Volume 38 - Issue 4
By Emily Birnbaum Editor-in-Chief Ana Faguy Production Editor Junior Jackie Spang emerges from the bustle of the World Language hallway after sixth period, phone in hand. She surveys the area around her and, not detecting any nearby security guard, she proceeds to send a text to her friend. When she looks up after hitting “send,” she finds herself face-toface with security guard Jerry Combs, who is known to be the school’s most notorious anti-
A National Blue Ribbon School
Monday, November 25, 2013
phone activist. The two go through the familiar steps: he confiscates her phone and asks her to write down her name, grade and ID number. Because this is her first offense, she is able to retrieve her phone from the security office at the end of the day. If this had been her second offense, the security office would have held on to her phone until her parents came to pick it up. If it had been her third offense, she would have been required to have a conference with administrator John Taylor. The process is a hassle to student, parent, administrator and security officer alike. Fortunately, students no longer need to worry about being caught using their cell phone in the hallway between classes. “I’m glad the new cell phone
policy is in place because it was really unnecessary,” Spang said. Thanks to CHS’s revised electronic devices policy, which went into effect Nov. 4, students are now permitted to use electronic devices in between classes as well as before school, after school and during lunch. “We’re not confiscating cell phones between classes,” security team leader Terry Bell confirmed. This new policy will remove a huge point of contention between security guards and students: the fight over phone use. “I am elated; it’s fantastic,” Combs said. “Now, I don’t have to be the brunt of attitude, excuses, whining, inappropriate behavior and sometimes belligerent verbal abuse by those who feel they are above following policy and rules.” This new policy was formed based on feedback from the Leadership Team, resource teachers and departments. “We decided there wasn’t a reason not to have it in the hallways,” Taylor said. The new policy also states that teachers and instructional staff may authorize the use of electronic devices during class time, whereas before, the rules banned any cell phone use in class.
Quantitative Literacy teacher James Collins plans to use this opportunity to his advantage. “In my Quantitative Lit. class, this opens up the opportunity for me to creatively show students how to use mobile devices to access mathematical calculators and information,” Collins said. According to English teacher Haroot Hakopian, this new policy may cause confusion: students may question if they are allowed to use the cell phone in the classroom as long as the bell has not rung yet, or if they have to put away all electronic devices before entering the classroom no
To identify each grade level more efficiently and keep the instructional program cohesive, the new building is divided into three floors: sixth grade classrooms are on the top floor, seventh grade classrooms are on the lower floor, and eighth grade classrooms are on the ground floor. “The teachers can all plan together and the kids feel more like a team,” Kim said. “It really helps with supporting the students this way. ” A large part of the school is also dedicated to promoting health and fitness for students. “We have our own section of the school now, which helps us be less disruptive when going outside to the blacktop and fields,” physical education teacher Christopher Bowen said. “We now have bigger outside basketball courts, more tennis courts, a brand new weight room with a new rock wall, a dance room and a wrestling room. We also have an archery net in the gym so that we can do an archery unit with real arrows. One of the best additions for the students in physical education is built-in locks
on the gym lockers: no more lost or ‘stolen’ locks.” The school media center also saw an upgrade. “Our media center is very open,” Kim said. “When a school wants to encourage reading and literacy, I think it’s very important to make sure that the hub of it is open and inviting.” The biggest change, however, may be that the new school is now Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified, meaning it advocates going green and being environmentally friendly. According to Kim, a company is blowing dirt onto the roof in order to grow a self-sustaining tray garden with small plants. “The plants help in terms of keeping the heat in and the cold out,” Kim said. “Our heating and air conditioning is generated by a geothermal unit, so we’re not using a lot of power.” The school also helps keep local waters clean. “All the rain water runs off and goes into the ditches located around the school,” Kim said. “Under the ground, there are multiple layers of
matter what time it is. However, he believes that as soon as each teacher clarifies how he or she plans to enforce the rule, there will be no problem. Some teachers will not consider allowing electronic devices during class time. “I’m not allowing students to use cell phones in my classroom,” math teacher Curtis Southworth. “I think it’s too confusing to the students if sometimes you can, sometimes you can’t.” According to Taylor, the administration is simply trying to take advantage of the resources that students have access to.
PHOTO BY ADAM ANDERSON.
Students are now able to text fearlessly between classes.
Opinions Hidden Cost The cost of being on a sports team can be higher than expected.
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Features
Thanksgivukkah For the first time in history, Thanksgiving and Hanukkah coincide.
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material that filter the water so that when the water goes out into the stream and into the Chesapeake, it’s as clean as possible.” While many are enjoying the new school, some staff members are not happy with the way the architecture accommodates their department’s needs. “There are many parts of the design that were not carefully thought out,” said an arts teacher at Hoover, who wished to remain anonymous. “Our performing arts classes—band, orchestra, chorus, drama—are all looking for alternate venues to hold our performances since the stage built into the cafeteria is extremely small.” According to Ajamian, the building’s larger size helps unite the school and make it feel more like a family, but his favorite part of Hoover will never change, regardless of the school’s newest features. “It has never been about the building,” Ajamian said. “It has always been about the wonderful students, amazing staff, and incomparable community that work together to make Hoover ‘A School of Excellence.’”
Sports Athletes Commit Athletes agree to play for the colleges of their choice.
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PHOTO BY SAMMI SILBER.
Construction workers knocked Herbert Hoover Middle School to the ground back in June 2011, leaving only a single atrium standing. Now, two years later, the reconstruction is finished, and the middle school students finally have a new building to call their own. Former Wayside Elementary School principal Yong-Mi Kim replaced current Rockville High School principal Billie-Jean Bensen as Hoover’s principal this year. The opening of the school has led to many new changes, including a larger
building, more modernized architecture and a new environmentally-friendly plan. “The size of the building allows us to have all our students and teachers under one roof,” assistant principal Paul Ajamian said. “Staff and students are no longer required to go out to the portables during cold and rainy weather, and the computer labs, once fully operational, will be a tremendous upgrade.” According to eighth grader Hana Mangat, the new Hoover is very modern but still has a comfortable feel to it, and settling in to the building was quick and easy.
PHOTO BY FIONA ASBURY.
By Julia Heimlich News Editor
PHOTO BY D ANIELLE KIEFER.
Community settles in to upgraded Hoover building
Monday, November 25, 2013
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NHS walks to raise mental health awareness By Brittany Goodman News Editor
PHOTO COURTESY OF E-COLLABORATE.
The Civitans Club collected six boxes of used technologies during their drive.
Civitans Club sponsors used electronics drive By Emily Raab Production Editor The Civitans Club collected six boxes of gently used technology during the electronics drive that began Oct. 25 in order to aid schools lacking technology resources. CHS runs the drive through e-collaborate, a non-profit organization founded in 2010 by CHS alumna Naina Boveja. “I started e-collaborate in 2010 with the idea of connecting communities via technology,” Boveja said. “I saw how much people could benefit from technology and thought it would be a good idea to create programs that could connect people in different environments together.” Donations included headphones, cellphones, cords, rechargeable batteries and laptops. The technology collected from the drive will benefit schools all over the world. E-collaborate’s most recent donation went to the Atitlan Multicultural Academy in Guatemala, and their next donation will help students in the impoverished areas of Managua, Nicaragua. “We personally delivered smart phones,
tablets, cameras, and more to the school,” Boveja said. “The students were amazed because most of them had never seen any of this technology before.” CHS is the first school to participate in e-collaborate’s program. The program hopes to expand to other schools in the area and hold another drive at CHS in the spring. “We’re trying to do something that’s different,” Civitans Club sponsor Joan Zuckerman said. Civitans Club secretary senior Alison Lee donated technology to the drive. “It felt great because instead of throwing old stuff away, we could donate it to help other kids so they can experience the same joy and entertainment that we do when we use electronics,” Lee said. The Civitans Club does many projects throughout the year to help people all around the world. They also held a book drive this month to help kids in Montgomery County. “We’re helping people around the world with stuff we don’t need,” Zuckerman said.
Members of the National Honors Society (NHS) are striving to increase awareness for mental health during the 2013-14 academic school year. “Our main goal is to actually make a difference and to take action on issues that we feel affect our everyday lives,” said senior and NHS treasurer Shira Rodman. During first semester, NHS is focusing on Autism awareness. They participated in the Autism Speaks walk around the Washington D.C. National Mall Nov. 2 and will hold a bake sale in late November. Autism Speaks is the nation’s leading Autism advocacy and science organization. The organization is dedicated to funding research for the treatment, cause, prevention and, most
importantly, cure for autism. “The walk for Autism research on the National Mall is really an incredible event,” NHS member Amy Dalrymple said. “I have been participating in these types of walks and races ever since I can remember, and they are still so special to me. I am overcome with joy that NHS decided to make a team and walk this year because it is truly a great cause.” In addition to walking, NHS donated approximately $350 to the Autism Speaks foundation. “It was great that they could participate in a community activity outside of school, and Autism Speaks is a great cause,” NHS sponsor Jamie Frank said. During second semester, NHS plans to focus on suicide prevention. According to Rodman, NHS members are going to volunteer at the Mental Health Institute.
PHOTO BY BRITTANY GOODMAN.
NHS members took part in the Autism Speaks walk on the Mall Nov. 2.
SGA canned food drive falls short of expectations By Elizabeth Campbell Editor-in-Chief The SGA-sponsored canned food drive for Manna Food Bank, which lasted from Oct. 14 to Nov. 1, resulted in fewer cans than expected but SGA leaders remain hopeful for future events. The advertisements the SGA broadcasted on the Daily Dose for the drive ended with the statistic that, if every CHS student and staff member brought in at least three cans, the school could donate more than 6,000 cans. “Unfortunately, we did not reach our goal this year for the canned food drive,” SGA president Carly Raizon said. In the past few years, CHS averaged over 5,000 cans with a record high of mid -7,000. Junior Stasia Mculsky was one of the few who did bring in cans to her first period. “We have so much; it’s not hard to bring in a couple cans,” Mculsky said. “I’m not sure why people didn’t. It’s so easy.” Sophomore Michael Laychie felt the drive was not publicized enough, and was not even aware there was one. Raizon admits that there were some issues with publicizing the event, as the only advertising was done on the Daily Dose.
“We should have done more advertising to get the word out, and now we know better for next time,” Raizon said. Current SGA sponsor Daniel Lethbridge agrees and is optimistic for future years. “We will have to market better in the future,” Lethbridge said. “With advanced planning next year it will improve.” Former SGA sponsor Matthew Schilling believes that timing and a lack of adequate publicity were leading causes behind the lack of cans. “First period doesn’t work very well,” Schilling said. “You have to get teachers to buy in, and I don’t think first period does that; it’s too early in the morning. If you do it fourth period, it’s a little easier for people to bring stuff in.” While the SGA has no current plans for another can drive, some feel it could be more effective next time around. According to Schilling, another drive could be a good idea, especially one near winter break, when many families who rely on free and reduced price lunches struggle the most. Despite the disappointment, Raizon remains hopeful. “I am planning many more school events and hope to see the CHS community get more involved in future events,” Raizon said.
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Food Forum focuses on how to improve lunch menu By Mitra Pishgahzadeh Fact Checker
Non-profit organizations Real Food For Kids: Montgomery (RFKM) and Montgomery Victory Gardens hosted a food forum Nov. 2 for elected officials, parents and students to discuss the quality of the MCPS cafeteria food and improvements that can be made to give students healthier options. Local and national experts on nutrition and diet, food education, and sourcing fresh food for schools held presentations at the event, which was held in Silver Spring. “I believe we have a common goal: to provide the best for our students,” said Marla Caplon, director of MCPS Division of Food and Nutrition Services. According to RFKM cofounder Karen Devitt, RFKM has more than
800 members in 109 out of MCPS’ 202 schools, and are working on “transparency and communication, the elimination of harmful chemical additives, and healthier vending and a la carte options.” All foods sold in schools must meet USDA guidelines, but this does not always guarantee good quality, according to Devitt. “Just because a product meets the USDA guidelines for school food doesn’t make it a healthy product,” Devitt said. “My top three items that fall in this category are the strawberry milk, Sidekicks, and Welch’s fruit snacks.” According to Devitt, food dyes that are added to some foods and beverages like strawberry milk, Welch’s Fruit Snacks and Sidekicks, raise some issues. The dyes have no nutritional value and can affect
the social behaviors of students: hyperactivity has been observed in some students consuming food dyes. “This affects the whole population,” said Lisa Lefferts, Senior Scientist at The Center for Science in the Public Interest. “Students who are affected by food dyes are more hyperactive and can be disruptive in classrooms, and this is entirely preventable.” According to Caplon, MCPS Food Services is the 16th largest food service in the nation. “We’re always looking for new products,” Caplon said. “We are gradually trying to get rid of processed foods and looking for less processed foods to sell. We have to make sure we’re offering healthy foods to students.” There are many factors that determine what foods MCPS puts on the menu, one of which is the pricing.
“Price is the factor to menu planning, but not the determining factor,” Caplon said. According to Kathy Lawrence, director of Strategic Development, School Food FOCUS, one in every three children is overweight to obese. “Kids need better food now,” Lawrence said. “We absolutely have the power to make the changes we need. We’re looking at what are the most important changes that need to be made, and we have to make a regional approach.” Despite the long process it may require, people are determined to make a diffrence. “There are ways to improve school food and thrive financially,” Devitt said in her testimony to the Board of Education. “There is no quick fix. This is our school system, these are our kids, and this is our community. As a community, we all need to work together on this.”
kids buying apples and granola bars.” The Makuyu club raises money to help underprivileged kids in Kenya obtain better education and fight malnutrition. Last year, over a two-week span, the club used pizza sales to raise over $350 to help get kids tested for ringworm. The Makuyu club’s plans for this year are to help raise funds to remodel parts of the Makuyu Education Centre in Kenya. However, they’ve had to get creative when it comes to fundraising. The club plans on selling T-shirts and wristbands in order to fundraise and local shopping centers, but are skeptical of how well that will work. “With the T-shirts, people may not buy it, so we may lose profit,” Kossoy said. “Each day we are essentially trying to figure out ways to raise money.” The volleyball team also sold pizza to fundraise for its Dig Pink game to raise awareness for breast cancer. According to setter Danielle Firer, the CHS volleyball team raised $626 to benefit breast cancer awareness.
“I feel like the guidelines are supposed to help and they have good intentions, but they don’t really work because you can get unhealthy options on your own at the Cabin John shopping center,” Firer said. According to Firer, the volleyball team raffled off prizes such as a gift card from Starbucks, but the raffle did not raise as much money as selling pizza and other snacks. “We could go to different shopping centers and fundraise on weekends,” Firer said. “However, fundraising in schools informs students of our cause.” In school, fundraising groups can not sell Potomac Pizza or Broadway Pizza because they do not meet the nutritional standards. However, students can sell Domino’s pizza with a portion size of a one-eighth slice of a medium cheese pizza, and Papa John’s pizza with a portion size of a one-tenth slice of light cheese pizza. Other snacks that are permitted include Pop Chips, Cheez-Itz, reduced fat Doritos, Nutrigrain Bars and Goldfish Cheddar Crackers. However, carbonated beverages,
such as soda, do not meet the regulations and can not be sold afterschool.
CHS clubs forced to find new ways to fundraise By Jonathan Greenzaid Business Manager A huge swarm of students rush toward the cheesy aroma drifting from the Bulldog Lobby craving an afterschool-snack as the final bell rings. However, this aroma is now but a memory as pizza is out and healthy snacks are in. CHS is now complying with the USDA Smart Snacks in School program which will prohibit clubs and sports teams from selling some brands of pizza or other unhealthy food options that contain more than 35 percent calories from fat. These new regulations affect the fundraising goals of many clubs at CHS. “I don’t think selling healthy foods is effective to raise money because after school everyone wants a treat, like pizza or a doughnut,” CHS Makuyu club president Dan Kossoy said. “For example, people can bring granola bars from home. Pizza is spontaneous; no one could have brought a hot pizza from home. I wouldn’t imagine
PHOTO BY JONATHAN GREENZAID.
Due to new rules, some pizza slices cannot be sold after school.
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Observer Editors
Editors-in-Chief Emily Birnbaum Elizabeth Campbell Chief Production Manager Jane Zankman News Editors Brittany Goodman Julia Heimlich *Yash Nigam *Gil Jacobson Opinions Editors Greer Smith *Madison Hurr *Samantha Silber Observations Editor *Samantha Silber Features Editors Jordan Janis Jordan Maser *Ana Faguy *Alissa Li *Katie Gauch *Arjun Swaminathan Arts Editors Danielle Kiefer Julia Reagan *Arjun Swaminathan *Katie Clem Sports Editors Ben Fox Julia McDermott *Katie Clem *Emily Raab Photography Editors Michael Fox Guransh Singh Erica Spaeth Fact Checkers Sam Lawrence Ross Tannenbaum Mitra pishgahzadeh * Production Editors
Managers Advertising Manager Fiona Asbury Business Manager Jonathan Greenzaid Circulation Managers Caitlin Doherty Ana Faguy Contest Manager Jeanine Liu Public Relations Natalie Cortez Noah Salzberg Adviser Kelly Knarr
Our Policy
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. Every effort has been made by the staff to assure that the news is accurate and free of bias. Editorial opinions are those of the Observer staff, and personal commentaries and cartoons reflect the opinions of their writers. Letters to the editor must be signed, and assertions must be documented upon request. The Observer is a public forum for the purpose of expressing the views of and informing the Churchill student body.
Cell phone policy is great in moderation
CARTOON BY GREER SMITH.
pockets before entering the next class, the phones could begin to linger after the bell rings, and pop up in anticipation of the bell about to ring. Students may abuse the power to have them out and it will mess with the steady flow from class to class. Students: do not ruin this for everyone. Just as the school officials were so reasonable as to institute this new policy, they can just as easily take it away if students abuse it. Everyone must treat the rule with respect and not push its boundaries. Bottom line, these new rules allow for enough slack without the learning process being negatively affected, and we can accomplish much more.
It is a glorious time to be a student at CHS. The constricting bonds regarding electronic use during school hours have been loosened. According to the CHS website, a new policy allows students to use electronic devices between class periods and during class with teacher permission. Thanks to this new rule, security staff no longer have to stress putting phones away and can focus on more important things. According to security guard Terry Bell, administration made the decision to cut down on the number of cell phones being dealt with during the school day. Since instituting the policy, the number of phones confiscated
dropped dramatically and Bell and the other security members are free to be more present observing students and helping out around school. Students now have freedom to do what they want their free time during the school day. They can use this time to send texts to friends and make plans or listen to their iPod. With this new found freedom, students must be careful not to get out of control, however. Students can contact parents if they forgot a lunch. Students can also study notes and Quizlets for last minute studying before lunch. Students can communicate and prepare
By Noah Salzberg Public Relations Manager Danny Gordon Staff Writer
the past disciplinary are options rather other fightactions along with ing to solve a conflict. This rule completely ignores their letters of recommendation. It is at this the facts of reality, however. stage in the college In a volatile situation where application process the perpetrator initiates the where past actions, in- fight, it is more than likely cluding suspensions, that they put the victim in a could dash any col- scenario where fighting back is not only necessary, but the lege hopes. Many students say only viable option. The rule that the suspensions turns a blind eye to the victim c a n b e e x p u n g e d and leaves them in a helpless f r o m p e r s o n a l r e - situation with no other escape cords so that they do than fighting back and receivnot reappear during ing the consequences. Despite all this, proponents PHOTO BY NOAH SALZBERG. the college application process. However, this of the Zero Tolerance policy pension period or a recommen- popular belief is not correct. often claim that in order to According to Principal have a safe and healthy school dation for expulsion, are detrimental to the student’s future. Joan Benz, suspensions are environment, a set of rules If the goal is to have students kept and not expunged, re- needs to be in place that lay out the consequences to students. learn from their mistakes, their gardless of the situation. According to Benz, it is In addition, the Zero Tolfutures should not be destroyed erance Policy dictates that a i m p o r t a n t t h a t r u l e s a r e with one single action. The college application pro- student acting in self-defense established and maintained cess requires that students an- can still receive punishment so that students know the swer questions regarding past for fighting. If the school re- consequences. However, do the predetersuspensions or disciplinary ally wants to combat bullying, actions. They can either lie or students need to be able to mined consequences really fit defend themselves without every situation? There needs answer truthfully. However, what students may facing the possibility of get- to be discretion based on evnot realize is that counselors ting in trouble with the school ery situation. Yes, there are re-entry conferences and yes, are asked questions regarding and the law. According to security of- due process is practiced, but ficer Terry Bell, as soon as any inflexible guidelines are often physical contact between the used when developing the perpetrator and victim occurs, punishments. Every situation both parties will receive conse- is different and deserves to be symptoms for longer than a few quences, simply because there treated differently. weeks or months, they should bring it to the attention of their parents or pediatrician: dizziness or lightheadedness when standing, feel is faint with or without syncope (fainting), •The average number of strokes for junior golfer Luke Schapp heart palpitations, extreme fatigue, (36.83) is for 9 holes, not 18 (“Dawg Data”). low blood pressure, headaches, nausea, trouble with concentration •The total points scored for five of varsity football’s games or tremulousness (shaking). For was incorrectly reported. The correct total is 172-18, not 181-3 more information go to www.dys- (“Football stays optimistic despite struggles.”) autonomiainternational.org. Ellen Kessler, CHS Parent and Dys- The Observer apologizes for these errors in our autonomia International Treasurer October issue.
for classes where they work with other students, and lunch time plans can be arranged. In between class we have the world at our fingertips, which is a good thing; we just need to remember to respect the guidelines. As has been said countless times before, with great power comes great responsibility. We must not abuse the freedom given to us. Some teachers opposed the new rules because they thought it might lead to the overuse of cell phones in class. Rather than students taking out phones in the halls and returning them to their
BSERVER O OPINION
Zero tolerance policy is unnacceptable A student comes into school on a Saturday for Homecoming preparations and brings in a Swiss-Army knife on his keychain with his keys. Another student, completely unbeknownst to the knife owner, starts messing around with the knife and cuts himself, causing a minor wound. The owner of the knife receives an in-school suspension for following week. Is that fair? The student brought the “weapon” to school on the weekend without intending to harm anyone, yet received a suspension for someone else’s actions. The Zero Tolerance policy for MCPS, and subsequently for CHS, is unfair and unjust. The policy is in desperate need of reevaluation to fit the true reality of school life. The consequences of the Zero Tolerance Policy, which are often the maximum sus-
A Letter to the Editor To the Editor: I'd like to thank Dana Harris for helping to raise awareness of Dysautonomia (“Dysautonomia Researchers Work to Raise Awareness,” Oct. 28, 2013). POTS and NCS - the most common forms of Dysautonomia commonly strike during the teen years. The Mayo Clinic estimates that 1 in 100 teens could be affected. If a student experiences any of the following unexplained
Observer Corrections
Monday, November 25, 2013
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Jacket: $60, banquet: $20, team acceptance: priceless? By Fiona Asbury Advertising Manager
The list is up. You move your trembling finger down the alphabetically ordered names until, finally, it reaches your own. Congratulations! You are a member of a 2013-2014 CHS varsity athletic team. If making the team is not a shock for you, perhaps what comes next is. Making the team required hard work and determination, but staying on the team might require more; namely, money. The focus of athletics at CHS seems to have become more on money and less on the sports. Compared to the costs that come later, the MCPS Extracurricular Activity (ECA) fee is relatively cheap. A $30 check paid once a year at the beginning of the season, and it’s all taken care of. MCPS even offers reduced prices based on need. After all, the ECA fees are vital to the competitive athletic environment provided by MCPS by covering costs for things such as field upkeep and coaches’ salaries. It is a reasonable price to pay for a sensible cause. The sports equipment and uniforms, while expensive, are also very important. However, depending on the sport, uniforms are either bought or passed down. Equipment can also be used year after
PHOTO BY FIONA ASBURY.
The costs of team clothing, dinners and gifts can add up, making sports seasons expensive for players. year, and the CHS Booster Club supports the purchase of most team equipment not retained by students which can also cut down the cost. However, then there are the many costs students may not expect, like the clothing. Somehow, $5 puffy-painted shirts, $30 sweatpants and $80 boathouse jackets signify more than just team spirit and school-wide awareness of a big game.
Now, they are starting to become a symbol of belonging. Through matching clothes, teams are able to create unity. This is a good idea in theory, but some teams take it a bit overboard. Athletes are not required to wear the clothes, but feel obligated to if they want to truly be a part of the team. Perhaps a limit could be placed on the amount of clothing per season. After the season is over, athletes rarely wear their team attire. A banquet is a great way for the team to rehash the memorable season and draw a successful year to close. However, a team can have the same sentimental experience whether it be over a box of pizza or a nice catered meal. While finally seeing your teammates minus the sweat and mud is great, all of the fancy things that go into making the end-of-season celebration “perfect” end up just costing more money. A team will still be a team with or without all the glam. Next, there are senior gifts. Yes, the seniors have been devoted to the team for four long years. Yes, every freshman will eventually reach senior year and expect some token of dedication too, but no, some expensive mug emblazoned with “Churchill Bulldogs” is not exactly a crucial cost when it comes down to it. The seniors do deserve something to remember their high school athletic experience, but by the
time they graduate college, the CHS spirit wear is not going to be a prominent shelf decoration. In fact, it will most likely be tucked away in a box and forgotten. It saves a lot of trouble and money to do something small and meaningful rather than gaudy and extravagant. Undoubtedly, with any sport, the team becomes your social circle for one season. Bonding during practices and competitions is accompanied by team dinners and after practice hangouts. However, just $3 every Friday night for pizza starts to add up. While the concept of team bonding is a good one, perhaps there is a way to lower the costs without lowering the enjoyment, such as a parent potluck. If athletes are unable to pay for the additional costs, the team can get together to fund and support the athlete. However, this should not even be necessary as the fees themselves are unneeded. The unity that supposedly comes from sharing clothes is threatened when the costs become unattainable for some athletes. It is time for the attention to be taken away from all of the extra things, and bring it back on the athletics itself. Otherwise, the seemingly insignificant costs will continue to pile up and put a price on the concept of a team.
Cyberbulling is easy to stop, just log off By Greer Smith Opinions Editor
There is no law against being a jerk, at least there should not be. According to an April 11, 2013 Baltimore Sun article, bullying a minor through a computer or smartphone is now a criminal offense that could be punishable by up to a $500 fine or up to one year in prison. This is essentially a law against cyberbullying, but that is illogical because to some degree, bullying is just part of human nature. It is an exertion of dominance over another. While bullying may be hard to stand up to in person, bullies who use cyberbullying are much easier to ignore. Cyberbullying can be anything from a mean tweet, to gossip over texts, or circulation of an embarrassing photograph. Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and other sites have the means to block people’s accounts. If someone is sending mean anonymous messages via Tumblr, one can turn off the ability to receive
anonymous messages. On Facebook and Twitter, there are ways to report mean comments or inappropriate photos. So, keeping bullies away online is not difficult. If someone finds that the posts are overwhelming and he or she has no friends online there is another simple option: get offline. If there is no one to communicate with who is nice, why even have social media? The main purpose is communicating with others, and as sad as it is not to have anyone nice to communicate with, it’s better to just get off social media than to suffer further abuse. Another easy way for cyberbullying to occur is abuse over cellphones, which we carry everywhere. According to bullyingstatistics. org, over 80 percent of teens use cell phones which makes them susceptible to cyberbullying. If one does not give out his or her number to bullies, there is really nothing making them susceptible at all. However, if the bully is a “friend”
who already has the victim’s number, then he or she should be confronted, whether by the victim, or someone the victim could go to. Numbers can also be blocked. In an ideal world, no one would hide behind his or her computer and say mean things. However, we all know that is not how the world works, and yet many are surprised and shattered when teenagers with raging hormones and self-esteem issues are rude behind the shield of the Internet. Rather than trying to criminalize cyberbullying and bringing down the
Board as well, and has rendered improving America’s education a non-essential objective for the organization. Additionally, the time-constraint forced upon graders has made the grading criteria full of false indicators that evaluators use to determine whether the writer understood the prompt and delivered a fair analysis. While skimming, graders look for essay length and use of SAT words regardless of whether the context was appropriate. Furthermore, College Board does not value the factual accuracy of the essay. Historical references, scientific facts and even words, can be altered or fabricated to suit the writer’s intent. College Board has reduced writing, an area full of interpretation and subjectivity, to a list of keywords. Regardless of the flaws associated with the SAT essay and College Boards’ unethical grading procedures, students must learn to adapt to College Board’s new set of standards to score well. The following are some tips from the Slate article to ace the essay portion: • Fill up all the given space. On the SAT essay, quantity is given priority over quality. Use complicated words even if
you are unaware of their exact meanings. For example, never use “many,” use “a myriad.” • Do not waste time trying to recollect facts. Make them up to suit the essay because College Board does not care whether you were honest in your assertions or clung to the facts. Without question, following these strategies will produce bad writing. However, students are likely to obtain higher scores on the essay section by adhering to these tips. According to CHS College Career Counselor Luana Zimmerman, the strategies for the SAT writing component “should remain there and the principles of good writing should be used at all other times.” Despite news coverage of College Board’s unethical grading procedures, College Board maintains that its graders spend an appropriate amount of time on each essay. In an email, College Board Associate Director of Communications Katherine Levin wrote that the “SAT cannot be gamed by simply adding big words, more words or more paragraphs.” Though College Board has not
ILLUSTRATION BY GREER SMITH.
hammer again and again, those on the receiving end should stop accepting the victim status. As a culture, we are perpetuating weakness by comforting and constantly crying for those who crumble under the words of their peers. Yes, it is sad when people feel as if they are forced to extreme measures. No one should have to be teased and badgered just for existing, but at the same time if we are constantly sympathizing with these people, accepting their extreme reactions to words from ignorant teenagers as legitimate, when will it end? Instead of going after the Internet bullies, just another vast group of people who really cannot be stopped, we should take a step back and look at how much can be done to simply avoid or block them. Experiencing cyberbullying is not fun, but it is not something that has to be put up with, and if someone does not get out of the situation, there is only so much sympathy that can be given.
College Board takes unfair approach to grading essay By Yash Nigam Production Editor
The SAT is one of the main factors that affect the college admissions of nearly 2 million students yearly. However, College Board, the creator and sole administrator of the test, unfairly and hastily grades the essay portion, which often puts deserving students at a disadvantage and rewards those who performed poorly. Recent exposure of College Board’s grading methods reveal its actions to be in complete contrast with its mission statement of promoting “excellence and equity in education.” According to a 2013 Slate Magazine article, College Board’s process of grading essays is extremely profit-driven and encourages grading efficiency over honest evaluation. For instance, graders are removed if they spend more than three minutes per essay. According to a 2005 New York Times article, College Board has offered bonuses to evaluators who grade in two minutes or less. Such a grading procedure is not expected from an organization that brands itself as “not-for-profit.” The lust for profit has infected College
ILLUSTRATION BY YASH NIGAM.
The College Board graders simply scan for key words rather than paying attention to content. admitted the essay component’s flaws, it agrees that the essay warrants a revamp. College Board will reveal the new format in early 2014, which, hopefully, will be more objective and structured than the essay’s current format.
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Monday, November 25, 2013
O, Thanksgivukkah: Let’s light the menurkey! By Danielle Kiefer Arts Editor This holiday season is a once-ina-lifetime experience—and not just because of chaotic Black Friday sales. Thanksgiving and the first day of Hanukkah overlap Nov. 28, for a combined holiday dubbed “Thanksgivukkah.” “It’s exciting to have two holidays merged in one day,” senior Lauren Fineberg said. “It’s double the fun.” Thanksgivukkah has never happened before and will not likely happen again in this lifetime. The latest Thanksgiving can possibly be is Nov. 28, which is also the earliest Hanukkah can be. Because Thanksgiving is kept track of on the Gregorian calendar, which repeats every seven years, and Hanukkah is governed by the Hebrew calendar, which repeats every 19 years, the holidays should converge roughly every 133 years, according to an October 2013 Business Insider article. Though Hanukkah and Thanksgiving overlapped in 1861, about 133 years ago, Thanksgiving was not formally established until 1863. “Thanksgivukkah is really cool because it’s the first time it has happened in so many years,” senior Annie Leiber said. In addition, although the holidays should overlap every 133 years, they will not actually coincide again until the year 79811, in about 70,000 years, because the Jewish calendar is getting out of sync with the Gregorian calendar, according to
PHOTO BY DANIELLE KIEFER.
Thanksgiving and Channukah are predicted to land on the same day every 133 years, making this special holiday a once-in-a-lifetime event. the Business Insider article. Students have mixed reactions to the historic conjoining of holidays. “I really dislike how the holidays overlap this year,” junior Jackie Plesset said. “Every year, I am always so excited for the holidays because it means I get to see my family, but this year, I don’t get to visit my family again in December for Hanukkah.” Although it might disrupt traditional h o l i d a y p l a n s , Thanksgivukkah provides some unique opportunies. While Hanukkah often competes with Christmas during the holiday
season, having an earlier date gives the eight-day holiday a chance to be in the spotlight. “I’m excited because Hanukkah is earlier this year and won’t be as close to Christmas,” junior Rachel Narrow said. In addition, families do not have to stress over celebrating Hanukkah while on vacation during winter break, and students can see faraway family or friends who they otherwise may not visit during Hanukkah. “I’m visiting my family
for Thanksgiving, and we’re celebrating Hanukkah at the same time,” sophomore Mara Kaplan said. “Normally, I stay here for Hanukkah and don’t get to celebrate it with extended family.” Jewish Americans are taking advantage of this rare holiday in a variety of ways, including Thanksgivukkah-themed merchandise. Souvenir t-shirts, which can be bought online, are available for purchase, such as ones inspired by Woodstock that read “8 days of light, liberty and latkes.” Ten percent of the profits from the shirts go to MAZON, a Jewish non-profit organization working to end hunger. According to a November 2013 Huffington Post article, 9-yearold Asher Weintraub created a turkey-shaped menorah, called a “Menurkey,” and has sold over 1,500. Commercial companies are also taking part in the Thanksgivukkah cheer. According to a November 2013 Time article, Macy’s has announced that a giant dreidel balloon will be featured in its annual Thanksgiving Day Parade to commemorate the hybrid holiday. Of course, one of the biggest parts of Thanksgiving is the food, and Thanksgivukkah opens up opportunities for a whole new menu. Recipes have popped up for everything from potato latkes with cranberry apple sauce to Manischewitz-brined turkey with challah-apple stuffing. “My family will be eating both turkey and latkes,” Fineberg said. Thankgsivukkah provides Jewish people a different twist to their usual Thanksgiving celebrations. So, in the words of Adam Sandler, “put on your yarmulkes”—it’s time for Thanksgivukkah.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Observations
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Forensics team competes What’s Online?
By Sammi Silber Observations Editor
ing meets on Dec. 7 and Feb. 1. The final tournament is on Feb. 14 and Feb. 15.
The CHS forensics team, which focuses on the art of speech and presentation, got the opportunity to compete with other MCPS students when they competed in their first qualifying meet of the season Oct. 26. Junior Annie Fang placed second in the Prose Interpretation category of the meet with her performance of the short story “Dog Days” by Judy Budnitz, and she has qualified for the next round. “I am honored and very excited for what’s to come,” Fang said, “It makes me more inspired to improve my presentation skills and see how far I can go.” The team has two remaining qualify-
Features: What were your teachers like as high school students?
The Observer has received multiple awards in recognition of its 2012-2013 publications. The National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) recently awarded the Observer the All-American honor rating, NSPA’s highest achievement, with Marks of Distinc-
PHOTO BY SAMMI SILBER.
Junior Annie Fang placed second at the Oct. 26 Forensics meet.
tion for Coverage/Content, Writing/ Editing, Photos/Art/Graphics and Leadership. The Observer also has won First Place and Best Overall Publication and First Place and Best Overall Website from Baltimore Student Media; the International First Place Award from the Quill and Scroll Society, and a Silver Medal from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association.
Students qualify for exam
By Sammi Silber Observations Editor
Congratulations to the nine CHS students who qualified for the second part of the University of Maryland Math Competition Exam: Yousuf Khan Neil Luo Daniel Liuo Drew Gerber
Sports: Why CHS fans always remain loyal to the Wizards.
The Observer is updating its online content EVERY DAY! Check it out at www.thechurchillobserver.com!
‘Observer’wins awards By Jordan Janis Features Editor
@ www.thechurchillobserver.com
Aditya Dash Emily Jin Marissa Lu Aidan Gage Edward Yao
Nationwide, only 290 students qualified for part two of the exam. There were 142 CHS students who took the test, and 87 students scored at or above the median score on the test. Part two of the exam was distributed Nov. 20.
Author gives talk at CHS By Ilana Berger Online News Editor Members of the CHS community listened as Potomac parent Vaddey Ratner discussed her best-selling novel, Under the Shade of the Banyan, on Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. The Winston Churchill High School Educational Foundation (WCHSEF) was responsible for organizing the event. The foundation is non-profit and provides funds and grants for educational activities that are not funded by MCPS. According to WCHSEF chair Laura Seigal, one of last year’s board members contacted the publishing company Simon and Schuster to ask if Ratner would be interested in speaking at an event sponsored by the WCHS Educational Foundation.” Ratner’s book is an account of the tragic reign of the Khmer Rouge which resulted in the deaths of more than 1.7 million Cambodians. It is told through the eyes of a 7-year-old girl named Raami. As a survivor of the reign herself, Ratner, a native Cambodian, explained how she incorporated
her experiences and the collective memory of other Cambodians into this fictional work. The audience of about 40 also listened to Ratner read passages from the novel that captured the peacefulness and spirituality of Cambodia preKhmer Rouge, as well as the violence and emptiness that followed. “The feedback that I received from people who attended was very positive, both among people who did and did not read the book,” Siegel said. “One of the students said she wanted to suggest the book to her AP English teacher and class to read this year.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF SCOTT SELMAN.
Ratner read dramatic excerpts from her novel to the CHS crowd.
CHS honors staff members who served the US By Katie Gauch Katie Clem Production Editors
The Observer thanks all CHS veterans for their service.
Chemistry Teacher Wesley Russ Missouri Army National Guard, 1979-82
Bridge Teacher Bruce Krohmer U.S. Army, 1961-71
Chemistry teacher James Nugent Navy, 1980-2001 Haroot Hakopian U.S. Army, 1987-93
PHOTOS BY SAMMI SILBER.
Assistant Principal John Taylor Marine Corps, 1993-96
Want your event in the Observer? Email us at churchillobserver@gmail.com!
Events not to miss Tuesday, December 3
Churchill Chat Meeting Lunch
NOT PICTURED: Jeff McGowen Marine Corps
IT Specialist Robert Jones Navy, 1983-87
Wednesday December 4
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Thursday, December 12
Junior Parents College Night
Churchill Observer fundraiser
Choral Concert
California Tortilla
Auditorium 7 p.m.
Auditorium 7 p.m.
Cabin John 5-8 p.m.
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Monday, November 25, 2013
What do your Facebook “Likes” say about you? University of Wisconsin-Madison psychology professor Catalina Toma supports Spector’s thought that classical conditioning is a big factor behind why teens “like” other teen’s Facebook activity. “People like rewards, so they keep repeating the same behavior in hopes that the rewards will come in eventually,” Toma said. “Like a slot machine motivates you to spend even more—you check Facebook over and over again to see if your reward comes in.” CHS junior Abby Means appreciates when her friends “like” her activity on Facebook. “It makes me feel good when someone ‘likes’ my photo because it is like getting a compliment,” Means said.
Anxiety PHOTO BY JORDAN MASER.
Students have expectations about how many “likes” their posts should receive. By Jordan Maser Features Editor A high school student’s typical train of thought is: What’s the Psych homework— Facebook—How I Met Your Mother is on tonight—I should check Facebook—Chipotle for dinner tonight—When was the last time I checked Facebook? In today’s world, a Facebook account is pretty much essential for close communication and an active social life. Teens use Facebook to share pictures, posts and other information about their current lives in a forum for all to see. In his book Seductive Screens: Children’s Media—Past, Present, and Future, University of Maryland professor Michael Brody, investigates motives for using social media. “The main thing about Facebook is how people represent themselves and why they post,” Brody said. “Social media users say things to enhance their image and to impress other friends, and because of this, friends are becoming very important while family is becoming less important.” Facebook has also brought a whole new
meaning to the word “Like.” According to Facebook.com, by clicking on the “Like” button you are subsequently giving “positive feedback” and letting friends know you “enjoy” their post, “without leaving a comment.” But why is it that so many Facebook users seem addicted to the “like” button?
Classical Conditioning Social media users crave “likes” on their photos in order to fulfill a need for social acceptance. According to psychologist Edward Spector of Bethesda, who specializes in helping children and adolescents through therapy, certain psychological principals such as classical conditioning, learning a response to a previously neutral stimulus, are behind this craving. “Psychology has spent a lot of time studying how people respond to positive reinforcement,” Spector said. “The work of Pavlov—classical conditioning— as well as work on observational learning can be used to understand the dynamics behind people ‘liking’ things.”
According to research psychologist Larry Rosen, author of the book iDisorder: Understanding Our Obsession with Technology and Overcoming Its Hold on Us, missing out on even the most mundane events in friends’ lives causes Facebook users to be on edge. Rosen conducted an experiment in which he seized Smartphones from a large group of college students for an hour and measured their anxiety levels every 20 minutes. “Those who used their phones more often showed a dramatic increase in anxiety over an hour while those who don’t use their phones very often showed no increase,” Rosen said. “We can ascertain that it is anxiety about missing out on something important, anxiety about not being the first to comment or the first to ‘like.’”
The Celebrity Effect Many kids dream of being celebrities when they grow up—famous and adored by all. Brody has a unique theory that the need for “likes” on Facebook activity can be linked to this idea of celebrities. “Everyone wants to be a celebrity,” Brody said. “Everyone wants their 15 minutes of fame, and that is why they
post things on Facebook—because that’s where they can get it.”
The Poll Out of a poll of 20 CHS students with Facebook accounts, 65 percent of students noted that they are most likely online around 6:30 p.m., with the second most popular time frame being right after school. According to sophomore Jennie Robinson, the prime time to upload a photo or change a profile picture to allow for the most possible “likes” is “on special occasions or when there is an event,” such as homecoming. Although 85 percent of the students polled claimed that they “don’t care” about the number of “likes” their profile picture has, these thoughts are not likely plausible. According to Brody, these could be the true feelings of the students polled, but it is not likely based on developmental principles. When a group is polled together, like in this survey, poll takers are very unlikely to select different answers from the rest of the group. “If your preferences are different than someone else’s there is a conflict,” Brody said. “Everyone wants to be involved. Some want to be rebellious, but most want to be conventional and to go along with the crowd.”
Student Perspectives Although most prefer to go along with the crowd, sophomore Jason Shefferman has avoided activating a Facebook account. “People feel like you always have to ‘like’ or comment,” Shefferman said. “Emotions are a big part of Facebook, and as of right now I don’t want to be a part of it.” A major appeal of Facebook to users is their ability to gain approval from others. “A ‘like’ represents affirmation, someone paying attention to you, wanting attention—wanting approval,” Toma said. “We all want to be paid attention to, and that is why the ‘like’ button works so well.”
Monday, November 25, 2013
Features
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‘Observer’ asks cell users: “Can you hear me now?” By Gil Jacobson Production Editor
Most CHS students know the agony of having the “Sending…” bar freeze in the middle of sending someone a text from various locations in the building. In light of the revised electronic device policy that allows students to use phones in between classes, the Observer surveyed students about their cell phone provider and how many bars of service they got from different spots in the building.
Auditorium: AT&T users averaged 2.75 bars in the auditorium area of the building, with Verizon placing second, averaging 1.75 bars. “AT&T always seems to get the best service throughout the whole school, and since the hallway by the auditorium is right near the outside, it is even better,” junior Zach Silver said. However, T-Mobile users were not as lucky, averaging just 0.5 bars outside the auditorium. “Everywhere around the auditorium, there is no service at all,” T-Mobile user and sophomore Natalie Hwang said. “If you want to get service, you have to go outside which sucks if it is cold or raining. I think all of us have given up on being able to make calls when we are in that part of the building.”
Bulldog Lobby:
Science Hallway and Main Office: AT&T won outright in the science classroom hallway across from the main office, averaging 1.75 bars. Verizon finished second with 1.4 bars, and T-Mobile rounded out the group with zero. “I am actually surprised at how much service I get,” said junior Jaclyn Shin, another AT&T user. “Most of my friends get little to no service and can not even manage to send a text, so it is really nice to have great service.”
Media Center: Verizon and AT&T remained the leaders in the media center, with AT&T averaging 2.667 bars, and to Verizon 2.29 bars. “ T h e service in the media center is so good,” Verizon user and sophomore Valerie Weitz said. “It is really nice too because I can try to text my friends and meet up with them there instead of searching the halls, trying to find them.”
Cafeteria:
2.833 bars, Verizon in another close second with two bars and T-Mobile, Sprint and Virgin Mobile each averaging one bar apiece. According to junior Marti Weiner, who has AT&T, she agrees that having good service helps her easily find her friends. On the other hand, junior Crystal Mehdizadeh called her poor T-Mobile service by the social studies office “inconvenient.”
English and Art Classroom Area: Verizon and AT&T were almost even with each other in the English and Art sections of the building. AT&T averaged 2.6 bars and Verizon averaged 2.4. “ T h e service is better near the English rooms than in other places in the building,” said freshman Jack Wagman, who got four bars as a result of having AT&T. V i r g i n M o b i l e finished third here, averaging just one bar, with Sprint trailing behind with zero. Yet once again, location did not solely contribute to these results. “I have Virgin Mobile, which is a cheap service, so in school, my phone generally does not work,” junior Burke Niner said. “If I have to make a call, I normally have to go outside for it
AT&T once again averaged the most bars in the Bulldog Lobby at 2.667, with Verizon not far behind, at 2.333. “The cell phone service is always on point in the Bulldog Lobby; that is why I hang out here,” AT&T user and sophomore Andrea Mejia said. Users of other providers were again disappointed, with T-Mobile averaging one bar and Sprint and Virgin Mobile each averaging zero. “I have gotten more bars on the subway than I have in the Bulldog Lobby,” Sprint user and junior Annie Fang said.
A T & T ’ s streak came to an end in the cafeteria, where Verizon averaged 2.667 bars while AT&T averaged 2.333. Sprint was not far behind with three, followed by T-Mobile with one. “I usually have great service in the cafeteria,” said AT&T user and junior Maria Gomez-Bustillo, who averaged four.
Data from the social studies office hallway has AT&T leading with
Similar results came out of the social studies classrooms, with AT&T yet again dominating the
By Catherine Goohs Online Arts Editor
Post article, studies documented in places such as the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology and the Journal of Happiness Studies showed that grateful teens are not only happier and more positive, but also have higher GPAs, are more social and are more likely to experience greater continuous energy when playing on sports teams. A study from the Journal of Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being also found that writing out what one is grateful for before going to bed can help one fall asleep faster and can make for a better, more productive rest. According to Hartman, one can achieve a grateful mentality using several methods such as writing a gratitude journal where one jots a few things he is grateful for each day, writing thank you notes, verbally expressing one’s gratitude and meditating to focus on the present without judgment. Putting up a visual reminder, such as a Post-It note, can make it easy to remember to focus on the positives. As Thanksgiving draws near, thankful CHS students reflect on what they are grateful for. “I’m very grateful for the many opportunities I have as a student, having good teachers, friends, family,” sophomore
Hannah Wang said. “I’m also grateful for the new Pokemon X and Y game.” According to Senior Audrey Hagege, helping with Best Buddies, a program at CHS where students help students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, has both opened her eyes to what she is grateful for and given her the opportunity to receive gratitude from parents and students in the club. “Doing best buddies has made me grateful and helped me realize my own troubles in a different perspective, keeping me grounded,” Hagege said. “The parents of the students seem thankful for the small things I do in the club, and that makes me feel happy that I’ve made an impact.” Junior Antonio de Candia agrees that having a grateful attitude makes life a little easier. According to de Candia, being grateful creates a chain reaction of spreading the love and realizing that life is “groovy.” Although November is the only month with a major focus on giving thanks, it’s a good idea to carry a thankful attitude for the entirety of the year. “Expressing gratitude is a form of
Social Studies Office Hallway:
to work.”
Social Studies Classrooms:
scene. AT&T averaged an overall high of 3.667 bars, before Verizon with 2.43 and Sprint with 0.5. “The service is great up there,” junior Shreya Naville said. “I do not know why others complain.”
Why Is This? AT&T averages the most bars in every location polled besides the Cafeteria. Other providers such as T-Mobile, Sprint and Virgin Mobile generally get a considerably lower number of bars than the other two providers in each location besides the Cafeteria, where Sprint averages two bars. According to CHS IT Systems Specialist Robert Jones, cellular service quality depends on the specific cell phone provider and the ability of radio waves to successfully penetrate the concrete and other materials in the walls. One simple solution may just be to use the phone closer to a window, if possible. The provider’s tower location and signal strength also play into how good one’s reception is. “You can be too close to the tower and have the signal reception be lousy, and you can be too far away and have it be lousy,” Jones said. According to Antennasearch. com, a service which finds cell phone tower locations to help determine cellular reception, while the nearest Verizon tower is 3.74 miles away, the nearest AT&T tower is slightly closer at 2.63 miles, which may explain why AT&T gets slightly better reception than Verizon in most parts of the school. However, Nextel Communications, a subsidiary of Sprint, has their closest tower only 2.58 miles away. Virgin Mobile USA is also a subsidiary of Sprint. Nevertheless, the closest T-Mobile tower is 8.2 miles away, which might explain T-Mobile’s poor reception. According to Jones, because cell phones are wireless, service is also influenced by the various environmental factors such as other local cell phone providers, being in a building versus outside and the materials used to construct the building.
Studies show grateful outlook leads to happier life
“Thank you.” These two simple words not only make the receiver feel appreciated, but they also have a profound effect on the thanker. Studies have shown a connection between those who practice gratitude and those who live happier lives. “The trend is that people who practice gratitude show more positive emotions and better health,” said Lois Hartman, a clinical professional counselor who practices in Rockville, MD. “Such people are readier to accept happy moments and have stronger mentalities against adversity.” An experiment conducted by Robert Emmons, a lab director of psychology at the University of California, found that those who wrote down the positives that they are grateful for in their lives, as opposed to those who wrote about negative or neutral events, were generally more optimistic and happier. Not only are people happier as a result of gratitude, but they also can experience many other benefits. According to a 2012 Huffington
giving back something you owe in return,” Wang said. “When you do so, you’re showing that something someone did is meaningful and has made a difference to you, that it was worth it.”
PHOTO BY CATHERINE GOOHS.
Junior Lindsay Olan thinks about the things she is grateful for.
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Monday, November 25 2013
By Julia Reagan Arts Editor
As CHS students ring in the unofficial start
turkey dinners, coffee houses carry on the holida
drinks. From lattes to mochas to black coffee
yummy beverages, and it may be that local cof
“There are definitely some drinks that would
act,” said one Potomac Village Starbucks empl
The Observer takes a peek at what your drin
Adam Newburger Sophomore
Hot Chocolate
Sapna Basappa Senior
hot cocoa, you are a child at heart. Friends describe you
Pumpkin Spice Latte
You never spend your weekends alone, and you love to
Latte, which is celebrating its 10th birthday at Starbucks
the world. Your life mantra is YOLO, and you always
who is always up-to-date with the latest and greatest
is topped off with a swirl of sweet whipped cream, you
a cool video or new song a week before it becomes hot.
anyone’s day.
Spice Latte, you have a sweet exterior, but once you get
generally reflect people’s personalities because people tend
a little unpredictable, but that’s what makes you the
“I would think that anyone who is willing to walk into
Senior Sapna Basappa loves the Pumpkin Spice Latte
If your mouth waters at the thought of a steamy cup of
as fun loving, carefree and up for just about anything.
A beloved fall-exclusive beverage is the Pumpkin Spice
be social and spend your time out and about exploring
this year. If this is your go-to drink, you are someone
try to live in the moment. Just like your favorite drink
trends. You are the friend who will tell everyone about
are always the life of the party and can brighten up
Just like the cinnamon and nutmeg of a Pumpkin
Sophomore Adam Newburger believes that fall drinks
to know someone, your spicy side comes out. You are
to associate themselves with things they like.
perfect person to go to for a little adventure!
Starbucks and order a kid’s hot cocoa is probably living a
because fall is her favorite season and to her the drink is
carefree life,” Newburger said.
like “fall in a cup.”
“I think that this description fits my personality pretty
well,” Basappa said. “I’m the type of person who comes
off quiet, but once you get to know me, I’m a little interesting and crazy.”
Monday, November 25 2013
Features
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of the holiday season with comfy sweaters and
ay spirit with the release of annual fall-exclusive
e, students are definitely connoisseurs of these
ffee shop favorites reflect students’ personalities.
d correlate to the way different people think or
loyee.
nk of choice may say about you.
Kaitlyn Hillard Senior
Ashling Zhang Senior
Black Coffee
Salted Caramel Mocha
If you cannot live without this delectable hot
drink, you are a work-hard, play-hard type of person. You understand the importance of putting 100 percent into everything you do, but you are
If you require a daily fix of black coffee, no cream or sugar,
not afraid to treat yourself for all your effort. Like
goals are, and you are willing to do whatever it takes to reach
your favorite mocha refreshment, you know how to
you are also extremely practical and realistic. Similar to a
You like “me” time to refresh after a long week.
things that are classic and that will never go out of style.
and chocolate mix of this drink, describing it as
you are a no-nonsense overachiever. You know what your
the creamy and sweet caramel drizzle on top of
them. Success is your middle name. Although goal-oriented,
indulge and can appreciate the finer things in life.
fresh roast, you tend to be more traditional, and you prefer
Senior Kaitlyn Hillard likes the sweet caramel
Teachers never have to worry about you being tardy because your day is scheduled to the minute.
CHS students are particularly fond of the Dunkin’ Donuts
freshly brewed coffee. Many will also choose to make their
“liquid candy.”
“I like to get Starbucks as a little treat, and I
think that everyone who gets this drink does too,” Hillard said.
“So in a way, we are all the same
own roasts at home.
because the drink is fun and sweet.”
awake and tastes delicious. She consistently drank it last
the holiday joy with tons of tasty fall-exclusive
teacher Jodi Bopanna.
often correlates with its owner’s attitude. So next
stay awake, so they tend to be people who do a lot of work
you choose to order may say something about you!
Senior Ashling Zhang likes that black coffee keeps her
year when she came to school early to study with chemistry “I think that people who drink coffee tend to drink it to
and are go-getters,” Zhang said.
Local coffee houses clearly love to contribute to
drinks.
Each drink has its own personality that
time, think before you order a drink because what
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Monday, November 25, 2013
Students excitedly anticipate ‘Hunger Games’ sequel By Caitlin Doherty Circulation Manager In an intimidating futuristic dystopian society made up of 12 varying districts, one courageous girl threatens to change every thing. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, sequel of The Hunger Games trilogy, hits theaters Nov. 22 and CHS students are highly anticipating its arrival. In The Hunger Games, 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence, Silver Linings Playbook) and Peeta Mallark (Josh Hutcherson, Bridge to Terabithia,) from the solemn District 12, are awarded joint victors of the Hunger Games by creatively outsmarting the Capitol. In The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, the teens’ defiant behavior catches up with them: on the day that Katniss and Peeta are prepared to start a “Victory Tour” of Panem, they are visited by President Snow, who is angry with them for breaking the rules of the Games. He explains that their behavior has inspired rebellion within the districts. President Snow informs Katniss that he will be watching her, and warns her not to perform anymore disobedient acts. “I’m excited for the movie because I really like how The Hunger Games was portrayed by the director,” freshman Tatiana Teixeria said. “I like how the movies have a modern twist.” Catching Fire tells the story of Panem’s “Quarter Quell,” which is the same as the standard Hunger Games, only with an unexpected twist. “My expectations are higher than that of the Hunger Games,” sophomore Megan Roche said. “I think the fact that the tributes are past victors
will make it much more intense.” Katniss knows that she and Peeta will be chosen to compete in the 75 th Hunger Games and makes it her duty to ensure that Peeta becomes the Quarter Quell’s victor. “I think the relationship between Peeta and Katniss will develop more and their feelings about each other will become clear,” senior Bridget Dromerick said. “However, I think that the movies fail to represent the relationship as well as the books do.” Many CHS students are also anticipating how certain scenes will be interpreted. “I am anxious to see how they portray different scenes from the book,” senior Audrey Hagege said. “Especially the scene where Katniss loses her hearing.” In preparation for the movie, some students are planning to emulate Katniss’ effortless style. “When I go to see the movie I’m going to wear my hair in a waterfall braid,” Teixeira said, referring to Katniss’ signature hairdo. Movies based on books oftentimes exclude essential parts, change characters’ traits, and stretch a single book into multiple movies to improve profit, leading t o cr it icism fro m t h o se w h o ar e loyal to the books. Students who are fans of the books but were disappointed by the first movie are hoping that Catching Fire will outshine The Hunger Games. “I am going to the midnight premiere because I love the Hunger Games books,” freshman Lana Bedsole said. “I don’t think that the first movie was that good, so I’m hoping that the second movie will make up for that.”
PHOTO BY CAITLIN DOHERTY.
Megan Roche reread Catching Fire in anticipation of the premiere.
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Monday, November 25, 2013 PHOTO COURTESY OF CREATIVE COMMONS.
The Marshall Mathers LP II
PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKRS.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CREATIVE COMMONS.
Eminem’s eighth studio album, The Marshall Mathers LP II, was released Nov. 5. Preceded by singles “Berzerk,” “Survival,” “Rap God” and “The Monster,” it debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 and #1 on iTunes.
PHOTO COURTESY OF EMILY LAMOREAUX.
Call of Duty: Ghosts The Observer sifts through the hype and the hip to bring you topics worth talking, Tweeting and texting about. Rubber band bracelets have recently taken up residence on many students’ wrists around the school. Each bracelet is made from tiny multicolored rubber bands, which are strung together on a grid of plastic pegs called a rainbow loom.
Rainbow Loom Bracelets
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Students are flocking to theaters to view the spectacle that is Thor: The Dark World, sequel to Thor. Marvel’s latest offering premiered Nov. 8 and features the return of Chris Hemsworth as the title character, Natalie Portman as love interest Jane FosPHOTOS COURTESY OF CREATIVE COMMONS. ter and Tom Hiddleston as a changed Loki. The movie focuses on the return of the Dark Elves who attempt to destroy the universe using a weapon called Aether and Thor’s attempt to stop them with the help of Foster and Loki.
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Kanye West recently began his first solo concert tour in five years: the Yeezus Tour. Featuring songs from throughout his career, the tour kicked off on Oct. 19 and continues through Dec. 7. Kanye’s tour stopped in D.C. at the Verizon Center Nov. 21. Fellow rappers Kendrick Lamar, E-40, Travi$ Scott and Pusha T are featured acts.
The Yeezus Tour
Gamers are thrilled about the release of the 10th installment in the Call of Duty franchise, Call of Duty: Ghosts, which came out Nov. 5 for the Wii U, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The game follows a U.S. Special Operations unit called the Ghosts as they fight to liberate a post-nuclear Southwest U.S. from a coalition of South American countries known as the Federation. The multiplayer game features the return of several modes from the Modern Warfare series, including Team Deathmatch, where two teams of four attempt to take down one another 75 times; Kill Confirmed, where teams must pick up dog tags over the bodies of fallen foes, and Domination, where teams must control flag sites.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CREATIVE COMMONS.
By Arjun Swaminathan Production Editor
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Monday, November 25, 2013
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County initiative aims to resuscitate local nightlife
PHOTO BY JANE ZANKMAN.
Most stores in Potomac Village close by 10 p.m. leaving teens with little to do. The Montgomery County Nighttime Economy Task Force is working to improve entertainment opportunities for residents and increase business in the County to make it more competitive with DC. By Jane Zankman Chief Production Manager Bright lights, music, dancing and food trucks—upon reading these words, your mind probably jumped to the image of a night in New York or even downtown D.C, but the Montgomery County Nighttime Economy Task Force (NETF) wants residents to associate these ideas with local cities like Bethesda and Silver Spring. The NETF was implemented earlier this year with the mission of researching and exploring various nightlife options for Montgomery County. They also want to learn how to increase employment and business opportunities in the area. As many students have seen, Potomac and other
areas around CHS tend to shut down by 10 p.m., even on weekends, making it hard to find anything to do at night. “County executive [Isaiah] Leggett started the new Montgomery Initiative earlier this year, one of which was our task force,” said NETF chair Heather Dlhopolsky. The initiative also includes pedestrian safety and positive youth development. Since it was established, the task force has discussed and approved many recommendations to improve local nightlife from economic development to liquor control and the police station. “My main goal is to get people talking,” Dlhopolsky said. “We have a good daytime economy, but we need to improve our nighttime as well.” While the goal of this initiative is to
develop a stronger night economy, it is not all about money. “I think it would create a stronger community,” Dlhopolsky said. “It provides a sense of place.” Areas of focus include Bethesda and Silver Spring, and while they both are already filled with restaurants and shops, there is not much to do other than eat. Students at CHS agree that there is a lack of nightlife in Montgomery County. Sophomore Ashli Dove enjoys going to the mall and the movies but feels that there are no options outside of that. “If there were more options offered, I am sure more people would go out,” senior Catherine Nardi agreed. Students are not the only ones who believe that there is a lack of nighttime activities. A poll taken in August by
Council member Hans Riemer’s office, revealed that two-thirds of people under the age of 40 picked D.C. as their favorite nighttime hangout. The poll, which received 1,831 responses, also revealed that people’s main concerns when it comes to going out in the evening are quality food and parking. According to Dlhopolsky, while some of what the task force must do involves legal changes, a lot can still be done in the short term. The NETF wants to improve awareness of parking through advertisements so more people will come to Bethesda. According to Dlhopolsky, “liquor is not the most important recommendation,” rather it is “transit and safety.”
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honors of its faculty and the dollars in its endowment. It is the character and caliber of the student body. By and large, students are measured by grades. That’s why grades matter. High school grades matter to college admissions folks because they know that students who do well in high school are likely to do well in college. Now, grades may not be everything, but they are a lot. As the great philosopher Aristotle observed, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.” Your grades, then, are the record of what you have done day after day, week after week, year after year. They reflect homework, class work, essays, quizzes and tests.
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Monday, November 25, 2013
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Student filmmaker aspires to make it to big screen By Jamie Lescht Online Editor-in-Chief Chris Welch still remembers when his son Danny was in elementary school and would create comic strips using stick figures. He would draw his characters in battles or humorous situations and would even sell his drawings to his classmates. Today, Danny still loves telling stories, but has now taken his tales to the big screen. Senior Danny Welch has made a career of directing and filmmaking. He is most commonly known for his work on The Daily Dose, CHS’ daily news show and for his two short films, Cliffhanger and Abeyance. While being skilled with a camera, he had a rather humble start in filmmaking. “It was eighth grade and my friend introduced me to a simple editing program, and we used my mom’s camera,” Danny said. “I wasn’t that interested at first and made videos as a hobby. Once I got into high school, I saw how cool it was.” According to Chris, many of Danny’s first videos depicted comical situations between him and his younger brother, Andrew Welch, an eighth grader at Hoover Middle School. “I think when Danny realized he could manipulate the video clips into his own story, he got excited,” Chris said. “When he realized he could manipulate the images themselves with downloaded CGI, he got even more interested.” Upon entering high school, Danny took filmmaking to a whole new level and began writing scripts. “I just have all these ideas and I don’t know how to express it,” Danny said. “Filming is a way of telling a story
without it being boring.” For his film Abeyance, co-written by senior A.J. Coleman, Welch enlisted the help of several CHS student actors and security guard Jeff McGowan. In the action movie, ’13 alumnus Alex Bankier plays a teenager who has the ability to stop time, and is being hunted down by McGowan’s character, Mr. Boswell. “The most interesting thing was how skilled the students were at a craft that’s not common amongst most people,” McGowan said. While Danny creates a general script for his actors, he encourages open dialogue, input and improvisation amongst the actors. “The actors are really good at choreographing, and I just tell them what I want,” Danny said. “I just tell them to say whatever felt right at that moment.” Senior Tali Preuss, who also played a role in Abeyance, felt that, as a director, Danny was able to evoke true emotion from his actors. “He really knows how to get people to get into their role and how to get them to portray what he wants,” Preuss said. As graduation nears, Danny hopes to continue studying film in college. “All the schools I’m applying to have a film program,” Danny said. “Obviously, a school in California would have the best connections because of Hollywood. Honestly, I’m happy with any school as long as I can study film.” Chris anticipates that Danny will be able to pursue his passion as a career and continue to tell his stories. “My hope is that he can find a way that he can turn what he loves and
what excites him into a fulfilling and productive career that leaves a legacy that people will want to watch and will learn from,” Chris said.
the Children, an organization that helps support children in developing countries and assists in relief efforts. “I’ve heard about the organization before, so I looked into it,” Park said. “I really liked what they were doing, so I thought that it would be a good organization to donate money to.” Park relies mainly on word
of mouth to advertise to CHS students, but she also posts pictures of her shirts on her Instagram account, Tee Party By RP, which is how junior Michelle Dan learned of the company. “The designs are really creative and the shirts are well made,” Dan said. So far Park has sold only 20 shirts, but has high hopes to
View Danny’s work on his YouTube account, Dannywelchvid, or on The Daily Dose’s account, CHSDailyDose.
PHOTO BY JAMIE LESCHT.
Senior Danny Welch directs and films for The Daily Dose.
Junior starts clothing company, donates profits By Ana Faguy Production Editor One morning while walking through the hallway, you spot out of the corner of your eye a tiny tea cup on the cuff of someone’s shortsleeved shirt. You question it but move on. Later that night while scrolling through your Instagram, you see it again. This time you click on the user and it all makes sense. The tiny tea cup is junior Rachel Park’s signature at the end of her t-shirt sleeves; this year she began designing, making and selling her t-shirts to CHS students through her company Tee Party By RP. “I used to make shirts for myself, and a lot of my friends wanted to buy a shirt from me,” Park said. Park takes drawings from her sketch books and turns them into designs for her t-shirts, some of which include a tie-die Bart Simpson and a ying yang. She also allows customers to create their own design for her to put on the shirts. Once Park has the design, she prints the image out on transfer paper and then uses a heat press to transfer the design to the t-shirt. Unlike typical high school entrepreneurs, Park decided that she would donate the money she makes from the shirts to charity. “Growing up, I took water, food, etc. for granted, and I wanted to give to a charity that helps children who lack these resources and focus on helping children, because to me, a good childhood is very important,” Park said. Park chose to donate profits from her shirts to the charity Save
continue to donate as much money as possible to help improve the lives of children across the world. “I want to raise money for different charities and help those in need,” Park said. “I also hope that my company sparks some ideas for people to get involved and help those who are not as fortunate.”
PHOTO BY ANA FAGUY.
So far, junior Rachel Park has sold 20 shirts. She plans to donate all the profits to Save the Children.
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Concussions: The not-so-hidden danger of cheerleading By Elizabeth Campell Editor-in-Chief Fans sitting in the stands at football games often hold their breath after a big hit or hard fall on the field by a player covered in protective gear, but few worry about the athletes being thrown in the air across the track wearing nothing but a ribbon on their heads. According to 2012 report from the American Academy of Pediatrics, cheerleading accounted for 65 percent of all direct catastrophic injuries to young female athletes, and according to an Aug. 8 study from the Journal of Pediatrics, many of these athletes often fail to accurately report their injuries. Many of these injuries are concussions, which can jeopardize athlete’s standing as students as they are forced to miss school time and can have memory issues. “My coach does her best trying to prevent them but sometimes no one can help it when a girl accidently comes down and hits you and you get a concussion,” senior cheerleader Gina Biciocchi said. “You just have to keep your eyes open and be ready.” On CHS varsity cheer, six out of 27 cheerleaders received concussions this season. When a girl practicing a flying stunt fell on senior Mara Zankman’s neck, she was hit with enough force to cause Zankman to sustain a concussion. According to Zankman, though there are adequate safety rules in place, “girls who are flying should be more cautious” when they fall. “I think enough is being done to prevent concussions,” Zankman said. “They have a lot of precautions.” These precautions include a new mandatory baseline concussion test
for all Montgomery County athletes, new return-to-play processes (which emphasize coaches monitoring athletes as they gradually return to play) and the requirement that coaches annually review the MCPS Concussion Plan. “I think that it’s been very effective,” said Dr. William G. Beattie, director of MCPS system-wide athletics. “We’re going to continue to monitor the effectiveness of our plan. We’re always evaluating.” MCPS also goes beyond the National Federation of High Schools Spirit Rules Book with an MCPS Cheerleading and Pompons Handbook that details even more specific safety guidelines, such as a “way-back” spotter. MCPS also has 10 judges at every cheer competition with two devoted to safety alone. “I feel that our cheerleading program emphasizes the safety of our studentathletes at the highest level,” Montgomery County athletics specialist Jeff Sullivan said. “MCPS has provided safety mats for schools, so that all MCPS high schools have mats to use when conducting practices. Additionally, the MCPS competition will be conducted on a full competition 42 x 42 mat for the first time this year. I am excited about the new changes that we have implemented for this year.” However enforcement of these guidelines does not come from the county level but rather relies on each school’s administration and athletic director. CHS athletic director Scott Rivinius declined to comment for this story. Montgomery County has started a new system for tracking concussions by having each athletic director report concussions seasonally. These new guidelines, which put a focus on athlete’s safety, have already proven effective in dropping the number of injuries to cheerleaders. “There were a lot more concussions last
PHOTO BY ELIZABETH CAMPELL.
Those who are flyers or back spotters are especially susceptible to concussions. year,” Biciocchi said. This decrease may also be due to new coach Margo Hopkins. Though she declined to comment, many cheerleaders believe that her style and new stunts make cheer safer than previous years. “The stunts aren’t too hard this year, but it’s better that way because this way
we can be more precise and hit all of our stunts without a problem,” Biciocchi said. Unfortunately a cheerleader sustained a severe concussion on Nov. 14 before the squad’s Nov. 16 competition, causing the team to have to scramble to get their routine ready in time.
By Guransh Singh Onlines Opinions Editor
team’s argument that the name is part of its heritage is similar to saying to the Native American people that their pain has less worth than football memories. Though NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell seemed open to discussing a name change, the Redskins’ owner, Daniel Snyder, has taken a stubborn approach to the matter. According to a May 10 USA Today article, Snyder said that he will “never” change the name. Even though other sports teams have racist names, such as the Cleveland Indians, the “redskins” term is a racial slur. If even a single person or group is offended by the name, it should not be perpetuated by a multi-billion dollar industry. Many news outlets such as the San Francisco Chronicle and the Monday Morning Quarterback of Sports Illustrated, along with a host of other independent writers have already protested the use of the name by refusing to write or use the name. As fans of the local team, we should s u p p o r t t h e s e writers’ initiative and encourage a change away from the racist name. Some people may not consider the Redskins n a m e to be the most important issue pertaining to Native Americans, but changing the name is a step in the right direction in amending all of their past grievances.
Redskins name sparks debate among students By Ben Fox Sports Editor
It is incredible how in modern America, a simple name can cause one of the greatest controversies in Washington sports. The name “Redskins,” and its perceived derogatory connotations toward Native Americans, has led to a recent surge in calls for change by the media, despite team owner Dan Snyder’s declaration that the name will stay as is. Many prominent sports journalists and media personalities in the past few months have come out in favor of changing the Redskins name, including the Washington Post’s Mike Wise and NBC Sports’ Bob Costas. The debate over the name even led to an Oct. 30 meeting between NFL executives and representatives from the Oneida Indian Nation to discuss potential action against Snyder for his decision to keep the name. Despite all the talk about the apparent racism of the name “Redskins,” an important component of the debate has been lost: modern conditions are terrible for Native Americans, and they will remain that way no matter what Washington’s football team is named. According to spolightonpoverty.org, a website dedicated to provoking national discussion on poverty in America, over one in four Native Americans live in poverty, and close to a third do not have health insurance. These important concerns have seemingly nothing to do with the name “Washington Redskins.” Changing the name will not make the statistics any better, and will not make the lives of Native Americans any better. Any impact the name has on Native Americans’ self-es-
teem will be overwhelmingly negated by the lack of opportunities, history of alcohol abuse and insufficient primary education that often comes with life on the reservations. The Redskins debate simply serves to make media personalities feel as if they are making a difference, when in reality the impact of changing the name would likely be nonexistent. Another factor to consider is whether the majority of Native Americans care about the name at all. According to a 2004 poll performed by Annenberg Institute, only 1 in 10 Native Americans polled were bothered by the name of Washington’s football team. The biggest opposition to the Redskins’ name has often not come from Native Americans, but sportscasters and journalists of other ethnicities. While some tribes, such as the Oniedas, have made clear their opposition to the name, the Annenberg poll makes clear that not all Native Americans share that same hostility. The issue of whether the Redskins name is a slur may be debated, but the fact remains that changing the name will not change the fortunes of Native American youth. Until the horrendous conditions of Native Americans in this country are changed, there are more important things to worry about than the name of an athletic team in our nation’s capital.
FACE
If a team was named the Blackskins, the N-words or the Wetbacks, millions of people would be offended. The name seems so offensive that no one would ever dream of using it—but someone did. For Native Americans, “Redskins” is the equivalent of the N-word. Currently, NFL player Richie Incognito is being slammed by people nationwide for his use of the N-word. It is totally unacceptable to use the Nword, but somehow the name “Redskins” has slipped through the cracks. Some people may contend that the name “Redskins” has existed for so long that there is no point in debating it now. However, it is never too late to right a wrong. Tradition is a senseless reason to stick with anything that is no longer relevant or appropriate. It is the explanation offered for ideas such as refusing to support marriage equality or keeping women out of allmale venues. Tradition is not an adequate reason to ignore a name and its connotation. According to a Nov. 5 Washington Post article, D.C. Council member David Grosso believes that the
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Monday, November 25, 2013
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Hockey hopes to repeat State Championship win By Michael Fox Sports Photo Editor
The varsity hockey team started off it season on a good note, making a statement to the other teams in the league as they beat Richard Montgomery 10-0 in the season opener Nov. 11. This win is a strong start for the team which became Maryland state champions for the 2012-2013 winter season after defeating Oakdale High School, 6-1, Feb. 22. This triumph is one they hope to repeat as they have dedicated themselves to workouts and practices in the preseason. “We trained for a good amount of time,” sophomore left wing Mark Weinstein said. “We started practices in order to work on our conditioning, chemistry and to get an idea of how to get back to the state championship.” Although little improvement is needed on varsity hockey’s undefeated
season last year, the team does need to fill spots on its roster. “We don’t have [2013 alumnus] Zack Arden anymore, who was our star center, so an equal contribution from everyone will be important, and people will have to step up to the challenge,” senior center Connor Liu said. A large part of the team’s success can be attributed to the team’s work ethic. “We had a lot of good players who enjoyed playing together, playing hard for one another and who were smart, unselfish and dedicated to winning championships,” coach Ray McKenzie said. The team must stay focused and prepare themselves for every game as their state title has made them the team to beat. “No one is going to take it easy on us this year, so we have to keep working hard and improving every week,” McKenzie said. “We need guys to step up and become leaders and take on the responsibility of being great.”
PHOTO BY MICHAEL FOX.
Sophomore Markus Hurd has a shutout against RM when the Bulldogs won
JV football provides strong future for varsity team By Ben Fox Sports Editor
Though the 2013 season has ended in disappointment for varsity football, the future is promising, as many young players are looking to step up for the team next season. As with every year, the end of this season leads to the departure of current seniors, and the addition of talented freshmen and sophomores who will try to make an impact on varsity. According to junior lineman Andrew Marders, rising players will need time to adjust to the challenges of varsity before they can play to their full potential. “I think most of the players on JV will perform well on varsity, but they have much to learn before they will be ready to suit up,” Marders said. The JV football team has seen great triumphs in the past few years, including an undefeated season last school year and a 3-5 record this season. Part of what makes JV such a success at CHS is the groundwork
laid by coaches in building excitement for “The JV team has succeeded because of joining the varsity team. our coaches and [because] the players have “Obbonded reviously ally well,” the comMiller said. petition T h i s is lower, lack of a but we strong prepare b o n d , our JV coupled kids very with a well,” slew of varsity injuries to lineman star playAli Kaers such ziminas junior PHOTO BY MICHAEL FOX. p o u r running s a i d . Marquette Lewis rushes against Gaithersburg Oct. 11. back Blake “They Dove, led come in excited and focused. They play as a to a disappointing 1-9 finish for the team and unselfishly, and you couldn’t ask varsity Bulldogs, who failed to make the for more as a team.” playoffs for the first time in two years. According to sophomore JV quarterback “We are a very young team,” KazimBrett Miller, the team has done well recently inpour said. “Our starting quarterback because of its strong team chemistry. comes at the start of tryouts and that
chemistry is missing. Most schools have all summer to bring it all together and we are asking a bit much of a sophomore, [recent transfer Sean Strittmater], to come in and take us to playoffs.” Though JV’s main purpose is to prepare athletes for the pressures of varsity, in many ways the experiences are completely different. “You play on JV and you enjoy every second of it purely because you are playing the game,” Marders said. “Once you get to the varsity level everything is heightened, there is more pressure to perform, more competition and more challenges that arise. It is how you face these challenges that determine how the team does and who you are on the inside.” Like every year, the Bulldogs will begin their offseason workouts, and rising players will begin to prove themselves to varsity coaches. Though the team will face challenges, it is clear that there will be an abundance of talent to help them succeed in the future.
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Volume 38 - Issue 4
By Caitlin Doherty Circulation Manager Since its start in 2010, CHS’ only river-bound sport has consistently improved, and this year the crew team participated in the Head of the Charles, the largest regatta in the world. “At the Head of the Charles we beat four other boats from very competitive rowing programs from high schools all over the country,” senior captain Abby McClive said. This season crew participated in four regattas, beating more boats from other schools in the region than they had in previous years.
Junior Hayley Keats By Julia McDermott Sports Editor
Volleyball
By Katherine Micheal Staff Writer
Girls volleyball ended their excellent regular season with the team’s first Division championship title since 1986. The girls dominated with a record of 14-3, but ended their run into the playoffs with a 1-3 loss Nov. 8 in the Regional Finals against rival Wootton. “I am so proud of how far we’ve come, and I have a great feeling about how far we are going to go,” junior captain Sara Chang said. The opportunity to finish their CHS careers on top was apparent for many seniors on the team. “It is senior year so it was obviously a big season,” senior captain Meral Culver said. “A lot of other teams knew CHS was a force to be reckoned with and was strong as a one unit.” After a successful season, the Bulldogs look forward to next year’s team, despite the loss of key seniors Fanny Chen, Katherine Liu, and captains Olivia Chao, Hillard and Culver to graduation. “JV has some solid players with a lot of potential, and I know that they will improve in the off season,” Chang said.
Field Hockey
Boys Soccer
PHOTO COURTESY OF TOMMY MENGUCCI.
Senior Nathan Ferdowski By Katherine Michael Staff Writer Boys soccer finished its season with a record of 10-4-1 after losing to Richard Montgomery Oct. 26 in the first round of playoffs. “We were one of the best, if not the best, teams in the county throughout the entire season, but really got unlucky during our first game of the playoffs,” senior captain Tommy Mengucci said. The team performed very well in their own stadium with a record of 5-1-0 for all regular season home games.
Junior Carly Kabelac By Caitlin Doherty Circulation Manager The field hockey team lost to Wootton 5-1 in the second round of the playoffs Oct. 28. “Wootton was a really talented team,” junior midfielder Dani Weinberg said. “We left everything on the field and played as hard as we could.” Star player senior right forward Clare Nolan scored four goals over the course of the season, each a game-winning goal. The team finished the season with a 10-4 record, attributing its success to a close team bond. “Our biggest strength is that we get along really well and listen to each other, even under pressure,” junior captain Carly Kabelac said.
By Julia McDermott Sports Editor
Sophomore Luke Schaap By Julia McDermott Sports Editor
The golf team had eight golfers qualify for States including sophomores Luke Schaap and Adam Gray, who placed third and sixth, respectively. The boys team finished second in the state overall to rival Wootton. On the girls side, junior Eunbbie Kim and freshman Sheila Gaur tied for second place at the district competition. “The strength and depth of the team, along with the friendships that grew within the team and with other school’s golfers were our strongest aspects,” head coach Mike Fisher said.
Girls Soccer
Sophomore Nicole Brodkowitz By Katherine Michael Staff Writer Girls soccer ended its season 12-4-1 Nov. 1 after a regional semifinal loss that ended in penalty kicks against Whitman. Overall the Bulldogs performed well and as a result had an excellent winning record, including an exciting playoff win against B-CC, who hadn’t lost to anyone in the postseason for six years. “Something that we always pride ourselves on is having such an amazing soccer program,” senior goalie Tania Mamdouhi said. “Every year, regardless of who graduates, we always have a very skilled and competitive team.”
Cross Country
Junior David Fitzgerald By Julia McDermott Sports Editor
PHOTO COURTESY OF MOCO RUNNING.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JOCELYN KELLEY.
After a series of many strong matches under the guidance of new head coach Megan Lee, the girls tennis team ended its season at counties with a 6-1 record to finish second in its division. “We had great captains this year in senior Megan Le and junior Katie Gauch,” Lee said. “ All of the players made it to the semifinals of the county tournament, and juniors Sriya Movva and Haley Keats finished second in the regional doubles tournament.
Junior Sara Chang.
Golf
PHOTO COURTESY OF BUCK PHILIPS.
P H O T O C O U RT E S Y O F K AT I E G A U C H .
Tennis
Golf
PHOTO COURTESY OF LUKE SCHAAP.
Fall Sports Recap
PHOTO COURTESY OF SARA CHANG.
PHOTO COURTESY OFWES KOSOVA.
Crew
Monday, November 25, 2013
The cross country team gained late season momentum to perform competitively in the county, regional and state meets. The girls team finished with a record of 3-2, with a fourth place finish in the region, which advanced them to states, where they finished fifth. Junior captain Lucy Srour and freshman Julia Reicin were the key runners, placing 13th and 24th in the state, respectively. “The team had so much energy and spirit this year,” Srour said. “ Junior captain David Fitzgerald lead the boys team this year, and was the only male runner to represent CHS at states, placing 28th.
See Football recap story on Page 17
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Sports
theObserver
Monday, November 25, 2013
Hashem commits to dive at Northwestern By Dana Harris Online Features Editor Her hair is tied back into a tight bun. Effortlessly, she jumps in the air, performs a few twists and barely splashes the water. Another successful dive. Senior Mashal Hashem recently committed to Northwestern University for the women’s swim and dive team. “I feel that the stress has been lifted off of me,” Hashem said. “Now I can solely focus on schoolwork and diving.” Hashem has been a member of the swim and dive team since her freshmen year. Last year, the Gazette
named her to the prestigious second team in the county. “I find her very grounded, honest and she pushes herself,” swim and dive coach Brendan Roddy said. “Above all, she is very humble, and I have a lot of respect for her.” According to Hashem, diving in college has been her primary goal the past few years. However, the preparation for diving has not always been so easy. Her practices and conditioning occur six times a week, 30 hours of which take place in the pool or in the weight room. “I cannot wait to join the Northwestern Atmosphere,” Hashem said.
PHOTO BY SAMMI SILBER.
Senior Eric Brodkowitz will continue to play for the Bulldogs when he pitches for the Yale University baseball team next fall.
Brodkowitz commits to play baseball at Yale By Sammi Silber Observations Editor The pitcher stands on the mound and looks up at the scoreboard. The team is up by one in the bottom of the ninth, and he needs to strike out this batter to win. Senior pitcher Eric Brodkowitz locks his eyes back on the catcher. Blinking twice and taking a deep breath, he grasps the ball in his hand and winds up his throw, launching the ball toward the plate. The batter swings but misses as the ball flies into the catcher’s glove. The Bulldogs have another win under their belt and as they all celebrate. With outstanding games throughout his high school career,
Brodkowitz has worked hard on the field and has found his way into Yale. “It was not hard [to decide],” Eric said. “I am very happy, and it felt like a perfect fit.” Eric committed to Yale University to pitch for the Yale Bulldogs. Coming off three great seasons, Eric is ready to take the field for one last season at CHS and continue to improve his game. According to baseball coach Scott Blackwood, Eric’s “leadership” and “calmness” make him the “true gamer” and great player he is today. “He will continue to get better,” Blackwood said. “He has the tools to make it professionally in baseball.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF MASHAL HASHEM.
Mashal Hashem dives a handstand flip at a meet at the University of Minnesota. She will dive for Northwestern in the fall.
She’s as cool as ice: senior skater dominates the rink By Elizabeth Campbell Editor-in-Chief
PHOTO COURTESY OF LAURA BRETSCHER.
Bretscher competes in the 2013 South Atlantic Regional Championship in North Carolina where she placed tenth.
She takes a deep breath before skating onto the ice. She already had 20 minutes of warm-up time on the ice followed by 30 minutes off it with her coach. Other girls have competed ahead of her but she didn’t care; she was in her own world listening to Phantom of the Opera to calm her down. After five minutes of skating around, she takes her place. The music starts, and this artist begins her masterpiece. Senior Laura Bretscher has been iceskating recreationally since age 3 and competitively since age 5. Her parents encouraged her to do a sport, and Laura decided she wanted to follow in the footsteps of her sister Samantha Bretscher, CHS ‘11 alumna. “My sister and I did everything together so, following my older sister’s guidance, I wanted to skate with her too,” Laura said. Laura practices at the Cabin John Ice Rink five to six days a week for at least two hours at a time. “On a few Fridays, on the days I feel my practices are going better than usual, I add on a third hour,” Laura said. Cabin John Ice Rink is the same rink where the CHS ice hockey competes and while there is a friendly relationship between both groups of skaters,
there is still tension over treatment of the rink space. “We complain that they take all our ice time during the fall and create annoying ruts in our ice, but they also argue that we have annoying music and make gaping holes in the ice,” Laura said. Despite the ruts in the ice, Laura still manages to produce a killer routine that has earned her spots in competitions across the nation, such as one in San Jose, California. These competitions are always stressful for Laura’s mom, Lisa Bretscher. “It’s like sitting on pins and needles because a skater has only one chance to do her program in a competition,” Lisa said. “Laura is always relieved and happy after a competition because, whatever happens, she knows she worked hard and did her best. She always put her heart into it, so she never feels she did not give it her all.” While Laura has taken part in over 140 competitions, her favorite was not one she competed in but one she coached for. “Coaching for Special Olympics would have to be one of the best things that has happened to me
because of skating,” Laura said. “I started coaching my student, Megan, who was very shy and timid about her skating. I’ve been coaching her for three years, and I’ve seen her develop into this amazing, outgoing, confident girl. It’s amazing to share your passion for something with other people.” Laura also loves some of the other benefits of ice skating, such as the dresses and being able to pick out her own music, which has ranged from simple violin pieces to the theme song from Game of Thrones. “It’s so fun because it’s all about expressing yourself and learning what new style of choreography you want to learn,” Laura said. The cathartic element of ice skating is also a big draw for Laura. “It’s one of the few sports where it’s healthy to take your frustrations out on since we’re kicking the ice the entire time,” Laura said. Laura is still thinking about new tricks to do while simultaneously finding ways to joke about ice skating. “If Blades of Glory was realistic, I would love to learn an iron lotus,” Laura said.
Sports
Monday, November 25, 2013
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theObserver
Winter Sports Previews
Boys Basketball By Jonathan Greenzaid Business Manager
PHOTO COURTESY OF ALLEN NJUMBE.
Senior guard Allen Nujumbe will be a key player this year for the Bulldogs.
Indoor Track
The boys basketball team, led by first-year head coach Robert Bean, looks to start off the new season strong after finishing with a record of 18-6 last season. The team will rely on senior guard Allen Njumbe after the graduation of forward Bryant Wheatley and guard Dominique Williams, who led the team in total points last season. “We need to improve on the defensive side of the ball,” Njumbe said. “We will be able to put up a lot of points, but we have to stop the other team as well.” According to Bean, his goals this season are to “ensure that my boys are having fun playing the great game of basketball, create some excitement among the CHS community, and implement a new system of basketball that is different than the previous system.” Bean plans to keep his “new system” a secret until the beginning of the season.
Swim and Dive
By Julia McDermott Sports Editor After last year’s second place finish for the girls and ninth place finish for the boys at Metros, swim and dive hopes to continue its success this season. All-American swimmers seniors Alicia Tiberono and Emily Andrews, junior Elaina Gu and sophomore Hannah Lindsey, as well as Metro champion diver junior Kali Becker and state champion diver senior Mashal Hashem will lead the team for the girls. The key returning swimmers on the boys side include state champion seniors Har-
rison Gu and Kevin Gu. “The most exciting part is all the new kids we have returning from last year and trying out this year,” head coach Brendan Roddy said. Wootton will be one of the toughest challenges on the girls side, while Blair and Richard Montgomery will be the boys biggest competition. Roddy’s goal for the girls is to regain their Metros title from 2012 and for the boys to get back into the top five. “Our team has experienced such success throughout the years, and this upcoming year should continue that legacy,” Roddy said.
PHOTO BY GURANSH SINGH.
Senior Andrew Zohore will be a source of continuity for the young team. By Caitlin Doherty Circulation Manager The indoor track team expects to rank high in the region this year. The team has many runners returning, and members are hoping to perform well in the events they led last year. The team is planning to rely on junior star runner Lucy Srour, who returned from a knee injury earlier this year, to take the lead for the girls. “Last year our 4x800 meter relay fin-
ished third in states,” head coach Scott Silverstein said. “All the girls in that relay are returning this year, and they have the potential to do really well.” Last year the track team finished strong, with many events qualifying for states, and a few qualifying for the prestigious Penn Relays. “One of our goals is to have as many events as possible qualify for Penn relays,” senior Jessie Weinreich said. “We also are hoping to keep up with competitive teams like B-CC.”
Wrestling
PHOTO BY DEB LINDSEY.
Junior Elaina Gu is an All-American swimmer and leader of the team.
Girls Basketball
PHOTO BY ELIZABETH CAMPBELL.
Senior Ashlee Zhang will be an experienced leader for the team. By Ben Fox Sports Editor The girls varsity basketball team looks to return to the playoffs once again after its first round defeat last season. CHS went 17-6 in the regular season and dominated with winning records both at home and away. The success of the Bulldogs largely comes from their core of young players who have
had varsity experience including juniors Jupria Karim-Duvall and Isabella Wu and sophomore Nicole Brodkowitz. According to head coach Katelyn McMahon, seniors such as Alex Votaw and Ashlee Zhang also provide leadership and experience to the team, leading to great expectations for the upcoming season. “We have a small, but dedicated senior class,” McMahon said. “Senior Alex Votaw is a strong leader for the team and was an excellent defensive spark for the team last year. She has also improved her offensive skill set and shooting range, which will definitely help the team this year.” AccordingtoVotaw,theteamneedstowork on making sure that “everyone feels involved,” and increasing team spirit. If they can accomplish this, there is confidence within the Lady Bulldogs that the team’s strong team chemistry can help lead them to a deep playoff run. “I think we could be at least the regional champions,” Votaw said. “Our team will have a lot better team chemistry this year because so far everyone is getting along really well.”
COURTESY OF DAVID GROCE.
Junior Giulian Groce hopes to do even better in this year’s season. By Jordan Janis Features Editor After a difficult 2012-2013 season with a record of 4-10, the wrestling team is preparing for its upcoming season. Wrestling coach and physical education teacher Timothy Lowe has high expectations for the season. “Last season we had a list of unfortunate situations and injuries we had to overcome,” Lowe said. “That’s all in the past, and this year we have an experienced team with a lot of depth that is determined to succeed.” Lowe’s goals for the team this year include winning the division title, which would be the first time since 1998, and placing in the top four in the region to earn a spot in the re-
gional duals and have a chance at the regional championship. According to senior Hunter Sutton, who won two state championships prior to being injured before last year’s championships, the team goal is to be first in the county. “I’m excited for the upcoming season because I think we’re going to have a good team,” Sutton said. “I’m also excited to get back on the mat after missing the last half of the season year. Key wrestlers this season will be Sutton; regional and state qualifiers juniors James Kalvritinos and Guilian Groce, who also placed fourth in the county tournament, and senior Zach Raizon. Their first match will be at B-CC Dec. 7.