November issue '20

NORTH HARFORD HIGH SCHOOL

211 PYLESVILLE ROAD 21132

410-638-3650

VOLUME 44 ISSUE

NOVEMBER 25, 2020

Fall leadership conference planned;

County SGA continuing meetings online ERICA OTTE Reporter Despite recent changes in the school setting, Student Government Association (SGA) is still having meetings. While there is not a lot that the SGA can do online and under these circumstances, these students, specifically the Executive Board, are still doing all they can. The SGA Executive Board consists of mainly a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and sergeant at arms, although any other students are allowed to join the General Assembly meetings. They have discussed fundraising, school dances, and parliamentary procedure so far while only having had one meeting. The Student Government also has upcoming events, most importantly the Fall Leadership Conference(FLC). To register for FLC, students were able to register through their SGA Remind and tell their student council advisor. The NHHS Executive Board advisor is Mrs. Martin and while each grade’s student council has not been set up in this school year yet, each grade does have their own advisor for SGA.

The Fall Leadership Conference is a Harford County SGA (HCRASC) meeting where students in middle and high school along with teachers can learn valuable life skills through workshops. Unfortunately, this year FLC is online, so the different workshops will be held in breakout rooms, however these workshops will still include topics such as leadership, diversity, debating, and confidence! The FLC will also still have all student-run workshops! Students are able to hone in on their leadership skills during the Maryland Association of Student Council’s (MASC’s) first leadership conference of the year. These students meet other like-minded individuals in this learning environment. The focus of this year’s FLC is mental health due to the growing challenges that are amplified in virtual schooling. MASC is hoping to provide helpful tips for all students to get through this. More than one third of students in online school displayed signs of either anxiety, depression, or both. A survey from the CDC stated that eleven percent of those survey-takers had seriously

FLC is for the Harford County SGA.Lamarr Womble, a public speaker from the Matthew Silverman Memorial Foundation, will be a guest speaker in this conference. Photo credit: https://mdstudentcouncils.org/index. php/fall-leadership-conference/

considered suicide because of recent events. So, to provide these m e n t a l health tips, the MASC has invited several qualified guest speakers. According to the MASC Instagram, @ md.studco, there will be three guest speakers, including Candace Yoder, Lamarr Womble, and Lori Hayes. Candace Yoder, the Executive D i r e c tor of the Matthew Silver-

man Memorial Foundation, has helped over 400,000 young adults by educating them of mental health. Lamarr Womble, founder of Passion for Leadership, and Lori Hayes, founder of the Howard Leading Ladies Club, were both inspired to bring about change by founding these mental health related groups. Freshman Elizabeth Herron,who has gone to FLC in previous years, stated “the best part of FLC is seeing and meeting all the new students and attending general assemblies. It’s so interesting to see everyone working together.” The Fall Leadership Conference has taught her “that it’s important to always be prepared for any outcome, especially when being a workshop facilitator.” Workshop facilitators “must be ready for any inconvenience and must always have a backup room.” Although FLC won’t be the same this year, Elizabeth “think[s] it’s great that we’re doing it virtually because students will still have the chance to learn new things and expand on their opinions/ideas.” She expressed that “FLC is much more personal when it’s in person.,

Alumna Morgan Knox adds talent to digital age SUMMER GRACE Reporter Morgan Knox, a 2013 North Harford High School graduate, pursued a bachelor’s degree in film and television production at Hofstra University. She now works for a digital marketing agency that does social media management, web design, and video/podcasts production for customers. “My job is to work with clients on the message they want to get across in video,” Knox explains. She works with them throughout the whole creative process in order to “create engaging video content.”. Her team works with a wide range of companies from medical professionals, to retail, and even sports talk shows. “I create the shot lists, go on-site to film and direct, and then come back and edit to fit the best pieces together,” Knox describes. She

the “online presence” loves getting to meet new and Harford Lifepeople through filming. style was born. Building relationships While being “I love the with clients while on the editor, set is her favorite concept of docuKnox is in part of her job bementaries and giving charge of cause of the varischedulety of businesses people a chance to tell ing the they work with. their story. I also love content. In addition, the creative design aspect “We have Knox is also the editor of Harford of social media and web gr ee aa rl el dy Lifestyle, a digital graphics.” the digital magazine that her m agazine company launched - Morgan Knox, to showcase in August of 2019. alumna local busi“Harford Lifenesses,” she exstyle came about after presses. Because talking about what we of Covid-19, Knox could provide to the county,” shares Knox. At the time, she was thinks businesses are especialan intern at Towson Lifestyle, a ly in need of advertising now print magazine that highlighted more than ever. She thinks it’s families, businesses, and events important for them to get more happening in the community. clientele and free marketing. “It’s great because we also proThey combined that idea with

vide a lot of short video content and less lengthy articles so that we are able to grab people’s attention right away,” Knox shares. She’s hopeful the website can continue to grow as the years progress. Knox says she has always wanted to do things involving video filming and editing. “I love the concept of documentaries and giving people a chance to tell their story,” she describes. Even though social media is something Knox had to learn as she went along, she “loves the creative design aspect of social media and web graphics.” When asked about her favorite video montage, Knox explains, “I would have to say the small profile I did on Dunbar High School in Baltimore City.” Former player, Keith Booth, went on to play for the University of Maryland and then the Chicago Bulls with Michael Jordan. He

then came back to coach at his old high school and they created the piece on him rebuilding the program, Knox reports. “My high school experience in the journalism program at North Harford is the main reason I am doing what I do today,” Knox shares. She says it “made [her] come out of [her] shell” and it created her passion for telling people’s stories. “I am forever grateful to Mrs. Chandler and the journalism/broadcasting program for helping me choose my career pathway,” Knox expresses. As a result of Covid-19 businesses are shutting down, so Knox has had to “get creative” with marketing. In addition, “Filming can be hard because everything we do is hands on and in person and with some of the restrictions, we aren’t able to go on site,” she states.

Page 2/ OP/ED

Cry of the Hawk

November 25, 2019

Hard drugs decriminalized in Oregon EDITORIAL Heroin. Cocaine. Meth. Oregon has become the first state to decriminalize small amounts of hard drugs in a 5941 percent vote as of early as Wednesday, Nov. 4 according to the Associated Press. This new law will be called “The Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act” which will “transition Oregon’s punitive, criminal approach to a humane, cost-effective, health approach.” The theory behind this act is that” people who are suffering from addiction are more effectively treated with health care services than with criminal punishments.” The health care approach includes “a health assessment to figure out the needs of people who are suffering from addiction and it includes connecting them to the services they need.” Oregon has decided to offer them addiction services funded by marijuana tax revenue, which is “more than $100 million a year in the state” rather than treating them as criminals. Giving these people treatment instead of treating them as criminals will allow them to get the help that they may not get when they are

on their own. Locking someone up who has an addiction problem will not make them better, it will just push them down farther in their life. Oregon has set limits on how much of these hard-core drugs you can have in possession, it can only be small amounts. For example, heroin or MDMA must be less than a gram, cocaine or meth-

“Oregon has become the first state to decriminalize small amounts of hard drugs in a 59-41 percent vote.” -Associated Press amphetamine must be two grams or less, psilocybin mushrooms must be 12 grams or less, and as for LSD, oxycodone, or methadone, it must be 40 doses or less. Criminal penalties for these amounts are replaced with a fine of up to $100 which can be waived once evaluated at the Addiction Recovery Centers. As for things regarding manufacturing

drugs, selling drugs, and driving under the influence, these are still criminal offenses and will still be criminalized as normal. The decriminalization and health program is only if you have possession of the substance. They added there was also a fair amount of opposition to the measure, with two dozen district attorneys in the state saying the measure “recklessly decriminalizes possession of the most dangerous types of drugs (and) will lead to an increase in acceptability of dangerous drugs.” Following somewhat of Oregon's lead, Michigan City decriminalizes magic mushrooms and other psychedelic plants. Multiple countries in Europe, including Portugal, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, have decriminalized hard drugs “without rampant negative effects.” Portugal decriminalized all drugs in 2001, which did not lead to an increase in drug use but did “result in a dramatic reduction of pathologies associated with drug use of these type of drugs and others drugs , such as sexually transmitted diseases and overdose deaths” according to a 2009 Cato Institute study.

Loneliness increases in younger generation EDITORIAL

There’s an epidemic happening. A loneliness epidemic. Loneliness is more about how people think about their circumstances rather than their actual circumstances. It’s different from just being alone, it’s a numbing feeling of social isolation formed from negative interpretations of social interactions. A nationwide study done by Cigna, a global health service company, revealed that two in five Americans sometimes or always feel isolated from others and believe their relationships don’t mean anything. Furthermore, one in four Americans rarely or never feel like there are people that truly understand and connect with them. One group, in particular, stands out as being the loneliest: Generation Z. Individuals belonging to Gen Z scored a 48.3 on the loneliness test also conducted by Cigna; significantly higher than the older generations. Researchers believe levels of loneliness are on the rise because younger people are choosing to focus more on work, living farther away from

their family and loved ones, and against them later on. In short, are relying on social media inter- social media provides the peractions instead of talking to oth- fect route for teens to hide and ers face-to-face. isolate themselves while under However, social media appears the false impression that they’re to be the main culprit for feelings getting enough socialization. of isolation in Gen Z. Skeptics Lonely people are shown to claim the opposite should be have a tendency to compare happening, believing that social themselves to others. In fact, media has broadened the range of constantly drawing compariwho they can talk to. The world is sons between themselves and more connected than ever, right? the people they idolize is what Over 3.6 billion makes them bepeople worldlieve others don’t “A nationwide wide actively want to spend engage in social study done by Cig- time with them. networking. It injures their na, a global health Not necesself-confidence to service company, the point they’re sarily. Officials say being able revealed that two not comfortable to hide behind a in five Americans in their own skin screen facilitates around others. false interactions sometimes or always In the end, this since teens only feel isolated from makes teens more show what they likely to reject others.” -Cigna want others to invitations to go see when sendout. ing streaks over Using social meSnapchat or posting a selfie on dia only exuberates this process Instagram. This makes it diffi- of despairing self-criticism and cult to form genuine connections wanting to be better, because with others.The connection is su- there’s constant exposure to perficial here. photos of beautiful models, Adolescents are also more people traveling the world, evlikely to guard what they say or erything portreyed as perfect, send because they worry oth- and success stories that sound ers will screenshot it to use it impossible to reach.

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

News Editors: Caitlyn Allen, Kensington Boyanich Opinion/Editorial Editor: Hannah Krizek, Kylie Redding Features Editor: Zoe Mikles IDR Editor: Rachel Keeney Society, Students & Culture Editor: Meghan Kalck Video Manager: Emily Green, Lauren Brandis Copy Editor: Emily Iampieri, Lillian Greco Social Media Coordinator: Evan Kuzemchak

Stars are not science; Taking a further look EDITORIAL According to the American Federation of Astrologers, as many as 70 million Americans check their horoscope every day. So, chances are you have heard of the science of astrology, which shouldn’t be confused with astronomy. So, what’s the difference? Astrology is the study of the stars and the movement/positions of celestial beings (things in space) and connecting their influence to explain events in the natural world. Astrologers and people who read up on astrology generally believe the stars and space hold some sort of divine power. If you’ve ever heard of zodiac signs or mercury going into retrograde; that’s astrology. The culture surrounding astrology is astonishing, to say the least. There are a plethora of products and tools that can be purchased to help enhance your ability on reading your zodiac signs and relating the energy of celestial bodies to your own human experience on Earth. Whether you like to admit it or not, oneself has bet read their horoscope at least once or maybe you’ve just looked up what zodiac sign you belong to. Astrology has taken the world by storm and for good reason. In a year like 2020, the unex-

Health and Science Editor: Marissa Altenburg Entertainment Editor: Maura Chaney Sports Editors: Greer Strine Business Manager: Kendell Schubert Reporters: Addy Dean, Grace Feldbush, Madison Fetherston, Leah Hillier, Jake Gay, Summer Grace, Malinah Jercheid, Erica Otte, Annie Finholm, Ben Sersen, Jackie Bultman, Silvia Martinez, Jessica Fannin, Kimberly Edgar, Chloe Ward, Dani Becker, Alexis Haigler, Colby Criss, Paige Webster Announcements Tech Victoria Hanna

pected has become a part of our daily lives so searching for answers and attempting to shed light on the unexplained couldn’t be any easier than looking up at the night sky. Astrologers and people who believe astrology to be scientific use the stars and positionings of constellations to make predictions about people’s personalities and the path their lives may take. According to Astronomer Neil Degrasse Tyson, many astrological beliefs were based during pre-Copernican which means during the time we thought the earth was the center of the universe. Which wasn’t a time where science was most accurate. Astrology fails to connect why. Why do the stars influence our daily life? They don’t, astrology is simply pseudoscience which means it’s just not real. Astrology also fails to provide a mechanism for how it works. There’s no real rhyme or reason to say, “oh I'm a Scorpio so on December 7th of 2020 will be the luckiest day of the year for me” (that was a completely made-up horoscope) . However, astronomy is a natural science that uses mathematics, physics, and chemistry to explain the origin and evolution of celestial bodies. Unlike astrology, astronomy is backed by countless hours of studying, experimenting, and observations rather than speculation.

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 vul-

Page 3/ OP/ED

November 25, 2019

Cry of the Hawk

Charlie Brown not airing

Here’s your laptop, here’s your textbooks,

VIEWPOINT

we will see you at graduation... maybe

families alike and different. Watching Peanuts holiday speApple, you blockhead! For the cials was one of the simple little first time since 1965, Charles pleasures of the stressful holiday Schulz’s beloved “Peanuts” hol- season, for generations families iday specials won’t air on TV. have made the beloved cartoon a Your chances of seeing A Char- tradition. These holiday specials lie Brown Thanksgiving on live were something that were comTV are equivalent to Charlie forting and familiar to all ages. Brown’s chances at kicking a It’s no wonder so many people football while Lucy holds. This have lashed out at a company ridholiday season, families will no dled with greed and power. longer pause their hectic holiday As the holidays approach rapschedules to enjoy the nostalgia idly, some things are just natuof the Peanuts berally; the days get loved characters shorter, the leaves encountering gi- “Watching Peanuts change color, ant pumpkins and holiday specials was and everything is tiny Christmas pumpkin spiced. one of the simple The airing of Peatrees. As the holilittle pleasures of nuts holiday speday seasons come was somethe stressful holiday cials around and the thing we always air becomes crisp, season beloved car- just expected, like many look fortoon a tradition.” pumpkin pie at ward to celebratThanksgiving or ing with holiday Christmas carols traditions that that always seem have lived to see another year. As to start too early. we cling onto our beloved football While this year has been filled and stock up for holiday feasts, with an abundance of changes the void created by the ending of for everyone, we are simply rea 55-year American tradition has minded to be grateful for even the not gone unseen. So, what does simplest of things. Time and time this mean for adoring fans? Well, again we are reminded that the it’s not the Great Pumpkin, Char- world around us is changing, but lie Brown, it’s your subscription there is nothing “modern” about to Apple TV+. making a beloved classic excluIn response to Apple announc- sive to one and only one streaming that Apple TV+ has gained ing platform. exclusive rights to the entire colFor the first time, families lection of Charles Schulz’s ani- will celebrate without the commated specials, numerous fans fortable familiarity of the upbeat have expressed their distaste. Peanuts theme song reminding Despite the limited-time free ac- us of simpler times. This holicess, families alike agree that this day season, we will not watch as is a heartbreaking ending. While Snoopy and Woodstock prepare other streaming platforms such a Thanksgiving feast for Charlie as Netflix and Hulu have always Brown and his companions. This provided fans with instant access Christmas, many will miss out on to their holiday favorites, Apple the film that started it all in 1965, TV+ has completely stripped fans all because Apple had to “think of a tradition that was adored by different.” Why I oughta...

VIEWPOINT Maryland is back under siege from the pandemic. The seasons are changing, and temperatures are steadily lowering; the same cannot be said for the confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Harford County. As of November 13, there were 4,333 confirmed cases of this virus in the county. With the cases per day relating to those which we last saw in May. The cause of this influx in infections could be anything. Contract tracing shows it’s likely due to residents traveling outside of the state, and some say the weather. What it is not being caused by is students going to school. Kennard-Dale High School is under 10 miles away from NH. These students have been in school since Labor Day, with an option for students to go to school full time or use a hybrid

schedule. The school is located in York County, which on November 13 had nearly 3,000 more cases of Covid-19 than Harford. Therefore, since they are in school and Harco is not, the difference is caused by students in school, right? Well, maybe but, York County has nearly double the population of Harco, which must be taken into consideration when looking at the numbers. Caution has proven to be wise in the age of covid. Yet, caution can only be identified if it is a logical and effective alteration from normality. Normalcy has been redefined all over the globe, so the change from ordinary to carefulness makes sense. With that, another question arises, how overly ordinary is being careful? For York County, it is wearing a mask, and offering students a choice in returning to school. For Harford County, it is

wearing a mask, and giving students laptops so they can partake in virtual school. Students in Harco have partaken in conditioning competitions where they can see the results on a PowerPoint, the Kennard-Dale girls tennis team just brought home a trophy. One similarity between the two is that neither of them had spectators (or Covid cases). Notably, Harford County has developed the ground-breaking facility “Learning Centers,” York County of course just calls its own facilities “school.” There are crucial differences in policy that must be analyzed, and altered. Nobody may know the answer, but there must be a discussion, because if it wasn’t clear who is winning this Covid-19 style of the Hunger Games, the numbers show the virtual trophy does not go to us.

Refs determining high school sports games HANNAH KRIZEK Column

Ok, so I do not want to complain or bash every ref out there, but I think we all know and can agree that reffing can be a little rough sometimes. You are playing the sport you love to play. It's the RIVAL GAME of your season, the team that you look for on the sched-

ule when you first get it. It's the game that has a car ride full of adrenaline on the way there, and the one your practices and every game before is geared at preparing for. So, there you are, playing the game, adrenaline rushing, and then it begins. Refs making bad/wrong calls. There goes the momentum of the game. In its place. Frustration, talking back. bad game, upset coaches. Bad reffing, or even good reffing, DOES affect the mood in the air during the game on the field and off. If you play a sport, I know you know the exact frustration and emotions I am talking about. Let’s just say it’s pretty easy to get mad super-fast. I know that it is really import-

ant to try and not let the refs get to your head during a game, but it does get quite aggravating over time. One bad call, it’s no big deal, but consistent bad calls and that is a different story. Consistency matters. When one team gets a call that the other did not, or one team gets way more calls than another for reasoning that no one on the field or in the stands can figure out. That is really where it starts. Fairness. I’m not trying to say that refs should be perfect, no one is. And not ALL refs are bad. All in all, bad reffing has a domino effect. A dirty played game can arise, talking back from players, yelling coaches, and yellow cards. It just never ends well. Instead, leave preconceived expectations on the sidelines and call the game as it's played. Fair and square.

It's just dyed hair... what’s the ruckus for EVAN KUZEMCHAK Column

The procedures, the chemicals, the application, the washing, and then the reveal. Hair dye is one of the many things that I use regularly. From a deep blue to fluffy white then to half green half black, my hair color has been through many changes. Hair dye always comes with a long list of instructions, but there

are only about three steps, combine the solutions, slap it on your head, and wait a few minutes before washing it out. Now hair dye is not all hardcore like some people think it is. Yes, maybe it can cause you to get third-degree burns but that's ok, right? But in all seriousness gloves are perfect for protecting your hands from dye and chemicals. The application being the most fun is simple, just make sure you cover every spot! Now give your hair a little rinse and finally, it's time for the big reveal! The best part, you get to see your nice and fresh hair and rock your hair until you decide to switch the color up again. Now that you know how easy and simple hair dye is let's get to the darker side. Even though dyed hair sounds all fun and dandy, it comes with some cons. The stares, and the

questions and the “oh, I would NEVER let my child do that to themselves” and the “Well, why would you do that?" Because I can. But when I dyed my hair I didn't know I signed up for this hate against my hair. It is completely insane how someone can treat someone differently because their hair is colorful. It is a pretty sad state of affairs when society falls this deep into discrimination over colored hair, and it needs to stop. DYE your hair and stand up to the discrimination. My dyed hair friends and I are no longer taking the heat. Everything about this discrimination against people with their hair dyed is so mind-blowingly stupid that I’m concluding that maybe employers and old cranky people are just scared of dyed hair. If they're scared of hair dye, just wait until they find out about guys painting their nails.

Cry of the Hawk

November 25, 2020

Page 4- Op/Ed

Biden becomes President-elect; Packing Supreme Court

We still have long way to go KYLIE REDDING Op/Ed Reporter

By now, it’s not breaking news that Joseph R. Biden is projected to be the next president of the United States, an announcement that allowed so many people take a sigh of relief for the first time in four years. But now that the long election process has for the most part concluded, what do we do once the dust settles? The answer is simple; take a moment to celebrate the victory, allow ourselves to feel the excitement, and then get back to work. Not to be the Debby-downer, but the harsh reality of the situation is that Biden and Kamala Harris

are not the saviors of America. Winning this election was a great first step towards equality in this country, one that we should be proud of, but we’re running a marathon here. It is so easy to get caught up in defending and supporting whatever political party you so choose to associate with, however blindly following the government in any case, leads us into dangerous territory. As Americans, it is not our job to stand by our leaders, it’s our job to stand by our fellow citizens. Meaning when Biden messes up, and he’s only human so he will, it is our obligation to call him out and bring the situation to light every single time. The very same way we would feel inclined to call out a leader of an opposing political party. During President Donald Trump’s administration, it was not uncommon for people to try to justify even his worst acts, but during this new term, we have an opportunity to do better. When a clear mistake of Biden’s is brought up—we should never find ourselves saying “yea but…” Instead we should all be asking

ourselves “how can we move forwards and work towards making this right?” Now that Biden has been elected, it’s not the time to let up, rather it’s the time to fight harder than ever to pass legislation that protects minority groups, and to push for the progressive change that many American’s seems to be ready for. Prejudice and discrimination are ingrained into the foundation of our country, one exchange of power alone isn’t going to change that. Hard work, dedication, education and a desire for unity is the only thing that can. So here’s my message to fellow activists and allies, our work is only just beginning. Give yourself a chance to regroup and then be ready to continue standing up for equity and justice. The next four years can be a time of healing and progress, if we let them. And to anybody who might find themselves reading this and muttering “snowflake” under their breath—I ask for unity this time around. I ask that we all come together to do right by our country, because we can accomplish so much more while united.

Viewers grieve Alex Trebek; Jeopardy! searches for new host

“Jeopardy!” without him as the host,” states reporter Elaine Low of ‘Variety’. Pancreatic cancer takes anoth‘Jeopardy!’ will continue to ater person from this earth, Alex tempt to charm its viewers with Trebek, “Jeopardy!” show host a replacement sometime after since 1984, died this past Sunday. Christmas. Jennings seems to be Producer’s of the show are eager the best choice; he was crowned to replace Trebek after his 37-seathe champion of the “Jeopardy! son legacy, Jeopardy! will never Greatest of All Time” tournament be the same. after all. But Jennings had this When Trebek was diagnosed to say soon after, “The win was with cancer, he great. It is a great chose to stay optipunctuation mark, mistic. “He had a and I absolutely swing in his backmean what I said yard that he loved. about not wantHe actually rebuilt ing to play past it earlier this year. my prime. And at He was very handy. some point, Alex I don’t know if a is going to retire, lot of people know I assume, and it that,” his producer just wouldn’t feel Mike Richards told right to play with Today. Regardless of a different host. what he was losing, It would be like and the legacy he cheating on Alex. I was leaving behind, think this is a perhe was comfortable. fect time to go out Which shows how on top.” great of a person and Trebek passed away in his home at the age of 80. The Hollywood and host he was. new Jeopardy! host is yet to be determined. former contestants Vox says that Photo Credit: Eric McCandless had taken to Social there will be one final Media to say goodepisode with Trebek bye to Trebek. According to ElRegardless of the promising called final time on Christmas. lise Shafer of ‘Variety’, “Musician candidates, how could someAs for Trebek’s replacement, no timeline has been set. According one possibly replace Trebek af- John Legend honored Trebek, to oddsmakers, Ken Jennings is ter 4 decades? Without him as writing: “I was obsessed with the top candidate to take Tre- the host, ‘Jeopardy!’ will never Jeopardy as a nerdy kid growing be the same. “Just months af- up in Ohio. I’ve loved and rebek’s place in future seasons. Along with Jennings there are ter Trebek disclosed his Stage 4 vered Alex Trebek since I can rementions about Alex Faust. Tre- pancreatic cancer diagnosis, half member. What an iconic career.” bek had stated he “hoped Faust of those surveyed last July said Many loved and adored Trebek, would be considered as his re- they couldn’t imagine watching to have him replaced is not right.

EDITORIAL

placement” if he went. Some other candidates include, George Stephanopoulos, an ABC News Chief anchor, LeVar Burton, a former ‘Star Trek’ star, and Laura Coates, a legal analyst for CNN. All were suggested and or mentioned by Trebek himself. There are many candidates for the spot, but none will reach the bar Trebek set.

EDITORIAL

The confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court at the end of October was a hypocritical abuse of power by Republicans, and the Democratic party should seriously consider expanding the court. In 2016, with eight months until election day, the Republican-controlled Senate refused to appoint Merrick Garland, nominated by then-President Barack Obama. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said, “the next Supreme Court justice should be chosen by the next president.” By doing this, he, and every other Republican who agreed with him, set a precedent. This year, with eight days until the election, President Donald Trump’s nominee, Coney Barrett, was appointed, making the Supreme Court republican controlled with a 6-3 majority. This majority does not represent our country fairly. The only way to fix this would be to expand the Supreme Court, an idea introduced by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1936. His plan proposed adding a justice for each sitting justice who refused to retire after age 70. He proposed this plan because he was having difficulty passing certain aspects of the New Deal. The only reason this didn’t make it to a vote in Congress was that two justices switched their opinion and thus the National Labor Relations Act, and Social Security Act were deemed constitutional, and the Supreme Court remained at nine justices. Today, the idea is seen by Democrats as a defensive move against the GOP, as opposed to a power grab. During the Democratic primaries, many candidates, including Joe Biden, opposed the idea (Kamala Harris, however, supported exploring the idea). But now, because of the actions of the Republican party, Biden is leaning more

towards the idea. The Constitution doesn’t set a number for how many judges should be on the Supreme Court, and the number of judges has changed throughout history- let’s not forget we started with six. So, if Congress and the President agree, the Supreme Court can be expanded. The Democrats already have control of the House and Biden was elected to the presidency- it’s the Senate we’re waiting on. With the Georgia run-off not taking place until January, there’s no way of knowing which party will have the majority. The idea of court-packing is seen as a progressive idea, one supported by the more liberal democratic politicians such as Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) and Joe Kennedy III (MA-4). On Sept. 19, Kennedy tweeted “If he holds a vote in 2020, we pack the court in 2021.” This tweet was talking about the possibility of President Trump holding a vote to appoint Coney Barrett, which he did end up doing. Almost immediately following the outcome of the vote on Oct. 26, AOC tweeted simply “Expand the court.” Adding seats to the court and flipping the majority to the Democrats would save a lot of people. It would prevent the Supreme Court from overturning Roe v. Wade, ensure that LGBT rights continue to expand, and guarantee that the Affordable Care Act isn’t going anywhere; these are all things that are currently threatened by a 6-3 right-leaning Supreme Court. And while Republicans may be outraged by this possibility, it’s important to remember what they did eight days before the election. This idea isn’t new, and the GOP gave Democrats the perfect excuse to execute this opportunity without it being a “power grab.” The Republicans did this to themselves.

Cry of the Hawk

October 1, 2020

Page 5 - News

Alumna works as polictical science professor;

Offers insight on Gen Z politics EMILY IAMPIERI Copy Editor

Melissa Deckman graduated from North Harford in 1989, and since then has gone on to become an endowed political science professor at Washington College (WAC) in Chestertown, Maryland. Deckman is the Louis L. Goldstein professor at the private Liberal Arts college. She explains that Goldstein was the comptroller of Maryland before his passing and that “he was a legend in Maryland politics.” The reason she has this title is that after his passing, the Goldstein family established a program at WAC called the Goldstein Program of Public Affairs. “They left a pot of money there to essentially pay for things like speakers to come to campus or students to do internships,” the professor explained. Within political science, Deckman has certain areas in which she specializes. “I am what you would call an Americanist,” she says, “so I study American politics. And within that I am what political scientists would call a political behaviorist. I am interested in understanding why people make the political choices they do.” Some of the ideas Deckman researches include how gender influences how people vote, or how religion shapes people’s attitudes about public policy. WAC is a liberal arts school so the professor explains that one of the things she likes about being there is that she teaches a variety of courses, including state and local politics, a methods course (“a chance for students to learn how to do their own data analysis”), women and politics, religion and politics in the US, and American government. “I love women and politics,” Deckman began, “that’s an area I publish a lot in.” She also added that her “first research was about religion and politics” so those two courses are her favorites to teach,

Deckman goes on to explain as well as her areas of speciality. The political scientist adds that why she’s so passionate about she is currently working on a American politics. “I’ve always book about Generation Z, so age been fascinated, even as a young would also be a specialty of hers. person... by civic engagement Deckman began to elaborate on and politics.” She adds “Apart her book saying, “I noticed a cou- from being a social scientist, ple years ago that data came out as a citizen I care desperately about political engagement and about these things.” The profeswe’re finding that young wom- sor also describes “As a mothen were far more likely to be en- er I worry about the state of gaged in politics than young men. the planet, I worry about the And so I thought that was really interesting because historically that’s not typically the case. So the book I’m writing is about trying to understand why it is we see young women really surging politically and what it means for the political future.” She also describes Deckman was on sabbatical in the spring. the reShe is currently working on her book. search process behind Photo credit: Melissa Deckman her book. “I was on sabbatical last spring which means I had a state of our democracy, I worsemester off for research. So last ry about gun violence. There’s spring I conducted focus groups lots of things I worry about around the country of young peo- that need large scale governple. I conducted two national sur- ment responses to deal with.” Another one of Deckman’s veys of Americans aged 18-24, and I’ve been doing some interviews biggest worries as a political scimore recently one-on-one with entist is how polarized we are as what I call young female entre- a nation. “What we began to see preneurs-women who founded in the last couple decades is that their own political organization.” members of congress have become Currently, she’s in the pro- more polarized theologically. cess of finishing the manu- The republican party has become script right now, and is hoping more conservative, the demoto publish by next summer. cratic party more left of center.”

She explains that “It’s exacerbated by, [she] think[s], social media where people are following, liking, and only talking to other people with similar viewpoints and [she doesn’t] think that’s healthy for society.” Not including the book she’s currently working on, Deckman has over 50 other publications including books, peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, invited works, encyclopedia entries, and book reviews. She has also published more than 20 sample opinion and shorter pieces. The social scientist encourages students and the younger generation to be involved in politics because “Unfortunately, my generation and older generations have left you with some serious problems.” She adds “I think that younger people need to realize that they’re going to have to play a bigger role and deal with it.” Since her book focuses on Gen Z, she goes on to talk about trends she’s noticed in younger people. One of those being “[Gen Z has] come of age politically during, for example, a rash of school shootings, and so that’s the reality that you grew up with, you were socialized into thinking about it.” She also speaks about voter turnout saying “Older Gen Z turned out at higher rates than younger millennials. So, I think there’s something about this generation.” One thing she brought up was voter priorities, “Your group collectively is coming of age during a pandemic, during a civil rights movement- reemergence with Black Lives Matter, with school shootings, with climate change activism, so I think these are the priorities you guys will have.” Deckman urges Gen Z to care about politics, saying “There is every reason for you guys to be involved. If you want to live in a better world and have a better standard of living, and be healthier and have better outcomes on many measures, it’s incumbent on you guys to do it.”

How to help with Mason Dixon community service COLBY CRISS Reporter In every community, they usually include a specific committee of people looking to help and provide for everyone, and Mason Dixon is no exception. However, not every single community can provide the amount of support and dedication that Mason Dixon Community Services delivers. Executive Director Cynthia Abbott gave her thoughts on the people who give their support to the services. “The community supports Mason-Dixon Community Services (MDCS) in many ways. They give us financial donations which are deeply appreciated as that allows us to direct the funds to where they are needed most.

Also, the community holds food drives to supply our food pantry which we greatly appreciate,” Abbott notes that “the food drives often include personal care items as those items are sometimes difficult for our clients to purchase as they cannot use their SNAP (food stamps) benefits to do so,” and gave some insight on the different programs that the services provide. “MDCS has several programs throughout the year that the community supports as well with donations of school supplies, toys, coats/hats/scarves/ gloves, blankets, etc. The community also lends its support through volunteering at our agency, helping clients, packing bags of food, moving inventory, helping at our

pop-up food distributions, etc.” Abbott also explained their social media influence, stating “many people share our social media posts on their social media accounts and that helps spread the word about what is going on at MDCS.” Abbott talked about the different actions the MDCS have done to support the community. “MDCS has staff and volunteers who are passionate about helping people who are struggling with poverty, food insecurity, and homelessness. For over 35 years, MDCS has served as the premiere community safety net for the low-income population of northern Harford and southeastern York counties. We

provide services to more than 25,000 individuals each year.” She went on to explain indepth the different services. “Our services include homelessness prevention services, client choice food pantry, mobile food pantry, energy assistance, emergency financial assistance, etc. Case management; information and referrals to agencies and other programs, application assistance, budget preparation, job hunting assistance, computer lab, etc. Youth programs; three-week summer camp in Delta, assistance to attend Camp Hidden Valley, an after-school mentoring program at North Harford Middle and supplies programs during the holidays.”

Ye a r b o o k makes plans for 2020-21 book KIMBERLY EDGAR Reporter Pictures. Content. Deadlines. Mrs Carla Harward, yearbook advisor, faces new challenges for this year’s yearbook. Regardless of these, Harward and her staff use different methods to overcome those challenges to create this year’s book. According to Harward, they are planning on doing a month to month approach instead of the usual seasonal. “We are coming up with creative layouts and stories to tell about what is happening during our "virtual" school and in our community,” states Harward. They are confident that they will have plenty of content for this year’s yearbook. The staff has decided to focus this year’s book on highlighting the amazing things students are doing. “I believe the yearbook will be amazing as we have some great layouts that we have been working on as well as story ideas that I think the students will be very surprised and happy about,” mentioned Harward. Junior Maddie Blubaugh says, “this year’s yearbook will be different, but in a good way, it will show us that we still had a good school year even though we weren’t in the building doing normal school things.” Harward and her staff both feel that this year will become a learning curve. Fall pictures are on hold, but Harward hopes that there will be spring pictures for the yearbook. It’s still unsure as of when students will be going back to school, so new adjustments must be made for pictures. That applies for club pictures as well, they are on hold until in person learning resumes. The yearbook staff plans to have a sports section when sports start happening in the spring, but Harward states that they will still highlight the athletes in some way. So far, they have been covering some of the sports leagues that have been happening during the fall. Blubaugh also states that, “there won’t be the usual pep rally and football games, instead there will be things that are happening outside of the school in society.” The modifications being made to this year’s yearbook will make this year special, but not any less great from previous years according to Harward. “It will be very organized and well put together,” says Blubaugh. book to be the best it can be.”

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Cry of the Hawk

November 25, 2020

G r a d u a t e s a v e s l i v e s ; Drama Club allowing voices to be heard Tr a i n s o t h e r s i n f i e l d o f s o c i a l w o r k CHLOE WARD Reporter

ANNIE FINHOLM Reporter Badders commented that she went through counseling with her and realized how much it could impact someone’s life. “It helped my family so much and it helped me so much that I wanted to do that for other people,” she recalls. Since the family tragedy, she has also become a

get experience working with different types of people, and Mental health issues, adshe continues to work with studiction, trauma, abuse. These dents today. She says her favorare issues seen every day, evite schools to visit are NH middle erywhere. One North Harford and high school. She goes into High School alumna saw these the health classes and teaches terrible, life-altering issues young students about drugs, alamong her peers, and decided cohol, and addiction prevention, to become someone who to bring awareness to could reduce the amount the very real issue. She of pain caused by them. even wrote the Above A 1994 North Harford the Influence program graduate, Katie Badders curriculum for high is a social worker who school students. is also a mother, teacher The alumna has and has multiple degrees many other projects and certifications. Back that she is currently in high school, she said working on including she did not plan on going being the lead instrucinto counseling. It was tor for the Lauryn’s not until after she got her Law instruction team. first degree in computBadders explains that er information systems is the Team I am Badders discusses warning signs “this that she realized her true working with to train calling. “I have quite a of suicide at a Mental Health First 75 teachers and counfew people that I know Aid USA course for U.S. Army selors in MD.” from school that did get She believes the Materiel mixed up in drugs and more people that get alcohol,” she explains, training, the more Photo credit: Rachel Ponder which is why she started schools can be reached out by becoming a drug across the state. She and alcohol counselor. grief counselor and therapist for also trains with 1,800 offices to It was not only peers that people who have lost loved ones teach them about suicide prewere going through this either. due to substance abuse so they vention and mental health, is a Badders said her own sister, can get the help and strength certified mental health, first aid, Jessie, dealt with addiction inthey need to move on. and suicide prevention instrucvolving drugs starting way back Badder’s first counseling tor, teaches for the mental health in middle school. Although she job was actually at a non-pub- organization of Maryland. Badgot treatment and therapy at 18, lic school teaching special ed ders works to impact those who she unfortunately relapsed and students with behavioral and struggle with addiction and menpassed away 13 years ago. emotional issues. It helped her tal health.

2020-2021 school year brings new SGA officials SUMMER GRACE Reporter North Harford’s Student Government Association (SGA) recently held elections for their 2020-2021 officers in grades 9-12. The elections were held within the Executive Board. Mrs. Elizabeth Martin leads this organization within the school. According to Mrs. Martin, SGA is a group of NHHS students that range in grade levels. These students are charged with managing different events from school to county to statewide affairs, taking NHHS’s voice to “all levels.” In addition, SGA helps plan activities such as pep rallies, spirit week, homecoming, awards ceremonies, hosting county HCRASC meetings, Hawkstock and assisting with other programs, policies and initiatives around school. “Members are elected by the student body, and others may be appointed by the elected officials to help with specific tasks or areas of interest,” shares Mrs. Martin. For the Executive Board, Erica Otte was elected President and Grace Herron was elected as Vice-President. The new Treasurer is Joshua Woods and Sam Pryzchoda will serve as Secretary. In addition, Blake Carberry is the newly elected Sergeant in Arms. The SGA held their first meet-

ing a few weeks ago. They new officers mainly focused on planning fundraising events. They intend to host dining out nights to raise money. Also during the meeting, Herron taught a workshop on Parliamentary Procedure. These are the rules that “govern a general assembly and their processes,” Herron shares. Herron helps with overall operations such as Parli Pro, Executive Board positions and whatever the officers want her to do. “I try to help Erica to the best of my ability,” she reports. As president, Otte plans meetings, whether it’s for the General Assembly or Executive Board meetings for which she creates agendas. “I also plan events with the rest of the executive board, such as (hopefully) prom and fundraisers (we are planning an upcoming fundraiser at Chickfil-A).” She’s also the spokesperson for SGA, meaning she makes speeches on behalf of the students. “My position is a great opportunity to connect to students and make their high school experiences better,” Otte expresses. Woods, another student member of the SGA Executive Board and Junior Class Treasurer, works “side by side” with people who also want to “improve school.” He says he’s “very thankful for that.” Some of his responsibilities as a treasurer include be-

ing in charge of all the accounting and financial reporting for the Board. Wood’s financial reporting includes any fundraiser the SGA plans and the money that’s received from them. In addition, he is responsible for making sure the SGA has enough money to plan events and maintains the budget for these school events. Woods also makes sure to listen to what the Board and student body brainstorms regarding ideas about “how we might spend the money to benefit NHHS.” Pryzchoda is the Secretary, so she focuses on “taking notes during meetings, taking role call of the officers, and keeping SGA plans organized.” She also does anything the President or Vice President asks her to do. “SGA takes responsibility for planning certain school events, for individual grade levels and the whole school,” shares Pryzchoda. She explains that the SGA tries to make the school a better environment for all students by “asking the opinions of delegates and by sharing our opinions as students ourselves.” Pryzchoda says it’s “been more difficult to plan events and arrange fundraisers” as a result of COVID-19. The SGA keeps in contact through virtual meetings and collects ideas that they could implement in the future once it’s safe to do in-person events again.

honor society. This looks great on college applications and reLights, camera, action! There sumes.” is a new, entirely virtual club The group’s goal, as stated by that allows for creative and col- the sophomore, is to “perform a laborative thinking, thoughtful musical for the school and compieces of art, and the discovery munity” and promote “individuof one’s self, according to soph- ality and being yourself.” As of omore and association member right now, says the sophomore, Julia Eakes. the organization is demonstratDrama Club, as stated by ing this message by “organizing Eakes, consists of “a ways to perform virtually or group of students alternatives to a normal who love theatre, musical. We do improsharing their voic- “It’s a space for visation games, talk es, and having fun theatre, and people to share about with each other.” get to know each their voices.” Nancy Green, other.” -Julia Eakes drama teacher Green elaborates and organization on the logistics of director, adds the the club by stating, club is “a place to get “In a normal year- [the creative, have fun, and bond association attends] with others who share our pas- a NYC trip to see a Broadway sions for theatre and musicals.” Show- have acting awards Eakes added that the orga- and end of the year banquet.” nization allows her to be her- This group has also hosted, as self, as well as be surrounded by claimed by the teacher, “talent people with the same interests. shows, fun nights like Improv Not only has this group of stu- Nights, or Short Scene Nights in dents given Eakes the ability to the theatre, and shows that benbecome more united with her efit different charities...” true self, it has enabled her to If someone was to join, they “see some familiar faces and re- would, Eakes claims, “contact connect.” Mrs. Green or someone they Green encourages participa- know in drama club.” This option because “If you earn 100 or tion is open to everyone bemore hours of extra-curricular cause, as stated by Eakes, and service on stage or backstage, no experience is required to you are eligible to be inducted join. The group meets from 11 into The International Thespian a.m. to 12 p.m. every Friday on Society- an international theatre Microsoft Teams.

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Cry of the Hawk

November 25, 2020

Cryptology;

Language learning in real world LEAH HILLIER Copy Editor When you imagine cryptology, you likely imagine someone analyzing a bunch of super-complex codes in a made-up language, but in reality, it has more to do with translating real-life languages. North Harford alumnus Michael Frontera is a Cryptologic Technician Interpretive (CTI) in the Navy. Frontera “got into the job because [he had] alThis photo of Frontera was ways been interested in taken the day after he became foreign language study, a Petty Officer Third Class. and it [had] always been Photo credit: Michael Frontera fairly easy for [him] to acquire a foreign language since [he] was a young “[His] advice to language learnkid.” “[He had] always been fascinat- ers is to be patient, be confident, ed by Middle Eastern languages and never be afraid to make misand culture(s) since about the takes and laugh at yourself,” says eighth grade when [he] met Frontera. “Language learning [his] friend, Seifuddin. He was takes time, lots of time.” He has (and is) a practicing Muslim become proficient in Arabic in and [Frontera] always wanted just over a year, but according to to be able to read the religious Frontera, “ that does not mean texts as he did.” With his deter- [he is] done learning, practice mination, he “made it a personal is paramount to retention, so speak with people in your targoal to learn Arabic.” As many social scientists have get language whenever you can,” learned language learning does he says that, “your skills in any not come without difficulties. language besides English will be Frontera said his difficulties one of your greatest treasures, as with the language came from, well as a highly marketable skill “learning the root system. Much in almost any workplace.” Frontera said he could not like English has Latin roots for some words, Arabic has its own say much about his job because set of roots (usually three-letter the “nature of [his] job is secret roots) that can guide you to the and requires [him] to maintain a meaning of a word. For instance, top-secret clearance.” He adds the root a’alm has to do with it is nice to be unable to take learning or knowledge. So, the his job “home with [him],” but word ta’aleem would mean ed- finds it difficult to not “tell anyucation. Then you run into the one about my day to day like a issue where many roots do not normal person. There is, unforfollow a set rule of meaning, so tunately, a lot of secret-keeping two words that have no relation that comes with the territory of at all may carry the same root.” my career.”

North Harford alumnus turned film student documents political division, UFOs EVAN KUZEMCHAK Social Media Coordinator A young documentary film student was living in Utah while the 2004 presidential election was kicking off. While searching for a big story, a pro-democrat rally was held. Since the majority of Utah are republicans, he knew covering this might be risky. But the young film student grabbed his camera and pressed record. Steven Greenstreet, 1995 North Harford graduate and producer of This Divided State, was that young film student who found his big story. “From sun-up to sun-down I was filming interviews, protests, etc. For 10 straight weeks, seven days a week, I filmed and documented,” Greenstreet commented about filming This Divided State. Greenstreet said he “captured death threats,

bribery attempts and many angry people on both sides.” He decided it was best to drop out of school to continue on his documentary. At the end of his experience, Greenstreet had maxed out four credit cards and turned his “footage into a feature length documentary.” According to The New York Times, this film was “filmmaking gold. Extremely moving.” Greenstreet says “with that, the rest of my career was set.” Greenstreet now works for The New York Post and is in a show called “The Basement Office,” which premiered in 2019. Greenstreet also contributes “to the “rapid news team” which he says is mostly just “keeping up with whatever is happening in the moment.” Greenstreet also finds time to research UFO’s. Greenstreet said his interest in UFOs was piqued after his own sighting. Greenstreets says

he “saw a real UFO in November 2003.” He describes it as “a large, silent V-shaped craft slowly flew over me at night. It had blue lights on the bottom.” He adds, “normally, one might think this is a military aircraft or drone, but the craft was HUGE and it made ZERO sound. Modern aircraft require jets of some kind to stay in the air. Jets make noise. This UFO made no noise at all. It was quite unsettling.“ 15 years later The New York Post asked Greenstreet about “creating a video news series about UFOs” he “pitched, researched, outlined, wrote and crafted the series from scratch. [he] even built the show’s set.” Greenstreet says he is using “the show to not only shine a critical journalistic light on UFOs, but also to help me find more context to my personal sighting in 2003.”

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Cry of the Hawk

November 25, 2020

November 25, 2020

Cry of the Hawk

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November 25, 2020

Cry of t

Hand me downs vs. new clothes Living with extended family

“I have always gotten new clothes, there isn’t another guy in my family to get hand me downs from. I grew so fast that I would generally grow out of anything I got pretty quickly.”

compiled by: Addy Dean

“I get new clothes because I have two older sisters. The hand me downs that I would have gotten would’ve been girl clothes. I only have on male cousin but he is older.”

Andrew Patton, senior

Ben Ewers, senior

Growing up did you receive new clothes, hand me downs, or both?

compiled by: Zoe Mikles

“When I was growing up, I got both. We had clothes from my brothers that I could wear, so I did. I wore boy clothes for a long time. I would get new girl clothes too.”

Hand me downs: 22% New clothes: 32% Both: 46%

Nicole Hackett, senior

Poll out of 210 people

Haley Shoemaker, junior Q: Who lives with you? A: Mom, twin brother, older sister, her husband, their 4 kids, grandmother.

Q: How long have they lived with you? A:My older sister and her family for 5 years, and my grandmother for 2.

Q: What was the biggest thing to adjust to when they moved in? A:Living with younger kids is something I have never experienced. When my sister moved in at the time, she had 3 kids (the youngest only being a couple months old). So, it was a huge change because it was only my mom, my brother and I. Then all of a sudden we had a full, loud, and energetic household.

Q:What’s your favorite part about having your extended family live so close? A:Always having them around is so awesome. It’s so cool to watch my nieces and nephews grow up into their own people. Like I watched them slowly become their own people. For example, my youngest niece was only a couple months old when she moved in and now, she’s 4 and wants to become a veterinarian. I helped teach her how to walk. It’s just awesome being able to experience life’s big moments together and grow together. Then with having my grandmother living with us she always took care of me and now I feel like I get to repay her by helping take care of her.

Riley Campbell, sophomore

Q: Who lives with you? A: My grandfather

Q:How long have they lived with you? A: A little over a year

Q: What was the biggest thing to adjust to when they moved in?

A:Having someone “new” in the house and just making sure he and everyone else felt comfortable in a new family dynamic

Q:Are they involved in your everyday life or tend to live separate from the rest of the household? A:Yes, I’d say he is very involved in my everyday life

Q:What’s your favorite and least favorite part about having your extended family live so close?

W

ha tk ho eep ld “I’d ru s a h say nn ou we have a team ing se approach to keeping the ? Mullin house running smoothly. It

often takes both Tim and I working together. Tim and Owen primarily take care of the outside while Maggie and I knock out the inside.” Christine Mullin, NHHS parent

According to the 2019 census, the average number of kids in a family is 3.14.

A: My grandfather gets to be a part of raising me and helps guide me, as grandparents get older it helps being around them as much as possible and sharing as many memories as you can together. Plus, sometimes it’s like having a third parent where you can go to them with questions and anything you need.

“Making a house run efficiently and smoothly, for me, takes thought and a little bit of work. Ev Communication is key which really helps keep the house running as smooth as possible.” Erin Tracy, NHHS parent

According to the 2019 census, 63.4 million U.S. homes own a dog.

compiled by: Danielle Becker

10-11 - Features

the Hawk

Carving out student chores in NHHS families Lina Goetz, senior

Photo credit: Kelly Tagliaferri

Autumn Tagliaferri, sophomore Q: How many siblings do you have/ who do you share chores with? A: I have three siblings. One is 24 so she doesn’t live with us. My brother Andrew is 13 and my sister Ella is 10. Q: Do each of you have assigned chores, if so, what do each of you do? A: We have two houses so the chores at each one varies. At my dad’s we all have to clean a bathroom. I clean the kid’s bathroom upstairs; Ella has the main floor bathroom and Drew has the basement. Ella also has to vacuum. At my mom’s house Drew has to unload the dishwasher and I have to load it. I also do a lot of laundry at my mom’s house. We all kind of chip in with other stuff around the houses as well. Q: Do you/ did you ever get paid to do chores? A: We have never gotten paid for chores. Q: Have your chores changed as you’ve gotten older or have they stayed the same? A: They have changed as I’ve gotten older. I took over my older sister Emily’s chores and I have more now whereas Drew and Ella have more flexibility. Q: Why do you think your parents instilled having chores? Has it had any benefit to you? A: I think they instilled chores to keep the house running and in shape. There are plenty of us and we work better together. They also instilled chores to help us learn responsibility and how to work together.

“The pandemic was a challenge for our family, as. We had to adjust to a new normal and make the best of a difficult situation. Although each of us were trying to cope with the change in our own way, knowing that we had each other, made the change more united.” Dawn Buckland, NHHS parent

Q: How many siblings do you have/ who do you share chores with? A: I have two older sisters. One lives in Bermuda, so she doesn’t share any chores. My other sister goes to college but is currently living at home. Q: Do each of you have assigned chores, if so, what do each of you do? A: I mostly do all the chores now a days. My sister works a lot, so she usually isn’t home when the chores need to be done. I feed and take care of the horses and chickens every day, that is probably my biggest chore. Q: Do you/ did you ever get paid to do chores? A: I have never gotten paid to do chores. Q: Have your chores changed as you’ve gotten older or have they stayed the same? A: My chores have pretty much always been the same ever since I was old enough to take care of the animals. I do a little more now since my sister isn’t home a lot. Q: Why do you think your parents instilled having chores? Has it had any benefit to you? A: They gave us the chores of taking care of the animals because my sister and I were the ones who wanted them. Chores have taught me to be responsible and how to take care of things.

Photo credit: Karen Lee Photography

Compiled by: Zoe Mikles

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Compiled by: Lauren Brandis

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November 25, 2020

Cry of the Hawk

“You’re so Golden”; Styles shines at JAKE GAY Reporter Since the indefinite hiatus of the beloved boy band One Direction, Harry Styles has created a career of his own. Notably, in 2017 he starred in a lead role in the Academy award winning film Dunkirk, as well as some late night television. Styles has also continued to woo fans with his own music, his debut album was released in 2017 and was given very high praise by fans and critics alike. More recently, Styles released a second album last year which also has received positive ratings. The album Fine Line, features chart topping hits: “Adore You”, “Watermelon Sugar” and “Golden.” These three popular songs have also been made into highly appraised music videos. The most recent video release of which being “Golden” was posted late last month. The video was posted to YouTube on October 26, and had accumulated over 40 million views in the first two weeks, with over 3 million likes. Senior Caroline Ulmer shared her excitement

top of charts

on social media. “When Harry announced the music video would be coming out, I was so excited! Although, it was very suspenseful to sit on Youtube and wait for it to be released, but it was worth it,” she says. The video features Styles in a remote Italian town while he drives a sports car, swims in a ravine and has a good time the way only Harry Styles can. Ulmer thought that “the scenes in the video were so pretty and it fit the song really well. It was unlike any of his other content while still having parallels to other music videos which I found really cool, and it is a super fun thing Harry does in his music and videos.” Fellow senior Aspen Vinyard, admitted that “[She] was crying by the end.” Vinyard also said that the video was “phenomenal.” Similarly to Vinyard’s description of the video, Emily Johnson said she enjoyed the “positive energy” from the video. Johnson also added the “hidden antidotes only some fans will spot, make it much

more entertaining.” Closing her review, Johnson mentioned “the video really shows Harry’s artistic ability and style, and that for me, makes it stand out.” The video is released ahead of Styles’ highly anticipated tour scheduled for 2021. Many have already bought tickets and most concerts have now been sold out for months. The Harry Styles: Love on Tour concerts will take place all over, from “Carolina” to across the globe It is believed by fans that Styles will be playing all of his greatest hits (including songs from Fine Line). There has also been speculation that he may include some One Direction throwback numbers and popular covers. Many fans eagerly await Styles’ young career to unfold, as he continues to “Treat People With Kindness,” serenade to a “Sweet Creature” and shares tender thoughts “From the Dining Table.” Styles has yet to announce any more upcoming albums, but what is overwhelmingly obvious is that it will be “Lights Up” on Harry for a long, long time ahead.

Harry Styles takes it to Italy to film his music video for “Golden”. Photo Credit: HSHQ

NH alumnus crafts history books BEN IAMPIERI Reporter Doug Washburn, a NH graduate from 1965, is an author for history books taking place near to where he grew up:Jarrettsville. According to Washburn, his first works were about the one and two room schools in the area, which were “largely based on the records of the school commissioners.” He ended up being included in the Harford Historical bulletins for four books for the Historical Society of Harford County. The first he did was on “Election District 5 (Dublin district includes Dublin, Whiteford, Cardiff, Pylesville),” he says. His second one was “Election District 4 (Jarrettsville, Norrisville, and Upper Cross Roads),” he explained. His “next two Bulletins were on the segregated schools in all of the county.” “Based on these works, I was approached to write the history of Pylesville,” Washburn says. “In addition to being asked, it was of interest to me because my mother was born in the Stansbury Mansion when my grandfather was the miller at Eden Mill from 1918-1930.” The author found prior histories on the Jarrettsville area, but

“they had little or no citation,” he states. “I doubted their accuracy. My goal was to not use any of the prior histories unless there was absolutely no other choice.” “History without citation is just a novel,” Washburn explains. “It is like working on genealogy... you want primary or secondary sources not hear-say.” “Jarrettsville is about 50 percent land records and 45 percent newspaper accounts (which did not start until the late 1850s),” Washburn says. “It is astounding what [is] in the deed books.” The author says he worked on his books for about “another four-five years,” and then “On The Road From Jarrettsville, Vol. 1: the Village of Jarrettsville was published in April of this year,” Washburn states. “I am now working on Vol. 2.” The author’s objective “was to cover the Jarrettsville Election Precinct but that would have been 1500 pages.” He now has a plan, subject to change, where he has four volumes: “Vol. 1: the village of Jarrettsville (2020, 238-pages), Vol. 2: Cooptown and Federal Hill (hopefully 2021 and not another four years), Vol. 3: Madonna and Talyor, [and] Vol. 4: Shawsville and Madonna.”

Washburn’s goal “is not to make money, but [on] the other hand it would be nice not to be in the red either,” he claims. “The original Pylesville was color and the three of us that put money in for the printing lost a good bit.” For this reason, all volumes of Jarrettsville will be black and white, dramatically reducing price. He did not always want to be an author. “I enjoy the research,” he says. “Finding that nugget that no one else has brought to light for readers today is what motivates me.” He explains the motivation “in the Pylesville book, that was the Pylesville Baptist Church and John Wilkes Booth being at the tavern at Five Forks to plot the kidnapping (not assassination) of Lincoln.” For his Jarrettsville book, “it was getting the history of the general store and the hotel sorted out,” he says. “My engineer training makes me want to actually produce something,” Washburn explains. “I have research friends that have interesting information but never produce anything to share with others. When they die, the kids will probably just throw it out.”

Media on social media:

The Social Dilemma on Netflix

LILLI GRECO

The Social Dilemma - a Netflix original that debuted on Aug. 27, is “a documentary-drama hybrid explores the dangerous human impact of social networking, with tech experts sounding the alarm on their own creations.” (netflix.com), starring Skyler Gisondo, Kara Hayward, and Vincent Karthesier. The film runs for an hour and 34 minutes and is rated PG-13. The movie includes real-life social media employees and coordinators - notably Tristan Harris, a former Google design ethicist and co-founder and CEO of the Center for Humane Technology, Jaron Lanier, a computer scientist and founding father of virtual reality, and Shoshana Zuboff, a professor of Harvard business school and author of The Age of Surveillance Capitalism. The documentary begins with an introduction to the array of interviewees, each listing the companies they had previously worked for and their role within each respective company. The cast of actors is then presented with news coverage of social media’s adverse effects playing in the background. Each interviewee then goes over their grievances with

social media. Between interview commentary, the dramatization side of the documentary provides insight into the inner workings of the technology that powers social media. The film places an importance on working on technology through a human lens - making ethical decisions in regards to how social media will affect people and the world, and considering the long term effects of the social internet on everyone. Extremely relevant in today’s world, especially with social media becoming the primary way people connect today, the film has an 87 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. Senior Andrew Gerhardt had something to say about the topic as a whole. “I think some of them [documentaries about social media] make some legitimately good points about data security and what companies do with you data but at the same time, lots of them find very rare examples of things that happen and misconstrue people to think they’re much more common.” Senior Maddy Danielcyzk commented on it, saying, “I think the concept is interesting, especially now how kids are developing online, it’s a neat topic to explore.”

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Dancing towards normalcy; Parents plan winter formal for students GREER STRINE Sports Editor With school being virtual, sports being postponed, and the rest of school activities being in jeopardy depending on what happens with the coronavirus, things like Homecoming, are not happening this year. Thanks to a parent volunteer, a winter formal is being planned and held this coming December, for juniors and seniors. North Harford nor HCPS has sponsored this event and it is being completely planned and run by parents and students. Mrs. Malissa Hahn, a parent of a current junior, took it upon herself to plan a formal for the current upperclassman. Hahn states, “So many things have been taken away from our kids because of the pandemic. So many are struggling with virtual school and the new normal, I just wanted to give them something they can look forward to, something they can have fun with their friends and get together for a little bit of normal in all of this craziness.” However, unlike Homecoming and Prom, NHHS is not sponsoring this event. In order to main-

tain CDC guidelines as well as the health and safety of the attendees, “We will have a permission slip and waiver, which must be signed by all attendees and their parents. Students will also be asked to wear masks unless eating or drinking. Temperature checks will occur at the door, and hand sanitizer stations will be set up in the hallway when you check in,” according to Hahn. Normally, Homecoming usually costs around $15, but this dance is not held at NH, it is being held at Deer Creek Overlook. The winter formal will cost $20. However, there will be food and drinks. Hahn states, “Our limit is 175 people, including 15 parent chaperones. So, that leaves 160 tickets for each dance. I want everyone to be included, but unfortunately it is first come first served.” As of Nov. 12, after the new announcement by Governor Hogan, Hahn states, “If he cut capacity down to 50 percent, that would mean 125 students.” Although with the pandemic guidelines and restrictions are changing by the day, Hahn added, “If I have to change the date or whatever I would have to change, I will most

definitely change it to be able to still have it, but that is a last resort.” This dance is exclusively for upperclassmen, meaning there will be one night for the juniors and one night for the seniors. Hahn says that the juniors will attend on Dec. 11 and the seniors on Dec. 12. Both nights will take place in the evening from 6 until 10. “This dance is being chaperoned by parents and both parents and students are helping to coordinate dance. We will also have a Winter Formal King and Queen. The students will be voting for them at the dance. When tickets are purchased and they send an email, their nominations can be included in there as well.” Hahn added. Along with the class of 2020, the current senior class has lost so much of their senior year experience to COVID-19, Hahn states. “Both junior and seniors have already lost so much so far. I think that they have worked so hard and have lost many of their high school experiences because of the pandemic. I just want to give them something back to those students,” she comments.

Christmas lights twinkle in Maryland MAURA CHANEY Entertainment Editor

the state. Each holiday season, the 700 block of 34th street dis With cold weather right plays its best holiday decoraaround the corner, people are tions including their unique getting geared up for festivities of sculptures and Christmas lights. all kinds. There are many places According to Christmasstreet. in the state that have gained com, this event began in 1947, popularity for their light festivals. and since, the decorations and A popular Christmas light attractions it offers has encourdestination is in Ocean City, aged Marylanders to visit each Maryland, known as The year. With different houses Winterfest of Lights, an offering Disney themes, Baltiannual Christmas celebration more symbols, and traditional in Northside Park from Nov. Christmas characters, The Mir16- Jan. 2. According to travel acle on 34th Street has become destination site Rove.me, with a must see attraction between over one million sparkling holi- Thanksgiving and The New Year. day lights, this extravaganza of- A frequent guest at Christmas fers an inexpensive experience light events is senior Abby for families. Visitors can take a Merson. She says she used one-mile tour through fairytale to just drive through some themed exhibits on the “Win- neighborhoods that had an terfest Express” train, and warm abundance of Christmas lights, up with hot chocolate after- but last year she did things a little wards inside the heated pavilion. different. “We went to the Bel Air Rove.me also suggests an at- Armory where they had a ‘Winter traction in Annapolis, where vis- Wonderland’ with tons of lights, itors can take a drive along the music, horse and carriage rides, Chesapeake Bay during the Lights and hot chocolate,” Merson on The Bay celebration at Sandy explains. She visited some houses Point State Park. Featuring more where visitors could tune into a than 60 animated displays, The radio station in their cars, and the North Pole Village, and Enchant- lights would play to the beat of ed Fairytales, guests and their pets the music playing over the radio. can enjoy the winter wonderland As the Christmas spirit grows, that Anne Arundel County has to businesses are finding their own offer. For runners, there is also a ways of enhancing the holiday Dashing Through the Snow Fun cheer. However, with COVID-19, Run and 5k beginning Nov. 22. some restrictions could be in One street in the Hampden place. Merson suggests attending section of Baltimore City has these “drive-by festivities,” as become a much-loved Christmas they could be more popular and destination in Maryland, safe with COVID-19 still being attracting visitors from all over a concern this winter season.

Ocean City during the Winterfest of Lights in 2019. PC: DelMarvaNow.com

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Cry of the Hawk

November 25, 2020

Graduate apprenticeship with power plant;

Working for Union in carpentry BEN IAMPIERI Reporter

Jessica Bedsaul, a 2007 North Harford graduate, is a second year carpenter apprentice at the Peach Bottom Nuclear Power Plant for Local 431. Bedsaul explains that she is “on the turbine inside the plant [putting up] scaffold.” As a scaffold carpenter, she is essential to allowing “other workers to be able to reach the area they are working.” Scaffolding is a temporary structure used by workers when attending to a building, according to the dictionary. “Sometimes, when you first start a job, scaffold[ing] is the only way you can climb,” Bedsaul says. According to Occupational Safety and Health administration (OSHA), scaffolding is generally used when there are “existing [or] predictable hazards in the

surroundings or working conditions, which are unsanitary, [or]hazardous to employees.” OSHA also requires employers to “protect each employee on a scaffold more than 10 feet.” For Bedsaul, she wears a harness to protect herself. “Safety [tells] us every day if we see something wrong, stop and say something,” Besaul explains. “They also told us if we aren’t comfortable with something [to] stop right away.” She said there are many hazards to her job. “We have to have a two-minute brief when we walk to do our job,” she says. “That brief discusses the dangerous [things] that can happen.” The dangerous parts of her job include “pinch points, slips, trips and falls, and falling hazards. For pinch points you wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE). For slips, trips and falls, [you need to] be aware of [your]

surrounding area. For falling hazard[s], be sure you have a harness on,” she elaborates. Bedsaul works 12 hour shifts 7a.m.-7p.m. with no days off when there is an outage. “We are 138 hours in. Today is day 12 without one off,” she says. The outage lasted 14 days, “one of the fastest ones ever done,” she explains. “Done is a world record.” When there isn’t an outage, she works 40 hours a week. The reason she works so much more during outages, is because she has “a timeline on things.” According to Bedsaul, Union workers “fought for breaks and they fought for holidays. Some areas get longer breaks.” Her apprenticeship is four years. “Every six months you get a raise until you reach $31.85, which is the current rate,” Bedsaul explains. “When you join the Union, you get set up with a pension and annui-

Award-winning filmmaker;

NH alumnus shares story CHLOE WARD Reporter

In a world where being able to make a career off film is a rocky journey prone to failure, one North Harford alumnus has managed to go beyond his humble upbringing and turn his creativity filled dreams into reality.

In high school Kinhart said he took the classes the school had to offer to support his interests, and he met one of his biggest supports, Mr. Glen Grove. Grove was the film maker’s incentive for later studying at the Maryland Institution College of Art. Kinhart said he is grateful for this educator because

John Kinhart, Artist and Filmmaker Source: https://filmfreeway.com/948398 John Kinhart said he grew up in the rural North Harford area, living in a trailer. At the age 13 he said he began working on a nearby farm, but he knew his dreams went far beyond cattle and stalks of corn. He explains his true passion was art, “but that wasn't a dream that was understood or encouraged by many at that time." He added it was not until high school was he able to truly connect with his calling.

“that set me on a trajectory of success that otherwise I would not have experienced.” Also, during those years, he met another large inspiration in his life, best friend Steven Greenstreet, who was much more into film at the time, but they heavily connected and “influenced each other.” They both took to the same career in the future, after working on many short films together for fun. They later jointly produced a film that debuted

at the Sundance Film Festival back in 2010. After graduating in 1997, according to Kinhart, he did not initially consider continuing his side hobby with his friend into a career. He said being an artist was only an “abstract notion” that he could conceive post-college. “Being a filmmaker snuck up on me,” he expresses, “I started doing it for fun, but then when people started finding out that I could make videos, I started to get jobs.” He added that opportunities rose as he became more skilled at editing, filming, and directing. He maintained a video editing job for a while, also making several underground films, one of which earned 6 Best Documentary Awards, was played at 22 film festivals, and released on DVD. Kinhart's journey was not always smooth, and the filmmaker's employer was impacted by the 2008 financial crisis. Kinhart said he still wanted to maintain and expand his career further. “I had no choice but to take the leap into being a fulltime freelancer,” he explains, and he added it worked out better than anticipated. Throughout his career, he has filmed and interviewed many interesting people, including J.J. Abrams, George Stephanopoulos, Art Spiegelman, Bill Maher, Kesha, Lauren Hill, and more. Currently, he is working on a “documentary about a cartoonist couple who are the pioneers of autobiographical comics,” as he describes.

ty.” According to Bedsaul, the pension builds for retirement, while the annuity is “kind of like a stock market.” You can play it safe and keep it low risk, which has built Bedsaul $2,000 in two years, or you can “dump it into high risk, which would triple it,” she says. Bedsaul has some stories about her job. “They will tell apprentices to go get an air sample, so you will see them with a bag trying to collect air,” she says. “Or they will say ‘oh no this wrench won’t work go get me a left handed wrench.’ After about one hour of searching they’ll say there isn’t [a left handed wrench] that exists.” She describes her experience as “fun and tiring at the same time.” She also explains that “the job can be demanding and very tough. You will put your heart, sweat and tears into it. “It is great to work for the Union”

Jessica Bedsaul in her harness. She is required to use it by OSHA when on heights above 10 feet. Photo Credit: Jessica Bedsaul

November 25, 2020

Cry of the Hawk

Page 15- Student, Society, and Culture

The fight for good grades; Challenges faced in first quarter MEGHAN KALCK SSC Editor

Alumnae create Hair Bliss on Broadway;

Close friendship follows path to partnership

SUMMER GRACE Reporter

Julie Warfield, Michelle Ward, and Gen Eyler are three lifelong friends who have created a successful business partnership in the Bel Air community. Hair Bliss on Broadway opened its doors seven years ago and has been welcoming customers ever since. “We all became friends in high school by playing field hockey and lacrosse in 1991,” Warfield explains. Ward graduated in 1994, followed by Eyler and Warfield in 1995. After working together in various salons through the years and being close friends for so long, the women were sure they could start a business venture together. The trio really enjoys working together, shares Warfield. After high school, Ward recounts that they wanted to open their own hair salon so that they could stay together and “create an atmosphere where clients felt more like family than strangers.” Currently, there are four independent stylists working at Hair Bliss. They provide a variety of hair services, such as mens’ and

womens’ haircuts, coloring, highlighting, extensions, and more. “I wanted to be a stylist my whole life,” Ward shares. She went to cosmetology school immediately after graduating from high school in 1994. Twenty-six years later, Ward still ”loves it more and more every day.” She says, “It's an amazing career and passion.” For advertising, the trio utilizes Facebook and Instagram, but gain customers “mostly by word-of-mouth.” Ward explains that “each stylist is independent and runs her own business.” Warfield, Ward, and Eyler use their cell phones to schedule appointments with clients and keep their own business records. Hair Bliss on Broadway is located at 302 N. Main Street in Bel Air. The women love the location because it is near many local businesses and offers plenty of available parking to customers. Warfield says she “loves what Bel Air has to offer.” During the quarantine, Hair Bliss was closed from the middle of March until the middle of May. After reopening in May,

they now have many protocols that need to be followed. Clients and stylists “have to wear masks, we have to limit the number of people in the salon at one time, as well as cleaning and sanitizing in between each client that sits in our chairs,” Warfield explains. The girls usually create fundraisers for the shop and also support the community by participating in Main Street events. For example, they recently painted the shop's front windows for the “Paint the Town Pink” event in October. They wanted to show support for breast cancer awareness month. When asked to give advice to someone interested in becoming a professional hairstylist, Ward recommends being somewhere that has a lot of business and a good stylist to learn from. “Take lots of classes,” she suggests. “The more knowledge the better.” In addition, it’s important to attend a variety of hair shows to build clientele in the hopes that one day “you can be independent.” The trio look forward to many more years together bringing “hair bliss” to all.

One quarter of the 20202021 school year is done and with this online environment, students and teachers have faced challenges such as changing their schedules and having to improvise how they get work done. Sophomore Audrey Letourneau has faced the big challenge of “finding motivation” to get work done and also getting her assignments in one time so the work for her just piles up. Letourneau had trouble getting over this challenge this quarter but a way she plans on overcoming it for the next quarter coming up is to “work more on staying focused” in order to get her work done and turned in on time. This online learning is not only difficult for students, but it is also affecting teachers just as much because of having to change their plans and switching up how they teach different activities. Mrs. Jestel, who teaches chemistry, has struggled to get her students to interact during the online meetings. “Figuring out a way to change how [she] teach[es] when we can’t do hands on labs” was one of the biggest struggles when it comes to online learning. “I tried using the chat box,

breakout rooms and open discussions” Jestel stated was one of the ways she tried to get her students to be more interactive with the lessons and participate in the discussions. Jestel has had teachers and other staff members help her film videos for her “Stomp Rocket Lab” that is for her AP physics students to help bring back some familiar faces that are in the building. She plans on keeping her current methods for the second quarter but is also going to try some new techniques. “I’m hoping to try using a digital whiteboard for group work” she stated, and she is also going to try and incorporate more simulation labs so students can design experiments. Freshman Aden Harvey also experienced challenges within the first quarter such as stress and the workload that his teacher gave him. Harvey has struggled focusing on doing his assignments, but he kept telling himself that he could do better next time if he did not get an assignment in on time. One way Harvey is going to help himself next quarter is to “focus more on the task at hand” to help him accomplish all his work and have it turned in on time.

Hill starts his own tack company MARISSA ALTENBURG H/S editor Junior Logan Hill owns and operates his own horse tack company. He calls it Logan's Tack and he was open for business beginning April 30. Hill said that before Covid started he was working on a horse farm. “My boss was 80 years old and did not want me on the farm anymore. I had always wanted to run a tack store after our closest tack store went out of buisness,” added Hill. Hill started his company by buying items from a store in PA and selling them on his own. Hill adds, “I talked to the owner and he wanted to help me. I buy wholesale from him on most of my products.” Hill is also involved in a riding club that helped him get started as well saying that they brought him items they were not using anymore so he could have more inventory to sell. He stated, “throughout the summer I went to several tack auctions.” Logan’s Tack Shack sells a variety of items including both english and western styles of tack which include bridals, saddles, and halters, that are both new and used. He also started selling home decor. Hill

said each item’s price depends on its quantity and use still left. Most of the sales are made on Facebook during his live sales, which he does about once or twice a week. You can purchase an item off the live stream by messaging him once you see the choices. Hill’s Facebook page is open to anybody to join and watch. “ I sell most of my saddles on Ebay, that seems to work out much better.” Hill also states he has attended some in person horse shows. “I was supposed to attend the Harrisburg Horse World Expo this year but due to Covid the event was cancelled. That is one of my goals for the next year.” “Every tack store is different, my way of standing out is doing online sales. Not many people can do them and actually have a lot of customers watch,” states Hill. His method of keeping his stock on tack is “if I wouldn't use it then I'm not going to be able to sell it.” “I definitely think Covid has helped me, you can tell when everybody went back to work because sales started to slow down but now they are back to the way I started and growing every week.”

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November 25, 2020

World of Wanderlust Unheard of places to travel; Must see views GRACE FELDBUSH Reporter One place everyone should get a chance to experience is the Enchanted Forest in West Virginia. It is in Marlinton, West Virginia and the location has trails, bridges, and lots of wildlife. The walk is peaceful because you are surrounded by trees and fresh air.

Many walk through the Enchanted Forest in West Virginia every day. Most never forget the experience. Photo Credits: Pinterest

Santorini, Greece is a beautiful place located right by the water. It is known as one of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea. Its rugged landscaping is from a volcano eruption years ago. This place overlooks the sea, and there are beaches made up of black, white, and red lava pebbles.

Many people visit these colorful buildings every day. Some are locals who are used to the beautiful view Greece has to offer. Photo Credits: Pinterest Another beautiful place to visit is the Valley of the Gods in Utah. The formations are sculpted from Cedar Mesa sandstone dating to the Permian period, around 250 million years ago. Eroded by water, wind, and ice over millions of years, the rock was carved into the unique buttes, monoliths, pinnacles, and other features as seen today.

Do you pack light or heavy when going on vacation? Compiled by: Rachel Keeney

19%

81%

Pack lightly

Pack heavy

Many walk through this valley for fun. Some would find it scary. Photo Credits: Pinterest

262 people polled

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November 25, 2020

Crazy vacation memories JESSICA FANNIN Reporter

Kian Pucher, sophomore “This past summer I was surfing down in OBX near Kitty Hawk pier. I was just chilling on my board out the back waiting for a wave with a friend and we both saw a shadow in the water in front of us. Then we saw a dorsal fin and a tail fin come out of the water. We realized it was a shark and the shadow started to swim towards me but we both turned around and paddled in. The shark got pretty close.”

Kian surfs down the line on a great wave. On previous days he was surfing 6-7 foot waves. Photo credits: Luke Mejia

Reese Showalter, sophomore

Would you rather go somewhere warm or cold?

“The craziest vacation memory is probably when my family and I went to California. We went to San Diego, LA, and Anaheim. When we were on the walk of fame there were a lot of people dressed up. There was a guy dressed up as Spider-man and he jumped off a tall ledge and I didn’t see him and he scared me. He also didn’t land the jump but just got up and ran away. That was really weird.”

Compiled by: Rachel Keeney

279 people polled

voted somewhere warm

14%

voted somewhere cold

Reese spends time with her family on the dock. They had explored Los Angeles on their vacation. Photo credits: Cathrine Showalter

Madison Blubaugh, junior “I went on a vacation to Carolina Beach in North Carolina over the summer. The craziest memory was probably when someone hit the side of the condo with their car. We had just gotten back from the beach and we felt the ground shake for a second. It was the weirdest thing ever, then I looked over the balcony and saw the car. Luckily the condo was fine and no one was hurt.”

Madison watches the waves crash on Carolina Beach. She and her family enjoyed their stay at the beach house. Photo creds: Madison Blubaugh

86%

Cry of the Hawk

November 25, 2020

New disease technology being developed; Scientists look further into gene therapy ZOE MILKES Features Editor Illness, disease, and disorders. All these things strike a human’s ordinary life. Scientists are currently exploring a new treatment, gene therapy. According to the U.S. National Public Library of Medicine, gene therapy, “may allow doctors to treat a disorder by inserting a gene into a patient’s cells instead of using drugs or therapy.” There are several different approaches to gene therapy. According to the Library of Medicine, there are three approaches including: “replacing a mutated gene that causes disease with a healthy copy of the gene, inactivating a gene that is functioning improperly, and introducing a new gene into the body to help fight disease.” The University of Utah has a genetic science learning center where students study gene therapy. According to the center, most commonly gene therapy, “uses a vector (typically a virus) to deliver a gene to the cells where it’s needed.” The center further explained that once the gene is inside the cell, the cell uses the information to build protein molecules. These

proteins then carry out their job in the cells. Jaysson Eicholtz, a 1995 NHHS alumnus, co-founded Forge Biologics, a gene therapy manufacturer. Eicholtz was inspired to start this company because he saw the potential of gene therapy. He said he has had a career in pharmaceuticals and biotech but has, “never seen drugs that can be miracles and saving cures like [he] has in the gene therapy world.” Although he saw the great possibilities in gene therapy, he also said he picked up on the need for more efficient manufacturing. According to Eicholtz, “wait times just to get drug manufactured can be 18 months in some cases.” According to Eicholtz, the mission behind Forge Biologics is to “enable access to life-changing gene therapies and help bring them from an idea into reality.” Forge is a company that has two specific parts. Eicholtz explains that there is a therapeutic element they “have [their] own specific treatments and products that [they] are working to get into clinical trials and beyond to serve those patient populations.” There is also a contract man-

ufacturing element. According to Eicholtz, “Forge is manufacturing for the industry as a whole and trying to support as many programs/drugs as possible through trials onto commercial manufacturing.” The company is currently working on a Krabbe disease program. Eicholtz added that it, “will be moving into trial by the beginning of 2021.” Eicholtz says he sees a “bright future” for gene therapy. He elaborated by stating that, “it continues to be the best bet for a devastating rare disease where there are few options and very little treatment options. It is increasingly being looked at in areas of larger diseases and even in animal healthcare as well.” As far as Forge Biologics, there is currently a 175,00 square feet office and production facility being built and according to Eicholtz they “have Friday kickball games while [ the facility] is under construction.” Eicholtz reflects on his days at North Harford where he met his wife (Michelle Ulrich, class of 1995) at NHMS in the seventh grade. They both “cherish their time as Hawks.” He adds that he “wouldn’t be where [he] is in [his] career today without her support all along the way.”

BioNTech share progress on COVID-19 vaccine release VICTORIA HANNA Reporter

On November 8, 2020, Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE announced their mRNA-based vaccine candidate against Covid-19, according to Pzfier Inc. This vaccine was found to be more than 90 percent effective in preventing the illness, and none of the tested candidates were found to induce any safety concerns. Dr. Albert Bourla, Pfizer chairman and CEO says “today is a great day for science and humanity, the first results from our Phase 3 COVID-19 vaccine trials provide the initial evidence of our vaccine’s ability to prevent COVID-19.”Bourla also adds, “we are reaching this critical milestone in our vaccine development program at the time when the world needs it most with infection rates setting new records, hospitals nearing over-capacity and economies struggling to reopen.” After Pfizer discussed with the FDA, the two companies decided to drop the 32-case interim analysis and perform the first interim analysis at a minimum of 62 cases. This analysis reached a case count of 94 and performed in all cases. The test showed an efficiency rate above 90 percent at seven days, after the second dose. After 28 days of the initial injection of the trial vaccine, 9 percent of patients had achieved immunity or protection from COVID-19. Bourla then made a press release thanking volunteers who participated in the clinical trial saying “I want to thank the thousands of people who volunteered to participate in the clinical trial.” Sophomore Madalyn Rutch states that she “didn’t know that the vaccine was that close to being done,” and also adds “it feels like it’s been forever since this thing first started.” Junior Josh Garrett says that he’s “excited for the vaccine to be released to the public.” Garrett says “I’m so ready to get back to normal life, school included.” The Phase 3 clinical trial began on July 27, enrolling 43,538 global participants, 42 percent of which have racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds, according to Pfizer Inc., the trial is expected to continue through the final analysis when 164 confirmed COVID-19 cases have accrued. This study will also help with the protection against severe COVID-19 disease.The vaccine is expected to be released to the public after the FDA approves that the vaccine has reached the required safety milestone, according to Pfizer Inc., and that is guessed to occur in the third week of November. As far as the ‘final’ numbers go, 94 participants out of almost 44,000 have gotten sick with COVID-19 after receiving the vaccine. However, the data released was ‘blinded’, meaning that it was not shown how many of the 94 people sickened by the virus got the vaccine or placebo.

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You are not alone!

If you or someone you know is struggling, there are also many hotline numbers that are available 24/7 if you are having a crisis or need someone to talk to. The National Suicide Hotline is available at 800-273-8255. There is also a hotline specifically designed for teens available 24/7 at 877-968-8491.

Mental health awareness key to treatment, help KENSINGTON BOYANICH Reporter

If you believe someone is having suicidal thoughts or has According to Harford Mental a plan, the best thing to do is express your concern for them, Health, of Maryland’s 24 counties, Har- listen to them, and be compasford County has the seventh sionate. In the situation of a minor, you highest suicide completion rate, 11.4%, well above the state aver- should contact a trusted adult to age” This site also states that help them. If you are experiencsomeone dies every 12.3 minutes ing suicidal thoughts or have considered taking your own life it is from suicide. important to reach out to Suicide is the 10th leadsomeone you trust ing cause of death in for support or the United States contact your according to local crisis “I wouldn’t have been the CDC. center. Harford able to get there without SophoCounty MD my friends supporting me more Ian has a secCalhoun through my journey.... tion on its said he has website that -Ian Calhoun had strughas suicide gles with sexrisk factors uality and menand warnings tal health issues. listing some as, hav“I accepted myself as ing symptoms or a diagI realized I liked boys the way nosis of a mental health disorder, drug or alcohol use, and history other guys liked girls. I wouldn’t of trauma along with a few oth- have been able to get there without my friends supporting me ers. It is important to realize that through my journey.” Calhoun added, “sometimes just because someone may have these risk factors it doesn’t al- what people say and think gets ways mean that they are thinking to me and when something big happens that’s negative, I get about suicide. The website also lists some stressed and don’t feel right.” The website for, Harford Counwarning signs and red flags. These include changes in ap- ty MD, has a section for teens and pearance, a drop in grades, a re- multiple resources regarding bulcent breakup, and many more lying, mental health, body perimportant life changes and sub- ception, and many more resources that can help with growing up. stance abuse.

Page 20/ Sports

Cry of the Hawk

November 25, 2020

Music teacher runs her first half marathon GRACE FELDBUSH Reporter

From the stage to the outdoors, Ms. Katelyn Hemling is finding her way. According to Hemling she got a job at North Harford right around when COVID hit. Before Hemling joined the staff at NH, she was living in Boston completing her master's degree in Opera Performance. “Not only was my voice teacher in high school the choral director at North Harford for many years, but I grew up in the HCPS system and knew of NHHS’s excellent choirs!” Hemling states. She added she is very excited to work with this choir family. Choir isn’t the only thing Hemling spends her time doing. As reported by Hemling, she ran her first half marathon just a few weeks ago. Over the last year she has been on a life changing per-

sonal fitness journey. “I was a swimmer growing up and never liked running.” Hemling says. “Five years ago, my dad and sister ran the Baltimore Half Marathon and I cheered them on. At the time, I didn’t believe I could ever do anything like that.” Ms. Hemling states. When she started her journey, she wanted to start challenging herself with running because she thought running was impossible for her. “I have never been a very athletic person, so this is all new for me,” Ms. Hemling says. She states now that she has started running, she really enjoys being outside in nature having

Students grow into college athletes

It's that time of year again, signing day, where senior athletes make the decision of where they are going to continue their athletic careers. National Signing Day is traditionally the first day that a high school senior can sign a binding National Letter of Intent for a collegiate sport with a school that is a member of the United States National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Many of our fellow students at North Harford including seniors Dylan Jablon, Caitlyn Allen, and Rachel Keeney,

ed to continue her career into college, she even started the college search in 8th grade. After her making this decision, she said her excitement comes from the idea of being “able to compete with people from all different states and regions and be on a team with the same skill level and energy as me and have a ton of people watch me do what I love.” While she is excited for the new team, she said she is nervous about “not making line ups and be as good as everyone else because you have to earn a spot to compete.” The reason Allen chose this col-

(Back row) Dylan Jablon, York Soccer; Emma Hopkins, Elizabethtown Lacrosse; Rachel Keeney, Millersville Lacrosse; (Front row) Mitchell Wittkamp, Salisbury Baseball; Lily Macatee, Gettysburg Lacrosse; (Not Pictured) Caitlyn Allen, Towson Gymnastics; Derek Caiazzo, Indianapolis Lacrosse; Morghan Kilduff; Alabama in Huntsville Lacrosse; PHOTO CREDIT: Mr. Timothy Larrimore have made that commitment. Students took time and effort for the opportunity to play for their dream schools. Jablon made the decision to continue his soccer career at York College. He is playing center defense mid or outside wing/ back for the team. For his decision he took into consideration three different schools including Randolph Macon, Salisbury, and his top choice, York. Just like most college athletes Jablon has been playing soccer since he was a kid “I’ve been playing since I was 4.” He is most excited to “be on a new team and meeting new people.” As for Allen, she is continuing her gymnastics career at Towson University. She stated that she has always want-

better herself as a person. “My family and friends believed I could do it which helped me to not give up,” Hemling states. She overall wanted to be a healthier more active person Hemling adds “Through this process I realized that you truly could do anything you set your mind to and you cannot let anything get in the way. It’s a message I hope that all people hear and really take seriously. You are your own worst critic and if you convince yourself that you are capable, that’s all that matters.” “I teach 5 curricular choirs and one beginning piano course! The choirs consist of varying levels beginning with Women’s and Men’s Chorus. Then, advanced women’s chorus, known as Bel Canto, advanced mixed choir, known as Chamber Choir and our advanced small a Capella group, The Harmonics,” Hemling states.

Santoro states, “Salisbury cross country and other sports have just strictly been practicing with no competition, however we have been having many timed trials to make up for the lost meets.” She also adds, “the hardest part about not having meets is that we are all putting in so much work and effort but not being able to show our progress and compete.” For the Division I athletes Tikiob said, “The NCAA cancelled all D1 championships and our league (Patriot League) has also cancelled any meets that would occur right now, so at the moment we have no official races to run.” Chandler said that every school in the MAC is also participating in this same season format and are all competing against each other. With COVID guidelines in place from the CDC, athletes are already required to follow new standards. “We got into phase three which means we are back as a team with some regulations. (All with masks unless outside and 10ft apart) Unfortunately, last week a member of our girls’ team tested positive for the virus, so now we are back in phase one running in our pods again two days a week, the other days on our own,” according to Chandler. Tikiob states, “For right now, everything is online because of an outbreak on campus, so they’re hoping to get everything opened up by the 23 of Oct.” Tikiob had started the year being able to run with his teammates and

what he missed most was “having cookouts and parties with the team, but now we cannot do any gatherings together.” Even though the season was not eliminated, the loss of the physical season means the teams lose the opportunities of what makes the season more normal. According to Chandler, “I miss going to meets because the trips we take are always so fun! Last year we got to travel to some cool places like Connecticut and New York; this year we are limited to on-campus races. Even the bus ride is super fun and makes for great memories. The energy at meets is also a lot more encouraging with lots of fans.” According to Santoro, “Normally we would be competing against other schools and traveling, however this year we just did multiple time trials every other week at different distances to mimic meets. Practice has been overall the same besides now we have to wear masks most of the time in practice.” Although virtual cross country wasn’t exactly what Chandler was hoping for, she states, “Having virtual meets isn’t the greatest thing, but I am very thankful that we can race at all, because I know lots of teams don’t have this opportunity. It’s amazing the ways God is working through our team currently to teach us lessons in patience and how to love one another and love running in a new way.”

Ms. Hemling after working hard to improve herself with physical activity. Ms. Hemling hopes to keep up with her running in the future. PHOTO CREDIT: Ms. Katelyn Hemling

Committing to future; EMILY GREEN Video Editor

dedicated time to her health and wellbeing. According to Ms. Hemling, a lot of training went into reaching her goal. She ran five to six days a week and still cross trained on her days off in order to prepare herself the best she could to be able to meet her goal. She usually did short runs throughout the week, between two to five miles, and longer runs on Sundays which were, between six and eleven miles. “Running with my dad on the long runs helped keep me motivated,” Hemling added. Ms. Hemling stated that she didn’t go on this journey for anyone but herself, and to

lege was because “the team is like a family and I want to be a part of something like this. Also, this campus and just the whole feel of being a Tiger.” In addition to these two students, Keeney also made a commitment to Millersville University for lacrosse. With this decision she is most excited to push herself in training and strive to be a key player. She is excited to focus on her skills and learn from other girls on the team. For Keeney she has known since 6th grade she wanted to continue her career in college. “I grew up playing three sports my entire life and have always loved every aspect of it. But I specifically have always wanted to play lacrosse in college.”

NCAA turns to virtual athletics GREER STRINE Sports Editor

Athletes in high school are not the only ones doing virtual sports. NCAA athletes are also participating in this new way of doing sports. According to the NCAA, colleges across the nation are doing virtual seasons this year. North Harford alumnae Cassidy Chandler runs cross country and track for Messiah University, a NCAA Division III school, which has also decided to compete virtually. Alyssa Santoro also runs for a Division III school, Salisbury University. Another NH alumnus, Will Tikiob, runs cross country at Lehigh University which is a NCAA Division I school. Chandler commented, “We run a certain race against the other teams in our conference, the Middle Athletic Conference (MAC). The top places for each team get scored and we compete against the other teams and then there is a winning team just like there would be if we were racing.” Messiah had started three phases to participate in athletics. Chandler stated phase one was running in pods of eight, which were determined by who they lived with or were around with only two practices with their coach per week. Phase two was more coach lead practices and phase three was full team practices, while running in packs, but wearing masks when within 10ft of one another.

Page 19/ Sports

Cry of the Hawk

November 25, 2020

No time to Alumna finds her passion at Susquehanna University BULTMAN re L A X JACKIE Video Editor Someone had randomly suggest- coaching football at Susquehan- opportunity to work with four

LEAH HILLIER Copy Editor

North Harford is no stranger to feats of athleticism, one student who exemplifies this is sophomore Alyssa Edwards. Edwards is a goalie on North Harford’s varsity girls lacrosse team but, “sadly, due to COVID-19 [they] only got to play one game together." Despite the challenges due to the unusual circumstances, Edwards still says that “playing on the varsity team was great, I had lots of fun doing conditioning with them.” Edwards has played on several club teams in her lacrosse career, True Lacrosse MDwhich originally was called Wolfpack, Elite Lacrosse on they grey team, and is currently playing for Skywalkers Lacrosse on the blue team, “one of the best club teams in the country,” according to Edwards. “My training is usually three days a week. I do conditioning with one coach and then the two other days, I go to goalie training to work on goalie specific things,” says Edwards, the skills she focuses on during goalie training include “speed, hand-eye coordination, and footwork.” Edwards says she enjoys forensic science, and “[she wants] to work for the FBI” after college. However, as far as recieving attention from college scouts, "being scouted is a great feeling; it makes you feel like all the hard work you put in is finally paying off,” according to Edwards. She dreams of “playing lacrosse at a Division I college,” of which there are only 375 in the United States. Under seven percent of colleges in the United States are DI, according to the NCAA, and there are over “6,000 athletic teams” in the combination of these schools- which are in every state, and Washington D.C., except for Alaska. Out of the colleges that are activly scouting Edwards, Penn State is one. “Penn State is one of my top 20 picks, and I’m interested in committing to their school," the athlete said. One athlete Edwards looks up to is Megan Taylor, a graduate from the University of Maryland- College Park last year, but not before breaking many records, including being the first goalie to receive the Tewaaraton Award Winner in 2019, and being the first lacrosse player to ever become a finalist for the James E. Sullivan Award, and the recipient of the Big Ten goalie of the year for every year of her career at Maryland. Edwards wants to “become one of the best lacrosse goalies in history." Edwards is well on her way, having played among the best in the country in the Under Armour All-American Lacrosse tournament, with the Maryland-based team Baltimore Girls – Command. “Preparing for Under Armour was very stressful.” She says, “it is one of the largest tournaments you can take part in as a lacrosse player.”

To be a head coach of a championship-winning college team, sounds like a position that requires years of commitment. Allison Fordyce has quite the resume of experience and the titles to prove it, but she admits coaching was not always what she thought she was going to do. After graduating from NHHS, her grand plans for going away for college came to a halt. Her parents won the opportunity to teach in Hungary for a year, so Fordyce stayed local and went to Harford Community College. There she played field hockey for two seasons and won a National Championship. Two years later, she transferred to Towson University and then to graduate school at McDaniel College where Fordyce admits, “I was going for a master’s in education thinking, 'oh maybe I’ll be a teacher', but kind of deep down know I didn’t really want to be a teacher.” Out of the blue, one day, an opportunity arose for her to coach field hockey and lacrosse at Harford Community College. She says, “looking back [it was] completely absurd because I was twenty-two years old and I had no idea what I was doing.”

ed that she apply for the athletic na University. Resorting back director job. “I ended up getting to teaching she says, “I was still the job and it was an awesome teaching preschool, purely to experience. I think it really have a job, but it wasn’t for me.” shaped At a crossme, just road in her because life, she was at a really trying to figyoung age I ure out what was forced to do next. to make “I went some pretthrough all ty tough these, what decisions am I doing, and be in what am positions I going to that were do with my completely life, kind of outside of thoughts,” my comshe confort zone,” f e s s e s . she reveals. “Coaching Fordyce somehow c o a c h e d Current Susquehanna field hockey kept coma n d coach Allison Fordyce. Alumna of ing back to w o r k e d North Harford, PHOTO CREDIT: me or I just at Har- Allison Fordyce couldn’t ford Coml e a v e , ” munity for five years. Fordyce claims. Her coaching journey continAnother opportunity soon ued at College of Notre Dame for presented itself, where she beone season. Next at York College came the assistant coach for for a few years where she start- field hockey and lacrosse at ed the first NCAA Women’s Susquehanna University for Lacrosse team for the school. four years. She confirms, “in Fordyce later had to leave York, hindsight it was one of the best because her husband took a job experiences I ever had. I had the

Maintaining the pace of the season; Charm City Run keeps athletes moving forward KIMBERLY EDGAR Reporter

practice, they would participate in a 10-minute cooldown, ac“In an attempt to keep our cording to senior Erin O’Leary. runners running, Charm City Coaches from all over Harford Run of Bel Air offered Harford County were very supportive and County high school students encouraging. Senior Laurel Brown an opportunity to get togeth- said. “They divided everyone into er in a socially distant way groups based on speed so you to keep training,” says Laura could run with people the same O’Leary, cross country coach. pace as you.” Students were able Charm City Run is a Running to challenge themselves to gain & Walking Specialty company skill, and to meet new friends. that offers a Cross Country Race “My group was B which was S e a little ries as daunting well at first a s because other it was races all boys that besides t h e two girls. parBut all ticithe guys pants were realcould ly friendly s i g n Athletes prepare for Charm City Race Se- and inup for. ries. Training occured in their downtimes. clusive. It A c - PHOTO CREDIT: Alex Kruger was great cordrunning i n g with them. to O’Leary, the cross-country I’m really happy with the progteam met up on Mondays and ress I made,” states Brown. Wednesdays at the Farm Fair O’Leary says she loved the grounds and ran workouts and Charm City run group. “I was met Saturdays for longer runs. always really motivated during They were given an individual practices because there were so training program to follow on many people around me who the days they were not meeting. were also motivated and excitThere were 83 kids signed up ed to be there,” says the coach. from schools across the county The groups that were divided except Fallston who has their seem to bring students together own program. O’Leary add- from different schools. O’Leary ed, “Kids were put into groups states that she met a lot of people based on their mile times and from C Milton and Patterson Mill. coaches alternated coaching “We all ran together most of the different groups! It was fun.” time and really supported each During practices students other and cheered each other on.” would warmup together, then The amount of support and break into small groups. The encouragement led to many imworkout portion followed provements for many of the pardrills, including activities like ticipants. Brown mentioned that hill repeats and speed change she just did “a 1600-meter time trichallenges. Towards the end of al Tuesday and got a PR of 5:20.”

different coaches during my time [there], all with different coaching styles and experience.” Fordyce stepped up and is now in her fourth year as Head Field Hockey Coach and in her eighth year overall at Susquehanna University. She is also the Senior Women’s Administrator for the school. She emphasizes to her players all the time, “Even when you don’t think so, it’s going to be okay and it’s going to work out. You don’t know how but it will.” Even in the times of uncertainty for Fordyce, what she was meant to do, found her. “There’s nothing I’d rather do. It’s been a great experience, lots of ups and downs but I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” she expresses. Regarding NH, Fordyce comments, “Looking back I don’t know if I appreciated it then but I think that I really was impacted by the small community feel; which is very much what I found at Susquehanna.” She attributes NH for showing her that you can feel comfortable in whatever you choose to do, and for her, that was coaching. In the small community of NH, “you could be whoever you wanted to be. It was a comfortable environment.”

Dancing from stage to studio KENDALL SCHUBERT Business Manager Cassidy Miller went from the NH dance team to studying dance at Towson University. This brought her to her current place of employment that introduced Miller to the GYROTONIC® Method. The GYROTONIC® Method is a crossover of Pilates and dance. Juliu Horvath, a former dancer, created the GYROTONIC® Method about 40 years ago. It started out as Yoga for Dancers but then Horvath created a machine that matched the movements which lead to the method. GYROKINESIS® is the same thing, but without the machines. Miller states that as Horvath has gotten older, he’s created more modifications to his method so it can stay universal and healthy. The movements are more choreographed and styled, bringing in the dance aspect. Miller explains, “when you’re a dancer you reach a point where you must ask yourself if this is how you want to pursue your dance career.” She knew she wanted to go a different route. After dancing her whole life, she states, “it was a wonderful way to transition from dancing all the time to keep moving in a similar way.” After moving to DC, Miller accidentally stumled upon this method. She interned at the Kennedy Center for dance and then worked parttime at a fitness center. She then found her current job at Elements Fitness and Wellness Center through a Google search and it became “clear that after being a dancer this intrigued her as a form of exercise.” She started as part-time and moved to full-time as the Studio Manager. She was then given the opportunity to go through teacher training for the GYROTONIC® Method. To complete her training, she must go through four courses. These courses go pretraining, foundation, apprentice review, and final certification. She needs 60 practice hours and is about halfway through them. The whole process takes about a year. Miller says, “between the courses and the practice hours needed the whole thing is about 200 hours total.” The levels of teaching go from apprentice, certified trainer, to master trainer. Miller says, “there’s only about 100 master trainers in the world, and most have trained with Horvath.” The owner of Elements Fitness and Wellness Center trained under Horvath in New York. The alumna got her degree in business at Towson, and she says “owning her own studio isn’t out of the question, but [she’s]really happy at Elements.” It’s one of two studios in the country that offer final certifications. It’s large and lots of people come from all over and “[she] feels lucky to be there.” Before COVID, the GYROTONIC® Method wasn’t allowed to be taught online. Horvath wanted to keep his method safe and as close to the original as possible. Due to the Coronavirus, the trainers needed an income, so they apporoved online instruction. People from all over the world would join zoom classes with master trainers, and “it brought the community together so beautifully,” says the dancer. There's a Facebook group where they all communicate about classes. Miller “loves that it’s made to support everyone, no matter their age.” She talks about how no matter where you are with your physical abilities this method can be modified for that person. As a dancer she “see’s the ripple effect in the community when people reach out to learn more about the exercise.”