Alumna earns coveted spot as Wizards dancer, continues to pursue dreams, p.C3
Section C
James Hubert Blake High School
December 18, 2013
Abandoned building sparks interest amongst students , con s u trib p m ute a c r s hi o f k stor r a m y, c by Ariel Gomez d n har a x& Marie Anne Louis- Charles l s act e As students walk down to Bengal d i er t v Stadium, many wonder about the decaying o r oB p building which sits idly upon the hill. n lake Students often ponder its history and wonder why the Bar old house still stands today.
Ab
and
one
db
arn
by
stad
ium
attr
act
sm
any
Whether or not students have been inside the house, they question why such an old and broken-down structure is still in existence. However, many are happy the building remains. “[The house] has a history of its own next to Blake, and losing that would be a loss,” says junior Margaret Thomas*. Like many other students, Thomas is glad the building has not been torn down. Junior Naomi Fesseha sees the abandoned house as a distinctive landmark which makes Blake unique. “It gives our school character,” says Fesseha. The house’s personality can be used in a positive manner, and “the aesthetic makes it the ideal location for a photo shoot.” While some students simply wonder about the decaying house, others muster up the courage to explore the mysterious building. After hearing many rumors about the abandoned house, Thomas was pleasantly surprised by what she found inside it. Thomas says, “It wasn’t what I expected at all...when I went to visit with friends it was a perfectly peaceful spacious place.” Though the house was in better condition than what Thomas anticipated, it still was not in good shape. “[The barn was] wrecked, old and just empty,” says Thomas. The poor condition of the old house is its prominent feature which both those who have and have not been inside have noticed. While the age of the house is obvious from the student parking lot, the rate of decay is more evident inside. Says junior Alan Tremaine*, “I went there once with a group of friends. It is clear that no one has lived there in decades.” He adds, “There are words written on the walls. The basement part is very dark and seems to have been rooms at some point.” While some students have entered the house, others have been less eager to experience such an adventure. The reluctance to enter the barn may be due to its appearance of decay or stories about its past. Along with some rumors that the house is haunted, many believe that the house may have been involved with slavery. “I heard a few times it was a slave house,” says Tremaine. Sophomore Riani Carr is also not so quick to dismiss the theory on the home. “I would believe it was a slave house,” she says. “The Underground Railroad is not far from campus, so the two may be related.” Some students have grown instinctively curious about the barn and tried to find out more. “I tried looking into the house once, but only found dead ends,” adds Tremaine. “The barn was virtually nonexistent.”
adv
ent
uro
us s
*names changed
tud
ent
s -P
hot
ob
yJ
ohn
The aesthetic makes it the ideal location for a photo shoot.
Naomi Fesseha
Ko
s
Fellow Bengals share upcoming resolutions, look forward to new year
Inspired students challenge themselves, hope to meet goals this January by Yodit Denu x & Maryam Outlaw 3...2...1...Happy New Year! The beginning of a fresh year also marks the beginning of a fresh outlook on living, and so far, multiple students plan to adjust their old regimens as January approaches. Like many other students during this time, senior Tracy Ukwa resolves to progress less tangibly and more spiritually next year by reevaluating her actions and environment. Says Ukwa, “[I want to] be a better me...and make little changes.”
Though Ukwa had the same resolution last year, she believes that her goal has not yet been reached in entirety. “I achieved [my resolution] a little, but I want to do more,” Ukwa says. “I [plan to] live a new lifestyle and surround myself with better people.” Junior Andrea Andrade plans to develop a new outlook on her high school career. She says, “[My] new year’s resolution is to better myself and my perspective on how I see things.” Andrade has come up with multiple ways to improve her being. Andrade has decided to
broaden her perspective this year in order to decipher situations. “Instead of focusing on the problem, I’ll focus on how I can solve it,” says Andrade. “If it’s something that can’t be changed, I won’t worry about it.” While certain teens are adjusting their mentality this upcoming season, others are organizing ways to excel academically. Says sophomore Matthew Perez, “I’d like to study more, get my grades up, do better on tests, and try to get straight A’s.” This year, senior Abe Toure has set goals both inside and outside of school. Toure says,
“My new year’s resolution is to hopefully do better in school and try to further advance my soccer career...I plan on talking to coaches and training with my outside soccer team.” Even though he has not made his goals an official resolution, Toure thinks this year may feel different. He says, “I’ve never made a serious resolution, but I plan on sticking with this one because I feel like it could help me in the future.” Students may be creating objectives for themselves to pursue in the winter, but others such as freshman Justin Hua, who has made resolutions in the
past, find the holiday tradition unfeasible. “People don’t stick to resolutions,” says Hua. Freshman Natalie Mosgrovejo agrees with Hua and disapproves of the classic American concept. “[I think] it’s the fact that they are so long-term,” she says. In response, Mosgrovejo offers a solution to the difficulties that New Year’s resolutions present. Says Mosgrovejo, “Once you get to the end of the year, you say ‘Oh wow, I had all this time and I didn’t do anything.’ Making small resolutions throughout the year is better.”
C2
The Blake Beat
December 18, 2013
Unisex names elicit pride, confusion from Blake students by Logan Dreher x & Bronwyn Evans Traditional “boy” names and “girl” names are gradually being introduced to the opposite gender. Many students at Blake have names that straddle the line between genders, causing varying degrees of appreciation in their owners. Some students find delight in having such unique names. “I do like my name, it’s really different,” says junior Lacy Gene Fountain. “If I got to choose a different name, I’d probably keep the same one.” He adds, “It makes people confused, [but] I like to keep my name as Gene.” While opposite-gendered or unisex names are sources of pride for some, they can also cause dislike in others. “I like how I don’t know a lot of people named Camryn,” says junior Camryn Cheatham. “But I hate how [my name] is a boy’s name.” People have varying reasons for why their names are their names, sometimes with specific purposes and meanings. Says senior Paule Emmanuelle Bahi, “[My name] is unique and different; I like it because of its purpose.” Her name means “God is with us” and holds special meaning for her and her family. Because unisex or opposite-gendered names are often misunderstood and sometimes looked down upon, some students admit that they were teased in the past for their names. “I have been made fun of simply because [my name] is a boy’s name,” says junior Aidan Shands. “People will ask me, ‘Why do you have a boy’s name?’” However, there are also those who have received no name-calling or harassment because of their names. “People like people with unique names,” adds alumna Darien Ellis. Her parents chose her unique name from the movie “The Last Boy Scout.” Despite having a name unpopular for a girl, Ellis has never been bullied for her name. “Everyone tries to be different these days so I haven’t gotten any negativity,” she says. Additionally, some students are often mistaken for the opposite gender because of their names. Says senior Riley Cruickshank, “I’ve received several pieces of mail from colleges telling me about football scholarships, as well as invitations to participate in Boy Scout events.” Although there are mixed feelings on opposite-gendered or unisex names, many students agree on one thing: they will not name their child the same way they were named. Says Shands, “If my child were to win a Nobel Prize, I [would] want people to know she was a girl without question.” Some students disliked their names as kids. However, eventually, their names grew on them. “When I was younger, I hated my name because people always mistook me for a girl,” says Fountain. “But now I like it because it’s unique.”
Social studies and We the People coach Donna Phillips is known for her class’s friendly atmosphere. --Photo by John Kos
Bengals form close relationship with teachers
Ultra-friendly educators welcome kids as friends x Alyssia Graves Many students at Blake have that one teacher in whom they can confide, who not only helps them educationally, but personally as well. Aside from helping students become great writers, students agree English teacher Omari Daniel helps them become the best person they can be. “I want to help them love themselves and overcome obstacles in their path to success in all aspects of their lives,” says Dr. Daniel. Rather than try to relate to students, Dr. Daniel tries to understand them better. “My job is to understand them [and] not pass judgment like other adults,” adds Dr. Daniel. “All we [adults] can do is
try to understand your world and reality so we can offer what advice we can from our experience. Dr. Daniel holds honesty to a high standard when interacting with students. “I will tell a student what they are doing is dumb, or what they did is shameful,” says Dr. Daniel. “They have a choice to continue to be dumb or wise up.” Paraeducator Matthew Pflieger has a “tough-love” relationship with his students. “I try to develop a “big-brother” type relationship,” adds Mr. Pflieger. “Anyone who has an older brother can tell you [it] can either be a good thing or a pain in the butt.” Mr. Pflieger is very open to talking with the students at Blake. “I enjoy talk-
ing with people,” says Mr. Pflieger. In order to have a strong relationship with those students, he ensures there is trust. “It’s more about trust because without trust there can’t be a relationship,” adds Mr. Pflieger. Social studies teacher Donna Phillips feels it is important to get to know her students. “I take seriously the idea of getting to know my students,” says Dr. Phillips. “They can tell that I care about their grades [and] I care about them as people as well.” Dr. Phillips assures that everyone is welcomed. “My students know that no topic is off the table,” adds Dr. Phillips. She makes her classroom a secure environment for all students. “My room is a safe place in all
senses of the word,” she adds. Dr. Phillips is always willing to help students. “Students know that just about anything else I will help them,” says Dr. Phillips. “I am not a judgmental person so students also know that when they come to me for any reason... I will not judge them.” Math teacher Marcus Wiggins takes his own personal experiences to help students. “I can empathize with the problems high school students have because when I was in high school I wasn’t a strong student,” he adds. Mr. Wiggins tries to understand students the best he possibly can. “I know I’m not a perfect teacher or a perfect human being,” says Mr. Wiggins. “I try to keep that in mind.”
My job is to understand them [and] not pass judgement like other adults. Dr. Daniel
Alumna stars in new television show, various theatrical performances x by Jenna Ramirez With a slew of theatrical productions under her belt, Blake alumna Maggie Leigh Walker took one step closer to her dream job following an appearance on the Investigation Discovery show When Ghosts Attack. A 2007 graduate, Walker attended Catholic University of America and received a BM in musical theatre performance. During her junior year, she spent time abroad in London. “I spent a semester at the London Dramatic Academy, where I received intensive, conservatory-style training in classical and contemporary British acting,” says Walker. Prior to her professional experience, Walker attended Blake and took advantage theatre and choir classes. “I was highly active in every aspect of the drama and choral departments. I was lucky enough to be cast in shows like Anything Goes, Epitome Distillation,
Macbeth, and High School Musical,” adds Walker. “[I did] really anything I could do to stay involved.” With an extensive resume to boot, Walker has worked on various musicals, including The Sound of Music and Hairspray, in which she played her dream role, Tracy Turnblad. Her professional contracts have sent her to states like Colorado and Indiana. Says Walker, “At the end of the day, if you want to be an actor, you really have to love it and it has to feed your soul. It is a seriously emotionally tough job.” This past summer, Walker filmed an episode of When Ghosts Attack, which airs on Destination America. Her appearance was her television debut and added a new experience to Walker’s endless list of work. “My goal for every contract is for people to leave with a positive impression of me,” adds Walker. “The theatre world is incredibly small and networking is essential.” As for show business, Walker knew from day one
that this was her destined career path. “I don’t think I ever seriously wanted to do anything else,” Walker adds. “Nothing else inspired passion in me the way that theatre does.” Currently, Walker is preparing to join the cast of Bat Boy at 1st Stage in McLean, Virginia over the summer, from May 22 to June 22. In addition to acting, Walker works at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown, Maryland. Walker says, “BlackRock is a non-profit arts organization that is dedicated to engaging the communities of Upper Montgomery County to explore, experience, and celebrate the arts.” Only 24, Walker anticipates a long, successful carreer. She adds, “Ideally, I would like to be able to perform and study performing full time. One of the beautiful things about this career path is that you never stop being a student. You are constantly learning new techniques.”
The Blake Beat
December 18, 2013
Former Poms captain earns spot as Wizards dancer in 2014 season
C3
x by Jacqueline Hyman & Zach Kushner ‘Twas not magic that landed alumna Emily Tempchin a spot on the Washington Wizards dance troupe, but rather her dedication that allows her to perform for an NBA team. Less than one-tenth of the girls who tried out for the Wizards dance team made the twenty-person roster. The tryout process lasted a few weeks overall and consisted of choreographed dances in front of a panel of judges, many practices, a performance at a Washington Mystics game, and a final audition at the Howard Theatre in DC. “I was shocked and overwhelmingly excited by the opportunity presented,” says Tempchin. Being a life-long Wizards fan made the decision to audition pretty easy for Tempchin. She says, “Growing up, I’ve always loved watching the Wizards play, so the idea of cheering for the team was really appealing.” She was also excited to try out because one of her former dance teachers was a Wizard Girl. Tempchin believes that being a part of Blake Poms and her dance studio helped develop her skills, leadership, technique, and style to be eligible to make the team. “My Poms coach was really encouraging in that she helped me become a better leader,” she says. Tempchin was a four year member of Blake Poms and was a captain for her final year with the team. Tempchin has anything but an empty schedule. In addition to being an employee of the Wizards’ dance team, she is a full-time student at the University of Maryland, College Park, where she is a newly declared computer science major. She says, “My choreographer has emphasized that my classes are my priority, so if there’s a conflict, he’s really flexible with adjusting my schedule.” She loves being able to perform on the team, mainly because of her passion for dancing. “The choreography is really fun and energetic,” says Tempchin, “and to be able to show such a large crowd what I love to do is truly amazing.” Tempchin feels very grateful for the opportunity she has seized as a Wizard Girl, and plans to audition for the team in upcoming years. “It’s amazing to be a part of such an incredible organization,” she says. “The girls are very talented and are great friends to me.” Tempchin is living her dream as she gets to dance all the time and make money for it while recieving a good education. She adds, “The fact that I get paid to do something that I love is such a blessing.” She loves being part of an organization that is so involved with the community.
Alumna Emily Tempchin poses in her Wizards’ uniform --Photo provided by Emily Tempchin
Globetrotters settle in United States, adapt to American culture Students arrive from Guatemala, Germany, multitude of other countries x by Jordan McLean From European military bases to Asian and South American education systems, Blake students prove to be extensively diverse in their worldly experiences because of their time living throughout countries across the globe. During her three years in Germany, senior Kristina McKenna spent two in Freiburg and another in Weisbaden. She lived on a military base, as her dad was a member of the army. McKenna and her family spent lots of time traveling to over 15 different countries throughout Europe, and also traveled to various states in the U.S. McKenna’s learning environment was very similar to that of the United States. “School in Germany was almost exactly like here,” says McKenna. “Everyone spoke English and we learned American history and material.” She went to elementary school in Germany for first, second, and third grade. Junior April Ung spent ten years in Cambodia. She lived in Chbar Ampov and Phnom Penh. During the school day, Ung was required to learn three languages a day. In the morning she would practice Chinese, in the afternoon she would practice Cambodian, and English would be practiced in the evening. Ung misses the amount of freedom she
enjoyed as a child in Cambodia. “I would usually bike around town and just explore everything you could possibly think of,” says Ung. “My bike was my wings to just go off and explore everything I could.” It was common for children to explore their environment on their own. Senior Yoselin Milloy was born in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. She lived there for nine years, and went to school there from pre-k to second grade. Milloy explains that there are many more educational materials and resources in America than there are in Guatemala. There are also more educated, involved, and specialized teachers here in the United States, according to Milloy. Freshman Keren Mir-Almaguer moved from Cuba to the United States two years ago with her parents. She was new to the English language, so she had to learn it very quickly. She recalls noticing significant differences from the two countries when she arrived. For example, most Cubans do not have access to, nor understand what the internet is. The schools were also much stricter, disciplined, and challenging. Mir-Almaguer believes that leaving her family behind was the hardest part of arriving in America. She says, “Getting used to everything here was really hard, but as time went on, I was able to grow and become part of a new culture.”
Getting used to everything here was really hard, but as time went on, I was able to grow and become part of a new culture. Freshman Keren Mir-Almaguer adapting to American culture. --Photo by John Kos
Keren Mir-Almaguer
C4
The Bla
December 18, 2013
Santa Claus creates excitement for children around the world despite their religious beliefs, family customs Students debate whether Christmas tradition reinforces good behavior or creates unstable future adults
Junior Grace Johnson shows the excitement she used to feel when she believed in Santa Claus. --Photo by Dennis Chan
x by Jenna Ramirez Ho Ho No. For many Blake staff members and students, the jury is still out on whether the story of Santa Claus is beneficial to children and to Christmas in general. For many children around the world, believing in Santa Claus is a rite of passage into adolescence. Leaving cookies out on Christmas Eve, scribbling letters down as soon as December flies in, and torturing the mall impersonator are all part of the magic of Christmas. “I like Santa Claus,” says junior Stacy Shin. “I really think kids need something to believe in when they’re young.” Many staff members have also jumped into the traditional Santa lore. Math teacher Kristen Range has a two year old daughter and plans to follow the Santa tradition. “I think it’s good for children to start at a young age for telling them we’re going to play pretend,” says Ms. Range. Santa Claus has left a lasting impression on Blake students. Whether they only believed for one year or ten, the jolly old man left a smile on their faces. “I think I found out he wasn’t real when I was eight,” says junior Grace Johnson. “I probably knew deep down that he was fake, but I chose to keep believing because the lie was so
magical and exhilarating.” The Santa myth has also enabled many nonreligious and non-Christian students to engage in the commercial traditions of the holiday. Junior Taanya Puthran, who is Hindu, believed in Santa Claus for much of her childhood.
Santa positively reinforces good behavior from children by making them want to be better. Mr. Kelley
Puthran says, “All my friends were Christian and I wasn’t. They all would ask ‘Why do you celebrate Christmas?’ and I would say because Santa loves everyone.” However, some individuals have taken a more
realistic approach when looking at St. Nick. English teacher Michael Kelley has a one year old son who he plans on playing Santa with, but not to traditional standards. “My son doesn’t know who Santa Claus is yet but he will believe in him,” says Mr. Kelley. “However, he will also donate a large percentage of his toys to needy children each year.” Students have also pointed out the flaws in the Santa myth. Says junior Gian Gilbert, “Lying to children turns them into unstable adults. How can parents preach truth but then lie about the origin of presents for many years?” Junior Samantha Luckert is in agreement. Says Luckert, “It’s odd to think that kids sit on an old man’s lap at the mall and tell them what they want. Then, to top it off, they let an old man break into their house and leave things.” Through all of the differing opinions, Mr. Kelley points out some pros and cons attributed to the jolly old man. “Santa positively reinforces good behavior from children by making them want to be better,” adds Mr. Kelley, “but if Santa just becomes a way for children to be good for the last month of the year and expect something materialistic, he can be a negative influence.”
ake Beat
C5
December 18, 2013
Kwanzaa awakens students’, their families’ cultural practices, beliefs Traditionally African American holiday celebrates unity, faith, joy Many mistake the holiday to be religiously-affiliated because of its placement at the end of December, which often causes it to occur near Boxing Day, Christmas, and Hanukkah. In reality, Karenga chose December 26 to follow an African harvest celebration by the Zulu people of South Africa. In addition to its date, Kwanzaa also incorporates African heritage into its basic tenets and color scheme. Each of its “nguzo saba,” or seven principles, is primarily referred to by their Swahili translation. The principles are also represented by seven candles, each of which are one of three afrocentric colors: black, green, and red. Since its establishment, the holiday has centered around principles of unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. The values held by participants of Kwanzaa are important
x by Kate Campbell Along with the season’s other major festivities comes the celebration of culture and communal joy through Kwanzaa, a seven-day African American holiday beginning December 26 and ending January 1. Kwanzaa was created during a wave of nationalism sprouting from the Civil Rights M o v e - ment in 1966, an era when African Americans were hungry to redefine their identity and reconnect with their roots. Maulana Karenga, a black nationalist and creator of the holiday, wanted a cultural experience built on African commonality, not an Afro-centric rival to Christmas or Hanukkah.
to West African culture and basic tenets of the Black Nationalism movement that took place during Kwanzaa’s establishment. Although Kwanzaa became a national trend shortly after its creation, in recent years the number of people who celebrate the holiday has dwindled. A poll taken in 2006 reported that only 1.25 percent of African Americans--roughly 500,000 people-celebrate Kwanzaa annually, while 94 percent of the same demographic celebrate Christmas. Even within Blake’s community, Kwanzaa passes by with little recognition. In a survey taken, social studies teacher Pamela Rowe found that out of 115 of her students, only one person celebrated Kwanzaa. “Many students had no idea what Kwanzaa was,” says Mrs. Rowe. Among the members of Blake’s Black Student Union, a small percentage admitted to having celebrated the holiday at least once.
Kwanzaa was created to uplift African Americans, but the very same community it was created for seems to no longer value this holiday as they once did 50 years ago. Athough this current under-appreciation for Kwanzaa has left it feeling outdated, this does not undermine the importance of the message behind the holiday, nor the people whom it continues to unite. “For my family, Kwanzaa will always mean union and peace,” says junior Aleata Carrell, who has been celebrating Kwanzaa since she was a toddler. “The lighting of the candles and other activities are symbolic for bringing us together,” adds Carrell. She will celebrate Kwanzaa this year.
For my family, Kwanzaa will always mean union and peace.
Aleata Carrell
H
om
em
ad
ec an
dy
ca
ne
co
ok
ie
sa
nd
Fr en
ch
va
ni
lla
ho
tc
ho
co
la
te
.-
-P
ho
to
by
Sa m
iW ri
gh t
Delicious candy cane cookies, satisfying French vanilla hot cocoa
Candy Cane Cookies:
by Ann Cirincione x & Sami Wright
Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit
With cold winter nights and (hopefully) many more snow days to come, Christmas cookies and a steaming mug of hot chocolate are definitely a must. These two recipes will have even Santa asking for seconds. The candy cane cookies will make you want to frolick to your heart’s content, and the hot chocolate will warm you up faster than a snuggie. French Vanilla Hot Chocolate: To make the mix, combine: 10 1/2 cups non-fat powdered milk 4 cups confectioners’ sugar 2 (8 ounce) jars French vanilla flavored coffee creamer 3 1/2 cups powdered chocolate milk mix (Nestle’s Quick) 2 3/4 cups non-dairy powdered coffee creamer 1/2 teaspoon salt To make yourself a cup of this deliciousness, stir 3 heaping tablespoons of the mix into 8 ounces of hot water or milk. So throw on your favorite PJs and snuggle up in a cozy blanket, grab a good book or put in your favorite movie, and enjoy!
Mix together: 1 cup butter 1 cup sifted confectioners’ sugar
1 egg 1 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 1/2 cups flour 1 teaspoon salt
Divide the dough in half Mix 1 teaspoon red food coloring into one of the two halves of dough Allow the dough to sit in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes Roll dough into strips about 4 inches long Place one strip of white dough and one of red dough side by side on a cookie sheet Twist the two strips together and curve the top down to form the handle of the cane Bake for about 10 minutes, or until lightly brown Optional: when still warm, sprinkle with a mixture of 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy and 1/2 cup sugar
C6
December 18, 2013
The Blake Beat
Heyser Farms employs Blake students, McCaney sisters
Local business helps teenagers ease into job experience
x by Bronwyn Evans & Elana Harris
A p ples and cider and doughnuts, oh my! Heyser Farms is a local business that employs both current and past Blake students, giving experience through cashiering, stocking items, and helping customers. Heyser Farms is a 3rd generation familyowned farm and market, with a wide variety of fresh apples, cider, eggs, and doughnuts. While their peaches are especially popular in the summer, Heyser Farms is perhaps best-known for its apples, both in and out of the fall season. “I used to think that there were green apples and red apples,” says senior employee at Heyser’s Linnea Galletta,“but now I’ve found out that there are a lot of different kinds!” Galletta has been working at Heyser’s for a month, and loves the experiences it has brought. “I needed money and have just always really wanted job experience,” she adds. “[When] Heyser’s was hiring, I looked at [the farm] and liked it, so I applied.” However, working at Heyser’s is not always as easy as sampling produce and working the cash register. “There’s always something to do at Heyser’s,” says sophomore employee Gwenny McCaney. “You have to know to stock and you have to know the different types of apples.” “[Working] has been hard for my schoolwork,” Galletta adds. “I am always exhausted. I don’t want to write that two-page paper for anything.” Many customers frequently ask employees difficult questions about the different products sold. “[Customers] ask you outrageous questions and expect you to know them,” says McCaney. However, the regular customers also prove to be sociable and friendly. “[Heyser’s] has a welcoming feel; it reminds you of back in the old days when everybody knew everybody,” McCaney adds. Along with current Blake students, Heyser Farms also employs alumni such as 2013 graduate Marina McCaney, sister to Gwenny. “It seems natural that I would come work here when I come home. The customers are great and there’s good vibes all around here,” says Marina. In addition to apples, Heyser Farms’ fall produce includes homemade apple cider, doughnuts and cookies, hot pies, fresh eggs, and ice cream from local Trickling Springs Creamery. Frequently, a holiday favorite is the Christmas trees that the farm sells. For adults over 21, a wine tasting station, called Great Shoals Winery, inside the market is a hit as well, featuring various sparkling wines. Blake employees give students advice on the best items to buy for all different occasions. “Apples are my favorite thing in the world,” says Marina. “The Spencerville Reds are the best apples!” Senior Linnea Galletta stands at Heyser farm, where she works as a cashier along with sophomore Gwenny McCaney and alumna Marina McCaney --Photo by Sami Wright
Bengals deem Christmas Teachers flood to Maryland social, not religious, holiday from around United States
x by Emma Friedman
Just as popular Christmas songs “Santa Baby,” “Winter Wonderland,” and “Silver Bells” were written by Jewish lyricists, non-Christian Bengals defy their belief systems’ traditional behavior by celebrating Christmas. The Christian epidemic has broken through the cultural barrier into the lives of differing religious believers. Senior Yoselin Milloy views herself as an atheist although she grew up in a traditional Catholic family. “I’ve been raised to know religion…[but] as I’ve learned more in science, I’ve found a different perspective.” Says Milloy, “I don’t see Christmas as a religious thing, I see it as a family gathering.” Senior Jason Fleischer comes from a Jewish heritage but enjoys Christmas holiday cheer. “Being Jewish, I think [Christmas is] more fun than Hanukah, more people celebrate it…it’s fun to get the tree,” says Fleischer. With one Christian and one Jewish parent, senior Hunter Balog gets to participate in double the holiday cheer. “I like the holiday season…it makes me happy,” says Balog. “I just like how everyone’s happy in December.” “Christmas dinner is always fun, I get to spend time with my cousins…and my uncle makes great food,” says Milloy. Traditions and spending time with family are central parts of what make Christmas so
meaningful to Milloy. No matter the holiday, Fleischer feels here is only once crucial aspect to participating in events like Christmas. “Holidays are all about spending time with family,” he says. “It doesn’t matter how you do it.” Although she is an atheist at heart, Milloy still attends services on Christmas. “Both sides of my family are very traditional so we have to go to Church on Christmas which I don’t like to do,” says Milloy. Balog rejoices in Christmas’s cultural components broadcasted on television screens and through music outlets. Says Balog, “[I enjoy] the Christmas songs all year and I like watching Christmas movies…it’s fun.” Christmas nowadays is not explicitly a celebration for Christian beliefs in Milloy’s opinion. “They’ve made it a huge issue,” says Milloy. “It’s more like a Hunter Balog commercial Christmas now which is why I don’t mind it as much.” Balog also feels Christmas has changed socially in regard to what people are actually celebrating. Says Balog, “It’s more about getting presents than actually what Christmas means.” People focus on material possessions instead of the religious significance. Although Milloy does not identify as Christian, she still plans to celebrate Christmas as an adult with her own children. “[Christmas is] tradition. I’ve been doing it since I was little.” Says Milloy, “It’s too old not to keep that tradition and what kids don’t want to celebrate Christmas?”
I like the holiday season...it makes me happy. I just like how everyone’s happy in December.
Staff members elaborate on draw of D.C. Metropolitan area
by Logan Dreher x & Courtney Hutchinson
Various teachers in the Blake community have moved to the Maryland area from as far as the West coast, which has led to a deep appreciation for the differences in their newfound home. Science teacher Eric Damboise grew up in northern Maine but has also lived in Boston and California with his wife. “I miss the privacy of having an entire forest in my backyard,” he says, “but I don’t miss the long winters of Northern Maine.” Mr. Damboise has also noticed the difference in the assortment of people in the DC area since he moved to the state. “I really love this diversity,” he says. Additionally, he appreciates the size of Blake, which is much larger than schools of his native area. He says, “There are many more options for classes to take, and more opportunities to get involved in different activities.” Adds Mr. Damboise, “My favorite part of moving was being so close to DC.” Although he has not visited the city as much as he wishes he could, he enjoys living so close to the capitol city. “Every time I do visit the Capitol, I come away with a greater appreciation for that wonderful city,” he adds. English teacher Beth Radtke moved to Maryland two years ago after living in the state of Washington for most of her life and through college.
Mrs. Radtke liked the central location of Maryland and how it was near activities she liked. “There are a ton of awesome hiking spots around here,” says Mrs. Radtke. She appreciates that Maryland has good places to hike as well as an exciting city life. Like Mr. Dambiose, Mrs. Radtke loves that Silver Spring is near the capitol. “There’s a ton to do here,” she adds. Another teacher that has migrated to Maryland is French teacher Claire Schwartz-Menyek, who moved from Los Angeles, California over 30 years ago for a job opportunity. She explains the differences between Maryland now and Maryland upon arriving with her husband. “California is playland,” says Mme. SchwartzMenyek. “What I liked about Maryland [is] you don’t have to go far to be in the country,” she adds. English teacher Jim Gifford has his own reasons for moving to Maryland, which include marriage and his desire to be closer to his wife and her family. Mr. Gifford offers a different perspective on Maryland as an outsider to the state. He says, “Wherever you grow up is boring. If you grew up in Paris, you would think it was boring.” Mr. Gifford adds, “If you grew up on a farm in the Oregon farm country you would say ‘oh that’s boring.’ But if you’ve never been there before it’s actually pretty interesting.”
The Blake Beat
C7
December 18, 2013
Little-known clubs recognized Organizations abound for eager, active students x by Yodit Denu
Junior Ayanna Brown at Miss Maryland Teen USA Pageant in November. --Photos provided by Ayanna Brown
Junior participates in beauty pageant
Brown tests water in Miss Maryland Teen USA x by Elana Harris Junior Ayanna Brown put on her best smile while participating in the Miss Maryland Teen USA Pageant earlier this November. “It was nice to meet people from all over Maryland, learn different things, and see different people,” says Brown. The Miss Maryland Teen USA Pageant is an annual contest aimed at helping girls gain self-awareness, self-confidence, individual pride, and greater social awareness. This year around 1000 girls applied for the pageant, but only 93 were chosen. Brown had never entered in a pageant before and was excited to do so. “I felt like it really fit me and my personality,” she says. “I thought, why not give it a shot.” The pageant consisted of a private interview, a
swimsuit walk, an evening gown walk, and an opening number. After the evening gown show, 16 girls are chosen to compete as finalists. Although she did not win the pageant, Brown did receive recognition for having the best evening gown out of 93 girls. Next year she hopes to surpass herself. “I want to give it another shot next year and see if I can do better,” adds Brown. To prepare for the pageant, Brown had a coach teach her how to walk, speak, and sit. She also prepared by working out and eating balanced meals to help stay in shape as the pageant approached. Brown also gained sponsors for the pageant which helped pay for the many expenses of the pageant including dresses, hair, and nails. The pageant was filled with exciting events, but for many girls, the
results of the pageant were unpleasing. “It was just upsetting because there was a lot of crying on stage when girls didn’t hear their name being called,” Brown adds. Brown became inspired to participate in the pageant after looking up dresses on the internet and coming across information about the local pageant. She then did research to find more information about it. “I talked with my parents about it, and after a week or two we decided maybe I could go through with this,” says Brown. To enter, she registered online and sent in her headshot. Contrary to the pageant stereotype, many contestants were kind and welcoming. “The girl who won was very sweet and genuine,” adds Brown. This year the winner of the teen contest was Mariela Pepin of Severn, Maryland.
Various clubs and opportunities are available at Blake; some are more recognized than others, and with some clubs, people do not know their specifics. One of the clubs offered at Blake is the Renaissance Club. Sponsored by math teacher Darlene Brown, this club is led by senior co-presidents Victor Phimphachanh and Michelle Yeung. Phimphachanh says, “Renaissance Club is about rewarding those who have worked hard to achieve honor roll.” Renaissance club offers many incentives to students who show that they have tried in school and to those students that have been pushing themselves throughout the quarter. Renaissance club meets every Tuesday in F304, and welcome any prospective club members. Adds Phimphachanh, “We give pens, bags, lanyards, and we also hold a rally for the honor roll students after first semester.” The Black Student Union, previously The Black Coffee Society, is a club at Blake that is about black pride and having the African American youth of Blake find their voice. The co-presidents are senior Emily Kong and junior Kate Campbell. Says Kong, “We want the students to voice their opinions and be open to all perspectives as we use our voice as a medium of expression.” This club was created last year due to what students felt was a prejudice of race and a stereotype of African Americans, and how they should act, and who they should be, and what they are expected to be. Says Kong, “A huge message of the Black Student Union is racial tolerance. Even though I am not black, and I am the co-president with Kate Campbell.” She adds, “Just because I’m born of one race does not mean I need to be ignorant towards another.” The Black Student Union is sponsored by social studies Rachel Givens, and they meet every other Friday in her room. This club does not discriminate; people of all races are able to be a part of the Black Student Union. Kong says, “We look for passionate, dedicated individuals who want to find their voice within their school for the minorities of Blake.” The Cupcake Club is also among the many clubs that are offered at Blake. This club has existed for three years now, and the sponsor is social studies teacher Donna Phillips. Students come together once a week, and enjoy baked goods made by their peers. Says Dr. Phillips, “Some very motivated students wanted a fun way to spend lunch once a week and to enjoy cupcakes and other treats.” Dr. Phillips adds, “Students sign up to bring something in once every two months and in return they get to enjoy what others bring in as well.” The club meets every Tuesday at lunch in E270.
C8 The Blake Beat is cursed... -----------------------------She can’t stop, and she won’t stop -----------------------------John Cat?? More like...NERD CAT -----------------------------EW EGGNOG IS NASTY *drinks five whole gallons anyway* -----------------------------Uggs + yoga pants = basic white girl -----------------------------CAN I GET A HECK YEAH FOR ACCENTS. -----------------------------can’t you see it’s she who own the night? -----------------------------Josh Jones is a bad bruh that knows how to dress. -----------------------------Bronwyn’s column needs to happen next issue. -----------------------------Crusty, Creature, and Ash. I watch u maekin poopoo from NC. -Dailan -----------------------------So I’m broke on Christmas -----------------------------Logan Dechter ran Blake Compliments. #lol #swag #yolo #funny #thoughtitwah -----------------------That and this, these and those, No one knows -QOTSA -----------------------------Darien would be a mean father. -----------------------------^^^^^^^^ agreed -----------------------------Zach Kushner: on his way to dethrone the Homecoming Queen. -----------------------------Teachers need to answer emails...Wiggins. -----------------------------Nack Stuface placs crimbus sngs fr fmly -----------------------------HAPPY HOLIDAYS AMURICA! -----------------------------“Proficiency in a world language opens doors for global opportunities.” -Dr. Kenel Stevenson, World Languages Teacher -----------------------------AH-MAHN-DAH -----------------------------Say something, I’m giving up on you -----------------------------Navine is my favorite Disney prince -----------------------------WAYNE -----------------------------5G26798803 -----------------------------You lick your palms. It’s a little childish & stupid, but then again, so is high school. -----------------------------#indiesong lyrics lyyyyke -----------------------------HOLY CRUST ROCKS SO HARD OK AND NEAR & DEER OK -----------------------------It’s ya boii Jimmy Jumb here with a new mixtape -----------------------------Bronwyn leaves for Africa December 20th. MAKE HER COOKIES THX BYE -----------------------------Boondocks Season 4 in January! -----------------------------This is not Blake Confessions. -----------------------------Girl, I’ve been secant you forever. What’s your sine? -----------------------------Mr. Yates for president 2016! -----------------------------Is there an app for that? -----------------------------Be part of Ambassadors secret snowflake see Mrs. Yargici -----------------------------If we lived in a world of games, Dan Rushton would be my Yoshi. -----------------------------Ya’ll better like the news spread! -----------------------------May the odds be ever in your favor -----------------------------When life gives you lemons, squirt lemons in life’s eyes -----------------------------Can everyone not? ------------------------------
December 18, 2013
UnClassifieds See any BEAT staffer to buy your Unclassified in our next issue. 70¢ for the first ten words, 5¢ for each additional word I saw Santa last year -----------------------------Santa Claus has the right idea: visit people once a year. -----------------------------Christmas is a commercial nightmare -----------------------------Luis, who even are you? JORDAN HOLBROOK GET YOUR MANS. -----------------------------BECAUSE I LOVE YOU. -----------------------------I love you, b. -----------------------------What would Eve have done for Klondike Bar? -----------------------------Sweg. Sweg. Sweg. Sweg. Sweg. -----------------------------HELP SO MANY BLOW-UP SANTAS, AAAHHH -----------------------------Mrs. DiMonte, can I have an A in your class? -----------------------------Mr. Loftus, can I also have an A in your class? -----------------------------Zachorie Broeshner is an awesome people. -----------------------------Late on the Breaking Bad train but...choo choo! -----------------------------Ho ho NO. -----------------------------Coming down the chimney...not the way George would have done it... -----------------------------Come out and support Blake Wrestling! -----------------------------I want to eat a loaf of Panera bread -----------------------------One day more to revolution -----------------------------Pringles = LIFE! -----------------------------That’s why they call me Slim Shady. -----------------------------In the moment I was feelin it -----------------------------John Kos’s massages do! -----------------------------Do you want one? He’s really good... -----------------------------DYLAN MILLER. -----------------------------DYLAN MILLER. -----------------------------DYLAN. MILLER. -----------------------------I’m pretty sure I’m getting Christmas this year. -----------------------------@ihateyou -----------------------------#whatwouldkeegando -----------------------------Happy Kwanzaa to all my brothahs and sistahs. -----------------------------Shey Shawn Bewagie is coming in your room -----------------------------Ichabod Crane says watch Sleepy Hallow -----------------------------Your brother doesn’t read the newspaper. -----------------------------*cheesy kids’ voices in unison* haaappy birthdaaay jeesssuuuusss -----------------------------^^nah for real doe, jesus is full of love and peace <3 <3 <3 -----------------------------Fiona must be in the newspaper at all times ------------------------------
WAYNE!!! -Adam, Ty, Fab, John, Nick, Dylan, Jeremy -----------------------------Yas Queen Bee! -----------------------------HB + SW SMCM class of 2018 ----------------------------------------------------------^^^ WRITTEN WITH INVISIBLE INK OOOOO -----------------------------You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have. Army Strong. -----------------------------Bow down to Princess -----------------------------“Go where you’re celebrated, not where you’re tolerated.” -----------------------------Junior class has no president -----------------------------Queen B, Leah G. -----------------------------Real or fake Christmas trees? -----------------------------3rd period Stat...Good times :) -----------------------------Hyperbole is literally the worst thing ever. -----------------------------Prom is gonna rock, ok, get ready seniors -----------------------------One who admires you greatly is hidden before your eyes. -----------------------------^^ But I’m blind. -----------------------------Your handwriting is perfect for napkins. -----------------------------I should write poetry. -----------------------------BUY AN UNCLASSIFIED THEY ARE LITERALLY 70 CENTS. -----------------------------Is there a problem Kate? -----------------------------I EAT POPTARTS WITHOUT THE FROSTING. LOVE ME ANYWAYS. -----------------------------I’ve had it up to here with your behavior -----------------------------^^^^YESSSSSS. -----------------------------Burger King emailed me this afternoon... they want the Mickey D -----------------------------HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS! -----------------------------I can’t handle bumpers. They just freak me out. -----------------------------*insert unclassified here* -----------------------------I miss the Wiggles. -----------------------------THERE’S PICTURES IN THE DMs. I CRIED TEARS OF JOY. -----------------------------Bronwyn’s gone forever. -----------------------------^^^ I’m not DYING, relax. -----------------------------Shout-out to the Burger King Delivery Guy! -----------------------------Time to buy some sneaky snacks. -----------------------------Joe D’Costa wears makeup better than I do. -----------------------------Sweatpants are not acceptable. -----------------------------I’m a piranha. FISHY WAKE UP. -----------------------------I feel like I don’t even know you anymore. ------------------------------
The Blake Beat Torie Broer is a goddess. -----------------------------We were gonna murder Louis. -----------------------------Toys are so gender-specific these days, like, back in my day, we just played with the dirt in our socks and dead rats on the road. -----------------------------TALL EMILY. -----------------------------Do you like my weave? -----------------------------Ms. Branson’s 7th period AP Lit is so profound. -----------------------------How do the kids from Arthur have a job, and I don’t? -----------------------------Talia’s so cute. -----------------------------THRIFT SHOPS ARE NEVER OUT. -----------------------------I don’t drink water, I drink coffee. I DON’T care. -----------------------------I’m gon be aiight. -----------------------------I’m a li’l ready for college -----------------------------Drink more water and wash your face three times a day. -----------------------------Cristela will never be good #nerd -----------------------------A girl who shows a lot has little to offer. -----------------------------^^^ OR A BOY. SEXIST. -----------------------------AARON TVEIT <3 -----------------------------Got that wintertime saddness. -----------------------------Haiku is the sound I expect Asian girls to make when they sneeze. -----------------------------Darien Waters is a Greek God -----------------------------GET YOUR MANS. -----------------------------Who the **** has a blu-ray player? -----------------------------Never. Anger. A. Potterhead. -----------------------------Zachy K & J $ Hyman are da bomb -----------------------------Nati twerks -----------------------------NAPE -----------------------------Losing weight is the least of your worries. Life is full of such joy and goodness and happiness and you are beautiful ok. -----------------------------Come see Chicago January 8th and 10th at 7pm in the Blackbox! -----------------------------Where’s Waldo? -----------------------------On Zach’s phonecase. -----------------------------Have some confidence -----------------------------I have an ARMOIRE. -----------------------------OMG YOUR LIFE IS SO HARD. -----------------------------No one needs to be taller or shorter. -----------------------------Raul Escobar-Player of the Year. #CantHearThemHaters. -----------------------------I think Talia was an animal in her past life. -----------------------------*insert inside joke here* -----------------------------I think we can all agree that Gucci wasn’t going like that. -----------------------------I love Chris Wiggins. -----------------------------I don’t have friends. -----------------------------Zachy K loves da BK -----------------------------ATONEMENT GIVES ME SO MANY FEELS AHHHH -----------------------------Whennnnn is Graceland coming back?! ------------------------------
Girls varsity lacrosse team welcomes new, young coach to extensive program. p. D2
Section D
James Hubert Blake High School
December 18, 2013
Varsity girls’ basketball squad pushes for stellar season Players hope for comeback winter with a slew of young faces
x by Jordan McLean & Jenna Ramirez
Senior Brigit Ngaleu does a layup at practice in preparation for the 2013-2014 season. --Photo by Dennis Chan
After a disappointing season last winter of five wins and 18 losses, the varsity girls’ basketball team is hunting for redemption and success with a relatively young and excited team. The Lady Bengals are led by math teacher Patricia Gilmore, who has coached the team for eight years, and by senior captains Asha Henley and Brigit Ngaleu, and junior captain Citiana Negatu. The team is well equipped with nine experienced upperclassmen, and four promising sophomores. Says Ms. Gilmore, “We are aiming for improvement in our overall record.” Last winter, the team suffered a rough losing season. The Lady Bengals faced difficult losses to powerhouses such as Whitman and Walter Johnson. The team also lost some key returning players to injury. Says junior Keri Walker, “After last season, basketball has been very motivated and we’ve been working really hard.” However, the Lady Bengals also graduated five valuable seniors. The team is looking forward to rebuilding this season and improving their record, in part thanks to the addition of four sophomores, extended leadership and harder training. Sophomore Monica Hallmark says, “There is a lot more leadership this year so there’s more conditioning.” The team started off their season with scrimmages against Seneca Valley and Holy Child, a local private school. The girls played a competitive game against the Seneca Valley Eagles, and lost in a tough game to Holy Child. Says junior Bailey Boyd, “We want to be successful this season. We’re ready to win and show the other schools we can play.” Following close losses to rival Paint Branch, and a split between games with rival Sherwood, many of the Lady Bengals are looking forward to redemption. Says Hallmark, “We’re definitely looking forward to playing Sherwood and Paint Branch because they’re our archrivals. Walter Johnson is also really good, they’re going to be tough.” Aside from consistent practice, the team has hired a new assistant coach, Kelly Dennet, to help their comeback season. Says Walker, “We have an assistant coach this year and she’s really helpful.” Dennet has extensive experience, including years of high school basketball at Paint Branch and college level basketball at Yale. The key to this season’s success is going to be teamwork and determination. Under new captains and an extended coaching staff, the lady bengals hope for a winning season. Says Ms. Gilmore, “I think this group as a whole is very committed. They play well together, work hard and support each other.”
Wrestling team tumbles into competition season with slimmed roster Lack of willing athletes puts strain on numbers, causes group to step up x by Marie Anne Louis-Charles As winter begins, the wrestling team enters the season with fewer members than desired but still feels confident about their performance in upcoming meets. Many of the members of the team observe the dedication and hard work their teammates have committed to the sport. Junior Vincent Abell observes the effort his teammates have put into drills and training. “The team is trying hard. Mostly everyone is pushing themselves as hard as they can at every practice,” says Abell. Though the team is very hard working, they still face many obstacles. Captain and senior Jason Fleischer acknowledges that though the team is making improvements, a small team could be detrimental to the team’s success. “Our biggest challenge is not having people to fill each weight class. So unfortunately, if we don’t have someone in the
class we forfeit that class,” Says Fleischer. In spite of the small team Fleischer knows that his squad still has the potential to do well at meets under the leadership of coach and social studies teacher Dustin Jeter and alum Rasheim Smith. Fleischer
made up of an equal amount of experienced wrestlers and newbies. For Abell this balanced mix creates a great learning environment for everyone on the team. Abell says, “The new guys learn faster because they practice with more experi-
It will also make the team push harder. As long as we keep getting stronger, I will be proud. Jason Fleischer says, “The team is ready for the long and tough season because that is how we practice.” Although the team has few members on the roster, the grapplers are still determined to improve. The group is
enced wrestlers.” Along with the beginners to the sport the experienced wrestlers also take home new moves. “The new guys bring a slightly diverse or unique style of wrestling, helping the more experienced
wrestlers by having different people and styles to practice with,” adds Abell. While having an equal mix between new and returning wrestlers can help the team, it also has a few setbacks. “The team is building its way back up. Almost half the team are first-year wrestlers. Inexperience will affect the team,” says Fleischer. Although the lack of experienced wrestlers can be an obstacle, Fleischer sees it as a challenge his teammates are definitely willing to take on. “It will also make the team push harder. As long as we keep getting stronger, I will be proud,” he says. While the members of team have learned a lot from one another, Abell sees the team significantly improving as the members enter the regular season. “The team is more or less prepped for the season. Still we are going to learn more as it progresses,” says Abell. The team faces Kennedy tomorrow night at Blake at 7pm.
D2
The Blake Beat
December 18, 2013
Injured football player enters therapy after spinal bruising Farrell recovers with full support, commitment from Blake community
xby Alyssia Graves & Courtney Hutchinson Before junior Paul Farrell was discharged from the hospital he received plenty of recognition from multiple football teams as well as individual players that gave him motivation as he continues to deal with his spinal injury. Farrell says that during his stay in the hospital he got a phone call from Jermicheal Finley’s agent. Finley plays tight end for the Green Bay Packers, an NFL football team. Farrell and Finley both suffered an injury in the upper area of the spine. Farrell describes the phone call as wonderful and amazing and the fine words spoken to him have been helpful. “Finley and his agent told me to keep my head up and stay strong,” says Farrell. “They also said to not get down on myself and to keep being positive.”
Besides the one phone call Farrell received he collected gifts, letters, and signed footballs from NFL teams that include the Jacksonville Jaguars, Green Bay Packers, Oakland Raiders, and many others. Farrell says, “I just wanted to thank Wyatt my teammate and his family because they made it possible for me with all the NFL recognition I was getting.” Farrell pays tribute to God for the blessings that he has acquired through this challenge in his life. “I was amazed by the call and kind words,” Farrell says. “...Knowing God has truly blessed me to be able to pick up the phone and answer [Finley’s] call knowing two weeks ago I couldn’t move my body.” Says Farrell, “I had supporters and I am very thankful to all the teams that reached out to me, they uplifted me.” He believes that the support is helpful and thoughtful. “Mr. Finley and his agent taking the
time out to call me was very generous and it helped me to fight this battle that I’m still facing,” Farrell adds. Although Farrell is working towards improvement in his motor skills, he is still greatly affected by his injury. “Since I bruised my spine my nerves were affected,” says Farrell. He has lost feeling because of it. “I don’t have feeling in many areas of my body and can’t grasp much,” he adds. In addition to all the love Farrell is receiving to improve his mental health, his physical health is in progress. “My injury is getting better. My fine motor skills need to improve [even more] but [they are surely] improving,” says Farrell. “My lower body is stronger than my upper body. I can walk far....my condition has improved greatly.” Farrell plans on returning to school in January. He looks forward to seeing his peers and teachers.
Girls lacrosse program fills varsity position with experienced coach Hiring brings new talent to field after retirement of beloved coach
x by Emily George After years of knowing Janis Maloney as the varsity girl’s lacrosse coach, a new head coach is finally stepping up to the big shoes she must fill. Kimberly Leuthold, a Howard county native and collegiate experienced coach is entering the ring as of spring 2014. Ms. Leuthold is entering her third season as a women’s and girls’ lacrosse coach. She began coaching at Howard Community College as an assistant coach, working specifically with conditioning and strength training. Working out of season as the coach for the Rebels Club lacrosse program, this Coach finds herself on the field more often than the usual. After coaching in High School
and collegiate levels in Columbia, Leuthold found herself playing lacrosse and running cross-country at Tennessee Wesleyan. Currently working at a Columbia Physical Therapy office, and returning back to school to become a nurse, Ms.
and is planning the next in February. Due to last year’s impeccable lacrosse record, Ms. Leuthold plans on building the team onto further accomplishments. “I am determined to fill this gap with players that are determined to
I hold all of my players and teams to a high standard and expect the girls to hold themselves to that same standard. Kimberly Leuthold
Leuthold still finds time to improve herself further. “Outside of work, school, and lacrosse, one of my passions is running in marathons,” says Ms. Leuthold. She has completed her 7th marathon last October
finish the season as champions,” says Ms. Leuthold. With hopes to produce a competitive but fun-loving team, Ms. Leuthold says “determination and willingness to work hard and learn everyday
by all [her] players is expected.” “Replacing a new coach can be difficult for anybody,” says Ms. Leuthold. Though most of the current girls have past experience with Coach Maloney, Ms. Leuthold knows the team has the heart to get the same things done. “Come March, our team will hit the ground running,” says Ms. Leuthold. What is expected from prospective players? “Commitment and consistency,” says Ms. Leuthold. By introducing and reviewing many team concepts for defense, offense, and midfield, all players will be expected to know all of the team plays, regardless of her on-field position. “I hold all of my players and teams to a high standard and expect the girls to hold themselves to that same standard,” says Ms. Leuthold.
The Blake Beat
D3
December 18, 2013
Indoor track, Varsity boys’ basketball shares future goals Players look to prove naysayers wrong with success field looks forward to season ahead by Bronwyn Evans x& Ariel Gomez
x by Elana Harris Indoor track and field feels they have taken great strides as the new season begins and the new coach pushes the team to do their best. New head coach Brandon Tynes has increased the vigorousness of the practices this year. “Practice has been very intense thus far and I make no apologies for that,” says Mr. Tynes. He hopes to create a strong and solid team by helping them reach their full potential. “My goal is to bring out the absolute best out of every dedicated student athlete to help them to achieve their personal goals,” he adds. The first few practices consisted of tough workouts which pushed the athletes to their limits, causing a few to drop. “If you don’t want to run track, you’re not going to run track,” says junior Joseph Oxley. Adds Oxley, “You have to be willing to do the hard work.” Dedication and resilience are two characteristics that many of the track athletes share. The team is smaller compared to last year with many of last year’s key seniors gone, like 2013 graduates Gaston Assoua and Darius Oxley. Says Mr. Tynes, “This will be a rebuilding year for the guys’ side, but there is still a lot of talent.” Some returning male members include senior Miles Douglas, junior Arnold Chonai, and Oxley. While many of the boys have left, a majority of the team is still together on the girls’ side. “I think they’re going to do really well. It’s all the same girls from last year,” says Douglas. Some of the returning female athletes include junior Martha Sam, sophomore Abby Hines, and junior Sarah Moore. Mr. Tynes has helped enhance the runner’s abilities by focusing on technical skills like knee lift and widening stride length. Another important skill that the team is focusing on is the baton handoffs which are key in relay races. Many of the athletes on the indoor track and field team have personal goals they want to achieve by the end of the season. “I’m hoping I make it to nationals this year and states for indoor,” says Sam. With new and old members combined, the team has begun to build strong relationships with each other. “The team has a good chemistry. We don’t have any fights and we all get along,” adds Oxley. The distance team is coached by Abner Wyatt who also helped coach the outdoor track season. Many of the runners of this team previously ran cross country in the fall including senior Gregory Bell and sophomore John Stout. Mr. Tynes has great expectations for the team. “The student athletes that I have at this point are putting in a lot of work,” he says. “We are all looking forward to a great season together!”
The varsity boys’ basketball team is shooting its way to victory, having already won its first two games and looking to play a historic season. Fourteen players walked out onto the court Monday, pumped and ready to face the Clarksburg Coyotes for their third game. The past three games resulted in victory for the Bengals. “We have many things to work on,” says Marcus Wiggins math teacher and head coach. “[But we still] get better every day.” The team continues to look positively toward the future, excited to play hard and try to win games. “The most important thing, to me, in practices is getting better,” says senior Demonte Ojinnaka, a shooting guard for the team. “In the game, [what’s important] is going out there and playing hard.” Ad-
ditionally, Ojinnaka believes that his team has the ability to go out there and win. “I want to have a winning record [and] a successful season,” he says. “Possibly to [even] go to States.” Sophomore Jack Tempchin agrees with his teammate. “Getting used to the speed of the game is important,” he says. “And trying to get everybody to improve.” When it comes to team improvement, players agree the coaches are a huge asset. “They teach us a lot,” adds Tempchin. “We’re learning a lot from them, we’re moving forward as the season goes on.” These goals are getting accomplished each game night, as the boys strive to do their best and support each other. “We know that as long as we continue to work hard,” says senior Matt Russell, “and give it our best, 110% every game we will be victors.” Ojinnaka adds, “As a team, throughout the season, I just want everybody to
be successful, go far in the playoffs, prove everybody wrong, because we’re projected to be pretty much the worst team in Montgomery County.” Although playing and improving is a big part of the game dynamic, winning is also important to the team. “Winning is very important because, when you win, you get more people in the stands to come watch you play,” says Ojinnaka. “No one wants to be a loser, so winning is very important.” Blake’s team is not known for its stature. However, the players don’t let this stop them from setting their goals high. “I know we have a relatively small team, but I’d take heart over height any day,” adds Russell. The Blake Bengals return to the court Friday against the Poolesville Falcons at 7pm in the James Hubert Blake High School gymnasium.
Longtime baseball coach brings adult team to big win
Baltimore Orioles Legends win adult World Series Title
Oriole Legends pose after winning Adult World Series Championships. --Photo provided by baseball coach Steve Murfin “In 1997 I formed a team of a couple of former Baltimore OriVarsity boys’ baseball oles players and several players coach Steve Murfin led the Bal- on the Olney Orioles who were timore Orioles Legends, a team high-level baseball players to play composed of men over the age in the Roy Hobbs World Series.” of 50, to a first place title during The tournament features the World Championship of Adult teams organized into categories Baseball. based Mr. Murfin not only coaches on age. the varsity team at Blake, but T h e owns and coaches the Olney B a l t i Orioles, a team from the Men’s m o r e Senior Baseball League, and plays Orioles for the Ponce de Leon League. L e g Says Mr. Murfin, “I have been in e n d s baseball in one capacity or another played as a player, coach or administra- i n t h e tor for 52 years. I played Little 55 and League, recreation and scholastic o v e r baseball growing up.” category. “It’s real baseball. While T h e we are older and the game is slowWorld Championship of Adult er, it is real competitive. Every Baseball, also known as the Roy team usually has at least one, and Hobbs World Series, consists of some have as many as the maxiteams from all 50 states and for- mum three former Major League eign countries. Says Mr. Murfin, players,” adds Mr. Murfin.
x by Jenna Ramirez
Major leaguers include former player and former manager of the Cincinnati Reds Dusty Baker and Pedro Gonzales. Former Orioles who have played for the team in the past include 20 game winner Ross Grimsley and Pat Kelly, along with others. Says Mr. Murfin, “Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Roberto Clemente, Frank Robinson and Willie Mays Steve Murfin played on the same field we won the Championship on. The championship game was played between the Oriole Legends and the Colorado Rockies Legends. Prior to the game, the Oriole Legends had gone 1-4 in
While we are older and the game is slower, it is real competitive.
tournament play. “We were very competitive and the games were close. I kept the team focused on the good things we did and continued to repeat them throughout the games,” says Mr. Murfin. The Oriole Legends played well and ultimately pushed into extra innings. In the bottom of the 11th inning, at a 3-3 tie, Mr. Murfin made a gutsy call. “My batter wasn’t having a good day. I needed him to make contact. My gut said he would catch them off guard with a bunt with two strikes. So I whistled down to him… and gave him the suicide sign,” adds Mr. Murfin. Catching the Rockies Legends off guard is just what Mr. Murfin and the Oriole Legends did. Says Mr. Murfin, “I gave [the batter] the confidence he could do it. And he did, laying down a perfect bunt that nobody touched as the winning run crossed the plate.”
D4
December 18, 2013
The Blake Beat
Freshman Chris Wiggins competes in Kennedy scrimmage December 7 in preparation for upcoming regular season swim meets. --Photo by Sami Wright
Swim, dive teams have high expectations after last year’s success Swimmers look for follow up to 2013 division win, undefeated title x by Logan Dreher After a strong season last year, Blake’s varsity swim and dive teams are aiming high in their current season, despite complications with their practice sites. The team’s usual practice pool, Fairland Aquatic Center, is currently undergoing renovations, leaving the team without a stable place to meet. “Swimmers have to be flexible with their schedules as the practice times and locations vary,” says senior Lillian Hallmark. “We haven’t gotten to practice as hard and as much as we would like,” she adds. However, Hallmark still has high hopes for the girls’ swim season. “We have a lot of experienced swimmers on the team,” she says, “And I think we will be very competitive this year.” Head coach Ryan Burnsky has similar thoughts for the girls’ team. “Expec-
tations will be high for our ladies,” says coach Burnsky. He points towards junior Joan Wood as the team’s leading diver. He adds, “She will have a great chance to take the Division title in diving.” The boys’ team, which won the division championship last year, similarly has high goals for their success this year.
the addition of some superb freshman, our boys should be very competitive,” coach Burnsky adds. “I think we have a lot of potential,” says junior Frankie Hedgepeth. He admits changed practice times, which are at 5am on Wednesdays, have decreased his excitement for the sport. “This change
Swimmers have to be flexible with their schedules as the practice times and locations vary. Lillian Hallmark
“There is no reason we shouldn’t do that again this year,” says coach Burnsky. He has faith in both the veteran swimmers and the new additions to the team. “With
has reduced my willingness to attend [practice],” says Hedgepeth. Despite these changes, Hedgepeth has high expectations. “I hope to have a
winning record,” he says. Since the team has lost many talented swimmers, he admits that this goal may be challenging. “The underclassmen swimmers are very strong,” he adds. “And I think that with their talents and upperclassmen leadership we will be able to hold our own.” Hallmark, on the other hand, has enjoyed the swim team’s practice so far. She applauds assistant coach Julie Thaxton. “She’s very encouraging and wants to see us all improve,” Hallmark says. The senior also enjoys the relatively short practices, which are only an hour long. Coach Burnsky looks to Damascus as Blake’s toughest competition, both for the girls and boys. Says coach Burnsky, “Damascus will be our toughest meet of the year, and could very well decide who wins the Division.” However, he believes the team should come prepared to every competition. “There will be no easy meets,” he adds.
Poms squad steps up game in hopes of performing at inviationals Lady Bengals kick it into gear, hope to defend county, division titles
by Torie Broer x& Darien Waters With invitational and county competitions fast approaching, Poms are pushing hard to prepare with hopes of defending their division one county championship title in the few months to come. The Lady Bengals Poms squad is stepping its game up to get ready for their upcoming invitational competitions January 11 and 18. The team will perform a six minute routine in front of a panel of judges, who will judge them on dance technique, choreography, as well as a cateogory for captains. Out of seven teams, the one with the best combined judges’ scores wins.
Last year, the Poms did remarkably well, becoming undefeated Division I and County Champions. Senior captain Natalie Domaas notes that the only way to defend their title is through determination. “We will try and repeat our success by working hard every day and being a team that works together,” says Domaas. Coming into this season the girls have an optimistic attitude, “We’re coming off of a winning season, so we have a reputation to live up to,” says senior captain Kara Savercool. “I have high hopes for the team this year. I’m honored to be sharing my last year on the team with such an amazing group of girls.” Unlike most other sports, the lack of competitive events makes it so that Poms have little knowledge about their
opponents leading up to a competition. “We never know how good [they are] until we compete against them, so we can never assume [anything],” adds Domaas. Despite the lack of adversarial knowledge, the Lady Bengals have been working diligently to make sure they are ready for whatever comes their way. “We have been increasing the amount of work and time for practices,” says junior captain Lauren Gil. “We have also been trying to build on our team chemistry because that will definitely help come competition-time.” Last January, the Poms squad came in first in their division and went on to win the countywide competition. While the team would like to recreate last year’s noteworthy results, they know that win-
ning is not everything. “I think we’re going to feel accomplished no matter what place we get,” adds Gil. After performing at the womens’ game last year, the lady Bengals’ performance warranted them an invite back. The University of Maryland College Park requested the girls return, asking them to perform at a men’s game. This makes the 2013-14 Poms team the first ever to perform at a mens’ basketball game. This being her third and last year on Blake Poms, Domaas says, “I’ll miss the girls the most.” Domaas also has a message for her fellow Bengals. “We need your support!” Please come support Blake Poms at their competitions and at the University of Maryland men’s basketball game on January 29th.
I think we’re going to feel accomplished no matter what place we get.
Lauren Gil
The Blake Beat
D5
December 18, 2013
Unique, individual rituals motivate student athletes Frightening pre-game jitters eliminated by personal, quirky, superstitions by Zachary Kushner
x & Darien Waters
While physical training plays a huge role in getting ready for a big game, students have several other ways to ensure that they are primed for an outstanding performance. Pre-game rituals may vary from sport to sport, but not for senior Greg Bell, who participates in running sports all year long. From cross country to indoor and outdoor track, Bell relies on Kanye West for some motivation before the race. “Also [I] make sure I get enough sleep the night before and stay hydrated,” Bells says. Senior wrestler Jason Fleischer
resorts to mental techniques to ensure a stellar output. Like Bell, Fleischer listens to music. “I do this to block everything out.,” he says. Fleischer adds, “I also imagine all the moves I am going to do. So in my mind I have already wrestled the other person and won.” Popcorn and homemade lemonade are a recipe for success for boys varsity soccer senior goalkeeper Matt Russell. These mixed with thirty seconds of pushups is the perfect pre-game ritual for Russell. “I do [the pushups] to get my blood pumping and give me a quick energy rush so that I’m alert and ready to play to the best of my abilities.”
Junior Poms captain Lauren Gil has a slightly different approach to preparing for competitions. “I usually sit in the corner alone, just trying to relax my mind,” says Gil. “I need to or I won’t do well.” After collecting herself, Gil also counts on her friends. “I always have to have a pep-talk with my girl Jenna beforehand,” Gil adds. For junior Jamal Nganga, boys varsity basketball power forward, pre-game all starts with a nap and some vitamin water. After listening to music, Nganga has one final thing before he’s ready to ball. “I like to smell good on the court. I don’t know why, but I put deodorant on before I play.” Senior Raul Escobar likes to be
hydrated and comfortable leading up to game time. “I drink a bottle of water and stretch out my socks,” Escobar says. The boys varsity soccer captain also likes to keep a special someone in mind. “Before every game starts I kiss this wristband I have,” adds Escobar. “My girlfriend gave it to me, so it means a lot.” From blasting some Yeezy to pushups and popcorn; from kissing the band to smelling their best, Blake Bengals are doing what it takes to make sure that when that first whistle blows, they are ready to showcase their abilities to the fullest. No matter what season, the Bengals know what is best to get pumped and ready for the game.
Blake’s ice hockey team glides into new season by sticking together
Sandy Spring sophomore Sage Bittinger-Esser skates her way to possesion of the puck during an intense hockey game Friday. --Photo by Dennis Chan
by Brian Dicken x & Shak Magona Skating their way to glory, ice hockey starts the season off strong holding a record of (2-2), while also striving to earn a spot in the state playoffs this year. Teamwork is a big part of any sport, and communicating on the ice is no different. Players agree that if they do not have good communication, they can’t win games. Sophomore defenseman Elie Blanche-Caron believes the team’s chemistry still has a
little work to be done. “We need to just play as a team. Keep working on passing and other [skills],” adds Blanche-Caron. Senior winger Julia Bell thinks that the team has a bit of an edge against some of the less experienced teams. “Most of us have played together for a long time so we are used to each other and we are working well together,” says Bell. The team hopes to keep their heads high as they face off against the many other teams in their schedule throughout the season. Bell believes that sticking together as a team will
help them face off against these obstacles. Bell adds, “Hopefully we will just keep doing what we are doing and not let the other teams intimidate us.” Players feel that celebrating after scoring a goal is a good way to have fun with their teammates while being able have a signature celebration that they are known for. Senior alternate captain Bobby Walker says, “You always think about how you are going to celebrate a goal but once it actually happens, you don’t. You just get excited and forget about everything else.”
Bell hopes to keep the team on their winning path. “I’m excited we were able to win our first few games and I’m hoping we can continue that the rest of the season,” Bell says. “It’s good to know that you helped your team and that you were helped by your team,” she adds. The team often talks about how it feels to be winning and scoring a lot of goals this year. “The best part about scoring is just celebrating with [the team] because it’s just another step closer to victory,” says Wong, who is also Blake’s top point
producer so far this season. There are still a few kinks that must be worked out but that has not changed the team’s goal. “We still have to work on getting [less penalties] but overall our teamwork is looking great.” Walker says. “Make playoffs, that’s definitely our biggest goal” he adds. Overall, the team is feeling confident that they can succeed in their upcoming games this season. “I look forward to playing against other teams, because I know some of the players from other teams,” says Wong.
D6
The Blake Beat
December 18, 2013
Controversy erupts after quarterback change in capitol x by Zach Kushner With the snow came the complete obliteration of the Washington Redskins as they were used to wipe the ground underneath the Kansas City Chiefs’ feet. In classic Redskins fashion, there is controversy over the head coaching job as the team will enter this week’s game at 3-11. Head coach Mike Shanahan has decided to end Robert Griffin III’s season early while owner Dan Snyder must contemplate whether or not to fire coach Shanahan… which would be a bad choice. Best scenario, Snyder quits, too bad that won’t happen. Even ESPN called the Redskins “utterly dysfunctional.” With no more playoff hopes, and no first round draft pick this year, which could have possibly been the number one pick, the Skins
have absolutely nothing to look forward to this year except watching their backup quarterback Kirk Cousins shine. Out of the three active DC teams, at least two as of now are looking at possible playoff berths in the future. Though it is still very early in the season, the Washington Wizards are showing a lot of promise as a future playoff contender. At just under .500 winning percentage and with John Wall playing exceptional basketball, the team could very well see
their first playoff appearance in years, only time will tell. Now for the most impressive DC team thus far, the Washington Capitals. They are second place in the Metropolitan division trailing only their rival the Pittsburgh Penguins. Captain Alex Ovechkin leads the NHL in scoring with 26 goals and is sixth in the NHL in points with 35. The current threegame winning streak is a bright spot after a little slide including the most recent loss
to the Carolina Hurricanes in a brutal 4-1 smashing. Against the Tampa Bay Lightning December 10, Ovechkin scored four goals in an amazing come from behind victory after trailing 3-0 early in the game. Center Nicklas Backstrom registered a five point game by getting four assists and one goal, boosting him to fifth place in the NHL in assists with 25 on the year. While all hope is lost for the Skins, the Wizards and Caps still have my attention and will for the rest of their seasons. Snyder really needs to take a lesson from Caps and Wizards owner Ted Leonsis who has both of his teams in playoff contention if the seasons were to end today… and fans like him. Besides that, Leonsis’ teams haven’t been on ESPN for being the biggest embarrassment in sports, unlike Snyder’s failed attempt at a football team.
JV boys’ basketball starts season strong with undefeated record
Young team looks to mirror last season’s successful run, defeat rivals xby Courtney Hutchinson Junior Varsity boys’ basketball players and coach are excited to see what this upcoming season will bring. The boys already beat Wheaton Knights 47-31, Quince Orchard Cougars 47-40, and defeated Einstein Titans 57-47, making their record 3-0 as of Friday December 13. Head Coach, Bart Popeck says that although the boys are a young team, they can still be great. “When they come to me they’re [inexperienced]. They’re right out of middle school,” says Mr. Popeck. “They don’t have a
lot of polished skills. Some of them have never played for a structured offense or a structured coach before.” Mr. Popeck adds, “They are very raw. They’re very young but every kid has potential.” Popeck is able to see through the youth of the boys and realize through practice their skills can be improved. Mr. Popeck’s goals for the season include the ability to run different offenses and defenses. “I would like to see us come together as a team, play team defense [and] share the ball,” he says. “I would like everyone to run everything we throw at them.”
Mr. Popeck says, “I let them know what I expect. I think I’m tough on them but I’m fair.” He adds, “I tell them what I expect and when they don’t do it I want to know why. I correct them, and we move on.” Expectations for the team are made loud and clear whether they are coming from the coach or the players. “The guys get on each other, they help each other and when I see that I step back,” says Mr. Popeck. “Sometimes it’s better coming from a teammate than coming from me all the time. That builds team chemistry and team camaraderie.” Freshman Shane Ramsey
says the high expectations and hard work in practice will pay off in the games. “We’re looking pretty good right now in practice,” he says. “If we work hard in practice then the game will be easy because we work so hard.” Sophomore captain Charles Snowden III says just like any other season, he hopes to improve and have success. “I hope to have a successful season but more importantly get better,” Snowden says, “One of the main purposes of JV is to prepare us for varsity.” Snowden says working hard on a team means sacrificing some things and playing your role in each game. “[It means]
pushing your body mentally and physically for the benefit of the team,” he says. Mr. Popeck agrees. “A big part of the purpose of JV is to develop,” he adds. “In the couple of weeks we’ve been together I’ve already seen them get stronger, more confident, and gradually get better. Hopefully over the year they’ll get a lot better.” The team went 14-1 last year losing only to their rival, the Springbrook Blue Devils in their second match against the team. The boys beat rivals Paint Branch Panthers and Sherwood Warriors in both meetings by a ten point margin.
The Blake Beat
D7
December 18, 2013
Fashion students create new varsity wrestling uniforms
Winning designers focus on Bengal colors, athletic appeal in sketches by Kate Campbell x & Ariel Gomez Wrestling fans at Blake this season will get a chance to look at the team’s new uniforms, designed by three fashion production students last year. Students in Fashion Production were put into groups and were given the task of designing a replacement uniform for the upcoming wrestling season. The team with the winning design was composed by three designers - senior Thalia Jimenez and juniors Rachel Williams and Elizabeth Gross. “You can feel the intensity in trying to make
your design the best while competing against a whole class of other talented people,” says Jimenez. The designers had to not only design a stylish uniform, they also had to prepare to present it in front of a panel that included fashion production teacher Katja Jimenez, wrestling coach Dustin Jeter, and former captains Danny Gonzalez, Brandon Dean, and Stephen Meredith. “After presenting it in front of the panel, our teacher told us that our uniform was a hit,” says Gross. “All we had to do was switch a few colors
around and our design would be chosen.” The whole process was quick and the designers had to learn to work on a deadline, but working as a unit came easily to the designers. “Collaborating with other people was great,” says Williams. “They give you feedback and they’ll give you honest advice.” When designing the uniform, many things had to be taken into consideration. The designers wanted a good balance of their personal style, but they also wanted a design that would work on the mat. “We didn’t want to make [the uniform]
girly. We wanted something that guys would wear,” says Williams. “At the same time it had to be creative and stylish.” They also implemented design techniques to make the uniform more fashionable. “The sides have straight lines to make the suit more slimming,” adds William. Originality was also something to be taken into consideration. “We really tried to make sure that ours would stand out,” says Jimenez. “It was a little complicated to find ways to compliment the wrestlers bodies according to the way we incorporated our school colors
into our design,” adds Jimenez. After finishing the product, the designers were confident that they had met this criteria. “We were inspired by a transformer,” says Gross. “We also made sure the lines and structure of the uniform showed off the muscles of [the] wrestlers.” Each of the designers were given a taste of what it feels like to be legitimate designers, a first experience that they passionately embraced. “The best part of the project is seeing how talented we are as designers when it comes to putting something together in a limited amount of time,” says Jimenez.
You can feel the intensity in trying to make your design the best...
Rachel Williams
D8
December 18, 2013
The Blake Beat
First Quarter Minds in Motion Award winners Recieved for earning at least a 3.25 GPA while participating in a school sport Gregory Bell (Boys Cross Country)) Arnold Chonai (Boys Cross Country) Aaron Cooke (Boys Cross Country) Curtis Dey (Boys Cross Country) Miles Douglas (Boys Cross Country) Ariel Gomez (Boys Cross Country) John Huddle (Boys Cross Country) Aaron Liiva (Boys Cross Country) Ethan Miller (Boys Cross Country) James Newport (Boys Cross Country) Alexander Noonan-Shueh (Boys Cross Country) Ian Smith (Boys Cross Country) John Stout (Boys Cross Country) Thomas Cruz (Boys JV Soccer) Malcolm Gilbert (Boys JV Soccer) Brandon Johnson(Boys JV Soccer) Sean Sarvi (Boys JV Soccer) Stephen Via (Boys JV Soccer) Benjamin Cabrera (Boys Vars Soccer) Raul Escobar(Boys Vars Soccer) Metuge Esong (Boys Vars Soccer) Xavier Fox (Boys Vars Soccer) Petr Janda (Boys Vars Soccer) Clauton Kum (Boys Vars Soccer) Zachary Kushner (Boys Vars Soccer) Dunchadhn Lyons (Boys (Vars Soccer) Emmanuel Oppong (Boys Vars Soccer) Ezra Roschu (Boys Vars Soccer) David Steele (Boys Vars Soccer) Aboubakar Toure (Boys Vars Soccer) Darien Waters (Boys Vars Soccer) Tanner Williams (Boys (Vars Soccer)
Leigh Murphy (Girls JV Volleyball) Sarah Oh (Girls JV Volleyball) Jasmine Owens (Girls JV Volleyball) Rebecca Puccini (Girls JV Volleyball) Ellenor Smethurst (Girls JV Volleyball) Nicole Barriga (Girls Tennis) Kimberly Canoy Weller (Girls Tennis) Leah Goldberg (Girls Tennis) Alexis Jordan (Girls Tennis) Hana Khan Tareen (Girls Tennis) Victor Phimphachanh (Girls Tennis) Anais Tana Nkot(Girls Tennis) Sydney Wolk (Girls Tennis) Tayllor Afram (Girls Vars Soccer) Alexandra Bartley (Girls Vars Soccer) Lindsay Bridegum (Girls Vars Soccer) Torie Broer (Girls Vars Soccer) Ana Clyde (Girls Vars Soccer) Kaylie Deshler (Girls Vars Soccer) Elana Harris (Girls Vars Soccer) Elizabeth Iduma (Girls Vars Soccer) Christina Irish (Girls Vars Soccer) Emily Keegan (Girls Vars Soccer) Caroline Manzo (Girls Vars Soccer) Brigit Ngaleu (Girls Vars Soccer) Carly Plevy (Girls Vars Soccer) Maggie Prokop (Girls Vars Soccer) Nicole Stock (Girls Vars Soccer) Melinda Tchokogoue (Girls Vars Soccer) Heather Veli (Girls Vars Soccer) Tessa Botkin (Girls (Vars Volleyball) Kaelyn Clark (Girls (Vars Volleyball)
Victoria Nelson (JV Field Hockey) Lily Northcutt (JV Field Hockey) Alexis Schiller (JV Field Hockey) Anna Schiller (JV Field Hockey) Paige Shoemaker (JV Field Hockey) Jacob Allnutt (JV Football) Ryan Mitchell (JV Football) Weston Sirk (JV Football) Charles Snowden III (JV Football) Oritsetsolaye Akuya (Poms) Natalie Domaas (Poms) Christine Evans (Poms) Tenay Graham(Poms) Alexis Hughes (Poms) Avery Potts (Poms) Alexandra Rundlett (Poms) Kara Savercool (Poms) Stacy Shin (Poms) Samantha Stuart (Poms) Renee Treacy (Poms) Alexandra Young (Poms) Alexis Afamefune (Vars Cheerleading) Alexis Carter (Vars Cheerleading) Danasia Graham (Vars Cheerleading) Alyssia Graves (Vars Cheerleading) Gabrielle Jones (Vars Cheerleading) Naâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ila Mendonca (Vars Cheerleading) Latisha Mills (Vars Cheerleading) Sally Tucker (Vars Cheerleading) Kayla Waller-LaRue (Vars Cheerleading) Fatou Yatassaye (Vars Cheerleading) Kathryn Brown (Vars Field Hockey)
Kate Campbell (Girls Cross Country) Riani Carr (Girls Cross Country) Bronwyn Evans (Girls Cross Country) Abigail Hines (Girls Cross Country) Colleen Kalkofen (Girls Cross Country) Holyna Nhean (Girls Cross Country) Catherine Oberfield (Girls Cross Country) Martha Sam (Girls Cross Country) Sydney Steel (Girls Cross Country) Ornela Yossa-Nganpe (Girls Cross Country) Sydney Crispin (Girls JV Soccer) Alexis De Bleecker (Girls JV Soccer) Delaney Ford (Girls JV Soccer) Alexa Herrera (Girls JV Soccer) Jeri Isabella (Girls JV Soccer) Nia Jones (Girls JV Soccer) Ashly Kum (Girls JV Soccer) Tiffany Nguyen (Girls JV Soccer) Crystal Ogbonna (Girls JV Soccer) Natalie Selvin (Girls JV Soccer) Tiffany Su (Girls JV Soccer) Laura Suarez (Girls JV Soccer) Syona Tuladhar (Girls JV Soccer) Charnnette Bailey (Girls JV Volleyball) Alexia Calhoun (Girls JV Volleyball) Nailah Fisher (Girls JV Volleyball) Sydney Mann-Howard (Girls JV Volleyball)
Lillian Hallmark (Girls (Vars Volleyball) Monica Hallmark (Girls (Vars Volleyball) Claire Johnson (Girls (Vars Volleyball) Cora Present (Girls (Vars Volleyball) Rachel Sigwalt (Girls (Vars Volleyball) Maggie Tan (Girls (Vars Volleyball) William Brown III (Golf) Tanner Medrano (Golf) Fernando Rivera Jr (Golf) John Thomas (Golf) Courtney Broadnax (JV Cheerleading) Alexiana James (JV Cheerleading) Lauren Jones (JV Cheerleading) Alayna Jordan (JV Cheerleading) Tailor Mapp (JV Cheerleading) Alisha Nesbitt (JV Cheerleading) Jullie Thieu (JV Cheerleading) Monique Bediako (JV Field Hockey) Angela Blow (JV Field Hockey) Haley Gill (JV Field Hockey) Samantha Holley (JV Field Hockey) Sara Kohorst (JV Field Hockey) Caroline Lamb (JV Field Hockey) Sorina Lim (JV Field Hockey) Keara Lindsay (JV Field Hockey) Maxine Vernice Macalino (JV Field Hockey) Natalie Mogrovejo (JV Field Hockey)
Emma Friedman (Vars Field Hockey) Sandra Guevara (Vars Field Hockey) Frank Hedgepeth (Vars Field Hockey) Theodora Lemberos (Vars Field Hockey) Nicole Lertora (Vars Field Hockey) Kristina McKenna (Vars Field Hockey) Jordan McLean (Vars Field Hockey) Kate Murphy (Vars Field Hockey) Madeleine Noonan-Shueh (Vars Field Hockey) Jenna Ramirez (Vars Field Hockey) Francesca Sabelhaus (Vars Field Hockey) Caroline Tatnall (Vars Field Hockey) Joshua Trejos (Vars Field Hockey) Keri Walker (Vars Field Hockey) Victoria Wolsh (Vars Field Hockey) Joan Wood (Vars Field Hockey) Zachary Bartlett (Vars Football) Devin Cannon (Vars Football) Sherry-Mae Canoy Weller (Vars Football) Trevor Eaton (Vars Football) Paul Farrell (Vars Football) Patrick Griffin (Vars Football) Markel Hawkins (Vars Football) Jeremy Nickens (Vars Football) Cameron Payton (Vars Football) Bryan Pharaon (Vars Football) Margaret Simpson (Vars Football)
Senior praises debut album of British band Bastille, admires lead singer’s voice, p. E3
Section E
James Hubert Blake High School
December 18, 2013
Seniors Nick Aylward (top left), Matt Parsons (top right), Sami Wright (center left), Leah Goldberg (center), Rebecca Hill (center right), Amanda King (bottom left), and Michelle Carter (bottom right) pose in the shop with their favorite tools of their respective trades; carpentry, painting, sound, and lighting. --Photo by John Kos
Stage Company crew lacks members, yet stays passionate by Torie Broer
x & Ann Cirincione After seeing a Stage Company production, most people remember the faces on stage, but the technical crew works behind the scenes in painting, carpentry, and lighting to leave lasting impressions on viewers as well. Despite the large amount of work the tech crew must accomplish for each show, this year’s crew was substantially smaller than those of past years. Says sophomore member Logan Dechter, “The tech crew is prob-
ably so small because people don’t realize how fun it could be, and they’re afraid to put in that extra work to really make the show shine.” Dechter got involved in tech last summer, mainly working on carpentry. “It’s really cool to see a set come together from mere wooden planks,” says Dechter. Also involved onstage, he adds, “Being a part of tech shows that you’re dedicated to the show in more ways than one.” Senior tech crew member Amanda King is also involved
in both technical and onstage work. For the past production, King was co-paint charge, dealing with the scenic painting for the show. “Being in the cast and being on tech crew is actually kind of hard to balance,” says King, “but our tech crew really isn’t that big, so it’s something we have to do.” Senior stage manager Leah Goldberg works with all aspects of tech, including painting, carpentry, sound, and especially lighting. Being the lighting designer, Goldberg knows how much the tech crew needs more
recruits. “It’s very easy, all you do is show that you have a skill, and then come back and help us,” says Goldberg. “Even if you don’t have a skill, we can teach you a skill.” Stage design, a class taught by media technical specialist John Ovington, introduces students to the technical side of producing a show. “If you’re willing to incorporate stage design into your regular class schedule, you can be back there every day learning the skills you need,” says King, “and then you would be even more qualified to
help backstage during shows.” Adds Goldberg, “You have to be prepared to work...you have to be devoted, or else you’re not going to be considered really part of us.” Many members of tech crew agree that they have not been able to advertise the group as much as they have hoped, but they need more recruits, especially since many crew heads are graduating. “We need a lot of people to step up and take charge,” says Dechter. “There is no show without tech, and people need to realize that.”
Instrumental, choral concerts Chicago to hit Black Box theatre to include new themes, flavors Students act, sing, dance, direct, Performance makes school history choreograph, develop show skills x by Nicholas Aylward As December ushers in a new season, the music department welcomes in a breath of fresh air as it takes on numerous concerts this month. This season holds special surprises from both the instrumental and choral concerts, with new themes for each respective performance. The instrumental concert tomorrow will feature the Jazz ensemble, orchestra, and philharmonics band as well as the percussion ensemble. They will each follow the theme of “Around the World in 80 Minutes,” playing music from all different cultures. Instrumental music director Jonathan Eising is looking forward to seeing his ensembles perform at the instrumental concert. “It’ll be a great show,” says Mr. Eising, “and a nice way for us to be able to celebrate different cultures, learn about different cultures, and play music from these different cultures.” The performance will be an eclectic blend of flavors, ranging from Welsh to Caribbean tunes, and will feature rented Japanese drums for the percussion ensemble’s “Hoo Daiko,” inspired by typical taiko drumming. “[This] utilizes a lot of visual choreographed moves as well,” adds Mr. Eising.
The jazz ensemble’s performance will feature styles from funk to Latin to swing over their three song performances. Jazz ensemble director Rachel Lader bodes well for the show. “They’re all good musicians, and they’re doing a good job on all the songs,” says Ms. Lader. The songs featured at the concert were also played at a jazz festival Saturday. The choral concert yesterday, along with this season’s holiday themed winter show, which includes both Christmas and Chanukah music, have not been done at Blake before. “We started with the idea of sleigh ride, and just expanded from there,” says choral director Sandra Zinkievich. Like the instrumental concert, the choral concert will also experiment with different musical styles. The A Cappella group will sing the traditional Ukrainian “Carol of the Bells,” followed by another version infused with Jazz tones. For the first time ever, the choral concert will feature a snow machine, candles, and costumes as well. “It’s just so exciting, we’re having a lot more movement in our concert and effects,” adds women’s choral director Sarah Goldsmith. “It’s going to be a big production.”
x by Michelle Carter
From movie screens to the Broadway stage, the musical sensation Chicago has dazzled its viewers. The musical theatre class hopes to have the same effect on audiences as they perform their rendition of Chicago in January. The show concerns Roxie Hart and her murder of her lover. A trial occurs after the murder to acquit Roxie of the crime. “Chicago is about the lust for fame in the 1920’s,” says senior Becca Glatt, who plays Roxie in the show. The show contains three different components: acting, singing, and dancing. Some aspects involve student help to make sure a perfect show reaches the stage. Freshman choreographer Colby Potts says, “[The student choreographers] get a couple dances and teach them during class to [their] friends.” Acting for the show is taught in a similar manner. Some students are not only actors in the show, but directors. “We have certain students who are directing it,” says senior Rebecca Hill, who plays Velma Kelly. “They’ll tell us how to interpret the lines,” she adds. The snging is instructed by choral teacher Sarah Goldsmith. Says Ms. Goldsmith, “We did all of the group numbers first…I worked individually with soloists.” When a soloist has a featured part in a group
song, the soloist usually learns their part before the rest of the group to speed up the process. Most group songs in the show are split up into soprano and alto parts, making vocals easier to teach. Says junior Keenan Lo, who is portraying Billy Flynn, “Ms. Goldsmith teaches [songs] to us by parts and then puts them together.” Students believe that besides performing in additional shows each year, there are several other benefits to taking musical theatre, such as practicing and developing their performance skills. Says sophomore Logan Dechter, who also plays Billy, “I can improve acting and singing, both of which I enjoy.” Other students feel that another benefit to taking the class is the smaller amount of cast members. These students feel that a smaller class gives performers more room for development as a group. “We’re a more closely knit group,” says freshman choreographer Gracie Sciannella. “We get things done quicker and it’s easier to get things done with less people.” Despite the questionable morals of several of the murderesses in the show, Chicago has multiple messages for audiences to take away. Says theatre teacher Michel D’Anna, “Legends can be made not only by good deeds, but also by doing immoral acts…commit a big enough crime and you’ll be remembered.”
E2
December 18, 2013
x by Kirsten Hines
Maggie Delaney
Artists usually have a certain muse that they always add into their artwork or inspire them to draw; for junior Maggie Delaney, that specific muse is nature. Delaney is known for putting elements of nature in all her pieces. “I like plants, the environment and natural things,” she says. Like many student artists, Delaney began drawing at a young age. “I just knew that I wanted to do it [art],” she adds. Delaney plans to pursue art in college and possibly become an art teacher in the distant future so she can continue doing what she loves. “I want to pass [art] on to other people,” she says. Though she does not have an absolute favorite, the piece she is most proud of is a landscape watercolor painting showing a mountain and its reflection in the water. This particular
piece gave Delaney much enjoyment to create. “That’s the project I was excited to follow through with,” she adds. Delaney also explains that different people inspire her to create specific pieces. In her studio art class, Delaney tries to set herself apart from other students. She tends to not follow the specific instructions given to her and take her own path for what to draw and how to create projects. “I try to change it up instead of following strictly what [Mr. Overman] says,” adds Delaney. Delaney’s skills seem to “Wow” everybody that comes across them, from her watercolors to her landscapes. It’s not every day that one comes across an artist who loves to incorporate Mother Nature into her talents. Delaney is an active member of the National Art Honor Society, in which she has helped make sketchbooks and ornaments. She also drew and painted covers for those sketchbooks.
The Blake Beat
Acryllic on Illustration Board
Junior fashionistas play Santa, create naughty, nice wardrobe list by Alyssia Graves x & Tabi Orock Merry Christmas, Bengals. Finally, we’ve made it through another year of cute, bad, and god-awful fashions. Now we’re here to judge all the naughty and nice choices you made this year. This one’s for the nice kids: 1. Riding boots - Although everybody and her sister own a pair, this is a good thing. Not only do riding boots go with nearly everything in your closet, they have the ability to make even your most basic outfit into something spectacular and put together. 2. Statement necklace - They come in gold, silver, pearl and the holidayappropriate crystals and gemstones. This necklace is actually perfect for all occasions because it can either dress up that basic tee shirt you got at H&M before you realized that every other girl already had it, or it can give an already fabulous outfit an extra touch of Sasha Fierce glamour. Either way, work it, girl. You made the nice list. 3. Fur - Whether real or fake, fur keeps you warm and fierce and is much better looking than a Northface. If you’re shy about getting a fur coat, try a jacket with a fur collar, a vest, or a mohair sweater. Leave the cable knits to the simpletons, they don’t know any better. And for all the Naughty trendsetters for the year, 4. Galaxy leggings - Ladies, please be good to your friends this holiday season. If you know a girl who wears galaxy print ANYTHING, whether they’re leggings, a snapback, or a bodycon dress, you need to sit your friend down and tell her, “Hey sis, you don’t need the entire
solar system on your back. You are not the missing planet Pluto and this Star Wars madness must end.” 5. Cross prints - Cross print crop tops, earrings, and even LEGGINGS. Once upon a biblical time, the cross was a symbol of faith and love in Christianity. Today, those tired cross print leggings can be found at every house party, where the wearers are sure to have committed a sinful act or five. If this trend continues into 2014, then surely the apocalypse is coming. 6. SLEEVELESS CROPPED TURTLENECK - This mess is offensive and let us explain why. 1. It’s only half a shirt. But it goes all the way up to your neck. 2. It covers your neck, yet for reasons best known to American Apparel, it’s sleeveless. 3. The turtleneck makes it impossible to wear in the summer, and the lack of sleeves makes it ridiculous for winter. This top, like many of its owners, is confused and doesn’t know what it wants to be in life. 7. Hunting Camo in School - So you got up this morning, knowing you were coming to school, and the first thing you thought to wear was hunting gear? Camouflage is designed to help you blend in with nature while you’re out hunting or camping, not to be used for casual day wear. We all know Blake is in the woods, but coming to school decked out in your best camouflage is pushing it. It’s actually not necessary. You’re not in the army, nor are you on Duck Dynasty, so how about you put an Old Navy gift card on your wish list and buy yourself some real clothes this Christmas? We hope you’ve learned from your mistakes this year and we wish you happy holidays and a fabulous new year.
The Blake Beat
E3
December 18, 2013
REVIEWS FOR YOU
Junior follows teen girl’s tales of daily drama x by Logan Dreher
Anatomy of a Single Girl, a novel about pre-med student Dominique Baylor, teeters on the brink of immaturity and adulthood, just like the protagonist of the story. That’s not to say it was a bad book; it wasn’t. Author Daria Snadowsky has a good voice, and the book is generally well written. The story, which follows Dominique after her break up with a longtime boyfriend and continues into her summer fling, flows nicely. The main characters in Anatomy of a Single Girl are realistic and Snadowsky expertly avoids the clichés that are usually prolific in young adult books. Dominique is surprisingly cognizant of her immaturity and recognizes the possible clichés of her life. All in all the book was a lot better than I expected.
That being said, there were many things I did not enjoy about the book. Many times I felt that some of the side characters were flat, like Dominique’s parents. All the reader ever learns about her parents is their love of fishing even though they are mentioned often. I also did not like that Dominique’s life centered around her boyfriends, or her lack of them. Even when she succeeds in other parts of her life, she is far more concerned about the men in life (and there are three of them). When Dominique receives straight A’s in her summer classes, for example, she is still depressed by her past relationship with Wes, her current fling with Guy, and her relationship with Calvin, a boy she admits early on she has no feelings for. I thought today women could be de-
Logan Dreher
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire feeds expectations x
Jacqueline Hyman
fined by other things than the men they’re involved with, and I was hoping that Dominique, as an intelligent soon to be doctor, would take charge of the story, but the book is controlled by the men in her life. The last thing that bothered me about the book was its sexually explicit nature. I was totally unprepared for sex scenes, which weren’t as well written as the rest of the book. It was uncomfortable for me to read. Although I appreciated Snadowsky’s candor towards sexuality, the book felt over sexualized at times. The writing itself felt like a book for young teens, while the explicitness of the story seemed more like an adult book. In spite of its flaws, Anatomy of a Single Girl was an enjoyable quick read. Though it was not enlightening, I was never bored while reading.
by Jacqueline Hyman
Catching Fire, the second movie in the Hunger Games series, is a sure hit with its flawless casting, intense action, and focus on the plot. One of the first things that struck me as soon as the previous victors were introduced was how absolutely perfect the casting is for this movie with the new characters. I’ve never even heard of Sam Claflin, but he is exactly what I pictured as Finnick Odair while reading the book. From his seductive “Want a sugar cube?” to his strength and bravery when fighting in the games, Claflin portrayed Finnick impeccably. It must be destiny that Jena Malone’s initials are the same as Johanna Mason’s, because she was an exemplary Johanna. She
was fierce and seemingly cruel, but showed the side of Johanna that makes you grow attached to her. Lynn Cohen, who played Mags, was just as adorable and sweet as everyone described her to be. The audience, along with Finnick, felt a jab in their heart as Mags stepped into the poisonous fog. The story itself is about how messed up the society and government of Panem is, as well as the rebellion that ensues after Katniss gives people hope that they can change the world. Love is hardly a thought in Katniss’s mind, and thankfully the movie doesn’t dwell on it either. There were some extremely gutwrenching scenes throughout the movie. It surprised me that though I’ve already read the book, I could feel a great deal of anxiety
and anticipation for scenes that I knew were coming. I became as angry and hurt as Katniss when innocent people were injured and killed. Another good thing about this movie is the storyline, which barely focuses on the love triangle that exists. The “relationship” between Katniss and Peeta is important to the plot, because the two must make the Capitol believe they are in love for their safety, as well as the safety of others. But Katniss’s relationship with Gale, while mentioned, is not explored nearly as much as the action of the film. The action during the games is welldirected and has the audience on edge. The special effects look so realistic that it’s barely plausable that they are effects. If you haven’t seen this movie yet, you should go out and see it now, because you won’t regret it.
Unique British band leaves optimistic critic in awe
Innovative album impresses, unveils unique sound x
by John Kos
Bastille, an upcoming British band that gained traction throughout 2012 with a number of singles, has released their debut album named Bad Blood that proves that this band is not just a one hit wonder. Taking the main stage in most of their songs are synthesizers that are very defining of the synthpop genre that Bastille falls into. The synths are cleanly layered allowing the songs to have multiple melodies running throughout and giving the songs a somewhat complex and interesting feeling. But, Bastille does not let their genre define them. Besides the Synths, another strong factor is the bands reliance on lead singer
Dan Smith’s voice. His voice is atmospheric and strong, giving the impression that he is narrating a story and trying get a feeling across with every song on the album. To add to Smith’s powerful voice, the album offers up strong and emotionally raw lyrics that feel as if they have a great amount of personal meaning to Smith. This only ends up adding to the large anthemic sound the band has. To contrast their heavy synthesizer use, Bastille includes many different types of instruments, ranging from violin to bongos to xylophone. This multi-instrumentation also means that even after listening to the album multiple times each song offers something new, making this
an album that is not only worth picking up but also going back to. Even with use of instruments, the band lacks something that is typical in almost all non-electronic songs today, a guitar. This lacking does not create an empty feeling, but allows the band to step away from a traditional western sound and adopt something more eclectic. Through and through, Bastille succeeds at creating an interesting and cohesive album with each song offering something different but unique. As a debut album, Bastille succeeds not only in finding their own sound that is both catchy and easy to listen to, but also creating a work that gets listeners excited about future albums.
John Kos
Yet another Disney actress breaks into music scene
New starlet’s self-titled debut stuns, dazzles critics
x by Maryam Outlaw
Maryam Outlaw
Time and time again, tween networks prove to be beneficial platforms for not only future movie stars, but future recording artists as well. So it is no surprise that star of Disney Channel’s Shake it Up Zendaya, like so many before her, has released her own album. While Zendaya’s attempt to win our hearts with catchy hooks and pop electro beats reveals itself to be a respectable effort, the rookie musician fails to exert any lingering impact on her audience and exudes no sense of originality or substance through her selftitled debut album. Considering the fact that Zendaya’s image is still technically attached to children’s entertainment, the album surprisingly appears
less juvenile than its predecessors, which include Selena Gomez’s Kiss & Tell and Miranda Cosgrove’s Sparks Fly. However, it has always been advised to never judge a book by its cover. Or in this case, an album. While the record’s frontal display pleasantly intertwines a desirable edginess with a darker glamour that is unexpectedly mature, yet well-suited for the young actress, all 11 tracks could not be any more of a contradiction to the cover. Songs like “Replay,” “Bottle You Up, and “My Baby,” while consistent with today’s melodic trends, fail to nestle into a place of innovation or at least achieve the same vitality shown in fresh vocalists of today. As for their lyrical content, her tunes disappoint in exploring the uncharted territory of teen emotion with articulation. Each happens to painfully
overflow with sophomoric language, lacking salience and memorability. Though tracks such as “Heaven Lost an Angel,” “Cry For Love,” and “Only When You’re Close” are sweetly reminiscent of jams circa early new millennium, their resemblance is too subtle to aid in distinguishing this album as one of refreshment or versatility. As far as first albums go, Zendaya’s is by no means a bad album. However, in a time when artistic heavy-weights rule the scene and show zero signs of stepping down, a novice has to cut through what is anticipated and contribute what is stimulating and beyond timeliness. Though there is potential, Zendaya must get down, get real, and get serious if she is to ever be a true contender in the music business.
E4
December 18, 2013
The Blake Beat