MCPS zoning study sparks debate, p. 4
Inside spring hallway style, p. 10
The dazzling Spring Dance Concert, p. 8-9
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Montgomery County Public Schools
Northwood High School
919 University Boulevard W.
Silver Spring, MD 20901
May 2019
Senior’s PSA shares important message by Nicole Devitt-Tapia and Adama Gueye
The shine continues. This semester one of Northwood’s seniors, Katherin Molina, participated in a countywide PSA video contest for a local organization interested in “promot[ing] respect in dating relationships and to rais[ing] community awareness about the prevalence of teen dating violence.” Katherin entered the contest with a video she titled, “There Is Another Side.” She wanted a way of telling everyone that they should know abuse can happen to anyone. She believes that everyone should know the red flags and it is possible to get out of toxic situations. Abuse should not be silenced or put to the side. She wants to let people know that they are not alone--that it’s okay to speak up and, well, choose respect. The contest was proposed by Choose Respect Montgomery, an organization whose mission is focused on teen dating violence awareness and prevention. These prevention and awareness organizations allowed Northwood students to send a message. When asked what the hardest part of creating the PSA (Continued on page 5) Right: two screen captures from “There Is Another Side” spread Molina’s message in English and Spanish. Below: Choose Respect Montgomery, the organization that organized the video competition.
Inside Northwood’s culture of music by Samantha Miranda
Malik Torres (‘19), one of Northwood’s self-made musicians.
“SoundCloud Rapper” is a infamous term. When SoundCloud Rapper comes to mind, some are quick to imagine face tattoos, repetitive trap beats and dyed hair. But Northwood artists are far from this image. In the era of SoundCloud, a music file sharing app, music lovers have the opportunity to share their creations with a big audience. Some famous artists that started on SoundCloud are Lil Pump, Lil Xan, Billie Eilish, Lil Yachty and XXXTentacion, and many more. Some of Northwood’s self-made artists include Kwan’Yah Joseph Evans (‘19), Jaden Bridgemohan (‘19) (aka Fendi), Malik Torres (‘19) (aka Maliktree), Michaela Miller (‘19) (aka Trap Junkie), and Jennifer Rivera (‘20) (aka Jenni D). Jenni D has expanded her musical ambitions by performing at local restaurants. She has also started her own collection of jeans and merchandise that are on sale at jennidboutique.com. This past week she attended the Telemundo Upfront event and the Univision Upfront event in Manhattan. Her single “Quien Eres Tu” is available on iTunes. Miller and Torres have revealed that their intention of producing and sharing music is their early exposure to and genuine passion and love for music. Some might refer to Michaela Miller as Trap Junkie after her song that she released on March 1 called #TrapJunkie. Miller is a cellist for Northwood’s Orchestra. She says that music for her is a way to escape, to “channel her emotions,” and as a mode of relief. (Continued on page 2)
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SMOB results are in: Nate Tinbite wins election by Kate Valentine The results are in: Montgomery County’s 42nd Student Member of the Board will be Nate Tinbite, a junior at John F. Kennedy High School. His former opponent, Zoe Tishaev, is a junior at Clarksburg High School. Mr. Tinbite received 74% of the vote, and Ms. Tishaev received 26%. Both ran strong campaigns, spreading the news of their candidacy through school visits and social media. Mr. Tinbite’s platform focused on infrastructure, closing the opportunity gap, and providing more mental health resources to students. He also plans to direct attention to technology and improving school lunches.
Cont’d.: Northwood’s self-made musicians Miller hopes to create pleasant auditory experience for her listeners. She expresses that she wants to create tracks that her listeners can relate to. “The thing that I love the most is writing the music and finding the beats.” Miller stems the most of her inspiration from those two aspects of song making. Her song Trap Junkie is on soundcloud and available on Apple Music. She will be performing her single at Northwood Yearbook Signing on May 22. She plans to attend Frostburg State
Regarding infrastructure, he says, “We need to make sure that our schools are receiving their necessary renovations in an efficient manner--all while ensuring the physical safety of the student body.” He hopes to reduce the amount of portables needed in schools, and accelerate upcoming renovations. He also plans to urge MCPS to
Source: MCPS
install gender-neutral bathrooms in schools. The opportunity gap is another pressing issue for Tinbite to address. On his campaign website, he explains how he plans to expand the ACES program to all high schools and middle schools, as well as begin free, county-based workshops focused on helping students with the college admissions
Torres’s love for music was heavily influenced by his exposure to a multitude of genres. “With my mother... her music style is everywhere. I remember when I was little I would listen to jazz ensembles and it will go to like Biggie and then it would go to Taylor Swift,” says Torres. Though he says it’s cliche, he says music means the world to him.
May 2019
process. “We need to address the root of this problem to ensure that all students have the necessary tools to prepare them for college, career, and life,” he writes. Another issue facing MCPS students is mental health. “We need to fiercely expand our mental health resources, such as school psychologists, at all schools to ensure student wellbeing,” says Mr. Tinbite. Tinbite expands on this, explaining that he plans to increase the accessibility of counselors to students, add more school psychologists, and revise the curriculum to include more mental health awareness lessons.
Red and Black Staff Editor-in-Chief Ana Lazo News Editor Nicole Devitt-Tapia News Staff William Vorosmarti Skylar Williams Woodland Crisfield Features Editor Davina Whyte Features Staff Anaiya Bobo Liya Tadesse Ilsa Jentsch Olivia Rosemond Melanie McGinity Jason Maharajh Jason Quinteros Chade’ Herring Tania Anderson
Jenni D (‘20) on the red carpet. His newest single “Guillotine” was released this past April and is available on SoundCloud. With his music he wants his listeners to learn something to enjoy it to the point of playing it on repeat. TorMichaela Miller (‘19). res believes that starting from University in the fall. ground zero when creating music Senior Malik Torres, (‘19) aka to the finish product is magical. Maliktree, has been producing “For example with beat making music for four years now. you can start literally a drum and
News
you will end up with 30 different parts, and then you add vocals. I think it’s the best part about creating music.” For Torres inspiration is key when beginning the song-making process. Without inspiration, he says it’s forced. “When you are forcing it, it’s not pure, and I like to keep it pure.” Torres plans to enter the workforce next you but later go to Montgomery College. He is currently working on a EP would like to release it with a short film in the near future.
Chief Copy Editor Kate Valentine Sports Editor Adama Gueye Sports Staff Blake Silver Robert Marchessault Design Editors Alex Chartol Samantha Miranda Contributors Isaiah Parker Brian Kramer Ethan Chaupiz Faculty Advisor Ryan Acosta-Fox
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May 2019
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Northwood plans College & Career Readiness Week to honor senior class
Student art show wows spectators
by Skylar Williams
As you walk inside the media center you see a table of refreshments is neatly displayed and hear jazz music in the background being performed by Northwood’s Jazz Band. You also see different types of artwork from all students in their freshmen through senior years in the many art classes Northwood offers, such as digital photography, foundations of art, studio art 1 and 2, and more. Just outside of the media center, a photo booth was present to allow the audience to capture their expe-
We all know that seniors have worked very hard to reach for the next step, whether it’s college, the military, or heading straight for the workforce. That is why Northwood has decided to celebrate our graduating Gladiators. Those working with Northwood academies have organized a weeklong celebration starting May 20 and ending on May 24. Academy coordinator Ms. Holly Jones explains that the purpose of this week is to acknowledge all the hard work seniors have put in during their high school career. Even though the week itself features four delayed start schooldays, seniors will be celebrated in several ways, with activities ranging from college signing day, a college and career fair, and an ice cream social. The purpose of this week is to acknowledge and congratulate seniors for taking the next step in their lives. “This week is all about expanding College and Career Week and celebrating [Northwood] seniors,” says Ms. Jones. Follow WNHS to stay up-todate on all the planned celebrations.
by Melanie McGinity and Samantha Miranda
rience of the event. There was also a black-and-white mural that kids could paint on, to keep the little ones entertained. Friends, family, and relatives all came to support their artists. The art show gave the attendees an opportunity to be exposed to all of the different types of visual art and see how far the students have come as artists. It was a night to appreciate the visual arts program here at Northwood, and especially the art teachers. These teachers supported and encouraged the art students to be unapologetically creative. Art is something that allows you to show your true emotions without words, and Northwood’s student art show was no different.
Spectators participate in a gallery walk at Northwood’s student art show.
A Word from the Editors Is senioritis real? by Ana Lazo
Yes. It’s very real. I’m a current victim of senioritis and I’m sure that other seniors are experiencing this terrible sickness. I’m sure that even juniors are experiencing this. I’m sorry if you haven’t been diagnosed yet, but either you have it or you don’t know it. If you don’t have senioritis, you are one of the chosen. At the beginning of your senior year you feel completely fine, completing your college apps or applying in general. You feel like you’re on top of everything. But it’s all a lie. You might start to skip classes, slack on homework, and worst of all… not even care about your grades. That’s when its a real problem. If you’re a suffering from any of the following please contact your newspaper staff: Laziness, Skipping, Oversleeping, and Tardiness. Please seek treatment, your newspaper staff care deeply about the students of Northwood.
Politics
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May 2019
Prospect of rezoning angers some MCPS parents by Woodland Crisfield Parents of students attending local high schools have cited the rapidly changing demographics and the increasing number of enrollments as reasoning for our county’s school board to re-examine school boundaries. Parents have also wanted to consider the options that are available for students when choosing where they would like to attend. Students themselves have also voiced their concerns at several recent townhalls and county meetings. Many believe boundaries could have inadvertently restricted marginalized groups, as well as communities of color, from having the same educational opportunities to choose from when compared to wealthier residents in different areas of the county. The idea for this study was first introduced by outgoing Student Member of the Board (SMOB) Ananya Tadikonda in a resolution demanding there be a thorough examination of the school district’s makeup of 20 clusters. Clusters are
Opinion: We must be conscious of modernday segregation by Brian Kramer In January, our current SMOB Ananya Tadikonda proposed the first county-wide boundary study. This boundary study will give MCPS an opportunity to correct de-facto segregation in schools throughout the county, a historic wrong that has gone unaddressed
Opinion: The gradual criminalization of journalistic practices by Woodland Crisfield Ever since the founding of our republic, it has been the role of the journalist to keep watch on those in power, and hold elected officials accountable when they have broken the law. Whistleblowers, people who leak classified information to the press with the intent of informing the public on these actions, have played an integral role in informing the public of what the government
Source: Bethesda Beat Above: parents of MCPS students attend a townhall at Quince Orchard High School; below: students dialogue with a parent at a JFK High School townhall. Source: MyMCMedia
the geographic attendance areas, including elementary and middle schools, that feed into specific high schools throughout the county. Tadikonda also wanted to address the burdensome issues of overcrowding and lack of diversity in several locations. Tadikonda’s resolution sets a deadline for spring of next year in order to ensure that an accurate survey can be completed while obtaining all the correct data points necessary to find out how that impacts enrollment. What must be taken into account is the fact that Montgomery County, which has 163,000 students, is one of the most diverse in both race and class, not only in the state but nationwide as well. And as the number of low-income and non-English-speaking households grows ever more rapidly, so will the challenge of making sure all students and their needs are addressed by the school system. The school board has determined to create more opportunities in the coming months for people to further engage in this process and become fully informed of how consultants’ work on changing the boundaries of county schools will affect them.
for years. While de-jure segregation has been unconstitutional since the 1950s, school districts have remained segregated, particularly through boundary lines. MCPS has hosted townhall meetings throughout the county to get community feedback on this study. The first meeting held at Quince Orchard High School raised many eyebrows, as some parents in attendance were quoted as saying insulting things of students currently zoned for different schools.
“They won’t be able to keep up,” one said, “and they won’t study.” These parents wished to remain anonymous, knowing their comments would unleash intense scrutiny. They have, and students have come out in force to every meeting since. Some of the feedback received by the predominantly wealthy and white parents in attendance--the only demographic able to make it consistently to these late-night meetings--is full of racist vitriol and disgusting stereotypes about our students.
Your stance on this issue depends on whether or not you believe that some schools are “better” than others and some groups of students aren’t capable of achieving as highly as others. Students know our schools are segregated and we want direct action. We won’t fall for the disgusting rhetoric of a select few parents, and we won’t stop until every student in every school can achieve the same results.
is doing that involves us. From war crimes overseas to spying on US citizens at home, the public has learned a lot about the atrocities and violations of the law committed by our own government. But recently federal prosecutors have cracked down on leakers. On the morning of April 11, London authorities pulled the Wikileaks founder Julian Assange out of the Ecuadorian embassy with an extradition warrant from U.S officials. A conviction of Mr. Assange for the publishing of classified information critical to the public’s interest would set a dangerous precedent for how journalists inter-
act with their sources. Our government has not cross that Rubicon yet, but Assange’s future and the future of Wikileaks as a publisher is still in question. It’s important to note that Assange did not actually do the hacking, but rather obtained the information from former military analyst Chelsea Manning who is currently in jail for not working with officials on this matter. As news of this indictment spread, those who support Assange’s right to do this work of publishing classified documents gathered to protest around the U.S embassy, voicing their displeasure with the U.S. government.
Many have also raised the question if Julian Assange will receive a fair trial in an American court; some have questioned whether this request to be extradited was politically motivated by the Trump administration to shape public opinion on their combative relations with the media. What is also important is that we as citizens of this nation must put this situation into its proper context. Like Julian Assange or not, these charges are bigger than just him. They represent the future of what is allowed to be reported on and how journalists interact with their sources.
School and Community
May 2019
Molina’s PSA wins award, shares message (continued from cover)
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that anyone can be a victim of abuse, no matter who or what you are.” As for what Katherin will do moving on from high school, she plans to attend Montgomery College in the fall. Hopefully, she will continue sharing important messages throughout various forms of art. You can check out her PSA on the Montgomery County website under the Family Justice Center. Remember: If you see a red flag, speak up: you shouldn’t have to deal with it. No one should.
Jarithza Casares (‘19) appeared in the PSA.
Senior Katherin Molina (in makeup), the award-winning director.
Ms. Alyssa Holland, English teacher at Northwood, also participated.
was, she responded, “Getting people to talk.” Her PSA featured various Northwood students as well as staff. Her impromptu strategy of asking people of all sexualities, ethnicities, and genders proved successful when Katherin won honorable mention out of all the participants in Montgomery County. When asked what her greatest takeaway was, she said “I learned
Northwood boasts suicide prevention PSA winners
Shoutouts!
by Nicole Devitt-Tapia It began as a class project, but it led to so much more. Teen suicide is a difficult topic to address, but a group of Northwood students were up to the challenge. Two public service announcements made by Northwood students to showcase different ways to prevent suicide were chosen from among seven PSAs entered in a local contest. The contest was organized by the Gandhi Brigade Youth Media and Montgomery County’s “Leading Adaptive Change for Suicide intervention” group. Sophia Geiger (‘21), as well as a partnership between Rowan Arnold (‘19) and Jay Hutchins (‘20), entered what finished as the top two PSAs, respectively. As a result of their winning, Geiger’s “Get Help” and Arnold and Hutchins’ “See How You Can Help” have been aired locally in Regal and AMC theaters, before movies rated PG and above. In an interview with DC station WUSA9, Geiger talked about her PSA. “I’m hoping people pay attention and maybe if just for a second we can make them think, then every second that we make them think,
Above: two screen captures from Northwood students’ award-winning PSA’s. those add up to more seconds. As she put it, “[The] longer we can make them think about this, the more they’re going to do.” Geiger, Arnold, and Hutchins made these videos to send a message. As Arnold puts it, they want their work to make it clear to classmates that it’s okay to reach out. “Depression isn’t always obvi
ous, and I think that’s really important,” he told WUSA9. “[Y]ou can’t just by looking at someone tell oh they’re depressed, oh they’re suicidal.” Northwood students this year have been really making an impact this year, and one thing is clear: they sure do know how to send a message!
6 Features Red and Black
May 2019
Learning these terms will help you understand the LGBTQ community
known by others as cisgender. Trans adj. : an umbrella term covering a range of identities that transgress socially-defined gender norms. Trans with an asterisk is often used in written forms (not spoken) to indicate that you are referring to the larger group nature of the term, and specifically including non-binary identities, as well as transgender men (transmen) and transgender women (transwomen).
by Alex Chartol On April 12, many Northwood students participated in the GLSEN Day of Silence. GLSEN explains that the purpose of this day is for “folks [to] take a vow of silence to highlight the silencing and erasure of LGBTQ people at school.” As my personal way of participating for in the Day of Silence goal, I am going to shed some light on many of these gender identities and terms that many people haven’t heard of. The following terms are taken from the Safe Zone Project. Androgyny /“an-jrah-jun-ee”/ (androgynous) – 1 noun : a gender expression that has elements of both masculinity and femininity;2 adj. : occasionally used in place of “intersex” to describe a person with both female and male anatomy, generally in the form “androgyne.” Bigender / Gender-Fluid adj. : a person who fluctuates between traditionally “woman” and “man” gender-based behavior and identities, identifying with two genders (or sometimes identifying with either man or woman, as well as a third, different gender). Binder / Binding noun : an undergarment used to alter or reduce the appearance of one’s breasts (worn similarly to how one wears a sports bra). This is used by Biological Females to appear more masculine by flattening their chest. Butch / Stud noun & adj. : a person who identifies themselves as masculine, whether it be physically, mentally, or emotionally. ‘Butch’ is sometimes used as a derogatory term for lesbians, but is also be claimed as an affirmative identity label.
Source: Pixabay ing cisgender is somehow better or more “right” than being transgender, and/or makes other genders invisible. FtM / F2M; MtF / M2F abbr. : female-to-male transgender or transsexual person; male-tofemale transgender or transsexual person. Gender binary noun : the idea that there are only two genders and that every person is one of those two. Gender non-conforming 1 adj. : a gender expression descriptor that indicates a non-traditional gender presentation (masculine woman or feminine man). 2 adj. : a gender identity label that indicates a person who identifies outside of the gender binary. Often abbreviated as “GNC.”
who was born with some combination of typically-male and typically-female sex characteristics. It’s considered stigmatizing and inaccurate. See intersex. Mx. / “mix” or “schwa” / – noun : an honorific (e.g. Mr., Ms., Mrs., etc.) that is gender neutral. It is often the option of choice for folks who do not identify within the gender binary: Mx. Smith is a great teacher. Passing 1 adj. & verb : trans* people being accepted as, or able to “pass for,” a member of their self-identified gender identity (regardless of sex assigned at birth) without being identified as trans*. 2 adj. : an LGB/ queer individual who is believed to be or perceived as straight.
Gender variant adj. : someone who either by nature or by choice does not conform to gender-based expectations of society (e.g. transgender, transsexual, intersex, genderqueer, cross-dresser, etc).
PGPs abbr. : preferred gender pronouns. Often used during introductions, becoming more common as a standard practice. Many suggest removing the “preferred,” because it indicates flexibility and/or the power for the speaker to decide which pronouns to use for someone else.
Hermaphrodite / Intersex noun : an outdated medical term previously used to refer to someone
Stealth adj. : a trans person who is not “out” as trans, and is perceived/
Transman; Transwoman noun : a man/woman who was not assigned that gender via sex at birth, and transitioned (socially, medically, and/or legally) from that assignment to their gender identity, signified by the second part of the term (i.e., -man, -woman). Also referred to as men and women (though some/many trans people prefer to keep the prefix “trans-” in their identity label). Transsexual noun & adj. a person who identifies psychologically as a gender/sex other than the one to which they were assigned at birth. Transsexuals often wish to transform their bodies hormonally and surgically to match their inner sense of gender/ sex. Two-spirit noun : is an umbrella term traditionally within Native American communities to recognize individuals who possess qualities or fulfill roles of both feminine and masculine genders. Ze / Hir / “zee”, “herr” or “heer”/ – alternate pronouns that are gender neutral and preferred by some trans* people. They replace “he” and “she” and “his” and “hers” respectively. Alternatively some people who are not comfortable/do not embrace he/she use the plural pronoun “they/their” as a gender neutral singular pronoun.
Cisnormativity noun : the assumption, in individuals and in institutions, that everyone is cisgender, and that cisgender identities are superior to trans* identities and people. Leads to invisibility of non-cisgender identities. Cissexism noun : behavior that grants preferential treatment to cisgender people, reinforces the idea that be-
Transgender 1 adj. : a gender description for someone who has transitioned (or is transitioning) from living as one gender to another. 2 adj. : an umbrella term for anyone whose sex assigned at birth and gender identity do not correspond in the expected way (e.g., someone who was assigned male at birth, but does not identify as a man).
Source: Pixabay
Features May 2019
SENIOR SZN
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by Ana Lazo We started our high school career in 2015, and we are finally at the end of it. We have seen so many spirit weeks, exams and new teachers. We are leaving high school better and more educated than we came in, proving 2019 is the best class, YEEYEE.
On April 25 and 26, Northwood’s Academy of Music, Theatre, and Dance hosted their annual Spring Dance Concert. Students showcased a variety of dance styles to express drama, emotion, enthusiasm and joy. These styles included hip hop, Latin dance, modern dance, and jazz.
2019 SPRING DANCE CONCERT
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IN THE HALLWAY Ilsa Jentsch and Liya Tadesse As exams begin, Crocs have paved their way into Northwood hallways. The comfy slip on shoe has became a staple for tired high schoolers. Wearers customize their crocs with different colors and different jibbitz (croc charms).
Fashion May 2019
Fashion
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May 2019
Outfits dryer than the desert: the worst outfits of Coachella 2019 by Ilsa Jentsch Coachella. I’m sure you’ve seen this huge festival all over your Instagram feed, whether your favorite celebrities were headlining or just enjoying concerts. Coachella is a great place to express style, even though you have to pay so much for a ticket. However, while this huge event is associated with cute, bright, unique outfits, sometimes it just goes wrong.
Very wrong, as you’ll see from these terrible celebrity outfits. (Note: please remember that all opinions are my own, and you should keep liking the styles that you like.)
Amandla Stenberg Amandla, honey, what is this? If you ignore the horrid flared denim top, the shoes and jeans look like what my mom wears on a quick outing to the grocery store. The corset looks like it was made by a 9-year-old girl who just got a sewing machine for the first time. In what world has anyone ever thought,
Coachella
Amandla Stenberg (Glamour)
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“What if i put denim on denim… but then add running shoes?” C’mon, at least make the denim match!
Kendall Jenner At first glance, you might think this outfit is pretty cute. The top is very gentle but still has a hole for some appeal. But please Kendall, what are those pants? Good sis is seriously looking like she’s Lord Farquaad from “Shrek.” I don’t know who told her pantaloons with zippers is a good look, but I would advise not to wear stuff like this that just makes you look like a fool from the Medieval Ages.
Bella Thorne Before I can even break down this whole outfit,I just want to say that Ms.Thorne is obviously intoxicated at the time of this photo. Can I say I’m surprised by this washed up Disney star? I love this yellow dress, but in what world does putting a black mini skirt over a flowy dress look good? I get that the backpack and glasses match, but neither go with the Hawaiian dress or black skirt. Overall, she’s trying for so many aesthetics, and none of them work.
Kendall Jenner (Harper’s Bazaar)
Bella Thorne (Hawtcelebs.com)
Cardi B (CNN)
James Charles (E! Online)
The good, the camp, and the ugly: worstdressed at the Met Gala by Liya Tadesse
Cardi B I see what she was going for since the theme was ‘camp’ but she literally looks like she prepared to go to the Red Carpet by becoming
Priyanka Chopra (Cosmopol-
the Red Carpet. The bit of sparkles on her belly doesn’t make it any better either. Although it’s something really Cardi to wear, she still looks like an overgrown peacock drenched in blood.
Priyanka Chopra Again, I understand that Met Gala theme was camp, which means that outfits would be extra.
The Met Gala But there’s so much going on here. From her “afro” (which is just knotting her straight hair) to her feather skirt to the disgusting bangles that look tacky, this is a dishonor to camp’s innovators. I love dramatic makeup, but you need to use simple color theory to match your beat to your dress. Is she wearing polka dot leggings with a feathered skirt and striped top? She could have just coordinated with her husband.
James Charles First off, I don’t know if you didn’t realize through the months of preparation that this isn’t Coachella Part Two. Stapling paper clips together for a top isn’t a fashion statement, it’s a tragedy. You would think a whole “beauty guru” would know how to dress at an event like this, but just like his career, this flopped.
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Review: “Endgame” (spoiler free) by Ethan Chaupiz It was all the way back in 2008 when “Iron Man” was released, kick-starting the novelty of a cinematic universe, an idea that would change the blockbuster landscape as we know it. Since then we have seen 21 films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe or MCU, not to mention all the TV shows that have made the universe more alive and interconnected in a way that is unprecedented. Now the time has come to close this chapter of the story. All the friendships, breakups, betrayals, and world-ending events have lead to the epic culmination of “Endgame.” After half of all life was snapped away in “Infinity War” thanks to Thanos, the remaining Avengers and some additional help must band together for possibly the final time to take down the mad titan once and for all. The best way to describe “Endgame” in a nutshell is that it has the feel of long-awaited conclusion to part one of a season finale. Of course there will be more movies after this and more adventures to experience. But for many, including myself, this film is representative of the end, a stopping point to say, “That was fun while it lasted but all good things must come to a close.” The runtime is a whopping 3 hours and at points the pacing does drag. But for the most part things move at a considerable pace and most of the film flows well.
What’s next for the MCU (*with spoilers*) by Kate Valentine With “Avengers: Endgame” finally released, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is experiencing a lot of changes. Fans are finally finding out what has happened to their favorite characters--who lives and who dies in the fight. But what happens in “Endgame” will also affect the events of upcoming MCU movies. The confirmed “Spiderman: Homecoming” sequel, “Far From Home,” comes out in July. There are also rumors of a Black Widow movie, “Black Panther 2,” and “Captain Marvel 2,” meaning Marvel fans have much to look forward to. Fans have asked for a Black Widow movie time and time again; now, it seems they might get it. The movie is expected sometime between 2020 and 2022. David Har-
Of course, this film being part of a grander universe, there are a ton of callbacks to previous films, some even being critical to the overall story. However the film treats many of these callbacks with reverence, and it definitely helps knowing the previous events, as those big fan service moments make those viewings worth it. Much like “Infinity War,” an extensive cast of characters appear and each contributes something to the story, even though some have bigger roles than others. The scale truly amazes; despite there not being as many larger-than-life action set pieces, the film still manages to make them feel somehow grander compared to the previous film. There’s a major difference between each act. The first hour deals with the aftermath of the snap. Some time has passed and earth is far from the place it once was. There’s a somber melancholy that permeates this film and to a larger extent with the heroes left alive
Entertainment
after what happened. Each character deals with this differently, and it makes the struggle feel much larger than what’s present on screen. But once the second half comes in and the plan is set into motion, the tone switches to something more familiar with the MCU: light-hearted and jovial, with lots of humor thrown in. Speaking of humor, there’s not as much compared to “Infinity War.” Some jokes land while others overstay their welcome. The last hour is an all out slugfest. The best way I can describe the climatic battle is a “Lord of the Rings”-style fight where kids smash their favorite action figures together, but with a ton of visual effects and shots that feel straight from a comic. Everyone does a good job with the material given, but easily the standout performances are Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth and Scarlett Johansson. All four of these people have been playing their characters for the lon
Above: Some of the extensive cast of “Endgame.” Marvel fans can also look forbour, who is rumoured to have a role in the film, told Entertainment ward to a multitude of confirmed Weekly that “it’s being directed by TV shows featuring MCU characters, to be produced by Disney+, this woman Cate Shortland who is a phenomenal director… it’s gonna Disney’s new streaming service. be like a real deep, interesting film.” One of the shows, focusing on Loki Since Black Widow, or Natasha Ro- Laufeyson, will likely feature Tom manoff, dies in “Endgame,” many Hiddleston returning as Loki. The have suspected that this movie will show is rumored to be a prequel, due to Loki’s death in “Infinity be a prequel. While “Black Panther 2” has not War.” However, a scene in Endgame showing Loki recovering the Tesbeen officially confirmed, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has seract has prompted new theories. “The Falcon and the Winter said regarding a sequel that “we absolutely will do that.” T’Challa dies Soldier” will focus on Bucky Barnes in “Infinity War” but comes back to (the Winter Soldier) and Sam life in “Endgame.” Wilson (Falcon); the characters will “Spiderman: Far From Home” continue to be played by Sebastian Stan and Anthony Mackie respecfollows Peter Parker on a school trip to Europe with his friends that tively. Both characters turned to dust in “Infinity War,” but returned is interrupted by Nick Fury’s request for his help defeating a villain in “Endgame”; additionally, Steve named Mysterio. Tony Stark’s death Rogers turned the role of Captain America over to Sam Wilson. will certainly change the course of “Far From Home,” due to Tony’s Elizabeth Olsen (Wanda Maxirole as a mentor to Peter Parker in moff, aka Scarlet Witch) and Paul other MCU movies. Bettany (Vision) will reprise their
May 2019
gest time, with Downey starting it all. Here they give their best performances. In terms of directing, it’s more reserved and calm, reflecting the tone and atmosphere of those dealing with the aftermath. The color choice and cinematography evoke that sense of dread with dynamic shots and light blue greens, along with the darker lighting prominent throughout the film. Visual effects have always been pretty consistent in the series and have improved over time. “Endgame” is just as effects-heavy as “Infinity War” but in a couple of scene or shots, the quality control wasn’t present as it seems like they had to finish on a deadline and turn in what they had. Thanos is still just as impressive looking and Hulk looks great, though the Avengers CGI model is the best one in terms of lighting. Some issues remain. The plan to stop Thanos creates too many plot holes and at times violates even the film’s own logic. Thanos’ motives, once engaging and complex, have been reduced to something onedimensional. Some moments that are supposed to be very emotional feel artificial, and some dialogue is cringe-inducing. In conclusion, “Endgame” is a satisfying finale to this chapter in the MCU. It manages not only to end on such a note that if a viewer wanted to end the story here, they could do so; it also ties up many character arcs and despite some narrative problems finishes most of the stories that have been leading up to here. It makes you ask, where do we go from here? 7/10 roles in a show titled “WandaVision.” Both characters perished in “Infinity War”; while Scarlet Witch was brought back to life in “Endgame”, Vision remains gone. Lastly, an untitled show focusing on Clint Barton (Hawkeye) was recently announced as well. The show will reportedly follow Hawkeye passing his role on to Kate Bishop, who in the comics eventually takes over the role of Hawkeye. All will premiere on Disney’s new streaming service, Disney+, which debuts November 12. The shows will likely have six to eight episodes per season; Elizabeth Olsen has stated that “WandaVision” is, in total, six hours long. “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” is slated for release within a year of the launch of Disney+; release dates for the other shows have not yet been announced. Evidently, although “Endgame” marks the end of an era, the MCU will continue on.
Entertainment May 2019
“Mortal Kombat 11”: another successful entry in the series by Robert Marchessault “Mortal Kombat 11” is the latest instalment in the 27-year-old Mortal Kombat franchise. A lot in the game has changed, such as the fighting has become slower, but in making it like that it has become more strategic. The story mode in this game has become very outlandish after they involved a time travel into their narrative. This has backed them into a corner in terms of story writing. The combat has changed in many different ways; each character has a ton of interchangeable moves and makes it so that everyone can have their own personalized play style with each fighter. When it comes to each fighter’s super move, in previous games you had to build up meter to employ it. However, in Mortal Kombat 11, the makers have changed fatal blows to have a link with your health. When your health goes below a certain percent, you have access to the fatal blow, as seen in games such as “Tekken 7.” After playing this game for a couple hours, it feels like one of the best Mortal Kombats for me
The skill involved in “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” by Isaiah Parker The game I will be covering is “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” for the Nintendo Switch. “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” was released in late 2018 and is a multiplayer fighting game. The objective of the game is simple: knock your opponents off the stage to beat them. What separates this game from others is the unique “percentage” mechanic this game has. The more you are hit by your opponents, the more your percentage rises. The higher your percentage, the easier you are to be “launched,” which may result in a win for your opponent. The game helps communicate information to the player through a number of senses. The first and arguably most important are visuals. The game tests players’ dexterity and coordination by giving visual cues that the player is meant to pick up on in order to avoid danger.
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in terms of having fun and understanding how the game works. To say this game is all positives would be wrong, though. This game has a bunch of key characters missing from past games, and while this doesn’t mean they won’t come back in future installments, it does indicate they may be behind a paywall. Mortal Kombat has had a rough start mainly because of the ways you have to unlock gear and equipment through towers. Many players have described this as unfair and unbeatable without certain gear that you either grind for or can buy with real life money; some have seen this as a cheap move by Netherrealm Studios. Netherrealm has made some steps to fix these changes recently but it is hard for people to understand why they thought that idea was okay from the start. Aside from the microtransactions the core game works very well. It is well-liked by most and regarded as a very well done mortal kombat.
Right, above: Baraka leaps to attack Skarlet. Right, below: Long-time player Raden plans his attack.
This also plays into a risk-reward system for the game. While more dangerous attacks are easier to read and see coming due to much slower and more obvious animations, less dangerous attacks are more lowkey and much more difficult to anticipate. This leads the player to want to consider when and how to use which attacks. The second sense the game uses is sound. Sound is usually used to alert the player about attacks are coming, and most hold a distinct visual cue for the player to pick up on so they may plan a course of action--how to dodge or block said attack. Players who are quick to memorize the sounds of each attack can use this to their advantage against players who are not. Overall, “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” uses the senses to convey information to a player at a quick rate so they can play the game better. At “high level” play, where things like money and pride may be on the line, these things are essential. At “low level” or casual play, these help players who may not be very skilled at the game to understand it at a faster rate.
Above and below: chaotic brawls ensue in “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.”
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Sports
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Senior Night Celebrations by Ana Lazo
Girls Lacrosse
Although boys and girls didn’t celebrate their Senior Nights together, the girls decided to celebrate their night a couple days before instead of at the doubleheader. At the end of the first half, the game was tied 2-2. The Lady Glads knew it was time to push through for that win––and they did, finishing victoriously with an 8-6 result. “Walking down, having that moment, finally after four years. . . My expectations for senior night were definitely met by getting a blanket,” said Kathryn Lam (‘19). Lam also mentioned one highlight of the game, which included freshman Victoria Soto-Teaff making a goal in 11 seconds from the initial draw. “It was a pretty good time. I don’t usually go to girls’ lacrosse games but this one had a lot of energy,” said Neil Shrestha (‘19). After the big win, another tradition continued: the players getting covered with shaving cream and clogged ears.
The night started off with senior Alec Musheno singing the National Anthem. Organized by team managers, the ceremony surpassed expectations. The boys faced the Kennedy Cavaliers. It sure seemed like the team had a lot of energy which led to the the final score of 17-1. Throughout the game the boys stayed in the lead and our goalie only allowed one goal in all four quarters of the game. “Everyone was really supportive and it was a lot of fun to play on the field one last time,” said Nick Boboshko (‘19). Boboshko had four goals during the game, but he was most proud of his assist to sophomore Jon Acosta. “There was this one play when I ran the ball down the field and passed it to Acosta. He made it in so it was a really nice sequence and that’s one i’ll remember for sure.”
Baseball
Though it wasn’t technically night-time, the baseball team still had a memorable Senior Night. “We had ten seniors, which was probably the most we ever had and every senior got a signed baseball,” said Jason Weinfeld (‘19). Weinfeld talked about the senior gifts which he was very thankful for. Senior pitcher Wiver Jimenez started the game. Players on the field felt the energy from the supporters on the stands, a group which included teachers, friends, and family. Even though it was a loss in the books, the players knew they had played to the best of their ability against their opponents. The team didn’t take the loss to the heart because they still had playoffs to redeem themselves.
Before our boy’s tennis team took on the Damascus Hornets, the ceremony celebrating our seniors took place. Because they didn’t have senior night the past couple years, this came as a pleasant surprise for them. The majority of the seniors this year were newcomers, just starting off in the sport. “Having so much support, from everyone really, the fans and our team really helped during the matches,” said Matteo Mantovani (‘19). The overall score of the night doesn’t reflect the hard work and sweat that was put into each grueling match. A highlight of the night had to be seniors Grayson Pipher and Ethan Zoz pulled out a win against the Hornets.
Softball
Boys Lacrosse
Boys Tennis
For softball, many viewed the ceremony as emotional as those in attendance heard what the seniors will miss most about the team and the sport itself. After the water-works, our softball team faced the Seneca Valley Eagles. The Lady Glads owned the night with a final score of 21-3. For Kelli Taney (‘19), the highlight of the evening came when two seniors hit home runs. “You can’t ask for anything better than winning on your senior night, and even though it wasn’t my best game, we won,” said Taney.
Games and Leisure
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Style Scout Name Victor Michel.
Dream job Mechanical engineering, personal trainer, businessman.
Zodiac sign Leo.
December 2018 Red and Black
Give us an #OOTD Any oufit I wear. Biggest style inspiration SenseiLeFox.
What do you want to see more of at NHS? More foods and drink options in the cafeteria. More fun activities, like pep rallies more often.
Grade 12.
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Biggest style pet peeve Sagging while wearing a belt. Favorite food Pineapple/ham pizza.
Give us an #OOTD Inspired by one of the classiest actors in my favorite TV show “Power,” #Olurotimi Akinosho.
Favorite restaurant Subway. Favorite artist Lil Uzi Vert.
Favorite food Bouillon.
Favorite meme Yoshi’s Island memes.
Favorite restaurant Port-au-Prince.
Favorite store Burlington Coat Factory.
Favorite artist Arly Lariviere, Kodak Black, DJ Valmix.
Name Peedy Terry.
Dream job Veterinarian.
Favorite meme Swag is for boys, Class for men.
Grade 12.
Favorite store Banana Republic.
Zodiac sign Cancer.
What do you want to see more of at NHS? Better food.
Ask Diego
What is your favorite game at the moment?
In this space, senior Diego Ferreyra offers helpful answers to your questions.
I am enjoying Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, I love smashing with my friends!
Games
The first THREE to complete this word search AND Diego’s riddle win a prize! See Mr. Fox in A204!
Why do you carry Kermit around What is your biggest fear? school? How did you get over it? India Delta Kilo. What is my favorite thing about Northwood? I love the security guards they are always welcoming and emit positive energy!!! What class would you recommend? Any class with these awesome teachers: Mr. Donald, Mr. Miller, Mr. Fox.
BUTTERFLIES, thanks to that one spongebob episode 25a, season 2 titled “Wormy.” I’ve never gotten over it I’ve just accepted the pain :( Can you elaborate on your hatred of cats? They are the spawn of Satan, and should be banished for all eternity. Finally, what’s black and white and red all over? I don’t know, do you?
ACCOMPLISHMENT BALLET CAP CELEBRATE CERTIFICATE
COLLEGE CONGRATULATIONS CORSAGE DIPLOMA GLADIATORS
GOWN PROM NORTHWOOD GRADUATION PROFESSOR
SENIORS SUMMER TASSEL UNIVERSITY VALEDICTORIAN
Till Next Year. . . We asked you what advice you had for your peers next year. Here’s what you said!
Symone Tucker (‘20): “My advice for rising juniors is junior year is your hardest year. Don’t procrastinate and get your work done on time, especially if you’re taking AP classes.”
Mekahi Scott (‘22): “My advice for rising freshman is it’s not that serious. Take it easy.”
Gryphon Anderson (‘21): “It’s okay to talk about what your feeling. Use the resources around you, like the counsuling office”
To a rising freshman
To a rising junior
by Oivia Rosemond
First, congratulations! You’ve completed middle school, but it’s just an end to a new beginning. In middle school, wearing a hood and running down the halls made you rebellious. Here in high school, things change. Your friendships will change, for worse and for the better. While sad, this gives you room in your life for new opportunities for close friends. School work becomes a little more difficult. I know your middle school teachers told you things like, “You’ll be on your own; teachers won’t help you at all.” It’s not true. Teachers support you just as much in eighth grade, but instead give you a lot more independence. Joining extracurriculars helps you become involved in school and make new friends in older grade levels. Make sure you feel comfortable and adjusted in high school before joining anything. You still need to balance homework with your home life, which is a lot easier with a schedule. I know you are in a new environment now. New building, new classes, new friends. But trust me, ninth grade is a lot of fun. Best of luck, my dudes!
Idriys Winfield (‘19): “My advice for rising seniors is make sure everything is organized with college, SAT’s are done cause you don’t want to take them again. Make sure you pass your tests and projects and just love life.”
by Tania Anderson
To a rising sophomore by Anaiya Bobo
If you’re reading this, you’ve survived your freshman year, part one of the four most important years of your adolescent life! Congratulations! Welcome to part two: sophomore year. By now, you’ve likely made some friends, joined a club or two, and settled into the environment of the school. Sophomore year is the year of many firsts, typically the year many students will take their first AP class. Don’t be intimidated by high expectations. Look to teachers and your peers for help. Establish a stable support system that encourages you. Don’t - DO NOT - procrastinate. It’ll only make you stress, and your mental health is first priority. Yes, this means your HEALTH comes BEFORE your grades. Read that again. Join a club, get involved with your community. If you’re interested in driving, don’t put aside getting your permit so you don’t have to worry about it later. Find an effective studying method that works for you, and stick to it (you’ll be doing a LOT of it). All in all, use this year to learn how to manage your time and plan your own schedules. And remember, stay positive! You got this!
Honestly, before even getting to junior year, I was told that it was going to be the hardest of the high school years and I can definitely say that’s true. Junior year hit me hard. I had to rethink some of the academic programs I began the year doing, but fortunately during third quarter I was able to get my GPA back to a comfortable level. There are so many projects back-to-back that are worth so many points, followed by worksheets that need to be finished quickly. The best advice i could give a sophomore is to not procrastinate: get that assignment done as soon as possible, maybe while still in class even. The longer you put things off, the more difficult they become, because more will be assigned. Also, don’t brush off doing homework because it’s only 10% of your grade; everything adds up! In the end, everything should be fine as long as you put in enough effort and try your best on everything.
To a rising senior by Melanie McGinity
Senior year has prepared me for graduation and I feel ready to take on the real world. My first piece of advice is to make sure you do your work--not just complete it, but also turn it in on time. It’s very important to get your work done so that your grades aren’t in jeopardy. My second piece of advice is: relax. Don’t overstress yourself. This year was the least stressful year of them all for me. As long as you do what you’re supposed to, then you have nothing to worry about. Third, look forward to the fun parts of senior year like prom, graduation, being the ‘top dog’ of the school, and so many more fun things. You’ll make so many memories and look back on them and be glad you did. Finally, make sure you have your college essays, recommendations, and other important things done. You don’t want to wait until the last minute which might cause you to not have a spot in the college you want to go to. If you’re not going to college, then make sure you have some type of plan for after high school. Good luck, future seniors!