McNamara by the Numbers
8,146 Books in the BMHS library
80120
Late students a day once winter started, on average
50
Late students a day in the beginning of the year, on average
79
Countries visited by Mr. Williams
78
People in the concourse at 3:10
48
Seconds BMAC students can hold their breath, on average
38
Student photographs in concourse hall
25
avg. Visitors a day during shadow-season
SPEED READ News in Brief
from The Stampede
Alisha Peek ‘14 was awarded her third scholarship by the Ailey School Professional Division in New York. She is given an opportunity to a Summer 2014 Program along elite student dancers in the DC area. The program will feature from June 23 to August 1 of this year. Ukraine, in response to Russian aggression, has been seeking support from the West. The interim leaders have appealed to Britain and the USA, saying that their response to the actions will go down in history. Former Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who was recently released from jail after street protests ousted her political foe, former president Viktor Yanukovych, announced that she will run for president in elections on May 25. See our World page for more information regarding Ukraine. Israel declared that it will permit Turkey to import goods for the construction of a hospital in the Gaza Strip, which it has blockaded. These relations are just a recent example of the growing reconciliation between Israel and Turkey in recent years. McNamara presents the 13th Annual MotherSon Brunch “Transforming Young Men to Greatness” on Sunday, May 4, 2014 from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm at Sheraton Washington North, 4095 Powder Mill Road, Beltsville, Maryland. Tickets start at $30. President Obama presented Pope Francis with a “a custom-made seed chest featuring a variety of fruit and vegetable seeds used in the White House Garden,” and in return was given a plaque and papal letter. This meeting happened while the president was visiting European countries before attending the Nuclear Security Summit in the Hague, the Netherlands, You can watch a video of their meeting on NEWS official’s YouTube channel. On April 10, a U.S. research vessel was launched into the Pacific Ocean, as deep as the height of Mount Everest plus Smoky Mountain (, where it dropped a robotic apparatus to explore and record data.
Stampede
official student newspaper | Bishop McNamara High School | since 1964 | May 8, 2014
The
www.stampedenews.org @stampedenews
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Student p. 2 | Opinion p. 3 | Life Before 18 p. 4 Travel p. 5 | Sports p. 6 | Race p. 7 Extra: Reading Poll p. 8
All Students to Graduate CPR Certified
School hopes to add CPR to health class, necessary for graduation Carolyn Conte ‘14 Editor-in-Chief Beginning with the class of 2017, McNamara aims to make it so that students have all learned how to perform CPR, as a part of their health course. The current freshman class have already been assigned to take a CPR class. Mr. Randal Smith ‘09, Moreau fellow, has offered classes here at McNamara for $30. This decision was brought up by health teacher Ms. Christine Bickel, and the final decision was approved by “the school overall, with the intention to make the school a safer place and enrich the students,” said Mr. Smith. The requirement is a part of the health class. Therefore, it is possible, for transfers for example, to g raduate without having ever taken the class. Furthermore, the American Red Cross Certification is only valid for two years after the date of submission. However, Ms. Bickel has expressed her desire that the school make it a graduation requirement for students to be currently certified the date they graduate, meaning that students would be obligated to renew their certification
Mr. Randall Smith demonstrates the techniques of CPR to his March 10 class (Carolyn Conte ‘14/Stampede). after two years. Several students have appreciated the opportunity to gain the ability to give CPR. Other freshmen have yet to take the class, and have mixed feelings. Mikayla Brown ‘17, for example, has heard from her friend that the class was fun, but she still is not looking forward to taking it. “I’m not trying to stay till 5:30,” she said. On the other hand, Aniya Arrington ‘17 liked the class, saying there was a lot of interaction and that, “You just take them [the classes] - there’s no test,” and “It’s not really challenging.” The CPR lesson runs for two and a half
hours, but can push overtime with fuller classes. The next classes were offered April 8 and April 28, in room 201, starting at 3:30. Only the first 30 people will be allowed to attend. Ideally, the school can create a safer world for students with this new goal implemented. Ms. Bickel herself has employed her capability to give CPR, when as a lifeguard she saved the life of a young girl who almost drowned. It’s never a bad thing to be able to save a life, and it’s also beneficial for people’s resumes. To learn more about how to gain first-aid
knowledge, visit RedCross.org. As Ms. Bickel points out,“The life you save is probably going to be someone you know, someone you love.” There is over an 80% chance that someone you witness going into cardiac arrest will be someone you know, and a less than 8% chance that they will survive if they go into cardiac arrest outside of the hospital. Yet, only 30% of Americans know CPR. This small educational addition to the school could prove to be one of the lessons students will be most grateful for been given the chance to learn.
Reading Poll
McNamara on par with national standard Tom Page ‘14 Copy Editor A sur vey by The Stampede has shown that Bishop McNamara has similar reading habits as the rest of the nation. National surveys by the NEA, Pew Research Center, and Ideological Segregation and the Effects of Social Media on News Consumption (Flaxman, Goel, and Rao in graphs), show that most people surveyed read more than the average McNamara student and teacher. However, McNamara does read more Drama, which is at 5%, than the average person, which is at 3.6%.
Art teacher Kathryn Heneghan said in an email that the correlation might be related to the question: “[The Stampede] might want to think about including non-fiction texts in [the] poll. I notice [the survey] only really include fiction and periodicals. There are lots of genres that people enjoy reading--history, essay collections, science, etc. I ran into several teachers who lamented not being able to include those specifically.” Surveys like Reading at Risk do focus on what could be considered academic texts. In addition, the Reading at Risk’s surveyed group was 18 and above, while
The Stampede’s survey included people younger than 18. In regard to format of the text read, McNamara reads more ebooks than the average American. Pew Research reports that 23% of surveyed teenagers and adults read with an ebook in the last year, while 27% of McNamara students and teachers surveyed read an ebook within the last year. However, the national average for print reading was higher in the Pew Research poll at 67%, while the Stampede poll was lower at 58%. Other formats, like an audiobook, showed the trends of ebooks with
the Pew Research poll showing that 13% average Americans read or listened to other format of book, while McNamara was slightly higher at 15%. Athletic trainer and sports medicine teacher Jessica Nash said that, “I have recently started to listen to audio books in the car as a way to read book since I am so busy. It is a fun and different way to be able to read when you are always on the go or don’t think you have the time.” M o r e o v e r, s o m e readers find enjoyment in websites like FanFiction. A student said, continued on 8
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Student life
Pennies for Patients Raises $500 School Participates in the Annual Program Mia Barnes ‘16 Staff Writer
Bishop McNamara raised $500 in the Pennies for Patients Fundraiser this school year. The students of McNamara donated money from February 11 until March 11. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the recipient of the money, was created by a family who lost their son, Robert Roesler de Villiers, to leukemia in 1944 according to the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Years after his death, his distraught parents Rudolph and Antoinette de Villiers started to fundraise to raise awareness about leukemia in his memory. They called the organization the “Robert Roesler de VIlliers Foundation.” 11 years after the foundation was established, they published a report stating “Leukemia is ‘100% fatal.’ In 1960 the
Villiers family changed the foundation name to the “Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of America.” 1944 is when Pennies for Patients started raising money for children in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society helps raise money to support patients and their families who have blood cancers such as Hodgkin’s Disease, leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. The business slogan for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is “Someday is today” which refers to blood cancers being eradicated. Over 200 schools participate in the Pennies for Patients program. The school that has raised the most amount of money is Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda, Maryland. They raised approximately $91,761 in one fundraising session.
Our school has participated in Pennies for Patients for several years. In the past, donations were collected in each student’s homeroom and the winning homeroom received a pizza party. This year donations were collected in the math classrooms. According to Director of Student Life Ms. Angela De Leonibus, “The most that we’ve ever raised was $2,200 in 2010.” Pennies for Patients was supposed to run from February 11 until February 26, but because of the snow days we have extended the fundraiser. Our goal amount to reach is $2,000. The last day of Pennies of Pennies for Patients was March 11. This year we raised $500 for Pennies for Patients. We may not have reached our goal, but we can try again next year.
Inspiring Motivation and Happiness Where to Find Inspiration In Hard Times Jessica Ricks Editor
and teaches me. She’s helped me a lot.” At this point in the school year a lot of us are weighed
let me give up. They wouldn’t allow it. They push me, and support me, and celebrate what We’ve all had those moments I do,” said Mackenzie Alvarez in life where things aren’t ‘15. going right. Just when you It’s easy to feel like giving up and find that thing might even be at your that will motilowest point possible, vate you to keep something or someone going when times comes into your life and get hard. They’re changes your outlook for everywhere, they the better. could even be near Whether something you right now. like this has happened However, it may once, twice, or many not even be one times, it’s not uncommon specific thing, like to be down at some point Allison Bryant ‘14 in your life. Whether who is inspired by you’re receiving bad “Seeing examples grades, family problems, of people at their losing friendships, or reworst and telling lationship issues, at times Jermie Davis ‘14 (Caylie Martucci ‘14/ Stampede) myself I don’t you might find it helpful to want to be that.” find something or someone In our darkest to look to, to let you know hours it may seem that it’s okay and things do get down with the stress. We’re impossible that things will get better. One day you might hear trying to deal with the massive better. It’s important to have a song and the lyrics really amount of work teachers usually hope. “It’s hard but you need speak to you. A celebrity you give at this time. Seniors are an optimistic mind,” said Cao. find that you really relate to dividing their focus between “It’s not the end of the world.” A you, so you look to them and the senior thesis and colleges. lot of people find it very helpful their experiences to see that no Many would agree that there to have that thing or person matter what happens success is a lot of pressure being put that they look to in stressful is possible. Or it might even be on us all right now. At times times. However, it is also imthe random stranger you run like these, it is especially im- portant to remain hopeful in into who gives you a kind word portant to find a motivating ourselves to further brighten in your moments of pain. factor to get us through the our outlook. Vivian Cao ‘15 said that she tough times. Be inspired, remember to is most inspired by her mother. Sometimes it’s our friends smile, and keep hope alive. “She’s gone through so many around us everyday who make things and learned from them us better people. “They don’t
The Stampede • May 8, 2014
Now Presenting… McNamara’s New Courses Next School Year Brings Plans for New and Improved Courses Breana Ross ‘15 Staff Writer While looking through the course bulletin, many students did a double take at some of the classes that were listed. These particular courses caught their eye for a reason -- they were not there last year. With a new school year quickly approaching, the time for course selections has come again, and many students are noticing the new courses offered here at McNamara. Among the new courses are Broadcast Journalism and Latin American Film and Culture. Excitement about the new courses swirls from both students and teachers. Broadcast Journalism is a course that many students are especially looking forward to because it is the class that will produce WMAC. “I like to make videos at home, and I would like to learn more about making videos so I can have my own Youtube Channel,” said Devon Adams ‘15. “The class will give me access to video equipment and software.” The Latin American Film and Culture course is also stemming excitement from students. “I think its good that we have more”, said Mackenzie Alvarez ‘15. “We’re getting more than just a language class. We’re learning about
the culture, too.” In addition to the brand new courses being offered, there are revisions being made to old courses as well. In the fine arts department, theatre courses are being renamed so that they will no longer be sequential. In the science department, Honors Physics has been cut. Instead, the science department will offer AP Physics I, a course that is equivalent to the current Honors Physics. AP Physics C, a Calculus based course, will also be offered. “The physics decision was a result of a recommendation of Mr. London and a discussion with Ms. Kazimer,” said Ms. Imes de Duclos, Associate Principal and Academic Dean. “It will help our kids better compete.” Overall, the new and improved courses provide a variety of classes for students to choose from and appeal to more interests of individual students. In addition to meeting the desires of students, the new courses also address some needs of students. “In any new courses we consider the resources, the needs of the students, and the ability to meet the needs of our students”, said Associate Principal Mrs. Imes de Duclos ‘96. Hopefully next year’s new courses will bring new experiences and new ideas to further expand McNamara’s course offerings.
Where To Go
Inexpensive places for student to go when they are outing with friends Caylie Martucci ‘14 Photo Editor Jazz on “J” Street 2 - “The Resurrection” Organizer Performance by High Calling Ministries When: April 19, 2014 at 7:00 PM Where: Harmony Hall Regional Center, 10701 Livingston Road, Fort Washington, MD The Jungle Book April 4-May 25 Adventure Theatre MTC
7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD Web site 301-634-2270 Ric Garcia (Mixed Media) April 9-May 3 BlackRock Center for the Arts 12901 Town Commons Dr., Germantown, MD Free Web site 301-528-2260
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The Stampede • May 8, 2014
Opinion
Ukraine on the edge of war
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has the international community prepared to retaliate Tom Page ‘14 Copy Editor
T
he past couple of months have brought international attention to Ukraine, Russia, and the United States. The plight of the Ukrainians during the protests in the capital city of Kiev and invasion of Russia have made the country and its people a major topic for US foreign policy. How the US and Russia handle this issue may decide the future of US-Russia relations. The protests started as a retaliation against the thenPresident Viktor Yanukovych’s decision to further Ukraine from the European Union for a stronger alliance with Russia on November 27 of 2013. The protesters called it the “Maidan” based off the name of the square they gathered at in Kiev. BBC said that, “For many people, they were less about Europe than about getting rid of a president who they believed was clinging to power and serving the interests of his own close circle and Moscow.” Three days later on November 30, police attacked several protesters and arrested 35.
The period in between the initial protests in November and the “bloodshed in Kiev” according to BBC in February, Russia had lowered the prices of gas for the Ukrainian consumer in December 2013. Throughout January 2014, many of the anti-government protesters disappeared. On January 31, one of these missing people, Dmytro Bulatov, reappeared battered and bruised claiming that a group of pro-Russian supporters inflicted the torture on him. Kiev erupted in violence on February 18 through February 20, killing 77 protesters and police. The next day, President Yanukovych did meet with the Parliament of Ukraine and agreed to a rehaul of the government and an early election with Yulia Tymoshenko being freed from prison. President Yanukovych was taken by a group of guards into hiding into an undisclosed location after being voted out by the Parliament of Ukraine on February 22. As the Ukrainian government was deciding how to reorganize their political system, reports came in on February 28 that the Russian army had set up camp in
the Crimean peninsula. On March 1, Russia took over the peninsula without violence. Russia has gotten much scrutiny from the international community about
A protester injured in clashes with police stands on Independence Square on November 30. (Photo from CNN) invading Ukraine. John Kerry, the Secretary of State, spoke on March 1 about the invasion, “The United States condemns the Russian Federation’s invasion and occupation of Ukrainian territory, and its violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity,” and that, “This act is a threat to the peace and security of Ukraine, and the wider region.” Kerry continued to say that if the Russian government did not pull back its forces that, “the effect on U.S.-Russian relations and on
Diversity Opportunities Abound
Multitude of activities brings about necessary diversity Thomas Leonard ‘15 Staff Writer
O
ne of the most well-known aspects of Bishop McNamara High School is its diversity. This diversity is most often expressed in racial terms. The student body and faculty represents a multitude of different cultures and ethnicities. However, this is not the only aspect of McNamara that is diverse. Bishop McNamara has a huge amount of diversity in terms of what opportunities are available to all those who attend school here. For example, the school offers dozens of possible activities that students can participate in. These activities span multiple different subjects and range from Digital Photogthe
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raphy to African Dance. This multitude of different pursuits is one of the most important contributors to the unique culture that exists at McNamara. There are many benefits that result from having a large amount of extracurricular activities to choose from. It contributes to forming well-rounded students. For example, it is easy to become confined to one particular group of friends when one participates in only a single activity or type of activity. However, at McNamara, the diversity that is presented in a multitude of past-times helps to encourage people to meet others that they might not meet otherwise. Another benefit of this diversity of opportunities is the fact that it exposes people to new opportunities and ideas. These
activities are not simply ancillary to the mission of school. They are extremely beneficial to Bishop McNamara because they help to further the school’s mission of education. These clubs and activities, which range from Swimming to Sankofa, teach students about different cultures, new genres of music, or even about unique religions or ways of thinking. They also help to contribute to Bishop McNamara’s mission of education by teaching students about the various cultures and ideas which exist in the world. These activities all contribute to the culture of diversity at Bishop McNamara, and show that diversity does not only refer to different races, but also to different experiences and ideas.
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 Thomas Page, copy editor Mr. Charles Shryock IV, teacher
Russia’s international standing will be profound.” Russian President Vladimir Putin said in response that on March 4, “Russia will not go to war with the people of Ukraine, but will use its
troops to protect citizens, if radicals with clout in Kiev now try to use violence against Ukrainian civilians, particularly ethnic Russians,” according to Russia Today. Putin also said that the Russian army’s invasion of Crimea was to, “protect civilians in Ukraine.” Crimea voted on March 16 to leave Ukraine and join the Russian Federation. The US and other G8 members removed Russia from its rank. Other sanctions have been put in place against
Crimea and Russia from from various institutions, such as the European Union. The decision of annexation was not surprising according Simon Schuster of Time, “More than half of Crimea’s residents are ethnic Russians, and they were horrified at last month’s revolution in Ukraine. Russia has cast the interim Ukrainian government as a fascist junta intent on stripping the local Russian communities of their rights. So it is not surprising that many of Crimea’s ethnic Russian residents have welcomed Russia’s military occupation of Crimea as well as the prospect of Russian annexation.” Russia plans to fully incorporate the peninsula on January 1 of next year. Plans to improve infrastructure and wean off Crimea’s dependence on Kiev for resources are included into the transition. In addition, Russia will give 55 billion ruble--about $1.53 billion--to help Crimea with its current financial deficit. The next couple of weeks may see the dispute falter out like so many in the past couple of years, or it may this century’s Sarajevo.
And your President is...
We should look for another breaking-thebarrier kind of president Madison Hunt ’14 Op-Ed
T
here has been a lot of dispute about who will be the next presidential nominee for the Democratic party. As we are getting closer and closer to the end of Obama’s term, we should be worried about who will be our next president, but how can we honestly tell who’s right for the job? Many potential candidates have been discussed throughout the four years. Hillary Clinton seems to be the main candidate the Democratic party is rooting for. With her spirited and lively campaign last year, there are many questions about what she will do next. Hillary Clinton is someone that could possibly change the world. Not only in political world, but also in the social world. Breaking a huge barrier
between white and black, Obama showed the United States there is a new and better idea to treat one another, so will we try to look for the same thing in our next president? There is something about a woman being in power that the United States can’t deal with or hasn’t yet. But just because women have been placed as a non-dominant force does not mean that women can’t take care of the job. Hillary Clinton is more than qualified to be the next president. She supported and helped a man be and become president for more than 10 years. Clinton has proved also to be more than a dominant force throughout the political world. She is the 67th Secretary of State and has been a right hand to Obama. There is something about Hillary Clinton I feel is more than worthy to take the place for the 45th president of the United States.
Submissions: We welcome your feedback and will publish letters and commentary on issues that matter to our readers. Include name and year of graduation. We reserve the right to edit submissions for clarity, or deny publication on the basis of editorial standards. Policy: The Stampede is created by students in the journalism classes of Bishop McNamara High School. 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. Distribution: Print issues are provided free on campus to students, faculty and staff. Back issues are available online at www.issuu.com/stampedenews. Email the Staff: stampedenews@bmhs.org. Email the Faculty Moderator: charles.shryock@bmhs.org.
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The Stampede • May 8, 2014
Life Before 18 If you’re not afraid to get down and dirty, climb, jump, and race to the finish line at the Warrior Dash mud run. This obstacle race only fit for the toughest warriors, is on May 10th in Mechanicsville, MD. (Courtesy of warriordash.com)
There is no need to fear the dark at the Electric Run 5k on July 19th in Baltimore, Maryland. If you enjoy electric music and dance parties, this is where you want to be. (Courtesy of electricrun.com) The Ridiculous Obstacle Challenge (R.O.C Race) was inspired by a game show and challenges runner’s skills with a wide variety of obstacles. Are you just ridiculous enough to put yourself up to the challenge? Make a splash on June 14th in Washington DC at the RFK Stadium. (Courtesy of rocrace.com)
Join in the fun and indulge yourself in an array of colors at the Color Me Rad 5k color run. Here, runners aren’t afraid to feel blue, or purple, or pink, for that matter. Race day is on May 3rd at Six flags America in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. (Courtesy of colormerad.com)
Who Knew That Running Could Be Fun?
Grab your friends and race to catch these upcoming and trending events in our area Maia Ennis ‘14 Editor
REEE. Imagine the sound of Dubstep blasting through the speakers as you race your way to the finish line as the sun goes down in the distance. Pump your fists and swing your glow sticks in the air at the Electric Run 5k at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland on July 19. It features various “lands” or “worlds” along the course that glow, flash, and light up. Racers are encouraged to stop, dance, and or snap a photo around many of the attractions. Once racers cross the finish line they are greeted with an outdoor electric dance party
The Ridiculous Obstacle Challenge, or ROC Race 5k, is inspired by a larger-thanlife game show. It drops ten to twelve crazy obstacles along the course including a tarzan swing, a wrecking ball, the world’s largest inflatable slide, and moonbounce. This race benefits the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Join in the excitement on June 14 at the RFK Stadium in Washington D.C. WUB WUB WUB DUUU
with a live DJ, very much resembling a electronic music concert. Running the Electric Run 5k will surely leave you glowing. The Warrior Dash is the world’s largest obstacle race series. Hosting races all over the world, they have raised thousands of dollars for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Climb, crawl, and jump over twelve muddy obstacles covering 3.16 miles of mountainous land. Racers get a participant t-shirt, a plush warrior helmet, and a custom medal. After you cross the finish line there is a
Scenario Quiz: Who am I?
Discuss with friends, find out what answers describe you! Ceandria Mars Staff Writer ‘15
d. Other
1. It’s student council speech time, and you’re nervous. You’ve been waiting for this moment to come, but you’re so scared to mess up. While your opponent is wrapping their speech up, all you can think about is how you hope you weren’t making a mistake by choosing to memorize your speech instead of reading off a paper. Your opponent is starting to make his way back to his seat, and hands the mic off to you, and you accept it half reluctantly, half excitedly. As you make your way to the podium, your foot gets caught in a mess of wires and you trip and fall in front of the entire school, and they begin to laugh at you. What do you do?
2. Your dream is to play on the starting line up of the University of Miami football team. Your one and only chance to get to speak with the football recruiters so happens to be on the very day you have to take an important math test. Because it’s a make up test, your teacher won’t give you another chance to try and get the grade. Additionally, the recruiter could make another appointment to see you. What do you do?
a. Use it to your advantage when you get in front of the crowd b. Laugh with them c. Run off in shame and ditch the speech
3. It’s your best friend’s 18th birthday this weekend, and they’re throwing an extravagant party that they expect you to attend as the right hand man. The day before the party,
recruiter test
a. Meet with the
you get in trouble for repeatedly talking back to a teacher and get a Saturday detention. Your parents ground you for a week, taking away your phone and car privileges, and all that you have left is your computer, but it’s unlikely that your friend will see your messages before the party. What do you do?
a. Sneak out and catch a ride with a friend b. Stay home and tell your friend the truth on Monday c. Stay home but tell your friend a lie on Monday d. Other
b. Take your math c. Bail both d. Other
Discuss these questions with your friends. If you answered mostly A’s, you’re daring and bold. If you answered mostly B’s you’re calm, cool, and collected. If you answered mostly C’s you might be a bit bashful. If you answered ANY D’s, email us your responses at stampedenews@bmhs.org!
party fit for a warrior, viking style. Think loud music, turkey legs, and corn on the cob. The next race in Maryland is on May 10, 2014, hosted in Mechanicsville, Maryland. Instead of tasting the rainbow, here you wear the rainbow. Brighten your day at the Color Me Rad 5k, a bucketlist worthy event. On May 3, show up to race day at Six Flags America in Washington D.C. dressed in white. It will not be long until you are blasted with color by a color bomb or a cannon. The colored dust-like power is actually dyed non-
toxic cornstarch. This race is focused on fun and doesn’t time the runners. When racers do reach the finish line they are greeted with loud music and a large “color war” every 15-20 minutes. When you register, you automatically get one Color Me Rad 5k t-shirt, a pair of sunglasses, a car decal, a donation to a local charity and more. *Cost for registration increases as the day of the race approaches. Visit stampedenews.org for links to each website for registration and more information.
What if Someone has my Dress?
Girls seek originality by having their prom dresses made Jeremie Davis ‘14 Editor
Prom Date? Check. Limousine? Check. Photographer? Check. Prom Dress? Check. The chances of someone wearing the exact same dress as us? Pending. Senior Year at Bishop McNamara is revolved around three things: not failing the senior thesis, walking across the stage at the national shrine, and making prom one of the best nights of our lives. For girls, it’s all of those things, but add on top of that making sure no one has their dress on, because that my friend is fashion crime one-on-one. If you lend a listening ear while walking down the senior hallway I guarantee you the phrase “Who is making your dress?” or “I need to find someone to make my dress” will come up in the various conversations. Many people (such the boys) do not understand the seriousness of the revealing of the dress at prom. When asked why did you choose to get your dress made, Regyn Davis-Young ‘14 said “I just really want to be different and original, plus it’s my last high school dance so why not go out in a bang?” Jackie Pickering ‘14 said, “Better safe than sorry.” What if boys had to deal with
the same problem? When asked what would they do if someone had the exact same thing on them at prom, Tyshaun Glover ‘14 said, “I would accidentally spill punch on them.” The paranoia of girls wearing the same dress is becoming a fast-spread epidemic that even websites such as Cosmopolitian and Seventeen.com has even published articles listing steps on how you can avoid this prom “nightmare. Some people like Courteney Crawley-Dyson ‘14 were lucky enough to have dodged this epidemic. “I really don’t think it’s that big of a deal, you’re only going to wear the dress once.” Asya Giles ‘14 co-signed saying, “Buying a dress is cheaper than making one anyways,” which is very true. Websites like TBdress. com have high quality dresses listed under $200. They guarantee it; to quote their website, their dresses “will certainly make its way into your fantasy look.” Whether you go the extra mile to get your prom dress made, or simply go to some underground store in the middle of nowhere to buy a dress, prom is what YOU make it. You could come in your school uniform and still have the time of your life. It is the one night you get to experience Cinderella magic. So, whether or not your wicked step-sister comes wearing the same dress, you still will be the best looking thing since sliced bread.
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The Stampede • May 8, 2014
Travel Jump in with Two Feet Cruises aren’t anything to be scared of Kayla Preston ‘17 Staff Writer
“
I’ll never let go, Jack!” and “You’re gonna need a bigger boat,” two lines from the movies Titanic and Jaws. These are two movies that transformed me into a nervous wreck about my first Royal Caribbean cruise.The questions that ran through my head were “What if the boat hits a rock? What if we port and are attacked by sharks? What if…?” But what I didn’t realize is that I had nothing of which to be scared. Cruises are extremely fun! The “boat” I was about to board was bigger than the White House and the Capitol combined, and was as long as three football fields. That ship was enormous! The inside was even more amazing. It looked like a mall with bakeries, clothing stores, accessory shops, restaurants, and crew members walking around with smoothies with the
Getting In Touch With Your Roots
little umbrella in them. The crew members were really nice and gave helpful tips about the best possible way to spend your days on the cruise. Did I mention there were elevators? - because this cruise had lots of them and they were needed because it had 17 decks, not including the observation room. There was an aquatic theater, an actual theater, five pools, an arcade, a casino, many lounges for each age group, and FOOD -- so much food. There were two main cafes, the Windjammer and Wipeout Cafe. Then there was the classiest restaurant I’ve ever been in, called Opus, and since there were so many decks there were four different Opuses. Even though they had classy restaurants, they had casual ones too like Johnny Rockets, Rita’s seafood bar, Sushi Mooshi, and Japanese Steakhouse. Then we went to our staterooms, which had two beds, a balcony, a TV, a
phone, a bathroom, a closet, and the comfiest chair ever. Whenever you left your stateroom, a crew member would come in and clean everything so that it was just like new and once they were finished they left chocolate and a towel animal (an animal made out of a towel). Everything looked amazing and I loved it but then it hit me: “We were still in port.” Royal Caribbean and all it’s wonders. ( Kayla Preston ‘17) Here came the moment of truth. never felt the boat rocking, cruise itself, you still port The ship’s horn even if it was pouring at three different places full went off, letting any animals outside. Those seven days on of different wonders for you or fishing boats in the sea the cruise were the best days to explore. For example, I know to move out of it’s way. in my life. ported at Jamaica, Bahamas, I stood on the deck awaitI hadn’t figured out until Mexico, and Haiti. If you ing the ship’s descent, and now what I liked most about ever want to broaden your it happened... I would’ve horizon to explore different never found out that we were the cruise, and it’s that a cruise is like three vacations countries then set sail for the moving about 28 mph, which in one. Even though you sea. is fast for a boat of that size, have all these luxuries on the because it felt so slow. I
grandparents, aunts, and uncles. Whether these people are actually blood related or family friends, the elderly are considered grandparents, individuals near your
parents’ ages are your aunts and uncles, and people around your own age are your cousins. This is primarily due to a close knit upbringing. People of a generation
are raised together, then their children are raised together, and so on and so forth. So, even if one isn’t blood related to another, it seems as such. Most Americans
Trip to Ethiopia brings to light family legacy
Yemiserach Endale ‘15 Commentary I returned to the land of my ancestors for the first time in twelve years on January 2, 2014. This experience allowed me to learn more about my family history as well as expand my knowledge on the country of Ethiopia. I was raised in a household with several Ethiopians and I was already used to the culture, so when I visited nothing really came as a shock to me. However, when relaying details about my trip to several of my classmates, based on their reactions, I began to recognize striking cultural differences. In the Ethiopian culture, families aren’t limited to mother, father, children,
Emperor Haile Selassie and President John F. Kennedy conversing in the white house, taking a ride through DC, and Haile Selassie paying his respects at the former presidents funeral. (courtesy of tadias.com)
know up to their great grandparents. In contrast, many Ethiopians can trace their family line beyond several generations. During this trip we celebrated Ethiopian Christmas at my cousin Princess Sara Gizaw’s house and while I was there I came across a picture of her father-in-law Emperor Haile Selassie and President John F. Kennedy. I found this image fascinating and was inspired to ask questions and learn more. I learned that my grandfather is a former fitawrari, which is equivalent to a baron, as well as the governor of two cities known as Mek’ele and Maychew. His father was a dejazmatch which equates to a count and his niece is Princess Sara Gizaw (Duchess of Harar). On my grandmothers side, I discovered that my great aunt is the granddaughter of Iyasu V who is the grandson of Emperor Menelik. However, she was raised by her other grandfather Ras Hailu Kebede, who is referred to as the first Ethiopian general for being a vital asset in the Second Italo-Abyssinian War. Lastly, I was able to trace eight generations back and discovered that I am the direct descendant of Emperor Yohannes IV. This trip had somewhat of a serendipitous outcome seeing as I didn’t go to Ethiopia with the intention of learning more about my family history.
6
The Stampede • May 8, 2014
Sports
Fashion meet Football, Football meet Fashion Fashion puts the “oomph” in football Jeremie Davis ‘14 Editor
Who would have ever thought that the football world and the fashion world would join together and make football glamorously dirty? Well that’s what happened in February when the National Football League (NFL) and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) teamed up and created 48 touchdown worthy
and fashionable helmets. Designers such as Betsey Johnson, Kenneth Cole, and Donna Karen were a few of the many designers that contributed their valuable fashion insight, according to Bloomingdales. The helmets were certainly to die for, ranging from a variety of colors, patterned embroidery, with a touch of diamonds. These helmets ended up being auctioned off in efforts to support the NFL. According to Women’s Wear Daily, the bidding started at $248 in honor of Super Bowl XLVIII. After seeing the people’s reactions to the helmets, this may then lead one to question: “Does a uniform make a team?” The NFL Foundation stated that “Bloomingdale’s will donate 100% of the net proceeds from this auction to our foundation.” What if the CFDA decided to go throughout the entire Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) and donate brand new top-ofthe-line uniforms to everyone? We could certainly attest that we definitely put the F in Fashion, but what else would it do?
Photo taken from bloomingdales.com What if we had the chance to pick McNamara’s uniforms for sports season? Some may say that it makes the team look “tough.” Football player James Thomas ‘14 said that he would want a helmet “that could project people’s energy levels.” That actually could be very useful, especially when it comes to a DeMatha or Seton game. For example, Black is considered a very intimidating color when it comes to going up against another team, because it signifies authority. That could be very pragmatic, especially
The Life of a Track Star
Every Nook and Cranny into the World of Track Amber Smith ’15 Staff Writer Run, just keeping running, must not stop, just a little further. I can taste the finish line. Are these the words that are going through every athlete’s mind as their running a race and almost to the end? Every athlete deals with the pressure and competition differently. Track runners have to be extremely trained in dealing with the edge of competitiveness, seeing how they are racing right next to their opponent during a meet. Track and Field is a sport that combines the skills of running, jumping, and throwing. Track can be categorized into road running, cross country running, and shot pot. Track and Field events are among some of the oldest in sports tradition. The life of a track star consists of many hours a week of training and hardcore conditioning. It is safe to say that a career in track takes a lot of dedication and hardwork. Future Olympic athletes may reside among McNamara’s very own track team. Some of them do it for the fun of the sport and others hope to one day make a successful career out of it. Many of them have been running track all their life and can expect to hopefully obtain a scholarship to college off the very thing they consider most fun. For one rising star, the dream has been drilled in her mind at a very young age. For as long as Deja Bell ’15
her teammates. Practicing fifteen hours a week, it’s safe to say she is on her way. Instead of a career in track, it can even just be a hobby. For Samantha Bowie ‘15, track is something that is fairly new, consideri n g t hat she has only been running Chelsea Scott’14 racing to the finish line. (Washingtonpost.com) for fou r years. can remember, track as always One might been apart of her life in some think she is a seasoned way, shape, or form. Bell has veteran. She also prefers not been running track for nine to have a career in track, but years and although she is not definitely wants it to remain looking to pursue a career in in her life as a hobby. Bowie the sport, she remains very loves going to meets because dedicated. “My state of mind of all the competition and going into a competition is high level of skill you get to that I’m prepared and ready see. “Going into a race all I am to win because I practiced thinking is: you are strong, properly” said Deja Bell ‘15. you can do this, and God is For others, the dream of track always with you” said Samangoes beyond the school. For tha Bowie ‘15. Chelsea Scott ’14 ambitions All in all, track is not an of one day earning a spot on easy sport and it requires the Olympic Team are very complete focus and determuch a reality. Scott’s favorite mination. Its more than just thing about track is the com- a race, it’s a style. petition. She says she’s really competitive, especially with
when it comes to a Dematha or Seton game since they are our biggest rival in the WCAC. What the CFDA did for the Super Bowl opened up the door for a brighter future for fashion in sports. When we go to a sporting event what is the first thing we notice? The uniform. We buy replicas of the uniform, we buy merchandise that matches the uniform because whether we want to believe it or not, sports are turning into the new runway for the fashion world. The sports teams them-
selves are walking runways. For example, in October, all the teams wear their best pink gear in efforts to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Often times we may see pink sweat bands, pink socks, pink mouth cards, and sometimes even pink cleats. On game days Varsity teams get to proudly wear their jersey over the uniform shirt. “I remember when I was a freshman on JV wrestling team and I couldn’t wait ‘till I was on Varsity so that I could wear the team sweatshirt,” Dan Ross ‘14 said. This then causes people who don’t play sports or who are on Junior Varsity to strive to work hard, so that they too can wear that jersey. While all of this is very intriguing and exciting to look at, uniforms do not help win games. In the end fashion is just another way to help boost the popularity of team, because in sports how we are perceived by the opponent is not dependent on what we wear, but by what we put out through hard work and dedication.
Girls Lacrosse Lady Mustangs, all they do is win Girls Lacrosse hopes to gain success, with their new coach Jeanelle Foster ‘15 Staff Writer
is new players that are trying out the sport out for the first time. The new coach has done a good job differentiating the new players, and putting them in their correct position that best utilizes their skill. Micaela Ada ‘14 said “I can usually play anywhere, but my main position is defense.” The coaching played a main role in helping to develop strong players definite positions. The team managed to pull
The girls lacrosse varsity team is starting the season off with a bang. On Saturday, March 1 the team came out on top, winning all three of their tournament games against St.Vincent Pallotti, School Without Walls, and Woodrow Wilson. Goals were scored by seniors Bridget Granger, Mary Cavanaugh, Micaela Ada , Allison Bryant, Bailey Allegro, and Alexis Galloway. Mo s t of them have played lacrosse since their freshman year and will continue to lead t he te a m to success. The new coach Sydney Satchel Women’s Varsity Lacrosse goalie, Erin Musselman ‘14, is giving the takes a breath after the ‘Stangs scored a goal (Carolyn girls a new atConte ‘14/Stampede). titude towards the game. Coach Satchel is a senior at Howard Univer- out another win on Monday, sity and has a lot of lacrosse March 11 against McDonough experience. She played high High School. This scrimmage school and college lacrosse, and has the team feeling confident is very passionate about the and excited to start the season. sport. Allison Bryant ‘14 said “Fitness is a big part of lacrosse “I really like her. She’s strict, I feel like she [Coach Satchel] but a lot of fun.” makes us work hard, and did a The varsity team is mostly good job of getting us physimade up of experienced juniors cally ready for the season,” and seniors, while the JV team Anna Kelleher ‘15 said.
7
The Stampede • May 8, 2014
Race What is Acting Black? Jordan Wells ‘15 Commentary
B
etween Julianne Hough’s black face and Miley Cyrus’s twerking, “acting black” is a term that has been in the media a lot lately. Many people of all racial backgrounds are outraged at the blatant cultural appropriation. But this outrage brings up a bigger question: what is acting black? Cultural appropriation, which is when one culture adopts elements of another, has been around for centuries, but lately the media has put a spotlight on it. There have been countless news rants, entertainment commentaries, and posts on social media saying people are tired of Miley Cyrus
The Law Has Color How much of a role does race play in judicial decisions? Brad Credit ‘15 Commentary For many who paid attention to last summer’s Trayvon Martin trial, the jury’s declaration of “not guilty” stung like a passing bullet. Through all of the sorrow, there was one question often inquired by a portion of the nation’s public: what would have been the verdict had George Zimmerman, the 30-year-old who claims to have shot and killed the 17-year-old out of self-defense, been black, and Trayvon Martin white? This question expresses a belief held by a number of Americans that the race of both the accused and the victim in a criminal trial plays a significant role in judicial decisions. “[The effects that race can have on judicial decisions are] definitely unfair, they’re definitely unfair,” Myles McKie‘14 said. “I don’t think it’s right at all, but I guess that’s just how it is around this time,” he said, his voice expressing the same disappointment held by so many. “[Black people are more likely to go to jail] because of the color of our skin, because
(among other white pop stars) “acting black.” Public expressions like this imply that twerking, dressing a certain way, vulgarity, and dozens of other things with a negative connotation are exclusive to black culture. So, does this mean that indecent (and sometimes ignorant) behavior is something that the African-American community has a monopoly on? If so, why? If not, then why does the concept of “acting black” even exist in the first place? Acting black is a tricky concept to define. Making it even more tricky is the fact that not everyone believes that it is a legitimate concept. Many people say there is no such thing as “acting black”. Xzaiver Rowell-Brown ‘16 said “No [there is no such thing as acting black]. There’s acting ignorant… [you are] judging a form of acting based on skin color -- You can’t act purple!” Then, there are people who believe that there is such a thing. When asked to define the concept, Alexa Cabotaje ‘15 said that it’s saying the “N-word,” and the way you dress, and Travis Arnold
Miley Cyrus’s vulgar 2013 Video Music Awards performance that sparked the ‘acting black’ controversy. Source: Youtube.com (Jordan Wells ‘15) ‘14 said it’s simply playing into stereotypes. There are people who agree and disagree with these definitions. Many other people include specific actions such as smoking, rapping, twerking, etc. into black culture. Markel Gale ‘15 said he recognizes that a lot of people feel this way, but these behaviors shouldn’t be categorized as black because people of other races do it, too. For people who identify as black, acting black is generally inoffensive unless it’s
done in a mocking way, or someone is trying too hard to be something they aren’t. But it does make African Americans feel a certain way. Jordan Mosby ‘15 said “People expect [us] to act a certain way that we all don’t.” Others feel that it’s a good thing that other races and cultures want to emulate us. Justin McNeil ‘15 said “In a way it’s inspiring because if they act like us they aspire to be us,” and Isaac McClure ‘15 said “We should be okay with inviting more people to
our culture.” There is no one definition for black culture. There are many different types of African Americans, far too big a group to be placed into one category and have it be a fair description of the entire community. Besides the impossibility of every black person identifying with the same cultural identity, everyone is going to have their own idea of what the culture is. This idea is going to be vastly different from person to person; that’s okay, in fact it’s expected. The problem is that not everyone recognizes and respects other people’s definitions. The differing opinions cause conflict and sometimes outrage. “Acting black” is a touchy topic, and can be offensive if not handled properly, but it doesn’t have to be. If nobody saw what is considered black culture as a bad thing, then there’d be no problem. Tony Piazza ‘15 said “[When I’m told I act black] it makes me feel good about myself because being black isn’t a bad thing, it’s a good thing.”
we’re always seen as ‘doing the are more likely than whites to his record. is greater in less diverse areas wrong,’” Jeffrey Edwards ‘14 be arrested; once arrested they “Racism is still a factor in of the United States. “We have said. “Most of the time we’re are more likely to be convicted; society,” Mr. Dougherty said. this kind of American myth in not doing the wrong [but] it’s and once convicted they are “There are so many separate American culture that we’re all because of how we’re portrayed more likely to face stiff sen- enclaved cultures within our the same and we’re not -- we’re in the world,” he said. tences.” The report went on society and they don’t have ex- a really, really, big country,” he This judicial tendency should not be mistaken as being a new trend. Many young black people have been repeatedly lectured by parents and family members on how to conduct themselves when in a situation involving the police. This comes as a result of knowing the possible perception a police officer and indeed a jury may hold towards a young black person, should such a situation attain that level of escalation. As is the custom with most issues of controversy, there are differing opinions. “Times have changed. Where it A Department of Justice graph illustrates the current imprisonment rates by race in the United States (Source: U.S. Department of was probably back about Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics). a hundred years ago [the race of someone on trial] might have affected [the jury’s sentencing decision], but to explain that one in every perience with people of differ- concluded. now they would probably look three black males in the United ent races, so what they work Nearly 150 years since more into their past history States will one day find them- off of is their stereotypical, the emancipation of slaves in and in their records,” Hannah selves locked behind the cold media-driven understanding the United States and nearly Bush ‘15 said. steel bars of a prison if current of different races,” he said. 50 years on since the Voting While a score of Americans sentencing trends continue, These racial misconcep- Rights Act permitted all Amerwould like to believe that times, with African-American males tions, held unconsciously by icans to have the right to vote, and racial perceptions, have being six times more likely to many Americans, sliver their many are disappointed in the changed, it saddens many to be incarcerated than white way into the courthouse upon lack of progress (and in some know that studies show that males. the call to jury duty. “When cases the aff luent regress) change over time has not come Social Studies teacher Mr. you get into these trials, those concerning civil rights in the in abundance. Shawn Dougherty referenced a [stereotypes] are the arche- United States. According to a report pub- case earlier this year in which types that defense attorneys, Despite the fact that some lished by The Sentencing a young African-American man prosecutor attorneys will use argue that racism is becoming Project, a Washington, D.C.- was determined guilty for a in making their case because less abundant, there is still evibased group that focuses on crime on the basis of hip-hop it works,” Mr. Dougherty dence strongly suggesting that achieving a fair and effective lyrics found in his car, rather added. the United States continues its U.S. criminal justice system by than substantial evidence, Mr. Dougherty said that race problematic struggle with the promoting reform in sentenc- though there were no prior has always affected judicial de- issue of race, albeit now in a ing policy, “racial minorities mentionings of violence on cisions, adding that the effect different form.
8
The Stampede • May 8, 2014
Extra
Reading Poll
McNamara on par with national standard Continued from 1
“When I was younger I absolutely despised reading. Around 6th grade, I began to find books that actually caught my interest. I then discovered a website called fanfiction.net which is a website for fans of book/movies/etc. to make their own version of a story. I would read fanfiction for at least 3 hours everyday and over the summer I even use to stay up from 10 pm to 9 am reading these stories.” A Gallup Poll in 2001 revealed that the average person spends 1.1 hours per day
reading books or about 7.7 hours per week. The average person at McNamara 0-3 hours per week reading, but that is not including reading for homework. A student said that, “I enjoy reading, but it is often difficult to find the time to do so during the school year.” However, 27% of McNamara students and teachers surveyed said that they read more than 3 hours a week. The Survey of Public Participation in the Art (SPPA) classified readers in a 2002 into four categories: “light” (reading 1-5 books per year), “moderate” (reading 6-11 books per year), “frequent” (reading 12-49 books per
year), and “avid” (reading 50 or more books per year). The Stampede survey found that 12% of McNamara people would not be classified (because they read 0 books last year), 48% are light readers, and 40% are moderate or above. This also does not considered how many books students and teachers for school work. McNamara, on average, uses the library more than the average person. A Pew Research poll found that 36% of Americans 16 and up have used a library to check out a book in 2011. At McNamara, 38% have used a library to check out a book within the last year. Considering all of this,
168 students, teachers, and faulty were surveyed for these reading polls done by Copyeditor Thom wPage ‘14.
many surveys do not ask if the person likes to read at all. The Stampede found that 46% said that they enjoyed reading, 1% said that they did not, and 46% said it depended on what they were reading. McNamara is divided on its opinion of reading. Nicolas Philip ‘14 said, “My philosophy towards reading is that it’s like a supplement to life. Sometimes people read to get away from their life; I read to live a better, fuller life with knowledge of past ideas and experiences that I couldn’t encounter on my own in the real world.” The Campus Minister of Mission at McNamara Peter Sanneman said, “When it
is relevant and captivates me it is hard to stop. Otherwise I find it hard to keep going.” A student said, “It’s boring and time consuming if it’s not relatable.” Reading is a complex topic. Many people want to see an entire country that enjoys reading, but that realistically may not be possible. There are just some people who honestly do not like to read. This does not mean that these people value stories and education less than their reading counterparts. McNamara is a 100% diverse and everyone is allowed to have their own opinions and likes.