Documenti di Didattica
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C1
Volume 13 Number 4 James Hubert Blake HS Silver Spring MD http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/blakehs February 18, 2011
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.
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
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
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.
We waste our time being entertained by other people’s drama and misfortune.
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
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.
UnClassifieds
Never trouble trouble until trouble troubles My dad had a pet chicken, grandma, a
you gazelle. Nbd
____________________________ ____________________________
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!
____________________________ ____________________________
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
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
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.”
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
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
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
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
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
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
spo
the cheesy celebrity judge trio– nessee, Wisconsin, Louisiana, New Jersey, Texas, and
l
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
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
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