September 2012 - The Churchill Observer

Volume 37 - Issue 2

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

A National Blue Ribbon School

New assessment schedule aims to reduce student stress

By Julia Heimlich Circulation Manager The start of a new school year often brings the start of stress, pressure and anxiety. But this year’s new testing policy could potentially override some of these tense feelings.

A new system was put into place this school year to try to regulate the number of tests given in a school day. Each department is only permitted to give out assessments on specific days of the week so that no student is able to have more than a few tests in a day.

The policy only applies to tests, not quizzes or any other type of graded assignments.

According to Principal Joan Benz , a group of students from the the CHS Chat’s Character Education Committee felt students were stressed out by extensive amounts of homework and assessments.

CHS leadership met this past summer to figure out a way to regulate the amount of homework in a particular area.

“It’s a strategic approach to helping students become more stress-free and able to concentrate on specific courses on specific

days of the week,” Benz said.

Chemistry teacher James Nugent believes this approach will give a better handle on the harrowing anxiety familiar to many students.

“This system should help spread things out and reduce the overlap of tests between departments,” Nugent said.

“Both should contribute to reducing student stress.”

Nugent does not believe the change will get in the way of teacher planning too much.

“Prior to this, teachers really had no clue what was going on in other departments,” Nugent said.

“Often, I didn’t find out about multiple tests that a student or a given number of students had to take until the day or the day before they took my test.”

According to Modern World and U.S. History teacher Christine Carlson, a lot of her students spoke of feeling hectic and stressed last year due to the number of tests that were assigned to the same day.

“Students will feel relief the night before tests because of this new policy,” Carlson said. “However, I still discourage students from

waiting to study until the night before a test.”

Students have mixed feelings about the new rule.

According to sophomore Eric Russ, students in his Spanish class felt unprepared for a test planned for the following day. They asked their teacher to push it back a few days, but the teacher was not able to do so because of the new policy.

Sophomore Caryn Pasking feels that because quizzes are given more frequently than tests and bring about anxiety, the plan is not necessarily beneficial.

“Just because quizzes are small, it doesn’t mean that students don’t spend a good amount of time studying for them at night,” Pasking said.

“If there are multiple quizzes in a day, the new policy doesn’t

really h e l p reduce stress on the student.”

Others find that the policy accommodates their needs.

“It’s easier to study intensively for two subjects than to skim over four subjects,” junior Lacy Findley said.

understands that not every aspect of the system will be perfect.

“This is a pilot,” Benz said. “We will continue to do surveys on what is and isn’t working, so we can make changes again. We encourage students to express their opinions to show how to make CHS better.”

See page 7 for assessment schedule details.

Lynde Thai is helping the students start the shop.

“CHS is a very academic school and offers a lot in college preparation and academics, but I saw a need for vocational experience within the school day,” Thai said. “The goal is to give students work experience.”

The shop, which sells solely to teachers, is located in the concession stand next to the main gym and currently only sells coffee, but Thai plans to eventually sell food on Fridays. The students, who are in charge of decorating the café, would like to add art and music.

“The goal is for the students to do all of the work and me just

watch them,” Thai said. “It will give the students work experience to build résumés and give them a leg up on competition when they go out to the world to get jobs.

It also gives students a chance to explore entrepreneurship before college.”

Junior Kelly Barnes has been working in the shop, including making the coffee, delivering it to certain teachers, decorating the shop and collecting money or prepaid vouchers that teachers can use to buy their coffee.

“I thought this would be a good experience before I go to work,” Barnes said. “I thought it was cool to try something new. I thought it would be fun, and it is.”

According to Thai, as the year goes on she hopes to have up to 30 students working each day.

“My favorite part is making deliveries and the experience of doing it,” Barnes said. “I like meeting new teachers and getting to know them.”

According to guidance counselor Christine Pellicoro, who has a standing order at the shop, she also enjoys interacting with the students.

“It allows me to meet students that I otherwise would have no contact with,” Pellicoro said. “For me, it brightens my day.”

The Daily Roast was able to start through donations from parents, the Class of 2012

and the Each One Reach One club. According to Thai, if the business makes enough profit, the students could receive rewards, or the extra money could be used to purchase supplies for teachers.

For the time being, the Daily Roast is just focusing on selling coffee and keeping the business running.

According to Thai, the business is quickly expanding and the shop makes an average of $40 each day.

“It is such a treat to have the coffee delivered to the office,” Pellicoro said. “I used to make my own every morning, but the Daily Roast is better.”

Benz

business.

Teacher

News HighestAP Scores CHS students earn highest AP scores in the nation.

PAGE 2

Features Lunchskins Local company offers reusable alternative to lunchbags.

PAGE 12

Arts Renaissance Festival

Annual festival is back in town.

PAGE 13

PHOTO BY CATHERINE GOOHS.

The Daily Roast, a student-run shop, opened Sept. 4 to sell coffee to teachers and give students an opportunity to learn about

PHOTO BY DANIELLE KIEFER.

By Stacey Stein Editor-in-Chief

PHOTO BY MANISHA SINGH

Student-run Daily Roast gets teachers going

2

News

Bulldogs’ AP scores highest in MCPS, nation

By Lara Fu News Section Editor Manisha Singh Online News Editor

Of CHS’ 2011 graduates, 82.8 percent scored a 3 or higher on at least one AP exam, making CHS the school with the highest scores in MCPS and Maryland.

MCPS high schools as a whole ranked first in Maryland and the entire nation in 2011 for AP examination participation and performance.

According to a memorandum Superintendent Joshua Starr sent to the Board of Education, the school with the second highest percentage is Whitman HS, with 78.5 percent of their graduates scoring a 3 or higher. Data comparing 2012 AP scores in MCPS has not yet been released.

“We have an incredibly excellent teaching staff that is passionate about what they do,” Principal Joan Benz said. “Their classes involve a lot of rigor which prepares students for tests, and we have students who are very motivated to be successful.”

According to Starr’s memorandum, MCPS students, who make up the largest percentage of students in Maryland, accounted for 32.3 percent of all Maryland high school graduates who scored a 3 or higher on an AP exam.

AP NSL teacher Matthew Schilling credits the high scores to both the students and teachers.

“As great as the teachers are, I think the students in this school make us look even better than how hard we already work,” Schilling said. “It’s a great combination.”

According to AP Chemistry teacher Jodi Boppana, whose AP score average this past year was 4.7, the

highest in her five years of teaching AP Chemistry, the key to success on AP exams is hard work.

“I think the most important strategies include group work, being available, and reviewing at least a month and a half before the AP,” Boppana said.

Benz has noticed many CHS teachers arriving early and staying late to offer help to students before and after school.

AP Chinese Language teacher Yih Lee offers different strategies to help students increase their AP scores.

“I see myself as a facilitator by providing students a lot of opportunities for practice,” Lee said. “Teachers should allow students the ability to improve on their own first rather than being dependent on the teacher.”

According to senior Adrianna Lee, who took four APs, taking several practice tests in class helped prepare her for the AP exams.

“They simulated test conditions and my practice scores gave me an idea of how much more work I needed to do to get a good score,” Lee said.

According to Lee, Boppana and Schilling, the best thing for students to do is invest time into preparing for the AP. Their own study habits and commitment to the class has a greater influence on their outcome in May. “Work very, very hard and definitely take advantage of your teacher’s time,” Boppana said.

“Don’t slack off.”

Check out the new Observer Online blog: Cracking the AP: CHS Style. You can find monthly tips on raising your scores and advice from teachers.

theObserver

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

HEALTH

New Molecule Delivers Oxygen John Khier, a pediatric critical care doctor at Boston Children’s Hospital, has recently developed a microparticle capable of oxygenating an organism’s blood for a short period of time. According to a June 28 Huffington Post article, Khier has been using rabbits to test the microparticle, which keeps their blood oxygenated for up to 15 minutes, during which time the rabbit does not need to breathe.

According to a June 29 Gizmag.com article, Khier began his research after a young girl suffered brain damage and died after not being able to breathe. With the promising test results on rabbits, it would appear Khier is close to being able to save patients like that little girl.

The Huffington Post article also speculated the microparticle could be used in combat situations, such as if a naval ship were sinking or soldiers had to pass through a toxic environment.

NATIONAL

Emancipation Proclamation Celebrates 75th Anniversary Sept. 22 marks the 150th anniversary of the issuing of the Emancipation Proclamation. The executive order signed by Abraham Lincoln announced that all slaves would be free within the 10 states of the Confederacy on Jan. 1, 1863, and made the abolition of slavery a central goal of the Civil War. Frederick Douglass correctly predicted that “slavery once abolished in the rebel states will give the death wound to slavery in the border states.

When Arkansas is a free state Missouri cannot be a slave state.” Many museums across the United States held commemorations of the event.

PHOTO BY MANISHA SINGH.

AP Chemistry teacher Jodi Boppana had the highest AP score average last year.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CREATIVE COMMONS.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CREATIVE COMMONS.

INTERNATIONAL

Syrian Civil War Continues The Syrian civil war has recently passed the year-and-a-halfmark. The fighting was sparked by protests in March 2011 demanding a greater civilian role in government, and it is estimated that there have been more than 25,000 deaths in total as a result of the conflict. In July, the rebellion militia, known as the Free Syria Army (FSA) gained control of Aleppo, the country’s largest city, but has not made significant territory gains since then.

International response to the civil war has been mixed. The UN Security Council drafted a resolution to intervene in Syria, but the measure was vetoed by both China and Russia—important trading partners of the regime. The United States has not taken any drastic steps to intervene in the conflict, but, according to BBC, President Obama has warned that the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime would push the United States into action.

By Spenser Easterbrook and Tyler Mead

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

News

Haunted warehouse seeks student victims

By Sonia Shekar Natasha Palance Staff Writers

The zombie apocalypse will begin Sept. 28 at the intersection of dead and alive (otherwise known as Rockville Pike and Old Georgetown Road), and it’s looking for victims.

Only one block from the White Flint Metro stop lies The Warehouse: Project 4.1, a unique haunted house experience for all those who dare to enter.

The prime location offers 37,000 square feet of space, much larger than the usual haunted attraction. Utilizing all space available, Justin Watson, Director of Hiring and Public Relations, and his colleagues have created a winding sequence of theme-based rooms, including a medical ward and a surveillance room that comprise a 20-minute journey through terror.

Instead of animatronics, approximately 60 live actors moving electronic devices add to the horror.

“If you see something that startles you, that’s one thing, but when you have a live person scaring you and interacting with you, that’s another story,” Watson said. “Sometimes the scariest thing is what you can’t foresee.”

Unlike traditional haunted houses, the story behind Project 4.1 is derived

from true events. During the Cold War, the U.S. conducted testing on people exposed to nuclear radiation in the Marshall Islands, but the project was soon shut down. The Warehouse: Project 4.1 claims to have rediscovered haunting evidence of the zombie transformations that resulted from the experiments.

“We wanted something gripped in reality,” Watson said. “We thought it would add a level of authenticity.”

Another unique aspect of Project 4.1 is that it offers visitors a fun place to wait before they enter the haunted house. The waiting room will be fully supplied with necessities for survival – Red Bull and Twinkies, along with other concessions. Visitors can also enjoy a DJ and company merchandise.

The company will end the project for the season on Nov. 3, but plans to reopen in new locations in years to come.

Hallow Inc. hopes to get the high school community involved by selecting two Brand Ambassadors from local schools to represent the company.

More information is available on the company’s Facebook page.

“We want you guys involved as much as possible,” Watson said.

According to Watson, the company will continue to expand and alter themes depending on the reaction from the Rockville community, which will serve as the test city.

PHOTO BY SONIA SHEKAR.

A walk through the haunted house brings visitors through themed rooms.

theObserver

3

Stadium upgrades to enhance fan experience

PHOTO BY ELIZABETH CAMPBELL.

The new scoreboard will be capable of showing replays and advertisments.

By Jordan Janis Fact Checker CHS sports fans will see new additions to the stadium this fall including a new high-tech scoreboard and fence screenings with graphics.

The new scoreboard will show running videos and advertisements while the graphic fence screenings welcome fans to the home of the Bulldogs.

“All of the items were funded through the Booster Club,” athletic director Dave Kelley said. “In the fall of 2011, there was a transition in leadership positions in the Booster Club, and we discovered that we had some additional funds to spend on athletics.”

CHS added the 24 feet by 10 feet scoreboard in late August to replace the previous 13-year-old broken scoreboard, where team names were supposed to be lit up with technology that no longer worked.

“The scoreboard needed to be replaced,” Booster Club president Jim Edwards said. “It was aging and becoming costly to maintain.”

According to Kelley, the new $80,000 scoreboard includes an 8 feet by 10 feet virtual board unique to Montgomery County that allows the school to play video and other enhancements.

The virtual board can display pre-made videos, highlights from previous games, pictures and scroll advertisements. It can

also display interactive words to enhance the fan experience.

“A lot of people are making a big deal about how much it costs, but I think it will give all of our teams a more professional feel in the stadium,” girls soccer head coach Haroot Hakopian said. “It will allow us to advertise on the board which is a great source of income for the Booster Club and athletic department.”

CHS fans and athletes are excited for the new board.

“It’s a big piece of equipment so it’s a little overwhelming, but it’s fancy,” sophomore soccer player Annabelle Phillips said. “I’m very grateful to be able to have something like that at our school.”

In addition to the new scoreboard, CHS added screening to some of the fences around the stadium. The $6,000 screens, installed

by Kelley, the football team and parents, are expected to last five to seven years.

According to Kelley, the fence screening was added for aesthetic purposes and to prevent fans from parking in the fire lanes to watch games.

CHS is not planning on having any other updates to the stadium in the near future.

“We have a beautiful field, which is first and foremost something we have provided to our athletes for many years,” Kelley said.

“The scoreboard is a huge upgrade and the fence screenings and the painted uprights dress up the stadium for the fall of 2012.”

Opinions

4

theObserver

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

The Churchill

Observer Editors

Editors-in-Chief Spenser Easterbrook Stacey Stein

Chief Production Manager Brett Sachs News Editors Lara Fu Dana Youngentob *Samantha Silber *Elizabeth Campbell *Jessica Gold Opinions Editors Joe Nolan *Katie Gauch Observations Editors Nicole Malament *Yash Nigam Features Editors Emily Birnbaum Brittany Goodman *Elizabeth Campbell *Jane Zankman Arts Editors Jamie Lescht *Josh Denicoff *Angad Kanwal Sports Editors Matt Raab Zoe Forster *Angad Kanwal Photography Editors Ben Fox Erica Spaeth Jane Zankman Fact Checkers Ilana Berger Jordan Janis * Production Editors

Managers

Advertising Manager Aileen Choi Archive Managers Catherine Goohs Julia McDermott Business Manager Danny Gordon

Circulation Managers Julia Heimlich Danielle Kiefer Contest Manager Natalie Cortez Public Relations Jordan Maser Julia Reagan 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.

CARTOON BY JONATHAN LEE.

Scoreboard funds better spent elsewhere How likely is it that a CHS student-athlete will go pro? Let’s just say most students should not depend on it as a career choice. Professional sports today are so competitive that it is extremely unlikely for even one of CHS star players to get signed on a professional level.

Because of this, CHS players are students first and athletes second. Despite of this, there are 10 classrooms at CHS still in need of Promethean Boards, and some subjects in need of new textbooks. When CHS spends close to $80,000 on a new scoreboard, one wonders if money raised at CHS is being spent in ways that will benefit students the most.

Yes, teams and athletic events, especially football, raise an enormous amount of money through fundraising efforts and ticket sales, so teams should absolutely receive extra money. But teams are meeting these

goals without a new scoreboard. Is the benefit of the fancy scoreboard really better than everything else we could spend it on?

If CHS athletes were primarily athletes rather than students, then maybe they would be referred to as “athlete students,” but “student athlete” is currently the name for anyone who partakes in team sports in high school.

They spend approximately six hours and 25 minutes in school compared to two hours practicing their sport a day.

According to a June 2012 Gazette report, Booster Club president Jim Edwards would have not considered buying this scoreboard if it did not have the digital advertising component.

CHS sees the purchase of the scoreboard as an investment that will pay for itself through the sale of ads. The board will be used for the field that hosts the football,

soccer and lacrosse teams.

Though advertising prices for the new board have not yet been determined, businesses currently pay $1,000 for a static banner that rotates during sporting events.

To the public eye, the new scoreboard is without a doubt visually stunning. But, the Booster Club’s strict athletic-focused spending is out of hand.

According to Athletic Director Dave Kelley, an all-school Booster Club would raise funding for all school needs, but CHS has an Athletic Booster Club which works to raise funds to support only the athletic department.

According to the June 2012 Gazette article, the booster club’s donations include $60,000 in field maintenance and improvements, $21,000 to renovate baseball and softball fields and $10,500 for athletic events and travel.

Although this spending may

be necessary for the general up keep of CHS athletics, the outragrous price of the new scoreboard cannot be justified.

Money would be far better spent on academic initiatives such as the Educational Foundation: an all-volunteer, community-based nonprofit organization. It addresses a unique set of needs for teachers and students that are not funded by MCPS. The Education Foundation focuses on teacher development, educational facility enhancements and student mentoring.

To be fair, it is not the responsibility of sports teams and the Booster Club to raise money for educational enhancements, but it would be good for the community and the teams’ athletes to offer a percentage of the money they raise; many of the athletes will not go on to play sports at the next level, but all will rely on their educations for the rest of their lives.

By Julia Reagan Public Relations and Social Media Manager

High School in Baltimore County. Borowy, who is currently in critical condition, is recovering from his third surgery.

According to an Aug. 27 Huffington Post article, the shooter walked into the school cafeteria around 10:45 a.m. and fired two shots while being wrestled down by teachers.

CHS should use these instances as a wake-up call to review our own security.

Metal detectors are one major change that CHS can make to provide a safe environment for each student, staff member and administrator. It is the school’s responsibility to protect everyone in the school. Each student has the right to feel completely safe at school and not fear that there are weapons in the building.

Unfortunately, security will come at no small cost: schools may struggle to amass the roughly $33,000 needed to install metal detectors, but there is no price too great for preventing a potential shooting. Also, after setting up an $80,000 scoreboard in the football stadium, CHS has confirmed that we do have additional money to spend. If CHS is unwilling to splurge for the metal detectors, either the state of Maryland or MCPS should cover their cost, because they are essential for school safety.

Metal detectors would require an alteration to the morning schedule for CHS, limiting students’ freedom at school. Requiring all students to pass through metal detectors each morning

would be time consuming, so another option would be to perform random testing with metal detectors as students enter school.

According to assistant principal John Taylor, CHS has not had any issues that demonstrate a need for metal detectors, and thus has not considered using them.

He also said that metal detectors are not worth intruding on everyone’s personal rights of privacy.

However, MCPS has already begun to implement new capital improvements plan that will upgrade the physical security at all schools, including new camera systems and visitor management systems. This plan will be enacted over a span of six years, totaling at around $9 million.

According to Douglas Steel, supervisor of the MCPS Department of School Safety and Security, MCPS will receive all funding from the county council.

This funding will go toward upgrading the analog camera systems to digital camera systems in all schools.

Wootton High School has already converted to this new digital system, and

CHS will be receiving new cameras over the summer, along with a large increase in the number of cameras.

We can increase the safety and security of our school to prevent possible incidents like the shooting at Perry Hall. If CHS is committed to creating a safe learning environment, metal detectors are essential. They are the only tools that can guarantee a gun-free school day, something each student has the right to expect.

BSERVER O OPINION

Metal detectors necessary for school safety

How many students at CHS would expect to hear a gunshot in the cafeteria?

How many would expect a violent and potentially fatal event to happen on their first day of school?

The students at Perry Hall High School in Baltimore County certainly were not expecting it, and CHS students would not either. But there are ways we can prevent possible weapon violence now, before it happens again.

According to a study from The National Center for Education Statistics, 7.7 percent of all public schools have experienced a student threat of physical attack with a weapon.

With these statistics in mind, metal detectors are necessary to protect our school from possible weapon violence.

Most schools in areas like Montgomery County do not have metal detectors and do not acknowledge the possibility of weapon violence. Although school shootings and violence can happen anywhere, the majority of United States schools do not use metal detectors on a daily basis. CHS needs to take precautions to maintain school safety by acquiring and using these devices.

The recent shooting incident in Baltimore is just one example of gun use in unexpected places.

On Aug. 27, 17-year-old student Daniel Borowy was shot on the first day of school at Perry Hall

PHOTO COURTESY OF CREATIVE COMMONS.

MCPS has initiated a $9 million security system upgrade.

Have a comment, question or story idea? Contact us at churchill.observer@gmail.com

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Opinions

theObserver

5

Irrational dress code suppresses spectator spirit

By Spenser Easterbrook Editor-in-Chief

In preparation for CHS’s first home football game of the year against Whitman, I painted myselfroyalblueandkellygreen—ourschool’s colors. I arrived at the game amped, proudly showingoffthebig“C”onmychest.Withinfive minutes, however, I was told to put a shirt on because I was not allowed to “show any skin” at the game. Although we were up big at the start of the fourth quarter, many students had already left. Why shouldn’t they? School spirit was being discouraged at CHS. Apparently, this year, there is a change in enforcement of a rule relating to a traditional icon of high school sports: shirtless boys showing their school spirit with body paint. Citing the dress code, CHS staff has begun forcing shirtless boys to cover-up. Girls presumably are now also prohibited at sporting events from wearing cut-off shirts that expose the stomach for body painting. Every CHS sport, just not

football, will have some of its most spirited spectators squashed.

So what exactly do the rules say on the subject?

The CHS Parent Student Handbook mentions nothing about a dress code at sporting events under its “sportsmanship” section. There has been no formal announcement of a new policy on the subject. Whatever the official position of the CHS administration may be, students as recently as last year have been allowed to go shirtless. The fact that students came to the opening home football game with body paint speaks to the fact that they were not expecting it to be banned.

According to the 2012-2013 MCPS Student’s Guide to Rights and Responsibilities, students may not dress in a way that “is likely to cause disruption to school activities, causes disruption to school activities, endangers health or safety, is associated with gangs, is lewd, vulgar, obscene, revealing, or of a sexual nature, or promotes the use of drugs.” Schools

are given leeway on their own dress code policies, but cannot create limitations outside of these specified boundaries.

By one interpretation of CHS’s dress code policy, male students going shirtless during school hours in school is clearly not allowed, but the reason the dress code exists is to prevent classroom distractions. Surely there is no practical explanation for extreme enforcement of a dress code at athletic events if no obscenity is involved.

If the dress code were truly in effect at all times and circumstances, then girls should not be allowed to wear prom dresses that break the rules, and students should not be permitted to cometo schoolinHalloweencostumes one day a year. In these cases, exceptions to the rule are made to allow for harmless fun.

CHS administration reportedly believes that there is a gender inequality dimension to this issue because female students cannot go shirtless.

Enforcing different rules for covering

male and female students’ chests is policymaking based on anatomy, not discrimination. Consistent with our community standards for nudity, students should be able to use body paint at sporting events.

After contacting all MCPS high school security leaders, I have found that at least six other high schools in the county allow boys and girls to paint their upper bodies to support school teams. The use of body paint was not disruptive or associated with fans getting out of control at these other schools’ games or at past CHS games.

As MCPS policy dictates, dress codes are decided by individual school leadership.

CHS administration, however, has made no announcement of the policy change, nor can any evidence of it be found in the student handbook. Why the change, CHS? What do we accomplish by stopping those who harm no one and enjoy themselves, all while showing everyone how much they love their school?

Cathy’s business was not barraged by such antics because he believes in disallowing gay marriage. No, Cathy’s business received all this bad press because he had the audacity to state what he believed and why he believed it.

The message that the shallow students, mayors and celebrities are sending to America is clear: you can believe in your beliefs and act on your beliefs, but whatever you do, never talk about your beliefs. They insist on this un-American message because they find a legitimate discussion on this issue to be uncomfortable.

Aren’t they right? Don’t we want restaurants to quiet their opinions on sensitive issues, to just hand us a chicken sandwich without making us think about what we, or others, believe?

Wouldn’t it be better if everyone cut short their individuality for the greater good of a comfortable society where we can all get along?

No, disagreement and discomfort are essential. They are not an unfortunate by-product of democracy; they are what make democ- racy work. They are how we move forward as a nation, because ideological tension means ideological progress. The minute we shut up disagreement for the sake of the placatory, the minute we avoid serious discussions because they provoke unwanted arguments, the minute we desire ideological comfort over ideological truth, we guarantee our nation a faulty set of beliefs.

Chick-fil-A is like that weird guy in class with unusual values. He made a boring class exciting by bringing up a controversial subject; a subject we all had on our minds but didn’t have the guts to talk about.

We can get angry at that guy and tell him that he’s wrong, but we do not have to alienate him or silence him simply because he livened up the class a bit by making us think.

In all honesty, America needs and deserves a frank discussion on the future of marriage. If Chick-fil-A is now a hub for intellectual discussion on gay marriage, I will eat their chicken sandwich with my chin up.

UPDATE: As The Observer went to press, Chick-fil-A announced that they will no longer discuss political issues or donate to anti-gay marriage foundations.

University signed a petition that stopped plans

By Jordan Maser Public Relations and Social Media for a Chick-fil-A on campus because of the company’s history of donating to anti-gay orManager

Don’t balk at Cathy, Company’s political just ‘eat more chikin’ donations cross the line

By Joe Nolan Opinions Editor

When the “news” came out that Chickfil-A supported the traditional definition of marriage, dissenting CHS students biting into the restaurant chain’s iconic chicken sandwich found themselves in a dilemma difficult to digest: should they continue to patroniza a business that holds atypical views?

I, for one, will continue to munch on delicious chicken nuggets between gulps of over-concentrated lemonade. I will proudly support Chick-fil-A, not necessarily to express my views on gay marriage, but to show my support for Chick-fil-A president and COO Dan Cathy, a man who acts on his beliefs and is not afraid of the consequences.

Dan Cathy freely expressed his views on gay marriage this July, and right off the bat, a slew of celebrities pledged to boycott the fast food restaurant. The mayors of Chicago and Boston promised to ban Chick-fil-A from their cities (although both withdrew their claims due to certain legal restraints), LGBT advocates organized Chick-fil-A kiss-ins, and many university students petitioned to ban Chick-fil-A from their campuses.

This knee-jerk reaction is to be expected, but considering that Chick-fil-A has never hidden its preference for traditional marriage, this reaction is absolutely ridiculous.

Indeed, for years t h e company has donated large sums of

money to organizations like The Marriage & Family Foundation that openly lobby against gay marriage. The restaurant found little to no opposition until this summer. If Cathy has been openly supporting “anti-gay” organizations for years now, what could he possibly have done to merit this sudden public humiliation, this infringement of the right to open a business, this badgering of innocent customers?

As a loyal Chick-fil-A customer for many years, I have always been aware of the company’s strong religious values, mostly because i could never get my #8 combo meal on any given Sunday. However, considering the fact that Chick-fil-A President and COO, Dan Cathy, spoke out against gay marriage earlier this summer, from now on I will be taking my business elsewhere.

Many can infer that because of the Cathy family’s Southern Baptist faith, the family is not a supporter of gay marriage. But, what people do not realize is that for at least the past nine years, ChickFil-A has been donating their money to various anti-gay organizations.

According to a July 2012 Equality Matters report, between 2003 and 2010 Chick-fil-A donated at least $3 million to several anti-gay organizations. The Cathy family themselves founded one of these organizations.

The Marriage & Family Foundation. The company also supports the National Christian Foundation, Exodus International and Family Research Council.

In 2010, Chick-fil-A donated over $1 million to The Marriage & Family Foundation, whose mission is to create a national media campaign supporting the idea that a stable marriage can only be between a man and a woman. Other fast food restaurants, like McDonalds and burger Kind, are more wisely donating their money to important organizations, such as the Ronald McDonald House, Wildlife Conservation Society and National Parks Conservation Association.

Clearly Chick-fil-A does not have its priorities straight if it feels that promoting their idea of marriage is a more pressing issue than giving a family a place to live while their child recieves medical treatment.

In response to this controversy, several colleges have suspended Chick-fil-A from their campuses.

Students of Northeastern

FACE OFF

ganizations. Davidson College is the latest college to suspend Chick-fil-A from its campus.

According to a July 2012 YouGovBrand Index chart, a website that measures people’s perception of restaurants, Chick-fil-A’s “Quick Service Restaurant” (QSR) score sunk from a high 65 to a below average 39 within a week and a half of Cathy’s remarks, proving that his decision was unpopular with many internet-using customers.

Before Cathy shared his beliefs regarding same sex marriage, the Jim Henson Company and Chick-fil-A partnered to distribute Muppet toys in every Chick-fil-A kids’ meal. However, once Cathy’s comments flooded popular social media sites, the Jim Henson Comapny terminated all relations with the company and took the previously earned profits from the deal and donated them to the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Agaisnt Defamation foundation.

If Kermit will not eat a Chick-fil-A sandwhich, how can you?

Along with the Jim Henson Company, several celeberties have reached out to the public through social media to take a stance against Chick-fil-A. Some of these celebrities include Ed Helms, Steve Martin, Zachary Quinto, Lisa Vanderpump, Roseanne Bar and Perez Hilton.

All of these people will no longer spend any money at Chick-fil-A, probably in the hopes that you will do the same.

Instead of wasting you hard-earned money at a place where it will ultimately end up in the hands of an organization that does not support marrying someone you love, you should consider buying things from Amazon, General Mills, Microsoft, Target or Starbucks, all of which support gay marriage. Or perhaps just skip the chicken sandwich and opt for a burger.

News

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theObserver

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Delaney and Bartlett face off to win District 6

By Dana Youngentob News Editor Maryland will hold elections Nov. 6 to choose the eight delegates to represent its citizens in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Due to the new congressional map, the CHS community, which was previously represented by Chris Van Hollen in District 8, will now be in District 6 and represented by either incumbent Roscoe Bartlett (R) or newcomer John Delaney (D).

The Observer interviewed both candidates about their platforms and political views so that the CHS community can make an informed vote come November.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN DElANEY.

Newcomer John Delaney (D) hopes to break into the political arena.

Democrat John Delaney Delaney (D) is new to the political arena. In the past, he founded two New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)-listed companies and a non-profit.

“I made the decision to run for Congress at the end of last year,” Delaney said. “It is something that I have thought of doing for a long time. When they changed the districts in Maryland, I decided to jump in.”

Even though the districts were redrawn to favor Democrats in District 6, Delaney believes it is unfair to both parties.

“I think the redistricting process that is used in Maryland is flawed because it is a highly political process,” Delaney said.

“What we should have is comprehensive redistricting reform similar to what they just did in California which makes it a less political process. It should be more based on the merits of population growth and change—which is the way it was intended.”

Delaney plans to win the upcoming election based on his platform.

“I view the main issue facing this country as the employment trend,” Delaney said.

“For about 20 years, the standard of living for the average American has gone down.

The way to reverse these employment trends is to make the country more competitive: investing in infrastructure, having an energy policy and education.”

According to Delaney’s 2012 campaign website, he plans to focus on his five E’s to achieve his goals: education, employment, environment, energy and ethics.

While some skeptics may question Delaney’s lack of political experience, he is quick to reassure the constituents that he is joining the political game for the right reasons.

“One of the problems we have with the political system is that while others are running and serving for narrowly defined special interests, I’m doing it through the lens of pure public service,” Delaney said.

Stop sign cameras installed

By Jamie Lescht Arts Editor Katherine Michaels Staff Writer

When MCPS conducted a statewide survey to see how often school buses are passed illegally, it found that school buses are passed 1,600 times in a single day; that’s approximately one and a half times on an average school bus route.

As a result, Montgomery County has installed cameras on school bus stop signs, and plans to install them in ordinary stop signs as well.

“We are trying to accomplish change in driver behavior in the area,” said MCPS Transportation Department Director Todd Watkins. “We are hoping that whenever anybody sees a school bus, they’ll say ‘Well there might be a camera on there’ and they’ll behave differently.”

The police can use the video evidence from these cameras to issue traffic citations and distribute tickets with fines of up to $250. If a police officer witnesses a driver illegally passing a school bus, the fine is $1,000 and the driver can be issued three driver’s license points. Once drivers have been issued eight to 11 points over a two-year period, the MVA will suspend their license.

Although the MCPS school bus cameras have not yet been installed, some video cameras are located on the outside of school buses in preparation for the incoming changes. These cameras are used to gather data for the upcoming installations.

According to the ABC 7 News website, in addition to cameras on school buses, an initiative has been taken in Glen Echo, MD to install Maryland’s first stop sign camera.

This idea came to local residents due to an issue at a four-way intersection. This intersection is heavily populated with

children in the streets, yet most drivers disobey the stop sign.

According to an Aug. 8 Washington Post article, the Glen Echo council found that 81 percent of drivers in the area ran the stop sign, and even when a police officer was installed at the site, approximately 65 percent of drivers still disobeyed the stop sign.

If Glen Echo succeeds in getting these cameras installed, then all of Montgomery County may be affected by this same safety precaution. The purpose of these cameras would be the same as the cameras in school buses.

“No one stops at the stop sign in front of Churchill,” sophomore Jacqueline Plesset said. “My dad is the only car that actually stops. Everyone in front of us just slows down.”

Watkins hopes these cameras and would play a part in preventing aggressive drivers and ensuring the safety of pedestrians.

“Most people act very responsibly around school buses and they stop when they see the red flashing light,” Watkins said. “But people who don’t know, the people who are in too big of a hurry to comply, they think wherever they’re going is more important than that kid’s safety or that it will never happen to them. Hopefully it will make an impact on their behavior.”

PHOTO BY JAMIE LESCHT.

Republican Roscoe Bartlett Congressman Roscoe Bartlett is campaigning to win another term to add to his 20 years of experience in the U.S. House of Representatives.

According to Bartlett’s campaign website, his platform is focused on the economy, terrorism and national security, health care, the second amendment, government spending and debt and taxes. He believes that the economy should be the most important factor in this year’s election cycle.

“The most important issue that I care about is reducing the annual federal budget deficits that have exceeded $1 trillion since President Obama took office,” Bartlett said. “Since you students have been in high school, our national debt has increased more than $5 trillion. Reducing America’s exploding National Debt will be vital to ensure opportunities during the lifetimes of current high school students for economic prosperity and continued U.S. national security, and leadership in technology.”

Additionally, Bartlett believes that because he has had ample experience in Congress, he is more qualified to be elected as the representative for District 6.

“Because I studied to be a minister, I was trained to hate the sin, but love the sinner,” Bartlett said. “That is the most important lesson I ever learned to be an effective member of Congress because it is a prerequisite to developing bipartisan consensus to change government policies.”

According to his campaign website, Bartlett has served on the House

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROSCOE BARTLETT.

Bartlett is relying on his experience.

Armed Services Committee. He has also served as chairman of the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee.

“I have consistently advocated, pursued and voted for changes in federal government policies to reduce spending, lower the tax burden and eliminate counterproductive regulations in order to provide opportunities for younger generations of Americans to achieve their American dreams,” Bartlett said.

Bartlett believes his accomplishments should land him in Congress for another term, and he is asking for help from CHS students.

“I encourage those of you who will be 18 before Nov. 6 to register so that you can vote,” Bartlett said. “There are seven state-wide ballot questions, including an opportunity to demand that the Congressional districts be redrawn to more fairly represent Marylanders for the 2014 election.”

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Observations

7

theObserver

New assessment schedule What’s Online?

Monday English Langauge Social Studies

Tuesday English Math Science

Wednesday Language Science Social Studies

Thursday English Math Social Studies

Friday Language Math Science

Semi-finalists announced

By Nicole Malament Observations Editor

Catherine Conway Christopher Gauch Andrew Haskins Colin Kincaid Jessica Lee Felix Li Nikita Markovych Neil Shekar Maeve Tobin Sara Wang Alyssa Weiss

Congratulations to the 11 seniors who have been named semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Competition. The students were selected based on their test scores from the 2011 PSAT. These students, who are among the highest scorers in Maryland, will continue to advance to Finalist standing to be considered for merit scholarship awards.

@ www.thechurchillobserver.com

News: Foundations of Technology classes take hands-on approach

Arts: A review of the summer’s hottest hits

Opinions: Gambling should be legalized in Maryland

Features: Crash course in local driving schools

Meet CHS’ newest staff members

By Nicole Malament Observations Editor

A.

Name

Favorite Food

Favorite radio station

Hobbies

What are you most excited about?

A. Amy Gilbert Art

Thai green curry

“HFS. It is no longer on.”

“Photography and horseback riding.”

“Getting to know my students.”

B. Ari Allal Music

Falafel

ESPN

“I’m a hockey player.”

“Getting to put on and lead performances.”

C. Jaime Marchese Autism

Lobster

99.5

“I grew up skiing. I used to race.”

“Starting off in a new place and meeting new people.”

Pizza

99.5

“I like drawing and painting.”

“Working with students.”

D. Tiffany Albright Special Education

B.

C D

D.

C.

E

F F.

E. E. Daniel Lethbridge Autism

French fries

98.7

“Wrestling.”

“Starting something new.”

F. Cody Scarsella

Frozen Yogurt

98.7

“I’m a runner. I do halfmarathons.”

“Getting to know everyone at CHS.”

G. Ellen Marshall English

Everything

98.7

“I like playing basketball.”

“Growing as a new teacher.”

H. Mary Dempsey English

Thai food

88.5 and 99.5

“I ride my bike. I also like to paint and make jewelry.”

“I’m excited about improving my students’ writing skills.”

I. Hsinyu Ho Math

Chinese food

“I don’t have one.”

“I play chess, ping-pong and collect stamps.”

“Getting to know my students.”

J. Corinne Aghion Math

Macaroni and cheese

94.7

“Reading, crafting and exercising.”

“Getting used to a new school.”

K. Jeffery McGowan Security

Sushi and pizza

102.7

“Medal fabricating and welding.”

“Getting to know students.”

L. Jennifer Solove Special Education

Grapes

NPR

“I do tango, salsa and yoga.”

“Being in a school without riots or lockdowns.”

M. Taraneh Azani Special Education

Avocado egg rolls from Cheesecake Factory

99.5

“I bike, play soccer and read.”

“Getting to know the staff and building a relationship with the students.”

N. Kevin Doherty Social Studies

Jade Billows Chinese food

100.3

“Traveling and sports.”

“Giving my sister a lunch detention.”

O. Margaret Pecora Jewett Spanish

Artichokes

101.1

“Pilates.”

“Getting to know the Churchill population.”

P. Ericka Brettschneid French

Pizza

99.5

“I like to read.”

“Being in a new place and starting a new adventure.”

G H G.

H.

J J.

I.

K

K.

L.

M N

M.

O

O.

N.

P

P.

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Features

theObserver

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Club Night showcases students’ unique interests

By Ben Fox Sports Photography Editor CHS hosted its annual Club Night Sept.

20, an event designed to present the hundreds of extracurricular clubs students can join. With so many enthusiastic club leaders and colorful poster boards plastered all over the cafeteria, some found it difficult to decide which clubs to actually join and which clubs to visit just for the free Hershey’s Kisses.

Junior Anamika Tandon is one of many students who are overwhelmed

by CHS’ huge amount of clubs. Many of the clubs she signs up for aren’t ones that she plans on following through with during the school year.

“Sometimes clubs convince you to join, even when you don’t have a lot of interest in them,” Tandon said. “I try to check out as many as possible, but there are only one or two that I actually want to continue with.”

The differences between clubs that students like Tandon continue to participate in, and clubs that students give up on can sometimes be hard to understand.

Some students start up clubs expecting them to have dozens of members when only a few join. Conversely, other students start a club expecting only a few members and are surprised by how many people share their interests.

Assistant Principal John Taylor ran this year’s Club Night and also oversaw which clubs were approved or denied by the school administration.

According to Taylor, a club that is organized and has dependable leadership can more easily attract interested students.

“I think a lot of it is based on how the students organize clubs,” Taylor said. “Experienced club leaders go to meetings and cause things to actually get done, while newer organizers can sometimes waste meetings.

High school kids don’t have time for that.”

One CHS club that has continually managed to keep students participating in meetings, going to events, and signing up again

year after year is the Debate Team, a club where students take one side of a specific issue and argue its merits against an opponent.

Psychology teacher Jared Pulliam is the staff sponsor of the Debate Team, and tournament director for Montgomery County.

According to Pulliam, club leadership is a huge part of students’ dedication to the club.

“I’ve sponsored clubs that floundered under poor leadership on the students’ parts,” Pulliam said. “Whoever is the president or captain of the club really is the fuel that keeps the entire machine moving. If they slack off and don’t hold meetings, interest is lost across the board.”

Another popular club is Model U.N., which boasts over 100 members from all grades. The club has become such a huge success that an accompanying class, taught by staff sponsor Paul Jacobson, has been added to the CHS curriculum this year.

In the Model U.N. club, students take on the role of one of the world’s many nations and are presented with different scenarios that can affect that nation. The students then address the issue much like the real United Nations would, with different countries getting a chance to speak and argue.

The class version of Model U.N. is slightly different than the club, with students focusing more on developing ways to compete better, and organizing the annual trip to a convention sponsored by the North American International Model United Nations (N.A.I.M.U.N.). The class is only offered to seniors, while the club is open to all students.

According to Jacobson, Model U.N. has become so successful, and now a class, because it is an “interesting subject,” it “looks good on college applications,” and students have the N.A.I.M.U.N. convention to enjoy at the end of the school year.

Along with the clubs that are a yearly tradition at CHS, new ones are hoping to find their niche in students’ lives. Junior Matt Baris is the founder of Churchill

Cycling, a first-year club that is being offered this school year.

According to Baris, the motivation to start Churchill Cycling grew out of his own love for bike riding.

“There is a huge biking community in Maryland, and there are a lot of kids at CHS who rely on biking as a mode of transportation,” Baris said. “I hope that we can work towards having the administration authorize actual mandatory bike rides.”

Junior Zoey Maggid is the secretary for Above the Influence, another new club that has already begun holding meetings and putting announcements on the Daily Dose.

According to Maggid, the club’s focus is on providing an open and understanding setting for discussing topics like peer pres-

sure and illegal drug use.

“The goal of Above the Influence is to create an environment where students feel safe and supported to make the right decisions,” Maggid said. “We want to allow students an opportunity for them to discuss peer pressure surrounding alcohol and drugs or any other pressure they may feel.”

If any students missed Club Night, and still wish to join a club, there will be a second Club Night Jan. 24. The choice to join a long-standing club like the Key Club or an exciting new one like the Doctor Who Club is up to each individual student, but no matter what you choose, a club is still one of the best ways to make new friends, and get to know your old ones better.

PHOTO BY BEN FOX.

Juniors Zoe Maggid and Matt Baris advertise for their respective first-year clubs in preparation for CHS’ Club Night, held Sept. 20.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Features

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Reusable LunchSkins Entrepeneur creates mini literature jewelry offer green alternative

By Jessica Lee Staff Writer

Two books dangle from senior Chani Wereley’s ears. The image of a heavyset girl stares from the front cover, every strand of hair visible and each letter in the title legible—impressive, considering the Hairspray playbill earrings are the size of a quarter.

Book Beads is an online business based in Florida that produces coin-sized charms made to look like miniature literature. Besides earrings, the charms also come on necklaces, bracelets, bookmarks and knitting needles.

“I was in a production of Hairspray over the summer,” Wereley said. “The earrings look exactly like the Hairspray programs.”

Book Beads founder Fe Morales’ niece, senior Christine Lorica, also owns some of the products, including a Harry Potter bracelet, whose beads display both the American and British versions of the series’ covers.

“I like how my aunt pays so much attention to detail,” Lorica said. “Each book bead is handmade, so she has to treat each one with care.”

Besides the miniature books, Morales also sells pewter and silver charms resembling famous icons from novels, such as Sherlock’s pipe. The Book Beads website has several options for custom purchases in addition to the pre-made products.

According to Morales, it takes three weeks to create a single book bead. She sculpts polymer clay into the shape of tiny books and transfers cover images onto the fronts and backs. She then bakes the clay books and applies protective finish, which takes several days to dry.

Morales started an online store, Just Charming!, which encompasses Book Beads, in November 2008 after she made Twilight charm bracelets for her daughter’s birthday party goody bags.

“I didn’t want to waste the supplies

and thought I could recoup some of the money,” Morales said. “To my surprise, the bracelets sold a lot, to the point that I had to make more.”

The following year, large brand stores started DIY jewelry-making sections, creating more competition for Morales. She began searching for unique craft ideas and found a tutorial of how to make miniature books for dollhouses.

“A quick search online showed me that very few had dabbled into this,” Morales said. “Between that ‘Eureka!’ moment and actually getting the book beads done to the quality I could be proud of, it took eight long months and pounds of book bead clay disasters and mistakes.”

Morales is currently constructing a new website for Book Beads.

“My store is an extension of me,” Morales said. “As it continues to grow, I marvel at the many friends and associations I’ve made.

Hopefully, the best is yet to come.”

PHOTO BY FE MORALES.

Morales creates charms for popular books, including the Twilight series.

By Danielle Kiefer Circulation Manager

Brown paper bags, napkins, tin foil and plastic baggies are just some of the trash thrown away by students every day at lunch. Each person creates 67 pounds of waste by the end of the school year, according to the Research Triangle Institute.

To help eliminate plastic waste, Potomac residents Kirsten Quigley and Cristina Bourelly co-founded Lunchskins: reusable lunch bags that can be used instead of a plastic sandwich bag.

After learning that every day, over 20 million plastic sandwich bags from school lunches go into U.S. landfills, Quigley, Bourelly and creative director Jennie Stoller Barakay, known as the “Three Green Moms,” came up with the idea to create a reusable lunch bag. Lunchskins are not just a fun alternative to the plastic baggie, they also provide families with an easy way to cut costs and help the environment.

“Giving kids a safe, fun and easy alternative to single use plastic baggies has been really rewarding,” Bourelly said. “We want our kids to enjoy nature and the outdoors for decades to come.”

According to the LunchSkins website, the goal is to keep 500 million plastic bags out of waterways and landfills by 2015.

To get started, the team found a food and dishwasher safe fabric for the bags and then came up with modern designs and patterns.

“At the beginning, we traveled to five states in one day looking at factories and warehouses and still came home that night without a good fit,” Bourelly said.

According to sophomore Conor Quigley and freshman Ally Bourelly, Quigly and Bourelly’s children, they both bring Lunchskins to school as well as a lunchbox and a reusable water bottle.

LunchSkins are available in three different sizes: snack, sandwich or sub. They all come in an assortment of colorful patterns,

PHOTO BY DANIELLE KIEFER.

LunchSkin bags, which are diswasher safe, help students live sustainably.

and can have other uses too, such as holding dog treats, small toys or cosmetics.

Since the creation of LunchSkins in 2008, the company has grown from only being available in select stores to being a widely-available product in stores such as Target and Whole Foods.

According to an April 2011 Bethesda Patch article, LunchSkins are also popular internationally and are even available in the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

“We’d hoped the idea would catch on, but we didn’t really realize that so many people would become fans,” Bourelly said.

Besides using LunchSkins instead of plastic baggies, students can stop using brown paper bags and instead use a lunch box or reusable bag, and can switch from disposable water bottles to aluminum or stainless steel.

“It is just as easy to put your food in reusable containers as it is to reach for a plastic baggie,” Bourelly said. “Before grabbing that baggie, be mindful that it will be in a landfill 1,000 years from now.”

LunchSkins offer a way to save money, help the environment by reducing landfill waste and give food a fresher taste than in plastic bags.

“We think being green and living sustainably is here to stay and we are happy that so many consumers believe the same thing,” Bourelly said.

10

After a tragic event like the shooting in Aurora, CO when 12 innocent victims lost their lives and dozens were seriously injured, peoples’ minds are often riddled with many questions.

One frequently asked question is: how do we prevent this from happening again? The answer is that we need to learn and understand the risk factors and reasons that make someone more likely to act out violently.

The Observer turned to Nicole Rafanello, a clinical and forensic psychologist who has provided expert opinions and assessments for court decisions, for her expertise in the risk factors of a violent person.

According to Rafanello, risk factors for shooters, “are very similar to those of a suicidal person.” These factors include mental illness, substance abuse, impulsive tendencies and the lack of a support system.

“Lower IQ and cognitive problems like dementia and mental retardation are also higher risk factors,” Rafanello said.

According to Rafanello, young people are constantly surrounded by violent video games, movies and television shows that can affect someone’s perception of violence.

“Our culture has changed over time,” Rafanello said. “We have online violence, violence on television and we are less family-oriented.”

According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA), family dinners are important.

Teenagers who have family dinners less than three times a week are twice as likely to use alcohol, four times as likely to use tobacco, and expect to try drugs in the future.

There are also additional risk factors related to demographics.

Males and those who have had trouble with the law at a young age tend to have more violent

Features

tendencies. Young people who have been abused or neglected also tend to act out.

According to Rafanello, shooters tend to feel very mistreated and alone in society. They believe that lashing out in this way is the only way to be heard.

Interestingly, the change of seasons can also be a factor that increases violence.

According to a study by Craig Anderson, director at the department of Psychology at Iowa State University, heat intensifies hostility which ultimately increases aggressiveness.

Although characteristics of shooters vary, there are often similarities between mass shootings.

According to the Violence Policy Center (VPC), 89.5 percent of murder suicides involve firearms.

“It’s like a flip of the same coin,” Rafanello said. “If someone is willing to act out violently toward someone else, they are probably willing to do so to themselves.”

Shooters are not just simply depressed. There are many more factors that, when combined, can explain violent tendencies that people need to watch for.

Because there are many risk factors, education may help prevent these acts from happening.

“You’re never going to be able to be 100 percent safe,” Rafanello said. “One way to help is to have teachers, counselors and principals learn from the studies and research.”

According to Mario Farfan of the Maryland State Police, shootings have increased in Maryland and nationally.

“Educate yourself and your family on these topics,” Farfan said. “There are plenty of programs in Montgomery County to assist people with mental issues, depression or suicide tendencies.”

In Maryland, police have taken action to prevent more of these attacks. There are hot lines and tip lines as well as training for officers in “active shooter” situations.

“We have increased security in our communities,” Farfan said. “We have attempted to show more police presence in our communities.”

theObserver

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Features

ILLUSTRATION BY JONATHAN LEE.

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theObserver

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Soup companies make transition to BPA-free

By Ariana Etessami Staff Writer You’ve just come down with the flu, it’s a rainy day and you just had a fight with your parents. It’s one of those days. You usually wouldn’t think twice about reaching for a can of some yummy, hits-the-spot chicken noodle soup—that is, until now.

Recent studies have shown that this popular and convenient comfort food

has some discomforting health risks.

Most soup cans are lined with the chemical BPA, short for Bisphenol A, to keep the food from coming into contact with the metal. Danger arises, however, when the soup is heated during packaging to keep germs out.

According to Third Planet Food, a website that keeps readers up-todate on nutrition and eating well, the high temperature of the soup during packaging “can cause BPA

PHOTO COURTESY OF CREATIVE COMMONS.

Campbell’s soup has announced it will remove BPA from its cans in light of recent health concerns. BPA can increase the risk of cancer and birth defects.

to leach out of the lining and into the food inside the can.”

So what are the dangers of BPA consumption? Frighteningly enough, there are more than just a few.

According to Third Planet Food, BPA can increase the risks of prostate and breast cancer, early puberty, genetic abnormalities in eggs, and even obesity.

It seems odd that these lowcalorie soups could cause weight gain, but the proof is in the science: BPA causes the pancreas to produce more insulin, a hormone regulating carbohydrate and fat metabolism.

This causes insulin resistance, so that fat and carbohydrates cannot be absorbed into the bloodstream, therefore causing weight gain, especially in the abdominal region.

So what can people do to stay safe, but still get the warm goodness of soup in their bellies? The most obvious solution is to get the chef hat out and make homemade soup. But, being that we may not have the time to do that, several soup brands offer BPA-free cans.

According to Inspiration Green, a website promoting an environmentallyfriendly lifestyle, all of Amy’s brand tomato-based soups and Eden Foods brand soups are BPA-free.

Although most other brands have yet to declare plans to remove BPA from cans, some notable progress has been made.

Campbell’s, a popular soup brand, especially among children, has faced some serious backlash for making erroneous claims in regard to the BPA’s health safety.

According to a March 2012 Forbes article, Campbell’s spokesman Anthony Sanzio announced in September 2011 that BPA had “no threat to human health.” Studies released shortly afterwards that stated the opposite created controversy and pushed Campbell’s to announce future removal of BPA from its cans.

In addition, Whole Foods claims that they are making the transition to BPA-free products as well.

According to Inspiration Green, currently 27 percent of Whole Foods’ store-brand canned goods are BPA-free.

The best thing to do until these soup brands straighten out the controversy is to stick to non-canned or homemade soup. Besides, who hasn’t pretended to be sick one time or another—just to get Mom to make her amazing homemade chicken noodle soup?

two miles east of Old Angler’s Inn, and Great Falls, which is 2.2 miles west.

Luckily, construction by Angler’s Inn is estimated to be completed this fall.

Further down the canal, in Washington County, MD, a 13-mile stillwater lake that intercepts the canal, nicknamed Big Slackwater, flooded the towpath for several years. Restoration efforts began in 2010 and are scheduled to be completed by the end of this year. This project was funded by National Park Service and the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Transportation Enhancement Program.

The constant reconstruction of the canal has cost millions of dollars and years of

hard work, but no matter what, it remains a landmark and source of pride for people from Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC. It spans over 184 beautiful miles, from Georgetown to Cumberland, Maryland.

“I love going to the canal so much that a couple of repairs going on don’t really affect my opinion of it at all,” sophomore Maddie Beller said.

If a student is interested in doing volunteer work for the canal, they should contact Emily Hewitt at emily_hewitt@ nps.org. Students under 18 need permission from their parents and an adult accompanying them, but there are many opportunities for them to enjoy.

Constant repairs on canal disrupt visitors

By Emily Birnbaum Features Editor

The C&O Canal provides a respite from suburbia’s relentless traffic and congestion. It is the perfect place to relax and appreciate the beauty of nature. But most people don’t realize how hard government officials and volunteers have to work to maintain this famous landmark.

Construction of the canal—officially called the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal—began on July 4, 1828, and was completed October 10, 1850. It’s something of an engineering miracle that it’s still intact and useable today, 162 years later. Much to the annoyance of the huge number of people who walk along its towpath each year, it’s constantly being repaired.

“We often will undergo restoration and other repair projects in the park,” said John Novel, National Park Service’s, chief of interpretation, education and partnerships. “Because there’s no other way to do it, we’ll have to temporarily inconvenience visitors by creating a detour, mostly for safety purposes. That’s just a byproduct of doing some of these projects.”

Many CHS canal-frequenters have noticed that the canal has been drained of water in several parts located next to MacArthur Boulevard, especially around the popular restaurant, Old Angler’s Inn. “I love taking walks on the canal with my dad, but for the past couple of months that spot near Old Angler’s Inn has been totally dry, and I’ve been confused as to why,” junior Hana Elborai said.

According to canaltrust.org, a website from the C&O Canal Trust dedicated to posting information about the canal, there

was a breach in the towpath near Old Angler’s Inn Sept. 6, 2008. Heavy downpours and runoff from surrounding hillsides caused the gap that was 125 feet across.

This past summer, in order for the contractor to complete the necessary repairs, long stretches of the canal near the breach were drained. The change was unsightly, but the National Park Service (NPS), which oversees the canal, said it had no choice.

According to the National Park Service website, nps.org, the drainage was initiated in July 2012, after being deemed necessary to the restoration by the project’s contractor.

The breach also damaged a historic stone wall which, after four years of constant repair, was finally completely fixed in July.

Not only does the construction affect the visual environment, but it also prevents CHS students and teachers from walking without interruption from the District of Columbia border all the way to Great Falls.

Parking can also be difficult for canal visitors.

According to canaltrust.org, construction near the Old Angler’s Inn lot requires periodic closures of parking areas and prohibits vehicular traffic from 5 a.m.-5 p.m. in the upper and lower parking lots. The closest available parking lots are at Carderock, which is

PHOTO BY MATT KNARR. USED WITH PERMISSION BY NPS.

After a stillwater lake flooded, restoration began in 2010 on the towpath along the C&O Canal in Washington County, MD, and was completed this year.

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Classic superheroes undergo transformation

By Tyler Mead Online Features Editor

The days of shark repellent and tightfitting spandex costumes are long gone.

Our favorite superheroes of yesteryear have gotten a serious makeover.

Since the start of the X-Men trilogy in 2000, movies based off comic book superheroes have become gritty and mainstream. What was once a goofy part of nerd culture has evolved into something more popular, introducing people to the worlds of Marvel and DC Comics.

Before the Dark Knight trilogy, it seemed like Batman movies were doomed. With failures like Batman and Robin and Batman scoring 3.5 out of 10 and 6.4 out of 10 on IMBd.com, the franchise seemed hopeless.

Director Christopher Nolan took it upon himself create a better Batman movie. Nolan succeeded and shattered the scores of all past Batman movies with an 8.3 out of 10 on IMBd.com.

Nolan’s interpretation revolutionized the hero by moving away from the often-mocked theme songs and tights to a seedy Gotham City where the

crime was thrilling and more realistic.

“I much prefer Christopher Nolan’s dark, gritty Batman to a lot of the older ones made in the 1960s to 1990s,” senior Jonathan Goldman said. “I do like the old Batman TV show from the 1960s because it is very light-hearted and campy to the point that it’s hilarious.”

On the other hand, Marvel has taken a slightly different approach from DC Comics. Many superheroes have received a movie explaining

their origins and introducing their most dangerous villains. These movies have also heavily developed their characters, but they usually throw in more comic relief. Marvel then wove these stories together to produce The Avengers.

According to Forbes.com, The Avengers was the third-highest grossing movie of all time.

“The Avengers blew me away and I’m a big Joss Whedon [director of The

Avengers] fan,” comic book enthusiast and science teacher Yuri Achille said.

Marvel also anounced at the 2012 San Diego Comic Con that in the coming years, they will produce sequels to Thor and Captain America and continue the Iron Man movies.

According to the Marvel press event, Marvel also plans to make a movie for new superhero: Antman, one of the original Avengers. Director Edgar Wright (Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World) debuted test footage of a fight scene at Comic Con and viewers present at the exclusive screening spoke highly of it.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Christian Bale stated that The Dark Knight Rises will be the last time he wears the cape and cowl of the bat. DC will soon be releasing a new Superman movie with Christopher Nolan producing.

Superhero movies still have their flaws, but if the dramatic rate of improvement from older films is any indication, nerds and casual viewers alike have a lot to look forward to in the superhero movie industry.

as Uncle Marshall (Jason Segal, Forgetting Sarah Marshall), Aunt Lily (Alyson Hannigan, American Pie), Uncle Barney (Neil Patrick Harris, Harold & Kumar) and his old on-andoff love interest Aunt Robin (Cobie Smulders, The Avengers).

Although fans do not know who Ted’s wife is, the show proves to be more than just a mystery with the gang’s crazy adventures as they try to figure out post-college life in New York City.

“I love the friendly atmosphere and chemistry between the characters,” senior Alex Goldman said. “Some of the episodes are literally laugh-out-loud funny.”

Ted’s search for the perfect girl continues throughout the story, and the audience finds themselves rooting for him through every awkward moment, where he struggles to find love.

The unique narration of the show, voiced by Bob Saget, has Ted editing inappropriate parts of the story for his children’s sake. For instance, Ted speaks of using marijuana, he replaces the word with having a bag of “mari…nated steak subs.” This and other ongoing jokes connects the HIMYM fan base and builds the “cult following” of the show.

“I love the whole dynamic of the show,” senior Sofia Roman said.

“It’s unlike any show I’ve ever

seen. Almost every line makes me laugh, and the way it’s put together is so clever.”

After seven motherless seasons, HIMYM fans suspect a nearing happy ending to Ted’s tale, possibly attributed to the rumors of Segal leaving the show after the upcoming eighth season.

“I think once Marshall leaves they should definitely end the show,” Goldman said. “They’ve dragged it out long enough without introducing the mother.”

HIMYM’s devoted fans are anxiously awaiting the revealing of the mother, predicted to come in the upcoming eighth season.

rich mac & cheese on a stick appear exceptionally nauseating, yet taste delicious. There is an abundance of options for those with a sweet tooth, such as chocolate dipped cheesecake on a stick, candied nuts and frozen sherbet oranges.

Magic acts and theatrical productions are plentiful and allow visitors to watch spectacles from benches or in passing. Many magicians ask for assistance to allow audience participation.

Keep in mind that actors are not only performers on stage. Vendors, fairies, sorcerers, queens and knights speaking in Renaissance-era English wander amongst the paying customers. Most have elaborate and imaginative backgrounds made up, eager to tell anyone who asks.

The only drawback is that the festival is a bit pricey. The entrance fee is $22 for those 16 years and older and $10 for those 15 years and younger. Nearly every activity costs extra ranging from $1 to $20, and many vendors sell items that a visitor won’t use more than once. Average visitors should anticipate spending $40 for a full day at the festival.

Whether dancing to classical music, chowing down on medieval meals or riding an elephant, experiencing the live magic of the Maryland Renaissance Festival is a day filled with memories not to be missed.

The Renaissance Festival is open on weekends now through Oct. 21.

PHOTO BY JANE ZANKMAN.

Superhero movies have become darker and grittier, pleasing most fans.

‘How I Met Your Mother’ is legen, wait for it, dary

By Julia Gray Staff Writer

How I Met Your Mother (HIMYM) sets the sitcom bar high with its hilarious cast and mysterious plot as protagonist Ted Mosby (Josh Radnor, Not Another Teen Movie) tells his children the epic story of how he met his wife through a series of drawn-out flashbacks. The bar continues to rise with the eighth season which premiered Sept. 24.

Ted’s story starts in season one just after college graduation when he is spending most of his time with his four best friends. In the telling of his story, Ted refers to his friends

Maryland Renaissance Festival returns this fall Attractions include jousting, battles, food vendors

By Catherine Goohs Archive Manager

Autumn not only brings colorful foliage, but also jousting, fortune telling, face painting and merriment, for the Maryland Renaissance Festival is back in town.

This year marks the 36th anniversary of the Renaissance Festival. Located in Crownsville MD, the festival is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each weekend from Aug. 25 until Oct. 21, but it’s nearly impossible to experience every activity in a single visit. If one decides to go, here are some tips for a most enjoyable experience.

One must see attraction is jousting, a brief, staged battle where men and their horses, garbed in heavy metal armor, attack their opponents. Regal banners soar to represent each team amidst high tensions.

Looking the part is also a significant factor to having fun.

Not only do many children dress up, but adults get in on the action as well. Many shops on the festival’s grounds sell or rent costumes, swords and masks. There are numerous stations offering face painting, hair braiding, henna and other unique ways to dress up.

The Renaissance Festival also offers a multitude of delectable treats to “subside ye cravings.” In particular, the fried dill pickles, turkey legs and

PHOTOS BY CATHERINE GOOHS.

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m

Na g n ‘Ga e’ l y St

na Ala son p m Tho s e d a h S y 50 e r G of

PSY’s new song, “Gangnam Style” has caused a massive rise in the popularity of Korean pop music (K-pop). Due to the song’s catchy tune and entertaining music video, “Gangnam Style” has gone completely viral, with over 100 million views on YouTube.

TLC has introduced this month’s most trending figure, Alana Thompson, featured on new TV show Here Comes Honey Boo-Boo. In many of Thompson’s appearances on the show, you can see her grab and shake her belly or eat a road-kill deer for dinner. Although watching Honey Boo-Boo may drop viewers’ IQ a few points, it is worth watching to see what this insane child might do next.

The erotic novel, 50 Shades of Grey, by E.L. James, has taken the teenage world by storm with the sensual story of innocent Anastasia Steele and brooding Christian Grey. Though deemed inappropriate for teenagers, multiple adolescents have purchased their own copies and can’t stop reading.

t r e b Ro in III f f i Gr

-d p i D

g yin

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Redskins fans should bid their farewells to Rex Grossman because rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III (RGIII) has taken his place. The Redskins played poorly last year, but RGIII has the D.C. area hoping for a new era.

Many teenage girls have been dying the ends of their hair unnatural colors. This trend, known as dip-dying, is most popular amongst high schoolers. The most popular colors at CHS seem to be red, white or neon.

New businesses offer more variety at Cabin John

By Emma Crutchfield Production Editor Jamie Lescht Arts Editor While people were vacationing this summer, the Cabin John Shopping Center experienced some extreme changes. Cabin John has changed its color scheme and added multiple businesses. New additions

include Benny’s Bar and Grill, Pet Valu, Orange Leaf, Leila Jewels, PNC Bank, The Grilled Oyster Company and a new Chinese restaurant to replace Jade Billows.

Benny’s Bar and Grill is an American restaurant opening soon in Cabin John in the space where Popeye’s used to be. This restaurant is going to have a 1940s retro theme, and will be similar to restaurants such as Houston’s and Clyde’s.

PHOTOS BY JAMIE LESCHT.

Benny’s Bar & Grill is a sports bar with a 1940s theme opening at Cabin John Shopping Center this fall. Benny’s will replace Popeye’s Chicken and Biscuits.

Pet Valu is a pet store that will be opening in the shopping center. At Pet Valu, workers will help pet owners decide which food and toys will best suit their pet.

Orange Leaf is a frozen yogurt store that opened in the mall Aug. 3.

The self-serve shop offers a variety of flavors and toppings for customers to choose from. Orange Leaf, which is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m to 9 p.m. on Sundays, offers a 10 percent discount for CHS students. This is Cabin John’s first frozen yogurt store, and has opened to rave reviews.

Leila Jewels is a jewelry store that is now open in the shopping center.

Here one can find gifts for bar or bat mitzvahs, weddings, birthdays, graduations and more. This store is open from 10 a.m.to 8 p.m. Monday

through Saturday and 11 a.m.to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

PNC Bank is opening a drive thru at the far end of the shopping center.

This bank is the second drive-thru bank, aside from SunTrust Bank, to open in Cabin John.

The Grilled Oyster Company is opening in the middle of the shopping center. Unlike the other restaurants in the area, The Grilled Oyster Company will provide new food options. The restaurant’s featured dishes include a variety of shellfish, particularly oysters.

After multiple years of being one of the most popular Chinese restaurants in the area, Jade Billows is closing. It is rumored that in place of Jade Billows, a new Chinese restaurant will take its place, but no one can be sure if it will live up to Jade Billows’ legacy.

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Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Student speedskater glides past competition ally analytical about all the little technical aspects about skating.”

In previous years, South Korean 1998 Olympic gold medalist DongSung Kim coached LeBauer along with the PSC. “He kick-started my skating career by pushing me to train harder than I had in the past,” LeBauer said.

Currently LeBauer is coached by Hyun-Jung Lee, the coach from his first year of skating.

“I improved tremendously since I have trained under her and have only improved further since,” Shaner said.

LeBauer’s previous speedskating accomplishments include a sixth place finish in the 2011 American Cup races, where he finished as the top junior contender and beat a national

team skater. He also won the gold medal in the 2011 U.S. National ShortTrack Speedskating Championship.

“I enjoy the competitive aspect of it more than anything,” LeBauer said. “It’s just the competitiveness and the thrill of winning a race.”

While speedskating is an important part of LeBauer’s life, academics are his first priority. Unlike most top speedskaters who are homesch oo l e d a n d p o st p o n e col l e g e , LeBauer, who previously attended Sidwell Friends School, is looking forward to continuing his education at CHS and then in college.

“It’s a long term goal of mine to go to the Olympics in 2018 or 2022,” LeBauer said. “But college is my number one priority.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHANER LEBAUER.

By Emilie Plesset Online Editor-In-Chief New student junior Shaner LeBauer has more on his mind than just making new friends and navigating the CHS hallways. As a nationally competitive speedskater he hopes to take his skating to a higher level.

“This season I only have one goal in mind, and that’s to make the Junior World team,” LeBauer said. “I have had some near misses to my goals in the past, but I keep thinking to myself that this is the year to do it.”

LeBauer began speed skating when he was 10 years old as a way to cross train for ski racing, his athletic

focus at the time.

“I was very reluctant to begin, but when I saw speedskating in the 2006 Olympics I decided I really wanted to try it,” LeBauer said. “From there on, speedskating pretty much took over my life.”

LeBauer trains six days a week at rinks in Wheaton, Cabin John, Laurel and Prince William, VA. In addition to individual intensive training, LeBauer trains with the Potomac Speedskating Club (PSC) with practices consisting of an hour of an off-ice workout and an hour and a half of on-ice practice.

“Shaner works really hard,” fellow speedskater Lexi Burkholder said. “He is really focused and re-

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHANER LEBAUER.

Junior Shaner LeBauer competes at the 2012 Age Group National Championship for speedskating in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

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Golf looks to freshmen Field hockey opens after lackluster start strong despite loss to rival

By Angad Kanwal Production Editor Hoping to build on a successful 2011 season, the golf team is looking forward to a productive fall.

The team’s match against B-CC, Northwest and Quince Orchard Sept.

10 ended with the Bulldogs finishing third with a score of 207. The Bulldogs took on Damascus, Quince Orchard and Walter Johnson Sept. 13 and finished third, scoring a total of 191. Overall, the team holds the fifth spot out of eight teams in its division, with a total score of 621 in three matches.

“The games aren’t our best,” senior captain Kathleen Gaultney said. “It’s still the beginning, and usually we end up doing better as the season progresses.”

The Bulldogs took on Damascus, Northwest and Wootton at Redgate Golf Course Sept. 4. The team tied with Wootton for first place, finishing with a score of 205.

PHOTO BY GURANSH SINGH.

Freshman Sean Coleman tees off in the second match of the season Sept. 13.

“This year’s team is much younger, and the entire team is more ready to compete than in the past,” head coach Mike Fisher said.

The Bulldogs started their season against Damascus, Whitman and B-CC Aug. 29 at Bretton Woods Golf Club with a third place finish, scoring 209.

“We didn’t do that great in our first match, but I expect that we will improve every match we play,” freshman Luke Schaap said.

Despite the disappointing results of the earlier matches, the Bulldogs continue to remain positive that they will have a winning season.

“I expect this year’s team to do amazing with all the great players we have,” freshman Adam Gray said. “I think that if we play well, we will, without a doubt, win states.”

The team welcomes freshmen standouts Schaap and Gray, who hope to help the team reach its goal of winning the district and state championships.

“We have a very deep and talented team, and I expect to be very competitive throughout the season,” Fisher said.

“The quantity and quality of talented freshmen has never been this deep.”

The team rounded out the month with a match Sept. 18 against Wootton, Walter Johnson and B-CC and another Sept. 24 against Quince Orchard, Wootton and Whitman.

“Our team is so deep this year that no one player will have to step up,” senior captain Zach Satin said. “A good, solid team effort will help us be successful.”

Aside from winning, the team places significant importance on teamwork and close relationships that come with being part of a team. Team captains organize team dinners and trips to local attractions like mini golf to help boost team chemistry.

“We have such a great team of athletes who are also so much fun to be around,” Gray said. “We will always be a team, and that’s all that really matters.”

By Katie Gauch Production Editor

week,” junior captain Julia Taladay said. “The land practices consist of mostly fitness training and using the rowing machines, called ergs.”

Although much of last year’s team was made up of seniors, many of the rowers have done extra practicing in the off-season in order to ensure another great season.

“Many of our rowers did programs with universities and Boathouse rowing programs,” junior Dominic Singer said. “We

even had two rowers go to U.S. Nationals.”

Because crew is a team effort, team chemistry is key to a successful crew squad.

According to Taladay, the multiple practices are “good team bonding time,” and despite the loss of 13 seniors, “there is still a lot of enthusiasm for the program.”

The upcoming fall season is Headrace season, which means that the team races in a 5 kilometer. These regattas

After nearly an hour of complete endurance and a score of 6-0, the field hockey team reached its seventh goal as the ball slowly rolled into Wheaton’s net in the last couple of tight minutes, sealing a win for the team Aug 31.

Junior Clare Nolan and senior captain Mary Lee Lawrence each scored one goal, while senior captain Jen Shim and freshman Annie Moshyedi scored three and two goals respectively, to reach a final score of 7-0.

“It was a good way to start the season off and were hoping to bring that momentum to the next game,” Shim said.

The Lady Bulldogs also pulled out a dominating win against Einstein Sept.

5. The team had goals from Shim, junior Jamie Lescht, senior Christina Michaels, and Nolan, who each scored one goal, and junior Catherine Nardi, who scored two goals. The game ended 10 minutes early due to lightning.

“We played really well,” Shim said.

“We were talking a lot and we just really played as a team.”

Seniors Melanie Maino, Lawrence, Shim and senior captain Alyssa Weiss have the dexterity to lead the team to success.

“I think our team will have a successful season,” Shim said. “We all have the skill to go far in the season.”

Last season, the Lady Bulldogs were the number one seed in the 4A West Region tournament, but fell short in the regional finals to B-CC, who they faced Sept. 12, losing 0-1.

“I think we played amazing,” Shim said. “The score does not reflect how we played. This was by far the best we’ve ever played. We accomplished every goal we had set for ourselves, and we just learned a lot from this experience.”

Although the team graduated nine seniors, about half of their team, last year, the Bulldogs are making sure they have the right chemistry this year on and off the field.

“I think the team will do really well this year,” Weiss said. “We have a lot of potential and just have to keep working hard to fulfill it.”

The team faced Quince Orchard on Sept. 20.

PHOTO BY GURANSH SINGH.

Senior Alyssa Weiss dribbles between two B-CC defenders.

Crew hopes for success after off-season training

By Ethan Denicoff Staff Writer

The crew team looks to continue success despite losing many rowers to graduation.

The first regatta is the Head of Anacostia race, which will take place Sept.

29 on the Anacostia River.

“We practice on the water three times a week for two to three hours, and we have land practice once a

are rowed by fours and eights sweeps; each rower has one oar and there are four oars on each side.

According to Singer, the 5k regattas are around 20 minutes long and are more focused on endurance as opposed to strength.

“Hopefully we’ll do really well,” Taladay said. “The girls qualified for youth nationals last year, and if we work hard enough, I think we can meet that goal for this year too.”

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Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Looking to ‘Ignite your Natitude?’ Young team Check out our bandwagon cheat sheet continues success

By Matt Raab Sports Editor

Your Washington Nationals are 32 games over .500, with a record of 91--58 at press time.

They’ve easily surpassed their home run totals from last year and their pitchers have allowed the fewest runs in all of Major League Baseball.

The team has a 5.5 game lead over the Atlanta Braves in the National League East.

Ok. Great numbers. But what does it all mean? Are the Nationals actually good? Are they going to make the playoffs? Do I need to buy a “Curly W” shirt and cap? For a lot of metro area residents, the prospect of a local professional baseball team in the playoffs is baffling, and for good reason—since the creation of the Washington Nationals in 2005, the franchise has consistently finished well out of the playoff race, and the Orioles haven’t made the playoffs since 1997.

So as a favor to confused Washingtonians, here is the 2012 Washington Nationals Playoff Bandwagon Cheat Sheet.

Lets start with the basics. Who are the Nationals?

Stephen Strasburg, Bryce Harper, Ryan Zimmerman, the other Zimmermann (who does he spell his name with two n’s), the guy with the hobo hair and the pitcher with the funky glasses?

Technically, yes.

But not really.

What about Michael Morse, the hulking, charismatic slugger? What about Danny Espinosa, the middle-lineup hitting, quietly-consistent second baseman?

What about Edwin Jackson, the stalwart, seasoned pitcher with arguably some of the worst luck in the major leagues? The Washington Nationals are easily one of the most lovable teams in baseball.

So take away Harper, and take away Strasburg, and you still have a talented and interesting team. Albeit, it would be a team that would never make a headline on ESPN—a Sept. 2 start by Strasburg merited three headlines about his impending shutdown, and a multi-RBI game by Harper almost guarantees a leading headline for any sports network—but it would be a team capable of playing well above average in the MLB. First baseman Adam LaRoche has attracted league-wide attention with a career- high 30 home runs and counting and the eighth most RBIs in the National League, according to MLB.com. Pitcher Gio Gonzalez, according to MLB.com, has the most wins in the majors (19) and the fifth most in strikeouts in the National League.

So now you have a few tidbits to share about the Nationals roster beyond Strasburg and Harper. But let’s take a moment to discuss Strasburg specifically, and the discussion that has been central to any mention of the Nationals since April: should there be a limit on Strasburg’s pitching?

We will never know the answer to this question. Strasburg has been shut down. He’s done. No relenting coaches giving him one last start, no miracle return for the playoffs. There is no precedent to this decision from a baseball perspective. Thus the arguing is vehement, but it is also completely hypothetical. And the decision was never really in doubt, at least among the Nationals management.

So when someone complains about how hurt the Nationals chances are by the loss of Strasburg, what they don’t realize is the massive amount of medical evidence, from experts across the U.S., indicating that Strasburg needs his rest. While it is true that the situational basis for this evidence in the MLB is limited, the science we do have on the preserving of pitchers indicates that ad-

ditional rest does lead to a healthy return.

Look at pitcher Jordan Zimmermann, who was medically in the exact same situation as Strasburg a year earlier, although not the ace of the staff on a playoff contending team. He was shut down early, after about the same amount of pitching as Strasburg, and returned to pitch a stellar year, currently possessing a 10-8 record and one of the lowest ERAs in the National League.

Thus, those who push for Strasburg to continue don’t adequately consider the long term potential of Strasburg and this team as a whole. They don’t think about the liability the Nationals could face if Strasburg reinjures himself some point down the road after playing against medical advice. While Strasburg is certainly the superstar ace of the Nationals rotation, by no means is he the key to playoffs success. That will depend much more on the Nationals bullpen and hitters, players who play every day.

Now a look at one last essential component of the Washington Nationals: their slogan. There’s two basic camps on the “Ignite Your Natitude” battle cry that has been the centerpiece of National’s homestands. The first is the “This is basically the worst slogan of the MLB” camp, mostly populated by crabby longtime Nationals fans who in their hearts want nothing more than a losing team to return to Washington so they can have the stadium to themselves again. On the other side, the more progressive pro-Natitude camp has embraced the slogan as a unique display of the team’s spirit, and a useful imperative to use in conversation.

So there you go, young Nationals fans.

Go out there and give baseball a turn at the center of a Washington bandwagon craze, if you dare. This is a team worth getting excited about. Ignite your Natitude. And no, you don’t have to watch the whole game.

Girls cross country has strong start while boys struggle to rebuild

PHOTO BY BEN FOX.

Sophomore Lucy Srour led the girls to a team victory against Sherwood. Injuries hindered the boys team, which was defeated.

By Julia McDermott Archive Manager After the loss of many important seniors, it would seem the cross country would need a rebuilding year. However, with strong underclassmen filling their spots, it might not be necessary.

Last season, the boys team was one of the top teams in the state and the girls team was one of the top in the county. With an overall season record of 5-0 for boys and 4-1 for girls, CHS was the school to beat. This season, head coach Paul Jacobson hopes, will be no different.

“I expect to be top three or four in the

county,” Jacobson said. “Hopefully we will keep winning races.”

Sophomore team captains Lucy Srour and David Fitzgerald are expected to lead the team this season in winning races.

At a dual meet against Sherwood on Sept. 11, Srour led the girls team to victory, placing first, and junior Breanna Boggan finished second. The boys team, running without several of its top runners, lost.

Last season, Srour won counties and this year she has her sights set on the state championship.

“I feel stronger than I did last year,” Srour said. “I am more prepared, and I know what to expect.”

Looking to close the gap between Srour and the rest of the girls team are juniors Moraya and Breanna Boggan, junior captain Paula Rabade and freshmen Fiona Asbury and Katie Wright.

“For the girls we are just going to keep getting better and better,” Jacobson said.

“We expect to be top three in the county.”

At the Woodward Relays Invitational Sept. 4, the girls team delivered. Srour and Rabade won the three -mile cross country relay and the girls team finished second to rival B-CC. The boys team finished ninth overall.

“The result from Woodward was amazing,” Srour said. “Paula and I were super excited to come in first and help our team place second against some of the top teams in the state.”

After losing six out of their top seven runners, including 2011 4A west regional champion Will Conway and top runner Zach Weinstein, the boys team took quite a blow. Fitzgerald and junior William Szamosszegi, a tennis recruit and first-year runner, will lead the team.

“We are working on our depth for the boys team which will probably get better with experience,” Jacobson said. “Our number one is pretty much guaranteed, but we are trying to catch up our other runners.”

The biggest competition for the boys team is Walter Johnson, who they will meet at counties, regionals and other invitational meets. The girls team will meet its toughest competition against B-CC Oct 2.

Although the team has over 100 runners, most athletes describe it as being like a family.

“Why do I love cross country?”

Srour said. “That’s like asking why I love my parents.”

PHOTO BY BEN FOX.

Senior Joan Albrecht has won all her doubles matches, helped the tennis team extend its winning record.

By Danny Gordon Staff Writer After winning a record fivestraight county titles, the girls tennis team hopes to stretch its streak to six this year. So far the team is off to a good start, defeating both Bullis and Magruder 7-0.

According to sophomore Alissa Li, “the singles players played particularly well” in both matches.

The team, which has won eight of the last nine county title games, lost six players, including last year’s co-captains Tanya Bagheri and Jill Tietelbaum.

“It always impacts the team when you lose seniors and captains,” coach Ben Woods said.

“It is also an opportunity for underclassmen to step up and take their turn at leading the Churchill Team.”

Younger players have risen to the occasion to fill in for last year’s seniors.

According to Li, freshmen Isabel Dibble, Jessica Dibble, Gina Dehdashty and Tatiana Hewitt will help the team this year.

“I expect us to have a really strong season,” senior captain Lauren Perrine said. “Our team has a lot of depth this year with lots of great players all down the lineup.”

According to Perrine, the team is looking forward to its match against rival Wootton Sept. 24, because they are the Bulldogs’ strongest opponent.

“It’s not about winning and losing,” Woods said. “It’s for them to learn about themselves and give it their all, and then the record will take care of itself. They just need to have fun.”

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Sports

With rocky start, boys soccer looks to improve

By Zoe Forster Sports Editor The boys soccer team had a dominating 4-3 win over 3A state champions Watkins Mill Sept. 12 at home.

Although the Bulldogs have had a rocky start, losing their two previous games, they believe they have the talent to develop and succeed.

“Watkins Mill won states for 3A so we came out looking for a fight,” senior captain Crispin Muessle said.

“This time we showed strength and we all worked together.”

The Bulldogs had been inconsistent leading up to the Watkins Mill game, losing 2-1 against Urbana Sept. 5 and 2-0 against Good Counsel Sept. 10.

Muessle scored early against Urbana, but towards the end of the first half Urbana took control of the game and scored two goals.

“We had a lapse of focus and concentration,” Muessle said. “Our defense was giving away the ball too much and

we needed to play through the middle.”

The team won its first two games of the season 2-1 against Georgetown Prep and 1-0 against Mount Saint Joe’s.

In the Georgetown Prep game, the Bulldogs came out slow in the first 10 minutes of the game, but eventually found their rhythm and started to dominate the game.

“Focusing has been inconsistent, but I’m confident that they turned the corner and are a bit more focused,” coach Arnold Tarzy said.

Junior Nathan Ferdowski and Muessle scored, putting the Bulldogs ahead 2-0.

In the last 10 minutes of the game, shortly after Georgetown Prep scored their first goal, senior goalie Eli Tobias made a great save on a free kick, allowing the team to finish with a one-goal lead.

The Bulldogs have high hopes for this season and are confident that they are one of the top teams in the division.

“For the past two years we made it to the regional-semifinals and this year we are going to win the whole thing,” senior captain Matt Kramer said.

The team faced Clarksburg Sept. 22.

PHOTO BY MARY ELLEN MENGUCCI.

Tobias’ saves kept the Bulldogs alive against Georgetown Prep.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF CINDY HILLARD.

The Bulldogs defeated Clarksburg Sept. 13 with a strong defensive presence.

Undefeated volleyball faces rivals in coming weeks

By Josh Denicoff Production Editor

The volleyball soars over the net from the Clarksburg side of the court. Senior Carina Graham leaps up, hits the ball and aces it. Point Churchill.

The team won its third game of the season 3-0 over Clarksburg Sept. 13.

“In the Clarksburg game it was all about defense,” coach Cindy Hillard said.

Five players had over five digs each, with setter Adrianna Lee having the most digs with eight. Middle blockers Graham and Sara Chang had six and seven blocks respectively. Outside hitter Kaitlyn Hillard and setter Lucy Bedewi each had three aces.

The team also won its second game of the season 3-0 over Northwood Sept. 6.

“We played strong against Northwood,” Cindy Hillard said. “We are working together better with every practice. The middles Graham and Chang are really starting to click with our setter Lee, which will make for an exciting season. Both can put the ball straight down on the floor.”

Turning points were key to the Bulldogs’ success.

“During the match Chang and Graham both had several key blocks to shut down Northwood,” Cindy Hillard said.

Freshman newcomer Bedewi had a serving run with 12 serves in a row. In addition to her setting, Lee wiped Northwood with five aces.

“Offense outside hitters Kaitlyn Hillard and Jasmine Soriano were twin forces with six kills each,” Hillard said.

“On defense, Olivia Chao and Katherine Liu had eight digs between them.”

The girls volleyball team started the season with a 3-0 win over Wheaton Aug. 31.

“Two of our major players were not there, Chao and Chang, but everyone played fantastic,” junior captain Kaitlyn Hillard said. “Our senior setter, Lee, was amazing as always, and our new rising libero, Liu, adapted to her role efficiently.”

The team has upgraded its playing strategies from last year and now focuses on fine-tuning skills.

“Compared to last year we are just notching it up a bit,” Hillard said.

“We are running a faster offense and a broader defense. In addition to skills, we are pushing our conditioning.”

Some schools have the team worried, but they hope their new improvements will help them overcome all opponents.

“Our toughest teams in the regular season are yet to come,” Hillard said.

“They are Richard Montgomery, Walter Johnson, Poolesville and Wooton. WJ is the toughest of the five. We have a strategy for playing them that I think could give us a win.”

Returning players include seniors Lauren Lane, Graham, and Lee. Juniors include Hillard, Chao, Hope Kean, Fanny Chen, Meral Culver, Maryam Ekoja, and Liu. Sophomores include Ximena Tellez, Chang and Soriano.

“I think we are going to do better than last year,” Lee said. “Most of the team is returning players, and we have a lot of club players.”

The Lady Bulldogs hope to continue their winning streak against Walter Johnson Sept. 20.

“From this match, I hope that we can continue to win and end up in the top teams of the county,” Hillard said.

nior goalkeeper Rebecca Ewel’s numerous saves, as an early low point in the season.

“We fell apart, but we know what we need to work on,” Lewis said. “We were lazy on defense, we let them force us out of our game plan.”

The team made a strong showing in its first game, beating Paul VI 4-3, Sept. 4.

A strong offensive presence is ultimately what won the team’s first game, despite the loss of several goal-scoring seniors. The offensive attack was led by senior Zoe Forster’s two goals and a strong performance by freshman Juliana Comer.

“We were a little rocky at first, but we’ve started to figure out how to play with each other,” said junior captain Carly Shapiro.

The Bulldogs lost to B-CC in the regional finals for the third year in a row last season, a trend the team intends to reverse in 2012. Although the roster is made up of a large number of underclassmen, limiting the team’s experience, Shapiro feels the team has still improved overall.

“A lot of the underclassmen weren’t

used to playing varsity,” Shapiro said. “But we have a lot of skill and they get used to it. I don’t think it will be a problem.”

The most noticeable changes from last year have occurred in the front line of the team’s offense.

According to Shapiro, the team’s roster lost two of its biggest goal scorers among graduating seniors, but the loss is counterbalanced by a consistently strong midfield.

“We have two really good outside mids, Sarah Johnston and Jenny Lewis, and that’s always been a Churchill strength,” Shapiro said.

Both Lewis and Shapiro feel the team’s early season play is the start of a playoff run.

“We’re the team to beat this year,” Shapiro said. “This year I think we’re going all the way.”

The team is confident in its ability to succeed.

“B-CC is going down,” Lewis said.

“This is our year.”

Girls soccer team inexperienced but talented

By Matt Raab Sports Editor In a Sept. 4 story for the Gazette, Blair girls soccer coach Bob Gibb suggested that his team was the Joe Frazier to BCC’s Mohammed Ali. The CHS girls soccer team would beg to differ.

“Frazier fought Ali three times and won once,” head coach Haroot Hakopian said. “We’ve played B-CC three times in the postseason. We’re second to B-CC and second best in the state.”

Girls soccer has lost three times in the postseason to B-CC, and each year B-CC has gone on to win the state title, according to Hakopian. The team feels they are the clear Joe Frazier of MCPS girls soccer.

“We’ve played B-CC eight times in the 11 years I’ve coached,” Hakopian said. “We’ve gone into overtime six times, and all of the games have been one-goal games.”

A 5-0 victory over Clarskburg was

another step towards the regular season game with B-CC Oct. 9 that is being branded as a pivotal moment of this season. The win helped the team establish comfort and proficiency in the starting lineup, which has seen significant changes since last year.

“When we play well, we’re easily one of the best teams in the county,” said Hakopian. “When we don’t, we aren’t.”

With a 2-0 victory over Watkins Mill Sept. 12, the girls soccer team improved its record to 2-1 as the season started to swing into full gear.

“This is a more talented team than last year all around,” senior Jenny Lewis said. “Everyone came back better than last year.”

The dominant shutout of Watkins Mill was preceded by the team’s first loss against Holy Cross 2-1 Sept. 6.

Lewis attributed the loss to fixable growing pains as the team adjusted to changes at the beginning of the season. She identified the loss, with the exception of se-

Volume 37 - Issue 2

By Stacey Stein Editor-in-Chief Matt Raab Sports Editor Dripping with mud, senior captain Rebecca Ewel emerges from the pitch. Any trace of the original color of her uniform is gone. Skinned knees. Nosebleed after being kicked in the face.

And in 24 hours she’ll do it all again.

The birth of this soccer keeper’s career began in the third grade, when Rebecca took her turn at goalie like every other reluctant recreational soccer player in the United States. She willingly dove to the ground to make a save, and from that point forward she was branded keeper.

Along with her twin sister Sara, Rebecca made the jump to a travel team in fifth grade.

“When we’re on the field together it’s more we’re teammates than sisters,” Sara said. “Even though she can get on my nerves I know that it’s because she cares.”

In seventh grade, Rebecca joined CHS girls

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

soccer coach Haroot Hakopian’s club team.

“She was a very good goalie when she first cametomyteam,”Hakopiansaid. “Shehasdeveloped into one of the best goalies in the state.”

Since making the varsity team as a sophomore, Rebecca has made significant strides to establish herself as a dominant keeper on a team that has made regional finals three years in a row. Her goalkeeping in her role as starting keeperanchoredtheteamthroughoutlastyear’s successful campaign and the start of this year’s.

“She has developed into a great leader,” Hakopian said. “She’s done a really good job with a very young team. You need senior leadership and she definitely brings it.”

According to Hakopian, Rebecca has taken a particular interest in helping the younger players adjust to the team, especially junior goalie Tania Mamdouhi, who is playing at the varsity level for the first time this year.

On and off the field Ewel has displayed the qualities of a team leader through the unique personality required to be a goalkeeper, a position that requires resilience, assertiveness and raw ability.

PHOTO BY ELIZABETH CAMPBELL.

The soccer team counts on senior goalie Rebecca Ewel to make key saves.

“You have to be a type of person to be a goalie,” Ewel said. “A lot of people think you have to be legitimately crazy to put yourself in situations where people are kicking high speed balls at your face, but the excitement exceeds the worry for me.”

Rebecca has also spread her love of soccer to others. In order to receive her Gold Award for Girl Scouts, the highest award a Girl Scout canreceive,shesetupasoccercliniclastspring.

“I designed a soccer clinic for underprivileged kids,” Rebecca said. “It costs so much to get good soccer training.

Twice a week we would work on basic skills like passing and dribbling. I know how much I enjoy soccer, so I want them

to experience the joy I got out of it.”

Besides Girl Scouts, Rebecca has also earned her black belt in Taekwondo, which she believes has helped her in goal.

“Taekwondo taught me how to be mentally focused,” Rebecca said. “It taught me discipline and core values for life.”

With school practice and practice for Rebecca’s region one team, SAC United, she spends a great deal of time playing soccer, but her love for the game and her teammates allows her to excel.

“She’s a very dedicated soccer player,” said Cynthia Ewel, Rebecca’s mom.

“She particularly likes the camaraderie of the girls on the team. Her best friends tend to be soccer players.”

After losing key seniors, football starts strong

By Matt Raab Sports Editor Ben Schick Online Sports Editor

A student body decked in white.

An opponent in slick black. And a scoreboard dressed in a lopsided score.

Week two of CHS football ended strikingly similar to the first, as the Bulldogs dominated Whitman 33-9 in their home opener.

Senior Jonathan Lee went 7 for 10 with one interception and one touchdown, senior Dominique Williams led the receiving corps with 3 receptions for 55 yards, and senior Malik Harris led rushing with 93 yards on 10 attempts. Senior Joe Nolan led on defense, putting the first points on the board with a 65-yard interception return for a touchdown.

“We can perform and get things done,” said head coach Joe Allen. “Our strength is our athleticism and speed.”

The Bulldogs followed this win with a 23-0 win over B-CC Sept. 14. The defense continued to show promise, with its second shutout in three games, and on the offensive side of the ball CHS was able to come away with enough points for a solid win.

“We did great, but we could have done better,” senior running back and defensive back Vincent Montgillian

PHOTO BY MATT RAAB.

Junior Malik Harris runs the ball during his 93-yard game to lead the Bulldogs to a win over Whitman in the team’s home opener. said. “We had a good defensive game, but the number of points we scored should have been much higher.”

The loss of several starting seniors after an extremely successful regular season last year led to some doubt in the offseason about the team’s ability to perform at a similar level this year on offense. New additions to the starting lineup include the quarterback Lee and four offensive linemen, although the line is still anchored by senior center

Team Records 3-0 3-0

Darrion Locke.

The team’s performance in the first two weeks of the season seems to be a statement against those doubts.

“This team is a little more versatile,” Allen said. “We’ve got some more weapons on offense, we’ve lost some talent, but we’ve added a lot of talent.”

Allen added that he is not concerned about lack of experience on the offensive line.

“I’m expecting them to gel into a

cohesive unit and be successful,” he said.

In the season opener at Kennedy, the Bulldogs won 35-0, led by Lee’s two rushing touchdowns in a game where he rushed for more yards than he passed.

Dominance on the offensive and defensive side of the ball were demonstrated, with the defense showing promise in holding Kennedy to zero points.

“It was a good win, we played pretty well as a team,” Lee said.

Although the team has had to adjust to a different style of play, both games have demonstrated early competence on the offensive line and at quarterback.

According to senior captain and middle linebacker Will Sickels, the team lost “a lot of bigger athletes” this season, so the Bulldogs will have to rely on their speed and athleticism to make up for their lack of strength and size.

“At this point in the season, each week we want to get better,” Allen said. “Last year we won a lot of close games. This season we feel we can be as successful.”

The Bulldogs have high hopes for the season, and although the season just started, the goal is to reach and surpass last year’s marks.

“We’re trying to forget last year,” Allen said. “We’re trying to focus on this year. Last year we had a lot of guys people didn’t know about and this year they’ll be ready.”

*As Of 9/20/12

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