Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
A2
Volume 14 Number 3
Silver Spring, MD
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/blakehs
November. I mostly chilled with Mariah, [her dog] Jill E. Bean and Santa, though Justin and I
people who accept him for who he truly is. I was already out when I got to Blakebut the vast majority of students and all of the staff are either vocally supportive or havent directly addressed it, says Jenkins. Both responses create the ideal environment for gay people. Though he is aware that homophobes exist within the hallways, he has not had a direct encounter and tries to ignore them. As for coming out, he believes that telling friends and allowing them to spread the word is the best way to inform classmates about ones sexuality. Says Jenkins, If they accept you, thats all that matters; if they dont, they arent your true friends. CONTINUED ON PAGE A3
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things for the silent majority; people dont pay attention to the everyday kids who do what theyre supposed to. Many students are outraged at the potential curfew bill, stating that plans do not always have a set end time and they should not be punished because of that. The bill allows minors to be at a movie theater past curfew as long as the film started before the curfew time, but still restricts many other late night teen activities. Some people are arguing over the constitutionality of the bill. Law teacher Donna Phillips says, It is not unconstitutional, in my opinion, especially because it specifically states that teens retain their first amendment rights. In addition, according to the 10th Amendment, local governments have the authority to control matters such as curfew. Mrs. Wagner disagrees with the constitutionality of the bill, however, saying, I think [the bill] is punishing kids for something they have not yet done.
Anthony Bui
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Anna Steinfeld
and succeed. Dr. Phillips and other staff members created Global Issues and the Law after the success of eight students who attended a mock hearing as an exhibition team. This experience really changes the students who participate in itit gives them much more of a stake in our democratic system, says Dr. Phillips. In the classroom, the group benefits from contact with Congress members and the support of various organizations. Guest speakers including Maryland state senator Paul Pinsky, and Mary Beth Tinker, from 1969 Supreme Court case Tinker v. Des Moines, have been invited to speak with the class in the near future. The class will also observe the Maryland General Assembly soon and is planning to go on a field trip to the Supreme Court. Although many of the students currently enrolled do not plan to pursue political science as a career, the course has helped them grow as individuals. I am not that great of a public speaker but I know that all of the speeches we have to give and write will help me in the future, says senior Kim Toxie. Dr. Phillips adds, [These students] are more likely to participate in politics. They are also able to keep up with current events and make better informed decisions.
A4
Aida finished its strong run November 19 after performing six shows. From top, Aida, played by senior Alex Reeves (double cast with senior Yasmin Wamala), holds an Egyptian guard captive. Center left, Zoser, played by junior Sam Jaffe, plots the Pharaohs death. Center, Radames, played by senior Yann Ellinghaus (double cast with junior Ryan Reynolds) returns to
Egypt from war in Nubia. Center right, Amneris, played by junior Jourdan Lewanda (double cast with sophomore Michelle Carter) sings the story of the two lovers, Aida and Radames. Bottom left, sophomore Rebecca Hill strikes a pose in a fashion show. Bottom right, Wamala as Aida, leads her fellow Nubians to redemption. -- photos by Dennis Chan
A5
Alumni Panel event allows former students to speak minds, give guidance
Blake was really great at helping make that transition as smooth as possible.
Daniel Arias
Crews, a freshman at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska, is taking part in the panel to share his wisdom with the students of Blake. I love helping others, adds Crews. I want to share my knowledge with all of the amazing people
Lillian Watkins
Student complaints pertaining to teachers in our school who give out a limited amount of bathroom passes during the year have been increasing because of its annoyance and unfairness. Environmental science teacher Nicole Houchens limits the number of passes to three times per quarter. She has a very systematic way of letting students out of the classroom and she sticks to it the whole year. I only let one student out of the room at a time, so they usually know that they have to get back, says Mrs. Houchens. Most students do not agree with the teachers view on restroom usage. I find it to be restricting, adds junior
a great number of hall pass requests, says English and SAT prep teacher Joseph Caulfield. Although he says he would never deny anyone from going to the bathroom while they had an emergency, Mr. Caulfield gives any student who has used up their passes, which Mr. Caulfield hands out to students in the beginning of the year for the entire semester, a 20 minute lunch detention if they have a crisis. Complaints about these enforced bathroom rules have only grown in the past year. We cant control when we have to use the restroom; teachers are humans just like us and they should understand this, says junior Patrick Richard. However, teachers do not reteach things to students who miss class because of bathroom visits.
[Using the restroom] is really disruptive, and an enormous waste of everyone elses time.
Elaine Power
A6
Percentage of Students at James Hubert Blake Who Were Ineligible First Quarter for 2010-2011 and 2011-2012
2010-2011 Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 30.70% 19.70% 9.30% 13.60% 2011-2012 29.90% 19.30% 12.20% 9.20%
I dont think there is a real difference between [attendance] voicemail and email. It just makes no sense and wastes time.
Daniel York*
THE BLAKE BEAT WANTS YOU TO HAVE A SAFE & HAPPY BREAK!
Newsbeats
December 16, 2011
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For the first time in four years, Fuego Latino participated in the MCPS Annual Latin Dance Competition. Senior Ginayra Garcia placed second in the Jack and Jill division with Einstein High School senior David Cuevas, and Garcia placed third in the Salsa couples division with senior Diego Vallejos. Junior Katia Segura and her father placed third in the Parent-Student division. Senior Karen Vanegas was awarded the Leadership Award by the After School Dance Fund. n n n Senior David Hylton was awarded the Posse scholarship to Pepperdine University in Malibu, California December 7. The Posse scholarship is a full tuition scholarship awarded based off of leadership, community service and diversity. Hylton went through a three-stage interview process, the first in September and the last December 7. The Posse
Foundation is an organization that recruits, identifies and trains students with extraordinary academic and leadership potential. Hylton will be attending an award ceremony January 4, congratulating him on his accomplishment. Starting in mid-January, Hylton will be attending weekly meetings at the Posse headquarters in DC with nine other individuals from across the DC-Metro area who also got the scholarship for Pepperdine until he goes to college in August. Hylton was the only winner from Blake this year. This scholarship was awarded to two Blake students last year. n n n
letics December 6.
Juniors Andrew Latona (guitar), Hannah Wynne (alto saxophone) and Greg Chaimson (trumpet) made the 2011 All County Jazz Band. They performed Tuesday night at the Kennedy Center. The band members tried out in the beginning of the year by performing a piece given to them by their band instructor. They practice once a week at Walter Johnson High School. n n n
Looking for a new way to stay connected to Blake athletics? The athletic department has created a Twitter account providing fans the latest updates on Bengal athletic events. So if you cant make a game, @BlakeAthletics is your source to catch big plays and score updates. Two Magnus Richards dunks and Blake Varsity boys are up 10-0.- @BlakeAth-
Senior Samuel Rivera, member of Burtonsvilles troop 480, became an Eagle Scout Saturday in a ceremony attended by family and friends after multiple years participating in his troop. To earn the rank of Eagle Scout, Rivera completed a community service project building benches in the courtyard at Benjamin Banneker Middle School. Rivera plans on assisting his brother through the Boy Scout process and will continue to help his troop in their activities.
Dec OCT
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BLAKE
December 19
Varsity Girls Basketball at Wootton, 7pm Varsity Boys Basketball vs. Wootton, 7pm JV Girls Basketball at Wootton, 5:15pm JV Boys Basketball vs. Wootton, 5:15pm
CALENDAR
December 21
Varsity Girls Basketball vs. Springbrook, 5:15pm Varsity Boys Basketball vs. Springbrook, 7pm JV Girls Basketball at Springbrook, 3:30pm JV Boys Basketball at Springbrook, 5:15pm
December 16
Varsity Girls Basketball vs. Quince Orchard, 7pm Varsity Boys Basketball at Quince Orchard, 7pm JV Girls Basketball vs. Quince Orchard, 5:15pm JV Boys Basketball at Quince Orchard, 5:15pm
December 17
Boys Swim and Dive vs. Poolesville, 9:15am Girls Swim and Dive vs. Poolesville, 9:15am Varsity Wrestling vs. Einstein, 1pm Varsity Wrestling vs. Rockville, 1pm
December 20
Varsity Wrestling at Walter Johnson, 6pm JV Wrestling at Walter Johnson, 7pm PTSA Meeting, 6:30pm Choral Concert, 7:30pm
December 22
Varsity Wrestling vs. Clarksburg, 6pm JV Wrestling vs. Clarksburg, 7pm Holiday Band Concert, 7:30pm
A8
Section B
Photo op! You make sure your hair looks perfect, put one arm around the person with you, position the other on your waist and put on your prettiest smile. And when someone finally snaps the picture, some random person is jumping and screaming in the background. That random person is likely to be me. Combining my inability to take myself seriously for a fraction of a second and the opportunity to peeve my picturesquely posed peers, photobombing is among my favorite hobbies. It is especially fun because anyone can participate, be it around friends or complete strangers. Photobombing is always entertaining, regardless of how you do it, whether by jumping, flailing your arms or simply making the most disturbing face possible. However, if you want to elevate photobombing into an art form, you must move past these basic, overused attention seekers and get more creative. As an improvisational art form, you cant plan exactly what to do, but you can be prepared when the opportunity strikes. Be on constant lookout for opportunities and be able to make instantaneous judgment calls on what would best (or from the view of the photographer, worst) action to take. Props and partners help, giving you more possibilities. Eating disgustingly is nice, juggling on a unicycle is better. Whatever you do, make sure you detract as much attention as possible from the actual subject of the picture. If you think that you have reached the position of master photobomber, you may be eligible to join the Ordo Fratrum Bombrum, a centuries-old society of masters going all the way back to the era of painting bombing. Submit your portfolio of your best work to me and we will deem you worthy or not of entry. If you survive initiation and become a member of the Order, you can get your own portrait (there are some pretty hilarious ones mounted in the Lodge) and come to meetings. Next Saturday, were all dressing up in gorilla suits and going to the Mall to photobomb as many unassuming tourists as possible.
When you make decisions...they can damage your life far beyond your teenage years.
in out-of-hand protests) and drug possession. So you got arrested for one of these things, now what? In my opinion, the worst of all these disqualify you from financial aid. No big deal, you didnt think college would be for you anyway. So youre considering the Navy, Army or Air Force.
Or perhaps you have plans of working for the government or a bank after high school. Well, I wish you luck because each of those jobs could choose not to hire you because of your criminal record. So now youre 18. Your parents kicked you out the house because youre now officially an adult. But because of that one adolescent mistake, you now cant afford college and in todays economy, you probably cant find a job either. This scenario doesnt sound like the life any teenager wants to live out. So keep in mind, when you make decisions, dont make stupid ones; because they can damage your life far beyond your teenage years.
Americans have a superficial image of what looks like a terrorist imprinted in their minds basically anyone who looks like Osama Bin Laden.
Upon seeing a man with tan skin, dark facial hair and a turban, or a woman with conservative clothes and a traditional hijab covering her hair, most Americans cant help but to think one thing: terrorist. A terrorist, according to Google Dictionary, is a person who uses terrorism (violence or intimidation) in the pursuit of political aims. But within the past decade, Americans stereotype of a terrorist has changed. Because of the September 11th attacks, the Iraq War and other related events, those who are MiddleEastern American or Muslim American are seen as our countrys primary enemies. This trend has grown to be so widespread that it has gained the official title of Islamophobia. It is appalling that our nation, where so many come to escape persecution, is still persecuting its own citizens. Middle Eastern Americans do not deserve this prejudice that is heaped upon them, as they are just as American as anyone else. Americans have a superficial image of what looks like a terrorist imprinted in their minds basically anyone who resembles Osama Bin Laden. This results in hatred and oppression of those who arent even Arab, Muslim or Iraqi. Because of their similarities in appearance, there have been many incidents of attacks
on Christian, Sikh and Hindu Arabs, Iranians (who constitute a different ethnicity than Arabs), as well as South Asians. This stereotype therefore not only affects Arab and Muslim Americans, but also those who only appear to be Arab or Muslim. This mindset against these groups is not only wrong, but is strongly racist. There is no difference between this discrimination and the discrimination of Japanese-Americans during World War II. The question is: did we learn our lesson, or are we going to continue to blame an entire race or religion on one groups actions? The new TLC show, All-American Muslim (which airs Sundays at 10pm), aims to break down the racial barriers against Muslim Americans. In the show, Muslim American families acknowledge the existence of opposition against their faith and background, while enlightening viewers on who they truly are. I most definitely recommend this program to the public - it will make you think twice before you stereotype. The next time you want to classify someone as a terrorist, dont look to Middle Easterners. Someone who talks about hating America and is planning to bomb a historical landmark, for example, is probably more likely to be a terrorist. So I ask of you, stop the religious and racial prejudice against our fellow Americans. Its immoral, ignorant and against our nations core values of tolerance and acceptance.
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there are, then these radio stations will never stop. So, while Bing Crosby is busy dreaming of a white Christmas, Ill be dreaming of a a November day during which I can turn on the radio and not hear the same incessant Christmas music.
When I hear Feliz Navidad, the only thing I want to say is adios.
but it seems that I was wrong. I cant be sure of this but these holiday radio stations may secretly be the reason why the Grinch stole Christmas. He mustve heard the Alvin and the Chipmunks Christmas song one t o o
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No doubt these classes will be highly popular, and should they be added to the curriculum. I might just have to repeat my senior year.
Blackberry iPhone 4S Baby Shiloh Baby Knowles American Idol X Factor Trees ICC Class of 2011 Class of 2012 Twilight Hunger Games Selena Gomez Emily Eaglin Planking Slothing/Tebowing Toddlers and Tiaras Dance Moms Mariah Carey Adele Vans Toms Oprah Anderson iPods in class Phones at lunch Cougar couples Dating your own age Sarah Palin Michele Bachmann Rams Head Fillmore
Graphic by Ellen Wood
WHATS IN:
WHATS OUT:
B6
Students recognize fads that stand test of time, stronger than ever
Chucks, Beatles, SNL still rage after decades of recognition, prominence
by Kristen Frese x & Nicole Sterling
With the new year approaching, we all like to find the things that are In and those things that were SO 2011 (See B3). But as we put together this list, we couldnt help but notice that there are some trends that just never lost popularity. Lets start it off with our favorite drink: Coca Cola. Nothing can get as timeless as this; its in every vending machine, every restaurant, and has even spun off a series of flavored Coca Cola drinks, such Coca Cola Zero, Coca Cola Cherry and Coca Cola Vanilla. The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, thrilled us all with every song he released. Although he passed away, his music is still very much alive. Dances like the Dougie and the Cupid Shuffle may be Youtube hits for a while, but no dance will ever exceed the fame of Thriller. Even our own Poms squad performs this hit every year on Halloween. And lets not forget The Beatles. Do we even need to talk about how theyre timeless? Theyve been proven to be one of the most successful bands in music history and their songs will forever live on. After their albums were added to iTunes in recent years, their popularity has soared once again. Now lets move on to fashion- Levi jeans, anyone? You probably have at least one pair in your dresser and the vintage styles from the 1930s are now even more in than a brand new pair of Hollister jeans. Grease by itself is a movie well never stop loving, but its the shoes that Danny wore that will truly never stop being stylish. Chuck Taylors, by Converse, can be found in any teenagers closet, regardless of gender. Though they all started out black and white, they now range in different patterns and colors. Created in 1917, your grandparents might even own a pair. The standard for appearances changes every year. One year girls should be curvy and voluptuous, the next year thin is the only way to look. But girls can always turn to their little black dress to make sure theyre stylish. When full figures are in, these tight black dresses can accentuate curves. When being skinny is back in, black dresses help girls look slim. In terms of TV shows, it seems there is a new series coming out every month. When a new show gains popularity, another show ends and is quickly forgotten. But Saturday Night Live (SNL) has been on for over 25 years and still keeps us up until 1am watching. This is one show where a new cast doesnt hinder the quality of the show. So, while throwing out your Blackberry and Vans to keep up with the latest 2012 trends, dont forget to stop and remember these timeless classics.
We couldnt help but notice that there are some trends that just never lose popularity.
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x by Niki Byrd
ing to improve fairytales often push the envelope a little too far, creating a dark and morphed version of the original. For instance, in Red Riding Hood, instead of a little girl going to grandmas house, Amanda Seyfried is offered as a sacrifice to a werewolf and is caught in a love triangle. This is just the beginning. Word has already spread that two new versions of Snow White are in process, as well as a new Hansel and Gretel and a new Sleeping Beauty. But why the sudden return to fairytales? I think fairytales are a source of common ground for everyone. We all know them, and whether we deny it or not we all have a soft spot for a happily ever after I know I do. Fairytales never get old, and I will continue to come back to my ancient VCR to watch Cinderella. And thats why these new versions are such a success. Despite the new, modern, and sometimes dark twists (which are occasionally overdone) they still remind us of when we were children, and that never gets old.
Taylor Swift still reaps benefits from notorious Kanye West VMA incident
x by David Hylton
Pop country artist triumphs at award shows due to American sympathy vote
Taylor Swift is an amazing artist, but what has she done that makes her so special? All she does is write songs calling out the things her exs have done wrong (side note: if every song is about a different guy, maybe you are the problem), whine on stage (no, not sing, but whine) and try to win hearts over by acting like a 17 year old girl (I swear, shes been 17 for five years now). So why is she winning all of these awards? Because people still feel bad for her due to the MTV 2009 Video Music Awards incident in which Kanye West interrupted her acceptance speech, receiving Americas sympathy; but do we need to continue to harp on it? Its been two years now. I feel as though people make it sure that she wins whatever awards she is nominated for in order to cancel out her horrible experience. For example, Billboard
Yo Taylor, Im really happy for youIll let you finish. But Adele had one of the best albums of all time! This is what I wished interrupted Taylor Swift as she accepted her award for Artist of the Year at the 2011 American Music Awards (AMA). The victory of this 22-year-old girl triumphed a woman who has undeniably one of the best voices of all timethe worlds new favorite star: Adele - or an artist who made history this year (Katy Perry tied Michael Jacksons record for most number one singles from one album), is an absolute conspiracy. First off, can anyone think of any major hits Swift had this year? Hello? (Crickets chirping) Oh right, she hasnt. People like to think that
named Taylor Swift Woman of the Year for 2011really? Yeah, it completely makes sense to ignore Katy Perry who became the first woman ever to score five number ones off of one album, I mean thats not a big deal or anything. Its not like Taylor Swifts Speak Now album sold millions less than Adeles 21 album even though it has been out longer, I mean pshh who cares about that? When it comes down to it, Taylor Swift, although some may disagree, is just a come and go artist, as I like to call it. When she releases new material, people go crazy about it for a week or two, until they realize shes just written the same vengeful or heartbroken lyrics just to a different tune over and over again. Does this type of artist really deserve the same awards that have been given to the legendary Beyonc? MmmI dont think so.
B8
The James Hubert Blake administration, faculty & staff congratulate these students on making 1st Quarter Honor Roll
9th GRADE Barnabas Afley Sarah Ajih Oritsetsolaye Ayuka Troy Alexander Andrea Andrade Princess Anyaibe Tiffany Azenon Dyniyah Beaudouin Sage Bennett Zachary Berry Nathan Bonsu Taylor Boone Bronson Boyd John Bunke Kate Campbell Elana Carr Alexis Carter Joshua Chaimson Chun Chan Keith Chen Richelle Claytor Alison Comer Aaron Cooke Erika Cornejo Katherine Delaney Margaret Delaney Zana Dempsie Brian Dicken Vinson Do Kieran Dollemore Buffee Dorsey Logan Dreher Kira Dunlap Maya Eaglin Kathleen Edquiban Olivia English Bronwyn Evans EMILY EVANS NAOMI FESSEHA Juan Fisher Nailah Fisher KHALIA FLORES-MADISON Gabriella Garcia-Ruiz Brook Gil Malcolm Gilbert DANIEL GOLDBERG Ariel Gomez Tenay Graham Alyssia Graves Elizabeth Gross Andrea Guirola Melissa Guzman BENJAMIN HALEY ELANA HARRIS Zoe Hatzes Markel Hawkins Sophie Hayman Frank Hedgepeth Jordan Holbrook Jina Huleis Jolin Huleis Courtney Hutchinson Ashley Jackson Orlando James Jr. Brandon Johnson Grace Johnson Cameron Jones Colleen Kalkofen LEVKO KARMAZYN Dina Khadder Samuel King NIKOS KOUFOS FILIP LAESTADIUS Jaleel Larkins Mark Lee Keenan Lo Amanda Long Samantha Lowenthal Samantha Luckert Michelle Markward Chloe Martin Poteet Nijaee Mathis-Butler Wyatt McInturff Ashley McLaughlin Janelle McLaughlin Jordan McLean Summer Meile Naila Mendonca Mariatou Mendy Stephen Michur Allysa Mulrain Melissa Mulrain Kate Murphy Olivia Ndebumadu Jamal Nganga Anh-Thu Nguyen Tyler Nine Madeleine Noonan-Shueh Christopher Nugent MAX OGRADY Adedamola Orimolade Emily Park Cameron Payton Camila Penaloza Keyri Perez-Roque Adassa Phillips Thomas Plihal Leon Polyzos Avery Potts Taanya Puthran Jenna Ramirez Lexxus Ransom Amber Reese Bryson Reyes Marygrace Reyes Shianne Richardson Taylor Riddick Leslie Rodriguez Francesca Sabelhaus Martha Sam Kyla Schweber Adrian Sebion Gerardo Serrano Jr. Stacy Shin COLLEEN SIMMONS Emerson Sirk Ian Smith Charles Spaid Kimberly Specht Samantha Steel Sydney Steel Nicholas Steffes William Taggart Maika Taguchi Renee Treacy Datena Trinh Isaac Umar Alice Umoh Natalia Ventura Chensley Villasson Jacqueline Villatoro Keri Walker Darien Waters Deborah Waters JORDAN WEBER Chloe Wehling Ebony Wolfe Sydney Wolk JOAN WOOD Leon Yeung 10th GRADE Alexis Afamefune CLAUDIA ALARCO Stephania Andino-Escobar Abigia Arage MARY ARONNE HUNTER BALOG Edward Bamfo Tiffany Barrett Nicole Barriga Zachary Bartlett Sean Bartley Gregory Bell JULIA BELL Adam Beuttler Grayson Boone Sarah Bridegum TORIE BROER Asha Brown Niara Brown SILVIA BUGLIO KEVIN BUI Kimberly Callahan Jewel Campbell Tayahd Campbell Devin Cannon Sherry-Mae Canoy Jasmine Carter MICHELLE CARTER Justin Chan Samantha Chau Chukwujindu Chiazor Shoshanna Chito ANN CIRINCIONE Bryan Citrenbaum Matthew Clanton Casey Clark Kaelyn Clark Myles Clark Jay Cleofe Kaylah Cooper Rene Cordon Alison Coyne Alexis Crispin RILEY CRUICKSHANK Gabrielle Cudjoe Dario De Los Santos Yancy Del Cid Yodit Denu Kaylie Deshler Natalie Domaas Miles Douglas Ashley Escobar Jahmilla Fisher JASON FLEISCHER Morgan Fletcher Xavier Fox Emma Friedman MAIA GADSDEN Kimia Gaines Shawn Gamarra Jason Glantz REBECCA GLATT Tavares Glover Leah Goldberg Betsy Gomez Andy Gonzales Patrick Griffin Sandra Guevara Alexandra Hadyka LILLIAN HALLMARK Bethany Hamson ASHA HENLEY Rebecca Hill Kirsten Hines Cathleen Ho Thao Hoang George Hyde Jacqueline Hyman Hyla Jacobson Ashley Johnson Gabrielle Jones Madeline Kalen Dong Kang Daniel Keller Eunseo Kim Amanda King Sophia Klein Jocelyn Ko Alana Kominski Mina Konaka Emily Kong John Kos Alexandra Krakaur Clauton Kum Zachary Kushner Meyer Lahat Cassie Le Gracia Le Jamie Lee THEODORA LEMBEROS Nicole Lertora Christina Lim Faubricio Lopez Laura Lopez DUNCHADHN LYONS Mahdi Malik Oscar Mariscal Kevonn Martin THEODORA MARTIN Kristina McKenna Logan McMurray Tatyanna Mitler Angela Mix Mary Molloy Nyah Muhammad Diego Munoz Jamie Nathlar Radelle Ndi Brigit Ngaleu Kevin Nguyen VAN NHAN NGUYEN Danielle Norris DAPHNE OGRADY Demonte Ojinnaka Chukwunonso Okonkwo Kimberly Ann Omar Emmanuel Oppong Maryam Outlaw Melanie Outtarac Nicholas Park Matthew Parsons Estefania Perez Victor Phimphachanh Sheyla Pintado Samuel Preza Meghan Proctor Julieta Quiroga JEREMY RADOV Diarra Radway Maiah Richards Tiara Royal Matthew Russell Kara Savercool Ada Seye Ashley Sheibaniagdam Larson Shilling Brett Silverman MARGARET SIMPSON Joel Sorto Thomas Stanton David Steele Noah Sturdivant Safra Tadesse Nina Tan Caroline Tatnall Melinda Tchokogoue Dianne Techwei Jonathan Tober Kelsy Turner Karley Valdes Stephanie Van Albert Heather Veli Gerson Villanueva Tan Vo Robert Walker Capria Williams Tanner Williams Amielia Wilson Victoria Wolsh Dashawn Woody CAROLYN WORDEN Kevin Wright Samantha Wright Fatou Yatassaye FELICIA YAU Michelle Yeung Joseph Young Bayron Zepeda 11th GRADE MOHAMMED ABBAS Aiman Abdelmouti Phrasaengd Adhatamsoontra Nora Adjah-Provencal Kwame Asante Kristina August Nader Ayoub Angela Bair INDIA BANKS JENNA BEERS John Beers Madeleine Benjoar KATHERINE BLACKFORD Paul Bourelly Lillian Bradley Cole Bradshaw Carla Brizuela Graylyn Broadnax Michelle Brooks Lilet Broomes Michael Brown Madison Bruffy Toure Burgess Thais Calderon Megan Cameron Cory Camp Devora Castillo Rebeca Cedillo GREGORY CHAIMSON Ryan Chang Maurya Chaurasia Kevin Cheung Deanna Chirigos Ryan Choe Hoyoung Choi Peter Chu Reyna Claytor Nicholas Colburn Lindsey Comer Andrew Conchas Miya Cook Nicholas Corsillo Cory Covington LYDIA CURDTS PRIYA DADLANI BRANDON DAVIS Nicholas Davis Aliya Dean Brandon Deane Jeenaba Deme Julia Dennis Alison Dionne Albert Djoum Julia Doh McKenzie Dreher Emily Eaglin Darien Ellis Monica Eng Michael Errigo Mauriel Espinoza Jessica Flores Alexus Ford ARYN FRAZIER Connor Horseman Gaffney Megan Gagern Corey Glocker Derek Glocker Daniel Gonzalez Chante Goodger Jamil Gordon ERIC GOTTLIEB Jose Grandados Anjelica Grant Candace Grant PAUL GREGG Emily Greitzer Duncan Grundham Anna Haley DaShawn Hall Brittany Hargrave Charles Harper Antony Harris BRADLEY HARRISON MARVIN HART IV Kellen Healy Vivian Henderson Breon Herbert Azalia Hernandez RACHEL HEWITT Olivia Hubbard Jodeh Huleis Jane Hwang Ryanne Hyatt Samantha Ignacio Justin Ingram Karen Jacob Zachary Johnson Irene Jones Melania Karmazyn Tharana Karzai MANPREET KAUR HAMZA KHAN-TAREEN Barzillai Kim Yoseph Kinfu Rute Kiros Michael Kister Ava Koufos Franchesca Kuhney Cecilia Kwakye Dae Kyu Lee Westin Lee Francisco Lendor Jourdan Lewanda Blaine Lowry Cindy Luu Camile Maddow Krystal Martindale Mayia McKenzie Rosie Meile Marissa Metzger Cianna Miller Richard Miller Yvette Mingia Brandi Murrell Michelle Nguyen Brenna Noone Adefolarin Orimolade Andrea Ortiz Olivia Park Jennifer Perez Heidi Petersen Kevin Pharaon Mariuxi Pintado Jared Puwalski Vijay Raju PRADIP RAMAMURTI Timothy Ramey Karelin Ramirez Rosa Reyes Ryan Reynolds Christine Ricciardi Christopher Richard Patrick Richard Lara Richli Andrew Riedel Aldo Rivera Anika Rumph Estefan Santos Rebecca Schwartz Katia Segura Min Shim Stefan Sigwalt Sandra Simmons Samantha Sinanan Janelle Smart Laura Smethurst Rebecca Smith Danielle Snowden Joo Yeoung Song Anna Steinfeld Nicole Sterling Sarah Sterling Julia Stewart Kelly Stock Suriya Subha Rao JANINE TAIRA Lucas Tax EMILY TCHAI Emily Tempchin Valdes Tita Lena Traore Sopheak Ung Calvin Vasquez Estefania Velez Denise Venero Natasha Virjee Wanjiru Waithaka Russell Wanke CAROLINE WANNEN Lillian Watkins Deneen Watson Matthew Weiss Chris-Ann Whitehead Natalie Wiggins Kionna Wiley Bryan Wilkerson Deasia Winslow Cassandra Wolsh Karissa Wong RACHEL WOO Hannah Wynne Rebecca Yim 12th GRADE Cody Acker Kimberly Adam Francisca Agbodzah Nicole Alexander DERICK ANSAH Henry Aparicio Isaac Appel Erika Arancibia Mohammad Ashrafi Mamadou Bah Brian Battaglia SARON BIREDA Danielle Blocker Stephen Bonhag Brittany Bradley Daryl Brooks Jordan Brooks Christina Buckley ANTHONY BUI Katya Buresh Elizabeth Butler Nicole Byrd Javian Caceres Alexa Calderon Edwin Callender Carolina Camacho Bria Campbell Selena Castillo Estevan Castro Man Chan Joshua Chang Deja Charles Victor Chau Joal Chen Charles Cheng Mark Cirincione Molly Cohen Cameron Constantine Charles Conteh Dashae Cooper Nero Cooper III Courtney Cristaldi Bethany Crump Giancarlo Curzi PHUC VU DANG Ryan Deane Angelo Dibiasi Savannah Doane-Malotte Christian Domaas Moortala Drammeh Alexis Earley Johnyie Edwards Sara Elalami Faith Ely Antonio Escoto Maricana Esteves Kathryn Evans Matthew Evans MARY FERNANDES Anthony Fischetti Hayley Fixler Angelique Fleming Jennifer Flores LANE FYLNN Manyi Foncham Angelica Fortunak LINUS FRANCIS Amanda Freeman KRISTEN FRESE Kathryn Fuchs Reina Fuentes Matthew Gagern Neva Gakavian Valentina Garcia Jacob Gill Hayley Glantz Shawn Glisson Catherin Gonzalez-Mata Jake Sloth Gordon Mathew Grady Ramanda Graham Bridget Gratton Charles Gross Wossen Hadero SARAH HAGAN Kimberly Hanson Lucy Harrelson Jack Hawvermale Nana Hayford Amy Heim Heather Heim Jamaal Hopkins Tyasia Hutchinson David Hylton LUCAS IRVIN Amina Irving Bruce Jackman Dorienne Jackson Rachel Jaffe Malcolm Jenkins Christian Jeong Devon Johnson Michael Joiner Thayzel Jones ASHLEY JUDAH Rebecca Kalinich Sandra Kindete Cross Klemko ROBERT KORYCINSKI KEVIN LAM Melina Latona ZOEY LEE Adele Leishman IRENE LEMBEROS Peyton Leonard Samantha Levitt Chelsea Lewis SARAH LIPKOWITZ MATTHEW LIPSHULTZ Eugene Litman COLLEEN LIVINGSTONE Dontava Lodenquai Jenny Lon Zachary Long Monika Looney JULIE LOPATKA Brianna Lopez Daniel Louloudes Stephanie Luk Kayla Mack Huma Mahmood Ricardo Mancia Leslie Mata Meredith Mathis Travon McMillian KYLE MCARTHUR Courtney McKenna Melissa McNabb Charis McNamara Jeramiah Medina Matthew Mehallick MacKenzie Meyer Tara Mitchell Danielle Moore Alexander Morales Juan Moscoso Marcus Murray Mihir Nakrani Michala Nathlar Vanessa Newman Victor Nicholson Tayler Nine Nnamdi Odoazu Damilola Oluremi Alexis Page Alexandra Paintsil Lauren Paniati Seong Hwan Park Jonathan Parks Leah Patterson Susana Pena Antonella Perez Ferrero Jessica Perla Mandy Pham Grace Plihal Sarah Prather Matthew Present Zachary Radov Erica Ragland Andrea Ramirez Tai Ramsey Maurice Rankins III Lenasia Ransom Shardae Rawlins Kevin Reedy Alexandra Reeves BROOKE REHMAN Elizabeth Ann Reyes Magnus Richards Samuel Rivera Jahmila Roberts Ryan Romig Traceyan Rosel GHULAM SALLMAN Amanda Salmon Alison Scher Brianna Scott Jamila Seasay Emma Shannon Kyle Shaw Andrew Simmons EMILY SIMMONS Jehwo Sims Danielle Smith Bilguissa Sow Taneigha Swingler Nicholas Tatnall Kara Thompson Maiha Thompson Kimberly Torchenot Emily Touch Emma Towriss Kimberly Toxie Savannah Tryens-Fernand Samara Tu Taylor Turner Jean-Claude Tzeuton Joann Valentin Karen Vanegas Lynne Virgil Phabiene Volcimus Antonio Wade II Jonathan Wahler Cadijah Walcott Cheyenne Walker Denise Walker Yasmin Wamala Erica Wang Zhichen Wang BRANDON WEBER JEFFREY WELDER REBECCA WELLMAN Melissa Whitaker KIELAN WILCOMB Jenna Williams Larisha Winley LEISHA WINLEY Ellen Wood RHEA WYSE Grace Yoo Kevin Zelaya
Online dangers cause students to think twice about posting information, p. C4-C5
Section C
Babies are a blessing no matter the circumstance. They are innocent and and have no idea about the situation.
Natalie Barnett
With the support of her friends and teachers, Barnett says that the Blake community was very supportive of her pregnancy. She did find it necessary, however, to be homeschooled for the second half of her junior year due to the physical discomfort her pregnancy brought. Currently, Barnett commutes to college classes in order to pursue her dreams while living at home with her mom and her daughter, Keira. I will never forget the day I was told that I wouldnt do anything with my life and that I was just going to become another statistic, says Barnett. Keira is my motivation to keep all things possible in my reach. I dont doubt myself or my abilities to have a good job and [to] be able to support myself and Keira because I know I can do it.
New epidemic hits Blake, curious students choose to swim their way through dating pool, remain single
theres no point in starting a relationship when Im leaving for college in a couple months, says senior Walter Jacobs*. Other reasons students have chosen to be in non-exclusive relationships are, avoiding the break up and any emotional damage an exclusive relationship may cause, not being tied down but still being able to do the relationship stuff. Dating has simply become getting to know someone without a commitment. Not all people can be in a nonexclusive relationship, warns Jacobs who names jealousy as the biggest problem with non-exclusive dating. Senior Josh Chang believes nonexclusive relationships go against the very nature of relationships, which Chang defines as a commitment between two people. Non-exclusive dating kills love that is so integral to relationships, says Chang. [It] breaks trust bonds and [increases] jealousy issues. Senior Amanie Musa views nonexclusive dating as unstable, adding, it allows for an uncommitted relationship and
doesnt teach people about the responsibilities of being in a true relationship. While some students see many benefits in having a non-exclusive relationship, others see it as beneficial for only one partner. Non-exclusive dating is basically friends with benefits, says junior Debbie Corn*. Its just a way for guys to use girls. However, these relationships can take a turn for the worse when one of the participants wants to make things official. Webb is currently dealing with the downside of her non-exclusive relationship. I wish I could say we were on the same page but he wants something more serious; and maybe were working towards that by just dating, but for now I hope [hes okay with] being relaxed. *Names have been changed
C2
I feel like with my own car I can go anywhere without any restrictions.
Kevin Wang
so someone else can use it, says Broadus. Getting my car wasnt really a reward but more of a convenience for my mom, says junior Emily Tempchin, who drives both her brothers to their practices and herself to dance practices which are about the only places that she drives. Tempchin drives an Acura RDX that she has had for almost three months. Tempchin has been able to drive legally with her license for five months. Her biggest fear about parking in the student parking lot is her car getting scratched up. Broadus has a hard time saying no to friends who ask for rides. A lot of people do ask for rides, mostly because they know I have a car, says Broadus. Similar to Broadus, Wang is generous with the rides that he gives out. He drives friends who do not have cars or people who have an emergency. Adds Wang, I dont charge gas money unless its really far because I feel its rude because friends are suppose to help each other out, not be stubborn over a small favor [like driving somewhere].
From top to bottom: senior Kevin Wang proudly exhibits his Mustang, junior Emily Tempchin poses next to her Acura and seniors (from left to right) Valentina
Garcia, Julian Carr, and Edwin Rodriguez pose on Paris Broadus (not pictured) BMW X5. -- photos by Tram Truong
C3
Words with Friends uses words from the Enhanced North American Benchmark Lexicon (ENABLE), a list used by many word games. Even though students use words that they know for the game, they often find themselves making up words to see if its acceptable or not. At times the game can get competitive. Some players go as far as cheating by taking a screenshot of their board to look up words that fit the existing letters and spaces. This is how you know the game is serious: when people get this defensive, says senior Gloria Henriquez. Even though it may be a good game for some students, players have recommended some improvements to Words with Friends. Senior Nick Tatnall would like a check button so the player will know if their answer is correct before it is submitted. As for others, Ramsey suggests the addition of a hint button to recommend words to the player. Although some students play the game for fun, it has its benefits as well. It allows players to connect with friends wherever they are and gives students a place to use their newfound SAT words. Senior Erica Ragland adds, It helps you learn some new words and it makes learning fun.
[These sites] are a great way to know the book without reading it, but the best option is to read the book. Murphey Buddsworth*
C6
Fantasy book club welcomes readers of the magical sort to share their literary experiences
Blake Reads Fantasy Book Club displays some of their favorite imaginative books. Top row: media specialist Susie Treat, sophomore Kirsten Hines, seniors Emily Dollemore and Kealea Foy and junior Ryan Reynolds; middle row: juniors Catherine Wingate and Cecilia Kwakye and sophomore Riley Cruickshank; bottom row: sophomore Catherine Wingate and junior Michael Cheang. -- photos by media assistant Janet Smith. enjoy reading a variety of books in different genres, says Mrs. Treat, rather than discussing one particular book in depth we read thematically. Mrs. Treat explains that the book club reads books by themes to focus on what students liked or disliked about the book as well as to compare how the book goes under the genre that it is placed in. Even though the book club is organized in this way, there is lots of room within those parameters for students to select something they will enjoy. If a student does not want to read the same book as the book club, he or she is free to choose their own and suggest it to the rest of the club. Reading is the portal that opens up new worlds, says sophomore Riley Cruickshank. Recently, the book club has read best sellers such as Wicked Lovely in 2009, The Hunger Games series in 2010 and the Heir trilogy this year. Students of all ages are united through the book club and find it a great way to make new friends. What is one thing, aside from books, that all the book club members enjoy? The good food, as junior member Ryan Reynolds puts it. Make no mistake, though - all of the members are there for the books. Everything here is a joy to be a part of, says senior Emily Dollemore. The members of the book club encourage all readers to come into the librarys office every other Tuesday, grab some sweets, brace themselves for some fun conversation, open a book and READ.
as a relaxing break in their school day. Its the best way to unwind during school, says sophomore Kirsten Hines. In a time where books and stories have been replaced by a virtual world of entertainment, many believe that joining a book club is just what some students need to not only improve their learning experience, but also to enhance their knowledge. Its better to cuddle up with a book than to be cuddled with a game controller and blow up zombies, says junior Yadira Aguilar. Some students feel limited by their English class where they are assigned books so they join book clubs that allow them to choose their next read. Mrs. Treat created these book clubs to unite Bengal readers three years ago. We
people and has expanded to other countries. Junior Richard Miller is a close friend of Mangels. He, among a few other friends, has tried swinging once or twice. I picked it up a few weeks ago with one of Kyles practice ones, adds Miller, It was fun; I might like to get into it. But Im nowhere as good as Kyle. Miller is especially attracted to the bright lights and the fast swinging. Says Miller, I [cant help but] stare at the poi when Kyle swings. Its really cool. Mangels is not done adding to his poi collection yet. He has one set, and plans to get another, and maybe another in the future. Id like to buy one that lights up a different color, says Mangels. Most of the guys I know have multiple poi, and I dont want to fall behind. On the website www.homeofpoi.com, the range of prices can be from 15 dollars to 45 dollars.
Senior Emily Minter shows off her holiday spirit along with her Pomeranian Cassie and her
Fashion over finances, looking good comes first for a lot of students
Trendy teens seeking aesthetic allure tend to ignore steep pricetags
By Grace Plihal x & Sarah Mansaray
Polo brand shirt for $35. Air Jordan Concord sneakers for $200. Levis for $50, a snapback hat for $55 and a $140 Northface jacket to top it all off. An outfit for $480 sounds a little ridiculous, but believe it or not, many students today will pay this much or more just to look good and fit in. In a world where everyone has to have the newest, coolest, sleekest new item, its only fitting that clothes are no exception. I buy more expensive clothes because I want people to know that I can afford better, nice things, says senior Jean-Claude Tzeuton. Some of it is peer pressure. Tzeuton began splurging on shoes in middle school. It has become increascash on name brand clothes, shoes and accessories. My outfit totals to about $350, says senior Edwin Callendar, who is wearing sweatpants, a T-shirt and some sneakers on this particular day. senior Janet Jackson. The newest Underarmour brand clothes can sell for hundreds of dollars just because of how highly anticipated they are. Victorias Secret bras can sell for up to $150. Nikes to be released. But for some teenagers, its not all about the brand name. Senior Malachi Broadus, who can be seen proudly representing brands like Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch, says, I shop at expensive stores because their [clothing is] usually better quality. Whether it is to impress someone, to go along with the crowd or to just want to look good, spending a good portion of a paycheck on clothes has become a ritual for teenagers today. I think its [out of control] to spend hundreds of dollars on an outfit, says senior Sara Asomaning.
I buy more expensive clothes because I want people to know that I can afford better, nice things.
Jean-Claude Tzeuton
ingly common for teenagers in America to place extreme importance on the way they look. For some people, this means spending a plethora of Girls also splurge on certain items, especially expensive shoes. Even though [Uggs are] expensive, I am willing to pay for a nice, warm pair, says And its not rare at all to see a mile-long line of adolescent boys in front of a shoe store at strange hours of the night, waiting for the newest
-- p h
Students gather around Mangels as he practices surprising poi skills during lunch
oto by Al lie M a
C7
us rc
Actual poi is not the only product offered on the website. There are free online lessons, as well as lessons where the pupil goes to a local poi gym, which is very popular in New Zealand. There is a list of 92 poi products and accessories including wands, spinning plates, nylon ropes, and clubs. Next time you see Mangels swinging in the hallways, dont resist going up to him and asking about the art of poi. Says Mangels, I like it when people go up to me and ask me what Im doing. [Its fun when] they give it a try.
C8
Joey E = Youre an awesome boyfriend and You Rock!! -----------------------------Join Sign Language Club! -----------------------------Janine Taira is the biggest, baddest, meanest, cooliest mama taco in the galaxy -----------------------------Michelle Ung sucks <3 -----------------------------Kelly <3 Taylor Swift -----------------------------Hello sweetie -----------------------------You are reading this -----------------------------Call mesexy <3 -----------------------------I <3 you. Do you love me? -----------------------------Happy Early B-Day Kelly Stock!!! -----------------------------Happy birthday Michael Joiner <3 -----------------------------What time is it?? #TebowTime -----------------------------Do you have hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia? -----------------------------In Chicago, you cant fish while on a giraffes neck -----------------------------In Marshalltown, Iowa, horses cant eat fire hydrants. In Galveston, Texas, you cant throw trash from an airplane -----------------------------In Florida, it is illegal to sell your children -----------------------------In New York, the punishment for jumping off a building is death -----------------------------If only the Redskins had a quarterback like Michael Bolt -----------------------------How can you tell someones a compulsive liar? I mean, assuming that their pants arent on fire! -----------------------------Dont be exactly of an 11 lb black forest ham! -----------------------------Wheres Perry? -----------------------------Pumpkin spice latte= perfection -----------------------------I dont like frost on my windows -----------------------------Hey whats up I dont like Lucas hes annoying -----------------------------InDesign does not cooperate
UnClassifieds
See any BEAT staffer to buy your Unclassified in our next issue. 70 for the first ten words, 5 for each additional word
-----------------------------Trying not to be frustrated -----------------------------9 days until Christmas! -----------------------------GITL LOVE <3 Nationals bound! -----------------------------Marry me Ms. Powell -----------------------------I want to be Dr. P when I grow up -----------------------------Your feet are gross -----------------------------We sweat 4 gallons a day -----------------------------If you were a booger, Id pick you first -----------------------------There are no stupid questions-just stupid people. -----------------------------Poms! -----------------------------An apple a day, keeps the doctor away -----------------------------But if the doctor is cute - screw fruit -----------------------------12+83=6 -----------------------------Matt Lipshultz is the worst math tutor -Jessica -----------------------------Happy Christhanukwanzaa -----------------------------So youre just gonna let it hang there? -----------------------------Erica likes to get freakayy with her piano -----------------------------Thank you Carolina Camacho, Lillian Hudroge, Becca Schwartz, and the beautiful Cassandra who I just met and gave me 50 cents. Also Leah Patterson, you guys saved me from the corner. -----------------------------Becca Schwartz is an amazing girl who gave me $2 for unclassified ads in the last 10 minutes before school started. Thats how awesome she is. -----------------------------Hello boys and girls -----------------------------The Blake Beat staff is actually amazing and we are all so proud of you guys for working so hard. Youre all the best! -----------------------------I was born in a ditch, sir! Josiah Bounderby -----------------------------Its all a terrible muddle. Stephen Blackpool -----------------------------Teach these boys and girls nothing but facts! Thomas Gradgrind -----------------------------Father, father! Pray dont hurt the creature who is so fond of you! -----------------------------The Thquire thtood by you, Thethilia, and Ill thtand by the Thquire. -----------------------------I will hold thy hand, and keep beside thee, Stephen, all the way. -----------------------------YOU DRANK MY JUICE! ------------------------------I cant wait until Lauren gets her wisdom teeth removed ------------------------------My name is Booie and you know what I got! ------------------------------What do you got!? ------------------------------I got some paws that are hotter than hot! ------------------------------How hot is hot? ------------------------------My F.H. is perfect <3 ------------------------------Walking annnnnnnddd running too! ------------------------------Uh huh uh huh? ------------------------------If your English teacher didnt take you laser tagging youd be mad
Section D
D?
Girls basketball rebounds from loss with blowout win by young team
Senior guard Alexis Earley passes a defender on a fast break en route to a 62-36 win against the Einstein Lady Titans December 6 in which Earley scored 14 points.--photo by Dennis Chan
landing them in foul trouble throughout the game. Wannen led the team in scoring with 14 points, with Earley and Snowden both finishing with nine points. The team realizes that, even with their strong start, they need to work on their fundamentals to better themselves. Says Snowden, We all work really hard and were always correcting our mistakes to get better. The Lady Bengals began their season with a resounding 62-36 win over the Einstein Lady Titans. The team rebounded after falling behind 7-0 early on in the game, and never trailed after taking a 12-11 lead at the end of the first quarter. Were good at being aggressive and fast breaking, but we need to work on our set offenses, says Wannen. The aggressive defense was also the key in this game as the Lady Bengals forced 22 turnovers. Snowden and Inman each posted doubledoubles while Earley threw down points. The Lady Bengals have a very young squad, with Earley being the only senior on the team. Im the captain and I love being the leader of the squad, says Earley. It will be better for them next year becausethey will all already have played together for a full year. The girls face the Quince Orchard Lady Cougars tonight at 7 at Blake. Says Inman, We have good defensive strategy and our offense has been coming together nicely, so I think were going to win.
Wheaton
Lloyd Ferguson Shakir Metellus Jalen Hawkins Yonas Million Langston Payne Ayinde Warren Ibrahim Kallou Travaris Rogers Javaunne Walters
PTS
When that pressure time comes and division games start, well really see what were made of. MARCUS WIGGINS
D2
David Altobelli
Indoor track and field strides towards goals, hurdles over inexperience
Bengals hope to continue record setting pace, replace lost seniors
by Jake Gordon x & Rachel Jaffe
Despite the loss of many senior runners, the boys and girls indoor track and field teams are off to promising starts, capturing an invitational track record and achieving respectable times early on. December 10, the running Bengals traveled to the Community College of Baltimore County and proved that even with their significant losses-they are still a force to be reckoned with this year. Juniors Marc Assoua, Justin Ingram, Graylyn Broadnax, and senior Leroy Radway set a CCBC track record of 1:19.26 in the 4 x 160 meter event. This year we lost a lot of seniors but were putting people in the right places to make big things happen, says Radway. Our team goals are to have everyone get to states. The Bengals had their first scrimmage December 3. Seniors such as Amina Irving took the opportunity to set an example for new members. Being a captain this year takes patience because its hard to teach people things that youre already so familiar with, says Irving. At the scrimmage it was good to see all of the new people working their hardest against their competition and seeing how they react to the new atmosphere. Many athletes are proving that they potentially have what it takes to qualify for the upcoming state meet. One of these athletes, junior Darius Oxley, had an impressive performance at the scrimmage in the 500m, finishing second in his heat with one of the top three times of the day. Irving finished 7th out of 35 runners in the 55m hurdles with a 9.95 at CBCC, already a fraction of a second away from a future state qualifying time. Head coach Charlie Simms is encouraged by both the teams veteran and novice performances thus far. This years girls and boys teams are young, but everyone shows a lot of promise, says Simms. Our season goals are to improve from the scrimmage and get as many kids to the state meet and get people around the county talking about Blake track. Seniors such as Cameron Constantine plan to fight to the finish this year. Says Constantine, We need to stay motivated, put in effort and encourage others to do the same. Im excited because this is my last time to shine.
The James Hubert Blake Administration, Faculty and Staff congratulate these members of the 2011-2012 National Honor Society:
Angela Bair Jenna Beers John Beers Thais Calderon Michael Chheang Ryan Choe Lindsey Comer Lydia Curdts Alison Dionne Aryn Frazier Eric Gottlieb Rachel Hewitt Hamza Khan-Tareen Michael Kister
NEWEST INDUCTEES:
Westin Lee Jourdan Lewanda Michelle Nguyen Pradip Ramamurti Anna Steinfeld Julia Stewart Kelly Stock
Janine Taira Denise Venero Natasha Virjee Russell Wanke Caroline Wannen Rachel Woo Ellen Wood
Derick Ansah Anthony Bui* Danielle Blocker Joal Chen Charles Cheng Savannah DoaneMalotte Christian Domaas Kathryn Evans Mary Fernandes* Lane Flynn* Linus Francis Kristen Frese
Kathryn Fuchs Neva Gakavian Hayley Glantz* Jake Gordon Ramanda Graham David Hylton Lucas Irvin* Rachel Jaffe Christian Jeong Robert Korycinski* Kevin Lam Adele Leishman Zoey Lee
PREVIOUS INDUCTEES:
Irene Lemberos Sarah Lipkowitz Matthew Lipshultz Eugene Litman Monika Looney Julie Lopatka* Stephanie Luk Melissa McNabb Mihir Nakrani Lauren Paniati Seonghwan Park Leah Patterson Grace Plihal
Andrea Ramirez* Jahmila Roberts Ghulam Sallman Nick Tatnall Samara Tu Erica Wang Kevin Wang Brandon Weber Jenna Williams Larisha Winley Leisha Winley Rhea Wyse
*Asterisks indicate Spring Inductees.
D3
The Bengals traveled to Blair High School December 7 to face off against the Blazers. Junior Brandon Deane (171) acheived the first win of his varsiry career
with a pin early in the first period. The squad went on to defeat their opponents 45-36 on the road in a tough late match victory. -- photo by Niki Byrd
in his weight class. Though the team lost former head coach Rob Pinsky, who now coaches for the Clarksburg Coyotes, he left the Blake wrestling program in great shape. Coach Jeter believes one of the teams biggest strengths is its success last year because the wrestlers understand the work they need to put in to achieve success once again. He looks forward to going against Clarksburg next Thursday. Adds coach Jeter, Hopefully we can pack the gym and get a big win.
by Kristen Frese
Pradip Ramamurti
6-0 as they struggled to keep up both offensively and defensively. Says Ramamurti, [I think] we have a strong offense when we skate hard, yet we tend to not finish. The team hopes to improve their skills in order to pull out a win later in the season. Last season, the Bengals had a disappointing record, losing the majority of their games and tying only against the Richard Montgomery Rockets. This year, the coaches have intensified practices in hopes of surpassing their previous records. Says junior right wing Tanner Giles-Tucker, The coaches are very helpful and knowledgeable and have personally helped me develop my skills. Tonight, the Bengals take on the Richard Montgomery Rockets at 4:40pm at Rockville Ice Arena. The team also looks forward to its rematch against Damascus January 27.
D4
Sophomore guard Tavon Ngangum pushes offensive efforts against the Einstein Titans. The boys went
on to defeat the Titans by a 17 point margin on the road December 6. -- photo by Rebecca Kalinich
Traveling to Blair for their first match of the season, the Blake Bengals JV wrestling team began their season with a big win. They faced the Blair Blazers December 7, picking up an impressive 48-33 win with victories by pin from 126 pound sophomore Jason Fleischer, 138 pound sophomore Larsen Schilling, 160 pound junior Daniel Gonzalez, and 170 pound senior Ken Redd. It felt great to get on the mat for the first time, says Redd. The excitement to watch my teammates and win my first match made it a memorable experience for me.
his opponent, adds coach Steel, It is very satisfying to see a kid do something that you know you taught them. Although the JV and varsity compete in separate matches, coach Steel does not consider them two separate teams. We are really just one team and everyone works together to improve as individuals. Coach Steel admires his teams resiliency in fighting through injuries. All wrestlers have some nagging aches and pains at some point during the season, but they usually fight through, says coach Steel. He is glad to have many athletes on the team. Adds coach Steel, The advantage of having [a lot of athletes] is that they push one another and demonstrate good moves to one another.
We are really just one team and everyone works together to improve as individuals
Lawrence Steel
D5
Schwartz, George defy gender roles, look to get stronger with wrestling
when girls are on the mat, says Coach Steel. Although some may be intimidated by the boys on the team, the girls are very comfortable with them. The boys on the team have been more than I could have hoped for, says Schwartz. Everyone is super welcoming and supportive and Im so thankful for that. Come out to see the girls wrestle, and support the team, Tuesday at Walter Johnson High School.
Becca Schwartz
Cooper becomes first boy Bengal to commit for Division I college soccer
by Michael Joiner x & Brandon Weber
Senior defender Trey Coopers outstanding Blake soccer career has ended, but a new chapter begins as he verbally commits to play for Towson University, becoming the first male Bengal to play Division I soccer. Cooper feels content with the decision he made November 21, after heavily weighing the other offers he was given from the University of Mary Washington, Eastern University, Mount Saint Marys University, and Wake Forest University. I picked Towson because its close to my family and friends, says Cooper. Its also a big school with a great team and coaching staff. Cooper is the first athlete of Towsons freshman class of 2016 to commit to the university. The Bengals started this past season with a new coach, David Edlow, who put the Blake soccer program on the map. Coach Edlow has had countless players from previous schools that have gone to the college level. Trey has a lot of potential, says coach Edlow. His strength and physical style of play will help him to be successful at the Division I level, along with his drive and work ethic. Seeing room for development, coach center defender and was the backbone to the teams incredible defense (having one of the fewest number of goals-against in the county). Says Gill, He has the sheer skill and athleticism and has more than enough heart to succeed [at D-I]. In the offseason, Cooper plays
[Coopers] strength and physical style of play will help him to be successful at the Division I level.
David Edlow
Edlow adds, He needs to improve his technical abilities, speed of play, and overall speed. [Cooper] is in charge of everything on the field, says senior goalie Jacob Gill, who played with Cooper for two years on the varsity team. The Bengals finished their season with the best record in school history, 10-4-2. Cooper played with his club team, The Pachuca Dragons, which is currently ranked as 18th in the nation and 3rd in the state. Its a privilege to play with [Cooper], says junior midfielder Patrick Richard, who has played soccer with Cooper for both the Bengals and the Dragons for several years. Hes a great leader and knows a lot about the game.
D6
led by Heisman finalist Andrew Luck, will use more tight ends and running backs in their pro-style passing attack. Our Prediction: OSU 42, Stanford 38 Sugar Bowl (January 3) The Michigan Wolverines and Virginia Tech Hokies will battle at the Superdome in New Orleans. Both teams allow fewer than 20 points-per-game, but the Hokies have the difficult task of containing one of the biggest dual threats in the country: Michigan quarterback Denard Robin-
Orange Bowl (January 4) Clemson Tigers fans will try to fill Sun Life Stadium with orange as their Tigers square off against the West Virginia Mountaineers. Look for freshman sensation Sammy Watkins to receive plenty of targets from Tigers quarterback Tajh Boyd. Clemson will hope to balance the attack with 1,000-yard-rusher Andre Ellington. West Virginia needs to contain the great speed in Clemsons offense if they are going to have a chance. Mountaineers
quarterback Geno Smith should surpass the 4,000-yard passing mark in this game, utilizing two receivers who each have put together 1,000-yard campaigns. Our Prediction: Clemson 35, WVU 19. BCS National Championship (January 9) The title game will feature an SEC rematch between Alabama and LSU. The Crimson Tides only loss of the season came at the hands of the undefeated Tigers November 5, in a 9-6 overtime thriller. In that game, the time of possession was split within the minute, and Alabama out-gained LSU by just 56 more yards. However, what killed the Crimson Tide was their four missed field goals, allowing LSU to hang around and eventually pull out the victory. The past two weeks LSU has put up over 40 points, defeating third ranked Arkansas and 14th ranked Georgia. Two of the nations best defenses will be on display as Alabama leads the nation in allowing just 8.8 points-per-game, and LSU is second, allowing 10.5 points-per-game anchored by the big play ability of Heisman finalist Tyrann Honey Badger Mathieu. Alabama counters with a Heisman finalist of its own in running back Trent Richardson who put up over 1,500 yards and 20 touchdowns on the year. Our Prediction: LSU 16, Alabama 13
Boudreau out, Hunter in as local NHL squad hopes to reach full potential
ber performance came in an impressive 5-1 outing against the Carolina Hurricanes November 4. Rookie center Cody Eakin scored his first career NHL goal and added an assist to finish with two points and was named first star of the game. Three other Capitals put up two-point nights and goaltender Michal Neuvirth made 24 saves for his second win. Washington heads up to Colorado for a match-up against sophomore sensation Matt Duchene and the struggling Avalanche at 9 tomorrow night. Duchene is the Aves second-leading scorer with 11 goals and 21 points.
D7
But the return of guard Jeremy Lamb and the emergence of freshman Andre Drummond have the Huskies talking repeat already. 3. The North Carolina Tar Heels: Roy Williams and company easily have the most talent in college basketball this season. Freshman phenom Harrison Barnes decided to return for a sophomore year, leading to thoughts that the Tar Heels had the championship in the bag. Despite early stumbles, those assumptions might not be that far off. 2. The Kentucky Wildcats: Coach John Calipari has another stellar freshman class, including forward Anthony Davis who has NBA scouts drooling already. These diaper dandies along with sophomore forward Terrence Jones should keep the Wildcats towards the top of the polls for a while. 1. March Madness: Every college basketball fans favorite time of the year is sure to be even crazier this season. Buzzers will be beat, hearts will be broken, and a champion will be crowned.
Buzzers will be beat, hearts will be broken, and a champion will be crowned.
D8
The James Hubert Blake Booster Club congratulates these Minds in Motion student athletes for maintaining a 3.25 GPA during First Quarter while playing a Fall sport.
Mohammed Abbas (Coed Track & Field) Tara Adhatamsoontra (Poms) Oritsetsolaye Akuya (JV Cheerleading) Claudia Alarco (JV Girls Volleyball) Nicole Alexander (Varsity Football) Isaac Appel (Cross Country) Mary Aronne (Cross Country) Kwame Asante (Varsity Football) Mamadou Bah (Varsity Football) Nicole Barriga (Girls Tennis) Gregory Bell (Cross Country) Sage Bennett (JV Girls Soccer) Danielle Blocker (Girls Tennis) Grayson Boone (Cross Country) Taylor Boone (Varsity Cheerleading) Cole Bradshaw (Varsity Boys Soccer) Graylyn Broadnax (Varsity Football) Torie Broer (Varsity Girls Soccer) Niara Brown (JV Girls Soccer) Madison Bruffy (Poms) Christina Buckley (Varsity Girls Volleyball) Megan Cameron (Varsity Girls Soccer) Tayahd Campbell (JV Football) Kate Campbell (JV Girls Soccer) Elana Carr (JV Girls Soccer) Joal Chen (Girls Tennis) Bryan Citrenbaum (Cross County) Samantha Comer (Varsity Girls Soccer) Lindsey Comer (Varsity Girls Soccer) Nero Cooper III (Varsity Boys Soccer) Alexis Crispin (Varsity Cheerleading) Courtney Cristaldi (Varsity Field Hockey) Priya Dadlani (Varsity Cheerleading) Brandon David (Coed Track & Field) Julia Dennis (Varsity Football) Kaylie Deshler (Girls Varsity Soccer) Alison Dionne (Girls Varsity Soccer) Christian Domaas (Golf) Natalie Domaas (Poms) Buffee Dorsey (Girls JV Soccer) Miles Douglas (Cross Country) McKenzie Dreher (Poms) Darien Ellis (Poms) Monica Eng (Varsity Cheerleading) Lane Flynn (Varsity Field Hockey) Xavier Fox (Boys JV Soccer) Emma Friedman (JV Field Hockey) Reina Fuentes (Girls Varsity Soccer) Maia Gadsden (Girls JV Volleyball) Connor Gaffney (Cross Country) Anna Galeano (Varsity Field Hockey) Brooke Gil (Poms) Malcolm Gilbert (Boys JV Soccer) Jacob Gill (Boys Varsity Soccer) Hayley Glantz (Varsity Field Hockey) Derek Glocker (Golf) Leah Goldberg (Girls Tennis) Chante Goodger (Varsity Cheerleading) Jake Sloth Gordon (Cross Country) Candace Grant (JV Field Hockey) Bridget Gratton (Girls Varsity Volleyball) Alyssia Graves (Varsity Cheerleading) Sandra Guevara (JV Field Hockey) Sarah Hagan (Varsity Field Hockey) Benjamin Haley (Cross Country) Lillian Hallmark (Girls Varsity Volleyball) Lucy Harrelson (Varsity Field Hockey) Elana Harris (Girls JV Soccer) Marvin Hart IV (Coed Track & Field) Zoe Hatzes (JV Field Hockey) Breon Herbet (Varsity Football) Azalia Hernandez (JV Cheerleading) Rachel Hewitt (Girls Varsity Volleyball) Cathleen Ho (Girls JV Volleyball) Thao Hoang (Girls JV Volleyball Olivia Hubbard (Varsity Field Hockey) Jane Hwang (Girls Tennis) Justin Ingram (Varsity Football) Dorienne Jackson (Poms) Orlando James (JV Football) Christian Jeong (Golf) Devon Johnson (Poms) Grace Johnson (Girls JV Soccer) Michael Joiner (Boys Varsity Soccer) Kendred Jones (Varsity Football) Gabrielle Jones (Varsity Cheerleading) Cameron Jones (Boys Varsity Soccer) Kaela Jones (Girls JV Soccer) Colleen Kalkofen (Girls JV Volleyball) Melania Karmazyn (Varsity Field Hockey) Yoseph Kinfu (Boys JV Soccer) Mina Konaka (Girls JV Volleyball) Emily Kong (Girls JV Volleyball) Franchesca Kuhney (Girls Varsity Volleyball) Clauton Kum (Boys JV Soccer) Zachary Kushner (Boys JV Soccer) Melina Latona (Varsity Field Hockey) Irene Lemberos (Girls Tennis) Theodora Lemberos (JV Field Hockey) Francisco Lendo (Varsity Football) Nicole Lertora (Varsity Field Hockey) Samantha Levitt (Girls Varsity Soccer) Julie Lopatka (Varsity Field Hockey) Brianna Lopez (Poms) Samantha Lowenthal (Varsity Cheerleading) Dunchadhn Lyons (Boys Varsity Soccer) Meredith Mathis (Varsity Field Hockey) Wyatt McInturff (JV Football) Courtney McKenna (Varsity Field Hockey) Kristina McKenna (JV Field Hockey) Summer Meile (Girls Varsity Volleyball) Terah Minor-Jones (Poms) Tara Mitchell (Girls Varsity Volleyball) Nyah Muhammad (Cross Country) Diego Muoz (JV Football) Kate Murphy (Girls JV Volleyball) Amanie Musa (Varsity Cheerleading) Brigit Ngaleu (Girls JV Soccer) Tyler Nine (JV Footall) Madeleine Noonan-Shueh (JV Field Hockey) Brenna Noone (Girls Varsity Soccer) Emmanuel Oppong (Boys JV Soccer) Adefolarin Orimolade (Varsity Soccer) Andrea Ortiz (Girls Varsity Soccer) Lauren Paniati (Girls Varsity Volleyball) Cameron Payton (JV Football) Camila Penaloza (Girls JV Soccer) Kevin Pharaon (Varsity Football) Michael Phelan (Golf) Adassa Phillips (Girls JV Volleyball) Avery Potts (Poms) Matthew Present (Golf) Erica Ragland (Girls Varsity Volleyball) Jenna Ramirez (JV Field Hockey) Tai Ramsey (Girls Varsity Volleyball) Lenasia Ransom (Varsity Cheerleading) Bryson Reyes (Coed Track & Field) Christopher Richard (Boys Varsity Soccer) Samuel Rivera (Varsity Football) Ezra Roschu (Boys JV Soccer) Anika Rumph (Poms) Francesca Sabelhaus (JV Field Hockey) Kara Savercool (Poms) Kyla Schweber (Girls JV Soccer) Stefan Sigwalt (Varsity Football) Colleen Simmons (JV Field Hockey) Sandra Simmons (Girls Tennis) Emerson Sirk (JV Football) Rebecca Smith (Poms) Thomas Stanton (JV Football) Samantha Steel (Girls JV Soccer) Sydney Steel (Girls JV Soccer) David Steele (Boys JV Soccer) Sarah Sterling (Girls Varsity Soccer) Kelly Stock (Girls Varsity Soccer) Kenneth Stone (JV Football) Taneigha Swingler (Varsity Cheerleading) Maika Taguchi (Cross Country) Janine Taira (Girls Tennis) Caroline Tatnall (JV Field Hockey) Melinda Tchokogoue (Girls JV Soccer) Dianne Techwei (Girls JV Soccer) Emily Tempchin (Poms) Renee Treacy (Poms) Stephanie Van Albert (Varsity Cheerleading) Tracy Velazquez (Girls Varsity Soccer) Heather Veli (Girls Varsity Soccer) Denise Venero (Girls Varsity Soccer) Lynne Virgil (Poms) Natasha Virjee (Girls Tennis) Robert Walker (Boys JV Soccer) Keri Walker (JV Field Hockey) Erica Wang (Cross Country) Caroline Wannen (Varsity Field Hockey) Darien Waters (Boys Varsity Soccer) Lillian Watkins (Girls Varsity Soccer) Tanner Williams (Boys Varsity Soccer) Sydney Wolk (Girls Tennis) Rachel Woo (Girls Tennis) Ellen Wood (Varsity Field Hockey) Joan Wood (JV Field Jockey) Rebecca Yim (Coed Track & Field) Kevin Zelaya (Boys Varsity Soccer)
Section E
Music department plans to dazzle, amaze audience with bold new pieces
Coming soon to Blake are the performances of the season the winter choral and band concerts, which will take place at 7:30 pm on December 20 and December 22 respectively. The choral departments performance will showcase all three choral classes: Vocal Ensemble, A Cappella and Honors Concert Choir. Each choir has individual pieces as well as a combined piece. Vocal Ensemble is doing very well, says vocal ensemble teacher Sarah Goldsmith. I think were in a good spot right now. Sandra Zinkievich, A Cappella and Honors Concert Choir teacher, is also very confident in how well her classes are preparing despite singing in French, the possibility of adding choreography, and the difficulty of some pieces. A Cappella is certainly performing a difficult number, the theme song to Hawaii Five-O, says Mrs. Zinkievich. It has nine different voice parts plus some vocal percussion. The Instrumental concert is going to be a big hit as Brian Damron, music chair, and Jonathan Eising, music teacher, have chosen a video game theme. Junior Cassandra Wolsh says, A lot of people play video games and find the music enjoyable to listen to; I think people would find this concert really entertaining. The instrumental classes are performing many pieces including Aeris Theme from Final Fantasy VII and Suite
from Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. Their big number, however, is Video Games Live; it was the inspiration for the entire concert. Wolsh adds, It has parts from three different video games and is a really beautiful piece to listen to. Friends, family and music lovers alike are all encouraged to come out, see both concerts, and support all the hard work and effort put in by the students. Says Ms. Goldsmith, Its a nice show to come see right before the holidays.
Senior Jenny Lon uses her digital arts skills to create this piece called Beauty, which shows how society
affects teenage girls self -esteem through the use of images and typography--image provided by Lon.
Senior pianist learns firsthand that keys to success start on big stage
x by Molly Cohen & Leah Patterson
Senior Erica Wang has crescendoed her way through life with music and is now gaining the opportunity to have professional experience playing the piano. Wang has performed in various school-related and out-of-school events and has even received professional compensation. [Music] seems like one of the only things in my life that will remain stable, says Wang. Its a comforting presence, having music to turn to. She has played piano at school in plays and in band performances. Shes also attended and played at Summer programs like the Summer Piano Institute and the International Institute for Young Musicians and competitions like those at the Washington Music Teachers Association. As a winner of a contest for the International Association for Musically Gifted Children she will perform at the Embassy of Austria in January to commemorate Sigismund Thalbergs bicentennial. She and the other winners will also play at Johns Hopkins Hospital in January, The National Institute of Health in March, McGill University in June and the National Centre of Arts in Canada in July. Other Blake students have had the opportunity to work with Wang as well. For a small fee, she has accom-
panied students and alumni in various performances why she is going to go very far in the music world. and auditions, including senior Marciana Esteves Wang has taken advantage of Blakes music last year. Erica did a great job; [shes] better programs. She has been in clarinet choir and than any accompanist Ive had before, says woodwind quartet. Currently, she participates in Esteves. wind ensemble, marching band, jazz band and Because she plays at a professional pit orchestra. level, Wangs schedule is busy with rehearsAlthough Wang began her career in music als and performances. Says Wang, Someat the request of her parents, she now plays times it sucks that I cant hang out with my for herself. A piano player of 11 years, Wang friends or relax as much Id like, but in knows what works and what does not. She the end its for the [best]. She often understands that music is a big commitpractices from an hour and a half to ment, but she is ready for the challenge. three hours every day. When asked what she has learned from Though Wang dreams of the experience so far, Wang says, I becoming a professional musihave to make time for myself to cian, for now she must get practice. through college auditions For now, Wang plans to conin January and February tinue her musical endeavors, both for schools like Oberlin professionally and personally. Conservatory and Boston As for the future, she hopes we University. She has lots will see her in some of the best of natural talent and an ear orchestras around one day. Adds for music, adds Esteves. Esteves, laughing, I just hope But she also works exshe doesnt forget me when tremely hard and thats shes famous. Erica Wang
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Tupac Shakur, Michael Jackson and Amy Winehouse have all come out with albums after their untimely deaths.
if he was proud of those tracks that Michael would have had mixed reviews? Probably not. But we have noticed that with record labels releasing posthumous works, the respect of that artist as a whole rises. When Michael Jackson was alive, people harped on his alleged child molestation cases (that he was never actually charged with) and people made fun of Amy Winehouses addictions and joked that she was going to drop dead any minute. But as soon as these artists died, everyone who criticized them before became their biggest fans. Unfortunately, death brings artists the respect they deserved when their talent was overshadowed by personal struggles. One has to question, however, the intentions of these record label companies. Do they really mean to give fans the chance to hear unreleased works? Or are they just cashing in? Tupacs record label has released eight albums since his death. We have to wonder if the record label is being overly generous or tremendously greedy. We want to believe that the record companies are giving fans a chance to honor the late artist, but with the money made from these CDs being sent directly to the record company all we see is people cashing in on the new-found fan base of these talented stars, and that just is not cool.
something to do with money, a girl who got away, a few references to alcohol and marijuana and a key line that goes a little something like I am the best rapper alive, everyone bow down to me. It is ephemeral; unlike the rap artists of the early 1990s, much of these fluffy lyrics will fail to make an impact on the future of music. So look up Shabazz Palaces new album Black Up. Listen to Wales mixtapes from years ago, before he became a product of the mainstream. Take in the lyrics of Kendrick Lamar on his life in Compton and how Reaganomics still affect America today. Do not overlook Danny Brown just because he looks a bit like a cross between a homeless man and a preteen skater. Look underground.
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Joal Chen
Alex Reeves
There are so many positives aspects of Divergent, but my favorite is that it is not your run of the mill, fluffy teen novel. Tris was easy to relate to, both in the choices she made and problems she had to overcome. Divergent is a good enough book that it would appeal to girls, guys and a wide variety of personalities. Divergent was such a captivating book that I found myself reading it at every free moment. The second book in the trilogy is set to come out in May 2012 and I can hardly wait. This book will make you laugh, cry and maybe stop breathing during the particularly thrilling scenes; it is definitely the book to read.
Melissa Whitaker
Priya Dadlani
not have anyone to divulge her feelings to and she had no one to give her advice. Many teens can relate to Ophelia, maybe not because theyve had secret love affairs or faked a death, but because they feel like they cannot tell anyone their problems. They might feel like no one understands and that is exactly how Ophelia felt while dealing with Hamlet, her family and their secret. I have read this book four times and every time I read it I connect with it on a different level, according to the way my life is going. You do not have to have read Hamlet to appreciate this book. You do not even have to be a girl to read this book. This book is perfect for any person who can identify with feeling judged, unaccepted, pressured and heavy hearted.
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