Savvy marketing has also contributed, she said. “No! No! No!” is Das’ reaction to the e-cigarette industry’s distribution of free samples. “Sampling is the most effective marketing tool for getting people hooked on anything that stimulates the pleasure centers of the brain, from potato chips to drugs” she said. Das criticized another e-cigarette marketing technique, saying that vending machines selling them is too accessible for young people. She added that flavored blends of vape liquid should not be permitted. “It is trying to take something that is unhealthy and dress it up as innocuous,” she said, citing flavors such as watermelon, Cherry Crush, Peach Schnapps and Vivid Vanilla. Das stressed that there is no scientific data to support or refute the safety claim of e-cigarettes. “We do not know about all the chemicals that compose the liquid, so we are unable to properly assess the risks,” Das said. This has informed Das’ advice to teenagers who smoke vapes or who are eyeing the option: “Don’t start. And quit if you have already started.” Vape liquid refills can contain the nicotine equivalent of 375 cigarettes, according to wbaltv.com. But these refills release the chemicals in mod-

eration, making the otherwise lethal amounts of nicotine bearable, according to e-cigarette makers. Das also said that overdose from the vape liquid is rising among young children. Wbaltv.com reports that there were 215 calls to poison centers about e-cigarette exposure across the U.S. in February of 2014 with more than half of the calls coming in for children under the age of 6, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The FDA has proposed limiting vending machine sales and free samples, marketing e-cigs with health warnings and imposing a strict age limit. In addition, the FDA has proposed that ads claiming that e-cigs and vape pens are healthier than regular cigarettes must be backed by direct scientific evidence. Das commends this proposal. “Chemicals should not be sold to the public without adequate scientific testing to ensure their safety,” she said. “Age restrictions are important. There needs to be a level of maturity before people make these choices.” But Das maintains that the government should hold off on new e-cigarette warnings until research is more conclusive. “Health warnings are important, but they should be based on science,” Das said. “Otherwise the FDA loses credibility.” E-CIGARETTE USE AMONG TEENAGERS more than doubled between 2011 and 2012, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At least one group predicts the same rate of increase this year. photo by katie walters

Performance-based assessments critiqued

will sogge, staff writer engthy. Irrelevant. Boring. These are all words that sophomores have used to describe the new PerformanceBased Assessments (PBAs) introduced into the curriculum this year for English 9, English 10 and English 11 Honors classes. These timed essays ask students to analyze, compare and connect readings. These assessments were introduced to prepare students for the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) tests which will replace the Maryland Algebra I and English 10 High School Assessments this year. The time-consuming nature of the assessments raises uncertainty. “Considering we have the block schedule and less total time for our classes, I don’t think we should be doing PBAs because then we won’t be able to get through the curriculum,” sophomore Taelon Um said. Students aren’t the only ones who have gripes with the new PBA tests. Due to the necessity of administering two PBAs per marking period, teachers are also faced with new burdens. English teacher Donna Lund was one of the

SENIORS AND WRITING interns Chloe Messier, Andrew Abell and Swati Guin (from left to right) offer criticism on PBAs to retired BCPS teacher Alicia Ruppersberger in December. Ruppersberger was contracted to conduct interviews to solicit feedback on the effectiveness of the PBAs. photo by kalie paranzino

many teachers who expressed concern with the introduction of the PBAs. “We are being asked to evaluate writing before there are actually writing instructions embedded in the curriculum,” Lund said. English teacher Dirk Frey also voiced reserva-

tions about the new addition. He said he tried to make the curriculum easier to understand for students, but the new PBAs are making it more difficult for him to do that. “I’ve helped you guys, I’ve saved you guys from some work, and now there’s an extra burden on me,” Frey said, recalling he has said to his students. After receiving backlash from both students and teachers alike, the Baltimore County Public School English office began taking steps towards the improvement of the PBAs. The county sent in an administrator from the English office in December to listen to feedback from the teachers and adjust the system accordingly. The BCPS English Office is permitting teachers to omit one of the required PBAs third quarter, Frey said. English teachers watched a 30-minute slideshow on how to make helpful adaptations for PBAs Jan. 26, and the English office took feedback from writing interns, who help in Honors English classes. “The PBAs are frequent,” senior writing intern and Griffin associate editor Chloe Messier said. “So students get sick of them and have come to dread them.”

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NEWS LINE CUTS COMING

While they are unsure of exact figures, department chairmen indicate they’re bracing for cuts effective next school year. Sharing of novels will have to get more creative, English chairman Jason Bowman said. World language chairman Eva Van Horn has already ordered extra materials, she said. Resources are already strained, art chairman Jim Kuhlman said. Despite requests for more funding by superintendent Dallas Dance, governor Larry Hogan has proposed budget cuts to education and other programs, according to the Baltimore Sun. Proposed budget cuts total about $115 million, the State Department of Education said.

HONORS UPDATED Despite earlier reports, principal Lyn Whitlock said there will not be hybrid classes next year. Only Honors level and above will dominate the course schedule, with very few Standard classes, she said.

FORUM ORGANIZED Giving It Back Club will sponsor a forum discussing how stereotypes misportray minority groups. The forum is set for after school March 5 in the library. Participants will discuss a commercial the group made about stereotypes. In addition to the forum, the club is organizing a fundraiser to help local students in need of school supplies, the club said.

SPEECH/DEBATE WIN Seniors Yusuf Mahmood and Wendy Shu and sophomores Julie Chotivatanapong, Yasmeena Fakhouri, Randhika Aturaliya, You Jin Park and Meera Rothman will attend the March 21 National Qualifying Tournament for the Baltimore Catholic Forensic League. Mahmood and Rothman compete in debate, and the others in speech. If ranked in the top six for their events, they will attend the Grand National Tournament in Fort Lauderdale Memorial Day weekend. Chotivatanapong and Fakhouri won a gold medal in Duo Interpretation at the Feb. 7 speech and debate tournament.

RACE DATE SET This year’s Roaring Lion 5K race and one-mile walk will be held here May 17 and will start at 9 a.m. Participants can register for the event until 1 p.m. May 15. The money raised will go towards running programs throughout the state. Registration costs $25 per person and can be completed at http://www. runningmarylandvideos. com/registration/product_ list.php?eid=73.

GRIFFIN WINS GOLD The 2013-2014 Griffin has won a Gold Medal from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. The gold is the fourth consecutive awarded to the publication.

3 news

february 20, 2015

the griffin

Group mobilizes to fund fixes from page 1

Epitomizing the myriad of infrastructure issues are the three flooding incidents on Feb. 18. Room 101 flooded around 7 a.m., resulting in the relocation of School to Career teacher Catherine Carter and her classes. At 11:30 a.m., a hot water pipe ruptured in a janitorial closet next to the main office, flooding the hallway, parts of the lobby and the library classroom. Following the cleanup of the first two floods, room 101 flooded a second time around 2 p.m. Hot water came out of the heating unit located in the back of the classroom. There have been at least four pipe bursts this year since January 2015, and eight since 2013, said Friends of Dulaney member Jennifer Tarr.

On Feb. 12, after the budget cuts, Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz

Vice principal Tom Dugas and Maryland State Comptroller Peter Franchot tour the building with Friends of Dulaney Feb. 12. photo by kira stiers

and Maryland State Comptroller Peter Franchot toured the school building with the

Friends of Dulaney. During the tour, Franchot was shown termites in classrooms, as well as a student-shot video of the bugs along with water-damaged walls and the open ceiling in the auditorium lobby. “What I’ve seen today with some of these burst pipes, flooding, termites in the drawers, brown water…that’s way beyond the acceptable as far as the safety of the student and the staff,” Franchot said during the tour. “I am really upset by what I’ve seen and I really want to apologize on behalf of the state for permitting this,” he said. “This is just wrong. You guys should not blink a moment in demanding immediate action on a number of fronts. And this idea that state funding is inadequate is just a bunch of nonsense and I’m appalled to hear that.” Kamenetz, on the other hand,

Assessing block at midyear point

spoke about the Interagency Committee, the company that provides funding for schools at the state level and meets county budget needs. “My experience has been that they [the IAC] are so locked into that we are 14 percent of the state, we only get 14 percent of the pie, notwithstanding what the particular needs are,” he said. “We are 14 percent of the population but not 14 percent of the dire need.” According to Kamenetz, the estimated cost for replacing pipes is $5 million, and the county needs half a billion dollars of excess budget to go to schools. “The sad news is that Dulaney is not our only problem, we have identical Dulaneys,” he said. Staff writer Ivy Li contributed to this report.

WHICH OF THESE AREAS NEEDS IMPROVEMENT THE MOST? 71

Number of students

GROUP MOBILIZES, continued

WATER QUALITY

TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATIONS

RESTROOMS

OTHER

Students were questioned in a spot survey of all lunches in each cafeteria earlier this month.

EXTREME TEMPERATURES RECORDED Hottest in morning: 78°- 213, 225, chorus 83°- 303 84°- 314 Coldest in morning: 49.6°- 240 52°- Guitar 57°- 213, satellite cafeteria, band room Data compiled by staff writer Ivy Li.

NUMBER OF STUDENTS

christine condon, deputy editor s the third quarter begins, the new block schedule is finally being put to what could be its greatest test – snow days. “Although I for the most part enjoy block scheduling, snow days are deadly. Recently, my Music Theory class had 45 minutes of class time in one week,” junior Sara Glasser said. With the 90-minute periods, losing a whole day is twice as costly. But delays and early closings, which have been the norm this winter, have merely brought on a return to last year’s 45-minute classes. And as the first semester drew to a close, block took on its next challenge – midterms. “I think it made midterms easier, especially with AP classes. You could really simulate a real test,” senior Wendy Shu said. But for some, the new midterm schedule necessitated by block has brought on miscommunication and confusion. “A lot of teachers were inconsistent and didn’t schedule exams on the day they technically were, and some just didn’t have them at all,” sophomore Abby Fanshaw said. “There needed to be more communication going on.” Last year, current junior Paul Banegura advocated for an enrichment period to give students a break during the potentially strenuous block schedule. The period would’ve acted as a study hall of sorts, that would’ve allowed students to attend clubs and complete assignments. “I figured it would be necessary for students to have a pause within the day to refresh them, allow them to complete work and gain a better understanding of material,” Banegura said. When asked if he would support the addition of an enrichment period even if it meant extending the school day, Banegura responded positively. “I think the positives would outweigh any negative side effects,” he said. Block schedule has presented its own challenges, but many students are coping and taking advantage of its benefits. And students, like junior Sara Glasser, recognize the benefits of the block schedule as opposed to an eight-period day. “It’s much more enjoyable than the alternative- having eight classes of homework a night. I’d have been buried alive in minutes had we gone down that path,” Glasser said. Teachers have also been forced to adapt to snow delays. “Delays are challenging because they put people on unequal playing fields,” social studies teacher Phil Bressler BLOCK’S IMPACT ON HOMEWORK said. 256 But so far, Bressler’s biggest challenge has been with adapting to everyday life with block, not the occasional snow delays and altered testing schedules. “The biggest problem I see with A/B day is not seeing stu95 dents every day, which makes it 64 harder to continue the learning from one day to the next.” EASIER WITH BLOCK

HARDER WITH BLOCK

NO DIFFERENCE

MATH TEACHER LYNNETTE ROLLER engages students in her fourth period A-Day Advanced Placement Calculus BC class during a break Feb. 9. The students watched a front seat perspective of a roller coaster ride and simulated the experience of navigating the ride’s twists and turns. Roller has dubbed these ‘brain breaks.’ photo by jood ali

Move body, activate mind

meera rothman, staff writer attentive in class. eachers here are executing and Students here report that they too reexperimenting with new techniques spond positively to these techniques. that aim to maintain students’ atten“We have lots of opportunities to go up tion for the duration of the class period. to the board and write our answer. It’s a Math teacher Kendra great way to get our leg Zeller explained that sitmuscles moving and ting for too long can have pumping,” sophomore a negative effect on your Tirzah Khan said about learning. her tenth grade Pre-Cal“Students might start culus class with Zeller. to daydream or tune out Senior Chloe Natividad what is going on around takes part in dancing them and miss parts of exercises and meditathe lesson.” tion exercises in Marty Several teachers here Stranathan’s Advanced are taking a stand and are Placement Biology class. making an effort to keep “It’s not a long term students active and attenstress reliever, but for the tive in class. Government duration of class, everyteacher Julie Marx said one does seem to be more she uses gallery walks mellow,” Natividad said. and switches groups However, some teacharound during class. ers said having an active Math teacher Nicole classroom can lead to Barton takes a slightly setbacks. different approach. “The struggle with “Quite often, I use my SENIOR NATE FINK takes notes on aggregate movement is to have boards to have students supply and demand in Phil Bressler’s it so that you lose the fourth period A-day Advanced Placement least amount of time display work. I have Economics class Feb. 9. students come to the possible,” AP Economphoto by kalie paranzino Elmo to demonstrate ics teacher Phil Bressler and explain work,” she said. said. “Some classes are filled with students Research shows that these activities have where there might not be much space to a positive effect on students’ mental and move, so we might be limited on how much physical health. A study conducted at Texas teachers can actually incorporate student A&M Health Science divided a group of movement,” Marx said. elementary school students in half. Half Despite these obstacles, Bressler said sat at traditional desks while the other there is a fundamental need for students to half stood at specialized standing desks. move around during class. Students at the standing desks were more “Students sit all day. It’s just against huactive, burned more calories and were more man nature.”

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the griffin

4 opinion

february 20, 2015

Green light commercial flight

Marriage hopes, dreams loom closer

vincent arciaga, staff writer edding bells ring. Loved ones surround me. On a beautiful sunny afternoon, I stand away from everyone, waiting for the music to start. The string quartet starts playing “Canon in D major,” cueing me to walk down the aisle. I can feel everyone’s eyes on me. When I get to the front, I stare into his tearfilled eyes. After we exchange our vows, we both say “I do” and the priest says “You may now kiss the groom.” This is my dream. Unfortunately, in over 10 states across the nation, I would be unable to hear these words. Florida became the 36th state in the union to allow lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender couples to marry under the law Jan. 6. But Alabama remains one of the 14 states in which LGBT marriage is outlawed, and the recent court case confirming this has made headlines across the nation. A federal judge ruled that Alabama can’t continue to bar same-sex couples from marrying. But the state’s chief justice advised probate-court judges to not issue marriage licenses, and they are complying. According to the Washington Post, 41 percent of the population believes that the Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection doesn’t give gays the right to marry. But the 14th amendment states “no state shall… deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” This means that states must provide all people equal treatment under the law. So why is Alabama not providing equal treatment for gays? They’re just as human as anyone else, so the states should treat them as such. Why should people like me be discriminated against for love? We all should be treated equally, and with respect. We have a dream—a dream that all people can marry under the law and be treated as equals in society. We believe in that dream. One day, all 50 states will recognize LGBT equality. Until that day, I will remain optimistic about meeting Mr. Perfect and marrying him wherever we want.

dulaneygriffin Dulaney Griffin

the griffin Dulaney High School 255 E. Padonia Rd. Timonium, Maryland (410) 887-7633 managing editors alex goldberg, henry harsel, maya hoke, ben merenbloom, kalie paranzino deputy editors christine condon, sarah feustle, maya lapinski, stephanie rountree, sumin woo adviser maria hiaasen

For associate editor Kira Stiers’ opposing viewpoint, see our website.

staff editorial: improvements needed

rown water flowing from bathroom sinks and water fountains, lack of air-conditioning, termites in a classroom, cracked desks with peeling surfaces, bipolar room temperatures and old pipes bursting are nothing out of the ordinary for our students and faculty. According to data from the Baltimore County Public Schools website, compared to five nearby high schools, ours has the second highest enrollment, yet we have the lowest amount of capital expenditures and are ranked second to last in maintenance. In terms of quality and cleanliness, our toilets are rated a 1.85 out of 5. In addition, we were given a 2.04 out of 5 for building age and a 1.5 out of 5 for safety. Third district representative Wade Kach experienced the

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They plan to achieve these low costs by reigniting the first stage of their rockets after they deliver their payload, arresting its descent and allowing it to land and be reused. This unprecedented venture has never been tried by an aerospace firm, since government subsidies make up the cost for the discarded rockets. Their first attempt at a landing failed Jan. 10 after the first stage reached its target in the Atlantic Ocean, but ran out of hydraulic fluid to power its stabilizers, causing it to topple over and burst into flames upon landing. Musk had given the landing less than a 50 percent chance of success, and tweeted that the data gathered from the attempt “bodes well for the future” of a reusable rocket. Commercial space travel is no more dangerous than the current, government-funded model. To win a contract for commercial crew transport from NASA, a firm must prove that the probability of a Loss of Crew event is less than 1 in 1000, head of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program Ed Mango told Smithsonian’s Air and Space Magazine. By contrast, the last crew transport developed by NASA, the Space Shuttle, had two Loss of Crew events in OP-ART: avalon bonlie 135 flights. SpaceX rigorously tests their flight vehicles, going to much greater lengths than are typically seen in the industry today, the Smithsonian Air and Space Magazine reports. One safety measure used by SpaceX is a test firing of the rocket the day before launch. This test firing allows them to analyze the rocket’s systems and repair anything not working properly before the launch occurs. With advances in technology, it is more likely than ever that humans will reach the surface of Mars within our lifetime. When that time comes, it will be private spaceflight that takes them there.

“out of five other surrounding schools, our school has the second highest enrollment, yet we have the lowest amount of capital expenditures”

building’s conditions firsthand Jan. 28, when he toured the school to inspect its infrastructure. “The school is outdated, it is not very efficient.” Kach said. “This is 2015 and education has changed over the last 50 years and everything has advanced except the building itself. We need to be advocating for change, and I will be.” Perhaps the strongest voice for improving these conditions has come from the group known as the Friends of Dulaney, an association of mostly parents and alumni. Members of this group act as lobbyists to the county by organizing and participating in meetings, sharing information through social media and cooperating with other associate editors jackie andrews, andres arbelaez, avalon bonlie, audrey fanshaw, justin fitzgerald, liz gillum, olivia golden, sophie golden, finn hasson, adam hemmeter, kristin meek, chloe messier, erin miller, katie nanasi, sierra prior, kira stiers, andrew sugarman, danielle zarachowicz photography editors jood ali, lucia tarantino web editor harrison bartlett deputy web editor natalie mozoki Visit us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

groups to raise money for large projects. Its first priority is to have a major renovation by 2017. Since the county’s budget is about to be slashed even more, there’s a chance funding here could get slashed. It shouldn’t. We need the efforts of lobbying groups like Friends of Dulaney more than ever. The $60 million the group is pushing for may sound excessive, but it’s money that is sorely needed. The George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology received $67.9 million for a brand new building, and that school is roughly half our size. We hope that the politicians who’ve toured the building will help Friends of Dulaney win approval of 2017 capital budget funds for restoration, air conditioning and more. As Jennifer Tarr, a Friends of Dulaney spokesman said recently, the priority is safety. “ Air conditioning and new pipes are a part of that priority,” she said. “Additional renovations will have to follow.” HOW WOULD YOU RATE THE CONDITIONS OF THE BUILDING? 112

NUMBER OF PEOPLE

OP-ART: hanna bewley

harrison bartlett, web editor ctober was, indisputably, the worst month in the history of commercial spaceflight. Oct. 28, an unmanned rocket operated by Orbital Sciences Corporation exploded in northern Virginia. Just three days later, the in-flight breakup of Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo over the Mohave Desert claimed the life of a test pilot. These events, juxtaposed against the successful Dec. 5 test of the government-funded Orion spacecraft left many questioning the wisdom of allowing private companies to enter the spaceflight industry. In the current model, the two largest space contractors in the United States- NASA and the Department of Defense- rely on the United Launch Alliance, a consortium of aerospace giants Boeing and Lockheed Martin. The federal government granted ULA a monopoly on U.S. launches in 2006, after the companies claimed it would save over $100 million per year. Instead, costs per launcher have quadrupled since the ULA monopoly, a press release by SpaceX said, climbing to $400 million per launch. The federal government is paying nearly $1 billion per year just to keep the ULA ready for a spaceflight, regardless of whether or not one occurs. Private companies like SpaceX and Orbital Sciences Corporation will help reduce these costs, because they are less willing to waste money than government-funded projects. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket cost approximately $400 million to develop. A study by NASA found that, had the federal government developed the same system system, it would have cost about $4 billion, ten times as much, as reported by Popular Mechanics. SpaceX can fulfill the ULA’s current contract with the DOD for “well under $100 million per launch,” without accepting the $1 billion fixed cost subsidy ULA members currently receive, founder Elon Musk said in a statement to the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

49 40

11 5 VERY POOR

POOR

SATISFACTORY

GOOD

VERY GOOD

Data collected from unscientific survey on our website, dulaneygriffin.org

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the griffin

5 opinion

february 20, 2015

Apathy threatens racial growth A

sarah feustle, deputy editor dvanced Placement students, take a look around your classrooms. How many minority students do you see? Probably not many, especially when it comes to black students. According to statistics presented by Assistant Principal John Billingslea at a January Community Improvement Team meeting, only 12 percent of black students in the school are enrolled in an AP class. The CIT meeting was supposed to be a forum of sorts to discuss racial equality and equity here, as well as what we can do to help black and other minority students succeed.

OP-ART: tori vandervest

Talk of racism and equality has taken center stage since the 2014 cases of Eric Garner and Michael Brown. There’s been a new surge of concern that racism still runs rampant in America, and people are looking to ease tense relationships and remedy lingering inequity. The meeting’s turnout was lackluster, to say the least: seven people attended,

including principal Lyn Whitlock, Billingslea, who gave the presentation, and me. Everyone was white. Perhaps this is just a reflection of the fact that we aren’t talking enough about this. Aside from a low AP enrollment, black students aren’t doing as well on the SAT as white students and other minority groups, and most expulsions are of black students (though we don’t have too many expulsions), according to Billingslea’s presentation. What’s being done to fix this? Improved SAT scores for minorities is a system-wide goal of Baltimore County Public Schools. And at the meeting, Billingslea talked about a new program he’s starting: instead of putting students in an empty room for hours on end to serve their detention time, he’ll have them study with teachers and students for classes they struggle in. Theoretically, the students’ behavior improves, and detentions decrease – which sounds good, but the cause? Students don’t want to go back and study. Schoolwork has become a punishment worse than staring into space. Some may argue that all students have the same opportunities to sign up for more AP and Gifted and Talented classes and to seek help if they’re struggling, and there is some truth to this. But perhaps other factors play into the racial discrepancy. A February New Yorker article identifies two camps among sociologists who study African Americans: structuralists, who emphasize the role of “racism and economic circumstances,” and culturalists, who emphasize “self-perpetuating norms and behaviors.” According to the article, Orlando Patterson, a Harvard sociologist, is publishing an anthology with Harvard doctoral student Ethan Fosse that argues in favor of the use of culturalism in sociology. They see “shifting patterns of belief and behavior,” which may combine “to make certain families less stable, or

certain young people less employable.” The hope is that these patterns can be changed. If parents expect their students to get ‘A’s and go to a good college, the student is more likely to live up to this expectation, getting good grades and taking higher-level classes that will get them into college. But if parents are

“How do we convince students who have no plans for a higher education to take college-level courses?” simply happy with passing grades, and if college isn’t an option, the student probably won’t put forth effort. How do we convince students who have no plans for a higher education to take college-level courses? President Barack Obama recently proposed a plan to make community college free, as long as students meet certain requirements, and this – if it’s put into place – could definitely help with the money aspect. But there’s still the issue of convincing these minority students that they can succeed. My suggestion is to show these students examples of successful black people. A recent Baltimore Sun article by Ben Jealous argues that there’s a “role model deficit” for young black men today, so they have no one to imitate or look up to. The obvious strategy is to bring in successful black people from the area, like professors or politicians, to talk in assemblies or to individual classes. This just might convince minority students who aren’t putting forth effort that they can achieve great things.

Threat of violence should never inhibit

danielle zarachowicz, associate editor he French phrase meaning “I am Charlie” has taken on new meaning, thanks to the horror and carnage of the attacks on Charlie Hebdo, the liberal French magazine where terrorists gunned down the staff Jan. 7. In the immediate aftermath of that and other Al Queda attacks in their country, thousands of French citizens took to the streets with placards reading “Je Suis Charlie” in support of the magazine and the 12 staff members who were killed. Pockets of Americans did the same. This newspaper even received a “Je Suis Charlie” poster in support of free press from a local publisher. But now that time has passed, a debate has arisen over whether the magazine – while certainly not deserving the attack – should have been more judicious in what they published. For some, images such as masturbating nuns, a bufoonish prophet Muhummad or police officers carrying blood-dripping heads of immigrants crossed a line. Among such critics is New York Times columnist David Brooks. He went so far as to title his Jan. 8 op-ed piece “I am Not Charlie Hebdo” and outlined his case against the magazine’s provocative work. While not calling for “crude censorship” or “strangled conversation,” Brooks – a moderate—did suggest that restraint would have been more civil. Brooks compares the magazine to American universities’ student publications, noting that they would never be allowed to publish such offensive cartoons. Such material is so offensive, it’s puerile and unwarranted, Brooks said. All things considered, the real question is not whether you agree with what Charlie Hebdo publishes, but whether the

magazine should have the freedom to say what it wants without fear of violence. The saying “Je Suis Charlie,” is a metaphor, a figure of speech for promoting the idea that Charlie Hebdo had every right to publish what they believe to be funny and effective journalism. It’s possible to endorse that principal even with Charlie Hebdo’s extreme satire. After all, who has the right to qualify the principal of free speech? The British paper the Guardian recently reported on a panel discussion on freedom of speech held in London. Columnist Jodie Ginsberg attended and reported that he left the debate feeling energized and upbeat. He credited the notion that one good thing that came photo by chloe messier come out of the horrors of Paris – a renewed interest in debating the value of free speech. Certainly there were those present who demurred at the Charlie Hebdo style of satire, but many, according to Ginsberg, stood up for free speech period. Labeling something as offensive, he argued, is used all too often as a means of shutting down someone’s viewpoint. “That is exactly how millions of people are silenced in the world,” he said, adding, that is how repressive regimes thrive. To that, I say, ditto. Do I really see the need for a cartoon of Muhummad naked and performing poses worthy of a porn film? Well, no. But do I believe anyone has the right to publish such a thing to make a point? Absolutely. Visit us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

RIFF

Memo to the mouse scampering across the classroom floor:

“T

finn hasson, columnist he true hero is one who conquers his own anger and hatred.” With supreme compassion and Bodhisattvan wisdom spake the Dalai Lama so. To you, these are empty words. To you, this is the hypocritical creed of a genocidal breed, the conqueror hiding his bloodied hands in silken gloves. For you, the humble mouse, the ideological fog has lifted, and stark reality stands before you. Forced to live a life of existence without essence, your daily combat the search for sustenance. We study our history appalled at our ancestors who in a bygone era darted contemptuous glances at the guttered masses, yet we punish you with baseless prejudice. The injustice must eat away at you. From the forgotten alleyways watching, shunned, as we celebrate our cosmopolitanism. We are no longer the oppressive, mono-racial, mono-religious society that we were 50 years ago—no, today we’re a collage. We applaud our far-sightedness, our ability to analyze reality without looking through

“To you, this is the hypocritical creed of a genocidal breed”

the tainted lenses of perspective. But you know the truth. You feel the pangs of rejection as you scurry from cover to cover in pursuance of one more bite of food. To continue to describe your condition to you, however, would be, from your perspective, a redundancy. Of course, you’re painfully aware of your condition. But why should you be forced into such low depravity? Why should we glutton ourselves from the table of opportunity with one hand, and fend you from your place with the other? It’s not like we don’t recognize your value to the fragile ecosystem. From our first lessons in kindergarten classrooms we’re taught that everything has its own role. We’re enlightened enough to nod at your worth, but barbaric enough to be unmoved (sometimes even celebratory) when greeted with news of the death of one of your kind. So callous are our hearts that we regret only having to clean up your corpse after having committed your murder. And it’s not that we don’t recognize that what we’re doing is, on some level, wrong. A normal person would most often respond that they receive no perverse pleasure in killing an animal, and would not do it if they did not feel that they had to. But few of us lose sleep when you die, few of us look your way sympathetically, few of us wince at your mistreatment, and fewer still speak up in your defense. And you should not expect this to change. Recognition of the problem does not guarantee a solution. As we’ve so often seen in our own human history, the existence of a wrong does not provide the necessary impetus to affect a change. So continue to be on the lookout for traps and continue to hunt for scraps of food, because you can be guaranteed that we won’t help you.

the griffin

6 sports

athletes

month

VARSITY INDOOR TRACK

Goals drive junior sprinter drew persinger, staff writer unior Jay Nash laces up his racing spikes and puts on a red headband. He removes his warm-up clothes and shakes out his legs. He walks to the bull pen and stands with his opponents, preparing for the next big race. JAY NASH Nash admits to being photo by lucia tarantino nervous before big races, but knows conquering it is crucial to his success. “Getting nervous and dealing with the anxiety before races is part of the sport. I overcome it with positive thinking and prayer. I guess I have a little superstition in the headband too,” Nash said. Nash said that being a good leader and setting a good example is just as important as running fast times. “Being a leader on this team means showing that there is no substitute for hard work and setting an example of how to constantly push you in every single practice.” The influence of Nash’s leadership pushes at least one of his teammates to work harder. “Jay is a silent leader, he leads by example. He shows up and works hard,” teammate and junior Malik Debow said. “We’ve had a rivalry for awhile but it’s good because we push each other to be better.” Nash started his track career with role models such as Dulaney Alum and county champion Tionne Barmer, who is now a freshman runner at Duke University. “Coming in as a freshman and seeing Tionne’s amazing speed and dedication definitely inspired me to work hard,” Nash said. “He taught me to set big goals and that hard work paid off.” Nash cited breaking the school’s 200-meter record of 21.4 seconds, set by alum Bill Brozey, as his main goal. Nash’s personal record of 23.9 seconds for his split of the 4x200-meter relay helps to propel him toward his goal. “It’s a big goal, but I think it’s definitely attainable,” he said. “Staying consistent and getting more race experience will get me there.”

february 20, 2015

Initially vexed, senior c

kristin meek, associate editor enior Ben Huang has been in a fight with a pole, and the pole won. “During one of my practice runs, I let go of the pole too early and it snapped back in my face. I went to the ER. It was like it punched me. There was a gash right next to my eye and I needed four stitches,” Huang said. Since his freshman year, Huang has been pole vaulting for the indoor and outdoor track and field teams. Head coach Chad Boyle needed a vaulter, and Huang was able to rise to the challenge. The pole vault has multiple steps that, when preformed ef-

Major matchups mark schedule’s end Senior Gary Bernardez drives by a Severna Park High School defender during the boys varisty basketball game Jan. 17. The Lions won the game 55-30 one day after losing senior guard Isaiah Lamb for the season to an ACL tear.

JUNIOR VARSITY INDOOR TRACK

The boys, who had a record of 16-3 as of press time, will finsh the regular season with home games agaisnt Hereford High School Feb. 20, Milford Mill Academy Feb.21 and Patterson Mill High School Feb. 23. The Bulls are currently tied with the Lions for the top spot in the Baltimore County standings.

Runner displays resilience

greg zapas, staff writer e doesn’t die down,” freshman Quinn McCabe said about his teammate and freshman Brian McCullough. McCullough, a member of the junior varsity track team, recently won the mile at the Baltimore County FreshBRIAN MCCULLOUGH Soph meet Jan. 22 with a photo by lucia tarantino time of 5:01.80. He beat the second place finisher by five seconds. At the second Community College of Baltimore County at Essex event Dec. 20, McCullough finished first of JV runners on the mile run and ninth overall with a time of 5:00.83. Brian attributes his talent to genetics and determination. “I think I was born a good runner. My dad was a good runner,” McCullough said. “But some of it is motivation to be good.” McCullough’s distinct style of running helps him immensely, McCabe said. “He doesn’t go extremely fast out from the start, but over time at the very end he speeds up and somehow ends up in front,” McCabe said. During practices, McCullough exhibits leadership among his teammates. Freshman teammate Patrick Dochat said McCullough always encourages teammates to catch up and not fall behind since he feels that individual successes are crucial to team victories. “When he’s at practice he’s all about running. There’s no jokes, no messing around,” McCabe said. Teammates recalled a practice in which he displayed his work ethic. During that workout, the team was running eight 400-meter runs, and shortly after the first, McCullough wasn’t feeling well. But despite this, McCullough persevered and finished every one with the team. McCullough has made a strong impression on head coach Chad Boyle “He just grinds it out and does what he needs to do to win the race,” Boyle said.

ficiently, allow the vaulter to clear maximum heights. Huang said mastering each step of the pole vaulting process is essential in creating the perfect run. “There’s the approach run, the plant, the swing and then the turn. If one thing goes wrong, then the other things don’t turn out correct,” Huang said, adding that you have to also run as fast as possible before planting the pole. Maintaining a positive attitude after every vault poses another challenge for Huang. Unlike a single race, the pole vault requires focus after every vault, and a competition can range from three jumps to 10, depending on how many heights pole vaulters clear.

“H

Milford Mill ranks 15th in the state with a record of 15-4, and have 2014 First-Team All-Metro point guard and University of Cincinatti commit Justin Jenifer as the catalyst of their offense. The Patterson Mill game is a rescheduled game from the Baltimore City Public School Basketball Academy tournament and will count for the team’s overall record but not the county record. photo by kira stiers

Head soccer coach departs henry harsel, managing editor and daniel krugman, staff writer ormer varsity boys soccer head coach Jerry Tana has decided to step down after 12 years in the program, including seven years as varsity head coach. Tana’s home life drove the decision. “I missed too many of my daughter’s soccer games at Loyola College and do not want to make the same mistake with my son,” Tana, whose son Sam plays soccer for Susquehanna University, said. Tana finished his varsity career with a record of 67-12, including a Baltimore County Championship in 2014. He attributes this feat as his favorite memory while here, and called it a perfect way to go out on top. Tana will continue coaching for Baltimore Soccer Club youth teams during the winter and the spring seasons. Replacing him is former Perry Hall High School and St. Paul’s School for Boys head coach Danny Skelton. Skelton joins the program with high expectations after the success of the program last fall.

Visit us at http://dulaneygriffin.org

“I want to put Dulaney on the map and compete for the state championship every year,” Skelton said. Winning championships is nothing new for Skelton. At Perry Hall High School, Skelton went to state championships in 2008 and 2009, along with three additional Baltimore County Championships. He also won one MIAA “B” Conference Championship at St. Paul’s School for Boys during

When’s th FIELDER’S CHOICE

“I missed too many of my daughter’s soccer games.” his short time there. Skelton attributes his past success to hard work and carefully planning all his training sessions around the team. According to him, the challenge of losing 15 seniors also brings new opportunities for underclassmen. “I see it as a chance for young kids to start their own story,” Skelton said. “Losing seniors is difficult, but I get a chance to evaluate players myself and pull out the best in everyone.”

audrey fanshaw, associate editor turf, turf. Wherefore art t Anyone remember the we were initially told a were shown layout designs and phase plan that would need $13 m We were told we could possibl fields by the start of the 2014-201 stunning new stadium to come as It’s been a while since we’ve h port on turf fundraising, and the How much money has been rais cility renovation? Athletes around ing myself, want to know. We

the griffin

sports

conquers pole vaulting Senior Ben Huang executes a vault during the regional championship at the Prince George’s County Sports and Learning Complex Feb. 3. Huang joins senior Adolfo Carvalho and juniors Eric Walz and Sam Doe as the runners from the boys track and field team participating in the Maryland 4A State Track and Field Championships Feb. 23 at the Prince George’s County Sports and Learning Complex. Senior Kita Robinson and juniors Kristin Meek and Cristina Lopez qualified for individual events at the state meet for the girls track and field team, and the 4 x 400 relay team of Robinson, Meek, Lopez and senior Carly Sniffen will also race in the meet.

photos by Henrique Carvalho

To make sure he is prepared to do his best each vault, Huang follows a routine. “Before every vault I talk to myself. It’s really relaxed. When you’re up in the air it’s only a fraction of a second, so you have to be brave and trust in your training. I don’t get too stressed out,” Huang said. Junior Gabe Madro, who also pole vaults for the team, said that as captain, Huang has been a teacher as well as a teammate. “Ben taught me about the swing. My issue was kicking my legs up,” Madro said, adding that Huang also helps him be more disciplined. “He’s a hard worker, and when he’s running down towards the bar he’ll make sure he gets the plant right the

first time and gets the swing.” Huang’s dedication has paid off. He vaulted a personal best of 11 feet, 6 inches at the Jan. 12 Baltimore County Public Schools league meet. His best overall county championship finish came this season as well, when Huang vaulted 11 feet to win the silver medal. At the regional championships, Huang finished in fourth to qualify for the state meet Feb. 23 for the first time in his career. Note: Indoor track is headed to state championship Feb. 23. For results see our website.

Girls rack up wins in final stretch Junior Ashley Powell shields the ball from a Carver Center for Arts and Technology defender during the girls varsity basketball game Feb. 6. The Lions win, which was the first of their current four-game win streak as of press time, extended the team’s record to 13-7. The girls have games against Milford Mill Academy Feb. 19 and North Harford Hill School Feb. 20 left on their regular season schedule. Senior forward Christin Cohee was a part of last years team that was eliminated in the second round of the playoffs, but envisions a deeper playoff run this year if everything goes according to plan. “We have three guards now with injuries, but as long as we keep working well together like we have all season we will be able to make that push past our finish from last year,” Cohee said. photo by jood ali

he turf getting here? How close are we?

thou, turf? beautiful, turf fields about last year? We d a foolproof threemillion to complete. ly see stunning new 15 school year with a s money was raised. heard a progress ree silence rings loud. sed for the sports fad the school, includwere shown flashy

graphics and a solid plan for fundraising, but so far we appear to have nothing. Now I’m not saying that if turf installation doesn’t actually end up happening, we’ll be demoralized. But turf would elevate our sports program to a level our competitors already enjoy. A new stadium would also bring a boost.

“We were shown flashy graphics and a solid plan for fundraising, but so far we have nothing.” The reorganization of our sports complex would make after-school sports much more orderly and, in theory, make our teams better. But after the excitement over the revamp died down and the arduous process of fundraising trudged along, there remains little hint of how much more money needs to be raised. We do know that the Dulaney High School Foundation, the organization that spearheaded turf fundraising, has decided to coordinate with infrastruc-

ture lobbyists Friends of Dulaney to build a database of potential alumni donors. That sounds wise. We also know that eventually public money might help pay for enhancements to the athletic facilities. “We are watching closely to see if the county will address the school’s needs and if so, what those plans will look like,” Jamie Pezzulla, co-chairman of the foundation, said in an email. “We will then be in a better position to determine exactly how to move forward on our end,” he said. So I tell myself some of the improvements originally planned will happen. Meanwhile, organizers are looking for ways to accelerate fundraising, without the help of county funding. “It costs a lot of money,” English teacher Kristi Korrow said. “So that’s why we are going into our community to try and get funds.” Even so, I’ve heard that progress wasn’t made as was expected, so I struggle to remain hopeful for the long term. I’m trying. Perhaps if I knew just how large a sum we’ll really need, I’d be more optimistic. I may take a cue from senior and varsity lacrosse player Ali Collie, who takes a rational view of turf efforts. “It was hyped up a little, which led to some disappointment, but I think our teams will be successful with or without a turf field,” she said. Visit us at http://dulaneygriffin.org

february 20, 2015

athletes

month

VARSITY INDOOR TRACK

New role vaults junior to top jordan nicolette, staff writer f there was one word that could describe junior Cristina Lopez, it’s adaptability. This season Lopez was placed in the role of girls varsity pole vault, one that she had never attempted before. “This wasn’t the first time he put me into someCRISTINA LOPEZ thing new,” Lopez said, “he photo by lucia tarantino knows that I’ll try to be good at what he puts me in, and won’t blow it off.” She was led and integrated into the event by senior Ben Huang and indoor track coach Chad Boyle. “I saw exceptional speed and body awareness in her,” Boyle said. At the start of the season, Boyle helped her through the learning process by video-taping her jumps and correcting her on each one. Lopez describes her process of learning the sport to be more difficult than she anticipated because of the large amount of technical skill required to succeed. “With running, you just run,” Lopez said. “But with pole vault, you have to make sure you keep your grip correct, and you take the right amount of steps, and you put the pole into the plant box correctly.” Lopez has started to develop her own routine lining up her feet and hands and looking toward her mentor Huang before each jump. This determination and grit has also been noticed by other vaulters as well. “She always had an incredible attitude about it,” junior and teammate Maddie Cohee said. While it took other first-time pole vaulters months to learn, Cohee said that Lopez had it down in about four weeks. “She’s probably the best teammate anyone could ask for in such a new, challenging event.” Lopez competed in the regional championship Feb. 3 where she placed third overall for the varsity girls 500-meter dash, qualifying her for the state championship. She was unable to advance to the state championship in the pole vault event, but looks at this year as an experience to learn from.

JUNIOR VARSITY INDOOR TRACK Rookie runner realizes potential

annie swindell, staff writer hrowing up after one particular workout early in the indoor track season almost stopped sophomore Autumn Wiggins from finishing the year on the team. “I was pretty wimpy at the beginning of the year, and I thought I was going to AUTUMN WIGGINS photo by lucia tarantino quit,” Wiggins said. Teammate and sophomore Morgan McCamie stressed Wiggins’s determination even through trying times. “Track, in general, is two words: hardwork and dedication,” McCamie said. “And that’s what Autumn has. I thought she was going to quit, but she didn’t.” Wiggins received a time of 46 seconds for the 300-meter dash; earning her a silver medal in the Baltimore County Fresh-Soph meet Jan. 22. “I’m more determined than I thought I was, and I didn’t realize how good I would get,” Wiggins said. Wiggins didn’t join track until this year, and didn’t play any sports here before this season. “Some of my friends run and they were telling me to join because my legs are long. I didn’t have anything else to do, so I decided to run track,” she said. Her biggest challenge this season was working on strength and speed. The team works out in the weight room completing leg and cardio exercises. Not only does being on the indoor track team keep her in shape, it also helps with her school work. “It pushed me to be more dedicated to getting better grades and focusing,” Wiggins, who wants to study biomedical sciences at New York University or Arizona State University, said. “It gives me more opportunities,” Wiggins said, “It’s good on college and scholarship applications.” In her free time she likes to relax with her friends and watch movies. She also likes to sing and listen to music when she has the time. “Beyonce is my queen,” she said, “Kanye’s a god.”

8 features

february 20, 2015

the griffin

Twelve years of filming pays off REVIEWS:

jason fontelieu, staff writer scar season is upon us, and one of the likely winners for the prestigious best picture category is director Richard Linklater’s “Boyhood.” This movie is the story of Mason Evans, Jr., played by Ellar Coltrane. The film chronicles Mason’s growth from a boy into a man over the course of 12 years from age 6 in 2002 to age 18 in 2013. While films covering a long period of time tend to revert to using different actors to portray characters during different periods of their life, “Boyhood” uses the same cast for the entire movie, meaning the movie took 12 years to film. But, in more than 4,000 days between May 2002 and August 2013 while the movie was in production, filming only took place on 45 of those days. This daring step of patience and creativity alone separates “Boyhood” from the other contenders. It doesn’t hurt that the emotional storyline captures haunting themes through events like Mason’s mother’s several failed relationships

and Mason’s distant, coarse relationship with his father. The subtle transitions from one period of time to another, such as the evolution of Mason’s interests from only play-

ing outside into the realms of music and photography, allows viewers to follow Mason along his journey without any major gaps in his life. Even though “Boyhood” clocks in with a lengthy runtime of two hours and 45 minutes, the time flies by as you travel with Mason through childhood and adolescence into adulthood. Well-known magazine Entertainment Weekly projects this film as the frontrunner in the best picture category. “Boyhood” is nominated for five additional categories besides best picture including best director for Linklater, best supporting actor for Ethan Hawke, who plays Mason’s father, and best supporting actress for Patricia Arquette, who plays Mason’s mother. Make sure to tune in to the 87th annual Academy Awards Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. on ABC to see if “Boyhood” wins the coveted statue for best picture.

OVERALL RATING:

photo from yourturntopick.com

Stephen Hawking biopic artfully enthralls

“I

sophie golden, associate editor t’s about battling love, as well as illness. A universal story, extracted from a unique one,” a CineWorld critic said about “The Theory of Everything.” Based on Jane Wilde Hawking’s autobiography “Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen,” James Marsh’s Oscar nominee is a poignant and captivating film about one of the most influential scientists of the century. The movie follows the relationship between Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne) and Jane Wilde Hawking (Felicity Jones) as Stephen deteriorates from Lou Gherig’s Disease, a neurological disorder that disables voluntary movement. The plot itself would have sufficed for an enthralling movie. A brilliant, university physicist perseveres despite a life expectancy of two years and is not only still alive,

but has completed revolutionary research about black holes and general relativity. The film is set in Cambridge in the ‘60s and admirably conveys the posh British context. Witty banter between Oxford students adds humor to the weighty subject of the film. Stephen and Jane’s relationship develops with the backdrops of elegant dance parties and croquet games that transport the audience to a different era. While the cinematography is impressive, Eddie Redmayne’s portrayal of Stephen is incredible. Known for his role as Marius in “Les Misérables,” Redmayne convincingly depicts the complicated Hawking, balancing harrowing setbacks with clever jokes. The movie is infused with artistic images that encapsulate the viewers. Images of coffee swirling in a mug and a spinning view of someone climbing a staircase convey the theme of movement and the passing of time. A shot of a fireplace through a

sweater morphs into a black hole, embedding Hawking’s scientific research in an interesting way. Stephen Hawking’s disability is carefully developed through subtle close ups of Redmayne’s joints, foreshadowing the film’s conclusion. With the quality of this movie affirmed, one should be aware: this movie is extremely heavy. While “The Theory of Everything” tells the story of incredible accomplishments, the portrayal of Hawking’s decline is tragic. Interwoven with a faithversus-science theme, the film prompts the audience to ponder life after death. For anyone who is willing to embrace the emotions “The Theory of Everything” provokes, it will be worth your while.

OVERALL RATING:

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EDDIE REDMAYNE plays Stephen Hawking in “The Theory of Everything.” He won the Screen Actors Guild Award for his performance. photo from collider.com

9 features

the griffin

february 20, 2015

OSCAR FORECAST:

‘Birdman’ sure to nab best picture T

jack shuster, staff writer he movies that were nominated for best picture in this year’s Academy Awards are competitive, and there’s a lack of consensus among the film community about which movie will win this category. The nominees for this year’s award are “Birdman,” “Selma,” “The Theory of Everything,” “The Imitation Game,” “Grand Budapest Hotel,” “Whiplash,” “Boyhood” and “American Sniper.” These are all fantastic films, but the frontrunners are clearly “American Sniper,” “The Grand Budapest Hotel” and “Birdman.” “Boyhood” is not a standout because The Academy has tended toward movies with exceptional acting performances, and even though Patricia Arquette did deliver a great performance, it is not good enough to secure a win for “Boyhood.” It’s also important to note that the movie did not win any major awards in either the Producers Guild Awards or the Screen Actors Guild Awards, two reliable indicators of what will happen at the Academy Awards. Out of “American Sniper,” “Birdman” and “Grand Budapest Hotel,” Wes Anderson’s unique and artsy hotel narrative is most easily eliminated. This is a niche film for audience members who have an affinity for the quirky, so while the movie is fantastic, it certainly does not appeal to the majority of moviegoers. The Academy rarely picks a winner that does not gain the approval of the majority. Because of its limited audience, “Grand Budapest Hotel” will not win. “American Sniper” will not win due to the controversy surrounding the movie. The Academy Awards are political, and Clint Eastwood’s biopic of former Navy

SEAL Chris Kyle spurred uproar, especially among Hollywood actors. The outcry generally comes from the political left, who assert that “American Sniper” glorifies war. Even though the assertions are false, there is too much political hazard to justify The Academy giving “American Sniper” the title of best picture. If the Academy were to declare “American Sniper” as the best picture of 2014, the repercussions would be

limelight far behind him, Thomson decides to produce, direct and star in a Broadway adaptation of the play “What We Talk about When We Talk about Love.” With help from Broadway superstar Mike Shiner (played by Edward Norton), Thomson plans on using his play to shoot him back into stardom. The picture is nominated for nine Academy Awards this season, and will most likely win best picture category for a few reasons. Edward Norton, who is nominated for best supporting actor for his role in the film, and Alejandro González Iñárritu, who is nominated for his superior work directing the film, have both been nominated multiple times for Academy Awards. It is evidence that The Academy, which is known to play favorites, is a fan of their work. But the main reason that this movie will win best picture comes down to the fact that it won best movie in the Producers Guild Awards. The last seven PGA winners have won the best picture category in the Academy Awards.

THE MOVIE BLOG

Michael Keaton as the title character Birdman. photo from amctheatres.com

staggering. “Birdman” follows the last-ditch effort of washed up actor Riggan Thomson (played by Michael Keaton), who gained his fame by playing the superhero in the 1990s known as the Birdman. With his spot in the

For more of Jack Shuster’s thoughts on movies, check out his blog.

Visit us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

More of Shuster’s picks: Best Actor in a Leading Role – Eddie Redmayne (“The Theory of Everything”): • Beat Michael Keaton and Bradley Cooper for Best Actor in the Screen Actors’ Guild awards • The last 10 winnners of the SAG awards have won an Oscar in their respective categories. Best Actress in a Leading Role – Marion Cotillard (“Two Days, One Night”): • The Academy has shown its approval of Cotillard’s work when it gave her an Oscar for leading role in “La Vie en Rose.” • If an actress wants to win, having the Academy’s favor puts her in a great position. Best Actor in a Supporting Role – J.K. Simmons (“Whiplash”): • Simmons won the SAG award for best supporting actor for his once-ina-lifetime performance as a ruthless collegiate music professor. • Like Redmayne, winning the SAG award is a good indicator of the Academy’s leanings Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Patricia Arquette (“Boyhood”): • Arquette has been nominated for Oscars multiple times and won the SAG award in this category. • This year had relatively underwhelming performances from supporting actresses, which is the perfect environment for her.

the griffin

10 features

february 20, 2015

REVIEWS:

Healthy eatery keeps it fresh with variety E

Nalley Fresh, in the Timonium Square Shopping Center, opened in August. photo by lexi dorety

lexi dorety, staff writer very day around lunchtime when I get out of school, I’m faced with the dilemma of where to go to eat. Fast-food chicken and knockoff Mexican food get old after the same thing every week, so when the sign went up in Timonium Square Shopping Center announcing the construction of a brand new Nalley Fresh, I was thrilled for a fresher, healthier option, all still for under or around $10. The menu offers a choice between salads, wraps and other bowls in which you can incorporate a protein, beans, rice, noodles and a wide assortment of toppings and dressings. Other specials include gourmet “Nalley Signatures” and additional protein options for an extra dollar or two, such as grilled salmon, pulled beef and Old Bay shrimp. Your order begins with selecting a pro-

tein and choosing a base: a salad, a wrap or a bowl. Then you choose from a plethora of toppings and dressings, which is the final step in the notably uncomplicated process. The room wasn’t particularly large but extended back further than I thought it could, creating a generous seating space in the front with additional high-top tables lining the wall farther back across from the counter. The counter is set up much like that of a typical Chipotle restaurant, with everything from fresh veggies and fruits to various cheeses and even nuts laid out behind glass. As you move down the line, you can customize your own creation or specify one of the seasonal signatures. All of the staff members were pleasant as they passed the bowl through each station. I ultimately chose to construct a salad, electing a spinach and kale mixed greens

blend topped with grilled chicken, peppers, corn, carrots and Italian vinaigrette dressing. The dressing was a tasteful blend of spices and flavors and all of the greens and vegetables were refreshingly crisp. The contemporary interior design and hospitable staff, along with the delicious meal, combined for a pleasant experience, and I felt noticeably better about myself for choosing a healthy alternative to fast food. With the huge variety of topping options, you’ll never have to get the same thing twice! Who doesn’t love mixing it up every so often?

OVERALL RATING: Nalley Fresh 2159 York Rd, Timonium Hours of operation Monday - Sunday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Fondue? Can do! Melting Pot fon-does dinner right

alexis mejia, staff writer t was a Wednesday night around 5 p.m., and somehow I had come to the decision that this should be the night to try fondue. I’ve never been a person who likes to dip their food in things, but my friend convinced me to try the Melting Pot in Towson. We were the only people in the restaurant. Upon entering, we were escorted to a small, elevated table next to the bar with a burner in between us. For those of you who aren’t aware, the Melting Pot is a pricey fondue restaurant, beloved by many high school students as a fancy date place. My friend and I first ordered the cheddar fondue—regularly $8.25 per person, but we got the half-price discount for early diners.

Our server prepared it in front of us, first arriving with the dippers: apples, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and an assortment of bread—and then added the cheese to the fondue pot. She put in a combination of cheddar and Swiss cheese, lager beer, garlic and some spices. After it had fully melted, we immediately began dipping our assortment of bite-sized food. The blandness of the dippers allowed the flavor of the fondue to dominate. I’m not a big cheese person, but I actually liked the fondue, despite the slightly unpleasant aftertaste, which I attributed to the beer. Dessert was still to come. We ordered the Yin & Yang chocolate fondue, which cost $4.25 because of the discount. It proved to be the perfect blend of white and dark

chocolate. A myriad of dippers came with this fondue: strawberries, blondies, bananas, pineapple, Rice Krispie treats, pound cake, brownies and chocolate-and-grahamcovered marshmallows. Overwhelming? A little. But unlike the cheese fondue’s dippers, these tasted great on their own and were even better once dipped in chocolate. The chocolate dippers completely made up for the cheese and may just lure me back.

OVERALL RATING:

The Melting Pot 418 York Road, Towson Hours of operation Monday - Thursday 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Friday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday 2 p.m. 11 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Visit us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

The Ying & Yang chocolate fondue regularly costs $8.50 per person. If you go Monday Friday between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. it’s half price. photo by alexis mejia

11 features

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post

of his experimental songs. It was kind of different from the rest but I liked it. I listen when I’m about to sleep and when I’m doing my homework.

DANIEL SUN is a sophomore and varsity tennis player whose music taste is as varied as his taste for food. Staff writer Meera Rothman sat down to talk with him about what he’s been up to recently.

Reading? I don’t read that much, but I reread the “Divergent” series. We have a subscription to Time Magazine and National Geographic. I liked “Harry Potter.” I liked how it was just kinda like a fantasy world where nothing really mattered. I liked “Outliers” that we read by Malcolm Gladwell in biology. It was really interesting because it was one of the few nonfiction books that I actually enjoyed. Watching? I like action movies, so I watched all three of the “Taken” series recently. My friends force me to watch horror movies and I get really creeped out. We watched the “Blair Witch Project”- it wasn’t that scary, but I still covered my eyes half the time. We also watched “The Cabin in the Woods.” That was really weird. And another scary movie we watched was “Carrie.” Listening? Ed Sheeran. I think his songs are just so different because he can sing pretty much anything. He sang “Drunk in Love” by Beyonce and that was really good. He’s just really unique and he has his own style. Tobu has always been a pretty good band. They make electro music and I started listening to them basically because my friends are all really into electronic music. “Sunburst” I recently heard – it was really good. “Running Away” was one

february 20, 2015

Juxtaposition,

a conversation between differing individuals

Following?

Mainly Facebook, a little bit of Snapchat. I had an Instagram, but I stopped using it because it got really boring, I only had two pictures on it. I text a lot and mainly use the Messenger app for Facebook. Eating? I usually eat noodles with beef. I eat chicken wings. I sometimes eat normal American food like pizza and salad. I like Subway a lot. Red Lobster, Olive Garden and Pho is pretty good too. Chili’s is pretty good. I really like eating steak. I like eating burgers and steaks- yeah pretty much everything except for vegetarian stuff and seafood. My mom forces me to be healthy. Changing? I’m looking forward to tennis season. I’ll miss Handong Park (2014 graduate, now a Harvard University freshman) because he was always a really energetic guy and he would never get really down on a game. I’m gonna try to get second singles. I need to work on my back hand and my footwork. I always get the racket too close to my body and I need to extend more. I’m kinda stressed about next year but I’m also looking forward to it because every year I make new friends. I’m nervous for the SAT, the PSAT and just school in general.

photo by lucia tarantino

ven the most different of palettes can find common ground. Seniors Sam Goetz and Lyra Morina have varying experiences between them, but agreed on school-provided lunches. “It doesn’t taste real. It tastes like it’s fake and frozen and has no nutrition at all,” Goetz said. “I think the reason why is probably because healthy food is more expensive to prepare than unhealthy food,” Morina said. Morina discussed a rotating restaurant in Uganda, gaining laughter from Goetz, who “can’t beat that,” but he prefers the Japanese steakhouse locally. His favorite food? “Seafood. Definitely. Crabs, probably. I work at a seafood restaurant, so that helps,” Goetz said, launching Morina into a tale of her favorite shrimp from South Africa. The pair also agreed on the failure of vending machines.

Visit us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

photo by katie nanasi

“I don’t really like anything in here,” Goetz said. “They don’t taste that good, it’s just when I’m desperate,” Morina said. The two then discussed their oddest food experiences. Morina offered impala, while Goetz recalled eating a conch. “It tasted horrible. It’s rubbery. It was gross. Not good,” Goetz said. Associate editors Katie Nanasi and Danielle Zarachowicz transformed this conversation into the Juxtaposition blog.

12 features

the griffin

february 20, 2015

Econ extra credit ignites creativity T

stephanie rountree, deputy editor he video’s premise may seem like an average spoof—a business woman, a goth, an aspiring rapper and other interesting characters dance around Hunt Valley to the opening notes of “Thrift Shop” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. But once the words start, there is a twist. “I’m gonna drop some facts, only got a few months ‘til the AP. I-I’m trying, soaking up that Econ. We are gonna get fives.” Though this can be mistaken for the crazed mumblings of an exhausted Advanced Placement Economics student, these are the catchy lyrics of an extra credit music video made by seniors Annie Brantigan, Aishu Jayapal, Hannah Manley, Sooho Park, Anna Aguilo and Ruhley Michaelides, students in Phil Bressler’s AP Economics class. Inspired by a national video contest in California, Bressler offers extra credit to any students who create music videos incorporating concepts from Microeconomics and enters them into the competition. In addition to being a helpful way to review for the AP exam May 14, Bressler cites the creation of music videos as a unique way for students to enjoy learning. “I get to see that the kids are having fun and there are not many projects that we give out in school that students actually enjoy,” Bressler said. “I think that when you’re having fun, there’s more of an emotional connection [to the topics].” In the three years that Bressler has offered this option, students have found creative ways

SENIORS FILM ‘THIRFT SHOP’ PARODY. Above: Seniors Annie Brantigan, Aishu Jayapal, Hannah Manley, Sooho Park, Anna Aguilo and Rhuley Michaelides, students in Phil Bressler’s AP Economics class, dance to their parody of “Thrift Shop.” Top left: Seniors Annie Brantigan and Hannah Manley ride down the escalators of Hunt Valley. Bottom left: Senior Sooho Park boxes in Dick’s Sporting Goods as part of the video. photos from the video

to express their knowledge, including original songs and puppet shows. Initially drawn by the extra credit opportunity and the possibility of winning prize money in a national competition, Jayapal doesn’t regret stepping up to the challenge. “Econ is a kind of subject where you need to memorize a lot of things and figure out how to apply them. Now that we have the song, whenever I’m confused, I think back to the lyrics and it really does help me out,” Jayapal said. “I’ve never done something like this in my previous classes. It was fun. I definitely want to do it again.”

TEDx aims to inspire, motivate community

FRESHMAN FAREEHA HUSSAIN auditions in front of art teacher Alissandra Seelaus, senior Lyra Morina and junior Marin Langlieb Jan. 30 for Dulaney’s first TEDx event. Hussain discussed how society values worth. photo by stephanie rountree

stephanie rountree, deputy editor reshman Fareeha Hussain evaluated how worth is measured through animated anecdotes. Sophomore Tirza Khan struck down stereotypes about women who wear hijabs. Senior Morgan LaRocca discussed the importance of innovation through creativity.

This was the scene Jan. 30 as students auditioned for the school’s newest method of sharing ideas, experiences and beliefs—TEDx Dulaney. After gaining popularity with its innovative method of sharing unique experiences and ideas on a global platform, TEDx, the name given to independent TED events, brings the opportunity to enlighten communities to a more local level. Junior Marin Langlieb and senior Lyra Morina, fans of TED, decided to bring TEDx to Dulaney because of their mutual interest in sharing experiences, they said. Though this element is common to local TEDx organizations like TEDxBaltimore and TEDx University of Maryland, what makes TEDxDulaney unique is its aim toward high school students who often feel lost in the large student body. “One of the main reasons I want to have TED at Dulaney is because I want people to hear stories from students. You’re hearing stories from others your own age with similar experiences or different ones, and so you get an insight into other people your own age,” Morina said. “In that way, you grow more sometimes because a lot of students are more willing to listen to people their own age rather than people older than them.” “I also think that there are a lot of cliques at Dulaney, and we stay in our own little bubbles. I don’t know a lot of people’s backstories and a lot of them are interesting,”

Langlieb said. “I think being more exposed to the world and the culture of Dulaney outside of your friend zone will be a benefit of TEDx.”

TEDx in a Nutshell What is it: opportunity for students and staff to share experiences, ideas and beliefs When is it: 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., Feb. 27 Where is it: satellite cafeteria Note: only the first 100 people will be admitted due to offical TED Talk regulations For more info email dulaneyted@gmail.com

an among us: Hobby becomes lucrative business

jackie andrews, associate editor fter seniors Ashley Kim and Emily Franzone had tie-dyed virtually everything in their homes, they opened an Etsy shop, Far Out Dyes, early last year and have been met with success. Although they were in debt for the first few months, the growing business has since been a lucrative source of income, yielding thousands of dollars. Franzone admits that some of their profits have been lost to impulse purchases. “We would have much more money if we didn’t always get excited and on a whim buy sparking apple cider or cheese puffs and what not, but that’s what happens when

ALONG WITH BED SHEETS AND PILLOW CASES, Far Out Dyes offers sweatpants, bandanas and tote bags, among other items. photo from franzone

two teenage best friends try to run a business,” she said. Their most popular products are pillowcases and sports bras, but the girls sell everything from shirts and sweatpants to tote bags and houseware. “I have a sheet, pillow cases, a t-shirt, a sports bra and a bandana from them. Emily and Ashley can make things like smiley faces and guitars,” senior Mackenzie Rose said. Typically, the girls make their products on weekends. Creating a single item can take anywhere from five minutes to an hour. They even offer custom items. “You can tell them anything you want to do with a shirt, the colors, the style, where to put a design, and they’ll do it,” senior Madison Mitzel said. Technology has been integral, as a majority of the selling process can be done on a smartphone. The girls distribute business cards, but most of their promoting takes place on social media. Franzone encourages students considering their own business ventures to try it out. “Social media and other Internet sites make running a business so much less intimidating than it may seem,” Visit us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

Above: Senior Emily Franzone adds more color to a T-shirt as senior Ashley Kim holds the shirt in place. Left: The girls display a blue and purple shirt. Franzone and Kim’s business has earned thousands of dollars since the pair started working together in early 2014, they said. photos from franzone

Franzone said. The girls have an upcoming meeting with Peter Angelos, owner of the Baltimore Orioles, about the possibility of tie-dying shirts for the team. Franzone says they’d like to continue the business after graduation, but aren’t quite sure what the future holds. “We’ll always have this shared experience that has tested us beyond belief, challenged us in so many new ways and most importantly, has strengthened an inseparable bond between the two of us,” Franzone said.