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Strong students support brave fathers through tough battles against cancer, p.

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Volume 13 Number 4 James Hubert Blake HS Silver Spring MD http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/blakehs February 18, 2011

Senior makes school history with his acceptance to Yale


Arias becomes first Blake student ever admitted to prestigious college
prior to go off at five; when the day finally tivated to work harder on his schools he has been accepted to, and then
x by Blaire Hoffman arrived and it was five o’clock, he says, “I other applications in the choose the college he will attend in the
Senior Daniel Arias was one of still procrastinated until 5:10 to check my event he was denied. fall. He adds, “I didn’t want to have my
the 761 students admitted early action to admission status.” When he finally logged Unlike most col- heart set on a school when I didn’t have
Yale University for Fall 2011, but more in and Yale’s mascot the bulldog appeared lege-bound students, the opportunity to fully experience campus
importantly, he has become the first Blake with the words “Congratulations!” across Arias did not pick a dream life there.”
student accepted to Yale University. the screen, Arias says he kept refreshing school or rank the schools Besides Yale, Arias applied regular
After visiting the school over the screen out of shock. he applied to. Instead, he decision to Harvard College, Columbia
Thanksgiving break with his family, Arias The decision to apply to Yale was wants to wait until he has re- University, Georgetown University,
put his Common Application together, solely Arias’. “My parents are very sup- ceived all his decisions Princeton Univer-
wrote his essays and applied early action. portive and have always let me make the in April, visit the sity, University of
“The buildings were all closed for the final decisions in terms of applying to Chicago, Ameri-
holiday, but we went to see the campus colleges,” adds Arias. Academically, Yale can University,
and the layout of the school,” says Arias. appealed to Arias because of the highly and Swarthmore
“Architecturally, it’s one of the most beau- recognized political science program College. Arias adds,
tiful colleges I’ve seen.” which he plans to get involved in. “I wouldn’t have ap-
He received his acceptance via Yale’s Arias chose to apply early action plied to Yale unless I
online website at 5pm, December 15. Arias rather than regular decision for two rea- wanted to attend, but
had been preparing for the decision anx- sons: first, to get it out of the way and not the same is true for all my
iously, setting his phone alarm two days have to worry about it, but also to be mo- other schools.”

Online dating proves successful for English teacher Michael Kelley


eHarmony finds perfect
match, leads to true love
by Brianna Livesay available for public viewing
at http://www.youtube.com/
x & Gillian Spolarich watch?v=nL-GIlb7Enc.
While most people would The couple married July
refuse to use an online dating 24, 2010 at Overhills Man-
site, English teacher Michael sion, in Catonsville, MD. “The
Kelley has no problem endors- wedding was wonderful,” adds
ing eHarmony, where he met Mr. Kelley. They sang “Time
the love of his life. of my Life” and danced the
“My social life was not Slumdog Millionaire dance,
where I wanted it to be, and reminiscent of their first date.
I missed the companionship More of the couple’s wedding
of another person,” says Mr. pictures can be found on their
Kelley. After trying other dat- photographer Susan Solo’s
ing sites such as Match.com blog: http://www.susansolo.
several times before, Mr. Kel- com/blog/?m=201007.
ley was successful when he After the wedding, the
found his wife Venessa Kelley couple shared their sweet love
through eHarmony. story with eHarmony by send-
The couple first met in ing in a video of them enjoying
person late December 2008 each other’s company. Adds
at Mie N’ Yu restaurant in Mr. Kelley, “It’s clips of us
Georgetown, DC. “She was kissing and hugging and gener-
beautiful, more beautiful than ally loving each other, which
her online pictures made her is what we do on a daily basis
seem,” says Mr. Kelley. The anyway.” Clips of their video
couple went on to see Slumdog were used in official United
Millionaire and, not wanting Kingdom eHarmony com-
the date to end, got ice cream mercials, viewable at: http://
and sang karaoke in a local bar dwh.wiredrive.com/r/p/?prese
in Arlington. ntation=ab4f8fc3e79865cdaa
Only four months later 3e286475080009.
on Mrs. Kelley’s birthday, Mr. Says Mr. Kelley, “I pre-
Kelley had a video composed ferred online dating to spend-
of all her friends and family ing tons of money and time try-
wishing her a happy birthday, ing to pick up women in dirty,
I preferred online dating to spending tons of money and with a special surprise after the smokey bars.” Mr. and Mrs.
video- a proposal. He secretly Kelley are proof that love can
time trying to pick up women in dirty, smokey bars. filmed the video and her reac- be found in the most unlikely
tion to the proposal, which is places, even on the internet.
Michael Kelley

IN THIS ISSUE Girls’ Seniors win


POSSE scholarship,
Staff dresses up to Swim and Dive place
attract students to second in division, full rides to Grinnell,
electives, page A2 page D2 Sewanee, page C1
Blake students impacted by recent Sherwood tragedies, mourn deaths of friends, p. A5
A2 February 18, 2011 The Blake Beat
Racial slurs to be
censored from well-
known Twain novels
x by Larisha Winley & Leisha Winley
Racial slurs will be removed from American author
Mark Twain’s novels The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer in order to make the
books more accessible for grade schools and modern read-
ers.
The new, edited versions of the texts will replace the
‘N-word’ with ‘slave’ and the word ‘Injun’–the racial slur
used for Native Indians–will be changed to ‘Indian’. “If
they want to make it accessible, then they [should] dumb
down the language and simplify the sentences,” says Eng-
lish teacher Allison Finn. “Instead, they’re trying to make it
‘appropriate’–but according to whom?”
Parents want their children to feel comfortable while
reading the books, especially Huckleberry Finn, since it is
a widely required reading. The pressure to change the book
also came from individuals who felt the prejudice of the
words does not fit into society today. However, many see the
change as “Big Brother” rewriting history and not allowing
students to understand the true experience of Americans in
the past.
“If we do this…we aren’t dealing with reality,” says
English teacher Leigh Tinsley. “[Slavery] is a big point
of history. We have to know where we come from.” Mrs.
Tinsley fears that the changes will prompt revisions in other
important texts, such as Catcher in the Rye.
Those who are against the changes agree that the
omission of the words will change the overall meaning of
the books and their characters. Senior Melissa Blue says,
“[The diction] makes the book as powerful as it is. The
slurs enhance the realness of the…prejudice and racism, and
[capture] the readers’ attention.”
“The removal of [the racial] terms would definitely
change the book and it would lose its meaning and its inten-
sity,” says junior Sarah Prather. “By removing the slurs, it just
doesn’t have the same effect [on readers].” The revisions of
the book will be made possible by Twain scholar Alan Grib-
ben and publishing company NewSouth Books, who plan to
release the new books at the end of this month.
Adds Ms. Finn, “The greatest danger, I don’t think, is
people ‘missing out.’ The greatest danger is people forget-
ting. What a tragedy that would be.”

Budget cuts lead to the dismissal of government HSA


Change allows teachers more flexibility in lesson plan, assignments
by Aliya Dean ments for the class of 2011 will go away.” “This is something that the state A common question stands
not change; current Government The Common Core State of Maryland seemed to take very for whether this discontinuation
x& Brenna Noone students must still take the HSA. Standards (CCSS) initiative was seriously,” says Mrs. Wagner. “I affects future Government stu-
Maryland State Depart- In absence of this HSA, Govern- developed to create consistent never expected it.” dents’ seriousness about govern-
ment of Education has decided ment teacher Mary Wagner hopes academic standards in mathemat- The discontinuation of the ment class. “I worry because I
to discontinue Government High for more flexibility about what ics and English language arts government HSA has students think knowledge of government
School Assessments (HSA) after can be taught. Principal Chris- based on proven models from and teachers wondering about the is crucial to living in the United
the May 2011 administration topher Berry says, “It will give around the country. In June degree of influence budget cuts States,” says Mrs. Wagner, “and
due to budget constraints and good government teachers the 2009, Maryland became one of have on education. “I feel like we I want my students to take it
the transition to Common Core opportunity to do more engag- the first states to adopt CCSS. should expect a few more [bud- seriously.”
State Standards for the new state ing lessons that don’t focus on Mrs.Wagner has taught all get cuts],” says freshman Torie The state already has
curriculum. preparing for a test.” levels of government classes for Broer, “but the recession is get- planned to develop a successor
Associate Superintendent Mr. Berry adds, “I’m look- years, and this is not the first time ting better slowly and hopefully test once new core learning stan-
Renee Foose distributed a memo- ing forward to what they can do she has experienced a standard- it won’t be necessary to make any dards are put into place; however,
randum announcing that require- once the ‘shackles’ of this test ized test requirement change. big budget cuts.” this could take years.

Egypt’s political crisis threatens spring break trip


lowed the Tunisian Revolution, which is sphinx, the pyramids and the Nile, along
by Samara Tu said to be the activists’ prime influence. with other tourist attractions. Says trip
x & Savannah Doane-Malotte “You need a large group of people be- sponsor Kimberly Gandy, “[Although]
Recent political protests in Cairo, ing suppressed for something like this the trip is not cancelled, it doesn’t ap-
Egypt, which began January 25, have to happen,” says social studies teacher pear that the political situation in Egypt
grown into ongoing demonstrations Jeffery Newby. Experts are predicting is going to be resolved in the near fu-
and violent riots, causing concern over a possible domino effect of revolts in ture.”
the upcoming spring break trip to the nearby oppressed countries such as Ye- An alternative spring break trip is
country. men where political demonstrations are in the process of being scheduled, and
Protesters in Egypt have officially already taking place. would possibly include visiting a com-
removed President Hosni Mubarak, In the time of protest, Egypt’s bination of two or more of the following
the longest serving president in the government closed down all commu- countries: Germany, Italy, Switzerland
country’s history, from office. Egypt nications, including internet and phone and Austria. “I am very afraid that the
has recently been inundated with lines, resulting in limited communica- trip will be cancelled,” says junior Lucy
political and social problems such as tion between those in Egypt, and family Harrelson. “[Going to] Egypt is more of
high unemployment rates, unfair elec- and friends outside the country. “I [did] a once in a life time opportunity [than]
tions and human-rights abuse. “True worry about my family members, some a trip to Europe.”
democracy has never existed in Egypt of whom joined the protests,” says Kro- The trip is run through the com-
and the people deserve not only a vote, nemer. “The uncertainty, [not being able pany Educational Tours, as are most
but proper human rights,” says senior to contact them] is worrying.” trips supported by the school. Registra-
Zakaria Kronemer, who is of Egyptian Given that the situation in Egypt tion for the spring break tour may pos-
heritage and has family members cur- is unstable, the arranged spring break sibly be reopened, and students who are
rently living in the country. trip to the nation is being reconsidered. interested should contact Ms. Gandy or
The nation’s demonstrations fol- The trip’s itinerary includes visiting the math teacher Marcus Wiggins.
The Blake Beat February 18, 2011 A3
Project Change donates computers to students in need
Club provides important resource, impacts peers’ lives, community
by Danielle Moore All students currently get- “I don’t throw out old models as a computer can be significant
There are x & Vanessa Newman
ting free or reduced lunch are
eligible to apply for the give-
the parts may still be usable,”
says Mr. Thomas. “I store [the
for the recipient. “There are
so many ways that [students]
so many Project Change, sponsored
by English teacher Deena Bar-
away. Applications for receiving
a computer were due January
computers] either in the garage
or basement [and] my daughter
can be served,” says Ms. Gelb.
“The impact is huge.” Blake
ways that lev, is hosting a free computer
giveaway, encouraging students
19, however, recipients have
not been selected yet. “It’s go-
found them in both locations.”
Mr. Thomas was inspired
frequently uses the internet to
communicate with parents and
[students] to donate computers to other stu-
dents who are in need of them.
ing to be hard [selecting com-
puter recipients],” says guidance
to donate due to the amount of
computers built up around his
students.
For the donor the impact
can be Project Change is a non-
profit organization found in
counselor Christina Gelb, who
previously sponsored Project
house. As owner of Ocean City
Condos, he often had to replace
can be huge, just by knowing that
a change is being made in some-
served. The elementary, middle and high
schools, motivating students to
Change.
Four computers have been
computers throughout his con-
dos, and would save old comput-
one’s life. “When you give a cash
donation to any charity, you are
impact is help their communities through
school projects. Project Change
collected so far, three of which
were donated for refurbishing
ers at home. Says Mr. Thomas,
“It was pretty obvious that I did
operating on blind faith that the
contribution made its way into
huge. is trying to fulfill the needs
of Blake students by hosting
and redistribution by father of se-
nior Olivia Rintoul-Thomas, Jim
not need to keep [several] com-
puters… I would rather see them
the hands of the truly needy,”
says Mr. Thomas, “with this, you
programs and charities like the Thomas, who heard about the put to good use.” know the contribution will be
Christina Gelb computer giveaway. program in an email notification. The effect of donating meaningful to someone.”

Seniors work to complete SSL hours, fill graduation requirement


x by Lucas Irvin & Matthew Present to complete the 30 hours he has remaining.
Other students disagree with having to perform
Senior year is a time for students to be stress-free as service learning at all. “It’s nice to help people but it
they look forward to walking across the stage. For some, shouldn’t be something that the school forces upon you,”
however, the stress continues to build as they have yet to says senior Amanda Johnson*. “That just defeats the point
earn the community service requirement for graduation. of volunteering.”
As of the end of 2010, 165 seniors had yet to fulfill The benefits of SSL hours extend beyond fulfilling
the required 75 Student Service Learning (SSL) hours, graduation requirements. Says junior Joal Chen, “It looks
with 21 needing over 30 hours between now and May 13, good on college applications and it’s [a] great [way] to
the deadline for seniors to turn in their hours. All other help the community.” The 44+ seniors who have 260 or
students need to have their forms in by June 3. However, more SSL hours can earn the Certificate of Meritorious
not all students struggle to earn hours, but instead like the Service at graduation. To get this award, seniors must turn
community service. SSL coordinator Mary Wagner says, in their verification forms by April 1.
“Many students find activities that they enjoy [and] they There are many ways students can get hours, but
may find an interest that lasts their whole lives.” they have to keep their eyes open. For ideas, students can
There are lots of potential reasons as to why many watch the announcements during the day or go to mcpsssl.
seniors have not fulfilled the requirements. “Some kids org. Additionally, students can go out to look for places
just don’t want to do it, so they procrastinate,” says Mrs. to volunteer, but must make sure that the location has
Wagner. But sometimes, families need their kids to work been approved by Montgomery County Public Schools
for pay, so unpaid hours are difficult to earn. in order to earn credit. If it has not yet been approved,
“It was always something I knew I had to do but students can still do it, but must get a pre-approval form
never felt like setting aside time for,” says senior John signed by Mrs. Wagner before volunteering.
Harrison*, who plans to work at the Bengal Café in order *Names have been changed Mary Wagner
A4 February 18, 2011 The Blake Beat

The Blake Marching Band was invited


to perform at the Sugar Bowl during
halftime and in Jackson Square in
New Orleans during the first week of
January. Top left: The Blake Marching
Band and several other high school
bands perform in the Lousiana
Superdome for the Sugar Bowl. --
photo by chaperone Ellen Zaika. Top
right: Senior Josh Paunil holds up a
sign in support of Ohio State. --photo
by chaperone Mark Sievers. Second
row left: Junior Daniel Louloudes,
sophomore Greg Chaimson, junior
Diego Vallejos, junior Jason Villatoro,
junior Sean Thompson, junior Cadijah
Walcott, junior Erica Wang, senior
Gregg Nicholson, senior Alex Raul
and freshman Natalie Domaas sit in
the stands during a halftime rehersal.
--photo by chaperone Pete Looney.
Second row right: Junior Robert
Krakaur plays the trombone during
a performance in Jackson Sqaure.
--photo by chaperone Pete Looney.
Third row: Freshman Bethany Hamson
rests on the Louisiana Superdome turf
during a break in rehersal. --photo by
Brittany Hamson. Bottom: Sophomore
Jack Stern, senior Patrick Looney,
Band director Brian Damron and
senior Gregg Nicholson pose on the
field before the Sugar Bowl. --photo by
chaperone Mark Sievers.
The Blake Beat February 18, 2011 A5
Electives Fair gives students sneak peak at classes next year
by Tyasia Hutchinson were out in full force to promote their classes. to sign up for the course. Says French teacher
From student fashion models to mythology Erin Kanner, “I like teaching French because
x & Sarah Mansaray students, most electives had representatives it’s a beautiful language.” It is so
Students hesitant about which electives campaigning for people to sign up. Students who like to design, model and
to enroll in next year had the opportunity Before the Electives Fair, third period sketch could be found at the FasXion kiosk. stressful
February 2 to explore elective options Blake classes handed out sheets to students so that Sponsor Latonya Livingston and senior FasX-
has to offer. they could mark down which classes they were ion members Janjay Davis and Paris Saunders picking
The Electives Fair serves as the chance interested in. Students then proceeded to visit spoke about the annual fashion show, as well
for many sophomores to begin taking elective elective stands where they received information the benefits of joining the club. “FasXion is a what
classes suited to their interests, and for juniors about course options. fun…experience. It builds confidence,” says
to take classes they have been wanting to Out of 1900 students, only about half are Saunders. classes to
take since freshman year. Junior Lynne Virgil currently taking Spanish, French or Chinese, The chorus caught the attention of stu-
says, “It is so stressful picking what classes to despite the fact that foreign language credits are dents passing by the main office by singing take...
take, especially since it’s my last year of high required to graduate. Foreign language teachers and harmonizing. This proved successful as
school.” promoted the fact that classes take field trips many students decided to sign up for this elec- Lynne Virgil
During the fair, teachers and students to restaurants as an incentive to get students tive course.

Recent Sherwood tragedies affect Bengal, Warrior communities alike


Students struggle to maintain serenity after storm of catastrophies
x by Rachel Babcock & Karen Vanegas comatose for nearly a month before passing away January 7. B’nai Shalom of Olney. Many in the community attended his
Popeck was the captain of both the varsity cross country team service.
Sherwood High School, a neighbor to Blake, has been and the varsity track team. Says friend and former Sherwood When the Sherwood community began to think
devastated with a number of tragedies, including the deaths of student – now a senior at Blake -- Jeremy Iocozzia, “The that things would settle down, it was soon reported that the
alumna Rachel Kim and senior Alex Popeck and the running whole community has been greatly affected by two sudden two current students had gone missing. Says Iocozzia, “I do
away of two current students. Despite these events, the Sher- deaths in a row. It’s kind of like, who’s next?” not know either very well… [but,] I would talk to [one of
wood Warriors strive to keep their heads and hopes high. After Popeck’s sudden death, a fund was established them] from time to time.” The two students were missing
Kim was found unresponsive in her dorm Novem- to help his family out in these tough times. The Popeck Fam- from January 12 to January 27, but were later discovered in
ber 24, and details of cause of death were a homeless shelter in San Antonio, Texas.
never released. Kim was an extraordinary
student exceeding in great talents. During The whole community has been greatly Iocozzia adds, “They scared the community
pretty badly.”
high school, she was the Content Director
of the Sherwood Warrior and continued affected by two sudden deaths in a row. When investigators found their aban-
doned jeep at a rest stop in West Virginia,
to pursue her interest in journalism at
the University of Southern California, It’s kind of like, who’s next? the stories of their condition were twisted
to speculate a kidnapping or a prank. The
planning to major in Print and Digital Jeremy Iocozzia Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Mary-
Journalism. Kim was also an athlete and land State Police, the Virginia State Police,
played volleyball for Sherwood. Says senior Amanda Breen, ily Fund hosts fundraisers at local restaurants, accepts online the San Antonio Police Department, America’s Most Wanted,
“She was a really good friend… It is devastating what hap- donations, and sells bracelets and shirts in memory of Popeck. the local and national media, and their community were all
pened.” The funds are going towards medical reimbursements. combining their efforts to locate them.
Only months later, after recovering from the loss of The deaths of both Kim and Popeck have put Sher- Despite the rough year the Sherwood community
Kim, the Sherwood community faced the overwhelming death wood students in shock. “[I remember] playing basketball has faced, they still put one foot in front of the other together.
of Popeck, who also was an exceptional student and athlete. with Popeck in middle school,” says Iocozzia. Kim was The neighboring school will continue to be in everyone’s
Popeck swerved his car into a tree on his way to basketball remembered at a service at USC with a candlelight vigil thoughts and prayers. “I have close friends who still have not
practice at the Olney Boys and Girls Club, and remained next to the Alumni house, while Popeck was remembered at recovered,” says Breen.
A6 February 18, 2011 The Blake Beat

Bengals support
Pennies for Patients
with fundraisers
x by Molly Cohen & Andrea Rizkallah
Pennies for Patients, a program that provides emotional
and financial support to families that have been affected by
leukemia, lymphoma, and/or other cancers, is a charity that
Blake has been focusing on for the last seven years. At this
time, a total of $39,500 has been raised for the organization.
This year, our goal is to raise an additional $12,000. Guid-
ance counselor Christina Gelb, senior Jordan Hart and Blake’s
Student Government Association have worked hard to set up
a number of events and activities to help meet this goal.
“Last year, we didn’t meet our goal for a lot of reasons,”
says Ms. Gelb. “One [reason was] the snow storm - we didn’t
get to hold many events.” This year, Dance for a Chance, the
black-and-white winter-themed dance to support Pennies for
Patients, will be taking place tonight at 8pm. Blake’s very own
student bands, Untamed and The Breakthrough, along with a
DJ, will provide entertainment. Tickets will be $10 at the door;
no outside guests are allowed and tickets are limited.
Mr. Blake, the annual male pageant, will be held Febru-
ary 24 at 7pm. During intermission, all contestants will walk
around and collect donations. The contestant with the most
donations will be rewarded with additional points towards
their final score. Says Hart, “Mr. Blake is always a fun event
and really gets participation from students as well as parents
and family members that attend the program.”
Thus far, the majority of the money raised has been
generated from the donation boxes. Along with Mr. Blake and
the Dance for a Chance, fundraising competitions have been
held between English classes, as well as between graduat-
ing classes. Jugs set out at lunch for each graduating class
year have encouraged classes to compete. Additionally, each
English class was provided with a Pennies for Patients dona-
tion box at the beginning of the month, allowing students to
donate coins, bills and/or checks. The English class with the
most donations at the end of the month will be rewarded with
a party furnished with donuts and pizza.
Last week, students participated in the first ever Pennies
for Patients spirit week, paying a dollar each day to dress up
and show support. Adds Hart, “The turnouts for the events
have been very good [and] much better than anticipated.” To
continue showing support, there is a link accessible through
the Blake homepage to make online donations. Reaching Senior Jennifer Lien, guest speaker and cancer survivor Michael Bell (bottom left) dressed as Mr. Peanut for
our goal of $12,000 will make a huge difference to families Johnathan and Guidance Couselor Christina Gelb (top) celebrity day. Main office secretaries Crystal White-
affected by cancer. pose after the Pennies for Patients assembly. Junior Prillman and Denise Wepasnick sport their favorite teams.

Blake celebrates Black History Month with informational symposium


by Leah Patterson Newman. presentations like musical performances lessons; professional musicians’ performed
x & Abby Ramlagan Resource teacher Michel D’Anna and dramatic readings. Major groups per- and Tony Cohen spoke about his research of
has been working on the planning and forming include the band, the Hip-Hop Underground Railroad, which he has made
In an effort to explore and educate preparation for the occasion. Says Mr. club, the stage company, and the English his life’s work. Overall, the performance
the Blake community on the African D’Anna, “I enjoy hearing from the stu- department. Adds Newman, who is per- received a relatively positive response from
American experience during Black His- dents who attend the sessions how much forming poetry for the event, “I’m most most Blake students and teachers.
tory Month, Blake will hold the African they enjoyed, learned or were inspired excited to reach out to my audience.” The symposium is run by the Sym-
American symposium this Wednesday. by the event.” Musical arrangements, “I’m excited to see skits [from posium committee, which consists of
Multiple presentations related to dramatic performances, poetry readings, peers], knowing how hard they worked,” teachers Mr. D’Anna, Assistant School
African American culture will be held film workshops, historical presentations says junior Sarah Prather, who helped Administrator Rudolph Tyrell, math teacher
during the symposium, which takes place and an interview with West Point Cadet present art last year. Kimberly Gandy, English teacher Deena
all day. Each class will see three different Steve Cain will be possibly included in This is the second year the African Barlev, English teacher Allison Finn, and
presentations, performances and career/ the symposium. American Symposium has been held at media specialist Susie Treat. The Commit-
historical sessions. “It enlightens the In addition to speakers and staff Blake. Last year, acting classes performed tee was created last year as a response to the
Blake community on what Black History members, many students play key roles African American plays like Fences; ad- many requests for a program to celebrate
Month really means,” says junior Vanessa in the exhibition. Students participate in vanced percussion classes gave percussion Black History Month.

Students shocked to see Chinese class absent from registration card


x by Molly Cohen & David Hylton Popular foreign language class not Hong. “The course is just too rigorous for
any other teacher to teach it.”
Removing the Chinese program for For others, the removal of Chinese
the 2011-2012 school year has left many available for 2011-2012 school year from the curriculum was much more per-
students in frustration as they must now sonal. “The cut was completely unfair,”
Chinese teacher, had five separate classes to deciding,” says freshman Sera InJi Chun.
search for a new language to learn. says senior Youna Jung. “It almost sounds
teach, which created a lot of stress for him Adds sophomore Angela Bair, “[We]
When schedule cards were passed like they could care less about the Asian
because he had to come up with five preps. should have a say because it is our school
out, students currently enrolled in Chinese culture.”
And with MCPS’s budget cuts, it seemed too.”
had to face the disappointment of not being Some students and parents don’t nec-
time for the program to call it quits. Some students and parents thought
able to continue the course next year. For essarily mind the program cut. “I don’t feel
Some students are angry about the that it would have been better for the school
some, this means signing up for Spanish obligated to take any more foreign language
cut, not only because Chinese is not being to try to continue the program any way it
or French in order to fulfill the two-year classes [now that Chinese is gone,]” says
offered, but also because they feel their could; from hiring a new teacher to taking
foreign language requirement. “[I want Hong. Chun’s parents are not angered by
opinion was not taken into account. “Stu- Chinese classes at other schools. Others
my students] to apply the passion that they the cut either; they were actually opposed
dents should [also] have a voice [on these however, disagree. “No one could teach
had for the Asian culture,” says math and to him taking Chinese in the first place, for
issues] instead of just teachers or the county the class like Mr. Ho,” says junior Victoria
Chinese teacher Hsinyu Ho. “You’re still it is not often used in America.
learning a language that is foreign to you, “[The cut] wasn’t anything personal
which is always exciting.”
This unique foreign language class
Students should [also] have a voice [on against the Chinese class or the Asian cul-
ture,” responds Mr. Ho. “[In fact], the
that came to Blake in the 2005-2006 school
year was cancelled due to a combination
these issues] instead of just teachers or the reason why Chinese was initially offered to
students was to provide an alternate, unique
of issues. Mr. Ho, being both a math and county deciding. Sera InJi Chun option from Spanish and French.”
The Blake Beat February 18, 2011 A7

Newsbeats
gi Malik
Mlin Musa
ce n
Gra Dan
iel B tR anki
ell Mat
Jenn
y Ch
iu

n n n part of “United We Stand”. Tickets will be $5 for Zeitlin and Richard Montgomery junior Alan Xie,
Bethesda Magazine’s “Best of Bethesda” section students and $6 for adults. current SMOB, were chosen to become the final com-
recently named Blake as one of the Best Public High petitors for the election.
Schools for Music in Montgomery County. Blake Performers will include seniors Fidelia Okai-Ary- n n n
was named along with Walter Johnson, Churchill, eetey, Perdita Tufuoh, Grace Mlingi, Catherine The Blake Bengal Poms will compete in the final
Bethesda-Chevy Chase, and Wootton High Schools, Anane, Denise Dikongue, Simisola Olamide, County competition tomorrow at Richard Montgom-
all of which have strong music departments. Ramfis Montero-Sanchez; juniors Bilguissa Sow, ery High School at 4:30 pm. The Poms have placed
n n n Ginayra Garcia, Danielle Smith, Jehwo Sims, second in their past competitions at Northwest and
It’s Academic quarterfinals game against Walt Richard Muhammad, Omari Fisher; sopho- Damascus high schools, losing to their arch-rival
Whitman and George Mason high schools will be mores Jason Obando-Fuentes, Musa Malik, Lilet Sherwood High School both times. The team is led
taped March 5 at 2pm in the WRC-TV studios at Broomes; and freshman Jahmilla Fisher. by senior captains Amy Gottlieb and Nakea Green
4001 Nebraska Avenue NW. Admission is free to n n n and junior captains Devon Johnson and Brianna
watch seniors Dylan Hysen, Conor Wallace and Senior captains Daniel Bell and Matt Rankin were Lopez. Lopez will compete as performing captain
junior captain Lucas Irvin compete in this televised first-team selections to the first Montgomery County tomorrow.
competition, which will air April 16 at 10:30am on Hockey All-Conference team and played in the All- n n n
NBC4. Star game February 8. Rankin scored at the end of the The Blake 4x800 Relay team of senior captain
n n n second period to extend the West’s Team’s lead to 5-1 Alistair McLean, sophomore Tony Harris, sopho-
March 4 at 6:30 pm the International Club will be more Daruis Oxley and senior Nhail Agok broke the
presenting its annual International Night. The event and put the game out of reach for the East Team.
Essex Field House record at the CCBC Essex Indoor
will be hosted by junior Jenny Chiu, sophomore n n n Track Invitational December 17. Senior Rachel
Musa Malik and senior Bemnet Yazew. A variety Student Member of the Board final candidates were Porzel also won the 2011 MCPS County Shot Put
of performances and traditional dishes will all be announced February 10. Churchill sophomore Hal Championship.

FOECBT

180 BLAKE
CALENDAR
February 18 February 22 February 25
MCPS Diving Championship at MLK University of the District of Columbia in Washington Metro Championships -
Swim Center, 2:30pm Career Center, 10am 500 free & 400 free relay at German-
JV boys’ basketball vs. Einstein, Cheeburger Cheeburger Fundraiser in town Indoor Swim Center, 5pm
5:15pm Olney, 5-9pm Late registration deadline for March
Varsity boys’ basketball vs. Wootton, 12 SAT test
7pm February 23
Varsity girls’ basketball at Wootton,
7pm African American Symposium February 26
Dance for a Chance, 8pm Washington Metro Championships - Washington Metro Championships
Completed NAACP scholarship appli- Boys Diving at Montgomery Aquatic at Germantown Indoor Swim Center,
cations due to Mrs. Moore for mailing Center, 4:45 pm 8am

February 19 February 24 March 4


Washington Metro Championships -
MCPS Poms Competition at Richard Girls Diving at Montgomery Aquatic Mock SAT, Mock ACT, and real Accu-
Montgomery, 4:30pm Center, 4:45 pm placer test
MCPS Swimming Championship at Mr. Blake, 7pm International Night, 7pm
MLK Swim Center, 8pm
A8 February 18, 2011 The Blake Beat
Senior finds second semester dull, yearns for something mentally gratifying, p. B4
jjjjywryohwrthnsrsrnsbiuyulfyuttfcufyufysrjoinbusrjnlisurtnislrutnjsrtnrtnrsttrdrtdn

Section B Section B James Hubert


BlakeBlake High School
Beat Opinion February 18, 2011 December 17, 2010

Super Bowl entertains non-sports fans, supporters alike


night with laughs and disapproving shakes watching the Steelers’ last glimmer of hope the show a smashing success.
x by Delilah Gates when she messed up the lyrics to the “Star when they tried to make a final comeback, And no one could forget the much-an-
Green and yellow or black and yellow? Spangled Banner”. bringing the score to 28-25 with 7:34 min- ticipated Super Bowl commercials. Among
Black and yellow or green and yellow? How Despite the overwhelming sea of utes on the clock, before the Packers’ last the most memorable were mini-Darth Vader
about yellow and…I do not care. Surprise, extremely fit men in yellow pants, it was amazing interception, down-field spring and Volkswagen commercial; the reanimating
surprise, sports fans: for some of us the world easy to revel in the amazing completions touchdown that decided the game, 31-25. power and irresistibility of Doritos commer-
of football is largely irrelevant. But despite and sprints down the field. And no matter The half-time show was a complete cials; the luxurious prisons escaping “release
our usual disinterest, the Super Bowl was how small your knowledge of football is, concert experience performed by the Black the hounds” Audi commercial; the Ozzy Os-
still a blast for non-sports fans. the blatantly bad plays were easy enough Eyed Peas. Dressed in wacky futuristic glow- bourne/Justin Bieber Best Buy commercial;
Starting off Super Bowl XLV, Feb- to spot. There were plenty of incompletions ing outfits, the group performed some of our the slapstick Pepsi Max commercials; and
ruary 6, was none other than “America to have anyone saying, “Oh, butter fingers! favorite songs like “I Gotta Feeling”; “Boom the Brigdestone reply all commercial.
the Beautiful,” our ridiculously musically You almost had it.” Boom Pow”; “Pump It”; “The Time (Dirty Fit men in an epic physical struggle,
long-ranged patriotic song. To the delight For those of us not rooting for a team Bit)”; “Where Is the Love?”; and “Let’s Get a Black Eyed Peas performance and a slew
of the many raging Glee fans, “America the before the game it was easy enough to side It Started.” With short appearances by Usher of hilarious commercials -- what more could
Beautiful” was performed by Lea Michele. with the Packers right off the bat, who pulled and Slash and a mass of glowing back-up someone not interested in the sport ask for
Afterwards, Christina Aguilera continued the ahead early. Nonetheless, it was suspenseful dancers, the halftime entertainment made in a football game?

Juniors praise
school’s level of
social tolerance
by Kristen Frese
x & Lucas Irvin
“This is a school of ‘I don’t care who
you are, what you are, we’re gonna like
you, darn it,’” says assistant administrator
Rudy Tyrell, Jr. in an interview with The
Gazette.
Last month, we attended the premiere
of the Department of Justice’s video “It
Gets Better” in the amphitheatre, hosted
by Allies for Equality (A4E). Assistant
Attorney General Thomas Perez spoke to
approximately 50 students about peer bul-
lying and how to prevent it.
Having someone in a position of au-
thority speak to students shows that it is not
okay to bully or be bullied and that bullied
students are not alone. Both members and
non-members of A4E attended and signed
the pledge against bullying.
Overall, we are very impressed with
how the administration and government
have been handling this issue. Case in point:
later that week, openly gay Maryland State
Delegate Anne Kaiser spoke on how people
should be open about thier sexuality and
not ashamed.
The school has been doing a great
job of finding guest speakers to encour-
age teenagers that being different is not
a bad thing. And it is true; Blake is very
diverse and students are doing a good job
of accepting that we are all different and
that’s okay.
We have seen very few instances of
bullying in Blake’s hallways and on the rare
occasion that it does occur, the administra-
tion is quick to act and resolve the issue.
Principal Christopher Berry and various
teachers attended the presentation by Del-

Lives exploited as young stars suffer ‘Disney curse’ egate Kaiser, showing that acceptance of
others extends beyond students and into
the faculty.
Teen icons publicly change from role models to rebels We found the messages delivered
by the speakers to be very influential and
photos that have surfaced of her involvement in sexual behaviors, inspirational. One anonymous student said
x by Andrea Rizkallah he was close to tears after Mr. Perez spoke
you probably live in a hole. After her innocent role as Hannah
Disney Channel: the one television channel that our child- Montana, Miley has separated herself from that character and has because he was so moved to know that
hood is more illuminated by than Cartoon Network and Nickel- immersed herself more and more in detrimental behaviors. when things get out of hand, the Depart-
odeon combined. But the aftermath careers for the Disney Channel Demi Lovato, star of Camp Rock, checked into rehab after ment of Justice, full of many people who
actors, do not seem to be too illuminating. harming herself due to “depression” and after punching a back-up personally know about being bullied, can
Whether it is to be a short-lasting career afterward, racy dancer for allegedly reporting that Demi had been out partying past step in to help.
pictures, or stints at rehab, early actors such as Hilary Duff to the curfew. Even celebrities who have managed to excel in Hollywood The support system provided by A4E
more recent faces such as Miley Cyrus and Demi Lovato, seem to after Disney Channel can’t seem to stay out of trouble. Although and members of the government continues
suffer from what we might call the Disney curse. After appearing Shia LaBeouf has made a name for himself with his leading role to grow as people become more and more
on Lizzie McGuire, Hilary Duff’s career never really took off. She in Holes, the popular Transformers series and the chilling thriller accepting of diversity.
starred in minor rolls such as Olivia Burke in Gossip Girl, but the Disturbia, he has been charged with a misdemeanor for trespass- Mr. Perez says that since his job is to
most media she has received has been on her recent marriage to ing and drunk-driving charges. Fortunately, the charges were later prosecute schools that are not as accepting
Mike Comrie. dropped and he has continued to make movies. We can only hope of diversity, he would be ecstatic if he was
On the other hand, Miley has been receiving a lot of negative that a cure is rapidly found for this Disney curse, before our child- ever out of a job because it would mean that
media. If you have yet to see the “Miley Hits a Bong” video, or the hood channel is wiped clean of its innocence. intolerance has been overcome – our school
seems to be on that path.
B2 February 18, 2011 The Blake Beat
Expensive upgrade takes away from
previous Hulu enjoyment
New Plus version competing
with Netflix; not worth
extra money

x by Matt Present free


Hulu.com has always been and how
a great way to see that episode many to provide
of your favorite television show with Hulu Plus. In a study
that you missed or catch up on done by One Touch Intelli- (HD),
previous seasons in your spare gence last August, shows such but it
time. However, until recently, as Family Guy, House and is now available
Hulu was entirely free. 30 Rock, all had the indicated through Apple devices (iP-
Last July came the launch- last five episodes available on hone, iTouch and iPad) as well also
ing of Hulu Plus, an “upgrade” Hulu and an additional 147, 21 as through Sony, Samsung TV’s, causes
to the original Hulu. However, and 75 episodes respectively Blu-ray players and Playstation speculation as to
it is really just making you pay on Hulu plus. However, shows 3. HD is also coming soon to whether or not Hulu will be found online on the website
to see what you were previously such as Prison Break, Law and Android phones, LG, Panasonic start increasing its movie supply of your cable provider as well as
able to view for free on Hulu. Order and My Name is Earl TV’s and Blu-ray players. to heighten competition with on demand on your TV.
Although the original Hulu still had no shows available on Hulu Hulu Plus is now only Netflix. Having to pay for Hulu
exists, the free shows have been despite having over 50 on Hulu $7.99 a month, a two dollar drop I personally would not is certainly an inconvenience.
cut back to the last five episodes Plus. from when it first came out. Due invest in Hulu Plus because Minimal information is provided
aired for certain shows and for However, Hulu Plus does to the price cut, as well as the de- there are just so many other as to which shows and episodes
others, none at all. have some advantages that were cision to charge for the service, ways to get the shows for free. you will be able to see on Hulu
In actuality, it seems as not accessible with the original it appears that Hulu is attempt- Many shows are available on without upgrading to Hulu Plus.
though Hulu picks and chooses Hulu. Not only is Hulu Plus ing to directly compete with the website of the network on At the end of the day, Hulu plus
how many episodes to supply broadcasted in high definition Netflix, also $7.99 a month. This which they air while others can just isn’t worth the cost.

Pop industry goes wild as Spears, Gaga battle for top artist in 2011
Junior crowns veteran Spears Pop Princess; rookie takes back seat
Second: you’re too cocky with your work, Gaga. Yeah as (by the way, please explain how a song about telephones
x by David Hylton you’ve had many hits, but just because you’ve produced is art)? It doesn’t need to be for fans to like it. As long as it
With Lady Gaga and Britney Spears both releas- two good albums doesn’t mean your third will be “the best makes fans dance and have fun, we love it.
ing new material this year, there is going to be, without a album of the decade” like you say it will be. Sorry, but the Fourth: Britney’s changing it up this time around and
doubt, a huge battle between the two artists. Not only are chances of that happening are slim to none. You create too revolutionizing herself. Although she’s sticking with the pop
they both Pop Princesses, but they have pretty much the much hype. You’ve done this before with your “Telephone” genre, she’s experimenting with the more dance and techno
same fan base. But if I were to choose the winner, I would music video. You said that it would blow all of your other side of it, and in my opinion, it works. “Hold It Against Me”
choose Britney. music videos out of the water. What was the result? A con- featured a new electronic dance music genre called dubstep,
Sorry Gaga, although I love your music, Britney is fusing montage of jail cells, honey buns, sandwiches and which has been slowly gaining popularity in recent years,
going to dominate this year. And here’s why: you and Beyoncé killing people in a diner. and the song has received nothing but favorable reviews.
First: she’s been around longer. Yeah, you’ve won Third: you’re just too strange compared to Britney. Although we won’t be able to see who claims the
many awards the two years of your career, but Britney America, whether you like it or not, has adopted Britney title of Pop Princess 2011 for some time, I have made my
has been around since 1998; just over 12 years. Britney as its sweetheart. Our generation has all grown up with her prediction that Britney Spears will claim the crown. If her
has pretty much a decade more of experience than Gaga. and she has a legacy in our culture. Britney’s music is full album is anything like her single, it deserves to be a smash-
And with a longer career, come more dedicated fans, more of the light-hearted fun that Americans like to have. So what hit and will be perfect proof that she’s here to stay, and that
recognition and more promise. if her music isn’t seen as “artwork” like you portray yours she will always be the Princess of Pop.
The Blake Beat February 18, 2011 B3
Simple phone games disconnect us from productive tasks
Time killing apps capture attention regardless of mindless repetition
x by Dylan Hysen multiple times to rid the place of the dastardly pigs. Minutes, even hours of your life can easily be wasted trying
My experience with Angry Birds has left me enter- to brave the treacherous fans that divert the path of your balls
Phone games eat up hours of our lives, yet we put so tained, perplexed and annoyed. Why are these birds so an- in order to prevent you from surpassing your high score. At
little thought into them. These mindless distractions can draw gry? Why is it taking me five days to beat every other level? least with Angry Birds you get different kinds of birds and
us in with their addictive game play while diverting us from What supernatural force has made me spend more time on different levels. With Paper Toss it’s the same thing every
more important tasks. this phone game than on any videogame I paid infinitely single time. Yet I always find myself playing the game again
The quintessential phone game is simple, yet complex more money for? Whatever the answer to these questions and again, trying to beat my score on each difficulty despite
enough to keep you entertained, and requires some degree of is, I keep coming back for more. Selling for a low price on that I’ve had the game for months.
skill so you don’t win every time. This paramount phone game iPhones and Androids, Angry Birds is a must-have for any Don’t own a smart phone? You can still get in on the
is epitomized by Angry Birds. Angry Birds is a puzzle game smart phone owner. procrastination. Solitaire is a classic that also despite being
created by Finnish company Rovio Mobile that features the Paper Toss, another smart phone must-have, could be so monotonous, rarely gets old. In addition, look for games
player shooting various types of infuriated birds into intricate the most innovative game of the decade as it lets you simulate such as Snake and Brick Breaker.
structures set up by evil pigs. It’s a far from complex concept, a mind-numbing, pointless activity that you might do in real Like it or not, all of us have time to kill in our daily
and that’s what makes it so brilliant. Each level is completed life, except on your phone. Paper Toss isn’t nearly as exten- lives. Should we be spending it doing multiplication tables
by destroying all of the pigs protected by the structures they sive as Angry Birds as it only features a few levels. But the or reading Shakespeare? Probably, but that’s not going to
set up. There are multiple ways to finish every level, and each time spent throwing virtual paper balls into virtual trash cans happen. Might as well kill time in a fun way by playing good
one is just difficult enough that you probably have to play it more than makes up for the lack of any depth to this game. games on your phone.

Drinking, smoking, lying: teenagers consumed in ultimate party lifestyle


Innocent fun is replaced with our generation’s new dangerous hobbies
course parties. “Teenagers will be teenagers” – we
x by Sonia Polyzos We all have that one friend that is are going to lie, cheat, drink, get high,
Rewind five years back. Most of so consumed with living the “ultimate sneak out – anything to rebel against our
us populated the hallways of our nearby teenage life” that they forget what hav- parents. But is it really worth it? Why not ‘Teengers will
middle schools, young angels with only ing real, genuine fun is all about. They stay out of trouble; for once, we won’t
innocence filling our small minds. Now, hit everyone up for the latest plans, des- have to worry about a way to sneak back be teenagers’ --
we’re all rebellious teenagers who are perately seeking non-sober activities for home. For once, we won’t have to fret
concerned about how we’re going to keep the night. Truth is, it’s pathetic; have we over a lie to tell our parents about where we are going to
our beers chilled or who’s going to grind all forgotten that innocent fun we used we were last night.
the weed just bought from the drug dealer to have? Honestly, our generation has So here’s a tip, my fellow teenagers: lie, cheat, drink,
down the street. completely plummeted into a black hole instead of rolling three “jays” while at a
Face it, teenagers losing their of befuddlement. party every single weekend, grab some get high, sneak
innocence is straight up sad. The time- Girls, waking up completely clue- popcorn from your cabinet and set up
consuming hobbies that once took up less of what happened last night, stranded a movie night with all of your friends, out - anything to
half of our day, such as playing online in a random house with makeup stream- roller-skate around the block, pamper
games, earning money for your Neopet or ing down your face, and hair all over yourself with a self-created spa day… rebel against our
jumping double-dutch outside the house, the place, is not okay. And guys, getting anything. Let’s show our parents there’s
are gone. Instead they are replaced with caught buying liquor with a bad fake ID more to our lifestyle than throwing pong parents.
drinking and smoking everywhere we will result in quite a few problems with balls into plastic cups filled with cheap,
go – the movies, bowling alleys and of the police and, of course, your parents. warm beer.
B6 February 18, 2011 The Blake Beat
Student fed up with reality shows’ undeserved attention ing out in our own dog pen.
x by Abby Ramlagan
Sex, babies and drunk people. Do Junior deems Teen Mom, Jersey There are always one or two kids
that don’t know anything about the inside
you guys ever think about how much
time we waste being addicted to this
trash?
Shore, The Bachelor trashy TV jokes, trends and people from the popular
shows, because, surprisingly, they do
not watch them. For me and many oth-
Try thinking for a minute about all For example, the girls who watch are funny or because we are interested in ers that watch the shows religiously, we
the talented, hardworking and profes- shows like The Bachelor – which the plot. We watch because unfortunately can’t stand the thought of being out of
sional actors and actresses out there, and shouldn’t be watched because it’s actu- we waste our time being entertained by the loop for even one week. I know my
then think about the fact that J-Woww or ally a show for cougars feeding their fan- other people’s drama and misfortune. life will end if I don’t see those babies
Kate Gosselin are at the same level of tasy – tune in just to see what happens. The only reason I watch Jersey poop some more on Teen Mom 2.
popularity as Natalie Portman or Will Instead they could be actually going out Shore every week is to watch Snooki This is a bad addiction; it’s time
Smith, pretty unfair right? Well they and talking to that cute guy. pass out in a dog pen and to see “The to start paying attention to our lives and
have us to thank for that, because we It’s extremely ridiculous how we Situation” creep on girls ten years not theirs. No more living as a wannabe
use up our time each week by watching are so addicted to these shows despite the younger than him. Instead of sitting there “guido” or pretend friend of a teen mom,
their shows and telling everyone how fact that we know they aren’t truly high watching them party, we could be going if I want to be orange and pregnant, I
“amazing” they are. quality. We don’t watch just because they out and partying ourselves or even pass- can.

We waste our time being entertained by other people’s drama and misfortune.

Junior criticizes administration for picking wrong battles to fight


Lack of punishment for drug use incites Appel to push for more action
defy those pointless policies and let their school is going to enforce its own policies fellow student” (because we are really going
x by Isaac Appel kids feed their little tummies in class are and rules—which they should—I think to do that, right?). The administration needs
This is a school of no hoods, no hats, now putting their feet down. Students, enforcing the drug policy is more important to get their priorities straight.
no iPods, no cell phones and no snacks dur- previously saved by teachers who let kids than punishing kids for eating apples or The rules the administration are push-
ing class but don’t fret; luckily the school save themselves from the embarrassment of wearing hats. ing are whack to begin with. Why are they
administration lets you get lifted, smacked, a bad hair day with hoodies, are now forced At lunch I was walking around with punishing the students who break those
baked or even high as a freaking kite to deal to show off bed-head in shame. a friend, and we came upon a group of kids trivial rules instead of the ones who are do-
with those absences. At the same time kids are “pushin” smoking weed outside school doors. They ing something that is actually illegal? Either
Last month, the administration had (selling—for other people like me, who were standing right under a security camera, go after the plant with the side effects or let
a meeting with teachers and cracked down aren’t hip) and smoking their very own not even trying to hide their blunts. While the other rules slide.
on a lot of the rules. Teachers who used to “green stuff” on school property. If the this was happening, I can probably assume How is it possible for the large-and-
what was taking place inside the school in-charge administration to overlook this

I think enforcing the drug policy is more building: another phone crusade led by the
administration.
serious problem? Security cameras see it
all and that smell clearly gives a clue of

important than punishing kids for eating Since last year there has been no tex-
ting friends at lunch, no chatting momma on
what kind of business is going on. If their
goal is to be a harsh authority, then they

apples or wearing hats. the phone to let her know you will be staying
late after school and no texting “your friend-
should crack down on students who are
doing something that actually deserves to
ly neighborhood gang members for a hit on a be stopped.
The Blake Beat February 18, 2011 B7
Fans thrive to Junior speaks
know latest out about weak
news on stars student spirit
Lack of pep at
Celebs go mad, school, games
privacy invaded disturbs Bengal
x by Rachel Babcock
Paparazzi; I love, hate and envy them.
x Robert Krakaur
They keep us updated with juicy gossip, School spirit is severely lacking
while driving celebrities to shave their heads at Blake High School. I am tired of see-
and even kill themselves. ing people wearing apparel from other
It seems like so much fun to find schools, like Sherwood or Good Counsel
celebrities on the beach and take pictures high schools. We need to be sporting
of their hideous bathing suits. However, the Bengal paraphernalia.
second we judge Nicole Richie for looking We may be at a slight disadvan-
fat in a bikini, we hear the next month that tage with the school being so young and
she is checking into rehab for anorexia. Why having so many feeder schools. I have
would anyone ever want to feel responsible friends that came from both Paint Branch
for that? Or better yet, why would I want to and Springbrook high schools to Blake;
chase Demi Lovato around all day just to I understand that some of those people’s
take pictures of the cuts across her wrists? loyalties are still with those schools.
Obviously the girl has a problem and there However, it would be nice to see more
is no reason for us to exacerbate it. people wearing our school’s clothes.
People forget that celebrities are It hasn’t just been the lack of sport-
humans too, and what the paparazzi does ing Bengal gear. Turnout at basketball
actually affects them. However, I’m also games has been weak. As fans, we should
guilty of subscribing to People, and ulti- be much louder and enthusiastic than we
mately, I’m just as grimy as the paparazzi. have been lately. We cannot just get up
That $20 per year is going towards making and get loud once Blake starts winning;
celebrities’ lives hell. The worst part is that we need to help our Bengals win by be-
I don’t mind. Britney Spears’ dysfunctional ing spirited the entire game.
marriages entertain me for the ten minutes When they ask for a blackout or
that I’m reading about it. I feel so sorry for a white out, let’s come out with enthu-
her but at the same time it gives me some- siasm and bring a lot of energy. We can
thing to talk about when a conversation gets help the team when the game might be
awkward. “Hey, did you hear Britney shaved frustrating for them, and when they start
her head?” winning, it will be easier for us to bring
It’s also entertaining to hear about and the energy.
see Miley Cyrus’ latest salvia trip; however, Unique qualities make a school
I wonder how she feels about her biggest especially exceptional from others,
fans seeing her smoke. I mean, I support particularly when it comes to Blake.
her through thick and thin, but she has to Personally, I do love our school. I love
uphold a reputation for the little girls that the diversity that makes us better than
watched Hannah Montana for years, and it’s Sherwood. We have a great fine arts
not fair that her life is always on blast. She’s program to be proud of that separates
a teenager too and she’s allowed to live. It’s us from Paint Branch and Springbrook.
unfortunate that she is judged for every move And let’s not forget that we are a very
she makes and it’s no one’s business what she good school academically. I think it’s
does on the weekends. I love Miley for her obvious that Blake students have a lot
singing and acting and I don’t care what the to be proud of, so let’s take some pride
media says about her salvia experience. in the school that many of us hold dear
The paparazzi live to make celebrities’ to our hearts.
lives hell. They catch them doing the worst Next year, the class of 2012 will
of the worst and make mad money off it. be seniors. Let’s start a tradition that
God forbid Lindsay Lohan goes out in public will carry for years at this school. Math
without makeup. Snap! A bad picture is taken teacher Marcus Wiggins suggested a
saying that she shoots up crystal meth. senior barbecue in the courtyard -- I
Celebrity gossip is so entertain-
ing and honestly, I would much rather People forget that celebrities love this idea. We could all bring food
and have a great time. We could have a
hear about the latest update of Snooki’s
encounter with the law than about my
friend’s relationship. However, as much
are humans too, and what the policy that you must bring food to eat.
This will eliminate any coasters and
freeloaders, riding on the contributions
as these horrible celebrity pictures and
false rumors make me laugh, I must paparazzi does actually affects of a few active seniors.
So I am asking all of the people
remember that celebrities are people too.
My laughter is hurtful and I’m one of the
many people responsible for messing up
them. However, I’m also guilty. in the class of 2012, along with each
following class, to establish a sense of
school pride. Let’s change the culture of
their lives. this school for years to come.

Appel gives tips to see when apple of your eye has lost interest
Skip the Valentine’s Day blues, find out now if significant other still cares
x by Isaac Appel put that boy in timeout and make
him think about what he has just
same as him taking you on that
romantic Valentine’s Day date
of sudden she becomes a “bad
responder” texting you with hour
Days going by
Valentine’s Day has just
passed. Is all of the love in the air
done. Maybe the guy just wants
a break from all the female hor-
that you wanted: not likely.
Now for the guys. Girls
gaps in between, then perhaps
it is her turn to be sent to the
without talking
making you wonder if your sig-
nificant other is still interested in
mones, especially if it’s that time
of the month; but regardless,
love to talk, talk and talk some
more. Your lady, more than likely,
corner for a little time out. If you
accidently slip out a reference to
to her should
you? No need to ponder, here are
some tips to alert you if your love
something suspicious is definitely
going on.
calls you every day if not every
hour. When the phone calls start
your ex-girlfriend and your cur-
rent girl lets it go unnoticed, she
be a HUGE red
life is about to go up in flames.
Let’s start by helping the
If he finally does answer,
it’s not guaranteed that he’s still
coming every two or three days
something is wrong. Days going
doesn’t care anymore. When all
the things you normally did that
flag. When a
ladies. There are subtle hints that
girls can use to see whether or not
into you. A warning sign might
be that five minutes into the
by without talking to her should
be a HUGE red flag. When a
would annoy her don’t cause a
public riot, she has stopped car-
woman has
he is his own man or whipped –
after all, women wear the pants.
conversation he says he’s too
tired and wants to go to bed early
woman has nothing to say, there
is always a problem.
ing about you.
If these tips don’t apply to
nothing to say,
When he doesn’t answer and
call you back for two or three
when it’s only eight o’clock. We
are teenagers; the chance of him
If you used to stay up to
the wee hours of the night texting
you, well then you’re probably
single, but for the rest of you
there is always a
days, that’s a no-no. Someone really going to sleep early is the your significant other and then all lovers, good luck.
problem.
The Blake Beat February 18, 2011 B8

The James Hubert Blake administration, faculty


& staff congratulate these students
on making 2nd Quarter Honor Roll
9th GRADE Kevin Nguyen Anjelica Grant Nicole Byrd Brooke Rehman Blaire Hoffman
Alexis Afamefune VAN NHAN NGUYEN Candace Grant Javian Caceres Elizabeth Ann Reyes Lily Hua
CLAUDIA ALARCO DAPHNE O’GRADY PAUL GREGG Alexa Calderon Issac Reyes Nicholas Hung
Mary Aronne Emmanuel Oppong Emily Greitzer MAN CHAN Jahmila Roberts DYLAN HYSEN
Hunter Balog MELANIE OUTTARAC Anna Haley JOAL CHEN Maryangel Rodriguez Jeremy Iocozzia
Nicole Barriga Nicholas Park Brittany Hargrave Charles Cheng Ghulam Sallman Christopher Jaeger
Zachary Bartlett ESTEFANIA PEREZ Antony Harris Hiu Chiu Matthew Siegel Alexander Kahsay
Sean Bartley Victor Phimphachanh Vivian Henderson Mark Cirincione Andrew Simmons Musu Kawusu-Kebbay
Gregory Bell Brooke Poloway Azalia Hernandez Emmanuel Clarke Taneigha Swingler Zachary Kaye
JULIA BELL Samuel Preza RACHEL HEWITT Molly Cohen Nicholas Tatnall Joshua Kenes
Adam Beuttler Julieta Quiroga OLIVIA HUBBARD Giancarlo Curzi Megan Taylor Simone Kirkland
Grayson Boone Jeremy Radov JODEH HULEIS Phuc Dang Theophilus Thomas Peace Kish
Sarah Bridegum Diarra Radway Wesley Hunn BRANDON DAVIS Emma Towriss Nancy Kobe
TORIE BROER Julian Raul Samantha Ignacio Ryan Deane Samara Tu Aimee Kohorst
Remington Brooks Maiah Richard Francesca Inman Savannah Doane-Malotte Nicole Tuttle Corinne Konoza
Devona Brown Micah Richards Sierra Jackson CHRISTIAN DOMAAS Jean-Claude Tzeuton Sara Kushner
SILVIA BUGLIO EZRA ROSCHU Irene Jones Alexis Earley Karen Vanegas Meagan Lagerlef
KEVIN BUI Matthew Russell Melania Karmazyn Nia Edwards Erica Wang Ashley Larkin
Devin Cannon Kara Savercool HAMZA KHAN-TAREEN Sara Elalami Zhichen Wang Kevin Lee
Sherry-Mae Canoy Ashley Sheibaniagdam Barzillia Kim Kathryn Evans Brandon Weber Michael Leonard
Yujun Cao Larson Shilling MICHAEL KISTER MARY FERNANDES REBECCA WELLMAN Jennifer Lien
Michelle Carter Brett Silverman CRYSTAL KUFFOR Hayley Fixler Jenna Williams Katherine Lingan
JASMINE CESAREO Margaret Simpson Cecilia Kwakye Jocelyn Flores Larisha Winley Brianna Livesay
Justin Chan Sundeep Soni Kyu Dae Lee Lane Flynn LEISHA WINLEY Patrick Looney
Ryan Chang THOMAS STANTON Jourdan Lewanda Stella Fotso Ellen Wood Julia Maas
Shoshanna Chito David Steele Blaine Lowry Linus Francis RHEA WYSE Meredith Majower
IN JI CHUN NINA TAN Cindy Luu Amanda Freeman Grace Yoo Austin Malner
ANN CIRINCIONE Cassidy Tarner Eli Marsh Kristen Frese Nicholas Mauprivez
Bryan Citrenbaum CAROLINE TATNALL Krystal Martindale Kathryn Fuchs 12th GRADE Matthew McGugan
Matthew Clanton Dianne Techwei Marina Mccaney NEVA GAKAVIAN Darlene Aniebonam Brooke Mellish
Casey Clark Emily Temple Marissa Metzger VALENTINA GARCIA Daniel Arias Brianna Mitchell
Rene Cordon Jonathan Tober Richard Miller Jacob Gill Nicholas Arnold-Medabalimi Nikhil Modha
RILEY CRUICKSHANK Aboubakar Toure Kristina Mitchell Cecilia Girolami Sarah Aylor JERRY MONTERO
Gabrielle Cudjoe Kelsy Turner Ashley Muscandin Hayley Glantz Julia Baker Joseph Morstein
Silvana De La Jara Morgan Ung MICHELLE NGUYEN Jacob Gordon Spenser Balog NICHOLAS MUGGE
Yancy Del Cid Tan Vo Brenna Noone Ramanda Graham Daniel Barker QUYNH-NHU NGUYEN
Miles Douglas Robert Walker Adelfolarin Ormiolade Charles Gross Lauren Barlow Greggory Nicholson
Ashley Escobar Tanner Williams Andrea Ortiz Sarah Hagan Isabela Barriga Amarachi Nnadi
Jason Fleischer Victoria Wolsh Olivia Park Lucy Harrelson Ashley Barteck Georgiette Oduro
Xavier Fox Dashawn Woody Calvin Perry BRADLEY HARRISON Joyce Bartlett Boateng
MAIA GADSDEN Carolyn Worden PRADIP RAMAMURTI MARVIN HART IV Daniel Bell Simisola Olaminde
Kimia Gaines Kevin Wright Karelin Ramirez Phuong Hoang Shannon Bell Kemi Olowoofayoku
Jason Glantz SAMANTHA WRIGHT Rosa Reyes Victoria Hong Darryle Bennett Jessica Ortiz
REBECCA GLATT FELICIA YAU Ryan Reynolds David Hylton Julia Boland Morgan Ostrow
LEAH GOLDBERG CHRISTINE RICCIARDI Lucas Irvin Braden Bond LEENA OWEN
Betsy Gomez 10th GRADE Christopher Richard Amina Irving Maria Bonilla-Hercules Kim Palmer
Oscar Gomez CHRISTIAN ABELL Patrick Richard RACHEL JAFFE Jesse Boulandi Jeongyeon Park
Andy Gonzales Kwame Asante Lara Richli Christian Jeong Mia Browne Joshua Paunil
Patrick Griffin Angela Bair Andrew Riedel Devon Johnson Stefan Byrd Eric Poloway
ALEXANDRA HADYKA India Banks CHELSEA RYAN ASHLEY JUDAH Peter Calhoun IV Sonia Polyzos
LILLIAN HALLMARK JENNA BEERS Katia Segura Rebecca Kalinich Jordan Callahan LINDA POWERS
Bethany Hamson John Beers Susan Shelton-Der ROBERT KORYCINSKI Shaina Callahan Carley Pressley
Asha Henley KATHERINE BLACKFORD Shim Min KEVIN LAM Maya Campbell Jasmine Pullen
REBECCA HILL Graylyn Broadnax Laura Smethurst Melina Latona Joseph Cane Rohan Raju
CATHLEEN HO Madison Bruffy Rebecca Smith Zoey Lee Kiarra Ceasar Matthew Rankin
Thao Hoang THAIS CALDERON ANNA STEINFELD Adele Leishman Rafael Centeno-Armenta ALEXANDER RAUL
Ashley Holmes Cory Camp Nicole Sterling IRENE LEMBEROS Christie Chambers Maya Reid
George Hyde Samantha Carpenter Julia Stewart Sarah Lipkowitz CYNTHIA CHENG Cory Reyes
Jacqueline Hyman Olivia Castro KELLY STOCK Matthew Lipshultz Maia Chicherio Naomi Richardson
Hyla Jacobson Gregory Chaimson JANINE TAIRA Eugene Litman Nia Chin Estephanie Rivera
Ashley Johnson Kevin Cheung Lucas Tax COLLEEN LIVINGSTONE Git-Yee Chu Andrea Rizkallah
Steven Johnson Michael Chheang Emily Tchai Jenny Lon IN AH CHUN Steven Rodriguez
Madeline Kalen Ryan Choe Lena Traore Monika Looney Gladys Creppy-Hetherington H Rorie
DONG KANG Hoyoung Choi Sopheak Ung Julie Lopatka Aron Crews Xavier Salamanca
Amanda King Nicholas Colburn Denise Venero Brianna Lopez Delaney Cruickshank Emma Semanyk
Jocelyn Ko LINDSEY COMER NATASHA VIRJEE Stephanie Luk Alexander Curtin Isak Shah
Alana Kominski Andrew Conchas Wanjiru Waithaka Meredith Mathis Ravi Dadlani Max Shannon
Megan Kong LYDIA CURDTS RUSSELL WANKE Kyle McArthur Connie Dai Mariel Shilling
Grant Konoza Daniel D’Amico CAROLINE WANNEN Conner McMurray Surasree Das Brandon Simms
John Kos NICHOLAS DAVIS Lillian Watkins Melissa McNabb Shelby Davis Daniel Simpson
Alexandra Krakaur Aliya Dean KIELAN WILCOMB MacKenzie Meyer Kirstyn Desroches Cassandra Smith
Clauton Kum ASSOUMOU DIBY Kionna Wiley Danielle Moore SOMALA DIBY Jessica Smith
Zachary Kushner ALISON DIONNE Bryan Wilkerson Alexander Morales Leanna Diggs Keonna Smith
Meyer Lahat Albert Djoum Cassandra Wolsh Michael Morris Christiane Djoum Gillian Spolarich
Gracia Le Julia Doh Karissa Wong Juan Moscoso Portia Egwim Christine Garcia St. Amand
Jamie Lee McKenzie Dreher RACHEL WOO Mihir Nakrani Emmanuel Endishaw Spencer Sterling
THEODORA LEMBEROS Darien Ellis Hannah Wynne Tayler Nine Conard Etchi Alexis Thweatt
Nicole Lertora Monica Eng Rebecca Yim Nnamdi Odoazu Kathleen Faisca Serge Tzeuton
Laura Lopez MICHAEL ERRIGO Karim Zarhloul Oladoyin Olagundoye Markus Fearson Akaninyene Umo
DUNCHADHN LYONS Alexus Ford Alexis Page Joseph Franks Ryan Valdes
Mahdi Malik Matthew Forsythe 11th GRADE Lauren Paniati DELILAH GATES Kristina Valerio
Kevonn Martin Aryn Frazier MOHAMMED ABBAS Seong Park Sylvester Gates Sophia Venero
THEODORA MARTIN Connor Gaffney Francisca Agbodzah Jonathan Parks Samuel Glatt Karina Vidal
Summer Massie Megan Gagern Nicole Alexander Leah Patterson Zachary Goldberg SHANNON WADE
Kristina McKenna Anna Galeano Derick Ansah Susana Pena Rainier Gomez Joshua Waldman
Stacey Waldo
Austin McKinnis William Garey Henry Aparicio Grace Plihal AMY GOTTLIEB Jasmine Walker
Logan McMurray Tanner Giles-Tucker Isaac Appel Sarah Prather Gordon Gregg Conor Wallace
Dylan Miller Corey Glocker Mohammad Ashrafi Matthew Present Sidra Hamdani Alex Wells IV
Angela Mix Derek Glocker Brian Battaglia Zachary Radov KELLY HANLON Eric Wiley
MARY MOLLOY Gina Gomes Danielle Blocker Erica Ragland Madison Hawkes KIRA WILLIAMS
Nyah Muhammad Eric Gottlieb Brittany Bradley Andrea Ramirez BRIDGET HAWVERMALE Patrick Xiao
Brigit Ngaleu Fabiola Gramajo ANTHONY BUI Tai Ramsey Anna Hinden Erin Yates

Names in all caps indicate Straight A’s


Blake alumnus discovers mission in life, follows family footsteps, joins military, p. C6

Section C James Hubert Blake High School February 18, 2011

Posse scholars lead the pack by earning full college rides


Seniors Bartlett, Konoza beat odds among 1600 original candidates
x by Somala Diby
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “What lies behind us and what
lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”
The essence of Emerson’s words is all too familiar to seniors
Joyce Bartlett and Corinne Konoza. After three months of interviews,
applications and anticipation, Bartlett and Konoza reaped the fruits
of their determination and character when they were named Posse
scholars by The Posse Foundation, Inc. in early December.
The title guarantees admission and full-paid tuition to Grin-
nell College in Iowa and Sewanee: The University of the South
in Tennessee, for Bartlett and Konoza respectively. “I felt like I
wasn’t just given the scholarship. The fact that they named me as
a [Posse] is simply amazing,” says Konoza. “I believe everything
happens for a reason.”
The Posse Foundation is an organization which awards
high school seniors full-tuition scholarships from universities
partnered with Posse. The foundation has sites in six cities
including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami,
New York and Washington, DC. Institutions partnering with
Posse DC include Bucknell University, Grinnell College,
Lafayette College, Pepperdine University, Sewanee: The
University of the South, and University of Wisconsin-
Madison.
The road to winning the Posse scholarship is unlike
that of a typical scholarship. At the end of the last school
year Bartlett and Konoza attended a meeting at the Posse
DC office with 1600 other students after being nominated
to be Posse scholars. At the meeting, they were introduced
to the six partner schools.
From there, they attended the first interview in
September where Posse representatives took their pictures
and observed 100 students at a time as they participated
in group exercises. They chased imaginary chickens, built
Lego robots and initiated group discussions based on top-
ics provided for them. The exercises were meant to reveal
the character and leadership ability of the nominees. “The
kids [at the interview] thought so differently than anyone
I know,” says Bartlett. “Even though they disagreed, they
were still listening and taking it all in. No one told you that
you were wrong.”
Bartlett and Konoza then continued to a second round
of interviews in November, where they engaged in an intimate
one-on-one discussion with a Posse representative. “Posse
looks at you as an actual person, as an individual,” says Bartlett.
“You don’t really get a chance to show that in a regular interview
process.” Konoza and Bartlett were asked questions about their
interests, passions, memories and personal lives in general.
Adds Konoza, “[I wasn’t chosen] because of my test
scores. That’s why I’m proud to be a Posse scholar. They chose
me because I’m me.”
Bartlett and Konoza ventured into their last interview in
December as semi-finalists, where they could converse with the
administrators of the colleges they had applied to. What they thought
would be a grueling three hours of interviewing turned out to be
fruitful; both were notified within two days of their final interviews
that they had won the scholarship. “I’ve never wanted something
more in my entire life,” says Bartlett. “When I found out, it wasn’t a
crazy happy high. It was more like ‘This is how it’s supposed to be.
Senior Posse recipients Joyce Bartlett (left) and the colleges they will be attending next year on full This is right.’”
Corinne Konoza show off their gear representing scholarships. --photo by Aron Crews Continued on page C7

Brave seniors give continual support to fathers in cancer battle


Students maintain focus on school work, comfort dads in time of need
was trying to kill him.” birthday. He had a radiation treatment that with schoolwork or the attention they need
x by Caroline Pledger Mr. Baker’s condition grew worse, day and cried and slept while I had a party to give to support their fathers at home. The
Senior year can be stressful for anyone, spreading from his esophagus to other parts downstairs to celebrate,” adds Baker. “But Bakers have been writing a blog to document
especially trying to balance good grades, a of his throat, leaving him unable to go to I knew he could fight this because he is the this experience and keep relatives updated on
social life and college applications. work or compete in his favorite activity, strongest person I know.” Mr. Baker’s improving condition. “Victims
But when one’s support system is ice hockey. Growing weaker every time he Senior Lucas Frangou has been bat- of his situation often fight for years and
weakened, how can one keep it all together completed radiation treatments, Mr. Baker tling similar circumstances as his father [eventually lose] their battle with cancer,
in the face of foreboding odds? relied heavily on his family for support, struggles against the cancerous disease so I am extremely lucky,” adds Baker, “but
For senior Julia Baker, this past sum- who placed basins in every room. “We got mesothelioma sarcoma. Since the start things have certainly changed in my house.
mer came with the harsh news that doctors used to the sound of barf and spit and at one of sophomore year, Frangou’s father has I don’t think any of us are the same as we
had discovered a malignant tumor on her point I could even eat while listening to him struggled to keep a positive outlook after were before.”
father’s esophagus; with no answer as to barf,” says Baker. “[For his sake,] we became the discovery of cancerous cells on his Frangou’s father has been less fortu-
how serious it truly was until it had become comfortable with it.” lower back. “I was devastated [when I found nate and continues to receive treatment for
a threat to his life. “Some days it was all One of the hardest moments for Baker out],”says Frangou. “My heart sank and I his harsh condition—but his will remains
too much for my head to comprehend—I came when her father had to be harbored couldn’t speak. It was really scary for my iron strong. “His recovery is at a brink, but
couldn’t go to school or do any homework,” upstairs, locked in a room during her seven- whole family considering how dangerous I am kept strong by his positivity every
says Baker. “Other days I just pretended it teenth birthday party because of his inability the disease is.” day,” says Frangou. “For anyone else going
didn’t exist because it was easier to pretend to fight off infection due to a low white blood For Baker and Frangou, the struggle through this, I send my regards because I
my father had a cold than [think] his body cell count. “Cancer doesn’t care if it’s your to keep feelings in check has not interfered know how difficult this is.”
C2 February 18, 2011 The Blake Beat

Unhealthy meals worry students; junk food on the rise


‘An apple a day keeps
the doctor away,’ but a
bag of chips does not
x by Kristen Frese
With school cafeterias passing out cookies,
chips and French fries to nearly every student that
buys lunch, it is no wonder that child obesity is on
the rise.
Many students are upset after noticing the un-
healthy eating habits they believe are facilitated by
the cafeteria food. “I think the school should do more
to promote healthy diets,” says junior Lauren Paniati.
“One unit in health is not making a big enough im-
pact.” Though healthy options are offered at lunch,
they are scarce and limited to students.
Juniors Mary Fernandes and Anthony Bui have
also noticed the effects of buying school lunch. Fer-
nandes worries more about the time at which students
are eating lunch and believes that 10:51am is too early
to be eating. “The timing of our lunch break com-
pletely throws off our diets,” says Fernandes. “We find
ourselves hungry during…and after school.”
Most students choose slices of pizza, packaged
noodles and chili-cheese nachos from the cafeteria.
Says Bui, “School lunch probably increases child
obesity…considering much of the school’s food is
frozen and full of grease.” Much of the problem stems
from teenagers making unhealthy eating choices and
not adding healthy options from the cafeteria such as
fruits and vegetables. In that case, it is not the respon-
sibility of the cafeteria staff to make sure teenagers
are making good choices.
Many students agree that it is up to the individual
to make the better decisions when it comes to food.
The cafeteria offers salads, but very few students opt
out of buy them due to the high price. Says cafeteria
manager Ronald Ferguson, “Eating habits are improv-
ing…but it’s all about quantity and portion size.” He
adds that the school is doing its best to make many
options available to students.
Says guidance counselor Jaime Raley, “I like that
there are a lot of options for kids, [but since] the better
and healthier options are more expensive, it doesn’t
always make them accessible to everyone.”

From Germany to the United States, cultured Richli has seen it all
Sophomore’s diverse experiences provide rich adventure, knowledge
to each country’s culture. “I have gotten to While in Kenya, Richli’s stepfather “German schools are a lot more difficult
x by Gillian Spolarich know so many different cultures and met worked for the East-Central African Divi- than American schools, but they are also
Not many Bengals can say they have so many incredible people,” says Richli. sion and Richli attended school. “Kenya free including college.”
lived on three continents and speak three “It’s given me a broad understanding of the was beautiful and the people there were Richli, however, has enjoyed her
languages; but sophomore Lara Richli world and people.” Richli speaks traditional great, but it got a little old after living time at American schools. “I like Blake and
can. German, Swiss-German from Switzerland there for four years,” adds Richli. “The that there are international students here as
Richli, who is German by birth, lived and English. safety and independence was something I well,” says Richli. “Silver Spring is close
there until she was four years old. She Although she lived in Europe at a missed.” Her family then moved to Silver to DC; the city has always been where I
moved to a number of places, due to her young age, she frequently visits family Spring when her father accepted a job to feel comfortable.” She plans on finishing
stepfather’s work, including Switzerland, and has noticed a significant difference in work at the headquarters of the Seventh high school and continuing her education
Kenya and the United States. Says Richli, American and European culture. “Euro- Day Adventist Church. in college in the US.
“The biggest challenge of moving is getting pean culture is a lot more based on class Additionally, Richli has seen a con- Although she has enjoyed every
to know the culture, the people’s mentality and thoughtfulness towards other people, trast in European and American schools. place she has lived, Richli plans on re-
and the way of life.” while the American tendency is to focus on Germany’s schools are separated by GPAs turning to her birthplace later in life. Says
Since she lived in each country for yourself and all of your accomplishments,” and only students in the highest school are Richli, “[Germany is] my home, and will
four years, she was exposed to and adapted adds Richli. allowed to attend University. Adds Richli, always be my home.”
The Blake Beat February 18, 2011 C3
Students,
staff redefine
DEAR time
by Leah Patterson
x & Karen Vanegas
Finding time for Facebook, Tumblr,
and Twitter is easy for anyone to do. With
the New Year among us it is time to drop
everything and READ.
READ posters are pictures posted
around the school that display students and
staff holding reading material. Under the
statement “READ”, there is a reading-related
quote chosen by the student or staff member.
The overall goal is to encourage reading in
students. “There are a million reasons to read
and a million benefits from doing so,” says
English teacher Christopher Schenk.
The idea originated here at Blake when
media assistant Janet Smith began a similar
program at William Tyler Page Elementary
School and modified it for Blake around 2002.
With support from former and current princi-
pals and enthusiastic responses, the program
has continued for years. Says Ms. Smith, “All
you have to do is count the posters hanging on
the second floor to see how strong the program
has remained.”
Senior Bailey Veng is one of many stu-
dents pictured with the popular slogan. Veng’s
first picture is from ninth grade. Throughout
her four years, Veng has accumulated a total
of three pictures, all with different themes. “I
recommend [that] everyone make a poster,”
adds Veng. “They are a display of who you
are throughout high school.”
Mr. Schenk is a teacher who has dem-
onstrated his passion for the READ posters.
“I had seen celebrity READ posters and I
thought it was a fun way of capturing mo-
ments in time as well as promoting literacy,”
says Mr. Schenk. He has amassed an astonish-
ing 20 posters over his time at Blake.
In order to obtain a poster, stop by the
media center and see Ms. Smith. The most
important thing is to bring a book, along with
a quote. After the flash has gone off, you will
be given a small photo as a keepsake. Do
not forget to look for your picture among the
READ gallery.
“Walking through the hallways and
seeing pictures of students, staff, and visitors,
encouraging people to read is quite a powerful
message,” says Mr. Schenk.

Alumna finds passion in career with TFA, educating underprivileged


Kelly Durkin helps students progress with fresh new teaching style
says Durkin, “schools are failing the students.” caused by years of slipping by in school without the real
x by Tara McIntyre & Isak Shah Her realization was confirmed as she worked skills required.
Choosing to become an educator is certainly not for more with underprivileged second-graders that were Durkin often pays for school supplies out of her
everyone - it is a grueling profession, requiring selfless- behind their peers due to emotional problems in the own pocket to provide for her students. She also holds
ness, patience, and enthusiasm. For Blake alumna Kelly home which stunted their academic achievements. after school sessions so students without computers can
Durkin, the decision was prompted by a need to create a Without much-needed help, the children fell drastically type assignments and learn basic word processing skills.
learning environment more conducive for children. behind in school, and lost confidence in their ability to Most of her students are unable to stay after school for
As a senior at Blake, Durkin participated in the succeed. The lack of attentiveness to the special cases of extra help or detention because they live in unsafe areas,
EduCorps program as an aid for an on-level 10th grade these children made Durkin want to help, and sparked take several buses to get home, or because they work
English class. Despite the fact that she enjoyed the her interest in the Teach For America (TFA) program. “I after school or babysit to support their families. “They
aiding experience, Durkin was still unsure as to if she can’t really stand seeing a problem and not being able are growing up in a different world from Montgomery
wanted to pursue a career in education. Says Durkin, to fix it,” says Durkin. TFA’s mission is to close the County,” says Durkin. “In high school, I lost a classmate
“It was a decision that kind of slowly crept to a car accident. Nearly all of my students
up on me.”
In the following years, at Cornell
TFA believes--and so do I--that every have lost family members or friends to
violence.”
University, Durkin studied Theatre Arts and
Psychology and worked over the summer at
child can acheive, and so every child Adds Durkin, “I think they thought I
was crazy when I came in telling them we
educational camps, including the Round-
house Theatre. “I saw the power theatre
deserves an equally excellent education. were all going to grow two reading levels in
one year and that they’d have to read 30 min-
had to transform shy, awkward middle and Kelly Durkin utes a night.” The students, however, have
high school students into brave and creative shown much growth in their assessments,
artists,” adds Durkin. “I began to think that theatre edu- achievement gap by placing passionate young people and seem to be responding well to her enthusiasm. Says
cation might be my thing.” where energetic and hard-working teachers are needed Durkin, “I’ve considered quitting more than I’d like to
The decision to become a teacher really solidi- most. “TFA believes - and so do I - that every child can admit. But all it takes to bring me back is one student
fied with Durkin’s work as a mentor for inner-city middle achieve, and so every child deserves an equally excellent who comes after school for help, one student to finally
school girls who struggled in school. During one of her education,” adds Durkin. engage in a lesson, one student to come up with a bril-
sessions, as she tried to help a distraught eighth grade Despite her passion and drive to succeed, Dur- liant answer I hadn’t considered.”
girl fight through a third grade level text, Durkin had an kin admits that there are ups and downs when facing the In spite of the everyday challenges that come with
epiphany. Hearing the girl call herself stupid, and that a many difficulties attached to the job. Some of the major the job, Durkin sees the experience as a two-way street of
teacher had done the same repeatedly, made Durkin truly issues that hamper an inner-city teacher are the pervasive learning. “It’s such a cliché, but you really do learn from
question the caliber of educational opportunities given lack of adequate funding coupled with the poverty of the your students,” says Durkin. “They’re fun to be around
to inner city kids. “That was the first time it really hit students; a difficulty relating to the often overworked and interesting to talk to because their experiences are
me hard that it isn’t that students that are failing school,” and emotionally scarred students; and a lack of interest so different from my own.”
C6 February 18, 2011 The Blake Beat

Alumnus attends West Point, marches in for military service


by Leisha Winley his parents. Says Washington, adds Washington. At West Point “fast and busy.” After waking “I wanted to be an of-
“I chose West Point because it Prep, cadet candidates are pre- up at 5:55am, Washington goes ficer so I had to go to college,”
x & Larisha Winley is the only school that allows pared for academic, physical to breakfast for 15 minutes. Washington says. “West Point…
ATTEN-HUT! Report- me to pursue a major in defense and military challenges that Afterwards he attends classes at had everything I wanted from
ing for duty is alumnus Kelly and the strict organization and will be faced at the Military 7:30am, has lunch at 12:05pm classes to training.” Washing-
Washington, who is preparing to military lifestyle.” Academy. Washington hopes to and has a free period where ton acquired his drive to attend
serve in the military after attend- At West Point, students graduate by 2014. cadets get help from teachers West Point during his freshman
ing the United States Military are required to join the armed Since West Point is a or take labs or tests. There are year at Blake. During the sum-
Academy at West Point, the forces. Washington hopes to military college, courses are then two more classes until mer of 2008, he took part in the
elite military academy assisting become a tank officer in a heavy different from those at aver- 4pm, after which Washington West Point Summer Leaders
Washington with achieving his armor company while serving age colleges. “The material is goes to paintball practice, din- Seminar.
dream. in the army. Washington went presented in a way to make life ner and then does homework. Adds Washington, “The
Washington, who comes to West Point Prep for a year, difficult,” says Washington. Since Washington is a freshman West Point experience is com-
from a military family, always in preparation for West Point “There are also more military he is not allowed to talk outside pletely different from any other
knew he wanted to be in the Academy. “The prep school has specific classes for office de- his room or academic buildings civilian college. The develop-
military since he was five and smoothed out a lot for me, mak- velopment.” and has duties like taking out ment to become an officer is
was introduced to the school by ing the transition very easy,” A day at West Point is the trash. unlike any other training.”

Hispanic Leadership Club creates walk-in study environment for all


Struggling students benefit from mentoring program, get homework help
by Maria Nassanga tivities. Many teachers have collaborated Spanish teacher Denise Ramos-Roman
with Mrs. Brown to help the club succeed: hosts the boys’ meetings.
x & Abby Ramlagan special education teacher Patricia Kom- The club has 34 student-mentors
Students and teachers of Blake’s pare joined Mrs. Brown in sponsoring last who help students with homework, focus-
Hispanic community have joined together year; and Spanish teacher Monica Abu- ing on grades and staying motivated for
to create an academic support system that liak, who created a mentoring program Student Service Learning (SSL) hours.
pushes Hispanic students that are strug- mandatory for identified ineligible ninth Some students in particular, including
gling in school to achieve success. and 10th grade Hispanic students. “It is senior Kelly Umana, senior Gerson
The club has its roots after Hispanic sometimes difficult for these 9th and 10th Morales, senior Cory Reyes and junior
students approached Kristen Brown, math grade students to admit they might need Karen Vanegas have acted as leaders by
teacher and Hispanic Leadership Club some help to improve their grades,” says promoting the club. Says Mrs. Brown,
sponsor, during the 2009-2010 semes- Mrs. Brown. “Sometimes they just don’t “[I thank the students that] have helped
ter exams. The students discussed with care if they have E’s”. continue the legacy and lead the Hispanic
Mrs. Brown how there are few Hispanic Four students were willing to open leadership club this school year.”
students enrolled in honors classes. Al- up and receive support in improving their Hispanic leadership club has also
though the club was not easy to start, Mrs. grades. Girls and boys in the club meet changed students and the direction of
Brown and the seniors were determined to separately every day during lunch from their future for the better. “[Hispanic
push through and make a change. 11pm to 11:20pm, but can choose to stay leadership club] makes me want to do bet-
Hispanic Leadership Club strives to the whole lunch. “Some students seem to ter,” says junior Wendy Corona. “I want
create a positive student community by be catching up with some of their assign- to show people that Hispanics [can] be
supporting all students in excelling in aca- ments,” says regular mentor Rosa Reyes. leaders in life and that we can do anything
Cory Reyes demics, athletics and extracurricular ac- Mrs. Brown leads the girls’ meetings and we set our minds to.”
The Blake Beat February 18, 2011 C7
A capella class serenades students with romantic songs
Special Singing Valentines turn faces red, brighten Bengals’ day
by Molly Cohen the A cappella Choir visited classrooms [that] John Lennon [sung], boosted their show.”
February 10 and serenaded students that points by a million,” says junior Meredith Members of the choir also enjoyed
x & David Hylton received valentines. Mathis. the Singing Valentines experience. “Sing-
When most people think of Valen- The Singing Valentines were orga- The A cappella Choir spent about ing for the classes was one of the most fun
tine’s Day, they worry. What gift could nized by choir president Brittany Hamson, a month practicing the two songs. “I was things I’ve done this year,” says Hamson. “I
possibly measure up to your loved one’s along with help from the choir vice presi- just absolutely shocked at the pure talent loved seeing how embarrassed everyone got
standards? Well luckily, Blake students dent, secretary, and treasurer. Says Hamson, that was singing in front of me,” says ju- when they received their Valentines.”
didn’t have to settle for a store bought gift. “We did this fundraiser for a few reasons- nior Courtney Cristaldi. “The performance Though the Singing Valentines have
Instead, they had the option of gifting their performing for our friends, making money surpassed my expectations.” come and gone in the past years, students
loved ones with song. for the music program, and getting the word “The singing was pretty good, and hope to see a return next year. “There was an
“It’s not every day that someone is out about how fun choir is.” [their energy] made everyone laugh,” adds outstandingly positive reaction from the stu-
going to sing to you,” says junior Elizabeth The song selections include “The junior Anthony Fischetti, who received dent body and the faculty,” says sophomore
Ann Reyes. “I felt kind of special that they Longest Time” by Billy Joel and “Stand by his Valentine from a secret admirer. “[My A cappella singer Calvin Perry. “I think it
were singing just for me.” For just two Me” by Ben E. King, which were big hits in teacher] thought it was really funny, so he would be a wonderful idea to continue the
dollars a valentine, a group of students in their time. “The fact that they sang a song sat back, sipped his coffee and enjoyed the tradition next year.”

Hysen gives hope to


procrastinators during
cold, icy winter months
Senior creates own MCPS
specific forecast, posts
prognosis on Facebook
x by Larisha Winley
Bob Dylan once said, “You don’t need a weatherman to
know which way the wind blows.” Apparently, though, you
do need senior Dylan Hysen.
Since middle school, Hysen has been posting predic-
tions to inform students on whether the winter weather will
affect chances of having a snow day, a two hour delay or a
regular school day. Hysen started on AOL instant messaging
and switched over to Facebook so his posts could be more
accessible.
Hysen found that medias such as The Weather Channel
were not specific enough to the local area so he started do-
ing his own weather forecasts to get more accurate weather
information on snow and other frozen precipitation and how it
would affect Montgomery County. Says senior Zack Kaye, “I
only use [Hysen’s] posts; it has all the information I need.”
While Hysen enjoys constructing the predictions, it
can get very stressful, especially when his posts are wrong.
However, the responses to his posts have been overwhelming.
“All the support feels really good…it’s one of the main reasons
why I do it,” says Hysen.
When Hysen makes his forecasts there are many factors
he takes into account. He has found MCPS to be fairly predict-
able with their decisions; a lot of the times MCPS’ verdicts
are influenced by Howard or Fairfax County, the status of
plowing, the history of the county and, obviously, the weather.
One main factor that played in schools closing this January
was the amount of power outages in the area.
In his detailed posts, Hysen describes the situation
outside, gives a description of what is expected to come,
gives percentages of the outcome and finally provides his
own predictions. He makes at least three posts periodically to
ensure that his predictions are up to date as the precipitation
moves in.
“I really appreciate [Hysen’s posts],” says senior Kelley
Frese. “No matter what he predicts I’m thankful that he gives
us tangible percentages about school.” Hysen has gained a
large following with his predictions.
“I definitely feel appreciated when people come to me
for my opinion,” adds Hysen. “It’s really what’s made me
continue the predictions for years now.”

Academic achievers find Posse in fellow scholarship recipients


Continued from page C1 training and bonding. During the essay they had written in school Posse members for the first two to branch out,” says Bartlett, “but
On January 5, Konoza and meetings, Posses focus primarily for review by their Posse Trainer. years of college. Though the Posse I love my Posse and I want them
Bartlett attended a ceremony at on team-building exercises--much “[It’s] really cool to see the differ- program will remain prominent to be there.”
the George Washington College as drawing storyboards to get to ent backgrounds and diversity in while they’re in college, both For Konoza and Bartlett, the
Theater honoring new Posse schol- scholarship has come as a sigh of
arship recipients as well as alumni relief financially for their families.
Posse recipients. It was the first time [I wasn’t chosen] because of my test scores. Says Konoza, “[Now], my family is
they had seen the students they had struggling with the fact that I’ll be
engaged with at the first interview. That’s why I’m proud to be a Posse scholar. They 11 hours away.” Nonetheless, both
“It started out with 1600 and got students have full family support in
down to 62,” says Bartlett. “That’s chose me because I’m me. their endeavors as well as support
something to be proud of.” Corinne Konoza from the Posse Foundation.
Starting January 18, Bartlett Adds Bartlett, “I want people
and Konoza met up once a week at know one another better--but also my Posse,” says Konoza. Bartlett and Konoza, as well as to know that this is more than just a
the Posse DC office with the nine on developing skills for college. As Posse scholars, Konoza their Posse members, appreciate scholarship. Posse makes sure that
other members of their Posses and Konoza’s Posse members were and Bartlett will be required to Posse’s involvement in their lives. you have a support system. If you
a Posse Trainer for pre-collegiate required to bring in a four-page have a weekly meeting with their “When it comes down to it, I want need it, it’s there.”
C8 February 18, 2011 The Blake Beat
I can’t wait to go home Go hand a salami, I’m a lasagna hog.
____________________________ ____________________________

UnClassifieds
Never trouble trouble until trouble troubles My dad had a pet chicken, grandma, a
you gazelle. Nbd
____________________________ ____________________________

Sadia is counting the days to graduation Does supercalifragilisticexpialidocious


____________________________ count as one word?
____________________________
Am too blessed to be stressed See any BEAT staffer to buy your
____________________________ Unclassified in our next issue. Does anyone want to have a penguin
70¢ for the first ten words, 5¢ for each additional word playdate?
Ramatu is a lifesaver!! ____________________________
____________________________
KEEG’S crack ups: “It’s like attention-
Thank you Lord for favor! deficit disorder on steroids in here…”,
____________________________ “FREELOADING WEENIES.”, “Turn off
that music before I clock you.”
Vive La France ____________________________
____________________________
Ah! The butterflies have come to take my
Femme Fatale! soul!
____________________________ ____________________________

Class of 2011, we’re almost there The days pass, the nights drag, and then
____________________________ you die.
____________________________
Black and Yellow
____________________________ Ah! Kenshin is here!
____________________________
Can’t wait for Britney Spears album
____________________________ Please, remember my name. It’s...
____________________________
How many days until Spring Break?
____________________________ No! Too much stat homework! I’ll never
finish it! (sarcasm)
Hey Lex! ____________________________
____________________________
I Love Dirt Parties!!!
Hey Lizzie! ____________________________
____________________________
Hi Pie.
RIP Alex. We miss you ____________________________
____________________________
Take Journalism...It’s the Best...You Bet-
Will you be my Valentine? ter take it!
____________________________ ____________________________

Ms. Finn, I miss your class! Donate your pennies please:)


____________________________ ____________________________

18 days <3 can’t wait! Happy Belated Valentine’s Day!


____________________________ ____________________________

Holly, come back to Maryland! Idgie Pearl Threadgood is the cutest


____________________________ ever!!!!!!
____________________________
Hello, I love you, won’t tell me your
name? Read the paper, not just the unclassifieds.
____________________________ ____________________________

Nick Tatnall is my favorite person ever CAN’T WAIT UNTIL GRADUATION!


____________________________ ____________________________

Bui+Lucas+Kristen+Mitzu=BFF Why can’t people follow simple direc-


____________________________ tions?
____________________________
I’m gay, and I’m proud. Yep, I’m proud Come support the Blake Poms at Richard Count Chocula vs. Liam Neeson
I’m gay. Montgomery TOMORROW!!! ____________________________ Hi Mr. Ho!
____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________
Summer is my life.
You will lose the one you value most, so Almost Summer… ____________________________ I love Priya Dadlani - Aron Crews
treasure it while you can. ____________________________ ____________________________
____________________________ HAPPY BIRTHDAY JULIAN CARR!!!!
Follow jointerbootyjr on Twitter ____________________________ Happy Valentines Day Priya ^
Buy unclassifieds, people! ____________________________ ____________________________
____________________________ Dear Matt, you are my love, I need you!
Happy Belated Birthday RJaff. –Madison Hawkes I love Aron Crews
May the odds be ever in your favor. ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________
____________________________
Dear Michael, it’s a pleasure sitting next to Hey Jack Mason, “The grass is green.” Abe will you go out with me?- Anony-
Happy Birthday to Moi! you. Love, your secret admirer ____________________________ mous
____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________
Bledsoe is a buckethead.
Come to International Night, March 4 at Thank you for the heated seats, Matthew. ____________________________ Noodle Express -Captain Steven Jung
7! ____________________________ ____________________________
____________________________ Let’s pretend we don’t exist. Let’s pretend
Wahh! Wahh! Blet Blet Blet! we’re in Antarctica. Come to International Night. It’s on Friday
D.R.A are the three best friends that anyone ____________________________ ____________________________ Match 4. You better be there!!!!
could have! ____________________________
____________________________ Ellen Wood is my lover for life. Maya Julia Brittany Jalen Brianna Lucy
____________________________ Braden Kelley Youna Danny Connie Gwen Hippos are really cool. But they kinda scare
Black track! Going to states! Stephanie me too....so big and purple.
____________________________ I _________ my new schedule with Kemi ____________________________ ____________________________
Olowoofayoku.
Raven Wood, Rachel Porzel, Sam Comer ____________________________ Happy late Valentines Day everybody. I Willis you are my Valentine. <3
and Mary Burke are going to be friends love you <3 ____________________________
for life! Madison Hawkes is the coolest. ____________________________
David Hylton is the main man.
And also Victor. Moooooo!
Varsity girls’facin
nulla basketball
henim coach leads
ipit lum Lady Bengals
ip euguerc incidui to unprecedented
siscillum erostiscisuccess,
ex ecte mp. D7
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Nisim
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D?
D?
Section D Section
D James Hubert
BlakeBlake High School
Beat Sports February
18, 2011 December 17, 2010

Left to Right: Junior forward Avery Ugba, senior guard to a 77-57 win over the Northwood Gladiators marking their
Conrad Etchi and junior guard Ricky Mancia score en route second division win of the season. --photos by Aron Crews

Boys top division, fight for first-round bye


Varsity basketball looks to return to Comcast Center
by Paige O’Flahavan despite the loss, scoring 11 points. straight division title. “It felt really good
Before the Paint Branch loss, Blake to win the division,” says senior forward
x & Josh Paunil lost to the Quince Orchard Cougars, 58-56, Brandon Simms, “because at one point we
For the second year in a row, the which was their first home loss since the were 1-4 and we knew that we were better
varsity boys’ basketball team has won the middle of December. The game was back than that.” Hedley once again led the team
division and is fighting for a first round and forth throughout all four quarters and in scoring with 19 points.
bye in the 3A playoffs. came down to the final minute of the fourth After the team started off the season
When the Bengals squared off quarter. The Cougars missed several free 2-4, it participated in the Governor’s Chal-
against consortium rival the Paint Branch throws leaving the door open for the Ben- lenge, a winter break tournament, in which
Panthers, they lost, 70-62, marking just gals, but the team was unable to convert they won both games and turned the sea-
their second loss in ten games. Senior on the offensive end. son around. “All of the people who were
captain guard Brandon Hedley and senior Hedley was the leading scorer for in the players’ ears weren’t there,” says
captain forward Matt McGugan scored the Bengals with 19 points, including five head coach Marcus Wiggins. “It was just
19 points apiece but it was not enough to three-pointers. His scoring led the team us and they weren’t around and we came
come back after the Panthers outscored the to take a 27-22 lead at the end of the first together.” The highlight of the tournament
Bengals 20-11 in the second quarter, giving half. However, the team struggled in the for the Bengals was when they overcame
them a 34-24 halftime lead. third quarter allowing the Cougars to go a ten-point, fourth quarter deficit by scor-
“We started the game off with low on a 17-8 run giving them the lead head- ing 30 points, against the Cape Henlopen
intensity, especially on defense,” says ing into the fourth quarter. “We came out Vikings, wining 61-59.
McGugan. The Bengals were unable to and played lazy defense and it cost us the Despite the team’s success so far
stop the Panthers’ balanced attack, which game,” says Hedley. this year, they are not yet satisfied with
had four players score in double digits. The Bengals won their eighth straight their season. “Being division champs feels
Senior captain guard Conrad Etchi also game when they defeated the Rockville good,” says McGugan, “but that doesn’t
played one of his best games of the season Rams, 58-50, and clinched their second matter, we want a state championship.”

Wrestling goes undefeated, wins regionals, makes states, sets records


same as we always would,” says senior captain Steven match came down to nail-biting last few seconds where
x by Sammi Levitt & Savannah Tryens Penland. Kronemer pinned and the crowd went crazy; the Bengals
Completing their first undefeated season, members January 22, the Bengals participated in a tri-meet at had won 31-30. Says Kronemer, “I knew what I had to do
of the varsity wrestling squad won the division and the Springbrook, where they beat the Paint Branch Panthers, for the team and I couldn’t let them or myself down.”
4A/3A West Regional Duals for the first time in school 54-12 first, then the Springbrook Blue Devils after. Both The Bengals traveled to Salisbury, January 15, to
history. compete in the Delmarva Classic Tournament where
After placing first at Regional Duals, February 9,
the Bengals headed to Linganore Saturday, where they
Knowing we’ve made it this far Blake placed third out of 16 teams. January 12, Blake
shut out the Northwood Gladiators with a score of 73-0.
participated in their first ever state duals. However, the January 8, they competed in a tri-meet with the Gaithers-
Bengals were not able to pull off the win and fell to La made the experience feel great. burg Trojans and Seneca Valley Screamin’ Eagles; they
Plata. Says senior Brandon Krixer, “We knew going Brandon Krixer beat the Trojans, 70-4, and the Screamin’ Eagles, 72-12.
into it we weren’t expecting much but just being there “Each win just motivates us to work hard to beat the next
knowing we’ve made it this far made the experience feel the Blue Devils and the Bengals came into this match team that comes our way,” says junior Brian Battaglia.
great.” undefeated and were wrestling for the division champi- Tomorrow the Bengals will compete in individual
The boys crushed the Poolesville Falcons, Kennedy onship. counties held at Blair High School. The top eight wrestlers
Cavaliers, Churchill Bulldogs and Wootton Patriots by The Bengals were losing for most of the match to from each weight class will move on to regionals cham-
at least 20 points each, and held the Cavaliers to just six the Blue Devils. With one match left to go the score was pionships held at Sherwood. The top four wrestlers from
points total. “We won all these matches, but we never got 25-30. All the pressure was put onto senior captain Za- each weight class at regionals will move on to states held
too full of ourselves, we wrestled every match just the karia Kronemer who had to get a pin to seal the win. The at the Cole Field House.

College basketball heats up as Ohio State, Kansas, Texas fight for top spot, p. D6
D2 February 18, 2011 The Blake Beat

Girls’ dive team competed in the MCPS Diving Relay January 14 at the Germantown prepare for their dives and freshman Nicole Lertora is photographed mid-air. The
Indoor Swim Center. Left to Right: sophomores Cassandra Wolsh, Anna Haley team ranked eleventh out of seventeen at the relay. --photos by Aron Crews

Lady Bengals freestyle, butterfly their way to 6-1 record


came in second in two events and junior as the Lady Bengals raced off with a 116-55 solid season and competed in the MCPS
x by Eddie Madden Rachel Jaffe came in second in one event victory. “Wins like this really show the tal- Diving Relay at Germantown Indoor Swim
Despite performing poorly last year and third in another. “It felt good to do well ent we have, and that we can compete with Center finishing 11 out of 17 teams. The team
and dropping down a division, the Girls’ in Divisionals, that’s what we work towards anyone in the division,” Jaffe says. hopes to send sophomores Anna Haley and
Swim team looks to finish the year strongly at the whole year,” says Jaffe. Against the Kennedy Lady Cavaliers, Cassandra Wolsh to Metros along with junior
Counties and Metros after a fast 6-1 start. The Lady Bengals put the Watkins Mill the Lady Bengals had an impressive win and Rebecca Kalinich.
The Lady Bengals competed in the Lady Wolverines away February 5, winning almost tripled the Cavaliers’ score with a 126- Come cheer on the dive team this Fri-
Division tournament and excelled, finishing 116.5-49.5. Blake faced its toughest division 44 victory. The team won the Relay Carnival day and the Swim team this Saturday at the
second out of six teams. “The girls did well,” opponent, the Magruder Lady Colonels, and at the Olney Swim Center for the first time Martin Luther King Center as they compete
says head coach Jared Fribush. “Coming in despite a good effort, lost 76-95. in school history. The Bengals finished with for the County Championships, with the
second was not a disappointment.” Blake had no trouble against the Lady 75 points while rival Colonels only finished hope to qualify for the Metros Champion-
While none of the swimmers won any Titans of Einstein January 22 at the Olney with 72. ships February 23-26 at Germantown Indoor
of the events, sophomore Amanda Freeman Swim Center. The meet was never even close The girls’ dive team has also had a Swim Center.

Boys’ swim team laps competition, wins divisional championship


Sterling sets Blake record, leads squad to an umblemished season
won a solid four events while Camp also won four events. Sterling says. “We prepared hard for that meet and it really
x by Eddie Madden Also to be noted, Sterling set the school record for 50 free showed.”
After the boys’ swim team moved down a division with a time of 22.19 seconds. Blake took care of the Einstein Titans January 22 at
last year, the coaches and swimmers expected better results, Traveling to the German Indoor Swim Center Febru- the Olney Swim Center, with its biggest win margin of the
however, little did they know they would be 6-0 with their ary 5, the Bengals annihilated the Watkins Mill Wolverines, season, 126-44. January 15, Blake out-matched the Kennedy
closest margin of victory over 30 points. 103-57. From the start of the meet to the finish, Blake was in Cavaliers with a score of 116-55.
The Bengals out swam the division February 12 placing control and never let up. Come support the Bengals as they look to stay on top
first out of six schools at the Division III Swimming Cham- Blake faced division opponent, the Magruder Colonels, this Saturday at the County tournament. “We have some
pionship. This is the first boys’ swimming division title and at the Montgomery Aquatic Center January 29. Mr. Fribush individuals who can do well,” says Mr. Fribush. “Our goal is
it was far from easy to get. “It was one of our goals, we did had highlighted the Magruder meet in the beginning of the to finish higher than we did last year [9th place], and we have
drop down a division, but that’s not a guarantee you are going season as the toughest meet of the season, however this was a good shot to do that.”
to win it,” says head coach Jared Fribush. not the case. The dive team has also had a great year and looks to do
Blake was led by stellar performances from senior The Bengals dominated throughout the meet and won well at counties and send 2-3 guys to Metros, which includes
captain Spencer Sterling and sophomore Cory Camp. Sterling 110-61. “We started the meet strong and never looked back,” every team, public or private, in the Montgomery County.
The Blake Beat February 18, 2011 D3
Seniors qualify for
states in indoor track
Porzel finishes just short
of title while team has very
competitive season overall
the team, achieving consistently
x by Ricardo Mancia good times in his events. Oxley
Blood, sweat and tears says, “In order for our team to
have been put into everyday be successful we should follow
practices in frigid outside condi- the coach and not try to win by
tions that have helped prepare ourselves.” Oxley was able to
the indoor track team for the get a 1:12.01 on his 500 meter
vigorous and competitive sea- dash at counties which was less
son that is just now coming to than four seconds off the leading
a close. time. Oxley has continuously
Senior Nhial Agok fin- proved to be a great contender
ished fourth at Regionals in against other schools and brings
the 800 meter dash February charisma to the team.
9, qualifying him for states. “I Irving performed well in
think I did well, but I could have the 500 meter dash at coun-
done better,” says Agok. “But I ties, hitting her average time of
was the only male who made it 1:27.58 and placing in the top
to states.” Agok has had a great half of runners at 14th place.
season breaking several of his Irving says, “I could see every-
own personal records. one working harder this year
Along with Agok, seniors than previous years at the meets
Christina Falden and Rachel making us a more competitive
Porzel qualified for states in shot squad.”
put, with Porzel just short of first Not only is the team com-
place by 3.5 inches and Falden petitive, but there is always
finishing fourth. The girls have plenty of time to spend with
had one of their best seasons as your friends considering the
a team this year and have really numerous hours the runners
improved. Says junior Amina Ir- spend at the meets waiting
ving, “We were more supportive for their event. Senior Ashley
of each other which helped us in Larkin says, “Track was a great
the long run.” way to get in shape and it was
Sophomore Darius Oxley cool meeting different people on Senior Peace Kish participates in the long jump George’s Sports and Learning Complex. --photos
has really shown his potential for the team.” during the county championships at Prince by Aron Crews
D4 February 18, 2011 The Blake Beat

Ice hockey
improves,
gets point
Three players
named to All-
Star game
x by Josh Paunil
Despite a dismal record,
the Blake community ice hockey
team had one of its best seasons
in the last few years highlighted
by three players making the
inaugural Montgomery County
All-Star game.
Senior captain Daniel Bell
and Matt Rankin and junior
captain Michael Bell made the
All-Star game and Rankin scored
a goal at the end of the second
period to put the west squad up
5-1. “It was a really cool experi-
ence,” says Rankin, “and scoring
a goal made it even better.”
In the community ice
hockey team’s last game of the
season, it fell 14-3 to the Wootton
Patriots. The Blake community
team scored the second-most Junior goalie Cross Klemko makes one of his 30 saves in a 14-3 loss to this year. The team had a good season, with three players making the
points all season in this game the Wootton Patriots. This was the team’s second largest point total Montgomery County All-Star game.-- photo by Cecilia Girolami
and Daniel Bell recorded more goalie Cross Klemko also had Poolesville/Quince Orchard lost to the Montgomery Blair when they tied the RMT/CZM/
points than any other, two. Mi- one of his best games of the community team loss, 11-0. Blazers, 11-0, and the Bethesda- ROC community team, 6-6.
chael Bell also chipped in two season by stopping over 80% of However, the squad held the Vi- Chevy Chase Barons, 12-2. Klemko once again anchored
points and junior defenseman shots on goal. “We played one kings to one of their lowest scor- Sophomore forward Pradip Ra- the team by saving 87.5% of the
Jeff Welder scored his only goal of our best games of the season ing games of the season due to mamurti had his best game of shots. Sophomore forward James
of the season. against them,” says Daniel Bell, Klemko’s 77 % of shots saved. the year by scoring two points, Stradely also had his best game
Before the loss to the Patri- “but we committed too many They also lost to the Winston one goal and one assist. Klemko of the season with two points,
ots, the team played its second- penalties and they just had faster Churchill Bulldogs in the same also played well by saving 75% one goal and one assist. “It felt
best game on defense in a loss to skaters.” week, 14-0. of opponent’s shots. good to not lose,” says Stradely.
the Poolesville/Quince Orchard The team lost to the Walt In the team’s first two The community team had “It was the best moment of the
community team, 9-4. Junior Whitman Vikings before the games of the new year, they their best game of the season season.”

Undefeated in divison, Lady Bengals look to ride success into playoffs


Girls’ varsity basketball beats rival Paint Branch on exciting Senior Night
our rivals.” center Danielle Snowden’s double-double and Ostrow’s
x by Lucas Irvin & Matt Present Blake’s lone defeat in the last 11 games came against 17 points. Three days prior, Beatty and sophomore guard
After starting the season 0-5, the girls’ varsity bas- the Quince Orchard Lady Cougars, in which they lost 49-43, Caroline Wannen both scored 12 points, Beatty also getting
ketball team rebounded strongly, winning 12 out of 14, after being outscored 14-1 in the fourth quarter. Says senior 8 rebounds, in a victorious effort over the Northwood Lady
as they have gone undefeated in their division four years co-captain forward Jasmine Walker, “For most of our games Gladiators. “I feel like this year I have become more of a
running, building up to tonight’s season finale against the we have not had four good quarters of basketball, and we leader for our team on the court,” says Wannen.
Wootton Lady Patriots. need that if we plan on going far in the playoffs.” The Lady Bengals have their eyes set on the playoffs,
February 10, which was Senior Night against North- Prior to the Quince Orchard game, the Lady Bengals where they should get a favorable match up early due to
east Consortium rival, the Paint Branch Lady Panthers, went undefeated since the New Year, including a 61-50 their excellent divisional performance this year. “I feel we
Blake pulled out the victory, 51-48, in a game that came victory over the Rockville Lady Rams February 7. Senior can be very successful in the playoffs,” says Walker, “we
down to the wire. The game was tied when senior captain co-captain forward Reanna Beatty had a solid night, with just have to stay focused mentality on our team goals.”
forward Nikki Ostrow was fouled twice in the last 30 sec- nine points and nine rebounds in the victorious effort. “We are going to have to play with intensity for the
onds, making three of four free throws in the final seconds Despite being held to 12 points in the first half, Blake whole game and play tough defense,” adds Ostrow, who
to win the game. “I was nervous at the end,” says Ostrow, rebounded strong beating the Kennedy Lady Cavaliers 47- believes the team will make a run to at least the regional
“but I was very excited because Paint Branch is [one of] 41 February 4. The Lady Bengals were led by sophomore semi-finals.

Shotgun formation, turnovers, early lead key to Green Bay’s success


Lombardi Trophy comes home as Packers top Steelers in Super Bowl XLV
Nelson to accumulate 140 yards receiving and the fourth quarter killing the Steelers momen-
x by Matt Present score the game’s first points. tum after they had cut an 18 point Green Bay
Green Bay returned the Lombardi Tro- On the second touchdown to Jennings, lead to four.
phy to its birthplace, as the Packers defeated the the Steelers defense appeared to get confused, Another play that could have been game-
Pittsburgh Steelers, 31-25, in Super Bowl XLV as some of their players were turned around changing was the muffed punt by Green Bay
in front of 103,219 fans at Cowboys Stadium yelling signals to one another at the snap of the that the Packers were able to recover. If the
with record viewers watching on TV. ball, allowing Jennings to run past Polamalu for fumble could have been recovered by the Steel-
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers the score. The Steelers had burned two timeouts ers, they would have gotten the ball just outside
took MVP honors, passing for 304 yards and earlier in the half, leaving them with only one the red zone with the likelihood of scoring the
three touchdowns. A large part of Rodgers’ suc- at the time of the touchdown. Regardless, I still game’s first points. Not only would this have al-
cess was a result of the game plan. The Packers would have spent a timeout on the Jennings lowed them to seize momentum while deflating
used the shotgun formation, almost exclusively, touchdown, as the Packers were just eight yards the Packers, but it would have allowed them to
with four and five wide receiver sets spreading from the end zone. stick with the running game. Mendenhall aver-
out the Steeler defense. Turnovers also were important in the aged four and a half yards-per-carry but only
The Steelers have a linebacking corps, game as the Packers scored 21 points off three totaled 63 yards as the Steelers were down too
as well as defensive player of the year, safety Steelers’ turnovers. Packer’s safety Nick Col- many points to continue running the ball.
Troy Polamalu, that like to blitz and by spread- lins returned a Ben Roethlisberger interception Hopefully, this is not the last football
ing them out it forced them into man coverage for a touchdown putting the Packers up 14-0, game of 2011, as the NFL is in the midst of a
and limited Pittsburgh’s blitzing success. This forcing the Steelers out of their running attack. collective bargaining agreement between the
strategy worked as it allowed receiver Greg Linebacker Clay Matthews forced a Rashard players and owners, which if not in place by
Jennings to catch two touchdowns and Jordy Mendenhall fumble as well on the first play of next season, could lead to a lockout.
The Blake Beat February 18, 2011 D5

Freshman Peter Waldo wrestles a Poolesville Falcon opponent en route to a win which they defeated other opponents such as the Kennedy Cavilers and the Churchill
February 5, in their last match of the season sealing their unblemished record in Bulldogs. --photo by Cecilia Girolami

Wrestling goes undefeated, individuals victorious in counties


Reasons for success include technique, coach’s motivational speeches
x by Michael Joiner the Poolesville Falcons February 5. “Coach Blake’s JV wrestling team placed fifth in
Jeter always taught us to work our hardest the Delmarva tournament out of 17 teams,
After a strong end to their undefeated and to never stop,” says Gonzalez. and placed first in the Randallstown Tour-
season, the Bengals entered the MCPS JV Blake was able to pull off three wins nament. The season went
Wrestling Tournament in hopes of walking against the Kennedy Cavaliers February Arundel High School Duals at Arun-
out with medals on their chests. 2, the Churchill Bulldogs January 29 and del High School December 28, left some really well. We
The MCPS tournament February 12, the Wootton Patriots January 25. Although Bengals with a few medals and unforget-
resulted in sophomore Brandon Deane and the Bengals won the matches against these table experiences. “It was my most memo- worked hard every
freshman Marcstephen Merideth placing historically strong competitors, the matches rable match,” says Tatnall, as he made it
first, sophomore Justin Kirby placing sec- showed the wrestlers the smaller things to the finals in the tournament and was day, which is why
ond and junior Nick Tatnall and sophomore that they still needed to develop. “I want to wrestling an opponent who just beat a fel-
Danny Gonzalez placing third. “The season improve on my technique and my stamina,” low Bengal wrestler. Adds Tatnall, “I knew we were able to
went really well,” says Deane. “We worked says Tatnall. “I would get tired in matches, it would be very tough to win, I fought hard
hard every day, which is why we were able so I want to be able to still have strength and never gave up.” Tatnall finished the get this far this
to get this far this season.” while my opponent was tired.” tournament with a first place medal.
Coach Dustin Jeter always motivates The Bengals competed in the Del- “All hard work pays off,” says season.
the wrestlers before the match. He says, marva Classic Tournament at Wicomico Deane, who finished the season with a
“For those six minutes, you wrestle the High School January 15, and Randallstown personal record of 20-4. “I definitely wish Brandon Deane
entire time.” These words from their coach High School Tournament January 8, for to be on varsity next year. If I keep work-
allowed the wrestlers to feel motivated and an opportunity to wrestle other schools ing hard and trying my best, [then] I will
secure their undefeated season by beating outside of the area to get more experience. achieve it.”

Boys win by 20 points per game Girls’ basketball 3-0 against rivals
Team rebounds after losing captain Squad finishes with double digit wins
by Paige O’Flahavan x by John Beers & Michael Errigo them to come up just short.
forth game for all four quarters, but Blake was
x & Josh Paunil Despite the tough loss, the Lady Ben-
unable to convert on a long three as the closing JV girls’ basketball continued to play gals quickly got back on track against their
After losing two games and sophomore seconds wound down. “Our biggest weakness well, defeating the Paint Branch Lady Pan- consortium rival. “We need to just come
captain guard Breon Herbert, the JV boys’ was our defense and we had no intensity,” says thers February 10, picking up another win into the games playing our hardest from the
basketball team went on a ten game win sophomore forward Deshante Brown. by displaying excellent effort on both ends beginning, and continue to do so until the
streak, winning by an average of 20 points Before the Quince Orchard loss, Blake of the court. final buzzer,” says sophomore captain guard
per game. faced the Rockville Rams and won, 76-55. The The Lady Bengals showed great de- Aryn Frazier.
“At first we struggled without Breon,” Bengals were winning throughout the entire fense, excellent passing and extraordinary The game against the Lady Cougars
says sophomore captain forward Stefan game and played well as a team. Multiple teamwork. Despite being down 15-14 at followed a dominating performance with a
Sigwalt, “but fortunately we had some very players scored in double figures and the team halftime, the team regained the lead in the 45-23 win against the Rockville Lady Rams.
talented guards who filled into his position and constantly found the open man on offense. “We second half and never looked back, winning The Lady Bengals continued their suffocating
did a great job.” After coming together follow- really improved and our team chemistry was 39-32. “Our most recent victory over Paint defense which translated into offensive ex-
ing the loss of Herbert, the team has had their a 100% more like a family,” says sophomore Branch saw us start strong, trust each other, ecution. “Our defense and rebounding were
two biggest margins of victory of the season guard AJ Butts. fight hard and it was a wonderful team vic- strong and this led to some good scoring op-
by a combined 75 points. Throughout the team’s win streak, tory,” says Coach Jim Mogge. portunities,” adds Coach Mogge. “We always
When the Bengals traveled to face the defense was an important factor. Of the ten The Lady Panthers made a late scor- feed off our aggressive defense.”
Paint Branch Panthers February 11, they came games, they allowed less than 60 points eight ing run that the Lady Bengals held off with The win against the Lady Panthers
out with their seventh 20 point victory, in a 63- of those games and 40 points or less four of air-tight defense and clutch free throw shoot- was one of many, as the Lady Bengals won
39 route. Blake played very good defense and the games. “In the beginning of the season our ing. Overall, the win could be accredited to four of their previous six games. Throughout
held the Panthers to one of their lowest scoring defense needed a lot of work,” says freshman constant teamwork. “We played as a team the year, the Lady Bengals have won and
games this season, avenging their loss earlier forward Jindu Chiazor, “but by the end of the and we played tough,” says freshman forward lost in bunches, highlighted by a four game
in the season when they were defeated by the season our defense really improved.” Tyla Kelley. win streak.
Panthers at home. Overall, the boys have been very suc- The win against the Lady Panthers “Our team in the beginning ...didn’t
In the Bengals’ latest home game, they cessful this season by finishing with more than came after a close loss to the Quince Orchard have chemistry,” says sophomore guard
fell to the Quince Orchard Cougars, 58-55, 12 wins and having a winning record against Lady Cougars, 32-30. The Lady Bengals Sarah Sterling. “But throughout the season
marking only their loss and second-most points consortium rivals. The team also lost just one stormed back from a 13 point deficit, but we got closer, and now we are like a great
given up since December. It was a back and game on the road and two at home. missed opportunities and free throws caused big family.”
D6 February 18, 2011 The Blake Beat

Ohio State among favorites to go all the way in March


With just weeks remaining until Selection Sunday, col- Josh Selby will be the key to the Jayhawks’ success as he can defensive and rebounding teams in the country.
lege basketball is heating up and it’s becoming pretty clear either be a big-time producer or completely disappear. Duke and Pittsburgh round out the top tier of teams
who the contenders are and who the pretenders are. Texas is another team who can win it all between in the country and have nearly as good of a chance to win it
The favorite to win the National Championship is Ohio freshmen Cory Joseph and Tristan Thompson and sophomore all as Texas and Kansas do. One of the biggest storylines in
State, led by freshman-sensation Jared Sullinger and a trio college basketball this year has been Kyrie Irving’s toe
of senior perimeter players, which have six wins against injury and if the Blue Devils can get the stud-freshman
ranked teams (including three top-15 teams). Although back, they can become the favorites again even over the
only a freshman, Sullinger is leading the Buckeyes in Buckeyes.
scoring and rebounds with 18 and ten and is a legitimate Another big storyline in college basketball this
candidate for Player of the Year. year has been the National Player of the Year race in
Ohio State has a very balanced attack on offense which Sullinger, BYU guard Jimmer Fredette, Duke
with four players scoring over 11 points per game and has guard Nolan Smith and Connecticut guard Kemba Walker
one of the best field goal percentages in the country with are atop most lists. Fredette is above and beyond the best
50%. The Buckeyes are also among the best three-point scorer in the NCAA, which may put him in the lead,
shooting teams in the country at over 40% and have one with an average of over 27 points per game with four
of the best assist to turnover ratios. 40-point performances. Walker is also a great candidate
The Kansas Jayhawks are another legitimate squad due to his numerous buzzer-beaters in clutch situations,
who have the second-best record in the country with their and is comparable to Derrick Rose.
only losses coming against third-ranked Texas and rival With March Madness rapidly approaching and
Kansas State. They are rated near the top in virtually every Jordan Hamilton,who currently leads the Longhorns in scor- no truly great teams in college basketball, you should expect
category and are led by the Morris twins who together average ing and rebounding. They have six wins against ranked teams some major upsets this year in the NCAA tournament and for
over 30 points and 15 rebounds per game. Freshman guard including a double-digit win at Kansas and are one of the best top seeds to go down early.

Ovechkin disappoints as Washington’s defense gives hope for playoffs


2011 Bridgestone Winter Classic win among memorable highlights
season, already having scored 21. shut out the Pens in a 3-0 victory. against Pittsburgh, February 6. If the playoffs were to start
x by Andrew Markowitz Heading into the All-Star break, With the playoffs in sight, the Yet again, the Caps are still tonight, the Capitals would be fac-
With just over twenty games Ovechkin scored his first hat trick Capitals need all the scoring they struggling on the power play, ing Boston, who occupy the third
remaining in the regular season, of the year in a victory over the To- can get, ranking 16th in the league an area in which they terrorized Eastern Conference seed, three
the Washington Capitals’ defensive ronto Maple Leafs, January 22. with 153 goals. Eager to help guide goaltenders around the league last above Washington. Knowing the
troubles seem to be over. Now, they This Caps season has had the team to victory are rookies John season. Only notching 32 man- Caps, this won’t satisfy the urge to
must dust off their top scorers as the some memorable highlights includ- Carlson and Marcus Johansson. advantage goals, Washington sits at gain as many points as possible be-
Stanley Cup playoffs slowly appear ing the 2011 Bridgestone Winter Carlson ranks among the top rookie 23th in the league. The main power fore heading into the postseason.
on the horizon. Classic against the Pittsburgh defensemen in scoring with 5 goals play weapon, Ovechkin, has been The Capitals will stay on the
A popular topic amongst Penguins at Heinz Field when right and 17 assists. First-round draft pick held in check with only three power road as they travel to Buffalo, New
Capitals fans has been the disap- wing Eric Fehr scored two goals Johansson hasn’t been as productive play goals. If the Caps can cut down York for a match-up with Thomas
pointing season of left wing all-star including the game-winner. The two but still gives Washington a solid on trying to make a perfect play and Vanek and the Sabres Sunday night.
Alexander Ovechkin. The two-time teams would meet again on Super second-line center. The rookie has just simplify their strategy, then The Sabres are currently battling for
MVP and goal scoring champion is Bowl Sunday at the Verizon Center, eight goals on the season, including they will surely put more pucks in a playoff spot and are 1-1 against
currently on pace for a 30-35 goal where goaltender Michal Neuvirth his first career short-handed tally the net while playing a man up. Washington this season.

If the Caps cut down on trying to make a perfect play...they will put more pucks in the net.
The Blake Beat February 18, 2011 D7
Coach Gilmore
establishes winning
tradition at Blake
Lady Bengals reach state
tourney three straight times
x by Robert Krakaur & Josh Paunil
Varsity girls’ basketball coach Patti Gilmore has won four
division titles, reached the state championship twice and won over
75% of her games in her four years coaching at Blake.
Coach Gilmore first came to Blake in 2006 when she
decided that she needed a change of scenery after coaching at
Einstein High School for 12 years. “I had been in the Einstein
community for a long time and decided that I wanted to do
something different,” says Coach Gilmore. However, she did not
plan on coaching the varsity girls’ basketball team when she first
came to Blake. When the position opened up she applied for the
job and received it.
During Coach Gilmore’s tenure at Blake, she has won over
92% of divisional games and has not lost a divisional game since
her first year as a coach. The team is also on a current 40-game win
streak in the division dating back to February 8, 2007. Says Coach
Gilmore, “Since you play teams in your division twice a year, you
get to know the teams, coaches and players very well.”
She has also been very successful in the playoffs with
a record of 14-4, three regional championships, and two state
championship appearances, all in just four seasons. One of her
most memorable events as a coach happened in the playoffs as
well. “My favorite moment as a coach was our first trip to the
state tournament when we shellacked Old Mill,” says Coach
Gilmore, “but then again I do enjoy beating Springbrook and
Paint Branch.”
Coach Gilmore has had a number of great players to coach
as well. Each year at Blake, someone from her team has been
named to the Washington Post’s All-Met team between Molly
Wannen in 2006-2007, Danielle Luckett in 2007-2008, Danielle
Douglas in 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 and Christine Weithman
in 2009-2010.
From a player’s perspective, Coach Gilmore has been very
successful as well. “Her knowledge of the game makes her a great
coach,” says senior captain Nikki Ostrow, “and she connects well
with her players so they come out more successful.”
Although Coach Gilmore loves winning, she says that there
is something more important to her than victories. “My favorite
thing about coaching,” she says, “is getting to interact with the
girls in a different setting and staying involved with them. I love Varsity girls’ basketball coach Patti Gilmore to perfection as their division record stays
it; it’s been a lot of fun.” watches as the Lady Bengals execute her offense unblemished. --photo by Aron Crews

Athletes not as superhuman as perceived; fans fooled by abilities


Sports stars fail at being role models, still receive praise from devotees
and Tim Tebows are overshadowed in him even though I never met him, just Chargers and replaced by Philip Rivers,
x by Lucas Irvin general by the personalities of those like showing that I did look up to him and he went to the lackluster Saints, where
“I am not a role model.” –Charles Brett Favre, Ben Roethlisberger and Chad could’ve tried to be like him if I didn’t he helped rebuild a team and an entire
Barkley Ochocinco, who is changing his surname know better. city, both physically and emotionally,
Actually, Charles, you are, but you back to Johnson. For quite a while, Tiger Woods was giving New Orleans something to cheer
shouldn’t be. Even though I am not an athlete, I perceived as a role model. He was dedi- for after winning Super Bowl XLIV, and
Athletes’ seemingly superhuman still look up to athletes sometimes. How- cated to what he did and he appeared to was named Sports Illustrated Sportsman
abilities allow them to run faster, jump ever, I can tell right from wrong, which be a strong family man. But that Thanks- of the Year last year.
higher and throw further than we can ever isn’t always the case for other kids. There giving night, all those perceptions were All sports fans look up to athletes in
get close to doing. This makes us look up are always those kids who try to imitate shattered and he has been seen as a sex one way or another, but they don’t know
to them, sometimes as examples of hard their “role models” entirely. addict ever since, even though before anything about their personal lives. They
work and dedication, which is not bad to I followed Michael Vick on TV all people didn’t think that. He is just one of only learn about their lives when some
strive for, but following their example on the way through college and in the pros, many perceived role models with a secret scandal arises and it goes all over the
how to act is generally a bad thing. until his dog fighting arrest. I burned my life that one should not try and emulate. news, revealing they weren’t as superhu-
Don’t get me wrong, there are jersey right after he was arrested and However there are also athletes that man as we originally thought. In many
plenty of athletes that are great to look up haven’t been a fan ever since. The strange are more worthy of emulation, such as cases, if you really knew these athletes,
to. But the John Woodens, Michael Ohers thing was I felt personally betrayed by Drew Brees. After getting injured on the you might lose a lot of respect for them.

NBA All-Star weekend builds excitement as league’s best take court


DC favorites Wall, McGee hope to win rookie challenge, dunk contest
Blake Griffin. above the rim. smooth and quick dribbling. The attendance of over 110,000 fans.
x by Eddie Madden Saturday will be action- Not much needs to be said players must quickly maneuver This year, the game, along with
All the best players in packed as the 3-point contest, of Blake Griffin, considering through a series of objects, drib- all the other activities will take
the world on the floor at the skills challenge, and dunk con- he’s had the league’s top high- bling the basketball and make a place in the Los Angeles Lakers’
same time, amusing events set test are all performed. Paul lights since the beginning of the layup at each end of the floor as stadium, the Staples Center.
up to challenge their skills and Pierce will look to defend his season. At 6’10, and with the cre- quickly as they can. Last year The West is led by Kobe
entertain us, this NBA All-Star title in the 3-point contest from ative mind he has, Griffin should Steve Nash took the title with Bryant and top league scorer
weekend should be an exciting last year, putting up a dazzling 20 be one of the favorites going into ease. Kevin Durant, while the East
one. points in the final round. the contest. McGee and Griffin Sunday comes the biggest is led by Lebron James and
Tonight kicks off with the After a boring and disap- add some much needed excite- event of the weekend, the actual powerhouse Dwight Howard.
Rookie Challenge, which allows pointing dunk contest last year, ment to this year’s slam-off. All-Star game. The best ten play- The game should be high scor-
the leagues best rookies to play Blake Griffin and Washington Fans were allowed to pick ers in the NBA will attempt to de- ing like usual with both sides
the league’s best sophomores. Wizard Javale McGee look to the challengers in the skills chal- fend their Conference in an East playing little defense, allowing
Washington will send hometown shake things up this year. Al- lenge for the first time, and Chris Coast vs. West Coast battle. for entertaining offensive plays.
favorite John Wall to play for though 7’0 tall, McGee is very Paul, who is the front-runner, led Last year the game was The game tips off at 8 and the
the rookies, alongside the Los athletic and can jump insanely voting significantly. Rookie John played in the new Cowboys sta- weekend should be engaging
Angeles Clippers’ phenomenon high, allowing him to rise well Wall was also selected for his dium and had a record-breaking from start to finish.
D8 February 18, 2011 The Blake Beat
King gives reasons to watch MTV’s most-talked-about shows Skins, Jersey Shore p. E3

Section E James Hubert Blake High School February 18, 2011

Spring brings
lively grooves
with Hairspray
Musical bound
for greatness;
cast devoted to
create brilliance
x by Lily Hua
Everybody’s groovin’ to a brand
new sound with Blake’s spring musical
rendition of Hairspray.
With a cast bigger than the cast
of Les Miserables in 2008, Blake’s
Hairspray is packed with gifted per-
formers. “Hairspray has a large cast
with so many talented people who can
bring so much to the table,” says senior
Max Sabelhaus. “[Along] with Mr.
D’Anna’s creativeness, and our awe-
some production staff, it will be fun just
to see what ideas spring from this.”
The 10 lead roles are as follows:
sophomore Jourdan Lewanda plays
Tracy; Sabelhaus plays Edna; sopho-
more Sam Jaffe plays Wilbur; senior
Mark Fearson plays Link; freshmen
Michelle Carter and Rebecca Hill
are Penny; junior Malcolm Jenkins
and sophomore Charles Harper are
Seaweed; senior Brittany Hamson and
sophomore Laura Savary play Velma;

This is a killer
cast, and it will
be a show people
talk about for
years.
Brittany Hamson
seniors Kira Williams and Somala
Diby are Motormouth Maybelle;
senior Maia Chicherio and freshman
Becca Glatt play Amber; and senior
Matias Perez and sophomore Calvin
Perry play Corny Collins.
Adds Hamson, “This is a killer
cast, and it will be a show people talk
about for years.”
Director Michel D’Anna select-
Contestants for Mr. Blake, scheduled for February 24 at 7pm, Brandon Simms, Aron Crews, Zakaria Kronemer, Lucas
ed this play because he believed that
include seniors Joey Morstein (clockwise from top right,) Frangou, Eddie Madden, Eric Wiley and Jesse Boulandi.
the show would be a fun experience

Mr. Blake contestants strut for good cause


for the cast and crew. “We selected
[Hairspray] because of the message
the show delivers about integration,”
evening wear, questions and the much a good enough reason to participate. says Mr. D’Anna, “as well as the
by Sammi Levitt many opportunities it provides our
anticipated swimsuit portion. Frangou, who was last year’s run-
x & Savannah Tryens The competition will be held ner up, proves to be tough competition. talented cast and tech members to
The boys are back in town and this Thursday at 7pm in the auditorium. As After winning over the crowd with his enjoy.”
time around the contestants of the annual for Pennies for Patients, during intermis- serenation to one of the judges, Frangou This year, the spring musical
Mr. Blake competition are catching disco sion audience members will have the is becoming the top runner early on. will be performed a month earlier than
fever. The eight contestants participat- opportunity to donate money to their “[Frangou] is definitely stiff competi- usual; opening night is April 1. The
ing will strut their stuff in an effort to favorite contestants. The money raised tion,” says Kronemer. “That’s why I’m crew will only have 10 weeks to learn
raise money for Pennies for Patients goes to the Leukemia and Lymphoma pulling out all the stops in order to be music, blocking, scenes and choreogra-
and ultimately receive the much desired Society. top dog.” phy. “Everyone is working really hard
crown. The boys have been practicing all The Class of 2011 is bound to put and all the songs we’ve worked on so
This years eight participants con- month to put on a memorable show. With on an entertaining event. With the senior far sound amazing,” says Lewanda. In
sist of seniors Jesse Boulandi, Lucas talents varying from hot dance moves to class council in charge, a lot of prepara- addition to learning scripts and chore-
Frangou, Joey Morstein, Zakaria Kro- classical violin playing, it is not likely tion has been put in, in order to ensure ography, performers are doing a lot of
nemer, Brandon Simms, Aron Crews, that there will be a dull moment. “I’ve the disco inferno goes off without a hitch. fundraising to earn enough money to
Eric Wiley and Eddie Madden. The boys been waiting all year for Mr. Blake,” Mr. Blake is a great way to be entertained put on the show.
start off the festivities and “Burn Baby says Wiley. “The chance to impress the and support a good cause at the same Adds Lewanda, “Everyone
Burn” with a group dance choreographed ladies with my talents and bathing suit is time. So fellow students, come out and should come with their minds open. I
by Poms. The boys will be participating a dream come true.” For the others, the support these handsome young men in think if they can do that, the show will
in various competitions including talent, mere chance to compete against friends is the 2011 Mr. Blake disco extravaganza. knock them off their feet!”
E2 February 18, 2011 The Blake Beat

Grammys host egg-spectacular performances, shocking wins


x by Sam Glatt
From the shockingly normal performance by Lady GaGa,
to the surprising winners of the Album of the Year, the 53rd
Annual Grammy Awards was definitely an interesting night
of TV.
The night began with a jaw-dropping tribute to Aretha
Franklin with performances by Christina Aguilera, Jennifer
Hudson (who blew everyone else away), Florence from Flor-
ence + the Machine, Martina McBride and Yolanda Adams. The
vocals of this performance were amazing and Christina actually
managed to remember all of the lyrics.
Lady GaGa debuted her new single “Born This Way” after
showing up in an egg shaped “container” of sorts. Compared to
most of her other performances, this was definitely tame, but
probably the most hyped up prior to the show. Her vocals were
awesome, and her dance moves were even better. All around,
a great performance by Lady GaGa (and this is coming from
someone who is not gaga for GaGa).
After Miranda Lambert received the award for Best
Female Vocal- Country, Justin Bieber, Usher and Jaden Smith
delivered a rather lackluster performance, playing hits such
as “Baby,” “Never Say Never” and “OMG.” The vocals were
less than superior, and no real talent was shown from these
performers.
After this performance, Lady GaGa won an award for
Best Pop Album for The Fame Monster, and Best Rock Album
went to Muse for their album The Resistance. After these awards,
The Avett Brothers, Mumford & Sons and Bob Dylan performed
a medley of their hits. This performance was surprisingly fun,
but Bob Dylan sounded like he was dying. I think it’s time for
the poor old guy to put down the microphone.
As relative newcomers to the music industry, Lady An-
tebellum walked away with two huge awards: Best Country
Album for Need You Now and Song of the Year for the title
track of their album, winning five total awards.
Katy Perry delivered an amazingly intimate performance
of “Not Like the Movies” and showed that after being in the
music industry for awhile, her vocals have finally improved.
After a very fun performance by Mick Jagger and a rather
boring performance by Barbara Streisand, Eminem won Best
Rap Album for his critically acclaimed album Recovery.
The night rounded out with a performance of “What’s
My Name” from Rihanna and Drake, and a seizure-inducing
performance from Album of the Year “wimmers” (Thank you
Lea Michele for that hilarious faux pas) Arcade Fire. I think
we can all agree that this came as a shock to almost everyone.
At least I know that was the main topic of conversation on my
twitter feed.
All in all, the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards was a fun
night of music television. I can definitely say that I am looking
forward to next year’s show.

Local rap group x by Lily Hua


Is Point Blank one of the upcoming
showcased their “That Paparazzi” music
video on the front page of his Music Blue
profile. The Music Blue profile (now dis-
pers, singers and dancers.”
The members of Point Blank are
all very passionate about the music they

gains popularity, rap group sensations on Youtube?


Um? Duh!
Juniors Richard Muhammad (aka
continued) was a website T-Pain created to
feature music of original bands and artists
over the summer. “With that success on
are producing and about music in general.
Says Schwartz, “I find rapping to be the
greatest art form I have ever known!”

expands band Radi-yo Musiqq) and Parris Schwartz (aka


OrayO Mixxed) started the group Point
Blank over the summer of 2010. Says
our backs, we decided to continue making
songs,” says Schwartz.
As the hit song “Um? Duh!” spread
They will be performing at the upcoming
International Night event on March 4.
The group is currently working on
Ensemble’s music Muhammad, “We aspired to try and do
something great on our own. We wanted to
in popularity, more and more artists ex-
pressed interest in joining the group. In
their CD titled 2 Sided-Story, which will be
released sometime early spring, and their

video noticed by work our way toward becoming rappers,


and that’s what we do.” Schwartz and
Muhammad have produced songs such as
time, Point Blank expanded to include
other musicians and dancers and another
group known as Epic Jamz, which in-
second album after that titled Blast-For-
Me. 2 Sided-Story will feature 12 tracks
with a story line about Point Blank’s rise
T-Pain as they “Um? Duh!” and “That Paparazzi,” which
can be heard on their YouTube channel.
cludes sophomore Jahmilla Fisher and
junior Jahmarii Fisher. Says Muhammad,
to fame and their love triangle hardships.
More information and previews will be
reach for stardom Their music careers started off
and proved to be a success when T-Pain
“[We] kept adding people and eventually,
Point Blank became a huge group of rap-
available on their channel at http://www.
youtube.com/user/WeArePointBlank.
The Blake Beat February 18, 2011 E3
her now not-so-private parts to the infamous ing their relationships with friends, family and the problems
Situation during the season premiere. they face. I applaud MTV for bringing a television series to
After the ice was broken (on top of a America like one we’ve never seen before,
few drinks) the season began to feel but the show flat-out sucks: scenes
refreshingly familiar and almost
nostalgic. Unfinished busi-
tain to make
are awkward and lackluster; the
vocal inflection of almost
ness between roommates
and Seaside patrons
brings that essential er every actor peaks at about
the height of your bor-
ing history teacher;

Ski
c
comic relief between and the script is

V shows
break-ups, fights and about complex as a

ns of all craw
incarcerations. Yep, straight line.
Snooki goes to jail. Re- As much
turning to Seaside feels like as I think the
returning to the dysfunctional show is terrible,
family you love to hate, and I have to admit

T
hate to love. it’s something I

M
And as if MTV couldn’t look forward to
x by Damon King push the raunchy envelope any watching each

w
more, it premiered the North week. Between the
American version of the British terrible acting and

e
Hide your alcohol, hide your hairspray, hide your nar- l
series, Skins. The show follows even worse dialogue,

N
cotics, and hide your conservative grandmas because MTV
nine teenagers on their quest for I’ve surprisingly found
is bringing the heat with its newly revamped series.
independence, sexual freedom, and a show (somewhere deep
Jersey Shore is back in its third installment at the
to get as messed-up as humanly pos- down) with a story line
familiar Seaside Heights, where we first fell in love with
sible. Where the show lacks in writing worth following
fist-pumping and Snooki’s poof. Minus Angelina, the house’s
and decent acting, it picks up in originality Both shows, Jersey Shore
unanimously hated ex-roommate, not much has changed.
and concept. and Skins, are equally terrible in their
Well, nothing apart from the newly added, Snooki and MVP
The show does a great job in bringing you into the own way; nonetheless, I say, go watch! You’ll
approved, self-declared “party in a glass” - Deena. She set
lives of each character. Each episode is centered on regret it in the best way possible. Just don’t let your mom
the tone of the heavily anticipated season by exposing

lm
the lives of one specific character, explor- catch you watching.

ed i
f needs The movie de- but it is in fact a worthwhile, en- sporting opaque sunglasses, and
x by Isak Shah
If you happen to be a fan of ng serves much credit
for its inventive
use of silenc-
tertaining movie. I say this, only
because the plot lacked depth and
detail enough to cross the thresh-
driving a lone car in to the sun-
set, unscathed, after a near-fatal
explosion is not lost in this movie;
ically challe

bol

Jason Statham, or a sucker for a es and ambi- old between admitted movie, nor is the satisfying twist that
good, old-fashioned fight-scene, ent sound and a higher level of realism that leaves the audience grinning and
ts tightened

then I recommend you see The to create actually sucks the audience in and pleased with the cleverness of the
Mechanic. It has all the compo- a sense of inspires gasps and dropping of hero/heroine.
nents of a decent action film, u rg e n c y jaws throughout the cinema. All in all, I give it 3½ stars
complete with some underly- and dan- At some points, I will ad- out of five. A solid movie is al-
ing themes that will tug a little g e r. O f mit, I was surprised- the plot was ways worth seeing, but the lack
on your heartstrings. course, not completely predictable, but of depth in the plot and shock
Statham plays Arthur it doesn’t overall it lacked shock-value. value took this one down a couple
n

Bishop, a mechanic, and a hold a The score and screenplay were notches. The fact that it was only
a

top-notch assassin who, against candle to well chosen, adding the perfect 92 minutes long saved it from a
ch

his loner’s better judgment, has up The Bourne amounts of suspense, as well as the harsher review, and kept it, for
decided to take on an apprentice, Trilogy or Die perfect sentiments of loneliness all intensive purposes, interesting
the son of a friend, named Steve
McKenna, played by Ben Foster.
Me Hard in the way
of heart-stoppers,
and guilt. The timeless image of
a story’s hero,
enough to hold the attention of an
audience for its duration.

x by Shannon Wade
:Coded puts n
Re e
Sora’s goal is to was represented by a chip,
Same worlds. Same Heartless. find and destroy the bugs to fix which then had to be placed
Same bosses. Same old Sora. It’s King- the glitches and return the worlds into a grid. Abilities were
dom Hearts 1--with a new twist. to normal. Fixing the glitches only gained after put-
:

ws

The most recent installment to the proved to be annoying because ting enough chips
earts

Kingdom Hearts series, Re:Coded, was the enemies in the data space were into the grid, which
released January 11 for the Nintendo more powerful, making it almost was hard because
pin on old game

DS. Set after Kingdom Hearts 2, it goes a certain death, unless you leveled of an extrava-
back in time through the use of Jiminy up a lot which is at best, tedious. gant chip price,
H

Cricket’s journal. Each world is marked by reached only by


Jiminy finds a sentence in one slightly different game play, hours of game
m

of his journals asking for help- with which makes it interesting and play.
Mickey’s help, they contact the Sora avoids the usual monotony of I recom-
o

inside the journal to investigate the these kinds of games. The fight- mend that any-
d

message. Inside the journal, or data ing style changed from a stroller one who enjoys
g

space, are tons of bugs and glitches that game, to a shooting game, and to the Kingdom
need to be fixed. I found this plot to be the turn-by-turn RPG type game. Hearts series
n

interesting but not super amazing like Each had their own hardships which get and play this
Ki

the main games. Mainly, this game is a kept the game entertaining. game because it
filler with the only relevant information One thing that I did not like puts a new spin on
coming at the end. was the amount of time it took to gain things and keeps you
The worlds from Kingdom Hearts enough experience to level up. Each lev- hooked for the next
1 are not how they are supposed to be. el that was gained release.

x by Savannah Doane-Malotte
ring Idol back vorite, who I wasn’t so sure of at

tn b in Sim- first) is hilarious and outspoken like


For the past nine years, America ilar to the Ellen Degeneres, but also gentle and musi-
has grown tired of American Idol previous trio, cally experienced.
and its predictable plot, as well as each judge has This season, the show hosted auditions in Ten-
e

spo

the cheesy celebrity judge trio– nessee, Wisconsin, Louisiana, New Jersey, Texas, and
l

their own role


ng ta

Simon, Randy, and Paula. But and personal- California. Each city brought the good with the bad, but
tlight for Season

this year, Season 10 is mixing ity through- there were several contestants who are worth remem-
things up with a lowered au- out the audi- bering. Surprisingly, most of the incredible auditions
dition age, fresh new judges,
u

tion process. were of 15 year-old contestants, who, with the newly


and mind-blowing talent.
o

Randy has lowered audition age, are now able to compete. This
y

The additions to the become the new demographic has reeled in numerous young stars
judging crew – singer and in the making, including Lauren Alaina, who auditioned
,

most critical
s

actress Jennifer Lopez and one, but isn’t in Nashville, TN. Who knows? Maybe they’ll find the
e

front man of Aerosmith Ste- next Justin Bieber.


c

over-the-top
a

ven Tyler—are a breath of offensive like America agrees that this season of American Idol
f

fresh air compared to the re- the infamous is the best yet. During the few weeks of auditions and
h

tiree judges. I was surprised at Simon Cowell. Hollywood cuts, the show averaged 23.7 million viewers,
s

how well the new threesome got with numbers continually rising over expectation.
e

10 J-Lo and Paula


along, as they’re all from com-
pletely different realms of music;
Fr are similar in their
kindness, but Lopez is
Although FOX’s American Idol may seem to be
another guilty-pleasure reality show, this newest season
but it’s an improvement in contrast to not a pushover who will has proved that it’s truly worth watching. With honest
the constant judge vs. judge drama in the just say yes to anyone. And talent and heart-warming stories, Season 10 is bound to
last few seasons. Steven Tyler (my personal fa- be the season that makes Idol history.
E4 February 18, 2011 The Blake Beat

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