The Churchill Observer- March 2017

Montgomery County Public Schools Winston Churchill High School 11300 Gainsborough Rd. Potomac, MD 20854

thechurchillobserver.com

April 1, 2017

Volume 621 - Issue 2

A National Blue Ribbon School

Wifi Returns to CHS After Student Complaints

By Sarah O’Bye Teen Mom of Ten

After the push from the CHS student body, administration has officially opened the wifi to work on apps and sites it previously did not work for. What does this mean? This means that Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook and many other social media apps will be free game for use.

There have been instances of this wifi working on Snapchat for a brief amount of time, as it was an accident, however this implementation is official, will work on school property 24/7, and will be initiated as soon as April 1st, 2017.

“I think it’s really amazing,” senior Michael Chang said.

“Not being able to use the school wifi to reply to my snapchats has really eaten up all my data.”

C H S administration finally agreed to the student’s plead for an open wifi network, with the help of the Sources of Strength (SOS) program to keep students happy, healthy, and smiling into their phones all day long.

“Sources of Strength has been taking to CHS administration for some time now,” junior and SOS member Kendrick Smith said.

“I’m really happy that administration is realizing the importance of our phones in our well being. For example, if you break a Snapchat streak, you might lose a friend, which can be hard on the students.”

Some teachers are not excited about the free wifi however.

“I think it will be distracting,” Astronomy and Matter and Energy techer Clinton Sandford said. “I guess we will see how it goes though.”

Benz To Teach Spin Class For Upcoming School Year

By Eliza Raspberry A Berry Picker CHS principal Dr. Joan Benz has spun her way to the top instructor at SoulCycle.

Benz started a spin class two months ago at SoulCycle, after weekly classes Benz instantly became a natural, excelling through all levels of spin classes.

“I haven’t seen talent like what she has in years,” SoulCycle president Jillian Michaels said. “The effort and work she puts into cycling is truly inspiring.”

Benz originally thought of indoor cycling just as something people do as a hobby or to get fit, however she recently learned it is a lifestyle.

“The first time I cycled I wondered why people put so much time into spinning,” Benz said. “It wasn’t until my spin class teacher told me how good I was that I even thought about pursuing cycling as a serious sport.”

Additionally, Benz was rewarded with the Cycler of the Year award in December, which is only given to three cyclers in the whole nation each year. This award shows the dedication that Benz has put into cycling, and the extreme skill Benz has shown.

“The Cycler of the Year is a very big honor,” Michaels said. “It is ridiculously hard to get this award, and highly competitive. I think it is truly amazing that Benz achieved this award, I’ve never seen

Members of the Observer staff got an advanced lesson of Dr. Benz’s new spin class, which will be offered to all students for the 2017-2018 school year. anything like her talent.”

Benz later reminisced on how she felt when she started cycling. It was a brand new sport and activity for her.

“I remember the first time I cycled, I felt exhilarated,” Benz said. “It was definitely a turning point in my life. I realized how stress relieving cycling can be. Most people bike for exercise purposes, however I feel like it reduces a lot of my stress.”

Indoor cycling has recently started taking off, becoming a very popular activity for all ages. It has become so popu-

lar due to it’s ability to be a good social activity, while also giving people a good workout.

“I am obsessed with SoulCycle,” Potomac mom Regina George said. “My girlfriends and I always love to go because it is such a fun workout!

I met Dr. Benz at SoulCycle, and now she’s my instructor and I couldn’t be happier!”

When Benz is not working at CHS, she is at the gym. To say she is a SoulCycle addict would be an understatement.

“I practically live at the gym,” Benz said. “I am there before school, after school,

and sometimes I even go there for lunch. I guess you could call me a gym junkie” Benz believes SoulCycle is her soulmate. She has fallen in love with the sport and finds it hard to imagine her life without cycling.

“Cycling is definitely my true love,” Benz said. “It has become a part of me, and I have totally forgotten what life what like prior to starting cycling.”

Being an instructor takes up a lot of time, classes are every day, usually forty-five minutes to an hour. A typical spin

class includes a quick warm up and then a cycle workout.

Benz will go into a class, give a short pep-talk to the bikers, and then proceed to guide the class through the entire workout.

“I pretty much just take the lead,” Benz said. “I go into the room, and then start biking. People follow what I say and try to keep up with me, however I go pretty fast.”

Spinning will be a physical education course next year at CHS and Benz will be the teacher for the class.

Due to Benz’s busy schedule, there is only one period of the class. Benz is encouraging students to sign up as soon as possible because of this limited space.

“Spin class will be a class next year,” Benz said. “I think we are going to make it an AP eventually as well.”

Benz hopes to continue cycling, because she only continues to get faster and faster. The US Olympic cycling team has recently contacted her hoping she would be part of the team, however Benz claims she would rather keep her spot at SoulCycle.

“I have gotten many offers and sponsors,” Benz said. “But honestly, I’m perfectly happy staying at SoulCycle where my soul is.”

2

Features

April 1, 2017

How To Get A Guy in 10 Days: Observer’s Tips

By Jenna Greenzaid Fictional Character Enthusiast Eliza Asbury Professional Apple Eater Are you tired of being single? Are you struggling to get the right guy?

Do you find it hard to get guys to like you? If so, then we have the perfect steps to getting you a guy in just 10 days! Be sure to follow the steps listed below and you will have a boyfriend in no time!

Day 1 Choose your man. There’s a whole sea to choose from. Then, write his name in your Instagram bio and post your new “in a relationship” status on facebook.

Get his Kik and Snapchat. Honestly any social media is great! If he has a Google Plus that would be ideal.

Find out his schedule and follow him to and from his classes throughout the day. Make eye contact whenever you see him in the hallway. Do not, I repeat, do not blink or lose eye contact—ever.

“I aid in the counseling office for one period everyday and I was able to find my man’s schedule and print it out,” sophomore Ally Ruvo said.

“It was really pretty easy so if any girl needs me to find a schedule for them, I got you.”

Day 2 Tell everyone you are dating! All of his friends are now your friends and this means that they ALL need to know. Tell all the girls in his life to take a step back because you are the only important girl in his life.

Photoshop your face into every single picture on his instagram. And then post them on YOUR instagram and tag him in them. While you’re at it, make the best picture your profile picture on Facebook.

“I had a really cool experience of meeting my girlfriend after she told everyone we had started dating,” sophomore Niraj Suresh said. “It was a good icebreaker for when I was introduced to her by my friends. When I later followed her on instagram, seeing all the pictures she had posted of me made me feel very safe!”

Day 3 Whisper his name periodically during class. Also, laugh obnoxiously at all his jokes!

Constantly chase him around the hallways throughout the day. This will prove to him that you’re willing to follow him anywhere and you’ll support him all the way.

Make sure to point out every single one of his flaws! Bad haircut? Pimple right smack dab in the middle of his forehead? Let him know and do not hold back. You guys are getting serious

Junior Rachel Baris chases Junior Jimmy Kloke as part of the Observer’s guranteed 10 day program.

so it is essential for him to know everything he needs to change!

“I just love it when I have to sprint from class to class,” sophomore Alex Friedman said. “It’s like a daily workout when my girlfriend chases me around, my girl has got some wheels.

Catch her outside on the track how bout that.”

Day 4 Take his backpack and pour all of its contents in the middle of the hallway. The more everything is spread out, the better.

Casually slip a tracking device into his backpack as he goes to put everything back in his bag. Keep grabbing the papers in his hands and throwing them away from him over and over again. This is sure to show him your playful side!

Instead of slyly grazing his hand with yours, punch him in the face to show you want some physical contact.

“I love when a girl gets mad at me and punches me, oooo-uuu we good to go,” junior Jimmy Kloke said.

Day 5 It has been 5 days (so it’s probably a Friday). This means you need concrete weekend plans ASAP. Invite him to a party and tell him everyone is invited but don’t actually send out invitations so it’s only the two of you. Yay! Alone time.

Friday is also the perfect day to showcase the t-shirt you made with a picture of the two of you. Wear it for everyone to see and then keep it handy next week as your go-to shirt. Every.

Single. Day. “I walked into school and saw my girl wearing a t-shirt with both of our faces on it,” Suresh said. “I was so jealous that I didn’t have one so I went to confront her when she pulled out one that was gift wrapped for me! She made me wear it the whole day and the week following. It made me realize how lucky I was to have such an artistic and loving girlfriend.”

Day 6 Yes, we know it is a Saturday and you don’t have school, but this should not stop you from seeing him! Find his address and wait outside his house.

This super romantic gesture will show him that he is your only desire.

As night approaches, stay outside his house. Do not leave. When he goes to close his blinds at night, your face should be the last thing he sees. (P.S. do not forget to send him at least fifteen good night texts with various love-y dove-y emojis right before he falls asleep).

“One time I was getting ready for bed, I closed my blinds because I’m scared of burglars getting through my windows,” Kloke said. “Just as they were about to shut, I see some random girl’s face staring at me through my window. Man, did my heart stop!

Five months later, we are still happily

together!”

Day 7 When school starts again, make sure to pack an extra lunch for him and give it to him when he is with all of his friends at lunch (a side of roses and stuffed animals is also encouraged).

One key thing to remember is boys love to hear you complain! The more complaints the better. If he doesn’t give you what you want, crying is ALWAYS a must! This will not only show your sensitive side, but it will also make him like you even more.

“I find it extremely attractive when girls don’t stop whining or crying,” Friedman said. “Whether they are complaining about me responding to their text a second too late, or when I ask if something is wrong and they say nothing (when something is apparently going on)—it gets me every time!”

Day 8 It has been 8 days, that means it is time to meet the parents! Walking into his house unannounced and uninvited is probably the best thing you could do. Befriend his mom. This includes texting her nonstop! Since you and his mom are now best friends, it is safe to say you are already a part of his family!

Don’t forget to bring pictures of yourself to their house and scatter them on the mantle above the fireplace as well as anywhere there’s room.

“One time, this girl came over to my house and stole my cat,” Kloke said.

“She just took it and ran. I only realized when she sent me a picture of it in her room. It made me wanna bust out my bike and pedal all the way to her house right then. And I did.”

Day 9 Your relationship has come a long way, however this is not the time to slow down! Posting pictures of him that you took from peering through the window on all social media will show everyone you guys are the definition of couple goals!

“A picture popped up of this guy sleeping on instagram but the funny thing was, the picture was taken through a window,” Suresh said.

“What was even more funny was that I didn’t realize it was me until I saw my girlfriend wrote my name with hearts in the caption. It warmed my heart to see she watched over me like an angel during the night.”

Day 10 Change your last name to his because you’re basically married! Decorating his family car with “Just Married” all over it is a extremely sincere way to show him that you will be together forever!

“These steps are life changing,” Ruvo said. “My boyfriend and I have been in a great relationship ever since he filed a restraining order against me.

I recommend you follow theses steps and I know you won’t regret it.

Spanish Teacher Launches Music Career with Hit Single

By Dringall Bells CEO (Camp Executive Officer) Becky BigBadWolfson Lauren Roseman’s Sister

Spanish teacher Robert Roos, also known as “Gallo,” which means rooster in Spanish, just released a hit single called “Colorín, Colorado.”

The fiery Latin inspired pop song is a tune that attempts to sum up the feeling of relief that you get when you know a hard week is over and a fun weekend is coming.

“In this song, I wanted to convey a common feeling that people can relate to easily,” Roos said. “It’s that TGIF feeling. You know that the hard part of the week is over and you get a break

for the weekend.”

This is Roos’s only released song so far, and it has spent the last three weeks sitting comfortably in first place on the Top Lit Songs of the World List.

“Unlike most artists, Gallo’s music is all written and produced by him,” said Erika Iglesias, Gallo’s music producer. “His talent is unique.”

The track is streaming on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and Tidal.

“I’ve been very pleased with the success of the video release as well,” Roos said. “In seven days, it had already garnered 28 million views, averaging 4 million daily.”

The single has also been met with rave reviews from CHS students and staff who enjoy its bouncy beat and the

eccentric cinematography displayed in the music video.

According to junior Julie Cooper, the song “pumps [her] up for the weekend,” and she plays it on Friday nights before going out with friends.

The chorus of the song goes “Colorín, Colorado. ¡Esta semana se ha acabado!” The first two words are funky, Spanish slang words and the second sentence exclaims that the week is over.

“The similar sounds of the words make the song--especially the chorus really catchy,” Cooper said. “I know that once I listen to the song, I won’t be able to get the words out of my head.”

Roos has had many musical influences throughout his life and through-

out many different genres of music, but Latin music was a type that really had an impact on him.

“I’ve loved so many genres of music from a very young age,” Roos said.

“But that Latín music is one that has a special place in my heart. It’s the type that gives me the most goosebumps.”

And this won’t be the last time we hear the enthusiastic words of Gallo.

He claims that he is currently preparing an album entitled “Sal Y Sombra” that will be released sometime in the next couple of months.

“I have been putting together a compilation of my work for a while now and it will soon be ready for release,” Roos said. “I am very excited to hear what my fans think of it.”

Montgomery County Public Schools Winston Churchill High School 11300 Gainsborough Rd. Potomac, MD 20854

thechurchillobserver.com

March 28, 2017

Volume 41 - Issue 6

A National Blue Ribbon School

New World

CHS FACES INCREASED INSTANCES Religions OF ANTI-SEMITISM Administration upholds a zerotolerance policy for hate crimes and has reported the incident to the police department.

“We must stand together to stop these devastating hate-based Principal Joan Benz announced incidents,” principal Benz said in the to the school on March. 9 that a email sent out to the CHS community. student wrote the “n-word” and “These actions do not reflect the values “Heil Hitler” on a classroom desk, of CHS or MCPS.” resulting in student outrage and In addition to the classroom disappointment. incident, a CHS student experienced Potomac has a Jewish population an anti-Semitic rant from an unkown of 3.1 percent, a high percentage number on his personal cell phone. compared to most of the country, The family reported the threatening and hasalways dealt with the ‘jokes’ to CHS and the MCPD. threat of Anti-Semitism. However, “I received Holocaust-related texts recent incidents from an anonymous have been more number,” sophomore frequent than Joseph Gardemal ever; Jewish said. “ I believe that Community Center the sender wasn’t aware (JCC) bomb threats of the weight such jokes and anti-Semitic texts could have, especially when are two of the most recent anti-semitism is on the rise hate acts against Jews that from both the right and left Potomac has faced. around the country.”

I’M DEFINITELY MORE CONCERNED According to News 4’s Regardless of whether these Shomari Stone, There were meant to be jokes or real have been more than 90 threats, CHS students must hate crimes towards not underestimate the Jewish community seriousness of such anticenters and day semitic actions. schools in the U.S. “I don’t think antiin the recent two Semitism has really months. been on the rise here Similar to many other JCCs [at CHS] but I do feel like there is an and Jewish organizations across increase in Jew (specifically Holocaust) the country, the Charles E. Smith related jokes,” Gardemal said.

Jewish Day School (CESJDS) of Many students at CHS, including Rockville, MD received a bomb Gardemal, have had ancestors die in surroundings threat with anti-Semitic intent on and report any anti- the Holocaust, and take great offense Feb. 27. s e m i t i c behavior or to these texts and the ‘Heil Hitler’ According to News 4’s Peter graffiti. to administration.

Alexander, JCCs and Jewish incidents This is not the first incident at CHS “The school is taking a good first Day Schools around the country this year in which student graffiti that step with these ‘education sessions’ received 20 total bomb threats on on world religions,” senior and vice attacked another racial or religious Feb. 27 alone. group was found on school property.

About 11 states were affected, president of the CHS Jewish Student A “whites only” sign was found Nov. Union Dan Alpert said.

“For the although police did not find any 10 on a boys bathroom door. explosive or harmful devices future, I think that it is hard to “It’s not something I would expect change a mindset, but if the school upon investigation. In Maryland, within Churchill.” Alpert said, adding the cities of Rockville, Fairfax, can continue to educate students that previous incidences may have on world religions, and in this case, and Annapolis all received calls gone unrecognized until the recent threatening JCC’s and Jewish Day Judaism [and hate crimes], it could nationwide rise in hate crimes. “I be beneficial.”

Schools.

As a public, non-sectarian high was also disappointed, because this “I’ve always gone to a Jewish school, CHS’s administration probably wasn’t the first time this has day school but I’ve never once wants everyone to feel welcome, happened.” before this felt threatened because including the Jewish population. of my religion,” CESJDS junior

By Rebecca Jackson Online Features Editor

Dara Greenwald said. “I’m definitely more concerned and the idea of my school or community actually being threatened seems more possible every day.”

As a result of these recent threats, CESJDS increased security and made student safety their top priority.

In order to remain vigilant, administration asks CHS students to have heightened awareness of their

“I’VE ALWAYS GONE TO A JEWISH DAY SCHOOL BUT I’VE NEVER ONCE BEFORE THIS FELT THREATENED BECAUSE OF MY

RELIGION.

AND THE IDEA OF MY

SCHOOL OR COMMUNITY

BEING

T HR E AT E NE D SEEMS MORE POSSIBLE

EVERY DAY.

News

Student Art Spotlight

See how SOS is using furry friends to relieve stress

Look inside to see which student artist The Observer features this month.

AP Literature teacher Jeffrey Savett is currently holding a World Religions seminar every Thursday.

The lessons will be presented in his classroom, room 233, at lunch and will cover five world religions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Sikhism.

The goal of this workshop is to increase cultural literacy in CHS students and have an open and safe space to talk and discuss the inner workings of religion.

“I believe that being able to think in nuanced and complex ways is an essential skill for us to have a productive society and a civil discourse, and I think that using the vehicle of learning about different religions is an ideal way to cultivate that skill,” Savett said.

The idea of this workshop was initially suggested by junior Emily Stein who was inspired by the comparative religions class being offered for the 2017-2018 school year.

English department Resource Teacher Caitlin Moriarity asked Savett to teach the workshop because he has a background in world religions.

“I was hearing about course offerings for next year and heard that we would be having a comparative religions course, and thought that it would be really important to have some sort of opportunity for students to learn about different religions right now - given the current climate of the country,” Stein said. “I came up with the idea and brought it to Moriarty, who connected me with Savett.”

There will be two lessons for each of the specific religions until all of them have been covered. As of March 23, the introduction to the course as well as both lessons on Judaism and have already been covered.

When coming up with learning materials for the course, Savett focused on negative capability, a term coined by the poet John Keats. The purpose of the class is not for students to abandon what they believe in or to be confused, but for their beliefs to be strengthened through learning about differences and most importantly, similarities, in other faiths.

“I hope they gain some cultural literacy but more importantly that they come away with the ability to think deeply and develop and be able to exercise negative capability,” Savett said.

Jump to Page 3

Sports Wrestling Team Spirit Learn how hair styles boost competitive edge

Page 13

Page 10 PHOTO BY EMILIANA CARDINALE.

By Eugenia Cardinale Editor-in-Chief

Arts

Therapy Dogs

Page 2

Workshop

PHOTO COURTESY OF BILL WU.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MAC BALLMAN.

2

News

March 28, 2017

New Law Aims to Redefine Consent

Therapy Dogs

By Jake Herman Online Opinions Editor

By Emiliana Cardinale Production Manager

A new bill mandating that MCPS schools teach affirmative consent as a part of family life units in health classes was introduced in the Maryland state legislature Jan. 25.

The bill, known tentatively as HB 365, defines affirmative consent as “clear, unambiguous, knowing, informed, and voluntary agreement between all participants to engage in sexual activity.”

“I support this bill to make sure that students learn and understand early in their lives what healthy relationships are,” John F. Kennedy High School student Nathaniel Tinbite said. Tinbite testified before the state legislature in favor of HB 365.

This proposed bill comes as another step in the growing national attention that the issues of sexual assault and consent standards are receiving.

According to the Washington Post, national discussion of issues relating to affirmative consent has increased since California passed a similar law in 2015 defining “yes means yes” as a basis for consent in sexual assault cases on college campuses. This law was passed in response, in large part, to a high-profile rape incident at Stanford University.

The Maryland General Assembly is weighing proposals that have been made in other states into the decision as to whether they, too, should pass laws relating to affirmative consent.

According to the Maryland General

As part of a Sources of Strength (SOS) Initiative to help relieve stress, therapy dogs will be at school every week on Tuesdays at lunch outside of room 203.

PHOTO COURTESY BY EMILIANA CARDINALE. PHOTO COURTESY OF CREATIVE COMMONS.

A bill that defines consent as ‘yes means yes’ is currently being propsed to the Maryland State Legislator in Annapolis, Md. Assembly’s Fiscal and Policy Note regarding HB 365, the bill echoes attempts to pass similar legislation in Michigan, Illinois, Connecticut, and Virginia.

A previous attempt in 2016 at affirmative consent legislation in Maryland failed to receive a vote after being met with opposition. The bill, called HB 1142, sought to require all colleges in Maryland to adopt affirmative consent policy standards.

According to Capital News Service, representatives from many colleges in Maryland testified against HB 1142 due to language that they believed would cause confusion and unreasonable standards.

Supporters of HB 365 hope that by establishing affirmative consent as the standard taught in the health classrooms of Maryland, clear policies and less ambiguity will exist surrounding consent.

According to Tinbite, he believes that teaching affirmative consent in health classes will “ultimately lead to the decrease of sexual assault in the near or far future, with students equipping this skill to think twice and understand that only yes means yes in Maryland.”

HB 365 is currently assigned to the Ways and Means committee in the Maryland General Assembly and has yet to be voted on.

Credit for AP Classes Could be Lessened

By Megan Park Business Manager Recently, colleges such as the University of Pennsylvania and Duke University have been starting to reconsider how much credit should be given for AP exams taken in high school.

AP tests often allow students to skip introductory college courses and obtain college credit based on the score they get.

According to a Feb. 15 Wall Street Journal article, more than 2.6 million high school students globally took 4.7 million AP exams in the 2015-16 year.

The test concludes what is usually a year-long class with curriculum that is designed to be similar to a college-level course.

Colleges have started to reconsider AP credit due to the belief that high school courses are not as stringent at the college level. Some high school students and teachers disagree with this statement.

“I would disagree that entry-level college courses are more rigorous than their AP counterparts,” AP U.S. History and AP Psychology teacher Rodney Van

Tassell said. “Most CHS alums that I talk to confirm that their AP classes adequately prepared them for college rigor.”

Though colleges are starting to reconsider the amount of credit given to an AP student, most students do not feel discouraged from taking these classes as the difficulty level is reflective of what they expect to see.

“Although I think it’s unfair, the number of APs I would take would not really change,” junior Helene Cho said. “I would still take the AP courses to get as much credit as I can for college.

Even though AP courses may not be as rigorous as college classes and reflect the actual workload, they are still harder than typical high school courses.”

Although the college credit may not be the only incentive for taking AP class, this change still upsets some due to the time commitment of taking multiple AP classes.

“I never signed up to take APs just because of college credit. I signed up because the most interesting courses offered happen to be AP course,” junior Sara Weissel said. “That being said, taking multiple APs is a very time consum-

PHOTO COURTESY OF CREATIVE COMMONS.

ing endeavor, regardless of how much I enjoy the class. I think a college should recognize the amount of commitment and extra work students do to be successful in AP courses” Although colleges may be reappraising credit from AP exams, it does not mean colleges won’t acknowledge the tedious work the student put on themselves by taking multiple APs. Colleges know that AP courses are a lot of labor and will continue to give some amount of credit to the student.

“Colleges and universities have been relatively consistent in awarding AP credits for APUSH for the past 15 plus years,” Van Tassell said. “That said, Ivy League schools, and a few others like Duke, have been pulling back on how much they weigh AP classes. However, I doubt schools such as these would consider accepting students without AP or IB rigor on their high school transcripts.”

Though AP credit is being reconsidered and possibly lowered by colleges, students are still having to pay ninetyfive dollars to take each exam. Given this fact, many deem the system unfair.

“I would guess it is a money grab on their parts,” Van Tassell said. “If that is the case it is unfortunate for students especially in light of the skyrocketing costs associated with higher education.”

If AP, BC or IB classes show up on a transcript, it still shows additional effort by a student. It is believed that colleges will still continue to be impressed and take special note of those who take challenging classes throughout their high school career.

“APs may not be as rigorous as most classes taught in college, but I think considering the fact that most college freshman take 4-5 classes and most high schoolers take 6-7, we are demonstrating our ability to succeed in an academically challenging environment.” Van Tassell said.

The dogs are part of Therapy Dogs International (TDI), a volunteer organization founded in 1976 dedicated to regulating, testing and registration of therapy dogs and their handlers for the purpose of visiting institutions where therapy dogs are needed. TDI is the oldest and largest therapy dog organization in the US. “My goal is to offer a little change to the school week,” SOS sponsor Jamie Frank said. “There is so much evidence out there about the benefits of pets and stress. I wanted to do what I could to provide a little relief for both students and staff.”

According to Frank, the dogs were originally here to help staff, but students responded well and the handlers offered to come weekly, so it has become a regular thing. There are normally three german shepherds with Kimbo, Diva, and Flores coming regularly.

“I am hopeful students stop by and give them a pet to see for themselves what a difference a pet can make on their level of stress and outlook on the day,” Frank said.

Although it started off as something for teachers, students have also started enjoying the dogs and their company.

“Them being here makes me so happy and I’ll have some bad days and they’ll make me feel like everything’s ok because they’re so pure and perfect,” senior Chels Chittum said. “I was talking to a family friend who’s a social worker recently and we both think everyone would benefit from therapy dogs. They just make every day and situation better.”

Religion Class Jump from page 1 Along with learning about the religions during the lunchtime lessons, students are also given the ability to immerse themselves in the culture they are learning about as they are presented with opportunities to attend services of the religion studied that week.

“The services component is organized separately for each workshop,” Stein said. “Essentially I have reached out to different religious institutions to ask if our students could attend services.

Most of them have said that their services are public, so it has not been to much trouble to get that in order.”

March 10, students had the opportunity to attend a shabbat service at Beth Shalom, a Jewish Orthodox synagogue near CHS. A shabbat service is a service that welcomes the new week. After the service, they had a question and answer session with Rabbi Nissan Antine.

“The most intriguing part of the workshop is the similarities we’ve seen amongst the religions we’ve studied,” senior Jack Dellafiora said.

“As a Catholic, attending a service in a synagogue really opened my eyes to Judaism and how they practice.”

March 28, 2017

3

News

MCPS Proposes Elimination of Athletic Fees

By Vicky Gunawan Contest Manager On Feb. 15 superintendent Jack Smith advised that students should not be charged for athletic fees.

The Montgomery County Board of Education requires middle or high school students to pay an Extracurricular Activity (ECA) fee in order to participate in extracurricular activities.

This includes sports and other clubs.

The fee is $36.50, however there is a reduced fee of $15 for those who have issues affording the regular fee.

“As part of the BOE's recommended operating budget for fiscal year 2018 [school year 2017 - 2018] they have recommended eliminating extracurricular activity fees,” Director, Department of Public Information and Web Services Derek Turner said. “They believe this will remove a barrier to participation in extracurricular activities.”

This rule will be implemented July 1, 2017. The Board of Education's recommended operating budget for fiscal year 2018 has a decrease in revenue by 691,000 dollars which reflects the funds they typically receive as part of the extracurricular activity fees.

“It has become a necessary evil since its implementation,” Athletic Director Jesse Smith said. “It helps to offset the growing costs of running athletic programs but it comes at the expense of the students and their families. I think it would be great for athletes, coaches, and families to not have to worry about this fee. Even though it is a small fee, it can pose a challenge for some families.”

The fee generates funds to cover

PHOTO COURTESY OF MEGAN PARK.

costs for equipment, to pay coaches and many other necessary things to facilitate athletics programs. Students who pay the fee are entitled to participate in one or more programs during the year.

“I think the fee is necessary for the most part, so the school can afford necessary equipment,” sophomore Emily Feigen said. “However there is a waiver to excuse someone who can't pay the fee, which I think is more important than the fee itself because nobody should be denied the ability to play a sport for financial reasons.”

This rule doesn’t apply to club

sports like crew and frisbee because club sports are not officially part of CHS athletics.

According to Turner, the rule has already been made as part of the recommended operating budget that is proposed by the superintendent and adopted by the Board of Education.

Removing these fees will hopefully remove the financial barrier to participating in extracurricular activities and help increase participation in these activities by making them more affordable and accessible to all students.

“I feel like not paying the fee will not effect me personally very much,”

freshman Leah Rubino said. “It will make it easier on some people that have trouble affording it, but will also affect the quality gear and supplies sports teams get.”

The main concern with implementing this rule is how schools will be able to pay for their needed equipment, supplies and other important costs.

“I think it's very possible that it has an effect on athletic programs around the county,” Smith said. “If the county can't provide that lost income to the athletic programs, then we could see a lot of schools lose necessary funds needed to operate properly.”

SMOB Candidates Seek to Bolster Equity, Innovation

By Nathan Deychman Online Editor-in-Chief The finalists for the 40th Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB) were elected on February 22 at the annual SMOB nomination convention.

Junior Alex Abrosimov from Richard Montgomery and junior Matt Post from Sherwood won the most votes at the nomination convention and have earned the right to compete for the position this spring. Post is a first-time finalist, while Abrosimov ran last year as well in a losing effort against current SMOB Eric Guerci.

“Last year our campaign was thrown together in a matter of days, and I’d say we got pretty far,” Abrosimov said.

“This time around I’ve had a long time to prepare and get a strong ground game going. The energy and passion are both back, even bigger than before.”

Abrosimov and Post beat out notable candidates Ananya Tadikonda of Richard Montgomery, Safwan Masood of Paint Branch and Chas Goldman, Michael Ying and Le Do of Blair. The finalists were selected by delegates from each MCPS middle and high school after giving several speeches about their policies and answering delegates’

questions.

“Ever since I was in 6th grade and voted for SMOB, I never felt inspired by the same generic policies and ideas,” Abrosimov said. “We need to focus local, and realize that every school is different, with a different story and a different set of needs. I don’t want vague policy and pretend action.”

Although the competition was stiff this year, the candidates who prevailed are well-qualified. For the past three years, Post has worked in educational Policy as Guerci’s Chief of Staff and Vice President of the County SGA (MCR), while Abrosimov is the founder of the Student Union at Richard Montgomery and has served as his class president before pursuing the SMOB position.

“I’ve worked alongside policymakers in the state legislature, argued for funding in the county council, and forged relationships with Board of Education Staff,” Post said. “We deserve a SMOB with that kind of experience so we can move this county forward.”

The duties of the SMOB may seem quite simple, yet require a lot of commitment and care. The SMOB gets to sit on the MCPS Board of Education and vote and discuss along with the other board members as a voice for the students. The job may seem easy,

but a successful SMOB is able to balance the needs of the school and the students with the needs of the Board of Education.

“I want to use the power the SMOB has to solve local issues long plaguing our communities,” Abrosimov said.

Post would work to reform dress codes, remove Wi-Fi blocks on social media and train teachers to recognize the signs of mental illness in students.

He also supports universal Pre-K as well as additional economic supports to allow for economic and social mobility.

“In the 50s, my grandmother taught at a New York elementary school in a very disadvantaged community, so I was raised constantly hearing about the power of education as a great equalizer.

I think we still have a lot of work to do to fulfill that promise for every student,” Post said.

Additionally, Post has many policy ideas regarding the environment, such as expediting the solar panel initiative, installing green roofs on all schools and making sure schools follow LEED guidelines, a set of guidelines on making schools “green.”

“The whole concept of educated is rooted in creating a better future. I believe our county has an obligation to leave the environment in a better state for us, so our future can be liveable,” Post said.

On the other hand, Abrosimov is focused on creating instant change.

His platform is centralized along the concept of “Learn, Live, Lead.”

“I will focus primarily on day to day infrastructure improvements,” Abrosimov said. “Actually having soap, clean water, air conditioning, etc.”

In addition to improving the little things, Abrosimov plans to ensure that the infrastructure of every school building is modernized. He also hopes to be an advocate for student rights and close the achievement gap in MCPS. “If people are sick of generic pandering, and want constructive and exciting change, I encourage everyone to vote for me,” Abrosimov said. “I will make sure schools that have been neglected for decades are revitalized and people who feel like they’ve been left behind get the attention that every student deserves.”

SMOB elections will take place on April 26.

“I believe we’re in a defining moment for Montgomery County, and if we’re ever to implement the changes that we believe in, we have to do it now. And I think that in this particular moment, I have something to offer in experience and policy knowledge so we can get things done for every student,” Post said.

4

March 28, 2017

Observations

Senior Named Top Teen for Flute

Next Year’s NEHS Officers Elected

PHOTO BY ETHAN S. MILLER.

From left to right: Suuba Demby, Anna Baranko, Arjun Shahi and Becky Wolfson will serve as next year’s NEHS co-presidents.

Stories by Ethan S. Miller Fact Checker

PHOTO COURTESY OF YEAMA HO.

Senior Yeama Ho playing flute at the 2016 US Navy Band Concerto Competition where she won first place.

By Eliza Asbury Business Manager The Bethesda Magazine recently named CHS senior Yeama Ho a 2017 Top Teen for her accomplishments in flute. Ho has been playing the flute since the fourth grade, and now has played in two youth orchestras.

Ho has been playing the flute for eight years, and has participated in a multitude of competitions and practices

over the years. In the past year alone, she has won over three awards, including first place in the 2016 Navy Band Concerto Competition and first place in the 2016 Mid-Atlantic Flute Convention Student Competition Senior Division.

“In the past, most people knew me for my academics,” Ho said. “Now, because of the article, others can get a better and more holistic picture of who I am.”

New York Journalism Convention

By Becky Wolfson Online Arts Editor

PHOTO BY BECKY WOLFSON.

Newspaper and Yearbook students pose outside Rockefeller Square.

From March 15-17 the newspaper and yearbook staff members attended the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) 93rd Annual Spring Convention at Columbia University.

At the convention, students selected sessions that were of interest to them, ranging from ‘Sports Writing’ to ‘The Basics of In Design’. They also had the opportunity to engage with other student journalists from across the country. There were 350 workshops offered, which were divided into newspaper, yearbook, magazine, online media, video/broadcasting, law and ethics and advisers.

“The New York Trip is an amazing opportunity because not many high school journalism students get the chance to travel to NYC and learn from experts at Columbia University,” yearbook student Jobeth Liss said. “In yearbook, [I am] a section editor, so at Columbia I went to many yearbook design sessions and learned a lot about what to do and what not to do when designing.”

Normandie Farm Where Traditions Meet Today’s Expectations!

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Sunday Brunch!

Congratulations to juniors Anna Baranko, Suuba Demby, Arjun Shari and Becky Wolfson who were elected officers of the English Honors Society.

This vote marks the first year of a new structure in which all four officers are co-

presidents compared to last year where there was one president and three vice presidents.

“I’m very honored and excited to be an officer for EHS,” senior officer Suuba Demby said. “I saw today that the other officers and I have some very innovative ideas such as EHS sponsored field trips and SAT tutoring, and we are excited to see what will come of them next year.”

CHS Students Attend MSP Retreat On February 25, members of the Minority Scholars Program went on a retreat to Northwood High School in order to promote efforts to close the achievement gap.

The eleventh annual MSP retreat, was attended by over 430 members in order to raise awareness to close the achievement gap.

“The retreat was extremely wellorganized and executed,” English teacher and MSP club sponsor Caitlin Moriarty said. “Churchill students reported to me that every workshop they attended was excellent and that they couldn’t wait to participate in the retreat next year.

PHOTO BY SARA HEIMLICH.

Students Precious Melchedizek, Anna Norman, Ocean Kenfack and Anais Gueret represented CHS at the MSP Retreat Feb. 25.

Robotics Club to Compete at Botball

PHOTO BY ETHAN S. MILLER.

Members of the Robotics Club prepare for the competition.

The student-run CHS Robotics Club will participate in the annual Botball

competition at Annandale high school April 1.

Botball is a competition in which members of a team work together to construct and program a robot to perform various functions, such as picking up blocks, in order to gain the most points. Teams from all over the D.C. region will attend the competition.

“The club is entirely student-run,” senior captain Matthew Suh said. “In order to work on the robot, we meet almost everyday after school during second semester. There we build and program the robots from scratch, in preparation for the upcoming competition.”

MORE LIKE

GUAC PARTY. From fajita bars to burrito parties, California Tortilla’s catering services provide the perfect way to spice up your upcoming graduation gathering!

Call us at 855-CAL-TORT or visit CalTort.com/catering for more information.

Weekend Dancing in “Margery’s Lounge”!

Conveniently Located in Your Neighborhood!

Ample Complimentary Parking!

301-983-8838 Visit popovers.com

CAL TORT CABIN JOHN 7727 Tuckerman Lane Potomac, MD 29854 301.765.3600

March 28, 2017

5

Opinions

The Churchill Observer Editors Editors-in-Chief Eugenia Cardinale Arielle Gordon Online Editor-in-Chief Nathan Deychman Chief Production Manager Emiliana Cardinale Production Editors Camila Camp Eli Gordon Will Hyland Jake Herman Dani Miller Rebecca Jackson News Editors Thomas Atkinson Lauren Roseman Opinions Editors Maya Rosenberg Sofia Williamson Observations Editor Sai Sreenivasan Features Editors Sara Heimlich* Emily Wang Arts Editor Sarah O’Brien Balbina Yang Sports Editors Ben Dross Kyle Emery Fact Checkers Bryan Flecther* Ethan S. Miller Matthew Sun Social Media Editors Julia Lescht Laura Sneller * Drew Ingall Anna Baranko Joe Raab Sophie Liss *also production editors

Managers Advertising Manager Max Kandel Business Managers Eliza Asbury Megan Park Circulation Managers Brandon Li Jenna Greenzaid* Contest Managers Vicku Gunawan Nora Holland* Adviser Mary Dempsey

Our Policy The Churchill Observer is published monthly by the students of Winston Churchill High School, 11300 Gainsborough Road, Potomac, Md. 20854. Advertising and subscription rates are available by e-mailing churchill.observer@gmail.com.

Advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of staff, faculty or the student body.

Every effort has been made by the staff to ensure that the news is accurate and free of bias.

Editorial opinions are those of The Observer staff, and personal commentaries and cartoons reflect the opinions of their writers. Letters to the editor must be signed, and assertions must be documented upon request. Send letters to the editor to churchill.observer@gmail.com The Observer is a public forum for the purpose of expressing the views of and informing the CHS community.

Pre-College Costs Hinder Students IMAGE BY KEVIN HO.

College is an expensive investment into a student’s future. At CHS, most of students’ daily lives and choices revolve around earning amazing grades and outstanding test scores so they receive admittance to their dream school.

But as college tuitions continue to rise, the cost of the college application process does as well. This process extends beyond simply paying a fee to send in an application to a college; families are becoming increasingly subject to spending hundreds of dollars on hours of expensive ACT and SAT prep classes, costly payments for AP exams and multiple extracurricular activities in order to make their child as appealing to colleges as possible.

While it is important for CHS students to exceed educationally and diversify themselves from the 20.5 million other kids who applied to college in 2016, the costs of these improvements will only serve to increase the opportunity gap and deplete the financial resources families need for college before a student even enrolls.

According to the College Board website, each AP exam costs $93. AP classes are meant to serve as classes that can provide possible college credits, which may overall lessen the costs of college. However, if taking the exam isn’t accessible to everyone, students won’t receive the college credit they need; thus the cost of attending college won’t be lowered.

While the cost of an AP exam generally costs less than paying for a college class, it is still too expensive.

According to the 2015-2016 fact sheet for CHS, there were 2,908 AP tests taken by CHS students, which equated to $276,260 spent in total.

That is an enormous sum, and once distributed across the 1,253 students eligible to take an AP exam, each student had to pay roughly $220.

While some families may be able to foot the bill for these expenses, others may not.

According to the MCPS website, 33.2 percent of MCPS families are currently at an income level that qualifies them for the Free and Reduced Meals Program.

That’s approximately 1 in 3 students that can’t regularly afford the full price of a meal, much less the price of one or more AP exams.

AP classes and exams are invaluable to a student’s high school education and their appeal to colleges. The cost of taking a class imperative to getting into competitive colleges should not fall on

MCPS students and their families. There is no reason that the College Board, the company that administers AP exams and the SAT, could not lower these prices to a more moderate price point.

In addition to taking AP classes, most students plan to take the ACT, SAT or both in order to be admitted into college.

According to the College Board, the SAT costs either $45 or $57 (with writing). And according to ACT, the price of their test similarly ranges between either $42.50 or $58.50 (with writing). Many students take these standardized tests at least twice, which brings their total close to $100. In order to be successful on these exams, students work with pricey private tutors and join prep classes to boost their scores. Students also have to pay to submit their scores to the colleges of their

choice, increasing their costs even more.

According to a survey of 57 CHS students, 96 percent have used a private tutor, prep class or some other outside assistance to increase their standardized test score. While tutors and classes help improve student’s test scores, these courses can cost hundreds of dollars and put students who are unable to foot the bill at an unfair disadvantage in taking standardized tests.

ACT and SAT tutoring should be offered as a class to sophomores and juniors at CHS and possibly all of MCPS, as it would provide a free way for students to prepare for important college entrance exams.

Additionally, College Board and ACT, Inc. should consider turning to another source of income for their exams and reduce the prices of current exams. They could host benefits in order to raise money for the costs of the exams or the prices of tests could be on a sliding scale based on income.

The rising costs of pre-college expenses alienate those who are qualified and deserving of a college education, but cannot afford to pay hundreds of dollars for an ACT prep class or a multitude of AP exams.

In addition to the cost of AP classes, students must also pay for the fee of applying to a school.

College is already expensive enough without the added fees of simply applying, taking AP exams, and paying for prep classes. The achievement gap that already exists in MCPS is only made worse by these unnecessary costs, and measures can and must be taken to close the gap.

By Bryan Fletcher Production Editor

Child Left Behind Act of 2001, which put more priority on academic success.

According to an 2013 NPR article and poll, the level of stress in teens has been steadily increasing for years, with nearly 40 percent of parents saying their children are experiencing stress from school.

But the schoolwork and tests are not the only problem causing a decrease in classroom motivation. Expectations from parents and teachers to get into highranking colleges has led many students to think that anything less than perfect performance is unacceptable. Even on top of the work that is given out by school, college applications and preparations are a constant weight on the shoulders of upperclassmen trying to focus on grades.

Students seem to have stopped caring about what is being taught and have become motivated solely by grades. This is not how students, particularly high school students, should go through their youth.

There are several possible ways of addressing this issue, such as diminishing the amount of work given out to students on a daily basis, becoming more engaged in class through interactive lessons and

lowering the priority on grades as a whole.

For such changes to be introduced, support from higher members of the MCPS education system would be needed, which, based on the previous statistics about stress, could be rather simple to obtain.

Once implemented into high school classrooms, these changes have the possibility to radically alter how students act in school.

However, this is not to say that homework and studying are completely unnecessary.

According to a Lesson Plans Page article titled “10 Benefits of Homework,” limited homework output has been proven to increase the sense of responsibility of young adults entering the professional world as well as their independence and problem solving skills.

Nonetheless, the largely overwhelming aspect to schoolwork and homework is responsible for students becoming severaly stressed and overworked or burned out and apathetic. This is a problem which needs to be addressed.

BSERVER O OPINION

Stress Undermines Enjoyment at School Between juggling class schedules, extracurricular activities and trying to sleep for eight hours, almost every student at CHS is trying their best to reduce the everyday stress that accompanies school.

Unfortunately, many students remain overwhelmed by the amount of work they are given, spending hours completing homework and studying for upcoming assessments. Often times, this becomes such a problem in our lives that students work only for the grade, as opposed to finding any enjoyment in class.

This abundance of stress is a major issue that should be directly addressed in order to shift the focus in academics from grades to motivation, as school is a place where learning should be sought after by students, not detested by them.

The amount of school work for high school students has been notoriously overwhelming for years now, beginning with the authorization of the No

8

Features

March 28, 2017

Teachers Make Time for Athletics After the Bell

By Eliza Asbury Business Manager

Picture this: your math teacher shooting a three pointer just as the buzzer goes off; the crowd going wild. However for CHS students, no imagination is needed in this type of situation, it really does happen.

For some, playing a sport can be as addictive as coffee, leaving people craving more competition. This could explain why some adults have chosen to stay active in the athletic world. To find out, The Observer took a look at some of our very own teachers who decided to stay active into their adulthood.

“I’ve been competitively running for 37 years and it’s just something I don’t want to give up,” AP NSL teacher Paul Jacobson said. “It’s almost like teaching. I like having to be on my toes. I’m a competitive person so I always enjoy proving myself.”

According to a NPR, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health poll, studies have shown that while about three in four adults played a sport as a child, only one in four adults have continued to play a sport into adulthood.

To some teachers, continuing a sport is just as natural as partaking in any social event. Playing a sport allows them to stay healthy while also being able to socialize with friends.

“Everyone needs social outlets,” said AP Psychology teacher Christopher Forney, who plays softball. “For some, it’s a book club. For others, like myself, it’s playing a sport.”

The attraction of playing a sport as an adult is not strictly social; there is still that hunger for competition. For many teachers, they have been participating in sports since as long as they can remember, so staying competitive is natural to them.

“As a high school and college athlete and coach, I definitely do enjoy

PHOTO COURTESY OF KATELYN BLANKEN.

Teacher and coach Katelyn Blanken and her husband are part of a recreational touch football team. competition,” said AP Psychology teacher Katelyn Blanken , who plays in an adult touch football league. “So I thought it would be a fun way to meet new people and continue to be competitive.”

According to the poll, about 75 percent of adults who play sports now also played as a child. Only about three percent of adults who play sports now did not play as a child.

“I have been playing a sport ever since I can remember,” Blanken said.

“I continued playing a sport and working out right after graduating college just to keep in shape, and I just never stopped.”

Although continuing a sport does take up additional free time, adult leagues or teams are generally laid-

back, not requiring a lot of time or commitment.

“Playing a sport includes minimal commitment at this age,” Blanken said.

“You show up, play for an hour and leave, no practices, no nothing.”

Having an outlet in general, whether it be sports related or not, is proven to have positive effects on people. When it comes to playing a sport as an adult, it allows for a mental break.

“My softball league is one night,” Forney said. “The beauty of it is it’s two hours where your mind doesn’t entertain anything else. You’re just focused on a game and that’s it.”

For many CHS teachers, balancing a sport and teaching doesn’t seem to be hard at all.

As for Jacobson, who is also the cross-

country and assistant track coach, he is able to do the sport he loves while teaching it at the same time.

“I don’t think balancing teaching and running is hard at all because I coach the sport I compete in,” Jacobson said. “My workouts to be a competitive runner are the same workouts that I can give the team. One of the reasons I wanted to coach was because if I was going to run everyday anyway, I might as well combine the two and be able to coach and still run.”

All of the CHS teachers who were interviewed played sports throughout their whole life into college and after graduating.

“My dad was a college athlete too, so playing a sport was always something we were encouraged to do,” said Blanken, whose dad is her assistant varsity basketball coach. “My parents never cared whether I was the best athlete or what sport I was playing, they just cared that I was staying active and healthy and doing something that I had fun doing, so I think that definitely had an effect as to why I play today.”

Like everything in life, sports can always teach people lessons. These lessons can be carried on to any environment, not just on the field and can also help you with other life skills.

“First of all, sports have taught me it’s really important to work in a team situation, whether it’s in a sport, classroom, or career,” Blanken said. “It’s also really important to be able to listen and work with other people.”

Additionally, while sports can teach people physical and mental strength, they can also build character and how one views issues in their own life. Losing a game is similar to most any challenge in the world, but learning how to continue playing after a loss is the most important.

“I learned you are going to have failures, but it’s how you recover from the failure that matters the most,” Blanken said.

March 28, 2017

7

Features

Bulldog Graduates Return to CHS Classrooms Some say that high school never really ends. For a select group of CHS staff that once attended CHS, that statement rings true—literally.

It may be hard for students to picture their teachers when they were younger, but the Observer got the scoop from CHS teachers who ended up working at their alma mater.

“The best part about CHS is that the students and staff are wonderful and caring,” said counselor Puja Sharma, class of ‘04.

Like Sharma, U.S. History teacher Kevin Doherty believes the CHS community is creates long-standing relationships.

“Weekly, I still probably talk, text or hangout with about 15 to 20 people who I went to CHS with,” said Doherty, who walked the stage in ‘07. “I think this is a reflection of CHS being a very established place resulting [in] people graduating with very stable friends.”

This devoted commitment allows students to have strong relationships with their teachers, which can carry through adulthood.

“I originally taught in a different county so I was trying to get back into MCPS,” Biology teacher Sara Nemati said. “I actually found that Mr. [Clinton] Brown, who I had had as my teacher, was the Department chair of Science, so I emailed him a picture of myself and told him that I was looking to get into the system. His wife Mrs. [Ginny] Brown, who I also had, recognized me.”

Doherty, on the other hand, returned to CHS after keeping touch with his former teachers, even during college years.

“I would speak with Mr. Van Tassell

and other CHS teachers in regards to what I should do to bolster my resume, what classes I should take in college or what internships I should do over the summer,” Doherty said.

Prior to the 2012-2013 school year, Doherty got an email from Van Tassell about a job opening at CHS. Doherty interviewed that week, then started the job on the following Monday: the first day of school.

Nemati enjoys working at CHS because it was the place that she discovered her passion for science.

“I decided to become a teacher because I’m a big science nerd,” Nemati said. “That’s basically it. And I thought it would be a fun job, a good fit.”

Nemati has high praise for the CHS community because of a unique politeness amongst the students, and the respect they have for authority.

“Having been at three other schools, I think CHS kids are the nicest,” she said. “They are the first to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ and ‘have a nice day or a nice weekend,’ they even hold the door for you; other kids don’t do that.”

With the natural progression of time, one would assume that CHS has changed immensely. While some aspects of the school have stayed stagnant, others have not.

“When I first started teaching at CHS it looked exactly the same as when I was a student,” Math teacher and ‘83 graduate Audrey Phillips said. “I moved to the CHS cluster the year we were starting renovations and the original building was still being used.”

Doherty also believes that much of CHS is the same since he attended. “[We have] the same principal, half of the teachers are still here and we are still successful and still struggle with the same sports,” Doherty said.

He believes the only major difference is student dependence on technology.

“The only social media site was Facebook, unless you count MySpace, and most kids didn’t have that until my senior year,” he said. “Most students had phones but they weren’t that important to our daily lives. You could go to school and leave your phone at home or go out on the weekend without it. Now, it seems

PHOTO COURTESY OF FINEST HOURS.

By Drew Ingall Social Media Editor Becky Wolfson Online Arts Editor

US History teacher Kevin Doherty and counselor Puja Sharma are among several CHS teachers who also attended the school.

that social media is a real catalyst for students’ social lives and most kids at CHS would have a panic attack if they couldn’t use their phone for a day.”

Nemati believes that CHS has become more sensitive to stress since she was a student, and admires the efforts the school has taken recently with programs like Sources of Strength.

“I think it’s really nice that the school is trying to focus more on the spiritual stuff besides academics, because that’s always a temptation at CHS,” Nemati said. “I just recall being sort of a typical stressed-out CHS kid, kind of my personality, one of those slightly more neurotic kids.”

There are old traditions, like the lunchtime basketball tournament, that Doherty believes should be brought back.

“I was on the team ‘Buckets for Algernon’ and I was really into it,” Doherty said. “We used to spend hours designing our jerseys, our game plan and more. I wish we still did this. You got to pick your teams, [play your] music on the loud speakers and Chick-Fil-A sponsored it. The tournament usually lasted 2 months and by the championship, the gym would be completely packed.”

For Doherty, coming back to CHS was a strange flip, because he went from student to mentor in a matter of years.

“The first year [of teaching] was definitely very strange,” Doherty said. “The Social Studies office would call me ‘boy.’ They’d comment every time I didn’t wear a tie to work and say I wasn’t ‘professional.’

Mrs. Deoro always thought I was a student and would ask for a pass if she saw me in the hallway. I was only 23 years old so there definitely was a lot of heckling.”

YouTube Provides Window into Student Passions, Skills

By Max Kandel Advertising Manager Jenna Greenzaid Circulation Manager

At a school as big as CHS, many students have hobbies that few other people may know about—whether intentional or not. However, for seniors Eloise Lancsweert and Amelia Zohore, sophomores Gage Blackwell and Spencer Smith, and freshman Matthew Beardall, who publish their works on Youtube, their hobbies aren’t so hidden from the public.

Eloise Lancsweert: Song Covers

“I started making YouTube videos to hope to get noticed by labels and A&R [Artists and Repertoire] representatives,” senior Lancsweert said. “I use YouTube as a way to develop my brand and to get people excited about my voice and singing,” Lancsweert is a perfectionist; she makes sure her videos are fun to watch for her 130 subscribers and average 700 viewers.

“It takes me about four to six hours to film and edit a video to have it ready to post on my YouTube channel,” said Lancsweert.

On YouTube, the whole world is Lancsweert’s audience that can watch her videos over and over again at any time and from any place.

“It’s both strange and exciting to know that people all around the world are able to listen to my music,” Lancsweert said. “It’s pretty interesting how global we can get through a simple website.”

Lancsweert hopes that this is just the

beginning for her music career, and that her channel Eloise Official is only the beginning..

“My hopes for my future in the music world are definitely that I can reach a large number of people with the music I create,” Lancsweert said. “I really hope that one day I’ll be able to play in front of thousands of people and even save lives with the songs I compose, write and sing.”

Amelia Zohore: Makeup Tutorials & Fashion Hauls For beauty guru Zohore, with the channel name Amelia Zohore, making YouTube videos of her makeup routines and clothing hauls are just a fun pastime that she started during a summer of being grounded.

“I don’t have an endgame when it comes to YouTube; I’m just kind of having fun,” Zohore said.

It takes her a range of 30 minutes to three hours to film and edit her videos, depending on the type of video she is filming.

Despite the many internet platforms that people can express their creativity, YouTube seems to be more popular for its interactive abilities.

According to Zohore, it’s because Youtube is the more “engaging” than a regular blog.

The thrill of being able to connect with people worldwide is also an enticing factor that pulls students like Zohore to YouTube.

“I think it’s super cool that people across the world can see my videos,” Zohore said. “I can interact

with people who I would not otherwise be able to communicate with. It’s weirder to me that people that I know watch [my videos].”

Zohore averages about 150 views on her videos, though her most popular one has just under 3,000 views.

Gage Blackwell: Gaming Videos Ranging from Kung Fu videos to gaming videos, Blackwell, with the channel name Gagestrikes, has used his talents and passions to create videos ranging from 200 to 1400 views. He is currently at about 500 subscribers.

His most popular video is a trick video on the popular mobile game “Agar.io.”

“I made YouTube videos because it seemed easy to post any sort of video and because my Kung Fu teacher told me to start making them to motivate me to practice,” Blackwell said. “I make more gaming videos now [than Kung Fu videos].”

Spencer Smith: Fifa Videos & Vlogs Playing off of the rise in popularity of Fifa, an X-box and Playstation game, Spencer Smith gives his viewers tips and advice to improve their ultimate teams.

Also featured on his channel Shmeed Smash is updates his own Fifa team.

Smith started making videos because he has an interest in computers and technology; making a YouTube channel allowed him to combine that with his love of gaming and Fifa.

While viewers see a four to 15 minute video, the time it takes Smith to make videos is a lot longer than a few minutes.

“It usually takes a few hours to make a

good video with editing, adding effects and recording the video itself,” Smith said.

Smith started his channel two months ago and 133 subscribers and almost 4,000 views on his most popular video. He has 4,852 followers on his Youtube Instagram account, @shmeedsmash_youtube.

Matthew Beardall: All-Around YouTuber Freshman Matthew Beardall, with channel name M Beardall, is the all around YouTuber; he makes everything from gaming videos, challenges, pranks, and collaborations with other YouTubers.

“I started making Youtube videos because I really love sharing them with people,” Beardall said. “I like people seeing what I can do.”

Making and editing quality YouTube videos can get very expensive.

While most just think all you need is a camera and a computer, it is actually a lot more than that.

“I use a Nikon D7200 DSLR camera [and] a GoPro,” Beardall said.

“My camera was about $1500 [and] my GoPro was $500. I have multiple tripods and a whole bunch of other gear, which in total probably cost around $500 to $800.”

The main brunt of the work occurs during the editing process, which seems to take anywhere from one to over three hours for most of the CHS YouTubers.

“I have two monitors so I can have my workspace big enough to do any work that needs to be done,” Beardall said.

8

U

Features

March 28, 2017

NTREATED HabiTS LEAD TO NEXPECTED Reprecussions

What is disordered eating, and how common is it at CHS? Prom is soon, and talk of diets and a desperate need for weight-loss to be able to squeeze into a prom dress is already filling the hallways.

While there are healthy methods for weight loss, many often turn to dangerous exercise and eating habits to drop the extra pounds.

Across the nation and at CHS, high school students face enormous pressure; whether it be from peers, sports expectations or other emotional stressors, and they can all lead to unhealthy eating habits.

Unhealthy eating habits can have more serious consequences, as they can lead to prolonged eating disorders.

According to an Observer survey of 43 students, 58 percent of students know at least one person who has had or currently has an eating disorder.

“I had been made fun of for my weight, which fluctuated as a result of medications,” said junior Abby Smith*. “I started eating less and less, soon eating nothing at all. My parents noticed and took me to a doctor who diagnosed me with anorexia nervosa.”

According to the National Association for Eating Disorders (NEDA), the most common types of eating disorders include bulimia, binge-eating and anorexia. They are classified as mental illnesses that involve extreme emotions, attitudes and behaviors, surrounding food, exercise and body image. Contrary to common thought, these disorders can affect people of all different backgrounds, regardless of race, class, gender or sexual orientation.

"I was depressed after the loss of a close family member," Wheaton High School

By Sofia Williamson Opinions Editor

&

Julia Lescht Social Media Editor

77%

of CHS students surveyed know at least one person that has had an eating disorder.

50%

of CHS students surveyed know other students who go on diets before homecoming or prom.

77% of CHS students surveyed be-

lieve teachers, counselors, and administration do not do an effective job in helping students affected by eating disorders.

junior Joshua Sorto said. "I didn't want to make friends or even eat. I began to realize that my image, because I was overweight at the time, was abhorrent. I tried not to eat."

According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders website, thirty million Americans struggle with an eating disorder each year.

They have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. However, many affected people don't get the help they need because of their ability to hide it, or the inability of others to recognize dangerous behaviours. Even when a person is not officially diagnosed with an eating disorder, they may exhibit disordered eating behaviors.

According to a Buzzfeed article, a website on which many popular trends are publicized, a trend today is for people to undergo “crash” diets in which they only consume a small amount of calories per day for a short period of time in order to lose weight quickly for a special event, like prom or homecoming.

Sometimes calorie counts for crash diets are as low as 700 calories per day.

Common crash diets include juice cleanses—where participants only ingest and receive all their necessary nutrients from juice over a period of time—and the “military diet”—where participants strictly limit their calorie intake for three to seven days (although there are different versions of every diet). However, they can have drastic affects on your body.

According to a 2010 CNN article, research shows that crash diets can increase chances of dehydration, heart palpitations and cardiac stress as well as diminish one’s immune system. The rapid weight loss deprives the body of crucial nutrients and can slow down one’s metabolism which leads to future weight gain.

Features

March 28, 2017

How have CHS students been affected?

Many CHS and club sports arequire students to maintain a certain weight. For example, according to junior wrestler Cameron Harris-Gallahue, wrestling requires weekly weigh-ins so the wrestlers can qualify for their weight class at each match.

Within the team, wrestlers are divided up into certain groups based on their weight which determine who they wrestle against during meets.

At meets if the wrestlers exceed their designated weights, they are not allowed to compete.

"I usually just don't eat anything at all to get my weight down before matches," Harris-Gallahue said. "I also wear more clothes during practice to sweat the water weight off."

Several other non-CHS related activities prefer participants to maintain a certain figure.

According to junior Bella Estes, a dancer at the Maryland Youth Ballet, ballet companies usually prefer dancers that meet their standard of body type.

"I used to think that I had to be stick thin, but then I realized that it's all about being yourself and being confident in your own skin," Estes said.

"Dancers are often bulimic or don't eat at all, but people really need to understand that carbs and proteins are what you need to stay healthy and active."

According to senior and professional model Eloise Lancsweert, the modeling industry has begun to encourage a different, debatably more realistic image as well.

However, she believes they still have a long way to go.

“The modeling industry is changing because of these bodypositivity movements,” Lancsweert said.

According to Lanc-

sweert, she is expected to keep her measurements at a specific size, and she maintains her figure by exercising regularly throughout the week and by avoiding unhealthy foods, although she still allows herself to enjoy the occasional sweet treat. However, during fashion week she modeled for a designer who told her that “models have to start putting meat on their bones to encourage curves and bigger bodies.”

“This was difficult for myself and many other models at the casting to hear, as we have been told for the last 10 years that our sizes need to be small,” Lancsweert said. “But times are changing and we all have to adjust to it.”

Regardless, the transformation of modeling criterion from ultra-skinny to a more curvy figure is not happening overnight. There are still plenty of people who do not follow professional recommendations for maintaining a physically healthy weight and in conjunction a healthy psychological status. Magazines in particular are still participating in skewing the natural body image, often use photoshopping techniques to thin out models and give the illusion that they have less curves and smaller waists.

“I think that a lot of magazine covers with swimsuit models show unrealistic body goals that people strive for,” junior Christiana Goohs said, who also used to model.

“It's good to strive for something, but it is

hard when it's unrealistic.”

The Road to Recovery

According to the NEDA website, it is best to detect an eating disorder as early as possible in order to strengthen the chances of recovery and get treatment right away. The path to recovery requires time, dedication and a proactive support system, and is rarely

9 traveled without relapses or slipups. Professionals have also made clear that these are psychological disorders, and must be treated in such a manner, as they are addictions like any other in which a person uses food, by restricting it or over-consuming it, in order to cope with feelings of self-deprecation or worthlessness. There are many resources available in the D.C. metropolitan area t o help diagnose and treat eating disorders.

A nearby treatment center is the Renfrew Center of Bethesda, which can be reached at 1-800-RENFREW (736-3739).

All calls to the center are kept completely confidential. While this center is not residential, others such as Sheppard Pratt in Baltimore have inpatient overnight programs for more intensive care. These support systems are available to CHS students and others.

According to CHS school nurse Deborah Stapleton, she has not noticed

any differences in the frequency of eating disorder related symptoms in the last eight years.

The school nurse’s office also serves as a resource for students to to in order to seek help during school hours.

“It is not uncommon to see students during the week who do not eat regularly and complain of [eating-disorder] related stomachaches,” Stapleton said. “We provide snacks as needed to support these students and encourage better nutritional behaviors.”

CHS student Rachel Williams* recieved treatment for an eating disorder earlier this year. She recieved daily treate-

ment and later graduated to tri-weekly treatment. She now sees a therapist once a week, however she is still recovering.

“The eating disorder makes us so ashamed and guilty, and it thrives on secrecy. The only way to get out of it is to tell someone.”

Instagram, like magazines, has also become an outlet for many, but not all, aspiring models to glorify their dietary habits as an example for others.

University of Maryland sophomore Jordan Kotler, however, uses her instagram account of nearly two thousand followers to document her process of recovery, encouraging younger people who are on the path to recovery to follow in her steps.

Kotler underwent treatment for an eating disorder last year. For six years she struggled with anorexia, with an extreme fear of gaining weight. It was not until this past summer that she sought treatment at the Renfrew Center; she spent four months in treatment, starting with 24 hour residential and eventually moving on to intensive outpatient treatment.

“We unfortunately live in a world that’s hyper-focused on weight loss and that ties weight loss to higher self worth,” Kotler said. “I felt that gaining weight meant my self worth would be less, and I was terrified of what people would say about my new weight-restored, healthy body.”

Although she sought treatment, the process was neither short nor easy. She is still not entirely finished with the recovery process, but she continues to work hard towards it every day.

“My life is different from other college students, but I'm so proud of myself and consider this one of my biggest accomplishments,” Kotler said. “Life is painful and hard and difficult, but numbing out by using my eating disorder means that I miss out on everything, all the joy, happiness and good opportunities too.” *Names changed to protect student identities.

10

Arts

March 28, 2017

Student Art Spotlight: Bill Wu

By Nora Holland Contest Manager This month’s student art spotlight is the mastermind behind many CHS students’’s Facebook profile pictures as well as many pictures which have appeared in The Observer: senior Bill Wu. Known throughout the CHS community as a student photographer, Wu goes behind the scenes to take pictures at events such as the school musicals and sports games. Wu is a photo editor for CHS’s yearbook, Finest Hours.

Wu first got into photography in sixth grade by filming short movies with a friend and posting them on YouTube.

His father bought him a camera, which he at first used to make the videos but soon began to use for photography, his passionate to this day.

“I started taking my camera everywhere and took pictures of everything,” Wu said.

His wide ranging knowledge of photography is helpful to his fellow staff members at Finest Hours.

“As the designer of the book, there

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BILL WU.

are often really obscure, random things that I have to do with photos or on different programs,” junior Sofia Camp said. “Bill is always there to work all the photoshop magic for me that I otherwise wouldn’t be able to do myself.”

According to Wu, his favorite part about being a photographer is having access to everything and the aura of authority that comes with it.

Wu has won several awards for his photos and art. One of his biggest accomplishments was having his pictures of CHS’s Unite published in the Washington Post. He has also been awarded for his photography in multiple competitions such as a Johns Hopkins University arts show.

“I admire his workmanship,” senior Izzy Rayner said. “Everything he does, he cares about a lot and does it well, even if he doesn’t admit it.”

Wu’s photos were even published in a local Chinese newspaper.

“I was honored, but a little disappointed I didn’t get credit,” Wu said.

On top of being the photo editor for the yearbook, Wu also is the president of the photography club. This gives him the opportunity to pass his expertise to other students passionate about photography.

“We meet to develop photography skills and show that everyone can become a photographer in the modern age with a little help,” Wu said.

Wu was accepted to Northeastern University and plans to attend this fall.

Despite his talent for photography, he plans on taking a different road once he gets to college.

“I’m majoring in finance and minoring in journalism, so photography might come into play but I don’t plan on pursuing it later in life,” Wu said.

Senior Bill Wu takes a photograph of CHS students outside during lunch. His photography is pictured above.

New Glenstone Exhibit Brings Innovative Art to Potomac

By Sai Sreenivasan Observations Editor

The Glenstone museum is a private art collection, tucked away on Glen Road, that presents a modern, fresh and contemporary twist on a traditional museum setting.

Established by the non-profit Glenstone Foundation in 2006, Glenstone Museum has become a prized secret in our area.

According to the Glenstone Museum website, the founders, Mitchell and Emily Rales, have carefully selected works that chart significant historical shifts in the perception and understanding of art.

But what makes Glenstone so unique is that it seeks to establish a connection between art, architecture and landscape.

One of their most notable pieces, which can be seen from the outside, is the “Split Rocker” by Jeff Koons. The piece is a whimsical but enormous form of one-half of a pony’s head joined to one-half of a dinosaur’s head, with both halves making up a rocking horse. During the warmer months the structure is covered by approximately 27,000 live, flowering plants.

A recent addition to the Glenstone Museum is an exhibition by Roni Horn, an artist known for drawing her inspirations from a wide variety of ideas, from Emily Dickinson to the landscape of Iceland.

According to the Glenstone Press Release, they have made it possible to

put together a show presenting the full scale and complexity of Horn’s efforts.

The range of works includes drawings, photo-installation books, and sculptures.

Walking into the expansive installation, I was immediately intrigued by the pink cube that almost seemed to float in the center of the room. “Pink Tons” is made from solid cast glass, and it’s solidarity in the space allow it to be viewed from numerous angles. The glass allows the piece to be opaque, translucent, and transparent which creates a bottomless depth to get lost in.

“I thought Pink Tons was interesting,” senior Dilene Upendra said. “The piece made the observer engage with it and move around to see different depths inside of the glass.”

In the adjacent room lies the “White Dickinson” series, a set of aluminum beams with plastic inserts that spell out phrases from the poet’s journal. Each beam is presented in a specific orientation such that the viewer must search for the right perspective in order to see, for example, “the stars are not hereditary.”

As a writer, I was intrigued by the large collage like works, made of cut strips of pigmented paper, glued together and then annotated with colored pencils.

One such piece “Or 7” contained various scribbles of African American singers such as “Billie Holiday” and words such as “boss”and “attack” surrounding it.

The collage pieces are almost like

PHOTO BY SAI SREENIVASAN.

“Split Rocker” by Jeff Koons is an outdoor sculpture at the Glenstone Museum. In the spring and summer, it is covered with flowering plants. a puzzle, one that I wished to decode during my time at Glenstone. Each collage is unique bringing different ideas and themes into the picture. But yet, the pieces have a way of constantly changing and with each glance a new detail is revealed.

For the lay museum goer, the set of fifteen offset lithographs that compose “Still Water,” are a delight. Each piece was taken of the Thames River, in England, at the same location but different environmental conditions. I often wonder what the artist was thinking as they created.

The lithographs contain minute numbers that correspond to footnotes such as

“I am the Thames,” “We cannot accept that water can change” and “Is water sexy?” I felt a connection between Horn and myself as I read her thoughts, some of which were funny and others which made me stop and think for a minute.

“It was personally one of my favorites,” junior Julia Chien said. “I just thought there was such a sense of humor with it and it really got you to look at the piece and really search for the numbers and corresponding footnotes.”

The Roni Horn Exhibit is unlike anything other I’ve seen, and it will be in place until January 2018.

March 28, 2017

11

Arts

NAHS Students Create Art for Local Hospital

By Emily Wang Features Editor The National Art Honor Society (NAHS) wrapped up their community service project with Youth Art for Healing March 10.

The students created 12 paintings highlighting different species of birds from the Maryland, Virginia and D.C. area – eight of the paintings were large scale macro (close up) portraits of birds and four featured birds sitting on a wire. The finished paintings will be displayed in the atrium of the MedStar National Rehabilitation Network in D.C. “The hardest part was the initial design and development of the actual composition because the hospital and art curators wanted very specific pictures,” NAHS co-sponsor and studio art teacher Jacquelyn Washam said.

“Once we got that down, everything moved pretty quickly and they’ve been developing nicely.”

The NAHS is made up of students focused on different disciplines of art, but the project mainly involved painting and drawing. This provided a challenge and opportunity to explore new techniques for the students whose primary focus is not in painting or drawing.

“We found it hard to appropriately mix and place the different tones of colors so that they looked good together and provided the right amount of contrast,” senior Usha Konduri, who is currently taking Ceramics II, said. “This project has taught me [that] I enjoy creative challenges when I’m put in a great atmosphere with cooperative and talented peers.”

According to senior Laudan Nikoobakht, who is in Ceramics II, she found painting to be “very calm-

PHOTO BY SARAH O’BRIEN.

Senior Laudan Nikoobakht paints birds sitting on a wire for this year’s Youth Art for Healing project. ing” and the project taught her that even though she is “no Picasso,” you don’t have to be an expert to create a nice work of art.

While the completed paintings will not be displayed at CHS, there will

be a reception in late April at the Silver Spring Civic Building for all the student artists from different schools which partnered with Youth Art for Healing.

According to Washam, NAHS was

given less time to complete the projects this year, so it was a time crunch to finish them all.

Next year’s project is still undecided, but Washam hopes that they will partner with Youth Art for Healing again.

Changing Political Landscape Makes for Good Comedy

By Drew Ingall Social Media Editor

Live from New York, it’s your weekly dose of Donald Trump and political comedy on Saturday Night!

Viewership has never been higher.

Saturday Night Live (SNL) is an iconic, late-night television sketchcomedy show that was created by Lorne Michaels in 1975. The show is known for making parodies of pop culture, politics, and everything in between.

“SNL is creative humor with a taste of connecting the viewer to the real world and the stage,” sophomore Jackson Baer said.

Although SNL has been around

PHOTO COURTESY OF CREATIVE COMMONS.

for over 40 years and has always been watched by many, it has had a bit of a revival over the past couple months, mainly because of current political drama. This season, the sketch-comedy show has been making fun of the most talked-about political figures, including President Donald Trump, Secretary Hillary Clinton, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and most recently, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer.

These portrayals and the show’s poignant writing have caused a major boost in the show’s ratings.

According to a Feb. 2017 TVLine article, SNL is “having it’s most viewed season in 22 years,” which has been attributed to Trump and his administration taking office.

SNL has recently become more popular around CHS as well. Staff and students have found themselves talking about the show’s political sketches at home and in school.

According to a poll of 52 CHS students, 73 percent find themselves talking about the political comedy on SNL with others.

One reason why SNL has become so popular recently is because viewers like the clever humor that is based on

politics and Trumps behavior as both a candidate and now as president. The comedy show has been critiquing both our political leaders and the policies they are trying to implement by putting funny spins on them, making both the politicians and the policies seem laughable.

“They’re a parody, so they are amplified,” AP NSL teacher Paul Jacobson said. “But there has to be truth there in order to make it work. They take Sean Spicer’s meanness and Trump’s outrage and amplify it.”

Some fans find these portrayals entertaining because of their own political views. Others find humor in the things they wouldn’t usually like being made fun of.

SNL has been known to make fun of political figures in the past, but now many think that with Trump and his administration they are taking it to a whole new level.

According to Jacobson, the SNL writers have been harder on Trump’s presidency because his actions and the way he handles issues are so so different from previous presidents.

Many believe that this is why President Trump is such an easy target. The way he reacts to criticism and how he deals with certain situations tends to give SNL plenty of material to work with.

“He can’t laugh at himself,” senior Nick Mason said. “When you laugh at yourself, you show humility. You’re showing people that you know you aren’t perfect.”

Politics has always been known to fuel comedy. But in this political climate, where we are a country divided, people can’t help but watch, both in agreement or just to see what SNL will do next.

12

Arts

March 28, 2017

March 28, 2017

13

Sports

Student Sports Blog Offers Insightful Analysis

By Jenna Greenzaid Circulation Manager Dani Miller Production Editor

PHOTO COURTESY OF JANINE ROSEN.

Freshman Jake Rosen interviews Duke University basketball player Jayson Tatum at the McDonalds All American game.

There’s only one guy you want sitting courtside with you at a CHS basketball game, and his name is Jake Rosen.

Rosen, a CHS freshman, runs his own basketball blog, Jake in the Paint, where he evaluates college players, teams and reports the latest news on all things college basketball.

“I started originally because I loved analyzing basketball and I just needed a platform to put it,” Rosen said. “It started off as a little blog and now a lot of people read it.”

For Rosen, his mom is his biggest

supporter. She used to help him craft emails to interviewees, but as he has gained more experience, he’s started to branch out more.

“I spent my career in communications so I give Jake advice and tips sometimes, but this is really his thing,” Rosen’s mom, Janine Rosen, said. “At this point, I’m most helpful because I’m willing to take him all over to watch high school and college basketball games for him to blog about and meet the players and coaches.”

The task of driving Rosen to meet

players and go to events is one that should not be understated. Rosen has met some of the biggest high school and college basketball players and coaches in the DMV and around the country including the Kentucky Wildcats’ Malik Monk and De’Aaron Fox. He’s been invited as a journalist to multiple events, some even being broadcasted on ESPN. “My coolest experience would probably be going to high school all star games, the McDonald’s [All-American] game, the Jordan Brand game, and interviewing players that you see in college like Monk and Fox, and all those big guys for Duke and Kentucky,” Rosen said.

Rosen might be used to talking to all-star athletes now, but it didn’t always come as naturally to him. He has been starstruck a fair number of times when meeting professional athletes and coaches.

“The first time [I conducted an interview], I was definitely a little nervous because you see all these players on your Instagram, and I’m actually in person talking to them,” Rosen said.

Rosen has built connections with players, coaches and other sports analysts in the DMV and beyond who are impressed by his natural skill and unique outlook on the game.

“The first time I saw him interview a McDonald’s All American player heading to be the star of Kentucky this year, he was so taken by Jake’s unique questions and research, he gave him his number and told them to stay in touch,” Mrs. Rosen said.

At such a young age, Rosen is already making a name for himself in the world of sports journalism. However, it is not quite the route he wants to take when he grows up.

“When I was in third grade I would’ve told you that I wanted to be in the NBA, but that’s a little unrealistic, so when I started this I wanted to be a sports broadcaster on TV,” Rosen said.

“As I’ve done this and met more people, I’ve realized my dream is probably to be in the NBA front office as general manager making moves for the team.”

Rosen has not only made his mark on the sports journalism world, but he’s impressed those closest to him as well.

“The first time I heard him do playby-play and color analysis for monumental sports network for a high-level

high school game in DC, he was a natural and I was blown away,” Mrs. Rosen said. “Mostly, I’m proud of his commitment and dedication to pursuing something he is so passionate about.”

Rosen’s love for all aspects of basketball began at a very young age and has stuck with him as he has grown up.

“He’s been passionate about the game since he could barely talk or walk,” Mrs. Rosen said. “Not only does he love to play, he loves to watch, analyze, study teams, players, coaches and stats in a way that is unique.”

Basketball has brought together Rosen and his teachers. Rosen and social studies teacher Kevin Doherty commonly talk about basketball throughout the school day.

“We both really love and respect Gregg Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs,” Doherty said. “We also would talk about Duke basketball a little bit because he’s a fan and Grayson Allen is a lunatic.”

Surprisingly, in all their conversations about basketball, Jake in the Paint never came up. Still, that didn’t stop Doherty from checking out the blog once he found out about it.

“I was amazed when I saw it,” Doherty said. “He’s a very mature writer, the blog looks very professional, and he’s smart to tap into the local high school sports scene. The basketball among DC Prep schools is some of the best in country, but it’s pretty underreported.”

Jake in the Paint, however, is not just your average basketball blog. Rosen’s youth brings authenticity and creativity to his writing which is constantly reflected throughout his blog.

“It’s unique,” Doherty said. “He’s not covering an overly saturated market like the NBA and college basketball.

He clearly has put a lot of thought and effort into the site. It has a nice combination of being professionally written with authentic sports journalism, while also floating out Jake’s unique and engaging opinions.”

Along with his family and teachers, Rosen’s friends follow and support his blog.

“I read every article he posts,” freshmen Nick Patton said. “I think he’s a fantastic writer and has excellent insights on the game.”

Wrestling Team Bonds Over Success and New Hairstyles

By Vicky Gunawan Contest Manager Megan Park Business Manager After an exhilarating and thrilling win at regionals, many members of the wrestling team altered their hairstyles in celebration of their advancement toward the state championships.

Some wrestlers bleached all of their hair, some bleached the tips of their hair and others got a certain style haircut like junior Mac Ballman, who got the sides of his hair cut into lightning bolt shapes. This is a new tradition at CHS, but many of the wrestlers have seen other teams do it, which inspired them to do it themselves.

“I dyed my hair mainly because I have seen other teams with it and decided that if I win counties, I would do it myself,” junior Andrew Welch said.

Although many of the team members agreed to change their hairstyles, some members decided not to.

“I didn’t dye my hair because frankly I just like the way I already look and I feel like dying my hair would be more of a distraction for me than anything else,” junior Jack Connolly said. “I’m really superstitious and there’s no way

PHOTO COURTESY OF MAC BALLMAN.

PHOTO BY SARA HEIMLICH.

From left to right, senior Lucas Young, juniors Andrew Welch, Mac Ballman, Chris Ervin, Fio Tranquill, and senior Liam Lehr. anyone is gonna get me to so drastically change my look right before states.”

Former CHS wrestling coach and current assistant coach Brandon Shapiro would shave the wrestlers’ heads as a tradition for those who went far into postseason. Since the start of the postseason, it has been somewhat of a tradition to do funky hairstyles.

“I think a lot of kids didn’t dye their hair because many think in order to have dyed hair, you must be good at wrestling or else it looks silly,” Welch

said. “I hope we can do something similar next year and include more of the team.”

It’s definitely not easy to drastically change your hairstyle, though, the ones who did all had their own reasons.

“At first it was just me and [senior] Liam Lehr that dyed it because we’d agreed as a team we were doing it for just the postseason, but now we’ve got five people with it and a few more are doing it for regionals,” senior Lucas Young said. “It’s my senior year so I

wanted to do something different for the season.”

A goal of changing their hair was to promote unity and spirit among the team, but many of the team members believed that they had to win in order to change their hairstyle.

“My hair was already blonde, so I wanted to do something with my own spin on it,” Ballman said. “I waited until well into the season, after I placed top four at regionals [which qualified me for the state tournament].”

Seven CHS wrestlers competed in the MPSSAA State Tournament March 5 -6. As a team, they finished in 11th place and scored 43 points.

According to Welch, the team had eight wrestlers qualify for states compared to only two last year.

“I got fifth at states which I am very proud about,” Welch said. “This year was the first time I made it to states, and I am happy with how I placed.”

Individually, Young finished 2nd place in the 120lb weight class, Welch finished in 5th place in the 170lb weight class and Connolly finished in 6th place in the 126lb weight class.

“I feel pretty bad about it honestly, as I was expected and expecting to place a lot higher,” Connolly said. “I’m winning states next year no question.”

14

Sports

March 28, 2017

Girls Lacrosse Looks to Continue Past Success

By Max Kandel Advertising Manager The CHS girls varsity lacrosse team is aiming to continue last year’s success, coming off a regional title and finishing with a record of 12-5.

The team has expectations to go even further this year. They hope to improve passing, catching and cradling as well as speed to power through their nonconference schedule.

“To make it to states this year, [we are] working on stick skills and making sure we’re able to move the ball up and down the field effortlessly,” sophomore midfielder Lizzie Hsu said.

Hsu, a Delaware verbal commit, hopes to add on to a strong freshman campaign, where she scored 37 goals and had 12 assists. This year, she hopes to do everything she can to improve both herself and the team.

“My expectation this year is definitely to make team chemistry as strong as possible because team chemistry is one of the most important components of lacrosse,” Hsu said.

Head coach Jamie Frank echoed that sentiment, and also explained how the team’s upper and lower classmen must work together in order to be successful.

“We have good talent coming in so I’m hopeful that this year our senior leadership can take over and lead this team,” Frank said.

In order to get to the state championship this year, the team needs to come together and play up to their potential.

“Speed is going to be really important and being able to hang with the level of quickness that we end up facing when we get out of the conference,” Frank said.

While the team did achieve success

PHOTO COURTESY EMMA SUMBERG.

From left to right, sophomores Emily Feigen, Emma Sumberg, Lizzie Hsu, Sabrina Nusraty and junior Faith Kean hold their award after winning the regional title last season. last season, there are things that can be improved upon.

“We need to improve getting the ball into the goal when teams are putting high pressure on us,” senior Zoe Byington.

Although the team lost many contributing seniors, the underclassmen are ready to fill the void.

“We were able to have a lot of shooters last year and hopefully that will be the same case this year,” Frank said.

The girls team’s ultimate goal is to go further than last season, but they do have extra lofty expectations for themselves.

“The team goal is definitely to become state champions,” Hsu said.

Baseball Aims to Improve

Softball Veterans Lead Team

By Ethan C. Miller Online Sports Editor

By Ethan C. Miller Online Sports Editor

PHOTO COURTESY AIDAN LIQUORIE.

Sophomore Ben Nardi prepares to hit the ball in a recent game.

Rebounding is usually a skill associated with the sport of basketball, however, the CHS baseball team is looking to rebound this season.

With only four wins in 17 games, last year is one that would be best forgotten for the Bulldogs. The best way to forget last year would be for the team to have a winning season this spring.

“We were really young last year, at times having five underclassmen start,” head coach Scott Blackwood said. “We are still going to be young this year as well, so we are going to have to focus on the basics, and try to get them mentally ready to compete.”

In addition to their young starters, the Bulldogs lost eight seniors last year.

Once again, they will feature a variety of young talent this year. Last year’s JV team had a record of eight wins and four losses, so the team’s new players knowledge of wining should transfer to the bigger stage. “[The JV players] were very successful last year, and my hope is that their

confidence will continue to improve and we will be able to build on that together as a team,” Blackwood said.

Seniors and captains John O’Lone and Corey Eisenberger are both optimistic for the new season and fresh start.

“I am definitely looking forward to improving on last years record and being able to get some good wins,” O’Lone said.

Although baseball is a spring sport, preparations for the season start far in advance. The team has been doing offseason workouts and training in their spare time.

“To prepare for the season I have mainly lifted a lot and thrown bullpens to strengthen myself,” Eisenberger said.

The team’s five seniors who played last season will need to use their experience and skill to lead the younger players.

“It takes more than one person to win and lose,” Blackwood said. “We will need everyone to contribute if we want to be successful this year.”

CHS varsity softball started their season looking to rally from last year’s, which fell short of expectations.

This year, the Bulldogs will try to improve upon last year’s five win and ten loss record. They’ve started with a 21-11 loss against Damascus March 21.

“Last year we were a very young team and worked on developing skill and experience,” head coach Sharon Morris said. “We will continue to build on our successes from last year.”

Last year’s team featured a young roster, which was led by senior captains Eva Conley, Kailyn Groisser and senior Arielle Gordon. These seniors will continue to lead the team for a second year.

“We were learning how to play with each other for the first time [last year],” junior Gabriella Baker said. “This year, we know each other a lot better and

we’re looking forward to putting our experience and skills toward our goal of winning more games.”

Despite finishing in sixth place in the 4A East division last year, the team is still optimistic that this season will be a good restart.

“I think our bats have improved tremendously and so has our fielding,” sophomore Ryann Storch said. “Our team was weak on a couple positions last year, so I hope that will get fixed this season.”

Storch, along with junior Erin Huang and others, have been playing for travel club teams and practicing their skills throughout the winter in hopes of taking the CHS team to the next level.

“The team is going to be a lot better this year,” Huang said. “We have a lot of talented freshmen coming in. We will have a strong starting lineup. Overall, we will have more players with lots of experience.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF FINEST HOURS.

Juniors Maya Arnold and Gabriella Baker field a ground ball.

March 28, 2017

Sports

15

Hockey Captures State Championship ‘3-Peat’

By Jenna Greenzaid Circulation Manager

After starting the season with more new players than returning, and facing the pressure to win a third consecutive state championship, the CHS Varsity I hockey team lived up to expectations.

The Bulldogs won the Maryland State Hockey League championship Feb. 27 against Marriotts Ridge 6-1, and finished the season with a record of 20-2-3. “[Winning States] felt incredible because we were able to make history with the three-peat and because of all the hard work we put in all year,” junior Zane Begun said.

The entire team worked hard throughout the season, in order to qualify for States and come out on top.

“I was really proud of our guys because I know how hard they worked all season,” head coach Ray McKenzie said.

“We had a lot of talent, but we also had a very dedicated group of kids, so I think not only did the most talented team win, the hardest working team also won.”

Despite losing last year’s key playmakers including Phil Satin, the team was able to go from a miscellaneous group to a united team after playing several games against tough private schools such as Dematha and Gonzaga and practicing day in and day out.

“I think the kids came together as the season went on and got closer every game,” McKenzie said. “We try to play a difficult schedule since adversity helps build unity and mentally strong kids. I think by the end of the season we were a tight-knit group and it showed on the ice, each player knew what the next player was going to do.”

In theory, hard work pays off and for the team. Their hard work and dedication over the course of the season fulfills this theory.

“Our strength was the speed and skill of our top forwards like senior captain Andrew Kurapov, senior Richard Ying and junior assistant captain Jack Taylor,” McKenzie said. “Those three made the guys around them much better.”

It wasn’t just the players that led the team to victory. Like all great sports teams, the coaches and their leadership played a monumental role in V1 securing their win.

“Our coaches were able to turn a team with a lot of individual talent into a really strong group,” Taylor said.

In the beginning of the season, the defense was a major aspect the McKenzie wanted to improve. After working the whole season, the defense aspect was one of the main components that solidified V1’s game.

“Our defense got better as the season went on, led by junior assistant captains Dylan Healy, Zach Jacobs and senior TJ Scanlan,” McKenzie said. Once we moved junior assistant captain Jack Comer to defense, we became a much better defensive team. Very few teams could match up with those guys.”

After a slow start, the last line of the defense on the team improved in their goaltending and helped bring the team to their state win.

“Our goaltending was a weakness in the first half of the season but both juniors Alex Plastrik and Alex Henoch had solid second halves of the season, and it showed in the playoffs with just two goals allowed, so that turned into a strength,” McKenzie said.

Over the course of the regular season and the playoffs, the team scored 135 goals and only allowed 22 goals.

“We got balanced scoring in the playoffs as well, where in addition to Kurapov and Ying and Taylor, we had a bunch of other guys chip in goals, especially sophomore Hayden Farrand who had a huge playoffs and sophomore Chance Begun,” McKenzie said.

Many players stepped up not only their game, but their leadership in the game throughout the season.

“Overall, we had a very good leadership structure.” McKenzie said.

“Kurapov was our captain and the guy that led us on the ice, but he had excellent support on and off the ice in Healy, Jacobs, Comer and Taylor. Those four will no doubt be excellent leaders for us next season as well. Seniors Alex Abraham, Ying, Walker Morris, Scanlan

PHOTO COURTESY OF BILL WU.

Senior captain Andrew Kurapov puts CHS’s name on the list of MSHL champions. CHS defeated Marriots Ridge 6-1 Feb. 27. and Adam Rosenbaum also set a great example for the younger guys.”

Kurapov had a phenomenal season during his senior year at CHS. Along with anchoring the team’s first line, he scored 30 goals and had a team best, 24 assists in just 22 games, this season.

“To me, being a leader isn’t someone who pumps up the team by yelling and rallying, and that’s not what I’m known for,” Kurapov said. “It’s about setting a good example and being a role model and I hope I did that. I hope that I showed them how to do the little things right and how to play for each other.

I hope that I showed them that when you’re on the ice, nothing else matters except for the guys by your side.”

The hockey season wasn’t all about winning games for the team, but creating bonds with teammates over the course of the season.

“The special thing about playing for

your school is that you don’t just see your teammates at the rink,” Kurapov said. “You all live next to each other, we go to team lunches, team dinners, film sessions.”

Another important factor for the Bulldogs is the support they receive from their classmates.

“It’s also fun playing in big games where you have your whole school cheering you on,” Kurapov said. It gives you a sense of belonging and extra motivation during the game.”

In next year’s season, the team will hopefully be able to continue working toward another state championship appearance and possibly a “four-peat.”

“We still have a lot of talent, so I think we should continue to strive for a championship,” Taylor said. “It’s a great source of motivation for that to be your goal, and I think that grind brings out the best in teams.”

Montgomery County Public Schools Winston Churchill High School 11300 Gainsborough Rd. Potomac, MD 20854

thechurchillobserver.com

Volume 41 - Issue 6

By Will Hyland Production Editor Nine years ago, junior Jack Taylor laced his skates for the very first time.

Today, he is an assistant captain of CHS varsity I hockey, a three time state champion and among the leaders in points in the MSHL. Taylor’s athletic ability, work ethic and leadership has helped to propel not only himself, but also CHS hockey, to new heights, contributing to the Bulldogs’ third straight state championship, an unprecedented achievement for any public school.

“It’s really great to be on such a high performing and competitive team,” Taylor said. “It definitely makes the season a lot of fun.”

Hockey has been an integral part of Taylor’s life since his early days when he watched and played hockey frequently with his father, John Taylor, who also played in his youth.

“I started playing hockey at age six,” John Taylor Sr. said. “I grew up near ponds so I had the benefit of playing on ponds, [as well as] indoor and outdoor rinks.”

Taylor has steadily improved each year, scoring 16 points in league play his freshman season and accounting for 32 points last year. This season however, Taylor has taken his game to the next level, achieving a high of 45 points, the most in the MSHL this season.

“Jack has made enormous strides as player between freshman year and this

March 28, 2017

year,” Varsity I head coach Ray Mckenzie said. “Every year he has gotten more confident. “He has turned himself into a top MSHL player through his hard work and determination.”

Taylor’s successes haven’t been without struggle, as he was sidelined by a foot injury for an extended period of time. He took the extra time off the ice to watch more professional hockey, which he credits with helping to improve his game.

He now tries to get closer to the net and give his teammates more opportunities.

“I am a sizable net front presence and it always causes me to gain the attention of nearby defenders, which gives other players around me more space, and also lets me get some tap in and rebound goals,” Taylor said.

Taylor is respected and admired among his teammates including junior and co-assistant captain Jack Comer, who scored 18 points this season.

“He’s a great teammate and gives [great] pregame speeches,” Comer said. “I think he’s [also] improved as a finisher and a playmaker from freshman year until now.”

Junior co-assistant captain Dylan Healy, who scored

A National Blue Ribbon School

16 points and was placed on the AllCounty first team, looks up to Taylor as leader both on and off the ice.

“He is a great at scoring in high pressure situations and can carry the team by himself when the we need him to,” Healy said. “He is [also] a great leader for the team in the locker room.”

According to Mckenzie, the m o s t

DAWG DATA 2nd Lucas Young’s finish at MPSSAA State Tournament in the 120 pound weight class.

impressive thing about Taylor may be his ability to balance l a -

crosse, which he is committed to play at Brown, and hockey while also being a great leader.

“Jack’s ability to balance being an elite hockey and lacrosse player is impressive,” Mckenzie said. “He always positive, has a great attitude, he’s eager to learn and sets a good example for others.”

8 Number of CHS wrestlers that qualified for states, a school record.

3tiveNumber of consecustate championships for Varsity I hockey, an unprecedented achievement.

18.1 Points per game by senior basketball guard Coco Kuchins.

10 Deficit boys basketball overcame to

send their playoff game against Whitman to overtime.

Boys Lacrosse Sets Sights on State Championship Run

By Kyle Emery Sports Editor

Considered to be one of the top high school lacrosse teams in Maryland, the CHS boys lacrosse team pre-

pares to bounce back after losing in the state semifinals last year, in hopes of claiming the state championship.

Despite losing many top contributors, the team plans on incorporating new strategies and new approaches this season in order to compete with

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRADY ALTOBELLO.

Former Bulldogs Jonny Greenzaid and Cristian Edwards play defense.

full potential against some of the best teams in MCPS. “Expectations are high as usual. We come into the season expecting to win our division, our regional championship and the first ever state title for MCPS,” head coach Jeffrey Fritz said.

This year, the Bulldogs plan to incorporate a slew of new strategies on both offense and defense to help better both the team's work ethic and performance.

“Hopefully we can work on a more aggressive defense that can cause turnovers and get the ball to our offense quickly,” junior Jack Taylor said.

To seek improvement in almost any sport, practice is required. However, the lacrosse team takes practicing to another level. Not only does the team practice six days a week in order to both better the skill and conditioning of each player, but they spend a good portion of their time practicing ingame scenarios, helping to better their gameplay when facing tough competitors.

“Our focus is to seize the day, get better every day with every repetition,” Fritz said. “If not, we have wasted an opportunity.”

From a leadership standpoint, the

team will be able to count on both the designated captains and the five D1 commits, including senior Spencer Knife (Towson) and juniors Jack Taylor (Brown), Reed Moshyedi (Brown), Ryan Leonard (Towson) and Jimmy Rubino (Penn State) to help improve and better the players around them over the course of the season.

“Everyone knows them and expects big things from them but we need some of our role players to step up with big contributions,” Fritz said.

In order to prepare, the team schedules various games against some of the toughest private schools in order to help them prepare both mentally and physically for high level competition they they will face against MCPS teams.

According to Fritz, the scary part about this season is that the entire division is much improved over last year.

Overall, the team is trying to ready themselves with the toughest schedule they could get by starting their season against the Heights and ending it with a match against Landon.

“Every year we really keep the same expectations for ourselves,” Taylor said. “We want to be the first MCPS team to win a championship.

April 1, 2017

3

Opinions

Students With Same Name Cause Confusion

By Laura Sneller Regional Manager Nora Poland Assistant Regional Manager Recently an epidemic has been plaguing our school, causing confusion and chaos in the halls and classrooms of CHS. Is this a glitch in the Matrix or just the overly common usage of a name?

The students and teachers of CHS may never know. But what we do know is that there are too many Ethan Millers in this school.

There is the junior theatre Ethan Miller, known for his lead roles in CHS and out-of-school productions, there is the sophomore tall Ethan Miller, who can be recognized towering over students in the halls, and junior hockey Ethan Miller, who plays on the CHS Varsity 2 team.

When referring to one of the Ethan Millers of CHS, it is extremely difficult to differentiate considering that two of the Ethans have a sister that go by Dani, and two of them are in journalism.

There is no easy way to specify which one a student or teacher is talking about without obtaining at least a physical description.

The students of CHS have a lot of things to deal with and worry about, such as classes, grades and extracurriculars. The last thing they need is for their stressful lives to be even more chaotic because of three boys with the same name.

The methods the three Ethan’s usually use to differentiate between each other is to use their middle initials.

However, this does not make it easier for the CHS community, but rather makes it even more difficult for everyone. Now, on top of the fact that there are three boys with the same name, people have to memorize which Ethan is Ethan C. Miller, Ethan J. Miller and

PHOTO BY LAURA SNELLER.

Junior Ethan Miller, sophomore Ethan Miller and junior Ethan Miller all display their Ethan pride.

Ethan S. Miller.

According to the Official MCPS Name Regulation Organization, if there was any more boys in the school named Ethan Miller, it would be considered illegal and one would have to be transferred to another school.

However, it is not their fault that they all have the same first and last name.

They do not have the power to control what their parents named them, nor did they know that the school they would go to would have two other boys with the same name. Although they have identical names, each Ethan is a differ-

ent person with a unique personality.

But is it just a humorous coincidence?

You know what has three equal sides?

A triangle, also known as the logo of the Illuminati. Also, hockey Ethan is a triplet, tall Ethan is a twin, and theatre Ethan isn’t a twin or a triplet. 3+2+1=6, there are 3 Ethans, which together is 666.

The best way to avoid such a situation is to compose a competition.

Whichever Ethan wins the competition will be allowed to keep the full name of Ethan Miller. The Ethan in second place will keep the name of Ethan but have to change his last name, and third place

will keep Miller but change his first name. The competition would be open for CHS students to watch and cheer for their favorite Ethan. Not only would this be a unique school event, but also a way to relieve students and staff of the constant burden of attending a school with three boys named Ethan Miller.

Ultimately, the three Ethan Millers have caused confusion among CHS students and teachers. But, the true complexity and potential danger that these three boys could hold is still shrouded in mystery.

Ask Sarah O! Observer Advice Column Answers All

By Lord Sarah N O’Brien from Westchester Man Bun Enthusiast

This is not a rare issue at CHS and we completely understand where you’re coming from. Our advice is to simply drop out of the class. If you have to flunk your senior year and come back to highschool next year, so be it. It’s better to be somewhat happy than miserable with your current teacher. Graduating is overrated anyway.

Dear Sarah, I’m a junior but I’ve been dying to go to prom since I saw my brother go to prom my freshman year. I want to go this year but I don’t know a single senior. What should I do?

Prom-lover

As requested from several of our readers, The Observer has decided to incorporate an advice column to address various dilemmas and issues occurring around CHS. We will add this to our monthly issues and we encourage our readers to ask their questions at observer.advice@gmail.com for our staff to take a stab at your minor headaches or major pickles.

Dear Sarah, I have had this one teacher since the start of second semester and it’s been really difficult.

The teacher and I really don’t get along and I’ve even talked to my counselor and she said that it’s too late to switch out of their class now and I need this class to graduate. I’m a senior so I can’t take this class next year with the hope of another teacher. What should I do?

A concerned reader

Ok so there are many ways to go about dealing with this issue. I feel that the best way is to just go into last years yearbook, close your eyes, and just point to a random senior. After that, figure out that senior’s schedule. Make sure that you guys cross paths at least 4 times in a day. After a few days of casually making uncomfortable eye contact, accidentally bump into said senior. Knock over whatever they are holding in their hand and immediately help them pick it up. As you finish helping them, slowly stand up and make intense eye contact with them. With this eye contact, you should feel the passion and power running through your veins. Boom, you now have a date for prom. If you do not feel the connection, repeat the entire process again. Good luck.

Dear Sarah, I’m really interested in this boy but I’m not sure if the feelings are reciprocated. We’ve been friends for

a little while and we have hung out a few times but I don’t know where this is going. My friends say that he is interested in me...but I doubt them and myself. He’s really sweet, athletic, cute and smart but even though my friends have told me that he’s interested in me, I think maybe he’s not. So, what should I do?

Sasha Snickers Sasha...honey...go for him! If it does not work, just move to Tibet and start your life over.

Dear Sarah, I’ve been in high school for seven months but I still don’t know what to wear to school. Some people wear really nice clothes like dresses or a nice dress shirt, but then some people wear sweats on sweats on sweats. I can’t figure out what’s appropriate for school and I’m really afraid that I will get dress coded. I feel like clothing is an essential part to self-expression and since I’m young, I don’t really know who I want to be in my life. So essentially how I dress will affect how people percieve me for the rest of high school. Sarah, how should I dress?

Passion for Fashion-Not Um, alright. This is a difficult question because I know nothing about your personality. However, if you are a female (or prefer women’s clothing), I would reccomend to DWBWD-Do What Beyonce Would Do. That’s the best way to go. If you are a male (or prefer men’s clothing), DWPBWD-Do What Paul Bunyan Would Do. He’s the

original lumberjack and his style is always on point. If you wear beanies and flannel, you cannot go wrong. If this look doesn’t work for you, I would reccomend some luscious, flowing hair tied up in a perfect knot. No matter what group of friends you have, you will always stand out and be unique.

Dear Sarah, I have an obsession with chicken nuggets. I don’t know why, but the texture, the shape, the taste of this marvelous snack just really gets me going. It’s become a bit of a problem when I try to function normally in my daily life. When I’m at school all I can think about are Chick-fil-a Chicken Nuggets. When I do homework all I can think about are McDonald’s McNuggets. When I’m sleeping I dream about Popeye’s Chicken Nuggets. My parents are tired with this constant craving and say that I need to eat healthier foods. What should I do?

McNugget Mclover First of all, I know that we have all been there. The delicious first bite of the tender nugget can really make a person go crazy. But to answer your question, embrace the nugget. You should do what truly makes you happy. Don’t let any one stand in your way if nuggets are your one true happiness. I applaud you for your dedication to the food and if your parents won’t fund your need, just adopt a half schedule at school and get a job to earn your nuggets. I wish you the best in chasing your McDreams.

Montgomery County Public Schools Winston Churchill High School 11300 Gainsborough Rd. Potomac, MD 20854

thechurchillobserver.com

April 1, 2017

Volume 621- Issue 2

By Nathan Deychman Supreme Overlord Senior John Walsh heads to AP Statistics after a boring morning.. He sits down at his desk, right next to the teacher’s, and takes out his work.

A humongous smile stretches across his face, and he begins crunching numbers. He computes with the precision and accuracy of an Olympic archer, and solves every problem using his favorite calculator, his big, beautiful brain.

Walsh is a true mathlete, constantly straining his brain memorizing all the numbers of pi and learning mental binary code, attempting to gain the intelligence of a supercomputer and reaching his final form.

“3.141592653589793238462 64338327950288419716939937 510582,” Walsh said.

His entire life, Walsh has challenged his brain with difficult STEM classes and attempted to solve every unsolved mathematical problem presented to man. On top of that, he has actually solved 14 of those problems, including the one from Good Will Hunting.

“I’m a genius,” Walsh said.

To put it simply, Walsh is a genius.

“John is the smartest kid I have ever taught,” said AP Statistics teacher Doug Szafran. “I’m sure he would have beat me on Jeopardy.”

Although Walsh is incredibly gifted, he does have minor flaws like every other serious athlete. Whenever Walsh is faced with a problem he cannot solve, he begins to yell in

binary code and the top of his head begins to smoke. “ I don’t wanna talk about it,” Walsh said.

On the bright side, Walsh is destined for great things.

He is deciding on whether to accept a full scholarship from Harvard of Oxford, and will be a professor in mathematics upon his arrival on either campus.

“This kid is going to be the next Einstein, I’m calling it,” senior Danny Lee said.

As for now, Walsh will finish out his last few months in high school, spending endless hours in Honors Societies and far-too-easy courses.

He spends his free time playing an excessive amount of chess and messaging girls on Tinder, as he is quite a ladies man, proving once and for all that brains gets babes.

“I’m not too worried about the future,” Walsh said. “I just want to make the world a smarter place.”

A National Blue Ribbon School

PHOTO BY NATHAN DEYCHMAN.

Walsh uses his mathematic talents to attract romantic dates, particulary with his current partner, his calculator.

Teacher Designs Program to Create Perfect Bracket

By Sarah No’brain CEO of Potatoes Jake Herman Potato Union Chairman

The date is March 12, 2017.

It is every basketball fan’s favorite day of the year: Selection Sunday for the NCAA March Madness Tournament.

For Social Studies teacher Kevin Doherty, however, Selection Sunday this year carried extra meaning. The time had come for Doherty to test out his algorithm to create the perfect bracket.

After a lifetime of studying college basketball and spending thousands of hours developing the most accurate algorithm to predict the perfect March Madness bracket, social studies Doherty has finally succeeded.

“I’ve been an avid fan of basketball since I was young and I’ve been filling out brackets ever since I was 5 years old,” Doherty said. “It just made sense to try my hardest to create the perfect bracket.”

Even though he has been completely correct so far, his

Doherty logs into his ESPN tournament challenge account to check up on his bracket. scientific discovery has taken a toll on his personal life.

“I’ve put in a lot of work to create the perfect bracket,” Doherty said. “I’ve watched nothing but basketball games, highlights and previews on TV for the past 8 years with the exception of my weekly dose of The Bachelor.”

The algorithm created by Doherty takes many factors into consideration, ranging

from traditional stats and scores all of the way to uniforms, cheerleaders, mascots, and what the team ate for breakfast.

“I’m always looking for obscure things that give some teams an edge,” Doherty said.

“For instance, I knew that 11 seed Xavier would make it at least to the Sweet Sixteen.”

Doherty’s extensive efforts and research towards his

bracket algorithm are affecting him in more ways than he thought.

“When I sleep, I dream about basketball,” Doherty said. “When I eat, it’s basketball themed. I even made a court and hoop out of Frosted Flakes this morning. I just really love basketball.”

Doherty’s bracket has begun to receive national attention due to its success.

“This is truly legendary as it has never happened before,” founder of March Madness Frederick D. Basketball said.

“It’s just extraordinary that a teacher from CHS was able to accomplish such a feat.”

“I think it’s really impressive that he was able to do this,” freshman Sasha McGriddle said. “I love that my history teacher will go down in history.”

According to McGriddle, Doherty makes his students “dunk” their quizzes on his desk to turn them in.

“I like to incorporate my passion for basketball into my teaching philosophy,” Doherty said. “I’d like to consider myself the number 1 seed of teachers.”

Soon, the craziness that is March Madness will come to an end and a champion of college basketball will be crowned. It’s truly anyone’s guess as to who will win and what will happen. But if one thing is for sure, Kevin Doherty already knows.