January 2018 Edition

Our mission: to enlighten and to entertain

Dulaney High School Timonium, Maryland

Volume 56, Issue 2 SUPPORTING

the griffin

Visit us at http://dulaneygriffin.org

January 29, 2018

Assessing academic disparity

see page 7

#

TO KNOW

$2330 profit made from school store

STUNNING

graphic by summer sheldon

see page #10 # TO KNOW

650

tickets sold from fall play LISTENING

see page # 12

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

F

maria eberhart, editor-in-chief or junior Deasia Booker, walking into an Advanced Placement class can be a source of discomfort.

“It’s kind of unsettling when you’re basically the only black person in a room full of white people,” Booker said.

On the other hand, junior Emilie Bowerman rarely feels singled out.

“I have noticed before that I am the only minority [in AP classes], but I usually don’t think much of it,” Bowerman said.

According to guidance department chair John Komosa, black and Hispanic students account for 27 percent of the student body, but only 11 percent of AP classes. This achievement disparity is more prominent than the national average.

A 2014 Department of Education study, detailed in The Atlantic, found that 37 percent of high school students are black or Hispanic, but only 27 percent take an AP class.

Bowerman was not surprised by the data provided by guidance, attributing the gap to income level and family dynamics. Booker considers the absence of black peers as detracting from the appeal of AP classes.

“Being the only black student in the class, you start overthinking and assuming people are judging you if you get an answer wrong, so you end up not saying anything and keeping to yourself,” Booker said.

The insecurities Booker expressed have been recognized by county-wide officials who, in turn, mandated that equity teams be created within each school. Members channel their efforts into examining the achievement gap,

which includes analyzing graduation rates and upper level course enrollment.

English department chair and equity team leader Jason Bowman cites the language barrier for non-native English speakers as a challenging obstacle for the equity team to tackle.

“With our Hispanic population, for many of those students it’s a second language issue and we’re woefully understaffed when it comes to dealing with English as a second language,” Bowman said.

Former Dulaney Spanish teacher Jennifer Audlin began Hispanic Support Network to assist Spanish heritage speakers struggling to keep up with their coursework.

“...you start overthinking and assuming people are judging you.”

The club, now run by Spanish teacher Paola Frumin, meets after school on Tuesdays to provide a place for students to receive homework assistance and learn about scholarship opportunities.

“The club helps me feel more secure. It makes me feel at home,” junior Michelle Marquez said.

Frumin said any amount of encouragement is helpful for Hispanic students.

“I’m an immigrant myself and I was in their shoes,” Frumin said. “They need every little support they can get, even if it is just coming to my room and feeling like they belong.”

Students stress the importance of getting more black and Hispanic students registered for AP classes. Junior Owen Lmuze considers advanced classes to be a more nurturing educational environment.

“They are more conducive for learning to be honest. It is way easier to learn and work in an AP class than in an honors class,” Lmuze said.

But Bowman cautions moving unready students to higher level courses.

“Our issue is that, yes we have students, particularly black students and Hispanic students, who are not in AP courses and we need to get them there,” Bowman said. “But it’s more than just getting them enrolled, we have to get them prepared.”

Despite data exhibiting a disproportionate number of black and Hispanic students in advanced courses, Bowman cites evidence from guidance indicating that appropriate students are in AP classes.

“There’s this thing called AP potential, which is based on PSAT and SAT scores. It predicts which students would be capable of being successful in an AP course. What we found was that every single student from every demographic who has an AP potential number is in an AP course,” Bowman said.

Teachers and administrators deeply concerned by the inequity have developed nontraditional courses aiming to help students reach AP potential. Next year English teacher Maria Hiaasen will pilot a new, largely research based course, called AP seminar, designed to be a stepping stone to more rigorous AP classes. see ASSESSING, page 2

FYI: Report cards distributed Feb. 1

One Love Basketball Game Feb. 2 5:15 p.m.

Gymnasium

SGO Winter Dance

Feb. 10 7:00 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Gymnasium

Schools Closed for President’s Day

Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

Feb. 19

PTSA Meeting

Feb. 21 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Library

College Knowledge Night March 15 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Satellite cafeteria

2

news

continued from page 1 Supplementary courses, such as AP seminar, are trying to address the achievement gap and recent PARCC scores from 2017 indicate that less than five percent of white and Asian students did not meet expectations for the English language test compared to 25 percent of black students and 16 percent of Hispanic students.

Science teacher Marty Stranathan suggests that instituting a study hall would encourage educational growth.

“We need to identify kids when they enter high school that are at risk of not graduating and bring back a study hall,” Stranathan said. “If they are reluctant to do homework at home, why not set up a situation here where they can have students teach them how to study and prepare?”

Reducing the achievement gap has proven to be a formidable task, but teachers remain optimistic about steps taken thus far and future plans.

“Are we fully there yet? Absolutely not. But we’re trying to get some traction,” Bowman said.

Editors-in-chief Dorrie Gaeng and Emlyn Langlieb contributed to this report.

the griffin

January 29, 2018

RACIAL BREAKDOWN OF STUDENT BODY COMPARED TO ADVANCED PLACEMENT CLASSES

graph by maria eberhart

“Holt’s leadership combined with these amazing Dulaney students is what makes FBLA so successful,” George continued. “He’ll be very modest when asked about it, he’ll say he had nothing to do with it, and it was all the kids.”

FBLA has opened up a school store this year, as well as hitting a census of 200 members.

These achievements left their sponsors thrilled.

“That was exciting. You know, you hit those milestones. I remember when we hit 100, that was a fun and exciting thing, then last year 200 became insight. Sean Lin, our president, was determined to hit that number. And so, I think we were at 204 as the final number and that was very exciting,” Holt said.

Senior and FBLA president Sean Lin strived to reach the highest number of members.

“Mr. Holt has always wanted this club, his baby, to reach 200 members. That was a big part of it. Also, in September and October we only had 40 members, so we really picked up the

pace,” Lin said.

Holt credits the students entirely for the growth in membership.

“The students are what have grown it for the years I have been here. A lot of enthusiasm, great leadership. When I came here five years ago, we had, I think, 30 members and it has grown exponentially since then. It really is the students, I mean-- we provide an environment for them, but they do it,” Holt said.

Not only have they been growing in size, but new innovative and appealing projects are coming up for FBLA—such as their new school store and upcoming competitive conferences.

Holt said that FBLA is working on claiming success at the local and national conferences.

“In state level, there is a state championship and we won that last year for the first time in thirteen to fourteen years.”

With 69 students qualifying for the state conference, FBLA continues to rise.

Left to right: FBLA MEMBERS ATTEND the introduction of the Regional Leadership Conference Jan. 5; SOPHOMORES RUSHIL BYATNAL, ALEX RUTHLOFF AND DANIEL ANTHONY take part in the first meeting Sept. 14. photos by vladimir leung and joodh waleedh

Positive relationships necessary for growth emlyn langlieb and anna mason, editors-in-chief, emma shannon, staff writer n last year’s stakeholders survey, 30 percent of students indicated that adults in the building do not care about them as people.

Principal Samuel Wynkoop has pledged himself to opening communication and fostering positive relationships between teachers and students in an effort to reduce this number.

Music teacher Christina Senita has already started to emphasize the importance of expressing these affirmative relationships with students.

“Students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care,” Senita said, citing a renowned John Maxwell quote.

According to a study conducted by a team of Cambridge University researchers, students who engage in positive relationships with their teachers are 18 percent more prosocial (10 percent more up to two years later) than students with adverse relationship.

Social studies teacher Kendra Swam reflects on her own unique definition of a positive relationship. “[A positive relationship] should have open communication, and be dedicated to the learning process while also being open to constructive communication,” Swam said. “It needs a shared vision and goal as to what the class-

LIONS LAUNCH

Dulaney released their Lions Roar Network athletic videos Nov. 3, 2017. The Lions Roar Network is used in the gymnasium to videotape sport’s practices and games.

Parents, grandparents and collegiate coaches have the opportunity to subscribe to the network to watch games when they are away and are unable to attend events.

Games and practices are videotaped with a high tech camera that is able to track movement and livestream all activity. The network is now being streamed in local restaurants and the subscription is available for all on the athletics website.

TUTORING EXPANDS

FBLA accomplishes new heights D hannah bellinger, staff writer ulaney’s own Future Business Leaders of America club is achieving unprecedented success, as they just reached an all-time high of 200 members. The catalyst to their success? A balance between advisers such as Pat Holt, Damon George and Jamie Bare, as well as exemplary student participants. This popular organization is an opportunity for students interested in all things business and computer science, as well as possible college and career experience.

“With our business and computer science programs, and just letting students know that it exists, you guys just come to it,” business and computer science teacher Damon George said about what gives FBLA its massive following.

While George takes part in FBLA advisory, he acknowledges other FBLA advisers Jamie Bare and Pat Holt quite frequently. He speaks highly of Holt, department chair of business education.

NEWS LINE

I

(from left to right) JUNIOR ANA TRIANTAFILOU collaborates with math teacher Allison Klein.

room should look like.”

There are various ways to promote these essential relationships in the classroom, especially when acknowledging that small acts can go a long way.

Swam encourages optimistic thinking and open comunication between teachers and students by providing students with class time to construct letters of gratitude. “[Just by] being interested in the subject matter as a teacher and demonstrating that enthusiasm and passion for the subject matter… that can inspire students to be a little bit more motivated and focused,” Swam said.

Senior Reiley Hartmueller has noticed the benefits of positivity in classrooms.

“Teachers show they are actually people, outside of just being a robot,”Hartmueller said. “It is better to actually be in the class when you can laugh and interact with the teacher.”

Senita focuses on getting to know her students as individuals and allowing time for relaxation and conversation.

“If my main priority was perfection in a concert, then I’d lose sight of who my students are as artists. It’s about who they become as a person and what the teacher can help them accomplish,” she said.

Both Senita and Swam have witnessed positive thinking, communication or growth mindsets having a favorable effect in their classrooms.

“I tell my students, ‘you are my people and I am yours.’ I want my students to know that they always have someone accepting them in their corner,” said Senita.

Social studies teacher Phil Bressler took it one step further, co-founding the Dulaney Gratitude Facebook page with alumni Stephanie Rountree in 2015. With over 1,000 members, Bressler never expected the page to evolve to what it is today.

“It was a way to get everyone thinking more positive,” Bressler said.

Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

The peer tutoring program began its expansion Jan. 9, and consists of two sessions, one from 7:00-7:40 a.m. and another from 2:20-3:30 p.m.

It will be available every Tuesday through Thursday at these times for the duration of the school year in the library. In order to receive tutoring, students must fill out a tutor request form.

Those who wish to become a tutor must complete registration forms. All registration forms are available in the library. Any further questions should be directed towards Directior of Athletics Richard Reed, Social Studies Teacher Phil Bressler or Library Media Specialist Angela Sofinowski.

FUNDS RAISED In order to raise awareness and support the fight to end poverty in Nicaragua and Guatemala, the nonprofit “Pulsera Project,” was founded by a group of college students who went to Nicaragua. Pulsera Project sells bracelets made in those countries. Initiallly selling bracelets to local universities, the bracelets are now distributed to schoolsnationwide. During the week of Dec. 18 the school’s Spanish Club sponsor, Sasha Guevara with the help of members, sold 84 bracelets, raising $420 for “Pulsera Project”

STUDENTS AWARDED Three students were recognized at this year’s annual YMCA Model United Nations conference in Hershey, Pennsylvania from Jan. 5-7. Junior Olivia Robinson won best country research paper, junior Josh Wilmer won outstanding first year delegate and junior Olivia Summons won premiere delegate and was elected chair of a committee.

SERVICE CLUB EXCELS Key Club is approaching 3,000 hours of service for the 2017-2018 school year.

Popular service events include tree planting, Our Daily Bread soup kitchen, Lego Club, Pot Spring tutoring and Deck the Halls. Junior and recording secretary Karena Chu was recently elected as Lieutenant Governor of Division 6B.

3 news

the griffin

January 29, 2018

Personalized learning enhances Words with Wynkoop

photos by maria eberhart and emily williams Left to right: JUNIOR SAVANNAH COLEMAN works her way through the Apex program Jan. 20. “This program helps me because it regroups what I’ve already learmed and improves it. It’s an upgrade from the classroom,” Coleman said; MATH TEACHER HAL MCVEIGH assists junior Isabel Paranzino with the program Jan. 20.

E

nick prunkl, staff writer xtended Day Learning Program, overseen by Assistant Principal Robert Murray, is designed to allow students to earn credits by completing their coursework during an alternative time frame.

“The number one purpose of this program is to get kids their graduation credits by making up coursework through the online Apex program and working with teachers in Saturday school facilities,” Murray said.

The Apex Program, included in the EDLP curriculum, is a studentcentered achievement based learning program that allows students to learn at their own pace. It provides a venue for accelerated credit attainment for those seeking an early graduation status while also creating flexibility in scheduling with the intent of offering potential for more innovative classes. This program has proved to be instrumental to the overall success of EDLP, improv-

ing grades of students in certain courses by margins well over 10 percent.

A hybrid program with a mix of hands on teaching, by math teacher Hal McVeigh and English teacher Brittany Jackson, along with the implementation of online projects and tests. The curriculum is meant to be flexible and personalized in order to meet student’s needs and allow for a more personalized and conducive student-centered schedule.

“A lot of our kids here use the program to free up their schedule to allow more room for AP courses, much like taking courses at CCBC” Murray said.

EDLP also plays a pivotal role in increasing graduation rate. A recent report by Baltimore County Public Schools indicates that since EDLP was instituted during superintendent Dallas Dance’s tenure, the graduation rate increased by a margin of nearly eight percent raising it to its current rate of 90 percent. By offering a flexible work schedule,

the EDLP program has helped to create educational equity by providing assisted learning services.

“Saturday school has helped me tremendously, in so many ways,” an anonymous student enrolled in the program said.

“I have to help my family a lot, so I’m very busy and can’t always get my homework and schoolwork completed. Saturday school helps me get that done.”

A unique feature of the program lies in the idea that students can access their curriculum and continue their learning from any location at any time. The idea of having control over their learning pace has proven to be a key factor in student motivation.

The program, though a way to assist struggling students as a means to success, is by no means easy.

“It’s a lot of work,” Murray said.

“But the program is geared to help anybody and everybody to get through the class and get the credit, no matter what level they’re at.”

Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

PRINCIPAL SAMUEL WYNKOOP works at his desk Nov. 13.

K

photo by dorrie gaeng

olivia summons, editor-in-chief een on combatting in-school substance abuse, Principal Samuel Wynkoop sat down with the Griffin staff to discuss student well-being and curtailing drug use.

Wynkoop hopes to stress a focus on parental involvement in combatting drug use and health awareness.

“I would like to address the conversation with the PTA. If the last time they had that discussion was when they were in eighth grade, then that’s a problem,” Wynkoop said.

Yet the message of well-being regarding drug use is not one Wynkoop believes should be confined to the health class room.

“The same messages in that one semester of health should be universal; it should be in AP Economics, standard bio, perhaps those messages need to be more congruent and not just a health class issue but a student issue,” Wynkoop said.

This universal application of the message against drugs is reinforced in the early ages of education through the Drug Abuse Resistance Education, DARE, but in high school, where the problem truly lies, there’s a drop in program enforcement.

“I hope that the message resonates with them from year 8 to year 80. Is it an issue of redundancy…for example, the DARE program takes place in elementary school why doesn’t it take place in high school?” Wynkoop said.

To further his message on student wellness Wynkoop recognizes the value in peer to peer conversation. This past October, a guest speaker spoke at senior breakfast, relaying her experience with drug addiction and her message for students.

Wynkoop hopes to continue the incorporation of guest speakers in the fight against drug use.

“A guy standing up in front of students with a tie has much less effect as opposed to someone who has experienced and can tell their reason with it,” Wynkoop said.

the griffin

4 opinion

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Editors,

Why are students always on their phones? And what are they even doing? When one person is on their phone in class, others inevitably are, too. People cannot focus on more than one thing at once – our mind has a flashlight that shines on only one thing at a time (selective attention) – and this cell phone problem completely hinders learning. School is meant to be a space for learning, and the “students looking at their laps” do not learn, at least not in the way they think they do.

It shouldn’t be up to teachers to establish a cell phone policy, but I think something needs to happen. You can’t teach someone to have the desire to learn and to stay focused, which is what makes our modern dilemma even more difficult to solve. It’s frustrating seeing people on their phones constantly in class, and at lunch, too, because we go to a great school that really works to teach and prepare us for college, and students are wasting this amazing opportunity to learn by going on their phones. It may not be easy, but I think everyone needs to ask themselves what is important to them and what truly matters in life, and make the decision to put the phone down themselves. ​-Kirsten Roys, Grade 12 Dear Editors,

Being almost halfway through my senior year, I have realized the worst feature of our school: the senior parking lot.

Once you drive in, your car is shaken like a 5.0 magnitude earthquake not once, but at least three times as you look to park. But the speed bumps aren’t the only menacing nuisance; the parking spaces are sized sporadically to the point I fear for some people getting in and out of their cars without hitting the person next to them. We also have to think about the dreariness of our lot. There is a plethora of potholes, pieces of the curb that have broken off, and trash thrown haphazardly around the place.

While I agree with the “first come first serve” principle of the parking, it worries me that people will pounce like a tiger to beat another driver to a spot. If spots were assigned, maybe people would drive less aggressively. I have heard rumors that the spaces used to be numbered and the parking passes corresponded with that space so why didn’t the school repaint the numbers? Of course there isn’t much that can be done about our misshapen lot, but it’s almost embarrassing we don’t have a quality place for seniors and teachers who work so hard at the school. Hopefully some time soon it will be renovated, but for now students are united in their grievances.

-Katie Swim, Grade 12 Dear Editors,

I have some comments about the article titled “Talks promote literacy push.” I liked this article because the teachers who were quoted made good comments about the importance of literacy, but I felt that this article was lacking in detail.

I had an enjoyable experience with the book talks that I attended, and I would have liked to see more coverage on how others felt about them too. Especially since this was a new program, it would have been interesting to see how successful it was. In addition to quotes from teachers, there should have been quotes from students who attended book talks describing their experience and their opinions on literacy. Also, one point made in the article was that the books “appealed to a limited range of individuals.” That makes me curious to see how many people in the school actually participated in the book talks, and if people didn’t do it, what kind of books would they like to see on the list next year. This could have been accomplished with a survey and then a graphic could have been included with the article as well as some important data points.

I also have a recommendation for the opinion section. In this issue, there were two articles about the NFL’s national anthem protest. This was a good idea because it balances liberal opinions with conservative opinions. Instead of making them look like two separate articles, I would create a new column called “Opposing Viewpoints” which could make the two opposing articles look more cohesive and connected.

- Lydia Naughton, Grade 12

January 29,year 2018 month ##,

Feelings trump free thought

I

audrey bartholomew, staff writer n a predominantly upper-middle class, suburban high school, it’s never been more important to talk about politics, the normalization of hate and everything that makes us human instead of alien to each-other.

Last summer, white nationalist riots rocked the town of Charlottesville, Virginia. Ending in the death of three counter protesters, President Donald Trump condemned the left to meet his alternative right supporters in the middle.

“There’s blame on both sides,” I talked about this in my Advanced Placement United States History class one time for about five seconds on the first day of school. Never again.

But this by no means should allow for our ability to challenge, discuss and understand each other’s beliefs to be silenced.

Last fall, when Trump was elected, I was told by another staff member that sure, I have the right to free speech and everything, but stop talking about the election. Tell me that today, I would have laughed in their face. Are

we that far gone, and that inclined to preserve our own beliefs and opinions that we can not talk about what is happening around us? We can not prioritize comfortability over awareness.

If North Korea decides to decimate us into oblivion tomorrow, do the same rules apply? Should I duct-tape my mouth in the fallout shelter? If this does not make you angry, I do not know what will. I am making it known that America has a dire empathy problem. That is how it

art by audrey houghton

always has been. Make America great again. Kill progress where it stands.

But why endorse participating in these kinds of conversations in school?

Some will argue it is not the place, it is better to avoid acrimonious arguments, let kids be kids and leave the political rhetoric at home.

I would ask those who disagree with me, what are we in school for if not to grow? What are our parent’s tax-payer dollars going towards? Algebra II? Spanish 4? Ignorance 101?

Learning everything you need to know about the frontal lobe and Neolithic revolution does absolutely nothing to maturate college-ready students. If Baltimore County Public Schools and Dulaney are so dedicated to churning out well-rounded students, then add this to your plate.

With all of the technology shoved into our classrooms instead of clean water and air conditioning, you would think we would be actively dissecting and participating in the world around us. Not so much.

End the culture of passive sheep. It is time for us to do something, no?

The solution to mass killing is not complex

johnny chen, staff writer

W

hat is the cause of mass shootings? Is it the existence of guns? No, it is the result of humans who refuse to oblige to basic morals. The problem does not lie in guns themselves, but rather the people who use them. Unfortunately, it is not possible to access the qualifications of these individuals, as shown by the failure of American background checks. Thus, the easiest way to prevent mass killings would be to rid of guns entirely.

According to Business Insider, 237,000 criminals committed crimes with stolen firearms in 2016. With this, the criminals can simply skip the background checks that are put into place by the United States government. This is avoidable as long as law-abiding citizens have access to guns.

But what does gun thievery have to do with the mass shooting impasse? It does not, and that is the problem. One commonality that most mass shooters have is that they did not steal their guns; they passed background checks and bought the guns that were later used to end the lives of their victims.

Background checks are flawed, and do nearly nothing to prevent these mass

“The problem does not lie in guns themselves, but rather the people who use them.” shootings and other heinous crimes.

This “protocol” cannot analyze the psyche of a person, and the process

can be easily manipulated despite precautionary steps that are already in place.

Some may argue that taking away guns from the public would result in tyrannic rule. If one thinks taking away guns is a tyrannical move, then they should pay more attention in history class, because this form of government is completely different from a government that takes away guns. Instead of being unjust, the government is simply caring for the lives of the citizens by taking away a tool that can so easily take away the life of another human being.

Gun control is nearly impossible without getting rid of guns entirely.

If done correctly, a country without guns is a country with less killings, and more lives.

EDITORIAL:

If our walls could talk...

F

rom the SAT, APs, PARCC, the ACT, perhaps it is time to consider if this barrage of academic acronyms is veiling a deeper issue.

Dulaney has little problem with academic opportunity. Walking down the hall students are exposed to a variety of language courses, internship programs, advanced courses and specialized art classes. Yet upon further inspection, our school’s shield of aptness fades. Walls oozing mysterious liquids, recycling bins masquerading as regular trash bins and litter cluttering sidewalks surrounding campus. Most of these concerns go over administrators’ heads and consequently over the students’ as well.

How can we pride ourselves on forward thinking education with a backwards thinking population? It seems as if the solution is to just throw technology onto every problem that arises.

Low SAT scores? Give them laptops.

Brown water in schools? Water coolers with disposable paper cones that clut-

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

Student population: 1,806 Staff population: 107 The Griffin prints 1,500 to 2,000 copies of each edition. These are distributed during homeroom on the third Friday of November, January, March and May. Extras may be found in the library or room 303.

A Columbia Scholastic Press Association member The Griffin’s mission is to enlighten and entertain.

January 26, 2018 Volume 57, Issue 2 http://dulaneygriffin.org

ter trash bins. Trash bins are now indistinguishable from recycling bins as students haphazardly fail to separate their waste accordingly.

The problem never seems to be addressed at its source but rather covered up with a temporary solution. Slapping a Band-Aid onto issues that originate with either a crumbling building or simply a lack of concern over environemntal conservation, is not going to prevent the problem from relapsing in another form. Our school needs to begin to recognize it is not taking the time to consider its environmental impact.

The relevancy of this issue is paralleled in a recent proposal from the Trump administration, who sought to dissolve several laws in regards to environmental protection. President Donald Trump signed an order at the Environmental Protection Agency to modify previous precedent curbing United States carbon emissions, specifically the Clean Power Plan.

What this unintentionally models is

editors-in-chief maria eberhart, dorrie gaeng, brynn handley, emlyn langlieb, anna mason, olivia summons, emily williams adviser brittany jackson sports editor Bryce Frederick

the griffin Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

the choice to prioritize the economy and business over the environment, despite potential cost. This is echoed by the actions of our school where the last issue on the agenda is our environmental impact. Granted, a school’s mission should always be the furthering of education. However, a blatant disregard to sustainability shines through as an act of apathy. If we do not care about how our actions impact our local environment then we are sending generations of children forth with the impression that their actions will never have consequences.

If Dulaney does not put effort into assuring that we have a building that facilitates concious habits, then the vast majority of us will carry these poor behaviors into our daily lives. In a time where the environment is at its most fragile, it is beyond imperative that the rising generation considers the future of our planet a priority rather than a second hand concern.

The Griffin welcomes story ideas, commentaries and letters to the editor. These may be brought to room 303, placed in Brittany Jackson’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.

Interested in advertising in The Griffin or purchasing any photos seen in this issue? Use the same contact information.

January 29, 2018

5 opinion

the griffin

Trump berates his way through year one

F

grace hazlehurst, staff writer or an entire year, we’ve been living under the bigotry of Donald J. Trump. Misogynistic, racist and overall orange in hue, he was pretty much born to irritate. We have never had a president so ill-informed about the nature of his office, openly mendacious and completely careless in his abusive attacks on the courts, the press, Congress and even senior officials within his own administration.

Let’s be honest, most people say that Trump has no actual ideology. But I can assure you, he does. It’s called white supremacy. And if Trump were not Caucasian, he would not be in office. Simple as that. Most of us have an account on Twitter, either for actual usage or just to say we have one. Take a look at Trump’s tweets within the past few months and you will see that his entire timeline is filled with xenophobic

videos of Muslim violence, retweets of alleged Nazi-sympathizers and childish fights with other world leaders (who, by the way, are ready and armed with nuclear bombs). Trump has bashed Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren, calling her “Pocahontas” not once, but twice, during a Cherokee gathering and+ ceremony honoring Native American code talkers who served in World War II. Trump is also known for casting himself as the defender of white females against Mexican “rapists,” but was later accused by multiple women, and proclaimed by his own proud words, to be a sexual violator himself.

Throughout his campaign, along with the vigorous tweeting, Donald promised to “build a wall,” ban Muslims from entering the country, bring manufacturing jobs back, repeal Obamacare and defund Planned Parenthood.

Many of these promises, however, are unrealistic and illogical (just like the man himself), and have been at least put on hold or denied all together. And to quickly review the last two months: Houston is currently frozen, California is completely on fire (with millions of people being evacuated), Libya has just embarked on a slave trade and Puerto Rico is (still) without power and steadily losing medical supplies.

However our President and his Cabinet believe that carrying out these ‘promises’ (especially repealing net neutrality) are the most important issues to resolve right now. Our alliances are being severed and our enemies are becoming more alienated than ever. We are, at this point, inevitably doomed.

Well done, America. This is the 45th President of the United States. Chosen by you.

art by audrey houghten

The (not so) United States of America

I

noah wilkens, staff writer t is easy to judge others without looking inward. Author Stephen Covey defines this concept succinctly: “seek first to understand, then to be understood.” President Donald Trump has been exceedingly unpopular since the outset of his term, sparking an inextinguishable inferno of unnecessary protests, conspiracies and “not my president” hashtags. The infallible media bias, misunderstanding of President Trump’s administration and the public’s lack of concern regarding the media’s pervasive lies has lit the fuse for assumptions concerning his aptitude to run the United States of America.

Donald Trump is not a racist. Donald Trump is not a bigot. Donald Trump is not a fascist. These accusations are

perpetrated by the far left who, without substantive criticisms, have fallen back on name calling as their primary weapon of political attack. The thing is, the group slandering Trump is banding together like sheep, mindless, easily swayed and skiddish. As the left has so often pointed out, Trump is not politically correct or overly sensitive, often taking bold statements to Twitter.

President Trump’s first year in office has proven his ability to be unwavering and confrontational, exactly what modern day America needs.

The left continues to argue that the Trump administration is wreaking havoc in Washington with little political achievements. But this is far from true. President Trump has faithfully delivered on his campaign promise to lower the unemployment rate,

and at 4.3 percent, the lowest since 2001, the American people should be thanking Trump, not protesting him.

Furthermore, the stock market index has soared under Trump’s presidency, climbing 30 percent, a record high, due to tax cuts and boosted earnings. The 45th President has made history.

The media has clung to Trump like a parasite, without a shred of journalistic integrity, digging deep into his past to reveal any iota of useless gossip that may decrease his popularity. But I encourage the left and the media to look past Trump’s initial abrasiveness and try to understand the moderate and conservative wings of the political spectrum. Only then will liberals be able to accept the path of Trump’s presidency and recognize the future is not as dark as they may see it.

MLK Day in 2018; a period of necessary reflection

A

olivia summons, editor-in-chief polarized political climate. Decades post the debut of Martin Luther King Jr Day and people find solace in taking sides instead of fulfillment in unanimity. In Martin Luther King Jr.’s time, the civil rights movement stood for nonviolent activism in the face of federal and state laws.

Yet today, the meaning behind it has been distorted.

Today many associate the black rights movement with a convoluted way for African Americans to seek attention.

The difference lies in the movements’ audience. Fighting for equality under the law has been replaced with fighting for equality in the eyes of other Americans. Instead of uniting under our similarities as Americans, we have divided ourselves into categories.

Feminists are deemed too radical to be considered seriously. Conservatives are generalized as white supremacists.

Activists are scoffed at as hippies.

While millennials are labeled as lazy, taking technology and their rights as United States citizens for granted.

All these labels defeat the warrant behind King’s words. His values embodied courage, truth, justice, compassion, dignity, humility and service.

The average American has forgotten, or more accurately, never knew the true meaning of Martin Luther King Day. A leader who not only dreamed of a color-blind society, but who also lead a movement that achieved historic reforms to help make it a reality.

Last year brought us Charlottesville; hate groups marching to a new beat of bigotry. It brought us the vocalization of KKK activism, reinforced by governmental affirmation. It brought us football players kneeling to take a stand; met with instant condemnation and boos over the loss of patriotism.

We owe it to the rising generations to shed the skin of cynicism donned by so many today and remember the

true beauty of interracial cooperation.

MLK day does not have to be limited to solely African American rights. King’s message stands as a universal applicator to any ethnicity or religion. If our government extended its morality and support to minorities as King did years ago, the youth would finally see a bridge between inspiration and reality.

I hope that 2018 stands as an era of reflection. MLK day should stand as a time of interracial and intercultural cooperation. A time where these categories we have designated ourselves and others to, vanish, and are substituted with a new verge of understanding for minorities’ struggles. I urge older generations to remember when MLK day took effect, when hope prevailed over pessimism and people saw the future as a chance for change. I urge younger generations to not be disheartened by a lack of moral intervention by our government, and not allow their despair to translate into complacency.

Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

it’s like this

Sexual harassment culture demands change

H

dorrie gaeng, editor-in-chief arvey Weinstein. Al Franken. Roy Moore.

Kevin Spacey. Whether you’re a news junkie or want nothing to do with media, you’ve probably heard these names in circulation. What exactly do these men have in common?

While the number of victims and the severity of accusations varies, there is one common denominator: men of power sexually abusing younger women and men.

According to the Sexual Assault Resource Center, sexual assault is defined as any unwanted sexual act of behavior to which a person has not given consent. Some instances of sexual assault include unwanted touching/groping, exposing yourself to someone and rape. Sexual abuse is when someone in a position of power or authority takes advantage of a person’s trust and respect to involve them in sexual activity, and can involve any of the acts aforementioned.

To list all the public figures who have been accused of sexual abuse – some of whom admitted to these acts and some who did not – would be a laborious task. And that’s exactly the problem.

An aspiring young actress dreams for years of making a career for herself in Hollywood. Finally, the famous director Harvey Weinstein wants to take a chance on her. When invited to his hotel room for a casting meeting, she finds him undressed and asking her to either watch or perform sexual acts. But to disclose this information would mean ending her career in the Weinstein-dominated Hollywood. Unfortunately, this story is not uncommon. And it’s been happening for decades.

Sexual abuse knows no boundaries. It crosses all professions and socio-economic groups. Republicans and democrats. News broadcasters and professional athletes. Dishwashers and cab drivers.

“This perverse calamity must be a catalyst for change.”

Even our country’s leaders.

A culture exists where victims are blamed and ostracized. Victims get assaulted and we choose to ask what they were wearing, or if they were drunk. This sexual harassment culture must change. And rehabilitation must come in the way everyday Americans think about, speak about and address sexual abuse claims.

But reform must also come from the top, starting on the Senate floor. The system in place for victims to file sexual harassment claims is despicable. To even file suit in the first place accusers must agree to undergo months of counseling and mediation, during which the victim must sign a non-disclosure agreement. A congressional officer is then appointed to try and settle the case. And these settlement payments do not come out of the perpetrator’s wallet, but instead from a special U.S. Treasury fund. Yes, that means your money taxpayers.

“It is not a victim-friendly process. It is an institution-protection process,” said Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) in a Washington Post article, who has unsuccessfully pushed to overhaul how harassment cases are handled.

How can we demand change in the workplace and the media when our elected officials have yet to remedy their own broken system?

We can’t let this momentum die. We can’t let these brave victim’s stories get swept under the rug. We cannot afford to let this be another Sandy Hook, where tragedy sweeps and nothing changes. This perverse calamity must be a catalyst for change.

the griffin

6 sports

athletes

watch

VARSITY

Dailey new branch on family tree

January 29, 2018

Brothers’ comradery encoura

will boellner, staff writer

G

rowing up in a family of athletes, freshman track and cross country runner Marissa Dailey is destined to uphold her family’s reputation.

Marissa’s outstanding running ability is no surprise, her father was a collegiate runner at Eastern Michigan, eventually making it all the way to the Olympic Qualifiers; her mother, also, ran at a high level at Southern Michigan. photo by johnny carroll Her older brother, junior Drew Dailey, has also contributed to her success. Together, the two take time to fine tune their techniques and strategies.

“Our parents made us train over the summer together, and before races I would give her tips on what to do,” Drew said.

Overall, her hard work has paid off, as she earned spot on varsity women’s cross country team, placing ninth in the State Regional Races; 20TH in the State Championship, the first finisher from our school. She also finished fifth in the county race, the second finisher from our school.

Dailey planned on running cross country in her freshman year, but she never knew her she’d love it enough to run track and field in the winter and spring.

“I knew going into this year I’d be running cross country, but I didn’t realize I’d like it enough to run all three seasons,” she said.

Head track and cross country coach Chad Boyle will work with her for all three seasons, already praising her for her work ethic.

“She’s really good at paying attention to all things she needs to do, and she works really hard, and she’s really competitive,” Boyle said.

In the upcoming winter meets, Marissa will be running the mile in hopes of leading Dulaney to another cross country Regional championship.

athletes

photos by john bowers

(Upper left) SENIOIR JOSH CORNISH (23) and sophomore Che Evans (10) work on their defensive strategy during Franklin’s possession Dec. 22.

(Upper right) FRESHMAN IKE CORNISH jumps to attempt a lay-up while teammates Cameron Amoruso (13) and Josh Cornish (23) maintain their offensive position.

(Left) SENIOR JOSH CORNISH (23) congratulates his brother, Ike Cornish (11), after Ike made a lay-up and got fouled during the Franklin game.

Making a difference beyond the box

watch

JUNIOR VARSITY

O’Connor strikes success giorgio gayleard, staff writer

C

oming off a hot sophomore season, junior Matt O’Connor is back for round three of allied bowling.

After last year’s performance, winning the “High Roller” award for having the best average score on the year, O’Connor is looking to have another great season.

O’Connor is currently averaging an 85, but has a season high score of 113.

“He is very enthusiastic about photo by grace hazlehurst bowling and eager to head to the Bowlero Lanes every week,” head coach Anita Shaw said.

The team has had one match so far this season, and has three more scheduled. They will be participating in the BCPS West Division County Championships Feb. 14, which O’Connor is thrilled for.

O’Connor’s favorite part about bowling is trying to “knock all those pins down, getting a strike,” he said. He enjoys the competition aspect of it and has a great time with his teammates and coaches.

Aside from being a great bowler, O’Connor is a great teammate as well.

“He can always be seen with a smile on his face at practices and matches and is a great teammate as he always encourages others,” Shaw said.

The program itself is extremely beneficial to both parties.

Both the players and buddies support and encourage one another.

“The partnership is nothing short of amazing and I believe is changing our school as we strive to value individuals with disabilities and to learn from them to become compassionate, caring people,” Shaw said.

O’Connor does things his own way. Rather than imitating a certain style or technique, he brings creativity to his game. ”I go with the flow. I do my own things.” O’Connor will channel this unique style at the lanes Feb. 14 and do his best to help win the county championship.

I

bryce frederick, sports editor n today’s society, whether they deserve it or not, professional athletes are extremely prominent.

With their platform comes an overwhelming sense of influence towards society. How they carry themselves both on and off the field of play, whether it be giving back to others, or their sense of personal decorum, affects societal perception.

T These changes and impacts include awareness through professional, league-wide initiatives, such as the National Football League’s “My Cause, My Cleats” campaign, during which players customize their footwear to represent any personal charity or cause. Initiatives can also be taken through actions of individual players, such as New York Giants wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who started Project 375, educating and advocating for mental illnesses.

In our school house, our athletic program works in a similar way. Our programs and athletes are motivated by specific causes and commonalities.

Examples are right under our noses.

Women’s basketball recently held another successful Think Pink game Jan. 12, donating proceeds to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Over the fall, the baseball program sent five large boxes of old equipment down to Houston, Texas for Hurricane Harvey victims who lost their own equipment in the destruction. We all have the ability to make positive change.

Additionally, the more prominent athletes are well known throughout our halls and classes. As a whole, I believe that if the athletic programs come together with a common goal or standard, it has the ability to radiate through the school house and be incredibly impactful.

Beginning last year, our athletic program has preached and modeled an ‘Above the Line’ mindset and culture, formulated by Ohio State University football coach Urban Meyer and Focus Three creator Brian Kight. Meyer and Kight claim that an event, combined with our response to said event, creates an outcome, and that outcome is either above or below the line that separates winners and losers, or as he writes, “victors and victims.” A message so worth instilling, that director

of athletics Rich Reed engraved it into his email signature.

In wake of the recent death of our classmate, that ‘Above the Line’ standard must come to fruition. Morale throughout the building took a hit after we got back from winter break, and personally, it really got to me.

What could I have done to help? How can we prevent this again?

It elucidated to me, as cliché as it sounds, that you never know what anyone else is going through. As an athlete with a platform, it has become pivotal for me to change the way I walk the halls, and I am calling for others to join me. Throw someone you have never met a compliment about what they are wearing. Share a smile and a good morning. Stick out your hand for a high five or a fist bump.

Sounds crazy, right? Maybe even embarrassing. But it is what we owe others. The right choices aren’t always the most popular ones, or the easiest.

Just because you and I are athletes, does not make us better than anyone else around us, but it does give us a spotlight to lead.

There has been a tragic event. Now, we need an overwhelmingly positive response to yield an outcome that uplifts the entire school house and each other.

Reed’s reflections and reviews

On JV Success…

“The JV teams have earned accolades that haven’t been celebrated enough. Currently, men’s basketball lies in first place in the JV division. Women’s basketball is the same. You know, our indoor track team, the freshmen and sophomores are killing it and the wrestling team has the biggest roster that it’s had in years.

So there are many things that need to be celebrated.”

On Bridging Athletics and Academics...

“The big thing going on now is the peer tutoring program that we were able to amplify, under Mrs. Sofinowski, and I’m excited for SALB to be a part of it.

Dulaney Athletics is truly only one prong of the entire school culture. We value and respect the responsibility to uphold our culture of success in line with all other entities in which make Dulaney great.”

Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org

ages competitive atmosphere M

johnny carroll, staff writer en’s basketball head coach Matt Lochte has coached several Division I athletes during his 14-year tenure at Dulaney.

Despite this, Lochte referred to senior Josh Cornish, without hesitation, as one of the best leaders he’s ever coached.

Josh, one of two Cornish’s on the team, transferred here for his senior campaign, and has already made a monumental impact, averaging 21 points per game through 11 games thus far. Josh will be attending Southern Utah University next year, a member of the Big Sky conference.

His younger brother Ike, one of three freshmen on the roster, has been getting attention from local Division I schools including Mount St. Mary’s and Towson University.

The elder Cornish is one of only five seniors in the program and is a natural leader. His quick studies of teammates’ tendencies, helped him fulfill a leadership role, allowing him to be the glue that holds the team together.

“Everybody learns the game differently, and I’ve acknowledged that through time,” Josh said. “When I first got here, I tried to teach everyone the same way, but now I’ve realized that one person develops their skillset one way, and someone else does it another way.”

Aside from his top-of-the-line leadership, Cornish has proved to be one of the elite scorers in the area. Lochte has credited Josh as one of the best shooters in Maryland, showcased by his 33 points in a close loss to the defending 4A State Champs, Perry Hall.

He also dazzled in a Dec. 27. win over Oakland Mills, with a stellar performance of 25 points.

“Josh is as much as an assistant coach, as he is a player on the team,” Lochte said. “There’s no question, he is an extension of me and the coaching staff on the floor and in the classroom.”

The younger Cornish, Ike, has also embraced his role with open arms.

While splitting minutes with senior forward Kevin Sharpe, Ike has made his presence known, scoring eight points against Oakland Mills, and five points against Perry Hall. He does not take very many shots, only shooting in quality opportunities.

“We don’t really look at Ike as a freshman, because he plays very maturely,” junior teammate Cameron Amoruso said.

Being brothers, Josh is inclined to be tougher on Ike than other players.

“I try to treat everyone the same, but that’s my brother so obviously I’m going to be a little harder on him,” Josh said.

The comradery of brotherhood creates a competitive atmosphere at

practices and during games. Players, especially the Cornish brothers, are always pushing each other to work harder and improve, not only on the court, but also in the classroom. “[Josh] makes sure that I stay on top of my books in school, and that there’s no slacking off.” Ike said.

Ike and Josh also go to the gym together, dedicating their training hours to each other.

“He’ll tell me if I do something wrong in practice. He knows what I’m capable of and just wants to see me be successful,” Ike said.

As a whole, the members of the team are all close friends off the court, which has been a big key to their 8-3 start. Their comfort level with one another helps contribute to success. “[Being friends] helps our team chemistry because everybody likes each other and there’s no negativity between us,” sophomore star Ché Evans said.

From playing NBA 2k18 against one another, playing 1-on-1 in a backyard or bonding in the locker room, the players are a tightly knit group of friends.

“When you’re friends, you’re going to get on each other’s nerves, you’re going to get frustrated with each other, but you forget quickly because they truly are best friends off the court,” Lochte said.

Playoff Schedule: Indoor Track

Basketball

Wrestling

Regionals Feb. 6 at the Armory

Men’s Sectional Quarter Finals Feb. 23 TBD

Regionals Feb. 24 at Milford Mill

States Feb. 20 at PG Sports and Learning Complex

7

the griffin

January 29, 2018

Women’s Sectional Quarter Finals Feb. 24 TBD

States March 3 at Showplace Arena

Cheerleading

Allied Bowling

Varsity Counties Jan. 30

Counties Feb. 14

JV Counties Feb. 1

athletes

sports

watch

VARSITY

Dow dominates cooper giesler, staff writer

E

mbodying explosiveness, strength and pure domination, senior Aaron Dow wrestles for both the competition and the physical aspect of the sport.

Dow, who started wrestling in freshman year, has developed into a fantastic wrestler and leader. Dow’s career success is undeniable, as he’s tallied 55 career wins in four years, including 11 wins this photo by johnny carroll season, to go along with 26 pins.

“My goal right now is to win the state championship. I went to states last year, but I had an injury fallout, which was definitely disappointing, but this year I want to bring the ship back home to Dulaney,” Dow said.

Coach Asher, in his second season as varsity head coach, admires Dow’s leadership, and named him a captain for his senior year. “[Aaron] really knows what works for him sticks to what works, he doesn’t try to learn a thousand moves,” Asher said.

Dow also received similar praise from his teammates, including December 2016 edition Athlete to Watch, junior Destiney Bejamin.

“I like his energy,” Benjamin said, “he brings different energy into the room that no one else brings,” Fellow Senior Carlos Lovo also appreciates Dow’s passion and initiative, as the pair have trained and wrestled together throughout their respective careers here.

“He believes in what we do, I can see it in him.” Lovo said.

Overall, Dow believes he is in peak physical condition when winter comes around, despite downing a bag of Skittles before each match.

“Wrestling season is when I’m in my best shape,” Dow said, “And I wrestle to win.”

athletes

watch

JUNIOR VARSITY

Hobbs heading to stardom drew dailey, staff writer

F

(Right) Left to right: JUNIOR JULIA WHATLEY, senior Mikaela Comero and junior Lily Davidson run up the court Jan. 12.

(Above) SENIOR CHEER CAPTAIN SARA COMAROMIenourages the crowd Jan. 12. photos by john bowers

Passionately pink for the cure

owen campbell, staff writer

T

he week leading up to Jan. 12 was flooded with pink in anticipation for the women’s basketball program’s tenth annual Think Pink game, honoring former Director of Athletics Mike Lafferty’s wife.

Coordinated by women’s basketball, cheerleading and Student Government, all proceeds surrounding the game are donated to the Susan G. Komen foundation to benefit breast cancer patients. Through game ticket sales, t-shirt sales and personal donations, the team raised $1,300.

The idea, originated by junior varsity head coach Lori Ryan, was established 10 years ago, inspired by Mrs. Lafferty’s diagnosis. Through those 10 seasons the team has raised and donated a total of $22,000.

According to head coach Jessica Szymanski, the game is played in honor of everyone who has been afflicted by breast cancer.

“I know a lot people that are no longer here, and I know a few people that have been survivors,” Szymanski said.

“When you see someone go through cancer treatment it’s really not fun. The most we can do is try and raise money, and I always tell my team it’s bigger than basketball.”

Because of the meaning behind the event, the team traditionally courts larger crowds for this game than any other throughout their season.

“This game usually has the biggest turn out for all of our games, it is very fun to play in and has the most energy,” junior guard Mae Dickens said.

Energized by the overwhelming crowd, both JV and varsity won by substantial outcomes, 47-17 and 41-31, respectively.

“It’s always fun and exciting to see people cheering you on and encouraging you,” senior captain Lydia Naughton said.

In the future, Szymanski hopes to see this philanthropic event continue to be successful, and other programs latch on to the idea of supporting a personal cause.

“I think if all the programs supported different charities, it would be very cool for every athletic team to do a game in honor of [their cause],” Szymanski said.

Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org

reshman Amalia Hobbs is grabbing opponents’ attention this basketball season, averaging eight points per game.

She is one of the team leaders in points, guiding the team to a 6-1 record and the first place spot in the junior varsity women’s basketball division. “(The team) is looking really good right now, we’re excited for the rest of the season, and what’s still to come,” Hobbs said. She believes the team is headed in photo by johnny carroll a positive direction this season and years to come. As for her future, she is undecided on whether to continue her career in college or not.

“I may want to go Division Three, but I am still unsure,” Hobbs said, with has plenty of time to decide.

Hobbs has played basketball for four years, meaning she has the ability to double her career length in high school alone.

With more experience, Hobbs likely could develop into an impactful varsity player.

Hobbs is an all-around athlete, playing field hockey in the fall, basketball in the winter and trying out for the tennis team in the spring. According to field hockey teammate sophomore Lucy Jung, Hobbs is quiet and calm off the playing field, but a dominate and assertive leader on it.

Through her hidden leadership ability, Hobbs has built formidable relationships with her teammates. Hobbs has the potential to be the best on the team in a few years, according to her teammates. In return, Hobbs attributes some of her success to her teammates, harping on their chemistry together.

“The whole team in general is really good, lots of good players. They’re also really supportive of each other and really fun to be around,” Hobbs said.

As she progresses, look for more strong games from Hobbs and the women’s basketball program, whose remaining home games are Feb. 7, Feb. 9 and Feb. 16.

8 features

the griffin

January 29, 2018

fashion forward Humans of Dulaney, based on the Humans of New York photo blog, exhibits the diversity of the student body with unique stories about the lives of randomly selected individuals.

Sophomore Minseo Kim derives his fashion interests from cultural influences in Korean pop cultural. This Korean style combined with an American twist maintains his favorite clean and minimalistic look. Minseo sat down with editor-in-chief Olivia Summons to talk about what he’s been up to recently.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I enjoy neat, college student style. As long as I wear jeans, it fixes up any clothes. I like shoes with laces like Converse. I also prefer topless ankle socks because long socks kind of… stand out, unless you have sportswear on or tall ankle shoes. People around me say that my style looks Korean for sure, which I suppose explains almost everything if you compare my style to the typical Korean guy.

Q: What inspires you?

A: Since I was young, my parents bought good-looking clothes for me. As I got older, I started to look more to the clothes and see how other fashionable and trendy people dress. Then, I learned about different styles and I started choosing my own suitable clothes. I’m just floating on what I know looks good for me and my style.

photo by ella markovsky

Sophomore Donna Raytcheva takes a break from world history homework to talk to staff writer Ella Markovsky about her family’s heritage.

EM: Where does your family originate?

DR: My family is from Bulgaria, my parents were born there and we speak Bulgarian at home. I was born in America, but I lived in Bulgaria for a couple years when I was little. The transition from Bulgaria to America was difficult since I was young. There are also a lot of cultural differences, in America we shake our head from side to side to say “no” but in Bulgaria that same head motion means “yes”. Even though I was born in America, I didn’t learn to speak English until I was five or six. We still celebrate certain Bulgarian traditions around the holidays. My grandmother makes a pastry recipe that consists of dough filled with pumpkin shreds. It’s one of my favorite desserts because of its amazing flavor and it reminds me of my grandmother. I haven’t visited Bulgaria in about four years now but all of my family lives there, minus my mom and sister, so we are hoping to visit again soon.

Q: Do you have any cultural influences?

A: I guess I could say my favorite fashion definitely photo by grace hazlehurst has Korean influence, not to say other country’s styles are not good. I don’t know how to describe the difference but you can see it in the teenage culture in Korea. Whenever I see Korean-born teens, including K-pop idols because if you see their clothes, they’re insanely expensive. Instead I wear, in general, Korean style. Again, jeans follow me everywhere.

Q: Where do you like to shop?

A: I buy my clothes at stores such as Abercrombie, Zara, Express, and Forever 21. But that doesn’t mean I go crazy buying a bunch of clothes. I literally look around the mall and only spend the money if I find a piece that grabs my attention. And there goes my two hours…

Q: What role does your family play in shopping?

A: I like shopping because ever since I was a kid, I would go anywhere with my mom, including the malls. Like most guys, my dad does not enjoy shopping because he thinks it is a waste of time. A majority of my shopping is just with my mom and we walk, wear, walk, wear…it’s a loop. All you end up getting is exhaustion and pain in your leg. And yet, I still will always go to the mall.

Superficial-bowl Sunday audrey houghton, patrick dochat and kevin zorbach, staff writers

B

EEP BEEP. The boys and I wake up and immediately know that the day will be great. Why? Because the best day of the year has arrived. We pile into the boy’s car, I call shotgun and speed over to Wegman’s—making sure to beat that ramped Super Bowl crowd. We have a long list of grub we need for our special night. Finger food, salsa, chips and soda are all essential. Our cart nearly overflows.

After we complete our grocery mission,

at 2:00 PM. This is the REAL game. To address the people that don’t agree with this statement; what is wrong with you?

The guests will all arrive by 6:30. The food is out. The drinks are chilled. It’s time… to enjoy our tasty treats with our boys. We hesitate to change the channel from Animal Planet. Those Puppies are so cute. Ok time to focus on those hunky boys tossing the pig skin. Wait! Everyone shut up. The new Doritos commercial is on!

making sure our haul is large enough to feed a small village, we hit the kitchen. We might spend upwards of six hours here, meticulously crafting the snacks that will in reality take our guests probably five minutes to eat. But presentation is essential.

The boys and I are winging the buffalos, guac-ing the mole, and tuckin’ those pigs in their blankets. Pigs gotta be cozy. You know we got the best line up in T-mo.

Hold up. Time to cut the kitchen sesh.

PUPPY Bowl IS ON. I have to make sure I don’t break my boy’s injured arm as we fight over who get to turn to Animal Planet

The time for the TV volume to reach unforeseen levels has come: the halftime show. We all know our guy JTimbs (Justin Timberlake) is going to tear the house down. Y’’all ready know l will be listening intently, along with some mandatory dancing. By the end of the halftime show, my boy’s bedtime has already passed and his mom is calling. Basically after he leaves, the party ends because he was the only one at my house. We kind of made up that thing about us having friends. Till next year…

art by audrey houghton

Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

art by audrey houghten

January 29, 2018

the griffin

9 features

post: hayley garcia Spunky artist and feminist senior Hayley Garcia pioneers her own personal style with a DIY jacket. She sat down with editor-in-chief Anna Mason to share her latest interests in music, fashion and the arts.

MUSIC: I do music for life, and so that’s the music class for the FALS/CALS kids.

They’re so wholesome sometimes, but sometimes hey can be frustrating.

When you’re in a position and you’re trying to teach other people who might not understand, or in some cases don’t really want to do what you’re doing, it can be difficult. But for the most part, it’s really rewarding because it’s nice to help people. When you see some of the kids’ faces when they are trying really hard to get something, you’re like yeah! Great job! And then when they finally get it, it’s like yes! I’m so proud of you!

FASHION: My fashion’s a little hobo-chic. It’s kind of meme-y, sometimes it’s sandals, socks, fanny pack. And then sometimes I’m like skirt, suspenders, tights.

Fun socks, my hair, because it’s a mess, and lipsticks. That’s kind of my style. Crazy socks, mess hair, that lipstick and my jacket. I’m obsessed with lipstick. I love lipstick. My bank account doesn’t love lipstick, but I love lipstick. I like matching it to my clothes, sometimes I’ll wear a red sweatshirt with a red hat and red socks.

I just like matching the little details with my lipsticks. It makes me feel at peace. It sounds crazy, I know, but it makes me feel at peace.

THE JACKET: I feel like most of my personality is my jacket. I was on those fashion apps where I

saw people putting patches on bomber jackets. I thought that was super cute, but I didn’t want to spend money on a bomber jacket. I realized I have a jean jacket in my closet. So, I went on Amazon and I looked up a bunch of patches. I don’t remember how many I got initially. I started doing puffy paint on it, and realized I need to put patches on it. Some of the patches are bands I’m into, like Panic! at the Disco, Nirvana and the Chili Peppers.

FEMINISM: I got to high school and I was really non-vocal about issues that I really needed to speak up about. Not that one person will change anything, but if everyone thinks that they can’t change anything, then no one’s going to change anything. So I said okay, I need to start being louder about these issues, these issues affect me every day and I’m sick of it. So I think, towards the end of sophomore year I started becoming more vocal. And then junior year I got out of a relationship, and I realized that I am a person without another person. I don’t ever want to be someone’s girlfriend. I want to be my own person before I’m just someone’s girl friend. I feel like now, even more, I’m realizing that as a woman I have power. I have power, and that’s a really nice thing to think about.

scene

photo by maria eberhart

dulaney

(left to right) SENIORS HAILEY BRENNAN and Corey Pentz design a prototype stroller as part of Wanda Brown’s Engineering Design and Development class, the last stage in the Project Lead the Way program Dec. 7. The stroller was created to improve ease of transportation for Katie Knittle, a student with a disability.

The project began end of October, starting with the initial patent research. Later, students brainstormed, knowing that they would need a breaking mechanism to move downhill, a motor to go uphill and wheels THEATER: I acted for a few years in middle school, and then freshman and sophomore year. I did “Le- based on terrain. gally Blonde” and then I’m doing “Peter and the “The most difficult part was probably figuring out how our ideas were Starcatcher” and that’s a fun one. actually going to work, because we’re all engineers, but we’re not really super good at actual mechanical systems yet,” Brennan said. “We’re more theoretical, so trying to figure out how they’re actually going to work is the hardest part for us.”

Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

the griffin

10 features

January 29, 2018

REVIEWS:

Annual Baltimore lights show dazzles T anna grace farnum, staff writer

hroughout the winter months, hundreds of people cover the 700 block of West 34th Street in Hampden for Baltimore’s renowned tradition: transforming a community of row houses into a shimmering Winter Wonderland.

Hampden’s 71st annual “Miracle on 34th Street” marks the unspoken start to the Christmas season. Uniquely decorated houses, a special visit from “Santa Claus” and a quintessential cup of delectable hot chocolate commence the countdown until Christmas.

Every house in the small stretch is embellished with dazzling lights and decorations, making the naked houses surrounding the neighborhood look starkly dull in comparison. At one home, there were colossal masks that covered a majority of the house’s surface. Another had a large tree constructed from old records. Baltimore icons the Utz girl and Mr. Boh were plastered across one home and a giant “Merry Christmas” door entry was placed in front of another. Amidst this eclectic scene, the houses all share one quality: lights. Thousands of lights paint the houses, unifying and emboldening this quaint neighborhood.

This yearly tradition began in 1947 by couple Bob Hosier and Darlene Hughes, who were Christmas enthusiasts. Both loved to decorate homes for the holiday season.

Hosier and Hughes festively decorated their 34th street row house home, and their holiday cheer spread like a

wildfire. The block soon joined in on the holiday fun and the rest is history. Today, this annual tradition is known as “Miracle on 34th Street.”

While under no obligation or mandatory order, all the homeowners of 34th street freely participate in the tradition. It brings a sense of community and bondage when everyone pitches in to make it a magical atmosphere.

This illuminated street, which attracts citizens from all

photo by emily williams

over, is blocked off in order to allow the masses to roam freely. There is quite a bit of traffic in order to enter this extraordinary neighborhood, but it is well worth the wait.

This Winter Wonderland is in full swing from Nov. 25 to Dec. 31.

Thirty-fourth street is an icon, and it’s hard to miss. You

will be instantly allured to the string of lights dangling above and the massive display case highlighting Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. It is a perfect way to spend time with loved ones and enhance your holiday season. If you didn’t get an opportunity to catch it this past year, make sure you get there photo by emily williams next holiday season to find an escape from the Grinch that is school.

OVERALL RATING: Miracle on 34th Street: 700 W 34th Street, Baltimore Nov. 25-Dec. 11, 5 p.m.-11 p.m.

Powerful exhibit showcases impact of climate imogen wright, staff writer s the soles of my shoes click against the shiny hardwood floors of the Baltimore Museum of Art, an eerie purple glow emitting from a side room entices me to walk towards it. Upon entering the room, I’m immediately hit with the squelching sounds of what can only be described as a post-apocalyptic world.

“The Succession of Nature,” – an exhibit available through Aug. 31, 2018, displays intense unnatural colors inspired by toxic waste, generating an immersive environment.

Created by Baltimore-based artist Phaan Howng in collaboration with Blue Water Baltimore, the exhibit raises awareness about Baltimore’s waterways by highlighting local environmental issues and creating a space to undergo a unique experience.

Initially, locating the exhibit proved to be a challenge.

The lack of signs made the exhibit difficult to find, leading me to wander disoriented around the museum.

However, finally stumbling across the exhibit, I’m encompassed by the purple glow of the room, the vibrant colors and the gurgling sounds of toxic waste resembling something out of The Upside Down from Netflix’s “Stranger Things.”

As the effects of climate change are being experienced around the globe, Howng fashioned the space to contemplate a future without humans, as shown through the desolate room combined with the crumbling structures.

A

Despite the room emitting the feeling of an unknown environment, its prediction of what could happen to our world made me feel conscious about the effect of climate change.

The exhibit provides you with a free information packet placed on a long table, covered with ‘toxic waste.’ Also present in the room is a shell of a structure and an abandoned campfire, isolated, as toxic waste overcomes it.

If you plan to spend only a short amount time at the museum, parking is free for 30 minutes. Though you’ll be surprised how easy it is to get lost in the art.

Whether you’re interested in art or not, this exhibit has the potential to inspire you to become a steward of the Earth and the land, air, water and rich biodiversity that makes human life possible.

OVERALL RATING: Baltimore Museum of Art: 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore Wednesday-Sunday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

photos by imogen wright

(from top to bottom) “THE SUCCESSION OF NATURE” contains a purple glowing light is emitting from a deteriorating tree in the corner of the exhibit. Inside the structure is an boom box that emitted sounds of the post-apocalyptic world. Intended to look like a bonfire, a pile of trash is close to a bench dripping with “toxic waste.”

Mexican cusine transformed by Texan twist

W

photo by john proefrock

john proefrock , staff writer alking into the restaurant you feel welcomed, like an old friend is beckoning you in, you would never know the restaurant had been burned to the ground just 1 year ago.

August 15, 2016 was a devastating night for Geoffrey Danek, owner of the popular Tex-Mex eatery, Holy Frijoles. The restaurant, on 908 W. 36th St., caught fire in the middle of the night, leaving everything coated in soot and ash. Danek was forced to close, and he did not know when he would open its doors again, if at all.

As you walk in you are greeted by a large open space, with a carry-out window on the right and seating on the left. The low-lit space sets a mellow mood, which is occasionally broken by the clanging of pinball machines in a back room (more on that later).

We were seated promptly and immediately served complimentary chips and salsa. The chips were fresh and warm, and the salsa had just the right amount of spice. We then ordered queso ($6.00), which tasted good, but was a bit on the soupy side. Also, instead of the traditional sodas, Holy Frijoles carries Jones

Cola ($2.00). It tasted like a watered down Pepsi, and Pepsi is already pretty bad (shout out to all my Coke lovers).

The menu features a variety of traditional Mexican dishes, such as enchiladas, carnitas, and chimichangas. For my entrée, I ordered the braised shot rib tacos ($12.99), which are served with black beans

photo by john proefrock

as a side. The taco was topped with braised short rib, cheese, salsa verde, chopped onions, lime and cilantro.

These ingredients blended together to make an amazing meal. The salsa verde was noticeable but not overpowering, and the cilantro/ lime combination brought out the flavor of the short rib. The juices that dripped out of the first taco soaked

Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

the second, which made it a little soggy, but delicious none the less.

My only problem with my meal is that you only get the two tacos, and though I was satisfied, I definitely would have eaten another one.

I enjoyed my dining experience, although I was slightly disturbed by the painting of a skinless horse that hung in front of me. Not the most appetizing sight.

After dinner, I walked into the backroom and was greeted by 12 pinball machines, three of which were free to play, the rest were 25 to 50 cents. This retro game provided laid back fun, even though I was promptly destroyed by my mom when we competed for the higher score. This just added to the chill environment that Holy Frijoles provides, and makes it a must if you are looking for delicious Mexican dishes with a Texan twist.

Overall rating: Holy Frijoles: 908 W 36th St, Baltimore, MD 21211 Phone: (410) 235-2326 Open: Saturday/Sunday 11AM–2AM Week days 11AM–2AM

January 29, 2018

11 features

the griffin

“The Last Jedi” new direction thrills S

reproduced with permission by StarWars.com

brian ellis, staff writer tar Wars: The Last Jedi”, the eighth installment of the Star Wars franchise, released Dec. 16, adds a chapter to Rey’s growth with the force. New characters, new settings and new plots that audiences have never seen from the Star Wars universe create a path for the journey of the Rebellion and the direction of Star Wars.

In this story, director Rian Johnson attempts to connect the new story to that of the original three. Avid Star Wars fans will be overcome with nostalgia from references to “A New Hope” and will have questions answered about the intriguing concept of the force.

Main characters followed up great performances in “The Force Awakens” well. Most notable to me was Luke Skywalker, played by Mark Hammill. He does a great job portraying a former hero who clearly has some years on him. Hardships have worn him down, but you can still tell the young Skywalker is still within him. Great overall performance.

Daisy Ridley as Rey was once again awe inspiring. She’s the perfect female lead, showing strength and fearsomeness in battle scenes. Whether you’re a boy or a girl, you’ll always feel connected and engaged with her.

The strength that Kylo Ren and Rey possess is reinforced throughout the film. They experience a telepathic connection that adds an interesting dynamic to the concept of the power of the force.

The CGI throughout the film was stunning. The X-

Dahmer dissection enthralls

I

audrey bartholomew, staff writer have always had a complete and total fascination with the macabre. There’s something about the capabilities of the human psyche and the innate nature of good and evil which continue to enthrall and disgust me. So, when I first heard about “My Friend Dahmer” last summer, I promised myself a seat in the select theaters it would be shown in that coming fall.

For those who don’t know, Jeffrey Dahmer was an American serial killer and sex offender who murdered, raped, and cannibalized 17 men and boys from the years 1978 to 1991. The movie, based on the graphic novel “My Friend Dahmer”, written by John Backderf in 2012, nearly 20 years after Dahmer was murdered in prison, details their teenage friendship in West Allis, Wisconsin. When I heard that the ex-Disney star, Ross Lynch, poster boy of American wholesomeness, the human embodiment of a Ken doll, would be playing Jeffrey Dahmer, I was skeptical. What possibly could a kid, attempting to break free of his pretty-boy image, offer movie-goers as the complex role of a serial killer?

I have never been so happy to be wrong.

Everyone will tell you that the first 30 minutes of the film is a coagulation of warning signs, and I have to agree; from Jeffrey frequently picking up roadkill to dissolve in acid, the reclusive manner in which he carries himself and the sinister routine of hiding away to get an up-close look at a male jogger, the audience gets a first-hand look at the systematic failures Dahmer was subjected to.

In attempts to drown out his home-life and repress his emerging homosexuality, Dahmer turns to booze to cope, developing a life-long addiction. It is after he begins to show up to school drunk, skip it all together, and drop his beloved participation in marching band.

wings and Tie Fighters, the realistic scenery on new planets, and the battles between the pilots of the Rebels and The First Order jumped out from the screen making space more appealing than ever.

Rose, a new character who works for the Rebellion, begins a relationship with Fin. But the relationship feels oddly forced, the actor’s chemistry just doesn’t work.

The characters never seem to fall in love as the director intended it to be, making scenes with these characters boring and the perfect time to go to the bathroom.

Also, don’t expect much from Snoke. Audiences craved more explanations and scenes from this cryptic character, but he doesn’t see much screen time. This is sure to disappoint fans who expected a much larger role from the elusive leader.

The comedic elements Disney tries to include doesn’t always land laughs. A few characters’ antics gives the crowd a giggle, but much of it was awkwardly included in the action scenes.

The fight scenes, especially ones with lightsabers, were made me engaged, far more than I was with previous films battles, I could feel the sheer intensity of these battles.

“The Last Jedi”, despite its detractions, is certainly one of the stronger s place as one of the stronger Star Wars movies.

OVERALL RATING:

‘Riverdale’ lacks imagination

A

dorrie gaeng, editor-in-chief ffairs. Murder. Voluptuously red lipstick. What’s not to love? The small town of Riverdale harbors all these draws in the CW’s new series “Riverdale.”

The first season premiered Jan. 2017 and has developed into the newest high school drama, featuring sex, cheer-leading and the time-old conflict the artistically-inclined jock faces.

Music or football? But there is a dark twist, for financial fraud, violence and crime plague the town as well.

Although I admit I was satisfactorily entertained by this drama, this fact might have just been my overworked high school mind succumbing to guilty-pleasure, indulgent TV. Because it seems that an interesting plot and beautiful people might be the only things the show has going for it...

For the rest of his review vist our website; www.dulaneygriffin.org

reproduced with permission by daily trend center

Sending him back into a deeper isolation compared to the beginning of the film, Dahmer expresses a desire to hurt others and to be intimate with men towards the climax of the flick, fantasizing about the jogger he has been borderline stalking since the opening scene.

All and all, Lynch’s performance of Jeffrey Dahmer was spectacular. The mounting calamity within Dahmer’s psyche is expressed with an innate acting talent well beyond Ross’s years.

OVERALL RATING: republished with permission by Wikipedia

Lighthearted film provides quick laughs

R

johnny chen, staff writer ecently released “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” directed by Jake Kasdan has been receiving credit for its incredible humor since its release. However, that has been the most notable praise that it has received from movie critics around the nation. With a decently received original “Jumanji” movie directed by Joe Johnston, Kasdan had quite the film to beat, and fortunately for him, he accomplished it through his remarkable use of humor throughout the entire film.

The plot begins with four American teenagers who were placed in detention together: Spencer Gilpin, Anthony “Fridge” Johnson, Bethany Walker, and Martha Kaply.

While clearing out the school’s basement, the four find Jumanji, a five-player console game. After choosing their characters, the four students are sucked into the game.

Within the video game, the players were soon assigned to save Jumanji from a villain by returning a gem to its original location. Along the way, the characters comically build up relationships, love, and even meet fifth player named Alex who has been in the game for around twenty years.

The first hint of humor was portrayed as soon as the players landed in the game. Spencer Gilpin, a weak nerd, was now Dr. Smolder Bravestone – an extremely strong, well-built bald man which is the exact opposite of who

reproduced with permission by wooden writing

he was in real life. Fridge, a football star, had become the extremely small Moose Finbar. Martha, a shy girl, had become Ruby Roundhouse, a totally badass girl who was master at dance fighting. Bethany, a self-absorbed girl, had become an overweight short male named Sheldon “Shelly” Oberon. With the characters’ confusion over the opposites that they had become, a crucial aspect of humor that would be carried out throughout the entirety of the movie is introduced, along with basic concepts of the Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

game that they were playing. Humor continued to be built up with following scenes such as Martha’s attempt to flirt and Spencer blowing up from eating a piece of cake.

Indeed, humor was the reason that the movie had been so enjoyable to watch for audiences of all ages, and the movie was sure to keep you laughing throughout. However, other than the humor, the plot was too predictable.

It was a cliché in which two main characters fall in love with each other and their relationship deepens as they continued adventuring through the game. It was so easy to predict who was going to die next and lose a life just based on who had more lives in the game. If one person had two lives while others had one life, it was sure that he or she would be the one to die next. In the end, the villain was defeated even though he didn’t have much screen time or special powers, and a personal connection to the main characters were extremely hard to build up due to abundance of comical and fantastical elements in the movie.

Overall, it was a joy to watch, and it is a good one for those looking for a quick laugh or looking to brighten up the day. However, due to the lack of pathos and predictable plot, don’t expect to go on an emotional journey or have a life-impacting film influence who you are.

OVERALL RATING:

the griffin

12 features

January 29, 2018

club spotlight Photo Club WHAT THEY DO Photo Club offers budding photographers the opportunity to learn and practice shooting various types of photography. Photo Club typically plans themed photoshoots where members have the opportunity to create backdrops, gets models ready, learn about their camera’s settings and shoot the models.

“You will meet tons of people like you and get cool pictures for Instagram and for your portfolio,” said junior and co-president Lucia Qian. “You can be creative with your friends outside of school.”

photo by hannah bellinger

RECENTLY In past meetings, members have also added variety to their photos by working with string lights and shining flashlights on CDs for rainbow reflections.

“Members liked the freedom to come up with their own ideas,” said junior and copresident Sasha Howard. “Everyone brings in the props, but they aren’t strictly told what photos to take. There’s a lot of space [for creativity].”

ON THE HORIZON In February, Photo Club will travel to New York for their annual field trip.

“We meet at school really early… and get back late, at 11 p.m.,” said Qian. “We spend the entire day in the city. People are free to explore and take photos and go shopping. Last year, over 50 people went.”

ONE MEMBER’S VIEW Junior Abhinav Khushalani emphasized the informal, positive atmosphere and mentioned the ease at which everyone is able to contribute.

“You don’t need a professional camera or any fancy equipment to participate,” said Khushalani. “Many members just use their phone cameras and still get great shots.”

LEADER’S TAKE Howard and Qian are both extremely passionate about photography and encourage originality in a stress-free environment when shooting photos.

“You can just use whatever creative vision you have,” said Howard. “The guidelines aren’t strict.”

“It’s a great opportunity for people to explore their creativity and relax, learn new photography skills, and have fun,” said Qian.

photo by abhinav khushalani Above: SOPHOMORE ARRIANA BAILEY uses string lights to create a spiral effect at a Dec. 5. photo club meeting.

TIME AND PLACE Photo Club meets every other Tuesday in room 313 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. To see more photos taken at Photo Club, follow @dhsphotoclub on Instagram. story by emma shannon, staff writer

Below: JUNIOR SASHA HOWARD photographs junior Lucia Qian modeling for a string lights photoshoot.

Senior pursues creative talents, finds future career path

an artist among us: They walk in linesThe gray streaks I draw with my pencil When I’m bored, doodles are too dangerous.

The lashes on my skin, the punishment For forgetting my place, or the most selfish act: When I does not equal we.

They wear whiteThe clean slate, constant and pure We can’t risk one person's color clashing with the rest of us.

A blank mind behind a perpetually Empty stare.

They are silentSleepwalkers have no cognitive thought to voice, drowned out by the lull of uniformity.

Mass produced toy soldiers obediently Standing at attention, incapable of Moving without the authority of a higher power.

They say it's better nowThe memory of color lingers Like an itch in the corner of my brain Caught between struggling to remember And wishing to forget.

A side effect of curing the most insidious disease of society Identity.

kathy lee and keira levy, staff writers

A

Above right: AMANDA MULINO emerses herself in her latest work of poetry titled “Ubi concordia, ibi victoria” outside of room 300 Jan 22.

Amanda Mulino wrote “Ubi concordia, ibi victoria”, which translates to “where there is unity there is victory”, to address the topic of identity in a prompt proposed by Sequel Magazine. “The prompt was identity has been outlawed so i was thinking of dystopian novels and how in ‘The Giver’ they have a different society that doesn’t end up working out. I was thinking about how identity is such a diverse thing, it divides people but you still need it to be yourself.” Molino said.

cting on an impulse senior Amanda Molino never expected to fall in love with creative writing.

“I kind of took it on a whim my freshman year because I needed another credit,” Molino said. “I ended up really loving it.”

Even though she has always taken an interest in English, Molino’s writing has developed substantially throughout high school.

“I found this notebook of my writing from when I was in third grade and I just wrote down some random story, it was awful,” Molino said.

Sophomore year, Molino was able to pursue her newfound passion by joining the literary staff of

Sequel. Now, as a senior, she has become the literary editor of the magazine alongside senior Kelly Stone.

“It can be really tough to pull together a magazine that has such a great history, but her insight and talent makes it seem

TOP 3 INSPIRATIONAL WRITERS: 1) J. K. Rowling 2) F. Scott Fitzgerald 3) Margaret Atwood a lot easier,” Stone said.

“Amanda has a talent for finding exactly what seems off with a piece.”

Incorporating imagery while writing about personal experiences, Molino

Spotify vs.

Apple Music Check out DulaneyGriffin.org for more information

creates poetry and prose pieces that reveal hidden details about herself, she said. Recently, she finds herself writing more poetry “I used to write more prose when it was more fictional, but I have been moving away from that recently.

So, it’s a lot more grounded in my personal life,” Molino said.

Inspired by English teacher and Sequel advisor Meekah Hopkins, Molino discovered that she wanted to become a teacher and has already gotten a head start by being a writing tutor.

“Amanda has her own voice and is not afraid to be in charge,” Hopkins said. “She gives really great feedback to students, and that’s a big part of being an English teacher.”

75%

25% Spotify Data from a Twitter poll Jan. 8.

Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

Apple Music