November 2022

NORTH HARFORD HIGH SCHOOL

211 PYLESVILLE RD, PYLESVILLE, MD 21132

410-638-3650

VOLUME 44 ISSUE 3

DECEMBER 6, 2022

45 students accepted into Honor Society; Many participants attend recognition ceremony EMILY JOHNSON IDR Editor Now raise your right hand and repeat after me: the National Honor Society induction ceremony is back! After a small ceremony with only new members last fall, inductees, existing members, and their families gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of 45 new junior and senior members on Nov. 3.

In order to be accepted into the society, applicants must be selected and meet specific requirements. The application process includes a section of recommendation from a teacher, 20-30 hours of community service, past classes you have taken (including credits earned in those classes as well) and leadership/character questions that are based on a point system.

The papers are then turned into the adviser/officers of the

“a returning member comes up to link arms, and escorts you to the stage when your name is called.”

Once participants have lined up and signed their name in a memberNew members assemble on stage, wielding their candles and cords. ship book, The ceremony took place in the auditorium, and afterwards there was a “they hand you a cord celebratory dessert served. PHOTO CREDIT: Rachael Sims and candle,” and club and reviewing begins. ny is quite intricate, including Once an applicant is officially speeches about the 4 pillars walk to a spot on the risers. chosen for membership, a let- that the society is associated Once everybody is lined up, ter is sent to the student con- with, and a candle lighting. Ju- each inductee lights their cangratulating them, and inviting nior Mackenzie Dunaway ex- dle, and officers instruct them the student and their family to plained that after entering the to raise their hand to recite an the ceremony. auditorium, taking a seat, and oath. Certificates of memberThe process of the ceremo- listening to officer speeches, ship are given out as students

leave the stage to gather with family and friends.

Senior Abigail Saltzer, who is the president of the club, stated that “As of right now, the club as a whole hasn’t met yet.” While they had all their focus on the ceremony planning, now they “can start [their] meetings again with the new members.”

Tutoring is also an important aspect of being in the club; members are expected to tutor other students for many hours each quarter, and this takes place on Wednesdays from 2:00-3:00 in Mr. Peddicord’ s room, E304.

It is, “not only difficult to attain [membership], but to remain in the society,” according to Saltzer. Members must “continue to uphold their academic success and honorable behavior” to remain part of the organization, according to the senior.

FFA travels to Indiana for competition

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BELLA ARIST Reporter

At two in the morning, 11 students that are a part of Future Farmers of America went to the airport to travel to Indiana for a week. They were accompanied by three adults to help guide them throughout the whole experience.

Individuals came from all around the country to participate in different FFA competitions. There were three categories: environmental natural resources, meat evaluation, and nursery landscaping. Different groups had different tasks to complete based on their assigned section.

Junior Cole Hellwig was in the category of meat evaluation. The group went to a meat locker at Purdue University and competed with the knowledge of the topics.

Hellwig claimed, “there was a lot of good information we got to learn from the entire

thing.”

For meat evaluation, there were 40 retail cuts, the contestants had to identify how to cook them and where they came from from the primal cut.

Also, inside the meat locker, there were four different carcasses held up from the ceiling that they had to identify from best to worst.

Hellwig explained, “we met a lot of [people from] different states there like Texas, Ohio, Hawaii, and even Puerto Rico.”

The judges for the competitions were panels from all different states. Other than the actual competitions, students got to go to concerts throughout the week including Jimmy Allen and Lauren Alana. They also got to go to a rodeo with lots of people and activities.

For the cost of this experience, half of it was paid from alumni and half from the students. Hellwig claims, “I would definitely do it again, it was very exciting but nev-

er racking at the same time.

Overall, I had an amazing time other than having to wake up extra early for the competitions.”

Junior Mia Coleman was also a part of the meat evaluation category. She said, “the actual competition was definitely a learning experience because I have never been to a meat locker before. Although it was traumatizing and disturbing to see the carcasses hang, it was cool to be able to get the encounter.”

Overall, she had an, “amazing time, and [her] favorite part of the trip was going to the rodeo because of the vibe.”

Coleman struggled with, “getting up early, and the bus ride was nerve racking because of the anticipation of the competition ahead.” Her team, “didn’t know a lot, but was there to learn.”

The most valuable thing the member learned was that, “FFA isn’t just a small part of the community. At North

Harford, there are a few people here that are in FFA, but going to a national convention, it was cool to see how many people were involved.”

Senior member Maggie Layman was a part of the environmental natural resources group. She placed bronze individually, but as a team they placed gold. For her event, she has to complete a GPS course, which consisted of two different water tests, and a soil evaluation, as well as a multiple-choice test for each section. They also had to do a presentation in front of the panel of judges.

Overall, Layman had, “a lot of fun, and the team [she] competed with this year, was one of the best teams [she’s] ever been with.” She said, “the hardest part of the entire week was having to sit through orientation for the competition itself, it was very boring.” Her favorite part of the week was the convention center because she “got to plant two plants

from one of the booths.”

Junior James Ortt competed in the category nursery landscaping and placed silver. He said, “we had a series of different tests and competitions where we had to identify different plants and landscapes, and different portions/masses.” ] One thing they had to do was demonstrate how to prune bushes and where they would place certain things in a landscape.

He explained, “it was really fun to see different places and meet different people, I would definitely go again.”

The hardest part of the week for Ortt was, “managing school work and making sure [he] doesn’t fall behind in any of [his] classes.”

Ortt said, “I learned how many different aspects and perspectives there are to agriculture. There are so many different cultures that I got to take in which was really awesome.”

Cry of the Hawk

Page 2/ OP/ED

Urban exploration increases; Thrill is not worth consequence EDITORIAL

Urbex, or urban exploration, is defined by Collins Dictionary as, “a recreational activity in which people explore derelict urban structures, such as abandoned sewers or underground railways, or attempt to access areas which are closed to the public such as the roofs of skyscrapers.”

Urbex is often displayed all over social media by average people. YouTube videos feature people exploring famous places, gathering millions of views. The history of buildings, their extravagance, and sometimes the reputation that they are haunted or forgotten, are what draw people to Urbex.

While this all sounds intriguing, Urbex poses many difficult issues. The buildings people enter may not be structurally sound, so walking into a building with multiple floors poses a threat.

Roofs can cave in, and there can be many hazardous items. In bigger places such as old hospitals, asylums, or treatment facilities; they can have hazards such as chemicals, used needles, and broken equipment.

At very popular abandoned buildings, it's not uncommon for someone to run into people who they may not want to run into.

People with ill intentions may

be inside, and if they encounter a person by themself or with a small group then they could be putting themselves in potential danger by running into dangerous people.

There are also issues involving the law. According to Discover.

Re, “Criminal damage, breaking and entering and theft are all self-explanatory and obviously against the law.” If you’re going into an abandoned place with intent to cause property damage, there is the possibility that someone may get caught, and they’re going to have to deal with the consequences. Someone may also be faced with trespassing charges, as many buildings are on owned property.

While these things are all reasons to avoid Urbex, the number of explorers is currently on the rise. Starting in the 1990’s, urbex has become international. The problem arises with it becoming so exposed in the media that people without inside knowledge partake and don't know exactly what they're getting into.

As previously mentioned, many places contain harmful chemicals and one of the biggest issues for urban explorers is asbestos. According to Linkedin “[in the] UK alone, the Health and Safety Executive puts the number of asbestos-related deaths at around

5,000 per year.”

Teenagers and young adults participating in this need to be aware that the people they see on social media doing these kind of things are putting themselves in harms ways for views and likes, the everyday person should not be involved in activities that are putting them in harmful situations, especially when content creators usually don't disclose all of the things that have gone wrong or have been dangerous.

With all these dangerous issues, even if this seems like something someone might be interested in, they need to keep some things in mind to stay safe. According to Expert Photography, you should never go alone. Tell others where you are going, bring some sort of flashlight or lighter, wear good shoes, and a face mask due to many places having chemicals or dust and wearing layers.

People going into these kinds of places don’t always know what to expect, so they should make sure to protect themself as best they can.

People should use good judgment so they don’t make choices that will put themselves in the wrong places just because they are following a trend.

The adrenaline rush is exciting, but it’s not worth your health and safety.

the importance of self-diagnosis comes into play. If you genuinely believe you have a problem, and you feel your doctor has come to a premature or incomplete conclusion, communicate with them and request further answers. If they refuse to elaborate to you, it may be time to find another doctor, they are not helping you.

Self-diagnosis can be helpful when trying to recognize a problem, but it is harmful when you conclude you have a certain disorder or illness without professional follow-up.

Harvard psychiatrist Dr. Alok Kanojia speaks on the importance of self-diagnosis, as well as its detriments. “Unless you are trained in differential diagnosis, the challenge of self-diagnosis on the internet is that there could be a thousand other things that create this constellation of symptoms,” Dr. Kanojia explains. “So can you diagnose yourself on the internet? Generally speaking, I wouldn’t recommend it, but I do think it’s a good idea to educate yourself, formulate hypotheses, and try to share those as transparently as possible with a par-

ticular medical provider. And hopefully, they’ll incorporate your information into their diagnostic experience, and that’s usually when you arrive at the best diagnosis.”

There is no denying an ADHD evaluation can be pricey. However, the price is necessary to cover the multitude of hours spent by these professionals evaluating and coming to an expert conclusion. The reason seeing a doctor is so important is because they provide you with valuable insight you are unable to receive elsewhere. What if you can’t afford the hundreds of dollars it costs?

Well, for NH students, there is a school psychologist, and they can help point you in the proper direction.

“When individuals self-diagnose psychological syndromes, they can miss a medical disease that contributes to their symptoms,” adds ValleyCares chief medical officer, Dr. Todd Thatcher. “With self-diagnosis, you also run the risk of being completely wrong about an illness you have, especially if the symptoms you are experiencing are common.”

Dangers of self-diagnosis; Using your doctor VIEWPOINT Are you unable to sit still? Do you struggle to pay attention in class? Is it difficult to study? If so, you may have ADHD. Wait, don’t jump to conclusions yet. If you have trouble focusing, it might not be ADHD; you may have a vitamin deficiency. You may have depression. You may be hypomanic. You may have anxiety. You may have PTSD. You may have sleep deprivation.

You may have a circadian rhythm disorder. You may have sleep apnea. You may even be struggling because of substance abuse, or caffeine dependence. It may not even be other illnesses that are the problem; it could just be your attention span shortening from the overindulgence of dopaminergic content like TikTok. This is differential diagnosis.

This is what doctors are trained to do. This is why you go to a doctor and get a proper diagnosis – they account for all the possibilities.

Now, you may say: ‘I know myself the best,’ or ‘my doctor won’t listen to me,’ and that is where

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

News Editors: Alexa Falls, Kris Gray Opinion/Editorial Editors: Noel Bailey, Mackenzie Scott Features Editor: Isabel Kropkowski IDR Editor: Emily Johnson Society, Students & Culture Editor: Meghan Kalck Video Editor: Matthew Ledford Copy Editors: Ben Iampieri, Lily Corcoran Events Coordinator: Bella Arist

December 6, 2022

Legal age varies depending on terms

KENSINGTON BOYANICH Business Manager When you turn 18, you are told you are legally an adult.

You can consent to your own medical care, buy lottery tickets, and even join the military, but you can't purchase alcohol or tobacco products.

The government allows me to join the army and risk my life for the country, but I’m not allowed to go to the corner store and buy a beer? The U.S. follows the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984, which was put into effect to prevent drinking and driving.

However, the federal Tobacco 21 law was only put into effect in 2019.

The rules are always changing, and while I think it is important we look into the laws and revise them as we progress as a society, there is too much variation between what ages can do what.

In many European countries, the legal age to purchase and consume alcohol is 18, which is also when you are allowed to purchase tobacco products.

This, to me, makes sense; it is regulated and straightforward.

But the age limit goes deeper than just these products. At 18, in the United States, you are allowed to purchase lottery tickets but depending on state

Health and Science Editor: Mekenzie McCann Entertainment Editor: Kimberly Edgar Sports Editors: Reese Showalter, Stella Manns Social Media Coordinator & Business Manager: Kensington Boyanich Reporters: Kimberly Allen, Bryn Cespedes, Deane Conway, Emma Cornman, Alexis Gott, Riley Herold, Gabby Moxham, Jack O’Connor, Brookelyn Priebe, Lilly Schisler, Brianna Seiser, Sarah Welzant Announcements Tech: Meghan Kalck

legislation, you can not gamble. Personally, I believe these things go hand-in-hand. You can buy scratch-off tickets and blow all your money on those, but I can not do the same thing on the Vegas strip.

The United States government says you must be at least 17 years old to join the military.

Your brain, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, does not fully develop until your mid-to-late 20s.

We are giving children assault weapons and putting them in foreign lands to fight for their lives.

A study in the journal of Clinical Psychological Science found that soldiers who enlisted before the age of 25 were seven times more likely to develop PTSD. It goes on to state that a veteran has a 97% chance of developing PTSD following combat.

The legal age for purchasing alcohol, tobacco, joining the military and many other privileges you get as an adult should all be given at the same age. Whether the age is 18, 21, or even 25, the constant rule-changing can be confusing.

This is not an out-of-thisworld concept, but rather one that makes knowing the rules and regulations easier for adults. I feel as though you cannot tell someone they are legally on their own and can make their own decisions but put regulations on those very same decisions.

I know that these laws were made to prevent future incidents and protect others, but at 18 you can be incarcerated as an adult as well. So, even if mistakes are made, there will be real consequences that will be faced.

The Cry of the Hawk newspaper is published 10 times a year by North Harford’s Journalism II/III class. All editorials and viewpoints express the feelings of those on the staff and not necessarily those of fellow students, administrators, or teachers. Please do not hesitate to submit letters to Advisor Jen Chandler in room D207.

Letters should be no longer than 300 words, must be signed, and may not contain vulgarity.

Page 3/ OP/ED

Cry of the Hawk

Setting age limits for politicians VIEWPOINT In the United States, you must be a minimum of 35 years old to be a candidate in a presidential election. To be a senator, you must be 30 or older. To be a representative, you must be 25. Notice how there are only minimum ages and no maximum ages.

Historyhouse.gov says that the Constitution states, “No Person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the age of twenty-five years and been seven Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State in which he shall be chosen.” There is nothing stating how there is a maximum age people are allowed to serve their position, only mentions of a minimum age they must be and other requirements.

Our current president, Joe Biden, is 80 years old. Former president Donald Trump is 76.

Retiring United States House of Representatives speaker Nancy

Pelosi was 79-82 years old while she was a representative. According to thought.co, “There are no explicit requirements in the U.S. Constitution for a person to be nominated to become a Supreme Court justice. No age, education, job experience, or citizenship rules exist.” Meanwhile, we have Justice Clarence Thomas, who is 74 years old, and Samuel A. Alito Jr., who is 72. These men have been justices for 31 and 16 years, respectively, and former Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who was 87 when she passed away, had been justice for 27 years.

These problems are surfacing because of this, and there will be no end to them unless we make one. People like president Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump are making decisions that are going to be impacting the new generation and the younger people in this country, even though most of this generation is not even old enough to be representatives and is not old enough to be president. Why do we not

have a maximum age so that people who decide to run for presidential elections are closer in age to the people they are impacting?

An issue is also with the lack of requirements for Supreme Court justices. According to supremecourt.gov, “Justices hold office as long as they choose and can only be removed from office by impeachment.” With the lack of limits, they will most likely not step down from office unless they absolutely need to, so many justices have been serving for years.

If we need term limits for presidents, we should have limits for other positions such as justices.

Keeping limits on ages should be mandatory because we should have people in the new generation running our country. According to katiccouric.com, 73 percent of Americans agree with this statement.

We cannot let people making our country’s decisions not be able to see the world's issues from the perspective of the people it's affecting the most.

Now, don’t get me wrong; I do think that climate change is a subject that needs to be discussed. Dangerous droughts have been causing major damage in California over the past few years. Flooding, due to rising temperatures and erosion, has been at record-breaking rates all over the world, like in South Korea and Afghanistan. People are being killed because of this issue, and that’s not a good sign for the planet and the well-being of humanity.

However, there’s a line between drawing attention to something important and pure stupidity.

Throwing things at priceless, historical objects isn’t going to make people more aware of climate change. Instead, they’re going to be paying attention to whoever was dense enough to glue themselves to a wall while having mashed potatoes dripping on them until they’re arrested.

Ironically enough, the activists aren’t even hitting the actual art.

The most damage that has been done, according to the Smithsonian Magazine, has been inflicted on the frames. The paintings are

covered by glass panels.

Protesting in this way is not going to make people suddenly care about climate change, and it’s not going to bring the attention that these activists are looking for. Sure, it may get people talking, but it won’t be about the subject matter itself; people will just be talking about the art. In some cases, they might even turn on climate activists themselves.

They might think, “Well, even though it’s not doing damage, it will get my family and friends talking!” Yes, they’ll be talking.

Talking about how to get the activist bailed out of jail since they got themselves arrested.

There are better ways to protest than putting yourself and history at risk. For example, people have the right to peaceful assembly in many countries. Why not take advantage of that? Stage a sit-in! Send a petition to a government official! Just don’t make yourself and the cause you’re fighting for look stupid. That’s not why you’re protesting. You’re protesting in order to gain support, not to push people away.

Think before you protest.

Ineffective activism: Damaging art will not help to fix climate change

LILY CORCORAN Copy Editor What did the Mona Lisa ever do to deserve getting pie smeared all over it? Or van Gogh’s Sunflowers with cans of soup?

If you don’t know what I’m talking about, here’s the rundown: Recently, all over the world, some climate activists have been targeting famous pieces of art, such as Monet’s Grainstacks, and throwing random canned foods, while supergluing themselves to the walls underneath the paintings. Then, they begin to yell about climate change and shame everyone in the museum for paying more attention to art than our dying planet.

December 6, 2022

Social media is misery business; Corruption disguised as careers

KIMBERLY EDGAR Entertainment Editor Social media’s purpose is to make connections all over the world, whether that be contacting an old friend or reaching out to friends and family in a group chat. Regardless of the reason, social media connects people in ways that give people more power of anonymity. What happens when that power is put in the wrong hands?

Nowadays, making a social media account is a part of growing up. Along with making the account comes with the decision to post or not. Many decide that posting is fun and they keep up with it regularly, but others decide to keep their account private or refuse to post often. Some post nothing at all.

Posting on social media gives people the power to showcase a part of themselves, but it also gives other people the opportunity to tear them down.

Anyone can make an anonymous account to post hate comments; reporting them only does so much when it takes only a minute to make a new account. Social media was made to make those connections easy, but the power gets out of hand.

The competition for likes and follows corrupts society.

It makes young adults pose a certain way, use a certain filter, and have the right friends to share their posts, all for a number or some sort of popularity status. If a post doesn’t reach the expectation, it gets deleted and lost to the abyss of the other ‘failed’ posts. You never feel so alone until you put all your self-worth into the number of followers you have. Your likes

become the number of people who care about you.

Numbers may start off small but when they grow larger a new issue is introduced. This issue is bringing in enough money to make a living. Money runs the world as we know it, and people are now benefiting substantially from posting on the internet. I don’t know about you, but it genuinely sickens me that people can make money from making ‘content.’ Youtube is one thing–I consider that to be similar to Netflix and Hulu. However, platforms like Instagram and Tiktok should not be bringing in a steady income for anyone.

All influencers have to do is be 18 and have a baseline of 10,000 followers to start getting money through the internet. This money could be from brand deals and sponsored posts or from their personal platform where people pay money directly to them to see their content. According to Insider, influencer Jehava Brown, who works with brands such as Amazon, Walmart, and Disney for paid partnerships has, “196,000 followers on Instagram. She recently told Insider that she charges an average [of] $5,000 for a single Instagram post and $3,000 for an Instagram Story.”

It is appalling that society has lost itself in the world of social media, so much so that it destroys people’s self-esteem and sets them up for mind-numbing tasks to make money. Nobody should be able to profit as easily as young adults do by posing with lip gloss by a specific brand. I understand ads, and I understand spreading the word, but the age requirement should be much older and it should be significantly harder for someone to be in that position. Kids are starting to make their career goal to be an influencer and that is not okay.

Social media corruption is now a worldwide issue thanks to easy access to the entire world with a click of a button. Things will only get worse from here. The more money people make from social media, the worse it will be for future generations to come.

Spending, appreciating time with family; Holidays coming around

BROOKELYN PRIEBE Reporter The holidays are coming around, and most people I know love Thanksgiving and Christmas, whether they are religious or not. They love the peace that the snow brings

(if it even does snow) and the Christmas songs, as well as the Christmas/Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas lights, Christmas trees, and, of course, they love the presents as well, because honestly, who doesn’t love presents?

However, all those things really aren’t the main importance of Christmas. The most important thing is the quality time you get with your family or the people you love. Having Christmas breakfast, wearing matching PJ’s, eating dinner with them, seeing Christmas lights with them, listening to Christmas music while you decorate with them. Buying them gifts, seeing them open

that gift, opening your own gifts while they watch you, and my personal favorite: spending time with your favorite cousin at the family party.

Many people celebrate these holidays without appreciating the good things that come from it. A few students said that their favorite thing about Christmas is the gifts they get. Now, not all people are like that. A lot of people actually like being with their loved ones more than getting gifts, and that’s exactly how it should be.

Being with the people you love is the best thing possible, and it should be appreciated more than what it is. According to highland-

sprinsclinic.org, “when we spend time with family—especially face-to-face communication, as opposed to digital—it significantly reduces the occurrence of depression, anxiety, and other mental illness. Being physically present with loved ones creates a strong emotional support to buoy you up through life's challenges.”

The holidays can be a hard time for some people who have lost or been cut off by their loved ones. It may be someone's first Christmas without their close friend or a family member who they loved dearly, but being surrounded by people who are full of light and good energy who you love and are thankful

for can bring so much positivity into a person's life.

Not only does spending time with family improve your mood during rough times of the year such as holidays, but spending time with them also builds a better relationship.

Having a good relationship with your family members is very important to your well being. You shouldn’t only surround yourself with your loved ones during the holidays. However, it is important to have those people and relationships as a daily thing.

Make more time to see the people who love you more often.

Page 4/ Op/Ed

December 6, 2022

Cry of the Hawk

Look before you leap, plan for the future

REESE SHOWALTER Sports Editor Like many others, I am a half day student this year. I only come to NH for the first two blocks everyday and then I head to HCC, where I am dual enrolled.

I am taking a college level English 101 class that counts as my

English 4 credit for high school and will also transfer to the college I choose to attend next year.

I thought that taking HCC classes was a great idea.

Now I am not so sure.

Here’s the thing. If I don’t pass, I don’t graduate.

And that’s a lot of pressure.

Everyone told me being part time and taking an HCC class was a GREAT option for a student like me.

But college classes are not the same as high school classes.

You know when you go from ninth grade to tenth grade it really isn't that big of a jump? I went from eleventh grade standard English to college level English.

This was like going from rec baseball to the Big Leagues.

I could have taken AP English,

but I didn’t because I had heard how stressful the class was.

When I asked about HCC English 101, I heard the opposite.

In standard English 11, I wrote one essay. I read one book.

On the first day of my college class a year later, I was told I was going to be writing five essays in 15 weeks that range from three to six pages.

If you do the math, that is an essay due every three weeks and the possibility of 30 pages of content in total.

And don’t forget that I am taking OTHER classes at the same time.

I’m not saying that there is no way this program should be offered because it is a great opportunity to become prepared for college and get college credits

that will transfer.

BUT...I am not sure most people REALLY know what they are getting themselves into.

I certainly didn't.

I am a straight A student. I do really well in school… and yet this class still knocked the wind out of me.

Sure, my English credit is only one semester and it counts as a full year for high school.

But at what cost?

I am exhausted.

I have been put under so much pressure over the past three months. Fall for seniors is already stressful enough. HCC is just adding to the pressure.

Going to college might seem like an oasis but the grass isn't always greener on the other side.

I was so unprepared not just

for the volume of work I was getting, but also the speed at which I had assignments due.

In high school I had teachers guiding me through every step of writing an essay through the planning, rough draft, final and all the steps in between.

College, yeah, not happening.

It is dependent on you. The professor is not taking you through every step. It’s here is the assignment and here is the due date.

If you are not prepared to take on that responsibility, don't take the leap before you have to.

While I am doing well and it has been a positive experience at the end of the day it came at a cost.

Before you choose to take these classes, know what you are getting yourself into.

Do your research, be prepared

overload creates stress; Funding for community response School Students deal with unnecessary burnout

MATTHEW LEDFORD Video Editor Firefighters and fire departments play many crucial roles among the civilian population by protecting life and property in the event of fires in their area.

Rescuing and protecting people in the event of a road traffic collision, as well as rescuing and protecting people in the event of other emergencies is their job.

Funding for firefighters is provided mostly by state and local governments. Beginning in the 1990s, lower funding in state and local budgets began, along with increasing responsibilities of local fire departments, leading many in the fire service communi-

ty to call for additional financial support from the federal government and an increased budget.

This has caused an increase in shortages in supplies and personnel, inability to promote capable firefighters, and purchase of new and better life-saving equipment due to lack of funds.

Dwindling fire department budgets create shortages in not only supplies but also in personnel. With a shortness in personnel comes slower response times, while also creating a higher risk for the community. A cardiac response time is usually five minutes with active personnel on standby. However, with low staffing numbers, response times to these same cardiac arrests can take up to thirty minutes waiting for an Emergency Medical Service (EMS) crew to free up.

Firefighters also provide an important role in educating the public regarding fire and safety, which also comes out of their budget. Teaching fire prevention and educating the public on how to respond to emergencies helps save lives. Most, if not all, fire departments have outreach services in which they aid underserved

communities and teach fire safety in workplaces.

Both state and national governments need to take the initiative and stop cutting first responders’ budgets. Instead of cutting these budgets, they need to increase them to provide adequate personnel, supplies, and training.

As caring members of society today, it is the responsibility of the citizens that these services protect and serve to ensure that they are well funded. These services provide not only life-saving pre-hospital care, they also protect and save burning buildings.

When disaster strikes, firefighters and Emergency Medical Service officials are the first people to reach the scene. They know that there is a chance that things might not go their way. These people are heroes who deserve to have the proper resources at their fingertips to save lives.

Think of when it comes time for you to need these services it is going to come down to your decision of how funded these men and women are. Whether it takes five minutes or it takes thirty to respond to your call, it can be the difference between life and death.

VIEWPOINT It’s 9:30 p.m. You’re still working on English homework. You’ve been doing it for three hours and you’re still not done. You want to take a break, but you can’t risk your grade dropping any further than it is already. What’s worse is that you still have math homework to do, too.

Does this sound familiar at all?

As students, we’re used to doing extra assignments that can take up time. However, we are all human; students, especially the ones taking higher-level classes, should not be subject to having so much work to do that we have panic attacks and stress-induced breakdowns. According to The Odyssey, “Too much stress can cause depression and anxiety. It can lower students’ self-esteem.

Excessive amounts of stress can cause serious damage to both a student's mental and physical health.”

For the past few years, numerous conversations about mental health have taken place.

Schools claim to care about the mental health of their students, but then proceed to overwhelm their students with work to the point where their mental health is getting worse. How does that make any sense?

Furthermore, the stress of being overworked can also negatively affect physical health.

According to betterup.com, a person is, “more likely to suffer from adverse health problems, including neck, back, or chest pain, stroke, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes,” and more.

Burnout from being overworked can even cause death.

In 2016, over 750,000 people died from heart conditions and strokes related to overwork, according to VOA. It’s also worth mentioning that suicide is the second most common cause of death for college students, according to VeryWell Mind, due to the increased academic demands and the fastpaced environment, among other

things.

If people are dying from being overworked, why are we forcing students into that lifestyle? This will teach young people to bear the stress of work on their unprepared shoulders and cause them to take unnecessary damage to themselves.

In elementary schools, students are not given homework on Fridays, nor are they expected to stay up late to finish schoolwork. Let's refer to the quote, “let kids be kids.” This suggests that teachers give out less homework to allow children to grow and play, as they should. However, if this is the case, why can’t anxious-to-give-work teachers and by-the-book parents let teenagers be teenagers? Teenagers are still developing. We’re forming our identities, morals, and views of the world around us. Students cannot do this if they do not have time, and they certainly cannot do this if they’re sick or dead.

Now, don’t take this the wrong way; it’s not to say that there aren’t teachers who pace themselves with handing out work, and this isn’t meant to shame teachers who give out a lot of work, such as teachers who teach honors or AP classes. Higher level classes, by logic, are always going to give more work; they’re supposed to be a challenge. They’re supposed to stimulate the mind to work harder. However, a portion of teachers are just too generous when it comes to work, handing it out like they’re dealing cards in a Las Vegas casino. Instead, why don’t we deal the cards like we’re playing Old Maid?

This is an issue that needs to be fixed. It’s not hard to see why.

If teenagehood is the supposed, “best time to be alive,” then why are we spending it swamped in work and misery?

Educators, please think about your students, and consider the things students could be doing if they weren’t dealing with a migraine and aching eyes from having to stare at their physics homework for three hours.

Cry of the Hawk

December 6, 2022

Altenburg’s join military together

SARAH WELZANT Reporter

North Harford alumni Noah and Jarrett Altenburg are brothers who joined the Marines. Both have finished a long journey through boot camp.

The brothers grew up with a father who served in the Marines. Jarrett was influenced by his dad and stated, “It’s just always been something I wanted to do since I was a kid.”

Boot camp is filled with tough training and being

receive letters about once a week, and it would leave you wondering how they were.”

Now that both brothers are done with boot camp, the Altenburg’s can call and text frequently. This allows them to be able to talk to their friends and family now.

The Marines are different compared to other parts of the military. According to Noah, the standard is much higher.

He states, “everything you do is expected to be perfect or to work as hard as you can to become perfect.” Marines

The brothers graduated from NHHS in the school year of 2021 - 2022. Serving their country was a childhood dream for the twins. PHOTO CREDIT: Missy Altenburg pushed to your limits. Most of boot camp is being put in real life situations and constantly training. Jarrett explains “The worst part about boot camp was the mental game.

You knew what life you had left behind.” Noah added that he thinks the worst part of boot camp was “missing family. You could only send and

don’t rank up as fast as other branches because they must earn their ranks, according to Jarrett.

According to Marines.com, the Marine Corps ensures that all marines can achieve a higher education. There is the Tuition Assistance Program, where while on active duty, 100% of tuition is cov-

ered at accredited institutions. Marines must maintain a C or higher while enrolled.

Currently, the brothers are both working towards being mechanics. Jarrett states, “I am a 6154-helicopter airframe mechanic, so basically I work on the whole outside of the aircraft.” He mentions that eventually he would like to go to a PowerPlant school.

He adds that “I would like to learn more about working on the engines and more.”

Marines have recruiters that help them through their process at boot camp. Noah said that his recruiter was great.

He explained that his recruiter “helped me set up the future that I wanted. There was never a time where he pushed me to do something I didn’t want to do. If I said that I didn’t want to do that MOS [Military Occupational Specialty], then he would say ‘alright’ and never try and convince me.”

Jarrett appreciated that his recruiter made things easy to understand. He explains, “he would break things down step by step.”

Both believe that going into boot camp with a brother makes it a different experience. Jarrett explained, “having your blood brother go through it with you brings you closer and definitely keeps you motivated.” Training for the Marines is a rewarding experience says Noah. He states, “it sets up your future and it makes you a better, more disciplined person.”

Page 5/ News

NHMS considers changing

school mascot, colors KRIS GRAY News Editor

Due to evolving change throughout Harford County, North Harford Middle School’s (NHMS) principal, Marc Manzo, is “currently surveying the community, alumni, staff, and students to see” the interest in aligning the school mascot and colors with NHHS. Manzo explains, “the idea for a change came during a meeting.” During the meeting, “all of the [Harford County] High School mascots and their colors’’ were showcased.

According to the principal, participants noticed that “all of the schools, with the exception of NHMS, had colors that aligned with the feeder high school.” According to the NHMS principal, the shift “will most likely go into effect next year.”

For example, Manzo states that last year, “the Southampton Middle School Lions changed their colors from purple to blue to align with those of their feeder high school, C. Milton Wright High School.”

He continued saying that, “during that same time, South Hampton also changed from a Lion to a ‘Stang’ which is short for ‘Mustang,’ the mascot of CMW.” Manzo is excited that, “the preliminary results of the survey show overwhelming support for the change.”

If the plan is initiated, the

school will return to its roots as “the school’s [colors were] originally green and gold,” describes the principal. Later, the school switched to “blue, white, and red,” which are the current colors, states Manzo.

NHMS’s current school mascot is a falcon, according to Manzo.

This is Manzo’s first year at NHMS as principal, and he feels that “it was something worth exploring since [they] are having middle school sports in the middle school for the first time ever.” He describes that “students that attend [NHMS] and NHHS will have an opportunity to share the same athletic fields as the high school students.” The principal adds that because of this advancement, “many of [NHMS’s] students will carry on those traditions from here through the twelfth grade.”

The first-year principal believes that “we help build a common identity to [create] a shared legacy throughout [students’] academic life.” Manzo adds that the “values of this community will be embedded and symbolized as a closeknit community through one color and one mascot.” Manzo wants both North Harford Middle and High school students to know that “you will be a Hawk for life!” The principal imagines that every time drivers pass the schools, they “will be reminded that this is Hawk Country!”

college prep and advanced journalism and interactive media classes. Chandler said she finds many ways to give back to the students community. She has worked with drama teacher Mrs. Nancy Green to help organize the Film Festival, and the Renaissance Festival. She hosts Mr. North Harford every year, helps Mrs. Carla Harward with the Teacher’s Got Talent event, and puts together Kindness Week, Wear and Share events, organizes the senior walk through, and assists with stocking the Care Closet.

She says, “I feel like it’s important to give back to the community. In my journalism classes, I think I have really just tried to create a culture of compassion and empathy.

It isn’t just doing what’s good for you, but sort of seeing the bigger picture. I don’t take credit for any of it individually because I can’t do those things if people aren’t willing to do them with me.”

The banquet was held at Water’s Edge in Belcamp, MD. Each nominee got a citation from Harford County as well as prizes.

Teachers recognized at Everyday Hero Award reception RILEY HEROLD Reporter

On Nov. 2, the Harford County Education Foundation held a banquet to honor our beloved teachers who got nominated for the Everyday Hero Award. All over Harford County, one teacher from each elementary, middle, and high school was being nominated by their fellow coworkers.

There were 49 nominees, 48 of them were women and one man.

Mr. Marc Manzo, the principal of North Harford Middle, nominated Mrs. Susan Summerfield as this year’s Everyday Hero. Mr. Brian Pawlicki, the principal of NHHS, nominated Mrs. Jennifer Chandler as this year’s Everyday Hero.

Mr. Pawlicki stated “ This decision is sometimes hard to make but I look for someone who is dedicated, caring, inclusive, and most importantly a leader. I feel like that sums up Mrs. Chandler. She does

so much for our school like the newspaper and morning announcements but is overall dedicated to our school and the community.”

Summerfield has been teaching for 29 years at Harford County Public Schools.

She taught for 14 years as a fourth grade teacher at North Bend Elementary, and 15 years teaching sixth grade mathematics, which is what she currently teaches now. She is an active member in her sixth grade team and is dedicated to her North Harford community.

She states, “I think I was chosen as an Everyday Hero based on my dedication to teaching and supporting students. The last several years in education have been challenging with moving through virtual teaching and the school being shut-downs due

to the Covid-19 pandemic. I think my dedication to my students and my profession is what pulled me through that hard time. Which I believe was recognized by my principal.`` She stated “I grew up on a farm and learned dedication and perseverance from my father and mother.”

Summerfield stated, “I think it’s important to show students that you care about them, and I believe they will want to work hard.”

Mrs. Chandler has been teaching for 27 years. She currently teaches 11th grade

December 6, 2022

Cry of the Hawk

Page 6/ NEWS

Winter Wonderland swirling into season; AP physics students build catapults Bel Air’s annual event taking place this winter REESE SHOWALTER Sports Editor

cording to the event’s FaceBook.

Including all the lights, many shops throughout Main Street will be decorated for the holidays.

Windows, streetlamps, and more will all be decorated through the end of November and the rest of December.

Freshman Lila Barnaba said,

during the winter with all the lights. I love walking through evWinter Wonderland festivities erything.” in Bel Air are back. There will be According to Visit Harfords over 100,000 lights lighting up website, “When you're watching Main Street. The Bel Air Armory, those holiday movies, you might Harford County Courthouse, picture yourself wanting to be and Bel Air Town Hall will all be in a Winter Wonderland. Now lit up throughout the Christmas you’ll be able to experience it at season.

Downtown Bel The event Air. The Wintakes place ter Wonderfrom Nov. land project is 26 to Jan. 2 an initiative to this year. The decorate the lights will be Bel Air Armory lit from five to and Armory 11 each night.

Park with holAlong with iday decor, and the lights, visbring visitors its with Santa to shop, dine, Claus, muand experience sic, and horse Downtown Bel drawn carriagAir.” es are all fesBarnaba said, tivities going “Usually me on every night. and my mom Included go to look at in the festiviThe Winter Wonderland event in Bel Air is taking place the lights, take ties is a Winthis year. The event has been taking place for many years pictures, and ter Wonderand is an event that many attend over the winter. shop for a little land Market.

PHOTO CREDIT: Matt Button from The Aegis/Baltimore bit. It is always The Winter Sun Media a lot of fun. It Wonderland’s is really like FaceBook page one of the first says, “Find that perfect or unique “Main Street is always beautiful things that really gets me into the gift, or fill those stockings with during Christmas time.” She add- Christmas spirit.” treats.” The market will take ed, “I love shopping there when Radel added, “I’m in Bel Air place on Saturday, Dec. 10 from all the lights go up it really gets a lot anyway, and it is always so two to nine. me in the Christmas spirit.” fun when it is decorated for the A group of volunteers set up Senior Valorie Radel agrees holidays. It's so pretty to drive the event every year. Volunteers with Barnaba. “It is so beauti- through. It gets me excited for are always needed every year, ac- ful. All the shops look so pretty Christmas.”

ALEXA FALLS News Editor Science teacher Mrs. Christine Jestel assigned a project for her AP physics students: to create a catapult. Jestel told her students that they could use anything laying around their house to complete it.

She explained the project and that her students were told to create a catapult, “that will launch a tennis ball or a mini pumpkin five feet. Then, they have to make their catapult adjustable to fire at multiple angles so that when the ball leaves the launcher, it launches at a different angle.”

Jestel adds, “every year I make slight adjustments to how I help my students understand the process, and the thing that they One of the catapults built by a always think is that if student which can be seen in the they pull [their cata- atrium. Some students were able to pult launcher] back a launch very far, one reaching about different distance that “50 yards” according to Jestel. they’re launching from, PHOTO CREDIT: Alexa Falls that it is a different angle, but if it’s from the same place it will be the same angle.”

She told all her students they could use anything to create their catapult without having to buy a lot of extra things, so mostly things they could find in their houses. She explains, “some people used rubber bands and plastic spoons and some people used bungee cords, some people used medical tubing, some people used lacrosse sticks. There's been a lot of different catapults from that.” She adds, “I even suggested a broken broomstick, just anything around your house by minimizing the purchases you make.” Jestel says, “a catapult that is pretty much one foot by two feet will do, but we have a lot of students who want to go big or go home.”

One of Jestel’s AP physics students, junior Tyler Ottensmyer said that he liked shooting the catapult the best. “Shooting was my favorite but the building was fun too.” He adds, “It was fun trying to hit the castle.” He says that one problem he encountered while building his catapult was that, “we did it a little backwards and we messed up on the angles.” Ottensmyer said the experience was fun overall.

2014 graduate earns degree after attending pharmacy school;

Alumna fulfills her “childhood dream”

KRIS GRAY News Editor

Morgan McCluskey Wirtz is an alumna who graduated from North Harford High School in 2014. Eight years later, she is now “a community pharmacist at Mt. Carmel Pharmacy.” McCluskey Wirtz feels that “each teacher and coach [she] had at North Harford, taught [her] something that [she’s] carried with [her] throughout [her] life.”

The former student explains that “there are a couple of different options to earn a PharmD [Doctor of Pharmacy] degree, which by itself takes four years.”

She “chose to earn [her] Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and minor in economics from Stevenson University” after high school.

After graduating from Stevenson, the pharmacist “ultimately decided to attend Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy in Richmond, Virginia.”

Wirtz believes that “pharmacy school is unique compared to other health professional schools.

Pharmacists spend three of the four years of pharmacy school in

the classroom learning the science of the body, drugs, and disease states (medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacotherapy), but also how to perform research and analyze data in scientific articles, basic understanding of economics, and how to communicate in clear ways to a variety of audiences.”

In pharmacy school, Wirtz also spent time “on rotations, where students shadow, work with, and act under pharmacists in a variety of settings.” At VCU, the alumna participated in “introductory rotations during the summers after [her] first and second years, then immediately after [her] third-year finals, [she] began [her] advanced rotations.”

During these rotations, Wirtz became a student pharmacist. In the rotations, she was “working a diabetes ambulatory care clinic with Veterans Affairs, Medication Safety with Indian Health Services in Anchorage, Alaska, Community pharmacy, and various units within hospitals.”

In order to obtain a variety of experiences, the alumna began “interning at John Hopkins

Hospital in the Cardiovascular Surgical ICU [CVSICU] rounding with the care team and doing retrospective research on the antibiotics used in patients that had undergone Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting [CABG] surgery and had developed wound infections.”

While the alumna was at Stevenson, she “earned [her] pharmacy technician certification and license and began working at Mt. Carmel Pharmacy during [her] freshman year. Wirtz “learned there were a number of paths for pharmacists, something not many people realize.”

Wirtz wants people to know that “Yes, you have your community pharmacists at CVS, Walgreens, and the Mom and Pop pharmacies, but you also have pharmacists working for pharmaceutical companies, insurance companies, in hospitals as staff pharmacists or clinical pharmacists with the care teams, nuclear medicine, long-term care consulting, research, ambulatory care. The list goes on.”

“Becoming a pharmacist” was Wirtz’s childhood dream. Her

mom “worked in pharmaceutical sales as a young child [she] knew [she] wanted to do that as well.”

The alumna believes that being a community pharmacist is “one of the most rewarding careers” while it “means juggling a lot.”

Wirtz is looking forward to “becoming a true drug expert on a limited number of products and [being] tasked with providing answers to questions brought to the call center, document any adverse events reported, and review promotional material that is eventually distributed to patients and providers.”

The new pharmacist loves “working with the patients.” Wirtz has had the chance to treat people who she’s “known since [she] was a child.”

PHOTO CREDIT: Morgan McCluskey Wirtz

Page 7/ NEWS

Cry of the Hawk

December 6, 2022

The Discount Store Bel Air draws attention;

Small business attracting shoppers

MEGHAN KALCK SSC Editor/Studio Manager

The Discount Store, located in Bel Air, is a new hotspot when it comes to discounted returned items from bigger corporations like Target, Amazon, and more.

The owners, Evanne and John McCormack, started this business right after Covid, but John started becoming interested in this sort of business in early 2018, right before their wedding.

“It started out on watching some Youtube videos,” and learning all the information from these videos and making some extra side money by starting to sell used books on Amazon. At the time, John was working in the fire department and would have “four days off at a time,” so he would have a lot of free time, he says.

He then started to flip items he found at yard sales and sold them on eBay, and he would sometimes “make the same amount of money,” he was making working at the fire department. However, Covid then hit and the yard sales stopped.

They started ordering palettes and paid “way more then [he] probably should have,” and started selling in the Safeway parking lot, as well as out of their own garage.

This got them both thinking that they could keep doing this, but have a bigger space to do it, so they started looking for places

to rent. lot of time and a lot of mistakes tal” that allows them to bid on Once they found the space to find the right place,” and the palettes from big retailers such that they are as Amacurrently in, zon, Kohls, they continTarget, and ued to grow, more.

Beand they are cause of this, still growing they don't and expandget a truck of ing their busiitems from ness. just one reThe idea for tailer; they this business get a truck came from the with items idea of Covid from many and the “outdifferent rerageous prictailers at the es,” of retail same time. items. They, “Most of “started figurthe time we ing out where go in blind,” all this came and this is from,” and what makes they saw the it the most opportunity fun, acto sell essencording to tials and othEvanne. Goer items and ing in blind wanted items keeps them for 50-80 perwondering, cent off their and it suroriginal pricprises them es. at what is As for ininside the John and Evanne McCormack and Dolly the Discount Dog palettes. ventory, they in the store working hard going through their inventory. The have tried so The way couple is very happy to have this business. many differthese palPHOTO CREDIT: Meghan Kalck ent things ettes work is with differif you order ent kinds of something trucks that came from different more “direct” places to buy from. on Amazon or the Target website companies, which took them, “a They have access to a “por- and you do not pick it up or you

Students compete in Sports for Life STELLA MANNS Sports Editor Sports for Life has begun again at The Nest for the current school year. The idea for this program is for the students “to grow relationships, compete, and have fun.” according to assistant coach Mrs. Kolbi Stahl.

This past fall, eleven athletes took part in a bocce ball competition at Bel Air High School. This winter season, the student-athletes are preparing to compete in a bowling competition at a bowling alley in Fallston.

So far for the winter season, the roster consists of eight athletes, however, they “are always looking for more” to take part in activities. According to Stahl, “practices are every A-day before school begins.”

The Sports for Life program has been running for several years at NH. “There are three major competitions throughout the school year,” the students have “practices for about a month to a month and a half,” according to Stahl. Following this practice is a large competition with every school that has a Sports for Life program. Each season, the students have a dif-

ferent sport in the fall, winter, and spring.

Senior Andrew Mohr has participated in the Sports for Life program for three years.

Mohr enjoys “all the friends he has made that will help him later in life.” In Sports for Life, Mohr helps out with anything they need. He retrieves any balls during bocce ball and bowling. Mohr also travels to competitions with the team to participate.

“Meeting all my new friends and playing sports year-round” is why sophomore Andrew Tagliaferri likes to compete in Sports for Life. The students “practice for a specific sport” and then in competition, they work to accumulate the most points for a win. Tagliaferri has played bowling before and is excited to start the winter season.

Senior Leah Arthur likes to play Sports for Life because “they are easy to accomplish and win.” She has been competing in this program for many years now. She is very excited for the upcoming bowling season. If any general education student would like to enroll in the sports for life program, they can contact Mrs. Stahl.

return it, it does not go back on the shelf. It goes through the return process, and this is how they get to the palettes. Also, items such as discontinued items are in the same bubble. Everything that is returned is brand new; it just “wasn't right,” for whatever customer purchased it online.

“Sometimes we get items that are not even in the store yet,” because of over ordering from companies, she says.

They do carefully check every item that comes into their store, they do not just throw things on the shelf. They pick and choose and make sure all their items are in good shape.

“We love supporting the community,” Evanne says. The couple are very passionate about helping animals, so they work with Saving Grace Animal Rescue. They partnered with the rescue to do an adoption event back in May of 2021.

“We said we weren’t going to get another dog because we already had two, and then they brought in Dolly,” who became Dolly the Discount Dog. You can see Dolly if you visit the store.

You can visit The Discount Store at 728 Belair Rd Unit C Building 10, Bel Air, MD 21014, and you can also visit their website, thediscountstoreonline.com, to order items online. You can also check out their FaceBook page, where they stream live videos and post their new items.

Eakes receives Standout Student Award;

Rewarded for hard work, dedication ALEXA FALLS News Editor

the award.” She adds that “Julia is involved in many music activi-

ling nominated Eakes is because “It is clear [to her] that Julia has a Recently, senior Jupassion for music.” lia Eakes was given Hemling says that the Standout Student Eakes’ reacted surAward by Principal Briprised, “When she first an Pawlicki. Eakes was found out [was that] she nominated by music seemed surprised! I hope teacher Katelyn Hemthat she felt proud of her ling. hard work!”

According to HCPS, Eakes says that she “Principals and Superwas suprised to receive intendent Bulson will the award. Another one recognize students for of Eakes’ teachers, drademonstrating positive ma teacher Nancy Green character traits, acts of says that, “Julia is wonkindness, service to othderful; talented, hilariers, or another reason ous, a gifted actress and that makes them stand singer, and a kind, hard out as a role model to working student.” Green others.” credits Eakes for her For students to be accomplishments with nominated for this drama and her responaward, they must “go Julia Eakes receiving award from Prin- sibilities as “a leader in above and beyond” and cipal Brian Pawlicki. Eakes went above and NHHS drama.” must be “dedicated to Green adds that she beyond with her dedication to schoolwork to their craft.” Hemling “has been performing on receive this certificate. adds, “they are leaders in the stage at NH since she PHOTO CREDIT: Julia Eakes the school and amongst was in 7th grade” and their peers.” “she is currently serving Hemling says, “I nominated ties both in and out of school. She as The Theatre National HonJulia because she is a hardwork- puts in 100% effort and is a stu- ors Society co-president among ing, dedicated student who I dent leader in both chorus and many extracurricular leadership thought exceeded the criteria for band.” One of the reasons Hem- roles in which she serves.”

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Page 10/ FEATURES

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December 6, 2022

The Bra the B

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ain and Body

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December 6, 2022

Fans respond to Taylor Swifts’ Midnights; Underground music scene Ticketmaster fails at estimating The Eras Tour’s popularity ALEXIS GOTT Reporter

balls and easter eggs at her fans all the time, so fans felt that if Swift herself was calling it chaotic, they were in for utter chaos.

The surprise turned out to be a deluxe version of Midnights, named Midnights (3am Version).

On Oct. 21, fans met global pop star Taylor Swift at midnight and totaled eighty-eight million streams in the U.S and 185 million streams worldwide in just twenty-four hours.

The album, Midnights, was originally announced at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards in August.

“I was super excited, and I couldn't wait for [the album] to come out,” said sophomore Hannah Arnold. Arnold was made aware of the album's release through the music awards, since she was watching the awards play out.

The record is described as a pop, indie/alternative album.

Some fans were not expecting this. “I thought Midnights was going to be more like folklore and evermore,” Arnold said. “I am very happy with the album though, my favorite songs are ‘Sweet Nothing,’ ‘'Mastermind,’ and ‘Karma,’ PHOTO CREDIT: Instagram the fan added.

So far, the Midnights era has consisted of navy blue, Sophomore Poppy Smith sparkling aesthetics, and late shared that she woke up to the nights for fans. surprise and “was extremely hapWhen the album was released, py” and called the surprise drop Swift announced a “chaotic sur- with eight new songs an “amazprise” to be determined at 3 a.m. ing surprise.” on Oct. 21, only three hours after Swift also announced via Inthe initial release of the album. stagram a return to performing This sent fans into a craze, live since her Reputation Stadianxious to find out what it was um Tour in 2018. The artist curthat Swift had planned. Swift is rently has only announced shows known to throw chaotic curve- available for American fans, with

fifty-two concerts to offer.

However, there has been what’s been deemed as a “pre-sale meltdown” abroad the fanbase due to the company Ticketmaster.

Ticketmaster, the leading ticketing technological company in the world, allowed a presale to so-called “verified fans.” This presale was to allow a smoother experience for buying tickets, but ended up not being the case.

Ticketmaster released a statement explaining the complications during their presale and blamed the unexpected demand and people who attempted purchasing tickets without Verified Fan access codes.

The company had fans pre-register so they could essentially “manage high demand shows—identifying real humans and weeding out bots. Keeping bots out of queues and avoiding overcrowding helps to make waits shorter and on sales smoother,” according to the company’s statement.

This didn’t go as planned, however. the site repeatedly crashed due to the mass number of fans who either received or did not receive the presale code. Because of the mistakes of Ticketmaster, many fans didn’t get pre-sale tickets, resulting in the latest controversy circulating the company.

Ticketmaster also tweeted a cancellation of the general sale of The Eras Tour with no clear indication of tickets ever going on sale again as of Nov. 18.

Sequel packs bigger punch BREEZY SEISER Reporter Enola Holmes 2 is an action-filled mystery with a little bit of romance and the sequel to the movie Enola Holmes. Both movies star

Millie Bobby Brown, Louis Partridge, and Henry Cavill.

Enola continues the legacy of her famous older brother, detective Sherlock Holmes, while forging her own path and pol-

ishing her super-sleuthing abilities. She remains intelligent, observant, and fiercely independent. Enola continues to break the fourth wall to provide some amusing commentary.

Senior Julia Blondell says, “Enola Holmes 2 is a straightforward detective thriller, in contrast to the first movie, which was about discovering oneself.” She explains that this movie was “an enjoyable movie overall, and [she] loved this caper.”

Blondell mentions, “Brown’s performance definitely shines in this context. [She has an] extraordinary ability to switch between comedy and drama. She also manages to keep Enola's playful nature from the first movie while also displaying some significant development.”

The student explains, “she carries the film with her vivacious personality, and the other actors do likewise.”

Blondell says “it was highly engaging, clever, and well-written script, [and] seemingly better than the production before. This

film also had wonderful costumes.”

Junior Sarah McKee-Hurley Reifsnyder, says “I think the second was better than the first because it was very thrilling, and watchers were trying to guess what was happening or coming next.” She mentioned it had her on the edge of her seat the whole time she was watching.

McKee- Hurley Reifsnyder explained, “I loved seeing the difference in character development from the first and second movies. It was interesting to see the changes and growth each character had.”

Sophomore Poppy Smith saw both movies for the first time after hearing Brown and Partridge were in them. She says, “I love both actors which prompted me to watch the movies. Once I started watching the first one, I had to watch the second.”

Smith explained, “The plot was fantastic and very interesting, a genre I usually don’t watch but I'm glad I took the time to invest in these movies.”

DEANE CONWAY Reporter Music, by nature, is created to be shared. Throughout history, every community has their own way of making and sharing music, which have developed in relative isolation. Before humans had the ability to record music, the survival rate of these pieces depended on their popularity. If a song wasn’t liked through a community, no one would play it, and unless written down, it was forgotten by time.

As we were able to archive music through recordings, music could be saved despite its popularity. And still, as technology evolves, our way of receiving and saving music has changed considerably, including letting more obscure genres find their home on the internet.

C. Milton Wright senior Miles Hite shares his experience with discovering music, saying, “my music taste in elementary school was anything that came on my mom’s radio while she drove. I didn’t have connections to anything new, not until I got my own phone in middle school.” Now, thanks to social media, he listens to a wide variety of music from different cultural influences “Now my taste is something like ‘ADHD music,’ things like hyperpop, weirdcore, and glitchcore. [However], I still like those softer songs from my childhood,” cites Hite.

Due to the influence of the internet, the creation of subgenres has blossomed. Because of the large amounts of music available on streaming and mu-

sic sharing websites, listeners can find very specific artistic influences, and can create more music to fit this niche. Once a very specific type of music has become established, it becomes its own subgenre.

These include names many people have at least heard of, such as vaporwave and bedroom-pop, but one subgenre known as ‘hyperpop’ has dominated the current scene of electronic music.

According to Billboard Magazine, hyperpop is a genre that originated from the website Soundcloud in the 2010’s, with part of its appeal being the low barrier of entry for upcoming producers and the appeal of subverting the types of pop music heard on the radio.

“The music industry is very hierarchical and aggressive, but social media allows artists to connect straight with a fanbase and not through a manager, PR team, and record label. I think this makes artists overall more relatable,” adds junior Caine Blosser, who also cites hyperpop music as an influence in their music taste.

The open thread of communication that social media has facilitated between artists and their fans has also become a major source of appeal to listeners.

“I’d much rather listen to lesser-known musicians,” adds Hite. “This is why I love hyperpop. People who make that type of sound just like music. It feels much less forced and has more heart put into it. I’ve got a strong taste for homemade music because of this.”

Heads up: It’s time to BeReal,

BeFinished with fraud

BREEZY SEISER Reporter BeReal is an app that is programmed to make social media more realistic. Once a day, at a random time the app sends you a notification that it's time to take your picture. Then you have two minutes to take your picture, snapping a picture with your front and back camera.

If you don’t post within the two-minute warning it notifies your friends that you posted late.

You can’t view anyone else’s picture until you post your own.

Teens are using this app to share their days, see what others are up to and as a way to capture some of their favorite memories.

Sophomore Hannah Kawaihae says, “It's a great way to connect with friends and I love seeing

what everyone is up to.”

Some teachers had no idea what it was like Mrs. Harrel, and some were aware of the app. Mrs. Lawson feels it is “annoying when it goes off in class and aggravating when [her] nieces have to stop whatever [they’re] doing to take that picture” Lawson added that if students take their picture during class ,“they’re [just] on their phone when they are not supposed to be.”

Some users wait until they are doing something fun and interesting instead of capturing the moment.

Geri Mileva describes it as a way to “[share] raw moments that show the reality of life” BeReal was released in 2020 but came popular recetly. Geri Mileva says, “It has been installed more than 28 million times since 2020.”

December 6, 2022

Page 13/ ENT

Cry of the Hawk

NHHS staff members watch Hamilton musical;

Teachers share thoughts on production ALEXA FALLS News Editor

On October 22, 2022, NHHS teachers and staff members watched Hamilton at the Hippodrome Theater in Baltimore.

Hamilton is based on historical figure and founding father Alexander Hamilton and his life story. The play has been shown since 2015 and was created by American actor and composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, who also created the musical In The Heights. He was inspired by the original 1917 Hamilton play, created by Mary Hamlin, and retold it through song and rap, creating the modern Hamilton fans know and love.

One of the staff members who saw the play was French teacher Mrs. Larissa Arist. She explained, “[the show] was supposed to be performed in June of 2020, so we had bought tickets through Mrs. Jones [former NHHS music teacher]. She got a whole bunch of group tickets and offered them to teachers.” She adds, “then the pandemic happened, and so it got pushed back to finally seeing it in October [of this year].”

Arist also mentions that she had only seen Hamilton on Disney+ before seeing it in-person for the first time. She adds, “[the musical] was so surprisingly spot-on, I had seen it on repeat probably 20-30 times [before].” Arist says that she anticipated that the live performance was going to be different than what she had seen on TV but, “it was still just as good as watching it on Disney which was great.” Arist has seen plays such as Les Miserables, Oklahoma!, Chicago, Come From Away, and West Side Story as well.

Another staff member who saw Hamilton at the Hippodrome was media technician Mrs. Bridget Crenshaw.

She says that she hadn’t seen Hamilton live or on TV before this moment, “however, I did know the history behind the show’s topic.” She adds, “I really like[d] the show, I am a fan of stage performances in general.

A friend from the UK went as a guest in our group, and People in the area see plays at the it was nice to hear take on this period in history, with references to her home country.”

Hippodrome. The Hippodrome has Crenshaw explains, “I was offered the opportunity to been open since 1914 according to see this play with other staff members. I felt it would be a nice afternoon outside of a workday to spend with coHippodromefoundation.org.

PHOTO CREDIT: Virginia Stockwell workers.” Other than Hamilton, she has seen plays such as The Lion King, Kinky Boots, Jersey Boys, and Movin’ Out.

Arctic Monkeys release The Car ALEXIS GOTT Reporter

of this [album] than any of the others.”

British rock band Arctic MonSophomore Jacob Turner keys will be releasing their sev- shares that he would “be disapenth studio album, The Car, on pointed” if it isn’t a “good album.”

Oct 21. The album consists of Turner adds that his favorite alten new songs written by the bum is AM, and he believes that band’s lead vocalist, Alex Turn- compared to previous albums, er. The band is best known for “nothing will top it.” their most popular songs “505,” Sawyer has high expectations “ Why'd You Only Call Me for the album. “I love most When You’re High'',” of their songs and I and “I Wanna Be hope these new Yours.” ones are like “I love most of The band their older released their ones.” their songs and I hope lead single for these new ones are like h o wTurner, the album, ever, their older ones.”

“There’d Betstated he, ter Be A Mir“probably rorball,” back wouldn’t go ~ Kimberly Sawyer, in August 2022. to the consophomore Fans speculated cert, [as he about a possible doesn’t] have the collaboration with time to.” the global pop star, Taylor The band recently anSwift. nounced via their Instagram “Another added factor to the account that they will be debuttheories was that Taylor’s new ing their brand new music live album, Midnights is releasing the on tour in 2023. Currently, they same day The Car is.” She added. have their European and North “Taylor has a song named American dates available for purMirrorball, and Taylor is known chasing tickets. for leaving easter eggs and stuff, Sawyer says that she would so theories started when Arctic “definitely go to their tour if [she] Monkeys used mirrorball in their could,” adding that “Alex Turner track title,” sophomore Kimberly is really attractive, and their conSawyer explained. certs seem like they’re very calm The album is available on all yet exciting at the same time. streaming platforms, such as Like [as if it has], the perfect balSpotify, Apple Music, and You- ance.”

Tube. Arctic Monkeys also has In regards to predictions for available vinyl variants for their the albums sound, Sawyer says new album. The variants come in she “doesn’t have any idea how different colors, including an ex- this album will sound; [she’s] clusive custard vinyl, and a gray hoping it’ll sound like a mix of pressing. their cover ‘Baby I’m Yours,’ ‘505,’ Alex Turner, the band’s lead ‘Knee Socks,’ and something simvocalist, has said that “It took us ilar to their album Favorite Worst a lot longer to get to the endpoint Nightmares.”

“As a kid, I always enjoyed musical movies, they were fun to sing along to and could always keep me entertained, which wasn’t an easy thing to do,” says junior Peter Lein. Lein has been in quite a few drama productions recently and shows an interest to continue exploring theater experiences.

Young, aspiring actor enjoys spotlights

KIMBERLY EDGAR Entertainment Editor

Lein.

Lein has two main plans for Lein adds that he had grown future productions, he believes up with friends that shared his he will be auditioning for a part interest in drama, which helped in the spring musical Footloose guide him to where he is today. as well as auditioning for Into the His first production that he was Woods with a local theater compaa part of was of Newsies at a ny in February. local community theater in His plans for an acting fuFebruary of 2022. At this ture past high school are very time, Lein has been a part of strong. “I plan to go into actfive productions total, but ing of some form after high plans to make that number school,” says Lein, “I’m not higher in the future. sure if that will be Broadway Although Newsies was his acting or TV/Movie acting.” first production, playing He explains that either way Poseidon, the Greek god of acting is a passion for him the sea, in Percy Jackson: The and he is eager to continue Lightning Thief required the working towards it. most work for this aspiring Theater productions are actor. It was his first “good good opportunities for sevtheater experience” and he eral things according to Lein, had “a lot to learn” and this “you can make good friends, musical also became Lein’s create memories that you favorite. will never forget, and you get “Both the cast and prothe chance to create someduction team were absothing that you can look back lutely incredible and super on and be proud of.” kind,” says Lein, “we had an He adds that the adrenextremely kind and talented Junior Peter Lein on stage for aline rush that he got before cast that I loved working rehearsal. Lein has been in several getting on stage and the exwith, and the show turned citement he felt when the out to be something that I productions and had a memorable audience clapped were feelexperience acting. can still be proud of.” ings he believes to be subLein also mentions that PHOTO CREDIT: Malia William- stantial to those considering he adored the play itself and son acting in theater. that being able to let out an Lein suggests being a “ear piercing scream” was part of theater productions. super fun.

If someone is looking for a The junior’s most recent proWith Newsies being his first duction was the school edition of fun way to meet new people or if production, it was also his least Grease. Lein describes the show to someone is looking for a unique favorite. Lein was in another be great and because the cast was experience, production of Newsies later, but small that everyone was really Lein believes it is worth a shot. the first one was more of a mess. good friends. “The choreography “You can make some fun memo“There were conflicts with peo- was super fun and our produc- ries, even if you don’t consider ple in the cast, as well as the pro- tion team was phenomenal,” adds yourself to be a theater kid.” duction team,”' mentions Lein, “anything other than performing wasn’t great.” Lein shares that he is still glad he performed in the show because it taught him a lot but it was “definitely his least favorite”.

Page 14/Student, Society, and Culture

Hawks Happenings

Cry of the Hawk

12/5 Boys basketball game @ C. Milton Wright @5:30pm

December 6, 2022

12/8 Girls basketball game VS. Fallston @6:45pm

12/9 Early dismissal

Hawks graduate Cassidy Chandler along with friends Olivia Cory and Ashlyn Stonge, find trendy and cute clothing in thrift stores and resell it online through an Instagram account under the handle @locash_thrifts.

Hawks alumni sets up Instagram shop; Selling trendy clothes at affordable prices SARAH WELZANT Reporter As of Nov. 17, the account currently has 300+ followers and features a variety of different types of clothing like shirts, bottoms, hats, dresses, jackets, etc.

The business was started during November 2021. Chandler states she, Cory and Stonge, would spend a lot of time thrifting. She explains that they, “would always find ourselves buying way more things than we actually needed.”

Stonge added that “The process may be longer than some think, but we enjoy spending that time together.” Stonge says that everyone enjoys making the account whether it be taking pictures, selling items, or designing the page. Each member of the shop has attended Messiah University in Pennsylvania. Chandler and Cory are graduate students and Stonge graduated and currently works a full-time job.

Chandler and her friends had known other girls who had start-

ed similar pages and had been encouraged to start one of their own.

The page has been convenient for both Chandler and interested buyers. Chandler and her friends do the work of searching through numerous thrift stores that the local students may not have the time to look through. The clothing they sell is cheap, but the page allows for the group to make a little extra cash while at college.

On the page, items they sell can start as low as $3 and will raise with the number of bids they get on one item. The highest they have sold was for a bid of $20. As for a whole drop, Stonge states that they usually make an average of $100-$150 per drop.

Their highest paying drop making a total of $200!

Chandler mentions that they “try to look for things that are trendy and in style.” This would include oversized and cozy clothing like sweaters, sweatshirts, and loose pants as well as recently finding more cute and girly

clothing like crop tops, blouses, and dresses. Items that are name brand are also sought out.

For some of their listings, they find clothing with a particular person in mind. This can help with knowing that people with similar style might also buy it.

Reaching out to a larger demographic of styles can make for successful sales.

The items in the shop are thrifted from stores like Goodwill, Plato’s Closet, Salvation Army, Community Aid, or even their personal closets.

Announcements of an item drop are usually one day in advance. The rules of bidding are posted on the account if you are interested.

Currently, there is no shipment of items. Instead, they offer local pick up at Messiah University and the surrounding Mechanicsburg, PA, area. Chandler explained, “as more people from the North Harford area gain interest in our page, we will offer pickup at North Harford as well.

Traditions remain part of athletic teams; Music, prayer add to sports experiences BRYN CESPEDES Reporter

Sophomore and varsity soccer player Jamail Holmes says one tradition they have is, “[they] always let [junior] Benny Wardle hype [them] up before the game starts.” The team said this is his “hype speech.”

“I think these traditions are important because it gets everyone in the same mindset

“basically a model game with our teammates just without any goals.”

Junior football player PresDoing these pregame rituals ton Miller says the tradition of helps them “dramatically bepraying and having team hangcause it makes [us] want to play outs helps with team bonding. and [Wardle] always gets [them] “Sometimes we do team dinners hyped.” to bond between games.

“Before a game, during the Having that chemistry helps national anthem, we all sing it,” with no arguing on the field.” states junior soccer player PresMiller states “In the past, we ton Webb. After games, “we go to have given [our] jerseys to teacha friend's house and have dinner.” ers that mean a lot to us.” It Doing this “keeps us energized shows “our appreciation to our “Music is definitely a and motivated.” teachers.” big part of the team.

Senior field hockey playSophomore and varsiWe always listen to music be- er Abigail Saltzer says that ty football player Donald Mullins says, “We pray before and even during games.” “music is definitely a big part of the team. fore and after every game.”

We always listen to muMullins also stated, “praysic before and even during ing helps us find our inner ~ Abigail Saltzer, games.” Saltzer states that spirit and helps us connect to senior “music helps us stay focused God before a game.” and work as a team.”

Having this connection to God Senior field hockey player Auis important to most of the varsitumn Tagliaferri said, “this year ty team. all more we started praying before big “We also listen to music in the and we are locker room before games.” Mull- competitive and want to win,” games.”

The team does a group huddle ins says music, “gets us going and Holmes says Junior soccer player Antonio before games and they do a “comgets us excited before a game.”

The music in the locker room Fuggitti states, “[senior] Kian munity prayer.”

Doing this helps “us not stress “gets [the team] hyped” and the Pucher always takes his pregame prayer helps “team bonding.” Se- nap,” and he mentions Wardle and we can just breathe during games,” Tagliaferri also mennior and varsity football player and his hype speech again.

Fuggitti also mentions a “pos- tioned music and how it gets the Owen Smith adds, “we go to Chisession keep away,” which is team “excited to play.” potle before every single game.”

December 6, 2022

12/14 Wrestling match VS. Bel Air @5:30pm

Music:

Cry of the Hawk

12/21 Swimming meet against Fallston @5:45pm

Influencing behavior; Affecting productivity

BROOKELYN PRIEBE Reporter Many people wonder if music can improve studying or focusing.

Most teens would say that it does help them, but that is something that may be able to be scientifically proven.

In general, according to hopkinsmedicine.com, “research has shown that listening to music can reduce anxiety, blood pressure, and pain as well as improve sleep quality, mood, mental alertness, and memory.”

Listening to music does not help everyone, but it does help some people.

In a recently conducted poll, 73% of students said that music does help, while the other 27% said it doesn’t help them. There are two sides to this phenomenon, but it cannot be fully proven because there are many different studies that have different outcomes on this topic.

According to Healthline, “music—classical music, specifically—can help your brain absorb and interpret new information more easily.”

Heathline also says that it is said that music can help reduce stress during academic tasks such as quizzes, tests, exams,and more, and that it may help with memory and processing during tasks that require thinking.

The best type of music to listen to will depend on the individual. There is evidence that classical symphonies or relaxing music are a good choice for managing stress, but also that upbeat music might boost a person’s thinking processes.

Instrumental music may be more suitable than songs with lyrics, as the lyrics can be distracting.

Although it can help some people, researchers also suggest it can distract some people. Healthline, added “certain types of music—including music with lyrics and instrumental music that is fast and loud — can make it harder to understand and absorb reading material.”

Liberalarts.com says, listening to music can make studying enjoyable, but psychologists from the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences have found that listening to music is more distracting than beneficial.

Psychologist Brian Andersons says, “If you have music going on in the background when you study, it’s going to be easier to recall that information if you also have music on in the background when you take the exam.” But, as students know, there are very low chances of being able to wear headphones or have the teacher play music for everyone during quizzes, tests, or exams.

According to study.com, students who listen to music with lyrics while completing reading or writing tasks tend to be less efficient and come away having absorbed less information. It is also said that “loud or agitated music can have adverse effects on reading comprehension and on mood, making focus more difficult.”

Page 15/Students, Society, and Culture

12/23 Early dismissal

12/23 - 1/1 Christmas /winter break

Exerobics class removed from gym curriculums EMMA CORNMAN Reporter

dy explains how “several years ago, [she] had 40 or more students in this class.

It was a lot of seniors and juniors that took it as an elective or to fill their second half credit of PE for graduation.

The last two years most seniors and juniors were taking classes at North Star

of credit of health and guidance paired [with] the other half with team sports, so there was no opNorth Harford’s exerobics tion for any of the other electives class was, “a semester course like exerobics, toning, weight which offers the fundamentals of training, and wellness walking. cardiovascular fitness training, This led to the class being cancircuit training, flexibility, yoga, celed.” aerobic dance, and individual Murdy mentions how nothing physical fitness conditioning,” will replace the class’ old curricaccording to gym teacher Mrs. ulum.

Patricia Murdy.

She states that she, “believe[s] The class was formed for stuit should have been offered dents who were interested in “Honestly, [she] doesn’t with team sports.” improving “their cardiovasthink [students] realize that If it were, Murdy excular efficiency, flexibility, plains how it would alagility, balance, and tonthe class was canceled. [She] low, “students [to have] ing muscles.” knows the students who have tak- more options to choose When in this class, students would complete a en it really enjoyed what the class at least one other class.

[And when she] asked our variety of exercises with a had to offer.” department chair, he said daily workout chart. that we do not have enough Some exercise includes ~ Patricia Murdy, staff to accommodate the opweightlifting, abdominal action.” Murdy says that “Hontivities, aerobic activity, and gym teacher estly, [she] doesn’t think [studaily stretching. Murdy believes dents] realize that the class was that the exerobic’s curriculum, only canceled. “was a really great class that add- o r [She] knows the students who ed a diverse set of fun activities coming to school every other day for everyone.” And that this class or part time. Therefore, their en- have taken it really enjoyed what in particular “was only offered rollment dropped. So, the last the class had to offer.”

The course outline of this class at NHHS and Joppatowne High two years, it was predominately School,” so not everyone is able to sophomores fulfilling their last taught students many topics to half of credit of PE.” increase their personal health take this class.

Murdy also mentions how “this and help calm their minds menThe reason why the exerobic’s class was removed is due to the year, those sophomores were re- tally through exercise and a posilack of student enrollment. Mur- quired to take an additional half tive atmosphere.

Chorus, orchestra ‘band’ together GABRIELLE MOXHAM Reporter

ing notes and lyrics,” commented Hemling.

Wojciechowski and Hemling were the two coordinators of the whole event and they put a lot of

thought that the orchestra would perform first because they have more setup on the stage than the This year, tickets for the NHHS choir.

Fall Concert were free.

On Oct. 31, the accompanist The show started at 7 pm in the came in to practice and auditorium at school, prepare with all the and doors opened at members of the choir 6:30 pm on Nov. 2. for a dress rehearsal and Choral teacher Ms. finishing touches.

Katelyn Hemling said, For those who don’t “we just love it if peoknow, an accompanist ple decide to show up is a pianist that you to support us.” bring in from outside Students who love the choir that accommusic and film may panies the concert as have enjoyed this background under the year's fall concert, beThe fall concerts took place in early No- choir’s voices. cause the band and orFor orchestra, sophochestra instructor, Mr. vember. The band, chorus, and orchestra John Wojciechowski, are now preparing for their spring concerts more Charlotte Erisman was the spokesperson. created the theme, and other performances in between As of the day before the Award Winning Mu- PHOTO CREDIT: Matthew Ledford. concert, “[She] thinks sic From Film. [they’re] pretty preThe performance pared, except for our teacher featured songs from The Sound time and effort into the show.

It took a lot of planning time having missed a couple of classes, of Music by the orchestra, and “Pure Imagination” from Willy and last-minute changes, but in overall [they] are doing well on Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, the end, they had a successful all but one song.” show.

According to Erisman, pracsung by the choir.

As of Oct. 25, Hemling was ticing for the concert entailed, The band was not included in this show, as they have marching feeling quite confident in how “playing through the whole piece band to be working on during the her choir was performing, with as a sight read, and then working her rating at a 7/10 for current on small specific sections to unautumn season. derstand the repeating patterns In terms of what preparation performance effort.

At this point, they had not so then we could put it all togethlooked like, “once classes [were] in session, that's our primary fo- worked out who was performing er. if you know a few sections, cus in class: spending time learn- and when. However, Hemling you know the whole piece.”

Page 16/ IDR

Cry of the Hawk

Clever Colors!

December 6, 2022

vision internationally school colors and more!

December 6, 2022

Cry of the Hawk

Page 17, IDR

Page 18/ H/S

Cry of the Hawk

December 6, 2022

Tryptophan, amino acid adds to food comas

Procrastination causes harmful effects

STELLA MANNS Sports Editor

Everyone procrastinates at some point in their lives. Whether it’s a school assignment or getting out of bed, it is a universal experience.

Medical News Today talks about how 20% of American adults are chronic procrastinators, and 75% of college students are habitual procrastinators, leading to issues including stress, anxiety, and sleeping problems.

McLean Hospital states that “procrastination is connected to negative functioning and risks to mental health. People who procrastinate tend to have high levels of anxiety as well as poor impulse control.”

The article goes on to state that it can also have effects on your physical health as well. The Association for Psychological Science (APS) talks about a recent study that has been conducted into the idea that chronic procrastination may make people more vulnerable to serious health conditions, like cardiovascular disease and hypertension.

APS goes on to talk about the report done by professor Fuschia

After indulging in a rich meal all people think about is sinking into their couch cuddled up with a blanket. Sometimes that is not possible because of the demands everyday life has.

Every year when November comes around families gather around a great table to celebrate various holidays, after noshing and talking a bee line is made for the couch. After feasting comes sleeping. This sleep is referred to as ‘food comas’. But why does this unavoidable slumber come over everyone?

The answer is tryptophan.

Whether people celebrate with turkey, chicken, cheese or nuts, individuals ingest tryptophan.

Turkey, chicken and many other foods contain amino acids.

Amino acids are “the building blocks for the proteins that make up” important parts of the body.

Foods high in tryptophan are high in the amino acid L-tryptophan. When eating these foods the “amino acid travels in the blood from digestive system and later enters the brain” according to hopkinsallchildrens.org.

Once tryptophan reaches the brain it is transformed into serotonin. Serotonin is a calming chemical that makes people sleepy according to hopkinsallchildrens.org.

The idea of tryptophan contributing to drowsiness is because it affects serotonin which regulates your sleep and wake cycle according to insider.com “Tryptophan is one of the nine essential amino acids” that are essential to a healthy diet according to insider.com. The human body constructs three compounds from eating tryptophan.

Melatonin, serotonin, and niacin are made from eating tryptophan year-round.

Some students like junior, Griffin Harrington, “would rather shop” than sleep after feasting on “turkey and stuffing.” While sophomore Corinne Hunter, who eats “turkey, mashed potatoes and green bean casserole on Thanksgiving” normally falls asleep after eating.

Sophomore Cael Sims prefers his “side dish of mac and cheese.”

However, Sims does not take part in a food coma after noshing on the holiday. While senior Autumn Tagliaferri every once and a while” she will fall asleep after feasting.

Though consuming these foods can lead to a drowsy feeling and wanting to sleep, this feeling does not reach the surface until about five hours after consuming the food according to insider. com.

A study that is in the works is regarding mental illness treatment. Currently, scientists are “studying whether tryptophan supplements can be used to treat mental illness” such as depression and anxiety according to insider.com.

KENSINGTON BOYANICH Business Manager Sirois, a psychological scientist at

“Although this study was unable Bishop’s University in Quebec. to prove a causal link between By recruiting a community procrastination and cardiovascusample of 182 individuals, which lar disease and hypertension, the have a formal medical diagnoresults reflect previous research sis of either hyperfindings linking protension or carcrastination to podiovascular tentially serious disease, health issues.”

“20% of American t h e y Sirois conadults are chronic comtinues, “one pleted way for procrastinators, and a sechronic 75% of college are ries procraso f t i n a habitual procrastinators, ontors to leading to issues including line reduce stress, anxiety, and surstress is veys by tarsleeping problems.” meageting suring the harsh trait proself-critical ~ Medical News Today crastinathoughts that tion, coping disrupt adaptive style, stress, and coping.” health outcomes.

Neil Lewis Jr. of the The survey results showed University of Michigan, and that the group that had been Daphna Oyserman of the Univerdiagnosed with either disease sity of Southern California found scored “significantly higher on that substituting smaller units of measures for trait procrastina- time can make upcoming events tion compared to the healthy seem more immediate. controls.”

“When units of time were The article goes on to state, manipulated to bring important

events closer to the forefront psychologically, people reported that they should start taking action significantly earlier, even when future events were described as being tens of thousands of days away,” said Oyserman.

According to Oyserman, this trick “may be useful to anyone needing to save for retirement or their children’s college, to start working on a team paper or dissertation, pretty much anyone with long-term goals or wanting to support someone who has such goals.”

Boise State University talks about ways to reduce procrastination including, reducing the number of decisions you need to make throughout the day. “Pick your clothes the night before, choose the most important thing that needs to get done tomorrow, and schedule time to do it.”

Another technique they provide is to focus on something doable. “The key to this tip for avoiding procrastination is to figure out the very next physical action…you need to take to move something forward, be it a task, a project, a phone call, or whatever else.”

Making the most of modern medicines; Managing pain, diseases, health issues MATTHEW LEDFORD Video Editor

can develop during this stage if a medication has an impact at a place other than its target. A hurting muscle in the leg might be the target organ for pain medication; stomach discomfort could be a side effect. Drugs intended for the central nervous system must pass through a virtually impenetrable barrier known as the blood-brain barrier, which pro-

throughout the body and completed its function, the drug is broken down, or metabolized, as A medication is a drug used indicated by the M in ADME. to diagnose, cure, treat, or preEverything that enters the vent disease. Drug therapy is an bloodstream—whether it is conimportant part of the medical sumed, injected, breathed, or field and relies on the science of absorbed via the skin—is transpharmacology for continual adported to the liver, the body’s vancement and on pharmacy for chemical processing unit. appropriate management. Drugs Substances are chemically are classified in multiple ways, pounded, twisted, split according to kidapart, glued together, shealthorg. and changed by enzymes, According to the which are proteins. Many National Institute enzymatic breakdown of General Medical products, or metabolites, Sciences (NIGMS), are less chemically active pharmacology is than the parent molecule. the scientific study Genetic variances can of how the body influence the function reacts to drugs of some enzymes, influand how medicaencing their capacity to tion impacts the digest medicines. Herbal body. Many parts goods and meals, which of pharmacology have a high concentraare of interest to tion of active ingredients, scientists sponmight impair the body’s sored by the NaOver time medicine continues to be a necessary part in treating patients. capacity to digest meditional Institutes of Health, including While prescriptions and over the counter choices were previously available, the cations.

NIGMS states, the pharmacokinetics, cost of some of these medicines escalated. now-inactive medication which deals with PHOTO CREDIT: Staff enters the final stage of understanding the its life in the body, excomplete cycle of a medicine’s life inside the body. the digestive system to the liv- tects the brain from potentially cretion, which is represented by Knowing more about each of er, where a major portion of the harmful chemicals such as toxins the letter E in ADME. This is accomplished by the elimination of the four major phases of phar- medicine is broken down. Other or viruses.

Fortunately, pharmacologists urine or feces. macokinetics, referred to collec- drug delivery routes bypass the Clinical pharmacologists can tively as ADME, contributes to liver, entering the circulation have found a variety of methods the formulation of more effective directly or through the skin or for getting medications beyond compute how a person is prothe blood-brain barrier. Protein cessing a drug by monitoring the drugs with fewer adverse effects. lungs.

According to the NIGMS, the According to the NIGMS, and fat molecules are two more levels of a drug in urine (as well first step of ADME is A, which when a medicine is absorbed, components that might alter dis- as blood) over time, which may stands for absorption When the following step of ADME is D, tribution in the blood and might result in a modification to the disable medication molecules by prescribed dose or even the treatmedicines enter the body’s circu- which stands for distribution. ment. A greater dose, for example, lation from the place of adminisThe bloodstream is frequent- latching.

NIGMS says that after a may be required if the medication tration, they are absorbed. Oral ly used to transport medications (such as eating an aspirin tablet), throughout the body. Side effects medication has been dispersed is being removed rather fast. intramuscular (getting a flu shot in an arm muscle), subcutaneous (injecting insulin just beneath the skin), intravenous (receiving chemotherapy through a vein), and transdermal (are some of the most prevalent methods of medication administration wearing a skin patch).

Medicines taken orally go via a specific blood channel from

December 6, 2022

Page 19/ Sports

Cry of the Hawk

Splashing into new season, Swimmers share goals, expectations GABRIELLE MOXHAM Reporter

Many students this year have decided to participate in swimming. Here is their take on what this season will look like for the Hawks Nest!

Junior Val Angulo’s goal for this season is to “get a personal record in her freestyle under 29 seconds, and to overall just have fun.”

Angulo participates in off-season training she conditions close to when the season starts three times a week “just to get back into it so [she] do[es]n't enter the season out of shape.”

She hopes the team will make it to states again this year, and that there will be more team bond-

ing experiences, ideally “going to someone's house and playing games or maybe we could go to the pool and do relay races.”

Another junior on the team, Anna O’Leary says her goal is to “swim a 1:11 in the 100-meter breaststroke and break 0:58 in the 100-meter freestyle.”

O’Leary wants to see the team through to states and to do well there.

She claims that she is nervous about “wanting to beat [her] older sister Erin’s 100 breaststroke time, and if [she] do[es]n’t, [she] is going to be sad.”

She has swam year-round for around 11 years and started at a young age being somewhere

around a toddler.

Practice for the team usually starts with warm-ups at 600 yards, then they do about two or three sets and overall, the practice ends at around 2,500 yards of swimming.

Angulo claims that it “leaves you very hungry because you get really tired and worn out because it is a very high calorie burning sport.”

Last year the team didn’t participate in many team bonding events besides a few dinners including one after states at Olive Garden, but this year they are expecting Ben Iampierri to “step up his captain game” according to O’Leary, and change that.

Pictured above is the NH middle school pool. No meets are hosted there, but many teams have practiced.

PHOTO CREDIT: MATT BUTTON

Sophomore takes ballet career next level BRYNN CESPEDES Reporter

Sophomore Claire Keenan is a young ballet dancer who has just made the next step in her dancing career. Recently receiving pointe shoes and entering a pointe ballet class, she said she is “happy that [she] finally got to this level of dance.”

Pointe ballet is “different from normal ballet,” Keenan states. In pointe ballet, you wear blocked satin shoes, which allows a dancer to balance their body on the tips of their toes, while in normal ballet, the dancer wears a lightweight slipper made specifically for dancers. Pointe takes “ a lot more muscle, balance, and practice” than normal ballet.

Keenan started dancing when

Claire Keenan shows off her dance skills. The sophomore recently moved forward to a pointe ballet class, which requires more strength than regular ballet.

PHOTO CREDIT: CLAIRE KEENAN she was four years old and has been doing jazz, tap, hip-hop, lyrical, maunder and ballet since

then. Keenan’s teacher decided that she was ready to try real pointe ballet classes. After meet-

Athletes: BELLA ARIST Reporter

ing with her teacher about it she bumped up in her class and received her pointe shoes.

Having the right people that support you is a “big part of ballet, and any sport really,” says Keenan. “My biggest supporter is my teacher, Ms. Molly,” Keenan states, “because she is always pushing me to do my best and better.” Having a close relationship with her teacher “has helped [her] grow and become a better dancer.”

“My biggest struggle is my weight and trying to be the ‘perfect’ ballerina.” Even though you don’t need to be a specific weight to be a ballerina, being fit “helps with getting main parts in shows, which I think is something everyone wants when they audition.”

Keenan thinks “it’s toxic how the

Rolling into wrestling; Starting this years journey

The 2022-2023 wrestling season is here! Wrestlers have started practice and are training for their matches every weekday after school. Coached by Mr. Tim Ryan, athletes are being put through conditioning to improve their skills.

Assistant coach Mr. Robert Knox explains how coaching wrestling takes up most of his free time, “but it is so worth it” he says. In total, there will be around six or seven coaches helping out this season, which makes it easier to teach more athletes.

Knox’s hope is to “win every match” because he thinks “the team will be very good this year.”

He has been coaching since 2016, which gives him a lot of experience and knowledge about the sport.

Practices consist of “90% conditioning and only 10% wrestling,” according to the assistant coach. He explains, “you can't win unless you condition your body to accomplish great things.”

Returning for year two, junior Mason Raab is “excited to bond and spend time with the coach-

es.” He’s only been wrestling for one year, but his hope is to “get first in regionals. It will be hard and require dedication and hard work.” When he goes to practice, he says, “I always look forward to bonding with the boys and trying to improve myself as a wrestler.”

Sophomores Tommy Blankenship and Zach Braun are also returning for their second year of the sport. Blankenship has been wrestling for about ten years, and Braun has wrestled for only one.

Blankenship's hopes for the season are to “go out and strive with the boys, put in hard work, and get some wins.” He has been off-season training every day by “going to the gym to lift and working on extra skills.” In his eyes, practice is “hard work and dedication.”

Braun has also been doing off-season training and is very excited for the season. He is excited about “meeting new wrestlers.”

Freshman Ben Grabia hasn’t had any experience with this sport. He said, “I am nervous because I know it's going to be difficult.” He got into wrestling because his brother used to wrestle, and he “wanted to give it a try.”

industry thinks that thinner is better, but it's just the way it is.”

“Discipline is a big part of what ballet teaches because you need to look graceful no matter how much pain you are in, especially on pointe.” Lots of people think that “ballet isn’t really a sport,” but it takes “a lot of self-control and muscular strength and endurance.”

Dance has affected Keenan's life in both “negative and positive ways.” She adds, “it is fun because the people that are there, I have gotten super close with.” She said that is has also negatively impacted “the way [she] thinks about [herself]” with all the dieting and “pressure [she] puts on [herself]” it “brings you down,” but in the end “it's all worth it because that just pushes me to be better.”

Going ga-ga for game: football event draws fans EMILY JOHNSON IDR Editor Touchdown! Juniors and seniors have been given the chance to compete once again, in a filly football game. The game was scheduled for Nov. 18 and has been rescheduled to an undetermined date.

Senior Sierra Wendland had been planning the game since the middle of September, along with help from many adults and clubs. “Coach Marty [Mr. Martinek] and Ms. Mock were helpful in getting me the field.”said Wendland.

Independent family living teach Mrs. Megan Fries controlled permission slips, and science teacher Mr. Robert Lamarr volunteered services too.

The Endzone Club and Booster Club also have advertised and set up concessions. Junior Tyler Ottensmyer’s father is planning to make players’ jersyes.

The game is sponsored by the junior class and their adviser, secretary Mrs. Kim Iddings.

Practices are to be held two to four days before the game

Page 20/ Sports

Girls XC take Regional title; Teams move on BEN IAMPIERI Copy Editor On Nov. 3, eight boys and eight girls traveled to Cambridge to run in regionals.

The girls finished first, with sophomore Eden Hussung leading NH in eighth with a time of 20:56. Right behind her was junior Ava Carberry with a 20:58.

Next, was senior captain Finley Lavin coming in eleventh place at 21:05.

The boys finished fourth, with junior captain James Ortt leading in second overall with a time of 16:51. Next was junior Austin Parry, who placed sixth and finished at 17:20. Following him was sophomore Justin Collins, who placed 25th and got a 19:23.

Freshman Kendall Chandler says “the strength that each of us showed at Regionals was truly a testament to how hard we worked and it was really awesome to see a season’s worth of work pay off.”

Carberry was happy with the team’s performance. “We all tried our hardest and it paid off because girls got first for Regionals and boys got fourth,” she explains.

“At Regionals, both teams placed extremely well, keeping high expectations,” Ortt says.

On Nov. 12, the team went to Hereford High for their second and final race at Bull Run. The girls placed fifth overall, with Chandler in 21st, finishing at 22:35.

Behind Chandler was Hussung in 30th finishing at 23:16, then junior captain Valentina Angulo, who placed 35th with a 23:35.

The boys placed 16th overall, Parry leading in 50th place with a 19:23.

In second for the team and 105th overall was Ortt with a time of 21:41, followed directly by Collins with a 21:45.

Chandler is very proud of everyone. “At Regionals, the girls knew that we had to push ourselves if we wanted to win and that each of us would have to do our absolute best,” she starts.

“The pressure was really high and I was super nervous and I fell on my face in the middle of the race, but every single girl on the team ran so well and stepped up that day.”

Senior captain Sierra Weaver was very happy with the season.

“I feel great about our Regionals placement, it felt good to place first again and I think we all pushed each other to be better,” she says. “I don’t feel bad about our states’ placement, sure we were supposed to make a higher place but I think overall we should be proud of getting what we did.”

“Cross country is a ridiculously hard sport, but the people on the team are truly the sweetest and most supportive and I’m so grateful for all of them,” Chandler says.

“We grew so much throughout the season and I couldn’t be more proud of the season we had.”

Cry of the Hawk

December 6, 2022

Boys varsity soccer team makes way to State Championship game NOEL BAILEY Op/Ed Editor

For the first time in NH history, the boys' varsity soccer team made it all the way to the State Championship game on Friday, Nov. 18.

The state game was against Glenelg High School. The boys fell short with a score of 0-2, The game was held at Loyola University.They ended the season with a record of 15-2-3.

“We set a goal one day during a rainy day, where we delayed practice: our goal was to make it to states,” Purcher said.

Smith said, “I knew that the

team was good, and we were going to go far,” he commented.

“I thought we played with heart,” Pucher added about the state game. “We came close to scoring multiple times. It was just one of those days where we couldn't get it in the back of the net.” Smith felt it was “very rewarding to be the first [NHHS] boys soccer team to ever make it this far.”

The team “became my brothers,'' said Pucher. “Every single moment I had with my team is my favorite memory. We really became a family this season.”

Smith added that this season will

Girls soccer keeps Regional title;

Team is back-to-back champs NOEL BAILEY Op/Ed Editor

The Hawks girls' varsity soccer team had their Regional game on Nov. 1, 2022, with a close win of 1-0.

This is the second year in a row the girls had won the 2A Regionals, both championship games beating Harford Tech. The single goal was scored by junior Aubrey Heise with an assist from senior Jenna Amrhien’s throw-in.

“It felt awesome to be able to score the winning goal,” said Heise.

She felt that she “wouldn’t have gotten the opportunity without everyone who was on the field.” Heise has gotten to experience both of the teams' wins in Regionals, being on the varsity team last year, and said “it’s definitely surreal winning back to back.”

Amrhein is one of the team captains for the girls along with fellow senior Riley Stoneback.

Amrhein’s favorite moment of Regionals was her, “assisting Heise’s goal with [her] “We made throw in.” Another moment Amhistory with rhein remembers is “the final back-to-back titles, c e l e b r a t i o n . ” whistle team S t o n e b a c k and thats something made it known that winning that game “is we will hold on [to] [she]’ll never something forget.” forever” “We worked so hard and we were able to keep the - Jenna Amrhien, at home again,” deserved title Amrhein said.

She thinks “the senior team's grit, determination and heart helped” the team bring home the victory.

Stoneback said “a hard work ethic and coming together as a team helped us win the title.”

Amrhein feels, “amazing. We made history with back-to-back titles, and that's something we will hold on [to] forever.” During the game, Stoneback “got a little worried in the second half,” but the team “stayed strong and held onto our lead so we ultimately came out on top.”

Mrs. Ora Cummings is the girls' head coach who helped them reach the top both years. Cummings said she is “so proud of the team” for their win. She added that it was “The leadership of our upperclassmen” that helped them bring home the win. Captains Amrhein and Stoneback “were instrumental in rallying the team” for the game, along with the girls' other games, according to Cummings.

Cummings has high hopes for the season next year, wanting to take the team to an even bigger win. “I think we can continue to win Regionals next year, I think we can go even further into the state tournament,” says Cummings.

The team ended the season with an 11-2-4 record. The season was “challenging but fun,” according to Cummings. “I’m proud of the season we had,” Stoneback commented.

Cummings believes “being part of a high school team is so much more than just the games played.” She thinks that “team bonding experiences create lifelong memories and life lessons,” for the girls.

“be something that I remember for the rest of my life.” Berger added his favorite memory was “Kian pulling through a win on senior night.”

Pucher and Smith shared that their favorite game was senior night against Havre de Grace.

The boys won the game 4-3; the four goals were all scored by seniors “one from Tyler Bowman, two from [Pucher], and with 55 seconds left, I scored the winning goal,” said Smith. He felt “that was the best memory I have ever had playing soccer.” Berger added that his favorite games were “Fallston and Harford Tech be-

cause I love the rivalry between the schools.”

Junior Mikey Lawry, said, “It feels like a dream come true to be the first team to make it to states.” He added, “as the season went on and we developed, I knew we would do great things.”

The community came together before the game on that Friday.

The team was escorted by the police down 165. The NH community came and lined their cars up and down the side of 165 to show their support.

The boys team really appreciated the send the community gave them.

Hawks earn Regional title STELLA MANNS Sports Editor “Honestly, the best feeling ever,” is how senior Julia Blondell (forward) felt after winning back-to-back Regional titles.

The Hawks' field hockey team has brought home a Regional title four times, according to coach Mrs. Carla Harward.

The 2022 season replicated three previous seasons, as the team acquired the 2A East Regional Champion title. To hold the title, the Hawks defeated Sparrows Point High School on Nov. 2 with a final score of 5-2.

Goals were scored by seniors Ju-

cording to Blondell, the regional championship game was a breath of fresh air. Being able to “score first” and “take control of the game,” led to the girls bringing home another plaque to the Nest.

For Sims (midfielder), “it felt like a lot of pressure” to play in the championship game. Sims was relieved after they won the game, “especially because of how close” they had bonded in the three months of field hockey.

“No other team is as close and loving as ours,” Fortune says.

Fortune expressed that the girls are “each other's best friends on and off the field.” She associates

The Hawks celebrate their 5-2 win over Sparrows Point. They finished the season out with a 10-7 record.

PHOTO CREDIT: Margie Fortune lia Blondell (1), Kendall Fortune (2), Abbey Saltzer (1), and junior Korynn Sims (1).

In the Regional championship game, the team “came out with strong effort” and confidence.

The girls “dominated the field throughout the first quarter,” which allowed them to score the first goal. In the second quarter, the score was 2-1, giving the Hawks a one-point lead heading into halftime. “Within the third and fourth quarter,[they] were able to put in three more goals.”

These goals set the stage for the final score and a championship win, according to Fortune (forward, right inner).

The tight-knit chemistry of the team is what most members attribute their success to.

Junior Kayla Doll (midfielder) expressed how all the girls “got really close, super fast.” Playing against Sparrows Point was “super nerve-racking” for Doll, and she is “so happy [the team] pulled through.”

As a “team that has to come back in the second half,” ac-

the team's successful tendencies with this. “Winning for the second year was such an amazing experience, and was awesome to celebrate with such a special group of girls,” Fortune adds.

The players “were really good friends off and on the field, which made it a special bond when they were on the field,” according to Harward.

Over the season, the girls came together and “worked better as a team,” says Harward. Whoever was subbed in the team still “worked seamlessly together” to accomplish their victories, according to Harward.

Senior Autumn Tagilaferri (defender) was recently named Harford County field hockey player of the year by the coaches of Harford County Public Schools field hockey teams.

Their playoff run included the following games: regional semi’s versus C. Milton Wright (2-1), regional championship versus Sparrows Point (5-2), state quarters versus Walkerville (2-1), and state semis versus Glenelg (0-6).