NORTH HARFORD HIGH SCHOOL
211 PYLESVILLE ROAD, PYLESVILLE MD 21132
410-638-3650
January 29, 2021
Carson Scholars Fund to annouce national winners;
Altenburg receives NH nomination GREER STRINE Sports Editor
The Carson Scholars Fund (CSF) is a scholarship program created by Dr. Ben Carson former neurosurgeon and President Trump’s Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. According to carsonscholars.org, “Through the generation of our donors and partners, we are now able to award more than 500 scholarships annually.” Carsonscholars.org stateed, “the scholars will receive a $1,000 scholarship invested towards a four-year college or university,” as well as, “an Olympic-sized metal and certificate of achievement.” Junior Marissa Altenburg said, if she wins the scholarship she plans to “use the money to help her attend Messiah University to study biology and minor in Spanish. I aspire to then go to medical school and become a physician.” Each school gets to nominate one student each year grades four through 11. Altenburg was this year’s nominee for this scholarship at NHHS. To apply, the CSF states, students must have a minimum 3.75 GPA, have written teacher recommendations, write an essay on one of two topics selected by the CSF committee that year and “must display strong humanitarian qualities. We are looking for students who participate in community service above and beyond what is required in school.” In previous years, the past scholarship winners that have
gone through NHHS included, Vincent Caniglio III (2007), Savannah Shaul (2015), Jill Shepard (2015, 2016), Abigail Brosh (2016, 2017), Alayna Dorbert (2016, 2017, 2018), Sarah Burton (2017, 2018), Garrett Strine (2017, 2018, 2019,
wanted to be like Dr. Ben Carson and always hoped of meeting him. Then when I found out about CSF, I thought it would be so amazing if I could win and fulfill my dreams,” Altenburg stated. She applied to get her school nomination from Jarrettsville El-
for their review, in hopes of winning the national scholarship. According to CSF, the scholarship focuses on community service, not only are good grades and writing skills important, but your involvement in the community is a key factor. Altenburg adds, “My
Junior Marissa Altenburg received the school nomination for the Carson Scholars Fund scholarship. She hopes to achieve her goal on winning the scholarship that she’d been working hard for each year since fifth grade. Photo credit: Marissa Altenburg 2020), Mia Abrecht (2019, 2020), and Greer Strine (2019, 2020). Once a student has won the scholarship, in years following, they can apply as “repeat scholars” continuing their recognition of the standards that the CSF requires, carsonscholars.org said. “I decided to apply because when I was in fourth grade, I
ementary in fifth grade but did not receive the nomination. To receive the school nomination, there is a committee of teachers and staff members who read the applicants essays and selects the best out of the applicants, Altenburg added. Once the student is nominated, their application is then sent to CSF
largest amount of my community service that I did was done through 4H by volunteering at their camps. I spend a minimum of a week there in the summer, along with training that comes before being a camp counselor.” Altenburg is also very involved in her school community as well as being involved with 4H. She
said that she is the president of Best Buddies, an active member in FCA, the men’s lacrosse manager, the Health and Science editor of The Cry of The Hawk, National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society member, and in STARS club. “When I found out that I was the nominee I was overjoyed because I hoped that this would be the year I can accomplish my goal. I just felt unreal filling out the second part of the application now that I finally was nominated. I was flooded with excitement but also nervousness since it is my last year to apply for this scholarship that I have been trying to get since fifth grade,” added Altenburg. The nominee added that she, “went in at the beginning nervous, but after submitting [her] application [she felt] better knowing that [she] had a great essay and [has] a lot of involvement in [her] community, and other academic factors that could make [her] a possible standout.” After all, the final decisions have yet to be released by CSF, but Altenburg loves how their foundation “gives kids all over the US the chance to create a better life and go to college. Knowing Dr. Carson’s story, he struggled in those areas and the fact he is now using his knowledge, fame, and advice to create an organization that benefits students who are not just standouts on the sports field but recognizing those who excel in the classroom.”
Students will head to States for virtual FBLA competition SUMMER GRACE Reporter Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) takes part in annual regional competitions. With the question categories ranging from web and product development to business simulation, team members say they have to prepare for all possibilities. According to the official FBLA-PBL website, the mission of FBLA is to “inspire and prepare students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences.” The FBLA programs focus on several areas such as leadership development, academic competitions, educa-
tional programs, community service, and awards and recognition. North Harford High School team members include juniors Grace Herron, Jessica Fannin, and Jackie Bultman, as well as seniors Landon Arthur and Stephanie Zagraiek. Mr. Brian McCormack and Mrs. Victoria Bridges are the advisors. “Usually with FBLA we focus on fundraising at the school,” Grace Herron states. Typically, the team goes on trips to New York but due to the Covid-19 outbreak, they are only focused on the regional competition this year. According to Herron, judging happens at the end of January. Regional competitions happen every year at a convention cen-
ter. However, this year the com- ing. According to Bridges, Broadcast Journalism is another competition was solely virtual. petition in which students There are five create a PowerPoint on different regions “This club a flash drive and subin Maryland mit it to be graded. is awesome, we and each re“Students that gion comhave had so many place in the top five petes in students advance to the can then move on different to the state level events. national level over the where they then “ T h e y years.” compete with all can range the FBLA students - Mrs. Victoria f r o m in the State of Marytesting Bridges, land,” Bridges extopics like advisor plains. In 2019, several Accounting, students from NHHS were Business Finance, identified as Top 10 winners Personal Finance and at the FBLA State Conference many more,” Mrs. Bridges shares. held at the Hunt Valley Inn. In Students can also compete in addition, a few years ago some live topics such as Public Speak-
NHHS graduates who attended the University of Maryland, started a PBL. A PBL (Phi Beta Lambda) is a college level FBLA. Bridges has been the North Harford FBLA Advisor since 1999. “This club is awesome,” she says. “We have had so many students advance to the national level over the years,” she explains. In December’s competition, Zagraiek placed 2nd in Accounting, Arthur placed 5th in Political Science, and team Fannin, Herron, and Bultman placed 2nd in Broadcast Journalism. “The political science test consisted of American government and politics as well and some of the court systems,” Arthur claims the test it was “pretty easy” overall.
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Cry of the Hawk
Live in the present: The future can wait until tomorrow KYLIE REDDING Column
High school is such a strange time. Honestly, a lot of us are just trying to get through our test next class, and then suddenly we’re being asked what we want to do with our lives. On top of the stress of school and grades we’re expected to make decisions that have the potential to shape our entire life… but no pressure, right? If I got a dollar for every time I was asked a question along the lines of “what do you want to do after high school?” “where do you see yourself in five years?” or “do you know what career you want to pursue?” then I would be able to pay off the student loans debt
that I’m going to have after college. And I know adults mean well when they ask us these questions, or when planning for the future is required as a class assignment, but for many students I know, myself included, it feels like we’re expected to have it all figured out. Why aren’t we being told that it’s okay to not know yet, it’s okay to take it step by step, and it’s even okay to choose a path besides further education? Of course, having some sort of plan is probably a good idea, but when we’re looking at the blank canvas of life after high school, it can feel like we need to fill the entire page right now. If no one else has told you this, then I am— that just isn’t true. We can focus on one thing at a time. Life has a tendency to do whatever it wants anyway. If trying to decide what you want to do with your entire life makes your palms sweaty and your heart start to race, then don’t. Start with what you want to do right after high school. Trade school? College? Gap year? Military? Work? All of these are valid options, and this is a big enough decision on it’s own. If you already know what you
want to major in, then that’s really cool, but what isn’t talked about much is the fact that around 30 percent of college students switch majors at least once anyways. It usually doesn’t need to be set in stone until sophomore year of college. You don’t need to stress yourself out about deciding yet. I want to stress that I’m not suggesting that preparing for college isn’t important. It is. I’m merely acknowledging that we don’t need to put immense pressure on ourselves to choose every detail of our adult lives right now. That’s not realistic nor is it fair to ourselves. We’re going to change our minds as we grow and mature. Being unsure of who we are and what we want for ourselves is completely normal and all part of life. So all this being said, next time you’re asked about your future, and we all know that there will be a next time, don’t be discouraged if you have no idea. Take it one day at a time, one breathe at a time and know that in the end things will work out how they’re meant to and it will all end up being okay. You’re doing great.
Trying to make way for success in school;
Unfortunately we are very unprepared DANI BECKER Column
Many students complain on the daily about school and the workload we receive. However, this won’t be another teenager just complaining about work or school in general. Today I come with a question: How can I succeed when I am already being set up for failure? Throughout schooling years, students take four core classes that include Math, Science, English, and History. In high school you are required to do Math and English every year. The fault I see
in this is when we are in middle school, we have no room to fill any class blocks with something that could help give us an idea of what we want to do in the future. This also translates into high school as there are not many classes you can take that focus on a certain subject, and oftentimes, if there is a class, it isn't enough to show you if you like something or not because you can not see what the real job is like. Personally, I worry about almost every job I can think of because I have no idea what it's actually like and college is too pricey for me to regret the major I choose. The school system needs a big change to create a better, more useful, experience for it’s students. We are thrown into a sea of jobs and classes where we are left drowning in confusion and anxiety about our future. Many people believe that middle school is too early to start informing students about colleges and careers, but actually, it’s the perfect time. If I had the chance to go back and be able to learn more about different careers, I would feel more prepared.
Cry of the Hawk 211 Pylesville Road Pylesville, MD 21132 (410) 638-3650
We should not be forced to take english and math all four years when many of us most likely won’t need the information for our future careers. At that point in highschool we should be taking classes that are interesting and a possible option for the future. Why does a future english teacher need to know how to calculate velocity? And why does a future rocket scientist need to know how to read and analyze Shakespeare? Now, I don’t blame the schools themselves because they have no control over what we do. Ultimately, it is the board's decision. It’s sad to see so many students lose money and opportunities all because we are under prepared for our future. The board has let many parents and students down by choosing to force us to learn what they believe is necessary instead of leaving it up to the students and letting us flourish and discover subjects that we love. We live in a world where not many people are looking out for you, and instead only worry about themselves and their benefits. It is clear that our board is not fully on our side.
News Editors: Caitlyn Allen, Kensington Boyanich Opinion/Editorial Editor: Hannah Krizek, Kylie Redding Features Editor: Zoe Mikles IDR Editor: Rachel Keeney Society, Students & Culture Editor: Meghan Kalck Video Manager: Emily Green, Lauren Brandis Copy Editor: Emily Iampieri, Lillian Greco Social Media Coordinator: Evan Kuzemchak
January 29, 2021
Sexual education in schools; Why is it always so lacking? VIEWPOINT Whenever people want to be educated about something, they often turn to one main source; school. Whether it be public school, private school or college, school is the go-to place for people to learn about things. There are several important things that schools teach children, such as math and science and other subjects, but there are also a lot of important subjects that schools either do a poor job of teaching or do not teach at all.
right and wrong. They should teach students things like consent and safety and all sorts of important sex-related subjects that aren’t just life-threatening diseases that you’re at risk of.
And it doesn’t have to just fall down to having intercourse either - Sex Ed should also teach students about sexuality and gender identity. There are several students who are members of the LGBTQ+ community that go to North Harford and other schools all over America. The amount of education that we receive on the subject is little to One of these subjects that is none and honestly,it’s unfair. If extremely important outside of other people get to learn about school for life itself is Sex Ed. having intercourse with the opIt should teach students about posite sex, then shouldn’t we what to do and what not to do be able to learn about same sex whenever they have intercourse intercourse as well? And what’s and how to do it safely, but in- with the lack of transgender edstead all Sex Ed does is scare ucation in schools? The majority students out of having sex with of trans people often realize that pictures of STDs and teen they are trans in their middle mom horror stories. to high school years. That seems like it’d be the According to “It’s just a top- best time to educate a study done teenagers on genic that is poorly der identity and by the Center for Disease handled in schools, all the different Control in ways they can ex2018, about something that is ut- press their iden40% of high terly ridiculous consid- tity, such as the school stu- ering how important use of different dents report pronouns. These being sexual- these issues are in issues are not ly active. That nearly talked about the real world. “ may not sound enough in schools like a lot, but keep when they really should in mind that this surbe, for they are a key aspect vey was conducted all across to life for some people. the nation, meaning this statistic is coming from multiple high People may argue and say that schools across the country. That’s this type of thing goes against a lot of students. A lot of the time, their religion or their beliefs as Sex Ed in high school barely even a person, and to that I say: make touches on the topic of sex itself the class optional. If the class and goes straight to puberty and were an option to sign up for outSTIs and other topics. While yes, side of the simple birds and the those topics are important and bees talk that they give everyone it’s good that we’re being edu- in health class, I’m sure that there cated on them, it’s not nearly would be plenty of students enough for us. According to the who would gladly sign up for it. same survey from the CDC, 30% If students also don’t want to of students reported that their learn about it because the subject parents refused to talk about sex makes them uncomfortable, then with them at all. This means that they wouldn’t have to sign up for there are students out there who it. solely rely on the schools that they go to for learning about sexIt’s just a topic that is poorual intercourse. ly handled in schools, something that is utterly ridiculous considThere are several accounts on ering how important these issues the internet that talk about how are in the real world. If the topic lacking the Sex Ed classes in was handled better, maybe stuschools are and how people wish dents would not only learn more that they were more education- about safe sex, but they would al. Instead of scaring students also be more comfortable talking into remaining abstinent for life, about it. It wouldn’t have to be schools should teach them how this awkward, elephant in the to safely have sex and what is room type of situation.
Health and Science Editor: Marissa Altenburg Entertainment Editor: Maura Chaney Sports Editors: Greer Strine Business Manager: Kendell Schubert Reporters: Addy Dean, Grace Feldbush, Madison Fetherston, Leah Hillier, Jake Gay, Summer Grace, Malinah Jercheid, Erica Otte, Annie Finholm, Ben Sersen, Jackie Bultman, Silvia Martinez, Jessica Fannin, Kimberly Edgar, Chloe Ward, Dani Becker, Alexis Haigler, Colby Criss, Paige Webster Announcements Tech Victoria Hanna
The Cry of the Hawk newspaper is published 10 times a year by North Harford’s Journalism II/III class. All editorials and viewpoints express the feelings of those on the staff and not necessarily those of fellow students, administrators, or teachers. Please do not hesitate to submit letters to Advisor Jen Chandler in room D207. Letters should be no longer than 300 words, must be signed, and may not contain vulgarity.
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January 29, 2021
Cry of the Hawk
High price for happiness; money won’t buy VIEWPOINT Money cannot buy happiness. That’s because happiness is an emotion without a price tag. However, a study conducted by the New York Times unveils that having more money has become increasingly associated with greater happiness. While this is not necessarily the path to eternal joy, it has been proven to be a key factor in reaching a state of content for short periods of time. However, there are many prominent downfalls of having that knowledge in the forefront of your mind. This can be proven by tweaking the well-known statement, “Happiness cannot be bought with money.” The sentence should not contain a negating word because profit can cause happiness. When considering the idea of whether money holds the essential key to obtaining the highest levels of content, a person should
look to those who do not have it. Homelessness, poverty, and the lack of the ability to provide for oneself are all negatively connotated words and phrases. In a study conducted by Harvard, researchers found that a quarter to one third of the homeless population dealt with a mental illness that stole their aspects of their joy. Once these people begin to earn money, researchers say, they will increasingly become happier because most understand the value of what they are being given and fully comprehend where the money can take them. Assume there is a person who feels satisfied with the idea of earning money by working. This person will grow addicted to the endless cycle of working hard to gain profit. As time goes on, this person will have to work harder to make about the same amount of money than they did before. The process will lead to them working tire-
lessly and relentlessly for the notion that their demanding work will help them financially. This same person has been taught to pay for the necessities such as food, water, and shelter before spending their money on wants. Said person must use at least three quarters of their paycheck to lead a sustainable life that can continue to earn them money. They now have one quarter of their monthly earnings to spend on products that will make them increasingly happier. Once all the money has been used, the cycle of working day in and day out will repeat for the person to obtain about a week’s worth of elation. The common phrase can now be known as, “Happiness can be bought with money, but comes at a high price.” For the small cost of time and half one’s joy and happiness, one could potentially be brought out of this form of debt to a higher level of content.
New year, new me; I really don’t think so CAITLYN ALLEN Column
When a new year comes around, people want to change their habits. They want to eat healthier, be a gym junky, and be nicer. People think that when the ball drops that they can change their whole entire image and personality. But is this theoretical? The answer is no. On January 1, it is a new year, so you want to be better for yourself. There is nothing wrong with that at all. However, people set too lofty standards for themselves and think they can change who they are entirely within the matter of a night. I tried going to the gym on New
Year's Day this year five times and I could not find a parking spot each time, even with a pandemic going on. Making New Year's resolutions is a tradition that many people follow and look forward to doing each year, I know I do. However, many people do not make them realistic. I know my parents said, “I want to go to the gym every day, never eat sweets or sugar, and lose 3 pounds a week.” Now let us think about this. First, is this healthy? Second, is this realistic? Let me tell you, my parents do not even have a gym membership, so how are they going to go to the gym? They ate healthy about the first three days of the New Year, then the next day we got cheesesteaks, fries, and milkshakes for dinner as THEIR idea. Afterwards, they felt like a failure, gave up and said, “well I’m not following this idea anymore.” Setting New Year's resolutions is a fantastic way to start a new year fresh and change things about yourself. if you prefer to do so. However, when you make them very unrealistic, you will usually fail and not follow
through with it. Instead of saying you will eat healthy every day, workout every day, and set a specific weight loss number, try and set small goals like “I will eat healthy on weekdays and treat myself some over the weekend” or “I will go to the gym starting 4 days a week.” Making these smaller weekly goals will keep you motivated because you will succeed and boost your confidence that you can do it. There are other New Year's resolutions besides just these healthy things. A big one is to quit smoking. It is not realistic that on January 1, suddenly you put down your cigarettes and stop smoking forever. If it were that easy, everyone would do it. You need to set a small goal first in order to work towards that final goal. For example, only smoke one cigarette a day or only smoke one pack a week. Succeeding these small goals will lead you to what you are ultimately striving for. However, if you wake up New Year's morning and think it will all change by itself and you are all a sudden a superhuman with no effort put in, you got it all wrong.
Politicians ruining democracy;
Their is more than just existence EDITORIAL Since well... ever, the fostering and outcry of Washington pundits have been in full force. With the creation of the 24/7 news services, things in Washington, as well as the media, have changed. Politicians are easily eclipsed nowadays by these pundits throwing out half-developed cries for reform. Bizarrely, the recent platform for these “social media Socrates'' is demolishing America’s foundation political party system. What seems to be forgotten is the ever-developing parties like The Green Party and The Tea Party to name just a few examples of third parties. Quite frankly, politicians seldom get elected from these platforms leading many “independents” to grow rightfully frustrated. Now while it is debatable that this country has a two-party system, it is obvious which parties have the biggest following and are most likely to get politicians elected. Due to this, there is a belief that the Democrat and Republican Parties are ruining democracy just by their existence (and this is probably true, but for other reasons). Many see the only antidote to this is the institution of a ranked voting system. Voting like this would mean that voters rank their top candidates in a list most preferred to least. What most “Instagram political experts” don’t realize is what they are proposing would be strikingly like The Iowa Caucus. This unique form of voting requires citizens to pack into local libraries and schools to debate, and literally stand up to vote for a candidate. There are major problems with this, mainly, caucuses can last for over three hours and some voters will not go to vote because of this. Many will claim that voter turnout for American elections is lower than other countries anyway, the last two elections show a growth in voter turnout as well as grassroot donations to candidates. Additionally, caucuses can be influenced by “back door agreements” and politicians can levy support of giant caucuses reduc-
ing the importance of voters in smaller caucuses. I guess having two parties is bad; but it’s nothing a lower voter turnout rate can’t fix. Customarily only the two major party candidates will debate prior to the election. Third parties are shut out of the debates because candidates must get the necessary votes to receive admission into the debate (third parties don’t usually get the required support). The most irrefutable evidence that the two party system isn’t something to worry about, is what these people forget. You do not have to “write in” a third party candidate's name on your ballot, they are listed just like any other party's candidate would be. Many will argue the legitimate claim that third parties have no chance to win elections. This is indisputable, in the last 46 elections not one third party candidate has won a single state. This isn’t due to anything other than the way Campaign Finance laws allow lobbyist and corporations like “BIGPHARMA” and “BIGTECH” to donate large figures of money to candidates. This practice ensures the politician will not pass laws that hurt these sponsors. The lobbyists get politicians in their pockets on both sides of the aisle, due to the large sums of donations they can provide. Without reforming this issue, the Democratic and Republican parties will still dominate media markets, news conferences, debates and accumulate the largest campaign wealth, probably leading them to win all elections no matter how we vote. It is the core issue that leads to corruption: people hating politics and congress spinning their wheels on issues that would help citizens but hurt big businesses. Two parties raise the likelihood that the minority is heard. Two parties raise voter awareness of the issues facing America. Ranked voting lowers voter turnout while raising the chance of more narrow elections, that would ultimately be challenged. Maybe we should probably leave the top 10 to David Letterman or in Wayne’s World.
January 29, 2021
Cry of the Hawk
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Raising the bar EDITORIAL Some parents only want the best for their children. It’s their responsibility to raise their children well enough to secure them a comfortable place in the future, after all. Their concerns over their children doing well is valid, but not when their expectations suffocate accomplishments and personal growth. It’s not fair for teens--and even students in middle and elementary school--to carry the baggage of high expectations, particularly from their parents about academic achievement. It’s common sense that standardized testing and tests in general are not an accurate reflection of what students are capable of. Memorization does not amount to intelligence. Researchers in a study done by Arizona State University asked over 500 middle school students to rank what their parents valued the most in them. The students who said their parents valued academic achievements (over things like kindness to others)
did not have the highest grades out of the group and had elevated stress levels--which rose the more critical a parent was of their downfalls. The fact parents are valuing academic success, and are even pressing for it early on is disheartening. Some parents think having high expectations for their children motivates them, but they’re failing to realize that there’s observable negative effects from those expectations. Hours spent studying to appease parents doesn’t leave room for valuable socialization, or time for hobbies children are passionate about. This can potentially stunt social skills from developing and an overall negative shift in behavior because students aren’t allowing themselves to rest or do what they’ love--they’re too busy studying because the bar was raised unfairly high. Higher stress levels can also distract students from performing well on tests, because when the time comes to take the test, they’ll be too caught up in wor-
Honesty is the best policy; Fighting double standards LILLI GRECO Column
The end of 2020 and the start of 2021 has been a wild few weeks. In that short amount of time, we’ve seen mutated strands of COVID, and a group of domestic terrorists broke into the capital. I’m not sure which is more frightening. Still, to make things more digestible, we’ll stick to something simple - double standards. What is a double standard you ask? A quick Google search gives you this definition; a rule or principle which is unfairly applied in different ways to different people or groups. In simpler terms, it’s when this past summer’s BLM protests were met with tear gas and rubber bullets, and this past week’s political coup took selfies with the officers who were supposed to be defending the capitol. Or when people are quick to say that private businesses can refuse service when it comes to gay wedding cakes, but then throw a fit when Twitter (a private business) stops the president from tweeting. Just to give a few examples. In a constantly turbulent political climate, it’s hard to find
someone who actually says what they mean. It doesn’t help that this has been building up for four years... and the pandemic happened... which makes everyone more stressed anyway... it’s really just been a spiral since 2016 hasn’t it? But the point is; say what you mean! Sometimes, it’s easier to lie about what you really think to fit in, to avoid conflict, to stop an argument before it starts. A little white lie never hurt anybody right? In this case, it might not be hurting anyone else, but it’ll hurt you in the long run. Soon enough, you’ll be trapped in your lies, unable to express what you really believe. And speaking your truth has more benefits than just honesty as well. Disagreements aren’t always a bad thing - they can spark interesting conversation if you’re being respectful, and you can get a new perspective on the topic from the person you’re talking to. Saying what you mean and standing up for what you believe in can root out people you don’t want in your life as well - if it’s an issue that’s important to you, and someone you’re close to strongly disagrees with what you’re saying, it might be time to look elsewhere for support. If we can’t trust our public figures to stand up for our issues without going back on their word, we’re going to have to do it ourselves. Honesty is the best policy (but honesty with some tact, remember, you’ve got your own self interest to worry about too) so going into the new year, try to catch yourself on what double standards you might be upholding.
rying about doing well to actually recall valuable information. This explains the lower grades observed in study. In a different study done by Dr. Stephanie Aoki, it was discovered that the more Asian American students believed that their parents had high expectations for their academic achievement, the more they experienced academic stress and depression. This further attests to the fact high expectations are a real threat, and that the way parents approach their kids about their successes needs to change. It’s time to normalize valuing other areas of what students have to offer instead of only asking for more. Students constantly having to search for some way to reach these expectations takes large amounts of energy, and messes with their self-worth. After having to live with not living up to what they’re “supposed” to be for long periods of time, it’s bound to demotivate them and take a toll on both their self- confidence, and their mental health.
Stop war on addicts;
Target drugs not users EDITORIAL America has struggled with the war on drugs since President Nixon declared them public enemy number one in 1971. For almost 50 years, the United States has been wrongfully criminalizing those whose lives are consumed by drugs. The narrative all students in the U.S. have grown up with are “drugs are bad”. When 124 students were polled on whether or not they believe hard drugs such as heroin and cocaine should be decriminalized by the federal government, almost 60% said they should not. Now these drugs certainly are bad, but this label has extended much too far beyond the drugs themselves to include those who use them, as if users become the drug problem themselves. It doesn’t take a genius to know hard drugs are extremely addictive and can entirely remold the mind of an addict to become dependent on them. A statistic from the Drug Policy Alliance shows that 1 in 5 heroin users become physically dependent on it. Not to mention the overcompensating re-uptake of dopamine from cocaine can result in states of depression and further drug cravings after just the first use. Many of those afflicted by drug addiction are not doing it because they choose to; their brain chemistry is fundamentally rearranged to make sobriety feel like a living hell. Like a suffering alcoholic, they are not fully in control of their actions, and punishing them for having an overwhelming
affliction is principally fallacious. Now, most critically thinking individuals maintain the idea that letting addicts go isn’t going to help either, and they’d be right. Ignoring the issue certainly is not going to solve anything. Drugs are illegal for a reason. It is certainly a benefit to no longer see illicit drugs in our vending machines. They are harmful and detrimental to not only those who use them, but American society as a whole. Arresting the people who use drugs and putting them in prison would get them off the streets and essentially force them to get sober. However, addicted persons’ reasons for doing drugs such as cocaine or heroin in the first place typically stems from prior mental illness and/or a poor environment. Prison only keeps addicts away from the general public, but does virtually nothing or even worse for the addicts themselves. For instance, “Heroin relapse can be lethal since one’s tolerance for the drug can go down unexpectedly during periods of abstinence”, as stated by the Drug Policy Alliance. Jail time does nothing to form effective coping mechanisms for convicted addicts, and so once they are free, they often resort back to their original recreational deeds, which has even greater risk for fatality. In a poll of 119 people, more than half agreed court-ordered rehab would be a much more effective alternative to jail or criminal fines. This would give many addicts a chance to remake themselves and once again join society
as a functioning member of it. American Addiction Centers cites that heroin users have an average gap of nine years between first use and entry into a treatment program, meaning many don’t seek out help for almost a decade or more of illicit drug use. A court-mandating of therapy for drug-users could curtail addiction before it even starts and help begin forming healthy habits in addicts. Removing a criminal label from addicts will also allow them to maintain their social reputation and give them more opportunities to succeed within society and give them a healthier environment to promote recovery. Even more than that, our justice system would benefit greatly from such a policy. The Drug Policy Alliance shows that almost 90% of drug-related arrests are for possession alone. By freeing up the stacks of paperwork and the large majority of police, lawyer, and judicial time on petty drug possession, our justice system would be able to better focus on cutting off the problem at its source: Drug distributors and manufacturers. Without some kind of change, thousands of sick, innocent people will continue being shunned and chastised by society while the real criminals run the streets spreading the plague faster than we can throw them in jail. The problems America faces are not the individuals victimized by drugs. It’s time to refresh America’s perspective and end the stigma that whoever a drug touches becomes less than human.
Cry of the Hawk
January 29, 2021
Student writes about travel experiences JESSICA FANIN Reporter
because she stated, “life is made up of too many rules already.” These guidelines were made to replicate a pact formed between the main characters of the book
From YouTube videos documenting Jackie Bultman’s best life experiences to artistic journals that d e l v e deeper into her adventures, the junior found her way to “remember all the little things.” From a young age, Bultman has been making YouTube videos that capture the way she sees the world, but they evolved Jackie Bultman keeps a travel journal to docuinto a travment her experiences. This is her page from her el journal w h e r e , visit to Fells Point. “the whole Photo credit: Jackie Bultman story could be told.” Whenever she “spends an en- “All the Bright Places,” that made tire day in one place,” in which it them “do all these things in Inwas a trip “worth-while remem- diana to make memories.” One bering,” Bultman creates a page of her guidelines is to, “leave in her journal that showcases something behind at each place.” the experience. On these trips A rule Bultman does have is she must have “tried something she has “to fill up the journal of new or had a learning experi- Volume 1 and when [...] [she] ence,” for it to be documented. is done, start Volume 2.” She is In the front of the journal is “so excited to put in all of the a list of “guidelines,” not rules trips from 2020 and 2021 be-
cause [...] [she] is a year behind!” A trip that fit the guidelines was Bultman’s trip to Canada. “In three days [...] [Bultman] went to Montreal and Quebec.” She described Canada as “such a different atmosphere and it felt like France.” She confessed, “it was stressful not being able to speak their language, but it was a new experience and [...] [she] was excited to be immersed into the culture.” When Bultman needs inspiration for a page she looks to, “Pinterest and [...][her] sister Lexie.” On Pinterest, Bultman, “will start with looking for a color scheme.” Her sister Lexie, who Bultman claims, “has the most creative mind, always comes up with the most random things and they always look amazing.” Finding supplies for making the pages creative is not difficult due to one of Bultman’s phases as a kid. When she was, “younger [...] [she] used to be obsessed with scrapbooking.” She recalls “sitting in the aisle of Joanne’s just gushing over all the stickers and paper.” But she “grew out of that stage quickly, [...] [leaving her] with all these materials; lots of stickers, pretty paper, and string.” Bultman not only uses the piles of materials in her pages, but she puts “souvenirs and maps from the places in the journal.” Having a travel journal taught Bultman she, “need[s] to write things down to remember and that writing the smallest things down helps you learn to appreciate them.”
Traveling during pandemic; Experiencing changes EMILY GREEN Video editor
tancing it was pretty normal.” As for junior Lahela ThomThe past year of Covid-19 has as she travelled to Disney consisted of lockdowns, quar- World in Florida and expeantines, restrictions, and overall rienced it a little differently. changes to our day-to-day life. “There were washing staIn the midst of it all, some found tions everywhere you turned. Soways to continue their lives and cial distancing markers, and you travelled during the pandemic. were to wear a According to cdc.gov mask and if some travelling restricyou failed tions include staying to wear at least six feet apart it cor“We went expecting from people who did to need to wear masks rye cot l uy not travel with you. and social distance, but w e r e They also suggest wearing a mask that there was a lot more than covers your nose just that.” and mouth when you kicked are in shared spaces. out.” - Riley Stem, senior During the I t ’ s summer break some stunoticedents from North Harford able that went on vacation during the different arpandemic and experienced the eas handle this changes and restrictions firsthand. pandemic in different ways. Junior Abbey Heuneke vis- Cdc.gov mentioned that ited New Hampshire and Flor- state, local, and territorial governida. Heuneke commented that ments may have travel restrictions “we didn’t have to wear masks in place, but they are different evin Florida, which was weird be- erywhere. To get up to date inforcause in New Hampshire we did. mation and travel guidance it is Other than masks and social dis- recommended that you check the
state and local health department wherever you are. Senior Riley Stem travelled like other students and went to Virginia Beach. “We went expecting to need to wear masks and social distance, but there was a lot more than just that. Restaurants had only half capacity and some beaches were even closed. It’s not the vacation my family expected but we made the best of it.” Senior Chloe Mcartor experienced the same thing as Stem in her travels to Utah with her family. “We went to Utah to see a family friend and everywhere we went masks were mandatory. Lots of businesses had their own restrictions including capacity level and how long they were open. Other than that majority of my trip was normal.” It is encouraged from the CDC that staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, but if you do decide to still travel make sure you intend to follow the restrictions to stay safe. A rise in cases occurred in the summer because it is the time of the year that people tend to travel more, putting them at risk.
Page 5 - News
Recap of 2020; Students weigh in SUMMER GRACE Reporter 2.03 million Covid-19 deaths world-wide. 10.3 million acres burned due to wildfires. A 7.79 percent decline in the stock market. 14.7 percent unemployment rate. 8.46 minutes George Floyd was pinned down. 2020 can be remembered as a year in numbers. For most, 2020 will be known for the pandemic. Since COVID-19 made its way into the United States, many individuals have stayed masked and socially distanced to fight the virus. However, more than 300,000 people died as a result of contracting it. In 2020, the US faced a very devastating wildfire season. Deadly wildfires started in the middle of August, taking place from California to Washington state. Millions of acres were burned, once again causing hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate their homes. “The wildfires were horrible because a lot of people were losing homes and the animals were losing their habits with where they live,” shares freshman Cara Dyke. Because Covid-19 was happening during the same time as the wildfires, people weren’t making money, she states. Dyke explains that the “lockdown made it harder to pay for a new house and other things that the wildfires burned.” On January 8, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left the royal family. They announced they were stepping down as the “senior” royals and according to BBC News, Prince Harry says that he and Meghan “will continue to lead a life of service.” A helicopter crashed in Calabasas, California on January 26, killing Kobe Bryant, the Los Angeles Lakers player along with his daughter, Gianna, and seven others. “Kobe was a very iconic basketball player, and he’s so iconic to the point that people will yell his name out to toss a piece of paper in a trash can,” shares sophomore Aaron Huth. According to Huth, Kobe wasn’t known for just being a great basketball player, he was also known for having one of the best work ethics basketball fanatics had ever seen. “And he was pretty successful outside of basketball too, he won an Oscar, and can speak fluent italian,” Huth explains. He thinks Kobe will be “remembered for so much,” especially because of how much of an “icon he was to not just basketball, but to the whole world.” In addition, the President underwent an impeachment trial in January. According to the New York Times, President Donald Trump faced charges of allegedly asking Ukraine to “investigate former Vice President Joe Biden and his son
Hunter.” He was acquitted by the Senate on February 5. On March 9, the Dow Jones industrial average endured its worst “single-day point drop” ever. The US went into a global recession as numerous countries went into lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, explains Forbes. Murder hornets also arrived in the US in 2020. This insect, known as the Asian giant hornet, was seen for the first time when they invaded Washington state. They can be up to “two inches in length and the hornets can wipe out entire bee colonies within hours,” says Science News. Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the Supreme Court Justice and advocate for gender equality died September 18 at the age of 87. According to CNN, she was the second-ever woman appointed to the high court. On November 7, Joe Biden was elected to become the 46th president of the United States. He was victorious over President Trump with help from his birth state of Pennsylvania, giving him enough votes to lead him to victory. The Black Lives Matter protests also gained traction. According to sophomore Andi Fetter, George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and their police-involved deaths inspired a wave of peaceful (and sometimes violent) demonstrations and riots demanding an end to police brutality and racial injustice. “This is the reminder that black lives always have, always will, and do matter,” explains Fetter. “We are here to stay and fight until people know, and until people and the government starts acting like black lives do matter, they matter just as much as everyone else’s,” Fetter continues. Right before the end of 2020, congress passed a $2.3 trillion COVID-19 relief and government funding bill. “President Trump demanded the payments be increased to $2,000, with support from Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and Bernie Sanders,” states Business Insider. Carbon emissions decreased by the biggest amount ever recorded. According to Carbon Brief, because of the reduction in travel due to the COVID-19, “emissions fell by a record seven percent in 2020.” Combined, the 14 nations that makeup 40 percent of the world’s coastline joined together to start the world’s largest ocean sustainability initiative. “The amount of fish in the Mediterranean and Black Sea has doubled in the last two years,” explains the United Nations. According to National Geographic, China also started protecting the pangolin, or the world’s most trafficked mammal.
Page 6/ NEWS
Cry of the Hawk
January 29, 2021
Gr o w i n g u p b i - l i n g u a l ; New President Joe Biden sworn in Student experiences many cultures JESSICA FANNIN Reporter
ic Mexican and Peruvian Christmas songs that are about God and centered around the original “While learning a different lanmeaning of Christmas.” Anothguage you inevitably learn about er difference includes “opening that country’s culture, which presents on January sixth instead can be very enlightening,” Monof on December 25th like most ica Cespedes described the proAmerican Christians.” cess of becoming bi-lingual. The Visiting her parents’ home Sophomore speaks one language countries is another part of growat school but another at home. ing up in a multi-ethnic houseGrowing up in the United hold. Cespedes “goes to Mexico states with Mexican and Peruevery year to visit family.” While vian parents, Cespede “learned in Mexico the both Spanish young traveler and English “definitely feels from an earlike [...] [she] ly age.” She is fits in with the “fluent in both natives.” This but, [...] [she] is because, is most familiar like Cespedes, with Spanish as “many of them it was the first are mestizo, language [she which is having learned].” Latin American Cespedes and Spanish Euexplained how she “learned Monica Cespedes with her family on her trip to South ropean roots.” When thinkSpanish from America. She talks about growing up around both cultures. ing about the [...][her] par- PHOTO CREDIT: Cespedes family visits to Mexents and English ico she “often from teachers, vealed how her family celebrates reminded of going down a little classmates, and television shows the Spanish holiday, “Día de los river on a tour boat and making growing up.” She recalls learning Muertos- which is the day of small talk with the tour guide. two languages as being “really the dead, watching the art form For Cesdepes, “ it was nice to talk easy because [...] [she] grew up of bullfighting, and listening to to people in Spanish.” Her family in an environment where both has also made visits to Peru. Spanish music.” languages were spoken.” Cespedes’ last trip being “to She also practices the religion Her parents grew up in their Christianity. But the difference visit [...] [her] Grandfather,” she respective countries, her “Mom for Cepedes’ family is she, “grew experienced the “small quirks of is from Mexico and [...] [her] up very catholic in a Latino way.” Peruvian culture. Merchants will Dad is from Peru.” Cespedes This means they ‘listen to specif- be selling exotic animals in roads. stated that her “parents were very serious about [...] [her] learning Spanish and they knew [...] [she] would not have a problem because of going to an English- speaking school.” Not only did they make sure she knew Spanish, but taught their daughter “cultural traditions from their countries.” As a result of growing up in Peruvian and Mexican culture, Cespedes is “not as familiar with the traditions of Americans.” She re-
The Mannequin on Main: Bel Air Consignment Shop changes ownership JACKIE BULTMAN
about small businesses. She said there are, “lots of little things to consider and remember, but it “I always envisioned bringing hasn’t certainly made me stay 5th Avenue, New York to Main organized.” Street, Bel Air,” revealed BrittaNot only has she learned from ny Welsh, the proud new owner the new experience but of The Mannequin on she also mentioned, “the Main. The consignment idea was so exciting, that shop has just opened in it ignited a creative fire downtown Bel Air, unthat I couldn’t ignite.” der new management. Similarly, Haley admitAnd surprisingly, Britted she is most excited, tany admitted, “I never “to watch my mom get even thought owning creative and have fun and a business would be a be happy doing somepossibility.” thing.” Brittany’s grand Brittany had worked opening weekend is Feb. part time for the previ6 to 7. ous owner, Dawn Wise, Her new ideas include, for 13 years. Wise had readding more crafts and cently decided to move local artisans to the shop, to the eastern shore and and showcasing an artist soon after, presented of the month. Brittany Brittany the opportuBrittany Welsh was handed the keys to also said, “I plan on renity to buy the business mark the new ownership of the consigndecorating the display and move forward with ment shop. She plans to officially open windows every month.” her own ideas. The Mannequin on Main on February 6. Brittany’s daughters, The consignment shop PHOTO CREDIT: Brittany Welsh Haley and Sage are stuis changing its name dents at NH. She added from Country Britches that they, “will be a big part of to The Mannequin on Main. Britdaughter, junior Haley Welsh, this adventure and are very extany revealed, “that name came revealed her reaction was that, cited to be my social media exto me in a dream while on vaca“I was proud of [my mom] beperts and helping hands.” Haley tion this past summer at 3 a.m. cause she was finally doing said, “my sister and I help with and I have just kind of run with [something] great for herself.” setting up displays and staying it from there!” And Brittany claimed that after to work with mom...” Brittany expressed becomshe has already learned a lot ing the new owner of the shop, “was kind of unreal.” After working there for so many years part time, she explained that, “it took a few days for it to sink in that this was now mine!” Her
ALEXIS HAIGLER Reporter On January 20, 2021 Joseph Biden will have taken office as the President of the United States. The president-elect pledged to be “a President who seeks not to divide, but to unify”. “We need someone who doesn’t see Red and Blue states, but a United States. And who will work with all my heart to win the confidence of the whole people. For that is what America is about: The people,” stated by Biden. The inauguration featured numerous entertainers like Lady Gaga, Garth Brooks and Jennifer Lopez and featured a virtual “Parade Across America” - the traditional presidential escort from the Capital to the White House. Although the event was trying to honor the traditions, it should be noted that current President Donald Trump broke with tradition and chose not to attend the event. He also opted not to invite Joe Biden for a tour of the White House before the inauguration. Sophomore Riley Portfeild said Trump’s behavior seemed “childish”, stating “it’s his last job as the president and he chooses not to do it out of pet-
tiness.” Beyond the Inauguration, Biden has set out a very clear plan and priorities to address important issues facing our country, including COVID and getting a plan to get the virus under control. He plans to gather a group of leading scientists and experts as transition advisors to create the Biden-Harris COVID plan. In now President Biden’s own words, “That plan will be built on a bedrock of science. It will be constructed out of compassion, empathy, and concern. I will spare no effort — or commitment — to turn this pandemic around.” Once the COVID plan is clear, President Biden says he intends to then address health care, climate control and environmental concerns, and foreign policy. Sources say he is expected to reverse a lot of President Trump’s foreign policy affairs, and is planning to partner with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the UN, and the World Trade Organization. Biden has pledged to restore U.S. leadership and to work with allies on everything from nuclear proliferation to trade to global health.
Student becomes musician
BEN IAMPIERI Reporter
North Harford sophomore Ethan Jourdan has been hoping to become a musician for years. “[I] got into music five years ago because I got grounded and had nothing to do. Electronics were taken away and the guitar was right there so I figured it would be a decent way to spend my time,” Ethan Jourdan explains. “Little did I know I would later fall in love with the craft.” “Music is a way for me to fully express my thoughts. As someone who really struggles with communicating emotions, music and songwriting is my outlet for genuine expression,” Jourdan says. According to The Songwriter Music College, less than 0.00001% of musicians make it, mostly due to having the wrong goal or motivation. “For the past year and a half, I have been working on my first big musical project. I have an album I suspect to be done around March and released in the following months,” Jourdan explains. “I dream of making it big and getting the world to hear my music and all the time I put into it. My biggest aspirations are to get over a million total streams on my music,” he elaborates. “That will take a lot of time to get, but still one of my biggest long term goals.” Jourdan has a prepared plan to start on a path of success. “I’ve been researching a lot of tactics to get Spotify to recognize you and show you to new listen-
ers. I have made a 3 month plan for myself releasing my album, including pre and post release strategies,” he starts. “My plan is to have about a month to work on promoting the album before release. “After release, I am going to be doing tons of work getting as many people to listen to it as possible. I will be reaching out to bloggers, vloggers, and local radio to consider doing a piece or broadcasting my music,” Jourdan explains. “I hope everyone who listens to this project really connects with it and appreciate[s] it like I do.” The style of music Jourdan is creating “would be under the umbrella category of pop, but has many influences in 20th century funk, old school jazz, and 60’s British rock.” “There are two things I learned along the way on my journey. First, be patient. No one is going to become a master musician within a week. It takes time. Second, ‘talent’ isn’t real. Talent is a word I see thrown around a lot by people trying to make an excuse to not do something,” Jourdan says, offering his thought process and advice on becoming a musician. “So many people give up because they think they [are not] talented.” “Before I started, music was intimidating and the overwhelming thought... Even when I did start, progress was slow,” Jourdan explains. “Honestly, I progress[ed] slower than most of the people who get into music. No one is born able to play Mozart...”
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Cry of the Hawk
Parents host Winter Formal for students; event draws small crowd ERICA OTTE Reporter Parents of North Harford High School students started an unofficial planning committee for the students to have a small sense of normalcy within a pandemic. To create this normalcy, the idea of a winter formal was generated. So, on December 12, a winGwen Kapinos (left) and Carley Yox ter formal was held (right) getting ready for the winter forfor four hours. Tickmal. ets were $20 per person and took place PHOTO CREDIT:Carley Yox from 6 to 10pm at the had a good time.” Deer Creek Overlook. As far as COVID-19 risks It “had a lot of food and places were concerned, Yox states that to sit unlike homecoming at “masks were worn during the school,” says junior Gwen Kadance and hand sanitizer [was pinos. available]. Temperature checks At this dance, “the music were made at the door, also.” was really just whatever we As well as NHHS students requested. Some of the artists being allowed to attend, “guests were Mac Miller, Lil Uzi, and were allowed. I know a couple the Bee Gees,” recounts junior North Harford students brought Carley Yox.Having the kids their dates from Hereford and pick their own music added a Calvert Hall.” Kapinos added sense of freedom for them and reaffirmed that the dance was that “anyone from any school planned for them. “It was just an and any grade could be a guest. aux through speakers instead of There were people there that having a DJ. It was definitely dif- were not guests and just bought ferent than having a DJ in front tickets, so it was pretty much of you with all the lights and just open to anyone.” Overall, ”I thought the dance louder music,” says Kapinos. was really fun. My friends and Along with that, even “the food I had a great time dancing with was good [since] there were people we would not normally things like pizza and chips,” hang out with so it was a good said Yox. The planners wanted change of pace. We walked into to make sure that the majority of the dance, dancing right away,” people could eat the food, would said Kapinos. like it and have cheap food, so She noted that most of the they were safe choices. people were sitting down. “We “It was planned very well. It got up and encouraged them to was decorated very nicely and it dance with us instead of just sitwas a good venue, but not many ting down for the whole formal. showed,” said Yox who added I would want more people to be she “would [come to an event there to make it better,” Kapinos like this again since] many of my says. friends came with me and we
FFA hosts meetings virtually EMILY IAMPIERI Copy Editor On the last Friday of every month, the FFA organization hosts their virtual meetings. According to junior Beverly Bigelow, the vice president, meetings look a little different now. “With COVID we can’t do our normal monthly socials, community service, or fundraising events,” Bigelow says, “Instead we have a general meeting that is similar to the ones we had in person.” She then goes on to explain that the club discusses “new business” and goes through opening ceremony at these meetings. The vice president says that after meetings conclude, “we have social time for our members to talk to us.” They also hold “monthly challenges” for members to compete in to earn “FFA points” which contribute to deciding the member of the month.
“This past month’s challenge was to download the Rice app and whoever contributed got FFA points,” Bigelow says. Some other ways the FFA has tried to make online meetings “more fun” were done around the holidays. “We had holiday games like Pictionary and Guess the Song, along with an ugly sweater contest,” Bigelow explains With activities like this encouraging members to remain involved, the FFA has had no problem this year in obtaining new members. Bigelow believes that membership this year is still similar to years past, and adds “with seniors later tutoring freshman classes, it really makes the freshmen want to be involved.” Bigelow is hopeful, but cautious. “We don’t want to get too ahead of ourselves and we just don’t know what’s to come...”
January 29, 2021
Community mourns loss of former teacher MARISSA ALTENBURG H/S Editor
brary, which doesn’t surprise me because she had a lifelong love of learning. Our community lost an On Monday Dec. 28, 2020 the advocate and a cheerleader. She North Harford community memwas a true Harford County Treaber, past teacher, and friend June sure,” Shrodes goes on to say. Atkin. The community wanted to According to her obituary, honor Atkins for her 90th birthAtkin was born in Whiteford day in July and on July 4, 1930. She threw her a drive attended Slate Ridge by celebration with School in Cardiff many members from Md. the community. They add, “she beThe surprise was gan her long career put together by as a teacher at the Chad Shroades. The newly opened North main event was at Harford High School Slateville Presbytein Pylesville, MD. rian Church in Delta That career was Pa. later interrupted Her last birthday for several years, was also honored though, while she with a flood of cards joined her army hussent by neighbors, band in Germany. past students, and She did return friends. to teaching at her “I’ll never forget beloved North HarPhotos taken at Atkin’s 90th birthday drive her 90th birthday ford, however, in celebration on July by. Community and friends come together to 1956, where she con4th. We were excommemorate her life. PHOTO CREDIT: tinued uninterruptpecting a lot of cars, ed until the spring Chad Schrodes but wow. The entire of 1986. In the meancommunity turned time, she had earned out to honor her. her MLA degree from Johns Hop- Methodist Church, Mrs. Atkin Traffic was backed up for hours attended the Bryansville United kins University.” as folks shared how Ms. Atkin North Harford community Methodist Church. had touched their lives,” Shrodes “June left a legacy of kindmember and Councilman Chad adds. Shrodes says, “I was not lucky ness and generosity. She was Her funeral plans are currentenough to have her as a teacher; loved by everyone including her ly postponed until further notice but she was often a substitute neighbors, her students, and her due to the current pandemic confor our class. We had a connec- colleagues, touching the lives of ditions. She is continuing her love tion from that point forward, and thousands over decades. Later of reading by having donations go our relationship grew as I got to in life she volunteered with the to the library in lieu of flowers. know her at the numerous annu- Friends of the Whiteford Lial events she attended. She never missed a North Harford reunion luncheon, and was always there for our community.” She was an avid community member with her obituary saying “besides being a long-time member of the former Delta United
Child hunger issue grows
ANNIE FINHOLM Reporter
“Hunger is very distracting, and at its peak, it makes it very hard to do anything other than eat. This affects learning in the same way. It is a big distraction that takes your mind off the task at hand,” says sophomore Tyler Huneke. According to CNBC, childhood hunger is “facing unprecedented levels” that could potentially grow worse as winter pushes on. They proceed by stating, “Millions of Americans are facing hunger as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic- and many of those are children.” Around 17 million children will be going hungry this year, says Feeding America, a nonprofit food bank network. Carla Harward, English teacher, believes that “hunger can affect anyone,” but feels that “children are the most affected.” Junior Jessica Dudok also finds this statement to be true and adds that although famine can impact anyone, it disturbs some lives more drastically. English teacher Michael James continues this thought by stating he feels that “because we [America] are an affluent nation, we overlook those who struggle to find food.” He believes that part
of the issue of hunger is that it is “invisible.” James explains this by stating, “We [Americans] see images of starving people in other countries and don’t see those same images in our country; therefore, we think we don’t have similar problems.” The English teacher acknowledges that hunger is “a serious issue” that “stunts many Americans’ future.” When Dudok becomes hungry during the school day, she finds that she is only focused on her desire for food, which diverts her mind away from grasping information. Dudok explains that experiencing hunger whilst trying to study can “make people distracted and affect their ability to focus and learn.” James has noticed that “those students who are not food secure lose ground on their peers who know that there is food in the house for them.” The teacher adds, “Concentration, motivation, [and] energy are all affected when hungry.” On top of this fact, some students, according to James will continue to be impacted by this issue in their personal life because they “may have to work outside of the home to help pay
for food in the house,” making them unable to complete homework that reenforces information taught in the classroom. Harward adds to this by stating, “Eating breakfast is the number one statistic that [kick] starts the brain in the morning, so if students aren’t eating breakfast[,] let alone any food, that could severely affect a student’s ability to learn and retain information.” James recognizes that there are several possible causes to this issue. He describes some of these as being family instability, lack of access to government resources, and an underfunding of government agencies. Harward adds the “lack of proper [necessities], body image, time constraints, and nutritional education” are all prominent causes. According to the junior, the stability of one’s parents is another possible reason for the problem, especially, she continues, if parents are the ones purchasing the food. Harward suggests that teachers “be someone that students can lean on and talk to.” Dudok shares that educators should offer students love and support. However, because teachers have such strict guidelines regarding confidentiality, someone who can recognize issue.
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January 29, 2021
Cry of t
The wor
Student essential workers on impact of pandemic RACHEL KEENEY IDR editor
As we enter the New Year, we find ourselves reflecting on all the events that have happened in 2020. A pandemic, important movements, killers’ bees, and the list seems to keep going on. As we know, every business was impacted in some way by the pandemic. Some students have shared how their experience was while working during a pandemic. Senior Kierstyn McManus is a host at Chili’s in Bel Air. McManus says she was nervous to first start going to work, but she knew the staff was taking safety precautions. “My family was more nervous than I was just because they want me to be safe. I’m the only one going to work out of my siblings so they just wanted me too always be careful.” McManus also added that since the very beginning of the pandemic, she is noticed customers becoming a lot less cautious. “I think so many people are just over Covid,
which isn’t going well. We went from allowing people to dine in at 70% capacity to now only 50% capacity because we started getting complaints.” McManus followed up by saying the servers at her work are the most affected. “They rely on tips, and when we aren’t having big parties come in and only select tables open it makes it exceedingly difficult. Most of us must work longer or more often which has been challenging with school. But we’re making the best of it and are adapting to the circumstances.” Senior Lily Macatee has similar experiences with McManus. Macatee has been working at Qdoba for a little over a year. “When Covid was first getting started in March, I was nervous to go to work. There was so much unknown information .” Macatee’s family owns their own restaurant in Baltimore where she works on the weekends. “Since my family owns a restaurant, they weren’t too nervous about me going to work at Qdoba. They understood that people need
Is the minimum wage pay fair? Yes: 67% No: 33% out of 167 people polled compiled by: Zoe Mikles
food and restaurants need to keep operating as normal.” Macatee added that Qdoba was not impacted too badly by Covid. “Since it’s a chain restaurant in Bel Air it never got shut down. The business was a little slow sometimes, but we got a lot of doordashers.” Senior Emily Green works at the Hickory Lodge. Like McManus and Macatee, Green was nervous at first to go to work but eventually got comfortable with new protocols. “I have a Grandfather whose high risk, so my family was a little unsettled with it, but since I need the money for college” ,Green says. Green also added that some customers fail to follow Covid rules or fail to keep their masks on. “As for how our business was affected, we had to cut hours for the workers and we also had to up our prices because meats were going up in sale during the pandemic. We had to lower capacity in the building and people per table as well.”
10-11 - Features
the Hawk
Compiled by: Greer Strine
Josh Garrett, junior
“I decided to get a job so I have extra money to save, but I also need to pay for my car and for gas as well.”
Emma Mathios, junior “I got a job to make money. Especially with online school, I have some extra time. It’s hard work, but it’s fun.”
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. An ocularist is a skilled technician who can construct, fit, shape, and maintain artificial eyes, called ocular prostheses. These help patients maintain appearances.
Compiled by: Zoe Mikles
Garrett Arnett, alumnus ‘20 “I joined the navy to serve my country. I work for others around me. it’s my duty to defend my country.”
Emily Messick, junior
“I got my job so I can start saving money for college, so I can help my parents out. I also like buying clothes.”
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January 29, 2021
Cry of the Hawk
Spotify Wrapped introduces new feature; Swift’s hidden messages in new album
Story shows new side of listening MAURA CHANEY Entertainment Editor
Since its introduction in 2016, Spotify’s Wrapped feature has become an engaging end of the year ritual for listeners. Showcasing user’s top artists, songs, and creating a personalized playlist, this feature has been used by more than 60 million users last year. Although Spotify introduced Wrapped in late 2016, it only included a playlist customized with that listener’s top songs for the year. This still gained popularity, but the feature upgraded to a new style in 2020, giving listeners a new experience while reflecting on their favorites of the year. In 2019, Spotify intern Jewel Ham proposed the idea for the new “Spotify Wrapped: Story”, where Spotify would further break down the year for its listeners. This feature included
the number of new artists that listener had discovered in the year, how many genres they listened to, their top genres, their top song of the year (showing the day it was streamed the most, the first day it was streamed, the day it was streamed for the 100th time, and how many times it was streamed in total), their top artist for the year (including what percent of listeners they were in and how many minutes they spent listening to them), and the usual end of the year playlist with the 100 songs they listened to the most that year. Closing out the personalized story, Spotify says, “Read it. Share it. Wear it like a badge of honor.” It’s safe to say that many users have shared their “badge” on social media platforms, such as Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter to show their music preferences for the year 2020. Senior Kylie Bomhardt, an
avid Spotify user, shared her excitement for the newly updated Wrapped: Story feature. Her yearly Wrapped playlist is something she looks forward to in the end of each year because she likes that it is personalized to all of her favorites for the year. “I did like the new feature! What I liked most was seeing what artists and songs I had listened to the most during that year, she says. “It was fun and different than past years, and it gave a lot more insight to what I had listened to and what I liked the most,” Bomhardt adds. Tyler The Creator fan, senior Luisa Freimuth also liked the new feature, and she says “It was no surprise that he was my Artist of the Year.” Due to the excitement, Spotify Wrapped: Story presented among Spotify users, this feature is here to stay for the upcoming years.
New Greek cuisine available in Forest Hill KENDALL SCHUBERT Column
Mr. Souvlaki, first serving authentic Greek cuisine as a food truck, and now as a restaurant that has just opened in mid-January in Forest Hill. Walking into the Greek restaurant there are tables on either side and the counter is right in front of the kitchen straight towards the back. The kitchen is visible to the public, and customers can see the cooks make their food. The menu has a great deal of items to choose from ranging from soups and salads, to platters and wraps, to desserts and dips. As a picky eater I was a bit nervous as I have never had Greek food before, and I was not sure how much my tastebuds would appreciate the authentic food. It is safe to say that my tastebuds truly enjoyed the meal. I ordered chicken souvlaki skew-
ers that came with pita bread slices as a side. The chicken was cooked perfectly and had a fantastic taste that left me wishing I had asked for more. The pita bread was soft and just as delicious as the chicken. Two North Harford alumni accompanied me, Zach Schubert and Maddy Clark. Schubert says, “I got the chicken gyro pita wrap and it was really good. I would 10/10 eat there again.” Clark got a “falafel pita wrap and [was] very happy with [her] meal.” The restaurant is in the strip of businesses next to CVS Pharmacy and in front of Chopstix. Mr. Souvlaki had quite a few customers in there when we walked in. It is not surprising with the quality of food and appearance they have made for themselves. Clark and Schubert agree that “you get a lot of food for a good price, especially considering how yummy the food is.” Schubert also mentioned how
there isn’t a lot of Greek food options near Forest Hill so this being right down the road is great. It’s always good to support small local businesses, but especially in trying times like the world’s current state. Clark says she’s happy to support a good quality small business such as Mr. Souvlaki and is looking forward to her next meal there. Clark, Schubert and I went in to order but got our food to go, and the wait was only five minutes maximum. With sit down, carry out and curbside pickup available they give their customers plenty of options to enjoy their food. As for me, I am beyond pleased that I stepped out of my food comfort zone and tried the Greek cuisine. I plan to continue to expand my horizons with the many greek options showcased on Mr. Souvlaki’s menu. I see this becoming a quick and delicious favorite in my family.
Originally a food truck Mr. Souvlaki, authentic Green cuisine, opens as a restaurant in Forest Hill. They serve a variety of Greek foods. Photo Credit: Kendall Schubert
EVAN KUZEMCHAK Social Media Coordinator
“[She] remembers waiting up until midnight on the day Taylor Swift was dropping ‘Evermore’ because [she] was so excited,” Senior Swift fan Caroline Ulmer says about ‘Evermore’s’ release, less than 5 months after Swift released ‘Folklore’. These two albums caused Swifties (Taylor Swift’s fanbase) to get searching for all of Swift’s alleged hidden messages. Swifties went straight to investigating ‘Evermore’ as they asked themselves “what is ‘Evermore’ really about?” What inspired Swift to write this cottagecore album? Fans immediately caught on to the musician’s hidden messages. Swift released ‘Evermore’ the same day as American Poet, Emily Dickinson’s Birthday. Not only did that cause some suspicion but one of Dickinson’s poems ends with “Evermore...” “The theories I know are that ‘Goldrush’ is about model Karlie Kloss, Taylor’s possible ex-girlfriend,” Ulmer says. Kloss and Swift hit their friendship off back in 2012 and fans said they were “inseparable” until after rumors circled of their romance and they slowly drifted away with Swift not attending Kolss’s wedding. Another theory Ulmer is aware of is “that ‘Champagne problems’ is about Taylor’s relationship with Alwyn and the struggles.” One theory Ulmer cannot deny is “Taylor is releasing albums so often because she is trying to get out of her contract to live a more normal life with her boyfriend, Joe Alwyn.” Following the conspiracy Swift is proposed to “release yet
another album in March,” Ulmer states. Comparing the two albums together Ulmer says, “Folklore and Evermore and pretty similar” but goes on to say “Evermore is more colorful, in the album art as well as the music.” Ulmer ends by stating her favorite songs from Evermore are “Ivy, Coney Island and Tis the D*** Season.” Touching back on the conspiracies surrounding Swift releasing a third sister album, senior, Aspen Vinyard says “there’s been lots of evidence. Like the 3 cardigans on her website which match the colors of folklore and evermore, as well as some other merch on her website she released in 3 color options.” Vinyard spills even more evidence saying “she also has to release one more album to leave her contract and if she wants to stop producing music, the fastest way to get out of your contract would be to release 3 albums back to back.” Vinyard shares her emotions about Swift ending her music career by saying “I hope she doesn’t end her career.” Vinyard stresses her favorite conspiracy has to be “that Taylor Swift and Harry Styles commuted vehicular manslaughter when they were dating in 2012.” From many of Swift’s songs in her album ‘1989’ she allegedly “mentions Harry being a bad driver.” Vinyard provides an example by pulling a quote from her song ‘Out of the Woods’ of Swift singing “remember when you hit the brakes too soon, 20 stitches in a hospital room.” Dark and twisted or impossibly fake? What conspiracies do you believe and what ones do you think are insane?
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Cry of the Hawk
January 29, 2021
Disney Plus’s new movie “Soul”;
Leaving people shocked and emotional MEGHAN KALCK SSC Editor
Tarot cards: Effective or theoretical reading of future MAURA CHANEY Entertainment Editor
Tarot cards are one of the many forms of divination. These cards are used to determine potential outcomes for the future and to evaluate influences around someone. But how accurate are these predictions? Readings are intended to seek guidance regarding a topic with leads to additional information that could inspire or influence someone positively. The purpose of a reading is not to find “yes” or “no” answers, but rather to find ones higher self and to guide them to the right path in times of confusion or questioning. There are many varieties of tarot cards, and there is not a set number of cards required in a standard deck, as many of them have different cards and different uses. Similarly to playing cards, there are different “suits” in a tarot card deck, including wands, swords, cups, and circles. Each suit represents a different but
specific approach to life. Before the reading begins, the person receiving the reading is meant to shuffle the deck, in an attempt to transfer their energy to the provided cards to make the reading more accurate and personal. The person receiving the reading is also meant to concentrate on a question they want answered, and when they have decided on a question, they can select as many cards as they please. Each card has a different meaning, which can be identified in the identification book that comes with the cards. Tarot cards have become an interest to senior Leah Festerman. “The experience was fascinating. It is definitely a different experience to read about yourself spiritually, but it is very cool,” she says. “It is pretty interesting to see how much the cards can relate to your past and present, and also what to look forward to in the future and what the future may hold,” she adds.
Festerman says a tarot card reading is worth it and something to try. “Some people may not believe in it or in the idea of predictions or guidance, but it is still a very cool and fun experience to experiment with if you are up for it,” she explains. Junior Sarah Hardiman expressed opposing thoughts towards tarot cards and readings. She says, “A tarot card reading does not interest me. It just seems like a waste of time.” Hardiman explains that she does not know much about tarot cards, and thus she is not interested. “I would not consider one because I do not know how they work, nor do I want to learn,” she adds. Tarot cards can be found at Barnes & Noble for $20, or they can be ordered online with instructions and illustrations to help with the experience. These quick and easy readings could present a positive experience for the receiver, and offer guidance in a time of confusion or stress.
Used in spiritual practices for centuries, tarot cards have gained popularity recently. There are many different card decks available from Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Photo Credit: Greatist.
Disney plus just recently released a new original movie called “Soul” where a man experiences the before life, as he tries to help a helpless soul get to earth. Sophomore Abbey Saltzer had the movie and she stated that it had “a pretty deep meaning behind it,” and she didn’t think much about the real meaning behind the movie until she got to the end. “That we need to live every day like it’s our last, so you don’t regret the time you wasted,” Saltzer stated that this was the main theme or idea of the movie. When questioned about how emotional the movie was, Saltzer stated that it wasn’t too emotional and that there weren’t many tears shed but the movie makes you reflect on how you are living your life. This movie is rated PG and has a running time of one hour and 49 minutes. The stars of the movies are Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey. Jamie Foxx plays the character Joe Gardner who is a middle school music teacher and a struggling musician, but he recently got to play at a local jazz club in New York City. Freshman Zachary Akens is also one of the many students
who have viewed the movie and he stated that it was “pretty good,” and that it also had “touchy and meaningful parts,” in it. Some specific parts in the movie that could make some people emotional Akens stated and also how he would watch this movie again. The movie had 95 percent fresh tomatoes and a 88 percent audience score according to Rottentomatoes.com. This movie is also directed by Pete Doctor. Some critics’ reviews of this story are from Angie Han who is from Mashable and her review stated that “It’s some of the most striking work that Pixar has ever turned in.” Another critic review from Rottentomatoes.com is from Amy Nicholson who is from Film week, she stated that they put a lot of thought into this film and also put a lot of thought into the primary message as well. Nicholson also stated that this was a “beautiful film.” The movie “Soul” shocked many and was labeled as one of the best Pixar movies according to rottentomatoes.com. Many students recommend this movie and have a great message behind it. Many viewers had also stated that the film makes you look at your life and make sure you are living it to the fullest.
Disney announces new films for 2021 ALEXA FALLS Reporter
Disney is working on new movies to be released all year long including in January. North Harford students share their excitement. Wanda Vision, a new series starring Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda and Paul Bettany as Vision comes out on Disney Plus on January 15. Sophomore Julia Eakes says she is “counting down the days until Wanda Vision comes out on Disney Plus.” A film released on Christmas Day of last year, Soul, is also something Eakes is interested in watching, “I haven’t gotten the chance to see Soul yet but I’m looking forward to seeing it.” Some of Eakes’ favorite characters are, “Rapunzel and Flynn from Tangled, Moana, Tiana.” She adds, “They’re all amazing.” Sophomore Ethan Jourdan mentioned, “[He] was on the edge of my seat waiting for Soul to come out.” He says that it is one of his favorites, “followed by Coco.” Jourdan explained how, “their movies keep getting better and better and I’m really excited for what’s to come.” The movies Jourdan is most excited to see as of now are, “some of the older classics that I haven’t gotten around to watching like Tarzan and Mulan. I have never watched them.” Coming this May, Marvel’s Black Widow, starring Scarlett Johansson, is another movie Eakes would like to see, “I’m super excited for the Black Widow movie
that was scheduled to come out in November [now releasing in May].” Eakes says that she “enjoy[s] the action,” of Marvel movies. Eakes added, “I love all of the avengers so much,” but one of her top favorites would be Peter Parker portrayed by English actor Tom Holland. Before Holland was cast as Spiderman, three actors, Nicholas Hammond, Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield fulfilled that role. As of now, Tom Holland is seen in five Marvel movies. During the summer of the upcoming year, Disney’s Jungle Cruise will be released, sophomore Abby Giannini says she is, “very excited even though [she wishes she] could see them in theaters!” Giannini says she is also eager to watch Luca, a Pixar film releasing June this year. Giannini enjoys Disney films because, “they always have some sort of deeper meaning and lesson, and they are for everyone no matter your age,” she says. “Disney movies always know how to make you feel good and happy!” She says that “Moana and Rapunzel are definitely [her] favorite [Disney characters].” Jourdan says that many things stand out when it comes to Disney movies but, “one thing [he] always appreciates is their choice of color. The visuals used in some of these movies are nothing short of stunning.” Eakes says that “the Disney songs and plots are usuallyvery happy,” which she likes about them.
Page 14- Student, Society, and Culture
Cry of the Hawk
January 29, 2021
Teens facing unemployment; COVID-19 causes economic damage KIMBERLY EDGAR Reporter
Quarantine causes rise in adoption of pets KENSI BOYANICH News Editor With the extra time on our hands during quarantine many students have bought new pets- some with four legs, some with two, some with feathers and some with fur, some with hooves and some with paws. Sophomore Noa Blanken adopted a puppy during quarantine. “I've been wanting a dog
mind busy.” Sophomore Zane Kraus got a mini pig during this time. “I've had these animals before quarantine but I got it because I was bored and wanted to have something to do and something to look out for and take care of.” He added that getting an animal is nice “to pass time and get your mind from what is happening, but you should
Noa Blankens dog Dagger is the newest addition to her family. She spends her time training him and taking care of him. PHOTO CREDIT: Noa Blanken that was solely mine forever. We have an almost 15-yearold dog and my grandparents asked me about three months before my 16th birthday what I wanted.” The sophomore said she jokingly commented that she wanted a puppy. “They told me to pick one out and then we picked up my boy in midMarch.” She added that she “probably wouldn’t have done this if it wasn’t for quarantine but having this time helped to train and bond with him. His name is Dagger and he is either an Australian cattle dog or blue heeler.” Sophomore Riley Campbell bought chickens during quarantine. “We got them as a new project and something to keep us entertained during quarantine. We always planned on them at some point. They have helped to keep my mind off COVID, and they keep my
only get an animal if you can give it a good home and all your attention and love.” Students share how getting an animal is “good to keep your mind off what is happening in the world and something to keep yourself occupied.” According to the Washington Post, “Shelters, nonprofit rescues, private breeders, pet stores — all reported more consumer demand than there were dogs and puppies to fill it. Some rescues were reporting dozens of applications for individual dogs. Some breeders were reporting waiting lists well into 2021.” New animals can help with, “manage loneliness and depression by giving us companionship,” according to the CDC. “The bond between people and their pets can increase fitness, lower stress, and bring happiness to their owners.”
“The waitresses and the dishwashers got hit the most when they were let go because they couldn’t pay for bills due to the loss of income.” Says junior Ryan Mink. Due to COVID-19 spikes, students have gotten their place of work shut down for certain amounts of time, causing shifts in student’s lifestyles. Mink states that his weekends changed, and he did not know what to do during this time, he found himself “cleaning randomly around the house” to use up the extra time he had. Mink had lost his job for five weeks and felt “sad because I no longer had an income, and I didn’t get to see my friend Nathan every week.” The income for Mink also changed when he got back to work because fewer people were coming to the place he worked, he received fewer tips. His income went
from 110 dollars each week to 85-90 dollars. “[My place of work] should not have been closed down because it’s their choice to come to our restaurant, if they came out during a pandemic, willing to risk getting COVID-19, that should be up to them. That also goes for workers, coming to work is their choice,” mentions Mink. In restaurants that were closed, when they reopened, many added limited seating. The Delta Family Restaurant is one of these places, Mink says that there “should not be limited seating because it’s an airborne virus, the restaurant has good ventilation so it would spread just as easily if they were across the room versus right next to you.” Some lost their jobs for good after being let go due to COVID-19, “someone got COVID-19 and they told me to stay out 14 days, and I did, but they then told me not to come back,” states junior, Josh Woods. This caused
Woods to find a new job, and instead of the fast-food franchise, Woods said “now I’m at a retail job.” According to CIDRAP, “The US jobs report for April brings sobering, if not unexpected news: The country has lost 20.6 million jobs since mid-March, resulting in an unemployment rate of 14.7%, a level not seen since the Great Depression in the 1930s.” Young workers already have disadvantages when it comes to employment, says Elise Gould and Melat Kassa of the Economic Policy Institute, now with Covid-19 the unemployment rates for younger workers have jumped a considerable amount. Teens are also more prone to have jobs that are impacted the most by COVID-19, “About a quarter of young workers are employed in leisure and hospitality, where employment declined by 41% between February and May 2020,” mentions Gould and Kassa.
New year, new me;
Students share resolutions for year ahead MEGHAN KALCK SSC Editor
It is the new year and you know what that means, it’s time for the new you. Freshman Sarah Wiseman is one of many who has created a resolution for herself to follow throughout this year., Wiseman stated “something I want to change in myself this year is to focus more on schoolwork.” Last year Wiseman said she was lacking on her schoolwork and her effort/motivation to get it done and turned in on time but, she plans to change that for this year. Wiseman plans on carrying out this resolution as much as she can and improve her “focus in general” as well. According to uabmedicine. org only about 8 percent of people actually stick to their
new year’s resolutions, yet millions of Americans continue to “set goals for a better year ahead.” Senior Jack DePriest is also one of many who has set goals for himself. He said he would like to change how he handles some situations and also “putting my family first before anything else.” DePriest fears that school and his life goal of enlisting in the United States army will get in the way of this goal but, he still plans on carrying out this resolution as much as he can. As far as other things getting in the way, DePriest replied that he “most likely will get carried away” but he will try as hard as he can to keep up with his resolution. According to goskills.com the top ten most common new
year’s resolutions are exercise more, lose weight, get organized, learn a new skill/hobby, live life to the fullest, save more money, quit smoking, spend more time with family/friends, travel more, and read more. The website also shows you how you can properly stick to your new year’s resolution. They say that the first “breakthrough in change is taking a personal inventory,” and to think about the following things: “What did I set out to do in the past year?, Where did I make progress?, and where didn’t I see progress?” Goskills.com said, “Naturally, your resolution may focus on areas that lack progress” but they also say to savor the progress that you have already made in your resolutions because happy feelings are useful.
January 29, 2021
Cry of the Hawk
Page 15- Student, Society, and Culture
Chick-fil-A secrets that run booming franchise LAUREN BRANDIS Video Editor
Junior Morgan Buckland believes that Chickfila is a thriving business due to the “quick and pleasant service experience.” With their classic line of “My pleasure” the chain is rated first place in total sales for the year of 2016 due to their “overwhelming southern hospitality…” according to Mary Hanbury Senior Retail Reporter of Business Insider. The raging question on the street is what makes the business’ system so quick and great? Senior Tori Simms works at the Chick-fil-A branch located in BelAir and believes “the abundance of employees” is the true reason why they're so successful. She describes that the reason why your drive-through experience is quick is due to “multiple people working the same position.” This explains why you see multiple workers taking orders at once or maybe 4 employees crowd-
ing the window delivering your food to the car. Simms also thanks to their “car labeling system” for their orderly process. While placing your order, a Chickfil-A employee will record your first name and the type of vehicle you drive, they also include a few digits of your license plate number. This ensures accurate delivery when you receive your meal. Senior Tristan Pomeroy works at Chick-fil-A’s Forest Hill location. He dedicates the establishment's success to “the success of teamwork.” He adds that “communication between different positions is a huge contributor” to the prosperous company. Pomeroy explains that having “multiple people taking orders at once speeds up our bagging process.” The bagging process begins as soon as you order and then pay for your meal. Your order transfers from the iPads outside right to the kitchen inside. Each item you order, even drinks, are then labeled
with your name and your car's information. The food runners then review the tickets for the food and drinks. Finally, they proceed to your car and deliver your order. Both employees agree that “Chick-fil-A has the best customer service” out of any fast-food chain around. Simms mentions that “each customer is greeted with a smile, even through their masks, and a warm welcome.” She believes this is another one of the contributors to the successful and cheerful company. The fast-food joint has a mobile app that allows online ordering. Pomeroy describes “Ordering ahead of time will ensure customers a quick and easy pick up.”He adds ordering via the app “speeds up the drive-through line because a customer's order is already placed and ready.” Simms includes that ordering through the restaurant’s app “encourages customers to continue to visit due to the point system.”
2021-2022 school year looming closer LEAH HILLIER Copy Editor
As the 2020-2021 school year reaches the end of its second quarter, the eyes of underclassmen turn towards their schedules for next year. Amid the pandemic, some students are continuing to set their sights on bigger and better things and are searching for opportunities using the resources around them. One such student is Andi Fetter, a current sophomore who plans on graduating early, “I will be signing up for four classes to take at the high school and six classes to take at the college.” Fetter has received help from the guidance office in their endeavors, “the guidance office also helped me figure out what extra classes I need depending on which classes I picked, and how to fulfill all the graduation requirements.” Despite a year of experience with virtual learning, there are some reservations about how it will work going forward, Fetter is, “worried about the ways of learning. I am a person
who learns better in person compared to online and it’s going to be difficult taking extra classes, especially academically rigorous classes if they’re going to be online as well. I am also worried about taking a class like Microbiology or Anatomy and Physiology that tend to require hands-on components, that [they are] missing out on important in-person experiences because of the pandemic.” The pathway system employed by Harford County Public Schools helped Fetter while choosing their future career, and input from guidance counselors “helped me figure out what kind of pathway I wanted to take.” Conversely, students like junior Grace Herron feel more apprehensive about the upcoming year, “I have no idea what I want to take, to be honest, I want to take relaxing classes. After Covid and these stressful classes, taking classes that I enjoy, like music and language would make my senior year better. But I haven’t heard anything from the guidance office yet, I don’t even know
what my career choice is. I am very worried because I feel unprepared.” Conflicts between her interests and her academic career have troubled Herron, as all she wants is to, “have a relaxing senior year in high school but choosing classes makes it hard, I don’t know whether to take a year to learn about myself or go full steam ahead,” a sentiment echoed throughout rising senior classes yearly, but one that has only been exacerbated by the new teaching format this year. However, as Fetter experienced, it is possible to meet with a guidance counselor to discuss future classes and graduation requirements, and with their help, planning can be “very easy to think about even though it is such a large step in [your] life,” according to Fetter. For those struggling with their future plans, the guidance department is an invaluable resource that is open to students and can provide them with the resources needed to make planning their future easier.
Remembering the moments; Students experience love with journaling CAITLYN ALLEN News Editor Students Hannah Olschewske and Riley Stewart are passionate about journaling and how it helps them through hard times, especially a year like 2020. Olschewske has been journaling for about “three to four years” and Stewart has been journaling “since the beginning of eighth grade, so about two and a half years.” Both students claim that journaling is “so relaxing and such a good way to connect with myself, getting all my thoughts onto paper is so calming to the mind.” Olschewske adds “it is a great feeling to be able to ‘talk’ to yourself without having to worry about judgement.” The journalers both love “reading about the good days they have because it helps me keep pushing through that day.” The students claim that the year 2020 for journaling was a lot different than other years. Olschewske claims she “has mixed feelings about all of 2020, however, journalism was my major coping mechanism that has helped me get through both good and bad days.” “She adds last year was a “great learning experience.” Stewart claims she “wrote a lot more entries and majority were three plus pages long.” The student adds she believes it is because “so much happened and I had so many thoughts but also because I had SO MUCH more time to journal.” Stewart is very passionate about journaling, but she claims it can be hard to keep going at times. However, what keeps her going is that when she is “in her twenties, I am going to want to look back at
my journals and really live all of my thoughts and experiences again.” The student adds “especially with a year like 2020, these are all once in a lifetime moments and in the future I am going to be glad I documented these thoughts and experiences.” Olschewske’s favorite entry is when she wrote about getting accepted into the magnet program two years ago. She claims it is “very important to her because it is a huge milestone in her life and the reason who I am today.” The student adds when she read she got accepted into the program, it “took her breath away and I knew right away that’s where I wanted to be, so I wanted to remember the feeling and experience when I look back later on.” Both students journal multiple times weekly, however Olschewske tries to do it daily but sometimes “life is too busy.” They both claim that when they are writing, they “let their mind take control.” In their entries, they include everything such as “how I felt that day, interactions with people, goals I have for myself, what I am looking forward to, and more.” Olschewske says she has “learned a lot about myself through journaling and also learned that it is a great way to cope with things.” Stewart claims she has “learned that every single moment is precious and time flies, but I also have learned so much about myself and how important this is being a teenager.” Stewart adds that “journaling is all about YOU. YOUR thoughts, YOUR feelings, and YOUR actions. Both students recommend journaling to everyone and add “it isn’t too late to start.”
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Cry of the Hawk
H S A CR E S R U O C S R A C ON
IT TAKES 30 TIMES LONGER TO BRAKE WHEN DRIVING ON SNOW ROADS
January 29, 2021
DID YOU KNOW????
OVER 1,000 PEOPLE DIE IN CAR CRASHES DUE TO ICY, SNOWY, OR SLUSH ORAD EVERY YEAR.
WET PAVEMENTS CAUSE MOST WEATHER-RELATED CRASHES.
Slush: Slushy roads can occur when a prolonged snow turns to rain. Drivers need to be careful even in slush because icy patches could be hidden underneath.
Black ice: Often when it rains and then temperatures drop the rain that was on the road freezes and turns into black ice. This is hard for drivers to see since it’s clear.
Ice: These spots can result from snow thawing and then refreezing
Sara Puig, junior A few weeks ago when it snowed, I was driving on a narrow back road,and I had to get closer to the side of the road so I ended up sliding. I did not realize that braking woud make it even worse so it was definitely scary. I figured it out for next time.
on the roads in the cold temperature. This ice appears white on the road.
Essential items to keep in your car during cold months Compiled by: Rachel Keeney
First aid kit
Flashlight
Zachary Corman, junior
A sturdy ice scraper or snow brush A collapsible or small shovel Rock salt incase tires get stuck Jumper cable
It was a lot of fun because we intentionally went on the ice..All you have to do is to remember to turn into your slide. If you try to turn left when sliding right and hit the gas , you’re in a world of trouble. But turning right and sliding right will slow you down. Turns out it’s just like mudding.
Gloves and other winter clothing
Blanket
Emergency flares or reflectors Extra windshield washer fluid Water and nonperishable snacks
Page 17, IDR
Driving safety tips: What to do on icy roads
MAURA CHANEY Reporter
1. Drive slowly- make sure you’re going a little under the speed 2. Look far ahead- this will help keep you alert 3. Assess traction- see how your tires feel on the ice 4. Put on snow tires 5. Plan your drive to avoid snow if you can 6.Be prepared with gloves, jumper cables, flashlight, and blanket 7. Break early to avoid sliding- cars behind you will do this too 8. Clear your vision with ice scrapper- always have a scrapper 9. Maintain a good speed- no speeding! 10. Stay warm- make sure you have emergency items
Cry of the Hawk
January 29, 2021
Frigid temps, freezing fun sports ADDY DEAN Reporter Winter tends to be a time of snow and ice although this weather tends to make it difficult to drive, there are other activities that these conditions allow you to do. For example, in colder climates around the country it is not rare for people who live there to take advantage of the climate and pick up a new hobby or two. According to Visit USA website skiing and snowboarding are among the most popular of these activities. In addition, Scope Shield Alaska says that one of the number one winter sports is figure skating/skating. Statista stated in 2017 the number of snowboarders in the U.S amounted to “about 7.56 million” and the “number of skiers in the United States amounted to around 14.94 million”. Among these 53.3 million skiers and snowboarders you could find freshman Kaili Bruso snowboarding on the slopes. She’s been doing the sport for about nine years, she continues that her draw to the
sport was when “I already was learning how to skateboard, and snowboarding is the most similar to skateboarding. So, I thought why not give it a try when it’s too cold to skateboard?” As for the most infamous spots to go hit the slopes in the U.S Maryland isn’t one of them. These locations tend to be in the Rockies like Colorado and Utah. However, New York is the state with the most ski resorts according to Statista they have “51 ski operating areas.” Even though Maryland doesn’t attract skiers and snowboarders from all around, it still has a couple options for its residents. For example, Roundtop Mountain Resort located in York County, Pennsylvania is one of the closest options for locals. Only about an hour drive away. Another popular option is actually in state. Wisp Ski Resort is located in western Maryland in the town of McHenry. Wisp is about three and half hours away but is a beautiful drive out there winding through the Appalachian Mountains. Bruso says she has taken snowboarding trips out to both lo-
cations. She described her trips as “spending a few days on the mountain so I can get a lot of snowboarding time in.” Getting a lot of time in on the slopes is very important because learning to snowboard isn’t easy. The freshman said the hardest part about learning how to snowboard was “learning how to move without tipping the board over.” Stopping was also something that was difficult to learn she says “you must learn how to move so you can turn and stop. However, on the snowboard there are edges so if you turn to much and get your board stuck under the snow you can fall.” Another extremely popular sport in North America is ice hockey, at North Harford Andrew Hartlove has been “playing/ skating for about 6 years.” Ice hockey is famously known to be an aggressive sport. Hartlove says he’s been hurt a lot in games, injuries happen a lot in Ice hockey, he describes it as “when you’re standing on ¼ of an-inch-thick knives with five other guys playing against five other guys that want to rip you apart, Injuries happen.”
Do you know how to change a tire? Compiled by: Madison Featherston and Rachel Keeney
36% can change a tire
64% can't change a tire
out of 250 people polled
January 29, 2021
Cry of the Hawk
Page 18/ H/S
Insurance assists with hearing aid cost MARISSA ALTENBURG H/S Editor
Self-care day routine
Zoe Mikles said...
10 a.m. : Sunday’s are usually my self-care days, I wake up early during the week so on a self care day I let myself sleep in until around 10 A.M. 10:30 a.m. : After lying in bed for a while and letting myself fully wake up I like to stretch. I grab my yoga mat and put on a morning yoga video on YouTube, this makes me feel more energized and calmer.
11:30 a.m.: I usually eat a banana or a small granola bar and go on a run outside. Even though it is cold, I will run outside on self-care days to get some fresh air. I put on a podcast and run until it is over or until I feel I have cleared my head of the weeks worries. 1:00 p.m.: After settling down from my run I take a long shower and put on a face mask. 3:00 p.m.: I feel more relaxed when I am organized so I usually clean up my room because I don’t have much time during the week.
3:30 p.m.: I sit down and plan out my week ahead. This makes things easier for me during the week ahead. I plan out my workouts, schoolwork and work shifts. It makes me feel better when I know what the week ahead of me holds. 5:00 p.m.: At this time my mom usually gets home from work so I talk to her. 6:00 p.m.: I help my mom and dad cook dinner for family night and we all sit down and eat together
which usually does not happen during the week.
7:00 p.m.: I usually get ready for bed around this time and start to journal. Writing down random things and doodling really gets a lot off of my mind and helps to relax me.
8:00 p.m.: I scroll through tik tok and watch Gilmore Girls to end my day on a relaxing and fun note. 10:00 p.m.: I try to fall asleep some what early so that I am fully rested and ready for the day ahead.
Jake Gay said...
10 a.m.: The weekend gives me a lot of time to relax and catch up, especially this year. Saturday is a good day for sleeping. So, I sleep-in to about 10 because I am usually still awake well after midnight on Saturday morning. 10:30 a.m. :
I spend a long time in bed after waking up on these types of days. Although, around 10:30 the Tik Tok guy usually gives me the notification that I have been on the app for too long, and should do something else with my life.
11:30 a.m.: Normally I eat lunch early, although on “Reset days” (as I call them) I eat around noon. This means that I have a little more time in the morning to catch up on school, because I probably “forgot” to do some school work on Flex-Friday
1:00 p.m.:
After eating lunch, I work out. I exercise almost regularly, so on self- care days I take it easy and will just walk my dog, or I will do a core-workout. After which I take a long shower, this is actually normal for me and a way I relax even on weekdays.
3:00 p.m.:
At this point in the day I will spend a little bit of time playing video games or reading. I don’t do either as much as I used to. So it is refreshing to be able to take some time away and completely tune out.
3:30 p.m.: Generally speaking, I listen to music 24/7. On self-care days this is no different, and in the early afternoon I play music and do laundry or clean. I still do these things on my relaxation days, I find it reasonable to still do something productive, and it is just one less thing I will have to do during the week. 5:00 p.m.: After wallowing in self pity, (I told you I spend too much time on Tik Tok) my family goes
out to eat. We aren’t too fancy so where we eat doesn’t matter too much, it is just a nice family thing to do. Nowadays, Saturday dinners are non-negotiable, since soon I will be in college and not be able to do things like this.
8:00 p.m.: Somehow we go out to eat around 5 and don’t come back till 8. So, during this time I watch television. I seldom watch TV during the weekday, so sitting down and just doing nothing but watch TV is actually weird for me. 10:00 p.m.: Everyone in my family goes to bed early, so usually by this time I am the only one awake unless someone is watching a movie (Forrest Gump is a favorite in my house). No matter what though I will be on social-media for a little while. However, I will not allow myself to think, worry or do any school work. 11:00 p.m.: I do journal (shhh) but not like “Dear Diary” my journaling is usually just reminders for the
week ahead, plans for the future and a little reflection. I never write down what happened each day, I usually write down how I felt and what I thought. This takes place on my phone usually in the “Notes” app. After which, I will watch Netflix or HBO for a little while and go to bed much more relaxed than when I woke up.
What is more important for the elderly, the ability to pay for their bills or to be able to hear and see? The prices for people who need hearing aids can set them back from $3,000 to 12,000 according to AARP. 32 percent of students said that they did think that medical devices such as glasses or hearing should be paid for in full by insurance. Sophomore Sophia Shull says “no one has control over those problems.” Junior Sarah Hardiman adds “it should be covered at least mostly by insurance.” Sophomore Ian Calhoun says “people shouldn’t have to pay for something that they need to function.” According to Young Hearing hearing aids and glasses are not considered essential medical devices by the FDA. The FDA says they are a company devoted to finding safe and essential medical devices. Congress has worked with the FDA to “ease the barriers of buying hearing aids” according to AARP. The cost of most hearing aids and glasses was not covered in the cost of medicare even though that is the age group the products are being marketed towards most. AARP adds, “Those are some of the recent studies that show that only 20 to 30 percent of adults who could benefit from a hearing aid ever get one.” The company
hopes that the easier accessibility to over the counter (OTC) medical devices will encourage those who need them to gain access and get the help they need. All it takes is for a doctor to sign off that you are eligible for them. “The new devices are expected to cost less than traditional hearing aids. “There will be so much consumer interest,” says David Copithorne. Content director at HearingTracker.com, a website that monitors the industry.” says AARP. America is currently facing a hearing and vision crisis. Non prescription glasses are being made from the lowest of 50 cents just to a dollar and a half. But they are being sold for so much that one in twelve people cannot afford to get eyeglasses according to Letter From America. The epidemic and spiraling circle of hearing and vision loss is growing to a bigger problem in the United States according to another AARP article. “people so reluctant to get their hearing checked or to treat hearing disorders because unlike many serious and potentially fatal ailments, hearing loss carries with it the stigma of being old. It’s true that hearing diminishes with age. Nearly 30 percent of people in their 50s suffer from hearing loss. For people in their 60s, it’s 45 percent. And for those in their 70s, more than two-thirds have significant hearing loss,” says AARP.
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Cry of the Hawk
January 29, 2021
Buffalo Bills fans prove sportsmanship still exists; Donations support Lamar Jackson after his injury ALEXA FALLS Reporter
On Saturday, Jan. 16, the Baltimore Ravens lost to the Buffalo Bills after Ravens Quarterback, Lamar Jackson, suffered from a concussion while playing in the AFC Championship Game. Bills fans show their support for the Ravens and Jackson by donating to one of Jackson’s favorite charities, Blessings in a Backpack. There were more than 11,000 donations and 360,000-plus dollars donated to the charity from the Bills Mafia honoring Jackson, according to bleacherreport.com. Blessings in a Backpack is a charity organization which helps provide meals to elementary school children on the weekends across the country since they rely on food mostly from school, according to blessingsinabackpack.org. Freshman Preston Miller shares his thoughts on the event, “What the ‘Bills Mafia’ did with
Lamar Jackson’s favorite charity does prove that sportsmanship still exists.” Miller adds, “The ‘Ravens Flock’ had returned the favor and donated a lot of money to Bills quarterback, Josh Allen’s favorite charity […].” Sophomore Alex Tobias, a Ravens fan, said, “Bills fans have always been known as one of the more die-hard fan bases towards their teams, and to see them donate to his [Lamar Jackson] charity after he got injured was very reassuring.” Tobias says, “This was a very important playoff game between two of the best teams in the league, and to see the opposing team fan base support [to] Lamar and his favorite charity after his injury, was great.” Tobias continues, “They [Bills fans] realized it was more than football when he [Jackson] went down knowing this could be a possible long term injury with a head injury.”
Tobias was asked if he would donate to charity like the Bills Mafia if the Ravens were playing another team and the opposing team's Quarterback was injured, he responded, “Yes I would. Although these games get very competitive, you got to realize that behind the game of football, that’s a person that got injured and not just a player. Luckily for Lamar, it’s not too serious, but for another QB, a concussion could be career ending and could easily have long term effects on the person.” As for other fan bases and their sportsmanship, Miller claims, “Some fans take it as if their team was rigged or scammed all due to a bad call or play. But in some cases, if it was an overall good game, I think they could come to their senses and say that they simply got beat.” Tobias says, “They [fans] are normally always respectful when the outcome does not go their way.”
Athletes putting their best foot forward HANNAH KRIZEK OP/ED Editor As the transition from high school to college takes place, sports scouting is very important to many high school athletes. Scouting can occur in many ways such as, “face to face contact, phone calls or text messaging, through mailed or emailed material or through social media,” according to NCAA.org. As high school sports began to get postponed, college scouting shifted as well. Many high schools, including NH had a lot of teams going on beyond the normal high school season to keep athletes in action. Some of these extracurricular activities have included college scouting, others have not. There are a lot of actions that go into the scouting and recruiting process. Considering those options, evaluations can take place, and this is when a college coach watches an athlete play to see their skill level. Considerably after this, if a college is chosen there can be a “verbal commitment happens when a college bound student-athlete verbally agrees to play sports for a college before he or she signs or is eligible to sign a National Letter of Intent,” states NCAA.org. NCAA.org mentions, “agreeing to attend that school for one academic year,” is part of the National Letter of Intent when a student athlete officially commits to attend a division 1 or 2 college. After signing a National Letter of Intent, other schools are prohibited from recruiting that specific student athlete. “Any visit to a college campus by a college-bound student athlete or his or her parents paid for by the college is an official visit. Visits paid for by student-athletes or their parents are considered unofficial visits,” according to NCAA.org. Financial aid comes into play when participating colleges agree to provide such. Aid would be provided for the first academic year as long “as the student athlete is admitted to the school and eligible for financial aid under NCAA rules.” If a division 3 school is being attended that there is a celebratory signing form. The standard NCAA provided, non-binary form is permitted to be used. NCAA.org reports “Institutions should keep in mind, however, that they are not permitted to publicize a student athletes' commitment to the institution until the student-athlete has submitted a financial deposit.”
Swinging back in time: How NH baseball has stood up to competition over past decade BEN SERSEN Reporter Varsity baseball Coach Tim Larrimore has found success in the NH baseball program since 2011 coaching them to five winning seasons in the last eight seasons played however struck pay dirt early in the decade. NH, led by Larrimore, went 23 and three total record with a league record of 13 and one in 2012 with the statistics to back up their legacy. NH had an average earned run average of 1.36 per game less than a third of the national average (Via MaxPreps) and this was a big factor in their season. Their pitching was an above average force according to stats however the Hawks made strides in their batting, NH held a team batting average of .334, an on base percentage of .419, 58 stolen bases, and
seven home runs, all of which going 22 and three with a es to top off another impreswere above national average. league record of 11 and one. sive year for coach Larrimore’s Players Cody Britteam. He claimed “We tain (‘12) and Ryan had some goals this seaStinar (‘12) lead the son, we wanted to get first team with their average seed in the regionals, we above .450, while Stigot that. The next one was nar and Kevin Mooney with Chesapeake, we got (‘12) led the team in that. The third one was home runs with three a win the championship in piece. (Via MaxPreps.) the UCBAC, we got that.” The Hawks finished The team only lost 508 nationally, seventh three games during their in state, and second in season losing three to state division ranking. nine to Harford Tech, sevThe Hawks would reen to 13 to Old Mill, and gress the next year to a 15 Mooney throws a perfect game in the 3A zero to two to Reservoir. and nine overall record The coach would lead state semifinal four to zero win over North going seven and five in the team to winning seatheir league whilst main- Hagerstown. Mooney struck out 21 straight sons although not the taining a 2,134 national batters in his first career perfect game. level of the prior season rank, 40 state rank, and PHOTO CREDIT: Matt Button going 15 and seven and 10 state division rank. 14 and eight in ‘15 and ‘16 In 2014 coach Larrimore The Hawks would end the respectively. The Hawks then would bring his team back season with a team total 16 would endure their first losing into the swing of winning home runs and 41 stolen basseason of the decade in 2017 go-
ing nine and 12 ending the season without a single home run. Coach Larrimore’s team finished the season with a .251 batting average, .375 on base percentage, and 93 runs, all of which were lower than the national average. NH would once again take a step back in 2018 going five and 10 with a shocking 22 stolen bases, 39 less than last year’s 61. NH went yard twice in the season with Derek McManus (‘18) and Mill Heinze (‘20) both hitting one a piece. Recently, they went nine and 11 in the 2019 season with Bobby Duffy (‘20) hitting two home runs and leading the team. While NH has not had a chance to play in 2020 or 2021 due to the pandemic, the team will look to compete with the losses of Duffy and Kevin Halford (‘21), among others.
Page 20/ Sports
Cry of the Hawk
January 29, 2021
Frostburg recruits two students from Hawks Nest; Lack of sports
Athletes putting their best foot forward impacting mental health ERICA OTTE Reporter
NH varsity football player Kevin Halford has “been playing football since [he] was five years old.” He has loved the sport ever since saying, “I enjoy the team aspect of it and the brotherhood that comes with it. I enjoy the competition that comes with it, that you have to compete against another athlete every play for the whole game.” Halford, a senior, stated that he “also love[s] the fan aspect of football.” He always appreciates “how the whole stands are full of fans. The band and everyone is yelling and cheering the whole game.“ The other side of football that brings the skills and strategy to the game, requiring more thinking allows him “to game plan before the game and every week you have to do something new or learn something new about the game.” In terms of what he is the best at in the sport, Halford says, “I feel like the best skills
I have on offense is the ability to create holes and gaps for the running back to get through. On defense, my best skill is tackling and forcing fumbles.”
academic and athletic talents. According to Halford, “I’ve been offered an academic offer for right now. And they are giving me a chance to get an ath-
Seniors Kevin Halford (left) and Lina Goetz (right) while playing their respective sports. Both received offers to play on the Frostburg State University sports teams. PHOTO CREDITS: Kevin Halford and Lina Goetz To go with that, he has a plan to play D2 football for Frostburg State University which he has already been offered several scholarships for both his
letic scholarship depending on how I play when I get up there.” The college “offered me the academic scholarship for my grades and SAT scores. And
they are giving me a chance to get an athletic scholarship because of my ability as a player/ teammate right now and the leadership I bring to the team.” In addition, another student from NH also got the attention from Frostburg coaches, however this student plays varsity field hockey rather than varsity football. Senior Lina Goetz has “been playing field hockey since [she] was in fifth grade.” Goetz “grew up playing lacrosse and soccer but [she] always loved field hockey more and felt like [she] succeeded more in that sport.” She stated, “ I have committed to play D2 field hockey at Frostburg.” But, due to the corona virus pandemic, she was not able to get a scholarship as planned. Both of these NH students were recognized for their outstanding performance in their sports. Consequently, they received spots on Frostburg’s sports teams as well as Halford earning multiple scholarships – athletic and academic based.
O’Leary commits to Lafayette College SUMMER GRACE Reporter
The college selection and admission process can be an exciting and daunting task for high school seniors. Taking the next step in one’s academic career is an important and life-changing decision. Erin O'Leary, a senior, started the process early. “I wanted to do something in the engineering or chemistry field, and Lafayette has great programs for both of those,” O’Leary shares. She thought the campus was “the campus is absolutely beautiful as well.” O’Leary has been a member of the NH Track and Field team since her freshman year. She was hopeful to continue her participation in the sport during her college career. O’Leary was in contact with the track and field coach at Lafayette and they recruited her to throw for them. “Disc is like a flattened frisbee thing that we throw in the air,” she explains. “The shot” is a heavy ball that the players throw. According to O’Leary, the ball is 20 pounds and on a short chain that they have to throw. “The
hammer” is a lighter ball on a sign a letter of intent for track. longer chain that they throw. “I’m really excited for the classO’Leary explains that she ap- es I’m going to be taking because plied for an early decision, mean- they’re going to be more centered ing that she must attend if she on subjects that interest me the was acmost,” cepted. O’Leary So, she expresshad to es. She get her adds that p a r she’s reents’ ally looksignaing forture as ward to well as being on a couna college selor's team and signabeing ture. able to “Then have the I had “social to wait group to get t h a t O’Leary proudly signs her letter of in- c o m e s in, and t h e n tent. She committed to throw a D1 school w i t h once I on the track and field team. that.” got in PHOTO CREDIT: Erin O’Leary O’Leary I had says she to acthinks cept the offer of admission, managing her classes will be a and pay the deposit to be ad- challenge. “My STEM classes mitted,” she shares. Because are going to be the hardest beO’Leary is going to Lafayette cause I know they’re supposed to play a sport, she also had to to be heavy on workload,” she
shares. O’leary thinks it’s “going to be hard to manage [her] time.” Even with the huge effect on colleges due to COVID-19, the selection process wasn’t too difficult for O’Leary. “I had never wanted to go on official tours, so I didn’t take a virtual tour,” she explains. O’Leary adds, “I just drove up to the campus with my parents and we walked around with masks on and stayed a safe distance away from other people.” She says this allowed her to get a feel for the campus itself. According to O’Leary, Lafayette had a few scholarships they were giving away to students based on merit. O’Leary advises all students to begin the application process early to give students more time and options to decide amongst. “In the summer because it is really hard to balance getting your school work done and applying for colleges at the same time,” she explains. “I’m really excited going to a school out of state, because even though it’s pretty close to home, it’s still going to be a very different experience and a change of pace,” she shares.
RACHEL KEENEY IDR Editor
Every student has their own “outlet” to fully express themselves. It could be art, dancing, reading, or whatever brings them joy. What about the students whose outlets are sports? The lack of athletics in the county is making some students more upset than others. Senior Lauryn Warfield is a three-sport athlete, playing soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. “My mental health has honestly been negatively affected. I am so used to playing hours of sports a day, I really miss the routine and the time with my teammates.” Warfield added that she has been able to play a “little bit” of club soccer but due to COVID, it has been on and off. “We try to have some club practices which helps feel normal, but when I'm not playing soccer, I train every day. I go to the gym and do soccer workouts, which I will be going to college for.” While we do not know for sure what sports seasons NH will have, it seems we will not have all three. “I've pretty much accepted that we won't have any seasons which I understand since it will keep everyone healthy, but I have been looking at options like playing at HCC,” Warfield adds. “Being a three-sport athlete, you're used to missing things because of practice or a game, but now I have had time to see my friends and train more for one specific sport (soccer). I definitely wish we could play more sports and until then I'm just going to keep working hard,” Warfield adds. Junior Brian Hauer has been playing baseball for 14 years and football for eight. Unlike Warfield, Hauer says his mental health has not been affected. “I'm still doing things for my sports like club, so it still helps with feeling normal.” Hauer adds he likes being able to focus on his showcase baseball team and train and the high school. Sophomore Kendall Fortune is another three-sport athlete missing her seasons. Fortune has been playing lacrosse for 11 years, field hockey for four, and competed in indoor track for her first time last winter. “My mental health has definitely been affected. I loved looking forward to practicing or a game after school,” Fortune says. With so much new downtime for athletes, Fortune says “I train for club/high school sports, find workouts that challenge me, and participate in a fun indoor lacrosse league on the weekends.” With upcoming seasons approaching, Fortune adds that she is trying to keep a positive mindset but with the seasons approaching, she’s becoming less hopeful. “Everything happens for a reason” Fortune says. “I really hope we have a sports season. Online school is hard enough on students, having something like our sports season to look forward to would really lift everyone's spirits.”