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Dulaney High School Timonium, Maryland
Volume 55, Issue 2 WARNING
the griffin
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November 20, 2014
Block relieves yet burdens Despite smaller size, extra class taxes teachers
see page 4
#
TO KNOW
872
the number of parents who had not activated their BCPSOne account as of Nov. 7 SMACKING
SMALLER CLASS ENHANCES DISCUSSIONS. Advanced Placement English 11 teacher Debbie Hamilton teaches strategies for AP and SAT testing. Among other techniques, the class discussed the benfits of guessing on AP multiple-choice questions.
see page 7
# TO KNOW
68
the number of students accepted into All Honors musical ensembles WOWING
photo by jood ali
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sahana raju and hannah bauer, staff writers ammed classes are by and large a memory for math teacher Stacy Herring, who recalls unpleasant conditions a year ago. “I have one of the smallest classrooms in this building, and last year when you stuck 36 children in here with 36 backpacks, it was too small,” Herring said. Like others, Herring has more students overall than last year, but she also has a significant reduction in individual class sizes with the average down to 24 students. But down the hall, things are different. Block’s added class has teachers like Advanced Placement history teacher John Wagner working extra to grade writing assignments. “It can really kill you because it takes hours and hours,” Wagner said. “So, for me to have 30 or so more U.S. essays to grade, that’s three or four more hours of work.”
“I don’t mind doing it because it’s important,” Wagner said, adding, “You guys need the practice, but it’s just the truth. It’s the reality of the situation.” Math teacher Lynette Roller’s class sizes have decreased. Her smallest class, an AP Calculus BC class, contains 19 students. Her smallest geometry class contains 21 students. For her, schoolwide equity is a concern. “I guess I’m just disappointed that the promise was made to us that by teaching more classes we’d have smaller classes,” Roller said. “Universally, that hasn’t been true.” Technology teacher David Schein agrees, saying that his classes are not noticeably smaller than they were last year. His Gifted and Talented Engineering classes still average at 30 students. see Block Relieves, page 2
Programs communicate: report cards result sumin woo, deputy editor and jack shuster, staff writer avored yet imperfect seems to describe a first with report cards. EnGrade, the online grading system that replaced Edline, fed STARS, the report card program, automatically. Usually teachers must mark quarter and interim grades in STARS manually. “A 70.5 percent actually translated to a D in STARS, and that’s not the teacher’s fault,” STAT teacher Kim Culbertson said. “It’s definitely a problem with the system but on average, it was a smooth transition.”
F see page 9
INDEX 2-3 4-5 6-7 8-12
news opinion sports features
Teachers have praised the overall ease of the automated system. “I think it’s about time that they be electronically shifted,” math teacher Donna Weber said Social studies teacher Phil Bressler feels similarly. “I don’t have to waste 20 minutes bubbling in grades,” he said. But junior Sally Kim encountered a problem with BCPSOne after she was locked out from her account Oct. 31, the last day of the first quarter. “I went to Mrs. Culbertson and she had to email the county so I could get a very new password
for both my school and BCPSOne accounts,” Kim said. Kim was unable to check her grades for a week. “I exploded. I had to email my psychology teacher 10 times about my grade,” Kim said. “I felt like I bothered him a lot but at the same time, I had to know.” Still, such instances were rare, Culbertson said. “Hopefully just pointing out those issues to BCPSOne will make them better for second quarter and going forward,” she said.
FYI: Ebola Fundraiser Nov. 17-Dec. 3 All Lunch Shifts Red Cross Club
School closed Nov. 27 - 28 Thanksgiving Holiday
Relay for Life kickoff Dec. 5 6:45 p.m. - 8 p.m. Auditorium
Canned Food Drive Ends Dec. 8
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Interims distributed Dec. 12
Winter concert Dec. 16 6 p.m. Auditorium
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news
the griffin
november 20, 2014
Block relieves yet burdens Block Relieves, continued from page 1
The Numbers When converting to block was first discussed last fall, a spokesman for Baltimore County Public Schools noted that countywide uniformity was an impetus. (This school was part of the minority not on a block schedule). At the time, administrators also indicated that the change could mitigate swelling class sizes. According to September administration figures supplied by PTSA member Jean Suda, last year, students had an almost 50-50 chance of being placed in a class with 30 or more students (45 percent). This year that probability is closer to just one in five (21 percent). Of the 560 classes in the school, 441 have fewer than 30 students this year, which accounts for
NEWS LINE
SCANNERS DELAYED
“I have a class of 19, and that’s amazingly more intimate,” she said. “Everyone gets a chance to talk in a Socratic discussion. It’s ridiculous to have a circle of 30 people.” Chemistry teacher Marty Stranathan finds a shortcoming of class size diminishes too much. “In chemistry there are some classes that do not have many outgoing people, so it is a lot harder to have class discussions when not many people weigh in,” he said. An Increase in Students Creates An Increase in Workload Another significant change and challenge for teachers this year is handling the increased workload associated with an extra class. Information from Suda portrays the effect of an additional class. This year 34 out of 94 teachers manage more than 150 students; that’s 36 percent of all teachers here. Last year, only 21 out of 92.5 teachers, (23 percent) juggled 150 students or more at a time. Teachers are now expected to handle more students which affects their overall workload. Schein has a dilemma when it comes to the increase in time he must spend on grading assignments with more students. “A decision that teachers have to make is do I water down the assignment, or do I give fewer assignments, or do I grade them in a less meaningful way. Or, do I give two and half hours for every assignment in addition to the seven or eight hours that I’m already giving for every other assignment?” Schein said. The new system has taken some adjustment for teachers and the process is ongoing but the overall outlook is optimistic. “It’s not like they’re asking me to teach chemistry backwards,”chemistry teacher Karl Geckle said.
COmparing class sizes this year and last 192 AP history teacher John Wagner grades papers in his classroom during C lunch earlier this month. This year’s added class sometimes results in three to four more hours of grading weekly, he said. photo by sahana raju
79 percent of total classes. Just one year ago, these numbers were considerably smaller at 245 out of 447 classes, or 55 percent of total classes. Wagner’s AP U.S. classes have the same enrollment numbers as last year, he said, but his AP Euro classes are, indeed, smaller this year. His smaller of two Euro classes has 20 students. His largest of four U.S. classes has 32. Conducting Class Discussions Fewer students in a classroom makes it easier to involve students in discussions and expands options for the class, Wagner said. He also mentioned that study groups are now possible in AP Euro as a result. “When we get to the end of the topic, we take a small break and they all huddle up in groups of four. When you only have 20 people in a class that’s a piece of cake, and it’s worked out pretty well.” Wagner said. English teacher Debbie Hamilton finds that discussions in her AP English 11 class with fewer than 20 students are far more productive.
2014-2015 2013-2014
112 86 46
11
15 to 20 students
30 to 35 students
Number of classes
Administration data supplied by PTSA member Jean Suda.
Scrutinizing class data, seeking true impact
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sahana raju, staff writer TSA member Jean Suda puts it bluntly. “I adopted the mantra of former President Ronald Reagan, who said regarding the then USSR’s nuclear arms reduction, ‘Trust but verify.’” The former manager at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey who holds a master’s degree in public affairs and administration from Princeton University, spent 40 hours poring over school data this fall. She has lobbied for smaller class sizes here since 2010 when the studentto-staff ratio increased significantly. Her most recent efforts started in the summer when principal Lyn Whitlock provided Suda with this year’s class data. She asked Suda to analyze it and then meet with her Oct. 9.
During that meeting, Whitlock shared her concerns about the fact that the student-teacher ratio today (20.7 students per teacher) is higher than that of the 2010-2011 school year (18.7 students per teacher). Whitlock was also concerned by the major increase in student loads for a significant number of teachers, Suda said. The two discussed a number of issues, Suda said. Among them: the impact of block on freshmen, who must transition to new rigor in instruction; the effect of additional students on teachers’ job satisfaction and performance; the increased stress level for students now taking eight subjects all year. Suda, who has shared her findings with the school board, recommends schools conduct an anonymous survey to learn how teachers and students alike are impacted by block.
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Sage Wisdom
AVALON BONLIE
photo by kira stiers
It’s sauteed brussels sprouts not turkey and gravy for associate editor Avalon Bonlie and her family this season. Read her blog on our website.
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WI-FI IMPROVED BCPS is in phase three of a Wi-Fi upgrade that will make the Internet connection faster and more reliable. Four more phases will follow. A county email said the upgrade should be completed by August, technology liaison Amanda Lattimore said. Once the upgrade is complete, students and teachers will have two options for WiFi access: BCPS Guest and BCPS Secure. BCPS Guest will be intentionally slow, won’t require a login and will be for smart phones, Lattimore said. BCPS Secure will be password protected and is intended for all BCPS devices. It may be used with cell phones with teacher discretion.
GAS LEAKED
18
Fewer than 10 students
Technical problems have delayed implementation of the swipe-in attendance system, principal Lyn Whitlock said. Although scanners were to have been installed already, Baltimore County Public Schools has not yet rescheduled installation. When they do, Whitlock said, she will notify the school. “In the meantime, please do not lose your ID cards and carry them with you at all times in the building,” she said.
The evacuation thought to have been a fire drill first period Nov. 6 was not a drill, according to principal Lyn Whitlock. A small gas leak in the cafeteria kitchen required a school evacuation until the fire department arrived and approved reentry into the building, she said. The evacuation will replace a fire drill.
RELAY KICKS OFF The school’s Relay for Life, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, kicks off Dec. 5 at 6:45 p.m. in the auditorium. Among the events scheduled are a personal testimony from theater teacher Susan Lev and a pledge drive that will permit students to pay to toss pies in the faces of selected staff.
NEW CLUBS ADDED The Student Government Organization has approved five new clubs. Support Our Troops, sponsored by science teacher John Burdock, will meet every other Wednesday after school in room 217. Creative Community, a club involving art, will be sponsored by art teacher Joanna Waring and will meet every other Friday after school in Room 313. Animal Rights Club, sponsored by math teacher Linley Smith, will meet Fridays at 7:15 a.m. in room 210. Hip Hop Club, sponsored by social studies teacher Pete Merani, will meet after school on Tuesdays in Room 109. The Rubik’s Cube Club, sponsored by anatomy teacher George Mathew, will meet Fridays after school in room 222.
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news
november 20, 2014
the griffin
Adapting to challenges, embracing benefits And often, losing class time also means sacrificing fun activities, like class debates and watching parts of the film “The Crucible.” The block schedule also hides another looming threat for teachers like Ham-
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ENGLISH TEACHER DEBBIE HAMILTON teaches a lesson on SAT and Advanced Placement test-taking strategies Nov. 7.
christine condon, deputy editor dvanced Placement and Honors English 11 teacher Debbie Hamilton’s transition to the block schedule has proven difficult. For her, and many other teachers around the building, the block schedule has required a trying surgery of sorts, as curriculum has to be cut to suit reduced class time. “I start from the end of the quarter and then go back and see what I have to cut out in order to get there,” she said, adding that this often necessitates cutting out entire novels from her class.
photo by jood ali
“Absences and missed days hold twice as much weight as in years past.” ilton: absences and missed days hold twice as much weight as in years past. “I was affected by the PSAT, which took out first and second [periods] and those classes never made that up. I had to drag my feet with A, or else have B
do something on their own, which was tough,” she said. But having a longer period also provides continuity previously impossible to find. “With reading “The Crucible,” we could get a whole act practically in,” she said, “and you can actually decompress at the end.” The new schedule has also come at a cost to students, Hamilton said. “I’ve had more good kids say, ‘I left my A Day folder at home,’” Hamilton said. “I have more kids that are getting mixed up.” But with the second quarter beginning, Hamilton said the time for transition is over. “I guess I was a little more lenient the first quarter,” she said. “But not anymore.”
Seniors like, detest new college application process
“T
justin fitzgerald, associate editor he college match graph is absolutely addicting.” This is how senior Laura Hillard described the Scattergram feature on Naviance, the career and counseling software package used for college applications by seniors here for the first time this fall. Scattergram has been the most popular feature, counseling department chairman John Komosa said. It compares a student’s SAT scores and grade point average to those of previous students who applied to the same schools. It also shows whether the students were accepted
or denied. He noted that the school system plans to use it for the next five years. Hillard, like other seniors, appreciates the new site but detects flaws. “I am very nervous about sending my recommendations. The University of Maryland says they haven’t received any of my letters,” Hillard said. Senior Michelle Ko was more critical. She said Naviance hinders the application process and using just the Common Application would be easier. “If we’re only using it for five years teachers won’t get used to it,”
Ko said. Senior Gina Lee was more positive. “I thought it would be another college stressor, but it’s been really helpful,” Lee said. Lee said Naviance is a great way to organize all the necessary materials for applications, but the resume builder proved difficult to use: it wanted her resume completed differently from the way it was previously constructed. Another problem students faced was on the recommendation part of the University of Maryland, College Park application, where students had to respond “Yes” or “No” to
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whether they were submitting their letters through the school’s online application. Students reported confusion because Naviance is electronic but separate from Maryland’s application, which meant students had to answer “No,” Komosa said. He conceded that some parts of the site could be simpler but rated Naviance’s effectiveness a four out of five. “I think the conversion has been going very well for counselors. With any new procedure there is a period of adjustment but it has been smooth so far,” he said.
Guidance counselor John Komosa guides teachers through the Naviance college reccomendation process Sept. 17. photo by ben merenbloom
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the griffin
opinion
op-art: sarah ruehle
Rivalry goes too far
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harrison bartlett, web editor try to keep sports rivalries out of my opinion writing. They are, by nature, filled with emotion, but at the end of the day, there are far more important things than the number on a scoreboard. Sometimes, however, a rivalry goes beyond just a game. This is one of those times. Nov. 8, varsity football took on the Towson Generals for the latest incarnation of the popular Rivalry Cup. For the Lions, the game was about more than a rival high school. It focused on honoring the efforts and dedication of graduating seniors, who would be playing their final game in red and black. It should have been an evening of celebrating our athletes and the game of football. Unfortunately, it was not. As the second quarter wound to a close, the Lions came within striking distance of the end zone, hoping to put an end to the General’s shut-out. With less than two minutes on the clock, senior Gary Bernardez leapt for a floating pass, landing badly and seriously injuring his leg. It took several minutes for him to be helped from the field to the sidelines, where he was attended by a trainer but never reentered the game. It was a heartbreaking scene, a player who had put his heart and soul into the game, sitting on the sidelines watching his final game play out. Players and coaches tried to console Bernardez. “I wish I could go give him a hug,” a marching band member said. Yet one group seemed strikingly unaffected by the scene playing out before them: the Towson bleachers.
“It should have been an evening of celebrating our athletes” While Bernardez was lying on the field, Generals fans loudly cheered on their team with chants of “defense, defense.” In doing so they violated a cardinal rule of football sportsmanship, one that reaches from high school football to the NFL. When a player is injured, it doesn’t matter what team they play for or what they’ve done earlier in the game. The crowd is to remain silent until they are removed from the field, at which point they applaud respectfully in honor of the injured player. I was on the opposite sideline when this happened, waiting with the band to perform at halftime, so I could not hear much of the cheers that came from the visiting bleachers. I have no reason to believe that any of the cheers were derogatory, nor would I expect them to be. But whether passive or aggressive, ignoring an injured player to cheer on your team is simply unacceptable, no matter what the circumstances. Has sportsmanship really decayed to the point where stopping a touchdown is more important than the well-being of a human being, even if that human being is wearing a different uniform? Before every home game in M&T Bank Stadium, the public address announcer reminds the fans of the fan credo, which he summarizes by saying “Have fun, root hard, show respect for the fans around you, but don’t be a jerk.” It’s a motto that applies not just in the NFL but here as well. Live it up at rivalry games; be loud and support your team. When pride in your school becomes disrespect for another athlete, however, you have crossed the line. I have plenty of respect for Towson High School, its students, and its athletic teams. But Nov. 8, they broke the most important rule in football, and that I won’t forgive.
the griffin Dulaney High School 255 E. Padonia Rd. Timonium, Maryland (410) 887-7633 managing editors alex goldberg, henry harsel, maya hoke, ben merenbloom, kalie paranzino deputy editors christine condon, sarah feustle, maya lapinski, sumin woo adviser maria hiaasen
november 20, 2014
Assessing trigger warnings No, maturity suffices
Yes, empathy required
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alexis mejia, staff writer ou’re in a room face-to-face with one of your worst fears—something that traumatized you in the past. No one else in the room has experienced what you have, so none of them feels the debilitating fear that you do. You feel trapped. Leaving the room would draw attention to yourself, but staying makes you feel unsafe. A quick warning ahead of time would have avoided this whole situation. This is what some students are subjected to when they attend class—an environment that is supposed to be optimal for learning, but isn’t. A place where some are forced to relive traumatic experiences surrounded by their peers. Trigger warnings are the logical answer. These warnings would alert students ahead of time of graphic material to be presented in class, helping those with post-traumatic stress disorder who may be sensitive to subjects such as war, torture and rape. Many students at colleges around the country have requested the use of trigger warnings. “We have students coming to us with serious issues, and we need to deal with that respectfully and seriously,” Oberlin College associate professor Meredith Raimondo said in a New York Times article. Some academics argue that trigger warnings “suggest a certain fragility of mind that higher learning is meant to challenge, not embrace.” However, this isn’t about students having fragile minds or challengop-art: tori vandervest ing the way someone thinks; this is about being considerate of those who’ve been traumatized and giving them a heads up before they’re exposed to something that could possibly bring back very painful memories. Telling a student to stop being so sensitive and just deal with whatever difficult material is being presented to them is like telling someone with a broken leg to go for a jog. Using trigger warnings doesn’t mean professors have to censor what they teach. Using trigger warnings isn’t a threat to academic freedom. Using trigger warnings doesn’t mean students are going to be sheltered and unprepared for the real world. A student needing trigger warnings has obviously already experienced the real world. Using trigger warnings is just the decent thing to do so that students can learn and grow in a safe and comfortable environment.
tori vandervest, staff writer hat if you walked into a library and opened up a classic like “The Grapes of Wrath” only to find that the cover has a warning label so large that you wonder if the book contains allergens? With our ever-growing exposure to different opinions, it seems that everything must be sugar-coated to protect the public. But should we question the appropriateness of seminal works? According to the New York Times, colleges across the country are struggling with whether professors should issue pre-reading warnings for literature that could upset students or cause symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Lisa Hajjar, a University of California, Santa Barbara sociology professor, downplayed the need for such warnings, telling the Times that individuals are free to ask for their own accommodations if necessary. That seems practical. Although some topics certainly can’t be discussed in polite company, they’re still a part of the world we live in. Authors try to evoke an emotion and cause a reaction from readers in their works, and sometimes, the best way to do that is by touching on subjects that may not be as G-rated as the world would like. Widespread use of trigger warnings could prevent authors from writing narratives with sensitive plots, forcing them to sanitize what they write. Issuing generic warnings on the classics would shortchange readers. Being thrown onto the savage island of “Lord of the Flies,” or following Elie to Auschwitz in “Night” or flinching at the brutal deaths in “Things Fall Apart” enables us to experience the dark side of the world while safe in our own homes. And it’s overprotective to shield college students from such ideas. If these trigger warnings must be implemented, the best place for them would be in elementary or middle schools, where kids should be warned of upsetting content to which they may not have been exposed before. Parents shield their young children from distressing events because with so little life experience, it’s hard to expect a child not to be phased by the upsetting facts of life. But as for teens and young adults, tough-love of literature is what has captivated, informed and challenged mature readers for decades, and we’re better off with it.
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staff editorial: block brings mixed results
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ast year, 86 of 452 classes included 33 or more students. But the new block schedule has resulted in decreased class sizes, for the most part. For many classes, this change in size is significant: 79 percent of classes have fewer than 30 students, a 24 percent increase from last year, according to figures from PTSA member Jean Suda. Suda will appear before the Board of Education meeting Nov. 18 to present her class data. She will suggest that Baltimore County Public Schools offer an in-school opportunity for students and teachers to take an anonymous survey to assess the new schedule. For science and math classes, the benefits of the smaller classes outweigh the consequences of the increased load for teachers. For English and social studies classes, the effect is
reversed. Science classes benefit from smaller classes in the form of labs: smaller lab groups allow for more organized and productive class periods. Every individual has their own job to do, reducing the number of students standing
“Block has hit English and social studies classes especially hard.” by idly. This also limits the number of students who may be causing disruptions. Teachers can more easily take students through equations or procedures step by step, and then allow them to tackle the material on their own.
associate editors jackie andrews, andres arbelaez, avalon bonlie, audrey fanshaw, justin fitzgerald, liz gillum, olivia golden, sophie golden, finn hasson, adam hemmeter, kristin meek, chloe messier, erin miller, katie nanasi, sierra prior, kira stiers, andrew sugarman, danielle zarachowicz photography editor jood ali, lucia tarantino web editor harrison bartlett Visit us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.
Block has hit English and social studies classes especially hard. These classes feature more writing. Teachers need time to read and give feedback on essays. Having extra students can make it difficult to return papers in a timely fashion. Advanced Placement history teacher John Wagner has said grading an extra class of 30 essays adds three to four hours of work to his week. Technology teacher David Schein also faces problems when it comes to grading assignments quickly. Schein has said that the increased student load has forced him to choose between assigning less work and not grading work as meaningfully. Block is here. It most likely won’t be changed. But its increased demands on teachers’ time can’t be denied or ignored. Not by students. Not by parents. And not by administrators.
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.
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the griffin
opinion
november 20, 2014
Security needs strengthening C erin miller, associate editor olumbine. Sandy Hook. Marysville. All infamous for something we will never forget. Something you’d think would cause alarm, but is instead merely being ignored: school shootings. Most recently, this terrifying possibility almost became reality at the George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology. 16-year-old Monkton resident Sash Nemphos was arrested Nov. 1 for possessing a handgun and explosives, according to the Baltimore Sun. Questioned for a series of thefts from cars, he told police he was plotting to kill people at the school, the paper reported. Another school shooting occurred in recent weeks – the Oct. 24 shooting in a cafeteria by an unlikely, popular freshman at a high school near Seattle. A fifth death from that attack was reported Nov. 7 by the New York Times. It’s painful to think that teenagers on the west coast are mourning the senseless deaths resulting from a school shooting. And it’s scary to think that at a school so close, friends could have
been killed. But it’s downright frustrating that so many here consider this school immune from a similar plot or shooting. I resist the urge for total pessimism to-
op-art: tori vandervest
ward Baltimore County Public Schools for the lack of school safety, partly because of the new BCPSOne Cards and the security system they help comprise. Thank you, Dallas Dance, for at least trying to start some sort of security system. According to the BCPS website, the
purpose of the cards is to increase safety. They’re only one step toward securing schools, Dance said. But wait. The blue lanyards seem to sit at the bottom of backpacks or at home. So what is the point? Supposedly we are getting a system to swipe ourselves into the building, for which the cards will be used, but we aren’t doing that just yet. “We were scheduled for starting about now, but there are some technical problems that are delaying the implementation,” principal Lyn Whitlock said. The One Cards, even when fully implemented, will only account for students in the building. They will not eliminate outside threats, or in any way prevent students from bringing weapons to school. But this can be done, even though metal detectors aren’t cheap. The U.S. Department of Justice reports a metal detector costs around $5,000. Using our BCPSOne cards and contemplating the purchase of metal detectors must be considered. After all, aren’t safe schools worth it?
Teacher workload increases with years
riff
Card’s loneliness documented, lamented
finn hasson, columnist nd so the chronicle of the BCPSOne Card begins. With troubles and trials, he has logged his existence over the span of 79 days. His thoughts and dreams follow. This is his story.
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Day 1: Every man dreams in utility. To give himself to something larger, to serve a greater good- to be of use. Today I stand at the beginning of a great journey. I do not know what fruits shall grow of the tree planted by my efforts, but I do know one thing- I will serve this student proudly and honorably. Day 2: They say that success is born of failure. Dedication amplified by rejection. Yes, I may have been left on the kitchen table today, but everything must have a beginning. Just as Andrew Carnegie began his life in the clutches of poverty, so shall I begin my story in the grasp of obscurity.
“I sit in the darkest recess of the backpack, untouched for four days.” Day 3- Morning: My heart beats to the cadence of the bus’s wheels over the potholes. Not forgotten at home for a second time, I dangle from his neck for all to see, no longer to be left behind- I have been given my opportunity. I shall seize it.
op-art: sarah ruehle
Democrats must regroup, rally their troops
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kira stiers, associate editor ear President Barack Obama, Like most Democrats, I was disappointed by the recent midterm elections. The Republicans are still riding their victory high after their all-out sweep, resulting in 52 seats for the Republicans and 41 for the Democrats, with two independents making up the rest of the chamber. So what is to be gleaned from the recent midterms? Disloyalty doesn’t sell, and the op-art: tori vandervest Democratic Party learned this lesson after many incumbents distanced themselves from your policies. Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown’s defeat here should serve as a warning to all Democrats. The Republicans are not to be written off- even in heavily democratic states like Maryland. We must keep this in mind though: this election was probably more about who didn’t vote than who did. The two major pillars of the Democratic electorate—young voters and minorities—did not turn out in large numbers this election. What does this mean for you and the Democratic Party? You will need to pick your battles—and win them. Your initiatives on climate change won’t get anywhere with the GOP-controlled Congress, but could be receptive abroad, such as in China where you recently signed an accord focused
on cutting emissions by 2025. Focus on foreign policy. Offer to help Syria and take a strong stand against ISIS. Both things could help your approval ratings. The coming landmark deal regarding Iran’s nuclear power could be a major stepping stone for American cooperation abroad. Bipartisan forces need to come together if you want to accomplish anything in legislature. The joint conversation to be had will depend on whether or not the GOP responds. It will set the tone for the next two years and for the 2016 presidential election. The Democrats have already shown they can govern by passing major legislation like the Affordable Care Act, and now it’s the GOP’s turn. Over the coming term, small victories should be your goal. With unemployment below 6 percent, interest rates the lowest they’ve been in 30 years and U.S. gross national product growth at a record high, you have room to work with. Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton each faced their last two years in office with the legislature in the hands of the opposition and yet, they are two of the most revered presidents. The task may be monumental but not insurmountable. Best of luck, Mr. President. You’re going to need it.
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Day 3- Evening: Optimism in the face of overwhelming defeat is the one common attribute shared by all great men. “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing-grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets.” Today, I fought in the bottom of the backpack after my owner realized he would not be punished for not wearing me- but, as Luther said, there is honor in all occupations, no matter how small. Today, the bottom of the rucksack. Tomorrow, Agincourt. Day 7: My journaling has been halted as a result of poor lighting. I sit in the darkest recess of the backpack, untouched for four days. My own Babylonian captivity. My own Mandela story. I have become acquainted with a book of poetry that sits next to me, similarly ignored. I find comfort in its words. “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” Day 14: I have bravely captained my soul to the very form of perpetual obscurity I wished to avoid. Had I thumbs, they would be twiddled. Had I soap, it would be whittled. Day 25: Still in the backpack… Day 50: Owner dropped backpack and I fell out. Was immediately scooped back in. I’ve missed the sunlight. Day 78: Trying to develop a second personality to combat the crushing loneliness of my quotidian routine. No longer sure that what I see isn’t just a series of phantoms born from a mind left to itself for too long.
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the griffin
sports
athletes
month
Varsity Badminton
Quick study triumphs michelle wu, staff writer unior co-captain Will Paranzino plays with brains. According to badminton coach Sharon Spangenberg, that’s how he topped the male singles lineup all year, and that’s how he took the bronze medal in the county individual championship. will paranzino “He knows how to set up photos by lucia tarantino points,” Spangenberg said. Of course, execution also matters, junior and co-captain Ivy Li said. “His smashes are steep. His drops always land in the front court.” Paranzino, who started playing badminton two years ago, credits his ability to pick up the game so quickly to nine years of tennis. Still, he admits it took time to adjust to badminton’s faster pace. “In badminton, the birdie flies so fast that you have to just react,” he said. “You don’t have time to think about your shot.” Club play and rigorous practice fueled his success, Paranzino said, adding that he tries to be a role model for teammates. That surely was the case in the Oct. 27 team level county championships. At Towson High School, the Generals changed their lineup in an attempt to unnerve Paranzino, who found himself down 4 points against a top doubles player. But he remembered to think and execute. “I was able to react, and I caught him unprepared,” Paranzino said.
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For staff writer Garrett Day’s profile on the junior varsity athlete of the month, Caid Dickens, see our website: http://dulaneygriffin.org photo by lucia tarantino
november 20, 2014
things to know about Lions athletics 1. WINTER MADNESS pep rally starts the new sports season Nov. 25 at 6 p.m. in the gym. 2. boys varsity basketball will play in the 19th annual Baltimore City Public Schools Basketball Academy, a tournament Jan. 22-24. 3. THE STUDENT ATHLETE LEADERSHIP BOARD will target sophomores and juniors to prevent the spirit slump that was seen last winter and spring.
4. allied soccer finished their season with a 1-5 record. Their final event was the Pumpkin Bowl Oct. 24 where they tied one match and lost the other two, but the team won the Sportsmanship Award. 5. MATH TEACHER STEVE LABBE is the new junior varsity boys’ basketball coach. 6. Seniors on the boys varsity lacrosse team volunteered at Pot Spring Elementary School Nov. 13. They helped all three kindergarten classes in building apple carriers.
Reporters Bennett Heitt, Ida Schianodicola, Kira Stiers and Lucia Tarantino complined this information through interviews with coaches and athletic director Richard Reed.
Boys bypass Comets with penalty kicks Senior midfielder Aleem Mirza dribbles past Catonsville High School midfielder Mckenzie Ali, a freshman, during the boys varsity soccer team’s sectional final game Oct. 31. The boys’ 2-1 win in penalty kicks advanced the team to the 4A North Regional Final game against Howard High School Nov. 4. The team lost 3-1, ending their season and hopes for a state title. For more on boys soccer’s season, see season roundup, page 7. photo by casey durmowicz
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sports
Lions see mixed results High hopes hijacked en route to state final
XC team pursues nationals
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henry harsel, managing editor fter finishing second in the cross country state championship, the boys varsity cross country team is headed to the Southeast Nike Cross Regionals in Cary, N.C. Nov. 29. Coming off an individual second place finish in the state meet, junior Eric Walz looks to head the team’s effort in the regional finals. “We’ve been dreaming of this. If we get our act together, there won’t be a team in the Southeast better than us,” Walz said. Junior Kristin Meek is the sole member of the girls varsity cross country team to join the boys in Cary. “I want it now more than ever. All of my training since June has been leading up to this race,” Meek said. Teams finishing in the top two at the southeast regionals will advance to the Nike Cross National Championships in Portland, Ore. Dec. 6.
Above: Junior Eric Walz outpaces Severna Park High School senior Kevin Hines during the state championship meet held at Hereford High School Nov. 8. Walz finished second in the race with a time of 15:56. Below: Junior Kristin Meek, the sole member from the girls varsity cross country team participating in the regional meet in Cary, N.C. Nov. 29. Meek earned tenth place in the state meet, finishing with a time of 19:42, leading the varsity girls cross country team to an overall fourth place finish.
lions notebook: fall sports VARSITY FOOTBALL finished with a 5-5 record, their best in over a decade. The season concluded with a 31-6 loss to Towson High School in the ‘Iron Bowl’. “Several thoughts come to mind,” head coach Daron Reid said of the season, “short of expectations, foundation for us to grow, entertaining rollercoaster ride [and] all the ups and downs.” VARSITY BOYS CROSS COUNTRY fell just short in their push for a state title, finishing second to Severna Park High School in the Maryland 4A State Championship Nov. 8. Eric Walz led the effort with his second place finish. VARSITY GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY finished fourth in the Maryland 4A State Championship behind a tenth place finish from junior Kristin Meek. Strong performances from the whole team guaranteed a top five finish in the meet. “Our team has the right mix of intensity, motivation and love for what we do every day, so these results reflect that work ethic and positive attitude,” Meek said. VARSITY VOLLEYBALL lost its chance at a second consecutive state title after losing 3 straight sets to Sherwood High School in the 4A North Regional Final Nov. 7, finishing with a 17-1 record. The team did, however, win its third straight Baltimore County Championship after an undefeated regular season campaign. VARSITY FIELD HOCKEY finished their season with a 14-4 record, losing to the Catonsville Comets 2-1 in the regional semifinals Oct. 27. The team had aspired to make a repeat appearance in the state semi-finals, especially following their 7-1 victory against Perry Hall High School in the second round of regional playoffs Oct. 23.
Junior Rabecca Rawlinson prepares to serve in the third set of the varsity girls volleyball game Nov. 7 against Sherwood High School during the 4A North Regional Championship Game at Sherwood. The Lions lost 3-0 to end their perfect season and hopes for a second consecutive state title. photo by elllie mathey
november 20, 2014
athletes
Varsity Volleyball
Transfer makes her mark jake ebright, staff writer er 6-feet, 2-inch height makes an impact. That’s what teammates say of varsity volleyball co-captain Olivia Finckel, a junior who transferred from St. Timothy’s School. “Being on the other side of the net when she’s serving is olivia finckel so terrifying,” senior co-capphoto by lucia tarantino tain Sydney Cohee said. “Girls on other teams try to duck and cover when she hits.” Cohee and other teammates cite her work ethic as a key contribution to the team’s 17-1 record, including leading the team to a county title. Junior teammate Mallory Svoboda praises Finckel’s energy and drive. “I just remember the Catonsville game,” Svoboda said. “I had never seen Olivia play so well and get so fired up. She got 13 or 14 kills. She just took over.” Recalling that game made Finckel smile, especially when she pictured a player who squared up as Finckel prepared to spike. “I swung the ball down the line, and it slammed the girl in the face,” she said. The swing shot, one the strongest hits in volleyball, sent the Catonsville player to the locker room. But is topping 6-feet ever a problem? For Finckel, whose grandparents met at the Baltimore Tall Club, the answer is no. “I love it. It makes me different and it’s more fun.”
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For staff writer Doria Diacogiannis’s profile on the junior varsity athlete of the month, Kiley Bolonda, see our website: http://dulaneygriffin.org photo by lucia tarantino
Behind the plate
VARSITY BOYS SOCCER finished the year with a 15-2-1 record after losing to Howard High School 3-1 in the 4A North Regional Championship Nov. 4. Despite the loss, the team earned its first county title since 2000, finishing undefeated against Baltimore County opponents. VARSITY GIRLS SOCCER finished with a 9-6 record. The season concluded with a loss to Perry Hall High School 2-1 in the first round of regional play. “Next year is going to be a lot different because we’re losing a lot of seniors this year,” sophomore Kaitlyn Dabkowski said, “but I think we will do well.” VARSITY BOYS GOLF ended their undefeated season with a win in the Baltimore County Championship. The team won their division for the third time in four years. Junior Chase Wassel qualified for the state finals in which he finished 65th. VARSITY GIRLS GOLF finished their season by winning the county championship against Hereford High School by one stroke, and sending senior Kaitlyn Bingham to the state championships, where she placed sixth. VARSITY BADMINTON finished their undefeated season with three individual county finals gold medals, two silver medals and one bronze medal. The team reclaimed their county championship title, defeating Towson High School 8-3 Oct. 27. For our season wrap-up on all junior varsity teams, including the undefeated junior varsity volleyball county champions, visit our website: http://dulaneygriffin.org
Senior Isaiah Lamb sets example andrew sugarman, associate editor
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Basketball Provides an Escape ion Pride” holds great value to our athletes. It embodies our commitment to push harder, give more and never settle. Isaiah Lamb epitomizes that pride, on and off of the basketball court. Lamb’s dedication is part of what landed him on the Oct. 20 Sports Illustrated magazine cover. But he didn’t just stumble upon success. “I play basketball for about two to three hours each day, during the season and the offseason,” Lamb said. Competitive sports provided an outlet for him to take his mind off of life’s difficulties, specifically his family’s displacement. “It definitely took me out of the situation I was in, and helped me get through things,” Lamb said. The structure he found in basketball helped mold him into an upstanding student as well. Lamb is currently considering a handful of strong academic colleges, at which he is hoping to play basketball. Isaiah’s academic goal for this year is to see straight A’s on his report cards. On the court he aims even higher, hoping for a few stark improvements in his game. Isaiah said he hopes to reduce his amount of turnovers and increase his patience on the court. He is focusing on enhancing the men-
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month
tal aspects of his game. Calmness is key. “I talk to myself, let myself know that it’s over with, have a short term memory” said Lamb on turnovers, “Once it happens, I can’t do anything to get it back, so just forget about it and move on to the next play.” Isaiah Lamb has left a legacy even before the start of his senior season. He personifies the classic role model.
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Football Priorities Need to Shift he cover of the Nov. 9 New York Times article, “Is Football the Next Tobacco” seems a bit hyperbolic to me. The article suggests that players’ lawsuits will eventually kill the sport. I’m tired of hearing about rising numbers of concussions, injuries and ensuing complaints. The results of such injuries need to be put
“‘Is Football the Next Tobacco?’ seems hyperbolic to me.” in perspective. Since 2004, 25 high school football players that have died from an injury they sustained while playing. Such situations have resulted in the decline of participation on football teams nationwide. As an athlete and a fan, I am distressed by the downturn of a sport I love to watch and play with friends. I’m disappointed by the hesitation that automatically accompanies the discussion of football. To relieve that hesitation, players should be more explicitly informed of the risks that accompany the game from a young age. Equipment modifications should be implemented. The protection for players needs to be fortified. The reality is, football has never been completely safe and never will be. But at least the circumstances can be improved.
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november 20, 2014
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november 20, 2014
Swift’s ‘1989’ detours from country roots REVIEWs:
Shift to pop wows critics, fans alike
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chloe messier, associate editor n just one year, singing starlet Taylor Swift moved into a new apartment in a new city, chopped off her long locks, and made her first ever entirely pop album. And pop it was. Named after the year of her birth, Swift’s album is flooded with synthesizers and danceable beats that were characteristic of pop in the 1980s. When Swift announced her genre change, longtime fans everywhere panicked, but that didn’t stop hordes of people from storming stores and opening
iTunes in anticipation. The album functions as a sort of narrative of the past two years of Swift’s life, which she cites as a huge transition period in her life. The story begins in her new home, New York City, with “Welcome to New York”, an upbeat tune that’s enough to make you want to jet off to the Big Apple yourself. The album proceeds to tell the story of Swift’s latest fling, which many assume is the relationship she had with One Direction band member Harry Styles during the winter of 2012. However, unlike her previous works, heartbreak is not the focal point of “1989”. This album has a much more optimistic and confident tone, as if Swift has finally found what
she’s been looking for in all of her ex-lovers: happiness and the best version of herself. The final line of the final track on the album is “I think I am finally clean.” Swift’s obsession
“Let’s be honest, could you expect this from anyone else?” with love and boys was like a drug addiction, and now she is finally content with being single and independent. She’s allowed fans to embark on this personal journey of self discovery with her, and managed to top the charts at the same time.
Let’s be honest, could you expect this from anyone else? From her humble beginnings, Swift has been blatantly honest with her fans about her personal life, which is something that people have come to crave and expect from her. As usual, she delivers, letting us in once again. Rest assured, this new happy pop isn’t analogous to the lewd party anthems you hear on the radio. Swift was able to make her shift while still generating something unique, something meaningful and something that still sounds undoubtedly like her. The lyrics are deep and thought-provoking, which sets Swift apart from her contemporaries and will ensure that fans are dancing to songs from “1989” for years to come.
1989 photo by kalie paranzino
overall rating:
Yik Yak breeds bullying, but provides info
S yik yak photo by maya hoke
avalon bonlie, associate editor ocial media missteps are always coming back to haunt users. With the threat of shame or scandals, it’s clear why social media apps designed to protect privacy, like Snapchat and ask.fm, are gaining popularity. Yik Yak is an anonymous free social media app available for iOS 7 or Android 4.0 and up. There are no profiles, and users post or “yak.” Once a yak is posted, users can up or down vote the yak or reply. You can only see and interact with the yaks of people in approximately 1.5 miles of you. Users can regulate the yaks by downvoting or reporting. If a user is continually reported, they will be suspended.
Using the “Peek” section of the app, you can view yaks from featured colleges around the nation, or post in featured categories like “Yik Yak Dating Tips.” You can also save Peek locations. I recommend saving colleges you’re considering to get a better idea of genuine student body opinion. But Yik Yak is an easy outlet for cyberbullying and has been banned in several school districts. Even at colleges, the app’s target market, the app has been used to post misogynistic and racist comments. Because of this, the app creators have created “geofences” that prevent posting and viewing yaks near middle and high schools. To help prevent liability, the company makes
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their rules and information page obvious upon downloading. It details that the app should be used in good spirit and explicitly states what is considered inappropriate use. The most confusing part of the app is “Yakarma.” There’s no obvious way the score is calculated, but it’s derived from your yaks, replies and if they are voted upon. Yik Yak is fun. I live right by two colleges so I get my fair share of interesting yaks to look through. But, the anonymous nature of the app has led to recklessness and it requires much more maturity than its users are capable of.
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10 features
post JAIR WILLIAMS is a senior basketball lover and Duke fan who transferred here this year. Williams chatted with associate editor Liz Gillum, talking Drake, Chipotle and more.
Reading? I read a little bit. I read a lot of stuff about basketball players, players that are in the NBA. They had the first game last night. I read about Kobe Bryant a lot on Sports Illustrated or ESPN. I also watch a lot of videos that go along with the articles. I used to get Sports Illustrated in the mail last year but now I read mostly online.
Watching? I watch a lot of basketball. Some of favorite shows have always been South Park and Family Guy. Right now I’m into Supernatural. I watched the Orioles for a little bit, but then I stopped. Football is really fun to watch for me because I’m into fantasy football.
Listening? I listen to a lot of Drake. When I’m driving I’ll plug my phone into my car, or when I’m home sometimes I’ll listen on YouTube. I used to use Spotify a lot, but downloading it on my phone is just easier.
Following? I use Instagram the most. I check Facebook once in a while, but I don’t post on it. I don’t post on Twitter either. I just like to look through my feed sometimes. On Instagram I follow a bunch of basketball players, NBA players like Kobe and some college players. I follow teams too, like the Duke basketball team has a page and I follow that. That’s pretty cool to see what’s going on with the team and get to know the players better.
Eating? I love to eat. I eat a lot. My two favorite places are Chipotle and Poulet in Green Spring station. At Poulet, I usually will get a chicken breast and get a couple sides, either some kind of rice or French Fries and potatoes. At Chipotle I get a burrito and I get a lot of stuff on it. I have to get guacamole on it or it’s not the same. I eat a lot of protein especially after a workout.
november 20, 2014
Juxtaposition, a conversation between differing individuals
Changing? I went to The Park School of Baltimore before and moved here this year. It has definitely been a change. The Park School is a lot smaller and has a lot less kids. Their sports are also less competitive, but the academics were strong. When I first came and saw how many people there were here, I was like “Woaaahh.” It’s not bad or anything. I’m getting used to it but it was just a big change for me. Our class sizes at The Park School were so small. Most of them were under 15 people. The best part about the change has definitely been the sports. The sports program as a whole is really great and fun and a lot better than my last school. A lot of the kids here are really into sports and the games, and it is really competitive. Coach Lochte has been a great coach. We have BFS workouts that are really good and our basketball workouts in the morning have been helpful. It’s been a big change waking up at 5:30 every morning. I think it’s going to be a really good season. I’m looking to play in college. I’m not sure where yet, but I’ve been checking some schools out.
photo by lucia tarantino
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photo by jood ali
enior Madison Mitzel and junior Kenton Cuddington met Nov. 12 to discuss football. Mitzel, a stalwart Baltimore Ravens fan, had a few critiques concerning the team’s performance (“The receivers need to learn how to catch the ball”). While Cuddington is not a huge football fan, he shared opinions concerning safety and salary of the players. For more photos and highlights, including fantasy football, college football and math problems, see our website. Associate editor Audrey Fanshaw transformed this conversation into the Juxtaposition blog,
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Dancer, thespian creates chemistry
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olivia golden, associate editor he lights flash, the director takes a seat and the actors take their places. Tapping her feet to ‘60s music, senior Ginny Bush steps on stage, ready to portray protagonist Edna Arkins in “The Good Times Are Killing Me.” Bush began taking acting classes in kindergarten, continuing with camps and workshops in elementary and middle school. She’s been in every drama production throughout high school. “Twelve Angry Jurors” from her sophomore year was her favorite, she said. “I was the only underclassman. All the seniors welcomed me, and the whole cast formed a close bond. That’s what makes a show special. If there’s no chemistry, there’s no show,” she said. Drama sponsor Susan Lev lauds Bush’s personality. “Ginny has stage presence, which is necessary for her role. She will take us on her journey through the turbulence of the 1960s, capturing and keeping the audience’s attention,” Lev said. Fellow actor and dancer Grace Landefeld, a senior, complimented Bush’s ebullience.
november 20, 2014
and the selfie winner is...
“After our dance recital in October, we went to Tutti Frutti and Ginny was so tired that she started laughcrying and couldn’t stop. It became an endless chain of laughter,” Landefeld said. Bush’s adaptability is shown in her ability to play anything from a sassy, protective mother in “Midsummer/Jersey” to an innocent 13-year-old girl in this fall’s production. Despite her acting experience, dance is her refuge. “Dancing is more in my comfort zone. Acting is more of a challenge for me,” she said. Bush, a member of the school dance team, is in her ninth consecutive year at the Moving Company Dance Center. Though she’s taken classes in jazz and contemporary, her favorite style is ballet. “I think there are few things more beautiful or more captivating than the graceful movement that epitomizes ballet,” Bush said. Performers are frequently anxious, but Bush is comfortable in front of a large audience. “I love the audience. I like to look at all the individual faces and see their reactions throughout the performance,” Bush said.
Senior Grace Landefeld snaps a “foodfie” (food selfie) with fellow thespians from the fall play, “The Good Times are Killing Me,” Nov. 11. Clockwise from bottom left are: senior Brady Widener, junior Tuesday King, seniors Anna Steuerman and Mark Benzinger, sophomore Monica Pino, senior Jood Ali, sophomore Daniel Longest and senior Jamie Freed. The actors took their winning “foodfie” after rehearsal while dining at the the Griffin’s Chipotle fundraiser, which raised $591.25. The fall play runs Nov. 20-22. Tickets cost $8 and are sold outside the classic cafeteria during all lunch shifts. They’re also sold the night of each performance at the auditorium box office.
Above: Junior Dori Beaufelter and senior Ginny Bush rehearse the fall play, “The Good Times Are Killing Me,” after school Nov. 10. Bush plays the play’s lead, Edna Arkins. Her personality will help lead the audience through the turbulent 60s, drama teacher Susan Lev said.
For more selfies, including SGO’s canned food drive selfie and Maureen Burke’s AP Spanish 5 doughnut selfie, see our webite. The next selfie week is Dec. 8-12. Hashtag your best “holfies,” or holiday selfies using #grifself.
Right: Bush performs in the Moving Company Dance Center’s spring concert at Goucher College June 15.
photo by grace landefeld
photos by jood ali and jeff higdon
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12 features
november 20, 2014
Alum beams answers from space
ASTRONAUT CONNECTS. Clockwise from top left: Reid Wiseman works outside of the International Space Station on a space walk Oct. 7. Wiseman gives himself a haircut in November. Wiseman’s photo of the east coast of the United States in the afternoon Oct. 17. Wiseman’s photo of the international space station and the northern lights. For more photos, follow @astro_reid on Twitter. photos from Wiseman
Describing life on the Space Station 1993 graduate Reid Wiseman has just returned from 165 days aboard the International Space Station. In between orbiting 70 million miles, missing his kids, craving soda (impossible to imbibe in space due to its impact on the digestive system) and conducting 160 experiments, he found time to email answers to a staff reporter’s questions.
What is your favorite part about being on the ISS?
Hands down, the view of our planet. It exceeds every expectation I set in my mind before flight. Our Earth is a dynamic, living machine that is constantly changing. Lightning, aurora, winds, ocean currents, the thin atmosphere illuminated by the setting sun. It is all gorgeous and incredible to see.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve viewed out the window aboard the ISS?
Creeping lightning through the clouds seen from above is pretty cool. Aurora flickering and weaving across the night sky is wild. But I think the thing that changed my perspective on our planet the most, and therefore is my favorite, was seeing a yucky brownish haze in the sky over Brazil. We followed that haze across the Atlantic and it turned out to be sand from the Sahara desert of Africa. That really blew me away and showed me firsthand how something so gentle as wind is slowly reshaping the planet over time.
Please share a rough idea of a typical day on the ISS.
Honestly, it is a lot like your day. I get up around 6:30 a.m., brush my teeth, eat my breakfast (generally granola with rehydrated milk, rehydrated scrambled eggs, and some fruit in a shelf stabilized pouch) and get ready for work. Generally my day is divided into three categories: about three hours of science work, three hours of maintenance to keep the space station running strong, and about two hours of physical exercise so my muscles and bones don’t decay from the lack of gravity.
We eat lunch in the middle of the day, around 1 p.m., and usually it is a quick bite on the run since the days are pretty packed. At 7 p.m. we hold another planning conference with the control centers to make sure the work for the day is complete and then we relax, watch some TV and eat dinner. After dinner, we usually head to our tiny bedrooms and check email, read a book and unwind.
Please share some of the progress with your experiments.
My crew has executed over 160 experiments since we arrived almost five months ago. We are the operators, conducting experiments for research teams on the ground. Sometimes, my work is as simple as moving a lever to activate an experiment and then researchers on the ground watch video feeds to see what happens. Other times, we are hands-on conducting the data collection and sending the info to the ground teams for analysis. These are my favorites. I have conducted a lot of research on fluid dynamics in tanks which takes on a crazy form in microgravity. I also worked for about two months on flame research to better understand the relationship of airflow and oxygen levels on spread rates of fire in weightlessness.
What’s your favorite part about zero gravity?
Floating is absolutely amazing in every respect. I guess my favorite part is when I wake up in the morning and all the lights are off inside the space station. I come out of my tiny bedroom and float down to the bathroom to brush my teeth. It reminds me each day how wild it is to float instead of walk everywhere.
What is the scariest thing that happened?
Right after launch we thought we had an atmosphere leak in our spacecraft which would have been survivable but extremely bad. It turned out to be a fluctuating sensor that calmed down about 10 minutes into the flight. Staff writer Daniel Krugman emailed Wiseman questions and compiled his answers.
Robotics scores big at home scene
Left to right: Seniors Matthew Carbaugh, Sandor Tapolyai and Brian Levis prepare to send their robot through a series of programming tests Nov. 8. photo by jood ali
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liz gillum, associate editor ozens of robots and their designers filled the cafeteria Nov. 8. Teams from all over the state
rushed to prepare for the elimination rounds. “Instead of directly mapping the motor values to the controller, I am ramping down the value of the motors,” senior Michael Chen said. Nearby, senior and fellow competitor Mandy Bilger noticed something seemingly vital. “The number of judges hovering around B team right now pretty much guarantees they’re going to win something.” The B team, in fact, won its second consecutive Excellence Award, and this competition marked its third overall qualification for states. B team, consisting of seniors Brian Levis, Matt Carbaugh and Sandor Tapolyai, junior Mark Vulcan and sophomore Jessica Yan, made it to the final round of eliminations, qualify-
ing for state championships. But, Levis, the B team captain, mentioned that the team encountered some problems, before ultimately winning. “Before the Friday night matches, the ‘brain’ of our robot malfunctioned, and we spent most of the evening trying to fix it,” Levis said. “Aside from trying to fix a faulty LED on one of the [robot’s] eyebrows, Saturday went fairly smoothly.” Along with B team’s success, X team made it to the semi-finals in the elimination rounds, while C team made it to the quarterfinals. Senior and Robotics Club president Annie Brantigan added that D team was commended by the judges for their outstanding design notebook. “It was really exciting to do so well on our home turf.”
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dulaney
ARTISTS CREATE. Senior Morgan LaRocca, president of Art Club, paints a spinner as junior Marika Yang touches up the roof of a house in the classic cafeteria Nov. 11. Their rendition of Dulaneyville is the first installment in what is supposed to become an 11-panel design, augmented by Art Club members annually. Junior Jackie Andrews fleshed out this year’s design, which adheres to the theme “Leaving Our Mark.” photo by sarah feustle