February 2022

NORTH HARFORD HIGH SCHOOL

211 PYLESVILLE ROAD, PYLESVILLE, MD 21132

410-638-3650

VOLUME 43 ISSUE 6

FEBRUARY 25, 2022

Teacher of the Year nominees narrowed down HANNAH KRIZEK Op/Ed Editor Nominees for the 2022 Teacher of the Year Award have since been narrowed down to 5In the North Harford community, eighth grade teacher Mr. George Curry, along with fourth grade teacher Mrs. Jennifer Covert had advanced to the top 10, but were not selected to move forward into the final 5. Both say they are so grateful for the opportunity and Covert and Curry both said they felt similar feelings of shock after learning of their nominations.. Covert added, “I could not believe how thoughtful they were to nominate me for such an honor. It just made me smile and feel really good inside!” Curry has a similar reaction. “It took a few minutes to sink in. It is still surreal in some ways,” the social studies teacher said. In the beginning of the process, letters are written by the nominators about these teachers. Curry was nominated by several

individuals including Joseph UcCurry adds he hopes students, together as a team to help the ciferro, a student from last year “Never, EVER allow a number or whole child, we will meet with and his mother, Dr. Wickman letter on a piece of paper or com- greater success,” as a message to (NHMS Principal), Lori Frendak puter screen to define who [they] her coworkers, along with any (retired co-worker and former are or [their] success. It can nev- parent of a student enduring an Teacher of the Year), and Tamara er truly measure your effort and education. Rush (parent of HCPS graduates growth. It’s only one part of the Curry talks about how he hopes and former Board of Education bigger pic- for his coworkers to view him representative for North Harsaying, “I hope they would say I ford). am a hard worker that always “I do not just care Covert said her nomination tries to do whatever I can for about helping my stucame from “Melanie Kane my students and fellow from Harford Glen Eneducators.” dents become better mathemavironmental Education If he wins, Curry ticians and readers, I aim to help Center and Sarah Guy, said he would tie his the school counselor here them build confidence, desire to hear achievement in with at North Harford Eleabout their extra-curricular activ- the military. “I would mentary School.” like to start an initiaities, and be there for them when Both Curry and Covert tive to recruit and eduare veteran educators. “I cate veterans to become they lose a pet or another loved do not just care about helpteachers. The military is one,” -Jennifer Covert, ing my students become beta constant cycle of learnNHES teacher ter mathematicians and readers, ing and teaching. They have I aim to help them build confiall the skills needed to be great dence, desire to hear about their teachers and can be a positive inextra-curricular activities, and be ture.” fluence on students. It’s not what there for them when they lose a Covert says, “We all have days you see on TV and in movies,” he pet or another loved one,” Covert that are more overwhelming than says, being a former veteran himsays. others. However, if we work self.

Covert said she already feels like a winner but if she gets the top prize, she would use it to help with certain initiatives regarding the school system. She said, “students' mental health and well being have risen to the top of the ladder of importance. I would love to have more supports in place for students (and faculty, too!) As they navigate mental health concerns.” Curry states his teaching philosophy is “Keep trying-never quit. Rule #1 in my class: Try. Try again. Keep trying. Don’t stop, keep trying. Don’t quit, you got this. Because amazing things can and will happen when you try.” Similarly, Covert’s philosophy is that “a child cannot learn as well if they are hungry, feel unsafe, feel unloved, or like they do not belong. Much of what I aspire to do is to lead with love and to make each child feel important.” She continues to say, “NHEM is a family, and it is my joy and honor to be here everyday.”

NHHS celebrates agricultural education;

FFA week features opportunities for students NOEL BAILEY Reporter From February 22-25, students and staff celebrated FFA week. According to organizers, the week was used to teach about education and opportunities in the agriculture industry, as well as to develop leadership skills. FFA is a national organization that is also in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. There are 735, 038 national FFA members. 120 of them are at North Harford. Erika Edwards, one of the FFA leaders and agriculture teacher at the Nest, says the organization wants to let people know that there is a misconception that they are just known as the Future Farmers of America. FFA is also “open to all as the National FFA [and] the organization focuses on leadership in all fields,” says Edwards. Edwards said the organization wants to “showcase that [the] FFA focuses on building their knowledge and skills for careers in agriculture and not just farming.” The organization has several areas in which students can get involved including community service, fundraising, agriculture

club, and social committees. Each one had a different part of FFA week that they had to plan and work with. Among the people involved with planning this event are FFA president Bev Bigelow, as well as committee chairs and seniors Teagan Flaherty, Zach Wyatt, Malinah Jerscheid, as well as sophomores James Ortt, and Mia Coleman, who is leading the humane society donation drive. To generate enthusiasm about the week, the officers of FFA decorated each other's lockers with a magnet emblem. The members also

wore spirit week clothes featuring themes like America, careers in agriculture, FFA pride, and FFA jackets. These days helped

“promote [the program] in a positive way,” says Edwards. They also have recruited middle schoolers to join them, by

making goodie bags and sending them to the middle schoolers. FFA members also had teacher appreciation day where they gave out gifts to teachers who have been their biggest supporters. They also went to Tractor Supply to sell paper emblems that people could add to their purchases. The week also had certain celebrations for the FFA members to participate in including FFA trivia, taking a picture with an FFA officer, sharing favorite advisor quotes, and favorite FFA memory. Wyatt has been a part of the club since his freshman year of high school. He said he was most

excited about being “more involved with our members” since this year was the first year they have had FFA week in person. Wyatt is a part of the plant science for FFA. “FFA also opens up opportunities for kids to explore career areas outside of their ag[riculture] class,” says Edwards. Students can be taking floral design classes at school but can be focusing on animal science for FFA. The students who are a part of FFA stay after school and study the path that they are on for career development. The career development classes they have this year are nursery landscape, floriculture, vet science, meat evaluation, and public speaking. There are three advisors of the North Harford FFA chapter including Edwards, Mrs. Aimee Densmore, and Ms. Hannah Schantz. They are all co-advisors; they each “take on their different roles,” says Edwards. Densmore collects all membership dues, Edwards takes the lead with their fundraising this year. Schantz is an alumna of North Harford who was also an FFA member and a state officer for FFA.

Cry of the Hawk

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February 25, 2022

Rape cases dropped; Libraries battle censorship, representation Justice system treats women unfairly

EDITORIAL “Why does nobody believe me?” 27-year-old Cammy Doung thought to herself. This is the question many women ask themselves especially when trying to win the justice they deserve. Cammy Duong woke up in her hotel room in July 2017. “I think I was raped,” she said, crying to her friend. The police investigation lasted months. But when the case reached the district attorney’s office, prosecutors refused to take charges. This is not the first time a woman’s case against sexual assault has not been taken seriously and this is unacceptable. Though crime can happen anywhere, New York is one of the most well-known cities in the world and has a high crime rate. In October 2021 they have had over 2123 cases of sexual assault in just one month and 120 rape cases according to the NYPD Citywide Crime Statistics. This organization reports that out of all these cases of sexual assault and rape put together, 63% were towards women and only 8% taken to court. In 2019 the Manhattan district attorney’s office, prosecutors dropped 49% of sexual assault cases involving women and only dropped 23% for cases involving men. While there may be legitimate reasons for cases not to go

to court, it seems hard to believe that almost HALF of all cases brought about by women have no merit. This sends a message to victims, both male and female, that justice for them is unlikely, thus why report the case in the first place. Cases like Cammy Duong’s, where the attacker is a stranger and alcohol is involved, are usually dropped in months aif not weeks, says NYPD Crime Statistics. For cases that are not dropped, prison or charge sentence rates for sexual assault cases are typically much lower than for other crimes according to NYPD Citywide Crime Statistics. “Prosecutor negligence is often part of the problem,” said Jane Manning, the director of the Women’s Equal Justice Project and former sex crimes prosecutor. “There’s a long disgraceful legacy in our criminal justice system of not taking rape seriously, especially towards [women].” Any person, regardless of gender, should not have their cases not be given just due. A person who has been sexually assaulted will experience distressing levels of anger, fear, guilt, and anxiety around others, they will also need months and months of therapy. There is no acceptable reason to add those things by allowing cases of rape not to be taken to the proper channels and justice delivered accordingly.

EDITORIAL When walking through a library, you would expect to see dozens of genres and topics on the shelves- whether it be horror, fantasy, or science fiction, a librarian will always be there to tell you, “Don’t worry, there are books for everyone!” But is that really the case? 2021 has seen a spike in book-challenging and banning, especially in the southern U.S. This practice is not only unfair, but harmful. Books that are deemed “violent” and “explicit” have been challenged or banned for minor things such as sexuality or race. One of these books is the book Drama by Raina Telgemier. In this book, a girl named Callie has an enormous love for theater and is in her school’s drama club. Callie meets a pair of twins: Justin, who is gay, and Jesse, who isn’t sure of his sexuality yet. At the end of the book, Jesse ends up playing a female role (since the original actress is unable to perform due to an emotional breakdown), wears a dress, and kisses the other male lead. According to some negative reviews, Telgemier has been “literally hiding an agenda inside brightly-colored, tween-friendly covers.” For reasons like this, Drama has been banned in multiple public schools in Texas. Bans on books are a huge issue and are unacceptable. For one,

why is it a big deal if a supporting character or two in a graphic novel about middle school theater happens to be part of the LGBTQ+ community? According to the Washington Post, “Removing or restricting queer books in libraries and schools is like cutting a lifeline for queer youth, who might not yet even know what terms to ask Google to find out more about their own identities, bodies and health.” It is already known that seeing positive representation in media is good for teenager’s self-worth, as it can, “foster a great sense of affirmation of [a teenager’s] identity” according to clinical psychologist Jennifer O’Brien. So, why is it bad if some people see something that makes them feel secure in their own identities, even if it deviates from the “norm”? Not only is banning diverse books harmful to those who may need to see that representation, but it also deprives students from learning valuable life lessons and learning about the world around them. In 2021, a school district in Pennsylvania banned a list of books that were predominantly written by people of color (notably, Malala's Magic Pencil by Nobel Prize Peace winner Malala Yousafzai). One way that students learn about different cultures and types of families is through reading stories, and if there is no diversity in the books

we read, how will we be able to recognize that people come from various places and cultures and religions? How will we learn to accept and validate them? The answer to these questions is simple; in order to make sure people feel included and learn about other students around them, we need to keep school libraries diverse – not only in North Harford High School, but in the whole United States. Take action. Talk to your friends, tell them to talk to their school librarians. Make a list of books that have healthy representation and address stereotypes. We must learn to tolerate and accept before we are influenced to hate. Now, an argument being made in favor of book banning says that books “might make students feel discomfort, guilt, anguish, or any form of psychological distress because of their race or sex." Newsflash: discomfort is a natural feeling that every student feels at one point or another. If we are not made uncomfortable by anything, how will we learn what is right and what is wrong? And besides, it’s not as if there are literally thousands of LGBTQ+ students and students of color who feel that same discomfort and guilt every day, right? No, that is not an exaggeration. Thousands of kids, younger than high schoolers, feel guilty for their own wonderful identities. And that is exactly why they need that representation.

Gen Z embodies “I’m right, you’re wrong” mentality NEAH SHAW Reporter

Born in 1995-2010 they’re loud, they’re proud, they’re not afraid to shout. But don’t get too close; some like to bite; others like to fight. You know them, don’t love them, and you surely don’t trust them. It’s generation Z that will take you with ease. I was born in the year 2005 making me part of this generation and my opinion of this group of reasonable individuals. For starters I like my generation for the most part. The movements we take part in and the changes we

want done make me hopeful for the future. But just when I feel that our generation is at our highest, there are situations where I question if this is the same innovative, heart strong, group of people or if we are simple minded toddlers in much bigger bodies. My generation is lacking in the common-sense department. I feel like I’m walking on ice trying not to get called fatphobic, homophobic, racist, or even a slur. Everything now a days needs a trigger warning or gets canceled for the wrong reason. No one can show their love for themselves without being called a narcissist. No one can live their life without care because everyone is watching to make sure you mess up. This generation wants to make a difference you can see; they protest, they post many informational videos on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. But with all this education and insight how can

Cry of the Hawk 211 Pylesville Road Pylesville, MD 21132 (410) 638-3650

we not see that we are the problem. We hate each other with a passion. No one wants to listen or respect other’s opinions or understand that everyone is not going to be comfortable with certain ideas and changes needing to be made. We want everyone to think the same way as us but that’s not how that works, Paul from 3rd period respectfully saying that he does not want to date someone who is trans does not need to become a conflict and he is not transphobic. Everyone has their own sexual preference and that is his. Start allowing people to voice their opinion respectfully. Understand how they formed this opinion and have an actual conversation about it instead of putting labels on things so that you feel more comfortable or in control. You can strongly disagree with their actions, what they have

News Editors: Summer Grace, Kris Gray Opinion/Editorial Editor: Kylie Redding, Hannah Krizek Features Editor: Evan Kuzemchak IDR Editor: Jessica Fannin Society, Students & Culture Editor: Meghan Kalck Video Editor: Jackie Bultman, Andrew Hartlove, Silvia Martinez Copy Editor: Ben Iampieri, Layton Hillier Social Media Coordinator: Grace Feldbush

to say and distance yourself if it benefits you mentally or physically. But putting a label on that person before having an actual conversation or looking at their actions over time can be misleading. I, also part of this problem, struggle with casting judgement quickly too. Going to school where I am the minority, I make fast decisions about certain students based on what they wear, their friend group and how they speak. If I see that they are using AAVE only around me or to sound funny I distance myself because that’s weird and makes me uncomfortable. Talk how you normally do and stop imitating black people, please and thank you. What I fail to realize is that this does not define them as a person for the most part. Their slip ups don’t make them a bad person and they are part of the growing experience. Startling enough I once thought

Health and Science Editor: Marissa Altenburg Entertainment Editor: Alexa Falls Sports Editors: Greer Strine Business Manager: Kensi Boyanich Reporters: Noel Bailey, Kimberly Edgar, Danny Gallo, Matthew Ledford, Reese Showalter, Liora Tolliver, Chloe Ward, Lillian Weatherman, Bella Arist, Caroline Barquin, Mekenzie McCann, Gabrielle Moxham, Delaney O’Neil, Brookelyn Priebe, Mackenzie Scott, Benjamin Sersen, Ghost States, Riley Stoneback Announcements Tech Victoria Hanna

that every Trump supporter is a racist. But come to find out that some don’t agree with everything he has said or done. They support Black Lives Matter and are very open minded about different topics. Their party affiliation did not define who they were. I have to say that it was very shocking and eye opening about how close minded I was. I only came to this because of the conversations I have had. I still need to grow in that area of giving people a chance to share their opinion respectfully. I think so far, I’m doing a decent job for someone who just started. Our generation needs to know that if you’re confident in yourself, educated and trying to grow as a person there is no reason why you should be walking on eggshells about who you are and your opinions if you can voice them respectfully. So, for the love of our sanity and the world, start having these hard conversations.

The Cry of the Hawk newspaper is published 10 times a year by North Harford’s Journalism II/III class. All editorials and viewpoints express the feelings of those on the staff and not necessarily those of fellow students, administrators, or teachers. Please do not hesitate to submit letters to Advisor Jen Chandler in room D207. Letters should be no longer than 300 words, must be signed, and may not contain vulgarity.

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Cry of the Hawk

I pledge allegiance to free thought; Blind nationalism is not equivalent to respect KYLIE REDDING Op/Ed Editor

“Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.” This is a phrase that we’ve heard just about every morning since before we could spell the word America. The announcements come on, we stand up straight, put our right hand over our heart, and say those 31 words that we’ve known since we were four. But what do they mean and why do we say them in the first place? It’s easy to gripe about how this morning routine represents love and respect for our country, but in all actuality I’m willing to bet that a lot of people who stand up every morning don’t even know what they’re standing up for. And I mean can you blame them? We’re taught the words as soon as we enter grade school, but we’re never taught about any context or history. Why do we expect young children to make a daily promise to our country that some adults don’t even fully comprehend? Just to prove my point, who wrote it? When? Why? How did the original go? Why was it changed? If you can’t answer these questions but defending the Pledge is a battle that you choose to engage in, then you’re just blindly following what you were trained to do… which almost takes the meaning out of the words all together. For a promise to have actual substance, those reciting it need

to have done their research and have knowledge on what or who they’re pledging loyalty to. So allow me to give you a quick history lesson—according to ushistory.org, the Pledge of Allegiance was written by a socialist minister by the name of Francis Bellamy in 1892 in order to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Columbus coming to the Americas. The original read “I pledge allegiance to my flag” because Bellamy hoped it could be used by any country, not just ours. In fact, the word America doesn’t even appear in the pledge until 30 years later. So not only was this symbol of American patriotism more-so claimed by us than it was written for us, but it also commemorates an occasion that many people don’t agree with because it resulted in colonization, war, disease, and the deaths of too many Indigenous people to count. Another interesting fact is that reciting a daily promise to our country is not a normal thing that most countries do, especially democracies. North Korea has an equivalent and according to an online discourse, so does Jamaica, but other than that we’re one in very few. This is ironic because we’re supposed to be the freest country on earth, yet we’re one of the only nations who has this practice. If none of those other reasons justify why some choose to opt out, then at the very least you should understand the fact that not everyone agrees with the words, and we do happen to get the freedom of speech (or the lack thereof) in America. For atheists or people who follow any religion other than Christianity, the words “under God” could make them uncomfortable. Moreover, I don’t know if you paid attention to the 2020 election, but we were

(and still are) very much divided. And in addition to both of those things, many people believe that not all U.S. citizens have “liberty and justice,” me included. With all that being said, some students make the decision to respectfully stay seated while the rest of their homeroom partakes in the Pledge of Allegiance. This doesn’t mean that they don’t respect our troops or our flag. Instead, they might simply disagree with the history of these words, think it seems cult-ish, or feel that our country isn’t living up to this promise that we make. And all of these things are valid. And for those who are unaware, this exact issue went to the Supreme Court in 1943 in the case West Virginia v. Barnette. Turns out that we can’t be forced to participate or be discriminated against for not doing so. So if you want to remain seated, or kneel, or continue working, you’re completely within your right to do your own thing as long as you’re not being disruptive. I encourage you to stand up (or sit down) for what you believe in, one way or another. I’m not arguing that this morning ritual should be thrown out of schools all together, but kids shouldn’t be made to say the pledge until they are old enough to understand the words coming out of their mouth, older students should participate out of genuine desire instead of purely for the sake of routine, and people choosing to opt out should not be judged. Instead of telling us what to think, schools are supposed to encourage us to think for ourselves—students who refrain from the Pledge are doing just that.

Romeo, Juliet were not together forever STELLA MANNS Reporter

The person you love kneeling before you is wielding the trophy blue box from Tiffany’s. Every girl’s fairytale dream! But is it really? Yes, having one to be with and experience love most people dream of, but does it really have to be a big gesture? Watching every Hallmark movie ever creates a hole in us that we need love to fill. But love could be very different than the on-screen that Hallmark suggests. What if you love your job?

Being “married to your work” is a phrase often said with a derogative tone. But why is this phrase associated with a negative connotation anyway? What’s wrong with living your life like this?There are some undeniably unhealthy factors with being so obsessed with your work however, not all people search for love, some would rather be content with success in life. There is always pressure- especially around February 14. While this date always comes with the failed relationships out of a fear of a declaration of love. We all yearn for acceptance in the world whether we accomplish that by seeking love, friends, or success. Now I’m not trying to sound like the Grinch who stole the love in the world, I do dream of a companion so true myself. However, aiming for that gorgeous glittery ring and being reminded of it every day once you pass the age of 18 or so, is draining on young adults. While growing up around a happy family where almost every

uncle and aunt of mine have not faced a divorce or falling out has created an image in my head of when I am supposed to pass certain landmarks in my life. But I know these landmarks do not define how I live MY life. My mom and dad have always supported that idea, and I am grateful. Falling in love may seem cliché compared to the other stressors all people face in everyday life. However, some still pursue the want to fill the void they have for love at all costs. Sometimes this means settling for something they shouldn’t. So, next time you are walking down Rockefeller Center avenue past Tiffany’s or, sitting on the couch in your snowman pajamas at 9:59 waiting for that picture perfect Hallmark kiss, know that your whole life is not defined by marriage and love. Know that it is defined by the single thing in your life that changes everything. which is specific to you. And this is your opportunity to choose. So, choose what you want.

February 25, 2022

Athletes’ mental health compromised EDITORIAL

The average student-athlete faces a lot of challenges, and over time, the stress and loneliness athletes feel seems to have increased dramatically. These pressures include the expectation to perform well, to find balance, and to face the challenges of the pandemic. In 2020, surveys were given out by the NCAA to sports teams asking about their mental health. Results showed that a third of the student-athletes had trouble sleeping. A fourth of the athletes said they felt lost or sad. Constantly, student athletes are under pressure to do well not only as a team but individually. Thus, the choices athletes make depend on their mindset, and unfortunately, sometimes the mind is so strong it overpowers good judgment. Mental health is not only important to their performance but also these athletes’ daily lives. Academics, sleeping and personality, behavior can be affected by their mental balance. Anyone, regardless of being an athlete, gets stressed, however, the additional pressure put on athletes can be a lot to handle. Many athletes including Olympic gymnast Simone Biles suffered from mental health issues. This past summer at the Olympics, Biles was one of five finalists in women’s gymnastics. During an interview on “Red Table Talk” with Serena Williams, Biles said she “felt intense pressure.” She then decided to take a mental break from the pressure. During an interview with Serena Williams on “Red Table Talk” Williams said athletes need

breaks. She also stated, “athletes live unbalanced lives.” She decided to take a break, so she could be “balanced” again. Even the most accomplished athletes need a mental break to find the balance of being an athlete and a person. And the average student athlete is absolutely no different. Khalifa University studied the pandemic’s effect on athletes. It was found that isolation has caused boredom and tension. Their depression, anxiety and stress levels have been raised, increasing their mental health. The pandemic has been the main reason why mental illnesses have increased in the past year because of the isolation from others and the uncertainty of the future. The athletes have gotten training and psychosocial aid to help manage stress levels. Occupational therapy programs were also offered to help with athletes’ well-being. While these are all important improvements, continuing these services even when the pandemic is over is essential. There is a serious need to pay attention to athletes’ mental health, and the issues addressed. Not addressing mental health concerns of athletes is not an acceptable option. Coaches should acknowledge their athletes playing differently, they should provide them support, and assist them in getting the physical and mental treatment they need. Turning a blind eye to the needs of student athletes is unacceptable now more than ever. Now, more than ever athletes’ well-being and mental health needs to be addressed in a productive and helpful way.

Cry of the Hawk

Feburary 25, 2022

Exemptions adding confusion to COVID-19

EDITORIAL

For the past two years, 24 months, 104 weeks or 730 days, the world has lived along with the pandemic, COVID 19. This virus has infected 311,771,577 people to this day according to the Center for Disease Control. While the idea of reading yet another article about this pandemic is redundant, the new information coming to light surrounding the men’s tennis champion Novak Djokovic is sparking new ideas about all of it. On Wednesday, January 5 Djokovic was denied access to participate in the 2022 Australian open due to an invalid visa regarding a COVID 19 vaccine exemption. While his visa was ruled as invalid by the Melbourne Airport it was overturned by a judge on Monday, January 10. This action was a relief to Djokovic not just so he could participate in the tournament and defend his trophy but because it eased his health concerns. The new idea of medical exemptions with COVID 19 should be taken into more consideration in all settings. Just because Djokovic is a worldwide known athlete does not at all mean medical exemption issues are suddenly irrelevant and do not matter in other parts of the world. Speculations have started to be made on Monday, January 10 regarding how this situation

Djokovic faced may start to be seen around the world by all different people. The medical complications all humans face. Anyone can feel pressure to have the COVID 19 vaccine. Every person’s health should and can be taken into consideration. The CDC claims that to be truly eligible for a medical exemption to the vaccine there are only two options. Option one being those people who had an allergic reaction to the first dose and, those who have a previously known allergy to any component in the vaccines. However, medical exemptions are not the only kind out there. Religious and philosophical exemptions are in the new process of being considered in many places as well. A religious exemption is based upon Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 according to The Society for Human Resource Management. This allows people to “opt not to get vaccinated based on a sincerely held religious belief,” says SHRM.org. While a philosophical exemption is a provision in state law. According to annualreviews. org philosophical exemptions can include moral, or personal beliefs that relate to students and individuals. While this process sounds easy and simple, it can require having to write a person-

al statement, filling out a form and requiring a third party to fill out a form as well. This issue seen in society is still relatively new as the COVID 19 vaccine has only been available since December 10, 2020. However, plans can be put into place starting now to try and change the standards in society for getting this vaccine. Some people in the US have bad allergic reactions resulting in hives all over their trunk and extremities to the influenza vaccine. Reasons like this could support a strong argument about how medical exemptions to the COVID vaccine should be considered in more depth. It is understandable though how busy the daily professional life of government, local and hospital executives are, however taking medical exemptions into consideration is important, along with the health risks people face day by day regarding the people who surround them. Around the globe the effects of this pandemic have been seen substatially. 222 countries and territories across the world have been shaken by this virus. 202 of those regions have the vaccine being dispersed, according to worldmeters.info. If the ideas of the COVID- 19 vaccine are able to be spread to 202 out of 222 regions, why can’t those same ideas and thoughts happen for the general idea of a medical exemption?

Pouring out pearls of parental wisdom;

Phrases just keep coming EMILY JOHNSON J1 Reporter

Ahhh, parents. Some of the most loving yet hypocritical people you could ever meet. They may say one thing yet mean another. Or dare I say… ground us for doing something they would do? Of course, they all have their crazy one liners, such as pieces of life advice, or wisdom from their younger years. But how often do we actually listen to them? My parents constantly say to my sister and I that if you can’t help yourself, nobody can. It makes me so mad how everybody complains about school and their grades, yet they don’t do anything to help themselves. You suck at English? Okay, read a book and write a paragraph about it-that’ll help to some extent. Can’t do a simple math problem? Get up 15 minutes earlier, come to school 15 minutes earlier, and get some

help from your math teacher. You have no motivation to do anything? Find some. Just kidding; that part is only a joke. Parents also like to say that we shouldn’t compare ourselves to other people, and yet; they do. Does this sound familiar? Your parent says to you “Molly got an A on that government project, didn’t she?” while you got a C. It can be frustrating when your parents expect you to do perfect on every school assignment, and how they find ways to remind you that one bad grade could ruin your chances of a good future. And what’s up with turning 16 and apparently knowing exactly what career field you’re going to work in, where you will live, what college you will attend and the exact GPA you will receive when high school graduation arrives. Parents also feel compelled to constantly tell us how high school isn’t that bad, how it’s not hard to get your work done, and that we don’t use our time wisely. What time are we talking about exactly? The “free time” I used Saturday night finishing the four hours of schoolwork I had? Um hello- sorry I’ve been busy writing English essays and stressing about whether I want to attend University of Maryland College Park or University of Maryland Baltimore County. I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase

“it’s because of that stupid phone and social media” once or twice in your household too, usually spoken by those who were born before the time of millennials. It seems like you spend 30 minutes on your phone, and suddenly you’re “addicted to that phone” and are lectured about “how that won’t fly out in the real world” before promptly losing the phone for an average of 2-3 business days. Seems so unfair, right? If you set your teenage hormones aside, and pull your head out of Snapchat for two seconds, you can learn a life lesson or two here All this aside, parents truly have your best interest in mind. They push you because they want you to succeed. They give you chores and make you get a job to learn responsibility and money management. They let you have a phone and social media, while trying to teach the importance of trust and safety. They let you play sports and do schoolwork so that you learn what “work hard, play hard” really means before you throw your cap into the air at graduation. So next time you run to your room in tears and want to yell “I HATE YOU” down the hallway while slamming your door like a dramatic teenager in a 1990’s romcom, maybe walk to your room instead.

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Break-ups, make-ups, kiss-ups: Navigating dysfunctional drama of dating AIVA PERRON J1 Reporter

When the relationship is good, he puts up with your friends. He does things like go shopping just because he wants to be in your company. He doesn’t fuss when you’d rather watch Five Feet Apart while he’d rather be at tractor pulls. And when it’s bad, it’s ugly. Arguments and disagreements over petty things turn into World War three. The texts fade. Facetime turns into nap time. And at the center of all of this, girls (and sometimes boys) are often left wondering, what they did wrong. Most of us can relate to being in some type of bad relationshipmaybe it was toxic; maybe he cheated and that’s why it ended. In the end it doesn’t matter how you end up where you are- it’s all the stuff in the middle that’s hard to get past. Personally, I’ve had a lot of ups-and-downs in most of my relationships. No matter what I do, I always end up being lured into some crappy situation. I have

been lied to, cheated on, taken advantage of, and played. It mainly has to do with how vulnerable I am. The last relationship I was in I had a lot of issues like dishonesty and misunderstandings, along with plenty of frustration. I cried and felt betrayed and experienced some backstabbing. Maybe you can relate. And maybe you’ve also wondered why people keep doing this? They know what they do is wrong and the hurt it causes. But they don’t seem to care. And every time they cheat, their buddies pat them on the back and say, “dude, you have a new ex!” like that is some sort of accomplishment. A lot of guys don’t seem to experience any feelings of hurt when they break up with a girl. And if they do, they’re really good at hiding it, but if the girl breaks up with the guy-oh, boy, look at all the hate we get and the attention and sympathy they do. Shouldn’t things be equal? Look, I know not all guys are like this. And for those who aren’t, I thank you. I just wish more boys were respectful. But ladies.... you’re not off the hook either. Just because someone broke your heart, doesn’t mean you have a license to be a jerk. In fact, if anything, it SHOULD remind you NOT to ever make anyone feel as bad you did. You are not entitled to be mean and treat people with disrespect because that’s not how it works. So, get out of your own head and your own way, and do the right thing.

Cry of the Hawk

February 25, 2022

Page 5 - News

Local business tackles anxiety, depression in youth; Healthy baby piglets born in barn MEGHAN KALCK Helping teens overcome mental health struggles SSC Editor pig’s right ear is the litter ear SUMMER GRACE News Editor

go along with it. For example, if we’re talking about body image, I‘ll have a nutritionist join us just to go a little bit deeper,” she says. Her content ranges among sessions, such as her girls' group, boys’ group, and elementary group. “I like to separate the boys from the girls because I want the kids to feel

word out there to parents that there is help for their kids. It’s somewhat frustrating because Feeling overwhelmed? Worthe kids need the help, it’s just ried about school? Losing sleep getting the word to them.” Her over relationships? Our Village support groups are set to take Wellness Center may have the place starting in the spring. help you need. Mullhausen is a teacher and in A few years ago, owner and life addition, has been a high school coach Paige Mullhausen decided field hockey coach for 9 years. to begin her empowerment jour“You really get to know the parney by holding an event through ents and the kids. I was hearing Our Village Wellness Center the same worry and problems called the ‘Girls Festival.’ She “There are many other from all of the girls I was and her team of wellness propeople out there who are coaching,” she explains. fessionals helped inspire girls Hearing of her communiby providing knowledge on going through the same thing. ty’s struggle concerned her a variety of different topics Sometimes help doesn’t seem to be such as body image, social there but people like me... want to since she felt help wasn’t accessible for them. media, and bullying. They help them live their best life.” She wants anyone who is chose several topics with the -Paige Mullhausen struggling to understand that hope of encouraging girls to their feelings are temporary and stand up for themselves. that the help is out there. “They The Girls Festival sold out are not alone. There are many at 75 girls and the response was fortable other people out there who are positive, Mullhausen says. “We as comactually helped a girl decide not as they possibly can. Plus, in going through the same thing. to commit suicide,” she shares. body image and mental health, Sometimes help doesn’t seem to The event's feedback helped her there’s a huge difference between be there but people like me are out there and want to help them realize that “even in this small boys and girls,” she adds. In the last few months, Mull- live their best life.” county, there’s a lot of help that hausen says she has taken a lot If you’re interested in signing still needs to be given.” For Mullhausen’s support of time to prepare and gather re- up, you can call or text Paige group, she chooses a topic each sources to make her groups the Mullhausen at 410-322-7604, or month ranging from bullying best they can be. In the mean- email her at Mullhausenp@gmail. and body image issues to under- time, she also hosts individual com. She also encourages you to standing anxiety and depres- sessions, both in-person and vir- check out Our Village Wellness Center online at Ourvillagewellsion. “Every session will include tual. “I’ve been trying to get the nesscenter.com. activities and guest speakers to

New inclusion helper starts journey at NHHS GRACE FELDBUSH Event Coordinator North Harford’s newest staff member stepped into the building in December. Mrs. Melissa Weitkamp is the newest inclusion helper who has been assigned to assist a single student. At the Nest, Weitkamp says she is working with a “young man who has mobility issues which requires him to need an adult with him at all times.” She explains all the teachers she works with have been great, helping her get adjusted to the new job. “I was glad they were so kind and showed me around when I first came here,” she says. Weitkamp says the best part of her job is seeing the student she works with smile and have a good day. She says he loves chatting about his day, so it is hard sometimes to get him to do his schoolwork. “I don’t like upsetting him, but I do have to lay down rules sometimes,” she says. “I am a mother, so I know you have to put rules into place with this job,” Weitkamp says. “I am just playing it by ear and

taking each day as it comes because each day is different and I am just trying to be as helpful... as I can be,” Weitkamp says. Weitkamp mentions she had a knee replacement a year ago

told her to apply here. “I liked the idea of the job, it has good benefits, and I have a young son so with this job I can be home in time to get off the bus, so it was really a perfect fit,” Weitkamp says. “Before coming to North Harford, I worked with Miller’s Lawn Care, which is a family business,” that she says does things like landscaping and snow removal. She also had ran her own pet sitting business where she took care of people's pets so they would not have to take them to kennels. Weitkamp went to Wilson College and has a bachelor's degree in science for vet tech and Weitkamp helping students in minors in business and psycholgym class. She enjoyed getting ogy. to know the kids. “It makes me upset to see him PHOTO CREDIT: GRACE missing out on things he wants FELDBUSH to do but I always try to make him the happiest he can be,” and knew she needed to slow Weitkamp says. things down physically. “I don’t She explains she has always like being home a whole lot,” she loved helping others which is says. She explains a friend of hers why she loves this job and hopes works at the middle school and to stick with it for quite awhile.

(where the litter number is notched) and the pig’s left ear The barn at North Harford is the Individual pig ear (where welcomed 14 new residents in the pig number within the litthe last month. Ms. Cherry, a ter is notched),” according to pig, gave birth to her 14 piglets Purdue. on January 31, 2022. Ag teacher Mrs. Aimee DensThe piglets are a Duroc more says, “You take an ear breed, which basically means notching tool and cut out small they are red piglets or “ginger triangles in the pig's ears. Each piglets,” according to senior triangle represents a number. Malinah Jerscheid. In the left ear, we notch the There is currently an aplitter number, which will be plication process going on for the same for all of the piglets. students to be able to show In the right ear, we notch the pigs at the county fair in the individual's number, so in our near future Jerscheid says. The case this year, they are anystudents will be able to train where from #1-#12.” the pigs by using “marshmalPigs tend to chew on each lows,” and “train them like other so if they put something puppies to follow you around like a tag in their ears then and pay attention to you.” Students will be selected based on their prior experience with showing and also their overall character, according to Jerscheid. The pigs will be sold at the Harford County Farm Fair auction on July 30 and “turned into bac o n . ” However, Ms. Cherry will stay at North Harford to be bred again in the fall. For now, students are working with the The 14 piglets (not all shown) in the barn pigs regu- all together. They were born on January 31, larly. Ju- 2022, a day before Ms. Cherry’s due date. nior Hope PHOTO CREDIT: SUMMER GRACE Mullins explained how each class is taking turns giving the they would end up chewing piglets their iron shots and them off of each other accord“interacting with them,” and ing to Densmore. But, with ear they are also taking turns “ear notching, they always know notching.” what pig they are dealing with. Iron shots are given to the Densmore says “the pigs piglets because they need a are healthy,” however, “the two source of iron and pigs in the runts of the litter passed away.” wild get their iron from things The educator assures that this “like rooting in the ground and is completely normal because dirt,” according to Mullins. their body systems were most Ear notching is a form of likely not fully developed. identification for piglets. “The

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February 25, 2022

Cry of the Hawk

Underground Railroad story told through exhibit Restaurant Week helps local eateries; REESE SHOWALTER Reporter The Maritime Museum in Havre de Grace is now offering “The Underground Railroad: Other Voices of Freedom.” The new exhibit recently opened up to the public. The exhibit is a local museum to visit during Black History Month and is an opportunity to learn about the Underground railroad and black history in general. The new exhibit is a 600 square foot gallery, it is interactive and tells the story of the Underground Railroad according to the Maritime Museum website. The display was built by people who volunteer at the museum. According to the museum’s website “Our project time exhaustingly researched the history of this local section of the Underground Railroad through the unique perspective of the roles played by our waterways in the escaping slaves’ journeys, and those who assisted them along their escape to freedom.”

Stirring up new deals, opportunities

The gallery was funded by the Maryland Heritage Area Authority, Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway, the Joseph Robert Foundation, the Harford County Cultural Arts board, individual donations, and the museum staff and volunteers. In the exhibit you will find original artwork, maps, and much more. The display tells the story about the underground railroad, more specifically the portion of the railroad that went through Maryland. According to the website “the exhibit tells the story of the underground railroad in the greater Havre de Grace area, including Harford and Cecil Counties in MD north to Wrightsville, PA and around the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna River.” Junior Grace Underwood said, It’s always important to learn about history. Overall, learning about history keeps us from repeating the same mistakes.” Junior Dominic Franklin said, “I think it is important to see different walks of

life and how they [African Americans] were brought up in their environment.” Franklin added, “I believe it can give us a better insight into traditions and things like that.”Underwood said, “It’s also important to learn the struggles and challenges people went through to give the United States a good future.” The website gives a brief history of the underground railroad and the portion of the railroad that was through Harford County. It also tells you what to expect at the exhibit., “They [the slaves] had help along the way from “stationmasters” who operated stops along the “Railroad,” places where an escaping slave could find shelter, food, and help continuing on their way.” The Maritime Museum has many exhibits that are related to black history, Maryland’s history, and much more. The local museum is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays through the winter. The exhibit is an opportunity to learn about local black history.

NHHS Mock Trial team adjusts to changed plans; Students tackle computer court cases KRIS GRAY News Editor

NHHS members can be considered underdogs due to the fact that “we have pretty much an entirely brand new team except two people who competed two or three years ago” because of the Coronavirus outbreak, the co-captain says. Another change for participants is the switch from in-person trials to virtual trials. Due to the spread of the Omicron strand, MYLaw (Maryland

Overall, Winter believes that “everyone is handling it pretty According to Stetson Uniwell.” The switch was “not as versity, “Mock Trial is a comhard as it could’ve been because petition in which students Baltimore County was always simulate a real trial. Teams going virtual.” This is due to consist of six to ten members the fact that “[the organizers - 3 attorneys and 3 witnesses. at MYLaw] already had everyThese six people will go against thing set up,” the coach recalls. six other people from a different Although, adjusting to the new school.” On North Harford High schedule was rough for NHHS’s School’s team, there are six mem“attorneys” and “witnesses”. The bers including coach explains, seniors Mali“I think the nah Jerscheid hardest thing (Attorney/ was coming up Captain), Mawith a scheddalyn Rhoades ule because (Witness/Capgoing virtual, tain), Nathan some teams in Peisinger (Witthe county had ness/Bailiff), to drop out. junior Lundyn So, the schedPrinz (Witness), ule changing sophomores Kris was different Gray (Attorney), and we didn’t and Jordan Lawreally know a son (Attorney). schedule unThe coaches intil a week or clude teacher two before Melissa Winter, we actually and Eleni Bickhad our first ley, Esq. Rhoadcompetition.” es explains the Participants tasks includhave also been ed with this faced with club.“We have some techinterviews, there nical issues. are cross-examUsually, there inations, we can are only norobject, there is mal glitches NHHS’s Mock Trial team held some virtual meetings during a real judge that like the mipresides over Winter Break to prepare for trials without close contact. The crophones the case and a students end preliminary competitions with a win against Bel Air don’t work or scorer who is High School. PHOTO CREDIT: Kris Gray there is a dequalified in some lay according way and then to Winter. we get judged on who Youth and the Law) High School As the first round of comdoes better on the case.” Mock Trial was forced to cease petitions comes to a close, As one of the co-captains, in-person trials in response to Winter clarifies, “it’s a learnRhoades focuses on “[making] the closing of the local courts. ing process and we’re only getsure everybody…knows what Rhoades believes, “it is ting better as each week goes they’re doing by helping [attor- hard doing [the trials] vir- on.” Likewise, Rhoades says, neys] write their questions and tually and COVID has made “I think the more time that’s witnesses understand the case.” it very difficult to meet.” going by, it’s getting better.”

REESE SHOWALTER Reporter Harford County Restaurant week is an opportunity for local restaurants to offer deals on certain meals. It is a chance to advertise and draw in new customers. This year’s restaurant week occurred January 21-30. About 43 establishments are participating this year according to the Visit Harford website. The week is sponsored by the non-profit organization Visit Harford. This event has no charge to the restaurants that participate. Visit Harford sponsors events all around Harford County. This is one of their bigger events of the year according to Catherine Showalter, office manager at Visit Harford. Many different establishments participate in the week including bakeries, bars, and more are able to participate. Flavor Cupcakery, Bonefish Grill, Bruno’s Land and Sea restaurant, Barrett’s on the Pike, and Backfin Blues: Creole de Graw are just a few places in Harford County that participated this year. Visit Harford’s website says, “You’re invited to enjoy 10 days of delicious dining at participating restaurants. Check back often as our list of participating restaurants continues to grow.” These hotspots are able to advertise whatever

food items that they see fit for the event. They have freedom to do whatever they want and offer any deals they see fit. Visit Harford’s website, [harfordcountyrestaurantweek. com] has all of the information on restaurant week, the website has the location, phone number, email, the restaurants website, and a short summary all under the events tab. Junior Maddie Kingsley said, “I didn’t go anywhere this year but I heard about it and from what I’ve heard it’s been really helpful for restaurants. It just helps local restaurants in our community.” “The goal of this week is to draw new customers into local businesses. The week is designed to help the places that participate and increase customers during a slow time of the year,” according to Showalter Kingsley said, “I think it is a great experience for local restaurants. I know how hard it has been for places recently with both the rising Covid rates and all the snow we have been getting, so I think this is just a great opportunity.” There was some controversy about whether restaurant week should happen this year due to Covid Showalter also said, “I definitely think that it helps out the restaurants, that is why we hold it in January. January is a slow time and this week-long event is helpful.”

Film Festival returns to Hawk’s Nest ANNIE FINHOLM Reporter

Move upstage a foot. Downstage an inch. A little to stage right... Perfect! The film festival, says drama teacher Nancy Green, was “one of the brighter things to emerge from the pandemic.” With previous heavy restrictions on performances in the state of Maryland, students “could not perform live, [so they] studied film, and then made [their] own short films.” This celebration is “an outlet for [students] to share their artwork,” claims the teacher. In the past, this has been a virtual event with “live emcees [and] hosts on Teams,” states Green. This will remain the case for this year, she claims. The festival will be returning this year on March 3 to “bring joy to people in these difficult times,” voices Senior Bella Silvestri. However, this year, the event will fit better with “Mr. Dougherty’s new film class and Mrs. Chandler’s film/media […] classes[,]” says Green. These classes will enable students to have a prior background in cinematography before attempting to create a movie of their own. One of the major changes this year will be that Mrs. Jennifer Chandler, journalism teacher, will be taking the reins and Green will take “much more a supporting role [in] just advising and judging this year,” announces the drama teacher. It was determined that this tra-

dition would continue at North Harford because of its popularity the previous year. When the demand for a film festival was so high and the response was so positive, Green admits that she and Chandler “decided [they] would work together to make it happen again.” Green encourages submissions from all students for the event in order to “get your voice and your art [out] to a wider audience[.]” Not only is the event accessible to family members from around the world, the teacher declares, there is also “a chance to win in the various categories,” and opportunities for students to demonstrate communication skills to colleges. The ability to learn advanced qualities and apply them to resumes is something Romm emphasizes as a reason to participate. In addition to the new skill set, Green states there are “lots of generous businesses in the community who are happy to support our student filmmakers with donations of prizes.” The seniors are experienced filmmakers, both having participated in the festival last year. Romm says that they desired to take part in the festivities again because their “experience last year was very fun[.]” Because of their engagement in the event, Romm adds, they “learned a lot about broadcasting and film.” Silvestri encourages others to participate because it’s a fun group activity for friends.

February 25, 2022

Cry of the Hawk

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Firefighters wait for action; Students volunteer in the name of family KIMBERLY EDGAR Reporter “A firefighter must have courage. They routinely face dangerous situations, including burning buildings and vehicles. They must be able to put any fear aside and still do their job safely and effectively,” says Affordable Schools. Senior and Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Company (JVFC)volunteer Brady Wright agrees, “you have to be a certain person to handle the job.” Junior Andrew Stanko and senior Eric Huffman also volunteer at JVFC and want to become a full time firefighter one day. “When I’m eighteen I will go through the academy. I wanted to become a firefighter because my grandfather was a firefighter and I want to follow in his footsteps,” says Stanko. Huffman and Wright also have family influ-

ences. For Wright it was his fa- you have a duty to all firefight- man both state that the family asther and his friends, “seeing them ers equally.” Write comments pect is one of their favorite things do it my entire life made me want that it is like his “second family” about the job. Stanko explains to do it.” Like Stanko, Huffman’s and that there is always someone that riding the engine is anothgrandfather influenced him along there for you. Stanko and Huff- er big enjoyment for him while volunteering. with his brother, Even though “my brother and he is arriving to grandfather were serious calls, he both a firefighter states that there my entire life.” A is fun found in common favorite what they do, among volunteers “riding on the is the “brotherengine is defihood” in the firenitely one of my house. Accordfavorite parts, it ing to Fire Critic, is so cool and it “brotherhood is is a lot of fun.” understanding This is called that above all a “ride along”, differences of opinion, feuds, JVFC responded to a call. The company recruits more and PowerDMs hurt feelings, and students every year for a future career in firefighting. explains that just plain old not PHOTO CREDIT: Jarrettsville Fire Volunteer Company a ride along is when someone getting along you “establishes the understand that

rules and requirements to allow non-emergency personnel to go along with firefighters on a fire callout or other emergency response.” It is also important to recognize the risks that come with this due to the fact that the volunteers are not fully trained yet. Each of the volunteers plan to go through the official firefighter academy when they are eligible. Fire Rescue elaborates, “most [fire departments] will want you to be between the ages of 18 and 45 and to have a high school degree or equivalent. Whatever your age, you must be in excellent physical and mental condition to be able to pass the rigorous training of the fire academy.” Stanko and Huffman both expressed their eagerness to be a full time firefighter so they can get paid and so they can earn more privileges and opportunities.

Passion Conference impacts Christians; Alumna navigates music career

Event hosts speakers, spiritual reset BELLA ARIST Reporter

Senior Jess Dudok recently went to a conference where she learned to expand her spirituality. On January 2, Dudok flew to Atlanta, Georgia to attend a Christan conference called Passion, a large 2-day event with guest speakers and live music held at the Mercedes- Benz stadium. The conference website says the event is an attempt to call “ this generation, with different voices, but one song, different backgrounds, but one Father, different nationalities, but one eternal home.” The hosts of this event says, “there is a place for you.” Dudok added this was a “huge gathering with over 55,000 people that attended,” and the main concept was to teach all these people things related to the new generation of faith. The people speaking varied throughout the two days but there were two

people that stood out to Dudok including Sadie Robertson. Public speaker Robertson has a podcast and participates in a lot of Christian conferences. The senior commented the speaker talked about “identity, how we seek others before our Creator, and lastly what God says about us.” Along with Robertson, another speaker who stood out to Dudok was Ben Stewart, who focused on anxiety and how to face today’s culture. She said this part really “spoke to a lot of people.” Stewart has written a couple books all about different relationships. Dudok said it was “amazing being in the same room with thousands of people wanting to be there for the same reason.” As for the experience, “everyone’s hands were raised, it was like a big concert, and we were all there supporting each other.” She said the first night was a worship night but then “everyone got into smaller

groups to have little discussions.” This was a time when people got to be more “intentional with making deeper connections.” Dudok attends Freedom Church in Bel Air, which is how she found out about the conference. She went with her friends from church, but also met a lot of different people from other churches. Dudok also said she had the chance to meet “some people that were famous from Christan Tik-Tok, which was really cool.” Dudok attended the event because she “needed spiritual fulfillment.” Her favorite part was “the long discussions [the] had at some points.” The senior said she took away that “everyone has a purpose. Those that don’t know about God need to get that out to people so that they know they’re created by something bigger than us.” This event is held yearly and the next one is in Atlanta on January 3-5, 2023.

been the hardest part so far. Before becoming a custodian, DeVoe had two jobs. She first worked as a secretary for A1 Pump Service and “took calls, scheduled jobs, and filed paperwork.” DeVoe then worked as a residential cleaner for the Cleaning Authority. “I actually cleaned Mr. Steven’s house while I worked there,” she mentions. In the future, DeVoe hopes to become the head custodian of a building. DeVoe states that being a custodian is “‘like a box of chocolates’, you never know what is going to happen on any given day.” So far, she has been surprised by a broken water pipe and a drain overflowing and flooding the floor. At the same time, she believes her job can get repetitive. “You have the same list of ‘to do’s’ everyday,” she mentions. “My job is never the same or boring,” thinks Dunn. “We always have a new task or project that pops

up. Although I like consistency I enjoy the projects” she states. DeVoe also sees her job as a line of defense for the school and its students, stating how custodians are also “here to protect [students].” Along with protecting them from germs, custodians are “one of the front linemen who keep the building secure.” DeVoe says that if they see activities they aren’t certain about, they make sure to let administration or the Student Resource Officer know. Also, Dunn appreciates it when students come up to say hi to her, and act with kindness. “I enjoy watching [them] evolve and become young adults,” she continues. Dunn looks forward to meeting new students in the future as well. DeVoe mentions one struggle: having to travel in the snow to clean off the sidewalks, making sure the building is safe for students and staff.

New custodians begin sweeping into action SILVIA MARTINEZ Reporter

On December 8, alumna Taylor DeVoe returned to North Harford as a new custodian. Also this school year on September 20, Vertina Dunn was contracted through another company named ABM to work at The Nest. “It was surreal being back in the building,” mentions DeVoe. “Walking the halls brought back so many memories for me,” she continues. When DeVoe was a student, she tried to make her experience fun. She enjoyed school because she was able to see her friends and had “awesome teachers, some of which are still teaching!” Dunn thinks her experience working at North Harford has been enjoyable so far. “I really like the atmosphere here,” she comments. “I have had a corporate desk job for the past 15 years,” she continues, and believes adjusting to her job has

CAROLINE BARQUIN Reporter

project is rewarding there are a handful of challenges that come through the process of creating music. Including the process of mixing each song which, “it’s very time consuming, we can be in the studio for three hours and only have a small snippet edited.” During her time at North Harford, Ms. Angie Jones, the former chorus teacher, was one of her favorite things about school. “She always saw the best in her students and always pushed them to succeed,” explained Spencer. The teachings in her class contributed to Spencer’s daily life and production of music. Some guidance Spencer wants to share with aspiring musicians is that the music business is hard. “You’re most likely not going to blow up in an afternoon so be ready and give it time.” In her personal experience with music she said “I still have so much to learn and so much to accomplish in my career.” She believes it’s very important for her to support others and they will support her, since “no good deed goes unnoticed.”

“I’m not ‘the girl with the thing on her face’, I’m Gabby Mark, a girl who’s not afraid to talk about differences,” said the former NH student. Spencer, also known by her stage name Gabby Mark, said she is bringing acceptance and being “unapologetically” herself in the music industry. After the recent release of her new single ‘Mr. Anxiety’ , a new extended play (EP) which is longer than a single but shorter than an album, was released everywhere on February 11. The EP ‘We Are the Authors’ is based on “poems that my friends wrote or something that a friend has said to me. I write about what I feel, hear, and see,” explained Spencer. Her music is usually based on “my thoughts and anxieties that I struggle with everyday” or in the case of her new EP, based on poems. Spencer’s stage name is in reference to a birthmark on the left side of her face that she used to hate and be bullied for. But during high school she has been “learning every day to love myself for who I am…. I want people to recognize my mark and connect it to what I stand for, acceptance.” Her music career first started in elementary school when she would write songs for fun. During high school Spencer recalled, “I recorded my first song ‘Words’ in my parents’ closet and released it on my 16th birthday.” The goal of her music is to create an outlet Gabby Spencer, an aspiring artist, for people to connect emphasizes the need for acceptance and with others, “I’ve nevkindness in the music industry. Her new er had fame or money EP will be released February 11 on all as an inspiration or a platforms. Photo Credit - Gabby Spencer goal.” Spencer continued that she has “always wanted to stand Follow Gabby Mark on Inson a stage singing and look to tagram @imgabbymark to keep see everyone in the venue singupdated with her music career. ing my song.” Although the final

February 25, 2022

Cry of the Hawk

Go Hawks!

By Authority: Friends of Chad Shrodes, Taylor Gomez, CPA – Treasurer

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February 25, 2022

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February 25, 2022

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MBTI personality test theory; Teachers’ results, opinions BEN IAMPIERI Copy Editor The Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator (MBTI) is a self-report created by Isabel Myers and her mother Katharine Briggs and based on Carl Jung’s theory of personality. The test was initially created as a “child-rearing tool,” according to Merve Emre of Oxford University, author of Personality Brokers, an in-depth look into the MBTI test, in an interview with Wharton. Briggs was “interested in how one can type one’s children very early in life and figure out what they should specialize in.” There are 16 personality types, differentiating between introversion or extraversion (IE), sensing or intuition (SN), thinking or feeling (TF), and judging or perceiving (JP). For example, ENTJ (extraversion, intuition, thinking, judging) would be someone who regains their energy around others. Introverts regain their energy alone and prefer to stick with just a few people. Extraverts regain energy around others and prefer to know many people. Most people are not entirely one or the other, but the MBTI test will put you on the side you most closely align with, according to the Myers & Briggs Foundation. People who process information through their five senses prefer to look at the world in a pragmatic sense. They trust experience before words. People who are intuitive prefer to look at new and different things. They like to see the big picture before the facts. For decision-making, those who listen to what they are thinking do not let any opin-

ions or feelings influence their objective

choices. On the other hand, those who use what they are feeling take into account what would make everyone happy and dislike hurting other peoples’ feelings. For living life, people who prefer structured lifestyles are judging, while those who are more impulsive and prefer an adaptive lifestyle are perceiving. “This pair describes whether you extravert (act in the outer world) when you are making decisions or when you are taking in information,” the Myers and Briggs Foundation explains. History teacher Ben Scarborough took the test and saw that he was an INTJ, most similar to the mastermind, commander, and counselor. “I think the test can be beneficial for individual self-reflection and personal growth,” Scarborough says. “I find psychology a fascinating subject, but I don’t have much experience with it myself.” Government teacher Jessica Siegel took the test and was an ESFJ, being the provider, supervisor, and teacher. “I think knowing the type of personality you are can help you in the way you interact with other people [and] the way you interact with students,” Siegel says. “Knowing other people's [results] may explain why they interact with people in certain ways.”

Compiled by: Reese Showalter

Social studies teacher, Charles Selfe is an INTJ, described as quick-witted and constantly analyzing. He says the test “pretty much nailed it,” confirming that he has “a thirst for knowl-

edge,” and always tries to find better ways to do things. “I have a beef with the psychological community because they take the stuff as gospel, and it’s not,” teacher Mr. Brian McCormack says. “The predominance of social and psychological studies can't be replicated. Humans are far more dynamic. I might have one personality type, but you hit me on a day where I didn't have my coffee, and it’s going to change a little bit. And over time we change.” He believes personality types differ and are not effectively covered by the sixteen in the MBTI test. “My background is in marketing. There are many times when they come out with a great new product [and claim] ‘our research says this is what consumers want.’ Six months later it's off the market,” McCormack elaborates. “They don't know what people want. People don't know what they want.” He recalls applying to be a Rite Aid manager. “They wanted to see what your personality was like. Having talked to people afterward, what they want is somebody to come in, do exactly what they're told, and not make any decisions on [their] own,” McCormack says. “They are looking for a personality type that is very compliant and doesn't take risks. I didn't get the job.”

10-11 - Features

the Hawk

(written by 20-year-old autistic student named Emily based off personal real experiences)

Neurodivergent Vs. Neurotypical Compiled By: Gabby Moxham

Neuro-typical: Shower Neuro-divergent: the sensory transition from dry to wet is too much to handle so the ND sits on their bed working themselves up for 20 minutes before deciding that washing their face with a flannel will do for this morning. Neurotypical: Gets dressed Neurodivergent: tries on five different outfits before finally settling with one which doesn’t seem to be itchy, rough, irritating or uncomfortable. It just so happens to be the same outfit the ND wear most days. Neurotypical: Eats the fresh croissants even though they normally have toast Neurodivergent: thinks that the croissants look nice but eats the same cereal they have eaten every day for breakfast for the past two years because change is too much. Neurotypical: Starts task Neurodivergent: sits scrolling through social media because they don’t have the executive functioning skills required to switch their mental focus to a different task let alone decide what task to begin with. Neurotypical: Follows instruction Neurodivergent: ‘Sorry what exactly is it you mean? Can you repeat that? I don’t understand what you mean. What if I get it wrong? I don’t think I am capable of following your instruction.’ Neurotypical: Deals with disruption and forgets about initial task while being disrupted Neurodivergent: The ND’s brain - "‘We did not prepare for this scenario, we repeat, we did not prepare for this scenario”. Brain shuts down. Neurotypical: makes and eats lunch Neurodivergent: it’s 4pm before they realize they have got carried away and forgot to eat. The prospect of making lunch is stressful because there are too many steps to it and it’s overwhelming so they just stare at the fridge and decide to wait until dinner. Neurotypical: socializes with ease and enjoys it. Does not come away feeling exhausted. Neurodivergent: Forgets what their name is and how to speak, collapse with exhaustion following a 10 minute conversation. Neurotypical: Exercises Neurodivergent: The ND brain - “Is that…STICKINESS?? You’re sticky. Code red. Emergency. Order heart rate to rise. You can not calm down until you wash the stickiness off.” Neurotypical: Watches the new series everyone is raving about. Neurodivergent: Watches the same show they have seen two hundred times and watch every day because they are obsessed and it makes them feel safe and happy. Neurotypical: Goes to sleep Neurodivergent: Lies awake in bed replaying every second of social interaction from the day, criticizing themselves for being awkward and getting everything wrong as usual

February 25, 2022

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TikTok trend spreads Minaj’s fan-base; Superfans are in their ‘prime, optimistic’ about music diva KRIS GRAY News Editor Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty (Nicki Minaj) is a Trinidadian-born rapper, singer, and songwriter. According to the Britannica encyclopedia, she is “known for her flowing quick-spoken rap style and for her provocative lyrics. She complimented her music with a bold persona that included colorful wigs and risqué clothing.” A Barb refers to a devoted fan of the rapper and singer, Nicki Minaj. These Barbz are superfans that have defended Minaj against problematic situations with other artists. Such as her ex-boyfriend, Safaree and rapper, Cardi B. According to USA Today, during New York Fashion Week of 2018, the two females got into an altercation after a period of animosity. The term “Barb” originates from the cover of Minaj’s 2007 album, Playtime is Over. In the photo, the rapper is inside a Mattel box posed as a Barbie doll. Since the release of this cover, Minaj has

been referred to as the Barbie which makes her fans, the Barbz. Minaj referred to the meaning of the term in an interview with MTV reporter, Sway Calloway, “It’s definitely a movement at this point, people really identify with me through that and I definitely don't think that when we say 'Barbie,' we're thinking of the plastic little doll with the blond hair anymore. It's really how we've come to define ourselves,” For some, it is just a fun trend to participate in. For others, it is a lifestyle and sometimes even a political movement affiliated with supporting Bernie Sanders. There are some supporters here at North Harford High School. Sophomore Isabelle (Izzy) Moxham talks about the rapper, “She’s a queen and I love her, and she slays every day, all day!” Moxham considers herself to be a true “barb'', “I would do anything for her, I would rub her feet if she asked.” Sophomore Emma Cornman details, “I didn’t become

Nicki Minaj and rapper Lil Baby featured in the music video for ‘Do We Have a Problem?’ Actors Cory Hardrict and Joseph Sikora also star in the nine minute film. PHOTO CREDIT: Nicki Minaj a fan of TikTok or anything. I knew her growing up and then, I learned the term, [Barb] later on.” The student’s favorite song by the artist is ‘Anaconda’ which has surpassed 300 million streams on Spotify as well as over 1 billion views on YouTube. A TikTok trend called, “Rap

if you are a barb”, was created last year which tests the dedication of a person who claims to be a Minaj superfan. Sophomore Grace Conklin explains, “you put your camera on someone and play one of [Minaj’s] songs. If the person on-camera says all the words correctly,

then they are a barb. If not then they are not a barb.” The TikTok challenge is estimated to have more than 436,000 participants. The Barbie recently released a new single, ‘Do We Have a Problem?’ on February 4, which is number one on Trending and has already reached 9.8 billion views.

Legacy continues with new Scream; B&B Antiques displays oldies

Student remarks on additions KIMBERLY EDGAR Reporter

but two killers. “This one had me confused on who the killer(s) “Twenty-five years after the origwere, I was convinced it was just inal series of murders in Woodsone of the friends,” adds Ferran. boro, a new Ghostface emerges, The killers are revealed, true and Sidney Prescott must return to character, at the very end. Alto uncover the truth,” summarizthough it was two characters, es IMDb. 11 years after the most the reveal was lacking according recent part of the series, Scream 4, to Benjamin Lee of the Guardian, a new movie comes out to contin“when killer number one is reue the original story from 1996. vealed – Amber – it’s met with an Junior Haley Ferran says that “Oh … that one” shrug and then she was looking forward to this in yet another callback, killer new addition number two is unto the series, masked – Richie, “at the end of the scream queen’s 2021 when I boyfriend turning had seen trailevil once again.” ers and movie The “big death” posters comwas the end of the ing out for it, I beloved legacy knew I had to character Dewgo see it.” The ey, says Lee. Fernew addition ran remarks that being titled the death of this Scream instead core character was of “Scream 5” shocking because keeps its con“they [the orignection to the inal characters] legacy charachave been in so ters but “keeps many movies that its own voice,” I believed they states Brian [the creators] were Tallerico, mannever going to kill aging editor for off one of the origRogerEbert. inal characters.” Tallerico Lee describes the elaborates the ‘Scream’ franchise came back after eleven years with scene as “gnarlier inclusion of than usual” due to new twists. Viewers comment on surprises and possible hallucinations the “hospital corof a charac- mistakes of the new film. ridor slaying that ter from the sees the killer stab original movie Dewey in both his but adds “that [the hallucina- boro takes place with, “someone front and back simultaneously, tions] have some dodgy CGI that in the friend group” says Ferran. creepily bragging that “it’s an make them less effective than However, Scream took notes from honor” to be the one who gets to they probably were on paper.” the original by utilizing not one murder someone so infamous.”

DANNY GALLO Reporter

Ferran also comments on this saying that the editing was “bad” but that she liked the original idea for including this original character. The editing of actor Skeet Ulrich was done to make it look like he did in the original 1996 film, “it looks like Ulrich has not aged a day in 25 years,” according to Shane Romanchick of Collider. The typical theme of finding who killed the citizens of Woods-

B&B Antiques storefront, displaying the many items available for purchase. PHOTO CREDIT: B&B Antiques On Jarrettsville Pike Rd in Monkton, MD, there is a little place located just in front of the Royal Farms. It may seem hidden at first, but B & B Antiques is a gem of a place. The variety of products displayed outside is what brings customers in. Milkcrates, fruit crates, benches, garden signs, beautiful chairs, among other antique items, and their scatter shows the start of B & B, and why it contains a 4.4 rating on Facebook. Inside the store, a beautiful and wide collection of vintage earrings, rings, necklaces, watches, and bracelets, are right on the corner. B&B sells homemade honey as well. Kitchenware can also be found there, wonderfully painted ceramics, creatively designed mugs, clay pots, and even lamps with innovative art carefully drawn on them. Even matching mugs are available. Furthermore, there is an entire display just for pen enthusiasts

who are looking for high-quality, old working pens are. While browsing, store employees do not watch their customers look around, they will answer questions gladly. The homey feeling of the shop will give anyone all the warmth they need. Senior Haley Shoemaker looked at the gallery of pictures on the store’s website. She said, “that’s actually so cute. I like how it’s a little shop. I would so go just to check it out and see what all they have,” explains the student. Like Shoemaker, senior Hannah Williams explains, “I would go there. It’s always a cool thing to go to an antique store and just see what is there because you never know what you are going to find.” With a little of everything, B&B Antiques displays intriguing paintings, good quality frames, glass jars, and even little angel miniatures just for decoration. For the readers there are even books and photography to The Civil War.

Cry of the Hawk

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February 25, 2022

Disney animated film Encanto shatters records VICTORIA HANNA Studio Manager

Not only one, but two songs from Disney’s animated film Encanto have reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and 200. The top song of the soundtrack, ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno,’ written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, made number one on the Billboard 200 with over 115,000 sold, according to New York Times. The song also made number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and the last time this happened was in the film Aladdin, with ‘A Whole New World’ in 1993, almost three decades ago. According to Billboard, no soundtrack and corresponding song had led the charts simultaneously since ‘A Star Is Born’ by Lady Gaga and ‘Shallow’ by Bradley Coopers in 2019. Senior Olivia Waldsmith says that her favorite song from the movie is ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno,’ her favorite character also being Bruno. She says, “the movie definitely deserves the awards and hype it got, it was a really good film.” Along with Waldsmith, soph-

omore Elian Ortiz says his favorite song from the movie is also ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno’ and his favorite character is Bruno as well. “I watched the film when it first came out after seeing it in advertisements and commercials,” Ortiz says. Voice actor Carolina Gaitan who voiced Pepa Madrigal posted to Instagram with the caption “so moved to be a part of a film that talks about Columbia and has three Oscar nominations!” She also posted a picture of the top 10 for the Billboard Global 200 saying she will “treasure this moment for forever.” “My favorite song was ‘Surface Pressure,’” junior Eva Bloom says. “I heard about the movie on Tiktok, as it’s trending on there,” she adds. Bloom’s favorite character was Isabelle when she watched the movie two weeks ago. According to Billboard, Gaitan and Mauro Castillo, who plays Felix, “represent the plurality of Columbia, playing a mixed-race couple who are ostensibly from Colombia’s Caribbean coast.” Castillo refers to the writer of the top billboard song as a “ge-

Students react to Star Wars show MATTHEW LEDFORD Reporter

sassin seen in the Star Wars TV show The Mandalorian, who The Star Wars cinematic uni- has teamed up to take over the verse is a space based film fran- palace of Jabba the Hutt and chise that consists of both movies his crime empire on Tatooine. and TV shows, similar to the MarThe story follows both of vel cinematic universe created by these characters working as a Stan Lee. This saga was created team as they return to the sands by George Lucas, whose films of Tatooine to claim the territogrew very popular since the first ry once ruled by Jabba the Hutt movie’s release on May 19, 1999. and his crime syndicate. While also the viewer gets to see the flashback of how he survived after falling into the sarlacc pit as talked about above, according to Disney+. Senior Brady Wright said, “I think people should watch the new show because while it doesn’t follow the original plot of Star Wars it shows it does create a new story line that is awesome and just as good as the other Star Wars movies and tv shows in the franchise, it also shows the amazing animation skills from different animation ‘The Book of Boba Fett’ episode studios and the amazing artwork they make for one released December 29, 2021. each different episode.” There will be new episodes every “This show is so good beWednesday until February 9, 2022. cause it elaborates on both the classic and the newly The Book of Boba Fett is a introduced characters into the stoTV show that takes place fol- ryline. As well as it develops new lowing the end of season two of interesting and unique storylines The Mandalorian. The Mandal- and plots. I also like how they orian takes place five years af- brought back Boba Fett because ter Return of the Jedi, while the I thought he was dead and he is first Book of Boba Fett flashback such a cool and intriguing charachappens after Return of the Jedi, ter. This is one of many new Dissaid John Bartnicki the producer. ney projects and so far I am very Bartnicki said this series fol- pleased,” said junior Julia Eakes. lows and tells the story of the This TV show was released bounty hunter Boba Fett, who every Wednesday on Diswas thought to be dead in the ney+ from December 29, 2021 1983's Star Wars: Episode VI through February 9, 2022, acReturn of the Jedi. Along with cording to a press release by mercenary Fennec Shand, an as- the Walt Disney Company.

nius,” and also adds “[‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno’] is a cha cha cha with montuno, and it’s amazing that you have the tambor, salsa playing around the world.” The actor says that when he heard the song, he told his wife “this song, it could be big. It invites you to dance and to enjoy the music, the movement, the color.” Due to COVID constraints, the duo never recorded together and instead recorded from their own studio via Zoom with writer Lin-Manuel Miranda directing. “We hadn’t even listened to it before,” Castillo says, referring to the song. “I got the score first, and then the audio file in an encrypted mode for security. I thought, this is the real deal.” At first, since Gaitan began her career in entertainment as a singer winning a reality show in Columbia, had trouble acting in voice only. “You have to express everything with your voice, not your physical form.” The film won the Golden Globe Award with another win being that ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno’ became Disney’s highest-charting soundtrack in 26 years.

The Fallout tackles traumatic topics; HBO Max releases award winning film ALEXA FALLS Entertainment Editor

Newton said that the film did not represent this generation well, “I feel like it was way too depressing and portrayed that all our generation is sad.” She watched it because she wanted to see what a movie about this generation was going to look like. Overall, she thought that the movie, “was just rushed and not thought out.” Newton adds that something

sion and trauma […] maybe show healing time where they collect themselves from the incident and move on with their lives.” Junior Emilie Frank says that the reason she watched the film is because, “I used to love Dance Moms and Maddie Ziegler is in it.” She thought that “it was really intense, and I think that it portrayed a very serious sub-

On January 27 of this year, The Fallout premiered on HBO Max. The rated R movie focuses on 16-year-old Vada and the aftereffects of school shootings, and the trauma that follows her and others. The award-winning director Megan Park hoped to take a different approach to teenage domestic terrorism in film with this movie. This is Park’s directorial debut and already has a 92 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Google users have given the film 4.5 out of five stars and she has won three awards for this movie as well. Main character Vada Cavell is played by actress Jenna Ortega, who has starred in the new film Scream 5, the TV show You, and more. Dance Moms star Maddie Zeigler plays Mia Reed and actress Shailene Woodley who has acted in the Divergent series and The Fault in Our Stars acts as Anna. Junior Carmen Santoro says that she watched the film because she heard about it on TikTok. She says, “I thought it was very well written and Jenna Ortega and Maddie Zeigler on the cover for ‘The Fallgave a very accurate repout.’ The movie has mixed reviews. resentation of teenagers.” She adds that it displayed, “different effects that traumatic that could’ve been added such ject.” Frank mentions, “I think events have on young people's as, “having more transitions be- that the timeline is a little delives.” Santoro says she would tween scenes that make it easier terring for me at least, it was watch The Fallout again and would to understand. She adds, “more hard to tell how much time recommend it to someone else. context with what is going on in- passed.” She says she would On the other hand, junior Abigail stead of everything about depres- recommend it to someone else.

Page 14- Student, Society, and Culture

Cry of the Hawk

Febraury 25, 2022

Revealing teacher’s hidden passions Thrifting vs. fast fashion; VICTORIA HANNA Studio Manager Teachers are known in school for the subjects they teach, whether they are strict or laidback, mean or nice, funny or serious.. However, have you ever wondered what they’re ‘known for’ out of school? For example, math teacher Mrs. Wenke Green fosters dogs when she’s not drilling the Pythagorean theorem into students’ heads. “I started fostering shortly after rescuing a dog that was tied up outside his whole life,” Green says, “that inspired me to start volunteering at a local rescue to help more dogs in need.” However, more recently Green has not been able to foster after “foster failing” and ending up adopting the dog a few years ago. “I now spend the little free time I have to help run a dog rescue called Adopt a Homeless Animal Rescue.” She also takes care of their Facebook page, adds dogs to the adoption sites, assists people with rehoming their pets and organizes events/fundraisers. The algebra teacher also started flipping houses “eight years ago with a friend.” She said after they sold the first house, they de-

Students’ voice opinions on preferences

cided to keep going. “Every house we owned, we moved into when it was in poor condition and worked on it after school and on weekends to fix it up.” “I love seeing the before and after pictures,” Green says, “We have flipped a few houses but with young kids it is a lot harder these days since we do not have family around to watch them. The last two houses we decided to rent out instead of selling as long-term investments.” Another teacher with a notso surprising talent is NH choir, guitar, and piano teacher Ms. Katelyn Hemling. The teacher performs opera outside of school. Hemling started singing opera in her “junior year of high school.” “Opera singing found me, when I started taking voice lessons, I loved singing in choirs but I wasn’t a super strong pop or broadway singer,” she explains. Her voice teacher then suggested Hemling tried opera.. At first, she thought “ew'' because she was 16 at the time. However, she says “I started learning some different pieces and songs in Italian, German and other languages. I really enjoyed the way that it worked for my

voice and it felt really good.” While Hemling is singing, science teacher Mrs. Laura O’Leary, finds her passion in rescuing and caring for reptiles. Currently, she has three tortoises “two red footed” named Mountain and Phyllis, and one ornamental box turtle named Tripod. All of O’Leary’s tortoises were rescued or given to her because “the owner did not want them.” The teacher also has a diamond black terrapin named Frederica who she says is “adorable and is 25 years old.” As well as two bearded dragons awaiting six eggs that should hatch soon. The hobbies don’t end there. Math teacher Mrs. Evelyn Kimberly started knitting when she was just eight years old. “Within a couple hours, [a friend of my mother’s] had taught me how to do two basic stitches that are the foundation of knitting, which are knit and purl.” The teacher’s favorite thing she’s ever knitted was a “black and gray Fair Isle sweater that [she] made for [her] husband.” She also adds that “the pattern was so challenging that [she] felt a great sense of accomplishment when it was completed.”

KENSINGTON BOYANICH Business Manager/Social Media Coordinator The idea of ‘fast fashion’ is defined by the Oxford dictionary as, “inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers in response to the latest trends.” Websites like Shein and stores such as Urban Outfitters are some examples of large corporations that contribute to the fast fashion industry. On the other hand, though, an increasing trend of going thrifting has surfaced thanks to the popular app TikTok. The Borgen Project, an initiative to help address global poverty talks about the fast fashion industry saying, “Many brands in the fast fashion industry use cheap labor to produce garments, which often leads to the exploitation of workers and the environment.” The website talks about alternatives to fast fashion stating how consumers can donate old clothes, buy clothes from ethical brands, and even learn how to make and repair your own clothing. Some students have voiced their opinions on the fast fashion industry versus buying secondhand clothes at thrift stores. Sophomore Brady Gilmore talks about how he prefers going to thrift stores to shop. “I like thrifting because I am able to find a style that’s mine that nobody else really has,” he states. “Going thrifting is better than going to a big-name brand store because you find much better clothes that are obviously a lot cheaper so you can get a lot more at once.” Senior Luke Phillips though has taken the opposite stand and prefers shopping at brand name stores rather than thrifting. “I prefer shopping at big stores. I really enjoy shopping at Gap, Pacsun, and H&M. It's easy to find the basic clothes you need.” Phillips talks about thrifting saying, “I go to Goodwill sometimes, but it can be hard to find good things and clothes that I would actually wear. Usually, when you do find something, it is not the right size, or it doesn’t look the way I want it to.” Junior Jenna Amrhein says that she does not really prefer thrifting or shopping at brand-name stores. “It honestly depends on what I'm looking for. Sometimes I want new sporty clothes then I will go to a bigger store, but it depends on what occasion I’m going for.” Amrhein talks about how she enjoys going thrifting with her boyfriend. “It really depends on what vibe you are looking for and feeling. Shopping at big brands and thrifting is good for their own purposes.”

Delightful dates for duos GRACE FELDBUSH Event Coordinator

Seasonal hair dyeing;

Students are eager to change hair color DELANEY O’NEIL Reporter Whether students are dyeing their hair professionally or themselves, change in color often stems from boredom and the shifting seasons. Many North Harford students find ways to update their style by continually dyeing hair and experimenting with different colors. Some NH girls get highlights routinely, including sophomore Emma Quick. Quick says, “I normally get highlights and lowlights and either normal blonde or platinum. I get my hair done every 4-5 months and I ask for full highlights.” Similarly, freshman Brooke Carter says, “I usually get full blonde highlights and I get it done every 6 weeks.” Carter changes her hair in the winter seasons saying, “I go darker because the sun is not as strong to give hair natural blonde highlights. I ask for only top high-

lights or I blend the highlights more.” Junior Claire Johnson also goes darker in the winter, but changes color without dyeing her hair. Johnson says, “I usually dye my hair lighter in the summer and get blonde highlights. In the winter I let my natural color grow out, which is darker.” Besides highlighting hair, students also experiment with different colors out of boredom. Senior Luke Phillips says, “I dyed my hair because I got bored and it gave me something to do. At first it was really cool because it was something different, but I eventually dyed it back to my natural color because I thought it would look better.” According to Hollee Wood Hair, 37% of women dye their hair at home. Sophomore Anna Deveno says, “I usually use box dye, specifically Arctic Fox, but if I were to bleach my hair I would go to the hair salon because I don't know

how to use bleach.” Likewise junior Reese Lynch recently got blonde highlights and says, “I have tried every single color and the only one I haven't tried is blonde and it gave me something new to do.” Despite the enjoyment of switching hair colors, dyeing hair alters the protein structure leading to hair loss, according to Healthline. Students use unique products to keep hair healthy and the color prominent. Quick says, “I use purple conditioner to help not deteriorate the color and protects hair from well water.” Phillips also says, “my natural color was so dark that I couldn't keep it toned, so I used purple shampoo. Hair masks and oils help to moisturize and nourish hair, according to Healthline. Carter says, “I use natural hair masks that include vegetables, like avocado and hair oil.” Johnson also says, “I use heat protectant and Oplex.”

On a Friday or Saturday night, students are often looking for something exciting to switch up their daily routine. Senior Aaron Huth’s favorite date day is going to mini golf specifically at the indoor Jurassic Park mini golf in Bel Air. “Going to mini golf and getting something like Chick-Fil-A to eat is one of my favorite things to do,” Huth says. Junior Madalyn Rutch explains she loves getting sushi. “My ideal date would be getting sushi and then just relaxing watching a show or something,” she says. She explains she loves going to Chopstix in Forest Hill or The Orient in Bel Air. She says her favorite shows to watch are Dance Moms, 13 Reasons Why, and The Walking Dead. She explains she would love to introduce someone to those shows on a first date. She implies she would love to do this in a romantic way, or even with a friend for a girls day. Junior Kaity Grimm says one of her favorite dates was going to Texas Roadhouse. “I went to Texas Roadhouse, but the wait was almost an hour, in the meantime we walked around Tractor Supply and just talked and had a fun time,” Grimm says. Grimm found it fun because she thought she'd be miserable wait-

ing but ended up having a wonderful time. “It was one of those things where you expect the worst but get the best,” she says. Junior Abigail Giannini says her favorite date she has been on was roller-skating. “It was a fun way to let loose and get comfortable around each other,” she says. Giannini explains she loved being taken roller-skating because it was different than most dates and showed they cared and wanted to have fun with her. Junior Colin McDermott’s favorite night out was going to a trampoline park. “Having fun at a trampoline park was a creative way to open up for me and my date,” he says. McDermott explains he thought it was a perfect date idea because there are so many things to do there it can never get awkward. He would encourage anyone who wants to do something creative to try out a trampoline park. According to SmartCouples. edu there are multiple ways to grow closer with your partner, and “going on creative dates grows the bond between you and your partner.” One of their ideas is to plan a scavenger hunt. The site suggests creating personal clues for where a couple needs to go next to see how well they know the other person, and the result “can be a creative way to connect on a deeper level.”

Febraury 25, 2022

Cry of the Hawk

Page 15- Students, Society, and Culture

Floral design plants seeds for future careers;

Students blossom in creativity KIMBERLY EDGAR Reporter

“Floral design is a lot of fun, and you get to learn about a lot of techniques and materials used in floral design,” says senior Laura Erisman. Floral design gives students a chance to “get away from bookwork,” says senior Zachary Wyatt. According to Floral Design Institute floral design is “a planned process; a careful application of design elements, principles, forms, styles and techniques which results in a composition that is pleasing to the eye.” Wyatt states that the class that is offered is very hands-on, “you get to spend time with plants, and you have a chance to be creative.” A typical class can range from briefs on flowers to arrangement assignments, Wyatt says. Erisman states that on arrangement days, students go and grab their

aprons and materials to start arranging right away, but “on other days we start with a flower profile which is basically a rundown of different flowers and prices.” Wyatt adds, “we are oftentimes working with flowers and plants to arrange them and then we go over why we arrange them a certain way but other times we do some bookwork for mechanics.” Both Erisman and Wyatt describe the floral design class as a more laid back and interactive class compared to other electives. Although Wyatt does not want to pursue floral design after high school, Erisman says “I work in a flower shop, so I’m interested in doing floral design after high school.” Floral design classes allow you to “play and tap into your creative side. To give your perspective and help you cope with your everyday life,” says Floral School.

Wyatt’s favorite arrangement was around Christmas time whereas Erisman’s favorite was the very first one they did. Wyatt states “we harvest greens locally and work with that to make big centerpieces. It is the busiest time and plenty of people buy them.” Erisman explains that at the beginning of the year, students were able to pick what they wanted to arrange and that was her favorite. “I used a lot of white and purple flowers with some tree fern for my arrangement,” says Erisman. The goal for their arrangements is to look good and well put together or “not stupid” according to Erisman. The upcoming arrangement for floral design students is the Valentine’s Day special featuring “a single flower that students can gift to family and friends or to anybody that they want to cheer up.”

BSU shines light on Black History Month; All students welcome to join DANNY GALLO Reporter

health and wellness week.” She explains how the idea to create According to Kent State Uni- BSU came into her mind.“There versity, Black History Month were not a lot of people of colwas first officially acknowledged or in this school, and my friends by President Gerald Ford in the didn’t really feel comfortable, 1970s, and its importance is dis- because there weren’t many peoplayed across the world, especial- ple who could communicate and ly in the United States. understand them.” Femi-Falodun In North Harford, the Black founded the BSU in hopes to Student Union is spreadgive her friends a voice. “I ing that importance. want black students Anisa Ray, Junior, and all students to “A club created secretary of the not be afraid of Black Student to be a safe space racism here.” Union, explains Ray acknowlwhat the group for African Americans edges how imis about, “a club Students of North Har- portant the created to be union is to her. ford.” a safe space for “Something like ~ Anisa Ray, African Amerithis was never cans Students of seen or established junior North Harford. We here and change is learn facts, culture, important.” and other aspects about Neah Shaw, outreach African American history.” Ac- chair of the BSU, agrees with cording to Brea Smothers, trea- Ray, in which “it’s important to surer of the BSU, the club is doing highlight our role in history that specific activities for Black Histo- we don’t learn in history class. ry Month, some of which include It’s important for Black Amer“hanging historical posters about icans to be proud of who they less represented individuals in are, their struggles, accomplishthe media, setting up displays ments, and be able to express about books, announcement triv- that during this month and any ia, and fact sharing, where people other month.” can earn fun prizes.” Shaw invites any student to TJ Femi-Falodun, founder of join the club, “the BSU is a group the BSU goes into more depth of people who are very welcomabout the facts being shared ing and interactive, so don’t feel in the announcements. “The like you might be the outcast if themes for each week are black you join.” She further explains women in history, civil rights that “it is not just a place for movement leaders, and black POC, anyone can join.”

Students created monthly floral arrangements this year. Floral design continues to offer opportunities for creativity. PHOTO CREDIT: Erika Edwards

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Cry of the Hawk

Feburary 25, 2022

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Cry of the Hawk

Feburary 25, 2022

Over/Underrated Popular Songs We Don't Talk About Bruno 47% Overrated 53% Underrated

Go Easy on Me 29% Overrated 71% Underrated

Heatwaves

65% Overrated 35% Underrated 165 people polled Compiled by: Layton Hillier

Cry of the Hawk

February 25, 2022

Red tattoo dye causes side effects LAYTON HILLIER Copy Editor In the U.S., 15% of men and 13% of women have tattoos, according to History of Tattoos. Tattoos come in more than plain black and white, and many people have colored ink in their tattoos. However, certain dyes–specifically red dye, can have negative side effects, according to multiple studies from PubMed and the National Institute of Health. Of the studies done, many pointed to the pigmentation of dye being the culp r i t . “Red tattoo pigment c a n be either organic or inorganic. Inorganic red pigment includes mercury, cadmium selenide, and sienna (ferric hydrate). Organic red pigment includes sandalwood and brazilwood (or Caesalpinia echinata), both organic vegetable dyes,” says a study by Forbat and Al-Niaimi. This is not the only study that has pointed to an allergic reaction, one done by Sowden et al. states that “a variety of metallic elements including aluminum, iron, calcium, titanium, silicon, mercury and cadmium were detected,” in the red pigmentation of tattoo ink. They moved on to perform “patch tests […] to the relevant chemicals in nine cases, and only one patient reacted to mercury.” “In general, the black dye particles, which have a less tendency to react [to] inflammatory response, are the smallest, and the red dye particles have a

bigger size.” Joon Seok et al. Senior Maggie Sadiq says that she is “not super afraid of side effects.” Sadiq would get a colored tattoo despite the potential side effects. “Not all colored ink affects people, and even then, it’s usually an allergy,” she says. A case study by Duan et al. agrees with her, claiming that while “allergic reactions are a known complication of tattoos, systemic reactions are rare.” However, of the reactions examined in the study by Forbat and Al-Niaimi, the research team found that “the m a jority (78%) of samp l e s demonstrated dermatitis with evidence of T-lymphocytes and Langerhans cells, which further supports the presence of an allergic phenomenon.” “The European Union (EU) has effectively outlawed the use of colored inks in tattoos from Tuesday citing health concerns. Officials say that around 4,000 chemicals used in the inks can cause “cancer or genetic mutations,” according to The Swaddle. Sadiq thinks that the E.U. “probably had a good reason,” for the imposed ban. The European Union banned these products out of fears that they “could potentially expose people to the risk under Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) — an EU regulation dating back to December 2006,” says the same source.

“The majority (78%) of samples demonstrated dermatitis with evidence of T-lymphocytes and Langerhans cells, which further supports the presence of an allergic phenomenon.” -Forbat and Al-Niaimi research team

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Self-perpetuating cycle of blushing;

Why we think turning cherry can be scary JESSICA FANNIN IDR Editor Have you ever wondered why your face turns red when you feel embarrassed, scared, or ashamed? Why do your cheeks heat up when your crush is talking to you? Well, there is actually a lot of science to explain this natural phenomenon. Blushing is an involuntary action that science teacher Mrs. Patricia Massetti says is a “reaction in response to adrenaline and can be used to cool the body down.” She adds it is powered by the sympathetic system which is in charge of your flight or fight response. Blushing has been found to only be exhibited in humans. This has created an issue for those who believe humans evolved from animals. It poses the question that if humans came from lower animals, why is there no animal capable of blushing? This involuntary response causes your blood vessels to dilate to improve the flow of blood and oxygen. The reason we blush most often in our face is because the blood vessels in

our cheeks are wider and closer to the surface. Often when people try to hold back blushing, it causes them to become redder. This is because blushing leads to more blushing because it is a “self-perpetuating cycle,” according to Doctor Azarani, an adult psychiatrist and psychotherapist in Brooklyn. Massetti claims “she would not want people to see […] [her] blush because it can be seen as a sign of weakness.” It has also been proven in a study conducted in 2009 that, if someone is told they are blushing when they are not, it can cause them to start blushing. In addition to just blushing from talking about it, different stares from others can affect how people blush. In a study where people were watched while singing aloud, it revealed that they blushed on the side of the face being watched. According to Indiana University’s researcher, Howard J Edenberg, not only do people blush from an emotional response, but alcohol consumption can also cause the reddening of the face. Alcohol releases metabolites

that the body will try to break down. One of these metabolites known as acetaldehyde, is a toxin that causes the blood vessels in the face to dilate. Doctor Marije ann het Rot explained “when you blush, others know that your emotional experience is true and sincere. When people blush in an embarrassing or shameful situation, they are more likely to be seen by others as likable and trustworthy than if they had not blushed.” The science teacher agrees with this study because she said, “[She] would probably be more likely to forgive someone if they were blushing after doing something wrong.” Sometimes people find it embarrassing when they are caught blushing and in extreme cases this can lead to Erythrophobia, a condition in which people have a fear of blushing. Along with making it easier to be forgiven, blushing has also proven to be something that is attractive to men. Because blushing can be seen as innocent or feminine.

Underwater volcano erupts into deadly colossal wave

Natural disaster causes, dangers, preparations CHLOE WARD Reporter

On January 15, an undersea volcano located in the South Pacific erupted. This type of occurrence is typical in the area, but what followed had affects all the way to American coasts. Volcano Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai, around the Kingdom of Tonga, East of Australia in the Pacific, barely made residents of nearby islands aware of its eruption. However, over the next 24 hours, “towering columns of ash began to produce record breaking amounts of lighting” (National Geographic), and its violent disposition was clear. The following morning, it suddenly produced a massive sonic boom that made everything around it push back. “Such an explosion is thought to occur roughly once every thousand years,” according to National Geographic. Angering the ocean, a tsunami quickly approached the kingdom. After flooding the main island, it made its way over to the Pacific Northwest, reaching from Alaska to Mexico, with some reports in South America. Physics and Environmental Science teacher Mr. Heeter describes the many ways that tsunamis are formed. “They happen because of plate tectonic activity, earthquakes, volcanic activity, landslides and are associated either near the oceans or in some cases underneath the ocean,” he says. Since the Kingdom of Tonga and surrounding affected areas are in the Pacific, which contains a lot of tectonic and volcanic ac-

tivity, the area is not new to these disasters. Today, the islanders are still trying to recover. Clean up is in progress, but debris and fallen buildings still litter the streets. Food supplies are dwindling, so the United Nations is working with the Tonga government associations to provide emergency funding, as well as a temporary decrease in cost of fishing permits (UN News). What is the likelihood of a similar event happening closer to Maryland? Not very high, aside from around the Caribbean, the Atlantic Ocean does not have many major subduction zones or active plate boundaries near the East Coast, which is the cause of many tsunamis. The last major events recorded happened back in the early 20th century, and were mainly caused by landslides. However, there are other natural disasters to be accounted for. “There is activity whenever hurricane season comes around- that’s probably the biggest one- severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and those kinds of things pop up,” Heeter says. He adds that tornadoes are rare for Maryland specifically, and they are usually small and cause minimal damage when they do occur. There are many ways to prepare in case of an emergency, such as having an evacuation plan. If unable to evacuate the area, Heeter suggests “safe shelter in low lying areas of your home in case of a tornado and safe, high structure if there is a hurricane- in case of

flooding.” Also keep some supplies around the shelter- at least a gallon of water per person, some canned goods, and medical supplies will go a long way. The main advice is to always have a plan. Consider that these events do happen on a regular basis for many countries, and it could potentially carry over to Maryland at any point, even though it is not common. So being prepared and having an updated family disaster plan is key (CDC).

Underwater volcano erupts on Jan 15, 2022. The eruption caused many tsunamis starting off the coast of Tonga. PC: Japan’s Himawari-8 satellite.

February 25, 2022

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Cry of the Hawk

Southern Wesleyan University recruits Lewis to play soccer at DII level Wrestlers ‘pin’

GREER STRINE Sports Editor

Senior Ava Lewis, committed to Southern Wesleyan University (SWU) in Central, South Carolina. Lewis is going to play soccer at the NCAA Division II level. SWU is one of the more recent institutions to be added to the NCAA. The university applied to compete at the DII level in 2013, but was officially approved for the 2016-17 academic year, according to swuathletics.com. During her 14 years playing soccer, the athlete has played midfield and wing, but her main position is striker/forward. “Ava is a great player, she is a finisher. During the season,

we had a problem where we often didn’t finish our plays and didn’t finish our goal, Ava always got it done,” according to senior captain Clare Cummings. Lewis had looked at many other colleges during her search for the right fit. She looked at University of Mount Olive, York College of Pennsylvania, and Millersville University. However, she also got an offer from Shenandoah University, which she also considered. “I chose SWU because it has an amazing location, and the school itself has a great atmosphere to be in,” the athlete stated. The soccer player explained, “SWU stood out to me because

it had a lot to offer academically and athletically. Their head coach is very nice and was super welcoming.” She is planning to major in exercise science because she has, “always wanted to do something that involves sports, and just health in general” Along with playing soccer at the Hawk’s Nest, Lewis says she plays club soccer for Coppermine Premier. Lewis states, “Club soccer has shaped [her] to be the player that [she] is right now. It has also helped [her] to get the exposure that [she] needs for the recruitment process.” Not only has club soccer helped her, but “high school has helped [her] learn how

to manage both schoolwork and playing soccer. It has also helped [her] to become more organized,” according to Lewis. Junior Jenna Amrhein said, “[Lewis] would always find a goal for us when we needed it, and has a great game IQ so she was always helpful with everything.” Both Cummings and Amrhein agreed that Lewis was a smiling face in school, and that she has a great personality, which makes them always want to be around her. They both said that they are super proud of how far she has come and for all she has accomplished for NH, but also all she will contribute to her team in the future.

Swim team dives into counties; Facing tough competition during travel Athletes set personal best times GRACE FELDBUSH Event Coordinator The swim team has already participated in seven meets this season and they have spent the last few weeks prepping for some of the most important competitions yet. Counties took place on Feb. 8 for the girls and boys followed on Feb. 9 at Magnolia Middle School. Regionals and states will follow at the end of Feb. Head coach Mrs. Hilary Canale, had many expectations for her swimmers in counties. She wanted all of her athletes to get personal best times and even hoped for some swimmers and relays to place in the top three. “It is difficult to make a lineup that makes everybody happy, but I must do what is best for the team,” Canale says. She explains she wanted her lineup to be as fast as it could be. She was preparing her team by making sure they were working hard at every practice leading up to counties and had increased their yardage to help their endurance. Canale expects each swimmer to try their hardest and to put 100 percent into every race. “If they give all their best efforts, I will know all their challenging work has paid off,” she says. Sophomore Valentina Angulo has taken on swimming for the first time this year. She explains she was hoping to drop time in her events. “I train when I get home from practice daily and do CrossFit or run,” the sophomore says. Senior Ryley O’Hare had a goal to drop her time in her events to have a higher place going into regionals. She hoped for her relays to drop time and get closer to placing in the top three for regionals. O’Hare was most nervous for the 200 free since there was a lot of competition near her time. Angulo explains when she started swimming, her 50-yard freestyle was 39 seconds. “I have come so far and now have a time of 31 seconds,” she says. She says she has made friendships she never thought she would make and has grown her confidence because of how much she accomplished.

Sophomore Michael O’Leary was most excited to swim his 100yard butterfly because he hadn’t gone the time he had wanted to this season. “I am happy I am top three in both 100 breaststroke and 100 butterfly and hope I can maintain my place,” he says. The girls 200 and 400 yard freestyle relay which included Angulo, senior Riley O’Hare, senior Grace Feldbush, and sophomore Anna O’Leary dropped time in both races. Two seconds was dropped in the 200 yard relay which went from a time of 2:00.30 to 1:58.51. Four seconds were dropped in the 400 yard relay and the time went from 4:25.22 to 4:21.41. The girls 200 yard medley relay which included sophomore Jordyn Bell, sophomore Madison Spangler, junior Jenna Reed, and junior Abigail Gianni dropped five seconds. Their time went from a 2:32.99 to a 2:27.92. The boys 200 yard freestyle relay which included sophomore Kyle Difilippo, junior Ben Iampieri, senior Evan Kuzemchak, and M. O’Leary had a time of 1:46.89 and dropped 1.31 seconds. The boys 400 yard freestyle relay, which included senior Nick Spigler, Iampieri, Kuzemchak, and M. O'Leary, placed fifth and had a time of 3:56.77 and dropped 6.33 seconds. The boys 200 yard medley relay swam a time of 2:05.54 and included swimmers Difilippo, Spigler, freshman James Cassidy, and senior Griffin Hevesy. O’Hare placed fourth in her 200 yard freestyle event with a time of 2:14.52 and improved her time by dropping 3.83 seconds. M. O’Leary placed fourth in the 100 yard butterfly with a time of 59.39 and dropped 0.08 seconds. He also placed fourth in the 100 yard breaststroke with a time of 1:07.77 and dropped 1.28 seconds. Many swimmers set personal best times in their individual events and hope to drop more time for regionals. Boys and Girls together is ranked 6th in the county as of Feb. tenth. Swimmers have been preparing for the next big meets.

ANNIE FINHOLM Reporter “[The] night before a competition[,] everyone staying at the hotel [the event is at] will go to the pool and have a pool night and dinner,” recalls freshman Olive Callon. Freshmen Abby Szramka and Callon both participate in “competitive dance” with Supernova Dance Company. The two have been dancing for “11 years” and have experienced competitions “all around the [East Coast],” says Callon. Specifically, adds Szramka, “Myrtle Beach, Virginia, [and] Florida.” Gymnastics and soccer are the two sports senior Madison Quick competes in. She started gymnastics at around three years old, and soccer at five. Competing at ACPR, in Churchville, gymnastics has taken the athlete “around the world,” most notably to “the Bahamas, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio, New York, and Florida,” while soccer has taken her up the East Coast. She emphasizes that her favorite place to travel for either sport has been “the Bahamas.” Quick describes it as being “such a cool experience to travel outside the country and to be in a warm place during the cold winter months in Maryland, giving more variation to [her] competition season.” In terms of gymnastics, Quick says that “Hav“competitions are normally much bigger and there are more girls to go ing the opup against” outthe state portunity to travel side of Maryland. With bigger is such a cool expe- c o n t a i n i n g competitions higher pop- rience to travel outside u l a t i o n s , there are more scores to compete the country and to be in a a g a i n s t . H o w e v - warm place during the cold er, she remarks, socgames winter months in Maryland, cer are “normally the same.” The larger giving more variation to the population, the [her] competition season” harder the competition is a common theme among the sports. Callon states Baltimore as - Madison Quick, a particularly tough city, senior which makes Maryland competitors “really tough.” Szramka comments that a reputable company that Supernova competes against is “New York City Dance Alliance (NYCDA).” When it comes to selecting the meets, all the students agree that the decisions are ultimately made by the coaches or the dance company before the information is released to the athletes based off of who will be there, where it is, level of competition, etc. Callon adds that the selection is also dependent on the judges participating and the dance classes they will teach. According to Quick, the chance to form the bonds that she hopes will last forever is an opportunity that she has had her entire sports career that she says that she appreciates about both soccer and gymnastics. For Supernova, the dancers admit that there are several opportunities granted to them, such as “being able to take classes with [wellknown] and professional dancers at conventions,” says Szramka. Not only do they get to learn from these athletes, but Callon also states that when they travel to conventions, they can earn “different scholarships and auditions.” The dance company also gives their students the chance to “travel to NYC to take master classes and tour the city[.]” Learning about the city and taking different classes from different teachers appeals to many at the studio.

their way to state competition

BELLA ARIST Reporter As the wrestling season comes to a close, athletes continue to train towards regional, Upper Chesapeake Bay Athletic Conference (UCBAC), and state competition. Freshman, Ian Lewis says, “The team is like family to [him] because of how close we have gotten over the season.” Lewis mentions they spend so much time together after school, it was “easy to form quick and fun relationships.” Captains Austin Arist, senior, and Cruz Cespedes, junior, comment about the start of the season compared to now. “As a team our will to be the best in the county strengthens every day,” says Arist. Cespedes also mentions they are “winning more, listening to the coaches, and doing their moves correctly.” Specifically, Arist says, “Freshman Cody Deak has showed a lot of heart and has been fighting to do his best in practice. I am very proud of him for improving so much since the beginning.” Cespedes mentions one thing he isn't a fan of is the coaching style. He says it's “not effective. There should be more technique and wrestling, rather than mainly conditioning.” Along with Cespedes, other teammates said they do a lot more conditioning than needed. One of the friendships Lewis made was with another first-year student, George Feldbush. Feldbush mentions the team “works harder and wants it more” compared to other teams. Except, something they do a practice that they shouldn’t is “talking too much because it's hard to stay focused.” According to senior, Luke Phillips, “Everyone is just so engaged and ready to wrestle, there are some areas we need work on but overall we’ve got a good group of guys.” “We smell blood, we become predators, and we take down the prey,” Phillips says about the team. “We don’t want to be prey. We are strong. We are one,” according to Arist. After a team loss, Cespedes mentions they do “a lot of extra conditioning and learn from our mistakes.” Taking what they did wrong and improving on those aspects will “not only help us individually but also the team,” adds Arist. As a freshman and first-year wrestler, Lewis learned to “work harder and keep pushing to do better in the future.” He also mentions as a team they’ve “improved on communication and teamwork” as the season moved on. Lewis also believes the “coaches always push [them] extremely hard in order to improve everyone as individual wrestlers as well.” Unlike other teams, Arist thinks the team “conditions harder and prepares for their matches well.”

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Cry of the Hawk

February 25, 2022

Tom Brady hangs up his cleats after 22 years; Ending career with numerous broken records BEN SERSEN Reporter

Tom Brady achieved a number of records during his career such as the most Superbowl victories by a single player in NFL history as well as beating out every single team for most super bowl victories ever. When speaking about the impact of Brady, junior Giavanni Barbarino says, “[Brady] is the greatest of all time, plain and simple.” The effect of Brady has not only been felt by this generation, however. Science teacher Mr. Brady Green stated, “Brady is extremely accomplished. He’s the best quarterback ever, maybe even the best player ever.” As for the reason why he retired, Brady attested his departure to his wife and children saying, “I have loved my NFL career, and now it is time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention.” However, NH alumni Jackson Miller (‘21) says, “Brady wouldn’t have retired if he didn’t have his other brands/

business to worry about.” games started, in which he career passing yards at 84,520. Junior Julia Blondell says had 316, as well as wins with Brady thrived in the postthat Brady’s retirement “chang243. Brady’s record for comseason where he holds records es the mindset of players withplete passes with 7,263, as for playoff games at 47, playoff in the NFL,” saying that his well as completed passes in wins at 35, playoff touchdowns departure at 86, and “encourages playoff a competpassing itive drive yards at to be the 13,049. He next [Tom also has Brady].” Juas many nior MarSuperquis Porter bowl rings agreed with than any the claim franchise stating, “It’s in the going to be NFL, acfun seeing cording to how players sportingplay without news.com. him in the “BeBuccaneers quarterback, celebrates after Superbowl win against the league, he t w e e n Chiefs. Brady announces retirement, one year after last Superbowl had almost the Dewin. PHOTO CREDIT: Mark Rebiles a 50/50 to flategate make it to and the the SuperSpygate, bowl throughout his career, a season with 485, accordTom makes it easy to want to with him gone, the whole landing to NFL.com. Brady holds root against him. He faced a scape of the league changes.” boastful records for career suspension for a reason, they Brady held numerous repass attempts at 11,317, passwouldn’t suspend you if they cords for accolades such as ing touchdowns at 624, and thought you were even on the

cusp of innocent. I think he’s guilty and that’s going to hurt his legacy, but one scandal isn’t enough to derail a hall of fame career,” according to Porter Brady did in fact face a four-game suspension for the Deflategate scandal in 2016, two years after the allegations stemming from the 2014 AFC championship game against the Indianapolis Colts in which he was accused of deflating eleven out of twelve of the footballs used by the Patriots. Brady’s suspension also led to the league revoking two of the Patriots’ draft picks as well as fines over a million dollars for the team. Brady did not face punishment for the spygate scandal, however. NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell fined Coach Bill Belichick of the Patriots $500K, as well as the organization itself, $250K, and stripped them of a first-round draft pick because they were caught videotaping the New York Jets coaches from the sideline during a game on Sept. 9, 2007.

Last chance for redemption; ‘Spring’ing into girls lacrosse season Two NH athletes beat-buzzer GABRIELLE MOXHAM Reporter

RILEY STONEBACK Reporter

point guard and she was scoring a lot of points, especially a lot of points on the paint. It was just back and forth the whole time.” The girls team had played against the Warriors earlier in the season on Dec. 9. The game had been very close, with the Lady Hawks pulling in the win 49-47. Sheahy says, “I definitely think there has been more confidence on the team as a whole.

las Mavericks, the score was 105106, the shot clock winded down Over the years, there have to a half of a second, where Carter been many famous buzzer-beatshot a three-pointer from the corers within basketball. Recently, ner, making the basket, winning two North Harford basketball the game for the Spurs 108-106, players beat the buzzer, winaccording to bleacherreport.com. ning the game for the Hawks. Playing for the Maryland TerSenior Evan Wagner had a rapins, Anthony Cowan Jr. ‘19 buzzer-beater against the Bel had a few buzzer-beaters during Air Bobcats at home on Jan. 10. his career as a Terp. In a game While losing 49-50, Wagner “inagainst Ohio State, the score was tercepted the 72-61 at halftime, ball in the midwith two seconds dle of the court, left on the shot went up and clock, Cowan hit scored” to win a three-pointer the game 51-50. from the halfThe Hawk’s court logo, sevarsity boys curing a 75-61 have not won lead over the against the Buckeyes, acBobcats in a cording to ESPN. while, so WagIn a game ner said it was against Illinois, “really excitthe game was tied ing” to win with a score of against Bel Air. 91-91, the Big Ten “We’re rivals Network states with them, and Vince Carter made the buzzer-beating shot against the Spurs that Cowan ran we’ve been riin the NBA playoffs. Carter made the three-pointer winning the into the paint vals with them trying to score game 108-106. PHOTO CREDIT: Ron Jenkens for a while, on a layup, but so it felt rewith .1 seconds ally good to left on the overwin against them at home.” I think it brought good energy time clock, Cowan gets fouled, Another of NH’s very own to the team and it brought ev- sending him to the free throw buzzer beaters was senior Laynie eryone together more. Overall, line, which would win the game. Sheahy. In a game against the I think everyone was really exBleacherreport.com states, Havre de Grace Warriors on cited because this was one of “Chicago Bulls star Derrick Jan. 24, the girls were all tied the toughest games overall.” Rose hit a buzzer-beating up, 46-46. Right before the One of the most famous buzz- bank shot three-pointer to buzzer went off, Sheahy made er-beaters in NBA history was beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in the three-point shot to win the made by Vince Carter, who was thrilling fashion Friday night, game, 49-46. Sheahy says, “It was playing for the San Antonio 99-96, in Game 3 of the Easta tough game. They have a good Spurs. In a game against the Dal- ern Conference semifinals.”

As winter comes to an end, the spring sports begin, including girls lacrosse. Here’s the inside scoop on some of the young women who are conditioning and are preparing for the upcoming 2022 try-outs. Freshman Mollie Fialcowitz, is an upcoming player who is looking forward to try-out for the Hawks girls lacrosse team. Fialcowitz has played lacrosse “since about first grade” and has attended the conditioning provided to help girls prepare for try-outs. “[Conditioning] is not fun but [she] thinks it’s good to help get to know everyone on the team before-hand,” she commented. Sophomore Maddie Caiazzo, is another possible team member, who had played for the Hawks her freshman year. She however has a disadvantage considering she had obtained a broken arm due to an incident with her horse. Caiazzo mentioned, “due to the state of my arm, I have no idea when I will be able to play lacrosse again nor how fast it will heal.” She reported that she was upset about not being able to attend the conditioning provided because she wouldn’t feel prepared for the upcoming try-outs. Sophomore Isabelle Moxham, sees lacrosse as a more “fun sport, and I’m not feeling prepared but I’m not necessarily nervous about try-outs.” She claimed to be “shooting for JV, “[Conbecause it’s more fun than varsity and less stressful.” Moxham doesn’t ditioning] is participate in other sports not fun but I think any to prepare for the lacrosse it’s good to help get to ever she does season, howhave her own know everyone on the prep ideals; “Sometimes I sporadically team before-hand.” just work out for fun.” She had played lacrosse “from elementary school to - Mollie Fialcowitz, where middle school, [she] freshman stopped and then [she] started again last year.” Junior Bella Southard, also attended conditioning and try-outs in hopes to make varsity because upper-classmen are only allowed to play if they make it on the varsity team. Southard states that she is not nervous for try-outs and looks forward to the lacrosse season since she has been on the lacrosse team for two years already. “I play club and that really helps me with the recruiting process because I do want to play in college.” The senior says, “I don’t think that club and high-school really conflict because they are different seasons and lacrosse has always been somewhat easy for me.” Southard looks to Charlotte North as a role model because she played in Boston College and they have a “great lacrosse program” and won the national championships this past year. Best of luck to all of the ladies who are trying-out starting March 1 and looking forward to a Hawktastic spring season this year.