April Issue

Read it Online www.herefordharbinger.org

harbinger Hereford

Volume IV Issue VI

BCPS

Chris Rose Nominated for BCPS Teacher of the Year

Palmisano Wins Community Award

Hereford High School, Parkton, Maryland

The voice of Hereford High

www.herefordharbinger.org

April 2015

CLOSINGS & DELAYS

6 DELAYED 10 OPENINGS CLOSURES

3

EARLY DISMISSALS

14.5

INSTRUCTIONAL HOURS SHORT OF REQUIRED MINIMUM FOR HS STUDENTS

By Liz Barranco

lbarranco.harbinger@gmail.com

Despite the immediate benefits of snow days, many students are worried that due to the unusually high number of hours off of school due to inclement weather, the last day of school will be pushed back.

“It’s a nice time to be alive in the Hereford Zone.” said Emily Behan (’16) since Hereford has received numerous weather related closings and delays this year. “I think that we’ll be in school further into the summer than usual though.”

The required number of days will not be an issue to fulfill, but the minimum number of hours might be a problem. Originally, the high schools were short 19 instructional hours, but due to the half-day added on April 2 (the last day before spring break), that number was reduced to 14.5 hours.

“Now that the board has added a half day to the calendar on April 2, 2015, Dr. Dance will now discuss how to address the remaining days that leave us under the required days and hours,” said BCPS Director of Communications Mychael Dickerson.

“There are no excusable closings once we fall short of the required days and hours. The process to have them excused is to request a waiver from the state superintendent and the MSDE Board.” said Dickerson. “This is something the superintendent did last year, but that option has not yet been discussed this year.”

Decisions still need to be made by BCPS officials before the last day of school will be determined. Until then, we can all hope to be out of school before July.

Index 2-3 4-7 8-9 10-13 14-15 16

News Sports Spotlight Features Opinion In Focus

Photo by Lisabeth Stewart Woodfire Kitchen advertises as they prepare for opening. Formerly Soup R’ Natural, it will become a new restaurant after owner Craig Nachodsky “fell in love with the building, location, and surrounding area” and bought the building.

Woodfire Kitchen to open in May

By Samantha Preston

One Straw Farm, and Prigel Family Creamery.

There will not be alcohol served, but there will be a bring The Woodfire Kitchen is a new restaurant that will open in your own beer and wine policy.

“My girlfriend, Jessica Simmons, found the old Soup R' Hereford where Soup R' Natural and the Wagon Wheel used to be located.

Natural,” stated Nachodsky “We fell in love with the building, Though there is not a set date, but Craig Nachodsky, location, and surrounding area.”

David Cardwell, and Joyce Cardwell, co-owners of Woodfire There will be a 2000 pound Forno Bravo Pizza Oven as Kitchen, plan on opening the restaurant in early May. They are the centerpiece of the restaurant, so everyone can watch the process of their food being made. It working hard, re-doing the interior and hiring workers. can cook at a temperature of 900 de“We are excited to be a part of grees Fahrenheit during peak hours, such a great community and look baking the pizzas in as little as 90 seconds. forward to sharing some great food We are excited to be a part and making new friends in the proNachodsky stated “We expect students to not only be employed by cess,” stated Nachodsky. of such a great community and This is not the Cardwell’s first us, but to eat there as well!” look forward to sharing some time opening a restaurant togeth“I think the food is going to be great food and making new very good,” said Jamaal Shird (’15). er. They opened Carwell's Tavern “It’s good to have a new flavor for in Canton in 2001, but decided to friends in the process. the Hereford Zone.” switch gears and sell the location Craig Nachodsky Although, not everyone thinks five years later.

“I've been keeping my chops that this restaurant will work out, up in the meantime as a personal since the past two restaurants closed in the same location. chef and caterer,” stated Nachodsky.

“They are just asking for failure, two restaurants have alThe food is going to be many farm-to-table entrees. These will include: Neapolitan-style gourmet pizza, Roseda Farm ready failed there,” said Meghan Murphy (’15).

The restaurant will be open for dinner and will possibly burgers, hand-cut fries, and Maryland fried chicken.

“It’s great that it will be supporting the community as we serve brunch if requested by members of the community. have a wonderful basis of delicious, high quality agricultural “Whether you're looking for a quick meal, romantic dinner, or a night out with the family, we believe you can get it products in the area,” said Ag teacher Christopher Davis.

The menu will also feature daily specials, utilizing many here.” said Nachodsky. local businesses including Charlottetown Farm, Roseda Farm, spreston.harbinger@gmail.com

“

Inside

“

Inquire

Hereford Harbinger @HHarbinger Pages 6-7

Need a Date for the Masquerade?

@HHarbinger

2 | Hereford Harbinger

How much does school cost for you?

NEWS

April 2015

April 2015

NEWS

Hereford Harbinger | 3

The darker side of tanning comes to light

By Noelle Funk

nfunk.harbinger@gmail.com

“I probably spend $40-$50 dollars on supplies each year.

My most expensive supply is my MacBook which I use for practically every class. While not required, I think a laptop is essential.”

Tanner Baldwin (’15)

Do sunny days and warm weather lure you outside to sunbathe, hoping to add a little color to your skin? Every year, the “California girl” standard of beauty sends millions of sun-worshippers to the pool, the beach, or the tanning bed in search of the perfect tan.

Unfortunately, a bronze glow that’s appealing today can turn into future problems, so it makes sense to learn more about the long-term effects of sun exposure before you head outdoors...or indoors.

Tanning is the skin’s natural way of protecting itself from the sun, but the truth is, there’s no such thing as a healthy tan.

All ultraviolet rays in sunlight are harmful to the skin, and the amount of damage depends on how long you stay in the sun.

Over the long haul, accumulated sun exposure causes wrinkles, sunspots, a leathery feel, and premature aging. The most serious risk from excessive sun exposure is skin cancer.

More than one million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer and 60 thousand cases of melanoma skin cancer were diagnosed in 2008 according to the American Cancer Society.

Nearly 30 million people tan indoors in tanning beds in the United States each year. The American Academy of Dermatology says 2.3 million of them are teenagers.

Indoor tanning and tanning outside are both dangerous. Although indoor tanning devices operate on a timer, the exposure to

UV rays can vary based on the age and type of light bulbs. Indoor tanning is designed to give you high levels of UV radiation in a short time. You can get a burn from tanning indoors, and even a tan indicates damage to your skin.

Teenagers tempted to head to the tanning salon before prom should think twice. Just one indoor tanning session per year in high school or college boosts the risk of developing potentially deadly melanoma by 20 percent, and each additional session during the same year raises this risk almost another two percent. The risk of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), a common non-melanoma skin cancer, increases by 25 percent after only one to two indoor tanning sessions. The risk soars to 73 percent after six or more sessions.

“I understand the risk of skin cancer goes up the more you tan,” said Emily Willard (’16). “Therefore I only tan about once every eight or so days and for only a couple months out of the year.”

Assassination in the auditorium “I usually don’t need to buy too much. I just need two binders and some pens, so I probably spend $15-$30. A graphing calculator has been the most expensive and I have spent over $400 on testing.

It’s ridiculous.”

Kallie Snyder (’15)

“I would say I spend about $200 on school supplies each year. My graphing calculator was the most expensive thing I’ve had to buy for school. I’ve spent at least $1,000 on APs, SATs, and subject tests.”

Sabrina Lee (’15)

“I spent around $190 for AP tests, but I am certain there are others who pay more because they take several AP tests in one year. What would the College Board do without students paying outrageous prices to fill in a scantron?”

Tyler Hagen (’15)

By Lisabeth Stewart

lstewart.harbinger@gmail.com

Photo by Michael Purdie Students rehearse for Murder in the Knife Room. This play and Property Rites were performed on April 16 and 17.

Graphic by Joe Donatelli

Business classes decrease

By Maddie Turner

mturner.harbinger@gmail.com

The number of high school students declaring an interest in business fields has been declining since 2000, according to the National Research Center for College and University Admissions. Yet, business-related majors continually rank among the top college majors pursued each year.

The Baltimore County Public School system has seen a decrease in the number of business classes taken by students recently, and because of this, there are limited classes being offered next year across the entire county. Rumors of the business department closing next year have circulated, but have ended with the decision to downsize the branch.

With keyboarding being offered at Hereford Middle School, a reduction in the number of incoming freshman, economics becoming a part of the social studies department, seniors leaving early, computer science classes being taught by math teachers, and more students taking the maximum number of Advanced Placement courses, enrollment has dropped in business classes.

Morgan Iachini (’15), the Treasurer of The Future Business Leaders of America chapter has taken Keyboarding and Business Principles, plans to double major in Biology and Information Systems. She says that what she has learned will hugely benefit her with the former.

“I learned a lot about different aspects of the business world by taking classes like marketing and accounting,” said Morgan. “Considering most students will end up with a business-related career, I don’t see why they would downsize it.”

David Shreiner, the Department Chair who has been at Hereford since 2000, currently teaches Business Principles and Management, HTML Wed Design, Visual Basic, and Principles of Accounting, and sees an immense benefit in taking these classes.

“Business classes can help in every aspect of life,” said Schreiner. “We prepare students for college, work, and their entire lives.” “[The students] learn about retirement, Social Security, investing, taxes and more.”

He believes that if parents are informed of the benefits of these courses that they will be more likely to urge their kids to pursue them.

4 | Hereford Harbinger

Sports

April 2015

OUT OF THE ZONE

Tatiana Sushko saddles up Just Because

By Hunter Newman

hnewman.harbinger@gmail.com

To most, horse racing seems like an arduous and dangerous sport that most can only view through watching “Sea Biscuit” on ABC Family. But for Tatiana Sushko (’17), the sport is much closer to home.

The tack room of Tatiana’s stable stores all the necessary equipment, from a black embroidered racing saddle to a royal blue saddle pad, both of which hang in the corner waiting for racing season.

Ribbons hung in rows on pink walls, horse shoes for good luck, and posters of professional riders decorate the walls of Tatiana’s room. On a hanger in her closet, a racing silk waits for the young rider to start another season on the track.

To most people, Tatiana seems like your average sophomore trying to balance grades, sports and a social life. One look at the young jockey’s Facebook or Instagram shows her decked out in white pants, black knee high boots and her signature racing silk, which is red with gold stars.

Unlike other sports, racing takes constant training, not just for the rider but the horse as well. Tatiana goes to the barn every day after school to ride for an hour or more.

“I started riding as soon as I could walk,” said Tatiana. Pictures of her at only 5 or 6 years old in full show wear on a white pony are scattered around the house. For the Sushko family, riding is a way of life. “I was 2. My mom was into [riding] and I picked it up,” said Tatiana.

When she was 6, she started showing on her gray pony Just Because, better known as JJ. Then she got her first racing pony Scarlett Slippers, more commonly referred to as Ish. “He was 4 months old when we got him,” said Tatiana. “I was pretty young so my mom did most of the training, but I started riding him when I was like 12.”

“He was a brat, he used to bite all the time,” said Tatiana.

Ish, however, is not the only racer in the barn. Christian’s Star, who spent a short time in the big leagues, is a Thoroughbred horse Tatiana bought only two years ago.

“We were just looking for something I could move up to after Ish,” Tatiana said. “He was the first one we tried.”

“We try to keep him off the track now,” said Suzy Sushko, Tatiana’s mother. Although Christian’s Star’s racing days are over, he still shows with Tatiana.

Her younger brother Theo, has just begun his racing career.

Photo provided Tatiana Susko Tatiana’s horse Ish sprints through a race course. Tatiana started riding horses when she was 2 years old.

“He was going to race JJ, but he was too slow. We needed something a lot faster,” said Tatiana.

Theo shows his skills on the rambunctious mare. Though he gets bucked and tossed around he keeps his control with her.

Let’s get Preaky at the races

By Katharine French

kfrench.harbinger@gmail.com

Spring time means horse racing in Maryland. The many horse-racing events, combined with many horse farms, particularly in the central part of the State, contribute to Maryland’s reputation as “horse country.” Maryland offers thoroughbred racing, harness racing, and steeplechase racing.

The Maryland Hunt Cup is an American steeplechase race that is 4 miles long with 22 timber fences and is considered to be one of the most difficult steeplechase races in the world. The race is always held on the last Saturday of April, taking place April 25.

In 1894, the members of the Elkridge Fox Hunting Club challenged the members of Green Spring Valley Hunt Club to a timber race: the first Maryland Hunt Cup. The race organizers wanted the race to be run over natural hunting country; ridden by amateurs; and have no commercial activity.

In 1922, Worthington Valley became the permanent home

of the long racecourse. Since then, the size and spectacle of the race has grown as fans bring their friends and families for an afternoon of tailgating and picnicking on the hillside that overlooks the racecourse.

The Preakness Stakes is an American thoroughbred horse race held on the third Saturday in May each year at Pimlico race course. It is a Grade I race run over a distance of 9.5 furlongs on dirt. It is the second leg of the Triple Crown, held after the Kentucky Derby and before the Belmont Stakes. The 140th Preakness Stakes will be run on Saturday, May 16, 2015.

While the race is known for its fancy hats, the race has had something of a party atmosphere in the past, especially in the infield, which is general admission. In 2010, and the Maryland Jockey Club created a new event called “InfieldFest” with performances by musical acts.

While both races are completely different, both offer a fun day of racing with friends.

Photo by Sophie Seaman A jockey waits for a steeple chase to begin. The horses raced over four miles at the Maryland Hunt Cup.

“Fun is a little bit crazy,” said Tatiana, about her brother’s pony Funsize.

“I think more people should be horse people,” said Sushko.

TRACK COUNTIES ON PROM

sports

April 2015

Hereford Harbinger | 5

May Madness: NCAA Lacrosse Tournament

By Joe Patti

jpatti.harbinger@gmail.com

Early April to late May is always the best time for college lacrosse fans all over the country. The annual NCAA Lacrosse Tournament comes around as the best teams in the nation prepare to play for the National Championship.

Division I Lacrosse is a 16 team bracket, yet involves two “play-in” games on May 6 to decide the additional two teams going into the tournament. The selection show will be on ESPNU Sunday, May 3.

The first round of play will start on May 9, later leading up to the quarterfinals at Navy-Memorial Field in Annapolis, and Sports Authority Field at Mile High, in Denver on May 17. The results of these games will take the best teams to Championship Weekend in Philadelphia, May 23.

The trend in college lacrosse seems to be that the same teams show up, and eventually meet just about every year. This theme does seem to be recurring with Duke winning the National Title the past two seasons.

“I think the top tier teams of every sport typically stay the same, but with the increase in talent across the country as the sport has grown, I believe we will be seeing a new trend of teams competing for the national championship and the final four in years to come.” said Adam Ceribelli (’14), a Division I lacrosse player at Towson University.

“Teams are getting better every year which makes the sport continue to get more competitive,” said Adam.

This season is unlike past seasons. There are many new teams coming into the rankings such as Holy Cross, Boston University, Brown University and Marquette.

These teams would hope nothing more than to punch their ticket to the big dance this spring, which would be the first time for Marquette and Boston.

Along with the teams changing, the location will change this year as well. The tournament returns to Philadelphia for the first time since 2013. Every year the location of the Finals switches between Philadelphia, Boston, and Baltimore, which are some of the biggest lacrosse ‘hot-beds’ in the country.

Photo by Joe Patti Three lacrosse sticks lay on the turf on a warm April day awaiting May’s NCAA Lacrosse Tournament. This tournament is expected to bring the best teams in the country together for a chance to win it all starting May 6.

“Personally, I think that the final four should be played in a hot bed every year such as Baltimore, Philly, Long Island, or maybe even Boston. These areas typically draw the best crowds which creates the ideal atmosphere for a championship game,” said Ceribelli.

Numbers say that the tournament belongs in Baltimore after M&T Bank Stadium drew a record 52,000 people for the semi-fi-

nals along with another 48,000 for the lacrosse championship game.

The tournament is expected to bring on some new-comers this season, which is why it may be one of the best ones yet.

“I got Maryland, they got a killer defense and prolific midfielders,” said Bryant Tiller (’16).

FIGHT OF THE CENTURY

Mayweather versus Pacquiao, Best of the Best

On your mark, set, go...to Prom!

By Amanda Hammersla

ahammersla.harbinger@gmail.com

“I’m not going to say it isn’t going to be stressful getting from the [county championships] to prom looking halfway decent and in time for a couple pictures,” said Catie Denz (’15), three year track and field runner. “The whole team is making plans though, [for before prom], so I’m sure we’ll figure it out.”

Having prom and county championships on the same day is seen as almost a tradition now for the track and field competitors; however, the pressure for each athlete to arrive at prom looking their best and with restored energy from their full morning will still be on.

Although it would be expected that only women would understand the struggle to get ready in a timely fashion, the entire track and field team is sympathetic to those runners staying until the last race of the day.

“The amount of time left to get ready for prom really depends on what your last race is, if you run the 4x4, you really won’t have much time at all,” said Adam Der (’15), a four year track and field runner.

The time crunch is felt by all competitors in counties, however, it is particularly apparent to Catie, since one of her multiple races is the 4x4 relay race.

Catie’s day is completely booked. That morning she arrives promptly at Pikesville High at 8 for warm ups which will continue until the first race of the day that begins at 9.

Catie has not been given her schedule for counties, which leaves her in the dark for the exact amount of races she will participate in that day, but she assumes it will be about four.

With Catie’s full schedule she will not leave counties until about six PM that evening, leaving her about an hour between Counties and taking photos before prom.

“I think anyone who plays a sport knows how competitive the county championship can be, going up against local rivals and all that,” said Catie. “It’s even bigger for track because your competing against a lot of teams, not just one.”

Despite the rushing that comes with having both events on the same day, the County Championship race is loved by all the competitors.

“I really enjoy Counties because I feel like it shows off all of your hard work,” said Adam.

Photo provided by Jeff Gros, ESPN Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao stand side by side to promote their fight. The fight is scheduled for May 2, 2015.

By Brennan Haines

bhaines.harbinger@gmail.com

May 2, 2015: the day boxing fans from around the world have been waiting for. Floyd Mayweather Jr. has finally agreed to fight Manny Pacquiao, bringing the sport’s two biggest names together.

Mayweather is 38 years old with a professional record of 47 fights and 0 losses.

Pacquiao on the other hand, is 36 with a professional record of 64 fights with 57 wins and 5 losses. This match has been in the making since 2009, when it was reported that Pacquiao signed a contract to fight Mayweather in 2010.

Pacquiao never signed the contract due to the “Olympic style drug testing” that Mayweather’s team was requesting.

On January 13, Pacquiao signed a contract and agreed to terms to fight Mayweath-

er on May 2. Many believe this could be the highest grossing boxing match of all time, with tickets ranging from $3,500 to $250,000 and the cost for pay-per-view ranging from $90 to $100 dollars.

The fight is supposed to bring back many fans to boxing who have in recent years switched their interests to UFC or MMA. Some people claim that UFC uses more skill and is more interesting. However, LA Times

writer Bill Dwyre disagrees and favors boxing.

“There is a lot of athletic skill involved.

That’s why it is called the Sweet Science.

Footwork, hand speed, punching combinations, who does that the best wins. UFC and MMA is brutality. Boxing is brutality with at least a smidgen of brainpower,” said Dwyre in an email.

Boxing is one of the most physically demanding sports that there is. To be as good as these two fighters are takes countless hours of training and dedication. Mayweather and Pacquiao have dedicated their entire lives to the sport and have both made careers from it.

Ivan Carrico (‘16) boxed his sophomore year. “It’s a lot of jumping, jump roping to get a lot of stamina on your calves because you have to use your toes and not your heels,” said Ivan. “Just a lot of continuous punching to get your arm stamina up so you don’t get tired during the fight.”

The winner of the fight will become the welterweight champion of the world and will also receive a champion belt valued at one million dollars. The belt contains hundreds of emeralds instead of the traditional gold plate for the center logo. It will also have the faces of Mayweather Jr. and Pacquiao as well as former World Boxing Council president José Sulaimán and boxing legend Muhammad Ali. Fans have very different opinions as to who they think will come out victorious, and why they think so.

“Pacquiao [will win], because he has less pressure. Mayweather puts too much pressure on himself to stay unbeaten,” said Dwyer.

Kyle Wetzelberger (’18) disagrees.

“Mayweather [will win], because he is undefeated and has faced harder opponents than Pacquiao has in his entire career,” said Kyle.

Luke Franz (’17) has a specific reason behind who he thinks will win.

“Pacquiao is smooth as butter and swift as the wind and will most definitely whoop Floyd,” said Luke.

No matter who comes out on top, it is a guarantee that both fighters will make the most money they ever have from a single fight in their careers.

6 | Hereford Harbinger

sports

april 2015

Wingers get yoked for football season

Hereford Harbinger | 7

sports

april 2015

By Jason Kopp

jkopp.harbinger@gmail.com

Photo by Sophie Seaman A group of wild Wingers get in a morning lift to get big for the upcoming season. (From right) Jake Nause (’16), Jason Kopp (’16), Collin Whitney (’16) and Zach Jacobs (’16) flexed during a workout.

If you have seen the Wingers together before, you know they

By Hugh Lory hloryharbinger@gmail.com all get along well together like brothers, and it doesn’t change on Ever wonder what happens to Hereford’s football team the football field. The Wingers don’t see themselves as a team; during the off-season? While many participate in other sports they see themselves as a family. programs, the team stays in-tact under the cover-name “The The Wingers are dedicated to preparing for every season, Parkton Wingers.” The name is derived from the team’s innate but playing for the Wingers isn’t all about playing football. It ability to eat a lot of wings. This elite group is lead by Physical is also about bonding, going through obstacles, and achieving Education teacher Ric Evans. goals together. “[Being a Winger] means to put it all out there and go out The upcoming season is going to be the last for the Wingers there on Friday nights and playing at the highest level you can as they return to the field for their senior year. without making excuses, but making plays,” said Joe Patti (’16).

The Wingers said they will always remember the long “Wingers are hardworking and tenacious,” said Tripp Nash games that didn’t go their way (vs Franklin), the hardworking (’16), another member of the Wingers. practices, the sweat, the tears, all the victories (vs Newtown, and Every year, there are different players on the football team, vs Overlea), and the upcoming state championship. but this year’s team is especially hard-working.

“We will be the best of buds, hangout all the time, and be Zach Jacobs (’16) said that the Wingers are very motivated lifetime lifting partners,” said Zach Wisner (’16). because of the hard work the coaches are putting in for the upcoming season.

Personal commentary of a true Winger.

They’re only the biggest and baddest kids to walk the streets of Parkton. They’re the Parkton Wingers who spend most of their days in the iron factory getting yoked for the upcoming season and crushing any that oppose them. They put in work by completing obstacles such as climbing their way to the mountain peak of the feared Dip, and pushing monster truck tires across the floor of the weight room and turf throughout all seasons, especially the summer and fall when the show begins.

Dedicated to the game and the barbell, they feed their post workout hungers with protein on the plate and protein in the shake. The basic Winger protein concoction includes straight beef from the cow to add bulk, raw eggs to get yoked, and a handful of nails mixed with the premium Winger protein powder to make a shake so packed with a punch they gain mass by the second.

The sweat breaks, the veins bulge, and the babes watch as the Wingers put the max weight on the bench, squat racks, and go to town on the barbell and weights like it is nothing.

Of course, that is just their warm-up set. Soon after, they all mop and drain the weight room of the sea of sweat created.

Once it gets deep into the end of July and beginning of August, the Wingers strap on their helmets and shoulder pads and hit the field. Making hits so loud you can hear them from space and catching passes so far and fast that in a blink of an eye, we already scored and stole your girl.

The long, excruciating days of practice, which resemble those of a Navy SEAL’s combat training, are soon paid off after the kickoff of the first game.

“We the Wingers don’t make excuses, we make plays,” said Grand Winger Coach Evans.

They create mayhem and a category ten earthquake, they steal your girl once again, and they come out with the dub which soon leads to the loyal Hereford fans breaking the bleachers, storming the field, and roaming the streets of little, but big-hearted Hereford where they boo the opposing team all the way back home while showing only the best sportsmanship in high school athletics.

The Wingers march down from the turf as a band of brothers, which is soon followed by a celebration in the locker room where they jam to genres ranging from Lynyrd Skynyrd to Juicy J. After their long-awaited victory and celebration, they hit the weight room prepping for their next opponent with a 23 hour workout followed by an hour stretch, rest, and protein shake, they get right back to it.

Setting aside all their gains they sit and recollect on what really matters: the pride of being a Winger.

BRACE YOURSELF

ACL tears sideline athletes in all sports

By Grace Hunt

ghunt.harbinger@gmail.com

It was the final half of a soccer game against Easter Tech when Lauren Bauer (’16) took the step that she will never forget.

“I was playing defense on a girl who was looking either to shoot [the ball] or send it across for a goal,” Lauren said. “So I stepped to her with my left foot to take away her right side and keep her from kicking the ball in, and instantly, as my foot touched the ground, I felt the tear and fell to the ground in pain.”

It wasn’t until the next day that Lauren was told it looked like a torn ACL. “Luckily the other team didn’t score on the play,” she said.

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the four main ligaments in the knee joint that connects the tibia and the femur.

The ACL makes activities like running, jumping, standing and even sitting more efficient, and ensures the stability of the tibia.

Steve Kinsey, owner of Hereford Physical Therapy and Hereford’s athletic trainer, has been in the field of Sports Medicine for 25 years and works with about 20 patients with torn ACL’s annually. “[ACL’s are commonly torn from] either contact, where the athlete sustains a direct blow to the knee from an opposing player, or non-contact, where the person lands awkwardly, twists the knee in a manner that exceeds the load capability of the ACL,” said Kinsey.

Often when the ACL is torn, a distinct popping noise is heard and then immediate pain is felt.

“The popping is usually one of the tell-tale signs that people describe,” Kinsey said. “They usually have pain and pretty significant joint swelling as well.”

This injury requires either surgery or intense physical therapy to mend the crucial ligament; both demand a lengthy recovery of six to nine months.

“Basically, you have three options; you can get a hamstring graft, a patellar tendon graft, or a cadaver graft. My doctor decided the patellar tendon graft would be best for me. First they will put you to sleep and beforehand you and your parents decide if you want to have a nerve block done, which is the numbing

of your leg by poking a needle near your hip and on your butt cheek. It allows for an easier trip back to your house and first day back home. In the surgery, first the surgeon removes your torn ACL and repairs anything else you possibly tore in there. Then, he takes part of your patellar tendon, which is the tendon right on the front of your knee, and arthroscopically slips that right into where your old ACL stood. Finally, he puts two screws in to hold your new ACL into place, one in your femur and one in your tibia and then sews you back up. It only takes about a half hour to forty-five minutes,” said Lauren.

Anna Packy (’15) tore her ACL for the second time in the fall, just four days before Lauren.

“The first time, it just felt like something weird cracking in my knee and then I heard and felt a pop. The second time, I knew I tore it before my body hit the ground,” Anna said.

Both athletes received surgery for their injuries and agreed that the recovery, around six months of no physical activity, was “hands-down” the worst part.

“I just had to drop everything,” said Lauren. “I was very upset I wasn’t going to be able to have the accomplishment of being a four year three season athlete like I had wanted.”

Steve Kinsey and Hereford Physical Therapy created the Functional Sports Strengthening (FSS) program after the fall sports season.

The program begins with a Functional Movement Assessment program to see what problems the athlete might have.

Then, a strength and conditioning program is built for the athlete with a primary focus on hip mobility, strengthening muscles, and running/landing mechanics. This program meets two times a week for five weeks.

“While we know there is no program to prevent all ACL injuries, we know there are areas we can address on the strength and mechanics side that can help not just with injury prevention, but with overall athletic performance,” said Kinsey.

If anyone is interested in the Functional Movement Assessment program, please contact Hereford Physical Therapy: 410357-0070.

Photo by Katharine French The team prepares to listen to the National Anthem after running the orange carpet. “It was exciting, there was a lot of energy in the air and people were ready for the season to start,” said Tripp Nash (’16).

Birds are back at Camden Yards

By Katharine French

kfrench.harbinger@gmail.com

Every Spring, the Orioles’ home opener is an exciting event for Baltimoreans. Fans look forward to all of the festivities to be had and anticipate victory. Though the weather was bleak, the spirit in the crowd was undeniable.

Legendary Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Palmer, threw the ceremonial first pitch to his long time friend and prior teammate, catcher Rick Dempsey, after two Golden Gloves were awarded to short stop J.J. Hardy and center fielder Adam Jones.

After the Toronto Blue Jays were welcomed onto the field, the fireworks lit the cloudy sky and the crowd erupted as the Oriole players ran the orange carpet.

The immense energy in the crowd quickly left the park when starter the Blue Jays took a 4-0 first-inning lead against Norris in a 36-pitch first inning.

“When Bud starting pitching, you could tell he wasn’t com-

fortable,” said Tripp Nash (’16). “So far this season, it looks like the team needs help with its pitching.”

Besides their 13 hits, the Orioles had few highlights. Adam Jones tied a career high with four hits and drove in two runs, including one on his first home run of the season, in the third inning. Jonathan Schoop also hit a solo homer in the ninth.

Luckily, the deflating 12-5 loss didn’t affect the second game of the series.

“The weather was perfect,” said AJ Manna (’15). “The way the Orioles played was even more perfect.”

“Everything about the game was great,” said Meaghan Manna (’16). “It was a beautiful day and the energy was insane.”

In seven innings, Ubaldo Jimenez didn’t allow a run, gave up only one hit and one walk and struck out eight.

“I’ve never seen such great pitching,” said Luke Manna

(’18). “The hitters were incredible too.”

The Orioles offense dominated, winning the second game of the series 7-1.

The team’s third and final game of the series, however, proved to be another battle. The Orioles made some mistakes and tried to come back from them but couldn’t clinch the win, losing 10-7.

Despite the reconstruction of the team, the future for the Orioles 2015 season looks promising.

“It’s just the beginning of the season,” said Social Studies teacher Robert Greenwood. “The Orioles showed what they are capable of last season and I only hope that they go even farther in 2015.”

Call Now To Reserve A Seat!

Currently Enrolling Summer Classes!!

10 Days of Class 6 Hours Drive Time

Enroll in Driver’s Education Classes Today!!

Photo by Sophie Seaman Taylor Kinnucane (‘16) wears a knee brace after her second ACL tear. She tore her ACL during soccer season.

Jarrettsville 410-692-9110

Monkton 410-357-0300

8 | Hereford Harbinger

april 2015 | 9

Spotlight

KENDALL RODIER (’15) YASMINE SAKINEJAD (’17)

EMERY COLLINS (’18)

GRANT BROWN (’16)

Perfect after-prom plan- Take off my dress and get comfortable!

Dream date—Zoo or aquarium Perfect man in three words—Tall, muscular, and attractive Future plans—Stevenson for college, then married with two kids Dream date- A picnic on the beach.

Perfect man in three words- Smart, handsome and caring.

Interest- Painting Best quality- My smile Best quality- Myself Dream date- Getting something to eat then going fishing.

Perfect woman in three words- Drop dead sexy.

Future plans- College

Best pickup line- Are you a parking ticket? Cause you got fine written all over you.

Interests- Hitting the gym Best quality- I’m yoked.

Future plans- Getting swole.

JIMMY CAVIN (’17) KYLIE NAUSE (’18)

RACHEL KARWACKI (’16) COLE DAVIS (’15)

Best pick up line- Are you from Tennessee? Because you’re the only 10 I see!

Best quality- My face Perfect date- Chipotle and a movie Perfect girl in three words- Nice, pretty, just cool

Best pickup line- Do you believe in love at first sight or should I walk by again?

Dream date- A long walk on the beach Perfect man in three words- Tall, dark and handsome Future plans- Get married and have like ten kids.

Best pickup line- Do you know what’s on the menu? Me and you.

Dream date- A long walk on the beach Future plans- Be a billionaire Best quality- I think I’m pretty funny.

Interviews by Amanda Hammersla and Maddie Turner Layout by Maddie McGee Photos by Sophie Seaman

Need a Date for the

Perfect after-prom plan- Go to a party Perfect man in three words- Tall, funny, and smart Future plans- Be rich Interests- Lacrosse

10 | Hereford Harbinger

features

Art Show Preview

april 2015

Students question contemporary dance fad

By Maggie Gutberlet

mgutberlet.harbinger@gmail.com

Artwork by Danielle Schmidt Danielle Schmidt (’15), the President of the National Art Honor Society will be one of the main features at this years art show. She focused on exploring the contrast between organic and geometric shapes for this particular painting.

As prom season rolls around, many students go into full preparation mode. Dresses are searched for, ordered, and altered, all while the pressure to find a date becomes ever-mounting.

But a worry that many have and few speak of is dancing; the lack of skill, the awkward encounters, and the discomfort of grinding.

Grinding is a type of close-partner dancing where a boy stands behind a girl and they rub against each other on the dance floor. Although it is a contemporary dance form, it is not necessarily new. Before grinding, there was “The Bump,” which was a popular dance in the 1970’s that incorporated the bumping of the hips and the butt. It can be seen in popular movies such as “Dirty Dancing” and “The Forbidden Dance.”

According to a survey given to about 200 sophomores, juniors and seniors, approximately two thirds of students grind at homecoming or prom. Less than half of the students who grind at these events do it because they enjoy it, rather, a large majority signified that they did so because everyone does it.

“

At our school dances, you dress up like a princess and then you act like a prostitute.

Katie Ferguson

Photo by Tanner Baldwin Artwork by Alicia Kozlowski Tanner Baldwin (’15) is one of the photography students being featured at the are show. He was given an assignment This image captures the cross country team ata pasta party the night before a big race. Alicia Kozlowski (’16) based to take a picture with a digital camera and make it look like her drawing off of a picture from coach John Roemer’s website. it was from a different era.

PTSA Post Prom

After Prom party will be held at Amped Up! Family Amphitheater after prom May 9.

Featuring: DJ, dancing, karaoke, musical instruments, group games, a lounge area, large screen video games, foosball, air hockey, basketball, ping pong, billiards, photo booth and much more!

Refreshments will be served. Awesome prizes including preferred parking will be raffled off.

Information and permission forms will be available when purchasing Prom tickets. Post Prom is open to all Hereford High School Juniors and Seniors regardless of attendance to Prom.

Hereford Harbinger | 11

Features

april 2015

“

So what is it about grinding that has students mindlessly participating in it at school dances?

Many students participate in the dancing fad because they believe their partners want them to. Whether with a significant other or a random pick, there can be a sense of obligation to grind, even if the person does not feel comfortable with doing so.

“I don’t want to talk about it,” said Taylor Anne Jones (’15).

“I grind because I feel pressured to because of the older kids,” said Nick Konkus (’16). “If I don’t, I feel like I won’t be as cool as them.”

Some students feel negatively towards the dance move.

“It’s extremely disgusting,” said Jillian Barber (’15). “Looking back I regret ever dancing in that fashion because it’s so provocative and inappropriate.”

“I just think it’s sort of ridiculous and disgusting,” said Katie Ferguson (’15). “I don’t want to go to a dance that will be a big sweaty mass of people humping. When I was younger, I loved the dancing in Disney movies. At our school dances, you dress up like a princess and then you act like a prostitute.”

Photo provided byWikimedia Commons “Grinding makes me not even want to go Representing a commonality for the time, a man and woman choose to classically dance. With a change in eras it is now more common to prom,” said Kallie Snyder (’15). “The only for men and women to grind. reason I would want to go is to dress up. OthGrinding, which is very common in the for the names of songs that they would like to Grinding has become an issue for school erwise, I’d rather go somewhere and dance a administrators nationwide. Many districts have United States and Canada, is fairly rare in oth- hear at prom, and many of the songs were less different way, but there aren’t many options.” made the decision to ban grinding and sexual er countries. Moritz Jahn (’15) is a German hip-hop and more rock and roll. This presents a These feelings do not only exist among stu- dancing at school sponsored dances to avoid in- exchange student, and he said the grinding at problem—they are not necessarily songs to be dents. Some teachers say they do not approve appropriate interactions. homecoming this year was a new experience grinded to, so what will people do? of the dance fad that is The surveys revealed that many students According to for him. seen at school dances “It was pretty funny,” said Moritz. “There grind because they do not know how to dance.

Huffington Post, a across the country. grinding ban at Mo- were no real dance moves, no one was drunk, A lack of rhythm can make people feel embar“I don’t think it line High School in and the teachers were there, so it was really rassed or out of place when dancing, so grindI’d be okay with [a grinding takes any skill,” said Illinois resulted in awkward. In Germany, there is alcohol at the ing is an easy, socially acceptable alternative.

English teacher Jamie ban in Baltimore County] students protesting by school dances. Even the teachers are drunk, but Putting in the effort to learn new dances is alStinefelt. most impossible amidst cramming for AP tests, throwing their own still no one [grinds].”

“I’m not a big fan Grace Clark Obviously, drunk teachers are not going and learning partner dances requires knowing “anti-homecoming,” of it,” said science where grinding was to fix the cultural norm of sexual dancing. The who your date is. teacher Jay Foster. phenomenon is brought on by the club-like atGrinding is a typically unquestioned ocallowed.

“It’s one reason I Dr. David Moyer, the superintendent who mosphere of school dances, which is partially currence; many seem to feel indifferent towards stopped chaperoning dances.” it until prompted to imposed the ban, said, “What people do on their created by the music “My theory about contemporary dances own time or what their family or cultural norms played by the DJ. think about its social is that 10% of high-schoolers at a dance actu- are not our concern when it is not associated Each year, a DJ is implications. And alThe phenomenon is brought on by ally want to grind,” said English teacher Lisa with the school or on school property. When picked out by class adthough many do not Sopher. “Say there are 300 kids at the dance. sponsoring a school event, we take seriously visors. They typically the club-like atmosphere of school prefer it, the disliked About 10% of those students like it and want our responsibility to provide a safe, enjoyable, hire the same one, who dances, which is partially created by dance move will others to see their most intimate moments. 20% and appropriate experience for all of the stu- plays music that has the music played. most likely continue do it because they think it looks cool but are ac- dents we serve.” been requested beforeto be a part of the tually uncomfortable. The other 70% are walkhigh school culture.

“I’d be okay with [a grinding ban in Balti- hand. This year, class ing around thinking, ‘Where do I fit in here?’” officers asked seniors more County],” said Grace Clark (’15).

“

“

“

“

Prom Details •Saturday May 9 •8:00pm •Tickets go on sale next week before school and during Enrichment •Cost $85

12 | Hereford Harbinger

features

april 2015

Transferees prefer public school

By Bess Tiller

btiller.harbinger@gmail.com

By Matt Lewis

mlewis.harbinger@gmail.com

Imagine walking into a school not knowing anybody or anything about the classes you are about to take. This is what it is like for the many students who transfer from private schools to public schools, like Hereford.

Some local private schools that students transfer out of include Calvert Hall, Loyola Blakefield, and Boys’ Latin. Cole Quattrocche (’16) became a Bull at the beginning of March.

“Sport teams here are much less political.

Coach Sal took me in under his wing and has been nothing but helpful during this whole process,” said Cole.

There are many reasons why kids transfer out of private schools which have a reputation for being up-tight about dress-code and posture.

“The words ‘sit up straight’ were pounded into my head the six years I was at Loyola and it really got to me,” said Cole.

“I think there are many reasons why students attend Calvert Hall and for those few who do leave, the reasons can be just as varied.

Mostly, in these economic times, the main reason is family finances, in spite of our generous aid packages,” said Jeff Vernamonti, a guidance

counselor at Calvert Hall.

Cole, who is actually in the Dulaney district, decided to come to Hereford not only for the great athletic programs, but also for the superb agricultural program.

“At first, I did not think I was going to enjoy classes like Landscape Design, but after the first week I became very interested,” said Cole.

Brody Bartell (’15) transferred here at the beginning of this school year.

“The first thing I noticed about Hereford is how the teachers pay more attention to the students. At Calvert Hall, I felt like I was just a number in a lecture hall,” said Brody.

Calvert Hall is a school that focuses on preparing their students for college. At Calvert Hall, the students have lectures, which are similar to a college setting. They also have seminar sessions, which are smaller versions of the lectures where the teachers are given more time to teach their students rather than project information to them across a lecture hall.

Sports also played a role in why Brody transferred here.

“The teams are much less political at Hereford. Everyone is given a clean slate. It is much more fair,” said Brody.

Advertisements

april 2015

Support our advertisers! Without them, we could not produce the Harbinger!

Above Graphic by Bess Tiller Right Photo by Matt Lewis Cole Quattrocche adds the right amount of soil for the grass they are growing in Landscape Design. “At first, I thought I wasn’t going to like the Agriscience classes, but I am really starting to enjoy them,” said Cole.

Lack of sleep compromises academic success and health

Photo by Meghan Anderson Brady King (’15) sleeps in room 111. Many students have been caught sleeping during their classes due to the lack of sleep they got the previous night as a result of the massive amounts of homework they recieved.

By Alicia Moriera

amoriera.harbinger@gmail.com

High school students are seen sleeping with their eyes (barely) open every day of the school week. It is not uncommon to catch the kid sitting next to you in History class dozing off during an hour-long lecture.

“Researchers report that the average adolescent needs eight and a half to nine and a half hours of sleep each night,” stated Jane Brody in an article published in The New York Times. “But

in a poll taken in 2006 by the National Sleep Foundation, less than 20 percent reported getting that much rest on school nights.”

It seems like most students figure they can just catch up on their sleep on the weekends by sleeping in until the afternoon.

However, this doesn’t make up for their lack of sleep during the school week.

“Sleep is not optional,” said Dr. Judith A. Owens, who was quoted in the article. “It’s a health imperative, like eating, breathing and physical activity.”

“The level of impairment associated with sleep-deprived

driving is equivalent to driving drunk,” said Dr. Owens.

Teenage car crashes have been found to be more frequent in areas where high school classes begin earlier in the morning.

Having classes start at 8:30 for example, instead of the usual 7:40, could help reduce the number of car crashes in the Hereford Zone.

Studies have proven that starting school just a half hour later results in the majority of students getting a full extra hour of sleep per night. This also correlates with higher standardized test scores and grade point averages.

These crashes can occur at any time of the day because getting up early and not getting enough sleep affects students from the time they wake up until the time they fall asleep that night.

Although homework can be crucial to academic performance, the large workload that some classes incorporate could be more of a hindrance than an asset. Pulling all-nighters to get homework done can be detrimental to students’ health.

With less homework assignments and more sleep, learning could be made up for during class where the students would most likely be more responsive, attentive, and ready to learn with a better attitude.

Ironically, the entire phenomenon of lack of sleep comes full circle when looking at the reasoning for time spent on homework. Students who are sleep-deprived tend to take a significantly longer amount of time to complete a homework assignment than students who get the sleep they need to function every night.

Starting out the week with about nine hours of sleep on a Sunday night sets a student up for a healthy week. But, when a student gets less sleep than he/she needs on a Sunday, the entire schedule for the rest of the week is ruined.

Many high-school students also struggle with time-management. When sports, homework assignments, and other responsibilities build up over the week, it can be difficult to make time for everything.

Sabrina Lee (’15), who goes to sleep by 9:00 every night religiously, gives advice to other students on how to manage finishing homework and still getting enough sleep. “I use enrichment a lot,” said Sabrina.

Once homework has been completed, students tend to stay awake longer than necessary from browsing social media, watching Netflix, or playing video games. “[D]on’t have any distractions when you go to bed,” said Sabrina. “No phone or laptop.”

Although homework is crucial to successful academic performance, getting enough sleep each night can be even more essential for one’s overall health.

Hereford Harbinger | 13

Pizza Rolls!

Cheese, pepperoni, and sausage rolls

$1.99 each

Hawaiian rolls

$2.49 each Pizza Rolls Special: Any two pizza rolls (excluding Hawaiian) and a medium drink $3.99

14 | Hereford Harbinger

harbinger Hereford

Informing and entertaining the Hereford Zone Hereford High School 17301 York Road Parkton, MD 21120 410-887-1905 Volume 4 Issue 6 ADVISER Mary Beth Stuller

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Maddie McGee Meghan Anderson BUSINESS MANAGER Lisabeth Stewart ILLUSTRATOR Joe Donatelli

opinion

april 2015

Editorial: Student apathy creates concerns for future Everyday, our country and world undergoes social, economic, and political changes. There are a multitude of news broadcasts, online articles, and newspapers to inform the citizens of these shifts. And yet, when asking most Americans, one will find that few of these people actually stay up–to-date on the issues that plague the world.

What is it about the nature of information that leaves many students uninformed and unable to form opinions? Of course, unwanted media bias and political nonsense can turn many high schoolers away. But it is more likely that apathy is the source of the problem—many do not bother to turn on and actually listen to the news. This could be because of piles of homework or sports or social lives, all of which are important uses of time. But what many do not realize is that the future of this country rests in our hands, and it is our job as citizens to inform ourselves on both national and worldwide issues.

Often conversations can be heard in the hallways or classrooms where a teacher or student begins to talk about a news story that has gained national attention. Take, for example, the Germanwings plane crash or the story of Western teenage girls joining the terrorist group ISIS. Every news station covered both of these stories, and covered them for days. And yet, even days days after each event, students could still be heard asking, “What happened?”

This may not seem like an issue, but our generation is already seen as lazy, stupid, and selfish, and by ignoring the news we are only perpetuating that image. Solving world issues does not start with grand ideas or large political platforms—instead, it starts with listening. It starts with

being critical of our country, of our world, and of the media. It starts with caring, and yet so few care.

It is one thing to be completely oblivious to world issues, it’s another thing to know of them and not be concerned enough to form an opinion.

So many high school students avoid topics such as politics because they think it is cooler not to care, or because they are afraid of confrontation.

But a strong opinion that may be looked down upon in a high school setting will actually carry more weight in the real world.

Almost every profession requires knowledge of global issues. Go into agriculture, and it is dire that you know the woes of world hunger and the nature of environmental conflicts. Go into engineering, and you must learn from the tragedies of structural failures and understand the needs of the world’s citizens. Go into education, and you must be able to inform your own students of the challenges being faced. Whatever you do, being aware and sympathetic will push you above and beyond.

The news can be depressing. There is no doubt that the troubling events such as the recent murders of Kenyan Christians or the execution of Walter Scott in South Carolina can make the world seem like a terrible place. But the world is not necessarily evil, and there are so many tragedies that can be avoided with education and respect.

So next time you feel an aversion to listening to the news, or roll your eyes at the discussions taking place in your social studies class, remember that it is on us to make the change in this world, and it is on us to advocate, educate, and reciprocate good to the people we share it with.

PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER

Will Wilkinson EDITORS Peyton Butt Samantha Preston Emma Reider Lucy Reider Caprice Roché Sophie Seaman STAFF WRITERS Katharine French Noelle Funk Maggie Gutberlet Amanda Hammersla Kirsten Herman Brady King Abby Laporte Alicia Moreira Emily Palumbo Maddie Turner A member of the National Scholastic Press Association Rated First Class 2013-2014 Online herefordharbinger.org E-mail hhsharbinger@bcps.org Twitter @HHarbinger Instagram @HHarbinger Facebook Hereford Harbinger Students and faculty are encouraged to submit letters to the editor in Room 207 or e-mail them to hhsharbinger@bcps.org. They may be edited for length and punctuation.

Each issue, Hereford Harbinger distributes over 1000 papers to the school’s 1315 students and 110 faculty, local businesses, and the Hereford Zone community.

All funding comes from advertising.

The Harbinger encourages readers to patronize our advertisers.

Advertising Rates Full Page Half Page Quarter Page Eighth Page

1 Issue Half Year Full Year $300 $1,200 $2,400 $150 $600 $1,200 $75 $400 $800 $50 $200 $400

*This is the pricing for black and white ads.

Color ads are available at twice the cost.*

Pledging allegiance to blind nationalism or patriotism?

By Brady King bking.harbinger@gmail.com When one hears the word “patriotism,” they most likely think of the United States of America. I know I do. America is the land of the free, the home of the brave. Who wouldn’t want to live here?

Having the freedom that we have is what makes this country so great. We have the ability to build the lives that we deserve on the greatest soil on Earth. We are not oppressed by a dictator; we, for the most part, have the opportunity to put food on the table.

Is there such thing as too much patriotism? No way. The people who are proud of our country are the ones that make it go ‘round.

“There’s no such thing as too much patriotism, unless you’re a Rusian communist,” said Shane Herbenar (’15).

Sure, every country has their problems, but if you look at the grand scheme of things, America is probably the greatest country of all.

Shane’s point is that people that live in a country like Russia probably

have a hard time having pride in their country, but not here in the U.S. However, that is not to say that every aspect of our country is great.

Many people have problems with things like our leadership.

“I don’t think a lot of our leaders represent America’s best interests very well,” said Ben Bittner (’15).

Just because one is proud of his or her country, that does not mean he or she is proud of his or her leaders. People often confuse pride in their country for loving whoever is in charge.

Plenty of people love our country, but strongly dislike the Big Cheese in the White House. One man cannot change the values of a country.

“You can try to take away my guns, you can try to take away my money, but you can’t take my freedom,” said Parker Lenivy (’15).

We need to stand up for what we believe in, for what our fathers and their fathers have fought and bled for. Have pride in your country, and keep it American.

grief manifested itself as anger and frustration; they looked for someone to blame for the attacks.

Reverend Jerry Falwell said on the television program, “The 700 I pledge allegiance to America’s burden for its ideals which are Club,” “I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the always right, with liberty and justice for some. feminists, and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make From the array of recent ‘Merican films such as “Argo,” “Zero that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People for the American Way– Dark Thirty,” and “American Sniper” to the “USA” chants that echo all of them who have tried to secularize America–I point the finger in over the Hereford basketball courts, it is evident that a sense of pride their face and say, ‘You helped this happen.’” permeates our culture.

The anger also erupted into attacks on people of Arab and Muslim Even though many participate in justified patriotism, people also descent. There were nearly 600 incidents in the first 10 days after the fall to blind nationalism. attacks.

If you are proud of the troops defending this country or join in USA A Chicago mosque was mobbed by 500 furious people who refused chants, that is justified patriotism. Howto leave until they were forced out by ever, if you associate anyone remotely police. In Texas, a Pakistani grocer was Middle Eastern-looking with terrorism, murdered in a hate crime. In Arizona, an that is dumb, blind nationalism. anti-Arab rampage proved fatal for an “Out of all the countries I have Indian-born Sikh gas station owner. ever visited, the U.S. has the most paImmediately following 9/11, a diftriotism,” said Nina Bohlmann (’15), ferent side of American patriotism was who was born in Germany. “We say the brought out as people tried to compenpledge every morning, and bear our flag sate for the pain. And even though afteron our clothes and bumper stickers. But math has become less conspicuous, it is I do think that we become too wrapped still omnipresent. up in our principles that we begin to “Since 9/11, people have viewed think that no other government systems any questioning or serious critique of the are effective or correct.”

United States as evil or terroristic, and Sometimes the truth is tarnished whether it is from guilt or apathy, we Photo provided by Wikimedia Commons when looking through star-spangled have tried to force a definite good guyFireworks set off during an Independence Day celebralenses. For example, through a different bad guy image, especially on the Iraq tion in 2002. American patriotism was at an all-time lens, criticism of the constructed work of and Afghani wars, assigning ourselves high immediately following 9/11. fiction “American Sniper” reveals facts the good guys,” said Rachel VanHuizen that may challenge your belief system. (‘15).

The movie was based off of the words of Chris Kyle, a Navy SEAL The president at the time, George Bush, told the nation that they who was responsible for 160 kills in Iraq. In the movie, Chris Kyle would triumph over terrorism– he said, “Stop it, eliminate it, and deappears conflicted about the people he killed with his impressive marks- stroy it where it grows.” manship. However his actual words tell a different story.

Immediately after, the United States began military operations in “I wondered, how would I feel about killing someone? Now I Afghanistan. Congressional leaders also responded by passing a $40 know. It’s no big deal,” said Kyle in his novel. billion disaster relief bill in September and, the next year, the Patriot “You do [the job] until there’s no one left to kill. That’s what war Act, which preserves domestic tranquility. is,” said Kyle. “I loved what I did… I’m not lying or exaggerating to “While the threats we have are very real, concerning, and seemingsay it was fun.” ly constantly rising, it seems a little ludicrous to have a defense budget Many Americans, whose purchases of the tickets contributed $431 of some 600 BILLION dollars when education and research are receivmillion to the patriotic movie, looked at the silver screen and saw Chris ing much less than half that amount,” said Subhashini Arumugam (‘15).

Kyle as a hero. However, they may have been neglecting to realize that “National security is important and without it we’d be nowhere, but the real Chris Kyle is different from the character depicted in the movie. strong armed forces alone cannot move us forward.”

We have seen a great shift towards patriotism following the horriThe gigantic girth of the U.S defense budget fits our grotesquely ble terrorist attacks on September, 11, 2001. Our country bonded in the large nationalistic image However, each day many stand up to recite the event of the crisis. Citizens united to commemorate the lives that were pledge, and the problems of misdistribution and blind nationalism are lost and recover with a patriotic heart. But for some Americans, their not typical thoughts that run through their minds.

By Meghan Anderson manderson.harbinger@gmail.com

opinion

april 2015

MADDIE’S MUSING Favorite TV shows impart valuable life lessons

By Maddie McGee

mmcgee.harbinger@gmail.com

For each period of my life, I can recall a TV show that really defines that bygone era. Ranging from my childhood favorite of Barney to my all-time favorite TV shows, Friday Night Lights and The Office, I’ve learned invaluable life lessons from these shows that I’ve carried with me for my entire life thus far.

The first TV show I can recall an obsession for is the aforementioned Barney. I was never a Sesame Street kind of toddler, more like an all Barney, all the time gal. When I was about two years old, I was so infatuated with the big purple dinosaur that I would begin sobbing the second the “I Love You” song began, signaling the end of the episode. My parents and grandparents took me to see Barney live, where I was scarred for life by a character called the Winkster and one Christmas, I received a gigantic Barney doll that was larger than I was. My love for Barney rivaled that of people’s love for One Direction (sorry all you Zayn fans out there!). Barney is a pretty weird show if you think about—a large purple T-rex hangs out with elementary-aged children, teaching them about colors and cleaning up after themselves, accompanied by other dinosaurs named BJ and Baby Bop. Yet, I was so taken by this dinosaur that I would throw temper tantrums when the credits rolled. As for the life lessons learned from Barney, it’s really nothing that I didn’t learn in preschool.

As my love of Barney began to wane, and I was introduced to the Disney Channel, my whole life changed. I loved Lizzie McGuire and Even Stevens, but I was especially passionate about That’s So Raven, the show that convinced me that I was an eight-year-old psychic. My love for Disney Channel ended when I discovered Drake and Josh. Besides the fact that I was in love with Drake Bell, the show was so funny that my parents didn’t even mind watching it with me. As the show progressed it got weirder and weirder. Like if you thought the time when Drake discovered Josh dressed up like a woman to covertly write an advice column for their school newspaper was weird, then the episode where Drake and Josh sell an orangutan to a man who eats orangutans must seem pretty implausible to you. The biggest life lesson I learned from years spent watching Drake and Josh would be not to take pictures of hamsters with the flash on, as it will stun the poor rodent. This actually happened to me TWICE, with my sister’s hamster and my other

sister’s guinea pig. Thankfully, the animals fully recovered.

In middle school, I watched the cliché middle school teen dramas, such as Glee and Pretty Little Liars. I was so into Glee that I owned t-shirts, wristbands, calendars, DVDs, board games, you name it, I had it. Thankfully, I am no longer a Gleek (the nickname for Glee fans) and have disposed of all of my Glee merchandise, even my shirt that said “o.m.glee” which I purchased at Five Below and wore to school on Tuesdays when a new episode would come on. Please don’t judge me, seventh grade was terrible for everyone. Glee actually has some pretty important themes behind it, messages about acceptance that were delivered through catchy covers of 80s songs. I don’t watch Pretty Little Liars anymore, because there have been so many A’s—an anonymous person who stalks the main characters—that I’m pretty sure you would need several diagrams just to keep up with what’s going on. There are absolutely no life lessons to be learned from Pretty Little Liars, except maybe don’t get stalked.

With high school came my Netflix subscription and my subsequent discovery of TV shows that are actually good. Friday Nights Lights (mostly the gorgeous Tim Riggins) has given on me several life lessons in the forms of memorable adages such as “Texas forever”, “no regrets”, and “Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose!” I also learned how much one can cry out of both happiness and sadness over the course of 76 episodes.

If I find out that you are a fellow Friday Night Lights fanatic, I will hunt you down so we can talk about it and commiserate about how horrible a character Julie is and how there is no way in heck that two amazing characters like Coach and Tami Taylor could create such a horrible specimen. The Office features the comedic genius of Steve Carrell as Michael Scott, the Assistant Regional Manger at Dunder Mifflin, a paper company in Scranton, PA, and Rainn Wilson as Dwight Scrute, beet farmer and Assitant (to the) Assistant Regional Manager. Jim and Pam have one of the best relationships on any TV show I’ve ever seen. I began watching The Office as a lighthearted comedy show, but I quickly realized that it’s so much more than that.

The relationships and friendships featured are extremely realistic and I dare you not bawl when Michael Scott leaves to be with Holly, his love, it season 7.

I also watch so much reality television that the majority of my brain is likely rotted. If I could choose only one channel to watch for the rest of my life, it would have to be Bravo, so I could stay in touch with all of the Housewives (even though recently, New York has usurped New Jersey as the best series, although Aviva ripping off her prosthetic leg during a heated argument will never be able to top Teresa flipping the table).

Southern Charm is currently the greatest reality show ever produced by anyone, ever and if you don’t watch it, then please do so I can have people to talk to about it! Who wouldn’t want to watche extremely rich people living in Charleston, South Carolina argue with each other about how classy/unclassy they are? I also keep up with the Kardashians, and at this rate of new spinoffs being created, Kourney and Kim (Jong Il) Take North Korea will be coming at you this summer. The only life lesson that could come from any of these mind-numbing shows would be to try and not be like these idiots, lesson enough for me.

Hereford Harbinger | 15

Vending machines frustrate users

By Holly Watson

hwatson.harbinger@gmail.com

Its 10:30 am at Hereford High School and the students are hungry. Unknown to them, so are the vending machines.

One might use the term “sociopath”, to describe the vending machines at Hereford High. They lure the students in with the sweet promise of a treat and at students most vulnerable moment, when their hungry, they deny the students with what they need. And love every minute of it.

The vending machines love to get a rise out of students.

Seeing the children’s head drop in defeat after their dollar was stolen is just one of their favorite activities. They laugh when children kick the cold metal exterior, because they know they don’t even stand a chance. Once a vending machine decides pick on a student, there is no going back. Packed snacks are the only way to go now for them.

Art teacher Geoffrey Grace, whose classroom is located directly by the vending machines, said students come into his room two or three times a week in distress from the vending machines witholding their contents.

Cartoon by Joe Donatelli “Vending machines really bring out the worst in people,” said Grace, “Seeing someone who I otherwise respect whine about how their Cheetos got stuck is just depressing. Or when someone thinks they are the one blessed with the magic touch and can get something to fall out by banging 27 times on the machine, it’s a sad scene.”

Sad is right, especially when a student eagerly awaits the lunch bell because their mom packed them money for a special treat, only for it to be stolen, with not one crumb of regret by the vending machines.

Some days the vending machines are kind, but even that is an exaggeration since they hardly have a good food selection. Only halfway filled, they show a little compassion by acknowledging the choices are cruel enough, and grudgingly deliver the food problem free.

Not all vending machines are created equal. There are “normal” vending machines and then there are “H.U.M.A.N.” vending machines. “H.U.M.A.N.” stands for “Helping Unite Mankind and Nutrition”, which makes sense if their trying to fight obesity. Their so overpriced, rarely does someone ever splurge on them, thus leaving the students starving. So in the fight against obesity, one might say their doing a good thing.

Nights and weekend are agony for the vending machines.

They sit and wait hours, sometimes days, for the students, and the joy that comes with them to return. They gather in the moonlit cafeteria and plot schemes to leave the students hungry and frustrated. Lately they’ve gotten a kick out being unplugged. The second they hear a student walking down the hallway, with change clanking in their pocket, they shut themselves off so the student has to go to another vending machine, which will be conveniently turned off as well.

So what can be done about these metal boxes that have the power to control how a student’s day goes? Get rid of them. Every single one. Not just thrown out into the trash either, these monsters need to be burned to dust so there is not a chance for them to make a return. And next time vending machines are chosen for the school, ones without a personality disorder are strongly suggested.

Have an opinion you would like to share?

Write a letter to the editor!

Letters may be emailed to hhsharbinger@bcps.org, or bring them to room 207. Letters may be edited for length.

Cartoon by Joe Donatelli

16 | Hereford Harbinger

In Focus

Glasses frame a lavender morning glory. Many look for a fresh perspective with the coming spring season.

april 2015

Photo by Kyle Baal (‘15)

fresh

Photo provided by Weston Fellows Big brother Riley is eager to help his new brother Tristan with his “paci.” Engineering teacher Weston Fellows welcomed Tristan Sidney Fellows to his family on March 23.

Photo by Julia Baier (‘16) Julia Baier’s (‘16) family boat travels down the Atlantic. Julia’s father bought the boat the day this photo was taken.

The images featured were submitted after the Harbinger challenged student-artists to submit pieces that related to this month’s “In Focus” theme: FRESH. The Hereford Harbinger invites submissions of photography or poetry based on our monthly theme.

The May theme is: TIME Email images (.JPEGs) or poems to hhsharbinger@bcps.org.