Volume 38 - Issue 3
Wednesday. October 23, 2013
A National Blue Ribon School
We are family: Benz establishes Sister School in China By Elizabeth Campbell Editor-in-Chief
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rincipal Joan Benz established a Sister City Partnership and an exchange program with China’s Xi’an No. 1 Middle School on Sept. 18 as part of MCPS’ County Executive Isaiah Leggett’s China Trade, Education and Cultural Mission Trip. The trip included over 80 MCPS officials, including Superintendent Joshua Starr, who toured multiple Chinese schools and historical sites. Despite it being called a middle school, the Chinese students are the same age as CHS students. The program will include a student-teacher exchange program, a possible focus on a scientific research project and the encouragement of Internet communication between students. “We’re hopefully going to start this spring when Churchill students could go to Xi’an,” Benz said. “When students go to Xi’an, they would either be staying in the school dormitories or with those families, and they would be going to school with those families, so it would be a full immersion program in all facets, not just education.” Benz would first consider
PHOTO COURYESY OF XI’AN NO. 1 SCHOOL.
Principal Joan Benz and Xi’an No. 1 Middle School’s Principal exchange a flag to promote a sense of unity at the Sister School program official cermony. students currently enrolled in Chinese classes for the exchange program. According to Chinese teacher Yih Lee, who will most likely go with the students to China in the spring, the program is an excellent learning opportunity, and her students are very excited. “Students will get to use their language outside of the classroom, which is the greatest thing they can do when they are
learning a language,” Lee said. “We see it in the book, but now we get to see what they actually do every day and see the language and culture in action.” More than just enriching the Chinese curriculum, Benz plans to expand the Chinese courses CHS offers and encourage all CHS feeder schools to start Chinese programs. “I do want to talk with some of the other elementary school
principals about starting Chinese, and I want to increase excitement about China,” Benz said. “Right now, we don’t offer level one or two, and if you haven’t taken it at middle school, you can’t start it, and that’s too bad. I think students should have the opportunity to learn the language.” In addition to supplementing the Chinese program, Benz hopes to incorporate all aspects of the student experience that make up
CHS including the athletic teams, actors, and musicians. “We’ve talked about athletic teams doing some sort of exhibition soccer games or having instrumental kids come here or there, or putting on things such as mini plays or doing some performances together or instrumental concerts,” Benz said. Benz also hopes that Xi’an students will be able to visit CHS in the fall to experience American school traditions such as homecoming. Senior Jennifer Holstein, who spent her junior year at a Chinese high school for an exchange program, sees this new CHS program as a great opportunity for other students to immerse themselves in the culture and promote mutual understanding. “I think that Dr. Benz setting up an immersion program at Churchill would be an incredible opportunity for our student body to develop a new perspective of the people in the world around us,” Holstein said. There is currently no timeline for how long the program will run, but Benz hopes to keep the program going for as long as possible. “I want to keep the program up forever,” Benz said. “I feel that Chinese is the language of the future.”
CHS ranked No.1 in MD USDA limits snack for third consecutive year options after school
Whitman’s music video to Katy Perry’s “Roar” celebrates their fundraising success for cancer research.
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Opinions Miley
Miley is creating a movement, not making a mistake.
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ILLUSTRATION BY GREER SMITH.
MCPS announced it would be following the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) new Smart Snacks rule, which limits items to 230 mg of sodium and caffeinated sports and isotonic beverages to high schools only. The milk, fruit juice and water rules will remain in schools. According to the MCPS website, the rule is in an effort to promote and maintain a healthy school environment. Schools must also follow the new nutritional requirements for foods sold 30 minutes after school lets out. This new regulation will affect CHS students who rely on the vending machines and pizza sales to provide them with after school snacks for sports
Sports CHS alumni
The Observer follows the athletic careers of several CHS alumni.
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and other fundraising. Several CHS clubs and honors societies rely on pizza sales for fundraising. “It will adversely affect us because that is a main source of how we raise our money,” senior and Science National Honors Society member Matthew WestonDawkes said. Despite students’ disapproval, the rules have nutritional benefits that teachers and parents appreciate. “The new requirements by the USDA are to improve diet and overall health of American children,” school nurse Deborah Stapleton said. “The rules will benefit CHS students by limiting foods available for purchase to those that meet the new nutrition standards.”
PHOTO BY ZACH KABELAC.
News Whitman Roars
By Ana Faguy Production Editor
PHOTO BY JULIA REAGAN.
CHS has done it again— landing the No.1 school ranking in Maryland for the third year in a row. According to the report by U.S. News and World Report, CHS ranks as the best high school in Maryland against the 240 other charter, magnet and public high schools in the state. CHS placed 52 nationwide. Schools were evaluated on AP performance, the student-teacher ratio, and how students performed in the state’s math and English exams. At CHS, 92 percent of students participated in APs with an 84 percent passing rate. According to the report,
CHS’ college readiness index is 85.6 out of 100. The 111 teachers at CHS play a significant part in the school’s success with the 19 to 1 student-teacher ratio. “I really like that teachers make themselves so available to help students and are willing to sit down and work with them until they master the course material,” senior Wing-Mei Ko said. The other aspect of the Maryland ranking involves English and Algebra scores, measured by student High School Assessment results. Ninety-seven percent of CHS students are proficient in English with 64 percent being advanced. Ninetyseven percent are proficient in Algebra with 68 percent being advanced. PHOTO COURTESY OF YOUTUBE.
By Natalie Cortez Public Relations Manager
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
News
theObserver
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Council member proposes ‘Auntie Mame’ director minimum wage increase begins working with cast
PHOTO BY GIL JACOBSON.
The current minimum wage is $7.25. By Gil Jacobson Online Breaking News Alissa Li Production Editor Montgomery County Council member Marc Elrich (D) proposed Aug. 29 to raise the minimum wage to $12 an hour throughout the county, an increase of $4.75 from the current $7.25 an hour. “This is a modest step toward raising wages to the point where people can be self-sufficient,” Elrich said. According to Erlich, in order to be self-sufficient, a Montgomery County single adult would need to earn $17.07 per hour, a family of four with two adults would need $19.62 per adult an hour, and a single adult with one child would need $30.59 an hour. Democrats, including President
Barack Obama, have already made efforts to raise the national minimum wage to $10 an hour. According to Elrich, $10 “is a national number,” and “the cost of living in the D.C. Metro area is significantly higher than in most of the country.” Since many students work jobs throughout the school year or over the summer, raising the minimum wage can add a few extra bucks to students’ savings accounts. According to Yuen, while making a little extra money would be nice, that is not the only reason she is in favor of raising the minimum wage. She also sees how it would help families in need in the area. Some CHS students who work under the minimum wage also support the idea of raising it. According to senior Alex Votaw, raising the minimum wage would help out full-time employees who really need the money. However, not everyone supports this increase. According to US Representative Andy Harris (R-MD), by raising the minimum wage, small business owners would be unable to hire as many employees as before. Nevertheless, according to Elrich, this bill would apply to all Montgomery County businesses, but he is willing to hear any changes people may have while it undergoes the legislative process. “There is a rising tide of activism, a new awareness, that low wages have a significant negative impact on our society,” Elrich said. “It is time that we reassert the principle that an honest day’s work should beget an honest day’s pay.”
By Gil Jacobson Online-Breaking News CHS continues to make sweeping changes across its performing arts department due to various position openings. The administration has filled former drama teacher and director Lynda Scionti’s teaching position, begun rehearsals for Auntie Mame under new direction and hired a stage director for Auntie Mame. “The future is bright and with our new staff members, I think they’re going to bring a great deal to that stage, and I’m excited,” Principal Joan Benz said. CHS recently hired Scott Courlander to fill Scionti’s position after Scionti resigned in mid-September. Courlander will teach Theatre 1, Theatre 2, Film and TV Production. Courlander studied acting at The New Actor’s Workshop in New York and became involved with the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre before returning to Maryland and beginning his own theatre company, Red Knight Productions, in 2011. According to Courlander, he is most looking forward to cultivating “a strong theatre community” at CHS. Courlander has also been hired as the director for Auntie Mame. While rehearsals began under new director Pamela Bilik, Bilik resigned during the Oct. 3 rehearsal. According to stage manager junior Jackie Spang, “logistic issues and artistic differences” contributed to Bilik’s resignation.
Courlander is happy to step into the director role. “I’m looking forward to getting my hands dirty and getting to know the kids,” Courlander said. Meanwhile, CHS has also hired Choral Music teacher Matthew Albright as the stage director for this year’s fall production, Auntie Mame. Albright will focus on providing a creative space for the performing arts, emphasizing the social and interactive aspects of the arts. Albright is also the director for Blast 25 and still in the process of putting together his creative team. He is optimistic about this year’s production of Blast 25. Despite all of the drama surrounding the performing arts at CHS, Benz remains optimistic regarding its future. “We always have great productions,” Benz said. “The community is very supportive and enthusiastic about each of our Churchill musicals or drama productions.”
PHOTO BY GIL JACOBSON.
Courlander directs cast members.
Whitman fundraising Board considers closing video makes CHS roar school for Muslim holidays By Julia Heimlich News Editor Emily Raab Production Editor
PHOTO COURTESY OF WHITMAN SGA.
Whitman’s video received over 76,000 views and 1,188 likes on YouTube. By Guransh Singh Online Opinions Editor The Whitman Vikings recently roared their way to over $91,000 in funds last school year to help fight cancer, making Whitman the number one fundraising high school during the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s High School Challenge. Over the course of five days this year, the Vikings made a video of the entire school and over 1,900 students performing Katy Perry’s hit song “Roar,” which has received over 76,000 views on YouTube and has gained popularity among CHS students. “We wanted to include this accomplishment in the video as well as the cancer survivors that grace Whitman’s halls,” said senior and
soloist Madison Walser, who is featured in the video. “We wanted to take this opportunity to make sure our school spirit was displayed as accurately as possible, and to make sure everyone knew that the Whitmaniacs are as good as it gets.” Katy Perry recently held a national competition in which any high school could submit its own two-minute rendition of “Roar,” for a chance to win Perry performing at that school. Whitman was one of the many high schools in the country to participate in this competition. “It would not have been possible without our entire student body who came out to film the video, and our amazing principal Dr. [Alan] Goodwin for allowing us to participate,” Walser said.
In an effort to promote religious equality for both teachers and students, the Montgomery County Public Schools Board of Education is considering closing schools for Muslim holidays Eid-ul-Fitr, the ending of Ramadan, and Eid-ul-Adha, which marks the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. According to an Oct. 14 CBS Local article, since the ‘70s, MCPS has been unique in giving days off for Jewish holidays, and now many Muslim community members are pushing for the same treatment. “There would have to be a study, probably over a couple of years, to determine whether there will be an impact, so they would have to take attendance throughout the years,” said Towson-based lawyer Rochelle Eisenberg, who specializes in education and employment law. “If
PHOTO BY JULIA HEIMLICH.
Holiday Eid al-Adha was on Oct. 15.
you have a large number of teachers who are out and sufficient substitutes aren’t available, it would make an impact, and if the school is empty of students, it would make an impact.” According to a Sept. 18 Gazette article, both holidays count as non-testing days for all students and excused absences for Muslim students in the county. The MCPS Board of Education is in charge of making the county’s final decision, and during the process it considers the absentee rate of teachers and students on these two holidays. The school calendar may have to be extended if MCPS were to have more days off. “They would have to look at what it would do to the total school structure, but certainly I would support it because it would be equitable,” Benz said. Junior Yasmine Kehnemouyi, who celebrates both Muslim holidays, feels they should not go unrecognized in the county. “I typically take school off on Nowruz (Persian New Year), and it would be great for the school system to acknowledge this holiday and allow me to enjoy it without worrying about what assignments I am missing,” Kehnemouyi said. According to Benz, the Board is looking at the proposal from every angle. “Any time anything comes up, there are pros and cons: people speaking for, and people speaking against proposals,” Benz said. “I think everyone would certainly support that there should be equity, but they have to consider what it’s going to do to the schedule.”
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News
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
theObserver
Cell phone use while driving is now primary offense By Michael Fox Sports Photo Editor
The Maryland legislature’s new cell phone policy prohibiting the use of any hand-held cell phone while driving took effect Oct. 1. The previous law stated using a cell phone while driving was a secondary offense, meaning an officer needed a primary offense such as speeding or running a red light in order to pull the driver over. However, the new law allows police officers to pull drivers over and ticket them if they see them using a phone while driving. According to the Maryland Department of Transportation website, the new law prohibits all Maryland drivers from the use of a cell phone “without a hands free device while operating a motor vehicle in motion on a street or highway.” The bill came in the wake of increasing teen cell phone-related accidents. According to the Maryland Department of Transportation website, the National Safety Council estimated 1.6 million crashes a year or about 28 percent of all crashes occur due to
cell phone use while driving. With technology’s increasing accessibility, some people feel this law will
be negatively received by teens. “I would think that students would be against the law because they would be the
law breakers for the most part,” security team leader Terry Bell said. Bell’s concern may be justified as teens are proven to be more likely to check their phones while driving than adults. According to the Distraction.gov website, 25 percent of teens respond to a text message at least once every time they drive. Twenty percent of teens and 10 percent of parents admit to having texting conversations while driving. However whether this new law will deter students is uncertain. “I think some students will hear this and if they ever use their cell phone, they will think again because they will become paranoid and have to be aware if there is an officer around,” senior Nicole Weltmann said. “However, other students will continue to use their cell phones and it won’t have any effect.” However, Senior Shannon Baarman feels the law will be more effective. “It will force people to be more focused on the roads and less on their phones,” Baarman said. “It will have a larger impact on Churchill students and there will be less cell phone related accidents.”
school day by 30 minutes. Although Principal Joan Benz is “withholding her opinion,” about the change in bell time she believes that “students would be more actively engaged in their learning in their earlier classes if school started 50 minutes later.” According to Starr’s report, this decision is in the best interest of the students, as proven by extensive research from MCPS specialists that proves young adults are not getting enough sleep, making this a public health and safety issue, in Starr’s opinion. MCPS plans to gather extensive input from the community and study all aspects of implementing this recommendation before coming to a final
decision. Any changes in the bell times would not take effect until the 20152016 school year at the earliest. “There are many issues that have to be looked at in depth before a decision can be made by the Superintendent and members of the Board of Education,” Benz said. Some of these issues include considering how a school day that ends later would impact athletic programs or how the bell change would impact MCPS financially. Twenty-five out of 30 CHS students surveyed by the Observer believe that implementing a new bell schedule would allow them to be more equipped for school and stay focused longer. “I think that it is an amazing idea
because high schoolers have to deal with a lot of stress from homework, extracurricular activities and the college application process as well,” senior Allie Curwin said. “A later start time would allow students to get more sleep and perform better at school.” According to the Oct.1 Montgomery County Educational Association (MCEA) statement in response to The Bell Times Report, the challenge the community faces is whether it can expand instructional time for students, expand the curricular choices, and increase the planning time teachers need to implement the new curriculum. “Research supports that high school students achieve at higher levels with later start times,” Benz said.
PHOTO BY MICHAEL FOX.
1.6 million crashes a year occur due to use of cellphones while driving.
Starr recommends later start time for future school years By Brittany Goodman News Editor
When the current sophomores are seniors, they may be sleeping in an extra 50 minutes each day. The 2013 Bell Times Work Group Report was released Oct. 1 along with a recommendation from MCPS Superintendent Joshua P. Starr that MCPS consider pushing back high school start times by 50 minutes and extending the elementary school days by 30 minutes. The changes Starr hopes to make include moving high school start times from 7:25 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. with an end time of 3 p.m., have middle school days from 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and extend the elementary
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The Churchill
Opinions
theObserver
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
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 *Alissa Li *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 *Madison Hurr *Emily Raab Photography Editors Michael Fox Guransh Singh Erica Spaeth Fact Checkers Sam Lawrence Ross Tannenbaum * 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.
CHS: It’s time to show more spirit
CARTOON BY GREER SMITH.
CHS was yet again ranked the number one high school in Maryland based off reading and math scores, college readiness, and student-to-teacher ratio. Yet, despite our high standings, we rank low when it comes to widespread school spirit. If someone were to walk into a CHS classroom and ask for a show of hands of how many people had school spirit, maybe five people would raise their hands. What is even worse, however, is the only slightly higher number of hands that would go up if someone were to ask if we should work on having more school spirit. According to a recent YouTube video, the second best school in the state, Walt Whitman, has plenty of school spirit. Its students put together a lip-synch video to Katy Perry’s “Roar” about how much money they raised to fight cancer, and it featured an abundance of student participation. According to senior Kerry Billings, CHS could never do a similar video because the students lack the spirit and unity. CHS students work hard and the school sets an atmosphere where
academics are crucial, which is good, because school is for learning. Sometimes, however, students and teachers focus too much on getting that A. There are over 2,100 students trying to get through these halls every day, all learning and working for our future. Yet, instead of uniting from time to time, we all just stay focused on beating each other on the next test. Students spend too much time studying or worrying about their numerous AP classes. Sometimes, they need to just take a break. Instead of forming an environment where kids want to have fun together, we form an environment where students are constantly competing to be the best student. Kids have come to consider cheating part of the culture because the appearance of academic success is paramount to them. The stress on academics and the competitive nature of students are not the only things holding CHS students away from spirit, it is also the cliques. According to senior Hayley Mulhern, the school is very “cliquey” and it has come to the point
where kids just accept it because of fear of trying to break boundaries that seem set in stone. In the Whitman video, students from all different teams, clubs, and cliques came together to show off their Whitman Pride. Not everyone is going to hang out with everyone. Not everyone is going to get along, but at CHS, there are known friend groups, exclusive Homecoming groups, and other barriers between students. During school events, these different cliques often celebrate amongst themselves, rather than uniting. If students only care what their friends are doing, then why would they get excited for school events? Instead of accepting the cliques or spending all their time working, students should take some time to unite as a school. Rather than having half-hearted displays of acceptance of the fact that we go to CHS, students should be bursting with pride. According to junior Katie Kidney, it is not that we have no school spirit, the school has actually come
BSERVER O OPINION
together recently when students united in the aftermath of Evan Rosenstock’s passing last May. Kidney said that people base spirit on trivial things, like who wears leg warmers to represent the ‘80s on decades day. In some ways she is right, but other times, our showing of pride is dismal. No more should we have pathetic student sections at any sport, even if we are not winning. Freshman Sofia Bruno was really excited for her first football game, but it was a letdown because no one but some upper classmen seemed to care at all about the game. We should be proud of all our athletes, coaches, and student performers and the fact that they represent CHS. We should show support. Students should be able to proudly say, “I go to Churchill.” The students should want a sense of school pride, because in a way we are all in the same boat. We are all kids trying to get through high school and enjoy doing it. We have a great school. We should show it at every school event and proudly wear our CHS garb. “We are Churchill!” Shout it with pride!
COSA policy unfair to Immersion students By Fiona Asbury Advertising Manager
The Board of Education (BOE) ended the period of public comment on the proposed changes to Policy JEE, Student Transfers on Sept. 30. The proposals include making middle school students reapply for a Change in School Assignment (COSA) in order to remain in their cluster and clarifying the definition of sibling and the language of COSA for siblings whose brother or sister attends a magnet or special program. It also includes requiring students who receive an approved COSA to attend their new school for one year before being eligible to play sports. It will not impact transfer requests for this school year, but would begin in 2014-2015. While the BOE has yet to decide whether it will accept these changes and which students will be exempt from them, the fact that they are even considering it is ridiculous. Under this new policy, there would be a stricter deadline and fewer groups would be exempt from having to prove a “unique hardship” in the transition from middle school to high school. Immersion students, especially the Chinese Immersion students at CHS, should be exempt from these changes and not have to apply for a COSA that should be guaranteed. The Immersion program at-
PHOTO BY FIONA ASBURY.
Sophomore Callen Frillman’s home school is Northwest, but in order to continue with Chinese he now attends Churchill. tracts many students because it gives them a chance to start a language at a young age and follow it, ideally all the way through high school. If students are turned away from the opportunity of continuing their Immersion education, they could be turned away from reaching the highest possible level in that language. If an Immersion student manages to obtain a COSA, there still remains the issue of sports. Many Immersion students are athletes who want to play on their high school team. With the new changes, they would be forced to wait a year before becoming eligible. A year is unnecessarily wasted time.
With each proposed change, the BOE targets problems it found in the county, such as overcrowding; however, Immersion students do not fit into any of these categories. By proposing an increase in the strictness of the COSA policy, the BOE is trying to combat overcrowding and uneven districting.
If the BOE feels that the student population is unevenly distributed, they have a say in the districting and can easily create more even school clusters. Some Immersion schools are overcrowded, and the BOE believes turning away Immersion students could fight that, but just a handful of Immersion students does not make an entire school overcrowded. The BOE also wants to put an end to the recruitment of high school athletes. While admirable, this is somewhat impossible as the BOE really only has jurisdiction over MCPS. Athletes can come from out of state or county, and the BOE cannot do much about it. Additionally, high school athlete recruitment is not a big enough issue in the Churchill district to make an innocent group of students suffer. If the BOE chooses to accept all proposed changes, it not only limits the possibilities for Immersion students, it also limits the amount of people in MCPS willing to take risks with an uncertain outcome.
Observer Corrections
• The picture of athletic director Scott Rivinius was incorrectly
credited. Caitlin Doherty was the photographer. • The website for entrepreneur senior Nick Cohen was misspelled. The correct web address is www.paddleboardnick.com •The Observer apologizes for these errors in our September issue.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Opinions
theObserver
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Miley smart to ‘Start All Over,’ reconstruct image By Julia Reagan Arts Editor Everyone at CHS is talking about Miley. Students are blowing up their social media sites about her new suggestive look, risqué “Wrecking Ball” music video, raunchy VMA performance and magazine cover, claiming Miley has fallen apart. But at least people are talking, and Miley has recently received more attention and media than any other current celebrity. CHS, it’s time to stop criticizing Miley. She has been trying to alter her persona for years now, so it is time to accept her as a new woman. Her transformation began when she performed her hit single “Party in the USA” while dancing on a stripper pole at the Teen Choice Awards in 2009. It continued when she was caught smoking a bong filled with the psychedelic drug salvia in 2010 on her 18th birthday. She then chopped off her beautiful brown locks for a platinum pixie cut in 2012, and ever since has been unrecognizable. Fans, including CHS students, should not expect Miley to be the same girl she was seven years ago. She has matured since her days of playing Hannah Montana on the Disney Channel, which she began at age 13. Like any other adult star, Miley should not be tied down to the person she was as a child. Students need to recognize all that she has accomplished since Hannah Montana and should not dwell on the past.
Miley’s performance of “Blurred Lines” with singer Robin Thicke at the 2013 VMAs sparked excessive criticism from students, focusing on her scandalous outfit, obscene gestures with a foam finger and twerking. While it may have been inappropriate for younger children, the performance was a smart move for Miley’s career, producing 306,000 tweets per minute. Can anyone really criticize Miley for a performance that created more tweets than the Superbowl blackout of 2013? As they say, any publicity is good publicity. Miley, a 20-year-old woman, is also taking advantage of her awesome body and expressing her sexuality. Other stars like Jennifer Lopez and Lady Gaga have also performed while scantily clad and did not receive anywhere near the amount of criticism Miley has. In fact, that same night, Gaga performed her new single “Applause” wearing a barely-there white bikini and received little attention. Miley has also received negative attention for her “Wrecking Ball” music video, which has received nearly 200 million views on YouTube. The video features Miley swinging on a large pendulum completely naked except for a pair of Doc Martens. People are too busy criticizing the inappropriate video, however, to appreciate the meaning behind Miley’s lyrics. Listeners can hear the pain and sadness in her voice and sympathize with the feeling of losing a love, if they would just give it a chance and not simply dismiss the song because of its sexual imagery.
PHOTO BY JULIA REAGAN.
Miley maintains that she is creating a “movement,” not making mistakes. Although critics may claim that it is Miley’s fault for distracting viewers with her nudity and preventing them from hearing the deep lyrics, she is just exposing her vulnerability and being open with both her feelings and her body. Miley has also recently been criticized by students for her appearance. However, with her signature photo-op face and scandalous outfits, she is clearly trying to portray a new, carefree look. According to her interview with Rolling Stone, Miley sticks out her tongue in photographs because smiling is too cheesy and she feels empowered when she does not follow the crowd by smiling in pictures. Like any other celebrity, Miley is trying to create her signature style.
The singer, who considers herself a “semi-nudist,” has also been getting negative feedback from her Rolling Stone cover, on which she is completely nude and sports only gold jewelry and heavy eye makeup. Miley is simply exposing her new look and attitude to the world. Making the cover of Rolling Stone is a big accomplishment, and people should give her a break. Miley Cyrus is a smart businesswoman and she is clearly acting in this new way to get attention from the media. She is no longer the blonde sweetheart she played on the Disney Channel seven years ago. Everyone needs to accept that Miley is a new-and-improved woman. She can’t stop and she won’t stop.
According to an August 2013 CNN article, school staff tell students that 60 percent of a little girl’s life threatening seizures were those who tried marijuana would go on to stopped by the use of cannabis oil, the essence do cocaine. The statistic is actually 60 percent of the of those marijuaw h o na plant smoke in liquid before form, age 15, put in a n d her food. though It saved that is her life. the age Stuof many dents do freshnot hear m a n , many t h e y of these should facts in PHOTO BY GREER SMITH. m a k e h e a l t h CHS health classes overuse dishonest scare tactics. sure stuor from dents unschool nurses. They instead hear lies. derstand the facts. Adults cannot just edit It is understandable that teachers would statistics to scare students; they have to tell want students to avoid the drug. It is ille- the truth. gal. It has been associated with drop outs, There is also the issue that marijuana decreased memory, respiratory problems, and cocaine are not similar. The relationand lowering of IQ by up to eight points ship between people who use marijuana when teens start heavily at a young age. going on to use cocaine is a correlation, However, deceiving kids with propaganda but it does not prove causation. They are to keep them ignorant is not the way to go. two entirely different substances, and At freshman orientation this year, I heard using cocaine after using marijuana is
a personal decision, not a consequence. The staff then told students that smoking marijuana was more likely to cause lung cancer than smoking cigarettes. This is false. According to a June 2013 Huffington Post article, studies so far do not suggest an increased rate of lung cancer for those who smoke small amounts of marijuana or smoke it moderately. Studies are not out on those who smoke it heavily. It is not proven to cause lung cancer, and school officials should not be telling students it does. Students need to stop being deceived. We are in high school. We deserve to know the truth. Yes, there are negative consequences to marijuana, but there are also positive aspects, which is why it is being considered for legalization. According to a May 2013 article on cbslocal.com, recent studies show that Marijuana can raise one’s metabolism, so losing weight is easier as well as improve the body’s control over blood sugar level. Come 2016, several of CHS’ current students being fed this propaganda about marijuana will be the ones voting on whether to legalize it. Students should know what they are voting for. Ignorance is not bliss. We need to educate young people so they may make their own intelligent life decisions.
that teachers, students and parents all use the same two-lane road to get to CHS. No matter whether you go by a bus, bike or automobile, Gainsborough Road is a mess in the morning. In my opinion, however, it is by far the worst for those who have the responsibility of driving themselves to school. What makes matters more difficult is that there are only two possible entrances to the senior lot. The entrance to the staff lot, which is next to the senior lot can act as a short cut to the senior lot but is heavily guarded by a CHS security guard who only allows teachers in. The second entrance leads to both the senior lot and the student drop off lane, causing both parents and seniors to cram into the same one-lane road.
ous drivers often clog up the lane and prevent more cars from getting through. This can easily be fixed by painting a dividing line between the two lanes. Like the entrance to the teacher lot and the “A Lot” on the other side of the building, the senior lot also would benefit from a security guard to mediate traffic in the morning. A security guard could help to prevent impatient drivers from cutting in the lane and creating traffic, and would also make sure that people who should not enter the lot do not enter the lot. It is worth it to students for the administration to fix current parking issues. Students at CHS are stressed enough as it is, and having to wait a lifetime simply to get to the building is one problem that could be easily avoided.
Teachers must lift haze on marijuana education
By Greer Smith Opinions Editor In school there are certain phrases students hear a lot: stay in school, do your homework, stop bullying. One of the most stressed of these commandments is “say no to drugs.” For the most part, drugs are bad for you, unless prescribed by doctors, and even then they should only be used as prescribed. The drugs nurses and health teachers focus on are illegal drugs, which are often quite detrimental. There is one drug, however, that sits on a fine line between legal and illegal, and students are kept ignorant about it: marijuana. Marijuana legalization has become the subject of debate recently. According to Procon.org, a website that observes the pros and cons of controversial issues, medical marijuana is legal in 20 states and DC. It is also recreationally legal in Colorado and Washington. The drug is legal medicinally because, according to drugabuse.gov, it is used to treat the nausea and pain associated with many illnesses, including cancer. Also according to the site, the downsides of the drugs are mostly short term, unless one begins using the drug heavily at a young age.
Senior parking lot badly in need of direction By Ben Fox Sports Editor My morning routine can be narrowed down to a few daily constants: eggs and toast for breakfast, hitting every possible red light on Falls Road and waiting over 15 minutes each day simply to get in the CHS senior parking lot. The first two of these constants I have grown to accept as a natural part of life, but the third I have steadily begun to hate with a vengeance. The chaos and simple frustration of the area affectionately called the senior lot has grown too large to handle. The problem stems from the fact
Though there are days where all goes well and I can reach my parking spot in under a minute, other days simply are a disaster. On one rainy day earlier this year it seemed that every parent in the county was driving their child to CHS, causing a line that almost stretched all the way back to Cabin John MS. According to security guard Jeff McGowan, the current system works best at ensuring safety, and it would be difficult to find another area for the student drop-off lane. This does not mean, however, that other options should not be explored. An easy way to help with traffic would be to make a distinction between the lane for students and the lane for parents. Though there is enough room for two cars to enter the senior lot at one time, oblivi-
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Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Students win National What’s Online? Merit Recognition
@ www.thechurchillobserver.com
Arts: Watch our online video tutorial on making cookies.
Opinions: Why did MCPS choose to stick with Edline?
The Observer is updating its online content everyday! Check it out at www.thechurchillobserver.com! NMS Commended Students:
PHOTO BY SAMMI SILBER
The National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists are the highest scorers in the school. They were honored at a ceremony on Sept. 25. By Sammi Silber Observations Editor Congratulations to the National Merit Scholarship semi-finalists, National Merit Commended students and National Achievement Scholars. These students have earned scores high enough for them to qualify for their titles, and they have scored higher than 1.5 million other students who took the test nationwide.
NMS Semi-Finalists: Rachel Casper Aditya Dash
Uma Gonchigar Kevin Gu Allen Guo Bryan Ho Hope Kean Amy Lin Daniel Liu Jeanine Liu Aaron Renberg Kevin Schechter Guransh Singh Jessica Sun Zach Weinberg Diana Yin Ashling Zhang Katie Zhao
Adam B Anderson Radha D Bhatnagar Emily Birnbaum Jamie E Bonan Eric M Brodkowitz Christian A Carty Andrew C Chang Olivia Chao Fanny C Chen Nathan M Cheng Anna R Chi Allison Curwin Sophia Dourrachad Anna J Duh Alexander J Fang Franklin D Fasano Benjamin E Fox Jennifer S Gagner Will R Gallagher Alexandra N Ghobadi Emily P Greenstein Eve M Jaffe Míchael K Jurrens Ian Kash Noriko Katagiri Wingmei A Ko
Darcy A Lawrence Shaner A Lebauer Julianna H Lee Anne K Lieber Crystal Liu Marisa H Machlis Christian O Miller Amer Q Moosa Madeleine D Pasco Nikhil Perincherry Alex Pu Eliana Rabinovitz Leslie A Sterling Anamika Tandon Kevìn R Wan Andrew T Wang Eric L Yen Alexander Zhang Kristina K Zudock
National Achievement Scholars: Bailey S. Hill
Alexis J. Matthews Gloria-Marcelle Samen Greer Smith Taddesse Henoss
Seniors dominate homecoming games, win Powderpuff
PHOTO COURTESY OF AMY DALRYMPLE.
By Sammi Silber Observations Editor The seniors proved to be the top class over the span of Homecoming week. The seniors won Monday Night Madness and
took first place in the float-building competition and boys tug-of-war. This juniors were close behind, winning coin wars, girls tug-of war and the float performance while the sophomores won the mural contest.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SAM LEE.
By Sammi Silber Observations Editor The senior girls beat the junior girls, 14-7, Oct. 2 in Powderpuff, an annual football game between
the senior and junior girls. The seniors scored with seconds left, winning the game and making Powderpuff history. They are the first to have back-to-back wins in Powderpuff history.
Observer patrons, thank you for your support!
Meredith Asbury Berinstein Family Deborah and Jeffrey Birnbaum Julia Birnbaum Monique and Pablo Cardinale Cathy and David Certner The Chang Gang Yichun Chung Lisa Clark Lesley Cooper Criswell Family Debbie Demske Mr. and Mrs. Don Demske Robert Demske Sue Demske Doherty Family Danielle Fang Andee and Jon Forster Harry Fox
Jennifer Fox Julie and Jeremy Fox Rhoda Galembo Julia and Gary Gertler Janette Gilman Holly Gladd Donna Goldberg Alex Gordon Judy Gordon Karen and Liran Gordon Steve Gordon Dick and Gerry Gox Laura and Joel Greenzaid Winny and Tim Hurr Roberta Jacobson Richard Karyo Kelly Knarr Nancy Kolodin Irina Lerchenlso
Ellen Lescht Beth and Peter Maser Julie and Daniel Miller Peggy Miyares Fitz A. Morrison Faye O’Brien Pereles Family Raab Family Susan B. Reagan Ritter Family Andres Roa Patrick Rutledge Salzberg Family Maria J. Sarria-Roa Patricia Schaltz Deborah Schaumberg Suzanne Singer Jon and Courtney Spaeth David and Stephanie Srour
Al Steinberg The Sun Family Linda Suvalsky Anu Swaminathan Elham Tabassi Patrick Umah Tete and Josephine Acan Julie Dobson and Chet Thacker Barbara Thomas Dr. Barbara Tilly Nick and Sylvia Visnich Sara Beth Watson Kathi and Ed Whitman Mr. and Mrs. Irving Whitman Howard Wiener Eden Williams Nancy and Joe Yasharoff Susan and David Zankman Rachel Zankman Taryn Zimmerman
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
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Dysautonomia researchers work to raise awareness
By Dana Harris Online Features Editor
Along with being Breast Cancer Awareness month, October is also Dysautonomia Awareness month. In order to support the cause, students are wearing turquoise to raise awareness. Approximately one out of every 100 adolescents will experience a form of Dysautonomia, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), which is a condition that causes a dysfunction of the autonomic system, the involuntary system that controls necessary bodily functions such as heart rate and blood pressure.
However, many people are unaware that this condition exists, let alone can pronounce the name. According to Dysautonomia International.com, an organization that raises awwareness and money for research, approximately 69 million people worldwide are affected by secondary forms of dysautonomia. This condition affects siblings sophomore Daniel Kessler and freshman Jordan Kessler. “Getting up quickly or abruptly leads to lightheadedness and dizziness,” Daniel said. “Dehydration is a big problem.” Dysautonomia is not only internally
debilitating for the autonomic nervous system, but physically debilitating as well. Fainting and low blood pressure commonly occur and are symptomatic of autonomic dysfunction. “We went to a three-week program at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota,” Daniel said. “[The Clinic] helped physically recondition us after years of mainly lying down.” As of now, there is no standard treatment for those diagnosed with Dysautonomia . The treatment to combat symptoms consists of medications, physical activity and lifestyle strategies. According to Daniel and Jordan’s mother, Ellen Kessler, the founder of the
non-profit organization Dysautonomia International, the cause is undetermined. However, some people believe viruses or rapid growth spurts could bring on Dysautonomia. Dysautonomia International was officially launched in October 2012. “Awareness is desperately needed, along with research,” Ellen said. “There is so much unknown about Dysautonomia.” According to Ellen, many patients who have Dysautonomia are not diagnosed or misdiagnosed. It is not yet if this condition is hereditary. “It’s[research]I hope Dysautonomia International will be able to fund one day soon,” Ellen said.
COURTESY OF JORDAN KESSLER.
Members of Dysautonomia International came together on Capitol Hill in July for their first gathering to lobby for more medical funding and research. Dysautonomia International will hold it next Dysautonomia Patient Conference & Lobby Day in Washington, DC July 12-14, 2014.
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Wednesday October 23, 2013
Twins & College: Should wombmates be roommates?
notion and form your own identity. The ultimate question for a twin is whether or not to attend college with his or her other half. According to Dr. Bari Norman, co-founder of Expert Admissions and former admissions officer at Columbia and Barnard University, being a twin can sometimes affect college admissions decisions if there are huge gaps between the siblings, but it will never bring the other sibling down. There are positives and negatives to going to college together and going as separate individuals, which may be why college admissions do not want to make that decision for the pair, as it should be their own. My twin and I have debated for a long time whether to apply to any of the same schools. Having a built-in friend can really COURTESY OF CHRISTOPHER GAUCH. help the feeling of loneliness and discomfort when ’13 CHS alumni Michael and Christopher transitioning from high Gauch attend Boston College and Notre Dame. school to college. We talked for a while about this By Jane Zankman decision and in the end we decided that it would be the best decision Chief Production Manager to separate because it is the only Seniors have already begun sending off true way to become independent of their college applications, and handing it each other. over to a multitude of admissions officers. Being at the same school as your twin, For twins, this is an especially stressful however, gives you the chance to have a process. I would know. familiar support system while also meeting Many people ask me whether I will at- other people. tend the same college as my twin. If I say “A really big benefit of going to no, they are shocked, but the truth is that the same school as my twin would sometimes, being a twin can be a burden. be that I would always have someAs a twin, you spend your whole life one to turn to for help or hangout being thought of as a set, and college is with,” senior Kory Billings said of the first opportunity to separate from this his twin Kerry.
While being together offers the chance and the twins alone. “Once we got all of our decisions back to comfort during such a major transition, sometimes it can be a good decision to split up. and looked at our options,” said ’13 “Being in different colleges has alumnus Michael Gauch who attends forced me to immediately expand my Boston College. “We decided that we friend group and actively try to make would not be attending the same school.” Despite all negatives of going to real and meaningful connections with people at my college,” said ’13 alum- separate colleges, there is still the nus Christopher Gauch who attends ability to stay connected. “I would obviously miss her a ton, Notre Dame. Without a built-in friend, a twin is forced but I think we could both handle to step outside of his or her comfort zone it,” senior Chrissy Kennedy said of her twin Emmy. “Now that we have and to experience things as an individual. According to Dr. Norman, she has things like texting and Skype, we noticed that twins have tended to “go would still be able to talk easily.” apart” but “not intentionally.” In the Gauch twins’ case, they decided to attend different schools after each of them were admitted to schools of their choice. “They don’t always apply to the same places and it is rare for them to have identical lists,”Norman said. So if you are not sure whether you want to split from your other half, you have quite a while to decide. “We did want to attend the same colleges for the most part when we made our college lists,” Christopher said. Now they attend separate schools, COURTESY OF JANE ZANKMAN. which proves that this decision should Observer writer Jane Zankman (right) and her twin be up to the twins sister Mara are planning to attend different colleges.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
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Double identities: teachers reveal unknown talents By Emily Raab Production Editor With their superior knowledge, intimidating nature and ability to ruin our weekends with homework overload, teachers may seem crueler than the average person. However, teachers are more like us than you think. Many CHS teachers have special talents, such as playing music or drawing, which many students do not know about. These talents remind us that teachers are people too. “If teachers enjoyed doing some of the same things as students, we could relate and understand them better,” freshman Jocelyn Kelley said. “As a result, I think that this would strengthen the relationship that students have with their teachers.” Paraeducator Bruce Krohmer played in an orchestra conducted by Igor Stravinsky and performed on a national television broadcast during his ongoing music career. Krohmer, who began playing music in grade school, was playing in a semi-professional orchestra in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky by age 13, and by 20, was substituting for the professional orchestra. “I’ve always played music, one way or another,” Krohmer said. In addition to playing music, Krohmer helped found a regional NPR live concert and radio program and is also the producer of the Takoma Park Jazz Festival, a
PHOTO BY EMILY RAAB.
Science teacher John Ernst displays an original drawing of animal skulls. free festival held every June. “While I have, and still do, play music professionally, my main musical occupation these days is producing the two-day festival,” Krohmer said. Science teacher John Ernst is passionate about art as well as science. “I was too young to remember when I started drawing,” Ernst said. “I just always have.” Although he took a few elective drawing classes while studying at the University of Maryland, most of Ernst’s talent is self-taught. “From a young age, it felt completely easy and natural,” Ernst said. “It surprised others, as well
as myself, that I could produce sketches and drawings without having any lessons.” Ernst considered being an artist but was discouraged by his family and friends. Although he has sold a handful of his pieces, he gives most of them away as gifts or on cards. “When I retire from teaching, I plan to do more drawing, etching and especially sculpting,” Ernst said. “Perhaps I will even exhibit if a local shop or gallery will have me.” In contrast to Ernst’s hidden talent of drawing, many students know about NSL teacher
Christopher Kenworthey’s passion for magic. Kenworthey is a magician who, in addition to putting on shows, has created and sold new magic tricks. “Magic is my life blood,” Kenworthey said. “I would never give it up.” Although he has a family full of magicians, Kenworthey first got into magic at a young age after watching the television show The Wild Wild West. “A lot of people think I started magic because I’m surrounded on all sides of the family by magic, but the real reason is the television show,” Kenworthey said. “It had the most impact on me.” Kenworthey enjoys putting on shows, but finds it difficult to do so during the school year. “When Churchill starts, I don’t have a lot of available time,” Kenworthey said. “It’s almost impossible.” Kenworthey frequently considered having magic as his sole profession, but he decided it was too financially unstable. “I’d love to own a magic shop, but with the recession, people don’t need a magic trick,” Kenworthey said. According to several students, knowing that teachers possess talents outside of teaching make the teachers seem more personable and relatable. “It makes me feel more comfortable talking to them and participating in class,” senior Taylor Srebnick said. “It helps break down the intimidating barrier between teachers and students.”
New ‘Pokemon’ games are met with mixed reviews By Aileen Choi Online Observations Editor
After months of waiting, Pokémon fans can finally p l a y the long-anticipated P o k é m o n X and Y games. The two new titles, X and Y, released Oct. 12, were the first in the Pokémon series tailored specifically for the Nintendo 3DS. Although both games are fundamentally the same, players can encounter d i f f e r e n t types of Pokémon in each one. In addition, the l e g e n d a r y Pokémon in each game is different– Xerneas in Pokémon X, and Y v e l t a l in Pokémon Y. “They introduced a new type, the Fairy type Pokémon,” said Montgomery Mall Game Stop employee Jesse Villaltua. “It changes up the dynamic and some people like it, while others don’t.” Senior Alex Fang is most excited about “all the new Pokémon released in the new generation.” Many other new features have been added to the game, including eight-directional movement (which allows players to move diagonally), sky battles, character
customization, mega-evolution, poke-amie, fairy-type Pokémon and much more. The game is tailored for the 3DS, so fans can experience the full effects of a 3-D game. “Two notable features are that the graphics are improved significantly and that you can freely move around in a 3D world, compared to the typical up, down, left and right movements of older games,” senior Alston Kau said. The game a l s o
introduces M e g a evolution, which allows Pokémon to evolve past their previous final stage and acquire new forms, types, and abilities, can only o c c u r when a Pokémon is holding a megastone and has a strong relationship with its trainer. According to digitalspy.com, a website about the latest technology, some of the original Pokémon from Game Boy titles Pokémon Red and Blue have Mega evolutions, including Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise. Poke-amie is another new feature whereby players can utilize the 3-D capabilities to the fullest through interaction with their Pokémon by feeding and playing
PHOTO BY AILEEN CHOI.
Senior Leah Pitman enjoys the new Pokemon X game during lunch. with them. “I love the 8-directional movement and Poke-amie,” junior Janet Sun said. “There are so many new things they’ve introduced this generation, and I’m just in love.” Not only is the story line completely different, as it is set in France instead of Japan, but the new features give the game a completely new and
exciting feel. Although the hype about the new game is getting out, different opinions have diffused across CHS. Senior Alex Pu will not be buying the game because he is uninterested in any Pokémon games after the original series due to the changes that were made, such as the designs and style of Pokémon.
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Wednesday, October 23 2013
By Jamie Lescht Online Editor-in-Chief Jordan Janis Features Editor Though many students have been lectured about why they shouldn’t drink alcohol or do drugs, what happens legally if they make a decision that contradicts these lessons? Many students aren’t aware of the procedures of being detained by an administrator or police officer and don’t know the legal consequences of their actions. Although students should not be drinking or using drugs in the first place, the Observer decided to examine what happens in three scenarios where a student may run into trouble with the law and find themselves confronted by a police officer.
It’s Saturday night. Your friend couldn’t enter without a warrant or decides to have a party where most probable cause,” Susan said. “The of the kids are drinking. When the mom wanted to be nice because it was neighbors hear teenagers yelling and cold, so she let the police in, and they loud music blaring, they call the police, cited everyone.” who begin searching the area. According to Susan, the police “My team has probably been there gathered all the kids, had them call 20 or 30 minutes watching the house, their parents, and made them turn off listening, talking to people coming their cell phones. The police did not into and out of the neighborhood, recite their rights, but it is not required seeing what’s going on,” said Mark in these situations unless teenagers are White, sergeant of the Montgomery asked for statements. County Traffic Division and head of According to Lynch, those under 18 the Alchohol Initiative Section. are then reported to the Department When the police enter the house, of Juvenile Services, where they anyone who is near the alcohol, meet with an intake officer to decide regardlessofhisor whether to send the her blood alcohol TIP: Underage drink- case to prosecution concentration use an alternative ing results in a citation, or (BAC), can be punishment. cited. However, while possession of drugs Many factors go if a kid who has into the decision of not been drinking results in an arrest. whether to send the is cooperative case to prosecution, with the officer, the officer may choose such as how well the student does in to allow him to avoid a citation. school and if they have any previous According to White, the police try suspensions. to move the kids who haven’t been “If it is a first offense, the intake drinking out of the party to decrease the officer will most likely recommend numberofteenagerstheyhavetohandle. completion of an alcohol evaluation Criminal defense attorney Maura and community service,” Lynch said. Lynch, who has extensive experience According to White, however, the in juvenile law, advises that when Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) in these situations, it’s best not to is notified after a second citation, and challenge the police. flags the young driver. The insurance After administering Preliminary company can then find out and raise Breath Tests (PBT) to the teenagers, insurance by up to $1,500 a year for the police will write them citations and three years. send them home with parents if they Susan was granted an informal are under 18. resolution where she attended classes Senior Susan* was cited for about the effects of alcohol instead of underage drinking at a party that the sending her case to court. police broke up. Though Susan did not face legal “Kids were trying to calm everyone consequences, she is “definitely more down because they said the police cautious about parties.”
Planning to smoke marijuana after school with your friends, you bring the drug to school and keep it in your locker. According to criminal defense attorney Dave Martella, schools can search lockers without students’ consent because the lockers are school property. “Schools are given a great deal of discretion in the TIP: Lockers eyes of the law to ered school p search anywhere on the premises can be searc for alcohol or is reasonable drugs that they believe are present,” Martella said. If security has “reasonable suspicion” to believe that a student has possession of a substance, they can search him with a witness present. Either a school official or a police officer will conduct the search, depending on the severity of the drugs. “We confiscate cigarettes, but bigger than that, the police are notified,” security team leader Terry Bell said. Possession of drugs such as marijuana is a crime and in this case, students are arrested
TIP: Many first offenses are not prosected. Instead, the Department of Juvenile Services can issue community service and alcohol classes.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
instead of cited. Senior Fred* was arrested for marijuana possession in school three years ago. “I went into [assistant principal Doreen] Brandes’ office and she asked to see my backpack and told [security] to search it,” Fred said. “They asked me to take off my shoes too to see if I had anything in there. They told the police woman to cuff me and she did and took s are consid- me to the car.” W h i l e property and Hargrove was ched if there not the officer that conducted e suspicion. the search in Fred’s case, it’s up to the school resource officer’s discretion whether to search for weapons and marijuana. According to Lynch, marijuana incidents are handled similarly to alcohol citations in juvenile courts, which are intended to help the students. However, marijuana is taken more seriously and the consequences are more severe. “It actually changed my life in a positive way,” Fred said.` “It got me out of that friend group and made me realize what was important in life.”
TIP: Be respectful of the police officer in order to try to lessen the severity of your punishment.
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It’s a home football game and game in Sept. the stands are packed, so you think “My friend and I were you’ll go unnoticed even though you approached by an officer in drank before the game. However, uniform who asked to have a word administration soon notices your odd with us, and we followed her to her behavior and the police take over car, where two more officers joined from there, with a CHS representative us,” John said. “She did not read us present. our rights and immediately put the “We look for the odor of the [PBT] in our faces.” alcoholic beverages, the red bloodshot John was accompanied by eyes, the slurred speech and the a school administrator only inability to walk,” White said. after he took the PBT. He did Teenagers can refuse to take a PBT, not have a group conference although they will most likely be cited until the following day, based on the officer’s observations. where he was suspended for “You can never be forced to do three days, revoked of his anything against your will that lunch and parking privileges you don’t want to do,” Lynch said. and suspended from “Maryland law extracurricular doesn’t demand that TIP: You can refuse activities for one you take a [PBT], but to take a Prelimi- month. there will obviously nary Breath Test but According to be consequences for the police can still Benz, intoxication on not taking it.” school property is a cite you based on According to “double whammy” Principal Joan Benz, their observations. because of the legal the student is first brought to a private consequences with room where they are read their due police and the school consequences. process rights. The student contacts his “When you have to walk up or her parents for a group conference to the parents’ front door at 3 a.m. about suspension and additional saying, your son or your daughter consequences, such as removal from is at the Baltimore Shock Center, leadership positions. and we’re not sure if they’ll make This was not the case for senior it, it has a lasting impact on the John*, who was cited at a CHS football parents, but also on us,” White said.
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theObserver Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Bulldogs show their school pride during Spirit Week By Emily Birnbaum Editor-in-Chief
CHS celebrated Spirit Week Oct. 7-11. Check out thechurchillobserver.com’s Spirit Week in Review video or scan the
QR code. You never know, you or your friends could be featured. Below are a few highlights .
PHOTOS COURTESY OF EMILY BIRNBAUM.
Junior Aidan Gray and junior Burke Niner model their matching squid hats on Wacky Day. Gray claims that the hats are “what connects them as friends.” Social studies teacherAmanda Marshall proudly displays her Pajama Day onesie. She claims she wore it to bed, “threw her hair in the pony,” and was “off to work.”
Junior Yasmin Zand shows off her extensive background knowledge of sports teams with her jersey for Jersey Day.
Social studies teacher Evan Rosenthal dances around in his ‘70s-themed jumper for Decades Day. He made the jumpsuit himself—in high school!
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Wednesday, October 23, 2013
NBA 2K14
The newest version of Visual Concepts’ basketball video game was released Oct. 1. The game, which is based off of the National Basketball Association (NBA), is currently available for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. It will be available for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One Nov. 15 and Nov. 22, respectively. LeBron James of the Miami Heat, a favorite of many CHS students, is featured on the cover of the game this year.
The new thriller Gravity was released Oct. 4 and stars actors Sandra Bullock (The Blind Side) and George Clooney (Argo). Written and produced by Alfonso Cuarón, the science-fiction thriller has been praised by critics and CHS students. The $100 million movie debuted with a record-breaking $55.6 million. Bullock plays Dr. Ryan Stone, a medical engineer on a shuttle mission with astronaut Matt Kowalsky, played by Clooney. The shuttle is destroyed and leaves Stone and Kowalsky stranded in space. The movie currently has an average rating of 8.8/10 on Rotten Tomatoes, a movie review website.
Canadian recording artist and rapper Drake is coming to the Verizon Center this Halloween. The tour is based off his third studio album Nothing was the Same. R&B singer Miguel and rapper Future will accompany Drake on tour from October through December. Would You Like a Tour? will visit 39 stadiums and arenas across the US and Canada. Students who like listening to Drake can purchase tickets, priced from $79.75 to $109.75.
Drake: Would You Like A Tour
By Madison Hurr Production Editor
Gravity The Observer sifts through the hype and the hip to bring you topics worth talking, Tweeting and texting about.
The iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s, released Sept. 20, are now becoming common in the hallways of CHS. The 5s, which is only 7.6 millimeters thin and weighs 112 grams, comes in silver, gold and space gray. It features a touch ID fingerprint identity sensor, ultrafast LTE wireless connection, an 8MP iSight camera, iOS 7 and a dual LED flash. The 5c is available in green, blue, yellow, pink and white. It also has an 8MP camera and a four inch retina display. The 5c costs $99 for 16GB and $199 for 32GB, a much cheaper alternative to the 5 or 5s, which costs $199 for 16GB and $299 for 32GB.
Miley Cyrus released her newest album, Bangerz, Oct. 4, collaborating with artists Pharrel Williams, Will.i.am, Britney Spears, Nelly, Ludacris and Big Sean. Two of the album’s singles “We Can’t Stop” and “Wrecking Ball” were released prior to the album’s debut on June 3 PHOTOS COURTESY OF CREATIVE COMMONS. and Aug. 25, respectively. Cyrus has acquired an increasingly provocative image since her controversial performance at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards, but does not cease to impress fans. “Wrecking Ball” has made it to many CHS students’ playlists and was even played in the hallways of CHS on Oct. 4. Cyrus’ music video for “Wrecking Ball” broke the YouTube record for fastest video to reach 100 million views.
Bangerz: Miley Cyrus
iPhone 5c/5s
Spinoffs offer new twist on familiar TV shows
By Caitlin Doherty Circulation Manager
Fall is the perfect time for warm apple cider, comfy sweaters and the arrival of spin-offs of beloved TV shows. This season, two popular shows among students at CHS— The Vampire Diaries and Pretty Little Liars—are creating spin-offs. The Vampire Diaries’ spin-off, The Originals, premiered Oct. 3 and follows the lives of the original family, led by hybrid vampire-
werewolf Klaus (Joseph Morgan, Immortals), and their return home to New Orleans. The show also features the Mikaelson family, the on-and-off villains of the show. Ravenswood, the spin-off for Pretty Little Liars, is a series that will follow Caleb, (Tyler Blackburn, Peach Plum Pear,) a retired bad boy who is now Hannah’s much-loved boyfriend. Ravenswood follows Caleb and four new characters as they uncover juicy secrets and a curse that links them together.
“For The Originals, I’m excited to see Rebekah and Klaus grow as characters,” freshman Rebecca Clem said. “I definitely think that it looks more exciting than Ravenswood.” Ravenswood premieres Oct. 22 after the Pretty Little Liars Halloween episode. Caleb’s transition to protagonist will allow fans to see him develop as a character. The vagueness and mystery of Ravenswood’s plot is a draw for students. “I’m excited to see Caleb in his own show,” sophomore Samantha Sprague
movies, such as Psycho and Boogeyman, over the friendlier Halloween flicks. According to junior Paulina Braves, she enjoys the death and gore featured in Friday the 13th. With the remake of classic horror movie Carrie, horror movie fanatics will also get to see the infamous scene of a teenage girl at prom, dripping with pig’s blood, return to the big screen. Carrie hits theaters Oct. 18 and follows the same storyline as the 1976 version—Carrie White, an outcast with an extremely religious mother, wreaks havoc on her town using telekinetic powers after a prank on prom night goes too far. The new version showcases a fresh new cast starring Chloë Grace Mortez (Dark Shadows) as Carrie, Julianne Moore (Crazy, Stupid Love) as Carrie’s mom and Ansel Elgort (Divergent) as her prom date, Tommy Ross. “I think the new version looks intensified,” senior Alexis
Tanenbaum said. While many students are excited, some fear the remake will not live up to its preceder. Without the ‘70s charm and original actors John Travolta and Sissy Spacek, Carrie may lose some of its appeal. However, in the 37 years since the original release, technology, fashion trends and daily life have changed dramatically. The remake has the opportunity to make Carrie more relatable to today’s teens.
said. “I’m also excited to uncover the show’s secrets.” However, not everyone is adding Ravenswood to their list of must-watch TV shows. Ravenswood’s ambiguous trailer features Caleb and four fresh new faces staring at mysterious feathers, and closes with the teaser: “a curse will fall.” “The trailer looked boring,” sophomore Erica Matthews said. “The show doesn’t look like it will be as good as Pretty Little Liars.”
Students enjoy classic, new Halloween movies By Danielle Kiefer Art Editor ‘Tis the season full of candy corn, pumpkins and plenty of scares. In honor of Halloween, the Observer took a look at CHS students’ favorite movies to watch on Oct. 31. Many students enjoy the Halloweentown tetralogy, a series of Disney Channel TV movies. “I like to watch the Halloweentown marathons,” sophomore Kayla Mazer said. Another popular choice is Twitches, starring twins Tia and Tamara Mowry (Sister, Sister). “I like that Twitches is scary, but not too scary,” freshman Lindsey Levy said. Movies by Tim Burton, such as Corpse Bride and The Nightmare Before Christmas, are big favorites as well. “Watching Corpse Bride gets me in the spirit of Halloween,” senior Jamie Bonan said. Some students prefer scarier horror
PHOTO BY DANIELLE KIEFER.
The Halloweentown series not only captured the heart of students while they were young, but continues to remain popular now.
Arts
Tuesday, October 23, 2013
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‘Hunger Games’makeup line pushes boundaries By Catherine Goohs Online Arts Editor
A bold, new makeup line has taken center stage at cosmetic counters. Covergirl’s Hunger Games-inspired makeup collection features fearless shades of blue lipstick, scarlet eyeliner and electric emerald eye shadows. The line was released on Oct. 1, the same day movie tickets for the film’s sequel, Catching Fire, went on sale. The collection, called the Capital Line, promotes the film in an original way: it features a series of 12 intense looks, each representing one of the 12 districts of the country, Panem, from the movie. The makeup line, which was used on the actual actors in the film, plays off each district’s uniqueness. Each separate region represents a distinctive industry, such as fishing, textiles or mining. The makeup line uses these themes as its inspiration. District 1, the luxury district, features a Marie-Antoinette look of deep red lip gloss and light blushes, while District 5, the power district, is made of neon yellow and green eyeliners, framed by a base of deep rouge eye shadow and blush. According to both sophomore Maya Demby and senior Erin O’Connell, the fishing look of District 3 is superior. This particular look incorporates a mix of greens, blues and turquoises to create an oceanic feel. The makeup is blended in a way that it seems fluid and waterlike. Junior Jess Taylor favors the more modest mining look of District 12. “I think coal mining would suit my fashion well,” Taylor said. “I don’t really get dressed up, and usually just throw something on. I’m more excited to see all the looks come to life at the premiere of the movie.” Because these looks are so extreme, only the most daring students and Hunger Games fanatics may be willing to transform into citizen look-alikes
from Panem. “I definitely would wear it,” O’Connell said. “I love the movies and the makeup is fresh. It is a bit glitzy, but it’s unique.” The makeup line is drastic in the sense that its color scheme does not reflect a person’s natural features, but instead includes a wide variety of hues and bright, explosive colors. The line
embodies nearly every facet of makeup, including eye shadows, shadow pencils, lip glosses, mascaras, nail polishes, lipsticks, blushes and eye liners. “I’d wear it for Halloween, but I would not wear it to school,” Demby said. “Personally, I think it’s a bit much for everyday use.” Despite its costume makeup appearance, some students find that using
this makeup in daily life would not be as radical with a smaller-sized proportion. According to O’Connell, the makeup is appropriate to wear when out with friends, to a dance, or even to school, when applied in lighter quantities. Students can check out the looks for their own Hunger Games-style inspiration on Cover Girl’s website.
PHOTO BY CATHERINE GOOHS.
Senior Erin O’Connell embraces the line’s bold color scheme by fearlessly applying a layer of dark mascara.
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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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Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Sports
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Handball team dominates, Crew steers clear of direct achieves winning record contact with Anacostia By Caitlin Doherty Circulation Manager Players race across the gym. There is a blur of yellow as they pass the ball back and forth. The ball may be flying between player, but their eyes are locked only on the net. As they sprint down the court, the excitement builds. Suddenly the player stops, winds up his arm and launches the ball toward the net. Goal! Handball, a new corollary sport, was recently introduced to the CHS athletic department. Corollary sports are designed for students with and without disabilities who are interested in playing on a school athletics team but may not have the skills or desire to play at a highly competitive level. Last year the county introduced bocce ball, and this year, handball. Although handball is the youngest CHS team, it has a 4-1 record, losing only to undefeated Blair. “We work well together,” sophomore Sebastian Rink said. “Our weakness is that we need to learn how to control possessions as a team.” The team won their first game against Whitman 15-4. “We are extremely good at defense, which helped us to keep
their score low,” Agege said. Although handball was formally introduced to the county this year, it was introduced as a pilot program last year. Blair is among the few schools that were part of the pilot program and has been undefeated for the past two years. “I think we lost to Blair because weren’t aggressive enough,” sophomore Ovie Agege said. “We’ll definitely beat them next time.” Because handball is a corollary sport, it is universal and can be played by all students. “Handball is a confident booster for all,” head coach Jaime Marchese said. “It provides the opportunity for diversity among students.” Handball, although played internationally and offered in the Olympics, is unique to Montgomery County. “We are the only county in the country that offers handball,” assistant coach Daniel Lethbridge said. Although the team is facing some tough competitors in the upcoming playoffs, they ultimately consider the sport a learning experience. “It’s a learning process for all of us,” Lethbridge said. “We take it one step at a time.” Division Playoffs begin the week of October 21.
PHOTO BY CAITLIN DOHERTY.
Freshman Nathan Deychman launches the ball down the court during practice.
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Crew members make a point of avoiding direct contact with the water. It is safe to be in the river as long as they do not go swimming. By Illana Berger Online News Editor Erica Spaeth Photo Editor Students on Churchill Crew club spend about 10 hours per week rowing on the Anacostia River. While the river hosts several other crew teams and clubs, such as Wootton and Elizabeth Seton High Schools, it is also home to harmful substances. According to a District of Columbia Department of the Environment (DDOE) plan to create a fishable and swimmable Anacostia River by 2032, the river is contaminated with untreated sewage and high levels of pathogens that may cause human illnesses. The river also contains high levels of arsenic, lead, copper and zinc as well as accumulations of oil, grease and other chemicals that makes it hard for aquatic life to survive. “The water is fairly opaque, so one never really knows what’s lurking just below the surface,” varsity boys crew coach Ryan Ludick said. CHS crew members are careful to never have direct contact with the water, at least not on purpose. “We never go in the water,” senior Erika Fusco said. “Once the coach fell in and scurried to get out of there.” The foul smell and unsettling color of the river may not be appealing, but rowing on the Anacostia can often be an adventure. According to Fusco, one time the team saw a dead body with police surrounding it floating in the water. While the river may not be an ideal location, Anacostia Watershed Society policy associate Lori Baranoff reassures that as long as students take proper safety precautions, rowing should not be
a hazard to their health. “We believe it is safe for people to recreate on the river with the exception of swimming,” Baranoff said. “There are certain safety practices that should be taken to reduce any potential risks though—if possible, wear clothing that covers much of the body and take a shower after you have been out on the water to remove substances from water contact.” The Anacostia has been seeing some improvements. The DDOE’s plan to create a fishable swimmable river by 2032 is an example of an ongoing initiative that focuses on the restoration of the waterfront and the cleanliness of the water itself. The DDOE plans to reduce pathogens and sewage in the watershed by taking steps to prevent sewage overflows, installing devices to store the sewage and by calculating the amount of pollutants the Anacostia can receive while still meeting water quality standards. The Anacostia Watershed Society has many volunteer opportunities for anyone who wants to help clean up the waterfront. Rowers are beginning to notice that cleanup efforts such as these are showing promising results. “Many other coaches that have been on the river much longer than I have said that it is getting better,” Ludick said. “Wildlife is present now including many species of birds, otters and one beaver that I know of. Their return is evidence that although the river is still quite polluted, it is improving.”
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Wednesday, October 23, 2013
It’s only weird if it doesn’t work: Athletes believe in the power of pregame rituals
By Jordan Maser Features Editor Michael Jordan wore the same shorts from his 1982 NCAA Championship game under his shorts for every NBA game. The NFL’s John Henderson made his assistant trainer slap him across the face before every kick off. Moises Alou of the MLB used to urinate on his hands to protect them from calluses prior to every game. Like these pros, CHS athletes and teams have their own pre-game rituals they perform to ensure a great performance. Whether it is a cheer, pep talk or certain piece of clothing, athletes stay loyal to their pre-game traditions because of the effect it has on their game. “I have to drink coffee before games or else I won’t do well and won’t be focused,” senior lacrosse player Leah Pitman said.
The crew team has a pre-race meeting with their coxswain, a member of the team who sits in the stern and coordinates the boat, and finishes with a cheer. “We talk to the coxswain about what they should be telling us during the race, and how they can help us and encourage us,” senior Abby McClive said. “We have a cheer where we all put our hands in and say ‘One, two, Churchill Crew,’ and grunt at the end.” Varsity soccer player junior Joey Strawn has noticed some of his teammates’ unusual warm-up tactics. “A lot of players warm-up with their shoes untied,” Strawn said. The field hockey team finds it helpful to go over individual and team objectives before they hit the field. “We always share our personal and team goals before all of our games to pump us up,” senior Clare Nolan said. Playoffs are a big deal in any level of any sport and rituals can even be created when a winning streak is started. The varsity baseball team has a special ritual
Professional football is more entertaining By Michael Fox Sports Photo Editor Arjun Swaminathan Production Editor
The comparison between college football and professional football is like that of boys to men: college football is an unfinished product, while the NFL is the real deal. On a number of levels, football played by paid athletes is far more rewarding than football played by college athletes. Professional football allows one to enjoy Fantasy Football, be entertained by the games and appreciate higher quality play. Professional football has led to a great discovery for mankind: Fantasy Football. Fantasy Football lets people join leagues with their friends and put together a unique team of players who are predicted to gain yards and score touchdowns every week in the NFL. However, with new college recruits always coming and going, college football can’t provide this experience for the fans. According to an August 2012 Forbes article, about 90 percent of the 32 million Americans who take part in fantasy sports play Fantasy Football. Most fans who watch both college and professional football agree that the NFL is more entertaining. In a survey taken of 40CHSstudents ofallgradelevels, 70percentof students prefer professional football over the college level. People love to root for their favorite team alongs i d e others. The m o r e popular the team, the more fun it is to root for. The NFL only has 32 teams, which is fewer than the NCAAF’s 120. As a result , professional football f a n bases a r e bigger and better.
Professional football players have better skill sets than college football players, making it more entertaining for the crowd to watch. Professionals make fewer mistakes and therefore have a higher quality of play. Many colleges like to run the pistol, a run-first, throw-second offense. Having a run-first offense is not as exciting as the NFL’s throw-first offense. College quarterbacks tend to be one-dimensional runners because they must rely on their speed to cover up their lack of throwing skill.
PHOTO BY JORDAN MASER.
Several of the boys varsity soccer players belive that they are more likely to play better if they warm up with their shoelaces untied. just for their post-season games. “During playoffs we don’t shave until we lose,” senior Matt O’Lone said. “It may be superstitious, but we were Regional Champions last season.”
College football keeps fans on their toes By Elizabeth Campbell Editor-in-Chief
The kicker lines up to kick the 30-yard field goal. The crowd is going crazy. The ball is snapped and the kicker winds up. Suddenly everything changes. The person holding the football for the kicker suddenly stands up and throws the ball to a receiver wide open downfield. Boom! Touchdown.
FACE-OFF Professional vs. College Football
In the NFL there are some quarterbacks who can run well, but such quarterbacks like RGIII and Russell Wilson can also throw a deadly accurate pass. It is arguable that the mistakes and turnovers in college football could increase entertainment, but considering that only a few teams tend to contend every year for a championship, seeing one’s favorite team get steamrolled is not the most pleasant experience. Professional football is better than college football because it is simply more e n t e r t a i ning. Whether someone is addicted to Fantasy Football, or entertained by top performance, t h e r e are always reasons as to why the NFL is a cut above the NCAAF.
Pre-game rituals are taken very seriously. Players intend to win, and will do anything necessary to do so. “Rituals really give us a chance to bond as a team,” Strawn said.
That is something one would never see in professional football. College fans never know when the quarterback could go for a back pass and a receiver could end up throwing a touchdown, like when Texas w i d e receiver Jordan Shipley threw t o quarterback Case M c Coy in the Sept. 17, 2011 g a m e against UCLA. They never know for certain if when the team lines up to punt on fourth down that they are actually going to punt, like when Villanova pulled a fake punt and fumblerooski (an intentional fumble and fake by the QB to distract the defense and leave the running back open) to score a 50-yard touchdown in the Aug. 31, 2013 game against Boston College. According to a 2011 LA Times article, professional football coaches risk their jobs when calling trick plays while college coaches
see it as necessary to win. Plays like these keep the college game exciting in ways that professional football just cannot. Besides keeping the f+ans on their toes, college football coaches care more about the fans than professional ones: Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald is known for talking with the student section before the games, and he has even given some of the students free pizza. An NFL coach rarely even waves at fans, let alone brings them free food. College fans are also just more spirited than NFL fans. The stands at college games are packed with more people wearing wacky outfits, with dyed hair or painted chests. The reason college fans are way more spirited than NFL fans is because there is more on the line. Sure, NFL teams can win some glory or maybe a monetary bonus if they win a game, but they can’t win an over 6-foot long axe. In the formerly annual historic Wisconsin vs. Minnesota game, the winner gets to walk away with that impressive axe and bragging rights for at least another year. The winners of the UCLA vs. USC game get to bask in the glory of victory as they ring the hallowed victory bell. The NCAA is stuffed with passionate team rivalries like these, keeping fans energized as schools battle it out for fantastic trophies. The best part of college football is how well CHS students can relate to it. It is incredibly unlikely anyone from CHS will ever go on to start for an NFL team, however a college PHOTOS BY JANE ZANKMAN. team is much more attainable. Students have at most four years and others just months, until they themselves will be on a college campus. They can envision themselves either on the team or screaming themselves hoarse in the stands. Next time the weekend rolls around Bulldogs, try watching college football for a change and save Sunday for your last minute attempt to do homework.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Sports
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theObserver
Vactor and Bean to coach boys basketball teams
By Ben Fox Sports Editor
Athletic director Scott Rivinius announced Sept. 27 that guidance counselor Robert Bean and special education teacher Kevin Vactor were chosen as the new head coaches of varsity and JV boys basketball, respectively. According to Rivinius, former girls JV assistant and CHS teacher Ellen Marshall will replace Vactor as girls JV head coach. Both men have past basketball coaching experience that factored into Rivinius’ selection. Bean was a boys varsity assistant coach at Magruder for six seasons, and Vactor previously coached both boys JV at Einstein and CHS girls JV last season. “Magruder is one of the most respected programs in the county, and coach Bean had very strong recommendations from coaches in the area,” Rivinius said. “Both coach Bean and Vactor interviewed very well and bring excellent experience, energy and enthusiasm to the basketball program.” The coaching positions were filled after previous varsity coach Matt Miller resigned from the team Sept. 12 along with JV head coach Mike Lovitt, varsity assistant coach
Nic Mast and JV assistant Kevin Doherty. According to Vactor, he pursued the position because of his desire to give back to the community. “I used to play for Kennedy, and I wanted to give back to the county,” Vactor said. According to Bean, it is “too early to tell” what aspects of Miller’s program will be changed, discarded or continued. “My focus right now is the month of October,” Bean said. “I’m planning our strength and conditioning program as we speak. Coach Miller had this component in place, so in a sense, it will be a continuation of the former program with a little coach Bean flare added.” So far players have responded positively to Bean’s selection. Senior Allen Njumbe is one of many who is excited to see what the new coach has to offer. “The team as a whole is eager to see what Mr. Bean has in store for us in terms of a new system,” Njumbe said. “A lot of us are familiar with him already, so we are pretty comfortable with him.” Bean’s selection as varsity head coach fulfilled one of his long-time goals to become both a high school counselor and basketball coach.
PHOTO BY BEN FOX.
Bean leads the basketball team in conditioning workouts. “I am extremely fortunate that the basketball position opened up at the school that I’m working in and that I was selected as coach Miller’s replacement,” Bean said. According to Njumbe, Bean’s time at Magruder has made the team confident in their chances. He knows what it takes to win,” Njumbe said. For the new coaching staff, the process of building up the program may involve many difficulties along the way.
“We’re a new program with Bean, and we’re starting something new,” Vactor said. “Will it be easy? No. But we’re just trying to get guys to believe in the program.” Though it is currently difficult to predict how the season will fare for the Bulldogs, the athletic department is hopeful that the team will find success. According to Rivinius, he believes in the team’s ability to have a successful season based on a history of wins and three straight years of division titles.
ous factors, such as risk since the school rate uniforms and other things like that.” is liable before it accepts the proposal. However, if the proposal is apAccording to athletic director Scott Rivi- proved, the club teams would have to nus, the BOE will not approve the proposal go through many changes. unless most of the schools in the state have “You gain and lose something with evaccess to participatie in the sport. erything,” Benz said. “If club teams want A c to become an cording to athletic team, “If we have gotten the attention of a professional Benz, some they must ensports are dure stricter sports team, I think we deserve more recognition.” more exregulation.” -junior Zach Silver pensive While the than othteam’s gains ers, so the would inBOE has to look at whether all schools can clude participation in the pep rally and afford to buy equipment. school funding, they may also have to “First year rowers pay an average of say goodbye to their old coaches. $900 twice a year and varsity has to pay “The coach position would first be $1,000 twice a year,” junior rower Tiffany open to a teacher, then if no one steps Russo said. “Then you have to buy sepa- forward, an outside coach,” Benz
said. “The approved coach would then have to go through a training program.” Some club team athletes like junior crew member Abby Means are reluctant to send in a proposal if it means saying goodbye to their coach. However other students who participate in ice hockey feel that, despite all of the obstacles, they should be listed as an athletic team. “Hockey is actually a sport that gets great attendance at all its games,” junior and JV hockey player Zach Silver said. “The Capitals have even come and covered the varsity games. If we have gotten the attention of a professional sports team like that, I think we deserve more recognition.”
Athletes question club status, vie to be official By Katie Clem Production Editor
For three hours a week, junior crew member Michelle Dan takes a 45-minute bus ride to the Anacostia River. Crew is a competitive and physically demanding sport that Dan dedicates much of her time to, yet it is not considered an athletic team in Montgomery County. According to Principal Joan Benz, it is the Board of Education’s (BOE) decision, not the school’s, to approve or reject a club team’s proposal to become a team. “Anytime a club team wants to become an athletic team, a proposal must be sent to and approved by the school board,” Benz said. The Board takes into account numer-
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Wednesday, Ocotber 23, 2013
Sports
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Alumni continue athletic prowess after graduation By Julia McDermott Sports Editor
Zach Kabelac
Pam Vranis While playing soccer at CHS, ’10 alumna Vranis was a Gazette player of the year and was named an All-American player. She is currently a senior at Johns Hopkins University, where she captains the Blue Jays and was recently named Centennial Conference Player of the Week. “I realized how much I enjoy playing the game and decided I was more than willing to commit to playing a sport in college,” Vranis said. “I love being part of a team, and I wanted to continue being on one for the next four years.”
Kabelac, an ’08 alumni, played soccer at MIT and tied for second in number of goals scored for the program. Kabelac is now serving in his second year as assistant coach at MIT.
“I was a successful soccer player because I knew what I wanted to do with the ball before I got it,” Kabelac said. “I wasn’t the most athletic or the most skilled, but I tried to be the most intelligent.”
COURTESY OF PAM VRANIS.
Vranis committed to play soccer at Johns Hopkins while in high school.
Amanda Saber
COURTESY OF AMANDA SABER.
Saber looks on as the Whitman field hockey team practices.
An ’06 graduate, Saber played Division I field hockey at Lafayette College and became assistant coach at Goucher College. She is curently the head coach at Whitman. “At the college level, everyone is a skilled player, so the expected level of play and performance is much higher, but there is a great reward if you are willing to put in the blood, sweat, and tears,” Saber said.
Louise Hannallah
A member of the Class of ’08, Hannallah was a top runner for CHS cross country, track and field. She led the team to multiple county and regional championships. She went on to run at Vanderbilt and helped the team achieve a ranking of third in the nation for cross country. “I contribute my achievements to my high school and collegiate coaches and teammates,” Hannallah said. “I never felt like I was running for myself, but rather for the success of my team. Any accolades I have earned are due to a combination of personal strongwill and supportive coaches and teammates who inspired the true runner within me.”
COURTESY OF ZACH KABELAC.
Kabelec upholds the MIT stereotype by using his brain on the field more than his brawn in order to outsmart the other players.
Devin Kay
An All-Met golfer in the Class of ’06, Kay led the CHS golf team to win its fourth consecutive state championship, as well as one of his own. He served as one of the top golfers at Lynn University and turned professional after graduation. In 2010, Kay played in The Minor League Golf Tour in south Florida
and finished third on the money list of 2012-2013 “One of the things that made me a successful golfer was my passion and love for the game,” Kay said. “Anything you do in life, you have to love it and enjoy it. Golf is the type of sport where it takes extreme sacrifice and a lot of time to become the best.”
COURTESY OF LOUISE HANNALLAH.
Hannallah contributes most of her successes to the support from her teammates and coaches.
COURTESY OF DEVIN KAY.
Kay (second from left) went pro after leading CHS to four state championships.
observer
Winston Churchill High School 11300 Gainsborough Rd. Potomac,MD 20854
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Volume 38 - Issue 3
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Dawg Data
“In order to win states, we need to focus on practicing and knowing the golf course that we will be playing. We need to work as a team to practice our weaknesses. We need to improve our ball striking, putting, and course management, so we can focus on hitting the ball straight and hitting greens.” freshman Oliver Whately
159
The amount of yards rushed the Bulldogs had in their Homecoming game against Gaithersburg Oct. 11
October Sports Recap
36.83
Average number of strokes for junior golfer Luke Schapp
“The season has been going really well. We are really close like a family. Its been a great year. My goals are to improve consistency and keep moving up within the team.”- freshman Mina Jeremic
29
Number of saves by girls soccer goalie senior Tania Mamdouhi
“I feel the team played our best game of the season so far against Gaithersburg. We were able to dominate on the line and allow our running backs to run well. We also played great run defense. We need to improve on our play in the red zone; three points wasn’t enough.” - junior Marquette Lewis
8
Number of goals scored by leading boys soccer scorer senior JJ Van Der Merwe
4
“Our last game was against Bullis and we played really well together. We went through a bit of a rough patch, but in our last game we started to reconnect as a team. To stay on track we need to listen to what our coach tells us and work as a team for the full 80 minutes of the game. - senior Carly Shapiro
Placing of juniors David Fitzgerald and Lucy Srour in the Great American Invitational 5K on Oct. 5
3
Game-winning goals for senior field hockey player Clare Nolan
PHOTOS BY SCOTT SILVERSTEIN, TOMMY MENGUCCI, MICHAEL FOX, BUCK PHILLIPS, GREER SMITH, SAMMI SILBER, MIKE FISHER.
Clockwise from center: junior Marquette Lewis; senior Carly Lewis; junior Dani Weinberg; juniors Sara Chang (21) and Danielle Firer; junior David Fitzgerald; freshman Oliver Whately; senior J. J. Van Der Merwe; freshman Mina Jeremic
Team Records* 9-3
9-1
*as of 10/16/13
9-1
6-3Gir
ls
1
7-
3-1
1-5
18
Sports
theObserver
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Football stays optimistic despite struggles
By Noah Salzberg PR/Social Media Manager The varsity football team lost 6-3 to Gaithersburg Oct. 11, marking the first time in four weeks that the team has put points on the board. The Bulldogs have been outscored 147-3 in its previous four games. The start to the season has been rough for the Bulldogs, losing 52-0 to Quince Orchard Oct. 4, 48-0 to Paint Branch Sept. 27, 41-0 to rival Wootton Sept. 20 and 25-15 to B-CC Sept. 6. “Despite injuries, the kids are staying positive about the season,” head coach Joe Allen said. Along with nagging injuries, a lack of experience at key positions has had its pitfalls for the team. Sophomore quarterback Sean Strittmatter transferred this season from Good Counsel and has had trouble transitioning into his role as varsity starter. “It’s been hard, being a younger guy coming in and playing quarterback,” Strittmatter said. “However, the seniors and Coach Allen have made it easier. I’m still getting a hold of the new offense, and we’re getting better week by week.” Despite the recent struggles, members of the team continue to aim high for the rest of the season. “Most of the guys are seniors, so we have to finish out the season strong for them,” junior lineman Alec McGee said. “They won’t have another chance to play, so we have to make the most out of every game.” The Bulldogs’ recent play has garnered much criticism from students and CHS fans alike for their lack of offensive success, having gone 1-5 on the season. However, there is still a sense of optimism among the student body. “Even though the team hasn’t been
PHOTO BY MICHAEL FOX.
Junior Bryan Strittmatter looks for an open receiver in the Oct. 11 game against Gaithersburg. performing well, I’m still going to support them at all their games,” junior David Fitzgerald said. The team, which recognizes the need to change its strategy, is planning on employing new methods in order to win. “We are going to slow the game down a little more and maximize our offensive possessions,” Allen said. According to Allen, the team needs to “get back to the basics and stress
the fundamentals” if they are to improve their efficiency. Although the Bulldogs are now out of playoff contention, the team can look to the future with a ray of hope. The JV squad has been very successful the past two seasons, currently still undefeated and showing promise for a strong future. Current players, including McGee, are anticipating next year’s influx of players. “I’m very excited,” McGee said.
“If we learn from our mistakes this season and move on from them, next year will be very successful.” Despite JV’s success, Allen still wants to see more production from his varsity squad and get back to their winning ways. “We’re excited for the future, but we certainly aren’t satisfied with where we are right now,” Allen said. “We are going to continue working hard to get better.”