Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Inside: News: 1-3, Govermment: 4-5, Features: 6-8, Humor: 9, Spotlight: 10-11, Opinions: 12-14,Wondering Warrior: 15, Entertainment: 16-17, Sports: 18-20
Warrior
Sherwood High School 300 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860
pg. 13
Bridget Cook 14
Security guard Andy Blasher stops seniors Sam Girma and Brian Reich in the parking lot on November 5. bagged lunch or school materials. A student is, however, permitted to go to his car if he has a staff signature on a written pass. A number of students are outraged about the new enforcement of the parking lot policy. I am paying $75 to park [in the parking lot]. Why cant I go get my lunch [from my car]? Its on school grounds and I can eat anywhere on school grounds. I am not disrupting anyone or breaking any rules -- I just want to get my lunch out of my car, said senior Ari Kirschbaum. Kirschbaum was given lunch detention in October after walking past a security guard to retrieve his lunch from his car after being told to turn around and go back inside. I think its stupid I have to pay for over-priced lunch when I can pack my own. I dont want to have to carry my lunch around with two other textbooks in my bag, said Kirschbaum. Along with guarding the parking lot to make sure students do not leave, security is also doing routine checks for parking permits and taking note of the tag number and owner of vehicles that do not have a permit so they can properly identify them in the future. Beginning October 16, parking in the parking lot without a parking permit results in a $3 obligation for each time a student is caught illegally parked during school hours. Seventy to seventy-five percent do it right and get a permit. We are just trying to get the other 25 percent to step up and do the right thing, said security team leader Patrick Rooney. I think it is [working], were getting them in spurts cracking down one day, 12 come in and pay [for a permit] the next day. This year, 212 total permits have been sold as of mid-October, compared to 260 sold last year. According to Rooney, the recession has led to a decline in parking permit sales, leading to a $7,000 margin between the money made this year and last year from permits.
During a 2012 Every Fifteen Minutes reenactment, a drunk student is given a field sobriety test by an officer in front of a crowd of students.
www.thewarrioronline.com
The WarriorNews
2
November 21, 2013
S W E N
New Action Plan To Boost Math Success
by Ashley Yen 14
High school math classes in MCPS caught the attention of concerned parents, teachers and administrators after results had shown a majority of students failing math semester county exams. On July 1, Associate Superintendent for High Schools Christopher Garran sent a memo to all high school math resource teachers and administrators regarding a new effort to boost student success and overall grades. Every high school was asked to create action plans for a chosen focus group, and recieved a visit from an MCPS official. Don Kress, Acting High School Performance Director, came to Sherwood to track the progress of the plan. Principal Intern James Allrich, Math Resource teacher Sapna Chaudhry and Principal Bill Gregory are responsible for Sherwoods effort. They decided on a focus group of 39 juniors currently taking Geometry. Although not required, all the juniors taking geometry have chosen to partake in this effort to boost math success. Students assemble together on designated Tuesdays every month with one of the four geometry teachers to go over recent quizzes, tests and homework assignments. The juniors are not particularly failing the class, but the intention of the schools efforts are that they meet one of the 7 Keys to College Readiness, that all seniors should graduate after taking Algebra 2 with a grade of C or higher. We can feed two birds with one seed, Allrich said, in that the juniors are in line for passing the class and final exam as well as making certain that they will be taking Algebra 2 during senior year. Chaudhry and Allrich both believe this program is contributing to efforts to boost math success, but concrete results will only be revealed after at least the first semester of this school year. They both believe that if this plan proves to be effective, it could definitely expand into further efforts. Im fully supportive [of] this new plan but my only request is that we should receive more support and funding for this effort from the county, said Chaudhry.
in brief
Bridget Cook 14
Freshmen take approximately 10 minutes out of their English class to take the annual anonymous Gallup poll in computer Lab A298.
Bridget Cook 14
Wasabi Zen closed briefly due to a report of unsanitary conditions. quickly replaced; Wasabi Zen resumed business shortly after. Once-loyal customers are divided as whether to return to Wasabi Zen. Finding out about the roaches makes Wasabi Zen dirty to me and I dont want my sushi being made in a dirty place, said senior Kimmy Thai. Senior Daniel Kirkness sees no problem in going back to have a meal at Wasabi Zen. I have been eating there for years and the food has always been great. The problem was fixed so Ill continue to go, he said.
Now, the Class of 2014 class officers have shifted their focus to helping put together prom and graduation. At the senior breakfast on October 16, they announced that they landed Michael Williamson as the guest speaker for graduation. Williamson is a photojournalist for the Washington Post and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner. He is also the father of both senior Sophia Williamson and sophomore Valerie Williamson.
The WarriorNews
November 21, 2013
by Steffani Carerra 14
3
come up short of that benchmark. On the same spectrum as these two extremes are various schools which lie in the middle year after year, such as Sherwood. Sherwood ranked 15 out of 25 among MCPS high schools based on mean SAT scores for the second year in a row, with an average score of 1611 for the Class of 2013 as well as an average ACT score of 23. The average SAT score for MCPS as a whole was 1648, and the average ACT score was 24 for 2013. Principal Bill Gregory aims to raise scores by shifting attention from SAT/ACT participation, as has been the focus in past years, to students performance on standardized tests. Based on PSAT data, we know which areas need improvement, Gregory said. We aim to continue our focus on quality teaching to increase scores.
Students who Percent received of students college who took ready SAT scores1
85.8% 53.1% 50.6% 21.7% 85.1% 69.2% 82.9% 32.4%
Source: MCPS 1 - According to MCPS, college readiness is indicated by a score of 1650 or higher on the SAT or 24 or higher on the ACT. 2 - 2013 results are comparable to the schools 2012 results, when 51.1% of students earned College-Readiness scores.
Based on criteria including standardized test scores, MCPS is regarded as an exceptional school system compared to the national average; it sets a high standard for student achievement by expecting higher scores. Yet, there is a startling disparity when it comes to student performance among MCPS schools, revealed through the 2013 test scores of SAT/ACT standardized tests. Superintendent Joshua Starr, like his predecessor Jerry Weast, has increasingly responded to the fact that MCPS has an educational gap. While most MCPS schools located in the southern and western portions of Montgomery County produce average SAT scores much higher than 1650, easily surpassing the college readiness mark, a number of schools in the northern and eastern portions
The WarriorGovernment
4
November 21, 2013
When the government closed down, the Republicans in the House of Representatives decided to take a hardline stance on the issue, losing the support of vital demographics, as well as exposing the inter-party schism the GOP is facing. Many citizens who voted for Romney now find themselves disagreeing with the way the Republican party is handling the situation, including 76 percent of independents, 74 percent of white conservatives, and 73 percent of seniors. Not only have those demographics been lost, 48 percent of those who consider themselves somewhat conservative strongly disapprove of the Republicans in office. Without moving an inch towards the middle, the Republican Party is losing more of the substantial groups of people who make up their support system. -Washington Post 10/15
1.What
exactly is Obamacare?
Health Sites Woes Could Dissuade Vital Enrollee: the Young and Healthy
The National Health Care website recently opened for supposed public access. However, the website yielded less-than-functional results; in fact many people couldnt even get onto the site. This presents a problem, since the enrollment of young, healthy people is vital for the entire health care system to function in an efficient way. Young people, who tend to have very low predicted medical costs, pay premiums which provide treatment for older or sicker enrollees. However, if young enrollees opt not to go with government health care due to the websites glitches, rising prices and a destabilized insurance market could very likely be the result. Without the payments the young and healthy pay, insurers will be forced to raise premium prices, which would in turn prevent more of the young and healthy from enrolling, which simply repeats the cycle. -New York Times, 10/27
Obamacare, officially known as The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), is not a health insurance plan but a health care reform that aims to provide more Americans with access to affordable, quality health care. Americans have the opportunity to get health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. This allows people to sign up for an affordable private health plan if they choose to do so. The ACA was signed into law March 23, 2010, and many changes took effect immediately, such as allowing young people to stay on their parents insurance plan longer. Other changes, like the opening of the marketplace, started on October 1 of this year. President Obama may have signed the ACA into law, but it is actually the result of ideas from both political parties. The idea first appeared through the Heritage Foundation, a Republican group. The ACA was modeled after a Massachusetts health care insurance reform implemented by former Massachusetts governor and Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney.
individual mandate back to 2015, but for now it will go into effect for anyone who has not applied for health insurance by March 31, 2014. Republicans also do not like the employer mandate, which takes effect 2015. This mandate requires businesses with more than 50 employees to provide health insurance to their employees. However, 96 percent of businesses have fewer than 50 employees, and 90 percent of those above this threshold already provide health insurance, so only a small percentage of businesses are affected. Democrats acknowledge that Obamacare is not perfect and that some provisions may need to be delayed or altered.
What will you get 2. Are you required 5. out of all this? to use the Health Insurance Marketplace?
The ACA cant guarantee that everyone will be able to stay with his or her doctor, or that the health insurance provided by a new job will be connected to the same doctor. This was the case even before Obamacare. The law doesnt create a government-run system. What it does do is greatly expand business for private insurance by about 12 million new customers, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
Super PAC Gets Early Start on Pushing for a 2016 Clinton Campaign
On November 12, a few dozen political figureheads, including Mitch Stewart, President Obamas former campaign manager, plan to gather in New York to brainstorm tactics to gain support for Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. Its goal is to explore shifting demographics and Clintons expected strengths and weaknesses. The name of the Super PAC is Ready for Hillary, and it hopes to gather grassroots support, which means it can raise and spend an unlimited amount of money as long as there is no coordination with the candidate. The funds raised by this Super PAC will all be donated to growing an email list of supporters. At the current time, Ready for Hillary has already gained about one million supporters. -New York Times 11/12
3.What
The marketplace is for uninsured Americans and those who would like to change their current plan. Individuals earning up to $45,000 will receive tax subsidies to help them buy health insurance including nine million young people. Although Republicans contend that Obamacare will raise the cost of insurance, a report by the state of California found that the subsidies provided by the law actually lower premiums by up to 83 percent.
Young peoples enrollment is key to keeping the cost of insurance coverage down for everyone. People can no longer be denied health insurance because of a pre-existing condition such as HIV/AIDS. Insurance companies can no longer set lifetime limits for coverage or deny coverage because medical expenses exceed an arbitrary limit. Insurers can no longer charge women more for the same care thats offered to men. It also expands Medicaid (a federal-state program that serves low-income people of all ages) to include childless adults. In fact, the Washington Post reported that if every state expanded Medicaid the way the ACA intended, 8 million young people would gain coverage.
http://obamacarefacts.com/obamacare-myths.php http://www.factcheck.org/2013/09/obamacaremyths/ http://www.burntorangereport.com/diary/13879/5ways-obamacare-will-help-young-americans http://www.aarp.org/health/health-care-reform/info04-2010/who_must_have_insurance_.html h t t p : / / w w w. n e w y o r k e r. c o m / t a l k / f i n a n cial/2013/10/14/131014ta_talk_surowiecki?intcid=obinsite& http://www.npr.org/2013/10/11/231089839/faqa-young-adult-s-guide-to-new-health-insurance-choices
The WarriorGovernment
November 21, 2013
The Warrior recently conducted a survey to see how informed students are about the federal government, as well as their opinions towards it.
Who do you hold most responsible for the commonly held belief that the federal government is ineffective and dysfunctional?
Not Sure 5% Obama 17%
Who do you think was most at fault for the government shutdown?
Congress is at fault because they are the ones who approved Obamacare and then they did not approve it in the budget. To me you cannot approve something and then change your mind and not want to put in the budget. -Antonio Romeo '15 Both [Republicans and Democrats] did not do their best to work together and create a compromise until a lot of middle class federal workers were hurt by the shut down. -Maria Jaxa Claver '14
Both parties in Congress did not agree with each other. Obama is not the problem because he has no real power in Congress. He is only a figure head. -Yuna Oh '14
Redistricting
Redistricting is the process of dividing up area to make electoral districts according to their population, which then receive a proportional amount of House members. Each state does this independently from each other. Gerrymandering is the practice of redistricting to make a party have an advantage in a district. Party leaders will draw district lines to incorporate groups with similar ideologies together. This means many districts will almost always vote for a certain party. For example, a Democrat can lean far left in his or her district because there is no need to appease the small number of conservatives in the district. Congress therefore has even more division because its members become polarized. The debt limit has been agreed upon only until February of 2014. It seems that another estranging dispute between Democrats and Republicans is bound to happen again.
These serve as the underlying and basic differences between the two parties that leads their members to develop distinct opinions on key issues. Republicans tend to be conservative. They want smaller government and less spending. They are advocates of laissez-faire (economy with little to no government regulation) and the elimination of government-run welfare programs in favor of private sector companies and more personal responsibility. Democrats tend to be liberals. They want more government spending, a mixed economy (tempered government intervention) and a prevalent welfare system.
This new law requires that all U.S. citizens have some form of health care (public or private) or they must pay a monthly fee. Government healthcare will be extended to more people. This is a Democrats dream but a Republicans nightmare. In essence this new law expands government and the welfare system. In return, Republicans have been slowing things down in Congress and have refused to sign a budget because they do not agree with Obamacare and want it gone. By not agreeing on a budget and shutting down the government, Republicans have therefore delayed Obamacare.
Tea Party
The Tea Party is a political movement known for advocating reductions in U.S. debt, government spending and taxes. It is generally regarded as the most right wing of the Republican Par-
The WarriorFeatures
6
November 21, 2013
30% 70%
12% of girls play 88% do not Amount of time played per day
<30 mins compiled by Victoria Florian 14 and Mary Macrae 14 30min-1 hr
Number of days played per week When did you buy the game?
33% Pre-order
Auburn University, stole a womans truck and slammed into nine parked vehicles in an attempt to recreate GTA V. This rampage led to much outrage by adults and policemen who claimed that the game is too graphic and is not suitable for teenagers and children. Defenders of the game are quick to note that there are millions upon millions of people who play the game consistently and do not act violently as a result of game play. Ned Luke, the voice actor for Michael in the game, cites his character as a reason it doesnt glorify violence. If you want to take something out the game, take out of it that heres a guy who loves his family, yet is kind of lost. Hes trying to become a good guy, but he cant. He has all these demons that hes battling, said Luke.
The WarriorFeatures
November 21, 2013
Alumnus Goes Off the Beaten Path And Travels the World after College
by Samantha Schwartz 16
Whether after high school or after college, nearly all of us will be working for a living. The future is set for us. There are a few though, who dare to be different. Sherwood alumnus Colin Vale (09) could not see himself just diving into the workforce before a little adventure, despite the societal norm. Through the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) program, Vale will be spending a year abroad traveling to 10 countries working and living on locally owned farms. The organization is located in multiple countries and provides a range of farming programs for venturesome individuals, such as Vale. The organization matches the volunteer with an itinerary and contact information to the local farms. WWOOF gets volunteers eager about working, learning and experiencing the host country. The farms provide the volunteers with a bed and food, in exchange for their work on the farm for the extent of their stay. Looking forward to the yearlong program, Vale is optimistic about working as a farmer and creating experiences with the new families he will be living with. We will share every meal, many recipes, some great stories and
Sherwood alumnus Colin Vale explores the world after graduating from college last spring. He has decided to visit destinations he has never been in order to experience unique and different cultures. our unique cultures, said Vale. Vale recently graduated from the University of Maryland and was about to enter the workforce and take on adult responsibilities along with his peers. The spontaneous and bold decision he made to take part in the WWOOF program was sparked by his discontent with the expected path of college graduates. I saw all of my friends get jobs they dont love from the companies that came to my college on Career Day. There is no way that is the best option for me So I figured I needed to get a bigger view on the subject, and traveling the world was the way to do it, said Vale. Vales enormous commitment to the program caused anticipation and fear as he packed, purchased necessities, and became vaccinated. Once October came around, his fear was replaced with pure enthusiasm. His excitement has been matched and multiplied as he spent his first month in South Africa. [The trip thus far] has exceeded every expectation I might have accidentally had, and it is so fabulous I am seriously concerned it can only get worse from here. The sheer beauty of the land, and plants, and animals, and people is overwhelming, said Vale.
The WarriorFeatures
8
November 21, 2013
Michael Natelli 14
Twelve yearbook students attended the fall JEA and NPSA from November 13-17 in Boston, Massachusetts. Students visited many tourist attractions including the Boston Commons (left). Adviser Lori Leonard and junior Lianna Lieberman listen and participate in workshops (right). [are] interesting and innovative, said senior Melanie Abel. In addition to learning slogans such as captions not craptions and how to write better headlines and articles, attendees also were taught the visual aspects of journalism, such as photography and photo editing. One yearbook staff member, senior Melissa Zamora, was able to partake in this opportunity. [We] learned the different things you can do composition-wise with your pictures. It was really helpful. I also went to this design class where we learned about different design trends that we can incorporate into the yearbook, said Zamora. The staff bonded together throughout the trip. I definitely feel that we were able to bond more because we were in a new city and there was a much smaller group of us I got closer to a lot of people that I didnt know before, recalled senior Colleen O Neill. When not at the convention, the yearbook students learned about Bostons history while visiting places such as Paul Re-
Seniors Rachael Ames and Hannah Mbony display their presentation for the Academy of Health Professions. Ames and Mbony were spreading their knowledge about health care and medicine. goal. Being a CNA exposes you to many members of the health care team, said Dallah. You get to see nurses, physical and occupational therapists, doctors, med techs and assistants in action. You also get hands-on experience with patients. You are able to take a patients temperature, blood pressure, and view how different diagnoses are treated. Ames and Dallah are not paid for their duties as CNAs, but they did have to work very hard in order to receive the honor of becoming an assistant. I had to pass Foundations of Medicine, Medical Careers and a state exam with a B or better in order to receive my certification. I also had to pass biology and chemistry with a C or higher, said Ames. As well as attending all the classes and passing the tests, Dallah stated that the possible candidate must be at least 16 years of age and had to complete a CNA training program that has been approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing. After a background check and a passing grade on the state exam, the student can then become a CNA. Ames is able to follow her lifelong passion of helping her patients and working at the hospital every day after school. I love helping people and the fact that I get to go to the hospital and see what its like to work there, she said. On top of all of these responsibilities, which include taking vitals, cleaning beds, stocking carts and helping nurses and patients in any way, Ames most importantly observes and learns from the nurses that she works with at the hospital. [Working at the hospital] helps me get a brief preview of what my life would be like after college. This way I wont spend my money and time on nursing school and end up not even liking what Im doing, concluded Ames.
The WarriorHumor
November 21, 2013
Before
After
Two of the harrier Sherwood men: senior Justin Koenick (top) was caught two weeks into a successful participation of No-Shave November, while senior Matt Roberts (bottom) broke the sacred rules of No-Shave November and shaved his beard.
Before
After
by Hunter Moore 15
leases that extend through November; GTA V is still relevant, FIFA 14 is popular, Madden 25 is frequently used and NBA 2k14 is incredibly popular. More than just sports and video games, there is a holiday in Brovember dedicated to eating and watching football as well as being thankful. The pilgrims created an entire day for bros to chill, watch football and pour gallons of gravy on anything they want. Brovember is where we as men are defined, said junior Daniel-Jet Reeves. The hormones come out and the brotherhood continues to sprout. You get the opportunity to name something special about each hair follicle on your face for that special lady or chica that tickles your fancy; for me its Brooke Throne. Can life really get any better? Nah boy, its Brovember. All jokes aside, No-Shave November has another name, Movember. Men do not shave to spread awareness for mens health issues, such as prostate cancer. It started in 1999 when a group of 80 men from Adelaide, Australia coined the term Movember and grew out facial hair for charity.
As the end of the marking period approaches, juniors across the country have had another outbreak of what has been termed junior year blues. Although now common in todays society, junior year blues didnt always exist. Kids used to enjoy high school and have a somewhat normal time growing up. Taking several AP classes and studying for hours a night to prepare for college entrance exams was unheard of during junior year. Not only were students and parents more sensible back in those times, but people also had a healthy idea of what school entailed. But over the gradual course of time, everything began to change. School was to forever be different, and junior year was to forever be miserable. Across the country, kids began to complain about more work, harder classes, and bad cases of sleep deprivation. Juniors began to complain that their parents were making them take too many AP classes, forcing them to stay up and finish all their homework, and telling them that if they didnt achieve Valedictorian, their lives would cease to exist. These mysterious side effects were seen in an estimated 60 percent of Americas students and also had a strangely profound impact on those around them. People began to grumble about stressed out juniors with attitudes and irritable tempers. As high-schoolers transformed into the modern students we know today, the circumstances were just right. Delusional parents, the weakened bodies of their stressed-out teenage children, and the false assumption in the American public that a much more hectic school load makes for great students allowed for a catastrophic disease to catapult into the lives of countless juniors across the country. Taking the shape of Juniorous Bluesous, the illness ravaged high schools in such a short devastating burst that there was no time for anyone to build immunity. Although a crippling disease, Juniorious Bluesous usually wears off during the second semester of senior year and is replaced with Senioritis. Scientists have still not figured out the reasons as to why no cure has been found to fix the annual blues.
twerk
Look Up For. . .
by Mandy Stussman 14
a W e h T
e r o l p x E r rrio
Space
ld r o W is h t f o t Ou Movies
by Katie Mercogliano 14
make its closest approach to Newly discovered comet ISON will , et survives its encounter with the Sun the Sun on November 28. If the com ble in the ets in recent memory, and will be visi it could be one of the brightest com it the comet of the ing call Some astronomers are already early morning and early evening sky. century! December 13,
November 28
14
the 13th and morning of wers, peaks this year on the night of sho eor met the of king the , wer sho tion after midnight. The Geminids meteor k. Best viewing will be from a dark loca pea its at r hou per s eor met d lore the 14th, producing up to 120 multico show. a dark sky, so it should be a wonderful This year, the new moon will guarantee December 17 Moon Earth will be between the Sun and the and so the Moon will be fully illuminat ed as seen from Earth.
(1968)
Its intellectually puzzling, seriously lacking in dialogue, and just plain bizarre. Yet, watching this cultural touchstone of the 1960s is an experience every movie lover should have. Even with the dry dialogue and painfully long visuals, director Stanley Kubrick produced magic with Space Odyssey. Even if you dont really know whats going on (which, odds are you wont), the trippy, colorful visuals and eerie soundtrack make this a cult classic in not the just sci-fi genre, but the history of film in general. Plus, HAL 9000 singing Daisy Bell will give you nightmares for weeks, in the best way possible.
December 21
(1977) (1968)
Southern Hemisphere. of summer (summer solstice) in the day t firs the and ere isph Hem n ther solstice) in the Nor This is the first day of winter (winter for winter! December 21, 22 begins at exactly 11:11 pm. Make a wish it that is tice sols rs yea this ut abo The cool thing the night of the 21st. Best eors per hour. It peaks this year on met 5-10 ut abo only ing duc pro wer a minor meteor sho ear anywhere in the sky. Ursids Meteor Shower. The Ursids is away from city lights. Meteors can app tion loca k dar a from t nigh mid r afte viewing will be just onth) reach its greatest brilliancy on December (all m the entire month of December. It will out ugh thro ht brig ly eme extr ing will be shin Venus, the brightest of all the planets, . st Venus will be for all of 2013 and 2014 wie sho December 6. This is the
A New Hope & Empire Strikes Back (1977-1980) Though all three original Star Wars movie were fantastic, these two make the list of the best space movies of all time. The one scene alone when Darth Vader tells Luke he is his father explains all you need to know about the trilogys legendary status and impact on the film industry. With some of the most memorable action scenes, visual mastery and the classic themes of good vs evil and redemption, it claims its spot in film history.
Should
Pro
(1996)
have more government funding? have more government funding? by Steffani Carrera 14 by Catherine Jou 15
The main problem with spending billions of dollars to fund an increasing number of space explorations and launching of satellites is that the ends do not justify the means; while the potential to understand the galaxy around us is exciting, it should not trump the dire social needs of the United States. It is difficult to understand why so much money is allocated to sending missions into space when there are issues on Earth that need to be addressed, like crime, poverty, the national debt, terrorism, the economy and the environment. According to NASA, one of its goals in upcoming years is to capture an asteroid and place it in orbit in the Earth-moon system to enable additional exploration. NASA estimates this project to cost 2.6 billion dollars, and it is only one of the items outlined in the 2014 Budget Proposal. This ambitious mission raises questions about space laws and ethics, as many are unsure whether this maneuver is 100-percent legal. Furthermore, the movement of the asteroid into the orbit brings an element of danger since there is a risk that the move will endanger life on earth. The plan is a delicate one, and the chance that one element could go horribly wrong and result in failure is always lurking. Failed missions occur more often than one would hope, resulting in the loss of billions of taxpayer dollars. Information about surrounding planets is fascinating, especially when discoveries are made about possible conditions for life, yet not very useful when it comes to handling urgent domestic issues. Outer space explorations are enchanting, but U.S. problems must be prioritized.
(1995)
Pixars attempt at a space film was a huge success and developed some of the most beloved characters of our generation. The most powerful realization one gets from the movie is that for a futuristic car(2008) . toon space movie, its portrayal of whats to come is incredibly realistic. Beside the fact that the digital effects and score are stunning, it is a warning to all of us to take care of the Earth. It won and was nominated for countless awards, and rightly so. Pixar is truly the only film company that could make a movie about a futuristic dystopia, robot love and the rise of obesity and make it one of the best movies of the decade.
(2013)
Continuing to fund NASA at adequate levels could prove to be a huge pay-off for the United States. However, many do not see the point in spending money on a space program that dates back to John F. Kennedys challenge in 1961 to put a man on the moon by the end of the decade. People argue that NASA is a waste of money even though, as of last year, NASA was only 0.48 percent of the federal budget. Compare this to the roughly 57 percent of the federal budget spent on the military. Cutting it, as people suggest, would only have a negligible impact on the deficit at the expense of scientific and economical advancements. NASA provides research for not only space itself but also aerodynamics, meteorology and multiple studies of engineering. If NASA were to get the funding, people would benefit from the innovative technologies and discoveries to come, such as providing data on problems in the Ozone layer and discovering the origins of the universe. NASA has been put on the back burner of federal programs when understanding the perplexities of space, and should be more of a priority so that future generations can flourish on newly found achievements to improve lives. President Obama has suggested that the money funding activities of NASA is better spent on early education and the teaching of higher math and science classes. But what is the point of having such programs if kids are not inspired by scientific-related matters outside of school to make them want to pursue a career in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)? With NASA, the slightest achievement in space exploration might mean the world to a child, thus inspiring him or her to become a scientist or engineer, which is exactly what so many are saying is crucial to the countrys future.
Con
The WarriorOpinions
12
Staff Editorial:
tests and
In Our Opinion
the
Warrior
P
ublished seven times a year, The Warrior serves as Sherwood High Schools premier news source. Over the years, it has received numerous state and national honors. With a staff of 34 students and one advisor, The Warrior keeps the Sherwood community apprised of local and national events. All opinion articles represent the viewpoint of the writer. The unsigned staff editorials solely represent the opinions of the newspaper staff. These articles do not necessarily represent the views of Sherwood High School. The Warrior welcomes Letters to the Editor of 250 words or less. They may be submitted to room C268 or emailed to thewarrioronline.shs@gmail.com. Letters must be signed, and all content received by the newspaper is subject to editing. The Warrior staff invites feedback and corrections to printed inaccuracies. The Warrior reserves the right to refuse advertisements.
of interest in these subjects. Students stop learning and start memorizing. At this point, grades depend particularly on how quickly students can spill their memories strong or weak onto their scantrons and response essays. This is not the case for all courses, however. In certain classes, memorization is the first step toward learning and applying facts to actual situations. Information is stored in students long-term memories and understood along the way. In AP NSL, for example, the curriculum allows teachers to make connections to modern politics while teaching, and students can see what they are learning in the real world. Furthermore, hands-on lab activities in science courses require students to apply information to an actual experiment, allowing them to see how chemical or biological processes ensue. The curriculum of several courses seems to lack an active approach to teaching, leaving students uncommitted. But, these classes can become more enticing with effort. If English classes had more contemporary texts, for example, interest in reading would increase. If foreign language classes presented situations where students could use their bilingualism, mastery of Spanish and French would be desired. Until classes that engage students are no longer a minority, students will continue staring at flashcards and formula sheets, having to accept the fact that learning in high school is memorizing information.
Staff
Print Layout and Production Directors .......................... Marie Moeller 15 Michael Natelli 14 News Editors .......................................................... Steffani Carrera 14 Betselot Wondimu 15 Government Editor ................................... Whitney Marie Halaby 14 Features Editors .................................................... Victoria Florian 14 Mary Macrae 14 Humor Editor ........................................................... Hunter Moore 15 Spotlight Editor ................................................... Mandy Stussman 14 Opinions Editors ................................................. Emma Hierholzer 15 Cal Wilson 14 Wondering Warrior Editor............................. Samantha Schwartz 16 Entertainment Editors ................................................ Jenni Kenel 14 Katie Mercogliano 14 Sports Editors .............................................................. Joey Lavoie 14 Kyle Melnick 14 Online Online Managing Editor .............................................. Ashley Yen 14 Online Content Editor .............................................. Brian Hughes 15 Online Page Editors........................................................ Ryan Deal 16 Catherine Jou 15 Alec Perez 14 Will Van Gelder 16 Content and Copy Managing Content and Copy Director ......................... Joy Zhang 14 Content and Copy Editors ..................................... Meagan Barrett 15 Michael Crooks 14 Tom Lee 14 Managing Photo Editors ........................................... Bridget Cook 14 Taylor Fernandes 14 Photographer .............................................................. Haley Whitt 15 Cartoonist ............................................................. Kelsey Morrison 14 Pollster ................................................................. Sammie Spillman 16 Morning Announcements Script Editor .................... Stacey Wells 15 Business and Publicity Directors .............................. Lucy Hurlbut 14 Sean Kang 14 Advisor .................................................................................. Peter Huck
The WarriorOpinions
November 21, 2013
13
In September, The Atlantic magazine published an article by Amanda Ripely in which she argued that high school sports are taking away money and distracting students from their academics. The article highlights how the United States spends more tax dollars per high school athlete than per high school math student. Ripely contended that this contributes to the United States falling behind academically while the rest of the world progresses.
Pro
opposing argument might claim that student-athletes could just play on travel teams out of school if high school sports were taken away. However, this would raise conflicts for many athletes who do not have transportation, equipment or support to play outside of school. One benefit of high school sports is that they offer an opportunity for teenagers to play the sport they love and pursue a career out of it while the school provides transportation, equipment, coaching, practice facilities and much more for a cheap price. Playing sports opens up career choices for athletes who are interested in pursuing a profession that is sports-related. This includes jobs as a sports journalist, sports doctor/trainer, managing or coaching a sports team, running a sporting goods store or athletic facility or designing athletic equipment. Playing sports gives an individual insight and a better understanding into all of these careers. Not only do athletes benefit from sports, but sports also provide a sense of community and identity for students who do not play them. For many schools, such as Sherwood, sports spread school spirit among the student body. Students gain a sense of identity. They can root, cheer and tell others how my team beat your team. It is hard to imagine high school being high school without sports.
Con
Its no secret that football is a huge part of the Sherwood community as well at most schools in Montgomery County. The amount of money it takes for the upkeep of the football team is not worth the twoplus months that the community comes together to cheer on the varsity team. In addition to the costs of jerseys, helmets and other equipment, there are high costs associated with the field itself and other faculties. Then there is more than $10,000 in stipends for the coaching staff. Defenders of high school football and its high financial costs will argue that the sport pays for much of its costs on its own through ticket sales and the support of parents such as Sherwoods Warrior Booster Club. But just imagine if the same level of enthusiasm and support from the parent community shifted from football to students efforts and successes in academicsnot just in their classes but also through such clubs as Its Academic, Future Educators of America, and the schools many honor societies. Students, parents, administrators and board members need to take into consideration that academics will get students somewhere athletics wont, especially since only two percent of high school students end up playing sports at the college level. The priorities need to change in high schools.
We Deserve a Voice
by Mandy Stussman 14
On Tuesday, November 4, more than 90 16- and 17-year-olds made history by exercising their newly granted right to vote in municipal elections in Takoma Park. This Montgomery County community was the nations first to lower the voting age from 18 to 16, creating a template that the rest of the country should follow. In an ideal democracy, every citizen has the opportunity to voice her/his opinion, regardless of sex, race, denomination, economic status or age. Youth rights have been overlooked in America for centuries, because children cannot vote, and after the age of 18, legal adulthood, many citizens are no longer personally concerned with the injustices Americas youth face. Children are an important segment of this countrys population and deserve a say in politics. Sixteen-year-olds can represent that segment. They are old enough to drive, work full time, give consent for medical treatment and form opinions. Americas youth deserves a voice. They deserve the right to vote.
AP Freshman
by Samantha Schwartz 16
Coming into high school is a big change. The students are bigger, the homework is longer, the opportunities are endless, and the responsibilities have grown. To make the leap from middle school to high school even more difficult is the decision of taking AP classes. As a sophomore in a mixed class of freshman and sophomores in AP NSL, I understand and observe struggling freshman who indeed regret taking the AP class. Middle school does not prepare incoming freshman for the difficulties of such a strenuous class. The amount of homework is doubled, the amount of classwork is tripled, and the amount of effort mandatory to pass is quadrupled. All of this takes away time for socializing and expanding interests in newly found clubs and extracurricular activities, and replaces it with after-school hours spent studying or finishing homework. The option to take an AP class should not be given to incoming freshman no matter how eager they or their parents are for them to tackle the rigorous challenge.
The WarriorOpinions
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November 21, 2013
How do you feel this will affect students with after-school activities?
nts with the schedules of stude oy str de y el et pl m co ch, ve volunteering, chur This plan is going to ha es im et m so I e, nc . For insta ep, it is after-school activities lping me get more sle he of ad ste in , us Th . hool TDK classes after sc hedule more hectic. in go g to make my sc Jae Jung - 17
Sports could be moved to bef ore school; however, there wi ll be less time for other extracurricular s and after-school activities. Marggie Lin - 17
et ids will g k o s , s ie leep, activit r-school et some s g te f a to t k c n a a w sh b nd if they very fast. n will pu This pla later than usual. A homework done eir en home ev uld have to get th 16 aufman they wo Colleen K
Time changes w ill push back acti vities, leading to Therefore, this w finishing homew ill have almost no ork later. difference in stud en ts sl ee p schedule. Dara Williams 16
4-5 hours
6-7 hours
75 students surveyed
15
Thanksgiving
u o y e r a t a Wh ? r o f l u f k n most tha
My frien ds becaus e they ar there for e me throu g and thin h thick Breakin . My fami g Bad, it ly, friend -Gerald C changed m s and, most imp arter 14 y life. o rtantly, my health. -Matt K oehler 15 -Lauren Bliss 17
I help make a Thanksgiving dinner for all the staff at my local horse rescue. -Larisa Quirk 16
Thanking my parents for all that they have done. -Rosalie Friedman 15
Wh ich
What unique traditions do you and your family carry out during Thanksgiving?
on TV all We watch the Macys day parade together. -Alleigh Keyes 16 We have an annual family flag footb all game with all of the cousins, aunts, uncle s and grandparents. -Bridget Vaughan 14
p y t
p ie d o y o f o e u
None 6% Pumpkin 28%
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Other 21%
Pecan 8%
Apple 37%
The WarriorEntertainment
November 21, 2013
17
Shows
Shindigs
graphic by Katie Mercogliano 14
November 26 MGMT DAR Constitution Hall November 29 CHVRCHES The National December 1
Animal Collective w/bEEdEEgEE
December 13
Flosstradamus
(DC)
(DC)
(VA)
(MD)
(DC)
(DC)
(DC)
Echostage
(DC)
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The WarriorEntertainment
November 21, 2013
Reviews
A Battle of Morality So Cheesy It Just Might Work
by Catherine Jou 15
Enders Game gives an ethereal sense to the viewer of wanting to be immersed into space. Writer-director Gavin Hood allows for the film, based on Orson Scott Cards 1985 novel, of the same name, to be more than just an action flick for teenage boys. Hood explores the ethics of war through the emotional and psychological thoughts of the main character, Ender Wiggin (played by Asa Butterfield). The film takes place in a notso-distant future of 2086, after the Formics, an alien species also known as buggers in the book, attack Earth in two separate invasions. In the second invasion the human race is almost destroyed, which is more of a focal point in the movie than in the novel, but thanks to Mazer Rackham (Ben Kingsley), Earths greatest commander, the world is saved. Since the attacks of the Formics, nations have come together to form the International Fleet (I.F.) where children are recruited based on their strategic abilities and retention of advanced knowledge. Having read the book, it felt to me as if some scenes in the film are rushed and various character developments and relationships are lacking because of it. However, Butterfield still channels the complex emotions of Ender Wiggin and subtly displays, as time progresses, an increasing regret for allowing Colonel Graff (Harrison Ford) and the I.F. to manipulate him for their gain. Throughout the movie Graff constantly tries to justify pushing Ender so hard to the point where it seems like Enders could lose all his capacity for empathy at any second. Graff doesnt seem to care about Enders well-being, and emphasizes that there wont be a world to criticize him if he doesnt take such extreme measures. In Enders Game the initial enemy is the Formics but underneath the surface the teachers and authority at the Battle School are the true enemies. Mazer and Graff manipulate Ender by indirectly choosing who his enemies are through isolation and promotion. This conduct raises many questions of whether to agree with the authoritys tactics or to feel for Enders loss of his childhood. The movie shows necessary tactics in the intergalactic war, parallel to the methods used in present-day wars. This asks the audience how much they would be willing to disregard their moral code to save humanity. The most breathtaking parts take place when Ender and his army are in the Battle Room where they do an advanced version of laser tag in zero gravity. While these scenes appeal to action-seekers, they also are a treat for other viewers because of the visually stunning cosmos-like surroundings.
by Jenni Kenel 14
The film The Hunger Games came out in March 2012, and while many fans are anticipating the thrilling sequel that is released on November 22, directors/writers Jason Freidberg and Aaron Seltzer, who teamed together for Vampires Suck, Epic Movie, Disaster Movie and Meet the Spartans, have yet again morphed a beloved blockbuster into a spoof. The Starving Games offers viewers moments of enjoyment paradoxically because of its stupidity and use of stereotypes. The movie starts off with Kantmiss Evershot (Maiara Walsh) and Dale (Brant Daugherty) talking about running away from the miserable District 12 where they live. They discuss the Gathering, which is the equivalent to the Reaping in The Hunger Games, in which two contestants are chosen to fight to the death against 22 other teenagers. Petunia Evershot (Kennedy Hermansen) is selected for the Starving Games, and Kantmiss dances in delight at not being chosen. She even chest-bumps and high-fives the guards that are preparing to take her sister. But then Kantmiss is convinced by Petunias puppy dog eyes into volunteering for her younger sister. The contestants are then brought to the Capital and are
www.imdb.com
interviewed by cheesey Stanley Caeserman (Chris Marroy) on their way to the arena where they will fight to the death. The Games begin and Kantmiss meets the musical group LMFAO and gets help from her competitor, Rudy (Eryn L. Davis), who ends up snapping Kantmiss out of a hallucination in she which was imagining that she is one of the Navi from the movie Avatar. The rest of the Games continue on with a few twists here and there with spoofs such as the Mocking Jay, the bravest bird, being a chicken and the birds pooping on Kantmiss when she whistles her tune. Also, her mother, who is depressed in The Hunger Games, is completely brain dead and unable to function in The Starving Games.
The portrayal of some of the events in the spoof film did leave something to be desired. Walsh is very predictable and over exuberant in her acting, even for a movie that is supposed to be unrealistic. For example, her acting is just a distraction in the scene when Kantmiss is trying to save Peter (Cody Christian) from Marco (Ross Wyngaarden) and picks a French baguette instead of an arrow from her sheath. Daugherty and Christian, on the other hand, gave strong performances. Daugherty was excellent at playing the overprotective type of boy who also has a crush on the heroine, and Christian successfully made a joke of the bakers nerdy son who is also hopelessly in love with her. Christian also gets a shout-out for being able to convincingly scream in a very high-pitched girl voice when depicting how Peter was terrified of everything and everyone as soon as the Games begin. Friedberg and Seltzer add a dash of cultural relevancy with the references to Harry Potter, Oz: the Great and Powerful, The Avengers, Angry Birds, Fruit Ninja, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Taylor Swift, Sherlock Holmes and even Americas crazy obsession with their sports teams. The Starving Games is cheesy, predictable, stupid, stereotypical, insulting and rude exactly what a spoof should be.
by Mandy Stussman 14
Beauty and the Beast, a play produced by IT Systems Specialist and theatre director Andrew Dodge, began performances in the Ertzman theatre on November 15, and will continue performances this weekend, on the 22nd and 23rd. This year, the play featured unprecedented components, as cast and crew members worked vigorously to test the boundaries of a high school production and take the play to a whole new caliber. All their time and energy paid off. The musical captivated its audience through passionate acting, impressive singing, elaborate sets, lighting and precise choreography. [To direct a play], you have to start by reading through the script to find out what the needs of the production will be: how many different locations do we need to create, furniture and props, and all of the different costumes to create the right look, said Dodge. All of these needed to be designed and planned out. I have a lot of students on tech crew this year which has been beneficial to the
Child actors take bow during curtain call (top left); Belle (Alperin) and Beast (Cameron) share a touching moment in the romantic number, Something There (top right); Gaston (Hunt) woos Silly Girls (Fox, Mueck, Deerin) with his charm (bottom left); The cast takes the stage for last time in grand finale (bottom right). complexity of the show. Dodge and the crew were successful in creating that right look. The set designs, which consisted mainly of detailed painted backgrounds, were exquisite, and helped transition the play throughout the three main settings. Coupled with beautifully extravagant costumes and makeup, viewers were drawn into the story, forgetting they were in a high school theatre. Another new feature of the play was the casting of two elementary school students to share the role of Chip the Teacup. This was the first time that non-Sherwood students were cast in a Sherwood production. Senior Rachel Fox, who
also played Silly Girl #1, choreographed the elaborate dance routines, which added to the songs and the story. The hours of practice were evident as the cast remained largely synchronized. Sophomore Sophie Mezebish, who played Babette, even performed a solo tap-dancing routine during one of the songs, an impressive talent and great addition to the play. Furthermore, the Sherwood orchestra, conducted by music teacher Alex Silverbook, wowed the audience with its impressive skills. They beautifully demonstrated their ability to master the amazing score of the musical, especially the most beloved songs, like Be Our Guest and Beauty and the Beast. Half way through the first act on opening night, the cast demonstrated remarkable professionalism when a bat swooped in and flew around the theater. The actors on stage masterfully did not skip a beat proving the play would go on no matter what. Overall, the cast and crew produced an outstanding musical reminiscent of the beloved tale, Beauty and the Beast.
The WarriorSports
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November 21, 2013
by Katie Mercogliano 14
Last year, the NFLs Play 60 campaign, which encouraged kids to get at least one hour of exercise daily in hopes of reversing childhood obesity, was repeatedly played during the games. Professional athletes, whether they want the responsibility or not, are influential celebrities to young children, and the Play 60 campaign displayed them using those powers to benefit the lives of kids. But in this years endorsements, its apparent the focus is becoming more and more on how many Papa Johns pizzas the great Peyton Manning can get for cheaper or who stole the McDonalds Mighty Wings from star quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Colin Kaepernick. Obesity is the most significant health issue for American children and adolescents, and
- Michael Natelli 14 Last Season: 12-10 Playoff Results: Lost in the second round 49-44 to Paint Branch.
- Sammie Spillman 16 Last Season: 4-17 Playoff Results: Lost in the first round 74-32 to Poly. Key Performers: Junior Nicole Stockinger and senior Marybeth Bidwick. Coach Chris Campbell: I know we have a strong returning core and some of the returning players are battling injuries and illnesses and the goal is to get them healthy again. I will be looking to leadership from Marybeth and Nicole. I know its going to be tough because last year the team went through a learning curve with a new system and now they have to do it all over again, but I am really excited this year and I expect to improve on last years record.
Key Performers: Junior Xavier McCants, seniors Ellis Dozier and Tyler Reeves. letes endorse healthy foods for a big chunk of change too, like Robert Griffin III and others for Subway. Its possible to collect on the celebrity status while still being a good role model. There is no reason why a celebrity athlete should not be able to reap the benefits of their success through endorsement deals that they are offered. But choosing to market fast food when their job is to be fit and healthy sends a mixed message to kids. These athletes should be fighting the childhood obesity epidemic, not contributing to it. Coach Tim Gilchrist: We start the year off with Magruder. Thats always a big rivalry game and we dont play them again until the end of February, so those will be two games that the kids are looking forward to. Were also in a holiday tournament at Einstein; pretty solid tournament there with Einstein, Richard Montgomery, Crossland out of PG County and then us. Really just looking forward to the season; were working hard right now, and good things will happen if we keep the hard work up.
Indoor Track
- Leo Corman 15
- Becky Ewing 14
Playoff Results: 8th for girls and 9th for boys in 4A West Regional Meet; 18th for girls and 24th for boys in 4A Maryland State Meet. Key Performers: Juniors Lauren Woods, Tiffany Woods, Jefferson Ruiz, Owen Miller, seniors Grace McDonald and Kyle Melnick. Coach Dan Reeks: On the boys side, we lost three of the four members of our 4x800 relay team. We also lost an excellent hurdler in Andrew Sarver. On the girls side, we lost Lauren Paese, a strong high jumper, and Amanda Tomlinson, a good distance runner. Top competitors this year for the girls will be sprinters Lauren and Tiffany Woods and distance runner Grace McDonald. For the boys, Jefferson Ruiz, Owen Miller, and Kyle Melnick will be among the top relay runners.
Playoff Results: Girls placed 2nd at State Championship, 2nd at North Regional Championship and 3rd at Metros. Key Performers: Junior Jake Ryan, seniors Amy Hockman and Alex Witkin. Coach Brendan Lees: Our girls team finished 2nd in the state last year, and we had four event state champions which was the most of any team in the state. We graduated some of our top swimmers, but we have some great young swimmers on the team and great senior leadership that should help us repeat as Division & Region Champs and be somewhere near the top of the state standings. The boys finished 2nd at regionals last year and hopefully will be vying for a region championship this year.
- Mary Macrae 14 Last Season: 6-8 Playoff Results: Senior Chris Minor, junior Andrew Frumkin and Adrian Arvalo (13) qualified for states. Key Performers: Sophomore Billy Macheras, juniors Andrew Frumkin and Troy Berkheimer, seniors Cal Wilson, Chris Minor and Matt Roberts. Coach Pete Siarkas: We want to make it to the state duels. Thats our teams goal. For individual goals we want to send as many guys to states as possible this year. Last year we had three qualify for states and we want to double it.
Wrestling
The WarriorSports
November 21, 2013
by Kyle Melnick 14
ball, they have given everything they have to build a strong foundation for the future. That being said, we arent playing for the future, we are playing for right now. Although having a new head coach is exciting, it can also be extremely frustrating. All coaches demand differently from their athletes. Some coaches approach the sport in a supportive manner, staying positive and never getting down on their athletes. However, some coaches feel the only way to win and get the most out of their athletes is to be very demanding and vocal with the expectation that the athletes perform every time they step on the field. Many coaches believe a mix of these styles is the best way to go. There is always a learning curve for players when a new coach comes in. The process does take time but the players have work[ed] hard, are receptive to instruction and have positive attitudes, said Kogok. Most of these new coaches have taken over traditionally successful programs at Sherwood, and are expected to continue the success. Barber, who takes over a team that has won consecutive 4A state championships, will be in charge of continuing the momentum and adding to the softball legacy. She hopes to bring her own aspects of coaching and combine them with what former coach Pat Flanagan brought to the players. Its a new year, Flanagan
19
Kyle Melnick 14
New varsity boys basketball coach Tim Gilchrist (left) watches as varsity Warriors try out. He takes over for Dontrell Wittmore, who left the program after last season. Chris Campbell (right) takes over the girls program this year. He is the third head coach in three years as the Warriors look for continuity. was a great coach who has been team and hopefully they can take continue where players/coaches here a long time, said Barber. I themselves as far as they have in of the past have left off. The prothink we both have similar styles the past. gram will continue to thrive and in some aspects and different in The same stands for Gilchrist, the current players know the reothers. I was fortunate enough to who is taking over the basketball sponsibility they have to the trawork with her the past four years team that made it to the Mary- dition of Sherwood basketball, to [as assistant coach]. We will prac- land State Semifinals in 2012. the community, and to themselves tice and play hard. I just want to Sherwood basketball has a great as leaders and positive influences push the girls to get better and tradition and I am proud to be a within Sherwood High School, be the best individually and as a part of that tradition. I hope to said Gilchrist.
The WarriorSports
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November 21, 2013
Jack Armstrong 15
Senior Elijah Spottswood is stopped on a run during Sherwoods first round playoff matchup against Paint Branch on November 15. The Warriors lost 42-7 after not being able to establish an offensive rhythm. Warriors made the playoffs. However, they were paired up with the Paint Branch Panthers (10-1), a team that had beaten them by a score of 55-21 just two weeks prior. The Warriors ultimately suffered another tough loss to the Panthers, this time by a score of 42-7. Paint Branch senior quarterback Gaston Cooper threw for 317 yards and five touchdowns, while the Panthers also had an additional 88 yards on the ground. When you play a team like Paint Branch with a high scoring, powerful offense, you need to control the ball as much as possible, said Emerson. Take a lot of time off the clock on your offensive drives, and keep the ball
Volleyball Falls Early, Title Field Hockey Loses Streak Comes to Abrupt End to Severna Park in State Semi-Finals
by Sammie Spillman 16
The Warriors volleyball team lost to Howard on October 6 in a third-round playoff match. After Howard took the first set 25-14, the Warriors battled back to win the next two sets 28-26, 23-25. However, the momentum wildly swung back in Howards direction as they won the last two sets 25-9 and 15-5. The Howard team was very smart and had a lot of talent. We played as hard as we could but sadly did not come out with the win, said junior defensive specialist Alison Sarver. The Warriors went 12-1 in the regular season, losing to Damascus on October 18 in five sets, which ended the Warriors 68-game undefeated streak over the course of three seasons. The Warriors ably overcame that disappointment with an impressive win on October 22 away at Good Counsel. The Warriors entered the Howard game with a firstround playoff victory at home over Springbrook. Im so proud of the team for putting together a great season. Their dedication and passion to their teammates and coaches took their play to an extremely high level, said Coach Brian McCarty. The Howard match was a lot of fun to be a part of even though we didnt come out on top. There was a great crowd, loud gym, and some really competitive volleyball being played just a great atmosphere for our team to play in. We have to give credit to Howard; they were a strong, athletic,
by Ryan Deal 16
Joey Lavoie 14
Girls volleyball breaks huddle during a 3-2 loss at Howard in the third round. This was the last high school game for five graduating seniors.
powerful team that played well. Im proud of the way our team competed all night and fought for each other. Unfortunately, we couldnt get some big points when we needed to. Although the Warriors lost in the playoffs earlier than many anticipated, the team still has high hopes for next year when they will return 12 players. Next season were going to make a come-
back and be just as good, if not better, and well work as hard as we did this last season and hopefully go further in the playoffs, said junior libero Kaleigh Homer. As for next year, I think we should be strong again, added McCarty. Our seniors leave the program with a legacy of hard work and success so hopefully our younger players can carry on those traditions.
The field hockey team made school history this season, advancing to the state tournament for the first time since 1985, ending a drought that lasted 28 years. The team, which is still fairly young, went 16-2 overall this season, including playoff victories against Blake, Quince Orchard and Paint Branch en route to a 4A West Division Title. The team outscored opponents 71-10 in the regular season. Of their 16 wins, nine were shutouts and in six of them, the opponent was held to just one goal We had a lot of perseverance. We prepared well and focused on every game one step at a time by working hard at practice, said sophomore Zoe Sweeney. The field hockey teams dominance can be largely attributed to an electric offense, which possessed two of the top five scorers in the county in seniors Emily Kenul (29 goals) and Gabrielle Yore (25 goals) and a stifling defense, led by sophomore Dani Pignone, senior goalkeeper Christina Ricciuiti and senior Mollie Russell. Along with the physical abilities of the team, the team chemistry and leadership attributed to a deep postseason run. Our captains [Russell and Yore] along with our other seniors truly cared for each one of their teammates and made sure to be there for them through the ups and downs, said
Coach Amy Morse. Sherwood began the season on a 13-game win streak and the success carried them all the way to the state tournament. Reaching states felt amazing and it was so much fun to share it with everyone, said Ricciuti. The most exciting part was knowing and believing that we belonged there, Morse added. Winning the state tournament, which is played annually and is composed of four teams, is the ultimate goal for field hockey teams throughout the state. In the tournament semifinals, they faced a tough and experienced Severna Park team. Sherwood played their hearts out, but ultimately lost to the veteran team, 5-0. They had really good stick skills and knew how to pass. They got a couple of goals quickly and had momentum for the rest of the game. They came out really ready to win, said Kenul. Although the loss ended a historic season for the Warriors, the experience and thrill of the season will be remembered by the players and coaches. If I learned anything from this year, its that it is important to keep pushing each other and to keep sticking together even when youre losing, said senior Haroula Tzamaras. I will walk away from this season feeling an incredible amount of pride in this team. They worked hard for their teammatesnot themselves, said Morse.