2013 December 12 by The Stampede

The Stampede

The official student newspaper of Bishop McNamara High School | since 1964 | www.stampedenews.org | December 12, 2013

Social Media Law Passed to Stop Cyber-bullying Beware modern Twitter and sexting laws that may taint records Carolyn Conte ‘14 Editor-in-Chief New laws regarding Twitter and sexting have been implemented within Maryland that can affect students of McNamara. “Grace’s Law” is the bill passed to make it a criminal offense to use social media that could emotionally distress a minor. Named in honor of a teen who committed suicide on Easter of last year after being cyberbullied, the legislation of Grace’s Law warrants a $500 fine or year in prison to anyone who cyberbullies a person who is under the age of 18. Approved in March and last edited on May 2, 2013, this house bill formally titled “Criminal Law - Misuse of Interactive Computer Service,” prohibits a person from using

“an interactive computer service to maliciously engage in a certain course of conduct that inflicts serious emotional distress on a minor or places

Source: Twitter

a minor in reasonable fear of death or serious bodily injury under certain circumstances,” as of October 1, 2013. A PDF of the full document, House Bill 396, can be read on The

General Assembly of Maryland’s website. Besides cyberbullying, there are other laws that students here at McNamara would do well to heed, such as the act of “sexting.” As many students were informed during school Deans’ Meetings, both cyberbullying and sexting can poison their resume and relationships. Both are much more serious than some media outlets make it seem. A minor in Maryland -someone under 18 -- is prohibited from sending, receiving, or keeping explicit images. According to the National District Attorney’s Association, possession of sexually explicit material of another who is under 16 – child pornography – is punishable “for a first violation, imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine

not exceeding $25,000,” and for subsequent violations, “imprisonment not exceeding 20 years or a fine not exceeding $ 50,000 or both.” Maryland State law clearly states that anyone, regardless of age, can be prosecuted, charged, and registered as a sexual offender. One must also beware that the laws of libel can also apply to Tweets. Twitter may seem like an innocent outlet, but students must remember how it is all too simple for one cruel, joking tweet to cross the line. McNamara plans to continue to address these issues. “We want to have, in the future, workshops to find out why students do this,” Ms. Hayes confirmed. Ideally, students will heed the warnings.

The Greatest Game A look back on the most exciting season in McNamara’s football history Thomas Leonard ‘15 Staff Writer The year was 1990. George H.W. Bush was the president, the Berlin Wall had just been torn down, Vanilla Ice was one of the most popular musical artists, and Bishop McNamara Football was on top of the world. Their dominant regular season run through the highly competitive Washington Metropolitan Athletic Conference (WMAC) gave the fans of the Mustangs one of the most exciting and rewarding seasons in the history of McNamara football. The season began with a convincing 33-14 win over Madison High School, which was followed by a difficult 13-31 defeat at the hands of GarTyehimba Jones field High School in Woodbridge, Virgin- ‘91 and Timothy ia. This would stand Garner ‘92 as the Mustangs’ only asserted their loss in this season, as dominance over the next three games Gonzaga during got the season back the Mustangs on track as McNa- 35-7 win. (Source: mara dominated Holy Bishop McNamara Cross, Robert E. Lee, 1991 Yearbook) and O’Connell high schools by an average margin of 24 points. As the season continued, Bishop McNamara prepared for their impending matchup against their conference archrival, the Stags of Dematha High School. One of the most important moments of the season occurred before that game. This event is especially memorable to current Math Department Chair Mrs. Angelina Diehlmann LR ‘85 who was a teacher at the time. continued on 6

SPEED READ - news in brief -

from The Stampede Compiled by Carolyn Conte ‘14 Jr. Scientists In the Sea is a new club here at McNamara. Students, like member Devon Adams ‘15, have and can earn a SCUBA certification. To join, see Mr. Clark or the bmhs.org website. Tornadoes and thunderstorms in the midwest cleared the midwest November 17. Three people were reported dead, and Chicago’s Soldier Field was evacuated. McNamara’s fall musical The Pajama Game premiered Friday, November 15. The comedic play, set in the 50s, depicts the struggles of factory workers for a rise in pay, as well as a bit of romance. Thenext showing dates include November 22 and 23 at 7:30 PM and 24 at 2:00 PM. The leader of the most prominent Syrian rebels against President Bashar-al-Assad died by a government airstike, likely on Saturday November 16. This news hinders the rebels efforts to repel troop advancement around the city of Aleppo. However, his death could also play a role as a catalyst to more violence in Syria. Two McNamara faculty were awarded on October 25. Junior Counselor Ms. Jennifer Auchmoody was named New Teacher of the Year, and Visual Arts teacher Ms. Kate Heneghan was titled Veteran Teacher of the Year, by the High School Principals’ Association. The National Security Agency (NSA)’s Army General Keith Alexander disputed claims that the United States had collected data on Europeans via phone records. The NSA director elaborated that these records were normal, and that it is routine for ally countries to spy on each other. Meanwhile, Spain summoned the U.S. ambassador to explain the situation. Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel called for a global reconsideration with US surveillance systems. US officials disagree over the degree to which President Obama was aware of the situation.

December 12, 2013 | The Stampede

NEWS ON MAC

school

Dr. Van der Waag Takes Reign as Principal Jessica Ricks ‘14 Editor You may see Dr. Van der Waag standing under the canopy in the mornings greeting students, in the hallways waiting with a friendly hello or a “have a good day,” at a game or a school event. “He relates well and he’s engaged with everyone,” James Thomas ‘14 said. Dr. Robert Van der Waag has taught at Bishop McNamara for two years and now serves as our principal. In the time he’s been in his new position, Dr. Van der Waag has initiated a number of changes. He said that McNamara’s diversity in academics, arts, athletics, and activities leave room for future growth. “He’s made a lot of good changes,” said Erica Witters ‘16. It doesn’t stop there. On top of the new school code and schedule, Dr. Van der Waag’s new plan aims for even more technological advancement and a curriculum that meets 21st century standard for global learning; one that that provides “academics that meet the needs for college, making students into critical thinkers, globally

conscious, and grounded in Holy Cross,” he said. Dr. Van der Waag began te ach i n g at our school in 2011 as a Theology teacher. Before that he had taught at Holy Ghost High School in Pennsylvania, Good Counsel High School in Maryland, M a r y mou nt Un i v e r s i t y, Dr. Van der Waag speaks with student D u q u e s n e Paul Snow ‘13 University, and most recently Georgetown University, where cal passion and found it to be he not only taught Theology a community with engaging but worked in admissions academics. “I liked the spirit of and was the chaplain in resi- family,” he said. “I fell in love quickly.” dence. Becoming principal was one Teaching is something he of his long term goals. McNaalways wanted to do. It became mara turned out to be the lucky set in stone in his sophomore place where that dream became year of college when he was real. The process of becoming inspired by his own theology principal was very long – a professor. thorough, six-month interview He came to Bishop McNamara looking for a new place to process. To add to his credenteach and pursue his theologi- tials, Dr. Van der Waag has a doctorate in theology, as well

as a post-masters degree at George Washington in leadership and administration. “So far I like him,” said Morgan Phillips ‘14. “He’s present a lot. He goes to games and events and in the hallways talking to students. He’s really humble. I think he likes his job.” Dr. Van der Waag is certainly passionate about his new position as principal. The daily life, students, mission, and purpose as a Holy Cross school are some of the things that especially draw him towards McNamara. He loves the teachers’ dedication to students and uses the quote “Holy Cross educators are people who like to be bothered by young people,” said by Father Moreau, to describe them. He sees the students as hard-working, engaging, passionate, and motivated for success in college and beyond. “He doesn’t just sit behind his desk, he’s really involved,” Phillips said. Since he began teaching here, Dr. Van der Waag shown his dedication to the school, teachers, and students, and serves as an asset to the community.

Newest Additions to Our McNamara Family Breana Ross ‘15 Staff Writer

Guess the children of:

It is no secret that there has been a baby boom with teachers and faculty around McNamara but many students have not had a chance to see the newest additions to our McNamara family. Here is a look at a few of the adorable mini mustangs. Let’s see if you can match the mini mustangs with the correct McNamara teacher or faculty member!

Mr. McClain Mrs. Auchmoody Mrs. Edmondson Mrs. Shull Mr. Greer

Clockwise from top right: Edmondson, Greer, Auchmoody, McClain, Shull

Scenario Quiz

Walking through a once vibrant city Mia Barnes, ‘16 Staff Writer Imagine you are walking through a deserted city which was previously vibrant and always full of people. You notice that there are clothes lying on the ground, debris floating in the air, and large puddles of water on the opposite side of the street where you are currently walking. You can see boats on the side of the street, and buildings which were previously seven stories tall are now at the level of your knee.

The air feels sticky and the temperature gets colder as you walk further along the desolate street. As you walk, you come across a street sign that reads, “Wakabayashi Ward”; the place you were in three months ago to visit your brother before you left. You would think that walking down what had been a very busy street three months ago would be full of people and cars, but there is no one in sight. All you can hear is the high-pitched whistling wind. What do you think happened to the town?

The city was bombed

There was a natural disaster

The city was the center of a war

The city people revolted

New Security Guards Come to McNamara Students and staff have mixed reviews of new faces in parking lot Jordan Wells ‘15 Staff Writer Students pulled into the parking lot on the first day of school and were greeted by a set of new faces: the security staff. Many returning students were surprised by the unfamiliar guards. “We needed to make a change,” said Ms. LaSandra Hayes, Dean of Students, who declined to comment on the reason. Their job is, according to guard Ms. Roe Johnson, to direct traffic, check that students aren’t leaving during school hours, and “make sure no one comes on the lot who isn’t supposed to be there.” Both and her colleague Ms. Collette Hawkins have previous experience in this line of work. Neither find the job especially difficult, except for the weather. Ms. Hawkins, who said she has never worked at a school, said it’s just different. “There are so many rules -- for the adults!” she said. Most students have expressed complaints that the guards don’t engage the students. Gone is the friendly crosswalk conversation of previous years, replaced with a strange silence. Aaron Marshall ‘14 said “They get the job done, but we can’t have a conversation with them,” and Krystlyn Palmer ‘15 said “They’re distant.” When asked why they are so disconnected, Ms. Johnson said, “We really want to talk to you guys, but they [administration] don’t want us to.” Ms. Hawkins said that “If we could... we’d probably get on your nerves.” While some students and parents have complained about the traffic flow, some are satisfied with it and do not blame the new guards. Many pay them little mind, writing them off as okay. Mr. Shawn Dougherty said, “I don’t think the traffic’s any better or worse than it was last year.” Christopher Hoog ‘15 said, “They do pretty good for the amount of kids coming through.” In the first few weeks of school, Ms. Hayes was seen directing morning traffic. When asked why she took on the task, she said it was to address parent complaints and assess the situation. She also said they’ve been looking at the traffic flow to see what can be done to improve it. She said she enjoyed her time in the parking lot. “Being me I will sometimes just jump in… It was kind of fun seeing the response!” UPDATE: Since the writing of this article, the security guard staff has changed again. Visit our website for continuing coverage of schol issues.

The correct answer to this scenario quiz is B, there was a natural disaster. In 2011 Japan was devastated by a tsunami and an earthquake. Many people were affected by the natural disaster. About 16,273 people were pronounced dead, 3,061 people were pronounced missing, and 27,074 people were injured according to the FDMA (Fire and Disaster Management Agency). Wakabayashi Ward is a jail that was knocked down as a result of the tsunami and earthquake. The ward has been rebuilt and may be turned into a museum.

The Stampede | December 12, 2013

STUDENT LIFE

Poetry Club Speaks Their Truth The Poetry Club, open to all, teaches and shares poetry Amber Smith ‘15 Staff Writer Roses are red, violets are blue, two snaps for poetry club speaking their truth. “Untitled,” a simple yet cool name created collectively by the members of the club, but what does the word really mean? “Untitled” actually stands for the club being nonmonolithic because it allows for different types of expressions and stories; leaving it without a title is to make sure that each individual can bring something different to the table. Initiated last year by former student and president of the club Kosi Dunn ’13, who saw the different direction revisioned for the club. “He came to me and said he wanted to separate the spoken word part of poetry club from the Inkwell part of it, so I agreed,” said

Mr. Darrell Holloman who non members are allowed to has been the moderator for two years now and was a member when he attended McNamara in 1997-2000. Holloman also sees a big change in the direction that the club is going from when he last was a part of it Poetry Club speaks their truth at the himself. LTAB competition. (www.kkfi.org) The format of a typical club meeting is as follows: Tuescome and share their poetry. days are writing workshops The club is always open to and Thursdays are open mic. anyone, no formal memberOn Tuesdays the writing ship is required to attend. workshops are a time when The poetry club doesn’t just the individual can work on have talented students, but a writing exercise or free ones who are truly dediwrite. Then they share to cated. In 2012, the current the club and get feedback. club went all the way to the On Thursdays members or semi-finals in the annual

D.C. Metropolitan Poetry Youth competition “Louder than a Bomb,” also known as LTAB, finishing fourth place overall against more than 20 schools in the D.C. Metropolitan area. Eric Powell ’15, one of the club’s rising stars says “Don’t be afraid of whatever standards someone puts on poetry. Poetry is power and you can always refine it later.” Powell exclaims that anyone who sits in on one of the meetings will receive helpful tips and advice on how to write a good poem. Other good tips on writing a poem with emotion and feeling are start with how you feel or maybe an idea that you had and work from there. Give yourself a prompt, the prompt can give you a sense of direction, states Mr. Darrell Holloman. Roses are red, violets are blue, “Untitled” welcomes you.

Common What? Inside look into the new popular app for seniors Jeremie Davis ‘14 Editor Senior year is supposed to be the time of your life, but add a bit of technical difficulties Early Action Deadlines and you have a recipe for panic. Recently Common App has been experiencing a few problems. Ordinarily, the Common App is one of the greatest inventions that a senior could ever have dreamed. During this stressful year, it reduces the number of applications that students must complete, by sending the same information, essay, and teacher recommendations to multiple schools. Common App serves over 1 million students and school officials, according to their website. But it seems as though this year, The Common App

Stop the Twighting Twitter fights make a barrier between people in real life and in cyberspace Madison Hunt ‘14 Staff Writer Twitter is popular because of the drama! Drama attracts teenagers, and what’s better than the latest Twitter fight? A Twitter fight is a hostile dispute between two users on this specific social network. Most teenagers consider “twatch-

has been hit with somewhat of a plague: accounts not loading, pages freezing up, information not processing. It has gotten so bad that a number of universities and colleges had to extend their deadlines. This is also the first year where teachers didn’t have to write paper recommendations instead their recommendations were submitted digitally through Naviance. According to the Washington Post, these problems may have resulted from an update that took place on August 1. It was the first time the website had updated in six years. According to the Washington Post, at least 42 colleges and universities gave students a grace period and extended their deadlines. This is especially relevant to those stuing” a form of entertainment, not only for the participants but also for bystanders who are bored with their lives. Twatching is vigorously following and watching conversation of others on Twitter. I interviewed a variety of students that have said that Twitter is fun only when people are fighting. Why is this? Because, they say, what’s better than seeing an interesting fight between people they don’t really know? The entertainment of Twitter only comes from the drama that is produced. But when online fighting becomes “real” --- meaning the anger continues outside of Twitter and into daily life --- things take a turn for the worst. Is it so hard for people to just ignore the unnecessary drama and turn away from the countless fighting?

dents who were participating in the early action deadline. It looks like they can breathe again knowing that their applications are still going to be accepted despite the unfortunate events that took place. Even with the mixup, “Common App is better than the separate applications that you have to do individually,” Morgan Phillips ‘14 said. Some students even choose to not apply to multiple colleges separately. Monica Jenkins ‘14 said “If the school wasn’t on Common App, I wasn’t applying.” Common App was founded over 35 years ago as a non-profit organization. Their main goal was to simplify the process of applying to colleges and universities for students all across the world. Common App allows

Madison Hunt ‘14/Stampede

Are we really that bored with life where everything we talk about is involved around fights that don’t even relate to what’s important? I easily found five students who believe there’s nothing better to do. On average, the interviewed students seem to spend at least two to three hours just catching up with the latest news, gossip, and drama. Most students get distracted from the many hours they spend on Twitter following drama and taking part in commenting on

you submit all of your information and also keeps track of each application’s status. Has the Common App made the Guidance Counselors lives easier? Administrative Assistant Ms. Susanne Mendiola said, “Not for us – it’s still the same amount of work.” With more deadlines on the way, many students are hoping the glitches will get fixed soon. “I’m praying that it doesn’t mess up my December 1st deadlines,” said Courteney Crawley- Dyson ‘14. It would be horrible if the same thing were to happen again. But have faith, take a deep breath, and trust the fact that everything will work out for the best.

serious Twitter Fights. I don’t have a Twitter, therefore I have nothing to worry about. But I learned in my sophomore year that I was wrong. Even though I didn’t use Twitter, I was still pulled into a pointless fight online. This online dispute escalated to the point where I was being talked about online, when I wasn’t even involved with the initial argument. Twitter becomes very open, very fast. When people watch online fighting they instantly become involved. This is why people enjoy this website: because they can connect to the latest drama in and outside of their school. I feel that without Twitter fighting we would have more of a drama-free society between the school communities.

Korean culture club starts strong Jeanelle Foster ‘15 Staff Writer Students rushed up to the front of the cafeteria all wanting to get a glimpse of the unknown foreign dish; Korean Style Ramen Noodles. On October 17, the new Korean Culture Club successfully sold Korean Ramen Noodles during all lunch periods, to raise money for club activities. “It was spicy but really good,” said Rochell Yacat ‘15. Club moderator Mr. Victor Shin and student members all worked together to prepare the noodles in a timely manner that left everyone well pleased with the dish. The Korean Culture Club is a newly formed club that strives to emphasize and learn about the importance of Korean Culture. The club’s popularity is quickly growing with more than 25 members attending the first two meetings. “It’s important to understand and appreciate other cultures,” Mr. Shin said. He believes that by doing so, we can “better understand how other people think.” The club does fun activities at their weekly meetings like playing challenging chopsticks games. In the future the club plans to take a trip to Annandale, Virginia, known informally as Korea Town. Mr. Shin wants the club members to get an authentic experience of Korean culture and understand that “There’s a bigger world out there.” The Korean Style Ramen Noodles sold out and the profits of the sale will go towards the trip. The club plans to do more fundraising for the future. “I love watch i n g Korean drama and listening to Korean music,” said Joann Perez ‘15. Mr. Shin encourages all who are interested in Korean Culture to join the club.

December 12, 2013 | The Stampede

technology

New Changes for WMAC 2013-2014 School Year Marty Robinson ‘14 Editor The WMAC staff is conducting a new style of delivering news to students. In preceding years, WMAC was shot live every day from Monday through Friday. This year, however, WMAC is previously recorded and is only broadcast to the school Tuesdays and Fridays. WMAC changed for various reasons. First, there are no homerooms, which usually play a big role in WMAC broadcasting, for this school year. Since there are no homerooms, it would be very hard for WMAC to present their news to the school on an everyday basis. Televisions were taken out of rooms because of the no homeroom policy. This year, students watch WMAC during third or fourth period on T uesdays and

Technology Enchants Teens Excessive use of technology is greatly affecting the social lives of teens Yemiserach Endale ‘15 Staff Writer Recent events such as the mania over the iOS7 update, teachers implementing iPads in everyday learning, and the new cyberbullying and texting while driving laws all signify the tremendous effect

Fridays. Teachers use Apple TV’s to show the brand new WMAC film to the student body. Reaction from the students is mixed. Some like the old style of delivery better because they felt it was real and more appealing to the eye. Others like the new style, arguing it is much more neat and professional. Terra Lamb ‘14 said, “I preferred WMAC shot live because it was more spontaneous and more fun.” Others are disappointed with technology used to deliver the program, preferring the old style. because of its reliable distribution of showing it live in every homeroom. Jasmyn Proctor ‘14 said, “The technology is not consistent. I miss WMAC sometimes because there are technical difficulties with the computer.” Some staff members on

of technology. The intriguing capabilities of technology are captivating to a significant amount of teens. These scientific advancements expose individuals to several fascinating experiences such as interacting with others in different locations and communicating with others at a faster rate. Consequently, technology is increasingly being incorporated in various aspects of people’s lives. As technology plays a more prominent role in society, teens become more dependent on scientific developments. Technology provides one with the opportunity to feel connected with others even when they are physically alone. However, individuals tend to become too attached to these different forms of communication. When prohibited from using his phone, “I feel like I

iPads in the Future Device use in school increasing among teachers and students

iPads pre-loaded with apps and given to every teacher.

The new WMAC broadcasting faces of the 2013-2014 school year, ready to begin their first episode. (Marty Robinson ‘14/STAMPEDE) WMAC prefer aspects of broadcasting live as well. Sports broadcaster Daniel “Dan

live in a cave and I am cut off from the rest of the world,” Alex Myers ‘14 said. This feeling of isolation leads teens to constantly seek the company of others and deprives them of the benefits of solitude. In her TED talk “Connected but Alone,” author and MIT professor Sherry Turkle said by lacking time to themselves, teens miss out on the opportunity to grow as individuals. Through solitude, one gains insight on who they are so they can then form relationships with others. The way technology is used amongst teens makes a powerful difference. A feature found in Apple products known as a screenshot allows people to capture images of their screen. This feature is often used to store conversations and photographs with others. However it can also be applied nega-

Kayla Preston ‘17 Staff Writer There is an iPad trend in the Bishop McNamara community, with students and teachers using it for educational purposes. This idea has been incorporated by teachers into their daily class lectures and discussions, but has it helped? iPads come with bluetooth capability, which allows keyboards and other devices to be synced, including televisions, speakers, and even classroom projectors. While some are concerned that iPads will replace the need for books, magazines, and even newspapers, support for the iPad in school appears to be strong among students. Many students point to benefits in speed, familiarity, and convenience, believing the possession of iPads will allow

the Man” Ross ‘14 said, “I like the live element of the show because it gives you the live

tively by allowing teens to recover material intentionally deleted by their peers. Jabari Farrell ‘17 said, “The downside to social media is it can get out of hand.” By way of illustration, if misused, technology can spread false information, cause damage to one’s reputation, and influence others to focus on trivial matters. On the other hand, technology can provide one with the opportunity to keep in touch with others, view different perspectives on current events, and expand their knowledge on topics that interest them. If used efficiently, technology can have a positive impact on young individuals.

broadcasting feeling that other broadcasters and news reporters have… I ultimately like both the new and the old way, but I prefer the new way.” However, a small portion of the students and WMAC broadcast members tend to like the brand new style better. Weather reporter Tyshaun Glover ‘14 said, “I would prefer WMAC recorded… Doing a live show rushes the talent and limits the ability to make it investigative and entertaining.” Jair Williams ‘14 said, “I like the new WMAC because it is something new.” For some students, the new way of presenting WMAC seems to be appealing. Overall, students find the old WMAC broadcasting more interesting. However, a good amount of students seem to find the new deliverance more professional.

Brady Arnold ‘16, Jelani Chapman ‘16, Carlton ‘16, Kennedi Rodgers ‘16, Keila Cala ‘16, and Beverly Bennett ‘16 absorbed in their cell phones (Yemiserach Endale ‘15/Stampede).

them to contact teachers regularly and bring fewer books home in the afternoon. “The use of iPads will help benefit us because we’d need less books, carry less weight, and be able to email teachers homework assignments and to ask them anything when needed,” Jaylin Bolden ‘17 said. Some students believe the device will help prepare students for a changing world. Dana Hentz ‘17 said, “iPads will be good for the future because as the world is becoming more technologically advanced, so should the school.” Other students believe incorporating iPads will speed things up in the Bishop McNamara community. “The computers we have in classrooms and in the library are slow and having your own iPad will help get work done faster,” said Temesghen Tesfay ‘17.

The teachers’ iPads are currently provided and maintained by the school and have beneficial apps already downloaded on them which most teachers enjoy and use. “They are a useful tool in the classroom, but should be used judicially just as any other tools,” said Ms. Jan Steeger, a science teacher at Bishop McNamara Ms. Ashley Graham, an IT teacher, said “I love them and feel they are a great asset to the class. I like the visual material, especially for graphing and it helps my students understand better.” Within McNamara, the addition of iPads may not just benefit students but also help teachers in their daily class routines. Technology itself has arguably benefited mankind greatly, and if this is true, iPads aren’t any different.

The Stampede | December 12, 2013

LIFE BEFORE 18

Black Friday Shop or Not?

Snapshot of FotoWeek DC

Check out this breakdown of Fotoweek DC and details on various attractions

Facts and tips on America’s busiest shopping day Ashley Brown ‘16 Staff Writer “First come, f irst serve!” might have been the motto for Black Friday shoppers, but this year’s Cyber Monday sales proved more favorable by one click of a button and your special purchase was instantly yours. Black Friday is an annual fall event marking the beginning of the Christmas shopping season for millions of Americans looking for good deals and discounts. Its popular name is an accounting expression indicating a period of time where retail has enough sales to record profits “in the black.” Black Friday called for fun experiences for students like Remington Ellington ‘14 who has participated since he was 8. “It’s definitely a whole bunch of fun with friends. It’s a time for shopping, not necessarily just for yourself, but for the people you love,” he said. For others, electronic stores were everything, where long lines wrapped around the block and crowds, overnight campers and bizarre incidents took place. The lines were avoidable, however. Next year, spare the wait and “If you don’t like crowds, do not go,” said Web

Design Instructor Ms. Monica Stanley. Instead, people participated in Cyber Monday. Cyber Monday is the post-Thanksgiving online shopping arena for those who don’t like to be in crowds or wait in line. It influences savvy internet shoppers to enjoy purchasing items using a laptop, cellphone or tablet to purchase gifts at significantly discounted prices. Cyber Monday also gives internet shoppers the option of having their purchases delivered to their offices, homes, or they can pick them up at the store at a time that is convenient for them. Cyber Monday sales jumped 16% setting a new record and outdoing the declining sales from Black Friday. Department stores such as Walmart, Macy’s, Kohl’s and JC Penney opened their doors on the night of Thanksgiving at 8 p.m. Sales were expected to hit record numbers; however, sales dropped 13.2 percent compared to last year, marking Black Friday’s first decline in sales in four years. The significant changes may have been the downfall of Black Friday sales, but Cyber Monday surely picked up its slack.

Maia Ennis ‘14 Section Editor FotoWeek DC attracts a wide audience with a series of contests, exhibits, reviews, and so much more. Beginning November 1 and ending November 10 this celebration of photography in the Washington D.C. area offered a wide range of attractions for the experienced photographer, the amature, the inexperienced, and the viewer. At the center of the week’s attractions was the outdoor exhibit outside of National Geographic featuring artwork from FotoWeek

FotoWeek central stands in the outdoor courtyard of National Geographic showcasing the winners of this year’s 2013 FotoWeek contest. (Maia Ennis ‘14/STAMPEDE) contest winners and programs. This exhibit is free and open to the public all week long. The artwork lined the pathways of the courtyard offering a peaceful and alluring setting for the exhibit. The contests featured photographers of all ages starting with kindergarteners and branching to the international level. The Youth Contest categories included “Anything Goes,” “Natural World,” and “Woman of Vision” which captures an image of a woman

who inspires the photographer. Regional and International contests included the categories “Fine Arts”, “Photojournalism”, and “Contemporary Life.” Fotoma: The District Experience was the highlight of the Washington D.C. area’s own local artwork. The kickoff was on Saturday, November 2, geared for the livelier, more interactive crowd with a small entrance fee of five dollars. This included mixed media; a series of videos, projections, and photography capturing the changing characteristics of today’s photography industry. To top it all off, the work was accompanied by a live band, DJ, and refreshments for the viewers. Workshops were offered periodically during the week to allow anyone who wanted to

2nd Place photo from the age 9-12 “Anything Goes” category from the 2013 FotoWeek Youth contest winners taken by Madeleine D’Angelo.

FotoWeek central stands in the outdoor courtyard . (Maia Ennis ‘14/STAMPEDE) learn and explore various fields and subjects in the photography industry. They focused on and went into depth on subjects including strategies for aspiring photographers

Honorable Mention of the “Fine Art” category taken by Aristide Economopoulos (one of a series).

2nd Place winner of the “Fine Art” category of the FotoWeek contest taken by Vincent Ricardel (one of a series). and sharing how you can use your smartphone to take award winning, journalistic photographs. Tickets were bought beforehand and stayed within the $50 range, while educating and giving insight for about three hours. This festival is an annual event however, the opportunity to appreciate and admire photography did not end on November 10. There are always a number of exhibits and galleries in the Washington DC area that are open to the public on a weekly basis in places like the Smithsonian National Portrait Museum, Touchstone Gallery, The National Geographic Museum and so on. If you missed out this year, mark your calendars for the next and take advantage of DC’s other photography opportunities in the meantime.

How to Thrift

Suggestions and tips for a successful thrift store trip Ceandria Mars ‘15 Staff Writer

Left: 100% Leather Pants - $40 Flannel Long Sleeve - $5 Baseball Jersey - $8 White T-Shirt - $2 Denim Button Down - $8 High Wasted Jeans - $5 Doc Marten - $13 Michael “Jachuku” Howard ‘15 Uchenna Osia ‘15 Photos by Ceandria Mars ‘15, Staff Writer

Right: Scarf - $5 Earrings - $2 Glasses - $4 Customized Capris - $7 Christal Harleu ‘15

If you’re one of the people who would like to thrift but just don’t know where to start, here are some tips to get you started. The key to thrifting and the solution to the problem many face is time and patience. Obviously, there are a lot of clothes in a thrift store that you will come across that you won’t like, but it takes going through all of the unwanted pieces to find that one great article of clothing. Some thrift shops offer designer brands for a hefty price, but still far less expensive than what they would be at a department store or another retailer. Michael “Jachuku” Howard ‘15 said that he has shopped

at thrift stores like Salvation Army in places as close as DC, Silver Spring, and far as New York City. He mentioned finding Versace leather pants for around ninety dollars, when in normal department stores they could be sold at prices up to thousands of dollars! Popular thrift-blogger Lindsay Turner from thriftandshout.blogspot.com says to search anywhere and everywhere, because not all thrift stores offer the same things, and you might not find what you’re looking for right away. Déjà Forster ‘15 suggested a follow-up tip: to keep an open mind while thrifting and that you shouldn’t enter a thrift store with narrow expectations, because you’ll most likely

be disappointed. Thrift stores aren’t department stores. The key is to look and look hard, but still Howard said he feels that, “You have to get lucky.” The final and most unique tip, found on Lindsay Turner’s blog is “think outside the thrift store.” Picture items outside of the store, what you would wear them with, and if it’s customizable, or able to be used in a way other than what it was intended. She also says it’s good to know trends as you make your way through the store. A pair of baggy jeans, for instance, can be altered or turned into a pair of trendy shorts. Now that you have a guide on how to thrift, you can get started at a nearby store like Value Village on Allentown Road in Suitland Maryland.

December 12, 2013 | The Stampede

SPORTS

The Greatest Game from page 1

Jordan Malone, ‘15, warms up with a practice serve. (Jordan Wells ‘15/Stampede)

Serve, Smash, Score!

The McNamara tennis team hopes to “ace” the rest of their season Breana Ross ‘15 Staff Writer To fulfill their full potential during the season, the tennis team believed that three things were necessary: practice, hard work, and more support. As their season progressed, the tennis team hoped to gain more wins on their record and more students in their cheering section. With a record of 3-9 overall, the tennis team looked to improve as the season progressed. “I think the season is going okay. We are definitely putting our best foot forward and working really hard. I think we have better games to come,” said team captain Sierra Armstrong ‘14 in the midst of the season. In the duration of their season the tennis team faced a series of tough competitors within the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC). “The WCAC is a very competitive league overall. So I don’t think there is any one tough competitor,” said Sierra Armstrong ‘14. With practices two days a week, the tennis team worked to improve for their next games. “[These ladies] are better than their record,” said Coach Ron Jackson. “They hardly get any recognition,” he said. “The sports’ banquet is the only recognition they get.” The tennis team is often in the shadows of the other

sports going on in the fall season. Of course, there is always the constant struggle of having home matches off-campus. The team plays their home matches at Cosca Park in Clinton, MD. “It would be ideal if we had (tennis) courts at school. That would promote more interest in tennis,” said Coach Jackson. So what can fellow students do to encourage the tennis team in years to come? Players said to attend some games. Despite the distance, it would be a pleasant surprise for the tennis team to see some familiar faces cheering them on at a match or two. Despite a challenging season and the search for school support, the team still managed to bind together. They are not just a team, they are a family, according to their coach. “They are a great bunch of young ladies and they get along (well),” said Coach Ron Jackson,“They will be friends for life.” The team is full of young ladies who are passionate about the game. “It is something I really do love,” Sierra Armstrong said. “The thing about tennis is that you will be able to play for the rest of your life.” Friendship, hard work, potential, and passion; what more is there to ask for in a McNamara sports team?

She remembers that the entire school gathered together for a pep rally. At this rally, the students and teachers sat in silence as the captain of the football team intently told his players that they had more heart and wanted to win the game more than Dematha. Mrs. Diehlmann said that as the entire school community sat, “So quietly you could hear a pin drop,” they understood just how tight-knit and passionate the football team was. According to her, it was at this moment that everyone knew that they would win the championship. (Source: Bishop McNamara However, going into the 1991 Yearbook) final minute of that game, the Stags, leading 3-0, were poised to end McNafield to wide receiver Andre mara’s championship hopes. Martin ‘92 who never stopped Dematha had the Mustangs running until he reached the right where they wanted endzone. This touchdown them with 20 yards to go on proved to be the final score fourth down. in the Mustangs 7-3 upset of The ensuing play, which Dematha. the 1990-91 yearbook reC u r r ent McNa m a r a ferred to as,“The most dra- teacher Garry Imes ‘92 has matic play in McNamara fond memories of this signafootball history,” was vividly ture win that occurred in his described in the October 7, junior year. He remembers 1990 issue of the Washington that after this victory, the Post. Quarterback Girardeau school community knew that “Junior” Bynum ‘91 got the the Mustangs were champisnap, and lateralled the ball onship bound. to wide receiver Asim Penny Although this was not ‘91. Penny then threw down- the final game of the Mus-

tang’s year, in many ways, it represented the climax of the 1990 season. After the Dematha game, the Mustangs easily dispatched the rest of their opponents, ending with a 47-3 rout of the Good Counsel Falcons; a game that was emblematic of the season as a whole in terms of McNamara’s dominance. Despite the manner in which McNamara easily beat their opposition that season, they were still considered to be underdogs. Mr. Imes remembers how other schools would come to McNamara with bigger players, larger coaching staffs, and more expensive budgets. Despite the advantages the other schools had, McNamara still showed that it was one of the best teams in the area. However, 1990 marked the end of the WMAC, as the next season was the first season of the current WCAC. 1990 also marked the last time the Mustangs have won it all, but if that season proved anything, it proved that the success of a team is not based on the price of their uniforms, the accolades of their coaches, or even the size of the players. It’s based on their will to win. As for the success of the current football team, many believe history has a way of repeating itself.

Hard Times in the WCAC Girls Varsity Soccer Finishes 4-14-1 Brad Credit ‘15 Editor With a WCAC Conference brimming with stalwart opposition, winning was never made easy. The Girl’s Soccer team came to experience that over the course of this season, with a 4-14-1 record to close out the season. “A lot of the teams were like… elite compared to us, a lot of them are like ranked nationally,” midfielder Bailey Allegro ‘14 said. With losses to Bishop O’Connell, Paul VI, Georgetown Visitation, and Good Counsel, the team suffered a series of tough losses to teams that consistently top the charts of the WCAC. The 2012 Girl’s Soccer team capped the season off with a record of 5-8. Although below .500, last season’s record is still significantly better than what the score sheets of this season display. Allegro also mentioned that the team should have taken advantage of the more equally-matched teams they faced. “We had a few defensive

slip-ups… We would be playing good the whole entire game and then, like, one little mistake would happen and that would cause a goal,” Allegro said. Defender Allison Bryant ‘14 said, “I actually [think] our defending was pretty sound… we had so many individual good kids it’s just we couldn’t put it together.” In soccer, a team’s play must be nothing short of flawless in order for their record to exhibit signs of a successful season. Although matches are continuous playing affairs with no allowance for calling a “timeout,” one minor lapse in attention can prove catastrophic, both on the pitch and the standings. “As far as standings go, I mean we definitely finished lower than we would’ve liked to, but we came on as a team in the right time of the year… Definitely showed that we weren’t the bottom of the table,” Head Coach Edgar Rauch said. Despite a record that might have hinted otherwise, the Lady Mustangs

were still presented with a shot in at exhibiting a cracking performance in the postseason. The girls triumphed over St. Mary’s Ryken in the first match of the playoffs and also came away with a draw against Seton. Then they faced Good Counsel in a WCAC quarterfinal on October 29, but unfortunately the team fell 5-0. The team is set to lose a score of seniors from the roster. With players such as Alexis Galloway, Allison Bryant, Bailey Allegro, Erin Musselman, Gloria Benton, Jessica Floria, and Mary Cavanagh graduating come May, the pressure will turn towards the current juniors and sophomores, as well as the talent of other underclassmen. That’s not to say, however, that a productive offseason can’t generate a high-caliber team come next fall. “[We need to be] staying in shape, staying fit, making sure the improvement doesn’t stop here in November… we’re still working,” Coach Rauch said.

The Stampede | December 12, 2013

OPINION

Stop the Fourth Lunch Crunch Students are eating later than ever before with the new fourlunches schedule

Students Need Homeroom to Prepare Homerooms Removed From 2013 Schedule ABOVE: Jesse Springfield ‘15 and Mattea Horton 15’ eating and socializing at Lunch. (Photos by Clarissa Corey-Bey ‘14/Stampede)

Clarissa Corey-Bey ‘14 Staff Writer I remember the long wait for the lunch bell my freshman year. Nearly every class, my growling stomach would scatter my concentration. I had the legendary Mr. O teaching me English fifth period, but it didn’t stop the seconds from dragging by until the blessed bell dismissed us to third lunch. Until this school year, the longest wait a student would experience before they could eat again was third lunch, but with the implementation of a fourth lunch period starting at 12:54 PM, students are eating later than ever before. According to administration, the new four lunch system was supposed to alleviate long food lines and make the cafeteria less crowded. The change is having unintended side effects. Many students and teachers aren’t used to the long wait for lunch. They are finding it more difficult to focus during class time. A study conducted by the Journal of Child Nutrition and Management in 2002 concluded that there is a direct correlation between how well students can focus and the last time they ate. Some teachers are even allowing students to snack. They’ve realized it’s just too long to be waiting for lunch. Another unintended consequence of fourth lunch is the decreased amount of time students have to eat. Lunch periods are now only 32 minutes long, and

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this does not provide much time for students to travel to the cafeteria and wait in line if they purchase food from the dining service. According to research conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in partnership the American Academy of Family Physicians, the average high school student needs about 24 minutes to socialize and consume their food. This leaves just eight

Tom Page ‘14 Copy Editor Something is missing at McNamara. The removal of homerooms has given the school community more stress in an already busy schedule. Homerooms should be reintroduced in the schedule. Homeroom once was the debriefing time before school. This allowed for extra study, conversation, and a sense of unity with the rest of the homeroom class. The same people would be with you for the whole high school experience, and the group would sit together at school events, such as mass. Homeroom gave the chance to meet others who may not be in the same class with them. The new system takes away all of the benefits effects of homeroom. Promptly starting at eight in the morning does not give students time to recuperate. The rotation of the first and last periods of the block schedule further adds to the confusion of getting to the right class

in the morning. The first class of the day may not even be close to a student’s locker, so one misstep is critical. The extra time provided in homeroom helped with some relief to students’ stress levels. One of the highest contributors to stress is lack of time, according to a study of Arizona State University students, and stress has a major effect on academic performance. Stress can cause several problems for students. I feel especially bad for the freshmen. The transition into high school is a stressful time. Lauren Deborah Feld of Wesleyan University found that high school Freshmen feel the most strain overall, with 30.1% of surveyed ninth grade students feeling stressed. She also said that 69.7% of students felt stress from at least five sources each week. Homeroom is an important part of McNamara and it needs to come back.

minutes to go to lockers, get to the cafeteria and wait in lines. Ultimately,I applaud our administrators for heeding the cries of the students who got caught in the crowded lunch lines. But this fourth lunch crunch is not the answer to the problem.

Carolyn Conte, editor-in-chief Brieanna Bowman, design editor Caleb Forssell, web editor Caylie Martucci, photo editor Bradley Credit, page editor Jeremie Davis, page editor Maia Ennis, page editor Jessica Ricks, page editor Marty Robinson, page editor Thomas Page, copy editor Mr. Charles Shryock IV, teacher

Submissions — We welcome your letters, in person or through email. Include your name and year of graduation. We reserve the right to edit submissions for clarity, or deny publication on the basis of editorial standards. Email the staff: stampede.editors@gmail.com Policy Statement — The Stampede is produced by students in the journalism classes of Bishop McNamara High School (Forestville, Maryland). Signed columns represent only the opinions of their authors, not the school or its officials. Editorials are authored through a group process. All content is copyrighted and may not be reproduced without written permission of the president/ CEO of Bishop McNamara High School. Faculty moderator: charles.shryock@bmhs.org Distribution — Print issues are provided free on campus to students, faculty and staff. Back issues are available online. www.issuu.com/stampedenews

lifestyle A Gleam of Hope

December 12, 2013 | The Stampede

McNamara students reach out to the Philippines in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan Breana Ross ‘15 Staff Writer After Typhoon Haiyan devastated the Philippines and left thousands dead, McNamara students searched for ways to bring hope to our Filipino brothers and sisters. From prayers to fundraising, McNamara students have taken action to bring aid to the Philippines in a time of dire need. Even though the Philippines are approximately 8,000 miles away, many people here at Bishop McNamara still felt the wrath of Typhoon Haiyan. McNamara’s diverse halls are filled with many Filipino students who have family and friends that were affected by the natural disaster. “My dad has some in-laws that were affected but he knows they’re alive,” said Michael Mangnaye ‘15. The housing of the Philippines also suffered major structural damage. “Some of my friends [in the Philippines] have flooding and damage to their houses,” said Gabrielle Enguillado ‘14. “On my dad’s side of the family their house was ruined,” said Therese Fernandez ‘16. Some individuals were not so fortunate to have relatives who survived the tragedy. In a time of desperation such as this, McNamara students were quick to lend a helping hand. The F.A.C.E. club (Filipino Ameri-

cans for Cultural Enlightenment) organized “Pagasa Week”, translated as “Hope Week” in English, which consisted of an entire week of fundraising for the victims in the Philippines. All week the F.A.C.E club sold handmade bracelets and buttons. On Tuesday November 19, a bake sale sponsored by the National Honor Society and the Frontiers of Justice was held to raise money. On Thursday November 21, a school wide dress-down day was held in which students were asked to wear yellow to symbolize Filipino unity. The Korean Culture Club sold dumplings during Thursday’s lunch and F.A.C.E club sold egg rolls after school. In light of the devastation brought by Typhoon Haiyan, many students still see a ray of a hope for the recovery of the Philippines and show their support through their donations. “I hope that this brings attention to the need of the Philippines and that it brings attention to other minor countries that need help in general,” said Alexandra Horton ‘16. Pagasa Week brought in a grand total of $5,400 which was donated to the Catholic Relief Services to provide aid to the Philippines. With the help of many students, Pagasa Week was a true reflection of our school community living out this year’s theme of “bringing hope.”

BELOW: U.S. Marines help displaced Philippine nationals from the back of a KC-130J Super Hercules at Vilamor Air Base, Manila, Republic of the Philippines Nov. 11. Super Typhoon Haiyan has impacted more than 4.2 million people across 36 provinces in the Philippines, according to the Philippine government’s national disaster risk reduction and management council. (Lance Cpl. Caleb Hoover/ US Military)

ABOVE: Typhoon Haiyan approaching the Philippines on November 7, 2013. (NASA)

BIY: The [Scandalous] Brownie Recipe Ashley Brown ‘16 Staff Writer

ake-it-Yourself: The quick and easy way to create this newly popular combo of a brownie, Oreo, and chocolate chip cookie. Known for its scandalously titled name, it’s a delicious dessert recipe taken from whatsgabycooking.com.

INGREDIENTS

1 box of Pillsbury Chocolate or Dark Chocolate Brownie mix 2 rolls of Nestle Chocolate Chip Cookie dough ½ cup of oil ¼ cup of water 2 eggs 1 pack of oreos (regular or double stuffed)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. Start with a Pillsbury Chocolate or Dark Chocolate Brownie mix (based on your preference) for the brownie layer. 3. Combine brownie mix, ½ cup of oil, ¼ cup of water and 2 eggs in large bowl; stir; set brownie batter aside. 4. For the cookie dough layer, use Nestle chocolate chip cookie dough. 5. Line the bottom of a 9x9 baking pan with a layer of baking spray. 6. Layer cookie dough on bottom of the pan to form the bottom layer. 7. Layer as many oreos as you can on top of the cookie dough. 8. Pour brownie batter on top; spread batter evenly. 9. Bake for 45-60 minutes. 10. Let the brownies sit and cool for 10 minutes before serving.

SUDOKU Puzzle 1 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.49) 1 2

4 7

8 8

2 4

Ashley Brown ‘16/STAMPEDE

generated by http://www.opensky.ca/~jdhildeb/software/sudokugen/ on Mon Nov 4 18:59:59 2013 gMT. Enjoy! Generated by Sudokugen (http://www.opensky.ca)