December 2015

Our mission: to enlighten and to entertain

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TO KNOW

dorrie gaeng, staff writer and amanda musolf, associate editor hose already trying mastery grading – the mandatory new policy set to debut next school year – indicate the system has potential.

“It’s a work in progress. I’m still fine-tuning it,” business and accounting teacher Pat Holt said.

Holt began using mastery grading last year, after reading a book that inspired him, “Grading Smarter Not Harder,” by Myron Dueck. In

his classes – as in all classes next year—students are permitted to redo assignments that they performed poorly on, including tests.

The idea is that students take the time they need to actually learn and master the material.

Overall, Holt said, mastery grading is working, and students are learning. The switch does require effort on his part, he said. He sits down with each student and makes a plan of action for how they’d like to improve upon an assessment. If

a student gets a low grade on a test, they can take a similar test after school in hopes of improving their grade and showing they’ve mastered the material.

The administration has begun staff meetings to immerse teachers in the change, which will provide meaningful feedback to students, giving them opportunities to demonstrate proficiency, principal Sam Wynkoop said.

Social studies teacher Rene Curry attended such a staff meeting ear-

the number of students signed up for Phil Bressler’s stress management seminar

photo by stephanie rountree

LAPTOPS PERVADE CLASSROOMS. Above: (left to right) Juniors Manase Nyirongo and Evan Song use laptops from a cart during the Hour of Code, sponsored

by Girls Who Code and Programming Club, Dec. 7. Behind them are (left to right) David McDonough and Barry Caudill from Firaxis, a video game company, who were guest speakers at the event.

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NATURAL DANCER

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INDEX 2-3 news 4-5 opinion 6-7 sports 8-12 features

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SURPRISING LOSS

the number of students named to the All-State Choir

lier this month.

“The example they are giving us is how many people don’t pass their drivers test the first time. So what happens if you fail? You go back and you study and you practice,” Curry said.

She added that teachers need more details on what to grade and what not to grade. She predicted an end to extra credit with the new system and more work for teachers,

School’s tech status could change next year

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Evaluating new grading policy T

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Dulaney High School Timonium, Maryland

Volume 55, Issue 3 NO TO CHANGE

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christine condon, editor-in-chief nomination for Lighthouse School status means students here may have Baltimore County Public School sponsored laptops as soon as next year, S.T.A.T. coordinator Kimberly Culbertson said.

A BCPS Office of Innovative Learning survey intended to gauge support for the effort was emailed to faculty Dec. 2.

The program must receive 75 percent faculty approval to move forward, and the school will be notified of its status in mid-spring, Culbertson said.

“We have the opportunity, via this survey, to have a say in how this rollout happens,” she said in a Dec. 2 email to faculty.

Culbertson also highlighted that teachers would no longer need to sign out laptop carts or computer labs months in advance, among other possible benefits.

Computer science teacher Amanda Lattimore said she’s experienced firsthand some benefits associated with becoming a lighthouse school.

“I have seen how wonderful it is to be untethered to wires and not having to deal with signing out a computer lab. Students typically take better care of a device that is assigned to

Left: Sophomores James Pentikis, Emilio Pavoni and Sarah Gray work on a class project during 1B Advanced see LIGHTHOUSE, page 2 Placement World History Dec. 9.

Senior mobilizes to aid refugees

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sumin woo, managing editor enior Jessica Bishai is on a mission.

After Governor Larry Hogan announced Nov. 17 that the state would no longer welcome Syrian refugees, Bishai called the offices of various state leaders to voice her concerns.

“It seemed ridiculous to me that he’s denying innocent people in need,” Bishai said. “What I told Governor Hogan, Senator [Barbara] Mikulski and Congressman [Elijah] Cummings was that it goes against the American dogma of acceptance and toleration to deny someone the opportunity and safety just based on their religion or nationality.”

Hogan is one of 31 governors to oppose the settlement of Syrian refugees, according to CNN. Their decisions followed the discovery that one suspect in the Nov. 13 Paris attacks was believed to have entered Europe as a refugee.

In an effort to make Hogan rethink his stance, Bishai joined a Facebook event that prompted those interested with a prewritten script for a

phone call, and invited her friends to join.

“In the time it takes to read and ‘like’ a Facebook post about Syrian refugees or tweet #LetThemCome, you could have called the governor’s office and told the policymakers your opinion,” senior Lisa McCullough said. “It is so easy to make a call.”

While individual states can oppose the entry of refugees, the decision to settle them ultimately rests with the federal government. Although the House of Representatives passed a bill Nov. 19 suspending a program that allows Syrian and Iraqi refugees to enter the country, president Barack Obama has said that the country would remain open to the refugees following a screening process and security checks, CNN and the Huffington Post reported.

While the U.S. has been hesitant to accept refugees, other countries have fewer reservations.

According to the Washington Post, French president François Hollande announced Nov. 18 that France would welcome 30,000 refugees in the

photo by hannah gouger

SENIOR JESSICA BISHAI works on a project in her Advanced Placement English 12 class Dec. 3. Bishai mobilized peers following Governor Hogan’s opposition to the settlement of Syrian refugees in Maryland.

next two years.

“I think it’s awesome that France is still accepting refugees despite the attacks. I think it’s a model the U.S. should try to follow because they know most—in fact, all—of these refugees aren’t terrorists and need help,” Bishai said.

FYI: School resumes after winter break Jan. 4

Sports Booster Meeting Jan. 11 7 p.m. library

Open Mic Night Jan. 14 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. auditorium

Second marking period ends

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School’s tech status could change next year acquiring laptops for all students would fulfill the need for a technology based education.

“We have recognized that students are coming them than a computer in a cart or a lab,” Latin to school with evolving skills and evolving timore said.

Math teacher Brocha Siff also acknowledged instructional needs, and as educators we need to make sure that we are also evolving our pracpositives that the laptops would bring.

“I would teach the students how to write on tice to meet those needs,” Wynkoop said.

Foreign language department chairman Eva the tablets and take notes like I do. I would copy less, I would love it. I would embrace it. I’m just Van Horn foresees potential benefits for foreign language instruction. skeptical that it’s going to happen,” she said.

“I think it’s amazing. I think that foreign lanPrincipal Sam Wynkoop said that the idea of guage is one of those subjects Have you encountered Should the county grant where you can use a lot of Dulaney Lighthouse School difficulty with technology here technology as tools enhance students’ speaking of the lanin the past month? status? guage,” Van Horn said.

But some teachers worry that the costs outweigh the benefits, and wonder if adequate training will be provided before rollout.

“I would hate to see us have these great devices and really not know how to incorporate them in our everyday lessons,” Van Horn said. “Teachers are creatures of habit, and we have our lessons and the This unscientific spot survey was This unscientific spot survey was con- things that we like to do, the conducted during A, B, C and D ducted during A, B, C and D lunches way that we like to do them.”

Some would rather see other lunches Dec. 10. Reporters asked Dec. 10. Reporters asked 190 students 187 students the question above. the question above. changes first.

“I think that technology is LIGHTHOUSE, continued from page 1

important, but not as important as the health of the students, like air conditioning and drinkable water and new plumbing,” junior Mariyana Tozeva said.

Junior Ari Wu, who brings his own laptop to school each day, agreed.

“Students here usually have their own devices,” he said. “It’s the infrastructure: for example, the bathrooms, or the cafeteria, or the heating. Those are more important to me.”

Although Advanced Placement Economics teacher Phil Bressler expressed excitement at the possibilities accompanying Lighthouse School status, he said he’d prioritize other goals.

“Is it where I would put the money? No, but I’m not in charge of that,” he said.

Student feedback has largely been positive, Lattimore said.

“Judging from the feedback I get from students, they want this to happen as well. They all love 312 and I can’t wait to see more classrooms take on the same student-centered feel,” she said.

In the Dec 9 student town hall meeting, superintendent Dallas Dance shared his plans for the upcoming four years.

“At the end of the day, in the next four years, every single student in Baltimore County will have his or her own computer.” Dance said.

Associate editor Sophie Bates, deputy editor Grace Knotts and staff writer Evan Song contributed to this report.

Evaluating new grading policy

to learning merely for the test. While he added he loves the system for his business class, he said who will be forced to create multiple tests for re- due to time constraints, he doesn’t see it working in AP classes with a high stakes test in May. takes.

Holt’s student Sofia Encarnación, a sophomore, Advanced Placement Economics teacher Phil Bressler, who has researched mastery grading, praised mastery grading for improving her mindset. echoed Curry’s concerns “Having only one about it as well as the chance allows you to new directive to pergive up and accept that sonalize lessons for stuyou have no chance at dents, labeling the latter doing better,” she said. nearly impossible.

“But being able to take For AP teachers, finda test again keeps you ing the time for addifrom losing hope, so it tional testing may be a encourages you to try to challenging obstacle to learn and get better.” overcome, Bressler said.

Science teacher Marty “On this last test, I tried Stranathan predicted to meet with every kid that the system will be that didn’t pass the test, which would be a rephoto by meera rothman successful in individualizing students’ learning quirement to take it over BUSINESS AND ACCOUNTING TEACHER Pat Holt talks with and allowing everyone again. That’s 21 20-min- sophomore Daniel O’Donnel and junior Josh Talley, the best chance to sucute meetings. That’s a lot who are retaking a test Dec. 10. ceed. of time.” Bressler said.

“We all learn differently and at different rates.

Still, Holt’s students embrace mastery grading.

“I love mastery grading,” senior and Gifted and In the end, if two students know the same thing, Talented Principles of Accounting student Bill isn’t that the goal?” Stranathan said.

Kinara said. “It gives you the freedom to underManaging editor Maya Lapinski contributed to this stand the subject.”

Kinara said mastery grading has given him the report. opportunity to comprehend material, as opposed GRADING POLICY, continued from page 1

Staff, students adjust to early registration

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jessica yan, staff writer tudents gather at the entrance of the dim guidance office, waiting to confirm their plans for next year with their counselors.

As students settle into their routine for the current year, preparations for the 2016-2017 school year have already begun, far earlier than previous years.

“It’s more effective for building a master schedule, but I’ll only give it a 2.5 [out of 5] for giving an accurate schedule,” guidance counselor Emanda Lenet said of the new early registration deadline.

Lenet said a positive from the change in scheduling is that it leaves more time in the spring to correct mistakes and make necessary adjustments.

Junior Eunbin Choi finds the decision too rushed for students to make proper class choices.

“Students can’t judge what classes are right for them for next year already. Honestly, they haven’t even been given time to judge if this year’s class choices are right for them. You need until after midterms, at least,” she said.

For many teachers, deciding on course recommendations for students so early in the year is

“Students can’t judge what classes are right for them for next year already.” proving difficult.

Advanced Placement Psychology teacher Kendra Swam said that her students are still figuring out their own study habits and test taking strategies that will influence the classes they choose for next year.

“Where they are right now is a very different

T

No more bonus points

he implementation of mastery grading includes more than simply the ability to retake tests—it will also bring the end of extra credit.

For some students, the loss of these bonus points seems formidable.

“Extra credit is definitely useful. It helps people who are not doing so well get a little boost that could make or break their grade,” senior Paulina Banegura said.

Fewer teachers lament the loss, finding that bonus points distract from genuine learning.

“The problem is, when you spend a lot of time with extra credit you don’t spend enough time learning the material,” science teacher George Mathew said.

Others say that certain students rely on extra credit as a cop-out to salvage their grades.

“Some people, when they think of extra credit, they say ‘can I get extra credit to fix my grade?’

They want extra work to make up for work they didn’t do,” physics teacher Cristina Reitmeyer said.

Even students recognize the inflation brought about by extra credit.

“Extra credit has benefited me, but in reality, it gives people grades they don’t deserve and teaches people not to learn from their failures,” senior Paul Banegura said.

Many teachers find its elimination a non-issue, as they already grade without it.

“You get a grade for the work that you do. If you don’t do the work, you don’t get the grade,” English and drama teacher Tami Moon said.

mindset from where they would be in January or February,” Swam said.

Junior Helena Hahn said that, while she currently loves certain classes, like physics, she hasn’t had sufficient time with the subject to determine if it’s something that she wants to pursue.

“I don’t know how hard the content will get.

So I’m kind of terrified that if I continue with physics, I’m going to screw it up,” Hahn said.

“It’s annoying that we have to decide now, because we haven’t had time to experience the material.”

Not only does the rushed deadline burden students, but it burdens guidance counselors as well.

“It’s busier since we are still working on college applications, Naviance career lessons and giving back PSAT scores before winter break,” Lenet said.

Though the earlier registration is proving inconvenient, many find comfort in the relative impermanence of their scheduling decisions.

“Honestly, it’s not a huge deal. I don’t think anybody’s insanely stressed about making choices since we all know that we can change our classes easily if we change our minds,” Choi said.

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NEWS LINE

TEACHER MOURNED Colleagues recalled former English teacher Craig Saxon as a professional and a mentor. Saxon, who retired 10 years ago after teaching Honors 11 English died Dec. 9 after battling pancreatic cancer for more than a year. English teacher Meekah Hopkins is collecting money for a Saxon scholarship at Towson University.

LEYH TO RETIRE Administrative secretary Carol Ann Leyh will retire Dec. 31, after more than 45 years of working for the county. She looks forward to time to relax, she said, but leaving is bittersweet.

“It’s what I’m going to miss the most:— the day-to-day interactions and seeing everyone’s smiling faces,” Leyh said.

MENTORING BEGINS More than 80 students now have mentors, thanks to the Choose-a-Child Mentor program started by assistant principal Bob Murray. Mentors, teachers here who volunteered for the program, chose students to mentor from a list collected

by Murray. Murray started the same program when he was an assistant principal at Newtown High.

BOOTH COMING Project Lead the Way students are constructing a ticket booth for the stadium.

Made of wood and featuring windows and electrical connections, the structure, which students are building in room 239, will be fully installed before the beginning of spring sports season, according to club reporter junior Eddie Gary. It has been a rewarding project, he said. “We are able to put all of our knowledge together and do it without any help. It has been a pleasure to build something to give back to the school we love,” he said.

LATTIMORE WRITES Computer science teacher Amanda Lattimore has been appointed as a columnist for the magazine Inroads. She will serve as a voice for high school teachers in the publication, which is read primarily by college professors. Her first article will be published in June.

ALL-STATE NAMED Seniors Bryan Kihara, Sahana Raju, Mackenzie Ramsey and Louis Witt have been named to the AllState Choir. The group’s concert will be on Feb. 21 at Morgan State University.

STUDENT WINS Senior Sarah Ruehle won first place in the school level of Poetry Out Loud competition with her recitation of “Domestic Situation” by Ernest Hilbert Dec. 3. She will continue on to compete at the Regional Level in February.

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december 18, 2015

dulaney CARLOS PUGA NIETO, A 2010 GRADUATE, discusses his experience coming to the United States as the child of illegal immigrants during his appearance as a guest speaker during an assembly of about 60 students in room 122 during period 4B Dec. 4.

“We crossed the river, and then we were here,” Puga Nieto said, recalling his trip across the Rio Grande from Mexico into Texas when he was about 6. He was too young to fully understand the impact of the family’s move, he said.

He described middle and high school years being spent caring for his younger sister as his parents worked multiple jobs, coping with bullying because of his accent and paying little attention to academics.

“It didn’t really hit me until I was a sophomore in high school, and I said to my guidance counselor, ‘What can I do? Can I go to college?’”

Today, Puga Nieto, who has a working visa, is paying taxes and his own college tuition, poised to graduate from the University of Baltimore and applying to law schools, he said. He urged fellow immigrants to do the same.

“You must prove that you can do something, prove that you can be awesome at something,” he said.

As OneDrive ascends, Google fans lament loss

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meera rothman, deputy editor he rise of Microsoft Office365 has been met with mixed reviews.

At the beginning of the school year, teachers here were informed Office365, specifically the OneDrive application, would supplant Google Drive.

“When I heard the county would be supporting OneDrive over other cloud-based storage like Google Drive and Dropbox, I was disappointed. I think it’s important to give students choice so they become responsible digital citizens,” STAT coordinator Kimberly Culbertson said.

Some teachers have ignored Office365, continuing with traditional teaching styles, but others have incorporated it

photo by julie chotivatanapong

into their curriculum.

Physics teachers Stephen Shaw and Peter Sykes spearheaded the shift by using OneDrive. Other teachers have followed suit, using it for unique purposes.

“I use it to create class documents—each student is responsible for contributing a short response. Then, we use those responses for discussions,” English teacher Meekah Hopkins said. “It’s great for students who aren’t big on class participation or are shy—they have incredible ideas.

I get to see what my entire class thinks, not just a few students with hands raised.”

Despite her initial hesitation, Culbertson has also come to love OneDrive.

“OneDrive has amazing features like free licenses of the Microsoft suite, a terabyte of free storage, and neat apps like Sway and Class Notebook. Another advantage of OneDrive is that all users in BCPS are in the OneDrive database, so it makes it easier and safer to share documents or collaborate with others - students no longer have to exchange email addresses,” Culbertson said.

Senior Lisa McCullough considers herself a strong proponent of OneDrive.

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“OneDrive keeps all formatting in native Microsoft Word format. I also like how I can type things up on my computer and it can automatically save to my OneDrive instead of having to upload to Google Drive,” she said. “Probably what I like most about the OneDrive, though, is that I can see it on my phone.”

Other students have discovered its pitfalls.

“OneDrive sometimes doesn’t sync between computers, so I’ll submit something to one computer and the other won’t pull it up,” junior Braedan Dahl said. “I had to completely redo my Film Appreciation project because I submitted it to OneDrive and it didn’t work.”

Other students miss having an option.

“I feel deprived of the choice. Google’s the most popular platform for everything. To have it taken away in school is annoying,” junior Eunbin Choi said.

Junior Hannah Bostwick has encountered multiple OneDrive problems, including uploading and sharing issues.

“I’m not familiar with it—and familiarity is key when learning and applying your knowledge, and Google Drive was really comfortable,” Bostwick said.

the griffin

4 opinion

Continued violence demands action

Paris climate deal gives reason to cheer–for now

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hayden cohee, staff writer erhaps United Nations secretary general Ban Kimoon put it best.

“This is truly a historic moment,” he told reporters from the New York Times Dec. 12, after representatives from 195 countries signed on to reduce planet-warming gases at the Conference of Parties.

“For the first time, we have a truly universal agreement on climate change, one of the most crucial problems on earth,” he said.

Traditionally, climate change accords only required developed countries, like the United States, to take action against greenhouse gas emissions. But this pact requires action from every country, even developing nations like India, which have traditionally balked at such a commitment. They’ve wanted their chance to grow their economies, which, sadly, means hiking carbon emissions, thanks to our reliance on fossil fuels like coal and petroleum. Now, even these nations agree that climate change demands action.

Aside from the amazing news that large and small countries have agreed to set goals for curbing CO2, there’s another reason to smile about the Paris deal.

“We have finally chosen to believe that our world is sick and needs our help.”

Remember how devastated we all were after the terrorist attacks Nov. 13? Plenty of observers doubted that the Paris talks would even occur. That they did shows a bold vote of confidence, not just for cooperation against climate change but against the intimidation ISIS hoped to instill with their egregious attack.

Another positive of the two-week summit is that delegates acknowledged physical dangers connected to our warming planet. Mass migration, such as the movement of refugees out of Syria, has been linked to the 2006 to 2011 drought there, NPR reports. That means climate change impacted Syria’s civil war.

For those who maintain climate change has no bearing in Maryland, think again. When Baltimore County Council members met with English teachers in September to compose a list of topics for the Advanced Placement English 11 policy paper competition this fall, Councilman David Marks met suggested a local climate change topic. The county, he said, must learn to cope with and fund plans to ameliorate the recent increase in devastating storms and flooding, he said.

So, yes, celebrate the Paris climate deal. But do be aware that this alone won’t save our planet. As the New York Times reported Sunday, success depends on global peer pressure and future governments.

Staff writer Will Sogge contributed to this report.

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christian harris, staff writer n unarmed man on the run shouldn’t be shot in the back multiple times. An incarcerated man in transit shouldn’t be denied medical care. A high school student shouldn’t be slammed and dragged across the floor by a police officer for using a cell phone in class. A man who poses no threat shouldn’t be forced into a fatal, illegal chokehold. The aggression that police officers exhibit toward African-Americans is appalling.

There was a time when people turned

a blind eye to allegations of police brutality, but technology captures such crimes concretely using recordings.

If these instances are being caught on video, why does the problem persist?

Lack of discipline and accountability.

When it comes to the police departments at fault, disciplinary action has been lenient, if not nonexistent. For an officer to legally use deadly force, his or her life must genuinely be at stake.

The lengths to which police go to “subdue” or “question” people of a darker complexion simply don’t adhere to protocol, and don’t match up to how they treat individuals of lighter complexions.

All too often, officers receive paid leave or are transferred when a racial infraction is made aware to the public, yet termination of employment is only administered once in a blue moon. Police aren’t toddlers who have trouble differentiating right from wrong. They are trained and vetted professionals who choose to handle situations poor-

ly. We progress every time charges are brought upon offenders like Derrick Stafford or Norris Greenhouse Jr., but this isn’t enough. It won’t be enough until violators nationwide receive consistent and appropriate punishment.

How can we possibly change a system that’s been broken for years? Reform needs to start with police body cameras. According to the Huffington Post, New Orleans and Albuquerque police officers are all outfitted with body cameras. But other cities remain unequipped and thus, unaccountable.

Though some cities, including Baltimore, have initiated programs, such a prevalent and egregious problem demands more than proposition. We need action. We deserve the truth. People lie frequently, but a video recording is irrefutable. Seeing how events unfold lets people decide if lethal action or any use of force was necessary in the first place.

Will body cameras alone be sufficient to remedy this issue?

Insidious sweetener harms health

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sarah feustle, editor-in-chief n the land of nutrition, corn is enemy number one.

On the cob, corn’s full of healthy stuff, like fiber and magnesium and vitamin C, according to WebMD. But the real issues at hand are the government subsidies and mass-produced corn byproducts that have weaseled their way into more foods than you can think of.

Thanks to federal subsidies, corn is one of the cheapest crops to grow. Between 1995 and 2012, corn subsidies totaled $84.4 billion, according to the Environmental Working Group’s online farm subsidy database. But the American Agriculturalist’s website reports that corn prices are volatile and will remain so for the foreseeable future, which means farmers don’t know how much money they’ll be making. So many industries depend on corn, yet the people who produce it aren’t guaranteed financial security.

One of those industries is that of livestock: corn is used as animal feed. Corn is fed not only to chickens and cows and fish, but to other farm animals that don’t eat it in the wild, meaning it wreaks havoc on their digestive systems. According to a 2002 article by activist Michael Pollan, these animals get pumped full of antibiotics to stave off the resulting illness – and then we eat meat from those same animals.

The processed food industry isn’t the only one that relies on corn. High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a refined corn

product used to sweeten just about every snack food and soda. The Corn Refiners Association’s website reports that there’s little evidence to suggest that HFCS is different from sucrose (table sugar).

The website also states that “high fructose corn syrup does not appear to contribute to obesity more than other caloric sweeteners,” but their comparative nutritional values (or lack thereof) are not the real issue.

Fructose enrichment technology was developed in the 1970s, according to a New York Times article, which made HFCS easy to produce. Coupled with those federal subsidies, HFCS became cheaper than regular sucrose and, according to Pollan, producers switched sweeteners. Since then, processed food manufacturers have been packing more sweetener in their products. The concern isn’t whether HFCS is worse than sugar – the concern is that we’re eating a lot art by jason mcclellan of it.

According to September 2015 data published by StateofObesity.org, the rate of adult obesity now exceeds 20 percent in every state, which is especially alarming if you consider that in 1990, no state exceeded 15 percent. The incidence of obesity in many states has more than doubled in the last 25 years, and we have processed food – and HFCS – to thank.

It’s clear we need to avoid high fructose corn syrup. The trouble is, that’s nearly impossible to do.

EDITORIAL:

Dance’s contract renewal shouldn’t be automatic

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t a student forum two weeks ago, school superintendent Dallas Dance explained why the Baltimore County school board should renew his contract.

“We’re on the right path, we have a creative focus and strategic plan,” Dance said. But like any job candidate, he too should be evaluated on specific criteria.

Dance’s hopes for the county show him to be ambitious and confident. According to a Nov. 22 Baltimore Sun article, Dance has excelled at following his vision, enacting an eight-class schedule, introducing foreign language programs in elementary schools and passing a $200 million deal to give every BCPS student a laptop.

But concerns have arisen on Dance’s achievements and methods. Former math teacher Paul Leroy wrote in the Baltimore Sun Dec. 1 that the output of Dance’s work is lackluster compared to his ideals, citing low PARCC scores and the price tag on his laptop program as evidence. His imposition of the block schedule has also created controversy.

There’s also the $9.8 million meant to fund school safety

Dulaney High School, 255 E. Padonia Rd. Timonium, MD 21093 dulaneygriffin@bcps.org (410) 887-7633

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december 18, 2015

editors-in-chief christine condon, sarah feustle, stephanie rountree managing editors maya lapinski, sumin woo deputy editors grace knotts, meera rothman adviser maria hiaasen news editor julie chotivatanapong opinion editor randhika aturaliya sports editors patrick fitzgerald, kristin meek features editors doria diacogiannis, jordan nicolette web editors cameron bernhardt, jason mcclellan multimedia editor alex tuerk photography editor cristina lopez project editors hannah bauer, sahana raju, holly sutley

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initiatives, announced by County Executive Kevin Kamenetz last October, according to the Baltimore County Government website. Yet, we still haven’t seen the implementation of OneCards here.

An apparent lapse in judgment should also be reviewed.

The Baltimore Sun reported in June 2014 that the school board’s ethics panel found Dance guilty of violating his contract because he failed to alert them after taking an additional consulting job. He ultimately donated the money and said he would be more careful in the future, but this breach of contract must be considered.

The school board has to decide whether to renew Dance’s contract by Feb. 1, and schools advocate Jean Suda reports that the PTA council is lobbying for input hearings in January. There, both Dallas’ friends, like economics teacher Phil Bressler, and foes, like Leroy, can voice their opinions.

Forums like these will hopefully provide the information needed to make an informed decision on whether Dance will greet us at the beginning of the school year next August.

The Griffin welcomes story ideas, commentaries and letters to the editor. These may be brought to room 115, placed in Maria Hiaasen’s mailbox in the office or emailed to dulaneygriffin@ bcps.org. All submissions are subject to editing and must be signed. The Griffin Editorial Board makes all final decisions regarding content.

The staff editorial reflects the thoughts of the Griffin staff, but all other opinon pieces reflect individuals’ views, not the paper’s.

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december 18, 2015

Value logic over invective B tirzah khan, associate editor eirut, Lebanon. Kano, Nigeria.

Tripoli, Libya. Paris, France is now another location on the devastatingly long list of terrorist attacks just this year, and San Bernardino is being investigated as another possible addition.

When I heard about the Nov. 13 attacks, I, like any rational human being, was horrified. But what I didn’t expect was the sheer amount of anti-Muslim backlash. Although this sentiment is unfortunately, nothing new, it was much more violent after the Paris attacks.

Muslims have never properly assimilated into the West: we’re often seen as foreigners no matter how “Western” we think we’ve become. If a Muslim girl wears a hijab like I do, she’ll have strangers staring at her like she’s in a zoo exhibit. And after every terrorist attack is successfully — or even unsuccessfully — connected in some way to Muslims, there’s an even stronger deluge of hatred toward us.

What people don’t realize is that the Islamic State and other terrorist groups are hurting Muslims more than Westerners. These extremists are incorrectly using Islam to defend their atrocious actions, and we have to bear the consequences of their crimes.

In an interview with Yahoo News Dec.

8, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said that there should be a registry for and increased surveillance of all Muslims, requiring us to carry ID cards. He, in all his bigoted glory, said that he’d go a step further and consider not even allowing Muslim immigrants

art by vesi mineva

to enter the country. I can’t be the only one who finds this terrifyingly reminiscent of Nazi Germany.

But for all this American hatred of ISIS, the reaction of U.S. citizens shows they’re playing right into ISIS’ hands.

On social media, ISIS operatives expressed hope that American Muslims would become victims of hate crimes af-

ter the Paris attacks— and that’s exactly what has happened. American Muslims have increasingly become targets of violent crimes and are more ostracized than ever before. But American Muslims are important in the fight against ISIS because we’re living proof that even though ISIS demonizes the West, it’s possible to reconcile our faith and Western ideologies.

One of the central teachings of Islam is that we shouldn’t create disorder in the Earth. The Quran chapter 16, verse 19 states, “Allah enjoins justice, and the doing of good to others and forbids manifesting evil and wrongful transgression.” Chapter 5, verse 48 commands Muslims to “compete with one another in good works.”

As President Obama stated in his address Dec. 6, “ISIL does not speak for Islam. They account for a tiny fraction of more than a billion Muslims around the world – including millions of patriotic Muslim Americans who reject their hateful ideology.”

ISIS wants Western Muslims to become alienated so they can go to war with the West. The only way to defeat ISIS is for Islamophobic Americans and Muslims to peacefully coexist, bridging the gap between the two widening through acts of ISIS and other terrorist groups. Only then can we truly end this war.

Grasping next year’s grading policy

truths Shooting emphasizes need to enact gun control stephanie rountree, editor-in-chief

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t’s been 3,153 days since we stood with Virginia Tech after 32 people were murdered. It’s been 1,084 days since we stood with Newtown, Connecticut when Adam Lanza fired 154 shots at Sandy Hook Elementary School, taking the lives of six adults and 20 children. It was 63 days after the shooting at Umqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon when we found ourselves once again rising to honor the 14 killed in San Bernardino, California Dec. 2.

I’m tired of standing. You should be too.

Following the events in Oregon, Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush was asked about his position on gun violence. His response? “Stuff happens.”

The 29 mass killings (murders of four or more individuals) that took place in the United States this year make up a small portion of the over 200 that have occurred since 2006, as reported by USA Today. On average, a mass killing occurs every two weeks. Does that seem like “stuff” to you? We’re doing a disservice to victims, their families and those at risk of becoming a statistic if we continue to act like mass killings are rare. They’re all too common.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Mass killings are happening across the country, and they won’t stop until we take action. But the disagreement over how we should approach gun violence has halted any progress. Conservatives preach that firearms aren’t capable of harm until they’re picked up, arguing

“Prayers aren’t legally binding.”

art by sarah ruehle

Mastery grading raises red flags

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emma walz, associate editor weat beads on brows wrinkled in concentration. Hands cramp from clutching pencils too tightly. Eyes burn from staring at white pieces of paper. Trembling hands turn in hastily completed tests to the front of the room. What if this entire test-related pressure disappeared?

Mastery grading is set to debut here next year, and that means student evaluations will be reflective of a student’s learning rather than their ability to accumulate points. The policy removes all grades besides tests and large assignments, which can be redone by the student until the material has been fully mastered. Business teacher Pat Holt and social studies department chairman Tom Maranville are the only two teachers here who have adopted the program early. Holt, who has been using this policy for two years, calls it a success.

“We were really good at grading what you do, but I don’t believe that we were doing a good job grading what you know,” Holt said. “Mastery grading does that.”

It sounds like a dream, right? Maybe not. While replacing traditional grading with mastery grading would fix some problems with high school education, it would also bring new problems of its own. It may be ideal for business and science classes, but mastery grading is not compatible with the structure of every class and student.

Senior Sara Glasser illustrated a scenario that shows the impracticality of mastery grading: in a mastery grading band class, you could retake your playing test after a concert is over, but how would that help make the concert better?

Stress can be positive: if you don’t get a tad stressed before a test, it’s likely you won’t study rigorously and will perform poorly. But what about when you have to take your finals in college and you don’t know how to study or handle stress?

Eliminating the pressure to perform will degrade studying habits and allow students room to slack.

Nowhere would the elimination of participation points wreak more havoc than in a foreign language class. In my Advanced Placement French class, our curriculum focuses more on being able to speak and make conversation than on grammar. Participation points in class show that you’re learning, and their removal would reduce our language education to little more than reading and grammar quizzes.

While I would never let go of my participation points in French, I’m still open to this new grading system that I’ve yet to fully experience myself. But I’m wary of the total overthrow of traditional grading. For education to be most effective, it needs to be tailored to the individual student, which involves combining aspects of multiple teaching and grading styles to best fit their needs.

“Mastery grading is not compatible with every class and student.”

Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

that it’s the person behind the weapon who needs to be regulated. Mental health should be a priority in our society, regardless of gun involvement, but that’s not enough. A gun is made to kill. The people who buy guns don’t want to admire their beauty they intend to use them for this purpose. The only way to truly ensure we can prevent violence is ridding ourselves of semi-automatic weapons.

Look at Australia. Following a 1996 shooting that killed 35 and wounded 23, their government prohibited a number of firearms, including some semi-automatic shotguns and rifles, tightened licensing rules and removed 20 percent of guns from public circulation. In the almost 20 years since, Australia hasn’t had a mass killing. In the same amount of time, the United States has had nine occurrences with 20 to 82 casualties. Our government has failed time and time again to enact stricter gun control. One should have been enough.

For some politicians, this seems to be the final straw. In a Dec. 6 speech, President Barack Obama called on Congress to prevent those on the no-fly list from purchasing firearms and to make it harder for citizens to purchase the weapons used in the San Bernardino shooting. Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, who’s been advocating for stricter gun control since his constituents faced terror during the Sandy Hook shooting, posted a controversial tweet the day of the San Bernardino attack.

“Your ‘thoughts’ should be about steps to take to stop this carnage. Your ‘prayers’ should be for forgiveness if you do nothing—again,” Murphy wrote.

It’s the harsh truth. The negligence occurring in terms of gun violence on behalf of our elected officials is criminal. These false sympathies have done nothing to put citizens at ease. Prayers aren’t legally binding. In the wake of the San Bernardino shooting, standing with victims falls short. Let’s show we have a shred of decency left and do something to ensure this doesn’t happen again.

the griffin

6 sports

athletes

december 18, 2015

Varsity boys

watch

VARSITY

Height’s just one of her assets

alex tuerk, multimedia editor es, being 6 feet tall has helped starting sophomore Lydia Naughton.

“When we’re running offense, she’s under the basket to make the layup, and nobody else is as tall,” senior teammate Nicole Sharpe said.

Varsity head coach Jessica Szymanski, who said Naughton practices layups and free throws photo by stephanie rountree LYDIA NAUGHTON during breaks, agrees.

“She’s the epitome of doing your best when no one’s watching,” Szymanski said.

Naughton plays field hockey in the fall, and her passion is integral to her athletic success, assistant field hockey coach Brittany Jackson said.

“She’s one of the most dependable and hard working players on the field,” Jackson said.

Naughton brings a quiet yet fierce attitude to the court, intimidating with high-pressure defense and few words.

Coaches and teammates agree she sets an example.

“She’s not the voice on the court, but you want to emulate what she does,” Szymanski said.

Naughton’s leadership thrives despite her young age and this being her varsity debut. In a questionnaire administered to the team about leadership, trust and work ethic, Naughton’s name appeared 17 times, Szymanski said.

How does Naughton aim to improve her game?

“I try to hustle on the court and make adjustments on the fly. Even if it’s the tiniest thing, I always try to be my best,” she said.

Naughton exhibited this grit during the Dec. 11 game against Catonsville Comets. The team fell 73-39 to Catonsville, but Naughton gave it her all, racking up a pair of blocks and four or five assists.

Naughton’s quirky sense of humor has been known to boost team morale. During field hockey season, Naughton received stitches after taking a hit to her jaw. Jackson said she took it in stride.

“For the rest of the season, we could count on her to bust out to Shawn Mendes’ ‘Stitches,” Jackson said.

Staff writer Matt Ellis contributed to this report.

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photo by hannah gouger

FRESHMAN RACHEL KRUG practices dribbling during D lunch.

Committed to improve

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kristin meek, sports editor er blonde hair flies behind her as she dribbles toward the three-point line, pivots and shoots. Then she does it again.

And again.

Freshman shooting guard Rachel Krug spends D lunch in the gym practicing her shot for the varsity girls’ basketball team.

“This year was my first big year of basketball, so I’ve been training all summer, plus 4:30 a.m. workouts, which I do once a week,” Krug said, adding she snacks on crackers and fruit during class to make up for sacrificing her lunch.

“She’s definitely a gym rat. Any time the gym is open, she’s here working on her shot,” head coach Jessica Szymanski said. “She wants to be the best that she can be.”

In addition to her tenacious work ethic, Krug performs well when under pressure. During the team’s first three games, Krug was the leading scorer, scoring 11, 16 and 15 points respectively.

“Her putting in the extra time is definitely helping,” Szymanski said.

As Krug grows on the court, she expects the team to connect as they develop more chemistry, which Krug said is the hardest part of the sport.

“I like having the connection part of the sport,” Krug said, “and you get some many life lessons out of it.”

Above: Senior guard Alex Kassolis (25) shoots a 3-pointer in the s against Towson Dec. 4. Kassolis finished with 36 points for the g dence and preparation.”

Above and Right: Fans in the student section cheer as members of senior shooting guard Javon Smith, the section’s energy is infecti said.

Right: Varsity head coach Ryan Lochte questions a call in favor o

JUNIOR VARSITY

Petite guard leads squad annabel park, staff writer t 5 feet 2 inches, freshman Mae Dickens may not be taken as a basketball player. But what she lacks in vertical longitude, Dickens makes up for in skill, leadership, and dedication.

Since elementary school, Dickens has loved the responsibility that comes with being a point guard.

“I liked being somebody who photo by cristina lopez took charge on the team,” she MAE DICKENS said of her days back at Carroll Manor Recreation Council.

“Being the point guard is like running the court. You’re leading everybody to do what they’re supposed to be doing and to get good shots and opportunities to shoot.”

At the first junior varsity girls game at Eastern Technical High School Dec. 1, Dickens led the team to a 39-25 victory. The team was initially nervous, but they quickly got into rhythm, Dickens said. At the end of third quarter, with three seconds remaining, Dickens took the ball from the corner and passed it to a teammate who scored a buzzer beater. She had two layups, a couple of fast breaks, an outside shot and multiple assists.

“Because I’m low to the ground, I think I can handle the ball better. I can get around people and maneuver through them more easily,” Dickens said.

On and off the court, Dickens is seen as hardworking and funny by her teammates, sophomore teammate Cori Levy said.

“She’ll do the drills full out,” sophomore and co-captain Sara Comaromi said. “Whenever we sprint, she’ll sprint the whole time. Whenever we’re getting a water break, she’s shooting.”

Dickens practices shooting at home with her younger sister, an eighth-grader at Cockeysville Middle School.

“Especially outside of practice, it’s nice having somebody to be able to play with and practice with at the same skill level as me,” Dickens said.

As for her height, Dickens said that it doesn’t bother her.

“People always joke about me and say ‘Mae, are you going to dunk today?’ I’m like yeah of course,” Dickens said.

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Ice hockey crushes competition

photo by sierra prior

SOPHOMORE LIAM SNOW (52) fires a shot at Boys’ Latin goalkeeper Blake Shepherd at the Mimi DiPietro Rink in Patterson Park Nov. 30.

The team defeated Boys’ Latin 10-3, behind freshman Daniel Tregobov’s and Snow’s hat tricks. “It was the first time that everyone felt the team really come together and that certainly propelled a few players forward,” Snow said of the game.

The team will face Easton at the Reisterstown Sportsplex Jan. 7. As of press time, the team’s record was 3-2.

photo by debbie persinger

photo by stephanie rountree

Teams fall short of national, state championships

Left: Senior Austin Carey pushes up the final hill to the finish line at the Nike Cross Southeast Regional Cross Country championship in Cary, N.C. Nov. 28. Carey came in 110th place. The boys, who finished 10th out of 38 teams, expected to have a better performance, but they slipped in rankings due to a combination of warm weather and top runner senior Sean Smyth falling ill, said senior Eric Walz, who led the team with his 10th-place finish.

Right: Senior hitter Olivia Finckel (11) attempts to block a kill from Northwest Jaguar senior hitter Becca Grundy during the final point of the Maryland 4A Volleyball State Championship at Ritchie Coliseum in College Park. The Dulaney Lions fell 3-0 (25-19, 25-21 and 25-10) to the Jaguars in their second state championship appearance in the past three years. “It was obviously upsetting because we didn’t even take a set from them and that’s very uncharacteristic of the team,” Finckel said. ”But more than that, it was disheartening to know that it was the last game with a great group of friends.”

Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org

7

the griffin

sports

december 18, 2015

s basketball tops Towson

athletes

watch

VARSITY

Guard goes for three adam zimmerman, staff writer enior guard Joey O’Dwyer squares his feet to the basket, holds his arm perpendicular to the ground and sends the ball floating through the air, making one of his signature three-pointers.

“It’s the arc you get on your shot and if you hold your follow through,” O’Dwyer said.

O’Dwyer’s three-pointers photo by stephanie rountree came in handy at the Dec. 11 JOEY O’DWYER game against Catonsville, when he scored 23 points to help the team to an 87-70 victory.

“In the third quarter and beginning of fourth, I kept shooting and they kept going in,” O’Dwyer said. “It was the third or fourth three-pointer I hit when we were only up by eight. It put us up by eleven and that pretty much sealed the deal.”

As a junior transfer from Loyola Blakefield, O’Dwyer made the same three-pointers at last year’s 4A North regional championship against Springlake. Though Springlake ultimately won 69-45, O’Dwyer scored in the first half to cut their lead from 7 points to 4.

“He’s got a big role in the program on and off the court, and he’s embracing it,” coach Matt Lochte said. “As a coaching staff, we’re pleased.”

Teammates commend his leadership and commitment.

“Off the court, he is a great teammate. He is always doing the extra thing for a teammate, giving rides, taking people to get food,” senior guard Javon Smith said. “On the court, he is mainly a shooter for us. He is not the most athletic guy but he makes up for it in hustle.”

O’Dwyer plans to work on his weaknesses, practicing to guard a variety of players and make himself a larger presence on the court, he said.

“I go to Brick Bodies gym and work out there. I use weights and jump ropes and the ladder to get a little quicker and more exposable on defense,” O’Dwyer said.

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photo by hannah milan

photo by hannah gouger

second quarter of the varsity boys basketball team’s 121-48 victory game. He attributed his success in the team’s opener to “confi-

the varsity boys basketball team are announced. According to ious. “We wouldn’t have been able to win without them,” Smith

of the Generals during the first half. photo by hannah milan

Young wrestlers rebuild program

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“[The alums] were important because they were our best daniel krugman, staff writer illing the mat won’t be a problem for the varsity and wrestlers, but now we have a new group, so it’s hard to do things, go through moves at junior varsity wrestling teams practice. But they’re learnthis winter. With 12 new ing quickly,” Ray said. wrestlers, numbers may make the With a small number of difference for these young teams. upperclassmen, the team “Our team is extremely young will have to rely on lighter and inexperienced but we have all and experienced sophogood athletes, hard workers and mores for depth. Sophoquick learners,” varsity head coach more Carlos Lovo, who Desi McNelis said. wrestled in lighter weight Two seniors and three juniors divisions for the JV team return to the currently undefeated last winter and the offseavarsity team (2-0) after losing 11 son at the southern regional seniors. Returning county finalist district tournament, returns and junior captain Eddie DiNardo will be the key wrestler along with photo from squire-rogers as a potential varsity asset.

“Our goal is to get better junior Don’quez Ray and senior SENIOR NOAH SQUIRE-ROGERS pins a member of the Christian Martinez. Despite the Catonsville Comets varsity wrestling team during a Dec. 8 each match and prepare for the future,” McNelis said. lack of depth, Ray remains optimis- home meet. The Lions will compete against Dundalk and Towson Jan. 5 at Towson High School. tic about the team’s prospects.

Dedication pays off for distinguished teams

on the mound

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patrick fitzgerald, deputy sports editor s the winter season begins, many fall athletes are playing a winter sport or preparing for spring, their fall seasons a thing of the past. But for members of the two most distinguished teams here, volleyball and cross country, the offseason is nonexistent.

Runners are furthering their training with indoor track and volleyball players are competing at the club level.

Their successful seasons serve as motivation for them to take their success to an even greater level.

This fall, volleyball won their fourth consecutive county championship and made a run at the 4A state championship, coming short of their sec-

ond title in the past three years. The girls cross country team placed second in counties, first in regionals for the seventh straight year and second in states. The boys team swept their third consecutive county and regional championships, capping the season with a victory at the state meet.

Teams comprised of members committed to a single sport are rare. But through dedication and intense training, these teams have asserted them-

“It’s difficult to excel in one sport without putting in a great deal of time.” selves as the most decorated programs on campus.

Last year, senior volleyball captain Olivia Finckel made the varsity basketball team, but decided not to play so she could focus on club volleyball.

She feels that playing multiple sports is beneficial, but said devoting her time to one helped her commit to

Palm Beach Atlantic University.

“I started volleyball a lot later, so the competition had an upper hand. I felt like I needed to spend more time if I wanted to get at the level I needed to be in order to commit,” she said.

Athletes have been encouraged by coaches to increase commitment.

Varsity volleyball head coach Cary Lyon runs Masters Volleyball Academy, a club organization that acts as a pipeline to year-round competition for many of his athletes. Varsity cross country coach Chad Boyle said he values athletes that run all year.

As someone who aspired to be a 12-season athlete, I admire those who play different sports every season. But unless you’re an incredible athlete, it’s difficult to excel in one sport without putting in a great deal of time. This year, I didn’t try out for the soccer team, which allowed me to participate in offseason basketball and baseball. Now, I feel more prepared.

Volleyball players and runners alike dedicate their time to their sport, yielding consistently successful results. Athletes should keep this in mind as they make plans for the seasons ahead.

Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org

JUNIOR VARSITY

Player powers forward patrick dochat, staff writer ophomore Patrick Unger started playing basketball in second grade and has stuck with it ever since. Now 6-foot-1, 225 pounds and wearing a size 14 shoe, he is still speedy and an excellent post player. Practicing daily in his driveway, Unger has come a long way from when he first started. photo by cristina lopez Unger considers defense one PATRICK UNGER of his strongest skills. He tries to focus on defense because he finds it a crucial aspect of the game.

Sophomore teammate Will Schmidt agrees.

“He knows how to mark a man and box out. He focuses on defense because it is how you prevent the other team from scoring,” Schmidt said.

Schmidt has also seen Unger’s abilities grow over the past year.

“He has definitely improved. He is very good at free throws, he’s better at that than me. We always joke about how he never misses,” he said.

Coach Steve Labbe believes Unger will become an even better player as he gets taller.

“I want him to grow, I just want him to grow,” Labbe said.

Unger has become a team player over the course of his basketball career. He enjoys getting other teammates involved with ball movement on the court.

“I always want my teammates to get better, because I love to win. But it’s also about getting the most amount of points in the easiest way,” he said. “I try to stay loud and rowdy, to keep us up when we are down. We always have to keep everyone up.”

Unger has also demonstrated leadership coming into this season, according to Schmidt.

“I would definitely call him a leader,” Schmidt said.

“He has a really good work ethic.”

During practice, Unger leads by example.

“I make sure everyone stays focused. I just work my hardest from beginning to end,” Unger said.

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8 features

december 18, 2015

the griffin

Lawyer drama mesmerizes with twists, turns REVIEWS:

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claire vecchioni, staff writer ake a powerful female lead. Add a thrilling plot. Throw in twists and turns to a “whodunit” tale, one that’s not too original, but far from predictable. There lies the secret formula that makes ABC’s show “How to Get Away with Murder” so enthralling to its nine million viewers.

Viola Davis won an Emmy for her performance as Annalise Keating, a brilliant criminal defense attorney and professor of defense law who teaches a course on the art of getting away with murder.

The show’s plot revolves around a murder committed by four of Keating’s brightest law students who work alongside her employees on cases at her firm. Producers Peter Nowalk and Shonda Rhimes intricately lace together each episode with a flash-forward to the night the murder took place. This allows the audience to draw their own conclusions about each of the murderers’ motives by receiving bits and pieces that hint at their involvement in the final crime. The show isn’t really a “whodunit” at all, but rather a “whydunit.”

We’ve all experienced the frustration of investing an incredible amount of time following a mystery series, hanging desperately onto every hint the producers drop, only to tune into the finale and find that a character we’ve never even met before did it. Thankfully, the writers of HTGAWM didn’t make it their goal to stump viewers, but

episodes shows Annalise Keating sitting at her armoire after a heartbreaking realization about her husband and slowly cleaning her face of its makeup, removing her sleek wig to reveal her natural baldness, and looking back at her reflection in the mirror.

In this scene, Davis’ emotion is palpable.

Without Viola Davis as the lead, HTGAWM would still be impressive for its plot alone, but with her, the show is so remarkable. She is such a convincing actress that I find myself loving to hate her, and more often, hating to love her.

OVERALL RATING:

reproduced by permission of ABC

instead gave them the minimum amount of information needed to put it all together themselves.

Each hour-long episode is constructed in a consistent fashion, which is another aspect that makes this show so easy to love. Not only do the episodes hint at the final result of the show—they also each have their own story line within each of Keating’s court cases, all of which are solved by the end of their individual episodes.

Rhimes creates a beautiful web of character development as she has each of the five main students in Keating’s “cabinet” prove themselves to their beloved professor by finding information to help her win her defense cases in court.

The show is full of emotional depth. One of my favorite

STREAM SEASONS 1 AND 2 OF “HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER” FOR FREE ONLINE FROM ABC.GO.COM. SEASON 1 IS ALSO AVAILABLE ON NETFLIX. THE SEASON RESUMES ON ABC FEB. 11 AT 10 P.M.

‘Fallout 4’ thrills with immersive gameplay I seth dekoomen, staff writer nsane bandits, carnivorous supermutants and frothing ghouls are just a small part of what makes the nuclear wasteland of “Fallout 4,” the newest addition to the “Fallout” video game series, an exciting place.

Set in futuristic and decimated Boston, “Fallout 4” focuses on the Revolutionary War icons of the city, including Bunker Hill and Lexington and Concord. I love going to Diamond City in Fenway Park, and

experiencing the strange behavior of Bostonians in 2287. The city guards wear catcher’s gear as armor and have strange conceptions of how baseball is played. I value the immersion and exploration provided by walking through the believable environments. Sad sites, like a capsized boat with skeletons underneath, tell the story behind the wasteland.

The game also doesn’t fall short mechanics-wise. The shooting and movement in “Fallout 4” are better than those of previ-

ous titles, and the game outdoes itself with its impressive graphics and sounds.

Weapons customization now allows gamers to create fun, deadly weapons. I have a sword with a battery attached to the blade, so it electrocutes its victim when it makes contact.

But problems exist among the new, exciting features.

Stealth is still broken. “Fallphoto from nicolette out 4” has artificial intelligence (AI) similar to that of FEATURES EDITOR JORDAN NICOLETTE plays Fallout 4 Dec. 10.

“Skyrim,” and I’m upset that Despite its flaws, my first 50 hours playBethesda, the game studio responsible for ing the game have convinced me that it’s the series, can’t program AI that reacts re- wholly worth the $60. Its originality, great alistically to a bullet to the head. mechanics, immersive game play and In “Fallout 4,” I feel forced to do things. enormous amount of content make “FallHelping settlers and saving your son rank out 4” my game of the year. as high priorities to get through the story.

Why can’t I just be a sadistic monster?

OVERALL RATING: Players can also join groups like the Brotherhood of Steel or the Minutemen to improve the city and form relationships.

FOR MORE REVIEWS, INCLUDING When I was joining the Railroad, another JORDAN NICOLETTE’S REVIEW OF “STAR one of these groups, a character I had reWARS BATTLEFRONT,” cruited from the Brotherhood of Steel vouched for my skill. He told the Railroad’s SEE OUR WEBSITE: other members my feats as a member of the Brotherhood of Steel, but these two groups have completely different ideologies.

Yet, none of the games’ other characters reacted accordingly. That’s the problem with Bethesda’s latest games. There are no consequences for making decisions.

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10/27/2015 11:32:17 AM

9 features

december 18, 2015

the griffin

Alums make mark on music scene

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BACK STORY

ith over a million Twitter followers, pop punk band All Time Low is a mainstay in the popular music scene – but the members got their start here.

Eliza Carey, a 2004 Griffin features editor, reported on the band’s rise to fame in the December 2004 edition of the paper. Dulaney alumni Alex Gaskarth, Jack Barakat, and Rian Dawson, as well as Towson alum Zack Merrick formed the band in the summer of 2003 before their sophomore year, according to the article. Before long, they performed their first show at Bryn Mawr’s Battle of the Bands.

“The best thing about being in a band is the rush of performing and sharing something that you’ve created,” Gaskarth said in the article. He added that the first time the band felt that they were really getting somewhere with their music was after their show with SR-71 at The Recher in Towson. The band hoped to be signed and playing professionally in five years.

Now, after twelve years of playing together, All Time Low has released six studio albums, with their most recent, “Future Hearts,” debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and selling 75,000 copies in its first week.

They have also performed multiple world tours to promote their albums.

photo from dulaney griffin

Above: The band members as pictured in the December 2004 edition of the Griffin.

Right: Lead singer Alex Gaskarth performs “Remembering Sunday” at All Time Low’s concert at Echostage Nov. 16.

Album tour delights

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natalie mozoki, deputy technician rriving a few hours early to the D.C. concert venue Echostage, I restlessly waited in line, excited to see All Time Low play a non-acoustic show.

When we were finally let in, the venue was exactly how I remembered it from the last time I’d been there—a big open room bordered by a stage and a bar, with a balcony lounge up above. Despite its location next to a dump and a strip club, Echostage is one of the best local concert venues.

When Neck Deep opened the Back to the Future Hearts Tour, I was right in the middle of the crowd, just as I normally am for general admission shows. But this concert had a much different vibe than what I’m used to, and pretty soon the floor was one huge mosh pit. I put up with it for their 30-minute, angsty set, but when “Sleeping

With Sirens” came on, I pushed my way out.

By the time All Time Low took the stage, I had managed to secure a spot along the left side of the barricade. I had a clear view of lead guitarist Jack Barakat, lead vocalist Alex Gaskarth and bassist Zack Merrick, but my view of drummer Rian Dawson was blocked by poles along the side of the stage—one of Echostage’s flaws. But I could see backstage, which made up for it.

All Time Low’s set list was a mix of new songs from their 2015 album, “Future Hearts,” including my two favorites “Dancing With a Wolf” and “Cinderblock Garden,” and older numbers like “Backseat Serenade” and “Weightless.” Something about the lyrics of those songs just gets me every time.

In the middle of the set, Gaskarth played a

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photo by bradley stansbury

few of his solo acoustic numbers, like “Remembering Sunday.” Meanwhile, I had an amusing time watching Barakat backstage talking to some of the crew—he was no more than five feet away from me.

Toward the end, Barakat challenged Gaskarth to an 80’s song duel. Barakat started it off with “Livin’ On a Prayer” by Bon Jovi, but it ultimately fell apart, since neither of them knew the lyrics to the verses. This began a random series of covers, including my favorite song of all time, “Teenage Dirtbag” by Wheatus. That was undoubtedly the highlight of the show for me.

They closed the show with an encore of “Kids in the Dark,” “Something’s Gotta Give,” and “Dear Maria, Count Me In.” Despite a rough start, the songs, not to mention the interactions, worked for me.

10 features

the griffin

december 18, 2015

post: rachel brommelsiek A junior known for her healthy eating habits, Rachel Brommelsiek sat down with staff writers Hannah Milan and Meera Rothman to talk about foreign films, places she has lived and growing her own food.

READING: I just finished the “Throne of Glass” series

by Sarah J. Maas. It’s about an assassin and it’s a fantasy novel. I like to read a lot of fantasy and sci-fi and stuff like that. I have this series that I read as a kid that I’ve always loved. It’s “The Immortals” by Timora Pearce.

It’s a series of four fantasy novels about magic and this girl Dane going through this journey. I also just started “The Theory of Everything”

by Steven Hawking. So far it’s a little bit of review from my physics class because we did some history research.

WATCHING: I don’t watch much TV, but my mom goes to the library and gets really weird foreign films in different languages. This one we joke about a lot was from Thailand, and you were basically sitting there watching people watching a movie and a ghost watching the people watching a movie. It was so weird; I couldn’t follow the plot at all. I also was watching Game of Thrones for a while.

LISTENING: I have this one song, “Always Gold,” I’ve really been liking by Radical Face.

I’ve been listening to Of Monsters and Men and Hozier recently because I really liked [Hozier’s] “Take Me to Church.” I also like the Arctic Monkeys and stuff like that.

all about sub plots in movies and conspiracy theories and it’s kind of interesting to listen to.

EATING: My dad is very health conscious. He’s really into not doing produced foods and is also very against sugar, so we generally don’t have much sugar around the house at all. We use it for baking occasionally, but generally we just use honey for baking. Since we’ve lived in a lot of different places, he cooks all different kinds of food.

CHANGING: I was born in Jakarta, Indonesia and we lived there for two years, and then we moved to Zambia in Africa and then we lived there for seven years and then we moved here. It’s good to be in the U.S. partly because the education system is a lot better and it creates a lot of opportunities like that. It was very interesting traveling. It was because of my mom’s job working for Catholic Relief services. She was in the field administering and basically managing the aid that was going out to people. It gives me a different perspective. I find that I really like it because it allows me to see things in a different view than if I had stayed in one place all my life.

GROWING: When I was growing up in Zambia, my dad had a little bit of land behind our house, but it got really hard to grow stuff, because there was a drought and water got really expensive. But when we moved here, he got a plot at Oregon photo by FOLLOWING: I don’t do social media very Ridge. He grows stevia, and that’s what hannah much. I have a Facebook for clubs, but we used over the summer for sweetengouger that’s pretty much it. I do a lot of Youer. We reduce it ourselves at home. He Tube. Sometimes I do videos about scigrows it in the garden and then we get ence or history, but there’s this other thing I’ve a l c o hol and then we reduce it on the stove been looking at. It’s called Cracked and basically it’s with the stevia inside it and put it in a bottle. It stays a YouTube channel and it was a website first and it’s for a long time and it’s really, really sweet.

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photo by sarah feustle

KATHY SKELTON teaches her period 3B Honors U.S. History class Dec. 1. about populism.

Retired teacher makes comeback

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sarah feustle, editor-in-chief tudents may have noticed a familiar face roaming the hallways lately – former Advanced Placement history teacher Kathy Skelton.

After a 22-year teaching career – during which she taught here for nine – Skelton retired at the end of last school year. But Skelton has returned as a substitute for social studies teacher Rachel Baikauskus, who is on maternity leave through January.

“I love it, seeing old friends and old students,” Skelton said of returning. “And that’s what made me want to sub – I missed everybody. But I didn’t want to do all the work, so it’s a nice compromise.”

Skelton notes that her new position required some adjusting.

“I had never taught AVID, and the structure of AVID is a lot looser than what I’m used to,” she said.

As a substitute, she said she has encountered new challenges.

“They don’t know me, so they don’t know I actually was a teacher, so they kind of disregard me in my assignments,” she said. “Most of them now realize that they’re responsible for their work, so it’s getting better.”

Students, like junior and Honors United States History student Luz Martinez, are happy to have her back.

“She was my AP World History teacher last year, and she was strict, but she was a good teacher,” Martinez said. “I don’t think there’s a big difference between now and then, she’s just less strict.”

Though Skelton admits she loved teaching AP classes, she has found that her new classes offer their own upsides.

“I love U.S. history, and I love teaching it. I don’t have to worry about the AP exam, so I’m enjoying teaching it.”

the griffin

11 features

december 18, 2015

club spotlight :

Girls Who Code

templates, they’ll work on a final project, such as an app or a game.

ONE MEMBER’S VIEW

Sophomore Megan Zhang is an active member of the club. Learning the basics of coding has been a unique opportunity, she said.

“Just seeing how people are able to create what we see on screen is really cool, and it’s especially fun when we have guest speakers talk about what they do,” Zhang said.

Humans of Dulaney, which is based on the Humans of New York photo blog, exhibits the diversity of the student body with unique stories from the lives of random individuals.

A LEADER’S TAKE

photo by stephanie rountree

SENIOR AND PRESIDENT MICHELLE WU codes alongside club member and sophomore Megan Zhang during the Hour of Code Program Dec. 7. The event, hosted by Programming Club, was a success, Wu said.

“I think it went well. There were more people than I expected,” she said. “All of the tables were full.”

WHAT THEY DO

Girls Who Code is a club founded this year that offers a place for girls to learn programming with the Girls Who Code curriculum in a more approachable setting, according to senior and president Michelle Wu. “I feel like this club gives girls a nurturing environment to pursue computer science,” Wu said. “I know some girls are intimidated by the fact that they would be alone as one of the only girls in computer science.”

Wu attended a two-month Girls Who Code program in Needham, Mass. last summer from July 6 to Aug. 20, where she learned to use various programming languages. The environment at the program inspired her to begin the club here, she said.

“Before, I was scared that I wouldn’t fit in because I have no prior experience at all,” she said. “But after, I felt more comfortable stepping into stuff that I normally considered things I wouldn’t be able to do. So that’s why I wanted to form a Girls Who Code Club.”

TIME AND PLACE

Girls Who Code meets every Monday from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in room 318. story by will sogge, staff writer

Staff writer Bradley Stansbury spoke to senior Daja Wright about the best present she has ever gotten.

RECENTLY

S: ”What was the best gift you’ve ever received?”

W: “In seventh grade this guy liked me and on Christmas day he bought me a puppy, which was an interesting gift because I’ve never had a puppy before, and I still have him.

His name is Butterball.”

S: “What was your reaction to the puppy?”

W: “I was like, ‘I don’t really know what to do with this,’ so I brought it home to my mom and she was like, ‘Yeah, you can keep it.’ He’s 5 years old now. He’s very cute.”

Girls Who Code joined with the Programming Club to host a session of the nation-wide Hour of Code event Dec. 7. Students spent an hour after school following guides to create basic programs and listening to guest speakers elaborate on their experience in the computer science field.

“I think everybody should be pursuing computer science to an extent,” guest speaker Dave Caslin said.

ON THE HORIZON

“I want to bring in female speakers who have been successful in STEM to encourage girls to pursue coding,” Wu said.

She added that as the girls learn how to use different

photo by stephanie rountree

MEMBERS OF THE GIRLS WHO CODE CLUB work on their assignment during their Oct. 26 meeting. “It’s a very prescribed curriculum, unlike our current programming club,” Lattimore said.

FOR THE VIDEO FEATURING THE REST OF THIS STORY, SEE OUR WEBSITE: DULANEYGRIFFIN.ORG

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the griffin

12 features

december 18, 2015

Holiday sweaters deck the halls jordan nicolette, features editor and whitney vong, staff writer ocial studies teacher Brian Velten remembers exactly when his holiday sweater affinity kicked into overdrive.

It was the year he launched a healthy competition among his students.

“A kid wore lights on his sweater and had to plug himself into the wall the whole class,” Velten said.

Velten’s own collection – in shades of crimson, Kelly green, and gold – approaches a dozen now. He has accumulated three Christmas sweaters and a collection of Christmas graphic tees, featuring designs inspired by “A Christmas Story” and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”

“One of them lights up with a flashing snowman. But the worst one is ungodly ugly. It has an old woman opening a door with a Christmas wreath on it. It’s three dimensional. It’s just really tragically ugly,” Velten said.

Velten has a few important criteria for selecting the perfect sweater.

“If it’s itchy and hand stitched, then it’s the one you want,” he said.

He’s not alone. Senior Dan-

Left: Velten’s collection of Christmas sweaters.

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Center: Velten, who started collecting ugly holiday sweaters years ago, sports a festive cardigan.

“If I come across one, I’ll buy it. It’s not the thing that you look for, but you just find,” he said.

Right: Senior Sara Glasser wears her Hanukkah sweater Dec. 8. photos by whitney vong and sarah feustle

iel Welsh takes his ugly holiday sweater hobby seriously.

“It’s my way of self expression.

We all give in to boring winter fashion, but wearing ugly sweaters is our way of disestablishment,” Welsh said, adding that in the days before winter break, he and senior (and staff writer) Andy Lambros plan to sport their favorite sweaters, which they have collected as gifts and Goodwill finds

an artist among us:

over the years.

For those still in need, a quick online search found that Amazon, Target, Kohl’s and tipsyelves.com each offer ugly Christmas sweaters from $20 to $35.

Senior Sara Glasser nearly gave up on finding an ugly Hanukkah sweater for a band concert last year.

“Hanukkah is very underrepresented in the ugly sweater in-

dustry,” she said.

Although he doesn’t actively seek them out, Velten always keeps an eye out for the perfect sweater, he said.

“If one pops up somewhere, and you’re at Goodwill for Halloween, you definitely snatch it up,” he said. “And if it doesn’t fit, it’s even funnier. They almost never fit since they’re made for little old ladies.”

D

photo by jenny peterson

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Deft dancer impresses

julie chotivatanapong, news editor, maya lapinski, managing editor and jane peterson, staff writer

JUNIOR ISABELLA HSIAO executes a scorpion pose during a photo shoot by Advanced Placement Photography student and junior Jenny Peterson July 12.

GOODWILL THRIFT STORE LOCATIONS 200 W. Padonia Road Timonium 410-666-7929

ance students report this common scene in their studio (room 120): Feet spring onto the dance floor, followed shortly by a clamor, as students enthralled by one dancer in particular parade to over check out her latest feat.

The dancer is junior Isabella Hsiao, who during her 2A Gifted and Talented Dance Company class this quarter, reportedly managed to execute a perfect over-split – with six textbooks under her leg.

“She turns six, seven, eight times in a row. No one can turn like her,” junior and fellow dance student Hannah Bostwick said.

Her step-over turns, pump turns and hip hop moves also impress, sophomore Luca Green said.

“She can get anything. Honestly, any combination we do she can get it in like two seconds,” she said.

Classmates also describe “pulling an Isabella.”

“She always doubts herself, which is not good, but we all tell her she can because she honestly can,” Green said. “She tries to put herself down, but she’s incredible.”

These doubts translate to nerves on stage.

“I’m always scared that I’m going to mess up,” Hsiao said.

“But once you’re on stage, you don’t have time to think about it. You can’t get nervous because you’re so focused on

dancing. You just live in the moment.”

Noting her cart-wheeling her way to the bathroom and performing twists and stretches while waiting in line, friends say Hsiao never stops dancing.

Visit

dulaneygriffin.org to see Hsiao’s turns!

“We’ll go to the store and she’ll be leaping down every aisle,” junior Jenna Farabaugh said.

Hsiao said she taught herself how to turn by practicing fouettés (whipping the leg out while spinning) in seventh grade and by moving on to a la seconds (turning while holding one leg to the side in second position) by ninth grade.

She’s inspired by the show “Dance Moms,” she said, and has a passion for hip-hop and jazz moves.

“I’m horrible,” she said modestly, “but I love it because I don’t have to worry about technique.”

Winter toiling yields summer scholarship sumin woo, managing editor Knowing that many students may be considering a summer internship or experience at this time, I decided to share my experience: Nebraskan, a Marylander and a Utahn walk into a television studio — though this resembles a set-up to an elaborate joke, there’s no punch line coming.

Instead, this is the premise of my time spent in the nation’s capital June 20-25.

We sat in NBC’s “Meet the Press” live studio, mere feet away from host Chuck Todd and his panel. The Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference, hosted by the Newseum, had begun. Named for USA Today’s founder, the annual conference brings 51 rising seniors to Washington, D.C., a “Free Spirit” for each state and the District of Columbia, to learn about journalism. All representatives receive a $1,000 college scholarship.

That week’s “Meet the Press” came on the heels of the Emanuel AME Church shooting in Charleston, S.C. June 17, when a white man killed nine black churchgoers. The show caused viewer frenzy, targeted at Todd for showing a video from imprisoned gunmen’s perspectives — all black men. Later, a crew member told us they were preparing for an atypical live apology from Todd.

It was a stunning beginning to the conference that threw

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us into journalism’s fast-paced nature. But for me, even more eye-opening was a session almost completely unrelated to journalism.

Mary Pilon, a New York Times bestselling author, former Times and Wall Street Journal writer and 2004 Free Spirit representative from Oregon, spoke on the penultimate day. Pilon was hilarious and possessed an enviable résumé — everyone wanted to be her. She relayed her life journey, proclaiming herself the “Beyoncé of layoffs” after a newsroom-wide layoff from the Times. Pilon embodied the Free Spirit motto: to “dream, dare, do.” She dreamt of becoming a published writer, dared to author a book and the book — “The Monopolists” — was declared a best-seller.

As a 20-something, she didn’t know what she was doing, Pilon said. I came into the conference set on solidifying my future, overwhelmed by the college process and the big question: “What are you going to do when you grow up?” Instead of receiving concrete answers, I learned that it’s okay to not have my life set in stone. Pilon ended the debate we’d been having about majoring in journalism versus not: there is no right answer.

“Journalism is always changing,” Pilon said. “Life is always changing.”

Though my future is a little fuzzy, I know the future of journalism is in sound hands left to the 50 Free Spirits I Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

photo from woo

Above: Senior Sumin Woo (far right) poses with Michael Hong of Pennsylvania, Jakob Lazzaro of South Carolina, Catie Harper of Virginia, Cheyenne Mathews of Alaska, Sahi Padmanabhan of Illinois and Natalie Nepper of Nebraska in the “Meet the Press” studio June 21.

met. Their relentless inquiries, lively energy and genuine love of news inspired me. I owe the magic of the conference to them. No matter where we end up, I’m excited to see all of us, like Pilon, dream, dare and do.