Mainstream – May/June, 2023 – Full Issue PDF

Letter From the Editors

Welcome to the third and final print edition of Mainstream for the 2022-2023 school year. Throughout the year, the Journalism team has worked tirelessly to refine and improve layouts to ensure a captivating experience from front to back. Our student journalists have also worked to put out content on the Mainstream website, with topics ranging from current and local news, to entertainment pieces that cover newly-released movies and album recommendations.

This print issue will inform students on PB’s latest changes including MCPS’s installment of vape detectors, the implementation of student ID badges, and the most anticipated event of the year: Prom. PB staff members will also be highlighted for recent achievements, while saying a difficult goodbye to Athletic Director, Coach Podosek.

To balance some of the heavier topics such as opinions on gun violence, feelings toward an uninspiring school curriculum, and the challenges faced by disabled students who are in true need of the elevators, this issue provides students with a games page and coverage of the visual art on display from our talented Panthers in this year’s art show in the center spread.

With it being the final print issue of the year and weeks before graduation, our senior journalists reflect on their time with Mainstream in their “Senior Goodbye,”sharing personal experiences and reflecting on the growth that came from their work in journalism. As a tribute to the entire graduating class, a list of post-graduation decisions - titled “Senior Destinations” - is included to identify the immediate plans for those in the Class of 2023.

We commend the diligence and dedication of the Mainstream staff, who’ve created the incredible content to make this issue possible. A great “thank you” is due to Mr. Woodward, our advisor who has worked day in and day out to support us throughout the year. We hope this year’s content has been enjoyable for you all, and that this final edition of Mainstream is one of enjoyment as well.

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If you would like to support Mainstream by becoming a PATRON next year - please contact Mr. Woodward at brian.woodward@mcpsmd.net

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MainstreaM staff

Editors-in-Chief

Jordane Branch

Fanta Dabo

Yeabsira Getachew

Andrea Gill

Naomi Kyei-Asare

Front & Back Editor

Jordane Branch

News Editor

Fanta Dabo

Features & TOC Editor

Yeabsira Getachew

Center Editor

Naomi Kyei-Asare

Opinions Editor

Andrea Gill

Entertainment Editor

Sage Suddleson

Staff Writers

Abigail Alem

Kalel Betron

Ryan Bobb

Xavier Chang

Deon Key

Sumer Elsalawi

Bethel Gedihun

Lan Huynh

Harry Lin

Crystal Masih

Andrew Reyes

Gabriela Romero

Sania Ross

Luise Terrel

Adviser

Brian Woodward

MainstreaM Policy

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The Mainstream is a public forum that is published by the students of Paint Branch High School. Every effort has been made by the staff to ensure that the news is accurate and free of bias. Letters to the editor are welcome and will be published as space allows. All letters are subject to laws governing obscenity, libel, privacy, and disruption of the school process, as are all contents of the paper. All letters should be submitted to advisor Brian Woodward in room 3301 or sent to Paint Branch High School, 14121 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville, MD 20866.

To contact the Mainstream via e-mail send correspondence to: Mr. Woodward at: brian.woodward@mcpsmd.net

PB Piloting Multiple Programs for MCPS

Vape Detectors Installed Student ID Program Begins

Luise Emerson Terrel Staff Writer

On April 12, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) announced that Paint Branch along with five other high schools, (John F. Kennedy, Northwood, Quince Orchard, Richard Montgomery, and Walt Whitman) would be participating in a pilot program intended to combat vaping and discourage the use of illicit substances.

According to MCPS Chief Operating Officer M. Brian Hull, “Vape detectors are in the process of being installed in the bathrooms” of the participating schools, and intervention services and prevention outreach will also be provided. The program will slowly be integrated into the participating schools. The program will finish at the end of the school year and after that, MCPS will be assessing the results to determine the usefulness of the detectors.

As for whether the detectors will at least decrease the problem of vaping in bathrooms, Paint Branch Security Team Member Mr. Nate Young said, “Absolutely.” Mr. Young adds that, “Normally it’s...been a big problem” and it happens “throughout the day, every day.”

Freshman Simon Behr is unsure whether or not the vape detectors will work but if they do he thinks they will be “pretty effective.” He does note that his initial thinking is that there is a flaw in that while the vape detectors will “be able to detect that someone was vaping,” it will “have absolutely no idea who.”

Peace Alayode is confused about what the vape detectors are supposed to be detecting. “A lot of things can produce vapor besides vapes,” says the PB junior. Alayode also says that with the vape detectors only in the bathrooms it limits their effectiveness as people will just not vape in the bathrooms and “how quickly can an administrator get to the bathroom when the detector goes off?” She finishes by adding, “everyone knows that’s not really the place people smoke anymore.”

PB’s involvement in the program came because MCPS asked PB if it wanted to be involved. PB Principal Dr. Mirshah feels proud to be part of the program because she believes that, “it says they trust us to do a good job.” She also notes that she really hopes the program works.

Abigail Alem Staff Writer

Have you ever seen someone in the halls and thought, “Do they even go here?” If you answered yes to this question, you are not alone. While Paint Branch High School has over 2,200 students, which makes it nearly impossible to know everyone, it can still feel like some people walking the hallway may not belong here. This is where ID badges come into the picture.

On April 12, MCPS released a letter to members of the community regarding school safety and that several schools, including PB, would be piloting a program of ID badges for staff and students. In the letter MCPS stated, “The second program involves high school students wearing badges as a way to identify themselves on campus.” The county also stated that they hope that this system will, “help our staff and security personnel to quickly recognize students who belong on campus and identify any individuals who do not.”

PB, along with Walter Johnson and Richard Montgomery, was selected to be one of the schools to pilot this program, which should be up and running fully by the end of the month. Dr. Mirshah, the PB school principal explains, “We did community circles with students and met with members of SGA. And from the students I heard that they wanted increased security and that they were concerned that there are people in the building that shouldn’t be here.”The reasoning behind the added security measures for PB came from the incidents the school faced in February. After meeting with people from the school community and others around the county, Dr. Mirshah felt it was imperative to take security measures to the next level, so taking advantage of the opportunity to pilot this program made sense.

The student ID badges are meant to identify what students are in the building, and when. According to Dr. Mirshah during information assemblies held on May 15th, students who return late from lunch will scan their ID as they enter the building. Eventually students will also use this method for daily entry into the building each morning.

While it might take time for students to get accustomed to the new routine, testing this system now will enable everyone to be “ready with it for the next school year,” notes Dr. Mirshah. With the added security measure, students will be given grace as they familiarize themselves with bringing their IDs. If a student forgets their ID, they can identify themselves on synergy and potentially get a visitors badge-- or a new ID can be ordered for them.

PB will use this new system to expand the current ID usage around school, such as using an ID to check out a book from the Media Center. Now, gradual steps will be added. “When you arrive late from lunch or if you go to the nurse’s or the counselor’s office, you’ll show your ID as well,” Dr. Mirshah adds.

“Students need to help out with this,” says Dr. Mirshah who expresses how keeping each other safe is a team effort and can’t be done unless everyone helps out. The end goal is to ensure the safety of everyone, and with added security, Paint Branch might be able to accomplish that.

PROM 2023: Hollywood

Yeabsira Getachew Co-Editor-in-Chief

On Friday, May 5th, 2023, the annual Junior/Senior prom took place at the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center on the University of Maryland Campus. Attendees danced to all genres of music, took photos at the photo booth, and enjoyed finger food that provided the energy to keep going.

During the evening, which revolved around a “Hollywood'' theme, PB students arrived dressed in a variety of garments that allowed them to shine. From sequin dresses to traditional clothes to vintage gowns,these Panthers were on-point. And this crowd did not just stand around and look good as the dance floor seemed magnetic with students on it most of the night. Throughout the night, Ms. Murdock, Ms. Gardner, and the class of 2024 officers worked hard to help plan the event, from the popping playlist to the intricate decor.

PB Students and Staff Earn Honors

Fanta Dabo Co-Editor-in-Chief

Senior Emely Argueta (pictured at left with her parents and sister) was recognized by the Hispanic Alliance for Education for her outstanding academic performance in high school. Emily, who was surprised by the honor, stated, “Honestly, at first I thought it wasn’t that big of a deal, but now I am super proud and I feel really accomplished that I won this award.”

Three PB staff members (pictured at right with their awards) were honored by organizations within the state of Maryland for their exceptional work and leadership. Mrs. Cecelia Chivers was named the Health/P.E. Teacher of the Year, Mr. Ricardo Hernandez was named Assistant Principal of the Year, and Athletic Director Ms. Heather Podosek was named Athletic Director of the year.

PB’s

honored by MCPS as the School Nutrition

of the Year. In a note announcing the award, Dr. Mirshah stated: “Ms. Min is an outstanding leader that ensures our students receive breakfast and lunch daily. She flawlessly manages the budget and operations of our cafeteria.”

Cafeteria Manager, Ms. Min Huang, (pictured above with PB School Business Administrator Mrs. Audrey Patton) was

Employee

photos courtesy of Dr. Mirshah

Bon Voyage: All About Studying Abroad

Sumer Elsalawi Staff Writer

Have you seen young adults in TV shows excitedly pack their bags and go on journeys to other countries to pursue their academic dreams? Have you ever dreamt of studying in a foreign country during your high school or college years? Well, if you answered yes to either of these questions, then you are familiar with the idea of studying abroad which is something many teens, including myself, hope to experience someday.

As the world is reopening and finally returning to normal after the Covid-19 Pandemic, there has been an increase in students eager to study abroad. Countries are reopening international travel and are more accepting of having foreign students. This has resulted in higher participation rates and has even relieved a sense of ennui residing in students after the pandemic.

According to an article from the Council On International Educational Exchange (CIEE), “What is Study Abroad?,” studying abroad is much more than simply seeking an academic goal in a foreign country. Studying internationally “opens the door to an entirely new world and new points of view that foster cross-cultural learning.” This experience allows young adults to expand their knowledge of other cultures, learn to live in new surroundings, and grow out of their comfort zone, which is beneficial in many parts of life.

One person who knows about being an exchange student firsthand is Mrs. Carolyn Kelley, a PB Spanish and Staff Development teacher who spent two summers abroad during her college years. Her first destination during the summer of her sophomore year was Sevilla, Spain, a place she recalls as “new, beautiful, and exciting.” This is also the place that sparked her love and interest for traveling abroad and learning about Spanish culture.

The following summer, Mrs. Kelley studied in Puebla, Mexico, which she enjoyed more as she had already been exposed to life abroad during her time in Spain. Mrs. Kelley recalls her experiences in these countries as “life-changing, memorable, and adventurous.” She also notes that they play a significant role in her job here at Paint Branch, as learning Spanish in another country was her starting point to fluency and eventually teaching the language. Mrs. Kelley mentions that while studying abroad was truly memorable, she got something even bigger from it: confidence. She notes, “because I studied abroad, it allowed me to be brave enough to move to Chile and teach for a year and a half and visit other Southern American countries along the way.” To this day, Mrs. Kelley is extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity to study abroad as it opened the door to new opportunities and gave her endless memories to cherish.

Another PB teacher who knows what it is like to study abroad in Spain is math teacher Ms. Bailey. In fact, Ms. Bailey not only knows what studying abroad is like, she also knows what being a PB student is like, as she was a Panther herself, graduating in 2012. Ms. Bailey enjoyed her high school years and was involved within the school community as a member of the Poms team, enrolled in orchestra, and even assisted with numerous SGA events throughout the years at PB. She notes, “I never really considered studying abroad in high school; but going to Spelman College in Atlanta, an environment where they encouraged studying abroad, did it for me.”

While Ms. Bailey’s study-abroad experience was briefer than someshe was abroad for only a month - it was still a great opportunity for her. Regarding her biggest takeaway, she notes, “You really don’t have a good perspective unless you lived or experienced life somewhere else.”

This is true in many aspects of life because we as people become so accustomed to our daily routines and surroundings that we forget that lives exist outside of ours. Though she wishes her schedule in Spain had been less packed and she had been given more time to explore, she still adds that it gave her “another perspective and shined a light on life in a completely different environment.”

On the side of briefer experiences, Mr. Silsbee, an AP Psychology, World History, and Law teacher at PB, spent three weeks abroad, mostly in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany during his junior year of college at the University of Maryland. This trip was part of an education program, and knowing he wanted to become a teacher, he decided to take part in this journey to Europe. When first asked about his experiences, he responds with a memory of it being “extremely cold.” He adds that he found some clear contrasts between schools in the U.S. and those in Europe, as the program he worked with emphasized cross-cultural education. An interesting difference he pointed out was that “American schools are better at giving students options and European schools push students more than provide them with resources.” He adds that this is especially evident when having to pick jobs and even decide what school to attend. When asked if he could have a second shot at his experience abroad, he responds with “Of course. I would also opt to do a whole semester, since I wish I had more of an experience to live as an actual person.”

PB Food Trends teacher Chef Ripley also shared his unique study abroad experience, where he traveled to different parts of France for three weeks while in culinary school. His feelings about the experience were similar to those of the other teachers, as he notes that the experience taught him about an unfamiliar culture and provided “a chance to observe a culture I never really had a desire to see.” He was able to learn about and cook French cultural cuisines, experience a new country, and have a good time with friends. His biggest challenge there was knowing little to no French and having a schedule that was too packed. In fact, he recalls “it felt like we were working non-stop, which is another reason why it was so memorable.”

As each of these experiences proves, studying abroad - whether it be for a semester or something shorter - aren’t experiences that are easily forgotten. Spending time in a new country not only serves as an exhilarating getaway, but also allows one to make new memories, learn from the surroundings, and incorporate this knowledge into their lives. Personally, I’ve always liked the idea of studying internationally, as it would give me a chance to step out of my comfort zone, spend time in an unfamiliar place, and enrich my world view in an unbounded environment that is different from what I’ve grown so used to seeing. It would also force me to go out of my way to communicate with new people and converse in other languages that I haven’t thought of speaking before. When I get the chance to study abroad, I would definitely seize the opportunity and learn something new from each experience that I can take back with me in my day-to-day life.

Mrs. Kelley with her host family while studying abroad in Seville, Spain in 1999.

Mr. Silsbee playing soccer with students at a primary school in the Netherlands.

Lan Huynh Staff Writer

As spring break ended and the final quarter of their senior year began, the members of the Class of 2023 settled into “the final stretch” of their time in high school. Now, with just days left before graduation and four years of experience coming to an end, some seniors paused to reflect and share their thoughts on the last class to enter PB before the Covid 19 pandemic was even a thought.

Bianca Adolfo, reminiscing about her time at PB says, “High school had its ups and downs.” Adding to this she says, “The friends that I have made I cherish; they are very fun, and great! “ As for college, Bianca will be attending the nationally-accredited Montgomery College, entering the MC Scholars program. “ It’s exciting as it pays for my two years,” she says with emphasis.

Pre-college, Bianca has a summer study trip to North Carolina planned. However, she notes enthusiastically that it is happening “only if I maintain my grades ya know, so I’m gonna do my best!” One thing she is looking forward to in North Carolina is sightseeing at a river she heard about from friends and adds, jokingly, “I’m very excited to go to the river!”

As a freshman, Bianca had Physics with the former teacher at PB, Mr.Jacobs, known for his infamous way of teaching. She noted, “I thought that I would pass it by not studying” In the end, that was not the case for her; but if Bianca could give some advice to her freshman self it would be to “chill, and work hard,” she says in a caring tone. She notes that she was a very outgoing person as a freshman, but also an overthinker.

Max Destouches likes looking back and describing his years at PB. “It has been wonderful,” says Max. “I did the sports and activities that were part of the fun.” Overall, Max had a great time at PB, though he does note that “it had its ups and downs. I had some great teachers and some who couldn’t really teach; but they were good people.”

With high hopes for the future, Max ends his senior year with a 4.5 GPA, which is pretty impressive. As for college, Max is attending one of the largest HBCUs, Howard University. Asked to offer his younger self some advice about his choice to attend PB, Max says, with some hesitation, “I enjoyed my time at PB. Would I do it again? Maybe.” After making this statement, Max throws some shade at the other NEC schools, remarking, “I don’t care what the other schools have to say, PB is great.”

Max was part of the College Tracks program during his time at PB and credits it, along with all of the other academic opportunities and programs PB provides, as a key to his and other student’s success. Adding one final thought to his younger self, Max says that he’d tell young Max, “you did

great; I’m not gonna lie; we did everything we set out to do, But try to challenge yourself academically.”

When he looks back, Jordan Bennet can’t hide the enthusiasm he has for his time at PB saying, “My four years at PB have been nothing but amazing!” For Jordan, PB was really his only choice for an NEC school since his whole family were Panthers, and for him sports provided a lot. “Sports were amazing. Just being around people who go here and all the activities we do - - it’s a really great school to be at.”

As a student-athlete who wanted to play in college, the process of applying to and figuring out what college to attend was slightly different from other seniors. Jordan, who played football for PB, says that the process of making himself known to schools was a difficult process, “I had to send my film out to every college and hope to get an email back asking me to come for a visit.” After reaching out to schools and waiting on replies, Jordan had to process whether he received a response from colleges, if his academics met their requirements, and deal with costs. “The money side is the worst part,” he says in an assertive tone. As for what advice he’d give to his freshman self, Jordan says, “Stay out of the way and keep doing sports.”

Raheem Upshaw notes that his years at PB were good, but he keeps them in perspective. “I would say amazing, but I know it’s not the best,” he says honestly. Although freshman year was cut short due to the pandemic, Raheem still says that his first high school year was “great.” As for these last two years, he’s glad that he finally had a chance to have a full season of lacrosse. One area that he wants juniors to start thinking about is the college process. He emphasizes that “you gotta get that done at the start of senior year or at the end of junior year, ‘cause it’s a long process.” In terms of some advice for his younger self, Raheem adds, “Things start to get easier once you do all the hard work; just stay on the path.”

Stephen Le describes his years at PB as just “alright.” However, Stephen’s story is a little different from a lot of his Class of 2023 classmates, as he didn’t attend high school for a year and a half. “I admit that not being in school--at home playing video games, going out, and sleeping in– was fun at first but in the end, I came back to school.” Stephen realized that having a diploma to his name was more helpful than not having one in the real world, hence his return.

Stephen wants younger students to know that finishing high school will always be something you must do. “Stay in school kids!” he says while laughing. Stephen will graduate with his class thanks to his counselor placing him in a program that helped him make up credits that he missed and get back on track. As for life after high school, Stephen will be entering the workforce directly. To his freshmen self, Stephen says, “Stay optimistic and have fun!”

Stress: the Unspoken Epidemic

Do you often find that you are stressed about something? Whether it be an upcoming test, your team’s game against that really good team, family problems at home, or simply not feeling good enough, stress is certainly a big part of our daily lives. If this describes you, don’t worry, you are not alone. In fact, you may even find that stress is a good motivator for many things. However, just like any good thing, too much of it is not positive.

I’ve learned a lot about stress in my Structures & Functions of the Human Body and Foundations of Medicine classes. What they’ve taught me is that everything you feel, good or bad, affects the body significantly. According to the American Psychological

Association (APA), “Our bodies are well equipped to handle stress in small doses, but when that stress becomes long-term or chronic, it can have serious effects on your body.”

The most common areas of impact according to APA include: headaches/ migraines, muscle tension around the neck and shoulder areas, panic attacks, hyperventilation, fatigue, and irregular period cycles in females.

But don’t worry, there are a number of ways to manage stress and the impact it has on your body. According to Sutter Health, a notfor-profit health organization, using coping strategies can significantly help reduce stress and the impact it has on your body. Some of these strategies include: planning better, which could include using a planner

to organize your daily tasks, taking naps, which is important because stress often causes you to sleep less, and taking breaks during your day, which help to give your mind and body a pause. Additional things you can do is make sure to talk and stay connected to others because when you socialize with others it helps to alleviate stress, and finding ways to exercise as moving your body on a regular basis balances the nervous system and increases blood circulation. Another technique that is important is maintaining a healthy diet because when confronted with a stressor, the central nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol, which affects the digestive tract by either killing the appetite or causing fat and sugar cravings.

Crystal Masih Staff Writer

While people can learn to manage their stress and take action to help counter it, there are some instances where seeking medical attention or professional support or advice is important. These include prolonged versions of the symptoms stated above like continued inconsistent period cycles, as well as panic attacks or hyperventilation. In instances such as these, people should seek medical attention. Perhaps the most important aspect of this is being aware of it happening to yourself or someone you are close to. If you or someone you know are experiencing severe symptoms associated with stress or think you or they are, take the time to assess where you or they are at and take appropriate steps to insure good health.

The Saga Continues

Fanta Dabo Co-Editor-in-Chief

Going three for three, American actor, director, and producer, Michael B. Jordan takes over the screens with a new Creed movie.

The newest addition to what is now a boxing trilogy is an audience favorite, with a rating of 89% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 96% audience score. The three movies are rooted in the Rocky series, a generational story line. In the Creed films, main character Adonis Creed, played by Jordan, takes viewers with him throughout his life story, beginning from childhood.

After strong showings and audience responses for 2015’s Creed and 2018’s Creed II, Creed III was a much-anticipated release. Creed III offers a different plot from ones before it, placing the viewers in Adonis’ teenage years. It centers on the relationship between old friends Adonis and Damian, who is played by Jonathan Majors, a new boxing rival. Damian is a constant reminder of Adonis’ fostercare past. He is out of prison after 18 long years with a burning urge to get back in the ring and take Creed’s title.

As one of many who have followed the journey of this captivating character, I think it is fair to say Creed III is one of the best movies of 2023 thus far. The film’s story provides fitting context as to why Adonis is who he is and the film’s fight scenes, which - according to Jordan - have a strong anime influence, made it hard to look away.

Critics on social media apps like Instagram and TikTok expressed that the movie should have been longer in duration, running just before the two hour mark, and had a greater build towards the match of Damian and Adonis.

There’s no doubt that there were adrenaline-pumping scenes in the film. In fact, the movie puts the audience through a roller coaster of emotions, balancing the highs with lows to keep viewers invested. Creed’s adoptive mother, Mary Anne, played by Phylicia Rashad, suffers with failing health and (spoiler alert) later dies of these complications. Adonis’ wife, Bianca Creed, played by Tessa Thompson, also experiences lows, struggling to make peace with her lost singing career and sudden doubts about their marriage transparency.

Directors Ryan Coogler and Jordan, have produced yet another exciting, entertaining, and emotionally-fluctuating film in Creed III, with a centering theme about regret and forgiveness.

Solid 9/10

The Curious Case of Criticizing and Reviewing Video Games

Harry Lin Staff Writer

There are two ways to review or criticize something. There is a practical way of measuring a thing’s quality and examining it as a work of art. This particular way is very simple; anyone can do it, use it, and see how well it achieves its intended purpose. Physical things like how sharp a knife is, how fast a car accelerates, and how well a pencil writes are all things that can be measured and easily quantified. The second way to review or criticize is much simpler and blunter as it focuses primarily on how something makes you feel. This form of review conveys how people view items like paintings, movies, and other art pieces. An emotional response review or critique simply considers a person’s feelings and interpretations. This is where the nuance of criticizing something shines the most.

When this thinking on review versus critique is applied to video games you need to use both methods as, unlike most things, there is both a functional aspect and an emotional aspect to video games. In a functional aspect, there are the mechanics of the game that you interact with through the use of things such as a keyboard, mouse, and a controller. These help you judge or evaluate the smoothness of how the game feels to control. If your controls function as they should and are generally intuitive to use, it’s good. Another area somewhat related to this way of critique is the graphics of a game, something that is a very specific part of an art style and, essentially, related to how many pixels there are.

Now onto the actual critiquing and away from areas that can be objectively identified. This is the part of the game that tries to make you feel something. This is conveyed through suggestion, gameplay, and story. The best way to show you this is to give a loose example. If the game is going for a power fantasy kind of feeling, the game should be fast paced, the story would imply that you’re very powerful, and that most enemies don’t pose much of a threat to you, the player. All of these aspects contribute to the intended feeling a game developer wants to instill in the player. In this kind of thinking, the game can be judged by the player in terms of how they felt when they played it and this critique will be completely based on who that person is and what they want out of a game, which is something more akin to judging a work.

Now you might’ve noticed a problem here in that you cannot objectively and subjectively judge something at the same time. So how is one to properly judge? I think the first thing to do is to rid yourself of systems like a 1 to 10 scale. These numbers are confusing and rather vague for all the numbers in the middle. What differentiates a 5 from a 6 in this context? Of what rubric are we giving or taking points away? Does that rubric average the practical and artistic aspects but those seemingly bad practical aspects add to the artistic?

A simple binary of “recommend” or “not recommend” has its problems too. It would split certain games and would make it very difficult to give a clear line as to where games rated this way are bad or good. The only true way to really criticize is just to say what the game does and doesn’t do well for you. So instead of being concerned about arbitrary scores and whether or not you’d recommend a game, you should instead focus on the overall experience that the game intended and how the game worked for you.

photo courtesy of MGM Studios

This Is Why is Paramore’s Best Album Yet

Sage Suddleson Entertainment Editor

Paramore is a band with a storied history and many ups and downs. The current core lineup consists of frontwoman and main lyricist Hayley Williams, guitarist and composer Taylor York, and drummer Zac Farro. Fresh off a six year hiatus since their 2017 album After Laughter and the following album cycle, fans were excited to receive cryptic messages from the band starting in September of 2022.

All of that cryptic messaging came to fruition in February of 2023 when the band’s sixth studio album This Is Why , finally came out. The album draws on the band members’ past struggles but also remains topical, addressing issues like toxic masculinity, the vicious nature of the news cycle, and the feeling of running out of time.

The album kicks off with a groovy bass line in the title track and first single “This Is Why” as Williams laments about the pressure of the public eye and the nature of celebrity. The second track and second single, “The News,” is a completely different vibe from the first, with hard hitting vocals, frantic and grungy instrumentation, and a decidedly more direct and scathing critique of the world from Williams than the general angst in the first single. The album’s third song (but fourth single), “Running Out of Time”, speaks to the all-too-common feeling of life passing you by. In this song, Williams uses tongue-in-cheek lyrics to poke fun at her own problems with time management.

The fourth song (and third single) “ C’est Comme Ça ” -translated from French as “It Is What It Is” - signals a departure from Paramore’s usual as Williams speak-sings over the verses about her need for chaos in her life despite its negative effects on her. York and Farro’s instrumentation shine throughout the track, with the tight drumming and guitar supporting the unique vocal style. “Big Man, Little Dignity”, the fifth song on the album, is a withering commentary on toxic masculinity and the way men aren’t held accountable for their actions even when they’ve done something wrong. The song also features instruments such as a flute, contrasting the anger in the song

with the ethereal notes of the instrument and harmonizing chorus.“You First” is a fast paced tune about the choice between good and evil, using the metaphor of feeding a wild animal scraps and the animal returning for more to represent giving into the temptation of anger. The next song, “Figure 8”, is an exploration of a toxic relationship, which Williams likens to being stuck in an infinite loop. She recalls how the relationship made her embody everything she used to hate.

The toxicity of the aforementioned relationship is sharply contrasted in the next song, “Liar”, in which Williams details her denial about falling in love with fellow band member Taylor York. In an interview with Zane Lowe about the album, Williams said, “When something has ease to it and when something feels healthy and again, like, respectful, it must be wrong. And I fought that feeling and said to myself that ‘that’s just a convenient thing, you’re just trying to go to where maybe your ego likes it’, I just made up anything that I could.” The song also contains a possible reference to the song “Crystal Clear” from Williams’ 2020 solo album Petals For Armor , a song also rumored to be about her process of falling in love with York. The second to last song on the album, “Crave”, is a song about nostalgia where Williams remembers the glory days and wishes to relive them with a chorus featuring an addictive and memorable melody. The track is a bit of a contradiction to the song “Caught in the Middle” from After Laughter which sees Williams scorning nostalgia and the so-called “glory days”.

The closing track, “Thick Skull”, feels like a culmination of the entire album, with large, sweeping instrumentals, introspective lyrics and stunning vocal talent from Williams as she regrets her attraction to broken people and how relationships with such people have and continue to negatively affect her.

This Is Why offers a look into the thoughts of Williams, explores her life and the history of the band, and highlights the talents of the three core members as well as those who provide the other instruments heard on the record.

Jordane Branch

ABBA Andrea Gill

PB Art Show

Show 2023

Page Content by: Naomi Kyei-Asare and Jordane Branch

The Right to Kill: The Effect of Gun Violence on Society

Kalel Betron Staff Writer

352,000. That is the reported number of students affected by school shootings since the tragedy at Columbine High School in 1999, according to John Woodrow Cox, Steven Rich, Linda Chong, Lucas Trevor, John Muyskens, and Monica Ulmanu of the Washington Post. This number is comparable to the population of Anaheim, California and stands as a chilling testament to the toll of gun violence. Despite this staggering number, there is still controversy over gun control and the second amendment. People often get lost in arguments about politics and government control when their concerns should lie solely in the safety of our nation.

School shootings only scratch the surface of gun violence in the US. According to Kiara Alfonseca from ABC News, in 2023 alone there have been over 13,900 deaths from gun violence, and roughly 184 instances of mass shootings in the US. Alfonseca notes that “of those who died from gun violence this year, 491 were teens and 85 were children.” These statistics are nothing short of shocking. To think that in a span of only five months there already have been over ten thousand deaths from gun violence.

Daily we see so many heartbreaking stories in the media of innocent people falling victim to gun violence. According to Nouran Salahieh, Virginia Langmaid, and Eric Levenson for CNN, on April 15th, Ralph Yarl, a 16-year-old who was picking up his two younger brothers from a friend’s house happened to arrive at the wrong address and was shot twice by the homeowner, 84-year-old Andrew Lester, who claimed self-defense because “he thought the teen was trying to break in and was ‘scared to death’ due to the boy’s size.” Yarl, who stands just 5’8” and 140 pounds, was simply doing the right thing and knocked on the wrong door. Lester’s reaction almost cost Yarl, a high school junior and band leader in his school, his life. According to the Yarl family attorney, doctors consider Yarl’s survival a miracle, though they note that he might suffer severe long-term effects due to his injuries.

Yarl’s shooting is not the only example of this type of violence by homeowners. Emily Olson and Natalie Escobar of NPR reported on the death of 20-year-old Kaylin Gillis who was shot and killed by a homeowner in upstate New York on April 15th “after the car she was in accidentally went to the wrong address.”

Similarly, Olivia Land from the New York Post reported that on April 18th, Payton Washington and Heather Roth were shot after Roth accidently opened the wrong car door in a grocery store parking lot. After realizing her mistake, she closed the door and got into the correct vehicle. Just after this, the man from the other car approached the vehicle Roth was in and opened

How can the U.S. reduce gun violence?

The U.S. can increase the age that allows someone to acquire a gun, and make stronger laws regarding gun use. They can also ban certain types of firearms that are inherently dangerous.

Judy Rivas - 12th

fire, injuring Roth and critically injuring Washington.

Think about it - these three acts of intense gun violence occurred in the same week to innocent people for meaningless reasons. The harsh truth is, it will happen again.

Safety is the most debated topic when discussing gun culture in the US. Gun owners say that having a firearm makes them feel safe and gives them a sense of security. They believe that you cannot truly protect yourself or your family without a gun. Saying that every gun owner is like the homeowner who shot Ralph Yarl or the people who shot the other victims is a wrong conclusion to make. However, the fact that there are multiple instances in which a gun owner shot an innocent victim forces you to wonder who or what the real threats to safety are.

Guns should be seen as nothing but a threat to our safety. Whether legally acquired or not, a person in possession of a gun or guns is inherently dangerous to society. Just by owning a gun there is an innate intention to shoot someone, whether it is to protect oneself or to inflict harm on others. So what can we do?

The abolishment of the second amendment--the right to bear arms-would do very little to the already present threat of guns since there’s already so many firearms in the US. As such, it is an impractical solution to infringe upon this right and try to take away every legal firearm.

The truth is, it all starts with people, most notably politicians. An abolishment of gun ownership might not stop gun violence, but implementing strict gun control would help prevent future instances of gun violence such as what I’ve noted. This will require actions like advocating for gun control legislation at the state level, educating people on the danger of guns, stricter background checks, and encouraging a higher emphasis on red flag laws. The most power you as an individual have is contacting your state and national representatives and doing everything in your power to enact change.

Government policy aside, the best thing we can do as a society is to strike at the root of violence: hate. Playing nice and holding hands with everyone might not fix all our problems. However, nearly every instance of gun violence comes from deep-rooted hatred toward a group or a person. Gang violence, school shootings, homicides, police brutality--each event stems from hate. Through promoting kindness and abolishing hate, we can build a safer future: a future where going to school isn’t threatening, a future where people can accidentally walk to the wrong house and leave unscathed, a future where people like Kaylin Gills would still be alive today. That’s the type of future that we as people can build.

possession

Mr. Keagle

We can reduce gun violence by not allowing everyone to have guns. Dial it down and have more restrictions. Make it so that only in certain areas can people carry guns at all. Overall, more background checks and better clerks at gun shops that have actual qualifications to work there.

Tidjani Sidi - 11th

One piece to the puzzle: ExtremeRisk Protection Orders (ERPO), modeled after domestic violence protection orders, would get firearms out of the hands of those most at risk of harming themselves or others, without criminalizing the

of a firearm. It’s a concept that has bipartisan support and has already shown success in places.

Trying to Address the Elevator Problem

Sania Ross Staff Writer

Here we go again. The bell is about to ring and I need to get to class. I hope there’s no one on the elevator who should be using the stairs, because I need to get to the third floor as quickly as possible. Extra people and stops on extra floors mean extra time for me to get where I need to go. And I don’t have a choice but to use the elevator. Fingers crossed.

As a person with a disability at Paint Branch, I feel like students don’t understand –or perhaps don’t really care –about this issue. For someone who doesn’t need the elevator to fully participate in school, understanding the importance of the elevator for those who do is important.

The purpose of elevators in schools is for staff and students with mobility issues such as those in wheelchairs or scooters, or for those who have injuries that affect their ability

to use the stairs. Elevators in schools are not planned to be used like elevators in office buildings or apartments as they are intended to be open for only some people to use.

Students who take advantage of the elevator’s open availability (meaning no key is required to ride it) and use it at will are making it difficult for those who rely on it. According to signage posted for our school elevators, students may only use the elevator if they: “have a physical disability or health issue or a temporary injury that prevents you from using the stairs.” Despite these clear parameters, students still use the elevator when they don’t apply to them.

The administrators at PB has implemented some strategies to try and deal with the elevator issue such as requiring passes and placing security nearby, but these efforts have not solved the problem.

I struggle with this issue pretty much every day as I have

to either deal with waiting for the elevator to arrive because people who don’t need it are riding it, or deal with students getting on either in front of or behind me in my motorized wheelchair. This makes it difficult for me to maneuver, enter, exit, or access the panel to choose a floor. The frustration from this sometimes ends up with me picking a fight with people just to get on the elevator myself. I won’t even go into how it feels to have the door shut on me when people see me trying to get on.

While getting on the elevator with just a few other people may not seem like a lot to many students, for me it creates a stressful and difficult experience.

For me, the elevator provides an opportunity to be independent and travel by myself but when there are people who don’t belong on it making me wait, forcing me to squeeze on, or making me feel rushed it’s frustrating and stressful. I hope those reading this article

will better understand the difficulties faced by disabled people and those who truly rely on the elevator. Spread the word that the elevators are for those who truly NEED them.

Fixing Our Uninspiring and Fruitless Curriculum

Yeabsira Getachew Co-Editor-in-Chief

Have you ever taken a required class that catered to your career path of choice? How about one that actually interested you and where you felt like the content would come up in your future? While I can think of a few electives that have met this criteria, I can’t think of one required class where I have felt that way.

The feeling that classes we are required to take are unnecessary is one I know all too well. I am a humanities girl; I prefer more writing-based and social studies focused classes. For me, STEM classes are boring. Precalculus and Chemistry were almost the death of me. I understand that some basic level of coursework in a broad range of classes is necessary for adult life. I do believe that Algebra 1, English classes, and a bit of social studies can definitely help in daily life.

Even so, I wish we were able to pick a possible career path as a freshman in high school, and then take classes completely tied to that. It would allow us to test the waters of a possible career path before committing to it entirely at the next level. Going into college while being unsure of what you want to study can

actually be a financial strain. One of my CollegeTracks advisors told me that switching your major to something more technical than your initial major could add hundreds to your semester tuition cost. So, in addition to helping students be more focused and invested in their courses, this could save us thousands of dollars in wasted coursework on a major we may be on the fence about. Through high school pathways, we could identify an area of focus and the courses in that, enabling us to determine whether we want to further our study in that area in college.

Creating a system with pathways would also combat educational equity issues. Since there would be standard pathways for a range of studies in all schools, no students would be at a disadvantage. Another benefit would be the shift in enthusiasm for school. When I go to school knowing we are doing something that spikes my interest in class, I am actually motivated to go. Alternately, going to school with no excitement feels like a chore. School is a privilege, but it should not have to feel like a burden.

“School is a privilege, but it should not have to feel like a burden.”

Throughout the entirety of my school career, a strength and passion of mine that has almost come to be second nature is writing. With every English class taken and essay assigned in it, the appreciation I had for what a combination of words could produce only grew. What was lacking in these text-based courses, however, was the ability to stimulate the creative side that I knew I possessed, but was rarely able to reveal.

As the number of electives taken increased with the years, I knew that I needed to balance out my junior year core classes with ones that I would genuinely enjoy - hence taking Journalism 1. Uncertain of what to expect, I am now aware that Journalism is a class of growth. Whether to improve writing skills, find a creative outlet, or simply gain exposure to amateur journalism, each student made personal growth taking this course. Every piece written, interview done, and podcast made taught me to embrace the power of my words, while pushing me out of my comfort zone to reach my full potential. Now, a senior in Advanced Journalism and co-editor-in-chief among four other talented students, I reflect on my time in Mainstream with a sense of appreciation for being an escape from the endless worries of school. I can also say that I am proud of each piece my name is attached to, as they were all written with great sincerity.

To Mr. Woodward, thank you for making every student that enters your classroom feel as special as they should. You are the sole driving force behind every article, podcast, and print issue published. I think I speak for us all when I say without your unwavering support and patience, Mainstream would just be an unpursued idea. This class has changed the trajectory of my entire high school experience for the better, and for that I am beyond grateful. It has been an honor being a part of Mainstream, and I can’t wait to witness what the future of it looks like.

Andrea Gill - Co-Editor-in-Chief

University of Maryland

I joined journalism my junior year because I wanted to improve my writing skills. It was between this class or creative writing, but after doing research I felt that journalism had more structural techniques that could be utilized. I have never really enjoyed writing and I knew it was one of my biggest weaknesses as a student, but I’m glad I took the class because of the creativity I was able to bring out of myself.

One of the things I cherished most in the class was the freedom we had. For as long as I can remember, every English class I took made me write in a closed box. In journalism, though, I was able to write about whatever topic I wanted. It was a free and open space and it made writing less burdensome. Opinion articles were originally my favorite article type, since I could write about topics that were prominent in my mind--but nothing could beat podcasts. Podcasts were the best, most fun assignments I’ve ever gotten to do in school. I would sit with my co-editor Fanta Dabo and together we’d set up the recordings, constantly working to restrain ourselves from talking for hours.

I came back my senior year for advanced journalism, where I started to get into layout and design for Mainstream. Even though I tried to like writing, what I liked most in the class were the other ways that I could be involved. The amount of time and communication it took to complete a layout and the need to have an artistic approach to constructing layouts were unimaginable.

I’m thankful for the safe space the class gave me. I always felt relaxed in the journalism office and would find myself going back, even after hours. Mr. Woodward had to put up with a lot, so I appreciate how he was always laid back when I would procrastinate or joke around with him. A teacher can really change how you view a class, and I couldn’t imagine anyone else taking his place.

Room 3301. A room I’ve laughed in, cried in, been yelled at in, been loved, and even been kissed in. When I first walked into this corner room my junior year, my expectations were low. I had been placed into journalism as a mix up with my schedule and had really no prior knowledge of writing with purpose. I remember telling my older sister, “I never picked this class.” Little did I know that, two years later, even though I didn’t choose this class, it chose me. My heart will always be so grateful that it did. I never expected that journalism would not only become a favorite class to me, but also a family--from our school dad, Mr. Woodward (who honestly has been one of the most impactful teachers in my life) to our little editors family. Mr. Woodward taught me what it means to expect greatness from yourself in the little things and the big, to take pride in what you make, and to always, always revise your work-lol. Jokes aside, he taught me what it means to be a writer, to have something to say, and to create the proper environment and to find the correct words to articulate it. He helped me see what it means to really write-through the good times and the bad, because they are both part of being a writer. Lastly, he taught me to never ever ask him for a snack because most likely it’s gonna be some elderly snack adults indulge in. I know when he saw his class two years ago, he never would’ve imagined what crazy kids would turn out to be the head of the newspaper; but I like to believe he’s glad we did.

To all my fellow Advanced Journalism editors, I’d like to thank you for the laughs, silly class parties, and community. I hope people will take just a little joy and comfort from my writing. Whether it’s a silly article on high school romance or a heavier topic like losing a loved one, it was one thing to know my work touched me, but to know it touched others sometimes still feels surreal. In every new, colorful issue and article that we published, I’d like to believe that this class of journalism really changed the PB Mainstream legacy for the better. To those who never considered journalism as something to invest in, I’d say try it, you won’t regret it.

Fanta Dabo - Co-Editor-in-Chief

Naomi Kyei-Asare - Co-Editor-in-Chief

Senior Goodbyes

Kennesaw State University

It feels like yesterday when my counselor was signing me up for classes via Zoom for my junior year. I couldn’t decide on a class that I found interesting enough to take for an entire school year, which was discouraging. Somehow, my wonderful counselor, Ms. Whipple, found the class for me: Journalism 1. I never had any real experience in journalism in school before; but needless to say, the class became one of the favorite classes I’ve ever taken. In fact, it has been one of my best experiences in school. I’ve been in journalism ever since and I have learned so much. I published my first article as a high school junior, and in my time here I’ve had the opportunity to write about many of my interests - of course, with some guidance from my teacher, Mr. Woodward. I’ve done an opinion article, interviewed notable alumni from PB, participated in podcasting, written about my experience in traveling, and even made the front page for leading the school at a town hall meeting in March. As a young girl, it was important to me that someday I would be a positive influence on people through sharing my experiences; and I am extremely grateful that I was able to live that dream through journalism. Aside from achievements and experiences working with the staff of Mainstream, our PB newspaper, I met some amazing people. From my fellow co-editors-in-chief to the rest of the journalism team from both years, everyone has contributed to the feeling of having an extended family at school. Lastly, being in journalism has challenged me to be better not only in school, but also in life by pushing my tolerance for fatigue and teaching me important lessons on time management. Journalism has also allowed me to really feel like I have a voice that can be heard. The icing on the cake has to be when I see the school community being engaged in the material we put in the paper, and hearing the feedback and encouragement from my peers and teachers. Journalism has aided me in being more active in the school community and I will always be grateful for that.

Lan Huynh - Staff Writer

Listening to bossa nova is how I would describe my year with Mainstream It was new and different, and it put me out of my comfort zone. Journalism had always been something I was interested in, but had never signed up for until now. I realized that I should have signed up for the class much sooner in my high school career. For sure, the one thing I’ll miss the most when writing for Mainstream is the interviews that I would conduct for my articles. Hearing different people’s opinions and experiences was amazing. While writing for Mainstream, I was able to create a podcast, which quickly became one of my favorite projects, as I was able to simply have a conversation with friends. Photojournalism came in a close second, as I was able to do fashion photography. I’ve not only made some great friends while being in journalism. But one skill that I’ve improved on while in journalism is my writing skills. Especially if it means I can make someone smile, for example, when I conduct interviews I crack a joke to make my interviewee feel comfortable. Working for Mainstream, if there was a story you wanted to tell, you had the freedom to do so. That is what I’ll miss the most.

Finally, to the one and only Mr. Woodward: I appreciate your dedication to all of the Mainstream staff, making sure to check in on each of us once in a while and giving us a place to stay during lunch. Being a part of Mainstream will forever be one of my highlights of high school. I just know in the future I’ll be proud to say, “I wrote for my high school newspaper.”

Montgomery College

Senior year can be a bittersweet time of life. Prom, deciding whether to go to college or take a gap year, choosing a college, and preparing for the real world are all part of this. For me, though, senior year has not been bittersweet. I consider it to be the best year of my life because I’m finding my passions and what I need to do for the rest of my life. I’m getting to experience amazing opportunities and grow.

One of my favorite opportunities that I got to experience this year was journalism. I really enjoyed journalism, especially writing the articles I did. I got to express my creativity, and have my stuff published, which brought recognition from some teachers who shared their thoughts about my writing. I also got to advocate for specific topics that are really important to me. I really enjoy journalism and I would recommend it to any student.

Looking back on when I first started journalism, I was scared to speak my mind on certain topics. Yet, I’ve been able to conquer that fear of speaking my mind all the way. Also, having the freedom to write about what you want and be able to cover school events was one of my favorite parts about taking the class and being a part of my journalism team. Another aspect I really enjoyed was creating multimedia. In fact, that was my favorite part of my overall journalism experience. It was a great opportunity because it made me realize I wanted to do media production for an associate’s degree. Overall, this journalism year was awesome!

Jordane Branch - Co-Editor-in-Chief

Sania Ross - Staff Writer

Montgomery College

SENIOR

Jada Abbott UMBC

Hajr Abdur-Rahman Montgomery College

Giancarlo Abella Montgomery College

Jullian Abiey University of Chicago

Ayomikun Adebajo UMBC

Opemipo Adesunloye Howard University

Bianca Adolfo Montgomery College

Chantale Agbeme Montgomery College

Keshly Agramonte Montgomery College

Sama Akbari Montgomery College

Morayo Akinbo University of Maryland

Destiny Akuchie Montgomery College

Endrias Alamerew University of Maryland

Miniya Alami Montgomery College

Melianny Alcantara Peña Montgomery College

Alicia Altamirano Bautista Pennsylvania College of Technology

Precious Ambit Fomum Montgomery College

Josephine Ampong Morgan State University

Emely Argueta UMBC

Kenny Armah Towson University

Dagm Asefa University of Maryland

Abigail Asfaha Montgomery College

Nebiou Asfaw University of Maryland

Mekeias Asnake Montgomery College

Erica-Lorraine Atchrimi Towson University

Tomi Babatunde Adeoti University of Dayton

Samantha Balaba University of Maryland

Fils Balanga Montgomery College

Adrian Balfour Montgomery College

Nicolle Barahona Montgomery College

Tiffany Barkmeyer Temple University

Jordan Bennett Greensboro College

Bryan Beri Sewanee University

Mikayla Bieniemy University of Maryland

Camille Billy-Eko Towson University

Jennifer Boateng University of Maryland

Hunter Bolden Stevenson University

Keansha Bowman University of Maryland

Keona Boyo Mount St. Mary’s University

Jordane Branch Kennesaw State University

Jayla Brunson Montgomery College

Jackie Cabrera Liberty University

Williama Carver University of Maryland

Harbani Chadha Howard Community College

Rebecca Challa UMBC

Deasia Chatum Cook Morgan State University

Kayla Chavez Catholic University

Chidera Chukwurah Bowie State University

Nakyi Clements Montgomery College

Juliana Cornejo Montgomery College

Sanai Cyllah Bowie State University

Kimira Dallo UMBC

Rakeb Dereje Boston University

Gabriella Diaz Meinecke University of Maryland

Katey Dinh UMBC

Jenavan Disasi St. Mary’s College of Maryland

Kelly Djomou University of Maryland

Anh-Mi Do UMBC

Isaah Douglas Bucknell University

Skylar Dove Northeastern University

Miah Duncan University of Maryland

Rose Evelyn Ebongo UMBC

Isaac Edoga Salisbury University

Iean Emanuel Montgomery College

Pelumi Enilolobo UMBC

Obi Enweze Towson University

Amene Eressa UMBC

Jason Escobar Montgomery College

Abel Eshetu University of Maryland

Natasha Essien Loyola University - Maryland

Nicole Essien UMBC

Olumide Fasaye University of Maryland

Max Fieffe Destouches Howard University

Harrison Fori Morgan State University

Benjamin Forsyth Montgomery College

Clay Foster University of Wisconsin-Madison

Nicole Foster

Sifene Fufa

Julian Galvez

Montgomery College

University of Maryland

United States Naval Academy

Jocelyn Garcia Montgomery College

Khalia Gardner

Morgan State University

Benji Gordon Towson University

Jordan Gyeke-Aboagye Morgan State University

Henok Hailegebriel

University of Maryland

Josianne Hegbe Montgomery College

Jacklynn Ho

University of Maryland

Lan Huynh Montgomery College

Tasneem Ibrahim Montgomery College

Lillian Iser Montgomery College

Momodou Jagne Montgomery College

Isatu Jalloh UMBC

Hannah James

University of Maryland

Abem Jemal UMBC

Morgan Johnson

Mount St Mary’s University

Natali Joya Montgomery College

Shaznay Kalou Spelman College

Liya Kassahun UMBC

Nicole Kolluri

Andrew Kulhahay

Naomi Kyei-Asare

Nicole Kyei-Asare

Caitlyn Laws

Krysandra Lawson

Jason Lee

University of Maryland

Montgomery College

Howard University

University of Maryland

Morgan State University

Bowie State University

University of Maryland

Michael Lockett Gap Year

Litzy Lopez Vasquez Montgomery College

Dominick Louis Reynoso Salisbury University

Briannah Ludenyo UMBC

DESTINATIONS

Brandon Ly UMBC

Elias Mack University of North Carolina

Matthew Magoba University of Maryland

Kimberly Mallari Howard University

Aaliyah Marshall Alabama A&M University

Abisai Martinez Universty of Maryland

Jose Martinez Columbia University

Zoya Masood University of Maryland

Elijah Matthews Navy

Niketa Mawlue Montgomery College

Menkem Mekonen Montgomery College

Carolina Meneses Montgomery College

Kidisna Mesfin UMBC

Feven Meshesha University of Maryland

Lianne Mikanga UMBC

Nasir Miles Bowie State University

Grace Min University of Maryland

Courtney Morgan University of Maryland

Daniel Mosuro Towson University

Faven Mulugeta New York University

Zayra Munoz Montgomery College

Kimmie Nguyen Amherst College

Shamire Nicolas Howard Community College

Manjeet Nirula University of Maryland

Nathan Nixon Montgomery College

Precious Njong-Ajong University of Maryland

Ugonna Nwosu Morgan State University

Effie Odhiambo Montgomery College

Kele Ogbu Morgan State University

Divin Ohani Towson University

Ayanfeoluwa Oni Towson University

Matthew Organista Montgomery College

Lucas Ortiz Antillean Adventist University

Janelle Osafo-Dedey Towson University

Noura Oseguera-Arasmou Rice

Kendrick Osias Montgomery College

Lareyna Perez American University

Nathan Persaud Montgomery College

Jessica Pham Montgomery College

Cedric Pierre-Louis University of Maryland

Victoria Porras Goucher College

Tavys Putney Morgan State University

Astrid Quezada Work

Karla Maria Reyes Ventura Montgomery College

Aniya Richardson Bowie State University

Judy Rivas Loyola University-Maryland

Judith Rivas Campos Loyola University-Maryland

Sania Ross Montgomery College

Gabriel Ruiz UMBC

Jeremiah Sanchez Towson University

Giridhar Sawhney University of Maryland

Sebastian Sebastian UMBC

Sebastian Seda UMBC

Sydney Sheppard North Carolina Central University

Myles Siarez University of Maryland

Nadir Siddiqui UMBC

Minnie Sneh Forstburg State University

Bithynia Solomon University of Virginia

Kelly Sorto Montgomery College

Daniella Spence Montgomery College

Tamia Stewart Notre Dame of Maryland University

Khalil Suma Hampton University

Abgeya Taye Boston University

Aureliane Tchamdja UMBC

John Tefang Montgomery College

Jonathan Teklemariyam University of Maryland

Yohana Teshome

University of Southern California

Niyah Thompson University of Maryland

Destiny Tongele Howard University

Karli Tresvant American University

Nickai Turner Montgomery College

Cristina Vaca Catholic University

Torsten Von Rossing University of Maryland

Nhu Vu Air Force Reserve

Jasmine Sa’Joyra Montgomery College

Nicholas Wiseman Loyola University-Maryland

Daniel Wright Pepperdine University

Senna Yadeta Montgomery College

Belvia-Ann Yangue Bowie State University

Ajahbi Yearwood Towson University

Dinna Yeshitlla University of Maryland

Nehemia Yonas Carnegie Mellon University

Nadir Siddiqui UMBC

Giridhar Sawhney University of Maryland

Yared Zekarias University of Maryland

*Senior Destinations list courtesy of Ms. Latasha Kelly

Layout completed by: Lan Huynh & Crystal Masih

Closing Out a Legendary Career

Jordane Branch co-Editor-in-Chief

This school year wraps up 22 years of coaching and mentorship here at PB for the legendary Coach P, aka Ms. Heather Podosek. During this time period, Coach P has continuously graced everyone at PB with her tough love, passion, and support.

Coach Podosek is from Atco, New Jersey where she attended Edgewood Senior High School. After high school, she attended George Mason University on a basketball scholarship. It was at George Mason that she made the decision to make education and coaching her career. “I loved the impact my high school coaches had on my life and they were teachers at my school. So, I decided to pursue a degree in education with an emphasis in physical education,” she recalls. Coach P adds about basketball that she “loved the sport and felt I could impact young women the way I was impacted by my coaches.”

To that end, after graduating in 1983, she took a job as an assistant basketball coach at Glassboro State College, now known as Rowan College. Since then, Coach P has remained in coaching and teaching including coaching boys’ basketball at the Lab School of Washington in DC, attending Texas Woman’s University where she got her masters degree in kinesiology while coaching womens’ basketball alongside current PB AVID Coordinator Ms. Crump, who was head coach at the time. Adding to her time coaching and teaching in Texas, Coach P taught PE and coached girls varsity basketball at Eastern Hills High School in Fort Worth.

In 1992, Coach Podosek began her work in Montgomery County Public Schools, where she would continue for the rest of her career. She taught at Westland Middle School for 5 years and Banneker Middle School for 4 years before moving to PB to teach PE in 2001. While at Westland and Banneker, she did a lot of coaching including JV girls’ basketball at PB, varsity girls’ basketball and JV softball at Rockville High School, and varsity girls’ basketball at National Cathedral School in Washington, DC. She took her final coaching job in 1997 when she became the varsity girls’ coach at PB where she remained head coach for many years, amassing over 300 wins along with two

state championships in 2001 and 2008, respectively.

Here at PB she also coached girls’ volleyball and co-ed volleyball for 2 years as well as serving as assistant AD for 4 years. In 2010, she became PB’s Athletic Director. Working at PB has been a very important part of Coach P’s career and she notes many proud moments. “There are so many proud moments at Paint Branch,” she notes before listing some of the things that make every day worthwhile: “Working everyday with amazing studentathletes and coaches, seeing our student-athletes graduate, signing day for those who earned scholarships, seeing the progression of teams as they begin to bond and improve in contests, success in the playoffs, proud moments when teams and individuals (players and coaches) receive awards/medals/championships for their efforts.”

Of course, one thing Coach P values above all others, being a part of this community. “The proudest moment has to be the honor of being a part of this amazing community, this Paint Branch Family!” Although she will miss her PB community, Coach P is looking forward to doing some travel after retiring, both domestically and internationally along with her wife, Dee Thoren, a former PB staff member.

Coach P’s impact and legacy will live on forever no matter the distance. Coach closes with a meaningful quote, “Once a Panther, Always a Panther, 24 hours a day, 365 Days a year, for the rest of our lives!”

It’s not Taunting, it’s Inspiration

In the closing minutes of the Women’s National Championship game, LSU star Angel Reese began celebrating her team’s clear win over Iowa and their star player, Caitlin Clark. As the clock ticked down, Reese could be seen waving her hand in front of her face - mimicking a popular taunt by professional wrestler John Cena - and pointing at her ring figure.

Reese’s taunting became a story almost immediately as people expressed criticism of her while others expressed support.

According to CNN’s Ben Morse, following the game Clark expressed that she had no problem with Reese’s actions. “I don’t think Angel should be criticized at all,” said Clark, “I’m just one that competes, and she competed. I think everybody knew there was going to be a little trash talk during the entire tournament. It’s not just me and Angel.” Despite Clark not having a problem with the taunting - something she herself is wellknown for as well - it became clear that taunting would become yet another controversial issue in sports.

Ultimately, the debate is really about whether or not taunting and excessive celebration should be allowed at any level of sports. In my opinion, taunting should be allowed at any level - yes, any level. Whether it be youths at the age of 10, high school athletes, or professionals, I look at taunting as a good thing because it teaches the athlete being taunted how

Deon Key Staff Writer

to use the frustration or anger that it brings for good things such as making them play harder, practice with more focus, and become better. It teaches athletes of all ages how to deal with adversity right in front of them.

However, while I am a proponent of taunting, I do feel like there is one basic “rule” that must be followed: you cannot put your hands or body on anybody. When you play basketball and you get dunked on or a big shot is made against you and then your opponent pushes you. That’s not okay. In football when somebody catches a ball over you and they touch your head or throw the ball in your face. That’s not okay. Taunting is talking trash, making a gesture, or staring someone down - not cheap-shotting them.

Some people argue that taunting is disrespectful and rude and I understand that point. The actions associated with taunting can be seen through two lenses, one good and one bad. I see it through the positive lens because I feel like taunting is what makes the game more intense and makes players compete harder. I don’t see taunting as rude or disrespectful because after the game, what happened on the field or court is over and you shake hands with your opponent and exhibit good sportsmanship. When I play football and I have a friend on the opposing team, being friends is out of the window and I’ll talk trash, I’ll taunt them all game. After the game though, it's only love, respect, and true sportsmanship.

Games and Puzzles

TASSEL FAREWELL CAP CELEBRATE DIPLOMA GOWN

MAJOR DEGREE CORD COLLEGE EXCITED UNIVERSITY

PARTY GRADUATES COMMENCEMENT

Faven Mulugeta

How did high school change you as a person?

It made me more open to trying new things and made me more social.

Do you have advice for the Class of 24’? Experiment, always ask questions, and do what you love.

What are your post-grad plans? Going to a four-year in the fall and studying Studio Art.

Ben Forsyth

How did high school change you as a person?

High school has made me more confident and sociable.

Do you have advice for the Class of 24’?

My advice to the Class of 24’ is to apply to college early and visit Ms. Kelly often.

What are your post-grad plans?

My post-grad plans are to attend Montgomery College and then transfer to UMBC. I will be a business major with a minor in finance and starting my own business.

Word in the hall

What is your favorite high school memory?

“My senior night for swim, and walking with my friends and family.”

- Rayan S.

“My senior night; I had the most fun I’d ever had while in high school.”

- John A.

Page Content by: Jordane Branch