the

Inside: News: 1-4, BSW: 5, Features: 6-9, Humor: 10-11, Spotlight: 12-13, Opinions: 14-16, Wondering Warrior: 17, Entertainment: 18-20, Sports: 21-24

Warrior
Sherwood High School

33rd Year, Issue No.6

June 9, 2011

Spotlight
Exposes Cheating at Sherwood, pg. 12-13
are taking a stand. In addition to grade-ins and marches, hundreds of teachers have written letters to congressmen, senators and county council members regarding their dissatisfaction over budget cuts. Were frustrated because of course, we need to make a living for ourselves, but its really about the students learning conditions, said Condelli. If we lose teachers, class sizes go up, and the amount of one-on-one attention teachers can give to students will go down. The classroom is really going to suffer. The final budget was decided on June 2, and to many teachers relief, cuts were not as harsh as had been expected. Teachers pensions were raised by two percent and neither raises nor annual salary step increases were given, but health benefits remain the same. Certain extracurricular programs like athletics will face cuts. Nine school technology support positions will be eliminated, money allotted for school equipment and resources will be reduced and special education funds will be cut. I think the public needs to understand that MCPS has made enormous progress in education over the years. But those gains

The Wondering Warrior Returns, pg. 17

Teachers Stand Up Against MoCo Budget Cuts

by Olivia Snyder 12
Recent cuts to MCPSs budget have angered numerous teachers, including many at Sherwood. Some teachers, driven by a belief of injustice, are speaking and acting out against the countys budget. Numerous Sherwood teachers have joined other educators around the county to participate in grade-ins and marches to raise community awareness as the County Council determined next years budget. Were angry because we dont feel the pain is being fairly shared. Teachers have already given up our pay raises yet were still being asked to give up more than other sectors, said English teacher Gloria Condelli, head building representative for the Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA). Teachers are being forced to carry more of the budget-cut burden. Teachers do not get overtime like other civil workers do, so while other county professions such as police and firefighters can make up for money lost from pay cuts, teachers cannot. Because educators will be hit the hardest by these cuts, many teachers belonging to MCEA

(Top row) Sherwood staff Bonnie Sarf, Victoria Mannina, Barbara Hueter, Mary Thomas, (bottom row) Jodie Friedman and Gloria Condelli attend a rally on March 14 in Annapolis for retirement security and the prevention of budget cuts.
came about not just from hard work, but also from increased funding, said Spanish teacher Barbara Hueter. So when you make cuts such as the ones that have been made, it is wrong to say that those cuts will not affect the classroom and the students. They will, and they will affect the quality of education that MCPS prides itself on. As the County Council considered cuts prior to its final decision, many Sherwood teachers, angry over the proposed cuts and the impacts they may have on Sherwood and their own families, took part in organized protests. I participated in a rally on county council to call attention to funding, said science teacher Glenn Miller, a Sherwood MCEA representative. Educators and their families participated and marched. We like to think it made some sort of impact, but one can never really tell. To challenge the belief that educators easy workday ends at 2:40 pm, some Sherwood teachers also participated in grade-ins around the county. Teachers set up tables in local malls on which to grade their students papers in order to show that their work day is much longer than a regular school day. What much of the community does not realize is the work that teachers regularly take home with them. People think our jobs are cushy because of the short school day. But the public doesnt realize how much overtime we really have to work; overtime that we dont actually get paid for, said Miller. We already volunteered to give up our raises, but we cant afford to lose our other benefits. We have families to support too.

Barbara Hueter photo by undetermined person

Gable 14 Retires after Four Decades Renovated Town Center by Maya Lennon
Technology education teacher Don Gable is retiring from a teaching career that began in 1972. Gable taught at Sherwood for 39 years, which he described as the fastest of his life. After teaching thousands of students throughout his career, there is no way to measure the impact Gable had on them. However, one former student, Steve Allen (97), recently sent a thank you note to Gable in which he wrote, When I thought I was going to be an engineer you were the one who steered me in that path and opened my eyes to think about the world differently. When I discovered that was not the path I was called for, I decided to become a teacher. I thought about what kind of teacher I wanted to be and thought of you again. You were a teacher who would never let me take the easy way out and always pushed me to do my best, even if I did not think I could do

Opens to Rave Reviews

by Jacob Bogage 12

Paul Szewczyk 12

Retiring teacher Don Gable helps sophomore Jonathan McGee in Pre-Engineering.

it Technology, business and consumer sciences resource teacher Jason Daigle has been a colleague of Gables for 15 years, and has observed the qualities that made Gable a memorable teacher for many students. Two things that come to mind when I think of Mr. Gable are integrity and a commitment to doing what is right, even if its difficult, said Daigle. In his own, low key way, Mr. Gable has instilled these ideas in many students and staff, always highlighting the positive work that others have done while holding people accountable for their actions, especially those that impact others. Making students think for themselves day in and day out is a trait that many current

see GABLE, pg. 4

Merely nine months ago, Olney Town Center was empty. The newly opened restaurants Chipotle Mexican Grill and Five Guys Burgers and Fries at the intersection of Georgia Avenue and Route 108 generated more gridlock about the crossroads than business. Coming Soon signs lined the streets while construction crews chipped away at the brick that once covered the area. What a difference nine months can make. After a much needed facelift and a new name, the Shops at Fair Hill have formally re-opened much to the delight of the Olney community. Fair Hill has a new anchor store in Harris Teeter and new occupants Greene Turtle, Baskin Robbins and Panera Bread line its newly paved sidewalks. Im very pleased with the

new [attractions] and remodeling. Im happy that they have the Greene Turtle, happy that they have Panera, so Im definitely satisfied, said frequent Fair Hill shopper Michael Kaczmareck of Brookeville. So far I think [Fair Hill] is great, said Susan Boltz, also of Brookeville, who commonly visits Olney for retail purposes. It looks nice. They made some nice choices with the things they brought in: Harris Teeter, Panera and Greene Turtle. Harris Teeter is arguably the most anticipated of the new tenants to open in Fair Hill. The grocery store replaces Olney Cinemas 9, BJ Pumpernickels and Embroidery Express and was the first of landlord Carl M. Freeman Companies targets to agree to terms to anchor the redeveloped

see CENTER, pg. 2

The WarriorNews
June 9, 2011

BR IN

s wEF Ne I

Fair Hill Plaza Reels in New Business

from CENTER, pg. 1
center. Construction of Harris Teeter took over a year and involved the destruction and eventual reconstruction of the West wing of Fair Hill. Olneys fifth super market, and second to open in two years, finally opened its doors in early April and is pleased with its newest location. Olney has been great, manager Brett Poole said. We love small communities and towns where we can meet everybody and help everybody. Our niche is quality and customer service and thats what Olney needed, and Mary Nickerson 12 thats what we provide. [Freeman] did a phenomThis new fountain sits in front of Baskin Robbins and enal job [with the renovation], he added. The fountain is a real Panera Bread, two new tenants in Shops at Fair Hill. draw. The Greene Turtle is a real Teeter. I like it here, she said. was then Olney Town Center and draw. I think its now the nicest My first time I had trouble find- after the opening of Chipotle and ing where everything was, but Five Guys, Olney has become shopping center in the area. Customers also love Har- thats to be expected. There were more accessible and more popuris Teeter and find it a change some pretty good deals and prices lar among residents from a wider of pace from traditional grocery compared to Shoppers and more radius of communities. Business is getting better, stores like Giant, Shoppers Food choices, and more variety, especially with the said Sol Azteca assistant manWa r e h o u s e bakery and the ager Freddy Ramirez. Dinners and Safeway. We love small commu- flower display, are much more popular and lunch Customer sernumbers are up. Like last night, it vice is excep- nities and towns where so I like that. Existing busi- was crazy. [During the remodeltional, they we can meet everybody nesses are also ing process] we still got the same claim, and reaping the people that usually come here but good prices and help everybody. benefits of Fair now were getting new customabound. Hills overhaul. ers. Everybody goes to check out Boltz was -Harris Teeter New retailers Harris Teeter which just opened a Safeway shopper until Manager Brett Poole brought more and Panera too, and then they pedestrian traf- come here. the grocery fic to the center, But now parking is the store closed not to mention enthused Olney problem, joked Ramirez. Even for reconstruction in January. She tried both Giant and Shoppers area guests and ultimately more when the employees park around Food Warehouse and found she business. Since the construction back, I have customers that park was not a fan of either. Recently of the connecting drive between at Shoppers and walk down. Its she made the switch to Harris Olney Village Center and what crazy.

Teacher Staff Positions Saved for Next Year

On May 21, The Montgomery County Board of Education agreed on a new $2.086 billion dollar budget for the 2012 fiscal year. With this new budget, the county saves 168 of the 318 staffing positions that planned to be cut in the original budget. Sherwood regains 0.8 percent staffing that it was originally going to lose. These positions will be used to create an additional English 9 section, honors English 9 section, honors English 12 section and a math class that is yet to be determined. I choose courses over enrolled that have High School Assessments, said Principal Bill Gregory. The class sizes at Sherwood with the original cuts would have been 30 students per class, but with the .8 percent staffing increase the class sizes will drop down to 27 students, one below the class maximum. Many of the cut positions in MCPS are non-academic positions that include 51 staff teaching development, 34 media assistants, 34 office positions, 28 lunch aides, 20 reserve teacher positions, six special education teachers and nine academic intervention aides. The cuts amount to $17 million in savings, or 0.8 percent of the total budget.

- Cal Wilson 14 Officers Elected, Some Without Competition

After voting in social studies classes this previous week, students found out on May 31 who will be the SGA and class officers for the next school year. In this election, five candidates ran uncontested, including the SGA Secretary. The results are as follows: SGA President: Nicole Jakobowski Vice President: Samantha Cruz Secretary: Hope Gouterman (uncontested) Treasurer: Jess Beattie Class of 2012 President: Matt Abrams Vice President: Jon Burnsky Secretary: Steven Johnson Treasurer: Abby Isaacs Class of 2013 President: Nikki Steiner Vice President: Lia Kurihara (uncontested) Secretary: Katy Chiogioji Treasurer: Evan Schwartz Class of 2014 President: Dino Zagami Vice President: Dean Emerson (uncontested) Secretary: Mollie Russell (uncontested) Treasurer: Emily Horwitz (uncontested)

Sherwood High School

Executive Editor...............................................................................................Jacob Bogage 12 Print Managing Editors.............................................Ellen Kirkness 12, Darby Whitehair 12 Print Content Directors.........Jessica Carrera 13, Devin Cornelius 12, Rebecca Stussman 12 Print Managing Photo Editors........................................Brett Melnick 12, Paul Szewczyk 12 News Editors................................................................. Connor Martin 13, Robel Wondimu 13 Beyond School Walls Editor.......................................................................Nathan St. Pierre 12 Features Editors.............................................................. Katie Nolan 12, Mandy Stussman 14 Humor Editors........................................................................Ryan Coulter 12, Sam Farrell 12 Spotlight Editor ...............................................................................................Olivia Snyder 12 Opinions Editors..............................................Diana McDermott 13, Michaela ODonnell 13 Wondering Warrior Editor...........................................................................Isabel Paterson 12 Entertainment Editors........................................................ Holly Cuozzo 12, Will Gavett 12 Sports Editors.............................................................Jamie Langbein 13, Michael Natelli 14 Print Fact Check Editors...................................................... Abby Inwood 13, Alex Porter 13 Online Managing Editor...............................................................................Leah Schroeder 13 Online Content Director................................................................................. Rachel Zemel 13 Online Copy Editors.........................................................Christopher Jou 12, Arjun Singh 12 Online Managing Photo Editors............................. Hannah Chertock 12, Allie Strosnider 12 Online News Editor..............................................................................................Cal Wilson 14 Online Features Editor.....................................................................................Vicky Florian 14 Online Humor Editor...........................................................................................Vik Siberry 13 Online Opinions Editor....................................................................................Asha Antoine 14 Online Entertainment Editor..................................................................Briana Applewhite 13 Online Sports Editor...................................................................................Hope Gouterman 13 Online In-Depth Editor.............................................................................Amanda Woolson 13 Online Blogs Editor........................................................................................Evan Schwartz 13 Pollster....................................................................................................Amanda Harrington 12 Cartoonist.....................................................................................................Michael Wagner 12 Photographers.............................Bridget Cook 14, Taylor Fernandes 14, Mary Nickerson 12 Executive Business Directors..................................Whitney Marie Halaby 14, Jenni Kenel 14 Circulation/Publicity Director........................................................................Maya Lennon 14
300 Olney-Sandy Spring Rd. Sandy Spring, MD 20860 www.thewarrioronline.com

-Connor Martin 13 MoCo Schools Rank High Across the Nation

Five MCPS high schools have been ranked in the National High School Challenge Index Top 100 List. These schools are BethesdaChevy Chase (59), Richard Montgomery (65), Poolesville (69), Walter Johnson (82) and Winston Churchill (98). Sherwood ranked 346th in the nation and 46th out of Maryland schools. The Challenge Index ranks high schools based upon the number of AP or IB tests given each year divided by the number of seniors who graduated. Some MCPS schools saw dramatic improvement from previous rankings, including Northwood which moved up 326 spaces from 2010, Seneca Valley changed 232 places and Watkins Mill increased 117 places since the 2010 list. If this wasnt impressive enough, MCPS also has eight of the top 10 ranked schools in Maryland, and all 25 of MCPS high schools fall in the top 56 of Maryland schools. Bethesda-Chevy Chase is the number one ranked Maryland school on the Challenge Index.

- Diana McDermott 13

Advisor............................................................................................................Peter Huck

The WarriorNews
June 9, 2011

Farquhar Student Relocation Angers Parents

by Katie Nolan 12
A fair portion of Sherwoods student body spent their middle school years in the halls of Farquhar Middle School, which along with Rosa Parks Middle School feeds into Sherwood each year. Beginning in 2013, MCPS plans to relocate Farquhar students while it undergoes construction. In response to the planned relocation, Farquhars PTA has held numerous meetings at which parents have loudly voiced their complaints. When word of the relocation plans reached the parents, many of them were outraged and supplied MCPS with alternate plans. We have provided the parents with a forum to raise their concerns. In addition to the scheduled FAQ meetings, there have been two additional community meetings scheduled where parents presented and shared their concerns, said Farquhar Principal Diane Morris. MCPSs plan is to relocate students to Tilden Middle School during the modernization project of Farquhar, which will take two years. After opposition from the parents, other alternatives have been proposed by them that include simultaneously feeding students to Rosa Parks, Sherwood Elementary and Paint Branch. Purchasing adjacent land near Farquhar and building a temporary space for students has also been discussed as an alternate plan to MCPSs relocation plan. Parents of current students as well as students who are scheduled to attend Farquhar during the relocation have come to together to voice their oppositions. After informing MCPS that they desired an alternate plan during modernization, 2,000 citizens signed a petition. For many parents, like Angela Edwards, building a separate building on-site is ideal. I do not support relocation to the Tilden Holding Center and want MCPS to arrange for the land swap or build on the back of the current Farquhar site or if the kids have to go off-site to a holding center, a closer one, said Edwards. The parents have raised the most concern regarding the travel time involved in relocation. Particularly when relocating students to Tilden was discussed, parents were outraged at the travel time, which would be a two hour round trip during rush hour times. If a child has to be bused to Tilden for two years, the extra time on a bus [over what their normal ride

Paul Szewczyk 12

Farquhar students might be relocated to Tilden Middle School while Farquhar is being renovated. However, parents are not happy about the long drive to Tilden.
would be] is the same amount of time it would take to drive to San Francisco and back five times, noted parent Troy Kimmel. As a result of the long commute, parents are worried that other aspects of their childrens lives will be negatively affected as a result. There are many health concerns as welllack of exercise and prolonged sitting idle. We are worried about reduced sleeping time which is crucial during these developmental years, said parent Felicia Kimmel. Kimmel explained that students feel the same, as they will have less time to participate in activities they are interested in. They are not happy that they will have minimal time to do anything much past homework once they get home since most of the free time they might have had will be spent on a bus. As the controversy continues, the Farquhar administration is beginning preparation. For example, when considering relocation, We are considering the logistics of packing up the school, identifying bus routes, supervision, setting up the holding school, said Morris. The parents have done a tremendous job advocating for their desire to build the school on site, Morris added. They provided MCPS with a number of alternative options, one which included looking at the adjacent land which may allow for a land swap. The parents admit that modernization is necessary, as Farquhar is an old building; however, they find it completely unnecessary for their children to waste so much valuable time traveling to Tilden. MCPS plans to reach a final decision in mid-summer.

4
by Ryan Coulter 12
In previous years, landing a summer job has been almost a rite of passage for high school students. However, in a lingering recession with unemployment rates at about 10 percent, finding a job can be a challenge. Without searching early, high school students nationally, especially those who waited too long to begin their job search, have found themselves struggling to find a part-time job to fund their summer activities. Surprisingly bucking this trend, Olney has become a hot spot for youth employment as a number of new establishments, from brand new grocery stores to gourmet pet food shops, has opened over the past year. For students looking for employment, the key is to apply as soon as the stores open for business. I think a lot of kids wait until schools nearly out to find jobs, which is why so many kids dont succeed, said junior Caitlin Kyber who got a job in April at Cheeburger Cheeburger. Students do not always have the most impressive resums due to their lack of real world experience; therefore, they are immediately at a disadvantage to those who have graduated high school, college or have worked a full time job. With more adults losing jobs in a lingering recession, teens are hit even harder with unemployment because of older peoples willingness to take on jobs that are traditionally thought of as low paying or youth jobs. Youth and lack of experience

The WarriorNews
June 9, 2011
Retiring Gable Leaves His Mark on Sherwood Students
from GABLE, pg. 1
and former students respect about Mr. Gable. Gable will be honored at a retirement dinner tonight alongside physical education teacher Gene Orndorff, who is retiring after 40 years in Montgomery County, including three decades at Sherwood during which time he also coached and was the longtime director and tech producer of Rock n Roll Revival (profiled in February 17 Warrior, page 7). Additionally, Spanish teacher Sabine Hamidi retired in January after 36 years as a teacher with 24 of those at Sherwood (February 17 Warrior, page 3). Composition Assistant Paul Lasky retired in November after working at Sherwood for four years. The Warrior asked Gable to reminisce about his long career teaching at Sherwood. What drew you to technology and to teaching it? I was an Industrial Arts teacher when I started in 1972. I taught woodworking, general shop, architectural drawing and mechanical drawing until the curriculum changed to Technology Education in 1989. At that time I had to retrain to teach the new curriculum. In the new curriculum I have taught Pre-Engineering, Technological Innovations and Communications Systems Technology. What have been other highlights outside of teaching? I have always liked architecture. Architectural drawing and my skills in woodworking have allowed me to create over onehundred sundecks in the area. I built my first home in 1976-77 and just completed a five-year historical restoration of a 100-year-old home in Virginia. What is the best part of your teaching experiences? Seeing people graduate, move on and hearing of their successseeing students get recognition for their accomplishments. What will you and wont you miss about working with teens? I like working with young people because they keep you on your toes. You hang out with old people, you get old. You hang out with young people, you feel young. I will not miss the part of having to be a parent for those students whose parents do a miserable job in raising them. What changes in education, good and bad, have you seen over the course of your career? What goes around comes around most of the time. Usually new catch phrases are just another name for what you have had done before or continue to do More and more, testing and final exams take up more and more instructional time. I have concluded that students really dont care about taking exams. And teachers find increasingly that they wind up teaching the test. I have always thought the teachers role was to create the passion for learning, that learning is not only essential but can be fun, too. I know its time to move on when I find myself teaching tests rather than people.

Teen Job Market Thrives in Olney

Brett Melnick 12

Junior Max Fader slips on his gloves at the serving line at Panera Bread in Fair Hill Plaza.
can be an advantage, however, in the hospitality and retail arenas. In fact, some employers show a preference to youthful applicants because they draw in large crowds that are willing to spend their parents money. Through lively youthful faces, businesses can better attract customers because it makes them feel welcome and gives them a sense of comfort. Junior Max Fader seems to fit this description perfectly. In our little town of Olney, community is a big thing, said Fader. Having bright young faces that a customer may or may not know is a comforting feeling. Fader was employed in May at Fair Hill Plazas newly built eatery, Panera Bread. Olney is very community based, which I think has a lot to do with the fact that many local kids can rely on landing jobs in our area, added Kyber. With the opening of so many new establishments, Fader believes that students can find work. It was not really hard to get a job, he said. There are so many restaurants that are hiring right now that all I really had to do was turn in an application and sit down for an interview to get the job. Due to the location, along with obtaining a job with ease, many local high school students enjoy the short travel to work. I am so excited to work in Olney. Cheeburger is only five minutes away, which means much less time and money is wasted on commuting, said Kyber. While nationally teens face the most competitive summer they have had to deal with to date, Olney seems to stick out as an exception. With an excess of restaurants and dessert stops, little more than a simple application gets teens that one job to get them out of the house and into a uniform this summer.

Starr Named Incoming School Superintendent

by Bridget Cook 14 and Mary Nickerson 12
Joshua Starr, formerly the head of the Stamford Public School system in Connecticut, has been unanimously selected by the Montgomery County Board of Education to serve as the next MCPS Superintendent. Starr replaces Jerry Weast, who steps down after serving as superintendent since 1999. The change comes during a period of budgetary stress and increased demands on teacher quality. Starr has not disclosed any imminent plans for change to one of the top performing school systems in Maryland. It is an honor and privilege to be the next superintendent, and to make MCPS a national model of excellence, said Starr in a letter to Montgomery County School personnel. The new superintendent has a four-year contract starting July 1. In March, the Montgomery County Board of Education reviewed applications from 30 candidates from 15 different states who applied for the position during a national search. From the group of applicants, the Board identified three finalists to interview. A Community Committee that consisted of students, parents, multicultural and civic organizations, employee unions, nonprofit organizations, career and technology associations, special needs advocates, post-secondary institutions and county agencies interviewed the finalists. The Board conducted second interviews with each of the finalists. Based on input from the Community Committee and the Board, the preferred candidate was identified. According to the MCPS website, each finalist went through a screening interview, reference checks, and a complete and comprehensive background check conducted by an independent third party company. [Starr] demonstrated that he is passionate about public education and the role it plays in the success of all our students, said Board Member Phil Kauffman. His educational philosophies were consistent with the MCPS approach. Michael Durso, another Board of Education Member, said that Starr will be a hands on superintendent who will be visiting schools, students, and employees to get an idea of MCPS overall. Starr will make changes as needed, but in a very deliberate manner, added Durso. Before his selection, Starr was superintendent of the 15,000-student school system in Stamford, Connecticut. He was named to lead Montgomery Countys 144,000-student system in April. Some have expressed concern that Starr may have problems in moving from a system with just 20 schools to one with 200. We need to see how he translates from that small district to this large district. I think he understands whats in his future here, stated Montgomery County PTA President Kristin Treble in a May 11 WUSA newscast. Nearly everyone agrees that a shrunken budget is the major issue facing Starr for the foreseeable future. According to Christopher S. Barclay, President of the Board of Education, MCPS has made more than $300 million in difficult cuts over the past three years. Starr is going to have to make do with less. Starr will need to manage a school system that is growing in enrollment, as well as an increasing number of children with intense needs, with diminishing resources, said

mcpsmd.org

The new superintendent of MCPS, Joshua Starr, will begin his tenure on July 1 of this year.
Kauffman. In addition, Starr inherits a strained relationship between the Montgomery County Board of Education and the Maryland State Department of Education. Weast and outgoing State Superintendent of Schools Nancy S. Grasmick, who will retire in June, had differences over Marylands participation in the federal Race to the Top school reform grant. Montgomery County was one of two school districts in Maryland to opt out of the Race to the Top program, a decision which cost county schools $12 million. Starr has the opportunity to promote Montgomery Countys successful system as a model for Race to the Top program in Maryland. Its a question of looking to what we know works, stated Maryland State Delegate Eric G. Luedtke in a May 4 Gazette article. Starr, in an interview reported on WUSA by Delia Goncalves, seems ready to continue in the path Weast has taken for the last twelve years. Equity means very high standard for all children and giving teachers the right tools for success so that all children can achieve it, Starr stated.

The WarriorBeyond School Walls

June 9, 2011

The GOP Candidates

Tim Pawlenty
Why hell win: The former
Minnesota governor, Pawlenty is a staunch fiscal and social conservative who has mass appeal to the right wing of the party. He thinks Social Security and Medicare need to be cut to balance the federal budget. He opposes abortion and thinks the United States Supreme Court decided Roe v. Wade wrongly.

In Gallup polling since 1952, Republican Party nomination races always featured a clear front-runner at this stage of the presidential campaign. With 17 months to go until the 2012 elections, the battle for the Republican nomination for president is wide-open. Much of the reason for the uncertainty is that the Republican Party itself is divided. Polls show a socioeconomic divide within the Republican Party with differing views on critical national issues. The data indicates that upscale, more educated voters prefer candidates with a moderate platform on the issues. Voters without college degrees, with lower scale incomes favor candidates with the most conservative fiscal and social views. Thus the candidates are finding it difficult to gain front runner status when they need to appeal to vastly different elements within the party.

Mitt Romney
Why hell win: Romney, a former governor of Massachusetts, was McCains top competitor for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination, and he is the most nationally well known candidate. When polled, GOP conservative voters and those who characterize themselves as more moderate or Republican-leaning independents favor Romney.

and the country to rally behind a candidate with Mormon religious beliefs; and will his 2006 healthcare reform for the state of Massachusetts, which also has an individual mandate to purchase insurance, similar to Obamas plan, contribute to the split in the party?

Will Obama Pull Out A 2012 Win?

by Connor Martin 13
Barack Obama has led the United States for two and a half years now, during which time his administration has accomplished several extremely important victories and suffered harsh defeats. Over the next 17 months, all of Obamas efforts will be evaluated as he runs for re-election. Even if the 2012 presidential race is his to win, Obama and his team cant take anything for granted. During Obamas presidency, he signed and therefore established the health care law, (Obamacare), set a withdrawal date for troops in Afghanistan, signed the bill that lifted the Dont Ask Dont Tell policy in the military, nominated two Supreme Court Justices, and authorized a mission that ultimately led to the demise of Osama bin Laden. So far, Obama certainly can make the case that he has done a lot. In terms of his approval rating, he has stayed pretty consistent around 50 percent approval according to Gallup polls nationwide. He has only dropped about 15 percent in approval since he took office, which has generally the same dip that happened to most of the last 12 presidents. Eight of those presidents won reelection. Nevertheless, there are many reasons why whichever Republican candidate that ends up taking on the Democratic giant could win. Obama promised an entire group of policies that have not yet been fulfilled. Obama promised to fix the economy, but yet the debt ceiling has risen, the economy is still suffering through the recession and unemployment has plateaued at around nine percent. His health care bill that was supposed to solve the problems of millions of Americans has only caused controversy so far, as its legality is expected to be decided by the Supreme Court. On top of that, Obama has not fulfilled his promises to shut down Guantanamo Bay, unite Republicans and Democrats for a bipartisan Washington and reform immigration laws. With all of those issues still weighing him down, many of his supporters have been left disappointed. In a sharply partisan climate in which nearly half of Americans will vote for Obama and nearly half will vote for his opponent, the 2012 race could well be decided by the ever shrinking pool of voters who are still undecided.

netrightdaily.com

What worries Republicans:

His message fits well within the GOP but has no legs with moderate Republicans and independents. This is indicated by the recent polls that show a backlash by moderate independents against Representative Paul Ryans plan

Why hell win: During his term

Newt Gingrich

to restructure Medicare into a voucher system. While attempting to keep Ryans mostly unpopular plan at a distance to attract moderate independents to his campaign, Pawlenty has felt compelled to pledge support for the plan to keep his GOP conservative base.

What worries Republicans:

as Republican Speaker of the House from 1995-1999, Gingrich led a so-called Republican Revolution and Congress produced welfare reform, cut the capital gains tax and passed the first balanced budget since 1969.

Why hell win: The Senator

Rick Santorum

Unless Romney can hold onto his base of educated, higher-income voters while also selling a conservative platform, he is unlikely to succeed in his quest for the office. His candidacy hinges on two key questions: can he get his party

caica.org

What worries Republicans:

Gingrich carries significant personal baggage that led to his decline in politics, including dating his current third wife while still married to his second wife. Gingrich also labeled Representative Paul Ryans plan for reducing the federal deficit as Right-Wing Social Engineering which makes him unpopular with party loyalists who see Ryans plan as a legitimate blueprint for restructuring the economy.

from Pennsylvania, Santorum is known for his confrontational, partisan style of politics. He has openly stated his strong opposition to amnesty for illegal immigrants and believes that Islamic fascism is the greatest challenge of our generation. These views mirror those of the Republican grass roots.

Why hell win: Paul has

Ron Paul

What worries Republicans:

amassed a passionate following for his libertarian positions on critical issues such as foreign affairs and domestic monetary policy. Libertarians embrace individual responsibility, oppose government bureaucracy and taxes, tolerate diverse lifestyles, support the free market and defend civil liberties.

Why hell win: Huntsman is a

Jon Huntsman

fiscal conservative, former U.S. Ambassador to China and a former Governor of Utah. He has conservative to moderate positions on some social issues like gay rights which positions him as a center right Republican that can hold onto conservative swing voters.

How does one recover from the worst defeat of an incumbent in a Senate election in 30 years? Clearly his message did not resonate in Pennsylvania, seen as a key battleground state. If he cannot hold on to his position as Senator of Pennsylvania, how can he expect to have nationwide appeal?

What worries Republicans:

What worries Republicans:

Research shows that Libertarians represent only 10-20 percent of the American voting base. Therefore, Paul attempted to join a coalition with the Republican party. However, this strategy has proven to be a challenging fit with a platform that promotes legalization of drugs and calls for a sudden end to the War on Terror.

He is a relatively unknown figure and would need to market a well defined conservative platform on key issues to separate himself from President Obama who chose him to be ambassador. Since he has a moderate opinion on many social issues, he may not appeal to strong right wing voters.

by Amanda Harringon 12

Growing Up in The Age of Terror

by Will Gavett 12 and Asha Antoine 14
May 1, 2011 will go down in history as the day that President Barack Obama announced that an operation to find and kill Osama bin Laden was a success. This is an event that affects almost every person in America, especially the current generation of students at Sherwood who have grown up in an age of terror brought on by the vicious attacks on 9/11 and the twisted ideals of a man who has become a real-life villain. [bin Laden] was the face of terror, said junior Tyler Rodriguez, who lived in New York during the attacks on September 11 and was happy that bin Laden was found but not necessarily happy that he had to be killed. The hurt is still there, continued Rodriguez, who lost an uncle during the attacks and believes that the death of the victims can never be avenged. Still, he believes the death of bin Laden helps alleviate some of the pain. While bin Ladens death doesnt affect everyones every- death will affect public opinion of day life, it will shape the lives of Muslims that much. the generation that grew up in this While bin Ladens death has age of terror. His death does not an effect on high school students have an impact on this generation across the country, it has greater solely because of the constant meaning for Sherwood students, sense of alertness people had to especially, because of the schools adopt, but also because he created proximity to the Pentagon, one of stereotypes that have troubled al- the buildings attacked on 9/11. most every Muslim in America, This could cause some major especially those who do not re- distress in the Sherwood student member body bea lot from [The government] over-publi- c a u s e b e f o r e cized the good things [about bin m a n y 9/11. Ladens death] but they under- students Muslims have par[ s e e m ] played the negative repercussions ents who to equal that the death of bin Laden could work at terrorist the Penjokes in have, tagon or the eyes ~Junior Anne Stout p l a c e s of Amerilike it, cans, said sophomore Karimat meaning they have to live with Affinnih, a Muslim student. [bin a constant concern for their parLadens death] makes me feel ents safety. relieved that he is not hurting One of these students is jupeople anymore, said Affinnih. nior Anne Stout, whose father However, she believes that this works for the National Security event still puts Muslims under Agency (NSA). [The governthe spotlight, and she is not nec- ment] over-publicized the good essarily sure that bin Ladens things [about bin Ladens death] but they under-played the negative repercussions that the death of bin Laden could have, said Stout. However, even though bin Ladens death touches certain individuals more due to where they are from, their race, religion, or what their parents do for a living, it is blatantly obvious that this event has had an impact in some way, shape or form on every student attending Sherwood and any other high school in the country. There is no greater evidence of how far reaching this event was than the pages of social networking sites like Facebook or Twitter. Within the hour Obama announced bin Ladens death these sites were flooded with varying opinions of the situation. Whether the comments were praising the efforts of the United States government or rebuking the fact that everyone seems to be celebrating the death of another human being, it became clear that the death of bin Laden has its own significance to a generation of students across the country.

The WarriorFeatures
June 9, 2011

On the road to college success...

Dont Slack off!

Juniors Begin Search for College

by Holly Cuozzo 12
Beginning in sophomore year, students have the opportunity to access a Naviance website, known as TCCI Family connections, which McKenna deems one of the most helpful websites and the best place to start ones college search. However, students may or may not use this website for various reasons. Some kids use [Naviance] a lot and some dont and [many dont use it until] its almost time [to decide] ... It involves participation on their part, or they just forget about itthats the big one, said Joe Hock, Career Information Coordinator.

move-in day. Begin [college applications and essays] over the summer. As students of the Class of Dont wait to get everything in 2012 begin to search for and apline; it will make senior year so ply to colleges, stress begins to much easier, said Eric Boltz, a bombard them. As underclassgraduated senior who will attend men, college seemed like such an Salisbury University and major in unreal thing, but all of the sudden mathematics and secondary eduit is the fast-approaching reality cation. that can no longer be pushed to College admissions officers the side. Some juniors have yet may seem like a group of people to begin to search for colleges, only there to scrutinize every dewhile others already have their tail of every essay and application top and safety schools picked out. all in an effort to reject as many Regardless of how far one students as possible, but that is has come on ones search, assisnot the case. Colleges want stutance is always available, whether dents who have proven that they the recipient wants it or not. Alcan do well in a college though this can help make the college search Within my first ten minutes on cam- environment and they process more bearable, pus, I knew that was where I be- want as many of those students as possible, it remains nevertheless a painful and frightening longedI think I actually teared up a so when applying to ordeal. little, I was so glad I had finally found schools, ensure that they see growth and potential. I knew that I would my place. But schools, believe it or have a lot on my plate ~Graduated Senior Payton Clark not, look at more than for my senior year with just grades and tranjuggling academic classThe college search process scripts. es, honor societies, a job, a social Try to do as well as you life and college applications, but can be easy and fairly painless I have to say it wasnt as bad as if the student has the right out- can in school ... as long as you I expected it to be, said Payton look and ambition; no teacher or try, you will be successful, said Clark, a graduated senior who counselor can do the search for a Hock. You can get where you will attend Towson University to student, but they can help anyone want to go, but you may need to on his or her track to the perfect take an alternate route. major in biology. Although some students easAlthough the college search college. However, once a student and application process can seem has found his or her top schools ily achieve straight As, that is not overwhelming, Sherwood staff and safety schools, the road trip the case for everybody. And thus, schools look at more than just a members offer helpful resources comes to an exciting close. Unfortunately for the san- students GPA. Some students that make this process seem less like a NASCAR race track that ity of rising seniors, colleges are may not be able to get into their goes around and around but gets about much more than the hunt; dream Ivy League school, for exone nowhere and more like an ex- once a student gets his list of ample, with a 3.0 GPA, but there citing cross-country road trip that schools, he must apply, find fi- is a school for everyone. When I applied to Towson, may take a lot of time, but offers nancial aid (in some cases), find scholarships (in most cases), take I never expected to go there and plenty of benefits. [Im afraid that students] standardized tests, write essays, considered it more of a fallback dont start planning soon enough get teacher recommendations school, but when I visited it I abahead ... My fear is that they and finalize everything about his solutely fell in love. Within my come into our office forgetting high school career before the ac- first ten minutes on campus, I [the resources that they are given tual college experience is even knew that was where I belonged in their sophomore years] or just a twinkle in his eyealthough I think I actually teared up a little, not being prepared, said coun- it is never too soon to jump up I was so glad I had finally found and down with excitement over my place, said Clark. selor Erin McKenna.

Exploring College Options Through Summer Programs

by Rebecca Stussman 12
The end of the school year marks a time of great freedom and relief. Summer break provides students with a well-deserved opportunity to relax and have fun without the threat of looming deadlines or disheartening grades. Yet amidst this season of refreshment, many students, especially rising seniors, choose to increase their academic experience and enroll in precollege programs in interests ranging from writing to biology. Current junior Alyssa Lesho first discovered the benefits of pre-college programs last summer when she participated in an on-campus summer course for high school students at Columbia University in New York City. Lesho attended classes in her chosen focus of Advanced Creative Writing and found her experience extremely rewarding, providing both a newfound sense of freedom and valuable insights into college life. I spent three weeks in New York City, writing and exploring Manhattan. I was entirely independent. It was the best three weeks of my life, said Lesho, who looks forward to attending another on-campus pre-college program this summer, this time at Cornell University. At Cornell, Lesho will focus not in Creative Writing but rather in Computer Science, a major which she feels will provide her with more stable career opportunities after college. Lesho will also have the opportunity to earn college credit for her class work, an option that was not available in her program at Columbia last summer. Like Lesho, juniors Brian Fanelli and Stephanie Golding look to gain college experience by participating in pre-college programs, although they will attend the more local University of Maryland in its Young Scholars and Jump Start Programs, respectively. Fanelli, who chose to live on campus in Maryland dorms for the duration of his three-week course in biotechnology, decided to participate in Marylands Young Scholars program to better prepare for college and learn about his intended major. [This jump start program] will show colleges that I have experience with campus life and it gets me ahead by giving me credits for a class I will take in college, said Fanelli. I want to learn about biology and biochemistry, which I find really interesting. Like Fanelli, Goldings interests lie in the biological field, but she has a more medical focus, and will participate in Marylands weeklong Jump Start program in biomedical science. [The program] will help me get into college and also its really interesting. Im into medicine, and Im planning on doing pre-med in college so I want to learn about [medicine and biology]. Eric Johnson, assistant director of Marylands Young Scholars Program, thinks the greatest benefits of precollege programs are the preparation they offer into the actual college experience. The Young Scholars Program is designed to challenge students academically and to prepare them for the time they spend outside of the classroom, said Johnson. This program allows them to demonstrate [their] potential while learning to exercise good time management and to cope with a schedule that isnt completely dictated by their parents or their school.

The WarriorFeatures
June 9, 2011

Menchetti Brings Nepal to Classroom

AP World teacher Kathleen Menchetti tells her students about Nepal upon returning.
by Rachel Zemel 13
On April 15, the start of spring break, Kathleen Menchetti, AP World History and Global Issues teacher, began her journey to Nepal. Although there was limited time to visit Nepal due to the conflicting school year and monsoon season, Menchetti found a good time to explore a part of the country. Menchetti could only reach her destination, the Khumba region in Northeast Nepal, by flying to the Lukla Airport, right on the edge of a cliff and one of the most dangerous airports in the world. Once there, Menchetti trekked on Mount Everest, visited monasteries and experienced the diverse culture of the Sherpa people, who migrated from Tibet to the Khumba region. It has eight of the ten highest peaks in the world. There is a community of people who lived in relative isolation for centuries. To be a part of it helps me to understand Buddhism. In turn, it helps me with my teaching to bring the richness back to the students, explained Menchetti. Menchetti stayed with Nepalese people in tea houses, a cross between a guest house, restaurant and social hang-out. Consequently, she was able to experience the culture firsthand. She noticed that there were arrangements for water conservation, independent children that often went unsupervised and a new movement to clean up Mount Everest. Further, she was surprised to see people frequently using cell phones where there were no televisions, cars or electricity. Internet connection was only available in cafes to cater to tourists. There was a lack of type of extra ... The materials stuff wasnt there ... The room I stayed in has basically four wood walls. Very simple. It has a simple bed and mattress, recounted Menchetti. Certainly no amateur after traveling to China, South Africa, Tanzania, Australia, Thailand, India, Romania and throughout Europe, Menchetti is traveling to Cambodia and Laos this summer with fellow AP World History teacher Michelle Games. The world is open to you and changing so much with globalization. You really have to travel, encouraged Menchetti. She wants to return to Nepal to see more beautiful nature and experience more with the Sherpa people. Returning from her trip with pictures and stories, Menchetti is excited about increasing the depth of her students knowledge. You can enrich the lives of students if you can come back and share experiences, tell anecdotal evidence and give personal accounts. You can make it personal and can break stereotypes, said Menchetti. In AP World History Menchetti will use pictures and experiences in the Tangboche and Pangboche monasteries to further communicate the origin, evolution and diffusion of Buddhism. She will also use anecdotes to teach about the Sherpas migration to Nepal. In Global Issues, Menchetti will teach about Nepals varying problems, such as horrific poverty and government corruption. She will also present Nepal as an underdeveloped country to compare to more developed ones. We, as Americans, have very different views of the world, she said. People are people no matter where they are.

Paul Szewczyk 12

Math teacher Sapna Chaudhry teaches a Zumba class to other staff in the dance studio.

Chaudhry Kicks Off Staff Zumba Lessons

by Devin Cornelius 12
To all students who think of teachers as robots who disconnect once school is over and reboot every morning at 7:20, here is a wakeup call. The teaching staff is far from a sedentary. In fact, once a week, dedicated staffers from all branches of the school meet in the dance studio after school to Zumba. Zumba is an aerobic form of exercise which combines kickboxing, strength training and interval training all put to dance music. I teach at Life Time Fitness in Columbia and [social studies teacher] Ms. [Christine] McKeldin suggested the idea that it would be great if we could offer this opportunity to the staff at Sherwood so they dont have to step outside the building and they get their workout right after school, said math teacher and zumba class instructor Sapna Chaudhry. McKeldin went on to organize the class by clearing it with Principal Bill Gregory and sending out mass emails to the entire staff in hopes of rousing interest. McKeldins hard work was worth it in the end as approximately a dozen staff now enjoy a rigorous and exhilarating workout. For one hour a week these staff members have a chance to relax and have fun together while breaking a sweat. [The Zumba classes have] a lot of social benefits because we dont see each other as much as we would like to during the school day because were all in different departments. When Im doing Zumba, I get to see people from social studies, from math, from English and Im in science and I never see them. So its kind of fun, said science teacher Janet Frensilli. The Zumba classes also have unforeseen benefits as they help Sherwood meet one of its major staff goals of bonding and togetherness. Other regulars to the class include math teachers Kathy Siarkas and Kathy Bredland and social studies teacher Karen Sinclair. Accessibility is another key allure these in-school workouts provide. Its extremely convenient. All I have to do is change my clothes. I have no excuse not to go, said Frensilli. Teachers and staff get the satisfaction and simplicity of leaving the building with work and their workout for the day complete. Though there is an easybreezy feeling to accomplishing so much in one day, the classes themselves could not be characterized as easy in any way. I am so engaged and into [teaching Zumba classes] that I kind of acquire a different personality. I am a drill sergeant, joked Chaudhry. I want energy. I give them options if you have some health issues. It does not mean you can just stop and not do anything. I always tell them Keep it moving! The classes have gained ample notice throughout the school as participating teachers share stories with their students. I think talk about the class has drummed up curiosity about this fun and exciting way to exercise, said McKeldin. On May 25 curiosity led to action as many students came to observe the class and learn more about Zumbas unique benefits. Some of Chaudhrys students even started to attend her Zumba classes taught at Life Time Fitness. These staff members serve as an important symbol of dedication and fitness for students and non-participating staff members alike. A flame has been ignited throughout Sherwood for this new and lively form of exercise. A meeting will take place to discuss the continuance of the Zumba classes next year.

Ames Plays the Tuba Into His Future

by Mandy Stussman 14
When junior Ben Ames was just starting at Rosa Parks Middle School, he made a decision that would come to shape his future. His music teacher asked him which instrument he would like to play, and Ames, just beginning on his musical journey, replied that he wanted to play the tuba, because it was big and loud. This rash and seemingly insignificant decision has guided Ames since then, and will continue to shape his career and beyond. [The tuba has] definitely given me direction as to what I want to do with my life. I couldnt imagine not doing something with it at this point, said Ames. He participates in many tuba related activities, including Maryland Classic Youth Orchestra (MCYO), an exclusive and prestigious group of young musicians. Ames was accepted at the beginning of this year and performs once every three months through MCYO. In January this year Ames traveled with MCYO to London where he performed at Cadogan Hall, a great honor for musicians. On May 18, Ames received a one, the highest possible score at a county-wide competition, allowing him to advance to the state-wide competition where he also received a one playing an extremely challenging piece by Edward Gregson that he had been working on for about a year and a half. I really like the sound of bass instruments. Its rare to play the tuba and I enjoy that I have a unique sound when Im playing, said Ames. Ames practices for at least

Paul Szewczyk 12

Junior Ben Ames practices the tuba during one of the three music classes he takes.
half an hour every day. He also meets with his private tutor, who he has had for five years, Scott Cameron, once a week. Through his tuba playing, Ben shows a lot of dedication and attention to detail. Thats how hes progressed as far as he has, said Cameron. Ames currently takes Symphonic Band, Jazz Band and AP Music Theory, and on top of that participates in the Pep Band. He plans to take the tuba with him into his future, to make it his future. Ithaca College in upstate New York is Amess top choice, one reason being its great music program. Ames wants to major in either music performance or music education, depending on what he decides to do for his career. For a while I was debating whether to go into music or not. I worried about job availability and how much I would get paid, said Ames. Seeing Cameron succeed in the music industry has given Ames the hope that he could do it too. He is deciding whether he wants to become a music teacher or perform in a symphonic band of some sort. At first, Ben was just trying to master the concepts, but he has recently turned into an artist, said Cameron. Ames has grown exceptionally as a tuba player, and looks forward to the musical journey that lies ahead of him.

The WarriorFeatures
June 9, 2011

Katz To Explore Language in Russia

by Darby Whitehair 12
In just a few short weeks, junior Talia Katz will venture to Russia and return two months later as an American with knowledge of both a foreign culture and its language. Financed by the U.S. Department of States National Security Languages Initiative for Youth program, Katz and 12 other Americans will spend their summer in Russia, learning how to speak Russian while improving diplomatic relationships. After a review of expectations in New York, the group will fly to Moscow for some sight-seeing and then hop onto the railway to Kirov, where they will stay for the remainder of the trip. While there, Katz will receive Russian language instruction for five hours every day, followed by social interaction and exploration in the afternoon and evenings. As the group gets accustomed to Russian culture, they will stay together in an apartment. Then for their last three weeks, they will live with Russian families. While Im mainly there to learn the language, Im also there to really learn from the people and try to look at the world from a new perspective, helping to create a cultural bridge between ests. As the trip focuses on language and diplomacy, Katz will feel right at home with her passion to learn and develop an understanding of other countries. My love of foreign languages has led me to become involved in international relations and international economic development. Since freshman year Ive been very involved with Model UN and Im definitely considering pursuing a career in diplomacy or international business, said Katz. Russia has been and continues to be a country that is feared by other nations. Katz hopes that by going to Russia, she will be able to more clearly understand Russia and the tension between it and some other nations. After this summers trip to Russia, Katz will travel to France as an exchange student in the fall to further her education in foreign affairs and languages. As of now, I really just want to concentrate on gaining fluency in French, Spanish and Russian before I move on to new languages. I think learning Arabic or Swahili would be cool and Id also love to learn a few of the South American indigenous languages like Quechua, said Katz.

Taylor Fernandes 14

Junior Talia Katz practices her Spanish conversation skills with Spanish teacher, Barbara Heuter. Katz has become proficient in the language, as well as in French, and speaks fluent Hebrew.
our two countries, said Katz. Following her love of foreign language and diplomacy, Katz long has immersed herself in learning foreign cultures and languages. Her attendance at a Jewish school for grades kindergarten to seventh gave her fluency in Hebrew. Currently Katz is enrolled in honors Spanish 4 and honors French 3 and practices the languages daily. However, her interest in foreign affairs goes far beyond educational requirements. It shapes who I am as a person; my parents never know which language Ill use to answer their next question, half the songs on my iPod are in other languages, I adore foreign films, and my internet homepage is BBC World News, said Katz. Unlike many who dread and struggle with foreign languages and cannot wait to get through their requirements, Katz picks up languages with ease. She currently speaks Hebrew and English fluently and Spanish and French proficiently, and after this summer, Katz will add Russian to the list. I guess Im lucky because to me languages have always just seemed like a puzzle; theyve never been hard. I think the more you learn, the easier others are to pick upeven if theyre not related because each language trains your brain to think in a new way, said Katz. The trip to Russia offers Katz a summer full of her inter-

Since 1997 our company has had the privilege of assisting many companies with their human resource needs.

New Club Soars into Sherwood

by Hannah Chertock 12
The Blue Birds Club, founded by sophomore Hailey Hershey and sponsored by AP Environmental Science teacher Laura Dinerman, started this year with a mission to track birds living in boxes placed around the fields of Sherwood. The club hopes to increase the population of birds which has recently hit an unfortunate decline. The Blue Bird houses were built by an Eagle Scout candidate last year. The Green Team agreed to maintain the houses on-site when asked to do so by the Audubon Society ... Audubon Society is one [organization] that we work closely with on issues of water quality and invasive species. When they asked, I agreed. said Dinerman. The boxes surrounding Sherwood act as homes for different species of birds. Once a family builds a nest inside the box, they lay eggs which then get monitored by the Blue Birds Club weekly. Hershey and the newest member of the Blue Birds Club, junior Megan Stanley, record the number of eggs and observe them until they hatch, after which they record the number of eggs that turned into birds. Once the baby birds disappear from their nest, they remove the nest and clean the box for the next family. The monitoring process gathers information from Sherwood and other locations of Blue Birds. The clubs track all species of birds compiling a local bird

Hannah Chertock 12

Sophomore Hailey Hershey and junior Megan Stanley maintain the bird houses to keep the birds safe.
population statistic, which can be analyzed to show the increase or decrease of the bird population nationwide. The statistics prove the boxes help the population of birds by providing them with a safe and clean living environment. Hershey decided to start this club to care for local birds. There were boxes at Sherwood and no one was taking care of them. Since I knew how to monitor the boxes I decided to start the club with Megan to monitor the blue bird population, Hershey said. The two members worry the club will not continue once they graduate. They plan to open the club to new coming members. It could be popular, but it would sort of be an exclusive club with about six members, she said. Many people would be interested in what our club is The more eyes we have on the population and all the records would be very beneficial to the population. We would have a better idea about the population. The goal of the Blue Birds Club is to continue growing the population of both members and birds. With enough advertisement, an adequate amount of students can be trained to handle the birds. [Hailey] and Megan Stanley spend several hours a week working on the project, noted Dinerman. By the time they graduate, I hope to have a stable group that will continue their work. I also hope that they, like many other Green Team alums, will continue to be active in the group after graduation. Dinerman explains her motivation comes from the students desire to positively change the environment. This is an opportunity for students to make a tangible difference in improving biodiversity and reversing negative impact on an important species that is native to our area. I feel that it is important to help students identify environmental problems that they can correct and then help them to create positive change.

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The WarriorFeatures
June 9, 2011
Walking through the halls, you may see a student who looks identical to your sister, or a substitute teacher that could pass as your neighbors twin. There are also the rare cases in which our teachers resemble celebrities or famous characters.

Social Studies teacher Daniel Soso resembles the Hulk from the popular movie The Hulk. They both have an intimidating presence and muscles of steel.

The White Witch from the movie The Chronicles of Narnia strolls our halls everyday grading English papers. English teacher Beth Dibler could easily pass for her twin.

TEACHER-CELEBRITY LOOK-ALIKES
designed by Katie Nolan 12 and Olivia Snyder 12

Popular rapper Pitbull and Social Studies teacher Todd Rubenstein look so much alike it is uncanny. Rubenstein agreed with the comparison, I could see how people can confuse me with Pitbull, but I, of course, am much better looking.

Emily Deschanel plays Dr. Temprance Brennan on the popular T.V. show Bones. Deschanel is the mirror image of English teacher Brianna Russell. Their high cheekbone structure and personalities are identical.

10
by Michael Natelli 14
Has this ever happened to you? Hey Bob, I like your shirt! YikesThats awkward. Well, thanks to the all new Anti-Awkward Machine version 1.0, all of those problems can magically go away! (If only life was that simple) Each and every day, I suffer through hearing what is perhaps the most annoying word in the English language: awkward. Its not even just once a day! It is this lingering problem that constantly nags me, like when my mother

The WarriorHumor
June 9, 2011
tells me to clean my room, or when a teacher tells me to stop talking, if not worse than those! What does awkward even mean? Wait, why am I asking you? Youre probably one of them you know that group of about 1,800 students at Sherwood who dont know how to use that terrible, terrible word. If thats not the case, then I greatly apologize for taking a cheap shot at your intelligence. Youre smart. Youre one of the people I can actually tolerate. So, good job. But if you are one of these people without a clue, let me help you out a bit. Not to go all brainiac on you, but according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, awkward is defined as Not easy to handle or deal with. Now let me ask you this question. What is so difficult about receiving a complement from somebody, or going to say hi to someone? What is so unbearable about being the only guy at a party, even when all the girls are talking about boys and make-up? Sure, that may be tough for a minute or two, but if youre social, it shouldnt be a big deal. Most guys I know, myself included, would actually enjoy that scenario, as any normal teenage guy should. Now, lets learn when it is ok to use that word so that all you little Awkward Addicts, as youve just been named, can use your most cherished device at the appropriate times. If you get a new seat in one of your classes, and you are put next to a former companion whom is apparently difficult to deal with, then that is awkward. If you show up to a formal dinner in a polo and khakis, but everyone is wearing a suit and tie, that is awkward. Youre just a bit underdressed, bud. If youre talking behind someones back (which I hope you dont) at lunch, and all of a sudden, that person shows up, that is awkward. You have to instantly change what youre talking about. Well, I could go on, but I wont. Youve heard just about all of big points in the fight to fix the use of the word awkward. So all I have to say is this: If you think theres a weird moment, and youre considering calling it awkward, dont.

Misuse of Word Awkward Drives One Staffer to Rant

Cartoon by Michael Wagner 12

Epidemic Threatens to Overwhelm School

by Holly Cuozzo 12
Also known as Spring Fever, Laziness, and H1-N2, Senioritis is an epidemic that is quickly infecting students of all ages. In MCPS, Sherwood is the most infected school with a whopping 97.6 percent of students suffering from this highly contagious disease. Every day, I see more and more students in here simply sick as dogs. We have had to expand the office, putting a trailer outside for the critically ill students to be quarantined so as to not infect the rest of the students, but we still have reason to believe that the epidemic is spreading rapidly, said Joseph Peterson, a nurse called in from Montgomery General Hospital help the school deal with the epidemic. Senioritis has school officials on constant lookout for infected students. The known symptoms of Senioritis are head-to-toe sweat, wearing a blank expression during classes, excessive coughing, aloofness, lack of incentive to get to class on time and fainting. The disease lasts from four days to 12 weeks, depending on the length of time that the victim goes untreated. Ive already seen so many of my friends just collapse in the hallway as Im just saying hello to them. Its really unfortunate, though, because we just started a series of Hangman games in our AP Language class and now we only have two people left in class who can play, said junior Kelly Ferguson. Clearly, the disease affects many students in a significant way. But what worries school officials the most is that students continue to attend school even when they are infected. We are trying as hard as we possibly can to get students to go home and stay home, but they just keep coming back to school, and thus back to the trailer. We dont know why they wont stay away, said Peterson. The new trailer placed outside has become so popular among students that it was recently unofficially named The Bubble. However, the new worry is

Senioritis is contagious for the first week that the person is infected, but it can still be easily transferred after this period if the infected person is in close contact with others (i.e. sharing drinks, kissing, etc.) Having a car can significantly increase ones chances of contracting Senioritis. The number one way to prevent Senioritis is to attend class consistently and on time.

Prevention

Holly Cuozzo 12

The Health Room has been swamped with senioritis running rampant through all grade levels at the school.
that students may be going there when they are well just to spend time with their ill friends. The Bubble is the hottest hangout in all of Olney now. Ive gone there every day for the past few weeks, and now my only problem is that I cant seem to get myself out of bed and to class every day. In fact, yesterday I thought I was going to faint! But, I just shook it off. Exams are coming up soon anyways, so Im just going to tough out these last few days here, said sophomore Fred Layhill. However, Senioritis could have even more in store for the Sherwood area. Montgomery General Hospital is currently overflowing with teenagers who have been slacking off during school hours and thus an alarming number of infected students remain in schools with the illness. Olney is said to be going into quarantine if the epidemic is not put to rest by June 16. This is a very serious problem and we are trying to deal with it as soon as possible, but if the H1-N2 disease continues to spread this rapidly, we will have no choice but to shut down the entire cluster of schools, said MCPS official Oliver Stewart.

The WarriorHumor
June 9, 2011

11

Opening New Harris Teeter Attracts Dangerous Business

by Paul Szewczyk 12
On April 27, Harris Teeter opened its doors in Olney, now occupying the former site of the infamous Olney 9 Cinemas. Harris Teeter now shares its shopping center with ice cream parlor Baskin Robbins, Subway and the family friendly restaurant Greene Turtle, among other restaurants. Customers are attracted to this new market, and are willing to pay the very high prices for the items this store has to offer. As the doors opened, crowds of people entered the store fighting over shopping carts, coupons and checkout aisles. Katherine Smith, mother of four, allegedly pushed three elderly ladies and a child aside to ensure her spot as one of the first people to enter the super store. I also really like the Cheerios they sell here. Their taste is a lot like the Cheerios I usually buy at Giant. The stores baguette look like the baguettes I usually buy at French Confection as well, it tastes so fresh and delicious, said Smith. Harris Teeter is better because its new and they have everything I ever wanted. Customers arent the only people attracted to Harris Teeter; employees from the other four other grocery stores are attracted to Harris Teeter as well. A former Shoppers cashier and February employee of the month, Chaz Michael, is now employed at Harris Teeter. Its not too different from Shoppers. I get paid the same amount and work about the same number of hours, and they have my favorite brand of pizza here, Digiorno. The only true difference is that I see a lot more people here, especially employees from my last job who now work here with me. It feels a lot like my previous job at Shoppers, said Mi-

An Average Summer Day for an Average Teenage Superstar

by Andrew Wasik 13
A special to The Warrior
BEEP. BEEP. BEEP. I wake up at exactly 12:01 in the afternoon. I look to my left and I see an old yogurt container filled with ketchup. To my right is a wild Snorlax snoring and munching on my foot. I realize I dont know where I am and Im scared. My Scooby Doo costume is on the floor and there is whipped cream all over my favorite pants well, I guess its now time to start the day. I go down stairs and there is an entire family chained down to a couch. They are screaming in a strange dialect what I assume are profanities. I ignore them and go to the coffee machine to have a fresh brew. I then realize there is a cat in the coffee machine. I scratch that idea and walk out of the house. It is a beautiful summer day and the birds are abuzzin and the bees are aflyin. Walking down the road I pass two unicorns playing in a drainage ditch, slurping up industrial run-off from a nuclear power plant maybe thats why they are unicorns? Nah, that cant be it. So I keep walking and eventually end up at my house. There is toilet paper everywhere and a horse and carriage up 20 feet in my tree. I think YES! it must have been an awesome party. I am suddenly hit in the back of the head with a large, blunt object. I wake up later and look at a large beard; its brother Mordechia. That explains the horse and carriage in my tree. I apologize to him and he takes a pound cake as reimbursement for his horse. Looking at my watch, I realize its time to go home. I walk inside and immediately see my best friend, Mary Katherine Nolan, trapped in a mimemade- box. I laugh and refuse to

Paul Sczwczyk 12

Wasik, stunned by his own glory.

help her. I keep walking and see the entire original cast of The Goonies passed out asleep in my bath tub. This party must have been the greatest thing ever. In my bed room, Doogie Howzer M.D., Chuck Norris and Burt Reynolds mustache are all cuddling. Of course I join in. When I wake up I decide to go downstairs, where I find a portal to the seventh dimension with fire coming out. Two owls are ripping apart the paper clip dude that helps you out in Microsoft Word. There is a pool of green colored super lava. I call up my girlfriend Devin Cornfelius and am all like Ey babe tryna get yo Mongolian BBQ on? She responds with Heck yes. I ride on Falcor, the dragon from the Never Ending Story and she rides on a Norwegian Ridgeback. We sit down but get caught just staring into each others eyes for three hours we never even ordered. When I take her home she kisses me on the cheek. My cheek now has a heart on it. I go home and cuddle with the Snorlax (thats now wearing Burt Reynolds Mustache) until I fall asleep. Today was a good day.

Paul Sczwczyk 12

Customers viciously search through the vegetable aisle to find the food they want.
chael. Harris Teeter is known for its catalog of food products, which includes freshly wrapped sushi, hot subs, custom pizzas and store brand ice cream. The Harris Teeter of Olney also features a Starbucks Coffee shop near the entrance of the store. The barista behind the counter made customer Julie Stinston a grande size vanilla latte. This coffee is a lot like the coffee at the Starbucks across the street, or even probably the coffee offered at other stores in Olney, but theres just something about buying it at Harris Teeter that makes it far superior to the rest of the coffee offered in the town, said Stinson. The prices of the store do not scare away customers from this brand new supermarket. James Allen, recently divorced father of six, is an avid grocery shopper. Giant used to be Allens super market of choice, but Allen has moved on to Harris Teeter since its grand opening a month ago. In his recent visit to the store, Allen bought two twelve packs of CocaCola, a white pizza with pepperoni, a scrumptious chicken Ceasar salad, six pieces of California roll and a half gallon of plain vanilla ice cream. The price of his bill came out to be 84 dollars and 74 cents, plus taxes added on at the end as well. Harris Teeter would actually have all the food that I want. I would expect them to have the pizza I want, the flavor of sushi I want, and the plain vanilla ice cream I have always enjoyed and loved. Its food selection is clearly superior to both Giant and Shoppers, said Allen. Now with Safeway under reconstruction, Harris Teeter seems to be strengthening its hold on local supermarkets and on the suburbanites of Olney as well.

Cartoon by Michael Wagner 12

Sparksnotes Sparks Debate

Assigned reading is an intrinsic aspect of education, beginning as early as elementary school. As students get older, however, many increasingly find the easy solution by turning to online sites such as Sparknotes. These sites provide summaries of books and analyses of each chapter, and while students use these sites to reinforce what they have read, others simply read the summary in place of the book. While advocates of Sparknotes and other online resources assert that students should be able to use online resources to help them understand and interpret sophisticated readings, critics argue that too many students use sites as a crutch to shirk actually reading, stunting development of reading comprehension skills. According to a Warrior survey of 151 students, 65.6 percent of students do not believe reading Sparknotes instead of the actual book is cheating. Even though English teachers may disapprove, numerous students continue to utilize Sparknotes.

By: Arjun Singh 12

[I use Sparknotes] about every other time a teacher assigns chapters to read, said sophomore Alex Shoop. [Sparknotes] helps me get a better understanding of the material if I dont understand the teachers explanation. While there is no official English department policy regarding Sparknotes or other online technologies, rules against plagiarism apply to online resources for writing assignments. Some critics say students who rely on Sparknotes likely get only a superficial understanding of the novel or play and presumably will do worse on formative and summative assignments. Beyond grades on assignments and in the class overall, teachers assert that the dependence on these resources negatively impact reading and interpreting skills. [The English department] doesnt think [technologies such as Sparknotes] help kids get to be better readers at all, said English resource teacher Shelley Jackson. It just doesnt help them develop their reading skills, and

we see fewer and fewer good readers come through. While some English teachers do not approve of Sparknotes, others believe online resources give students the ability to find additional analysis of books outside of class that help them interact and understand their book while reading it. Students have opportunities online, not just using Sparknotes, to look at literary analysis while they are reading a text for a class, said English teacher Liza Schad. If they look at some form of analysis it probably helps them understand the text better. The use of Sparknotes has forced teachers to use creative methods to distinguish those who use Sparknotes in addition to reading the book and those who use Sparknotes in place of reading books. Teachers use various online technologies to check for misuse of Sparknotes and personalize tests to prevent cheating and ensure that students actually read their books. [Next year] the English department is going to be enforcing the use of turnitin.com [to

prevent direct cheating], said English teacher Brianna Russell. I check Sparknotes to ensure that the quiz questions I have created cannot be answered simply by a student reading Sparknotes. Even with these precautions against cheating, students continue to utilize online resources for assigned readings in English class. A Warrior survey, 96 percent of students believe that reading Sparknotes while reading an assigned book is not cheating and 66.9 percent of students think that using Sparknotes does not hurt their reading comprehension skills. Everyone learns differently, and for me Sparknotes clarifies things, said junior Sara Grantham. I dont consider it cheating; Im not plagiarizing or stealing answers, Im reading information that is available to me to help me understand the work I need to do.

utting Corners To Learn C Foreign Language By: Vicky Florian 14

Hey, Can I Copy the Homework?

Every teacher assigns work to be graded for completion, and this category of assignments can count for as much as 10 percent of the grade in a class. Some students, however, do not take work for completion seriously and view it as an invitation to copy. According to math resource teacher Debbie Hiltner, work for completion is an important part of the learning process. They [students who copy] are putting themselves at risk for never learning the material so their quiz and test grades will suffer, she said. Even so, students view copying completion homework differently than teachers. Yes, it is [cheating], but I dont care, said junior Lauren Steck who has no problem allowing other students to copy off her because, one of these days Im going to need them to help me. Steck is not alone in her opinion about copying. In a Warrior survey of 151 students, 38.4 percent of students admitted to copying another students homework at least once a semester and 11.2 percent have copied 10 or more times. Less than one-third of students said they had not copied another students homework in a semester. Cheating is not just a product of teenage laziness. After all,

By: Allie Strosnider 12

embezzlement, insurance fraud and identity theft are forms of cheating in the adult world. So maybe cheating is less of a high school issue and more of a human issue. Adults set the tone, noted science teacher Mary Cross. Teachers more specifically can affect students choices by making it more difficult for them to copy homework and other work for completion. For example, Cross gives each student a different version of a work sheet when assigning home work so it is impossible to copy the right answer off a fellow student. She also walks around during class and watches for suspicious behavior to discourage students from trying to copy off each other during class. As a final measure against copying, students who wish to retake an assignment must redo the work in front of her at lunch so she can see that they are not just copying the right answers from a friend. By taking these precautions Cross sends a message to her students that copying will not be tolerated and discourages students from taking short cuts. Nevertheless, teachers face an uphill battle to get students to take work for completion seriously. If it is just work for completion [students] dont have to try, said junior Anna Nightingale. They get the points either way.

Although students commonly see online translators as a modern form of the dictionary, foreign language teachers view them as detrimental shortcuts. Teachers in the foreign language department recommend Word Reference as an online alternative because other translators, like Google, are not acceptable to use. [The student] does not know where the definitions are coming from, said Spanish teacher Xaviera Gutierrez. The primary reason teachers forbid translators is they are unreliable and are not always correct. In some instances they give a literal translation of a foreign phrase into English. When this occurs, the entire meaning of the phrase or sentence can become misinterpreted. Also, when a student uses a translator for an entire sentence, rather than a single definition, the translated sentence is often inaccurate. In a Warrior survey, less than 20 percent of students reported that they do not use Google translate, while more than 60 percent said they used the application four or more times in a semester. Students use translators because of the convenience. Most students think that online translators, in addition to Word Reference, should not be considered cheating. [Using an online translator] is basically the same as looking up a vocabulary word in a normal dictionary; its just quicker, said freshman Katie Mercogliano. Due to frequent errors and relative ease, online translator use correlates with a decrease in the students comprehension of the language. The thought process that goes into writing in a foreign language is lost when a translator is used, said Gutierrez, who said its often obvious when a student translates an entire sentence or paragraph because the translation is often incomprehensible and does not follow the structure taught in class.

A
Su ey! rv
-Never: 88 percent

Have you ever...

Compiled by Connor Martin 13

1.) Used the internet to plagiarize written work?

(How many times?) -1 to 6 times: 11.2 percent -7 or more times: .6 percent 2.) Copied Someone elses homework? -Never: 31.1 percent -1 to 6 times: 50.3 percent -7 or more times: 18.4 percent
survey of 151 stud ents

orth it? is it w

e Just Resources, Right Theyr

By: Jamie Langbein 13

.
?

Controversies about how students use the Internet to assist them with school work, especially in specific areas like science, are becoming more relevant as the usage of online resources increases in a students daily life. Those who argue for the use of online resources say that they are fast, easy, and provide a lot of information. Internet sources they cite include online databases like Wikipedia and Yahoo, as well as other common sources. Some argue against the practice, saying that using the online resources is cheating and also that information from some sources, such as Wikipedia, are edited by the public and may be incorrect. To science teacher Glenn Miller, online resources are more often helpful than not. There is just so much more information at your fingertips, said Miller. It is easier and faster to get information that way. But he also attested to the fact that such accessibility also can be harmful to learning. Besides the numerous distractions caused by social networking and gaming sites, there is danger in the way reference websites often spoon feed answers. Students dont know how to paraphrase. There is no processing of information, he explained. For juniors Stephanie Golding and Kelly Kendall, the same type of conflict arises. The pair recently won several awards for their science fair project and traveled to Texas for a convention at which they represented the state of Maryland. To them, using the resources is a huge help, but has certain disadvantages to it. A lot of people get wrong information or use it to cheat, commented Golding on the challenges of using internet resources.

14

The WarriorOpinions
June 9, 2011

In Our Opinion...
School Neglects AP Test Takers Achievement by Forgetting AP Party
Students who took an AP exam this school year, whether it was one or five, deserve to be recognized for their achievements. They challenged themselves by taking college-level classes and should be proud of what they have accomplished. For this reason, many students were disappointed this year that there was no AP picnic or AP t-shirts, which students who took an AP exam last year did receive. This year, the schools Honors/AP committee was ready to have a celebration, and even made it part of the Honors/AP Action Plan, which is a part of the larger School Improvement Plan. However, the AP committee, consisting of AP teachers, was apparently not on the same page as the school administration when it came to planning the celebration and so when it came time to actually hold a meeting to discuss the picnic in detail, there was neither enough time nor available money to throw a party. But all these reasons dont add up and only amount to excuses. The College Board gives the school $8 per AP exam. Because students at Sherwood took more than 1,600 AP tests this past May, the school received more than $10,000 in rebates. Yet, there somehow wasnt enough money for a party or gifts (even something less costly than t-shirts) for the very students who took the exams that earned the school that money. Beyond that, how does the school lose sight of planning an event that is intended for 800 students, which is more than a third of the student body? So, in the end, there was no AP picnic for the students who had expected it. It is true that rewards at the end of the year should not be the primary reason for taking an AP course, but a little recognition wouldnt have been so bad. But then again, could expecting rewards, even small ones, be a sign that students are expecting too much for doing little? At Olney Elementary Schools recent field day events, there were kids whose natural ability at sports and competition shined while there were others who were not so gifted in those areas or were disinterested in physical activities. But at the end of the day, when all the events are done and the kids are going home, they all carry a green ribbon. This ribbon signifies that the child carrying it participated in field day (showed up to school) and that they got a reward, regardless of their outstanding achievement or lack thereof. This mentality is wrong. Kids are being shown that it doesnt matter whether they put in effort or not, and that they will be rewarded in the end and held in the same regard as those who went above and beyond. This is why there should have been a celebration for students taking AP classes. No, its not for AP students to rub it in their peers face, but to show them that they did do extra in their academics. Congratulations to all those who took an AP exam. You didnt get your party and that was wrong, but look back and realize that the party wasnt the ultimate goal and that the best rewards are yet to come.

The End Is Near Again

by Isabel Paterson 12
Theories about the world ending in 2012 have been in the air for a while now. Some look at it as more of a joke, something to poke fun at or use in a punch line. Something bad happens and usually there is that one person in the group who says, Oh its okay guys, were all going to die in 2012 anyways. Ive been that joker many a time, but the fact of the matter is, some weird stuff has gone down lately. No, no, this column wont turn into a warning that aliens are coming to take over our planet or that we will all simultaneously combust on December 21, 2012. But there is a serious matter to address here. Even pop-stars have noticed. Jay Sean themed one of his songs around 2012 with a chorus saying, We gonna party like, party like its the end of the world. We gonna party like, like its 2012. Its pretty clear these celebrities view the idea of 2012 as a marketable event. However, we must all at least acknowledge that this year, leading up to 2012 hasnt been the best. Record-breaking natural disasters, along with civil strife and revolution, have been filling the news lately. It is nave to think there wont be retribution for killing Osama bin Laden. Our government almost shut down over a budget. There were 620 tornadoes in just the month of April, a record breaking high since 1925. The earthquake in Haiti, the flooding in the Philippines, the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. This might not be the end of the world, but its definitely not the start of a lively upbeat one. There is a thought lingering in the back of my mind that these disasters will become less rare and less of a shock. Im hoping 2012 will prove me wrong, but if we keep going on this path of natural destruction and violence, its not just the disasters I worry about. What will it do to our perception of disaster? In 10 years, will an incident such as an earthquake, like the one in Japan, be considered a horrible disaster or will it eventually become the norm? Will revolutions happen monthly, like the ones in Libya and Egypt? Will rivers flood regularly like the Mississippi just did? And how will we respond? No, I do not personally believe we will all vanish or die on December 21, 2012. However, something seems to be going on, call it global warming if youd like, blame it on us or technology or say its due to pollution or that were corrupted by politicians. Whatever it is, its getting a lot of attention by the media and our culture. I worry that this fluky year with a very high death count isnt just a fluke. I worry that this will soon become the norm, and we wont even notice.

Amazing Grocery Stores Dont Make a Community

by Rebecca Stussman 12
Olney has four, soon to be five, major grocery stores, three pet stores, four tex-mex restaurants, five Chinese restaurants and zero entertainment opportunities, making our adorable-yetmundane suburbia haven more like a collection of fragmented strip malls than a true, community. We have food, we have shops, we have all the dog chow we could ever need (including a plethora of the organic variety); however, we are lacking in a crucial area, not only for teenagers but for residents of all ages. The unfortunate truth is that there is nothing fun in Olney. While businesses keep piling in to fill already occupied economic niches, no company seems to be capitalizing on the almost guaranteed monopoly found in Olneys entertainment gap. Our student body has lashed out in outcry against this clear folly, first mourning over our movie theaters demise and then bemoaning its conversion to a grocery store (no matter how great Harris Teeters overpriced sushi may be), but beyond the collective student complaint that our towns lack of entertainment is annoying and disappointing, I feel that this fault has robbed us of not only our towns entertainment but also our sense of community and unity. For bowling alleys, we go to Gaithersburg. For ice-skating, we drive to Wheaton. For movie theaters, we must drive to Rockville Town Center or the Rio. And, unfortunately, for parties and drugs and alcohol, we walk the couple of blocks to the nearest bash. In the absence of entertainment, Olneys teens must resort to less-healthy measures of passing Olneys lack of an entire market area makes it no more of a community in this regard than the strip malls alongside Route 355. We are not a unified people, but rather a dysfunctional, discontented suburban mass. Certain model communities near our own show us the almost utopian society that can exist in a town of full, enriched commercial opportunity. Rockville town center, one such example, features movie theaters, community centers and musical entertainment alongside plentiful food options. Silver Spring, Bethesda and Gaithersburg also flaunt entertainment opportunities. Those who live in these fulfilling, enticing cities enjoy parks, entertainment and food within walking distance of their well-kept and community-oriented neighborhoods, promoting clean, safe fun and a sense of togetherness. The solution is a gradual transition from fragmented activities to unifying fun. We need safer sidewalks and crosswalks along Olneys downtown area. We need greater entertainment possibilities that fit our whole towns needs. We have already missed some valuable opportunities, such as redeveloping the Stained Glass Pub building into fast food rather than fun, and replacing the movie theaters with a grocery store, yet there is still hope. There is still time. In order for Olney to grow into a true community, a true, unified town, we need to acquire commercial opportunities that exceed our current, narrow range. We need entertainment. We need a home. We need a market setting that provides us with an outlet for leisure. In order to become a community, we need to become fun.

Paul Szewczyk 12

Olney has recently opened a new shopping center with stores all related to food, which has teenagers begging for something to do.
the time, leading to accidents, addiction, conflict, and, tragically, loss of lives. Entertainment in Olneymovie theaters or concerts or bowling alleys or safe clubsis crucial not only for our enjoyment but for our safety as well. Olney can never be a secure and fulfilling community until we attain the entertainment alternatives we so desperately need. Our saturation in food over fun is not only nauseating, its devastating. Additionally, this commercial gap tears down our towns potential sense of unity and replaces it with disheartened apathy. How can we feel proud of our home when it values chicken low mien over bowling alleys? Sure weve got adorable children running through fountains in Olney Town Center, but wheres the ice skating rink for teens to cool off? Yes, we have every burrito we could imagine, but wheres the movie theater to watch blockbusters? In order to call Olney a community, our town requires some form of entertainment that teenagers along with people of other ages can enjoy. Those who choose not to party or drink must go far to find the clean fun they desire. We view Olney as a bed rather than a home, as a place of residence rather than a community of life.

The WarriorOpinions
June 9, 2011

15

The Warrior enters the boxing ring

High School Elections: A Petty Democracy

by Robel Wondimu 13
In the final week of May a spurious event takes place in Sherwood, SGA elections, our schools emulation of democracy. I ran for Junior Class President and what I found out is disheartening. In Sherwood the problem with elections lies in the underlying procedural structure. Candidates running for office are limited to four posters and are banned from distributing labels or stickers, but they are permitted to give out unlimited amounts of candy. What kind of a message is that to send to students? Youre free to try and bribe your way to office, but attempting to get your name around is out of the question. Not only does this cripple the integrity of our schools supposed democratic elections, it also leads to apathy. For example in this years Freshman Class elections, three of the four candidates were running unopposed and all of them won by default. This leaves a lot of voters disinterested, because, What does my vote matter any ways? Even as a candidate this is true, because the sponsors never tell you by what margin you won or lost; for all I know the election results are made up entirely, damaging the ideal of high school elections.

1st Punch

Give Us News We Can Use

byJacob Bogage 12
There was a time, the movie Anchorman begins, when the local anchorman reigned supreme. The same adage rings true at Sherwood. Every morning from 9:04 to 9:09 the morning announcements are piped via public address system and Sherwood TV channel 37 to each and every classroom. Announcements are inescapable and sometimes irritating. They spread news that is rarely relevant to large numbers of the student body and often times become a bore and part of the daily second period routine. So our friends in TV production thought to liven things up. Anchormen were given quirky aliases and read the news with funky accents. Broadcasts became a time for silliness rather than information distribution; and when important news was read, it was hard to distinguish from the rest of the morning prattle. Though Sherwood TV made a gallant effort to up prestige and viewership (a problem we at The Warrior encounter as well), the childish antics were a huge swing and miss. If the announcements want to be taken seriously by students and faculty alike, it would do well to cut trivial news and unprofessional gimmicks. Sherwood media between The Warrior and its yearbook counterpart Leaves has a long standing tradition of excellence. Without TV productions tiresome tomfoolery, Sherwood TV would be a welcome addition to the fold.

2nd Punch

cartoon by Michael Wagner 12

A Solution to Semester Exams

Students who receive an A both quarters should not have to take a final exam.
by Whitney-Marie Halaby 14
Way back in 1999, the Board of Education first discussed a change in high school exam policy. This proposal became known as the double A exemption policy. Ultimately, the policy was not accepted by Board members because the members felt that there would be more pressure to have other types of tests for seniors and also felt they did not have enough information to abandon exams. Seven years later, MCPS student Nathan Friedman launched a petition in defense of the Double A exemption policy. The petition said that Students who consistently perform at an outstanding level should not have to risk that grade by taking an exam. Under the current system, a student who receives two As for his report card and a D or below on the exam would drop his semester grade to a B. This is not representative of the students true effort and may simply be the result of a hard exam. Friedman was right and the double A exemption should be implemented in Montgomery County schools to assure fairness and reward students quality work. The double A exemption policy would provide an initiative for students to work harder during the semester; as students strive to succeed to excuse themselves from exams, their grades will improve. The ability to miss a week of school is a great reward for working hard all semester. The county is always trying to find ways to motivate students and yet they neglect to implement a double A exemption policy, which would do just that. The policy would also reduce teachers workloads, allowing them to grade their exams more accurately because there would be less to grade. Let us be honest, when teachers have 150 exams to grade, they are not going to grade each one to the best of their ability because of the time constraints to grade the tests. Therefore, if teachers have significantly less exams to grade, they can grade each one more accurately and efficiently. This could benefit even the students who do not receive straight As because it would increase the fairness of exam grading. Teachers themselves would benefit in other ways beside just having fewer exams to grade. Increasingly, teachers are judged by how their students do on exams. Although it would seem like teachers would want students who received an A both quarters to take a exam, in practice, most of these double-A students hardly prepare for the exam because they can receive a C on the exam and still get an A for this semester grade. And then there is the danger of the one test ruining a students grade. I know from personal experience that an exam can drop your grade. In my honors English class, I worked hard all semester to get straight As. As we all know, we cannot really study for a county English exam. I went into the exam confident that I was going to do well because I had the grades to prove my knowledge. This was not the case. I got a D on that exam, which dropped my average to a B. This grade does not represent my hard work and effort, but unfortunately this is what colleges will see. My B was undeserved and unfair and not a reflection of my true potential and work ethic. The double A exemption policy clearly has the potential to benefit students and teachers in MCPS. It is like a parent telling his her kid if you show me you are responsible by doing certain things and you work really hard, then youll get a new laptop. Just as a parent rewards his or her childs good behavior with increased trust and privileges, so must a school system encourage academic success with appropriate awards. With so many obvious benefits of enacting the double A policy, it becomes clear that MCPS should immediately implement it, so that students and teachers will both benefit, which will help MCPS to become a better school system than it already is.

AP Classes Come with a Catch

by Olivia Snyder 12
Since when are juniors free the moment May hits? How is it that classes are considered pointless and therefore deemed skippable in those last weeks of school? And why is it that juniors develop senioritis when theres still a good month of junior year left to complete? My guess is AP classes. The curriculum for most AP courses is centered solely around preparing students for the AP exam; therefore, as soon as AP exam weeks in early May roll around, those AP classes no longer have a point, as they have technically finished their purpose. For the juniors with many such AP courses, the year feels essentially over. As for those juniors with just one AP, that feeling of freedom becomes contagious once one class feels futile, other classes begin to feel the same. This AP conundrum has lead to premature senioritis. . . characterized by dismal academic performance, shameless skipping, and an overall lack of effort and motivation. AP Classes: Be warned- for side effects may occur.

Knockout

16

The WarriorOpinions
June 9, 2011

Should There be Offshore Drilling in the Gulf of Mexico?

After the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico during April of last year, President Obama issued a moratorium on permits to drill new deepwater wells. As prices have risen at the gas pump to over $4.00 and the job market continues to suffer, Obama reversed his decision this past May and now says that the United States will seek to expand domestic oil production, including in the Gulf, in an attempt to reduce dependence on imported oil and bring down fuel prices.

Offshore Drilling Necessary for a Better Economy

by Jenni Kenel 14
As gas prices and the unemployment rate both continue to stay stuck at historically high levels, Americans are searching for ways to save money. Offshore drilling is a reasonable solution that will lower gas prices and provide more job opportunities in communities that have been hit hard by the economic recession. While the oil spill last April in the Gulf of Mexico was tragic, future incidents are preventable and the time has come to untap the massive supplies of oil in the Gulf. With President Obama lifting the ban on drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, gas prices will slowly decrease and employees of the oil companies will receive higher wages. The environment is something that should strongly be taken into account when restarting offshore drilling. During last years oil spill, BP was not properly equipped to fix a spill that happened that deep in the ocean. Therefore, when the oil started gushing out into the ocean, nobody knew what to do. BP also has committed to putting $1 billion into projects to keep the environment safe and secure during its drilling process. With this money in addition to the correct equipment to correct any mistakes made, the risk of another accident is nearly non-existent. In addition, other countries such as China and Brazil already have been allowed to drill in the Gulf even after the spill occurred. If other countries are able to drill in American waters, then the United States should be able to as well. Instead of getting the majority of our oil from OPEC nations in the Middle East, we can ease our dependence on oil from foreign countries by drilling in both the eastern and western sections of the gulf. Citizens are saying that there is no quick fix to the high gas prices, but if the United States drills more in the Gulf then the price for gas will slowly decrease. By avoiding getting oil from other countries, there will be lower gas costs and possibly less of a reason for the United States to be entangled in the Middle East. The government has started to give permits to companies whose plans for deepwater drilling have been approved. Fourteen companies have gained permits to restart offshore drilling in the Gulf, giving jobs back to the men and women who have lost them due to the ban in May 2010. Around 35,000 people had jobs on the oil rigs in the deep water of the Gulf. The smaller rigs in the shallower employ only half as many as the larger rigs do. Therefore, half of the people that lost their jobs are now gaining them back because of the lift of the ban on deepwater drilling in the Gulf.

Deep Sea Drilling Destroys Natural Beauties

by Mandy Stussman 14
On April 20 last year, a BP oil well deep in the Gulf of Mexico cracked and erupted, releasing more than 210 million gallons of oil into a delicate ecosystem. The spill destroyed nearly 90,000 square miles of habitats, seeping oil into flourishing coral reefs. The oil saturated and killed approximately 5,000 animals initially, and hundreds more died daily due to residual oil. Along the coast lay some 150 bodies of dolphins, an astonishingly intelligent but endangered species. This spill, the worst in history, forever altered an ocean paradise. After the oil spill, President Obama correctly banned deep sea drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico for seven years. Despite the tragedy that still haunts the region, Obama reversed his decision on May 14 and now permits drilling in the eastern Gulf. His decision was made in an effort to counteract growing gas prices; however, killing irreplaceable marine life is not the solution to our energy conflict. Drilling in the eastern gulf only provides the United States with 1.8 percent of the countrys oil. Exploration in the eastern Gulf is dangerous and risky, and is only expected to decrease gas prices by a few cents per gallon. The spill last April destroyed commercial marine species as well, including shrimps, crabs and oysters, costing $273 million, or 98 percent of Louisianas seafood in revenue. The spill also took the jobs of nearly 200,000 marine workers and cost $11 billion dollars in tourist-based incomes. The economies in states surrounding the gulf plummeted. Now as drilling resumes, there is no guarantee such a tragedy will not happen again. The BP oil spill was extremely devastating, but even in the absence of a nationally known event environments are still damaged by offshore drilling. Ocean rigs spill and leak oil daily and chemicals used to operate rigs pollute nearby habitats. By simply maintaining wells deep in the ocean, we are slowly sucking life from a haven that once prospered. To save the beauties that lie deep within the Gulf of Mexico, the United States should no longer drill there at all. Reinstating Obamas seven year ban would be the first of many steps to remove all oil wells in the gulf, and eventually the world. The solution is not to keep drilling until the world is completely out of oil. The solution is not to demolish every beauty found in the ocean for our own selfish gain. The solution is to invest in something promising, something that will never run out, something that could reduce our dependence on oil. The solution is alternative energy. A far-fetched idea that could be our future. A natural source of energy without toxic emissions could power our society. Deep sea drilling or oil from the Middle East would no longer be needed. The change would be gradual, but with the removal of oil wells from the gulf and other areas and an increase in funding for alternative research, eventually the world could survive, and dolphins, along with millions of other irreplaceable species, could survive with it.

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The WarriorWondering Warrior

June 9, 2011 What will you do as soon as you get out of your last exam?

17

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ar 12

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The end of the year when AP classes are done -Lauren Whitten 12

the fire alarm went off and we stood in the rain for 30 minutes -Kristen Lauda 14 ondays atley 14 M e lec Wh -A Exams, tests, quizzes, home work and classw -Briana Covin ork gton 12

WORST part of the school year

am p co in the w u sta ura nselo ater? r nt or i or at nr a eta il?

18

The WarriorEntertainment
June 9, 2011
road between The Fame and Born This Way something changed. She was no longer a typical pop star aspiring to make it to the top ten on the billboards; she became a fearless artist who sparked plenty of controversy. This change, whatever it might have been, has caused her to become one of the most controversial stars of this generation and it seems to overshadow her place as a legitimate pop star. In a review of her new album, Washington Post critic, Chris Richards describes Lady Gagas Born This Way as a dark, dense and surprisingly aggressive listen. But musically, it felt conservative and predictable. And at its worst it sounds like reheated leftovers from some 80s movie sound track. For an informationage superstar whos managed to squeeze us all into a global group hug, shouldnt Gaga be delivering something a little more zeigeisty? Criticism has come from others besides music reviewers. A spokesperson for the Catholic League, a group for religious and civil rights, stated that Lady Gaga is constantly pushing the envelope and that her actions are juvenile and immature. She is trying to rip off Christian idolatry to shore up her talentless, mundane and boring performances, added Bill Donahue, president of the Catholic League. Donahue is speaking not only for Catholics, but for other major Christian religions who feel that Lady Gaga has offended their religion with her vulgar lyrics. Freshman Alexis Amanguana would beg to differ with this statement. She says that Gaga has said that she is a devout Catholic and is just expressing herself through her music. Fans of Lady Gaga are quick to point out that many pop stars have stirred up controversies in the past. She isnt the only one to do things with religion. Madonnas music video Like a Prayer was also controversial, and I think she used biblical references to express how she has been betrayed by her past lovers, said Amanguana. French teacher John Falls, a fan of Lady Gaga, said that he remembers a time when Like A Prayer was taboo, and now he says it is played on several stations without controversy. Falls sees other similarities between Madonna and Lady Gaga, saying that Madonna led the way for Lady Gaga to be so upfront with her stance on social issues; Lady Gaga learned from Madonna that creativity equals longevity. Still, Lady Gagas future is as up in the air as her lyrics. Whether she stays as famous as she is now or becomes a distant speck in pop culture past depends on whether she can deliver talent on top of controversy.

Lady Gaga: This Generations Madonna

by Whitney-Marie Halaby 14
The notorious Lady Gaga, known for her unique choice of dress, her provocative songs and her outspokenness for gay and transgender rights, is continuously evolving into something new. But, as she becomes this generations Madonna, controversies follow her. The most recent uproar surrounded her song Judas, a single from her second album Born This Way. The name of the song itself is not what caused the hullabaloo it is the lyrics and its video. One of the most controversial parts of Judas is when she sings I wanna love you/ But somethings pulling me away from you /Jesus is my virtue/ Judas is the demon I cling to. Later in the songs lyrics, and in the video as well, Lady Gaga betrays Jesus. Not too surprisingly, the song has offended some Christians. Lady Gaga has not always been as outspoken as she is now. Her first album The Fame was just like any other pop singers album. It had spunk, with its own twist. But somewhere along the

The WarriorEntertainment
June 9, 2011

19

Paisley Accurately Claims This is Country Music

Paisley gives his listeners a real taste of country in his newest album.
by Ryan Coulter 12
One of country musics most prominent singers is back with more stories to share. When naming an album This is Country Music you need to deliver on that promise and Brad Paisley does exactly that on his eighth studio album. This is Country Music offers 15 tracks of love, loss, family, sunshine, partying, hurt, hope and everything else one would expect from a country album. Many people look down their noses at country music because they see it as only twang and fiddle. Today, country music has reached a totally different level than the stereotype that so many judge it by, and Paisleys sound is a direct correlation to countrys new generation of music. Straying away from that hard country sound, Paisleys music revolves around a slightly more mainstream pop sound with the occasional twang of his guitar solos. From the summer-like feel in Working on a Tan to the lively beat of the title track This Is Country Music, there is nothing more complete than having the privilege to hear one of Paisleys guitar solos. So turn it on, turn it up and sing along/ This is real, this is your life in song/ This is country music, Paisley sings on the title track. There has been much debate about what modern country music really is, with mainstream artists sounding more pop and rock than traditional country and bluegrass, but these lines sum up country music better than anyone has in a while. Country music is more about the songs than the sound. It offers snapshots of everyday life and touches on topics that no other genre dares to. The reigning Country Music Association entertainer of the year enlists several fellow superstars to help him make his case, even persuading beloved country vocal group Alabama out of retirement and into reuniting for the single Old Alabama, Paisleys latest No. 1 hit. Sampling pieces from Alabamas hit Mountain Music, Paisley crafts a song that perfectly blends countrys old fashion twang, with a touch his own flamboyant melodies. The true standout of the album is Remind Me, a duet with Carrie Underwood about rekindling the flame in an aging relationship. Underwoods voice soars on the

wqhsradio.tumblr.com

by Sam Farrell 12

Death Cab for Cutie Fuses Vintage Roots with a New Vibrant Sound
The jazzy swing of Home is Fire opens the album, and immediately there is a change in the established Death Cab mood in just the opening seconds. The constant piano mashing and quick snare drum work perfectly together as they lead into the albums title track Codes and Keys, which is an even better example of how Gibbards exceptional piano playing, coupled with his unique song writing, really make the band stand out in the music world. As for the rest of the songs on the album, they more or less follow the same musical theme that was implemented in You Are a Tourist. Under the Sycamore Tree and Unobstructed Views are two tracks I also really liked, because to me they sound like the original Death Cab sound that I want. And while some songs, such as Portable Televisions, missed the mark because I thought they were a little bland and too instrumentally mixed, I wasnt expecting a perfect set-list. But considering all 11 songs as a whole, I really did enjoy this album. While its not revolutionary, the experimentation heard on this album could easily be the foundation of another uplifting change that Death Cab has brought time and time again in the past. So is the new album the harbinger for the future sound of Death Cab? To answer my own question, I personally have deep connections to the old, cynical Death Cab, and I hope on their next record they retrieve that sound. But Codes and Keys was a real pleasure ride that fans can appreciate and is one that I, for one, could learn to love.

In just about every sense, Death Cab for Cutie has represented the Indie platform and everything it has stood for the past six years. Even before they had their coming-of-age, before radios were blaring Soul Meets Body and Crooked Teeth, they were honing their indie roots with three gold albums from 1998 to 2001 that many nostalgic fans consider the real gems of the bands work. When I first popped their newest installment Codes and Keys into my car stereo, I was somewhat apprehensive. Since their 2008 album Narrow Stairs, two major events occurred in lead singer Ben Gibbards life: he quit alcohol and got hitched to actress Zooey Deschanel. That sounds like a pretty healthy and happy hiatus for the average guy, but for Gibbard it has the potential to drastically ruin his lyrics, guitar riffs, tender wailing and everything else that made him the melancholy front man of Death Cab for the first decade of the bands existence. The single released prior to Codes and Keys was a cause of concern for me. You Are a Tourist is a brilliantly addictive tune with such a killer guitar riff and a roaring bass line that it definitely is in contention for a top song of the summer. But, this is also from where my skepticism originated. While this tune is excellent, it invokes a sense of happiness and exuberance. Those are not two adjectives I would use to describe this band. I hoped with all my might I was wrong, that they would not release a horrific album that would batter their indie reputation into dust. Im happy to report I indeed was wrong.

guitargallows.com

record and blends perfectly with Paisleys. The pair previously teamed up on Oh Love, a track from Paisleys 2007 album 5th Gear. Remind Me is bound to be a No. 1 single on country radio and its success will hopefully in turn lead to more collaborations between Paisley and Underwood. Listeners will love this album if they are just getting into Paisleys music or have been a fan of his music from the beginning. With each song in of itself its own story, listeners may find a preference towards some songs over others, which, in that case, they should just buy select songs rather that the whole album. Overall, This is Country Music is a great update to Paisleys already remarkable music career. Paisley sure is one of his own: a great guitarist with a good sense of balancing both modern and classic country music.

Game of Thrones Offers Plenty for the Attentive Viewer

by Christopher Jou 12
A medieval fantasy series? Mature audiences only? Its about time. With the majority of television shows either family-friendly sitcoms or reality television, I had been waiting for a series that makes me want to watch TV again. Game of Thrones premiered on April 17 and so far has been met with critical acclaim. A fairly amazing series actually, it was renewed for a second season two days after its premiere. Set in the land of Westeros (think Middle-earth without magic and orcs), Game of Thrones offers an initially confusing yet coherent plotline of approximately seven groups fighting for control of the throne, thus Game of Thrones. There is also an alternate plot where evil from times past/the north is returning to wreak havoc on the land, accounting for one of shows other taglines, namely Winter is coming. While disjointed, it remains comprehensive to viewers paying attention, as it flits from prince of land Y to queen of nation A to princess of Kingdom M. This show is not for lazy viewers who do not want to think. For devoted watchers, Game of Thrones rewards them by building suspense until the breaking point. And then the terrific cliffhangers leave viewers wanting to tune in next week. Due to the extensive amount of characters, I will only be naming the important ones. First, we have Eddard Stark and his loving wife, two sons, two daughters and illegitimate son. Next, Robert Baratheon, the king, and his family which includes one queen (who is plotting a coup alongside her twin brother with whom she has an incestuous relationship), a son (who is oddly reminiscent of Malfoy from Harry Potter) and the younger brother of the previously mentioned queen, who happens to be vertically challenged. Then, we have Viserys Targaryen, prince of the deposed king of Westeros, with his sister Daenerys who is being married off to Khal Drogo, who is leader of a Mongol-like tribe called the Dothraki, because Viserys aims to enlist his help in taking back his kingdom. It is worthy to note that they created a Dothraki language just for the series (maybe the next Klingon?). Though it may seem a burden to remember all the characters listed here, it is quite easy as they all have some identifiable trait and therefore succeed in captivating the audience. The HBO show is based on a series called A Song of Ice and Fire, written by George Martin, of which the first book is A Game Of Thrones. I havent read the series recently, so I cannot attest to the faithfulness of the show to the original, but the author has been cited as saying that it was. This series is not for the easily distracted. Watching requires that you focus on the setup so that you will understand what goes on later. If you succeed, you will be rewarded with a bounty of enjoyment. And what the future holds can only be better. Perhaps it can form a fan base as rabid and spirited as Trekkies or froods, while still maintaining its cult status.

20
by Cal Wilson 14

The WarriorEntertainment
June 9, 2011

Latest X-Men Prequel Will Fly Far

Lets get straight to the heart of the matter. X-Men: First Class blows away any comic book based science fiction movie preceding it. Everything from its plot to the acting performances to special effects contributes to a action film that enthralls the audience. Directed by Matthew Vaughn, who also contributed to the screenplay, X-Man: First Class stars James McAvoy as Charles Xavier, Michael Fassbender as Eric Lehnsherr, and Kevin Bacon as Sebastian Shaw. X-Men: First Class is a prequel to the X-Men trilogy of films and explains the origins of Professor Xs X-Men and Magnetos Brotherhood. When Charles Xavier becomes a professor on human mutations, he is asked to join the CIA in a search for a dangerous mutant criminal Sebastian Shaw, who is planning on starting World War III. During an operation he meets Eric Lehnsherr (Magneto), another mutant after Shaw, but with a different motive. They team up along with a multitude of other mutants to track down Shaw, but throughout the journey Eric and Charles re-

IGN.com

From left: Michael Fassbender, Rose Byrne, January Jones, Jason Flemyng, Nicholas Hoult, Lucas Till, Zoe Kravitz, Jennifer Lawrence and James McAvoy star in the prequel to X-Man: First Class.
lationship will be tested. Audiences can enjoy the flick no matter their background knowledge of the X-Men team. The movie does a good job of keeping the progression of the plot at a pace that new fans of the story can follow without becoming confused. Even if the plot lines could overwhelm some viewers, the action alone will keep them engaged. Mixing it up, this prequel contains not only big explosions and mutants with cool powers but also sprinkles in laughs and romance. In scenes with tables melting, hundreds of missiles exploding and giant submarines being lifted out of the water, X-Men: First Class makes full use of 21st century computer advancements and sports amazing special effects. The lasers and sonic sound waves emitting from the mutants truly look as if the actors produced them themselves. Audiences can be forgiven for forgetting that theyre watching a world of make-believe as the films effects look so realistic. Making the story even more believable, Vaughn does an excellent job of intertwining historical events with fictional events. In a concentration camp, during World War II, Eric Lehnsherr discovers his powers for the first time. Even major work events get re-imagined, and in the story told in First Class, the Cuban missile crisis in 1962, for example, was even more threatening and dangerous. There might not really have been mutants who have influenced the historical events of the past 70 years, but it sure does make for a great adventure flick.

Concerts:
Katy Perry: June 15 at Merriweather Warped Tour: July 26 at Merriweather Ke$ha: August 21 Patriot Center at
C o

Albums:

Shows N Shindigs
m

Tha Carter IV by Lil Wayne: June 21 Chief by Eric Church: July 26 Scenes From the Suburbs by Arcade Fire: August 2

Movies:

in

Green Lantern: June 17

so

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2: July 15 Winnie the Pooh: July 15

And dont miss...

Warped Tour is the upcoming summer concert that appeals to an extensive variety of tastes of teenagers. Coming on July 26 to Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, the music fest brings together bands such as The Devil Wears Prada and Asking Alexandria for rock lovers. For those more into pop, The Ready Set and Paramore will be performing, as will be rap/hip hop performers Gym Class Heroes. Lucero from Memphis is the featured band and will be showcasing their alternative country/southern rock sound. Warped Tour is an all-day concert that consists of multiple performances on different stages. In addition to being an exciting, all-day event, Warped Tour also appeals to those who may not be fans of the bands performing; many teens show up simply for the fun of it. Tickets cost between $55$130 and the event has long been a major summer attraction for teenagers in the D.C/Baltimore area. -Maya Lennon 14

The WarriorSports
June 9, 2011
by Leah Schroeder13
Five years ago, physical education teacher Gene Orndorff created intramural soccer after a number of ESOL students expressed interest. The program initially attracted enough participants for four teams. Now, it has grown to eight teams with a total of 60 participants, half of which are ESOL students. We have 20 to 30 countries in the school that have a soccer background and they have a camaraderie amongst themselves ... When they break down into teams, there might be a Latin team, an African team and a French team, said Orndorff. This gives them an opportunity to play competitively against each other in a sport they are good at. The activity offers any student the chance to play the worlds game. For the convenience of ESOL students, games are held during lunch and after school on the days on which the activity buses run. Most ESOL students rely on the activity bus for transportation home from after-school activities. [Intramural soccer] allows [ESOL students] to participate in a sport they all love without the costs associated with playing on a school team. It also gives them a positive venue for socializing, said ESOL resource teacher Laura Bernard-Sanchez. Juniors Renzo Fuentes and Eduardo Duron Salgado and freshman Thierry Tommy Kond-

21

Intramural Ftbol Helps Break Down Barriers

Brett Melnick 12

In the second round of the intramural soccer tournament, clockwise from left, Andrew Burlin defends Abraham Solaimanpour, Burlin scores a goal, Jabril Omar catches a shot on goal, Choul Min Park-Zuniga defends Mauriccio Navarrete, Navarrete prepares to kick and Brad Kuntzman walks down the field followed by Navarrete.
jang all served as team captains this year and are all current or exited ESOL students. Kondjang and Fuentes have participated in intramural soccer for the past two years while Duron Salgado is new to the activity. People say that if you are Hispanic, you play soccer, but I play it because I like it, said Fuentes. Duron Salgado similarly cites his culture and his friends as the reasons for his participation in soccer. Even so, his love for the game makes him want to keep playing. You get to know people and learn something about the game If there is another tournament, I might play again, just to play [soccer], said Duron. With Orndorff retiring, Bernard-Sanchez, Orndorff and many players hope that another teacher will take over the program.. [Mr. Orndorff] is a great guy always trying to get me involved. I dont know who is going to be the leader next year. So its going to be different, but I still have interest in doing it, said Kondjang. In this years intramural soccer tournament, Kondjangs team, Thierry, composed entirely of ESOL students, came out on top with a record of 4-1.

The WarriorSports
22
June 9, 2011

Boys Volleyball
Standings
Team SBrook Blair SHS B-CC Magrud.

Spring Sports Roundup 9 DIVISION 4A WEST STATS AND STANDINGS LAST UPDATED: June
Results Standings
Team

CoEd Volleyball
Results
W-L Pct. .933 .714 .692 .385 .385

W-L 14-1 11-2 11-3 5-6 5-8

Pct. .933 .846 .786 .455 .385

Lost 3 sets to 1 to Springbrook in the County Quarterfinals.

SHS 14-1 PBranch 10-4 Magrud. 9-4 BCC 5-8 SBrook 5-8

Lost in 3 sets at the County Championship to Damascus.

Boys Tennis
Standings
Team B-CC SHS Blair Magrud. SBrook W-L 10-2 8-3 7-5 6-6 5-7 Pct. .830 .727 .583 .571 .417

Results
The Warriors will return to Division I next year after their stellar performance in Division II this season.

This Day in Sports

June 9
1999- Mets Manager Bobby Valentine (above) sneaks back into his teams dugout a couple innings after getting ejected for arguing. Valentine fooled many with his bat-tape stache and stylin shades, but was fined $5,000 two days later.

bigapplemetstalk.com

Standings
Team QO CBurg SHS PVille SBrook

Track & Field

Results
W-L 11-1 10-2 9-2 4-8 4-8 Pct. .917 .833 .818 .333 .333 The girls placed 3rd in the 4A West Regional Championship and the boys placed 10th.

Boys Lacrosse
Standings
Team

Results

Baseball Girls Lacrosse

Standings
Team

Standings
Team

Standings
Team

Softball
W-L-T Pct.

Results
Lost to Blair 8-6 in the Region Finals.

W-L

Pct. .813 .667 .467 .385 .364

SHS 13-3 WJ 10-5 PBranch 7-6 B-CC 5-8 SBrook 4-7

Upset by Walter Johnson in the Regional Semi-Finals by a score of 17-16.

W-L

Pct. .952 .619 .619 .667 .625

W-L

Pct. .800 .788 .583 .385 .273

SHS 20-1 B-CC 13-8 Blair 13-8 PBranch 12-6 Magrud. 10-6

SHS 12-3 WJ 11-3 SBrook 7-5 BCC 5-8 PBranch 3-8

SHS 17-2 Blair 17-4 PBranch 11-7 Magrud. 0-9-1 SBrook 0-7

.895 .810 See story on page 24. .611 .000 .000

Results Lost to Churchill

2-1 in the Region Semifinals. See story on page 24.

Results Lost to Churchill

11-8 in the Region Finals.

The WarriorSports
June 9, 2011

23

JV Shoutout

Local Teams Show Signs of Life

by Michael Natelli 14
Anyone who has been a D.C./Baltimore sports fan for the past decade knows that there has been little to cheer about, other than perhaps the 2000 Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens. The Orioles havent had a winning season in 13 years, the Nationals have had only one nonlosing season (81-81 in inaugural season, 2005), and the Wizards, well, dont even get me started. The Capitals have been the No. 1 overall seed each of the past two seasons, but have managed to get out-goalied by Montreal and swept by Tampa Bay in the playoffs the past two years. But despite all of this bad mojo, there is hope, my fellow sports fans, there is hope. Lets start with baseball. This offseason, the Nationals made a big splash, adding star outfielder Jayson Werth and consistent journeyman first baseman Adam LaRoche. Werth will add some fame and production to the unproductive, unknown Nationals outfield. LaRoche will replace Adam Dunn, which is a plus because there was no clear replacement for him otherwise. Jumping ahead to 2012, superstar pitcher Steven Strasburg will return from Tommy John Surgery, and Bryce Harper might also get a chance to hit in the Bigs. The Orioles are also starting to learn what it takes to win, courtesy of the man himself, Buck Showalter. Showalter took a struggling 2010 Orioles club, which was 34-48 heading into the All-Star Break, and led them to the second best Post-Break record in the American League. Buck has managed to keep this years Orioles hovering around the .500 mark, which is an impressive feat when you have a team full of players who are either just getting started or filling out their retirement papers. The Orioles will be looking to add chips either mid-season or during the offseason, not to mention that their excess of young talent will only improve. So, look for the Orioles to be on the right side of .500 next year. Now on to football. The Redskins struggled last year, as newly acquired quarterback Donovan McNabb was not quite the savior the Redskins so desperately needed. This proved the often-mentioned theory that Donovan McNabb only put up great numbers because of the many elite talents that surrounded him. Rex Grossman did show some promise in the few appearBecky Geller

JV Softball poses at Schedule home plate after the at Churchill W 19-8 completion of their vs. Clarksburg W 22-11 at Richard Montgomery W 27-8 undefeated season vs. Gaithersburg W 20-1 with a 15-1 win over vs. Springbrook W 14-2 at Magruder W 14-0 Blake. This season is vs. B-CC W 15-3 11-0 the JVs second con- at Blair W Orchard W 22-7 at Quince secutive undefeated at Walter Johnson W 15-4 season. After the final vs. Paint Branch W 15-3 vs. Wooton W 15-3 out, the girls spread vs. Damascus W 10-1 chalk on the field writ- vs. Blake W 15-1 Record: 14-0 ing out 14-0.

Congratulations to the JV softball team for going undefeated for the second season in a row! The girls won all of their games by over 10 runs, with the exception of a 10-1 win over Damascus. Way to go Warriors!

Passionate Bonavia Takes the Helm as New Football Coach

by Jacob Bogage 12
Streeter Lecka

With the drafting of superstar point guard John Wall J153 and gazed out at 60 new facin the 2010 NBA Draft, many locals are beginning to es in front of him. Wearing a grey t-shirt sporting the high school stop and take notice of the upstart Wizards.
ances he made, and he will probably be the starting quarterback come next season (whenever that is). Upstart unknown quarterback John Beck will also have a strong chance to lead the team next year if he puts in the effort and can beat out Grossman for the job. Regardless of who is under center, they will have many new talents surrounding them. The Skins drafted three wide receivers, led by Leonard Hankerson out of the University of Miami. They also drafted two running backs: Roy Helu and Evan Royster. The Skins also continued building up their defense this offseason, using their first round pick on defensive end Ryan Kerrigan (Purdue), and their second round pick on defensive tackle Jarvis Jenkins (Clemson). They also signed OJ Atogwe to team up with DeAngelo Hall, Carlos Rogers and LaRon Landry to create a solid defensive backfield. The Wizards have scared away fans for the past several seasons, filling Verizon Center with troubled former All-Stars (see: Gilbert Arenas) and players who were supposed to be great, but never were (see: Kwame Brown, Oleksiy Pecherov). But, dont give up on them just yet. The Wizards will be flashing a new look next year, with improved youngsters and also literally with flashing new retro jerseys. Owner Ted Leonsis clearly knows what hes doing changing back to the red, white and blue Jerseys, as that already worked for his hockey team, the Washington Capitals, back in the 2007-2008 season. The Wizards hit the jackpot last offseason, winning the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft Lottery to pick on Kentucky superstar John Wall. The Wizards also got a nice surprise, when unknown rookie Jordan Crawford began playing like an All-Star. The Crawford/Wall combo will be fun to watch next year, as they work with Rashard Lewis, and whatever young studs they select with the No. 6 and No. 18 picks in this years draft.

Mike Bonavia walked into

player development emblem, black shorts and tennis shoes, he placed his hands on his hips and smiled. The air conditioning had stalled inside Sherwood on a day when temperatures reached 94 degrees. Before he addressed the team prior to the beginning of outdoor workouts he wiped the sweat off his brow. Its hot in here, he said. Thats good. That will make outside feel easier to work in. Bonavia was hired March 4 after a three-month search for Marc Thomass long-term successor. A long-time Al Thomas assistant and former head coach at Richard Montgomery and Einstein, Bonavia exudes passiona quality that comes from not only his experience, but his intensity as well. His passion for the sport and this team and the players has I think helped quell some of the doubts about him as a new coach, and the fourth coach in as many years, said junior offensive lineman Connor Black. Bonavia began the team gath-

ering by commending his players for their hard work in the weight room that day, but scrutinized them for shirking other days. He lauded his rising senior class, whose leaders sat front and center five feet from him. The rest of the room was scattered with underclassmen hungry for a taste of varsity football. The Stormin Warriors lost 21 of 22 starters to graduation and 25 seniors total. He put his foot up on the stool stationed in the middle of the room and took roll without a list; reciting the names by memory and facial recognition. Bonavia found a program to prosper in. This is a young program, but I really like it, he said. Theres just a few things that well have to change and a few things well have to get after to change our mindset because right now its in limbo. But once we get that figured out, I think these guys will buy in. I like them. I think these guys are buying in. Bonavia calls himself a players coach and after roll call the mass of athletes shuffled out of the room one by one, each receiving a word of praise. He sat down in the office that on June 17 will officially be his and squinted at a depth chart. Looks solid, he said, but it will get better.

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The WarriorSports
June 9, 2011

Baseball, Softball Hit into Double Play of Disappointment

Teams suffer playoff losses in 4A West Regional rounds after stellar regular seasons; baseball falls to Churchill while softball falls to Blair.

Killer Loss a Major Disappointment for Girls

Blair Blazers

Jacob Bogage 12

Graduated senior Jamie Dejter (center) and teammates hang their heads over a 2-1 loss to Churchill.

Perfect Season Ended on Harsh Suicide Mission

ChurChill Bulldogs

sherwood warriors
4a west regional Finals
by Jamie Langbein 13
On May 20, the Sherwood Softball Warriors lined up for the Montgomery County 4A West Regional Finals. The girls had a stellar season behind them and lots of talent, especially coming from five underclassmen. They were poised to contend for a State Championship. But not today. Brett Melnick 12 The Warriors made their earliest exit in the last five years. Graduated senior Amy Laughner and juniors KrisAccording to graduated seten Holonich and Juliana McClurkin line up to shake nior Amy Laughner, No one in playoffs is an underdog and no hands after a 13-1 victory over Paint Branch. one is a powerhouse, anybody A large part of the girls succan beat anybody, said the cen- standards, commented Dejter. After the game, emotions cess this season was due to the terfielder and leader of the team. Her statement was proved when for Laughner and Dejter were talented underclassmena comBlair pulled off an upset of a fa- running high. For senior captain bination of five freshman and vored Sherwood team that went Laughner, it was her job to be four sophomores, including star strong and to comfort the girls. pitchers sophomore Kailyn Co15-1 during the regular season. The score went back and It was hard for me because it hen and Dejter. Everyone was forth many times. In the first in- was my last high school game, expecting us to be not as good ning, Blairs Emily Halisip drove and I had to be tough because ev- because we are so young, but we a double to left center, allow- eryone else was upset. I had to be had a lot of talent in the underclassmen, which really ing Blake Morgan-Gamer helped us, said Dejter. to put the first run on the I think we were really playing on The next step: board, which Sherwood our heels and we didnt get on top preparation. Accordanswered with a run in the third inning. Blair tried to early, which put us behind. We really ing to Laughner, all of pull ahead in the fourth just werent playing up to our regular the girls on varsity play summer softball and inning, but Sherwoods standards. participate in a winter Sara Sabry leveled it with ~Freshman Meggie Dejter clinic in preparation a homerun over the center for the season, so they fence. In the fourth inning, both teams added two more runs. the captain that I needed to be and will train to come out harder and After that, however, the Warrior try to make everyone feel better, stronger. All the returnees need to focus as much as they can and defense fell apart. Blair exploded said Laughner. Dejter was affected as well, work harder next year to master with four runs in the sixth inning, and while Sherwood scored twice but on a more personal level. I their defense and get to score earmore, the Warriors fell into a hole personally feel I didnt throw a ly in the game, advised Laughthey could not climb out of, los- very good game and I felt that I ner. The future looks bright for ing the game by a final score of had let the team down, said Dejter. Sherwood softball, as the JV 8-6. But it is not all bad news. The team boasted an undefeated reFor freshman Meggie Dejter, the bad omens started at girls had a remarkable season, cord. The varsity squad will conthe beginning of the game. [I with 15 wins and only one loss, tinue to stay one of the countys think] we were really playing on coming to Damascus on April 14. youngest, as up and coming juour heels and we didnt get on As tough as losses are, changes niors Megan Brady, Rachel Deal, top early, which put us behind, made to the lineup because of that and Erica Everett will join rising she said. Although Sherwood loss led to the Warriors coming sophomores Lisa Intoccia, Dejter started strong, errors early on af- out stronger than they were be- Rae Harrison, Kasey Rosen and fected their play as they finished fore and allowed them to finish Addie Armbruster. A core group the final innings. We really just off the rest of their season with of four rising seniors will anchor the 2012 campaign. werent playing up to our regular wins.

8 6

4a west regional semi-Finals

by Matt Diogo 14
Single elimination playoff games can be cruel, suddenly ruining what had been an amazing season. The Warriors varsity baseball team entered the 4A West Regional Semi-Final game against the Churchill Bulldogs on May 18 riding 20-0 regular season and a No. 2 ranking in the metropolitan area by The Washington Post. They were the defending 4A State Champions and were favorites to win it all again. Then, just like that, the Warriors saw it all evaporate after a 2-1 loss to the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs struck first in the second inning, scoring a single run. Sherwood answered in the third when graduated senior Jake Stockinger doubled home graduated senior Joey Saah. The game then would see five innings of scoreless baseball, with Warrior starting pitcher, graduating senior Jamie Dejter, pitching strong. The two squads battled nine innings until Churchill rightfielder Matt Kogan pushed a run home on a suicide squeeze. It was definitely rough. It was a game where we didnt really find a way to hit [opposing pitcher Kelby Spring], said Dejter. Spring pitched eight innings and allowed only three hits to Sherwood for the game. Meanwhile, Dejter held the Bulldogs

sherwood warriors

2 1

to two hits and only one earned run. The winning Churchill run was an unearned one, as the runner got into scoring position on a Dejter wild pitch. Sherwood was favored to win states for the second year in a row, which makes the upset even more surprising. We just didnt hit the ball, said Coach Bill Goodman. Its a shame the one game we lose all season had to be in the playoffs. Their first game of the season was against, Churchill, which the Warriors won 2-1. The first playoff match-up was against the Wootton Patriots, a rain-struck game that featured a two-hour rain delay. Prior to the delay, The Warriors had scored four runs in their half of the first inning, and then the delay came and washed out the field. The Warriors scored two more runs, but then in the final inning, Wootton started a comeback, scoring four runs. Sherwood held on for the 7-4 victory. Two days later, they fell to Churchill who subsequently lost to Gaithersburg by a score of 8-3. The 4A championship ultimately was claimed by Westminister in a 8-7 win over Severna Park. Over the offseason, Sherwood graduates 11 players, including eight starters. Next season will bring a lot of new faces to the squad, but could also bring back a few from the team this season. Starters Adam Abramson, Jake Stockinger, Danny Hunt, Nathan Craft, Mike Sarecky, Joey Saah, Drew Knapp, Will Bouey, Jamie Dejter and Anthony Papio are among the graduating seniors on the team. Catcher Colin McMahon is the only returning starter with Tyler Rodriguez, Daniel Bower, Matt Chanin, Edilier Peguero and Charlie Rogers anchoring next years team that looks to build on this years regular seasons success.