February 14, 2014 Part 1

Briggs Chaney Middle School teacher Walter Bowman arrested for assault, p. A2

Volume 16 Number 4

James Hubert Blake HS

Silver Spring, MD

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/blakehs

February 14, 2014

Poms dance their way to history at Terps basketball game ‘Fear the Bengals’: first high school squad to perform for mens’ halftime

Juniors Renee Treacy and Avery Potts, and senior Kara Savercool perform at the University of Maryland mens’ basketball game January 29. --Photo by Jordan McLean

by Courtney Hutchinson x & Jordan McLean

Although the Blake Poms are not a professionally paid team, they performed like they were with excitement in their veins at the University of Maryland (UMD) men’s basketball game January 29.

Junior captain Lauren Gil says that waiting outside the court was when the experience really sunk in.

“Running on was the scariest part,” says Gil. “That’s when you have to pass the cameras and you’re just like ‘Oh my God.’” The Blake Poms were the first high school squad ever to perform at a UMD men’s basketball game.

They performed a six-minute routine during halftime that incorporated competition and Blake athletic event choreography. For months, the team has been organizing

and advertising for the game. The squad spent weeks selling tickets to their Blake peers and families.

Gil says performing at a competition and performing at the Maryland vs. Miami game was equally as nerve racking. “Before going on I was so scared,” says Gil. “Inside I was just shaking. I always get that feeling.”

Although pressure was high, Gil feels like having this performance makes competition season much easier.

“I feel like it was really good for us to prep for [future competitions],” she says. “We still had to do [our] best and still have fun but there were no judges.” The lady Bengals took home first place for a second consecutive year at the County Poms Competition on Saturday, February 1, and Gil received the first place captain award.

Junior Avery Potts agrees that not having the high stakes of competition was a good way for the team to relax and perfect their routine. “There was no pressure

because it wasn’t a competition,” says Potts, “but we still wanted to be the best we could be.” She adds, “We were able to prepare for competition and just enjoy the moment with each other.”

Friday night Blake basketball games can bring hundreds of people for the Poms to perform for, but the game January 29 bought out over 15,000 excited Terp fans when the team took on the UMD basketball game.

In a close game against the Hurricanes, the Comcast Center’s atmosphere was unlike that of a normal high school matchup.

Coach Alyssa Kress says that the team’s extensive amount of practice helped to bring the team confidence.

“Because we have been practicing together for so long, since football season, it’s hard for the season to end,” says Ms. Kress. “But at least it will end with an amazing opportunity like this.”

Pageantry at its supreme: anticipated event Mr. Blake reappears Male upperclassmen compete for two valuable tickets to spring prom

by John Kos x & Maryam Outlaw Multiple junior and senior males will display talents, bodies, and charisma on stage at the Mr. Blake competition February 27, in efforts to win two free tickets to prom.

The competitors will be judged by three staff members and a representative from the armed forces. Says staff coordinator Donna Phillips, “We look for uniqueness, someone who is energetic, enthusiastic, spirited, kind, involved in the Blake com-

munity, and an all-around good person.”

Senior Adam Beuttler, no stranger to the Blake stage, feels the experience is a conclusive send-off to his high school experience. Says Beuttler, “I thought it would be real fun to do for my last year here at Blake, and performing a solo on the Blake stage one last time also seemed like a great idea.”

While senior Dan Rushton plans to woo the crowd with a notable musical performance, he believes that a true Mr. Blake is encased with profuse spirit. “It

takes a certain degree of personality [to win] and also just the desire to represent your school,” he says. “I’ve attended three high schools in my career and Blake is definitely the best.”

When participating in the Blake tradition, Beuttler plans to stay true to his natural character. “[I want to be] myself because [the audience] can only like me for who I am,” he says. “And [I want to] stay humble because no one likes a competitor with an ego.”

In addition to creating laughter in the crowd, Rushton

hopes to express normalcy on stage. “I intend to make them feel related to,” says Rushton. “I’m a pretty average dude and I like to think I’m someone with whom people can relate.”

Although there is fierce competition to win the tickets, there is still camaraderie amongst the contestants. Says senior Dunchadhn Lyons, “All of the participants enjoy hanging out with one another and it is hysterical and extremely fun learning the opening dance choreography.”

Senior Bobby Walker anticipates an animated crowd in

preparation for the event. “I think it’s going to be a fun and exciting event mostly because all of the participants are so fun and enthusiastic about it,” he says.

“Also, I think just the thought of having [Mr. Blake] back is really exciting for a lot of students.”

At the end of the show, there will be a prize giveaway for members of the crowd. Some of the raffle prizes include restaurant gift cards, a spa trip, and gym memberships. Doors open at 6pm and there will be Chick-fil-a and a bake sale going on in the auditorium.

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The Blake Beat

February 14, 2014

Briggs Chaney teacher Walter Bowman arrested for assault

Community shocked; previous life and alias discovered in South Carolina nity, “[Briggs Chaney] does not by Jeremy Dowling

& Sam Luckert x

Walter Stafon Bowman, a science teacher at Briggs Chaney Middle School, one of Blake’s five primary feeder schools, was arrested January 8 and charged with three counts of second degree assault and one count of false imprisonment.

All of these charges originated from his unwanted contact with three female teachers while at Briggs Chaney. Tamitha Campbell, principal of Briggs Chaney, said in a letter on Briggs Chaney’s website to the commu-

believe Bowman acted inappropriately toward students.”

Mr. Bowman was also a former teacher at Needwood Academy in Rockville in 2009 and A. Mario Loiederman Middle School in August 2010 to September 2012, spokesman Dana Tofig said. Mr. Bowman previously lived in Orangeburg, South Carolina, under the name Walter Stephen Bauman.

Concerns intensified when one of Mr. Bowman’s colleagues looked up his name on a search engine, which led her to a public records website. According to the

website, Mr. Bowman had been charged and convicted of criminal sexual conduct of the second degree in South Carolina. The website further explains that he was pardoned by a Board of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services.

Carole Goodman, MCPS associate superintendent for Human Resources and former principal of Blake High School, was one of several MCPS officials who attended a Briggs Chaney community meeting January 14 to speak about the school system’s investigation process and Mr. Bowman’s record and recent arrest.

In response to questions

about his past, Mrs. Goodman said to the Montgomery County Gazette that “there were no red flags” during Bowman’s hiring process. Mrs. Goodman added that because the school system is so large, sometimes things are missed and overlooked. “It’s unusual for a person to have things in their background that didn’t show up,” she adds.

Mr. Bowman was suspended from work and placed on administrative leave before his arrest. An investigation was administered by Briggs Chaney because of claims that Mr. Bowman had assaulted a fellow coworker between August

26 and 29 by entering the employee’s office unannounced and putting his hands on her shoulders.

In a second incident, Mr. Bowman allegedly placed another employee in a bear hug until she was able to break free.

In another occurrence, a third female employee was standing in her classroom in September when Mr. Bowman approached her from behind, crouched on the floor, and touched her ankle, according to police.

Online court records state that Mr. Bowman’s trial is scheduled for February 25 at the District Court in Silver Spring.

Black Student Union commemorates African-American history

Members express great expectations for rest of celebratory month

x by Kate Campbell For the entirety of February, Blake students celebrate Black History Month, which was created as a homage to African Americans in 1966 as a response to an absence of black figures in history books.

Members of the Black Student Union (BSU), as well as other students, have spent the majority of this year in preparation for the 28-day month. Completed BSU projects include the creation of posters, ongoing coordination with the NAACP Parent Council in preparation for an essay contest, and “Black Facts” on the announcements.

Senior BSU president Emily Kong says, “We wanted to make sure that most

of our Black History Month activities avoided focusing on stereotypical leaders like Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks.”

Kong goes on to add, “On our posters, we decided to feature important yet esoteric Black figures, like Claudette Colvin and John Michel Basquiat.”

Twelve students also participated in the creation of “pride badges” which are personalized illustrations of why each individual is content in the skin they are in. Phrases such as, “I take pride in beating all the stereotypes,” and, “I am surviving,” are some of the many positive messages included on the badges.

An essay contest, sponsored by the NAACP Parent Council, requires students to write a 250 to 500 word essay explaining

their family’s civil rights story. Submissions for the essay contest are due to Ms. Gandy on Friday, February 21 and first, second, and third place earns each winner a gift card.

Junior Aleata Carrell says, “I would definitely be happy to write about my family’s history.” Carrell adds, “It’s not often that we get to hear about and share personal stories pertaining to the average person’s experience with racial equality, and I get to know my old family members.” Carrell will most likely be participating in the essay contest this year.

Throughout the month of February, the union has also been running daily black history facts on the morning announcements. Each fact was written by members

of the BSU. “It was interesting to see how many people answered the question on Eubie Blake correctly,” adds BSU member junior Nate Peake.

Despite the many events the BSU has planned, due to time constraints and understaffing, there will not be a Black History Month assembly this year.

“The assembly that took place two years ago was so moving and we know a lot of students are underwhelmed by what we currently have in place, but we’ve worked hard on these projects,” says Kong.

Despite the disappointment, many students are looking forward to Black History Month. Adds Kong,“Hopefully everyone will find something to take from our efforts.”

The Blake Beat

Students use power of photography to enrich lives of

February 14, 2014

A3

Social studies teacher directs children’s show for local elementary school kids

Mrs. Wagner embraces theatrical roots, directs Blake actors for month-long traveling show

Pictures of nature donated by Youth Art for Healing gifted to sick, x by John Kos Aiding the non-profit organization Youth Art for Healing, photography students have been able to send in their pieces to be displayed in a gallary at Montgomery Village Medical Center in order to assist healthcare patients.

Youth Art for Healing is a group designed to collect art from the local youth and donate it to resident hospitals and healthcare centers to aid in the recovery process of patients. Says photography teacher Amanda Jones, “At some point [the students] will feel that sense of being part of something big.”

Students were asked to send in photos of nature, which were chosen to inspire comfort in the patients.

“Art can reduce stress because of its ability to make the viewer feel a certain way,” adds Mrs. Jones. “If patients feel comforted, they are able to move forward in their recovery with a more positive attitude.”

This is the first year that Blake has worked with the group, although students are excited to show their work. Says freshman Jennifer Gonzalez, “It’s a good opportunity to showcase my work and this project gives meaning to my work. People will see my work and be happy.” She adds, “I am nervous and excited to see my work on display.”

This opportunity also allows students to display their art in a place other than school. Says sophomore Melissa Hewitt, “I think it would be cool if everybody’s pictures were in a different setting than a classroom.”

Students will be able to see their works on display at Montgomery Village Medical Center in a couple of months. They will be displayed alongside paintings from other local high schools. Freshman Natalie Selvin says, “It’s a good opportunity to get your work out there and experience what it’s like to be an artist.”

Displaying work in a gallery also provides an educational benefit to the photography students and gives them some idea of what art is like in a professional environment. “This would be similar to working for clients in the art world through a design firm,” says Mrs. Jones. “Students also learn more about accepting and growing from constructive criticism.”

This project has opened many students’ eyes to the possibility of using art in a medical field. Adds Mrs. Jones, “In one of my recent searches about design, I was impressed by the number of sites I found about the new career opportunities involving design and medical facilities.”

Cast members (left to right) junior Luis Zuluaga, freshmen Fernando Rivera and Kristen Savary, and sophomore Tess Maltagliati energetically rehearse a scene from A Day at the Zoo with Jack Prelutsky.

by Ann Cirincione x & Jacqueline Hyman Social studies teacher Mary Wagner is directing A Day at the Zoo with Jack Prelutsky, in which Blake students will perform a collection of children’s poems at various elementary schools in the area.

Mrs. Wagner wrote A Day at the Zoo--compiled of pieces by children’s poet Jack Prelutsky--after directing another children’s play nine years ago and collaborating with the previous theatre director. “I want [the performers] to experience a different style of performing,” says Mrs. Wagner. “Performing for children is very interactive...it’s going to be very unpredictable.”

Because of the small number of cast members in the spring play Brighton Beach Memoirs, Mrs. Wagner attended auditions and offered roles to several who did not receive a part in the mainstage show. Says

senior Jocelyn Ko, who is playing Loudie, a toucan, and Stu, “It’s kind of nice to be able to still utilize the theater people that we have, just in a different way.”

Students recognize that working with poetry creates an entirely different type of theatre. Says sophomore Nicole Kister, “You have to emote and you have to make sure that the words are right, because if you mess up a word then it doesn’t flow as much.” Kister will be portraying a speedy horse, Peter, and an opossum.

The cast also must be adaptable, since they will be performing in multiple different locations, each with different performance spaces on which they will not have rehearsed beforehand. Props, sets, and costumes must be transportable by car and adjustable to different sized stages. “I have a great cast to work with,” says Mrs. Wagner. “[They are] very talented, very flexible, [and] willing to try new things.”

Performances will be made at Sherwood, Cloverly, Drew, Jackson Road, and Stonegate Elementary Schools throughout the month of March. The play will also show in the black box theater on March 14 and 15 at 7pm and 2pm, respectively.

Says Ko, “I hope that when [the elementary school children] see us perform, that it will make them want to perform, or maybe even want to come to Blake.”

Adds Kister, “I want to show [the elementary schoolers] that theatre is fun and that there’s so much more than just musicals.”

Mrs. Wagner is excited to be directing once again. “I miss theatre.

I miss performing, I miss directing,” she says, “so I’m just thrilled to be involved in theatre again. It’s one of my passions that I have not really gotten to do lately.” She hopes to transfer and convey her passions to the audience through Blake’s production of A Day at the Zoo.

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The Bla

February 14, 2014

Pennies for Patients with assembly, enthu

Students, staff raise mone Leukemia, Lymphoma Soc x by John Kos

In hopes of helping the community, the fundraiser Pennies f inspire students and raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphom Pennies for Patients--now making its eighth appearance at B out the community. Says senior SGA president Claudia Alarco, “T Society was instilled in me by former SGA leaders and members SGA members and Bengals to come will share the same appreciat Blake’s SGA hopes to change up what students typically see from the age-old battle of the classes to a battle of the sexes. Say “Having done battle of the classes back in October for homecoming The SGA introduced a new modern flare to spirit week add Friday. “This year there are a ton of new faces in SGA who are de Sabelhaus. “Everyone is bringing new ideas for events and new wa and reaching our goal.”

In addition to the regular Spirit week, the SGA has also plan Sports Gear Day, and February 28 as Ugly Sweater Day. They will will be sponsoring other events throughout the month such as Stuc By pairing social media with spirit week, the SGA hopes to Says junior and SGA bookkeeper Camila Peñaloza, “This year SG to the student body more frequently and reminding them of the sp Members of the SGA believe Pennies for Patients has becom a whole, as it allows students to reach out and make a difference. ways,” says Peñaloza. “Seeing our peers fighting such a tough ba find a cure.”

Adds Alarco, “Every penny that we raise is making a differe is changing lives.”

ake Beat

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February 14, 2014

campaign kicks off usiastic spirit week

ey, unite to benefit ciety with various events

for Patients has kicked off with an introduction of new ideas to ma Society.

Blake--has become a tradition and an important part of helping This passion, respect, and love for the Leukemia and Lymphoma of our community.” She adds, “It is my hope that future Blake tion and dedication to this organization.” e every year during the Pennies for Patients week by switching ys junior Pennies for Patients coordinator Francesca Sabelhaus, g week, we wanted to start a new tradition of battle of the sexes.” ding themes such as Throwback Thursday and Hawaiian Shirt edicated and want to make this as successful as possible,” adds ays to fundraise, and we all share the same goal of raising money

nned Spirit Fridays, with today as Dress up Day, next Friday as l be holding a family carnival and movie night February 22, and ck for a Buck and Clean out Your Console. o inspire Blake to create a greater difference in our community.

GA has been active through Twitter and Instagram, reaching out pirit days and ways to donate.” me an important cause to the SGA and the Blake community as “We, as a community, have been touched by cancer in so many attle really pushes us to try and do everything in our power to

ence in a child’s life [and] every hard earned dollar that we raise

Photos by Dennis Chan

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The Blake Beat

February 14, 2014

We the People team travels to Annapolis for competition

Students prepare to face judges with Constitution-oriented speeches Ann Cirincione x by

We The People is competing in their state competition today in Annapolis, where students will be expected to deliver a speech, answer questions from judges, and demonstrate their knowledge.

During the competition, each group of students will answer three questions related to their overall topic in a four-minute speech that they previously rehearsed.

Afterwards, the judges will have six minutes to ask them questions about their speech or their general subject. “We try to gather as much background knowledge as we can,” says senior member Teddi Lemberos, “so that we can be prepared for any question that comes at us.”

Lemberos joined the team at the beginning of the semester, after she was unable to continue with her law class.

Her group is focusing on citizenship and civil rights, and she feels that they are well equipped to make their speech. Says Lemberos, “We have a very wide range of opinions, and we’ve managed to work together...and used that to our advantage.”

The class associated with the We The People team is taught by social studies teacher Donna Phillips. “[Dr. Phillips] knows a lot about government and the law,” says junior member Myles Marshall, “and loves to share her knowledge with her students.”

Adds senior member Hyla Jacobson, “She’s really supportive and good

at helping you as a student.”

Jacobson started with We The People at the beginning of the year after taking law, a class also taught by Dr. Phillips. Jacobson plans to major in history and then head to law school, so she sees the class as a good way to prepare herself for her intended career path. Says Jacobson, “[We The People] has helped me with public speaking, and taught me to work well with other people.”

Jacobson’s group is focusing both on due process and the 2nd Amendment.

“We’re more together [as a team] than we were in the beginning of the year,” says Jacobson. “Everyone works together and we’re there for each other for support.”

Like Jacobson, Marshall also plans

to become a lawyer, so he has been involved with Dr. Phillips’s law classes since sophomore year. He has been a part of We the People since the beginning of the year, and intends to continue it during his senior year as well. Says Marshall, “I think it’s important to know how our government was formed [in order] to make it better.”

Marshall’s group’s topic includes the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution. He is confident in his team’s writing abilities, but acknowledges the challenges of creating their speech.

“Writing the speeches is hard,” says Marshall, “but in the end they’re worth it because you know that you worked your hardest to create it.”

A CAPPELLA! serenades with old Billy Joel ballad Teens receive musical valentines from loved ones into Emily George x by

Following a tradition started by formal choral director Mrs. Letcher, singing valentines will be delivered during 6th period today.

Blake’s very own A CAPPELLA! class prepares for their visits to classrooms by learning their specific voice parts to an excerpt of a Billy Joel song entitled “Longest Time.” Next, they spend time singing in quartets with as many different people in class as possible. Finally, the young vocalists divide themselves into groups of five or six based on how well their voices blend.

“In class, we have a mini American Idol session where [the students] have to perform for each other and the class votes for the best performance—it’s fun,” says choral and A CAPPELLA! teacher Sandra Zinkievich. All proceeds go to the choral department to offset costume and concert costs.

“It’s such a fun experience to see how people react,” explains vice president senior Bethany Hamson. Students and staff alike have become accustomed to watching each other squirm with a mix of excitement The members of the A CAPPELLA! choir serenade choral teacher Sandra Zinkievich with “For and embarrassment as choir the Longest Time” by singer/songwriter Billy Joel. --Photo by Sami Wright students make their entrances

various classrooms. “It’s just a fun seasonal tradition that the Blake community has come to know,” further explains Hamson.

Like Hamson, senior choral student Xavier Fox agrees with her optimism for this year’s singing valentines and appreciation for years’ past.

“It’s the best part of Valentine’s day,” says Fox. Being a choral student for four years at Blake, Fox appreciates the little things the school does to raise money for important causes whilst providing entertainment for the public.

With events and fundraisers such as Pennies for Patients and singing valentines occurring this month, Blake has an abundance of note-worthy information being presented about significant problems as well as fun ways to get everyone involved. As the month progresses, be sure to donate to events hosted by fellow Bengals in order to get a piece of the fun.

And today, look forward to 6th period and be sure to thank the A CAPPELLA! students for the dedication and hard work they put into helping the music department with their funds while bringing a little harmony of their own into classrooms around the school on this recognized, love-filled day.

Students take look at next year’s potential classes during elective fair

Teachers amplify, expand choices, push for larger enrollment numbers x by Brian Dicken Students considered prospective classes for the upcoming 2014 - 2015 school year during the annual electives fair.

The setup of the fair is usually a series of many videos, PowerPoints, lectures, and pleas from teachers about why students should join their classes. Also, there are booths that give out information on selective classes.

The elective fair tries to highlight many interesting classes that are available for students to take. Although it is a lot of information being thrown at students in a short amount of time, the fair is often what convinces students to join a particu-

lar class.

For current freshmen, this was their first elective fair at Blake and many say it helped them pick their schedule for next year. Freshman Samuel Eluma says, “It was good seeing the different classes that I can take for different electives.” Eluma adds, “[the fair] convinced me to take the stage company class.”

After the fair, many of the freshmen students showed their satisfication with the fair. “It was cool. The videos were pretty funny and interesting,” says freshman Dennis Hightower. He feels more informed about events occurring around the school now.

Even some students who have attended previous elective fairs still found

this year’s fair helpful. “I don’t know if I could choose a favorite [class], because there were a lot presented,” says junior Angel Aguiluz. “[However], I still liked my freshman year elective fair more, because the booths were spread out throughout the school,” Aguiluz adds.

The purpose of the elective fair is to inform students of the possible classes that they can take next year. Sophomore Liam Nugent says, “It informed me a little more than the one last year.” Nugent says that although it was informative, it could still be improved. “I think they should show more videos that introduce the classes,” Nugent adds.

Some students, however, feel that this year’s elective fair did not measure up

to those of previous years. Junior Jasmin Waye says, “People just really weren’t into it this year.” She believes that they should “make it flashier and more interesting, not just in the auditorium because it was really cramped in there.”

Looking forward to next year’s elective fair, many students have ideas that they think will make their peers more excited to attend.

Some students said that the fair should be bigger and more spread out, or more interactive for the students, while others would prefer it with the format it is in now.

Junior Tyler Ager says, “They should have actual students up there talking about classes, not just teachers.”

The Blake Beat

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Newsbeats February 14, 2014

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n n n Senior Julian Raul qualified for the Junior Olympics for fencing and placed highly in the North American Cups, which take place countrywide. Raul will be competing in the Junior Olympics this weekend in the under 21 event.

He was also recruited to the National Collegiate Athelic Association fencing team at Ohio State University.

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Friday 3-9pm. On President’s Day, they will be selling books from 11am-9pm. Visit them at 738 Cloverly Street (Cloverly Towne Center, after Safeway, near Vocelli’s). n n n The Blake Beat is holding a fundraiser Monday at Cheeburger Cheeburger in Olney from 5-9pm.

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The annual Montgomery County theatre festival took place at Blake January 17. Many students won awards, including senior Riley Cruickshank and freshman Colby Potts. Participants took home awards in Song Festival, Classical Festival, Dance Festival, and for Technical Portfolios.

Senior Dylan Kaiser and junior Jenna Ramirez have qualified for the Montgomery County Debate League final tournament March 5 and 6 at Blair High School.

n n n Blake PTSA’s 7th Annual used books sale is happening until February 17. Their hours are Saturdays from 10am-6pm, Sundays from 12-4pm, and Monday through

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A CAPPELLA! members traveled to Briggs Chaney Middle School January 17 to sing for eighth grade chorus students and encourage them to attend Blake next year. n n n The It’s Academic team extended its televised winning streak to 11 games Saturday with a victory over George Mason and St. Johns 475-350-350. The team consists of senior Mary Aronne, junior Elana Harris, and sophomore Jeremy Dowling. The match will air March 29 on NBC-4 television.

The two final acoustic guitar jams will be in the amphitheatre February 14 and March 14 at lunch. The next electric guitar jam is February 21 from 6:30-8pm in D-150.

n n n The Forensics team competed in a meet at Blake February 1. Students placed in several categories including Informative Speech, Children’s Literature, Dramatic Interpretation, Prose Interpreation, and Poetry Interpretation.

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BLAKE

February 14 Valentine’s Day Girls varsity basketball at Northwood, 7pm Boys varsity basketball vs.

Northwood, 7pm

February 15 Swim team regional meet at PG Sportsplex

February 17 No school, President’s Day

Last day of PTSA used book sale at Cloverly Towne Center

Potts

CALENDAR February 18 Indoor Track, MPSSAA 4A State Track Championship, 4pm PTSA meeting at media center, 7pm

February 21 Girls varsity basketball vs.

Northwest, 5:15pm Boys varsity basketball vs.

Northwest, 7pm

February 25 Girls varsity basketball at Richard Montgomery, 5:15pm Boys varsity basketball at Richard Montgomery, 7pm

February 28 Early release day

March 7

Swing Night at cafeteria, 7:30pm

March 8 SAT Testing

March 14

A Day at the Zoo at Black Box Theater, 7pm

March 15

A Day at the Zoo at Black Box Theater, 2pm

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February 14, 2014

The Blake Beat

Junior expresses anger towards standardized test, college reliance on scores, p. B3

Section Section E B

James Hubert Blake High School James Hubert Blake High School

FebruaryOctober 14, 2014 4, 2013

Graphic by Ty Skeiky

Clever seniors advise students to keep calm, support love

Denu, Outlaw reprimand pessimists, suggest indulging in independence

x by Yodit Denu & Maryam Outlaw Sigh, love is the air...for some. While Valentine’s Day is cherished by lovers everywhere, it’s still condemned by others.

Have no fear because listed below are do’s and don’ts for those suffocated by the pungent aroma of affection, today.

Do: Find a group of friends. Lucky for all the singles out and about, there has always been safety in numbers. Today, don’t worry about cuddling with a potential love interest.

Instead, latch onto the next best thing: single besties! Be each other’s valentines for the day and embrace that status as a “party of one.”

Don’t: Bash those who celebrate. Okay we get it, you are single, and you think this holiday is stupid. But that does not mean there has to be animosity towards those who are in love and truly enjoying their lives with someone else.

It is not okay to criticize the people celebrating Valentine’s Day and it is not okay to condemn a spirited excuse to be sappy and romantic.

Do: Buy the candy. Let’s be honest. 80% of Valentine’s Day jubilance is the influx of sugary confections around every Safeway, Target, and CVS during February. Take advantage of the sugary stores by purchasing some special treats and snuggling up to your Netflix account. Whoever said laughter was the best medicine, clearly never had a Lindor truffle.

Don’t: Get desperate. Valentine’s Day is not the time to hunt for Mr. Bae. It is one day out of 365. For the love of Cupid, when you go out, do not flirt with your waitress, cashier, and/or movie ticket distributer. Avoid those love fumes from persuading you to pick out the nearest single guy just so you can get through the day.

Do: Get spirited. Okay, so maybe you’re no Rachel McAdams this time around. But the world needs that quirky

best friend cheerleader-type, too. Make use of your singleness, throw on some pink, and play Cupid for the day by helping a friend with her Valentine’s Day surprise for a special someone or buying sweets for the family at home.

Don’t: Be ashamed of being single. It is perfectly 100,000% okay to be single. Valentine’s Day will pass. It may seem like a slow tortuous day of mushy gushy love now, but it will soon blow over, along with the intense desire to have a date. Don’t feel the need to rush into a relationship.

You may be alone, but that doesn’t mean you have to assert yourself as lonely. Get a grip.

Do: Let it out. If in reality, you truly are bitter about your status as a single citizen of this great country, go home and cry behind close doors. Play that Toni Braxton, that Celine Dion, that Taylor Swift, and that Drake if you’ve REALLY got it bad. Catharsis is cool, but not at the expense of everyone around you.

African-American junior criticizes short, historic celebratory month Hutchinson rejects minimized length of black history awareness xby Courtney Hutchinson Today, we are right in the middle of Black History month and by this point, we as students have be showered with so many facts about African Americans, we cannot retain this information.

Black History month is not about retaining information. Black people are thrown a bone for this one month, then are subjected to sit and watch while students’ brains are pounded with information from every other part of American culture for the rest of the year.

Although the celebration of black people seems exciting, we will soon get to March and the black pride will hide, only to

be seen again next February.

Walking around the halls of Blake and turning on Black Entertainment Television (BET) could make an African American person feel indifferent.

As a person of color, there is nothing I love to see more then people basking in their heritage in the most delightful way possible, celebrating opportunities given to black people that could not have been granted 50 years ago.

African American people were brought to this country hundreds of years ago and have encountered hardship after hardship. They should not be celebrated for only one month or even two months.

Or even better than that, we should not

have all of these years of history compact into a time period measured by months, days or even years.

Black people are people, too. We as humans are all a part of the world’s history.

We as Americans are all a part of American history and should be celebrated every single day. From the way that our hair curls and coils to the pigment of our vibrant skin, every ounce of us as beings should be celebrated.

It seems like the only time students even hear about black history is during February. African American people deserve more than that.

Trying to cram the history of a culture full of food, music, and other things that divide us from any other culture into 28

days seems irrational. Then to dismiss black people for the rest of the year is more than disrespectful.

Black history month is not perpetuated along the course of the year. It is only focused on during this one month of the year and is not heard of in any other months. African Americans are a complicated people and cannot be explained in so few days.

Just as the icing on the cake, February is the shortest month of the year. It has been said that Black History month is the month of February because a lot of African American figures celebrate their birthdays or anniversary of their death in February.

Regardless of this truth, it is still the shortest month of the year.

B2

February 14, 2014

The Blake Beat

What would Maryam do: on Valentine’s Day, prom dresses Senior gives clever advice, responds to students’ questions, concerns x by Maryam Outlaw 1. How do you make a long distance relationship work?

Long distance relationships seem super simple at the beginning, but quickly turn sour if you don’t know exactly what you’re getting into. Be prepared for unsatisfying Skype dates and unsynchronized schedules that leave you wondering if it is all worth it.

As in ANY relationship, there are no guarantees. But to stand any sort of chance, you must first trust the passion you have for that person and act accordingly.

2. How do you survive a class with a teacher you really don’t like?

School is one of those unique environments that isn’t quite business-like but isn’t quite pleasurable either, so us students tend to behave informally within the realms of the educational system, instead of approaching a situation with maturity and composure.

The reality is that we all have to work with people we don’t care for sometimes. That’s life. Get used to it.

3. Is it weird to pass out paper valentines on Valentine’s Day? Oh my goodness no, it’s freaking adorable. Everyone loves a throwback whether it be in the form of a song, a childhood photo, or a cute paper valentine like every kid was forced to cut out and give to their classmates on Valentine’s Day in elementary school (back when there was time to do that stuff). Your vintage approach to the holiday is sure to bring back all those fuzzy memories we all miss so much.

4. Is it okay to commit to an online relationship?

It’s pretty evident that rare is the day when someone meets another person “organically” anymore. That’s just the way of the new millennium. However, there is an immense difference between meeting someone online, and dating someone online. I mean, do you really know this person if you’ve never met them in person?

They could be 82...or have children...or be 82...or have another spouse...or be 82!

5. When should I start looking for a prom dress?

NOW. Get on it now...NOW. 6. Can I date my ex’s sibling?

So do you want to call the MAURY show or would you prefer if I did instead? To put yourself in the middle of two family members is not only diabolical, it is downright unfathomable. There are approximately 699,999,999,999 people left on this lovely planet to fall in love with. Back away from the younger sister and find one.

Kids forced to focus on single sport, commit early to achieve success

Specialization urged at young age; travel teams encouraged too early x by Torie Broer Gone are the days of the well rounded athlete, as young competitors have their heads filled with an idea that the only way to succeed in an activity is to choose a sole sport and specialize.

At age eight I was playing four different sports, enjoying them all, by no means focusing my attention on only one. Today, eight year olds are playing on travel teams or club teams, which expect a level of commitment that seems a bit

excessive for children who are still young enough to be losing their baby teeth.

A countless number of children dream of going professional in sports.

However, with the way sports have developed over the years, the skill level and athleticism of the players have gone way up. Compare the soccer or hockey teams of today with those of twenty years ago, and it will be obvious that the technical abilities of players have increased exponentially.

To combat this, children are picking

a sport--or their parents are--and that is where they focus their time and energy.

But in doing this, they are hurting themselves in the long run. In specialization, the risk of injury rises due to lack of cross training. And how many of these dreamers are really going to get that far in sports anyways? We’ve seen the statistics.

Chances are, parents are making the decision for their children. Just because a parent wants their child to play a sport, that doesn’t mean that it’s what the child wants. I have seen firsthand the effect

of this, and all that results is the child’s growing distaste for the sport they are forced to participate in.

At such a young age, the main goal should be fun. When you are young, it is the time when you can try out all different types of sports. Maybe gymnastics, or badminton, or fencing! It is a time to take risks and experiment. While specialization later in life is logical, there is a point that is too early. Children need to run around and blow off steam, not be contained in an intensive training program.

Student conduct on social networking site stirs controversy for MCPS

Threats against Superintendent Starr lead to new talks about bullying

by Kate Campbell & x Logan Dreher Many students were aware that school had the potential to be cancelled early December, but only a small percentage of them took to twitter to berate Superintendent Joshua Starr for taking time with the decision.

In a letter sent to all MCPS parents December 13, Dr. Starr mentioned that the students threatened him with “rampant use of racial epithets and curse words,” even aiming violent tweets at his family. Dr. Starr later excused this behavior as a result of the adolescent brain’s inability “to think long term.” These actions caused the students who sent inappropriate tweets to face punishment by their school administration.

However, Dr. Starr’s situation is only a small part of a bigger issue within the inter-

net. Teenagers often make threats and bully their peers all around the country. On social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook, kids act like they are invincible and anonymous behind their keyboards, berating and

to the internet has become so commonplace.

It seems like most teenagers take the internet for granted, like they are entitled to it. In reality, internet access is a privilege, and most teens are only granted it because someone

...kids act like they are invincible and anonymous behind their keyboards... criticizing peers and officials alike in a way that they would never have the audacity to do in real life.

Cyberbullying in general has become a serious issue online, perhaps because access

else trusted them enough to let them use it.

As Dr. Starr pointed out in his letter, most teenagers don’t fully grasp the permanence or importance of the internet. But their profiles on Twitter and Facebook are the same

ones potential employers and colleges will look at before they accept them, and death threats like the ones sent to Dr. Starr will not make a good impression.

There is so much power behind the internet, especially social networking sites.

They essentially connect the entire world in an instant. The kids of our generation need to recognize this power, instead of using it carelessly.

So is there a solution to this problem?

According to Dr. Starr, parents need to become more aware of, “cyber civility, or how to help children grow into responsible adults who interact in a civil, respectable way.”

To the average teenager, parental involvement on social media sounds like a nightmare, but it is ideal compared to the consequences of poor conduct on a social media site.

The Blake Beat

B3

February 14, 2014

Anathema of omnipresent SATs deleterious to pupils Graphic by Ty Skeiky

Abundance of irrelevant knowledge limits creativity, individuality in students, college application process

x by Logan Dreher Welcome to the SAT, ten sections of torment: one essay, four math, four critical reading, four writing, and one unscored section with experimental questions.

It has become such a common part of growing up, a rite of passage of sorts, that students rarely seem to question the validity of the SATs. However, it becomes glaringly obvious how flawed this system is when the test is closely examined. It seems nonsensical that knowing a hundred vocabulary words or the formula for the Pythagorean theorem has come to be such a huge determinant in the future of millions of students.

The SAT is a great test for determining vocabulary skills, or geometry knowledge, or the ability to write a developed essay in 25 minutes, but it is a terrible judge of character. It cannot measure creativity, hard work, or social intelligence -- all characteristics that are vital to success.

And yet, this test stands. It shuts potentially successful students out of the colleges with the best teachers and the most resources by catering to a minority of students that are good test takers, have the time and energy to study relentlessly, and the money to take the test over and over until they receive the score they want.

College Board, the organization that

creates the SATs, is a business at heart. It charges students to take the SAT and advocates taking the test multiple times because it wants more money. Although College Board claims that the SATs determine a student’s readiness for the difficulty of college, this is just not true.

The SAT is a standardized test, and it is not applicable to the multitude of majors that exist at colleges around the country.

There is no section for potential artists, or computer programmers, or psychologists.

This idea is only proven through the growing trend of de-emphasizing test scores on applications. Colleges like Ithaca, American University, and Brandeis have recently made SAT scores optional for their admissions. Their reasoning, as Ithaca’s president Thomas Rochon explained in an article for US News, is that including SAT scores discourages gifted students from applying.

Ultimately, the idea that a standardized test like the SAT can judge each unique student’s potential for success is ridiculous.

Most people succeed in life because they are talented, and often these talents do not, and cannot, show through their answers to a series of questions on a test. These questions have just been asked over and over again in slightly different ways since the SATs began.

Popularity of new apps causes senior to answer question: Hot or Not? Kushner explains flaws in dating app, debut of addictive Flappy Bird x by Zach Kushner Hot or not: that is the question. Or at least it’s the question many teenagers face as they scroll through pictures of random people, rating them on how they look.

When I was growing up, my mom always told me not to talk to strangers. So I didn’t, and most of the time still don’t. I think it is a pretty good guideline to abide by. But clearly some people still need their mommies and daddies telling them that, or else they would not be determining whether a person is “hot or not” and trying to get a match with the people they think are hot.

The app Hot or Not allows users to post a few pictures of themselves and then scroll through other random pictures and say if that

person is hot or not. If two people both say that each other is hot, then they have a match and can then chat each other through the app.

If you enjoy talking to people who are probably faking who they are by putting someone else’s picture up, then go ahead and do it, though I do not see the point. If I really wanted to be “catfished” I would definitely use the app, no doubt.

Who really knows who uses that app?

Anyone can google a picture of an attractive person and upload it to the app, it’s not that hard. Next thing you know you are chatting that person and then you start to text them and then you go to meet them in person at a coffee shop, and then they turn out to be a criminal and kidnap you and then you start thinking maybe this Hot or Not app wasn’t such a good

idea after all.

This app isn’t the complete worst though… Flappy Bird is. Flappy Bird ruins lives and cracks screens. It essentially is the worst thing to happen to technology. While Hot or Not is just creepy and weird, Flappy Bird is a game that appears to be easy and then makes the user angry because unless you are a Flappy Bird prodigy, then you will never get past 20.

They gave such an innocent name like Flappy Bird to such an evil and anger-inducing game. That’s mean. Candy Crush at least gave people hope that they could succeed, and most people got to a pretty high level. Flappy Bird has no mercy. It’s like a nightmare but in real life. I have thus launched a campaign to end Flappy Bird, #stopflappybird2014.

If I really wanted to be

“catfished”

I would definitely use the app.

B4

February 14, 2014

Blake Beat

No excuses, just excellence.

The Beat, named the state’s best student newspaper for the last five years, is published monthly by journalism students at James Hubert Blake High School.

Co-Editors-in-Chief Ann Cirincione Jacqueline Hyman Associate Editors Emma Friedman Emily George John Kos Zach Kushner Maryam Outlaw Directors Brian Dicken (Sports) Bronwyn Evans (Arts) Ariel Gomez (News) Elana Harris (Features) Kloe Johnson (Opinion) Jordan McLean (Sports) Tabi Orock (Arts) Jenna Ramirez (Features) Darien Waters (News) Sami Wright (Photography)

Parking permits overpriced burden As the second semester gets into full swing, Blake drivers approach the painstaking task of renewing their parking permits. Not only do students need to buy their parking pass at the seemingly steep price of $37.50 a semester, but they need to pay the fee in exact change either through cash or check. It is understandable that there are necessary costs to the school covered by the parking permit, however paying $75.00 a year to park is overpriced in the eyes of many drivers. Students are entitled to know what else they are paying for, as a spot in the Blake student parking lot cannot solely be worth almost $40 a semester when there are more than enough spots for everyone. For new drivers, this cost is even more expensive if someone is paying for a shortened amount of time. If a student gets their license halfway through the semester, they still have to pay the full price of $37.50 regardless of how much time has already passed. For these drivers, buying a daily permit is not worth it either, as $5 a day overruns the price of a semester permit in just two weeks. Another frustrating aspect of parking is that drivers cannot keep the same spot all year and must be assigned a new one at the beginning of each semester. This causes problems for those who are unable to park in their newly assigned spot because another driver is late to getting their renewed permit and thinks it’s okay to stay in their old one. The towing threat also remains a mystery. Will we ever really know if a tow truck comes daily and searches the lot for actual violators or simply tows a car at the beginning of renewal season to establish parking lot authority? Driving to school is advantageous to many students, especially those who stay after school for activities.

For this reason, parking should be accessible and reasonable for students.

Students complain too much about lunches made by parents

Photo Managing Editor Dennis Chan

When the clock strikes 10:51, some students make their way to the cafeteria or the Bengal Cafe, and others pull out their lunchboxes and brown paper bags. Conversation often sways to the content of these lunches, which varies from last-night’s reheated lasagna to a four course meal packed by caring parents. It seems probable that most Blake students, who are just a few years from being full-fledged adults, are capable of packing their own lunches, and are just lucky to receive the benefits of their parents love and affection. However, the worst thing in the lunchtime world is when these lucky few, whose parents took the time out of their day to pack their teenager a lunch, complain about their food. “My Mom packed the wrong chips,” they moan, or, “Oh my god Dad, tuna again?” Most people have to save and scrimp for their lunch, praying that there are enough leftovers in the fridge to fill their bag, or that the line for cafeteria food does not wrap around the school. When teens complain about their pre-made lunches, it makes them seem like spoiled brats that feel entitled to their parents’ pampering. These lunches didn’t just fall from the sky; they were made by parents for their supposedly grown up kid. Receivers of these parent-made lunches are going to be in for a big surprise when they graduate high school and realize that no one is waiting on them with sandwiches and fruit cups in hand. They are getting the last remnants of their childhood unaccountability, and complaining about it is absolutely ridiculous.

Graphics Managing Editor Marie Anne Louis-Charles Tanner Medrano Ty Skeiky

Fragile iPhones cause turmoil

News Managing Editors Logan Dreher Courtney Hutchinson Opinion Managing Editor Kate Campbell Sports Managing Editor Alyssia Graves Fine Arts Managing Editor Michelle Carter

Staff Writers Yodit Denu Kirsten Hines Shak Magona Torie Broer Adviser Joseph A. Caulfield

The Bla

Apple designs are really sleek, desirable phones that perpetually enhance our lives, but surveys show that one in four of those beautiful glass screens that we stare at for countless hours a day is shattered. Even though the phones are more about looks than durability, the company is not to blame for this epidemic of negligence towards treating expensive things with care. Way too many teens aren’t careful with expensive things because they don’t comprehend the value of what they have. A 16 GB iPhone 5s costs 645 dollars. If a student was holding that much cash in their hand, they wouldn’t throw it around and drop it like they do to so many poor iPhones. So why do our phones slip out of our hands so much easier than a wad of cash that big? The problem is caused by parents who give phones to their kids who have no appreciation for how much they are actually worth. Even worse, many parents don’t think twice before buying their kids a new, often better phone when the unfortunate happens. When teens buy something with their own money, they are much more likely to treat the item with the respect it deserves because they feel like they are holding or wearing the actual amount of money the thing is worth. The same applies to students’ cars and paying for their own gas. Teens don’t drive nearly as much when they realize that swiping their card at the gas station multiple times a week is a really fast way to run out of money. Parents are setting kids up for trouble if they don’t let them realize the true cost of living in the modern world. A broken future could start with a broken iPhone.

On Valentine’s tips, big spending, Children’s Day Hey! Welcome to the latest edition of Quirky Facts and Life Hacks! This issue, I’m going to make your Valentine’s day easy.

But first, a few things about V-Day you might not have known.

On average, men spend $130 on candy, cards, jewelry, flowers, and dates on Valentine’s Day; this is more than double what their female counterparts contribute. Evidently, however, not everyone has a man to be spoiled by - studies show that 15% of women in the US send flowers to themselves… It’s okay if that’s you, I’m not judging.

And now for some life hacks to save you some trouble (and possibly some tears) this V-Day. First, for the fellas.

Please ask your girl what she thinks about Valentine’s Day ahead of time! If she thinks it’s stupid, congrats! You’re off the hook. DO NOT ASSUME THIS IS TRUE. If she thinks it’s the sweetest thing ever and you don’t do anything for her (or don’t do enough) you will never hear the end of it.

This little Valentine’s tip applies to both guys and girls.

Thinking of doing something really nice for your crush? Be careful! Doing something romantic for that special girl (or guy)

only works if they already have feelings for you. If they do, bravo to you. If they don’t, you will forever be that guy who gave her chocolates and flowers that she still doesn’t like. I don’t care how big the teddy bear is, it won’t make her fall in love with you.

And, last but not least, the old cliché: if you like someone, tell them! I know, I know, you’re afraid they won’t like you back, you’re not ready, they don’t know you exist, I understand. Think about it this way: it’s a win-win situation for you. If they feel the same, that’s awesome. If not, then you are free to move on with your life and find someone else who deserves you.

In the Middle Ages, it was believed that the first unmarried person of the opposite sex that you met on the morning of St. Valentine’s Day would become your spouse. Guess who won’t be leaving the house today?

In Modern day India, in addition to celebrating Valentine’s Day on February 14th, they celebrate Children’s Day on November 14th! That’s nine months, if you’re counting *wink wink*.

FRAGILITY OF LIFE MADE REAL

The Columbia Mall shooting was a terrifying event that cemented the idea that lives are precious. People always feel that it could never happen to them, but when it does it’s devastating. I had that same devastation when the shooting occured. This was a spot in which all of my friends hung out, the spot in which my family spent time, and the spot in which everyone I knew felt safe.

The shooting opened my eyes to the fact that we can never say that a situation can never happen to us, because it can. We always push issues farther from ourselves to make us feel safer, but this incident knocked on our front door. The shooting not only had fatalities in a place we all love to go to, but the shooter was a Blake graduate. We have to be strong now and keep going, because no one else will do it for us.

Junior Samantha Luckert SPREAD ALL CANCER AWARENESS

We all know what the month of October means in terms of cancer. It’s breast cancer awareness month. Now what about all the other forms of cancers? There are so many different types that are unrecognized and something should be done about it. Each awareness month should receive the same enthusiasm that breast cancer collects in October. Our sports teams wear pink during that time, but how about green for liver cancer?

Its month for awareness is also October. All cancer is evil and alertness needs to be spread for all kinds in hopes of one day finding a cure.

Junior Kathryn Brown

BLAKE

Some underappre dents. Mus at what the and what h only guest a few frien that during is packed t chorus con full at the m the concert it’s a free often. I’m an obligati preciate Bl instead of p

STOP CUT

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ake Beat

E MUSIC NEEDS SUPPORT etimes I think music is really eciated in Blake by the other stusicians at Blake work really hard ey do in preparation for concerts happens when the day comes? The ts we receive are our parents and nds we asked to come. Why is it g dance concerts the auditorium to the brim, but during band and ncerts the seats are only two thirds most? Students should come out to ts to show their support. I mean, concert, you don’t see that very m not saying that students have ion to come, they should just aplake’s wonderful music program pretending that it doesn’t exist.

Senior Kirsten Hines

TTING IN CAFETERIA LINE sick and tired of people in the butting me while I am trying to nch. I wait patiently in line hoping e minutes to get my lunch, but it line feeds off my anger and grows d longer. I find myself waiting 20 ust to get close to the door. I gave he security guards because they

B5

February 14, 2014

Graphic by Elana Harris

Valentine’s Day leaves something for all, many ways to celebrate Roses are red, violets are blue, Valentine’s Day can be fun for you, too! Who says you need a date or a significant other to enjoy the chocolaty goodness of commercial Valentine’s Day? The holiday of love can extend past a current fling or longtime relationship. Best friends and family definitely share in the warm tingly emotion that can be attributed to a holiday devoted to love. Just because you are without a bf or gf does not mean you cannot partake in giving and receiving cards, candy and flowers.

Why not celebrate in any occasion where candy is involved? There is no good reason to pass up Sweethearts and exchanging cards with friends. Plus, there is no holiday designated solely to the appreciation of people close to you. Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to show your gratitude for close friends and family.

However, even couples have been known to boycott the heat of Valentine’s Day fever. Claiming “every day is important,” some couples refuse to acknowledge one specific date to display their love.

Honestly, it is impossible to show a year’s worth of love and affection in one day.

If you do want the traditional date night, you may find luck at a Valentine’s party near you. Singles gather together hoping for someone to catch their eye or reel in the bait they have thrown onto the dance floor.

If you have no current interest in a relationship, do not let others drag you down or derail you from living your life. You as a high schooler have no need for dating unless you are interested or someone special catches your eye. Just because you are not dating or haven’t found that traditional someone special for V-day DOES NOT by any standard make you any less awesome!

You can choose to sulk, scream and rant about how stupid a holiday it is or completely ignore its existence.

Milk it for the candy or hiss at passing couples ogling into each other’s eyes, it is up to you. But why oh why would you choose to be angry if you did not have to be?

There are many ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with. Instead of sulking, you can make the most of any relationship status and choose to have fun. And if all expectations fail on this commercialized day of love, just remember that February 15 is the official celebratory day for clearance-priced candy!

I OF THE TIGER

by Emma Friedman & Emily George

YesororNo? No? Yes

Beat writers debate over a controversial isssue: Should midterm exams come before winter break?

Yes: vacation should be for holidays; exams divert attention from relaxation x by Logan Dreher

see what happens but they choose not to take action. They talk to the students to try to show people like me that they are doing something. “Hey man, let me cut in front of you,” is the nice approach. But sometimes they stick their headphones in their ears, blast music and try to ease themselves in front of you thinking they’re slick. Well, I guess I got to rock the paper bag lunch from now.

Junior Sergio Gomez ALLOW TEACHER TATTOOS

I don’t see a problem in teachers having visible tattoos. There is much debate about teachers having tattoos and if they negatively influence students. I feel that if teachers have tattoos they should be allowed to show it off as long as it doesn’t portray anything inappropriate. If students are allowed to show their tattoos, why aren’t teachers allowed to show theirs without being criticized? People in general get their tattoos because they want to show it off. If you deny that right then what is the point in having one anyway?

It’s pretty much stripping someone of their freedom of expression. People usually think that if someone has a tattoo then they aren’t as professional as they would like them to be. Why does a tattoo have to define who I am or my career?

Sophomore Nicole Granados

The staff welcomes all signed letters to the editor but reserves the right to edit or condense them. Letters may be submitted to Room A205 or mailed to: The Blake Beat, Blake High School, 300 Norwood Road, Silver Spring, MD 20905. The telephone number is (301) 879-1379.

Final exams for the first semester are after winter break, posing a difficult problem for MCPS students. They are bound to forget most of the material they’ve learned the past couple of months in the two week winter break, which can pass quickly in a flurry of activity. A lot of families use the break as a time to travel or visit relatives, so students don’t have time to hit the books.

The winter break also includes Christmas, New Years, and occasionally Hanukkah, which takes up even more of the time teens could use for studying. By the time students get back to school in early January, they are more likely to be focused on their Christmas presents or their New Year’s resolution than their final exams.

Teachers often give homework over the break as well, expecting their pupils to have time to finish the homework, study for their exams, and enjoy their break. The idea that there is enough

time over the break to do all of this, especially if students are working as well, is ridiculous.

But more importantly, even if students do have time to study during the break, they should not have to. The winter break is a period of relaxation for everyone, and a time of religious holiday for others. It is not fair that exams divert their attention from the break, which was given for a reason. Teenagers are under a lot of stress, and the winter break is a good rest from the constant stress of college and academic success.

When winter break ends and kids go back to school, the end of the curriculum and review for final exams are smushed into a short two week period so the review is often rushed and incomplete. Moving exams to before the winter break could give both teachers and students more time to prepare for exams and leave the material fresher, which could improve test scores. Perhaps that’s why almost every college has its exams before the winter break.

No: break relieves stress, allows students to study, use time wisely in preparation x by Jenna Ramirez While a stress-free winter break may sound ideal, the prospect of midterms before vacation is unrealistic and migraine-inducing. To the naked ear, the idea sounds fantastic. Wrapping up the quarter, completing exams and finishing the semester in one swift movement before winter break arrives is enticing. Vacation would be worry free.

Right? Wrong.

Taking exams after winter break is a privilege. In fact, it is a gift via the school system.

When winter break comes around, Montgomery County allows students to take a step back and forget about that 88% in pre-calculus or that borderline “C” in U.S. history. That period after winter break before the semester ends is a saving grace.

With exams after vacation, winter break gives a week of pure, unadulterated study time.

After Christmas, those few days before New Years

are ideal for hitting the books and semester review packets. Even with an unending amount of time to work on each packet, the period before exams seems short and crunched.

So imagine exams without that period of relaxation and slight study time. Exams would hit the student body like a nasty tsunami wave. There would be no days where studying was the number one priority and students would be more focused on perfecting their quarter grades than facing their treacherous midterms. Suddenly that French semester review packet would take a backseat to that final unit test in geometry.

The fact is, even if a student does not study for exams once during winter break, the period at least gives them a moment of downtime. They can clear their minds and take a deep breath. When vacation ends, they can look at exams with a clear perspective and give studying a hardy go. Exams before winter break would be destructive and well, a GPA-killing “blessing.”

B6

The Blake Beat

February 14, 2014

Valentine’s Day criticized for overemphasizing love, money

Junior belittles holiday as commercial hack, not celebration of affection x by Logan Dreher Valentine’s Day cynics are usually hailed as bitter, jealous singles, but there is so much more than just resentment to the argument against the day that fills the air with love and the scent of overpriced flowers.

First, the holiday sprung out of almost nothing. The most common origin story is that of Saint Valentine, who was imprisoned for marrying soldiers in ancient Rome.

But Valentine’s Day is also said to be the first day of birds’ mating season, and February 15th was also a pagan holiday in early human history.

However, most of these stories are shrouded in legends and myths. Valentine’s Day was not celebrated as a romantic day until the 14th century, more than ten centuries after the life of Saint Valentine. Additionally, the day only became widespread in the United States when the cards

were mass produced in the 1850’s.

Valentine’s Day is more of a commercial holiday than anything else; a quarter of all cards bought in America are for Valentine’s Day, according to the Greeting Cards Association. Valentine’s Day is a greater success for the economy than relationships.

It seems like it was only created to fill the lull between the big spending of Christmas and Easter. Not only do people spend money on their cards, but also on flowers, chocolates, and tacky singing stuffed bears. Most boyfriends are expected to take their significant other out to dinner as well.

The holiday puts a lot amount of pressure on men, from buying the perfect gift and finding the best place to eat, to writing a heartwarming card. Men that forget the date or whose behavior doesn’t measure up to society’s standards are berated and attacked by their significant other.

Everyone seems to forget that men and women alike are perfectly capable of expressing their love the other 364 days of the year. Nothing is stopping partners from validating their love or exchanging flowers on any day of the year. The fact that love notes are required on Valentine’s Day makes the message less genuine, a product of society’s orders and not one of love.

Outside of relationships, Valentine’s Day is dreaded and feared. It enforces the loneliness and lowers the selfesteem of many single people who are surrounded by loving couples. Often, the day makes it seem like there’s something wrong with them for not being in love.

The day emphasizes the idea of romantic love, creating desperate singles that seek out anyone, even someone completely wrong for them, to spend the holiday with. But even though Valentine’s Day revolves around the idea of love, life shouldn’t have to.

Sparknotes hailed as useful tool for tough books in English classes Teen scholar advocates proper use of popular online literary aides x by Emily George SparkNotes may have the reputation as the website for slackers, but over the years, it has proven to be useful for students everywhere.

Some teachers may consider it as “the prince of lies,” but have no fear Bengals, the guide is actually a helpful one. With help in general areas of study like biology, math, history, and literature, SparkNotes can aide any struggling student in need of additional help after a confusing read or lecture.

What the site is most known for is being a handy tool that serves as a substitute for students who want a passing grade on that Odyssey reading quiz that is sure to show up in AP Lang next period. Students may go so far as printing out SparkNotes

for this purpose the next morning, or even being satisfied just scrolling through the notes on their phones before class starts.

Teachers have warned us from day one about how SparkNotes should

best way to read a book. Trying to dissect a classic work of literature in 50 pages every night just to be prepared for a quiz will not allow for depth or complete emotion and understanding to come through.

SparkNotes can aide any struggling student in need of additional help. never take the place of an actual reading assignment. Come to think of it, having designated reading assignments are not the

Instead of using websites such as SparkNotes or Shmoop as complete alternatives to actually reading, students

Pricey brand name clothing disregarded as unnecessary Obsession with expensive trends materialistic, misguided x by Jenna Ramirez Like an unending reminder of the presence of materialism in today’s culture, the astronomically long list of brand names are approached by teenagers as a sense of self-worth.

Reminiscent of a scene straight out of medieval Europe, clothing has jumped from a label of ones’ socio-economic standings to who they are as a person. Brand name clothing has become a way for teenagers to show that they are worthy to wear such a name.

While in high school, it is unacceptable to wear a no-name pair of socks. Socks, of all things, must have the recognizable Nike checkmark across the side. Or, a large Under Armor logo branding on the middle of the foot must be visible. In order to feel worthy and just as important as everyone else, teenagers must spend at least ten dollars on one pair of socks.

This twist in trends does not end at a pair of Nike Elites. It extends to every article of clothing.

If a girl is caught wearing a pair of Sketchers Bobs, she may as well have committed social suicide for not owning the popular Toms shoes. And of course, one cannot forget the ever present fake Uggs stigma that follows female students who do not own a pair of the real

Australian-made boots.

The worst part of this new obsession with brand names is that items must be bought directly from the source. If a student wants a North Face jacket, it must be purchased at a lavish Nordstrom or the North Face store.

For some reason, teenagers look down upon bargain stores like the popular TJ MAXX and Ross chains. There is an inferior mark for a teen that does not buy directly from the source. They simply are not as good as everyone else.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing clothes by brand name companies. But the same goes the other way around.

The new insistence on only what brands are popular is upsetting and unfair, especially to those students who cannot afford the newest ‘it’ brand.

It is time for teenagers to take a step back and reevaluate what is important. While keeping up with the trends may seem fun now, in just a few years many of their parents will cut off their spending habits and infatuation with brand names.

Not every sneaker they own will be Nike. Not every pair of jeans will be Levi’s. It is best to get used to it now, or the college life is going to be a lot more difficult than they expected.

Graphic by Elana Harris

should try to make it a point to just use them when necessary, or as a reinforcement for when a text is especially difficult to digest. In special cases like Shakespeare, I completely understand and admit to only relying on “No Fear Shakespeare” due to its original content being hard to comprehend.

We weren’t wired to understand Archaic English at first glance. Teachers aren’t either. They’ve had years of practice at being able to grasp extended metaphors and hidden symbols that all usually have some kind of sexual undertone. “No Fear” is intended to serve as a kid-friendly tool which will not only help you on that quiz, but will allow for appropriate comprehension that will help you along the way in actually understanding the text and being able to form opinions about it.

The Blake Beat

B7

February 14, 2014

Hallway traffic causes angst for students Endless return Walking on left side creates roadblocks, collisions

of alumni frustrates anxious junior

Ramirez questions daily reoccurrence of graduates x by Jenna Ramirez

by Michelle Carter x & Jacqueline Hyman People who stop in the middle of the hallway cause irksome traffic jams, but others may just beat them out: people who walk on the wrong side of the hallway.

Most people know that it is common courtesy to walk on the right side of the hallway. This keeps traffic flowing and doesn’t cause face-to-face collisions.

But there are also many people who don’t seem able to grasp this concept, making others stop in their tracks to let wrongdoers pass by.

Listen. WE’RE IN AMERICA, PEOPLE. Do you see people driving on the left side of the road? Didn’t think so.

Even when walking on sidewalks outside, people veer to the right side when they know others are approaching from the opposite direction. Hallway rules work the same way. Walking on the right

side is not only the social norm for this school, but also the social norm for this entire country.

Walking on the incorrect side of the hallway can create awkward situations.

One offense is rounding a sharp corner and coming face to face with an oblivious wrongdoer. Bumping noggins may have been cool for Crush the sea turtle in Finding Nemo, but it isn’t fun in the high school world.

Another problem is a little something we have nicknamed “the roadblock.” The roadblock occurs when a single person walks by himself down the wrong side of the hallway. As this person continues to walk to class, they will spot friends on their way, who will join them and walk with them on the left side of the hallway. Before you know it, a line of four or more people is walking the wrong way.

The absolute worst is when people run up the wrong side of the stairways.

Staircases are only so wide, and having a flood of people rushing up towards you as you try to venture down the stairs can quickly turn into a very sticky situation.

The person correctly utilizing the staircase often gets a shock as a body is propelling itself at full force towards them.

When there is clearly a railing separating one side of the staircase from the other, one would assume that the right side should be utilized. However, human barricades will come down the stairs on the wrong side. This forces students to either strategically maneuver to the other side of the staircase and brace for oncoming traffic, or to awkwardly stare at the perpetrators until someone backs down and moves out of the way.

Is it really that hard to shift over a few feet to walk on the right side of the hallway? If we would all obey simple traffic laws and apply them to high school hallways, getting to class would feel simple, and less like an obstacle course.

Senior refuses to cut Bieber hairstyle some slack

Popularity of supposed timeless style angers Outlaw x by Maryam Outlaw Don’t let the riding boots and Starbucks fool you--boys can be basic, too. Yes, maybe guys could have gotten away with the infamous “Bieber cut” during their acne-prone adolescence, but this is high school... get it together.

Every day, the hallways are practically infested with brother bengals who sport the convenient, yet immensely juvenile hairtastrophe that Justin Bieber himself coined in 2009. Of course, that was back when the Biebs was adorable and NOT a total criminal.

Although we were rooting for him to clean up his image and avoid the unavoidable, these days Bieber is just as old and tired as the cranky cops chasing his behind. So if his career is that lost and gone, what makes anyone think his underdeveloped hairstyle can stand the test of time?

While the floppy do is one of low maintenance, the shake-and-go look is incredibly outdated, and makes all the difference when distinguishing a boy from a man. Sure, it could just be a rite of passage for any guy growing up in America. But does the custom really have to last all through your upper teens?

Apparently “surf’s up” because so many have decided to model their hair after the waves of Honolulu. Was it

your intention to recreate a massive tsunami on top of your head? Then invest in a real haircut and grab some product, because I’m getting motion sickness just looking at the turns and twists going on near your scalp.

It may have worked for musical starlets such as Bieber, Zac Efron, and Cody Simpson, but let’s not forget: they’re celebrities. They’re supposed to transport teens back to a time when Kidzbop was cool and Dexter’s Laboratory was still on air. That’s their job. What’s your excuse?

Pair a colored beanie with an oversized hoodie and boys bringing new meaning to “Bieber fever” can transform themselves into the average skater dude as well, which is fine if you do, in fact, skate. But seeing how that attempt at an ollie was less than stellar, I’m assuming you aren’t necessarily about that life.

Aside from its sheer ratchetness, the Bieber cut fails to even flatter its victims. Girls can barely make out your eye color, fail to notice your cute little dimples, and get distracted from those pearly whites because all they see is that overwhelming mass above your eyebrows. Stop hiding!

Relieve yourself from all that is ordinary when it comes to male aesthetics. Cut it, curl it, perm it, whatever. But please stop strutting the exact same, stupid haircut. It’s beginning to look like an attack of the clones around here.

...the Bieber cut fails to even flatter its victims.

Even after the momentous excitement attributed to senior year, graduation, and just altogether abandoning high school, Blake alumni keep returning back to school after they throw their caps into the air.

Ask a majority of the high school population in this area, and they will all say the same thing: they cannot wait to graduate and just get out. With college and a life ahead of them to look forward to, high school becomes a distant memory in just the span of three months.

With that as the case, why do so many Blake alumni keep wandering the halls, sometimes as soon as a few months after their own graduations?

These students--excuse me, GRADUATES--strut right in and resume their lives the way they were months ago.

They enjoy banter with teachers and catch up with friends that still attend Blake, and of course, happily tell current students that they have graduated.

This reoccurrence is possibly one of the most mindboggling phenomena to grace Blake High School. After at least 13 years in school, these alumni keep returning back to the place that the rest of the current population desperately wants to say goodbye to.

What was it that was so magical for these alumni that they insist on returning? Most of the time, the teachers are preoccupied with their current students. If all of the past students of these teachers visited, teachers probably wouldn’t have the energy to focus on their current classes. If these alumni mattered to current students, they would visit them outside of school.

Seeing alumni is beyond frustrating for students. They wander the hallways during class with that obnoxious yellow sticker that just screams “I can do whatever I want!” while everyone else sits anxiously in class. The alumni that continuously return to Blake must get some sick thrill out of watching current students go through what they survived.

There comes a point in time when these alumni aren’t wanted. When the graduates are only a few weeks into their college career, they don’t need to stop by the old school and tell teachers hi.

Hasn’t there always been an underlying rule of thumb that reminds graduates to wait awhile until returning so that they can show teachers what they have done?

If only a few months have passed, what do these students and teachers have to talk about? If I was a teacher, I wouldn’t care a month into an alumni’s college career about what classes they’re taking or how their roommate reacts.

So to any alumni out there reading this, please stay home. We understand that you may want to see old teachers and revive old memories, but people do not want you here. Stay at home or on campus, and work on earning something that you can bring back to your old high school to rub in. Then, you can return and torment current students till the final bell of the day rings.

The Blake Beat 9th Grade

February 14, 2014

Blake congratulates 2nd quarter honor roll students

Erick Abreu Adekemi Adeyemi Olayemi Akinti Ofeoritse Akuya SYDNEY ALEXANDER Jacob Allnutt Kimberly Alvarado Nanayaa Amankwah BETSELOTE AMSALU PAOLA ARCHILA Fizza Aslam Charnnette Bailey DeAngelo Bailey Alexandra Bartley Jasmine Bellard Hannah Bentz Stephanie Bergmann Gedeon Bireda Angela Blow Lorenda Boccovi Lindsay Bridegum Erin Brown Danghoa Bui Joseph Bunke Matia Caparella Anisha Carr Justin Chang JENNIFER CHENG Samantha Chheang Jaylen Cofer Justin Cofer De’Andre Cohen Emmie Content Yelli Coulibaly EmilCourbron Trung Dang Alexis De Bleecker CHIARA DE PASCALIS Antonio Deik JESSICA DEKENTY Katherine Deosaran Ernest Doku, Jr. Ellen Doll Diamond Edmonds Madeline Ellis Sheldon Ellis LESLIE ENLOE Lalissie Eteffa TEGWIN FELDBUSH Ashley Feng Michelle Finta Robert Flores Delaney Ford Kayla Galanakos Kristina Galanakos Sheryna Gandonou DREW GATLIN Georgianna Georgopoulos Janae Glover ERIC GONSKI Michael Griffin Hye Rim Ha Christopher Haley Ryan Haynes Alexa Herrera Scott Holmes John Huddle Brian Hung Waziri Ibrahim, JR Carmelus Ike Naffie Jaiteh Alexiana James Petr Janda Deddeh Johnson Neil Johnson LAUREN JONES Alayna Jordan Alexis Jordan Natasha Kalitsi Amie Kargbo Haset Kassaye Keshav Kaul Hana Khan Tareen Feven Kidane GUNGUK KIM Melinda Kim Cheyenne Kingrea Katherine Klingner Caroline Lamb Brandon Levendusky SARAH LEVENDUSKY Aaron Liiva Keara Lindsay Melissa McLaughlin Matthew McVeigh Ethan Miller Keren Mir-Almaguer Ryan Mitchell Natalie Mogrovejo Cyrus Moore Leigh Murphy Alisha Nesbitt Colleen Nguyen Nasia Nguyen Tiffany Nguyen Brandon Njosa Alexander Noonan-Shueh Lily Northcutt Crystal Ogbonna GENEVIEVE OTERO Jasmine Owens Dayanara Padilla Jennifer Park Peter Park Kendall Payton Elodie Pereira Josalyn Perez Olivia Plihal FRANCO POLAR Colby Potts

Jacob Proctor Mahnoor Qureshi SONALI RANASOMA Crystal Rasberry Abbie Rhodes Leila Riazi Erynn Richards Jordynn Richards April Riddick FERNANDO RIVERA JR Richard Roath Hailey Russell JOEL SAMUEL Sean Sarvi Anna Schiller Grace Sciannella Natalie Selvin Alexander Serpas-Chavez Sana Siddique Weston Sirk Ellenor Smethurst Brianna Smith Niara Smith Melanie Springer Sara Stanley Marlonna Stephenson NICOLE STOCK Tiffany Su Jordan Swarm Courtney Swartz Tida Tambedou Anais Tana Nkot JOHN THOMAS Dominique Thompson Idrissa Toure Tony Truong Tina Tu Ebbasaa Tufa Michelin Vaughn Sharon Walker Annie Warren Kristine Warren Christopher Wiggins Marley Williams Gabriel Wilson Matthew Wilson Courtney Worden Ornela Yossa-Nganpe Cesar Zavala Orozco Tyrone Zehring Bin Zheng

10th Grade Tayllor Afram Victoria Alexis Gissell Alfaro Malika Ali Momina Aslam Laila Barde Janeba Barry James Bartley Madinah Ba’th Eliana Berger Jonathan Blackford MICHELLE BLOYD Tessa Botkin Courtney Broadnax Nathan Brockmeyer OLIVIA BURESH Julia Byrne Benjamin Cabrera Alexia Calhoun THOMAS CALLAHAN III Kimberly Canoy Weller Riani Carr Jaclyn Choi MATTHEW CHUNG Jennifer Cleofe ANA CLYDE LOGAN DECHTER Camryn DeLuca Asorai Dhaba Jeremy Dowling Katherine Drake Kassiah Drummond Cameron Dubois Mark Edquiban CHRISTINE EVANS Christiane Fotso Laura Franklin MONICA HALLMARK Carmen Hamlett Linnea Hammer MELISSA HEWITT ABIGAIL HINES Helena Ho Karima Holland Samantha Holley Christina Irish Jeri Isabella Michael Jenner Thalia Jimenez Ireland Jones Nia Jones DELMAR KAISER Eunice Kazako Matthew Kenney Thomas Kirby, III Nicole Kister SARA KOHORST HANNAH KORYCINSKI Ashly Kum Kevin Le Christos Lemberos Catherine Leonard Sorina Lim JARED LOWRY Susan Luong Zia Mahmood ALINA MAJID Caroline Manzo

Gwyndolyn McCaney Jade McElveen Lukas McFate Carlos Melendez Mildred Mends Latisha Mills ROBERT MOLLOY Ken Musika Victoria Nelson JAMES NEWPORT Holyna Nhean Catherine Oberfield Brittany O’Gilvie Aja Patrick Allison Perikles Gabrielle Pinchinat Israel Pinto-España Carly Plevy Cora Present Joi Rice Natalie Robinson Taniya Ross-Dunmore Alexandra Rundlett Charlotte Seay Paige Shoemaker Rachel Sigwalt SHIVANGI SIKRI Jacob Silverman Nia Singleton SIMONE SKERRITT Summer Skerritt LILA SOMESHWAR KATHLEEN STAGGERS Jasmine Stanton Jesse Stout ASHLEY STUART SAMANTHA STUART Laura Suarez Dylan Taira Julia Tallon MAGGIE TAN Daniel Tanguilig Jack Tempchin Radhika Thakar CALLISTA TO Isatou Touray Sonny Tu SYONA TULADHAR Anagabriela Vargas Josue Velasquez STEPHEN VIA Steven Vo Joshua Werfel Veronica White Meagan Williams Dana Wilson Stanley Wong Andrew Woo MONIKA WRIGHT Alexandra Young

11th Grade MOHAMMED ABBAS Barnabas Afley Tyler Ager Sarah Ajih Oritsetsolaye Akuya Troy Alexander MAX ANDERSON Kimberlyn Arevalo Monique Bediako Sage Bennett Bailey Boyd Kathryn Brown John Bunke Kate Campbell Psalm David Camua Alexis Carter Dennis Chan Nicholas Chow Richelle Claytor Alison Comer Aaron Cooke Jaian Cuttari Christina D’Costa Katherine Delaney Margaret Delaney Brian Dicken Vinson Do Kieran Dollemore Jennette Dongmo Kengne Logan Dreher Kira Dunlap MAYA EAGLIN EMILY EVANS Annika Fellinger Naomi Fesseha Juan Fisher NAILAH FISHER Levander Fuller Gabriella Garcia-Ruiz Malcolm Gilbert Daniel Goldberg Ariel Gomez Danasia Graham Alyssia Graves Elizabeth Gross Benjamin Haley Elana Harris FRANK HEDGEPETH Timinia Hines Mohamed Ibrahim Ashley Jackson Brandon Johnson Zachary Johnson Cameron Jones Chanson Jones Kaela Jones Colleen Kalkofen Levko Karmazyn Feven Kassu

Paul Kennedy Tsion Kidane GEMMA KIM Samuel King Filip Laestadius Nicholas Le Keenan Lo Samantha Lowenthal Samantha Luckert Ashley McLaughlin Janelle McLaughlin Jordan McLean Na’ila Mendonca Kendall Meyer Stephen Michur Kate Murphy Citiana Negatu Ornelle Ngouompemy Chimi Tyler Nine MADELEINENOONAN-SHUEH Chizitere Odidika Max O’Grady Atijavansa Ok Joseph Oxley Cameron Payton Camila Penaloza Keyri Perez-Roque Niani Phillips Shaynel Philpotts Thomas Plihal Leon Polyzos Avery Potts Rebecca Puccini TaanyaPuthran Jenna Ramirez Bryson Reyes Marygrace Reyes Thalia Reyes Shianne Richardson Taylor Riddick Martha Sam Kyla Schweber Stacy Shin Emerson Sirk Ian Smith Sydney Steel Justin Stewart Jullie Thieu Renee Treacy Joshua Trejos Dalena Trinh Sally Tucker Alice Umoh Keri Walker Darien Waters Jasmin Waye JORDAN WEBER Rachel Williams Ebony Wolfe Sydney Wolk JOAN WOOD Reyna Zelaya Luis Zuluaga-Orozco

12th Grade Ayodele Adesanya Michelle Adompo Meaza Akalu Hassen Alajmi Claudia Alarco Alarco Mary Aronne Nicholas Aylward Kyeong Bae Hunter Balog Tiffany Barrett Nicole Barriga Zachary Bartlett GREGORY BELL JULIA BELL Adam Beuttler Sarah Bridegum TORIE BROER Tariq Brooks Silvia Buglio Kevin Bui Sherry-Mae Canoy Weller Jasmine Carter Michelle Carter JUSTIN CHAN Ryan Chang Stanford Chang Brandy Chau ANN CIRINCIONE Michael Citrenbaum Matthew Clanton Kaelyn Clark Shannon Corry RILEY CRUICKSHANK Yancy Del Cid Yodit Denu Charlotte Doh Nathaniel Dolan Natalie Domaas Miles Douglas Clara Ebate Ashley Escobar Metuge Esong Jason Fleischer Morgan Fletcher Steven Flynn Xavier Fox Emma Friedman Maia Gadsden Kimia Gaines Linnea Galletta Daniel Gerson Jason Glantz REBECCA GLATT Leah Goldberg Andy Gonzales Patrick Griffin

Names in all caps indicate straight A’s

B8

Sandra Guevara Hesu Ha Melinda Hadgopoulos ALEXANDRA HADYKA LILLIAN HALLMARK Bethany Hamson Eric Hawkes, JR Asha Henley Rebecca Hill Kirsten Hines Cathleen Ho Thao Hoang Alexis Hughes Jacqueline Hyman Hyla Jacobson Gabrielle Jones DYLAN KAISER Madeline Kalen DONG KANG Bethel Kidane Amanda King Dakota Kingrea Jocelyn Ko Alana Kominski Emily Kong Megan Kong John Kos Alexandra Krakaur Jasmine Kral Clauton Kum Zachary Kushner Meyer Lahat Casey Lake Georgio Lamptey Asia Law Gracia Le Jamie Lee Zachary Lee Theodora Lemberos Samuel Lemma Nicole Lertora Christina Lim DUNCHADHN LYONS Mahdi Malik Mateus Manfredini Oscar Mariscal Kevonn Martin THEODORA MARTIN Kristina McKenna David Miller Yoselin Milloy Shalonda Mitchell MARY MOLLOY DIEGO MUNOZ Kay Musika BETHANY MUSSE Jamie Nathlar Brigit Ngaleu Kevin Nguyen Van-Nhan Nguyen Jasmine Nickens Jeremy Nickens Tochi Nnadi DAPHNE O’GRADY Emmanuel Oppong Maryam Outlaw ESTEFANIA PEREZ Victor Phimphachanh Christian Pineiro Wendy Pintado Samuel Preza JEREMY RADOV Diarra Radway Keydy Ramirez Leaunna Ransom Julian Raul Micah Richards Cristela Rivera Ezra Roschu Tiara Royal Aaron Rubinstein Kara Savercool Connor Shaw Ashley Sheibaniagdam Larson Shilling Margaret Simpson Sundeep Soni Joel Sorto Sophia Stanley Thomas Stanton David Steele Safra Tadesse Nina Tan Cassidy Tarner Caroline Tatnall Melinda Tchokogoue Dianne Techwei Emily Temple Marie Toto Aboubakar Toure Holly Tripp Kelsy Turner Tracy Ukwu Karley Valdes Nivicar Valentin Stephanie Van Albert Tan Vo Robert Walker Kayla Waller-LaRue Tanner Williams Victoria Wolsh Jazmin Wood Carolyn Worden Kevin Wright SAMANTHA WRIGHT Fatou Yatassaye Felicia Yau Michelle Yeung Robert Zinnes