JANUARY 2023

Virtual inclement weather days approved; HCPS decision gets mixed reviews

KIMBERLY ALLEN Reporter

The plan for virtual inclement weather days for the 2022-2023 school year has been passed by The Maryland State Department of Education. This idea was presented by HCPS at the Board of Education meetings on Oct. 24 and Nov. 14, 2022.

Three asynchronous snow days were approved in case of any inclement weather for this school year. The asynchronous virtual instructions will replace the idea of having to make up more school days at the end of the year.

In the case of having an asynchronous virtual inclement weather day, students will be marked present. Students should follow the instructions that their teachers gave them regarding virtual inclement weather days.

You don’t have to finish the work right away, students are given three days to submit their finished assignments from the asynchronous day. Every student has been issued a device in the county. Students who need Wi-Fi will be provided with a hotspot if necessary.

In theory, the plan for virtual inclement weather days sounds great, but not everyone would agree. Sophomore Elizabeth

O’Brien said, “I’m actually not the biggest fan of inclement weather snow days. I don’t like being as-

feel like snow days, and you can just rest. I understand that we are given three days to complete our assignments, but I know that I would still feel pressured to do the work in one day. I think it would just be easier to do the

the downside of virtual weather days. However, I think the plus of the work is that at least it does not have to be on a video call.”

Looking on the good side of the virtual snow days, fellow sophomore Adelia Windle said,

I think is so great about them is that this means we could have a longer summer. When we have regular snow days, we have to make up for the days we miss, which makes the school year longer. The make-up days feel really pointless to me, and I don’t want to do them. I also like that having inclement weather snow days means that I get to sleep in and not have to wake up so early.”

Students have mixed views about inclement weather days, but what about a teacher?

Media teacher Mr. Brian Dougherty said, “I think the virtual weather days are a really good idea, but I think that they could’ve handled it a little differently.

The virtual inclement weather button can be found on Canvas. Teachers will use this in the case of a weather emergency. PHOTO CREDIT: Canvas.com

signed work on my snow day. I like it when snow days actually

work on a snow day rather than three days later, which I think is

“I think the inclement weather snow days are a great idea. What

Dougherty believes that there could have been days where the teachers are doing service days and the kids are off. I think that there is an issue with accountability from some of the students, especially with having three days to complete their assignments. Overall, Dougherty “think[s] that it is a good idea where you are not wasting a day when you could be doing something virtually.”

Band, orchestra deliver annual performance

Before the start of winter break, North Harford’s band and orchestra hosted their winter concert. The concert was hosted on Dec. 20 at 7 pm. To get the audience in the winter spirit, the band and orchestra played songs relating to winter and Christmas.

Mr. Kevin Shaner, a long-term substitute for band and orchestra, conducted this concert.

There were only six weeks to prepare, which made things quite difficult to focus on practicing. Shaner never had such a short time to prepare like this before.

He states, “part of the challenge was getting to know everyone and then working together to do the best possible performance.”

The first performance was with the orchestra. The songs they had arranged for this performance were Deck the Hall of the Mountain King, Greensleeves, The

Moon of Winter, and Eine Kleine Bell Music. The orchestra played very well to be able to carry out a beautiful sound to the audience.

Sophomore Charlotte Erisman plays the violin in the orchestra. Erisman was happy with the results of the concert “considering that we had a long-term sub while preparing for the concert,” she explains. The piece that Erisman liked the most was Deck the Hall of the Mountain King.

Shaner states, “the orchestra performed very well to open the concert.”

Different instruments had challenges in each part of their music, but Shaner believes that the orchestra handled them well and stayed together throughout each piece.

According to Erisman, “there were some points where people rushed but I think it would be hard to tell from the audience.”

She believes that everyone did

well in playing their part. While performing a song, people can get quite nervous, but Erisman explains, “performing is fun because we can show

“Part of the challenge was getting to know everyone and then working together to do the best possible performance.”

off what we have practiced in this quarter.”

The symphonic band was second up on stage. The songs that were played included Choose Joy, In the Bleak Midwinter, Let It Snow,

and Sleigh Ride. This year, the band brought an exciting performance and played recognizable pieces that people could sing along to.

Overall, the sound and performance displayed by the band were effective.

“There were a few technical things that could have gone better, but on the whole, it was a very good performance,” according to Shaner.

Freshman Grayson Whaley plays the tenor saxophone. Whaley wasn’t too confident about performing as a symphonic band. He states, “I definitely wasn’t too confident about what I was playing. Especially with Sleigh Ride, I definitely did not play how I wanted to.” His favorite pieces were Choose Joy and Let it Snow.

The piece Let it Snow was played by an ensemble of only saxophones. This includes the alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones. Whaley found this per-

formance to be fun. “[He] would have appreciated having it longer,” he says.

Junior Corbin Peacock plays the French horn. He personally believes that the concert went well. He states, “we sounded a lot better than we usually do, and we were more focused on our playing.” His personal favorite piece to play was Choose Joy.

According to Peacock, he believes he could have done better with “blending with [his] section,” it can be hard when there are three different band classes that split apart the band.

Performing can be really fun, and playing exciting pieces can make the experience great.”

Both the band and the orchestra played challenging pieces that conveyed a variety of emotions throughout their performance. With the short time that they had, the band and orchestra used that time to the fullest and made for a great winter concert.

~ Kevin Shaner, substitute teacher

Students say: The problem with parking passes Kimberly Edgar Meghan Kalck

Defending the juniors Defending the seniors

On behalf of all the juniors that went through what I did last year, this is what I have to say.

I have nothing against those who choose to participate in a sport. I understand that they have several events, practices, and early dismissals for such a thing. So, I understand to an extent why students who play a sport should get extra consideration when deciding who gets a parking spot here at school. In addition, seniors get first priority due to part time attendance.

However, refusing to take into account students who work as well isn’t fair.

Many students find every excuse in the book to weasel their way into selfishly gaining a parking spot or even join a sport or a club just for the purpose of getting a spot.

My mom doesn’t trust my bus driver. I have to get home to walk my dog right away.

The world might just explode if I don’t get to drive my new Jeep to school.

Seniors ultimately get first dibs due to the fact they can do part-time, just because they work or take college courses. A student can only work weekends and choose to do part-time here and gain that parking spot. Leaving juniors who work no possible way to have open availability with their employer.

Last year I started working, and I applied for a parking spot. I was a part of two clubs that sometimes had meetings after school that I couldn’t attend because I was denied. I was told that students who played a sport and seniors got picked first and that there simply wasn’t any room for me.

I was forced to tell my job that I could only work nights after school. This was because my bus ride was almost an hour each day. I live ten minutes away, and yet it took 45 minutes every morning and afternoon for me to get to and from school.

Saving money during high school is crucial since college is coming up right around the corner. I don’t throw a ball and get full ride scholarships for it, so I have to make money to go towards my future education.

Being denied a parking spot when I overhear students abusing the rules for applying for one is absolutely ridiculous. Word travels fast and it amazes me just how many people who got a parking spot didn’t really need it as badly as those who got denied.

Tell me how the simple fact that a student is in a sport comes before students who work to bring money in for their family or students who work to get money to live on their own.

As a junior, it is extremely frustrating getting your chance at a spot so far down the list behind seniors and students who play sports. My father spent a lot of his time last year talking to the office about getting me a spot because it became an inconvenience for everyone in my family and the best I got was a special pass for a week on certain days.

Juniors like me were at the bottom of the list and ended up taking the bus for their entire junior year regardless if you worked or were a part of clubs. All that mattered was if you were a part time senior, or if you were in a sport.

I don’t know if I’m biased or what, but I would never place playing a sport above providing for a future.

I understand that being a part of the group of people denying and accepting students the right to have a parking spot is extremely difficult. Of course there should be some sort of parameters for who gets one and who doesn’t. However, these parameters should be broadened to avoid the impression of favoritism.

Someone needs to humble the students who lie their way into getting a spot. Grow up and give those who actually need it a chance to get a spot in the parking lot. The world will not end if you have to wake up a little bit earlier to make it to your bus stop and get home a little later instead of preventing a student that helps provide for their family the ability to get to work on time.

A lot of you are going to get mad at me for this, but park in your spot. I cannot stress it enough, park in your spot. The one you were assigned.

If you don’t have a parking pass, that is not my problem, guys. I have a pass and a spot, so don’t park in it.

If you are a visitor visiting the school, park in the visitor parking spots or the spots with the hawks on the pavement; just don’t park in my spot.

I get it; you’re a junior, you play sports, you’re in clubs. However, I paid 30 dollars for my full year pass to park in my spot, and you’re gonna come and park in it for free? Yeah, no.

I work part-time everyday and leave at 10:30. I work after I get out of school, I manage a spring sport, I have stuff to do too; everyone does, so you complain to me that you need my spot because you need to “stay after” or something that has no effect on me.

I know what everyone's thinking right now: “Oh, she's an entitled senior.” Yeah, I am.

I waited four years for my senior year. I wasn’t guaranteed a parking spot last year either, just like the juniors this year. It hasn't changed. But getting mad at me for a school decision is not going to do you any good.

Seniors still got first priority last year, and the year before, and the year before, and before that year. It has not changed.

I was last because I wasn’t in clubs. I only played a winter sport, not a fall or spring one, and I just about got a spot.

And yes, I did have to work also, sometimes I had to go right to work from school but I just dealt with it. Springtime last year, I had to park at the middle school, which was a hassle, but I dealt with it until the seniors left.

I have had juniors come to me about parking and complain how it is “not fair” to them for me to get a pass and everything, but it is not going to change just because you are complaining. You just have to deal with it and wait your turn just like all of us seniors did.

You’re not going to get everything you want right away, and you might as well learn this lesson now. This is just about a permit to park in a school parking lot but it also goes for life outside of school. You’re not going to graduate college and immediately become the CEO of a company. It takes time and patience. It is not like having a magic wand and saying I want this now, and voila it happens. Sometimes, the wand is out of order.

There are plenty of other ways to get to school like carpooling, having your parents drive you or simply taking the bus. There is nothing wrong with any of those options.

I don’t know why you all think it is such a big deal having your parents drive you to school. Plenty of people do. I get that you want to feel “mature” or something by driving yourself and being a big kid and all but there are some pros to the Uber parent.

When I was a junior, my parents had to drive me to school sometimes and I didn’t care, It was less driving on my part and more money in my pocket since I didn’t have to pay for gas.

Have you ever seen movies where the person's life is going great and everything is just running smoothly and then one day everything just goes completely wrong all at once and their life literally crumbles under them. I swear that's like you guys with parking spots. Trust me, I promise, it’s not the end of the world not to have a spot even if it feels that way.

Graduation is in less than 139 days, including weekends, and I even leave before then. After I leave I won't care about it, but in the meantime, stop complaining and get out of my spot.

New drivers gain independence; don’t lose sight of dangers of roads

EDITORIAL

In high school, many people take the opportunity to get their license to gain their new freedom. New drivers may be fresh to the rules, but many may be overconfident and make risky decisions.

Getting your permit is so exciting; you get to learn the rules of the road and start going out and driving. Then, you can get your license and be completely independent. Driving yourself anywhere and everywhere you

want, loud music, driving with friends, drive-thru shopping, and more are all perks of being a driver. However, the risks for teen drivers and new drivers in general are much higher.

According to nhtsa.gov, “Teen drivers have a higher rate of fatal crashes, mainly because of their immaturity, lack of skills, and lack of experience. They speed, they make mistakes, and they get distracted easily – especially if their friends are in the car.”

Things like this can be prevented by parents of teen driv-

News Editors: Alexa Falls, Kris Gray

Opinion/Editorial Editors: Noel Bailey, Mackenzie Scott

Features Editor: Isabel Kropkowski

(410) 638-3650

ers by setting good examples and explaining the dangers of drug and alcohol use behind the wheel. Parents set the example for their drivers and should never drink and drive. Drinking and driving is a major risk and causes drivers to have slower reaction times. According to bankrate.com, “With 7.8% of all fatal crashes occurring among drivers ages 15 to 20, motor vehicle deaths are the second-leading cause of death for this age group.”

Distracted driving is also a major concern. Obviously, while

IDR Editor: Emily Johnson Society, Students & Culture Editor: Meghan Kalck

Video Editor: Matthew Ledford

Copy Editors: Ben Iampieri, Lily Corcoran

Events Coordinator: Bella Arist

texting and calling while driving is very common, there’s other distractions that are huge with teens.

According to nhtsa.gov, “Many teens may try to use their driving time to eat their morning breakfast or drink coffee, to apply makeup, or to change the radio station. Many teens are distracted by the addition of passengers in the vehicle.”

To eliminate some of these factors, keep priorities straight; if you do not have time in the morning to do something and

Health and Science Editor: Mekenzie McCann

Entertainment Editor: Kimberly Edgar Sports Editors: Reese Showalter, Stella Manns Social Media Coordinator & Business Manager: Kensington Boyanich

Reporters: Kimberly Allen, Emma Cornman, Alexis Gott, Riley Herold, Gabby Moxham, Jack O’Connor, Brookelyn Priebe, Lilly Schisler, Brianna Seiser, Sarah Welzant

Announcements Tech: Meghan Kalck

are running late, don’t try to cram all of these tasks in while you are driving. Prioritize your safe driving over trying to do something that takes your eyes off the road. Pull over to text someone back instead of trying to do it in motion.

Wait utill you get to your destination to try and look at your face in the mirror.

Everything can wait until the car is in park.

Don’t make risky decisions, and don’t add to the percent of teen drivers who have a crash.

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.

Make this year different; Get out of your own way

the dying of the past. It is the initiation of growth.

Now, I’m not one for New Year’s Resolutions and unreasonable objectives, but there’s something about the beginning of another year that gives you a clean slate. All the junk and garbage you experienced in 2022 is nonexistent. Don’t let your failures hold you back from a chance at success.

KRIS GRAY News Editor

Are you bored with your own life? Do you feel empty and idle inside? Are your friends not responding? Have you already finished watching every season of Grey’s Anatomy for the second time? If your answer is yes to any of those questions, I have a solution for you.

As humans, we tend to distract ourselves from reality with social media, television, food, drugs, and alcohol. Yeah, TikTok makes you laugh, Patrick Dempsey occupies your imagination, and a substance may numb the pain. But, guess what? That's all it does. Numbs the pain. The loathing is still there; that void, even now, is consuming your joy. These are all temporary solutions to a consistent problem.

When that final episode ends and that bottle empties, nothing has changed. Those dreams are still unfulfilled. The goals you set are collecting dust waiting for you to do something. I know this is a cliché, but the first step is always the hardest. Still, it is the most important. The first step signifies the birth of change and

Industry has done female musicians, producers dirty; Actively ignoring pioneers, powerhouses in music

EDITORIAL

The 1900s were a fundamental time in the creation of modern music. Artists such as The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, and more ruled supreme over the musical charts, establishing themselves as legends of the 20th century. However, not all the credit goes where it’s deserved.

Albert Einstein, a widely known German-born theoretical physicist, said, “we cannot solve problems with the kind of thinking we employed when we came up with them.” Leave the mindset of 2022 in 2022. I know that amazing feeling of intense motivation and drive when you start a new year. I also know how it feels the minute that adrenaline starts to fade. Those goals you set don’t feel as achievable anymore, that commitment doesn’t look as appealing. But you have to hang in there, you have to push through the initial pain. Eventually, you will see the results. As the old folks would say, you reap the fruits of your labor.

Most importantly, believe in yourself. If you don’t believe that you can do it, then you probably won’t. Bring that childlike imagination back. Create an image of your success. You have to see it. How can you mimic something you can’t see? If I want to learn how to do a cartwheel, someone has to show me. I have to see an example of it. It’s the same with every other goal. Don’t overthink it, you’ve got this. Happy New Year.

Many women in all genres, especially women of color, are not acknowledged when it comes to their involvement in creating and popularizing music, instead giving most of, if not all, the credit to their male peers. For example, have you ever heard of Sister Rosetta Tharpe?

Probably not.

Tharpe was a gospel and rock singer in the ‘30s and ‘40s, and was a huge inspiration to the likes of Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Chuck Berry, and more, according to RockHall She played her gospel songs in nightclubs and toured America as a Black woman when America was still segregated. This woman inspired the greats, the legends of rock music that are household names. However, Tharpe is somehow never given credit? Sure, Presley made the genre popular, but he gets the title of the “King of Rock n’ Roll.” Tharpe pioneered the genre, and all she gets to be called is the “Godmother of Rock n’ Roll.”

That’s just absurd. What’s even more absurd is the fact that Tharpe was only induct-

Healthcare or wealthcare?

Medical bills continue to rise in U.S.

problem is to increase competition in the healthcare market. By allowing for more competition among healthcare providers and insurance companies, prices will naturally decrease as companies will have to lower their prices to remain competitive.

ed into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, six years ago and 44 years after her death. In contrast, Presley was inducted in 1986, only nine years after his death.

How about Sharon “ShaRock” Green, the first female MC, whose group opened for Blondie on SNL in 1981? That made her the first female rapper to appear on national television. According to ABCNews, watching this performance was a “defining moment” in rapper Jay-Z’s life; she was also a huge inspiration to DMC from hiphop group Run-D.M.C.. Modern female artists such as Nicki Minaj and Cardi B probably would not be where they are now if not for Green. Despite this, according to okayplayer. com, Green hasn’t been paid “30 to 40 years” of royalties for her and her group (Funky 4 + 1)'s music from the ‘80s. Someone like her should be basking in fame and glory, but Green has barely been able to benefit from the music industry.

Problems such as these aren’t as uncommon as one may think; women in all aspects of the music industry face sexism and misogyny on a dayto-day basis. Women are pitted against each other, held to unreachable standards, and deemed as “incompetent” in roles such as sound engineering and producing.

Singer Björk fought against journalists who wanted to give all the credit for one of her albums to a male producer. The singer said that if a male artist

had been the one to write her album, “no one would question his authorship for a second,” according to Pitchfork Many producers that are women are commonly shut out of the production process. Dr. Stacy L. Smith, founder of the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, reported on gender equality in the music industry. In the report, Smith says, “In particular, women of color are virtually shut out of producing the most popular songs each year.

We know there are talented women from all backgrounds who are not getting access, opportunity, or credit for their work in this arena.” The study reports that for every 47 male producers, only one is female. Out of the 871 producers in the study, only four were women of color. This, according to AltPress, is because “32 out of 75 women said that their views and abilities are often discounted. Following that, many also said that they were sexualized and stereotyped.” It’s no wonder that women leave the music industry, then! Who wouldn’t leave if they were constantly underestimated and harassed?

So many women are responsible for the music that we love and enjoy today. When will they get the credit they deserve?

Will they ever have a chance to be in the spotlight if people constantly discount them? Would they have a chance if their abilities were reconized?

their needs.

MATTHEW LEDFORD

Video Editor

The healthcare system in the United States is a complex and often divisive topic, with different political perspectives on how to address the issues it faces. Personally, I believe that the solution to improving the healthcare system should be based on free market principles and individual choice.

One of the main issues with the current healthcare system is the high cost of healthcare. The cost of healthcare in the United States is significantly higher than in other developed countries, and this has a significant impact on the ability of many Americans to access healthcare. However, instead of implementing a government-run, single-payer healthcare system, the solution to this

Another issue with the current healthcare system is the lack of universal coverage. The United States is the only developed country that does not have universal healthcare coverage. However, instead of implementing a one-size-fits-all solution, the solution is to give individuals and families more control over their healthcare by implementing policies such as health savings accounts, which allow people to save money tax-free for healthcare expenses and expanding options for purchasing insurance across state lines.

Additionally, the healthcare system in the United States is overly complex and difficult to navigate. However, instead of creating more government programs and regulations, the solution is to reduce government involvement and give individuals more control over their healthcare decisions by allowing them to choose the healthcare plan that best suits

Furthermore, the government should not be in the business of dictating how healthcare providers should charge for their services or what services they should offer; this will lead to market forces to dictate prices, providing affordable options and pushing providers to innovate and improve their services.

Now, people may say but another solution is to improve the existing system by implementing healthcare reform measures. This could include expanding Medicaid and other government programs to provide coverage to more Americans, and implementing measures to control the cost of healthcare. But how would that work?

The solution to improving the healthcare system is to increase competition in the healthcare market, give individuals and families more control over their healthcare decisions, and reduce government involvement in healthcare.

By implementing these principles, we can ensure that all Americans have access to quality, affordable healthcare while also protecting individual choice and freedom.

Feelings lost in translation; Arguments over text do not work

like, “I’ll be home at 10:00 tonight,” does not need an in-person conversation, but for those important conversations like arguments CAN’T be over text.

I am guilty of it, too. Whenever I need to talk to someone about something important, I always want to resort to texting to test the waters.

Resolving bad habits

VIEWPOINT

friends over text and it just never ends well. I won’t ever know for sure, but I feel like a face-to-face conversation may have had a different outcome.

An example of just a simple conversation that was taken the wrong way:

Mom: What are you doing tonight?

Everyone starts their year off with new year's resolutions, and how many people do you think actually achieve their goals that are set (especially the goals that involve going to the gym) There is nothing wrong with setting goals for yourself at all. If it puts you into a better mood, then go for it. Set those goals; and try your best to reach them.

According to heraldonline.com, “being positive will help with the inevitable challenges that come with starting something new. Positive psychology research shows that people are more successful if they approach a situation in a positive, happy mindset.”

Starting the new year off with a positive attitude is a huge importance. Having the desire to do something that will better yourself involves having a good attitude; it is your motivation at times when you have none (that’s if you have a positive attitude about it).

REESE SHOWALTER Sports Editor

Phones. Relationships. Texting. Three things that often go together, when maybe they shouldn’t.

But why?

In almost any type of relationship, whether it is romantic, familial, or platonic, texting is one of the top ways that we talk with each other.

I think it’s kind of stupid.

Why is it always the first resort to have conversations over text? SO much gets lost in translation when you send a text rather than have a face-to-face conversation. Don't get me wrong, I love having the ability to text my friends, family, etc. whenever I need them or just want to talk. But, you can't have important conversations over the phone.

An obviously unimportant text

You can't read emotion or body language over text. Most of the time, we input an emotion into the text. For example, “That's fine,” a phrase that could be taken a million different ways over text just because you can't read body language. It could be taken sarcastically, excitedly, annoyed, and so many more. In person? It can really only be taken in the way that the person intended.

I know when most teenagers get in an argument with a friend or a partner, it's over text. Even a phone call is better than texting. You just CAN’T get your point across over text.

You have no idea how they are feeling. You can’t say everything you need to say.

I know how scary or nerve-racking it can be to have an important conversation face-to-face, especially when you have the means to not do it face-to-face.

I’ve gotten into arguments with

TikTok is making me broke

Earle has changed the game of making people buy things. Everything she has and uses, I want right away just because she has it. I feel like she holds power over me and probably others who relate to this by letting her influence us to buy these products.

Me: Oh, I don't really know. Mom: I need to know.

Me: Okay.

Mom: I don’t need the attitude.

Again, usually these kinds of conversations are fine over text, but it just goes to show how even something this unimportant can be lost. Imagine a full blown argument with someone.

I'm going to say it won't end well.

Something small like this that was just a simple conversation can be taken the wrong way. Even if I just meant, “Oh, okay, I'll just let you know in a little when I find out,” my mom took it as something along the lines of, “Stop being so annoying. I'll come home when I want.”

Please, if you plan on getting in an argument in the future (hopefully not, but you know), maybe try to do it in person. It will probably go over better and you will find a solution for the issue.

According to mayoclinic.org, a positive attitude “lower levels of distress and pain. Greater resistance to illnesses. Better psychological and physical well-being.”

So, having a positive attitude can help with the stress you may have with your New Years’ resolution - or really any stress you have about anything. Why not go into this year with the best, most outgoing positive attitude? What could the harm be in that?

There is no harm. Not only does it affect your mental health in a good way (which I’m sure a lot of people would like), but it also affects your physical health as well.

According to a poll done on Instagram, most people say starting the year with a good attitude helps. Junior Sara Ford says, “it helps you feel more motivated and you use that to keep being optimistic in everything you do.”

Other students said a good attitude, “ Improves the quality of life.” Some also said,“it promotes self-acceptance,” and, “if you start with a negative attitude then you already hate it!”

Having a positive mindset also helps with having an active mind. According to getoffyourattitude.com, “someone with a positive attitude has an active, curious mind. They are always seeking to learn more about the world around them in addition to fulfilling their responsibilities. These are generally people who are well-read and even if they lack formal education, they’re curious and always finding stimulation in the world.”

So, if having a positive mindset helps in multiple ways, why not start the year off with the best one yet? It will only make you and your year better.

all.

However, what is distracting is calling out a student, pausing your lesson, and insisting that they cover up because they’re wearing a crop top.

NOEL BAILEY Op/Ed Editor

I think everyone has seen something on social media or seen someone with something and thought, “Oh my God, I want that.” That's how I feel every time I get on TikTok.

2022, I feel like, was a big year for a lot of new trending items. With “get ready with me” trending on TikTok, people have been seeing lots of products. I know every time I see a makeup or skincare product that is used by an influencer I like, I’m on the hunt for it right away.

The problem is that I’m a teenager that doesn’t have a consistent job, so I technically don’t have the money to be spending on all these expensive products. But that hasn’t stopped me.

Even with the people finding dupes of expensive products on TikTok, I’ve still spent half of my money on these things that are supposed to be the same thing as the high-end products.

Influencers on the app have been making this even harder to not buy the products, especially if it's someone you like a lot; someone like Alix Earle.

When I was in a Sephora in New York City, I was looking for the Rare Beauty Blush that I’m sure every teenage girl and their mom has heard of if they are on TikTok or Instagram. But when I went to go find it, it was sold out. Then, a woman came out with a whole cart of the blush, and all of a sudden, a big crowd of people came over and swarmed the lady. Including me.

I sent my little eight-year-old sister to push through people to get it off the cart for me. I felt bad for the lady with the cart, but the blush was sold out for a month, so I had to get it.

I’ve been so easily influenced this past year on what to buy. My whole Christmas list was pretty much from what I’ve seen people use on TikTok. The things I wanted for Christmas and didn’t get were because they were sold out. I have it set up to get a notification from the stores that carry the products I want to text me as soon as they are in.

I feel like I’ve driven myself broke just trying to find these random products that I probably don’t even need. I’ve made myself even start applying to my first job to pay for all the new things that I need. When I buy these products they feel like i'm adding to an important collection of mine.

ALEXIS GOTT Reporter

I can’t remember the last time I was able to walk out of my house confident that I wouldn’t get dress coded or catcalled for my shirt.

Maybe it was that my shirt was cropped and showed nothing more than an inch or two of my stomach, or maybe my shirt was off the shoulder. But according to the dress code, my skin is a disturbance to education.

And apparently, to random men (and women) on the street, my shirt really “hugs my body,” as if that’s supposed to be a compliment.

Personally, I’m tired of it. I’m tired of having to make sure I remember to bring a jacket to school- even on the hottest days of the year to ensure that I won’t be a “distraction” to everyone else who is learning.

But to debunk that statement that seems to be made many, many times, 97% out of 234 students asked in a poll said that clothing deemed as “distracting” and “inappropriate” by dress code isn’t actually distracting at

Dress code is one of the prime examples that highlights oversexualization of young girls. A bra strap showing, shoulders, cleavage, and even thighs showing earns girls a ticket to being dress coded and even sometimes a detention.

Of course, not all teachers dress code for simple clothing like this, but I can definitely think of a handful that not just me, but several other girls have experienced with where we got dress coded for the most ridiculous things.

During freshman year, I witnessed a girl get pulled to the side and be told to find something else to wear because her shirt was “too low cut,” and immediately her face dropped. Not because she got called out, but because a teacher took the time to point that out, which is extremely uncomfortable.

All the dress code is doing is showing girls that these parts of their body are “distracting” and objects of attraction. Girls cannot control their bodies or how it fits into certain clothing, either. Sometimes girls wear shirts that fit them differently due to their bodies, so really, the dress code is not only sexualizing girls, but also indirectly attacking people’s bodies for something they cannot control.

Honestly, do you really think dress coding a girl is going to stop her from wearing whatever she wants? I’m not going to stop wearing a shirt just because I was told I shouldn’t. Especially when the shirt isn’t even revealing.

It’s understandable to dress code a student if their clothing is very revealing and shows way too much skin for a public setting, but to dress code a girl for something that is not inappropriate at all is so unnecessary.

I’ve met only very few girls who actually want to keep the dress code the way it is. We’re all more than aware of how much it sexualizes us.

The oversexualization of teenage girls has so many problems attached to it as well. One being the fact that we are teenagers, minors, literal children who are being taught that we are nothing else but our body.

And the other being that it causes so many long-term effects, such as making girls feel like they need to be an object of desire and begin to do exactly what it is that makes girls proceed with oversexualizing themselves.

This starts to become a cycle, and girls begin to consistently oversexualize themselves to receive the validation they’ve gotten previously.

This doesn’t make them attention-seeking in the way everyone seems to stigmatize either.

So, maybe the problem here isn’t the clothing girls are wearing, or the way their bodies look.

Our clothes are not “distracting”; Objectification of teenage girls has gotten out of hand

Alumnus Binns makes memories; Creating new woodworking business

MEKENZIE MCCANN H/S Editor

Former North Harford student Thomas Binns has started his own woodworking business out of Bel Air, MD, and continues to make new pieces.

Binns began “woodworking and more in November of 2020,” he says. Binns states that he “got to the point where [he] was making more things than [he] could display in [his] own home or give away as presents, so [he] decided to monetize and begin selling [his] products.”

He “officially started [his business] in February of 2022.”

He “opened an Esty shop and began using Twitter and Instagram to promote [his] brand and items,” states Binns. He primarily sells his products on Etsy, but he also sells “commissioned products to friends and family.”

You can find his shop on Etsy at Rustic Traditions WC.

Binns makes his products at his house in his workshop, “which is in a large shed in [his] backyard.”

charcuterie boards, boxes, and custom farmhouse furniture.”

Binns adds that the “most used machine is [his] wood lathe. However, [he] also frequently uses a table saw, band saw, planer, jointer, sanders, and various smaller power tools.”

He uses “various species of wood. For furniture [he] mostly uses pine or oak. For woodturning [his] favorite species are Maple and Walnut. All of the wood [he] uses for wood turning is

that each chisel used for woodturning is roughly $100, and to properly wood turn you need around ten to 20 different chisels that need to be replaced every couple of years. In order to keep growing and advancing in the hobby, [he] needed to be able to get a return on the investment [he] was putting into it.”

GABRIELLE MOXHAM Reporter

According to unwomen.org, women “bear the brunt of under-resourced systems” making up about 77.6% of the healthcare industry which is 16.4 million women as of 2021 according to bls.gov.

You can find the Wood and Epoxy Mushroom Carving! “Mother Earth” Design (pictured) and more products on Etsy at Rustic Traditions WC. Binns began his business in 2022, and it is located in Bel Air, MD.

He “specializes in wood turned mushrooms and mushroom themed decor. [His] most popular products are those where [he] takes a tree branch and turns a 4”6” mushroom growing out of the end. While the mushroom displays are the most popular products, [he] also makes wooden bowls, cutting boards,

salvaged from when people have their trees cut down, so [he] will take whatever [he] can get.”

Binns was inspired to start his business to monetize his hobby.

“Woodworking is an extremely expensive hobby, as most power tools are over $1,000. On top of

Binns mission is to primarily “recoup the money [he has] invested into a hobby that [he] really enjoys. However [he] would ultimately like to use this small business to supplement an early retirement from my primary career at age 55.” “The most challenging aspect is making the correct cuts. When the wood is spinning at 1500 [revolutions per minute] or more, making a cut in the wrong direction or adding too much force can cause the entire piece to explode or fly off of the lathe. Another challenge is problem solving when the wood itself isn’t doing what you want it to do. Each piece of wood has a different grain structure, so carving each piece is a completely different experience. I have to feel how the wood is cutting and make adjustments to the direction and type of cuts [he is] making in order to have the wood cut correctly. Sometimes [he] will start out attempting to make one thing, and then realize the wood is too soft in a specific area, or the grain won’t cooperate and [he has] to completely change the whole project,” Binns comments.

Binns says that he feels his “first sale was [his] biggest success. The first sale proved to me that there was at least one person out there that valued my art and would actually spend their hard earned money on it. This gave me motivation to continue promoting my work.”

As we have all experienced changes in our school system in the past few years so have everyone on the frontlines and even those behind a screen who don’t get recognized as often, Such as the Director of Quality and Accreditation for Government Programs CareFirst BlueCross and BlueShield Health Insurance, Suzanne Gentry RN, BSN.

to work well with others, being able to pay close attention to detail and have an understanding of the healthcare system. She chose these qualities because “some of the things I do are not very exciting and you have to work with all types of people experience-wise where they specialize in another department, and external auditors to make sure that we are compliant with all of the things that we need to be doing.”

“If I don’t feel like I’m being heard or respected as a woman I will find other ways to present the information.”

- Suzanne Gentry, Director

Gentry states that her job is to “make sure that the health plan is following all of the regulatory requirements to serve the Maryland Medicaid members.”

She has worked in the medical field for nearly twenty-five years having graduated from nursing school in ‘98. She was a surgical ICU medical burn nurse for seven and a half years, then she changed hospitals where she became a charge nurse in the ER for another seven and a half years. She left the ER to work solely from home for two years working for a health plan as a letter appeal writer, where she finally ended up landing in her quality accreditation department for the past eight years. A nursing license/degree is required to be able to apply for her job title and a CPHQ is recommended. Some characteristics she thinks are needed to excel at this job include “the ability

As a woman in the medical field some everyday triumphs that Gentry experiences firsthand are “encountering bias on a daily basis in terms of being simply respected, or heard for the things that I bring to the table sometimes often overlooked or silenced.” No matter how qualified she may be for her position she still faces blatant ignorance from people.

As the nurse has worked in the industry for such a long time she has learned the best way to handle these kinds of situations is to “try and find ways to solve problems and relook the approach I’m taking, so if I don’t feel like I’m being heard or respected as a woman I will find other ways to present the information.”

It’s hard to believe the audacity of some people, especially by 2023. But to disrespect someone as obviously qualified as Ms. Gentry is ridiculous. There should be absolutely no reason she needs to find a way to work around the moral compass of other people in order to dumb it down enough to get information across to them.

Find your options; Students consider military enlistment

RILEY HEROLD Reporter

In today’s world, there are so many opportunities for people after high school. One of those opportunities is going into the military. Going into the military is a tough choice to make, especially just coming out of high school.

Ryan Beaver made this tough decision when he was coming out of high school years ago. Beaver stated, “It was a tough decision deciding whether I wanted to join the military or go to college, but I did decide to join the military to try and create my own path in life that I didn’t think I would find in college.”

It’s a hard decision to make when you don’t know what you want to do in life. Many people come out of high school and go into the military to find themselves.

According to Church Hill Classics, “Serving in the military after high school, for many people, provides the perfect combination

of both independence and support that can help you find your footing and discover your purpose before possibly embarking on different career paths in the future.”

Beaver was in the United States Marine Corps for four years on active duty, and four years in the inactive reserves. He stated, “I went on an open contract, which just means the military assigns you your job. For me, I was a food service specialist. My job as the field mess chief was to create a safe working environment while my fellow marine’s provided food for 500-900 marines, depending on the size of the field operation.”

Joining the military gives you opportunities to travel. It doesn’t mean you will get to travel or get to travel to the places you want, but you do get opportunities. Beaver traveled to a whole bunch of places. He traveled to Parris Island, South Carolina for boot camp, Fort Lee Virginia and Okinawa, Japan for two years,

Hawaii for four months, the Philippines for two months; then, finally, Jacksonville, North Carolina for his last year of active duty. If a student is thinking about joining the military, they should make sure to do research and think about everything carefully. Beaver stated, “Advice I would give someone who wants to join would be to think about what they want their future to look like. For example, if they are using the opportunity to join for free schooling, or to start a new opportunity for a fresh start in life, then I would say evaluate all the branches of the military to see which one best suits you; don’t just jump and whichever branch gets all your paperwork started fastest. And do your own research into which job you hope to

do and ensure whichever branch you choose they give you that specific job you want.”

One last piece of advice from Beaver is, “that if you join you will meet lifelong friends that turn into family, you meet people from

every cultural background, that all experience different things throughout life, and getting to know these specific things about these people, you develop bonds that you just do not see in the civilian world.”

Training isn’t the only thing the Marines do. They also cook and serve food for each other as well.

PHOTO CREDIT: Thomas Binns

PHOTO CREDIT: We Are The Mighty

Smith creates ‘My New Book Inc.’ for local communities; Non-profit organization promotes literacy

KRIS GRAY News Editor

My New Book Inc. is a non-profit organization based out of Baltimore County, MD providing children with new books and “inspiring the desire to read” according to the founder, Shawnise Smith. The organization was created in 2019 on July 25 and continues to grow in collaboration with schools, businesses, churches, and more.

Smith credits her personal connection to reading due to her “father [being] an avid reader.” She describes how she was always enrolled in the summer reading programs alongside her three brothers. Smith explains that her parents taught her and her brothers to “read the current events section of the newspapers and then tell [her] parents what [they] read.”

The founder started out purchasing “books to give away to people.” She explains that “one day while shopping in Barnes & Noble, I had a conversation with my husband and described how I wish I had money that didn’t have a responsibility attached to it because I would just purchase even more books to give them away. He told me to make it happen and that day, I began writing down all my ideas.”

The organization’s goal is to ensure that children have access

She acknowledges that “reading is now seen as a negative thing

lot as a child and [her] love for reading has continued to grow.”

Weinberg Early Learning Center, The Family Institute in Howard Country, and The Family Tree under the Baltimore City Child Care Resource Center.

Smith has provided books to schools throughout Maryland, the Children’s National Hospital, daycare centers, churches, and community leaders.

The organization also mails hundreds of personalized book boxes to children across the United States and recently has partnered with the Baltimore City Police Department to provide books for families in the Central District.

to books outside of school. Smith believes that “reading is such an important and necessary skill.”

many children just aren’t excited t read for fun” but wants to change that because she “read a

School year reaches halfway mark; Pawlicki shares future plans, reflection, changes

ALEXA FALLS

News Editor

Since the school year has reached its halfway point, many students and staff are wondering what is to come for the rest of the year and things that will proceed to the 2023-24 year.

Principal Mr. Bryan Pawlicki says that this time of year is the beginning of “all the things for seniors, like graduation, their graduation practices, their senior trip...those are the things that we are working on and anticipating for coming up.”

He explains that some exciting things for the students and staff to be involved in are things like, “the talent show, Mr. North Harford, prom in April, and we have things going on all the time that are exciting... just the regular celebrations we have going on at this time of year.”

Pawlicki also adds, “spring sports are also beginning to start in March.”

He mentions the new freshman class and how they are adapting to the new high school environment.

“Just like any freshman class, they have their own personality. It’s funny to say that a whole group of people can have a certain personality, but they do.”

Pawlicki adds, “It really goes

along with who are the leaders in the class and how they respond to being in high school.” He says, “I think they are doing a great job.”

Although learning the ways around high school are challenging for some at first, because of the year being halfway complete, “[Pawlicki and staff members’] expectations change.”

He adds, “we are very patient with the 9th graders; when they

mal from Covid in past years.

Pawlicki says that things like field trips are able to happen now for students, which is something he was happy to bring back.

He adds, “we have learned a lot from Covid. It changed the entire way that we teach now with computers.”

Now, with everyone having this technology on hand, it has “changed the culture of the building in these last three years.”

Pawlicki says that he and administrators are trying to bring back activities that allow there to be large groups of people together, like Mr. North Harford and the Teachers Got Talent show, which were both mentioned earlier.

Recently, the state mandated that there will be an extra health course which needs to be taken by current freshmen who will be upcoming sophomores.

first come in, as far as understanding high school, school rules, and other things, but now that we’re halfway through, people know you should be in classes on time, you shouldn’t be wearing hats and hoods, all those kinds of things everyone should know by now.”

Another topic of concern for the principal is returning to nor-

A challenge that comes from this change is that “it changes our master schedule, which creates an issue where we cannot offer as many electives because students are now required to take a course instead of having an additional elective.”

He adds, “I don't judge it one way or the other because the state mandates the requirement, I just work to try to accommodate it for everybody.”

My New Book Inc. shows its dedication to literacy by partnering with the Harry & Jeanette

Smith knows that “many parents are reluctant to take the advice of school administration or ask for assistance because they do not want their children labeled.” The founder also knows how frustrating this can be for teachers as well because there is so much emphasis put on “getting through lesson plans within a certain time frame versus ensuring children are fully understanding.” She wants “to support those teachers that want to do more to help their students.”

Scheduling for upcoming year

As students are going to be picking schedules soon, there have been some changes that are important to acknowledge.

Guidance counselor, Jeanne Heinze, has been working with getting more information regarding the new changes within the schedule. Heinze comes into classes, then the students have two weeks to talk to their parents then submit the paper.

The types of classes students sign up for, determines which classes run in the future. Heinze mentions, “Think about your goals. Plan ahead. Maximize the classes you take at North Harford and consider other options like dual enrollment.” More students are taking classes at HCC, which can be good for some students. However, Heinze says, “they need to be ready and have to take that next step, because it takes a lot of responsibility.”

Heinze explained how it is a lot of work and she “doesn’t encourage it to everyone, because some students are ready, but some are not.” By picking whether students enroll in HCC classes, they should “self reflect on their strengths and weaknesses and learning abilities.”

There will be applications for training construction and other certification jobs, so when students graduate, there could be opportunities for a certified job.

Heinze encourages students, “to try and make your decisions and stick to them because when you change your classes it changes whether you can even get in the class.”

Current freshmen and sophomores have to take a full credit of health along with the full credit of gym, like in the past years. This change is already in place for current sophomores and freshman; upperclassmen are already grandfathered in.

Another big change within all of the scheduling is located in the science department, involving all of the science teachers. In 9th grade, students are required to take biology. Sophomore year, you can either take chemistry, honors chemistry, or integrated physics and chemistry (IPC). Junior year, for the last credit, there are a lot more options than there have been.

Students have the choice of taking either AP chemistry or physics, AP environmental science, Chesapeake bay watershed science, Earth and environmental science, or HCC Earth science classes.

Students are only required to have three credits for science; all other classes can be taken as electives. There has been a change in the state of Maryland with the standardized tests given out for the science curriculum. The test is now back to life science, not all of the science departments.

BELLA ARIST Reporter

Smith hosts her annual Characters & Cupcakes Book Giveaway. People can go to the organization’s website, www.mynewbookinc.org to donate and contribute to their Amazon wishlist.

PHOTO CREDIT: Kris Gray

“The year seems to be going very well for everyone [...] it’s a learning process for everybody.”

~ Bryan Pawlicki, principal

Performers rehearse for return of school musical

GABRIELLE MOXHAM Reporter

Footloose is the spring musical that the drama department will be performing this coming year! There will be a total of three shows: one on Friday, March 17 at 7 p.m., and two on Saturday, March 18 with one matinee at 2 p.m., and an evening show at 7 p.m.

All shows will be here in the “big theater,” or auditorium. The cost of admission is still to be determined.

This is a very exhilarating production for students and teachers alike involved in drama because this will be the first performance in quite a long time. The cast features around fifty students, excluding the crew and additions, or teachers including Mrs. Nancy Green, Ms. Katelyn Hemling, Mrs. Larissa Arist, Mr. Andrew Thomson, Mr. Charles Selfe, and more! Footloose will be a schoolwide production that welcomes

help from all grade levels. Green, the drama teacher, says, “we are really excited about Footloose because, for our comeback show, we wanted to pick something that was very high-end, gave lots of energy, would be really fun to do, and fun to watch. So this show certainly fits the bill.”

According to Green, they also chose such a big, well-known rock and roll show because of the clear throwback trends and presence of the ‘80s fashion today, both globally and in the building.

She is eager to see the whole production come together, “we just had our first rehearsal on [Jan. 4], and it went really well. You can tell everyone is very excited to be back in the theater and putting the show together.”

She hopes to produce the musical in “the most professional capacity possible.”

Everyone involved hopes that the atmosphere will be buzzing with positivity at even just the

STARS creates chemo care kits

EMMA CORNMAN Reporter

The club members of STARS are taking it upon themselves to set up and send chemo care kits to those in need. Donations are welcomed and needed. The donation period is open from Jan. 16 to Feb. 23. Junior Stella Manns, the club’s president, states that “STARS is an antonym for Students Taking A Responsible Stance. The purpose of the club is to spread awareness about drug and alcohol use and abuse. We want to make sure everyone at North Harford is safe.”

Manns mentions how the club is “doing chemo care kits, which [they] have done before, although not at the high school.” Manns states how herself along with juniors Mekenzie McCann and Emily Johnson, “collected chemo care kits” back in “middle school in seventh grade with our advisor.” The club wanted to introduce the idea to the high school “to be able to get people involved” at North Harford, and that’s how the plan began.

Manns explains how the kits will include “decaffeinated tea bags, sleep masks, travel-size tissue packs, colored pencils, adult coloring books, travel sized hand lotion, unscented ChapStick, travel-size mouthwash, citrus flavored hard candy, motion sickness wrist bands, and a deck of cards.”

STARS is “connecting with the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition, in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and [they] are collecting items for chemo care patients,” Manns states. “People who are going through chemo need [supplies], and they need support systems, so [STARS are] collecting things to give to them so they don’t have to pay for them out of pocket.”

The Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition will “package [the kits] and disperse them to wom-

thought of being together in the theater and that there will be a big audience because musicals are usually their biggest draw.

Seniors Ethan Jourdan and Julia Eakes are students in the drama club who are participating in the musical, with both playing lead roles, Ren (Jourdan) and Ariel (Eakes).

Both said they are excited for the coming show because it is the big comeback show and the first time they have done a musical in a long time. Jourdan is particularly eager because this is his first time

participating on stage; in previous years, he has done tech work and design. Eakes is specifically thrilled to include the dance aspect because she is a dancer and has done musical performances in the past, but is excited to be included in the show here.

This is the drama department’s

biggest event of the year, so come and show support for all of the people working diligently to put this production together!

There will be many dance and singing numbers spread throughout the show, and Green believes it will be very entertaining to endure.

Journalism staff prepares stage for March 3;

Annual Mr. North Harford show in works

en around Pennsylvania that are going through breast cancer and chemo,” at the end of February.

Manns mentions how this would be the first year this club at NH will be doing these chemo care kits, although STARS has “done Red Ribbon week for the past couple years,” and that the group is “trying to become more involved in the school.”

She hopes that STARS will “be able to do this next year while [she’s] still here, and then hopefully after [she] graduate[s] [they’ll] still continue this, because [she] think[s] it’d be a good thing.”

STARS “are doing collections by homeroom, so they’ll be a box in every homeroom, and [the club] collect[s] [the donations] every single Friday,” Manns explains. On the morning announcements, there will be an announcement stating which homeroom is in the lead with how many items donated so far. At the end of the donation period, STARS will sponsor a breakfast for whoever’s homeroom donated the most for the chemo care kits.

Math teacher Lori Rake, STARS advisor, mentions how the club “started as Students Against Drug and Alcohol, which of course is one of the major pushes of STARS, but [the club has] kind of branched out in the last five to several years.” The club wishes to “do a good thing, just to be responsible community members in this school building.”

Rake talks more about the classroom competition, and how it’s “from the 16th of January until the 23rd of February. And we are collecting [items] because cancer patients, when they’re going through chemo, need things,” and the purpose of these kits is to “help them.” Rake hopes that the chemo care kits will continue in future school years here at North Harford.

EMILY JOHNSON IDR Editor

Mark your calendars! The very popular event, Mr. North Harford, will take place on March 3 in the auditorium. The show will begin at 7 pm, and admission will be just $5 at the doors.

If you aren’t aware of what this event exactly is, don’t worry! The event is set up as a pageant for any NH boys who want to perform, in hopes they will be crowned as “Mr. North Harford.” The show includes different portions, including a time to show off their talents, workout attire, answer some questions, and more. Boys from all grades are welcome to compete.

The first rehearsals for the show will be on Feb. 27 and 28, and March 1 will be the final dress rehearsal, before the show

that Friday.

The show has been a tradition, starting way back in 2008. Originally created by Mrs. Carrie Rosales, a foreign language teacher at Bel Air High School, the show has gained momentum and a large crowd over the past few years while being hosted by the journalism staff.

English and journalism instructor Mrs. Jennifer Chandler exclaimed that hosting is “a really big undertaking” and that it takes a lot to coordinate all the different events. According to her, a crowd of 600 to 700 people are expected to attend. “Usually we have a big, long line of people” waiting to get in before the staff and performers are even ready. Chandler also added that she would love to see juniors John Anderson and Mason Clark per-

form this year.

The show also needs judges, of course, to pick the winning performer at the end of the evening. Judges this year will include assistant principal Mrs. Erin Mock, and teachers Mrs. Nancy Green, Mr. Brian Dougherty, Mrs. Dallam, and Mrs. Carla Harward. Mrs. Robin Anderson, a custodian, and Mrs. Ford, a special education teacher, will also join the team. There is a surprise guest judge as well, who will be revealed that night.

Last year’s winner was senior Ethan Jourdan, who performed an original song on the piano. Many people have requested to see Jourdan perform one more time, for his final year.

Junior competitor Peter Lein became friends with Jourdan last year entirely through the pageant. Lein performed a stand-up comedy act last year as his talent, while being the youngest boy competing. He enjoys performing because “[He] has a lot of fun making people laugh” and it’s nice to be surrounded by others who want to do the same and just have fun. Lein plans to compete once again in the 2023 show.

The hosts and participants gather for a group picture after crowning the winner of last years Mr. North Harford competition. Last year’s show had nine contestants, ranging from sophomores to seniors.

PHOTO CREDIT: Hawks Reporter

Students practice scenes on stage for Footloose. This show will be the first musical performance in four years.

PHOTO CREDIT: Bella Arist

addictio n

Game of the Year announced at recent awards event; Elden Ring takes top spot

SARAH WELZANT Reporter

For the last eight years, a highly anticipated event establishes awards for different games that people have enjoyed throughout the past year. These awards focus mostly on games released the same year and are favored by people across the world.

The Game Awards is a ceremony established in 2014, which is hosted by game journalist Geoff Keighley. The ceremony took place on Dec. 8 with millions of viewers watching worldwide. According to The Game Awards' official website, they achieved a total of 103 million live viewers across many different platforms. This event was hosted at the Microsoft Theater located in Los Angeles, California.

of the Year award for 2022 was awarded to Elden Ring, which is a role-playing fantasy game whose gameplay focuses on combat and exploration. Some games were awarded multiple awards. For example, God of War Ragnarök won the most amount of awards with a total of five. Awards given to the game include best narrative, sound & music, audio design,

Savard spreads positivity through blog

KIMBERLY ALLEN Reporter

that or God of War. They probably base it more on ratings.”

Merson believes that Elden Ring was a good pick for Game of the Year. “I agree with their decision in picking Elden Ring to win this year’s award,” Merson states. Elden Ring is a highly rated game that had a great chance to win the award.

Second Place is a Facebook page and blog created by 2013 alumna Lauren Savard. She explains that she enjoyed her classmates and teachers during high school. She also mentions that the stereotypical portrayal of high school in Mean Girls was not accurate to reality.

tively advocate for positivity and make people feel worthy of love and appreciation. Savard also explains how important it is to inspire people to help others. All it takes is the courage to start and Second Place is Savard’s start to spread positivity.

The Game Awards presents several awards to different games. Despite an interuption, the event had good reactions from viewers.

This year, a total of 23 awards were given out with an addition of awards for best actor performance, content creator, adaptation, and five various Esports awards.

PHOTO CREDIT: npr.org

action/adventure, and innovation in accessibility. Elden Ring came close, second with a total of four awards.

Junior Alex Merson watched The Game Awards on a livestream. Merson enjoyed watching the events this year and was excited to see what kinds of games were nominated.

The highly recognized Game

Sophomore Nolan Clark watched a bit of the live event and a few clips afterward. Clark believes that Elden Ring was a good nomination for the award. He says “I think [Elden Ring] was a really good game. It was between

A moment that caught the attention of the media was the appearance of a 15-year-old troll Maten Even, who had snuck up onto the main stage. Even was able to sneak on stage during the Game of The Year award speech, grab the mic, and tried nominating an award to his “reform orthodox rabbi Bill Clinton.” After his nonsense, he was pulled off the stage by security and even arrested for a short period. His stunt resulted in many different memes to be spread across the internet.

The Game Awards is popular online. People liked to discuss their opinions.

Clark states that he thinks God of War should have won Game of The Year, but he still enjoyed the event.

Ginny & Georgia releases season two; Fans have mixed reactions to new episodes

ALEXA FALLS

News Editor

The hit Netflix original series, Ginny & Georgia, just released its second season earlier this month. Students reacted to new G&G content and the characters throughout the ten new episodes.

The series started in February of 2021, and this new season made its way to the number one spot in streamed Netflix series’ in a matter of days after its release. 180.4 million hours were viewed by Netflix subscribers worldwide to be exact, according to BGR News.

With the cliffhanger that the show left off on in season one, fans didn’t know what to anticipate for this new season. Actress Antonia Gentry, who plays Ginny Miller, portrayed her character's mental health throughout the season, which seemed to be a focal point for creator Sarah Lampert. Senior Brynn Hoffman says, “it was really interesting to

see how the show became much more serious and went into depth on mental health.”

Savard describes that her classmates were there for everyone and that this attitude is what inspired Second Place in the first place. She adds, “however, this is only speaking from my experience. In high school, I struggled with anxiety, though it was never diagnosed, it was definitely there.”

Second Place was created in September 2021 according to Savard. “The mission of Second Place is pretty simple,” adds Savard, “it's founded on three core ideas: The first being that everyone is made and measurably worth loving and honoring. Second, everyone has more power and potential to help others. Third, when you help one person you help many.”

Savard’s mission for Second Place is to enforce a chain reaction of good intentions and ac-

She mentions that she might want to add more platforms to share her message of self-worth as her project grows. “In recent years we see a lot of people struggle with division or mental health, and I feel that as someone who has struggled with mental health, what has made a difference for me is my faith, learning more about psychology, and also how crucial the kindness of people is,” explains Savard.

According to the CDC, “mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States. More than 50% will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime.” Second Place is out in the world to help those who fall into this statistic.

Savard is active in her community through volunteer service. She thinks it is important when people get out there and serve their community; it is never wrong to help others.

‘Score’ing meaningful relationships; Composing music is good for soul

MATTHEW LEDFORD

Video Editor

man, I figured composing and arranging would get me better recognized and respected. Now I write scores because there is nothing better than seeing the music you articulated brought to life off of the page.”

Music is an important part of human life, it can be seen as a form of entertainment, self-expression, connection, therapy, and cultural heritage.

She adds, “Ginny’s mental health was really focused on this season and it kind of elaborated a different side of her.” Hoffman mentions, “it portrayed her as real and raw and it was truly humanizing to see her character develop emotionally.”

viewers get to see a more emotional side to her and a deeper view into what she went through when she was younger.

Senior Sofia Pobletts says, “I liked the second season better because it was more interesting with Georgia.” Hoffman says, “the second season was better by far. [Lampert] took notice of the fans' criticisms and it became less predictable.” Contrasting with Hoffman, Pobletts mentions that she preferred Ginny in the first season and how, “in the second season, she turned really selfish and cared only about herself.”

Season two of Ginny & Georgia reaches the number one spot in Netflix shows worldwide. Fans anticipate season three to come after this new release.

Georgia Miller, who is played by actress Brianne Howey in the show, is also a character whose past is revealed more thoroughly during season two, in which

Some think there will be a season three after watching the ending of the second season, for example, Pobletts mentions “I think there will be another season. It ended suddenly and suspensefully, like there is more that will happen to Georgia.” She adds, “I would rate it an eight out of ten, because if you like drama and stuff like that, it’s good to watch. I would recommend it.”

One of the most significant benefits of composing music for students is the ability to express their artistic skills. Composing music requires a deep understanding of music theory and the ability to use that knowledge to create something new and unique. It also allows students to experiment with different sounds, rhythms, and structures to find their own unique style according to the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.

Another benefit of composing music is the ability to improve problem-solving skills. Composing music is a complex process that requires a student to think critically and creatively to overcome challenges and make decisions. It also requires discipline and patience as the student may have to revise their work many times before it is complete. Additionally, composing music allows students to develop their self-confidence and self-esteem. When students create their own music, they take ownership of their creations and can be proud of the work they have done. This sense of accomplishment can be incredibly rewarding and motivating for students.

Senior Ethan Jourdan comments, “I started composing choral music especially because I thought it would be extremely satisfying hearing a group perform something that I made. In my sophomore year, I was in Harmonics with a group of extremely talented upperclassmen. Being the only underclass-

The process of composing music can vary greatly depending on the composer and the type of music being created, but it often involves a combination of creativity, skill, and technical knowledge.

People write music for a variety of reasons, but some of the main reasons include self-expression, artistic expression, entertainment, career, and emotional connection, according to the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.

According to the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, music has a deep emotional significance for many people, and they may write music as a tribute to someone they love, or to express the pain or joy of a particular experience. Additionally, some people write music as a way to preserve and pass on the cultural heritage of their community.

Composing music allows people to explore their creativity and push the boundaries of what is possible. They may write music for films, television shows, video games, or commercials, or they may write and perform their own music as a professional musician.

PHOTO CREDIT: Netflix

Juilliard dancer’s career leaps further; Expressing feelings with constant motion

BELLA ARIST Reporter

Dancer Kevin Shannon has been dancing since he was six or seven years old. “I used to watch dance films that my parents would check out from the library with dancers like Gregory Hines and Fred Astaire in them,” he says. “When I saw them dancing, I started to dance around myself, down the shopping aisles, everywhere. I wanted to be like them.”

He has studied at many different schools for dance. “For high school, I went to a public performing arts school called Baltimore School for the Arts,” he explains. “It’s a free school in the city of Baltimore that focuses on music, performing arts, and technical arts. I really think this school saved my life.”

During high school summers, he would do programs in other places. “I studied in NYC at the School of American Ballet. I also went to Miami to study during the summer,” he says. “During the year I would also take classes with different companies in Washington, DC at the Kennedy Center, with Cuban National Ballet, Washington Ballet, and many other companies.”

The Juilliard School is located in New York City. Shannon attended college there performing and learning.

He “spent most of [his] summers in Montreal training at a program called Springboard Danse Montreal under the direction of Alexandra Wells.”

The artist has “had an incredible career as a dancer.” After

Tuning in with Modern Nomad

BROOKELYN PRIEBE Reporter

leaving NYC and graduating from Juilliard, he danced for 15 years with a company called Hubbard Street Dance Chicago.

He says, “while there, I was in the creation process and learned repertoire from choreographers. In 2013, I participated in DanceMotion USA, a cross-cultural exchange program between Hubbard Street, BAM, and the US State Department, where I

dancing is that he“loves that I can communicate without a verbal language.” He mentions, “through the physicality of movement that I can change the spirit of the human soul, that I can connect to the imagination, and that I can share a story.”

“There is an ability to explore both the light and joy within as well as the dark and more hidden emotions. I love that I get to have the range of human experience and emotions within me and that I get to share these.”

He also says, “sometimes I feel that our society tries to define what self-expression should look like. Through my ability to explore emotions and share them in performance, I hope that I might make life a little bit easier for others.”

Musician Tom McLean has been chasing after his dream since he was a junior in high school, ten years ago. McLean says, “I discovered the Beatles and got inspired to start writing songs. Once I discovered new artists like Mac Demarco and Tame Impala, who were already doing just what I wanted to, I knew it was possible to actually go for it.”

McLean gave himself the band name Modern Nomad nine years ago. He says, “I wish I had a good story behind it, but honestly at the time I thought it sounded cool! I wrote and recorded everything myself, but I didn’t want to just use my name - I still wanted a ‘band’ name.”

ever I heard in my head come to life, I’m getting a lot better at that now, but it's still hard to be satisfied with what I make.”

He continues, “Usually, I come up with a melody/chord progression on the guitar or piano. And if I’m inspired by it, then just run with it and start producing a track and finishing writing lyrics as I go.”

For lyrics, McLean either keeps it “really vague so people can relate to it however they want,” or he will write something “topical,” which he doesn’t do too often.

taught and performed in North Africa and Spain.”

Shannon has toured internationally performing in places such as Israel, Italy, Chile, the Netherlands, and Germany, in front of audiences that range from ten to ten thousand.

Currently, he is a freelance artist. He claims, “I am currently teaching and performing in NYC, Chicago, and across the country.”

Throughout his career, he has met many artists. He says, “ I have had the honor to meet so many with the incredible spirit of perseverance and dedication.”

Shannon’s favorite part about

Shannon says, “dance is a rigorous art form. It really takes lifelong dedication. When I look back at my career, I think I learned how to survive, I learned how to love, and how to continually reinvent and grow as a human.” From dancing, he mentions he gains “the gift of human connection.”

The environment to be a professional dancer is to “dedicate your life to the idea that movement can change lives in a positive and powerful way; this takes a lot of sacrifice and dedication.” Shannon explains there is a physical and mental challenge that comes with the art form. “The mental being that you are the conduit for human emotion and connection. This is both a beautiful gift to have and can be challenging to take on every day of your life. The physical is that you must find a way through the exhaustion.”

Bad Intentions gets ready for show

MACKENZIE SCOTT

Op/Ed Editor

Bad Intentions is a local Harford County cover band that is almost ready for their first show coming up in February.

Bad Intentions consists of five members: a singer, two guitarists, a bassist and a drummer. The band has been practicing for the past two years and have faced many challenges throughout this time that has made many dents in the band's ability to get out and play. Guitarist Rob Scott says, “I am excited to finally get out in play! The last time I played out semi-professionally was at McAvoy’s back in 2017.”

The band covers many songs from genres such as ‘80s rock

and pop punk, including songs such as “All the Small Things” by Blink-182, “Rebel Yell" by Billy Idol, “Sugar We’re Goin Down" by Fall Out Boy, and “Kryptonite” by 3 Doors Down.

The band created the name Bad Intentions, with the slogan “the band your mother warned you about.” Scott says, “We wanted the slogan to represent the type of music we were playing; we thought it was something catchy that people could be able to remember.”

The band is signed with local booking agency Starleigh Entertainment, which covers bands in the Harford County and Baltimore County area.

The band has their first show booked at The Emerald Tavern in Parkville, Maryland on Feb.

11 at 8 p.m.. Starleigh Entertainment also books other local bands such as Crushing Day and Radio Hero. Scott says, “I've never booked with an agency with any other bands I played with, but now it's very difficult to book yourselves because many places look to companies to find bands to play, so this will be my first time working with [an agency].”

The members have been playing their respective instruments for many years. All have been in bands before that had played at local places in Maryland. Scott was previously in many bands with the other guitarist for years. “We have been playing together for about 35 years. We have played in other bands.”

At 16-years-old, McLean started with an old laptop, a free DAW (music software) and a PS2 rock band microphone. The first two years he was only recording/producing at any moment. “I really just experimented and was trying to make cool Beatles/indie sounding songs.” He taught himself for four years then decided to go to a school that taught audio engineering, Sheffield Institute for the Recording Arts, which is where he spent six months learning about technical techniques.

McLean says “I had a great mentor named Jamie; he’s taught me a lot in the audio engineering/recording side of things. At first it was challenging to get the sound. I wanted to make what-

His biggest achievements that have come from Modern Nomad is having 8-million streams, synch placements for Glossier, and VICELAND show, releasing two albums on vinyl in 2021, being included in the WTMD’s Baltimore music history documentary, and meeting people through music and performing at Firefly in 2021 with his other band on the main stage the same day as Tame Impala.

He says, “not to sound cheesy, but probably the people I’ve met and the friends I’ve made, and just being able to be around creatives and artists.”

McLeans’s favorite songs of his are “probably the ones [he’s] working on at the moment.” He says, “I don’t know if I have a favorite, they’re all so different and mean different things to me.” But he listened to ‘Nothing to be Said’, ‘Without a Warning’, ‘Tonight’, ‘I’m Going Home’, and ‘I Want You to Stay.’

Måneskin to release Rush!; Hawks discuss band’s new album

LILY CORCORAN Copy Editor

On Jan. 23, Italian band Måneskin will be releasing their fourth album, Rush!. The band announced the release of the LP on Oct. 31, which means that fans have been expecting the album for quite a while.

So far, Måneskin has released five singles from the album, “MAMMAMIA,” “LA FINE,” “THE LONELIEST,” “SUPERMODEL,” and “GOSSIP,” featuring Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello.

While many have enjoyed these songs, some were disappointed when they saw the album’s tracklist, as there were only two songs with Italian titles. This means that there may only be two Italian songs on the album, while the rest will be in English. One commenter on Instagram says, “Why is it all in English? I’m not Italian, but the songs in Italian just hit different.”

Despite this, many people are excited about the album’s release. Sophomore Amelia Joyner says her favorite single so far is

“THE LONELIEST,” because, “[the lyrics] really connected to [her] soul. [Joyner] is a big person on lyrical connection and how it applied to a person.” She continues, “It feels like I can express myself through the song and just let the world go for a little while.”

Overall, Joyner says she “loved the singles and cannot wait for the album to release. They’re a great band and I think everyone should be excited for what is yet to come.”

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, vocalist Damiano David noted that the album’s genre is “impossible to be labeled.”

Sophomore Ashleigh Mettee thinks their popularity is due to the fact that they “stick out. The way they dress and perform on stage is crazy, and not a lot of people do it like they do.”

Mettee got into Måneskin because she “heard a band from Italy was creating music for American audiences, which [she] thought was really cool.”

Dancer Kevin Shannon posing for the company Flockworks. This was right before his performance with the Flockworks company, a co-choreography German/American dance company founded in 2017 by Florian Lochner and Alice Klock.

PHOTO CREDIT: Kevin Shannon

“They’re a great band and I think everyone should be excited for what is yet to come.”

~ Amelia Joyner, sophomore

Hawks Happenings

Chapman expresses self through stage performances; Drag helps to reveal creativity, build confidence

ALEXA FALLS

News Editor

Senior Logan Chapman is a student who’s creativity and self-expression is seen on stage performing in drag. Chapman participates in drag to show his talents to others while uplifting his audience.

Drag is considered a style of entertainment where performers will dress up and give creative performances to their audiences.

Chapman shares that his drag skills have progressed a lot since when he first started, which was in March of 2022. “I’ve noticed a closer attention to detail.

When I first started I kind of just did what I thought was right.” He adds, “now that I’m a little more skilled and know what products are to be used where I feel like, I look like I actually know what I’m doing now.”

He has performed in multiple shows, and senior Gwen Casciero has been alongside him for many of them.

Casciero says, “[Chapman] has practiced so much and improved so well with his makeup, wigs, costumes, as well as his performances.” She adds, “he has even taught me a couple of things with makeup.”

Her favorite performance of

his was his most recent show in December; this is Chapman’s favorite show as well. At this show, Casciero was his assis-

According to thinkimpact.com, over 55% of adults started their own businesses in 2022. However, some people from the Nest have taken the initiative and started their own businesses.

Home businesses are back in action

compete against two other drag queens for the crown during this show. He says that this show is his favorite because “I got the chance to work with other drag queens that were still beginners, but a little bit further into their journey than me.”

Chapman's favorite thing to do at the shows is to “take pictures with all the people who came after the show. They really love it and it’s honestly the best way to connect with people who came out to support you.” He adds, “I hope the rest of my journey is similar to what it is now; continuing to make people happy and smile when they come to a show.” Chapman says, “not every drag queen wants to go on RuPauls Drag Race. For other people, they just want to stay in the community and do what they know best.”

He also says that drag queens he has met have given him “a lot of good advice and tips on how to better himself as a performer.”

LILY CORCORAN Copy Editor

Sophomore Jada Felton is in the stages of planning a jewelry business. Felton says, “It’s a work in progress, but as of right now, I primarily make necklaces and earrings.” Felton decided to start selling her work because she “enjoyed making things, and lots of people liked [her] work. [She] decided to go on from there and have [her] work available to be sold.” Items “can take anywhere from 20 minutes to two hours [to make], sometimes longer if it’s a complex necklace or choker,” according to Felton. While there is not usually an overwhelming amount of people who order, Felton notes that “because of all [her] school work, [she doesn’t] have time to make jewelry recreationally,” which can slow down the order process.

Bel Air resident and former NH student Isabella Rivera also runs a small business, The Hippie’s Closet. Rivera “sell[s] clothing and accessories handmade by [herself].” Rivera started her business because she “always had a passion for clothing, and always wanted a business, so [she] kind of just combined both.” The majority of items on the Instagram page where Rivera promotes her business are crocheted, but she reports that she is “planning on expanding to sewing, too, and has more exciting things on the way.” According to Rivera, it typically takes “two to ten hours to make [clothing items],” depending on what she is making.

tant, and she helped Chapman “get dressed, install wigs, and record when he’s on the floor” during this performance. Chapman explains that he was able to

A quote he learned from a fellow drag queen that impacted him was “when you try too hard, people will notice.” He says, “it stuck with me because it showed me that I really just have to be myself and not what other people think that I’m going to be.”

According to Investopedia, some of the hardest things about starting a small business include money management and fatigue. “The hours, the work, and the constant pressure to perform wear on even the most passionate individuals...Fatigue can lead to rash decisions about the business, including the desire to abandon it altogether.” Rivera reports that so far, her biggest challenge concerning The Hippie’s Closet is, “definitely trying to promote. I don’t have a huge following, so it’s a struggle getting myself out there.” On the flip side, Felton says the hardest part of her business is “working out the details of an order and making sure it is up to par with what the person asked for.”

For those interested in starting their own home business, Rivera suggests that they, “do not give up, no matter what. There are going to be a lot of people putting you down and saying that you can’t do it, but as long as you have your mind and heart set on it, you can.”

Working, studying, preparing for futures

KIMBERLY EDGAR

Entertainment Editor

“There definitely have been times that I have gotten very overwhelmed and stressed with the amount of schoolwork I have been given during weeks that I had to work more than usual,” says senior Reagan Kaplan. Kaplan has been working at Kohl’s since right before her junior year and is now preparing for college next fall.

According to Jessica Velasco of jlvcollegecounseling.com, two of the main cons to working while preparing for college and balancing highschool is loss of time and stress. Depending on the student, the loss of time to study could dramatically influence grades and efficiency according to Velasco. However, Kaplan explains that this hasn’t affected her to a degree that would reflect in her grades. “There have been times that I have had to work the night before a test which has resulted in me not being able to study much,” explains Kaplan. “This thankfully hasn’t affected any of

my grades, but it does stress me out.”

The senior mentions stress is her only real issue when it comes to balancing everything. “For many students, taking on a job in addition to studying can add an extra layer of stress. Depending on the job you have, the hours and amount you work may have a drastic effect on how well you study. This would, in turn, affect your grades, and possibly even affect a student’s loans and grant status,” says Velasco. According to Lisa Icenogle of Casper College, there are several different ways to help manage college related stress. She explains that eating

healthy foods, exercise, getting proper sleep, learning to say no, and practicing mindfulness. “You can manage your time through

nogle.

Although Kaplan believes that it does cause her additional stress to work during her junior and senior year, she includes that she doesn’t regret it. “I do personally think that it is easy to balance everything because I have made school a priority so I have made it so I can do all my schoolwork and still get a decent amount of work hours every week,” adds Kaplan.

early student loan payments.” In addition to the money, the experience could even carry over to college and aid students in their futures.

Kaplan explains that her retail job will not directly help her in her future career but that the skills she has developed while working will help her during college. “Working in retail has improved my conversation, communication, and time management skills and those will help me throughout college,” says Kaplan. “My patience with people has also gotten much better by working in retail because of the many rude customers I check out everyday, and that will definitely help me in college.”

organization and learning to say no. Organization allows you to manage your time, and good time management is one of the best ways to relieve stress,” says Ice-

The pros to working in high school are typically the money and the experience students receive during that time, summarizes Velasco.

She adds that “having an income means having spending cash to pay for food, fun, and even

In general, Kaplan not only recommends working during high school, but also recommends working in retail as a first job.

“I do recommend working in retail as a first job, because it is a very easy thing for people to learn and it teaches you a lot of skills that you will use in life and in other jobs,” adds Kaplan.

Chapman (third from left) posing with other drag queens from a past performance. He says he can see himself pursuing drag for as long as he is able to.

PHOTO CREDIT: Logan Chapman

Senior Reagan Kaplan has been working at Kohl’s for over a year. Kaplan recommended working in retail as a first job for students.

PHOTO CREDIT: Reagan Kaplan

Two Hawks bid farewell to Maryland, make move to Alaska

SARAH WELZANT Reporter

Last summer, two students from North Harford moved all the way to Alaska. Vivian and Jackson Mollenhauer explain the differences between their new life in Alaska compared to their experience in Maryland.

Last year, Vivian was a sophomore, and her brother Jackson was a freshman. Their last day in Maryland was on July 17. Their family had moved because of a new job opportunity taken by their dad. Now, the two currently live in North Pole, Alaska.

Vivian explains that her new school is “a lot smaller than North Harford, but it has a lot of cool science classes.” The school offers classes like marine biology, pale-

ontology, zoology, forensics, etc.

School is apparently much easier and offers different kinds of sports, according to Vivian. They offer an ice hockey team and cross-country skiing.

Jackson states that his new school has “a lot of interesting new people” and really likes the new environment around him. He explains, “Alaska has a lot of cool rivers and mountains. Even people that have lived here for years like to take pictures of what they

see.” The environment is quite pretty, along with the wildlife that roams about it.

Both claim that places are a lot farther of a drive and that there is not a whole lot to do. Jackson

Marriage:

BROOKELYN PRIEBE

Reporter

The odds of marrying your high school sweetheart are very low, according to mensdivorce.com; the chances of marrying them are only two percent, and only 25 percent of women marry their first love.

But, that doesn’t apply to Bekah Hamby and her husband Josh Hamby. They got married at the age of 18 with two years of dating under their belts. She says, “I’d say we talked about [getting married] a good amount.

We went to the sunflower fields in Jarrettsville and he asked me [to marry him] in front of his parents and my sister, who was taking pictures for it.”

Hamby says, “his parents were all for it, mine were not super

Taking the next step early; Couples commit to forever

thrilled. They wanted me to wait until the springtime to get married instead, but they were okay with it and accepted it and they were very supportive.” She continues, “all my friends were also supportive.”

According to brides.com, the hardest year of marriage is the first year.

Hamby says, “It was honestly difficult in a lot of areas, but we adjusted and made it work. I did love getting married as young as I did, though. It's been a lot of fun and a lot of learning.”

One problem for the Hamby’s was money.

She says, “everything is super expensive, and we have a fair amount of bills along with having to pay for groceries and other necessities. It was hard for

us to budget on most things at first.” The best thing that comes from marriage is formalizing the relationship, according to theweek.co.uk, but the best thing that Hamby’s marriage brought her is “having a best friend that is always by my side, and we are expecting our first baby and it's been amazing so far.”

Sophomore Lilly Heath says, “I think getting married young is a bad idea. A lot can change when you go off to college. It could cause you to not want to be with them, [and] you could obviously have a teen pregnancy.”

Heath continues, “if you didn’t go to college, you would have to get a minimum wage job [and] you wouldn’t have enough money to support unless your spouse is going to college.”

does cross-country skiing and states “[they] had to share a bus with two other teams for a seven hour drive down to Valdez for a race.”

Vivian explains that she will miss “going to concerts and eating good Chinese food.” As for Jackson, “the things [he] will miss about Maryland would be Ms. O’ Leary and Chick-fil-A.”

Alaska is known to be very cold. They often get a lot of snow and low temperatures. The

No

MEGHAN KALCK SSC Editor/Studio Manager

It is not new information that during the pandemic, everyone was sent home.

Schools closed, and people’s work closed. But what if you just stayed working from home rather than going back to the office?

Mrs. Stephanie Kalck is the manager for provider data for Medstar Family Choice and has been working there for 26 years.

Kalck “manages [their] credentialing database and works with their IT department” on a lot of various different projects that involve provider data.

“[She] has an employee of one on [her] team” because it is a team of two. They do a lot of terminations of the provider networks because they are a health plan, not a corporate company.

Kalck’s office never officially shut down when the outbreak occurred. There were still people that went to work with masks.

She did actually go into the office a couple of times once things started to settle down just to “go down and kind of get out of the house,” because at the time, they did not have to wear masks sitting at their desks - only in communal spaces.

According to Kalck, she does not need the “social interaction” with her coworkers as much as other people who work at the office.

“Communicating via [Microsoft] Teams or Zoom is a very different experience versus being in-person,” because you can't really see body language as much, says Kalck.

When the company changed their policies saying that you had to wear a mask wherever you were whether it was at your desk or in a communal space. “Why

snowfall they get can start as early as October, or even September. Sometimes driving can get a little more dangerous because of the snow or ice that may be on the roads. According to Vivian, four degrees (4°) is considered to be “warm weather.” Jackson says he likes the cold better than warmer temperatures, so it’s not all bad. Having to move so far can be shocking for anyone. According to Vivian, “It took a few months to get over the culture shock of it all, but I got used to it.”

Jackson states that moving somewhere completely new was an interesting experience. “I didn’t know how different things would be, or what the people would be like. I miss North Harford, but Alaska is a lot of fun.”

would I go into work to wear a mask for eight hours a day and be uncomfortable when I can just work at my house?” she adds.

This is what caused her to shift from in-person to online. Even though all mandates have been lifted at her office, she still works full-time at home.

“You can manage a team from an office wherever you are,” she says, but something that she and others recognized is that not everyone can work remotely.

They have to be trusted to do their work from home and actually complete it.

“It’s nice not having to make a 45-minute commute every morning and every evening,” Kalck says.

She can also change her hours, like working later or starting work earlier. When she had to drive to work she was getting up at 5:15 a.m. or so in the morning, but now she gets up between 6 and 6:30.

While working from home, she can take little breaks between her work. These breaks are filled with regular day-to-day things such as doing laundry or cleaning and getting household problems solved.

Another pro of being able to work from home is, “if [she] has service or good reception on her phone when [she] goes on trips, [she] can work from any location” and can use her phone as a mobile hotspot for her computer. This has come in handy for when she has bigger trips planned because she doesn't have to take as much time off for vacations.

She only has so many vacation days that she can use and only gets so many weeks per year to take off and the time accrues each paycheck.

commute, no traffic, no problems

Who Knew...?

2014 alumnus leaves local hospital, Makes differences far from Maryland

STELLA MANNS Sports Editor

Traveling, nursing, and helping others all while seeing the world. 2014 alumnus Ellie Berrell is doing just that.

According to stkate.edu travel nurses can expect to reap many benefits. They include but are not limited to, “bonuses, choice of location, free housing, higher than average pay for RNs (registered nurses), retirement plans, and travel reimbursement.”

Berrell attended Salisbury University in Southern Maryland from 2014-2018 where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in nursing.

When she was in the college application process, Berrell got accepted directly into the York nursing program. However, at Salisbury, she had to apply to the program in her junior year.

After graduating from Salisbury, she came back to work locally at Wellspan York Hospital. She worked as a registered nurse for three years in York, PA.

Berrell began travel nursing at Tower Health Reading Hospital. She was on the psychology unit for three months, and the cardiac unit for her second stint of three months. Travel nurses are scheduled to stay in one place for three months and they can renew for another three months if they would like.

She then transferred from Reading to Geisinger Danville hospital. Berrell is currently working at Danville on the surgical unit. At the end of March, she will have been residing in Danville, PA for six months.

As a travel nurse “you get paid by the hour, this is taxed.” Berrell added that nurses “then get an untaxed stipend for living expenses.”

Travel nursing “blew up during COVID” and that resulted in everybody starting to know about it, she adds. There are “way more people in his traveling field.”

Dangers of pulling all-nighters

RILEY HEROLD Reporter

More and more teens stay up later as they get older. This is mostly because of the overwhelming amount of schoolwork or tasks that have to be completed. It mainly revolves around a teen’s procrastination during certain projects, overall schoolwork, and studying for exams.

The general consensus among today’s sleep experts is that adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18 need eight to ten hours of sleep each night. However, recent surveys show roughly 73% of teens in the U.S. fall short of this recommended benchmark. These trends are mostly consistent across different sexes and ethnic groups, though teens appear to get less sleep on average as they progress to higher grade levels.

In a recently conducted poll at NH, 80% of teens said they find themselves staying up later as years progress, while 20% said they don’t. Overwhelmed by all the projects and assignments due that night, at least once in their life teens end up pulling all-nighters. In another poll, 75.2% of NH students found that they end up pulling all-nighters in order to complete a project they were procrastinating on. The other 24.8% of teens say they don’t.

All-nighters are not good for teens’ mental and overall health. It can cause many short-term problems that eventually could lead to longterm ones. Lack of sleep reduces the brain’s attention span and concentration, but also it slows reaction time and im-

Berrell has hopes to travel “out West, and Maine.” She would like to travel to the Southern

and from what” Berrell has, “seen it does not have the best working conditions.”

Currently, the alumnus is traveling with another RN. She “met her at York Hospital.”

Travel nursing has many positives, such as “increased pay and being able to live in cool places you would not have been able to before,” Berrell comments.

“Being in different places makes it easier to be somewhere for such a short” amount of time, she adds.

go on “mini-explorations two to three hours from the home base location.” She has been able to pick up new hobbies at each job site so far. These include, “volleyball, line dancing, and getting back into yoga.” Berrell recommends that when traveling for nursing, people should get out and do things in the community because they will “find new things that you would not have found if you were looking online.”

pairs constructive thinking, according to The Sleep Doctor Lack of sleep interferes with memory as well. It detracts from the working memory, which is used for short-term needs. At the same time, research has found that people who go without sleep are at a higher risk of creating false memories, which harms their longer-term recall of important information even after going back to a regular sleep schedule. People who frequently pull all-nighters are at greater risk for developing mood disorders such as depression.

On a physical level, sleep is critical for your body to repair itself and boost its energy levels. Without sleep, your immune system functions and metabolism becomes affected, which causes problems when maintaining a healthy body weight and trying to fight illnesses, according to The Sleep Doctor. Athletes and other physically active people are more vulnerable to negative physical effects such as slower muscle recovery, increased pain perception, reduced speed and strength, poor accuracy, and delayed reaction time because of the lack of sleep.

If you end up pulling all-nighters here are some tips to help. Stay hydrated as much as possible, eat healthy foods instead of junk food, use aromatherapy such as rosemary and/or peppermint which has been associated with alertness and may be helpful in powering through your all-nighter, chew gum, keep the lights on, and most importantly don’t make a habit of it.

states however “the hospitals down South do not pay as well

However, it is not all sunshine and rainbows. Berrell points out that there are some negative aspects to being a travel nurse. One is constantly moving and feeling “like you are living out of a car.” The simple “volatility of it all” is another negative, nurses can get “canceled” at any given time. “Sometimes hospitals can place a nurse out of a job,” she adds. Berrell gets to

During her first year of travel nursing, Berrell “was a PRN at the old location, York,” because she was working within one to two hours from home. PRN stands for ‘pro re neta’, which means “as the need arises” according to indeed. com.

She would “work two 12-hour shifts in a six-week period.” Berrell used PRN nursing as a way to keep her seniority at York hospital in the case that her travel nursing endeavors fell through. The alumnus has “recently resigned from that position” so she can travel farther.

Every year, as America celebrates the new year, many make goals and resolutions for themselves to achieve.. Usually, these are focused on weight loss and activity. But this year, the spotlight turns to mental health as it becomes a priority for many.

ISABEL KROPKOWSKI Feature Editor

For people, after the busy holiday season is when they start to relax since they do not have to run around for last-minute items or travel far. The brain and body can both slow down and get back to their normal pace.

Ryan McDonald, an Associate Licensed Counselor for Clear Skies Counseling, says, “Previous generations have come to accept mental health and see therapists and counseling services as an opportunity to improve themselves. Their children and friends noticed those benefits in their lives.”

The focus does not always have to be about losing weight and eating well; just reaching out to friends and family or enjoying an activity helps you relax and have a clear mind.

A resolution could be more about your mental state, which plays a factor in the common goal of healthy eating and exercise.

Stan Popovich, the author of A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear, says, “Just because you made a New Year’s resolution, doesn’t mean you have to abide by everything you do. You don’t want to structure yourself to the point where you can’t function because you didn’t fulfill a new year’s resolution.” (Fox 21). The way mental health can be impacted by a goal you have made can change everything you do and your impact on yourself and others.

A new survey from Forbes Health found that 20% of people have improving mental health as their top priority in the new year. 16% said improving physical health is more important to them. Most of the people polled (62%) say that both physical and mental health are equally important to them (Forbes Health).

In the same poll by Forbes, many (particularly young people) have chosen to prioritize their mental health over physical health. A decent amount of respondents from the poll said they felt pressured to set resolutions and goals.

On top of goals for work or school, many set goals for themselves to achieve for personal benefit. Every year we get the opportunity to set our minds on a resolution. Now, more than in the past we should include goals focusing on our mental health.

Mental health has continued to be a focus for many people. Resolutions being made at the beginning of each new year.

Travel nurse Ellie Berrell went on a hike at Ricketts Glen State Park, PA. Berrell’s flexible schedule allows her to travel to new places.

PHOTO CREDIT: Ellie Berrell

PHOTO CREDIT: Mile High Psycahrity

Resolutions made at start of new year center around wellness, health priorities

Midseason: Boxing out rivals, improving daily

STELLA MANNS

Sports Editor

Hawks boys basketball has faced many difficulties this 20222023 season. The team has a record of 2-8, with hopes of finishing the season on Feb. 14 holding a winning record.

Coach Nick Panos pointed out that the “team has bonded very well,” through “solid leadership” by senior captains Connor Ballard and TJ Berger. Each teammate “has a common goal of playing as a team,” and they “respect each other,” Panos adds.

This season the team's most challenging difficulty has been due to “early injuries to a number of players,” according to Panos. The team defines their “success by improving each practice and game possession,” says Panos.

Junior Aiden Jablon (shooting guard) has been “playing basketball for about 10 years.” Jablon says they have had difficulty bonding as one team due to issues with “grades or injuries.” It has become “hard to get used to playing with each other as a team” because of this, Jablon adds. One of the players with a positive outlook in the hardest times is junior Preston Miller (shooting guard), according to Jablon. He is “very supportive and usually has an optimistic outlook,” the shooting guard continues.

Further in the season, Jablon is looking forward to “the big rivalry games against Fallston and Bel Air.” He hopes for a big crowd to come support the Hawks those nights.

In his second year of basketball, junior Evan Lechner (guard) is looking forward to “putting up numbers against teams that think they’re better” than the hawks. Lechner agrees with Jablon’s statement that Ballard is a strong player with standout skill but, he also adds that “[Sophomore]

Demetrious Densmore stands

Winter cheer brings Hawk spirit

EMILY JOHNSON

IDR Editor

out in terms of ball handling and shooting.” Finding chemistry as a team can be difficult. Lechner finds that “running games in practice helps” in building team bonds. In game situations, Lechner states that himself and Miller “always have a positive outlook during games, cheering each” player on.

One of two underclassmen on the team, Densmore (shooting guard), plans for the Hawks to finish the 2022-2023 season “doing good overall.” There is a “good connection between young” players and older ones, Densmore adds. He has played basketball “for around seven years.” This season, Densmore sees the team facing difficulties like getting the ball around “from defense to offense.”

“We all keep a positive attitude no matter what the score is,” Miller comments on how the team has been able to bond. For around seven years, Miller has played basketball. The shooting guard is excited to “make more memories and have good times.”

Fellow shooting guard, Jablon, was named by Miller to have an optimistic outlook along with himself. He says the team's greatest weakness is lack of height because they “don’t match up with other teams' size.”

For 10 years, junior Sean Babiak (forward) has played basketball. In regards to struggles, Babiak says the biggest one is “our size” compared to other teams who have a lot of height. Bonds have been built through “team dinners after games.” Berger seems to stand out with a positive outlook according to Babiak. He looks forward to playing in the game versus Fallston Jan. 17 at the home of the Cougars.

Catch the Hawks in action next on Feb. 3, hosting Rising Sun. The seaosn will end with a game versus the cougars, Feb. 14.

What’s that spell? Hawks! The winter cheerleading team has been practicing and has currently cheered at eight boys basketball home games. They will make their next appearance against Rising Sun High School on Feb. 3.

The team is coached by NHES teacher Mrs. Tracy Sanger-Levy and consists of 14 girls, many of which are freshmen and sophomores. While they don’t perform at any competitions or football games like the fall team, they memorize tons of cheers and dance moves to show off on the sidelines of the gymnasium, during boys’ basketball games.

Freshman Samantha Johnson tried out for the team for the first time in November and has “thoroughly enjoyed” the season so far. According to Johnson, the girls have practice “twice a week, and [they] rehearse several different cheers” at each practice. Her favorite cheer is called “rebound” which includes spelling out the word, stomping, and clapping. She mentioned that “an important part of cheer is being enthusiastic, even when things aren’t going our team’s way.” Johnson also believes the team-favorite cheer is called “Rowdy” because it gets the crowd excited and loud.

Freshman Heather Wolf is one of the team captains, along with freshman Serenity Ungham and sophomores Ariel Stinebaugh and Bianca Baker. Wolf was part of the fall cheer team, but this was her first season in the sport. Her favorite cheer they’ve learned is called “Limit,” which is shorter than other cheers like rebound. Wolf mentioned that she believes cheerleaders shouldn’t be stereotyped like they often are in society.

According to usacheer.org, cheerleading has “experienced a major reduction in injuries since 2010.” The number of catastrophic injuries in cheer is lower than in sports like soccer but is equivalent to other sports like gymnastics.

There are numerous benefits to cheer, according to www.sportsrec.com. These benefits include developing stronger muscles, a better mentality, and “cardio supremacy.” These benefits can improve day-to-day life as well. “It was also found that 92% of high school athletes avoid drugs.”

Fans rally around critically injured player

MATTHEW LEDFORD

Video Editor

Damar Romeyelle Hamlin is an American football safety for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. If you are unaware, Hamlin was hurt while making a routine tackle on Bengals wide-receiver Tee Higgins on a seemingly routine play that was not considered too violent of a hit.

Higgins was running with the ball on a 13-yard pass from Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow when he led with his right shoulder, hitting Hamlin in the chest. Hamlin then wrapped his arms around Higgins’ shoulders and helmet to drag him down.

Hamlin quickly got to his feet, appeared to adjust his face mask with his right hand, and then fell backward about three seconds later and lay motionless. Hamlin was down for 19 minutes while receiving medical attention, according to ESPN.

According to NBC News, “While there are several poten-

ded

Hall of Fame bound, Retired Orioles Trainer accepted as new member

EMMA CORNMAN Reporter

Richie Bancells, retired head athletic trainer for the Baltimore Orioles from 1984-2017 and recently added member of PBATS Hall of Fame on Dec. 9, 2022, is a person who is recognized for his countless contributions and accomplishments, benefitting the Orioles for decades.

At the very beginning, Bancells first got his job position “when [he] was going to graduate school, it was suggested to [him] as a resume builder that [he] work with a minor league team. So, [he] was lucky enough to get a job in the minor leagues with the Orioles, and it started in 1978 in Bluefield, West Vir-

Damar Hamlin continues to progress in recovery, and his neurological function is “excellent.” ‘Love for Damar’ has swept across the NFL.

tial causes for Hamlin's cardiac arrest, cardiologists suggested that a rare phenomenon called ‘commotio cordis’ was to blame.”

Commotio cordis is a type of sudden cardiac arrest that occurs as a result of a blunt impact to the chest, typically from a sports-related injury.

It occurs when the impact causes the heart to temporarily stop beating properly. The condition is rare, but can be fatal if not treated immediately with CPR and defibrillation. It is common in young athletes and can occur in baseball, hockey, and football, according to the National Institute of Health.

Doctors say Hamlin's neuro-

ginia. [He] was there for two years, and [he] was lucky enough to get called up and spent the rest of [his] career with the Orioles in Baltimore.”

When first beginning his career in the big leagues, Bancells noted that “It was kind of both a feeling of accomplishment, but that was very short lived, because it was one thing to get there and it’s another thing to stay there for a whole career. So, [he] was excited and all, but [he] also realized [he] had a lot of anxiety and apprehension because [he] had to do a good job in order to stay there.” Bancells wished to better the team; the main goal in mind “was to get better everyday to improve the department and improve ourselves. He said, “There’s three things that you can do everyday, whether you’re an athletic trainer or as a person to improve yourself. And the three areas you should try to improve yourself are intellectually everyday

logical condition and function are intact. The physicians treating the football player say he's made a remarkable improvement following his collapse during the Monday night game, he has since been released from the hospital and is now recovering both at home and with the Bills.

Senior Julia Blondell comments, “I think sometimes people often lose sight of what makes up a sport. Yes, you have a competitive aspect, but you also have the family and respected aspect. Although the injury was a horrible sight, it brought the world of football together and reminded fans and players what the game is all about: Loving one another.”

- that’s like reading something academically that improves your mind - improve yourself physically, keep yourself healthy and fit, and probably the most important to improve yourself spiritually every day.” Three words that Bancells noted that can summarize his experience as the Orioles head athletic trainer is “excitement, just because [he] was excited to come to work every day; Happiness, because [he] was fortunate enough to do something [he] loves.

To read more, scan the above

Senior Connor Ballard goes for a free-throw. The Hawks lost this game 54-57 against Bel Air.

PHOTO CREDIT: Emily Johnson

PHOTO CREDIT: Buffalo Bills

Swimmers start splashing away competitions

BEN IAMPIERI

Copy Editor

The NH swim team has two meets before Christmas break. On Dec. 14, they won against Rising Sun and Elkton, but lost against Fallston on Dec. 21.

The first event, the boys 200 medley relay, was won by less than a second with a time of 2:00.04. The relay consisted of sophomore James Cassidy, junior Kyle Difilippo, junior Michael O’Leary, and senior Ben Iampieri.

Michael won the boys 200 freestyle, with a time of 1:56.18.

Junior Anna O’Leary came in first for the girls 200 freestyle, with a 2:25.55. Juniors Jordyn

Bell and Val Angulo got first and second in the girls 50 free with times 30.10 and 30.37, respectively. Michael placed first in the boys 100 fly, finishing with a 57.98. Angulo won the girls 100 freestyle with a time of 1:06.40.

The girls 200 freestyle relay placed first with a time of 2:00.93. This relay had Angulo, Bell, Bonincontri, and Anna.

Bell won the girls 100 backstroke with a 1:16.28.

The last event of the meet, the girls 400 freestyle relay, was won by NH with a time of 4:30.83, beating second place by almost 40 seconds. This relay was the same as the girls 200 freestyle

relay.

“I think I swam okay at the meet,” Bell says.

The Fallston meet started with the boys 200 medley relay, with the same people as the previous meet. They got a PR (personal record) with the time 1:57.84, barely behind Fallston. However, the Cougars were disqualified with an early dive and NH was named the winner of the event.

All events until the 50 freestyle contained nobody but Fallston swimmers. The boys 50 freestyle was dominated by NH, the top four swimmers in the event being Iampieri, Cassidy, Difilippo, and sophomore Michael DeJesus.

Wrestlers continue taking down opponents

BELLA

Reporter

ARIST

The wrestling team has been working through the season together going through wins and losses as a whole. Head coach Tim Ryan has been working with the team every day after school, conditioning them into knowing the moves better and creating a stronger team.

Senior Cruz Cespedes hit and surpassed the 100 career win mark during the tournament. He is just the 3rd wrestler in NH’s history to achieve this mark.

Junior Clay Lawrence was selected by the coaches from all the teams participating in a 15 team dual meet tournament at Havre de Grace as the Outstanding wrestler for the heavier weight classes as he won by pin in every contested match.

Sophomore Bryn Cespedes has been wrestling on the team for 2 years now. She says her biggest accomplishment is “beating boys [she] thought [she] wouldn’t be able to beat.”

Regarding the team, she mentions “the team has definitely improved since the beginning of the season. We have a better knowledge of how the sport works and have learned what works best for us in a match. Also, we have a better work ethic now than we did at the beginning of the season.”

Cespedes mentions, “my brother, Cruz, has helped me the most throughout my whole wrestling career, not just this year. Last year he helped me get to states and find out the kind of wrestler that I am, more what I could be in the future. My coaches have also helped me by encouraging me to do my best and helping me during my matches.”

The athlete explains that practicing and conditioning together has “helped improve [her] mental and physical health.” No matter what is going on in their lives, “the team always comes back together and pushes each other to do better [themselves] as an individual.”

Wrestling has its positives

and negatives, but Cespedes says, “my favorite part of wrestling this year is the bus rides and overall how the team supports each other and how we all bond.”

“The hardest part as an individual is losing; especially when you are very passionate about the sport. The hardest part as a team is getting people in the room and having everyone do all the conditioning.” Cespedes also mentions how easy it is to get “sidetracked” instead of training.

Sophomores George Feldbush and Cody Deak also came back to the team for a second year. Feldbush explains he wrestles because he “wants to be strong and likes to win. I feel better about myself when I win and am conditioned.”

Athlete Deak says “the environment around the team is alright but could definitely be better.” Feldbush adds on by saying “the atmosphere is usually positive when everyone is doing what they’re supposed to.”

Pony racing: Retired elementary school teacher finds herself at stables

NOEL BAILEY

Op/Ed Editor

Mrs. Betty White is a pony racing trainer in the North Harford area, who teaches kids who are 15 or younger how to compete.

Her stables, EHM stables, are located in White Hall. She has a team of jockeys who she takes to “point-to-point races in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland,” says White. The ponies that are used in the races are her ponies. She also lets her students bring in their own ponies if they wish to get them trained, too.

White has been a pony racing trainer for about ten years. But before she went into pony racing, she had a show team that she trained as well. She was an elementary school teacher before becoming a trainer. White “never did pony racing, but [she] did race in point-to-point races.”

The younger kids are allowed to do lead line racing, so they can

have an adult or trainer hold a leadline and run with the pony and kid. Older kids are allowed to race and compete by themselves. White also trains horses and students to become pony racers

The boys 200 freestyle relay placed second, 0.04 seconds behind first with a PR of 1:43.25. The girls 200 freestyle relay also placed second and had a time of 2:03.93. Both relays had the same swimmers as the previous meet.

The boys 100 breaststroke was led by Michael with a time of 1:06.81, over six seconds ahead of second place.

NH won the boys 400 freestyle relay with a time of 3:59.75.

“I think swimming is fun since the meets are nice,” Cassidy says. “I’m getting better each meet which is good but I’ve still yet to have a big time drop.” Cassidy prepares for races by not think-

ing about anything other than swimming, “So [he] can be focused to do good.”

Bell sees who she is racing against and think about how she will pace herself against them. “I am looking forward to team dinners and getting new best times!”

“Overall I enjoy swimming, it’s something I’ve loved for years,” Difilippo says. “My performance these past meets could have been better, but I’m still dropping time which I’m proud of. I prepare for meets by listening to music, stretching, drinking energy drinks, and talking to my teammates.”

Hawks deliver defeat; Team pulls through hardships

GABRIELLE MOXHAM Reporter

So far this year, the girls basketball team has been through some struggles, facing injuries and sickness throughout the season; but, overall, they have been trucking through all the difficulties keeping their record up at a whopping 9-2.

One way they attack adversity is through team bonding exercises!

According to freshman Peyton Dawson, the team has great bus rides together, and they

Struhar adds a lot to the team with her shooting capabilities. She also is excited about continually making connections throughout the rest of the season, and she wants to improve her shooting.

Struhar, a senior, currently plays mostly as a guard for the varsity team but moves around the court wherever she is needed.

She started her freshman year, so she has not been playing as long as some other members of the team; however, that does not

but also teaches students how to ride a horse. She teaches beginners how to be able to trust the horse to be able to ride successfully.

The racing lessons “include learning to feel comfortable going

faster than you normally would, [and] being able to control your pony when it is excited about racing,” says White. The racing competition days usually start out with the racer mounting their horse in the paddock, which is an area where the horse stays and where the trainer and rider take care of the horse.

The racer must go to the start line by controlling the pony without any help from a trainer.

“Sometimes this is when the ponies get excited because they know they are going to race,” said White. The ponies and racer go and line up at the gates or in a line. They wait for the starting person to tell them to go and then gallop to the finish line.

Two of White’s past riders are now “professional jockeys at the racetracks.” Another one of her riders has gone and won “many big steeplechase races,” according to White.

make sure to have team events where they can continue getting closer to one another.

Dawson has played for eight years and believes some of the skilled leaders of the team are seniors, including, “Jenna Amrhein, Lillian Duffy, and Marissa Struhar because they help us extend a positive outlook on the game and they bring the energy we need to every game.”

The freshman comments she is most looking forward to building stronger bonds and hopefully going to the playoffs.

Junior Caroline Nicholson has played b-ball for around nine years, and she states that the biggest difficulty for her is, “some of the girls are obviously really well-bonded, but others are difficult to be close with because we have girls come and play for us from JV around every other week, making it hard to form connections.”

Nicholson also believes that Amrhein is very skilled with speed and positivity and that

set her behind.

The senior claims that she sees the biggest difficulty the team faces as away games, although they are doing better at away games she thinks they get distracted by the crowd of the other school.

According to Struhar, “one thing that sets this team apart from others is that we all have different strong suits which are great for the team because we have someone to fill in for another person’s weakness so everyone makes a contribution.”

This is the most positive environment Struhar has seen throughout her high school years with the team.

She is excited to see the positivity and improvement in everyone grow, the way they tackle challenges, and if they can perform well at state.

Good luck to our girls for the rest of the season!

Hopefully, they will get a victory at states and so far, this season seems promising.

The Hawks play at home awaiting opponents’ attempted shots. The girls played strong defense against the Perryville team.

PHOTO CREDIT: Emilie Moore

The kids made their way to the finish line. This is one of the races that gets broadcast on television.

PHOTO CREDIT: @TimSimpson via Flickr