The Cross of Controversy, p. 4
Poms’ Road to Comp, p. 18
Scholarship Recipients, p. 8 and 9
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Montgomery County Public Schools
Northwood High School
919 University Boulevard W.
Silver Spring, MD 20901
Spring 2019
Inside the legacy of a Gladiator great by Anaiya Bobo, Olivia Rosemond, and Ilsa Jentsch
A statue stands tall in Northwood’s main office. You probably walk past it everyday, wondering what the gladiator represents. It represents a legacy, a story of one of Northwood’s most dedicated student athletes.
Isaiah Aronoff with mother Stacy Moore-Aronoff and girlfriend Inaya.
Aronoff. Isaiah Benjamin Aronoff was born on October 16, 1997 to Eli and Stacy Moore-Aronoff in Lansdale, PA. Growing up, he spent the first 13 years of his life in Pennsylvania, living in Hatfield and Philadelphia, affectionately known as the “King of Hatfield”. After his Bar Mitzvah in 2010, Isaiah and his mother moved to Silver Spring, MD where he enrolled at Northwood High School at age 14. In addition to being an active member of the ACES program, he was a devoted athlete. At Northwood alone, Isaiah actively participated in four different sports within his years as a student. A team player and passionate learner, it’s no question Aronoff lived a successful life. An avid team player, Isaiah was described as “an encouraging and supportive friend”, “always willing to give up his time and resources for others.” An only child and definite extrovert, he was well-known for his sense of humor and love for his community. Most of all, however, for his love for sports. (Continued on page 2)
A day in the life of the Northwood principal by Nicole Devitt-Tapia with Ana Lazo
“What do principals do all day?” This is a question you may have asked at one moment or another. On Thursday, February 14, we were given the opportunity to experience what it takes to be principal. For any job, you need drive. Before coming to Northwood, Principal Charley-Greene’s experience ranged from being a journalist to being a teacher to being an assistant principal, before finally becoming principal of our school. To get this school where we stand today took dedication. “When I first came to Northwood, I was shocked that there were a lot of negative views of our school and of our students and I got to tell you, I absolutely think we have the most awesome staff and students, so it’s exciting to be able to say we did this and then we did this and just see the look on people’s faces.” Fortunately for us, it wasn’t just a day of seeing her signing paperwork or asking her questions; we got to experience her work life in action. The staff at Northwood often participate in “rolling” staff meetings during the day, meaning that all day different teachers during their free (Continued on page 8)
SMOB candidates visit Northwood by Kate Valentine On Tuesday, February 5, Northwood was visited by four candidates for the Student Member of the Board (SMOB). Ethan Schwager, Ethan Groboski, Val Graham, and Nate Tinbite introduced themselves and discussed their platforms with students and members of the SGA.
Issues affecting MCPS students currently include infrastructure and building quality, lack of mental health resources, and the need for college preparation classes. Additionally, many students recognize the need for environmental initiatives and measures to improve safety in schools. Ethan Schwager (@schwagerforsmob on instagram) from Walter Johnson High School introduced a platform focused on mental health, infrastructure, and improving school lunches, as well
Principal Mildred Charley-Greene converses with Northwood students. (MCPS)
as other issues concerning Montgomery County students. Regarding ACT/SAT preparation, he argued that “we need to make sure that everyone can do well on the ACT and SAT no matter, you know, what economic background they come from.” He also emphasized the importance of bringing preparatory classes to all MCPS schools: “Everyone should have an equal shot.” Another candidate, Ethan Groboski (ethan4smob.com, @ethan4smob on instagram) of Poolesville
High School, focused on the issue of improving infrastructure, school safety, and mental health resources. “I wish to hire therapists at schools. . . this is a lofty goal, but I think that, you know, we can use schools like Northwood as an example of what we should be replicating throughout the county.” He maintained that, while this would likely be expensive, “the cost is worth it to support students and their mental wellbeing.” (Continued on page 3)
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News
Spring 2019
Seniors Take The Stage for the Mr. Northwood Crown
The contestants had an energy of solidarity on stage that revealed to the audience they were there to have fun and by Samantha Miranda put smiles on people’s faces. Contestants Spectacular does not begin to describe the Class of 2019 produc- shared embarrassing stories, performed lip tion of Mr Northwood. syncs, solved Rubik’s The Mr. Northwood competiCubes and even sang tion is a male pageant show that songs in Russian. the senior class organizes to help There crowd was cover the costs of prom. constantly engaged On the night of February 14 in the Northwood auditorium, seniors with questions asked by the hosts Melissa Alvin Huynh, Neil Shrestha, Nick Kane (‘19) and social Boboshko, Evan Gaalswyk, Alex Sporgitas, Blake Silver, Cole Peavy studies teacher Mr. Hull. The contestants had a comand Julian Chiapperino competed bination of different approaches for the crown of Mr Northwood. to the hosts’ questions and crowd Also at stake were two free prom engagement. Some went with the tickets. heartwarming approach and others Teachers Mr. Stein, Mr. Bove, chose a more confident path. Mrs. Dus Sault, Ms. Mayer-WhitChiapperino, Gaalswyk and tington and Mrs. Deluca judged the Huynh were the finalists and had to competition. answer the final question “Why do The teachers were effusive with praise. When asked “What do you want to be Mr. Northwood?” you think of the show so far?” Mr. Huynh’s heartfelt and inspiring answer helped him earn the crown Stein responded, “This is the best of Mr Northwood. He responded thing that I have ever seen.”
Continued: Isaiah’s legacy
demic support. (This program still exists today!) His hard work paid off. At 18, he was accepted to the Richard Bland Junior College of William and Mary in Petersburg, VA. Unfortunately however, he never got to attend. Isaiah would have been 22 years old this year.
Evan hugs winner Alvin while Julian/Chewbacca looks on.
that he normally doesn’t participate in school events and encouraged others to participate more. “I know there are many creative and imaginative kids,” he said. He further related that kids like himself who do not express themselves outside of their homes and he believes they should “express themselves once and awhile.” It is a message that I hope underclassmen heard that night. Huynh’s point that there are
part of a team is awesome,” says his mother. “His competitive spirit was on the high end of the spectrum as “There weren’t enough sports he played to win, but didn’t allow invented or hours in the day for his losses to stop him from trying Isaiah to be a part of!” says Mrs. again. There’s a lot to be learned in Moore-Aronoff, Isaiah’s mother. seeing how a person wins as well “He had a tremendous amount of as how he loses.” energy and funneled it through Today, Isaiah’s memory is athletic activities.” commemorated with a Gladiator And it was true. From the time statue in the main office. His image “[He] didn’t allow his he was only 6 years old, Aronoff symbolizes the true qualities of a participated in a variety of different losses to stop him from gladiator: spirited, determined and sports both inside and outside of persistent. trying again.” school. Throughout his high school In 2017, his mother established years, Isaiah engaged in football, On Thursday, July 28, 2016 Isa- the Isaiah B. Aronoff Memorial lacrosse, wrestling and track and Scholarship in honor of her son iah B. Aronoff was killed in a car field. accident in Silver Spring, MD. His and his memory. This tribute is Raised by a single mother, he awarded to one graduating senior car was struck on the passenger formed many close bonds through- side while driving on Route I-95 at Northwood High in the amount out his life with his friends, coach- and he was ejected from the vehiof $500 each year. The scholarship es and teammates--including his cle. The cause of the crash remains applies to any and all graduating long-term “girlfriend/queen,” Inaya unknown, but six other passengers students at Northwood, and is Chapman. awarded directly toward the school are were injured. Born with a learning disability, Isaiah’s death left his community of the student’s picking. Recipients Isaiah did not take full advantage must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 in grief. The accident occured two of his resources in his early years. and qualify for Free or Reduced weeks before he was scheduled to However, he never stopped striving leave for college. Price meals. for academic success. The work of the foundation Years later, the memory of Isaiah This became evident. In sophhelps make Isaiah’s message clear: B. Aronoff remains treasured by omore year, Isaiah joined ACES, Push. Persevere. And never, ever his friends, parents, siblings and a college education program of give up on your dreams. Today we Northwood family. The legacy he academic coaches aimed at procan remember Isaiah with these leaves behind is one of teamwork viding students with paths to a words, as the strong and inspiraand ambition, motivating students baccalaureate degree. This program to persist despite obstacles pretional student he was. inspired his persistence, exposing (For forms and additional inforsented. His love continues to touch him to the help of his mentor, Mr. mation regarding the scholarship, those who knew him today. Pabian and to the college applica“I would like Isaiah’s legacy to students should contact Coach Alex tion process. It provided him with Medor at Alix_Medor@mcpsmd. be that of a Student-Athlete who the direct exposure he needed for believes winning is great and being org.) colleges and counselors for aca-
many talented Northwood students and they should try to challenge their timidity. People willing to share their talents and personalities with the community is what makes Northwood a great environment. Just like how the eight seniors transformed the auditorium that night into a room full of laughs.
Red and Black Staff Editor-in-Chief Ana Lazo News Editor Nicole Devitt-Tapia News Staff Samantha Miranda William Vorosmarti Skylar Williams Woodland Crisfield Olga Panagopoulos Features Editor Davina Whyte Features Staff Anaiya Bobo Liya Tadesse Ilsa Jentsch Olivia Rosemond Melanie McGinity Jason Maharajh Jason Quinteros Chade’ Herring Ethan Chaupiz Tania Anderson Chief Copy Editor Kate Valentine Sports Editor Adama Gueye Sports Staff Blake Silver Robert Marchessault Design Editor Alex Chartol Faculty Advisor Ryan Acosta-Fox
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Continued: SMOB candidates visit Northwood Another candidate, Ethan Groboski (ethan4smob.com, @ ethan4smob on instagram) of Poolesville High School, focused on the issue of improving infrastructure, school safety, and mental health resources. “I wish to hire therapists at schools. . . this is a lofty goal, but I think that, you know, we can use schools like Northwood as an example of what we should be replicating throughout the county.” He maintained that, while this would likely be expensive, “the cost is worth it to support students and their mental wellbeing.” Val Graham (valforsmob.com, @valforsmob on instagram), of Paint Branch High School recognized the importance of improving infrastructure, and ensuring that
Northwood’s celebration of Black History Month by Samantha Miranda This past February, the Minority Scholars Program with the collaboration of Gabby Cramer (‘19) and Aminah Moody (‘19) presented the 2019 Black History Show. The project came about with the students’ idea to create this event and use it to complete their capstone. The show was titled “Women of the Movement.” The women honored in the show were Phillis Wheatley, Zora Neale Hurston, Oprah Winfrey, and many more. The acts included dance, drumming, singing and reading of memoirs and poetry. In previous years at Northwood, Black History Month was celebrated during lunch events and with assemblies. This was the first time in Northwood history that Black History Month was celebrated in an evening show. The money raised from ticket sales will help fund future MSP projects. Those organizing the event ought to be proud of their accomplishment.
A personal reflection by Gabby Cramer After seeing the final product of the Black History Month Show I was so pleased with how everything turned out. Initially it was not what I envisioned; it was even
Red and Black
schools needing improvements receive attention. She highlighted the need to use renewable energy sources as well; “climate change is… non negotiably one of the largest threats to our generation. As such… as soon as possible, hopefully within the next ten years, I would hope that all of our schools can be using renewable energy sources, or at least minimizing our impact on our environment.” She also noted that “we can and must do better for our students.” Nate Tinbite (nateforsmob.com, @nateforsmob on instagram), of John F. Kennedy High School, introduced a platform focused on mental health and infrastructure, as well as SAT/ACT and college/ career preparation. “Throughout this year, what I want to do for you guys is make sure that we do address college and career readiness in our opportunity gap. Not just by talking about it
broadly, but by bringing ACES… and expanding it to every single high school.” Tinbite also mentioned that “the free ACT and SAT should not just be there just to be there, and the student can’t prepare for it; it should also be there for kids, who should have the resources to study for it, and prepare for it, and for college as well.” Only one of the candidates who spoke at Northwood would make it to the final election, however. On February 27, the field of nine was whittled down to two, with Nate Tinbite and Zoe Tishaev earning the top two spots and advancing to the final round. The final vote will take place throughout MCPS on April 24, 2019.
A Word from the Editors Are high school relationships really worth it? by Ana Lazo
Taking a look inside Northwood, you will see the typical couple PDA. Disgusting, yeah I know. But do these people really see a future with each other? Or is it just a teenage fling? Some say high school relationships aren’t worth the time and effort, but they are often the same ones complaining the most about being alone. Others enjoy wasting people’s time. better than what I imagined. The Students have strong opposfact that it was the very first afing points on this topic. Some beter-school performance that Northlieve it’s silly and time consumwood has put on to honor Black ing. We decided to ask seniors for History Month is an accomplishtheir advice. ment in itself. I wish we had more “There’s still a lot of imperforming acts in between the maturity, but you just gotta be spoken word parts of the show just careful,” Samantha Miranda because it would have been more (‘19) said. Others disagreed. “If entertaining. the person is worth the time and But overall I am very happy. effort. And of course if you’re Some obstacles we had were coorserious about it,” said Alexander dinating all of the departments and Sporgitas (‘19). meetings but at the end of the long (Those we aren’t taking into process, but the show came togethaccount are those who just want er very nicely. to lead you on and leave; they My advice for people interested were not available for comment.) in doing it is to express interest to Waiting till after high school your advisor early on in the year to for a relationship can be a solugive yourself time to plan. Be sure to communicate often and effection, but it can be very difficult tively with all parties involved. for a few. “Being in a long term Have fun because it is such a relationship isn’t easy,” said rewarding experience! Sophia Salas (‘19). Salas advised pursuing a relationship to Above and below: photos from the show. be completely have “the right mindset at such a young age.” It’s understandable that people just want a fling, but make sure the other party knows it as well. Why make a fool out of them? Flings can also be risky. “Catching feelings” is a major No for flings. This doesn’t seem to happen to men. I’m sorry, boys. On a serious note, a successful relationship relies on communication. If you don’t have communication with your partner then what’s really the point? If you want a fling, choose your partner carefully. So be careful ladies and lads. Go secure the bag.
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The Bladensburg Cross controversy: At the intersection of government and religion by Woodland Crisfield The United States Supreme Court has heard countless landmark cases, since its creation in 1789. Disputes across the land have greatly changed how our American way of life functions. But one recent case hits close to home. It has to do with the location of a 40-foot “peace cross” situated on public land in the middle of a busy three lane intersection along Bladensburg Road and Baltimore Avenue. This memorial is intended to pay tribute and honor fallen World War I soldiers who formerly resided in the surrounding region. This structure has stood untouched since its construction in 1925, but is now at the center of a growing controversy concerning the separation of church and state. Depending on one’s viewpoints, this war memorial either represents an honor for fallen soldiers, or a blatant unconstitutional infringement of the separation between church and state. This Supreme Court case is being waged on by the non-religious association known as American Humanists. This association is suing the Maryland Parks Commission There are several grievances by the American Humanists concerning this cross. They say that it is located on public land while and is being protected and maintained by taxpayer dollars. According to the organization, some may not even be aware that there money is going to protected a cross that they may even be vehemently against. Furthermore, they say that when the local government creates statutes that favor one group of fallen soldiers, it sends out a message to
wards other soldiers who may feel subjugated simply because they do not adhere to a particular ideology. While seeing one group of fallen soldiers being given the spotlight in a public setting while at the same time disregarding soldiers who follow differing religious ideologies. The monument’s supporters have voiced their endorsement of the memorial, arguing for the original cause of the Prince George’s County Mothers who wanted to honor their fallen sons. Backers of the monument have also said that the memorials crosslike shape was selected to not favor any particular religion at all. Conversely, it was simply built to reflect the grave markers where American soldiers lie in overseas cemeteries. Since this peace cross was built, countless other war memorials have been constructed as well, including the World War II memorial, the Korean War memorial, Vietnam War memorial, as well as the 9/11 Memorial. This conflict has prompted eight
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Maryland state senators to urge the Supreme Court to give a final ruling in this case. With the hopes that this World War I memorial will be reprieved from displacement. A dissenting judge on the appeals court says that if the ruling were to be held up, it could be used as evidence to support additional removals of monuments with a similar outside perception, many of which rest across the river in Arlington National Cemetery. This conflict has distressed many local religious groups who want to see the statues remain as they are. It must also be said that the First Amendment’s establishment clause prevents the central government from favoring one religion over all the others, orr a religious ideology over secularism for that matter. Prior court cases have ruled that it should not have to matter how small the partiality of one religion over another may seem. Our Founding Fathers had the foresight that even the slightest bias towards religion may all too soon dominate
all aspects of our representative democracy, which is intended to serve all of Americans ideologies. The question then becomes, How can a reasonable solution be crafted to benefit both sides? And how will the High court’s decision impact cases concerning the separation of church and state in future disputes? The monuments detractors have also espoused the idea that religion itself divides the community. They believe this may turn our government of “We The People” into one of “Us v. Them,” and this is exactly why the founders created a separation between church and state in our constitution. An impartial memorial may have to take the place of the current one. Local residents have also called for a monument similar to the one across the street commemorating the Battle of Bladensburg. Nevertheless, the fate of the current peace cross is still uncertain.
Above: the Bladensburg Cross sits at the busy intersection of Bladensburg Road, Baltimore Avenue, and Annapolis Road.
Should religious monuments be allowed on public land? “Yes. Diversity is always great. Other religions should be allowed to display things if another one already is.” - Jason Maharajh, ‘20
“Yes, as long as other religions have the right to display their own statues and religious symbols as well.” - Ms. Eileen Seligman, Media Specialist
“Yes, but as long as it’s not a crucifixion and just a cross.” - Ms. Jill Clark, Social Studies Resource Teacher
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Maryland’s Tainted History
badly divided in the years before the Civil War. It is also important to note that nearly half of all Marylanders of African descent were by William Vorosmarti free men and women. Nevertheless, according to the 1860 census there Until last year, if one had gone were over 80,000 slaves in the state. to the Red Brick Courthouse in That’s larger than the population of downtown Rockville, one would many Maryland counties today! have seen an interesting site. A It wasn’t just Maryland that was statue of a Confederate private divided by the issue of slavery. complete with the inscription, “To Throughout the 1850s the conOur Heroes of Montgomery Co., troversy over slavery was ripping Maryland, That We Through Life the country apart at the seams. May Not Forget To Love The Thin Everything came to a head after Gray Line.” the election of Abraham Lincoln in They say all monuments tell 1860. Worried that the new presa story and this is no exception. ident wanted to abolish slavery, It speaks to the troubled history South Carolina seceded from the that many in our county and state Union, soon to be followed by most would rather be forgotten. other slave-owning states. Slavery emerged in Maryland Yet Maryland remained with the soon after the arrival of the first Eu- Union, but not without massive ropean settlers in 1634. But it was amounts of tension. only in the 1660s with a shortage of This tension exploded on April white laborers that new laws were 19, 1861, with massive riots in passed ensuring that all enslaved Baltimore by pro-Confederate symAfricans who were brought to the pathizers. These rioters attacked colony would remain enslaved Union troops marching through for life. From then on, slavery in Baltimore on their way to WashMaryland would continue relatively ington D.C. The first casualties of undisturbed until the Civil War. the war thus fell not at Fort Sumter Although today most associatbut in downtown Baltimore. The ed with US slavery, the crop that citizens of central and southern began slavery in Maryland was Maryland would remain a thorn not cotton, but tobacco. After in the Union side for the rest of arriving in what is now the United the war. In fact, many prominent States, European planters quickly Marylanders became officers in the discovered and grew rich from Confederate army. Yet many others, the cultivation of tobacco. It was primarily from the north and west not long until problems began to of the state signed up to fight for arise though. In order for tobacco the Union Army. Families were to turn a profit, large numbers of torn apart and met each other on workers were required that the ear- the battlefield. ly colonists simply didn’t have. To prevent Maryland from The obvious choice was to seceding and isolating the Union emulate what the Spanish and capital at Washington DC, the state Portuguese had already done in was placed under virtual military importing African slaves to work rule. Members of the legislature, in the New World. This allowed for the mayor of Baltimore and other a cheap, reliable source of workers leaders that could potentially have that took advantage of existing southern sympathies were sumtrade routes. There was also the marily arrested and thrown in jail. added bonus that any children of By 1864, it looked as though the slaves would be their master’s prop- Union was winning the war. For erty from the day they were born. Maryland this meant that Lee’s two The decision to import foreign invasions into the state had been slaves was both influenced by and repulsed and Early’s invasion of contributed to the prejudices of Washington had been turned back the time. Landowners by and large just inside the DC border at Fort felt morally comfortable with their Stevens. Still, the issue of slavery owning of human property due to remained. Aided by the military the fact that their slaves only came occupation, pro-Union lawmakers from “inferior races”. From a very had taken control of the state legearly age, children born into slavery islature and drafted a new constiwere taught that they were inferitution to ban slavery in Maryland. or to their masters and that it was This was put up to a referendum on their duty to serve them. October 13, 1864. The vote would While slavery was commonplace prove contentious, with intimiamong the coastal area surrouddation and fraud on both sides. ning the Chesapeake Bay, it was far Eventually it was only the votes of less prevalent in the mountainous soldiers serving in the Union Army western part of the state where the that swung the vote against slavterrain did not suit large plantaery, as soldiers in the Confederate tions. This meant that the state was Army were not allowed to partici
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The Rockville Confederate Memorial prior to its move to White’s Ferry.
pate. On November 1, 1864, Maryland’s slaves were freed. However this did not mean that they were suddenly equal members of society. After the end of the Civil War and the assassination of President Lincoln by John Wilkes Booth (a Marylander by birth), Jim Crow became the law of the land. Southern and Central Maryland were regarded as parts of the South and they fiercely clung to their Confederate heritage. Three lynchings occurred right here in Montgomery County around the time of the erection of the Rockville monument. Restrictive covenants prevented Black people from living in many affluent Montgomery neighborhoods (including my own), and legalized school segregation became for a long time a simple fact of life. Although the memorial in Rockville was moved to White’s Ferry in 2017, the debate over Confederate monuments persists. It is important to look at these monuments as one would look at any piece of art: by asking ourselves what message they send and what arguments they choose to convey. Maybe then, the wounds of the past can be stitched, even though the scars will always remain.
HOMEWORK CLUB WHAT? Homework Club WHAT ELSE? Peer tutoring! In every subject! WHEN? Every day after school until 4:15 WHERE? The Media Center WHO? You!
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Teacher Feature: Mr. Sullivan by Melanie McGinity Mr. Ryan Sullivan is the teacher of choral music, piano, and Music Theory at Northwood, in addition to being one of the leaders of the AMTAD. Mr. Sullivan is a favorite teacher of many students at Northwood. And for good reason: he is a really great teacher and also a role model for students to look up to. When it comes to music, he really knows his stuff. But he is just as committed to teaching and helping students, as the answers he shared with us shows.
What made you decide to come and teach at Northwood?
What’s your favorite thing about music?
chorus teacher would you? Why or why not?
“I think that Northwood was the best choice. I wanted to teach High School students in a performing arts setting and that’s the environment we have here.”
“My favorite thing about music is the chilling effect the music can have on your physical body. What I mean by that is when your listening to an amazing piece and you get goosebumps from it. It’s such a cool feeling.”
“Ask me in 10 years.”
Why did you become a chorus teacher? “The reason I wanted to become a chorus teacher was because of my high school choral teacher. I also had him for Music Theory, and he was the head of the department. He was very encouraging for me to continue my study of music and piano. I participated in chorus in high school so I knew I had a love for it. I also sang in college in a choral setting and that’s why I became a chorus teacher.”
What’s the most challenging thing you have faced being a chorus teacher?
How did your family, friends and significant other react to you being a chorus teacher?
“The most challenging thing that I have faced as being a chorus teacher so far has been working to keep students involved with the program but also encouraging them to explore other avenues and other electives that they are passionate with. I want everyone to find their own neish or their personal strength. I would love them to be here in class but I also want them to explore other options.”
“It was a good reaction. They were happy I had a full time job.”
If you could go back in time and prevent yourself from becoming a
Above: Mr. Sullivan.
“My favorite thing about music is [. . .] when your listening to an amazing piece and you get goosebumps from it. It’s such a cool feeling.”
The Northwood Courtyard offers a place for students to get away from the grind of high school. Photo: Diego Ferreyra
Tales from the courtyard by Alex Chartol Ever since my friends and I arrived at this school last year, we have been eating lunch in the courtyard whenever it was nice enough outside. We found the lack of people watching us and the increase of freedom liberating. And as we felt free and particularly memorable, entertaining and stupid experiences followed. For starters. we liked to throw birthday parties outside, with ev
eryone bringing something: soda, chips, cake, the works. We’d sing happy birthday, and usually end up singing along to music playing on a student’s speaker, and creating a mosh pit. But there were also many stunts, such as a student who had a particular fondness for climbing trees to the point where security had to come outside and yell at us. Or the student who used playing cards as ninja stars and annoyed the rest of us immensely. There was also a bunch of parkour. Last semester there was a teacher who’d have students in his room during lunch, and we interacted with the students a lot. They
made a snowman. Over time, the stunts have calmed down. However, there are still many things that make lunch interesting. We like to play guitar, and there is the usual horseplay, though we are careful to not hurt “I’M SO TIRED OF Y’ALL.” anyone. In my opinion we tend to act like we’re either inebriated or We found it hilarious of course. intoxicated (though we aren’t), and Another memory was this year after a huge storm there was a giant conversations that follow tend to border between insane and just puddle. One girl decided to take off her shoes, and walk through the weird. All in all, things that happen in ankle deep rain water, the rest of the courtyard tend to get bizarre, us asking what the heck was wrong with her. Last winter there was even but it is our normal, and anything else would be boring in comparia snowball fight, and one guy son. would throw things into the courtyard (trash usually) and then yell in order to be able to interact with us. It got to the point where the teacher closed the windows and taped papers on them that read:
Features Spring 2019
Nayib Bukele and wife Gabriela Rodríguez de Bukele celebrate on election night. (AS/COA)
El Salvador looks to the future with election of Nayib Bukele by Samantha Miranda On February 3, 2019, El Salvador historically broke the bipartisanship between the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLM) and The National Republican Alliance (ARENA) by electing Nayib Bukele, a member of the Grand Alliance for National Unity as President. Bukele won with a 53.7% vote and 89% of the votes being counted. “We have turned a page on the
Online news outlets: a better alternative to mainstream networks? by Woodland Crisfield Most Americans will receive their news from either social media or mainstream channels on television. And while the mainstream is definitely the popular option for most citizens, what they are unaware of is that many of these conventional outlets are owned by profitable corporations. Most of the time they cover topics that won’t upset their wealthy shareholders. And will often fall short of fully inform Americans about the reality of the society that they actually live in. These mainstream networks reach a larger national audience and are well funded. Think of the most well-known television news channels, such as CNN, Fox News, and NBC news. All of these would be considered mainstream based on large viewerships as well as their interests in making money. These well-known corporations are owned by parent companies.
post war era. And we can now start to look into the future,” Bukele told a crowd of supporters the night of the election. In 2015, Bukele’s first year of office as mayor of San Salvador, the murder rate dropped by 16%. Bukele’s social work and grassroots community building helped bring this positive statistic to a ity ravaged by violence. He used donations and taxpayer money to build libraries, new sports grounds, plazas and community centers for the city’s youth. This marked a different approach to then president Salvador Sanchez Ceren’s ‘iron fist’ approach to gang violence. Buleke told “Time” Magazine that the ones committing the Their show’s hosts are essentially pressured to focus most of their coverage on topics that will benefit their corporation’s bottom line. They do this rather than covering issues that have a larger direct effect on regular Americans. Online so called “new media” outlets, on the other hand, are often formed by independent commentators who grew sick of the state of news in the US. They focus on crucial issues rather than the sensational, hot-button topics that seem to have monopolized the mainstream screen. Independent shows on platforms such as YouTube are run by hosts that are actually allowed to speak their minds. They focus most of their news on policies and issues that are important to our government. These shows have a larger appeal to younger audiences who are in tune with politics and national concerns. This demographic is gradually increasing its influence on policy outcomes and public discourse. The majority of mainstream networks have ageing audiences. They simply watch based on the network’s reputation and what they find to be
crimes are teenagaers and that they must not be kept in the shadows. In 2017 Bukele was named one of “Time” Magazine’s Next Generation Leaders. Ending the gang violence was the election’s most debated topic. Ever since the end of El Salvador’s civil war in 1992, the gangs have been linked to violence, poverty, and scandal. The largest gangs ar eBarrio 18 and MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha). According to the Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security, the murder rate has dropped since 2015. Authorities reported that there was a 25% decrease in 2017 from the 5,280 homicides in 2016. El Salvador still remains one of the most murderous countries in the world. Gang violence remains one of the major reasons for citizens’ deciding to migrate to the United States. The gangs also have a large political presence. El Faro is a media outlet whose investigations have revealed FLMN and ARENA paid the gangs for votes in the 2014 election. They also reported that during the 2015 mayoral elections Bukele paid gangs for votes and that while being in public office he formed pacts with gang members to perform government projects. Bukele has denied these allegations, but he has stated that it was important to ask for gang approval before executing government projects. The
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office of the attorney general is currently performing an investigation on the politician’s pacts with gangs for voter turnout. Leading up to the election, authorities reported that 169 people were killed between January 1 and January 16, including five police officers. Gangs frequently use murder as a bargaining tool for political purposes. Minister of Justice and Public Security Mauricio Ramírez Landaverde told the Associated Press that the gangs are putting pressure on the presidential candidates because “they are looking to be included in candidate’s platforms.” Security expert Veronica Reyna from the human rights organization Passionist Social Service argues that a “security plan is not soccer fields and soccer balls and employment. . . It’s about defining how the police will act, defining how to approach gang-controlled areas, how to address the penitentiary system, and what type of dialogue with these criminal structures they will be able to have.” Bukele has stated he will not enact an iron fist policy against the gangs and will focus instead on violence prevention. According to Bukele, violent repression is like an aspirin that only fights the symptoms, not the cause.
entertaining. The new media outlets for the most part are actually free to cover what they want and what appeals to their viewers, Talk show hosts on YouTube are often more captivating in their commentary and can attract new viewers to their content. These talk shows on YouTube can potentially alter how the public views issues on Capitol Hill. Furthermore, they can affect how journalists and the press operate. Including the topics covered and the best practice of journalism.
Source: Pixabay
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Summer R.I.S.E.: a brief explainer by Davina Whyte What is Summer R.I.S.E.? According to the MCPS Educational Foundation, “Summer R.I.S.E. is an opportunity for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) rising juniors and seniors to explore real-world employment and career options from July 8-26. The initiative is led by the MCPS Partnerships Unit. “Local businesses, government agencies and non-profit organizations volunteer to bring rising high school juniors and seniors into their workplaces to provide handson career experiences, training and mentorship. The experience exposes students to career fields and potentially develops a company’s or organization’s talent pool. “MCPS prepares students for their work at host organizations
Continued from cover: a principal’s life period walk in and out of the media center looking student data. The data they looked at this day is what many students dread: the EOS survey we are required to take. The role Mrs. Charley-Greene played in this meeting was first introducing the information, then pointing to the data that stand out most to see where the staff can improve. At times, it felt almost like a classroom setting, with Mrs. Charley-Greene the teacher and staff as students. The staff was required not only to follow the presentation but also to analyze patterns they saw as well as set goals for the classroom to help achieve the school-wide goals. However, it isn’t like she is busy only some days. The reason you don’t see her in the building as often as the Assistant Principals is because, as she says, “in Montgomery County, the expectation for principals particularly at the high school level is that you’re leading not just your school but your cluster.” This can be an upsetting aspect of the job: not being able to be involved in the business of her home high school is a tough, but it’s also her job. Now you may ask how she manages her regular life with her school life. Parts of that are soon changing. “My youngest child is a senior and my oldest child is going to graduate from college this year, so now that my children are pretty much adults I am able to spend a lot of time here. But even when they were little kids I would bring them.” When working at Albert Einstein she would often bring her kids to all events because, to her, the hardest part of working in the school system is “being away from the building.”
through a mandatory workshop and instruction on expectations for workplace behavior, communication, teamwork, initiative and financial literacy. Student participants are paid a $300 stipend as a reimbursement for program expenses, after they complete the 60hour/three-week Summer R.I.S.E. program.” Student registration begins on Monday, March 18, and ends at midnight on Wednesday, March 27. My experience During my first week as an intern for the marketing and communications department at The Universities at Shady Grove, I was able to experience what it is like to work in a professional setting. When I first found out I was assigned to USG, I was afraid I wouldn’t fit in because I am a high school student working with adults and I didn’t know much about marketing and communications. The staff at USG were inviting and It became clear that the determination and dedication she has for her job both in the past and present is what makes her stand out. “This is a school that reflects the desires and the aspirations and the culture of the students.” Principal Charley-Green has helped create so many ways for students to participate and take a stand at school, and that’s her goal, after all: to create “a school that kids feel proud of.” In the end, she has one goal in mind for all the staff, and she always keeps this in mind whenever she walks into the building. I’ve said this about 100 times but my favorite time of year, I have several, but my absolute favorite is graduation. Seeing students I have seen for years in the hallways, doing things that teenagers do-but at graduation, everyone is so joyous and so happy and their families are so happy and we are all so proud. . . It’s just palpable. I mean you just feel it in the air, and that is just the best day ever. It is rewarding to see people accomplish their goals, it is rewarding to see both teachers and students find something they’re passionate about, set goals and get there. It’s awesome! Finally, Pricnipal Charley-Green wants to leave one thing clear to all students and staff: “Students and staff, when you see a member of the administrative team: We are one!”
my coordinators, Laura and Kristen, were able to teach me everything I needed to know and helped me with my projects that I had to complete. I knew that if I had a question I could just ask them and that is a very comforting feeling being in a new environment where I didn’t know anyone. Working with marketing and communications really helped me gain a better understanding of what really happens behind the scenes of getting the USG message out there. Lesly Rivera (‘19) I was assigned at Beverly Farms Elementary school in Potomac Maryland working with and for the principal. In the beginning I was very nervous. I wanted to be professional and I didn’t know what to expect from my “boss.” But after the first day, I got comfortable and became good friends with my internship partner. The staff were so kind and wel-
A day in the life of an administrator by Nicole Devitt-Tapia As Mrs.Charley Greene said, “I could not do my job if it weren’t for them [administrators].” It is evident that running a school does not take one person, it takes a village. When you talk to administrators, you quickly see how deep this truth goes. Have you noticed that at every school event if you don’t see the principal, you do see an assistant principal? “As a team, we sit down at the beginning of the week and we say, ‘Here are all the things we have to go to, someone has to be at each one, who is going where,’ and we create our schedule,” said Mr. Delmer Padgett. Someone has to be there at every single event, every sport, every showcase, every ceremony--everything. Assistant principals are often those who are more able to be involved in your school life; if you see them more often than our principal it’s because they are fortunate enough to do so. They experience the real action. They are the ones who get to go into classrooms and interact with students and staff on a more regular basis. Mr. Padgett explained further: “The
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coming. I really felt like I belonged. Doing the Summer RISE program was an awesome educational experience. I strongly encourage any students that are looking for work experience before actually entering their field of interest. Apply to Summer R.I.S.E. because I definitely do not regret this choice.
Davina Whyte (‘19) at R.I.S.E. (center)
day-to-day when I feel like I am able to help someone--if it is a staff member or a student and I feel like or they tell me I was a lot of help to them, that means a lot to me.” There’s never an easy day. This specific day there were only two assistant principals in school and one had to arrive late. This meant that for the morning, only one assistant principal was in, meaning only one person was in charge of all the chaos of arrival. Assistant Principal Sara Baudry said that her daily tasks vary constantly, and that there are rarely two days alike. She plan something only to have it change completely a second before. It’s a hard life, but they enjoy it and that’s what allows our school to grow with spirit and pride. The end goal for everyone is progression, especially if you have been here for years. Every year you try to set a goal to improve. Baudry continues: “I have been here, I think it’s year five. I think the biggest change that I have seen, has really been around school unity and school spirit. I have seen a shift in a change of both staff and students being really excited.” Whether it’s the joy of being in classrooms or the joy of doing cafeteria duty, they are the building blocks of our school and they love their jobs, no matter how difficult it can be.
Northwood High School’s administrative team
Scholarships
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to the United States. When Danitza finally moved to the U.S., she had to both adapt to a whole new culture and reestablish a somewhat
God, you can do it.” And she did it indeed; Danitza can now fulfill her dream of getting a higher education and being a first-generation college students. Danitza encourages all students at Northwood to continue to strive for success by being yourself.
Dajanae
Dajanae Dennis (‘19) and Danitza Verano Roman (‘19), Northwood’s two winners of the Beat the Odds Program.
How two Northwood students Beat the Odds by Nicole Devitt-Tapia Imagine every student in the DC metropolitan area. Now imagine five students out of this whole area winning a one-of-a-kind scholarship. Now imagine not one but two of those students being Gladiators. Pretty amazing! Danitza Verano Roman and Dajanae Dennis are both Northwood seniors, and they both applied for a scholars
Danitza Danitza grew up in her birth country, Peru. Living in Peru, Danitza experienced many hardships, including being separated from her mother who had moved
More Gladiator excellence: Alvin Huynh’s POSSE scholarship win by Nicole-Devitte Tapia Danitza and Dajanae weren’t the only ones to win prestigious awards. Senior Alvin Huynh was nominated for and won a POSSE scholarship. This scholarship is designed to support talented students from diverse backgrounds so they can become leaders. The key process to this scholarship is the interview. When asked what he believed made him stand out among all of the nominees at Northwood he
faded relationship between mother and daughter. In the end, she embraced all of her challenges in order to overcome them. How did she do this, you may ask? How did she stand out among thousands of applicants? “I think what made me stand out among all who applied for the scholarship because I am the type of person who works hard for what I want and because I really like to be myself. I feel like a really big part about winning a scholarship is being yourself.” Stay true to yourself is her message: that’s all it took for her to win. Many Hispanic students struggle with what comes after high school, and Danitza’s story of how she overcame that barrier is an inspiration for all. “It’s like someone is opening a door for you. Okay, maybe you are down for a minute but then you get the scholarship and it’s like, Oh my
In 2016 Dajanae welcomed her one and only sister. However, within two months of being born, her sister was diagnosed with a rare, genetic, lifelong form of epilepsy that develops in the first years of life. Since then, Dajanae has had to step in to care for her sister while her mom worked long hours and try to make ends meet. Balancing academics with extracurricular commitments while acting as primary support for her mother and her five siblings has been a great challenge, but despite all Dajanae continues to strive for greatness. While Dajanae may have had huge struggles at home, that didn’t stop her from succeeding in school. Sharing her story was brave and in the end, it paid off. “I feel blessed and astonished. I [can’t] believe that out of everyone they saw something in me.” No story is less important than the other; any story is worth hearing, and any story can have that touch of greatness to it. But sharing is story is just the beginning; thanks to Beat the Odds, Dajanae can now live her dream. “I can become an advocate because now I have the credibility and something behind me that needs to be heard. I will be attending a university and having the tuition covered, so my mom won’t be in debt, which is something I am very thankful for.” It’s clear that her drive comes from her family, and that’s an inspi-
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ration to many. Danitza and Dajanae both were one of the five high school students to receive this scholarship in the Washington, D.C metropolitan area. Winning the scholarship provided them with access to leadership development, mentorship, and programming through the program’s network, a $10,000 scholarship for higher education expenses, and a laptop computer. This will all help them achieve greater success in life despite any barriers holding them back.
Beat the Odds: background on the scholarship itself by Adama Gueye The Beat the Odds scholarship is for students who have overcome adversity and demonstrated academic excellence despite hardships. The scholarship awards $2,500 to students who maintain a 3.0 or higher and show improvement or success in their high school courseload. For more information on scholarships for upcoming seniors, visit Ms. Snape in the college and career center in the counseling office.
But Alvin stays humble, wanting And for those just trying to get said, “I believe that my ability to first and foremost to thank all those involved in POSSE? be genuine and myself instead of putting on an act for the interviews who supported him through this “Do not forget to #TrustThePromade me stand out throughout the process. cess.” process.” Alvin Huynh (‘19), winner of the POSSE scholarship, with his family. Winning this scholarship is a key benefit for so many students, and for Alvin it means so much more than just money. It also means key support through college, “I will have such an awesome college experience without forcing my parents to empty their pockets. Not to mention, I will have a POSSE group around me for the next four years of school!” The POSSE scholarship places you in a group of 10 students, and those 10 students--Alvin included--will be there for each other for the next four years.
Glad
Grads
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Video Game Review: “Brawl Stars” by Jason Quinteros Do you enjoy games with fun multiplayer mode? “Brawl Stars” is a free multiplayer app game developed by Supercell that you can download from the Play Store. It rose to popularity in 2018, when it added new 3D animations and maps. It is now one of the most popular games on Supercell. The game features a Western theme, similar to a shooting game, that allows you to unlock new brawlers and play different modes with other players in the game. Players can receive tokens from battling in any gamemode. They can be used to open the blue brawl boxes. Once you get 100 tokens from battling, the maximum amount is 200 tokens that can be obtained from battling in any mode; after that, players must wait two hours for 20 tokens to be available. Brawl boxes may contain coins and power points for any brawler, and once they reach
a certain number of power points, players can can upgrade them, giving them better stats and the ability to do more damage depending on their power. Each brawler has an element called “Power” next to their icon, and every new brawler a player obtains always has power 1 next to them. It is possible to upgrade a brawler with power points from brawl boxes to get them up to power 2 and further ahead. Not only that, but each brawler has a certain kind of rarity. The different types are common, rare, epic, mythical, and legendary. The higher the rarity the harder it is get a certain kind of brawler in brawl boxes due to the rate. However, there are higher kinds of brawl boxes that increase the rates for legendaries and mythicals that can be obtained. When the game is started, there are trophies in the top left corner that can be gotten with any kind of brawler. Players can unlock trophy rewards, such as brawl boxes, power points, coins and other brawlers. But be careful, because if a match is lost, trophies are lost as well.
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Some of the brawlers you can play with.
Each character has a ranking on them; the max limit is rank 20, and players can increase that character’s ranking by winning matches. However, the higher the ranking of a character, the more trophies that may be lost if a match is lost. Also, each brawler has different combat and shooting ranges; it could have short range or long range, which would help hit an enemy brawler in a gamemode. Depending on how a brawler is used, players can win matches if they take tips from other players. Each brawler in the game has their secret move called “Supers” which
can be obtained if one keeps hitting their opponents with their attacks. Depending on the brawler, once the “Super” is reached, this can deal massive damage to an enemy brawler. Alternatively, a different brawler can have healing for a “Super.” It is also possible to make friends with “Brawl Stars” and play with them as team members on any gamemode. It is important to log in every day to get free stuff in the shop, or buy new stuff there. There also may be new deals at the shop. In the end, Brawl Stars is a great game that everyone can enjoy.
Manga Review: “Attack on Titan”
Movie Review: “Captain Marvel”
by Jason Maharajh
by Ethan Chaupiz
“Attack On Titan” is a manga series taking place in on the year 850. During this time period. the humans live within walls that block them from the rest of the world. The walls stand at 50 meters tall because of the monsters that roam the earth called Titans. The reader follows the perspective of Eren Jaeger, including Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert. At the beginning of the story we see life within the walls, everything is at peace. That is until the fateful day, a loud eruption leaves all the citizens in the District confused. Eren, Mikasa and Armin look in the direction of the eruption. Nobody could believe their eyes: standing before them, a Titan over 50 meters tall looking down upon the villagers below. Everyone freezes in fear and panic ensues as the Titan kicks a hole in the wall. “Attack On Titan” (“AoT” for short) is a dark fantasy adventure consisting of 27 Volumes, written by Hajime Isayama. Hajime began the series in 2009 and ended in December 2018. He has sold over 88 million copies in total and growing. This series really took off when an anime adaptation began in 2013 and sales went through the roof. In the end, AoT does not disappoint.
Since the first “Iron Man,” the Marvel cinematic landscape has changed a lot since Tony busted through that cave. Now with the upcoming release of “Endgame,” Marvel decided to make a film dedicated to the superhero who will most likely beat down Thanos alongside the rest of the Avengers and whoever was left untouched by the snap. That movie is “Captain Marvel,” a movie steeped in a hoopla of controversy thanks to Brie Larson´s comments, people pointing fingers at one another, both sides of the arguments getting into big Twitter fights, and journalists who have no concept of subtlety writing awful hit-pieces about those not seeing the movie going against what feminism stands for. This is a big to-do over nothing with how much money the film has raked in--and the film being nothing more than a middle-to-low tier Marvel film that botches some of the established continuity within the franchise. In the 125 minute runtime, “Captain Marvel” accomplishes two problematic things. First, it makes the lead of her own film about as interesting as a soggy piece of bread. Second, it causes continuity issues with what has already been (Continued on page 16)
Above: a panel from Hajime Isayama’s “Attack on Titan” (2009). Below: Brie Larsen as Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel.
Opinion Spring 2019
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Homework: one of school’s most beloved myths by Alex Chartol One common idea is that homework benefits students. There are benefits, of course, but there are far more hindrances brought along with this myth. In fact, homework does more harm than good and should be banned. But I’ll let you make your own conclusion. Most teachers give homework due to the belief that it helps students. It encourages practice, it gets parents involved in their children’s school lives, it teaches time management skills, and it reduces screen time (as long as it’s not something on Google Classroom or a typed essay). It is clear some benefits do exist. However, mountains of homework cause a cycle of lack of sleep and stress to fall on students for months on end. And studies show that it doesn’t even help students. Homework is often assigned to improve test scores. Although this can provide positive outcomes, including better study skills or habits, the fact is that when children are tired, they do not absorb much information. When children have more homework than recommended, test scores actually go down. Stress levels go up. Burnout on the curriculum occurs. The results for many students, according to research from Ruben Fernandez-Alonso in the “Journal of Educational Psychology,” is a decrease in grades instead of an increase.
Source: pixabay.com. The pros and cons of homework are admittedly all over the map. Many parents and teachers follow their personal perspectives and create learning environments around them. When parents and teachers clash on homework, the student is often left in the middle of that tug of war. By discussing these key points, each side can work to find some common ground so our children can benefit for a clear, precise message. Quantity may be important, but quality must be the priority for homework if a student is going to be successful. Homework reduces student’s free time to exercise, as they spend all their time sitting at desks doing work. School comprises six com-
bined hours of non-stop work; it’s practically a full-time, unpaid job and many students from low-income families are unable to help pay the bills with part-time jobs and complete their homework. It’s either one or the other and someone ends up paying a price. Survey after survey shows that all homework does is create a negative attitude towards schooling and education. Students simply do not wish to spend twelve hours a day sitting at a desk doing essays and readings and math that they probably aren’t going to use much after high school. They lose time to do anything creative or that they enjoy, they have no outlet for stress, and lack of sleep follows.
Students in the US spend more than 100 hours of extra time in school already compared to high-performing countries around the world, but that has not closed the educational gap between those countries and the United States. In some areas, the US is even falling in global rankings despite the extra time that students are spending in school. When it comes to homework or any other form of learning, quality is much more important than quantity.
Soapbox: Are ‘promposals’ overrated? “No, I think they are really cute. and they make someone’s high school year magical.” - Bitanya Zewdie (‘19)
“Maybe just a little. Just ask the person and that’s it.” - Jamin Ayala (‘19)
“‘I think they are fine. There’s nothing wrong with them.” - Olivia Rosemond (‘22)
“Absolutely not. It is completely absurd that many people share this ideology that promposals are overrated. It is our senior year: make it memorable!”” - Diego Ferreyra (‘19)
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Northwood Academy of Music, Theatre, and Dance gears up for “Sister Act” by Olga Panagopoulos “Sister Act” tells the story of Deloris Van Carter as she goes into witness protection as a nun after she witnesses her boyfriend Curtis Shank shoot someone. It is well known for its vibrant and soulful musical numbers and, rest assured, Northwood’s drama team promises that they will “sing the roof off.” Raymond Ingram (‘20) plays Eddie, a cop who helps Deloris go under witness protection, and also serves as a love interest for Deloris. For Raymond, the role of Eddie is a major step up for him from his past involvement in “A 16 Bar Cut: The History of The American Musical.” But he’s up for the challenge. “It’s so much fun to me, doing what I love, that I just wanted to come back for my final year.” He’s stepping up this time with a solo number, which he admits is the hardest part of preparing for the role of Eddie. But he’s been rehearsing and practicing for it constantly, and hopes that students leave the theater starstruck. Isaac Umanzor (‘20) plays the role of Curtis Shank, the main antagonist of “Sister Act.” This is
“Sister Act”: a reflection by Alex Chartol “Sister Act” is a story, about a club singer, who witnesses a murder and goes to hide in a convent from the mobsters who committed the crime. The musical has something for everyone: comedy, action, romance, and all around fun. My experience with the musical has been nothing short of amazing. While I am in the ensemble, I am happy with my part, since I don’t have the stress of learning lines, or solos where the spotlight shines on me. Though, there is some stress with choreography (I’m not the greatest dancer). Rehearsals are everyday after school, and so far the musical is shaping up to be amazing. We have spectacular singers and actors, and our choreographer is a recent Northwood graduate. I have gained friends and become closer to friends who I wouldn’t ever see in school otherwise. (We even had pizza backstage but don’t tell Dr. T!) The musical isn’t just an afterschool activity, it’s an experience; an adventure and a passion.
yet again the student’s first role involving a solo song. Umanzor also admits that it is the hardest part of preparing for the show. It’s a major step up from being an ensemble member in “Legally Blonde,” but he’s practiced hard, and hopes that the theatre is packed on opening night. Yet despite all the hard work (and, they admit, a good chunk of their time), theater is still something these two and the entire cast of “Sister Act” treasure. When times get hard, the cast is there for each other. Although there might be some tensions, they tend to be relatively small (like taking an extra slice of pizza). All in all, this cast is there for each other through thick and thin, and they have been known to engage in sudden dance parties to classic musical numbers. More than anything, they enjoy talking with each other every free moment. Dr. Temple is adamant about the theatre’s power. “It is a lot of work, but it is also a lot fun. You learn something about yourself, and you realize you really can do things you never thought you could.” According to Dr. Temple, theatre is just as much a benefit for the audience. “I want [students] to really walk out with a healthy respect for their peers, and the amount of work that their peers put into to have a show on stage.”
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Above left: Raymond Ingram (‘20), playing Eddie; above right: Isaac Umanzor (‘20), playing Curtis Shank; below: the cast of “Sister Act” dance in rehearsals.
Awards Season Spring 2019
The Grammys’ Worst Outfits
up weird. However, Perry has taken the jokes lightly and posted an edit of herself as a paint roller.
by Ilsa Jentsch
Joy Villa First of all, who is she? Someone keeps inviting this girl even though she only has 8,000 Spotify listeners. I personally believe that celebrities should be able to be public with their political views, but when you show up dressed as “The Wall” with a MAGA sign to an award show that has nothing to do with Trump, that’s an issue. Just think about how upset the public would be if someone like Ariana Grande or Lady Gaga wore this dress. Villa seems to go viral every year for a controversial gown (like her “Choose Life” dress) and people still don’t know anything about her or her music. Also, the gown is just straight up ugly.
While everyone waits to see which Grammys their favorite artist has won, it’s the Red Carpet outfits celebrities wear that have become a huge part of America’s celebrity culture. Here is a list of stars who, in my opinion, really did not shine in their outfits. Katy Perry Listen, I’m all for people being creative with shapes on outfits, but not when it makes you look like a failed Dr. Seuss character. Seriously, I’d rather dress like Cindy Lou Who than wear this balmain gown to one of the most prestigious award ceremonies. It is obvious she wsa going for the pink “cupcake” look that Rihanna pulled off in her Giambattista Valli Haute Couture at the Grammys in 2015; I would suggest that, when going out of the box shape-wise, research what flatters your body type and find out if the piece looks positively experimental, or just straight-
Review: 2019 was another year the Grammys flopped by Liya Tadesse It’s the most prestigious music awards ceremony: the infamous Grammys. But once again, this year’s ceremony was a flop. There are 84 categories where an artist can take an award home. Strangely enough, there were more than 100 in the past. When the Grammy nominees were announced in December 2018, people had more than enough to say about them. One of the biggest shocks was the lack of recognition Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift received. While Grande was nominated for the Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Pop Solo Performance, Swift was only nominated for the former. Nevertheless, Swift ended up losing her in her listing while Ariana won in both categories. Drake’s album this past year included several singles that received nominations. He ended up taking one Grammy home that night. During his acceptance speech, he did not fail to mention all of those who have helped on his journey to fame and called out the kids who are aspiring to make music. But who he “called out” next left everyone and their aunties’ jaws hanging open: the Grammys themselves. “My point is: you’ve already won if you have people singing your
Hennessy Carolina: Cardi B’s younger sister tried it this year but it didn’t work. I’m all for color and shape, but this orange tuxedo blazer style dress really was not it, chief. It was awkwardly cut and way too short at the crotch. I love small dresses, but this awkward
songs word for word, if you’re a hero in your hometown”, Drake said. “Look, if there’s people who have regular jobs who are coming out in the rain, in the snow, spending their hard earned money to buy tickets to come to your shows, you don’t need this right here. I promise you, you already won.” After that, the Grammys cut him off and went to commercial. Mac Miller (R.I.P) also received a nomination for best rap album. In celebration of this, organizers of the ceremony flew in his parents Pittsburgh to accept the award on behalf of their son. Public opinion was certain he would win, and rightfully so, considering that this would be one of his last big marks. But then Cardi B was the one to take the award home. As expected, she received an immense amount of backlash, forcing her to take down her Instagram account. Ariana Grande, Mac Miller’s ex, had also responded to this controversy by posting her thoughts on social media: “Trash”; “F***”; “Bull****”; “Literal bull****.” Overall, this was not the Grammys’ finest hour.
Mac Miller (thecomeupshow)
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V-shape cut just made her look foolish. I understand she was trying to show off her figure, but the sleeves just contradict, clashing with the rest of the outfit. However, I do love the orange holographic crocodile pumps.
Joy Villa, above; Hennessey Carolina, below (Popsugar)
Above: Katy Perry (PopSugar)
The Oscars take a step forward on diversity by Kate Valentine Diversity has long been an issue for the Oscars. Over the past few years, there have been many complaints–– from celebrities, critics, and audiences alike, that the Oscars are predominantly white. The hashtag #OscarsSoWhite trends every year around the time of the ceremony. April Reign, creator of the hashtag and an advocate for diversity, inclusion, and representation, writes that “#OscarsSoWhite refers to all marginalized communities and is not about quotas but about asking inclusive questions when staffing films—from the actors cast to the boom operators and craft-services teams hired.” In 2015, the year Reign first used the hashtag, every nominee in four of the core categories–Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress–was white. The 2019 Oscar winners, however, presented a multitude of firsts. Ruth E. Carter and Hannah Beachler won awards for their work on “Black Panther,” meaning that the movie won three awards total (along with Best Original Score). The awards marked the first Oscars the Marvel Cinematic Universe has ever won. Carter and Beachler were the first black women to win for Best Costumes and Best Production Design respectively, and became the first black women to win awards in a non-acting category in 35 years. They, along with Regina King, who won Best Supporting Actress for her role in “If Beale Street Could Talk,” made 2019 the first
year more than one black woman has won an Oscar. Rayka Zehtabchi became the first Iranian-American woman to win an Oscar, for her short documentary “Period. End Of Sentence.” Zehtabchi’s film examines the cultural stigma surrounding menstruation in a rural Indian village, and how many of the women and girls living there don’t have access to menstrual products or sanitary pads. In her speech, Zehtabchi said, “I can’t believe a film about menstruation just won an Oscar.” Some other milestones from the ceremony include Rami Malek’s win for his leading role in “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Malek became the first Egyptian person to win an Oscar. Domee Shi is the first woman of
color to win for Best Animated Short for “Bao,” and is the first woman to have directed a Pixar animated short. Mahershala Ali became the first black actor to win twice in the same category; he has won Best Supporting Actor for his roles in “Moonlight” and now “Green Book.” Peter Ramsey is the first black person to win for Best Animated Feature; he co-directed “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” In fact, this year represents the first in which the majority of acting awards went to people of color. While there is still much progress to be made in terms of diversity in the film industry, this year’s Academy Awards is a sign that equality is well within reach.
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The Complicated Saga of Jussie Smollett by Tania Anderson and Skylar Williams On January 22, actor Jussie Smollett reported receiving an envelope at production studio in Chicago. The envelope was said to have MAGA in the return address section and inside was a letter and white powder. The letter was written in cut out letters and said that “You will die black,” and the white powder was determined to be a crushed pain reliever. Jussie Smollett is an African-American actor who appears on the hit reality TV show “Empire.” He is well-known for his character Jamal, who is very talent-
Superstar rapper 21 Savage becomes high profile immigration detainee
ed but hides his sexuality. A week after receiving the envelope, Smollett claimed he was attacked by two men on his way home in Streeterville, a neighborhood in Chicago, at 2 a.m. In his report, Smollett said that both attackers were wearing all black with masks covering their facial features, and in several interviews he implied that the attackers were white. He also said that both men yelled racial and homophobic slurs and the MAGA slogan. He claimed the men had beat him, poured an unknown chemical substance on him, and tied a rope around his neck. This got Smollett an abundance of love from fans and other celebrities, and even President Trump spoke out against the attack and showed his support for Smollett.
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Some remained skeptical. Smollett reassured people that he was being cooperative with police and that he had been consistent with story. On February 12, Chicago Police stated that Smollett had not shared all his phone records which they requested to help further their investigation. This raised many eyebrows and made Smollett feel like he had to defend himself, which he did two days later on February 14. This was also the day that Chicago police made an arrest of the two people who were seen in the security footage. Police began to investigate a theory that Smollett paid two Nigerian brothers to stage the attack. Smollett denied all accusations that he was involved in his own attack.
RedSpring and Black 2019
On February 21, Chicago police arrested Jussie Smollett was arrested on a felony charge of disorderly conduct over falsely claiming he was attacked. Authorities say that Smollett was unsatisfied with his salary and was seeking publicity. According to the police, Smollett allegedly made sure the neighborhood of his attack had security cameras that would catch the entire thing on video. Unfortunately for Smollett, that particular camera wasn’t pointed in his direction. Smollett surrendered to Chicago police early in the morning on February 21. Smollett’s legal team is currently working on his legal defense, and the story continues to take many twists and turns.
the script says, but not much can be done to a very lackluster character, who isn’t developed, doesn’t go through some form of an arc, and has about the same charm at the end as she did when the film started. This is an issue; if she is supby Blake Silver posed to this force to be reckoned with, she’s definitely someone who Illegal immigration has become could undermine everyone else. seen as a constant problem in the “Captain Marvel” is a prequel world, especially in the United to the big MCU storyline, which States. wouldn’t be a problem if it didn’t 21 Savage, a popular artist Rapper 21 Savage (“People” Magazine). mess with what has been set up in thought to be from Atlanta, has the other movies. Characters who been caught in a web of problems what “Guardians of the Galaxy” did had some form of injury which spun by his alleged illegal immigra- “Captain Marvel” by using classic 70s and 80s songs. meant something to the person tion. (cont’d. from page 12) The difference is that in “Galaxy,” they are today now have a new Authorities claim the controPeter Quill had an emotional concontext. There is also a huge batversial artist is originally from established. But more on that later. nection to the songs, as they were tle against an alien species being England and came to the United Marvel movies tend to put a lot a reminder not just of his home on somewhat visible, which doesn’t States illegally at young age, makof value on the strength of their Earth but also of his mother who even line up with what was estabing him a DREAM Act recipient. main leads. While the movies may was dying and someone he never lished in the first “Avengers.” (Why He was taken into custody to not always be the most engaging, got to say goodbye to. So for him, couldn’t she help in the Battle of await the trial to decide whether he it’s the big lead and the character those songs become his tie to Earth New York?) or not he will be deported. they’re portraying that can often and we empathize with him as they Add up the various retcons The rapper was originally arrest- save the movie. In some instances are used appropriately for some of take place and it’s pretty clear why ed on suspicion of gun possesion,, that’s not always the case and “Cap- the big emotional beats of the film. taking these types of routes don’t but when ICE caught wind of his tain Marvel” suffers from that. In “Captain Marvel,” Carol never work. In terms of performances, citizenship status, they decided to After an unsuccessful mission, had any sort of emotional connecthey aren’t special or memorable. arrest him. Carol Danvers crash lands on Earth tion to the music. Everyone does a decent job in Controversy ensued. One cause in the year 1995. Trying to find a “Captain Marvel” isn’t at all terms of acting, with Ben Mendelof the problematic situation surway of getting off the planet, she compelling or engaging, and this sohn giving the best performance. rounding 21 is many think people meets a pre-Iron Man Nick Fury. results from a mix of both the writ- The special effects are nothing are only trying to keep him in the They team up as she discovers ing and what direction was given to mind-blowing, although the deUS because of his status and music. more about his past while trying Larson. Larson is a very capable ac- aging effects given to Jackson and Students were asked about to capture the Skrull, an alien race tress, as seen how she portrays her Clark Gregg are seamless. The whether he should be deported or that can shapeshift into people and characters during “Short Term 12” pacing can be tedious as things do not. blend in. Twist and turns ensue, and “Room.” These are both great grind to a halt in particular secShawn Brown (‘20) said, “He’s friends become enemies, and she performances and have characters tions. been here for a minute and he mak- learns what it means to be a hero. with clear goals in mind. But she The only real engaging part was ing good music and he’s got three It’s a pretty standard Marvel is inconsistent, as one minute she the post credits scene which is a kids, so we should just let him stay.” movie, and executed in about the tries to give off witty Tony Starkmajor set up for “Endgame.” “CapOther students went as far as same manner: a very bland and like banter and the next she’s an tain Marvel” is another mediocre saying they simply don’t care about uninspired directing style that emotionally reserved person. film in the MCU that, while not the the situation. contains some competent filmmakNot only are her attempts at most grating or annoying, isn´t the 21 Savage was released on bond ing and pretty iffy choreography comedy bad, but all the humor that most engaging either. It’s compeon February 12 with an immigrathat leads to some boring action set works comes from everyone else, tent but uninspired, not well-writtion hearing tentatively scheduled pieces and a standard marvel score including a cat which is the highten, and leaves us with not much to for April 11. that tries to add a 90s vibe to it. light of the entire movie. Larson chew on. The soundtrack tries to capture tries to give some depth to what 5/10
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Spring 2019
Style Scout
Red and Black
Name: Adama Gueye
by Ilsa Jentsch & Liya Tadesse
Name: Mr. Henrique Vissotto
Class: 2019
Years teaching at NHS: Three
Birthday: April 1st (Aries)
Birthday: June 7th (Gemini)
Give us an #OOTD: White sweater- Ralph Lauren; Corduroy pants; Boots- H&M; Hairpins- Dollskill.com
Give us an #OOTD: Jacket- Marshalls; Belt- TJ Maxx; Pants- Macy’s; Shoes- Outlet mall; T-shirt- Unit teacher meeting Biggest style inspiration: “GQ” Magazine Biggest style pet peeve: Wrinkles
Biggest style inspiration: What do you want to Rico Nasty see more of at NHS? School spirt Biggest style pet peeve: UGGS with high jeans that show Favorite food: Pasta
Favorite food: Salad
Favorite restaurant: Nandos
Favorite artist: Ariana Grande
Favorite artist: Rihanna
Favorite store: Outlet mall
Favorite meme: Black play memes
Dream job: Full time motivational speaker
Favorite store: Dolls Kill Dream job: Broadcast Journalist
Ask Diego In this space, senior Diego Ferreyra offers helpful answers to your questions. What are your plans after high school? I’m currently pursuing a career as social media influencer on the current platform of TikTok. As of right now one of my TikToks has over half a million views. Although this platform is very creative and a great way to express yourself, I have difficulty thinking of funny and original videos. Creating videos isn’t my favorite part of TikToks; watching other Tok’ers create and indulge in trends, dancing, and just genuinely enjoying themselves. Eventually all good things come to an end and I’ll be there on Tik Tok swiping through as everyone says their last goodbyes.
The end of my TikTok chapter will only be the beginning of my new chapter as a YouTuber. As you may recall, when Vine was terminated many of the Viners transfered over to YouTube. As my YouTube channel begins growing I will move either to New York or California where I can collab and create better content for my subscribers. In the sudden case my TikTok career doesn’t lift off, I will go to Montgomery College for two years and transfer to UMD to graduate. Do you think that Heelys having a comeback moment? Heelys are definitely having a comeback!!! What was once a popular shoe in 2006 is now gaining traction over 10 years later!
18 December 2018 Red and Black
The Poms’ road to comp
Sports
She explained further that, to her, winning the competition is based on whoever catches the attention of the judges the most. Even though seniors Olamide Oladrian and Mikal Tedros are leaving this year, but there is still hope that our Poms team will persevere and continue to try their best. (Interested students can tryout for the POMS team for next year. Follow @NorthwoodPoms on Twitter for details.)
two along with Walt Whitman High School, who placed
by Samantha Miranda and Robert Marchessault Four years. Some years, waking up 5:00 in the morning so I can get to school at 6:00. But when the team was bumped to division two, we were fortunate enough to get to show up at school at eight because the competition started later. Dancers have joined and left, experienced injuries, had both good and bad performances, but the spirit of the team has lived on. Being there with drumline to play for them at every competition led to the growth of my love for poms. Whenever I see them perform and watch the girl’s athleticism and artistry I always say, “If I didn’t do drumline, I would have done poms.” It’s admirable, the hard work they put in during practice in hopes of placing at competition. Two years ago the Northwood Poms team placed 2nd during the MCPS Division 3 Competition, securing them the spot in division
The Northwood Poms during comp.
first that year. It was early February of 2018, the first year Northwood competed at the MCPS Division II Poms competition. We took a hard blow in placing last, but Coach Hagan and the team had a hunger to place. The team had to place second to stay in Division II. Captain Olamide Oladerian (‘19) described their practices being later than usual and would practice
RedSpring and Black 2019
everyday. With the limited time that they had to practice due to the snow days, they put all their heart into what they love. Unfortunately at the 2019 MCPS Poms Competition this past February, the results were not what they hoped for. Jeniffer Guandique (‘20) described her experience as being proud for how hard they worked, and she believes the team did the best that they could placing 5th.
Games Red and2019 Black Spring
Games
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December 2018 Red and Black
The first THREE to complete this maze and word search win a prize! See Mr. Acosta-Fox in Room A204.
March Madness #MarchForOurLives by Diego Ferreyra
On Thursday, March 14, students from D.C, Maryland, and Virginia marched to the White House and Capitol to protest gun violence. This is the second annual protest led by kids against gun violence. Activism for the issue rapidly increased after the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High in Parkland, Florida, in February 2018, which in left 17 dead. Upon leaving the Farragut North metro station, students walked to the White House where they chanted phrases like “show me what democracy looks like” and “enough is enough.” The crowd sat in silence for 17 minutes, one for each life that lost during the Parkland shooting. Once the moment of silence was over, students marched down Pennsylvania Avenue while bystanders cheered them on. Students created inventive signs, like “Guns Down Thotiana,” or, “The scariest thing in school should be my grades.” When they reached the Capitol Building they heard speeches from senators, class presidents, and others affected by gun violence. The aim of the protest was to bring awareness towards this issue and for the government to enforce stricter gun laws that include background checks. It’s a tragedy that many lives are lost due to guns being easily accessible.
Women March for their Rights by Chade’ Herring
In 2017, during the first full day of Trump's presidency, hundreds of thousands of people crowded the National Mall for the first Women’s March on Washington. The massive protest targeted the Trump administration and what it saw as its threats on the rights of average Americans, especially women. Millions of people around the country held their own protest in solidarity with the Women’s March on Washington. The idea for a Women’s March originally gathered steam on Facebook on the night of and day after the election. A Hawaiian woman named Teresa Shook argued that a pro-woman march was needed to respond to the surprising victory of Trump over Clinton. When the signup for the march reached thousands of names, other activists and organizers joined, and eventually January 21–the day after the election–was decided on as the day. There were various issues brought up at the marches of 2017, including women’s rights and reproductive rights, but also issues like immigrants’ rights, LGBTQ+ rights, disabled rights, and rights for others who protesters believed would face a difficult road under the Trump administration. The most recent women's march was a protest that occurred on January 19, 2019, two years after the original march. While the turnout was not as high as the original, protesters were still able to make their voices heard.