News 2-4
Fall Sports Recap 5
Opinions 6-8
Musical’s costumes capture character
International 10-11
Center Spread 12-13
La Marea 14
Arts 16-17
Sports 22-24
Upon County Board hearing, Redskins’ name draws issues by Jonathan Huang and Jonathan Zhang
by Stella Ho “What a costume designer does is a cross between magic and camouflage,” stated famed costume designer Edith Head in a 1983 interview. Though, unlike Head, the Black Maskers costume crew has not won eight Oscars for its costume design, its members are creating magic behind the scenes for this fall’s production of “Les Misérables.” Costumes are an integral part of any production, be it musical, movie, or play. Not only do they communicate the time period, setting, and a character’s personality, they also “transform a production from an idea to an experience,” said junior Bethel Afful, by being “one of the primary visual aspects of a show.” Costumes are one of the most significant factors affecting audience perception of a character or an entire show. For “Les Misérables,” which has “over 60 cast members, almost all of them needing multiple costumes!” according to sophomore Kate McHale, costumes are especially important for representing each character accurately. COSTUME, cont. page 16
Features 18-20
PHOTO COURTESY OF JEROME RUBIO
Les Misérables
The Montgomery County Board of Education renewed focus on Native American issues at last month’s meeting. The Board pronounced November Native American Heritage Month in a memorandum, crediting Native Americans with “inspiring” the framers of the Constitution, and contributing to American culture. The memorandum made no reference to the persecution of Native Americans, instead focusing on more positive aspects of their history. MCPS parent and Chippewa Native American Jared Hautamaki, recently spoke out against the Redskins franchise to the Board, calling for it to be banned at MCPS. Hautamaki argued that the logo was insensitive and should be banned in the dress code. ”Is that we want teachers teaching our kids, that it’s okay to stereotype?” he said. Hautamaki’s hearing came in the wake of a recent movement that questions the integrity of the Washington Redskins of name and logo. The term “Redskin” can be seen as a racial slur against Native Americans. The debate has placed loyal fans with fond memories of the mascot against Native Americans who see the logo as a representation of centuries of persecution and dehumanization of their people. REDSKINS, cont. page 2
Each fall, the students of RM’s now 20year old drama club, the Black Maskers, eagerly await the announcement of the theater production that they will be tirelessly working on during the early months of the school year. This year, an honor and challenge to them all, the production of “Les Misérables” was selected. The selection became the most anticipated showing in years, and the influx of male cast members finally made the play manageable.
The world-famous musical came to Richard Montgomery in November, and students were able to witness the magic of the age-old tale of post-revolution France with Jean Valjean and Inspector Javert. Famous songs such as “I Dreamed a Dream” and “On My Own” graced the auditorium for four nights. For more coverage of “Les Misérables,” including coverage of the crews, new faces of drama, and an exclusive perspective from the Thenardiers, turn to pages 12-13.
fall, they’ve started as co-captains along with two other seniors under the coaching of Monica Tarzy. Martinez and Savonis have come a long way from where they started. “We’ve played with each other since her dad coached our rec team and no one understood how to pass,” Savonis explained. Just last year, the girls both joined the Maryland Olympic Development Program, where they play alongside some of the other best soccer players in the state.
Both athletes agree that one of their biggest shared accomplishments has been their dual acceptance to the varsity team their freshman year. “I was terrified that we would be separated,” explained Savonis. “But I think even then, our cohesiveness as players and our communication on and off the field allowed us to achieve that goal of ours together,” she concluded. Martinez added, “I think we both knew that everything would work out, because we really are a dynamic duo.” Martinez and Savonis have a connection that has helped them in their high school careers as student athletes. “Vanessa and Sarah have a very special bond on the field that is untaught,” Coach Monica Tarzy explained. “I’ve been so lucky to be able to share a passion with my best friend,” Savonis said, “I really can’t imagine playing school soccer without Vanessa.” Martinez concurred, adding “We’re both really committed to the team and I’m really lucky to have somebody so hard-working as my co-captain and best friend.” Martinez’s and Savonis’s positive attitudes definitely have an effect on the other girls on the team. “Their unique ‘twinning’ quality and ability to read each other’s minds each day makes the girls all look up to them,” Tarzy mentioned. “Vanessa and Sarah are huge role models both on and off the field,” junior teammate Bryony Hollingsworth said, continuing, “They’re there for anybody at any time and are great people to look up to.” Junior teammate Hannah Greco agreed,
Students see their teachers Monday through Friday until 2:30 in the afternoon. Do they really want to see them on Twitter? The rise of social media use among teenagers is a well documented phenomenon. According to a survey conducted by investment company Piper Jaffray, 9 out of 10 American teenagers use social media. However, teachers have recently begun to use social media in increasing numbers, which raises concerns about studentteacher interaction outside the classroom. Is it wrong that students and teachers are not allowed to be friends on Facebook or follow each other on Twitter? Or is that necessary to maintain a healthy learning environment with appropriate studentteacher relationships? Several students agree that the use of social media between students and teachers is unprofessional. Students have other means of contacting their teachers, including email, Edline, and now, Google Classroom. “I do not think [teachers and students] should communicate through Facebook and Twitter because I believe there should be a reasonable distance between students and teachers,” junior Rocio Sougarret Lara
PHOTO COURTESY OF VANESSA MARTINEZ PENN
ATHLETE, cont. page 24
TWITTER, cont. page 6
Soccer stars inseparable since first whistle by Giulia Testa and Katie Spencer
Beginning with a small recreational team in first grade, senior duo Vanessa Martinez Penn and Sarah Savonis are forever bonded because of their love for the sport of soccer. With 11 years of experience and friendship behind them, they cannot recall a time when they were not playing by each other’s side. Both girls have been solid members of the Rockets’ girls varsity soccer team since their freshmen year. This
Teachers on Twitter by Eisha Fnu