Nhhscryofthehawkseptember21132

Follow us on Twitter @HAWKREPORTER North Harford High School

211 Pylesville Road, Pylesville, MD 21132

410-638-3650

Volume 48, Issue 1

September 29, 2016

2016-17 school year begins with changes to homerooms, parking, traffic SAMANTHA STELTZER Studio Manager The 2016-17 school year began with a few adjustments to what faculty and students were typically used to experiencing. These changes included adjustments to a few familiar things including lockers, homerooms, and parking.

Assistant principal Mr. Bryan Pawlicki says the change to grade level homerooms from mixed ones will allow the school “to get more information to students that is specific to their grade level. It helps us in homeroom because guidance counselors can get information to students at different levels about things like college applications or career planning.”

Principal Colin Carr added about the change, “Now we don’t have to take up time in English classes to distribute materials.”

“Lockers and homerooms go hand in hand. The lockers are assigned by the location of the homeroom. When we change homerooms, subsequently the locker locations change,” said principal Colin Carr.

Another adjustment made this year has been made to the flow of traffic into and out of the parking lots. “The traffic pattern coming in during the morning changed. That was a response from the Harford County Sheriff’s Department in concerns about accidents that were happening at the corner by the stadium with

people making a left out onto 165,” said Pawlicki. “The reason why was to get more information to students that is specific to their grade level. It helps us in homeroom because guidance counselors can get information to students at different levels about things like college applications or career planning.”

Carr adds, “Now we don’t have to take up time in English classes to distribute materials. We were trying to make it safer for people leaving our lot so we changed the flow through the parking lot.”

Carr reveals, “We have a oneway system now where people have to come in through the tennis courts and leave through the AG lot. That was changed in an attempt to eliminate the large number of accidents we were having with people making a left turn out of the building. We thought it would be better if we had one-way traffic and used the traffic light in the AG lot so we could get people out in a safer manner than last year.”

In addition to the changes in driving patterns, parking assignments were also changed.

“The parking was [re]done because there isn’t enough parking for everybody. In order to get people parking spaces that need it, whether it be work, students who leave on half-day, for students on a college visit, and for athletes who stay behind after school...”, said Carr. “We wanted

Photo Credit: Kristen Dickerson

to put numbers on the parking spaces so that way they would be assigned a space so that we would know who is parking where and insure that those students who really needed one would have one.”

Carr added “An additional reason for the assigned parking was last year we ran into a lot of students parking illegally and we couldn’t get delivery trucks through the parking lot because they parked on curbs when they shouldn’t have been. We had to track those kids down, get them to move, then get the deliveries

into school.”

“The administration works together with school improvement team members to bounce ideas off each other.” Pawlicki states.

There is always a growth area where people needed to get accustomed to a change and even next year, when we do this again, there will be a three or four day period where we need to get permits out but we haven’t gotten them out to everybody yet,” said Carr. “We acknowledge that there will be three or four days when it’s going to be difficult, which is why there is no tickets

being given out as we’re just massaging the situation to make it the best we can. There will come a point though when you can’t park on property unless you have a permit.”

Carr concludes with this message for students. “I want to welcome everybody back, I’m happy to be back and I hope everybody else is. This is a really good place to be and one thing I want to encourage everybody to do is be an active participant in something that we do here at school. You get more out of things when you become involved in them.”

Pay-to-play fee causes dramatic reaction; Community continues to fight for thesbians KRISTEN DICKERSON Reporter

At the onset of the pay-toplay program, only athletes were required to pay to participate.

However, after a decision was made by the Board of Education on May 13, 2016, any student involved in drama is now also required to remit a pay-to-perform fee.

As a result, participants in after-school drama programs must pay a fee for every show they participate in, and those who work behind the scenes in areas like tech and costuming will be exempt.

The cost to participate caused a wide range of reactions from community members. Beginning

in June, people who opposed to the change in policy decided to protest and voice their concerns and displeasure. On June 26, more than 50 students, teachers, and even former school board members showed up at a protest in Bel Air. Protestors hoped the board would reconsider the new policy, however, in a 5-3 vote by the board, the change remained in tact.

Since then, the fight continues. Sophomore Abbi Vaughan is planning on “attending all of the protests and speaking out as a member of the SGA, as well as talking to Harford County Board members.”

John Schratwieser of Maryland Citizens got involved in the effort

to bring awareness to this issues.

On October 10, those opposing the pay-to-perform fee are encouraged to attend a rally outside the courthouse on Main Street, Bel Air at 5pm. At 6pm, the advocacy group hopes to provide testimony at the Board of Education meeting.

“I’ve seen kids who were unable to pay the previous $20, which we still have to pay,” Vaughan explains. “I think it’s completely outrageous, especially when the teachers see none of the money.”

Ryan Nicotra organized the Harford County Arts and Culture Alliance which has mobilized about 250 supporters who advocated against the fee at a previous board meeting.

Along with Nicotra’s work, a petition has been made on the website change.org. Taylor Casalena, creator of the petition, stated, “Many people participate in the arts and some people participate in both sports and the arts.

To some families, this will heavily increase costs, especially if there is more than one high school student in the house.” “...not every parent can simply afford this. The arts are already struggling in Harford County Public Schools and by adding this fee, participation levels will be even smaller,” Casalena continued.

Currently Casalena’s petition has 861 signatures. Drama teacher Mrs. Nancy Green believes.

“It’s an unfair barrier that keeps kids from participating and it certainly has had a negative effect that we’ve seen already. I have approximately less than half of my students for the musical...”

Green states that she is attending board meetings and writing letters, and encourages everyone to come to the next Board of Education meeting on October 10 at 5pm.

“As educators we feel it is unfair to place barriers on our students for participating in extracurricular activities. If we’re really in the business of getting kids ready for college we need to remember that colleges want well-rounded applicants with extensive extracurricular activity,” said Green.

Cry of the Hawk

September 29, 2016

Gym: elective or college show case

Second string 49ers athlete stands up by sitting down

Opinion/Editorial - Page 2

Photo credit: Kiernan Furness

KYLE RUSSELL Columnist To my gym class, You may have noticed, or at least you should have, that I am not a land mammal when it comes to sports. In the water, I may be as sleek and fast as any shark, but on land I am as uncoordinated as a baby horse. All legs, wobbling around.

So if you haven’t noticed, I’m not a professional at football, basketball, or baseball so don’t expect something outstanding from me. Have you ever seen those movies where at the last second of a sport’s game, the underdog scores... well, news flash, do NOT expect that from me.

While you might be taking gym because you are super com-

petitive or have a desire to stay fit, some people, myself included, are taking gym only because it is a graduation requirement.

And by the way, I want to get out of there with as few injuries as possible.

Here’s the thing, though; I will participate in the class. It might not look like it, but trust me, I try. I recently played both flag football and basketball. Well, I tried to play and I should have warned you. You would try to get the ball to me but because I have zero hand-eye coordination, I would drop it. Not only did I drop it, the ball bounced off my hand jamming my fingertips.

Then the ball went towards the ground and before I knew it, my legs tumbled over the ball sending me plummeting towards the

hard turf.

But here’s the thing, no amount of yelling and cursing at me will make me catch the ball any better. And just like that, you quit passing to me. When we moved on to basketball, I stood there for about 40 minutes and didn’t get the ball once. Make up your mind.

And here’s the thing. Gym class has a whole range of people with a wide variety of abilities.

You know those four girls in class, well, they hardly ever get passed to either. And news flash guys, those girls can play better than you if you give them the chance. So, please get over yourselves. Save your snide “Oh now we are going to lose,” or other bellyaching comments for another day. They’re rude and don’t do anything but make you look foolish.

THIS IS GYM CLASS, not the Olympics or the NBA, or even the NFL. Let me remind you that football is not an Olympic sport and basketball won only one gold medal. Swimming, however, a sport where I excel, won a whopping total of 16 gold, 5 silver, and 8 bronze medals.

In the meantime, I might not be able to score a touchdown, or slam dunk a basketball, but if you’re ever up for a dip in the pool, we can dive right in.

Maryland schools may go in after Labor Day VIEWPOINT Gov. Larry Hogan announced that all the public schools in Maryland will start after Labor Day and will be finished by June 15. This decision has resulted in controversial reactions. Hogan, a Republican Governor, said that this decision “will help protect the traditional end of summer.”

Hogan said that there were many reasons why Maryland public schools should be starting later, including that it will allow families to “have much more time together during the summer,” and even, “generate more revenue for the tourism industry and help keep students in the Baltimore region out of sweltering classrooms that lack air conditioning.”

Ironically, just after the Hogan’s announcement, 32 Baltimore schools were closed due to heat at the onset of the school year.

Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller called the order “extraordinary and legally questionable.” However, Hogan and his team argue that “The [Maryland] Constitution clearly gives us the right to do this... There is no legal argument whatsoever.”

Pollsters at Goucher College last year found that 72 percent of Maryland residents “supported a statewide mandate to require schools to begin after Labor Day” (baltimoresun.com).

Clearly, a large majority of Maryland residents are in favor of starting school after Labor day.

Regardless of whether people are in favor of the change or not, the possible adjustment to the schedule has left parents, politicians, and important people in local school systems with more questions than answers about things like holiday breaks and professional development days.

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

Students are still expected to complete a 180 day school year.

Figuring out HOW to get 180 days might be problematic for some school officials, but it is certainly not impossible. It will take some foresight and planning and maybe a little flexibility on the part of all the people involved in education.

Although many people are for in favor of the change, there are many people against it. School officials are concerned that the change in start time will impact learning retention of some students since studies show that kids lose at least two months of academic skills over the summer months.

Without a doubt, the potential for a change has opened up a large conversation between all the key players having a lot to consider as they plan for the 2017-18 school year and beyond.

News Editors: Kiernan Furness Bethany Birchfield Opinion/Editorial Editor: Marissa Ramsland Features Editor: Amanda Scarboro IDR Editor: Maria Kropkowski Society, Students & Culture Editor: Kyle Russell Copy Editor: Darby Hyde Video Manager: Emily Miller

JESSICA CARNIVALE Columnist

flag that has given you the freedom to speak out.”

Jerry Rice, rePhoto credit: Abbey Carnivale tired San Francisco 4 9 e r , claims “All lives matter.

So much going on in this world today. Can we all just August 26, 2016. This is the get along! date that all respect was lost for Colin, I respect your stance but San Francisco 49ers quarterback, don’t disrespect the Flag.” This Colin Kaepernick. He decided perfectly describes what the that he wanted to show his dis- problem is and what he did indain for America by not standing correct. up for the National Anthem beThere is no problem with havfore a preseason game against the ing an opinion and voicing it but Green Bay Packers. Kaepernick Kaepernick voiced it an inapproclaims, “I am not going to stand priate way. If he felt so strongly up to show pride in a flag for a about the racial injustices in country that oppresses black America he should use his fame people and people of color.” in a more productive manner.

Keep in mind that Kaeper- Instead, all Kaepernick has sucnick is biracial, raised by a white ceeded in doing is showing disfamily, went to college, and respect to an American symbol has done very well for himself. of freedom, unity, purity, pride, In fact, according to spotrac. patriotism, etc. com, “Colin Kaepernick signed The only good thing that has a 6 year, $114,000,000 contract come from the show that Kaewith the San Francisco 49ers, pernick has put on is now the including a $12,328,766 signing demand for his jersey has skybonus, $61,000,000 guaranteed, rocketed. The price of his jerand an average annual salary of sey currently is about $99. “The $19,000,000. In 2016, Kaeper- agreement between the NFLPA, nick will earn a base salary of the players’ union, and the league, $11,900,000, a roster bonus of players gets two-thirds of the $2,000,000 and a workout bonus money made by selling jerseys”, of $400,000” according to money.cnn.com.

Despite all of his success, the The recent gross in jersey money professional football player feels for Kaepernick allows him to dooppressed and that he must pro- nate the proceeds. He released test against the corruptness in the statement “I wasn’t expecting America. By all means, this is ac- my jersey sales to jump to numceptable. The first Amendment ber one because of [my protest], in the Constitution clearly states but it shows the people’s belief that every citizen is granted free- that we can achieve justice and doms concerning religion, ex- equality for ALL! The only way I pression, assembly, and the right can repay you for the support is to petition. Legally Kaepernick to return the favor by donating did nothing wrong, but in the all the proceeds I receive from my eyes of the media and public his jersey sales back into the commuactions showed nothing but dis- nities!” respect to America.

Even though this is a positive Not only does the major- and will help many communities, ity of the public disagree with the only reason he recently reKaepernick’s actions, but his ceived this money was by insultfellow professional football play- ing a national symbol. Now he is ers have spoken out about how thanking all of his supporters and they are stunned by his defiance. thinks he is achieving justice and New Orleans Saints quarterback, equality when he is just creating Drew Brees stated, “Like, it’s an more protest. How does one gain oxymoron that you’re sitting respect for a cause by disrespectdown, disrespecting that same ing another?

Entertainment Editor: Emma Marley Sports Editors: Brett Friedel Jessica Carnivale Business Manager: Samantha Steltzer Web Manager: Darby Hyde Reporters: Natalie Beyer, Kristen Dickerson, Hannah Eyler, Katie Kettell, Kate Meagher, Andy Miller, Emily Miller, Emily Rinaca Channel 35 Production Manager: Samantha Steltzer

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.

Cry of the Hawk

September 29, 2016

Opinion/Editorial - Page 3

Conflict over clothes Rapist released to public; Community reacts with protests

EDITORIAL

While promoting a welcome kit to foreign visitors, India’s tourism minister, Mahesh Sharma, advised for female tourists to avoid sporting skirts during their time in the country.

The public outrage was immediate. Infamous for many cases of rape and harassment towards foreign women, India had recently opted to amend their laws so that the definition of ‘rape’ has been broadened, now including any form of penetration, sexual assault, voyeurism and stalking.

Even with the new laws holding out strict punishments for a variety of offenses, many cases have still been brought to attention. This brings up citizens to ask an all-too-familiar question: Is India doing what they can to protect their women? Rape is the fourth most common crime in India. It is estimated that 27.5 million women are affected by this, and a majority of these crimes go unrecognized.

Outrage against suggestions to tourists have come to be countered by the hopes to protect foreign rights within the country. Many of these ‘protestors’ have been found to be from more wealthy countries, where things like clothing go with little con-

cern or question. One of the only known ‘restrictive’ guidelines is the familiar school dress code.

Though most people brush over it without much thought, there are the few people that rebel against, claiming ‘freedom of expression.’ Now nobody would enjoy to have a rampaging tyrant stomping through the halls and forcing you to measure your shorts and sleeves with your fingertips, but people may appreciate being saved from the oftenunpleasant viewing of your bra from the side of a low-cut shirt or some distasteful undergarments peeking out from pants that are a few sizes too big.

The law in India is mostly directed towards females, and the outrage sprouts from there as a further reach to ‘oppress women.’ Though most boys do not complain about mini skirts and shorter shorts on girls here, consider taking our clothing to a country where women’s security is less ensured.

It isn’t abnormal for people belonging to a first-world country to take little to no notice of events happening in third-world countries. But the ignorance of certain warnings and suggestions, out of suspicion of ‘oppression,’ has certainly proven to come with consequences.

EDITORIAL It’s hard to trust the justice system when crimes like rape can be treated so lightly. Brock Turner, a 21 year old former swimmer, was found sexually assaulting an unconscious women behind a dumpster in January of 2015. The judge, however, did not send him to jail. Instead the swimmer served only three months of a six month sentence, and then returned to his home town, Bellbrook, Ohio.

This news caused a huge outrage from the public, so much that around a dozen protesters, or “anarchists,” have gathered around Turner’s house armed with automatic weapons. According to theguardian.com, the protesters goal is to make him feel uncomfortable in his home.

Now, this may be a bit extreme, but it doesn’t seem unjust. A rapist got out of jail in half the amount of time as his sentence and is officially registered as a sex offender... That’s it? That’s not a punishment fit for a rapist.

Athletes live healthy lifestyle,

No need for additional gym credit VIEWPOINT

ticipate in sports 5-6 days a week, demonstrating and living the healthy and fit lifestyle their gym teachers encourage.

While some may think these students are simply being lazy, or don’t want to mess up their hair and makeup, remember that these are athletes.

After their three plus hours of practice, they go home sore and exhausted. While they stretch and ice repeatedly, they can only

might pursue in the future.

Many students go into college While choosing classes last undecided about their major.

May, many students experiMaybe if they got to take that enced trouble deciding which one biology class they would classes to take. As the amount have seen how much they enjoy of required classes decrease by it. They then could go to a unithe years, lots of students have versity specializing in this major to find multiple “filler” classes and have a better experience. just to take up space in their If students were permitted schedule. to “experiment” in more classes, There is, however, also a large they would have a better chance population of students who have at figuring out their major, or at too many courses they’d least have a better idea of like to enroll in and have what they would like to trouble deciding which These athletes willingly partici- study, taking them to a ones to cut. Students are pate in sports 5-6 days a week, school that would better forced to drop classes out suit them. demonstrating and living the of their schedule in order While it is important to complete their graduato learn about health healthy and fit lifestyle their gym tion requirement of gym, and fitness, all of this teachers encourage. many of these students information can easily being high school athbe taught in one semesletes. ter, during ninth grade There is no question that anticipate how challenging their physical education. After taking physical education is an impor- next practice is going to be. one semester, athletes shouldn’t tant course, the purpose of gym Those aches and pains that they be required to take an additional is not just to play games and run put a lot of time into getting rid of, semester. around for 90 minutes a day, but are suddenly amplified because What should they do instead? to teach kids to live a healthy their muscles can’t even have a 24 Explore other, new classes that and fit lifestyle beyond their hour break. This results in poorer could spike interest in them high school days. performance during their season or benefit them for the future, However, student-athletes and if serious enough, could even whether that be for college or put in their time and passed lead to injury. as a career choice, and conserve ninth grade physical education, Reducing the number of gym their muscles for practice while learning all the basics of any credits will allow students to demonstrating the healthy lifegym course they would take. choose other courses that might style that they are already pracThese athletes willingly par- help guide them into paths they ticing.

Rape crimes like this in California usually come with three to eight years in jail and fines ranging from $2,000 to $25,000, and that still doesn’t seem like a justifiable punishment for a rapist.

Technically, the protesters are not doing anything illegal. They are allowed to openly carry firearms in the state of Ohio. The idea these protesters are trying to express is that a crime like this shouldn’t be taken lightly. A good number of these protesters are known to be affiliated with anarchist activist groups, who have also openly carried guns in other protests. It may not look like it, but they are exercising peaceful protest.

One protester, Micah Naziri, who organized the protest, says “The number one reason why we had this armed protest was to make a militant feminist statement in favor of self-defense of would-be rape victims.” (Quote from buzzfeed.com) The victim, whose real name has not been released, wrote a heart aching letter describing the attack towards Turner and how

she felt about the whole ordeal, from buzzfeed.com. She says that although she was drinking, that is not an acceptable reason to just assault someone the way she had been assaulted.

She also writes that Turner denies the encounter. Turner said that one night of drinking can ruin a life. The victim responds in the letter saying that he has ruined two lives, his and hers. She writes, “You have dragged me through this hell with you, dipped me back into that night again and again.” The victim’s sister also wrote a letter saying the damage Turner has done is irreversible.

It doesn’t matter what Turner was before this incident. All that matters is that we now know that he is a careless, violent savage who doesn’t care about the consequences of his actions.

He deserves so much worse than three months in a jail. He shouldn’t be known as a wrongfully convicted college swimmer, he should be known as Turner, the Stanford Rapist, for as long as this monster is alive.

Opportunities to grow MARISSA RAMSLAND Columnist

Photo credit: Kiernan Furness Everyone in school has a clique, whether it be a clique of two or a clique of ten. North Harford has a variety of cliques which varies from an Ag clique to a music clique to sports teams or just the typical group of friends. What people don’t seem to understand is that one group is not superior than another.

It seems obvious. Students have different personalities, thus leading to the groups of people they hang out with. Not everyone hangs out with only the people in their group; they have other friends as well and that’s not a bad thing.

What drives me crazy is that some people are embarrassed to even be associated with certain groups of people. What is there to be embarrassed about? No person is above another person. It is not a privilege to be seen with someone who, let’s say, is more “popular” than you.

Not everyone’s personalities work together. If that was the case, everyone would be friends

with everyone and there would be no such thing as enemies.

However, that does not give anyone the authority to discriminate a group of people because you believe you are too good for them.

Respect everyone. Saying it is easier than giving it meaning.

If you are worried about ruining your “image” being seen with another group of people who are “below” you, then guess what?

That’s pathetic. What is going to happen? Your friends will ditch you? If that’s the case, then I’m sorry to break it to you, but those aren’t your real friends. Friends like you for who you are, not the image you portray.

Be open to whatever groups of people come your way. Get to know them. It’s refreshing to meet people with different personalities you don’t really hang out with. I don’t understand why anyone would be opposed to meeting new people and making new friends. What’s going to happen when you move away for college or your friends move away? You’re going to have to make new friends eventually in life and if you grew up stubborn, trying to stay away from people who don’t meet your standards, that will not get you far in the future. It’s just going to bite you from behind.

The world does not revolve around you. People do not bow down to be in your presence.

Grow some humility. And do yourself a favor, have an open mind. You might be surprised what you learn about yourself and others.

September 29, 2016

Cry of the Hawk

Opinion/Editorial - Page 4

Cry of the Hawk Staff What do we think about assigned parking?

For...

Against...

HANNAH EYLER Reporter

KIERNAN FURNESS News Editor

Assigned parking makes it easier on the administration and our SRO if they’d ever have to search a student’s car for illegal substances or weapons. There would be no question about whose car is whose and they could more easily solve the problem. Additionally, students are able to arrive at school at whatever time they’d like and still have an open spot waiting for them. Also, a lot of students were parking last year without permits. With this new system, the administration will be able to regulate who has and who hasn’t paid for a permit. While the first week of school was chaotic with the new assigned parking and new traffic route, I am sure that as the school year progresses, all of the problems will be worked out.

Although I was assigned a spot where I hoped it would be, I know some who weren’t as lucky. For example, some athletes don’t have spots in the gym lot and have to back track a lot when getting ready for practice after school. This may be an inconvenience, but it’s not the end of the world. If the problem was big enough, I’m sure a compromise could be made between the student and the administration. Yes, the system is not perfect, but overall, the pros out weight the cons.

Students returned to school for the 2016-17 school year to find a different pattern of traffic in the parking lot and assigned parking spaces. Assigned parking has faced much controversy especially throughout the first week of school; North Harford’s hallways have been filled with student complaints and compliments regarding the new policy.

Admittedly, it’s impossible to ignore some problems the new permits have fixed, like students parking without permits, but this plan is still far from perfect.

The majority of complaints are due to students having no say in where they park.

Some three-season athletes have been sentenced to the Ag lot, where they have to walk across the entire building lugging their equipment just to get to the gym locker room.

Likewise, there are Ag kids who may bring in projects or equipment for their magnet program classes and yet Photo credit: Kate Meagher they have to park at the tennis courts, which is inconvenient and time consuming especially when multiple trips between the car and the building are necessary.

Some drivers were granted requests for specific parking areas. Certainly this increases student acceptance of the new policy, but only if it is consistent.

Obviously, the administration can’t accommodate every student, but either they should accept everyone’s request or nobody’s. There should be no picking who gets their request granted and who doesn’t.

The new policy is definitely a start, but improvement is still needed to make parking safer, timely, and effective.

MARISSA RAMSLAND OP/ED Editor Before we had assigned parking, people would have to get to school earlier than they’d like, just to make sure they got a spot. Everyone would park in the same general area, but that general area was not guaranteed. If there was traffic driving to school or you accidently forgot to set your alarm and got to school ten minutes later, the spot you usually park at would be gone. Often sophomores and juniors just getting their licenses would take your spot later in the year. Assigned parking ensures that you have a spot waiting for you the entire day, whether you’re 10 minutes late or two hours late. Yes, you can’t park next to your friends, but there’s two resolutions. 1. Just walk to their car, it’s not that difficult. 2. Meet them inside the school, also not that difficult. I’d rather walk over to my friend’s car or meet them inside than risk not having a place to park at all.

However, I completely understand that this process is not perfect. Athletes are given spots in the Ag lot and Ag students have to park in the gym lot. Students should be able to pick their spots by seniority and the number of after school events in which they participate. Senior athletes should get to pick their spots first, seniors who only drive pick second, junior athletes pick third and so on. But no one should expect the first time initiating a new system to be perfect. Many people complained about our old process for parking but when the administration finally changes it, everyone complains. It makes no sense to me. Given this huge, stressful change for both the students and staff, it worked out well and I much prefer this process than what we had before.

KYLE RUSSELL Students, Society & Culture Editor As a strongly opinionated person, I had a ton of mixed feelings about the parking situation. The first day I was excited and anxious to see where I would be parked (Secretly I was hoping for a gym lot parking spot.) But then just my luck, I got the Ag lot. Now I don’t mind the Ag lot because I parked there for most of last year, but this year things have changed. The very first day I went to go park in my spot, it took a total of six minutes to go from the gym lot to the Ag lot because of all the parents who dropped off their kids... News flash parents! There is this great invention called a school bus. Try using it because we have them for a particular reason: to get students to and from school without any problems.

Students don’t get to choose where they park either or who they park near. You could have someone who is really lousy at parking and end up with a scratched car.

So if students who don’t drive simply ride the bus, most of these problems wouldn’t exist.

EMILY RINACA Reporter

AMANDA SCARBORO Features Editor

I agree with the assigned parking because you’re always guaranteed a spot. Not only that, but last year there were some incidents of people hitting other people’s car and then just leaving. Now that there is assigned parking if someone hits you, you know who parks next to you, and you’ll be able to confront them. Last year I would wake up and leave my house earlier than this year because I had to make sure that I didn’t get stuck behind the busses and that I got a spot to park. This year I wake up later and leave my house even later because I know that when I get to school, no matter what time, I will still have a spot to park. Without a doubt, there are still going to be conflicts with people parking in your spot, but as the year goes on I think that the assigned parking will make mornings easier for the students and the staff. Many students complain about the spot that they got but they’re lucky that the even got a spot because some people were declined. Also some people got their spot taken away because of seniority.

Every year the administration will work out the kinks and fix the problems to make the assigned parking easier, but for this being the first year, I think it is going well and will only get better.

Anyone who knows me personally knows that I tend to stress over small things.

So, when I found out that everyone would have assigned parking this year, I low key freaked out. I was already stressed out for the first day of school, and the parking situation was another weight added on my shoulders. The thought that I couldn’t just drive to school and park anywhere I wanted kind of ticked me off. But, I thought positive and decided it must be a good thing, because we could get to school at anytime and not have to worry about not being able to find a spot. However, my positivity came to an end when I got to school on the second day after majority of students got their permit and someone had taken my spot, so I parked next to them and had to tell them to move. If people could have listened to the administration, and not driven to school if they didn’t have a permit, this problem could have been resolved. Once the person finally moved, there was a ton of traffic coming in, so I had to wait ten minutes for someone to let me back out and repark into my assigned space. As of right now I’m a little irritated by the whole situation, but I think once it settles down and people follow the rules, it’ll be a beneficial change.

Cry of the Hawk

Setember 29, 2016

French exchange student lands in Hawks Nest AMANDA SCARBORO Features Editor

Bufano says.

There are many differences between France and America, “Everything is bigger, like at school we don’t have sports teams or things like that in France.” Pavard says. The school day in France is

The Hawks Nest is now home to one young person who is very far from home. Junior Jeanne Pavard has traveled from France on August 17 as part of the exchange program called WEP (World Education Program), and ICES (International Cultural Exchange Services).

Pavard explains she is from “a small town on the west coast.”

Pavard described her first day in America this way. “I arrived at eight p.m, so it wasn’t really a day and there was this big storm and it was kind of scary.

The family is really nice.”

Pavard is living with sophomore Alison Bufano’s family.

Bufano very much enjoys being part of Pavard’s host fam- Photo Credit: Amanda Scarboro ily. “It’s really cool because it’s like getting a new family member because that’s really what it’s also very different compared to like, to have a new part of your here, “We start at eight a.m and family. It’s awesome because we have like seven classes a day, and share things about our culture I finish at 6 pm,” she adds.

Pavard feels that so far peoand she shares things about hers,”

ple in America are a lot different than back at her home, “They are open minded people, and just more relaxed.” She describes people in her home country as more “grumpy.” Pavard has tried Chick-fil-a, American hamburgers, and Easy Mac and Cheese and she’s enjoyed it since she doesn’t have foods like this back in France. However, she misses the french baguettes, and claims American bread is nowhere near as good as French bread.

Traveling so far for a great adventure comes with hardships too though, “I miss my friends, and my family but not too much,” Pavard says. “I was tired of my routine in France, and I just wanted to do something different.” she adds.

“I went to the state fair, I’ve done many things,” Pavard says about what she’s experienced here so far. “I would like to visit Washington, D.C.,” Pavard states as something she’d like to do before going back to France.

Mission accomplished: Frontera visits Hondoras MARIA KROPKOWSKI IDR Editor

himself. Frontera said the most rewarding part for him was, “the whole experience itself. The Over the summer break, most whole reason I go down there is students were off relaxing at a not only to teach the beach, sitting in kids, but to learn from front of the televithem as well.” sion, or hanging out One “cool moment” with friends and Frontera had experifamily. However, enced was when he got North Harford juback was that he “felt nior, Michael Fronmore at home when tera, was hard at [he] saw [his] friend work moving dirt Efrain, and was actuand rocks in Honally able to communiduras. cate with him.” When Thanks to his volunteering, he met church’s mission many different people, trip, Frontera was all with different backable to visit Hongrounds. For example, duras for the secFrontera met a man ond time, and was who is originally from able to see familiar Honduras and moved faces. He wanted to to Texas, but the man help in Honduras was deported from to further his future Texas and has never goal in becoming Frontera is coloring with his new friend Abby seen his family. either a missionary, after vacation bible school. Vacation bible school Frontera claims, “It’s or joining the Peace was one of the many things Frontera assisted in a real eye opening exCorps. He spent orchestrating during his time in Honduras. Photo perience and it gave me most of his days in taken by Arthur Jackson. a whole new perspecHonduras “visiting tive on things like borchildren’s homes der patrol...” and doing various vacation bible ity, and it is actually the central While Frontera has no plans to hub for a lot of drug trade.” schools for the kids.” visit Honduras again in the near For most, mission trips are For those who don’t know, future, he wishes everyone could Honduras is located in Central very rewarding. While Frontera have an opportunity to do someAmerica, between Guatemala, El was in Honduras to help others, thing as rewarding as this.

Salvador, and Nicaragua. And ac- he actually gained something for cording to Frontera, “the climate is very hot, humid and it rains very frequently.” There is also “a lot of drug and gang related activ-

Page 5 - News

From the President’s Desk: Setting goals for school year KYLE RUSSELL SSC Editor ____________________ The Student Government Association, or SGA, has been a part of schools for a number of years. It is designed to give students a voice. “My plans for this year are to increase North Harford’s participation in the county student government and the state,” said Executive board President Hannah Herron.

“At the moment we are doing our freshman elections so we are trying to find freshmen that are interested in participating, increasing their leadership skills, and building up their college resume,” said the senior. “I want North Harford to have a stronger SGA, so that means having people who are willing to work hard to benefit the school and the community.”

Herron adds that the SGA has been helping the middle school get started with an SGA, “I also have been working with the middle school to start a student government program with them. We are making some progress, and the middle school should be having their elections at the end of September.”

“For the county, we are planning on doing more charity programs and outreach. We are scheduling a soup kitchen night to work at the resource one shelter,” said Herron. According her, the state charity of the year is the Maryland food

bank, so North Harford and the county are going to be doing more food drives, food competitions to raise funds and food for the Maryland food bank.

Herron states that she wants to have more student involvement and more general meetings. The organization had its first GA on September 7 where they ratified their constitution, and had a roundtable workshop to hear the viewpoints from students on some current issues going on in the school “I also would like to personally talk in front of the Board of Education again on the importance of teachers and teachers salaries. It’s so important that we have teachers being paid well and stay in the county, because we already lost, just from our school, five teachers... it’s important to keep our good teachers here because without our good teachers we don’t have good students,” says Herron.

Herron said she needs help to accomplish these goals “I can’t do this all alone so I have a great team of people that are going to help me along the way. Our executive board is outstanding this year they have been so helpful, and I know with their help we can get a lot done.”

Herron, is planning things for Homecoming, Hawkstock, and the talent show and even more.

“We are going to have a food drive amongst the classes, and the class that wins is going to get a prize,” said the senior.

GET INVOLVED!!!

The Academic Team, advised by Mr. Russell Blake, prepares for academic competitions and is open to all students, especially people who like to play Jeopardy or Trivial Pursuit.

“We will be doing a competition on September 24 on an academic TV show. Anyone is welcome to come by [if they would like to join],” says sponsor Blake.

Students are always welcome to join and we will work around athletic practice for the students who are on a sports team. See room Mr. Blake in room D307; meetings are from 2:15-3:15 The Art Guild, advised by Mr. Jason Blevins promotes art appreciation and enjoyment throughout the school community and provides scholarships to graduating art students.

“We’re going to be working with the drama club to build set designs and we plan to do the tye dye T-Shirts again and selling them at Earth day. We have several other plans that are in works that are classified,” states sponsor, Blevins.

Students may see any art teacher or Art Guild officer to join. Students are also encouraged to attend meetings.

Envirothon Team is an academic environmental team that competes on a countywide level. Mrs. Laura O’Leary is the club advisor. “Envirothon is an academic team and my plan is to win!” states O’Leary.

All students are welcome to come. See Mrs. O’Leary in room B216 for more information.

Compiled by: Marissa Ramsland

Page 6/ News

Cry of the Hawk

September 29, 2016

Finding a new home: Keith starts new chapter Evelyn welcomed to special ed dept in life as English teacher ANDY MILLER Reporter

dents] wouldn’t know that right off the bat because I’m very energetic and very lively, but when I was growing up, I hated public speaking,” Keith says.

Ms. Emilie Keith has traded in her status as a CMW Mustang as a high school student for her wings as a teacher at NHHS beginning this year.

Keith first went to Harford Community College majoring in English and then to Towson University to get her BA in secondary education.

The recent addition to the faculty at NH said she hopes to get to know her students and that she can be an interactive teacher with interactive lessons.

“I guess I’m hoping to leave my class inspired,” Keith Keith is looking forward to besaid. ing an interactive teacher, and having Though Keith is fun with her class. Keith went to Harfan English teacher, ord and Towson to major in English. there is something students will find Photo Credit: Andy Miller surprising about There are certain reasons Keith her.

She is actually afraid of public speaking. “They [stu- chose to teach at North Harford.

Smilko sets sail: Former Mariner joins Hawks KYLE RUSSELL SSC Editor Ms. Dana Smilko is no stranger to Harford County. A graduate of Joppatowne High School, Smilko has made her way to NH beginning in the 2016-17 school year.

Smilko is a graduate of Towson University and was hired as an additional teacher in the special education department at NH. “I technically teach special ed, but I teach different content areas, math, English, and science,” said Smilko. “I like all of those subjects.” She continues that she “likes teaching science classes,” the most.

Smilko added that this is her first year of teaching and she commented that NH has “a beautiful campus.” She says she finds “the school environ-

Photo credit: Kyle Russellll ment is so supportive; everyone that I work with is just really supportive. The students seem to be that way so far as well.”

As as a high school student, she was a part of National Honors Society and Spanish Honor Society and athletic teams. “I used to play soccer and swimming. school.”

She loves North Harford and the kids in the school. Keith is actually from Harford County. “I’m Harford county, born and bred,” Keith said. “All the staff I’ve met have been wonderful, so that definitely influenced my decision.

The team oriented atmosphere is what I like the most.”

Before coming to North Harford, Keith had pre-teaching experience at Fallston Middle School for 7th grade and student taught at Edgewood High School for 12th grade. The only difference she noticed about student teaching at those schools is the diversity factor.

“At Edgewood, the kids definitely come from two ends of the spectrum as our socio-economic backgrounds are concerned, but that also communicates here...,” Keith commented.

“I love having them [students] go into the text and discover new things; I love looking through the world in somebody else’s eyes” Keith said. Her favorite book is The Great Gatsby.

Mrs. Chris Allred finds Keith to be very friendly and energetic.

“She was very exctited about what she was planning for her English classes,” said Allred.

NATALIE BEYER Reporter

Photo credit: Kyle Russell

This year North Harford has been lucky enough to add another special education teacher to the staff.

Mrs. Evelyn, an Ohio native, has come to North Harford with plans to help co-teach in the Math department. Evelyn says, “I just love Math, and I would love to pass that love of Math onto other students that don’t like Math, they struggle with it, and by showing them the simplicity of it will hope they learn to love it too.”

This is not Evelyn’s first time teaching though; she used to teach in elementary schools. The biggest difference she has noticed thus far is the size of the school. In discussing the size of elementary schools, Evelyn states, “You quite quickly get to know the students and their families and obviously that’s much different than this large environment.”

Evelyn’s goal is to get to know as many of her students and their families as she can in her time here.

As Evelyn rolled up to North Harford, she had a sort of “blast from the past” saying, “Wow! This kind of reminds me of

where I went to high school. It was a rural school where many of the students came from farm families and so it kind of felt like I was coming home.”

Evelyn says she loves the two dollar salads and the chance for her dog to be groomed on Fridays. But her favorite thing thus far is the largeness of the school and the age of the students.

“I always dealt with elementary schools kids, so it’s nice to get to deal and teach older kids.”

Math teachers factors into equation BETHANY BIRCHFIELD News Editor Ms. Hilary Stanmyer sails into the land of duck farmers this school year, which is a little bit contrasting from her previous life in New York, and Baltimore.

Stanmyer previously taught in Baltimore city for three years, and attended the college of St. Rose in Albany New York where she majored in math education for grades seven through twelve.

For some, math can be a difficult thing to learn, and studies show that about four in every ten adults admit that they hated math in high school. This can all change, and Stanmyer wants to make it happen. “I teach math because I had a teacher in high school that really made me love math, and made me want to be able to do the same for other students.”

There are many events com-

ing up in the future for this school, and Stanmyer is gearing up for a memorable year. “I am looking forward to my first year teaching at North Harford, and I’m looking forward to getting to know my students better.

Also I’m excited for fun things throughout the year.”

There are many schools in Harford County, but Stanmyer was set on coming to North Harford.

She explained “I chose North Harford because of the opportunities the students Photo credit: Bethany Birchfield are given. I think it’s great that they very specific to things they might are given opportunities that are want to do later on in life”.

Cry of the Hawk

September 29, 2016

Page 7/ News

7 new faces join Hawks Nest

Attracted to magnet program Andrews joins ag department

Austin in area for success ,

EMILY MILLER Video Manager Agricultural and extension education major, first division field hockey player, and now North Harford Hawk.

Ms. Katherine Andrews began her first year teaching as a member of our NRAS Magnet Program at the start of the 2016-17 school year.

Andrews said she plans to utilize all aspects that make North Harford unique to give her students the best possible education in the field of agricultural sciences. “I believe agriculture is a great interest vehicle to drive student’s skill sets and interests,.” Andrews said.

Born and raised in Pennsylvania and after graduating from Lancaster Mennonite High School, she earned her degree in agricultural and extension education from Penn State University.

Andrews chose Penn State because it has a well-known agriculture program and also a competitive field hockey program. Majoring in the agriculture field was a no brainer according to Andrews.

Growing up on a poultry and crop farm and being a member of the FFA and 4-H organizations throughout her college career is what inspired her to continue in

Ms. Andrews begins her teaching career as a part of our NRAS Magnet program! Attending and being a team captain and varsity player at Penn State University has given Ms. Andrews the skills she needs to drive her students to success.

Photo credit: Emily Miller the field of agriculture. Being a part of farming from a young age

ingrained her passion to teach and spread agricultural knowledge.

Not only did Andrews excel in her academics at Penn State, but also in the athletic program.

Andrews said, “A fun fact that may be most surprising to students would be that I played field hockey at Penn State on their varsity team for four years.”

As a member of her college field hockey defense she finished her senior season, and placed 10th nationally.

Andrews is excited for a new experience in a new state and community. Andrews states, “It is exciting to be down in an area that is so beautiful and rural and surrounded by a community that is so supportive.” Andrews ties back to the sense of community and involvement, but most importantly the great agriculture program.

She says that, “These students have such a unique opportunity to work hands on and utilize it to its fullest capacity.”

KATIE KETTELL Reporter

Hailing all the way first from Chicago and then Georgia, Ms. Allison Austin, has made her way to Pylesville, MD to join the teaching staff at NHHS. Moving from Georgia to Maryland has been a big change for her. “I’m still getting used to everything. I grew up right outside of the city, so it’s a complete change of environment,” Austin states.

Georgia was a lot different for Austin. “It’s a lot warmer in Georgia, there’s so much more humidity,” she says.

Teaching in Harford County is unlike teaching in Georgia as well. “I really love the small class size. You guys may not think it’s small, but in Georgia I had about 35-36 students in all of my classes.”

Austin has had a positive impression from North Harford so far. “It’s a great school! I love the community, and I love the different curriculums they have here,” Austin is very impressed with the amount of pathways North Harford High School has to offer, “Back in Georgia, it was you were either college bound, or you weren’t. Here, there’s so many different departments you can go into. You can go into agriculture, business, it’s just amaz-

Jestel brings energy to chemistry class

EMMA MARLEY Entertainment Editor

First seen as a long term substitute for Mrs. Elizabeth Brown, and now seen as the newest addition to the North Harford science department.

Though she is not unfamiliar to the students and staff at NH this year, Mrs. Christine Jestel has returned as a full time teacher.

About her return, the science teacher comments, “It’s been interesting. I’ve had to change things up with different classes, different levels. But overall, there’ve great students.”

One of the reasons Jestel wanted to come back to North Harford after her long-term sub position was because she loves being here.

She considers NH “probably the best school I’ve worked in.”

“I loved high school. I loved everything about it. From the classes to the clubs to just being able to do anything you want to do.

And I wanted to give that back to students,” said the returning teacher.

Before coming to the Hawk’s Nest, Jestel worked at various high schools in and out of the state of Maryland. “I taught for

seven years before coming here.

But, I stayed home for eleven years with my children.”

“I taught at Aberdeen High School. I taught at Denbigh High School in Newport News, Virginia, and I taught at West Potomac High School in Alexandria, Virginia.”

Jestel also gained teaching experience in other ways. “I was a home and hospital teacher for a while so I got to teach every subject for whatever students needed.”

Although Jestel is generally teaches chemistry, she said can

teach other science classes as well. “Now I’m certified to teach physics and I’ve taught biology and environmental science before. And I’ve tutored math in every capacity.”

When she’s not in the chemistry labs, she can also be found with drama teacher Nancy Green preparing for the upcoming musical Bye Bye Birdie.

Photo credit: Katie Kettell

ing,” she states.

“When I was back in high school, I would always help my fellow students out and tutor them in math. It’s just always really interesting.” Austin believes that it’s good to be challenged, and tries to challenge her students every day in class. “Math is where you’re given something and it’s a puzzle that has to be solved,” she states.

After college and prior to her career as a teacher, Austin lived in Orlando, Florida. “I did a bunch of different things. I sold tickets, I worked with timeshares off property that gifted or sold Disney tickets, and I also worked for the time shares on Disney property,” said the math teacher.

Austin attended the University of Georgia for her undergraduate, and Mercer University in Macon, Georgia for her master’s degree.

Photo credit: Emma Marley

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Cry of the Hawk

September 29, 2016

September 29, 2016

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September 29, 2016

Day back in their home country...

Day in Korea...

EMILY RINACA Reporter

BETHANY BIRCHFIELD later and I have no idea whe News Editor

Going back to school every year can be very exciting, especially if you’ve been on the other side of the world for the past 12 months. Svea Lack and Natalie Sauter were former foreign exchange students at North Harford who returned home to Germany this past July.

“At the beginning I was really sad to leave my host family and friends. I cried a lot and was nervous about who would pick me up from the airport, and how it would be to see everyone,” said Lack.

“I was hoping that we wouldn’t crash and I was like, oh my gosh, it’s over, I’m not going to

see my friends in America for awhile,” added Sauter on her experience returning home.

Now that they are back in their home country, they’re realizing what they are miss-

Photo credit: Anabel Navas

Car accident...

KATE MEAGHER Video Manager

course I do. I didn’t drive an hour just to go home with a busted up car and no license,” Powell responded.

Powell ended up receiving his license and is now a licensed driver. And, if there was one thing he learned from this experience, “Never drive in Elkton ever again.”

During the middle of last year, Cody Powell, now a senior, went to take his driver’s test at the Elkton DMV. “...Everything was going swimmingly so far and I get onto the road and, what’d you know?

I’m making a right hand turn and this big old truck sideswipes me and I go over the curb... I have to pull into a Walgreens parking lot and fill out my insurance papers… and I have to take pictures of his truck, my car,” explained Powell.

When the instructor asked if he would like to continue taking his test, “Yeah, of Photo credit: Bethany Birchfield

ing most about America.

“I really miss going out to dinner and the big supermarkets. I also, miss the multiple choice tests, school spirit and extracurricular activities,” stated Lack.

While we continue into the school year, students in Germany are doing different things in school.

“If Americans would come to Germany and go to school here, they would be surprised how different it is. My school is way smaller than North Harford and everyone knows everyone. You stay in the same class the whole day but just move from room to room. You also go outside for break time.

The whole school experience is very different here,” said Sauter.

Mr. Ott is a North Harford High School librarian and helped found this year’s Cafe Book Club.

When Ott went to Korea to fight in the war it turned out he had quite the unexpected eventful first day.

“I was stationed in Korea in a big city called Tague and I needed a car so I bought a car for three hundred dollars, and I thought, oh, I’m gonna take a little ride in Korea!

So, I get in the car and the next thing you know I’m driving through the mountains and rice patties. People are waving to me and I’m all happy! Next thing you know I’m on the highway and then I’m on a sixteen lane highway, and then I’m lost! All the signs were in Korean so you can’t read any of them, so it was about two hours

I am. I can’t speak or read K rean and I was about to ru out of gas, so I ended up ha ing a taxi driver and trying communicate in my broke English and his broken K

Photo credit: Bethany Birchfield

rean, but somehow we com municated after 15 minut and I followed him back Fort Henry where I was st tioned.”

Day of tryouts...

MARIA KROPKOWSKI the atmosphere was “tense IDR Editor because we were all so nerFreshman Taylor Holliger is a new member of the girl’s JV soccer team, but the process of getting on the team can be intimidating, especially the first year.

Holliger stated, “We were all pretty nervous, especially with a new coach, but it wasn’t too bad.” On the first day of tryouts, the team ran the gauntlet, which Holliger said was “scary, but I didn’t think it was too hard.” The team also practiced a series of ball skills that Holliger thought were kind of fun.

Regarding the team as a whole, Holliger thought

vous and our friends became our competition.” As for herself, she said, “I was mostly comparing myself to the returning players.”

To prepare herself for the first day of tryouts, she kept up her skills all through the summer. For example, she “did all of the summer programs and practiced with [her] sister and ran with her at the track.”

The night before and t h e day

of, she was sure to keep hydrated as the temperature crept all the way to the mid90’s that day.

All of the precautions that Holliger took to make the team payed off because she received her spot as a mid fielder this year on the girl’s JV soccer team.

Photo credit: Maria Kropkowski

the Hawk

ere Koun ailto en Ko-

mtes to ta-

Features 10-11

Day working at a job...

KIERNAN FURNESS News editor

MARISSA RAMSLAND Op/ed Editor Junior Brad Ryan believed his first day working at B u d ’ s Car Wash was pretty easy. “I had a guy that helped me that worked there a lot and it’s my dad’s business so I felt very comfortable,” said Ryan. If something mechanical went wrong, Ryan would help the mechanic fix it and made sure there were no problems.

Photo credit: Marissa Ramsland Senior Amy Hyman also felt comfortable her first day working at Chick-FilA since she worked with her sister and if she ever needed help, she could always go to her.

However, Hyman encountered more difficulty than Ryan. “It was pretty rough because you only had one day training and you got put right on register and if you had any questions, ev- e r y one was busy so you couldn’t really ask anyone. I remember that I kept making mistakes, like I would accidently close the door [of the cash register] without giving change back and I’d have to go out of my way, get a manager and have them unlock the drawer and it was really embarrassing,” explained Hyman.

Photo credit: Marissa Ramsland

Funny date...

DARBY HYDE Copy Editor Almost everyone in the school knows either science teacher Mr. Brady Green, or drama teacher Mrs. Nancy Green, however, not many know the story of their first date.

It started when the now Mrs. Green and her roommate, at age 20, had “sworn off boys forever”, and said they were never going to worry about dating guys. Then they decided to go on a girl’s skiing trip together.

“My roommate was Mr.

Last day...

Green’s soccer trainer.

He was also out skiing that day we went on the trip. We went to a restaurant and had pizza, and sang karaoke, and we’ve been together ever since.”

Mrs. Green thought it was funny because “I said I would swear off boys, I never want to meet a boy, I don’t care about boys, and that day I met Mr. Green. I don’t know if I thought we were going to get married, but it was love at first sight.” She finished, “We’ve been together ever since.”

Even after three years of high school, first days never seem to run smoothly. Seniors Grace Corcoran, Richie Goles, and Emily Drapinski all experienced this first-hand on their last first days of high school.

“Well, I was going up the main staircase and I started to run, which was a really bad idea because I just got a random leg cramp, and I had to sit down for a few minutes, but no one else was there so it was okay,” Corcoran explains, after being asked if anything funny or embarrassing had happened on her first day.

On the other hand, Drapinski didn’t suffer from a leg cramp, but rather from getting lost.

“I didn’t know where my teacher’s room was, because it changed from last year. So I had to ask Mr. Stevens for directions and then sprint down the hallway to my class.”

Goles, however, could find his classrooms but not his locker: “I put the sheet that had my locker number and combination in my locker like right when I got to school. But then I forgot which locker was mine so I had to wander around looking for it for awhile.”

Each of the seniors agreed with Corcoran’s final statement, “I mean it’s not the ideal last first day, but you know, it wasn’t too bad.”

Photo credits: Kiernan Furness

Day of freshman year...

EMMA MARLEY Entertainment editor

that stuck out on their first day of high school, whether it’s a clumsy High school has been known for the mistake, an embarrassing moment, or many ways it has been depicted in mova kind gesture from another student. ies, which may change the way incomOn William’s’ first day, he stated the ing freshman picture their new school hallways and the locker areas seem to to be like. Although, for freshman Jake be “a lot more crowded.” Moore said Moore and Logan Williams, high school that “just going to all the classes and was just as they seeing the teachimagined. ers” stood out.

“I never really got A class that lost or anything. I Moore said he is found all my classes most excited for easily,” told Moore. this school year is “It definitely did his Spanish class match my expectasince he has an tions.” Moore also interest in foreign stated, “I thought I language and he was going to have a thinks “it’s pretty lot of more freedom cool.” and I did.”

On the other Williams comhand, Williams mented that, “It stated his excitewas really boring ment for the Food because classes are Prep “because I Photo credit: Kyle Russell much longer than could cook and middle school and it was hard to change eat,” but so far, “it didn’t turn out to from 45 minutes to 82 minutes.” Wilbe like that”. Moore and Williams liams also added “When I got home, I first day went pretty well, and they took like a four hour nap.” are looking forward to the rest of Everyone remembers that one thing their freshman year.

Page 12- Entertainment

September 29, 2016

Cry of the Hawk

Stewartstown summer theatre ‘Cursed Child’ powers through criticism features local thespians DARBY HYDE Copy Editor

NATALIE BEYER Reporter The Stewartstown Summer Theatre program was started in 1980 and since then has given over 3,000 teenagers the opportunity to perform great plays for many different crowds.

Teenagers have the opportunity to audition in early May, and then spend the rest of their summer working rigorously to memorize lines and movements to put on a minimum of ten final performances in early August.

This year the program featured “Once Upon a Mattress”, a comedic version of the play “The Princess and the Pea”.

There were 12 total performances of the show split between two different casts.

Teenagers ages 12 to 19 join the program for all kinds of reasons. Senior Matt Johnson says he joined the program in preparation for his future. “I’m trying to go to college for acting and theatre. I wanted to get more experience.”

Johnson also says he had a

great experience in the program, and would highly recommend it to anyone aspiring to go further into acting or someone who is interested and loves to act.

“I loved it,” Johnson stated.

“Everyone was trying to help each other out. The program will help 100%. It will teach you new things and you will meet lots of new people.”

Though, according to the performers, the program is tons of fun, it takes time and hard work to reach the goal of a perfect performance.

This hard work begins in May with open auditions. No one person auditions for a specific role and each role is chosen based off of personality and performance skills. Johnson was nervous going into his first ever audition.

“I didn’t know what to expect. I put in a lot of hard work and did my best.” Johnson ended up receiving a lead role playing King Sextimus. But the process doesn’t end there. The casts then spends about five hours a day five days each week working together to put together a full show.

There were two different casts that split the amount of performances this year. The casts are chosen based upon who is believed to work well together personality wise. The characters within the play may be the same, but the teenagers who are chosen may be different between the casts. “I was very big and bold compared to the other smaller king. They believed we were both fit to play the character,” said Johnson.

No one cast is like the other and this element helps to add more appeal to the performance.

Some male actors were able to be a part of both casts due to the shortage of boys in the program.

The program also offers a scholarship to a performer who stands out from the rest. The Lauren Kuhns Memorial Scholarship is a scholarship awarded to a participant who is a great performer and also gives good leadership to the group overall.

The only requirement for this scholarship is that one must be a high school senior or freshman in college to win.

Sweetman, Thomas see if they have The Voice KATE MEAGHER Video Manager During the winter season of 2016, senior Raquel Sweetman and junior Garrett Thomas auditioned for the reality television show The Voice, with high hopes of getting their foot in the door of their music career. Most musician’s dream of making it big and winning a show as popular as The Voice, but achieving that dreamy spot is much more complicated than one would be led to believe.

“The Voice is actually really biased; people don’t really know that about it. It’s not like you go into the studio and it’s all the judges and they turn around in their chairs. It’s about three auditions before you get to that point, and it’s a lot of waiting outside in Photo Credit: Kate Meagher

the cold,” explained student performer Sweetman.

Thomas, another student performer, had an experience similar to Raquel’s. “It was a lot of stand-

ing and waiting. I just sat there in cepted your first try, you have to the line, and then you went into keep trying if that’s something this building and sat in another you want to do,” Sweetman line, and then eventually ten people went into a judge Photo Credit: Kate Meagher room at the same time,” explained Thomas. “But, before that, when you were in the waiting room, there was just a giant musician environment [where everyone would sing and play together.]”

Other than trying out for The Voice, the students also get involved at school through talent shows, Hawkstock, the musical, and classes. “I participate in the musical, …I’m in the acappella group, Harmonics, and then I’m in chamber choir, which is a mixed choir with boys and girls. In the musical last year I was Rolf explained. “If you want to be a [in “The Sound of Music”]. I performer, or if you want to be had one song, well, one whole anything, you just have to keep scene,” explained Thomas. trying. Even when you fail, you “Last year in Drama II we did just keep trying, and eventually the children’s play and I played you’ll get somewhere,” she conthe Evil Queen [in “Snow tinued.

White”] and that was a big “I didn’t make it. I really thought defining moment for me. I got that I was going to, but nobody to perform in front of a bunch else in my group did. There of people, and little kids too, were a lot of good singers and and you get to see from their really talented people,” Thomas reaction how they like you,” shared. “Music is just someSweetman added. thing you have to keep on pracUnfortunately, neither Sweet- ticing... I don’t remember a time man nor Thomas got called to where I haven’t been playing the the callback audition for The piano, ever since I was eight or Voice. Although, this first set- nine. Almost every single day back did not bring them down, I’d come home from school and it only made them stronger. “It just sit there and try to figure taught me to be tougher about out stuff on the piano. It’s just things. something you have to work at You’re not always going to be acand it’ll just come.”

Harry Potter was a defining force in many children’s lives.

There were so many kids who waited in line for the new book or movie to arrive, and then were devastated when the series finally ended with the seventh book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

That book ended with Harry and the rest of the characters as middle aged people, with steady jobs and kids.

It wrapped itself up pretty nicely, but there were still questions left unanswered by the

fans, relationships too much like established “ships,” and twists too outlandish to feel real.”

Without giving away too many spoilers, it can only be said that, while there are some cliche plot devices and tropes, they are far outweighed by the strength of the characters and how they grow through the book.

There have also been complaints about the format of the book. Some readers dislike how it’s written as a script, which they feel makes it more difficult to read. These seem to be outnumbered by the ones who quickly

books. What are the children like? What are they doing now?

The new book, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which is actually the script to a London play, strives to answer these questions.

Cursed Child does this, and much more, including reuniting childhood enemies, revealing secrets, and resurrecting an old threat. It executes most of this well, with a fast paced plot and interesting character developments.

However, some say the plot is too cliche or mundane. A review

by Kelly Lawler on USA Today says, “Parts of the story, especially to a Potter devotee, may seem so perfect that they read like fan fiction: alternate time lines that satisfy the curiosities of hungry

get accustomed to the new style and fall into the rhythm.

Another slight controversy was over the authorship. J.K. Rowling was only partly involved in the writing of the book, and some said it didn’t feel enough like Harry Potter. While there was a tendency to make Harry more stoic and stern than he was in the books, it still felt enough like the Harry Potter universe to be believable, even if it wasn’t in her exact style.

In the end, even though this new addition to the Harry Potter franchise was not done in the traditional style, and the writing style may not have been amazing, it was still a great continuation and glimpse into those beloved characters’ lives.

Top 5 summer favorite shows Number of students polled: 150

9 percent watched Stranger Things

14 percent watched Grey’s Anatomy

8 percent watched the Office 6 percent watched the Vampire Diaries 4 percent watched Friends Compiled by: Maria Kropkowski

September 29, 2016

Page 13- Entertainment

Cry of the Hawk

Spirit Week 2016

Suicide Squad slashes big screen KRISTEN DICKERSON Reporter

there should be some given to the makeup crew, who spent hours every day on set applyFor years Marvel has domiing the makeup for Killer Croc. nated the movie scene, cashing Christopher Allen led the dein millions of dollars with each partment working on the charone. Films like Guardians of the acter, taking several hours to Galaxy and Deadpool have bromake sure every little detail is ken records and become hits on point. This dedication over nights. So it’s to be allowed there to be no CGI expected that the comic used on the beast. brand’s biggest rival, DC Lastly is Captain BooComics, has started to A team of supervillains blackmerang, who is certainly fight back. mailed and threatened into be- interesting. Like the previThe most recent excoming something unlike a suicide ously mentioned villains, ample of this is Suicide Squad. A team of superbomber, this team will save the he isn’t featured much but his presence does give villains blackmailed and world. But don’t expect them to do film-goers the knowledge threatened into becomthat this is a movie made to ing something not unlike it legally. help set up the upcoming a suicide bomber, this movie Justice League, bringteam will save the world. ing in a special cameo that But don’t expect them do goes by in a ‘flash’. makes a huge impact in Suicide it legally.

Although the Joker isn’t in Squad is Deadshot. Portrayed Produced by Charles Rovas many scenes as fans had

by Will Smith, the assassin en and Richard Suckle, Suicide thought, it’s important to rethat never misses brings imSquad’s main cast includes many member that this is Suicide measurable amounts of depth. big DC Comic villains.

Squad, not “Joker Squad”. He’s Without using words it’s One of the most well known only there because he’s affiliclearly shown that Deadshot is Harley Quinn, played by ated with Harley Quinn, not to will do whatever it takes to be Margot Robbie. The screenstar in the film. with his daughter, going so far writers of the movie allowed Overall Suicide Squad is a good as to follow orders to take out to work in Quinn’s personality hint as to what DC plans to do another teammate. without it seeming too forced, in the future. Although many Other members such as El and the biggest worry among things could be improved, for Diablo and Killer Croc aren’t fans was how she would be what they had and all the setfeatured as much but still seem portrayed. backs, it’s clear that things can to leave a lasting impression.

Many feared that such an only get better from this point.

Along with this respect iconic character with complex relationships and feelings would be washed away and replaced with a racy, raunchy version. These doubts can happily die though, as throughout the film Quinn is shown to be more than just a body.

The other character that

Here’s your chance to show off a little school pride! Beginning October 10, students are encouraged to participate in the annual tradition known as Spirit Week. Listed below you can find each of the days and an explanation of the theme!

MONDAY , 10/10 ‘Merica Monday

Wear tons of red, white, blue, stars, stripes. Represent the USA!

TUESDAY , 10/11 Breast Cancer Day

Wear pink to show your support for those fighting breast cancer.

Ortt attends academy for marching band MARISSA RAMSLAND OP/ED Editor During the 2016 summer, marching band drum major, Sarah Ortt, attended George N. Park’s Drum Major Academy (DMA) at Kutztown University in preparation for this coming season. “DMA is a really specific band camp for helping band leaders work on their leadership skills... so then when they [drum majors] come back to their band, they really know what to do compared to what they knew before,” explained Ortt.

The academy brought together soon to be drum majors all around the east coast to help teach them how to be a successful drum major for their marching band. The camp also welcomed marching band leaders and included to teach qualities of being a good leader in any band setting. The camp divided up the hundreds of students by squads of about six people, with veteran members of the camp as squad leaders. The squads would be tested on properly commanding and calling their squad and helping everyone learn and improve.

The camp had a very rigorous schedule, which included having to be at breakfast at 7am to students not getting back to their dorm after lectures and activities until 11pm. “[We] walked like five thousand miles [to get around

the campus] and they also did a lot of marching and working on how you can call with a very strong voice and how to be confident about your calls... We also worked on basic leadership stuff, like conducting for the band and how to work with difficult students.”

Activities from DMA ranged from their staff teaching the leaders their own calls they would have to learn, to march offs, to learning a parade routine. The DMA staff had a short amount of time to teach the new drum majors everything they need to know to be prepared for this fall, but one lesson stuck out to Ortt. “The most important thing I learned there was confidence... when you’re working there with everyone who doesn’t know what they’re doing, it’s easier than coming back to your band not knowing what you’re doing. So making mistakes there and being able to gain criticism from people who have done it before and are adults now who have done it [being drum major] in multiple different settings was very helpful.”

That being said, there were many challenges the students had to overcome, especially the parade competitions, which Ortt claims to be the most difficult activity for her. The squads at camp were graded and judged on a strict parade routine following

recorded music.

One member of the squad would serve as the drum major and the rest of the members would serve as band students and the drum major would have to lead their squad in a parade and call commands to them, in which their squad would have to react accordingly. “It was only you doing everything and everybody [the squad] was doing everything at the same time... so if you made a mistake and you knew you made a mistake, you couldn’t fix it. That was what it was because they [the DMA staff] graded it on if you made a mistake, but it hurt you more if you showed that you made the mistake.”

Given the challenges, Ortt had a fun time with the little bits in between all of the activities. Her day could be range from doing something outside, then going to lunch and then there would be a lecture, but while entering the lecture hall, music would be playing and everyone would be standing up and having fun.

“I would do it again given the opportunity and the means simply because it’s such a nice experience to be able to learn at a different setting and be able to practice how to be a leader in a different setting and come back and really be confident and sure of what you’re doing,” exclaimed Ortt.

WEDNESDAY , 10/12 NO SCHOOL THURSDAY , 10/13 Character Day

Wear a costume to show off your favorite character from a movie or TV show.

NO MASKS OR FACE PAINT!

FRIDAY ,10/14 Class Color Day

Seniors wear black. Juniors wear green. Sophomores wear yellow. Freshman wear white. Compete to be the most spirited class!

Page 14- Students, Society and Culture

September 29, 2016

Cry of the Hawk

Average amount of time spent ...

Working?

In the Bathroom?

“40 years” said Madeleine Ortt, sophomore

“11 years” Madison Zankowitz, junior

Real answer- 10.3 years

Real answer- 1.5 years

Compiled by. Amanda Scarboro

Sleeping?

Source: Distractify.com

“8 years” - Cassidy McGinty, senior

“5 years” - Mr. Ben Scarborough, teacher

Real answer-25 years

Real answer- 4.3 years

US to Europe: Teachers share summer adventures LIRA BARBALATE Reporter Over the summer, both students and teachers find ways to enjoy the time away from school.

While some spend time sleeping or lounging around the house, teachers and adults around the school have other ideas of fun for their months of freedom.

During the school hours, Mr. Robert Ott is most often found in the library, Ott was quick to suggest Thailand as his top travel destination.

While visiting, Ott claimed to have spent a majority of his time hiking, enjoying the dining and fresh fish, along with viewing the sights of the country and spending time with the local Thai people. If Thailand wasn’t an available option for his summer, Ott would also enjoy

Driving?

visiting New Orleans.

Foreign language teacher Mary Capellan is known around the school for her frequent travels all over Europe, venturing from Germany to Italy. But when she’s not travelling the world, Capellan spends summers with family right here in the states.

For this past summer, Capellan visited the Finger Lakes in Roch-

ester, New York, claiming it was “a nice, close-by destination.”

Spending time with her family, the teacher hiked through minor

canyons and under waterfalls, and even ventured out for charter fishing.

The group had to include the Niagara Falls into their trip, visiting the area along with major state parks, and lounged at the beach when time was available.

Another teacher in NH halls known for frequent travels is history teacher Benjamin Scarborough.

Though Scarborough enjoys going abroad, having younger children called for a more familyoriented vacation for this past summer. As part of a yearly tradition, Scarborough visited Dewey Beach, Delaware for a week at a house along the shore.

Having also visited Niagara Falls, Scarborough claims to be excited to be able to travel abroad once his kids are older (5 year old daughter and 7 year old son).

Nonetheless, the hike around Niagara falls trip was “awe-inspiring and totally awesome.”

Puns upon a time “Have you heard about the guy who got the whole left side of his body cut off? He’s all right now.”

-Emily Drapinski, senior.

“I was wondering why the baseball was getting bigger, then it hit me.”

-Natalie Mullen, junior.

Compiled by: Hannah Eyler

September 29, 2016

Cry of the Hawk

Page 15 -Students, Society and Culture

Barnacled betrayal by Summer Photo Credit: Kyle Russell

Dear Summer,

Thank you for the water fights, the tan skin, and the lack of shark fin!

I really appreciated your cooperation on those blazing days when it was 900 degrees and my A/C broke… Convenient. You know, now that I think about it, you changed over the 71 days that we spent together. In the beginning you were so… so sweet. You provided me with everything I wanted. Ice cream, swimming, sunshine, and cute seagulls to take pictures of! I loved those seagulls.

Since I’m already on a roll with my thoughts, I guess I’ll break out the seagull story. I really didn’t want to talk about it since it was so traumatizing, but I feel you deserve to really understand what you put me through. It all started on a Thursday. It was such a cold and rainy day. We were sitting in beach chairs when the rain started pelting us, but we didn’t put up an easy fight. We stayed out in that rain for two more hours when all of a sudden I felt it. A colossal raindrop hit my hand, but whoa Nelly, this was no raindrop. What was it you may ask? BIRD POOP. Remember that cute little seagull I took pictures of once upon a time? Well, he turned on me.

And that’s not all. As the days progressed, you got different. I put on ten pounds from that ice cream. Ten pounds!! My fingers became pruny in the pool, not to mention the swimmer’s ear I got after spending a day in your ocean. It made me really salty. Look, I don’t want to come off as a complainer or anything, but I just don’t understand how such a delightful season can turn on you so fast. The sun that was once so charming started to burn my skin, which started the peeling. I went through five gallons of lotion to keep my skin baby soft! Do you know how expensive that is? Frankly, I’m trying to be genuine but I need to just come out and say it. You cheated on me summer, and I don’t know if I’ll ever be okay.

This is really hard to say, but I think we need to go our separate ways… I met this new season. Fall. Fall is just always there for me, and never leaves me behind. Maybe we can meet up again next year if you change your attitude. I’ll need a rebound soon any ways.

Bye for now, Bethany Birchfield

North Harford’s favorite Snap Chat filters Compiled by. Andy Miller

Wyatt Ortman: Duck Filter

Jessica Morris and Casey Diventi: Dog filter

When asked about why they like the filter they said...

“North Harford are the duck farmers.”

-Senior, Wyatt Ortman

“Because everyone uses it and dogs are cute.”

-Freshman, Jessica Morris

Cole Dickerson and Khaled Abuhantash : Sad face filter

Photo Credit. Andy Miller “It’s really funny and even though it makes you look sad, it makes you happy!” -Senior, Cole Dickerson

Page 16 - IDR

Spetember 29, 2016

Cry of the Hawk

Spotlight on Kindness Freshman were interviewed about who showed them the best random acts of kindness during their first week of high school.

Lydia Behre

Ryleigh McGovern James Zangrilli

Ryan Blosser

“Ms. Capellan. I have, like, a ton of social anxiety, and in her class I didn’t want to speak and she kind of noticed that and she realized that I needed help and I didn’t really want to speak. So she just gave me my work and, you know, asked if I wanted to talk.”

“On my third day of school I saw two upperclassmen helping a group of freshman find the cafeteria.”

Who’s doing what with lunch?

Buyers VS. Packers 38% - Buyers 62% - Packers out of 152 NH students

How many hours do students spend on homwork?

Less than an hour: 40% Two hours: 42% Three hours: 12% Four or more hours: 6% COMPILED BY Jessica Carnivale Co- Sports Editor

“I saw an act of kindness when I sat in homeroom, and I knew nobody here because I just moved and Emilia [Miguel] striked up a conversation and ever since then we’ve been close.”

“I saw people helping other people find their classes on the first day.”

COMPILED BY Kiernan Furness News Editor

New policies leave students buzzing at bell; Students face changes to lockers, homerooms LIRA BARBALATE Reporter KIERNAN FURNESS News Editor

but we felt it was for the greater good, it was for the whole school not just the handful of individuIn past years, North Harford als or groups that would benefit has kept student homerooms and from being together. And those lockers consistent from freshgroups can still get together in man to senior year. However, Hawks Soar, or if they check in this year the administration has with their homeroom teacher made an executive decision to than they can still go meet with rearrange homerooms, and sepathat club or advisor. So, it was the rate students by grade level. best way to kill many birds This adjudication, as any with one stone, so to speak.” change would, has been met Senior Drew Rodano is This change is a quick way of with plenty of controversy. part the student populaStudent opinions are split getting to people in groups in tion of who found homeroom on the issue, however princithe morning.

I know certain changes to be unnecessary. pal, Colin Carr, insists “We “The freshman class could’ve [the administration] felt it clubs or organizations have been integrated into all of was for the greater good.” met in prior years, but we felt the homerooms like previMany are wondering ous years,” said the senior. it was for the greater good, what instigated this change.

Although finding the Carr provided an in depth it was for the whole school changes unneeded, Rodano explanation, stating: “The not just the handful of indi- has found little to comprimary reason for changing the homerooms was to viduals or groups that would plain about when it comes to having a classroom comaccommodate the numerbenefit from being together. posed of entirely seniors. ous times during the school The environment tends to -Mr. Colin Carr, year when the student body be more “laid-back,” as opis asked to do surveys, if Principal posed to how it may have we have to get paperwork been with “boisterous” out, testing information, freshmen, explains Rodano. scheduling information, Junior Victoria Moffett stated Benson now believes that withregistration, things like that.” that “it’s [the change] unfair to out the introduction to seniors “In the past, it’s always been upperclassmen, as it is more diffiand upperclassmen on a small done in English classes because cult to remember a different lockscale, some freshmen will be left they’re by grade. So for an easy er and homeroom each morning.” without tips and tricks to surway of getting to all the ninth Although it may take the stuvive their years in high school. grade, you’d have to go to all the dent body a little adjusting and To this, Carr responds, “This ninth grade English classes. So, time to accept the changes, the change is a quick way of getting I decided- actually it wasn’t me, administration is confident in to people in groups in the mornit was a group decision- that their decisions and believes the ing.

I know certain clubs or orgawe would move it to having homerooms by grade. That way nizations have met in prior years, changes are overall positive. we’re not taking English time away from the English classes, that was the major reason.”

Social studies teacher Edwin Benson claims, “One of the things we really did well around here [NH] was that the homerooms were mixed by grade.”

Believing that the policy was beneficial to incoming freshmen,

Cry of the Hawk

Septmeber 29, 2016

Would You Rather: Back to school edition

Teacher nightmares: Back to school fears

Page 17- IDR

“Every year before school starts, my alarm doesn’t go off and I cannot get out of the door for whatever reason, and there are all these obstacles that keep me from getting out of the door and to school.”

Be in the hardest class or Be in the most boring class

- Ms. Yohn

Andrew Griffin, junior

Have any locker of your choice or any homeroom of your choice Emily Shiloh, senior

“This is the nightmare that I have had, since I started working at sixteen. I always dream that I was late getting up and when I wake up I realize that I’m sleeping in my classroom and the students have already filed in and they want a lesson, which I haven’t planned and I’m still in my pajamas.”

- Mr. James

Forget schedule on the first day or Forget your locker combination

COMPILED BY Marissa Ramsland

COMPILED BY Samantha Steltzer

Samantha Brooks, junior

“I had a very specific nightmare this year, because it’s my first year teaching Creative Writing. I come to class and my students are staring at me and I’m staring at them and starting to sweat. I totally panicked, so I text all members of the English department the next day and told them I was really looking forward to the school year.”

- Mrs. Allred

What are students most excited for this school year?

COMPILED BY Emma Marley Entertainment Editor

Next home football game: Friday September 30th against Edgewood @7:00

Cry of the Hawk

September 29, 2016

‘Schooled’ in the Steltzer art of leadership on school EMILY RINACA Reporter As tryouts end and the season begins, coaches are looking for responsible, hardworking leaders to serve as captains for their teams.

Whether they players vote or coaches select, captains are required to complete a captain’s course, which consists of ten sections. The multiple choice questions and written responses that are required in the course take approximately 3-4 hours to complete according to some people who have taken the course.

It was athletic director Tim Larrimore’s decision to require the captains to take the course because he wants to “motivate the players to be more than just a player.” He wants them to be a “person that people look up to and strive to be.”

Every week captains select an athlete on their team who has shown commitment, improvement and also a great attitude. They are then to post it on the student athlete of the week board. After every practice and game, captains are expected to stay to do a clean-up of the facility.

“People who come to our school for the first time judge us on how our school looks... That’s why it is the captain’s responsibility to make sure that the trash is being collected after every practice and game,” states Larrimore.

This is the second year that requires captains to complete this course. Larrimore “strives to make this year a success with the captains and their roles.”

Larrimore also wants to “achieve the goal that captains are more identifiable because they are involved and have more responsibility.”

To date, North Harford and Patterson Mill High are the only schools in Harford County whose students are voted captains and who are required to complete the course. Out of all the teams competing this fall, Larrimore said there are 41 students who had to complete the course.

spirit

SAMANTHA STELTZER Columnist

Photo Credit: Kristen Dickerson

School spirit here at North Harford is a funny thing. There are multiple functions where a student can show pride for our school. Let’s face it, what’s not to like about North Harford?

What other school has such a beautiful campus? What other students wear camouflage, plaid, and boots like it’s the school uniform? And yet, we don’t really have a tangible sense of school spirit!

Page 18 -Sports Now for sports, we one hundred percent have spirit and pep. If you attend an event such as a home football game, the reaction there is crazy and loud as students, parents, and teachers are rooting for their team to win.

The stands are constantly abuzz. Face paint, school or color coordinated shirts are worn, and even posters are seen everywhere.

Other than sports, though, this school population seems like it’s either too lazy or too disinterested about participating in any of the other events.

Take spirit week for example.

Sometimes it’s hard to even tell that it IS spirit week let alone what the theme is because so few people participate. The problem isn’t students dressing up for their class color day, that’s easy. It’s the days when we dress up in crazy hats and pajamas that everyone seems to forget that it’s okay to be silly and wear weird stuff.

Let’s not get started on the Pep Rally. When the chatter dies down and announcements are made, the band plays, cheerleaders perform, and the dance team showcases a routine, are people cheering so much that it’s deafening?

Nope.

Students in the bleachers are fairly quiet. In fact, NHES and NHMS think we are simply having a fire drill not a pep rally. We have about the same excitement for both.

There is one small exception.

We have the smallest hint of spirit when students come onto the field for games like tug-of-war.

Maybe we’ve all forgotten what it feels like to give two hoots. Maybe our generation just wants to learn how to add and be done with this place.

But do you really want to go out into the world saying that you went to one of the nicest schools in the county and didn’t feel proud that you were a ‘duck farmer’?

Remember, we are the only school that still has a fireworks show at the homecoming football game, an event that crowns a boy as Mr. NH, and a not-to-be topped Hawkstock musical festival, among countless other amazing things.

The magical Dr. Seuss once said, “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”

Hawks, value the moment.

Show up. Shout out your spirit.

Showcase your school pride.

Olympics showcase success, sportsmanship, scandal KYLE RUSSELL SSC Editor In the Olympics this year, Maryland produced 38 athletes.

Only one of them did not produce any medals at the Rio Olympic games, and 21 medals were generated by the remaining athletes.

While Maryland seemed to dominate in the swimming events, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, and Angel McCoughtry, all Maryland athletes, took the basketball court to compete for gold. On the track, Matthew Centrowitz won the 1500 meter run.

In wrestling, Kyle Snyder and Helen Maroulis took gold while volleyball player Aaron Russell helped the USA win bronze.

“Obviously Maryland is the best state in the country, that’s why we have so many gold medals. We would be 8th if we were a country so we should just emancipate ourselves, than we would be our own country with most of the medals besides the USA,” says junior Justin Paul.

Showing Kindness: In the women’s 5000 meter run on August 16, two racers fell down. One was American, Abbey D’Agostino, who was accidentally tripped by a New Zealand native, Nikki Hamblin. Following the mishap, Hamblin helped

D’Agostino up to her feet, forfeiting her own race. Since the incident was dubbed an accident both athletes were permitted to compete in the final. However, the American athlete could not run due to her injury from the fall. “I think it was nice but I also think that if you make it to the Olympics you should be ruthless,” said senior Hannah Blosser.

Senior Madeline Poteet disagrees.

“I think that was really nice and it showed good sportsmanship.”

The Scandal: On August 13, swimmer Ryan Lochte, told reporters of NBC that he was held at gunpoint, and that he and a few of his teammates were robbed. About a week later the story of Ryan Lochte was challenged, and later was proven false. The American swimmers were drunk and tore down a couple posters. A security guard present at the time told the group that they would have to pay for the damages. There has been a huge amount of public backlash over the incident and even NH students weigh in on the incident. “It’s very stupid to me in my opinion because why would you lie about something like that just to get attention in the first place. And now it’s biting him in the butt because he

lost all of his sponsors because of a stupid lie that he made up about getting mugged. It’s just stupid,” says junior Maddison Larrimore.

Small is Mighty: Anyone who watched the Olympics knows the name Simone Biles.

Simone competed in the team gymnastics competition with teammates Gabby Douglas, Aly Raisman, Laurie Hernandez, and Madison Kocian.

The girls competed for the United States and won the Michael Phelps effortlessly wins 200-meter individual medley. gold by 10 points.

Raisman and Biles Phelps is the most decorated Olympian with 28 medals. competed in the all Photo credit Rob Schumacher around competition, Biles winning first and Raisman winning second. Biles also is very good at what she does,” events the 100 Butterfly, 200 Butcompeted in the vault, floor, and says junior Lauryn Demski. terfly, and the 200 Individual Medbalance beam. She won gold in 28 career Olympic medals: ley, along with three relays. “The the floor and vault, and received Michael Phelps, the most deco- fact that Michael Phelps comes bronze in the balance beam. rated Olympian of all time,with from Baltimore is really inspiring Teammate Hernandez beat 28 throughout his career, just especially to swimmers because Biles out for the silver in beam. increased his medal count by six they can see that they can make “She is very tiny but she puts a medals and also a trendy meme. it no matter where they come lot of power into stuff and she Competing in three individual from,” said senior Olivia Ewers.

September 29, 2016

Cry of the Hawk

Pay-to-play fee rises causing mixed reactions, responses shared by community members ANDY MILLER Reporter North Harford is known for its wide variety of sports, theater and music programs among other things. However, in some cases, the pay-to-play policy has impacted student interest and willingness to participate in these kind of activities.

The pay-to-play policy has been in place since the fall of 2013. It currently requires any student playing a sport or joining the musical to pay $100 dollars to participate. This is a 50% increase in the fee since last year.

According to secretary Mrs. Kim Iddings, over 300 students are involved in the fall sports season.

Principal Colin Carr thinks the policy affects families in a couple of different ways. “Some families have the ability more so than others to do so. So I think it’s definitely impacted in a fi-

nancial way.” Football coach Eugene Leibel agrees. “It might be a challenge to some student athletes depending on their financial situation at home.” Cross country coach Mrs. Laura O’Leary also is not in favor of pay-to-play, especially since many teams also expect parents and athletes to assist with fundraising efforts.

“Fundraising after parents having to pay $100 dollar pay-to-play fee, I just feel terrible asking parents for extra money,” O’Leary said.

Some students have personal things to say about pay-to-play.

Junior cheerleader Delaney Bosworth believes the pay-to-play policy has a negative impact on students. “I think pay-to-play takes away from students being able to do sports they love because they have to pay $100 dollars just to do an activity that they want to do and it’s unfair.” Bosworth explained some

people in cheer couldn’t be at the first game because of the fee.

Bosworth isn’t the only student athlete who feels that way. Senior football player Zachary White says the pay-to-play is a “hassle” and “time-consuming.” White had to pay the fee out of his own pocket.

“If there’s some circumstances where families are unable to afford it [the fee], there are ways in which the school system can help those individual families out,” Carr said.

Athletes, parents and community members are curious as to where the $100 fee goes, and according to assistant principal Ed Stevens “the money from the activity fee is used by the HCPS.” Leibel prefers there be no fee for students to play, but admits that he understands “the budget shortfall they’re (the school system) dealing with and if it’s necessary to keep the sport alive then I understand.”

Page 19 -Sports

Saddle up: riding into local club

DARBY HYDE Copy editor

The United States Pony Club is an international youth organization formed to educate children up to the age of 25. Pony Club is now in over 30 countries, with 600 clubs across the nation. One of these clubs is Elkridge Harford Hunt, located just 15 minutes away from North Harford.

There are seven, out of the fifty total members, that are from the school and are in the club. These girls participate in regional competitions such as dressage, show jumping, eventing, games, polocrosse, tetrathlon, and quiz, which is an unmounted knowledge competition. Some went to North Carolina for National championships. Other activities are fundraisers, parties, ex-

One of the goals of Pony Club is to help children become more confident and independent by not allowing parents to talk or be with their children at competitions. Hanna Cochran says that, “Pony Club has taught [her] to not rely on my parents for everything”, while her sister claims that, “Pony Club has taught [her] to be more outgoing and not as shy.”

Pony Club is more than just riding. Participants say one of the things they like best are the friendships they’ve made and that continue to this day.

Abukhdeir’s favorite part is “working with the little kids [in the club], while Zinkhan’s is “how everyone works together to get things done.” Freshman Stephanie Usselman likes how,

Ege tries training for triathlon BRETT FRIEDEL Co-sports Editor

consisted of her daughter Lauren Debelius, who swam and her daughter-in-law Bernadette Debelius, who ran. Some of the other athletes participated solo.

The half triathlon that Ege participated consists of a .62 mile swim , 16 mile bike ride and a 3.4 mile run to round it out.

Lots of preparation goes into a race like this. “I built strength and stamina using weights with a trainer two times a week. I also rode my bike 11-18 miles

three to four times a week and also did the elliptical two to While some teachers were three times a week,” stated Ege. relaxing over the summer, Many people from a wide vaone NH educators was prepriety of areas participated in this ping for the ride of her life. race, from young ladies to womIn August, Special Educaen in their 70s. The triathlon was tion department chair, Mrs. a female-only event and it supKathy Ege, participated in a ported the Ulman cancer fund. triathlon (a race consisting of “I did the 16 mile bike course swimming, biking, and runand that is why I trained for this ning) in Columbia, Maryland. race mainly in road biking,” said While Ege did the biking porEge. “The beginning part of the tion of the race, her teammates ride was very difficult. The adrenaline from participating in this event , with so many amazing women , many of whom were cancer survivors, was inspiring.” Ege said what struck her about the event was knowing that not everybody was clipping their shoes into the pedals and that their health was an issue. “The enormity of how fortunate I am was overwhelming both years and it struck me at the beginning of my leg of the race,” said Ege. Special education teacher commented the most difficult part of the race “was preparing mentally, especially the first time I participated. It was daunting being one of the approximately 1,000 women riding through the countryside of Howard County, hoping a tire would not blow out, a chain pop off or my Ege and team participate in female -only triathlon.

They were inspired by the dedication delivered by cancer survi- foot come unclipped and I would fall off my bike,” said Ege.

vors. Photo credit Mrs. Kathy Ege

(Left to right) Kiersten Zinkhan, Hanna Cochran, Anna Fitzhugh, Nora Abukhdeir, Julia Cochran, and Stephanie Usselman (not pictured) are all members of United States Pony Club, a youth equestrian organization. Elkridge Harford Hunt Pony Club, the local branch, was the first pony club in America, formed in 1955. Photo Credit Darby Hyde hibitions, and putting on horse shows.

Most of the girls say they started Pony Club through a family member or friend. Senior Nora Abukhdeir started because her trainer said she should once she started to get into horses again, while freshman Anna Fitzhugh joined because she wanted to work more and have something to do.

Everyone competes at different levels and in different competitions. Juniors Hanna and Julia Cochran do showjumping and camp, and sometimes eventing rally.

They also went to National Championships for showjumping this July. Freshman Kiersten Zinkhan, however, does mounted games and polocrosse, which is similar to lacrosse on horseback.

“you can do so many different things, and no one’s going to judge you, as to whether you’re good or not.”

A large part of Pony Club and what makes it unique is horsemanship- taking care of your horse correctly, and learning about horses.

Fitzhugh claims that she’s learned how, “it’s not just about riding, it’s so much more, like how to manage your horse.”

Abukhdeir says that it’s taught her a lot more knowledge about horses, and it actually landed her a job working with racehorses.

Pony Club is a premier youth riding organization, with many top riders and Olympians being alumni. If anyone is interested in joining, call the district commissioner, Lani Hyde, at 410-8122425.

September 29, 2016

Page 20- Sports

Cry of the Hawk

Cross Country

Photo credit: Steve Flickinger

Coach Quote: “I think it’s going to be a good season. We have a young, but developing team that’s working hard and is very dedicated. The team has high expectations and seem very committed to their goals. Our seniors are doing a great job leading by example.” - Ryan Bayne Captain Quote: “The season is going well, we have lots of people eager to go run. We have a lot of new, fast freshman and our seniors are finishing off with a bang!” -George Schiminger, senior

Photo credit:Sarah Hendrickson

Golf Coach quote: “I believe our golf team is one of the top 4 or 5 in our District based on the number of returning players and the amount of experience we have. We have a solid group of senior players for leadership and experience and several very committed underclassmen who provide us with a great level of enthusiasm. My assistant coach, Coach Mitch Vocke, is a very important part of our teams success. Also, our team record is currently 5-1. - Nick Panos Captain quote: “My hope for golf this year is for a fun time with the team and good placement. The team is good and getting better.” - Zach Karcher

Football

Photo credit: Ruth Jacobs-Hoskins

Coaches Quote: “I am very confident in my team this season because we have good players with good attitudes and they are all working very hard. He also says that he isn’t necessarily looking forward to any specific game this season”, “It’s always the next one.” -Gene Liebel Captain Quote: “I am extremely confident in the team in regards to the upcoming season because everyone has been putting in tons of hard work. I am looking forward to the homecoming game coming up in October. Kidd states that a few underclassmen to watch would be quarterback Dave Harmon (Junior) and Tyler Collins (Junior)”.

Photo credit: Bob Jacobs

Girls Soccer

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Captain quote: “I’m very confident about the team because we’ve meshed really well in practices and games.” The Lady Hawks have won 6 of their 8 games this season and plan to keep growing stronger as a team. O’Sullivan is looking forward to three tough games this season. -Lauren O’Sullivan

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Photo credit: Danielle Galbraith

Boys Soccer

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Cheerleading Coach quote: “I am expecting them (the team) to be dedicated, to work hard, and I know getting a new coach is difficult for them, but I’m dedicating myself to them.” - Chrystie Crawford-Smick Captain quote: “If we keep up the hard work and perseverance, I expect the team to do great” Megan Calhoun, senior

Coach quote: “I think we should be pretty good, but our deciding factor is that we have two new goalies this year.”

Captain quote: “Many people don’t believe that we can follow how we did last season. But I know and feel that we will prove [them]wrong. We have a team that is well driven and wants to win and is taking this season very seriously. Last year, we had a great chance to have a team that could win regionals, and I know this year we have a great chance of winning it!”

Dance Team

Coach quote: “I am looking forward to football season and the girls out on the field performing and getting the crowd into the game. I want to see the new girls improve and the experienced girls take on leadership roles and come up with some amazing dances.” - Laura Jones Captain quote: “I’m really looking forward to having the new team together, Friday night football games, basketball games, and having everyone together on the field. Before games we always we always have a team dinner which is always really fun and we all get ready together. Also, before they announce us, we will have a pep talk.” -Lainey Rives

Girls Volleyball

Photo credit: Teresa Bicheler

Compiled by: (top to bottom) Hannah Eyler, Samantha Steltzer, Natalie Beyer (football & girls soccer) Amanda Scarboro, Emily Rinaca, Emily Miller, Katie Kettell (boys & girls Volleyball)

Photo credit: Emily Miller

Captain’s quote- “So far we look pretty good, we’ve all been pretty sick so it’s been hard to tell because people have missed practices and games. The team is still a lot stronger than last year because there’s less drama. Over the course of the season we will get our bump set hit down and overall I think we will be successful.” – Brooke Moretz, Senior Coachs quote- “One person doesn’t make up a team. Two people, three people don’t make up a team. A team is all six people on the court, and everyone on the bench. We all need to contribute what we can in order to make our team successful, and we have the potential to have a really incredible season.” - Feight

Boys Volleyball Captains quote- “So far this season we’ve tried our best but haven’t played up to par.

We are going to try and improve our skills by practicing hard and targeting our weaknesses. I think the season will be alright, we just need to focus.” – Nick Phillips, Junior Coaches quote- “Our team gets distracted very easily, and it hurts us when we get on the court. We’re trying some new things and have many amazing new players that add to the team’s overall skill, but a team is only as good as it’s weakest player.” – Sadtler,

Photo credit: Katie Kettell