March 2013 - The Churchill Observer

Volume 37.5 Issue 7

Monday, April 1, 2013

STILL a National Blue Ribbon School

Teacher cast as Skywalker in upcoming ‘Star Wars’

By Lara Fu News Editor Statistics teacher Doug Szafran announced March 15 that he has been cast as old Luke Skywalker in the upcoming Star Wars movie, set to be released in 2015.

Though the official plotline of the seventh movie in the series has not yet been revealed, Szafran assures fellow Star Wars fans that it will be “epic.”

“All I can tell you is, J.J.—yeah, we’re on a first-name basis now—wanted to jump forward in the timeline and examine Luke’s, Leia’s and Han’s lives as old people, so they figured that with my curly gray mop and impressive salt-and-pepper facial hair, I’d be perfect for the role,” Szafran said. “Plus I own a lightsaber, so they save money on props.”

Principal Joan Benz is elated for Szafran’s good fortune, and wishes him all the best.

“I could definitely see him becoming the next Ben Affleck and taking on a role similar to the CIA agent in Argo,” Benz

said. “He already has the beard and the good looks for it.”

Szafran admits that being a part of the wildly popular space fiction franchise certainly has its perks.

“I brought my cardboard cutout of Luke Skywalker to set on the first day, and got Mark Hamill to sign it,” Szafran said.

“I can safely say that my life is complete, and I have no further goals in life.”

Because filming for the movie will take place in distant locations such as New Zealand and Iceland, Szafran will be taking the rest of the calendar year off. He has left fellow Statistics teacher Curtis Southworth with a tall pile of random anecdotes about Mrs. Szafran, links to funny YouTube videos and “fun” FRAPPY worksheets.

“I’ve already started previewing some of the YouTube videos,” Southworth said.

“Now I know why Mr. Szafran stays in his room at lunch and spends all his time watching these videos.”

PHOTOS BY LARA FU.

AP Statistics teacher Doug Szafran will be starring alongside Harrison Ford.

Sanz’s son begins million Confused senior caught dollar hair modeling career leaving after seventh period

By Jessica Lee Staff Writer

Eighteen-month-old Cole Sanz signed a multimillion dollar contract on March 15 to act in a series of Gelous, Baby? hair mousse commercials.

Throughout this endeavor, Cole will be represented by his father, instrumental music teacher Kristofer Sanz.

“The excellent hair runs in the family,” Sanz said.

“The mousse helps when I’m experimenting with new styles for Cole, but it’s mostly natural.”

Gelous, Baby? executives approached Cole during daycare, upon recovering from a short trip to the ER after they were temporarily blinded by his follicular beauty.

“The instant the doctors took me off the morphine, I said, ‘He’s the one,’” Gelous, Baby? founder Angelica Bouffant said. “I hope we can work with young Mr. Sanz for a great many years.”

Since birth, Cole has received many compliments about his flawless hair. Many expect an illustrious future ahead of him but are surprised about the age at which he received his first offer.

News Don’t Reach for that Snack!

CHS librarians continue Marshall law amid public outcry.

PAGE 9 ¾

“The entire family thought he would get a deal sometime before his first birthday,” Sanz said. “Better late than never, I suppose.”

Besides a luxuriant head of hair, Cole also possesses Mozart-level piano-playing skills, the voice of a thousand angels and the ability to make 98 percent of the human population swoon.

“Young Mr. Sanz is going to become the new face of our company,” Bouffant said.

“He’ll help us reach a new consumer market. After all, babies deserve to have nice hair, too.

Young Mr. Sanz is the IMAGE BY JESSICA LEE. epitome of the benefits of using Gelous, Baby? mousse.”

Though Cole will soon achieve worldwide fame, he will still retain the normal life of a toddler.

“I don’t see why we should deprive him of the usual childhood experiences just because he has great hair,” Sanz said.

“We can still take him to opera, tango and nuclear physics classes in between international flights from different shooting locations.”

Cole was not available for comment.

By Spenser Easterbrook Editor-in-Chief

Confused senior Rustin Tashayyod was caught leaving school after seventh period March 22. School officials soon came to the realization that he had not attended an eighth period class the entire year.

Misunderstanding of the new CHS period policy apparently led to the senior’s lack of attendance.

“Wait, there are eight periods?”

Tashayyod said. “I thought they were finally just calling lunch a tech credit.”

According to Tashayyod, he “wasn’t there the first day” and “no one told me about there being eight periods.”

Tashayyod recently won the legendary male beauty pageant Mr. Churchill. School administrators and teachers are still debating possible punishments for his absences, including possibly removing his crown due to ethical violations.

“Who is Rustin Tashayyod?” Tashayyod’s eighth period teacher Jared Pulliam said.

The student claims he was not aware of any wrongdoing as he left CHS early each day.

“I always heard from seniors last year that parking on Gainsborough was a great way to beat the traffic after school got out,” Tashayyod said.

“I guess I never really turned around when I was walking.”

Tashayyod’s goof has allowed fellow failed skippers to claim a similar

misinterpretation of the rule change.

“Oh no, I wasn’t leaving to go get Qdoba and miss an in-class essay,” senior Alvaro Salazar said. “I was going home. I had no idea there were eight periods now.”

Tashayyod is currently serving permanent fifth period detention for the astounding number of periods he has missed over the course of the year.

Rustin’s mother could not be reached for comment.

PHOTO BY MATT RAAB.

Senior Rustin Tashayyod escapes from school one period early.

Features Child Sues Parent

News Controversial medical treatment

CHS student files lawsuit after receiving a new Porsche instead of a BMW.

School nurse reprimanded for administering bandaid.

PAGE 25

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News “swag?” I think that’s how it’s spelt? Anyway, and when he’s not busy, I bail out. What do I do?

Fear to Flirt

By Sammi Silber Production Editor Welcome to the Girlfriend’s Advice Column, where we talk and give advice to many students who may need help with cute guys, clothing choices and trying to be the coolest person in school!

Dear Girlfriend, In my biology class, I sit all the way in the back and see this guy I like… well, I think I like him. I’ve only seen the back of his neck but I really want to go talk to him. But every time I think about going up to him, he’s busy with work or he’s talking to his friends who are so…

Dear Fear to Flirt, Honey, if you can’t go up and talk to him, it probably means that you’re ugly and have really low self-esteem.

But don’t worry; you can still talk to him. You have a mouth… use it. But first, you need to learn two words: Makeup tutorial! Learn how to apply some makeup so that you don’t look as bad. And make sure that you wear some nice clothes and go do my favorite activity: shopping. Anyway, flirting is a hobby that you can quickly pick up with a little practice. So first, make sure that you at least see the front of him before deciding you like him. Next, practice saying “hi” to him in the mirror to yourself every day. When you think you’re ready, talk to him and see what happens. Good luck.

You probably need it.

Dear Girlfriend, I’m headed off to my first slumber party in years! I’m having a sexy night on the town with all my fellow girlfriends. But I really wanna be the coolest girl there! How can I do this?

Too Cool for Sleep

theObserver

Dear Too Cool for Sleep, First off, congrats on finally getting invited to a slumber party! By your writing style, I’m guessing you have absolutely no friends and talk to your stuffed animals. Burn. Anyway, I can help you be the coolest girl at the party and get you ready for a super cool night on the town!

First, start off with bringing a pink sleeping bag! Pink is the ultimate color of coolness. Also, make sure to have stories about you and a cute guy. Since you probably have never had this experience—and I can totally tell—you should lie. Also, bring as many stuffed animals as possible.

Yep, all 100 you own. After that, you should make sure to be the last one to fall asleep so that you can pull a lot of pranks. Oh, and don’t forget to do a Harlem Shake video. Sweet dreams.

Dear Girlfriend, I went to the cafeteria a week ago and got a pizza. The sauce started leaking from my pizza after I took a bite, so I sort of sucked the side.

When I did this, these guys walked by and were like “WOW, MAKING OUT WITH PIZZA.” So now everybody calls me pizza kisser and tells me to “pass the cheese please.”

How do I debunk rumors that I have romantic affairs with food?

Done Wrong by Food

Pulliam lives out dream of being a CHS senior

By Tyler Mead Online Features Editor AP Psychology teacher Jared Pulliam officially enrolled at CHS March 7 as a member of the senior class.

Pulliam arrived to his first day of school late after juniors took all available parking spaces, forcing him to park in the bus loop. Pulliam was seen wearing aviator sun glasses, a snapback and a lacrosse letterman jacket he had confiscated from a student the day before. When asked to comment on enrolling as a student he replied: “swag.”

According to Pulliam, his morning was fairly run of the mill. Security accused him of forging passes, he was forbidden from using the bathroom in order to save paper towels and numerous students asked him to sice them answers to the next AP Psych test.

At lunch Pulliam was seen eating a kale salad and arguing with fellow classmates over whether his favorite techno-country band had sold out.

Pulliam was greeted by his new English teacher Carol-Marie Zepp with a friendly hug and was then immediately scolded for being behind on his reading. An anonymous source reports that Pulliam was seen begging his coun- Pulliam enjoys

selor to switch him out of the class.

Within 10 minutes of entering his AP US History class, teacher Rodney Van Tassell was forced to place him in the front row of the class, and put Pulliam on a behavioral contract due to his constant disruptions.

During his eighth period Pulliam was seen making a traditional blood oath in the Journalism classroom and has since been welcomed as a member of the newspaper cult.

Pulliam was seen leaving CHS telling people to send a friend request to “Jared GoesHam” on Facebook, claiming the name change was so colleges don’t see his “cray” party pictures.

taking selfies on his iPhone 5.

Dear Done Wrong by Food, We all know that you made out with pizza that day. It’s nothing to complain or be embarrassed about. It happens. It’s okay. Try doing these activities at home rather than in front of the entire student body. Food is fantastic. It is. But that doesn’t mean you have to—well, you know. Together, we can get through this.

Your intervention will be at 8 p.m. in the auditorium. Be there or be—well…

Dear Girlfriend, I feel like my boyfriend is cheating on me! He’s always “making up a test” during lunch or “has to go to the attendance office” after school (this has been going on for two days).

I just don’t know what to think anymore. What should I do?

Afraid of an Affair Dear Afraid of an Affair, Cheating is “not fresh” at all... Unless you’re a celebrity. Anyways, he’s probably cheating on you. How do I know? Because you seem super-clingy.

But luckily, I can help you out. If you’re scared your mate is cheating, refresh all his social networking accounts precisely every 60 seconds to ensure that he is not cheating. Also, you should sew your name to all his shirts so that he remembers you are the only one that matters.

I also hear the new alarm company has some new undercover cameras if you’re interested. Thanks for writing. Keep calm and stalk on!

CARTOON BY JONATHAN LEE.

Saoutis loses microwave, offers reward for finder

By Erica Spaeth Photo Editor

PHOTO BY JARED PULLIAM.

Monday, April 1, 2013

Tragedy has struck the science hall.

Biology teacher Wendy Saoutis has lost her classroom microwave.

Saoutis was alarmed when she walked into her room last Friday to find that she could not heat her tea because her beloved microwave was missing. She then reported the stolen appliance.

“I loved my microwave,” Saoutis said through tears. “I used it every day, and now it’s gone.”

This is a terrible loss for her as she and her teacher aides can no longer make tea or heat up their morning coffee.

Wesley Russ was a prime suspect due to his continuous consumption of coffee, but this accusation proved false upon discovery that he already

has his own microwave.

The CHS security team has a list of suspects for the crime, but no evidence supports any one person. Security has launched a full-scale investigation into the theft.

In the meantime, Saoutis will be unable to drink any heated beverages.

“I need to drink my tea,” Saoutis said, still sobbing. “Without it, my mornings are torturous and long.

My tea wakes me up and gets me through the day.”

If anyone happens to find the microwave, please return it to room 153 so Saoutis can drink her herbal tea once again.

The person who returns the microwave will be rewarded with heated lunches until they graduate.

If a student is found with the microwave, he or she will be banned from the cafeteria for the remainder of their time at CHS.

Volume 37 - Issue 7

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

A National Blue Ribbon School

Some were surprised to discover that a number of juniors cheated on their AP Language midterm after finding the test online, but for many students, cheating is an everyday pracEvery day, CHS students sit tice used ensure they make it for seemingly endless quizzes through to the week with the and tests. When the assign- grades they want. ments and work pile up, stuAP Language Exam Incident dents look for an alternative Junior Scott, who asked to late-night studying. It is that his real name not be not unusual to used, was go on the Inter- “When we got the test accused of net to look for we didn’t know it was the cheating on study guides. midterm. After the first the AP LanHowever, when test period was when guage exam. a junior did just it got out that this was According that to study the test used. None of to Scott, a for her AP Lan- us had bad intentions.” junior found guage semester she -Junior Scott* what exam, she unthought to be *name changed at source’s request knowingly came a practice AP across the test, a test that was test after searching online for not supposed to be online. the vocabulary terms given

by the teachers.

“When we got the test, we didn’t know it was the midterm,” Scott said. “After the first test period was when it got out that this was the test used.

None of us had bad intentions.”

According to Principal Joan Benz, students anonymously reported that other juniors had found the AP Language semester exam online. Upon the administration’s investigation, students admitted to having access to the exam ahead of time.

According to Scott, 37 students received consequences.

However, a CHS administrator called that number a “gross exaggeration.”

“At first when we got in trouble, everyone was scared,” Scott said. “The interrogations were rough and that’s when people started to think we did

something wrong. They’re try- to access practice exams in the ing to pin it in the kids’ heads course audit site by using a sethat it’s our fault. Really, what cured login,” Davis wrote in did we do wrong?” an email.

According to Scott, there According to the Parent were a numand Student ber of stu- “Students aren’t supposed Handbook, the dents who to have the password, but p u n i s h m e n t got away with for cheating is it got out. Teachers didn’t cheating. a zero on the “Some stu- know it wasn’t secure. assignment. If dents denied College Board was informed.” students re-Principal Joan Benz everything ceive an A for and got away,” the first two Scott said. “The ones who lied quarters and a zero on the from the start are the ones who exam, their final grade is a B, didn’t get in any trouble.” per the MCPS grading policy.

Although a junior was able “Consequences that are to find the test online, it was listed [in the Handbook] are apnever supposed to be acces- plied,” Benz said. “Once somesible to students. thing is determined, the stuCollege Board, which runs dent gets the consequence and the AP program, releases it should be over. There should some practice AP questions to be no other consequences other the public and some that only than a lesson learned.” teachers can gain access to However, Scott believes through a password. The AP it is unfair to punish the stuLanguage teachers took the dents when the exam was so semester exam from the pass- easily accessible. word-protected questions, be“It was something any kid lieving that the test was secure. could have looked up,” Scott However, somebody outside of said. “The administration says CHS had posted the suppos- we should’ve told the teachers edly secure test online. right away. Maybe in an ideal “Students aren’t supposed world kids aren’t snitches, to have the password, but it but in an ideal world, the test got out,” Principal Benz said. wouldn’t be on the Internet.”

“Teachers didn’t know it Consequences have exwasn’t secure. College Board tended beyond the students was informed.” who cheated.

According to Deborah Da“I actually found out about vis, the College Board’s di- the cheating in my English rector of College Readiness class this semester when [AP Communications, only certain Language teacher Jennifer] people are supposed to have Miller talked to us about it,” access to designated material. said Rachel, who asked that “Teachers who are associated with an AP Course in our See Cheating, 7 Course Audit website are able

By Jessica Gold Production Editor

find suitable areas where kids can develop themselves mentally and physically.

“I will continue my support for finding other options to expand ballfields in the county and to uphold the public interest of Montgomery families,” Leggett said.

Nick Maravell, original landlord and the owner of the Potomac organic farm for 32 years, received a letter following the decision to lease the land to the county for soccer fields. The property was leased to the County on March 8, 2011, after which Maravell informed the community that the farm was at risk.

According to Fusco, Nick Maravell made calls and sent

emails to community leaders to protect his farm, one of the first “certified” organic farms on the East Coast.

Carissa Lovelace is the campaign director for Save This Soil, an organization that is fighting to ensure that Brickyard’s soil is being used for educational purposes. Lovelace feels an open and public proposal process should have been held in which alternatives could have been discussed.

After the county’s original ruling, the community challenged the decision by organizing an effort to establish the property as an educational farm.

In a Feb. 8 letter addressed to MCPS Superintendent, Joshua

By Matt Raab Sports Editor Stacey Stein Editor-in-Chief

The mall has started renovations on a new food court and movie theater complex.

PAGE 5

Features Churchill Day Learn about the origins of our school’s name.

PAGE 11

Sports Spring Preview A look at spring sports teams and schedules.

PAGE 21

Starr and Montgomery County board of Education member, Christopher Barclay, the school board would have a legitimate reason to conserve the land if it gave back to the community in a way that benefitted the health and education of Montgomery County students.

Sophia Maravell, founder of Brickyard Educational Farm and daughter of Nick Maravell, recently finished farm educator training in Vermont. She began the program on the property to help the local community learn about farming by taking part in hands-on experiences.

See Brickyard, 7

PHOTO BY BEN FOX.

News Montgomery Mall Renovation

PHOTO BY ELIZABETH CAMPBELL.

County Executive Ike Leggett announced in a Feb. 19 letter to MCPS that the county has terminated its lease on the Brickyard Road site, eliminating the possibility of bulldozing the 20 acres of farmland for the construction of soccer fields.

Hundreds of anxious residents, farm supporters and local activist groups had teamed up to battle the county’s decision to use the property for recreational uses and ball fields. The estate now presides with the Montgomery County Board of Education, and it will remain as an organic farm and educational site.

Maria Fusco is affiliated with “Brickyard Coalition,” one of three different groups that fought to protect the Brickyard Road school site. The organization is comprised of at least 4,000 or more people from the Citizen’s Association of River Falls, the West Montgomery County Citizen’s Association and hundreds of other people.

“The Brickyard Coalition was formed for those concerned specifically with the circumvention of process and lack of transparency regarding this public land,” Fusco said.

Leggett’s Feb. 19 statement addresses the county’s interest in building more soccer fields, especially in the down county area. The county is determined to

PHOTO BY JORDAN JANIS.

Brickyard Road farm prevails over soccer fields

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News

theObserver

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Juniors show support for McCabe during illness

HEALTH Girl Cured of HIV

there are 210 new billionaires.

Additionally, according to the article, there is a record “1,426 billionaires spread throughout the globe.”

Mexican telecom mogul, Carlos Slim, topped the list, with Americans Bill Gates and Warren Buffett earning the second and fourth spots, respectively.

According to the article, the United States has 442 billionaires, the most out of any country in the world.

INTERNATIONAL Human Mission to Mars

By Yash Nigam Production Editor

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHELLEY PERRETT.

The Class of 2014 decided to send Harrison a group photo to show their support for him and to raise awareness for inflammatory bowel diseases.

Junior Harrison McCabe has been undergoing extensive medical treatment since he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in late September.

“What I have is something called an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), examples of which include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis,” McCabe said. “Although my symptoms have escalated from the time of my diagnosis, this disease was really sudden. It hit me out of nowhere.”

Ulcerative colitis consists of a wide range of symptoms including anemia and fatigue, which have kept McCabe out of school.

“This disease has drained away all my energy,” McCabe said. “I am barely able to go to school. If I go to school, I either leave early or have to get there late. When I get home, I just pass out.”

To cheer Harrison up, the entire CHS football team as well as many of his friends sent him a video of them doing the “Harlem Shake.”

“Harrison is truly a good-natured guy,” sophomore Alec McGee said.

“We really miss him, and hope he comes back soon.”

Apart from missing months of school, McCabe is no longer able to participate in activities that he was actively involved in before.

“Ulcerative colitis ended my football season,” McCabe said. “It is also harder to have a social life. I had to drop out of Mr. Churchill. I barely have energy to get things done inside school, so it is definitely harder to get things done outside of it. ” He was recently hospitalized for about two weeks at the University of Chicago Inflammatory Disease Center, which is one of the world leaders in gastrointestinal research.

He has thankfully responded well to the specialized treatment and medicines administered to him.

“I am pretty much in remission,” McCabe said. “Hopefully, I will be back at school soon. I hope that I do not get any kind of surgery done in the future.”

Although his disease stopped him from participating in some of his favorite pastimes, it has motivated him to pursue other activities that are even more fulfilling.

“I can probably name at least four or five people off the top of my head who have an IBD,” McCabe said. “I am going to be working on raising awareness for these diseases because they are widespread and have serious symptoms. If we raise enough awareness, we can truly make a better lifestyle for those affected.”

A 2-year-old girl was declared functionally cured of HIV after spending almost a year off medication and without medical attention.

According to a March 4 CNN article, a “functional cure” is when the presence of the virus is so small that lifelong treatment is not necessary and standard clinical tests cannot detect the virus in the blood.

The toddler was taking anti-viral drugs for 15 months, at which point the mother stopped providing the drugs to the child for eight to ten months. She is now HIV free and off all medication.

According to the article, researchers believe that early intervention had a significant outcome on the prognosis of this child. The girl only started receiving antiviral drugs once she was born. Usually, babies begin to receive treatment in utero during pre-natal treatment.

Researchers hope this discovery could be a step forward in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CREATIVE COMMONS.

NATIONAL Forbes Billionaires

Three years after the end of the NASA space shuttle program, a new space mission, scheduled for Jan. 2018, is in the works According to a Feb. 27 Washington Post article, space tourist Dennis Tito is planning the first human mission to Mars.

The mission is scheduled for 2018 because that is when Earth and Mars will be the closest. This alignment only happens once every 15 years.

According to the article, the mission will cost approximately $1 billion and will not include a landing. The rocket will simply pass by the planet.

Tito will not be traveling on the rocket. Instead, a married couple, meant to represent humanity, will fly together for the mission.

According to a March 4 cnn.com article, the “Mars mission masterminds are already receiving résumés” from many people who are interested in participating on the mission.

According to a March 4 CNN article, a new Forbes ranking has found that

By Dana Youngentob News Editor

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

News

theObserver

5

Class of 2015 raises money MyMCPS to replace through silent auction outdated Edline site

PHOTO BY CATHERINE GOOHS.

Items including artwork and jewelry were auctioned off.

By Catherine Goohs Archive Manager

The Class of 2015 raised over $2,500 at their silent auction March 4 at the Potomac Community Center.

The auction was organized and hosted by class sponsor Christin Nixon, as well as members from the 2015 executive board, SGA officers, class chairs, several sophomore parents and assistant principal Jan Fisher.

“The kids were in charge of organizing donations, planning the agenda, and helping with set-up and clean-up,” Nixon said. “My job was to support them in any way.”

Sophomore class treasurer Jake Smith came up with the idea of the silent auction, getting the inspiration from his involvement with a Jewish youth group that orchestrated a similar event. From there, the SGA contacted different local organizations and fellow parents for donations and found a venue suitable for the event.

The auction featured an array of items

up for bid such as restaurant gift cards, homemade jewelry, special gift baskets, locally made artwork, autographed playbills and a signed Redskins helmet.

Some of the most interesting items auctioned were special services: event planning services, interior design consultation services and a variety of attorney services.

According to Smith, the auction was not too difficult to execute because everyone who got involved was “super generous.” The auction was catered by Mykonos Grill and Tandoori Nights, both restaurants owned by the families of Class of 2015 students.

The auction also featured performances by several CHS students.

Churchill’s Got Talent winner Kristina Hann sang an original song for the auction’s audience, to be followed by a presentation by the Jazz Ambassadors and an original Indian dance by sophomores Shreya Navile and Trisha Miglani.

“I think it can very much be a tradition,” sophomore class President Hana Yen said. “It’s a class fundraiser that involves our entire community, and I think it is a great new approach to school fundraising.”

The money raised by the auction will go directly to the Class of 2015’s prom, senior banquet and graduation.

According to Nixon, the goal of the auction is both to raise money for the class and to allow parents and different families a chance to meet, as they will all be spending much time together for the next two-and-a-half years.

“This has been a huge undertaking and quite a few students have been working very hard to pull it together,” Nixon said.

“It has also shown me just how amazing and supportive the Churchill community is. We have had so many donations and volunteers. We could not put this auction on without them.”

By Emily Raab Staff Writer

“We are looking to share the unique ArcLight Cinemas experience with movie lovers across the country, and Bethesda provides us with an opportunity to build an ArcLight community on the East Coast,” ArcLight representative Brianna Chavez said.

According to the ArcLight website, the chain offers amenities like reserved and stadium seating, advertisementfree programming and gourmet food.

In addition, the chain includes a lounge adjacent to the theater where

21 year old and older patrons can enjoy alcoholic beverages. These patrons can bring in alcoholic beverages into special 21-and-over movie screenings.

“It sounds really cool and interesting how they are trying to make the movie theater experience cooler, though I hope it doesn’t get too expensive,” junior Maria Koytcheva said.

The chain does charge a premium price, however.

“Although our prices aren’t finalized for the new theatre, our other

MCPS has announced that it is replacing Edline with its own internal program, myMCPS, which will provide increased communication between students, teachers and parents.

Currently, teachers use myMCPS to organize student data and communicate with other staff members. Beginning as early as next school year, myMCPS would take on the full functions of Edline.

“Overall, our goal is to make it easier for parents, students and teachers to work together, expanding the capability of our myMCPS online portal, and provide functionality beyond the posting of grades and assignments,” said Dana Tofig, MCPS Director of Public Information and Web Services.

According to a Feb. 19 Gazette article, myMCPS was created in 2009 with the idea that it would eventually replace Edline. Using myMCPS will allow teachers to have all of their information in one place.

Currently, Jared Pulliam manages CHS’s Edline site, but he is looking forward to the switch to myMCPS. “It will be a one-stop shop for teachers,” Pulliam said.

“Teachers will be able to see their classes, access student and county data and access their grade books from home.”

The new myMCPS program is being developed as Edline, which has been in use since 2006, begins to become outdated. According to Pulliam, Edline is an older generation website, and the new

myMCPS will appear more updated.

“I think it’s a good step in the right direction,” Student Member of the BOE John Mannes said. “Edline was great five years ago, but it’s not five years ago anymore.”

Although mostly positive, the transition does not come without its drawbacks. The MCPS community has gotten used to Edline, so switching the programs may prove to be difficult.

“We’ll have to teach the teachers, train the students, and the parents will have to figure it all out from scratch,” Pulliam said.

Sophmore Yasmine Kehnemouyi thinks the new program will benefit students by allowing them to see their grades more efficiently.

“I think the new program will be good,” Kehnemouyi said.

“Most teachers tell us Edline will update at approximately 9 p.m., but sometimes we have to wait until after midnight to see the new reports.”

On the other hand, junior Robert McDermott sees the new program as a hassle for CHS students and staff.

“We’ve had the old one for so long,” McDermott said. “I think it will be annoying to learn how to operate a totally new site.”

According to Tofig, the new myMCPS is still in the developmental phase of gathering information and feedback about the program in order to make the transition smooth.

“It is possible some of these changes could be ready for next school year, but we should have more information in the coming months,” Tofig said.

“Any transition would be seamless for current Edline users.”

Renovated Montgomery Mall food court to open late fall

By Elizabeth Campbell Production Editor Natalie Cortez Contest Manager Westfield Montgomery Mall began construction last month on a new luxury movie theater and food court.

The movie theater is set to open Spring 2014, and the food court is expected to open late 2013.

“I think it’s a great way to improve the mall and make it appealing to a wider variety of people,” junior Darcy Lawrence said.

The Westfield staff proposed the expansion to the Montgomery County Planning Department in 2005 and approved it in 2007, but because of the recession, the project was put on hold until recently.

According to the December Maryland County Planning Department report, the original plan for the renovation involved adding structured parking “in order to create more of a lifestyle center,” which would include new lights and more spaces. However, due to the economy, the plan was changed to include only minor renovations.

These minor renovations include a new high-end 15 screen, 2,300 seating multiplex ArcLight theater, which will be built above the renovated food court and existing parking garage. ArcLight Cinemas currently operates exclusively in Southern California. The Bethesda mall will be its first East Coast location.

PHOTO BY ELIZABETH CAMPBELL.

The current food court will remain open during the construction.

locations are typically $11.75 for nonpeak screenings— Monday through Thursday, Friday and Saturday before 6 p.m.— and $13.75 for peak screenings— Sundays, holidays and shows after 6 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays,” Chavez said.

The current movie theater at Montgomery Mall charges $8.25 for movies.

The mall will also see changes to the food court, which will expand to include new food vendors, upscale architecture and sit-down dining options. There will also be a new dining terrace located in the new second level above the existing food court, near the new theater.

According to a February Bethesda Patch article the new dinning terrace will offer more “fast-casual dining similar to Noodles & Co.” “The dinner terrace is a great idea because there is never enough seating in the food court,” freshman Admandia Frantzits said.

Both the current movie theater and food court will remain open during the renovations. Students may notice the temporary walls in the food court and a new view of the inside of the ceiling.

Eventually, the old theater space will be turned into a new retail space.

Students who are 18 or older and interested in applying for a job have an opportunity to be hired to work at the new theater. Those interested should contact someone from the ArcLight website or talk to a manger for an application.

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Wednesday, April 3, 2013

SMOB Mannes meets Community feels effects of with student reporters reduced federal spending

By Gil Jacobson Staff Writer

Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB) John Mannes held a media roundtable for high school journalists Feb. 27 to update students on issues of student concern.

Student reporters from Blair, CHS, Poolesville, Richard Montgomery, Rockville, Quince Orchard and Wootton High School attended the event at the Carver Educational Services Center. Mannes discussed several issues including department-based testing schedules, the first county student-run online media publication, a February break and high school bell times.

According to Mannes, there will never be a countywide department-based testing schedule. The county does not want to tell schools what they can and cannot do, as they are transferring more power to the individual schools themselves.

“I really like it, and I would love to see it at more schools,” Mannes said. “I just don’t think that a countywide policy will ever really emerge behind that, just because every school’s got its own culture. Although that works at Churchill, it might not work at another school.”

Another key issue discussed at the roundtable was The Montgomery County Student, the first county student-run online media, which publishes student written articles covering a broad range of topics. It is currently recruiting

student writers and graphic artists. SSL hours are available for submitting articles.

“You can also send us articles that you write in your school and we can post them on the website,” said The Montgomery County Student Press Secretary, Lead Editor and Richard Montgomery junior Jessica Li. One student concern is why Montgomery County does not have a February break like other school districts in the United States do.

According to Mannes, to have a February break, the first day of school would have to be pushed forward a week. This is because the state of Maryland requires that students be in school for 180 days, with an extra five built in for snow days.

On the matter of shifting high school bell times, options include pushing start times back 50 minutes, flipping elementary and high school start times or having a PHOTO COURTESY OF MCPS. nine-period school day in which students are only required to be in school for seven of those periods.

“Quite frankly, I don’t think it’s gonna happen,” Mannes said. “We put that out as a proposal back in 1998 when the work group concluded, and every single high school principal, there were 23 high school principals at the time, all 23 of them rejected the proposal.”

Though Mannes has not yet set a date for the next SMOB media roundtable, students with additional questions or concerns can contact Mannes at John_B_Mannes@mcpsmd. org. Mannes also encourages students to follow his Facebook page SMOB 365.

By Emily Jin Staff Writer

works at the EPA, has already been sent a potential furlough notice.

“Between mid-April and mid-June we President Obama and Congress will have to take four furlough days, that’s f a i l e d t o s t o p t h e a u t o m a t i c four days without pay,” Jacobson said. sequestration measures set in place “Unless the sequester ends, we may have March 1, forcing $85 billion in across- to take up to 13 unpaid furlough days by the-board spending over the course Sept. 30. In addition to the loss of income, of the next seven months. These the furlough is emotionally hard. For my months will mark both the end of the colleagues and me, the message we are current fiscal year and the start of an getting is that what we do does not have American economy spiraling towards value, it doesn’t matter. That’s very hard and very demoralizing.” an uncertain future.

Republicans and Democrats are Congress created the sequester in 2011 as a last resort measure as a way to come pointing fingers at each other, as neither up with a better way to deal with the now party wants to take the blame for the deep $16 trillion national debt. Lawmakers were budget cuts, creating an impenetrable unable to reach a consensus, forcing sudden political gridlock in Washington.

According to a March 4 New York and drastic cuts.

“Sequestration [will] have a serious Times article, White House Democrats are and disproportionate impact on job focusing on Republicans’ refusal to accept tax increases, while creation and “For my colleagues and me, the message R e p u b l i c a n s economic g r o w t h i n we are getting is that what we do does not have insist that taxes M a r y l a n d , ” value, it doesn’t matter. That’s very hard and have already been increased and the Congressman very demoralizing.” best way to solve John Delaney -CHS parent Jonathan Jacobson the budget crisis said. “The 60 is to cut spending. non-military federal facilities and 17 According to a March 1 Washington military facilities in Maryland would see their ability to conduct operations Post article, the sequester will not be resolved until the American public significantly erode.”

As a part of the sequestration process, starts to feel the effect of these acrossthousands of federal employees are the-board cuts, which will cause people being furloughed, forced to take weeks to start pressuring lawmakers to finally or even a month off work without pay. manage the ever-growing debt.

“Many federal programs are exempt According to a March 2 USA Today article, furlough notices have been sent from sequestration, including Social to Border Patrol agents, FBI agents and Security, Medicare benefits and other employees in the Defense Department. mandatory entitlement programs,” Many families in the Potomac area said Justin Greer on behalf of MD will be hit hard by the sequestration. Republican Congressman Andy Harris.

Numerous parents of CHS students “It is part of a 10-year plan to reduce spending.” work for the federal government.

Jonathan Jacobson, a CHS parent who

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

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Exploring the culture of cheating at CHS

about cheating the same way.”

According to senior Michelle, who asked that her name not be used, competition as well as pressure to get into a good college her real name not be used. “when I drives students, including her, to seek out found out about the cheating I was re- advantages. ally upset for all of us who didn’t cheat, “We have to get high grades if you want but also for the teachers because they to get into the college you want to get into, worked so hard to get us ready for the as well as balancing your after-school stuff,” exam. They didn’t deserve Michelle said. to have their trust broken.” “When I found out about Although teachers According to Rachel, the the cheating I was really recognize the pressure AP Language students have upset for all of us who placed on students, lost some privileges, such as didn’t cheat, but also for they don’t believe that not being able to see essay the teachers because they this justifies cheating. prompts ahead of time, as was worked so hard to get us “I’m sad if that’s occasionally the practice before ready for the exam. They what it is about— the cheating incident. This al- didn’t deserve to have pressure and comlowed them to prepare ahead their trust broken.” petition and this inof time for essays.

-Junior Rachel* sane need to an end “For those of us who didn’t *name has been changed at source’s request through any means cheat, it has led to more restrictions and less possible,” said an AP teacher, who privileges along with a general sense of distrust wished to remain anonymous. among us and our teachers,” Rachel said.

Not all students take cheating According to Benz, while she does not lightly, however. condone cheating, she believes it should not “If it’s a test, it’s clearly wrong,” senior be a life-changing event.

Alex Selengut said. “Some kids go to ri“The biggest thing is to learn the les- diculous measures to cheat. It’s definitely son and to move on with your heads held a bad thing to do.” high,” Benz said. “Our expectations are One contributing factor is the rise of high. These students will get good recom- technology, and its ability to make it easier mendations. They certainly are going to get for students to find assignments online. into college, and whether or not they choose According to Michelle, AP test banks are to share it with college is up to them.” a huge source of cheating.

“Technology has changed everything,” Motivations for Cheating At a high-ranking, high-achieving Michelle said. “Before test banks were onschool likeCHS, some students will do line, there was no way we could find them. anything it takes to get the grade they want. Realistically, as a teacher there’s nothing “If they think that something is going to you can do because they get the test banks ensure they get a certain grade, they will take online and we find them.”

Still, CHS staff works to combat this that risk,” Benz said. “Oftentimes they don’t look on the other side of the coin. In many through measures such as Turnitin, cases, people didn’t need to cheat because which checks students’ papers to see they’re good students with the information if they are plagiarized.

“Technology has made it easier for in their heads and they make a mistake.”

Many point to the pressure at CHS as students to cheat,” Benz said. “That’s why we have Turnitin.” a reason for cheating.

“It’s a high stakes, test-driven enThe Community Reacts vironment,” AP Psychology teacher According to Benz, the juniors who Jared Pulliam said. “Everything’s a were caught were “remorseful.” However, competition at this school. Everybody Rachel has not found this to be the case. wants to have an A.” “I feel like the people who have been Pulliam, who found students with pic- caught have not shown the appropriate tures of quizzes on their cell phones earlier remorse for their actions,” Rachel said. this year, has seen two distinct attitudes “They should reconsider their priorities and among students caught cheating. morals, which I don’t think they have done.

“They’re either extremely remorseful or I would hope the administration makes this the opposite,” Pulliam said. “Some students incident an example for the school.” show they know what they’re doing is According to Personal Finance teacher wrong, and others think it wasn’t wrong, and 2007 CHS graduate Kevin Doherty, they’ve just been caught.” cheating is not a new thing at CHS, recalling He equates the attitude of some students students cheating “big time” when he was towards cheating to speeding in a car. a student. Doherty also believes that many “People don’t think of speeding as a students do not feel guilty. terrible thing,” Pulliam said. “It’s more like “I think they get mad when they get ‘Dammit, I got a fine.’ A lot of people think caught,” Doherty said. “Everybody’s so

From Cheating, 1

concerned with grades. Parents ask what “I email the teachers involved and I will grades you get, not what you learned. The copy the resource teacher, unless it’s really goal at Churchill is to get into a good college, serious, and then I go to administrators as and the first thing they look at is grades.” well,” Dermont said.

According to Michelle, many parents According to Dermont, this system was are overly concerned with their children put in place after the 2010 incident when getting into college.

CHS students hacked into the county grad“Parents are more defensive about their ing system to change students’ grades. kids because they want their kids to go to “It was brought up by students who get a good school,” Michelle said. “As long as frustrated seeing people cheat, and they they’re furthering their kids, they don’t care.” don’t want it to be known that they are According to Pulliam, although teach- the ones who reported it,” Dermont said. ers try hard not to let this happen, when a “There’s no way to trace it back. We made handful of students cheat, it can affect the it that way so students will use it.” way they think of an entire class.

However, according to Dermont, it is not “You’ve got to assume for every one utilized often. caught, there’s dozens not caught,” Pulliam “I get maybe one or two reports a quarsaid. “It’s deflating. It’s like, I try to be good ter,” Dermont said. to you, and you’re not good back.”

According to Michelle, students are The AP teacher is trying not to let the afraid that their peers will discover they incident change the way class is run, but to were the one who reported cheating. ignore it is impossible.

“It’s gotten to the point where if you tell “I’m trying very hard not to let this affect on someone else, you’re a rat,” Michelle the classroom dynamic and my personal said. “I’ve never considered reporting it interactions, but of course it’s there and in online anonymously.” the back of my mind,” the teacher said. “I’m From a teacher’s perspective, a student sure it’s in the back of students’ minds.” allowing other students to cheat is both ilFor Pulliam, the major problem logical and disruptive. comes back to teachers not being able “You are the ones who should be deto trust their students. manding a level playing field,” the AP “In my opinion, the best classes are made teacher said. “Especially at a school this of mutual respect,” Pulliam said. “I try to give competitive, you should be demanding that students the benefit of the doubt, but when grades be based on merit.” they create doubts, it ruins that system.”

Changing the Culture According to the AP teacher, it’s According toBenz, she does not have todeal also difficult knowing with cheating at CHS often.

“Parents are that there are students “I think our students who knew about the more defensive about their have excellent character,” cheating incident but kids because they want Benz said. “In general, I their kids to go to a good don’t think we have a lot failed to report it. school. As long as they’re of students who are caught “To me, one of the futhering their kids, they like this. Sometimes students most disappointing don’t care.” parts of seeing this hapget into a situation and they -Senior Michelle* make a bad choice.” pen is I know kids are *name has been changed at source’s request out there who don’t According to Michelle cheat, but their unwillingness to report it however, cheating is a common occurrence. can be just as damaging,” the teacher said.

“I see a lot of cheating on tests and quizzes,” “You guys should all know that you have so Michelle said. “Everyone cheats. If you were many resources to report it anonymously.” the only one, you’d feel worse, but it’s not as According to the teacher, students must big of a deal because everyone’s doing it, and recognize what merits cheating and be will- we’re all competing against each other.” ing to report it.

This nonchalant attitude towards cheat“I think it’s cheating when you’re ing upsets teachers. looking for a deliberate advantage on an “Teachers go into this profession to help assignment that is testing your ability to students learn and grow— we’re trying to do something without outside help,” the produce citizens who will be critical thinkteacher said. “Part of the problem is that ers, not cheaters who will take any shortcut students don’t fully understand what con- available,” the AP teacher said. stitutes cheating in the first place and don’t Others are more concerned with the understand what the honor code and integ- issue of how to change student’s attirity means. A lot of it starts with education, tudes about cheating. and students don’t know that there’s a form “For me personally, I try to bring it back to online to fill out anonymously.” the issue of respect,” Pulliam said. “If you had Through the CHS website, students can any respect, you wouldn’t do that to me. For anonymously send an email that goes to Art the students who don’t respect, it won’t affect resource teacher Paul Dermont. them. How do you change that? It’s tough.”

Brickyard to become an educational farm From Brickyard, 1

“Six hundred children of all ages visited the farm and helped build it, plant seeds and young plants, pull weeds, harvest crops, learn how compost is made, hold chickens and create farm-inspired art,” Lovelace said.

According to Lovelace, the Governor of Maryland believes the program is an inspiration, and the Board of Education complied with his request to let the farm be used for educational endeavors. The County court ruled in favor of allowing the farmer, as well as the education farm, to remain on the property while the Board considered what should be done.

Brickyard Educational Farm was granted access to the land until Feb. 27, when all the parties were removed from the land for what the Brickyard Educational Farm hopes to be the policy proposal process.

According to a statement from Save This Soil, school security personnel began “securing” the property, “cutting through fencing” on the site and making advances to “lock” up the farm.

PHOTO BY JESSICA GOLD.

Brickyard Road residents lobbied against the soccer fields.

The school board is planning on examining the proposal to make the Brickyard Educational Farm a reality, but until then, Maravell is spending her time preparing this year’s crops by planting seeds in a greenhouse near the farm and venturing out to schools to teach. She is also a member of the Edible School Garden Committee, which is striving to implement school gardens into the curriculum. Lovelace allocates time toward fundraising, answering emails, canvassing, attending meetings and keeping people informed of future preparations.

According to an Aug. 12 letter written to President Brandman Leggett, the farm has a vision of offering school field trips, supplying school lunches with their organic produce, starting a Beginning Farmer Program and presenting opportunities of apprenticeships and internships to those of the local community.

“This was a tremendous victory for the organic soil on this land,” Lovelace said.

“The worst thing that could have happened to the living, breathing, biologically diverse ecosystem in the soil here would have been to be bulldozed.”

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The Churchill Observer is published monthly by the students of Winston Churchill High School, 11300 Gainsborough Road, Potomac, Md. 20854. Advertising and subscription rates are available by e-mailing churchill. observer@gmail.com. Advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of staff, faculty or the student body.

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The Observer is a public forum for the purpose of expressing the views of and informing the Churchill student body.

Brickyard shows worst of political system CARTOON BY JOHNATHAN LEE.

After nearly two years of legal battles, sloganeering and dramatization, county officials have scrapped plans to convert Nick Maravell’s beloved farm off Brickyard Road in Potomac into a kids’ soccer complex.

At what cost? Between the picket signs and the accusing videos, the lawsuits and the realpolitik, what should have been an easily resolved community misunderstanding turned into an epic display of unnecessary disunity.

The Brickyard debacle seemed to be a very simple problem. In March 2011, the county’s lease to Nick Maravell expired, and it decided to lease the land to Maryland Soccer, Inc. (MSI) to develop the lot into soccer fields for locals. This move was a surprise for many in the community who over the years had grown to appreciate the peaceful organic farm in their backyard.

Montgomery County owns the lot, and, as owner, ousting Maravell was well within its bounds. However, the people

rightly wanted to be involved in the decision about the public land.

As a community, we would like to imagine that the ensuing discussion would include the opposing interests—the people and their local government—calmly explaining their perspectives so that mutual understanding might be reached and an agreeable solution be found.

We would like to imagine that the situation was resolved in a manner that reflects our community, employing mutual respect and civility.

Instead, the issue somehow turned into a trench-warfare, ideological battle overnight.

Both sides immediately began spewing out political rhetoric that was, of course, tangential to the issue.

Environmentalists cried bloody eco-murder.

Naturalnews.com, a pro-organic online news source, maintained

that the cold county officials were attempting to “destroy the local treasure” of Nick’s fragile ecosystem with their nefarious plans for a soccerplex.

Few could have escaped the plethora of picket signs and bumper stick ers that echoed the misleading phrase, “Save Brickyard,” as if the neighborhood, without your support, would burst into flames.

After engaging in underhand dealings with MSI, the County Council delicately and persistently sidestepped the community’s legitimate demands for transparency.

According to a July 2012 Washington Post article, the county would not release documents that would prove this shady activity true or false. A Maryland circuit court judge had to force the county to acknowledge public information

laws and release the documents.

No, mutual respect and civility were entirely lacking. This simple case proposed two favorable, innocent options: a family-run organic farm and a ball field. No one was out to deprive children of agricultural education or physical exercise. Rather, either option would have benefited the community.

Yet, we somehow warped the misunderstanding into a convoluted and illogical argument that remained unresolved far longer than was remotely necessary.

In a political atmosphere where Americans are calling on the national government to quit the childish games and meaningless rhetoric to solve simple problems, we must reconsider what merit we hold to that complaint.

If what happened with Brickyard is the norm for problem solving in our community, then the way Congress is handling decision-making should come as no surprise at all.

By Matt Reback Staff Writer

5 inch point guard has gone viral.

Regardless of Newman’s athletic accomplishments, he is too young.

He is too young for the national spotlight; he is too young to be ranked nationally, and he is too young for people to be predicting basketball as a future career.

The problem with obsessing over impressive youth athletes is that all too often, they fizzle out.

Whether it be an enormous amount of stress, a disappointing growth spurt, an injury, or a myriad other things that can go wrong, youth “phenoms” are not built to last. There is no conceivable way anyone can project how good a 10year old will be as a 17 or 18-year old.

Take Freddy Adu, the local soccer sensation, who was the youngest player to ever play in the MLS. According to bleacherreport.com, he

was offered a $500,000 four -year contract at only 14. While the 23 year old cannot necessarily be considered a bust, he did not come close to fulfilling the unrealistic expectations set for him before he even got his driver’s license.

While I would love to see Newman fulfill all of his basketball dreams, the track record for child prodigies is not a good one. According to U.S. sports psychology consultant Alan Goldberg, some gifted young athletes crash and burn due to overtraining or falling out of love with their sport, while others have breakdowns when they fail to live up to unrealistic expectations.

Newman’s situation is painting an increasingly clear picture of the things that are wrong with our youth athletic system. When such an intense spotlight is placed on

an athlete from such an early age, the odds are stacked against him.

Even if he does continue to have an impressive high school career, gets recruited to college, and goes on to the NBA, he will have done nothing but live up to expectations set for him much too early. If, on the other hand, he stops playing basketball for whatever reason, he will be branded a failure.

Growing up is hard enough as it is, its difficulty does not need to be compounded by the watchful eye of the entire country. So, while you can appreciate Newman’s dazzling display of athleticism and talent on the basketball court (and I hope you will, it is quite impressive), do not get too caught up in future predictions. More often than not, you will wind up disappointed.

According to athletic director David Kelley, CHS would have to present $1.1 million to MCPS in order to install a turf field, making it unlikely that it will happen.

According to safehealthyplayingfields.org, a website that presents natural turf alternatives, the tire crumbsthat are used to make turf fields emit a mix of toxic gases and carbon black, the main component of rubber.

Exposing children to such toxic material can only have a detrimental effect.

A study published in the August 2012 issue of Chemosphere, a journal that explores issues of human health

and environmental science, found in an analysis that turf contains a large number of hazardous substances.

The majority of people who use these fields, or allow their children to, are completely unaware of the materials in these fields and the effects t h a t t h e y could have.

C H S parent and activist Diana Conway is a PHOTO BY ANA FAGUY. staunch opponent of artificial turf.

According to Conway, no one she has talked to knows that zinc, selenium, arsenic, cadmium, and Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are entering athletes’ brains and lungs.

Turf fields also heat up faster.

On a 100-degree day, turf fields climb to 140 or 150 degrees Fahrenheit, increasing the chances of abrasions or ACL injuries.

According to Conway, no one wants to hear about the complicated science and scary facts; the reason why people do not know about the effects of turf is that the turf industry works hard to convince people of its safety.

Despite these warning signs, many coaches and booster clubs appreciate the minimal upkeep the fields require. They are not damaged in the rain, nor do they require seasonal maintenance; a new field every six to eight years is all it takes.

Ignoring the warning signs and allowing for artificial turf fields to be installed allows for the perception that turf is ok.

Artificial turf poses numerous health risks and therefore should not be installed.

BSERVER O OPINION

Young athletes need realistic expectations Wunderkinds fascinate us.

People who show extraordinary ability at a young age challenge our perception of what is possible and inspire us to do better ourselves.

They must also be handled with care, particularly in the realm of youth sports.

As an audience, we are excited by the opportunity to predict the next big thing. However, a younger athlete makes for a riskier guess. If the athlete pans out, then we guessed right. If not, there is always better luck next time.

Julian Newman is a fifth grader who starts for Downey Christian’s varsity basketball team in Orlando, Florida. Over the last few months, a video of the 4 foot,

Turf not the answer for MCPS fields

By Ana Faguy Staff Writer

When the new school year comes around, many county student athletes may be surprised to find something a little different under their feet.

MCPS recently approved the installation of a turf field at Wootton High School, which will make it the fourth school in the past five years to have a turf field installed.

What athletes may not know is that the increasingly common artificial turf fields harbor numerous potential dangers. Concerns that artificial turf could lead to many health problems need to be recognized.

For now, CHS students have nothing to fear. Even though many schools are making the change to turf, CHS is continuing to use grass fields.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

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Drastic paper towel initiative unnecessary

PHOTO BY ANGEL DELGADO.

Vandalism has led to restrictions on bathroom privileges.

By Jamie Lescht Arts Editor The Daily Dose abruptly announced CHS’ new paper towel initiative Feb. 28, telling students to limit the amount of paper towels they use per day. In the announcement, students were simply informed of their punishment and were not told about what actions led to this initiative.

Although CHS has reasonable motives behind limiting paper towels, the actions against students are too drastic.

The Daily Dose also announced that CHS will be locking certain bathrooms.

Yet, it failed to acknowledge that locking the bathrooms and limiting the paper towels are two different issues.

According to Building Services Manager Angel Delgado, CHS is only locking one or two bathrooms to decrease the amount of grafitti.

However, the issue of limiting paper towels is a direct result of students abusing towels and using them to clog bathrooms and sinks. While the majority of CHS students are respectful, this reckless minority is to blame for restricting students’ right to properly wash their hands.

According to Delgado, CHS has run out of paper towels. As the school has no way of monitoring who these students are, CHS was forced to punish the student body as a whole.

Contrary to the administration’s conclusion, immediately punishing

all CHS students is not necessary. The administration could have advertised the issue beforehand, making the student body more willing to preserve paper towels.

The announcement on the Daily Dose instantly created a negative attitude toward the situation, and misinformed students about the problems within CHS. According to Principal Joan Benz, she wants students to be able to see this issue in a positive way and be able to limit themselves and their peers’ use of paper towels.

Rather than encouraging CHS students to conserve paper towels, CHS has forced the restriction of paper towels upon students.

This policy leads students to question why CHS doesn’t buy automatic hand dryers.

According to Delgado, CHS is looking into hand dryers, but they’re expensive, and CHS is worried about students damaging them, as students have already knifed and dented a paper towel dispenser.

Students are also worried about the

deterioration of hand-washing habits.

According to Benz, the majority of germs a student picks up are from touching the bathroom door handle.

While the door handle does carry the majority of bacteria, drying your hands with paper towels is another important aspect in practicing good hygiene.

A 2012 University of Bradford study found that people must dry their hands thoroughly after washing in order to prevent the transfer of germs.

CHS’s paper towel initiative is justified. Students who partake in childish activities like clogging the sinks and toilets or stabbing dispensers are damaging school property. What else could students expect CHS to do?

The key flaw is CHS’s failure to inform students of the real situation earlier. The issue of locking bathrooms and limiting paper towels are separate issues and are misguiding students. The administration should take it upon themselves to clarify the issue and allow students to demonstrate their responsibility when using paper towels.

player even more. Only 17 percent of those interviewed said they would turn against the player.

Fans have already shown support for active gay players, and now fellow athletes should do the same. Unfortunately, the most recent newsworthy comments made by athletes on homosexuality in the locker room have been far from positive, such as ones made by 49er’s cornerback Chris Culliver.

“We ain’t got no gay people on the team,” Culliver said. “They gotta get up outta here if they do. Can’t be with that sweet stuff. Nah, can’t be in the locker room.”

Not every athlete in the NFL feels the way Culliver does. Brendon Ayanbadejo of the Baltimore Ravens and Chris Kluwe of the Minnesota Vikings are two players who have made their support for gay rights clear.

Former professional basketball player and current TNT analyst Charles Barkely also made comments recently in support of gays in professional sports.

“It bothers me when I hear these reporters and jocks get on TV and say: ‘Oh, no guy can come out in a team sport,” Barkley said. “These guys would go crazy.’ First of all, quit telling

me what I think. I’d rather have a gay guy who can play than a straight guy who can’t play.”

The topic of homosexual athletes needs to be treated by players with the same level of respect that race and gender are today. Athletes need to realize that sports can remain as adrenaline-fueled and macho as before, even if some teammates have different sexual preferences.

Despite strides in many areas,

the landscape of professional sports remains a hostile environment for closeted players. Until athletes change their attitudes on homosexuality, these players will feel compelled to wait until their playing days are over to reveal the truth. When players feel comfortable enough to be true to themselves and at the same time continue to play the sports they love, it will truly be a victory for gay, as well as human, rights.

pollution, both locally and globally, than coal. Secchi warns that the pollution from the coal emissions the world currently produces is a costly method that causes damage to both the atmosphere and water. Smog has been shown to kill more than two million people a year. Natural gas that is dug up by fracking acts as a healthier substitute for the coal and oil carbon dioxide emission that has created so much pollution today.

According to Sam Spearing, associate professor in the Department of Mining and Mineral Resources Engineering at Southern Illinois University, if some part of the fracking system were to break, safety measures such as a double casing pipe protects the subterranean environs from contamination.

Spearing ensures that with the newer horizontal fracking method and with the correct security procedures, fracking is very safe.

When the drilling begins, corporations drill the wells with a minimum of two barrier layers of steel casing with cement to keep the contaminated water from fraternizing with the drinkable groundwater. Once the wellbore is ready for fracking, the corporations

apply pressure tests and install a pressure relief system to warn them if the wells have any chance of leakages or cracking.

However, some people are fighting hard to keep fracking off the table of possibilities because of their worry about fracking’s potential contamination of the water supply.

They care about the environment and possible health outcomes, but fracking has the potential to unlock a new and healthier energy source if it is implemented.

In a study done by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s 21 Century Energy Institute, 1.7 million jobs have been created by fracking and an estimated 3.5 million will be created by 2035.

Admittedly, even a fool-proof plan will have flaws and accidents that could not be foreseen, which is why regulation needs to be implemented to ensure that fracking will not be misused. Once proper regulation is in place, Maryland will be able to dip into the resources that are currently locked beneath its surface. With it, Maryland and the world can start to build a healthier environment with a surplus of natural gas.

Homosexual atheletes must be treated with respect

By Ben Fox Sports Photo Editor

Professional soccer player Robbie Rogers came out as a homosexual in a post on his personal blog Feb. 15. At the end of the post, he announced his retirement from soccer, stating it was time to discover himself “away from football.”

In deciding to announce his retirement along with his homosexuality, Rogers has followed a trend in American sports that has persisted since 1975, when former professional American football player David Kopay became the first pro athlete to announce he was homosexual, close to three years after his retirement in 1972.

Professional athletes have rarely come out while they were active players. For homosexuals to truly become accepted in sports, this must change.

In a 2001 poll conducted by ESPN on how fans would react if their favorite player said he or she was homosexual, about 63 percent said it would not change their view of the player, and 20 percent said they would support the

PHOTO BY BEN FOX.

Fracking worthy of acceptance as clean alternative

PHOTO COURTESY OF CREATIVE COMMONS.

Fracking is an alternative way to provide gas without making smog, the effects of which have led to over two million deaths each year. respectable idea of using hydraulic

By Katie Clem fracturing to free natural gas, Staff Writer Water seeps into the rock fractures below Earth’s surface.

Slowly a gap opens and widens as high pressure is applied. With the influx of pressure, the natural gas trapped in shale deposits is released. In a matter of minutes, a new energy source cleaner than coal or oil is available for use.

Maryland, like many other states, has been experimenting with the

commonly known as fracking. Since the debut of modern fracking in 1947, much harsh criticism and unnecessary caution has prolonged the paralyzing debate over a promising idea.

Fracking is a healthier alternative to the currently-used coal and oil.

According to Silvia Secchi, assistant professor in the Department of Agribusiness Economics at Southern Illinois University, using natural gas to produce electricity creates less

Observations

10

Hann wins talent show

By Nicole Malament Observations Editor Congratulations to junior Kristina Hann for winning this year’s Churchill’s Got Talent. Hann competed against nine other acts and won by singing her original song, “Fly With You” while playing the guitar.

“I go into the competition mainly for the experience, but it does feel good to know other people enjoy listening as much as I enjoy performing,” Hann said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LESLIE BLALOCK.

Congratulations to juniors Daniel Liu, Bryan Ho and Yousuf Khan who quali-

fied for the U.S. Biology Olympiad Semifinals out of 10,400 students nationwide.

They took the next two-hour exam March 18 to determine if they qualify for finals at Purdue University.

By Nicole Malament Observations Editor Congratulations to senior Rustin Tashayyod for being crowned Mr. Churchill 2013 in the school’s annual male beauty pageant held March 8.

Out of 14 senior and junior CHS boys, Tashayyod won the majority of the judges’ votes. The show included various components, including a group dance number, talent show, formal wear competition, question and answer and pick-up line competition.

“If you had asked me two years ago, I never thought I would even try out,” Tashayyod said. “But now that it’s over, I’m glad I did it. Whether I won or not, the whole experience was a lot of fun.”

@ www.thechurchillobserver.com Arts: A News: A look into MCPS’s new math curriculum.

must-do list for the Cherry Blossom Festival.

Opinions: Why the new

Features: Learn about the

the new way to online shop using the Wanelo app.

MCPS AP scores state best

By Nicole Malament Observations Editor A new report published by the Office of Superintendents confirms that the MCPS class of 2012 outscored all other

counties in Maryland for AP testing. In 2012, 67.3 percent of MCPS students took one or more AP exams and 52.3 percent scored an average of 3 points or higher.

The percentage was 22.7 points higher than the rate of public school graduates in Maryland.

PHOTO BY ERICA SPAETH.

Rustin takes the crown PHOTO BY NICOLE MALAMENT.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF MCPS.

Tobin named Top Teen

By Nicole Malament Observations Editor

PHOTO BY NICOLE MALAMENT.

Congratulations to senior Maeve Tobin for being named a Top Teen 2013 by Bethesda Magazine. Tobin is recognized for volunteering with kids with autism.

Tobin’s brother inspired her to volunteer, and she has been volunteering for the past three years.

“My favorite part about volunteering is seeing how the students open up to me as they get to know me, and show me new things they can do that they kept hidden before,” Tobin said.

PHOTO BY NICOLE MALAMENT.

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Churchill pays homage to the ‘British Bulldog’

PHOTO BY JORDAN JANIS.

Churchill resembled a bulldog.

By Jordan Janis Fact Checker Danielle Kiefer Circulation Manager

When some in Montgomery County hear the name Winston Churchill, several things come to mind: a National Blue Ribbon school, a sports rivalry or a bunch of rich kids driving BMWs. However, one of the last things that people think of is the namesake of the school itself: Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill.

April 9 marks Winston Churchill Day, the day Churchill became the second person to be named an Honorary Citizen of the US. In honor of this day, the Observer took a look at why this school was named after him.

According to the Montgomery County Regulation for naming school facilities, for a school to be named after someone, the person must have made a significant contribution to the area or country and have been notable but no longer active in his career.

However, many CHS students are unaware of Churchill’s many accomplishments and contributions to the US. In a random survey of 30 students, 21 students knew that Churchill was the Prime Minister of Great Britain during World War II, but of those 21, only nine knew anything about him other than his title.

Churchill, born November 30, 1874, was actively involved in politics for much of his life.

Churchill saw his greatest power when he became Prime Minister of Great Britain during World War II. Guiding Britain to be the only nation against Hitler in the beginning of the war, Churchill developed a close relationship with U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt that eventually resulted in a strong alliance between the two countries that won the war. Churchill, known for his excellent speeches from

which many famous quotes have come, also won a Nobel Prize in Literature in 1953 and was made an Honorary Citizen of the US by President Kennedy in 1963.

Churchill died in January 1965.

CHS was originally built as Potomac High School in 1963 but was renamed Winston Churchill High School in May 1965, four months after Churchill’s death.

Principal Gertrude Bish, the first principal of CHS, chose to rename the school after Churchill instead of Eleanor Roosevelt.

CHS also pays homage to Churchill with its mascot—Churchill was often called the “British Bulldog” for his determination and focus, paired with the fact that he resembled an actual bulldog.

“Churchill was a very honored statesman,” Principal Joan Benz said. “He represented perseverance and authentic leadership.”

show, which was his first performance.

“I’ve told some jokes in front of 30 people at school and got off like that, but this was 150 to 200 people,” Sullivan said. “This was really the first time I did stand up.”

Sullivan is a senior at The Heights, a local all-boys private school. As a student at this fairly conservative school, it was a surprise to some that Sullivan had it in him. Some were impressed, but not everyone.

“I’ve had teachers come up and talk to me and one of them told me to take it down, but I didn’t,” Sullivan said.

According to Heights sophomore Kyle Depollar, everyone was talking about Sullivan the day after the video went up because the video was so funny. He was not surprised however because he always thought Sullivan was “hilarious.”

Reactions outside of school have been pretty positive and exciting for Sullivan.

According to Sullivan, some people approached him at a show of comedian Hannibal Burris, one of his inspira-

tions. He was addressed as “the kid from Reddit,” and is “sure glad I have that label going around.”

Sullivan is surprised by his immediate success and attention, because being a comedian has not been his goal all along.

“My goals are far too high, and I have way too many to know exactly what I want,” Sullivan said. “I’ve always wanted to do a lot of stuff. I just wanted to be well known by somebody. I first wanted to play basketball, but then I was 5’9.”

Sullivan has become popular among his peers, even those at CHS. “I definitely thought it was funny,” junior Hayley Mulhern said. “I know there are funny people everywhere, but I definitely think he can go places, and I didn’t know there were people in the area with that much promise.”

The future looks bright for Sullivan, who has multiple agencies and businesspeople contacting him with offers

and informing him that they are watching his career. He plans to still attend college and major in creative writing, which is the core of his comedy.

Sullivan is learning from the experience even though some of the feedback he has received has been negative.

“Some constructive criticism was good, but it was weird hearing some hateful stuff from people I didn’t know,” Sullivan said. “Somebody told me the only way I could make someone laugh is if I jumped off a bridge.

That was nice.”

For now, the community, and possibly the nation, is watching Sullivan to see what he makes of his comedic career. If for some reason he does not make it as a comedian, he at least has a few back-up plans.

“I also want to become the best JV basketball player ever,” Sullivan said.

“That is a career aspiration of mine. I sure practice a lot. I am also a skilled rapper. Free Sosa.”

Heights student finds fame on Youtube, Reddit

By Greer Smith Staff Writer

At 17 years old, most kids are eating up all the comedy they can now that they can legally get into any raunchy and R-rated comedy. Seventeen-yearold Peter Sullivan of Bethesda is doing more than just making his friends laugh.

He is contributing to the comedic world, and he is getting noticed.

Sullivan performed a 6-minute standup set for the first time at the Washington D.C. Improv Theater on Valentine’s Day. A few days later, his friend put a YouTube link to a video of Sullivan’s performance on the popular website Reddit. By midday, it was #6 on top posts on the site, and by the next day, it had received over 300,000 views and 7,000 likes on YouTube.

According to Sullivan, he did not expect the video to be this popular. He initially just put the video on Facebook for a few friends who could not make the

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Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Becoming a full-scale band is not a simple task, but the new year has been a successful one for Topper Project, rock-alternative band consisting of seniors Eric Zidar, Jordan Li, Ryan Plummer and sophomore Ethan Denicoff.

After opening up for Kingsfoil, a rock band headlined by former TV star Frankie Muniz, Topper Project’s momentum carried over into Churchill’s Got Talent, where it placed second out of nine acts.

“They had more energy than the other bands,” said English teacher and Churchill’s Got Talent judge Shelley Perrett. “The singer came into the audience and clapped his hands in order to get the audience into it.”

The performance displayed the group’s passion for music while exciting the audience with an upbeat and engaging rhythm.

According to drummer Zidar, his love for music is “unexplainable” and “natural.”

The future holds many questions, as three members of Topper Project will graduate from high school at the end of this year.

Nonetheless, the desire to stay together and do what they love is ever-present in the minds of the band members.

“I want us to stay together and keep playing gigs next year, but I don’t know how it’s going to work out,” Plummer said. “I hope it all works out.”

The challenges that lie ahead for Topper Project are daunting, but the band’s sheer will and desire to play music for others will override all. Remember the name Topper Project; they will be on your radio in no time.

COURTESY OF SCOTT SLEMAN.

PHOTO BY MELISSA MAFFEO.

Junior Daijah Greene, who works under the pseudonym Daijah Monai, recently released her debut album Stay True, which showcases 14 original songs that document her struggle to find herself and appreciate who she truly is. The album is being sold for $10 on Amazon.

“Recording my album was difficult to say the least,” Green said. “Don’t get me wrong though, it was incredibly fun and I loved doing it, but it was extremely challenging. All I had was my bedroom, GarageBand on my MacBook, a Logitec microphone that we use for playing Guitar Hero and some UrbanEars headphones.”

Greene has been a part of the CHS choral department since freshman year, first as a member of Voices of a Generation (VOAG) and then as a member of the Jazz Ambassadors. Just recently, she was given a solo during their fall concert, singing “In My Life” by The Beatles.

“Daijah always comes to class with an awesome attitude and truly cares about not just her performances, but the group’s performance as a whole,” junior Kristina Hann said. “She always puts her best foot forward and sets high expectations for herself and the Jazz Ambassadors.”

Greene claims that singing comes as naturally to her as breathing.

“I sing because it’s easy,” Greene said. “It doesn’t take much effort for me.

The second I wake up, I’m singing along to whatever song is playing in my head. I fall asleep humming the tune that I’m listening to at that point in time.”

Greene’s discipline has been what has carried her to this point. According to junior Miranda Eaves-Leaños, who Greene claims is her unofficial manager, Greene is driven by an ambition that not many other teenagers share.

“A lot of kids out there go around saying, ‘Oh, I wanna be a star, oh, I’m gonna sing,’ but they don’t do anything to make it happen, whereas Daijah actually sat down and said, ‘This is what I want to do, this is how I’m gonna make it happen, this is when it’s gonna be done,’” Eaves-Leaños said.

According to Greene, she would like nothing more than to help people through her music. Because her ultimate goal is to open up orphanages for underprivileged children, she is already planning to “use the talents that God has given” her to make the money to achieve this dream.

“I’ve wanted to write music, perform music, and travel since I was in 4th grade, and I figure if I can do what I love and make money doing it, then that’s great,” Greene said. “Like most people, I’d love to be famous, but not because I want to live in the lap of luxury and have an easy life and not have a care in the world but because it would help me to help other people.”

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PHOTO COURTESY OF MACKENZIE TESTA.

Sophomore Mackenzie Testa was 14 years old when she decided to follow her dream to sing on a professional level. Because she had been singing seriously since she was 10, Testa decided she was ready to make her songs available to people beyond her friends and family.

She recorded and released three original songs onto iTunes: “Free My Mind,” “Pulling On My Heartstrings” and “Date Tonight.” Her single “Free My Mind” has an average rating of four-and-a-half stars while “Pulling On My Heartstrings” has received rave reviews from iTunes users.

“Her music really speaks to teenagers and what they’re going through,” sophomore Sara McAlister said. “My favorite song is ‘Pulling On My Heartstrings’ because it deals with her being done with guys. I can relate well to the songs and how she overcomes the problems in them.”

Throughout her recording experience, Testa has remained humble and grounded, grateful for the opportunity to pursue her passion.

“This alone is a dream come true to me, because I got the opportunity to do something I absolutely love in a really professional atmosphere,” Testa said. “I also recorded a professional music video for my song ‘Pulling on My Heartstrings.’ This let me showcase my singing abilities as well as my dancing abilities.”

Currently, Testa has been demonstrating her talents on the Churchill stage.

She is a member of Simply Irresistable, CHS’ show choir, and was given a solo during Blast 2012, leading an all-cast number.

In the future, Testa aspires to have positive endeavors in the music industry.

“I would like to become a recording artist, and incorporate both my singing and dancing into my career,” Testa said.

Liberty Empire is a jazz/alternative band consisting of CHS juniors Jack Waugh on guitar/vocals and Mir Hwang on drums, as well as Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School junior Jack Gruber on keytar/keys. They formed over the summer of 2012 and performed at Churchill’s Got Talent in February, thrilling the crowd with their gritty, unique sound and thrilling cover of “Lights” by Ellie Goulding.

“I thought they were really awesome, and how they used a synth to get all the dubstep parts made it all worth it,” junior Bryan Kirks said.

Liberty Empire’s accomplishments do not stop at the school level. They have gone on to perform at several concert venues such as the 9:30 Club, the Michael J. Fox Theater and Jammin’ Java. All band members have played their instruments for years and participate in music programs such as the Paul Carr Jazz Academy and All State Jazz Band.

The boys are looking forward to a long, illustrious future as a band. First and foremost, they are planning to release an EP in the near future consisting of all original songs.

According to Hwang, they are unafraid to promise that these songs “will hands down be the best songs you’ve heard in your life.”

Besides working on the EP, the band is focusing on the short-term goal of increasing their local popularity.

“We plan to play at various venues, expanding our fan base,” Hwang said.

“We are going to be headlining in an upcoming issue of Warped magazine as well as getting some airtime on the Phoenix radio station.”

According to Waugh, although they created Liberty Empire because of the sheer joy they get from playing and writing music “under a new and unique sound,” the compliments they receive from fans make victory that much sweeter.

“We enjoy hearing endless compliments from our fans,” Waugh said.

“The compliments include things like, ‘Liberty Empire’s songs are so jammy that you could spread them on bread and peanut butter and it would be the best sandwich ever created.’”

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIR HWANG.

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Wednesday, April 3, 2013

theObserver

Beware, cell phones breeding ground for bacteria

By Aileen Choi Advertising Manager

Junior Tvara Presswala shows her friends a funny picture on her iPhone.

Struggling to get a better view, they snatch the phone from her grip, unbeknownst to the fact that there are thousands of bacteria and other infectious agents lingering on the device.

The flu, pink eye and diarrhea are only a few of the consequences that can arise from coming in contact with a cell phone.

“A big problem that comes from cell phone bacteria is the Norovirus,” CHS nurse Deborah Stapleton said. “The Norovirus can’t be killed unless it is bleached.”

Out of eight CHS students surveyed, five confessed to using their phones right after using the toilet without washing their hands. All five were completely unaware of the bacteria on their phones.

In addition to spreading fecal bacteria to their phones, they are also spreading it to other people and objects—including their beds, faces and restaurant tables.

“I don’t even consider germs when someone asks, ‘Can I see your phone?,’” junior Tvara Presswala said. “I just give it

to them, and I hardly think about where their hands have been.”

According to an October 2012 Wall Street Journal article, the Hoosier Microbiological Laboratory conducted an experiment that proved that there were “between about 2,700 and 4,200 units of coliform bacteria,” a bacteria containing fecal contamination, on eight cell phones.

“I clean my phone whenever I start to see a lot of fingerprints, usually at night before school starts on Monday,” junior Leslie Sterling said. “I clean my phone with an eyeglass cleaner.”

Although some students clean their phones, it is not enough to prevent the spreading of germs. There are only two solutions: using alcohol wipes to clean your phones or washing your hands the right way.

According to the same Wall Street Journal article, household cleaners and aerosol can damage a phone screen when used as a cleaning solution. Instead, one should opt for products like alcohol wipes because they keep phone screens intact.

In regards to handwashing, the issue is not that most people don’t wash their

PHOTO BY JANE ZANKMAN.

Students do not realize that their cell phones are a hot spot for bacteria. hands, rather they aren’t washing them the right way.

According to an October 2011 BBC News article, singing two verses of “Happy Birthday” when washing hands creates an appropriate time to get rid of most of the bacteria.

Most students seem to be unaware of the fact that the soap isn’t what washes the germs away; in fact, it’s the suds that actually clean your hands.

According to a CDC booklet teaching kids about handwashing, it is imperative that you “make more bubbles and suds” to get rid of bacteria.

Although this may seem to be a treacherously long process, keeping your hands under water an extra minute or two is worth it to prevent the spread of fecal matter and potentially dangerous bacteria covering your phone and, consequently, your friends and yourself.

wrist. In addition, because of the relafeel like technology is moving tively large size of the group, one could in this direction,” Tsukayama assume that the product has already said. “The iPod nano wristpassed its experimental stage. watch accessory shows they’d When asked for an inlike to move in that directerview, an Apple store tion as well.” employee declined to CHS students have mixed comment on whether or reactions to the potential funot the iWatch is truly turistic gadget. Senior Elise expected to be released.

Levy is among those who Various stories and rumors feel that the iWatch is not regarding the innovative watch a product that the public have flooded media sources all should go crazy over. over the world. Hayley Tsu“That’s the most unkayama, a Washington Post necessary thing I have IMAGE BY JANE ZANKMAN. consumer technology and techever heard,” Levy said nology policy blogger, has covered the story. about the iWatch. “I don’t need that, “Apple has been interested in some- I have a phone, I have a computer— thing like this for a while because they would anyone even use that?”

Apple’s customers have proven to be very loyal, especially upon the release of a new gadget.

“There have been a couple of analysts that have estimated the market for this product who say that Apple has largely invested in the iWatch, and [Apple] has a very great track record for making products sell,” Tsukayama said. “It would sell pretty well if they can get all the features together.”

According to the same Bloomberg article, this product is supposed to perform many of the same functions of an iPad or iPhone.

Senior Eric Zidar has a list of what he would like to see in an iWatch.

“Maybe touch-screen, you would be able to listen to music, and it would have the time obviously,” Zidar said. “Probably everything an iPhone already has.”

iWatch offers glimpse into future of technology

By Jordan Maser Public Relations

Decades ago, some may have thought that by now the human race would have the ability to travel via flying car, or tidy up with assistance from a personal Rosie the Robot (hopefully it’s still relevant to reference The Jetsons). The tech world has taken a step in the right direction for those awaiting a world similar to Back to the Future as international mass media outlets have sparked rumors about the creation and release of Apple’s new wristwatch, iWatch.

According to a February 2013 Bloomberg article, Apple has assigned a group of approximately 100 people to develop a product specifically designed for the

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Students weigh benefits of graduating early

By Dana Harris Online Opinions Editor Sonia Shekar Staff Writer Picture standing up at the stage, looking out at the graduating class and not knowing 90 percent of the students graduating with you. A handful of juniors are willing to experience this in exchange for a new start in the real world.

According to MCPS graduation requirements, students must complete four years of high school in order to receive a diploma, unless the school’s principal approves an alternative program, such as studying abroad.

“All credits to graduate go through guidance, and then the proposal is sent to me,” Principal Joan Benz said. “If it’s a valid reason, I sign off on it.”

According to registrar Denise Fabrizio, the number of students who graduate early has remained constant at about three to five every year.

In addition to getting a plan approved, students must complete credit requirements outside of the school day. This involves taking classes online or over the summer to meet graduation requirements.

Early-graduating students will not be able to participate in senior activities with friends in their grade, yet graduating in three years remains a gratifying choice for those who have made it. This holds true for CHS ‘12 alumna Hana Quiros, who graduated in three years to attend college in Peru because her family was moving away the year

she was meant to graduate.

“I think the senior activities would have been more fun if I got to do them with my original class, but I don’t regret my decision at all,” Quiros said. “I had fun with my junior and senior class throughout the year.”

Some students who are graduating early this year hope to gain new experiences and enjoy a year to themselves between high

PHOTO BY SONIA SHEKAR.

school and college.

“I’m going to study abroad before going to college,” senior Miranda Eaves-Leaños said. “I applied to different programs through the State Department. I wanted to have a year to learn a language and experience a new culture.”

Others feel that they have al-

Wanelo offers unique collection of merchandise

By Jamie Lescht Arts Editor

Wah-nell-oh? Wayne-lo? However you pronounce it, Wanelo is a new social media site where companies can advertise their products, and consumers can buy unique items.

Wanelo, whose official pronunciation is “wah-nee-lo,” was created in San Francisco in 2011 by Deena Varshavskaya. Wanelo stands for “Want, Need, Love,” and on the website, people can click on a product they want and the link will redirect them to the place where it’s available for sale.

According to a 2013 New York Times article, Varshavskaya came up with the idea because she wanted to buy a present for her friends but didn’t know what they liked and could not find a social media site that was conducive to shopping.

On Wanelo, someone can search for a specific product, and the website will provide the user with multiple items pertaining to their search. Wanelo also allows lesser known companies to advertise and get their products discovered.

Senior Paige Brody began using Wanelo because it offers “a wide variety of things on the site, and it’s not just clothes.”

Wanelo is also different than other social media sites because it provides consumers with an online shopping experience.

“Instagram is for pictures, Facebook is for friends, Twitter is for news, Pinterest is for inspiration, and Wanelo is for shopping,” Wanelo team member Daniela Governatori said.

While Wanelo may be intended for shopping, some users are hesitant to

ready gotten everything they need out of high school and are ready for college.

“I got bored really easily,” senior Elise Levy said. “Most of the people that I’m really close to are either seniors, at other schools or have left.”

Although students may not be sure how they will spend their extra year after graduating, according to College and Career Center info-

buy items from the site because they are unsure of the products’ reliability.

Senior Elisa Rogers ordered shorts from Wanelo, but they were not what she expected. The shorts looked different in reality than online, and she had to return them.

Despite Roger’s experience, Wanelo employees are constantly checking the legitimacy of the stores advertising on the application. “[The stores] are checked manually by a Wanelo team member to ensure they are up to Wanelo’s standards,” Governatori said. “We want to make sure our users have the highest quality experience.”

Regardless of the application’s mishaps, Wanelo is continuing to develop and rise in popularity.

According to Governatori, the employees have “lots of awesomeness” planned for Wanelo’s future.

PHOTO BY JAMIE LESCHT.

Wanelo is a hip shopping experience.

mation coordinator Luana Zimmerman, it is recommended that students apply to college while still in high school if they plan on attending a university in the future.

“Most all students planning on a gap year will apply to college, and once decisions have been released will ask their selected col-

lege to defer their admission for one academic year,” Zimmerman said. “It is difficult for a student to take a gap year and then try to apply to college while they are on their program.”

Students’ decisions to leave home early not only change their own lives, but the lives of family and friends. Saying goodbye a year earlier than expected can be difficult for anyone.

According to Eaves-Leaños, her parents are “excited and nervous” about her leaving to study abroad next year, and although her friends will miss her, they are “supportive for the most part.”

Despite mixed emotions from friends and family, these students feel their decision to graduate high school early will provide them with ample opportunities to grow intellectually and further their personal development.

“I don’t think there was one specific thing I wanted to accomplish,” said ‘12 alumna Natalia Derechin who graduated a year early and is traveling through Europe after participating in a program in Israel. “I wanted to grow and mature and develop into the person I want to be.”

Graduating early, no matter what follows, is a big step for anyone. Students need to have the responsibility and maturity to take on the events that will follow graduation.

“If there is one thing I recommend, it is to take a year after high school,” Derechin said. “To take some time to find yourself, to realize what you like and want without the pressures of school.”

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theObserver

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Sitting down with local best-selling author

By Lara Fu News Editor

A: Conversations with friends, things I observe, things I read. Getting ideas for books is like soup; you have a pinch of this, a dash of this, add some conflict, you let it simmer and see what it turns into. I tend to do a lot of research for my books too, probably since I have a background as a journalist.

Many students dabble in writing throughout their years in school, whether it be through English class, writing for the literary magazine or the school newspaper. Sarah Pekkannen, an author living in Bethesda, has always loved writing. She made the transition from occasional student journalist to professional newspaper journalist to freelance writer and finally, to the author of three bestselling novels, with a fourth one to be released April 9.

Below is an interview with Pekkannen, covering topics from life in high school to her experiences as an investigative journalist to her upcoming book.

Q: What is your process or method for writing a book?

A: My process has changed. I usually outline first, but I outline more rigidly when I get strict deadlines for my books.

For my third book [These Girls], I had index cards all color-coded, but for The Best of Us, I didn’t really outline it at all, I just let it flow. Understanding the basics is good whether or not you utilize them.

Q: What is your new book about, and who is the intended audience?

A: My new book is titled The Best of Us, and it’s the story of four friends from college who reunite for a vacation in Jamaica. They stay at a luxury villa and it’s this vacation they all desperately need for one reason or another, but as they arrive they learn there is a hurricane arriving. There is this turmoil that reflects all the turmoil inside each of them, because each have something that they’re dealing with. The intended audience is generally women, from teenagers to older women.

Q: How do you balance being both a mom and a writer?

A: Right now, I am at swim lessons with my three kids, and I just called Domino’s to order dinner. I have my laptop here, and I am working on a book. I just write whenever I have a snatch of time.

I really blend the writing into my life.

PHOTO BY LARA FU.

Q: Did you do any writing in high school or Pekkanen’s fourth novel, The Best of Us, will be released April 9.

college?

A: I went to school at Bethesda-Chevy Chase (B-CC), and I did a little bit of writing for the paper, but not much at all. I went on to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, but I technically graduated from the University of Maryland. After I graduated, I worked for a bunch of newspapers, including the Baltimore Sun. When I had my first child, I turned to freelance, and after my second child I turned to fiction. I’ve always wanted to be a writer, and it was just the form that shifted.

Q: Your bio on your website mentions you worked on Capitol Hill as a journalist. How was that experience? Any funny or memorable stories?

A: One story I am pretty proud of is when I covered a very corrupt congresswoman. She was crazy; she would set up a scholarship fund for impoverished children and use the money to buy mink coats. I investigated her for a year, and she ended up getting booted out of office. There were federal investigations against her. But I felt that Capitol Hill was very combative, and I didn’t like that; it didn’t fit my personality.

I love writing about ordinary people, because everyone can relate to that.

I like writing about ordinary people who have extraordinary stories to tell.

Q: How has living in Maryland influenced your writing?

A: Our area plays a part in all of my stories. I love working in cameos of places I’ve visited, restaurants I like, playgrounds I’ve brought my children to. All of my characters have a connection to Maryland, including The Best of Us, because two characters are from the D.C. area. My first book, The Opposite of Me, was mostly based in Maryland, but all of my books are connected to Maryland.

Q: Where else do you draw inspiration from for your books? Do you have any particular subjects that you most enjoy writing about?

Q: What was your time at B-CC like?

A: It was good; it’s changed so much, and it’s grown, and the school looks so different now. One of my best memories was being on the field hockey team, and I still remember Churchill always beating us—still a little bitter about that!

Q: Of the books you’ve published so far, which one is your favorite, and why?

A: My editor’s favorite is The Best of Us, and I think it may be mine too. It was just the easiest to write, and I felt more confident about it.

Q: Do you have any tips for aspiring journalists or writers?

A: I would just say write as much as you can. Writing is like exercise, because you have to do it consistently to get the results. Write anywhere, keep journals, write for your school paper, do whatever you can to get the experience.

Wednesday , April 3 , 2013

Arts

theObserver

17

‘Gray’ offers glimpse into Pete Wentz’s life

By Lauren Price Online Arts Editor

Pete Wentz is perhaps the most well-known member of the rock band Fall Out Boy, and however cliché it is, fame comes with a price. In Wentz’s case, he dealt with mental instability as an adolescent and throughout his time in Fall Out Boy, and this was a major influence on his new novel.

Wentz’s novel, Gray, was released Feb. 19. The plot circles around an unnamed young man dealing with unspecified disorders, likely anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder, as he struggles to keep his sanity while his band rises and falls. Critics describe it as a fictitious memoir, but it is clear that he used at least some details from his own life—such as when he describes the protagonist’s drummer as a straight-edge vegan, which are specific qualities shared by Fall Out Boy’s real drummer, Andy Hurley.

The book starts out with the main

character giving up his college career to pursue his band, and first meeting his true love. He starts off mentally stable—taking medications when he needs them, and hardly ever needing them because of how happy he is with his band and with his girlfriend.

However, as the band rises and he becomes famous, his personal life slowly falls apart. The character becomes more maniac depressive as the book progresses, with his on and off relationships punctuated by panic attacks and suicidal episodes. It’s no secret that Wentz struggled with depression and had suicidal tendencies, and it is clear that he uses his own experience to make the plot believable. At times, it can be unclear where Wentz’s life ends and the unnamed character’s begins.

Without spoiling the plot, the rest of the book is filled with the characters’ lives reaching their maximum potential, or maximum lows. The twist ending does not give much closure; it leaves the reader with

more of a feeling that they witnessed a snapshot of a rockstar’s messed up life, rather than the resolution to the musician’s problems.

Wentz’s unique style of writing captivates the reader, though his use of metaphors can be a bit excessive at times. Sometimes, it seems that he doesn’t know what to say and covers it up with extensive symbolism. Yet, he creates deep quotes that are sure to stay with the reader for a long time. An example of this ambiguity is found near the middle of the book, when he describes names of pills as being “sterile stops on the sterlingsilver superhighway of tomorrow.”

Occasionally, snippets from Fall Out Boy are snuck in, such as the line “I’ve got this ringing in my ears and none on my fingers,” which is almost exactly the title of a song off of their third studio album Infinity on High.

Wentz’s book is definitely worth a read, if not for its plot, then for its impressive use of language. Though the

the rock genre and her frustration.

To commence the album is the rockbluesy track “Part Heart.” Nash and Fern Ford, Nash’s drummer, use their notes and beats to create heaviness in the song that emphasizes the explosion of melody awaiting the listener.

Following “Part Heart” is “Friend,” a head nodding, catchy track that bluntly confronts her supposed “friend’s” mistreatment towards her.

Next is “Are You There Sweetheart?” which displays a slight pop sound with its own rock twist. After comes “Sister,” a completely opposite track compared to “Are You There Sweetheart?”

Nash’s voice in this track is harsher, yet the severity of her voice highlights her anger and emotional vulnerability.

The most downloaded song on the album is “OMYGOD!” for it’s lightheart-

ed lyrics and upbeat tempo. Following “OMYGOD!” is “Oh,” which features Siobhan Malhorta, Nash’s childhood friend who died of cystic fibrosis March 7.

Another noteworthy track is “Conventional Girl.” This song is not only great musically, but the lyrics are stained with poetry and self-reflection. Nash talks about how this toxic relationship is “quite challenging but now (she’s) thinking differently,” and further explains her thoughts about how to handle a similar situation.

To follow this sorrowful song is “3 AM,” a fast-paced plead with a lover, where instead of Nash’s vocal abilities overshadowing the music, her guitar skills exceed and radiate throughout.

To conclude the album is “Lullaby for an Insomniac,” where Nash only uses one instrument: her soothing raindrop voice that pours into the ears of the audi-

PHOTO BY LAUREN PRICE.

Gray explores a young rocker’s psyche. end leaves the reader wanting more, it successfully expresses a story that provides insight to Wentz’s own struggles.

Nash rebels against norms in ‘ G i r l Ta l k ’

PHOTO COURTESY OF CREATIVE COMMONS.

By Kara Phillips Staff Writer British and singer songwriter Kate Nash is back, this time with a feminist spunk to drive her and her own independent record label to control her artistry.

Rebelling against her former pop goody-two-shoes sound, her new album Girl Talk, released March 5, demonstrates her experimentation with

ence effortlessly and warms their hearts.

Even though the album is good, overall there are a few songs on the album that are not musically or vocally pleasing to the audience. One song that exhibits this is “All Talk,” a noisy, screeching melody that was only worsened by Nash’s guttural voice.

However, aside from that song and a few others, Girl Talk is a feminist fist of fury punching against her former albums, Made of Bricks and My Best Friend is You, and the woman that her old record label tried to make her be.

Kate Nash is taking her talents on her North American tour, stopping in DC at The Black Cat on March 23.

In Girl Talk, Nash defines her own artistry and emotionally purges her thoughts and feelings into every song, creating an authenticity that has not been touched by Nash until now.

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Arts

theObserver

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

‘Crew Cuts’ reveals a more mature Hoodie Allen

By Emilie Plesset Online Editor-in-Chief

PHOTO BY JULIA HEIMLICH.

ArtJamz lets creative customers enjoy socializing and drinks while painting. The new expanded D.C. location will have guided art classes.

ArtJamz’s new location makes for unique outing

By Julia Heimlich Circulation Manager In need of a fairly local getaway during the upcoming break? Grab a few friends and head out to ArtJamz, a painting studio and lounge for artists ranging from novices to Van Goghs.

ArtJamz moved to a newer and bigger space on Connecticut Avenue March 7.

The studio is run much like a restaurant, in which customers can either walk in during open hours or book a time in advance. There is also an open bar, but this does not get in the way of underage painters. The walk-in price is $12 an hour, and customers can either buy a canvas there or bring one along.

The studio’s lively atmosphere—upbeat tunes, bright colors and bubbly conversation—triggers a creative, stimulating mindset for customers. Staff members also provide the perfect mixture of guid-

ance and freedom. These staff members, or “Creative Enablers,” are primarily there for encouraging and complimenting, not taking over the brush and canvas.

“It’s the only place in the city with this kind of format,” bar manager Lauren Stummer said.

In addition to just acrylic paints and brushes, ArtJamz provides tools such as sponges, stencils and graffiti markers to add to the painting experience.

Guided art classes, the one thing the studio seemed to lack in the old location, will now be offered in the new one. These classes will be taught at designated times by artists who already work at ArtJamz.

“We are trying to accommodate everyone,” Stummer said. “Some people do want to be taught, and some just want to be in a social environment.”

ArtJamz gives children, teens and adults alike the chance to bring out their inner artist and come home with something to be proud of.

Steven Markowitz, otherwise known as rapper Hoodie Allen, stands out among past graduates from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. Since leaving a coveted job at Google, Allen’s efforts in writing and recording music as well as forming an intimate relationship with fans has culminated in the Feb. 20 release of his new mixtape: Crew Cuts.

Crew Cuts is Allen’s third mix tape and the first tape to be released after his first extended play album, All American. The mixtape is less goofy than some of his previous material—it still maintains his usual exciting and upbeat style, however. “[Crew Cuts] is definitely more musical and more mature in my opinion,” Allen said. “I think there is a genuine sentiment to the CD.” In his newest songs, Allen maintains his cool and carefree mantra, while also revealing a more sentimental and serious side of himself.

Tracks like “Let Me Be Me” and “Good Intentions” showcase Allen’s desire to rise to the best of his abilities without becoming obsessed with fame along the way.

“I wrote very much from my life, a lot about relationships and family and

the struggles and triumphs of being independent,” Allen said.

Allen reverts back to his familiar fun and upbeat tempo in his second track, “Fame is for Assholes” which features Chiddy from Chiddy Bang. However, he still sustains the humble message that is evident throughout the rest of the tape. Allen preaches a negative attitude toward fame and assures his fans that, despite his success, he still considers himself a normal person.

Allen constantly breaks the barrier between his fans and himself. He responds to fan emails, tweets daily and allows fans the opportunity to join the ‘Hoodie mob,’ which allows members access to the front rows in concerts and meet-and-greets before shows. Allen is also currently working to personally call every fan who bought All American.

While Allen has released multiple mixtapes and tracks, only All American is available for purchase on iTunes.

His other tracks are available for free download at hoodieallen.com.

“To me [Crew Cuts] is an album, but I wanted as many people to hear it for free as possible,” Allen said. “I wanted to give back to the fans who supported All American.”

Allen is currently working to release his debut full length album onto iTunes later this year.

PHOTO BY EMILIE PLESSET.

Hoodie Allen performs at the BBYO International Convention in D.C. Feb. 18. Allen has been especially keen on staying close to his fans.

PHOTO BY JULIA HEIMLICH.

Arts

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

19

theObserver

March Madness

The Gonzaga Bulldogs are number one overall with a record of 30-2, and first in the West Coast Conference with a conference record of 16-0 as of March 7. The Maryland Terrapins are sixth in the Atlantic Coast Conference with an overall record of 20-11. The NCAA Sweet Sixteen will take place March 23 and the National Championship April 8.

“Gallon smashing” is a grocery store prank in which one smashes plastic milk cartons on the floor, then plummets to the ground pretending to be hurt. The viral “gallon smash” video, though recently removed from YouTube, received over two million views. The original video starred three teenage pranksters, brothers Omar, Faysal and Zayd Khatib, who repeatedly pranked innocent onlookers.

The Observer sifts through the hype and the hip to bring you topics worth Tweeting, talking and texting about.

Bruno Mars’ new song “When I Was Your Man,” from the album Unorthodox Jukebox is an extremely emotional piano ballad. Currently number one on the iTunes top 100 chart, “When I Was Your Man” is a song worth adding to your playlist.

“When I Was Your Man”

By Madison Hurr Staff Writer

Gallon Smashing

Crazy Socks Crazy socks are hugging calves all over the country.

Whether they’re striped with clashing colors or covered in aliens, these socks are a fashion statement.

From high school hipsters to professional athletes, everyone is rocking the colorful, funky half-calves.

Clothing companies Hugo Boss, Jordan and Stance all have come out with new creative designs.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CREATIVE COMMONS.

Director Jon Chu’s long-awaited film, G.I. Joe: Retaliation comes out March 28. The film stars Dwayne Johnson (Snitch) and Channing Tatum (21 Jump Street). This Hasbro comic-based film features the G.I. Joes as they face off against their mortal enemy, Cobra (Luke Bracey, American Dream).

G.I. Joe: Retaliation

observer

Winston Churchill High School 11300 Gainsborough Rd. Potomac,MD 20854

the churchill

flipsi

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www.thechurchillobserver.com

Volume 37 - Issue 7

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

By Katie Gauch Production Editor From a young age, Austin Cole excelled in many sports. Although most students know him today as the swimming star, he didn’t always see himself that way.

Austin started swimming with a summer club when he was 8 years old, while living in Italy. After his friends persuaded him, he started swimming with a year-round swim team.

“My friends and coaches definitely played a huge role in my swimming,” Austin said. “It was my friends who first told me to swim year-round with them and then my summer team coach agreed.”

When Austin moved to Maryland when he was 9, he continued with swimming and joined the Inverness Nessies summer team and the AllStar Aquatics, where he continues to swim today. But at that point, he was still unsure whether to pursue competitive swimming or baseball.

“I had to make my decision as a freshman at Churchill,” Austin said.

“So I made my decision late winter of freshman year and chose swimming.”

From his training in Italy to the Nessies, Austin has developed into an anchor in relays and one of the leading point scorers on the CHS boys swim team.

“As a CHS swimmer, I have grown

from just a swimmer that was just barely making the postseason events to being a crucial part of the team and a leader,” Austin said.

Throughout his high school career, he has led the team to over 12 wins. As a junior at States, he won second place in 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle, and he set a state record in the 200 freestyle. This year he had similar success, winning third place in the 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle, and breaking the state record in the 200 freestyle.

“I’ve only been coach for two years, and for those two years he’s been fantastic,” swim and dive coach Brendan Roddy said. “He’s the perfect combination of natural talent, passion and hard work.”

Austin is unique as a swimmer because of his skill as a sprinter, swimming short fast distances, and his drive and passion to succeed.

“As far as his versatility as a freestyler and backstroker, he is an integral part to the team,” Roddy said.

“He also encourages and motivates teammates on deck.”

Austin has found his strength in short and intense races. His favorite event is the 50 freestyle.

“Everyone is going all out the whole race and any little mistake makes a huge difference,” Austin said of the 50 freestyle event. “Hundredths of seconds are between first

COURTESY OF CHS PARENT.

Cole currently holds the state record for the 200m freestyle. and second place or even last.”

Off deck, Austin trains vigorously, swimming an average of eight times a week and working with a specialized strength trainer twice a week. He has also trained in Florida, where he attended swim camps that videotaped underwater and critiqued strokes and turns.

“To succeed, Austin has had practice, practice, and more practice,” his mother Tammy Cole said.

Besides competing for CHS, Austin has competed in Super Sectionals, NSCA junior nationals and will swim for the University of Kentucky in the fall. Austin’s next goal is to make Olympic Time Trials for the 2016 Olympics.

“Austin loves to swim and has a strong drive to do his best,” Tammy

said. “He set a goal to swim for a Division I college and has been able to meet that goal with the University of Kentucky.”

As a captain of the team, Cole displays leadership in and out of the pool.

“Austin is an awesome person,” sophomore and teammate Colton Neubauer said. “He is always willing to help his teammates out in any situation when they need it. He always continues to cheer swimmers during races.”

Austin finished the season off strong and will miss the team next fall, but hopes to have the same success at the University of Kentucky.

“The team is great,” Austin said.

“We all get along and we all encourage each other. It has taught me a lot about myself as a swimmer and a person.”

In an end to a perfect season, the team defeated Easton, 6-1, Feb. 25.

After the game, the team erupted into chaos, most of the players celebrating their first state championship. However, it was the second time around for the goon squad, after winning their first state championship when they were sophomores.

“This was the accumulation of everything this season,” Zack Arden said. “Through our four years, this was our highlight. We deserved it.”

Zach Satin and Zack Arden were fortunate enough to share this memorable experience with their younger brothers, Phillip Satin and Jake Arden.

“It was extra special because we both won with our little brothers,” Zach Satin said. “To win like that made it an amazing experience.”

For Martin, while he is sad that his high school career has come to an end,

he is happy to come out on top.

“It felt almost surreal, like the season and game were not actually over,” Martin said. “It never hit me until recently, and when it did, the best way to describe it was definitely bittersweet.”

In the end, the team was able to accomplish more than just a state championship, setting the biggest margin of goals scored in the history of the state of Maryland throughout the season.

Despite the loss of Zack Arden, Zach Satin and Martin, as well as senior Garrett Healy, the team has high hopes for next year.

“They are going to be a young, good team if they continue the effort from this year,” Zack Arden said.

Although the team is sad to say goodbye to the “goon squad,” they will hopefully carry on their legacy in years to come.

“Losing them is definitely going to be a big loss,” junior Noah Fleishman said.

Hockey wins state championship, sets record

COURTESY OF CHURCHILL PARENT.

The three senior captains celebrate defeating Easton, 6-1, Feb. 25. Churchill hockey has won the State Championship twice in the past four years. the team for the past three years. The

By Zoe Forster “goon squad,” Zack Arden, Zach Satin Sports Editor From the start of the season, coach Ray McKenzie knew he had something special in three seniors who have led

and Connor Martin were poised to tackle their senior season, and they had one goal in mind: to win the state championship.

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Sports

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

theObserver

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEWS Boys lacrosse

Girls lacrosse

By Julia McDermott Archive Manager

By Katherine Michael Staff Writer

The girls lacrosse team had a very successful season last year, with just three losses in 16 games. The Bulldogs will try to maintain their success with the assistance of new head coach Jamie Frank.

“My goal this season is to develop team dynamics, building on successful seasons of the past,” Frank said.

The team trains Monday through Saturday, with a heavy focus on technical skills and game scenarios. Its next game is against Damascus April 4, which was one of their losses last year.

“My job as coach is to develop each individual player into the best lacrosse player she wants to be,” Frank said. “I focus on fundamentals, expand game knowledge and try to make the game fun. It’s called the fastest game on two feet, and it is.”

Boys lacrosse anticipates another successful seasonthisyearwithhopesofawinningseason.

“The boys varsity lacrosse team has very high goals for themselves after winning the regional championship in the 2011-2012 season,” senior captain Harry Criswell said. “Our

By Josh Denicoff Production Editor

The CHS baseball team hopes to improve upon last year’s 9-6 record. The team lost eight key seniors to graduation, yet has a promising young core.

“I think we are going to do extremely well this season,” senior Michael Albers said. “We lost a lot of seniors last year, but we have a lot of good juniors who came up from JV last year.”

Senior Charles DeFilippo plays at first base and is an experienced power and consistency hitter. He will be a team leader along with Albers.

“I think we are going to win states,” Albers said.

By Brittany Goodman Features Editor

Crew

By Fiona Asbury Staff Writer Although relatively young, the crew team expects strong rowers after a winter season of training. Despite losing many seniors to graduation, the team hopes to improve upon last year’s several medals at the Maryland State Championships and the DC/Maryland Scholastic League Championships. The team also had a strong showing with 13 medals at this winter’s National Erg Invitational.

According to girls varsity crew coach Cindy Cole, four out of five girls in the gold-medal

Softball

By Katie Quackenboss Staff Writer

Girls softball started off the season with a 8-4 loss at their first scrimage against Wakefield March 8.

According to senior captain Katie Jenkins, despite the loss, the team played “a lot better” than she thought they would.

Although the team lost two seniors last year, several returning juniors are step-

goal this year is to win a state championship.”

Despite losing 17 graduating seniors last year, the boys lacrosse team expects to perform extremely well. The season opening started with home game March 21 against The Heights.

“We expect them to give 100 percent effort on the field to accomplish our loftly goals this season,” head coach Jeffrey Fritz said.

Boys baseball

Coed volleyball

Combating the loss of numerous players to boys volleyball in the upcoming season, the coed volleyball team will rely on its new players.

According to junior setter Olivia Chao, the team will maintain strong sportsmanship in the upcoming season.

“The support we give each other is consistent and encouraging,” Chao said. “However there are leaders who do know how to push other players.”

Returning coach Mike Endler laid the foundation for the team in past seasons. The previous girls and boys volleyball coach will join the team this upcoming season as assistant coach.

“This year I expect our team to work together and communicate well on the court,” Chao said. “It is important to have discipline and learn to play consistently.”

21

Boys volleyball

By Caitlin Doherty Staff Writer

Hoping to improve on last season’s 6-5 record, the boys volleyball team is looking forward to a fresh start this year with a largely revamped roster and new coach.

Only four players are expected to return. Erika Eastham, who coached JV girls last season, will take over as coach.

Track

PHOTO COURTESY OF LUKE FRENTSOS.

four from last May graduated along with the rest of the girls from the girls varsity team.

However, junior Julia Taladay and the returning novice rowers will be there to lead the team.

On the boys side, there will be many returning rowers to maintain its strength. The team has also attracted enough interest that it started a waiting list due to limited space on the team bus to practices.

“We have a good team of coaches and good equipment to work with, so I expect solid performances from all our squads this year,” Cole said.

ping up and taking on leadership roles.

“Last year we were very young, so we didn’t win a lot of games, but we had a lot of players who got a lot of experience who are coming back ready for this season,” coach James Collins said.

The team had its first game March 21 at home against Northwest.

“I’m excited for this season,” Jenkins said.

“Our pitching is going to be really strong, as well as our outfield.”

“I’m looking forward to helping a new set of people,” Eastham said. “I’ve never coached boys before.”

Last year, the young Bulldogs lost some players to the co-ed squad. Among those returning to the team is junior Alex Fang.

“Coming back from last year I know we will have to train new people, but we will have a solid team,” Fang said.

The boys started the season March 21 at Clarksburg.

By Angad Kanwal Production Editor Following a disappointing indoor season, in which the team was unable to live up to expectations, the track team is working on building some momentum and chemistry for its outdoor season. Tryouts took place March 5.

“After a rebuilding indoor season, we hope to have a strong [outdoor] season,” senior Johnny Hein said. “Things look good for us after a good showing at the Burrito Mile.”

A bright spotlight is on sophomore standout David Fitzgerald, who is the most decorated runner on the squad. Fitzgerald is seen as one of the physical and emotional leaders of the squad, and his teammates look to him for guidance.

“David Fitzgerald, the sophomore distance runner, was the only boy to qualify for the indoor state meet and for him the goal is simple: a state championship,” Hein said.

Boys tennis

By Ethan Denicoff Staff Writer After finishing last year’s season 10-1, boys tennis strives to recreate another successful season with many returning starters including seniors Michael and Christopher Gauch, senior Kevin Chen, junior William

Szamosszegi and sophomore Elliot Thaker.

Coach Dave Hurless will be replacing Coach Benjamin Woods as head coach.

“Through hard work and strategy, the team has enough talent to win regionals,” Hurless said.

The first match was at home against Northwest March 21.

Arts

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Wednesday, April 3, 2013

theObserver

Israeli chain Aroma promises quality food, coffee

By Manisha Singh Online News Editor

Spring is approaching, but it might not be just the flower blossoms that brighten up everyone’s day. CHS is obsessing over caffeine—whether in the form of a sweet iced coffee or a sudden jolt of an espresso.

The Aroma Espresso Bar, which opened in Montgomery Mall in February, is an Israeli espresso and coffee chain with multiple branches all over the world and United States.

“There aren’t any surprises here,” senior and Aroma employee Alyssa Chechile said. “People come for a good coffee-drinking experience where coffee tastes like coffee.”

Aroma has been a recent fad at CHS. Students often go to hang out with friends after school, and some seniors try out the assorted sandwiches as an alternative to going to Qdoba or Subway during lunch.

“Subway is kind of plain and Aroma is an actual café that has so much more to offer,” senior Carly Gertler said. “There is tons of variety rather than just a boring sandwich and cookie.”

According to Chechile, the Iced Aroma is the café’s most popular drink.

“Every other customer orders

one even though it’s cold outside,” Chechile said. “I have to admit though, it is really good.”

According to junior Tali Preuss, the Iced Aromas are famous for their great taste even though they do not have as much caffeine in them as regular coffees or espressos.

Exotic drinks such as the Dirty Chai are

not the only delicacies Aroma offers.

“I love the chocolate croissants,” Chechile said. “They have the perfect amount of chocolate in them, and it’s good chocolate too.”

According to Preuss, students can choose the type of bread they want for their assorted sandwiches like the Mozzarella.

“It’s like a little slice of Israel right at home,” Preuss said.

Aroma is becoming a competitor with Starbucks because of the number of CHS students who have a special place in their hearts for the espresso bar. After trying Aroma in Israel this past summer, both Preuss and Gertler were convinced to check out the café at the mall.

“I would hang out with my CHS friends at the Aroma bar in Israel,” Preuss said. “You can’t go there without seeing someone you know.”

Not all students are feeling the Aroma craze, however. Senior Christopher Gauch still prefers original restaurants to the new fad.

“Other cafés like Nordstrom’s café and Corner Bakery have a slightly more upscale feel to them, and can give you more or less the same items,” Gauch said.

Regardless, both Preuss and Chechile believe Aroma offers both good quality food and coffee that few places are able to offer.

“There aren’t any surprises here— everything is natural and I think that is what makes it special,” Chechile said. “It’s a great tasting, healthy restaurant which you don’t find many of these days.”

crème brulee to a crispy peanut butter and bacon doughnut. Zeke’s has it all.

Zeke’s does not stop with doughnuts—they let you finish off these oneof-a-kind creations with their “cereal milk,” milk infused with cereal flavor.

Those offerings range from chocolaty cocoa puffs to fruity fruit loops.

This fun ‘80s-‘90s style doughnut haven is gaining popularity as people want to try something other than a simple glazed doughnut on the way to work.

It’s not just Zeke’s that is taking this fried phenomenon to the next level.

More and more gourmet doughnut shops are popping up, from Astros Doughnuts and Fried Chicken, which serves a set menu as well as a daily menu of varying treats, to GBD, short for Golden, Brown, and Delicious, as every doughnut should be, which will be on Connecticut Avenue. Both of these shops will be opening by the end of March.

All of these delicious treats warranted DC’s first annual Donut Fest, March 2 at Penn Social. The event included music, dancing,

free samples, a doughnut-eating contest and competition for the best tasting doughnuts.

Even Washingtonian Magazine is getting in on the craze. The magazine has started The Great Doughnut Derby, pitting these unique shops against big names like Krispy Kreme and Dunkin’ Donuts in a March Madness-like bracket.

With all of the progress on these sweet treats, let’s hope it’s not just a passing phase. We certainly do not want these unique and new doughnuts to go.

PHOTO BY MANISHA SINGH.

Aroma Espresso Bar offers unique drinks and sandwiches.

Doughnut shops offer fun pastry alternative

By Jane Zankman Production Editor

We thought we had seen it all, from crazy cupcakes to delicious pies to cute cake pops, but a new D.C. shop has decided to come back to the classic doughnut, with a few twists.

Zeke’s DC Donutz, which opened Feb. 21, is not your average doughnut shop. Its hip and eclectic graffiti art covering the walls signals that the doughnuts offered are anything but ordinary, ranging from a crunchy and creamy

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Monday, April 1, 2013

Features

23

theObserver

For answers check out the Observer website!

Across: 7. What does Mr. Brown eat for lunch every day?

9. What was this year’s homecoming theme?

12. What are the names of Mr. Schilling’s sons?

13. What sport did 100 people try out for?

14. What school ranks number three in the state of Maryland?

15. What team went to states this year?

16. We’re not rivals...

17. What color ribbon are we?

18. What do people do on the Canada trip?

19. What floor is Dr. Benz rarely seen on?

Down: 1. What are Ms. Hall’s cats’ names?

2. What TV show was Mr. Szafran on?

3. The scariest place at CHS 4. Who won Churchill’s Got Talent?

5. What is MCPS getting rid of next year?

6. What do we not have in the bathrooms anymore?

8. What animal does Mrs. Smith spray paint gold?

10. What type of meetings do Dr. Benz and Mr. Field have together?

11. What planet is Mr. Russ from?

13. What is the CHS bulldog’s name?

Students, National Guard clash on second floor

By Katie Gauch Production Editor Jordan Janis Fact Checker Due to excessive trash left on the second floor from lunches, CHS holds a strict policy allocating only the first floor as areas where students can eat lunch.

With students continuing to ignore the administrators and school rules, staff did not know how to enforce this important policy.

Helpless and desperate to maintain the school’s county-renowned spotless second floor, Principal Joan Benz decided to call in the National Guard.

At approximately 11 a.m. March 20, the school went into a lockdown procedure. The lights shut off, and students were required to go to their sixth period classrooms, while three sophomores were called to the main office.

After being called down to the main office, the students were taken away in a helicopter to National Guard headquarters to be questioned. Montgomery

County police were on site at CHS to ensure that the three students were transferred successfully.

According to one of the students, he liked the transfer because it was cool to be on the National Guard’s helicopter.

When they arrived at National Guard headquarters, the students were detained in a special room with bright lights and chairs with arm restraints to prevent the students from eating.

“We felt that these three students were rebellious in school, so we needed to take special precautions in the head-

quarters to be confident the students wouldn’t try something,” National Guard Officer Dave Smith said.

The students stayed in the room at the headquarters overnight. With over 12 hours of tedious thinking, the National Guard headquarters and Benz decided to suspend the three students for two months.

The students were transferred back to school around 1:27 p.m. the next day and placed in a secret detention room under Benz’s office for the rest of the day. The students will attend regular classes until their suspension starts April 10.

suspected cult after corroborating the thousands of newspapers left around the school with the testimony of victims trapped inside the room.

“I walked into their room upstairs because I had to do some homework and it looked like a computer lab,” senior Charlie Morris said. “As soon as I walked through the doorway I blacked out, and the next thing I remember I’m lying down here on a bed of old newspaper. Is that legal?”

The student also made a series of personal, and, frankly, offensive jabs at the students of the journalism program.

“They’re so high and mighty because they can get their average writing spread all around the community,” Morris said.

“But if I try to use their computers, I get intimidating glares. I’m just trying to print my Psych homework, you know what I mean?

I bet they’re misquoting me right now. This interview probably didn’t even happen.”

Many claim that disappearances around the “J” are commonplace and arise from this hostility.

“Kids, they go in there and they don’t

come out,” another student said. “I’ve got friends who tell me they have work to do and then it’s like two weeks later, they stumble back to me with beards. I’m not making any judgments, but everyone in there is strange.”

The Churchill journalism program argues that to engage in questionable behavior as suggested by the public would be ludicrous at such a successful time for the paper.

“Our ratio of grandparent readers to regular parent readers now stands at one-toone,” senior and Editor-in-Chief Stacey Stein said. “That’s a huge deal for us. And now that people are using issues as paper towels, our student appreciation is skyrocketing.”

Senior and Editor-in-Chief Spenser Easterbrook vehemently maintained the publication’s innocence.

“As an official spokesperson for our esteemed, award-winning publication, I can neither confirm nor deny the rumors the school has presented to us,” said senior and Editor-in-Chief Spenser Easterbrook. “But I can confirm that if there was a cult we would deny it. AND STOP USING OUR TRASH CANS.”

Senior production editor Angad Kanwal also spoke out.

“I mean I love cults, you know what I’m saying?” Kanwal said. “I register for all the cults. Just cause you can’t be in it doesn’t mean you have the right to flip out and get all up in our lair. You feel me dawg dawg?”

Further clarification of these statements was impossible, as Easterbrook and Kanwal suddenly drew black hoods over their heads and began muttering phrases in what appeared to be Latin.

This denial by the Observer staff is in stark contrast to the reaction of the student body to discovery of the lair.

“I knew it!” shouted one student, who again asked to remain anonymous, a common request among interviewees as soon as “J” was mentioned.

“What kind of freakish stuff do they have going on in there?” the student continued.

“What a bunch of weirdoes.”

The investigation continues as details continue to be uncovered. For now, students are advised to avoid being within 100 yards of the Journalism room.

Administration investigates elusive journalism cult

By Matt Raab Sports Editor

Endless student complaints and lawsuit threats prompted the CHS administration to investigate the Journalism program. Placement of a hidden camera in the Journalism room during “production week”—the week the staff produces the paper—revealed some shocking behavior. Discoveries of hieroglyphic markings and shackles on the walls of the Journalism classroom have created more questions than answers in relation to the cult-like organization colloquially referred to as “the J.” “This is like, weird,” said one student, who requested to remain anonymous for personal safety. “But they were going to get found out eventually. We always knew there was weird stuff going on in there.”

Suspicion of the existence of a secret organization, whose name is suspected to derive from a shortening of the word “journalism,” has been documented as far back as 2005.

The journalism room was linked to the

Volume 37 - Issue 7

Monday, April 1, 2013

Ultimate Frisbee is a real sport guys, we swear

By Matt Raab Sports Editor

Two figures flash by, sprinting down the field. The disc is launched, spinning through the air as onlookers scream, “Up!,” and “Leeeefftttt!” The players on the Cabin John Middle School field let out a collective groan as the Frisbee sails over the fence.

This isn’t a family playing catch with their dogs. This isn’t a middle school P.E class. This is the Churchill High School Ultimate Frisbee team.

“Frisbroooooooooos,” senior Johnny Hein said. “We’re just going out there and having a good time flicking the disc, you know?”

In only its third year of existence, the ultimate team has experienced identity crises, sex scandals, colonial duels, transformations, tears, cheers, good times and bad.

“I think a lot of us are just in it for the thrill of it,” Hein said. “You see that disc come floating at you and you know it’s your time, you know you’ve got to be the one to rise above the rest and make that play.”

Thus far the Frisbros, formerly known as the Discos and before that as the Frisbros again, have been able to rise above the field, through a combination of skill and literal height. The team has faced off with a wide swathe of opponents, which may or may not include

middle school and all-girl teams.

Despite this diversity of opponents, the team’s record, including a second place finish at the State Championships last year, demonstrates a knack for the subtleties of an often-misunderstood game.

“A lot of people don’t respect the game,” senior captain Evan Rheingold said. “There’s a lot of tradition, a lot of athleticism, a lot of beauty that goes into this sport.”

Perhaps the most effective way to explain the sport of the Frisbros is in terms of other sports. It starts with the power of football, minus the contact. Then bring in the grace of soccer, minus the shots and dribbling. Add in a 175 gram plastic disc and make sure the thrower knows he can’t move while he has it, and you’re on your way to ultimate bliss.

But the simplicity of the game belies its underlying complexity and strategy. A visit to any Frisbro practice will reveal a fascinating system controlling the order of the game.

Believe it or not, Ultimate Frisbree has formations.

“We really like the vert stack,” Rheingold said. “Classic mid-Atlantic offense configuration. You got your basic cycle system with the receiver option cutbacks and your safety dump, let’s you take what the defense gives you and really move.”

At its most basic level, Ultimate Frisbee is a chaotic mass of people frantically trying to free themselves from the

PHOTO BY JOE NOLAN.

The Frisbros will rely on mature, experienced seniors for a second bid at States. mob and get their hands on the disc. But the great Ultimate teams develop formations in an attempt to upgrade the chaos.

At its heart, the vert stack, a masterpiece of Ultimate engineering, is five people running in a clockwise circle while a sixth attempts to fling a plastic circle at them. It’s the beauty of small moments like these that brings athletes out to the Frisbro pitch.

“I mean we’re tossing around the descendant of a pie tin on a grass field,” Hein said. “They’re going to let that be a

sport? They’re going to have State Championship tournaments for that? I’m all in.”

Rheingold also made clear the longterm benefits of the sport.

“There’s a real application for ultimate Frisbee beyond the high school level now,” Rheingold said. “It’s getting big all over. I’m being actively recruited at the collegiate level.”

It seems that the Frisbros are more than just some skilled disc tossers.

“We change lives,” Hein said. “That’s all there is to it.”

his teaching,” Benz said. “I consider him alive. They asked me to stay, but I had to keep moving. Also, my beard’s growing to be a modern day Thoreau.”

The following is an abridged version of out nicely. I’m keeping it.

Day 3: Made it to Fairbanks sooner the journal Forney kept during his time in than I expected. My kindly demeanor and Fairbanks, AL: charisDay 1: Off to matic perAlaska with a sonality coonskin cap on must have my head, rugreassured gedly stylish but people durable boots that I was on my feet, and sincere in a hitchhiker’s my intenbackpack on my tions of back. I’m going only wantto drive up to ing to seek Juneau, give my self-actualcar to the first ization by homeless person myself in I see, and then the woods. catch rides all the Grabbed a way up to Fairmap and banks. I’ll even PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTOPHER FORNEY. figured swim if necessary; 30-degree water ain’t got nothing on me. out where I want to set up camp; should Day 2: Was walking through town and arrive at my destination in a few days. struck up a conversation with some locals. I’m not crossing any rivers—thanks for They invited me to dinner, and I met the the tip, Chris.

Day 5: Found an abandoned RV, surpriswhole family. Learned a few words in Tlingit while there, helping to keep the language ingly enough. Really nice and roomy; I’m

thinking I could have brought Meaghan and Corrina along with me. I’ve done a little bit of meditating during my time here, but I found some good trees nearby so I chopped them down and have been whittling whistles and carving out a couple canoes. I’m thinking I can row my way back to Maryland, but maybe that’s a little unrealistic…

Day 7: Still whittling and carving. Went sledding in one of my canoes today.

Day 9: Had to shoot a moose today in order to eat. Made sure it wasn’t a caribou.

The meat was good.

Day 12: Took a couple pictures of myself today so I can put them in my World History powerpoints and say, “WHOA! Who’s that good-looking fellow?” It gets the kids every time. I also made friends with a few of the bears that reside nearby, but when they tried to take my coonskin cap, I severed all lines of communication with them. Nobody touches the cap.

Day 14: Last day in Fairbanks, and it’s a bittersweet moment to be sure. I wanted to fix up the RV so I could drive it home, but my mechanical skills failed me this time.

Instead, I will be lugging my canoes with me back into the city of Fairbanks and hitchhiking my way back to Maryland. Thanks for the experience, Alaska—it’s been real.

Forney pulls a McCandless, goes ‘Into the Wild’

By Lara Fu News Editor Sonia Shekar Staff Writer

World History and Psychology teacher Christopher Forney returned to work April 1 after a two-week long trip in the Alaskan wilderness.

After talking to English teachers Jennifer Miller and Kevin Brown about Into the Wild, the Jon Krakauer novel read by AP Language students, Forney was inspired by the protagonist Chris McCandless to embark on an Alaskan odyssey of his own.

“I’ve always enjoyed spending time in the wild, and when I heard about a man who spent over 100 days living in an abandoned bus, I knew I had to try it out for myself,” Forney said. “I also needed a new story to tell my students. I was running out of teaching material.”

Principal Joan Benz was enthusiastic about Forney’s idea, and supported him by excusing his time off as an educational leave of absence.

“This enriching exposure to all things Alaskan will surely help him in

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