February 2020

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harbinger Hereford

Volume IX Issue IV

Hereford High School, Parkton, Maryland

Index 2-4 5-7 8-9 10-13 14-15 16

Community Sports Spotlight Features Opinion In Focus

The voice Hereford High

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Inside Athlete of the Month: Wyatt Parks vaults to the top of States Page 5

February 2020

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FEBRUARY 2020

New hydroponics lab teaches sustainable farming practices

By Elizabeth Pellegrini Reporter

Hereford High is one of the few schools in Baltimore County that is known for it’s Agriscience program, with a variety of classes like plant and animal science. Agriscience teachers and students have been working on constructing a hydroponic system for the past few years. Hydroponics is a way of growing plants in a water-based, nutrient rich environment. Often the system uses fish to produce essential nutrients for the plants to grow, or fertilizer can be added to the water. Systems range from small homemade tubs with water, substrate, and plants, to huge industrial hydroponic farms containing networks of tubes, water pumps, and tubs.

Hydroponics use a small area to grow a large amount of crops per square foot, which is increasingly helpful in urban and overpopulated areas with little access to open farmland and limited

growing space. The technique has become popular in countries like Japan and across Europe.

The concept of a larger scale hydroponics system has been in the works in our agriscience department for the past few years, and it is now finished.

“When I was a sophomore I took the Plant Science class and we built the lab in the 2016 school year,” agriscience student Brandon Woolf (‘20) said.

As time went on, more work was done on the system and it slowly became functional and larger. Building a larger hydroponic system requires lots of labor and planning, with precautions taken for water pumping and temperature to the amount of nutrients that must be added to grow the plants.

“Before Mr. Mikalauskas came to Hereford, Mr. Davis had a smaller system set up in the greenhouse,” Woolf said. “Then we moved it to the now hydroponics lab and set up a big tank in there.”

Woolf has been a large part of the project, being involved with the Agriscience department and the hydroponics lab for most of his high school career.

“The following year, when I was a junior, I interned for the Agriscience Department,” Woolf said. “I started building the main system at the beginning of last year.”

The main system was constructed by Woolf and the help of other agriscience students and teachers.

The current system features large manufactured tanks holding water and pumps, but the system continues to change as the years go by.

“It originally was going to be a student set up, the students building their own set up. The students set up the pipes to make it work, but last year Mr. M changed it up and put the big blue tank in the middle of the room and the system I built as the class example,” Woolf said.

The lab is an ongoing and changing project, but is being used by the agriscience students.

“The other students were given fish tanks as their system and were allowed to modify or build whatever they wanted out of the fish tank. They had to test independent and dependent variable, for example, pH and water flow,” Woolf said.

The large hydroponic system provides a model for the students with which they can experiment.

Students are split into small groups and create a unique set up. Each group collects data for about nine weeks, measuring plant growth between variables. The class is testing a range of variables from oxygen concentration to temperature.

“We’re totally independent with the set up. We have lots of freedom to build what we want,” plant science student Vernon Smith (’21) said.

Walking into the room there is the large manufactured system in the middle, and smaller lab stations going around the outside of the room. The Agriscience department hopes to continue to work with the space.

“It’s definitely changed a lot,” Jobe Mikalauskas, one of the agriscience teachers, said, “and

Photo by Elizabeth Pellegrini

going to get even better. The lab is so much more organized than in the past,”.

The hydroponic lab is a unique asset for the students, and provides an opportunity for students

The large hydroponic system provides a model for students. The system was made of large to create their own scientific experiment. tanks, tubing, and various filters.

Flight and aviation students clear for takeoff with new flight simulator

By Anna DeLibro Community Editor

cense can take this class, have a flight instructor come in, and earn flight hours which can go towards getting their actual pilot’s license,” Fellows said.

I decided to do some investigation on how this machine really works, and with the help of Fellows, I was able to try it out.

When sitting in the “cockpit,” there are two pedals that help with banking left or right, without turning too sharply.

There are four different screens, which act like windows, so you are able to see all angles of what’s ahead. The tasks included flying through targets, learning the controls, and of course, not crashing, which is harder than it seems. Thankfully, in the future, the grant will allow for the certified inPhoto by Anna DeLibro structor to teach students the proper way to fly a plane without The flight simulator allows students to receive practice with an exact replica of a Cessna plane’s cockpit. This machine cost around messing up.

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$40,000.

“[The machine] is actually [Federal Aviation Administration] FAA certified so you can get flight hours on this with a certified flight instructor,” Fellows said.

“

Learning to drive a car is almost every teenager’s rite of passage, but what if students began leaving high school with more than just a driver’s license? Beginning next year, a brand-new course completer will be introduced to the list of electives: flight and aviation class. The class, supervised by technology teachers, Weston Fellows and Michael Dodd-o, will now be offered for those who are interested. Students will be able to earn a valid pilot’s license with the help of an instructor and by using the newly purchased flight simulator in the tech wing.

This new curriculum is a part of the AOPA (Airplane Owners Pilots Association) and is only offered to two schools in the county, the other being Kenwood High School located in Middle River.

Fellows, was able to purchase the flight simulator with help of a grant worth $1 million from the county, given to the office of Career Technology Education (CTE). The machine itself costs around $40,000.

“The curriculum is a four-year sequence that students go through and [the simulator] comes into play around year two or three. Right now we’re only on year one,” Fellows said.

Students in the class will be able to use the flight simulator during enrichment or have time in class to experiment with the controls. “[The machine] is actually [Federal Aviation Administration] FAA certified so you can get flight hours on this with a certified flight instructor,” Fellows said.

The simulator is an exact copy of a Cessna plane’s cockpit.

A Cessna plane is a fixed wing, four-seater, single engine aircraft.

All of the controls, buttons and switches are made to simulate an experience that is realistic and will prepare aspiring pilots for success.

“Someone who is interested in getting a fixed wing pilots li-

Their curriculum this year mainly consists of the technical aspects of flying, as well as its history. “[We learn about] the mechanics and designs of planes as well as flight through history and understanding the principles of flight,” Zahn said.

Zahn also said students get to see the progression of how flight has evolved over the years, even flight to outer space.

There’s more to school than basic courses and grades. Thanks However, to understand a plane and all of its components, to technology like the flight simulator, students will be able to students who decide to take this course will need to understand reach new heights, both literally and intellectually. the technical science behind flight as well. Devin Zahn (’20) is enrolled in his first year of flight and aviation.

“I’m in the class mainly because I’m already a licensed drone pilot which is one of the long-term goals of the class for the younger students progressing through each year,” Zahn said.

Illustration by Keegan Whittle

Hereford Harbinger | 3

community

FEBRUARY 2020

Online Etsy shops provide platform for custom-made items

By Rebecca Meldron Reporter

Hobbies are important because people need an escape. Life can get stressful and having the time you need to do something just for you and something you love is important. Some people have found interesting hobbies that can also be profitable.

Students and teachers have found an outlet where they can be creative and enjoy doing something they love by selling their crafts and handmade items. Whether their works of art are illustrations, clothing, paintings, or sculptures, anything and everything can be sold online.

This is exactly what Etsy allows. Members create their goods and then post them for sale to a global community. Etsy’s slogan is ‘If it’s handcrafted, vintage, custom, or unique, it’s on Etsy.’ It is the go-to place when searching for original and hand-made items.

On Etsy there are many different categories, some of which include jewelry and accessories, clothing and shoes, home and living, wedding and party, toys and entertainment, arts and collectibles, craft supplies, and vintage.

According to Etsy’s website, “[They] have millions of one-of-a-kind items so you can find whatever you need (or really want).”

To ensure reliability and security, Etsy is certified as a Level 1 PCI DDS complaint institution which is a stringent security certification process recognized across the payments industry. Etsy is even featured on Netflix in a show called “Girlboss,” where the main character Sophia starts her own Etsy shop.

The show is based on a young girl that is struggling to figure out what she wants to do in life.

She loves to thrift and bought an expensive jacket for $10. She then goes on Etsy and sells the jacket for $600.

Sophia then starts thrifting and makes a decent profit off of Etsy and eventually starts her own company on the Etsy store.

Samuel Tillman, head of the art department, has an Etsy shop of his own. Tillman sells a variety of ceramic vessels. Tillman started his shop in the fall of 2018.

“I’ve always been interested [in] online marketplaces for artists but had never approached one as a seller,” Tillman said.

Tillman says that the sales support the cost of the materials, so he wasn’t expecting to make much profit. However, he still does it for fun.

“I try to put up a new batch of work every three-four months, though it depends on a lot of factors. Once the work is made it has to be photographed and posted which takes time as well.”

Lauren Rasmussen (’20) also has a store of her own. Rasmussen started her shop at the beginning of January. She sells shirts, stickers, and bags that have her artwork printed on them.

“I started my shop because I love digital art and writing. I saw other artists and writers making money off of their work, so I thought I’d give it a try too,” Rasmussen said. Since she just started, she updates her shop every few days or so, but she plans on updating it whenever she creates something new that she wants to share.

“I do 100% of the design work. If I have an idea for a new piece, I sketch it out and add color and finishing touches before saving the piece online where I can manipulate it and put it on different

One of Tillman’s specialties are cups that have a striped pattern. He made many different sized cups but, most of them are designed with this stripped pattern or just a solid color.

Tillman’s collection of pottery includes bowls, plates, and cups. He used a pottery wheel to make all of these ceramics.

Photos provided by Sam Tillman

All of Tillman’s pottery is made in his own personal shop. He started his Etsy shop in 2018 to sell his work.

products that I want in my store,” Rasmussen said.

Art teacher Daria Souvorova also has an Etsy shop of her own that she started about three years ago. She sells porcelain dishes with 24-karat gold overlay, as well as silk scarves that she designs.

She also self-published a cookbook titled “Chez Nous: Communal Dinners,” which she sells on her Etsy shop too. She only updates her shop a few times a year.

“The porcelain dishes I make myself from start to finish,” Souvorova said. “The silk scarf was a watercolor design that I painted, then took a high-quality photograph [of] and had it printed on silk.”

The shops are easy to start and a fun and profitable way to create something you love. They provide a great outlet for creative people to showcase their designs and make some money. People can find whatever they are looking for, making Etsy an ideal shop for artists and consumers.

Public library promotes local art and provides outreach programs

By Nola Mak Reporter

The Hereford public library proves to be an integral cross-section in the community. It features a wide variety of workshops and is equipped with not only books, but a play area for children, a computer area, and rentable DVDs. Cultural programs include and promote the visual arts, and showcasing pieces is no exception to the influx of activities based in the library.

In fact, the library’s, “Walker Hanging System,” a thin metal minirail that runs along the walls of the first and second floor, provides easy access to display any art piece. As the northernmost library in Baltimore County, and the only branch with a hanging system, many professional and local artists apply to have their art displayed. After the straightforward application process, the library provides a free venue for artists. In addition, it is open to all mediums, and exhibits range from textiles to laser and digital art.

“The majority of the artwork is oil or watercolor paintings and photographs,” the library’s gallery team facilitator, Cynthia W. Webber, said. “Exhibits will normally change every month to eight weeks.”

Optional receptions take place where refreshments are served, and the artist can discuss their work with friends, family, and possible customers. The artist has the choice of simply displaying their work or selling it. The most expensive piece to hang holds a record of $22,00 however, the artwork was not purchased. When art is bought, the library asks for 10% of the profit. The money, if donated, is dedicated to furthering community programs and materials.

The public library is connected to all the Baltimore County schools; and has a particularly close relationship with the high school. Come spring, when student portfolios are completed, the high school hosts an art studio at the library.

“It’s important for the arts to gain expertise because they’re

Photo by Nola Mak

This watercolor piece is part of the B-Artful showcase. It was painted by a BCPL librarian.

often overlooked, especially with the school’s strong academics and athletics,” Derek Wu (’20) said. “Nonetheless, the arts are impressive in their own respect and deserve to be acknowledged.”

Wu’s preferred medium is charcoal on toned paper. He has

participated in the art program all four years of high school and is now in AP Art Studio.

At the library, the high school art department will hang 20 to 30 pieces representing all facets and media of the program.

“It is an excellent place to see art; it’s a quiet environment similar to a museum where people can think and get into a good headspace,” art teacher Sam Tillman said. “It also draws a different and new audience.”

The art teachers work together to personally transport and hang the pieces. Because the art is delicate, the process of transporting requires tactful maneuvering.

“There’s a limited amount of pieces that are sent to the art competitions, so it’s nice for those who didn’t submit to present their work,” Tillman said.

The art department collaborates further by sharing their easels for the library’s Young Artist events. This will be the third year of the Young Artist Showcase.

Currently, the public library has two art exhibits open. One is the Fifth District Elementary School art show, which saw a crowded turnout of family members on opening night. This exhibit is located in the back half of the first floor in the children’s book area. The second exhibit is “B-artful” which displays artwork created by BCPL librarians.

Now, why should the library take interest in promoting a diverse set of activities, like art, why not just stick to books?

“The BCPL mission is explore, learn, create, and connect,” Webber said. “Libraries are now about more than books. While books remain a central focus, it’s also about creating a community center with dynamic programming for all ages.”

The library prioritizes outreach to the community, and this is reflected in the events they host and the art community they support.

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FEBRUARY 2020

Student Council to host Blood Drive for the American Red Cross

By Samantha Warfel Reporter

On February 27th, 2020 the Student Council will be hosting its semi-annual blood drive under Council adviser Allison Zane said. “Donating blood is something that students can do well beyond the American Red Cross. their high school careers”.

Student Council has been planning with Nurse Leslie Perry to pull off yet “I would [donate] again,” Rachel Rowe (‘20) said, “it was nice knowing another successful blood drive. that I had done something good for the community. It was really easy and Ninety five percent of eligible donors never give blood, so why do the simple.”

Having the blood drive here at other five? There are so many benefits and “why-nots” about it.

Donating your blood only takes an hour of your time but can provide Donating blood is free and gives someone the gift of life, in the form of someone else with a lifetime. In fact, almost everyone will know someone in school is a great opportunity for platelets, red blood cells, and plasma — all in one donation. their lifetime who has needed blood according to the American Red Cross. people to donate If you donate blood you may save the life of a newborn, a mother or To donate, you must be 17 years of age (or 16 with parental permission), -Nurse Leslie Perry father, brother, sister, mother, or friend. Actually, by donating your blood, the in good health, and meet the standard height-to-weight requirements. donation has the potential to save up to three lives.

Once collected, pints of donated blood are transported to a Red Cross “There is always a shortage of blood,” Perry said, “It’s very important laboratory to be sorted, tested, and distributed to blood banks across the United for people that are eligible to do so. Having the blood drive here at school is a great opportunity for States. The staff at the American Red Cross accept and process orders of blood 24 hours a day, seven people to donate [blood] for the first time because they will be surrounded by their friends to give days a week, 365 days a year. them comfort.”

Students who plan on donating their blood should come well-hydrated, haven eaten a meal, and Perry began donating blood in high school, and has since given back to the community by provid- ready to make a difference. ing high school students with the opportunity to do the same as she did.

Does giving blood for juice, cookies, and a break from class sound like a deal to you? If so, sign “I think the blood drive is a really great way for the students in Student Council and the student up to save a life, or three. body to get involved with something that is bigger than a schoolwide event,” math teacher and Student

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HOPE Club introduces plastic bag recycling initiative

By Rebecca Meldron Reporter

HOPE Club is participating in a nationwide competition with other schools hosted by Trex, a company that creates environmentally responsible outdoor products. Some of the products that Trex sells are decking, deck railing, deck framing and drainage, and outdoor lighting. This year, they are challenging schools to compete against each other to see who can recycle the most plastic film.

The winner of the challenge not only gathers a better understanding and appreciation for the importance of recycling, but also wins a high-quality composite bench from Trex that they can place anywhere around campus. The challenge began on Nov. 15 and lasts until April 15. The winners will be announced on Earth Day April 22.

There are two donation bins placed around the school with a Trex flyers on them. The donation can include any disposal of plastic, which includes grocery and bread bags, case overwrap,

dry cleaning bags, newspaper sleeves, ice bags, and wood pellet bags. Donations can also include, Ziplock & other re-sealable bags, produce bags, bubble wrap, salt bags, and cereal bags. Before any donations are made all materials must be clean, dry and free of food residue.

Every month there has to be a report on the collected materials before delivering them to one of the participating drop-off retailer locations.

Trex also has university and community recycling programs. The program has the participants collect more than 500 pounds of plastic within a six-month span of their choosing. If the participants can accomplish the task, then Trex will donate a high-quality composite bench. Trex provides all the promotional materials and recycling bins.

Trex also helps businesses that produce a lot of plastic waste dispose of it. Trex pays the businesses so that they can recycle

their plastic waste.

HOPE Club has gotten much support for the Trex challenge and anticipates more to come.

Illustration by Keegan Whittle

English department welcomes new teacher Carol Brown

By Cristina Drecchio Reporter

Hereford welcomes a new member, Carol Brown as the newest addition to the English department. Brown began her time here last year as a long-term substitute for English and Yearbook teacher Jamie Burgess.

Brown began her education at Virginia Tech, finishing with her master’s in Curricular Administration of English. She spent 20 years teaching in Virginia before moving to Maryland with her two kids. Brown believes that English is an important foundation for teenagers’ future years of education.

“English has a huge opportunity to let kids find their own voice,” Brown said.

English can be one of the most difficult subjects to teach teenagers, but Brown has an intriguing teaching style. She feels that it is important to find current issues that students can relate to.

She also makes efforts to make a unit strictly for the student’s interests; this is a great way to keep her students engaged and active in class activities.

Brown provided a learning environment that encourages students to deepen their proficiency in English. Some find it hard to be given an article to read and be forced to comprehend the content, so she likes to show a fair number of videos along with articles to keep the students intrigued. She makes sure everyone has a full understanding of the content before continuing with the lesson.

“I really enjoy the content; she makes it fun and interactive. She allows us to do group work and speak with our peers frequently,” Hannah Sebelist (’20) said.

With multiple factors of stress affecting students throughout high school, having a teacher that is understanding is important. On the first day she made it clear to be honest with her about having trouble meeting deadlines. Her charismatic personality also makes her classroom inviting and students look forward to her class.

“Ms. Brown shows an immense amount of care towards each of her students. She has been nothing but kind, understanding, and compassionate towards my class,” Sebelist said.

Every day she writes the homework and objective on the board as well as what is due for the day. This provides students with techniques for them to stay organized. Brown teaches an English 12 course which is full of seniors who are worried about working on college applications.

“She takes into account that as seniors we have a lot of work to do for college. She made it clear on the first day that we can always talk to her and ask for extra time on an assignment which is nice,” Georgia Cowie (’20) said.

Along with teaching, Brown enjoys spending time with her kids, sponsoring clubs, and going on field trips. She has recently been inspired by the concerns for the environment and the search for new ways to reduce trash around the world. One project recently took on was starting an online store that sells plastic-free products.

Brown is looking forward to the rest of the school year and all it has to offer. She hopes to broaden student’s thoughts on English and encourage them to learn more about literature.

FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTS

Hereford Harbinger | 5

Aaron Hernandez documentary brings back disturbing drama

The name Aaron Hernandez is relevant once again after a three-part docuseries on the story of his murder convictions and trials was released on Netflix on January 15. “Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez” includes courtroom footage, phone calls, and various clips of

By Sarah Dickerson Hernandez’s career highlights, all coming Reporter together to reveal the disturbing reality of the star football player’s double life.

Aaron Hernandez was a professional football player on the New England Patriots about to enter his fourth season with a contract of $40 million when allegations of him murdering 27-yearold Odin Lloyd were revealed. He was arrested in June 2013 for the first-degree murder of Lloyd. In 2015, Hernandez was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. Two years later, he was on trial for the double homicide of Safiro Furtado and Daniel de Abreu outside of a Boston nightclub in July 2012. Ultimately, he was found not guilty. In 2017, Hernandez took his own life at 27 years old at Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center in Massachusetts.

Although it seems like a long time since the Hernandez drama, this docuseries directed by Geno McDermott has a way of unraveling the events as if it is happening in front of our eyes all over again. The clips of Hernandez playing in NFL and collegiate games while getting cheered on by fans who proudly wear his jersey is quickly contrasted with clips of him handcuffed in a courtroom. These clips create an unsettling yet intriguing story, making you wonder how a man can murder someone and continue to play an entire season of football afterwards.

One of the significant aspects that contributes to the success of the delivery of the film is the inclusion of phone calls between Hernandez and his wife, family members, and lawyer while he was in jail. Something about hearing the raw conversation where he sounds surprisingly unworried sends chills throughout the body.

For someone under such serious accusations, he seems somewhat sarcastic when speaking to his wife. He makes jokes about his room in prison and the fights he gets in over football games with other inmates.

Hearing him speak to his daughter, however, can make anyone wonder how a man is capable of such cruel actions yet can be so loving to his child. The film uses multiple techniques by including different points of view on the case and Hernandez as a person. When Odin Lloyd’s former teammate speaks, you develop a hatred for Hernandez, but when you hear his daughter laugh over

the phone and the story of his childhood, you can’t help but feel a sense of sympathy.

Perhaps one of the more controversial topics brought up is that of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) in football players. CTE is a progressive degenerative disease of the brain found in people with a history of repetitive brain trauma, such as football players.

When the MRI of Hernandez’s brain was shown compared to a healthy mind of a male his age, it was clear that CTE had taken a toll on him. CTE was prominently present in his prefrontal cortex – which is responsible for decision making. While some of the interviewees in the series consider CTE a possible mental cause for his cruel actions, others cringe at the fact that you could even think of using CTE, a disease that has affected many athletes, as an excuse for his horrific choices.

From a sports perspective, however, it’s interesting to see how much of Hernandez’s drama was covered up throughout his

Photo provided by Wikimedia Commons

Aaron Hernanzez stands on the sideline of a New England Patriots game. He was a tight end and had a 31 touchdowns throughout his career and has the state record for the most receiving yards in a game with 376 yards.

Kansas City Chiefs win Super Bowl LIV

By Parker Knight

Reporter

Super Bowl LIV, San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs.

This game was highly anticipated to be one of the greatest Super Bowls of all time, with the league’s most exciting offenses, Kansas City Chiefs, and the league’s most prolific defense, the San Francisco 49ers. The Chiefs had a 12-4 record heading into the game while the 49ers had one more win with a 13-3 record.

With 10 minutes left in the game, and the Chiefs trailing by 10 on the 15-yard line, the 49ers intercepted the ball in the Chiefs red-zone, making the game look out of reach. One minute later, the Niners had to punt the ball to former MVP Patrick Mahomes. The 49ers only had to make one defensive stop and they’d be World Champions.

“I knew the game wasn’t over,” Vaun Neunsinger (’22) said, who was watching the game on the edge of his seat, “I was so nervous.”

Neunsinger, who is a Niners Fan, had been so ecstatic that the Niners had made the big game for the first time in eight years and was so reluctant to see the 49ers blow yet another Super Bowl.

It only took the Chiefs a minute and a half to drive down the field and score a touchdown, with seven minutes to play, to cut the lead down to three. The 49ers couldn’t get

anything going on offense, once again, and had the boot the ball back to Kansas City.

Mahomes marched his team down the field, for the s e c -

ond time in a row, and threw his second touchdown in a row. The Chiefs took the lead 24-20 with two minutes left in the fourth quarter. The Niners committed a turnover on downs the next possession, and Damien Williams scored a forty-yard touchdown to ice the game for the Chiefs, 3120.

Cassidy Chrest (’22), a Patrick Mahomes fan and a fan of the Chiefs since Mahomes entered the league, displayed her reaction to the game. “[It was a] well-deserved win.”

Chrest said. “We should’ve made the Super Bowl last year, but gladly, we won it this year.”

The Kansas City Chiefs got to celebrate their second Super Bowl victory in 50 years and handed the Super Bowl MVP trophy to the one and only, Patrick Mahomes.

Overall, Super Bowl LIV will be remembered by many as an amazing comeback by the Kansas City Chiefs, and the late-game heroics displayed by Super Bowl MVP, Patrick Mahomes.

All photos provided by Wikimedia Commons

life. While playing at the University of Florida, Hernandez got into more than a couple of bar fights, but it wasn’t revealed until years later. The Patriots were also somewhat aware of his violence, which is possibly why Hernandez ended up being the 113th pick overall in the 2010 NFL Draft considering his immense talent.

The association between Hernandez and the Patriots organization is another peculiar concern, and not much clarity is known as to the full extent that Patriots owner Robert Kraft knew about Hernandez’s crimes. When asked to speak on the situation when it was happening, Patriots players and coaches chose not to comment to the media about it. As an audience, we start to question the reliability of professional sports associations and how many other secrets they have kept for players.

Although most details about the cases mentioned in the film are already known, the biggest shock was the struggle Hernandez faced about his sexuality. With the tackling and physicality of football, it is known to be a masculine sport. Football is typically associated with men, and with these men, we picture masculinity, making it extremely difficult for a player to come out.

Hernandez’s high school teammate shared that they had a relationship, which came as a surprise to many. This is where another interesting question is raised – did Hernandez feel ashamed of who he was and did the stress of hiding it become too much?

After his suicide, it was released that he had relations with another inmate.

When Hernandez was alive, however, he showed a bit of homophobia. Interviewees think it was a part of a cover up, but his former fiancée, Shayanna Jenkins, is confident that their relationship was genuine.

Many possibilities of why Hernandez chose the path he did are raised in this series, which is what makes it most intriguing.

Did Odin Lloyd figure out Hernandez’s sexuality? Was Hernandez afraid he would be exposed? Was it the harsh childhood and his father’s death that made him take the wrong paths? Did CTE play a role in his decision making? Or was it the idea that since he was famous, he thought he could get away with anything?

These questions are never answered and most likely never will be. While the film leaves you with a bit of uncertainty, that is where the strength lies. We never know the full truth about cases like these, especially in the world of professional sports, where people will go to inhumane extents to protect their legacy and career. Overall the documentary does a strong job in explaining the courses of events that took place and finally adding a little bit of closure to what seems like a case with a lot of question marks, allowing the world to put Hernandez and his drama to rest.

Katie Sowers makes NFL history

By Katie Blair

Sports Editor

Katie Sowers, the offensive assistant coach for the San Francisco 49ers, became the first female and openly gay coach in the National Football League (NFL) to participate in the Super Bowl.

Sowers gained most of her knowledge of the sport by playing in the Woman’s Football Alliance as well as playing on the U.S. Women’s National Football Team. She was also a member of the national team in 2013 when they won the IFAF Women’s World Championship.

She started her coaching career in the league as a wide receivers’ intern with the Atlanta Falcons for a year. Sowers later joined the 49ers coaching staff in 2017 and became the second female to coach in the NFL. “When you ask any of the coaches who work with me, often they’ll get asked about working with a female,” Katie Sowers said in an interview with People Magazine. “To them, it’s not even something that they think about — and it’s not something that I truly think about. They see me for who I am as a coach, and not a female coach.”

Sowers acts as role model and a living reminder to girls across America to strive to do anything they want to do.

Katie Sowers coaches at one of the Atlanta Falcons practices. Before coaching for the San Francisco 49ers, Sowers began her NFL career with the Falcons.

6 | Hereford Harbinger

SPORTS

FEBRUARY 2020

Indoor track and field faces tougher competition in 3A

By Mikey Timmerman

Reporter

In previous years, the track and field team hasn’t faced many challenging opponents; however, with the new transition to being a 3A team and the loss of many senior assets, this year’s team faces new and fiercer competition.

Becoming a 3A team means facing larger schools with a wider range of athletes to select from, and without previous experience with such competition, the team will have to adapt to the new competition and new challenges.

Along with the move to the 3A division, the team faces a loss of influential runners, such as Emily Konkus (‘19), Julia Watt (‘19), and Jen Barranco (‘19). These runners were important members of the team for many events, giving them a competitive advantage in many events.

The team looks to face the hardest competition in the relay races and other short sprinting events, along with the long-distance runs.

“A lot of our relay teams have been very successful in previous years, but we’re going to have more competition this year to make up for lost seniors. We still look to compete with the larger schools even without those runners.”

Lizzie Lopez (’22), a high jumper, hurdler, and relay runner, said.

The team works hard to accommodate for the new challenges by having intense after-school workouts. They work in the weight room two or three times a week and when they don’t, they are up at the track refining and perfecting their events.

“I think we, as a team, really succeeded with getting

through the daunting workouts, allowing us to reach our personal goals, and really working hard to compete with the new schools,” Devin Mason (’21), a relay and short distance runner, said. “We’re going to have to focus on running our events more effectively in order to compensate for tougher opposition.”

The event where Hereford looks to have the greatest success with is in pole vaulting. The team has always had great success in this event,which looks to guide the team to first place. Pole vaulters that will be competing with the more competitive schools include Vita Shats (’21), Courtney Butz (’20), El Schriver (’21), and Ellie McCullough (’22).

“We have a lot of great pole vaulters on our team and we tend to outperform almost every other school in that event,” Shats said. “A lot of other schools just don’t have the kind of pole vaulters that we do and that really helps our team with placing.”

The competition has yet to phase the team as they won the county championship title on Monday, January 21 at Fifth Regiment Armory. This is the 14th year in a row the team has claimed the county title.

Led by coaches Adam Hittner, Brad Duvall, Amanda Sanacore and Weston Fellows, the group looks to continue Photo provided by John Roemer this streak working up to regionals and states in the weeks Sarah Lime (’22) races in the 55-meter hurdles, taking the lead against her oppoto come. Continuing to work and refine their skills, the nents. Lime and her teammates have trained all season with the goal of winning the team may even try to conquer the school record this year.

JV county championship.

Photo provided by John Roemer McCullough jumps over the high jump bar in the freshman-sophomore indoor county championship meet. She cleared the bar, helping her team move towards a championship.

Photo provided by Brad Duvall Winning the county championship at the 5th Regiment Armory, the girls get together at the end of the meet, holding their plaque. The team had worked hard in their meets and practices to get to this point.

FEBRUARY 2020 SPORTS

Athlete of the Month:

Wyatt Parks clears his way to be a champion

By Chloe Parker

Reporter

Returning senior captain, Wyatt Parks, is finishing his final indoor track season this year, concluding his highschool career with two regional championships. As for county championships, Parks has placed second for pole vaulting in the last three years.

He has been a part of the team since his freshman year and has improved in major strides since clearing 8’6’’ when he started with pole vault as a freshman.

Parks considers himself a versatile player and contributes to his team through several events. His personal record being 13’6’’. Parks also helps his team by running the 4 x400 relay, the 4x 200 relay, and occasionally hurdling during the spring track season.

Many teammates are impacted by Parks’ positive attitude and many admire his skills. He creates a welcoming environment for all the other athletes on the track team.

“He’s definitely so positive,” teammate and pole vaulter, Courtney Butz (’20) said.

“At every single meet whenever I’m getting in my head, he’s always the one person to cheer me on.”

According to several teammates, Parks is a favorite member on the team for his work ethic and attitude towards other players and coaches. Many of the players love to be around

him because his energy motivates them to succeed.

Last indoor track season Parks was named captain of the boys’ team and continues this season to lead by example.

“There’s a lot of people that look up to him, but I don’t think he knows that,” Butz said.

Parks is viewed as a role model to the younger athletes on the team and he inspires people to try new events and get out of their comfort zone during practices.

“Before we didn’t have that many boys that did pole vault, but now people see him and want to try it,” Butz said.

Pole vaulting was not Parks’ reason to begin track.

“I started pole vaulting because my friend, Jack Prestandrea, said we could pole vault to get out of a trail run,” Parks said.

While it wasn’t his first choice, it turned out to be his talent. During the off season he attends Vault Works several times per week with other pole vaulters on his team.

Being a key member the last three years, Parks has contributed to several championships and has created many memories with other teammates. Next year he will miss his teammates and coaches he sees every day.

“My favorite memory is last year when I got a double

personal record when I jumped off against another pole vaulter 13’6’’, and then I had a jump from another team,” Parks said.

Currently, Parks has offers to pole vault at the collegiate level, but he is undecided whether he wants to continue his track career.

Sports Schedule Home Games Girls’ Basketball Feb. 19 vs. Randallstown JV - 4:00 Varsity - 5:30 Feb. 21 vs. Century JV - 4:00 Varsity - 5:30 Boys’ Basketball Feb. 24 vs. Manchester Valley JV - 4:00 Varsity - 5:30

Photo provided by John Roemer

Parks launches himself with the pole, hoping to clear the bar to earn points in the meet. He was a key component in the meet.

Kobe and Gianna Bryant pass unexpectedly

By Katie Blair

Sports Editor

It’s hard to remember the last time the world has mourned a death as former Los Angeles Lakers player, Kobe Bryant, and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna (Gigi) Bryant. The two were found dead in a helicopter crash along with two of Gigi’s teammates and their parents on January 26, 2020 in Calabasas, California. Their deaths carried weight as it’s affected a broad spectrum of people across the states.

Bryant was an NBA player for 20 seasons, loyal to the Los Angeles Lakers for the entirety of his career. Throughout the years, Bryant had won five NBA championships, 15 All-Star game appearances, one NBA MVP award, and two NBA Finals MVP awards. He retired from the NBA in 2016.

When TMZ reported that Bryant’s helicopter went down it sent a shock across the nation. In disbelief, many wondered if the tragic news was real. Moments later it was confirmed that Bryant, alongside his daughter, had died in a helicopter crash on their way to Gigi’s basketball game.

The fact that Bryant was with his daughter when they died devastated such a broad spectrum of people since many families could relate to the feeling of losing a loved one, even if they aren’t big basketball fans. It’s tragedies like this that become bigger than sports and remind the world how easy it is to lose a loved one so unexpectedly.

Aside from Bryant’s outstanding basketball career, he was also the husband of Vanessa Bryant and a father to his four daughters, Natalia, Gianna, Bianka, and Capri Bryant.

People are remembering Bryant as a ‘girl dad,’ which was a label that he proudly gave himself.

Later that day, the NBA had eight games scheduled. Each one paid a tribute to Bryant’s death by having a moment of silence for the great losses. Each team also started their games by taking a 24 second violation in honor of Bryant’s jersey number, 24.

Lakers fan, Robert Greenwood, believes that Bryant will be remembered as “a champion of the court, and the closest player to another Michael Jordan.” “[My favorite] ‘Kobe moment’ was when he “threw the ‘oop’ to Shaq in the

Hereford Harbinger | 7

2000 Western Conference Finals game vs the Blazers,” Caulder Carr (‘20) said.

Many remember this championship game as a portrayal of how much talent Bryant brought to the NBA. “Bryant was a great example for athletes because of his work ethic,” Greenwood said. “He had natural talent, but also worked as hard as anyone.”

Bryant’s extreme work ethic and love for the game translated down to his daughter Gigi, who was on her way to following her dad’s legacy as a basketball player. At only 13-years-old, many could already see the great potential and passion that she had for the game.

In honor of Kobe and Gigi; John, Keri, and Alyssa Altobelli; Sarah and Payton Choster; basketball coach Christina Mauser; and pilot Ara Zobayon, the world moved quickly to create memorials, tributes, and to flood their social media accounts with posts to highlight their lives and mourn their deaths.

Talk show hosts such as Ellen DeGeneres, Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, and more remembered Bryant on their shows, bringing them and many to tears.

That same night of their deaths, the annual Grammy Awards took place in the Staples enter, also known as the Lakers’ home court.

In order to honor Bryant during the show, singer Alicia Keys opened the show by speaking about the unfortunate event that had taken place earlier that day. Also, during the show, two spotlights were shining upon Bryant’s two Lakers jerseys, numbers 8 and 24.

NBA fan or not, this tragedy has been a reminder to all of how fragile life is, emphasizing the importance of telling people how much they are loved and cared for while they are still around.

Photo provided by Wikimedia Commons

Wrestling Feb. 21-22 - Counties Feb. 29 - Regionals Mar. 6-7 - States Spring Sports Start Saturday, February 29

Illustration by Keegan Whittle

8 | Hereford Harbinger

SPOTLIGHT

FEBRUARY 2020

AUSTRALIA

ABLAZE Despite decreased news coverage, fires in Australia destroyed habitats of many species as well as the homes of people. The bushfires were declared “under control� late last week, but the after effects are devastating.

The New South Wales Rural Fire Service says

2439 2439 homes were destroyed .

8000 8000

11 Billion Billion

koalas are estimated to have died in New South Wales, one animals may have perished, state in Australia, and nearly according to experts at the University of Sydney

30% 30% of their habitat has been destroyed

- Sussan Ley, Federal Environment Minister of Australia

Graphics and layout by Molly Szymanski

More than

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SPOTLIGHT

FEBRUARY 2020

Bushfires caused serious destruction to Australia

By Lindsay Clarke Managing Editor

The Australian bushfires have caused an awakening to the people around the world about the detrimental effects climate change has on the environment. The increase in the frequency of heat waves and droughts are believed to be caused by the fact that Australia’s climate has warmed by more than one degree Celsius over the past century.

Australia experienced one of its worst droughts in decades, which has caused the intensity of the fire season to escalate. These droughts have dried out the undergrowth and created conditions that have heightened the risk of bushfires.

More than 17.9 million acres have burned across the six states in Australia.

Storms finally hit Australia in the beginning of January. The rain has caused a dramatic reduction of bushfires and has helped firefighters control them. The storms have also provided the firefighters with a break from mental and physical fatigue. However, there is a major issue with the rain that some may not recognize. In order for firefighters to take more drastic action like bulldozing or black burning, the ground needs to be dry.

On Jan. 23 three U.S. crew members on board the Lockheed C-130 Hercules air tanker at Peak View crashed while waterbombing a blaze. According to the New York Times, the men died after taking off on one of the company’s large air tankers, on a mission to extinguish the bushfires. Two of the firefighters were fathers and one of them served in the Marines for 20 years. All three men went to Australia to suppress the fires that have killed more than 30 people and burned down more than 2,500 homes.

The fires have affected a mix of both rural and suburban areas and have resulted in the death of 1 billion animals.

According to the New York Times, “the figures tallying the mass death of Australian critters have ricocheted around the internet, causing apprehension and grief.”

Federal agriculture officials say that at least 100,000 cattle will die before the fires end. The animals that do survive are struggling to find food in an area that is devoid of plants and nutrients. Because of the lack of vegetation, bird species are also failing to breed because they don’t have the

ability to make nests without trees.

This lack of habitation and scarcity of vegetation have put some Australian-native species in danger of becoming extinct. A species known as the dunnart, that lives on Kangaroo Island, is arguably one of the most special mammals on the island. Before the bushfires started they were already endangered, researchers who studied the animal struggled to find them before, and now they fear they never will.

Millions of dollars have been donated by international organizations, celebrities, and the public in efforts to help aid the people and land of Australia.

The increase of bushfires in some areas will make recovery for Australia’s resilient forest more difficult.

T h e s e fires continue to raise questions about whether politicians are now pressured to take action on climate change.

Philanthropy for Australia takes unique form

By Elle Lochary Reporter

If you are willing to give cash, it is important to research the organization you are donating to so it is clear where your money will go.

Some first-time donors mistakenly donate to scam accounts. An influx of posts on social media about the Australian bushfires have caused authorities to question whether these donation links are credible or fraudulent. There are more than 3,000 GoFundMe campaigns alone, but they may not all be legitimate.

“I think donations will help, at least I hope they do, but I think there are definitely scam websites trying to take advantage,” Adriana Burger (’22) said. “I feel there is more good than bad in the world, and a lot of influencers I know would most likely not post a scam on their stories so I would normally donate to that website.”

“

It’s incredible how everyone from all over the world is coming together to support Australia.

“

Every state and territory in Australia has experienced fires this summer. The biggest fires burn along stretches of the eastern and southern coasts, where most of the population lives.

According to BBC News, more than 6.3 million hectares have been burned so far—one hectare is roughly the size of a sports field. This year, a natural weather phenomenon known as the Indian Ocean Dipole has brought a hot, dry spell across the country, which scientists believe caused these fires.

Bushfires are very difficult to fight as authorities often have to focus on stopping the spread before putting the fires out. Australian firefighters and volunteers are working to control the flames with help from the US, Canada, and New Zealand.

According to Scientific American the fires have threatened more than 800 million animals in the state of New South Wales alone. BBC News also states that the koala population is declining with as few as 43,000 left in the wild.

People across the world are putting the fate of these animals in their own hands through social media. A model, also known as the naked philanthropist, went viral for offering nude photos in exchange for donations to Australia, she has raised an estimated $1 million. Authorities said that donating and fundraising can be the most helpful thing to do.

“Donating blankets and other sorts of goods can overwhelm charities,” Krystian Seibert, an industry fellow at Swinburne University’s Centre for Social Impact said in an interview with The Guardian.

“Unless you are responding to a specific request for goods or services, the best thing that somebody can do to help is actually donate cash,” Seibert advises.

If you are unable to give cash, but still want to assist in some way, contacting a major charitable organization to offer your time is a good alternative.

-Adriana Burger (‘22)

WUSA, a CBS affiliated news outlet, published an article to inform people on how to verify a donation campaign.

“First make sure to check how the campaign organizer is related to recipient. Next, research what the purpose of the campaign is, and how the funds will be used. Be wary of any photos that show gruesome or emotional photos. Third, check to see whether the

recipient is in control of withdrawing the money.

If there isn’t a clear path for the funds to reach those affected, you might want to rethink giving,” author Eliana Block said.

If you see a charity you haven’t heard of, make sure it’s an official nonprofit before donating. You can search Australia’s charity database at acnc.gov.au/charity.

“I love when I see things on people’s Instagram stories. I think it’s incredible how everyone from all over the world is coming together to support Australia,” Burger said.

When donating through Instagram campaigns, it’s important to determine their credibility. Credible donation organizations include: Australian Red Cross Disaster Recovery and Relief, Salvation Army Disaster Appeal, Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund, GIVIT, RSPCA New South Wales, and Wildlife Information and Rescue Service.

Australia needs the help of everyone. Animal habitats and lives are being destroyed, communities and houses are being burned, and authorities are looking for help. Donating money can be the most helpful way to stop the fires but making sure to donate through a credible organization is essential. Researching the organization and following the steps above to verify the fundraiser’s credibility will help Australia stop the fires.

10 | Hereford Harbinger

features

FEBRUARY 2020

Valentine’s Day causes controversy February 14 represents love for all relationships

By Bree Gobell Reporter

Across the world, Valentine’s Day is a holiday that many seem to dislike, but Valentine’s Day should be appreciated and celebrated whether you are single or taken.

Valentine’s Day is about being with those you love. Unfortunately, many are left dateless. However, going out with friends and family and getting Valentine’s cards from those you like to surround yourself with can be just as fun as having a date.

Even though I’m single, it’s really fun to spend the day with all my friends and do cheesy things with them,” Isabella Sheckells (’20) said.

“It can be fun whether you’re taken or single,” Jake Minton (’20) said. “It is obviously a holiday meant for love, but even if you’re single I bet you’ve got at least one person that loves you that you can celebrate with.”

If you hate on the holiday just because you are single and don’t want to be alone on the holiday, then find other people that you love and spend time with them.

“I don’t mind Valentine’s Day because I like celebrating holidays and all of the decorations, chocolate, and love in the air,” Jocelyn Simeone (’21) said. “It doesn’t bother me that I am alone, because I still know that there are people that love me.”

However, if you’re lucky enough to be in a relationship on February 14th, you can make your significant other feel loved in a variety of ways.

“I enjoy Valentine’s Day because I get to spend time with my girlfriend and do things like go out to dinner or go somewhere special,” Logan Kauffman (’20) said. “I make plans to go out to places like the mall, or a nice restaurant, and always a pretty area to take pictures.”

After the chaos on February 13 of boyfriends buying last minute chocolates and clearing the shelves of the store in hopes of pleasing their girlfriends, all of the lefotvers are seriously marked down.

“I like Valentine’s Day because there’s always funny

pick-up lines everywhere and chocolate,” Sheckells said.

“My favorite part is definitely all the chocolates.”

A monetary value doesn’t have to be put on any Valentine’s Day gift. The only thing that matters is the effort that was put forward to show those you care about that you love them.

“Valentine’s Day is fun because it’s just a day for happy feelings, and you can’t put any price on making somebody else that you care about happy,” Simeone said.

Personally, I think that Valentine’s Day is something that many should be able to enjoy, whether you are in a relationship or not. My favorite part is celebrating Galentine’s day, because I am able to show appreciation for my friends. I love being reminded that there are so many people in my life that I care about.

Valentine’s Day can receive a lot of negative attention and criticism. It is sometimes just recognized as being a Hallmark holiday, but in reality the holiday is special to many people and it holds a great amount of potential. No matter your relationship status, there are ways to have fun on Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day promotes overrated traditions and superficiality

By Sydney Powell Features Editor

Illustrations by Elle Lochary

February 14. Valentine’s Day. A day packed full of pink and red and hearts and flowers and candy…sounds inviting right? Well, I don’t think so.

Though the celebration had humble beginnings, as the modern “Valentine’s Day” stems from an ancient Roman festival marking the arrival of spring, it has since turned into an overrated day full of played up affection and a simple marketing strategy for businesses.

Before you have time to even think about taking the Christmas decorations down, businesses all over are shoving pink and red down your throat.

The wreaths are replaced with cheesy flower arrangements and signs advertising jewelry and candy markdowns fill the windows of every department and grocery store.

The notion that you are to buy gifts for “that special someone” in celebration of the holiday guilts people into buying chocolates and candy that go untouched until the red roses in the vase on the counter start to shrivel and you decide it’s time to throw it all away. Most of us already have enough going on, there’s no need to add any sort of stress worrying about whether to go for the silver or the gold earrings, or how in the world you’re going to pay for it.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not cold or heartless or usually this pessimistic-though I’m aware it might seem otherwise-I just believe that Valentine’s Day, singled out and characterized by arguably outdated and stereotypical traditions, is simply overrated. What about the other 364 days of the year? A day differentiated from the others

with only a heart on the calendar shouldn’t define how or when you show those you love how much you cherish them. This should be a practice demonstrated every day of the year, and although it’s inevitable you will probably love your partner a little more on some days more than others, it should be on those days you show them just how much you appreciate them.

Perhaps the biggest opposition to Valentine’s Day though, is how the romantic festivities would make single people feel. It’s inevitable that following the date nights and elaborate flower bouquets will come a stream of Instagram post flaunting just how much fun and happiness every single couple on your feed is experiencing together. While there is nothing wrong with posting up with your partner, the endless pictures of these seemingly perfect couples act as a catalyst to create the wwwimpression that in order to be this happy, you must be in a relationship. Half of the population is single and thriving, why is there a holiday that may make them feel insecure?

To me, Valentine’s Day is an unnecessary celebration that primarily serves to satisfy department stores and Instagram enthusiasts, without much regard for the rest of us. Nevertheless though, I can’t dismiss the holiday entirely. Although my feelings towards the festivities are strong, as soon as the hearts are swapped for shamrocks, the markdowns on chocolate are soon to follow, and a world in which I don’t take advantage of discounted chocolate is a world I don’t want to live in.

FEBRUARY 2020 features

Hereford Harbinger | 1 1

Anti-love songs celebrate self-love

By Sydney Powell Features Editor

Flying solo this Valentine’s Day? These songs are gauranteed to make anyone feel great, regardless of your relationship status. If you’re finding yourself feeling down about all of the relationship posts on your Instagram feed, just turn off your phone, turn up the music, and forget all about them. Make this Valentine’s Day, (and every other day) about loving yourself.

Galentine’s Day emphasizes importance of female friendships

By Maggy McGuigan Features Editor

Friendships of the 21st century are playing an increasingly important role in society and are helping people find their sense of self in the world. This sparked the rise in popularity of the fictional holiday, Galentine’s Day. Created in the TV series, “Parks and Recreation,” it has brought women together on “Valentines Eve” in celebration of female friendships everywhere.

“What’s Galentine’s Day? Oh, it’s only the best day of the year,” Amy Poehler’s exuberant Parks and Rec character, Leslie Knope, said. “Every February 13th my lady friends and I leave our husbands and boyfriends at home, and we just kick it breakfast style. Ladies celebrating ladies.”

Ever since the episode aired in 2010—becoming the highest rated episode of the series—the unofficial holiday has become just as big a deal as its Valentine’s Day counterpart, and its generating big money. Many businesses like Party City, Walmart, and Target, have started selling themed products like cards, candies, and tote bags promoting Galentine’s Day. Galentine’s Day sales are predicted to bring in a 20 percent total revenue increase over the next three years, according to an estimate

by National Purchase Diary (NDP) Group retail analyst Marshal Cohen.

In February, romantic relationships get all of the attention as many prepare to shower their significant other with declarations of love, but friendships are just as worthy of celebrating.

Whether you’re single or taken, there are plenty of ways to celebrate like going out to brunch, hosting a movie night, or spending the day shopping.

“I love to hang out with my girl friends and eat loads of sweets like ice cream and chocolate,” Zoe Nicholson (’20) said. “This holiday probably isn’t necessary, but it’s a super fun way for friends to celebrate Valentine’s Day without being in a relationship.”

Social media outlets like Instagram and Snapchat serve as a platform to show appreciation for friends.

“Usually [on Galentine’s Day] I’ll post a picture with my friends to let them know how much they mean to me,” Sarah Salles (’21) said. “It’s a day to appreciate my friends and let them know how much I love and care about them.”

Many have expressed their opposition to the new holiday even more than Valentine’s Day as they believe these relationships should be celebrated year-round. However, the sad reality is that we don’t make time for our loved ones among the daily stresses that consume our lives.

“A lot of people get caught up in school or sports and forget to

let their friends know how much they value their friendship,” Salles said. “I prefer Galentine’s Day over Valentine’s Day because friends are always there for you and are usually more long-term than a boyfriend or girlfriend.”

Use this Galentine’s Day as an excuse to make time for your friends—the possibilities of celebrating are unique to each friend group as there are no rules for this unofficial holiday.

Illustration by Keegan Whittle

features

12 | Hereford Harbinger

FEBRUARY 2020

The Ravens work to make Baltimore a better place

By Katie Salko Managing Editor

Yes, our beloved Ravens disappointed us—yet again—in the playoffs. But do we still love Baltimore and helps them to build a future for themselves through SAT Prep, SAT test vouchers, them? Of course. summer football clinics, and a digital literacy collaborative.

We love them for the Sunday entertainment—the hours spent at M&T Bank Stadium, the Brandon Carr, cornerback for the Ravens, also founded an organization for Baltimore youth. tailgating, parading down RavensWalk, watching Real Fan Dan strip down and lead the R-A-V-E- His organization, Carr Cares, was founded to inspire young students to become proficient readers N-S chant, and everything in between. The citizens of Baltimore love them for many other reasons; by providing them with learning tools and resources to help them reach their full potential as the Ravens Franchise impacts the city that houses them superficially, as well as economically and students and as people. culturally.

These are just two examples of the many community outreach programs that the Ravens fund Since 1996, when the late and great Art Modell moved the Cleveland Browns to Baltimore and and sponsor for the city. Their dedication and allegiance to this city is just one way that this team renamed them the Ravens, the city has never been the same. The infamous “Move,” which returned impacts Baltimore. the National Football League (NFL) to Baltimore for the first time The Ravens franchise contributes tremendously to the economy of since the Colts left in 1984, came at a time when the city needed it Baltimore as well. M&T Bank stadium employs hundreds of individuals most. to run each gameday smoothly, as well as concerts, collegiate games, and There is nothing that can bring The 1990s were a time of hardship and pain for the city of NCAA tournaments. Fans know that tickets have a hefty price and the all elements of society together Baltimore. The crack epidemic was in full swing, destroying lives and millions of dollars in income each season generate large taxes to increase ruining the city’s reputation as the “Greatest City in America” —a revenue for the local government, as well as the state. more than a winning professional slogan many of you have probably seen on a haphazard park bench.

It’s more than the federal benefits, though. The sheer existence of team The 12 years without an NFL team allowed the city’s otherworldthe Ravens in Baltimore increases revenue for local businesses. The -Kevin Byrne ly consumption of drugs to show through to the rest of the country thousands of fans that travel into the city each weekend have just as large without being overshadowed by the positive press surrounding a of an impact on the city as the actual players do, generating an estimatnational team, but the reintroduction of a professional football team ed $20-$25 million in economic impact, according to Chairman of the provided a much-needed morale boost for Baltimoreans citywide.

Maryland Economic Development Commission Dr. Anirban Basu.

“There is nothing that can bring all elements of society together more than a winning proAs defensive tackle Michael Pierce tweeted, “The bond we have with this city [is] tremendous. fessional team,” Baltimore Ravens Executive Vice President Kevin Byrne said. “Not a president, This is a brotherhood, we love each other on and off the football field.” another politician, religious leader or celebrity can bring so many people together rooting for a The Baltimore Ravens are more than just a team, and football is more than just a game. What common cause.” they have managed to accomplish within a city that is falling apart at the seams shows the desire Both the Ravens organization and the players are committed to the city that they play for and they have to impact the people that watch them. They may not have won the Super Bowl, but they represent. Players have started community programs and organizations to better a city ravaged by have left their mark. One bad loss cannot outweigh the wonders that they have done for the city of drugs and crime and the franchise as a whole runs the Baltimore Ravens All Community Team Baltimore.

Foundation (RACTF), a non-profit that provides support to other Baltimore area non-profit orga“The collective electricity this community created for the Ravens prior to our playoff loss was nizations. unlike anything ever seen in this area,” Byrne said. “The loss hurt—and it still does. But the promise Anthony Levine Sr., defensive back and linebacker for the Ravens, for instance, founded of the future is great and the Ravens give area citizens something they can enjoy and brag about.” the 4Every1 Foundation, a community initiative that targets at-risk youth and their families in

Lamar Jackson is the only player in NFL history with at least 3000 passing yards and at least 1000 rushing yards in a single season.

“

“

Jackson led the NFL with 36 touchdown passes in the 2019 season, the most touchdown passes in a single season for the Ravens.

Illustration by Keegan Whittle

Baltimore Ravens 2019 Regular Season Rewind The Baltimore Ravens finished the 2019 regular season with a franchise-best 14-2 record and the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC. Week 1: Win Ravens 59, Dolphins 10 Week 2: Win Ravens 23, Cardinals 17 Week 3: Loss Chiefs 33, Ravens 28 Week 4: Loss Browns 40, Ravens 25 Week 5: Win Ravens 26, Steelers 23 Week 6: Win Ravens 23, Bengals 17 Week 7: Win Ravens 30, Seahawks 16 Week 8: Bye Week 9: Win Ravens 37, Patriots 20

Week 10: Win Ravens 49, Bengals 13 Week 11: Win Ravens 41, Texans 7 Week 12: Win Ravens 45, Rams 6 Week 13: Win Ravens 20, 49ers 17 Week 14: Win Ravens 24, Bills 17 Week 15: Win Ravens 42, Jets 21 Week 16: Win Ravens 31, Browns 15 Week 17: Win Ravens 28, Steelers 10

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FEBRUARY 2020 features

Super Bowl LIV halftime show sparks outrage

By Jacob Sienkiewicz Reporter

T

he Super Bowl has around 100 million watchers. The Kansas City Chiefs played the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl 54. The Chiefs beat the 49ers 31-20, but there was controversy about the halftime show. The main performers were Shakira and Jennifer Lopez, and they brought Bad Bunny and J Balvin as special guest. The game was hosted in Miami at the Hard Rock Stadium. It was an all Latino show and a tribute to Miami’s large population of Latinos.

The controversy revolved around their outfits and how they danced. Their outfits revealed a lot of skin and most of the dancing was provocative. People on twitter were outraged as it was not appropriate. Many of those parents had said that they had to turn it off and didn’t want their kids to watch.

“I think there was a lot of skin showing and shaking of body parts that should not be presented to young children” Kendall Auffarth (’22) said.

Others thought the performance was very coquettish. Some people on twitter applauded Shakira and Jennifer Lopez as they could still perform that well at their age, Shakira is 43 and Jennifer Lopez is 50.

Another part of the controversy are the political messages. Many people didn’t notice that when Jennifer Lopez’s daughter Emme came on stage she was in a cage with other kids to represent how immigrant children are treated. Jennifer Lopez later posted on Instagram “Other people can try to build walls, keep us or put us in cages. We are proud to recognize that all of us together are what makes their beautiful country truly great.” She later deleted the tweet for an unknow reason. Some speculate she deleted it because she could have received backlash from NFL, Pepsi, or even the fans.

A main talking point of the controversy is how sexualized their performance was. Their outfits didn’t cover up much skin and their dancing showed off more. Before they sang the song “Waka Waka,” Shakira and Jennifer Lopez turned around and performed a risqué dance. Another part that many people found controversial was when Jennifer Lopez started to twerk on J Balvin.

Parents and viewers thought the NFL should have made sure it was appropriate for kids to watch first, as the NFL did not announce that it wouldn’t be appropriate for kids and that it is NSFW. Austin Cremen (’22) agrees that the NFL should have done something about it too.

“I think they shouldn’t allow that stuff because I think how they dressed, and their choreography was made was very inappropriate” Cremen said.

Whether people found it inappropriate or attractive they all agreed on one thing, that Shakira and Jennifer Lopez are still good performers with or without the risqué costumes and dancing.

Coronavirus by the numbers

75,000+

confirmed cases worldwide

1,000+

cases outside of mainland China

2,000+

reported deaths

30

countries with at least one reported case

15

confirmed cases in the United States

opinion

14 | Hereford Harbinger

harbinger Hereford

Informing and entertaining the Hereford Zone Hereford High School 17301 York Road Parkton, MD 21120 443-809-1905 Volume 9 Issue 4 ADVISER Megan Hamilton EDITOR -IN-CHIEF Molly Szymanski MANAGING EDITORS Lindsay Clarke Katie Salko EDITORS Katie Blair Ryan Coffey Anna DeLibro Jason Kraft Maggy McGuigan Sydney Powell ONLINE EDITOR Joan Steinly-Marks REPORTERS Sarah Dickerson Andrew Dotterer Cristina Drecchio Bree Gobell Parker Knight Elle Lochary Nola Mak Rebecca Meldron Chloe Parker Elizabeth Pellegrini Bailey Perez El Schriver Joan Steinly-Marks Mikey Timmerman BUSINESS MANAGERS Conor McCue Drew Bowen ILLUSTRATORS Jack Kruger Keegan Whittle VIDEOGRAPHER Keegan Whittle PHOTOGRAPHER Sarah Borton SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Chloe Parker

A member of the National Scholastic Press Association and the Columbia Scholastic Press Association CPSA recognition in Design Portfolio and Editorial Layout 2017

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FEBRUARY 2020

Our View: Additional days are a waste of resources Thank you Governor Larry Hogan for prioritizing vacations to Ocean City over the wellbeing and education of Maryland students. Thank you for causing plenty of confusion in school schedules by mandating that public schools must start after Labor Day and thus ruining the scheduling norms students had become so accustomed to.

As many of you know, BCPS didn’t grant the county any snow days this year.

However, the makeup days planned for the end of the year in case of emergency closures are utterly useless and serve no good other than to waste money that could have easily been spent on sports, the arts, or renovations.

Along with the obvious waste of money comes the giant middle finger given to teachers who have to sit in a room with maybe two students when they should be starting their summer vacations along with everyone else. All we do in June is review for finals, complete busy work, or watch movies. It’s an insult to teachers and students to keep them in school longer than they need to be.

The sudden death of Rep. Elijah

Cummings and the subsequent special election that took place on Feb. 4 led to the addition of Monday June 22 to the schedule. It’s understandable that a day should be added to the school year to replace the day lost but to add it to the end of the year is ridiculous.

Emergency closings and other cancellations should be considered prior to the school year beginning. A thorough plan regarding such closures would prevent further confusion and ensure high school students are meeting the required 1,170 hours of schooling per year.

In case of future closings, Easter Monday and June 22 onward can be added to the school year as makeup days. June 22 is a Monday and would lead to students needing to wait another weekend before the school year can end. For those making up exams or seeking perfect attendance, it is a complete and utter waste of time for the last day of school to possibly be on a Monday.

“I think we should have added scheduled snow days into the calendar and that would have required starting before Labor Day,” librarian Suhaila Tenly said.

But of course, we can’t do that because Governor Hogan needs Ocean City to stay profitable through Labor Day. “I like the idea of starting after Labor Day and not having a spring break because you’re going to need the time to prepare for your AP exams in those last three months anyways,” Gavin Taylorson (’21) said.

The constant schedule changes year after year are very confusing. Having no snow days scheduled this year caught many people off guard as most can’t remember the last time we didn’t have time allotted for snow days.

“Since I’ve had this job—and this is my thirtieth year—they’ve built in snow days into the schedule,” English teacher Michelle Vance said.

There were various ways the county could have ensured the added days went to good use but instead they opted to schedule it on a Monday when no one will attend. All they had to do was account for snow days in the schedule. It may come as a surprise, but it snows every year.

The Marvel movie machine needs to be shut down The Marvel movie machine has been recognized at the Oscars this year, as they’ve been given a simple nomination for visual effects. However, this is meager compared to the 11 nominations and two Oscars that “Joker” has received, or the 10 nominations that Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman” got.

By Jason Kraft Opinion Editor Back in October 2019, Scorsese was interviewed by Empire Magazine about Marvelmovies. He said that they were closer to theme park rides than movies—a cheap thrill that you can get a kick out of for about an hour and a half and then forget about for the rest of your life. They aren’t cinema to him.

The director of “Joker,” Todd Phillips, has said that he doesn’t entirely agree with Scorsese despite how much he looks up to him. He realizes that the people behind Marvel movies are craftspeople, and Scorsese is just upset about Marvel’s tendency to swamp theaters, being the center of attention at most screening spaces, and killing the possibility of any other type of film thriving.

Although Scorsese’s comments may be harsh, there is some truth to it. I lean more towards Phillips’ view, but most Marvel movies are these boardroom amalgams that are meant to churn out boatloads of money.

It’s upsetting to see this art form turn into a foolproof money-making scheme that tons of other studios have tried to replicate. And while it might seem a little ridiculous to call it that, please keep in mind that they are releasing six different films in the next two years, with the occasional Disney + series releasing alongside these movies.

The individuals behind the project may have a whole lot of heart and passion for the Marvel movie they’re making, but

I know for sure that a certain mouse-eared mascot doesn’t share the same sentiments and is just hoping to make a cool $2.8 billion on a movie from a company they bought for only $4.2 billion.

“There’s really no substance,” Jonas LaViña (’21) said.

“There’s nothing groundbreaking about them, so I don’t think they deserve any awards.”

If anything, Disney should be able to provide filmmakers with all the resources and money in the world to make groundbreaking movies, but instead they want a safe movie. They want it to be as homogenized as possible.

“I mean, most Marvel movies have the same plot pretty much, but Marvel has the advantage of good casting,” Penny Newcomb (’21) said.

A prime example is when Disney forced Edgar Wright, director of “Shaun of the Dead” and “Baby Driver,” to leave production. After writing four different drafts for “Ant-Man” and being forced to cut his ideas out in each iteration, he left.

Good casting only comes from good money. Some of the cast members have even expressed that they want to leave, with Tony Stark himself saying “I just want to hang up my jersey before it’s embarrassing.”

And why shouldn’t Disney make these great movies? Why shouldn’t they attempt to make these grand movies which inspire, support, and speak to millions instead of making millions?

It’s time that this huge corporation use its seemingly endless time and money on something other than making profit, and the silver screen—where they started—might be a good place to do that.

Illustration by Jack Kruger

Horrible York Road traffic leads to students being late

By El Schriver Reporter

Most upperclassmen drive to school every day, because who wants to take the bus if they don’t have to? Even some privileged underclassmen get rides to school each day. Waking up earlier than necessary and waiting out in the cold for a bus is not Ideal. So, kids try to either drive to school or their parents drive them.

Now, whenever there is traffic making students late, kids panic because they’re going to get an unexcused lateness. If you’re anything like me, another unexcused lateness just doesn’t look great.

Whether it is colleges criticizing your attendance or your parents who don’t understand that there was traffic stopping your usual way to school the unexcused lateness can make a bad impression for some people, especially those who already have poor attendance for whatever reason. So why do we get an unexcused tardiness if we can’t help that we’re late? We can’t be

expected to know that there’s an accident impeding the way we get to school.

Even if the traffic isn’t directly in your way—chances are you’re still going to be late. Last month, an accident on I-83 North turned my five-minute drive into about a 60-minute drive making me late for school, and honestly, I’d rather have just been at school than sitting in a car.

This just isn’t very fair. Yeah, I get that we were technically late to school, but it wasn’t any of the students’ fault. The accident wasn’t caused by anything we did.

It’s not like we wanted to wake up at 6:45 to sit in still traffic for an hour. I understand that they can’t prove that a student was late due to traffic, but when about half of the school isn’t there at 7:50 it is most definitely a safe bet that they aren’t all ditching school, especially given that the busses aren’t there either.

This is annoying to the teaching and administrative staff understandably, but students are constantly stressed about every aspect of school and some of us just can’t get another tardiness added to our name. The reason that most of the lateness is unexcused is because without a note it is always unexcused unless you were on school provided transportation—the bus.

What about those kids who don’t have the option to take a bus to school?

Hereford has many students who live out

of “the zone” and get special permission to come to school here for a variety of reasons.

“I’m supposed to go to Towson, but I come to Hereford because my mom works at the middle school,” Sophia Hood (’21) said.

“I’ve been late because of traffic a couple of times because my drive is so far I sometimes get stuck trying to get here, but I’ve only been late about two times unexcused,” Sophia Hood (’21) said.

While I understand many efforts are made by the administration to accommodate those who are late extending homeroom by chance that in those 15 minutes the traffic will magically clear and everyone will make it to school is unlikely.

“It is so frustrating when we have to sit in traffic for an hour and then still get a late pass even though half of the school still isn’t there either,” Katie Martino (’20) said.

I know that this issue will always be present and I’m sure it’ll happen again before the school year is over, It’s been happening for years and the administration has to be as annoyed by it as much as we are. Regardless, the administration needs to be more understanding. The lateness should be excused rather than unexcused.

FEBRUARY 2020 opinion

Hereford Harbinger | 1 5

THE END IS NEAR $ School stress inevitably leads to burnout

Illustration by Keegan Whittle

Sanders vs. Warren: who is the true progressive?

By Molly Szymanski Editor-in-Chief

Oh my God. I think I’m dying. Are you dying, too?

It is the Wednesday of the school year, y’know? It just feels like a week that’s gone on for far too long. I’ve done too much stuff and I’m ready for it to be over. But alas, it’s only Wednesday.

Second semester has begun, so it should feel like we’re half-way done, right? Wrong. It feels like I have been waking up at too-early a.m. to go to school and leaving at too-late p.m. to go home and take a nap every day for at least a century, and I am miserable.

I’m just going through the motions. I do whatever is expected of me with minimum effort, almost on autopilot. Once it’s done, I go and watch TikTok for two hours. Rinse and repeat.

I think I can partially blame this on the time of year. Yes, it’s second semester and we’ve been here for far too long, but it’s also February. Ew. Although the omnipresent climate crisis has brought us some weirdly nice 60-degree days, it’s still gross. The ground is always wet and it’s still way too cold when I leave for school. How am I supposed to work in these conditions?

Realistically, I know that it’s not the weather’s fault that I don’t want to do anything. I’m brunt out. And I’m sure a lot of people reading this are too.

Burnout is the result of long-term constant stress mixed with exhaustion. Someone who is burnt out from school has worked themselves to the bone and is running on empty.

They lose the desire to do literally anything, which is not just limited to schoolwork. They may also lose the desire to hang out with friends and put self-care on the back burner.

Now that you’ve diagnosed yourself with stage 4 burnout-itis, let’s chat.

Why don’t we want to do anything? If you’re anything like me, up until this point you’ve put in too much work in order to stay afloat. You’ve gotten alright grades in classes and maybe you’ve picked up a part-time job, so most people would say you’re doing great. But realistically, how much time have you taken for yourself?

At my penultimate moment before burning out, I was in five AP classes, with two club leadership positions, working 20 hours a week. I would go to school, go to work, maybe do some homework, then fall asleep.

In order to be a functioning human being, you need to have interests outside of working. If you don’t invest yourself in activities outside of your harrowing obligations, you’re basically a robot. I had to stop myself and realize that I had just worked for days on end with little breaks, and was in serious need of rest and readjustment.

Although it may not feel like it, school isn’t everything.

While it’s still early in the semester, take a step back from academics and get a hobby or just relax a little on the schoolwork.

It might seem counterintuitive to stop working in order to get better grades, but it will be worth your while.

In the grand scheme of things, GPA doesn’t matter as much as you think it does. You’ll still get a job if you get a C on your super stressful project. It’s better to be mentally stable, or at least to the point where you don’t dread going to school, than to be burning the candle at both ends for an A that you don’t even care about anymore. It will be hard to get over the horrible hump day of the school year without drowning in projects and tests, but it can be done.

By Jack Kruger Reporter

Things have been heating up in the democratic primary as we go through various primary contests. Seeking to differentiate themselves, hopeful democratic nominees are beginning to attack others to their left and right. Until recently, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren were the exceptions to this due to their informal non-aggression pact.

It began in January when it was revealed that Sanders volunteers were in possession of a script with anti-Warren talking points. This caused some fighting, but the final nail in the coffin was the leaking of Sanders and Warren’s conversation at the 2018 meeting where Sanders allegedly stated that a woman could not win the presidency. Warren commented on the leaks, stating that they were true, while Sanders again denies them.

This came to a head during the Democratic Primary Debate in January, where Sanders and Warren were questioned about the meeting. The two further sparred when Warren claimed she was the only candidate on stage that had beat an incumbent Republican in the last thirty years, which Sanders pointed out was false, as in 1990 he beat an incumbent Republican representative. This fighting has prompted many progressives to ask: “which is the best choice for the democratic nomination?”

I believe Sanders is the better choice among the two. Sanders has the progressive bonafides and popular support that Warren simply cannot encourage or create. This has been borne out in recent polling, which shows Sanders leading nationally and in early primary states.

Sanders ability to reach people besides the coastal elite which are normal democratic voters was proven by his victory

in Iowa and New Hampshire. Sanders will only build on this momentum, seeing as he is favored to win in Nevada, Texas, North Carolina, Minnesota, and other early and Super Tuesday states.

Compare this to Warren, who placed in a distant third in Iowa and fourth in New Hampshire.

Continuing, Warren’s past calls her electability into question. The elephant in the room -something which nobody has mentioned on a debate stage yet - is Warren’s inconsistency regarding her Native American heritage. While she has apologized and the democratic party seems to have moved on, I don’t think can expect President Trump will forget.

Trumps opponents in the 2016 primary were labeled with nicknames like “Lyin’ Ted” or “Low Energy Jeb,” and Warren already received a nickname that has stuck: “Pocahontas.” Unlike the other nicknames, Pocahontas carries some weight, as it reminds Americans of the fact that Warren had continually claimed and benefited from her status as a Native American when she was entering into law and teaching. Compare this to Trumps nickname for Sanders – “Crazy Bernie” – which frankly isn’t all that effective.

At a glance, Warren and Sanders policies may look the same, however looking into the details of their proposals reveals a striking difference. Warren describes herself as a “capitalist to my bones,” while Sanders opts for the label of a Democratic Socialist, evoking imagery of Scandinavian countries and their social democratic parties. These labels are borne out in their policy proposals, where Sanders often presents more broad and bold proposals, with Warren proposing more moderate and muted changes.

While Warren does wish to make the outcomes of capitalism fairer by placing restrictions on it, at the end of the day the same fundamentally imbalanced system will be in place. Sanders, on the other hand, seeks to redesign and balance the system.

It seems obvious to me who the true progressive choice is.

Illustration by Jack Kruger

16 | Hereford Harbinger in focus

FEBRUARY 2020

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All you need is love... and doughnuts

By Ryan Coffey Back Page Editor

With the passing of Valentines Day, it is becoming pretty clear that we all fall into one of two pools. We have either come to terms with being alone or learned to deal with it, or we are in a happy relationship…whatever that means.

Regardless of where we were this Valentines Day, chances are that doughnuts were probably/continue to be the easiest solution to fix any and all problems that may arise.

They can be a small thing that you can give to your lover to show you were thinking about them, or something to eat while having an actual breakdown because you feel like you will never find love. Don’t worry, we have all been there and it does get better.

Now, if you were happily in love this Valentine’s Day, I hope you enjoyed your chocolate and your fancy dinner – the rest of us will happily (more or less) spent the evening over an entire box of fresh baked and beautifully glazed doughnuts.

The “Zone” has a plethora of doughnut options to satisfy whatever you are craving.

I have spent the last few weeks on a mission – a mission to find the best doughnut based on a very scientific set of criteria that I have developed over a period of years. As I traveled around, I judged each doughnut on its taste, appearance, price, and overall satisfaction. A doughnut could earn up to five points in each category for a total of 20 points.

After countless hours tasting, re-tasting, evaluating, and judging, the results are in…

Overall comments: There is no one perfect doughnut. They each have their own unique values and individual traits, but at the end of the day, a doughnut is still a doughnut.