The Paw Print March 2013
Rahsaan Eldridge of the Kelly Bell Band spoke to Wilde Lake about the history of blues at the Black History Month Assembly - page 5 Phtotogragh by Becka Farquhar
•5460 Trumpeter Rd. Columbia, MD 21044 • Volume 40 Issue 3•
Delta Scholars Program Recognizes Women of Excellence at Wilde Lake By Syra Kayani Sports Editor
Junior Jesula Fleurizard and her family finally made it to the United States from Haiti after 14 years of paperwork. While living in a poor and underprivileged country, the Fleurizards dreamed of moving to a place where their children could have better opportunities. “My family really values academics and I have always known that I wanted to strive to better myself and make my parents proud,” said Fleurizard. “This inspired me to join the Delta Scholars.” Fleurizard is one of the many young women who were nominated for and accepted into Wilde Lake’s new Delta Scholars program. Delta Scholars is the first program at Wilde Lake intended to promote academic excellence and character among today’s young women. This year’s accepted women have expressed great pride in their new responsibilities as Delta Scholars. “Because I am in the Delta Scholars, I have to carry myself as a young woman with class and confidence and take great pride in myself,” said Senior and Delta Scholars Chairwomen Montinique Morgan. Mrs. Collier is one of the faculty sponsors for the Delta Scholars. She believes that Morgan’s attitude towards the program accurately reflects the purpose of the program: self-improvement and betterment of the community. “The goal is to make sure we are giving back to the community, helping the girls learn leadership skills, and preparing them for success both during and after high school,” said Mrs. Collier. IN NEWS: Coach Shoe plans to retire from coaching but is not leaving Wilde Lake behind. page 3
The Delta Scholars have already begun planning trips and volunteer opportunities. These opportunities include volunteering for the Green Day environmental awareness program, preparing donations for the Grassroots homeless shelter, and taking a field trip to watch a performance of The Color Purple. The Delta Scholars program also has a strong focus on academics. Members must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and anyone wishing to join the program must receive recommendations from three teachers or advisors. For Sophomore Abena Ntiamoah, the standards, academic and otherwise, that must be upheld as a Delta Scholar are a motivation to focus on her schoolwork.
“I have to keep up my GPA and help people more often . . . I am really honored and excited to begin growing in this program,” said Ntiamoah. Mrs. Collier believes that participating in the Delta Scholars program will help its members gain “practical skills for the real world, including how to manage money, volunteer, write essays for colleges and jobs, assert oneself in society, and have confidence in one’s leadership and self.” According to Mrs. Collier, the program this year sought out potential members using Aspen. The students were narrowed down based on gender, race, and academic record, until a select few were offered positions in the program. Next year, said Mrs. Collier, the application process
will be open to all who apply. Regardless of race, the young women who have been inducted into the program have expressed excitement about being a part of a “safe and nurturing sisterhood,” said Mrs. Collier. Morgan, Chairwoman of the Delta Scholars, will be the first woman in her family to go to college. She is inspired by the “sisterhood and unity” promoted by the Delta Scholars program and plans to pledge Delta when she attends college this fall. “It’s unifying everyone not solely based on whether they are African American, but because we are all Americans in seek of equal opportunity,” said Morgan. “I am just excited now to take as much from this program as I can.”
Phtotogragh by Becka Farquhar The first ever group of Delta Scholars were inducted on February 6, 2013.
IN FEATURES: Students and faculty react to recent incidents of school violence.
ARTIST’S CORNER: The Paw Print highlights student art and poems.
IN FEATURES: Athletes and coaches question the ethics of sports supplements.
IN FEATURES: Teenagers struggle to find jobs in difficult economic conditions.
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page 8 & 9
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News 2
March 2013
Social Media Finds Place in Education
The Word on Main Street
By Dylan Reynolds News Editor
In 2005, MySpace was the most popular Social Media site in the world, Facebook was used by less than one million people, and only two percent of public schools allowed in-class cell phone use, according to a survey conducted by the Department of Education. Since then, MySpace has become one of the least used of the social media giants, Facebook has claimed over one billion users worldwide, and nearly a quarter of the country’s public schools have allowed cell phone use in school. Historically, social media has not been associated with academics. It has always been a way for students to escape from – and complain about – school. But now Facebook claims their site is used by over 85 percent of all high school and college students, and schools can no longer deny the potential that social media has in the education system. The Howard County Public School System is trying to keep up, and has begun to integrate social media into the county curriculum. For example, the school system has recently introduced a “secure social learning” site called Edmodo into the classroom. “Edmodo is Facebook except for school,” said Junior Daniel Ingham, who uses Edmodo as part of his World History class. Edmodo has many Facebook parallels, such as student access to a chatting feature and the ability to post messages on each other’s “walls.” “Edmodo is great for academic skill building, and talking with your peers about school,” says Ingham. “But I’m up all night chatting with my friends about my classes. We love it!” Students enrolled in the GT Independent Research and Intern / Mentor programs, as well as some of the school’s art and music classes, have access to Mahara, an online portfolio where the students can share information about their projects with other students in county. Mahara also borrows features from Facebook and makes it possible for students with similar projects to “friend” each other, allowing them to critique and comment on each other’s pages.
“[Mahara] is little bit clumsy right now,” said Mrs. Dixon, who heads the Independent Research and Intern / Mentor programs. “But it has amazing potential for my students, and all the students who use it in the art and music classes.” HCPSS released a statement last December saying that they would be broadcasting information about school closures and emergencies through Twitter. “I guess it’s good that Howard County is reaching out, but it’s also a little weird getting Tweets from my school,” said Sophomore Jaskeerat Kaur. This is one of Howard County’s first attempts to directly integrate one of the social media giants into its own system. The county recognizes these social media sites as helpful – if not essential – tools with which to guide education. Students have also been taking the initiative to combine their social and academic lives. Some students have created Facebook pages geared toward certain classes. On these pages, students are able to contact each other with questions about class and receive nearly immediate responses from classmates. “It’s great,” said Sophomore Juliana Kaiser concerning student-organized Facebook groups. “It’s a way for people to come together as students first and friends second. I think Facebook has a lot of potential in education, and could be really great if students use it appropriately.” However, finding a balance between life in school and life outside of school has proven difficult for some students. Constant notifications from Facebook act as a distraction for the students trying to get work done, and a way to further procrastinate work for the others. Despite the progression social media has made in our world, much debate surrounds the place social media has in education. The online groups used by Kaiser, as well as many other students, though sometimes helpful, open doors to additional problems such as at-home cheating, and expand upon current problems such as procrastination. However as social media becomes an undeniably large part of the world, these are problems that today’s generation may be forced to face.
“The Facebook groups I’m in as part of my classes are really useful. If I have a question or need help with something, there is always someone on there who can help me out.” -Sara Rzegocki Sophomore “It’s really easy to get distracted on social media websites . . . Facebook and schoolwork each have their own place, and they should stay that way.” -Benjamin Drgon Freshman “If you’re at home and need to get work done, then Facebook is probably the last place you should be because you’re probably not going to accomplish much.” -Paul Lyon Sophomore
Trending Caffeine Drinks Rouse Sleepy Students By Syra Kayani Sports Editor
Walking into the Wilde Lake Village Center gas station, Senior Ike De La Cruz heads straight to the back of the store where his favorite Monster lies waiting for him almost every morning. Among other energy drinks, sugary sodas, and steaming cups of coffee, students are lost in a sea of caffeine. The mindset: “sleep is no longer the most convenient way to get energy,” according to Cruz. Students learn about the dangers of alcohol and drugs, but rarely are they informed of a problem that has always been in front of them: caffeine, widely used and sold to all ages without reservation. Addictive and misunderstood overconsumption of these beverages may cause concern for parents, teachers, and students. On the one hand, caffeine, according to the National Coffee Association, has many positive effects, including: improved concentration, memory retention, reaction time, and stamina. But studies conducted by national health corporations have suggested that caffeine disrupts sleep cycles, which can lead to problems such as aggression, impulsiveness, anxiety, nausea, and jitteriness.
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Without coffee, I can’t function . . . I drink it every morning and because I am so used to it, I know I can survive on minimum sleep with a lot of it.
For Cruz, consuming caffeine everyday is a necessity. “When I don’t have my Monster regularly I feel deprived, really tired, and as though I need to go to bed earlier so I can get the energy that the Monster usually gives me in the morning,” said Cruz. In a Paw Print poll of 70 random students, results showed that 89 percent of the students consume caffeine by way of soda, coffee, or energy drinks multiple times in a day and at least five times per week. But what, exactly, is fueling teenage enthusiasm for caffeine? Many students feel that they have to rely on caffeine more and more to keep up with their schedules.
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“Without coffee, I can’t function,” said Senior Ellysia Mohammend, “I drink it every morning and because I am so used to it, I know I can survive on minimum sleep with a lot of it.” Many energy drinks are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration because they are marketed as supplements and have therefore been allowed to wiggle around FDA labeling laws. Also, most of the ingredients in these “energy boosters” are not well studied, so each ingredient may have its own adverse side effect, according to the American Dietetic Association. Health teacher Mr. Shelton annually shows to his classes Buzz in a Bottle, a documentary about the dangers of energy
drinks. It features Ms. Rovenia M. Brock, a nutritionist who studies caffeine. “The main ingredients in these drinks are taurine, sugar, and caffeine. The bottle may say it contains herbs that appear natural, but natural does not always mean good . . . Guarine is also a major ingredient in these drinks, and it is how companies hide the amount of caffeine in their drinks,” said Ms. Brock. For students who wish to reduce their caffeine intake, nutritionists suggest cutting back gradually, drinking one fewer can of soda or choosing a smaller coffee every day. This helps the body adjust to lower levels of caffeine while lessening the effects of withdrawal. “There are definitely positives and negatives of caffeine . . . it’s hard to kick an addiction, but when you start early, you can definitely overcome a caffeine dependency,” said Junior Xiomi Baleno. Junior Daniel Johnson avoids substances that contain caffeine. Using his own personal experience as his basis, he believes that getting the recommended amount of sleep and exercise will allow students to stay awake without needing caffeine. Johnson says, “I stay away from coffee because I don’t need it.”
News 3
March 2013
Beloved Track Coach, “Shoe,” Passes the Baton By Jorge Alvarez Illustrator
Mr. Shoemaker, known simply as Shoe, is the kind of track coach who buys ice cream for his runners after great performances, as he did for Zach Brown when he was a member of the Wilde Lake track team. But Shoe’s career as a longstanding and beloved coach will come to an end this spring. “I’ve accomplished a lot through these past years and I feel satisfied with the growth I have been able to be a part of,” said Shoe. “It’s been a very fun ride, but I feel as if I could help students in another way: through music.” In addition to coaching track and field, Shoe also works in Resources, a class designed to give students extra help in school. One such student is Sophomore Izaiah McNeal, who transferred to Wilde Lake and works closely with Shoe. “It’s hard to move and come into another school,” McNeal said. “At least now I have someone to talk to about my school work and life outside of school . . . I have someone I can look up to.” Senior Harry Ndiang is another student that Shoe has impacted both on and off the field. “Although Mr. Shoemaker spent most of his time with the girls track team, he’s always been supportive of the boys track team and joked around when he could,” said Ndiang. “He’s hilarious . . . I’ll definitely miss him.” Some of Shoe’s most memorable moments include
coaching his two daughters, Laura and Adrianna. Both girls, the former a graduate of Wilde Lake and the latter currently a senior, compete in pole vaulting. Although Shoe is retiring from his coaching career, he will continue to work closely with Wilde Lake students and create more memories through Resources and by informally helping with the school’s music department. Shoe also enjoys other hobbies such as mountain biking, swimming, fly fishing, and playing the saxophone. “I absolutely love the outdoors, hiking . . . but what I love most is spending time with my family.” Graduating from Towson University in 1986 and Loyola University in 1988, Shoe majored in Jazz Composition and Economics. Through his career as a coach and a teacher, he has continued to practice the music he loves. “I’ll still work on my music by playing in my seven-piece band called One Flight Up,” said Shoe. “I’ll also stay in the school working with students, but mostly associated in the music department.” For Shoe, encouraging student ability has been a constant goal in his career at Wilde Lake. While he will be focusing on helping students with the academic and musical aspects of their lives, he feels nostalgic about leaving the track team behind. “I’ll definitely miss coaching, but I feel as if I can finally turn to a new chapter,” said Shoe. “I’ve had the gratitude of looking at many of my past athletes and saying ‘I’m proud of you.’ . . . It’s the best feeling.”
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Photograph by Becka Farquhar Shoe’s committment to helping students expands beyond the track and into the classroom.
I’ll definitely miss coaching, but I feel as if I can finally turn a new chapter.
” English Students Welcome Mrs. Read to Wilde Lake
Photograph by Becka Farquhar Students breath a sigh of relief as Ms. Read announces her permanent position as an English teacher. By Dylan Reynolds News Editor
After several months of numerous substitute teachers and much uncertainty, tenth grade English students breathed a sigh of relief when Mrs. Read was made a permanent teacher. In November, Wilde Lake said goodbye to Mrs. Creed, a longstanding and be-
loved member of the Wilde Lake staff. Mrs. Creed, who taught Advanced Composition as well as several English 10 classes, left Wilde Lake to take advantage of an opportunity she has pursued for quite a while: writing curriculum for the Maryland Department of Education. Her classes were taught by a substitute teacher until January, when students walked into their English classes to find Mrs. Read standing in the
front of the classroom, ready to teach. Mrs. Read taught at Hammond High School for 15 years and then worked for the Howard County Board of Education. She is transitioning back to teaching this year. “I think I missed the student interaction more than anything else,” said Mrs. Read, referring to her time working at the Board of Education. Mrs. Read has been welcomed back to the classroom with a warm reception. “Everyone is so friendly . . . I already feel like I’m becoming part of the community.” Sophomore Jaskeerat Ahluwalia is one of the English students who struggled with several long-term substitutes and an unstructured curriculum. She appreciates being able to finally get back on track, and is grateful for having such an enthusiastic teachers in the classroom. “Mrs. Read is always smiling,” said Ahluwalia. “She makes you really love English class.” Mrs. Read’s passion for teaching has proven essential in the rough transition between teachers. “She brings so much enthusiasm to the class,” said Sophomore Sabrina Van Gracht. Sophomore Rachel Steingesser appreciates the effort Mrs. Read put into making the switch as easy as possible for her students. “Mrs. Read is always available
when you need her,” said Steingesser. “She’s very elaborate when answering questions, and she’s always happy to help.” During her time at Hammond, Mrs. Read coached cross-country, volleyball, and lacrosse. She hopes to become involved in extracurricular activities at Wilde Lake as well. “I’m not sure if I’m going to coach this year. I’ll definitely attend some of the games and maybe look into some coaching opportunities in the future.” Outside of school, Mrs. Read loves to travel. Last summer Mrs. Read attended the Triathlon at the London Olympics and has made it her goal to travel to England every summer. Mrs. Read has also traveled to Ireland, Greece, Turkey, and Scotland. She will be joining Wilde Lake’s Italian classes as they head to Italy this spring. When picking up a class in the middle of the year, there are unavoidable obstacles that any teacher is bound to face. “I’m so fortunate to have such amazing students,” said Mrs. Read. “I don’t think it would be possible to just come in here in the middle of the year and start teaching if the students weren’t as willing to work with me as they have been.” The school appreciates the efforts Mrs. Read has made as part of the Wilde Lake staff and hopes she will continue to teach at the school in the years to come.
March 2013
inSPOTLIGHT
Featured Senior Gabe Smith Brings Talent, Humor, and Leadership to the Fine Arts Department By Sarah Orzach Editor-in-Chief
Photograph by Becka Farquhar Passionate about his Barbershop performance, Senior Gabe Smith practices his falsetto. Smith’s role in the Choir Department has grown over the last four years and he is now Choir Presdent.
With the set painted, pit band ready, and seats filled, Senior Gabe Smith was ready to take the stage for Wilde Lake’s production of Godspell. Smith has been singing, dancing, and acting in numerous fine arts performances since his freshman year. Smith’s extensive experience in the arts department is why he was chosen this year to be Choir President, the top student position in the choir department. Smith also sings with Wilde Lake’s Barbershop group. According to Ms. Adler, teacher and director of the drama department, Smith is “a wide-eyed wonder who brings a great sense of humor” to all of the school’s major performances. Smith was also instrumental to the achievements of Wilde Lake’s improvisational team. The team participated in an international improvisational acting competition in Nashville, Tennessee. “His ability to play any character is why [the team] did so well. He really was an asset to the whole team,” said Ms. Adler. Smith’s bio is full of variety. His main roles include the March Hare in Alice in Wonderland and Jeffery in the most recent production, Godspell. Sophomore Jewel Stevenson’s role of Alice in Alice in Wonderland said that one reason that Smith is continually given roles in the school productions is because, “he brings
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Gabe is a wideeyed wonder who brings a great sense of humor.
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his own character to everything.” “It’s almost impossible to get through a scene quickly with Gabe, because he can’t help but bring up inside jokes. Especially because he just includes every actor in everything that’s going on,” says Stevenson. His charisma and interaction with each and every actor, despite their age or ability is what his peers notice and appreciate most. Sophomore actress Sarah Bookton was quick to note his relationship with Senior Babette Newman. “Babette and Gabe are so funny together. And when they act together its just an amazing to see,” said Bookton. Smith’s personality and work ethic will be missed right after he graduates this Spring. According to Sophomore Rachel Steingesser, “There’s always something funny when you’re with Gabe.”
Spring Sports Players to Watch By Jorge Alvarez Illustrator
Londyn Tyler Freshman Outdoor Track and Field
Tim Virostek Senior Outdoor Track and Field
Colin Tiffey Senior Lacrosse
David Smart Senior Tennis
Kourtney Harrison Senior Softball
Tyler placed first in the four-by-four track relay and tenth in the 300 yard dash during the indoor track state competition. She runs every day in preparation for the spring season of outdoor track and field. According to Coach Shoemaker, “Londyn has displayed potential . . . There’s no telling what she’s going to do next.” Tyler, who has loved running since elementary school, plans to continue running track for her entire high school career.
In this year’s state indoor track competition, Virostek earned first place in two separate events: the 800 meter run and the 1600 meter run. This year he added two more gold medals to his list of accolades. “I’ll definitely expect great things from Tim this season,” said Coach Shoemaker. “I’m sure he’ll win another title or two.” Virostek hopes to further his achievements on the team as he wraps up his high school track career this spring.
Tiffey was named MVP and Offensive Player of the Year for the 2012 lacrosse season. As team captain, he led the team to seven wins, more than they have had in any season in the last ten years. “This year I want ten wins and I think we can do it,” said Tiffey. “Our team is a lot more consistent now since we’ve all been playing together for three to four years.” Tiffey hopes to continue playing lacrosse next year at his top choice college, St. Mary’s College in Maryland.
After competing in multiple tournaments during the off-season, Smart plans to improve on last year’s tennis season. “Our last season displayed a lot of potential,” said Smart. “I have a feeling that now we can start fresh and own the court.” Smart plans to make his final season the high point of his high school sports career. “It’s hard to stand out on the court, but I expect to outdo my performance [from] last season,” said Smart.
Harrison, current Class President, is well known for her leadership in school and on the softball field. “She surely leaves a mark,” said Senior Alexis Turizeck. “She’s definitely an engaged athlete [and] someone that belongs on every sports team.” Harrison hopes that the steady improvement of the softball team over the last few years will translate into a great final season for her and the other seniors on the team.
March 2013
inBRIEF By Dylan Reynolds News Editor
KELLY BELL BAND TRANSCENDS RACIAL ROOTS
WILDE LAKE PEPS UP FOR A WINNING BASKETBALL TEAM
MR. MANDL WINS TEACHER OF THE YEAR
ROBOTICS TEAM TO COMPETE IN REGIONAL CONTEST For the last several months, the Wilde Lake Robotics team has been designing
The Kelly Bell Band made a surprise appearence at the Black History Month assembly on February 22. The band, comprised primarily of African American musicians, has been voted the Best Blues Band in the Mid Atlantic Region for the last 12 years. Their performance took Wilde Lake students on a journey through the history of African American music, starting in the heart of Africa and bringing them to today’s American blues. The band originated in Baltimore 16 years ago and has seen much success, including the completion of a world tour. At the end of the performance, the band invited members of the Wilde Lake orchestra and guitar classes to play with them on stage. While the students were excited about the surprise concert, the music did not distract them from the true purpose of the assembly. “We look forward to a time when we won’t need a Black History Month, because all the races will be represented equally,” said band leader Kelly Bell.
Every year, the senior class chooses the school’s Teacher of the Year. For the 2012-13 school year, science teacher Mr. Mandl was awarded this title. The students do not choose the Teacher of the Year based on which teacher gives out the least amount of homework or what kind of grades the teacher gives. Instead, students look for a teacher whose impact on their students surpasses the curriculum they are paid to teach. Mr. Mandl is one of those teachers. Now in his eighth year of teaching at Wilde Lake, Mr. Mandl was very appreciative to those who voted for him to be Teacher of the Year. “I’m very grateful that the seniors voted for me as teacher of the year. I appreciate being recognized as a great teacher and I’m very honored to be recieving this award. It really means a lot coming from my students.”
Wilde Lake organized its second spirit week of the 2012-13 school year, a week where students can roll out of bed on Monday and dress up in as much green and gold as possible on Friday. Students united in their classes, chanting out their graduation year as they cheered the student basketball teams on. The school vibrated with enthusiasm. The first match featured the sophomores and the freshman, and, despite the freshman’s impressive performance and the crowd’s enthusiasm, the sophomores dominated the first round. The sophomores then went on to face the juniors, a matchup that historically has always favored the juniors. But not this year. With a motivated cheering section and several “Class of 2015” signs waving in the background, the sophomore class took the win. As is the school tradition, the seniors went on to win the last game and faced off against the Wilde Lake staff in a free-throw contest. The staff triumphed over the seniors, but the students’ enthusiasm was not dulled. All four classes left the gym chanting and cheering.
and constructing an original robot to compete in the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) competition this spring. After six weeks of intense preparation, the Wilde Lake “Wilde Bunch” shipped their original robot to the FIRST location in Washington D.C. where it will compete against hundreds of other robots at the end of March. Last year, the team ranked above all of the rookie teams in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions. They placed 34 out of 63 teams in the final rankings. Mr. Hubbard mentors the robotics team at Wilde Lake. “Having our students involved in FIRST is not just about increasing educational opportunities in science and technology, but instilling well-rounded life capabilities such as self-confidence, communication and leadership,” said Mr. Hubbard.
Support for you Support for your parents Education for everyone Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (and Transgender and Questioning too!)
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for Outstanding LGBT Youth and their Allies NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS. Applications can be found at www.pflag.org Deadline: April 15, 2013 General Meeting: Open to all, every 2nd Tuesday of the month Parents Support Group: Parents and caregivers only, every 3rd Monday Transgender Parents Support Group: Parents and caregivers of transgender children only, every 4th Tuesday Rainbow Youth & Allies: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer youth and their allies ages 12-22, every 2nd and 4th Tuesday
Meeting Information: All meetings start at 7:30 pm
Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7426 Cradlerock Way Columbia, MD 21045 www.pflagmd.org 443-280-9047 P.O. Box 1479, Columbia MD 21044 pflagmd@gmail.com
inDEPTH
Making Wild
The Word on Main Street “I don’t think Wilde Lake can do anything about the safety of the students without checking everything that comes into the building. They definitely do a good job with the fire drills and code red drills.” -Simon Fines
New Policies Reflect Concern for School
By Sarah Orzach Editor-In-Chief
New Preventative Safety Measures “Between periods, teachers in the hallway should be doing more to make sure students are going where they need to go. I think that putting in metal detectors might be going to far. It intrudes on our privacy and there’s definitely a limit to how much you can do in a school because we are just children.” -Tiye Carter “I feel safe, because I believe that the administrators care about all the students in the school. But the side doors definitely need more security and maybe monitors. I personally never feel unsafe though, because I’m always around people I trust.” -Arissa Falat
“I don’t think the school is safe at all because Mainstreet has so many cameras but the side staircases don’t have any and there are no teachers. I think there should be more security in empty classrooms. I feel safer coming to school than the mall, but definitely not more than my own home.” -Inayah Entzminger Phtotograghs by Sarah Orzach
This year the administration has introduced and reinforced a series of safety procedures designed to secure student safety in the building. A new security system, an increased number of teachers stationed in the hallway, and a ban on entering the school through the side doors are just a few of the changes Wilde Lake students have observed lately. According to school psychologist Mr. Channel, not only has the school board created entirely new safety precautions, but they have also begun to enforce the old ones. “The new policies include monitoring the side doors to prevent entry, requiring visitors to sign in at the Main Office, mandating teachers to be at watch stations during the day, as well as the installment of a new video surveillance system,” said Mr. Channel. On March 13, the students huddled up under their desks during a code red lockdown drill. The scene resembled that of a Cold War instructional video. Instances of violence appear to have increased in the media. For example, on December 14, 2012 there was a fatal school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Less than two months later a gunman came onto the Lone Star Community College campus in Texas and fired at multiple students. The problem of safety in schools hit home on February 4, 2013 when a Wilde Lake High School student was sexually assaulted during school hours. Most recently, four Oakland Mills students were charged with robbery and attempted murder of a taxi cab
HISTORY OF U.S. SCHOOL SCHOOL SHOOTINGS In the last 13 years, there have been over 50 school shootings in the United States, with over 100 students killed as a result. Below is a timeline of the most notable U.S. school shootings of the 21st century.
2000
2001
March 10, Savannah, GA Darrell Ingam, 19, killed two students as they were leaving a school dance sponsored by Beach High School.
2002
January 17, Baltimore, MD A student was shot and killed in front of Lake Clifton Eastern High School.
April 24, Red Lion, PA James Sheets, graduate of Red Lion Area Junior High School, entered the school and shot Principal Eugene Segro before killing himself.
2003
driver off of school property. The reactions to these events come in many different forms. Students feel a range of emotions from fear and uncertainty to complete calmness and lack of anxiety.
The Need for Change
For students like Senior Jackie Davis, these incidents demonstrate an urgent need for change. “I think we absolutely need more security, especially near the main entrance,” said Davis. “I don’t think it would be too much to have security guards with guns standing near the door. Why take the risk?” Social Studies teacher Ms. Lipira also sees increased security as prevention rather than an annoyance. “After the incident in our own school, administration became much more insistent on upholding safety policies . . . Students also are being reminded more often about the rules, like the ban on entering the school through the side doors. These policies aren’t made to make the school seem unreasonable, just safe,” said Ms. L:ipira. To ease concerns, students will need to get used to more teachers in the hall and an increased presence of adults, something Ms. Platou, teacher of World History, believes should be taken seriously. “It’s not necessarily that there are new policies, but rather the old ones are being enforced more severely. We had all the necessary rules to keep the school safe, they were just not being taken seriously,” said Ms. Platou.
Students Speak Up
Despite media violence, many students feel Wilde Lake has always provided a safe environment.
20:1
The ratio of deaths by guns in the U.S. compared to other countries of similar economic status, according to the NCBI.
2004
October 3, Nickle Mines, PA 32-year-old Carl Charles Roberts IV entered West Nickle Mines Amish School and shot ten schoolgirls between the ages of six and 13.
2005
2006
March 21, Red Lake, MN Jeff Weise, 16, killed his grandfather and friend before arriving at a school and killing a teacher, security guard, and himself.
March 2013
de Lake Safe
t Growing Safety
Who to go to for help
Senior Alexa Kempner does not feel threatened after the recent tragedies in Connecticut and Texas. She believes that the presence of police officers is a strong deterrent against an attack. “Unless there were multiple shootings at one school,” said Kempner, “I would still attend an institution such as Lonestar College or Kent State University, both of which have experienced an on-campus shooting.” However, Sophomore Abby Burmester feels nervous coming to school after the incidents at Sandy Hook Elementary and Lonestar College. “I didn’t realize how big of an issue school shootings were until now,” said Burmester. “Their frequency is what makes me feel scared.”
Safety, Ensured
Wilde Lake’s head of security, Mr. Thompson, sees the students as part of the solution “Students have to accept the mindset that it is everybody’s responsibility to keep the schools safe,” says Mr. Thompson. “This idea that there is nothing to worry about with an officer walking the halls is unreasonable. If a student sees something it is their duty to report it.” For students, this means complying to the school’s stricter policies. It is a sacrifice with the payoff of safety. Mixed reactions to the outbreak of school violence are not exclusive to Wilde Lake. As the debate extends to Congress in the form of gun control discussions, Ms. Platou calls for immediate action locally and nationally. “These incidents are cause for a national conversation,” said Ms. Platou. “It is our job as a school to ensure safety for all students.”
April 16, Blacksburg, VA At Virginia Tech, Cho Seung-Hui, 23, killed 32 students and injured 15 before killing himself. This is the deadliest shooting in U.S. history.
Phtotogragh by Becka Farquhar Before becoming Wilde Lake’s Head of Security, Mr. Thompson was a police officer and a Student Resource Officer.
February 12, Huntsville, AL Biology professor Amy Bishop opened fire at a staff meeting on a college campus, killing three of her colleagues and severely injuring three others.
Mr. Thompson has had extensive experience working for the Howard County Police force, both as a typical officer and as a School Resource Officer. Six months after retiring from his position as an officer, Mr. Thompson was offered the job as Wilde Lake High School’s Head of Security. “My general responsibilities are looking after the security of the building, children, and staff,” said Mr. Thompson. Mr. Thompson explained that his enthusiasm for the job stems from his love for working with kids. He is eager to help any student in need, no matter the situation. Out of all his years on the job, Mr. Thompson said that his scariest moment as Head of Security “had to do with a child having a medical emergency on school property.” Despite the fear associated with problems such as these, Mr. Thompson is always quick to arrive on any unsafe scene. When asked what he would tell a student facing a bad situation, he said, “Students should quickly try to find me or any adult and tell them what is going on. There is no such thing as a snitch.” “The safety of this school is not only my responsibility,” said Mr. Thompson. “It is the responsibility of every student to do what’s best for the school’s overall well-being.”
December 14, Newtown, CT Adam Lanza killed 20 children, six staff members, and himself at Sandy Hook Elementary School. The massacre was the second deadliest in US history. Sandy Hook Elementary’s logo, featuring their eagle mascot.
2007
2008
February 8, Baton Rouge, LA A nursing student shot and killed two women and then herself at Louissiana Technical College.
2009
297
2010
Number of students killed in school shootings in the United States since 1980.
2011 January 5, Houston, TX Two people opened fire at a Worthing High School powder-puff football game. One former student was killed and five others were injured.
2012
2013
January 31, Atlanta, GA At Price Middle School, a student fired a gun and shot his fellow student in the back of the neck. The suspect was immediately arrested.
inArt
The Artist’s
Corner
ambiguity. By Logan Siferd
Questions swirl around in my head Like thoughts in a snowglobe, But Front porches will be swept, And leaves will stick to tires of cars passing by Meals will be eaten, Teeth will be brushed, Hair will be combed for first dates and last dates, Hats will be knocked off by gentle gusts of wind, Mothers and daughters will cry at sad movies, And cigarettes smoked, And coffee drank, sometimes at one, Babies will laugh, And the elderly will groan but behind their wrinkles smile, For they all know that Time goes on and on and on And questions will swirl around in my head like thoughts in a snowglobe.
March 2013
Wilde Lake’s
Painting, Photography, Poetry
and.
By Logan Siferd
Featured Artists (Top Left) Tunnel by Eldar Zeynalov - photograph (Left Middle) Shoes on Power Lines by Cienna Moss - photograph (Left Bottom) Power by Javiera Quintana del Pozo - chalk and pastel (Above) Self Portrait by Josh Tulkoff - oil paint on panel (Top Right) Untitled by Kayla Scrandis - oil paint on panel
Warm. Like a marble tub filled with soapy and frothy cocamidopropyl sea foam. Splishing and Splashing. Dripping and Dropping. Tracing the outline of the tiny droplets of water, running down the side of the porcelain wall like slick rain hitting a fast-moving windshield. Sudsy reflections and Smooth angles remind me of how your glasses sit on the crook of your nose and how they perch there comfortably like the business man lounges in his easychair after a hard day of work or how a bird of prey preens itself on a rocky crevice after a long long feast of dead carcasses.
Features 10
March 2013
Beyond Diet and Exercise:
The Word on Main Street
Sports Supplements Offer Athletes a Way to Get the Upper Hand By Christina Kochanski Editor-in-Chief
The debate surrounding sports supplements centers on topics such as: the lack of regulation of and the possible advantage created from supplements. These supplements, also known as ergogenic aids, come in the form of vitamins, minerals, and herbs and are marketed to improve athletic performance. According to Coach Clever, a Wilde Lake track and field coach for 14 years, the most common sports supplements are protein powder and creatine. “Supplements from the Food and Drug Administration aren’t regulated, so you can’t tell what’s really in them. You have no idea if they’re safe or effective,” said Coach Clever. Coach Clever suggests caution when taking sports supplements although long-term studies have shown that creatine is in fact safe and effective, according to the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Their claim hinges on supplement users following the correct dosage recommendations. Creatine is found naturally in meat and fish. It aids in production of energy in muscles and directly affects the maximum intensity of a workout. According to the ISSN, increasing the amount of creatine in the body through supplements allows athletes to train harder before exhaustion. Coach Dawe would recommend protein powder over creatine to any athlete looking to increase muscle mass. Coach Dawe has been the assistant coach of the JV football team and head coach of the JV wrestling team for two years. “Protein is a good supplement because teenagers are growing
and need a lot of protein in their diets,” said Coach Dawe. The ISSN also claims that protein powders are a practical and safe way to increase muscle mass. This type of sports supplement, according to the ISSN, helps athletes retain muscle and decrease the time needed to recover after workouts. Still, the ISSN emphasizes that these results can only be achieved by taking the recommended dose of protein powder. According to Coach Clever, proper dosage and knowledge of sports supplements are crucial for athletes considering a supplements regimen. “I want kids to be informed about anything they put into their bodies, be it alcohol, drugs, or sports supplements . . . Research is key,” said Coach Clever. Potential sports supplements users must also take into consideration the ethical concerns surrounding supplements. Junior Kate McHale, cross country and track runner, has never taken supplements to improve her athletic performance. But McHale believes that supplements damage the integrity of sports as a whole. “It’s definitely cheating. Sports should be about natural talent,” said McHale. “By taking supplements they take a shortcut around all of the effort that I put in.” A junior and track runner, Samuel Enomanna, agrees with McHale that some supplements give other athletes an “unfair advantage.” According to Ms. Ali Hammond, Wilde Lake’s athletic trainer, it is the competitive nature of sports that drives athletes into taking such supplements. In all sports, she said, athletes are burdened with the knowledge that “there is always a faster athlete and a better opponent” against whom they must compete.
“Yes because even though it’s widely available, it enhances their performance and takes out the competitiveness.” -Sara Rzegocki Sophomore “Yes because they’re not playing to play the game and they are not preparing the same way to get similar or better results.” -Rebeka Ribeiro Senior “No because everyone can use it. I used to use creatine which got many good reviews online and worked well for me. I would not use it if I thought it was unfair.” -Aaron Estevez Junior “No because it is legal and accessible so I could use it like them if I wanted to so it is fair.” -Cienna Moss Junior
Jobs for Teenagers Are First to Go in Bad Economy
The national unemployment rate for teens increased from 17.5 to 24 percent between 2003 and 2012. Information provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics By Rayma Kochakkan Business Manager
There are certain things that define being a teenager: shopping at the mall, going to prom, and enjoying the freedom of having a car. But all of these things cost money, and in an economy where teenage jobs are the first to go, many of today’s young adults have struggled to find a job to help pay for these luxuries. According to TIME Magazine, teenagers comprised 3.9 percent of the working population in 2010 – a significant
drop from a high of nine percent in the mid-1970s. The result is that students are having a difficult time finding employment and settle for less than ideal jobs because of the limited options. Caitlin Jackson is 25 years old and currently an assistant manager at Delia’s, a clothing store in the Columbia Mall. She believes that the teen job market has become more competitive since she was a teenager in high school. “It was not hard at all to find a job when I was a kid. I would submit an application and start working a month later,”
said Jackson. She also said that teenagers now are involved in more extracurricular activities that limit how much they can work and create scheduling problems. “Teenagers have to go to school and work and their hours are not as flexible as [those of] a college student or young adult so [college students] are more likely to get hired,” said Junior Jilanne Pruitt, who works at KidSpace at Columbia Association. She submitted an application in March and received the job in August. While Pruitt was able to find a job at her top choice for employment, Senior Gabe Smith had to widen his search after his initial hunt for employment. “Do not rule anything out when you are looking. I used to think, ‘Oh I do not want to work at a fast food place,’ but then I realized that was the only place I could work,” said Smith. According to Senior Jordan Oxner, employers in this economy are reluctant to hire teenagers because teens are stereotyped as unreliable. “No one wants to hire teens because they think we are irresponsible,” said Oxner, who has been looking for a job for the past two months. Jackson believes that students can increase their chances of getting a job by ap-
plying at the right time and being responsible about the process. “Find out the peak hiring times and submit your application right at the beginning of those times,” said Jackson. Delia’s only hires employees at least 16 years of age with a work permit. The peak hiring time for the summer season is April, which means that people who submit applications in April are more likely to get hired. Paloma Encinas, Wilde Lake graduate and manager at Francesca’s Collections, stressed the importance of having a positive attitude and making a good impression. “It was difficult getting my first job because I was shy, but once I knew how to talk to people and gained confidence it became a lot easier . . . When looking for a job remember to be confident and outgoing,” said Encinas. Considering the competitive nature of the teenage job market, Pruitt believes that persistence is crucial in searching for employment nowadays. According to Pruitt, “My advice is to always keep looking and if you have submitted an application but no one is getting back to you, follow up and contact them asking them if they have seen your application . . . If you really want the job and you show it, you will get it.”
EDITORIALS
Why We Don’t Care about the Environment Requiem By Kurt Vonnegut
The crucified planet Earth, should it find a voice and a sense of irony, might now well say of our abuse of it, “Forgive them, Father, They know not what they do.” The irony would be that we know what we are doing.
Administration Tightens Security without Alarming Students After the incidents at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Lone Star
College, and Price Middle School, it can feel as if the country is being swept by an epidemic of violence. It is only natural, then, that we call for new measures to protect students. Wilde Lake has not been immune to the clamor for change. The administration has created new policies and increased the enforcement of existing security measures. But as the gun control and school security debate evolves, decisions must not be made based on emotional responses to isolated incidents. Fortunately, Wilde Lake has been careful to prevent these
By Jason Siegel Feature and Arts Editor
We have heard it 1000 times. “Reduce, reuse, recycle; help decrease our carbon footprint!” Over the years, these slogans have undergone semantic satiation (the phenomenon when you repeat a word so many times that it begins to lose its meaning). Environmental advocacy is a business. And it is time to adopt some new marketing strategies. In 2010, an oilrig owned by the gas company British-Petroleum (BP) exploded, leaking millions of gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. People were outraged at BP’s irresponsibility when images of baby ducks and sea lions covered in oil appeared on television and the Internet. Later that day, these same people would drive their car half a mile to pick up groceries in plastic disposable bags. The biggest roadblock on the path to fixing the environment is apathy. “People are often reluctant to help out because the results of their contribution aren’t easy to see early on, but their contributions do make a difference,” said Senior Stephen Meyer, President of the Wilde Lake Environmental Club. Because we do not see the direct impact of recycling, walking instead of driving, and reducing our water use, it can be difficult to grasp the huge difference that these actions ultimately make. Global warming is an invisible threat and, unfortunately, the positive changes we make often go unnoticed. According to the National Recycling Coalition, recycling one aluminum soda can saves enough energy to power a TV for three hours. That means if every student in the average Wilde Lake English class were to recycle one soda can each, these students would be able to watch a movie in that class every day for 120 days. There are numerous ways to get involved with the green movement in our community. For example, students in the Wilde Lake Environmental Club have been working vigorously on the Rain Garden and our school’s recycling program. Seniors Tommy Mee and Galen Shi are currently in the process of certifying Wilde Lake as a Maryland Green School. But helping the environment does not require starting a club or major project. Making even the smallest changes can help in combating apathy.
The Paw Print
Wilde Lake High School 5460 Trumpeter Road -- Columbia, MD 21044 Volume 40, Issue 3
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
changes from causing a panic. The administration has been consistently reminding students about its existing policies. The ban on entering the school through the side doors is one area of focus. The side stairwells are being more closely monitored and Mr. LeMon has reiterated this rule through the morning announcements. Teachers have also been informed that students cannot stay in classrooms alone. Rather than alarming students and teachers with radical changes, the administration is enforcing its existing policies. Wilde Lake also plans to install additional surveillance cameras. To students, a change in the number of cameras is neither noticeable nor a reason for panic. These cameras will make a big difference in the administration’s knowledge of the school’s goings-on. On March 13, the school practiced a code red lockdown. The announcement for all students and teachers to huddle under their desks did not cause alarm or chaos. Teachers confidently dictated the proper procedure to the students, who responded with an equal amount of calm and organization. Considering the storm of debate that swelled up after the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary, it would have been easy for Wilde Lake to make irrational, reactive decisions in an effort to protect students. Instead, the administration made gradual, thoughtful changes. The administration deserves to be commended for preventing the students, parents, and faculty from descending into panic. After all, every one of us understands just how powerful fear can be. Fear for our own lives and those of our friends and family can spark a desperate, blind search for reassurance. We have all read The Crucible. While the nation looks for a witch, be it the availability of guns or the lack of metal detectors in schools, to use as a scapegoat after the Sandy Hook tragedy, Wilde Lake has remained calm. The administration took precautions against allowing fear to infiltrate the school. The balance between safety and a relaxed learning environment is precarious, but the administration managed to maintain it flawlessly. Thank you, Wilde Lake, for avoiding the witch hunt.
“
As the gun control and school security debate evolves, decisions must not be made based on emotional responses to isolated incidents. Fortunately, Wilde Lake has been careful to prevent these changes from causing a panic.
”
Like it is . . . Let People Be Who They Are
By Becka Farquhar Opinions Editor
He was a good boy scout. He earned all his badges when he was supposed to. He attended every campout and always stayed after to help clean up. He volunteered whenever his schedule would let him and strove to help anyone who needed it. The only difference between him and any other boy scout is this: He is gay. It was because of this difference that over the summer the National Boy Scout Association asked him to leave the organization because his sexual orientation went against the strong Christian-fundamental foundation of the organization and its supporters. This is what happened to one student at Wilde Lake High School whose name will not be mentioned. It is also something that has happened to boy scouts across the country. Let it be known that gay boy scouts are not lepers, nor are they ripe with the bubonic plague. Their arms don’t fall off on scouting trips and their legs aren’t covered with pus-filled boils. Being gay has not made them incapable of hiking up mountains or prevented them from kayaking like all of the other boy scouts. Being gay hasn’t hurt anyone and it most certainly hasn’t caused any harm. Being gay was simply offensive to the troop leaders. And now, because his “state of being” offended them and because he cannot change how he is inside,
Don’t knit, don’t tell cannot change his nature, he has been refused the prestigious honor of Eagle Scout. He will not have the opportunity to gain any one of several Eagle Scout scholarships or to put Eagle Scout on his college resume. Unfortunately, the National Boy Scouts Association is not the only organization that has discriminated against gay people. Cracker Barrel, Chik-Fil-A, and The Salvation Army are among others who have practiced blatant and unfair discrimination against gays. We spend all this time preaching to kindergarteners
This, I Teach
Drawn by Jorge Alvarez
that “everyone is equal” and that it is wrong to “judge a book by its cover.” We teach them that everyone should “be themselves” and “express how they feel.” But then in the real world, big organizations are still sending a “don’t ask, don’t tell” message. One view might be that the National Boy Scout Association is their own organization and they have the right to decide who is a member and who isn’t. But does this does not give them the right to discriminate based on sexuallity.
Wilde Lake Crossword
“I work hard to infuse humor into my lessons. A daily, personal goal I have as an instructor is to make students laugh during the class period -- preferably on numerous occasions.” By Mr. Miller “Words! They’re all we have to go on!” said a cautiously optimistic Rosencrantz to his utterly confused and despondent buddy, Guildenstern, as they searched for life’s answers. As an English teacher, I have to agree. I love words and am afflicted with a severe case of ETD: English Teacher’s Disease. I have no desire to be cured. In fact, I work hard to afflict others. One of the reasons I love being an English teacher is that I believe it to be essential for students to dig through the layers of meanings authors communicate with their words. Here’s the most important reason why, and it has nothing to do with essays or unit tests: Life is terrifically complex. Life’s adventures can’t be fully expressed or understood without an ability to recognize how connotations and relationships are woven among symbols, events, and images that, at first glance, might seem unrelated. Analyzing literature is great practice for analyzing life. Literature is also a great place to look for truth. Finding truth involves both feel-
ing and intellect. The emotions generated by any work are almost as important as the intellectual ideas expressed in it. As a teacher, I strive to keep both of those “truth” components in mind when I’m conducting class. I want students to “feel” the literature in addition to understanding it intellectually. Toward that end, I also want them to enjoy the class, which to me means being both interested and relaxed. That’s important to me personally and I know that it serves me professionally in my curricular goals. Students perform at a higher level when they enjoy what they are doing. Therefore, I work hard to infuse humor into my lessons. A daily, personal goal I have as an instructor is to make students laugh during the class period – preferably on numerous occasions. Humor opens them up to learn more comfortably and confidently. And if they are open, comfortable, and confident, their powers of analysis increase dramatically. Those powers will transfer to all areas of their lives, and then, maybe, just maybe, along the way they’ll catch the beautiful malady that will cause them to love words as much as I do.
ACROSS: 1. Actor alumni 3. The auditorium is named after this person 4. Choir director 5. Year of the most recent football state championship 8. Ninth grade guidance counselor 11. Wilde Lake grad and NFL linebacker 13. Boys lacrosse coach 14. Year Wilde Lake opened 15. Tenth grade Assistant Principal 17. Teacher of the Year 18. Veteran of the Green Berets 20. Mr. Satterfield’s daily accessory
DOWN: 2. Go here if you are late to first period 6. Teacher who has taught here for the longest 7. GT Resource teacher 9. AP Government teacher 10. Spring musical 12. Blood Drive sponsor 16. Dance teacher 19. Mrs. Schulman’s favorite animal