Welcome Class of 2021
THE LANCE
We Believe.
We Will Succeed.
The student newspaper of Linganore High School Special Issue
12013 Old Annapolis Road Frederick, MD 21701
2017
Important Fall dates for 2017 by Rose Fiore Editor Welcome to high school! These are some important dates that you’ll want to mark in your calendar so you can keep up with school activities. August
photo by Bridget Murphy
Fall sports start on the 9th. If you’re trying out, be sure to have your online physical form completed. Freshman orientation has not been scheduled yet, but it will take place sometime in late August. It’s not required, but it's reccomended so you can learn where your classes are. You’ll also be able to buy Linganore gear like sweatpants and t-shirts. September
photo by Brandon Cooper
We have our first football game on the 1st. It’s against Archbishop Curley at home at 7 pm. Follow @TheLH-
STribe on Twitter to find out the theme of the game and follow @linganorefb for score updates during the game. Our first day of school is on the 5th! Attendance is very important, so make an effort to show up every day for every period. On the 12th and 13th is underclass pictures in the auditorium. Make sure you have your picture order form with you. October Homecoming usually is in October and has yet to be sched-
photo by Grace Weaver
uled. Tickets last year were $22 and will be sold at lunch for a few weeks beforehand, so make sure to save up! It’s from 7 pm to 10 pm and attire is semiformal.
How to be in "the know" @LHSJournalism @_LHS_YEARBOOK @lhslancertv @LinganoreMath @LHSWatermark @LinganoreGolf @LancerBoysTrack @LancerBandLHS @LinganoreSGA @linganorebb @LancersLax @girlsBBlhs @LancerBoosters @GoLHSbaseball @LancersSoftball @TheLHSTribe @linganorefb @LHSVolleyball
How to PREP in high school by Beau Cameron Managing Editor
by Rose Fiore Editor
Follow on Twitter:
courtesy of Kyle Austin
Lancer Media _Yearbook Morning Announcements Math Department Literary Arts Magazine Golf Team Boys Track Team Marching Band Student Government Association Boys Basketball Team Boys Lacrosse Team Girls Basketball Team Sports Boosters Baseball Team Softball Team The Tribe Football Team Volleyball Team
Welcome Class of 2021: In the fall of 2016, Linganore introduced a preparatory period, or PREP (Preparation, Resource, Enrichment, Practice). In simplest terms, PREP is a daily study hall. Students have 30 minutes between periods two and three to work on homework, class assignments, or other work. Students without any work can read. Similar to an advisement period, PREP is a time for distributing papers such as report cards and testing packets. At the end of the period, the daily video announcements are played on the projector, provid-
ing information on lunch schedules, sports games, and other important upcoming events. Students interested in becoming involved
to work on art projects.” PREP can function as an in-school tutoring period. Teachers can pull students to their classrooms to make
photo by Beau Cameron
with the announcements should speak with Mr. Pat Greene. Class of 2019 Colleen Avila said, “PREP is useful for me because it allows me to do homework, which lessens the load I have to do at home. I also use PREP
up assignments or to study. There is an online database through which teachers request students, and PREP teachers check off when they have been sent and received by the teacher. Many AP teachers have large group study peri-
ods where they review material during PREP as a way of preparing students for AP and standardized testing. Students must request that the teacher pull them, however, if they need tutoring. For general tutoring, you can sign up to be pulled by Mrs. Mary Jo York, Linganore’s tutoring specialist. The Media Center can also pull groups of students who need time to collaborate on projects. Sign ups for this are at the front of the Media Center information desk. On Friday of most weeks, PREP acts as a time for clubs to meet. Read more at: http://lhslance.org/ip17z
Tutoring, more help than you know by Matthew Gelhard Reporter
photo by Matthew Gelhard
Most students shy away from tutoring, feeling that they don’t need it, but those who put extra work in learn more. If you don’t fully grasp a concept, why would you sit back and watch your grade fall off the charts? The registrar Kathryn Rich said that in Term 3 12.3% of the freshman class of 2021
had a GPA of 2.0 or under, which sounds very good, but that would mean 3 of every 25 students are ineligible. Getting tutoring isn’t only for kids that are struggling. It’s also for those who could use a brush up on their school work, from quick check over homework or a lesson that you don’t fully understand. Tutoring opportunities help students to improve and enhance their learning environment. Mrs. Mary Jo York’s room C-204 is open for tutoring Monday through Thursday from 2:15-3:30. She, and many other student tutors, are there to help. She can
help with mathematics, and the other tutors can assist with other areas such as English, history, foreign language, science, and more. After school tutoring can just be a quiet place to work. Mrs. Tracey Cassidy (C-202) is another option for tutoring. Mrs. Cassidy provides morning tutoring from 6:30 to 7:15 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Other tutoring times can be provided with by discussing with Mrs. Cassidy. Her room provides a 1-on-1 atmosphere in a quiet environment to work. This way students can get attention that they need and can make connections with a teacher.
“A reason students shy away from tutoring is that they are embarrassed that they need more time to study and are unsure about the environment; however, these tutoring opportunities take place in a comfortable environment where there is no need to stress or worry about others,” said Cassidy. This place is a good environment, with other students looking for the same thing that you are looking for, a good grade. This room also has access to materials that you may not have at your own. Read more at: http://lhslance.org/5t588
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Welcome Class of 2021
The Lance
2017
How clubs work, what they do, and why join? Katie Lehman Editor School is stressful. Luckily, there are clubs that meet during PREP on Fridays that are a wonderful way to alleviate stress and celebrate the end of the week. Students have the opportunity to join a various number of different clubs. With around 45 different clubs to chose from, it’s important to know how they work. This guide will help you with what you need to know. The first thing to know about
clubs is how to sign up for them, what clubs there are, and what you have to do to be eligible to join one. In September when school first starts on one day at lunch the SGA (Student Government Association) holds a club fair. Here you can look around some displays of the clubs and what activities they do. Not all of the clubs have displays, but there are lists at the front of the cafeteria with all the clubs on it and what days they meet. Each student gets a form in their PREP class to sign up for clubs. To join the club, you have to turn in this
form to your PREP teacher or in the bin that will be out during the club fair. This step can’t be skipped; otherwise, you won’t be able to attend any clubs. To be eligible to join a club you must have a good academic standing. If you have F’s or low D’s you can’t participate in clubs, similar to how you can’t participate in sports activities if your grades are too low. You can join three clubs that meet during PREP, one that meets on A days, B days, and C days. You can join more clubs that meet after school.
Clubs meet on Friday, and every Friday is a different club day, A, B, or C. For example if you have a club in group A and in group B then the first Friday you’d meet in the group A club, the second Friday you’ll attend your group B club, and for the third day you wouldn’t attend any club because you don’t have a group C club. Then on the next Friday the cycle repeats. Read more at lhslance.org/i2flh
Three easy ways to get started Join SGA and/or Class Council Alex Ismael Reporter
SGA (Student Government Association) at the high school level is much different than it is at the middle school level. People who are a part of SGA and their Class Council are more involved and much more action happens every month of the year. The success of the program is largely due to the advisor, Mr. Jeremy Brown. At Linganore, there are two main parts of the SGA: SGA as a club and class council. The SGA club is open to the entire student body, regardless of grade level. You may be wondering what is involved with these two clubs. To do the bare minimum, you can show up to the meetings. But just showing up is no fun. Take part in the discussion and voice your opinions! Speaking at the school-wide GAs can be scary at first, but don’t be afraid to share. Other than taking part in the conversations, taking part in SGA is the easiest way to be a part of school events! There are many events throughout the year, such as Lancers Against Cancer (October – Breast Cancer Awareness, events like pink outs at games and collecting donations), the Egg nog Jog (an event near Christmas where you run 2 miles and drink egg nog every quarter mile! (I’m co-chairperson this year for that so come see me for more information!), the Polar Bear Plunge (also known as the Cool School Challenge, raising money for the Maryland Special Olympics, where you get to jump into the freezing cold Chesapeake Bay in January) and many more! A final point to keep in mind is titles and positions do not equate to a positive mark on your resume or college applications. In reality, it is more important to have the details of what you did to back up the position. This goes both ways. Just because you don’t have a leadership position does not mean you can’t do anything. You have the power to step up and find a place in SGA or your council. If you really are vying for a position, check in with Mr. Brown to see what’s still open, but don’t be afraid to step up and participate without a title. The events held throughout the year are great to expand leadership skills and meet people from different walks of life. Read more at: http://lhslance.org/0n3m9
Find unusual clubs Emily Reed Managing Editor Harry Potter Alliance If you’re seeing sparks flying from the media center, it’s probably just the Harry Potter Alliance practicing their spells. New wizards are sorted into their respective houses and there are competitions between the houses. There’s typically a Quidditch tournament at the end of the year. They have one fundraiser or service project during the year and this year they had a book drive. Key Club While Frederick does have the popular minor league baseball team called the Frederick Keys, this is not their fan club. Instead, Linganore’s Key Club is a part of the larger Key Club International which is one of the biggest service programs for high school students. This year, they served in the community and in their own school. For example, they had a car wash at Food Lion and cleaned up around school. Through Key Club, there are scholarship opportunities and photo by Natalie Rebetsky ways to get ser- Students enjoy the HPA 2015 vice hours. Quidditch competition. Extreme Music Club Headbangers and curious students alike congregate in Mr. Daniel Lake’s room on club days for Extreme Music Club. Students kick off the club by discussing why they listen to heavy metal and then they go on a scavenger hunt exploring all of the music put together by one artist. Though they meet exclusively on club day, they are active on Google Classroom. On the club’s Google Classroom page, members often share the music they’re listening to. Robotics Club The Robotics courtesy of Kate Cameron Team meets in Mr. Nate Vanhoozer works on the M a r k L a s t o v a ’ s final framework for the robot. room on club days but they meet more than once in a blue mooooon. The team calls themselves Bovine Intervention, a pun on “Divine Intervention”. This club is more of a commitment than some of the others mentioned since they work together at Walkersville High School to compete in FIRST robotics competitions outside of school. If interested, mail firstteam686@gmail.com. Read more at: http://lhslance.org/8h3hy
Aim high for honor societies Cindy Zheng Reporter If you plan to take the fine arts path, joining the National Art Honor Society might be something you’d want to consider. Honor societies are organizations that group together students who have similar interests. They allow you to take a step further into your future, and these societies can look great on your college applications (if you’re actually involved). Interested in joining? Mrs.Georgia Geisser, who is in charge of the honor society, has the application forms. Besides completing this form, students are also required to take a fine arts credit every year. There is a fee of $20 for underclassmen and $30 for seniors. This fee covers the cost of the honor cord and all the materials used photo by Cindy Zheng for community work. NAHS students meet Students who are not after school. interested in receiving a cord do not have to pay the fee. Underclassmen will not get their cord until their senior year. Please remember that acceptance and maintaining membership in the NAHS is based on participation, and it can be difficult for students who are involved in other activities. Of all the projects the members produce, the annual art show, color run, and the Christmas sale reoccur the most often. This year, members of the society have made charm bracelets that were auctioned for the Heartly House to fight against violence towards women and children. The funds made from the products sold went towards art scholarships for seniors. Students have any questions can find Ms. Geisser in the classrooms A207, A211, and/or C104. Linganore High School also offers twelve other honor societies: • National Honor Society • National English Honor Society • National Honor Society for Dance Arts • Science Honor Society • International Thespian Society (Drama Honor Society) • Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society) • Rho Kappa (Social Studies Honor Society) • Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica (Spanish Honor Society) • Societe Honoria De Francis (French Honor Society) • German Honor Society • Tri-M Music Honor Society • Quill and Scroll Honor Society (Journalism Honor Society) Read more at: http://lhslance.org/us1e2
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The Lance
Welcome Class of 2021
2017
High school is no musical: Check your drama at the door by Madison Reeley Reporter Hollywood has portrayed high school with its most extreme and stereotyped characteristics. Since Hollywood never shows us the true nature of high school, we go into these four years with unrealistic expectations, both good and bad. Some movies, like High School Musical, only show high school in a positive sense. The only negativity in this movie, and most other tween high school movies, is some high school drama, which is always resolved by the end of the episode or movie. High school will not be all singing and happy resolutions. There will be stress, and you will have to face numerous challenges.
graphic by Hannah Haught On the other end of the spectrum, showing all the negativity of high school, are TV shows where even the fun events, like school dances, are shadowed with negativity. These shows combine all the possible ways high school could go wrong. Tragedies don’t happen all the time, or in every school. Hollywood’s version, where a new tragedy occurs every
week, just isn’t real. The most frequent “real” complaint about high school is the increased expectations. Classes can become overwhelming, especially if you don’t stay on top of your work. Hollywood seems to forget about the most important part of high school, the education. For the average student, most of school will revolve around learning. Any drama faced at school will seem like background noise once you get into your work. The drama-filled sitcoms like Gossip Girl and Glee falsify the high school experience just as much as every other show. Of course you will face some drama at school, but Hollywood has taken these dramas, that only affect a small portion of the school population, and exaggerates them to create an entertaining show. The truth is, high school is a combination of all three scenarios, and something different altogether. You will get the good, the bad, and the drama but not nearly as much as Hollywood shows. You will have plenty of opportunities to have fun and make new friends. You will make a new home in the Lancer Nation. And, by the way, as far as we know, there aren’t any supernatural forces lurking in our high school. The magic of high school comes from what you put into it. Read more at http://lhslance.org/bxu6i
Drama, dance, music: Tour the D Wing by Alex Ismael Reporter Many students who are not involved with performing arts may not even set foot down the D wing hallway at LHS. Most walk through the front doors and pass by the entrance to the hallway each day. The D wing houses the performing arts classes (for the most part) and entrance/access to the auditorium and stage. You may be wondering… why take a music class? Mr. Dye, the choral and orchestral director said, “We have all kinds of opportunity for performance here. And you’re in a class with all different grade levels.”
This is true. For all music classes each class is a mix of freshmen to seniors. Band director Mr. Lloyd adds, “Students in a music class are happier, more productive, get better grades and have better attendance than those who are not.” The advanced equipment accessible to the Music Technology class is exclusive to Linganore. With tech theatre classes, there are plenty of opportunities for behind the scenes. There are many great reasons to join a music class, but most of all, it is a great way to let your creative side grow if visual art is not your thing. Read more at http://lhslance.org/zl2se
grpahic by Alex Ismael
graphic by Hannah Haught Quick tips: Do's and Don'ts for freshman year
Advice to Class of 2021 (from someone who's been there) Katie Brengel, Class of 2020 Guest Contributor
One change is simply physical. Not only is the school building significantly bigger, but the quantity of students is very startling. Once the bell rings, people swarm out of the honeycombs and make a beeline for the next room they’re going to in the hive. They all know exactly where they’re going, and it’s a feat hard to even imagine until you see it. Trying to find your classroom with your schedule clutched in your hand, it feel like you’re hopelessly lost in a sea of upperclassmen. However, if you get lost in the hive in your first couple days, don’t be afraid to ask a teacher for help. You can either try and find your way back to Main Street and ask someone in front of student services or walk into the closest classroom and admit you can’t find your class. With high school comes freedom; however, with this freedom comes responsibility and decision making. The number of classes you can choose from seems infinite; you can branch out from the basics. You have the choice of endless different clubs to sign up for and sports to tryout for. The decisions are awesome because these are the things that help form you into the person you want to be. However, it can be stressful trying to choose out of the many options, hardly knowing anything about school in general. High school is full of opportunities. Your experience will be based on which ones you take and which ones you decide would be best to avoid. It won’t be too long before you go from a small freshman to a senior ruling the school. Four quick years are hard, and, if you choose, incredible.
Read more at http://lhslance.org/2vl2s
Dillon Riggin, Class of 2018 Guest Contributor
There is no doubt that you have heard an array of horror stories about high school. Your last year of middle school was filled with tales of harsh punishment, repulsive amounts of homework, and threats levied against freshmen. While high school certainly isn’t a cake-walk, it also isn’t a medieval dungeon like some claim. I’m going to give you some advice that will alleviate some stress and put many rumors that you’ve heard to rest. You will not be bullied just because you are a freshman. You will probably not be bullied at all. Upperclassmen have other things to do besides picking on younger kids. It’s reassuring to remember they were once freshmen as well! I cannot recall a single instance when I was bullied during my freshman year. The only time I truly felt like a freshman was on my sports team. Freshmen were assigned menial tasks such as looking for stray balls and transporting water jugs. It was nothing seriously harsh, and the sophomores had done it as well during their freshman year. For all of you who fear being bullied or singled out, just relax. You will be fine. Surprisingly, you’ll find most upperclassmen to be friendly and helpful. It is a very good idea to ask a junior or senior any questions you have about school. I guarantee that they will know the answer and are more than willing to help you. Respect the teachers and follow their instructions. Always do your homework, study hard and establish habits for yourself early on. Most students will be welcoming and helpful. If you remember my advice and just relax, you will have a blast in high school. Read more at http://lhslance.org/o6fcr
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The Lance
Welcome Class of 2021
Prep smart for sports season
Ethan Hart Matthew Gelhard Christian Nolan Reporters
It’s your first year of high school sports, a taste of the big show. Are you preparing yourself for your season now? Utilizing the resources available to you at Linganore will not only help you make the team but also it will also make you a better player. To become a Linganore athlete or a high school athlete takes dedication in and out of the classroom. Grades It all starts in the classroom: you are a student athlete–student is before athlete. The minimum requirement GPA to play a sport is a 2.0. Remember, you also can’t play if you have an “F” in a class. Even if you make the team with bad grades, you are failing your team by becoming ineligible and putting them in a rough position. Team commitment If the coach is holding clinics, go to them. If they have group weight lifting, be ready to lift. Showing commitment shows character and respect. If are you committed to your sport, show it. Be ready as a player to play for a team and not only for yourself. Practice on your time Practicing outside of school is one of the true indicators of dedication in sports. The ability to
recognize your weaknesses and have the motivation to improve them to play better is something sought after by coaches of all levels. You will rise the ranks in your sports team by working on your skills outside of school. English teacher and JV Baseball coach Jesse Bortner says, “The more effort you put in, the more results you tend to see.” Be responsible Playing at a higher level of competition in high school requires not only a daily commitment but a huge responsibility to your team, as well as being accountable for yourself. If you do miss an event, notify your coaches beforehand and have a reasonable and worthy excuse. Always give your best As an athlete and a student, doing a project or doing conditioning in practice are things that are meant for you to get better. Not caring and not trying doesn’t get you anywhere in high school, or life. To coaches like Mr. Bortner, effort sets a player aside from the rest of their teammates, especially in high school sports. “For every minute that you’re sitting around, someone is getting better than you. That’s a harsh reality you’re gonna have to face in high school.” Trying your best shows your coaches that you are dedicated to the sport, and it shows your teammates that you are a teamfirst person. Use these tips as guidelines for your success. . Don’t be afraid to try out for a sport, and always be prepared for something new. Read more at: http://lhslance.org/e4m47
Get involved with Unified Sports Grace Brooks Reporter
Unified Sports brings students with and without disabilities together on the same team. The team competes against teams from other schools. Unified sports offered in Frederick County are bocce ball, tennis, and track and field. Linganore also has a unified P.E. class. The team usually has practice two days a week for an hour, where students learn basic skills in that sport and then practice. The team competes with other schools one night a week. The unified teams allow for students without disabilities to play sports they enjoy and to meet new people on the teams. “The team and class are for everyone. If you’re not great at sports, that is okay. It’s about the experience and having fun,” said Rachael Easterday, the unified P.E. teacher and tennis coach. Kelly Rippeon, a member of the class of 2017, took unified P.E. for two years and has had a great experience. “My favorite thing had to be helping students with disabilities get better at something they were passionate about. I saw them grow and improve
2017
Lancers in sports 2016-2017 Varsity Football record: 7-4 Head coach: Richard Conner Season Highlights: Went as far as the second round of the playoffs, losing to Damascus. Key wins include defeating Middletown and Urbana to win the I-70 trophy. Prediction: With a young team and so many injuries, varsity football is bound to make a comeback next season and get farther in the playoffs then they did last season. Boys Varsity Lacrosse record: 17-1 Head coach: Richard Thompson Season Highlights: Went all the way to the state semifinals against Glenelg High School. Prediction: After winning a state ring in the 15’-16’ season, and losing many seniors, our Lancers put up an amazing fight to try to go back to back state titles. They look like they’re going to go 18-0 next season. Girls Varsity Lacrosse record: 2-11 Head coach: Chris Ayers Season Highlights: Two key wins against TJ and Catoctin, made it to the first round of the playoffs. Prediction: It wasn’t a great year, but with young, promising freshmen sure to develop, the program will improve. Varsity Baseball record: 10-12 Head coach: David Keiling Season Highlights: The young varsity baseball went 10-12 in the regular season and reached the regional semifinals against Thomas Jefferson High School Prediction: This team has already dealt their hardships. More experienced next year, Lancer Varsity Baseball is bound to return to the regional championship.
Varsity Softball record: 17-1 Head coach: Andrea Poffinberger Season Highlights: After annihilating every team they played, the Linganore Varsity Softball team went in the playoffs with a winning attitude, and they brought back a regional championship. Prediction: This team is more experienced, and with the past seniors teaching the upcoming stars, it would not be surprising if they returned for another regional championship. Better yet, a state championship. Boys Varsity Soccer record: 5-9-2 Head coach: Brian Johnson Season Highlights: Tied the Thomas Jefferson Patriots in regular season, later in the first round of the playoffs, Linganore upsets them and moves on to the next round. Prediction: The Linganore boys soccer had a young team last season, with more experienced player next fall, this team is bound to go far in the playoffs. Girls Varsity Soccer record:17-4-1 Head coach: Howard Putterman Season Highlights: After going 8-1 in their conference, soccer was a powerhouse in the county. They finished their season in the county playoff semifinals, losing to Urbana Prediction: While losing many key seniors, they can expect a group of JV players to come in and step up. Varsity Volleyball record: 6-3-1 Head coach: Andrea Poffinberger Season Highlights: Went as far as the first round in the playoffs against the Tuscarora Titans. Prediction: Varsity Volleyball only played one round in the playoffs last season, but they’re fighting harder and surely they'll clinch a regional championship.
Lancer Media Staff lhslance.org
Advisor Natalie Rebetsky
Managing Editors Beau Cameron Hannah Haught Emily Reed
Editors Devin Barge Rose Fiore Katie Lehman Lily Weaver
Video Editors Alex Ismael Lourdes Jack
Reporters Grace Brooks Mason Eddins Matthew Gelhard Ethan Hart Lourdes Jack Christian Nolan Madison Reeley Cindy Zheng
Join the Lancer Media Team We want you! email: natalie.rebetsky@fcps.org over the two years that I was in the class. Everyone should take it,” said Rippeon. Mrs. Mary Cate Henry has been the unified bocce ball coach for four years and has taught in the Learning for Life program for eight years. “Unified sports is beneficial to students because it’s fun and social. It gives all kids the chance to be on a competitive team,” said Henry. Suscha Campbell, a member of the class of 2019 has participated in unified track and bocce ball. “Bocce ball is my favorite sport to play. I like unified sports because I get to hang out with all my friends,” said Campbell.
Follow us on Twitter @lhsjournalism The Lance is an independent student newspaper. The Frederick County Public School system does not discriminate in the admission, access, treatment, or employment in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, gender, age national orgin, religion, or disability.