the

Inside: News: 1-4, BSW: 5-6, Features: 7-9, Humor: 10-11, Spotlight: 12-13 Opinions: 14-16, Wondering Warrior: 17, Entertainment: 18-20, Sports: 21-24

Warrior
Sherwood High School 300 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860

34th Year, Issue No.5

June 5, 2012

Spotlight

Entertainment
Getting strange stares in the hallway?
Get some new summer fashion tips!

An insiders look at the 2012 Olympic Games. Pgs. 12-13

Pg. 18

State Champions At Last

School Collects on Student Debts

by Bridget Cook 14
As of May 10, the total amount of money owed in obligations was $29,583, with 10th and 11th grade classes owing the most at $10,443 and $11,916, respectively. Because of obligations being cleared for prom and graduation, the number has decreased to $1,165 as of May 25. Students have several years to accumulate obligations. By the time they reach their senior year, they begin to clear the obligations in order to purchase tickets for school events such as homecoming and prom. [Students] clear obligations to be able to participate in their graduation ceremony. Obligations should be taken care of as they occur instead of letting them accumulate to their senior year, said Brenda Hoyle, the schools Business Manager. However, clearing obligations in time for diploma distribution is not usually a problem for seniors. School staff work diligently with students and parents to get any outstanding financial obligations cleared before diplomas are distributed, said Hoyle. Some of the most common classes students receive obligations in include English, math, art, food and consumer science, Foundations of Technology, and Media

Joey Lavoie 14

Sherwood softball celebrates with coach Pat Flanagan after winning their first state championship. The Warriors beat Chesapeake High School 1-0 to win only the second championship in MCPS history.

see OBLIGATIONS, pg. 2

The Determined March On, On a Different Track

by Mandy Stussman 14
This Saturday, hundreds of people will gather upon the grounds of Our Lady of Good Counsel High School to participate in Relay for Life of Olney, an annual overnight event held to promote awareness of and raise money for the fight against cancer. Relay for Life is sponsored by the American Cancer Society and is organized into teams, each working to raise as much money as possible before and during the event. Relay for Life has been held on the Sherwood track for the past seven years, but this year has one major difference as the location of the event moves to Good Counsel. Since Sherwood is getting a new field and track, the construction forced the event to be moved to Good Counsel. This created chaos for the Relay managers and coordinators as they scrambled to manage the event despite the change in location. We miss Sherwood. The staff, faculty and students are wonderful. We hope to come back next year, said event chair Bryna Selig. She and other coordinators of the Relay event have struggled with the changes a difference in venue will bring. The biggest concern is the astroturf at Good Counsel. No food or beverages are allowed on the turf, and free standing tents are prohibited. Also, the luminaria, which are little bags placed around the track in honor and in memory of those who have battled cancer, will have artificial lights in them this year as opposed to real candles, taking away from the effect. However, the enthusiasm and passion for the cause has not been diminished by the change in location. There will be a large tent in a separate section right off the track where people can buy and sell food, and many exciting activities will take place throughout the night, including a midnight Bingo game. There are 63 teams (nearly 600 participants) involved in the Relay for Life event, and $135,370 has been raised for the fight against cancer. Despite the obstacles of a new venue, Relay for Life continues into another exciting year as people celebrate, remember, and fight back against the disease that has affected millions.

photo coutesy of Bryna Selig

Dedicated participants of the Relay for Life of Olney event gathered on the Sherwood track last year. This year, the event will be held on Our Lady of Good Counsels track.

www.thewarrioronline.com

The WarriorNews
June 5, 2012

EWS N
in brief
MCPS Employees Set To Get Raise
by Leah Schroeder 13
For the first time in three years, MCPS employees will likely be receiving a pay increase. Salaries are expected to increase by an average of 3.4 percent. The change has to be approved by three employee unions, and if approved by all three organizations, it will be voted on by the Board of Education on June 14. This agreement speaks to the long-term healing and sustainability of our school system, said Superintendent Joshua Starr during a news conference on May 21. Our employees have given up a lot in the last three years. We believe it is time to ensure that their compensation meets the increased demands of the future. The pay increase is only for the 2013 fiscal year, which starts July 1. Any pay changes for fiscal year 2014 and beyond will need to be negotiated and agreed to by all parties. Fairfax and Prince Georges counties also have negotiations underway to allow for increases in pay.

New SGA Looks to Hit the Ground Running

Class Officers
Class of 2013
President: Nikki Steiner Vice President: Lia Kurihara Secretary: Carroll Rachefsky Treasurer: Kevin Pham

SGA President: Evan Schwartz

SGA Vice President: Sean Prin

Class of 2014
President: Dino Zagami Vice President: Rob Young Secretary: Jan Pasternak Treasurer: Natalie Sebeck

Class of 2015 SGA Secretary: Hope Gouterman by Michael Natelli 14

Last Wednesday at the end of fourth period, Principal Bill Gregory announced that junior Evan Schwartz had become SGA President for the 2012-2013 school year. After serving as the Class of 2013 Treasurer for three consecutive years, Schwartz decided that his love for student leadership and advocacy, as he describes it, made him ready to take the leap to the SGA Presidency. I believe that I have been trained for this position since my freshman year, and it has always been my goal to help the entire school, said Schwartz. I also love what I do and what student government has to offer.

SGA Treasurer: Katy Chiogioji

Schwartzs plan is first and foremost to generate more of a connection with students. It is imperative that student government becomes more accessible to the student body, he said. It is also important to me that we utilize all of the different students at Sherwood. It would be great to use the skills of our many clubs to make our events run smoothly and effectively. However, Schwartz is not doing this alone. He will be aided by classmates Vice President Sean Prin, Secretary Hope Gouterman and Treasurer Katy Chiogioji. Everyone deserves to have a great school year and making this school year the best yet is the goal we hope to accomplish as mem-

President: Julia Gajewski-Nemes Vice President: Annie Rafferty Secretary: Kristin Stitizlein Treasurer: Chris Chiogioji

More Passengers Lead to More Crashes

by Alyssa Miller 13
Despite a recent downward trend in the number of fatal automobile crashes, the Governors Highway Safety Association found that the number of deadly accidents involving new teenage drivers saw a slight increase in 2011. A study from the AAA published in The Washington Post stated that the number of passengers in a car with a teenage driver can triple or even quadruple the likelihood of that car being involved in a fatal accident. Although teens are widely reputed to be the least responsible drivers, the study found that dangerous driving is common among any driver younger than 24 years old. These drivers have underdeveloped reflexes and are more likely to use their cell phones while driving, significantly increasing their chances of having fatal accidents. Even with the slight increase in young driver accidents, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported a 375 person decrease in the number of deaths on the roads from 2010 to 2011. Many are giving state laws, such as graduated licensing systems, credit for the decline in fatal driving accidents.

bers of SGA, said Gouterman. Prin would like to push towards changes such as a more exciting pep-rally, tailgates when we play Magruder [and] a better Mr. Sherwood contest. Things like that thatll make the school year feel like times flying by. The new staff already have several events planned, most notably the Welcome Back Senior Barbeque scheduled for September of next school year. The hope for the event is to raise significant funds to put towards events such as Senior Homecoming Halls as well as prom, currently scheduled to take place on a yacht. I expect the barbecue to be a hit, said Prin. I mean, who doesnt like barbecue?

Students Stress over Obligations

from OBLIGATIONS, pg. 1
Center fees. English Composition Assistant Liz Bolton sees a significant number of English book obligations each year, although they have decreased since the implementation of a new bar code system. During the first year when the bar code system was put into use, I wrote about $5,000 worth of obligations ... this year we are down to about $3,500 in books that are placed on the obligation list, said Bolton. Obligations are prevalent in high school because many students do not realize the extent of their obligations or that they even exist. Others brush off the notices they receive, not thinking about them again until it is time for major school events such as prom, and graduation. Even though school staff are willing to help students with the obligations payment process, students still face impediments as they discover their obligations. Students receive a few notices per year over the phone or from a teacher notifying them that they owe money, and then must schedule time to go the Business Office during school and consult with an administrator. Previously, there was a more efficient system in place for determining obligations. In past years, a list of

Sherwood Ranks Highly in Challenge Index by Alex Porter 13

Sherwood ranked 313th on this years Challenge Index from The Washington Post. The index was created in 1998 by reporter Jay Matthews and is based on student access to college-level classes, such as AP and IB courses, in U.S. high schools. It is calculated by dividing the number of college-level tests by the number of graduating seniors. Only 1,898 schools of the 22,000 high schools in the country qualified to be ranked by having at least the same number of college-level tests as graduating students. All 25 MCPS high schools made the list. Five schools made the top 100, with Poolesville finishing the highest at 54th. Of 177 DC area schools, Sherwoods was 40th, and Poolesville was fourth.

Taylor Fernandes 14

Washington DC Area Rankings (Out Of 177 schools)

4 5 7 8 9 18 20 30 35 40 43 47 50 Poolesville Richard Montgomery
Bethesda Chevy Chase

Walter Johnson Winston Churchill Thomas S. Wootton Walt Whitman Quince Orchard Montgomery Blair Sherwood Rockville Albert Einstein Northwest

59 68 70 78 79 80 81 83 84 86 106 128

Damascus Col. Zadok Magruder Seneca Valley Northwood Springbrook Wheaton Clarksburg James Hubert Blake Paint Branch Watkins Mill Gaithersburg John F. Kennedy

Graduating seniors line up outside of the Business Office to pay their obligations before the year ends. student financial obligations was confer with someone working in posted outside the school Busi- the Business Office for investiness Office and students could gation of the claim. Rarely, the easily check and see if they had obligation still cannot be cleared an active financial obligation. For after this level. If that happens, a privacy reasons, MCPS has deter- student must go to the business mined that we can no longer post administrator and eventually the a list, said Hoyle. principal. In some cases waivers If a student feels that an ob- will be issued for students owing ligation was incorrectly adminis- obligations in the face of financial tered or that they no longer owe hardship. money, they can go through an School staff work diligently appeals process. They begin at a with students and families to clear lower level, simply by discussing obligations Students may pay the issue with a teacher. Most obligations and return textbooks often the issue is resolved at this to the Business Office, Room level, Hoyle stated. If the obliga- 101, daily before and after school tion still stands, the student must and during lunch, Hoyle added.

The WarriorNews
June 5, 2012

New and Returning Courses Farewell... For 2012-2013 School Year

by Evan Schwartz 13

A tribute to these teachers who will not be returning

by Matt Diogo 14
Math teacher Mel Laughner has decided to call it quits and retire after a 42-year career, exclusively at Sherwood. Known for his many stories and his humor, Laughner is a favorite among students. For years, he also coached various sports, including football, basketball and baseball. Laughner said it was easy to stay at Sherwood since he always liked his colleagues and the students. If youre going to be in this profession and like the school youre in, theres no reason to go elsewhere, said Laughner. Laughner isnt completely giving up teaching, as he teaches part time at Montgomery College. Other than that, I dont know [what else Im going to do]. Im looking forward to having free time to relax; and if I get bored Ill find something to do, said Laughner.

Literature as Film Molecular Biology

One of the most highly anticipated courses for the 20122013 school year can be found in the English department. The Literature as Film class will be offered next year as a single-semester elective to students grades 9-12. Christiane Lock, who will be teaching the class next year, is excited about the high level of interest students have shown. Literature as Film will delve deeply into the actual characteristics of filming technique covering a range of topics including cinematic language, types of movies, cinematography, acting, editing and sound. This includes a look at films throughout history, analyzing the growth of cinema in culture. While the range of ages and maturity levels may appear to be a challenge, Lock believes that a more diverse crowd would create a more meaningful discussion. Lock said that the different ages of students in the class should not detract from learning the subject. I look forward to a variety of perspectives, she added. However, this class may not pique the interest of students looking to watch rated-R movies. Due to MCPS restrictions, the class will only be allowed to view films with a rating of G, PG, or PG-13. Despite the viewing restrictions, the class will be offering an in depth look at film culture often overlooked. My goal is that students understand the importance of storytelling as seen through the art form of movies, Lock said. Most of all, I hope that students continue to love watching a variety of movies as a way of both creating and understanding our culture. A highly-anticipated returning course for next year is Molecular Biology. Though she will not be teaching the class, science teacher Allison Erdman spoke about the classs return. The course has been offered before at Sherwood, but was not taught this past year due to a lack of student interest. Molecular, differing from Honors or AP Biology, is a weighted-credit class that, focuses in on two main parts of biologythe cells and biomolecules within the cell (proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids), said Erdman. It also incorporates more of the application of technology into hands-on labstesting antibiotics for resistance in bacteria, gel electrophoresis, Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR) and forensics lab techniques. Through the numerous hands-on lab activities, Erdman explained that Molecular will provide students with an understanding of the biotechnology that has helped scientists understand gene expression, including gel electrophoresis, PCR and the Human Genome project. Furthermore, the class will delve into the application of these concepts and technologyincluding the forensics unit, genetic diseases, the biology of cancer, infectious diseases and genetic engineering. Molecular will be covering a broad range of scientific topics, which may seem overwhelming. In brief, Molecular Biology will give students an in-depth, handson introduction to the molecules of life and their applications in the world, which scientists have used to improve our food, medicine, and understanding of DNA and inherited diseases.

AP Comparative Government
One of the most talked-about courses for next year is not new at all. AP Comparative Government was taught previously at Sherwood, but did not receive enough registrants for the 2011-2012 school year. The course is set to be taught by history teacher Jen Walker. It focuses on the government systems of six nations: the United Kingdom, Mexico, Russia, China, Nigeria and Iran. The course is designed to give students a look at differing political objectives and policies used amongst developed, developing and less developed nations, explained Walker. She hopes students will leave the class with a broader understanding of world politics, and come to appreciate the freedoms and opportunities that people living in the United States experience. Walker, who previously taught the class, is looking forward to the courses use of student study groups which enhance students practice of cooperation and work management. With only one period of the class, the same students will study together both semesters, which Walker believes to be a benefit. Walker looks forward to the year and the use of experiential learning through extended field trips and guest speaker appearances. In the past [the class] has gone to the state department and has also had outside speakers come in. If anything, I would like to add some additional field trips or guest speakers from some of the embassies to give students a first-hand account of current situations on an international scale.

Mr. Laughner

by Jamie Langbien 13
After 15 years of hard work and loyal service to the school, AP Biology teacher Jim Douglas has announced his leave from Sherwood. Douglas is going to teach a combination of biology and AP Biology at the McLean School in Potomac. Although the McLean School is commonly thought to be a school for special needs students, Douglas describes it as a school with some students with some mild learning needs. I just felt it was time to change. I dont know how to describe that until you just get to the point in your life when you know that its time to change, but I felt like it was time to change and felt like this is a good match for what I can do, said Douglas about the switch.

Mr. Douglas

by Whitney Marie Halaby 14

Medical Careers teacher Maureen Goodwin is retiring this year after 25 years of teaching at Sherwood. Not only has Goodwin been a dedicated teacher, but she has aided the athletics program over the years as a field hockey coach and, more recently, as an allied softball coach. One of the highlights of being the Medical Careers teacher for Goodwin has been taking students to Friends House Retirement Community. In retirement, Goodwin knows she will miss aspects of the teaching profession. I do know I will miss the daily contact with students and with my peers ... I feel that being here has enriched my life in so many ways, she explained.

Mrs. Goodwin

The Warrior thanks its many wonderful patrons:

Aiken family, Stacie Anderson, Armstrong family, John Fetty and Associates - Architect, Aud family, Barbara Baldoni, Becker family, Bloom family, Bolen family, Boudhraa family, Perry and Stephanie Buckberg, Joey Byrd, Cameron family, Carr family, Carrera family, Colliton family, Bill and Theresa Coulter, Crider family, Cudd family, DAmato family, Downey family, Chuck and Cindy Dowrick, M and M Drumheller, Mike and Anna Eastwood, Farrell family, Rosanne Ferris, Florian family, Freile family, Gallagher family, Gancy family, Gary and Sherry Graves, Gavett family, Graf family, Gregory family, Greseth family, Guillie family, Hahns family, Rob and Lynette Hall, Dick and Vivian Harris, Harris family, Hierholzer family, Hubbard family, Hughes family, Joe and Kathy Hughes, Kim and Cody Hysell, Justus family, Keilsohni family, Kelly family, Kendall family, Kimmel family, Koehler family, Konefal family, Kovalsky family, Kozlowski family, Steve and Cathy Kress, Kyber/ Loughran family, Lyn and Stuart Langbein, Cheryl Willams Levey, Levy family, Lunking family, Paul and Pat Mangus, Martin family, Masters family, Lisa McCarthy, Melnick family, Mezebish family, Jerry and BJ Mills, Milstein family, Joe and Denise Moyer, Murphy family, E. Muslimova, Michael and Jessica Natelli, Cecil family, Newmark family, Nickerson Family, Nimrat family, Orenstein family, Panzer family, Pettenati family, Porter family, Rajotte family, Kara and Chuck Rogers, Roy family, Ryczek family, Salzwedel and Moratz family, Sanechez- Copeland family, Sarecky family, Septoff family,Schmuckler family, Schroeder family, Siberry family, Bob and Suzanne Simala, Josey and Chris Simpson, Snyder family, Sousane family, Ralph and Linda Stewart, Ryan Strong, Stussman family, Thanos family, Violeta and Peter Wagner, Walsh family, Shawn and Tobie Watkins, Weiss family, Wetizner family, Tom and Susan Wells, Darby Whitehair, Widmaier family, Nancy and Chuck Wight, Winter family, Witkin family, Woods family, Young family

If you are interested in becoming a patron for the 2012-2013 school year, please contact Peter_J_Huck@mcpsmd.org

The WarriorNews
June 5, 2012

The WarriorBeyond School Walls

June 5, 2012

Human Rights Watch

by Robel Wondimu 13

Today is determining the future of human rights, as humanity will decide whether to repeat history or take the high road and change its course. In the world today there are many nations that deny their people of their civil liberties and innumerable rights as humans. In some instances through genocides, massacres and civil wars, the United States and global powers have done little to help the tormented peoples of despairing nations, but in others they have intervened but for the wrong reasons. Society still faces the same dilemma today and a decision needs to be made to put this country on the right side of history.

The Chinese Martyr

Chen Guangcheng is a fugitive in China who escaped from house arrest into U.S. custody. The United States wants to protect him from China and use him as a symbol for why China needs to liberalize its country. While some believe this is bad for relations, adding to an already rocky relationship with China, others feel this is only a bump in the road that serves to strengthen relations. America aided Guangcheng into a hospital under the condition that he would be treated humanely by the government. While he was under the protection of American diplomats, the lives of his wife and kids were threatened if he continued to stay or tried to flee to the U.S., which he is trying to do since his life is now in danger. China is furious at America and said such law-breaking intervention in Chinese domestic issues will not be tolerated again. The country is demanding an apology from U.S. diplomats, but America continues to assert its position that the action was for the best. The Chinese government has agreed to allow Guangcheng to study in the United States due to diplomatic negotiations, showing some level of mutual respect for each other.

Worlds Most Wanted

1.

2.

*According to Forbes Magazine

Joaquin Guzman Loera, Ayman al-Zawahiri, Mexican drug lord Leader of al-Qaeda

Journalistic Freedoms 3.
Journalistic freedom is a hallmark of human rights. A nation is only as free as its journalists; this correlation is evident in the varying amounts of liberty that different nations provide to their journalists. Freedom of the press is important enough to be protected by the Constitution of the United States, arguably the freest nation in the world. It ranks among freedoms like speech and religion, and right to a fair trial. Around the world, countries like China, Iran and North Korea oppress and muzzle their journalists, and in effect diminish the futures of their countries. China, like every other oppressive communist government in history, is bound to fall. There is already a popular uprising in Iran and the people of North Korea are trying to flee the country if the opportunity ever presents itself. Many oppressive governments distort the press to promote propaganda and elevate the image of leaders to the people. In the words of Daniel Patrick Moynihan, When a person goes to a country and finds their newspapers filled with nothing but good news, he can bet there are good men in jail.

4.

Dawood Ibrahim, Indian crime leader

Semion Mogilevich, Russian crime leader

5.

6.

America Under Scrutiny

Executions
In 2011 alone, 43 inmates were executed in 13 states. This is a number that ranks the United States among some of the worst human rights offenders in the world such as Saudi Arabia, Cuba, and Russia. The number also puts the U.S. in a league of 58 nations that practice capital punishments. In America, 15 states have abolished the death penalty; Maryland is trying to join this small group, but right now a bill abolishing the death penalty is in deadlock in the state legislature. The reason a majority of states practice capital punishment is because they are following the will of the majority, who support the death penalty, instead of, at least, reforming the review system to allow death row inmates more chances to prove their innocence.

CIA Renditions
Since 9/11, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has been expanding its program of extraordinary renditions. Renditions are the process in which the CIA kidnaps a fugitive from another country and takes them into custody to be interrogated and processed. The Washington Post reports that suspects are taken to black sites to be tortured, whose existence the government denies. The legality of such actions cannot be contested, because while its existence is believed to be true, there is no evidence to prove it. Since 9/11, nearly 3,000 suspected terrorists have been detained, 100 of which have been from Europe. This led a European Council of investigations to indict America for knowingly breaking international human rights laws and concealing evidence.

Guantanamo Bay
Ever since the start of the War on Terror, the U.S. detention center in Guantanamo Bay (GITMO) has been in full throttle. GITMO has been a facility where suspected terrorists are captured and held until their trials, by military tribunals which are courts consisting of military officials. This system of trial has come under fire due to the questions of integrity raised. Is it fair to detainees that they are being tried by their enemy combatants who captured them? President Obama made it a campaign promise to close GITMO, but so far he has been unable to, because no other nation will take the detainees as nationals. Another issue is the absence of enough prisons in the mainland willing to take them, due to public disapproval.

Nasir al-Wuhayshi, Leader of al-Qaeda

Matteo Messina Denaro, Head of the Italian Mafia

7.

8.

Alimzhan Tokhtakhounov, Russian mobster

Felicien Kabuga,

Backer of Rwandan genocide

9.

10.

Joseph Kony, Doku Umarov, Head of Rebel Army Russian Terrorist

How you can help: Amnesty International

Alone, you cant really do anything about this yourself. In reality, individually, a high school student is powerless when it comes to the actions of foreign heads of states and how they handle their domestic affairs. Even in America it would be impossible to eradicate the death penalty in the states that allow it, because according to a 2011 Gallop poll, 64 percent of citizens are in favor of it. With this kind of support from constituents it would be political suicide to oppose it in the states that currently allow it, and unfortunately there is no other means of change but political litigation. Under these circumstances the most logical thing to do is show support for the efforts of an organization like Amnesty International, which seeks to lobby and educate the uninformed and influential about the weight these issues carry locally and worldwide. If students around the country band together and back organizations or grass roots movements, there isnt anything that cant be accomplished. This is now evident because of movements like Invisible Children, which was able to rally a nation of youth and get what some called the impossible accomplished. Time is the ultimate healer, so even as this action is taken we must continue to wait for more progressive, logical and open-minded generations. For now, it is our responsibility to craft and instill such thinking into the minds of the youth so they can carry this out.

The WarriorBeyond School Walls

6
June 5, 2012

OBGC Honors Olneys History

by Leah Schroeder 13
Almost two and a half centuries ago, Quaker farmer Basil Brooke built a house on land ruled by King George. Soon thereafter, George Washington became president, and 42 presidents later, this house still stands and is being readied for a fresh start. The house, named Falling Green, now stands on the Olney Boys and Girls Community Sports Associations (OBGC) Community Park. OBGC agreed to renovate the house when they purchased the land in 2001. Construction will begin in fall 2012. The motto for the campaign is Preserving the Past, Preparing the Future. This project is a perfect example of how we can learn from the past while preparing our future generations with our activities, said OBGCs Executive Director, Elisabeth Deal. We wanted to save this important piece of Maryland history and knew that it would benefit the entire community, while helping to meet the organizations need for office and meeting space. Falling Green will be used for administrative offices and will also be open to the public for tours when renovations are complete. OBGCs offices are currently located off of Georgia Avenue in Olney. According to Deal, having these offices on-site will increase security, decrease costs and create more meeting space for volunteers. Falling Green will be the

Tech Net
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Get the hook-up on the recent technological updates, innovations and news in the world

Kickstarting Opportunities
by Shaan Verma 13
The traditional ways of fundraising such as mailings and phone calls are things of the past. Kickstarter is a website that has recently sprung up as a way to fundraise for whatever project fits ones fancy. The website allows people to share their ideas about new products and causes, for which they wish to raise money, making it extremely accessible to a large audience. Examples range from smartphone watches to full length movies, and everything in between. The basis for the website is providing people the funds needed for a certain product or cause, allowing their dreams to become reality. Fundraising and all of the processes that go along with it have been condensed down and refined into an easy-to-use system that is growing rapidly. The website is used in many ways that vary from new technological advancements to charitable causes. The sites range of ability shows that it is an amazing way to gather funds for causes and future products. Kickstarter, as a means to raise funds, is effective since it requires a minimal amount of work and is substantially easier than old fashioned fundraising. This provides a potential opportunity for fundraising in schools, but it also allows the people that feel strongly about an idea to fund it, even if that idea is part of a school sponsored activity. This accessible way to gather funds should be used to its fullest potential and given an opportunity to show what it can do for a new generation of causes within an educational system. School sponsored activities definitely fall into the category of supportable causes, and should have opportunities, which Kickstarter provides, to get around the hassles of generic fundraising. The entire world is digitizing, and fundraising should not be an exception to that rule. Kickstarter provides new and different opportunities that give a glimpse into the future of fundraising.

Bridget Cook 14

Falling Green, a house built in the 1770s, stands on OBGCs Freeman Fields. OBGC has plans in the works to renovate the house for use as administrative offices. Construction will begin in the fall. second renovation project that OBGC has completed on their grounds. In 2003, OBGC won an award from Preservation Montgomery for the renovation of the barn located next to the house. The barn is now being used for storage. As we worked on the barn, we learned that historic projects take much more time, money and effort due to the various approvals that are needed from State and County preservation agencies. In the end, it is definitely worth it when you see the structure restored to its original beauty, said Deal. As we began working on Falling Green several years ago, we knew it would take many years to complete and planned accordingly. OBGC has already completed pre-construction work, including developing architectural and civil engineering plans, and security and structural repairs, through the use of state funds. The next phase will involve stonework, the construction of a two-story addition, and the installation of geothermal and other utility systems. Falling Green will be restored in an environmentally friendly way. OBGC welcomes the support of the community to help save this historic treasure. Taxdeductible contributions can be mailed to OBGC-Falling Green, PO Box 2, Olney, MD 20830.

The WarriorFeatures
June 5, 2012

7
see posts so easily. It lets me see which pictures are the funniest or the ones that I would want on my blog and I can just re-blog them quickly, said sophomore Kate Delauder. Typically, images found on the internet are featured and are the main items being blogged and re-blogged, but photography is also big on the site.

Tumblr Blogging Gains Popularity

by Jessica Carrera 13
Twitter and Facebook sit atop the long list of social media sites, but a rapidly growing competitor may not be far behind. Tumblr, a micro-blogging website launched in 2007, has grabbed the attention of many people with its user-friendly dashboard and Twitter-like ability to post content and share it with a worldwide network of people. Last year, Tumblr increased its users from 11 million to about 20 million, more than it had in any of its first three years. Im complaints about it. Re-blogging is the most common activity people do on Tumblr and some would argue that it is the whole point. Users can type a word or phrase into the search box on the site and have results that have been tagged with the word or phrase. Pictures usually come up as search results, with the most re-blogged ones at the top. People then re-blog the posts they like

photo courtesy of Gary Peters

Junior Jacqi Prochaska sings her solo Take Me Away, a song she wrote and performed at this years Rock N Roll.

Prochaska: Talented Learning the Ropes of Rock Climbing and Possibly Signed
by Michaela ODonnell 13 by Rachel Zemel 13
Junior Jacqi Prochaska may have the opportunity to fulfill her dream of becoming a famous musician after Tony Hill, a scout and recruiter of Capitol Records, observed her singing her original song, Take Me Away, during a Rock n Roll performance on March 11. Because of Prochaskas passion for music, she auditioned for and participated in Rock n Roll as a sophomore last year. This year, Prochaska was awarded a prestigious solo where she received the opportunity to perform her own original song by winning a song-writing contest against the other soloists who wanted to perform their own music. Jacqis song had the best form and structure, described Bill Evans, the director of Rock n Roll. It had great lyrics. It had a message. It had a melody, and the melody and lyrics definitely fit together. It sent a message across. It was the only one [song] that was really fully formed. After the performance, Hill approached Evans and asked about contacting Prochaska for more information about her music and possibly signing a contract with her to become an artist with Capitol Records. Its mind blowing. Im still processing it, said Prochaska. I understand that Im going to sacrifice a lot and Im going to have to go through a lot, but I know I wont lose who I am as a person because thats what music makes me. Thats what makes me who I am. Im ready. Im cautious and thoughtful of it, but Im ready for it. Prochaska has had a strong interest in music from an early age. Since she was eight years old, Prochaska has been playing the guitar, and she taught herself how to play the piano when she was 13 years old. Inspired by a mixture of indie, pop, folk, alternative, soft rock and country music, Prochaska began writing her own songs even before she learned how to play the guitar. I really didnt have a push to write; it just came to me. Like I said, its just a passion I had and it just grew the more I grew up and went through more and had different things to express that I couldnt in any other way I use it as self-expression. I write about what I feel, so I write a lot of love songs and breakup songs. I write a lot about struggles in life. I write about how you can overcome something, explained Prochaska. Prochaska plans to meet with Capitol Records to perform some of her best original songs, such as Take Me Away, Better Things, and Burning Candles. I feel like Im home when Im on that stage I dont have that crazy, jittery feeling before performances because I love giving what I have to offer to people I make music for me, but at the same time, I want to convey it in a way that people can enjoy it, said Prochaska. Rock climbing, the physically and mentally demanding activity of scaling either artificial or natural rocks, was originally practiced by mountaineers in the Alps in the late 19th century. Over time, it evolved into an interesting sport adopted by both men and women of all ages. Freshman Paul Gooch, a new climber in the rock-climbing community, started rock climbing as a sport one year ago. Although it is considered a strenuous sport that takes a lot of strength, stamina and training, Gooch discovered rock climbing accidentally. I first went to great falls and climbed a sketchy 50 foot rock face with my friend and no gear. The only reason we climbed it is because we were playing tag. I liked climbing and the feel of the rush and the victory when you get a climb, said Gooch. After experiencing the thrill of his first climb, Gooch decided to check out an indoor climbing facility called Earthtrek. I was overwhelmed. Everyone was so gnarly and intense and into it. It was rad but I gave it my best, but of course I didnt compare, said Gooch. In the rock climbing world, there are certain titles for each type of rock climber. Lead climbing, the most difficult type of climbing, consists of the climbers continuously clipping themself to the rock face as they ascend the rock face. This type of climbing requires the most equipment and costs the most to do. Top rope climbing, while

not really surprised that so many people use it. Its a great way for people to express themselves without having to sign up for a traditional blog that less people might see, said sophomore Stephanie Cuzmar. She has been using the website for about a year now and says she has little to no

which are most commonly pictures, videos, links or quotes as opposed to the more common extended written commentaries on other blogging websites. The system Twitter has in place with followers is applied here as well. Basically, if you like another persons page you follow him/her and whatever he/she posts shows up on your dashboard. I like that you can

A particular blog entitled The Photographers Directory showcases original photography from people all over the world. This new medium allows unknown photographs to share their different work with more people than they ever could of through Facebook, which only makes connections through friends. One picture or post could make [a person] Tumblr famous in an instant. I want to be a singer when Im older and, besides YouTube, this is a great way to get myself out there said Cuzmar.

photo courtesy of Paul Gooch 15

Freshman Paul Gooch practices his bouldering, the type of climbing that uses no climbing equipment. similar to lead climbing, is easier and less dangerous. In this type, the climber has more of a set place to climb because the rope is tied to the top of the destination. This is the most known and preferred way of rock climbing to the general public because of its easier setup and fewer chances of injury. These climbs can range from 50 to 100 feet. Bouldering, the last type of climbing, is when the climber is free to climb on natural rocks without gear. With a dedication to rock climbing a couple times a week for fun, Gooch discovered quickly his love for the natural rocks and branded himself a boulderer. Bouldering climbs range from 10 to 30 feet but require a certain level of fitness since bouldering relies on ones own strength instead of ropes. I have often finished climbs with bleeding fingers or not finished climbs bleeding and disappointed. Most of the time people project climbs and it takes a week or weeks to finish one climb, but when you get it, it feels surreal, said Gooch. Climbing widely accepts both genders. Gooch often finds he is jaw-dropped by the female climbers because of their flexibility and grace compared to the climbs of males using their upper body strength. He compares the girls artful way of climbing to dancers. You have to commit. Push yourself until you collapse. Dont just give up because you are tired. Climb until you fall, said Gooch as advice to hopeful beginners.

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by Jessica Carrera 13

The WarriorFeatures
June 5, 2012

Wreck this Journal - Jessicas Journey

I got Wreck This Journal in May from my sister for my birthday. The basic point of the book is to flip to a random page and complete whatever test the author, Keri Smith, has instructed the reader to do on that page. Due to the strange and reckless nature of the tasks, the journal has been dedicated to perfectionists all over the world. I wouldnt exactly call myself a perfectionist, but the whole idea sounded fun enough and the pictures from Tumblr and other blogs looked cool with all of the various ways different people had filled out the pages. Here are just a few glimpses of my journey as I Wreck This Journal.

To create is to destroy.
Write Carelessly. Now. Here I wanted to get
someone elses perspective on carelessness, so I asked two friends from Newspaper to complete the page. At first they both asked what me what I wanted them to do; I think because the word careless gave too much freedom and because it is my journal. After I told them to do whatever it said on the page, they claimed they wrote the first thing they thought about. I read over it later and realized that I had managed to capture the most random things two people thought about when looking at this page. The best part is that after I complete the entire journal and look back on it from time to time, that writing will always be there and those two friends will always be remembered.

Cover this page using only office supplies.

The best part about this page was finding the office supplies to put in it. My friend, my sister and I used supplies we found around my house, which wasnt much at all but we made do. There was no particular order to arranging the items on the page so it is not necessarily the prettiest, but I will always remember putting it together. To me, this page is a perfect example of ordered chaos and conveys perfectly how three not-veryartistic people will create a memorable piece.

Create a nonstop line. This page was more about reflection than anything else. I was completely engrossed in creating a line that was complex,

that swirled and curved all over the two pages that were allotted and it set up the opportunity for deep thought. When I drew this line I had not only been doing homework and babysitting, but also studying for AP exams as well as the SAT so to say I was overwhelmed was an understatement. I hadnt devoted that much time to the journal, so I decided to draw a line since it didnt seem time consuming. I think I spent about five to ten minutes drawing it (more than I anticipated), and in that time I thought hard about other things that were going on outside of school that I wasnt able to think about before. I took a break from studying the rest of that day and it was probably irresponsible, but it definitely took stress away.

Out of Sight, but Not Out of Mind

Sherwood students discuss their experience having parents deployed with the military.
by Diana McDermott 13 and Whitney Marie Halaby 14
When we as Americans think about the military, we mostly focus on the brave soldiers who risk their lives to protect our freedoms. What seems to escape our focus sometimes is the sacrifice of the loved ones they leave behind. This is the case for junior Genna Shaia. She has lived in many places while her father was in the Army before his retirement from service. The Shaia family has travelled and lived in Louisiana, Germany and now Maryland. Generally, they moved as a family, except for in 2003 when Shaias dad was deployed to Iraq. We were afraid he wasnt going to come back recalled Shaia. Sophomore Colleen ONeill also has a father in the military, who was deployed to Afghanistan just May 22 this year. He will be gone for six months, and will be returning on Thanksgiving day. ONeill said she is sad that her dad wont be here to see her take her drivers test or be here on her first day of junior year. Luckily, ONeill has her mother to lean on while her dad is absent. I think we will both really be each others support systems while he is gone, she said. Her older brothers and sisters were alive when her father was previously deployed, although this is the first time ONeill will experience her dads absence. Students with a parent in the military can be scared, worried and uncertain at times, and it is important that everyone show support for these families in need. Even though Memorial Day was last weekend, students shouldnt forget about the sacrifices made by American troops and all of the men and women, fathers, husbands, aunts, uncles, mothers, daughters, siblings and friends who lay their lives on the line for the common good of the rest of the countrys citizens. In addition, students should always keep in mind the immense sacrifices soldiers families and friends are also making during any deployment.

photo courtesy of Colleen ONeill 14

Sophomore Colleen ONeills father, Tom ONeill, was just deployed to Afghanistan for the next six months.

The WarriorFeatures
June 5, 2012

Students Miss Jeffs Presence in Halls

by Cal Wilson 14
Jeff Pettenati, the former security guard, switched schools this April from Sherwood to Springbrook in response to a shrinking security staff at Sherwood. Pettenati had been a major influence on the students of Sherwood since his hiring in 2004. He provided friendship to students, and helped make the halls of Sherwood the safe environment that they are. I enjoyed working in a friendly environment full of good kids and supportive staff Being around so many young people makes me feel younger than I am and more energetic, said Pettenati. His friendships with the students quickly made Pettenati a favored adult. His friendly conversations and humorous stories made him very personable, and many students referred to him on a first-name basis. Pettenatis signature golf cart was known to all and his passion was to help the students. He cared about the kids and he helped the kids, and he got popular by just being around and joking with the kids, commented junior Andrew Claure about his favorite security guard. Claure enjoyed friendly conversations with Pettenati and even occasional rides in his golf cart if he behaved himself. However, Pettenatis friendships did not interfere with his work. As fun and personable as he was, Pettenati did not slack on his job to keep the school secure. Even students Pettenati knew well received the same punishments as everyone else for their actions. It is still challenging to take students that Im friendly with to the administration to suffer the consequences for their poor choices. It always saddens me, said Pettenati. Pettenati studied criminal justice at Montgomery College and American University and received a job as a two-week chemistry substitute at Bannacker Middle School. After that, he worked wherever he was needed in the building until he became a substitute security guard. He later transferred to Rock Terrace School, a school for special needs children. He then left Rock Terrace to acquire a temp position at Sherwood, which eventually led to a full-time security job in September of 2004. MCPS wanted to hire two additional security guards to schools that require them, but there was no funding in the budget for two more positions. Instead, MCPS decided to relocate two security guards, one from Churchill and the other from Sherwood, to a school that needs them more. Pettenati has yet to be informed which high school he will be assigned to; however, in the meantime he has taken a position at Springbrook. If a security position reopens at Sherwood, Principal Bill Gregory has given Pettenati first right of refusal, meaning he is the first one to be offered the job, and Pettenati said he would definitely take it. My kids have gone through Sherwood High School and its my community, said Pettenati. [I have] way too many personal relationships to let my government push me out.

photos courtesy of Pat Rooney

Bronies Celebrate Cartoon in Club

Home for Imaginary Friends and The Powerpuff Girls, two At first glance, a cartoon popular series that many students based on toy ponies might not enjoyed watching when younger. seem to have much appeal to high Keilsohn says that their legacy school students, especially not continues in My Little Pony. [It] to teenage boys. But My Little is a great cartoon that aired at a Pony: Friendship is Magic has perfect moment, and thus has bedrawn quite the crowd among come a huge success, explained older viewers, and has spawned Keilsohn. [Its] filling a gap that Sherwoods own Brony Club to only good cartoons can fill. appreciate the show. Between four and ten stuThe name brony is a portdents will typically meet to watch manteau of bro and pony and discuss the show, as many used to describe a male viewer of cannot regularly come due to the program. Additionally, female other commitments. Participation fans are referred to as may also be low due pegasisters. While [It] is a great cartoon that aired at a per- to an issue with signs the specific names may fect moment, and thus has become a huge advertising for the club suggest some exclusivaround the school disity to the club, junior success ... [Its] filling a gap that only good appearing, despite it Willie Keilsohn says cartoons can fill. being recognized by that all it takes to be~ Willie Keilsohn administrators. Jasnow come a brony is enjoysays new members are ing the show. always welcome to this The club typically watches siasm, and will stay to watch dur- really interesting group of kids. the latest episode of the show ing lunch. The next season will likely when it meets Tuesdays at lunch. Keilsohn has been a lifelong begin in the fall of this year. My Since the second season just end- fan of animated shows, and is also Little Pony: Friendship is Magic ed, the bronies have enjoyed fan- an officer in the Anime Club. He airs on Discovery Kids succesmade parody videos together. enjoys My Little Pony as an alter- sor The Hub, a joint venture Keilsohn was drawn to the native to todays more prevalent between Discovery and Hasbro. show and club after seeing fre- cartoons, which he finds shallow Monthly viewership has grown quent references to it on the in- and too distant from the shows he rapidly, from 1.4 million at the ternet. I figured if I wanted to grew up with. My Little Pony: beginning of the show, to four understand the jokes I should at Friendship is Magic, the cur- million by the end of that sealeast watch the first episode and rent installment of the show, was son. It has been nominated for know who the characters are. created by Lauren Faust. Faust Leo Awards and Daytime Emmy After the episodes cliffhanger was also involved with Fosters Awards.

by Alex Porter 13

ending, Keilsohn was compelled to continue watching and become hooked. Most club members already watched the show before the clubs inception this year. The Brony club was founded by junior Katie Gardner, and is sponsored by English teacher Patty Jasnow. Jasnow was not familiar with the show before it was introduced to her by a group of students frequently in her classroom. When they suggested creating a club, Jasnow agreed to sponsor it. Jasnow appreciate[s] their interest in it and their enthu-

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The WarriorHumor
June 5, 2012

Kardashian May Run for Mayor? Life after Diablo is

Kim Kardashian plans to run for City Councilwoman of Glendale, CA, in 2017.
by Katie Mercogliano 14
Lately, all you hear in the news is Romney this and Obama that, but get ready for the new ground-breaking politician in the making: Kim Kardashian. Thats right. Kardashian has announced she is running for a spot on the City Council of Glendale, California. It all started with a girl who had a dream. That dream was to skip that whole business of getting a college education and instead ask her dad, infamous O.J. Simpson defender Robert Kardashian, for money to buy clothes and sell them for more money on eBay. Who needs school with such entrepreneurial spirit? Now cynics may be skeptical of her ability to govern a town, but trust me, shes the right chick for the job. As a true intellectual, Kardashian was bound to attract publicity with her assets. She quickly gained her fantastic reputation from her very popular home movies, when, in comparison, it took politicians, like Bill Clinton and John Edwards, years to get caught with ... well, you know. Glendale is known for its strong Armenian cultural influence. As an Armenian (granted, born and raised in California) Kardashian is the best and only choice to keep that sacred cultural pride intact. As seen in her show Keeping up with the Kardashians, she portrays her ability to juggle numerous issues, or, should I say, men. Kardashian went from hiphop star Ray J to then-freshly divorced singer Nick Lachey

Bleak and Empty

by Andrew Wasik 13
After 12 years of waiting it is finally out. I have spent countless days upon days playing Diablo II, which was released in 2000, but Diablo III has finally made its long awaited debut. I am using The Warrior newspaper to announce my retirement from social activities for the rest of, well, my high school years. No more will you see me at every sporting event. No more will you see me at any time after 2:10. No more will you see me on the weekends, because that is all prime slaying time The action/role-playing PC game published by Blizzard Entertainment was released on May 15 at 3 A.M. EST. I of course, being a diehard fan of the series, was up at 3 A.M. dying to play. At first I was discouraged because the game, which was the most preordered of all time, had millions of people trying to log on at once. Time after time I kept getting the dreaded Error 37 which meant that the servers were busy and I would have to wait to log on. But after waiting for another hour I was finally able to log in and create my first character. I was hooked instantly upon playing and continue to be hooked. I play with a constant smile on my face because this game is by far the greatest thing my eyes have ever seen. My keyboard and my mouse have become my best friends. But have no fear, I am not really alone. It is like playing heaven and Im God, said junior Cameron Hadeed. I now give up all social gatherings to kill some monsters and collect some loot. To add to an already depressing interview, junior Evan Francis noted, I havent talked to a female in weeks, but its okay, there are still monsters to kill and gold to acquire. As of now, my own daily routine consists of waking up exhausted after playing past midnight and walking through school zombified, then getting home to play with my companions-inarms again. I spend the next few hours picking up loot and gold and killing bosses. It is dinner time, honey, come and get some food! my mom says in a futile attempt to get me out of my room. Of course, she fails. I continue clicking around on screen while eating hot pockets and cookies. My daily outfit consists of boxers, a Maryland Terrapins Snuggie, and potato chip crumbs covering everything on me. I am in desperate need of a new chair with better back support and more cushions because my body cant take much more of this. My eyes are constantly burning red, and I have lost all vision farther than the length between my head and the computer screen. So to my lovely Sherwood High School, I will be that guy with a scraggly beard talking to himself in the corner of your math room. I will be that kid that casts a spell at you when you cut me off in the halls. Do not try to approach me. I am potentially dangerous in my fragile Diablo III mental state.

Kardashian caught off guard by paparazzi before announcing her candidacy for City Councilwoman of Glendale, California. to New Orleans football champ Reggie Bush. With so many men to keep track of, Kardashian has proven herself a capable multitasker, an extremely beneficial attribute in the world of politics. When it comes to Kim Kardashian, you can definitely say she does things 100 percent, no questions asked. Like when she was asked to do Playboy, she was quoted saying how proud she is of herself for bearing all. She didnt even need to make those special little home videos anymore because she was getting paid to take of her clothes publicly. Talk about branching out and expanding in business. Although her political experience is slim, she still has many qualifications. For example, she overcame the failure of her first marriage and managed to stay married to the same man, basketball star Kris Humphries, for a whole 72 days! If she can do that, imagine the commitment she will show towards her political responsibilities. If Kardashian gets elected ... no, when Kardashian gets elected, she will propel the city of Glendale into a bright future. Im sure the Glendale citizens will be grateful for the fashion, makeup and primping techniques she has to offer to help boost city morale. Lets just pray Kanye will let her finish her inaugural speech.

cartoon by Andi Hopkins 14

The WarriorHumor
June 5, 2012

11

Oh, you took a cool picture with the Instagram app? You must be such a highly skilled photographer.
by Melissa Fajardo 13

Taking a screen shot of the angry song youre listening to wont make us feel bad for you.

Cal Wilson 14

Building Service workers Jose Guevara and Jack Huynh survey the roof top where construction for the third floor pool is expected to begin June 8.

Swimming Pool Construction Begins

Classic beautiful sunset picture.

by Connor Martin 13
Sometimes the stress of having to wait for a summer swimming pool is just too long and inconvenient. Finally, there is a solution that applies exclusively to Sherwood staff and students. The long-time myth of the swimming pool on the third floor of the school is finally coming to fruition. In mid-April 2012, school administrators and MCPS officials agreed to begin construction and installation of the new swimming pool June 8 during final exams. This means that while students are taking their tests, some can simply look out the window to see workers slaving away with their thunderously loud machinery on the rooftop as they begin excavation to create the new pool. The new pool will come equipped with two one-meter diving boards and one threemeter diving board along with six swimming lanes for the swim and dive practices. No longer will the Swim and Dive Team have to travel to the Olney Indoor Swim Center at 5 am every week.

Please dont tag us in this on Facebook!

I hope people stared at you when you took your camera out at Chipotle.

I think the team will benefit greatly from this new addition said swim coach and engineering teacher Brendan Lees. And now we can start a Water Polo team! The new pool will offer many fantastic opportunities and new class options for students for the second semester of the 20122013 school year, when the pool is expected to be fully ready for operation. Some of these new classes include Swimming, Synchronized Swimming, Water Polo, Diving, and Lifeguarding and Pool Safety. Potentially, this pool could save lives. The pool will create a new medium of learning, though some of the graduated seniors were not happy about missing their chance to see the new pool on the third floor, also known as the roof, of the building. I didnt know Sherwood even had a third floor. The school has a third floor? asked graduated senior Will Drozdoski before construction began. It kind of frustrates me that it took so long [to get one]. Other students cannot keep their excitement at a minimum.

I would like to pick up on some swimming lessons. And since Im a lifeguard, maybe Ill get a job, said sophomore Taylor Serafenas. Ill teach everyone aerobics classes, added her friend, sophomore Nicole Walsh. The new pool will attract a lot of new attention to the school, and plans are already forming to create a great ambience around the pool area. As a source of revenue, the school administration is looking into making the pool accessible to the public starting next summer. There is a question about architectural stability of the school. Administrators did the research and determined that the pool will be safe for everyone to use while classes still go on underneath the pool. The safety will depend on the construction of the pool and whether or not it is done correctly. If they go too far into the third floor [with the pool], they might break through the roof of the second floor. If the pool leaked, everyone in the second floor would get cooled off, stated Serafenas.

Toilets, Tiles and Troubles

by Cal Wilson 14
When I was born, my parents painted my nursery blue. Even in elementary school, the bathrooms tiles were colored blue and pink to help display which bathroom is for which gender. In Sherwood, however, the boys bathroom is colored a pinkish-orange and the girls is green. What kind of sick joke is this to trick high school students into walking in the wrong bathroom? Countless freshmen have fallen victim to this cruel trap. A freshman, with his bladder full, rushes into the green bathroom in the C hall that he believes to be the little boys room, but quickly retreats after noticing the absence of urinals or the smell of pee. Imagine the embarrassment of being caught in the wrong bathroom. The poor freshman is scarred for life all because of the oddly tiled facilities. The tiles should convey to the user which bathroom is for which gender, not attract the wrong person like a moth to a bug lamp. (I am sure false advertising is illegal.) Some of the bathrooms are even missing their signs, so the only differentiation between the two lavatories is the tile color. The only way to find out which bathroom is which, besides venturing into the unknown yourself, is to wait for someone to exit. After about a year, the colors are such a commonly seen abnormality that they do not have much of an effect anymore. The possibility of stepping into the girls bathroom still distracts me and I always triple check that I am going into the correct one. Besides, do girls really want to see what goes on within the walls of the boys bathroom? Trust me, you dont. All my life I have trusted restrooms to give me a safe haven to carry out my duties, but thanks to the facilities of Sherwood, my trust has been betrayed.

Arranging the cups in a diagonal line was super artsy of you.

12 Top 5 People to Watch

by Melissa Fajardo 13

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1. Michael Phelps Swimming

Phelps recently announced that his appearance in London will be his third and final time participating in the Olympics. After competing in two Olympics, Phelps had a total of 16 medals to his name, 14 of them gold. Phelps swimming events in the last Olympics were filled with much excitement and many victories. In a recent interview with The Huffington Post, Phelps revealed that he doesnt feel as prepared as he wants to be and is searching for the passion that will enhance his performance. He wants to be satisfied with himself at the end of his career and wants the world to see that he still has it.

2012 Olympic Games

Understanding the Olympics The Rings: First designed in 1921 by Baron Pierre

2. Usain Bolt- Track

Jamaicas pride and joy, Usain Bolt returns to the games as the worlds fastest man after setting the 200m world record in Beijing. He was 13 years old when Puma sponsored him after watching him run at a local school competition. At the age of 25 he is the third most googled sportsperson in the world behind Tiger Woods and David Beckham. Bolts performance in his training has stirred some concern as he ran his slowest time ever in the Czech Republic on May 18. The world will wait to see if Bolt will execute his races to his full potential in London and break more world records even after this training hiccup.

3. Shawn Johnson- Gymnastics

de Coubertin, the five rings on the primary Olympics logo were believed to signify the five continents that partook in the games Africa, America (North and South considered as one), Asia, Europe, and Australia. However, this theory was dismissed by the IOC in 1951, citing that there was no evidence that Coubertin had intended this. The rings were first used in the build-up prior to the 1936 games in Berlin, Germany, and now simply represent how the whole world comes together to partake in the games.

Americas sweetheart was expected to sweep the competition in London, until she tore her ACL during a ski trip with her friends in 2010. She continues to train hard, even with her injury, and is hoping to outshine younger gymnasts who are itching to make names for themselves. Johnson won a gold medal and three silvers in Beijing and is eager to make her second and final Olympic appearance in London a memorable one. After retiring, she hopes to go to college at Stanford.

Why Pros Should Get to Play

Understanding the Olympics with Michael Natelli 14 Mascots: Animal mascots of the host country have been a custom of the
by Matt Diogo 14
Whenever the Olympics come around, a common debate almost always shows up in conversation: should professional athletes get to play in the games? They havent always gotten to play in the Olympics. Two years before the 1988 games, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decided to make all professional athletes eligible to compete for their country. Before then, only amateur athletes, such as collegiate athletes, were allowed to represent their countries by competing. The famous 1980 Miracle on Ice U.S. hockey team was composed solely of amateur players, which made the defeat of the Soviet Union all the more amazing. The reasoning behind the IOCs decision to allow pros is simple; theyre athletes, they play the sport professionally, so why not let them play? Yes, some players even leave their league during the regular season and playoffs to play in the games, which is disappointing to some of the fans of the league. If Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals left his team when they needed him down the road, or if Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz left the Red Sox to play in the Olympics, I know Id be upset. However, their decision to play in said games would be for very valid reasons: to, well, play for their country. So if an athlete does leave their league to join the Olympics, dont think of it as a sign of disrespect; more so pride for their country. Since Ive watched the Olympics, I would imagine having professional athletes in them would be more competitive rather than watching amateur athletes. I mean, theyre the best at what they do, they get paid millions of dollars for it. Thats basically the whole argument in a nutshell, both for and against pro athletes in the games.

4. Jen Kessy and April Ross Beach Volleyball 5. Qiu Bo Diving

These American breakout stars won the 2009 Beach Volleyball World Championship and are ready to challenge the Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh duo that have previously dominated beach volleyball. This 2011 FINA Male Diver of the Year is expected to bring home the gold for China. At age 19, he won two gold medals at the 2011 World Championships in the 10-meter platform and the 10-meter synchronized platform. The diving world will watch as Bo is matched up against Brit favorite Tom Daly, who won silver in Beijing at just 14 years old. Bo, however, is expected to obliterate all competition.

Olympic games since the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble, France. The first significant attention drawn to the mascots was in the 1980 Summer games in Moscow, when the Soviet Union used the Russian bear (Misha). These mascots have become a huge marketing tool, but were originally a symbol of the home countrys customs. This summers Olympic mascots will be the Wenlock and the Manedville, two one-eyed, imaginary creatures created by the IOC to attract a younger audience.

Understanding the Olympics The Motto: The primary Olympic motto, Citius, Altius, Fortius, was
first proposed by the founder of the modern Olympic games, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, in 1894 at the formation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The three-word Latin phrase stands for Faster, Higher, Stronger. The motto was formally introduced 30 years later in the 1924 Olympic Games.

Students Portion Olympics

by Evan Schwartz 13

The Olympics have been an unofficial emblem for international unity and a symbol of global citizens going above and beyond Understanding the Olympics since the Games beginnings. Notable events include North and South Koreas cooperative march at the 2006 Winter Olympics in The Torch Relay: The tradition of a relay team carrying the Turin, Italy easing decades of dispute between the nations at Olympic Torch from Greece to the stadium in which the Opening a crossroads for international sportsmanship, and the incrediCeremonies occur began the same year as the use of the Olympic ble triumphs of African-American track and field athlete, Jesse Rings: 1936, in Berlin. Prior to its journey, the torch is lit via the Owens, who defeated German athletes seeded to dominate the 1936 Olympic Games hosted in Nazi-run Berlin, proving to the world rays of the sun, using a parabolic refractor to focus the energy, in that color lies dormant when it comes to the internationally shared reOlympia, Greece, the site of the ancient Olympics. The glowing of spect of sporting. Despite the historical and moral value of the games, the fire at the venue is a symbol of the games going on, while the there are some who do not watch the games. extinguishing of the flame symbolizes their end. It is understandable that during the summer, people have other commitments, like family and summer programs, but since one billion people, fifteen-percent of the worlds population, tuned into the 2008 Opening Ceremonies at the Olympic Games in Beijing alone, it would appear that people really do tend to put this international competition over their own plans; or at least some of the Olympics. Social Studies teacher Michelle Games said that she has lost track of the games since she began traveling frequently during the summer. I like some of the events, and if I turn the TV on and see them I might watch 20+ somelike gymnastics, or hurdles. Or if my boyfriend is over I might watch something with him; since he is a great athlete himself, he likes to watch the Olympics, said Games. International travels shouldnt seem to hinder an Olympic fanatic, though, as the British Broadcasting Company stated that nearly five million British viewers alone tuned into the 10% 16-20 2008 Opening Ceremonies regardless of the fact that they were being broadcast in the middle of the day. 8% Ignoring the great record of viewers for the Beijing Games and looking at the two previous summers, Sydney in 2000 and Athens in 2004, it is astounding to see that the games racked up a total of 3.6 billion and 3.9 billion viewers respectively. This means that in 2000, since the worlds population hovered around 6 billion citizens, over half of the 11-15 6% world watched the games at some point or another. This is not surprising, as most students interviewed by The Warrior reported that they watch part of the Games. One rare Warrior responded, The Olympics demonstrates national pride. You can guarantee that I will be watching the games every day! I love seeing all of the different styles of competition. I like sports too, and competition makes watching worth the while, said Bhakti Patel (14). Viewers taste in Olympic sports 6-10 ranges greatly, but the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) reported that the most watched sporting event has been volleyball, the fast paced event finding men and women battling it out in 11% the sand in couples, and on the court in teams. Numerous Sherwood students reported that watching Volleyball is an exception to not watching the games. This can be attributed to the stellar performances by Americans Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh who defeated team China in a storybook finish in the rain in 2008. They will be going for the record of being the first-ever pair to win gold in beach volleyball for three years in a row. Another event that gained exceptional viewership has been mens and womens Swimming thanks to American athlete Michael Phelps. I dont watch any Olympic games except for 25% Michael Phelps swims, says senior Rikki Sargent.

How many hours of the Summer Olympics do you think you will watch total?

None
40%

1-5

*Survey of 84 students

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The WarriorOpinions
June 5, 2012

IN OUR

College Is Not the Only Pathway to Success

As students depart to go their separate ways this summer, they have a job. High school students are virtually required by MCPS to start looking at colleges. While not for a grade, the assignment to look at colleges is something students start to hear as early as their first year of high school. A number of students, however, do not want to go straight to a four-year college to continue their academic studies. Some may be better starting work right away after graduation. Some may want to apprentice to learn a trade. Others may want a year off after 13 consecutive years of schooling. And, truth be told, there are some students who have long hated school and see it as a prison sentence rather than an opportunity. But school systems dont seem to have figured that out yet. The MCPS mantra Success for All implicitly has become a code for College for All. Robert J. Samuelson addressed this one-size-fits-all approach in a recent editorial in The Washington Post while criticizing the college-driven attitude that schools have developed since the mid-twentieth century. As Samuelson forcefully contends, the primacy of the college-prep track marginalizes millions of students for whom its disconnected from real life and unrelated to their needs. This marginalization of a portion of the student body is present here within the walls of Sherwood. One of the most obvious pushes is that Sherwood, with the blessing of MCPS, has been reducing offerings of on-level courses while at the same time steering more and more students, and earlier and earlier in high school, into AP classes. The aim is to make students college ready as part of MCPS highly publicized pathway to increase students chances of being successful in college. Such a goal is commendable, given that the think-tank Education Sector just recently found that nearly 30 percent of college students who took out loans dropped out of school. As MCPS notes in its own promotional materials for its Seven Keys to College Readiness, one in three students at four-year colleges take at least one remedial class. No one reasonably would argue with the contention that students who go to college should have the skills and knowledge to be successful there, but MCPS has put the cart before the horse and assumes that every one of its students should go to college. The message those students and their parents receive as early as elementary school is that students who do not end up in college have come up short in their education. Such a mindset of maximizing the number of students who take AP/IB classes and score high on the SAT or ACT might help MCPS with its preoccupation to tout its status as one of the very best public school systems in the country, but it doesnt serve a sizeable group of students at Sherwood and other MCPS high schools. The consequence of such a myopic focus on college is that high schools like Sherwood do not have enough supports and programs for those students who would benefit from an alternative path such as vocational training. Such students often have to look into possibilities other than college on their own time; as a result, many of them are directionless when they graduate from Sherwood. The fixation with getting a college degree short-changes other viable options for young people. As Samuelson points out in his editorial, 69 percent of jobs in America do not even require a post-high school degree. These are the factory workers, the janitors, the salesmen. They are all necessary to our societywe could not function without themand it is plain stupid to put such workers through a four-year delay that results in years of debt. Schools still can help students get ready for life without pushing them to go to college. The first step is to acknowledge that college is not meant for everyone. The second step is to invest more into courses, special programs and staffing that will provide supports and even inspiration for students to find the future that is right for them.

opinion...

Use the Ertzman To Prepare Students for College

by Nick Mourtoupalas 13
The jump from high school to college is drastic. For many students, adapting to such changes so late in ones learning career can be rather difficult. Countless juniors and seniors eager to advance to college would gladly embrace an early taste of the teaching styles and class environments seen in large university lecture halls. The most significant difference between lecture halls and high school classrooms is the amount of standardization throughout the class, in that all students get the same treatment and opportunities. Students are given much more responsibility to prioritize their energy and time expenditure in and out of class. The Ertzman Theater presents an incredible opportunity for college-bound students to adjust to lecture hall learning environments early to make their future transition a walk in the park. Teachers of the same courses, particularly AP classes, could take this opportunity to co-teach or bring in guest speakers and instructors. Teaching multiple classes at once would increase class size dramatically, possibly making the learning experience more challenging, but importantly, more realistic to college. Additionally, guest speakers represent instructors that students have no familiarity with, as if it were their first day during their freshman year of college. High school students have

the

Warrior Staff

Executive Editor ............................................. Leah Schroeder 13 Print Managing Editors ....................................... Diana McDermott 13 Robel Wondimu 13 News Editors .................................................... Jessica Carrera 13 Mandy Stussman 14 BSW Editor ........................................................ Vicky Florian 14 Features Editors ................................................. Mary Macrae 14 Connor Martin 13 Humor Editors .................................................. Andrew Wasik 13 Cal Wilson 14 Spotlight Editor ........................................... Sydney Morrison 13 Opinions Editors ............................................ Melissa Fajardo 13 Whitney Marie Halaby 14 Wondering Warrior Editor................................... Jenni Kenel 14 Entertainment Editors ............................ Michaela ODonnell 13 Maria Claudia Garcia-Rada 13 Sports Editors ................................................. Jamie Langbein 13 Joey Lavoie 14 Online Managing Editor ............................................. Michael Natelli 14 Page Editors ...................................................... Brendan Cudd 14 Shaan Verma 13 Content and Copy Managing Content Director ................................. Alex Porter 13 Content and Copy Editors ........................ Briana Applewhite 13 Steffi Carrera 14 Alyssa Miller 13 Nick Mourtoupalas 13 Evan Schwartz 13 Managing Photographers .................................. Bridget Cook 14 Taylor Fernandes 14 Pollster ........................................................ Katie Mercogliano 14 Business Director ................................. Whitney Marie Halaby 14 Advisor .......................................................................... Peter Huck

Sherwood students attending college will encounter classes in giant lecture halls. become accustomed to mindless- level learning system is not about ly copying words displayed on the to change, so students have to. board into their notebooks verbaCollege freshman are bound tim without processing the actual to see students on laptops durinformation. College freshman ing class, feel the intimidation of are unpleasantly surprised when asking questions in front of many their first semester professors be- people, and have trouble staying gin their lesson with straight lec- awake to begin with. ture, forcing them to completely Aside from its adversities, change the way they take notes. lecture-hall teaching shows stuNo board, no questions, but only dents how to be better listeners listening. and note-takers not only in class, It is this kind of shock that can but in their careers beyond colbe avoided if high school students lege. Furthermore, the increased are exposed to more challenging student to teacher ratio in lecture learning environments early. The halls creates an impersonal atdisadvantages of lecture halls, mosphere that portrays the adult such as minimal interaction and world. This could be the next big ease of distraction, force students step for many college-bound stuto expect these learning obstacles dents, and resisting change can on a regular basis; the college- only hurt them in the future.

The WarriorOpinions
June 5, 2012
The Left Belongs in Politics
es are being taken away in efforts to change the government from a device by and for its people into a partner for large businesses and corporations. Fortunately, there is something we can do as progressives to make a difference, and it starts with integrating ourselves back into politics instead of being content with bitterly watching from the outside. As the status of the left as a political bystander has cemented itself, many of our representatives have actually become extremists. Belief in a strong federal government actively helping society has now become associated with conspiracy theorists and extremists thanks to some of the more popular leftwing media online. The Young Turks, the internets largest news program, which has played a major role in bringing the left back into relevance, has unfortunately associated itself with networks like Russia Today, a borderline propaganda network designed to create anti-American sentiment domestically. We need to rid ourselves of these connections, and participate more in politics instead of just being mad at what happens. Fortunately, groups like Change.org and MoveOn are succeeding in bringing the left back to the fight. Liberalism isnt about hating America; its about making the nation the best it can be. We dont want to destroy business or society; we want just laws and decent standards of living for all Americans. While it might not be everyones choice of how to improve things, liberalism should not be discredited as the ramblings of a few hippies. If it was treated fairly, more people would realize that these crazy leftists have something to say after all.

15

TO THE

POINT
Obamas Support of Gay Marriage Not for Votes
by Alex Porter 13
On May 9, Barack Obama became the first president to support gay marriage. This came after Vice President Joe Biden did the same earlier in the week. Many have criticized President Obama since this announcement, claiming that he is pandering for votes before the election when he could have supported it before if he really cared. But announcing this leading up to the election may be the more daring method. These critics say that President Obama is desperate for votes, when this carried the risk of losing voters like those who decided to ban gay marriage in North Carolina at the same time, more than winning any over. Obama already had the support of most of the gay community, and the Republicans were not fighting for it, so this move didnt gain him anything he didnt already have. Obama made the right move, for himself and for history, and will be vindicated by our posterity when they look back on the time when who someone loved made them a second-class citizen.

Bridget Cook 14

by Alex Porter 13
In recent years, the political left has become further and further removed from mainstream debate. The Democratic Party is increasingly distancing itself from being seen as liberal, and the right continues to batter progressives with charges of anti-Americanism. This not only diminishes the breadth of conversation on public issues, it discards the opinions of many Americans by branding them traitors and scaring them out of society. Many forget that some of Americas greatest times were under liberal policies that would be demonized today. In the 1950s, the good old days according to many conservatives, the wealthiest in the country paid tax rates up to 90 percent, and strong unions built todays middle class. What would be called government handouts today provided unimagined opportunities for a generation, like a college education from the G.I. Bill for the vast segment of the population who were drafted veterans and their families. America became what it is today because of big government building it, and now these chanc-

by Connor Martin 13

Get Me Out of Here

Now, Whats the capital of Ukraine? Kiev! Correct. Now, where did you learn that?

I think one of the main reasons students feel the intense need to get the heck out of school in the later days of May and sometimes even April is not because of the early mornings, the workload (probably anything but the workload) or the long hours of classes; it is because no one in the building seems to want to be there. During the post-AP exam period, not only are the seniors slowly but surely disappearing from the classrooms and hallways, but the teachers and their efforts are too. One of my teachers, who will remain anonymous, took all three HSA days off from school. Three of my other teachers were also absent on one of those days. Now there may be some actual legitimate reasons for their absences, but is it really fair to the students that the teachers dont even show up just because theres nothing left to teach? On yearbook day, in all seven of my classes, everyone sat down and read the yearbook. What did the teachers do? Sit around or read the yearbook. I didnt learn a single thing that day. Then the next school day, at least three of my classes were study periods, to put it nicely. When I dont like getting up early to go to school when I am learning things, how am I supposed to feel when I have to get up to spend seven hours at a desk doing nothing?

The online war game I found on the internet! I was talking to SniperMan267, and he told me in order to level-up, I have to go to Ukraines capital, Kiev! Cartoon by Andi Hopkins 14

by Briana Applewhite 13

Hazing Leads to a Deadly Outcome

Florida A&M University has sparked controversy recently with thousands of court documents being released detailing the brutal killing of Robert Champion during his hazing period in the FAMU marching band. During his final initiation task, Champion agreed to enter Bus C in an Orlando parking lot and was pummeled by drumsticks, bass drum mallets, straps, fists an even an orange cone, while he focused on making it to the other side of the bus. Champion was a part of a common tradition in the FAMU marching band, and its commonly called Crossing Bus C, where students must reach the end of the bus in order to complete the hazing process. After reaching the back of the bus, Champion collapsed and died shortly after due to hemorrhagic shock caused by blunt-force trauma. Cases like this happen often around the country, and hazing has gotten out of control. It should be stopped immediately in every university across the country, a ban enforced by students, staff and administration alike. It may seem like a tradition and part of the college experience, but when a persons life is cut short over a silly tradition, the real outcome should be the outlawing of hazing once and for all.

16

The WarriorOpinions

The Debate: School Start Times

While it is true that students shouldnt be babied, they do have different sleep cycles from adults, as stated previously. Teenagers are not the same as adults and schools should recognize this fact and act accordingly. It is unhealthy and unproductive to force students to work on so few hours of sleep. Schools should be looking out for students best interests rather than forcing them into unhealthy life choices. Schools are trying to help students to the best of their abilities. However, it is not always possible. If high schools start later elementary and middle schools will have to change the times they start and end as well. Another reason high school ends so early is to allow for high school students to pick up and take care of younger students. Therefore, parents would have to find a way for their younger child to avoid being home alone. Parents may have to change their jobs. Schools provide day care programs for students who cannot be home alone. Babysitters are also available, and do not cost much more than hiring a student; often, older siblings insist on some form of payment for watching their younger siblings anyway. Babysitters are often more responsible than older siblings forced into the job. Elementary schools starting earlier does not pose a problem for waking younger kids either, as many are already awake at this time. Younger children have different sleep cycles than teenagers, which allows the former to wake up earlier much easier than the latter. If elementary schools start earlier, the parents may still be home before work to walk their kids to school and high schoolers can transport themselves. Not everyone has enough money to provide babysitters or pay for day care. Changing start times would also mean the school has to pay more money to change bus schedules, teacher hours, and after-school activity hours. With the state of the economy, it is too expensive to apply these costly changes. While it may be costly to change the school opening times, this will pay off in the long run because students and teachers will get more rest and will perform better. Schools with higher achieving students are often eligible for grants. It is worth the extra money to provide a healthier learning environment that is more conducive to education and is much kinder to students both in the short-term and long-term. The school environment is fine as it is now. High schools have been starting this early for so long that changing the start time is simply going to change tradition. Schools are fine as they are now. Theres nothing wrong with changing tradition. Change is good and this change has been a long time coming. After carefully considering the pros and cons of changing start times, I still firmly believe that the benefits far outweigh the negatives in terms of making school times later. As the wise Ben Franklin said, Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise. Students need to realize the benefits of waking up earlier. Students need to have all the qualities Franklin said in order to be successful in life. Though it may be a struggle to wake up early, students should take advantage of the opportunity to greet the day and have more time to accomplish more.

June 5, 2012

In April, the Fairfax County school board voted 10-2 in favor of further considering the idea of pushing high school start times to after 8 a.m. Two Warrior staff members argued over the impact changing start times would have on the budget, students, parents and teachers in the community if such a change ever happened in MCPS.

by Alyssa Miller 13 and Maria Claudia Garcia-Rada 13

Pro (Miller): We should push back start times because studies have shown that students who get more sleep get better grades. Students perform at a grade level up to three times higher when they get the recommended levels of sleep. Its difficult for students to get sleep when they are up past midnight doing homework and then waking up before the sunrise to go to school. Con (Garcia-Rada): Although it may seem like students would be getting more sleep, they wouldnt. Students might get a chance to sleep in later, but they will need to stay up longer because of after school activities or simply because they would get home later. Some students would have to stay at school until as late as seven, which would mean they would have to start their homework even later than usual. Even if students have to stay up a little later to do their work, it would still be easier for them to get up and do their work. Teenagers have different sleep cycles from younger kids and adults; teens brains dont start producing the sleep hormone melatonin until an hour later than other age demographics brains, and they keep producing the hormone an hour later. Students currently are woken up in the middle of their sleep cycles and forced to go to school when their bodies are still being told to sleep. If start times are pushed back, students can sleep when their bodies want to, and will feel better rested throughout the day, making homework easier to finish more quickly. How much a student sleeps depends on their ability to plan. Students need to learn how to manage their time well. The reason many students go to bed so late is because they procrastinate so much; they have to rush to finish homework and studying. By changing the school starting time, students are being babied. School starting so early prepares students for jobs. No job is going to change their starting time because someone needs more sleep.

We Are The Multi-tasking Generation

by Jamie Langbein 13
Every generation has a bone to pick with another. We blame our parents for the current economic crisis, and Im sure they had a lot to say about their parents and how they messed up their lives. No doubt we as a generation, at one point or another, will collectively do something for which we deserve our fair share of blame. But honestly guys, we just arent who they think we are. Our generation, born from 1990-2010, has been characterized as Generation Z. The emerging profile of our generation, according to pundits and academics, is that were lazy. The generation of TV addicts, Facebook hogs, Twitter freaks and blogging nerds. Adults accuse us of spending hours wasting our time surfing stupid websites and playing pointless games. Well, theyre wrong. Were the generation of multi-taskers, of competitors, of hard workers. Were the all-nighters, the top athletes, the kids who get 2300s on their SATs and then retake them because the scores arent high enough. We arent lazy. We just go our separate ways earlier. There are the star athletes who spend all days outside training, running, sprinting for what they hope to be. Many of these athletes end up being on the All -Gazzete All-Met teams. And just because they are athletes doesnt mean they give up the scholarly aspects of their lives either. Many of the top athletes are also top students, taking AP classes, scoring high on SATs and just succeeding at what they do in both areas of their lives. And of course, there are those that dont excel on the field but are still stellar students. They spend a lot of time in front of the computer doing homework, going above and beyond what teachers ask for. This, for the record, is really impressive because it is almost impossible to please teachers these days. Plenty of students do really well in school because they actually enjoy learning. So what? Were growing up different. Its not a bad thing. We are the age of mini geniuses. In December of 2011, a 17-year-old girl from California invented a nanoparticle that destroys cancer cells. That requires time spent not playing sports or socializing, which many adults criticize our generation for not doing. Were different from previous generations. But that doesnt mean we are better or worse for it.

The WarriorWondering Warrior

17
June 5, 2012

SUMMER
Wha time? rage summe t is your ave
Before Dawn 4%

r wake up

3 p.m. - 6 p.m. 1%

What is yo ur favorit e thing to at an amu do sement pa rk?

To play the game where you pick up a duck and it has a number and you win a prize; thats the best. -Alex Errera 15 I love the rollercoasters, because they give you such a rush. -Bekele Frehiwot 14

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 40%

7a.m. - 11 a.m. 55%

What will you do with your papers after school ends?

erator a giant incin hem in I will burn t them. ance around stha 15 and d -Ankur Kaya
Burn the m ... One by one. -McKayla Joaquim 14

nity pool? vorite commu a hat is your f

29% Olney Mill 27% Tanterra Pool 19% Norbeck 9% Lake Hallowell 8% Hallowell 4% Norbeck Hills

Im going to save them and use them when I need to. -Maria Gomez 13

Throw them in traffic. -Koby Tomass on 14

4% Manor Oaks

What is your favorite place to go to the beach?

Rehobeth Beach because its a happy place. -Chloe Wilson 14
Old Orchard Beach because the water is freezing and the sand is hot. -Robyn Dudrick 15 Cape May. It is a cute beach town with just enough people. -Erin Ryan 14

*84 students surveyed compiled by Katie Mercogliano

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The WarriorEntertainment
June 5, 2012

The Dos and Donts of Summer Fashion

Summertime is almost here and with the new season comes a brand new summer wardrobe. Some people become edgier with their clothing options, while others fall in a rut with the basics. Here is a guide to achieving the perfect summer look with a list of dos and donts for the proper summer style.
by Briana Applewhite 13

Dos
Try bright colors and new patterns: Dress for your body type: Summer
Summer is a great time to try a bolder wardrobe, and this includes jazzing up your closet with funky neons and experimenting with fun patterns. is a great time to shed some of the heavy clothing that winter requires, but some people overdo it wearing next to nothing. Dont dress in something just because its in because it might not flatter your body type. Try adapting that in trend into something that works for your body. ceptable.

Donts
Socks with Sandals: Its just not acUggs: Shorts and Uggs are terrible.
Whoever thought it was a good idea to wear sheep-skin boots in 90 degree weather should shoot themselves (not literally). They shouldnt even be worn in the winter let alone the summer. Unless you are an Eskimo in the middle of an Alaskan dog-sledding race, please retire these shoes.

Pants: Guys, dont resist the tempta-

Accessorize: Theres nothing like a nice

necklace, pair of earrings and a bracelet to brighten up an outfit. Pay special attention to the color, texture and feel of your outfit. Any accessories you choose should match accordingly. This will turn your outfit into a look.

tion of wearing capri pants this summer. They can be extremely stylish if matched appropriately, but theyre not meant for everyone. If you think you can pull it off, then go right ahead. Girls, dont be afraid to try a pair of cropped jeans as well. No, they are not highwaters. Paired with a simple pair of heels or a cute pair of sandals would be perfect for the summer heat.

Leave something for the imagination: Nothing says youre easy more

than a Band-Aid wrapped around your waist that you claim is a skirt. If you bend over and about three inches of your underwear show, DONT WEAR IT!

Flip Flops: These shoes will be the

bane of my existence, I swear. No one wants to hear you flip- flopping down the hallway. Girls shouldnt wear them and boys should just eject these monstrosities right into the trash can because they have no place in a functioning, non-tool society.

Last but not least: Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Protect your skin from the suns harmful rays. You dont want to chance looking like a leather purse later on in life.

Wife Beaters: Guys, no one wants to

The Warrior Game Corner

Can you spot the 10 differences between the two pictures?

see your sleeve tribal tattoo, and ladies, showing your bra-straps is not cute. Go with a simple tank top for proper summer attire.

See answers online at thewarrioronline.com

Drawings by Andi Hopkins 14

The WarriorEntertainment
June 5, 2012

19

Boy bands through the years

1988-1999

Television and Books Dont Go Hand in Hand

by Sydney Morrison 13
As an avid reader, I always have mixed emotions when I hear my favorite novels are being put on the big screen. Movies are only so long; they cant possibly capture every aspect of a written book in less than three short hours. But sometimes, with a good director and an awesome cast, the film industry can pull it off, including many of the Harry Potter films and The Notebook. Turning bestsellers into T.V. shows, however, is another story. While its difficult to cut out parts of a novel when making a movie, its nearly impossible to stretch out all the details enough to get a decent multi-season television show. A plot can only drag on for so long. So, our dear television producers have come up with brilliant idea. They dont follow the same plot line written by the author, but take the idea, write a new storyline, throw in some new characters and give it the same title. Like I said, brilliant, right? Wrong. Too many of my favorite series have been torn apart by the insane directors and producers who cant come up with their own ideas. Half the characters in ABC Familys Pretty Little Liars, novels originally written by Sara Shepard, were not in the books, and the other half were supposed to die. And did I say that this show is aired on ABC Family? Key word being, Family. A series surrounding a murder investigation and creepy weirdo stalkers should not be featured on ABC Family. Which leads me to mention how much of the murder and stalker-ing was actually removed from the story before being put on television. What nice editing they did, cutting out half the plot.

NSYNC

Boy Bands Never Fail To Sweep Pre-Teen Girls off Their Feet
by Maria Claudia Garcia-Rada 13
Ballistic girls chasing The New Kids on the Blocks car. Teens freaking out when the Backstreet Boys come on the radio. Girls jamming out to The Jackson 5 songs. Teens camping out to get One Direction concert tickets. Yeah, thats what boy bands do to girls. Its like they have this amazing ability to instantly capture the hearts of millions of girls who have never even met them. They somehow make their way into countless teenage girls bedrooms in the form of posters and life-size cardboard models. Crazy, right? My love for boy bands started in elementary school when almost every girl was crazy about The Backstreet Boys. Singing along to the song I Want It That Way is a major memory from my childhood. Boy bands were also a part of our lives in middle school, when almost every girl had pictures and posters of the Jonas Brothers covering their lockers, and typical conversion would be silly side comments about which Jonas Brothers they found the most attractive. What made these boys so likeable was the fact that they were down to earth and genuinely nice people. Take Nick Jonas, for example. So many girls looked up to him because his openness about his experience with diabetes encouraged girls to face difficulties. The Jonas Brothers appeared on a Disney Channel show called Jonas, which caused even more girls to fall in love with them. However, as the boys grew up, the band grew apart. Kevin Jonas got married and Nick returned to Broadway. Just as it appeared that the obsession with boy bands was over, bands such as One Direction and Big Time Rush have filled the boy band fad. One Direction has become an instant hit. What teen girl would not die for cute, talented British boys singing about love? I know I would. One of their songs, What Makes You Beautiful, was released in September 2011 and reached No. 1 on the charts in the UK. Girls not only fall in love with their British accents, but their personalities as well. One Direction speaks out to their fans; they are constantly thanking them for all their support. The love for One Direction is due to the boys being different than most typical groups, as their British accents and vintage dressing is all fresh and unique for American teen girls. Whether its The Jackson Five or NSYNC, boy bands have always been a part of the American culture. As one band ends, another one comes along and the new bands always have something to offer teenage girls, even if its more of the same.

If youve ever picked up The Vampire Diaries, by L.J. Smith, who is such a talented author if I may add, youll know that the series is addictive, sexy and very very scary. So a few years later when I heard they were turning it into a television series my heart, of course, just fluttered with joy. Sarcasm. Between maybe the first and third episode of the show I knew it was doomed. That sexy aspect of the novel was played up to the extreme (because thats where the big money is nowadays right?), and the scary plotline was replaced with a much different, less than riveting one. Perhaps I had too much hope, thinking that among the 11 directors and 27 producers one of them might just say, Hey, this is actually a really good book series, why dont we just follow the storyline on this one? But no, they had to make themselves look creative and hire 20 writers to re-write the story that was already written for them perfectly. Good idea guys, good idea. While both television shows and movies have trouble capturing all aspects of well-written novels, television companies never ever seem to get it right. They steal the plot and call it their own, destroying the series in the process. Writers and directors should stay away from books as the inspiration for new T.V. shows and come up with something of their own.

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The WarriorEntertainment
June 5, 2012
plot. Baseball fans and non-fans alike can easily recognize that Joe had the makings of a once in a lifetime baseball player, with 160 at bats, 78 hits, 21 home runs, 21 doubles, eight triples, 31 stolen bases and a batting average of .488, the highest ever, after playing just 38 games. Warren was already disliked inside and outside of the stadium for his poor pitching and his poor attitude. He was an abusive father and husband and that carried into his pitching as he attained the highest record of hitting players in the major league. Paul tells the story by reflecting on memories of his childhood, building on them little by little until he describes that fateful day, while also connecting those memories to what is happening today. Will Paul find peace with his father? Will Warren try to make amends with his son and with Joe? Will Joe forgive Warren after all of these years? The reader only cares to find out because Paul cares and his stories reflect that. This book is not about the hits and the outs. It is about the great characters that inhabit baseball and live each day to show their passion for the game. That is the magic of baseball and of Grishams novelit can appeal to anyone and leave any reader yearning for more.

Calico Joe Hits a Home Run

by Leah Schroeder 13
August 24, 1973: A day that will live in fictional baseball infamy. With one pitch, three lives are shattered and many more are altered. John Grishams novel Calico Joe, released April 10, recounts the efforts of a son to persuade his dying father to make a long due apology to a former rival. Paul Tracey is the son of a former professional baseball player, Warren Tracey, who, on August 24, 1973, in a fit of rage, accidentally throws a pitch that hits a promising and highly popular rookie, Joe Castle, in the head. Joe is too brain damaged to play again, while the criticism leaves Warren incapable of pitching effectively, ending both of their careers. Paul wants his father to take this opportunity during the last months of his life to admit to his wrongdoing and apologize to Joe, Pauls childhood hero. While Warren and Joe are fictional, the rest of the players and coaches are real, making it possible for the reader to get more involved in the story as they read the names of famous players and managers, such as Willie Mays and Yogi Berra. However, even if one is not a baseball fan and does not recognize these names, the stories will still seem wonderfully realistic and will, thus, still fulfill their intended role in the overall

R E V I E W S

The Men in Black Are Back

by Mary Macrae 14
Walking into a nearly empty theater last Friday night, I have to admit I was a bit skeptical of seeing Men in Black III. First of all, because the theater was practically empty on its premiere night, and second, I hadnt seen the first two Men in Black movies so I didnt know what to expect. As the movie began, I fumbled to put on my 3D glasses. In the first scene, I witnessed a terrible looking beast named Boris the Animal, played by Jemaine Clement, who escaped from his jail cell in hopes of traveling back into time to kill Agent K, played by Tommy Lee Jones. His partner Agent J, played by Will Smith, must then travel back in time to prevent this from happening. By going back in time, the movie is able to explore and explain Tommy Lee Jones beloved characters past. Playing this role, Josh Brolin delivers a hilarious portrayal of young Agent K. The spot on impersonation of Tommy Lee Jones alone makes watching this movie worthwhile. Brolin nails Jones gritty Texas accent and completely steals the show. When Smith, as Agent J, goes back in time in the movie, he also returns to his Fresh Prince days and delivers a set of great one liners throughout the entire film. In the end, his sentimental side even comes out through his friendship with Agent K. Clement plays the vengeful villian Boris the Animal that makes the viewers skin crawl. The special effects added to make his hand hold a grimy and disgusting alien were absolutely amazing. Usually you can tell when speical effects are being used, but in this film it looked so realistic. The special effects were showcased only to heighten the fun and add to the movies story. And while I am not typically a huge fan of 3D movies, Men in Black III finally got it right. Unlike a lot of 3D movies today, this movie doesnt remind you every 15 seconds that it is 3D. The most enjoyable aspect was the fact that the movie did not take itself seriously. The director realized that it was a silly concept for a movie and embraced it. It didnt try to be something that it wasnt nor some magnificent piece of cinema. It was simply just a goofy and enjoyable movie. This sci-fi comedy action flick with its charming star studded cast, bright imaginative effects, and classic storyline delivered in its third installment. This triumph explains why Men in Black III trumped the blockbuster action flick The Avengers last weekend in box office sales.

Designed by Michaela ODonnell 13

The WarriorSports
June 5, 2012

21

Accepted Ignorance:
The Stigma Surrounding Concussions by Robel Wondimu 13
Concussions in professional sports have been on the conscience of the American public since the dawn of the new millennium. There has been much debate and controversy surrounding how to address the issue, mainly because it is not yet fully understood what a concussion is and what its permanent consequences are. A concussion is the violent shaking of the brain within the skull caused by a strong external force to the head. In the shortterm it leads to confusion, headaches and even unconsciousness. However, the long-term effects are still hotly contested. Overtime, severe or multiple concussions will lead to brain swelling, which is associated with Alzheimers and Parkinsons disease, cognitive and physical disabilities, and clinical depression. On May 3, nearly 2,000 former NFL players filed a federal lawsuit alleging that the NFL was negligent and didnt educate players about concussions or how to deal with the consequences of related brain injuries. The lawsuit also contends that the league did not do enough to prevent such injuries. A recent study conducted by Cleveland Clinics Center for Spine Health found that leather helmets used in the earlier years of the league may have protected players from concussions better than modern helmets which are only more effective at preventing skull damage. This study seems to conclude that the NFL is liable for the long-term injuries of its players since it has been negligent in providing for their safety. Obviously the risks of playing a contact sport, where bone crushing hits are legal, should be evident to players, but the burden of responsibility is on the employer, the NFL, to let the employees, players, know the risks associate with the job. Beyond players careers, the NFL should also be held liable for their long-term mental health care. Just like the military provides healthcare for its veterans, the NFL, which also poses dangers to its participants, needs to offer psychological screenings and periodic health testing for its players. In early May, former San Diego Chargers linebacker Junior Seau committed suicide due to clinical depression caused by a history of reoccurring concussions. The NFL is an environment where players are expected to play through injuries like concussions or risk facing attacks from coaches and players for giving up on the team or being soft. According to his teammate and fellow linebacker Gary Plummer, Seau has suffered over 1,500 concussions in his career. Brain injuries like his are associated with degenerative cognitive conditions, so it is no surprise that Seau was in no mental condition to seek help for himself. The emotional and psychological implications of this are unimaginable. Concussions have become an even more pressing issue in high school sports in recent years. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the rate of concussions in high school sports has doubled in the past decade. This statistic is definitely the result of player safety awareness becoming a priority in sports, with injuries like concussions thankfully being screened for and taken care of. The suicide of Seau and the rise in high school sporting concussions only makes this issue more pressing. In a sport filled with contingencies, one thing is clear: the effects of concussions can be dire, and ignorance is not an option in handling the situation in the future.
Taylor Fernandes 14

The renovation of the track and field will start in the next two weeks and is set to be finished on August 10.

Field and Track To Get Needed Upgrades

by Michael Natelli 14
Over the past several years, athletic events have torn up the current field within Sherwoods Caruso Memorial Stadium, leaving hardly a speck of grass. A field renovation is scheduled to begin in the next two weeks and be finished no later than August 10, just in time for fall sports tryouts. The new turf-like Bermuda grass should hold up much better under constant use, and its ability to grow quickly should ensure full growth by the August deadline. In addition, the track is getting a new surface, also set to be done on August 10, to replace the current track that has large air bubbles on it. The Bermuda grass deep root system allows for a much better survival rate during drought and also prevents significant chunks from being torn out of the ground. Sophomore Dean Emerson, who plays center on the football team, approves of the choice of Bermuda even over more expensive options such as turf. Im glad were getting Bermuda over synthetic turf since it gives better cushion for running and whatnot, said Emerson. Turf is unforgiving when it comes to contact. The field should improve playing conditions for all athletes, regardless of the sport, as heavy rain will no longer be as much of an issue. The grass is very absorbent, making the rain serve almost as a protective pad when an athlete falls to the ground rather than as a catalyst for field damage. As Emerson indicated, the soft grass will also give a lot more when it comes to the pounding of cleats. According to football coach Mike Bonavia, this additional support should decrease the traditional foot and ankle pain that players experience over the course of a long season. Students and staff have speculated that the field and track renovation could lead to a full stadium makeover, potentially along the lines of getting blue turf like at Boise State University as well as new bleachers; however, that is not the case. No this is a field renovation project. Bleachers are not included in the scope of work. [Talks of a full-out renovation] are just rumors, explained school Business Manager Brenda Hoyle. I felt it was desperately needed, said Bonavia. We didnt have a crown whatsoever so we didnt have any drainage and everything sat on our field If we maintain the Bermuda and get the crown and put the new dirt in, [things should be much improved]. Were really excited.

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The WarriorSports
June 5, 2012

Top Ten MoMenTs of The 2011-12 sporTs Year

as told by Jamie Langbein 13, Joey Lavoie 14, Michael Natelli 14, and Andrew Wasik 13
Time for a First by Joey Lavoie 14 A 21-0 softball season was capped off by a 1-0 win over Anne Arundel countys Chesapeake High School in a shutout fashion. Sherwood took Montgomery Country by storm this year, with one of the most talented teams in Sherwood history. 2012 was Sherwoods first ever softball state championship, and the first for Montgomery County since the late 90s. With the help of one of the best pitchers in the county, sophomore Meggie Dejter, the Warriors won their games by an average of 10-1. The Lady Warriors even beat three teams by more than 20 runs. An impressive season paid off and resulted in a well earned state title. Gatorades Volleyball Player of the Year by Joey Lavoie 14 Marylands Gatorade Player of the Year, Alex Holston, led the Sherwood Lady Warrior Volleyball team to an undefeated season and a Maryland state championship. The Gatorade Player of the Year is given to the best girls volleyball player in each state. In 19 games, she recorded 267 kills as her team only lost two sets on the way. The six foot tall junior already committed to the University of Florida. A banner now hangs in Sherwoods main gym commemorating Alexs amazing job leading the volleyball team for two perfect seasons.

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That Makes Two by Michael Natelli 14 It was a memorable day at Ritchie Coliseum on November 19, as the girls volleyball team captured their second 4A state title in as many seasons. The win secured a perfect 19-0 record for the Warriors, who swept the fourth-ranked Arundel in four straight sets (2521, 25-19, 25-19). The effort was led by 14 kills for junior star Alex Holston, as well as a match-high 12 digs for graduated senior Sydney West and 29 assists for junior Maddie Moyer. With so many players returning, dont be surprised if girls volleyball makes the list of moments again next season.

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by Andrew Wasik 13 Going into the Maryland 4A playoffs, the seventh seeded Sherwood Warriors were supposed to beat 10th ranked Perry Hall, and then lose to second seeded Southwestern. After beating Perry Hall 83-75 and overcoming Southwestern 47-38 in overtime, the Warriors showed that they were ready for a historic playoff run. After an easy win over Westminster 60-48, Sherwood came to the 4A North finals verses first seeded Springbrook Blue Devils. Winning by a score of 51-48, the Warriors pulled off the biggest upset of the playoffs. The Warriors went on to lose to the eventual state champion Magruder at the Comcast Center, but still had one of the most memorable playoff runs in school history.

Sherwood Boys Basketball Playoff Run

After two State Championships and four Regional Championships, this year for the Warriors has been a great one. Here are the top 10 moments of the Sherwood Sports Year based on the opinions of four Warrior Sports enthusiasts.
by Andrew Wasik 13 During the first game of the Warriors playoff run this season against Perry Hall, every time graduated senior Scott Bolen scored, the crowd counted down from 10 till eventually that number got to 0 as Bolen scored the 1000th point of his career. With the crowd erupting after a reverse alley-oop dunk, Bolen and his parents were brought out at halftime and awarded a ceremonial basketball marking the amount of points and the date he scored his millennial.

Scott Bolens 1000th point

by Andrew Wasik 13 While not the greatest accomplishment of the year, this is by far the best single feat. In the state semifinal game versus the eventual state champion Magruder Colonels as the clock wound down to 4.8 seconds left in the fourth quarter, graduated senior Scott Bolen hit a three point shot from NBA length to tie the game up. The Sherwood crowd exploded with joy while Magruder was shocked and worried. Although Magruder went on to win 75-68, The Shot will be remembered as a fantastic end to the so called Bolen Era of basketball at Sherwood.

The Shot

Nando Goes for 280 by Michael Natelli 14 Despite questionable weather conditions, it was a night to remember at Caruso Memorial Stadium, as graduated senior Fernando Smith collected 268 rushing yards against Northwest. The Warriors were clinging to their slim playoff chances in their final home game of the season, and Smith kept those hopes alive, scoring the winning touchdown with only seconds remaining as the Warriors defeated the Jaguars 32-24. What can easily be forgotten about this game is how Nando, as hes known, also rushed in for five touchdowns on season-high carries. Smith will be studying at Hargrave Military Academy next year.

Boys Lax Crushes Magruder by Jamie Langbein 13 In every sport, there is one motto that any Warrior believes in and that is Beat Magruder. The 2012 boys lacrosse team didnt just beat Magruder, they pummeled them into the ground. With only one goal allowed by senior Connor Welch, the Warriors dominated the game with a score of 21-1. Tight defense, control of ground balls, and a well executed offense ensured the win over the rival Colonels. To complement the boys, the Lady Warriors had a similar result, crushing the girls team 20-1.

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Poms Captain Award by Jamie Langbein 13 After graduating several successful seniors in 2011, the Sherwood Poms were missing one of the most talented dancers in Montgomery County, Ilona Szeless (11), who had scored the first ever perfect score in the Pom Captains competition. Despite coming in fourth place overall this year, captain and graduated senior Alexandra Stephanos received First Place Captains Award, following in Szeless footsteps. Despite the disappointment at counties, the Warriors placed first and second at the other Pompetitions that they competed in this year. Damascus Football Game by Michael Natelli 14 This year, the football team was long overdue for a victory against the Damascus Hornets. Former state champion Warriors Coach Al Thomas was the defensive coordinator for Damascus, adding that extra motivation for the Warriors to get the win. That motivation certainly added the needed boost, as the Warriors went on to defeat the Hornets by a score of 14-3, led by a rushing touchdown from running back senior Fernando Smith and a wild play of sorts by quarterback junior Jordan Larsen, who caught his own deflected pass and ran it back for a touchdown.

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The WarriorSports
June 5, 2012

23

Followell Plays with Fire as Elite Twirler

Sherwood student upholds family tradition and follows her heart as she trains to compete in national and also international twirling competitions.
to be the best I can. It makes me happy when I win, said FollowFrom twirling fire at school ell. events to traveling internationThrough her talent and hard ally with Team USA, freshman work, Followell is competing at Amanda Followell never fails an elite level as a member of a to impress. Followell picked up national team and achieving indiher baton twirling when she was vidual success in her solo events. merely a child, and plans to conAmanda is an awesome team tinue for much longer. member and mentor for other athFollowells moletes to follow, said tivation for twirling In the past two years, especially, Amanda Kennedy. She will came from her mother a has improved exponentially. Its exciting to repeatshetrick or skill and grandmother, until masters it. both former twirlers. see her perform under pressure because She has initiative and Her mother began she always does a great job. Her skill ac- confidence to try anyto teach her baton at thing. the age of four, when quisition has been the result of her persisFollowell plans she competed in her tence and commitment. to take her twirling first local competiher college ~Coach Annie Kennedy withhopes to be a fution. Followell then and to brought her talent ture twirler at the Unito her elementary school talent understanding when I cant be at versity of Maryland. Followell is shows and when she attended practice because of cheer, said working towards a scholarship Rosa Parks Middle School, she Followell, who also trains during for her twirling in order to reach performed during school pep-ral- the summer from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., her goal. If she keeps setting her lies and soon later began compet- five days a week, and competes in sights high, I know that she will ing internationally. travel competitions. someday be performing on a footIn the past two years, esFollowell recently traveled ball field in college, entertaining pecially, Amanda has improved with Team USA over spring break audiences with her enthusiasm exponentially. She is able to step to Switzerland for an internation- and passion for twirling, said into any position on the team, al competition. Team USA won Kennedy. said her coach, Annie Kennedy. every team event in the competiNext year, Followell will be Its exciting to see her perform tion and most individual events. joining the elite senior team, hopunder pressure because she al- I see how people love my twirl- ing to qualify for the 2015 chamways does a great job. Her skill ing, so I practice more and more pionships in Italy.

by Taylor Fernandes 14

acquisition has been the result of her persistence and commitment. Followell devotes much of her time to baton twirling, training five to six days a week for several hours a day, while still making time for her duties on Sherwood Cheerleading. Its very hard, but my coach is very

photo courtesy of Amanda Followell 15

Freshman Amanda Followell shows off her firery batons at a pep rally.

The WarriorSports
June 5, 2012

24

Softball Takes First State Title in School History

by Brendan Cudd 14
The Warriors went to Terrapin Softball Complex at the University of Maryland on May 25 to take on the Chesapeake Cougars for the 4A state title. The Warriors played the Cougars twice in previous years and lost both so Coach Pat Flanagan hoped that the third time would turn out differently. Her team came through with a 1-0 victory and delivered Flanagan her first state championship in a long, successful coaching career. This is Sherwoods first state championship for softball and is only the second title ever for Montgomery County. The team did a great job of keeping Chesapeake from scoring, said Flanagan. I feel the play at the plate that sophomore Rae Harrison made was the key to our success. Had they scored on that who knows what might have happened? You never want to give any type of an edge. Offensively, I would have liked for us to have scored more runs. We just didnt have a good day hitting, but fortunately it didnt come back to bite ing practice and we go through everything every time fielding, hitting, running. Then there are extra situations or whatever we need depending on who we play, said senior Sara Sabry. Coach Flanagan was well aware of the challenges that the Warriors faced in taking on Chesapeake, saying before the matchup, I think we can hit their pitching and their defense is very solid and they also have good hitting. This will have to be the best defensive game we have played all season. They have a history with their program and we have played them twice and lost twice; hopefully the third times the charm. The team has become closer since the beginning of the season which has helped them perform together. I think that our chemistry has grown just because we all are so excited where we are at this point and any drama or anything would ruin it. The team has worked hard together because of how close [we are] and we all are such fun and outgoing girls so that really helps, said senior Captain Kristen Holonich.

Michael Natelli 14

The softball team poses with their coaches and new state champion trophies after a well deserved win. us. The only run of the title game was scored in the sixth inning off a hit by freshman Nicole Stockinger. Sophomore Meggie Dejter played a key part in the game and capped a tremendous season, striking out six and leading the team to the shutout. Dejter had trouble in the first few innings but steadied herself. The nerves got to me a lot, Dejter said in an interview with The Washington Post. But once they got those runners on, there was nothing I could do about it. I just had to work through it and give it all I got. To get to the state finals, the team went through an intense amount of work. As a team weve been working together since probably early January. Practices once the season started lasted about 2 1/2-3 hours. Once in a while we would have off but its rare. The girls work hard dur-

Warriors Baseball Loses to Northwest 7-6 Boys and Girls Lacrosse Fall in
by Matt Diogo 14
It was an unfortunate end to a stellar season. The Warriors varsity baseball teams season ended on May 22 in the state semi-finals to the Northwest Jaguars 7-6, in ten innings. The game was thrilling, but a sad ending for the newlook Warriors. The squad got off to a quick 5-0 lead on graduated senior Colin McMahons two-run home run in the third inning. However, as head coach Sean Davis put it, obviously Northwest wasnt going to just lay down and let us win, and they did no such thing, coming back in the fifth inning to score five runs to tie the game at 6-6. The rest of the game was a stalemate, neither team scoring runs, while shutting each other down offensively. Northwest relief pitcher Max Banks came in to replace Tony Cianci after three innings of shaky starting pitching. Banks shut the door on the Warriors, allowing only four hits over seven innings. Warrior sophomore Matt Chanin was equally superb, only allowing two hits and one earned run. That run came on a suicide squeeze by Jaguar Scott Ardoin in the tenth inning, scoring Banks and ending the season for Sherwood; an incredibly similar situation to that of last year, when a suicide squeeze by Churchill knocked out Bill Goodmans squad in the final game of his stellar coaching career. The players are keeping an optimistic eye towards next season, as they have their full pitching staff returning with the exception of graduated senior Tyler

Regionals to Churchill Bulldogs

byJamie Langbein 13
May 16 was a disappointing day for any and all Sherwood lacrosse fans. Both the girls and boys teams lost in the Region Finals to the Winston Churchill Bulldogs. Both hard fought games ultimately ended up in a 12-5 loss for the boys and a 20-19 loss for the girls. The boys had an impressive season, going 13-3 overall, with losses coming from Wootton and powerhouse Good Counsel. The

Joey Lavoie 14

boys were led by graduated seniors Connor Welch in goal with 126 saves and Griffin Paquin on attack with 32 goals and 22 assists. After graduating goalie KC Emerson (11) and losing coach Mitch Rosenfeld, the future seemed shaky for the Lady Warriors. However, anchored by junior captain Maddie Doan and sophomore Emily Kenul and coached by first year coach Kelly Hughes, the Warriors pulled out an impressive 12-2 season.

by Michael Natelli 14

Track and Field Ends with Success

finish by junior Andrew Sarver in the Triple Jump and a sixthplace finish by graduated senior Will Gavett in the 300 Meter Hurdles. The Warriors qualified seven individuals as well as four relay teams for the State Championships at Morgan State University on May 25 and May 26. At States, the Warriors were able to close out the season strong, led by personal records set by Olatunde (Shot Put 3703, 6th place), Sarver (Triple Jump 4001 15th) and the girls 4 x 400 relay team (4:02.77 5th).

After a great deal of success at Counties, the Warrior track and field team was able to carry its success into Regionals on May 19. The most notable performances included first-place finishes by sophomores Ameerat Olatunde and Grace McDonald in the Shot Put and 800 Meter Run, respectively, as well as second-place finishes by the girls 800 Meter Relay team and girls 1600 Meter Relay. Other notable accomplishments included a fourth-place
photo courtesy George Smith

Boys, Coed Volleyball Lose in Playoffs

by Shaan Verma 13
Both boys and coed volleyball made strong runs in the county playoffs before getting knocked out in their semi-final games. In round 2 of the MCPS boys county volleyball tournament, the fourth-seeded Warriors knocked out fifth-seeded Blake in straight games. The team, coached by Ben Sanger, then traveled to Wootton

Junior Grant Dickey started the Warriors off with three solid innings, giving them a 6-1 lead by the beginning of the fifth inning. Rodriguez. Junior Michael Zerafa knows that they need to stay focused through the year, and put in the same amount of work we did this year, and hopefully it will pay off. Coming off a playoff run to the 4A semi-finals that surprised many, Davis has shown that there is continuity to Sherwoods baseball program and to its annual place as one of the top teams in Maryland. The [JV] program has been good the past couple years, so that kind of backs the drawing board, Davis noted.

on May 8, where they fell in the semi-finals to finish the season with a record of 11-3. In coed volleyball, the Warriors, led by coach Pete Siarkas, handily defeated Watkins Mill 3-0 but then lost a heartbreaker three games to two against rival Damascus. The top-seeded Warriors finished the season at 13-1, having earlier beat Damascus during the regular season.