Cry of the Hawk- November 2018

NORTH HARFORD HIGH SCHOOL

211 PYLESVILLE ROAD, PYLESVILLE, MD 21132

410-638-3650

VOLUME 43 ISSUE 1

December 4, 2018

Students travel to Indiana for FFA National Convention ANNA FITZHUGH Business Manager FFA National Convention is held annually in Indianapolis, Indiana from October 24th to October 27th. Students from across the United States join together to compete in Career Development Events (CDE’s), and Leadership Development Events (LDE’s), or, go just for the experience.

North Harford students Samantha Hardeman, Tabitha Sefa, Lynne Thomas, Mike Reeves, Meghan Bundhick, Caitlyn Wolfe, Diana Woosley, Emily Boling, and Shanyn Wolfe, all flew to Indianapolis for National Convention this October.

Flying across country may seem intimidating, especially if it’s the first time, as it was for Juniors Emily Boling and Caitlyn Wolfe, and sophomore, Shanyn Wolfe. “It was the first time I’ve ever been on a plane, and it was terrifying,” said Bolig, but “the teachers made it seem like flying wasn’t a big deal, and were really nonchalant about it.” Caitlyn also remarked, “It was scary because it was my first time flying.

But the teachers just kind’ve laughed at me and made it seem like not a big deal.”

Traveling across country costs a significant amount of money, so to fund-raise, Sh-

anyn Wolfe went to every fundraiser including, “Raffle tickets for a hog raffle, selling pretzel rods, bake sales, a movie night, and car wash.” According to Wolfe, “Almost all the FFA events were to fundraise for National Convention.

Boling says, “As long as you participate in FFA, you are eligible to go.” Boling went for the experience, and wanted to meet people from other states.

Wolfe also journeyed to Indianapolis because she “wants to get every opportunity out of FFA [she] possible can.”

Apart from wanting to go for the experience, FFA members can also go to National Convention to compete in a CDE or LDE. Students from the North Harford FFA chapter, Samantha Hardeman, Tabitha Sefa, Diana Woosley, Lynne Thomas, and Mike Reeves went to National Convention to demonstrate their proficiency in Nursery/Landscape and Prepared Public Speaking.

Thomas won first in state for her prepared public speech, “which qualified [her] for The Big E in Massachusetts, and National Convention.” Hardeman, Sefa, Woosley, and Reeves competed in Nursery/Landscape. Their team won first in the state, with Sefa coming in second in state, Reeves third, and Hardeman fifth.

The Nursery/Landscape CDE involves a multiple choice section as well as plant identification. Each member took a test individually, and worked together to show their combined knowledge. Prepping for the knowledge portion was no small task, the team “ stayed after school every single wednesday for an hour and a half, sometimes more,” Sefa explains.

“Each plant has its own number, and we would randomly text one another asking what’s a Photo credit:Erika Edwards number is, and they would have to go figure her one of the top 50 speakers out that plant was!” Upon arin the country. riving to the competition, the Apart from the actual CDE team discovered, “The people and LDE competition, the we competed against said they Garth Brooks concert was studied everyday after school one of the highlights of the for two hours!” Despite not trip.”Boling describes the studying for quite as long as crowd, “It was just a sea of their fellow competitors, the students, I’ve never seen that team still took home bronze. many people our age in one Thomas traveled to Indiaplace.” Thomas commented, napolis to compete in prepared “Brooks was feeding off the enpublic speaking. To memorize ergy of all 40,000 people there.” her entire speech, Thomas Besides the concert, there was spent significant time “reading also a rodeo, and guest speakthrough the manuscript, and ers with inspirational stories. making changes, before it abThe National Convention solutely had to be submitted.” also boasts bringing together The hard work paid off, and FFA organizations from all Thomas won bronze, making states. Wolfe comments “It

wasn’t just people from Maryland, it was people from Alaska, California, and Puerto Rico.”

The highlight of the trip for Wolfe was “getting booklets in the beginning of the week, where in the back was a list of all the states and a place to get signatures.” Wolfe claims, “The booklet is probably my favorite thing I got there, I got almost all the signatures.” On the bus, the group met students from South Dakota, Minnesota, and Georgia. “They asked us if we knew what cactus dirt cake was, and we’d never heard of it,” Sefa explains. “It actually sounds really good, but who would’ve thought about it!”

The 2018 U.S. midterm elections were held on November 6, 2018. Democrats were hoping for a “blue wave” in which they would regain the majority in both Houses of Congress (the House of Representatives and the Senate) and state governorships, all of which had Republican majorities prior to the 2018 midterms. The Democratic Party itself had a mix of progressive (pro-working class) candidates and neoliberal (corporate, pro-Democratic Establishment) candidates. However, there have also been many Republican candidates with Trump-like rhetoric and/or personalities.

2018 midterm election: Democrats take back House of Representatives

GRANT SCARBORO Reporter

New York’s 14th District Representative-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D) (left) and Kansas governor-elect Laura Kelly (D) (right) Photo credit: El Borde, Shawnee County Democrats To the surprise of some but not of others, the Democrats lost some ground in the Senate.

Sources report that several incumbent neoliberal Democratic candidates suffered crushing defeats by their Republican opponents. In Indiana, Joe Donnelly lost to Republican Mike Braun by almost six points. The similar outcomes happened in the states of Missouri, Florida, and North Dakota.

Furthermore, popular Democratic candidate, Beto O’Rourke lost to incumbent Republican senator Ted Cruz, despite O’Rourke’s large amount of grassroots support. However, the Democrats were able to win two Senate seats in the southwest, one in Nevada, and one in Arizona.

Democrats were able to win seven state governorships, those being in New Mexico, Nevada, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Maine, and Kansas. However, it wasn’t enough for them to take the majority in this area. There were also some devastating losses for the Democrats in the governor’s races. Democrat Ben Jealous lost to Republican incumbent, Larry Hogan, in the state

of Maryland by over 10 points, mainly as a result of Jealous being massively out-funded by Hogan, the Democratic Party’s leaders largely neglecting the gubernatorial race in that state, and some corporate Maryland Democrats even supporting Hogan, sabotaging Jealous’ campaign.

Another Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Andrew Gillum, lost to Republican Ron DeSantis in the state of Florida by less than half a point. DeSantis had even called his African-American opponent a monkey after Gillum won the Democratic nomination for Florida governor in August.

Republican Brian Kemp has also defeated Democratic candidate Stacy Abrams despite Abrams accusing Kemp of using voter

suppression tactics to win the gubernatorial election, according to NPR. According to North Harford High School teacher, Jessica Siegel, “State-wise, we were exactly where we think we are, none of it was really surprising.”

The House of Representatives was where Democrats won big in this year’s midterm election, as they were able to flip enough seats to gain a majority in the House at 232:200 (a majority they lost in the 2010 midterms), according to PBS News. Some of the Democrats’ wins were quite surprising, such as Kendra Horn’s in Oklahoma’s Fifth Congressional District. One of the biggest wins of the 2018 midterms for Democrats was Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s victory

in New York’s 14th congressional district, receiving nearly 80% of the vote. Earlier this year, Cortez won a stunning upset victory in her primary against incumbent Democrat, Joseph Crowley, despite being massively out-funded.

The 2018 midterm elections likely weren’t the blue wave the Democratic Party was hoping for, “I think they [the Democrats] were hoping for a little better than they did…”, said North Harford High School zoology teacher, Brady Green. However, with the Democrats now having a majority in the House of Representatives, many feel that they might be able to fight back against the power of Donald Trump and his fellow Republicans.

Cry of the Hawk

Opinion/Editorial - Page 2

December 4, 2018

Students weigh in on grading, policies CASSIDY CHANDLER Features Editor The 50-30-20 weighted grading system that has been implemented in Harford County was a strong attempt to create grading consistency across all curricular areas. However, what this system has accomplished is quite the opposite of its original goal.

In the guidelines for the new system, there are specific instructions that state: “Teachers should use their professional discretion to determine the appropriateness of the assignment and how it should be weighted. All curriculum guides provide content-specific examples for student assignment.”

Teachers can generally choose where they put assignments based on how well or how poorly their students perform, with little in the way of specific guidelines.

And that is exactly what teachers are doing. But this is not their fault, in fact, it is actually benefiting us. As a result, their teaching looks effective and students score seem to benefit.

Lots of teachers give assignments that they intend to place in the product category, which is 50% of your total grade. When they realize their students did not do as well on the assignment as they predicted, they may move the assignment to the process section which is worth 30%, and if the grades are still heavily weighed down, they might even move it to be worth 20% in the practice section.

It is possible to have two of the same types of assignments in two different sections. A quiz with a lower class average may be in process, and a quiz with grades that the teacher was satisfied with might be in product.

When a low grade is put into the product section or if there

HAILEY DEARES SSC Editor

are not a lot of grades in the section, students find themselves stuck in a rut.

While it is beneficial to the students that the teachers can move assignments around, the consistent grading scale is flawed.

In the practice section, the guidelines specifically state that the work placed in the section is “graded for completion and participation.”

It is hard for elective classes like band, chorus, and orchestra to follow this grading system considering they do not have many opportunities for practice grades.

Another flaw in the system is that across different subject areas, teachers have different protocol they are instructed to follow.

The English curriculum does not have specific county initiated assessments.

They can have more product grades, which ends up boosting students grades, because the county is not dictating them.

On the other hand, math teachers have specific curriculum they must follow.

They must give a certain amount of tests each quarter and that number is usually fairly small.

EMMIE CATRAMBONE Entertainment Editor College work is generally cumulative with minimal exams during the semester and concluding with a final exam that reflects material mastered. This kind of assessment works in that kind of environment because students have fewer total classes per semester and more concentrated time to process information. The average high school student is taking 8 classes, leaving them with less time to prepare and learn the material. Therefore, there is a large difference between how students learn in high school and how they learn in college.

Even knowing this, HCPS developed a grading policy that is meant to mimic a college grading system. Fifty percent of our grades are now accounted for by “products”, which mainly consist of tests and quizzes; 30 percent are accounted for by “process”, mostly classwork; the last 20 percent is accounted for by “practice”, including homework and small, quick assignments.

However, the grading system we are currently using offers a false illusion of how college grading really works. In college, grades are very straightforward. Generally, scores are given for exams and major papers

PHOTO CREDIT: Lauren Seco From left: Ellie Evans, Hailey Deares, Cassidy Chandler, Emmie Catrambone

50.30.20. These numbers now bind students to an intense workload where certain assignments could make or break their grade with a 50% weight over all the others. In other counties, they have different ways to grade. So why does this matter? We are all trying to get into the same colleges, yet with different ways to grade.

Baltimore County “believes penalizing students for late or missing work is not a practice that promotes learning,” according to the BCPS grading manual. A late grade in Harford County is a 0, while in Baltimore County the grade would be exempt. Teachers in BCPS are expected to provide the student with enough time to complete or redo any assignment to get a better grade. This gives students the chance to improve their score if they have the desire to learn from their mistakes.

If this was implemented into the HCPS grading system, there would still be students that would not use this practice to their advantage, but the students who are self motivated and academically inclined would see a definite improvement in their overall GPA. Each school has the power to administer their own grading scale. AP classes are also weighted on a 6 point scale. Homework, effort, attendance and behavior will no longer be factored into students’ grades in BCPS according to The Baltimore Sun.

Homework is to be assigned but not graded, and shows up on a separate part of the report card.

Montgomery County has seen A’s nearly double since the implementation of a “no final” policy. However there is a noticeable “disconnect between stellar grade-point averages and lower-than-expected SAT scores” according to Ned Johnson, president of PrepMatters, a college preparation company. Grades have improved but SAT scores have remained the same, so what does this show? Getting A’s is “easier” yet student effort has decreased in later quarters since grades are already “locked in.”

In Harford County, late work results in an indefinite zero, attendance matters, and finals can either have no effect on your grade or can be the one thing between you and that 4.0.

Our AP classes are weighted on a 5 point scale. The average SAT score from 2017 in all three of those counties only differs by around 150 points. With each county having different expectations of getting into college, this skews the pool of college applicants.

These grading methods create students that could be very underprepared for college, who focus so much on SAT scores and getting good grades that they don’t focus on skills and abilities. The SAT scores don’t matter in the grand scheme of things, it’s how the students do in college, and how they succeed in life.

ELLIE EVANS Assistant News Editor Imagine a world where learning was the least of student’s worries and assignments were completed out of sole motivation to expand brain capacity and experience. Searching for the value in learning can become quite troublesome when the scale of grades and learning is ultimately tipped towards the overall percentages under each subject.

Some students would lose all motivation if grades were eliminated and their strive for learning would dwindle down. This is even more of a reason going as far to disposing of the grading system all together isn’t necessary but rather toning down the pressure of grades. As a Junior, maintaining a high GPA that will hopefully please colleges is extremely important. With the pressure of grades very high before the practice-process-product system was introduced, the new grading system entails even more anxiety.

Education seems to have a substantial role in society as we develop the United States. According to research done by the National Institute of Health, the first signs of grading were shown in the early to mid 1800’s. The presence of grades began to increase more into

only. There are no extraneous grades: no homework assignments are assessed, no five-question quizzes are offered to buffer a bad exam score. Also, there is no opportunity for extra credit.

As a result of the immense flexibility of the new HCPS grading system, our students are not prepared for the way in which colleges will assess them.

Within the guidelines of the HCPS 50-30-20 grading system, teachers are encouraged to “use their professional discretion to determine the appropriateness of the assignment and how it should be weighted.” In this kind of system, teachers have the ability to choose what assignments go into which category.

As a result, if a class aces a quiz one day, the grade can be counted in the “product” category and count for more points. However, if that same class fails another quiz three weeks later, the new quiz can be placed into the “process” or even “practice” category.

The flexibility of the system allows for teachers to choose what grades should count as more of the student’s grade and which grades should count as less of the student’s grade. This flexibility does not exist in a college environment; the weight of an assignment is made clear on the syllabus and it is unlikely to change contingent on how students perform.

Right now, HCPS is too concerned with preparing students for college, ironically, with a system that is not preparing students at all. We are in high school, and we deserve to be treated as such.

Because we have less time to complete assignments and understand content, we need a different grading system to reflect a high school environment. We do not need a grading system that gives us false illusions of how college grading really works.

the 1900’s as actual systems of grading were developed as 100 point scales. To present day, many universities such as Brown University are opting out of calculating grade point averages and removing “D’s” from their grading scale.

The NIH also explained that a potential middle ground for the grading crisis could be a way for teachers and professors to give feedback without the anxiety striking percentage that follows for some. Although some students would lose their drive to learn, those who truly want to be present in the educational world would stand out.

Being surrounded by hundreds of students everyday, it is extremely apparent that the letter a student receives on a test is far more important to them than the content itself.

This can explain why some find it necessary to cheat on assignments even though it will ultimately hurt them in the long run. There is no definition of personal qualities and strengths outside of education through the means of grading.

Suggesting that every student is awarded a gold star and participation ribbon for every single assignment completed would not solve this gap. Rather the acknowledgement by educators to their students that sometimes taking a step back, breathing, and putting less stress on the number circled in red ink would bring a more positive outlook on school in general.

Cry of the Hawk

December 4, 2018

Opinion/Editorial - Page 3

Dulled to death; Anybody Home?

Importance of attachment Academic awards underrated

ANNA FITZHUGH Reporter/Business Manager Our country may bolster bustling cities, turquoise beaches, and snow-capped mountains, but beyond the Empire State Building and crowds at Ocean City, violence is everywhere. One of the most unpredictable acts of violence is mass shootings.

According to the Washington Post, since 1966, 1,135 human beings have lost their lives due to mass shootings. That’s 1,135 people with lives to be lived; mountains to climb, cancers to cure, and people to love. All of those bright faces excited about the possibility of their future now lie in caskets as a result of gun violence.

For many of us, these 1,135 faces are only seen in the news, not in cherished memories. Some aren’t so distant; each and every person killed was a daughter,

son, husband, wife, brother, sister, niece, nephew, cousin, and friend.

Every new incident leads to more flags at half staff, more people being buried too young, and more heartbroken families left behind. The saddest part isn’t just that these incidents occur, but that they continue to happen.

Why has no significant change been made?

Seeing another mass shooting headline isn’t getting the same reaction.

Lock down drills aren’t taken seriously; when the announcement comes over the loudspeaker, no one stays out of view from the windows, lights aren’t turned off, teaching continues on as normal. Some teachers don’t want their class interrupted but, that won’t matter if they don’t have a class to teach.

When discussing the recent shooting in California at dinner, my younger sister mentioned a young boy in her class punched his friend to get to the front of the line and wasn’t reprimanded.

If kids in elementary school aren’t punished for harming another over something so insignificant, the pattern will continue and escalate.

According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been 309 mass shootings as of

November 12th. As another mass shooting occurs every couple of days, violence is normalized.

A significant amount emotional strain occurs when dealing with constant loss. To cope with this, we to turn our emotions off; prevent ourselves from getting attached. When a loved one is nearing the end, it’s easier to be removed from the situation, put on a strong front and pretend that losing someone we love is completely normal.

The truth is, it is not normal, it just happens so very much.

As soon as we become attached to someone, we are told to be careful, distance ourselves, prepare for the inevitable loss of their presence from our life. That is the problem.

Instead of distancing ourselves from other humans, we should be making connections, bringing out the best in people. If more people realized they had someone who believed in them, they might not be driven to the point of violence.

Being kind may not save the world. But, just remember it is perfectly okay to get attached, to love other people.

Losing someone may hurt, but, part of living is feeling.

We must not become dull to death; we should take it personally, If mass shootings have happened to one, they can happen to everyone.

And, it’s our responsibility to reduce the violence, and not be quite so dull to death.

VIEWPOINT

same turnout for an academic ceremony as we do a homecomWe may On Wednesday, November 21, ing football game? the annual Academic Achieve- not be able to celebrate learning ment Awards Ceremony was the same way we would winheld at 6:30pm in the audito- ning a state championship, but rium. Students received an aca- that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t demic honors letter for their first take time to celebrate at all.

From the time we are in third year of achievement, and a star patch for each year following. grade and receive our first “real And while there were lots of report card,” we are encouraged students who could be celebrat- to be the best of the best. We ing their achievements, 357 to be should be encouraged to take the night off exact, attento celebrate dance at this what we have event was meWhy isn’t there the worked so diocre at best. same turnout for an hard for, and In his remarks at the academic ceremony as be appreciated.

As Carr event, Prinwe do a homecoming pointed out, cipal Colin football game? academic sucCarr refercess is “a pinnaenced convercle of classroom sations he had with students that day about the performance, and another step event. He commented that many in the direction of your future.” wanted to attend, but instead When you climb to the top they said they would be at home, of the mountain, take a mostudying and working on home- ment to enjoy the view. It work for a heavy AP course load. might not always be there, but The irony is palpable. Carr it will be worth enjoying, even remarked that “We should cel- for just a moment, when it is.

Next time you are doing ebrate as much in academic arenas as we do on sports fields.” late night cramming, or studyHe’s right. ing for a big test, maybe take a When the opportunity break and think of how you are to be recognized for this kind going to celebrate the success of achievement is available, why when it is over. It may just redo students choose not to par- mind you of why you are workticipate? Why isn’t there the ing so hard in the first place.

Students gather, protest links with ICE; Maryland universities speak their mind VIEWPOINT As the national debate over the immigration policy in the United States continues to spark dispute under the Trump administration, Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland, College Park are some of the few schools that have decided to break conformity and voice their opinions concerning contracts with ICE. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement is a program that ensures and defends the security of federal facilities, commercial airlines, and the processing and deporting of illegal or criminal “aliens.”

With multiple protests and signed petitions, students on the campuses have begun insisting that their universities cut ties with their contracts, even though the administration insists that the linked agency has nothing to do with the detention or deportation of those who are undocumented immigrants.

If these schools affirm that they do not plan to use this agency for what it’s intended for, then why have contracts with the ICE in the first place?

According to The Baltimore

Sun, “Since 2008, Hopkins University has earned more than $7 million from 37 contracts with the ICE.” Of course the contracts are linked to the schools receiving compensation.

If universities want to use these ties as something beneficial to their educational programs, why not share the money with all programs?

Why should students who do

permanently, and rightfully so.

The President of Hopkins, Ronald J. Daniels, believes that the students did not understand that “in good conscience” the university could agreeably

PHOTO CREDITS: Baltimore Sun Protesters at the University of Maryland hold up signs hoping to rid the Unites States of ICE. UMD had signed contracts with ICE giving the school compensation within their medical school.

These contracts are “primarily with the medical school for educational programs that provide emergency medical training and leadership education,” which are set to expire in 2019.

not practice medicine suffer?

In a petition that received nearly 2000 signatures from students, faculty, staff, and even alumni, petitioners urged for the obliteration of contracts with ICE,

collaborate “given the extent and extremity of its cruel practices.”

Someone who presides over a school should take into account the possible consequences, There should

be a time when a disagreement occurs and ICE takes over.

Listening to students and faculty should be the top priority,as most have sacrificed enormous amounts of money, extraneous time, and effort to build the astounding reputation of the entire school.

If this problem is not taken care of, students will continue to further protest and voice their views on this issue, as seen at University of Maryland, College Park.

Passionate students have recently joined the call for a leadership overhaul at the university.

Political Latinxs United for Movement and Action in Society (PLUMAS) were among 24 student groups taking part in a rally calling for President Wallace Loh to fulfill his stated intention to retire in June.

The President of PLUMAS, Blanca Arriola Palma, believes that the only way to solve the issue at hand, it to have a change in leadership overall.

Whether or not these universities go about cutting ties with ICE and ease students minds, they will learn, one way or another, of the importance that a community has on its educational values and the safety of those always seeming to be outnumbered.

Cry of the Hawk

December 4, 2018

Page 4- Op/Ed

The Democratic Party has lost over 1000 seats under the neoliberal, corporatist leadership of Nancy Pelosi, the representative of California’s 12th District. The Democrats lost the House of Representatives in the 2010 midterm elections under Pelosi. She takes big money from just about every big donor one could imagine, from health insurance companies to the military industrial complex. The fact the she is leading Democrats in the House is unacceptable. House Democrats need new leadership to effectively combat the neo-fascist, far-right extremist agenda of Donald Trump and the Republican Party. That new leadership must be Barbara Lee.

House Democrats need new leadership; Barbara Lee must become speaker

Starting over: Second chances matter for kids

OLIVIA BECKER Sports Editor

Nancy Pelosi is an neoliberal leader while Barbara Lee is liberally progressive and ethical. In the past, Pelosi has unethically taken money from big donors while Lee has proven to fund her campaigns ethically.

PHOTO CREDITS: U.S. Government EDITORIAL Barbara Lee is the representative of California’s 13th congressional district. Her policy agenda is as liberally progressive as one can imagine it. Lee supports government funding of developing renewable energy. She was one of only 54 House representatives who voted against President Trump’s massive increase in military spending (H.R.5515), which Pelosi voted in favor of.

Barbara Lee voted against the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act in 2005, which renewed the already unconstitutional PATRIOT Act of 2001, another piece of legislation Lee voted nay on. She was also an outspoken opponent of the 2003 Iraq War. Lee votes progressive because unlike Pelosi, she doesn’t

take campaign contributions from defense contractors such as Boeing, nor corporate monopolies such as Amazon or Alphabet Inc. Nancy Pelosi is a politician who has been completely and utterly bought out by corporate interests.

She refuses to support “Medicare for All”, despite it being supported by 84.5% of Democrats and even 51% of Republicans. This is likely due to the $11,318.00 she’s taken from Blue Cross Blue Shield and $12,250.00 she’s taken from the American Hospital Association.

Furthermore, here biggest campaign donor is Facebook, who has lately been in hot water for messing with the personal data of the website’s users.

One might look at the Democrats’ victory in taking back the House in the 2018 midterm elections and as ask, “Why does Nancy Pelosi

need to be replaced if Democrats took back the House under her?” Many of the Democrats that won in the House were unapologetically progressive, such as Alexandria OcassioCortez in New York’s 14th district and Rashida Tlaib in Michigan’s 13th district. In fact, Pelosi was rather alarmed when Cortez won an upset victory in her primary against incumbent corporate Democrat, Joe Crowley. Cortez even joined a group a protestor in Nancy Pelosi’s office demanding she create a Green New Deal committee to help fight manmade climate change. Pelosi clearly won’t be too excited when these two, along with other progressive Democrats become part of the 116th Congress in early 2019.

Barbara Lee is a progressive very much in the vain of Cortez and

Tlaib. Lee has plenty of experience in public office, serving in the House of Representatives since the late 1990s. If Barbara Lee becomes Speaker of the House, then Democrats could become reenergized to the point where they can take back both the Senate and White House in 2020. If Pelosi becomes Speaker of the House, her method of “compromising” with Republicans -which equates to giving in to all their demandswon’t make Democratic and independent voters so enthusiastic about voting in the 2020 elections. This could mean another four years of a Trump-run White House, which would likely doom the Republic America’s Founding Father’s worked so hard to create. President Trump does support Pelosi becoming Speaker of the House, after all.

NRA, medical professionals spark fight on gun violence EDITORIAL In a Twitter war between the NRA and licensed doctors, the fight against gun violence is reignited once again.

Arguments such as these suggest the need for a real solution to be implemented.

The scandal began when several doctors addressed gun violence. Dr. Garen Wintemute, of the Violence Prevention Research Program at the University of California Davis Medical Center stated, “We need to ask our patients about firearms, counsel them on safe firearm behaviors, and take further action when an imminent hazard is present,” within an editorial in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

After several opinions were shared, the NRA crafted a tweet in response.

The National Rifle Association tweeted, “Someone should tell self-important antigun doctors to stay in their

lane. Half of the articles in Annals of Internal Medicine are pushing for gun control.

Most upsetting, however, the medical community seems to have consulted NO ONE but themselves.” This tweet incited a war between doctors and the NRA. Both Dr. Joseph V. Sakran and Dr. Esther Choo tweeted responses.

“Dr. Joseph V. Sakran is an Assistant Professor of Surgery, Associate Chief of the Division of Acute Care Surgery, and Director of Emergency General Surgery at The Johns Hopkins Hospital” (Hopkins Medicine).

He tweeted stating that medical professionals will not “stay in their lane,” and they will help to stop “senseless tragedies” from occuring.

Dr. Esther Choo is an Emergency Doctor, Associate Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine and the Department of Health Services at the Oregon Health & Science University. She spoke out

saying, “We are not anti-gun: we are anti-bullet holes in our patients. [...] Most upsetting, actually, is death and disability from gun violence that is unparalleled in the world.”

While this is a complex issue, this problem has been mended before.

Countries such as Japan, the UK, Australia, and Norway have hindered gun violence in different ways.

Japan puts its citizens through rigorous training to obtain a firearm. Once retrieving a gun license in Japan, the only firearms available are shotguns and air-rifles, reducing the threat of devastating shootings (Business Insider).

The number of gun deaths per 100,000 people in Japan is zero according to 2013 data while the same of the United States is 10.54 (BBC).

The United Kingdom passed legislation banning the private ownership of handguns, banned semi automatic and

pump-action firearms, and began a $200 million buyback program. The result is 50 to 60 gun-related deaths a year.

Australia began a multimillion dollar buyback program as well.

As a result, gun-related deaths were cut in half. gun-related suicides and gun-related homicides were less frequent.

Norway does not have harsh restrictions on guns, but they have a much smaller percentage of guns than the United States has. The reason they don’t have large amounts of gun deaths is “social cohesion between citizens and the government goes a long way toward ensuring a (mostly) peaceful society” (Business Insider).

Here, citizens distrust the government and media therefore furthering conflict.

The one thing that can be agreed on is that a change needs to occur. Deaths due to gun violence are preventable, and we need to stop them from occurring.

In recent news a Baltimore city school teacher, Camille Hinmon, came back to school after battling cancer. On her first day back, which was also her birthday, she found her return was anything but pleasant after a 17- year- old student punched her in the face.

Hinmon is a mother of three, a member of her local church and has taught in schools with bad reputations. Hinmon adds that she thought she was invincible, but after this experience she is not sure and it is easy to see why .

Days after the incident, the teacher saw the video of her assault for the first time after the video went viral. The video wasn’t all that was going around though. The teacher says that there was so much hate directed at the student. And it would be easy to understand why so many would rally around this educator, however, Hinmon is not one of them.

Instead Hinmon hopes something good will come out of the incident, and she believes that comes with forgiveness.

Instead of worrying about how to punish the student, Hinmon is worried about how to help the student. “All of us have had ups and downs. I don’t know what the ups and downs are in her life,” said the veteran educator.

What a message this teacher is sending to the rest of the world about kindness and compassion.

Hinmon has reminded the world that sometimes people are fighting battles we know nothing about and though this teenager’s actions are inexcusable, they are not unforgivable.

Obviously this student should be punished for her actions, but what comes after her punishment is most important. Yes, it would be easy to write the teen off as just another delinquent, but what good will come from that? Nothing.

Instead, if we take time to reserve judgement and instead offer a second a chance, we might find teens like this one will rise up instead of getting beaten down even more.

The truth is you do not know what is happening in someone’s life until you ask and that is the only way to build a relationship that could change a life.

Camille Hinmon is a reminder for all of us to recognize the power of forgiveness and the importance of perspective.

Cry of the Hawk

December 4, 2018

Page 5 - News

Running for personal goals; Hawks show off spir it, Filly Football game: Seniors earn victory again Bayne conquers marathon ALISON GRAFTON ASHLEY HALEY Reporter

H/S Editor

The annual Filly Football game took place on Monday, November 12. Last year’s juniors won with a score of 42-14 . This year, seniors came away with a 24-14 win.

The purpose of the Filly Football is to generate money for prom, and this year, over $1000 was raised according to event coordinators Mrs. Kim Iddings and Ms. Barbara Matthews.

This annual game often brings together lots of teachers and staff members who help in a variety of ways. The 2018 game featured play by play commentary of the event from Mr. Brady Green and Mr. Greg Murrell.

Green has had a past of announcing the Filly football matches and finds it fun. “I don’t mind embarrassing myself.” He has had previous experiences with announcing at boys soccer games in the past and plans to do the same at boys lacrosse games this coming spring.

One of the most important parts of the game is participation of staff. The students are then able to interact with staff they don’t typically see, like guidance secretary Ms. Lesa West, who added, “it’s[the game] a lot of fun, everyone should go out and do it.”

Senior Samantha Fielder wanted to continue her filly football career after last year, and “want-

Photo credit: Madison Zdon ed to keep that undefeated streak going.” Her favorite part was running the ball, which helped lead her team to victory.

Junior Meredith Price was looking forward to the game to play alongside her friends. She has a fun time playing alongside her friends. Price loved when she made a touchdown too.

Another thing unique to Filly Football is the cheerleaders. Senior Sam Macatee came to the game to cheer lead to support the

senior class. Being a football player, it was fun for him to watch the girls give it a try and swap positions.

This year’s Filly Football game featured a special performance by the band with a special instrument too, kazoos. Senior Toby Ziegler mentioned that “we were having a bit of fun and thought we would change up our own performance.” Price mentioned that the band showed how talented our school is.

Shortage evokes donations; Students give blood

ANNA FITZHUGH Business Manager

As the holiday season is fast approaching, the American Red Cross has issued an “urgent call for blood and platelet donations.”Following 21,000 fewer donations than normal, the need for blood is becoming critical.

North Harford High School hosted a blood drive this October. Organized by Ms. Beth Martin, in association with the American Red Cross, the blood drive had 70 spots to fill. 10 of the spots for community members, and 60 for students/staff. Normally, North Harford organizes 2 blood drives each school year; one in the fall and one in spring.

Last year, only a fall blood drive was held. “We didn’t have as good of a turnout last year. This time, however, we had almost every single spot filled,” Martin claims. “Our goal was met and we exceeded the number of donors expected.”

Student donors included main-

ly upperclassmen due to the age restriction. Martin states, “underclassmen have shown interest, but you have to be at least 16 to be considered.” According to the American Red Cross, donating blood also requires a donor to be in good health, weigh at least 110 pounds, and have waited 56 days to give blood since the last donation.

Juniors Isabella Messick, Olivia VanHorn and Kara Benn describe their desire to give blood as “wanting to help other people, and thinking donating is good thing to do for the community”.

Benn and her friends decided to donate blood as a group, and “all signed up together.” VanHorn explains her motivation to donate blood is personal. “Before my great grandfather died, he received a lot of blood transfusions, and I realized how important giving blood can be.” While VanHorn saw first hand where blood donations can go, Senior Eden Giles attests “After donating last year, I received an e-mail

saying that my blood went to and helped somebody else, so it made me want to do it again.”

Although motivated to contribute to the blood drive, fear of needles and losing blood frighten many students; last year, Giles claims she was, “sweating so bad, and was so nervous, her heart rate made it that she almost couldn’t donate blood.”

Nerves of Giles were handled by “Breathing deeply and not looking at the needle as they put it in”. After telling the nurse her heart rate was just high because she was nervous, she was able to donate blood. Messick was also nervous about the needle, and insists, “Although terrified of needles, I figured helping other people would help motivate me to get over my fear.”

Despite 12 deferrals, 32 students, 10 teachers, and 6 community members contributed in helping 93 people in the area with their blood needs.

Mark your calendars, March 15 is the next blood drive.

History teacher Mr. Ryan Bayne has been pushing himself to new limits. On November 18, Bayne completed a marathon for which he had been training for months.

“The experience was amazing.

There were thousands of runners there and even more spectators along the course. I got to see over 26 miles of the city and go about something that I knew would be extremely physically and mentally challenging,” said the runner.

This is the second marathon the social studies teacher ran in the last 20 years. “The reason I chose to run this as my second marathon was because I did this same one 20 years earlier in 1998.

Being able to see how I could run 20 years later was something I was looking forward to,” said Bayne.

Training for this event started back in June, “from August through the end of October, I averaged approximately 50 miles per week.” During his training in October, Bayne had a severe case of bronchitis, which meant he couldn’t train for several weeks.

“In order to get through it, I told myself that I had to have total clarity and confidence, however, I knew that after missing three weeks of training, my body was either going to hold up at the end or it wasn’t; but however I decided to run, said Bayne.

After missing training time, the physical affects of this race put Bayne in a tough position, nearing the end of the race, he recalls, “I made it through just over 20 miles before my body began to break down, and the last few miles were a struggle to get through.”

He hoped his pace during this marathon would be enough for him to possibly have a chance to qualify to run in the Boston Marathon.

Bayne said his wife is his biggest support system. “I couldn’t have done this without the support of my wife. Having three young kids, I tried my best not to take time away from family.”

Laura Bayne always made sure he wasn’t forgetting major components that went along with his training such as staying hydrated, getting enough rest, and stretching before training.

“After the race was over, the recovery was tough. The soreness was brutal, but I expected that. I actually had a very hard time being able to eat anything or drink anything. I think my body was not quite fully recovered from being sick, nor was it quite ready for that distance after missing much of the November training.”

Although this experience left him feeling drained, he said this experience was completely worth it. Bayne says “crossing the finish line, I knew I had run one of the toughest races of my life, both physically and mentally, and had a lot to be proud of.”

In late October, students welcomed a new member to the ag family, a durham boar who is yet to be named. The agriculture department is planning to use this new addition so that they can continue to breed and display pigs as a part of their program.

According to ag teacher Mrs. Dana Morton, this is the “easiest, cheapest way to continue breeding the animals.” With the addition of a new boar, as well as a donkey named Dusty, already this year, they are not planning to add other new animals. However, currently planning to breed the animals on campus. So when spring arrives, we may have a few new additions to the barn animal squad.

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Cry of the Hawk

December 4, 2018

Activity planning: Church retreats establishes community bonds Students share ideas ELLIE EVANS News Editor Many teams, organizations, and groups plan activities for their members during the school year. While these events are exciting, students at NH are hoping for new and exciting opportunities to show their hawk pride.

In the popular book and Netflix movie To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before the characters had a school sponsored senior ski trip, and students such as junior, Isabella Messick “would love to have a senior ski trip because she said she “would make some great memories with my friends.”

Junior Kelsie Collier is an avid fan of the movie and explained that, “I would definitely love to go on a ski trip even if I don’t know how to ski.”

Sophomores Kendall Schubert and Tori Simms would also prefer is the SGA added more activities in the winter season,and added that “a winter formal dance would be so much fun.”

Not all school wide events are run by the SGA. The FFA hosted a Halloween movie night on October 17 for all students and staff to attend. The event was free but they raised money through the selling of snacks for those attending. According to former SGA member Ryan Blosser, The SGA usually sponsors paint night, however, this year

the varsity cheer team planned this activity.

Additionally, team bingos, talent shows, dramatic performances are among the list of events happening at school.

Junior Evan Allred suggested that the SGA sponsored a pep rally for spring sports and junior Will Becker by added, “Having the SGA host a senior picnic in the fall would be really fun next year.”

While students may dream of having various events, the financial aspects that provide these entertaining activities can be straining.

For the SGA to have enough money for homecoming, they must have sponsored events for fundraising. Mrs. Fisher-Smith is the SGA executive, she explains that “organizing the Homecoming dance requires an extensive amount of work by the student government.”

No other fundraisers are necessary for events outside of Homecoming such as Hawkstock and the annual Talent Show, which are funded by profits made at Homecoming.

For students to convey their suggestions about SGA sponsored events Fisher-Smith suggests that students “come to a general assembly meeting held during specified SOAR periods to share and discuss his/her idea with the student body.” Announcements are made about these meetings each month.

OLIVIA BECKER Sports Editor North Harford students play sports, perform in musicals and take part in many other extracurricular activities. And many students are active with organizations and groups outside of school, including church communities.

Often students involved in church groups participate in retreats. Senior Sara Shuck recently went on her fall retreat with Mountain Christian Church.

They went to North Bay and Shuck said it was her seventh year attending and she says that her favorite part about going on retreats is “connecting with my[Sara’s] small group and getting to know other people from her[Sara’s] church.”

Making these connections does not end on the retreat, though.

Shuck says they have regular small group every week where they do a bible study. She added that they had small groups, where they discussed they also hang out and plan fun activities together. Overall, Shuck says that the retreats she goes on gives her a better relationship with those around her. “They have deepened my[Sara’s] faith and made me closer to god,” said the senior.

Another senior, Sam Fielder, says she has learned a lot about religion when on retreats. Fielder is a member of Bethel Presbyterian church and she has gone on retreats in both Ocean City and Virginia. On the retreat in Virginia, the senior says she learned about Esther. She says that Es-

Students take part in North Bay fall retreat. They have also previously participated in many similar events with their church group.

Photo credit: Shelley Huggins ther is an orphan who grew up to be a courageous queen, saving Israel from annihilation, according to the bible.

They talked about leadership and how Esther can be related to the world today. She adds there were other fun activities, including games and making smores, but most importantly she says that her experiences on retreats has made her much more pas-

sionate about her religion.

Sophomore, Lily Macatee, agrees with both seniors. She is a member of Bel Air United Methodist church and she says that along with connecting to God she has the opportunity to bond with other young members of her church. Macatee says that she has even had the chance to go on a mission trip with her group, furthering her faith even more.

Speak up about injustice: Debate team tackles tough topics ALEAH BIKLE Reporter Position There is an unexpected competition many students routinely compete in that others do not know much about, and if they do, they do not know what it entails. This engaging event is called Speech and Debate.

Mrs. Kim Evelyn, the head coach of the speech and debate team, describes what the events are all about, “A lot of people believe speech and debate is just choosing a topic, and debating against an opponent or conveying your own opinion, but many do not realize the various categories debating can cover.”

Speech and debate can range from reciting poetry and children’s literature, to listing pros and cons, even including extemporaneous scenarios, where stu-

dents are given a period of time to prepare their studies.

“Topics can change due to what categories participants are in. Some students choose to debate the same thing all season long, perfecting their craft for the judges to view what it is they have improved on,” Evelyn explains. “This year, we have about nine competitions at varying schools, where other students in Harford County go up against our teammates who may have to argue the same topic.”

Students are judged by teachers from either their own schools or competitors’ schools.

“Teachers need to sign up for at least three duties throughout

the school year and I happened to be asked to judge a competition a couple of times,” Evelyn recalls,

member in Speech and Debate, teaming up with junior Heather King for most of his first place wins.

“My favorite part about being on the team is being able to meet all of the wonderful people who I am fortunate enough to create friendships with,” Blosser continues, “All of the topics are exciting yet challenging and I love that I am able to work with a partner that will be able to celebrate a job well done in the end.”

Categories are given to students a week or more before a competition, giving the team a short amount of time to conjure up everything they want to prove. Everyone has a chance to discuss what they feel about a

All of the topics are exciting yet challenging and I love that.

-Ryan Blosser, junior

“I was [like] ‘Don’t you have to be an English or social studies teacher’ but I learned that any teacher can be an advisor, and look at me now.”

Junior Ryan Blosser is an active

certain topic, no matter how it’s presented. Students are given the opportunity and the freedom to express how they feel in a safe environment where others will listen intently.

“My favorite topic to discuss is anything that has to do with politics concerning the events in Harford county that create an impact,” Blosser reveals “Students shouldn’t be afraid to put themselves out there. By joining the team, they are able to learn public speaking skills and form strong bonds with others that will last them beyond their high school career.”

The team’s most recent competition was held on Thursday, November 29 and meeting times are 2:15 in room D313 for those interested in getting involved with this competitive team,

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Cry of the Hawk

December 4, 2018

Drumm’s legacy lives on at Nest; Students eager for another win Annual book drive continues EMMIE CATRAMBONE Entertainment Editor

CHARLOTTE MCELWAIN Reporter

Erin Drumm was a junior when she passed away in 2016. An active part of the NHHS community, Drumm was a goalie for varsity girls lacrosse, a member of the swim team, a member of the FFA, and a performer in many dramatic performances.

Since Drumm passed away from leukemia in the winter of 2016, her mother, Paula Drumm, has been running a book drive in her honor.

“I decided to do this because Erin absolutely loved to read. She always had a book with her and if there was any down time in her day, she would read.” Her favorite books were the Warrior series by Erin Hunter, the Maximum Ride series by James Patterson, The Hobbit and probably her most favorite was Edward Sawtelle by David Wroblewski.

Mrs. Drumm has already collected around 2,000 books from North Harford High School, Bel Air High School and Middle School, and the US Taekwondo program. Mrs. Drumm want to provide easy access for children and teens to books that would allow them to experience the “joy of reading that Erin did.” Mrs. Drumm also wants to give not only joy but relief for children like her daughter. “The social world was not that easy for Erin, so reading gave her an escape,” commented Erin’s mom.

“Erin loved North Harford,” and she was heavily involved

in the school, whether she was tearing up on the lacrosse field, showing a pig for the county fair, or standing in the spotlight for a NHHS play.

She would have wanted to carry on in the hearts of her fellow Hawks...,” said Mrs. Drumm.

While in chorus class and participating in the school plays, Erin became very close with Mrs. Angie Jones, “ I would always have to tell her to put away her book in the beginning Photo credit: Paula Drumm of class[...]it is so incredibly appropriate that Erin, it represents all the children we do the drive for Erin because that are battling cancer and “it she had such a great passion for is such a wonderful outlet to life reading.” for those kids even though they Outside the atrium, there is a are confined to the hospital,”, beautiful mural in honor of Erin expressed Erin’s former lacrosse created by many students in the coach, Ms. Patty Murdy. art department and Mrs. Kathryn Students or community memHumphry overlooked the project. bers who would like to donate Humphry shared, “it is so impor- new or gently used books can tant to keep a memory alive of a drop them off in Mrs. Green’s, young lady that was taken away Mrs. Chandler’s rooms or in the from us too soon.” main office through the end of the This book drive is not only for month.

son. “We got really close to winning last year at states and The new school year is well we have a whole new “A” team underway, and so is the 2018this year because most of the 2019 Envirothon season. The rest of the “A’ team left for colcounty champions and state lege last year. So it’s like a new runners-up from last year are start and I want to show that back into action, already havthis team can win just like the ing meetings and even going on other team did.” a field trip to Rock State Park.

There are multiple teams due “Envirothon is like an envito the large amount of people ronment knowledge competithat participate in Envirothon, tion. We meet every Friday but the “A” team is considered from 4 to 6pm and we have a the most prepared and knowlcompetition edgeable in the spring group of time against students. every school There is only in the county,” ...I want to show that this one main explains junior team can win just like the c o m p e t i Brennan Stewtion each other team did. art. He was a school year, part of Enviin April, and rothon team all of the -Erin O’Leary last year and is meetings are now a part of spent prethe team again. paring for The competithis event. tion includes written tests, Last year, NH beat Harford surveys, and experiments with Christian in the county chamthe land and surroundings of pionship to move on to the the community. state competition, where they “We had fall training in placed second. NH has won October and we basically just the county competition for two learned the basics but now years in a row, now, and they we’ll meet every week with are hoping that they can go all Mrs. O’Leary to learn even the way to the national chammore,” he explained. pionship this year.

The topics for this upcoming Envirothon students deseason include aquatic ecology, scribe themselves as hardsoil/land use, forestry, wildlife, working people who have fun. and current issues. The overall “...It might seem like a lot of 2019 theme is Agriculture and work because we do stay afthe Environment: Knowledge ter every Friday, but it’s a reand Technology to Feed the ally fun group of people and World. there’s food! It’s just an interJunior Erin O’Leary is very esting group to be in,” says Erin excited for this upcoming seaO’Leary.

Special educator shares message about being kind MADISON ZDON Sports Editor Jordyn is 17-year-old girl who designed a shirt that said “be kind to everyone”. What began as a summer project quickly grew to epic proportions with the shirt and the message spreading across the US. NH special educator Mrs. Linda Black heard about Jordyn’s story on Facebook and had to help and find out more.

Black said she learned Jordyn’s parents were worried about her future, so they helped her start a website to sell the t-shirts to spread her important message.

They believed that learning job skills such as sending orders out and filling orders that came in were important skills for Jordyn

to learn.

Jordyn’s goal was to sell a shirt in every state, a goal she exceeded. With just her and her friend Sarah, the young teens packaged and sent out each shirt with a note that expressed gratitude for those purchasing the shirt and supporting an important message.

Black felt so passionate about Jordyn and autistic teens in the workplace because she believes there are so many people who think their options are limited.

However, Black explained, “no matter what the disability, with opportunity a job can get done.”

The special educator said she has always had a great understanding and confidence in autistic children. “Most people

when they think of autism think of someone deformed or crippled but it actually means they prefer being in their own space, they can learn just like anyone else when given the chance,’’ said Black.

The employment field for people with autism is varied. While Jordyn began her tee-shirt business with the help of her parents, many autistic people work in libraries, restaurants, and other employment experiences. Black said, “They[those with autism] do not want to be seen as anything different, they just want to be accepted for who and what they are; they same as us.”

If interested in supporting this cause go to bekindtoeveryone. com where you can purchase the original shirts with also the

limited edition Christmas tee.

Also available for purchase are hats, cups, longsleeves, fleeces and necklaces, that read, “be kind to everyone.”

Right now orders are requested to be placed by December 12 to get products shipped

by Christmas.

If you order any later, products may not arrive in time for the holidays.

Photo credit: www.bekindtoeveryone.com

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December 4, 2018

December 4, 2018

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December 4, 2018

C o m p i l e d by A n n a F i t z h u g h Compiled by Lizzie Catrambone

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S o u r c e : w w w. n d e r f. o r g

Cry of t

the Hawk

danger Re l i g i o u s “death” perceptions Compiled by Ellie Evans and Cassidy Chandler

10-11 - Features

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Cry of the Hawk

Real-life dog to appear in Oz production;

Local students attend special preview ALEAH BIKLE Reporter

or begins to get a little squirrely, “the cast members feed her carrots since they are her absolute favorite.”

Having a live dog on stage adds a different dynamic to the show according to some cast members, but Koerber believes “the best

Once again, the drama department is preparing for a fall musical full of energetic cast members and a new, unexpected addition.

The Wizard of Oz will feature a real-life dog named Bella.

Senior Kathryn Koerber volunteered her chihuahua to play the part of main character Dorothy’s dog, Toto.

Koerber knew that drama teacher and director Mrs. Nancy Green was in need of a dog that could play the part.

“I’m not quite sure what the production would have done without a live dog,” Koerber said.

She added that the drama Photo Credit: Katie Koerber department “did not want a person to play Toto since it wouldn’t seem as professional.” part about having Bella in the Working with a chihuahua is as show is seeing how she helps the just interesting as it sounds, ac- cast bond with each other.” Becording to Koerber. “Bella comes cause dogs can be pretty unpreto rehearsal around once a week dictable, Koerber explains the and will continue to show up cast knows if Bella pees or barks, more frequently as the shows “everyone has to learn to play it near their performing dates,” Ko- off and act professional.” erber explains. “She is kept on a The performances of Oz will beleash for most of the rehearsal, gin with dress rehearsals schedif she’s not in someone’s arms.” uled for November 28 which will The senior said that whenever be performed for surrounding Bella does a good job performing schools, including Edgewood,

North Harford, North Bend, and Jarrettsville Elementary Schools.

As for involving the community in the shows, Green answers, “It is important to involve them in every available aspect. Having these schools come to our shows allows other drama departments in Harford County to see what lies ahead if they choose to embark on studying the arts as a part of their future.” These feeder school students play a huge part in the production, since many of them are taking on the role of Munchkins, according to the director.

“During one of my fine art teacher meetings, we had the opportunity to ask interested students from our feeder schools, including those from Jarrettsville, North Bend, North Harford, and Norrisville Elementary schools, if they wanted to be a part of Oz,” Green comments. “At auditions, I was expecting [like] 20 kids to come, but 41 of them showed up. I couldn’t choose to cut any of them, so we kept everyone for the part.”

Be sure to catch everyone in action on November 29, 30 and December 1.

Tech paves yellow brick road to musical production MADISON ZDON Sports Editor

This year the drama department will be performing The Wizard of Oz, the musical. And no show would be complete without lots of help behind the scenes.

Advanced tech teacher Mr.Tim Pistel has been working with students to use STEAM (science, tech, engineering, arts, and mathematics) skills as they start building the sets. According to those involved in the play, Pistel will build sets that move and which are multi-dimensional in order to keep up with the constant need for set changes in the play.

Pistel stated that “the students have been working hard to complete the different pieces because the play will have a lot of set changes so more sets are needed.”

He also explain that the play has

so many “departments working together on one project to make it all go smoothly for show night.”

Drama teacher Mrs. Nancy Green said the students in tech are “getting an authentic learning experience because the products they’re building in tech are actually going to be used in a real production on stage.” She adds many colleges include courses that aid in the building of sets so it will give those students practice, however, adding STEAM into North Harford is “innovative and unique.”

The advanced tech students have been building fences, trees, a scarecrow, a cellar, a well, and a big stone wall with windows and that’s just the beginning of what they will create. Every scene in this production is a “different setting so there has to be a lot of

moving pieces,’’ added Pistel.

When the building is done, the art department will be involved with set design. Art Guild, advised by Mr. Jason Blevins, will be painting all the sets.

“The students will be creating the sets to really wow the audience” Blevins stated. Senior Hayley Welzant said, “the group works well together preparing to paint we have just outlined the backdrop and will be painting soon” while Junior Sadie Niles said, “we have just started painting and it’s turning out well with everyone being involved and helping.”

Blevins has been painting the sets for plays for many years and said that the focal point is “typically the backdrop but for this musical, every piece on stage will play a part.”

December 4, 2018

New take on Christmas classic CHARLOTTE MCELWAIN Social Media Coordinator The Nutcracker is a story that’s been told through generations but now Disney has taken a enchanting new spin on this timeless classic.

Disney is known for taking old stories and twisting them to their liking and the Nutcracker in the Four Realms is no exception to this rule.

Even though there are a few similarities, the differences outnumber them in really meaningful ways.

The first Nutcracker movie came out in 1986 follows the storyline of a girl named Clara who received a toy soldier for Christmas and later that night and she sleeps she’s taking away to a dream land where she works with her nutcracker do you save the kingdom from an evil rat king.

The 2018 Disney version, The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, is a little different from the original; both have main characters named Clara and the setting remains Christmas Eve in England.

The new film really didn’t have that Christmas vibe that most consumers thought it might.

Something that really capti-

vated audience was that astonishing details in animation and how it was incorporated into the real actors. Also, the use of music from the band and orchestra was an exquisite way to convey the inspirational tone of the film The costumes on all the characters were absolutely breathtaking and the audience could tell how much time the designer put into making the characters’ costumes, which made them even more stunning.

But the best part of the movie was a plot twist that no one in the audience could see coming.

Certain scenes in the film are a little creepy, like when clowns were playing in a dark foggy forest.

However, these are the moments in the film that help to make it go by really quickly, despite the 1 hour and 40 minutes play time. Even though it is not exactly the same as the original Disney version, it is so beautiful and so breathtaking, this movie will appeal to all ages. All the characters, the scenery, and the details make for an amazing movie for strong female characters that inspire all.

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December 4, 2018

Wild Tomato features wide Choral students coming together, creating tunes BIKLE range of American delicacies ALEAH Reporter HAILEY DEARES Reporter With a wild and wide-range of selections on the menu, the Wild Tomato’s name is a good fit for this local restaurant.

The Wild Tomato American Kitchen is a brand new restaurant in Forest Hill that features a wild array of food, from pizza to cheesesteaks. The restaurant opened Wednesday October 24 and has been busy ever since.

The food is also from all over the United States ranging from the mid-west, east coast and west coast.

When you first walk in, you’re

crumbs.

The pasta is cooked just right and melts right in your mouth.

With a perfect balance of butter and cheese, this is a must-order for diners. The pizza is cooked to order and oven baked and finished with combination toppings, such as the Idaho au gratin.

This potato pizza is cooked with fresh potatoes that cook into crispy potato chips and are paired with mozzarella cheddar and fresh grated parmesan cheese and bacon.

Other pizzas like the Maryland Blue Crab feature local ingredients to highlight foods from the

Towson’s choir and students who were newly considered friends.” Jones believes that the experience “gave [my] students a sense of what chorus looks like after high school,” and added that “We had such a nice day with everyone else who passionately participates in singing and we all had a great time gaining some tips from professionals who teach college level courses.” Students who attended this educational event have a better idea if they want to continue with musical elements of the arts during their time in college.

They also hope that this field trip will continue in future years for high school students who are interested in what goes on behind the scenes, who will also have the chance to create songs with some “amazing” directors. Thompson, who was blown away by the experience, viewed the festival as a learning experience and believes it was “definitely a moment to remember forever.”

Hidden talent of North Harford

Photo Credit: Hailey Deares greeted by friendly staff and seated right away. There is a choice of bar seats, high top seats, and regular tables. The ambiance is warm, rustic and very welcoming. From the brick walls to the barrel decorations, the elements are all tied together to give the guest a unique dining experience. The servers are very attentive in checking on their guests several times.

The menu had a variety of options, including many kinds of salads with homemade dressing and 12 kinds of pizza. The prices were in the $10-$14 range and most menu items are fairly affordable. Most pizzas are 14”, but there is also a 12” gluten free option. Kids meals are also very affordable at $6-$7, including basic kid favorites like chicken with fries and pasta with meatballs.

The Baked Wisconsin Mac and Cheese is a cheesy masterpiece, consisting of a cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan cream sauce, with Cavatappi pasta topped with bread

A handful of choral students, who are active members in the Harmonics, were given the opportunity to visit Towson University for its annual choral day. Seniors Jacob Thompson, Sydney Tulp, Kayleigh Gallagher, and junior Max Henkel traveled with Miss Angela Jones to experience what music programs would be like in college should they choose to pursue singing past their high school career.

The Towson University Choral festival brings hundreds of students to the campus annually for a day of collaborative rehearsals, masterclasses, and final performances. The students got to experience a tour of Towson University, that included multiple music rooms, the main cafeteria, and the stage where they would later perform the pieces they practiced with other choirs.

Senior Jacob Thompson is an active participant in the men’s

choir, the Harmonics, and the 2018 fall musical, The Wizard of Oz. Thompson reflects on this “eye-opening” experience as he describes the routine that his classmates followed that day.

“I had the incredible chance to meet the Towson choral directors and students who love to sing [just] as much as I do,” Thompson continued, “We started with warm-ups, transitioned into sectionals, and split up based on various vocal parts including bass, soprano, alto, and tenor.” Thompson reviewed his meetings with other students from high schools all around Maryland, “The cafeteria was so huge. It was cool to sit with other singers and musicians and hear their stories about how they fell in love with music and the arts,” Thompson revealed.

“We rehearsed our song choices shortly after lunch to prepare for our final performance while remembering the tips and tricks given from

east coast, such as homemade creamy crab sauce with fresh lump crab meat seasoned with old bay. If you’re in the mood for unique pizzas offered nowhere else, the Wild Tomato is your place to go.

However, if pizza is not your thing, you can check out the burgers and sandwiches, such as the New York, New York which is a sandwich overstuffed with Italian capicola, salami, provolone, and homemade Italian dressing on a fresh Italian sub roll.

To top it all off, if you’re still hungry after the entree, there are some dessert options. The N’Awlins Beignets are a delicate dough dessert topped with powdered sugar. This french pasty has a lot of powder, so beware the mess they can create.

If you’re interested in going, be sure to call ahead because they are always packed!

The Wild Tomato is located at 1433 Rock Spring Road, Bel Air, MD 21014. You can view their menu online at wildtomatoamericankitchen.com.

ALEAH BIKLE Reporter

way in the future.”

Schocket reveals that his favorite show above all is The Thanksgiving Eve Party held at Jarrettsville VFW Post, an annual event that has been sold out the last couple times when they performed. “The best show of the entire year is by far

Love it or hate it, the name “duck farmers” has been a long standing tradition associated with NHHS. And once a duck farmer, always a duck farmer.

Dennis Schocket, Paul DiBastiani, Rich Davis, and Russ Greene are active members of the rock band named The All Mighty Duck Farmers.

Schocket and his group of high school friends have been musicians for over 25 years, some even started 30+ years ago. They get the opportunity to play for other students from their graduation class at special venues, concerts, and Photo Credit: Dennis Schocket fundraising events all across Maryland.

Thanksgiving Eve,” Schocket Schocket is a full-time mucontinues, “Many students sician who plays guitar and who graduated with us come sings vocals for the Ducks. The out and see our performance. band has been together for a It’s like a big NH reunion.” little over two years and they This year’s event took place on say they feel “extremely grateNovember 21 at 8 PM. ful for every chance they are Schocket includes his top given to express their feelings five pieces of advice to any muthrough music” and “are exsicians or vocalists who want cited for what is to come their to pursue music after high

school, maybe even create a band of their own.

“My top five best pieces of advice to any working musicians are to first, practice your craft every single day, be on time for any upcoming gigs, complete a professional job and pack up your equipment in a timely manner,” Schocket continues.

“Make sure to thank the audience for a great set and meet with the event manager after each show. Lastly, reflect on your performance and what you believe was good or bad to work on next time you are involved in an event.” Schocket wants every performer to know that “it is important to always remember to enjoy being onstage with the people you love, with and an audience who will provide a reaction you’ll probably never forget.”

Schocket and his band say they are genuinely ecstatic about what lies ahead in their future of performing together and “will continue to play music until someone tells them to stop.”

Page 14- Student, Society, and Culture

Cry of the Hawk

December 4th, 2018

From the Hawks’ perspective...

Trump’s transgender policy

New grading system In the 2018-19 school year Harford County Public Schools started a using new grading causing a wide variety of reactions from students and some teachers. The new policy includes three weighted categories in which students are assessed: Product (50%), Process (30%), and Practice (20%).

Donald Trump’s administration recently has been considering defining gender as “biological, immutable condition determined by genitalia at birth” according to the New York Times.This would mean a change for the thousands of US citizens who have legally changed their gender.

Photo credit:Madison Zdon

“I personally don’t like it... [it] really only benefits the students that are good test takers and have a good memory.

We should be allowing the teachers to grade a classwork or test the way they want.”

-Lauren Taber, junior

“By Trump creating this law it would undermine a lot of forward work on equality, and I feel as if no one should ever be told who they should be by anyone, because the only person that knows who they are is themself.’’

-Mrs. Nancy Green, drama teacher Photo credit:Madison Zdon

Photo credit:Madison Zdon

“I don’t mind it but it was difficult in the beginning of the year to change the way I was grading because in spanish we have a lot of practice grades that could vary, but now I have to place them in a certain category.”

-Mrs. Carrie Rosales, Spanish teacher

“The fact that a man can have this much control over society is despicable, we should have the ability to be whoever we want. As a president I don’t think the definition of gender should be changed by the president.”

-Natalie Campbell, junior

COMPILED BY Madison Zdon

$$ What would you do ....

Photo credit: Cassidy Chandler

Dominic Spigler, freshman “I’d probably put it in the bank to earn interest, and maybe go on a vacation.”

COMPILED BY Lauren Seco, Hailey Deares and Cassidy Chandler

Photo credit:Lauren Seco

Lina Goetz, sophomore, “I’d probably give most of it to charities around the world to help people less fortunate than us.”

Photo credit: Hailey Deares

Raymond Granger, sophomore “I would but my parents a house and put my friend in a better place. I’d also buy a bouncy house that’s castle. “

Photo credit: Hailey Deares

Aliyah Gomez, sophomore I’d pay off all my students loans for college and my car payments so i dont need to worry in the future.

Page 15 Student, Society, and Culture

Cry of the Hawk

Page 15- Students, Society, and Culture

Bloggers are those who create and regularly update at least one website or webpage, and vloggers are their online video equivalent. Some internet enthusiasts are both. A few of them are even students at North Harford High School.

Blogging, vlogging Hawks GRANT SCARBORO Hawks Reporter Junior Kassie Reeves is a student who classifies herself as both a blogger and vlogger. Her content is driven by her major hobby, horseback riding. Reeves said her blogs reflect her performance at her most recent horse shows. After returning from each show, she writes down the important details of said show and post them to a certain website along with simply discussing the events of the show.

The junior said these posts often include the “errors she makes in competition and where she places” so that she can “look back

Photo credit:Grant Scarboro

upon them to help her learn from past mistakes and correct them in the future.” Most of Reeves’ vlogs are about promoting various products by multiple companies for which she is an ambassador and sponsor, which she currently includes nearly eight unnamed private companies.

Some of her vlogs are also about here growing skills in horseback riding. All the vlogs created by Reeves are available to watch on YouTube.

Other Hawks have developed vlogs that feature different hobbies, including junior Sam Sgambelluri. Prior to having a major hobby in music, Sgambelluri mainly focused on producing

vlogs. The vlogs never had much of a main topic aside from a having a subtle focus on his personal life, according to Sgambelluri, who added “they[the vlogs] slowly became more music-oriented” as he transitioned to his new hobby.

Some students who haven’t started vlogging and/or blogging but are considering it. Junior Julie Ament is one of those students.

Ament has a large interest in the fashion industry. She thinks “that modeling and showing off clothes and outfits she personally enjoys” and it is something she might be interested in doing. Ament also feels that it [vlogging] would be more for the fun factor than the profit.

Photo credit:Grant Scarboro

Photo credit:Grant Scarboro

ns o i t c e fl Re est t n co unity t r o opp COMPILED BY Lizzie Catrombone

The Reflections Program is a way for students to be recognized for their artistic talents and achievements, and the theme set for this year’s program is “Heroes Around Me”.

In the program, students submit either a dance choreography, a film production, a piece of literature, a music composition, or a photograph/visual art that relates to the set theme.

PTA board member Michelle Schell strongly encourages students to participate in this program, “From a student perspective, I would say to enter because there’s a lot of money to be won”. Ac-

cording to Schell, the Reflections Program also looks good on a college application, as schools love to see students that “show strength of character, extracurricular interests and talents”.

Also, students are more likely to move onto the national level competitions, as participation “sadly decreases after elementary school.” Students are greatly encouraged to participate, and the deadline has been extended to December 11, so students still have time to create materials for submission.

Details about participating can be found in the main office or the school website.

... if you won the lottery? $$

Photo credit:Lauren Seco

Photo credit: Hailey Deares Photo credit: Hailey Deares

Clare Cummings, freshman “I would definitely save it for college, and travel to a lot of places, probably Europe.”

Garett Taylor, junior “I would pay off my parents bills and make sure they’re set for life then invest the rest of the money in a savings account so I can live off interest.”

Photo credit: Hailey Deares

Andy St. Clair, sophomore I would buy a van and travel across the US, probably go to Key West

Ellie Saulsbury, freshman, “If I won the lottery, I would probably buy a lot of instruments--mainly guitars.”

$$ $$ $$

Cry of the Hawk

Page 16, IDR

December 4, 2018

Basics about the body

Recovery, repairs, re-entry into sports COMPILED BY Carly Kurgan Cry of the Hawk has featured several athletes who have faced serious injuries and have found ways to bounce back. We continue to showcase athletes who continued to thrive despite difficulties they may have faced.

Senior Alyssa Santoro has scoliosis and as a result of medical procedure to treat the condition she has two rods in her back.

Santoro said that doctors told her that she had “one of the worst cases,” of scoliosis and that it “could have left her paralyzed” if they didn’t put the rods into her back.

Despite the fact that Santoro has these rods, she has continued to compete as an athlete at NH as a member of the cross country, track and field, softball, and soccer teams. “The rods have helped with my posture for running yet some stretches are harder to do than others.”

This past summer junior Jess Schrof was playing lacrosse and tore her ACL and meniscus, leaving her with a long road of recovery ahead. Schrof’s initial reaction to her injury left her “gripping the grass in pain.” The athlete admits “It[the injury] has changed my life dramatically.” Schrof said she will be out of commission for over nine months as she recovers from the injury and has started physical therapy.

Schrof said she has questioned her entire future because of the injury and wonders if she will be able to play lacrosse her last year of high school and into college. Although the junior admits her injury has had a huge impact

on her daily life, she said that she continues to support her club and school teams by staying positive.

Senior Dominick Bushall tore his MCL tendon twice, resulting in surgery. Bushall’s procedure included taking part of his bone to help hold his knee in place along with screws and pins.

Bushall just recently started his recovery, and commented “it’s[the injury] made a huge impact”, since he is not able to do chores and even walking is a challenge.

The senior states “despite the difficulty of not being able to walk, I know the recovery process since this isn’t the first time I tore my MCL tendon.” Bushall knows he is facing a long road ahead, with uncertainty about finishing out high school athletics, and playing sports in general.

While many students face knee and back injuries others, like junior Jacob Huneke, experiences having his sternum caved in, compressing his heart and lungs.

Different from other students, Huneke’s injury wasn’t sport related. His injury stemmed from his growth beginning at a young age. Huneke said this made “it difficult to breath and difficult to just get through the day.” The bar placed in Huneke’s chest hasn’t altered his daily routine, it has instead added more pain to his body.

The junior said “the bar has helped me breath, I can take deep breaths now which I was unable to do before the surgery.”

He also explained that running cross country this season was not an option due to his continuous recovery and the intensity of the sport.

Healing bones

In general, bone takes from 6 to 12 weeks to heal. This depends on the location and severity of the injury, and children’s bones usually heal faster than adult bones. In respnce to broken bones, the body has three stages of repair: inflamation, then bone production, and then bone repair. In addition to the body’s responce to a broken bone, physical therapy can help the patient regain strength in their bones and motion in their limbs back. However, if one smokes or has poor nutrition, bone growth can be hindered and a broken bone may not heal properly.

COMPILED BY Lauren seco

Eye colors 26% Have hazel eyes

22%

19% Have green eyes

Have blue eyes

3% Have grey eyes 150 people polled

COMPILED BY Alison Grafton

Page 17, IDR

Cry of the Hawk

December 4, 2018

What traits come from parents?

COMPILED BY Lizzie Catrambone

“I’d say consideration and always thinking of others as well of yourself, not putting yourself down for other people but having a good balance between taking care of yourself and others.”

Sophia Palte, senior

Growing up “My dad’s really funny, and I think I’m pretty funny too. I mean I try to be, and my dad, he’s a real cool guy. He tries to take the leadership role and stuff, and I try to do that too, like with sports and academics. My mom is really nice to everybody, so I try to be nice to everybody, you know to reflect what my parents taught me.”

Austin Borns, junior

Between the four years of high school people grow at many different rates. This can be from genes or just the way you were born.

According to ourworlddata.org The average height for a freshman boy is 5’4” and for a 14 year old girl it’s about 5’2” inches.

For an 18 year old boy it’s about 5’8” and for a girl it’s 5’4”. Thus the difference in height in the four year of high schools is on average four inches for guys and three inches for girls.

COMPILED BY Madison Zdon

Staying focused Highlights on hair COMPILED BY Cassie Rickey

19% Wear glasses

23%

COMPILED BY Tori Gay

62% Have naturaly straight hair

Have naturaly curly hair

Wear contacts

58% Don’t wear anything “I’m pretty responsible, I get that from my parents. I am a relatively positive person, and my dad’s pretty smart so I guess I got being smart from him.”

Addy Dean, junior

Of 100 people polled

38%

58% Have naturaly colored hair

150 people polled

42% Have dyed hair

Cry of the Hawk

December 4, 2018

Page 18/ H/S

Nicotine craze continues to spread, FDA cracks down on Juul targeting youth ELLIE EVANS Assistant news Editor The Juul phenomenon is not only spreading at an alarming rate, but also getting into the hands of many minors. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is addressing teens as the target for the E-cigarettes.

On September 30, 2018 the FDA announced seizing of thousands

of documents from Juul related to the marketing techniques and testing of their product.

The unexpected inspection by the FDA caused the company to hand over these documents, according to recently released reports.

FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb said the crack down on Juul was “to prevent future genera-

tions from becoming addicted in the first place by rendering cigarettes minimally or non-addictive.”

Juuls are pocket-sized, almost like a small flash drive, and this makes it easy to keep the device hidden, which makes it appealing to youth according to researchers.

Additionally, researchers found that nicotine pods are marketed

American industry, advanced technology; Additive manufacturing featured in new plant HAILEY DEARES SSC Editor In July, plans for a state of the art 3-D printing and manufacturing lab were announced by the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS).

The industrial additive lab will be in the former University Center building, and will employ leading engineers.

The new facility will be called Advanced Manufacturing Materials and Processes Consortium (AMMP) and $15 million in federal funding was collected by Sen. Chris Van Hollen. The project is said to have “bipartisan support from around the country,” by Van Hollen.

The official announcement was released on October 26, and the program has been awarded eight projects so far.

The AMMP is the first of its

kind in Maryland, and will be in the old University Center building. NCMS president Rick Jarman said he believed “Aberdeen is the place where these vital innovation ingredients come together and are key

Aberdeen is the place where these vital innovation ingredients come together and are key to the new industrial revolution.

-Rick Jarman to the new industrial revolution.” Creation of the lab is secured in 2018 spending bills.

This lab will encourage the creation of new technologies

as well as promote American manufacturing which is the “backbone” of our economy according to Van Hollen. Ability to 3-D print in this lab can dramatically change the way we make things and create new jobs in manufacturing in Maryland and other labs in the country.

NH FOT teacher Brian Dougherty said the lab is at “a great location” and is coming at a crucial time where “3-D technology is advancing so quickly and has been an intrical part of design and development for many products.”

The number of people who will work is undetermined but will be released as they plan to open in upcoming months.

Partnership with local businesses and universities is also a priority of the lab, in attempt to help the local economy.

with fun and interesting flavors convenience stores. These flavors to draw in teens. These flavors include mango, cucumber, fruit include: fruit medley, creme bru- and creme, according to cnbc. lee, mango, cool mint, and cool com. From banning these flavors cucumber. they hope Many teento limit age users their teen are unaware users. that a single Despite pod holds not sellthe same ing their amount of flavors nicotine in conas a whole venience pack of cigstores, arettes.

Juul is Accordstill selling to Wells ing these Fargo, Juul flavors holds 72 on their percent of web site. e-cigarettes The web sales in site uses America. a blockAccording ing techto the CDC nology Photo credit: Wikimedia commons the alarmthat will ing increase not allow of these depeople vices grew seven fold from 2016 under the age of 21 from buying to 2017. their products.

The FDA hopes to regulate the According to NY Times, the sales and ultimately eliminate all FDA seized some of Juul’s docuuse of e-cigarettes by minors. ments. From here, they found Junior Ryan Blosser has said that some of their marketing techthat targeting marketing of the niques were aimed at youths.

Juul towards teens “causes a Juul’s social media also is a high domino effect that does nothing ground for teen activity. Many but expand the longevity of their health professional are taking product and business.” Blosser this into account and are trying added “the marketing of Juul at- to limit this number. tracts more people from each genFrom aiming their marketing eration, increasing usage rates.” techniques and eliminating “fun” Juul has recently banned many flavors,, Juul hopes to limit their of their flavors from being sold in number of underage users.

Polio like disease infects US population ALISON GRAFTON Health and Science Editor Starting in 2014, a new branch of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a disease similar to Polio, erupted, affecting multiple children in many cities like Baltimore.

This disease, although is rare, is spreading.

Since 2014 until October 2018, there have been 404 confirmed cases of AFM, most occurring in children, according to the CDC. The Virginia Department of Health says that AFM “is not spread person to person,” but rather through viruses by mosquitoes and other vectors AFM affects the nervous system, which makes it similar to Polio. According to the CDC, it mainly targets the spinal cord, “causing weakness in one or more limbs.” Symptoms of AFM are similar to other diseases that

target the nervous system. These symptoms include “weakness and loss of muscle tone and reflexes in the arms or legs, facial droop or weakness, difficulty moving the eyes, drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing, slurred speech.”

According to Independent.co, in Minnesota where the recent outbreak surfaced, the hospitals were used to only seeing about one case every year. In just a month, Minnesota experienced six cases according to CBS News. Heavy News states that cases have been confirmed in Colorado and Texas, and polio-like diseases have been confirmed in Maryland, but it is unclear on whether they are AFM. The sudden strike in AFM worries many parents, but AFM is very rare. According to the CDC, “less than one in a million people in the United States get AFM

each year.” Despite not knowing fever and vigilant hand washing.” specifically how to protect yourHowever, in the rare occurself and others from AFM and rence that AFM did arrive at other similar diseases, the CDC North Harford, the nurses would says it is “important to practice disease prevention steps, such as staying up-to-date on vaccines, washing your hands, and protecting yourself from mosquito bites.”

Nurse Joanne Dorsey says that at NH, AFM us nothing to be worried about. She says that, “students and teachers much more likely to be exposed to common cold and flu viruses.” The common Photo credit: CDC cold and flu are preventable with simply, “Getting a flu shot, keeping current with immuniza- follow the normal “full assesstions, staying home if you have a ment.”

This is followed by contact the parent to take them to the doctor or emergency room.” Just like any other instance, if the student had

difficulty breathing or they could not wait for the parent, they would call 911.

December 4, 2018

Gearing up for competition: Hoffman, Rassa revved up for fun CARLY KURGAN Reporter Not everybody who’s an athlete wears a hawks jersey. Motocross has interested students from the Hawk’s Nest, a sport demanding a lot of time to train and prepare for races.

Junior Jake Rassa has raced motocross for many years. Rassa began at a young age, and as he grew up, the sport became natural to him and suddenly he had a huge interest in racing. Rassa adds that loving a sport like motocross has its challenges, and “every race brings new challenges because not one race is the same as another.”

To compete within a race Rassa says, “you must be on top of everything” to allow for good placing, once mistake can ruin your whole race. Rassa said that “fitness and even mental stability” are huge aspects within this sport.

The sport has also affected Rassa in negative ways. “Injuries are always there, it’s not a matter if it will happen, it’s when will it happen.” Over the years Rassa has experienced many injuries such as broken fingers, a broken collarbone, a broken heel and ankle.

Most recently Rassa got his worst injury yet, breaking 4 ribs with a ruptured spleen. Rassa says this was by far his worst injury yet because he could have

Page 19 -Sports

Cry of the Hawk

Photo supplied by Garrett Hoffman “bled out internally with nothing to do to help it.” Rassa adds that luckily the bleeding clotted a few weeks later. Rassa has began his long road of recovery. Despite the challenges that come with racing Rassa says that it is all worth it, especially coming home with a big win.

A long time friend of Rassa, junior, Garrett Hoffman, has also raced for many years. His love for the sport led him to be homeschooled mid-way through his 8th grade year. Hoffman says he chose to begin racing motocross because he “liked a challenge”

which he’s always enjoyed.

Hoffman now trains daily to keep in shape for his races. Hoffman includes that keeping up his fitness is one of the hardest aspects of the sport, “if it was easy everybody would be doing it.”

Currently Hoffman is now living in Clermont, Florida at a training facility. Hoffman plans on staying at the facility for about a year to continue to improve his riding.

Afterwards he plans to continue to race for 3 to 4 years and finish out his amateur career and is hopeful to then make his pro debut.

Sp o r t s f o r L i f e ; Students compete in tourney CASSIE RICKEY News Editor

Harford County teams at Bel Air High School.

Students from Bel Air and On October 24 the Sports for Harford Tech along with staff Life bocce ball tournament was members helped set up and held. According to Kay Lamworked as scorekeepers and bert, the Teacher Specialist of peer mentors for the students adaptive physical education, participating Lambert coordi“The Sports for Life program is nates Sports for Life and works an athletic program where stuwith Debbie Basler, the Superdents with and without disabilvisor of Athletics, Joe Harbert, ities form every high school in Supervisor of Adapted Physical Harford County Public schools Education, and Susan Austen, stay after school to practice athSupervisor of Special Education, letic skills.” who helped to make this it hapLambert coordinates all three pened.The seasons for the program is Sports for Life program, inIt’s designed to combine “designed to comcluding bocce ball, bowling, students with and without bine stuand basketball. disabilities, to build school dents with and withNorth Harfspirit and provide social out disord students Amanda Alisea, time for same age peers, a b i l i t i e s , to build Jessica Beck-Kay Lambert school with, Kortney spirit and Dongarra, Lena provide Carter, Patrick social time for same age peers,” Mullen, Andrew Young particiLambert says. pated in the tournament with She adds “Every high school Ms. Sara Testerman and Ms. student should have the opporJoyce Walker as coaches. tunity to participate in sports They held after school pracand the program is designed for tices, so the athletes could pracstudents who may not have the tice and perfect their skills with skill set to make a JV or varsity help from their coaches. Achigh school team.” The Sports cording to Andrew Young, “We for life program allows for this get our team back together, we to happen.Their next event will get strong and get to have lots be a bowling tournament, Forof school spirit.” According to est Hill Lanes on February 7 those who participated, our from 3-5. team competed against all other

Giving back: From the classroom to the field CARLY KURGAN Reporter

From the sidelines students can get a wide variety of experiences especially when they switch their athletic uniform for a coaching shirt and a whistle.

Junior Kassidy Manners chose to share her knowledge with kids just beginning to play soccer. Manners says she decided to help coaching because she “loves kids.” She also enjoyed watching her players learn new skills and developing their soccer “careers.”

Coaching 4 and 5 year olds comes challenges, and Manners adds that she has “played soccer for many years” and passing or kicking a soccer ball is just natural to her but “to them it is a whole new world.” Coming up with drills and games that they will understand and enjoy was difficult.

The junior added that trying to please everyone, players and parents was hard but she managed as best as she could.

Manners says overall she enjoyed coaching very much and is looking forward to another season of coaching next year.

A different perspective of giving back is reffing a game rather than coaching. Junior Brennan Stewart has reffed soccer games for 2 years now. Stewart enjoys begin on the other side of soccer for once, since Stewart has played soccer for many years of his life. Stewart says “easy parts of reffing is doing the job itself, running up and down the field,” yet there are always challenges to jobs like these. Stewart said the hardest challenge he faced was “making everyone happy, not every parent would agree with every call,” adding “You just have to brush it off and continue the job you’re meant to do.” Stewart plans on continuing to help ref community soccer games in the future.

A friend of Stewart, junior Justin Gue, has also participated in reffing over the past fall season. After one of his fellow teammates and friend got injured, (who had previously been reffing) the rec needed extra help. Gue stepped up immediately not wanting to let down players and coaches and according the junior this was a great opportunity for him because he got to “ref a sport he enjoyed” and to “help kids during the game.”

Along with Stewart, parents were a handful to handle when it came to certain calls. Gue just went along with his responsibility reffing the game. Volunteering made it more fun having Stewart a long side of him. Gue said he understands the challenges of reffing but is still interested in continuing reffing around the area.

Carly Kurgan and Kassidy Manners pose with one of the young athletes. They coached her alongside many beginning soccer players.

Photo credit: Carly Kurgan

Cry of the Hawk

December 4, 2018

Fast feet at finish: TORI GAY Reporter

Team ends season at State meet; 14 athletes run in final competition

it as soon as you get there.” With a mix North Harford High School’s of nerve and excitecross country team was the only ment, the senior fall sport that made it to the state said “It’s the greatest feeling in the finals this year.

In order for the team to make world. And on top it to the state finals, the team of that feeling it’s must place earn placement in re- at the most iconic gional finals, which is based upon course in Maryland. the size of the division. The girls It’s amazing.”

Training for the placed first and the boys came in third in this race held in Dorches- competition all seater County. The top seven male son can be a little and female runners on the team rough, however jucompeted in that race and then nior Delany Flickagain the State meet held at Her- inger said, “We eford High School on what was a worked so hard until the very last blustery day.

The team had mixed feelings possible meet of the about going to the competition. season, all we could Junior Dylan Kapustensky said, think about was “I thought States might actually that final destinabe fun this year and then I real- tion.”

Making it to States ized once the race started how Runners stand with excitement before their final races at the state meet. much pain I was putting myself is an impressive acPhoto taken by Kristen Robinson. through.” Others on the team complishment for said that the pain was reward- the Hawks. Both ing and that it was a memory that teams finished 12th they will never forget. Sophomore overall. Sophomore Laurel Brown Angel Wiggins thought States believes though her individual was pretty cool. “Before the race I performance was not her best, was super nervous, and during..... “at least the team did well, that’s I hurt a lot. After I was really all that matters.” score within 30 seconds, the opNext year the runners are look- EMMIE CATRAMBONE proud of myself and our team, as Entertainment Editor posing team immediately gets the it goes for most of my races,” said ing forward to doing it again with While HCPS does not ofball. Also, the players can only the tenth grader. Senior Chris new kids up to the starting block fer water polo as a competitive use one hand when touching the Robinson describes the state hoping to beat some of the most sports, one student here has ball, unless they are the goalie. competition as “a surreal feeling.” fierce rivals in Harford County had some experience with this There is a two-meter line and He added, “The sheer size of it is and bringing home a State chamactivity.

French exchange stua five-meter line, and attacking hard to believe. Then there is an pion title home to North Harfdent Mathilde Chone competes players cannot enter inside of the excitement in the air, you can feel ord. in what is described by some as two-meter line unless they are exhausting and exhilarating touching the ball. There are six As regular seasons were coming to the end for some fall an sport. positions in water polo, includathletic teams, others were still prepping for playoffs Although she ran cross coun- ing a hole set, left wing, right try for the Hawks and and states competitions. is now on the swim team, Chone’s sport of choice is water polo, in which she has been MADISON ZDON competing for six Sports Editor Tidey said, “Next year we hope to years. “I practice two improve our skills as a team and times per week, and I Field hockey had an im- work well together as a group.” have matches on the pressive season netting only one The girls are excited to condition weekend, about one regular season loss. Their playoff and see how their next season de- time per month,” she explains. games were against North East, a velops.

The pool that she victory, and a final playoff game The boys volleyball team seapractices in is very they lost against Hereford, 1-0. son ended with a lost against RisJunior Sam Crone said, “The ing Sun. explained “as a team we deep because the playteam worked worked well ers are not allowed to so hard and as a team and touch the bottom of we grew so next year with the pool. The exchange much from the Never let yourself get the sopho- student said that In bebeginning of mores coming tween swimming back down. Always stay the season and up the team and forth and vying for positive and see the next year we will work well the ball, players must tread water the entire will work even light at the end of the together.” harder.” The The girls time. They use a spe- Photo provided by: Emmie Catrambone tunnel. team discovsoccer team cial form of treading ered that hard -Cameron LaPlante, lost in the called “the eggbeater” work pays first playoff because it helps them junior off no matter game to Harf- stay upright and alert in the wa- wing, left flat, right flat, and a point. The left and right wings the outcome. ord Tech High ter.

“Each team has seven people. stay close to the two-meter line Ending the season on a positive School with a close score of 0-1. note, Coach Carla Harward adds The boys soccer team also lost There are six people around on their designated side. The left “ it was an incredible season yet in their playoff game to Harford the basket. We swim and we and right flats do the same, only heartbreaking to end on a contro- Tech, 0-1, ending their season. can’t have any feet on the bot- on the five-meter line. The hole versial loss. The girls worked so Junior Cameron LaPlante stated, tom. There is just one ball, and set stays in front of the center of well together and were all very “the juniors had to step up this we have 30 seconds to attack the goal, and the point remains in close.” Harward ended with “it year because of the lack of se- and then 30 seconds to defend,” the center of the goal but behind was defintely one of the best sea- niors. We did well and I think explains Chone. “If you make the five-meter line.

Chone says that she plays one sons we’ve had in a long time.” we even surprised ourselves with a goal, you win one point, and each time you score you win one of the wings because she is a fast The girls volleyball team how we performed this season.” swimmer. Chone says that water started their playoffs with a win The cheer team also went to point.”

The limited time makes polo is her favorite sport because against Fallston but later in the regionals and placed 8th with an playoffs lost to Rising Sun end- overall score of 106.9 with 3.5 the game fast-paced and stress- there is a clear goal for her and ful, because if one team does not her teammates to aspire to. ing their season. Junior Jordan points with deductions.

Making a splash:

Chone swims her way to success

Playoffs wrap up for fall sports

Page 20 -Sports

Stress relief:

Bending for body, mind ASHLEY HALEY Reporter

There are lots of ways outside of school sports and just going to the gym to stay active and fit, many have turned to yoga as a way to stay healthy and physically active.

Yoga is an exercise that targets strong mental and physical health, according to Yogaindailylife.org, yoga’s main goal is to provide, “Physical health, mental health, social health, spiritual health, and self-realization or realization of the Divine within us.” Although yoga isn’t a sport, it still uses breathing techniques and stretches to provide the users body with physical capacity of activity.

Through yoga people can have peace of mind, and some even say it can help alleviate stress and anxiety levels. A source states, “Yoga is a great workout… you improve your flexibility, stamina, strength, and tone your muscles.”

According to Mindbodygreen.com. Yoga has the ability to help take the pressure off from school workloads and even help you stay fit for a school sport or extracurricular sport you participate in. Not only does yoga have a physical impact on our bodies, it also has a big affect on our mental health as well, Mindbodygreen. com states, “Yoga and meditation are great for your mind. It improves your memory, helps you focus, challenges your inner strength and increases the blood flow to your brain.”

As for yoga keeping athletes in shape for their seasonal sports, many of them turn to yoga to improve on their flexibility and even help them in keeping up their healthy lifestyles. With all of the pros of participating in yoga there are some cons.

First, yoga classes can be rather expensive depending on where you go and the type of yoga you selected whether it’s hot yoga, regular yoga, even yoga with goats. An alternative to taking classes in person with other people would be either by using DVDs or Youtube to watch a yoga.

Lauren Palmieri, senior, participates in yoga. Palmieri remarks “I was interested in yoga and thought it would be a fun thing to do with friends.”

Art teacher Kathryn Humphrey has been practicing yoga for ten years, after her friends “spoke very highly of the benefits.” She claims “my local YMCA in Kennett Square had a very strong Yoga program.”

Combined with the benefits and strong yoga program at the YMCA, Humphrey’s favorite part of yoga would be the calming sense she feels when she’s done. Hot yoga is also one of Humphrey’s favorite types of yoga as she must be “fully present in the moment.”