Our mission: to enlighten and to entertain
the griffin Dulaney High School Timonium, Maryland
Volume 52, Issue 2 FINISHED
# TO KNOW
45
the number of English classes that have more than 30 students INSPIRED
see page 10
# TO KNOW
64
percentage of English teachers who give extra credit for the reading club
VICTORIOUS
see page 12
INDEX 2-3 4-5 6-7 8-12
news opinion sports features
November 21, 2011
Students identify with Occupy Wall Street protests
C see page 6
See even more content on our website: http:///my.hsj.org/md/timonium/griffin
aysha khan, features editor limbing college costs and influence from social media have piqued local interest in the Occupy Wall Street protests against capitalism, corporate greed and the widening gap between the rich and the poor. Senior Rayna Robinson attended the Wall Street protests on Oct. 15 while touring colleges in New York. Her tour convinced her that the on-going Occupy movement had legitimate grievances. “I was there because college tuition should not be this high,” she explained. “I did the math, and by the time I graduate, I’ll be $18,000 in debt. And that’s not even that much, comparatively.” The College Board reports that the average tuition for public out-of-state colleges has risen over 5.2 percent from last year to around $29,657—a ridiculous number, Robinson said. This inspired her to hold up a homemade sign reading, “Americans can’t afford
the American dream.” “Occupy Wall Street is certainly in line with the American tradition,” said Advanced Placement U.S. history teacher Kathleen Skelton. “Since the beginning of the two-party system, public displays and rhetoric and protests have brought attention to issues of the people as well as inspired great change.” Skelton called the Occupy movement the middle and lower classes’ counterpart to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens v. United ruling. The 2010 case forbade the government from banning corporate spending on elections—essentially granting First Amendment protection to companies, Skelton said. The leaderless Occupy protests began midSeptember in Liberty Square on Wall Street, the financial district of New York City and the epicenter of America’s economy. Within weeks, protests sprung
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Senior Rayna Robinson takes a detour to Occupy Wall Street while on a college visit in New York City. photo from robinson
SGO and athletes team up to bolster spirit: results mixed
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emily xie, features editor as spirit week better this year? Depends on whom you ask. This year had the most student participation of any other spirit week, said Student Government Organization sponsor Stacy Herring. “We made our spirit days continued on page 3
Varsity and JV cheerleaders get the crowd revved up for the County Champion badminton team during the Nov. 3 pep rally. photo by emily park
Forced to computers, announcement team adjusts (as do viewers)
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amanda bank and taylor roberts, staff writers enior Rami Seif flicks a switch and launches the countdown. Unable to see themselves on a TV monitor, the anchors gaze at the floor manager. No longer televised, “Live on 5” streams to life – on computer screens around the building. Why scrap the telecast? A damaged cable in the cable system causes the picture on channel five and other channels to become fuzzy. Because of this, telecommunications teacher Casey Lowe added a device necessary to air “Live on 5” through Safari Montage, an Internet program. About half the Baltimore County Public Schools with active TV studios for their announcements already air them through Safari, he said. The switch has brought new challenges, not the least of which is anchors unable to see themselves. “It was very helpful to know what camera is going where,” said anchor and senior Jacob Reynolds, noting that directors must compensate for dearth of visibility. “We have people flaring their arms waving Senior Rami Seif mans the audio board during the morning announcements in October. to a certain camera, giving us cues,” Reynolds said.
The switch has also affected audio. When broadcasting through Safari, the sound on commercials is louder than it was through the studio microphones. To compensate, Lowe said sound board operators lower the volume for the introduction and for the commercials, but they raise it when the anchors are speaking. Ironing out the kinks has taken some trial and effort, said sophomore and announcements team member Sarah Schaeffler. “We are trying to put tape on the sound board so that we know where the sound is good.” Fledgling Anna Jensen, a junior, struggles with communicating with the control room-- a sound proof room. “It’s really difficult to communicate those problems with the anchors because you are focused on the cameras,” she said. To complicate matters, Reynolds said, this year’s morning announcement team features no veterans with real mastery of the broadcasting equipment. He continued on page 2
photo by jen siegel
FYI: Thanksgiving Holiday Schools Closed Nov. 24-25
Meet the Coaches Night Nov. 29 Auditorium 7 p.m.
Financial Aid Night Dec. 6 Satellite Cafeteria 7-9 p.m.
http://myhsj.org/md/timonium/griffin
Interims Distributed Dec. 9
Winter Concert A Winter Concert B Dec. 15 (snow date 12/16) Auditorium 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 21 (snow date 12/22) Auditorium 7:30 p.m.
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news
november 21, 2011
the griffin
Students identify with Occupy Wall Street protests continued from page 1 up in cities all over the world. Baltimore is no exception. McKeldin Square has been occupied since October. The movement was inspired by the Arab Spring, last year’s frenzy of uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa. The Twitterfueled Arab revolutions are also comparable to the Occupy movement in their use of social media. Robinson said most students only know about the protests via micro-blogging site Tumblr. Skelton said that governments will hesitate to crush the protests after the Arab Spring’s success. Instead, conservative leaders are criticizing the protesters’ lack of organization, political knowledge and suggested solutions. “I think these critical comments are showing the ‘fear’ that the protests are revealing a truth,” Skelton said. “Like the TEA Party movement (which seems to be
quiet lately), they really show a counterweight to powerful structures of globalization that diminish democracy’s effect.” Though disappointed by how every protester seemed to support a different cause, Robinson praised the peaceful atmosphere. “Everyone is supporting each other and what they have to say,” she said. “I recorded parts of it, and I got strangers hugging each other.” Advanced Placement economics teacher Philip Bressler said that most students don’t know of the protests. He said students should be more involved and aware of the economic and political turmoil, considering how strongly the economy’s future will impact them. He pointed out that this generation will be the first to graduate in tremendous debt without the promise of suitable jobs waiting. “It’s their future,” Bressler said. “You know, I’m going to be dead, and you’re going to live through
Hundreds of protesters gather on Wall Street, holding up signs and camping out. Skelton said that such protests are common throughout American history. photo by rayna robinson
this.” Even senior Lareb Zehra, who passed by the Wall Street protest while visiting family, was unsure of the movement’s aims. “At first I didn’t know what was going on, but after I read a few of the signs, I figured it was about the
continued from page 1 recalled a time when a floor manager flashed the wrong fingers to signal which camera the anchors should watch. The result: a pair of anchors looking this way and that on camera. While some teachers complained about the need to log on to a computer to receive the morning announcements, it appears the steps have become routine. “At first it was a huge stressor and an interference,” Latin teacher Dawn Mitchell said. “Now, as long as we have Internet access, things are okay.” Viewers report improved quality but some lingering problems. Some teachers on the first
One year later, reflecting on Edline
DEBATE TEAM Senior Dan Golden won all three of his debates at the Nov. 12 Baltimore County Forensics League tournament at Arundel High School. Seniors Lucy Wang and Tom Ko won two of three debates in this, the team’s first contest. The debate team’s next competition is Dec. 17 at Notre Dame Prep. The team meets Mondays and Fridays after school in room 306. Underclassmen are welcome to join.
economy,” she said. Some students seem passionate about the cause, though—at least anonymously. Before it was painted over, a girls’ bathroom stall on the third floor had the words “#occupydulaney” scrawled across the wall.
Forced to computers, announcement team adjusts (as do viewers)
Casey Lowe, seen here with an Engineering technology student, continues to help teachers and students adjust to the change in the format of the announcements photo by jen siegel
News in Brief
floor of the new wing report the occasional show with no sound or sound with a black screen. Art teacher Dena Voluse said each morning she must switch to an Internet connection on her laptop to view the announcements. And Spanish teacher Maureen Burke foresees problems with the announcements when a substitute stands in for her. “Before I could just tell my student to push the button on the TV, now if there’s a sub they probably won’t see the announcements,” Burke said. Sophomore Camilo Robles said in October, her homeroom had to become active viewers. “In Ms.Downs room we cannot hear the speakers, so we just watch their lips,” she said.
Scene At Dulaney
ROBOTICS TEAM WINS The D team of the Dulaney VEX Robotics Team won the Tournament Champion award qualifying for the World Championship event in April. On the Oct. 29 winning team were: Noah Trapp (9), Emma Siu (9), Vincent Song (9), Annie Brantigan (9) and Maya Hoke (9). The group will host a regional competition with 100 teams at the Maryland State Fair grounds late this month.
HONOR BOARD The honor board is back. The board, formed last year, gives three selected students the opportunity to recommend potential consequences for their peers who are accused of academic dishonesty. In cases reported by teachers, those accused remain anonymous. Honor board members’ recommendations are not binding. According to a board member, there have been two cases this fall, and one has resulted in suspension.
TEACHER AWARDED Physical education teacher Kyle Fiat has won the Emerging Leader Award. Every county in Maryland nominated an elementary, middle, and high school for the award. Fiat was selected for his excellence in teaching and his involvement with the Bigger, Faster, Stronger program in the county.
VOTER DRIVE SET The Young Democrats will hold a voter registration drive after winter break. Tentatively set for January, the drive will allow students to register for voting in the 2012 election during senior English classes.
source: edline.net
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missy elrick, staff writer t’s an easy way to check your grades,” said junior Jonathan Sesum. “Simple as that.” But at least a few teachers in the building view displaying grades on Edline with disdain. “Kids should be able to self-assess and be independent,” said a teacher who prefers to display grades the old fashioned way. “What are they going to do when they have to take care of themselves?” That same teacher said some students focus so much on checking their grades on Edline that learning becomes secondary. The teacher, who posts assignments online routinely, praised that function for its efficiency. Junior Alex Vlk agrees that Edline is a priceless resource for information following absences. Critics want more from Edline. The photos on what amounts to the school’s website are from several years ago, said an anonymous junior, adding that he’d like to see more club information displayed there. Don’t look for universal use of Edline. History chairman Richard Englar said that he posts grades only because he’s not tech savvy. “Someday when they show me how to do it, then I will post assignments,” he said.
CLUB CHANGES NAME
Seniors Min Lee, Leah Brave and Lucy Wang (left to right) discuss the value of a photo submitted to Sequel during a meeting in room 309 Nov. 9. Editors also scrutinized poetry and prose for this year’s literary magazine, which is themed Shock Value. Submissions may be dropped off in room 309 or emailed to dulaneysequel@gmail.com through January. The club, which meets every Wednesday from 2:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. is sponsored by Meekah Hopkins. photo by amna zehra
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The Gay-Straight Alliance has changed its name to Spectrum. In October they hosted guest speaker Maryland State Senator Jim Brochin to explain his stance on same-sex marriage. They intend to spread the word of diversity at Dulaney with a campaign of posters, meetings and events. Spectrum meets Thursdays at 2:30pm in room 238.
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the griffin
opinion
Deliberating over jobs spending W kyle bowers, contributing writer ith the Occupy Wall Street protest making headlines almost daily, it makes sense that many Americans are concerned about keeping their jobs, and their ability to find new ones. While the unemployment rate currently lies at 9.1 percent, our government believes that the only solution is to continue spending, despite the national debt. There has been a one-percent drop in unemployment since 2009 but no one is arguing that the economy has recovered. The Obama administration asserts that its policies can create and save jobs. But it’s impossible to measure OP-ART: sam kamran how many jobs have been “saved,” if any. Our attention turns to whether or not the government can effectively create jobs. The idea behind the government’s attempts to create jobs lies in the Keynesian school of macroeconomics. In
order to create jobs, the government needs to spend additional money. With Keynesian policies, we reach the issue of continually pumping money into the economy. This practice—like bailing out failing companies —causes inflation, and never is a long-term fix. Even if the government can effectively create jobs, which it clearly can’t, considering the unemployment rate, the money it must spend counter balances any positives. Keep in mind that the cost of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was $117,933 per job. There’s also the issue of where the money goes. When the government creates jobs, rather than private businesses, there’s obvious favoritism. Jobs bills create jobs in places where the government sees fit, but not necessarily the best place for consumers. More government spending is the opposite of a solution.
jesse seigel, contributing writer he fight over jobs has resulted in a general apathy towards government policy and widespread frustration with the path of the United States and all who are involved in the political process. The President and Congress have become locked in partisan fights with each side incapable of holding honest debate. Corporations have been depicted as leaches, and movements such as the Tea Party and Occupy Wall Street are viewed as ineffectual. What must be recognized is that the one force capable of producing any real change is the federal government. Franklin Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, and Ronald Reagan all used massive federal spending, primarily on military budgets, but always produced periods of exponential growth. This is nothing new. The booms and busts of the early 19th century
were based on sales of government lands in the West. The expansion of American capitalism was made through building railroads funded by the federal government. The economy has failed when the federal devices of regulation are not used. The federal government has, is, and will play the key role in the survival of the American economy. In the current crisis, it must be decided what is most important, reduction of the deficit or the return of American jobs. Both must be done. Putting Americans to work on public projects to encourage growth, taxing the money the private sector is sitting on in order to pay for the infrastructure, reforming the tax code and stopping the bleeding of Federal welfare programs are required to end both. In the end it will be “whether [government] works” because it is the only force to change the situation.
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Editorial: Edline revisited
OP-ART: tony choi
What Edline was supposed to do: -Let students check grades and assignments -Reduce teacher burden -Display latest school news
What Edline really does: -Creates grade checking addicts -Displays some assignments -Features some timely news and outdated photos
What Edline should do:
-Update grades automatically -Provide all teacher handouts -List current information and photos
There is one correction to the October issue. On page 4, the article “History Classes Subdue Importance of 9/11” should have stated that Advanced Placement history classes discuss 9/11 and its global impact.
If staff or student volunteers can achieve these things, we urge them to do so.
Letters to the editor Global warming is becoming one of the most serious issues in the world, yet it isn’t receiving as much attention as it should. Global warming may not directly affect the people that are alive now, but what is being done now will affect the lives of other people in later the generations. Simple actions like recycling plastic and paper in one of the recycling bins is not difficult, but a lot of people are just too lazy to put their trash in the right place. It isn’t hard to hold on to trash for a few minutes longer and throw it into a nearby trashcan, but some people just can’t wait. Littering does, in fact, contribute to global warming. But that’s not all; the evidence is all around us. Temperatures are increasing around the world, and sometimes on the news it shows the glaciers in the North Pole retreating. The more the ice melts, the higher the waters will rise. If the waters rise, then it will begin to flood the lower elevation cities. Due to warmer temperatures, diseases, such as malaria, will also spread. Flowers may also bloom before the insects that pollinate the flowers become them are ready to do so, meaning species may die out. But the real question is, could these events have been prevented if the planet had been better taken care of? --Amy Hung http://my.hsj.org/md/timonium/griffin
november 21, 2011
Select a local, responsive replacement for superintendent
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jenna depasquale, opinion editor rom the affluent to the impoverished, from the Jewish to the Sikh, the Tea Party to the Democratic Party, Baltimore County Public Schools arguably holds the most diverse population of a school district in the state, perhaps even the country. With a student population of 104,331, according to the district’s website, much of this diversity is due to BCPS’s size. Given these factors, it takes an extraordinary person to be called the superintendent without becoming overwhelmed or turning to self interest. It is imperative to select a new superintendent who is interested in bettering the school system instead of simply climbing the administrative ladder. Following the announcement that current superintendant Joe Hairston will not be returning next school year, a nationwide search for a replacement began. It would be wise to choose someone who has spent adequate time in a leadership role and in the classroom. He or she would then be familiar with the BCPS population and dedicated to the school system. Hairston, whose experience prior to BCPS superintendent was
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It is essential to have a leader who can take on a physically taxing job.
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in Prince George’s County and Clayton County in Jonesboro, Ga., has failed to understand the complexity of the county’s current economic conditions. His permitting a $5 million dollar expenditure on books that will never be used makes people question his ability to manage. It would be effective to choose a superintendent that has experience with budgeting in order to save money for students who can’t afford school supplies, for example, or for preventing further elimination of teacher positions. These are the things that will make strides towards ensuring student success. A younger, fresher superintendent may also be what the county needs. Hairston admitted upon announcing his retirement that much of his energy was diminished by his declining health. It is essential to have a leader who can take on a physically taxing job. This would increase superintendent presence in schools and would also allow more potential for increasing the progressive nature of BCPS. The Teachers Association of Baltimore County asked teachers to complete a questionnaire about qualities they would like to see in the state superintendent, but not for the county. Information like this should be playing a direct role in the decision making process. The student advisory board should also be utilized during this process in order to weigh superintendent successes and failure, but unfortunately, it is not. Overall, teachers, parents, and students need to have more of a say in this process. To guide our school system through changing and challenging times, we need a dynamic leader: one who represents us all.
Griffin Staff 255 E. Padonia Rd. Timonium, Maryland (410)-887-7633 Management.............................................................................. Sara Mahmood, Amna Zehra........................................co-editors Jenny Park..............................................................deputy editor Erin Brock, Lorrie Sinibaldi.....................................news editors Aysha Khan, Emily Xie..........................arts and features editors Kathy Albornoz, Anna Jensen.................................sports editors Drew Van Wagner.........................................deputy sports editor Erin Brock, Jenna DePasquale..............................opinion editors Ben Gelman........................................................chief technician Keval Patel......................................................deputy technician Ethan Levy.......................................................business manager Emily Park.....................................................photography editor Aysha Khan, Anna Jensen................................chief copy editors Katie Evans, Aysha Khan, Maddie Muth................design editors Drew Van Wagner..........................................online coordinators Maria Hiaasen..................................................................adviser
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. Want to advertise in The Griffin or purchase any photos seen in this issue? Use the same contact information. The Griffin’s mission is to enlighten and entertain Dulaney’s diverse community.
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opinion
the griffin
november 21, 2011
Sleep depraved
Sure school spirit matters, but you can’t force it
Why we hate freshmen
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anna jensen, chief copy editor
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t’s official: Dulaney students absolutely and inherently d e s p i s e the entire freshman species for a multitude of reasons. As we grow older and wiser, it becomes increasingly more difficult to believe we were once in their shoes. Recent and mostly legitimate studies claim that freshmen are gradually getting smaller and smaller every year. Before we know it, they’ll be in the same weight class as large loaves of bread. “One time, I was walking down the hall, and I ran into something, and I didn’t know what it was,” junior Yejin Yoon reported. “Then I looked down. I realized it was an itty-bitty freshman.” Could freshmen possibly be turning into a fire hazard? Yoon was seriously concerned about this development. In addition to their size, freshmen have been described as noisy, aggravating and just downright freshmen-y. The Griffin’s band of super-intelligent mathematicians determined that the level of freshmen obnoxiousness is equivalent to estimated freshmen noise pollution value times total freshmen cluelessness divided by the area of any given hallway. “They’re…arrgh!” complained junior Christine
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jenny park, deputy editor ethan levy, business manager pirit Week, Homecoming Dance and Sports Night. As a hat are you going to wear tomorrow for spirit week?” member and one of the leaders of Student Government “Nothing.” This dialogue is typical in the beginning Organization, I know class councils and SGO put a lot of of November. I’ve been here for four years now, and it’s safe effort into those events. They’re traditions that students take to say that many people just don’t care about school spirit. advantage of, without reciprocation. The least they can do is Because so many people don’t care, I’ve resigned to not caring to show some effort. Whether students acknowledge it or not, either. This is the reality of it; this is the main problem. school spirit is an essential part of the stability of a school. When choosing which colleges to apply to, the level of school When I was a freshman, one of the most memorable spirit is an important factor. When you watch college football experiences was Sports Night. I remember the senior and basketball, don’t you ever wonder how invigorating it members of SGO dressed up as Greek goddesses and the would be to be part of that crowd’s energy and intensity? classes going crazy, trying to win. The I wish Dulaney was like this, but since it’s bleachers were packed, and people were not, I don’t bother with school spirit here. restless and excited. But recently, the In my sophomore year I did once decide attendance at Sports Night has declined to give it a try on ‘nerd day.’ I wore a hat dramatically. My class had barely 10 that said “geek” with a spinner on top. people in the stands last year. The I got lots of compliments but I just felt students complained about promotion silly. Few other people actually dressed and their friends not going. They tend up; I got the impression that others to blame others instead of themselves. thought that I just wanted to attract Instead, they need to take initiative. attention. Anybody who really knows This year, the SGO has tried to promote me would laugh at such an assumption. more school spirit. Homecoming School spirit is meant to be fun and pamphlets were distributed to students it can be, as long as everyone joins in. and face paint was offered on the Senior Caitlin Walther and the rest of the cheerStudents can use their energy to raise morning of the Pep Rally. The members leading squad perform at the pep rally Nov. 3. money. For example, I suppose that the on the SGO Executive Board shelled out photo by jen siegel homecoming football game raises tons. 6 dollars to buy serapes and sombreros If just half the number of people who for Fiesta Day. SGO members were all attend the homecoming game turned out required to dress up for each spirit day. The ones who forgot to the regular season games as well, the revenue for the football had to tip toe around room 323, or they would have to face program would skyrocket. With that in mind, I admit that the the consequences from the SGO adviser. Overall, I saw more school’s efforts to increase school spirit are worthy. students wearing jerseys, sombreros, and donning school Personally, though, it’s not going to work on me. Honestly, colors. It was a vast improvement from the failure known as I don’t contribute to the atmosphere that we want to create last year’s Harry Potter Day. because I might look like a fool in the process. It would only be Some students say school spirit is already gone, and it can’t fun for me if I could share a similar excitement with everyone. make a comeback. But if the students don’t try to revive There’s the Catch-22. school spirit now, then when will they?
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OP-ART: sam kamran
Could freshmen possibly be turning into a fire hazard?
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King. “They get all excited about stuff like the breezeway. The rest of us are like, ‘been there, done that!’” Senior Dewey Matthews agreed. “They stand in the hallways and just talk. So weird.” The universal opinion echoes through Dulaney, identifying freshmen as a clear menace—similar to how most students would classify the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Hereford Bulls. Not only have they infected the classrooms here, they’ve invaded Facebook, Twitter and every other social networking haven we hold dear. According to an anonymous senior, “They cause all the drama, man.” It’s not only upperclassmen who detest the newbies with the very core of their being. Sophomore Kevin Feldscher expressed his aversion to freshmen. “They’re annoying,” he said, without having to think twice. “Really annoying.” Some anti-freshmen students don’t need a reason for their abomination. When asked why he detests the little guys, junior Sun Jang replied, “I just do.” Evidently, freshmen are in fact ignorant to the unmistakable liability they trigger. “Everyone’s so big, and I’m so small,” freshman Audrey Fanshaw held. “I don’t know what’s going on!” Worst of all, freshmen are notorious for believing that the title of this column is a typo and should be corrected to “Sleep deprived.” Furthermore, they maintain that gullible isn’t in the dictionary and that the pool on the roof is lovely this time of year. An obvious question remains: should something be done? How long can this problem remain before it morphs into a full-blown epidemic, and everyone at Dulaney shrinks into a loud, obstreperous runt? Is the administration aware? Should we banish the ninth graders to local middle schools and let them deal with the issue? It doesn’t matter precisely how we resolve the glaring crisis; the fact remains: something must be done, and something must be done soon. The consequences are real.
Selling and selling your way to graduation
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erin brock, opinion editor our years. Four years of piles of homework, musty textbooks, hectic hallways, pencil nubs, about a million sheets of paper and probably a few mental breakdowns. It’s no surprise that by the time senior year rolls around, many students are counting down the never-ending days until graduation. Because let’s be honest, high school is hard. It’s stressful, demanding and purely exhausting. And if you survive it, you’ve earned it. You’ve earned that walk across the stage. You’ve earned the right to have your family there to cheer you on. And you’ve earned the right not to have to pay for it yourself. The fact of the matter is that a graduation ceremony isn’t a frivolous extra. Senior barbecue, sure. Senior breakfast, absolutely. But graduation? Every student deserves that. Graduation is the final reward for all the stress, long nights and sleep
deprivation seniors have put up with over the years. It is not an official Baltimore County Public School policy that students must fund their own graduation ceremony. It is decided on a schoolto-school basis. And let’s be real, the
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A graduation ceremony isn’t a frivolous extra.
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tens of thousands of dollars it costs to put on the ceremony is a lot for anyone to pay. A source on the senior class council estimates that the combined cost of prom and graduation will total a little over $40,000. More than halfway to
http://my.hsj.org/md/timonium/griffin
that goal, the senior class will stage more fundraisers like the autumn Yankee Candle sale. Prom ticket prices will be based in part on how much is still owed. Until May, the class will press on toward its quota of four annual fundraisers. The options are there. Hereford High school requires that each senior pays a one-time fee that will be used to pay for their ceremony. For many other schools in the county, graduation expenses are included in the school budget each year. But Dulaney has left it primarily up to the class and it’s simply too burdensome. The same families and students have participated in all of the fundraisers since freshman year while many never do and it’s neither effective nor fair. But that doesn’t change the situation. Students work hard. They deserve that one night when they can say ‘I did it. I’m out of here.’ And they deserve that without the added burden of selling (insert product of choice here).
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features
november 21, 2011
the griffin
A benevolent tradition surprises
Vegetarians fashion their own Thanksgiving fare
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thea zurek, staff writer ay Thanksgiving and most people immediately picture turkey: juicy, succulent, buttery turkey. But for some students and teachers, Thanksgiving conjures very different images: dozens of mutilated turkeys crammed into tiny, urine-soaked sheds, the death by electrocution, or the 87 milligrams of cholesterol present in every three ounces of dark turkey meat. From the animal lovers to the health-conscious, more and more people are just saying no to turkey this Thanksgiving. But does that mean these idealists will have to limit themselves to lumpy mashed potatoes and soggy green beans come Nov. 24? Of course not! Dulaney’s vegetarians have found creative alternatives for Thanksgiving that are nutritious, delicious, and cruelty-free. Take sophomore Megan Williams, for example. She became a pescetarian, (someone who eats fish but no meat) because she opposes the way animals are kept and slaughtered. But a love for animals didn’t stop her from enjoying Thanksgiving; she just gave the entrée a Baltimore-inspired twist. “I usually eat like a crab cake and a salad or a lot of greens,” said Williams. For those who’d like something a little more traditional, family studies teacher Belinda Knott suggests tofu turkey for protein, with tofu gravy sauce. Not a fan of gravy? Vegetarian and English teacher Meekah Hopkins
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marinates her Thanksgiving Tofurkey in a sauce of Dijon mustard, honey, brown sugar, cranberry and onions. Then she bakes it in a foil lined baking dish at 425 degrees for about an hour. The resulting flavor? “Sweet, savory, yum,” she said. If you’re interested in a savory twist on the Thanksgiving classic pecan pie, science teacher Amy Chilinguerian recommends meatless nut balls. Nut balls might sound a bit unusual, but Chilinguerian said they taste just like meatballs. Senior Sarah H a m m o n d knows the holiday meal means tasty side dishes. And yes, this vegetarian has a favorite, one that many omnivores adore. “Green bean casserole. It’s so good,” said Hammond. Those who’d rather not spend their Thanksgiving chopping, mixing, and roasting will be happy to know there are many restaurants serving vegetarian entrées this Thanksgiving. Vegetarian math teacher Paul Leroy will be dining at the John Hopkins Club. Skeptical that a vegetarian holiday meal could ever measure up to a delicious Thanksgiving turkey? Hopkins has some evidence to the contrary. She takes her tofu turkey to her parents’ house at Thanksgiving to serve alongside the conventional bird. “Usually, a few others will end up having both options!” she said.
A tofu turkey tastes ‘sweet, savory, yum.’
Senior Lulu Sun, in a fuzzy hat, and junior Minwei Cao, to her right, serve lunch at Our Daily Bread soup kitchen in Baltimore on Oct. 30. photo by sumanth neerumalla
sara mahmood, co-editor hat began as a quest for Key Club points at Our Daily Bread soup kitchen actually became a more enlightening experience for some students. “It was really cool because I thought people only went there because they were homeless, but I found out that they really are trying to make their lives work,”
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junior Kassy Zhang said. Oct. 30 marked her first experience working at a soup kitchen, and she worked as a cleaner. First-time volunteer senior Lulu Sun found the job required diplomacy. “They’re only allowed to have one tea cup, but one guy asked me for another one, and I had to tell him ‘no’ because it was against the rules. So then he hid it
and said, ‘You never gave me any tea,’” Sun said. Key Club students have been volunteering at this soup kitchen for many years, once or twice a month. The various jobs are regulated, and each student is only allowed to do a single designated task. For volunteer information, find Our Daily Bread’s profile at www.volunteermatch.org
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9
the griffin
features
november 21, 2011
If you’re sick of turkey and pumpkin pie, try a local rib joint Andy Nelson’s sam miller, staff writer ndy Nelson’s barbecue joint is the uncontested king of southern style barbecue in Cockeysville, literally crowned with a hog’s head. Adorned with football memorabilia, hot sauce factoids and classic red-and-white checkered tablecloths, Nelson’s Alabama atmosphere is welcoming, and his food is fine. I was immediately enticed by the sweet scent of barbecue goodness as I stepped out of my car. I crossed the threshold into restaurant paradise; decorative pigs and scattered awards distracted me from the wait. I ordered the half-slab Memphis-style rib platter, which comes with two sides and extra cornbread. I chose barbecue tater wedges and coleslaw for a total of $16.75. When they brought my platter to the counter, the big meaty slab entranced me, and the sauce dripped over the side of the platter. The wedges popped out with a faint
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Charcoal Deli trevor morgen-westrick, staff writer on’t let the modest exterior keep you away. The Charcoal Deli is just a shack next to a strip mall with a small porch and couple of picnic tables in the parking lot. Greasy menu boards hang over the ordering window, filled with a menu and prices that haven’t changed much. About a week ago, I went with my dad to pick up three “Ribs and Fries” platters to go, for $18.25 apiece. Once at home, I skipped the usual table manners and plopped the Styrofoam container down on the table. For a restaurant that claims to have “The Best Bottom Around,” they make a great-looking rack of baby back ribs. Stuffed into a Styrofoam container overflowing with fries, a roll, and well over a pound of pork, they looked heavenly. So I tucked in my bib, and began the feast. Right off the bat, I was hit with the intense smoky flavor from the charcoal. Followed by a sweet aftertaste, the flavor ended with heat from the pepper in the sauce that drenched the tray. It tasted like they used plenty of vinegar and a touch of honey for sweetening and thickening. The ribs’ texture, unlike the sauce’s, had room for improvement. Ribs should have some chew, but these were tough. They were obviously not parboiled before grilling, so they stuck to the bone. The fries were just short of perfect. They were golden brown, salty, crispy, and soft in the middle. The only shortcoming was that they tasted like they were cooked in stale oil, which left a sour aftertaste. But drenched in the sauce, they were fine. Despite a few imperfections, the Charcoal Deli holds its own among local rib joints. 22 Church Lane. Cockeysville (410) 666-3730
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I was immediately enticed by the sweet scent of barbecue goodness
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char on the side, giving it a darker tone and a crispier bite. The seasoning made me consume the meal breathlessly. They gave me a ton of smoky sauce: I couldn’t even see the ribs at first. It started off sweet and gave a nice kick at the end. The sensation added to the meaty hunk of swine. The meat was succulent and had flavor to the core of the bone. The meat tore delicately from the bone and slid down the hatch, smooth as water. Andy Nelson’s barbecue never disappoints. The ribs leave a unique taste in your mouth, leaving you anticipating another trip. 11007 York Road, Cockeysville (410)-527-1226
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The Corner Stable alex moore, staff writer t was love at first sight. When I saw the waitress coming to give me ribs at the Corner Stable, I was jumping out of my seat. My eyes locked onto the platter while the smell of spicy, tangy sauce made me salivate. I was anxious to dig in as quickly as possible. What I was ogling was a full rack of ribs with a heap of fries on the side, all of which cost $20. The restaurant -- filled with rustic wooden tables and booths as well as a bar -- is strictly casual. You can play Keno® there, as I did. After winning my five dollars, I turned my attention to the multitude of sporting events displayed on the televisions around the restaurant. After all, football and ribs go together so well. Despite the meal’s haphazard arrangement, its taste easily outweighed any issues with appearance. The ribs lay in a pool of barbeque sauce, the highlight of the meal. What makes that Corner Stable sauce so tasty is the touch of heat in the background. It gives the ribs a kick. And I can’t ignore the ribs’ tenderness; the meat was succulent and fell off the bone. The flavor experience was complemented by the crispy French fries. The pool of sauce was perfect for dipping my fries, and they gave the entire meal the salty flavor it needed. Every time I go to The Corner Stable, I get their Baltimore’s Best Ribs, and each time I go, they haven’t been anything short of that. 9942 York Road, Cockeysville 410-666-8722
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features
An artist among us:
november 21, 2011
the griffin
Dance field trip He uses a brush and a broom affirms passion
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yonje kim, staff writer very morning, a man of steady movement and placid face prepares the classic cafeteria for breakfasthungry students. This same man hangs up the flag outside of the main office and fixes a plethora of problems with Dulaney’s dysfunctional
Underwood’s desire to pursue art was simple and spontaneous. “I was sitting in my parents’ backyard one day, and I just decided that I wanted to become an art teacher,” he said. Underwood’s inspiration was his art teacher in junior high. To pursue his passion in art, Underwood attended the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA); he graduated in 1977 with a degree in art education. All of Underwood’s artworks were airplanes: mostly oil Left: Custodian Bill Underwood paintings and colored carries out his duties during A pencil drawings. lunch. “It’s all I do; it’s what Above: Underwood painted the I like,” Underwood Helldiver in oils. said. He has been photos by jen siegel and underwood fascinated and captivated by these structures flying machines ever since he was young. and bathrooms. Often spotted throughout Underwood never pursued a career the school handling reams of paper, he as an art teacher but holds illustrious helps keep the school environment clean credentials. and student-friendly. And unbeknownst to A member of the American society of many, this man is an artist. Aviation Artists, he participated in the Bill Underwood has been a custodian here Air Force Art Program, and one of his since 1998, and this year he works side-by- paintings can be found on display at the side with head custodian Melvin Jones and Pentagon. He enters art competitions assistant principal John Billingslea. whenever possible.
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gabrielle welsh, contributing writer ink tutus, feathery hairpieces, satin ballet slippers and sparkly jewels. Every little girl dreams of performing in the spotlight, but few achieve this goal. Amazing companies like “Alvin Ailey” are exceptions that are living the dream. “Alvin Ailey” is famous for its distinct style of modern dance that involves a combination of sharp Junior Gabrielle Welsh performs at her 2011 recital in and flowing movements. “Ailey II” June. is a branch of this company that photo from welsh was established in 1974 to spread the work of Alvin Ailey nationally. chills thrilled through my body as they When I learned that the dance program extended their endless legs directly to the was planning a field trip to see them ceiling. My heart beat rapidly as it filled perform at Towson University, a million with the passion of the piece. Dance can thoughts swarmed through my head. It convey such strong emotions. is rare that a renowned dance company After a short break, the powerful comes to Maryland, and I was bursting with and thrilling music blasted through excitement. You can practice techniques the speaker and I prepared for in class, but watching professionals is another emotional roller coaster. The the only way you can truly learn how to synchronization of the dancers in this captivate an audience. piece was unbelievable, and the angles As I sat down in the theater, I could of their bodies matched perfectly. They feel the vibrant energy in the room as showed joy not only in their movements, high school dancers from all over the but also in their faces, and I could feel county trembled on the edges of their their happiness. seats, replete with expectations. As the Not once during this performance did Ailey dancers began, I was immediately I have any extraneous thoughts from entranced. the dance; dance can completely cleanse My eyes traced the arms and legs of the the mind. As I exited the theater, I felt I dancers as they mixed staccato motions was leaving behind another world that with fluid, smooth movements. Their transcended all the doubts and worries quadruple turns were jaw-dropping, and of reality.
Defying stereotype, teachers bike to work
C Business teacher Mike Reinsel takes a break form a vacation ride in Europe. photo from Reinsel
He pushes pedals, not just pens and pencils
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zoscales assefa, contributing writer tudents describe business education teacher Mike Reinsel as precise, smart and collected. But they might want to add athletic to the list. After all, he bikes about 5,000 miles a year, often scaling 9 miles to work from his home in Towson. Reinsel’s biking trips have expanded far beyond the suburbs of Baltimore County. He has ridden his bike in places around the world including Iceland, England, Germany, Holland, Belgium, France, Denmark, Switzerland and Canada. “Biking is the best way to see a country, and people are very receptive and open when you travel by bike,” Reinsel said. Yearly, he bikes about 5,000 miles. Comparatively, the United States is 3,000 miles from coast to coast. Reinsel’s participation in triathlons, marathons and bike competitions has accustomed him to the physical demands. His love for biking began in 1984, he says, when he decided to take a solo tour around Nova Scotia. In two weeks, he traveled 1,220 miles. Reinsel met his wife on a cycling trip, and she shares his affinity for biking. They own a tandem bike that they ride together, especially in the summer. In the past vacation, they took an 800 mile bike trip from New York up to Quebec and Ontario and then back down. Reinsel notes biking can be dangerous. He says the scariest moment he ever experienced was when the front wheel of their tandem broke going down a big hill near Hampstead. “We were going maybe 25 mph when the wheel broke, and we crashed in the middle of the road,” he says. “I only got skinned up, but my wife broke her pelvis and hit her head on the pavement.” He is acquainted with many people who have suffered injuries from bike accidents as well. But he does not plan on stopping. Reinsel expresses that bikes are a way to see things that cannot be seen otherwise. “Walking is kind of too slow and a car is too fast, but a bike is just about right.”
jenny park, deputy editor heck the parking lots. If it’s warm outside, you might spot three teachers—two of them English teachers – parking their motorcycles. “Ever since I was 21, I’ve had a bike. I made a vow to myself that I would get one once I left the house,” said senior and freshman English teacher Dirk Frey. Frey said he actually wanted a motorcycle ever since the age of 9 when he saw his friend Timmy riding his dirt bike around. “I thought that Timmy was everything. I got to ride on his bike with him and jump over things. Thank God my mom wasn’t there,” he said. Strapping on a pop-up tent, he takes his Suzuki SV650 on road trips, the farthest being Idaho. “The trips are spontaneous. I avoid interstate highways, but I try to get to destinations from anywhere.” Frey, the father of two young children with a third due this spring, says that his goal is to get his wife to ride motorcycles with him. So far, no luck. He and fellow English teacher Deborah Hamilton occasionally talk about motorcycles. Unlike Frey, Hamilton, who teaches juniors, takes motorcycle rides with her spouse. Her love for riding bikes also arose from a young age and was inspired by her husband. She has been riding for 30 years.
Teachers David Schein (right bottom) and Dirk Frey (right top) drive their motorcycles to school during warmer weather. Teacher DeborahHamilton, who also bikes to school occasionally, enjoys touring with her husband. photo above from hamilton, photo right top by jen siegel, photo right bottom from emily park
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“My husband and I decided to learn to ride a bike together before we had kids,” she said. “But once we had kids, we had to give away our motorcycles. Once my kids left for college, we bought bikes.” Hamilton’s treks on her Honda, nicknamed Shades of Thoreau, allow her to venture off the main drag. “My favorite trip was one down the Amish county of Pennsylvania,” she said. “I could smell all the countryside smells and feel different senses of temperatures. We took all the back roads.” Friends have asked Hamilton why she doesn’t ride on the back of her husband’s motorcycle. “I couldn’t see anything in front of me, so I went to learn to ride myself. I wanted to be independent,” she said. Engineering teacher David Schein, also began riding because he had been inspired by someone else. “I dated a gal who was renting a room from a bikerpunk,” Schein said. “She convinced me to take my learner’s test, which I passed because I had been helping her study for her own one.” Schein has grown to love riding and has even named his bikes. “Meika is a 1975 Kawasaki KZ-400 that I mostly rebuilt by hand,” he said. “I also have Emma Jean, a 1986 Honda Shadow VT1100.”
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the griffin
features
november 21, 2011
Beyond the Lions’ Den: ‘65 grad looks back fondly
ali kochesfahani, staff writer he 1963 assassination of John Kennedy is the year 1965 grad Judith Billingslea grew up. She’ll never forget walking into the front office to ask if the news was true. The secretary’s reply: “Judith, just go home. Your family will make you heal.” A member of the first class to complete all years of high school here, Billingslea is the mother of assistant principal John Billingslea. After high school, she attended what became Towson University majoring in early education. Despite the 50 years that have passed since Billingslea’s freshman year, she says at least one thing remains the same here: the emphasis on academics. After her years as a student, Billingslea raised a family. For 20 years she subbed at area schools, frequently where her son attended. By the time he
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Judith Billingslea, in the 80s, in her senior portrait and on a recent trip to Manhattan (above, below, right)
was in high school, her son drove her there for a change. That was fine until he turned 18. “One day he put on the brakes and said Mom, you’re not going to college with me.” Four years ago, Billingslea moved to
Montana to live closer to another son and his children. Retired now, she uses her leisure time to paint and enjoy the three grandchildren who live out West near her. In contrast to today when dreadlocks and yoga pants dot the
halls, Billingslea remembers the school as strictly clean– cut (even though she does confess to wearing hot pants to community dances). And school spirit reigned at what was a brand new school. “Getting expelled at Dulaney would be like going to Yale and getting expelled,” she
Towson TV taping enthralls Ellen DeGeneres fan mackenzie tewksbury, staff writer ’ve always wanted to meet someone from “The Ellen Show.” So I knew I had to go when I saw a Tweet from Ellen DeGeneres declaring, “If you’re anywhere near Towson U. tomorrow, get ready for something big.” I texted and texted until a friend agreed to go. I didn’t know what “something big” meant, but I took my chances. I know I’m too young for the show’s demographic, but ever since my mom turned me on to Ellen’s show three years ago, I’ve been a convert. Call me a suburban mom if you want. I don’t care. As it turned out, Ellen was not there, but she would be making contact with those of us who withstood the elements to be there. As Towson University students screamed and mulled about in costumes relating to their favorite books, the rest of us dodged the rain and waited for that moment. My friend and I walked around the area watching college students costumed as Winnie the Pooh, three blind mice, and Where’s Waldo screech into WBAL cameras and check their Twitter accounts for Ellen’s latest update. Time dragged. Then, I spotted Ellen’s receptionist giving directions. You can guess what my worship for all things Ellen led me to do. Yep. I took a picture with
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her to show my friends. Elated to see even an underling of Ellen‘s, I called my mom, saying she should have come. No, this wasn’t gloating. Of course, the big moment transformed all of us. It peaked once Ellen’s voice broke through on one of the television monitors. “Now, let’s go to my receptionist Jeannie in Baltimore, Maryland!” We all went nuts. Screaming, pushing, arm waving. You name it. We tried a multitude of things to get noticed by Ellen, who could see us on her monitor in Hollywood. I must say, some folks in the crowd came close to crossing a line. “You should have gotten here earlier,” one woman said to an interloper as she defended her choice position near the television cameras. “No, that’s not okay,” someone else said as another person in the crowd tried a polite approach toward getting a primo spot. I confess I was not at my best when a girl raised a huge, obnoxious, bright green sign that read “We Love Ellen” right in front us. “We know you love Ellen,” I thought. “That’s why you’re here.” I wasn’t the only one miffed at the chartreuse placard. A guy, apparently a Towson University student, yanked it from her and threw it to the ground.
said. But things weren’t entirely straight laced. Before rock painting became the senior tradition, Billingslea’s classmates painted the water tower nearby. And, of course, there were occasions when students pushed the envelope even
more. She and a few friends skipped school once to go to East Point Mall, where they wouldn’t be recognized. “I don’t know why, but everyone was caught skipping school that day but me,” Billingslea said, with a little laugh. “The funny thing is… I was the one driving.”
Throne Tour shines
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Above: Junior Mackenzie Tewksbury couldn’t resist snapping a photo with Ellen Degeneres’s assistant Jeannie Klisiewicz during a taping for the show this fall. Below: Towson University students dressed as fictional characters for the taping. photos from mackenzie tewksbury
sam fishman, staff writer music, flames spurting from the stage, wenty Billboard Hot 100 plus lasers beaming across the arena singles. Tracks from 12 number in sync with the beats combined to one albums. The greatest hits create quite a spectacle. The songs of modern rap themselves strayed all rolled into one little from the studio concert. On Nov. recordings, but what 2, rappers Jay-Z the show lacked and Kanye West aurally was more brought their than compensated coheadlining for visually. Kanye Watch the Throne towering above tour to a packed the audience on 1st Mariner Arena a glowing red and unleashed a block. Jay-Z, hood hit heavy thirty- source: alleyesonwho.com up and clad in all seven song set that black, throwing his included tracks signature diamond from both rapper’s solo careers, as well “Roc” hand sign up with the crowd. as most of their recent collaborative The entire discographies of both album “Watch the Throne.” artists are just a click away online, The two stars alternated on but this show reminded the audience stage, performing their own tracks that you don’t go to concerts to hear individually and uniting for joint a collection of songs; you go for an tracks. Two uninterrupted hours of event.
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features
the griffin
Pep rally and football victory highlight homecoming
november 21, 2011
Left to right: Senior Caitlin Walther and sophomores Mark Moody and Michaela Cayce rouse the crowd at Nov. 3 pep rally.
Above: Junior Dre Lewis attempts a quarterback sneak as junior Chris Davis assists with the lead block during the first half of the homecoming game Nov. 5. The Lions won the game 49-14. Left to right: Seniors E.J. Barraco and Stephen Papadopoulos run out to the field amongst cheers. The varsity field hockey team was awarded their Regional Championship plaque after their victory the night before. Freshman flautist Audrea Wah shares a moment with the team mascot. Seniors Stephen Tasselmeyer and Shannon McKew were named Homecoming King and Queen and posed for a picture in front of the student body. all photos by jen siegel
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the griffin
3 news
november 21, 2011
SGO and athletes team for spirit continued from page 1 easier to dress up for, hoping that more students would have access to articles that they could wear,” she said. Another helpful change she noted was a schedule of homecoming events distributed to students the Friday before spirit week. Combined, these efforts led to greater participation, Herring said, although she conceded that teacher participation in hallway wars judging was down from near 100 percent last year to 65 percent. Still, the home stands were full for the Nov. 5 homecoming football game, and the Lions beat the Loch Raven Raiders 49-14. What’s more, ticket sales to the homecoming dance that night topped 900, about 200 more than last year, according to Herring. She labeled the pep rally one of the best
ever, thanks in part to the thunder stick balloons given out there. Critics disagreed, and at one point during the rally, a team of SGO members scanned the crowd and found some groups sitting down reading or doing homework. Additionally, a spot check of homerooms on the first and third floors showed 41 students there participated in Nov. 2’s fiesta day. A check of those floors on Nov. 3 showed 263 students wearing red and black for pep rally day. SGO president Jenny Park, a senior, said that school spirit is up to the students. “SGO can only do so much,” she said. Senior Ellie Cook said upper classmen actually showed more school spirit this year. “The older you get, the more you become invested in the school. You have more school pride.”
Sophomores Michelle Njau and Kanta Mendon check out newly distributed homecoming fliers prior to English class in room 115 on Oct. 28. photo by staff
Junior Courtney Cooper decorates a drawing of a skeleton head with glitter and markers. On Nov. 2, the Spanish Club threw a fiesta in the library celebrating El Dia de Los Muertos (The Day of The Dead). photo by jen siegel
Closing of the Cut causes consternation among walkers
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anjali cornish, staff writer complex is owned by Hendersenor some, walking to school just Webb, and they supported the got complicated. The Cut, a closing of the Cut, electing to put up grassy stretch off Padonia Road a fence to help deter students from that students once using it. used as a shortcut to While some students the nearby apartment are unaware of the complex, was shut location or function of down this school the Cut others mourn year in an attempt to its absence. eliminate criminal “I am upset because activity in the area. now I have to walk all the At least one student way around. The Cut has confirmed that was more convenient,” students would fight sophomore Kayla in the parking area Fortune said. behind the fence and “I hate it. When it some bushes. Another starts snowing, I’m student said that not going to look cute smokers were often Sophomores Kayla Fortune anymore, because I’m present on the property (above) and Kuda Gwitira going to have to wear (below) have both been after school. snow boots,” sophomore According to School affected by the closing of Kuda Gwitira said. cut. Resource Officer Jen the For senior Eboni Glenn, photos by cara henning Berg, closing the Cut however, the closing of was a joint decision this passage has not that came about been an issue. Her daily following complaints routine has not been by the school, the affected. community, Baltimore “It takes me the same County government time…either 15 or 17 and the Baltimore minutes.” County Police Students who once Department. used this shortcut The Cut is actually should not expect the owned by the county closure to be temporary. government and Berg said it is not going provides access to to re-open any time The Lakes apartment soon. complex, which “It was done for consists of 19 apartment and reasons, and the kids know what the townhouse communities. The reasons were,” she said.
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sports
How should school athletes behave? Following the brouhaha over the Perry Hall Gators’ Bernie dance during the regional quarterfinals for boys soccer, an examination of what constitutes good sportsmanship for athletes seemed appropriate.
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laura mayhew, staff writer he celebration should be about the team,” Girl’s Varsity Lacrosse coach Kristy Korrow said. That attitude seems simple but lately, even Baltimore
november 21 2011
the griffin County has been struggling with many teams’ value of respect and sportsmanship. Early on your first coach most likely taught you how not to be a sore loser, but also how to be a great winner. No
“ ” Control is important.
taunting the other teams, no kicking, no pushing, and certainly no cussing at the referees. Many high school students might think that these are all obvious actions that varsity players could refrain from, even in the heat of an intense game. “Our coaches make it clear that we are representatives of our school -
everything we do away and at home reflects upon Dulaney,” junior Jake White said, a member of the Boy’s Varsity Soccer and Basketball teams. Between playing on sports teams and attending numerous Dulaney basketball, lacrosse, and soccer games, I know from experience that many schools do not view sportsmanship as a priority. After a big win dancing, vulgar cheering, and provocative chanting are all among players’ and fans’ favorite things to do at a high school sports event. But when does the fun become offensive? And when does the celebration become too much? “In the heat of moment, the celebration is funny and you get excited but control is important and it reflects on a team’s personality and character,” junior Kaeli O’Connor said.
Varsity soccer falls 2-1 to Gators
JV Athletes of the Month Howatt looks to the future dan golden, staff writer lexis Howatt, a 5’9’’ junior varsity volleyball captain, plans to go far. Howatt says she would like to play in college and that she would “love to go to the Olympics”. Howatt said she became interested in volleyball because of her dad photo by jen siegel encouraging her to play and because of her participation in a volleyball camp at her middle school. She said her dad recommended her to do it because of her height which gave her a natural advantage in the sport. Howatt said that as captain, she’s always making sure that the team is trying hard, and keeps up morale. She said that she practices five to six days a week for two hours after school, and that she also occasionally plays with friends. Howatt said she attends camps during the summer to keep her skills fresh. Howatt said that coach Chelsey Mead was one of the biggest reasons she played volleyball. She said that Mead was a great help and an amazing coach. Howatt’s advice to players is to take every point as it comes, don’t lose hope and play like it’s practice. Stay cool. Gaby Vinas, a co-captain describes Howatt as strong, hopeful and motivated. Howatt lead the team during their county championship versus Hereford, in which the games were close. Dulaney lost 23-25 and 25-27 in the games. “She picks the team up when we are losing. She tries to keep everyone calm and collected,” said Vinas, who has known Howatt since fourth grade.
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Witty built for speed Freshman Brady White fights off defense as senior Kaveh Emdad tracks the ball up the field. Bottom Left: Senior Oneall Mogliazzi maintains possession of the ball as Perry Hall defends. Bottom Right: Sophomore Keegan Colegrove chases after a loose ball. photos by jen siegel
Runners excel under pressure kathy albornoz, sports editor ross country runners Isabel Griffith (right) and Carus Cookman (left) scored impressive wins this season. At the state championship Nov. 12, Griffith placed third in 4-A competition, finishing in 19:40. The girls finished fourth place overall. The boys came in seventh overall. In regional competition, Griffith placed first with a time of 19:14 in the 5k. Cookman placed second with a time of 16:45:10 for boys. Both the varsity boys and girls won in regional competition.
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thea zurek, staff writer t 6 feet and 135 pounds, sophomore Brian Witty has been setting personal records since he joined the Dulaney Cross Country Team. His build and perseverance enable him to face the challenges of cross country “I just stay with the leaders of the pack,” he said. “I’m fifth on the photo by jen siegel team. If I give up, we lose.” His first year of cross country in the ninth grade netted him third place in the Oct. 21, 2010 meet between Dulaney, Parkville, Perry Hall and Franklin high schools. This year, Witty’s skills have only improved with a second place in the 29th Richard Barnhart Memorial Invitational and a first place in the Oct. 5 Hereford, Towson, and Dulaney meet at Catonsville. After his win in the Baltimore County Championships, he achieved his piece de resistance: a season record of 17:17 in the Regional Championships. Witty joined the cross country team simply because he enjoyed running. He said he has been running since elementary school, recalling his win in Pinewood Elementary School’s annual half-mile race. Since joining, though, he’s found many reasons to stay. “My favorite part of cross country is the people on the team,” said Witty, adding that cross country “gets you in shape and you make lots of friends [there].” One friend, fellow runner Malcolm Peacock, calls Witty a fun-loving guy. “For good luck, he likes to run his hand across the top of my head,” Peacock said, explaining one of Witty’s pre-race rituals.
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For final fall sports records, visit our Web site.
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sports
november 21, 2011
the griffin
Lions roar, win homecoming: 49-14
Athletes of the Month Starr shines on the court sarah fisher, staff writer always write down one specific goal I aim for,” said junior, volleyball player Jessica Starr. Starr has shown dedication to volleyball since she started playing in seventh grade. As a freshman, she made the photo by jen siegel varsity team and then earned Most Valuable Player in her freshman and sophomore years. Now as a junior, Starr has had an impressive season with 276 attacks, a hit over the net that lands in bounds, resulting in 104 kills, a hit resulting in a point, and she looks at colleges with hopes of getting a full ride or at least a partial scholarship for volleyball. Prior to volleyball Starr was a gymnast for eight years before a back injury ended her career. She said that this experience as a gymnast has helped her with her speed and jumping abilities while on the court. “She is our number one hitter, passer and has a great serve.” said Starr’s teammate, senior Taylor Roberts. While she did enjoy gymnastics, Starr said that she loves the team aspect in volleyball which she didn’t have as a gymnast. “I love the team sport, knowing that if you mess up you have a whole team behind your back.” Said Starr. Teamwork has paid off. The volleyball team had an undefeated season,13-0, and went to the county championships where they fell to Towson. They went all the way to regional finals, were they lost to Sherwood. While it has been hard at times managing homework and volleyball, Starr enjoys it. She even offers advice for new players. “Whatever you do don’t give up,” she said. “If you are committed to it, go for it; it’s worth it in the long run.”
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Senior Louie Bafford (above) tackles a Raider midfield during the homecoming game Nov. 5. Juniors Raeqwon Scott and Kashaud Bowman and seniors Tyler Marvel and Logan Walker (left to right) look on. The Lions finished with four wins and six losses, compared to last year’s record of one win and nine losses. photo by jen siegel
The Lions charge with a punt return.
Bafford and fellow senior Robert Hylton take down a Raider for a short gain.
photo by jen siegel
photo by jen siegel
Successful season ends in regional finals
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keaton mock-myers, staff writer arsity volleyball wrapped up yet another winning season this year with a record of 15-3. Starting off hot with an undefeated regular season, the team lost in three sets to the number one seed Sherwood High School in the Nov. 11 regional finals. “We were really timid and let our nerves get to us,” Junior Jessica Starr said of the game. This season, the team exceeded expectations despite the graduation of several talented seniors after last year’s season. “With the new contributors, the team meshed together well,” said senior captain and setter
Senior Samantha Hyde spikes the ball at regional playoffs against Randallstown. photo by jen siegel
Taylor Roberts. A few of the new varsity players had previous experience on their club teams. Freshman middle hitter Milan Amos stepped up as a starter and is considered a powerhouse. “All my nerves go away because I’m focused completely on the game,” Amos said of starting. Assistant coach Beth Benzinger said Amos comes prepared for every game. Other players boast notable performances as well. Strong leadership from senior Jessica Mattson brought smart play and a positive attitude to the team. The team showed improvements in communication, form and serving as the season progressed.
Trevor’s turn: take a time out trevor morgen-westrick, staff writer
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ome say it’s impossible to pick the best or worst sports movie ever made. In a genre that has more movies than anyone can see in a lifetime, picking the crème de la crème is a difficult task. But I’ve accepted the challenge, and I’ve made my decisions. “The Natural” is the story of fictional baseball player Roy Hobbs, played by Robert Redford. Like Manny Pacquiao, Hobbs is the greatest of his time, came from nothing and is beyond humble
about his extraordinary talent. When he reaches the big leagues, he falls for a woman, who cuts his career short. I won’t give it away completely, but there’s a gun involved. The persistent Hobbs perseveres, and against all odds he returns to the majors with more success than during his first time around. Director Barry Levinson manages to strike the perfect balance between dramatic scenes and sports sequences. If people want to call themselves baseball fans, watching this movie is a must. Another baseball movie takes the cake as the worst. Bernie Mac’s
“Mr. 3000” exemplifies a movie that could have been great but wasn’t. Mac stars as retired legend Stan Ross, who lives happily in retirement with his record of 3,000 major league base hits. After one hit is revoked, he is forced out of retirement at 47 to defend his record. On top of that, he must change his attitude to reach his goal. “Mr. 3000” is essentially an amalgam of trite sports stories. The movie wasn’t just a letdown as a sports movie; it failed as a comedy as well. Honestly, I had trouble sitting through the whole thing and after seeing it, I wish I hadn’t.
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Mathey leads the way jenny park, deputy editor hen I lose a game, it just fuels me for the next game. I hate losing more than I enjoy winning,” said Robby Mathey, captain of the Boys’ Varsity Soccer team. Mathey was named as photo by jen siegel one of the four captains for the boys’ varsity team as a junior. The coach hoped that putting him as captain would prepare him to be a leader for next year. “My job as captain is to make sure each player has his clothes tucked in and little things like that. I’m responsible for presentation.” Mathey is a starter center mid-field in and out of school. Both teams have heightened Mathey’s ability to keep his team members on track. Junior Sam Hillman, Mathey’s teammate sings his praises. “If I had to name one thing, I’d say it’s his patience. He doesn’t force the ball.” Mathey plays soccer and lacrosse. Off season, he lifts with the lacrosse team to build his stamina. Both Mathey and his teammates consider his fitness to be another one of his biggest strengths. “I’d say he’s one of the best conditioned on the team. He’s always running across the field and he’s really aware,” said Hillman. In terms of improvement, Mathey wants to improve his touch and control on the ball. His biggest accomplishment was winning the state championship during his Junior Varsity season. He has high hopes for the Lions’ soccer team this year – to be state champions again.
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Yasmine Hopkins contributed to this report.