February 2014 by Dulaney Griffin

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the griffin Dulaney High School Timonium, Maryland

Volume 54, Issue 4 GOT SPIRIT?

A Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Medal Winner February 19, 2014

Seven snow days and climbing? snowy stairway. Snow blankets the steps to County Home Park on Greenside Drive in Cockeysville late last month. Seven school days were originally built into the Baltimore County Public Schools’ calendar for inclement weather. Since the Feb. 13 and 14 snow days were declared a state of emergency by Gov. Martin O’Malley, the system still had two days left as of press time. The school board finalizes adjustments to the school calendar in the spring, typically in April.

see page 5

TO KNOW

the number of FBLA students who won their events at this month’s regional competition

photo by jood ali

Class crowding becomes new normal here Number of academic classes with 33 or more students 29

wrestlers win

2013-2014 2012-2013

11 7

Numbers for the departments with the most crowded classes were obtained from the administration’s computer records.

see page 6

# TO KNOW

the percentage of sophomores who scored well enough on a practice English HSA last month to avoid assistance CANDY CRUSH

INDEX 2-3 4-5 6-7 8-12

news opinion sports features

largest being Victoria Bracken’s period one Gifted and Talented Pre-Calculus class with 36 students. “Dude, move your stuff,” sophomore Kenton Cuddington said as he tried to walk through an aisle earlier this month. Classmates echo his frustration. “I’m in the corner, the very corner, and there is a giant cabinet, and I don’t have any space,” sophomore Anushka Gerald said. Social studies has been hit hardest, with classes of 33 or more increasing from 12 last year to 29 this year. A prime example? Karen Turek’s period five GT World

Road to new block schedule includes some speed bumps ben merenbloom, opinion editor & yusuf mahmood, copy editor parent protest against it. A petition drive to alter it. While the pending block schedule finds plenty of students welcoming the chance to take more courses before they graduate, recent events suggest appeal of the mandated change is far from universal.

History class began the year with 37 students, making it the largest academic class in the school. It has since decreased to 36, the same size as Turek’s period four GT World History class. Teachers here are not alone. According to a New York Times article, public schools across the country employ about 250,000 fewer staff than before the recession. The Times reports that Maryland is hit hardest, losing 2.4 teachers per hundred students, the largest drop in the nation. To match the staff size from 2008, 20,400 teachers would need to be see CROWDING, page 3 left: local activism. Several PTSA members joined counterparts from Loch Raven High School and Hereford High School outside the Board of Education building in Towson Feb. 11. The protest was planned by the group Hereford Works in repsonse to the mandated block schedule. photo by chloe messier

Below: registration season. Course options for the 2014-2015 school year. photo by maya hoke

Pushing for midday enrichment

see page 12

maya hoke & will paranzino, staff writers ightly packed classrooms are spreading. Roughly two dozen more classes contain 33 or more students this year than last, enrollment data from the administration shows. Of the 452 classes, 86 have 33 or more students. Last year, 61 classes featured 33 or more students. Elective classes such as physical education and art are included in this statistic. The data shows that while class crowding has decreased in some departments, it has shifted to others. Last year, only five math classes had 33 or more students; this year there are 11 classes, the

Citing logistics and time constraints, principal Lyn Whitlock told the leader of a student petition drive there is no chance of adding an enrichment period to the block schedule coming next year. Still,

she held out hope for the adding the midday respite in 2015-2016. “We are already losing overall time to the block schedule. It is not fair to place another burden on the teachers,” Whitlock said following the 15-minute meeting in her office Feb. 10. She added that teachers are al-

ready faced with rewriting lesson plans to suit the 90-minute classes debuting next year—no small change. What’s more, enrichment could make it difficult for administrators to track the locations of all students, she said. Sophomore Paul Banegura started the petition drive weeks ago, gath-

ering about 200 signatures from students and a few teachers who – like him – want an extended period during lunch for students to tend to club business or to seek tutoring from teachers as is done at Hereford High School. Shaving time from see scheduling, page 2

FYI: Interims Distributed Feb. 21

College Info Night March 5 7 p.m. Classic Cafeteria

SAT

March 8 Report at 7:45 a.m. Auditorium Lobby

Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

Battle of the Classes March 12 6 p.m. Gym

Junior Interviews March 12-13 8 a.m.-11 a.m. Library

Meet The Coaches Night March 13 6 p.m. Gym

the griffin

news

february 19, 2014

New policy strives to avoid overload of AP’s

meghan reinhardt, news editor roponents of principal Lyn Whitlock’s new policy for students wishing to take multiple Advanced Placement classes label it a reasonable step to prevent undue stress. “The administration is thinking correctly. Guidance is thinking correctly,” AP Biology teacher Marty Stranathan said. “About March, I have students in tears. The stress just builds up. That’s what we’re trying to avoid.” Under the new policy, now that students have submitted registration forms, a number of meetings must soon be scheduled. A student registering for four APs will meet with a counselor.. A student who registers for five APs will meet with a counselor and a form will signed and retained. At six APs, a parent conference with the principal is required. Even with a meeting, no one automatically gets all the APs they signed up for, Whitlock said. “It will be a well-considered decision between the student, the parents, the counselor and me,” Whitlock said, adding that students’ goals, academic history, interests and options, will be taken into consideration. She has long been concerned about the stress levels of students taking a large number of APs. Teachers See Need Against actually limiting the number of AP courses students may take, Stranathan said students need to discuss why they want certain classes. AP Calculus teacher Lynette Roller shares Stranathan’s distaste for limits on AP classes and backed the idea of more support for students in their course choices. “This is the only time in your whole life that you will have this kind of environment with parents and peers to support you, before things become really frenetic – trying to get into college, getting a job,” Roller said. “This time is ruined by overbooking it.” Like Stranathan, she said she has seen students stressed by too much challenge. “I think we need to look at helping students find ways to make their lives more comfortable,” Roller said. “I see kids with tears – and they’re very bright – there’s no reason for this. We should not be doing this to children.” AP English teacher Debby Hamilton said acting now makes sense, espe-

cially considering the switch next year to an eight-period, block schedule. “If I’m meeting every other day, can I give double homework for the next time? But if everyone gives double homework, that’s going to be a problem.” Student Views Differ Junior Ginny Bush epitomized the views of many student supporters of the new policy. “I think it’s a good idea. Some kids may not know photo by audrey fanshaw what they are getting into, and Mrs. Whitlock may be able to better put things into perspective,” Bush said. Junior Kelsey Hill maintains that another opinion can’t hurt. “I like the idea because I know friends who just overload on APs and they might not know what they’re getting into,” she said. “What’s the harm of getting another opinion from someone to make sure you know what you’re doing?” Some students said that they were concerned about the fact that Whitlock—as principal – doesn’t know a student’s capabilities and work ethic the way a teacher does. Sophomore Olga Petrovskish is taking four Advanced Placement classes next year, including math, U.S. History, physics and Spanish. She said that she thinks she’s the best person to decide her course load. “I know my strengths and weaknesses so despite the fact I’m taking all these classes, I know what I have to do to survive,” Petrovskish said. Senior Omar Khatib said that the student should be able to make the decision themselves. “If you think you can take the class, you can. Nobody has to baby you through the process. If you suffer it’s your own fault,” Khatib said.

Road to new block schedule includes some speed bumps scheduling, continued from page 1 class periods was one of Whitlock’s chief concerns, he said, adding that he sees that as a small concern. “Eight minutes is a really short time to shave off of a class to allot an enrichment period with such long classes,” he said. Whitlock said before an enrichment period can be added, lengthening the school day may be necessary. “The reason why this can work in Hereford High is because they have a longer day,” she said. “We would have to go through the teachers union and the board of education first.” But Whitlock didn’t nix enrichment in principle. “If we can lengthen the school day, I will definitely consider it for the 2015-2016 school year,” Whitlock said. Before the meeting, Banegura labeled the enrichment period necessary for those who are trying to improve their skills in specific classes. “A.P. World is definitely my hardest class, and I can see a lot of people struggling. They need this time to study and ask teachers for help,” Banegura said. Advanced Placement World History teacher Karen Turek, who signed the petition, agreed, saying that her own children attending Hereford High School have benefited from such a period. “They love it,” she said. “It allows them to study more on their own and ask teachers for extra help.” As for Banegura’s next move, he said he and other organizers would look into resolving some of the concerns Whitlock raised. “We are thinking of things like cutting some time off homeroom so not as much time gets taken off of classes.”

enrichment petition. top: Sophomores Paul Bengura (left) and Affa Hussain (center) obtain a signature from sophomore Sai Alur (right) for their enrichment petition. Petitioning for enrichment. below: PTSA member Jean Suda joined several others from the school in a protest against the coming block schedule at the board of education building Feb. 11.

photos by chloe messier

Standing up for school choice Among the dozens of parents protesting school superintendent Dallas Dance’s uniform scheduling requirement at the board of education office in Towson Feb. 11 were a trio of parents of students from here. Carrying signs like “Dulaney wants Choice” and “We Won’t Dance,” they joined par-

Decisions, decisions. With the coming block schedule, students choose eight courses now.

photo by audrey fanshaw

Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

ents from Hereford and Loch Raven high schools. “I oppose the superintendent enforcing a schedule mandate on all the schools with zero stakeholder input. I don’t think that’s right,” Sue Battle, parents of a sophomore and junior said. I think stakeholders need to be consulted.” The switch to an A-Day, B-Day block schedule with students signing up for eight courses instead of seven could overextend teachers and impact students, Battle said, adding that teachers are already overloaded. “There are some systems where they say each teacher can’t have more than 120 kids or 150 or whatever,’ Battle said. “With this system, almost every teacher will have more work. And with no extra money. PTSA president Patty Buck put it succinctly. “I think it’s just too much for the teachers to have to handle.” Both women also cited concern about reports of a county plan to phase out Gifted and Talented classes, another mandate they say should have been discussed with those affected. PTSA member and parent of two graduates, Jean Suda also protested at the school board office. She has also written the school superintendent, opposing the new block schedule. “There are serious educational and political issues surrounding the mandated high school scheduling changes,” Suda ‘s letter to Dance said. In addition to increased teacher loads, her letter criticizes the decrease in hours of instruction with a block schedule. The letter cites a report from a consulting firm hired to evaluate the county high school schedules. The firm found that instruction time will decrease instruction per class by 15 hours a year. The protestors argue that the block mandate should not have come without more research, an impact study and input from parents, staff and students. They also cite this as an example of why the school system needs a hybrid school board, which would include some elected members who would presumably answer to their constituents.

NEWS LINE edline going

Within the next year Baltimore County Public Schools will begin to phase in three new websites to replace Edline., a school spokesman said. Focused on consolidating information and bringing the attendance and grading systems together, BCPS One, SharpSchool and Engrade will replace Edline. The spokesman said that the new systems should simplify things for students, parents and teachers.

drive extended Due to inclement weather, the Pennies for Patients drive has been extended Anna Eyler, the school nurse, said. Students may bring pocket change or bills to collection boxes in their homerooms through Feb. 21. The boxes will be collected Feb. 24, she said. Money raised by the drive will go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

improving hybrids Assistant principal John Billingslea has launched an effort to enhance hybrid classes. In a meeting last month, Advanced Placement and Gifted and Talented teachers of hybrid classes met with Billingslea to discuss potential effects of class sizes, the ratio of Honors to Standard students and more. The group will continue its discussion in coming weeks.

reading revisited The English department is considering a revamp of the summer reading for Standard and Honors classes. Department chairman Jason Bowman has asked English teachers to suggest a list of high interest books for teenagers so that potentially one book per grade level could be assigned, much like the One Book programs in cities and schools around the country. Summer reading for Gifted and Talented and Advanced Placement English classes would not be affected by the change.

register now Registration for the May 4 Community 5-K race has begun. Cost for students to race is $15, adults $25. Prices increase on race day. For more information see edline.

athlete awarded Senior allied soccer player John DiGiacomo was honored at the Maryland Association of Coaches of Soccer banquet on Jan 28. He received the Spirit of Soccer Award recognizing his accomplishments on the soccer field this past fall. DiGiacomo won for his enthusiasm and improvement throughout the season.

Writers win Three students have been named winners in Sequel Magazine’s first self-run short story competition. They are juniors Hayes Zhang, Justin Weagly and Adolfo Carvalho.

news

the griffin

New normal here

february 19, 2014

Does class size really matter?

maya hoke, staff writer tudents walk in, grab the day’s worksheets and make their way to their seats. No CROWDING, continued from page 1 blocking an aisle for a chat with a friend. No wasting time with five added. With Superintendent Dallas Dance pristudents in the restroom. oritizing technology expenditures, few expect The 20 sophomores in history to see staffing levels increase any time soon. teacher Karen Turek’s third peIn the meantime, Bracken makes do. New riod Advanced Placement World wing classrooms, she said, were originally inHistory class form a lean, mean tended to be computer labs, so they’re generlearning machine. It’s one of the ally smaller than those in the old building. Crowded classroms. (left to right) Sophomores Natalie Mozoki, Jordan Nicolette and Joyce Song complete 35 academic classes with fewer It’s not just a matter of comfort. Moving in classwork first semester during Kristi Korrow’s period six Gifted and Talented English 10 class. With 35 than 20 students. On a morning more desks creates tight quarters and makes it students, it’s one of the school’s largest English classes. in late January, they demonstrated photo by jen siegel tough to walk around for homework checks, it—as they routinely do, according Bracken said, so she has largely opted for col- students practice speaking Spanish or discuss when they come to the library for online reto Turek and her students. lecting quickly graded drill quizzes. literature in groups, students in nearby classes search. The library’s stock of 29 desktops falls One of the smallest classes in the Crowding has affected other instructors’ report being distracted by the volume. Sopho- short. She also had to buy more chairs. school, this class period’s students teaching styles too. With 34 students in her more Anton Pozharskiy reports that this isn’t For technology teacher Casey Lowe, larger amount to just more than half of first period Spanish I class, Eva Van Horn said the only concern. classes working with power tools increase the the number enrolled in Turek’s she assigns less homework now because she “If the teacher asks for silence it will take pressure to maintain safety procedures. largest class of 36. nineteen stucan’t take the time to check it every day. In a long time,” he said. “And during the silent As for students, Pozharskiy said that in larg- dents were initially enrolled in GT history classes of 36, Turek said she must work periods there will always be someone er classes he worries about being judged by her period three; a transfer has work harder to see that each student responds talking.” students he doesn’t know if he gives a wrong changed the number to 20. to questions. On one project, she added anProblems extend beyond the classrooms for answer. Sophomore Bryan Kihara disagrees. To make way for her largest other civilization for study to accommodate a academic subjects. “I enjoy being in a class with a lot of people,” class, Turek said she had to lengthgreater number of groups than last year. Librarian Chris Senft said she needed to he said. “It’s more ideas that come out than en the row of desks in the rear of Noise can be a problem in larger classes. As buy laptops to accommodate larger class sizes with a few people.” the room, expanding the amphitheater-styled seating in room 113. Plenty of desks remain empty in Turek’s period three; most students taking optimal center seating, with a few on the right. When they were asked to take their homework out, the students promptly and silently did as alex reilly, staff writer asked. new program that has brought two live safety The activity the class performed drills during the first semester will bring two involved listing items traded on more during the current semester, assistant the Columbian exchange and their principal John Billingslea said. consequences. They exchanged The most recent live drill (Jan. 8) began with an markers and took turns at the announcement by Billingslea, initiating a shelter-inboard. After the activity, they place drill. An email to teachers with a description of wrapped up by discussing and the situation at hand and instructions soon followed. adding more information to what Students in her seventh-period creative writing class the students had come up with. took the drill extra seriously due to Billingslea’s seriTurek’s period seven AP class atous tone of voice, Meekah Hopkins said. tempted to complete the same ac“Several students seemed to believe that we were in tivities but couldn’t. They needed the midst of an intruder or school shooting.” to catch up on work from the day She reassured them, and all worked out fine, Hopbefore because they are behind her kins said. other AP classes. After that Turek Billingslea said there’s good reason for the drills. asked students to copy the chart “We need to become more familiar with the types of and complete it for homework. drills and the appropriate response. It is about being For some, a smaller size class is flexible and aware,” Billingslea said. less threatening. During live drills, administrators receive envelopes “In the smaller classes you know detailing emergency situations, which the school is everyone in the class,” Anton Pothen expected to respond to immediately. SOPHOMORE HOJIN YOON and freshman Daniel Sun spar at chess during a chess club zharskiy said. “With that comes To further simulate events that can occur during an meeting in room 112 Jan. 28. The club has begun elimination rounds to determine a sort of more comfortable aura actual crisis, specific factors will be manipulated durwhich members will participate in the Baltimore County Public Schools Chess of the ability to ask questions, the Tournament in April. The club meets on Tuesdays. For more information, contact ing each drill, such as the possibility that an exit may ability to go out there and guess, sponsor Karen Turek or club president, junior Michelle Ko. be blocked or a student may be unaccounted for. rather than having always: oh, photo by alex wright Billingslea stresses the need to be prepared should a there are all these people who will real emergency occur. think I’m stupid.”

scene

dulaney

School to see more required drills

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the griffin

opinion

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear editors, As an avid Divergent fan (who, shamefully, has not yet read the latest installment), I was thrilled when I saw Jessica Hung’s review of Allegiant. Eager to hear another reader’s perspective on it, I quickly scanned the first few paragr-- OH MY GOD! NO WAY! YOU DID NOT JUST SPOIL THE ENTIRE THING! Even though I may be making the point a little light-heartedly, I must say I find it completely and utterly unacceptable that you did not even have the decency to write, “DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVE NOT READ!” or maybe, “I AM ABOUT TO SPOIL THE ENTIRE THING!” or much simpler, but just as effective “SPOILER ALERT!” I do realize that it may seem a bit unprofessional to have all CAPS, but if Noelle Li can do it for an entire paragraph (don’t worry, I’m not picking on you as well) and come off as cute and adorable, I feel quite certain that it is perfectly acceptable, Ms.Hung, to capitalize two words to ensure the mental stability of your readers (no doubt you will come off as kind and caring for being selfless about sacrificing your professionalism for my already delicate psychological state of mind). Thank you. -Tirzah Khan, freshman

Deputy Editor Jessica Hung’s response: I sincerely apologize for not considering the inclusion of “SPOILER ALERT” in my review of Veronica Roth’s novel, Allegiant. Previously, I had believed my review was adequate when it came to masking what would occur throughout the duration of the novel. Considering Roth’s past and various plot twists (and might I add: SPOILER ALERT), including the deaths of several minor to semi-key characters, I thought it was not out of question that Roth would do so again. My point of the inclusion of the particular line in the third paragraph was to point out the linear elemenet in both the Hunger Games and Divergent Series. But, I do agree that I should have included two words or perhaps an entire paragraph of warnings to alert fans of the series, since I did hint too conspicuously in this series’ startling aspect. For Jessica Hung’s original review, see our website

for even more content, including an interview with the notorious bromance, John Wagner, Phil Bressler and Marty Stranathan, see our website using the code below:

february 19, 2014

op-art: katie walters

Battling boredom on all fronts

stephanie rountree, staff writer t’s time to suit up and ship out, troops. After conducting a survey among high school and college students, a German education professor has found a fifth (yes, more than one) boredom type. As a monotony veteran and winner of the Distinguished Service Medal in Diversion, I know the easiest way to defeat these enemies is to get to know them; then use their weaknesses against them. Indifferent Boredom- In this shallow trench, you’re nonchalant. While your lunch may be your midday knight in shining armor, its shield starts to, literally, dull as meals repeat. To fix this, toss out the PBJ for a new alternative, like sushi. Bored of that too? Different eating positions always do the trick (upside down is the most effective). Calibrating Boredom- Skidding here, you’ll face perplexity. Why are you bored again? Here’s a hint: it might have to do with the in-class discussion about “Crime and Punishment” that could knock out Dostoyevsky faster than you could say “Mr. Sandman.” Actually engaging in class helps. Faking interest works too. If you didn’t read the book (shame on you), just periodically nod your head. Searching Boredom- There are some chinks in your armor, but there’s still hope. Science class will force a search for stimuli to engage your suffering cerebrum. Never,

EVER count out requesting backup. Try calling in your most trusted ally: Candy Crush. Those shiny pieces of sucrose may drive you over the edge, but during wartime, they can suck you out of bio’s black hole. Reactant Boredom- Here, the urge to escape surges. Stop! You’re required by law to attend school, so sit down until the bell. Instead of bolting from class, imagine where you’d rather be. It could be sandy beaches in Hawaii, serene slopes in the Alps, even another class if pre-calc is that bad. If you really wish, your teacher can stamp your passport to the exotic destination called the restroom because you really have to go. See where the adventure takes you! Sure, you went minutes ago last period, but believe me; your kidney’s schedule isn’t the hot topic at the water cooler. Apathetic Boredom- Just discovered, this one crouches in deep corners of world history classes nationwide. As you’re smothered by helplessness and depression, you’ll be tempted to cry “Man down!” You’ve been seized as a prisoner of war. You’ll win a Medal of Valor for breaking out. In your final attempt to escape boredom’s bond, jump from your chair doing the most ridiculous thing imaginable. The Thriller dance. The National Anthem in Pig Latin. Anything. You’ll get sent to the office, but at least you survived!

Parasitic penny feeds off Americans

avalon bonlie, staff writer n a Vlogbrothers video, author John Green said pennies are “disgusting bacteria ridden disks of suck that fail to facilitate commerce,” and I’d be inclined to agree. The Penny was first minted in 1792 with 100 percent copper. As its value decreased, copper’s value increased so the cheaper metal zinc was added. Today, pennies are 2.5 percent copper, and the single facet of commerce that benefits from them is Jarden Zinc Products, the company that supplies the penny blanks and coincidentally happens to heavily lobby congress. Once the metals became more valuable than the coin, people melted them down. Instead of rationally reacting to events and abolishing the penny, the U.S. government made melting coins punishable by up to five years in federal prison. “Pennies aren’t worthless because

things that are worthless are worth nothing, and pennies are worth much less than nothing,” Green said.

op-art: jackie andrews

According to the U.S. Mint, it cost 2.41 cents to mint an one cent coin in 2012. That is like if I walked in to the bank with $10,000, asked to exchange it for $24,000, and the bank willingly

complied. Nearly 850 million taxpayer dollars were wasted subsidizing the 6 billion pennies produced. Pro-penny sentimentalists often argue that prices increase and charitable donations decrease, which was not the case in other countries that abolished their penny such as New Zealand, Canada and Australia. They simply round prices to the nearest five cents. Some say that we need the penny to commemorate Lincoln. Even if we abolished the penny, there would still be monetary reminders of him in the form of the five-dollar-bill and we’d still have monuments to him all across the nation. If Lincoln were alive today, he probably wouldn’t be pleased to have his face on a coin worth 1/26th what it did during his presidency. When we can realize that the only value pennies possess is sentimental, and even that’s a stretch, we can eradicate the little copper menace.

EDITORIAL:

Administration should allow cell phones in homeroom

“P CORRECTION to December edition: In “Girls adapt to off-season changes” (page 7) class of 2013 Sarah Dorl is now playing Division-I lacrosse— not basketball—at San Diego State University. We regret the error and apologize

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the griffin Dulaney High School 255 E. Padonia Rd. Timonium, Maryland (410) 887-7633 co-editors Franny Brancati, Becca King, Kyra Twohy deputy editors Jessica Hung, Andrew Oh, Thea Zurek business manager Kyra Twohy adviser Maria Hiaasen project managers Audrey Fanshaw, Gina Lee

hones away! It’s homeroom time. Phones away!” The same rule echoes on all three floors of the building. It’s even plastered on the back of our agendas and various posters around the school. But this “no phones during the school day” rule has already been declared null and void by the administration’s decision to allow cell phone use during lunch back in October. The argument used for lunch time should be applied to homeroom as well. Teachers fear that cell phones will be used as means of cheating. This fact,

however, cannot inhibit the opportunity for solid work and preparation time that would help the non-cheating majority. Homeroom is a time for the student, not for the teacher. Maybe the student has to text a classmate about a group project, check in with a friend, listen to some music to get their thoughts together, call a parent about a forgotten assignment or perform the classic I-left-my-lunch-athome call of distress. The school day is jampacked with instructional time: seven classes with a minimal 30-minute break for lunch. Homeroom of-

news editors Franny Brancati, Becca King, Meghan Reinhardt features editors Kalie Paranzino, Thea Zurek opinion editors Alex Goldberg, Ben Merenbloom sports editors Joe Pezzula, Drew Van Wagner chief technician Andrew Oh deputy technician Sarah Feustle photography/art editors Jen Siegel, Katie Walters copy editors Tyler Beckey, Christine Condon, Liz Gillum, Sophie Golden, Yusuf Mahmood, Daniela Rice deputy sports editor Andrew Sugarman Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

fers a moment of peace before the hullabaloo of the day. These days, for students, cell phone use is almost equivalent to leisure. Granted, if cell phone use is allowed in homeroom some students will not use it for educational purposes; but, that is their decision. With phone apps expanding into the domain of education, such as the College Board SAT Question of the Day app and the Edline app, students can check grades and enrich their minds. Faculty and teachers may wonder how their students will focus in on first period if they can use their phones

right before it. Just as students can get distracted by conversations during homeroom, they can get distracted by their phones. Thus, no different than it is now, it will continue to be the role of the homeroom teacher to attain student attention prior to beginning instruction for first period. A certain level of reciprocal respect is owed in student-teacher relationships.

Weigh in on the issue. Tweet the editors (@DulaneyGriffin) with hashtag #cellphonesinhomeroom.

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. Interested in advertising in The Griffin or purchasing any photos seen in this issue? Use the same contact information. The Griffin is printed seven times a year and is distributed in homerooms.

the griffin

opinion

february 19, 2014

Disputed law called inevitable Time for legalization inches closer...

tionne barmer, staff writer ome hate it, others love it, but it’s time we come to the inevitable realization that legalization of marijuana is only around the corner. Here in Maryland, marijuana legalization has been the hot topic of discussion for a while now. It’s not unusual to see people walking down the streets sporting “Legalize Pot” apparel. It’s no secret that many people want legalization and they want it now. But, of course, there is always opposition. Gov. Martin O’ Malley led a strong bout of opposition to marijuana legalization and said that it could be a “gateway to even more harmful behavior.” This issue seems to be driving us and our lawmakers apart, but to me it seems to be a silly argument. Of course, I don’t expect everyone to like marijuana; that’s preposterous. But eventually you have to realize that our country is based on the fact that we allow our citizens to have the freedom to do what they please, even if it is slightly dangerous. If alcohol,

cigarettes, skydiving, McDonalds, teenage driving, etc. are legal, then why not marijuana? Most nay-sayers to marijuana legalization often use the argument that marijuana can cause “drug-related

tleman said that people in possession of 10 grams or less “are not hardened criminals.” And with citations being issued rather than court mandates, police officers will have more time do more important work. But isn’t it important that kids stay away from drugs? Every year in school, we have drug awareness

op-art: maddy brancati

crimes,” but I beg to differ. Let’s think back to a great time in history called the prohibition of alcohol. Illegalization of alcohol caused more

riots than you can count and everyone pretty much went crazy. Legalizing marijuana would likely decrease crime because it would no longer be a black market drug. There’s also the massive benefit to our economy from legalization of marijuana. It can yield up to $157.5 million in new tax revenue for the state, which officials said could be used to fund pre-schooling education. Also, more jobs and spending would be incited, boosting our economy significantly. But let’s be realistic. Despite two states, Colorado and Washington, legalizing recreational marijuana, I doubt Maryland will pass the law legalizing marijuana now because of opposition led by Gov. O’Malley. Forty percent of Marylanders still report that they oppose marijuana use. Unrestrained legalization isn’t likely to happen within the year, but I do predict that before 2018, Maryland will legalize marijuana. I can tell you one thing; it won’t be much longer until legalization becomes unavoidable.

...but lawmakers should tread lightly alex goldberg, opinion editor et’s face it. Legalization of marijuana is inevitable, unfortunately. Even though a bill to completely legalize the drug failed to pass through the Maryland House’s Judiciary Committee last year, State Senators Republican Allan Kittleman and Democrat Bobby Zirkin, are trying again. This new bill, co-sponsored by Kittleman and Zirkin, will make possessing 10 grams or less of marijuana a civil, not criminal offense, according to a January article in Baltimore Sun. A citation will be given, rather than going to court. Just a civil offense? Marijuana isn’t addictive like cocaine or heroin, but it’s still a drug. Different from last year’s bill, this one will require minors caught with a small amount of pot to still be required to make a court appearance. Kids probably won’t stop using marijuana by attending one court session. Many will probably leave the courthouse and go get some more pot. Now why are these two guys pushing for legalization of a drug? The Baltimore Sun reports that Kit-

op-art: maddy brancati

weeks to show students that drugs are dangerous. Teachers and counselors and adults and parents always say we shouldn’t take drugs. So why is it now okay to smoke marijuana? These are logical reasons—it’s not addictive, punishment takes up policemen’s time—so it would really surprise me if this bill didn’t pass, especially with more than 15 states that have decriminalized marijuana

possession laws, legalized medical marijuana or legalized the drug completely, said governing.com. But take, for example, Colorado, where marijuana is legalized. Retailers are infusing the drug into all sorts of food, called edibles, according to usatoday.com. Foods like brownies, of course, cookies, granola bars and even sodas have been infused with pot. Plus according to a The Daily Currant article, there were 37 marijuana overdose deaths on the first day of legalization. That’s 37 deaths that could have been prevented. Well, not exactly. Although the satirical newspaper makes light of the potential harm from marijuana use with fake figures like this, there are real numbers supporting my concern. Consider the recent New York Times article that cites independent researchers’ finding that drivers with THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) in their bloodstreams are twice as likely to be involved in an accident. Clearly there are real issues with marijuana that will only increase with its legalization.

New spirit strategy wows some but bugs diehard fan

jood ali, staff writer he final minute before the end of the currently tied game. The crowd is cheering and raving over the intensity. The bleachers are filled with red and black shirts screaming for the win. You shoot and score! Best victory of the season. Then you notice a few people, the ones that never miss a home game, are nowhere to be found. Maybe they’re not number one fans after all. Why aren’t they at this season’s spirit game? With all the support and hype over the athletic department and spirit games this year, some fans might be left out. For me, it seems that the crowd of spirit games is not prolonged. The spirit is only occasional for each team

rather than long lasting. I remember my first spirit game. I walked into the gym, and was bombarded by a sea of red shirts and overwhelming heat and noise. Not that I don’t love school spirit, but it was difficult to hear anything and hard to focus on the game. In the short time I was there I felt an oncoming headache. Even if I wanted to stay, I couldn’t. “Big crowd equals more spirit,” junior Kim Mejia, wrestling team manager, said of the growing crowd size. She said it’s an exciting way to show school pride. The last two years I used to stand along the bleachers, yell and scream at the refs, cheer on the basketball team and have a great time. But with the crowds this year, I

basketball spirit game. (left to right) Junior Cameron Carter, senior Julian Sheppy, juniors Jeffrey Goss and Henry Harsel, senior Kurtis Ewers and juniors Andrew Sugarman and Brian Kochesfahani show their zeal by dressing up to fit the Dulaney-ville theme for the boys varsity basketball spirit game against Hereford High School Feb. 10. photo by kira stiers

found myself backing off during the spirit games. Why? In some ways it feels like fake spirit to me. The fact that fans are cheering only one game of the season makes it seem more mandatory than desired. I’m not trying to discourage spirit games, but they’re not the greatest. Instead of stuffing the gym full of overwhelming and migraine

inducing fans for one night only, why not have greater attendance at every game of the season? Not only would the more manageable audience size lead to a more comfortable experience for all, the consistent support would feel a lot more sincere. When it comes to school spirit, sometimes less really is more.

Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

RIFF You really ought to care how those jeans are made finn hasson, columnist

ast autumn Safarboy Karimov was forced to leave his home, job and four children to live in a tent. Every day he woke up at 5 a.m. to pick cotton. Every day he worked from morning to midnight to meet a daily harvesting quota. When one day he did not reach his quota, he was publicly berated by Uzbek officials, who told him he would be better off hanging himself than finishing a work day under the quota again. The Human Rights Alliance of Uzbekistan (HRSU) reports that Karimov was found hanging from a tree on the morning of Oct. 18. Karimov was one of the thousands of men, women and children affected by the Uzbek government’s use of slave labor. A 6-year-old boy was crushed to death under pounds of raw cotton. A teenaged student was run over by a tractor. A boy who went to the fields in place of his sick mother was beaten to death by police for underperforming. The cotton from this forced labor brings in about $1 billion for the Uzbek government. Industrialists purchase the cotton from Uzbekistan, dye it, put it into a useable form and sell it to apparel companies. Many of the customers are popular in the United States and the public has remained largely ignorant of the companies’ crimes. Ironically, Nike, a company that prides itself on its support of human rights, sources synthetic fibers from Daewoo international, which

“After all, nothing protects human rights better than perpetuating slavery.”

purchases its cotton from the Uzbek government. After all, nothing protects human rights better than perpetuating slavery. I mean, at least the government won’t kill its own people since it needs them to harvest the cotton, right? That seems to be Nike’s line of thinking, because they have made no attempt to stop trading with Daewoo despite the fact that companies such as H&M and Michael Kors have already cut ties with the South Korean company. The same corporation dedicated to stopping intergenerational poverty has turned a blind eye to the suffering people of Uzbekistan. As an aside, the Uzbek people are not the only victims of President Islam Karimov’s oppression. The Aral Sea was once half the size of England. As a result of its tributary rivers and streams being diverted to boost cotton production, it has shrunken to 10 percent of its original size and drops by an average of 31-35 inches per year. The once-thriving Aral fishing industry has vanished. Most of us are actively supporting Islam Karimov’s regime whether we realize it or not. Every dollar spent on a Nike product creates a higher demand for Uzbek cotton. Our sports teams’ jerseys are made by Nike, our athletics sportswear is made by Nike, almost all athletes (including myself) own Nike products. If everyone knew what Nike was doing, I’m sure this would stop; but sadly for the Uzbek people, the yearly forced labor is barely covered in the news. Personally, I was completely ignorant of the Uzbek cotton slavery until a few weeks ago when I happened to stumble across it while reading the news online. I don’t really plan on buying any Nike products any time soon. I tend to want to distance myself from forced labor and brutal dictatorships.

the griffin

6 sports

athletes

month

Varsity

Lamb looms large on court kelli goetz, staff writer xplosive. That’s how basketball coach Matt Lochte describes varsity basketball player junior Isaiah Lamb. “When he gets going, he’s an absolute highlight reel,” Lochte said. Among his strengths, Lamb has what the team calls a “high motor,” meaning he has lots of energy,and great passion for the

Isaiah Lamb

photo by jen siegel

february 19, 2014

Season nearing final moments Varsity Indoor Track

game, Lochte said. Lochte added that Lamb shows a great passion for the game. Not to mention, standing at 6 feet, 4 inches, Lamb has a great height advantage. Lamb started playing basketball when he was in seventh grade. He was involved in baseball, football and track before he tore his ACL playing football, benching him for his sophomore basketball season. Transferring from Franklin High School this year for an opportunity to be in a school with better academics and much better basketball, Lamb finds the athletics department here more disciplinary. Players must practice in uniform and maintain good grades. At Franklin, players could receive a D in a class and the athletics department would let them slide. Lamb intends to receive a basketball scholarship, perhaps from his top schools, which include Pennsylvania State University, Syracuse University and Georgetown University. Among other things, Lamb said that basketball has taught him how to be a better leader. He is able to execute plays, talk to players on the court and calm the team in times of tension. Lamb said the most important thing he’s learned from basketball is dedication. “I want everybody to remember my name when I’m not around because I’m dedicated to the sport.”

Senior Tionne Barmer lines up for a sprint at a January practice. Barmer led the boys to a fifth place overall with his first place finish in the 55 meter hurdles at the regional championship Feb. 4. The girls captured the regional title with senior Isabel Griffith, sophomore Kristen Meek and freshman Jessica Meek finishing first, second and third in the mile. The boys indoor track team won the Overall County Championship Jan. 21 and the girls came in fourth place. The team competed in the 4A State Championship Feb. 18 (see our website for results). photo by andrew pierre

ICE Hockey

photo by jood ali

junior Varsity

He learns, leaps to success chloe messier & adam hemmeter, staff writers arlier this winter, freshman Scott Shuster stepped onto the wrestling mat for the first time in his life. Now he has a personal record of seven and five and is continuing to grow in both skill and technique. Scott Shuster It all started this fall, when photo by jen siegel Athletic Director Richard Reed came to Shuster to propose that he join the wrestling team. “He really convinced me to do it,” Shuster said of Reed. “I wouldn’t have wrestled otherwise.” His choice certainly paid off. In addition to having a winning record, Shuster is also a leader. While junior varsity wrestling doesn’t have official captains, Shuster leads his team in stretches and strives to set good examples to everyone he encounters, wrestlers and nonwrestlers alike. Shuster says he could never have accomplished what he has without the support from upperclassmen varsity wrestlers such as junior Sean Hoffman, who have the opportunity to work with Shuster and other JV wrestlers on weekend practices. “He’s confident, persistent and coachable,” Hoffman said. “Three things that are essential in the making of a successful wrestler.” The process of becoming a wrestler wasn’t always a walk in the park. Shuster struggled at the start of the season after losing his first few matches. Rather than giving up, he put in even more effort, which brought him to his current winning record. In addition to effort, Shuster’s ability to learn also facilitated the process. For instance, he quickly identified his wrestling type. “I’m not as fast as the others, but I’m a smart wrestler,” he said. This important skill of self-awareness also makes him a versatile athlete and carries over well into his other sport, football. He said he plans to work hard this year, and continue to do so the following year with varsity in his sights.

Varsity Wrestling Senior Captain Jacob Asher takes down a wrestler from Eastern Technical High School at the varsity wrestling team’s trimeet against Eastern Technical and Chesapeake High School Feb. 6. The team beat Chesapeake 78-6 before their senior ceremony, and beat Eastern Technical afterwards 68-12. Asher and senior Dylan Ruiz earned 100+ win statuses.

photo by jessie lindenkohl

Senior center Greg Paris faces off against his opponent during the Dec. 29 alumni ice hockey game at Reisterstown Sportsplex. The team has advanced to the playoffs this season.

Making a splash at national level

justin fitzgerald, staff writer 200 back, which would require him to finish in the top at. Sleep. Swim. eight. For Jason Ewart this isn’t a motto; it’s life. Every As for the Olympics, Ewart said, “In 2016 I’ll have finished Monday and Wednesday Ewart practices from 5:45- my freshman year, but many Olympic swimmers are usu7:15 a.m. before practicing again after school from 3:45 p.m. ally out of college, so I’ll be at a disadvantage. 2020 is just to 6:30 p.m. so far away.” He practices with other select swimmers from his team, Ewart is more focused on college and looks to attend a the North Baltimore Aquatic Club, who have qualified for school that finishes in the top 10 in the NCAA championthe Speedo Junior Nationals or Nationals Championships, ships. That puts schools like Duke and Ohio State on his and some hope to qualify for the Olympics. Ewart has wish list. He plans to study to be a chemical engineer in qualified for the Speedo Junior National Championships college, and says that without swimming he couldn’t apply the past two years, a meet that showcases the top under-18 to some of the schools he’s looking to attend. swimmers in the nation. Even though Ewart may not eat the famed 12,000 calories “Jason is extremely committed to this sport and taking diet of Michael Phelps, he still eats a lot. swimming to the highest level,” Erik Posegay, his coach, On a recent Monday, he ate five pancakes and bacon after said. “The sky is the a morning practice, a large limit for Jason in lunch, a snack before practhe future.” tice and almost a whole This year at junior chicken pot pie for dinner. nationals, Ewart As for school “it’s stressfinished 30th in the ful and too much work”, 200 backstroke and especially for his hardest recorded the sixth class, Advanced Placement fastest time in the United States History, nation for 16-yearEwart said, olds this year. Ewart started swim“I just want to be ming for a local pool better,” Ewart said. team – the Nottingham “I just want to be Marlins – when he was the best I can be.” seven and quickly joined a This year he wants Junior Jason Ewart swims the butterfly leg of the 13-14 400 meter individual year-round swim team. He to return to junior medley at the 2011 NBAC Mid-Summer Classic. Ewart placed third in the made his first state cut at event which occurred at the Meadowbrook Aquatic Center from July 8-11 in nationals and make the age of nine and joined 2011. the “A” final in the photo from ewart his current team at 12. Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org

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sports

february 19, 2014 photo by jen siegel

Boys VarsitY Basketball

Goals, talent propel her erin miller, staff writer ophomore Kristin Meek, a varsity indoor track runner, is anything but meek. “She knows how to break down her competition,” indoor track coach Chad Boyle said. “You can really see that when she races.” Meek made varsity indoor track her freshman, but said kristin meek photo by jen siegel this year she feels that she knows herself much better race-wise. This confidence and determination shines from her most recent personal records. “This year I have goals set and understand all the work I have to put in for those results,” Meek said. At the Varsity Baltimore Regional Championships, held Feb. 4, she helped spearhead the girls team to a regional title. Meek won the 800-meter dash in a time of 2:25, a personal best. She also came in second in the mile race and third in the two mile race, something that shows she’s capable of running at a highly competitive level in multiple events. Meek is not only known for her outstanding personal records. She is also known for her kick, the last bit of endurance she has to run the last leg of the race. Although she said she doesn’t have as much race experience as others, her running ability tells otherwise. “When she’s tired, she can just run, and that’s what makes her really, really good,” Boyle said. Pre-race rituals are also a part of her performance. Meek says that she starts every meet by listening to “It’s Time,” by Imagine Dragons. Also, she routinely wears the same outfit for every meet. Meek is looking forward to the day when outdoor track comes. Her love for outdoor track is one of the reasons she decided to do indoor track. “If I didn’t do indoor, then I wouldn’t be good for outdoor, and I love outdoor,” Meek said.

Girls Varsity Basketball Junior Anna Aguilo (left) dribbles up the court as junior Casey Durmowicz (right) follows during their Think Pink game against Parkville High School Jan. 17. The team won 61-18 and raised over 700 dollars. The team’s record at press time is 11-7, with an upcoming home game against Patapsco High School Feb. 14 (see our website for score) and an away game against Millford Mill Academy Feb. 19.

junior Varsity Sophomore delivers on defense

photo by jen siegel

Spring teams show promise, leadership

joe pezzulla, sports editor ooking ahead to the spring season, I have high hopes. Girls Varsity Lacrosse: Physics teacher Cristina Reitmeyer, who coached the team to their 2006 state championship, will return to the field, assisting long-time head coach and English teacher Kristi Korrow. Offseason captains senior Maddie Manzoni and juniors Sarah Hampton and Ali Collie will spearhead a team with significant qualities. “One of our strong suits for the upcoming season is going to be our speed,” Manzoni said. They are sure to see the payoff of their offseason wall ball, indoor league, BFS and captains’ practices.

month Varsity

Juniors Gary Barneardez (left) and Scott Harrelson (right) jump to block a shot during their home game against Loch Raven High School Jan. 24. The final score was 102-35 and the first time the team broke 100 points this season. Barneardez led the way with 23 points. “We’re deep. We’re athletic. We’re long. We have guys that finish really well and tonight we scored at very high percentage,” coach Matt Lochte said after the game. With winter playoffs fast approaching, the varsity basketball team has finally regained their fast paced and dominant style of play. After dropping a few tough games in a row, the team has won their last four games, including a 71-63 victory over archrival Hereford High School Feb. 10, the spirit game in which Junior Isaiah Lamb scored 29 points in front of a wild Dulaney-ville crowd. Their record as of press time was 17-3.

It’s not crazy, It’s sports

athletes

Boys Varsity Lacrosse: The squad will be equally dominant in the county and state standings. As a teammate, I’ve noticed players across the field that will streamline success. Senior Matt Eibl, who transferred late last year from Calvert Hall College High School, will lead a stingy defense in front of junior goalie Burke McManus. Seniors Kyle Thiebault and Keegan Colegrove will take charge of the midfield creating a high scoring offensive unit.

Varsity Outdoor Track: After attaining numerous titles during the winter season, the track team should continue their dominance. Both teams are currently highly ranked by a Baltimore Sun poll, and for good reason. It’s rare to find a race without at least one Lion on the podium. Just what are they doing so well? “The continual push and motivation of our teammates has helped us spring to higher levels,” senior captain Lily Klein said. Klein credits motivational workouts, that have helped bring everyone to a new level of competition. Girls Varsity Softball: After former assistant coach Jessica Szymanski left softball and commited to coaching the girls basketball team and sponsoring

the sophomore class, the team remains hopeful. “We have a lot of young girls still, but I think they are a lot more experienced,” senior captain Brooke Wall said. “We are more dedicated this year.” The team has conducted weekly trips to the batting cages, and with their sophomore starting pitcher Emma Bevard, they are sure to enter the spring prepared.

Boys Varsity Baseball: There are sure to be big improvements here. Returning seniors David Chong and Devin Conroy will be leading a young group, including Harris Lipinski, a transfer from Boys’ Latin High School. “We’ve got a nice junior class coming up, three out of the nine starters from last year are juniors. [Coach Ryan] Wolfsheimer’s always fired up,” Chong said. The upcoming season is not all we have to look forward to. Athletic director Richard Reed will be meeting with area officials to work out plans for the turf fields and new sports complex to be constructed by the 2014 fall season. More will be revealed about the plans in our March edition.

Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org

audrey stenersen, staff writer ggressive” is how sophomore Cammi Bagwell would describe junior varsity girls basketball guard and captain Ashley Powell. “When she plays defense, the girl she is guarding gets so overwhelmed, it is hard for her to focus on the game,” Ashley powell Bagwell said. photo by jen siegel As a captain, Powell pushes teammates to help prepare them for the intensity of the games sophomore captain Arianna Graham said. “Her favorite drill is the 11-man drill, and she will be on us, and just block shots,” Graham said. Willing to help new players on the team, Powell says she enjoys her role as one of the team’s leaders. “Everybody kind of depends on you,” she said. “You have control of what’s going on.” Powell began playing basketball with her cousins and uncles as a child. She played for fun until her freshman year when she tried out for the junior varsity team. During her first game, Powell said she was nervous. “It was my first time playing on a team and I was a starter,” she said. After her first game, Powell built on her confidence. Despite this, Graham said that Powell still needs to gain confidence in her layups. “She makes a lot of them in practice, but in the games she feels like she chokes,” Graham said. Powell remembers a game they won Jan. 15 against Franklin High School 34 to 33. She said the game challenged the team’s potential and she had to “step up her defense.” “We went neck and neck with the score,” Powell said. “We just played really well and it paid off.” What else does she bring to the team? Sophomore captain Molly Turlington says Powell is a hard worker and an excellent leader. “She is very aggressive and she gets a lot of steals on defense,” Turlington said.

“A

features

the griffin

february 19, 2014

REVIEW:

Caution: Thrill of risk will draw you in

kristen meek, staff writer ntense, riveting and realistic, “Gravity” produces an accurate portrayal, for a feature film, anyway, of what it would be like to be caught out in space, panicked that there would be no way back home. The script follows Dr. Ryan Stone, played by Sandra Bullock, on her first mission in space alongside the longtime astronaut Matt Kowalski, played by George Clooney. Stone is working on an engineering project while Kowalski attempts to achieve the record for longest time spent in outer space. Before you start to yawn over the monotony of space life, rest assured things quickly take a turn for the worse, and in our case, a turn for the interesting. Disconnected from the shuttle, Bullock aimlessly flips through space, floating farther away from rescue. This starts the chain of events that lasts for the next 85 minutes. First, their space station

REVIEW:

photo from facebook

is destroyed. Then Stone starts to run out of oxygen, and there may or may not be a small inferno.

Zombies return, so should you

henry harsel, staff writer rooftop pudding binge, a flashback and a nearly heartwarming resolution with a real brat. Thank goodness season four of AMC’s “The Walking Dead” has returned. In Feb. 9’s episode, we got to see how Rick and Carl adapted to their new lives fending for themselves against the zombies. We got to watch Carl’s transformation from an innocent child to risk-taking, parent-defying zombieslaying tweenager (quite honestly, astounding and a bit horrifying). And we got to watch a

Gravity’s element of risking everything for a chance to get back home vaguely resembles the YOLO slogan widely

classic Carl moment when he shouts at his unconscious father that he no longer needs him to survive. With the NFL done for the year, I could use a little drama. Not to mention blood and gore. The mid season finale back in December was filled with the stuff, and, SPOILER ALERT FOR THOSE WHO HADN’T CAUGHT UP BEFORE THIS MONTH’S RETURN: it also included major character deaths. The constant action and thrill of survivors like Rick, Carl and Michonne evading zombies in this series plants me on the edge of my seat. And there’s enough frustration -- like the inability of the governor to perform an attack of any value on the prison during that afore mentioned finale – to keep me hooked. This, by the way, was the second straight battle in which the governor seemed to have the advantage as far as numbers and weapons

Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

overdone in the teenage world, but this time, it actually works. The extreme actions Stone has to take to save her shuttle may seem crazy to some, but they are the only option if she wants to live. The movie’s realistic setting and lack of dramatic music (they are in space, after all) adds intensity. Viewers literally held their breath to keep the theater silent. Clooney and Bullock add an extra piece to make this film worthwhile: character depth. To Stone and Kowalski, going to space was more than just a job; it was a chance to get away, as in Bullock’s case, and in Clooney’s, the chance to spend more time in a place he loves. Time is relative, and Gravity takes watchers on a thrilling adventure that has you staring up at the credits before you have even batted an eye.

overall rating: go, and the second straight battle in which his group was brutally defeated. But watch out for those annoying and intricate plot lines. In the middle of this fourth season, the show featured many. Dozens of characters were introduced, few with any significant roles at all. Then to add to the confusion, the governor came into play and took over two episodes entirely. There was zero focus on the main group while we watched him transform from evil to seemingly harmless and then back to evil until he returns and reigns with terror over the prison. Don’t get me wrong, “The Walking Dead” is still a great show, and I’m sure it’ll rebound as the rest of the season progresses. As long as they’re able to focus on one or two storylines at a time, they’ll be fine.

overall rating:

features

the griffin

february 19, 2014

post Video gamer and creative writer Christian Franklin, a junior, is president of anime club and vice president of debate club. He sat down recently with staff writer Alise Collins.

Ellie Golding, rereleased her album with new tracks and it’s great.

Reading?

I don’t really have a reason why, but I don’t have a Twitter. I just haven’t taken the time. Also, I feel like I can’t express myself in 140 characters. However, if you do want to find me on the Internet, you should follow me at endlesslyskyfalling.tumblr.com because that’s my blog and it’s great. I follow a lot of Pokémon blogs. Out of the 275 people I follow, at least like 25 are Pokémon blogs. I follow a lot of Pokémon and kingdom hearts and just like general people who may or may not blog that stuff, and also people who post cool nature photos. “Oh you’re so girly,” oh yeah shut up. I don’t often post, but I reblog a lot. That’s pretty much the majority of what I do, and if I ever need to find any news I just look at the trending tags because it’s a lot faster than actually searching through Google links and articles.

See, I’m very particular, but typically I only read stuff from James Patterson and Heather Brewer, who wrote the vampire series “Eighth Grade Bites.” Not “Twilight,” thank God. Also, I read The Gaming Magazine continually. That’s the only thing: I don’t really read a lot of fiction. I’ve just sort of had bad experiences with choosing fiction randomly. Watching? Well let’s see, on TV the only show I really watch right now is this show called “Community,” but the shows I’m watching that are coming back up are called “The Following,” “Being Human” and “Teen Wolf” on MTV. Yes, oh my gosh, yes. “Teen Wolf“ is a big deal because this season is twice as long as the last one with 12 more episodes. It’s going to be in the summer and the winter, and the winter part is starting, and stuff is getting crazy and there are demons and people are dying. It’s great; it’s fantastic. Listening?

Following?

Eating? I go to McDonald’s and ChickFil-A a lot. But, if I have to be, you know, a standard human being that isn’t disgusting, I really like this place called Basta Pasta. They have really, really good thin crust pizza, but their menu is kind of small and if I had to pick somewhere else American it would probably be The Cheesecake Factory. Their menu is gigantic. It’s absolutely unnecessary, but they have such good food.

I listen to every genre of music. Except gospel and classical music, you will find everything on my iPod—country, alternative, punk, rap, hip Changing? hop, pop—everything. You’ll find I do have these specific shirts that I like to my Screamo next wear that say Monday, Tuesday, Wednesto my K-Pop, next to day, Thursday, Friday. Every once and a my Demi Lovato. You’ll while, I’ll wear those shirts straight in a find everything. My favorweek or sometimes I’ll wear superhero ite artist, Paramore, is comshirts and change throughout the day. So ing to Merriweather in July, if you know me, pay attention because you and I want to go to that. Also, never know what I may be wearing. I’m also this one rapper I like called B.O.B trying to be less obnoxious. I’m not sure how released a new album recently, well that’s working; I’m trying. photo by jen siegel and my favorite electronic artist,

Lose the Lethargy. Sophomore Sahana Rafu counter acts monotony in her sixth period Advance Placement Chemistry class. photo by lucia tarantino

Regardless of manner, boredom strikes its prey

stephanie rountree, staff writer he news that German researchers had pinpointed five kinds of boredom earlier this winter didn’t exactly bowl over students here. (See “Battling Boredom on all Fronts,”page 4). They wrestle with the b-word regularly. Sophomore Michelle Wu said it strikes when teachers foul up their timing. “The teacher gives us too much time for an activity,” Wu said. “Everyone’s done, but we don’t move on. I feel like I’m just sitting there doing nothing, so it’s natural instinct to find something to do.” Most of her classes actually are interesting, Wu said. Still, there’s the challenge of just sitting there 40 minutes at a time . In fact, the German research team found that high school students were bored 11 percent more often than their collegiate counterparts. Unsurprised, Wu cites a varying amount of freedom as the main cause. “In high school, students may feel constrained by their teachers and feel that they are unable to do anything about it. College students have the liberty of, for one, not being in a learning environment for six hours straight, and also because of the less restricted campus atmosphere.” Another factor for the surge in boredom among teenagers affects not only

students’ ability to pay attention, but their health as well. “College students get to start school later if they wish,” sophomore Sahana Rafu said. “I find myself more bored whenever I get less sleep, and I feel like sleeping during class instead of listening to teachers.” Senior Cece Ukejianya agrees boredom strikes frequently during school but doesn’t blame her sleep time for the problem. “This year I picked my classes well, so I don’t get bored during the day. But for my boring classes, it seems like I took NyQuil or Benadryl because I struggle to stay awake.” So how do these students resist boredom during class? Ukejianya recommends doodling, using a phone or taking a nap as effective boredom fighters. Preferring to focus on outside stimuli, Wu says that she usually observes her surroundings like interesting items outside, bulletin boards and posters. Raju said she tries to fight boredom without losing the information that is being taught. “I just write down every word that the teacher says without paying attention, so when I’m at home, I can look at the notes and say ‘Oh, that’s what we learned today!’ I also try to nod a lot so that it looks like I’m paying attention.”

REVIEW:

Ma Petite Shoe serves up perfect pairing of indulgences

photo by katie walters

katie walters, cartoonist hoes and chocolate: a woman’s paradise. This is exactly what you get when you visit Ma Petite Shoe in Baltimore’s Hampden. When I first walked up the stairs to this pleasant shop on a rainy Monday afternoon, it delighted me that they had a little box for me to leave my wet umbrella, so I didn’t have to tote it around the store, leaving a trail of rainwater wherever I went. I step into the shop, the first thing I see? Shoes. All different types, boots, flats and heels, all from different designers. There are two floors to this boutique, and the second story has items such as dresses and hats, even scarves. And of course, more shoes. I picked out a cute cycling cap from the hat rack and made my way back downstairs for the true treasure of Ma Petite Shoe: the chocolate. First, I’m astounded by their selection. For such a small shop, they really have a lot of chocolate. And the best part? They have chocolate shoes. Chocolate that looks like a shoe. You can legitimately purchase a shoe made out of chocolate at Ma Petite Shoe. If you don’t want to eat chocolate in the shape of a shoe, then I don’t know what to tell you. But there’s so much more than just shoechocolate. There’s chocolate bars, choco-

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late drinks, chocolate truffles and more. All have unique flavor combinations, such as the Pink Himalayan Crystal Salt Caramel Bar I purchased. It tasted of sea salt caramel and chocolate, a truly amazing combination. But the salt was pink, so my taste buds didn’t know what to expect. What they got was stupendous. Now, I went to this shop on a Monday, so I didn’t get to experience the café, closed Mondays. But Ma Petite Shoe does also consist of a café, which has a lovely seating area outside of the shop. Overall, I’d recommend this experience to anyone who loves chocolate or shoes. Or if you love both, more power to you. Ma Petite Shoe is a true local gem. Ma Petite Shoe 830 W. 36th Street (410)-235-3442 Hours: Monday - Thursday, 11a.m. 7p.m. Friday, 11a.m. - 8p.m. Saturday, 11a.m. - 7p.m. Sunday, 12p.m. - 5p.m.

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february 19, 2014

11 features

the griffin

february 19, 2014

Approaching canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop dancing and never will sport with her own style

among us: Hodgetts

peripatetic prancer. Top: Junior Amanda Hodgetts performs with Dance Team at the Oct. 31 pep rally to the tune of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Teach Me How to Dougie.â&#x20AC;?

photo by jen siegel

Right: Hodgetts Irish-step dances at her elementary school. photo from hodgetts

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I

taylor wenzl, staff writer tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a way to express yourself without having to express yourself,â&#x20AC;? junior Amanda Hodgetts said, describing dance. And as a dance company choreographer, dance team captain, Mid-Atlantic Ballet member and Moving Company dancer who sometimes spends over 13 hours a week dancing, she knows a little something about the subject. Hodgettsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; desire to dance was influenced by her parents, who met while dancing. She began Irish step dancing in first grade, but didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t start seriously dancing until she was a freshman. Fellow dancer sophomore Sarah Morrison describes her as charismatic. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She has this natural abil-

ity and works really hard, which makes the rest of us want to have the same drive to improve. If we need to do something or learn choreography, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s focused and wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop working until she has it perfect.â&#x20AC;? Even during school, dance never leaves her mind. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always jumping, always all over the place in class, always dancing,â&#x20AC;? dance teacher Debbie McWilliams said. When sitting at her desk, Hodgetts practices her posture for dance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People look at me weird,â&#x20AC;? she said. Despite all her experience, Hodgetts still gets a â&#x20AC;&#x153;nervous pee,â&#x20AC;? before performances, where she feels like she has to pee but she just went. She said

she runs through the choreography backstage to try and lose the anxiety, but when the lights come on, â&#x20AC;&#x153;it all goes away,â&#x20AC;? and her body remembers the movements. Hodgetts said she aspires to go to college and study dance movement therapy to help elderly and disabled people express themselves through dance. Her teammate said Hodgettsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; care for others is evident. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She seemed very determined to make us more like a family than just a team,â&#x20AC;? junior Meredith Harris said.

gina lee, projects manager n early love for Peter Pan led to national success. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My sisters and I would pretend we were the characters in the movie and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d pretend to fence with hangers around the house,â&#x20AC;? junior Morgan LaRocca said. LaRocca competed in three events Feb. 14-16 at the Junior Olympics in Portland, Ore. For full results, see our website. Earlier this month, LaRocca also competed in a tournament to try to raise her ranking, and she came in fifth out of 24. She was the only girl to rank in the top eight, and said that part of her win is thanks to her good luck charm: her mismatched socks. A lamĂŠ (fencing jacket) and foil (fencing sword) in hand, LaRocca began fencing in the third grade, and said her favorite aspects of the sport are the

Junior Morgan LARocca spars with a competitor earlier this year. photo from larocca

people and the equality. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not about â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Oh Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a boy so Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m better than youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about your intellect and skill level,â&#x20AC;? LaRocca said. After taking lessons for six years, LaRocca and her mom decided in eighth grade that it was time to stop because of complicated circumstances. But LaRoccaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desires would not stop poking at her. She found herself fencing again in the spring of her freshman year. LaRocca said sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll continue fencing in college. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want it to be a part of my life because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a big part of who I am.â&#x20AC;?

Junior to play solo with local orchestra Cellist Ben Lee , seen here performing at a benefit concert in 2012, has been selected to perform a solo from Haydnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cello Concerto in C major No. 1â&#x20AC;? with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in April. Lee earned the honor after a county-wide tryout at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.

Staff writers kelli goetz and noelle li contributed to this report.

photo by mindy cheng

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12 features

february 19, 2014

club close-up : Giving It Back Committed group nurtures leaders

Top: forum panel. (left to right) Seniors Isabel Garcia, Aaron Sless, Ivy Gao and Michelle Njau join Maryland Teacher of the Year Sean McComb for a discussion on student-teacher relationships Oct. 30. This forum was sponsered by Giving It Back. photo by jen siegel

Bottom: club planning. (left to right) Sophomore Destiny Evans, junior Tyla Lang, sophomore Haneyah Carter, seniors Ashley Walker and John Anukem, junior Elijah Boswell, sophomore Sam Kamue and juniors Rhaj Gooden, Confidence Nwanguma and Destiny Evans plan their Feb. 19 forum on fairness in grading. photo by maya hoke

maya lapinski, staff writer he alluring scent of pizza fills the halls, complimented by laughter. Pencils, pens and big piles of paper ballots are scattered around room 302 as a boisterous group of students eagerly debate. It’s Thursday afternoon and the Giving It Back club is in full swing. The club, sponsored by English teacher Alicia Drechsler and specifically directed at African American students (though open to all), helps develop leadership skills and increase participation in the school community. “Giving it Back really helps to give them a platform,” Drechsler said. “We can come together and talk about things that are important to us at our school,” junior member Kayla Young said. The goal of the club is to put as many members as possible into influential school positions.

“If you look at the statistics, the majority of the African American community in the school isn’t really involved, so Giving It Back helps bring a lot more of them into school involvement,” junior Rhaj Gooden said. Gooden is the leader of the club, and it has allowed him to be a more prominent member of the student body. His favorite part is being able to lead different forums. “Instead of kids complaining in the back of the class, we can actually say it and it can have a legitimate impact. It’s not starting immediate change, but it’s at least getting the ball rolling,” Gooden said. The forums even sparked a meeting on hybrid classes, allowing the student body as a whole to be heard. The next forum is to be held on Feb. 19 on the fairness in grading. Although they’re still working on a plan, the club is trying to start up a mentoring program. It will help out younger members, expanding the club’s influence.

Building relationships and individuality is key for many members. “Here at Dulaney, we are one, but we’re identified individually. So at Giving It Back, we can identify ourselves for who we are,” Young said.

Artists see the world with connected senses sara glasser, staff writer & christine condon, copy editor wo is a sort of tangerine-colored, very peppy girl with pig-tails. 1 is an androgynous, white-haired

“T

Senior christoph walbeck sketches in his notebook. Walbeck is in Jim Kuhlman’s seventh period Advanced Placement Studio Practice class. photo by kyra twohy

person, usually small and very quiet,” senior Christoph Walbeck said. Walbeck has Synesthesia, a rare condition in which the brain connects its senses together. Numbers and letters have personalities, smells have color, music has taste—senses combine in ways that most people can’t fathom. “I always associate ‘A’ as female. She’s very independent. She’s a warden. She’s a strict, prominent, independent female,” sophomore Tori Vandervest said, speaking from her own experiences as another Synesthete. Letters with colors and personalities may seem like nothing more than a cool mind-trick, but Synesthetic effects can be very beneficial in daily life. Both Vanvdervest and Walbeck are artists and their Synesthesia impacts their artwork, music and school day. “It helps me remember numbers and formulas in math class and it helps me to read and memorize things in English.” Walbeck said.

“Sometimes in the music, if I pay close attention, I’ll see the colors of the different instruments and riffs and things that have their own

Sophomore Tori Vandervest drew this illustration to represent the effects of her Synesthesia. photo from vandervest

color,” Walbeck said. In marching band, Synesthesia affects his perception of the music.

“The flutes are a very light color, very shrill, very small, probably lines across my field of vision.” People with Synesthesia can essentially paint pictures in their heads from sounds, kind of like keeping a canvas in the back of your brain. “My favorite color of song is pale. It’s a very light yellow tan color. It’s hard to find within music. An example is the Red Hot Chili Peppers—they have pale songs,” Walbeck said. With such dramatic symptoms, it can come as a surprise that most Synesthetes don’t realize they have the condition for a very long time. Vandervest did not realize she had Synesthesia until late middle school upon receiving a 97 percent on a math test. ‘97,’ according to Vandervest, has a particularly nice color combination. She noticed the seemingly obvious beauty of the numbers, and was surprised that no one else did. For most Synesthetes, finding

Teachers reach for sweet stress relief

“O

jackie andrews, staff writer & liz gillum, copy editor h, it’s a chocolate kind of day!” Librarian Christine Senft said she has heard these words from staff who raid the library’s community chocolate stash. The 8-inch holiday tin full of individually-wrapped chocolates is a fixture. “When I started here 14 years ago, my secretary had had that jar on her desk for 26 years,” Senft said. “I just continued the tradition.” Social studies teacher Phil Bressler is a regular whose enthusiasm for chocolate is not to be underestimated. “If I was running for president, I’d base my entire election

chocolate craver. Teachers such as Jessica Carlson (hand above) routinely indulge in chocolate.

photo by jood ali

on everyone having M&M’s, because could you be mad if you were eating M&M’s?” Bressler said he hits the jar about three times weekly out Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

Sophomore Tori Vandervest paints a paper sculpture with black and white oil paints. Vandervest is part of art teacher Joanna Waring’s period three Gifted and Talented Intermediate Art class. photo by jackie andrews

out that they’re not “normal” is quite the shock. “I’m like ‘wait a second… I have that! Doesn’t everyone have that? Apparently not!” Walbeck said.

of pure love for chocolate, often nabbing omnipresent Nestle’s Crunch bars. But Senft noted that some teachers seek chocolate out of need. Science teacher Mark Glaeser said he goes about once a day, right before he grades papers. “It’s terrible. I’ve gained like five pounds,” Glaeser said. “It’s like I’m addicted,” he said while eating a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup from the tin. He said he hopes he can develop some willpower. CNN reports that since at least the 90s, scientists have recognized that chocolate triggers mood-enhancing endorphins. Regardless, science teacher Jessica Carlson said she has cut back from her daily library chocolate run. Now she’s down to twice weekly. Still, she said, she keeps a bag of emergency cookies in her desk.