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Dulaney High School Timonium, Maryland
Volume 52, Issue 1 BIG IS BACK
the griffin
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October 25, 2011
Reduced staffing causes some class sizes to swell
O see page #7
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TO KNOW
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the number of classrooms using new interactive whiteboards BYE, BIRDIE
emily xie, features editor n the first day of school, sophomore Abby Cahalan walked into second period Honors Physics and looked for a few familiar faces in the class typically taken by juniors. Like the few seniors taking the course, Cahalan’s in the minority. She’s in physics because of last year’s staff cuts. It began last spring when she received the sophomore schedule that placed her in a Gifted and Talented Chemistry class. Cahalan’s repeated requests for a switch to an Honors class were denied because classes were filled. “It’s pretty frustrating, because I’m During fourth period gym teacher Matthew Lochte and P.E. Leader Courtney Jantzen rethe various skills needed for playing badminton with the 50 sophomores and juniors someone who really needs to be in view that make up the class. photo by jennifer siegel. Honors Chemistry,” Cahalan said. Having made friends and seldom some academic classes now have as many as 38 truly stymied by her lack chemistry, Cahalan said she students, while at least one physical education class is adapting well. Her situation is atypical, of course; for has 50. most, the cuts have merely meant larger class sizes. Matt Lochte teaches that class of sophomores and According to assistant principal John Billingslea, continued on page 2
46.4
the percentage of increase in the number of student interns from last year to this year CAMP THRILLS
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INDEX 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
news opinion opinion sports sports features features
taylor roberts, staff writer “Fifty people, no big deal,” said P.E. teacher Matt Lochte. Lochte said taking up to 10 extra students in one gym class is manageable, thanks to the help of student assistant Courtney Jantzen. Jantzen, senior, is in charge of taking care of attendance and organizing the equipment. Though Lochte doesn’t mind teaching more kids, his students said they feel overwhelmed by the size of the class. According to Lochte, finding enough space for everyone is the toughest challenge. Sophomore Adam Sulpar agrees with Lochte that indoor gym time poses an issue. He recalls a time when the class had a period in the pit. “It’s really fun,” he said, “but we can’t move around.”
New administrators transition to life as Lions
“W see page #6 # TO KNOW
Classes grow, Lochte copes
lorrie sinibaldi, news editor hen students have a problem, I like my door to be open,” said new principal Lynda Whitlock. Whitlock’s office – painted blue and adorned with photos of her grandchildren - puts forth a welcoming aura as she stresses the importance of communication with students and staff. Custodian Derek Williams said she is easy to get along with. “If you go to her with a problem she’ll help, not ignore you.” Whitlock served as principal for five years at Landsdowne High School, continued on page 2
photo by jen siegel
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dan golden, staff writer owering over many at 6 feet 4 inches, new vice principal Tom Dugas oversees the sophomore class, the physical education, math and science departments, along with transportation and emergency drills. Dugas has a great presence, said English teacher Dirk Frey. Frey portrayed Dugas as energetic, which isn’t a surprise since Dugas taught P.E. at Western Tech High School. And prior to his arrival at photo by jen siegel Dulaney High School, he was the assistant principal at Catonsville High School. English teacher Meekah Hopkins praised continued on page 2
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ethan levy and yejin yoon, staff writers promised my daughter that I would make education better for all students.” This promise, made years ago to his 12year-old daughter, would change his career. Baltimore County’s photo by jen siegel 2008-2009 teacher of the year, Billingslea yearns to make his promise a reality. “[I] could influence more teachers to be better teachers if I moved up to administration,” he said. Although immediately impressed by Dulaney’s quality of students and teaching, Billingslea still sees room for improvement and homework is high on his agenda. continued on page 2
After two false starts, senior class charmed by rescheduled barbecue
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malcolm peacock, staff writer either Hurricane Irene nor the rain of September could have washed away the excitement felt by seniors as the Class of 2012 finally covered the senior rocks in blue. “A lot of us have been friends for four years now. We’re all here, we’re all covered in our blue. We’re all 2012!” said senior Ellie Cook. The event had been postponed twice prior to Sept. 28. The first time, Hurricane Irene knocked out the power lines in many neighborhoods, causing the closing of schools in Baltimore County. With Dulaney not opening until Sept. 1, students began to wonder what would happen with the tradition. Rumors arose that it would be a bust, the members of the class council persisted. “There was a lot of anxiety over whether or not we would be able to sell all the shirts,” said Cynthia Shi, senior class corresponding secretary. “The negative feedback from some students about not being able to get their or-
dered size was difficult to handle. There was only so much we could do.” Senior class president Jen Kinnear agreed that making the senior barbeque happen took flexibility. “It took a lot of orange paint, more than expected. We had to go slightly over budget and much of it came off as people peeled at it, she said. “We had to re-paint the rocks several times for hours.” Twelve seniors painted the rock orange on Aug. 23, but there was no way that it would hold up. On the day of the event, rain poured down around 9 a.m. But within an hour, the rain had cleared and the sun had come out for the Class of 2012. Senior class advisor Sharon Baylin said that the class officers and parent volunteers deserve recognition for their hard work. She said Principal Lyn Whitlock should also be commended for having rescheduled the event three times, due to
After slathering paint on the rocks and each other, seniors gather for group photos such as this one. Morning showers threatened the Sept. 28 event, but clouds only prevailed by the afternoon. photo by malcolm peacock
delays. This year’s seniors waited longer than any other class for the big day. Despite all of the bumps along the road, everyone is happy that it happened. And the Class of 2012 was nothing short of thrilled.
FYI: Fall Dance Concert Nov. 3 Auditorium 7:30 p.m.
First Marking Period Ends Nov. 4
Homecoming Dance Nov. 5 Gym 7 p.m.
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Fall Instrumental Concert Nov. 9 Auditorium 7:30 p.m.
Fall Play: “Big Love” Nov. 17-19 Auditorium 7:30 p.m
Wing Night, Padonia Station, Grad Gala Fundraiser Mondays through May 21
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news
Muslims react post 9/11 aysha khan, features editor rom heightened airport security to increased paranoia, everyone has been impacted by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. One disturbing symptom of 9/11 is the hatred and suspicion cast particularly on Muslims and Arabs. Rather than fading, this “Islamophobia” remains a problem for Muslim youth. Egyptian Muslim Omnia Shedid, a junior, related an encounter that occurred a year after 9/11. “I was taking a walk with my mom and a guy rolled down his window and spat at us with a disgusted look and told my mom - and I will never forget this – ‘Go back to your country, terrorist,’ and called me a baby terrorist.” Muslims are not only subject to such blatant bigotry on the street, but also from government officials. “Every time we come back to America, the airport people that check the passports look at each other and signal for a suitcase search,” said Shedid. Airport officials once insisted that her mother remove her hijab, the Islamic head
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Former students mourned
october 25, 2011 News in brief
the griffin “I’m the type that will talk back if anybody even thinks about calling me a terrorist, so it would definitely start trouble,” she said. “I’m definitely scared for my safety and other people’s safety - the exact opposite of a terrorist’s thoughts.”
Juniors Omnia Shedid (left) and Soophia Ansari (right) both say they have experienced bias against Muslims.
covering for women. Pakistani Muslim Soophia Ansari, a junior, has had similar experiences. Because her mother shares a name with an alleged terrorist, Ansari said her family is selected for so-called random several-hour long questionings whenever they go through airport security. Her family has missed two international flights because of this. “I guess you can’t really blame people for being overcautious in the end,” Ansari said. She urged students to educate themselves and not let the acts of a few define an entire faith. Like Ansari, Shedid is not shy about her religion. Regardless, Shedid said she has to make concessions – for instance, she doesn’t wear the hijab in public.
Shedid said that the school’s atmosphere is better than America’s as a whole. Most students, she explained, are tactful despite their personal views about Islam. She said that by now they understand the difference between Muslims and terrorists. One anonymous Muslim sophomore tells a different tale. “I’ve had food thrown at me during lunch,” she said. “People just casually drop terrorist jokes around me. And one time this guy asked if I was late to school because ‘my camel was sick.’” She said, “I just want to know when it’s going to end.”
Spot survey, lunches Sept. 12 1. Did you mark the 9/11 anniversary? Yes: 66 No: 91 2. Do you feel safe from terrorists? Yes: 148 No: 28
SPIRIT WEEK
Spirit week is scheduled for the week of Oct. 31. Come to school prepared for Halloween Day, Jersey Day, Mexican Day and School Colors Day, respectively. On Nov. 5 at 2 P.M., slather on the war paint and wear your black and red attire to show some school spirit at the homecoming football game against Loch Raven.
PEER TUTOR
The Peer Tutor program is looking for tutors, particularly in areas of math and science. Hours can go towards Student Service Learning Hours and National Honor Society points. If interested, stop by the library for more information.
Reduced staffing causes some class sizes to swell
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amna zehra, co-editor
ormer class of 2012 member Tyler Hanlon died on Sept. 24 and was remembered by peers as quiet and kind. “In middle school he was really bubbly and easy to talk to,” said senior Emily Dufrane, who recalled Hanlon’s befriending her when she felt stuck in a class with no friends. Senior Brandon Yeung, who knew Hanlon from elementary school, recalled Hanlon’s love of reading, Tyler Hanlon in his ju-adding that the two read nior yearbook photo. the “Magic Tree House” books in elementary school. Yeung said upon Hanlon’s death, he gave the parents a copy of Hanlon’s favorite book in the series. A 2007 graduate, Roswell Friend is remembered as a confident competitor. The body of the four-year track star was found Aug. 22 along the Delaware River. Friend had gone missing after a run near Temple University. Track coach Jason Boyle recalled Friend fondly. “Roswell didn’t care Roswell Friend is seen about what people here in his senior porthought of him,” Boyle trait. said. “He was just him.” Friend’s former teammate Ben Wolfe said Friend made the team much more enjoyable.
HOMECOMING
Homecoming is here! The game and pep rally are on Nov. 3. The dance will be Nov. 5. The theme is fiesta, and hats such as sombreros are allowed. Purchase a ticket for 20 dollars at lunch from Oct. 24 to Nov. 4. Guest forms are not needed, but I.D.’s are necessary for entrance. For those who want to help class council, hallways will be decorated Oct. 31 after school. For more information, see class council officers.
regardless of the level, more students means more diverse needs. “You have to think of new ways to keep class creative and teach to all students, not just the top or the lower,” he said. Even t h o u g h the science department did not face any teacher cuts last year, it lost one teacher due to retirement and as a result, science classes are larger as well. Science department chairman Tim Hester said the largest science class is Concepts of Physical Science, which is taught by Peter Sykes with 37 students. “All classes were capped at a certain number for safety reasons, but we kept raising the number,” Hester said. But some classes just had to be restricted. Honors Chemistry is an example. The overcrowding also affects classroom layouts. Hopkins, for example, had to rearrange desks to accommodate larger class sizes. Billingslea, who oversees school facilities, has had to locate every formerly unused desk in the building. “We are using every desk we can find,” he said.
Can you imagine this class in the pit?
Meekah Hopkins’s period 5 class views part of “The Crucible” following the PSAT Oct. 12. Hopkins had to rearrange desks for the class, which contains 35 juniors. photo by meekah hopkins
continued from page 1 says he is managing just fine. “This isn’t problematic as long as the weather’s nice,” he said. “We have unlimited space outside, but can you imagine this class in the pit?” English is another department that was affected notably since three teachers were cut from the department. Deborah Hamilton teaches three Honors English 11 and two Advanced Placement English 11 classes. Her first and third period classes each have 36 students. This year, she said, she has 173 students. That’s 45 more than last year. Hamilton said she wished she could talk one-on-one with her students more
often, but time is eaten by grading so many papers and doing so in a timely fashion. As a result, she is assigning AP students fewer writing assignments than she would prefer. English teacher Meekah Hopkins’s largest class contains 35 students. She said she is making assignments more group oriented and giving more multiple choice tests. Ironically, budget-trimming staff cuts may cost the school more since more multiple choice testing increases demands for Scantron sheets. Required classes appear to be among the heaviest hit by staff cuts. Social studies teacher Chad Boyle, who teaches a government class of 36 students, said
New administrators transition to life as Lions Whitlock, continued from page 1
Dugas, continued from page 1
Billingslea, continued from page 1
where she was also a science chairman. Whitlock is replacing Patrick McCusker, Dulaney’s principal for four years. She said her greatest strength is her commitment to quality education and working with individuals. She said she is a rule follower, “but discipline is not about being strict, it is about being consistent.” After a few weeks at Dulaney, Whitlock said she is already impressed with the daily routines and activities of the students and teachers. “There is so much learning going on from great lessons. Overall it is just a good group of people,” she said. She said she makes it a priority to walk around the campus observing the proceedings. As senior Min Kim said, “You can hear her heels from a mile away.” Whitlock said that this year, she plans to learn about the school before making changes. “I need to learn about the school, explore it, and get feedback,” she said. “Then if there are any changes to be made, the community as a whole will be able to come together and improve any problems.”
Dugas for his logical and flexible approach to working with students on bridge plans, the work some must complete in order to graduate. School resource officer Jen Berg illustrated Dugas as a great addition to the administration, while Frey characterized Dugas as considerate of everybody’s interests and on task. Dugas said he is excited to work with the new administrators and all of Dulaney. He complimented Dulaney as among the best schools in the country. He recalled that his old school used to compare its standards to Dulaney’s. ”I knew I was coming to a great school,” he said. The dynamism he has encountered at Dulaney was surprising, said Dugas. He said everybody works hard and takes on multiple AP classes and large loads of coursework. As of yet, Dugas said there is little to change here. “If it’s not broken, you don’t fix it,” he said. The biggest challenge for Dugas was one students might not have considered: to fit in and become part of the culture.
Ideally, students—even those overwhelmed with Advanced Placement classes—will have no more than two hours of homework a night under his administration. He feels that homework should enrich what’s done in class, and never be busy work. Outside of school, former AP Psychology teacher participates in Primal Quest adventure racing with his friends. In a typical event, Billingslea must run, mountain bike, climb and kayak a span of 100 miles to reach the finish line. At school, he likes to stay involved by meeting students in the halls and visiting classes. He also oversees C lunch in the classic cafeteria. Billingslea notes that Dulaney lunch duty is much calmer than that of Randallstown High School. “You have never seen a Snapple bottle food fight,” Billingslea said. Snapple promoted their product by giving a bottle to every student. “I can’t tell you how dangerous that was…and that was only one of the four food fights that week,” Billingslea said. “Here, it is much more pleasant because the students understand what it means to be a student and how important it is to learn.”
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opinion
the griffin
Sleep depraved Scratching out the graffiti problem anna jensen, chief copy editor
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nother year,
another coat of crud on the walls. Bathroom graffiti artists are becoming frustrated. That’s another two months’ worth of hard
work down the drain. Literally. Why are people so hell-bent on destroying these masterpieces? “Sticks and stones may break our bones,” we were told in first grade, “but words will never hurt us.” So really, it makes no sense to be so vehemently opposed to a little scribbling. Right? During the Upper Paleolithic period, there was graffiti. Children dipped their Stone Age top-ofthe-line brushes in Neanderthal-Crayola paint and doodled across the walls of their comfy caveman homes. Stone Age mothers sighed and reached for their prehistoric Clorox. Back when humans couldn’t communicate through words, symbols, or other mediums, paintings and art were all they had. The writing on the walls could tell of a successful hunt or a ritual to the spirits. It was central to their daily lives. We still preserve this tradition in the lavatories of Dulaney High School. Bible verses, Beatles’ lyrics, and strong opinions galore, the bathroom stalls of Dulaney High School certainly have character. They can illustrate the successful hunt for a homecoming dress, or a ritual to the great spirits of Princeton Review. Some of it can be unexpectedly inspirational—I’ve read many an uplifting phrase scrawled above the toilet paper roll— while some can be just plain derogatory. I’ve been told the best way of combating graffiti vandals—and yes, they use this serious word “vandals” because graffiti is a serious offense—is to remove the graffiti as quickly and as persistently as possible. This way, the graffiti artist doesn’t have the satisfaction of recognition. But Dulaney doesn’t do this. I can admit that I’ve never been in an old building bathroom when there wasn’t some sort of despoilment present. Last week, I found the lyrics to Muse’s “Uprising” underneath a crudely drawn portrait of Spongebob Squarepants. But I have a solution that could satisfy both graffiti pros and administration alike. I call it “The Macaroni Grill Approach.” Ladies and gentlemen, hold your applause. Anyone who’s ever been to the Timonium restaurant would know this: the tables are covered in a thin sheet of paper so people idly waiting on their orders of fettuccini alfredo can amuse themselves with four colors of crayon.
It makes no sense to be so vehemently opposed to a little scribbling What if we put recycled construction paper over the stalls on Dulaney? This way, if something offensive was written, it could easily be taken down, and the paper replaced. It’s a fool-proof and somewhat environmental friendly plan, a win-win situation for all. So let’s enable the inevitable writing on the walls. Let’s just make it safe for everyone: students, teachers, administrators, visitors, and all who carry gel pens with them on potty breaks.
october 25, 2011
Justice system brutalizes wrong Americans
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jenna depasquale, opinion editor had never thought about what it would be like to wake up knowing that I was going to die that evening. Sadly, this changed after learning about the tragedy that was the Troy Davis case, in which the state of Georgia executed a man for fatally shooting a police officer without solid evidence. The bleakness of Sept. 21 was almost too much to bear, as I knew that somewhere he was rotting in a jail cell, planning his final words, eating his last meal, and saying his final goodbyes to his family. It is disconcerting when America is compared to its death penalty contemporaries. In 2010, the United States was in the top five countries with the most confirmed executions, along with the repressive regimes of China, Iran, North Korea, and Yemen. In Davis’s case, like in many of the cases of these countries, there was no clear evidence that linked him to the crime. His conviction was largely based on nine witnesses, who allegedly witnessed Davis murder officer Mark MacPhail. But seven of these witnesses recanted their statements on the
grounds that police intimidated them into stating that Davis was responsible. As for the two who did not recant, their reports were less than reputable. The first was from a considerable distance away, and the second was the other leading suspect in the case. Wrongful convictions are far from uncommon. Ray Krone of Arizona was proven innocent after further DNA evidence was considered, making him the 100th person to be released from death row since 1973. Unfortunately for Davis, the same miracle didn’t come. And so, the injustices of the U.S. justice system continue. The corrupt southern justice has migrated north where the participants in the Occupy Wall St. movement, a push to end the inequality and injustice caused by unregulated corporate capitalism, are getting abused by the New York
Police Department. Countless videos have been posted to YouTube showing blatant police brutality, yet the media has largely failed to report on it since the journalism industry is confined to business interests. When a Davis vigil combined with Occupy Wall Street, the police exploded with nightsticks and pepper spray, whose use was often based on racial profiling. What the police and the reporters fail to see is that they’re no different from the downtrodden like Davis and the protestors. They are all the other 99 percent. We are all enslaved to a common enemy, and that enemy is comprised of the corporate criminals on the balconies of the buildings on Wall St. that pop champagne while watching the unemployed getting beaten to the ground.
OP-ART: sam kamran
Artist sam kamran is a sophomore.
Our view: crowded classrooms cause concern More budget cuts would tip the coping scale
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emember that rumor going around last spring that students weren’t going to be allowed to use their backpacks due to overcrowded classrooms? Thankfully, that never materialized, but the school still feels the effects of large class sizes and staffing cuts that were results of a decrease in state funding. Although the schools are surviving, the issues are not being tackled in the most effective way and there is a possibility that next year could be worse. With a class size of 50, physical education teacher Matthew Lochte says he must rely on his student assistant senior Courtney Jantzen to provide all his students with direction. Offering student assistant positions in other subject areas could aid students in their learning
through more specialized attention. But since students are not as adept at teaching as the teachers, this attention may not always be of adequate quality. The most common issue among teachers seems to be grading more assignments than they’re used to and still being able to return them in a timely manner. Group work could be the solution, but the additional students cause a resource shortage during a science lab, for example. There also isn’t enough space for groups to spread out and work effectively. Another alternative could be utilizing forms of work that are quicker to grade, such as multiple choice instead of short answer or writing a paragraph instead of an essay. Although this could work in the short term, these more black and white methods could impede on
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students’ ability to develop higher level analysis of the material. These are some solutions, but they are only suitable for a minor increase in class size. The current bandages on the issue of overcrowding will not be able to control the even bigger numbers that are expected for the next school year. What the state doesn’t understand is that they can’t cut the budget any further without a substantial impact on the ability of students to learn and the teachers’ ability to teach. The state tries to argue that there isn’t enough money to preserve staff. Yet, they hire bureaucrats and buy the latest technology. But right now the future of public schools in Maryland, previously one of the greatest states for education, seems bleak, and schools are running out of coping methods.
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the griffin
opinion
october 25, 2011
History classes fail to emphasize the lasting significance of 9/11
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keval patel, deputy technician en years ago, I sat in the cafeteria, happily nomming on my peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Then it happened. The history of our nation took an unexpected twist, as news of terrorist attacks spread. What has 9/11 changed? It led to the War on Terror. Operation “Iraqi Freedom”. The USA Patriot Act. The Aviation and Transportation Security Act. The loss of almost 3,000 innocent lives and the injury of many more. That’s almost 500 casualties more than Pearl Harbor. You know, Pearl Harbor, the event that we learn about every year, unlike 9/11. Never in 10 years of social studies education since 9/11 have I ever encountered a lesson on 9/11. I’ve learned about Pearl Harbor, the Civil War and Revolutionary War numerous times. But my 9/11 lesson count still remains at a solid zero. I guess it makes some sense. Advanced Placement History courses are generally structured to the AP curriculum, so you only prepare for AP Exam in May. While it is unlikely to appear on the AP Exam, how can one day possibly throw off the entire curriculum? Even though time is pressed, is paying respect too hard? AP History teacher Kathleen Skelton acknowledges the importance of 9/11 but has valid reasoning for not teaching it. “AP U.S. simply does not cover up to the present,” said Skelton. While this may be true, 9/11 does show a continuation of a pattern in our history. It demonstrates increasing amounts of terrorism in our society. Broad patterns across the world are not covered in AP U.S. History, but they are an integral part of AP World History. So why are we not learning about 9/11 in AP World? “We use 9/11 as an example. AP World is about patterns, periods, and themes. The theme is terrorism, and the evidence is 9/11,” said AP World History teacher Karen Turek. We’re using 9/11 as evidence. But is that all it is, merely a piece in the puzzle known as history? 9/11 is a part of our lives. It has shaped the world we live in right now, and must be taught.
illustration by sam kamran
Heat in old wing sparks frustration It’s hot outside; where did our brains go?
Students melting towards death row
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anjali cornish, staff writer e’ve all been there: sitting in a hot, humid classroom, trying to concentrate on our work, praying for some relief. The teacher wonders why we’re not getting anything done, but isn’t it obvious? The first and last weeks of school have some of the hottest days to endure, but some are lucky enough to spend more of their time in airconditioned rooms. It is easier to focus when the temperature isn’t so distracting, and everyone can perform better under milder conditions. What could be done to ameliorate our suffering? Part of the solution lies in the “floaters,” teachers who move around from room to room. Perhaps some could teach in the air-conditioned rooms during the regular teacher’s free period. This would decrease the number of sweaty bodies by moving them to a cooler environment. Student complaints are not uncommon; those who have seats near windows are envied. What could create a breeze? Fans! Some teachers already supply fans, but it would be nice to have them in all old-wing classrooms. Papers may fly all over the room, but putting the fans far from students would minimize that risk. There is the option of not doing anything, but that isn’t very attractive. Doing something would be better than doing nothing, unless the sight of overheated zombies underperforming is a welcome one.
josephine lee, staff writer t’s hot. It’s humid. I can feel the sweat rolling down my skin. My mouth is dry, and all I can think about is how hot it is. I can’t even focus on what I’m doing. All I care about is getting out. Getting out of my seat, out of the classroom, and out of the school. It’s so hot my brain melted. While some students and teachers are chilling in the new building, those in the old building are melting in a sauna. Why is it that half the school is air-conditioned and the other half is a forest fire waiting to happen? Why do the faculty in the office get to enjoy a perfect temperature while half the school is drowning in sweat? Is it the cost of air-conditioning? Is it the difficulty of installation? The faculty stresses the price of air conditioning; yet it is using its own money to pay for portable fans that just circulate hot air. If teachers in the old building don’t get any air conditioning, have to suffer through the hot and humid weather, and use their own money for mediocre fans, what benefits do they get? If teachers can use part of their salary to pay for fans for their classroom, why can’t the school board use part of its salary to pay for air conditioning for the rest of the school? If not, why can’t it use part of its salary to pay the technology education teachers and the heating vent and air conditioning teachers to build airconditioning units in each classroom that does not have cool air? If the teachers can do it, so can the school board.
Letters to the editor Ever seen kids walk around school in ice hockey jackets and think, “Hmm. I didn’t know that the school had an ice hockey team”? Do you know girls who give you an earful on the rigor of cheerleading? The division between what’s a sport and what’s not can be hazy. The Board of Education not only has to choose which sports qualify, but which make the cut to be school sponsored. Not all sports qualify, partly due to Title IX, which states, “No person in the U.S. shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in…any educational program or activity receiving federal aid.” For every sport for boys, there has to be one for girls. We have three female-only sports, three male-only sports and nine sports with co-ed teams. Title IX holds true. Neither cheerleading nor ice hockey is part of that list of sports, because neither is school funded. Those who participate must pay out of pocket. Ice Hockey costs almost $400 per person each season, and according to the Cheerleading Head coach, running the cheerleading team costs almost $1500. Players pay either through fundraising or breaking open piggy banks. I think, to avoid these costs, we should make cheerleading a school sport for all three seasons; however, this would offset the balance by three. Adding ice hockey as a school-sponsored sport in the winter and--my personal favorite--adding rugby, leaves one more sport. Possibilities for the third include men’s volleyball, softball or field hockey. Some question who these teams would play. The ice hockey team already plays private schools and public schools that have the same set-up that we do. Many private schools in the area also have rugby teams. Adding sports would augment the school’s range of influence. Dulaney could quite possibly be the next great rugby school in Maryland. We’ll never know until we try. -Clayton Cuddington, junior http://my.hsj.org/md/timonium/griffin
Remembering 9/11
Because students here were in preschool through second grade during 9/11, reporters solicited memories of the event from local elementary school teachers: Janet Hourihan, first grade teacher, Jacksonville Elementary School: “It was difficult to carry on as if nothing was happening but I didn’t want to worry my students.” “I explained that there were some bad people from another part of the world that had attacked the USA.” “There was a sullen, sad atmosphere in the school that day.” Laura Fuhrman, first grade teacher, Pot Spring Elementary School: “I couldn’t believe something like that would really happen.” “We hardly had anyone left at regular dismissal time.” “My advice to my past first graders: Live each day like it’s your last. You never know what the future might bring.”
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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sports
the griffin
JV field hockey slams Maryvale
october 25, 2011
Athletes of the Month Sophomore forward Maddie Manzoni encircles a free hit in order tp regain possesion in the jv field hockey’s home game against Maryvale on Sept. 7. The Lions dominated the game winning 6-0.
photo by sarah fisher
Varsity breaks even with Garrison Forest Senior captain and defenseman, Erin O’Brien, takes a 16-yard hit during the Lions’ game against Garrison Forest. On Sept. 10 the varsity field hockey team competed in a two-game play day with a 1-1 record for the day. photo by kathy albornoz
Athlete aims for Ivy League laura mayhew, staff writer “My favorite thing about the sport has to be that feeling you get when you stop an impossible shot – it’s like being on top of the world.” So says goalie Biz Schaeffler, a senior. Committed to Cornell University for field hockey this fall, she has photo by jen siegel played recreational field hockey since third grade, and has been a goalie since eighth. Schaeffler attributes much of the team’s success to the chemistry she and her teammates share. They’ve played together for many years, even outside of school. “My teammates are amazing! I couldn’t ask for a better group of girls,” Schaeffler said. “They always have my back when I miss the ball.” Schaeffler, who has been on varsity since the tail end of her freshman year, earns high marks from teammates on all ends of the field. “As an attacker, I’m never nervous when the ball is on our defensive end,” senior Courtney Jantzen said. “But on the rare occasion that Biz does miss a shot, she always works twice as hard in the next practice so that she’ll make the save in the next game. She’s very dedicated.” What are Schaeffler’s hopes for her team this season? “I expect a county championship and a state title. Nothing but the best for the best!”
Field hockey players adjust to new regulation alex calder, staff writer What’s the source of debate in field hockey this season? Mandatory goggles. “It was a rule change that everyone had to do, so if you want to play the sport, you have to get over the negative ideas about wearing goggles,” said Kendra Zeller varsity field hockey coach. The National Federation of State High Schools now requires athletes to wear goggles to protect their faces. Players began grumbling about goggles at field hockey camps last summer and have continued their complaints this fall.
more aggressive wearing the goggles because of extra protection.” Different types of goggles are acceptable to field hockey, ranging from metal cages, to plastic goggles, to sunglass types. Suzy Banister, grade 11, prefers the plastic style even though they are subject to fogging. “I like mine better. The bar mentally bothers me,” said Banister, “but the anti-fog lasts for only a little bit of time.” Still, most players interviewed with plastic goggles prefer fog to having their sight blocked from a metal bar. Despite the challenges the players now face, Zeller said that her team has Junior Suzie Banister adjusts her goggles before a the ability to rise above the difficulties. home game in October. Field hockey players here “The team definitely has the skill and generally dislike the new rule requiring the gog- ability to overcome the lack of vision.” gles. photo by emily park
Sweat collects in your eyes... “Sweat collects in your eyes, and your peripherals are cut off,” said senior Kenna Bolonda. Coaches here have said lack of vision is a major problem players face, and in some cases this has led to greater injuries. “We had a collision which put two players on the injured list for a few weeks because of the lack of vision with goggles.” said Zeller, “Some players might feel
Walker leads by example sam miller, staff writer Positive, focused and motivated. These are just a few words that describe senior football captain Logan Walker. He has been playing football for five years—four for Dulaney—and has always loved the sport. “Working hard and photo by jen siegel trying my best keeps me motivated because being the best I can be will help the team,” Walker said. He has strived to earn the title of captain since his freshman year. During practice, he pushes every teammate to his limit, but is still very responsive to others. Walker is described as both a frequent joker and a positive influence by fellow players. “[He is] a goofball and the hardest working guy you’ll meet,” said junior Trevor Morgen-Westrick, Walker’s fellow teammate. “He constantly jokes and makes the players laugh, but is still the first one to step in when anyone is off-task.” Coaches also agree that Walker is an encouraging and constructive teammate. Pete Sykes, who has coached Walker in both football and baseball, said Walker gets along with all of his teammates and is more dedicated than most kids in this area. Despite losses, Walker is optimistic and continues to demonstrate leadership skills. Senior Louie Bafford said, “As a captain, he’s an excellent leader who always sets a good example by working hard.”
For junior varsity athletes of the month Abby Cahalan and Zack Weitzel, see our Website. http://my.hsj.org/md/timonium/griffin
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sports
october 25, 2011
the griffin
Trevor’s turn: team fires up
Badminton players get aggressive
Game of the month:
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Lions trump Patriots
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kevin roughan, staff writer ith two wins and five losses, the varsity football squad walked all over the Patapsco Patriots throughout the showdown on Oct. 6. After some sloppy decision-making, two touchdowns and a safety, the Lions dominated the Patriots in the first quarter alone. Two 10-yard touchdown receptions by junior Chris Davis and senior D.J. Foster along with a defensive safety gave them a 16-point advantage. In the second quarter, a 70-yard run by Foster set the offense directly in front of the goal for an easy touchdown. The excitement continued when junior quarterback Dre Lewis threw a 60yard bomb to senior Robert Hylton, increasing the lead to 30 points. “We played better football, and we’ve been working on execution,” said head coach Chris Fallon after the game. “We were missing a few key players, but we still played a good game.” More than 100 people watched the excitement continue into the final quarter. The marching band made themselves known, playing throughout the never-ending scoring performance. After the 50-yard touchdown from an interception by Foster, the game was well over for the Patriots. Junior running back Travis Washington later finalized the score, 44-7. “The only thing I was thinking was end zone,” Washington said after the game.
Senior James Chu (top), co-captain, jump-smashes a birdie during a home match on Sept. 2. Dulaney won the game against Western Tech 11-0. Junior C.J. Ormita (bottom), second-seeded singles player, warms up to prepare for the Western Tech match. photos by mindy cheng
trevor morgen-westrick, staff writer
ome may eye their 2-5 record, and say the varsity football team is off to a less than unimpressive start. For those not involved with the football program, this season looks like more of the same old losing Dulaney that we have grown used to. But as a member of the team, I can tell you that there is a whole new life in the program. This year’s football team is, without a doubt, the best football team Dulaney has fielded since 2004, the last year a team here had a winning record. Although the smallest team by number of players, with barely enough subs to back up every position, the football team has more heart than the lax teams of the recent years. Under new head coach Chris Fallon and offensive coordinator Steve Parsons, varsity is working harder than ever before. Most of the players endured grueling summer workouts for months, giving up their summers so they could improve the team. They spent mornings pumping iron, flipping 350 pound tires, driving weighted sleds, and sprinting while dragging 100 pound tires. Granted, there have been mixed results. “We’ve had more talent than any of our opponents,” said senior Louie Bafford, “We just need to learn to play together and finish games.” This was evident during the John Carroll game, when a comeback was close, but our team couldn’t surmount the point deficit. Still, players rightly cite senior D.J. Foster, who led Baltimore County in touchdowns the first three weeks of the season, and safety Tyler Marvel as standouts this year. And they’re hopeful about winning homecoming Nov. 5. With only a sliver of the season remaining, this team knows it will be judged not by their heart, but by wins and losses. Yet they are looking forward to finishing the season strong. In the words of coaching legend Bear Bryant, “In life, you’ll have your back up against the wall many times. You might as well get used to it.”
Sports in brief: fall season
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kathy albornoz, sports editor t 11-0, the varsity volleyball team is in the right direction for an undefeated season. Flexibility among players positions as well as positive attitudes, have led the team to their most recent victory against Patapsco. This year’s Varsity football team is off to a better start, with their first opening game win since 2004. Senior DJ Foster says that crisp passing and a strong defense should lead to more Lion victories. Their record is currently 3-4. At 7-2-1, the boy’s varsity soccer team is on track to a winning season. Strong passing and a strong offense led by captains Zach Gude and Robbie Mathey are big contributors to their progress thus far. After a slow start, the girl’s varsity soccer team is getting their shuffle on. With a record of 4-6, senior captain, Audrey Lastner, attributes their recent success of a three game win streak to a solid defense and consistent intensity from play to play. The allied soccer team has a balanced season so far with a record of 1-1-1. Senior Jonathan Lovo says that this year’s team is good at scoring and making big plays. Varsity badminton is set in the right direction for a championship with a record of 8-1. Senior, Chris Flower credits the team’s “well-roundedness” and quick movements to their performance. Varsity boy’s cross country is taking the season in stride. Senior captain, Malcolm Peacock, says that this year’s team has experience and depth in their top runners. Recently, they came in third place at the Barnhardt Invitational and tenth place at Bull Run. The girl’s cross country team is taking flight this season with a talented and young team. This year the team has sophomore Isabel Griffith as a front runner who is among the top 10 in the state. Along with the talent, the team also has a very strong bond says senior captain, Sydney Glenn. With an undefeated record of 4-0, it is no surprise that varsity girl’s golf won counties on Oct. 11 with six players placing in the top 10. Senior golfer, Jenny Park, says that the team’s success comes from having a surplus of reliable players who know how to play the game. The boy’s varsity golf team continues to drive on through the season with a record of 3-1. Juniors Bobby Donald and Alex Moore, have contributed greatly to the team’s success switching off between first and second chair. The team placed third in counties on Oct. 11. The season the varsity field hockey team has had strong senior leadership which has contributed to a winning record of 8-3. The team qualified for counties and will play at Landsdowne on Oct. 19. After counties, the team will be in their post-season and preparing for Regionals. 1 team records as of Oct. 17 http://my.hsj.org/md/timonium/griffin
7
features
october 25, 2011
the griffin
An artist among us:
Scene At Dulaney
What doesn’t he play?
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yejin yoon, staff writer “He’s an outstanding musician,� said hall I list them all?� said junior Rafferty’s previous band director, Barry Matt Rafferty. Chesky. Chesky also points out Rafferty’s After conferring with a friend, he leadership in music. On top of being a leader rattled off the instruments in the Dulaney marching in his repertoire: piano, band, Rafferty has been accordion, trumpet, the lead trombonist in euphonium, tuba, alto varsity jazz band for two saxophone, baritone years and for a year in Allsaxophone, trombone, County Jazz Band. For any bass trombone, just a school music group, there’s bit of French horn, and an immense amount of didgeridoo. Oh, and he competition for a spot, let composes. alone first chair. Why so many How does he make time instruments? for anything else? “I just decided to play He plays sports for fun the trombone, and then I but said that the majority decided that I would be of his time is spent on his the best,� he said. From music. That doesn’t seem to there, he said he picked take away from his studies up other instruments though, because he’s and played them for his happy with his grades—all Junior Matt Rafferty (above) plays the trombone, one of his 12 instruments. In A’s and B’s in challenging bands. Rafferty has played the a photo from last year (below), he plays courses, many of them with the Ravens Marching Band. trombone in the Dulaney photos by yejin yoon Advanced Placement. symphonic band and His compositions aren’t wind ensemble, the varsity just the sporadic results of jazz band, Lion’s Roar marching pent-up teen angst; he’s written band, All-County Jazz Band, Allin the realms of orchestra, band, County Orchestra, All-County ragtime, and jazz. The wind Band and the Ravens marching ensemble has played through a band. couple of his pieces, he said, and Rafferty said that the Ravens he also works as a spokesman for marching band experience was Dulaney Rhapsody. exciting, because—not only did “I think he has the potential he get a free seat in the stands— to be a great composer because he played pre-game and halftime some things that he has written shows in front of 80,000 people. really amaze me. Think about when he’s in “He can handle all of these things like college!� said junior and fellow trombonist they’re nothing, and it’s amazing,� said Shelby Hall. Rafferty is majoring in music, junior and clarinetist Sun Jang. but beyond that he is still undecided.
Moment
Every is a gift...
PANDORA supports Breast Cancer Awareness so every woman can enjoy all of hers.
Seniors Jesse Siegel and Cole Harris discuss the No Child Left Behind Act during a Young Democrats meeting Sept. 20. The meeting was held in advance of senior Nina Marks’s Sept. 23 visit to the White House, where President Barack Obama delivered a speech announcing waivers to parts of No Child Left Behind. photo by staff
Chunky glasses make a comeback
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anjali cornish, staff writer the lenses to create the same hipsters.â€? yewear fashionistas look that she now has with a Junior Yejin Yoon started already know this. wearing her extremely large The newest trend frames after a trip to Korea in glasses is big. 1980s big. two summers ago. Frames that are dark, thick, “The glasses are like ten and wide. Who’s wearing times cheaper there‌and them? Celebrities, including everyone’s wearing these,â€? Johnny Depp and Zooey Yoon said. She added that Deschanel as well as she thinks people might President Obama’s press wear this style because the secretary Jay Carney. frame is farther from And students here. their eyes and therefore Sophomores Cindy Park (above) and Erin “I liked to wear Briggs (below) sport hipster frames in their harder to see. English class. 3D glasses, but they photos by emily park For sophomore don’t have lenses,â€? Mazen Knio, the sophomore Cindy Park decision to wear these said. She sports chunky glasses came after seeing black frames. his friend Nathaniel Price, Fellow sophomore Erin also a sophomore, wearing Briggs liked the style so a pair. much she bought a second Whatever the reason, pair of glasses so that she students have embraced a could emulate the more trend that happened long hipster style. before their time. Judging “My dad said I looked pair of prescription glasses. from the smiles on their faces, kind of like a nerd,â€? she said, Senior Brittany Guillott is students wearing larger adding that a few friends more than familiar with this frames enjoy reactions to the agree with him. DIY fashion. look. Some people take the 3D “I always carry my 3D “Mrs. Hiaasen was like, ‘Are shades they receive from the glasses around with me,â€? she you a hipster?’ She said I look movie theaters and remove said. “I like to make fun of like a hipster,â€? said Park.
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8
features
Beyond the Lions’ Den
Runner returns to help with track
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cara henning, staff writer lass of 2007 alumnus Ben Wolfe is back. The 2011 graduate of Miami University in Ohio is assisting coaches with the cross country team, running alongside students. “It was definitely a little bit weird being back,� he said, adding that it has made him reminisce about running here. At the wake marking the death of former cross country team member Roswell Friend, Wolfe ran into cross country coach Chad Boyle, who mentioned the need for help with this year’s runners. Boyle said he put feelers out, then just happened to see him at Friend’s viewing, where they talked about Wolfe’s job search. “I don’t know if I have a long term solution for you,� Boyle said to Wolfe, “but we need someone.�  Wolfe, who earned a bachelor’s degree in sports studies with a minor in business management last spring, was out of practice but up to the task. “It’s been good to be around the team again and experience getting back into the routine of running on a daily basis,� Wolfe said. Like many former college students Wolfe has encountered a tough job market.
He is living at home, he said, because it makes financial sense and the situation has taken some adjusting. “Going back to being at home after the freedom of college isn’t exactly that great,� he said. As for Wolfe’s dream job, he said he’d like to work in the front office of a professional sports organization and join a staff that makes personnel decisions about players. Such a job would involve scouting, negotiating, and ultimately putting a team together as, what Wolfe calls, a “finished product� on the field. For now, Wolfe is spending afternoons running Class of 2007 graduate Ben Wolfe c r o s s attends a cross country, country practice mentoring with freshman freshman Eric Reyes (right). Wolfe, seen above runner Eric in his senior Reyes. Wolfe portrait, continues said in the the hunt for his few weeks dream job. photo by cara he has henning worked with him, Reyes has improved his pacing and listening skills. Progress occurs at every practice, Wolfe said. “Stay with him! Stay with him!� Wolfe shouted at a recent practice, trying to help Reyes pace himself on cross country runs. “Cross country is the perfect sport for him,� Wolfe said of Reyes.
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Teacher gets taste of space josephine lee & diamond smith, staff writers hat is it like to be an astronaut? Physics teacher, Christina Reitmeyer, got the opportunity to learn this summer when she attended a space camp in Huntsville, Alabama. Reitmeyer applied for a scholarship under the Honeywell Program and was one of 200 people accepted. She was taken to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center where she participated in various activities, including three to four different one-hour sessions on math and science. Outside the classroom, she participated in a wide range of activities, from missions on an International Space
Science teacher Cristina Reitmeyer adjusts equipment in a space walk simulation at space camp last summer. The camp, in Huntsville, Ala., provided Reitmeyer with teaching ideas. photo by cara henning
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Station model to zerogravity simulations. The activities were replications of authentic training missions that astronauts go through. Reitmeyer described a memorable instance when she transformed a 2D model into a 3D model, while wearing a space suit. “The suit may seem fun,� Reitmeyer said, “but it is hard to breathe, hear, and manipulate small things while wearing it.� Reiymeyer admitted to enjoying all the simulations. Her only hesitation came
from the water activities. “I am not the strongest swimmer. But once I was involved in the simulated helicopter crash into the water, I forgot about it all. Plus, I was wearing a life vest,� she said. Reitmeyer was able to incorporate a few ideas from her sessions into her curriculum at another space camp where she taught this summer. Her students learned to make balloon cars and bottle rockets. Reitmeyer added that while at the space camp, she had to re-learn basics as she moved around in “space.� “I learned how to sit correctly on a potty.�
Senior shirts cause a stir -- yet again
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lorrie sinibaldi, news editor t’s a tradition that has defined Dulaney forever. Even my father still remembers his senior name that referenced the local liquor store,� senior Keaton Mock Myers said when asked to describe senior barbecue traditions. Customarily, students usually pick a group name, usually with a suggestive meaning. Many teachers and administrators continue to crack down on students whose shirts display alcoholic, drug and sexual references. John Billingslea, vice principal, said that the idea behind the shirts is good, but some of them should not be worn to school. “I like the idea of unity. Several groups sported appropriate shirts, but things suggestive of alcohol or sexual themes, whether they say it directly or not, are not appropriate for a school setting,� he said. Names like “Time Tequila,� “‘Nother Night,� “Natural Disaster,� “Like Mike,� “Best Buds,� “Team ‘Insert Alcoholic Reference’� and others adorned the shirts of students on Sept. 28, the day of senior barbecue. Some of the inappropriate shirts were brought to the attention of administrators. Billingslea said he had to ask two groups to cover up their shirts. An all-girl group had an image of a martini glass and a boy group had a twist on the Sam Adam’s beer logo. “I saw nothing overly inappropriate, just not appropriate,� Billingslea said, “I support the idea that you and a group of friends or team mates decide to wear matching shirts, but why not be clever and clean and avoid the administrative hassle?� Many seniors disagree with the idea of teacher involvement. “I don’t know why the teachers
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have to get involved,� senior Alex Stansbury said. “It’s just one day of the year and it’s a tradition. It’s not a big deal.� Some groups were not bothered by any teacher during the day. Senior Louie Bafford, mastermind behind the name Team “Insert Alcoholic Reference,� had no problem with administrative interference on the day of senior barbecue. “We got complimented on our shirts by teachers saying it was witty and funny,� Bafford said. At senior breakfast, however, assistant principal Beth Stanley made Bafford’s group turn their shirts inside out. Administrators must follow the Baltimore County Public School handbook, which states that students cannot wear any clothing that “depicts messages that are lewd, vulgar, sexually explicit or that reference items that are illegal in general or illegal specifically for underage students.� Billingslea said that there is no reason for students to wear explicit clothing in school. “Save the shirts for after school and the weekend.�