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the griffin
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Dulaney High School Timonium, Maryland
Volume 57, Issue 1
November 17, 2017
SWEET SURPRISE
Talks promote countywide literacy push
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see page 10
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TO KNOW
1,309 number of students who took the PSAT this year photo by emily williams
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SENIORS MADI SEDGWICK and Sepehr Akhtarkhavari stress over final quarter grades in room 103 on Nov 9. Akhtakhavari described the anxiety grades cause as overwhelming .“The pressure of schoolwork and responsibilities makes you want to curl up into a ball and cry,” he said.
14 number of games missed due to stadium closure
graphic by maria eberhart
# TO KNOW
$140 million cost of new Dulaney building
ALLIED UNITES
see page 6
INDEX 2-3 news 4-5 opinion 6-7 sports 8-12 features
Grades kindle stress in student body, survey shows maria eberhart, dorrie gaeng, emlyn langlieb and anna mason, editors-in-chief ncreased accessibility to technology and the highpressure environment of our competitive school have led students to obsess over grades and internalize them as a part of their self- worth. An anonymous survey of 151 students in select English classes found that 59 percent of students rated grades to be a major factor in their overall happiness and 72 percent of students linked their academic success to self-worth. “Any quantifiable data on my ability is bound to affect my perception of self-worth,” junior Arman Farazdaghi said. Social studies teacher Phil Bressler said this issue is compounded by parental influence. “Parents brag about two things: how smart their kids are and what great athletes they are. Very rarely do I hear a parent say ‘my kid is a lovely kid,’ and I think
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that’s more important,” Bressler said. “There is more to it than academics and you shouldn’t base your selfworth on that.” The introduction of online grading systems has allowed students to check grades more often and consequently assess their self-worth more frequently. Sixtyeight percent of students said they check BCPS One either multiple times a day or daily. “I love the transparency of it, but sometimes the hyper attention of online monitoring grades is not healthy,” English department chair Jason Bowman said. “Grades are not always the true story.” Students find it difficult not to obsess over grades when the school system places such emphasis on their importance. “At this point in our lives these numbers seem like what will make our future,” senior Joslyn Lapinski said. see GRADING POLICY, page 2
olivia summons, editor-in-chief n idea launched by English department chair Jason Bowman, the first book talk premiered Sep. 25, initiating a week’s worth of discussion, where students had the opportunity to dive into the deeper meaning of their chosen book with the sponsoring teacher. English teacher Maria Hiaasen shared her experience sponsoring “Stiff” and how it impacted her talk’s participants. “I think whether they realized it or not, there’s this bond between people who have read something,” Hiaasen said. “It’s not just that you show up and have materials, but that you have some sort of relationship with your students.” Baltimore County super intendent Verletta White discussed her support for a literacy push in the school system. According graphic to ThebyBaltimore grace guildener Sun, White says her vision for the system is to make it the best in the nation in developing students’ literacy — meaning their ability to gather, understand, analyze and synthesize information across disciplines in ways they will be required to do in the 21st century. Social studies teacher Ms. Swam reiterated this thought. “I think literacy is obviously an important topic in schools, but it’s one social studies teachers are already incorporating a lot of,” Swam said. But there were students who felt that the book talk appealed to a limited range of individuals, lacking a sense of diversity. “They picked a lot of popular books this year but in the future, they should work on reaching out to more people and gaining a wider audience,” junior Lucia Qian said. Looking forward to the possibility of next year’s book talk, and hoping to address student concerns, Bowman voiced his focus on the inclusion of a wider range of books that cover a variation of topics. “Personally, I think we want to get books that represent a more diverse experience, make a deliberate attempt to try to get more books that appeal to a wider range of students so they can all feel like they have something.” Bowman said. Literacy push aside, both teachers and students agree that all classes and subject areas require literacy in some form whether verbally, or through reading or writing. “Reading is essential to be a lifelong learner, whatever you major in. To be a citizen of the world you’ve got to read.” Hiaasen said.
FYI: Craft Fair & Bazaar
Nov. 18 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Auditorium Lobby
Thanksgiving Break Nov. 23 - 24
Winter Madness Nov.30 6-8 p.m. Gymanisum
Fall Play: “Peter and the Star Catcher”
Nov. 30- Dec. 2
Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.
Winter Assembly
Dec. 19 9:20-10.45 a.m. Auditorium
Winter Break Dec. 23 - Jan. 1
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news
the griffin
November 17, 2017
FBLA students tackle business venture
photos by maria eberhart
(Left) STUDENTS line up to buy school store items Nov. 9. (Center) SENIORS BRIAN MCCULLOUGH and Abhinav Khushalani assemble the store’s Gatorade drink display Nov. 9. (Right) SENIOR SOFIA ENCARNACION retrieves a Gatorade drink for a customer while senior Sean Lin records the transaction. karina wang, staff writer ulaney’s student-run school store opened Oct. 2 after months of careful planning. Because the Gatorade machine broke last year, director of athletics Rich Reed approached the Future Business Leaders of America club about running a school store in exchange for a split in the profits. The FBLA officers agreed to take part in this operation as this would give members a handson experience in a real world application of business strategies. FBLA advisor and business teacher Patrick Holt describes the school store as a way for students to learn how to make sales and solve problems. “I’m very excited. Even if [the store] doesn’t make a lot of money, it’s a very good learning opportunity for students to learn [about] retail sales,” Holt said. The school store is run by FBLA officers and several active FBLA members. Seniors Brian McCullough and Patrick Dochat are the co-
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managers of the operation, in charge of training the store personnel, checking inventory, marketing, and managing the sales. “The two biggest hurdles right now to making the school store successful are marketing and having accurate financial records,” McCullough said, “we really need to hammer that down in these coming weeks so that we have a solid foundation to build upon.” Another challenge is maintaining the inventory. FBLA members must collaborate with Reed who is supplying the Gatorade products, as well as use the club’s own budget to buy school supplies. “When you have a lot of inventory, it takes up space [because] it’s not being sold,” Reed said. “This is where FBLA comes into play. It’s a learning process, figuring out how to keep the school store in stock of what all 2000 students want.” After the foundation begins to grow, Mc-
Cullough and the school store team hope to add additional merchandise, such as gum, portable chargers, and Under Armour apparel. In addition to providing students with these products, the school store can serve as a fundraising method for other clubs if they want to sell their own items. “Our biggest goal is to try and build upon what FBLA likes to call ‘a legacy.’ I think it would be a great way for people to get involved in FBLA and showcase the opportunities it can provide to the student body by running a real business,” McCullough said. The school store can be found in a supply closet area across from the classic cafeteria. It operates every day from 7:25 a.m. to 7:40 a.m. and from 2:20 p.m. to 2:55 p.m. Currently, it is selling Gatorade products - drinks, energy bars, protein bars, and energy chews - water bottles, spirit wear and various school supplies.
without grades. Senior Abhinav Khushalani said this would only be true for certain classes. “I would be intrinsically motivated to study the things that interest me, but maybe not oth-
lege acceptance,” Lapinski said. Exacerbating student stress is the fact that a student’s transcript remains top priority in college acceptance. According to a 2016 survey conducted by the National Association for College Admission Counseling, 79.2 percentof universities consider grades highly important to admission. On the other hand, only 55.7 percent of universities placed the same importance on standardized test scores. Besides college admission purposes, math teacher Brocha Siff recognizes the other merits of students’ fixation on grades. “Kids are so obsessed with their grades, but at the end of the day they’re learning, so let them be obsessed with their grades,” Siff said.
Grades kindle stress in student body, survey shows continued from page 1
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ducators have often grappled with wether or not grades should reflect mastery as well as effort. Grades have become embedded in our school system. Yet this extrinsic reward is not necessarily motivating students. A 2003 Nation Research Council study, published in Forbes magazine, found that 40 percent of high school students are chronically disengaged from school. Teachers and students speculate about teh impact of grades on motivation. “If you think about it, at a young age you were motivated without grades. I don’t think you learned to read to get an A. You were just motivated.” Bressler said. Junior Kiera McGinn said she would feel motivated to learn and grow as a student, while genuinely engaging in class material, even
“Kids are so obsessed with their grades, but at the end of the day they’re learning, so let them be obsessed...” ers,” Khushalani said. Despite animosity towards grades, students and teachers realize their importance. “If we didn’t have grades, no one would do work. Also, the can use them to judge for col-
Athletic department curbs lateness
photo by noah wilkens
DEPARTMENT CHAIR THOMAS MARANVILLE checks in late seniors Ryan Smith and Casey O’Grady and junioir Bobby O’Grady.
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bryce frederick, staff writer ith the immense cultural influence the athletic program has on the school climate, Director of Athletics Rich Reed is striving to close the gap between athletics and academics. The enforcement of a new athletic lateness policy is the most recent and substantial initiative to enhance this collaboration. Last year, 1,300 students participated in athletics, approximately 325 being seniors. Of
those 325, only three signed to play a Division 1 sport in college. Meaning, sports will not be a part of hundreds of high school student-athletes endeavors in the future. Being on time, according to Reed, is a high school habit that can translate to success in both college and the real world. “My biggest goal is for you guys to graduate a four year institution, regardless of athletics. And, I think these are the habits that condition our student body,” Reed said.
With that being said, the new policy at hand essentially suspends the athlete for the day that he/she was inexcusably late. A list of all tardy and absent students are sent to each coaching staff, and it is on them to determine if any of their players are on the list, and therefore cannot participate in practice or a game on that day. This push is a part of a series of actions that Reed has been developing in order to bridge the gap between athletics and academics. Reed has acknowledged that one of the athletic department’s pressing goals is to construct habits for success, noting that these mannerisms will translate into all aspects of student’s lives. In the first months of school, tardiness has been down about 50% from this time last year, according to social studies teacher Phil Bressler. “An athlete I had last year for homeroom compared to this year for homeroom has gone from being late almost every morning to zero times! This policy has completely reshaped behavior in the classroom, especially for athletes,” business teacher Jamie Bare said.
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NEWS LINE DANCE INVESTIGATED Former BCPS Superintendent Dallas Dance abruptly announced his resignation April 2017, which took effect June 2017. No reason was given for his resignation. However, there is an ongoing investigation involving his part-time job with Illinois-based SUPES Academy, where he spent weekends training school principals. Dance took this job, which has been noted as a conflict of interest, without consulting the school board. Investigators are considering Dance’s $875,000 contract to SUPES as well as any paychecks from the company.
SEQUEL HONORED Sequel, the literary and art magazine produced by the students, recently won a Colombia Scholastic Press Award (CSPA) for its 201617 publication. The award, either a Silver Crown or Gold Crown, will be presented March 2018 in New York. The honor is given to hybrid magazines for the overall quality of writing, photography, concept, design and coverage. Sequel is one of four magazines in the nation to receive this recognition. The magazine is run by student editors-in-chief Jason Fontelieu, Jennifer Medrano and Catherine Anna Kansak, as well as faculty adviser Meekah Hopkins.
PLAY SET TO SOAR The fall play “Peter and the Starcatcher” is scheduled to premiere Nov. 30 in the auditorium. Two other peformances will be held Dec. 1 and Dec 2. Every showtime is set to air from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and tickets will be sold at the door. The play is produced by the Dulaney Theatre Company with adviser Tamara Moon.
TEACHER AWARDED Project Lead the Way adviser Wanda Brown was one of two Baltimore County Public Schools teachers to be recognized by the Baltimore County Commission on Disabilities. Brown was awarded the Chairperson’s Special Award Oct. 19. Last year, Brown’s engineering students built a wheelchairbicycle hybrid nicknamed the “chariot” for nine-yearold Chandler Winchester, who has cerebral palsy.
DEBATE SWEEPS Juniors David Chen and Olivia Summons receieved a gold medal at the BCFL debate tournament at Loyola High School Nov. 11. Seniors Madhav Patel and Harshil Patel followed their teammates and received a silver medal. Junior Fanglin Ding and sophomore Harsha Devaraconda placed third, receiving a bronze medal. Students debated the Resolution “The United States should require universal background checks for all gun sales and transfers of ownership.”
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the griffin
November 17, 2017
AVID innovates classroom environment emily williams, editor-in-chief
(Top-left) Juniors Toni Jade Coronel (left) and Carla Ireland (right) practice their “farmer’s handshake” as a team bonding exercise.(Top-right) Freshman Griffin DuFauchard (right) asked about the horticulture club at Club Rush, where AVID advertised their program. (Botton-left) Juniors Courtney Garrison (left) and Adriana Ortiz Ramirez (right) worked collaboratively on a project that targets AVID’s central vision. “AVID’s whole mission is to close the achievement gap”
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ursuing a new communal environment, Advancement Via Individual Determination is reinventing the traditional classroom set-up. Once a faculty lounge, 203A is the recent innovation for AVID classes. “AVID’s whole mission is to close the achievement gap,” Culbertson said. “There are resources in the lounge for teachers so that we can really take AVID school wide.” The college readiness program, AVID, strives to develop reading and writing, critical thinking, cooperation and organizational skills. AVID recruits students from varying
demographics with the goal of getting them into a competitive four year college.
“We’re really targeting the students in the middle.” “We are really targeting students that have potential and with additional support will be able to achieve a higher level success,” Culbertson said. Culbertson notes that a goal of AVID is to build a community. A recent development incorporated into the program places
students into “Harry Potter” houses and designates a presi dent and historian for a student council, creating a more student-driven atmosphere. “We want to make sure that we’re listening and acknowledging the needs of the students,” Culbertson said. “Our retention rate has been the greatest and that’s something that we’ve been working on.” Sophomore Arrianna Bailey finds the program beneficial. “AVID helped me look at different colleges and it’s taught me to be a more organized person,” Bailey said. AVID accepts incoming freshmen into their program based on a combination of grades, test scores and personal applications. “We’re really targeting the students in the middle,” Culbertson said Culbertson hopes the program can become schoolwide soon. “Whether it to have more kids join the program or to have more teachers incorporate the strategies and time for into their curriculum and providing time for organization.”
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PRINCIPLE SAM WYNKOOP shares his vision for Dulaney, stressing student teacher relationships. “Communication verbally, communication in writing... as long as I’m here, relationships are going to be a pinnacle
Words with Wynkoop
olivia summons, editor-in-chief
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ager to engage with his students, Principal Samuel Wynkoop sat down with the Griffin staff to relay his vision for Dulaney. “One of my overarching goals is building better relationships. Ones that make students feel included, that makes them feel important and welcome.” Wynkoop proposes an emphasis on the importance of humanistic relationships, stressing that student-teacher bonds preface the need for favorable statistics. In the Jan. 2017 school year students took a stakeholders survey to convey their thoughts regarding student teacher relations by answering the question “Do you believe your teachers care about you?” “Last year 30 percent of our kids in the BCPS stakeholder survey said that the adults in the building do not care about them as people,” Wynkoop said. Low percentage it may be, but to Wynkoop, it’s simply unsatisfactory. “For me, personally, that’s very hard to hear as a principal, that’s unacceptable,” Wynkoop said. Focused on decreasing this percentage to zero, Wynkoop proposes an open field of communication where students can come to him and talk about the changes they wish to see at Dulaney. “I would love for students to know that I care about them; I don’t want them to see me as just the big scary man with a tie who sits in his office all day.” Wynkoop said. With the goal of student inclusion on the forefront, Wynkoop hopes to involve himself in student life as much as possible. He is anticipative of teachers and staff following his lead and immersing themselves into their students as frequently as possible. “Communication verbally, communication in writing, all those different things are going to be needed in this next generation’s work force and as long as I’m here, relationships are going to be a pinnacle,” Wynkoop said.
4 opinion
iPhone X far from a 10
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timur malamud, staff writer he iPhone X, released Nov. 3, is the perfect phone for all your money-wasting needs (only one grand!) Featuring all-new outdated and ineffective features such as no home button, terribly programmed face recognition which can be fooled by a high-resolution picture and now plated with the most ‘durable’ material available: glass. Do you love being one of those preteens who trust Apple with their heart and soul and break their phone within 2 milliseconds of purchasing it? Now you can. The phone now features a screen that covers the phone. So innovative. Apple was so proud of it that they decided to put a completely unnecessary lip on it just to cancel out the greatness of the invention a bit. Apple also made the new iPhone X smaller which then makes the phone slightly less comfortable to hold in your hand or shove in your pocket. (Okay, this next new ‘innovation’ to the iPhone is so
“Appealing to the younger generation is now the only drive for Apple to release any product at all.” annoying too that I cannot even keep up this sarcastic attitude anymore). Animojis. After all of the requests for a fully compatible charger port and three-way Facetime. We get….face puppets. Appealing to the younger generation is now the only drive for Apple to release any product at all, apparently. Alright, well, here it is, folks: The iPhone X. May I remind you that the X actually means 10, it is just that Apple (as well as Microsoft) has a strange habit of skipping the number nine in model and software series. I am unsure why companies do this, but it is more than a little agitating. But, despite all these useless add-ons and ridiculous prices for them, people will still buy product. Even if the phone is reliable enough for about two years before the battery swells and dies. If there is any suggestion I can give you at all, it is to save some time, money, and battery life (and also literal pocket space) and get an Android.
the griffin
November 17, 2017 month ##, year
What my school dress code taught me about shame audrey bartholomew, staff writer ule number one, first and foremost, never show the skin you were brought into this world with. Unless, of course, you’re a boy. In that birthright exception, muscle tees, shorts and V-necks will never receive a second look. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 60 percent of schools enforce a strict dress code in their 2014 findings, with rules varying from school to school. So, what does this mean for students? For me, it meant wearing jackets in my non-air-conditioned middle school in early June, due to the cutouts on my oversized t-shirt. A trip to my locker without my windbreaker caused my homeroom teacher to peer out of her classroom and tell me not to let her see me without it again, unless, of course, I wanted to change into my gym uniform. It meant shrugging my shorts down in the science wing for fourth period. But most importantly, my school dress code taught me how to be shameful of my body and that I should expect constant criticism for attempting to be comfortable. These ancient policies do nothing besides singling out an entire gender to cover up and impede on productivity. Education will be for everyone once we stop pegging girls as distractions and sending them out of class to change. If I were to walk up to my math teacher tomorrow, complain that the football player sitting across from me prevented me from completing my algebra test because his beautiful muscles outlined by his t-shirt were distracting me, she would laugh in my face and tell me that it’s my own problem.
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School districts mask these policies as a means to teach dressing appropriately for the working world. If you’re forcing girls out of class and into ill-fitting gym uniforms, call it for what it is. This isn’t professionalism. This is oppression. The problem with this justification is that it assumes that there are uniform rules and dress code standards in all workplaces. With working from home growing in popularity, and more offices prioritizing the quality of their employees’ work, preparing to dress for the workplace in schools is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Not to mention, commenting on an adult’s body and what they’re wearing in any
a manner which bares self-expression and identity causes students to lack their sense of self. Dress codes will never be consistent and end up perpetuating something much darker than inequality of the sexes. The “asking for it” mindset is based entirely around the idea that clothing implies consent. We are taught that clothing encompasses promiscuity as children. A set of rules cannot be enforced fairly if the parameters differ based upon gender and body type. Teacher in a bad mood? Better hope that you have time to adjust your tank top straps or find an invisible cloak to disappear into the crowd. My middle school went by the fingertip rule, long arms forced into Bermuda shorts. Those who had short arms won the genetic lottery, weaseling their way out of a disastrous dress code. That’s exactly what’s wrong with this failing, nationwide system. Not once over the course of those three years did I ever see a boy get sent home or pulled out of class for violating the dress codes. Everything is fair game for the opposite sex as long as there aren’t drugs, sex, or gang art by audrey houghton office or other establishment symbols depicted. is an immediate Human Resources School administrators, respect your violation, it’s completely inapprostudents. The solution is simple, priate. So why does doing this to do away with the dress code that children suddenly make it acceptable, sucks the life and self-expression out most notably, young girls? of your students. Life will go on, I The other grasp at a reasonable promise. Acknowledge that every argument is that implementing dress young girl you pull aside and every codes promotes school unity—nostudent you deem a distraction relies body stands out. In order for a stuon you for their education. Recognizdent to become truly well-rounded, ing consent begins in the classroom. they must be exposed to a diverse and Maximize the minds of every person varied group of people. This melting that walks through your halls. There pot of students and experiences can are things more important than your best be expressed through one thing: perceived ideas of modesty and proclothing. Forcing students to dress in fessionalism.
EDITORIAL:
Students’ grade obsession dismissed as the new norm
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art by audrey houghton
ou know there’s a problem when your browser home page is BCPS One. Freshman year, students are bombarded with lists of dozens of clubs and introduced to Naviance, your new college mentor. Sophomore year, students are pressured into AP classes and rival peers for leadership positions. Junior year, students are slapped in the face with the SAT and seek out recommendations like bloodhounds on the field. Senior year, students are engulfed in nightmares about college rejections and develop the infamous disease: Senioritis. At this point in the track from high school to college education, it’s virtually impossible to adopt the mindset that grades don’t determine your future. We live in a world that measures success by numbers. The higher you score, the more relevant you seem.
Dulaney High School, 255 E. Padonia Rd. Timonium, MD 21093 dulaneygriffin@bcps.org (410) 887-7633 Student population: 1,806 Staff population: 107 The Griffin prints 1,500 to 2,000 copies of each edition. These are distributed during homeroom on the third Friday of November, January, March and May. Extras may be found in the library or room 303. A Columbia Scholastic Press Association member The Griffin’s mission is to enlighten and entertain. November 17, 2017 Volume 57, Issue 1 http://dulaneygriffin.org
The higher your position, the more important you appear. Tell me the last time you heard, “Wow, you’re so kind, you’re going places.” Because the reality is that the majority of parents don’t brag about how kind or caring their child is. So when stellar academic success is incentivized for widespread approval, students learn quickly that they’ll do whatever they have to, to get the grade. US Represented found that “all too many adults seem to be oblivious to the issue of mental health in schools, especially in regard to grade obsession. A quick web search of “problems with the American education system” brings back pages upon pages of articles dealing with low test scores and high dropout rates.” Parents, teachers and politicians all decry the failures of teens to stay in school. What isn’t considered is the fact that maybe the failure is in the
editors-in-chief maria eberhart, dorrie gaeng, brynn handley, emlyn langlieb, anna mason, olivia summons, emily williams adviser brittany jackson
the griffin Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.
school system, as well as in society. Our eyes are drawn towards those lucky few who receive Ivy acceptance letters. We epitomize them and then hold ourselves to even higher standards. With each congratulations directed towards a student who nearly had a mental breakdown studying for their seventh AP test, we stray further from a society that truly accepts everyone If the system doesn’t change, the students won’t. Parents, teachers, and administrators cannot expect their students to change when the thought of college is looming on the horizon. The number one fear in students’ hearts is if they take classes that they desire without the guarantee of an A. Only when there’s a fundamental change in the system that allows for the freedom of failure and the liberty of independent thinking, can our students be relieved of the pressures of grades.
The Griffin welcomes story ideas, commentaries and letters to the editor. These may be brought to room 303, placed in Brittany Jackson’s mailbox in the office or emailed to dulaneygriffin@bcps.org. All submissions are subject to editing and must be signed. The Griffin Editorial Board makes all final decisions regarding content. The staff editorial reflects the thoughts of the Griffin staff, but all other opinon pieces reflect individuals’ views, not the paper’s. Interested in advertising in The Griffin or purchasing any photos seen in this issue? Use the same contact information.
the griffin
November 17, 2017
5 opinion
Kneeling to protest injustice quinn mccabe, staff writer
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frican Americans are subjects of racism, victims of pervasive police brutality and expected to stand for a national anthem that demeans slaves in the third verse. And we are going to tell them that peacefully protesting their mistreatment is disrespectful? Sounds pretty ironic. During the 2016-2017 preseason, Colin Kaepernick kneeled during the national anthem, drawing national attention. When asked what his motivation was, he alluded to the recent instances of police brutality including the deaths of Freddie Gray, Philando Castile and Alton Sterling. This form of peaceful protest elicited outrage because people believed that it was disrespectful to the military and the country as a whole. But, as other players joined in with Kaepernick’s protest, they continued to make it clear that the protests were not related to the military. They reiterated their purpose of protesting, raising awareness for the oppression and unfair treatment of African Americans. Interestingly enough, former NFL long snapper and Green Beret Nate Boyer, was the person that suggested to Kaepernick to kneel for the anthem. He sent Kaepernick a letter recom-
mending he kneel rather than sit for the anthem because it was more respectful. When people argue that kneeling is disrespecting the flag, they are forgetting that the flag is just a piece of cloth that symbolizes our values as a country. This includes freedom of speech, right to protest and equality of opportunity. When these values are not being upheld, the flag is truly just a piece of cloth: immune to disrespect.
“How could anyone expect someone to stand for a song that demeans and insults them?” People are calling these protesters disrespectful, but are clearly unaware of the blatant disrespect imbedded in the lyrics of the national anthem itself. The forgotten third stanza was meant to decry former slaves who were then working for the British army. One line states, “their blood has wash’d out their foul footsteps pollution,” mean-
ing that the blood of all the former slaves on the battlefield will wash away the pollution of the British. How could anyone expect someone to stand for a song that demeans and insults them? Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jonesrecently issued a statement requiring all his players to stand for the anthem or they would be benched,even removed from the team. A white owner forcing his African American players to silence them selves and continue clashing heads for 60 minutes? Sounds eerily similar to something that happened in the 1800’s. The common argument that there are better ways to protest is completely invalid because every time African Americans protest it is notthe right way. If they march, they block the roads. If they riot, they are called violent. If they kneel peacefully, they disrespect the country. These players have a platform to better the nation, so why are so many people against it? This country was built on the foundation of freedom of speech, and there could not be a more peaceful and effective way to negate oppression than kneeling.
art by nick owens
Taking a stand by sitting down? noah wilkens, staff writer s someone with red-hot American pride pumping through their veins, the national anthem brings goosebumps to my skin. Being able to live freely with guaranteed rights is awe-inspiring. The national anthem symbolizes individuality, freedom and relentlessness. Not standing for the Star Spangled Banner is protected by your first amendment right. So is calling half of Donald Trump’s supporters a “basket of deplorables.” The overarching question is: just because it is legal, does that make it right? The simple answer is no. Unfortunately, the difference between right and wrong, even protected by law, is not black and white. There are American soldiers living in hostile countries with barbaric extremists and corrupt governments who are risking their lives so that you and I can walk around safely in the greatest country on earth. So thank you, Colin Kaepernick, for making the National Football League a medley of drama-fueled teenagers. The NFL is known for creatine-crushing, super human athletes and strong willed role models. Most of the players choosing to demonstrate are
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people of color. The basis of these players’ argument is racial injustice, police brutality and oppression. Personally, I find it ironic that these players are “taking a stand” by sitting down, kneeling or doing anything other than standing. These players are role models. Being highly influential individuals, they are teaching America’s youth that it is acceptable to blatantly disrespect the country. The influence is spreading like a
“Picking and choosing to be an American when it benefits one’s argument is cowardly.” wildfire and becoming a warped and convoluted mess. At school we have students refusing to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance because players in the NFL refuse to stand for the national anthem. This is unacceptable. Not to mention, the refusal to respect and stand for the national anthem is the refusal to
identify as an American. Picking and choosing to be an American when it benefits one’s argument is cowardly. The 21st century is here. Racism and discrimination have been eradicated under law. NFL players who choose to demonstrate, dislike certain aspects of America, but have yet to figure out what they want to do about it. I encourage these players to continue to search for a fitting and adequate solution. In the same breath, there is a time and place for everything. I do not turn on the TV or pay upwards of $200 to watch people share their political views. I turn on the TV and pay upwards of $200 to watch big plays and victorious games.
graphic by brynn handley
it’s like this Trump thwarts birth control mandate dorrie gaeng, editor-in-chief
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fter the election, a multitude of women joked about rushing to their doctors to get an IUD implanted before Trump took over, one that would hopefully outlast his presidency – little did they know their concerns would actually come true. The movement for women’s reproductive rights suffered a huge blow last month. The Trump administration rolled back the portion of the Affordable Care Act that required businesses to provide health care plans that included contraceptive coverage. Now, businesses or employers can claim exemption from the contraceptive mandate if it violates their “religious or moral conviction.” They do not even have to be an organization with religious affiliations to evade this cost. What does this mean for women? According to a study commissioned under the Obama administration, 55 million women had access to birth control without co-payments because of the contraceptive mandate, which was implemented in 2012. Hundreds of thousands of women are projected to lose birth control coverage under the new policy. When Trump released this policy, he claimed that he was not going to “allow people of faith to be targeted anymore.” But the objections to the ACA contraceptive mandate came from religiously-affiliated organizations, such as hospitals, and an opt-out proposal under the Obama administration addressed these concerns. The proposal allowed birth control to be provided by insurance companies, without direct involvement from the religious organization. But the Trump administration has pushed even further, not only allowing religiously-affiliated organizations exemption, but companies like CVS can bar coverage simply by claiming a violation of morals.
“... teenagers are going to engage in sexual activity regardless of government policy.” What is to stop employers from using this claim simply to save money? And it does not stop there. As the administration released this policy, it also listed supposed health risks associated with certain contraceptives, one being that it promoted “risky sexual behavior” among teenagers and young adults. I do not know if these lawmakers are simply ignorant or in denial, but teenagers are going to engage in sexual activity regardless of government policy. The only thing birth control is doing is ensuring safe sex, limiting unwanted pregnancies and lowering abortion rates. And are we forgetting that birth control is about more than just safe sex? Birth control provides numerous health benefits to all women, whether sexually active or not. According to a study done by the Guttmacher Institute, a leading research organization in reproductive health, 31 percent of women use the pill to control menstrual pain. Twenty-eight percent of women use the pill to regulate their menstruation and 14 percent of women use the pill to control acne. Men should not have jurisdiction over the reproductive health of women. And as long as 80 percent of Congress and 80 percent of Trump’s appointed administration are men, this decision is unacceptable.
the griffin
6 sports
athletes
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VARSITY
Senior sparks success
giorgio gayleard, staff writer eading scorer and captain for the varsity field hockey team, senior Maggie Kelly has been playing field hockey for seven years. “I got into field hockey in the 5th grade because all of my friends had been playing it so I switched from soccer and really loved it,” Kelly said. Kelly scored three goals to lead the team to a 3-1 away victory over rival, Hereford Bulls to extend their win streak to six on Sept. 18. This was a huge game for her, as well as FAVORITE ATHLETES the rest of the team, and helped 1) Josh Tucker propel them to move forward. The team held on to an 18-game win streak, powered by 22 goals 2) Taylor D’amore from Kelly as of Nov.11 Kelly had two hat tricks 3) Katie Bam throughout the season, further proving herself as an offensive force. Aside from her scoring presence, Kelly is able to lead the team and unite the girls in any given situation. “She always motivates us and pushes us to be our best. She’s a great teammate and makes everyone want to work harder,” junior teammate Mae Dickens said. “It’s a supportive environment.” Head coach Kellie Fialcowitz appreciates Kelly’s discipline that has driven the team to success. “She works hard, she has an excellent field sense, and she’s fast. She’s just a great kid all around,” Fialcowitz said. Kelly helped lead the team to a county championship Oct. 23, clinched first seed in the playoffs and won the regional championship Nov. 1. Kelly ended the season as a state finalist and played in the Baltimore County senior all-star game on Nov. 14, after making first team all-county for the second year in a row.
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athletes
November 17, 2017
Allied expands, friendship remains nina d’addario and will behm, staff writers
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ith 41 student athletes marked on the roster, the allied soccer program is fielding its largest team since coach Anita Shaw’s tenure started seven years ago. The team was composed of 12 students with disabilities and welcomed 25 other athletes to support the special needs players as “buddies.” The “buddy” role was created for students to support and bond with their fellow teammates while also learning the skills and craft of the sport. “The immense number of buddies reflects growth of the program and kids from both the disability community and the general student body,” Shaw said. The buddies have made consistent efforts to connect with their peers and have focused on building and maintaining these relationships. “They are engaged with the athletes on and off the field and make practice the best part of the athletes’ day,” Shaw said. Junior Jenna Van Wagner is new to the program this year and values this rapport. “My favorite part of being a buddy is learning things about athletes that you wouldn’t have known prior to joining the team, like their sense of humor,” Van Wagner said. Buddies are encouraged to build this relationship outside of school as well. “Hanging out with them outside of school really shows that [athletes with disabilities] have another friend and someone to rely on,” Senior Will Schmidt said. Freshman Rodolfo Zurek, an athlete on the team,
spoke on the program. “My favorite part is that I’m making friends. I’ve learned how to get to know everybody, meet new teammates, and to have fun.” Zurek said. The team as a whole was 3-2-2 this season. Defense maintained position in a 3-0 win against Catonsville, and offense triumphed in the 6-2 win against Owings Mills. Zurek led the way in a multitude of games, scoring eight goals this season. Junior Chase Douglass was also a force on offense, scoring seven goals. Not to go unnoticed, juniors Chase Blanchard, Katie Eppler, and Ben Kazanzides scored one goal each. Junior Matt O’ Connor was the goalie, closing the season with 16 total saves. Dulaney hosted their very first inter-county game this year against Oakland Mills High School. It should be noted that only two previous inter-county games have been held since allied soccer began in 1994. The match was followed with a small ceremony and each athlete was awarded a certificate commemorating this moment. Following their regular season, the team celebrated their successes. At the season ending party, Douglass and Zurek took home the Unsung Heroes award, Blanchard won Most Improved, and senior Ellen Scheel won the Spirit of Soccer. After the party, athletes took the field one last time at Franklin High for the Pumpkin Bowl. Dulaney capped off their season with a final victory. Shaw is seeking to continue to expand and grow all allied programs in the years to come.
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JUNIOR VARSITY
Sophomore’s serve slays emlyn langlieb, editor-in-chief
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ophomore Izzy Hodiste dedicated eight years of her life to softball, but decided to branch out to volleyball freshman year. “My arms were already pretty strong, so I started playing and then picked it up,” Hodiste said. Since then, she has become junior varsity volleyball captain and gained fast points for the team. Sophomore Victoria Andrade praises her teammate’s abilities and positive outlook. “Izzy has a really great serve FAVORITE ATHLETES and an amazing attitude that 1) Jessica Mendoza really pulls the team together, “Andrade said. Junior varsity head coach 2) Jennie Finch Chelsea Mead acknowledges the importance of Hodiste’s serve to 3) Kerri Walsh Jennings the team. “Izzy’s serve is her biggest weapon. When her serve is on there’s very little chance we will lose,” Mead said. As captain, she understands both the struggles and successes of leading a team. “Sometimes it’s difficult because there are a lot of girls on the team. But it’s fun because I get to know everyone in a different way,” Hodiste said. Hodiste enjoys creating motivational exercises for the team to pump up before games. One way she motivates the team is by forming a circle and having each player say a goal they have for the game. Another pre-game ritual includes them shouting in a circle and screaming. Coach Mead appreciates Hodiste as both a cheerleader for her teammates and her incredible skill. “She is the heart of the team. When she is on we won’t lose. When she is off you would never know it by her play. Her hustle never stops. I couldn’t ask for a better captain.”
photo by john bowers (Left) JUNIOR CHASE DOUGLAS and freshman Larissa Maits run out of the gates at pep rally Oct. 13. (Right) FRESHMAN RODOLFO ZUREK leads the allied soccer team to a victory against Woodlawn high school Oct. 13.
Alumnus passes away in tragic rock climbing accident maria eberhart, editor-in-chief and owen campbell, staff writer
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pirited leader and star lacrosse player, Matthew Hearn passed away mountain climbing in Salt Lake City, Utah July 13. Hearn played three years on the varsity lacrosse team at Dulaney and contributed to the win for the 2008 state champions. Lacrosse coach Kyle Fiat remembers how he was an uplifting teammate, his enthusiasm helped motivate players. “I remember one play when he came off the bench and had a really big hit that energized the whole team,” Fiat said. Hearn mostly played as a midfielder and was noted by photo from montage used at memorial Coach Fiat to have good ground balls. “He was a tough player, he was a guy who was super physical and really scrappy. He was really good between the lines,” Fiat said. Hearn was also visible face in the Lion’s Den because he was an animated basketball spectator. In the four years he attended Dulaney, he never missed a home game. “He was an unbelievable fan and an unbelievable friend to the team,” said basketball coach Matthew Lochte. This translated to junior year where Hearn asked Coach Lochte if he could be the manager of the basketball team. “I said absolutely not,” Lochte said, “He was fun, a wild man, silly, and made everyone laugh. We needed him to cheer us on, not be a manager.” Coach Lochte and Coach Fiat both attended Matt’s funeral but neither spoke. After the funeral service, there was a gathering of Matt’s family and friends and other alumni that attended. Fiat has been in contact with Matt over the years usually through social media and by visiting him at Westminster College. Also, Lochte had also kept in touch with Matt through email and social media. “Honestly, when you’re a teacher or a coach certain student or players you develop relationships with for a lifetime.”
Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org
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the griffin
November 17, 2017
athletes
sports
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VARSITY
Park drives golf team with fun
drew daily and bryce frederick, staff writers fter a pre-practice Chickfil-a run, Chan Park can be frequently seen with a wide smile on his face, and his putter in hand, according to junior teammate Johnny Carroll. Head coach Mike Wall attributed Park’s success to his great personality and calm demeanor, and his teammates agree. Park is recognized for his ability to be a role model on the team, while still being able to balance his fun side, according to teammate, junior FAVORITE ATHLETES Connor Stewart. 1) Adam Scott “Chan is a great, guy and he is loads of fun to play with,” Stewart said, “He’s good enough where he 2) Tiger Woods can goof off every once and a while, and still dominate you.” For Park, the high school season as 3) J.J. Watt an opportunity to prepare his mind and body for his tournament play. “Fall golf for the team is a bit of a break, and fun for me, because the tournaments that colleges [attend] are during the spring and summer,” he said. Park’s play in these other events outside of the high school season dictate his ability to get recruited. With interest in attending Georgia Tech or the University of Maryland to study computer science, his summer play, combined with his grades, are pivotal. In the late fall, Park won the individual Baltimore County championship on Oct. 12, shooting a 78, or seven over par. At districts he shot a 75, proving to be a major contributor to the team’s district championship.
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(top left) photo by john bowers (bottom left and right) photo by laura khosla (top left) JUNIOR MAE DICKENS, senior Reece Spann, sophomore Sydney Snyder and senior Casey O’Grady compete in the state finals at Washington College Nov. 11. (bottom left) BOYS cross country team huddles on the start line before the state championship race Nov. 11. (right) JUNIOR DREW DAILEY runs up the dip and helps lead his team to a second place finish.
Lions notebook Badminton (11-1): The team had two single finalists at the county championships Varsity cheerleading: The team placed 5th at the county wide competition. Men’s cross country: The team captured the county championship and regional titles and finished their season placing second at the state meet Women’s cross country: The team captured a regional title and placed eighth at the state meet Varsity field hockey (18-2): The team captured a county championship, regional title, and placed second in the state final tournament. JV field hockey (13-0): Undefeated season and captured a county championship title. Varsity football (2-8): The team’s season ended on Nov. 4 against Milford Mill. JV football (0-7): The team’s season ended on Nov. 4 against Milford Mill
Message from director of athletics Reed’s reflections and reviews 2017-18 visions and goals…
“The biggest vision always remains the same, which is all 47 programs unite. Another big push for us was to figure out how we can show the JV teams appreciation because they’ve worked just as hard, but they don’t always have the same opportunities as the varsity teams. Another one would be being a part of the entire school house and community and we’ve worked hard on that. We are making sure that our philosophies are right hand in hand with the school’s. (A) goal for us this year is with SALB (Student Athlete Leadership Board) to get a speaker series set up. I think that is imperative, and going to be extremely beneficial to not just us, but a way of us giving back to the entire school, as well.”
Of who’s left in fall sports…
“It’s our largest season but it’s also one of our most (accomplished).” “I think that the field hockey accolades are well documented, they’re the cat’s meow of the area right now.” “One thing about field hockey which I also want to commend them on is the way that the girls have bought into the whole school has been really really awesome. They participate in pretty much every entity of the school… Inversely, you can see that with other
Men’s golf (5-0): Placed 7th in state tournament after and undefeated season and crowned district championships. Women’s golf (6-0): Undefeated season and captured the county championship title. Allied soccer (3-2-2): Ending season as pumpkin bowl champions Varsity men’s soccer (4-9-1): The team advanced to the second round of MPSSAA playoffs. JV men’s soccer (8-2-1): The team finished with an impressive winning record Varsity women’s soccer (5-7): The team advanced to the second round of MPSSAA playoffs. JV women’s soccer: (8-3-1): The team finished with an impressive winning record Varsity volleyball (10-6): Advanced to regional quarter finals. JV volleyball (12-2): County championship
athletes
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JUNIOR VARSITY
Novice proves his place owen campbell, staff writer
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nspired by his father and his brother, freshman Connor Culp has been playing soccer since he was in seventh grade. According to his coaches, Culp works hard at practices and even plays for a club team outside of school in order to get a better understanding of the game. Culp came in at a tough spot as a freshman with two returning starters, but was able to prove his role as a goal keeper. “For being a freshman, he stepped right in. He had every excuse to not have worked as hard. Instead, he FAVORITE ATHLETES has come in every day trying to be 1) David De Gea the starting goalie and putting forth maximum effort,” said soccer coach Daniel LaHatte. 2) Bastian SchweinBesides his work ethic, Culp is steiger recognized for his encouraging attitude towards the rest of his programs buying into them. It was so awesome seeing 3) Gianluigi Buffon teammates. the guys out there (Nov. 1) with the painted chests… I “A good soccer team starts with would love to see more of that.” good team play and communication from the goalie,” said “Cross country, over the last five years, hands down captain RJ Feerick. the most successful program we’ve had. Without quesOff the field, Culp listens to his favorite pump-up song, tion. The reason I say that is because top to bottom, “Highway to Hell” by ACDC to prepare himself and his team the amount of athletes they put out is utterly amazing. mates for the game. On the field, Culp’s saves in the goal enerWhen you can finish seven runners out of the top ten gize the team, as noted by Feerick. in the county in a race, and you only enter seven, that’s “I saved a penalty shot against Hereford heading into half ridiculous. time which gave us some momentum,” Culp said. Culp’s favorite memory from the season is the first win Coming up in the winter… against Catonsville Sept 12, when the team won 3-1, giving “Wrestling has an increase in numbers and that’s the team success and motivation early on in the season. Culp always a great thing. It seems to be as if we’ve got some remarked that the season went better than expected and anticitalented (basketball players). We’ll see what happens pates building on this years achievements next season. under the whistle, because it’s a lot different when Despite his hard-working attitude, Culp always knows when you’re playing for the Lions Den. I challenge them to to make a joke and his teammates can count on him to provide produce because on a Friday night, it’s a very tough light comic relief in any given situation. atmosphere to play in. So, you can be all world, but “I didn’t want to run, I’ve never been too into using my feet,” when you play for your community, it’s a little bit difCulp said. ferent. Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org
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NBA game proves mediocre quinn mccabe, staff writer
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he anticipation for the release of 2K Sports’ most successful videogame and most popular basketball game, “NBA 2K18”, was like waiting to see if a buzzer beater goes in or not. The headlined new feature of “NBA 2K18” is the “open world atmosphere” that allows players to roam freely in a town with blacktops, a training facility, an arcade, a barbershop, stores to purchase gear for your player, and of course your high rise home. This is an outstanding addition because it makes the game more interactive and makes players feel like they are really in the game living the life the character is living. Unlike the previous 2k’s, now every game mode and activity are easily accessible because participants can just walk to the courts to
the griffin play MyPark rather than wait forever for it to load. Although these new possibilities for MyPlayer are exciting, the career mode was a disappointment. Instead of having your player get drafted into the NBA like every other 2K, they are scouted during a game on the blacktop and signed by a team of your choice. MyTeam delivers this year, giving limitless options on building your super-team. Over 900 solo challenges are available to play from the start, seemingly giving you no chance to get bored. The new draft mode in MyTeam called “Pack and Playoffs” is also quite enjoyable, although the rewards are a bit disappointing compared to recent years. The gameplay which was a huge concern has improved immensely in NBA 2K18. Too often players were getting caught in animations not allowing them to play freely but 2K Sports dimmed that down and made movements much smoother. Another major change was the movement of the shooting bar to the side of the player’s head rather than at his feet. The shot making difficulty has drastically increased which is beyond frustrating because near perfect wide open shots do not go in as often as they should. For some reason, in 2K18, player customization was eliminated almost completely so players must rely on limited head/face presets. There were also other features that were randomly removed for no reason such as the ability to play the game’s soundtrack while playing rather than hearing the commentators. This is especially frustrating due to 2K18’s loaded soundtrack. Overall, the game is a slight success, but if 2K continues this trend of removing features people love, they are going to notice a colossal decrease in future sales.
November 17, 2017
fashion forward
Teacher expresses creativity through eclectic style
English teacher and Sequel adviser Meekah Hopkins brings creativity into every aspect of her life- including clothing. Staff writer Ellie Matson sat down with Hopkins to learn all about her unique sense of style. Q: What inspires your style? A: The season and my mood- for example, sometimes I’ll throw on something bright when I need more energy; something comfortable when I’m craving balance. Oh, and of course, here at Dulaney, the temperature of my classroom is a huge deciding factor. To sleeve or not to sleeve... Q: Where is your favorite place to shop? A: I don’t have a favorite place to shop- I collect clothes from everywhere, from Target to Free People; Steve Madden to Under Armour. I could care less what the brand of clothing is, just that it fits well and makes me feel good. In that way, “fashion” isn’t synonymous with designer or anything fancy, it’s more a state of mind. Q: What do you think your clothes say about your personality? A: Creativity is a huge part of my career here and my life in general. I think of clothes as another form of creative expression, so I hope my clothes communicate that I’m creative and also that I’m an open-minded person. I’m not really afraid to try different colors or patterns or looks because honestly, it’s just
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tranger Things is back in all its hype and glory, complete with your favorite ‘80s hits and the repeated plot of the previous season. Once again plunging viewers into the small town of Hawkins, Indiana, Stranger Things intersperses glimpses of the supernatural with the otherwise-normal adolescent lives of middle schoolers Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin) and the recently returned Will (Noah Schnapp) from the notorious “Upside Down.” All is not quite right with Will, and in between mysterious visits with Hawkins Labs, his condition deteriorates further. Joyce (Winona Ryder) remains the epitome of an overprotective mother. Her romance with the affable, somewhat boring Bob Newby (Sean Astin) lends a short-lived sense of normalcy to her life. But, in no time at all, Joyce readily transitions into the familiarly frantic mother from season one, this time papering her walls with Will’s drawings in lieu of Christmas lights. Meanwhile, alone and wanted by the vaguely nefarious Hawkins Labs, Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) finds refuge with police chief Jim Hopper (David Harbour) in an isolated cabin in the woods. Hopper, meaning well yet uncharacteristically ignorant, restricts Eleven’s movements and her powers in
clothing. I hope that inspires people and makes them feel like they can, too. Q: Do you dress to make a statement? Or for personal pleasure? A: I dress for myself; everyone should dress for themselves. Just like anyone can pull off any look you just have to have the confidence and the desire to experiment. It’s all in good fun. Now that I think about it, maybe that is my statement.
ON THE WEB:
Hyped-up horror series disappoints anna mason, editor-in-chief
photo by emily williams TEACHER MEEKAH HOPKINS wears a pleated plum colored skirt with gray knit sweater at school Nov 13.
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the name of her safety. Consequently, Eleven’s rash decisionmaking is expected and disappointedly cliché. Her disconnect from her friends for the majority of the season is a considerable weakness. Nancy (Natalia Dyer) and Jonathan (Charlie Heaton) embark on their own quest to avenge Barb’s death, collaborating with an amusing conspiracy theorist to bring down Hawkins Lab. Unfortunately, Hawkins Lab proves to be anything but a formidable enemy for the duo, as its villainy is confined to empty threats and creepy surveillance. The show’s greatest strength stems from the hilarious and poignant performances of the show’s youngest cast members, and newcomer Max (Sadie Sink) adds a welcome dynamic to the group. Strong performances aside, the show’s faults persist. The finale is startlingly anti-climatic, and the ominous, shadowy threat hinted at for the entirety of the season fails to materialize. If the first season left you, like me, yearning for something more, the second is likely to disappoint. Ultimately, Stranger Things hinges on nostalgia: both for the cast and for the quirky originality of the first season.
...STAFF WRITER KARINA WANG ON MONITORING STUDENTS’ BLOOD ALCOHOL CONTENT FOR SCHOOL EVENTS
..ENSURES SAFETY. ...STAFF AUDREY HOUGHTON’S POLITICAL CARTOON ON TRUMP’S REMOVAL OF DACA
...STAFF WRITER JOHNNY CHEN ON THE EMPOWERING MESSAGE BEHIND LOGIC’S SONG “1-800”
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the griffin
November 17, 2017
the post: john wagner History teacher John Wagner sat down with staff writer Reece Spam and editor-in-chief Olivia Summons to share his latest entertainment favorites, along with classic Wagner traditions and what recent milestones are shaping his life as an educator. READING: I am constantly reading. There’s always more to learn. It’s going to make me sounds like a nerd, but my all-time favorite book is called “The Radicalism of the American Revolution” by Gordon Wood. I read it in grad school and Gordon was my favorite historian. LISTENING: I grew up listening to a lot of good music like “The Beatles” and “The Doors.” I’m a musician myself. I started playing guitar when I was 8, but I got seriously into it when I was about 13. Neither of my parents played an instrument, but my dad was really into music, and he always had music playing. I’ve been in so many bands from the time I was 15. Science department chair Stephen Shaw, myself, and a couple other guys who don’t teach here anymore were in a band at Dulaney about three or four years called “Blind Buckwheat Gumbo.” So basically the senior breakfast is kind of like the remanence of that band getting together once a year. TRADITIONS: My first year teaching, I was trying to make a point, so I just pointed with my foot instead of my hand. I realized the students were entertained
by the board kick so it just kind of turned into a thing. Students have given the bobbles heads and figurines to me as gifts over the years and it just kind of turned into a collection. A lot of them come from people who took a trip somewhere and they thought I would like it or as a thank you for writing their letter of recommendation. MILESTONES: Last year Mr. Wynkoop nominated me for representative as teacher of the year for Baltimore County. I was honored that he would do that. It was an honor to represent the school; that he felt that I was worthy of being chosen.
MOVIES I like all kinds of movies, one of my favorites is “Dr. Strange Love,” which is a classic that I show at the end of the year in class. Also “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” that’s another classic; everyone loves that it’s hilarious. One of my favorites is a film made back in the 80s called “The Killing Field” about the genocide in Cambodia in the 70s and 80s which is really good, it may be my favorite film. Obviously historical type movies are interesting, being a history person, but sometimes I get a little too critical of them.
9 features
Holiday tradition inspires community engagement morgan pierce, staff writer and emily williams, editor-in-chief
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very Thanksgiving, sophomore Nick Leone runs the drive, “From the Heart,” that gives donated clothing, food and other necessary items to the homeless at the corner of Baltimore and Gay street. Leone has been doing this since he was two years old. “I’ve basically grown up serving these people,” he said, “It feels like a part of me, I don’t know where I’d be without it.” At the beginning, Leone helped at with sodas, but as he got older it became his project. “Being in control of all these people and this huge operation it’s pretty neat,” Leone said. He recalled a moment when he went on the radio to talk about his tradition, and received more helpers than people. “People came up to me that I didn’t even know and told me this is a good thing you do,” he said. Leone said that one man in particular that is there embodies the holiday spirit. “Every time he’s there he’s always dancing and singing. He gets everybody to sing along and it’s a really cool moment to see how everybody comes together.” Recently, Leone and his family have been living in a hotel because of a fire that uncovered mold in his home. Despite this he is still going through with the drive. “We can’t just stop, we’ve been doing it for so long.”
photo by emily williams
Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.
photo provided by Nick Leone SOPHOMORE NICK LEONE, along with his family, hands out food and other neccessities to the homeless at the corner of Baltimore and Gay street Nov 26.
Music teacher Christina Senita and the national music honor society, Tri-M, are sponsoring Leone’s drive. Students and teachers can donate either new or gently used goods or their time by helping Leone’s family the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and on Thanksgiving. Senita remarks that she wanted to help the drive because of the “heart behind it.” “Our society needs people who actively become a part of the solutions to our problems.”
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the griffin
REVIEWS:`
Local ice cream shop melts hearts with cool confections
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variety allows refreshing change to being imogen wright, staff writer confined to only a few options. As a softike many of life’s great things, ice serve enthusiast, I ordered the mocha Oreo cream is best when accompanied by soft serve ($3.95) which was the perfect close friends, and who better to join juxtaposition of cool and creamy with a you than man’s best friend itself? For famcrunch in every bite. Accompanying me ily-run ice cream shop located in Canton, was my Rottweiler who enjoyed a vanilla Baltimore, Bmore Licks strongly encourDoggie Delight ($1.95). ages the gatherEach of their products are ing of friends, generously sized, as well whether they be as exceptionally delicious, a dog or not, over so it’s definitely worth the ice cream. money. Opened July 21, Bmore Licks partners Bmore Licks celewith Diablo Doughnuts brates variety with Saturday and Sunday for its 100 plus flavors delightful doughnuts and of soft serve, coffee, but be prepared to milkshakes, hard endure a long wait. ice cream and Despite the crowd, sundaes, as well as Bmore Licks offers options for those an overwhelmingly who are vegan, photo by imogen wright positive environment lactose intolerant partly due to the constant and even those stream of dogs passing with four legs. through as well as mouthA bright pop art watering delights ranging mural of various from ice cream to milkfrozen delights shakes. If you’re looking instantly entices for an escape or to simply whoever walks by. enjoy some ice cream or Simply stroll up to even to just smile, then the side window Bmore Licks is the place with your dog and for you. order them either a peanut butter OVERALL RATING: or vanilla Doggy photo by johnny carroll Dish complete with two perfectly placed Milkbones. If you are not ordering with a dog, cozy indoor Bmore Licks seating is available as well. 2437 Eastern Ave, Baltimore At first glance, the tremendous amount of Monday-Thursday: 12 p.m.-9 p.m. flavors may seem overwhelming, but the Friday-Sunday: 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
November 17, 2017
Logic impresses with range
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quinn mccabe, staff writer ollowing the prominent success of his last album “The Incredible True Story”, the talented Maryland rapper, Logic, released his third studio album, “Bobby Tarantino” July 1 2016, which impressively showcased his newfound power over the rap game. Unlike most mainstream rappers, Logic raps with a purpose. He denounces other rappers for turning hip-hop into a joke, with watered down lyrics and meaningless tracks, by saying “I’m the only one doing it right” in perhaps the most popular song in the album: “Slave II.” “Slave II” starts out very methodical as Logic sings about the hard work he has put in to be where he is. As the beat switches up, he proceeds to spit bars aggressively over an enhanced beat enlightening listeners on how he is a rap genius. “A Word From Our Sponsor” is an interlude. A fan of Logic yells with excitement over how unique Logic is due to his consistency as an artist, his ability to construct concept albums and how he never fails to impress. Just like
this fan said, Logic continued to impress fans with “Bobby Tarantino.” The variety of beats and tempos allowed Logic to create an album with multiple themes such as power, racism and persistence, jam-packed with songs that appeal to all kinds of listeners. From slaying verses with bullet-like speed while verbalizing his greatness, to the pacific tone of “Slave,” demeaning racism, Logic covers the entire spectrum of rap styles. “44 Bars,” perhaps the best song on the album,
“...Logic covers the entire spectrum of rap styles.” illuminates Logic’s inside thoughts about why he raps, who he does it for, and his experiences over the years. Sit back, close your eyes and listen to Logic flow over a wavy, slowed beat as he reveals his purpose. Logic also included songs that appeal to a mainstream audience that
reproduced with permission by Coogradio
loves high tempo and hard rap. In “Flexicution” he says, “This is what the people wanted from a rap God” and proceeds to let his raw raps stun the listeners. “Wrist,” featuring Pusha T, has this same style and sealed a spot in the top 20 rap songs for just over a month. “Bobby Tarantino” is an exceptional album and sat at the top of the charts for three months due to its variety of styles, lyrics and beats, but there are a few reasons it is not worthy of 5 stars. The album is relatively short consisting of only eleven songs, three that are just interludes, and the songs are shorter than most songs lasting on average only three minutes 24 seconds. However, this does not take away from the greatness of the album, as it was one of the best works of 2016.
OVERALL RATING:
Swift’s song stinks
A
audrey houghton, staff writer fter being M.I.A. for three years, Taylor Swift has come out of the shadows. But, if you’ve heard her new hit song, you would probably wish that she hadn’t. “Look What You Made Me Do,” was the first song released on Swift’s upcoming album, “Reputation,” which launched Nov. 10. The song begins with a mystical instrumental, reminiscent of something that might play at the beginning of a horror movie. Already, I feel tense. It then transitions to a choppy, unoriginal beat as Swift announces her frustrations. As she says, “I don’t like your little games. Don’t like your tilted stage,” you can infer the song’s about her beef with yet another music artist. Yawn. If this is just another one of Swift’s tributes to an enemy, I’m bored. After she whines to us about this person, the pace of the song becomes fast and she informs us, “I got a list of names and yours is in red under-lined. I check it once, and I check it twice.” The
art by audrey houghton
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overly simplistic lyrics paired with the head-ache producing beat leave me hoping that the song is close to ending. But we’re not done yet. The song then shifts to a satanic sounding main chorus as Swift repeats, “Look what you made me do,” in an unsettling, monotone voice. Quite offputting to say the least. After the horror of a chorus is over, the song transitions back into the rhythm of the first verse. Swift says, “The world moves on another day another drama, drama, but not for me, not for me, all I think about is karma.” Her strong lack of maturity is concerning. The song continues as Swift addresses the grudge she has against whoever. I would wonder why she can’t just solve the conflict with the person in real life, but she wouldn’t get money or attention for that. You can guarantee I am not listening to her album.
OVERALL RATING:
November 17, 2017
the griffin
New teacher crossword
11 features
Across 4. Threw the hammer for her college track and field team 5. Plays the banjo 8. Took a mime course in college 9. Donated over a foot of hair this past summer 11. Taught at a rural parish in Louisiana 12. Owns nearly 1,000 books in his personal library 13. Worked as an ice cream scooper Down 1. Drove 12 hours to get here 2. Used to do marketing for NASCAR drivers 3. Was an All-American lacrosse player 6. Trained and mushed dog sled teams 7. Collects hot sauces 10. Worked as a veterinary technician
Cool Kaplan Reed Gallogly Steiner Bilmanis Keeney
Goetz Dougherty Ward Wohlfort Anderson Broaddus
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the griffin
12 features
November 17, 2017
an artist among us: Landefeld’s passion stands out hannah bellinger and allie kammer, staff writers
W
hat starts as a doodle on the back of his classwork, ends up as a detailed composition for junior Paul Lande-
feld. Landefeld discovered his passion for traditional pencil and inking at a young age, finding influence in the high contrast and tight details of comic books. “Ever since I was a kid, comic books have served as a basis for my style, composition, and just the overall look of everything in my art,” Landefeld said. “Comics capture most, if not all, of the main components of good artwork perfectly.” Throughout his two years at the arts magnet school George Washington Carver Center, Landefeld had the chance to explore new mediums such as sculpture, graphic design and painting. He credits his attendance at the school for an abundance of growth in his style. “Just throughout this entire process my art has really grown, especially during the last two years when I received more classical training,”
Landefeld said. His perception of art as a career path has changed over the past two years, and he ultimately decided to transfer from Carver to Dulaney over the summer. “My decision to transfer to Dulaney really came about through a realization that I wanted to have a career that was not art oriented,” Landefeld said. “After attending a Center for Talented Youth program, it really made me realize I wanted a career in mathematics or a similar subject.” Visual arts Department Chair Christopher Marsico applauds Landefeld’s dedication to honing his craft. “Paul has such a strong work ethic and is so passionate about art,” Marsico said. He also welcomes his distinct viewpoint. “He brings a unique perspective to the class since he comes from Carver,” Marsico said. “He has a different idea of how an art class is run.” art by landefeld Clockwise from top left: THE CRUCIBLE characters sketched on graph paper with ink; JUDGE DREDD; UNLIMITED SPIDERMAN; TRON all created by Faber-Castell ink pens and Prismacolor markers.
scene
dulaney:
turning tape into art
Advanced Placement studio art creates the art installations to help students practice countour draw lining on a larger scale. Department Chair Christopher Marsico described the process where each student picked their own image, then sketched out doing a small contour line drawing and transitioned to a bigger space. Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.