On April 23, Blair junior Anuva Maloo was elected as the 48th Student Member of the Board (SMOB) for the 2025-2026 school year.
Maloo ran against Northwest junior Peter Boyko. According to MCPS, a total of 61,647 middle and high school students voted, using an electronic ballot sent to students’ emails. Results showed that Maloo and Boyko received 62 percent and 38 percent of the votes, respectively.
SMOB-elect Maloo shared her response to the decision. “I’m ecstatic. I’m so beyond grateful to be in this position in the first place. I was even grateful to be a finalist so the fact that I get to become SMOB now is just the coolest and most amazing thing,” Maloo said. “I know how much hard work [Peter and I] put into it so it was a weird sense of mixed feelings, but now that it’s settled in for a week I’m just truly beyond excited and I’m ready to get to work on day one.”
As a SMOB candidate, Maloo had to appeal to 80,000 eligible voters across 66 middle and high schools. “It’s about showing your experience, showing why you’re qualified, showing why you’re running in the first place,” Maloo said. Her main strategies during her campaign included visiting schools, upkeeping a social media presence, and targeting each school’s SGA.
Maloo’s SMOB campaign platform focused on three policies for MCPS next year. She plans to stock
Blair’s Anuva Maloo
elected as 48th SMOB
MCPS visits China for pickleball
By NEHA NARAYAN and RUTH WAJDA-GOTWALS
For the first time in district history, 31 MCPS students traveled to China as part of a sports and culture exchange centered around pickleball. Pickleball is a game often associated with retirement communities and gym class, but it served as a bridge between the two powerful nations. The trip, which took place from April 9 to April 21, included stops in Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Beijing. During these stops, students visited schools to play friendly matches, explored cultural landmarks, and engaged in hands-on workshops designed to create multicultural connections. What began as a conversation between the BOE and members of the community quickly evolved into something much bigger. After meeting with leaders from local Chinese immersion programs, BOE President Julie Yang shared the opportunity with the MCPS superintendent and athletic director. Being fluent in Mandarin and passionate about experiential learning, Yang saw potential in the idea of a
pickleball exchange trip. “This is a great way for our young people to go out and build bridges between people, communities, and cultures,” Yang expressed. “We want our students to be curious about the world and see what’s possible.”
Yang connected the Chinese immersion community group with Superintendent Thomas Taylor. Within weeks, the idea transformed into a full-scale initiative backed by Chinese educational institutions and funded by China’s Ministry of Education. Students selected for the program were representatives from 11 different MCPS high schools, including pickleball athletes, MCPS TV media interns documenting the journey, and students involved in local Chinese immersion programs.
For many of the students who participated, including Sherwood junior Haley Corkery, this was their first time leaving the country. For some, it was their first time ever on a plane. “I’ve never even had a passport before this,” Corkery said. “I’ve done some traveling in the U.S., but this is completely see PICKLEBALL page F1
school bathrooms with menstrual supplies, unlock school bathrooms and ensure their functionality, and increase Narcan accessibility in schools. Some of her other goals include hiring more security guards, advocating for placing psychologists in every MCPS school, and increasing the counselor-to-student ratio. During her campaign, Maloo stated that with the $10 million in funding allocated to the SMOB by MCPS, she would assign $5 million to stocking the school bathrooms with menstrual products, and $5 million to placing emergency Narcan kits in schools. These goals will take dedication to get completed, but Maloo is prioritizing actions that she believes she can truly accomplish. “If I’m publishing something online, if I’m saying I wanna do this … I think it has to be something that I think I can genuinely make happen or at least set a very strong basis for future SMOBs to expand upon,” Maloo said.
Maloo is the first ever female SMOB to come from Blair, and the first Blair SMOB since Sebastian Johnson in 2005. Blair physics teacher James Schafer described the weight of her accomplishment. “I think it’s a really great thing for Blair and for Anuva. I think it’s a wonderful reflection on her engagement in the entire community, her love for her school, her care for the students around her,” Schafer said.
Maloo will replace sitting SMOB Praneel Suvarna and be appointed by the Board as the 48th SMOB on July 1.
48TH STUDENT MEMBER OF THE BOARD Anuva Maloo (center) is set to become the first SMOBelect from Blair in twenty years.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THEA WOMACK
PHOTO COURTESY OF MEHER PARSINNI
SOMETHING ROTTEN Serena Laney (Nostradamus, Red Cast), Navek Leonard (Nick, Red Cast) and the ensemble of Something Rotten perform “It’s A Musical” during Blair’s 2025 pring musical.
Compiled by EVELYN GOLDIN
Sandy Spring Friends School rescinds closure announcement after overwhelming donations
The Sandy Spring Friends School (SSFS)—a coed, college preparatory Quaker school in Sandy Spring, Maryland—announced on April 14 that they would not reopen for the 2025-2026 school year, but after an outpouring of financial support, they have reversed their decision to close. An email sent by the Board of Trustees to SSFS families on April 23 said that the institution will remain open at least through the 2027-2028 school year due to contributions from the Friends of SSFS Coalition and other community members. The coalition raised $15 million to help the school continue operations. SSFS, which opened in 1961, serves students from preschool through 12th grade.
MDOT awards $1 million to 104 small businesses affected by Purple Line construction
By LILA GROSKO and YONGLE XIN
On May 2, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) released the names of the first recipients of its Purple Line Small Business Grants, meant to support businesses affected by ongoing Purple Line construction.
Administered by MDOT, the Purple Line Small Business Grants program provides grants of up to $50,000 per business. In order to be considered for the grant, applicants must operate a customer-facing business within one-quarter of a mile of the Purple Line route in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. The business must also have been located along the alignment since Jan. 1, 2022 and be a small business with fewer than 50 employees or less than $2 million in sales.
The first list included 104 businesses each receiving between
This round of grants totaled $1 million and was just the first of 3 rounds in 2025. MDOT has allocated $4 million over the next 4 years for the program.
Purple Line construction in Silver Spring began over eight years ago and has since significantly disrupted access to a large number of businesses along the tram’s projected route, causing financial hardship. “We have lost clients because of [the Purple Line construction], because the sidewalks are not accessible,” Fasika Kebede, owner of Salon Zoma—a grant recipient—at 919 Bonifant Street, said. “They blocked off the entire front entrance with a black fence, [it’s] directly in front of our door.”
The program was aimed at providing monetary relief to businesses along the alignment who have been negatively impacted by the ongoing construction. It is set to have three rounds of applications staggered throughout 2025, with applications for the first round hav
round one recipients was originally set to be released on April 14, but due to the overwhelming number of nearly 450 submitted applications, the date was postponed. The second round opens June 2, and the recipients are set to be announced on July 28. The third and final round will open in September and be announced in November.
Kathryn Lamb, director of communications and outreach for the Purple Line, explained some of the more specific criteria being examined by the grant review board at MDOT as they decide who will receive the grants. In particular, the board examines where the businesses are located on the route and how heavy the construction was during a six-month period centered on the date of the application.
recipient—at 963 Bonifant Street, said. “They’re destroying us to the point that if we survive it, it will be a miracle.”
The grants must be used for business-related expenses, but will not be regulated. “The grants are to support the businesses in whatever way they find helpful. That can be making payroll, paying overhead, their mortgage payments, benefits for their employees, [or] marketing expenditures,” Lamb said.
MCPS opt-out
case appears before Supreme Court
On April 22, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments regarding the MCPS policy that prohibits parents from opting their kids out of lessons with LGBTQ characters and themes, which parents say conflict with their religion. Rather than fighting against the lessons themselves, the parents are criticizing the lack of an option to remove their children from them. Liberal justices expressed concern about where the line would be drawn on what constitutes a violation of religious freedom, raising questions about cases like the teaching of evolution in science classes. But the Supreme Court, which has a 6-3 conservative majority and history of supporting religious liberties, is expected to side with the parents.
Graduation set for June 4
Blair’s 2025 graduation ceremony will take place at 9:00 a.m. on June 4 at the University of Maryland’s Xfinity Center. The keynote speaker will be Evan Glass, the first openly LGBTQ member of the Montgomery County Council and a former CNN journalist. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. and all seating is general admission. Each senior will receive six tickets for family and friends, and their cap and gown will be distributed on June 2, before a mandatory graduation rehearsal on June 3. On graduation day, the school building will be closed and all non-graduating students will have the day off.
For many businesses situated on Bonifant Street—located directly along the Purple Line route and behind the Silver Spring Library— the impact of the construction has been particularly challenging, as the shops in the area are mainly small and family owned. Kebede explained the vulnerability of small businesses like hers. “We’re a small business. We can’t fight them much, so they [couldn’t] care less,” she said.
Other business owners along Bonifant Street reported a significant drop in business. Pedestrian and car traffic is infrequent as the roads are entirely blocked off with the majority of storefronts being obstructed by construction fencing and equipment. “Right now, the customers can’t even come in because they blocked everything,” Abeda Tsegaye, owner of the Kefa Cafe—another grant
However, many business owners along the corridor still did not feel heard by Purple Line leaders. “If they care about that, they would actually work faster around the areas where businesses are fully affected like us,” Kebede said. Kebede claimed businesses were not properly informed about the disruptions. “They fenced the entire front of the salon for over two years, and they told me it [would be] 10 months,” she said. “They took us from storefront to an alley for over two years.”
With the line’s construction projected to continue into 2028, the future of the neighboring businesses has continued to cause worry. Tsegaye explained that even once construction ends, stores like hers will struggle to get business. “It’s going to be just one-way driving. There will be no parking, maybe five parking spaces on the whole street. [Also], the [Purple Line] stop is not here. The stop is at the library, and there are other shops there. So people are not going to come back to do business here. They’ll go [to what] is in front of them,” Tsegaye said. “This is just a disaster even after [the construction finishes].”
MCPS considers new AI policies for upcoming school year
By JESSICA ZHANG
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance and more students become accustomed to using it, MCPS planned to develop its guidelines on AI usage in four phases. The first phase in February was to collect community feedback and collaborate with members to discuss ideas. The second phase, in March, was for draft regulation and review. Revisions were then made to the AI regulations and guidelines in April before Board approval in May or June. MCPS has already released a survey to gather public input on developing AI regulations.
How do we look at making sure that we have very clear guidelines on where [AI] should be used, and how it should be used?
Though MCPS blocked ChatGPT and other AI tools from all school networks and devices on Jan. 3, 2023, there is currently no official policy in place regarding AI use in schools other than academic dishonesty guidelines
and student data privacy requirements. As MCPS Central Office continues to develop AI policy, its official stance is that all students should have access to conceptual knowledge and skills regarding its use. In the upcoming school year, MCPS will be launching an Eye on AI Learning Series for staff and students.
Praneel Suvarna, the sitting Student Member of the Board, discussed multiple aspects that the policy was trying to achieve. “How do we look at making sure that we have very clear guidelines on where [AI] should be used, and how it should be used to make sure that we’re protecting our students?” Suvarna said.
Suvarna also mentioned that his recent advisory council meeting explored promoting better media literacy for staff and students. “We talked about AI and media literacy and how those go hand in hand,” he said. “[Like] not to trust everything you see from AI, and maybe how we [can] start to incorporate that into lessons in school.” In fact, according to a survey in 2024 by the Digital Education Council, 58 percent of students reported feeling that they do not have sufficient AI knowledge and skills.
Sheri Massey, the Blair library media specialist, said that AI can be used in both a positive and negative manner. “It’s a tool that
you’ll use to accomplish your work, so it [could] be creating images, creating music, creating text documents,” Massey said. “If you choose to use it nefariously, [like] if you choose to use it for plagia-
move on while incorporating AI into our lives,” Altbach said. Blair freshman Abigail Bateman agreed. “I think it’s good to double-check plagiarism and teach kids about
Although the discussion will portant for MCPS to start taking steps toward creating a policy for AI usage. “Whether we like it or not, AI is here … trying to ignore cess,” Suvarna said. “There has to be a balanced approach, but where ance is is yet to
BLOCKED OFF Businesses along Bonifant Street face obstruction from the Purple Line construction.
PHOTO BY DANEEL KUTSENKO
Letters to the Editor A broken prom-ise
Letters to the Editor have been edited for length and clarity .
Dear Editor,
I am writing in response to Neha Narayan’s article “Measuring hours, not impact.” While the article shares some important points about the shortcomings of the SSL hours program, I think it misses a key argument. Even though the system isn’t perfect, it is still getting students involved in community service, and there aren’t many alternatives for MCPS.
Yes, the program encourages students to focus on logging hours instead of making a true impact on the community. However, for many students, those SSL hours are their first real step into volunteering. Even if they don’t pursue community work in the future, at least they have some kind of experience. Without this structure, many might never consider helping out in the first place.
Narayan mentions the need to “reframe” the system toward measuring impact, which is a good idea
Dear Editor,
In the March 24 issue of Silver Chips, Doris Wang wrote about Blair’s new attendance policy. While several students quoted in the article voiced displeasure with the “In Class On Time” initiative, I believe it is a worthwhile endeavor. Though it’s a little early to say for sure if it’s working, I have definitely observed more kids being in class on time. More kids being in class on time benefits everyone because the class can start sooner, which means the teacher can do more. I know some people find lunchtime detention to be an extreme punishment, but I don’t agree with that. A harsh and consistent punishment where students
Dear Editor,
Concerning the article, “Search for new principal resumes,” why have we not started this search sooner? We’ve known for 14 months since Principal Johnson announced her retirement that we would need a new principal, but the county has done nothing in the interim. Only now, with the deadline edging ever closer, is there any impetus to begin searching. The county has had over a year to begin searching, and like a student procrastinating their assignments, has left it up to the last minute.
As a junior at Blair, I will only experience this newly selected principal for one year, but that one year is still incredibly impactful.
in theory. However, the article doesn’t talk about what that new system looks like. If we simply get rid of SSL hours without a solid plan in place, we risk students not participating at all. What would replace them?
It is also important to remember that not every school has the resources to introduce new ways to promote community engagement. Right now, the SSL system is accessible and gives students a clear goal to work toward.
The SSL program is definitely not perfect, but I think that it is important to frame the want for change in a way that can be implemented. Rather than just critiquing the existing system, let’s work together to find practicable ways to enhance it so that students can take away more than paper forms from their experiences.
Sincerely, Zoe
Gorbachev
lose something they want is key.
Students love their lunchtime; losing that will factor into the motivations determining their decision to abide by the policy. I know this is a big step in leveling up the school’s tardy punishment, but what Blair was doing before—giving warnings, calling home—wasn’t working, so now it’s time to try something different. I think this policy is doing its job and serves as a great step forward in reducing tardiness. So let’s encourage the school to continue trying new things to prevent tardiness and improve the student experience.
Sincerely, Ada Schwartz
A principal’s leadership matters to the students they are responsible for, and every action they take deeply affects the school. Therefore, the selection of a proper principal is extremely important. MCPS should have begun this process last year, and even though multiple candidates dropped out, they should have continued the selection process. MCPS needs to explain what took so long and how they will improve the search process in the future. The process needs to be improved so other schools don’t have to go through the same.
Sincerely, Ezra Zibel
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Seniors should be given priority for prom
By AINSLIE CURRAN-N’GASI and LYDIA PASS AN OPINION
Music blasts and dresses sparkle. Months of decisions and dedication have led to now. Finally, a night to celebrate seniors on their last high school endeavor, with a spotlight on … everyone?! For many American high schoolers, prom acts as a rite of passage, opening the doors to graduation and life beyond high school. It’s a long-standing tradition and a night to remember—particularly for seniors. However, allowing all high schoolers to attend prom takes away from the once-in-a-lifetime experience for seniors. Graduation should not be the only culminative event representative of senior year and four years of hard work and growth. Prom should be too. Limiting prom to seniors only would promote this.
Non-seniors should not be allowed to attend Blair’s prom, unless they are specifically invited by a senior to attend. Limiting prom to just seniors and students who they intentionally ask to attend would create a special, more personal experience, allowing for seniors to have an event that marks their transition out of high school and onto their next branch of life. This exclusivity would also foster a sense of unity within the senior class, making the end of high school feel more significant.
Having prom open to both juniors and seniors—and those they invite—makes it hard to manage the size of the event, taking away opportunities for seniors to get a ticket. Out of the 620 students who attended Blair’s prom last year, over 150 were non-Blair-seniors. With Blair’s 2025 senior population reaching almost 750 students, seniors need priority in order to ensure everyone gets an opportunity to attend prom for their final year of high school. In an attempt to reconcile this issue, Blair has established a senior priority for prom tickets for the first time. However, the priority only lasts for one day.
In the past, seniors have struggled with being able to get prom tickets. Barriers like AP tests, the limited time in the school day when you can get the ticket, and long lines have made it hard to secure tickets. Current senior Jonah Choprah-Khan gave up his ticket to ensure a senior friend could attend, “I was a little upset at first,
but also it’s not my senior year. It’s their senior prom, they should 100 percent be able to go,” he said. Being a junior at the time made him more willing to give his ticket away, though the issue could have easily been solved through senior priority sales.
Prom is already an event attended and favored by seniors, and therefore the spotlight should highlight them as well. As an event that many consider an end-ofhigh-school experience, many underclassmen who attend are out of place. Blair senior Alegria Martins has been attending prom since her sophomore year, and has experienced it through the eyes of both under and upperclassmen. “My sophomore year, I definitely got looked at and people were kind of like, ‘Why is she here?’ It made me feel like I shouldn’t have been there,” she said. Though she was invited by her upperclassman partner at the time, she still feels that prom should be geared toward seniors.
Erika Demske, a senior at Washington Waldorf school, wanted her prom to feel like an honorable and magical event for seniors, rather than a party anyone could come to. “Basically only the seniors were actually participating,” Demske remembers when looking back on her senior prom.
“People [of all grades] came, but they just stood around in corners, the seniors were the only ones dancing and having fun.” A senior majority night creates an awkward space for underclassmen to be in. Overall, seniors should come first when it comes to prom. Prom should be a way to honor graduating students and mark the end of their high school career, something that can only be done if seniors are prioritized. Demske agrees, emphasizing the importance of having a senior-driven celebration. “When [prom] is an all senior event, [people will] really appreciate it for what it is: a class experience,” she said.
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The silence is deafening
By THE EDITORIAL BOARD AN OPINION
Eight years ago in November of 2016 after Trump was first elected, hundreds of Blair, Northwood, and Einstein students staged a walkout to demonstrate their shared disappointment and anger at their nation’s decision. Chants of “Not my president” and “We reject the president-elect” rang through the air as swarms of students marched from the schools to the roof of the Wheaton mall parking lot and Downtown Silver Spring. We too should protest because our future education, careers, and lives are on the line. We too should protest because we care about human rights, the environment, and rule of law.
But we haven’t. Since Election Day, we have trudged through life perhaps too fed up to fight back and too tired to care.
After the 2016 election, Silver Chips published an editorial urging readership to not back away from politics, even in the face of disappointment and anger. That message was vital as Blair’s community reeled from the election results, but it is more important now than ever before. As scattered protests against immigration policies, federal cuts, and attacks on civil rights unfold across the country, there is a startling lack of young voices in the dissent of an increasingly autocratic government.
Maybe you’re a Blazer who doesn’t see college in your future,
so you think the Trump administration’s attacks on higher education don’t affect you. But in an effort to push universities to follow his excessive demands including halting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and reforming student discipline policies, Trump froze billions of dollars of research grants. Not only has this action put these universities on ice, but it also terminated groundbreaking science research like providing safer water to homes and finding cures to deadly diseases. We should be concerned.
Maybe you don’t have family or friends working for the federal government, so the Department of Government Efficiency’s cuts don’t matter to you. But almost
half a million federal workers live in the DMV and contribute to our local economy, keeping our favorite stores and family businesses open and keeping our public schools well-funded. We should be alarmed.
Environmental policies too, which affect not only the U.S.’s land but the entire Earth, are under siege. Since January, Trump pulled out of the Paris climate agreement, eliminated a national push for environmental justice, and gutted thousands of employees at the Silver Springbased National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. We should be outraged.
After Trump’s first 100 days, the prices of everything—from that
The death of due process
new phone you want to the sneakers on your feet—are set to rise. K-12 funding is being threatened as schools like Blair showcase diversity through Sankofa, and the standard of innocent until proven guilty is eroding. We should be moved to act.
These policies are not just temporary headlines of the day. In a few weeks, when seniors leave Blair to start their next chapter, these policies will have a profound effect on their ability to afford our basic needs, find security and stability, and be healthy. All of us have a stake in the future that is being shaped right now.
The truth is we may be fed up. We may be tired. It may seem easier to retreat into the background and let the adults duke it out, but we cannot afford to stay silent. Our future cannot afford it. The well-being of the very Earth we live on cannot afford it. Now is the time to step up.
It’s not hard to get started; start small. Read the news from reliable sources, educate yourself, and know your rights. Find issues you care about, engage with other viewpoints, and stand up for your community. To quote our predecessors’ 2016 editorial: “As teenagers, we have the passion, the potential, and the youth to take a stand for what we believe in.” We still have the potential, we still have the youth. Now, we need to revive the passion that took us to the streets, to the parking lot rooftops, and to the lawmakers’ doorsteps years ago.
Donald Trump’s deportation agenda shreds Constitutional protections
By ETHAN DE BRAUW Ombudsman AN OPINION
Donald Trump made a lot of promises on the campaign trail. Some were typical Trump hyperbole. Unfortunately others, as Americans have learned in his first hundred days, were not. He has attempted to force an unjust peace on Ukraine. He has dismantled the federal bureaucracy. He has pushed tariffs so calamitous that they risk undermining the United States’ place in the global economy. But by far the most destructive policy that Trump has enacted is his deportation policy, which has already undercut due process and risks undermining the Con
stitutional order as we know it. If Trump is to be stopped, it is quite literally now or never.
Since Trump has taken office, he has followed through on his promise of mass deportations, sending 238 immigrants to the infamous Terrorism Confinement Center, or CECOT, in El Salvador. The mega-prison—opened in 2023—is a cruel new policy of El Salvadoran president Nayib Bukele. Prisoners’ heads are shaved and they are held in communal cells holding up to 100 men for 23 and a half hours a day. Prisoners do not receive visits and are never allowed outside. The only way out of the prison is “in a coffin,” according to El Salvador’s justice minister. The Trump Administration is paying Bukele’s government $6 million to hold deportees at CECOT, many of whom have no criminal records.
Several courts, including the Supreme Court, have ordered the Trump Administration to “facilitate” the return of Garcia to the U.S. Even if Garcia entered the country illegally, even if he committed a crime, he is still entitled to a court date. Especially considering a judge has given him explicit protections from deportation. Despite the fact that Garcia was wrongly deported and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement admitted the mistake, Trump has refused to return Garcia. His actions mark a total breakdown of due process, and they represent a fundamental threat to the balance of power in America.
newfound power; in a conversation with El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, Trump said that he would consider deporting American citizens. “Homegrowns are next. The homegrowns … You gotta build about five more [CECOT style prisons]. It’s not big enough,” Trump said.
What Trump has done in his first hundred days of his presidency is only the start. If he can send people explicitly protected by the courts like Garcia to barbaric prisons like CECOT and face no functional legal repercussions, he can do anything.
So what can be done to stop him? While the Trump Administration is moving quickly—already, they have deported three American citizens—Trump is still obsessed with his popularity, like a high schooler running for prom queen. When it became clear Elon Musk’s DOGE cuts were unpopular through mass protests and boycotts, he was pushed out of the administration. When stock markets tanked after Trump’s tariffs further dropping Trump’s popularity, he rolled them back significantly. Americans still have the power to influence his actions through demonstration of public opinion. So now is the time to act, to speak out against the administration, to protest in the streets, before it is too late. email him at scombud@gmail.com
One prisoner, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, was deported due to an “administrative error,” according to the Trump Administration. Garcia grew up in El Salvador, and was forced to flee to America when a local gang threatened to kill him if he did not join their gang. Garcia spent 14 years in America as an undocumented immigrant, building a life for himself in Maryland as a construction day laborer and a father of three. In 2019, an immigration judge granted him protection from deportation due to the threats on his life by Barrio 18 back in El Salvador. And yet, on March 15, 2025, the Trump Administration deported Garcia to the CECOT prison.
Normally, when immigrants are being deported, they are given a chance to have their case heard by the judiciary. The only problem: the judiciary often acts slower than immigration officers and cannot enforce its rulings, entrusting the executive branch to follow their orders. It must rely on respect for its authority as its source of power. The Trump Administration is no longer following those rulings, making the judiciary functionally powerless.
This is a disastrous shift of the balance of power in the United States. The right to due process is a fundamental American right. Losing it means losing our national identity. Without due process, Americans have no right to a jury, Americans are no longer innocent until proven guilty, Americans are at the whims of Donald Trump. Trump has begun to wield his
En clase a tiempo
Beneficio o estrés para los estudiantes
Por MARIA ESPINAL y MANOOYEE FEDHAA
Según el Centro Nacional de Estadísticas de Educación, del 3.3% hasta 9.5% de los estudiantes llegan tarde a clase cada día. Los estudiantes que llegan tarde frecuentemente tienen mayor probabilidad de sacar malas notas y tener tasas de graduación bajas. En Blair, un alto porcentaje de estudiantes llegan a clases tarde también. Para enfrentar este problema, el director en funciones de Montgomery Blair, junto con los administradores y el personal escolar, empezaron la política de En clase a tiempo (ICOT por sus siglas en inglés).
Ahora, si un estudiante llega tarde a clase, tiene que recoger un pase verde para poder entrar. Los maestros han sido informados que deben cerrar las puertas cuando toca el timbre. Obtener dos pases verdes tiene como consecuencia una detención durante el almuerzo. Cuantas más veces se llega tarde, más graves son las consecuencias, llegando hasta una intervención (suspensión) en la escuela que permanece en su récord académico.
La meta de esta política es que menos estudiantes lleguen tarde a sus clases para que puedan aprender y entender la importancia de llegar a las clases temprano.
El Señor Yates dijo, “Los datos demuestran que los estudiantes que tienen dificultad con [la política de] En clase a tiempo son, en su gran mayoría, estudiantes que no
están al nivel académico que corresponde a su grado. Se trata de estudiantes que, por ejemplo, deberían estar en el 12.º grado, pero están en 11.º o 10.º”.
Chris Hill, de Athlos Academy, explica, “La investigación ha descubierto que los estudiantes que llegan tarde de manera crónica rinden peor en exámenes, pero que también afecta el rendimiento de sus compañeros”. Llegar a clase tarde resulta en que el estudiante reciba menos instrucción, también interrumpe a otros estudiantes que están aprendiendo.
La nueva política ICOT ha suscitado opiniones positivas de parte de maestros, miembros del equipo, de seguridad, y opiniones negativas
de gran parte de los estudiantes. Brian Leatherwood, un guardia de seguridad de Blair, administra los pases verdes con los otros guardias de seguridad. Aunque algunos estudiantes tienen opiniones negativas, el Sr. Leatherwood mencionó que, “No importa que notas sacas, si es un buen estudiante o un mal estudiante, tarde es tarde, y eso es lo que estamos tratando de enseñar a todos”.
Los estudiantes argumentan que hay dificultades para llegar a la escuela que esta política no toma en cuenta. Por ejemplo, Kimberly Ramos es una estudiante de Blair que la mayoría llega temprano a clase, pero el transporte siempre no es perfecto.
Ramos explicó que, “hay algunos puntos donde mi autobús no llega y yo necesitaba usar el metro pero está lleno de estudiantes entonces el autobús salta [la parada]”. Una falla en esta política es que no tiene una manera para diferenciar a las personas que llegan tarde por razones inevitables. Todos los que llegan tarde reciben la misma consecuencia, a pesar de que muchos estudiantes no pueden controlar las circunstancias.
Por otro lado, “[la] expectativa es para que las personas [lleguen] a tiempo, el primer periodo y el segundo periodo son los peores periodos de tardanza”, expresó Leatherwood. El propósito de En clase a tiempo es ayudar a los estudiantes a estar en la escuela ya que es imprescindible para su formación académica. Pero en los ojos de los estudiantes, es injusto ser castigado por llegar solamente un poco tarde. De acuerdo a Jaylen Portillo, estudiante de Blair, “debería haber cierto margen para llegar, dependiendo de dónde están ubicadas tus clases”.
Kimberly Ramos comenta que, “Si toda la cosa es que nosotros tenemos que estar en la escuela más, el tiempo sacado para agarrar estos pases y hacer estas cosas no está dándonos más tiempo escolar. Sólo está tomando el tiempo”, resaltando que la política creada para mantener a los estudiantes en clase por más tiempo, en ocasiones reduce el tiempo de aprendizaje. Sin embargo, maestras como la
Blair, crisol de heroes bilingues
Labor estudiantil que pasa desaparecida
Por EMMY HENRIQUEZ y SELVIN VAIL
La habilidad de hablar múltiples idiomas es una herramienta increíblemente útil, especialmente para los estudiantes que crecen en un ambiente multicultural, que puede conectar todo tipo de personas. Al poder comunicarse en varios idiomas, muchos estudiantes equilibran la responsabilidad de traducir para aquellos que no dominan el inglés y a su vez mantener la línea de comunicación abierta con sus familiares y amigos monolingües.
Aproximadamente el 43% de personas en todo el mundo son bilingües, según el sitio web de Ideal School y solo 13% son trilingües, es decir, que hablan tres o más idiomas con fluidez. De acuerdo a Share.America.gov, “En Estados Unidos el número de personas que hablan en sus hogares una lengua distinta del inglés casi se triplicó en las tres últimas décadas, pasando de 23,1 millones (aproximadamente 1 de cada 10) a 67,8 millones (aproximadamente 1 de cada 5), según la Oficina del Censo”.
Hay muchos estudios que muestran las múltiples ventajas del bilingüismo, desde ventajas sociales como académicas. Al aprender otro idioma, no solo estás aprendiendo algo nuevo, sino que también estás aumentando tu nivel de comprensión, comunicación, conocimiento de diversas culturas y tus capacidades cognitivas.
Se ha hecho normal que los pa-
dres confíen en sus hijos para traducir en los Estados Unidos para poder entender varios documentos y información importante en donde solo es producida en inglés. Sin embargo, ser el intérprete constante puede causar estrés entre los jóvenes. “A veces se siente un poco frustrante porque es mucho y mi miente no sabe traducir al uno para el otro, pero todavía me siento muy orgullosa de poder traducir para mi mama” Dijo señora Sánchez, consejera de Montgomery Blair high school.
Montgomery Blair High School se encuentra en un área geográfica muy diversa y muchos de sus estudiantes hablan 2 o más idiomas. Es común entre los alumnos traducir para sus padres o tutores en lugares diversos, como el banco, la escuela, hospitales, dentistas, y más. Herber López, de décimo grado, ha ayudado a sus familiares traduciendo de inglés a Mam y español. “Una vez cuando recibí una carta de la escuela tuve que traducir la carta a Mam para ellos porque ellos no entienden el inglés”. Explicó López. Sin embargo, los niños que crecen en ambientes donde sus idiomas nativos no se hablan tanto, suelen perder fluidez en su lengua materna. “Traducir se ha vuelto difícil para mí con los años, porque se me han olvidado varias palabras en amárico” dijo la estudiante Amel Mohammed, del grado doce. Por eso, mantener la lengua materna de los niños es crucial, no sólo para preservar competencias lingüísticas, sino también para
fomentar la continuidad cultural y para tener conexiones fuertes con sus familiares.
Juliet Mamann, una estudiante de Montgomery Blair de doceavo grado, explica su experiencia hablando francés e inglés y cuenta que su familia depende de ella para traducir una carta u otra cosa porque su familia no domina el in glés perfectamente. En ocasiones, le ha tocado traducir hasta diez pá ginas para su familia. “Mi familia no habla inglés muy bien, así que tuve que aprender muy rápido para ayudar”, explica Mamann.
Hay ocasiones en la que familias que hablan diferentes idiomas. Por ejemplo, la madre habla un idioma y el pa dre habla otro idioma diferente. A base de eso, los niños aprenden los dos idiomas además del inglés.
Montgomery Blair es una de las escuelas donde se hablan diversas idiomas en lo que cada estudiantes traen dentro de ellos un nuevo mundo con una nueva idioma de pende de donde vengan traen sus idiomas natales ya estando aquí aprenden el inglés en lo que los convierten en bilingües hablando más de una idioma.
Para los niños que crecen en un ambiente multilingüe, cambiar entre los idiomas no solo es una habilidad sino que una manera de vivir. Algunas veces, estos jóvenes
Señora Melissa Guevara, una maestra de español de Blair, cree que la nueva política es justa y necesaria. “Me gustó la idea desde el inicio porque es muy difícil, como maestra, empezar la clase”, dijo la señora Guevara. Ella opina que es muy difícil inculcar la urgencia de llegar temprano en el ambiente estudiantil porque ciertos estudiantes están acostumbrados a llegar tarde.
La Sra. Guevara continúa: “No les da como mucho interés llegar a tiempo y sentarse, van conversando y es para mí es una falta de respeto, y no sé por qué hemos tolerado este este comportamiento tanto tiempo”. Una gran mayoría de los maestros de Blair están de acuerdo con los administradores sobre esta política, ya que ausentarse de la clase tiene consecuencias negativas en la educación y que se necesitan soluciones.
“En última instancia, nunca se puede hacer feliz a todo el mundo. Pero sí, la meta es aumentar el aprendizaje de los estudiantes y aumentar el tiempo escolar en clases”, dijo el Sr. Yates. Mientras esta política esté en efecto, se recomienda a los estudiantes que intenten salir de sus casas más temprano para evitar contratiempos. Es importante que si tienen una excusa válida para llegar tarde, le pidan a sus padres o tutores que les escriban una nota para justificar la tardanza.
pueden tener una confusión entre los idiomas, sabiendo una palabra en un idioma pero no en otro, lo cual complica la traducción para sus padres. “Algunas veces cuando traduzco es difícil para mi porque se me olvidan ciertas palabras en un idioma y no puedo traducirlas para mi familia”, cuenta Christo-
de significado que no tienen una traducción directa a otro idioma. Tal es el caso de la palabra “Saudade” en portugués, que describe el sentimiento profundo de echar de menos algo o alguien que fue importante, sin la certeza de que volverá. Similarmente, hay otras palabras que reflejan el idioma de la cultura a la que pertenecen. De acuerdo con un artículo de Medium, palabras como “wabi-sabi” (japonés), “sobremesa” (español), Hygge (danés) y más palabras tampoco tienen una definición en inglés. Hablar múltiples idiomas puede traer grandes beneficios para los estudiantes, tales como poder ayudar a sus familias con traducciones, o conectar con familiares que no dominan el inglés. Las palabras no son sólo una herramienta de comunicación, sino también una manera de expresar los sentimientos y conectarnos. En las palabras de Diego Flores, bombero del condado de Fairfax, “para mi, hablar español es poder hablar con mi familia en su idioma
MARIA ESPINAL
De la inseguridad a la esperanza, una lucha legal
Por CINDIS HERNÁNDEZ
“La deportación de Juan ha sido muy dura para mí y diría que para su familia también”, comenta Carlos Hernández, amigo cercano de un inmigrante detenido injustamente. Cada año, millones de personas dejan sus países de origen en busca de mejores oportunidades, seguridad y una vida digna. Las razones para emigrar son diversas. Sin embargo, al llegar a su destino, estos inmigrantes a menudo se encuentran con un sistema que no solo es complicado, sino que también puede ser hostil e injusto.
La historia de Juan Bonilla ilustra esta realidad desgarradora. Carlos Hernández, amigo cercano de Juan comenta “Desde que se fue, he sentido preocupación por la situación que está pasando ahorita”. Juan, quien trabajaba en construcción y viajaba entre estados como Maryland, California y Florida, fue detenido durante una revisión laboral a pesar de tener todos sus documentos en regla, lo detuvieron. Ese tipo de situaciones pone de manifiesto las injusticias del sistema migratorio, donde incluso aquellos que cumplen con las normas pueden ser víctimas de circunstancias adversas e inesperadas.
Carlos relata cómo recibió la noticia de la deportación de Juan, “Fue un golpe porque nunca pensé que le podría pasar esto”. Esto refleja la angustia que sienten muchas familias separadas por la deportación y el impacto emocional devastador que estas situaciones tienen en sus vidas.
“Es algo injusto con lo que es-
tán haciendo con los inmigrantes, porque la mayoría de inmigrantes a los cuales han deportado los han encontrado trabajando, ganándose el dinero con su propio sudor”, expresa Darlin Reina, estudiante de onceavo grado de Blair. Esta opinión resuena profundamente en un contexto donde los inmigrantes enfrentan, no solo desafíos económicos, sino también un sistema que parece estar en su contra. Las historias de aquellos que han vivido estas experiencias son un testimonio poderoso de la necesidad de apoyo y recursos adecuados.
La deportación de Juan ha sido muy dura para mí y diría que para su familia también.
Muchos inmigrantes viven bajo la constante amenaza de la deportación, creando un ambiente de miedo y ansiedad. Este temor afecta todos los aspectos de su vida diaria, desde ir a trabajar hasta llevar a sus hijos a la escuela, cada actividad cotidiana puede convertirse en un riesgo potencial. “Viven con el miedo de ir a alguna tienda o hacer una actividad pues pueda llegar migración por el motivo que los agarran en cualquier lugar estén donde estén”, señala Darlin, reflejando la angustia generalizada que sienten muchas familias. Las condiciones laborales de muchos inmigrantes son igual-
Garras al rescate
mente preocupantes. A menudo, se ven obligados a aceptar trabajos que no son muy convenientes, sin embargo deciden estar allí sin acceso a beneficios básicos como atención médica o días de descanso. En muchas ocasiones, son explotados por empleadores que saben que tienen poco para defenderse debido a su estatus migratorio. Esto muchas veces crea un sentimiento de vulnerabilidad difícil de romper. Afortunadamente, hay organizaciones y recursos diseñados para ayudar a los inmigrantes a navegar por este complicado sistema. Muchas comunidades han comenzado a ofrecer asistencia legal, orientación y apoyo emocional a quienes enfrentan situaciones difíciles. Alexander Diaz, quien también ha enfrentado problemas legales relacionados con su estatus migratorio, comparte su experiencia personal. Después de haber llegado hace 12 años a Estados Unidos buscando una vida mejor, se encontró atrapado en un proceso legal complejo tras ser detenido durante una corte sin ninguna relación con inmigración. “Me asusté mucho y no sabía qué hacer, ya que no me habían informado sobre esta situación ya que nunca pensé que eso me podría llegar a pasar”, expresa Alexander. Sin embargo, gracias a la ayuda de su abogada, pudo asegurar su libertad y por supuesto aprender sobre sus derechos. “He decidido informarme más sobre mis derechos como inmigrante y aprendí que no estoy solo y que hay recursos disponibles que pueden ayudar en dado caso no hubiera
Cafés actuando para salvar gatos en peligro
Por TOM SPARSHOTT y NATE VIECHNICKI
Se estima que en el Distrito de Columbia viven cerca de 200,000 gatos ferales en 2021. Aunque los centros de adopción de gatos fueron creados como solución para este problema, actualmente la mayoría de centros carecen de espacio suficiente para cuidar adecuadamente a los gatos. Una opción alternativa para los gatos que se está haciendo más popular en los Estados Unidos son los cafés de gato. Estos negocios rescatan a gatos ferales de las calles y proveen oportunidades para que el público conecte con ellos y los adopten. El primer café de gatos, llamado Cat Flower Garden, abrió en Taiwán en 1998, antes de que los cafés llegarán a otras partes de Asia. Estos cafés ganaron popularidad con turistas, quienes lo trajeron a Japón, con la primera cafetería llegando a Osaka en 2004. Hoy en día, según un artículo de Blue Zones, hay cerca de 40 cafés en el área metropolitana de Tokio.
Los cafés de gatos ganaron popularidad en Asia por una variedad de razones. La mayoría de los cafés están ubicados en áreas urbanas, donde puede ser difícil encontrar un apartamento que permita tener animales. También son una buena opción para gente que quiere socializar con animales sin la necesidad de cuidarlos todo el tiempo. Además, dan una oportunidad para personas que no pueden adoptar gatos por sus alergias o una falta de fondos para cuidar un animal. Sobre todo, los cafés de gato
suelen ayudar con sentimientos de soledad y aislamiento, un fenómeno común en Asia oriental y creciente en los Estados Unidos. En Corea del Sur, los cafés de gato se han vuelto muy populares debido a varias razones, como el aumento de casos de depresión y el aislamiento social, según El Heraldo de Corea. Son una manera para que la gente se conecte emocionalmente con un animal, aunque no viva en un lugar bueno para gatos. Patriot Pawsabilities en Fairfax, Virginia, es un café de gatos local,
ubicado cerca de la Universidad de George Mason. Fue fundado por Mo Ryan, una veterana del ejército, quien fue introducida a los cafés de gatos mientras trabajaba en Corea del Sur. Ella se ha dado cuenta del impacto que estos cafés tienen en la salud de su comunidad. “Nunca había anticipado la cantidad de estudiantes universitarios que recibimos”, dijo Ryan. “Entran y están tan estresados, y digo, ‘entra, siéntate con un gato, y vas a relajarte’”. Patriot Pawsabilities fue creado con la intención de fomentar un
tenido abogada”, enfatiza Alexander, destacando la importancia de informarse en momentos de crisis. Incluso Carlos menciona que Juan ha podido recibir apoyo de Caridades Católicas, quien les ha proporcionado orientación legal “Nos han dado orientación y ayuda legal, pero también hemos visto que el proceso puede ser complicado y lento”, dice Carlos, mostrando que la ayuda está disponible y puede marcar una diferencia significativa en la vida de quienes enfrentan estos retos pero aun así muchas veces la incertidumbre sobre su estatus legal puede hacer que muchos eviten buscar ayuda. La situación que enfrentan los inmigrantes requiere que cada persona con un estatus migratorio se informe sobre los recursos actualmente disponibles, para así poderse enfrentar a cualquier situación
inesperada.
Como expresó María Silva, estudiante de onceavo grado en Blair, “Creo que mi mensaje sería que hay que ser más compasivos con los demás, porque hay tantas personas que vienen aquí buscando un lugar mejor para tener una vida digna. No debemos olvidar eso. Sé que estar en una posición de poder en el gobierno no se trata solo de una cosa y que hay otros problemas a considerar, pero creo que vivir con miedo constante solo por ser de una raza o pertenecer a ciertas comunidades es horrible. Creo que es necesario cambiar esto”. La voz de cada inmigrante cuenta, y es fundamental escuchar y apoyar sus luchas en busca de una vida digna. La comunidad debe unirse para garantizar que nadie tenga que enfrentar estas dificultades sólo.
entorno relajante y saludable para los gatos que cuida. El café trabaja con varias organizaciones locales e internacionales para traer gatos listos para la adopción al café. Ryan prioriza la salud de la población de gatos, asegurándose que se sienten tan cómodos como puedan antes de su adopción. “Creo que todos los refugios para animales deben tener alguna forma de café de gatos”, dijo Ryan, “es infinitamente mejor que conocer un gato en una jaula”. De acuerdo con la Revista veterinaria canadiense, aproximadamente del 40% al 50% de animales que entran en los refugios de animales en los Estados Unidos son sacrificados, y la mayoría de ellos son gatos. Los refugios de animales carecen de fondos, recursos para cuidar a los animales, empleados, y voluntarios, transformando el trabajo difícil de cuidar animales en uno casi imposible. Por la cantidad de gatos que entran a los refugios y la falta de fondos, los refugios de animales sufren de la sobrepoblación, y muchos animales se quedan la mayoría de su tiempo en jaulas. Según el Shelter Animals Count, la cantidad de animales en refugios aumentó por un cuarto de millón en 2023. Sin embargo, los cafés de gato no enfrentan estos mismos problemas: mantienen una población baja para asegurar la comodidad de sus gatos. Además, tienen acceso a más fondos de sus clientes, quienes usualmente pagan una entrada que ayuda con los gastos de mantener un café. El café Crumbs & Whiskers, en Georgetown, D.C, mantiene una
CINDIS HERNÁNDEZ
población de 25 gatos en el café, los cuales estuvieron en riesgo de ser sacrificados en “refugios superpoblados”. El café actúa como un hogar de acogida para los gatos hasta su adopción. Debido a la población más reducida en un café en vez de las altas cifras en un refugio tradicional, los dueños potenciales y empleados pueden reconocer mejor a los gatos. “[Los clientes] vienen a nuestro café y podemos contarles mucho sobre los gatos”, explicó Casey Phelan, empleado de Crumbs & Whiskers en Georgetown, “Podemos tomar mucho tiempo conociendo a los gatos y aprendiendo qué tipo de casa sería mejor para ellos”. Además, los cafés de gato proveen un refugio para gatos discapacitados que enfrentan dificultades con la adopción. Los cafés suelen solucionar este problema, cuidando a estos gatos discapacitados con un tratamiento más específico. Patriot Pawsabilities y Crumbs & Whiskers albergan varios gatos discapacitados. “Muchos de [ellos] vienen de Tailandia o Ucrania”, contó Phelan, “Siempre es interesante recibir un gato con una historia interesante”. De acuerdo a Phelan, “[Los cafés] empezaron como una forma para que la gente pasara un buen tiempo y para proveer un espacio seguro para que los gatos se enamoren hasta que encuentren su casa para siempre”. Estos cafés no solamente proveen un hogar cómodo y seguro para gatos vulnerables, sino también benefician a toda la comunidad.
FEATURES
May 7, 2025
Business Blazers
By ADANNA AKAMIGBO and PRIYA TAPIA-PEREIRA
When Blair senior Canaan Bogale gets home after a long day of school, she gets straight to work. But it’s not homework she is completing; instead, it is her part-time job, running a baking business. Bogale has been baking for over five years, however, it was during her freshman year that she started turning her hobby into income, taking custom cake orders and selling her treats to Blair students.
A survey by Deloitte found that 45 percent of Gen Zers have a side hustle, ranging from selling products such as apparel and jewelry to providing services like babysitting. At Blair, the Gen Z entrepreneurial spirit is well and alive, especially among students like junior Brenda Rivera.
With tens of thousands of views on Instagram, Rivera has gained multiple clients through social media for her nail services. Her entrepreneurial journey began when she noticed her peers were getting overwhelmed by their stressful part-time jobs. She noticed her peers weren’t happy with their jobs and were overworked by long hours. Wanting to break away from this pattern, Rivera turned her beloved hobby into a nail service business with the support of her mother. Known on Instagram as “nailjunkiebrenda,” Rivera specializes in acrylic nails.
Social media also plays a large role in Tihetena Daniel’s braiding and hair-twisting business. Daniel started her business in 2022, but after seeing little growth, she started an Instagram account—“braidsbyti-
napurr”—to promote her business. But being a teenager has become a recent obstacle for Daniel’s entrepreneurial endeavors. “[Clients] think they could just leave without paying, that definitely has happened before,” Daniel says. “But that only happens when my clients are over 18; people my age usually respect me.” After high school, Daniel wants to continue her business as a side hustle. But the job is very physically tiring, so she hopes to not work as much after high school.
For both Daniel and Rivera, their non-traditional jobs do not feel like real work. “My favorite part would definitely be my interactions with all my clients,” Daniel says. “[The appointment] feels like more [of] a hangout than me doing their hair.”
Similarly, Rivera’s returning clients have turned into her friends, making her services feel less like a job. “My favorite part about the job is definitely the friendships I create with my clients because I have a lot of returning clients, and they just turn into friends,” she says. After high school, Rivera plans to continue her business journey by getting her nail technician license and expanding her business to offer fulltime services.
Since graduating, Blair alumna Bana Russton has been facing challenges with continuing her dessert business that she started in high school. Being a college student with no kitchen has taken a toll on her business, but she is still trying to continue. “I try to take as many orders as possible when I’m home and still do what I love and plan on
working harder on learning how to pivot and continue my craft in this new chapter of my life,” Russton explains.
Russton started baking out of boredom during quarantine in 2020. Her baking drew attention from her peers, so she began taking orders and selling desserts. Known on Instagram as “bakingwbana,” she bakes for people’s birthdays, graduations, and even weddings. Russton started selling personal trays to students, which garnered a lot of attention, resulting in around 70 orders per week in the 20232024 school year. Blair junior Naod Samuel remembers when he used to order Russton’s cakes. “When I had my first bite, it was pretty good. I really liked her Oreo cake and her tres leches. It was very good, it was very moist, and I liked it a lot,” Samuel recalls.
Daniel, Rivera, and Russton all utilize social media to promote and market their businesses. However, Blair juniors Stuart Mallon and Joaquin Contreras decided to start their business in a way most teen agers do not: creating an LLC and searching for manufacturers. Their company, Mile 10 Apparel, started when the pair noticed that other athletic apparel all looked the same and had limited creative design. Mile 10’s design is all inspired by nature.
Contreras explains that given their age, advertising is easier. “Everyone’s been supportive, but I think probably because we are younger … In social advertising aspects [it] arguably helps more to be under 18 because it looks like we’re doing something as kids,” he
says. However, when it comes to running their business, it is a little more complicated. “In the initial phases, I was just giving call after call to manufacturers [and] to government people who run the LLC and all,” Contreras says.
Blair junior Andrew Sutich believes that student-run businesses bring convenience for other students. “I think [students’ business-
ZZZs lead to A’s MoCo group lobbies to push back school start times
By ELORA DERBYSHIRE and DIEGO SANTORO-VELEZ
Landis says. “They’re being victimized.”
Start School Later, a nationwide coalition of health professionals,
school systems … want to provide the best content to students, but they don’t understand that it’s a two-way street and students have to
believes that more sleep would be pivotal to student focus. “When you get to first period, everyone looks drowsy,” Webb says. “Everyone would be a lot more lively and ready to learn.” Blair sophomore Joel Amari agrees. “With more sleep, I would be more engaged in class and also be able to focus more consistently, which would overall improve my academic problems,”
Blair English teacher Kyle Wannen sees a later start time as a potential solution to tardiness. “Students come in tired very often,” Wannen says. “Especially here at Blair, we seem to have a large amount of tardies because of parking, because of traffic, because of unavoidable situations.”
In Maryland’s state legislature, Start School Later has been testifying for the passage of Senate Bill 468 and House Bill 1015. The bills would require middle schools and high schools to not begin instruction before 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., respectively, beginning in the 2027-2028 school year.
Board of Education Member
At-large Karla Silvestre believes that a policy change would have widespread benefits for high school students, but has some reservations.
“I think [my daughter] could use a little more time in the morning, aligned with her circadian rhythm to be able to function better during the school day,” Silvestre says. “I think the science supports it, but
es and services are] good because a lot of students might be more comfortable going to their friends for a haircut or getting their nails done,” Sutich explains, “They trust [students] more than going to a random place or a random shop somewhere.” Student-run businesses provide their peers with affordable prices, comfort, and a positive impact on the community.
it would take a big restructuring of our school day and our transportation and possibly even budgetary issues.” Others like Wannen note that the safety of younger students may be compromised if elementary and middle schools were let out before high schools—creating a need for more affordable after-school childcare programs.
In order to carry through with an 8:30 a.m. start time, like Anne Arundel County did in 2022, significant updates to bus routes would be required. For the past several years, Landis has been testifying at Board of Education meetings in favor of an MCPS transportation and bell time study. “In 2021, the Maryland General Assembly changed the law and is allowing a different mix of vehicles [other than school buses],” she says. “That’s how Anne Arundel was able, in part, to change the bell times at zero additional cost, because they changed the bus transportation and they switched to a contractor.”
To start students on the path toward a lifetime of better sleep health, Landis affirms that high schools must adopt more compatible hours to adolescent sleep schedules. “[High school] is the last time that we have these students in a nurturing institution where we can help them,” Landis says. “Our future is in your hands. So why are we not giving you everything humanly possible to get you ready?”
There is no sign of sunlight
MILE 10 Blair juniors Joaquin Contreras and Stuart Mallon started their business Mile 10, which produces nature-inspired athletic apparel.
PHOTOS BY RAFFI DIAMOND-BERMAN
Taking center stage Round House Theatre spotlights local stories
By NEHA NARAYAN and KIYA TIRUNEH
In a cozy corner of Bethesda, Round House Theatre is doing more than just staging plays—it is shaping the future of local theater. With a decades-long legacy of using performance to connect to the community, the theater has become a cornerstone of local arts education, nurturing creativity from preschoolers to professionals.
We strive to be a theater for everyone. That is what our mission statement says.
Since 1978, Round House has served Montgomery County through its open performances and programs. Originally known as Street ’70, Round House was created by the Montgomery County Department of Recreation to increase enrichment opportunities for those who aspired to learn more about theater. Upon its success, the program grew so much that the city built the original round building where the group was held, inspiring its current name. Since its beginning, the theater continues to commit itself to upholding its core values of artistic ambition, community, empathy, and integrity by promoting theater for all people.
Round House Artistic Director Ryan Rilette describes the theater’s mission as a combination of these
values. “We strive to be a theater for everyone. That is what our mission statement says. We try to make sure that the shows that we do and the educational programs that we do are reflective, so that anyone can come in and see themselves on stage,” Rilette says.
Round House displays this commitment through their variety of educational programs, encouraging exploration in all aspects of theater: acting, movement, design, and play creation. These offerings include year-round classes, summer camps, school programs, performance companies, and internships. Their classes are offered to all age groups, camps are available for students from elementary through high school, internships are open to all high school and college students, and school programming allows for direct connection with students. Aside from this, Round House promotes accessibility through their Free Play program, which allows free admission to any shows for students aged 13 through college. “We really work hard to make sure that no one who wants to see theater is denied the opportunity,” Director of Development Michael Barret Jones says. By partnering with local nonprofit organizations and prioritizing free access, Round House makes sure that the theater is available for all.
This people-first approach manifests in the stories shown on stage. Round House selects productions that reflect the backgrounds and experiences of Montgomery County residents, including featured shows like Sojourners about Nigerian immigrants and A Hanukkah
Carol, which represents winter traditions often missing from mainstream theater. “A lot of the shows that we do on our main stage are a conversation in dialogue with the community,” Jones explains. “We like to represent the community we serve.”
Round House’s commitment to serving youth extends beyond audience seats into the spotlight itself. Through the Teen Performance Company (TPC), high school students take full creative control of a mainstage production: acting, directing, designing, and even writing original plays. Blair sophomore Lark Jeffers, a former actor and current TPC director, explains the unique experiences that the company provides to local youth. “There is literally nothing like it anywhere else in the DMV. It’s up to us and our skills, and we’re treated like professionals,” Jeffers explains.
For students like Blair senior Giorgia Toti, a lifelong Round House student and current TPC actor, the impact is personal and lasting. “You really learn a lot, and it’s great for networking. We get to build and keep our own community and that’s what makes it feel so special,” she says.
However, the most powerful moments often come off-script. Jeffers, who directed TPC’s original play Gallows Humor, explains the emotional opening night of the show which tackles the topic of gun violence and school lockdowns. “[After the final scene], everyone was crying and hugging, and that was really what solidified it for me. It made me realize that while TPC is about making this next generation interested in theater, it’s also
Classroom superheroes
about finding people who get you,” Jeffers says.
clusion, and opportunity stems from the belief that early access to the arts changes lives. “If you don’t attend or participate in the arts before you’re 18, you’re unlikely to participate as an adult,” Rilette notes. Round House’s efforts en
By LUCY HOLLAND and SATCHEL JELEN
In a quiet classroom near the main gym, with a window overlooking the courtyard and a mess of social studies posters tacked to the walls, long term substitute Michael Carter sits with his hands clasped. “Most substitute teachers don’t get to land long term positions easily,” he says. “I got lucky.” Carter began subbing for Blair economics and
attendance to lesson planning. Carter’s time at Blair is limited, but he is determined to make the most of what he has left. “The academic is what breeds life into myself,” he says. “I love being a part of the process of helping the academic side of a child, as well as the just the life skills that they need.”
As a long term sub, Carter occupies a unique place in the school. One of only eight at Blair, he has to balance the responsibilities of a
cording to Blair social studies resource teacher Rebecca Hughes, a teacher must be absent at least 10 days before a long term sub can be chosen. “That can be for if a teacher is going out on long term leave planned [or] long term leave unplanned,” Hughes says. “If they’re out for more than 10 days, that [position necessitates] a long term sub.”
Carter has been covering for Moose for four months. In that time, he has committed himself to being as open and engaging as possible. “If I see a student have a conversation about anything that I’m slightly aware of, I try to engage with it in some way,” Carter says. “If I see students on their computers, on their phones, playing a game or watching videos … I always choose to show genuine interest.”
For many of Carter’s students, this approach is refreshing. “He is very relatable to students. I have never met a teacher as relatable to us as him,” AP Microeconomics student Kevin Nguyen says.
Along with teaching, Carter finds other ways to connect with his students. He regularly attends performances and athletics events, and recently began sponsoring the chess club. “A couple of students had asked me if I could do that,” Carter says. “I worked it out with my department head and they were able to use the paperwork to get me, a long term sub, to be able to be a sponsor.”
Alice Treado, a long term sub for government and history teacher Morgan Patel, also tries to attend Blair events—most recently
sure that future artists, audienc es, and advocates have a place to begin their performance journey.
“The broadest possible group of young people must see themselves through a lens like theater [in order to promote change],” Jones says.
“We must strive to make our art more diverse, and we must never
Long term subs step up to fulfill teacher vacancies
the spring musical and STEM Arts Night. Treado, a Blair alum, began filling in when Patel went on maternity leave halfway through the year.
“I told myself I would never come back to Blair once I graduated, because I wanted to get out of the area,” Treado says. “It’s definitely weird being here, especially as a teacher instead of a student.”
For the most part, the year has gone well for Treado. “It was a little bit easier coming in halfway through the school year,” she says.
“Most of the students had been taking the class and already knew the routine.” With a degree in early childhood education from Towson University, Treado is less enthusiastic about subbing at the high school level. “I love the little ones because they just like to babble and talk to you … and they love school,” she laughs. “I feel like once you get to high school, that kind of enjoyment goes a little bit down.”
Suzanne Eckert-Burton, a long term sub for English teacher Sarah Fillman, enjoys teaching at the high school level. However, she generally prefers taking shorter-term positions, on account of the additional responsibilities long term subs are expected to fulfill. “I do primarily short term subbing,” she says. “Long term subbing is a lot more work and commitment and planning.” Eckert-Burton has been covering classes for 15 years, the majority of which she has done at Blair. During her time at the school, Eckert-Burton has managed to establish connections with a variety of students and staff. “[The students] are extensions of my fam-
ily, of my own kids,” she smiles. “I often tell my students that, ‘I treat you like I treat my own kids.’” It is undeniable that being a sub is often difficult and exhausting work. “These are not the best paid positions,” Hughes says. “There is very little thanks in being a sub.” With the added pressure of a nationwide sub shortage, it can be increasingly difficult to find candidates willing to take such jobs. “We are just really grateful for people who are willing to do it,” Hughes says.
I love being a part of the process of helping the academic side of a child, as well as just the life skills that they need.
Still, for Eckert-Burton, Treado, and Carter, these positions are more than a paycheck. They are a chance to do what they love—teach and connect with students. “I just love teaching. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do,” Treado says. Eckert-Burton agrees. “I enjoy substituting in general,” she says. “I think it is a unique opportunity to make bonds with kids.” Carter, taking a moment to reflect, agrees
“I
says. “In my mind,
are really no downsides to it.”
wholeheartedly.
love teaching,” he
there
RYAN RILETTE
4545 EAST-WEST HWY, BETHESDA Originally known as Street ‘70, Round House Theatre received its current name from the round building constructed to house it.
PHOTO BY IAN GLEASON
MICHAEL CARTER
STEPPING UP Michael Carter, a long term sub at Blair, has spent five months filling in for Mr. Moose’s economics and philosophy classes.
PHOTO BY IAN GLEASON
Chips Chats with Evan Glass
MoCo executive candidate and Blair graduation keynote speaker
By YONGLE XIN
At-large Montgomery County Councilmember Evan Glass visited Blair on April 2 to speak with Blair’s Pride+ club following the announcement of his 2026 candidacy for County Executive. Glass was first elected to the Council in 2018 as the county’s first openly LGBTQ councilmember and has served on the Health and Human Services Committee and as lead for the Homelessness and Vulnerable Committees. On June 4, Glass will address Blair’s graduating Class of 2025 as the keynote speaker at graduation. Silver Chips sat down with Glass to ask him about his views on the housing crisis, transportation, MCPS, and his experience in politics as an openly gay man.
You are the first openly LGBTQ member of the Montgomery County Council. How has being gay affected your political career?
I’ve been out and proud for decades, and I was never going to hide who I was to run for office. The difficult part started after I got elected, and that’s when people started sharing their hate at me. When we raised the pride flag for the first time in Rockville, that’s when the hate started; when I organized pride events all throughout the county, that’s when the hate started; and when I post photos of my husband and our dogs, we get hate there too. Ultimately, I am here because representation matters, and I will continue standing
up for everybody in our community, and I will take the slings and arrows of hate because somebody has to, and I will return it with love and light because that’s the way to a better future.
How will you address the housing crisis in Montgomery County?
It is too expensive to live here in Montgomery County. Too many families are being priced out, and too many students will be unable to move back to the place where they grew up. We want you to be able to start your life here. You might not want to come back home, but we want you to be able to have that option. The best way to have more housing that is more affordable is by having more housing, full stop. We need to build more housing for more people. In Montgomery County, one third of our residents are foreign-born, meaning they have chosen to move to Montgomery County from around the world. We want people to continue moving here, and the only way they can continue moving here is by having housing that’s available to them. So we have to do a lot more work to provide more housing and provide a better future for our young people.
Should new developments focus on building more homes or building affordable homes?
It’s all of the above. There is no silver bullet to fixing our housing crisis. First, we are building large apartment buildings near our tran-
sit centers so people do not have to own a car. They can choose to walk and take public transportation, and these are typically areas where most of our jobs are. Then we also need to build deeply affordable housing, which is subsidized by the county government. We spend about $100 million every year to build new housing and to subsidize housing for our lowest income residents. This is called the Housing Initiative Fund, HIF. What that does is provide subsidies for home builders to build units that are deeply affordable for individuals who do not make a lot of money. But we’re missing new housing for middle class people. We are losing middle class families in Montgomery County. They are leaving because we’re not building enough housing for them. So we have to provide more housing for everybody, because we want recent college grads to be able to come back, and they might earn too much to get subsidized housing but not make enough in order to get a place of their own. So we need an all-of-the-above strategy.
What are the plans to expand public transit in the county?
Right now, we are actually expanding the Flash network on Colesville Road all the way up to Howard County, to Columbia, because right now it stops in Burtonsville. We know that nearly half of the traffic in the morning and afternoon rush hours comes from Howard County, so we wanted to extend public transit all the way up to Howard County so that we re-
duce the number of cars that are on our roads in Montgomery County. We have a big plan to create more bus rapid transit networks throughout the county, but they will require a lot of investment from the federal government, and I’m not sure that the Donald Trump administration thinks that BRT [bus rapid transit] is the way to go. I hope he rethinks public transportation. I don’t think Donald Trump has ever taken a bus in his life, compared to me, where my husband and I had one car for ten years. I had to get a second car just to run for the Council because I couldn’t travel to North Potomac and to Silver Spring and to Olney in one day by taking public transportation alone. So I love the bus; I love the Metro. We need more people to take those systems, and the best way to do that is by having frequent service.
Does MCPS need more funding or more budgetary oversight?
I have been very outspoken in my support for MCPS funding, and the need for more oversight on how that money is spent. We need to ask tough questions about the programs that are in place, because the outcomes are not what they should be. We need to have an honest and frank conversation about this. I’ve written three opeds in the Washington Post and Bethesda Magazine about needing more budget transparency, because the $3.3 billion that goes to MCPS
needs to be understood by everybody. We need to know how that money is being used, which programs work, and which programs don’t. As we get that information, we can reinvest that money to make sure that it’s going to actually help. MCPS does need more funding and we need more accountability.
What are your goals if you are elected as County Executive?
Right now, we need leaders who are willing to push back against the Trump-Musk administration and protect all of our residents. We have 70,000 federal employees who live in Montgomery County. Thousands of them are being fired unfairly and unjustly. We not only need to protect them, but we also need to create new economic opportunity for people to have more jobs. So it’s a balancing act. We also need to make sure that Montgomery County public schools are the best they can be, and every student receives the highest quality education. That requires funding and more oversight to make sure that our money is being used properly so that everyone gets the support they need. And then thirdly, we live in a diverse community that needs to be supported, loved, and protected. As an openly LGBTQ man, I know that people feel threatened and marginalized, but here in Montgomery County our diversity is our strength, and we need to stand up and protect everybody.
Each
PHOTOS COURTESY OF EVAN GLASS
TAKING ACTION Glass spoke at a rally in March in support of the National Institute of Health.
Spring spots
Six places to explore in May
By SATCHEL JELEN and CASEY PENDERGAST
Across the DMV, spring has finally arrived. From blossoming trees at every turn to forecasts in the mid-70s, Blair’s picturesque corner of suburbia has shaken off the last remnants of winter. However, with AP season hanging over students, it can be easy to miss some of the fun activities that come with springtime.
Silver Chips has put together a few ways to get out in nature and enjoy the beauty of spring in the area.
Farmers’ markets
Farmers’ markets are a great way to get out in the community and try some seasonal products.
The FRESHFARM Downtown Silver Spring Market, with over 45 vendors from D.C., Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, has been a community staple for 20 years. The market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Veterans Plaza. Shoppers can try out a
wide variety of local goods including fresh gelato, warm pretzels, and even organic produce grown by Blair history teacher Marc Grossman at The Farm at Our House.
The Takoma Park Farmers Market, open since 1983, is another excellent source for DMV-based goods. Takoma Park’s market, open on Sunday mornings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Laurel Avenue, provides shoppers with lists of recommended in-season products.
Brookside Gardens
On a 50-acre plot of Wheaton Regional Park, Brookside Gardens is home to a breathtaking array of foliage and wildlife. Visitors can take a scenic walk around the gardens’ pond or through its flowering hills for free—open daily from sunrise to sunset. Perhaps the gardens’ most exciting feature, however, is available only from April to September.
The South Conservatory House hosts butterfly species from around the world through the spring and summer months, which guests can interact with as they stroll through the conservatory’s rows of tropical plants. Tickets are available for $14 for visitors above the age of 13.
Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
Featuring 120 artists and craftspeople, the Bethesda Fine Arts Festival is set to take place on May 10 and 11 in Woodmont Triangle. Attendees can expect a delightful variety of artistic exhibitions, ranging from printmaking to furniture. In addition to the art, there will be live performances on both days, as well as numerous culinary offerings from local Bethesda restaurants. The festival begins at 10 a.m. on both days, and ends at 6 p.m. and 5 p.m., respectively. There is no entry fee for the event, but attendees are encouraged to arrive early—there were more than 20,000 participants last year.
The Adventure Park
Recently crowned as one of USA Today’s Best Aerial Adventure Parks, the Adventure Park in Sandy Spring is the perfect way to welcome the warm weather. With 14 unique courses and seven difficulty levels, the aerial forest course is perfect for families and individuals of all skill levels. Kids will delight in riding the ziplines at the end of each course, while adults may enjoy challenging themselves with higher level routes.
LUCIAWANG
Besides the aerial forest, the park also offers a labyrinth mini-course, night climbing, and axe throwing. It can get crowded on weekends, so it is best to reserve in advance. Reservations are available for $69 for adults and $59 for children under the age of 11.
Waterfest
Held at the beautiful Maydale Nature Classroom in Cloverly, Maryland, Waterfest is a great choice for families with younger children. The event will be held on Saturday, May 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and is set to include a variety of fun, water-based activities and crafts. Participants will get to make rain sticks, play with bubbles, and learn about their local watershed. The best part—Waterfest is completely free for all ages!
Camping on the C&O
Most DMV residents are well-aware of the natural beauty of the C&O canal, particularly Great Falls Park, the spectacular hiking destination
and occasional Olympic training ground located just off the canal towpath. However, many may not appreciate the full breadth of camping options along the 184.5 mile historic waterway. Boasting a total of 36 campsites, camping on the C&O canal is one of the most unique ways to experience spring in the area. Most sites do not require reservations, making them the perfect impromptu warm-weather getaway. All campsites are furnished with a chemical toilet, picnic table, fire pit, and well water. For those seeking a slight upgrade, the historic lockhouses situated along the canal are a great choice. Operated by the C&O Canal Trust, the lockhouses are stocked with firewood and can be reserved in advance from the Canal Trust website.
JESSICA HSIEH
Chips Clips
Happy Mother’s day!
Samurai Sudoku
Make sure that each of the 5 9x9 grids has each row and column filled with numbers 1-9, and that every 3x3 box has all numbers 1-9. The trick is to use the overlapping puzzles to deduce clues for other parts of the puzzle
Across:
1. “La Vie en Rose” singer
5. Poise
11. IV units
14. Raison d’___
15. Shoulda ____ woulda
16. Spanish gold
17. French town, scene of 1942
18. Vote out
19. According to
20. Actor Morales
21. ___ bitsy spider
22. Blackjack request
24. Emblem of May 11th celebration
26. Double-reed instruments
27. Climbing plant
28. Poorly lit
29. Call up
32. Computer correspondence
35. Defaces, as a yard
38. Out of danger
39. Torment
40. Pretzel topping
41. World finance org.
42. Of very short stature
43. Minute
44. Scottish denial
45. Under the weather
46. Actor Hawke
49. Giving oneself up for the sake of others
55. Novelist Amado
56. Region
57. Leopold’s co-defendant
58. Go wrong
59. Maze runner
61. Wataru, Liverpool player
62. Pool stick
63. “La Vie ___”
64. Actress Phillips of “I, Claudius”
65. Recipe amt.
66. Chest part
67. Clairvoyant action
Down:
1. Georges who wrote “Life: A User’s Manual”
2. “___ far, far better thing...”
3. Bellowing
4. Ladylike
5. Sharpness
6. Loren’s husband
7. Pandemic hit TV protagonist, spelled wrong
8. Liquid fat
9. Erstwhile telethon org.
10. Aromatherapy purchase
11. Admit
12. Oreo filling
13. Sensitive spots
23. Apple alternative
25. Hail, to Caesar
28. Needing assembly, for short
29. Greek letter
30. Son of Noah
31. Not quite right
32. Omelet ingredient
33. May honoree
34. Whichever
35. Catch some rays
36. Kin of “thx”
37. Pigpen
39. Sailor’s “yes”
40. Generous, in a way
42. Like some dens
43. Quarterback Manning
44. Pester
45. More incensed
46. VCR button
47. Doughnut shape
48. Defends corporate interests, abbr.
49. Native-born Israeli
50. Pointer
51. Discontinue
52. Column style
53. Fragrant wood
54. Black wood
60. One in a sure-to-sue scenario
Contact Puzzle Editor Ethan de Brauw at silverchipsclips@gmail.com with the subject “Chips Clips May” with questions, comments, concerns, or any other feedback.
Each of these paintings is a famous painting, changed slightly. Try to figure out what is changed in each one!
JAY CLOUSE
ETHAN DE BRAW
The GR8 Chase is over Capitals’ Ovechkin breaks all-time goal record
By LUCY HOLLAND
On April 4, the full crowd at Capital One Arena quieted as Alexander Ovechkin stepped on the ice. Characterized by his trademark yellow skate laces and the ‘C’ for captain on his chest, Ovechkin completed his warm-up routine as all eyes beat down on him.
At the beginning of the game, his name was announced on the loudspeakers and met with the roars of thousands cheering his nickname: “Ovi! Ovi! Ovi!” This was a special night, because he could finally do it. He could finally beat Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal-scoring record. The arena was abuzz with excitement as Chicago Blackhawks and Washington Capitals fans alike waited with bated breath for the culmination of what has been dubbed the “GR8 Chase”—Alexander Ovechkin’s 895th career goal.
Ovechkin has played for the Capitals the entirety of his 21-year National Hockey League career. Now, at age 39, he is a beloved asset on the team. “He’s always been, since he was drafted, the best player on the Caps by far. He’s stayed on the Caps his whole career. He’s never gone anywhere else. The Caps is his home,” Blair freshman and hockey player Quinn Streaker said.
This potentially historic night was decades in the making. Since the beginning of his career, Ovechkin had been drawing attention as a star player. “I remember watching him, and it was amazing. It was exciting. And then afterwards,
there was a story written by a journalist, and they said, basically, ‘Buckle up. This is going to be a great ride,’” local Caps fan Jordie Hannum said, describing his experience at the 2008 Stanley Cup Playoff matches. “It was just obvious then, when he was a young player, that he was great and he was going to lead the team to great things.”
Finally, in the third peri od of the April 4 game, off of a blazing pass from teammate John Carlson, Ovechkin scored his 894th career goal, tying the alltime record. The stadium erupted in deafening cheers as fans leapt to their feet, shouting their praise to the ice below. Ovechkin turned, the large number eight on his back seemingly glowing under the red lights, and bowed to Wayne Gretz ky, the Canadian hockey player who had held the previously un touchable record.
It was just obvious then, when he was a young player, that he was great and he was going to lead the team to great things.
Two days later, on the road against the New York Islanders,
Take a hike!
Summiting a mountain peak is the literal manifestation of achievement. Up there, you can hear only the rush of the wind and feel only the glare of the sun as you look out on the vistas before you. The vastness of a city as seen from a skyscraper pales in comparison to the vast woods and fields that stretch out beneath you. Up there you are not a person, you are a conqueror. “I really like the feeling of accomplishment when I get to a summit after a really difficult hike of a mountain. For me, a hike isn’t really worth it if there isn’t a view at the top,” Blair junior and Trailblazers’—Blair’s hiking club—president Andie Alison said.
Whether someone enjoys the top of a mountain or the journey to it, the physical experience is just one of the benefits of hiking in the outdoors. As it turns out, hiking is not just a chance to engage with na-
especially in the sports community, surrounding the role that athletes should play in advocating for social justice issues. “Do I wish [Ovechkin] would criticize Putin? Of course I do … [but] athletes [are] not perfect,” said Hannum. Others find it more difficult to separate the athlete from the politics, arguing that they should be using their vast platforms to spread awareness and advocate for important issues.
The main critique of the “GR8 Chase” is that, especially toward the end of the journey, it became all about getting goals. Viewers argued that gameplay became designed to simply feed Ovechkin the puck and let him score. This is shown in the fact that Gretzky ended his career with 1,963 career assists, while Ovechkin is currently sitting at less than half of that, with 726
Despite these controversies, one thing remains true: Alexander Ovechkin, throughout his monumental career, has been a pivotal member of the Capitals organization, and breaking the all-time goal record is the cherry on top of a glit-
ture and get some exercise, it is also a way to improve mental health.
“The evidence is pretty clear that there are overall positive effects,”
Denise Mitten, an emeritus professor of sustainability at Prescott College, said. Time in nature has been shown to lead to immediate physical and mental health benefits, including decreased blood pressure and decreased stress levels.
I really like the feeling of accomplishment when I get to a summit after a really difficult hike of a mountain.
Old Rag Mountain is not the highest peak in Virginia or the most difficult to reach, but it is
one of the best. Outside Magazine lists it among the top 25 hikes in the world. The mountain’s 1,000-meter-tall peak is bare and rocky, which allows for a stunning panoramic view of the surroundings. On a clear day, you can see for miles at the top after braving the gale-force winds often present at that height. The journey there, however, is often a little tricky.
Hiking is also great as a social activity. “One of the wonderful benefits of being outside is that people tend to be more social and somehow that causes just even better exercising, better fitness, and better overall mental and emotional health,” Mitten said. This is part of the goal of the Trailblazers. “We have 23 people who are signed up for the hiking club. The last hike we did we had maybe like 10 people come,” Alison said. “It’s really chill.”
Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, which are located in the Appalachian Mountains, are some of the oldest mountains in the world. Old Rag—their crown jewel—requires a lengthy journey by highway to get to the mountain. The drive is just under three hours from Blair, but the hike is worth the wait. Reserving day passes in advance is required during the spring, summer, and fall, but these are not difficult to obtain from the National Park Service if planned ahead.
The first couple miles of the trail are quite standard for an uphill hike, passing through a dense forest littered with rocks and shrubbery. But after a mile in, the real fun begins. “You climb up a mountain and then you climb down a mountain. It’s got a lot of fun terrain,” Blair junior and former leader of Scout Troop 255 Nate Bingenheimer said.
Interacting with the outdoors is also beneficial for students and academics. “A number of studies have shown that, if a college student is preparing for a test, if in fact they’ve done their work and they’re okay in terms of consistently studying, they’re far better off going for a walk in nature for an hour before the test, rather than studying that hour before the test,” Mitten said.
The harshness of a mountain can be challenging, but such difficulties are an essential part of hiking. Alison said that she felt that her experiences, and hiking in general, built character. “Having a goal of [however many] miles they’re gonna hike that day and actually having to complete it without the option of taking an Uber out of there [makes people mentally stronger],” she said.
The climb up Old Rag is not
quite bouldering—freehand rock climbing—but there are some portions during the climb that require hands and knees. This challenge is what sets Old Rag apart from the rest of the hikes around the DMV. “There are times when hiking is like a rock scramble … but I have no option [except] to just keep going up the trail cause I can’t turn around,” Alison said. After a false peak, a short descent and a final climb remain before the peak. At the peak, there is a completely different climate zone. It can be snowing and hailing even though there are calm-blue skies at the base. At the peak, sustained wind can exceed 40 miles per hour. But on a clear day when you can see for miles around, that peak is about as close to heaven as one can get.
PHOTOS BY JONATHAN PETER BELLING
OLD RAG Located in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park, Old Rag is regarded as one of the best hikes in the world.
By JUSTIN ROSENTOVER and TOMAS MONTICELLI
JASON YU
JORDIE HANNUM
ANDIE ALISON
One sport, two rulebooks
How male and female sports are made to play differently
By RAE FOSTER and LILA GROSKO
The defender’s stick slams into the attacker’s chest, once, twice, three times. He is knocked off balance and loses the ball. The crowd cheers, unfazed by this hit that is common in men’s lacrosse. In a women’s lacrosse game, this same hit would result in a whistle and a possible yellow card, punishing the defender with a two-minute penalty.
There’s a range of sports that aren’t even based on physical contact [but] the [level] of exertion was artificially defined by men to be [past the] threshold that women could bear.
Across Montgomery County, there are approximately 23,000 high school athletes, many of whom participate in lacrosse and hockey.
Though MCPS offers men’s and women’s versions of these sports, the major differences in rules and regulations largely impact how the games are played and viewed.
While these gender specific rules are sometimes the result of differing physical attributes, they generally are rooted in outdated ideas of women’s abilities. Kenneth Cohen, curator of Early American History at the Smithsonian’s Museum of American History, explains that historically, women have been limited in the sports they were allowed to play, or excluded entirely.
“There have long been perceptions of women, mostly held by men, that presume that vigorous physical contact is inappropriate for women—whether it’s been masked by concerns about their health and their physical ability to withstand that contact, or whether it’s just viewed as unseemly and inappropriate because it invades into a kind of activity that men use to define themselves,” Cohen said.
Sports like football and rugby, which are known for their aggressive and contact-heavy nature, were originally designed to highlight masculinity. By consequence, women’s participation in these sports has historically been seen as unaccept-
able. Though the Olympic Games date back to 776 BC, women were not allowed to compete until the year 1900. “If playing some version of an activity that requires a lot of physical contact is something that men use to define what men do, then by definition, they are going to try to prevent women from doing it because women doing it feels threatening to those men,” Cohen explained. This exclusion was not limited to contact sports. The first women’s Olympic marathon was not held until 1984. “There’s a range of sports that aren’t even based on physical contact [but] the [level] of exertion was artificially defined by men to be [past the] threshold that women could … bear,” Cohen said.
The historical exclusion of women from sports can largely be attributed to societal perceptions of women’s physical abilities. Later on, when women were allowed to participate in sports, the rules were modified to account for those perceptions. In sports like lacrosse and hockey, there are many differences in rules for women and men, making the games entirely different. Some of the main differences in lacrosse surround stick sizes, contact rules, number of players, and field differences. Rules regarding checking are very specific in women’s lacrosse, whereas they are minimally regulated in men’s. University of Maryland Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach Cathy Reese defined these rules. “We don’t have an [absolute] no-contact rule. However, the rules are different at every level of what is allowed and what isn’t. We can’t hit each other but we can check, and play good body position on defense, which allows for contact,” Reese wrote in an email to Silver Chips.
Also, according to Reese, women’s players cannot directly block the goal, they must defend from an angle. In men’s lacrosse, however, attackers may take more powerful shots through defenders, and from further out on the field.
Due to the different levels of physical contact in lacrosse and hockey, women wear less protective gear than men. “In [women’s] lacrosse, stick checking [of the body] is largely illegal. And the kind of body equipment players wear to withstand that is therefore much less,” Cohen said. In men’s hockey, physical fist fights, although technically against the rules, often go unrestricted. They are seen as a part of the game and occur often over opposing player disagreements. By
contrast, in women’s hockey, especially at the professional level, rules prohibiting physical altercations outside of gameplay are heavily enforced. As a result, physical fights are rare. Despite the rules against physical fighting in men’s hockey,
girls’ game more challenging when it comes to catching and throwing.
“I think skill-wise, girls have to pay more attention to their stick skills because our pockets aren’t as deep. Balls can just fly out [from our sticks]. While [for] boys, they
easier to play women’s lacrosse, it is different to play women’s lacrosse.”
it has become integrated into the game, so much so that their uniforms accommodate it. “[In men’s hockey] you’re required to have a fight strap, which is a part that connects from the jersey to your equipment so your jersey doesn’t rip off during a fight, whereas that is not implemented in women’s because there is no fighting,” Holland said.
Major differences in rules in women’s and men’s versions of sports have a large impact on the way the game is played and the skills that are emphasized. “[Less physical contact] arguably makes women’s hockey more skill-based, just like how women’s lacrosse is more skill-based because there’s less contact,” Holland said. Blair varsity girls’ lacrosse captain Katherine Somoza explains how differences in stick depths make the
just put their stick up in the air and [the ball] just falls in real easily for them,” Somoza said. As a result of these rule differences, especially the restrictions on physical contact, many people associate women’s lacrosse with being the easier version of lacrosse.
Although a lot of the limitations put on women’s lacrosse were put in place to preserve femininity and gender roles, women’s lacrosse has evolved to be more than its origin.
“I think part of [the solution to this stereotype] is emphasizing that women’s sports are physical and are strategic. And that the fact that there are different rules doesn’t mean that the women’s rules are there to make the sport easier,” Blair varsity girls’ lacrosse coach Addie McDonough said. “It is not
Lack of physical contact, general rule differences, as well as overall biases regarding women’s physical abilities have driven audiences away from the women’s versions of sports for years. “A lot of people think girls’ lacrosse is boring. I think mostly that factors into the fact that we’re not considered [a] contact [sport]. I think people would much rather watch a boys’ game where they see people get toppled down on the field,” Somoza said. “You just kind of question why people don’t really want to support [both] the girls and the boys when we play the same sport.”
The fact that there are different rules doesn’t mean that the women’s rules are there to make the sport easier.
Women’s sports have evolved over the years. Previously male-dominated sports like football, hockey, and wrestling have had an increase in female participation, especially at the high school level. Cohen attributes progress in female sports participation to increased advocacy. “There’s an upward trend. And I think that the upward trend is not organic,” he said. “It has developed because there was a push by women athletes and by the people who support them to advocate for greater publicity.”
Historical exclusion from sports, game limitations, and lack of audience support have all served as setbacks for women in athletics. However, female athletes have persisted and found ways to play the sports they love. “There’s all kinds of things that have been labeled as immoral or not feminine or inappropriate for certain groups of people,” Cohen said. “And those groups of people have always more or less said, ‘I’m going to do it anyway.’ And they found ways to do it.”
PHOTOS BY JONATHAN PETER BELLING FACE OFFS Although they are both the sport of lacrosse, the rules for boys’ and girls’ games differ, especially at the face off spot
