The Tide - October 2014

News 2-4

Show Your Spirit 5

Opinions 6-8

International 10-11

Center Spread 12-13

La Marea 14

Arts 16-17

Features 18-19

Sports 22-24

PHOTO COURTESY OF LIFETOUCH PHOTOGRAPHY

Students enjoyed the 2014 homecoming, “A Night in Atlantis”. Seniors Grace Kim and Alex Fehlinger were crowned king and queen before the homecoming football game.

Kim and Fehlinger reign over homecoming

by Lipi Agrawal This year, the annual RM Spirit Week kicked off with the classic Class Color Day and culminated in the homecoming game and dance. Despite the deceptively normal structure, the week was packed with new activities and changes to the traditional Spirit Week festivities.

Monday was ‘Class Color Day.’ Tuesday

was ‘Twin Day’ for the majority of the school and ‘Toga Day’ for seniors. On Wednesday, it was ‘We Wear Pink,’ a clever Mean Girl reference.

Thursday was a special day dedicated to the Disney theme parks. Each grade level was assigned its own Disney theme park, with freshman representing Epcot, sophomores displaying Magic Kingdom, juniors recreating Hollywood Studios, and finally, the seniors dressing for safari themed Animal Kingdom.

Friday was the ever popular ‘Black and Gold Day’ to celebrate RM’s spirit and colors for the game against Poolesville.

The spirit committee worked hard to get students involved by having sign up sheets on bulletin boards and had student officers from each grade recruit students.

“We tried to get opinions from all the grade levels to see what they liked,” senior and spirit coordinator Bintu Traore said.

But since grade levels had different themes for ‘Disney Day,’ some students

thought that the themes were not equal.

For instance, it might have been easier for seniors to dress for Animal Kingdom than it was for freshman to dress for Epcot.

“It was a little difficult because Hollywood Studios doesn’t have characters that have specific costumes,” junior Seema Snitkovsky said.

Ultimately, Snitkovsky wore Mickey and Minnie mouse attire to fit with the overall Disney theme.

DANCE, cont. page 2

Bom Squad turns on the heat

by Kiran Cunningham and Sara Monterroso White thighs, bright eyes, and hot guys, oh my! The Richard Montgomery Boms squad never fails to captivate its roaring audience with kick lines, Russians, and smooth moves.

Led by Poms seniors Bintu Traore, Maddie Harlow, Allison Nadler, and junior Lily Sakahian, this year’s Boms performed “the most complex routine ever”, according to English teacher Nancy Shay. To the audience’s delight, the Boms were quite the bomb at the recent pep rally.

However, these “handsome young

men, who barely pass the dress code,” as described by senior Hunter Harrison, worked hard to deliver the goods.

Though Boms is not exclusive, senior David Silverburg demonstrated his commitment towards the team as he admitted to “months of mediation in faraway lands” to prepare for “try outs”.

Senior Matt Sherman added, “I trained all year by going to the weight room, making sure my kicks were on point, and doing a lot of strenuous yoga.”

The boys practice twice a week, for a solid month preceding the pep rally. All practices are mandatory, and late is the equivalent of absent. When asked what BOMS, cont. page 24

PHOTO BY DAMON MONTELEONE

Seniors Bailey Dinman and Andie Neufeld display some of their work at the club fair.

New club finds diversity at RM

by Akanksha Girish and Cathleen Kong

PHOTO BY SAMAR BEHDIN

The bom squad performed a provocative routine that sent the audience into a frenzy.

One club, one mission: to illuminate the ‘invisible’ students who walk the school by exposing their personal stories that make up their unique identities. Seniors Bailey Dinman and Andie Neufeld created The Halls of RM (HORM) with this aim in mind.

The club was inspired by the popular photo blog, Humans of New York (HONY), created by photojournalist Brandon Stanton.

Stanton photographs and interviews random people on the streets of Manhattan from all walks of life: different ethnicities, different socioeconomic groups,

young or old, abled or disabled. He then posts these pictures and quotes online for the world to see on many social media sites, like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Some are funny, some are inspiring, some are insightful, but all of them shine a light on New York’s diversity. The blog offers glimpses into the lives of quirky strangers with heartwarming tales.

The halls of Richard Montgomery have a striking similarity to the streets of New York. There are all kinds of ethnicities, interests, and activities represented in our student body. Each day, Main Street bustles with activity similar to that of a busy street in the famous cosmopolitan city. Dinman was inspired by this similarity between RM HALLS, cont. page 20

Opinions, 6

International, 10

La Marea, 14

Arts, 16

Features, 20

Sports, 22

The Apple Watch

Meet Ivana Hritzova

La sociedad honraria

Rocket Music Collective

2014 Homecoming court

Cross Country aims high

NEWS 2 The Tide “A Night in Atlantis,” aquatic-themed homecoming brings students together DANCE, cont. from page 1 On ‘Class Color Day’ face paint was completely banned. According to schoolwide president, senior Nathan Poland, the strict ban on face paint was introduced to reduce the incidents of tagging. But, not all students agreed with the new rule.

“If a student has a problem, they should be able to talk to a teacher.

But you shouldn’t force everybody to follow an extremely strict set of guidelines for something that doesn’t necessarily apply to them,”

really unified the school,” spirit coordinator, senior Peter Swzerc said.

During homecoming ticket sales, students chose a king and queen from a list of twenty boys and girls that seniors had voted for a few weeks before. It was not to many people’s surprise that seniors Alex Fehlinger and Grace Kim took the crowns.

Before the homecoming game against Poolesville, all the court members walked down the field with their escorts. Graduate

had chic, modular seating with matching white square tables, which were set up with snacks.

“I thought the music was great for dancing, and the DJ played relevant music. He was definitely better than last year’s DJ,” senior Shema Mugabo said.

About halfway into the dance, the DJ made an announcement that called the seniors on homecoming court to the lobby area. Soon afterwards, students formed an aisle, and the court members walked down in pairs, with

October 2014

NEWS IN BRIEF

Maryland’s new laws are enacted this month Due to Maryland’s new drug decriminalization act, possessing small amounts of marijuana will no longer be a crime punishable with imprisonment. People caught with 10 grams or less will only face a fine - no more than $100 for the first offense and up to $500 for the second or third.

The new law is designed to let police focus on higher-priority crimes. “Decriminalizing possession of marijuana is a key step on the road to saner drug policy in Maryland,” ACLU public policy director Sara Love stated.

Maryland will now start collecting 6 percent sales tax off of residents shopping on the online retailer Amazon. Amazon recently built a distribution center in Baltimore, so the state is now required to collect sales tax from shoppers on Amazon.

In 2011, Jake Owens, a five-year-old in Baltimore, died when a driver distracted by a cellphone got into a car crash. Since then, with the push of Jake’s family and many others, “Jake’s Law” has been passed, which penalizes distracted drivers with a hefty fine and possible jail time if they have been found guilty of causing a serious or fatal crash.

By Jonathan Lin

Ebola spreads, but new cures demonstrate great potential

PHOTO COURTESY OF LIFETOUCH PHOTOGRAPHY

Students are all smiles as they enjoy the decorations that turned the gym into an underwater kingdom. senior Ellie Sherman said.

The forgotten tradition of decorating grade hallways was brought back this year. Students stayed after school on Thursday to decorate their grade hallways based on their Disney theme park theme “I loved how decorated the hallways were, but I wish next time, the decorations can stay up longer so more people can see,” junior Cindy Zeufack said.

This year’s homecoming pep rally was supposed to take place in the football stadium with all the grades present at once. But, due to inclement weather, the pep rally had to take place indoors.

“We could have had the pep rally outside, as it would have

Matthew Daniels, who was last year’s homecoming king, returned to RM for the night to crown Fehlinger and Kim. The dance took place on October 11 with the theme of “A Night in Atlantis.” Several students had to take the SAT earlier that morning, but the tests did not seem to deter students from attending the dance.

The set-up of the dance was identical to last year’s set-up, with the dancefloor on the left side of the gymnasium, and tables and snacks on the opposite side, separated by the divider. But unlike last year, there was also a ‘lounge’ towards the back of the dance floor, where students could relax or take a break from dancing. The new area

Fehlinger and Kim coming last.

The king and queen shared a slow dance to the song Sweet Annie by the Zac Brown Band.

After a few pictures were snapped, other couples joined in.

The dance officially concluded at 11 p.m. and students left with cups of themed post homecoming snacks (Goldfish crackers and Swedish fish gummies) that SGA members and student volunteers had assembled in the days leading up to the dance.

The hard work and volunteering continued into the next morning for a team of 12 students, when they came in at 8 a.m. to clean up decorations and return the gymnasium to its normal state.

October/November

October 30

End of the Quarter Get in those grades!

October 31

Halloween Trick or treat? Give me something good to eat!

November 1

College Early Applications Due A lot of work for the next four years of your life.

November 2

Daylight Saving Time Ends Get an extra hour of sleep!

November 4

Election Day Make sure your voice is heard.

November 11

Veteran’s Day Celebrate those who have served.

Ebola horror stories have taken media outlets by storm. Despite the attention, the disease, which originated in West Africa, is still poorly understood.

Though many think the outbreak is contained in rural Africa, the disease has actually been “exported” overseas in the past few months. The first confirmed case of Ebola in the US was brought by a man who was isolated in a hospital in Texas and who has since passed away. After his death, a nurse from the same hospital has also tested positive for the disease.

Closer to home, this past August, two patients in Shady Grove Hospital were suspected of having Ebola. Recently, one was rediagnosed with malaria while the other is still awaiting diagnosis.

However, there is still hope, with great potential for two possible cures: vaccines and blood transfusion. The two front-runner vaccines are Zmapp and TKM-Ebola, both still being fine tuned.

The other method is called a convalescent serum, which involves injecting the blood of a patient who has survived Ebola, in order to transfer certain antibodies that will fight off the disease. There have been three successful treatments so far with this technique.

The WHO continues to struggle to suppress the disease around the world. As for future prospects within the states, there is still a great deal of controversy over whether to reject flights from West Africa entirely and other measures regarding the disease.

By Claire Luo

SAT scores edge up, racial achievement gap narrows For Montgomery County’s class of 2014, average SAT scores increased slightly to 1650, up two points from the year before.

While the county increase was marginal and participation levels remained constant at 69 percent, the figures also revealed a diminishing achievement gap between racial and ethnic groups.

According to Donna St. George of The Washington Post, scores increased for Hispanic and African American seniors by 10 and six points, respectively.

Likewise the gap between the scores of White and African American students decreased by eight points, while those between Whites and Hispanics were reduced by 12 points.

Still, the disparity exists, with white students averaging 1766, as compared to 1403 and 1461 for African American and Hispanic graduates respectively, according to St. George. Asian graduates in Montgomery County still score higher than other groups, averaging 1786 last school year.

“We made some progress in narrowing the achievement gap this year, and that is good news,” Superintendent Joshua P. Starr said in a statement related by The Washington Post. “However, we must recognize that the gaps are still too large and we have a lot of work to do in order to ensure that all students are prepared to thrive in their future.”

By Brittany Tabora

AWARDS Congratulations to all the seniors who were recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program. 34 RM students were identified as semifinalists as well as 45 commended.

There were five National Achievement semifinalists along with three outstanding participants and eight National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars.

Senior Michelle Schrier auditioned for and was accepted into the National Association of Music Education’s National Honors Choir.

Congratulations to junior Kevin Huang for winning the Maryland State 4H Aerospace Competition.

Senior Trinish Chatterjee presented his summer work in the Poster session of NIH Research Festival in Computational Biology.

Senior Anne Kim was chosen as one of three Sejong Korean Scholars Program honorees, an award which is part of Stanford University’s Program of International and Cross-cultural Education.

Congratulations to the Quizbowl A Team for winning second in Maryland Fall.

The Tide

NEWS

October 2014

3

Dress code and hall sweeps among new changes

by Julia Wang and Ami Wong With a new school year comes new changes, and this year Richard Montgomery welcomed new principal Damon Monteleone and assistant principals Kimberly Heilder and Mark Brown to the administration.

Together, the administrative team has been working to reinforce the established dress code, conducting more periodic hall sweeps, and placing locks on all unused lockers.

While these policies have polarized some students from the administration, Monteleone simply aims to shape the school’s image to become a more welcoming learning environment.

The administration has reinforced the restriction of certain items of clothing, such as crop tops and pants that reveal one’s boxers, to promote a more academic, professional setting.

Monteleone and administration have also been disciplining tardiness and preventing students from cutting class.

Hall sweeps after lunch and between classes have become routine, and getting to class on time is more strongly implemented by security.

Many of his goals for this year were the result of listening more attentively to the suggestions and concerns of students, parents, and staff.

“I’ve had these monthly meet and greets, where it’s essentially just kind of an open forum where parents can come and talk about whatever they want to talk about. And a lot of feedback I got was about dress codes, and hallways, and open lunch, and parents having some concerns about those things,” Mr. Monteleone said.

This school year RM welcomed two new grade level administrators, ninth grade administrator Mark Brown and

eleventh grade administrator Kimberly Heidler.

Adding in twelfth grade administrator Jonathan Garrick and IB coordinator Jennifer Hoover, all members of administration can frequently be seen around the school before, between, and after classes.

“Appropriate dress is different for your place of work. For instance, if you work at

you guys for the workplace,” Mr. Brown said.

While the principle of having stricter rules makes sense, some students don’t see them as being as useful as they could be.

“The rules are bit oppressive, but I can see what the administration is trying to do.

I think they can do it in a better way. I think hall sweeps are kinda useless, and not as

PHOTO BY MARC GOLD

Gubernatorial candidate Doug Gansler speaks with students about education reform.

PHOTO BY DAMON MONTELEONE

The administrative team can often be found throughout the school day on Mainstreet, where they monitor students to ensure that everyone is complying with school policies.

Google, maybe you can go in a baseball cap, cargo shorts, and you know, a tank top. But if you work on Wall Street, that’s not appropriate. So, I think that the hall sweeps and the dress codes are preparing

effective as they should be,” said senior Jack Qian.

Teachers are also informed of these new rules to provide more discipline and they also help supplement proper procedure.

“I think it is phenomenal and it is working. I think that students are being a little bit more aware that we have to be more appropriately dressed for school.

For hall sweeps, I see fewer students in the hallways so it is evident that there are consequences for coming late to class,” Spanish teacher Olga Benito-Kristovich said.

Other students, like senior Jayla Jones, do feel the direct effects of a stricter dress code.

Jones was dress coded by security earlier this year also and had a similar experience.

“I was barely showing two centimeters of skin and I had to change my whole outfit because it wasn’t up to their ‘expectations,’” said Jones. Afterwards, she had to change her clothes in the front office restroom.

In other events, boys who participated in Boms were also expected to comply with the dress code, and SGA sponsor Toni Kellinger made sure their shorts were still appropriate for school.

During the senior grade level meeting, twelfth grade administrator Jonathan Garrick stressed that potential consequences of breaking the dress code, like being sent home or to the office, usually did not originate from the nature of the clothing itself, but rather from resistance of the student to comply with the dress code.

Often, after violating the dress code, students simply have to cover their midroff, pull up their pants, or put on a sweater.

Mr. Monteleone believes, however, that he and the administrators are not the pinnacles of change.

“It’s your school; you’re the student.

And so, we need to remember that we’re here for you all and that we should always have your best interest in mind. It’s your school, not mine,” the principal said.

RM students donate over 5,000 cans for food drive

by Ryla Cantergiani and Alisa Gao Canned food drives are annual occurrences at elementary, middle, and high schools alike. The official Richard Montgomery canned food drive started on September 29 and ended October 3. The donated cans were given to Manna Food Center in Rockville, and then distributed to those in need around the county.

The canned food drive was met with resounding support from the student body. “Canned food drives are a great way to give back to the community and I think everyone at RM really tries their best in it. I participated and I think every can counts,” senior Grace Kim said.

Historically, the school has been very successful; last year, the school collected 3,320 pounds of food, and this year Manna gave RM a goal of 3,652 pounds--a goal

fulfilled by the collection of more than 5000 cans.

The collection of such a large number of cans is primarily facilitated by the competitive spirit between first period classes. For an entire week, volunteers from the student leadership class and the SGA collected cans from these classes.

As an added incentive, they advertised bringing the “omelette man” for the class with the most cans, and a breakfast of doughnuts and juice for all classes that collected more than 100. Students who bought tickets for the homecoming dance were also required to bring in a food cans.

Of course, there were inherent restrictions for the cans. Expired or dented cans were not accepted in the food drive, as well as tomato paste. Social studies teacher and SGA Sponsor Toni Kellinger encouraged bringing canned meat, such as tuna, since most people donate vegetables.

English teacher Nancy Shay was

PHOTO BY NANCY JIN

Mr. Hines’ first period history class won the food can drive with a total of 2,279 cans.

particularly enthusiastic about the canned food drive. She emailed the members of her senior class before the school year started and organized fundraisers to augment the number of cans collected.

“I try to make it even more of a competition by getting my students working on it early in the year. I tell them to brag about how we’re going to win the canned food drive so that other students will fight back and buy lots of cans,” Mrs. Shay said.

Ultimately, however, history teacher Robert Hines’s IB History 2 class won by collecting more than 2000 cans. His students organized two bake sales and raised a total of $569 for the cause.

The effects of the canned food drive extend far beyond Richard Montgomery itself to the greater community. “We are participating in a larger drive called Kids Helping Kids. They have designated Manna as our local point of collection. It means a great deal to know that when you donate a can it is going to help those in your local community,” Mrs. Kellinger explained.

According to their website, Kids Helping Kids is an organization developed and led by youths, designed to help them find their interests while fulfilling local and global needs.

Poverty is a particularly important issue addressed by the drive.

“Poverty in Montgomery County has increased significantly from a decade ago.

The federal poverty threshold is about $25,000 a year for a family of four,” Mrs. Shay stated.

The canned food drive aims to provide students with the opportunity to help satisfy the needs of the less fortunate in Montgomery County. Students will be able to become more involved with community work, and they are given the chance to be more informed about the environment in which they live in.

“It felt great to know I was making a difference in someone’s life,” freshman Noelle Henein said about participating in the drive.

PHOTO BY NANCY JIN

Mr. Hines encouraged his students to hold fundraisers to raise money to buy cans and beat Mrs. Shay’s first period.

If the canned food drive was not enough, students may continue donating food outside of school sponsored drives.

Move For Hunger, Food For Others, Scouting For Food, and numerous other groups are always looking for help.

Students could also start their own drive.

Websites such as createthegood.org have helpful tips on organizing canned food drives.

Manna Food Center serves over 3,000 families and with the help of the students at Richard Montgomery, some of those families will have food to eat.

4

October 2014

The Tide

Mental health poses a serious concern for MCPS

by Jisue Gonzales This past year, MCPS students were plagued by the harrowing news of suicide.

Ryan Walden, a freshman at Wootton High School, and Kira Harrison, a senior also at Wootton, were just a few of the students who took their own lives this summer.

According to a Montgomery County mental health memorandum, suicide is the third leading cause of death for high school aged teens, 15-24 years old. The tragic deaths of Ryan and Kira are just two examples of the consequences students with untreated mental illnesses face.

Mental illnesses are an increasingly important problem for teenagers, who are often overwhelmed by the deceptively complex disease, as they are still rather

“Students often forget that their guidance counselors are for more than just college apps.”

-Charlie Kang difficult to officially disagnose and treat.

“Mental illnesses are like physical illnesses in that they don’t change a person’s inherent character and can be treated, but their other aspects, like their invisibility, make them difficult to treat,” said junior Raja Ramesh.

Often, teens turn to their peers in times of need, but what many students do not realize is that there are resources right in their schools. Guidance counselors are trusted adults that are available for the sole purpose of helping students.

“Counselors provide prevention, intervention, and crisis response services to families and students,” according to the RM school website, which is just one example of the many ways counselors support students suffering from mental illnesses.

Although this help is available in our schools, students often do not use the availability of their guidance counselors to the full extent. “Students often forget that their guidance counselors are for more than just college apps,” said senior Charlie Kang.

However, meeting with a counselor for school related information, such as to get a schedule change or talk about problems in class, can be the first step to reaching out. “Students usually come in to talk about school related things, but that often leads to other, more personal things,” said counselor Mrs. McKelvey.

“Mental illnesses affect every aspect of life and present many challenges to individuals and their families,” according to the NAMI Mental Illness Brochure.

So what can be done about this if students aren’t going to counselors or teachers for help?

“Maybe an ad on RMBC or sending emails to teachers through RM Private would help remind teachers and students that counselors are there to help students with mental illnesses,” said senior Charlie Kang.

There are already many efforts at our school to reach out to the student body. Counselors conduct grade level information sessions in classes to talk to students about grade specific issues and their availability to meet with students.

There is also information on the counseling office bulletin board, which is outside the counseling office on main street, about general counseling information.

Also, right inside the office are slips to

make appointments with counselors, who are available to meet with students at any time through scheduled sessions.

Counselors are still just one way students suffering from mental disabilities can get help. Students can get 504 Plans, which accomodate students with disabilities by giving them their own education plan. One such example might be getting more time

is the Let’s End the Stigma (LETS) club, sponsored by chemistry teacher Mr. Turner, and led by seniors Connie Chen and Anna Wunsch.

“It is imperative that students use the resources available to them to actually get the help they need,” said sophomore Isabella Paternostro.

Many schools in the county are working

PHOTO BY CONNIE CHEN

RM’s counseling department offers a variety of resources for high school students, including information for those suffering from depression and mental illnesses. on a test due to a mental disability.

There are many student clubs offered at RM dedicated to fighting the stigma surrounding mental illnesses, in order to make it more comfortable for students to reach out and get help. One such society

on publicizing the availability of these resources for students with mental disabilities. As for now, it is important that students with mental disabilities use the many resources already offered to them in order to succeed in school.

County launches new pedestrian safety campaign

crossing the road distracted was “Walk improving the program. “I think if it’s in a either their phones while crossing a street, Your Way,” which was funded last year commercial, it’d be better. They make more or seeing one of their close friends cross at four county high schools. of an impact than just telling,” Silver said. distracted.

The YOLO campaign encourages However, Montgomery County’s “Occasionally, I do see a few of my Two years after a vehicle struck and killed student-to-student interaction about ideals are not always reflected friends checking their phones, but only 15-year old student Christina Morris-Ward pedestrian safety. By hearing from by students. Even though when there is protection of the herd,” on her way to Seneca Valley High School, their peers instead of from adults, the the county has tried various Feshbach said.

Montgomery County has become more Department of Transportation hopes to tactics to raise awareness Nevertheless, several believe that attentive to the safety of teens and prevention make a greater impact on high school about the YOLO campaign, student- to- student campaigning of these fatal car accidents. students. several students had not even is more effective. “It’s like peer Earlier this year in September, the Math teacher Laura Goetz said that heard of it. Other students, like pressure. You listen to it,” senior Peijo Montgomery County Department of she has seen more distracted pedestrians freshman Belinda Lin, did Yang said.

Transportation launched a new pedestrian than she should. not want to participate in Though the popular acronym safety campaign called the YOLO campaign.

However, Mrs. Goetz thinks the new the campaign.

YOLO, which stands for “You Only This new initiative encourages method will help get “I’m busy, so I Live Once,” is most commonly students to drop their phones the idea across. “I hear would only tell used among teens to indicate and to avoid other distractions it from adults, I see other people when rash or risky decision making, when preparing to cross a busy posters and TV ads, but they’re actually Conversely, Montgomery intersection. there has got to be an crossing the County wishes to The official Montgomery added positive from also street,” Lin said. implement the term to County Pedestrian Safety from peers,” said Mrs. Goetz serve as a warning for car crashes involving hearing website estimates that the Mrs. Goetz. said that she students on the dangers county alone experiences more pedestrians In order to further has seen more of being a distracted than 400 car crashes involving educate teens on the distracted pedestrian. pedestrians every year, many of subject, YOLO campaign pedestrians The majority of both students and these collsions preventable with provides a tool kit that crossing the streets teachers agree with the county’s appropriate degrees of caution. students can use to than she should. decision to adopt the term YOLO as These crashes involve many teach their peers about In fact, most students did their campaign title. percent of underage teenagers as well. According the dangers of focusing not see student pedestrian “A social acronym such as YOLO is to Safe Kids Worldwide, high pedestrian fatalities that on their phones while safety as a big issue. a very good way to quickly spread school teens from ages 15 to 19 crossing roads. The kit Sophomore Noah Shaw awareness of this cause,” Shaw are ages 15-19 make up half of all underage includes posters and and junior Daniel said. pedestrian deaths. social media images that Feshbach were one “Reframing [YOLO] can In our technology-driven anyone could access and of the few that create truly a powerful society, students are prone to becoming post in support of pedestrian safety. admitted to using message,” Mrs. Goetz said. distracted. Consequently, and unfortunately, Additionally, the YOLO campaign many experience this distraction in the form also provides a step-by-step guide that of looking at their phones while crossing supports students in the process of roads or walking down streets. Most do not advocating and raising awareness for realize that the two feet between them and a pedestrian safety. The pamphlets, busy roadway can be fatal -- it could mean which are accessible online, include life or death. statistics and reasons why such a In past years, the Montgomery County campaign matters, along with Department of Transportation has messages, materials, events, attempted to apply various methods in and partnerships that a order to enforce pedestrian safety, especially students can use in order among students. According to Lindsay A. to start their own support Powers, a staff writer of The Gazette, the group.

GRAPHIC BY CYNTHIA SONG Montgomery county responds to the rising number of pedestrian deaths with its new last Montgomery County program that Some students, like freshman educated students about the dangers of Nicole Silver, are enthusiastic about YOLO campaign, which aims to raise awareness among teenagers through social media.

by Isabelle Zhou and Christina You

400 51

Show Your Spirit!

The Tide

October 2014

5

PHOTO BY MADDIE FRANKE

Above: Smiling sophomores Hallie Kay, Bryony Hollingsworth, Halle Phillips, and Gaby Phillips happily show off their black and gold spirit wear.

PHOTO BY MADDIE FRANKE

Above: Seniors Renzo Farfan and Allie Parrish show off Right: Juniors Ninad Nirgudkar and Nate Gillman their school spirit and class pride, wearing all-blue outfits. match T-shirts, jeans and even belts on twin day.

Right: Seniors Farah Kabir and Kaamiya Hargis help put on each other’s togas for Toga Tuesday.

PHOTO BY TIM WANG

Left: Sophomores Sindhu Iyer, Victoria Priester, Becca Levy, Shelby Stevens, Mona Lee, Jenny Chen, Isabel Knudson, and Holly Shan dress up as Snow White and the Seven Dwarves for the Magic Kingdom.

PHOTO BY HOLLY SHAN

PHOTO BY MONA LEE

Freshmen celebrate spirit week by wearing all orange at the class competitions during lunch.

PHOTO BY CONNIE CHEN

PHOTO BY MADDIE FRANKE

Excited for homecoming, seniors show off their school pride in black and gold.

6 The Tide

OPINIONS

Calendar should reflect diversity

by The Tide Editorial Staff For students who celebrate holidays such as Rosh Hashanah and Christimas, the days off built into the MCPS calendar allow them to celebrate their culture and heritage, spend valuable time with their family, and, of course, observe their religion.

It is wonderful that MCPS gives many of its students a chance to practice their faith.

But questions ultimately arise about why a school system that t h a t prides itself on o on its diversity o n l y only officially recognizes two of the the several religions represented by its student body.

G r a n t e d , Christianity and Judaism constitute the majority of Montgomery County’s religious affiliations, according to Advameg, a private survey company. It would also be logistically impractical to close school for every single religious holiday for every single religion represented in MCPS. However, there are several religions, such as Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism, which collectively represent approximately 15% of our student body yet are not granted the respect of having MCPS closed in recognition of their major holidays.

It is important to note that MCPS excuses religious absences if a parent contacts the school and explains their child’s

absence. Nonetheless, students in such scenarios are still at a disadvantage because they will have to make up all of the school work they missed while they were observing their religion.

At the high school level this become a very real, very stressful problem

GRAPHIC BY ALBERT ZHANG AND NANCY JIANG

which leads to an impactful marginalization of religious minorities, unintentional as it might be.

While a significant majority of Montgomery County residents associate with one religion, the same cannot be said about the county’s racial composition.

According to the 2010 US Census, we are officially a minoritymajority county in terms of race.

The census reported that our population is 17% Hispanic, 17% African American, and 14%

Asian.

MCPS closes its operations for many American national holidays, and rightly so. However, given our highly diverse student body, MCPS should also recognize other significant cultural holidays that its students celebrate such as Chinese New Year or Día de los Reyes Magos, in order to create the inclusive community that it strives so hard for.

Closing school for more religious holidays would allow students to connect more deeply with their cultures and would foster empathy and cultural understanding among students of unique and different background.

Our school has a tremendously multicultural student body which we celebrate in many unique ways such as our Common Grounds assembly and annual International Night.

However, it is not enough for us to recognize our diversity once or twice a year through celebratory events such as these.

If we as a community are to truly cherish and respect our diversity, we must enact change that more meaningfully impacts the everyday lives of our students.

The fact that MCPS cherishes the diversity of its student body yet only allows students of two particular faiths time off to practice their religion without having to worry about falling behind can be seen only as somewhat hypocritical.

It is time for our school system to practice what it preaches and respect the religious and cultural observances of all students.

Poll of the month: Have you officially joined any clubs you signed up for at the club fair?

by Jack Qian Once a year, Main Street is transformed into a feast of clubs, with offerings to suit any palate.

With its army of students clad in their club t-shirts and offering candy to all passerby, the club fair brings a palpable excitement to the school.

Yet adding one’s name to a sign-up sheet is hardly a binding commitment, and clubs find that

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their sign-up sheets rarely mirror actual participation rates.

Many students choose not to commit to clubs because there are too many choices and too little time.

Julia Wang, a freshman who signed up for several clubs said, “I don’t go to the meetings for all the clubs I signed up for.”

The club fair, with its line of booths spanning the length of the ground floor, promotes joining as many groups as possible. It is almost inevitable that students will bite more than they can chew.

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A sample of 568 students from all four grade levels was used to create these results. This survey ran on RMBC October 6-8, 2014.

Others appreciate the club fair simply because it is an annual tradition, and an opportunity to snag free food.

Senior Jeffrey Feng attended and enjoyed himself, but said, “I didn’t sign up for any clubs this year at the club fair because I’m a senior and I already have a set of clubs that I go to on a regular basis.”

Even those students who do attend the first meeting must then choose whether to continue committing to the club.

“Unfortunately, as a senior, I don’t have the time to randomly choose clubs and go to them at will,” said Jeffrey, echoing the opinions of many students that there are simply too many choices and too little time.

The main takeaway? The club fair is a comprehensive reflection of the diversity and depth and breadth of clubs at RM that not only creates excitement among the student body, but also shows off RM’s exceptional array clubs.

However, the tight 45 minute format can be overwhelming and render it impossible to explore all the options. But small bites here and there are more than enough.

Letters to the Editor

The new school dress code is reasonable I understand why some see the new dress code as a little excessive, but at the same time, I also think some of students’ reactions went a little overboard. I understand the argument from both sides and I think there should be some kind of compromise to put this to rest. But then again, with colder weather quickly approaching, the issue is naturally growing irrelevant on its own.

-Karen Lou, 12th grade

Hallway decorations return to Spirit Week Spirit week this year was a smashing success. Our favorite part of the week was by far was the hallway decorations.

Although it was a little hard to dress up to match our hallway’s theme, “Hollywood Studios,” it was definitely fun to decorate the hallway. If it was up to us, the juniors would have won -- we had a red carpet! Next year, the school should try and keep the decorations up for longer. And please, bring back pajama day for Monday!

-Kevin Ying and Chris Lee, 11th grade

Homecoming game engaged the crowd This year’s homecoming football game was a fun one to watch.

Our offense had good drives and got us 21 on the score board.

Our defense also did a good job stopping Poolesville offense.

Right when I thought the game was ours, Poolesville ran the ball for a touchdown. It was truly devastating to see Poolesville snatch the win away, but nonetheless I enjoyed the game.

-Chris Park, 10th grade

School spirit makes transition easier The transition to high school has not been too hard so far. All of the teachers have been really kind and helpful and have helped us get used to high school. Spirit Week was really fun. The huge amount of school spirit at RM makes it really easy to feel like we are a part of the school. There are also so many extracurriculars that it is also really easy to get involved.

-Hannah San Sebastian, 9th grade

Please send any comments as letters to the editor to tide.opinions@gmail.com.

Submissions may be edited for length and/or clarity.

The Tide

250 Richard Montgomery Drive Rockville, Maryland 20852 www.rmtide.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 disctributed 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....Andrew Del Vecchio, Rachel Gold, Catherine Wang, Matthew Zipf News................................................................Grace Cheung, Claire Luo, Brittany Tabora Opinions.................................................Farah Kabir, Anagha Lokhande, Jennifer Zhang International........................................................................Adithya Girish, Nikita Sardana Center Spread.....................................................................Anna Lavrentieva, Muye Wang La Marea............................................................................................................Darian Garica Features...........................................................................................Liz Choi, Michelle Wang Arts................................................................Michelle Dubovitsky, Nancy Jin, Max Molot Sports.................................................................Daisy Grant, Andy Kostka, Yueyang Ying Photo......................................Rachit Agarwal, Connie Chen, Maddie Franke, Mona Lee Graphics......................................................................................Nancy Jiang, Cynthia Song Copy.....................................................Nathan Li, David Nguyen, Alex Yu, Emily Zhang Online.............................................................Trinish Chatterjee, Jimmy Li, Dahlia Wilson Sponsor.....................................................................................................Mrs. Andrea Lyons

The Tide

OPINIONS

Black & Gold

October 2014 7

Student in-school WiFi: helpful study aid or unnecessary distration?

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WiFi wastes money, hinders learning Internet access modernizes schools

by Anders Alilio and Will Green

In the halls, if you look up to check where your next class is, you will notice just about everyone with their phones out, scrambling to check their social media or emails in the five minutes they have before class. Students of all grades are taking advantage of the in-school WiFi connection that MCPS has begun providing this year. But does the WiFi create even more distractions for students already tempted by their smartphones and tablets? Is WiFi even necessary in our school?

There is intense debate over whether or not WiFi can be part of a healthy learning environment. The availability of a reliable internet connection throughout the school is clearly both a blessing and a curse for students and administration alike.

of devices, even the most honest of students could be tempted to take shortcuts.

Some students are already tempted to engage in academic dishonesty, and having the entire internet at their disposal will only encourage them. This seemingly great new tool may tarnish the reputations of academically honest students, and make it easier to use internet in dishonest ways.

The reality is that in-school WiFi may also be an unnecessary burden on the school’s limited resources, especially if it is not widely used. Junior Jack Ramos said, “It can be helpful for people who actually use it, but honestly I don’t really use it, so I don’t really care.”

With or without WiFi, students can still access the internet using their smartphones or by using a computer in one of several computer labs or in the Media Center.

A number of better solutions exist. On the extreme end of the spectrum, some propose that that the in-school WiFi system

PHOTO BY CONNIE CHEN

Access to WiFi in the classroom will serve only to distract students from their coursework and introduce an unnecessary disturbance into the classroom.

WiFi allows students free access to the internet on a number of devices -- laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Before WiFi was available, internet usage was limited by data plans. Even this was unreliable as service depended on the location in the building.

The ease of access to WiFi presents students with more opportunities to become distracted from school-related tasks very easily. Whether a student is sitting in a classroom in the basement or on the third floor, social media, games, and other non-academic activities are literally at his or her fingertips.

Other already observed drawbacks to in-school WiFi include kids skipping or being late to class because they’re using the WiFi in the halls or anywhere outside of the classroom.

Another price that is being paid for student WiFi is a decline in student attention spans during class. School policy outlaws phone usage in class, but when internet access is available, it is inevitable that students will take advantage. Students could be using the WiFi on their phones under the table, disregarding the teacher and missing the lesson.

Another dangerous but commonly overlooked consequence of WiFi accessibility is academic dishonesty. With an omnipresent connection across all kinds

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be shut down.

However, the more moderate response, and a compromise for students and

by Steven Lu and Kyle Zhu

Since the start of the new school year, the newly implemented school WiFi, iMCPS, has changed the student experience both socially and academically.

WiFi access has allowed students to take advantage of the resources on their mobile devices and has the potential to radically change how we take notes, retain informationm, and learn. Despite any hiccups in its introduction, WiFi immensely benefits the student body.

Students often conduct research to finish a project or an assignment during the school day. According to freshman Rose Silvers, “Mrs. O’Donoghue will let us use our phones to research without having to take us to a lab.” The new WiFi gives students a digital platform from which they can look up information on schoolapproved websites.

“Since the WiFi still blocks Facebook and other inappropriate websites, using personal computers or phones is the same as using a computer from the computer lab,” said freshman Kevin Hu. This helps students to ask their teachers questions at school that they otherwise would not be able to and aids students with organization; now students who lost last night’s homework have an easy way to get another copy.

Additionally, when everyone has out a PC or iPod, the learning environment becomes more friendly and relaxed. The learning environment with mobile devices promotes a more comfortable setting.

The addition of mobile devices in the school classroom also allows classroom instruction to flow more easily. Junior Medha Reddy said, “When teachers allow us to use laptops in the classroom, it is much easier to take notes.”

WiFi keeps the discussion flowingwithout a need for the teacher to stop and look something up.” Consequently,

Gold may put off doing their homework since they see getting a computer as an unnecessary hassle. With the addition of the new WiFi, everyone can save valuable time.

Furthermore, the WiFi allows students to check their grades regularly, thus allowing them to make up work in school.

As Magali E., another freshman, said, “I can connect to Edline from my [cell phone], which helps me stay on top of my grades without having to log into the school computer.”

A student who does not regularly check Edline at home will be able to do so right when his teachers at school remind him.

Even though the WiFi helps students, it still has some deficiencies. According to junior Hana Huie, “It’s a good resource; however, it doesn’t always work properly, which can be a problem if you’re relying on it to get work done.”

The school WiFi can be likened to an essay, which requires many drafts and revisions. The implementation of WiFi is a step in the right direction and could be greatly improved in the years to come.

Others claim that it is time-consuming to have to sign in every time when accessing the school WiFi. As freshman Rym Benhassine stated, “It’s annoying how you need to sign in every time you turn your phone off, but it’s still very useful when I need to look something up.”

However, before using the WiFi, students should be reminded that iMCPS must be used purely for academic reasons, and the sign-in page does just this.

“Social media, games, and other non-academic activities are literally at students’ fingertips.” administrators, would be to limit WiFi usage to before school, during lunch, after school. Not only would this improve the amount of kids who are paying attention during class, distraction free, but it would also decrease the amount of academic dishonesty.

Other possible ways to regulate the school’s WiFi would be creating a sign-in that goes through a database of students’ ID numbers. Students that have a record of tardiness, run-ins with administration, or failure to achieve the minimum GPA would be barred from using the WiFi. Overall, however, WiFi continues to siphon the school’s limited resources and the resulting tight school budget is ridding students of the opportunity for updated textbooks, more teachers, and smaller classes.

Clearly, the possibility for such problems still remains as assistant principal Mr. Mark Brown, a cautious proponent of in-school WiFi, acknowledged. “Overall, I’m in favor of it,” he said. “However, I do think it needs to be used with responsibility and fidelity.”

PHOTO BY CONNIE CHEN

In order to prepare students for work and life in an increasingly technologydependent world, schools must expand the role of technology in classrooms. students can easily search something up in the classroom and take notes on laptops, which makes learning more accessible.

School WiFi helps students finish their work with ever-increasing efficiency; with access to WiFi students do not have to wait for computers in the Media Center or Writing Center.

Because computer labs in the building are few and far between and multiple teachers need to utilize those labs,accessing a computer can be hectic and inconvenient.

A student who only needs to find the date of a major battle or a chemical equation

Therefore, the constant sign-ins, although exasperating at times, are necessary.

Despite its drawbacks, the school WiFi has undoubtedly helped the student body by introducing another tool to help students succeed.

As MCPS Chief Technology Officer Sherwin Collette said, “As our curriculum transitions to a digital medium, the demand for greater access to technology directly in our classrooms is becoming more urgent.”

Technology needs to evolve in the classroom, and our school system is off to a great start.

8

OPINIONS

The Tide

October 2014

High rates of rape call into question the safety of college campuses In addition, hundreds of universities across the country are requiring every student to take an online course called Alcohol EDU that advises not only what levels of alcohol are safe to consume, but

by Sedef Berk and Dahlia Wilson In April of this year, a series of sensitive emails between American University fraternity members was revealed to the public. The emails explicitly detailed the members’ plans to lure female to unknown apartments, get them heavily intoxicated, and have sex with them.

Even more recently, the media has been inundated with the case of the female Columbia University student who was raped at a party – and subsequently decided to carry a full-size mattress around campus with her to raise awareness to the fact that her rapist, whom she discretely identified, was never forced by university administration to leave campus.

The tragedy lies in the fact that exchanges like this are not uncommon on modern college campuses. Statistics show that 1 in 5 female students experience rape during their four-year term in college – and that is only counting the number of disclosed rapes. Many rapes go unreported or, even worse, remain unbeknownst to the victim if the level of intoxication is extreme enough.

Colleges are not unaware of the problem.

Many universities have established anonymous sexual-assault phone hotlines and encouraged students to reach out to their counselors, advisors, and any trusted officials if they have felt uncomfortable or violated.

person making the allegations.

Should pursuing higher education pose such a serious risk for females? Is it fair that they must be warned to bring their own water, alcohol, and a vigilant friend even to school-sponsored or schoolregistered parties?

Despite a resounding consensus that the answer is “no”, until colleges can effectively address the issue, high school students, especially girls, need to weigh rape rates into their admissions decision, much like they would weigh the costs and benefits of going to a rural school versus a school in the city.

A conservative perspective on the issue might be that “partying” is unnecessary, and much the like motto “abstinence is the best protection”, avoiding the party altogether can reduce an individual’s

Source: Campus Sexual Assault Association, 2007

also how to avoid date rape drugs in your drink. It also stresses the fact that if someone is intoxicated, any sex is considered nonconsensual.

Is this course sufficient to avoid more sexual crimes? Evidently not. Rape cases have not declined. Colleges are not teaching men not to rape, but rather how women can avoid being raped. Policing of fraternity houses – where rapes are most prevalent – must be made stricter.

College culture needs to reinforce the concept of consent as a “yes” rather than the lack of a “no”. The burden of proof should be on the accused rather than the

“Colleges are not teaching men not to rape, but rather how women can avoid being raped.” chance of being raped. Indeed, this is precisely how some concerned colleges students are dealing with the problem.

Yet, junior Vivien Zhu argues that “students need to socialize in college.” After being released from the protective hostage of their adolescence and being immersed in the pressure-cooker environment of college, partying is an almost essential way to de-stress. Expecting students to stay away from parties is “unrealistic,” Zhu added.

Ultimately, fear of being raped will probably not prevent the majority of females from applying to and attending college at large.

However, a high incidence of rape “would cause me to think twice about applying to a particular school”, said senior Ellen Yao. Senior Tara Bhardvaj agreed, saying “If I’m going to pay 60K for my education, the least [a school] ought to do is guarantee is my safety.”

The US college culture is one filled with victim blaming: placing the blame for an act of sexual harassment on the victim and not the perpetrator. Phrases like “What was the victim wearing?” and “Didn’t the victim know better?” serve to show how ingrained these thoughts are in the current societal perception of sexual assault.

There is no easy solution to a problem that has ingrained itself into the very fabric of a society, but the growing public awareness of the topic is a good place to start. With increasing levels of legislation at local, state, and national levels, victims will gain increased protection, perpetrators will be discouraged, and future assaults are less likely to occur.

Does emergence of Apple Watch signal future of technology in schools? would make it easier to cheat. Mobile devices already provide a steady stream of information, enabling students to take shortcuts from original and creative thinking.

Technology is becoming such an integral part of all of our lives that it is controlling people and how they learn.

Sophomore Isabel Knudson said, “I don’t like the idea of technology education because it encourages the youth of society to be more dependent on electronics.”

Forty percent of students report that they cannot go more than 10 minutes without checking their phone, Such a dependence will only harm the learning experience of future students and hold back the next generation of G N leaders.

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by Jenny Chen The Apple Watch was released on September 9, igniting a storm of controversy on the practicality of essentially having a wearable computer on one’s wrist.

The Apple Watch is only a drop in the ocean in a rising technology movement that will become harmful towards our society as a whole and especially towards future American youths.

The potential for devices to become distractions to students is high. Computer science teacher Oliver Lum said, “It’s so easy to just not pay attention because you have a computer in front of you.”

A study by the California State University-Dominguez Hills followed 263 students and told them to work on an important school assignment for 15 minutes while placed with a mobile device. The students’ productivity started declining around the two-minute mark and only 65 percent of the time was spent on actual schoolwork.

Providing every student with a mobile device connected to the internet

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by Cindy Song As technology penetrates further and further into our daily lives, it will become more personalized, becoming tailored to fit our unique lifestyles and scheduled. The arrival of the Apple Watch is just one an example, that enhances our communication, information, and fitness.

The advances in communication also allow for a more convenient exchange of information.

With devices at their fingertips virtually all time, students can seek help from their peers while they are waiting for sports practice to start or during the bus ride home. The ability to do homework during nontraditional times allows students to be more efficient.

Senior Michelle Schrier said, “Students are also more excited when electronic devices are involved and will be more enthusiastic about and motivated for learning.”

A 2009 study conducted by the Texas

by Rachel Li Thought Apple was done? The company is just getting started.

With the upcoming release of the Apple Watch in 2015, Apple has gone farther than ever before in making technology accessible. The Apple Watch not only can tell time within 50 milliseconds of the global standard, but also has all the capabilities of an iPhone, including sending messages and listening to music.

T h e A p p l e Wa t ch w i l l m a k e technology more personal. But the consequences of Apple’s latest move extend

by Jared Stolove Technology Immersion Pilot showed that middle school students who had access to laptops had higher test scores and increased attendance.

Some educators worry that students will abuse their privileges and use their devices for non-educational purposes. This is an unfounded concern, as schools can block non-educational sites.

Teachers can monitor the students and punish those who misuse their devices.

Most importantly, students will be more motivated to learn and will not want to lose their new privileges.

Overall, communication and health have greatly benefited from personalized technology. People’s lives will continue to benefit from the evolution of future technology.

The Apple Watch and other devices are only the beginning of the new technology that will surely be regularly incorporated into our lives in the future.

Over the past several years, Montgomery County has been adopting initiatives to bring more personal technology into the classroom. First, the county spent thousands of dollars on laptops to bring into the classroom. This year, the school is providing all students with WiFi access during the entire school day. Now, the newest trend among schools is allowing students to “BYOD”—bring your own device.

On the surface, this program may seem great for students. However, allowing students to bring in their own devices just broadens the divide between well-to-do students and those who have to go to the library to use a computer.

On the other hand, providing students with tablets is an expensive and ineffective use of the school system’s limited resources.

Most importantly, unlimited access to the internet and electronics is a privilege

far beyond the watch itself. The subject of personalized technology in school is controversial, but I believe that it has a positive impact in helping students learn.

Every student learns in different ways.

There are three main types of learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic.

Traditional school curriculums cater to visual learners, by requiring readings and worksheets, leaving their non-visual counterparts at a disadvantage.

To prevent bright students from losing interest in learning simply because they are not being taught in a way that caters to their strengths, teachers should take advantage of the near ubiquitousness of personalized technology.

Students should be able to reap the benefits of new audiovisual and interactive platforms in order to, say, perform a physics experiment that requires expensive machinery or empathize with the soldiers in WWI by re-living what they went through.

Technology is already an important part of our academic lives. We use technology at home to check our grades, make presentations, write essays, and more. Why not extend this to schools as well? that would be widely abused. Considering this, can we really justify the enormous expense of providing students with electronics to use in school?

Electronics may be essential resources for many classes. However, it is hard to justify the use of devices that distract students from learning.

In the near future, Montgomery County is slated to spend over $15 million to provide students as young as eight with access to tablets. This same money could be used to provide teachers with raises, improve transportation, or allow bigger budgets for field trips.

Technology is the way of the future, but rushing to implement the latest devices in the classroom is not an efficient use of our time or resources.

Our school system needs to be focusing on designing engaging curricula, employing the best teachers, and providing students with opportunities for growth and development.

School is a place for the conventional, the proven, the effective. When it is instead used as a testing lab for new technology, the students are the ones who suffer.

The Tide

ADVERTISEMENTS

October 2014 9

10 The Tide

October 2014

INTERNATIONAL

UN Climate Summit calls for international solution

by Haley Goddard

The Earth is changing: new technologies, new ideas, new people, new problems, and, pretty soon, a new climate.

Climate change is a problem that has been looming over humanity since the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, when the carbon dioxide levels were at 270 parts-per-million (ppm).

According to The New York Times, with the current amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere at more than 400 ppm, in between the deadly 450 ppm and the safe 350 ppm, something needs to be done.

In an attempt to begin to solve the evergrowing problem, more than 100 heads of state and government met in New York on Sep. 23 for the United Nations 2014 Climate Summit, according to the UN Climate Summit website.

These heads of state acknowledged that climate change is an issue that could no longer be ignored, and decided to take action.

Among the goals of the summit were to converge on a long term vision for the environment, cut emissions, move markets and mobilize money, price carbon, and many others.

Broad steps were taken that day.

According to The Newsroom, almost every single nation present set ambitious, longterm goals to cut greenhouse gas emissions, mobilize money in the eco-friendly market, put a price on carbon, and mobilize new coalitions in favor of the climate.

Several European countries announced plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent. China, along with the majority of the other countries present, is hoping to get their emissions to peak and reduce them by reducing carbon intensive emissions.

The statistics above indicate the depth and immediacy of the changes in our climate.

sophomore Kaitlyn Wang said.

However, many students feel that, “Climate change is important,” as was said by sophomore Natalie Neale-Lorello, and her opinions are shared by freshman Vlady Gutenberg, who said that, “People don’t pay enough attention to the climate even though the environment is what supports us all.”

A senior who wished to remain anonymous boldly said, in regards to skeptics of climate change, that, “People who think that the human race has no effect on climate change are completely ignorant of the facts of the situation.”

Tech-Ed teacher Mr. Carnahan had a word to put in as well for how engineering, the main focus of his class Intro to Engineering Design, could help solve the climate change problem.

He said, “A big thing with engineers is that we have to solve problems, and climate change is a big problem.

The first thing that jumps to my mind are greenhouse gases.

We’ve already got all kinds of engineers working on ways to re-engineer the car so it can run on different kinds of fuel to put out those greenhouse gases: hydrogenpowered cars, electric cars.

These are just a few of many ways that different forms of power and clean energy are being created.

Government”, according to the UN Climate Change Summit website.

Each Session, headed by a chair of distinguished speakers, covered a different aspect of climate change: health and jobs, climate science, the economic case for action, and voices from the climate front lines.

President Obama, when speaking at the Summit, said that, “there’s one issue that will define the contours of this century more dramatically than any other, and that is the urgent and growing threat of a

Solar cells aren’t really extremely efficient yet, and engineers are working on making those work better too.”

The UN Climate Summit’s results will soon be felt across the globe. The conference raised the awareness and importance of immediate and effective changes that need to be made in order to preserve and protect the environment of every country in the world. As the world changes ecologically, summits like these grow to be increasingly necessary, and the general public grows to be increasingly attentive to the issues.

India will attempt to double their wind and solar energy outputs by 2020. Many developing countries will try to protect their natural forests and habitats.

The New York Declaration on Forests hopes to halve the rate of worldwide deforestation by 2030.

The United States announced vague plans to bolster their carbon dioxide resilience.

All leaders will try to come to a universal agreement at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change 2015 in Paris.

In addition to the main Summit, there were also four Thematic Sessions cochaired by “Seven Heads of State and

changing climate.”

Immediately after the summit, major world leaders agreed to convene again in December in the city of Lima, Peru, in order to make plans for the passage of a universal climate aggreement during the following year in Paris. This will allow one year and two months in order to plan and set these negotiations in motion.

According to the UN Climate Summit website, Christina Figueres, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, said, “We have moved on over the last four years.”

However, government officials aren’t the only ones who have the power to make change for the better. Richard Montgomery

GRAPHIC BY NANCY JIANG

has their own way of helping out: the Recycling Club.

This club has been a major part of Richard Montgomery’s green initiative; besides collecting used paper, bottles, and cans for recycling, they also assist in the school’s Earth Day celebrations as well.

While climate change is near the top of many leader’s agendas, not all RM students agree on its importance.

“Climate change is a thing right now, but I don’t think it’s the most important issue facing our nation or even the world,”

From Samhain to Dia dos Fenidos: Halloween afar

by Kevin Liu and Stephanie Zhang Halloween was not always all sweets and candy, but as the holiday evolved, it came to incorporate sweets as an annual tradition. Halloween originated from Samhain, a festival that marked the end of the harvesting season and the beginning of winter.

The night before Samhain, the Celts believed the dead rose from their graves and roamed the living world, leading them to leave wine and food on their doorstep every year on the 31st of October to placate the spirits.

The Celts would also wear masks to trick the ghosts into thinking they were one of them.

Over time the name changed from ‘All Hallows’ Evening’, to ‘Hallowe’en’, and finally to the name we recognize today, Halloween.

Trick-or-treating comes from the longstanding, distinct practices known as souling and guising. Souling was a practice of the impoverished during the Middle Ages in Ireland and Britain in which they would go from door-to-door asking for food in exchange for a prayer for the dead.

Guising is the custom that began in late 19th century Ireland and involved children dressing up as evil spirits. They believed that by doing so, they would be able to ward off those spirits and prevent any harm the spirits might cause.

Children supposedly play tricks on any adult who doesn’t give them candy.

These tricks can involve scaring the adults,

covering a residence in toilet paper, and even egging the adult’s property. However, this rarely occurs nowadays because children can easily go to another residence for candy.

Halloween isn’t just celebrated in America.

The Brazilians have their own version of the holiday. “In Brazil, Dia dos Fenidos is celebrated on November 2nd, and is a day for families to pay their respects to the deceased and pray that they have been received by the Kingdom of God,” senior Gabriel Guedes said.

In Japan, lanterns are lit and set off to drift on bodies of water. In Hong Kong, people burn fruit and money in hopes of it reaching the heavens.

The Chinese light lanterns because they believe they are lighting a path for wandering spirits. “In China, it’s not just Halloween, its Western culture that is spreading. It’s the spirit of Halloween, more than the actual practices.”

In Belgium, people light candles in honor of their deceased love ones.

According to senior Albert Park, “Halloween in Korea is a growing occasion for festivities where both Western Expats and children have fun in their own distinctive ways. Costumed work parties are also a growing trend.”

But back home at RM, there are plenty of students who are quite enthusiastic about the upcoming holiday. Junior Rohith Battina said “I’m so excited for Halloween, because I’ll be able to collect a personal stash of candy!”

Not only are students excited, but teachers are also ready to celebrate

Halloween. English teacher Sara Liles said “I love Halloween, it’s my favorite holiday!”

In addition to residential

Smithsonian Zoo is offering many spooky demonstrations in addition to candy stations for young trick-ortreaters.

All in all, a great portion of the globe is looking forward t o

neighborhoods, there are plenty of public venues that children love trick-or-treating at. Lake Forest and Montgomery Malls both offer stores that give out candy to trick-or-treaters. In Washington D.C., the

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Halloween.

Countries around the world have taken this originally Celtic tradition and added their own flavor. The number of unique traditions that exist showcase the globalisation of ideas and the wonderful diversity present at RM. Y NAN

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The Tide

October 2014

11

ISIS crisis as tensions in the Middle East heighten The fighters target other religions and Shiite Muslims, using tactics including mass execution and kidnapping to instill fear. However, many argue that ISIS has no real basis in Islam.

“Virtually every Islamic scholar can give reason after reason why ISIS cannot be a ‘caliphate’ and how it runs contrary to the principles of Islam,” senior Zubair Khan said. “ISIS is just about as Islamic as the marauding Buddhist monks massacring religious minorities in Myanmar is Buddhist.”

As of now, their numbers have grown to around 20,000 and the group has succeeded in creating a widespread and permanent presence.

Only recently has the group stopped advancing, as local and international militaries force mount increasing amounts

of pressure on them. Despite powerful opposition, ISIS has refused to slow its

by Eric Li and ambitions.

Sierra Longest This uncontrollable streak of ISIS through the region raised questions as They are known by many names: the to how the Iraqi military could be so Islamic State, ISIL, ISIS, and Daesh, to unprepared despite rigorous US military name a few. training.

Their acronyms by themselves strike Entire Iraqi army bases were captured, fear into nations and communities leaving valuable heavy weapons and spanning the entire world. Just months ago, ammunition behind, and rendering the this group was not even in the international local populace of the region helpless. spotlight, yet stories of its acts of terrorism In September, President Obama now dominate news from all sources. announced a campaign to launch US However, ISIS itself is not a new airstrikes on Iraq and planned to extend organization. Its roots can be traced years them into Syria. back in the political turmoil of the region.

In a nationally televised address, ISIS is a group comprised of Jihadist President Obama said, “I will not hesitate fighters, mainly located in the Middle East, to take action against ISIL in Syria, as well specifically in Iraq and Syria. as Iraq.”

However, the president does not plan to put any US troops directly on Iraqi or Syrian soil.

According to an article by The New York Times, the president’s national security advisor Susan E. Rice said that “there has been no recommendation from the American military advisors, either on the ground or here in Washington, that the United States put any ground combat forces into Iraq.”

RM student’s responses to US intervention have been mixed.

“Continued airstrikes and an American ground offensive will fuel ISIS,” said Khan. “It will stoke anti-US sentiment and strengthen the ISIS platform by growing the pool of disillusioned peoples ready to be recruited. The best way of diminishing the ISIS threat is to take away the fuel.”

Complementing Khan’s opinion, Junior Alex Echikson said “the best option currently is to give money and arms to local GRAPHIC BY NANCY JIANG groups and to solid allies. The UN and US The map above shows ISIS conquests & seized territories in the Middle East Area. don’t have the capability to do this alone.”

At the beginning of October, both the UK and Turkey authorized military action against ISIS. As ISIS spreads its reign of terror, it needs new recruits to fuel its war machine.

It both forces locals to convert or die and attracts young people from around the world.

Western governments are now trying to raise awareness in people as young as high schoolers, teaching them the wrongdoings of the terrorist group in an attempt to prevent further recruitment.

The ISIS beheadings in the past month have only been the most recent strain of their extremist agenda.

The videos of bloody executions surfaced on August 19 with the beheading of freelance journalist James Foley.

Since then, ISIS has publicized killings weekly, including those of multiple other kidnapped westerners.

“It was kind of scary, since you never know what they’re going to do next. when a group comes out and does something crazy like that,” junior Kevin Ying said.

This marks only the beginning of efforts, however, as ISIS will likely stay active despite military countermeasures.

It remains a major regional power, and further efforts to strengthen the hold on ISIS continue. According to CNN, Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby said that “this is a complicated, difficult, cultural, religious, geographic struggle that we are facing here in Iraq and Syria and it’s not going to be solved overnight and it’s not going to be solved through bombs.”

The US could be looking at yet another conflict for years to come, whether or not it wants to be dragged down into another long war. Nonetheless, the ISIS crisis continues in full swing, leaving the world waiting and watching for the next events to unfold in the subsequent days and months.

Exchange student Ivana Hritzova on Slovakia vs RM

by Akanksha Girish Richard Montgomery is happy to host our newest foreign exchange student, Ivana Hritzova, from Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.

She will be attending Richard Montgomery for the first semester of her sophomore year.

Hritzova was very eager to come to America as she said, “I came to improve my English, meet new people, and make new friends. I really wanted to experience an Americanized school, and the whole trip has allowed me to become more independent.”

So far, Hritzova has loved all of the exposure she has been getting to our culture, and she cannot wait to celebrate the upcoming holidays.

For example, Hritzova is very excited to spend Halloween with her host family as they attend a themed party and go trick-ortreating.

With all of the holidays coming up in the next couple of months, Hritzova looks forward to learning about various American customs.

In Slovakia, Hritzova plays tennis, does hip-hop and jazz dancing, and hangs out with her friends and family in her free time.

Now in America, she continues to play tennis as part of the varsity tennis team, a privilege new to her. Back in Bratislava, there are no school sports teams, so Hritzova enjoys the new experience of being part of a team where she can make new friends.

She appreciated the opportunity to compete against other girls from different schools around the county.

Hritzova also said, “In my free time in America, I love to visit new places that I have not seen yet.” Thus far, Hritzova’s host family has taken her to Washington, DC, Philadelphia, and camping in Assateague Island National Seashore in Virginia.

Hritzova has noticed many differences

between America and Slovakia, mainly regarding the school system.

At her home school, the teachers switch instead of the students, and the students have to take 16 predetermined courses without any electives. Slovakian students also have a different schedule every day.

One of Hritzova’s favorite experiences at Richard Montgomery has been the school spirit because her old school did not have all of the spirit days, football games, and pep rallies that are a norm in American schools.

So far, Hritzova has been to two football games, and is excited to attend many more, including the homecoming game and dance.

Along with all of the spirit, Hritzova loves the language, holidays, and the wide range of exotic sweets available in America.

Most importantly, though, she loves all of the different kinds of people she has met at Richard Montgomery.

Hritzova said, “In America, I can see a huge diversity throughout the whole school that was not so prominent back home in Bratislava.”

Particularly at Richard Montgomery, Hritzova admires our new principal, Mr. Damon Monteleone.

“He is a lot younger than my principal back in Slovakia, so Mr. Monteleone can really understand us teenagers,” she said.

“He seems really friendly, and he talked to me about how much he travels,” she added. Hritzova very much appreciated the principal’s welcome and the comfortable atmosphere at Richard Montgomery to ease her into the American lifestyle.

Currently, Hritzova is taking Nutritional Health, French, Ceramics, Algebra, English, Government, and Sociology at RM. Besides English and French, Hritzova also knows Slovak, German, and Czech.

Even though Hritzova has been loving all of time she gets to spend in America, she still misses her family and friends.

However, she is very excited, come January when she returns home, to tell all of her relatives about the amazing spirit

and culture she was exposed to in the United States, and specifically at Richard Montgomery High School.

“I am look forward to telling my friends about all the differences I saw in America, to tell them about my new

friends, about the holidays and school dances, like Homecoming, and about how I changed my perspective about the world as I experienced more about America,” added Hritzova. RM is lookiung forward to fostering a stronger exchange program.

PHOTO BY JENNIFER ZHANG

Having now lived in both Bratislava and Rockville, Hritzova said she has developed a new perspective of her home in Slovakia, the United States, and the broader world.

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October 2014

The Tide

by David Zhang and Stuti Ganatra Music Clubs: Acapella Groups: Accent, Resonance, Testostertones, Lonely Hearts, and Sound Rocket Music Collective: promotes and shares music from all genres though mediums such as The Tide, Facebook, and Soundcloud.

Volunteer/Outreach: Cookies for a Cause: Dedicated to raising money for hungry children through bake sales, as well as hosting baking tutorials for all interested.

Kids Are Scientists Too: A national nonprofit corporation whose goal is to inspire elementary and middle school students to be interested in science and learning through fun, interactive science sessions.

Key Club: Offers students an opportunity to engage in student service and community projects throughout the school and the Richard Montgomery community.

Let’s End the Stigma: Dedicated to fighting the stigma surrounding mental illness and substance abuse disorders. Will sponsor monthly seminars, spread awareness, and participate in Two Write Love On Her Arm’s Storytellers Project.

Red Cross: Supports the Red Cross organization and organizes local school events to aid the community.

Technology: Darklux: Organization dedicated to creating and collaborating on compelling visuals.

Robotics: Provides members with a hands-on approach to robotics, eventually competing in the First Tech Challenge every year.

Team America Rocketry Club: dedicated to designing, building, and competing a rocket that will meet the necessary criteria for the Team America Rocketry Challenge.

Science Clubs: Science Club: Fosters scientific interest and develop students’ talents for the future, through competitions, activities, and in-the-field experiences with science.

Math Team: Participates in math competitions

The 2014-2015 school year is off to a great start with respect to the clubs and sports at RM! Here are some of our most exciting clubs! against other schools throughout Montgomery County.

X-STEM: Helps middle schools with science activities like the Science Olympiad, Science Bowl, and Science Fair.

Careers: DECA: Prepares emerging leaders for careers in marketing, finance, and management. Students compete in competitions at the regional, state, and international level.

Medical Careers Club: Provides competitions in Biology, exposure to internships in the medical fields, and opportunities to participate in medical related fundraisers such as the Susan G. Komen “Race for the Cure”.

Mock Trial: Offers an opportunity to argue your case to the bitter end, or to the state championships, as RM mock trial did in the 2014 season.

Honor Societies: National Honor Society, English Honor Society, French Honor Society, Math Honor Society, National Chinese Honor Society, Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Tri-M/Music Honor Society, and Art Honor Society Public Speaking: Forensics: Richard Montgomery’s award winning public speaking and competitive acting team. Join to compete in countywide tournaments and meet not only students from RM, but also a variety of people from other schools.

Model UN Club: Prepares members for conferences held at universities, where members are tasked with representing a given country on an important issue in a debate.

Drama/Black Masker’s: Annually performs one musical in the fall, One Acts (student-directed productions) in the winter, and one play in the spring.

1. What piece of advice would you give students about balancing their school work and social life?

3.What extracurricular(s) do you suggest and why?

“Start with the end in mind. What are your goals?

Whatever balance supports those goals is what I would choose.”

-Spanish teacher, Mr. Trovillion

“Hands down, it’s Volunteers in Archaeology: earn service hours, learn a lot, and join professionals in the fieldwork and lab.”

-History teacher, Mr. Hines

“Make a schedule ahead of time. Also get plenty of sleep. That should be the first priority: sleep, then academics, then social life.”

-Science teacher, Mrs. Ghent Paolucci

2. What is the biggest difference between high school and middle school that freshmen should expect? How should they then approach this difference?

“Well I run Robotics club and Video Game club.

Robotics is great because there’s a lot of opportunity to learn new things that can be applied in the real world. In Video Game club, we come in, play some games, multiplayer games like Mario Kart and Smash Brothers, things like that. We are currently working on putting together a school-wide tournament for Smash Brothers.”

-Introduction to Engineering and Design and ATA teacher, Mr. Carnahan

“There are a lot more demands on your time and organization so keeping yourself organized is crucial. Oh, and don’t take too many mental health days.”

- Photography teacher, Mrs. Gould

“Something that they don’t get during their everyday.

So if they’re really involved in science and math, maybe a music group or dancing. Sports are always good.”

-Science teacher, Mrs. Ghent Paolucci

“One of the differences is that there is more responsibility on the student. That YOU have to take the initiative. Also, be able to approach the teachers and say, “Hey, I have a problem that I need to get help with.”

-English teacher, Mr. Oakes

“There’s so many of them. I happen to be the sponsor for the Red Cross Club. We do a lot of good work to help other people so it’s a good club.”

-Social studies teacher, Mrs. Stevenson

“Try to stay as organized as you possibly can. That way you don’t have anything that’s catching you off-guard.”

-Introduction to Engineering and Design and ATA teacher Mr. Carnahan

“The biggest difference is atmosphere and expectation for work outside of class. In high school, we [the teachers] need to start to let go. In college you don’t want the big let go to happen and be smacked. In high school you got 4 years to get used to “alright it’s on me”. It’s not all “gimme gimme gimme”. If you don’t let go, you’re gonna get to college and have no idea how to cope. Sadly that happens and they turn around and say “I’m not prepared”. Well no duh.”

-Math teacher, Mrs. Goetz

“Anything related to Chinese culture. A couple of years ago we had a Dragon Boat Race club and students can participate by joining and practicing what is the traditional dragon boat race. They can represent our school and go to the Potomac River, around May, and do the race.”

-Chinese teacher, Mrs. Smith

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PHOTO BY RACHIT AGARWAL

They are here to teach and mentor.

Here is some life advice from RM’s staff

by Cynthia Wang and Shiri Kalai

October 2014

The Tide

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Your guide to local munchies and lunch favorites!

by Cindy Zeufack and Kathy Li

OME TO

M

At Richard Montgomery Hungry Howie’s: Convenient pizza truck in front of the parking lot, $6 for a pizza and a drink, come at the start of lunch to avoid the line Rockville Town Center: 10-12 minute walk, use exit by school cafeteria Giuseppi’s Pizza Plus: Pizza and fries, $6 for 2 slices of cheese pizza and a large soda, $4 for fries Potbelly: $10 will get you an original sandwich, cookie, and a milkshake or smoothie. You can order online in advance at https://orders.potbelly.com/ Ben & Jerry’s: Ice cream and cookies, around $4 for kids’ cones California Tortilla (CalTort): Burritos, tacos, fajitas, and quesadillas; around $7-10 dollars for a whole meal Starbucks: A well-loved study spot, offers coffee and other beverages, pastries, and light meals. Drinks are anywhere from $2 - $6, food from $3 - $7.

Noodles & Co: Noodles and pasta, around $7 for a small bowl of pasta and a fountain drink. You can order online in advance at http://www.noodles.com/ orderonline/.

Five Guys: Burgers, hot dogs, grilled sandwiches, and fries. Around $10-$12 for a whole meal

Wendy’s: Burgers, salads, and fries, across the street from Ritchie Center on Rockville Pike. Around $3 - $8 for a whole meal Wintergreen Plaza: 13-15 minute walk, use exit by auditorium, best to leave at beginning of lunch Chipotle: Burritos, tacos, salad, and chips & guacamole; leave early or order ahead at https://order. chipotle.com/ to avoid the line. Costs about $7 for a main and about $3 more to add chips & guacamole Dunkin Donuts: Donuts, coffee, breakfast, and sandwiches. Around $1 per donut, $2-5 for beverages, $4 for sandwiches

Ritchie Center: 10 minute walk, use exit by auditorium CVS: Snacks, candy, and drinks. Prices vary.

IHOP: Pancakes and breakfast food, around $8 for most meals 7-11: snacks, drinks, lunch foods including pizza and chicken wings. Relatively cheap Jumbo Jumbo Bubble Express: Chinese food and bubble tea. Bubble tea is around $4, most food under $10 La Limeña: Peruvian food, half-chicken with two sides is a popular choice among students for about $7

PHOTO BY CATHERINE WANG

PHOTO BY RACHIT AGARWAL

Your knowledgeable peers and upperclassman share their acquired wisdom from the years.

“Time management is the key to surviving high school. You need to prioritize your assignments, complete your homework the night before it’s due, and if you’re really good about it, even study for assessments a few days beforehand to make sure you understand the class material.”

- Michael Huang, Grade 12 “Keeping organized is the key to keeping up in school. Write down things in your planner, estimate how much time you have for each, and devote that amount of time solely. If you don’t understand something and it’s taking you too long, have a teacher to explain it to you. If you manage your time well, no assigned homework should take you more than an hour.”

- Julian Avenilla, Grade 11 “Freshman year, don’t screw around. Because while it is easy if you slack off you won’t be ready for the barrage of work that comes in sophomore year. Manage your time and work and any extracurricular activities -- it pays off.”

- Judah Canizares, Grade 11 “Get your time/energy management under control. Learn when you work best (for me it’s early in the morning before school starts) and try to develop a sense of how long assignments take so you can plan better. Work somewhere that isn’t where you relax (library, basement, etc.).

- Raja Ramesh , Grade 11 “Learn how to manage your time wisely - if you can balance your work and free time, you should be able to get lots of work done and still have time for extracurriculars, hobbies, etc. Try to not do work and play at the same time; You’ll be less efficient on your work and you won’t enjoy your play time that much either. Also, try to sleep early so that you can be energized and ready for the next school day.”

- Amy Chen, Grade 11

“Eat food so that you don’t fall asleep in class.”

- Ryan Choi, Grade 9 “Stay on top of your work, and don’t stress about your grades too much if they aren’t where you want them to be. Just keep working hard to get them heading in the right direction. Work with teachers, talk to people in your classes, and do your homework. If you start feeling sad about your grades, talk to someone and then get stuff done. If you get another bad grade because you were in a bad mood that day, then you’ll probably stay in a bad mood.”

- Chloe Eoyang, Grade 9 “Definitely stay on top of your work, do all your homework, take notes when the teacher tells you to take notes, try to stay on top of studying for all your tests, because if you fall behind you’ll most likely stay behind, and it’ll be a lot more of extra work to catch up.”

- Natalie Gately, Grade 10 “Don’t bring wheely backpacks to school.”

-Milkom Abose, Grade 12 “You should come to Homework Club because it is very resourceful and the sponsor focuses on you and helps you with whatever you need.”

-Isis Offutt, Grade 12

by Ravi Kemburu, Ami Thaivalappil, and Grace Wang

14

The Tide

LA MAREA

Octubre del 2014

Mes nacional de la herencia hispánica: Aspectos más interesantes de Latinoamérica de Sara Garcia-Beech y Gabreiel Velarde La cultura hispana tiene una variedad y riqueza inmensa. Entre sus orígenes indígenas, las influencias africanas y las tradiciones católicas, siempre hay algo de decir sobre esta cultura única e interesante. Cada año, se celebra el mes de los hispanohablantes en cctubre para conmemorar estas tradiciones.

Pero, ¿por qué se celebra en octubre?

“El 12 de octubre es el encuentro de las razas de los españoles con los indígenas [de América],” dijo Señora Antonetti, una profesora de español en nuestra escuela.

Ese día, Cristóbal Colón encontró las Américas, algo que cambio el mundo.

Desde entonces, hay más de 20 países con español como su idioma nacional, y muchos más que lo hablan y disfrutan de su cultura rica. Todos estos países, menos España, se encuentran en las Américas, que fueron descubiertas por Colón hace poco más de 500 años.

Pero la cultura hispana es mucho más que el descubrimiento de las Américas.

La cultura hispana es única en todo el mundo, y se compone de celebraciones, costumbres, comida y música diferente a

los de cualquier otro país.

La Navidad, una de las celebraciones más importantes de Latinoamérica, se celebra desde Nochebuena, el 24 de diciembre, hasta el Día de los Reyes, el 6 de enero. Estas dos semanas incluyen villancicos navideños, la cena grande de Nochebuena con la familia, la quema de pólvora y luces de Navidad, los escenarios del nacimiento de Jesucristo, las posadas, y las pastorales.

Al final de las celebraciones, en el 6 de enero, se entregan los regalos de los Reyes Magos a todos los niños.

Otro celebración en la cual puedes encontrar ropa lindísima e única a la cultura hispana, es la quinceañera. Se puede encontrar esta celebración en casi todos los países hispanohablantes.

Cuando una niña cumple quince años, su transición a una mujer es celebrada con una gran fiesta. Lleva un vestido muy lujoso, normalmente de colores suaves, y hay un baile especial con su padre o hermano.

Pero estas celebraciones famosas y muy interesantes no definen a la cultura hispana en sí misma. La ropa, como las costumbres, consiste de una mezcla de estilos europeos tradicionales con los colores y diseños llenos de color con orígenes indígenas. En

algunas celebraciones, como el Carnaval, se puede ver gente disfrazada de reyes y princesas, hadas, gitanos, matadores, animales exóticos y mucho más.

GRÁFICO DE CYNTHIA SONG

Las empanadas son una de las comidas más famosas y favoritas entre los países latinoamericanos.

La comida de Latinoamérica es única y placentera y cualquiera quisiera comer y saborear la comida dulce y encantadora.

Las frutas especiales de cada región es una de las cosas que cambia más de país a país, pero generalmente añaden un sabor fresco y saludable a la comida muy agradable.

Lo mejor de la comida son los postres.

Unos de los postres más populares entre todo el mundo hispanohablante incluyen el budín de coco, el arroz con leche, y la espuma de mango boliviana. Como se puede ver, la fruta es un gran componente de los postres latinos.

También comida latinoamericana es famoso por sus platos de comida más conocidos. Unos son son el picante de pollo, papas a la huancaína y pique macho.

La música, como la comida, es una parte muy importante de la cultura hispana, y se escucha en ocasiones especiales, para sentirse bien cuando uno tiene un buen día, o simplemente para disfrutarse. Suele ser muy energética y animada, pero sin duda alguna es música para bailar.

Los bailes populares incluyen la saya, el caporal, la morenada, la diablada, el tango, la salsa, el merengue, la cumbia y la bachata. Cada uno de estos bailes tiene aspectos que los hacen importantes, energéticos y divertidos. Aprender algunos de estos bailes es esencial para ir a una discoteca en un país hispanohablante.

Aunque cada país tiene sus propias tradiciones y cultura diferentes a los demás, hay celebraciones, costumbres, comidas y música universales que juntas, crean esta cultura hispana única en todo el mundo.

Capítulo nuevo de esta ESOL: Problemas que sociedad trabajadora se presentan a MCPS de Daniela Rojas

Este año escolar 2014-2015, RM presenta un nuevo capítulo de la Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, uno que quizás pueda llegar a ser el mejor que ha tenido nuestro colegio.

Primero que todo, comenzamos el año con unos nuevos y entusiasmados líderes, las presidentas Nancy Jin y Katie Derkics, mi persona como vicepresidenta, Liz Choi como tesorera y los encargados de las diferentes secciones: William Wang para las tutorías, Kimberly Steininger para las actividades culturales y Zack Khan para las actividades de servicio comunitario.

Estos estudiantes están llenos de energía listos para tomar las riendas de la sociedad.

Una de las presidentas, Nancy Jin, dice que “personalmente me siento muy honrada de haber sido escogida como presidenta porque el español es un idioma el cual he estado estudiando desde sexto grado. Es fantástico el tener esta oportunidad de tomar este idioma y cultura que he llegado a amar.”

La consigna de la sociedad es involucrar a todos los estudiantes de Richard Montgomery en las actividades y la cultura hispana.

“Es fantastico... tomar este idioma y cultura que he llegado a amar.”

También tenemos una excelente serie de actividades como las noches de películas y el evento de danza latina en el segundo semestre. Está, por supuesto también, el programa de tutorías, a través del cual todos los estudiantes que tengan problemas con las lecciones y el material podrán conseguir ayuda.

Asimismo, se ha iniciado un blog cultural llamado “El Alma Latina” con Sedef Berk como su editora en jefa. El

de Lisa Hernandez

como ESOL para ayudar a estos jóvenes.

Debemos instar públicamente más fondos para estos programas y exigir más atención hacia los problemas con el sistema.

Además, la escuela debería emplear a

Cada año, miles de jóvenes hispanos emigran a los Estados Unidos sin poder hablar inglés. Estos jóvenes entran a sistemas escolares como MCPS con esta desventaja impidiendo su éxito. El no poder comunicarse con la mayoría de las personas aquí presenta a estos jóvenes con muchos problemas en todos los aspectos de sus vidas, pero especialmente en la escuela.

Las razones por las cuales emigran son bastantes y complicadas, pero al final todos se enfrentan con los mismos problemas.

La barrera lingüística es solo el principio, ya que a la misma vez estos jóvenes son sumergidos en una cultura completamente diferente de la suya.

Muchos de estos jóvenes también se sienten aislados socialmente. Sienten como más maestros de todas las materias que si no fueran aceptados. Con frecuencia, se hablan español. les hace muy difícil hacer amigos o amigas.

Los maestros de ESOL pueden tener Ellos también mejores relaciones con sienten frustración al sus estudiantes y pueden no poder destacarse enseñarles mejor si se ac adé mic ame nte . pueden comunicar con El Sr Donelly, ellos en su propio idioma. un maestro de También es importante ESOL en Richard emplear maestros Montgomery, habló bilingües de otras materias de como el sistema como matemáticas, escolar falla a estos ciencia, etc. porque el jóvenes. hecho de salir de ESOL no “El sistema los significa que los jóvenes prepara para el se puedan comunicar con fracaso al darles fluidez en inglés. exámenes que Nosotros los estudiantes ponen a prueba también podemos ayudar sus habilidades de a estos jóvenes hispanos. lectura y escritura Debemos tratar de porque estos entenderlos y hablar con GRÁFICO DE NANCY JIANG jóvenes todavía ellos para hacerlos sentir están aprendiendo bienvenidos al país y a la el lenguaje” dijo el profesor. escuela. Todos los estudiantes bilingües Lo bueno es que nosotros, también podrían ser tutores de los jóvenes individualmente y como una identidad en ESOL. escolar, podemos ayudar a estos jóvenes.

Aunque es triste pensar en los problemas Lo más importante que nosotros debemos que estos jóvenes se enfrentarán, es hacer es reconocer que si hay un problema. importante recordar que nosotros tenemos Como una comunidad, debemos entender el poder de ayudarlos. Todos debemos que estos jóvenes necesitan nuestra ayuda. ayudarlos porque el sentarse con las manos Deberíamos apoyar a programas cruzadas viendo su lucha no es una opción.

“El sistema los prepara para el fracaso al darles exámenes [de lectura]... porque estos jóvenes todavía están aprendiendo el [inglés].”

GRÁFICO DE VALENCIA FU

La Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica se representa con este símbolo. Se puede ver en las camisas de los que pertenecen a esta sociedad. propósito del blog es compartir con todos los estudiantes de RM la cultura hispanohablante a través de la comida.

Berk ha dicho que lo mejor del blog es “tener la oportunidad de experimentar con diferentes recetas y comidas de varias naciones.” La primera estudiante en contribuir con una receta latina fue Lisa Mena de Costa Rica, quien nos dio el secreto para hacer un delicioso pastel tres leches.

Ustedes como lectores también pueden aportar recetas típicas que quieran compartir con el resto del colegio. Este blog es un proyecto que se comenzó este año gracias a Katy Derkics, esperamos que la página tenga bastante éxito y se continúe como tradición en los próximos años.

En nombre de la Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica espero que disfruten de este nuevo y mejorado capítulo y aprovechen de participar en nuestra variedad de eventos culturales, los cuales serán tanto divertidos como enriquecedores.

En caso de que quieran contactar a uno de estos magníficos tutores el correo de la sociedad es rmspanishhonorsociety@ gmail.com.

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October 2014

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ARTS

Bonobo concert lights up DC

October 2014

The Rocket Music Collective’s

hop beats, released his first studio album “Cirrus” in 2000. Since then, Bonobo has released four more albums including his latest, “The North Borders”.

The 930 Club came alive on Friday, In celebration of the album, Bonobo is September 26, as hundreds of concert go- currently on a worldwide tour that will ers streamed in through the entrance on end in late November after 175 shows. The V Street. Filling the dance floor and lining North Borders Tour consists primarily of the balconies, they were all there to see an DJ sets by Green and other guest artists. iconic downtempo musician: Simon Green. Music from his newest album is mixed in The concert first kicked off with an with tracks by other electronic and downunexpected opening act. Wearing a blue tempo musicians. denim shirt, electronic music producer JimBonobo performed a DJ set on Friday E Stack started the night off with “Some- night at the 930 club, one of the final shows wheres”, a hit off his recently released EP of his tour. The concert kicked off with “Tell Me I Belong”. Stack continued to play bright lasers shining through the venue for the next hour with one that mimicked the music. “The lastunning track after ansers were a nice touch to the other. already hyped dynamic Each song repof the room,” said Lonresented many gest. hours of hard Throughout the set, work of carefully Bonobo mixed dance combined synth music with more chill instruments and tracks to create a pera broad range of fect performance. The percussion to creaudience responded ate a deep elecwith just as much entronic vibe. thusiasm, dancing and “Jim-E Stack cheering the entire could potentially time. be one of the best The concert ended in his genre,” said with an encore as Green Junior Hayden played two more GRAPHIC BY NANCY JIANG Longest, “He tracks, pleasing the had the energy, he got the crowd audience once again. into the music, and he did it with style and Longest described it as, “The perfect way to class,” Longest added, “Overall, he was a end a remarkable night.” very good producer and DJ, I would defiThe concert may have ended, but nitely see him again.”

Green’s future is bright. As he has done in Not to be outdone, Simon Green, more the past, Green will likely wait anywhere commonly known by his moniker Bonobo, from one to five years to release new music. followed up Stack’s set with increasing With one hit album after another, a growenergy. Bonobo, who has been a major ing fanbase, and a constantly developing player in the downtempo scene with his style, Green is surely on the path to starunique, jazz-influenced melodies and hip dom.

by Ben Rosenburg

GRAPHIC BY CYNTHIA SONG

Shows to fall for this season

by Christa Karim

GRAPHIC BY GRACE SUN

The film exhibits monstrous creatures, designed to kill, that reside inside the maze.

“Maze Runner” hype justified

by Jessica Ji and Magali Ngouabou

Imagine this: in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic future, a chosen teenager dares to stand up, break the status quo, and start a revolution. Sound familiar?

“The Maze Runner”, based on James Dashner’s novel, has all the hallmarks of the young adult formula popularized by movies such as the “Hunger Games” and “Divergent”.

The movie centers around a teenage boy named Thomas (Dylan O’Brien), and the group of young boys he is united with inside a mysterious maze. The ultimate goal has always been the same: to escape.

The beautiful sprawling scenery is sure to satisfy, and the computer animations of the Grievers - monstrous creatures inside the maze designed to kill - are both exquisite and gruesome.

The movie could have used a little extra to create an enticing plot. The screenplay and dialogue were overly cheesy and typi-

cal for a teen dystopian film. “I was a little reluctant to go watch the movie at first, but I was pleasantly surprised by the intensity of the performances in the movie,” said sophomore Heavenly Zheng.

The start of the film is startling, the audience is immediately thrust into action as Thomas is trapped in a rickety elevator.

“The opening scene was crazy,” said sophomore Chris Park, “I didn’t know what was going on, but I really wanted to find out.”

This tension is sustained through the film, which are filled with fast-paced action.

In contrast to the effectiveness of the opening scene, the ending of “The Maze Runner” is both unsatisfying and confusing. The jam-packed ending sets up the stage for a sequel, which is set to be released on September 18th, 2015.

Despite the ineffective screenplay and the overused ‘teenager starts a revolution in a dystopian future’ trope, director Wes Ball still manages to deliver a solid and entertaining film. For fans of the book and YA dystopian future storylines, “The Maze Runner” is a must-see.

This fall, you can expect more than just changing leaves and cozy sweaters. Some of the biggest networks are premiering several new series to enjoy. From romance-lovers to thrill-seekers, there is a show for you.

For all of the hopeless romantics, ABC’s new series, “Manhattan Love Story” and “Selfie” are two matches made in heaven.

The upcoming romantic comedy television series, “Manhattan Love Story” tells the quirky love story of two completely opposite personalities; a conceited young man named Peter and a humble young woman named Dana, who is a self-proclaimed hot mess.

GRAPHIC BY KELLEY LOU

The romantic sitcom Selfie is a modern take on “My Fair Lady” about an insta-famous, “self-obsessed pharmaceutical sales rep ” who becomes a subject in an embarrassing viral video and seeks help from a marketing expert to revamp her image in the real world. Junior Ruby Meraj said, “Selfie was really funny, but it also had a lot of truth to it when talking about modern technology.”

For those looking for more excitement, shows like “Forever”, “Gotham”, or “Scorpion” are more up your alley. ABC’s new series, “Forever”, is an American drama series about the life of medical examiner Henry Morgan, who works in a morgue to solve the mystery of his unaccountable im-

mortality.

“Scorpion” is an fast paced new drama that revolves around a team of geniuses who are hired by the government to help solve complex, global crises.

GRAPHIC BY KELLEY LOU

Comic fans will be excited to hear about the new FOX series “Gotham”, based on the D.C. Comics Batman franchise. The show focuses on Gordon’s early days on the police force, but also features Bruce Wayne, Catwoman, Fish Mooney, and Riddler in supporting roles. Senior Starr Hill said, “It’s a great show. It’s interesting to see the characters when they were younger.”

A darker, more intense newcomer is “Stalker” on CBS. The thriller shows a pair of L.A. detectives investigating dangerous crimes for the Threat Assessment Unit of the LAPD. Senior Adam Ng said, “I can’t wait to see how this show develops; this seems different than the other dramas.”

“How to Get Away with Murder” is another chilling drama, revolving around a professor of law who doubles as a defense attorney. The show tackles issues such as

GRAPHIC BY KELLEY LOU

whether a client being guilty really matters, and what can be considered right.

Whether you love intense drama or witty comedy, there is something for everyone on television this season. The diverse content on television guarantees something of interest for everyone to enjoy. As the weather gets colder, make sure to grab your blanket and pumpkin latte and check out one of these exciting new fall shows.

ARTS

The Tide

October 2014

17

McClelland turns the ordinary into something extraordinary

by Lisa Hernandez Senior Haley McClelland’s passion for art has been a part of her for many years.

Even as a little girl, she would find herself doodling every chance she got. “I started creating art when I could first pick up a pencil,” she said.

This initial interest in art has paved the way for her to become the dedicated and talented artist she is today. In her four years at Richard Montgomery, Haley has already taken MYP Studio Art, Drawing and Design, and is currently in AP Studio Art and IB Art and Design.

Haley has described herself to have a “flowing” style. She added, “I have a variety of styles and never really stick to one thing. I’m sort of a chameleon and always changing.”

However, one recurring theme in Haley’s many varying pieces is her realistic, clean-cut drawing style. “The only constant thing in my art is my inspiration from realistic, everyday things,” she explained.

An unnamed piece of hers depicts a restaurant scene, with condiment bottles laid out on top of a checkered tablecloth.

The common subjects of the painting would seem almost mundane, if not for Haley’s clean lines and extremely vibrant colors.

Haley manages to make the ordinary seem extraordinary, infusing her subjects with

PHOTO BY HALEY MCCLELLAND

This piece is made with acrylic on canvas. such intensity and life that they seem to pop out of the canvas. “What amazes me about art is the ability to take something that we look at everyday and transform it into something we see in our minds,” she summarized eloquently.

Haley feels happiest when working on her art. Her main goal in creating art is to bring beauty to everything she sees beauty in, even if others might not agree with her views. “If I am happy with my art, then I don’t care what people think of it,” Haley said. This immunity to criticism allows her to have as much artistic freedom as possible.

Not only does art make her happy, but it also challenges her. “Art can be very difficult at times,” Haley voiced. Ideas do not always come to her immediately, and her creativity and imagination are frequently put to the test as she struggles to come up with a decent topic or message to portray.

One of Haley’s goals in creating art is to get rid of the notion that art classes are a soft option. “Art can be as exhausting as every other subject,” Haley explained.

“I don’t like it when people

say that art classes are easy.” However, she reiterated that even though her artist’s block sometimes gets the better of her, finishing a piece is one of the most rewarding things about being an artist.

One of these rewarding times occurred when Haley finished her favorite, as of yet untitled, piece depicting an eye. “The idea came suddenly,” she gushed. She finished the beautiful, black and white painting, done on a square canvas with acrylic, in just three nights. The intense-looking piece draws the eye, hinting at deeper themes of sadness and loss. “There is not one thing I’d change about it,” she proudly proclaimed.

A possible explanation to Haley’s talents and success lies in her very supportive family. When she was a little girl, she used to watch her grandmother paint. Her grandmother’s artistic presence, and the rest of her family’s encouragement, were great influences on her development as an artist. “They have been very open about supporting my art endeavors,” she spoke fondly. “They even put my art on the family Christmas card to show how much they like it.”

However, she admitted that she still has a lot to learn in order to continue do-

ing what she loves. One of these things is managing her time wisely. “I have a hard time keeping myself spaced,” Haley said.

Overcoming her need to please others with her art has also been one of her many artistic hurdles. “Always draw what you see, instead of what other people tell you,” she said.

Instead of depicting flashy, abstract images in her art, Haley prefers to depict everyday objects in a more artistic light, shown through her many pieces of food, people, and objects that can be found around the house.

In addition to art, Haley participates in poms during the fall and winter, and girls lacrosse in the spring. She is also a member of the National Art Honors Society and is one of the five curators for AP and IB Art. As for her future, Haley has big plans.

“I would love to pursue art as a career,” she stated assertively. Although she is unsure about the specifics, it is clear that Haley’s passion and talent will take her far. In a society where science is becoming more valued, good art is hard to find. When describing the types of reactions she wants her art to garner, Haley smiled and simply said, “I want them to be blown away.”

PHOTO BY HALEY MCCLELLAND

PHOTO BY RACHIT AGARWAL

McClelland draws her inspiration from everyday objects, such as fries and ketchup.

Making music without instruments: pursuing vocal passion

by Katherine Wang and Daniel Del Pino The Richard Montgomery 2014-2015 school year is beginning with a fresh start with this year’s five a cappella groups: Resonance, Accent, Testostertones, Lonely Hearts, and Sound.

A cappella is a type of music dependent on only solo or group singing without any accompanying instruments, recently gaining popularity with the success of the boxoffice hit movie, “Pitch Perfect”. Through the combination of their diverse skill sets and tight harmonies, a cappella artists can perform a variety of genres in a unique and unforgettable way.

Richard Montgomery a cappella in particular has been around the school since 1998, becoming a fantastic source of fun and experience in music and leadership.

Rehearsals, auditions, and other group activities are solely organized by the captains, with limited aid from the facilitator, chorus and AP Music Theory teacher Ronald Frezzo, who supervises all of the school’s a cappella groups.

Resonance is the only all-female a cappella group, led by senior Michelle Schrier.

Schrier has been with the group since her freshman year and described it as an opportunity for girls who feel like singing outside of drama, and chorus class. The group is celebrating its sixth year at Richard Montgomery with nine members performing a wide variety of repertoire like pop, rock, indie, and Broadway showtunes.

Testostertones is the all-male a cappella group, with seniors Nate Peterman and Kai Chang as co-captains. The group does not focus on a particular genre, but explores all kinds of music imaginable, with “Hooked

plores all kinds of music imaginable, with “Hooked on a Feeling” by Blue Suede as their current piece. Max Moss said, “Ttones is different because our male sound just carries a power and tone that the other groups can’t match.”

Lonely Hearts moves past these gender divides as a co-ed a cappella group specializing in 60’s music. “There was a lack of rock and indie music in the a cappella groups,” senior Oksana Mitchell said.

Lonely Hearts is currently working on “Carry on My Wayward Son” by Kansas, and is thinking of trying “Barbara Ann” by the Beach Boys next.

Accent is another gender encompassing, co-ed a cappella group, utilizing cur-

rent pop songs as their performance material. Junior Leslie Schneider said, “We’re definitely the cutest group.” Accent is contributing to the contemporary genre in the a cappella scene with their current piece, “Somebody That I Used to Know”

by Gotye.

Sound is the youngest a cappella group, started this year by seniors Conor Hol lingsworth. They hope Sound can get up and running efficiently without the legacy that other groups have. “We basically don’t know each other yet,” said Hollingsworth, “but hopefully we’ll be able to sing songs and perform soon.” Right now, Sound is working on “5 Year’s Time” by Noah & The Whale.

All groups have completed their auditions, and with weekly practices, the a cappella groups are kicking into full gear to get ready for a whole year of performances.

“It’s a lot of hard work,” said sophomore Sonia Postolache, “but its definitely worth the adrenaline on stage.”

Richard Montgomery a cappella also lets students to improve musical abilities like sight singing and share their talents at coffee houses or even concerts. “It gives students an opportunity to gain experience in performance and style of music not taught in class,” said Mr. Frezzo. Schneider added, “It’s really exciting when we sound good...like, we did that by ourselves? Without any instruments?”

PHOTO BY RACHIT AGARWAL

The longest-running coed a cappella group, Accent, practices its harmonies in the hallway, preparing for the upcoming fall concert.

18

The Tide

FEATURES

October 2014

Introducing the 2014 Senior Homecoming Court

by Devin Bajaj

by Tim Wang

THE MEN

THE LADIES

Say hello to RM’s snazziest gentlemen.

Not only have these fine guys won our hearts over, but they also exhibit talents varying from football to music. Elected by the Senior Class of 2015 during Homecoming Week, these guys demonstrate all facets of the Richard Montgomery experience and display true RM spirit! Whether decked out in black and gold or in their homecoming finest, they go the extra mile in bringing energy to the school community.

Meet these ten lovely ladies, with interests ranging from varsity sports to Cards Against Humanity, personalities ranging from quirky to bombastic, and hobbies ranging from art to baking.

They represent the variety that can be found at RM, just as much as their formal homecoming dresses. These girls are heavily involved in the RM community, whether in extracurriculars such as SGA or advanced AP/IB art classes.

Above: Laura Kohler and David Silverberg Below: Grace Kim and Alex Fehlinger

HOMECOMING KING

HOMECOMING QUEEN

ALEX FEHLINGER:

GRACE KIM

“I’m the one your mother warned you about.”

HUNTER HARRISON:

“#1 on the baseball field and #1 in your hearts.”

“A quote I live by, ‘Don’t worry, be happy’.”

Haley McClelland and Chad Griffiths PHOTOS COURTESY OF LIFETOUCH PHOTOGRAPHY

KEVIN CHATLIN:

“People say life is like a marathon, not a sprint. Well I sprint marathons, it’s as simple as that.”

ERIN KOPPEL

“Don’t ask me what I want to be when I grow up...cause I don’t have a clue.

But I know that I’ll definitely be doing something that keeps me and others around me happy.”

BINTU TRAORE

“I love RM and getting to be involved in SGA, POMS, and the overall uplifting spirit we have as a student body, has made my experience here amazing. Go rockets!”

NATHAN POLAND:

“I’m spaceman because I lead the Rockets, I go hard in trials so don’t mock it. Court is an honor, after college deadlines I’m a goner.”

JACKIE SMITH

“If you can watch an entire season of a show in a day then we can be friends.”

ANDREW DEL VECCHIO:

LAURA KOHLER

“In my free time, I enjoy watching the Mighty Ducks and mixing hot cocoa with chocolate milk. I call it special drink.”

“12-13 words isn’t enough, so come by and say hi and I’ll give you a real quote in person.”

Seniors Alex Fehlinger and Grace Kim were crowned King and Queen on October 10.

HALEY MCCLELLAND

FRANK MOST:

“People say that nothing is impossible, but I do nothing everyday.’ -Winnie the Pooh

“I make movies and stuff.”

SAVANNAH BAILEY

CHAD GRIFFITHS:

“Tennis is my life and means the world to me. I have a barn and that’s where I like to spend my free time.”

“Sleep is for people who haven’t discovered YouTube.”

Above: Bintu Traore and Nathan Poland

TIM WHALEY:

“Life is like a box of chocolates you never know what you’re gonna get (Forrest Gump).”

INES AGUERRE

“I’m not really smart or funny but I make really good pecan pie.”

ROSA SCHOLL

DAVID SILVERBERG:

“The motto I live by is dream big, live bigger. Live life to the fullest.”

“My real name is Kevin Chatlin. The only thing I like better than burying myself in the dirt is un-burying myself.”

BAILEY DINMAN

CONOR HOLLINGSWORTH: “No I’ve never had tea with the queen.”

Above: Savannah Bailey and Frank Most Right: Conor Hollingsworth and Rosa Scholl

“I’m a self acclaimed cards against humanity champion, avid history tweeter, and terrible baker.”

FEATURES

The Tide

Hot off the Prez!

by Nathan Poland

This year the SGA hit the ground running. The first major event it put on this year was the annual Club Fair and Back-ToSchool-Night Club Showcase. This year, over 80 clubs signed up to be represented at this marvelous display of the variety and richness of Richard Montgomery’s studentrun activities.

One of the goals of the student government this year will be to promote more club involvement through a revived Club Cabinet initiative. This will be a virtual assembly of all the registered clubs at RM where presidents and officers of each club can coordinate with one another, request help, and share advice. If you are a registered club but have not been invited to be part of the Club Cabinet, please contact Nathan Poland.

PHOTO BY CONNIE CHEN

School President Nathan Poland In addition to creating more ways for student involvement, the SGA has continued its efforts to collect the feedback from the student body. On September 17th the first General Assembly of the year was held for all first period delegates to record and discuss upcoming events, and relay that information back to their class, as well as express the views of their class.

The next General Assembly will be on Wednesday, October 15th during 6th period. It is expected that each first period class send a delegate who is ready to relay all of their impressions and comments about homecoming and spirit week.

Another amazing upcoming event is the Rainbow Place Shelter Walk on Sunday, October 19th at 11:30 a.m. at 250 West Montgomery Avenue. The Rainbow Place Shelter is an emergency women’s homeless shelter that services Rockville in the winter months. Please signup for $25 and turn in your form to Room 216, or if you cannot, please attend for free to show your support for what this organization does for our community.

Next, the SGA is excited to congratulate the winner of the annual Canned Food Drive: Mr. Hines’ First Period Class. Mr. Hines would like to give a special thanks to Miranda Rosen, Ryan Liiva, Anne Kim, Jessica Kang, and Nancy Jin and his entire first period for helping him break his previous record. The winning class brought in a total of 2279 cans!

Second place goes to Mrs. Shay with 1687 cans. Third place goes to Mr. Kuney with 209 cans. As a school we collected around 6000 cans of food that will go to the Manna Food Bank and help feed the surrounding community. We would like to thank the students for their overwhelming support and outstanding effort!

Recently, Richard Montgomery

celebrated spirit week and homecoming. This year’s spirit days included the return of Class Color Day and the participation of seniors in toga day. These events went about without incident and as such will continue to be part of RM’s spirit week.

We would like to thank the students for being cooperative and respectful during that time.

Also, we hope you enjoyed a fun and exciting week. During lunch we had some exciting class competitions where students from different grades competed against each other.

This was the first year of class hallway decorations in the new school building. The seniors came in first place with their animal kingdom theme followed by the juniors in second place, the freshmen in third, and the sophomores in fourth. This activity was very exciting as a variety of students were able to work together to create something amazing.

That is why we will continue this tradition of decorating hallways for all of the following spirit weeks.

Overall, the winner of the class cup was the senior class.

Congratulations Class of 2015!

This year’s pep rally also featured exhilarating performances by the POMS and BOMS. It is our goal each time we have an event or a spirit week to provide entertainment and a means for the student body to express its spirit.

In addition, we would like to congratulate Alex Fehlinger and Grace Kim on winning Homecoming King and Queen!

Congratulations to the other Homecoming Court candidates as well!

The theme of the Homecoming Dance was A Night In Atlantis which featured a DJ, bubble machines, a photo booth, and a favor consisting of a customized cup filled with sea themed candy.

The dance flowed seamlessly and proved to be one of the best dances ever.Special thanks to Allie Parrish, Rosa Scholl, Winter Spray, and the rest of the Special Functions Committee for their hard work on making this dance possible.

Another thanks goes to all the parent chaperones for volunteering to help run the dance smoothly.

“The SGA has continued its efforts to collect feedback from the student body.”

If you have any comments or criticism please relate them to your first period delegate so they can be brought forth at the General Assembly. It is our desire to design and create the best homecoming experience with the most spirit and fun for all!

Lastly, congratulations to Isha Kathuria, Shannon Powell, Andrew Del Vecchio, Leo Simon, and Kiran Cunningham for being named the SGA Members of the Week for their hard work on homecoming and the canned food drive. Also, we would like to recognize Mrs. Kellinger and Ms. Furr for all that they do as advisors for the SGA. RM has a great year ahead!

October 2014

19

Introducing Mr. Eagleson that is not said too much is the fact that we have all these groups out there, literally

by Michael Khizgilov hundreds of different groups. The fact that every single person is able to find their Some of you may have noticed a niche really says a lot about this school.

Q. You are also a part of the football new face around RM this year, with Mr. Eagleson being the newest member of program here at RM, what is your opinion on the History department. We attempted that program?

A. I coach the quarterbacks and I to learn more about what makes the NSL personally believe that we have the best government and U.S. history teacher tick.

Q. What made you want to become a quarterbacks in the county. The best part of the program is the importance our players teacher?

A. It is something I always knew put on being well-rounded individuals. growing up. Both my parents were teachers It is not simply about football. We are and I had been preparing to become a trying to mold better people so when they graduate, Coach Klotz and I are proud to teacher since I was in 7th grade.

Q. What made you specifically want to say, “Man they’re going to do well in the future”. teach history?

Q. Did you play football in high school?

A. There is actually a funny story A. I played safety in high school. behind that. So I had this teacher named Q. How did you become the Quarterbacks’ Mr. Huzsar. He was my 8th grade history and he actually ended up being my 11th coach if you played safety?

A. It was purely out of necessity, Coach and 12th grade history teacher. He was Klotz wanted to bring an inspiration to me in as a coach and me because he was thought that we could such a smart guy do some big things and I loved how he together on offense. got his students into Q. Has it been hard history. He helped to adapt to being the me through the Quarterbacks’ coach? college application A. Not at all, I process and helped just tried to absorb me discover that and learn as much as I wanted to teach I could. I talked to history. other quarterbacks’ Q. How did your coaches around the teaching career start? county to learn from A. I had a them. It makes my job yearlong internship a lot easier to have such up in Howard talented players.

County after I got Q. What’s your my master’s degree PHOTO BY TONY SANDOVAL favorite part of being the at the University of Eagleson is the new JV football coach sQuarterbacks’ coach?

Maryland.

A. One of the things about being the Q. How was the transition from Julius West quarterbacks’ coach, from my experience, to RM? A. It feels like I just came up with the is the communication I have with the 8th graders from Julius West. As you players. We let each other know what may know we do that walk every year we think could be done better and the from Julius West to RM for the incoming communication we have has been really freshmen orientation and it was cool cool. I also really enjoy learning from the sitting in the Auditorium and receiving players.

Q. What do you think of the staff here at the presentations alongside the students.

It definitely made the first day of school RM? A. All the teachers have been really easier when I already know a lot of my receptive and I have been able to fit right students.

Q. What about the students that didn’t in. The history department here has been fantastic. Mrs. Lansell, come from Julius West? the department A. Actually, when head, is the best, and I looked at my roll without her I really on the first day of would be struggling school and I saw that right now. And there I already knew a lot of are so many other my students, it made departments, I wish I it easier to connect to could name them all. the ones I didn’t know.

But yeah overall it has Instead of meeting 150 been fantastic. new faces, I only had Q. Any funny first to learn a few new impressions of your names. fellow teachers?

Q: What differences A. Mr. Freda is a do you notice from rather funny guy in Julius West? general, but that first A. The school preservice week we is just so big and so had was hilarious. It different, but I really was almost a camp like it because as a environment with teacher I have a lot PHOTO BY SAMAR BEHDIN everyone telling more independence. Mr. Eagleson is the newest RM teacher stories and making There is also a lot more responsibility that comes with the job as fun of Mr. Freda. I am actually shy and reserved, but I was really able to open up well.

Q. What do you mean by more in that kind of environment. It was great.

Q. Any teachers who were intimidating responsibility?

A. In terms of the responsibility and when you first started teaching?

A. Coach Rogers - he’s a big guy and expectations, when an administrator or another teacher asks you do something, knows how to use his loud voice. He can you’re expected to be able to know how be scary and mean sometimes too.

Q. What teachers are you closest with? to do it and do it quickly to the best of A. Definitely Mr. Klotz. Not just your ability.

Communication is key.

Whereas in middle school there are more because of football but because I was team meetings and if I was asked to do actually roommates with him last year. We something, it would take a longer time for are really close friends.

Q. What activities do you enjoy outside of the process to occur.

Q. How do you like the culture and school?

A. Outside of school I really like to atmosphere at RM? A. I really like that we take pride in a lot fish., whether alone or with my father or of the things we do and that we take pride grandfather. When I’m having a rough in our academics. I think that we take pride day, it really relaxes me and allows me to in our sports teams. I think that one thing separate myself from reality.

20 The Tide

FEATURES

October 2014

Halls of RM is the newest photo club to arrive Halls of RM, cont. from page 1 and Manhattan, in that we have our own diverse community, as she said “Richard Montgomery encompasses all forms of teenage American life.”

And so, with such a large student body, it can be hard for us to extend beyond our already set friend circle.

To many people, our school seems divided based on pre-existing niches, which prevents us from discovering new opportunities and friendships. HORM’s goal is to unite students. With such a unique community, we can learn to expand our horizons.

The HORM photographing process goes like this: an interviewer/photographer duo approaches a student, and asks if they would be comfortable being interviewed.

Usually the student is asked rather simple questions, for example “who inspires you?” or “what was the happiest moment of your life?”

Conversation follows these questions, getting to know the interviewee on a more personal level. The interviewer then takes a photograph, which is portrait-like and casual, of the student. This photograph is posted online along with a quote on their website for everyone to appreciate.

The club holds a promising future. The founders plan to set the precedent for years to come and work with the principal and administration to promote HORM on the school website. Although the club is very new, Dinman and Neufeld have many propositions which include the creation of official media sites such as a website, Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram.

They are also thinking about creating a promotional bit on RMBC and a possible HORM section in the school yearbook.

The club’s members are eager to get the club up and running. Sophomore Jenny Chen explained, “I want to be a part of HORM because frankly, Humans of New York inspires me with every single post.

Both the interviews and photographs have

exposed me, along with many others, to the incredible diversity evident in Manhattan, New York.”

HORM seems like an amazing opportunity to be a part of something that will affect the way others see the world.

Club member senior Isha Kathuria said, “I really appreciate the diversity we have at RM. But with diversity comes judgement, and I think HORM can eliminate some of that. I want to be a part of making our student body more appreciative of our diverse community.”

Members of the student body are also excited for the growth of the club.

Junior Cindy Zeufack said, “I think it is an interesting concept. I mean I like the HONY blog, so I think I will like this too.

The fact that it is a more narrow focus and involves just our school makes it more appealing to me because I am more personally involved.”

The feedback for the club has been overwhelmingly positive, as students show interest towards becoming a unified school.

Freshman Victoria Crawford said, “I think that the club is a good way for people to be closer through the sharing of stories and lessons, since we share similar interests.”

Through HORM, Dinman and Neufeld hope to erase the social divisions between students. They also hope that students will gain a deeper appreciation for their peers, learn important lessons, and interact with each other more.

As the club sponsor, Mrs. Gould, said, HORM hopes “to give a voice to everyone at RM, and to give everyone a face in such a diverse community.”

Next time you walk through the halls of RM, take in the diversity of human life that the school encompasses.

Close your eyes and it may not sound too different from the hustle and bustle of a busy street in New York. Dinman hopes that by the time she leaves the halls of RM as a senior, she will have begun to unify the school and will have made a lasting positive contribution.

PHOTO BY JENNY CHEN

Senior Andie Neufeld (on the left) and senior Bailey Dinman (right) celebrate spirit.

PHOTO BY BAILEY DINMAN

Sophomore Bryony Hollingsworth “played soccer in England, but it’s been a real eye opener for her here. The intensity level is much higher in the States so [she]’s happy”

The hottest and coolest tech fads of this summer

by Irene Park and Grace Sun To be frank, summer can oftentimes be the season of boredom. Teenagers will find themselves with nothing to do but spend the majority of the warm, sunny days scrolling through their phones and tapping away on keyboards. It can be the same old same old.

Yet, this summer has introduced some interesting and exciting new Internet fads that may, in fact, have been worth the hours of staring at a four-inch screen. Aside from the norm – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Angry Birds – creators have managed to revolutionize the top-rated applications in the App Store with their new innovations.

“With the rapidly rising age of technology, the Internet has been developing quickly.”

Notably, the game “Kim Kardashian: Hollywood” has gained almost instantaneous support from addicted players. It was released in late June by Glu Mobile, aiming to give everyday people a glimpse into the world of stardom (which may not always be preferable, seeing that Kim Kardashian is not necessarily the best role model in the world). Typically referred to as “Kim K” or “Kardashian,” this app begins by allowing the user to create a character and select its gender, outfit, and name.

A brief guided tour then takes the character through a couple basics, like how to complete photoshoots, get a job,

and change clothing. The objective of this game is to get your character from the E-list to first rank on the A-list, or in other words, to become the most popular star in all of Hollywood! How cool is it to experience the life of a famous celebrity and Kim K’s best friend?

“Kim Kardashian: Hollywood” has received unbelievable support in just five months—keyword: unbelievable. Along with having been ranked fifth in the Apple App Store, Richard Montgomery students have also, for some reason, proven to have been enamored with the game during the summer.

According to sophomore Kaitlyn Wang, “I started playing the Kim Kardashian game just to see what the fuss was all about. The game kind of sucked me in it was pretty addicting - but I eventually gave up on it because it required a lot of waiting, which is something I do not have the patience for.”

Even with the blossoming of Kim K, other apps have quickly risen to the top summer charts, too. In particular, “Yik Yak”, an anonymous social networking app has made quite a statement.

Originally created with the intent of allowing college students to learn about the non-academic lives of their peers, “Yik Yak” has spread in popularity down to high schools, including the Richard Montgomery student body.

This is a location-based app that is completely anonymous, only displaying the “yak” to areas near where it was posted.

It can be used to post rants, statuses, shoutouts, and anything else you could possibly fabricate using only words.

You can also upvote or downvote any post to display your opinion on it. Senior Ellie Sherman claims that the great part about the app “is the fact that people can post anonymously.

They can have the gratification of

getting likes for their comments without the repercussions of voicing an unpopular opinion.” It is a great, though often not-

school-appropriate, way to find out about the social lives and viewpoints of your peers.

Furthermore, popular social media apps like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter have finally seen a huge trend go into play: The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

Videos of people dumping buckets of ice water on their heads have clogged up social media feeds as a means of raising awareness for a generally unrecognized, yet fatal disease.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a spinal cord disease that attacks motor neurons, paralyzing and killing its victims.

In order to attract the attention of millions of people online, the members of

als.org started a campaign with the intent of raising money along with some fun.

The challenge is to dump a bucket of freezing cold ice water on yourself within 24 hours of getting nominated, or donate one-hundred dollars (standard amount) to ALS research. At the end, you must tag more people to spread the word.

As sophomore Eric Tao says, “ALS challenge was popular because everyone deep inside wants to help the disorder one way or another. Also, the choice between Ice Bucket vs. Donation gave people the incentive to choose the ice bucket...it was the first major internet “chain” that was not entirely ridiculous, [so] it got a lot of attention.”

Though many argue that people can get out of this challenge through the ice bucket method, the amount of attention it has received overcomes the one setback, and this shows in the number of donations ALS charities have received.

The challenge rose to a whole new level of popularity. People all over the world, including celebrities such as Ellen Degeneres and Kim Kardashian, participated in the challenge.

As more celebrities started to participate, the level of popularity increased even more. The popularity has reached to the extent that it has creeped into countries like South Korea and Great Britain.

The hashtag #ALSicebucketchallenge plagued Instagram and Twitter all summer, even topping the Facebook trends list. What’s more fun than watching your family, friends, and idols dump freezing cold water all over themselves?

With the rapidly rising age of technology, the Internet has been developing quickly. It is inevitable that no matter where you go, the majority of people will be laughing at a meme on Facebook, Kik-ing their friends, or coming up with a witty caption for their Instagram post.

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October 2014

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The Tide

SPORTS

October 2014

Rockets football progresses despite obstacles

by Zack Khan and Syllia Newstead To quote Apollo Hester, a high school athlete from Texas who’s been gaining a lot of attention lately for his awe-inspiring post game speech, “At first, we started real slow. But that’s okay, because sometimes in life you’re going to start slow, but we told ourselves that we are always, always going to finish fast, no matter what the score. We are going to finish hard.”

These motivational words capture the essence of Richard Montgomery football right to its core. The Rockets have had a rough start, but they are going to finish, and finish hard.

The mighty Rockets kicked off the season with an away game against their rivals, the Rockville Rams. The Rams held the edge in the first half, giving them a lead that lasted through the game. However, the Rockets fought back during the second half, ending in a close game: 33-46.

Unfortunately, the Rocket’s first home game did not turn out in their favor, as they suffered a loss of 0-49 against the defending Class 4A state champion Northwest Jaguars. This, however, was not a “loss” for the Rockets, rather than an abrupt wake up call.

“At some point we realized there was not going to be hope for this season if we didn’t start really picking things up” commented junior lineman Judah Canizares. “It’s up to us to get that mind frame that puts us in the position to realize we have potential. That we have the ability to go toe to toe with anyone. We just need to stop saying it and

start doing.”

And the Rockets sure did quite a lot of “doing” in their first victory of the season, scoring a whopping 42 points against the Walter Johnson Wildcats.

However, this victory was short lived, as RM faced another loss against Sherwood, with a score of 27-43. But then the Rockets earned a victory over the Whitman Vikings,

They analyze game footage to determine their strengths and discuss how they can build on them. The team is constantly working on improving its football skills, and this dedication is what is turning them into great players.

Two of the team’s players, senior running backs Alex Fehlinger and Josh Dyson, dubbed the “thunder and lightning”

PHOTO BY FRANK AVENILLA

Alex Fehlinger evades opposing defenders in a game versus Poolesville High School. with a score of 31-20 on a Thursday night.

Even though the team may fall, it becomes stronger each and every time. “I believe in my team and the amount of work that we put in,” stated senior running back Josh Dyson.

After every loss, the team gathers around to assess their mistakes, but they do not take their victories for granted either.

of the team, are a valuable piece of the Rocket’s offense. Fehlinger, an aspiring track star, amassed over 200 yards against both Rockville and Whitman, making him one of the county’s leading rushers.

In response to the team’s successes this year, Fehlinger stated, “Our strength is definitely our talent. Coming into the season there were doubts, but we have

proven we can make plays against every team we’ve played.”

He also attributes a portion of the team’s success to the fans. “Fan turnout has definitely been huge at some games this season and I think we, as a team, feed off their energy.”

The incredible school spirit in the bleachers shows more about what it means to be a Rocket than any scoreboard can ever achieve.

“If the team is making sure to provide their best effort, and if other students can try to cheer the football team on more, they will only improve,” said sophomore Aila Jones.

There have also been many changes in the relationships between these athletes.

Compared to past years, Canizares believes that “We are a lot closer as a team. We trust each other more, and are less divided amongst each other.”

Fehlinger stated, “Everyone is willing to sacrifice for our ultimate goal, which has helped us immensely.”

Unfortunately, the mighty Rockets are still subject to the criticism of their peers and community. While some of the criticism is adverse and pessimistic, the Rockets take it all in stride. Canizares says, “We need it: it’s basically how we can improve each week.”

With a record of 2-5, the Rockets have come a long way from their bumpy beginning. With the strong support of their fellow peers, the loving comradery amongst team members, and the confidence boost from their recent wins, the mighty Rockets will continue to shine on the field under the Friday night lights.

Boys and girls soccer shoot for championships

by Ly Do and Tiger Zhang Another brand new school year at Richard Montgomery High School means back to classes and homework for a lot of students, but for athletes on the soccer team, it marks the beginning of another exciting season and a chance at claiming a championship.

Soccer is well represented here at Richard Montgomery, by both the girls and boys varsity teams. Going into their senior night games, the girls team sports a record of 3 wins, 3 losses, and 1 tie, while the boys team sports a record of 6 wins, 4 losses, and one tie. However, these

“We ram the other team like a freight train.” statistics do not tell the whole story.

The transition from last year to this year was not smooth for the girls team, as captain Erin Koppel reveals. “Last year we lost 8 seniors, so going into the season many girls were nervous about who would fill their places.”

But that issue would soon be solved, as Koppel continues: “We have had great new additions to the team this year, making us one of the fastest and most skilled [RM teams] in many years.”

The team has also lost several players to injury. Midfielder Vanessa Martinez Penn says that the team has had “many injuries this year and not many subs.”

This has created a thinner middle line for the team, which they have tried to solve by, as Penn says, “making sure we keep pushing to help our forwards up front.”

But despite these many problems, they

have been able to offset their obstacles through their tremendous strength. As Koppel says, “We have very skilled players this year, so the team as a whole has a great presence on the field. In addition, we have great chemistry off the field, which creates a great playing environment for everyone.”

Penn adds, “Our players play for each other, we don’t have any drama or arguments on the team, and you can see it on the field.”

Great players are abound on the girls team, and that is why Koppel, when asked to name an MVP for the team this year, hesitates: “We have a lot of players that stick out this year. Rowan Glass has been an MVP for this team for a long time, but we have a strong force in the middle with juniors Sarah Savonis and Vanessa Martinez…[and] our rock solid central defenders Patricia Swim and Maeve Givens.”

This consistency of superb players through the positions on the field is probably why the girls team has high expectations for this year. Penn says, “I think the team is going to go far this year. We’ve got strong players, and an even stronger connection to each other. I’m hoping that this year, we’ll get two or three rounds into the playoffs. I know we’re strong enough.”

With such a great team, it is no wonder they have had lots of support from fans this year. Koppel states, “The biggest surprise this year [has been] getting a considerable amount of student fans at a number of games. The support is great and the team thrives and loves playing off the fan’s energy.”

Koppel added, “We love fans. We could always use more.”

Meanwhile, the boys team has started its season with exciting new changes.

Primarily, the arrival of a new coach, Mr. Edgar Lopez Zuniga. Zuniga says that he is “excited to see where [the team] is going this year” as the team sets their eyes on the state championships.

To the coach, the biggest part of the team is its attitude and the chemistry. “The boys come to work every day, and they work their hearts off, they don’t complain about anything, and I’m really proud of them.”

While he says that the team could always

Junior goalie Jacob Klosowski believes that “Our biggest strength is our defense.

We have a solid back line that is well coordinated and experienced.” A talented and speedy offense as well as a solid defense is indeed the recipe for victory for the Rockets.

PHOTO BY JAMIE PERSHING

Girls varsity team huddles before their game against Winston Churchill High School. work on communication, he also thinks the boys have exceeded his expectations.

“Everybody is the MVP. Everybody works so hard and plays so hard,” states Zuniga.

This year’s team has started strong.

According to senior captain Matt Sherman, the boys began with “an impressive start to the season including big wins against Wootton and Gaithersburg.”

These convincing wins, as well as the perfect games against Rockville and Seneca, truly display the prowess of the players.

What’s the secret to their success?

Sherman says that “Our biggest strength is by far our attack. We have scored 18 goals in our first 8 games and our speed and talent up top is what helps us win most of our games.”

Of course, as the season progresses, the team has met some obstacles that they must overcome. Klosowski believes that “We have struggled with finding the net at the starts of games and usually take a long time to get into our rhythm. However, once we do, we ram the other team like a freight train.”

The playoff brackets were released shortly before the end of the season, amdboth teams found out that they would be playing away at Walter Johnson in the first round.

Both teams are incredibly determined and talented. As the teams continue to work hard towards the playoffs and a championship spot, no matter what, Richard Montgomery will be right behind them, cheering them on towards victory.

The Tide

SPORTS

October 2014

23

Seniors lead field hockey towards postseason

by Evan Scheinberg While the football and soccer seasons are in full swing, people are overlooking one of RM’s best athletic programs: field hockey. The Rockets are led by a strong group of ten seniors that propel the team to victory, on the field and off the field.

The Rockets came into their September 27th game against Churchill with four wins and two losses. Just four days prior, the girls demolished John F. Kennedy High School in an 8-0 win. The Bulldogs of Churchill put up a tough fight against the Rockets, scoring two goals just before the final buzzer of the first half. However, the girls brought their defensive skills to the

table in the second half.

Leading the defensive squad was senior Nicole Spouge, who saved the Rockets from letting in multiple goals through the course of the second half. The offensive attack, led by senior Shannon Graveran, worked hard for their opportunities near the goal and the midfielders hustled harder than everyone on the Churchill side of the field. senior Bailey Dinman and Junior Devon Goetz pushed the Rockets to its best ability.

The second half went back and forth with great defense from both sides of the field. In the end, the Bulldogs prevailed, winning by a score of two goals to none.

“This loss was a setback, but it isn’t going to stop us. We are still going to finish the season hard,” Goetz said in an interview after the loss against Churchill. “We are

PHOTO BY ANDY KOSTKA

Varsity field hockey gets ready to play Northwood High School for 2014 senior night.

looking to go out with a bang, a memorable finish for the seniors that have been playing for four years,” Goetz added as she smiled towards Dinman, a senior who has been a part of Rockets Field Hockey for all four years she’s been at RM. “This loss made us stronger as a unit.

With only five games left, we are looking to play hard, especially on Senior Night,” added Dinman. On the subject of how the loss affected the squad, Goetz pointed out that, “This is a character-building loss. This defined us as a team.”

On the girls Senior Night game against Northwood, RM won 2-1 in overtime.

Two second-half goals by seniors Shannon Graveran and Bailey Dinman propelled the Rockets over the Gladiators. “I was overjoyed that we had won on such a special night,” Dinman said, “I was glad that I made my teammates, especially my fellow senior players, proud.”

Sophmore Zaynah Moen, in her first full season on varsity, was appreciative of all the seniors have done. “It was the seniors who helped me through first coming up to varsity, and they’re the leaders of this team, and they played with the most intensity that I’ve ever seen,” Moen said. “Just seeing them win was the best, because that’s what they deserve.”

The JV team came into its own against Churchill with a confidence boost from the 5-0 win against Kennedy. During the first few minutes, the Rockets defense let the Bulldogs in towards the goal, but Churchill chose the wrong goalie to shoot on. Freshman goalie Julia Kochman turned away every shot, sparking confidence and enthusiasm on and off the field.

Both schools played incredible defense throughout the first half and at the end of the half, the score was tied at zero.

The Rockets had amazing goalkeeping

again in the second half, but this time it was sophomore Proma Rahman who stopped every Bulldog attempt to take the lead. Samantha Quiros led the Rocket midfielders on many fast breaks and

“We are looking to go out with a bang, a memorable finish.” helped hold down the defensive fort throughout the game. The game went into double overtime, ending as a 0-0 tie.

Goetz was enthusiastic about the JV performance, “They all have a huge amount of potential. It will be an honor to have them on the team next year.” Dinman added, “Each player has their own unique skill set and when you put them together, it makes an incredible unit.”

The varsity squad is very unique. The bond between them is nearly unbreakable.

Just like Dinman said, the skillset of every player on the Rockets is useful to the team in its own way.

Whether it is a defensive specialist who stops attacks like senior Katie Jordan or a midfielder to run up and down field, making plays to impact the dynamic of the game like senior Isha Kathuria, they all make a difference. The Rockets know that a successful start is not something to sleep on.

If there are two things the varsity field hockey team does well, it is working hard and having fun.

Cross country crushes V-ball plays with heart including seniors Hank McNamara and long-time RM wrestler David Silverberg.

by Quang Nguyen “I was surprised at the number of runners stepping up to maintain the team’s top Once again, the Richard Montgomery position,” said Samad. cross country teams lace up to tackle Samad also revealed that the coach some of the most challenging and intense for both the girls and boys team, Davy running meets in the country. Both the Rogers, has implemented a more boys and girls cross country teams must rigorous workout regime to improve the maintain their excellent form as well as performance of runners, especially before their consistent work ethic to succeed. important invitational meets.

The teams this year aim to qualify for On the part of the girls cross country state championships by placing in the top team, the team hopes to perform well 7 teams in the county, which is supported at the regional meets to qualify for state by the caliber of championships. runners Richard The El-Masry sisMontgomery has ters, junior Sophie garnered over the and freshman last few years.

Nefret, are domSophomore Rohann inating the track as Asfaw put on a they lead the girls in clinic at the county fine performances championships, at county level. placing third overall Coach Rogers in the boy’s varsity also commended race. “Our goals new additions that weekend was Cynthia Kipserem to finish among and Emily the tops teams Newcombe on their at counties, and positive impact on have a successful the team. “I was championship quite proud of the series all the way improvement made through states,” by the runners Asfaw said. by partaking in For the boys intensive summer team, runners like conditioning,” Asfaw and senior Rogers stated.

Emmanuel Porquin For both teams, PHOTO BY MONA LEE continue their the camaraderie El-Masry (left) trains hard for states. scintillating forms fostered among the from their performances last year. Injuries runners as well as by Coach Rogers help to key runners Matt Agboola and Jackson initiate better performances.

Walker have partially affected the team, Rogers added, “They have others out but several new faces are emerging to fill there [on the track] to experience similar the gaps. As senior Geoffrey Gacuca said, emotions and pain as they adapt to the “I try to run my hardest during races and rigors of running.” just give it my best.”

These aspects have helped pave the Junior Samad Iqbal, a part of the road for success for the RM Cross Country team since his freshman year, comments team as they charge on to the state on some of the rising stars in the team, championship.

by Taylor Balfour Starting the season strong against the top teams in the area, the girls volleyball team is on the rise.

The team is led by captains Emma Paulines, Abby Hernandez, and Evelina Papathanasiou. With a record of four wins

“One thing we certainly never lack is the amount of heart these girls put into the game!” and eight losses, the team hopes to come back strong and make it to the playoffs.

Despite their rough start, the team has big plans for the rest of the season.

As senior Hannah Salem put it, “We’ve improved a lot, though, and I think we played incredibly well in our first few games--we definitely ‘made them sweat.’”

Even with some tough games, the team has been playing strong. In tough games, Junior Linda Qiu said “Abby Hernandez is the most stand-out leader of our team because she is the one that initiates our comeback to most games with her serve rallies.”

In addition, Paulines, Hernandez and junior Briana Mason have been big influences in keeping up team morale.

Varsity Coach Gretchen Barber-Strunk said, “When we need a quick energy pick up I always look to Briana Mason, Abby Hernandez and Emma Paulines.”

Salem also cited senior Catherine Wang for cheering the team up.

Despite outstanding leadership from these specific players, the team gets support from each and every member.

Salem said, “It’s not really a matter of one person leading the team--it’s like everyone on the team plays a role in supporting the rest of the girls.”

With the hardest games under their belt, the girls volleyball team is working hard to come back from behind. Coach Barber-Strunk hopes to “Work our way up in the playoffs as an underdog and surprise people.”

Even though their past few games have been difficult, the team has taken the opportunity to improve. Qiu said, “Just in these past few weeks, I’ve seen so much improvement from each and every player, which is a good sign for our games to come.”

In addition to working hard on the court, the team practices hard and bonds over team dinners. Team spirit is essential on the court, so they spend time together before practice and after.

No matter what happens, this promises to be a great season for girls volleyball.

Coach Barber-Strunk said, “One thing we certainly never lack is the amount of heart these girls put into the game!”

PHOTO BY CONNIE CHEN

Abby Hernandez sets the ball at practice.

24

The Tide

SPORTS

Athlete of the Issue

October 2014

Rowan Glass remains a versatile scoring machine

by Hoang Nguyen

BY IE

N

N CO

she plays a different role.

On her club team, she plays the role of a center midfielder, a balanced position between offense and defense. However, when she plays for RM, she is expected to be an all-out attacker and a true goal scorer. This unique situation demands that Glass be highly technical in her play but also explosive enough to past defenders on fast breaks.

Junior teammate, Patricia Swim said that Glass’s “explosive[ness] allows her to get past multiple defenders on the way to scoring a goal”.

At the same time, Swim also expressed her high regard of Glass’ technical skills with the ball at her feet.

That explosiveness has already set Glass equal with her previous seasons in terms of goals as she has scored five goals through five games so far this season. Three goals came from RM’s 5-2 thrashing of Rockville and two more from their win over Blair.

Senior teammate Maylin Odenthal attributes Glass’ ability as consistent scorer to her ability to stay “composed on the field, even when the game isn’t going our way”.

Odenthal affirmed that Glass is “extremely reliable on the field.”

EN CH

the Bethesda Soccer Club.

She occasionally takes those talents nationwide in order to compete at the highest level of girls soccer, the Elite Clubs National League and

TO O PH

It takes a lot of guts to start on the varsity girls soccer team for four years. But it also takes talent to be a leading scorer and a clutch player on the pitch when your teammates are counting on you to win the game.

Rowan Glass has been that clutch player for the varsity girls soccer team for the entirety of her four years here at Richard Montgomery. Glass quickly made her mark on the pitch during her freshman year after coach Monica Tarzy tasked her with the role of being the team’s lead scorer at the forward position.

From that point on, Glass has never relinquished her role as the team’s main scorer and goto player when the game is on the line. Her journey with soccer began like any other typical sixyear-old: by the urging of her mother. Though once she began dominating the pitch, it was clear that Glass would become a very unique player.

Learning to develop herself as an elite player, she plays with

its Player Development Program, which is quite an achievement.

The transition from playing club soccer to high school soccer is something that Glass has to deal with regularly during the fall season. During the girls soccer season, Glass leads a double life on the pitch as she strives to perform for both of her teams. She knows that there are different expectations of her because for either team

Balancing high expectations from two teams and school at the same time would make any athlete feel as if there was nothing to look forward to during the day, but Glass has been known to always have a smile or grin on her face. This fact is so well-known that she has actually gained a reputation for being easygoing, relaxed and generally carefree.

Balancing the need to be c o m p e t i t i ve and tough on the pitch and being able to turn all of that off off the pitch is something that defines Glass as an athlete. Although she is not always perfect in her ability to separate the different aspects of her life, she notes that as a work in progress for herself.

Another senior teammate, Myra Deng commented that “Rowan sometimes has trouble finding her competitive edge on the field,” but that it is something she has been working on for the last four years.

Besides learning to control her emotions and attitude, she has also had to learn how to be a mentor to the younger and newer members of the team. One member of the team who has directly benefitted from this is freshman Sue Lee. Lee, like Glass, has shown great potential as a freshman on the varsity team.

Having gotten the opportunity

to play alongside Glass, Lee said that “in practice, Rowan is a great opponent, and I have learned many things from playing against her.”

With five games left in the last regular season of her senior year, Glass will be hoping to ramp up the scoring even more in order to help her team prepare for the playoff season.

With tough opponents such as Walter Johnson on the schedule, the team will definitely be looking to Glass to come up big for them in all three games.

Glass stated, “playing at RM has been such a great experience for me, from all the friends I have made to all the memories.”

After the season is over though, Glass will continue with soccer as she is currently being recruited to play at the collegiate level. She is currently fielding offers from Washington and Lee University and Cornell University. After a recent visit to the university, Glass admits that she is leaning towards Washington and Lee. Being on campus grounds, eating in the dining halls, and sitting in some classes, Glass is convinced that “Washington and Lee was somewhere that [she] really felt [she] belonged”.

Although for now, Glass is only thinking of enjoying the last few games to which she has grown so close.

“Playing at RM has been such a great experience for me.”

Bom squad entertains with an explosive performance Boms, cont. from page 1 was expected from each member of boms during practice, Nadler stated, “Show up with enthusiasm and work really hard.”

During practice, the boys’ athletic abilities are always truly put to the test. According to senior Giovanni Marchand, the practices are “really strenuous and difficult”. He then added, “I’ve pulled two muscles already [and] I sweat a lot.” The whole

school smells the dedication and determination put into the routine; senior Paula Monterroso exclaimed, “I can definitely smell the hard work from miles away after they come out of the gym.”

Another display of commitment, senior Allen Zhang even sacrifices his “Qdoba Tuesdays” whenever practices are rescheduled. As a proud coach, Traore stated, “This is definitely the best group of boms ever, and not just at Richard Montgomery.

These guys have potential to be

PHOTO BY SAMAR BEHDIN

The boms team flaunts their complex routine at the recent pep rally.

state champions.”

However, the blood, sweat, and tears ultimately bring the team closer. Senior Paul Im remarked, “We are like a brotherhood and we have bonded together”, while senior Dylan Prince stated, “These boys are my family. We came so close together under the pressure to be the best Boms squad in history.”

The boms’ power of unification does not end there; the entire school joins together to cheer them on. The spirit is quite contagious, spreading to both freshman and senior alike, as the adoring crowd cheers in unison. Freshman Taylor Thomas enthusiastically exclaimed, “I seriously LOVED it! My one friend said that she wishes she were a boy just so she would be able to join boms.”

Meanwhile, junior Kevin Pan voiced his satisfaction by stating, “It was everything I hoped for, and even more.” Clearly the highlight of the pep rally, the boms continue to impress teachers with their talented dance skills.

Chemistry teacher Jerry Turner confessed his admiration of the boys’ performance, by commenting, “It was wellrehearsed and they had a ton of school spirit! It was one of the best performances I’ve seen. Go boms!”

PHOTO BY LIZ CHOI

Jennifer Zhang returns a volley against Clarksburg High School.

Girls tennis keep division one spot

by Sonia Postolache With coach Fahrner leading the charge, the girls tennis team has had an amazing season with eight wins and only four losses.

Dedicated to the team for three years now, Coach Fahrner decided to allow more girls to play than in years past and the effects have been remarkable: each victory won by a landslide.

Richard Montgomery, in five out of their eight wins, dominated 7-0. With division one team Sherwood, the team pushed through the challenge with a 4-3 win. The Rockets have shown true depth by maintaining an expert team and displaying consistency in all levels.

“The team accomplished all we set out to accomplish,” Coach Farner remarked, “We wanted to stay in division one. We did. We beat Sherwood. We wanted to beat a W school. We did.”

The Richard Montgomery team has maintained respect throughout the county. The more experienced players, such as senior Ellen Yao, happily shared that “we have the best group of girls this year”.

The team’s ambiance is both welcoming and competitive. The girl’s rigorous workouts have certainly paid off, as shown by both their statistical results and their team spirit.

Surpassing expectations, the team defeated two division one schools, Sherwood and Walter Johnson, which earned them a secure position in division one.

The girls finished their season off strong with four straight wins.

Some tears of love were shed at their last match for the leaving seniors.

The team next year will have some big shoes to fill, but if this season is any indication, the girls will continue to follow Coach Fahrner’s motto: “Play hard, play smart, and have fun.”