The Tide - November 2021

News 2-3

Opinions 4-6

Social Justice 7

Centerspread 8-9

Features 10-11

Arts 12-14

Sports 15-16

PHOTOS BY DELANEY CRAWLEY AND VICTORIA TONG

LEFT: Rakan MardamBay works on an assignment on a Chromebook. RIGHT: Many MCPS elementary and middle schools use GoGuardian to monitor students’ online activity.

MCPS addresses student data concerns

by Avery Wang VIDEO EDITOR

Last month, the Baltimore Sun reported that Baltimore County Public Schools were monitoring student laptops for signs of suicide through GoGuardian’s Beacon program, “a controversial innovation that came about during the pandemic after the system loaned families tens of thousands of the computers for use at home.”

MCPS does not implement this policy, but can still use GoGuardian to monitor screens during class and close webpages on student computers for elementary

and middle schoolers, even off campus. Students’ return to a traditional school environment in the aftermath of a digital year has prompted some communities to reassess how their data is collected, stored, discarded and used.

MCPS will be conducting its third annual student data deletion week in the next few months.

Over the course of five days, student data from Google platforms and other learning websites, like GoGuardian, will be erased from the county’s online databases.

This process is the culmination of a parent coalition’s advocacy efforts in 2019 for their childrens’ data to be annually expunged,

on the grounds that information like mistaken search queries could potentially harm students’ futures. This may have stemmed from the Kyle Kashuv case, where the client’s Ivy League acceptance was rescinded because of old comments he had made on a Google document, raising concerns about the role of stored data in every form and whether it should impact a students future.

Although the majority of personal data is deleted, records of attendance, vaccinations and disciplinary infractions will remain in MCPS’s system.

MCPS will be conducting its third annual student data deletion week in the next few months. Over the course of five days, student data from Google platforms and other learning websites, like GoGuardian, will be erased from the county’s online databases.”

DATA, cont. page 2

South Asian Student Association shines light on Desi experience

by Mayah Nachman and Elfreda Raven FEATURES WRITER AND ASSISTANT SOCIAL JUSTICE EDITOR

One of the newer student-led cultural organizations at RM is the South Asian Student Association (SASA.) Founded by graduated seniors Gauri Girirajan, Amna Shamim and a group of their friends, SASA’s goal is to unite the South Asian community at RM and represent South Asian students.

The idea to create SASA came about casually as the group of friends discussed their experiences being South Asian in America and how the representation they saw was subpar at best.

“We decided that we wanted to create a space where we could discuss Desi issues and explore what it means to be Desi in America today,” Girirajan said.

Inside The Tide...

The club came to fruition during quarantine, and in its early days, they had meetings over Zoom where they had guided discussions on topics from colorism to politics to South Asian representation in media. They also had a segment called “Grubbin with Gandhi” in which club sponsor and South Asian teacher Akshay Gandhi and other club members would make traditional South Asian food over Instagram Live.

Now that school is back in person, SASA is organizing events like the cultural fair, which was held on Friday, Nov. 5 during lunch.

SASA, cont. page 10

Opinions, 6 Fall: The Best Season

PHOTO COURTESY OF RM SGA

The SGA and several other student groups organized a clothing drive for local Afghan refugees in the DMV area.

Afghan refugees arrive in Maryland

by Courtney Kim and Emily Pham TIDEPOD EDITOR AND SOCIAL JUSTICE WRITER

GRAPHIC BY EVELYN SHUE

Social Justice, 7 Thanksgiving Myths

Amidst the recent events that stirred turmoil in Afghanistan, the US evacuated tens and thousands of people from the country.

Maryland had received 180 Afghan evacuees by Sept. 23, but more are likely to come as the White House reports

Features, 10 Infinite Diabolo

that the state is approved to receive a total of 1,348 refugees in the coming weeks.

Some Afghans are admitted through valid visas—either through a family member in the U.S. who sponsored them or through the Special Immigrant Visa program (SIV), intended for those who worked with the U.S. military during its two-decade war in Afghanistan.

REFUGEES, cont. page 7

Sports, 16

Thanksgiving Traditions

2

The Tide

NEWS

District officials spare local Moses African Cemetery

PHOTO COURTESY OF DELANEY CRAWLEY

The Bethesda Africa Cemetery Coalition continues to hold protests to save the Moses African Cemetery. has graves… is a bit much,” he record—I think it’s valuable.” said in a September hearing.

Even with their most recent

by Julianne Cruz But for many supporters of the victory, the BACC will continue GRAPHICS EDITOR preservation effort, this issue goes to hold protests every WednesTwo months ago, demonstra- far beyond this individual ceme- day, as their ultimate goal is to tors congregated at a Bethesda tery. “These are people who were have Moses Cemetery publicparking lot to protest the $50 so oppressed and so discarded ly proclaimed sacred ground. million sale of the lot and its and so disrespected in life, and surrounding apartments, which now, even in death, they meet “When it comes to house the historic Moses Afri- the same fate,” BACC president cemeteries... it’s can Cemetery. They sang spir- Marsha Coleman-Adebayo said. ituals, beat African drums and In the final verdict, the Montvery easy not to marched with signs reading Black gomery County circuit judge care—especially it Lives Matter in Life and Death. Karla Smith ruled in favor of the being Black bodThis was one of many pro- BACC, denying Charger Ventures ies that are buried tests against the sale of Moses and HOC the sale—a decision that Cemetery to developer Char- resounded in many communities, here.” ger Ventures.

Spearheading including Richard Montgomery. this fight is the Bethesda Africa “I feel like in America especial- Therese Dang Cemetery Coalition (BACC): an ly, when it comes to cemeteries organization that stems from and things, it’s very easy not to They aim to save the cemethe Macedonia Baptist Church, care—especially it being Black which, along with Moses Cem- bodies that are buried here,” ju- tery from further desecration etery, is one of the few remain- nior Therese Dang said. “So I and contribute to the nationwide ing vestiges of the historic Black am glad that they did deny the effort to protect historic Black community along River Road. sale, because after 2020 I think gravesites all over the country.

“With the court case, we won The BACC filed their first law- we learned that these people are suit in August, claiming that human beings that matter, and part of it, but there’s still so much the Montgomery County Hous- they deserve to rest in peace.” work to be done in terms of that,” ing Opportunities Commission “A lot of history has been for- protestor Elizabeth Dorokhina (HOC) violated state law by gotten,” history teacher Todd said. “It’s not just here, it’s everynot getting court approval for Stillman said. “And a lot of histo- where, and our victory was such the sale of cemetery property. ry has been paved over, built over. a big thing. It was really importThe campaign was not with- And the thing is that places and ant, it’s really great that it hapout opposition: according to sites are also memories. And peo- pened, but even other cemeteries NBC, HOC attorney Frederick ple need that connection to their nearby haven’t experienced the A. Douglas questioned the va- past. And the extent to which we same kind of success and it’s taklidity of the historical evidence can preserve those memories, en years to get here. So it’s just represented. “To say that HOC is particularly for groups that have ally important that people in the continuing that evilness by sell- been historically disenfranchised community know about it, that ing this particular property that or written out of the historical people in the community care.”

November/December

November 17

Powderpuff finals The freshman and seniors battle it out for breast cancer!

November 20

Blithe Spirit Black Maskers will let the curtains close.

November 25

Thanksgiving Bon appetit <3

December 6

November 2021

Hanukkah The final evening of a festival of light

RM implements new hall pass policy

By Emily Pham and Samantha Wu SOCIAL JUSTICE WRITER AND NEWS EDITOR

A new hall pass policy was implemented by school administrators on Tuesday, Nov. 9. This system is aimed at maximizing in-class instruction time by preventing students from wandering the halls during class periods.

Two bathroom passes were distributed to each classroom on Tuesday morning. The passes are full sheets of paper and color coded by floor—pink for basement rooms, blue for the first floor, orange for the second floor and green for the third floor.

The policy requires students to carry their classroom’s pass to and from the bathroom with them to ensure that they remain on the same level as their class. If found on a different floor, students will be escorted back to their class by either security or administration.

“I think it’s pretty good because it allows for staff to keep track of the students easily since the signs are really conspicuous,” senior Gloria Moudou said. This viewpoint is shared by many teachcers. “I feel like the new hall pass policy is a good thing because it allows for accountability for where students are,” staff development teacher James Goldsmith said. “My hope is that it’s effec-

tive, but I don’t know how effective it’s gonna be unless teachers are consistent in enforcing them.”

Some students disagree with the long-term efficacy of the policy. “I don’t think they’ll be successful in keeping kids in class,” senior Amna Hasni said. “If some people are wandering the halls, that’s their problem and the rest of us shouldn’t have to use these [hall passes] just because of that,” sophomore Grace Finnegan said.

“I don’t think they’ll be successful in keeping kids in class.”

- Amna Hasni With the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns are also being raised about cleanliness and convenience. Since the policy’s implementation, students had witnessed passes crumpled and stored on the bathroom floor or behind the sinks. “I don’t want to have to touch a gross thing that everyone is also touching when I go to the bathroom,” senior Myka Fromm said. Some have proposed alternatives, like attaching lanyards to the passes, decreasing their size, or attaching folders to the backs of bathroom stalls.

Experts warn of an unpredictable flu season ahead

By Crystal Li SCIENCE NEWS WRITER

A national spike in coronavirus cases was accompanied by a record low number of flu infections last winter. Some scientists attribute these numbers to the safety measures taken to stop the spread of COVID-19. “We’ve looked for flu in communities and doctors’ offices and hospitals, and we’ve gotten almost zero,” Emily Martin, a University of Michigan epidemiologist, said. But scientists are uncertain about what this indicates about the upcoming flu season.

One possibility is that this winter will replicate the last, as continued health safety practices would again keep the virus in check. “If we continue to wear masks, I don’t think it’ll be severe at all,” RM nurse Jean Gambo said. Some students share this outlook. “I’m not as concerned because sanitation awareness has certainly increased with COVID,” junior Lilian Wang said.

The low transmission rates of last year’s flu means it had fewer opportunities to mutate, so the likelihood of a more virulent strain emerging this year is low.

“So far, there appears to be less genetic diversity among circulating flu viruses than normal,” Lauren Meyers, director of the University of Texas COVID-19 Modeling Consortium, told CNBC. According to Meyers, if the flu virus hasn’t changed substantially from previous years, then “current vaccines are going to be a better match [...] and therefore offer better protection.”

However, some scientists predict the opposite. “When some-

body recovers from a seasonal influenza infection, they retain some level of immunity that protects them against future infection,” Meyers said. But according to Dean Blumberg from the UC Davis Children’s Hospital, collective immunity is likely down this year because of how few cases there were last year, creating an opening for the flu to strike much harder.

There is also a critical difference between this winter and the last: the reopening of schools.

According to a NIH study, schoolchildren are the primary transmitters of the flu, infecting more people and remaining carriers for longer periods of time than adults. The return to in-person learning may therefore herald a spike in flu infections.

If more flu mutations emerge, the dearth of data from last year makes the development of a new vaccine challenging. “[Researchers] base the vaccines on the previous year’s flu, and since we didn’t have a lot of it, I don’t know that they’ll be able to develop vaccines that will be as effective,” Ms. Gambo said.

The unpredictability of this flu season is more reason to take precautions. “Get the flu shot,” Ms. Gambo urged. “Wash your hands. Wear a mask.”

GRAPHIC BY JOANNA LI

NEWS County collects and uses student data

The Tide

DATA, cont. page 1 “There is no legitimate reason the Internet search history, personal student emails or the number of times a child buys dessert in the school’s cafeteria needs to be saved indefinitely,” digital privacy lawyer Bradley Shear stated in his 2019 testimony to the Board of Education.

“Our students should not have to worry whether their school-related digital activities — which may out their political beliefs, their religion, their sexual orientation, personal health issues, or what they eat for lunch — may be used against them in the future.”

Every MCPS student uses a Google account, through which their emails, documents and search histories are logged.

“You can see everything you put in your google accounts, you can see everything with your Gmail. Every year, your emails are wiped out. We don’t collect anything on that,” Assistant to Associate Superintendent of Office of Technology and Innovation Emily Cole Bayer said. “Your Google accounts are yours, so you see what we see. So there’s nothing behind the scenes with those platforms.”

Dr. Cole Bayer stated that student data becomes “meaningless” after a certain amount of time, so annually deleting student data helps free up the county’s cloudbased storage accounts and reduces technology-associated costs.

Shear also highlighted the added cybersecurity benefits of deleting student data. “Our public schools have become a honeypot for hackers and are increasingly being targeted by cyber criminals and others who want access to our student’s personal information,” Shear stated in his testimony.

Because student data is annually deleted, there is less for hackers to attack.

Despite implementing a data deletion practice that is one of the few in the country, MCPS is still required to report certain student statistics to the state and federal education systems.

Data from Synergy and other administration platforms, such as grade, attendance and disciplinary infraction records, is sent to the state instead of deleted.

“The state tells us, you know, this is what we need from the students, so that we have to collect that … they will use a database that’s seriously locked down, where only those who need to know can view it,” Dr. Cole Bayer said.

All data collection processes and administrative access protocols are legally required to comply with a number of federal laws protecting the online privacy of minors, such as Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA). FERPA grants parents/ guardians and eligible students the right to inspect and review the student’s education records preserved by the school and the right to request that a school amend the student’s education records.

COPPA regulates how key tech companies, such as Google, “keep information they collect from kids confidential and secure,” according to Common Sense Me- d i a .

Te c h comp a nies are also required to have a “clear and comprehensive” privacy policy and obtain parental consent prior to gathering information from minors.

These policies are especially applicable when students access academic resources and social media.

“I think one of the biggest

detriments I’ve seen in terms of students’ attentiveness and behavior is … social media …. There’s full films on YouTube and Vimeo,” media . specialist Michelle Alexander said.

“But the real thing [ is ]

“Our students should not have to worry whether their... digital activities may be used against them in the future.”

- Bradley Shear that it has created an inability to concentrate and focus for long periods of time … I’ve seen students that were perfectly fine, from middle school, come in and become violent if you try to take their phone from them when they’re off task.”

This year, the Board of Education’s Technology offices, in coordination with MCCPTA committees, are reviewing student access to YouTube and considering a variety of optin or partial access options.

The Office of Technology and Innovation receives many complaints about students using gaming websites and being off task during school.

But regulating what students do with their chromebooks continues to be a balance between privacy, security, and education.

GRAPHICS BY JULIANNE CRUZ

November 2021

NEWS IN BRIEF MCPS enrollment declines MCPS, which has always prided itself on being Maryland’s largest school district and enjoyed a decade-long trend of growth in enrollment, has faced unprecedented dips in the past two years.

In this year alone, there are about 4,700 fewer students enrolled than the previous year. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average high school in Maryland has 1,161 students—meaning that MCPS lost about four high schools’ worth of students.

The pandemic is a large factor behind this sudden drop in numbers. It has had a multifaceted impact on education, and MCPS is just one system that is experiencing its effects. “It seems like the pandemic and parents’ concern about sending their students back into buildings where they could be exposed to the virus has resulted in some of the drop in enrollment,” Assistant Principal Robin Wheeler said.

The COVID pandemic has had extensive effects, especially on public education. Decreased enrollment is just one of the results.

“It shed light on the opportunity gap between wealthier and poorer students and their access to technology and home situations and how that impacts their learning,” senior Ariana Kavoossi said.

GRAPHIC BY RAVINDU GUNASEKARA

By Samantha Cutler NEWS WRITER

On Oct. 22, Frances Haugen, a data scientist and former Facebook employee, released thousands of internal documents and investigative research from her former company to Congress.

These documents included investigations on Facebook’s role and complicity in the Jan. 6 insurrection, lack of hate speech censorship in underdeveloped countries, misinformation among vulnerable demographics and mental health problems in teens.

“Facebook has a bad reputation from a security perspective.”

- Ian Polansky The papers showed discrepancies between public statements from Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO and creator of Facebook, and real data found in internal investigations. For example, when Zuckerberg testified in front of Congress in 2019, he said that Facebook’s algorithm removes 94 percent of hate speech and misinformation

By Hannah Lee NEWS WRITER

MCPS faces staffing shortages

According to WUSA9, in Montgomery County alone there is a current shortage of around 240 teachers and 60 classroom support positions.

A lack of substitutes has compelled many teachers to miss out on their instructional planning periods to cover classes. “I’ve been called to cover classes three times this quarter, which isn’t too much, but before, it would be zero times a quarter,” English teacher David M. Dumas said.

Many educators demand that the district restore instructional preparation time and duty-free lunch periods, as mandated by the state. In addition, teachers seek compensation for their missed planning and lunch periods at the least and collaboration with those working on the frontlines of this issue.

Richard Montgomery has also engineered some of its own solutions, one of the most prominent being “Rocket Refresh,” occurring every other Wednesday. Teachers are not allowed to teach new material nor assign any work due that day. “Rocket Refresh is brilliant; it gives us more time,” science teacher Karl Kovacs said.

However, the staffing shortage is still an ever present problem — one that can only be solved with more teachers, substitute teachers, paraeducators, and other vital staff. “Time is the greatest gift a teacher can give a student. Similarly, time is the greatest gift MCPS can give a teacher,” Dr. Kovacs said.

By Akshya Mahadevan SENIOR NEWS WRITER

Facebook papers raise social media concerns from the app before it is reported by a human. But Haugen’s documents reveal the algorithm to be removing less than five percent.

One of Haugen’s main claims was that the “profit optimizing [Facebook algorithm] is generating self-harm and self-hate — especially for vulnerable groups, like teenage girls.” The design of the program had been called out for impacting youth body image and self esteem. “[On Facebook or Instagram] you may see pictures of people who are like models or influencers who have a bunch of friends or are wealthy and you may like feel bad about yourself or feel left out,” freshman Libby Cooke said.

Richard Montgomery students are not just worried about the mental health side of the issue.

“Facebook has a bad reputation from a security perspective,” sophomore Ian Polansky said.

“There’s been a lot of things [in the news] about them stealing your information.” Students are concerned about what the company is doing with the data they collect, and whether the users have a choice in the matter.

Compared to developing countries, the platform shown to Americans is the most polished and protected version available. 84 percent of Facebook’s work against misinformation was for posts originating in the

3

CORRECTIONS On page 4, the Cartoon Corner has no credit. It was created by Angelina Guhl.

On page 7, an incorrect caption appeared with the photo accompanying the article “Opinion: Appropriated insensitive costumes mock cultures.”

PHOTO BY TORI DZIASEK

A student logs into their personal computer at their desk at home.

United States. The remaining messages made on the platform.

16 percent is unequally distrib- However, there is another layer uted throughout the rest of the of the system, Crosscheck, which world, including developed is exclusively applied to celebricountries like France and India. ties and high-profile users. Those Though Facebook’s users are users have very minimal limitatypically viewed as an older tions on what they can post, esdemographic, it still has an im- sentially allowing millions of VIP pact on high schoolers through users free range of the platform, other apps that it owns. A ma- regardless of whether or not they jority of RM teens use both Ins- are spreading misinformation, tagram and Whatsapp, two pop- hate speech or inciting violence. ular Facebook-owned platforms.

Only under special circum“I communicate with my family stances will Facebook intervia WhatsApp and I communicate fere with dangerous content, with my friends via Instagram,” such as the Jan. 6 insurrection. sophomore Victoria Dziasek said.

Haugen left Facebook because But very few use Facebook direct- of what she deemed to be dangerly, for a variety of reasons. “I’ve ous policies and lack of accountnever really considered using it ability within the company. The and none of my friends are on unveiling of these new developit,” sophomore Kyle Baer said. ments has sparked discussion and Facebook has a set of guidelines criticism both on a global scale that are applied to all posts and and within the community at RM.

On page 7, the name of the writer Samiksha Mahashetty was misspelled in the article “Biden’s promises mislead.”

On page 11, a graphics credit misspelled the name of graphics artist Julianne Cruz.

On page 11, a freshman is quoted as “Jenice (last name)” in the article “RM students obsess over boba tea.” The student’s last name is Nascimento.

On page 12, a pull-quote in the article “RM Rock & Metal Club brings a new take to instrumental music” misspelled the name of senior Jeffrey Vedrin.

4 The Tide

November 2021

OPINIONS

School safety drills prepare students for the worst emergencies

by Francis Paloma OPINIONS WRITER

Screams of “get down!” cry out amidst gunshots ringing throughout the area. Dashing for cover while attempting to grasp the situation at hand. Questions like whether or not they will see their family flood their mind. This is no warzone, rather a Littleton, Colorado high school where hundreds of students once felt safe.

Two decades since the 1999 Columbine High School shooting, footsteps echo through silent hallways everyday, shaking at knobs while students huddle in the corner of a dark classroom. An announcement over the intercom: a cheerful voice calling for another successful lockdown drill signals students and staff to proceed with their day as if nothing happened other than a spontaneous five minute break from school.

With in-person school back in session after a year and a half hiatus at Richard Montgomery, both shelter in place and lock-

down drills come with it. No doubt these drills are paramount for the real deal. However, they do come with many caveats and drawbacks, not being as effective as many think of them to be.

“It’s totally been a calm procedure for the most part.”

- Dara Lerebour The history of lockdown drills goes back to the aftermath of the Columbine shooting, the first major shooting with massive news coverage. The nation watched horrified as Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold murdered 12 of their classmates. In response to the tragedy, a school safety movement sparked. However, a few were inspired to carry out the same as seen in the 2005 Minnesota Red Lake High School shooting. When a rise in mental illness intersects with a copycat mentality, a school shooting epidemic is created.

Lockdown drills at the very

least provide for a rigid procedure meant to keep order in a chaotic situation. Security guard Anthony Woods said, “You clear the hallways and ... you want to make sure everybody’s safe first and foremost.” The procedure is practical, digestible and efficient from both an administrative and student perspective.

Thomas Ristoff, director of the Syracuse City School District’s department of public safety in New York, said in a CNN interview, “Our main objective is to build that ‘muscle memory’ with our students and staff so that they can respond by rote in a stressful situation.” Whenever students hear that announcement over the PA, everyone instinctively knows to clear the halls, lock the door, and stay quiet. If students did not receive this instruction, panic and chaos would ensue with no group procedure to follow. Every person would be on their own.

Many advocate for the expansion of drills, though that would do more harm than good. “I think that there should also be like a fake

Leaders must deliver on climate

by Cynthea Wang OPINIONS WRITER

We have heard it all before: rising sea levels, extreme weather, melting glaciers, droughts. With the media constantly bemoaning the looming 2 degrees Celsius climate brink, it is hard to stray far from climate change in any discussion about relevant policy. After three decades of promised action, world leaders convened at the United Nations climate conference, COP26, in Glasgow earlier this month to address the problem.

While the talks appeared to be a promising advancement in reversing climate change, leaders need to produce tangible results to restore worldwide trust in the efficacy of climate politics. The COP26 is a success in certain aspects, concluding with 100 nations and parties pledging to cut methane emissions by 30 percent by 2030, the U.S. among them.

According to CNN, it also saw over 40 countries committing to near-zero steel production emissions and a pledge from over 100 countries to end deforestation, with the ambitious deadline of 2030 that borders on unrealistic.

While such commitments are a step in the right direction, nearby

protests and famed teen climate activist Greta Thunberg’s vocalalized disappointment with the summit.

This showcased the lack of faith in concrete government action.According to Fortune, COP26 was branded as a form of “greenwashing” by Thunberg and other protestors.

“Greenwashing” is used to describe a new form of performatism in which a party or parties appear to be climate-friendly on the surface.

This classification is not undeserved, considering the proclivity of international governments in making sweeping promises with little to show for it.

As reported by the New York Post, The UN Environment Program affirmed that past international climate agreements culminated to empty promises after releasing findings that global emissions have barely shifted its trajectory since 2005. “Numerous times climate conventions have come together to talk about climate change and have even come to a conclusion and formed a plan, but all too often, the plan is not realized,” junior Lucinda Boyce, a member of RM’s climate club leadership, said.

It is apparent that world leaders need to do more to solve global warming or face catastrophic ramifications.

Specifically, leaders must look to the emerging markets of developing na-

GRAPHIC BY EVELYN SHUE

tions. In recent years, energy-hungry developing nations like India, Nigeria and China have distinguished themselves as global powerhouses.

In order to be successful, the attendees of COP26 must be forward-looking as the next century will see developing nations leading in energy consumption. For these countries, greater energy capacity is the key to economic advancement. Just days prior to the summit, according to the New York Post, 24 developing nations said that climate deadlines were unjust because they hinder poor countries from economic development.

“Climate conventions have... formed a plan, but all too often, the plan is not realized.”

- Lucinda Boyce In order to address these future emitters, President Biden must set to work now to fund global climate innovation and sustainable solutions abroad. Fortunately, COP26 proved to be critical in laying the groundwork for this exact kind of action.

According to the Washington Post, the summit resulted in Biden announcing plans to quadruple funding for green technology by 2035, the US, UK, France, Germany and EU pledging $8.5 billion to wean South Africa’s energy system off coal and the US backing India in its plan to build 450 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030.

But while clear progress was made at COP26, policymakers still have a long road ahead. Greater continued attention must be paid to the energy industries of emerging world powers. Future policies must be made with elasticity. While growing pains will be impossible to avoid along the way, it is try or die for humanity.

We can only hope that international leaders will step up to the challenge.

PHOTO BY DANNY MARTELLA

Students huddle together during a fire drill shooter,” freshman Nhi Le said.

Sounds of simulated bullets and fake blood have applied too much trauma on kids. Though students would get an accurate reenactment, it would be living through one of the most traumatic experiences anyone can go through.

The drills are a solid balance between training for a warzone and ignorant bliss. Students as young as elementary schoolers understand that there is a need for these drills. “I haven’t personally seen anybody get, hesitant or maybe anxious or, you know,

freak out and it’s totally been a calm procedure for the most part,” junior Dara Lerebour said.

It is a sad reflection that children as young as four years of age have to face the situation that their lives can be taken away in what should be a safe haven from the outside world. These drills should neither be ramped up or drawn back dramatically. Lockdown and shelter in place drills as they are now are essential.

In the end lockdown drills are a symptom of a much larger problem, mental health in America.

Cartoon Corner

CARTOON BY ANGELINA GUHL

The Tide

250 Richard Montgomery Drive Rockville, Maryland 20852 www.thermtide.com 301-610-8000 The Tide is the student newspaper of Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville, Maryland. The Tide is dedicated to keeping the Richard Montgomery school community accurately informed and to providing a forum for student expression.

1,000 copies of the newspaper are printed and distributed among students.

Any corrections are printed in the following issue on page 2.

The opinions presented in The Tide do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff and administration at Richard Montgomery.

The Tide is affliated with ASPA, CSPA, and NSPA. Questions, concerns, and suggestions on articles, advertisements, and photos can be submitted to thetideeditors@gmail.com.

Editors-in-Chief..............................................Delaney Crawley, Nicole Fang, Victoria Tong News...................................................................................Samantha Wu, Avani Ambardekar Opinions.................................................................Athira Nair, Rohan Dewan, Rachel Wang Centerspread...................................................................................Natalie Weger, Shuxin Dai Features..............................................................................................Davi Jacobs, Niki Esmaili Arts..................................................................................................Raha Murtuza, Claire Chen Sports................................................................Maggie Orcev, Kevin Zhang, Corrigan Peters Social Justice.....................................................Helina Tamiru, Charlyn Chu, Elfreda Raven Photo...................................................................................................Ella Koenig, Lynna Deng Graphics................................................................Julianne Cruz, Caleb Collins, Evelyn Shue TidePod........................................................................................Courtney Kim, Jupleen Kaur Video................................................................................Avery Wang, Eashana Subramanian Social Media Manager.............................................................................Kobina Asafu-Adjaye Crossword..............................................................................................................Myka Fromm Sponsors..........................................................................Ms. Jennifer Kidd, Ms. Bonnie Peyer

The Tide

OPINIONS

November 2021

Thanksgiving Feast

5

Favorite Thanksgiving Foods of The Tide Writers

By Rachel Wang - Creamy and savory, mashed potatoes are the perfect companion to any and all Thanksgiving dishes. Parched from a dry turkey leg? Have some mashed potatoes. Too sweetened up after cranberry sauce? Mashed potatoes are your remedy. Still hungry after pumpkin pie?

Again, mashed potatoes! A combination of fluffy swirls and dribbles of gravy trickling down, the dish has an extraordinary presentation. At first taste, mashed potatoes instantly melt in a state of all things heavenly. A hint of garlic, a dash of spice, and a touch of butter. Nothing else can compare.

By Francis Paloma - Before going onto the best Thanksgiving dish I’d like to diss anyone who says the turkey is the best. No, turkey itself is a pretty good meat; however a whole roasted turkey with its dry white meat is not very appealing. Then, when you’re one of the few who gets the glorious dark meat turkey leg, you feel bad because everyone is eyeing it on your plate. Which is precisely why day-long roasted honey ham is the best dish on the table. The savory moist taste of meat in combination with the aroma from the honey and to top it off your brain going bonkers at the sight of just a huge chunk of pig leg on the table. Yeah, it’s the best.

By Francesca Venditti - Thanksgiving foods in my household, from a giant turkey to our signature sweet potatoes with marshmallows, are all equally delicious. By far the best food, though, is a sausage-filled stuffing. My sisters and I eagerly peel and chop tons of onions, carrots, celery, and Italian sausage specifically for this much anticipated staple of our annual Thanksgiving feast. Soaked in a white wine infused gravy, it has a rich flavor that always makes me come back for seconds and even thirds. Not only do you get the dry and chewy texture of baked bread that is essential to the dish, but you also get savory bursts of vegetables and meat. It is one traditional Thanksgiving food that will forever hold a special place in my heart!

GRAPHICS BY EVELYN SHUE

By Sami Saeed - What comes to mind when you think of a Thanksgiving meal?

There are obviously dishes like mashed potatoes, greens, bread rolls and of course pumpkin pie. Though, all these dishes seem to appear as sides, or just revolving around something. What is that something you ask? Well of course, the largest and most important dish of them all, the mouth-watering, golden brown and fully stuffed turkey! The taste of turkey is like no other, not too meaty, not too bland, and just the right amount of moisture without being undercooked. Whenever eating all of the side dishes on Thanksgiving, they are all extremely delicious and add to the overall meal in their own unique ways. However, they are not completely fulfilling without that one key element, the glue that ties everything together: the turkey. The fact of the matter is Thanksgiving just isn't the same without that beautiful bird, which is why turkey is the best Thanksgiving dish!

By Kara Venditti - My favorite Thanksgiving dish? Most definitely our homemade apple crisp. Not only is it delicious, but apple crisp is, you could say, the “fruit” of our combined family efforts. Without fail, this dessert takes a five-person team every Thanksgiving. My sisters and I help peel many, MANY Granny Smith apples, while our mom and dad multitask, preparing other dishes. After we let the apples marinate in a delicious cinnamon-nutmeg blend for a few hours (always an agonizing wait), the crisp finally goes in the oven during Thanksgiving dinner (an even more agonizing wait). Likely the best part is the utterly delicious, sugary, crunchy topping: the combination of the crisp and the apples and the vanilla ice cream is mindblowing, not just for the fusion of flavors but also for the jumble of textures. My mouth waters just thinking about it.

By Parker Rock - My favorite Thanksgiving dish is marshmallow sweet potato casserole. I think the concept of this dish is absolutely absurd. It has to be the inside joke of a family a hundred years ago or something. Marshmallows and sweet potatoes logically should never be placed together, and yet it works so perfectly. The crisp, burnt top of the marshmallows feels almost gourmet, the sweet potatoes underneath feel so healthy, and the two together feel like heaven. What’s even weirder is that Thanksgiving is the only time that marshmallow sweet potato casserole is ever made. We eat turkey, green beans, stuffing, and bread rolls year round, yet the iconic marshmallow sweet potato casserole is limited to Thanksgiving only. Why?! Why invent this crazy, amazing, anomaly of a dish, and then only eat it one meal a year?

6

OPINIONS

The Tide

Break-out rooms vs in-person

by Francesca Venditti OPINIONS WRITER

From online assignments to virtual instruction, education during the pandemic was a jarring and bizarre experience. Breakout rooms were one element of this environment that highlighted the stark difference between in-person and virtual learning, specifically regarding collaborative tasks.

Breakout rooms created the apathetic student. Black screens and muted microphone icons were a familiar sight in Zoom classes and were particularly widespread in breakout rooms. “Everyone just muted and turned off their cameras,” senior Yolanda Li said.

Unlike in-person groups, breakout rooms caused students to lose the ability to connect with their peers and engage in stimulating educational activities. “I feel like, in person, we get to in-

teract more with people in our groups,” junior Donna Cho said.

Across classes, conversations were mostly stunted and cut off by time limits. An article from the Harvard Independent stated that material-focused breakout room discussions often felt forced or artificial. The time taken to unmute prevented natural communication. Long and unbearable silences filled the rooms as dialogue died out, contrasting the lively atmosphere of in-person groups.

The lack of teacher oversight also made it more tempting to get off-topic, whether that be completing homework from another class or scrolling through Instagram feeds. According to the Daily Titan, breakout rooms are counterproductive; rather than allowing students to fundamentally understand content or contributing to students’ education, they inhibit growth due to the impersonal virtual setup.

PHOTO BY GRACE DIAZ

Students collaborate in groups and breakout rooms for projects.

Breakout rooms exacerbated this detachment and distance between students, and prohibited them from creating new friendships. In contrast, discovering different perspectives and people is easily done with time during in-person groups.

In-person groups not only provide an invigorating academic ambience but also help students form relationships with fellow classmates.

However alien the virtual spaces were, they did present a unique opportunity to socialize. It is a relatively intimate setting and, especially if put with close friends, can be fun. “Breakout rooms would be better if you were put in a group of people you liked or wanted to work with,” Cho said.

Breakout rooms chiefly lacked this kind of social chemistry. Since many Zoom classes were already full of silent names on black boxes, breakout rooms became an extension as well as a representation of the disconnect between students.

It is almost unfair to compare breakout rooms and in-person groups since one is clearly better than the other in nearly every way. Though students and teachers have since moved on from the awkwardness of virtual learning, breakout rooms will forever be etched in the minds of students as uncomfortable and ineffective. Reflecting on the past year, it is clear that in-person groups surpass those faceless and passive spaces of online schooling.

RM should enhance CS program

by Kidus Walelign OPINIONS WRITER

Computer science is a relatively new field with booming popularity both in college and career ventures. One would expect this trend to be reflected in high schools as well, but it is quite the opposite.

According to Forbes, under 5 percent of students are enrolled in a computer science course, and only 51 percent of high schools even offer tech classes. RM falls in that 51 percent but has not created a program that encourages students to pursue it throughout high school. A restrictive curriculum and little efforts to increase variety has made the course unappealing, resulting in a majority of students dropping it.

“It would be more enjoyable if we were to spend more time on each topic...”

- Leon Wang The RM CS path consists of 5 classes: Foundations of Tech, CS Principles, CS A, IB CS 1 and IB CS 2. Many students end up just taking a single course to satisfy their tech credit. It goes downhill from there to the point where only a dozen or so students take IB CS 2 per year.

A majority of the tech pathway is closely tied to a rigid AP curriculum often focusing on niche subjects that bore students and set a false expectation for the following courses.

In the earlier courses, students are expected to slog through endless lessons in Code.org. “The course did go slow in the beginning and it still does now,” soph-

omore Lucas Roca said. In later classes, the AP curriculum can be jumpy and rushed, forcing students to move on before fully understanding a concept. “It would be a lot more enjoyable if we were to spend some more time on each topic so we feel like we have a solid understanding of the language,” freshman Leon Wang said.

Still, it should be acknowledged that despite the curriculum, RM has a good track record for passing the computer science AP tests. “I think our record of passage rate [for AP CS Principles] speaks for itself because it’s above 85 percent, every single year,” computer science teacher Kimberly Gustin said.

As it stands currently, RM does not promote the later courses, and many students do not even know they exist. There are few ways for students to learn about the pathway as a whole, resulting in students only taking the first mandatory course.

The CS program at RM has undergone some development over the years, however. “Since being here in my fifth year, AP CSP went from three sections to nine, so you can’t tell me that it hasn’t grown,” Ms. Gustin said.

RM also fails to offer variety, only having a grand total of five tech classes, each focused on unadorned programming.

By only presenting basic programming classes, they dissuade students who are interested in other aspects of IT such as game design or web design, or at the very least teaching another language besides Java and Javascript. “I don’t think I will continue taking comp sci courses unless they add something like cyber defense,” Roca said.

Another issue with RM’s program is its lack of staffing and subpar computers. For the last three courses, there is only one

teacher, forcing students to be crammed into classes. Currently, all the students enrolled in IB CS 2 are split up into smaller groups and distributed among other classes. They are expected to fend for themselves in the classes without a teacher to give them the attention and instruction they need.

PHOTO BY HEATHER FEUERSTEIN

A student learns about variables on a Code.org module.

The poor desktop quality is another reason for the decreasing enrollment. “A handful of the computers in the computer lab are really slow and it’s making it difficult for some students to complete classwork or just follow along in class in general,” Wang said.

Though Richard Montgomery has taken few measures to encourage students to take tech courses, it is is important to note that even having them offered at all is somewhat of an achievement as they are only found in a slim majority of high schools.

Adding in the tech requirement is also a major step in getting as more students exposed to computer science classes.

Despite an increasing demand for tech-savvy workers, many high schools have woefully underdeveloped tech programs. Though RM’s computer science program is not quite as bad as those of other high schools, RM’s computer science path remains an unattractive option for many students.

November 2021

Best season: Fall

By Livia Venditti OPINIONS WRITER

Imagine the smell of freshly baked pumpkin bread wafting through the kitchen; reds, yellows and oranges decorating the trees; breathing in the crisp air on early fall mornings. The sights, smells and feelings of Fall have just begun, and with the changing seasons come a plethora of seasonal traditions. Some celebrate Halloween by putting together elaborate, funny or scary costumes to continue an old Celtic tradition of hundreds of years—now characterized by oodles of kids running through the streets trick-or-treating. Some celebrate Thanksgiving by cooking dinner as a family, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade or rooting for a favorite football team in the NFL’s annual Thanksgiving Day games. Whatever traditions one may celebrate, the Fall season is the epitome of togetherness and warmth.

“I look forward to seeing my entire family during Thanksgiving.”

- Max Meringoff The scenery and foliage of autumn is unrivaled. Bus rides suddenly become all the more captivating looking out at the color-changing landscape.

“Even though it gets a bit colder it still looks beautiful outside with the trees changing colors,” sophomore Max Meringoff said. The colder weather brings with it the perfect opportunity to sit down, read a book and sip a scalding cup of apple cider.

One of the most iconic symbols of the autumn season is Halloween, the night of sweet treats and childish fun.

Seeing homes put up Halloween decorations like spiders and gravestones or candle-lit carved pumpkins on their doorstep is a spirited feeling that fills your heart with joy. On Oct. 31 people of all ages can become anyone they want, real or imaginary, without fear of judgement.

Witches or vampires are classics, but every year people become more innovative deciding who or what to be. It is a carefree holiday that lets us conquer our fears of the unknown and other-worldy

PHOTO BY NIYA BASAL

Elani Bui enjoys the fall weather. by celebrating them together.

Many also look forward to the fall fashion. Sophomore Milla Malishev said, “I genuinely love the fall season because it gives me a great chance to be creative and experiment with layering and mixing different styles.” The relaxing chill of fall is a relief from the often blistering heat of summer and provides the opportunity to take out comfortable grandpa sweaters and puffer jackets collecting dust in the closet. And no one could forget Taylor Swift’s viral Tumblr post from 2014 listing all of the joys of the fall season like “ankle boots,” “baking your first fall batch of cookies” and “not caring when people make fun of pumpkin-flavored stuff.”

The festivities of autumn are jovial and invoke a sense of warm-heartedness. Every holiday season during F a l l is a time for family reunions and community. The anticipation of both domestic and international travels holds the promise of seeing family that some have not seen in months or even years. “I look forward to seeing my entire family during Thanksgiving. I get to see my cousins that live in LA,’’ Meringoff said. There is excitement abound for those awaiting roast turkey, mashed potatoes, yam, pumpkin pie and so many more recipes, each made unique by the family that shares and perfects them together.

Although cold on the outside, the fall season warms the soul. It is the perfect marriage between traditions, foods, and scenery. As the leaves begin to fall and the seasons once again change, it is bittersweet knowing you must wait another year for fall to return.

GRAPHICS BY EVELYN SHUE

GRAPHIC BY CHRISTIANA VUCEA

The Tide

October 2021 7

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Opinion: Thanksgiving lies harm Native culture

by Delaney Crawley EDITOR- IN- CHIEF

Marked on the fourth Thursday of November, Thanksgiving is a time for American families to celebrate what and whom they are thankful for.

“I have been taught different legends by my grandparents.”

- Patrick Keryte

Some classic and innocent traditions include eating turkey, watching football, and breaking wishbones in hopes for good luck.

However, for some, Thanksgiving is nothing but a bitter reminder of their ancestors scorned. Myths of friendship and fair play surround the American holiday in a way that some Native Americans feel erases their rich and long history.

As children, many of us were told a warped version of the Thanksgiving story, one that was littered with inaccuracies.

The unidentified Indians of the story are cast in a friendly, passive light, conceding happily and willingly, handing over their land to the white colonizers of the era. In this version of the story, they sat down, taught them how to live on their land, and promptly disappeared, never to be seen or heard from again.

Anyone who interests themselves in learning about the true history behind Thanksgiving would quickly find the fallacies in this story. For starters, the tribe of Native Anericans living on the land were not nameless nobodies. The Wampanoags are the name behind the story, and the tribe, along with others, resided on American soil long before Europeans discovered it for themselves. Some Native sources date the discovery of what is now American land some 10,000 years before European settlement.

The Wampanoags did not take kindly to the swift and aggressive shift of power, which is a falsehood that persists with the telling of the Americanized version of the tale. Wampanoags Indians were cheated out of their rightful home, and were subject

GRAPHIC BY JULIANNE CRUZ

to their resources being stolen and exploited for European benefit. Today, Native Americans feel the holiday falsely represents them in history, and sugarcoats a historic traumatic event.

“No, I don't celebrate Thanksgiving. Personally, I think of Thanksgiving as [a day] when colonizers used certain ways to kill my people off.” senior Patrick Keryte said. Keryte is a Natitve American student at Richard Montgomery, and feels like his schooling throughout the years has been whitewashed, and blatantly incorrect when it comes to Thanksgiving and similar topics. “I have been taught different legends through my grandparents, and their grandparents before them.” Keryte said.

When Europeans began to boast that it was they who discovered America, the true story got lost in

REFUGEES, cont. from page 1 However, the vast majority are either just getting started on the visa application process or completely ineligible for an SIV, and are instead being let in temporarily through an immigration tool known as humanitarian parole.

While official refugees can receive federal assistance such as temporary housing, healthcare, and food stamps, those on parole are not guaranteed these services. This poses significant problems in the resettlement process as private agencies, instead of the government, PHOTO BY HEATHER FEUERSTEIN are responsible for Seniors Nadir Semen and Deep Kaur collect clothing donations for providing the homes and ba- the Afghan Refugee Drive on Main Street. sic necessities for the Afghans.

However, various organizations that can do something like that is that those on parole can only across the country along with in- and I know that it’s even capa- live in the US for two years. In ordependent student and adult vol- ble of more,” Seman said. “We’re der to extend their stay, they must unteers are stepping up to help doing something to help people apply for a visa through a famthe refugees in a variety of ways. in need instead of just talking ily member or apply for asylum.

Locally, schools in Montgomery about it like most of the time.”

“Currently, I have been emailCounty have chipped in by proWhile RM does not have any ing immigration supervisors viding relief in their own ways. Afghan refugee students yet, under Senator Van Hollen to aid From Nov. 8 to Nov. 12, the some MCPS students demon- my family members who have a Richard Montgomery SGA held strate other indirect ways to wel- pending visa application. Also, I an Afghan Refugee Drive to col- come refugees to the community. have been in touch with people lect new or lightly used cloth- One example is Rohina Saeydie, a who work at Dulles Internationing and shoes. Hundreds of senior at Clarksburg High School al Airport to help refugees setdonation items were collected whose family recently evacuated tle in and feel welcomed here.” on Main Street during lunch, from Afghanistan. For Rohina, Along with contributing to reand will be distributed to fam- the crisis is much more personal. lief efforts, many students show ilies in need through Interfaith “My family was their support through warm Works and the Montgomery there when the Taliwords of encouragement and County Muslim Foundation. ban conquered Herhopes for the future. Ameena NiaSeniors Deep Kaur and Na- at, they witnessed mathullah, a senior at Clarksburg dir Seman both worked at the everything,” Saeydie High School, said, “There are table collecting and counting said. Due to her hericountless people here in our coundonations throughout the week. tage and her devotion to human try that will fight alongside you, “I was so happy to see 134 rights, Saeydie actively engages in so don’t ever think you are alone.” items donated on the first day. It efforts to aid the refugee resettlemakes me proud to go to a school ment process. One looming issue

between the lies. American pride and patriotism boomed, allowing for Native history to be forgotten.

What’s true is although stories about harmony persist, there was no peaceful way to steal land from an entire civilization. The King Phillips war is not very well known, but its effects and grueling history are very real. The brutal Colonial-Indian war of 1675 lasted a year, and was a rebellion against the ever persistent English settlers trying to claim their land. Thousands of Native Americans were killed in the bloody battle, and in turn many tribes died out or were forced to go into hiding. Survivors of the battle passed on the stories to their children, and kept the history alive, which is why, thankfully, the truth is still circulating today.

The portion of the tale where everyone sat around a big ta-

ble and enjoyed a meal together stems primarily from propaganda. Publications about celebratory feasts went out, including most notably, one from the Revolutionary Alexander Young. He was one of the first to mention a Thanksgiving dinner, and the idea took off. Americans were happy to show patriotism, and assert dominance over the immigrants of the time period. They were also pleased to think the idea of Manifest Destiny was just and yielded results. Bloody colonialism was transformed into a peaceful passing of land to its rightful owners, and without many surviving voices around to combat the story, it spread like wildfire.

No matter the light reality casts Americans in, the hard, brutal truth must persist. Erasing history cannot and should not become common practice.

No one is calling for an end to Thanksgiving and the wholehearted traditions that come with it. That sort of performative activism doesn't promote any real change. However, education and appreciation of the real Thanksgiving story, especially at young ages, is crucial to protect and preserve Native culture, as well as begin to eliminate the discomfort many people feel when faced with the American holiday.

SAGA club unites RM

by Samiksha Mahashetty SOCIAL JUSTICE WRITER

With this new generation, there has been a heightened value for inclusivity and acceptance among peer groups everywhere.

At RM, the Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA) club works to make sure students feel supported and safe with their identities.

The SAGA club at RM offers a variety of activities and serves as a safe space for the school’s LGBTQ+ community.

While providing a safe haven and a source of fun, the club also educates its members and hosts discussions based on current events and activism efforts. “It’s just a safe space basically. It’s where people can vibe and have fun,” senior Sebastian Sylvester, president of SAGA, said.

The meetings typically begin with a slideshow containing enlightening material. Then, they segway into an informative lesson or an open discussion. These discussions tend to surround current events or occasions. For instance, during Transgender Awareness Month, they had meetings highlighting transgender individuals and their experiences. They also discuss how local and global politics affect the LGBTQ+ community.

“My favorite aspect is just watching how this current genera-

tion is, you know, what their fight is, what they believe, how they are advocating for themselves, and getting their voice out there,” Spanish teacher and SAGA sponsor Jason Colchao said. “I went to a private Catholic school, so my upbringing as a gay guy was very different than what I see from them so they inspire me ev-

GRAPHIC BY MATTHEW ADJODHA

ery single day and I am just happy to be a part of what they do.”

SAGA has done multiple projects, including meeting with the school’s counselors, and painting a mural on the lower floors of the school.

A major goal of SAGA is to reach more students in hopes of attracting more members and educating as many people as possible about the LGBTQ+ community. “I would love to see, you know, just the SGA in general partner more with SAGA so that it becomes more of like a whole school thing,” Mr. Colchao said. “We had an advisory that talked about pronouns and everything, so that kind of thing is already happening. So just more of, like, an inclusivity with the entire student body.”

8

CENTERSPREAD

The Tide

November 2021

CENTERSPREAD

The Tide

Madame Arcati

Ruth

Elvira

Sammi Jones-Quartey

What would you say to those who came to see the show?

Brooke Frampton What is your favorite thing about your character?

“My favorite thing about my character is how over-thetop she is. It makes being her so fun because when I’m sad, I can dramatically cry, or when I’m angry, I can yell at the top of my lungs. Ruth has been such an interesting character to dissect and play and I can’t wait for people to see her in action.”

What has been your experience with Black Maskers?

“I would like to thank everyone who saw the show so much for coming. Everyone has been working so hard for the past two months to put the show together, and having an audience really brought it to life. I’m so happy people have been enjoying Blithe Spirit and it has been my pleasure working on it.”

Who has the best costume?

Allison Howlett

“I would say Elvira’s costume is by far my favorite.

The sparkly ghost dress really pulls her character together.”

What’s your least favorite thing about your character?

“She’s pretty selfish and makes pretty bad decisions sometimes.”

“My experience with Black Maskers has been a series of laughs and cries for the past three years. From starting a new show and working with new people to ending it and saying goodbye to seniors, I have loved every moment.”

How do you prepare yourself before going on stage?

“To prepare to go on stage, I like to take some time for myself to calm down and like go over my lines and read through the script. That’s mostly what I do.”

Edith

Charles

Naomi Scissors How were auditions for you?

Joseph McCudden What part of the show do you most look forward to?

“The end. When it’s over. I’m tired. It’s a lot of stuff that’s been happening.”

“Auditions were fine for me and a little less scary than I expected. I really liked getting to meet everyone and I liked that we all got to read multiple times, that way you could save yourself if your first scene didn’t go well.”

Any final words you would like to say about the show?

What are your thoughts on your character?

”I love my character, Edith. I just think she’s a really funny gal. She’s not the best maid out there but she tries really hard and I think that’s what matters most.”

“If you want to see a play about upper-class 1940s British comedy, which I don’t know why you would, because it would be very unfunny to someone of our age and where we are, you should come see the show.”

Mrs. Bradman Kate Kringel What’s something memorable from participating in this play so far?

“I think the most memorable part is always seeing the set go up and finally being able to step into the auditorium and see the full and completed flats.”

Who’s the funniest person on the cast and why?

“That’s actually a really tough question. I think I have to say the girl who plays Madame Arcati is really fun in her character and I always love watching it.”

Photos by Elizabeth Mai Ghost graphics by Evelyn Shue Designed by Natalie Weger and Shuxin Dai

November 2021

Show logo by Angelica Frude

Dr. Bradman Gavin Gibson What do you have in common with your character?

“Well, he’s very skeptical, and he cracks jokes at bad times. I tend to do that. He’s kind of bold.

I’d say I have that in common. Skeptical, crack jokes at bad times, bold.”

What is your favorite scene in the play?

“My favorite scene is one of the first scenes, when we’re moving a chair, and I say ‘change over.’ I move a chair, and say... ‘change over,’ that’s the best line of the whole play.”

Interviews courtesy of Shuxin Dai, Kai Ghebrehiwet, Anuskha Iyer, Anne Moser, Natalie Weger, Jessica Wu and Maria Yu

9

10

The Tide

FEATURES

November 2021

Infinite diabolo club practices Ancient Chinese Art

by Caroline Zhou and Ginger Speer FEATURES WRITERS

RM is known for the cultural diversity of its students and the Infinite Diabolo Club, a unique club seeking to expand the practice of the diabolo, is a prime example of this diversity.

The diabolo is a popular Western art form originated from the Chinese yo-yo, an integral aspect of Chinese culture that has existed for more than 350 years (since the Ming Dynasty.)

Modern day Chinese yo-yos and diabolos consist of two discs connected to form an hourglass shape, and are spun or tossed using a string attached to two rods. They come in a variety of sizes and make a special buzzing sound as they are spun, which is said to symbolize the “awakening of spring,” according to Beijing Tourism.

During the Chinese Spring Festival, Chinese yo-yo performers can be found everywhere on the streets of Beijing. Playing with the diabolo involves all parts of the body and improves hand-eye coordination.

Nowadays, the Chinese yoyo is known for not only being a form of exercise and a fun toy, but also as a traditional and distinctive performing art.

The Infinite Diabolo Club at RM encourages students to learn the

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAROLYN LEE

Members, led by senior Carolyn Lee at the far right, performed in the 2019 International Night.

art form so they can appreciate and connect to Chinese culture.

It also provides an opportunity for those of all skill levels to learn and improve their diabolo skills.

The current president and vice president of the Infinite Diabolo Club are seniors Carolyn Lee and Josh Goozman, respectively. Both have been involved with the club since 2019 when the club was formed.

“When I first started learning, I was only eight years old, so I’ve basically been practicing yo-yo for almost ten years,” Lee said. She won the Mid Atlantic Eastern regionals Chinese yo-yo championship in 2017 with her sister and got second place as a soloist in 2019. “My inspiration was actually during the summer between freshman and sophomore year [where] I went to this competition for Chinese schools and met a friend there [who] told me all about the yo-yo club that she had at her school, and I realized that I wanted

to do the same, so that was exactly what I did.”

For Goozman, it was Lee who got him into diabolo in middle school. “My interest first started back [then] but I’ve been enthusiastically part of the club since 10th grade when they started,” he said.

Both leaders encourage anyone at RM to try out the Infinite Diabolo Club. “ I wanted people to have the opportunity to be able to learn not only a skill but [also] something cool that you could show to your friends and something that you will never forget how to do,” Lee said. “If anyone wants to [gain] leadership skills while learning something cool, then definitely join us in the Diabolo Club.”

The club leaders organized a performance at the RM International Night in December of 2019 where five participants showcased their skills together.

Society embraces plant-based diets Vegan excludes animal products/byproducts like meat, fish, dairy and eggs Vegetar-

Vegetarian allows dairy products such as milk and eggs but prohibits all types of meat, fish and seafood.

Pescatarian excludes all types of meat except for shellfish and seafood

Flexitarian

diet with foundation of plants, but permits small amounts of meat, fish, eggs, and dairy

Another performance they were planning for in March 2020 was cancelled due to the pandemic.

“International Night itself is a very big bonding experience for us because we obviously practice a lot for that and get to know each other very well [through it],” Goozman said.

N e w members c a n learn

by Liliana Kats Hollander FEATURES WRITER

Strolling through the aisle at your local grocery store, you might come across a package of Beyond Meat patties or wrapped Tofurkey.

McDonalds recently introduced the McPlant, a meatless burger made of rice and pea protein. In the summer, Chipotle advertised meat-free chorizo. Society is oficially embracing plant based diets.

Having a plant-based diet means the majority of your food intake is from legumes, beans, fruits and other plants.

In 2020, the number of Americans eating plant-based foods surpassed 9.7 million according to the Washington Post.

Spanish teacher Jason Colchao has been vegetarian for about a year.

“My entire life I’ve known I wanted to be a vegetarian and I would follow it on and off,” Sr. Colchao said.

“What really got me into it nowadays is health reasons and sustainability, just because the practices we do here in the U.S. is not sustainable to maintain meat eaters.”

As the world faces severe climate change devastation, people make their impact on the environment by going meatless. Livestock (i.e. cows) contribute to 51 percent of greenhouse gases.

One cow will release about 220 pounds of methane annually, vigorously warming the atmosphere.

Some students have been eating plant based diets forever.

Junior Maya Ramamurthi

is Hindu and a vegetarian. “As a kid, I never understood the idea of eating another animal that moves and breathes” Ramamurthi said.

Freshman Praneel Suvarna has also been a vegetarian since birth. “I’ve just never really eaten meat, it’s more of a cultural thing for me,” Suvarna said.

“I’m Indian and there are a lot of Indian plates that are vegetarian so I eat a lot of Indian food.”

Three years ago, freshman Naima Aubry began to develop a plant-based diet. “I first became pescetarian and then I went vegetarian,” Aubry said. “I watched the documentary called Forks Over Knives and that really made me want to go vegan.”

Aubry noticed physical/mental changes after altering her diet. “I was very unhealthy before, I had high cholesterol. But after taking a blood test, I noticed that my health improved,” Aubry said.

Although meatless products are offered in restaurants and stores, inconveniences are still faced.

“When you go over to a friend’s house or some sort of social event, you don’t want to be that person that’s like, oh, wait, I have a dietary restriction,” Sr. Colchao said. “I don’t break my diet for people so I find/ask for vegetarian options as nonchalantly as possible.”

For those interested in reducing their meat consumption, these students recommend not to immediately reject meat. “Don’t rush into it because it can be really difficult to adjust and you’ll regret it,” Aubry said.

diabolo t h r o u g h are more experienced. “We welcome members f a l l levels from beginner to

those w h o o

advanced and we basically start from the ground up,” Lee said. “We train them, and we have equipment that we’re willing to lend out at our club meetings during lunch.”

Goozman reflected on his experience learning diabolo. “At the beginning, I thought it was impossible, [and] I thought there was no way to learn this because it looks so complicated especially when you have Carolyn showing you, who can do all these complicated things,” he said. “But

SASA, cont. page 1 It was an enjoyable experience for South Asian students. “Seeing how many people took at least the slightest interest in South Asian culture, I think that was the biggest joy I had at the event, seeing the community turnout,” sophomore Rushi Jain, president of SASA, said.

Junior Arushi Gupta concurs. “Just the fact that we can have a South Asian Cultural Fair is very nice because that was something that when I mentioned to my uncles and people who went to school in the county many years before, it was sort of unbelievable to them that this was something we can do and that there’s enough of us to make it happen,” Gupta said.

The fair had multiple stalls to show different aspects of South Asian culture. Students were able to get henna/ mehndi done and make their own rangoli. They also learned about the geography of South Asia, notable South Asian leaders and different aspects of South Asian culture such as sports and music.

There were also performances

by RM’s South Asian Acapella group and Club Natya, RM’s Bollywood Dance club.

SASA plans to have

once you start doing it, especially when someone’s teaching you, it’s not actually that hard, so you can impress people and make them think that you’re doing these super complicated things when it’s not even that difficult.”

To encourage new members, Lee shared the wisdom she had acquired through her years of playing diabolo. “When you’re onstage, the entire floor is yours… the lights are shining on you and you have nothing to lose when you’re out there. You can literally toss the yo-yo, the sticks into the air, and when it comes crashing down and you miss, it doesn’t matter because no matter how many times you [drop] the yo-yo, what matters is how if you miss, it doesn’t matter because what matters is how many times you pick it back up,” Lee said. “It has taught me so much more than just being confident in yourself, but also about perseverance and building a team, since that’s what I was able to do back in my sophomore year when we performed for RM International.” Goozman encourages anyone to stop by.

“Just come and try it, Goozman said. “You can come for one lunch period and we will convince you how fun and easy it is.”

Students can follow the Infinite Diabolo Club at @infinite.diabolo on Instagram and come by the gym on Thursdays to try it out.

GRAPHIC BY JULIANNE CRUZ

One of the reasons the SASA was created was to offer a safe space for South Asian students to discuss issues facing their community, especially challenges they face at school due to their ethnicity.

“It created such a welcoming space… being a space solely for South Asians, it really gives you the space to voice the issues you deal with that other minorities or people just don’t,” Jain said.

A significant challenge South Asian students face when it comes to school is dealing with the model minority myth. “Being a South Asian student, there are constant stereotypes we have to face and a lot of them circulate around being a ‘smart brown student,’” Jain said.

Many South Asian students feel as though their identity and experiences get washed out by those of their fellow Asian counterparts, like East Asians for example. “Within RM, I think that it’s kind of amazing that we have a South Asian Student Association because I know oftentimes Asians just get clumped together and ‘Asians’ oftentimes means East Asians,”Jain said. “We can talk about specific things that make us South Asians different from the rest of our asian identity and our Asian peers.”

GRAPHICS BY EVELYN SHUE

I’m grateful for onions, which hurt to cut, but are fun to cook and taste really good.

Joshua Wenqian Fan, sophomore I’m thankful for literally every person I know, because every single one of you make RM what it is and make me who I am. Also thankful for every person I don’t know yet! Hope to meet you all soon!

But also: Joseph, Brian, Dante, Leo, Adithya, Derek, Eric, Caleb, Eddie, Ryan, Nathan, Alvin, Christian, Ishaan, Fisher, Saahil, Edric, Arun, David, Edwin, Nick, Anthony, Jaron, Shawn, Jonathan, Nishan, James, Shubhang, Jason, Vincent, JK, Shahin, and the rest of the junior guys I know. Love y’all.

Jake Lee, junior I’m really thankful to be back at school.

It’s a beautiful feeling. I might still be going through the motions of routine, but I can feel myself acting out everything mundane activity with love and purpose.

I realized during the pandemic that all the worries about whatever future career I have or whatever goals I achieve or whatever failures I endure would be better off just fluttering away, and that achievements are nothing but a checkpoint. The real treasure, for me, is being able to goof around and have fun living in whatever present moment I find myself in.

So thanks to whatever gave me this type of joy again.

Edwin Jiang, junior I am thankful for my friends for letting me talk for hours. I am thankful to the universe for making dogs, and to my mom for making cake. I am thankful to be in school every day surrounded by real people, not screens, and I am thankful for flowers.

Liliana-Katz Holander, freshman I am thankful for my friends and all the laughs and memories we have shared over the years.

Maggie Orcev, junior

FEATURES

I am thankful for my friend Amanda Gershoni.

Mckinley Heaven, freshman

I’m thankful for my best friends, Hannah, Kiara, and Vivian, who have been there for me through thick and thin. I love you guys forever. <3 Emily Pham, senior

I am thankful for the connections I have made here since moving from New York. Covid was rough but having thoughtful and kind friends makes it worthwhile.

Koko Vanchev, sophomore

I’m grateful for cats, honeydew melon, 6 AMs on Saturday mornings, coffee candy, 3-hour long Discord calls, and Tupperware containers. Those things are so incredibly useful.

Joanna Li, junior So thankful for the amazing group of beautiful girl best friends I have around me that make me feel so happy and loved every single day. They never fail to make me laugh until my stomach hurts and give the most comforting hugs I could ever ask for.

Y’all might be weird and a tad bit loud (sorry to all the poor souls that have had to hear us) but I love you more than you’ll ever know.

Marcela Ferrufino, junior Thankful for boba mochi and all foods that contain sugar, misspelled names, Hours, meep, defense mechanisms, color coordination, cool earrings, being tall(er), personality tests, and waves!

Avery Wang, junior I am thankful for my all of my friends and teachers who have continued to support me when my life is sprinting through a forest fire and I don’t have the time or energy to breathe. They remind me of the importance of friendship, and I honestly wouldn’t be alive right now if I didn’t have my closest friends by my side. I love you all so much. <3 Carolyn Lee, senior Thank you to the amazing teachers like Mr. McDermott and Ms. Anderson for making such an impact on their students. <3 Alyssa Ball, senior

I’m thankful for my friends and Max. Coby Ritter, freshman I’m thankful for my friends, family, and experiences.

Tara Amin, freshman I am thankful for my amazing cousin-in-law, Joe Jelen.

He keeps everybody on track with AP and IB classes.

Eva Clifford, senior Thanks to Anishka Basheerbad for enduring my frequent rants on College Board, Ariana Grande, and Bucketlists! High school wouldn’t be the same without you :) Lulu August, senior I’m thankful for my friends and their pets.

Abby Marmelstein, senior Thank you for my friend group for laughing at my jokes (even though everybody laughs at my jokes because I’m amazing)!

Naomi Peter, sophomore So thankful for Ava Lunenfeld for being my best friend!

Lindsay Maggio, senior I’m thankful for my friend Lindsay for being so responsible every time we go out together!

Ava Lunenfield, senior

I am thankful for my younger sister, who is far more spontaneous than me and always makes me laugh.

I’m thankful for my counselor who puts up with my millions of questions about college applications, and my teachers who understand and accommodate senior year / IB stress. Finally, I’m thankful for my cat, because he’s a constant source of comfort. And he purrs really loud.

Danielle Martin, senior I’m thankful for Kyle’s very nice haircut :) Shuxin Dai, junior I’m thankful for my teachers for being patient with me.

Frank Chen, freshman I’m thankful for friends, and being back in person!

Kobina Asafu-Adjaye, junior I’m thankful for my friends and Koby.

Max Sobel, freshman I’m thankful that Elena blesses me with Takis every week. Thank you, Taki Supplier, for thine sustenance keeps me going through the harsh atmospheres of senior year.

Angelina Guhl, senior

I am thankful for Daniel Choi for helping me fix my laptop at the library after it decided that it didn’t want to close anymore. I am also thankful to HP for making it easily fixable by having one size of screw for everything unlike Apple.

Alex Pease, senior I’m thankful for my friends. From dragging me to homecoming, hosting virtual game nights, collectively ranting about something, and reminding me to slow down sometimes, you guys have created such a comforting environment to be in. Yikes—that was sappy, but I really am appreciative that I met you weirdos when I did.

Sierra Stubbs, senior

I am thankful for Dr. McDonald for being a great teacher and person. I enjoy coming to AP Macroeconomics everyday and what I learn in his class will stay with me everyday.

Nadir Seman, senior

I am thankful for The Weeknd, his music makes my terrible life a little better.

Adam Yachin, freshman

I am thankful for all my friends and my sister, of course. I want to thank all of you guys for always being there for me and solving my boy issues. Love you all.

Elli Jacobs, freshman

I am thankful that I get to see my friends everyday.

Leah Bulson, freshman

I’m thankful for the IB program, I’ve met the nicest people ever who I genuinely feel I can be myself around. I’ve never been happier in my life and I love my friends so much, big shoutout to you guys, you know who you are.

Heather Feuerstein, freshman

I am so thankful for my friends and dog.

Amanda Gershoni, freshman

11

I am thankful for my two pets, Bean and Suess.

Grace Gibbs, senior

Thank you to the Panera in Town Center for seeing me through my very best and my very worst. I can always count on you when I need a place where I’ll intend to study but end up just being on my phone eating bread the whole time.

Parker Rock, junior

I am thankful for Polyphia.

Patrick Kim, senior

November 2021

I’m thankful for my dogs, Roxanne and Bentley, because they are always there for me.

Helina Tamiru, junior I am thankful for my best friend Nikki and my supporting friends who have been here for me through the struggle and my overturning emotions.

I wanna say I am also thankful for my teachers for being there for me and helping me with my work even when I didn’t wanna cooperate.

Shakiya Kelley, senior To Kira, Iru, and Vicky - I love you all so much. Thank you for everything <3. To the rest of the lunch group, proportionally, you all are the best! Thank you for always making me laugh.

Natalie Weger, senior Thank you so much to our amazing contributors! We appreciate your hardworking and can’t wait for an amazing year with you all!

Tide Centerspread Editors I’m thankful for the amazing new friends I’ve made this year.

Audrey Oppong, freshman I’m thankful for my twin sister for always putting up with me and listening to me rant whenever I just barge into her room.

Christiana Vucea, sophomore I am thankful for my brother, my friends, LGBTQ+ Studies Period 2, RMSEC, masks (worn *correctly*), and my best friend (may you one day stop losing your mind).

Justin Adjodha, senior Thankful for the people that listen to me rant about nonsense all day. You know who you are.

Emily Wu, senior

Thankful for my Aussie-cowgirl, popcorn-loving study bud Avery! Forever appreciative of the endless boba mochis and you keeping our productivity in check B) Love to Samantha, Avani, Claire, and the rest of The Tide team for keeping layouts so fun. And as always, much love to Rice Guys for the third year in a row <3 Rachel Wang, junior Super thankful to those who have helped me smoothly transition from awful quarantine life to in-person school this year: cross country baddies, everyone on debate (shoutout Sam, Angelina, + Mr. Grosfeld-Katz and Mr. Stillman), every single one of my teachers, yUh/pie!, pee pee pumpkin pie pot pan, and my fat cat cherry <3 you guys mean the world to me.

Desiree Chen, junior I’m thankful for my family and friends because they make life enjoyable for me. Each day, I look forward to interacting with them and I’m simply happy whenever I’m around them. A lot of the academic and athletic success I’ve had in the past is a result of support from my family and friends. They’ve shaped me into who I am today!

Colin Dunn, senior I’m thankful for my family and friends because they help me with everything.

Nhi Le

GRAPHIC BY JOANNA LI

The Tide

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The Tide

November 2021

A RTS Exploring Fashion Trends at RM

by Nandi Patel ARTS WRITER

You can learn a lot about someone from their clothing—but is it fair to judge the “book” by its clothing? At RM, there are over 2,000 different personalities, each expressing themselves in a unique way through fashion. In a world of fast fashion, clothes are a huge part of pop culture and the way people interact with each other.

There’s a lot of stylish perspectives these people are coming from and it seems like people

at RM aren’t afraid to be themselves. However, because of this, some problems are definitely risen. “People feel pressured to shop at certain places—places that certainly aren’t very ethical,” sophomore Natalia Evans said. “It’s great to have an interest in fashion, but be aware of what you are doing and keep to what you think is morally right.”

Despite the very harsh impact it has on our environment, fast fashion is everywhere—TikTok, TV shows, Instagram, and

above all, Pinterest. Throughout quarantine and 2021, we have seen many different trends emerge, offering something for every taste. To bring us out of the gloomy quarantine mood, artsy and floral designs are back, featuring big, bright designs.

Most famously, fashion trends from the ‘90s have circled back around—baggy jeans, crazy sleeves, scrunchies and bold chains. However, as the increase of social media and the spread of information, several new looks have made it on the popular list. There have been many new sprouting “genres” of style—streetwear, indie, cottage core and Juicy Couture—all of which are unique and enjoyable in their own way.

The TikTok-inspired indie style includes retro hipster clothing, most similar to streetwear and often worn by people who enjoy less mainstream things and listen to indie music. Indie style typically includes baggy jeans and a unique shirt, paired with some chains and skateboarding shoes. This dressing is very popular in urban places such as New York and on many social media platforms.

Some celebrities famously known for wearing this style include Billie Eilish and Chase Hudson.

Similar to indie, streetwear is also very common for students to wear, as it is comfortable, expressive and casual. This style has so many different aspects, including everything from blazers to baseball caps and chunky sneakers. Many celebrities have changed their style and have begun to adapt into this more casual yet professional look. Everyone

from pop singers like Rihanna, to football players like Patrick Maholmes, to students at RM can be seen sporting this trendy look. The mix of khakis and a blazer alongside thick sneakers and sunglasses accentuates its fun spin on business casual.

Most common in summer, the all-time favorite cottage core makes its comeback as the soft-colored puffy look. Paired with tall stiff boots and cool hats, flowy babydoll dresses are just as popular as the other styles. Also originating from Pinterest and making its way to TikTok, this look is perfect for hosting picnics in the meadow and baking rose-

mary focaccia. Associated with eating cake in wine glasses and countryside retreats, this aesthetic is the perfect escape to fantasy.

The most recent addition to current styles is my favorite, the early 2000s look. Modeled by some of our iconic predecessors,

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RAHA MURTUZA

Spanish teacher Sr. Colchao, sophmores Casey Bradley and Sandral Baigal, senior Delaney Crawley and English teacher Ms. Kidd all show off their love for fashion with their unique pieces.

Paris Hilton, Britney Spears and Beyonce, this look is filled with velvet tracksuits and funky caps.

This style not only involves clothing, but the complete package: flip phones, frosted lip gloss, jelly bracelets and more. All these embody the well-known 2000s superstars like Rachel McAdams in “Mean Girls.” They are most famously remembered wearing pink tracksuits emblemed with Juicy Couture and low rise jeans with rhinestone pockets.

The 2000s is the last decade we have circled back to and it has its fair share of borrowing popular styles from the 1990s and the 1980s. Although the trend is relatively new, many people can be seen wearing the scrunchie equivalent of the 2000s—butterfly and claw clips. The return of the 2000s has come and it looks like it is going to be a big hit.

Everyone at RM, including

students, teachers, and other staff, has their own unique fashion style. Although clothing is such a common, everyday thing, each person’s clothing

tells a story and gives a look into their personality through their self expression with fashion.

After years of being in hiding, Adele releases ‘30’

by Tara Amin ARTS WRITER

Once labeled “The Best Artist of The Decade” by Insider, Adele’s music career has had a large influence. Her albums have had record breaking sales, multiple times, since the release of her first album in 2008. She has become a household name and a known figure in the music industry.

The release of Adele’s last album “25” was nearly six years ago. Since then, she has taken a rest from her music career,

and her husband, Simon Konecki, that ultimately led to her filing for divorce in April 2019.

When most musicians take a break in their career as long as Adele’s, their momentum is completely shattered. But for Adele, it was the complete opposite. Her return in 2021 was accepted and adored by the media, partly because of her major weight loss.

With a much healthier mental state, a completely new look, and an important story to tell, Adele was ready to kick start her career again and do what she loves most.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SIMON EMMETT VIA SONY MUSIC

In her latest album, “30,” Adele brings newfound maturity and insight. which has been upsetting for fans. The rest period in Adele’s career was caused by multiple factors, but most significantly the marital issues between her

“Easy On Me” was released on Oct. 14, marking the beginning of this emotional story Adele has been waiting to tell.

The piano playing in the back-

ground is a staple in Adele’s music, and we hear that classic piano in “Easy On Me” as well. Something about hearing her piano finally being able to be played again after six long years is extremely nostalgic and comforting and reminded me of older, pre-divorce albums.

Adele’s vocals that accompany the beautiful piano are raw and naturally beautiful. No autotune or vocal editing is something that isn’t commonly seen in current music, so Adele swooping in with her natural talent is so refreshing to hear. Hearing just Adele singing and the piano places her in a vulnerable spot and introduces the listeners to her personal space and thoughts.

The amount of vulnerability displayed through her song was intimate and beautiful because it allowed for the listeners to truly resonate and hear what she had to say.

When looking at the lyrics, it is very apparent that this song is about her ex-husband and their past relationship. In the first verse, Adele sang, “There ain’t no gold in this river,” which indicates how she finds no more value in her past relationship with Simon Konecki.

There are multiple interpretations of the chorus. One being that Adele starts to sing to her son, Angelo Adkins, asking him to “go easy” on her and understand that she’s in an upsetting

and stressful situation. She also recognizes that it is difficult to explain a topic like divorce to someone as young as her son.

Adele is telling her son that she was “just a child” and didn’t get the chance to “feel the world” because she was introduced to the spotlight at such a young age, and she didn’t have the opportunity or headspace to make wise decisions. Through these lyrics, Adele is asking her son for both forgiveness and understanding,

It is safe to say that whatever Adele has coming next in her career will be incredible.

One interpretation of the chorus is that she is speaking directly to her ex-husband and is asking for his forgiveness and understanding. Another is that she could be speaking to herself, reminding herself not to feel guilty for this situation.

In the bridge of the song, Adele sings about how she had high intentions and good hopes, even

though that may not be showing. She is again talking to her son in this excerpt of the song, trying to show him that she did not mean for the divorce and this whole situation to happen.

Adele is a phenomenal artist who consistently releases music that not only proves itself though sound but logistically too, tending to always reach the Billboard Charts quickly and break records.

Listeners are able to connect with her music as much as they do because of her lyrics and unique voice. Divorce is something that unfortunately is very common in society, allowing those with experience of divorce to relate to this song on a different level.

That being said, “Easy On Me” is a beautifully created song. The story in this song is worth being told. Adele’s voice and lyrics are beyond outstanding. It is safe to say that whatever Adele has coming next in her career will be incredible.

ARTS

The Tide

November 2021

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RMDC rehearses to prepare for their upcoming show

By Claire Chen ASSISTANT ARTS EDITOR

The sound of footsteps sliding and stepping to music escapes from the dance studio and echoes throughout the basement level hallway. Inside, students diligently practice routines to perfection. With only a few weeks until their upcoming shows, the RM Dance Club (RMDC) strives to bring their best performance, rehearsing every Wednesday and Friday during lunch.

RMDC has been providing opportunities for students of all experience levels who enjoy dancing to come together and share ideas, dance moves and choreography ever since 2015. The club performs a variety of different dance styles, with the main three being hip-hop, K-pop and breakdance. This year, they plan to host workshops to incorporate a wider range of styles for students to learn about and appreciate.

As the current president of RMDC, senior Vismaya Mohindra teaches and organizes the choreography for all the members.

Having been a member of the

club since her freshman year, Mohindra appreciates the welcoming and close community of RMDC. “Being able to learn choreography, perform, and even just hang out with people who have similar interests has made my high school years incredibly fun. It’s also super cool to meet people of different grade levels that you normally wouldn’t meet,” she said.

In addition to the tight-knit community, RMDC provides students with the opportunity to express themselves and fulfill their passion for dance. RM does not offer dance as an elective, and some students may not have the chance to take dance lessons outside of school, which may limit their experiences and opportunities to dance. Luckily, RMDC fills those gaps and brings together those

RMDC provides students with the opportunity to ... fulfill their passion for dance.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CLAIRE CHEN

RMDC rehearses their performance for RM International on Dec. 20 and the Common Grounds Assembly on Dec. 22. who have a common interest in dance. As for Mohindra, she said, “I joined RMDC because I wanted to dance, but couldn’t take classes outside of school. RMDC gave me a chance to do so many cool performances that would’ve otherwise been unavailable to me.”

Every year, RMDC prepares to perform at RM International and the Common Grounds Assembly

for students. The RM International performance is scheduled for Dec. 20 in the evening, and the Common Grounds Assembly will be held on Dec. 22 during school for students to watch. At these events, RMDC will perform three songs of three different styles.

Besides performing live on stage, RMDC also showcases their content on Instagram. “Follow

RMDC on Instagram at @rmdanceclub for some cool dancing content,” said Mohindra.

As performance dates approach closer and closer, RMDC members will be hard at work, rehearsing in the studio and on the stage, preparing to display their best work for their shows.

Be sure to catch RMDC under the spotlight in the upcoming weeks.

How Korean culture impacts American society

By Joelle Lee ARTS WRITER

Korean culture has visibly been on the rise for the past few years, gaining popularity from mostly K-pop, K-beauty, and Korean movies. This booming rise has influenced countries all around the world, and there is an evident impact of Korean culture in Western society in particular.

Almost the entire globe knows the Korean boy band, BTS. They have become a worldwide sensation and also won nine BBMAs (Billboard Music Awards) as of 2021. The influence of K-pop has been sparked by BTS and spread recognition to other Korean music groups, overall boosting the recognition of Korean music culture.

K-pop idols have gained extreme numbers of fans, a great number of those fans being international fans as well. In the Americas, K-pop has made a significant appearance through the featuring

of numerous K-pop groups such as BTS, Blackpink, TXT, etc. on American talk shows like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Ellen Show, and so many more. K-pop has become such a popular music genre in the United States that most well-known K-pop groups hold multiple concerts, fan meetings, and other events in our country, including a few other countries worldwide.

Korean culture has also made a splash in the beauty industry. Many influencers, such as YouTubers and celebrities, have been using various Korean skincare and beauty products. The fame of K-beauty products has been spread partly by the famous K-pop idols using them in global commercials, magazines, and social media. Korean face sheet masks are an example of a popular beauty product widely used these days and many individuals are trying other Korean skincare items as well. One wellknown K-beauty product is the

Laneige Lip Mask, which many celebrities and influencers use.

Over the pandemic, the ten step Korean beauty routine became popular, consisting of oils, toners and cleansers. Many people on quests to find the perfect beauty routine did so in the ten step one. Overall, the demand and approval of Korean beauty has skyrocketed in the Western society.

As for things on the big screen, “Parasite” and “Squid Game” are Korean projects that have earned acknowledgements across the globe. Released in 2019, “Parasite” immediately rose to fame and made $259 million at the box office. A significant moment for South Korea was when “Parasite” earned six Oscars, which was also the first time a foreign movie had won Best Movie of the Year. More recently, “Squid Game” was released as a Korean Netflix series. It was the first Netflix series to top the daily charts of every country in which it was available.

Thanks to all of these pieces of

There is an evident impact of Korean culture in Western society in particular. pop culture that have integrated themselves into our American culture, many non-Korean Americans have begun to try and enjoy Korean food. Most recently, “Squid Game” popularized dalgona, which is essentially melted sugar with a shape stamped into it. Although dalgona has been popular in Korean street shops for decades, “Squid Game” brought it to the States.

Two other Korean foods, kimchi, or pickled vegetables, and bulgogi, barbequed beef, have also become popularized in America.

Korean restaurants have been popping up around us, too, like

Arirang Restaurant in Rockville.

What’s interesting is that this cuisine hasn’t always been deemed cool in the United States.

It was only a couple of decades ago when children who brought kimchi to school were made fun of for their foreign lunches. Not only that, but movies featuring Asian actors and actresses were seldom shown. If they were, the women were exotic, mystical creatures the white male tried to chase after.

The men, meanwhile, were weird, stupid people that were meant to be the joke, or the punchline.

However, the recent advances in acceptance of Korean culture should be celebrated. It’s important to recognize and appreciate each other’s culture, especially in a school as diverse as ours. Hopefully, this trend continues and spreads to other cultures that sometimes get thrown under the bus. Even though we live in a society where not all heritages are treated equally, there is hope for the future.

The Evolution of BTS PHOTOS COURTESY OF CREATIVE COMMONS AND BIGHIT MUSIC

Melon Music Awards BTS’ album, “Young Forever” wins album of the year at South Korea’s Melon Music awards.

This is their first major award.

2020

2017

2013 2016 BTS’ official debut BTS debuts with the company BigHit. The agency is not well-known, and no one expects much from this small K-pop group.

Melon Music Awards Part 2 BTS wins artist, album, song and record of the year — a record breaking combination.

Billboard Music Awards The group makes an appearence at the Billboard Music awards, where they get the top social artist award.

2019

Billboard Hot 100 BTS becomes the first allSouth Korean group to become number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with the song “Dynamite.”

“Butter” The music video for “Butter” breaks Youtube records by reaching 10 million views in 13 minutes.

2021

14 The Tide

ARTS

November 2021

Revisiting Mitski’s debut album “Lush” ten years later

by Claire Xu ARTS WRITER

Someone once told me that songs are poems recited with an accompanying melody and rhythm.

That lyrics are like stanzas and albums resemble poetry collections.

I can’t say I agree with this for every artist, but there is one that I’m sure that this analogy applies to: Mitski.

Although I listen to her constantly, one thing that still stands out to me with each listen are her poetic lyrics. Each of her songs are distinctive and one-of-a-kind.

Whether the backing music is upbeat and overpowering or slow and muted, her expressive voice always takes center stage.

As someone who struggles with their appearence, listening to a song about someone with a similar experience is comforting.

Though each of her albums

continuously compete for the top spot as my favorite, “Lush,” Mitski’s debut work, is probably the one I like most. Themes and interpretations are unique to each listener, and for me, the album is all about beauty and relationships. Despite their somber lyrics, the songs on “Lush” have a feeling of intimacy and connection.

“Lush,” was released on Jan. 31, 2012 as Mitski’s junior year project at Purchase College, where she was studying studio composition. She said that it was her most diverse album in terms of style, both because it was her first and the songs were written at different times. “Bag of Bones” is considered her first and was written when she was eighteen. Despite its scattered origins, I love how unrefined and raw “Lush” is.

A main theme of “Lush” is beauty. In “Liquid Smooth,” one of my personal favorites, Mitski portrays someone’s struggle for validation in a superficial society that values them only for their beauty. Similarly, “Brand New City” talks about feeling dead and hollow inside yet being unable to let go of one’s looks. As someone who struggles with their appearance, listening to a song about someone with a similar experience is comforting.

“Lush” also explores on gender roles, with the songs “Real Men” and “Wife.” Going off the titles, you can probably guess what each song is about. “Real Men” is about Mitski’s distaste for those ob-

sessed with toxic masculinity. She deals with her own need for validation from these men while commenting on society’s problematic view of traditionally masculine behaviors. She contrasts this with “Wife.” Mitski tells the story of an infertile housewife who feels like she has no purpose because she cannot give her husband a child.

Although I have never experienced being forced into a gender

rator at first believing they have control over their relationship before realizing that they are helpless. Her voice also gets more and more frantic from its initial calm state, bringing the listener on the same emotional rollercoaster as the narrator. “Bag of Bones,” my favorite song on “Lush,” addresses a sexual relationship that is emotionally hollow. Mitski’s lyrics show someone begging

PHOTO COURTESY OF PITCH PERFECT PR

“Lush” propelled Mitski forward and set her up for her current success.

Now, she is preparing for the release of her new album “Laurel Hell.” norm, I have heard many offhanded remarks about it. Listening to the lyrics of these two songs have made me reconsider the impact that those comments have had on my perception of gender.

Mitski goes on to explore toxic relationships in “Eric” and “Bag of Bones.” “Eric” shows a nar-

to be let go but ultimately being unable to escape the relationship.

I’ve never been in a relationship, but I’ve watched my friends date people who constantly made them cry and ruined their emotional states. I can’t understand why they want to be with them, even after ranting about how ter-

rible they were. “Eric and “Bag of Bones” offered me an insight into the complicated minds of those stuck in toxic relationships, whether they recognize it or not.

The final theme of “Lush” is yearning. In “Abbey,” “Door,” and “Pearl Diver,” Mitski comments on our constant behavior of chasing unattainable things.

“Abbey” and “Door” are similar in that in both songs, the narrator is pursuing something that is unknown to them. They do not know what they want, yet they keep looking. In “Pearl Diver,” a pearl diver dives infinitely in search of more, abandoning all they have—not knowing that they already had it within themselves.

Many people with passions have experience similar conflicts considering how much they are willing to throw away to chase their dreams. Is it worth it to pursue an unknown outcome? What if what you thought was your dream wasn’t actually meant for you, but you were in too deep to get out?

Mitski raises tons of questions in her songs, but offers no answers.

Mitski has come a long way since the release of her “Lush,” and her music has also evolved tremendously. As she gears up for the release of her sixth studio album, “Laurel Hell,” I have been listening to the older parts of discography—which may not be Mitski’s most popular, but are definitely some of her best. So the next time you’re looking for some new music, give “Lush” a listen.

THE TIDE CROSSWORD: BROADWAY RETURNS ACROSS 1. Hawaiian welcome 6. Cut down 10. 2150 in Rome 14. Wife to Morticia 15. Indian royal 16. Where Pearl Harbor is 17. T’s in EGOTs 19. Green plus blue 20. Necessity for biathlon 21. Wingless parasites 22. North or south, in the Midwest 24. Guitar part 25. Close to Bigfoot 26. Winning or losing, perhaps 29. Colony ruler 33. Scolds, with “out” 34. “___ Lang Syne” 35. Glitz 36. Pretentious 37. Garage jobs, for some 38. First, second, or third, perhaps 39. ___-Rooter 40. Singer Williams, of the Temptations 41. Early ___ 42. Is dauntless 44. Just 45. Beer barrels 46. SoCal law enforcement 47. Ending of a sonnet 50. One holding flowers 51. Airport security org.

54. Yours, in Paris 55. Dear ___, recent musical-to-movie 58. Have dog breath?

59. Zest source 60. “I love you,” in Spain 61. Command to Clifford 62. Clutter 63. Small finch

DOWN 1. Govt. employees 2. “Get a load of that!”

3. As opposed to carni or herbi 4. “You there!”

5. Showy spring shrubs 6. Racing venue 7. Red inside 8. Not dem. or rep.

9. Acts of wrongdoing 10. To Kill a ___, bookto-play 11. Sometimes paired with ketchup or mustard 12. Casual talk 13. Goddess opposite Sol 18. Candle part 23. Snacked on 24. The Big Apple 25. Christmases 26. That’s a wrap 27. Pang of pain 28. Donna, in Parks and Rec 29. Unit of quantum information 30. World-weary 31. Painting support 32. Nail file material 34. BMWs, for one 37. Like some relationships 41. Once again 43. “Capisce?”

44. Prepare potatoes, in a way 46. Touches down 47. Spigots 48. Coup d’___ 49. Nickname for COVID-19 50. Off The Wall 51. Winter Palace ruler 52. Prefix for circle 53. Auth. unknown 56. Compete 57. Born

Note from the Editor:

“Annie Guo is new to The Tide’s Crossword team and is coming out strong with this Broadway-themed puzzle! As we return to live performances, enjoy this tribute to New York theater. Happy solving!” ~ Myka Fromm, Crossword Editor

The Tide

SPORTS

November 2021

15

Football season sees its final touchdown

by Kevin Zhang and Corrigan Peters ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITORS

As autumn ends, so do the seasons of all of RM’s fall sports.

With football being the fall sport with the largest team and most spectators, the end of the football season usually has a large impact.

This year, the football team ended with a 4-6 record.

Throughout the season, the team faced many challenges and was forced to make adjustments to continue to compete.

First, the football team had a new coaching staff, which made learning plays and

“The homecoming game was electric, seeing that many people in the stands.”

- Randy Thompson finding chemistry difficult.

“How these players handled a coaching change in the middle of a pandemic was impressive,” Head Coach Randy Thompson said. “We couldn’t meet for basically an entire year, to lose that much time and to have to come in and learn a new system is not an easy thing to do.”

It was also challenging to maintain morale throughout the sea-

son, especially after tough losses.

“The team environment after a few of the losses was interesting,” senior quarterback Brady Goyne said. “A few people started to give up and stop trying and blame other people for the things that were going wrong. I feel like most of the team obviously wasn’t happy with the losses but continued to move forward as normal.”

RM also got extremely unlucky with its schedule, facing lots of difficult teams during the regular season.

“We had a very tough draw in terms of our schedule. Eight of the nine teams we played had winning records this year, four of those eight are playing in the state semifinals this weekend,” Thompson said.

Most of all, many key players on the team suffered injuries that left them unable to play, including starting quarterback Brady Goyne.

“Injuries piled up on us early in the season, we lost three starting offensive linemen and two starting linebackers before we got to game three. Brady went down in week four and all of that adds up,” Thompson said.

“Losing Brady was tough, not just offensively but defensively too. Brady was a leader on this team and not having him out there was a big loss for us,” Thompson added.

Given all of these injuries, many younger players were promoted to the varsity squad.

All things considered, the adjustments that these players made were very impressive.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARCUS PEDONE

The varsity football team charges the turf with fog billowing out before the first game of the season.

“A lot of JV players got called up to varsity to fill roles and I think they did a great job, given the last time they played a full season of football they were in middle school,” Thompson said.

Notably, sophomore quarterback Anthony Dixon stepped up from the JV team to lead the varsity team after Brady Goyne’s injury. The transition was challenging, but had to be made.

“It happened so quick but I knew I had to adjust even quicker to help my team,” Dixon said.

Dixon’s success during the back half of the season showed promise for the future of RM football.

“Anthony did a good job filling in at QB. He’s only a sophomore so he’s got time to grow his game and we are excited to see how good he can become over the next

two seasons,” Thompson said.

Because of the team’s resilience, the season was a successful one, with a lot to be proud of. First of all, after a year without a full season, the energy of a full season was unmatched and greatly appreciated.

“It was great to be back out there. The homecoming game was electric, seeing that many people in the stands, on the hill by the rocket, it almost made you forget that we had to wear masks at halftime,” Thompson said.

As the season ends, players are also thankful for the team community and the friendships that they built over the course of the season.

“I’m most thankful for all of the friends and connections I’ve made through football. Without it I wouldn’t

be as close with the friends I made and I probably wouldn’t have as many,” Goyne said.

Whether players are leaving high school this year or returning to RM next year, they will value the memories from this season.

“For me the most memorable thing this year was beating Seneca Valley, giving them their first loss in their new stadium and giving Coach Thompson his first win,” Goyne said.

“My most memorable experience was breaking the touchdowns record at RM as a sophomore,” Dixon said.

Even though there was room for the football team to improve, this season’s story was one of resilience and community, which made the season a memorable one for players, coaches and fans alike.

Sports serve up unusual Thanksgiving traditions

by Juliette Bolte SPORTS WRITER

With Thanksgiving approaching, many students and staff anticipate the activities that contribute to making the holiday a unique celebration for each RM family.

While some prefer a conventional dinner table gathering, others enjoy sports traditions, which add excitement that can’t be matched by turkey or pumpkin pie. Traditions range from organized competitions to watching professional athletes play from the comfort of the couch.

For many, pick-up sports traditions are an opportunity to reconnect with old friends over shared interests. “On Thanksgiving Day, I usually go with my wife and kids to play ultimate frisbee,” foundations of technology teacher Kurt Oelschlaeger said.

“We get together with a bunch of friends of mine from high school and college and their families.”

“We always play street hockey in our court over Thanksgiving with players ranging in age from five to seventy-five,” calculus teacher Laura Goetz said. “When the youngest or oldest get tired, the competitive edge gets much sharper.”

Physical education teacher John Fahrner takes these pick-up com-

petitions to the next level. “In 1974 we began the ‘Fahrner Turkey Bowl,’” Coach Fahrner said. “The friends that played touch football every Sunday afternoon as youth gathered again, coming back from college to play once more.”

After 47 years, the Fahrner family tradition has grown to become a locally famous event.

“My pre-game speech has now been repeated each Thanksgiving morning these last 18 years,” Coach Fahrner said. “One of the great traditions of my lifetime.”

“My pre-game speech has now been repeated each Thanksgiving morning these last 18 years.”

- John Fahrner

For those who want to enjoy sports in a more laid-back way, watching professional leagues on TV is a great alter-

native. However, being a spectator doesn’t necessarily mean being any less competitive.

“My family [has] big Washington football team fans, and their rival the Cowboys play on Thanksgiving every year, so I have young memories of rooting against them,” junior Shoshana Ritter said.

“During Thanksgiving, I would watch the NBA or college basketball with my brother,” senior Aufa Rizal said. “My mom never played or had interest in basketball before, but ever since having us she would support us playing basketball and slowly she became more interested.”

Sports have the ability to bridge generational differences, as they can be enjoyable for all age groups. This can make watching games as a family a Thanksgiving Day favorite.

“Football was the thing that connected my family because even as a kid ... I knew what was happening in the game,” Ritter said.

Although sports can be enjoyed year round, the Thanksgiving holiday allows the Richard Montgomery community to find even more value in the time spent playing or watching them with their loved ones. “I think sports provide people a quick and enjoyable common ground or interest to bond over,” Mr. Oelschlaeger said.

GRAPHIC BY JULIANNE CRUZ

16

SPORTS

The Tide

November 2021

Athlete of the Issue

Perera dominates Rockets defense

by Lucas Corea SPORTS WRITER

With fall sports drawing to a close, many seniors are finishing the last chapters of their athletic high school careers and are left to reflect on their past seasons competing for Richard Montgomery.

One of the most notable senior athletes of this fall was defender Menuka Perera of Richard Montgomery’s varsity boys soccer team. Considered to be one of the best defenders on the team, Perera has become an integral player to the soccer program over the past three years.

“My play style is probably no-nonsense and I’m always trying to get the job done and give 100 percent no matter what,” Perera said. “Our coach has been pushing ‘rocket ball,’ which is a style of passing and moving. He basically just wants us to think faster and better when we’re playing.”

Perera has been playing soccer for 12 years, since he was six years old. “In elementary school, during lunch, we would go out to play and all the guys would play soccer and that’s how I first got started with playing soccer,” Perera said. Since then, he’s worked hard to hone his craft on the field and this season was one of two

players from RM to be selected for the county All-Star game.

“Menuka is definitely one of the best defenders on the team,” senior Peter Borger said. “I would say he almost never loses a tackle and even if he does he’s always getting back so he works hard and he always does a good job.”

“Menuka is definitely one of the best defenders on the team.”

- Peter Borger “Definitely he’s one of the best defensive players that we have, maybe even the best,” goalkeeper junior Ethan Le said. “He’s so versatile and whenever the coach asks him to do something, he will adapt and switch up which is perfect for our team because he fits whatever we need.”

Off the field as well, Perera is an irreplaceable member of the soccer team. “He’s definitely an integral member of our RM soccer community,” Le said. “He’s probably one of the most social

PHOTO COURTESY OF MENUKA PERERA

Senior defender Menuka Perera, with jersey number 3, scans the field anticipating his next potential guys out there and he’s easy for everyone to talk to. He makes everyone comfortable around him.”

Despite being a social person, Perera lets his game do the talking on the field, and is able to compartmentalize both aspects of being on the RM soccer team.

“You know Menuka, he’s a funny guy. He always cracks jokes, he always lightens up the mood, but I mean he’s also super seri-

ous as well,” Borger said, “In the games, he gives 100 percent and he’s always dialed in. I’ve never seen that guy have a bad game.”

In the end, however, Perera’s dream of winning the state championship would not be realized.

The team would finish the 2021 season 6-7-1, losing to Walter Johnson High School 3-1 in the second round of the playoffs.

“I can be satisfied but not win-

Freshman athletes Heaven, Djordjevic and Bennett-Young each play for the varsity team in a their respective sports.

ning states and going out in the second round is something that may leave a bad taste in mine or other people’s mouths,” says Perera.

While the perfect ending did not come for the RM boys soccer team, Perera is just thankful to have had such a great team surrounding him.

“I’m just grateful for all the guys and my brothers who have been so close and supportive to me this entire time.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ATHLETES PICTURED

Rising Rockets: Freshmen shine on varsity

by Ari Fine SPORTS WRITER

Many athletes aspire to one day make their high school's varsity team, and in one season, three freshmen have accomplished just that. With fall sports beginning as soon as the start of the school, teams must start practice during the summer. This can be a big commitment for many students, but not for freshmen Ema Djordjevic, McKinley Heaven, and Kai Bennett-Young, who all ended their fall seasons on their respective sports’ varsity team.

Ema Djordjevic has been playing volleyball for four years and has become one of the top volleyball players in the state. Outside of school, Djordjevic plays for MVSA Charge, a top travel club team. Over the summer, she attended a USA Volleyball National Team Development

Program in Anaheim, Calif.

She was selected to be on the varsity girls volleyball team after tryouts during the summer.

“I have a lot of experience and I like to think of myself as a pretty good leader,” Djordjevic said. “I do have a lot of knowledge about the game, so I think that helps.”

RM posted a 10-4 regular-season record, placing them 7th in the county. Djordjevic finished the season with 133 kills, 39 aces, and 39 digs. The Rockets made it to the regional semifinals, where they lost a close, five-set match to Churchill. “I think [the season] went great. It was a really good experience getting to know a bunch of older girls and getting accustomed to that high school sports life,” Djordjevic said.

Kai Bennett-Young started out the season on the JV boys soccer team as an anchor for their defense. After their season ended, he was moved up to the varsity squad. “I thought I was chosen not

“You can learn a lot of stuff from older and more experienced players.”

- Kai Bennett-Young

just because I was good enough, but also because I had the work ethic too,” Bennett-Young said.

Head coach of the varsity boys soccer team Coach Urioste agreed with Bennett-Young. “Kai was chosen for his leadership quality, work ethic, defensive capabilities, and more importantly, his positivity,” Coach Urioste said.

Bennett-Young has been play-

ing soccer since he was three years old. He played on Bethesda’s top team for one season, and is now trying out for Go Premier Soccer in the spring season, a top 30 travel team in Maryland.

Club soccer and high school soccer can be a big change for some players because of the common age gaps on teams. “The speed of the game is a lot faster and [older players] are just a lot tougher,” Bennett-Young said. “You can learn a lot of stuff from older and more experienced players.”

McKinley Heaven made the varsity girls soccer team at the beginning of the season and feels she proved herself as deserving of a spot amongst the upperclassmen. Throughout the season, Heaven was a dynamic scorer on the field, and helped the RM team make it to the second round of the county playoffs.

“The season was good. I made a lot of new friends and I scored 14 goals in total,” Heaven said.

Her goal count this season was the highest for her age and team, setting a RM freshman record.

Heaven helped lead the Rockets to a 7-6-1 record, but her favorite part of the season was not winning and scoring. “[My favorite part was] playing at home because I liked it when all my friends could come and cheer, ” Outside of school, McKinley Heaven plays for Bethesda’s ECNL team and has been playing soccer for almost a decade. Also, Heaven was recently called up to the U.S. Youth Regional Camp in Richmond, Va. Heaven’s goal-scoring ability wasn’t the only thing she brought to the team. “One of my favorite things about coaching McKinley is that she always plays with a smile on her face.” Coach Edvin Hernandez said, “Mckinley has been a bright spark for us this season and I cannot wait to see all the amazing things she accomplishes with our soccer program.”