May 2020 Edition

Our mission: to enlighten and to entertain

Dulaney High School Timonium, Maryland

Volume 59, Issue 4 FASCINATES

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May 26, 2020

Distance learning disappoints

see page 13

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TO KNOW

1,754

# of AP exams taken SUCCEEDS

A see page 10 # TO KNOW

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# of divison 1 atheletic commits ENTERTAINS

see page 15

INDEX 1-3 news 4-5 opinion 6-7 map 8-9 centerfold 10-11 sports 12-16 features

alycia wong, staff writer s the second state to announce the closing of all public schools on March 12, questions erupted from teachers, students and parents across Maryland. How would students learn? What about AP tests? These issues were solved the way most are in this modern world: through technology.

Distance learning and online test taking have been the solution to the educational crisis caused

by COVID-19. Dulaney’s virtual system consists of two parts: Google Meets and online assignments. Students have had classes through Google Meet twice a week (A-days on Tuesdays and B-Days on Wednesdays) for 30 minutes with classes starting at 9 a.m. and ending at 11:45 a.m.

Aside from online meetings, teachers have given two lessons per week with the turn-in assignments being due Friday night.

This has elicited a mixed response from students.

90 Dulaney students answered a series of questions via Google Form about their feelings and experiences with distance learning. A majority

“I feel that a lot of class-

es are giving busy work and I am not benefiting as much .”

answered that they did not enjoy distance learning nor thought the Google Meets were helpful.

When asked for a more thorough response, some students replied that it was because they felt that the learning style was inefficient.

Junior Meghan Gaumont was one of those stu-

dents and explained her line of reasoning.

“I am not in love with distance learning because I feel that a lot of classes are giving busy work and I am not benefiting as much,” said Gaumont.

Government teacher Chad Boyle explains what he would have done differently that could have addressed the efficacy problems expressed by the students.

“I would have preferred individual teachers to have some input. Perhaps BCPS could have provided us with choices or content to cover over a period of weeks and allow the individual classroom teacher to set their classes’ schedules based upon the skills and pace of their classes,” he said.

English 10 teacher Britta Schaffmeyer shares her concerns about the blanket approach to distance learning in respect to the different home lives and mentalities of each student. see DISTANCE LEARNING, page 2

Children of immigrants excel

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faizah saadmim, editor recent study by Stanford University and Princeton University concluded that children of immigrants have increased rates of upward mobility than that of children of whose parents are born in America. It is reported that second-generation immigrants growing up in families earning $105,000 were able to boost their incomes from $6,000 to $15,000 while the children of those born in the U.S. were able to boost their incomes by only $2,000 to $6,000.

This greater success is also seen in the academic performance of children of immigrants. ABC News reports that children who immigrate to the United States with their families are likely to outperform kids with a similar background who were born here.

In an interview, senior Karen Xi a second-gen-

eration Chinese immigrant expressed that, based on anecdotal evidence, this is not surprising.

“Most of my friends have parents who immigrated from China and they tend to work hard and try to do well in school, sometimes more so than classmates who have American parents,” Xi said.

When asked how the intragenerational success of children of parents born in America compares to the success of children of immigrant parents, guidance counselor Emanda Lenet echoes the findings of the aforementioned study. “[Success between generations of children of parents born in America] is more steady. You just see there’s less upward mobility than with immigrants, there’s some, but it’s not as much,” Lenet said.

According to Sociologist Lingxin Hao, children

of Asian immigrants have higher expectations, make a higher effort, and have better cultural tools which propel them to greater success than their non-immigrant counterparts.

Junior Ryan Choi, a child of South Korean immigrants, concurs that he is held to higher standard by his parents than most of his peers.

“My parents have always pushed me to do extra work and always try to be ahead in the class,” Choi said.

The Adolescent Health and Academic Achievement study found that the best students, based on grades and course difficulty, were born in other countries and came to the United States in their early teens. see CHILDREN OF IMMIGRANTS, page 2

FYI: Covid-19 Phase 1 Reopening

Memorial Day May 27

Last Day for Seniors May 29

May 15

Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

Graduation June 13 At home

Last Day of Classes June 22

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news

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May 26, 2020

Distance learning disappoints continued continued from page 1 “My concern is that not all students will be able to access the materials, and this will mean a loss of learning for certain students for more than a quarter of the school year,” Schaffmeyer said.

My second concern is about rigor of instruction.

I fear that there will be a significant loss of learning and instruction for students who are not intrinsically motivated or for students who do not have adequate support at home.”

However, while most do not believe that Google Meets are useful, some students have expressed that it has been refreshing to see classmates and teachers while alone during quarantine. “[Google Meets] are the only part of distancing that I like. It breaks up the monotony of being at home, lets everyone interact,” said senior Shane Gorman.

Schaffmeyer echoed the sentiment of feeling sonnected, as she expressed the joy she felt in seeing her students.

“One of my students had a broken camera on his computer, and he turned his camera on for the first time today. I was overjoyed to see his face,” she said.

Though students are split about their feelings

toward meeting twice a week and their course load, uniform opinions were seen in regards to AP testing – 60 percent of students feel that they are unprepared for the 45 minute online tests

“I definitely think that my AP teacher has given us a bunch of resources and either mandatory or optional practice and I think it’s really up to the student whether or not they are going to put in that extra effort to adapt to the way the test is this year,” she said.

A positive aspect of distance learning, however, seems to be the improved dynamic between teacher and student as a result of the shared experience of living through a pandemic.

“I think teachers have been very accommodating and helpful during this crazy time. I really have no concerns about that,” said junior Cate Caslin.

These circumstances have also led to improvements and developments for schools.

“A silver lining that I believe will emerge in the educational world at the end of this pandemic is new industries will develop that provide teachers and school systems more effective tools to reach students in a distance learning environment,” said Boyle.

that College Board has presented in response to the pandemic. According to junior Gwen Sutton, however, this is not due to ineffective teaching.

Children of immigrants excel continued continued from page 1 Senior Pradyun Srinidhi, who was born in India and moved to America at an early age, is proof of the study’s findings as a high-achieving Advanced Placement student. He believes that academic success is his way of appreciating the sacrifices his parents made to give him a better life.

“My parents, like many other immigrants, had to start life from the ground up in the United States and struggled for quite some time.My success is the least that I can do, so that in the future I can help give back to them in an increased capacity,” Srinidhi said.

Lenet has worked with students whose parents are immigrants and has noticed that immigrant students are excelling greatly regardless of socioeconomic standing or country of origin as they are all surpassing the level of education or career goals of their parents.

“I think that all immigrant students are doing better than the generation prior. It’s just proportional. I think that they’re all taking advantage of opportunities and doing better no matter what level you’re at. Everyone is doing better,” Lenet said.

Xi echoes the sentiment of being inspired by

parents’ immigration to be successful in school, secure a bright future for themselves and take full advantage of the opportunities their parents never had.

A

department for Graul’s market. The employees at Graul’s are required to wear masks and gloves and must clean objects throughout the day. Similar to Sweet Frog, Graul’s has also

“My success is the least that I can do, so that in the future I can help give back to them in an increased capacity .”

“They worked so hard to provide me with a better life that I want to make sure their sacrifice was worth it,” Xi said.

This mentality is not limited to children of immigrants from Asia. Junior Sky Davila recently immigrated to America from Peru by way of her father’s job transfer and is determined to ex-

plore all the new doors that have been opened for her, starting with making her own money.

“I started working here. In Peru you can’t start working until you are 18 but here you get to have that sense of responsibility,” Davila said. “Here you have so much opportunity for school, work and clubs!”

Senior John Nyoro, a child of Kenyan immigrants, asserts that this phenomenon of immigrant success has been evident in his life. “[The phenomenon] applies to me and my group of friends. I come from a country where they instill discipline and makes me who I am today,” Nyoro said. “Seeing what your parents go through makes you want to work harder than your peers.”

All immigrant stories are unique and all students are different, but Lenet describes the possible common thread phenomenon driving the success of the children of immigrants.

“I can say that students of immigrants feel pressure to do very well because their families moved here for them, for the opportunities,” Lenet said. “They want to take advantage of what their families have given up for them and to do well here.”

Student essential workers persist jeffrey yang, staff writer ccording to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, five million people ages 1619 were employed in 2019. Of which, 1.7 million were working food service jobs as teenagers searched for entry level jobs. However, the COVID-19 pandemic, forces students to choose between their jobs and their health.

Like many workers in the food service field, many Dulaney students are working essential jobs and must choose between their safety or receiving a paycheck. However, many Dulaney students recognize the safety precautions taken at their workplaces and feel as if they are still working normally under these circumstances.

“It’s crazy that people have been coming in during this time and I’m not entirely sure why we have stayed open. It’s surprising how customers’ attitudes have changed; they can be rude at times and even inconsiderate since we can’t have every flavor or all the toppings we normally would,” said Senior Delaney Bernhardt, an employee at Sweet Frog.

Bernhardt says that all employees are mandated to use masks, gloves, and disinfectant, and to wash their hands often. Yogurt machines have become employee-use only, instead of the usual self-serve option. Instead of being a two-person operation, Sweet Frog has opted for solo shifts to compensate for other employees not risking exposure.

Bernhardt does worry about him out during such scary times but is taking advantage of her circumstances to earn some extra money before going to college in the fall.

Sophie Slomkowski, a fellow Dulaney senior, has a similar experience working in the bakery

quired masks,” said Slomkowski when asked about the differences in the market.

Both Bernhardt and Slomkowski have had unfortunate experiences with unfamiliar customers who don’t recognize the necessary safety precautions of going outside. However, Slomkowski feels safe working at Graul’s as she trusts her coworkers and boss greatly.

Grant Levitt, an employee in the kitchen of Brookside Market, shares this feeling but for a different reason.

“I don’t feel that going to work is much more dangerous than not, at least for me as an individual. I’m honored to still get paid at all,” said Levitt when asked about potential safety concerns in the workplace.

While essential workers are putting their lives at risk every day, many workplaces have adjusted and adapted to the new normal to ensure that their employees are kept safe. By taking these extra steps to combat the coronavirus, Dulaney students can continue to work and perform their duties while sustaining their living.

Customers will also have to adapt to these new rules to ensure the safety and well-being of the entire community.

As the COVID-19 crisis continues, more and more workplaces are taking extra steps to promote the safety of their workers. Only time will tell what this new normal will look like.

made changes to the store.

“Graul’s has many new additions to help with the virus, such as staying 6 feet apart, one-way aisles, fans throughout the building, and reFind us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

NEWS LINE

ATHLETE SUCCEEDS Senior Allied Sports athlete Chase Douglass was awarded the prestigious Chase Kalisz Allied Sports Scholarship. It is given to an outstanding senior male athlete in the Baltimore County Public Schools Athletics Allied Sports program.

Douglass played 15 seasons of allied sports and was Dulaney’s allied soccer leading scorer.

SENIOR AWARDED Senior Sreesaisowmya Potluri was named among the first group of winners in the 65th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.Potluri received a scholarship from TD Ameritrade. Scholars were selected from students who advanced to the finalist level in the National Merit Scholarship competition and met certain requirements.

LAWSUIT FILED California high school students filed a class action lawsuir against College Board after technical issues prevented them from completing their Advanced Placement exams. The students are calling for their initial exams to be graded rather than being forced to retake the exams.

TEACHER HONORED English teacher Maria Hiaasen has been recognized with the 2020 Northwestern University Distinguished Secondary School Teacher Award.

Hiaasen is among five high school teachers from across the country that were awarded a stipend of $5,000 and $5,000 for each of their schools. These teachers were recognized

by Northwestern University seniors and will be honored during Northwestern’s virtual commencement ceremony on June 19.

COMMUNITY SERVED Dulaney juniors Vinay Khosla and Alycia Wong coordinated a mask making collaborative to support frontline workers during the Covid-19 pandemic. They launched the Baltimore County Mask Making facebook group which is a collection od peoplw who can sew, who can drive, and who can donate fabric. In the first five days of operation, the group donated 300 masks to local first responders.

RANKINGS RELEASED U.S. News & World Report released the rankings for best high schools in Greater Baltimore on April 21. Five Baltimore County schools were ranked in the top 25: Eastern Technical (#1), Western Technical (#5), Carver (#8), Hereford (#11), and Dulaney (#23). Rankings are based on performance in state assessments and collegelevel exams, as well as on graduation rates.

May 26 , 2020

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Legacy preference in college admissions debated

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faizah saadmim, editor fter the discrimination lawsuit brought against Harvard by Asian American students and the Varsity blues scandal, the college admissions process has been under immense scrutiny.

At the heart of the problem is fairness and equality.

Whether the factor is wealth, race or familial connections - does it give students unfair advantages during college admissions?

Legacy admission refers to the preference given to students whose parents or siblings attended that specific university when considering their application for undergraduate admission. Although this policy is apparent at many colleges across the nation, it is mostly a concern at elite colleges of America.

Legacy admission began in 1919 at Dartmouth college and other elite colleges like Princeton and Yale followed in its footsteps. In the past, Yale required legacy applicants to meet a lower standard on the admissions test than regular applicants.

More recently, The Wall Street Journal found that Princeton’s legacy admissions are four times the general rate. At University of Virginia and Georgetown University the admission rate for legacies is double the rate for the applicant pool.

Senior Sowmya Potluri’s parents are immigrants and attended school outside of America, making her a non-legacy at all the schools she applied to.

“I wasn’t a legacy anywhere I applied. I don’t think [legacy preference] is fair, but I see the advantage from the college’s end if they are getting a lot of donations from those,” Potluri said.

A study by the National Bureau of Economic research found that 43 percent of white students admitted to Harvard were legacy students, children of faculty and staff or applicants whose parents or relatives have donated to Harvard. Many experts have called legacy admission “the phenomenon of

“To value one student over another student that has worked harder to achieve greater success in high school is unfair.” white affirmative action or affirmative action for the wealthy”.

Senior Andre Gartner who is considered a legacy at Princeton by way of his father, recognizes the advantage legacy students may receive.

“Of course, legacy preferences give some students an advantage over the rest of the field of qualified applicants,” Gartner said.“To value one student over

another student that has worked harder to achieve greater success in high school is absolutely unfair.”

According to data from the ivy league schools, legacy students made up 17.5 percent of Cornell University’s class of 2019, 15.5 percent of Harvard University’s class of 2019, and 12.5 percent of Dartmouth’s 2019 admissions.

An anonymous student, who is a legacy at Cornell, realized the unfair advantage attached to that status and decided not to apply to that university and instead applied elsewhere where admissions would be based on merit.

“On all the elite colleges’ applications there is always a spot that asks about your connection to an alumnus of that school. I just don’t think it is fair to give preference to a student for something they had no control over,” the anonymous student said.

“I wanted to go to a college that let me in based on what I accomplished and my personal standing.

Potluri qualifies this policy as being one of many aspects in America that undermines the idea that America is a meritocracy.

“Just like in other aspects in the US, college acceptance can sometimes be who you know and not what you know,” Potluri said.

Students adapt to life during Covid-19 pandemic

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chris cao and sarah shen, staff writers n March 13th, Maryland’s Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen Salmon announced that due to COVID-19, Maryland schools would be closed for two weeks.

This closing has since been extended to the end of the school year. School closings due to COVID-19 have led to online schooling with weekly virtual classes and assignments for students at Dulaney High School. School closing, self-isolation and the cancellation of a multitude of events have left Dulaney students both angry and saddened.

Mikayla Mellis, senior class president, expresses her disappointment with the current situation.

“I am heartbroken for our class about the cancellation of

our senior prom at The Assembly Room and the pending status of our graduation.

We have poured our heart and soul into these past four years so that we could have these events,” said Mellis.

In regard to endof-year senior activities, seniors at Dulaney not only face a cancelled prom, but also a virtual graduation with possible in-person celebrations.

In addition to these missed opportunities, seniors such as Jonathan Fragoso have been struggling with self-isolation in their last days as Dulaney students.

“As the last days of my senior year goes by, it’s sad to see the time fly by. The virus has taken the only time I had left with my friends and family,” said Fragoso.

Juniors such as 2021 Class President Carmen Roy have different concerns for their class as this sitaution could have adverse effects for the class of 2021’s senior activties.

“Junior prom was supposed to bring in ten grand, but now the board needs ways to make up for this gap for our senior prom,” said Roy.

Though the Class of 2021 does face a potential fundraising deficiency, juniors are still optimistic.

Junior Jaedyn Crum is thankful for the opportunities for introspection quarantine has given her during this time, finding the silver lining in a dark situation .

“COVID is really giving me a chance to better myself... It gives me more time to think about my future,” said Crum.

Class council member Taylor Hetherington corroborates this, noting that quarantine has taught her valuable lessons and made her class more resilient.

“After this quarantine, I won’t be able to take things for granted like I did before...I look forward to a promising senior year with a new perspective,” said Hetherington.

Similarly, the senior class has maintained a sense of hope during self-isolation despite having many memorable events canceled.

“Our class has always found a way to overcome any challenges, and this situation is no exception... The most important things right now is that everyone stays healthy, that all the seniors know that our class has an abundance of love and support and that we haven’t been forgotten,” said Mellis.

With this spirit of hope and persistence, Mellis and the senior class council, assisted by class advisors Brian Velten and Rene Heaps and Coach Stephen Labbe, recently organized a socially distanced pick-up of caps and gowns.

Upon driving into the parking lot, each senior was greeted with streamers and balloons in blue and silver, 2020’s class colors, as well as a sign saying, “We love you, 2020.”

“[The lack of prep time] definitely affects the quality of how I do things within the classroom”, Phillips said.

According to the Texas Classroom Teachers Association, which is a similar organization to TABCO, teachers should receive around seven and a half hours of planning time each week. Contractually, teachers in BCPS receive around four hours of planning time each week, with some weeks

across the county, asking for some form on compromise that benefits the teachers and the students.

“If you’re not going to give us the time, then you need to at least pay us for the work that we’re doing,” Phillips said.

The Board of Education is starting to offer teachers more pay and bonuses amongst the new effort that teachers are putting into fighting for more benefits. Even with this, there are still ways for students to help teachers, especially while in the classroom.

“See education as more of a partnership, more than something you can get away with, it really helps [make our jobs easier],”Phillips said.

The push for higher pay from teaching staff reinforces their desire to continue to work with BCPS, they simply would like a more fair reward for what they do daily.

Teachers feel as though the additional hours of work is not recognized and the movement for increased salaries is an attempt to claim the reward they feel they deserve.

With the spread of coronavirus into Maryland, which has caused the closure of schools statewide, the plan for teachers to push the school board for better pay has halted.

However, once the state and school system goes back to normal - whenever that may be, the push for higher pay will resume, and with it, a change in how BCPS treats its teachers.

Teachers push for pay change T kai smith and carolyn twomley, staff writers

hroughout Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) and the rest of the nation, teachers have historically been unsatisfied with their annual pay. This, combined with the multitude of extra hours that teachers have to work to prepare for their classes and the sometimes unpaid extra hours that they have to spend running a club, can negatively impact their classroom.

Most teachers that work in BCPS have either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in education. The average pay for teachers within BCPS is $64,162 for ten months, which is the normal amount of working time for teachers, according to the official website for Teacher’s Association of Baltimore County (TABCO) - an organization dedicated to helping teachers in Baltimore County. These salaries and benefits are not comparable to the amount of students that teachers have to teach each day, and the extra efforts that teachers are putting into their careers outside of the classroom are not reflected in the pay they are receiving. BCPS ranks third in Maryland with the amount of students within its system, while only ranking 12th in the amount of pay teachers receive.

Science teacher Marci Phillips has faced the direct impacts of the pressure from teaching a large class. She is also one of the teachers that petitioned the BCPS school board to give higher wages and more planning hours to teachers.

Philips attributes the lack of planning hours to a general feeling of being overwhelmed with work.

“If you’re not going to give us the time, then you need to at least pay us for the work that we’re doing.” yielding more based on the amount of coverage they are needed to fill for absent teachers each week. Teachers need this planning time to make copies, grade assignments, and make final preparations for the classes they teach. This lack of time to adequately prepare to teach an effective class has caused many teachers to push BCPS for higher pay or more time to plan.

Phillips echoes the thoughts of many frustrated teachers Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

4 opinion

Letter to the Editor In response to “Extremism Promotes Disobedience” from the February edition Dear Editor, Though I completely agree with the fact that animals’ rights groups such as Direct Action Everywhere have advocated their beliefs in an extreme and problematic manner, I do not think it is fair to categorize all groups as such. Animal abuse in farms and factories is an undeniable issue that occurs. Animal advocates are simply fighting for what they believe in and shouldn’t be denied that right. The system is flawed, and the FDA and other organizations have clearly proven to be inadequate as egregious actions continue to be inflicted upon livestock.  Thus, to simply “leave it to the professionals” would only lead to the continuation of such practices. Women’s rights advocates and Civil Rights activists saw how the “professionals” failed to address their needs and so they acted upon it. Though not exactly parallel, it is similar in that these parties did what didn’t seem to be ”logical way of going about resolving the issue,” however, it is the only option.

I do not agree with vegans and vegetarians who try to force their beliefs onto others. However, these people are not representative of the groups they speak for and are only perceived to be that way because they are put at the forefront of the media.  As a vegetarian myself, ethical reasons were the primary justification for my change in diet. This being said, I would never impose on someone else’s life choices; simultaneously, I would not want a meat eater to force me to change my habits.

Therefore, just as how you believe that vegans and vegetarians don’t have the right to “condemn us for performing a natural act” I think it is also unfair to label these people as “pouty millennials getting sentimental over a cow’s feelings;” there should be a mutual respect for one another..  I would lastly like to address your claim that meat products are a “necessary aspect of our survival.” To defend the argument that eating those below humans in the food chain is a natural act would imply that humans are a part of the natural world, but that simply isn’t the case. While historically, our hunter and forager ancestors relied on meat for their survival, that natural environment highly contrasts to our artificial grocery stores and surplus of food. While yes, a shark eats a fish, they have no other option. They don’t have Target or Trader Joe’s. While yes, a lion eats a zebra, they were born with 10-centimeter canines. They were born with sharp claws.

We might be equipped with the resources to consume meat, but that does not make it a necessity.

-Alycia Wong, junior

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May 26, 2020 month ##, year

What does modern feminism do for equality? dylan mccabe, editor Modern feminism is a profoundly empowering challenge on the typical perceptions of women and their beliefs. Often being related to defying the supposed patriarchy and discrimination in the workplace, it has been a key component to rallying support for women. Attempts to bridge the apparent gender-equality gap, regardless of the obstructive consequences and the driving force of fanaticism that propels it, have been made as a result of this. However, modern feminism, the movement to bring equality, has wrought ignorance towards men and the numerous detriments they face.

Men face an increasingly apparent unfairness in a variety of issues that either uniquely or disproportionately affect them. Selective service in the case of a military draft and paternity fraud, which occurs when men are incorrectly identified to be the biological father of a child, solely affect men. According to The Guardian, The Telegraph, and the Atlantic, child custody, suicides, time of incarceration, workplace deaths, and child support all rule in a female’s favor.

Despite these numerous examples of gender-oriented detriments to men, modern feminism continues to claim that women are the greatest victims of society. It overshadows these extensive problems by instead reporting the issues that affect women, thereby ignoring the opposition that demands for both sides to be heard. Additionally, domestic violence and rape against men is heard by deafened ears, as preconceptions demand men be tough and ignore trauma. This is a prime example of the debilitating nature of toxic masculinity, which is still prominent in the attitudes of men.

Feminism of the twentieth-century was predicated upon equality while addressing issues that also face men,.

Today, third wave feminism deliberately ignores men due to an overarching desire to maintain equality by putting their male counterparts down.

The “Me Too” movement, which allows women to speak out about sexual harassment, began as an inspirational and empowering movement. In more recent years, the movement has grown out of control and became a crushing blow to countless men’s lives, some-

times in the form of falso rape accusations.

In 2002, Brian Banks was a recruited to play Division I football at the University of Southern California. He was on his way to most likely becoming an NFL star. However, Wanetta Gibson, a fellow student of his, accused him of rape and he was sentenced to 5 years in prison. Banks was innocent, and eventually after his sentence she admitted to lying, but his life as he knew it was ruined. Other women since then, such as Nikko Yovino and Christine Ford, have been responsible for similar accusations. Both of which these accusations were lies as well.

The desire for equality that caused the rise of feminism has since been drowned in a wave of irrationality, lies, and self-victimization. It is important to realize that the proactive goals have been tarnished, and that modern feminism furthers the rift of equality at the expense of male dignity and success. The fight for gender equality is only successful when both genders work in unison to address the disparity, not when one abuses momentum to overshadow and cripple the other.

jeongin kim, staff writer As a self-proclaimed feminist, I find that when engaged in feminist discourse, the core principle—that the sexes should be equal—isn’t the subject of disagreement. Instead, it’s whether the movement of modern, third-wave feminism is necessary.

I believe it is. The status quo has still failed to bring equality for many demographics. We see the identities of transwomen undermined as they’re victim to rampant hate crimes; black women are disproportionally denied the healthcare amenities available to white women; pregnant women have their parental rights threatened by rapists legally allowed to sue for custody.

While I believe that feminism should celebrate female autonomy, the flaw of the “choice argument” is that it assumes unrestrained freedom for all women. But there isn’t. Our choices are shaped by the conditions surrounding us, which are not all equitable.

This idea can result in victim-blaming women for their dissatisfaction and in

extreme cases, violence.

Then there are opponents of thirdwave feminism (though they still advocate for gender equality) because it has prioritized the “wrong things.”

Unfortunately, many disingenuous by-products have been born out of feminism: corporations have capitalized on the movement, outrage politics have been amplified and celebrities have used their individual success stories (that benefit them singularly) as parables of female equality everywhere. But it would wrong to merely attribute these products to feminism.

So, what exactly does equality look like?

The modern woman is often encouraged to be more assertive like men and reject “girly” things. I understand this sentiment is just supposed to empower women to take charge, however, this tactic sounds similar to the advice misogynistic men were told: “Don’t take no for an answer.

The world is at your feet.” If we want to redirect society positively forward, this cannot be an ideal for anyone. This

resentment of femininity and push for women to present themselves like men illuminate a misogynistic strain that still remains in feminism.

And what about men? Statistics concerning men’s suicide rates and gun violence are often mentioned to illuminate the vulnerability of men. Paternity fraud and false rape accusations, while always condemnable, aren’t systemic issues that affect most men. The subject of men’s rights is taboo as it is frequently only mentioned to undermine feminism, but the question of what gender equality means for men is completely valid.

But any dialogue concerning “who has it worse” is utterly futile for everyone and is nothing but “Oppression Olympics” that furthers the gulf between the sexes. Despite good intentions, I believe that there has been a bit of disillusionment from feminism’s original objective to equalize the playing field for a more equitable society.

So, we must remind ourselves to have empathy, to look beyond our own experiences and listen to others.

carolyn twomley, staff writer The outbreak of COVID-19 has paused society. The once crowded streets in towns across America became desolate in a matter of days as governors began to issue stay at home orders for their states and plead with citizens to follow social distancing guidelines.

Social isolation has given an abundant amount of time for learning new hobbies, watching new shows or movies and home projects.The increased time at home may seem nice at a glance, but the prolonged period in which we are forced to limit social interaction can take a toll on mental health.

Prior to the eruption of the virus, we would interact with numerous individuals in a given day. The sudden restrictions of the environment that we have become so accustomed to has led to feelings of displacement and the possibility of loneliness. This loneli-

ness can potentially lead to greater issues, including the development of mental illness.

In an article published by Insider which evaluated how mental and physical health is impacted by social isolation, it was revealed that “social isolation is associated with depression, cognitive decline, heart troubles, and a weakened immune system.” The risk of these health complications is increased because of unhealthy lifestyles and changing sleep patterns that individuals are developing during this period of confusion. The loss of structure that many thrive off of is also a large contributor to the negative physical and mental alterations being experienced. Without a provided schedule to stay on track, our minds begin to wander and develop negative thoughts, making the possibility of this all ending seem impossible. This is one of

What modern feminism does for equality

Coronavirus’ Impact on Mental Health

Our mission: To enlighten and to entertain

the main contributors to the frequent stress being felt by many. The lack of control we feel we have over the outcome doesn’t help to calm our minds either.

With the never-ending stream of disappointing news concerning the return to normal life, the light at the end of the tunnel doesn’t look like it is within reach. Using activities to pass the time, such as reading or exercising, can be helpful in curing the cabin fever that many are feeling. Staying in contact with people you are no longer seeing on a day to day basis can assist in introducing an aspect of familiarity into your day. Everyone is encountering these same unexpected roadblocks in one way or another. If we all stay strong and don’t let the isolation get the better of us, things may just start to feel normal again.

Dulaney High School, 255 E. Padonia Rd. Timonium, MD 21093 editors geoffrey dochat, laura hennawi, dylan mccabe, morgan The Griffin welcomes story ideas, commentaries and letters pierce, faizah saadmim, emily zhu dulaneygriffin@bcps.org (410) 887-7633 to the editor. These may be brought to room 303, placed advisers cassandra eppers, dylan steiner

in Cassandra Epper’s mailbox in the office or emailed to Student population: 1,923 Staff population: 160 dulaneygriffin@bcps.org. All submissions are subject to The Griffin prints 1,500 to 2,000 copies of each edition. These are disediting and must be signed. The Griffin Editorial Board makes tributed during homeroom on the fourth Friday of November, January, all final decisions regarding content.

March and May. Extras may be found in the library or room 303.

The staff editorial reflects the thoughts of the Griffin staff, but all other opinon pieces reflect individuals’ views, not the A Columbia Scholastic Press Association member paper’s.

The Griffin’s mission is to enlighten and entertain.

Interested in advertising in The Griffin or purchasing any May , 2020 Volume 59, Issue 3 http://dulaneygriffin.org photos seen in this issue? Use the same contact information.

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May 26, 2020

5 opinion

the griffin

The American passport: hope,luck privelege laura hennawi, editor Moving to the United States, I was shocked at how many people I knew didn’t have a passport. Having to migrate countries and being familiar with the American citizenship process from family members, renewing passports or filling out extra paperwork for the vital visa is a routine. However, it was finally put in perspective for me when I moved here: disregarding thecountless factors that account for a trip overseas, a person with an American passport is allowed into about 183 countries without a visa or additional papers.

How can you travel without a visa?

Can people really just waltz into another country without preparing months in advance with paper work? Carrying a Syrian passport, I can only enter 13 countries without a visa, not one of them located in Europe or North America. In addition to the already tedious process of acquiring a visa and paperwork in the first place, new travel bans have perpetuated the bureaucratic, long and taxing process of American immigration and travel. However, the problem is not only concentrated in international trav-

elling to and from the United States.

Trying to migrate permanently to the United States is tremendously difficult for primarily non-European citizens, the green card and citizenship process exacerbated by the failure of the United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) to accommodate staffing for the increased flow of applications.

The systematic failures of the immigration process have long hindered the legal migration and travel of non-citizens: the exorbitantly high price and the lengthy time which the process takes trapping applicants in a limbo of uncertainty.

Most federal services in the United States are only applicable to permanent residents like green card holders and American citizens, and while the rule is valid, it is unjust to limit privileges when the legal way to acquire them can take decades. For example, I have been waiting for seven years so far in preliminary stages because of USCIS backlog, which is when the USCIS stores an application away to process more recent applications, postponing the older applications past the desired time frame. I know of people who have waited up to 25 years,

and for me personally, these faults even infiltrated into college applications, costing me scholarship opportunities, financial aid and decisions. It is long and expensive, and the acceptance of a system that can make people wait 25 years to become permanent residents or citizens is an extremely unfair process for prospective law-abiding, working immigrants.

Many people are inexperienced with the American immigration system, which is a warranted excuse for the incomprehension of the entire process.

However, it is this ignorance that can fuel hateful sentiment and bigotry, as telling people to just “become citizens” is not as easy and feasible. The citizenship process is much more than a basic history test and a little flag given at a ceremony; people spend time, money and effort learning a country’s history, language and culture to access a privilege simply being born in this country provides. Many people have told me they would love to abandon an American citizenship, which would not hold true if wishes were to come true.

emily zhu, editor YouTuber Emma Chamberlain is known for her angsty teen “I don’t care” vibe, her characteristic editing style with zoom-ins and her lack of hygiene. Beginning her channel in 2017 at the age of 18 years old, she has amassed almost nine million subscribers. Despite being a high school dropout, she has collaborated with high-end brands such as Louis Vuitton and Calvin Klein, showcased on the cover of “Cosmopolitan” magazine, modeled for global teen retail brand Hollister Co. and started her own coffee brand. Yet, her tremendous success seems undeserving compared to the quality of her ten-minute videos (purposefully timed to reach the maximum level of advertisements) consisting of performing mundane acts that lack creative, original content.

Her recent video, “DYING MY HAIR FOR NO REASON” featured Chamberlain advertising and purchasing the sponsoring hair products…just to not dye her hair. Viewers were quick to criticize Chamberlain that there was no purpose in the video besides earning sponsorship money. She reacted with “‘my worst video ever’” to mock the comments, grudgingly dying her hair to “satisfy her viewers.” But it was the

principle of her constant failure to execute her plans with the intent to solely gain a profit that demonstrates her lazy work ethic and taints her unequivocal success. According to SocialBlade, a social media analytics firm, Chamberlain earned at least $120,000 to $2 million in 2019.

Popular Youtubers all-around exude unfair relative wealth. YouTube personality David Dobrik condenses his videos to a notable four minutes and 20 seconds while he simply films jittery compilations of his friends doing chaotic

Catherine Paiz revealed she had been hiding her pregnancy instead of uncharacteristically outright announcing it (their tendencies to overshare lead to a house robbery in 2018).

Some may argue these web stars are, in fact, talented for doing the bare minimum while being able to capture the attention of a wide range of viewers worldwide. Still, it is outrageous anyone – let alone people whose jobs are to merely publish a brief video every week -- has the salary that exceeds what most people make with over 40-hour weekly jobs. Though these videos may be enticing, the disparity of having the ability to toss away millions of dollars as prize money or to buy multiple Lamborghini’s while there is a world of injustice and poverty is mind-boggling. It seems like you can be as reputable by making a montage as to pursuing further education.

And though my distaste for these overrated YouTubers may stem from slight envy in their raging success while we partake in over twelve years of schooling, it is important to keep in mind the materialism that overshadows society today. Afterall, we should not overidolize these figures who do not have significant talent.

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“It seems like you can be as reputable by making a montage as to pursuing further education” acts while he laughs in the background.

Family channels that capture ordinary activities of going to the grocery store or performing amusing pranks exploit their children by filming them crying to gain more views. The ACE family, a popular family channel, received unwarranted amazement when mother

Hollywood Ignorance Strong as Ever laura hennawi, editor Since March 2020, coronavirus has become a widespread threat to the health and safety of Americans. Whether someone is young or old, or in this case if they are rich and famous or just regular working class Americans, Covid-19 has affected all in some way shape or form.

The virus has caused millions of Americans to lose their jobs and loved ones, and has had a crippling influence on the American spirit. Despite the harsh and stark reality many middle class Americans are facing, it seems as if many celebrities are unaware of the suffering of the ordinary people.

Seeing videos of Sam Smith, Josh Gad, Cardi B and countless celebrities sob and complain over this crisis from their ivory towers is already bad enough, but after seeing Gal Gadot and the rest of her Blist apostles sing “Imagine” by John Lennon led me to question what gives them the right to preach the message of the song. These celebrities are in no way entitled to sing about a song that mentions “imagine no possessions” while they sit in their multi-million dollar homes in the hills of Hollywood. I “imagine” people singing a song out of key doesn’t fit the

narrative while they sit on a mountain of money. What I dont have to imagine is the small business owners are having their entire livelihoods upended, and people are getting sick and dying.

courtesy of @grapejuiceboys on instagram I completely condone celebrities utilizing their platform and position of influence to raise awareness and spread the common good. But many of these ce-

lebrities are not informed on the matter.

Celebrities have been speaking empty truths for years, especially at award speeches. The Oscars have been made increasingly political in recent years by Hollywood executives and pompous celebrities jamming their agendas down the throats of American consumers. Hollywood phonies have not put their lives into perspective. Millions of Americans are filing for unemployment and thousands are dying. Are we really “all in this together?” These celebrities could care less about the welfare of regular working class people, they just want to go out in public so they can feel worshipped and appreciated again.

Billions are missing out on some of life’s greatest joys right now, so please do not pretend that you have it worse-you don’t. My advice to the celebrities?

Acknowledge and appreciate the healthcare workers who are putting their lives at risk--the true heroes of this crisis. And maybe while they’re at it, donate some money from their last multi-million dollar movie deal to those in need instead of furnishing their luxury palaces. If we’re all in this together, it’s time to do your part Hollywood.

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this just in:

The Fallacies of Single-Sex Education

geoffrey dochat, editor Prior to the early twentieth century, most, if not all, schools were single-sex oriented. Although a majority of modern public schools are open to both boys and girls, many schools still embrace this traditional style of teaching. Private schools are known for their gender-restricting policies; it is predicated upon religion or the traditional—and ridiculous—notion that boys and girls distract each other and learn differently.This outdated and outlandish idea of separating genders to learn has not only been inconclusive in research but will most likely harm a student’s social capabilities for their future endeavors.

Some people argue that single-sex schools can provide a regulated environment that is more inclusive and focused on everyone in attendance.

A 2007 neuroimaging study conducted by the National Institute of MentalHealth compared the development of boy’s and girl’s brains. It was discovered that the brain’s visual processor, the occipital lobe, experiences a rapid growth in girls between the ages of 6-10, while boys experience this growth after the age of 14. However, there is little evidence to prove that these small differences can affect children’s learning at the individual level. The Psychological Bulletin published an analysis of 242 studies examining boys and girl’s performances in mathematics and found that both genders performed relatively equal.

I think it is nonsensical to assume that every child will develop better and learn more efficiently when surrounded by peers with the same gender as them. It is also ineffective to limit interaction with other members of society; you need to be able to effectively communicate with someone of the opposite gender in the workforce or any social environment. If a man does not possess the social capabilities of holding a conversation with a woman because he has little experience doing such, he is harming both himself and her.

Private schools, the most common culprits of samesex schooling, claim to provide an “educational advantage” over public schools, and this results in many parents forcing their kids into these schools.

But the lack of diversity and sheer sum of money you end up forking over to the aristocratic boardmembers of these schools isn’t helping your kids. hink about this beyond a purely educational standpoint. What kind of message are we sending to kids when we force them to be separate from the opposite sex? We basically are advocating gender segregation in children’s most formative years, and it isn’t going to help them lead a successful or healthy life.

How are people supposed to be able to form intimate relationships if they have no experience interacting with the opposite sex? This will only slow the already decreasing marriage and birth rates.

The bottom line is this: the research on the differences in learning abilities and behaviors has proved mostly inconclusive. Claims have been made, but it’s all variable. To say that all boys learn differently than all girls is unrealistic. Single-sex education operates on a poorly supported ideology that clings to traditional, idiosyncratic methods of education. I think it’s time we stop holding on to the past. After all, we are the future.

the griffin

the griffin

May 26, 2020

6

map

Seniors reveal post-grad plans

1-4 SENIORS 5-10 SENIORS 11-24 SENIORS 25 + SENIORS

*: student was recruited for varsity athletics

maryland BOWIE STATE

Johnson, Jaelyn

CCBC

Ayala, Christian Akinremi, David Barnes, Nicole Bellinger, Andrew Bialczak, Katherine Bonilla, Lisandra Brooks, Miles Brown, Jeremiah Buchanan, Molly Cedeno, Dyani Cerf, Grace Clark, Kenya Culp, Ryan DeMario, Lia Dezrun, Kobe Dowla, Hayden Flores-Marquez,Michelle Fragoso, Johnathan Gaylor, Alicia Gikas, Nicholas GIkas, Joseph Jackson, Ariana Jackson, Eric Jones, Emma Klausner, Parker Klein, Jackie Knowlton, Morgan Lawrence, Nya Lin, Tony Manning, Alyssa Martinez, Jorge Mativo, David Melendez, Vanesa Mendoza, Javier Munyuri, Isaac Nakib, Nada Nelson, Brianna Nguyen, Diana Nyoro, John Parker, Inayah

Perry, Kailyn Ramirez, Mary Raytcheva, Donna Rodriguez, Susana Schwarzmann, Christian Sheldon, Elena Stephens, Taylor Stidham, Mark Stafford, Joshua Tavik, Jack Tavik, Henry Webb, Karah Woodard, Geronimo Yeakel, Luke

FROSTBURG STATE

Shaffer, Stephen

GOUCHER COLLEGE

Longo, Margaret

HCC

Brown, Ashton* DeCesare, Dylan*

JOHNS HOPKINS

Park, Albert Saadmim, Faizah Tang, Anna Woo, Sangmin

LOYOLA U

Diacogiannis, Stephanie Hall, Emma Hennawi, Laura Mead, Lily Ridgill, Christina

MCDANIEL

Babich, Daniela Goldberg, Jocelyn

MOUNT ST. MARY’S

Baruani, Bokassa

MORGAN STATE

Brown, Brianna

SALISBURY

Brant, Cooper Dikos, Alexa Erny, Jane Hodiste, Isabella Kammer, Allison Leone, Nicholas Pac, Elizabeth Puente, Rebecca* Sachs, Marley

STEVENSON

Brothers, Thomas Coulborne, Jenna Gills, Julianna Healy,Grace Kramer, Alexandria McGroder, Vivi Navarro, Kiana Saez,Sergio

ST. MARY’S

Crew, Raina Dabkowski, Brandon* Dickens, Audrey* Elliott, Catherine McGrain, John* Pomles, Lucy

MARYLAND INSTITOWSON TUTE COLLEGE of Ator, Katherine Bailey, Kaiya ART Clement, Benjamin

Abdul, Kieran

Colonell, Parker

Farley, William Harvey, Neil Huebler, Christopher Jung, Lucy Jung., Mae Mellis, Mikayla Miller, Nate Mungo, Alexander Munoz, Sebastian Murillo, Anahi Nemec, Jessica Norr, Abigail Nouri, Sharif O’Grady, Robert Piche, Gabriel Pichney, Rachel Rivas, Jennifer Schmidt, John Shehada, Manar Smith, Desmond Soe, Devon Stein, Anna Sturalie, Benjamin Yalinkilincer, Timur

UMBC

Abidi, Saba Battle, Michael Chen, Jennifer Chong, Jae-min Elder, Benjamin Gardner, Katherine Hyde, Cayla Jawed, Sarah Kazmi, Azhar Kim, Theodore Mellinger, Logan Natividad, Benjamin Ogunyamoju, Jennifer Qazi, Jaweria Ruthloff, Alexander Said, Faris Silao, Alexa

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Shah, Sajib Tarintin, Joseph Wilson, Kaio Zarrabi, Arveen

UMD: COLLEGE PARK

Amano, Kiyoshi Anthony, Daniel Bamberger, Emily Bilo, Benjamin Borisov, Gregory Brandt, Sarah Chandler, Emma Choe, Esther Choi, David Day, Erin Drew, Finn Dudas, Matthew Fisher, Max Gaines, Malachi Gude, Rachel Guo, Yanjun Jia, Cindy Khan, Abdullah Kim, Min-seo Knabe, Colin Lang, Nicholas Liu, Julia Livingston, Colin Maksimovic, Yovan Mann, Ethan McGee, Natalie Naughton, Bridget Nelson, Sarah Nguyen, Phuong Park, Chansoo Parsons, Sophia Patillo, Cameron Samels, Ethan Shi, Victor Skeels, Archer Strauch, Jessica

Urbonas, Yotti Ventura, Samuel Wu, Samuel Xi, Karen Xiong, James Yu, Joseph Zimmerman, Luke

UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADAMY

Panyan, Sasha*

WASHINGTON COLLEGE

McGee, Cole* Schultz, Emma* Valentino, Tess*

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map

alabama AUBURN U

Bernhardt, Brian

U of ALABAMA

Varelli, Anna

arizona U OF ARIZONA

Pena, Mya

EASTERN MICHIGAN

Willerup, Emma

U OF MICHIGAN

Shen, Sarah

new jersey Weiner, Brett*

U of CALIFORNIA BERKELEY

COLUMBIA U

colorado

U OF COLORADO: BOULDER

Nicklas, Amaris Shcwartz, Ariel

connecticut U of NEW HAVEN

Bogdanowicz, Emily

delaware

U of DELAWARE

Brody, Melia Northey, Charlotte So, Tiffany Trivett, Nicholas

virginia

EASTERN U

new york

Yin, Benjamin

DUQUESNE U

missouri

U of SANTA CRUZ

Taghizadeh, Anita

Hales, Grace

Williams, Bradley

WASHINGTON U ST. LOUIS

Russo, Hailey

ITHICA COLLEGE

McGinnity, Claire

MARYMOUNT MANHATTAN

Buonsignore, Jillian

NEW YORK UNIVERSITY

Andrade, Victoria Gartner, Claire Robinson, Allura Saumell, Kate

ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Pierce, Morgan

EAST STROUDSBURG U

Byers, Cameron*

GETTYSBURG

Anderson, Ethan* Coward, Matthew

JUNIATA COLLEGE

MESSIAH COLLEGE

Smith, Xander

PENN STATE

Fulop, Isabel Nolet, Guy Rosteck, Andrew Tambor, Rachel

PENN STATE: HARRISBURG

Conroy, Ryan*

TEMPLE U

Gala, Daniela

U OF PITTSBIRGH

SCHOOL OF VISUAL ARTS

WEST POINT

Wanga, Nicole

florida

ST. LAWRENCE U

Krugman, Ryan

WILKES U

Erhardt, Mackenzie

FLORIDA SOUTHERN U

Lane, Kylan*

WEBB INSTITUTE

Kawabata, Evan

U OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

north carolina

U OF TAMPA

Cheng, Marie

Daniels, Evan

Brennan, Kayla*

DUKE U

PIEDMONT COLLEGE

ohio

DEPAUL U

Bellinger, Hannah

NORTHWESTERN U

Byatnal, Rushil

indiana PURDUE U

Srinidhi, Pradyun

louisiana LOUISIANA STATE U

Benhart, Makenzie

massachusetts BOSTON U

Madro, Adam* Potluri, Sreesaisowmya

michigan

BROWN U

Munn, Konner

Kelly, Bridget*

illinois

rhode island

ELON U

Hossain, Saif Fitzgerald, Connor*

YORK COLLEGE

Daly, Mackenzie* Kensing, Ava Martin, Sarah Simoes, Anna*

Qian, Angela Wang, Anne

Rupprecht, William

EMORY U

O’Connor, Henry

EAST CAROLINA U

georgia

OHIO STATE U

Contreras, Erick Grogan, Cullen McClellan, Caroline Raskin, Matthew

BRYANT U

south carolina U of SOUTH CAROLINA

McCabe, Dylan Slomkowski, Sophia

COASTAL CAROLINA U

MIAMI U

Graziano, Brian Petrosillo, Angelo Pribula, Jessica

U OF CINCINNATI

Bernhardt, Delaney Orazi, Emmeline

Fanshaw, Johnathan Vinod, Vimal Bartlett, Sarah

COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON CLEMSON U

oregon

Edmunds, William

Duckworth, Liam

U of Tennessee

REED COLLEGE

tennessee

pennsylvania

Levitt, Grant

ARCADIA U

texas

CALIFORNIA U of PA

Rana, Hejab

Butler, Kira

Mucha, Alexandra

Campbell, Owen*

U OF VIRGINIA

washington

Haley, Ryan

McKee, Clarice

RANDOLPH-MACON

MERCYHURST U

Neblett, Molly Jackson, Christian*

Carr, Timothy Ditto, Samantha

U OF ROCHESTER

OLD DOMINION U

Snyder, Sidney*

Zhu, Emily

Senatore, Anthony

FLORIDA ATLANTIC U

JAMES MADISON U

Giesler, Cooper Feerick, Robert Trojanowski, Julia

Harrison, Richard*

WESLEY COLLEGE

Dewa, Daphne

SOUTHERN UTAH

Baldwin, Danielle

Bai, Jing

NEW JERSEY INSTITUTE OF california U of CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES TECHNOLOGY Ko, Sohyun

DREXEL U

May 26, 2020

U of Houston

utah

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U OF WASHINGTON

Maybhate, Gautam

washington, d.c.

GEORGETOWN U

Gorman, Shane Jin, Victoria

GEORGE WASHINGTON U

Halushka, Kate

west virginia WEST VIRGINIA U

Charlow, Gabrielle Duda, Brayden

armed forces Cover, James

gap year

Bailey, Arrianna Cummins, Olivia Kim, Alex Stokes, Brooke

working

Alavez, Hector Bourgeois, Jesse Bullinger, Matthew Cabrera, Lezley Caceres, Matias Flores-Marquez, Michelle Heiland, Olivia Jenkins, Kareem Kim, Teddy Klein, Jackie Lavoie, Gage Minaya, Cesar Moore, Amber Morton, Trev Nyirongo, Myles Rosas, Elvis Santiago, Jiminar Severn, Hank Walker, Aaron Williams, Devin Zhang, Justin

8

features

the griffin

May 25, 2018

Spotlighting senio 2 1. Nicole Wanga

anne wang, staff writer Senior Nicole Wanga is known for her strength and resilience as a fighter. Through her diverse eclectic array of interests, she is bound for a successful future despite the current obstacles from the coronavirus pandemic. She has participated in wrestling all throughout high school and is now headed off to the United States Military Academy in June. There, she will study French and Portuguese as a dual language major and train for four years to commission as a second lieutenant.

“I love learning new languages and cultures...with the many opportunities West Point offers for both academic and military experience overseas, I feel like this path would be the best fit for me,” said Wanga.

Wanga is also immersed in the arts as she holds an immense passion for Broadway and theater. She enjoys composing music for classical ensembles and piano and hopes to pursue a career in writing and song composition after her service.

“In March before quarantine, I was in the process of producing a staged reading of my musical ‘Tales From a Dead Land’ that was going to be performed at Baltimore Center Stage, but it was unfortunately cancelled due to COVID-19.

I would really like to see that work on the stage sometime in the future,” said Wanga.

2. Alexa Silao

jeff yang, staff writer Dulaney students have been attending school amongst a future Olympian: Alexa Silao. Silao has been known for her remarkable skill in judo as she has won numerous competitions with incredible results. Silao is attending UMBC next year with her major currently undecided.

Judo has always been one of Silao’s greatest passions, even after her ACL injury last spring.

“Just competing against other people and the atmosphere in a tournament [makes it] the best feeling,” said Silao.

In fact, judo is one of the main reasons why she has decided to stay in Maryland for college.

“With the Coronavirus, [the Olympics] got pushed back to 2021 so I’ll try to shoot for that one once quarantine ends and if not 2021 then definitely 2025,” Silao said.

Already exposed to the medical field from taking courses in anatomy and biology, Silao has had an interest in medicine for years. She also gained an interest in stocks from her judo coach from whom she learned how to trade. This has led to her considering finance as a possible career path.

Although Silao is disappointed in how her high school years are ending, she is excited to learn more about herself in her college years and to meet new people to make new friends.

photo via silao

3

3. Cesar Minaya

morgan pierce, editor and laura hennawi, editor Midfielder on the Dulaney soccer team, Cesar Minaya Perales will be pursuing professional soccer after high school in Lima, Peru.

Since his youth, Minaya had always been infatuated in the sport, citing his passions to his father.

“I would go watch my father play for his soccer club, and I grew up in that atmosphere basically. I started playing soccer at 5 for a club in Lima Peru, called USMP, and I haven’t stopped since,” Minaya said Minaya helped the Dulaney soccer team win the regional championship win in 2019. However, his career and achievements expand beyond Dulaney.

“I have played for Club Deportivo Universidad San Martín de Porres, Pipeline Soccer Club, and the Dulaney Soccer Program,” Minaya said.

Minaya plans on travelling to Peru to establish a presence in a local soccer team.

4. Mikayla Mellis

4

photo via minaya

sophie sturiale, staff writer Positivity and enthusiasm are what help to make Mikayla Mellis an inspiring leader at Dulaney.

She has made a school-wide impact. From managing the boy’s basketball team and the field hockey team every year to helping create the Dulaney yearbook and taking pictures at school events, she does it all.

Like her fellow seniors, Mellis is sad to have her last year as a Lion cut off short.

“I’m mostly going to miss … the continuous support of the community, the welcoming smiles, and the comfort of knowing that no matter what happens there will always be someone there to go out of their way to help you,” she says.

Despite schools closing, senior class president Mikayla Mellis has been working hard to keep spirits up and inspire the class of 2020.

She and the other class council members have been keeping the social medias updated with different memories and fun challenges. They also created an Instagram page dedicated to all of the senior’s graduation announcements in order to make sure everyone’s hard work is recognized.

“Thank you, seniors, for. . . staying positive, even though you had every reason not to, helping everyone stay connected to one another, and for working hard for the past 4 years,” Mellis said.

Although leaving her loving Dulaney community behind is sad, Mellis is excited for her next adventures. She plans to send her next 4 years continuing her studies at Towson.

5. Alex Mungo

sophia paranzino, staff writer After coming to Dulaney his sophomore year, Alex Mungo has been involved in every theater production since. Mungo, the current president of the theater program, starred in“Peter and the Star-catcher”, then “High School Musical”, “Shakespeare in Hollywood”, “City of Angels”, “Elf the Musical” and finally, “The Addams Family.”

“I love that I get the chance to tell stories that make people feel things. I love being able to take people away from the world they are in and bring them into the one I, and my cast and crew create,” Mungo said.

Mungo will be attending Towson University to study acting and deaf studies.

“I was always interested in sign language ever since I took a course in my freshman year.

I realized the incredible potential for overlap it had with theater,” Mungo said.

After college, Mungo hopes to join a theater company that blends sign language with acting, singing and dancing, to reach deaf audiences.

While he will certainly go on to do great things in the theater community, Mungo will always have Dulaney to thank for his growth as an actor.

“When I first got here, I was nervous and unsure of myself in this school and in the theatre program. Now I’m the president of the whole thing! Hopefully I’ve inspired others to follow their passion for performing.”

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9

the griffin

features

May 25, 2018

ors to watch: 2020

1 6

photo via wanga

photo via mellis

6. Evan Kawabata

5

photo via Kawabata

photo via mungo

chris cao, staff writer For Evan Kawabata, math plus science equals working for the navy.

“I’m good at math and science,” Kawabata said when describing himself. “Because of that, I want to work for the Navy and design their naval ships.”

Kawabata’s plan to work in the engineering division of the United States Navy is supported by the high-level math and science courses he’s taken, such as AP Calculus and AP Chemistry.

Kawabata has also found a love for public speaking.

“I’ve done a lot of speaking clubs, like Model United Nations and Speech Club for the one year it was here,” Kawabata said.

During his high school years, Kawabata attended the YMCA Model United Nations conference in Hershey Pennsylvania, students act as representatives of a nation and solve issues that the world faces today.

This fall, Kawabata will be attending Webb Institute, a leading engineering school in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering majors. He was awarded a scholarship that covers full tuition for four years and plans to pursue a double major.

The next phase of Kwawbata’s life will be a new challenge. However, he feels prepared.

“Dulaney’s science and math programs helped me alot. They’ve prepared me for what’s next.”

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SENIOR NICOLE WANGA performs a piece on the piano.

SENIOR ALEXA SIALO in a judo match against a competitor

SENIOR CESAR MINAYA fights an opponent for possession of the ball

SENIOR MIKAYLA MELLIS photographs the school’s Pep Rally celebration

SENIOR ALEX MUNGO performing his star-role in the opening night of “Elf: The Musical” SENIOR EVAN KAWABATA at the YMCA Model United Nations Conference

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10 sports

May 26, 2020

the griffin

Siblings skate to success Senior athletes’ season cut short

W

anna albergo, staff writer hen it comes to athletics, freshman Addie and Alex Erdman have looked past the traditional options offered at Dulaney to ice hockey. After watching ice hockey on television over the summer after fifth grade, Alex Erdman decided to take her first skating lesson. Only a year later she inspired her twin sister, Addie Erdman, to start skating lessons. Since then, the twins have pushed each other to an elite level.

Despite the fact that they are only 14-year-olds, they currently play for a Baltimore City based club team, the girls 16-andunder Baltimore Stars. In addition to their primary club team, they are both on the Maryland Student Hockey League Girls Northeastern team which competes in the newly formed Maryland Student Hockey League. To supplement her work on both her club and northeastern teams, Alex, a goalie, participates in a boys’ recreational league and a school team consisting of high school hockey players from Dulaney, Perry Hall, and Hereford. Rather than joining additional ice hockey teams, Addie played goalie for Dulaney’s junior varsity field hockey team this past fall. Her skills on the ice helped her as goalie on the field.

“I have a game sense. So, I can know what might happen and prepare for it and react faster,” she said.

The twins have an intense passion and dedication for ice hockey. They are on the ice for upwards of ten hours each week with practices during the week and games on the weekends. Both Addie and Alex were asked to play for a 19-andunder team at a tournament this past winter in a tournament. They contributed to the team’s second place finish in the tournament. For the past two years, the twins have both gone to an All-Star Game representing the Baltimore Stars.

Addie says her biggest accomplishment so far has been making the USA Hockey player development camps which she has made the past two years as a goalie. The camp is very selective as it only takes one goalie from the southeast district which stretches from Maryland to as south as Florida and as far west as Louisiana.

Although their accomplishments are impressive, the most impressive part of their story is how they inspire each other to reach the next level. When asked about how their relationship as sisters affects them Addie said, “She’s really supportive when I try new things. We try to support each other and help each other practice a lot. We observe the other and tell them how to fix what they’re doing.”

Alex reciprocated the same feelings.

“It makes it a lot more fun when we are on the ice together.

During practices and games she’s super supportive and a lot of fun. Just seeing each other get better helps us work harder.”

In a matter of years, the twins have already risen to the top of their region. Their passion for ice hockey and relationship as sisters has paved the way for their successes.

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anna albergo, staff writer he coronavirus pandemic has forced students of the graduating class of 2020 to miss out on many of the significant and memorable experiences of their senior year, but for student athletes at Dulaney, the list of missed opportunities is far longer.

On April 28, the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) canceled all events for the remainder of the academic year. The cancellation involved all spring sporting events, as well as the basketball state championships that were still going on in March when schools were directed to close by an executive order from the governor, Larry Hogan. Sadly, for all the senior athletes, this means that they will never get to compete at the high school level with their teammates again.

Although the news didn’t come as a surprise, it was still heartbreaking for the seniors to hear. Many of them have been playing sports since they were young in preparation for playing at the varsity level.

“At first it was super upsetting, I wouldn’t be playing my first sport again,” said senior softball player Izzy Hodiste. “I felt like all of my hard work was for nothing.”

Baseball player Finn Drew reciprocated those feelings.

“It’s a shot in the heart knowing I may never lace my cleats up again. I really feel for all the seniors who were hoping to have a big year,” he said.

One of the reasons this has been so difficult for senior athletes is the thought of what they are missing out on. Many of the sports teams host annual senior games where each senior is recognized for their hard work in front of teammates, friends and family. The tradition is one that motivates athletes to work hard throughout each season. In addition to the recognition, the athletes also miss spending time with each other.

“I definitely just miss having such a strong support system that always had my back. On the field and off, we always developed a really strong bond,” said Hodiste.

Since athletes aren’t practicing their sport after school everyday, they have had to find other ways to stay active. This is especially important for seniors who are competing at the collegiate level, such as senior Kayla Brennan, who will be playing lacrosse for University of Tampa Bay. “I’ve continued to play lacrosse and work out on my own during quarantine. I’ve been doing wall ball and shooting on a goal in my backyard,” said Brennan.

Despite the unfortunate circumstances, many seniors are positively reflecting on their time as a Dulaney athlete and accepting that their junior season was their last in a spring sports uniform.

“Lucky enough for me, I was fortunate to play my junior year on varsity and really experience what it is like to play at the varsity level,” said Drew. “I would say my junior year season was the most fun I have ever had playing baseball.”

Hodiste expressed similar sentiments.

“After thinking it over, I realized just how privileged and blessed I was to have even had one season with my teams. This virus makes you look back at the things you took for granted, it’s given me a different mindset,” Hodiste said. “Each moment is so precious, especially when you’re spending it with people you’ve grown to trust and love.”

When social distancing stops and schools start to reopen, seniors of the class of 2020 will be moving on without some of the experiences they had been expecting, but with a new appreciation and outlook. The hard work, dedication and success that the members of this years’ senior class brought to practices, games, meets and competitions will never be forgotten.

Athletes continuing athletics in college Anna Simoes, YORK COLLEGE OF PENNSYLVANIA, Field Hockey Emily Bogdanowicz, UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAVEN, Soccer Brandon Dabkowski, ST MARY’S COLLEGE OF MARYLAND, Lacrosse Audrey Dickens, ST MARY’S COLLEGE OF MARYLAND, Field Hockey Kayla Brennan, UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA, Lacrosse Henry O’Connor, WILKES UNIVERSITY, Lacrosse Johnny McGrain, ST MARY’S COLLEGE OF MARYLAND, Lacrosse Owen Campell, RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE, Lacrosse

A blank playbook

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grace monecelli and griffin tunison, staff writers ill sports come back to normal? Will there be fans in the stands? Will teams even be able to practice together? All questions sports fans are dying to hear the answer to.

Covid-19 has taken a huge hit on the sports industry. All professional sports leagues have been shut down amidst the virus. Many players are losing parts of their salary during this time because the leagues aren’t bringing in any money.

For many people, sports provide excitement and something to look forward to, whether that’s playing or watching them on television. It’s no secret that the coronavirus has made an irreversible impact on our world and since there isn’t a clear end to its damages in sight, the sports industry is being forced to make decisions never seen before.

As of Tues. April 28, 2020, the state of Maryland officially cancelled all high school spring sport seasons, leaving Dulaney seniors with yet another aspect of high school unfinished. Additionally, the yearly National Football League (NFL) draft was hosted entirely online from April 23, 2020 to April 25, 2020. All players and coaches awaited their new teammates from the comfort of their own homes. Boston and New York University were also the first colleges to announce they will not have students returning in the fall, meaning their fall sports seasons won’t be happening either.

A huge part of sports is the fan base, but as the pandemic continues, fans may be prohibited to attend games for months to come. As of April 22, 2020, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) released a statement saying they may not allow fans to watch games from their stands for as long as 18 months.

Not being able to attend sports games will be detrimental for fans, as well as the financial stability of the sports industry, as ticket sales are a hefty part of how teams make a profit.

As of now, most things remain up in the air. The sports industry could suffer from the side effects of this pandemic for years to come. On the brighter side, it is certain that when this pandemic has ceased, teams will play again. When sports are able to return, along with their spectators, it is likely that fans will be lining up outside stadiums and tailgating in parking lots just as they would before.

Justin White, WAGNER COLLEGE, Lacrosse Connor Fitzgerald, PIEDMONT COLLEGE, Lacrosse Brett Weiner, NEW JERSEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, Lacrosse Ashton Brown, HARFORD COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Lacrosse Dylan DeCeasar, HARFORD COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Lacrosse Alexander Panyan, NAVAL ACADEMY, Tennis Tess Valentino, WASHINGTON COLLEGE, Lacrosse Cole McGee, WASHINGTON COLLEGE, Baseball Ethan Anderson, GETTYSBURG COLLEGE, Basketball Cameron Byers, EAST STROUDSBURG UNIVERSITY, Basketball Mackenzie Daly, YORK COLLEGE OF PENNSYLVANIA, Lacrosse Christian Jackson, MERCYHURST UNIVERSITY, Football Bridget Kelly, ELON UNIVERSITY, Lacrosse Kylan Lane, FLORIDA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY, Lacrosse Rebecca Puente, SALISBURY UNIVERSITY, Lacrosse Marley Sachs, SALISBURY UNIVERSITY, Lacrosse Sidney Snyder, OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY, Field Hockey Adam Madro, BOSTON UNIVERSITY, Pole Vault Emma Schultz, WASHINGTON COLLEGE, Swimming

Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org

May 26, 2020

Home court advantage

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cooper woest and jeffrey yang, staff writers aving a strong fan base can be pivotal to a sports team. A study published by the Journal of Applied Social Psychology found that home teams win 60 percent of the time. Not only do fans help players build confidence, but they also pressure opposing teams. This holds true in Dulaney High School, as the school has many supportive fans.

Both senior Owen Campbell and coach Steven Labbe agree with the sentiment that Dulaney fans play a crucial role in supporting Dulaney athletics. “[Dulaney fans] always have each other’s backs and we always have a strong student section together… always motivating and pushing each other on the court and on the field to perform on the next level,” said Campell when asked about the effect fans have on opposing teams.

“The fans kind of give [players] an extra step or a little bit [of speed]. Players feed off their energy, it’s infectious... It’s a tremendous, a tremendous benefit being in front of our fans,” said Labbe.

While it is true that our fans have a strong effect on our players, they sometimes go too far. The role of a fan should be to encourage their team and not to serve insults towards the opposing teams.

Dulaney’s spirit games illuminate the encouragement of the Lion’s Den’s strong fanbase. Intense competitions

help the fans liven up the gym and are fun to watch.

The inclusion of spirit games allows for unity within the Dulaney student body.

“The games I’m promoting are usually games that are spirit games where we can have fun... a couple of people dress up in the front with nice suits on and everyone behind has signs,” said Campell. “[Sometimes] we [even] have a whiteout with our new spirit shirts.”

Dulaney fans play a role in athletics and their support is clear. Even potentially small advantages could swing the game one way or another.

“I just thank them for their continued support and even when some of the times when we played bad or got down, they were always just one play away from getting us right back into it,” said Labbe.

photo by john bowers

editor Morgan Pierce contributed to this report

Korrow inspires beyond the Dulaney community

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chris cao, staff writer he Dulaney High community was made proud when varsity women’s lacrosse head coach and English teacher Kristi Korrow was inducted into the Greater Baltimore Lacrosse Foundation Hall of Fame on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020. When asked about the award Korrow expressed her gratitude.

“It’s definitely a huge honor,” Korrow said when asked about the award. “It’s Baltimore’s hall of fame, and Baltimore is the hub of lacrosse, so it’s really humbling.”

This isn’t Korrow’s first award: she began her athletic excellence at Mercy High School where she played year-round sports and excelled in all of them: in soccer, she was team captain for two years, earned four letters and was a two-time all-city, all-county all pick. She was the lacrosse captain for three years and earned four letters. She wasn’t captain of the indoor track team, but she was named Most Valuable Runner for two straight seasons and earned four letters. At the end of her successful high school career, Korrow left Mercy as the Sportswoman of the Year during her senior year, Best Offensive Player of 2000 and MVP in 1999. The Baltimore Sun even named her an All-City, All-County All-star twice.

Transitioning to the collegiate level of lacrosse was not an issue for Korrow. She played in 19 games her freshman and sophomore seasons at Loyola University Maryland as a defensive player. For her junior and senior seasons at Loyola, she was the team captain. Junior year Korrow saw major action being a starter and an integral part to the best ranked defense in the country.

She guided her team to the NCAA Semifinals and even scored a point.

Once she graduated, she immediately began coaching and teaching at Dulaney High School. Just last season, Korrow led Dulaney’s varsity team to the state championship. Her coaching styles and life philosophies have been praised by her fellow coaches and varsity players.

Elizabeth Keeney, varsity assistant coach, was able to see both sides of the field with Coach Korrow.

“I played for her when I was at Dulaney, so since 2007. This is also my third-year coaching with her,” Keeney said.

Keeney described Mrs. Korrow as a strict coach, pushing players very hard.

“But she also cares about team chemistry and relationships, which she helps foster. She’s my role model; the way she conducts herself on and off the field is inspiring. She is always focused on her goals.”

When asking varsity midfielder, Kayla Brennan, about Korrow, she praised Korrow’s life lessons and coaching style.

“She’s my role model. She taught me to hold myself accountable for my mistakes and work hard,” Brennan said. “She pushes me to be the best player I can be.”

Junior Samantha White, a midfielder who committed to Northwestern University for lacrosse, describes Korrow as a caretaker and motivator.

“Playing for Korrow for three years has made me a stronger player and person. I will always remember the time I got cut in the eye in one of our games and Korrow was by my side until I had to leave to go to the hospital. Even though the game was still going on, she wanted to make sure I was ok and that shows how much she cares about every player she coaches,” White said.

The curveball in college recruitment

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geoffrey dochat, editor and cooper woest, staff writer ports are a staple of both high school and collegiate culture. With COVID-19 running rampant throughout the nation, schools, along with sports seasons, have been cancelled until further notice across the country. With this happening, many people are left with questions; high school juniors probably have the most.

Junior year is the most important year for any high school athlete who wants to play their sport in college— it’s the year that recruiters look at athletes’ game footage and statistics to see if they would make a good fit at the university they represent. But there is no footage. There are no statistics. Spring sports have been cancelled, meaning any juniors who want to play lacrosse, baseball or track in college don’t have any recent results to prove their skill.

Junior Vinay Khosla, a decorated member of Dulaney’s Cross Country and Track and Field teams, is worried about his chances of being able to compete at the collegiate level.

“I had been gaining a lot of momentum and progress over the indoor season and was excited to see what I was going to be able to accomplish,” Khosla said. “I have still received Division One offers but not from colleges I would want to run at—something I was relying on this season for.”

Junior pitcher Wilson Farlow was planning to improve his chances for a scholarship after coming off of a dominating 2019 baseball season.

“I feel like I would only want to play for a division one

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school that is popular or a local school that I could see my friends and I going to,” Farlow said. “It’s just unfortunate with what is occurring.”

With the 2020 season being cancelled, his chances of receiving a scholarship are low. Farlow felt the whole team had an opportunity to shine this season. He sympathizes with the seniors the most, who he felt deserved “to have more than the season they had.”

Farlow has adjusted well to the cancelation of the season, however, by “lifting at home and continuing to work on my craft to eventually make a video to post for colleges.”

Like Farlow, junior lacrosse player Emily Mowbray felt that her team had lots of potential heading into the 2020 season.

“Everyone had such a close bond and a high level of skill [that would] lead us towards a successful season,” Mowbray said.

She is also stressed about the new complications surrounding her chances of being recruited.

“I definitely stress about recruiting myself but coaches have been really understanding about this situation for all players, so I have hope that everything will eventually work out the way it is supposed to,” Mowbray said.

As far as dealing with athletes missing out on their most important season, colleges have merely encouraged athletes to be patient. They will have to develop a plan of action to compensate for the lost seasons of the 2021 class, whether it is an individual decision for a university to make, or NCAA wide.

Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org

The mamba mentality lives on

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dylan mccabe, editor he unexpected passing of NBA legend Kobe Bryant has broken the hearts of millions. On January 26, his helicopter crashed in Calabasas, California, killing Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others on board. The magnitude of the impact this horrific tragedy has had on everyone is overwhelming. Friends, family, the entire NBA community and countless others remain in a state of shock and grief because of it.

Despite the melancholic nature of his death, Kobe Bryant’s legacy is immortal. Kobe was one of the greatest basketball players to walk the earth, yet he was so much more than that.

He embodied the phrase “more than an athlete.” He was a father, husband, Oscar award-winning producer, hero, mentor, brother and so much more. His inspiring, determined and awe-inspiring will has been instilled in all of us, and to honor his legacy we must make sure to carry the torch, no matter our craft.

Kobe Bryant came into the NBA surrounded by fierce competition including players such as Shaquille O’Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, and of course, Michael Jordan. The first thing Michael Jordan told Kobe Bryant, who grew up trying to emulate Jordan’s game, was that he would never be able to fill his shoes because he wasn’t good enough. This insult lit a fire under him and marked the emergence of the “mamba mentality”. He wanted to be better than his very own idol and prove him wrong in the process.

After that moment, it was only a matter of time before Kobe’s incredible work ethic and drive to prove his doubters wrong catapulted him into stardom. He trash-talked and sparred with some of the greatest to ever play the game, even if it was his own teammates. Shaq, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Allen Iverson, and countless others were all subjected to Kobe’s trash talk, which were backed up by his accolades. Kobe is a five-time NBA champion, 18-time All Star, two-time Finals MVP, and was the MVP in 2008. This only scratches the surface of his many awards he earned while in the NBA. Kobe once dropped 81 points in a game, shot a game-tying free throws with a torn Achilles and dropped 60 points in his final game at the age of 38. All these amazing feats were made possible by his killer instinct and desire to be great. His drive, demeanor and legacy are how he is defined as an NBA player.

It would be a lie to say that Kobe didn’t have a few bumps in the road along the way to stardom. In 2003, Kobe was accused of a sexual assault. It wasn’t proven or confirmed. Regardless, Kobe Bryant still apologized for his actions and took major steps to empower women. He became a major advocate of the WNBA, which was new at the time, and praised other female athletes who excelled in their sport. After his NBA career was finished, he coached his daughter’s basketball team—a testament to his remarkable dedication as a father. Kobe Bryant corrected his mistakes and redeemed himself entirely, becoming a leading advocate for female athletes in general. This speaks volumes to his admirable concern off the court and both his generosity and care for others.

Kobe Bryant was a great basketball player, and an even better man. His incredible talent and amazing generosity off the court encapsulate the true, honest, hard-working man Bryant was. The NBA will honor his memory, but it is even more important that we do not let our memory of him die out. The Mamba Mentality lives in all of us. Honor it by going the extra mile in your life, regardless of what it is you’re doing. It’s what he would’ve done. Also, it may be cliché, but maybe every so often when you throw anything into a trashcan, yell the trademark phrase we have all come to know and say time and time again: ‘Kobe!’

the griffin

May 26, 2020

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Teacher’s Tastes: christopher marsico sophie sturiale, staff writer Art teacher Christopher Marsico has a ditinct, creative style that he reflects through his artistry and personality. Staff writer Sophie Sturiale chatted with Marsico about his unique style in his artwork that translates to his life.

Q: How would you describe your artistic style?

A: Urban, I guess. I do a lot of artworks that deal with themes that revolve around living in the city and things that I see when I’m walking or hiking in the city. So, I think that urban would be the best way to describe the stuff that I do.

Q: Do you think that the style helps you express yourself?

A: I don’t know if I’m expressing a specific emotion. I’m expressing what I like. I’m doing pictures of what I like that I think are attractive to look at, so I guess in that respect. But as far as expression, am I like pouring out my deepest feelings in my artwork? No. Q: Do you have any past experiences that have developed your current style?

A: Absolutely! I was big into skate boarding growing up, and punk rock, so I think those all had big influences in the type of artwork I liked. You know, the fact that I do cityscapes is probably because I did most of my skateboarding in the city so that was why I chose those themes and artists from that time period too, like skateboard art.

A: I guess the 80s. You know I’m old, right so like 80s, early 90s.

Q: Do you have a favorite piece of art or artist?

A: My favorite artist is Jean Michel Basquiat, so anything by him I would put down as my favorite. He’s an 80s artist so there you go.

A: I think the internet would’ve been nice. I would’ve liked to have access to all that information, and not have to go to the library in college.

Q: What’s your favorite piece of art you’ve created?

A: Probably whatever I’m working on currently, because as soon as I’m done with it, I don’t like it anymore, I’m ready for the next one.

Q: Do you have a specific type of food you enjoy?

A: I like sushi, so I think I would say Japanese. I’m very influenced by Japanese culture nowadays.

Q: Are there any movies or television shows that you are interested in?

A: I like “The Good Place;” I think that’s a show I really love. I watch “Euphoria” and I thought that was really good. I don’t know, it depends. I like anything. I just don’t like NCIS. Any of those CIS shows are not for me.

Q: What kind of music do you usually listen to?

A: I like hip hop; I think that’s probably what I listen to the most. But I will listen to just about anything.

Q: Is there a certain time period that you draw inspiration from?

Q: What part of today’s culture do you wish you had in your childhood?

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order directly through Schoology. The kits offer a range of media and paper and are supposed to start going out this week. Hopefully, this will supplement student’s art supplies until we can return to the building,” said fundamental and intermediate art teacher Dena Fiat.

While the art department has made great strides in remote learning, the one thing they cannot make changes

Art department acclimates to change jeongin kim, staff writer t is often the art department that is subject to the school’s first budget cuts. Arguably being undervalued even under normal circumstances, quarantine has strained the arts in school even more. Unlike most other classes, visual arts and performing arts require face-to-face teaching. The typical lessons that would occur in class have been difficult to translate digitally. Still, Dulaney teachers have learned to acclimate.

“It is definitely a challenge to put together distance learning for what should be an instrumental music class.

I’ve been working with what the Office of Music and Dance has provided, as well as tweaking and altering assignments for some classes where I can to address more what those classes were about,” said band teacher Matthew Benner.

Similarly, choir teacher Christina Senita has adjusted the county-provided resources to make lessons more suitable for her students.

“The county’s music office was very supportive in making sure that we would have resources to use. However, with a system as large as BCPS, it is understandable that these lessons and resources were very generalized. So, using the same national standards embedded in the provided work, I went a little off-road and created my own lessons and catered them to my students,” she said.

Aside from technical adaptations, the art department has also made sure that visual arts students have enough supplies to still participate in class.

“The county is offering supply kits that students can

to is the cancellation of school events.

“There were a number of things that my students and I lost out on because of the pandemic: the musical was supposed to have run the week after we initially shut down. Wind Ensemble had been preparing for all of the end-of-the-year performances they had,” said Benner.

Senita agreed with the students missing out on events that they had been looking forward to.

“These are students who consistently look to the spring events as the best demonstration of a year’s worth

of work and to have gotten so close to it, and then nothing? It’s quite jarring,” said Senita.

Though these are trying times, the arts teachers are doing their best to keep morale up and to look out for their students.

“We are fed by the connections we build with our students and the reward of being with them through challenging situations and helping them find their way.

For this year, I have relied on the relationships that I built with my students,” said Senita.

Under normal circumstances, it’s easy to take art for granted. It doesn’t seem essential because it’s an activity of leisure. While it may be true that certain jobs are of greater necessity, art is not trivial.

“The humility in teaching is one of my most favorite components. Getting to know students, their interests, their personalities and seeing how that translates into their work is truly magical,” said Fiat.

Additionally, art connects people in finding ways to express themselves without words and share that with our loved ones.

“Out of this I have received so many amazing projects, reflections and perspectives from my students, and I have come to appreciate and love them even more,” said Senita.

For many, quarantine has allotted time that we haven’t had before. And as our day’s options are now limited, we find ourselves in need of entertainment. And art, whether made by us or someone else, is where we find that.

post: Senior Breakfast band

miranda parrish, staff writer enior traditions at Dulaney are strong and unforgettable: senior barbeque, senior prom and graduation. Many senior traditions this year were cancelled, leaving seniors disappointed, but one of the lesser known but just as fun traditions was able to be completed in the senior’s honor. The annual senior breakfast hosted by the school had a wide variety of foods to choose from bagels to muffins... as well as a band made up faculty members to serenade the seniors.

The band is made up of physic teacher Stephen Shaw, English teacher Dirk Frey and history teacher John Wagner. This year, the band featured honorary member and senior Daniel Anthony to play drums. Each year, the band asks drummers in the senior class if they might be interested to partake in the festivities with them.

The tightknit band as a group is perfected already, and they usually only have one rehearsal before the big performance. They have a variety of songs they play, but they primarily enjoy playing classic rock songs. Their song lineup changes every year, but they always sneak in “Another Brick in the Wall Part Two” by Pink Floyd due to its popularity. Originally written in 1979, the song is a part of a longer three-part series. The second part calls out to teachers to let their students be and to stop bothering them; that education is useless and unnecessary. The band aims to highlight the irony of the song.

Born in 2002, the band formerly actively played outside of school events until around October of 2005. While the

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“Out of this I have received so many amazing projects, reflections and perspectives from my students, and I have come to appreciate and love them even more”

photos by sophie sturiale

Find us at http://dulaneygriffin.org.

band formed through their connection at Dulaney, they went on to play at venues around the Baltimore area.

Several years ago, the teacher that played the bass left, so as a result, Shaw and Wagner recruited Frey to fill the role. From then on, they never looked back and play at the breakfast every year.

Many seniors that attended the breakfast were pleasantly surprised to be played to by their former teachers. As a long-awaited tradition, being serenaded by the ones that had formerly taught them was fun yet bittersweet.

Although many senior traditions that were supposed to occur for the class of 2020 were cancelled, the senior breakfast with students surrounded by their friends in matching splattered barbecue shirts was one tradition they will always remember.

“being able to attend the senior breakfast surrounded by their friends in matching splattered senior barbecue shirts was one tradition they will always remember.”

photos by mikayla mellis Dirk Frey, Stephen Shaw, John Wagner and Daniel Anthony perform at the senior breakfast on Oct. 16, 2019. They exuded high energy and excitement.

the griffin

May 26, 2020

“Tiger King” takes over social media

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photo via Netflix

OVERALL RATING:

griffin tunison, staff writer mid the current global pandemic “Tiger King” has taken over the entertainment world. Main character Joe Exotic has people spinning with his intense personality and feud with long-term enemy Carole Baskin, the ongoing feud fueling a lot of excitement.

One of Netflix’s most recent docuseries, “Tiger King” was never had a dull moment, captivating the audience into a thrilling, binge-worthy seven episodes.

The primary conflict throughout the entire series is the fight between Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin over the posession of wild cats and tigers. Joe Exotic owned an exotic animal zoo with over 100 tigers and other animals, and Carole Baskin is an animal rights activist who dedicated her life to stopping Joe Exotic and freeing the animals.

What made the docu-series so captivating was the differing motives from each character; there was no clear antagonist or protagonist, Joe seeming to have good intentions at some points and Baskin having greedy motives for Joe’s demise. The feud also portrayed the dangers of the politics behind animals and keeping them in captivity, completely shifting the focus from the animals’ safety to money and power.

Joe Exotic is an interesting person, to say the least. After putting his life into his zoo, Joe portrayed dedication to his personal mission of caring for wild cats. However, his priorities shifted as the zoo became more profitable and the multiple factors that went into the lucrative wild animal industry took hold. The show documents his multiple relationships, one of them in which he marries two men at the same time. He also runs for governor in Oklahoma,

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this kind of excitement and unpredictability making Exotic very appealing to viewers.

Beyond just his character, the show portrays different zoos and different activities in these zoos, some bordering illegal cult activity. It also shows the difficulties of owning an exotic zoo. The most expensive thing about owning the exotic animal zoo is the amount of food needed to feed those large animals. The show dives deep into the challenges of owning a zoo like that and how much time and effort is needed, like using the thrown away Walmart meat for the animals.

The main question that comes out of the show is if it is ethical to hold these exotic animals in captivity in any scenario. Both people had good intentions to a certain extent, but for different reasons, and it is ultimately up to the audience to judge on their own.

Fans have loved the excitement and drama that comes with holding these animals, which has been a controversy in the animal rights world for a long time. Tigers and other exotic animals are things that we don’t get to see much and learn about, and it’s fascinating to see these animals on TV. After the airing of the first seven episodes, an eighth episode was released of the rest of the cast interviewed

by Joel McHale, talking about their feelings towards Joe Exotic and his actions.

The seven-episode series is definitely an entertaining watch, and you can watch it with your family or by yourself. Tiger King is a wonderful show for binging excitement during these times where there’s not much else available to do.

Atwood’s comeback expands the dystopian Gilead universe

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laura hennawi, editor ince Margaret Atwood’s release of the “The Handmaid’s Tale” in 1985, the Gilead universe was put on hold until Sept. 2019, when Atwood released “The Testaments.” The long-awaited sequel to her feminist novel, “The Testaments” brings a new, fresh angle on a repressive regime that took over the United States.

“The Handmaid’s Tale” stands as one of the most iconic, emblematic books for women’s rights and female autonomy. Atwood’s dystopian, autocratic Gilead universe takes place in The United States after a nuclear attack that left the population scarred, broken, and most importantly: sterile. Therefore, fertility becomes an important asset in women, causing the upper class in the regime to desire the fertile women for themselves. These women then became handmaids who are forcefully impregnated for elite families—who can’t reproduce—to continue the Gilead legacy. The first book follows Offred’s journey as she navigates being a handmaid in the newly created regime, discussing her past life and her attempts to escape the confinement of Gilead.

“The Testaments” arrives as a sequel about 34 years after the first novel, a staple today during the #MeToo era–as seen by the countless women wearing handmaid costumes at The Women’s March and protests for abortion rights. Instead of continuing Offred’s perspective and picking up where the first book left the reader, “The Testaments” follows three different perspectives: Aunt Lydia, an influential figure in the creation of Gilead; Agnes, the daughter of an elitist Gilead family; and Daisy, a young Canadian daughter of anti-Gilead activists. The three

characters provide insight into the world within and around Gilead, demonstrating the inner workings of the rigid autocracy, the sentiments about the regime within it and the influence of the regime worldwide.

The different perspectives not only answer some questions that rose in the first novel, but also created a suspenseful and exciting narrative structure. Atwood beautifully connects each and every piece of character development, plot advancement and symbolic imagery through her different points of view that allowed more insight to the broader plot and contributed to the embodiment of confinement, conformity and rigidity that is Gilead. However, one notable aspect of “The Testaments” that is different besides the manipulation of structure is the tone, which is less sinister and more hopeful than the first book, as there are more interesting subplots and relationships that create a more optimistic atmosphere.

The retrospective account in parts of the book to before the regime also contributing to a greater sense of normalcy and optimism in the novel that wasn’t as active in the first one.

The framing of Gilead by Atwood as a consequence of harsh political control and conformity has been as applicable today as in 1985. Atwood’s versatility and talent will always shine through her work, her skill to captivate the reader into her fictional dystopia never failing.

(left) photo via Amazon

OVERALL RATING:

John Krasinski bears “Some Good News”

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miranda parrish, staff writer idely popular “The Office” actor, “A Quiet Place” director, and “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan” star, John Krasinski is back in the spotlight during the Coronavirus outbreak through his new show, “Some Good News.” Inspired by the need for some light amidst the dark stories that traditional news networks cover, “Some Good News” was made to highlight the positivity and goodness in the world through outstanding acts of kindness as well as surprise guests.

Krasinski’s first episode, uploaded on March 29, highlights Coco, a 15-year-old whose video of a surprise line of cars to celebrate her last round of chemotherapy went viral. He interviews her online as she walks through how amazing and heartfelt it was. His first episode was also celebrated by his longtime friend and fellow actor Steve Carrell. The two reminisced over video about their time filming “The Office” as the show celebrated their 15th anniversary.

His show is uploaded each week and includes a wide variety of guests. From Brad Pitt and Ryan Reynolds as weather correspondents, to Oprah Winfrey and Malala Yousafzai giving advice to the class of 2020, to cooking tips from David Chang and Martha Stewart, Krasinski keeps the audience well entertained and leaves them feeling happy and wholesome.

Each week’s show highlights different cheery events,

but the core idea remains the same: a part of the week that reminds us that there is good in the world and even in the shadows there is still positivity. The first episode alone has been viewed over 17 million times and has received an enormous fan following.

Krasinski also shows how to turn negative comments into humor. The opening for the show has a globe spinning counterclockwise, and when critics called him out on the discrepancy, he sarcastically read some of the comments on his show. He then corrected his mistake with a fan’s digital video opener, portraying a correctly spinning globe and Krasinski dancing in the top half of a suit he wears on the show and smiley face printed boxer shorts.

By facing the criticism in this way, he shows the importance of spreading positivity in a dark and dreary time, especially during these times.

He was also the first to host a virtual prom, as well as graduation for his followers. He dressed up the background in gold streamers and dressed himself up in a tuxedo to commemorate the class of 2020 and their nonexistent prom.

By the end of each episode, Krasinski installs a glimpse of hope as well as delight into the homes of the viewers.

The comedy and the stories are heartwarming and very appreciative during the time of uncertainty. Krasinski yet again leaves his viewers laughing and happy during a time of caution.

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photo via John Krasinski

OVERALL RATING:

the griffin

14 features

May 26, 2020

Tackling college applications during Covid-19

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anne wang and sarah shen, staff writers s COVID-19 closes college campuses and cancels SAT tests, there is no doubt that the outbreak will have a significant impact on college admissions next year. However, rising seniors can utilize this time to their advantage by focusing on their college essays, conducting extensive research, and staying updated, since colleges will accommodate for the upcoming college application year.

While rising seniors may feel anxious about the potential cancellation of future testing dates, universities will certainly recognize testing and complete transcripts are universal obstacles for applicants. In fact, the University of California system and Cornell University have already eliminated the SAT as a requirement for admission. College Board is also planning to offer at-home testing in the fall.

If students have already taken these tests and done well, however, then they should still submit their scores as these would only supplement their applications in the long run.

In addition, many colleges are aware that high schools are implementing pass/fail grades, which they will not hold against students during admission. As colleges will place less emphasis on the SAT and GPAs this year, we recommend that students focus on their upcoming college

essays.

Fortunately, quarantine has freed up a lot more time to prepare for these. This is essential as college essays require a lot of planning and time to write. This will allow more opportunities for multiple drafts and edits in order to perfect an essay that embodies the applicant’s person-

“...universities certainly recognize universal obstacles for applicants...” ality, growth, and purpose at the school.

Universities are also offering virtual campus tours and plenty of additional online opportunities for students to explore their institutions. Of course, this won’t be the same experience as actually visiting campus to gain the feel of the atmosphere, but students can still do extensive research through virtual campus tours to add to their supplemental essays.

Besides these adaptations, COVID-19 leaves the status of interviews uncertain, but we encourage rising seniors

not to worry over these, as they are a minimal factor of admission. From our experience pre-coronavirus, as long as the applicant doesn’t blow the interview by not showing up or making some other drastic mistake, the interview will only boost the application.

In the end, grades and test scores may open the door for admission, but essays and personality will let people in the door. Have match schools and safety schools, but don’t be discouraged from applying because of your numbers. Your dream school would prefer you to be an interesting person with a GPA and SAT that are a little lower than a boring one with perfect statistics.

Though this has been the case even before the pandemic, it has become even more important in the current situation. When the dire times of today lead to a decreased dependency on scores and numbers, students will be able to shine through their own endeavors and passions. Today’s adaptations may be temporary, but the coronavirus pandemic might have a significant long-term impact on higher education and the application process. This may sound cliché, but be yourself on the essay and don’t be afraid to get weird (within certain bounds)! The manner in which you present your resilience or growth is going to be even more essential this year, and if they don’t like it... well, not everyone has good taste.

Re(face)ing beauty

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morgan pierce, editor eauty is a term closely associated with women but is defined differently among not just cultures, but individuals as well. According to the February 2020 edition of National Geographic, “for generations, beauty required a slender build but with a generous bosom and a narrow waist. The jawline was to be defined, the cheekbones high and sharp. The nose angular. The lips full but not distractingly so. The eyes, ideally blue or green, large and bright. Hair was to be long, thick, and flowing—and preferably golden. Symmetry was desired. Youthfulness, that went without saying.”

With the recent rise in social media usage, people are exposed to images that portray this once deemed “ideal beauty” more than ever. According to a body-image study by Common Sense Media, “Kids’ consumption

of mainstream media puts them at risk of developing unhealthy approaches to their bodies. Research on social media and body image is in its infancy but suggests these new media can present both positive and negative environments for self- and body esteem.”

Even with the presumed rise in insecurity created by social media, it seems that the preconceived notion of beauty has begun to change through new movements such as “#AerieREAL” and new diets including “intuitive eating.” The contemporary view of beauty has seemed to shift to a more all-inclusive, self-accepting concept- exploring the notion that differing body types are all beautiful and self-love is essential to a healthy lifestyle.

Beginning in 2014, Aerie released their “#AerieREAL” movement, which was their commitment to cease re

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touching models in order to promote body positivity. In recent years there has also been a movement towards intuitive eating which promotes embracing your body type through healthy, well-rounded eating habits. Nutrition therapist, Elyse Resch, is specialized in intuitive eating and “embraces the goal of developing body positivity and reconnecting with one’s internal wisdom about eating” in order to aid in the “prevention and healing of eating disorders.”

The Dulaney Griffin is highlighting several girls from our student body and their definitions of beauty in order to highlight this recent change in the views held surrounding the concept of beauty. Beauty is a relative term and society is finally catching up with the accurate definition: everyone is beautiful.

the griffin

May 26, 2020

15 features

10 things to do in quarantine

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sophia paranzino, staff writer Deep clean your room. Clutter naturally builds up in our rooms, especially when you are too busy to stay on top of cleaning. You can use this free time to fully clean out all of the junk that has accumulated over the years. Just throw on your favorite playlist and get to work! In addition, once you have cleaned your room, you have the perfect opportunity to rearrange your furniture and redecorate how you please.

Plan activities for when quarantine is over. This quarantine may seem endless, but at some point, we will be able to leave our homes and when that happens, we need to be prepared. Brainstorm a list, maybe with your friends, or just by yourself, of things you want to do once quarantine is over. It feels like we have wasted a lot of time in quarantine, so let’s not waste any more once it’s over. Besides, planning fun activities for the future will give you something to look forward to.

Go star gazing. Nature is a beautiful thing that is so often overlooked in our busy lives. This quarantine is a perfect moment to take a pause and enjoy the beauty in ordinary things. So grab a blanket, go and lie down outside and enjoy the calming peace of the illuminated night sky.

Learn a new skill. Have you ever wanted to learn a new skill, like sewing or playing piano or rollerblading, but you just don’t have the time? Well now, thanks to the coronavirus, we have plenty of time to pick up a new hobby that you’ve always wanted to learn. You may find something that you really love!

Arrange a Zoom call with your friends. One of the worst parts of quarantine is not being able to see our friends. We do not know the next time it will be safe to visit each other, but that does not mean we cannot still see each other. With all the video messaging tools of our modern era, it is easy to organize a hang out with all of your friends. You could just chat and make-up for lost time or organize a fun game that can be played over video: the possibilities are endless!

Develop healthy habits. Our health is one of the most important things in our lives, but thanks to the stress of our daily routines, with school and extracurriculars, maintaining our health can fall to the sidelines. Eat healthy foods, drink plenty of water, exercise and develop a healthy sleeping schedule. It is also very important to maintain our mental health, which can be done by doing things you love, taking time to relax and spending time with family (although sometimes that can have an adverse effect).

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Become a chef. With the stress of our daily lives, taking time to skillfully prepare a meal is not something we do often. But now we have plenty of time, so try out a new recipe or experiment in the kitchen.

Host a theme night at home. Due to quarantine, we are missing out on many fun activities. They can still happen by coordinating special themes for different days of quarantine, like a game night, a dress up night or a spa night.

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Watch classic movies and all the shows you have never gotten around to. Many old movies make up some of our cultural references, but if you haven’t seen the movies, you are out of the loop. This time presents the perfect opportunity to catch up on all those old movies and all the shows recommended to us that we’ve never had time to watch. I personally recommend the show “Outer Banks” on Netflix.

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Do something for others. There are many ways you can help during this difficult time. You can donate money, make masks, talk to the elderly and those at high risk who can’t leave their homes or you could get groceries for someone who can’t themselves.

Many people are in need right now so it is a perfect opportunity to lend a helping hand.

Tame Impala returns with a new, distinct sound

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laura hennawi, editor one-man music project led by all-encompassing singer, writer and producer Kevin Parker—assisted by a band in live performances—Tame Impala has pioneered the modern alternative-rock genre with a psychedelic flair. From his debut self-titled album in 2008 to “The Slow Rush,” Kevin Parker’s creative genius and complete control of his work is immensely admirable. After a long, excruciating five years of silence since the “Currents” album, Tame Impala released “The Slow Rush” on Feb. 14, 2020.

Parker’s work always includes a personal touch, a message that focuses on a normal human flaw or process.

“Innerspeaker” and “Lonerism” reflect his own introversion and loneliness, portrayed in the feeling of isolation in the lyrics and even through the cover art. “Currents” is an album of transition into adulthood and the normal change in the psyche. “The Slow Rush” is Parker’s depiction of the fleeting nature of time to a perfectionist like himself.

Parker released “Borderline” and “Patience” as teasers for an upcoming album in March and April 2019. Both tunes are a new yet familiar Tame Impala experience: the drums, synth and guitar all combined with Kevin Parker’s soulful voice. After announcing the album and the release date, Parker began releasing songs from the album, like “It Might be Time,” “Lost in Yesterday” and “Posthumous Forgiveness” all with a noticeable difference than the usual: his voice was more prominent, the lyrics actually standing out along with the wonderful production rather than behind it. “The Slow Rush” is an authentic, original Tame Impala sound, an embodi-

photo by laura hennawi

(Above) Tame Impala peforming at The Anthem, D.C. on Aug. 25, 2019.

ment of Parker’s growing openness to and confidence in his craft and work.

The album begins with “One More Year” and ends with “One More Hour,” a perfect book-end structure to the work., “One More Year” being an upbeat start to the album, elicits the same feeling as watching the beginning of an exciting movie. “One More Hour,” the longest song on the album at seven minutes, concludes the work with a slower, more mellow sound that is an ideal amalgamation of the fleetness of time. “On Track” is also one of the more melancholic, slower songs on the album, one that depicts Parker’s newfound and newly appreciated optimism. He also employs a variety of new instruments in the album as well, like the piano and saxophone, together with his traditional drums, guitar and synth. The majority of the album is upbeat; from “Instant Destiny” to “Glimmer,” Parker’s production incorporates elements of alternative, rock and pop to create a classic Tame Impala impression of music that epitomizes the beloved psychedelic flare, while incorporating new pop sounds mixed with the rock inspiration that make Tame Impala’s music unique.

“The Slow Rush” is an album well worth the wait with Kevin Parker detailing that he didn’t release it earlier because of the wildfires that reached his home in Malibu, Calif. The Tame Impala sound will always be changing as Kevin Parker himself changes and grows as well. As we watch the music style change, we watch Parker go through his own experiences as well, and that’s what makes the essence of his music so powerful and elevated.

OVERALL RATING:

Quarantunes provide relief amidst pandemic

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cooper woest, staff writer n April 18, renowned talk show hosts Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert hosted “One World: Together at Home,” a live benefit concert where the top musicians from around the world performed at home to raise money for coronavirus relief.

Spearheaded by Lady Gaga, the event attracted nearly 21 million viewers and raised almost $130 million. On display were performances from award-winning artists and bands such as John Legend, Elton John, Billie Eilish and The Rolling Stones. While artists only performed hits from before the pandemic, they have scrambled to write new songs focusing specifically on quarantine.

In his new hit single, “Six Feet Apart,” country music singer and songwriter Luke Combs touches on a bigger issue than the title suggests. “I miss my mom, I miss my dad, miss the road, I miss my band, giving hugs and shaking hands,” Combs sings.

Combs’ is a proven lyrical genius but the words “someday when we aren’t six feet apart” have a more profound meaning than most of Combs’ songs, turning the situation in quarantine into a song with a positive message. With its ability to relate with audiences around the world who are in the same situation, the song’s meaning is likely to strike a chord with listeners. Combs’ knows the struggle faced by those who have lost a loved one due to the virus, as his good friend and country legend, Joe Diffie, died at age 61 as a result of complications from Covid-19.

Besides creating a guaranteed chart-topper, Combs was one of the first artists to perform online through a series

of Instagram Live videos, in which his purpose was to “take your mind off things a little bit and have a little fun for myself.”

Like Combs’ and his new single, fellow country star Brad Paisley debuted his new single “No I In Beer,” in

“[those who participated at “One World” will] help keep audiences entertained until there comes the day when concerts and festivals return.

For now, music is bringing together people and providing a form a solace. which Paisley sings, “To the farmers and the first responders. To the truck drivers shifting gears. Every nurse that needs a break, let me buy you a drink.” While the song seems like a typical “bro-country” song, it shares a com-

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mon theme of thanking frontline first-responders fighting Covid-19. Paisley, like many celebrities, has aided those in need during the quarantine. He and his wife, Kimberly, have opened a free grocery store in Nashville, Tenn. to provide food for those who need it and to deliver to the elderly, all cost free.

It is due to the efforts by musicians like Combs, Paisley and those who participated at “One World,” that help keep audiences entertained until there comes the day when concerts and festivals return. For now, music is bringing together people and providing a form a solace.

Hopefully, one day, it can return to its former glory prior to Covid-19.

photo reproduced with permission by Getty

(Above) Mike Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Charlie Watts of The Rolling Stones perform on “One World: Together At Home” on April 18, 2020.

May 26, 2020

16 features

the griffin

quarantine

Dulaney in the community

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jeongin kim, staff writer, and emily zhu, editor he many weeks of quarantine have played out much like the five stages of grief. First, we denied the necessity of lockdown (it seems like some are still stuck in that stage). Since then, it has been a hodgepodge of the remaining stages. Despite the difficulty of navigating quarantine, Dulaney’s community has found different ways to spend their time.

Senior Nicholas Trivett volunteered at Cockeysville Volunteer Fire Company, where he is working towards his Firefighter 1 certification. He is also working towards his Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification.

“The EMT class has been held online and when we are allowed to go back to regular class, all we will have to do is practice some hands-on skills to get our provisional license until the demand for EMTs has gone down. That is, depending on what Governor Hogan says,” he said.

While many are quietly social distancing, Trivett noted some do not recognize the urgency of staying at home.

“A lot more people than I would have thought have no respect for what the government says we should do.

Frankly, they are being selfish by breaking quarantine, which they have no right to do,” he said.

Refreshingly, Latin teacher Dawn Mitchell recognized her advantages.

“I’m in the lucky, lucky lucky .001% of people who will likely weather this without fanfare. No economic setbacks will mar my year; closer relationships with my family and neighbors will be the lovely takeaway. In short, I’m not dealing with anything extra. So, every day I give to my students and my academic passion all that I have. That’s my contribution to our world right now,” she said.

Biology teacher Marci Phillips shared her own adjustments necessary for online teaching.

“One of the things I have always loved about science and science education is the inherently hands on nature of the content. Forensics and Biotech are both particularly lab based, and many virtual simulations are prohibitively expensive. I am really sad that students are missing out on the hands on lab time, but I’m trying to find other ways to make content meaningful,” Phillips

said.

Phillips has found this the time to take upon new duties. Recently, she has spent her quarantine fostering five kittens.

“They are as well behaved as one can expect kittens to be, which is to say they climbed up our legs and our curtain and pretty much everything else!” she said.

Meanwhile, though junior Dhruv Srinivasan understands that most people are comfortable in isolation, he wants to check on all his friends to make sure they’re okay.

“Although I miss seeing my friends, we’re fortunate to live in a time where it’s much easier to connect with other people, so having access to that is wonderful,” he said.

Quarantine has been especially unnerving for students who are adjusting to online classes, but Srinivasan remains optimistic. He has taken this time to explore new hobbies, relax with his own company and his friends.

Similarly, English teacher Deborah Hamilton has taken this time to appreciate those around her.

“Since my daughter and her family re-located to Southeast Asia in January and were not yet familiar with the language or know how their country was going to handle the crisis, they came back in April just as the country was restricting movement in or out. We are thrilled to have them live with us. We already had their bunk beds set up and were storing their bikes, so it’s like an extended vacation with [grandma] and [grandpa],” she said.

Senior Alex Kramer reflected on the changes. She strived to keep a busy schedule to keep herself occupied.

“I’ve definitely learned a lot about myself during quarantine. I now know that I need a set schedule to function.

When college comes around, I can ensure I’m getting stuff done at the best time,” Kramer said.

Though it’s unclear how much longer this will go on, what is certain is that there’s never too much time to value our relationships. To look for the best in the disarray and thank those who keep us safe.

“It’s all down to the relationship now. All of it. A piece of the grading has become personal comments. I want

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them to know that I am here and that I know that they are there,” Mitchell said.

Though seniors have been disappointed by the cancellation of end-of-the-year culminating activities, a majority of them understand how the precautions taken ultimately benefit public welfare.

“One thing that is keeping me going during all of this is knowing that it will eventually pass. We’ll be able to step foot on campus, go to spirit games, and walk to class. Each day that passes gets us closer to that. I hope everyone keeps that in mind as well, it’s made me feel a lot better,” Kramer said.

Trivett agrees.

“We have to remember everyone is going through something similar, so be strong and safely make the most out of this situation,” Trivett said.

Four of the five kittens that biology teacher Marci Phillips adopted relax on the couch. The little black kitten just got home from abdominal surgery, in which Phillips gave him heavy pain medicines twice a day, and he gets loopy.

Dulaney together, even apart

(from left to right) HIDDEN TALENTS Library Media Specialist Angela Sofinowski shows off her unexpected talent, playing the trumpet.

PRINCIPAL SAMUEL WYNKOOP performs an original song to show appreciation to the graduating seniors.

PUSH-UP CHALLENGE Many teachers join in the festivities by doing ten push-ups and staying fit during quarantine. (from left to right) SGO ADVISERS Stacy Reynolds and Victoria Bracken hula in matching leis for virtual Beach Day on April 30.

Pictures from dulaneytogether Instagram page

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