40 2

The Paw Print January 2013

Phtotogragh by Becka Farquhar

•5460 Trumpeter Rd. Columbia, MD 21044 • Volume 40 Issue 2•

Wilde Lake Branded With A Troubled Image: School Excels Despite Stereotypes

By Dylan Reynolds News Editor

Every student was surprised with a piece of candy during lunch on December 21 to celebrate the school’s increased attendance. According to Mr. LeMon, the rate increased from 95 to 97 percent.

Wilde Lake’s achievements though are not always recognized. The school’s image, distorted by stereotypes, nicknames, and rumors, buries the successes.

Wilde Lake won the Sportsmanship Cup for the 2011-2012 school year, an award that, according to the Howard County Public School System, “honors outstanding sportsmanship by a Howard County School.” Wilde Lake also has several award-winning Related Arts programs, such as the school’s chorus who earned six trophies at a competition in Virginia Beach.

Students take advantage of the opportunities with which Wilde Lake presents them. The school reports that approximately 400 students participate in extracurricular activities and over 370 AP exams are taken every year. Howard County has also recognized Wilde Lake as one of the “Top 3 Howard County High Schools in staff morale.”

But it appears that, regardless of the statistics and facts to the contrary, the stereotypes continue to precede Wilde Lake’s image.

“All I hear about Wilde Lake is the bad stuff, like the thefts and the vandalism,” said Rebecca Lilly, a sophomore at Atholton High School. “I feel like Wilde Lake gets more publicity for their faults be-

IN NEWS: NHL lockout poses problems for coaches, players, and fans. page 2

cause of their stereotypes.”

An example of the kind of incident that gives Wilde Lake its poor reputation occured twice this fall when two Wilde Lake students woke up to find their cars stolen out of their driveways overnight.

Both victims, Seniors Lauren Marshall and Tara Alemzadeh, immediately called Howard County Police Department who assisted them in relocating their vehicles.

Despite the eventual return of the students’ cars, Wilde Lake students, especially those who live in or around the theft sites, are still afraid of the potential for repeat incidents.

“Sometimes my parents will get up to check on the cars at night,” said Senior Sakshi Suri, who lives in Alemzadeh’s neighborhood. “We’ve had stuff stolen out of our car twice before, so we try to be careful.”

But these isolated incidents are not an indictment of Wilde Lake as a dangerous, crime-filled neighborhood. According to Howard County Police, a vehicle is stolen in Maryland every fourteen minutes, and one is broken into once every thirty seconds. Their crime maps show that theft is actually less common in low-income areas with smaller houses, such as those found in and around Wilde Lake Village.

These car thefts, and dozens of incidents like them, have buried Wilde Lake’s numerous accomplishments under its stereotypes. As Wilde Lake continues to excel, the school looks forward to a day where its achievements surpass the stereotypes that have damaged its image.

IN FEATURES: Wilde Lake takes new initiatives to fight bullying. Students wonder if it is enough. page 4

Leadership Summit Coverage . . . page 3

“

Phtotograghs by Becka Farquhar Top: Junior Elliot Frank jams with the Wilde Lake Jazz Band on the main street bridge the week before Christmas. Bottom: Leadership Summit at the Lake attracts students aspiring to make a difference.

IN FEATURES: Students offer new insight into the diffucutlies faced in jumping through class levels. page 5

Sometimes we are asked what do we want to be. The better question is not what, but who we want to be.

”

Dr. Calvin B. Ball, County Council IN FEATURES: Rayma Kochakkan reviews Big Bang’s latest album.

WILDE LAKE COMPLIMENTS: In response to bullying, students find compliments to peers uplifting.

page 8

page 11 & 12

News 2

January 2013

Minor League Games Provide Opportunity to See NHL Players in Action During Lockout

By Christina Kochanski Editor-in-Chief

The National Hockey League season was saved when the league’s owners and players reached a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) on January 6. The lockout came into effect on September 15 and resulted in the cancellation of 510 games.

The two sides were divided over issues concerning salaries and contract restrictions. The CBA determines trade rules, the amount of money individual teams can spend, and how the league’s revenues will be divided between owners and players.

The revenue split, the percentage of profit given to players, was a major stumbling block. The new agreement has lowered the players’ portion of the revenue from 57 percent to 50 percent.

Senior Yelena Malorodova believes that the players had the right to argue for more money considering the risk involved in playing professional hockey.

“They put their bodies on the line every practice, every game,” said Malorodova.

Not all fans agree, though, that players are the most important part in the NHL machine.

“The owners’ contributions might not be as visible as those of the players, but they organize the league and keep everything running smoothly,” said Senior Lauren Marshall. “They put in time and money. It’s not just the players risking everything for the sake of the game.”

However, the issues were not entirely fiscal. In the previous CBA, players could sign a contract for an unlim-

ited number of years. The NHL owners proposed a limit of five years for the new agreement, but conceded to an eight year limit for free agents and a seven year limit for players re-signing with their previous teams.

Such a complex divide between the players and owners is not unprecedented. In previous years the two sides could not reach agreements, once during the 1994-1995 season and again during the 2004-2005 season. Both conflicts resulted in lockouts, the latter in the cancellation of the entire season.

Although the season will start within the next few weeks, its postponement had serious ramifications that extend past the players, owners and fans.

According to Malorodova, who has attended at least three Washington Capitals games every season for the last five years, “Before every game the restaurants surrounding the Verizon Center, [the Capitals’ home ice rank], were packed. They must be losing a lot of business, especially considering that NHL teams often have more than one game per week.”

Leagues other than the NHL were also affected by the lockout. NHL players have been playing in the American Hockey League (AHL) and Canadian and European leagues. Their contracts stipulate that they must now return to the NHL since a CBA has been reached.

Don Schneider, an usher for the AHL’s Hershey Bears for the last eight years, attests to the impact of the lockout on the AHL. “Attendance has increased this season, but the stadium is never completely full. I do see a lot more Capitals’ jerseys this season than usual, though,” said Schneider.

Photographs by Christina Kochanski While the National Hockey League dealt with lockout, minor league tickets remained cheap. Hockey fans were able to watch their favorite NHL players take the ice without having to pay for NHL tickets. Above: Washington Capitals Braden Holtby blocks a shot. Below: Holtby looks on as spectators enjoy the game.

In addition, Dave Hogue, a Pennsylvania resident and owner of Washington Capitals season tickets, believes that the lockout reflects poorly on the players’ and owners’ priorities.

“Hockey is in my family. It is something we could all agree on and enjoy together, which cannot be said for the players and owners, apparently,” said Hogue.

The new agreement has not resolved issue between the players and the owners. In previous years, the owners have been hesitant or completely unwilling to let the players play for their home countries during the Winter Olympics. This has been a major issue of contention that will once again come to a head before the 2014 Winter Olympics to be held in Sochi, Russia.

Wilde Lake Pilots Electronic Recommendation Tool

By Dylan Reynolds News Editor

This winter, teachers began using a new electronic class scheduling and recommendation tool. The new system does not replace the current paper-based process, but is a supplement intended to increase efficiency and decrease waste.

This is the first time Howard County high schools will see the use of an online scheduling tool accessible to both teachers and parents.

“The new system seems very efficient,” said Mrs. Wu. “Students don’t have to worry about getting signatures, and

teachers can recommend their students with just a click.”

Mrs. Wu looks forward to a day where teachers are not “having papers shoved in their faces all the time.”

Senior Emma Hughes supports the progression towards a more technologydependent school, believing it to be a necessary change.

“With this and the switch to Aspen’s attendance system, school is becoming more electronic. And this is a good thing.

It allows people to get more done within a time frame,” said Hughes.

However, students and teachers are

wary of problems that may arise with the piloting of such a new program.

According to Mrs. Volpe, “One problem might be that the teachers won’t be able to talk to every student about the classes they choose.”

The lack of direct communication poses as a potential problem for students, especially for incoming freshmen who may desire more face-to-face interaction with their teachers.

“Teachers were more direct with students in middle school,” said Freshman Cyrus Morral. “I need that interaction with my teachers.”

The new system does not, though, represent a complete overhaul of the paperbased recommendation process, according to Mrs. Pashigian.

“Parents will still see all recommendations on one sheet of paper and counselors will still review courses with students . . . The process will remain personal,” said Mrs. Pashigian.

Mrs. Pashigian believes the switch is merely part of a natural progression. Despite the problems that may arise with the new program, Wilde Lake will “always [be] looking for ways to improve and become more efficient.”

News 3

January 2013

“We Are Leaders”: Lettermen Hold School’s First Leadership Summit

By Dylan Reynolds News Editor

Photograph by Becka Farquhar “Sometimes we are asked ‘What do you want to be?’ The better question is not what, but who you want to be ,” said County Council Member Dr. Calvin B. Ball to students attending Wilde Lake’s first ever leadership retreat.

Students circled around Senior Nicco Jones, eagerly waiting for him to complete a seemingly impossible challenge: cut a hole in a piece of printing paper large enough for him to walk through.

It was the group’s job to guide Jones through the steps necessary to complete the task, but each student could only give one word of instruction.

Initially, the group struggled to form a set of clear directions. After many failed attempts, Jones managed to slip through the hole, thus completing the challenge.

This activity was one of many that students participated in during Wilde Lake’s first leadership summit. The summit, organized by the Letterman and entitled “Enhancing Our Environment,” was held on November 30.

“Our goal here is to get you going on the right path, with the right people, so you can get the most out of your future,” said Mr. LeMon at the beginning of the summit.

Under Mr. LeMon’s guidance, Lettermen organized the

students into a series of small groups. Wilde Lake faculty, County Council members, and other Wilde Lake students led the groups through the various activities, each targeting one skill needed for effective leadership.

In a session led by Senior Class Council President Kourtney Harrison, students learned the importance of teamwork, working together to carry out a series of confusing instructions.

“Leadership isn’t about working by yourself to tell others what to do. It’s about working together to achieve something great,” said Harrison at the end of the challenge as students congratulated each other on their collective success.

Following small grup activities, the students regrouped around a banner with three words on it: “We Are Leaders.” Each student signed his or her name on the banner.

Students expressed their gratitude toward the school and the Lettermen for the organization of the retreat.

“The idea of the retreat is great,” said Junior Daniel Ingham.

“It gives Wilde Lake students an opportunity to succeed, and it’s

an chance that so many students don’t have anymore.”

Wilde Lake intends to expand this opportunity by turning the retreat into an annual event.

Lettermen requested feedback from this year’s attending students regarding how to make the retreat as effective as possible in coming years.

“The retreat needs more of a focus,” said Ingham. “Until the very end, I wasn’t sure how a lot of what was being discussed was related to leadership.”

Ingham sees the retreat as a place for improvement in coming years, but believes it has amazing potential.

“If [the Lettermen] can focus the retreat more, I think it can accomplish so much in the coming years. I still think it’s a great opportunity and I really appreciate what’s being done in our school.”

According to Mr. Miller, the leadership retreat is not the only extraordinary opportunity presented to Wilde Lake students.

“You go to a great school, with phenomenal teachers who care about you,” said Mr. Miller. “You have more than you know, and you have all you need to be great leaders.”

Middle School Reading Classes Removed from Howard County Curriculum “I believe that reading should take priority in the earlier grades so kids can have the skills necessary to keep up with the demands of a rigorous middle school curricuWe all remember Reading class. We made Harry lum and beyond,” said Ms. Hall.

Potter cereal boxes, we researched Big Six problem solving Mrs. Glade, Wilde Lake High School’s Reading Spetechniques, we scribbled answers in our vocabulary workcialist, has always taught Reading. She is a proponent of books. In the past few years, the usefulkeeping Reading in schools. ness of Reading class has been up for de“I believe that reading She explained that ten years ago, bate. In Howard County, the course has kids were entering middle school not should take priority in earbeen eliminated from the middle school lier grades so kids can have knowing how to read. They were not curriculum. passing grade-level reading tests. To Ms. Regina Hall is the Reading the skills necessary to keep help students read at grade level, ReadSpecialist at Harper’s Choice Middle up with the demands of ing classes were instituted in middle School. While she understands that arigorous middle school schools and tests were made easier. reading classes are being removed, she curriculum and beyond.”

The program worked and stubelieves that it may not have been a fully dents scored higher on reading tests, thought-out decision. but, according to Mrs. Glade, removing the classes will “The decision was made by the Board of Education counteract these improvements. without any clear reason, but we can infer a few points. The “Now that kids are performing better on tests and elimination of Reading helps accommodate the schedule the Reading program is working,” said Mrs. Glade, “the to Common Core goals . . . and the Reading MSA will be principals seem to think that they no longer need it . . . The gone,” said Ms. Hall. death of the program was the success of the program.”

According to Ms. Hall, the removal will also leave Junior Egaria Lee took Reading classes in all three more time for math and science instruction, a change that years of middle school. She believes that the Reading classshe warily accepts.

By Rayma Kochakkan Business Manager

es created an essential foundation for high school English.

“It helped me because we learned the basics of literature and many literary techniques. We also learned writing techniques like how to write a formal paper,” said Lee. But many high school students do not agree that Reading classes offered any benefits. According to Sophomore Becky Watson, the Reading curriculum was too similar to that of English classes and took up unnecessary time in students’ schedules.

“Reading helped me learn techniques like context clues, but other than that I thought English and Reading were the same class,” said Watson.

According to Junior Becca Fritz, the important concepts unique to the Reading curriculum were too few to necessitate a class separate from English.

“It helped broaden my vocabulary, otherwise it wasn’t very helpful. We basically did easier English work,” said Fritz.

How the removal of Reading will impact students in middle and high school is still unclear. The decision creates space in student schedules for more core classes and electives, but those who advocate against the decision fear that a decline in student reading ability will negatively impact their learning in all classes.

Features 4

January 2013

New Efforts Against Bullying Miss Big Picture, Students Say

Photograph by Becka Farquhar Mr. Michael Fowlin discussed bullying and how it affects students based on his personal experiences.

By Syra Kayani Sports Editor

Bullying has been a hot issue at Wilde Lake for the past few weeks. Around the school hang signs to remind students to “Stand Up” and not “Stand By.” Mr. Fowlin‘s compliment, “You Are Beautiful,” is now a lingering whisper through the halls. On the surface, bullying seems a

problem Wilde Lake can solve.

But in another world, the online world of messaging and commenting and posting pictures, bullying remains rampant, according to Senior Julia Brouwers.

“I think students are bullied mostly online . . . The school does a good job monitoring the amount of bullying activity at the Lake, though who knows how long it will last,” said Brouwers.

Sophomore Wade Keith believes that Mr. Fowlin’s message had a positive influence on students’ attitudes and behavior, but he is skeptical about the permanence of that impact.

“It helped a lot. It’s not gonna last though, they never do. At least not for some people.” Though he feels, “It’s definitely made a big difference in my behavior.”

In his seminar, Mr. Fowlin defines his idea of bullying based on personal experiences.

“I don’t use the word bullying because it’s mainly the idea of cruelty . . . Instead of bullies, I classify people as thinkers and non-thinkers,” said Fowlin.

In the classical sense, bullying is “unwanted negative attention. It can be verbal or physical. It’s an uneven, negative relationship,” according to Mrs. Dixon.

But bullying has evolved past the physical and verbal into the electronic. It has taken a new face, one that many students feel has yet to be recognized: cyberbullying.

Brouwers believes that the public nature of online bullying makes this form more dangerous and damaging.

“It feels like you’re being attacked by everyone when you are being bullied online . . . When you see it online it feels like the truth because it’s out there in writing and

anyone can see it,” said Brouwers.

According to guidance counselor Mrs. Macer, one of the biggest problems is the difficulty of tracking and resolving issues concerning online bullying.

“Bullying online is not something the counselors or administrators can really monitor or do anything about.

It is only addressed if a parent or students brings it to the attention of the guidance or administration,” said Mrs. Macer.

But, according to Brouwers, the most disturbing part about this topic remains that students do not realize how their words and actions can impact others.

“We’ve been exposed to it so much that our generation is desensitized to the effects of it . . . Students don’t realize when they are being mean to each other, and ultimately how they are hurting others.”

Mr. Fowlin, as well as several other staff and students at the Lake, agree that, “It’s the technology. When we become disconnected with each other, it becomes easier to say things to people that you would otherwise be afraid to say straight to their face.”

No matter how much bullying evolves or changes, the school will always attempt to inform the students and prevent them from becoming disconnected from the consequences of their actions, according to Mrs. Malloy.

“Howard County recognizes that this isn’t a new thing, and that is why schools bring in people like Mr. Fowlin to raise awareness and help students understand what bullying really is,” said Mrs. Malloy. “Tolerance, civility, and acceptance . . . If you promote these, bullying would take care of itself.

Featured Senior Shir Kaplan’s Leadership Unites Dance Company

By Sarah Orzach Editor-In-Chief

Photograph by Becka Farquhar Shir Kaplan warms up at the bar before dance class. Kaplan has been a member of the dance department since her freshman year.

As the house lights go down and the audience quiets to an excited whisper, Senior Shir Kaplan takes her place on stage, along with the other twenty-one members of the Wilde Lake Dance Company. She takes a breath and mentally prepares for the curtains to rise and the music to start.

Kaplan has been dancing at various private dance studios in Maryland since she was four years old and has danced at Wilde Lake since her freshman year.

Coming from a private school, Kaplan was eager to join teams and clubs that would allow her to meet other students with interests similar to her own. She joined the soccer team and the dance department.

Although Kaplan did not continue playing soccer after her freshman year, she progressed from Dance III to Dance Company before her second year at Wilde Lake.

“My first year in company was amazing,” said Kaplan. “We all got along so well and really were a family. We would have [Dance Company] sleepovers all the time and would plan nights to go out to eat whenever we could. Even rehearsals were always a blast.”

Towards the end of the 2011-2012 school year, the Dance Company members

voted Kaplan as co-captain for the next school year.

“I was extremely excited and proud to be chosen,” said Kaplan, “I really feel connected to the department and it was something I had looked forward to since my first year in company.”

According to Kaplan, leading a troupe of dancers brought out leadership qualities that she had never known she possessed.

“My senior year has really allowed me to grow as a person, since I was able to be school president and dance company co-captain. I know both of these experiences will stick with me far after high school,” said Kaplan.

Currently, Kaplan and the other company members are working on holding auditions for the 2013-2014 school year.

The company is also in the progress of choreographing their spring concert.

But according to Kaplan, “One of the most exciting parts of this Dance Company is that we are working on fundraising for a trip we are taking to Disney World this February.”

After graduating, Kaplan will continue dancing in college, but she plans on double majoring in pre-medical studies and psychology rather than pursuing a career in dance.

Features 5

January 2013

Rising Students Struggle Adjusting to Rigor of Upper Level Classes

By Syra Kayani Sports Editor

Junior Samantha Schlictman is one for a challenge. After her sophomore year, she jumped from on-grade level English 10 to Honors English 11. In making this jump she hoped to challenge herself, even if it meant getting a lower grade. But Honors English has turned out, according to Samantha, to be “way harder” than she expected.

Students who are making the jump from on-grade level to upper-level classes often face this problem. According to Schlictman, on-grade level classes are too easy and upper level classes are too challenging.

“The teachers pretty much do the work for you in reg. Last year my teachers did not make us do a lot of essays, and when we did, the teachers walked us through every baby step. But now that I’m in Honors English this year, it is harder to write essays on my own,” said Schlictman.

Junior Austin Jones, who made the jump with Schlictman from on-grade level

English 10 to English 11 Honors, is also caught between classes.

“The level for a reg class is set really low . . . Honors for me feels like college level,” said Jones.

English teacher Mrs. Lopez is one of the many educators who provides after school help for students in transition.

“Until you get there, you don’t really realize how hard it is going to be . . . I always talk to my students privately because I like to understand what they are going through on a personal level,” said Mrs. Lopez.

But extra help is not always enough.

With the change in rigor these students must face, many require individual support and individualized assistance, which can be hard to find.

Junior Nour Aboumatar is a student who has taken an on grade level course before and is currently taking all Honors, GT, and AP courses. She knows firsthand how different these courses can be.

“It’s not the work that’s necessarily harder; it’s the way you are treated by the teachers and the expectations for the class,” said Aboumatar.

Aboumatar believes that students who are transitioning must realize that higher-level classes simply require more effort from the individual.

Guidance counselor Mrs. Dee Dee Macer has been working for Wilde Lake for 11 years. She has encountered several hundred students who have come to her in their times of need.

“We have Bridges after school, a parent volunteer tutoring program, teacher conferences with the student, and parents and individual teachers offer extra help classes after school,” said Mrs. Macer.

“Students,” said Mrs. Macer, just “need to advocate for themselves more.”

According to Mrs. Macer, “Students are only switched out of classes by parent or teacher request, so unless a student speaks up to a parent or teacher about the problems they are having in school, nothing will be done about it.”

Besides support from advisors at school and at home, veteran jumpers offer many tips for students who are struggling in their classes and are not sure if they are ready to make a jump.

“If you are prepared to work harder and learn how to manage your time wisely,” said Schlictman “moving up will be a good option. All you can do is make sure you are taking the initiative to seek help if you are struggling, challenge yourself, and most importantly, don’t give up.”

Schlictman is currently working hard to pull up her grades. She hopes to turn her grade around by the end of the school year so she can be proud of what she has accomplished in her Honors class.

“I am going to persevere, turn in my work more, seek a tutor, and try to improve my writing skills, so I can finish off this year successfully,” said Schlictman.

According to Mrs. Macer, the difficulty in jumping up a class level lies in the fact that students are not well informed about how to succeed in an upper-level class. She believes that taking advantage of opportunities, such as tutoring and after-school help sessions, are essential for a smooth transition.

“The work isn’t harder,” said Mrs. Macer. “It’s just new.”

“Wrestling off the Drowsiness”

Athletes Say Rigorous Activity Helps with School and Sleep

By Jorge Alvarez Illustrator

Sophomore Zach Vincent wrestles to keep a positive attitude and relieve the stress that builds up during school.

“Even if I don’t stress over many things, wrestling helps me go to bed every night and get [the] recommended amount of sleep,” said Vincent.

Similarly, Senior Abbie Wright feels the benefit of playing a sport despite the time it takes from her already busy schedule. Wright has played on the Wilde Lake Girls soccer team since freshman year.

“You just need to manage your time,” said Wright.

“When I played soccer, I’d end up coming home at around six or seven, depending on how long practice was, eat dinner, do homework, and crash.”

But now that the fall season is over and she does not have nightly practices to consume her extra time and energy, Wright has experienced a negative impact on her sleep schedule.

“I feel like I got a lot better sleep [during the season] because I was tired mentally and physically after practices and games, so I could immediately go straight to sleep . . . Now that the season is over, my mind tends to be tired while my body is ready to get up and go.”

Wright was used to spending late nights studying and finishing homework after soccer games. Now that the season is over, she has much more time and can get her schoolwork completed.

Still, Wright prefers her schedule during soccer

season because, she said, “I’d rather have to stay up late to do homework than finishing it at home and twiddling my thumbs for the rest of the night . . . In any case, playing soccer resulted in me taking better care of myself and maintaining a set schedule.”

Vincent also attests to the positive impact of participating in sports on his daily schedule.

“I’m pretty alert throughout the school day now that I can get a night of sleep,” said Vincent. “I can finally ‘wrestle’ off the drowsiness.”

Sleep is important. According to Sylviane Duval of Health Behavior News, “Only about eight percent of high school students get enough sleep on an average school

night . . . The others are living with serious sleep deficits that could lead to daytime drowsiness, depression, headaches and poor performance at school.”

Vincent and Wright are both examples of how rigorous sports activity can relieve stress and increase alertness in the classroom. They claim that although playing a sport consumes a significant amount of personal time, the benefit of coming from the arena is showing in the classroom.

Shuffling around the mat, Sophomore Zachary Vincent lunges, sweeps and traps his opponent in a half-nelson and pins him down, assuring a win for the Wildecat wrestling team. Vincent leaves the match physically tired, but ready for sleep and school the next morning.

Photograph by Becka Farquhar In practice, Senior Tola Morakinyo demonstrates how to escape an opponent’s hold.

“Now that the season is over, my mind tends to be tired while my body is ready to get up and go.”

-Abbie Wright

The Word on Main Street Is an athletic scholarship worth the time commitment of playing a varsity sport in college?

“If you get a scholarship for something you really enjoy, why wouldn’t you take it?”

-Leah Prescott “It depends on if you’re more academic or more athletic. I’m more academic and wouldn’t want to put all my time in sports.”

-Paul Lyon “I’d rather get a scholarship for the fine arts, like dance.

It’s not as time consuming and it’s something I really enjoy.”

-Juliana Kaiser “It depends on what sport you’re playing . . . Sports like football only have one season where you’re really competing, so it’s not as time consuming.”

-Katie Virostek “If it’s something that means a lot to you, then it’s really not work at all.”

-Benjamin Drgon

The On and Off Fi the Athletic Scholar

By Christina Kochanski Editor-In-Chief

Playing The Numbers Game Senior Nick Wright wants to become a professional baseball player. But before that happens, Wright is counting on an athletic scholarship to get him onto a college’s varsity team. Between competition from other students and the time constraints involved in recruitment, Wright, who plays shortstop and bats .375, faces many obstacles.

“Baseball scholarships are rarer than archery scholarships,” joked Wright. According to the College Scholarships Foundation, each Division 1 school can give out 11.7 baseball scholarships and Division 2 schools can each give out 9. “There is a lot of competition . . . People have told me I need a more realistic goal, but baseball is serious for me.”

Tyler Silberberg, senior, also struggled with scholarship scarcity before Towson University offered him a fifty percent scholarship to play on their golf team. Silberberg won the state individual golf championship and was awarded first team All-Met last year.

“Most golf teams in college have only four and a half scholarships for ten guys, so most get partial scholarships,” said Silberberg. “It was tough to find a coach who had a spot available.”

Rising Tuition Drives Up Competition The combined cost of tuition and room and board

rose 42 percent at public institutions and 31 percent at private institutions between 2000 and 2011, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

For Senior Emma Hughes, this increase means more pressure to earn an athletic scholarship.

“My parents want me to get a scholarship to help pay for tuition, but trying to get an athletic scholarship is more competitive now because college is more expensive,” said Hughes.

But Maria Pascale, also a senior, believes that the chances of earning money towards tuition are too slim.

Pascale made the All-County girls’ soccer team for the fall 2012 season and is pursuing only merit scholarships.

According to Pascale, “I think sports can help in getting in to college, but it is hard to get a lot of money from athletics. This is especially true for sports that don’t get a lot of spectators.”

Networking Skills or Athletic Ability?

Skill and hard work are not the only factors that affect an athlete’s likelihood of receiving an athletic scholarship, according to Hughes. She believes that having a connection to a college team’s players or coaches is equally, if not more, important than athletic ability.

“I talked to one of the Wilde Lake track coaches who went to Mount Saint Mary’s and he put in a good word for me with the school’s coach,” said Hughes. “I’m lucky. I know a lot of very talented athletes who won’t get scholar-

ield Pressures of rship Struggle ships because they don’t know the right people.”

Silberberg, however, does not want to downplay the importance of talent and individual effort.

According to Silberberg, “You definitely need to have skill and work hard. It is easy to get in contact with coaches through email or any number of methods of communication.”

Advertising and Networking Student athletes have multiple methods of pursuing an athletic scholarship. Recruitment tournaments, according to Wright and Silberberg, are the best method of networking with college coaches.

Wright believes that the most important aspect of the tournaments is that they allow him to interact with coaches outside of his immediate area. His tournaments take him across the Mid-Atlantic and allow him to connect with coaches he would not have otherwise met.

According to Silberberg, though, the tournaments are essential because college coaches do not put a lot of consideration into high school golf scores and achievements.

“For golf, coaches only look at individual tournaments . . . It’s stressful because you have a limited number of opportunities to show your game,” said Silberberg.

Recruitment tournaments are not the only way for students to gain an edge in the athletic scholarship search.

Students can also post an athletic profile on a recruitment

website. But according to Hughes, who has one such profile, the websites allow for athletes to lie about their abilities and achievements.

“I could be a poor athlete and they wouldn’t be able to tell from my profile,” said Hughes.

Students wishing to bypass the recruiting websites can also contact coaches directly. Coaches’ emails can often be found on their college’s website.

Making Sacrifices After Making the Team Earning the scholarship, through whichever method students choose, is just the beginning. The time commitment for actually playing on a college varsity team is huge, according to Wright.

“It would be my entire life. I would spend every moment of every day focused on baseball,” said Wright.

Pascale cites the time commitment as one of the main reasons she wants a merit, rather than an athletic, scholarship.

“Considering how playing on a college team would affect my schoolwork, I think it is smart to focus on academics rather than soccer because I can’t make a career out of soccer.”

Although Pascale does not want an athletic scholarship, other students every year partake in the battle. The competition is fierce, but the opportunity to lessen the burden of college and further their athletic ambitions proves too tempting for student athletes time and time again.

Photograph by Becka Farquhar Charlotte Berry warms up before the Girls Varsity Basketball game.

Berry hopes that competition will not rule out the possibility of her obtaining an athletic scholarship.

Features 8

January 2013

Private School Transfers Find Friends Ease Transition

By Sarah Orzach Editor-In-Chief

The transition from middle school to high school is unquestionably a hard one. But transferring from a private school to a public school can make it all the more difficult.

However, through the eyes of Peri Schuster, Shir Kaplan, and Lauren Comeaux, the friendships available at Wilde Lake High School make the change smoother and worthwhile.

Shir Kaplan, a senior, came to Wilde Lake in ninth grade after having gone through twelve years of private school education. She most recently attended Krieger Schecter Day School, a Jewish affiliated private school. Kaplan was unsure of what she should expect at a large public school. However, upon the arrival of her freshman year, Kaplan was excited for the change of pace.

When she arrived at Wilde Lake, Kaplan was surprised by how different Wilde Lake was from her previous school; she felt lost. “I was very confused and felt ill informed,” said Kaplan.

However, the social opportunities at the Lake allowed her to find her place and grow as a student. “Now I feel comfortable in a diverse setting and have learned to be much more independent,” said Kaplan.

According to Kaplan, who’s past school had been a primarily white, all-Jewish day school, “the diversity at Wilde Lake was a big change, but I am so grateful that I got to experience and grow in a school like this because now I feel so prepared for college in a lot of ways that a private school could not have done.”

Peri Schuster is a senior at Park School, a nondenominational private school in Baltimore. Before the end of eighth grade, Schuster debated where to continue her private education.

“My parents and I chose together, since I was only fourteen, but they only allowed me to choose from a selection of private schools, no public schools at all,” said Schuster.

Although Schuster has always attended private schools, her desire to experience a more diverse educational setting has remained strong.

“I feel like public school would have given me more options socially,” said Schuster, “but my school is so challenging and the extracurricular activities are amazing and I know that the public schools in my area can’t give me the same thing.”

For Schuster, who plans on being a professional singer, the numerous choir and theatrical groups available at Park School were the driving factor in her decision not to attend Owings Mills High School, where she would have been districted. While that specific public school had little to offer Schuster, she acknowledges that not all public schools are the same.

Junior Lauren Comeaux came to Wilde Lake her freshman year after having attended St. Louis School, a Catholic private school. Comeaux explained that the transition was challenging, but still manageable, because of the huge differences in class sizes and student body. “[Wilde Lake] was a lot bigger, but doing field hockey made it easier, because I met people before school started,” said Comeaux.

For Comeaux, the switch to public school was eased by the opportunity to meet students with interests similar to her own. “Having a group of friends that you can recognize in the halls is a big help in that kind of transition,” said Comeaux.

Although students struggle when switching from a private to a public school, there is a consensus that friendships help.

Rayma’s Reviews Big Bang’s Alive Surges Among K-Pop Listeners

By Rayma Kochakkan Business Manager

A train rolls by on the tracks above Brooklyn. The camera pans down to the street where a young man with purple hair and a fitted hat with “BAD BOY” printed across the front chases after a girl who is clearly not interested.

One by one, the rest of the members of Big Bang make their appearances in the video for their single “Bad Boy.” Among them is lead rapper TOP who is almost impossible to miss with his bright blue hair. The song was released off their latest album, Alive. The album has become a staple of modern Korean pop music, or K-pop.

Alive, Big Bang’s seventh album, has a more eclectic sound than any of Big Bang’s other albums. The music, produced mostly by leader G-Dragon, jumps from electronic ballads like “Blue” to upbeat house singles like “Fantastic Baby” and makes its way back to urban hip-hop – their base – through “Bad Boy.” The beats are perfectly layered to accentuate each of the singers’ voices, which are as diverse as their hairstyles.

TOP’s smooth raps, delivered in his distinct low voice, are paired with vocalist Taeyang’s melodic harmony. Daesung belts his verse while SeungRi offers a mellifluous hook and G-Dragon completes the song with a catchy chorus.

The album has a more mature sound with songs focusing less on pretty girls and more on the pain of heartbreak. Although the lyrics are mostly in Korean with occasional English phrases, the topics mentioned are relevant to teenagers and young adults worldwide. This has allowed them to become a musical phenomenon in countries outside their native South Korea.

The video finishes with the five guys standing together, each with a unique pose. Following almost a yearlong hiatus in which the members have grown individually with some branching out into solo careers and others facing drug and media scandals, they stand unified as a lasting figure of K-pop.

Tips for Surviving Midterms: Managing Time and Stress Midterms: a full week of tests, worth ten percent of your grade for each class, and a serious cause of stress. The Paw Print presents you with Tips for Surviving Midterms to help you get through the week. Remember, if you do well on Midterms, then the rest of the year will be less stressful.

1. Use your textbook’s website.

The websites offer interactive explanations and practice tests that will allow you to gauge what you need to study.

2. Create a study schedule. Designate a subject for each day so that no subject gets neglected.

Take the date of each test into consideration when making the schedule.

3. Organize your notes. Dump out everything in your backpack onto the floor and sort it by subject, importance, or date.

4. Study in twenty minute increments. Breaking up the time will prevent you from frying your brain. Go for a walk, eat a snack, or get some fresh air during the break.

5. Do not procrastinate. Trying to cram the night before can be counterproductive, so don’t wait until the last minute to start studying.

6. Complete the study guides that your teachers give to you.

Teachers make the tests and know what is going to be on them. Think of the study guides as a sneak preview to the test.

7. Review old tests and quizzes.

Make copies of them, white out the answers, and take the tests again.

8. Make flash cards. Make sure that you are doing more than memorizing, because the tests will most likely ask you to apply the key terms and concepts.

9. If you know you can’t study in a group, then don’t attempt it.

Know who is in the group and whether or not they plan on studying or socializing.

10. If all else fails, go outside and pray to the Midterm gods.,

EDITORIALS Stipulations Make DREAM “Down the Rabbit Hole”: WilAct Confusing for Potential de Lake Drama Department Beneficiaries Offers Look into Wonderland

I

By Jason Siegel Feature and Arts Editor

n November’s election the DREAM Act won by a narrow margin in Maryland, with 58 percent voting for it and 42 percent voting against it. The referendum ran on the ballot alongside legalization of gay marriage and table games in casinos. Many may overlook a question that only concerns an estimated eight percent of all Maryland public school students, according to the Maryland State Department of Education. However, for these students, the passing of the DREAM Act could decide their future.

The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act allows children of undocumented immigrants to attend a state university or community college for the price of instate tuition. The process, though, is not as simple as just applying to a college and checking the “Maryland Resident” box. There are a number of stipulations that students are required to meet before qualifying for in-state tuition.

Although the specific requirements have not been officially announced, according to the Washington Post, a student that qualifies for in-state tuition under the DREAM Act will most likely have to meet the following stipulations: They must have entered the United States at the age of 15 or younger, attended a Maryland high school for a minimum of 3 years, gathered a minimum of 60 college credits at a community college or university, obtained a G.E.D. or high school diploma, and be under the age of 30.

Mrs. Barker, the Hispanic Achievement liaison and sponsor of the Hispanic Voices club at Wilde Lake, offered her opinion on the importance of this bill concerning the future of young immigrants.

“The DREAM Act is a step in the right direction. It provides reasonably priced education opportunities for the children who have no say in coming to this country, yet still call this country their home,” said Mrs. Barker.

Senior Kevin Moreno is president of the Hispanic Voices Club.

He interacts daily with Hipanic students who have the potential to qualify for the DREAM Act “This is a great opportunity for undocumented students to seek higher education. However, my only concern is that they don’t let them go straight to the school of their choice, but instead take two years of community college before qualifying for in-state tuition.”

Despite the benefits that come with the passing of this bill, many proponents agree with Moreno that there is room for improvement.

“It is progress, but it’s not necessarily a ‘dream,’ in terms of being an easy process,” said Mrs. Baker.

Although the process of qualifying as a ‘DREAMer’ is not as simple as some proponents wish, Carolina Hernandez, senior and member of the Hispanic Voices club, said, “[It is] a great opportunity for [these students] to add something good to their country with their education.”

By Becka Farquhar Opinions Editor

The lights flickered intensely and the crash of artificial thunder filled the room as the cast of Alice in Wonderland emerged from their hiding spots, reciting Lewis Carols’ poem, “The Jabberwocky.”

“Twas brillig, and the slithy toads did jire and jimble . . . ” There is no way to put it lightly: The Wilde Lake production of Alice was downright weird, but that is what the cast and crew intended. Every aspect of the show that was far from ordinary was intentional, designed to draw the audience into Wonderland.

The show was not even held in an actual theater. The crew had to construct an entirely new theater from the ground up.

Mrs. Alder’s classroom, known to students as the “Black Box” or the “Mini Theater,” was cleverly disguised with lengthy black curtains, an intricately painted deign on the floor, and the most striking feature: the stage.

In other productions, the stage is nothing more than an elevated plane on which the actors recite their lines, but in Alice, the stage was much more than that. Not only did it transform a classroom into a theater, but it also turned the room into an ocean when Alice began to cry. It turned ensemble members into trees, shrubs, and plants and even unveiled Alice in the beginning sequence. And dancing, shouting, stomping their way across the stage was the cast.

The cast of Alice portrayed an entirely different world from our own. From Humpty Dumpty’s great fall to the delusional creations of the White Knight to the wild rants of the Mad Hatter and the March Hair to the Red Queen (Off with her head!), each character was a reflection of the cast members’ imagination. Every movement was not the movement of Cameron Falby or Tara Alemzadeh, but the movements of the White Knight and the Red Queen.

All in all, the fall productions of Alice gave the Wilde Lake Drama Department the opportunity to “think outside the box.”

The play left the audiences asking themselves what they had just witnessed, but also left them with the desire for another peek into Wonderland.

The Paw Print

Wilde Lake High School 5460 Trumpeter Road -- Columbia, MD 21044 Volume 40, Issue 2

The Paw Print is published by the Journalism class. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the staff, the students, the administators, or the school board. Letters to the Editors are encouraged. The Paw Print reserves the right to edit any submissions.

Editors in Chief......................................................................................Sarah Orzach and Christina Kochanski News Editor................................................................................................................................Dylan Reynolds Fearures and Arts Editor..................................................................................................................Jason Siegel Opinions Editor and Photographer........................................................................................... Becka Farquhar Sports Editor....................................................................................................................................Syra Kayani Business Manager..................................................................................................................Rayma Kochakkan Illustrator.......................................................................................................................................Jorge Alvarez Faculty Advisor.............................................................................................................................Mr. Townsend

Like it is

By Becka Farquhar Columnist

Mr. Mykee Fowlin spoke to the student body about bullying on Friday, December 14. During one part of the presentation, Mr. Fowlin said to the audience: “Look at the person next to you. Tell them they’re beautiful. Look at the person on the other side; tell them they’re beautiful. Tell everyone they’re beautiful.”

Shouts of “You’re Beautiful!” rang through the halls after the presentation ended as students complimented friends and strangers alike. But throughout the day the shouts diminished until once again the hallways were near silent. This foreshadowed the impermanence of Mr. Fowlin’s influence at the Lake: Within a week, his message was forgotten and we all returned to our comfort zones. We had felt brave enough to tell a stranger that he or she is beautiful because everyone else was doing the same, but now offering a compliment would mean taking a risk.

Someone has to take the initiative and start a trend far more important than Ugg boots or jeggings: the trend of kindness. We all know how powerful gossip can be, how quickly rumors and insults can spread by word of mouth.

We should use this medium, not to tear people down and perpetuate lies, but to build each other up. School occupies eight hours a day, five days a week to the point that I spend more time with my classmates than I do with my family. A little bit of kindness spread across our school could create an atmosphere of friendliness rather than one of dread and obligation. We should take advantage of the hours we are required to spend together to build a community of students who feel not only respect for each other, but also a significant amount of self-respect. If we attempt to build a social environment out of rumors and mockery, it will inevitably collapse. The strongest foundation we could possibly look for is kindness.

This, I Teach “So, like a courageous young woman, I decided to

confront my fears directly. I bought a one one-way ticket to the other end of the earth: Argentina.”

By Mrs. Stang As a whole, the memory I have kept of that chilly, summer night in a hostel in Buenos Aires elicits the most pure sense of triumph that I have yet to surpass. While I am inclined to recall such blissful moments, I know that the brain is a fickle device we possess. With certainty I affirm that more often than not, fear and victory can be found under the same canopy of experience. My canopy on that night of enlightenment is etched into my life story, evidence of experience mapped as wrinkle on my skin.

Rewind: I found myself recently graduated.

I timidly held the diploma in my hands, astonished that my career as a student had honestly proved true and led me to that exact moment that everyone in life always pushes you towards.

It seems that all your life you grow up with voices guiding you to that next step: college. So, how odd, but justifiable, it is then that after you have achieved that step, the supervising voices fall silent, respectfully, and it is just you. You decide.

How horrifyingly delightful to have complete control, to have uninhibited freedom to choose your own path, to be left to your own dreams, successes, flops, bruises, and HEAPS of uncertainties. Many people know that uncertainties, if left untreated, can become crushing. After a heart-to-heart with myself, an honest reflection confronting my demons, I realized my greatest fear was leaving the familiarities of this place, the hilarity of friendships and the dependability of family, and venturing into those dreaded unknowns.

Taking the Challenge: Adventures through Academic Levels

By Jorge Alvarez Illustrator

Since I was young, I had always defined myself as adventurous. So, like a courageous young woman, I decided to confront my fears directly. I bought a one one-way ticket to the other end of the earth: Argentina.

I remember many moments of loneliness. I remember sitting below the open-air plaza of my hostel just staring, pen in hand, at my journal, the only thing with which I felt familiarity. I remember battling my choice to leave the security and love behind me for an indefinite time. I remember the longings for certainty.

Amidst the uncertainties of my purpose in Argentina and what it really came to conquer and achieve, I discovered camaraderie and bravery in a new sense. I made a decision to no longer be dependent on past comforts, but rather embrace the present moment.

In the plaza, on that night, under the lights and stars of that far away big city, I stared alone at the plastic hostel table. This time though, throughout the night, a filtering of expatriates, adventurers and seekers, just like me, came filtering out the doors that lined the hallway. Akin by little, we each represented a different country: USA, Brazil, Holland, Peru. Not one of us able to understand the other in his native language, but we bonded over our common ground, Spanish.

We were each there with our own individual purpose or pursuit, but we were together. Even though it was one night, one moment in each other’s lives, we became each other’s familiarities.

This, I teach.

Wilde Lake Compliments Thank you to all the students and staff who contributed compliments to this addition of the Wilde Lake Paw Print. Your kind words are much appreciated by the staff and the student body. The purpose of ‘Wilde Lake Compliments’ is to give people an outlet to share kind

and uplifting words with their teachers and peers. We hope that this is recieved well and is able to brighten someone’s day. This was inspired by the assembly given my Mr. Michael Fowlin. His words impacted us all and we hope that this makes his message a lasting one.

Best Compliment Given to a Teacher: “Ms. Lipira makes me laugh everyday and I always look forward to going to her class.” - AP Gov student

Most Spirited: “To the school: People here at Wilde Lake look out for each other, which I have come to appreciate. We don’t all fight, and anyone you ask is willing to help if you don’t understand something. GO WILDE LAKE!”

Most Direct: “Natalie, I Like your face” Funniest: “Dear Girls: I was so enchanted by your beauty that I ran into that wall

over there. So I’m going to need your phone numbers… for insurance purposes…”

- Frederick Robinson

Drawn by Jorge Alvarez

Most Magnanimous: “Nobody in this world is ugly” Most Sincere: “Stephen Meyer: I love your quiet demeanor and behind there’s a humble, funny guy. Thank you for the laughs on my down days.” - Emma Hughes

Ms. Lipira makes me laugh everyday and I always look forward to going to her class.- AP Gov student . . . You’re beautiful! You know who you are (and you’ve got some nice… eyes…) . . . Ms. Franckowiak is the best teacher. She made my freshman year better.- From the student in your 5th period . . . Ms.Franckowiak is the best teacher I ever had. She was an amazing influence on my freshman year! Please teach AP Bio!- From an adoring student in 3rd period . . . Dear Mr.Rankin: even though you tease me constantly, you’re funny and I know you have good intentions, also I appreciate your life advice . . . Thank you for teaching me guitar . . . You are very nice and thoughtful . . . You’re awesome! Did you know awesome in Fijian is “wananavu”? . . . Ms. Curtis, you are the best teacher.-Nasa Majeed . . . Thanks to my 6th period teacher for making me laugh . . . I’d like to tell Ms.Curtis she’s a really good teacher . . . Thanks for always entertaining people and making them feel happy if they are sad . . .

Sasha: your laughter brings me joy on a cloudy day . . . To my manz, Roger. Yo, thanks for always having my back. LOL you’re funny too. ‘Cause we be chillin’ with the bowtie . . . Hi. I think you were funny today . . . Dear John: I hope you had a Happy New Year. Every time I go to math, you’re always there. Even if we don’t talk, your smile lights up my world. Thank you. Hope your life is always full of joy.-AMJ . . . I’ve only known him for a year and we’ve become the best of friends, He’s absolutely amazing and is always there for me, whether I’m sad or happy, he always makes me feel special . . . Ms. Curtis: You are one of the best teachers I have ever had in a very long time. I’m very glad to have you as my English teacher in my first year of high school.- Jalen. . . Dear best friend: Thanks you for always being there for me and encouraging me through the tough things and helping me with my homework.LOL, I love you. –Love, Diana. . .My sister, Elmira, and Caitlin always look beautiful. . .Dear Kalongie: you’re the sweetest boy ever and the cutest boy at Wilde Lake… Every time I see you I gotta double take! . . . Christina Winkley, you make me smile even if I’m in a bad mood. You make me laugh all the time. You’re the best. –Jordan Smith. . . Morgan Somerville: You’re so funny you make me smile you dork!- Jordan Smith. . . Layla Brooks: You dork, you’re one of my best friends- Jordan Smith. . . Tia McCay: You’re my best friend. . . Jordan Smith: You’re too funny, dude! And crazy, LOL . . . Ms.Curtis: You make me happy!- Natalie. . . Asia: You are very smart and nice. . .Dylan: You are a good person, and you should smile more. . .There’s a girl in my 5th period who always has the cutest outfits on . . . Tiffany Anderson: You’re a good person. . .Even though you wore that ugly sweater, you’re still a good friend. . .I want to thank Alicia Prendergrass for being an amazing friend. . .To the guy that will never notice me: I love you. . .Natalie, I Like your face. . .Max “M.Swizzle” Schwind: I like how you like crunk hip-hop and Ukranian folk songs. . . Sarah: you saved my life last week. Thanks. Christina . . .All the people wearing tacky Christmas sweaters: Thank you . . . Duncan: You’re so much better than Henry. Honestly.- Kate McHale . . . You’re beautiful in every way! . . . You have a nice smile. . . You look good. . . Mrs. Jackson: thank you for being a cool, down-to-earth person. We need a lot more teachers like you. You’re a great addition to Wilde Lake and hopefully we see more back-flips at future pep-rallies!. . . Ms.Curtis makes me smile. . .You are tremendous! . . . You are gorgeous! . . .Rachel Steingesser!!! You’re the best friend I’ve ever had! You’re so compassionate and understanding of me and all my crazy! NumbersignRachelproblems numbersigndorothyproblems #Now Playing- Two worlds collide-Demi Lovato. Love, Dorothy . . . The school’s diversity makes me smile . . . My “?” teacher is always very helpful, she is kind, patient, and polite. Whenever I needed help I always got it, no matter how much I didn’t understand. . . Everyday I always think about you. Your smile and stupid jokes Anyway, I miss you and I love the way you smile. Ask me already.- You know who . . . Cuinn: You’re the most handsome, caring, kind man I’ve ever met and I will never forget you. YOU”RE beautiful. –Danejah . . . To my friends: Thank you for being there for me, making me laugh and telling me what the homework was when I didn’t know . . . Going out to the guy I have a crush on. The one I see every other day. –Anonymous person . . . To Celena, Danejah: You’re beautiful.- Ke’Verza . . . To my friends: You guys are the best. Don’t know what I’d do without you guys . . . This is for everybody! Yes, even you! Just wanted to let you know that you’re awesome! . . . To all girls: There is someone out there for everyone. Just keep smiling, someday you’ll find him . . . Dear Nick: You made my day giving me a pack of chips ahoy! No one else was even saying stuff to me or giving me a gift. You da man! . . . To the girl I see everyday with a sad face: Don’t worry, you’re beautiful and you have an amazing smile.- Robin JB . . . To Dr.Shumway: Thank you for being nice and a good teacher. . .To Adam Glass: You are super beautiful and an amazing wrestler . . . Tommy Mee: You have a wet 3-pointer . . . David Leiberg: I admire your trumpet skills. They be off dah chain . . . Kate Glaros: You have really pretty eyes . . . Maria Haleguena: Thank you for snap-chatting me and making Spanish class much more fun.<3 . . .Caitie Adler: You’re a great person and an awesome friend . . . Julia: You’re as fast as lightening . . . Kaleigh: You have the brightest personality . . . Melissa: You are Spencer Hastrings. You’re so pretty. –A. . . Coach Clever: we appreciate and understand all of the hard work that you do. You are fabulously fun. I have learned about dynamic stretching. I know more about fitness. Thank you for all that you do. –Kristen Edwards, Melissa Rabinowitz. . .Patrick Riley: Baby you light up my world like nobody else, the way that you flip your hair gets me over whelmed.- Caitlyn, Catherine . . . Shannon: We love you.- Caitlyn, Patrick. . . Ms. Franckowiak: You are one of my favorite teachers, and have made science interesting . . . Ms. Franckowiak: I really appreciate all of your concern in your students. I’ve never really seen a teacher who cares about students’ success as much. Thanks a lot. . .McKenzie Scott: You are so nice and I’m really glad I got to know you because you’re super nice and I know I can talk to you.. .To my best friend: Thank you for sticking around through thick and thin.

You’re always there to support me. I tell you everything. I trust you 100%. You make me smile or laugh when I’m upset or mad. I don’t even have to say anything for you to know what’s wrong. We’ve grown into best friends, sisters, like family in five years. I love you. Don’t know what I’d do without you.- Love, Elicia Craig . . .

Thank you girl in sixth period for always saying hi when I sharpen my pencil. . .Smiley Face: My best friend. You smile even when you’re mad and you brighten up me day.

So I’ll brighten up yours with mine! – Your Bestie, Dominique. . .Shir Kaplan: You always have a kind word and happy smile for people. Thanks you for everything you do . . . Jack Lewis: You are absolutely hilarious and pretty much a perfect person. Seriously. Keep it up! . . . Have faith and you’ll get far with what you want to do.- LaTesha . . . Ms.Lipira- You are my favorite teacher! You always make my day! . . . Dear Mrs.Williams: I’ve known you for four years, but I’ve never gotten the opportunity to tell you how much I appreciate you. You are a very strong and beautiful individual. What I admire most about you is that you’re always yourself, no matter what, and you always speak your mind. You are a very caring person, and from a distance, you can be very intimidating, but when people get to know you, they learn that you have a heart of gold. You’re passionate about everything you do, and for that, I thank you for everything you’ve done for me.- YoYo. . .

Novella: Thanks for being such a great friend and for listening to all of my complaining. I know I can be hard to handle but somehow you’ve managed for ten years! –Ellah Ipah . . .

I think you’re bombtastic! (Insert Indian accent here)- Ahmed W . . . Thank you for keeping me on the right path. You’re a great person . . . Mr. Miller: Thank you for helping us get good grades in English. . . Mr. Miller: You are a very good teacher. You are my favorite teacher.. You always helped me with keeping my grade up. You always kept a smile on my face no matter what mood was in. And you’re very funny! – Samantha Shelby. . .Mr. Ringold: I’m very happy I met you because you’re always there for me when I need you, whenever I have a problem you’re always there to help. You are very supportive.- Samantha Shelby. . .Thank you to all my teachers for believing in me, even when things seem hopeless for me (with grades). Thank you to all of my family and friends for believing in me that I can and will achieve my dream of acting. – Faith Brown. . .It was a fabulous show. Thanks Mrs. Tucker for being nice to me.- Vernone. . .If you think Nobody cares… Think again! . . .Jake Fisher: You’re really cool!. . .You have a beautiful smile. . . Nobody in this world is ugly. . . Be happy and don’t worry about the past.- Nicole Rodriguez-Torruella. . . To everyone in the school: You are who you are and you shouldn’t let anyone try to change you . . . Dajah Davidson: You’re really talented and funny. You’re great support and always there. I love you, sis. . .Self: You look beautiful today.- xoxo, Self . . . Eddie Jackson: You’re awesome, even when you like the scorpions.- The Wilde Lake Wilde Cat. . .Mr. Miller: Thanks for always making 1st period exciting! You make English fun! (You earn a gold star!). . .Mathew Martin-Swint: You make me smile everyday with your smiling face. You always say hi to me. Thanks you, Matthew! – Montinique . . . Morgan Shaw: You are truly beautiful. . . Mr. Miller: Even if I’m having a bad morning, first period makes my whole day a lot easier. You’re good at making people smile . . . . Thanks for keeping my day going. I was in a really bad mood before . . . It makes me happy just to see you everyday.- Jendayi . . . . Hey; You are adorable.- Jendayi. . .David Laziris: Thank you for giving me a ride to Intern/Mentor presentation last year.- Jendayi . . . Mr. Miller: Thank you for teaching me how to ‘Play Along.’ You are genuinely hilarious.- Jendayi . . . Emma Hughes: Thank you for telling me when I have paint on my face.- Jendayi . . . All the Lettermen: thank you for putting up with my agendas and ‘leadership.’ –Jendayi . . . All my teachers: Thank you for understanding. –Jendayi Miller . . . Jack and Kara: thank you for giggling at my ‘painting’. It was really a humbling experience.- Jendayi . . . Cameron: Your confidence and candor are so inspiring . . . Also, thanks for calling me “classy”. –Jendayi . . . All my classmates: Honestly, thank you for just being nice people. –Jendayi . . . Ms.Dixon, Guidance, and the Front Office: Thank you for saving me on numerous occasions. –Jendayi . . . Selena Benitez: You are a beautiful and inspiring person inside and out. You have always been incredibly sweet, caring, and supportive. You are very talented and I’m so grateful to have gotten to know you better over these past years. – Love, You know who . . . Kayla Adams: Your hair smells really good on Thursday afternoons … TJ: I’m very appreciative that you wrote a compliment for me. I hope you enjoy this ‘compliment’. – Michael Moore . . . Mikey Moore: I appreciate your compliment greatly and wish to reciprocate with the message here.- TJ Mallo . . . Person reading this: You are never alone. Tons of people care and love you. Don’t believe me? Take a look at your life with a or positive look and think about all the people who have ever been there for. Always look forward to a better tomorrow! . . . WLHS D-Co: You all are wonderful dancers and caring people. I am so blessed to be part of such a fantastic team! –Love you all, Alexa . . . Becca Fritz: You are absolutely beautiful inside and out. Never doubt your talent or your worth. You are amazing and it’s about time you know. Thanks for being a friend when I needed one . . . Kourtney Harrison and Shir Kaplan: Thank you for running class council and SGA. All your work goes unappreciated, and you put tons of time and effort into your clubs. It is not easy to run clubs in which members are not dedicated: thank you for keeping things running smoothly.- Super dedicated, hard-working SGA and class council member . . . Jake Fisher: Your personality traits exemplify the idealistic morality of a Confucian scholar. Your athletic physique enables you to defeat your counterparts with ease. Even though you had a lack of authority in the decision of your move from Ohio, I’m sure you will achieve adequate enjoyment in Maryland. – Sincerely, Jeremy Kass . . . You look nice today. . . Mrs. Jackson: thank you for being a cool, down-to-earth person. We need a lot more teachers like you. You’re a great addition to Wilde Lake and hopefully we see more back-flips at future pep-rallies! . . . Sam Worchesky: You’ve had my back for as long as I can remember. You’re beautiful and we need to hang out more . . .Mr. Miller: You brighten my morning with your stellar jokes . . . Ellah Ipah: You look ridiculously attractive every single day . . Brian DuBois: My self esteem goes down when you play guitar . . .

Yasmin Shemali: Your hair is beautiful . . . Jack Diba: You look so happy when you play drums, and it makes me smile . . . Ilana Malkin: You make me laugh until I cry almost every other day . . . Rachel Kostelec: You are the most charming person I know . . . “My life has been better since I met you.” . . . David Smart: I want to let you know that I admire you for holding the doors at lunch. I think it is amazing that you give up your time every day to show people that you care and want to help out . . . Mrs.Estabrook not only teaches with her head, but with her heart. . . . D’Andre: You look stunning . . . Charlotte Berry: I just wanted you to know that you are an amazing friend and we’ve had so many good times together. You’re a great basket ball player and I’m so proud of you . . . RJ, you are the man. I want to let you know your outgoing nature is infectious . . . Tim and Jaden: Happy holidays. You guys are amazing. It was incredible that you made holiday cards for everyone in the grade . . . Serena: Thank you for always being there for me. You’re the best!- Cathy . . . Cameron Falby: I went to see both Smokey Joes Café and Alice in Wonderland and I wanted to let you know you are extremely gifted theatrically. I was blown away by your sensational singing voice, and very impressed by the fact that you have great talent as an actor to go along with it.- Sincerely Tyler Silberburg . . . Simon: I’ve known you since we were wee little kids, and I can’t believe how far we’ve come. You are such a genuine person, and people love you more than you know . . . Jeannette: You are one of the only people I know with true inner beauty. Your smile really makes my day because you’re beautiful, on the inside and out. You have such good intentions with everything you do, and I love you. Thank you for being such a good person . . . Everyone got swag! –Napoleon . . .

Have a great day, you deserve it! . . . Xiomi: You are an amazing violinist and super sweet, too! . . . Luke B.: You are a caring person, and always know how to make a person smile. Way to be festive with the red flannel lumberjack shirt! You’re beautiful, and the best- don’t forget it! . . . Dear Girls: I was so enchanted by your beauty that I ran into that wall over there. So I’m going to need your phone numbers… for insurance purposes…- Frederick Robinson . . . Xiomi: You’re an intelligent young woman and one of the greatest friends I’ve ever had. One of the most beautiful people I know.- Josh Yellin . . . Josh: Your shirt is amazingly awesome . . . Katie Kafami is the best friend anyone could ever have.- Christina Whiting . . . Claire Finch: You have a wonderful personality. You’re beautiful. Thank you for blessing m with your presence . . .

Christine: You’re cute.- Jesse M . . . Joel: You’re a nice person . . . Charlotte: Me, you, and Andrew make a great team. With my creative writing skills, your drawing and writing skills, and Andrew’s… whatever he does, we shall RULE THE WORLD! Or… Something… I don’t know.- Alex . . . They are kind. They are friendly. They are understanding. It is because of them that I’m not in complete darkness. It is because of them that I’m not in solitude. It’s their smiles, their jokes. The bright light that surrounds them, of a good trustworthy friend’s. Without them, I would not be who I am today . . . Ana Rose Leuchuk: I’d just like to say that you’re the most amazing, funny, and awesome person that I’ve ever met. We may not agree on most stuff, but that’s one of the reasons you are so interesting to me . . . Wilde Lake is one of the best schools in Howard County . . . Taylor, you are so beautiful . . . Spencer Ampofo is the best Howard County quarter back . . . Hey, Ellie. I like you face. It looks nice. –Thomas Logue . . . Ms. Bullock: Thank you for being you!- Anthony Evans . . . Smile, it’s worth it in the end. –Cindy Duong . . . Self: you are so pretty you always have a smile on your face, even when you’re upset. You’re beautiful inside and out<3. – Love, Taylor Watts . . . Simon is so awesome. He makes everyone’s day by making them laugh.- Daniel Andrews . . .Stephen Meyer: I love your quiet demeanor and behind there’s a humble, funny guy. Thank you for the laughs on my down days. -Emma Hughes . . . Genesis: Your determination and smile brightens the lives of those around you- and we notice. –Emma Hughes . . . Though you may not know it, your words in the hallway make my day . . . Mr. Townsend: You are such an awesome English teacher. I pray my sons have a male English teacher when they are in High School.- Mrs. Fant . . . To my period 2-3, 5-6 classes: I love you so much. You make my job a joy. Continue to work hard. You all are doing well. Ms. Lienhard and I are proud of you.- Mrs. Fant . . . Ms. Lienhard: You embody what it it to be a co-teacher. In twelve years I have never worked with someone who is as caring and focused on students. You are the best. – Mrs. Fant . . . Quellie: You are beautiful in every way . . . Everyone is beautiful . . . Kathy Corbit and Ms.Creamer: Thank you for putting me on the right track to High School, and keeping my head so I would not get in any trouble . . . Kaitlyn Salapong: Your hair is perfect . . . Tyshawn: Thanks for that piece of gum . . . Thanks for the school breakfast . . . Mrs.Fant: Thank you for teaching me . . . Tuwanna Bates: I have never met a girl as friendly, generous and caring as you. I so wish I wasn’t a senior! I’m glad for you. When you smile I smile, no matter where you go or what you do, I will never forget about you, TuTu!- DeShoy James . . .

Mrs.Brennan: You are one of the best teachers and administrators in the whole school . . . Mrs.Brennan: You were the funniest, coolest teacher that I ever had.- Jesus Benavides . . . Mrs. Lienhard: you were a great helper. When someone needed help, you were there.- Jesus Benavides . . . Hey beautiful, stay awesome! . . . Kevin you are my best friend, and stay happy!- Chris Carpenter . . . Stay beautiful, Fiona.- Chris Carpenter . . . Irene Irinzary: I love your eyes, you hair, you culture, and I just wanted to say… Hi! . . . Mrs. Chapman: You are the best teacher ever . . . Mr. Downs is a wonderful teacher! . . . Robert C.: I always admired you hard work and determination. Keep up the good work . . . You’re so bello! . . . Eve Torres: Your beautiful. Smile more. –Kasche W. . . . Alex: Thank you for being helpful with science. You encourage me to do better. You may be quiet but you have a loud heart that gives to all . . . Mrs. Platou: You teach our small class well. You make it interesting and fun . . . Mr. LeMon: You’re a good principal at Wilde Lake. You interact with the students and are very nice.- Kiara Hopkins . . . Dr. VanNetta: You’re awesome, funny, and lovely. You make learning FUN!- A 6th period student . . . 3rd Period English Eleven: Thank you for working so hard; your motivation is great!- Mrs.Lopez . . .

1st period English Eleven Honors: Thank you for your wonderful discussions at seven-thirty in the morning. Your work ethic is most impressive.- Mrs. Lopez . . . To all my seniors: Thank you for three years of and intellectual journeys! You are all in my heart! . . . To Ms. Wilder: Thank you for everything! I’d be lost without your assistance! . . . To Becka Farquhar- My Student Aide and fellow Cubana: You are superb, thank you for your hard work and for having the courage to be true to yourself! . . .

Shir Kaplan: You have a really pretty smile and it makes me happy . . . Mrs. Platou: You’re a good teacher . . . David Smart: It is cool that you hold the door open for everyone at lunch every single day . . . Mrs. Shulman: Even though you try to appear as a zero tolerance teacher with the hardest material around, I can tell that you care about you students and wish them all the best . . . To the school: People here at Wilde Lake look out for each other, which I have come to appreciate. We don’t all fight, and anyone you ask is willing to help if you don’t understand something. GO WILDE LAKE! . . . To the school: Thank you all for your loyalty to reading the Wilde Lake Paw Print!