may 2016 - silver chips print

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insidechips OP/ED B1 NEWS A2 LA ESQUINA LATINA E1 ENTERTAINMENT D1 SPORTS F1 FEATURES C1 CHIPS CLIPS D3 silver chips May 25, 2016 Winner of the 2015 National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker Montgomery Blair High School SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND A public forum for student expression since 1937 Pledge of Allegiance It is important to analyze what the pledge means to you. Blair music Check out the tunes that pump through the ears of Blair students. Playoffs round-up Check in on how Blair athletics is doing in the post-season. GRIFFIN REILLY GRIFFIN REILLY CALEB BAUMAN VOL 78 NO 7 D2 F1 Las vacaciónes Descubre los destinos exóticos de Hispanoamérica. E1 CORTESÍA DE MARIA CARTER Student parking to switch lots Blair’s Internal Leadership Team (ILT) is currently discussing a proposal to switch the student and staff parking lots next school year that would allow students to park in the lot off of Colesville Road and give staff members the choice to park in either the lot bor- dering University Boulevard or the Colesville lot. Staff members will vote on these changes for next year at the end of May. This year, Blair sold all of its By Christian Mussenden see PARKING page A4 136 student parking spaces for the first time. In response principal Re- nay Johnson and head of security Kathleen Greene proposed chang- ing the entire format of the student parking system by switching the student and staff parking lots. “It’s been almost 15 years, and we’re looking at changing it. I’ve talked to Ms. Greene, who has devel- oped a plan to, possibly, flip it, so that students would enter on the Colesville side, and there’s more B2 County, unions dispute raises By Alice Park and Alexandra Marquez The Board of Education, the Montgomery County Council, and the MCPS teacher’s union are working toward a deal to reallo- cate $37 million from previously negotiated staff pay raises to im- proving classroom instruction. According to County Coun- cil President Nancy Floreen, the Board must renegotiate the em- ployee contracts in order to receive its increased operating budget for fiscal year 2016. In a letter ad- dressed to the council on March 15, County Executive Isiah Leggett recommended that the council in- crease the school system’s budget this year to $2.5 billion, which is $89 million above the amount re- quired by the state. Floreen said the Board has agreed to draw funds from sal- ary increases for administrators, teachers, and service workers, which were guaranteed by their contracts, and divert the money to reducing class sizes. “We have the Board’s commitment that they’re going to implement this change,” she said. According to Floreen and Board President Michael Durso, MCPS’s teacher union, the Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA), has not yet agreed to the deal. “The [union has] still not of- ficially agreed,” Durso said. MCEA Executive Director Tom Israel said the renegotiations will begin once the council approves the Board’s budget. “We [will] have a formal conversation for renegotiations for how we would allocate the available funds,” Is- rael said. “I think if you talk to anyone on the council or on the board, they will acknowledge that MCEA has been a strong advocate for bringing down class sizes… It’s unfortunate that the way they’re paying for the class size decreases is by trimming the contracts.” The proposed raises originally included an annual step increase, a two percent cost of living increase, and a makeup step increase that was not included in a previous year. To achieve its goal of raising $37 million for their achievement gap reduction initiatives, the Board plans to eliminate the makeup step increase and reduced the cost of living raise by one percent, ac- cording to Durso. Overall, the pay raises were reduced from eight percent to four-and-a-half percent. Israel also said that the Board has the authority to impose the contract changes. “If we’re not able to reach an agreement in renegoti- ations, the board can impose their final offer,” he said. In addition to the achievement gap reduction initiative, part of the $37 million in the budget proposal will go to renting larger gradua- tion venues for four high schools across the county. By Joshua Fernandes and Brianna Forté Seniors Eva Bogino and Thom- as Schoppert enjoy each other’s company while soaking up the sun on a Puerto Rican beach and listening to the water gently lap the shore. After beginning to date in October of their junior year, the couple has been through rough school days, the final days before summer starts, and everything in between. But just a year after their vacation to Puerto Rico, gradua- tion is approaching and they have a difficult decision to make. After choosing to attend different colleg- es, the pair will end their relation- ship after graduation, and return to just being friends. For many high-school couples, a relationship remains one of the few constants amidst the blur of stress and confusion that is high school. After graduation, though, couples like Bogino and Schop- pert are forced to confront change again, deciding whether to stay to- gether or move on. High school sweethearts Bogino and Schoppert met through friends and began dating after Schoppert asked Bogino to homecoming. “We didn’t actually Graduating couples try to make it work end up going [to homecoming]. We just watched a lot of movies,” Schoppert explains. Since that October, they have grown closer, eventually going to Puerto Rico to- gether after Schoppert invited her to go with his relatives. “My fam- ily was going to Puerto Rico, and I was like, ‘Hey, can Eva come?’ and they were like, ‘Yeah!’” Seniors Yannie Mei and Alex Liu began dating as sophomores after meeting each other through mutual friends. “We started out as friends and we ended up being more than friends,” Liu explains. HANNAH SCHWARTZ Bras for change #GIRLPOWER Sophomore Aaliyah Khan (center) and her supporters display bras over their clothes and unzipped pants to protest the school dress code. MCPS changes grading policy By Joshua Fernandes On May 10, Interim Superin- tendent Larry Bowers announced via email that he and his staff will eliminate the policy of trend grad- ing in the calculations of semes- ter grades starting in the 2016-17 school year. Currently, classes without final exams use a trend grading system to determine the semester grade. This means that if the two quar- ter grades average in between two letter grades, the semester grade will go up if the second quarter grade is higher and go down if the second quarter grade is lower. For example, a student getting an A in the first quarter and a B in the second quarter would receive a B for the semester, while a student getting a B in the first quarter and an A in the second quarter would receive an A for the semester. Next year, semester grades will always round up, instead of see GRADES page A3 following the trend. Under the new system, both students in the previous example would receive A’s as their semester grades. This change will affect five of the 25 possible grade combinations. Because of the Board of Educa- tion’s November decision to re- place final exams with quarterly assessments, every course grade will be calculated from the two quarter grades, as there is no lon- ger a final exam on which to base semester grades. According to MCPS spokes- man Derek Turner, Bowers and his staff were responsible for changing the semester grade cal- culation to align with the modi- fied Board of Education Policy IKA, Grading and Reporting.“The Board decides the policy, and ad- ministration decides how to ex- ecute it. The grading changes are a form of execution of that bigger Council to request fund reallocations to reduce class sizes see RELATIONSHIPS page C1 DAWSON DO MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CALEB BAUMAN

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May 2016 edition of Silver Chips Print. Editors-in-Chief: Alexandra Marquez and Alice Park

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Page 1: May 2016 - Silver Chips Print

insidechips

OP/ED B1NEWS A2 LA ESQUINA LATINA E1ENTERTAINMENT D1 SPORTS F1FEATURES C1 CHIPS CLIPS D3

silverchips May 25, 2016

Winner of the 2015 National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker

Montgomery Blair High SchoolSILVER SPRING, MARYLAND

A public forum for student expression since 1937

Pledge of AllegianceIt is important to analyze what the pledge means to you.

Blair musicCheck out the tunes that pump through the ears of Blair students.

Playoffs round-upCheck in on how Blair athletics is doing in the post-season.

GRIFFIN REILLY GRIFFIN REILLYCALEB BAUMAN

VOL 78 NO 7

D2 F1

LasvacaciónesDescubre los destinos exóticos de Hispanoamérica.

E1CORTESÍA DE MARIA CARTER

Student parking to switch lots

Blair’s Internal Leadership Team (ILT) is currently discussing a proposal to switch the student and staff parking lots next school year that would allow students to park in the lot off of Colesville Road and give staff members the choice to park in either the lot bor-dering University Boulevard or the Colesville lot. Staff members will vote on these changes for next year at the end of May.

This year, Blair sold all of its

By Christian Mussenden

see PARKING page A4

136 student parking spaces for the � rst time. In response principal Re-nay Johnson and head of security Kathleen Greene proposed chang-ing the entire format of the student parking system by switching the student and staff parking lots. “It’s been almost 15 years, and we’re looking at changing it. I’ve talked to Ms. Greene, who has devel-oped a plan to, possibly, � ip it, so that students would enter on the Colesville side, and there’s more

B2

County, unions dispute raises

By Alice Park and Alexandra Marquez

The Board of Education, the Montgomery County Council, and the MCPS teacher’s union are working toward a deal to reallo-cate $37 million from previously negotiated staff pay raises to im-proving classroom instruction.

According to County Coun-cil President Nancy Floreen, the Board must renegotiate the em-ployee contracts in order to receive its increased operating budget for � scal year 2016. In a letter ad-dressed to the council on March 15, County Executive Isiah Leggett recommended that the council in-crease the school system’s budget this year to $2.5 billion, which is $89 million above the amount re-quired by the state.

Floreen said the Board has agreed to draw funds from sal-ary increases for administrators, teachers, and service workers, which were guaranteed by their contracts, and divert the money to reducing class sizes. “We have the Board’s commitment that they’re going to implement this change,” she said.

According to Floreen and Board President Michael Durso, MCPS’s teacher union, the Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA), has not yet agreed to the deal. “The [union has] still not of-

� cially agreed,” Durso said.MCEA Executive Director Tom

Israel said the renegotiations will begin once the council approves the Board’s budget. “We [will] have a formal conversation for renegotiations for how we would allocate the available funds,” Is-rael said. “I think if you talk to anyone on the council or on the board, they will acknowledge that MCEA has been a strong advocate for bringing down class sizes… It’s unfortunate that the way they’re paying for the class size decreases is by trimming the contracts.”

The proposed raises originally included an annual step increase, a two percent cost of living increase, and a makeup step increase that was not included in a previous year.

To achieve its goal of raising $37 million for their achievement gap reduction initiatives, the Board plans to eliminate the makeup step increase and reduced the cost of living raise by one percent, ac-cording to Durso. Overall, the pay raises were reduced from eight percent to four-and-a-half percent.

Israel also said that the Board has the authority to impose the contract changes. “If we’re not able to reach an agreement in renegoti-ations, the board can impose their � nal offer,” he said.

In addition to the achievement gap reduction initiative, part of the $37 million in the budget proposal will go to renting larger gradua-tion venues for four high schools across the county.

By Joshua Fernandes and Brianna Forté

Seniors Eva Bogino and Thom-as Schoppert enjoy each other’s company while soaking up the sun on a Puerto Rican beach and listening to the water gently lap the shore. After beginning to date in October of their junior year, the couple has been through rough school days, the � nal days before summer starts, and everything in between. But just a year after their vacation to Puerto Rico, gradua-tion is approaching and they have a dif� cult decision to make. After choosing to attend different colleg-es, the pair will end their relation-

ship after graduation, and return to just being friends.

For many high-school couples, a relationship remains one of the few constants amidst the blur of stress and confusion that is high school. After graduation, though, couples like Bogino and Schop-pert are forced to confront change again, deciding whether to stay to-gether or move on.

High school sweethearts

Bogino and Schoppert met through friends and began dating after Schoppert asked Bogino to homecoming. “We didn’t actually

Graduating couples try to make it workend up going [to homecoming]. We just watched a lot of movies,” Schoppert explains. Since that October, they have grown closer, eventually going to Puerto Rico to-gether after Schoppert invited her to go with his relatives. “My fam-ily was going to Puerto Rico, and I was like, ‘Hey, can Eva come?’ and they were like, ‘Yeah!’”

Seniors Yannie Mei and Alex Liu began dating as sophomores after meeting each other through mutual friends. “We started out as friends and we ended up being more than friends,” Liu explains.

HANNAH SCHWARTZ

Bras for change

#GIRLPOWER Sophomore Aaliyah Khan (center) and her supporters display bras over their clothes and unzipped pants to protest the school dress code.

MCPS changes grading policyBy Joshua Fernandes

On May 10, Interim Superin-tendent Larry Bowers announced via email that he and his staff will eliminate the policy of trend grad-ing in the calculations of semes-ter grades starting in the 2016-17 school year.

Currently, classes without � nal exams use a trend grading system to determine the semester grade. This means that if the two quar-ter grades average in between two letter grades, the semester grade will go up if the second quarter grade is higher and go down if the second quarter grade is lower. For example, a student getting an A in the � rst quarter and a B in the second quarter would receive a B for the semester, while a student getting a B in the � rst quarter and an A in the second quarter would receive an A for the semester.

Next year, semester grades will always round up, instead of see GRADES page A3

following the trend. Under the new system, both students in the previous example would receive A’s as their semester grades. This change will affect � ve of the 25 possible grade combinations.

Because of the Board of Educa-tion’s November decision to re-place � nal exams with quarterly assessments, every course grade will be calculated from the two quarter grades, as there is no lon-ger a � nal exam on which to base semester grades.

According to MCPS spokes-man Derek Turner, Bowers and his staff were responsible for changing the semester grade cal-culation to align with the modi-� ed Board of Education Policy IKA, Grading and Reporting. “The Board decides the policy, and ad-ministration decides how to ex-ecute it. The grading changes are a form of execution of that bigger

Council to request fund reallocations to reduce class sizes

see RELATIONSHIPS page C1

DAWSON DOMONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

CALEB BAUMAN

Page 2: May 2016 - Silver Chips Print

MCR holds Ted Talk at Richard Montgomery

The Montgomery County Re-gion of the Maryland Association of Student Council (MCR) orga-nized a TED talk at Richard Mont-gomery that took place on Friday, May 20. MCR president David Edimo organized the event, and the TED talk highlighted the ideas of six speakers from different high schools across the county, as well as key speaker Linda Diaz, a men-tal health advocate. “We in MCR have been contemplating doing this event for two years now and it has gone through varying stages of planning, but this year I decided that we were just going to get it done so we did,” Edimo said.

Edimo hoped that people rec-ognized all of the opportuni-ties in MCPS to receive mental health support and appreciated the speakers’ messages. “I think people [learned] that we really are blessed to live in such a culturally and experientially rich place. We can also learn many good lessons about the strength of character that so many of our speakers exempli-fy,” Edimo said.

Newsbriefs

May 25, 2016 A2 News silverchips

Maryland passesContraceptive Equity Act Maryland Governor Larry Ho-

gan signed the Contraceptive Equi-ty Act into law on May 10. Accord-ing to a press release from Planned Parenthood, this act ensures that people employed in Maryland have equal access to contracep-tives. It prohibits copayments on contraceptives and requires health insurers and Medicaid to cover six months of contraception at a time. The law also ensures that women can use contraceptives not previ-ously covered by their insurance if those birth control methods work better for them. Insurance compa-nies are still required to cover these off-formulary contraceptives.

“Family planning is essential for women’s rights and cost is a factor in family planning,” state delegate Ariana Kelly told Think Progress. The act goes into effect in 2018 and is currently the most comprehen-sive law for insurance coverage of birth control in the United States.

Newsbriefs compiled byBrianna Forté

Maryland primaries place nominations for various positions

On April 26, Maryland primary voters nominated candidates to proceed to the general election on Nov. 8. In the Eighth Congres-sional District, Democrat Jamie Raskin and Republican Dan Cox won their party nominations. Jea-nette Dixon was nominated to compete against incumbent Phil Kauffman for his position on the MCPS Board of Education.

Jeanette Dixon v. Phil Kauffman:

Jeanette Dixon and Phil Kauff-man placed first and second, re-spectively, in the primary elections for the MCPS Board of Education at large position, allowing them to move on to the general elec-tion after beating three other con-tenders, Mike Ibañez, Gwendolyn Love Kimbrough, and Blair alum, Sebastian Johnson. Kauffman has held the position for the last eight years, serving two terms. Dixon, a 30-year MCPS veteran and retired Paint Branch principal, challenged Kauffman for the spot along with the three other candidates. Accord-ing to WTOP, Dixon led the pri-mary with 51,700 votes, Kauffman came in second with 45,800, and Johnson came in third with nearly 30,000.

Both Dixon and Kauffman are pleased with the election results, and Dixon hopes to beat Kauffman in the general election after view-ing the outcome of the primaries. “The larger issue was that 117,000 voted for one of the four challeng-ers, so that tells me that voters are looking for a change,” Dixon said. Dixon also pointed out that she was the only candidate for any seat on the school board who has been a teacher, parent, and principal in MCPS.

Kauffman believes that he is the better candidate for the posi-tion simply from the standpoint of experience and effectiveness, particularly with MCPS’s budget. “Having been on the Board for the last eight years, I know a lot about how the Board functions and oper-ates,” Kauffman said. “I feel like I have gotten things done in terms of modification to the school sys-tem’s budget.”

During his campaign, Kauffman focused on getting endorsements from political figures and organi-zations, and Dixon tried to connect personally with all of the voters.

Dixon disapproved of Kauff-man’s collected endorsements be-cause of the position in question. “I think that it is inappropriate in a nonpartisan election for the school board, for the elected politicians to try and dictate who is on the board. It is up to the voters and I feel that politics has no role in the education of our children,” Dixon said.

If elected, Kauffman said he would focus on reinvigorating

the Board’s current budget sys-tem because he feels the Board gets involved too late in the pro-cess. Kauffman would also like the Board to revise its system of evalu-ating programs. “We need to work more on how we evaluate some of our programs to see how effective they are so that we aren’t spend-ing money on programs that aren’t producing academic results in our students,” Kauffman said.

Dixon, on the other hand, is fo-cused on ensuring that the Board operates with complete transpar-ency to the MCPS community. “We need to share what we are doing to cast a wide net in getting input from students, teachers, staff, and parents and all of those who are interested in the education of our students,” Dixon explained.

Sebastian Johnson, the former Blair student and current policy analyst at the Institution of Taxa-tion and Economic Policy, was disappointed to have lost, but believes that both Kauffman and Dixon are qualified for the posi-tion. He hopes to see the policies from his platform pursued by the Board, including the closing of the opportunity gap, which is some-thing that both Dixon and Kauff-man have supported. Johnson is still recovering from the defeat, but sees a bright future ahead of him. “I don’t really know what my plans are right now, but whatever they are I do want to make sure I, in some way, further the communi-ty. I think that is really important,” he said.

Jamie Raskin v. Dan Cox:

In the primary for the represen-

tative of the Eighth Congressional District of Maryland to replace Chris Van Hollen, attorney and town councilman Dan Cox won the Republican nomination. Mary-land State Senator Jamie Raskin defeated Kathleen Matthews, Da-vid Trone, and others for the Dem-ocratic nomination of the district that includes Blair and parts of Montgomery County.

Raskin said he was “thrilled and elated” to have won the nomina-tion. According to the Washington Post, Raskin won the nomination with 34 percent of the vote, and Trone came in second with 27 per-cent. Matthews came in third with 24 percent.

Trone was mainly self-funded and put a total of $12.4 million into his campaign, outspend-ing Raskin six to one. Consider-ing his disadvantage in funding, Raskin attributes his victory to an aggressive grassroots campaign. “We knocked on 30,000 doors, we

had 169 events in people’s living rooms, common rooms, apartment buildings, and backyards, and we just never stopped organizing,” he said.

Raskin’s primary motivation for running is to spread the policies he has accomplished in the Mary-land Senate to the rest of the na-tion. “We have one of the best gun safety laws in the country in Mary-land, but we just had the bloodiest summer in Baltimore ever with more than 350 homicides,” Raskin explained. “We need national ac-tion on the crisis of gun safety in America.”

Raskin hopes to be a strong ad-vocate for gun safety reform and reducing greenhouse gas emis-sions.

According to the platform on his website, Cox wants to limit gov-ernment and promote economic growth by reinstituting “Reagan-omic” policies to boost small busi-nesses.

Female students protest the dress code

On Friday, May 20, female stu-dents protested the school dress code by wearing bras over their shirts and leaving their pants un-zipped. Sophomore Aaliyah Khan organized the protest after she was placed in in-school suspension for wearing unzipped pants. “I was wearing high waisted pants and I unbuttoned them because my stomach hurt. And so I went to the bathroom and when I came out there was this teacher that I didn’t know, I had never met him before, and he pretty much called me out about it and I felt like this was re-ally disrespectful,” Khan said.

Khan said the teacher interrupt-ed her fourth period class in order to call security for her violation of the dress code. Khan missed that class, as well as her eighth period class. In order to protest the dress code restrictions that forced her to miss instructional time, Khan spread the word on Twitter, us-ing the hashtag #girlpower and encouraging girls to wear their un-derwear visibly.

Chris Van Hollen, Jamie Raskin, and Jeanette Dixon amongst nominees

ELECTION FEVER The Democratic nominee for the eight con-gressional district, Jamie Raskin, will face Dan Cox in November.

By Grady Jakobsberg

COURTESY OF JAMIE RASKIN

All MCPS schools were or-dered to enter a shelter-in-place on May 6, following fatal shoot-ings in the county. A shelter-in-place allows classes to continue as normal, but requires that no one enters or leaves the school building and that staff members patrol the hallways.

The armed suspect, 62-year-old Eulalio Tordil, was arrested after he shot his estranged wife in the parking lot of High Point High School in Prince George’s County on May 5.

Tordil shot three people at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda and another woman outside of a Giant supermarket in Aspen Hill on May 6.

Douglas Steel, supervisor of the MCPS Department of School Safety and Security, said that MCPS made the countywide shelter-in-place order at the re-quest of the Montgomery Coun-ty Police Department (MCPD) and that a shelter-in-place of that magnitude is unusual. “[The MCPD] knew first of all this in-dividual was armed. They ini-tially... didn’t know whether he was in the area, whether he had fled, [and] if he had fled, which direction [he went] in,” said Steel. “I think [the MCPD] had

made the request of us with an overabundance of caution.”

According to NBC Washing-ton, the shelter-in-place was the largest school security order in at least three years in MCPS. Walter Johnson, the school clos-est in proximity to Montgom-ery Mall, was the first school ordered to shelter-in-place, ac-cording to NBC Washington.

A dozen more schools were instructed to enter a shelter-in-place before a county-wide or-der was placed at 1 p.m. for all schools to shelter-in-place.

Principal Renay Johnson was out of the building during the incident, and administrator Dirk Cauley assumed Mrs. Johnson’s position of incident commander during the situation.

Cauley alerted students over the announcements of the shelter-in-place and oversaw staff safety procedures, such as monitoring doors. “We got the message that we were to go into a shelter-in-place which means we deploy staff members, secu-rity, non-teaching staff, and ad-ministrators to man the doors,” said Johnson. “That means school continues as usual.”

The shelter-in-place at Blair was lifted at 2 p.m. and after-school activities continued as scheduled.

Shootings force MCPS to enter a county-wide shelter in placeBy Georgina Burros

VOTE OF CONFIDENCE Phil Kauffman (left) and Jeanette Dixon (right) are both confident they have what it takes to win the MCPS Board of Education at large position in the general election.

COURTESY OF JEANETTE DIXONCOURTESY OF PHIL KAUFFMAN

Page 3: May 2016 - Silver Chips Print

May 25, 2016 Newssilverchips A3

Seniors Eric Lu and Arnold Mong, juniors Jamie Vinson and Alex Miao, and sopho-more Elliot Kienzle won the US Department of Energy National Science Bowl. The com-petition took place at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase from April 28 to May 2.

The teams that placed in the top 16 were given $1,000 for their school, but as the win-ner, the team from Blair was awarded a nine-day, all-expense-paid trip to Alaska this summer. Though the details have not yet been fully determined, the team is looking forward to the trip. “I am pretty excited as it should be fun,” Miao said.

According to team sponsor Tran Pham, the � ve Blazers faced off against 69 other high schools from across the country, each of which won their own regional competitions. Blair began the national competition with a round robin tournament in which 9 teams all played each other once. The top two teams from each round robin progressed to a 16 team double elimination tournament to de-termine the � nal champions.

Each match had 10 minute halves in which contestants had to quickly buzz in to

Students win National Science Bowl Competition

policy,” Turner said.According to Turner, administrative staff

consulted with community members since the Board chose to eliminate � nal exams in November. “We really brought in stake-holders from teacher groups, to principals, to administrators, to central of� ce staff, to people representing student groups,” Turn-er said. “All those folks were sitting at the

table, having the discussion about what they wanted to see in our grading policy moving forward.”

Student support for the changes often stems from the bene� t of the doubt that the grading system provides students. “It’s a good thing because if you get an A � rst quar-ter and a B second quarter you’ve proven that you have the capability to get an A, so you should get the grade that you’ve proven you can get,” sophomore Charles Gryder

County releases new grading guidelines to address lack of � nal exams

By Julian Brown

said.Many community members, including

students and staff, have expressed concerns that the changes will lead to grade in� ation which is when grades overvalue student performance. Because the � ve changes to the policy all improve semester grades, on average, semester grades will be higher if quarter grades stay the same. “If everyone is getting higher grades, then having higher grades means less,” sophomore Ben Miller said.

Turner responded to such concerns by saying that the success of similar models in other schools suggests that grade in� ation is a non-issue. “We recognize that there are other counties, including Howard County right next door, that uses this same model. We’ll continue monitoring but we don’t have any concerns about grade in� ation,” Turner said.

Math teacher David Stein believes that the new grading system encourages students to not put effort into their schoolwork. “Mak-ing the incentives the way it is are going to encourage certain students to work hard for half the semester and then, because the grad-ing system will ensure them a decent grade, they might stop learning,” Stein said. “If the grades are being disincentives to learning, that’s a really poor grading system.”

English teacher Adam Clay agrees with Stein, citing experience with former students who would put in the least possible effort to

get the grades that they wanted. “Grades are very favorable to students, and unfortu-nately I’ve seen students play a game with calculating what they need at the end to pass and they do the bare minimum,” Clay said.

Turner stated that these concerns are not shared by the county because of the quality of teachers in MCPS. “I would say we have some of the best teachers here in MCPS and they know how to motivate their students,” Turner said. “We believe that our teachers can get our students engaged and motivat-ed.”

Instead of averaging the two quarters’ let-ter grades, many community members sug-gest that averaging the percentages to deter-mine the semester grade better represents student achievement. “If they’re going to get rid of � nal exams, which they shouldn’t do, but they have, then the best second al-ternative would be to average two quarter grades,” Stein said.

According to Turner, county administra-tion opted not to use percentages to calcu-late semester grades as they preferred the letter grade average over the percentage average. “An awful lot of folks are saying percentages are the way to go and adding [the quarter grades] and dividing by two would be the best strategy, but...we want to be cognizant of ways of averaging grades to-gether that push students’ success level, and percentages didn’t seem like the right model for us at this time,” Turner said.

from GRADES page A1

Up and Coming

Student & Teacher Awards & HonorsThe Science Olympiad team placed fourth at the Maryland Science Olympiad Competi-tion.

Senior Mario Menendez Muñíz received the 2016 Distinguished Hispanic Scholar award.

Senior Matthew Guerrera won the Navy ROTC Marine Option Scholarship.

Junior Thierry Siewe Yanga won the county and regional titles in the 800 m run.

May 26, One-Act Plays May 27, Graduation

The Rubik’s Cube team won second place at the D.C. Metro “You CAN do the Rubik’s cube” tournament.

Senior Haena Lee won the National Center for Women and Information Technology Aspi-rations in Computing Award for the Maryland and Delaware Region.

Seniors Eleanor Harris, Ethan Holland, Noah Levine, Anthony Li, Raymond Lin, Eric Lu, Victoria Tsai, and Angel Wen won National Merit Scholarships.

June 14-17, Final Exams May 30, Memorial Day

NATIONAL CHAMPS From left, sponsor Tran Pham, seniors Eric Lu and Arnold Mong, juniors Jamie Vinson and Alex Miao, and sophomore Eliot Kienzle celebrate their win.

COURTESY OF RENAY JOHNSON

answer toss-up questions before the other team. The questions included details from all areas of science as well as math and com-puter science. “There is no conferring on toss-up questions,” Miao said. “A player buzzes in and if he/she gets the question right, the team gets 4 points and will receive a bonus question. A bonus question is of the same subject as the toss-up, and the team is allowed to discuss before the team captain gives an answer.”

Blair went 8-1 in the round robin, losing to Troy, but went undefeated in the knockout round, beating Lexington, BASIS Scottsdale, Thomas Jefferson, and Lynbrook on their way to victory.

The last time Blair won the national com-petition was in 1999, and the team reached the top � ve in 2004 (fourth place) and 2011 (second place). Looking ahead, Miao sees next year’s team’s prospects as very prom-ising because only Mong and Lu are grad-uating. “Two seniors are leaving: Arnold [Mong] who did physics and energy and Eric [Lu] who did math and earth and space science,” Miao said. “The team needs re-placements in those subjects.”

The replacements will be chosen through a series of online tryouts that will occur ear-

ly next year. “Top scorers on the online try-out will move on to the buzzer tryout,” Miao says. “There are three teams: A, B, and C. C

team is exclusively for freshmen, and there is a tradition of allowing seniors to try out for only A team, although this may change.”

soapboxHow do you think the new grading policy will affect students and their motivation in school?

“The new policies screw over students and make them unpre-pared for their future. In college, many professors grade on

the curve and for students whose grades have been arti� cially in� ated, this will be a rude awakening.”

- Noah Friedlander, junior

“Their motivation will decrease but I don’t care because I’m still trying to get a 4.00 every quarter and make it rain on those

people who ever doubted me.” - Yonathan Tadesse, sophomore

Page 4: May 2016 - Silver Chips Print

A4 News May 25, 2016silverchips

parking for students, and that staff would enter on the University Side.” Johnson said, “We have more students and less staff that drive, so we were thinking about that. That way we wouldn’t sell out of parking spac-es.”

Administrator William Currence said that students’ complaints about traffic in the student lot during the morning and after the 2:30 dismissal also prompted the discus-sion of switching the lots. “We had concerns about students complaining about where it is they were going to park, and with the bus lanes it causes lot of congestion for students who are trying to park the same time the stu-dents are arriving,” Currence said.

ILT member and head of the social stud-ies department Mary Thornton said that part of the reason for the proposal is that Blair’s location causes precarious safety issues for students. “Blair is just so inaccessible any-way that it’s going to be difficult no matter how they do this,” Thornton said. “Every year, we have accidents. Accidents happen but this whole area complicates what’s go-ing on. Every year, we have teachers who are late and students who are late because there are accidents out there. It’s a mess. I applaud trying to fix it, but I think we need to be very thoughtful about it, and be delib-erate about it.”

Johnson would also like to incorporate daily parking, where a student would pay a small fee to park their car on a daily basis. “When I worked at Paint Branch high school years ago, they had six reserved. They were for two dollars per day, and it was a daily thing, because you had to do it daily because there was a reason you needed to drive,” Johnson said. “I think having two spaces open for daily parking would just help kids, who just need to drive for that specific day.

All funds generated from the sale of stu-dent parking permits are deposited into a school’s Independent Activity Fund (IAF) which is then credited to the school’s athletic program.

Rita Boule, Blair’s Athletic Director says

Students could park in the Colesville Parking Lot as early as next yearthat the student parking revenue accounts for approximately ten percent of the ath-letic program’s budget. “It is a significant amount,” Boule said “But it isn’t enough

for me to call Ms. Franklin (Blair’s Finan-cial Specialist) and ask her ‘where’s my stu-dent parking permit money?’” According to Boule and Johnson, the majority of athletics

Blair Leadership Team proposes new parking lot swap

funds is received from ticket sales.Student parking permits are currently

$37.50 per semester. This number was deter-mined by the County’s BOE in 2008, accord-ing to MCPS spokesperson Derek Turner “That’s just a number they charge,” Turner said. “It wasn’t calculated based on revenue to support athletic fields.”

Montgomery County Ombudsman Gboyinde Onijala said that MCPS imple-ments a county-wide policy for student parking ensures that fairness and safety for students. “Our schools have a limited number of student parking spaces and the use of a parking permit system helps ensure that the number of cars driven by students is limited to the spaces available for park-ing,” Onijala said. “Permitting provides a measure of safety and security as schools are able to identify vehicles that are authorized to park on school property.”

Wheaton’s Business Administrator San-dra Spruill believes that the county’s student parking permit puts schools like Wheaton, who doesn’t have any student parking this year due to construction, at a disadvan-tage. “With the construction, unfortunately we’ve lost a lot of space,” Spruill said. “Will we regain student parking? I don’t know.” Spruill said that the student’s population relies heavily on public transportation and that they have never sold a large amount of student parking permits. “We don’t have a lot of students that drive to school. We have a large population that uses public transpor-tation, so it’s not unusual for me to only sell maybe four or five parking passes a year,” Spruill said. “It does put some schools at a disadvantage because obviously they can-not raise those funds for athletics.”

Einstein’s Business Administrator Simon Seaforth believes that the student parking permit system is a privilege for students. “They don’t have to park in a space right? Driving is not a requirement. It’s a privi-lege,” Seaforth said. “I don’t tell anyone they have to pay the $37.50. They choose to pay the $37.50. Even when they do, then the ath-letic program in which students participate, benefit from it.”

Police officers from the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) joined Blair students and teachers for a basket-ball tournament in the Nelson H. Kobren Memorial Gymnasium at Blair on May 12. The event, called Helping Our Outstand-ing Police and Students (HOOPS), was a joint effort between Blair administration, the MCPD, and an independent organization called Making a New United People (MAN-UP), aimed to build trust between local po-lice and the Blair community.

The tournament consisted of 12 teams of five. Each team consisted of a mix of police officers, students, and teachers. Live music from a DJ and a concessions stand accompa-nied the event. The tournament was free to all players and spectators.

Rich Reynolds, police officer and HOOPS organizer from the MCPD, said that the tournament was part of a wider campaign to involve police officers in the community. “I went to a bunch of community meetings and I would listen to people… people were saying that they didn’t see a real connection with the police,” he said. “That’s where it started, the idea of coming together and do-ing something to try and rebuild bridges that seemed to be broken down over the years.”

From there, Reynolds solicited the help of Brandon Johns and Anthony Goodson, co-founders and directors of the MANUP organization.

The group later approached Blair administration with the idea of a basketball tournament involving police officers and students. “They have [police officers] that want to play basketball, we’ve got 3,000 stu-dents and… a gym so it was a natural thing that came out of it,” said Assistant Principal William Currence, the HOOPS tournament organizer from Blair.

Reynolds said that the purpose of the event was for cops and students to have a great time together. “It was never about any-thing other than getting people involved and creating bonds and memories with the youth,” he said.

Reynolds said he was amazed by how cooperative and friendly the cops and stu-dents were with each other. “Everybody was supporting everybody else and encouraging people and having a good time,” he said.

William Wyle, a Montgomery County special operations officer and HOOPS par-ticipant, said that he enjoyed the tourna-ment. “It’s great interacting with everybody here from the school… It needs to happen more often,” he said.

The players were expected to be civil and cooperative despite some intense com-petition. “We didn’t even have no referees. The students were able to police their own games, and didn’t even get in any long, drawn-out arguments,” Goodson said. “Ev-erything still went smoothly, that’s the great thing.”

Currence was pleased with how the tour-nament helped to humanize the police force. “Our culture today, there’s a lot of animos-ity with the police. There’s a lot of questions about how they do their jobs. It was just very cool to see everybody doing something that everyone enjoys, playing basketball,” Cur-rence said.

Goodson hopes that HOOPS played a small part in normalizing relations be-tween the police and young people. “Right now, there’s a lot of tension between young people and police officers, because of… the unfair treatment that some officers give to younger kids or to younger adults,” said Goodson. “By having all the officers play in conjunction with the students, it then creates a relationship [where] that gap can start to be bridged.”

Cops, teachers, students participate in basketball tournament

The MCPD, MANUP, and Blair adminis-tration said they hope to make HOOPS an annual event with some improvements for next year.

Currence said that they plan to connect

PARKIG PERMITS Student parking permits in MCPS currently cost $37.50 for one semester. This price was raised by the BOE in 2008.

CALEB BAUMAN

from PARKING page A1

BALLERS The winning team of the HOOPS game consisted of, from left to right, sophomore Zeshan Khan, sophomore Anthony Smith Davis, junior Kendall Douglas, junior Malik Lee, and Officer Christopher Brown.

COURTESY OF RENAY JOHNSON

By Cole Sebastian

HOOPS tournament seeks to bridge gap between police and local youththe event to March Madness, advertising the tournament more heavily and earlier on, and promoting more female participation by requiring that each team have a female player.

Page 5: May 2016 - Silver Chips Print

“Yes, they’re fun, they get people engaged, and they

can be educational.”

Do field trips enhance the learning experience?

in a classroom. Recently, students in Honors English 12 went to see “Saving Private Ryan” at the AFI Silver Theater to compare the film to two books they had read in the class, Joseph Heller’s “Catch-22” and Kurt Vonnegut’s “Slaughterhouse-Five”. While such an assignment is beneficial, it could easily be done in the classroom. To prevent the loss of instructional time from other classes, the film could have been shown over two or three class periods, and students could have completed the same comparison activity. Viewing the movie contiguously and out-of-school resulted in students losing time from their other classes, which, like most field trips, led to missed work.

Some excursions, though, do succeed in helping build student knowledge and ap-preciation. In very specific elective courses and as part of certain clubs, students can participate in trips directly related to their interests. For example, students in the Youth Ambassadors Program were given the opportunity to visit France for two weeks and engage with the French culture and schools. Even though they had to miss significant class time, students decided that such a trip was important enough to justify the loss of in-school instructional time. Trips like these are the exceptions to the trend of time-wasting field trips, however, because most field trips are not as impor-tant to students’ career choices and take away classroom time that could be used more effectively.

The flaw with most field trips is that participating students miss class work that overshadows any work done on the trips. No matter how a trip is scheduled, there will always be some lost class time, and learning done on field trips is very inef-ficient. For example, at Six Flags, students spent time on rides, while no such time would be lost in the classroom.

Organizing teenagers to be productive is already difficult in a classroom, but it is near impossible on field trips. Cover-ing material on field trips typically takes substantially more time than in classrooms, and even more time is lost to logistics like transportation.

In high school, getting work done is al-ready a balancing act for most students, and missing just a single day can lead to hours of work to make up. Coupled with the fact that most of the knowledge gained from field trips can be delivered just as easily in a traditional classroom setting, most field trips are not worth the hassle. Instead of using them in every class, teachers should focus on using final trips primarily in elec-tives, where students can engage with sub-ject matter that truly interests them. In most classes, though, field trips will continue to waste time and prevent students from receiving valuable classroom education.

Every year, Blair Entomology and Ma-rine Biology teacher Elizabeth Duval brings her students into nature to provide educational applica-tions beyond the classroom. Her Ento-mology class, which focuses on the scien-tific study of bugs, requires students to compile an insect

collection. Instead of having her students just study pictures and diagrams of insects in class, Duval incorporates experiences with nature into her curriculum to expand learning. “A lot of our field trips are [insect] collecting field trips,” Duval said. “[It’s] really important to actually bring the class out into nature where insects would be.”

Students have different learning styles, but without the interactive nature of field trips, they are left to learn in only one way: within the walls of a classroom. Margy Natalie, acting on-site learning manager at the National Air and Space Museum, says that field trips provide an interactive expe-rience that cannot be replicated. “Field trips give students the opportunity to learn in a natural environment and experience things first-hand and from primary resources, rather than texts” Natalie told the National Education Association in their article “How Field Trips Boost Students’ Lifelong Suc-cess.”

Trips to science museums, the zoo, art museums, and outdoor nature reserves provide real life experience beyond the classroom and an engaging break from the usual monotonous routine of learning from textbooks and screens.

They offer students an opportunity to apply their knowledge outside of the con-fines of the classroom. Field trips promote creative and critical thinking and provide interactive learning and in relation to arts and culture that would not ordinarily be accessible for students without the option of school field trips.

The positive effects are long-lasting. A study conducted by the US Travel Associa-tion found that 89 percent of the 400 adults surveyed stated that these educational trips had positive long-term impacts on both their education and their later career paths. They said that the field trips made them more engaged, intellectually focused, and interested in learning inside and out-side of their school environments.

To measure the impacts of art-related field trips on students, researchers from the University of Arkansas evaluated 10,912 students and 489 teachers in a study at 123 different American schools. The par-ticipants took a trip to the Crystal Bridges

It seems as though every day there is a class on a field trip to a foreign country, a movie theater, an amusement park, or any other place in the world. This year, Blair teachers have introduced a greater number of out-of-school activities, especially toward the end of the school

year. Students often enjoy the diversions of field trips and take advantage of a reprise from the monotony of school. But the vast majority of these field trips ultimately prove useless and fail to build understand-ing of course material or deepen apprecia-tion for subject matter.

Especially in required classes, the major-

ity of students do not plan on pursuing the topics covered in class later in their lives. This can make trips less relevant to students, leading to less focus and little benefit. In April, physics students took a field trip to Six Flags America to learn about the physics of roller coasters and see examples of forces and motion in real life. Using stopwatches to record data, the stu-dents were responsible for completing a set of problems related to the roller coasters. By going on rides, students likely did not gain a better understanding or apprecia-tion for physics, even if the trip did provide students an enjoyable day. This fun came at the cost of losing a day of instructional time and forced students to make up missed work in other classes.

Often, the limited knowledge that field trips provide can be delivered just as easily

voicebox

“Yes, kids get really excited about field trips, so they’re excited to come to school.”

“No, because they don’t usually pertain to class

material.”

“It depends. If you’re going to Six Flags for math...then that doesn’t make sense.”

Ethan LottSenior

Derek Lamb Junior

Caleb Kracke-Bock Junior

Autumn JonesFreshman

BRENNAN WINER

NO:YES:Field trips provide learning

experiences beyond the classroom.

Mariela Melgar Cruz Sophomore

Field trips can be fun,but they do not help learning.

BRENNAN WINER

silverchips Opinions B1May 25, 2016

Museum of American Art in Arkansas and completed a survey after the visit.

A majority of students expressed toler-ance and historical empathy in the survey, and researchers measured an improved ability to think critically based on their blindly scored essays after their first time seeing Bo Bartlett’s painting, The Box. This field trip also expanded the arts and culture exposure for many lower-income students, which proved beneficial as researchers found that students from “high-poverty schools experienced an 18 percent effect-size improvement in their critical think-ing skills,” according to Julia Ryan of The Atlantic.

At Blair, many students are given the opportunity to engage in field trips that provide extension beyond the classroom. The Youth Ambassadors Program allowed students to be immersed in the French culture with a two week visit to France. The Blair Sci-ence, Math and Computer Science Magnet sopho-more class spent four

days on Wallops Island in Virginia. Recently, the Magnet freshman class went to Lake Needwood in Maryland. These trips allowed students to adapt to learning in an environment outside the classroom. “In a classroom the teacher gives you the infor-mation for the problem, so you know how you’re going to solve it every time,” said freshman Meili Gupta. “Going out by [Lake Needwood], you have to think, ‘What information do I have to figure it out, [and] how am I going to figure it out?’”

The bottom line is : Every day that students spend in school, they are learn-ing within the confines of the classroom walls. Field trips provide opportunities for students to be exposed to arts, culture, and the sciences that would be otherwise inac-cessible. To go out into the world and have hands-on experience engages students and creates a learning opportunity that they will re-member for a long time.

BRENNAN WINERBRENNAN WINERBRENNAN WINERBRENNAN WINER

Georgina Burros

BRENNAN WINER

Joshua Fernandes

“Electives should have field trips because that’s really

what you’re interested in.”

MEGHNA SAMBATHKUMAR

Page 6: May 2016 - Silver Chips Print

phrase “under God.” The phrase, which was added to the pledge in 1954 to supposedly combat communism, can be alienating to those who are not religious. There are also many students who feel that their national identity lies elsewhere, or with no nation at all.

Every student has the right to sit down during the pledge, but students should only exercise that right if they feel it is necessary. Any genuinely thought-out reason to stay seated during the pledge is legitimate, just don’t take advantage of your right to sit just because you are lazy. That is what matters most: not whether you sit or stand, but knowing what you are sitting or standing for.

thing funny or made a joke, he might curse,” Pham says.

All in all, Pham seems to be fighting a losing battle: the swear words that we are supposed to fear have become commonplace in our generation.

However, maybe this develop-ment is not such a horrible thing; maybe telling ourselves that these words are normal; maybe letting go of our deepest and most ingrained inhibitions about “sh*t” and “d*mn” and “b*tch” means we can get past them and they will not seem so…well… f*cked up.

The familiar words flutter above the inattentive heads of my classmates. I stand with my hand over my heart as I pay respect to the flag. Looking around, I realize that not a single student is joining me in my daily display of patriotism. I feel isolated and uncomfortable as I slink back into my chair.

Although no one is paying any attention to me or the pledge, there is a misplaced sense of embarrassment that comes with being the only one to stand up for the Pledge of Allegiance. Every day that I stand for the pledge, I feel that because I am the only one, I must be making a statement with my actions. However, I am just standing up because it is what I have always done and what I

Standing up, or sitting down, for what you believe inEach person must find what the pledge of allegiance means to them

What the heck is going on with curse words these days!?

have always believed in. How did that become so abnormal?

When we first learned the pledge, everybody stood up because we were told to, and we never questioned it. We had no reason not to, so it became habit. By middle school I noticed one or two students per class were brave enough to stay seated. They had begun to question the pledge and realized they had no reason to say it, or a good reason not to. I kept standing. Most kids did. High school was the first time I stood up alone. That was the first time I thought about why I stood up.

This was when I realized that kids were no longer sitting down because they had a reason to sit down. They just did not care about the pledge. It passed through one ear and out the other without a second thought. Slowly,

By Julian BrownAn opinion

“DAMN!” Do not be sur-prised. You have all heard it before. Odds are you have even heard it from a teacher. The times are gone when we would all go quiet and stare. Bad words are simply not so bad anymore.

Many people find swearwords hard to define because their only commonality is the fact that they are offensive, rude, and insulting. Yet, if I called someone “ugly,” that would certainly be rude and insulting, but no one would ever consider “ugly” to be a swear word. So what sets our classic upper-echelon swear words such as “f*ck,” “damn,” and “sh*t” apart? The answer is we do.

According to a Huffington Post article, “A F*cking Short His-tory of the F-Word”, many Eng-lish curse words are of harmless origins, with “f*ck” coming from words meaning “to strike” and “to move back and forth.” Over many years, these words evolve and are eventually considered too offensive to say.

Nowadays curse words are ev-erywhere: in TV shows, movies, advertisements, and even school newspapers. In the case of TV shows, a study done by Monika Bednarek, Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney, examined 38 arbitrarily chosen episodes from different, popular American TV shows including those on ma-jor networks and premium chan-nels. Bednarek found that there were a total of 437 nonreligious curse words in those episodes. One may think that these words are simply concentrated in dirty, late night HBO shows, but in fact taking away the top three shows

thought of ways to try to limit cursing in the classroom.

One such teacher, Tung Pham, has a jar in his class where students caught cursing must put in

one penny. The money is eventu-ally donated to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. “I think curs-ing in class is not okay because as a teacher you want to be profes-sional. You can’t tell students ‘Don’t curse in class,’ and you’re cursing in class,” Pham said. “Be consistent as it suits you as a role model.”

Pham does recall one teacher cursing in class when he was in school, but it was not very often and the students them-selves would never do it. “The class was very liberal... If we did something silly or said some-

By Cole SebastianAn opinion

cause of blind patriotism. I stand up because the pledge means something to me.

But standing up for the pledge is not inherently patriotic. No one should stand up without caring about what the pledge means. True patriotism is when you are willing to question and challenge the pillars of your nation without losing faith in it. Standing up without knowing why is terribly unpatriotic.

Just as bad is sitting down without knowing why. However, there are many good reasons to stay seated during the pledge. Many people feel that the Pledge of Allegiance violates their free-dom of religion by containing the

still sums to a total of 210 curse words.

The decline of curse words’ shock value can be correlated with the development of the Internet. Before the web, children and teens had to go to a theater to see a movie or purchase a DVD or cassette, which are all under the restrictions of the Motion Picture Association of America movie ratings sys-tem. TV shows could only be watched on an actual television, which frequently resided in a more “public” area of the household; this made it easier for parents to regulate what their child was watching.

Nowadays, however, any movie or TV show, no matter the rating, can be watched online with a few simple keystrokes. This newfound free-dom leads to more exposure to swearing than in the pre-Internet generations, and with more ex-posure comes more comfort and less shock value.

Cursing in schools has also had a huge hand in the decline of the swear word. Most stu-dents at Blair can name at least one teacher who has cursed or does curse in class. When asked how he thinks the students feel when he curses, one anonymous teacher said, “I think my students are all pretty used to it.”

Some teachers have even

SIT OR STAND Students should evaluate what the pledge means to them before choosing to stand up or stay seated.

GRIFFIN REILLY

soapboxDo you think students are making a statement

when they do not stand up for the pledge?

“I do not think that [students who stand during the pledge] are sending a message. Some students are

just busy.” — Raphael Mu, junior

“Sometimes people are just lazy, but others actively dislike the whole ‘Under God’ part, which is why I

do not stand for the pledge.” — Lydia Wang, sophomore

I stopped standing up for the pledge as well.

The problem is not that stu-dents sit down during the pledge. Every student that does so is well within their rights—that was ensured by the Supreme Court in 1943. That right was later reaf-firmed at Blair in 2002 after Elliot Wolf, a 2004 alum, launched a campaign against the punishment of students who sat down during the pledge. The problem is that people are sitting down simply because they are lazy.

I am not asking everyone to stand up for the pledge. I just want each student to evaluate what the pledge means to them and base their actions off their own opinions, not the social norm. A student’s reaction to the pledge should be deliberate and mindful.

Analysis of the pledge is ben-eficial in understanding national identity and the meaning of being an American. There are many good and bad reasons for both sitting down and standing up for the pledge. Finding those reasons and weighing the two options can help define one’s relationship with their country.

I have started standing up for the pledge again, but this time for a more legitimate reason. I know that the America described in the pledge is very different from the America we see today. But I am pledging to work to create the America that I want, the “indivis-ible” America that guarantees “liberty and justice for all.” I no longer stand up mindlessly or be-

May 25, 2016silverchipsB2 Opinions

Curse words no longer seem to have the shock value that they used to

SABRINA TAN

Page 7: May 2016 - Silver Chips Print

TAKE A SWING Senior Robert Pfefferle steps up to the plate to bat in a winning playoff game against Richard Montgomery on May 14.

silverchips

going through. She recommended I go to a professional, which I did not look forward to, but I knew I needed to attend to be able to mend myself.

I walked into this small office. The first thing I saw was basic white walls with two antiquat-ed paintings. One said, “Your happiness depends on you,” and the other said, “Sadness shouldn’t have a home in your heart.”

They called my name and my

I did not understand why all of the sudden I was feeling so empty and blasé with everything that I did. I did not want to go out, talk to people, or even wake up. I could feel myself changing. I did not laugh the same, smile the same, or even talk the same. I felt so tired of everything. I felt like there was no purpose for me in life, like I was just breathing. I did my best to fake how I was really felt.

I have to admit, I fooled many. But, weeks passed and I was just becoming worse. I spoke with my counselor because she was someone I trusted dearly. I was terrified of what she might think of me, but I had no choice.

I walked in her office as I had done before hundreds of times, but this time was different—I knew that when I walked out I would have a better recognition of who I was becoming. I spoke with her and explained every-thing that had been occurring the past five months, and she stayed silent. No words, no motions, no anything. She finally spoke and explained that I might be bun-dling up everything I have been

By Franchezka MendozaGuest writer

THEN: 1988 ...& NOW: 2016

My Blair: Personal Column

Just breathing

BATTER UP Senior Pat Budock swings at a pitch in a losing game against Einstein.

CHRIS SPANN

Want to submit a personal column? Email it to

[email protected]

The Editorial Board will read through all submissions

and determine a selection.

May 25, 2016 Opinion B3

GRIFFIN REILLY

Montgomery Blair High School 51 University Boulevard East

Silver Spring, MD 20901 Phone: (301) 649-2864

Winner of the 2015 NationalScholastic Press

Association Pacemaker

Winner of the 2015 Columbia Scholastic Press Association

Gold Crown

Silver Chips is a public forum for student expres-sion. Student editors make all content decisions.

Unsigned editorials represent the views of the editorial board and are not necessarily those of the school. Signed letters to the editor are encouraged.

Submit your letter to Jeremy Stelzner’s mailbox in the main office, to room 158 or to [email protected]. Concerns about Silver Chips’

content should be directed to the Ombudsman, the public’s representative to the paper, at [email protected]. Letters may be edited for

space and clarity.

silverchips

Editors-in-Chief: Alexandra Marquez and Alice ParkManaging News Editors:Dawson Do and Joshua FernandesManaging Op/Ed Editor:Aditi ShettyManaging Features Editors:Julian Brown andCole SebastianManaging Entertainment Editors:Georgina Burros andBrianna FortéManaging Sports Editors:Grady JakobsbergOmbudsman:Cole SebastianNewsbriefs Editor:Niki PatelExecutive Business Director:Elizabeth Cove andAriel ZhangBusiness Staff:Gerrit AntonisseMarianne BenyaminElizabeth CoveRudi ElienChristine WanPage Editors:Julian BrownGeorgina BurrosDawson DoJosh FernandesBrianna ForteGrady JakobsbergAlexandra MarquezChristian MussendenAlice ParkNiki PatelCole SebastianAditi ShettyLa Esquina Latina Editor-in-Chief:Camila FernándezLa Esquina Latina Writers:Alisson FortisCarlos FuentesIlcia HernandezAndrés PérezManaging Photo Editor:Caleb BaumanGriffin ReillyPhotographers:Jedediah GradyChaminda HangilipolaSami MallonHannah SchwartzBrennan WinerManaging Art Editors:Shivani MattikalliAlexandra MendivilArtists:Lindsay HarrisMarissa HeTiffany MaoAritra RoyMeghna SambathkumarSabrina TanPuzzle Editor:Neal SarkarCopy Editors:Sophia Liu andElia MartinLa Esquina Latina Advisor: Dianette CoombsAdvisor:Jeremy Stelzner

mother and I entered a small room and waited for the man to get his thoughts together. He asked me, “So Franchezka, how are you?” I knew he was forced to say this, but I remembered that I was doing this to better myself so I respond-ed, “Very well, thank you.” We spoke for about two and a half hours about how I felt, and he asked me questions, took notes as I spoke, and took the test.

Later on, he asked my mother

to step out the room and talked with me alone. Once my mom stepped out the room, he paused and told me why I was perform-ing as I was. This was when I found out that I had a severe case of depression.

We left the office and got in the car.

I started to take depression pills and all they did was remind me that I was just sadder than a usual teen. This occurred a year ago, and since then I have learned how to cope with having depres-sion. Now I am able to feel stun-ning and will continue to feel that way with everyone I come across.

Yes, at moments I get annoyed and irritated, but that is normal. I am normal, I am just dealing with a condition that I was able to

GRIFFIN REILLY

Page 8: May 2016 - Silver Chips Print

take a minute of your time, but it will be hugely helpful for us.

If you believe that using the internet will infest your brain with

mind-controlling parasites, we even have a method of feedback for you. Next fall we will be unveiling the official Silver Chips Feedback Box! The box will live outside of the Silver Chips lab (room 165) and anyone can submit story ideas, complaints, letters to the editor, or deeply personal let-ters about your love-hate relation-ships with your cat. Anything you want to say to us can go in that box. I guarantee that everything submitted into the box will be carefully considered and have an effect on how we run our paper.

In the F3 article, “Taking sportsmanship to a new level, on and off the field,” junior Demetri Cooper was mistakenly identified as

Demetri Jones.

In the F3 photo accompanying the article, “Taking sportsmanship to a new level, on and off the field,” the photo was incorrectly at-

tributed as courtesy of Abby Rowland. It should have been credited as a photo courtesy of Tracy Kaufman.

In the F2 article “New season, new sports: Playing for their squad and their school,” Casia Williams Rogers was incorrectly identified

as Casia Williams.

Corrections

May 25, 2016 B4 Editorials silverchips

Comments or concerns? Email the Ombudsman at

[email protected]

MCPS finally gets it right!

Recently, interim superinten-dent Larry Bowers released a new grading policy that accommodates the lack of final exams in MCPS. The grading policy, which is based off two quarter grades, eliminates downward trend and will likely result in higher semester grades across the board. Awesome! Your GPA will skyrocket, and MCPS will be further revered as one of the top school systems in the country.

We have taken the liberty of compiling a list of the best ways to take advantage of this new grad-ing trend policy.

1. With downward trend out of the picture, feel free to split the effort you exert in your classes between the two quarters. Focus on science, physical education, and English first quarter at the expense of your other subjects. But do not worry, because you can direct your attention to math, art, and history second quarter! You only have to pass one quarter to pass the course.

2. Earn a 3.0 GPA one quarter, and do not bother showing up for the next! This is perfect for second semester seniors. Quarter grades of a B and an E will still earn you a final grade of a C. Save your energy for creating the perfect promposal rather than coming to class since you will earn a passing

grade anyway.3. See how high a grade you

can get without ever opening your backpack at home! Just show up to class, and you are almost guar-anteed to earn a passing grade. You do not even have an exam to take, so learning the material is really unnecessary.

We hope MCPS is just as open to suggestions as our student body is, so we have also brain-stormed some helpful ideas for our friends on Hungerford Drive.

1. Do not stop at final exams; get rid of testing altogether! Imag-ine all the money and paper that will be saved if there are no more Scantrons. Just like eliminating fi-nal exams will help students once they get to college, abolishing all forms of assessment is a surefire way to prepare high schoolers for their first semester of higher education.

2. We have noticed that the new plan for calculating grades is the one currently used in middle school courses without final exams. To add to the blast from the past, you should also reinstate 30 minute recess for high school-ers every day. What better way for over-burdened, test-crazy teenagers to unshoulder some of the stress?

3. Instead of grades, give out

different types of desserts to reward achievement. The top students might get a red velvet cake, but even the poorly per-forming students would still earn a chocolate chip cookie. After all, we would not want anyone to feel excluded.

All in all, we here at Silver Chips think this new policy is wonderful. When students were failing the Algebra I final exam in droves, what easier solution than to eliminate final exams alto-gether? Much more intuitive than improving the quality with which the material is taught. When it becomes too hard to get an A, instead of encouraging students or providing extra resources to help, the much simpler answer is to tweak the system itself. We commend MCPS for finally get-ting to the root of the problem, for digging deep, and for coming up with a solution that truly benefits everyone.

New grading policy solves everything

Do you have any feedback or see any mistakes? Let us know.

E-mail the editors at [email protected]

in general. You can answer any or none of the questions in this section; all feedback is appreciated but not required. This is the part

of the survey I am most excited about. I will make it my mission to consider and personally respond to every submission. Anything that you write in the feedback survey can and will help us create a better newspaper.

On the same website as the cycle feedback survey is a survey about Silver Chips as a whole. This is a short survey that consists mostly of multiple choice ques-tions designed to help us collect data on how much of Silver Chips students read, what sections stu-dents read, and more. It will only

By Cole Sebastian

Voice your opinion with our new survey

The most important members of the Silver Chips staff are the readers. It is your job to tell us what you do and do not like about Silver Chips, and to help us on our never ending quest to improve the newspaper. As ombudsman, I strive to gain a sense of what Blair students want out of their newspaper in order to make Silver Chips accessible to the entire Blair population. So I have taken it upon myself to make your job even easier for you. No longer will you have go through the hassle of painstakingly drafting an email to [email protected] (although that is still highly recommended and appreciated). Now I have streamlined the pro-cess of expressing acclamations and grievances into one survey. Simply scan the qr code to left of this article or go to chipssurvey.com to fill out the brand new, offi-cial Silver Chips Feedback Survey!

The main component of the survey is a list in which you select every story that you have read or plan on reading in the most recent issue. We hope to use this data to measure what types of stories you love most so we can make our stories more engaging for readers. We currently can only decide what stories to write based on what we staff members would want to read but we have no idea what you want to read. You will now have a seat in the writers’ room when we are deciding what stories to write.

The next part of the survey is for general feedback. This is where you can write long-winded rants about our many shortcom-ings (or long-winded rants about how excellent we are). In this section you are asked to specify your favorite stories, give future story ideas, point out mistakes in the most recent cycle, and give any complaints about the paper

SHIVANI MATTIKALLI

Ombudsman Cole Sebastian

We have simplified the process of reader feedback

We would like to say thank you and goodbye to our senior Silver Chips staff members as well as Blair’s graduating class of 2016.

For more about our seniors, see our 2016 Senior Edition.

The most valuable part of all the new forms of feedback is that they allow you to give your feedback anonymously. Cur-rently, the only form of feedback is emailing me or the editors (which I still highly recommend) which enables us to trace your comments back to your email ad-dress. Now anyone can feel free to say all the mean things they can possibly say to us without disclosing their identity. So bring it on! Tell us everything you hate about Silver Chips. No matter what you have to say, it is impor-tant that we hear it. You have an entire newspaper to hear us talk, so let’s make it a conversation. What are you doing still read-ing this column? You’ve heard enough from me. Go to the web-site and let me hear from you.

Scan the code above with a QR read-er app, or use the URL http://www.chipssurvey.com/ to access the feed-

back survey!

Feel free to access a feedback survey below to tell us what you think about

Silver Chips!

What do you think?

Page 9: May 2016 - Silver Chips Print

May 25, 2016 ADs B5silverchips

Page 10: May 2016 - Silver Chips Print

pretending that we’re going to be together forever.”

Swart and Carrillo, on the other hand, knew from the beginning that they were going to enter a long-distance relationship after graduation. Swart will be going to the University of Arizona while Carrillo plans to attend Towson University. “We’re going to be really far apart, but we’re going to try long distance,” Carrillo says. “I feel like we’ve worked this hard just to be like, ‘Oh well, we’re done now!’ That’s just kind of stupid and pointless,” Swart says.

Mei and Liu also originally planned to maintain their relationship after high school. After the college application pro-cess, however, they both choose to attend Cornell University. Since his childhood, Liu has had a passion for plants, which led him to apply Early Decision to Cornell’s plant science program. Mei only decided to ap-ply to Cornell after Liu spoke highly of it. “I tacked on a couple of schools he was ap-plying to,” Mei says. “Cornell was one of [them].”

Mei and Liu are looking forward to maintaining their relationship as they at-tend Cornell together. Even though it was

“It was a gradual thing.” The couple be-lieves that their relationship has lasted since sophomore year because of their compatibility. “She’s a wonderful person,” Liu says adoringly, “and we get along very well.”

Most couples meet in high school, but seniors Felix Swart and Oscar Carrillo have known each other since eighth grade, when Swart moved to Maryland. Their friendship shifted to a relationship at the beginning of their sophomore year, when Swart was stuck grounded in her house for a month. “Because she wasn’t doing anything other than just staying at home I’d just text her and message her all day,” Carrillo says. Af-ter a month of talking, Carrillo � nally asked Swart out one morning at school.

Since then, they have learned a lot from each other and the experiences they have shared. “I am more willing to compromise now,” Swart says. “She’s de� nitely more � exible now because I’m always late to ev-erything,” Carrillo jokes lovingly. They have very different approaches towards getting things done in terms of school work and other activities, but over the years have

managed to work it out and learned to love each other even more because of it.

After high school

For many long-term high school rela-tionships, the hardest part is deciding what to do after graduation. Some couples de-cide to attend the same school, while others decide that long-distance is the best option. Some feel they must separate before going off to college. Bogino and Schoppert decid-ed the latter option was the best for their relationship. “After graduation, we’re going to separate colleges. I’m going to Chicago, she’s going outside of Nashville,” Schop-pert explains. “Our plan is to split after graduation and to end on really good terms with each other, so if we end up in the same area, we can pick up where we left off.”

They plan on maintaining their relation-ship until the summer, when they hope to close their romantic interests and return to a friendship. “We’re going to follow through with prom, and graduation, and every-thing, and we’re still together, but during the summer, we’re going to have to � nd a natural place where we feel as though we can separate,” Bogino says. “Then we’ll stay friends because we’ve been friends for these two years. We don’t want to lose that.”

Deciding whether to stay together or split up took both time and discussion for Bogino and Schoppert. “It took a while. It took a lot of soul-searching and reconcil-ing,” Schoppert says. One option they re-fused to choose, though, was going to the same college for the sake of their relation-ship.

The couple decided that long-distance was not the right choice for them after Schoppert’s previous long-distance rela-tionships. “As a friend, I saw him exit out of that long-distance relationship, and I’ve seen other people go through that sort of thing, and I’ve only seen one that’s ever been successful,” Bogino says. “Knowing that, I think it’s just smarter, instead of

C1 Features May 25, 2016silverchips

What happens after seniors cross the stage and toss their capsSome high school relationships go the distance

from RELATIONSHIPS page A1

“I feel like we’ve worked this hard just to be like, ‘Oh

well, we’re done now!’ That’s just kind of stupid and pointless.”

-Felix Swart, senior

“I think the most important thing for a

long-distance relationship,

and any relationship, is to be really

open and communicate.”

-Ravyn Malatesta, Blair alumna

LOUNGING AROUND Seniors Yannie Mei and Alex Liu spend quality timetogether as they help each other with their homework in the hallway. The couple plans on attending Cornell University and staying together in the fall.

HAPPY COUPLE Seniors Felix Swart and Oscar Carrillo happily smile and pose with their arms around each other as they get ready to dance their night away at senior prom.

DEBUTANTE BALL Seniors Eva Bogi-no and Thomas Schoppert dance to-gether at one of her debutante balls.

ALL DRESSED UP Alumni Ravyn Ma-latesta and Andreas Robertson dress to impress before their prom in 2015.

COURTESY OF FELIX SWART

COURTESY OF EVA BOGINO COURTESY OF RAVYN MALTESA

COURTESY OF YANNIE MEI

not planned, their interests coincided for them to go to school together. “She paints it too much like a happy accident. I think it was all planned,” Liu says, smiling, “but it really was a happy accident.”

Advice from an alumni

Class of 2015 alumni Ravyn Malatesta and Andreas Robertson only began to date in their senior year, after maintain-ing a close friendship since their freshman year, and have continued their relationship through college.

Even though Malatesta’s long-distance relationship with Robertson worked, she is hesitant to suggest that all senior couples try to maintain their relationships in col-lege.

“For the most part, I’ve seen people who came into college with high school boy-friends and girlfriends all go through really bad breakups,” Malatesta says. “I think the most important thing for a long-distance relationship, and any relationship, is to be really open and communicate.”

Class of 2015 alumni Alex Frandsen and Madeline Daly, like Swart and Carillo, began dating their sophomore year. They were in the same group in the Communica-tions Art Program so they spent two classes per day together. “After being too scared to ask her out for a long time, we � nally started of� cially dating on January 17 of my sophomore year,” says Frandsen.

After pausing their relationship after graduation, Frandsen and Daly began dat-ing again once their summer break started.

However, Frandsen does not regret choosing to separate for the year. “I really think the break we took was a good thing overall. We got to grow individually and realize things about ourselves,” says Frand-sen.

Page 11: May 2016 - Silver Chips Print

Features C2 May 25, 2016 silverchips

By Dawson Do

A personal look into the life behind the wheel of an UberAfter a long day out in the bustling city,

getting home is the last thing on your mind. The metro station is too far away and the buses take too long to arrive, so you take out your phone to order an Uber. When a car ar-rives in the side of the road, you hop in and your driver turns on the radio, driving you back to your house.

Most of the time, Uber rides are filled with silence or forced small talk, but some of these drivers have a lot to say.

Udochukwu, who has been driving for Uber for seven months, learned about the company through his friends who have driven for Uber before. Since he is currently enlisted in the army, Udochukwu says his part time job as an Uber driver is a welcomed change of pace.

Compared to his time in the army, Udo-chukwu says he enjoys Uber’s relaxed envi-ronment. “For Uber, anytime I want to work, I work. Whenever I want to go home, I go home,” he says. “They’ll pay you no matter how much you work. That’s the thing that I like.”

Most of Udochukwu’s customers head to Maryland Live Casino in Laurel because of its close proximity to him, but on the weekends he heads down to D.C. Spending a day in D.C. is an exhausting task for Udochukwu because he has to devote his entire day to driving. “Before you come down to D.C., you have to prepare for the whole day, because you are going to be in your car the whole time,” he says.

Tamirat, a reserved man who has been driving for the company for a year, finds Uber to be more convenient than taking taxis. “People can just wait for their rides in their homes,” he says. But for the drivers, it can be

frustrating when a request gets canceled. “If you have to wait for people or if they cancel on you, it’s pretty annoying,” he says.

Udochukwu says his favorite part about driving in D.C. is the people he meets on the job. He remembers times when he picked up Anderson Cooper and took him to the CNN offices. “I’ve also taken a lot of House members to Baltimore-Washington Interna-tional Airport,” he says. “They ask ‘Do you like politics?’ and I always say ‘I don’t like politics’ to them.”

Another popular area for Udochukwu is Baltimore, especially in the hours after sporting events. However, the city has its downfalls due to rough road conditions and rowdy fans. “Every time I go there, somebody will come in my car smelling like weed or smoking weed,” Udochukwu says.

Unlike Udochukwu, Carmelita, a young, cheerful woman who has been driving for about a year, found out about Uber through an advertisement. “I heard about it on the radio. They had a promotion,” she says. “If

you start driving, after the first 50 trips, you get $1000 on top of that.”

After driving for a year, Carmelita finds that she enjoys the work environment of Uber because it allows her the freedom to make extra money when she is not working her pri-mary job at Optum, a health service company.

Carmelita recalls a particularly memorable sporting event at the University of Maryland when her car got ruined after a pickup. “These kids were getting super drunk,” she says. “[One guy] tried to puke out the win-dow but it just got all over the car.”

Although she ended up having to clean her car on this occasion, Carmelita still enjoys working late nights. Similarly, despite dealing with his fair share of intoxicated customers, Udochukwu has not stopped driving during late hours. He remembers picking up a girl on St. Patrick’s Day who was within walking distance from her house. “This young girl, she was like seventeen, she threw up in my car,” he says. “The thing is, I picked her up from a bar and her house was less than a mile away. She could have walked.”

Udochukwu learned to be prepared for late night trips after this incident. “Now I have to keep cleaning supplies in my trunk,” he says.

Udochukwu prefers driving at night due to the lack of traffic and finds it relaxing. “There’s nobody else on the road,” he says. “When I go to D.C. sometimes, especially dur-ing the working hours, every road is blocked with traffic. Sometimes it’s frustrating.”

After driving Uber for several months, Udochukwu finds that he has gotten to know his home state and D.C. better. “Whenever somebody needs me to drive in D.C., I know a lot of inside roads and alternative routes,” he says. ”I get to go in a lot of areas and meet lots of people.”

Q&A with Kelli Hill, U.S. Olympic gymnastics coachSitting down to talk about what it’s like to coach an olympian

Kelli Hill, a 1977 Blair alumna, established a successful career as a gymnastics coach by opening Hills Gymnastics Training Center. Under her guidance, the training gym has coached four gymnasts to the Olympic Games.

Hill attended the University of Maryland, walking onto the school’s gymnastics team. She did not graduate from Maryland, but instead, at the age of 21, opened her training gym in Wheaton. She relocated her gym to Gaithersburg in 1991, where she currently teaches students of all ages and abilities. Hill was the lifelong coach of three-time Olympian and 1996 women’s gymnastics team gold medalist Dominique Dawes, who also briefly attended Blair.

Hill served as the head coach of the 2000 and 2004 U.S. Olympic Teams, as well as the 1994, 1996, 1999, and 2003 World Champion-ship teams for women’s artistic gymnastics. In 2005, Hill was inducted into the U.S. Gym-nastics Hall of Fame.

Q: Why did you start doing gymnas-tics and what made you decide to start

coaching?

KH: I was a little kid and my older sister was doing it, teaching me some things out in the grass. I just fell in love with the sport. I actually ran into somebody who asked if I had any interest in teaching, and I started teaching through the rec department. Q: What was it like opening up your own gym, seeing that you were fairly

young at the time?

KH: I guess I was very young. When I just started doing gymnastics and coaching, I was in absolute love with the sport and it was my dream to open my own facility. I went to the University of Maryland and majored in Physi-cal Education because that was the closest I could come to gymnastics at the time. Really, I just wanted to teach gymnastics. I really didn’t want to teach physical education. The opportunity came up, I took it, and went into business relatively with very little money, but they financed me and I went from there.”

By Georgina Burros

describe your coaching style?

KH: Coaching is a lot more than just teaching a skill. One of the keys is to figure out what is going to motivate an athlete on a given day and know which buttons to push to get the best out of them. Sometimes it is just talking and being understanding, and other times it is coming down a little bit firmer. Q: What is one of your proudest mo-ments as a coach?

A: I would say it is the first time that the national anthem was ever played for Domi-nique. When she won an event at an interna-tional competition, they played the anthem, and they raised the American flag. I would say that is my favorite.

Q: What would you say your best piece of advice is for someone who wants to dedicate most of their life to a sport?

KH: It has to be their passion. They can-not do it for their parents, their coach, or anybody else. It has to be something that they want to pursue, their own passion. Q: What was your favorite gymnastics

event to compete in?

KH: Probably the uneven bars or floor ex-ercise. Those are my two favorite to coach as well.

Q: You’ve taught and coached hun-dreds of gymnasts. How would you

Q: What do you remember from your

time at Blair?

KH: Back then, junior high went through ninth grade, so I only I spent three years there. My older sister was there at the time. I absolutely loved the sports; I ran track, I did hurdles, I did their gymnastics program, and played field hockey. Those were the things that kept me there and kept me in school. It was not my classes that kept me in school; it was more the athletics. And then just basi-cally I did a PSAT test, and the University of Maryland came to the school to find out who was interested in going. I went down to the library to talk to them about Maryland because I really didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, and I basically was trying to get out of class. I got accepted off my PSAT to Maryland and walked onto their gymnastics team. It was all about the athletics for me. Q: Did you always know you wanted to coach gymnastics, or is it something that

just gradually occurred to you?

KH: Well I knew I wanted to do gymnas-tics and when I could no longer see myself doing more than gymnastics in college, I started coaching. I coached after school classes, I started a little team when I was still in high school with the rec depart-ment, and I thoroughly enjoyed that. At Maryland, I was helping spot the kids that were my teammates. I think I was a better spotter and coach than I was a gymnast. Q: You were Dominique Dawes’ coach throughout her Olympic career. How was the experience of coaching some-one from the beginning of her career

to the Olympics?

KH: Dominique and I became very close. I have known her since she came into the gym when she was six at a day camp. She did not get along with her pre-team coach very well, so I put her into my group. She always trained with older athletes, and I grew as a coach as she grew as an athlete through that. We were and still are very close. It was a journey we did together.

COURTESY OF RICK HILL

WORLD CLASS TRAINER Olympic gymnastics trainer Kelli Hill has trained some of the best US gymnasts in recent memory, including Blair alum Dominique Dawes

SHIVANI MATTIKALLI

Page 12: May 2016 - Silver Chips Print

So what are we?We are the fi rst generation to grow up entirely with the In-

ternet. We are the generation that cannot remember a world be-fore 9/11. We are the generation that has had smartphones since childhood, and can spread our att ention across fi ve diff erent screens at once. We are the “next big thing for market research-ers, cultural observers and trend forecasters,” according to the New York Times.

Experts call us “iGen,” to denote our intimate relationship with technology, or “Gen Edge” because of our resilience and pragmatism. Other names include “Tweennials,” “@genera-tion,” and “Boomlets,” but we are most commonly referred to as “Generation Z.”

According to census data compiled by demographer Susan Weber-Stoger, American-born Gen Z-er’s now outnumber Mil-

Advertising

Generational studies are valuable as marketing tools because they allow companies to eff ectively reach entire swaths of peo-ple. “Each generation has unique expectations, experiences, his-tory, lifestyles, values, and demographics that infl uence their buying behaviors,” write Kaylene Williams and Robert Page in an article in the Journal of Behavioral Studies in Business.

When companies advertise, they must “tap into the values of the generation,” according to Denison. Advertisements which appeal to Gen Z-ers, she says, seem to be much more straight-forward than ever before. “Businesses are going to have to fi nd a way to appear very authentic and genuine,” she says. “Being really sales-y and slick and all that doesn’t work.”

According to Mohan, another important takeaway for mar-keters is Generation Z’s shorter att ention spans. “Gen Z should be targeted more with quicker, catchier advertisers than Millen-nials,” she says. “We don’t care about a lot of facts and being able to analyze them; we want big picture arguments quickly, we want to be able to multitask.”

In the era of instant gratifi cation via cell phones and the In-ternet, it is no surprise that those who grew up in this connected world are feeling the eff ects. “Whether it’s ordering a taco on their phone or wanting a new outfi t that day, Generation Z isn’t used to waiting,” the JWT report advises.

This reduced att ention span will likely have farther reaching impacts than shaping the types of ads that pop up on Facebook feeds, according to Mohan. She says that this obsession with multitasking and only wanting the big picture “is a horrible, horrible thing that is actually going to cost the generation long term.”

However, Generation Z has its share of promise. As the most multicultural generation in American history, and the last to be majority white, the group has grown up during changing times. Denison has noticed through her research that the generation seems to be very compassionate and accepting of others as a result. “I hope that that trend will continue, starting with di-versity of thought, ethnicity and background, and turning into the ability to have compassion for people that are in a diff erent situation than you,” says Denison. “I have high hopes.”

silverchipsMay 25, 2016 Features C3/C4

KIDSDAYS

these

story by: Aditi Shettyart & design by: Dawson Do

You may have heard of the Baby Boomers, the large generation born after victorious soldiers returned to the home front in the aftermath of World War II. After that came Generation X, shaped by events like Vietnam and Watergate. Around the 1980s came the famous Millennials, probably the most studied generation on record. They have a reputation for being self-obsessed, spoiled, and entitled, epitomized by Hannah Hor-vath from the TV show, Girls.

The Millennial generation ended around 1995. That means that most students in col-lege now, and all of those in high school and below, are not, in fact, Millennials.

lennials, who were previously the largest generation on record. At a staggering 60 million members, Generation Z has extensive consequences for businesses and for society.

Technology

Generation Z, according to advertising fi rm J. Walter Thompson (JWT), contains people born roughly between the mid-1990s and the early 2000s, with the oldest members hav-ing just entered college. What unites this generation, according to a JWT Intelligence trend report, is their unique role as the “the fi rst true digital natives.” People born in this range of years cannot remember a time before the Internet, and it has shaped them in unexpected ways.

According to the trend report, 86% of the members of Gener-ation Z use their cell phones multiple times a day. Freshman So-phia Lindsay is one such teen. “I rely a lot on technology,” she says. “A day without a cell phone is… a struggle, and it’s hard.”

However, growing up with the Internet has also opened many teenagers’ eyes to its downfalls, like the lack of privacy. “As far as privacy, they are aware of their personal brand, and have seen older Gen Y-ers [Millennials] screw up by posting too openly,” Dan Gould, a trend consultant for advertising agency Sparks & Honey, told the New York Times.

Isvari Mohan, a Gen Z-er who wrote a column on her gen-eration for the Boston Globe, agrees with Gould’s assessment. “Our generation is not as enamored with social media as Mil-lennials are,” she says. “We tolerate it, we’re on there if we know it’s important, but we are prett y measured in what we put out there.” According to the JWT trend report, 82% of Gen Z respondents reported thinking carefully before posting to social media.

Lindsay, who, when it comes to social media, uses “prett y much everything,” says that posting carefully is critical. “I feel like if you don’t think about yourself in the future, and if you fl aunt a photo of yourself smoking or something, you don’t want someone to see that and then not get a job because of it,” she says.

Coming of age with a phone in hand means that Generation Z kids know how to use technology to their advantage. Fresh-man Ammnouel Abebe says that the Internet has aff ected his life “mostly positively.” “I’m a freshman but I also know some calculus because of the Internet,” he says. “I wanted to study [mathematics], but I didn’t have the books so the Internet was one of the easiest… ways to fi nd information.”

This group also tends to use social media in positive, con-

structive ways. According to a 2012 study by Common Sense Media, teenagers who use social media report that, in general, it makes them feel more confi dent, more outgoing, more popu-lar, and even more sympathetic towards others. However, the largest proportion (49%) still say that they prefer face-to-face contact.

Lindsay says that she dislikes how much Gen Z teens rely on technology. “I wish people talked more, and I wish technology didn’t aff ect how we communicate with people, but it does,” she says. “Instead of just going and discussing what you’re go-ing to do [that] night with someone that’s across the room from you… you text them. You don’t take the eff ort to actually go and talk to people.”

World events

Dr. Elli Denison, director of research at the Center for Gen-erational Kinetics, defi nes Generation Z by whether someone can remember a world before the 9/11 terrorist att acks. “That’s our cutoff point because we feel like that was such a huge shift that you either remember how it was before or it’s always been history to you,” she says.

As a result, Millennials, who reached adulthood in the early 2000s, and Generation Z, who will begin to do so about 15 years later, have had very diff erent formative experiences. “[Millen-nials] grew up in the 1990s era… It was a very optimistic period of time when America was doing really well overseas, we were doing strong fi nancially, we were coming relatively high off of the Cold War and World War II,” Mohan says.

Generation Z kids, on the other hand, grew up in a com-pletely diff erent, and at times harsher, world. “We as Gen Z people tend to have more negative views of the world, partially because we grew up in the recession,” Mohan, the Generation Z writer, says. “I don’t remember the world before 9/11 and be-fore there was that fear of terrorism.”

Denison, the generational researcher, refl ects that terrorism as a lifelong reality is something unique to Generation Z. “Ter-rorism has been around for centuries and centuries, but it al-ways happened somewhere else,” she says. “It didn’t happen in New York City. It didn’t happen in Pennsylvania. Gen Z is growing up in a world where it does happen here.”

Mohan says that this climate has had an impact on the over-all psyche of today’s teenagers. “[Those issues] make us more conservative, more reserved, less likely to take fi nancial risks, less likely to be optimistic about our future,” she says.

The fi ndings from the JWT Intelligence trend report affi rm Generation Z’s tempered outlook. “When we asked 1,000 mem-bers of Generation Z what it meant to be successful, the most common response was a good job, a comfortable existence, and a family,” the report reads. “Happiness was mentioned more than money.”

Growing up in a harsh economy also means that the gen-eration tends to be wise about money, according to Denison. “Gen Z has watched Millennials really, really, really struggle with things like credit card debt and student debt…” she says. “It’s appearing that Gen Z is a litt le more cautious.”

Junior Krissia Funes has noticed this tendency in her own fi nancial decisions. “Now we know why we need to save mon-ey and the outcomes if [we] don’t,” she says. With her extra money, she says, “I save up because I know the economy’s not good.”

According to the trend report, an important result of being raised in a grave economic and political climate is increased awareness of the outside world. “Generation Z is engaged and globally minded, the result of growing up against a backdrop of terror, war and fi nancial uncertainty,” the report concludes.

Page 13: May 2016 - Silver Chips Print

So what are we?We are the fi rst generation to grow up entirely with the In-

ternet. We are the generation that cannot remember a world be-fore 9/11. We are the generation that has had smartphones since childhood, and can spread our att ention across fi ve diff erent screens at once. We are the “next big thing for market research-ers, cultural observers and trend forecasters,” according to the New York Times.

Experts call us “iGen,” to denote our intimate relationship with technology, or “Gen Edge” because of our resilience and pragmatism. Other names include “Tweennials,” “@genera-tion,” and “Boomlets,” but we are most commonly referred to as “Generation Z.”

According to census data compiled by demographer Susan Weber-Stoger, American-born Gen Z-er’s now outnumber Mil-

Advertising

Generational studies are valuable as marketing tools because they allow companies to eff ectively reach entire swaths of peo-ple. “Each generation has unique expectations, experiences, his-tory, lifestyles, values, and demographics that infl uence their buying behaviors,” write Kaylene Williams and Robert Page in an article in the Journal of Behavioral Studies in Business.

When companies advertise, they must “tap into the values of the generation,” according to Denison. Advertisements which appeal to Gen Z-ers, she says, seem to be much more straight-forward than ever before. “Businesses are going to have to fi nd a way to appear very authentic and genuine,” she says. “Being really sales-y and slick and all that doesn’t work.”

According to Mohan, another important takeaway for mar-keters is Generation Z’s shorter att ention spans. “Gen Z should be targeted more with quicker, catchier advertisers than Millen-nials,” she says. “We don’t care about a lot of facts and being able to analyze them; we want big picture arguments quickly, we want to be able to multitask.”

In the era of instant gratifi cation via cell phones and the In-ternet, it is no surprise that those who grew up in this connected world are feeling the eff ects. “Whether it’s ordering a taco on their phone or wanting a new outfi t that day, Generation Z isn’t used to waiting,” the JWT report advises.

This reduced att ention span will likely have farther reaching impacts than shaping the types of ads that pop up on Facebook feeds, according to Mohan. She says that this obsession with multitasking and only wanting the big picture “is a horrible, horrible thing that is actually going to cost the generation long term.”

However, Generation Z has its share of promise. As the most multicultural generation in American history, and the last to be majority white, the group has grown up during changing times. Denison has noticed through her research that the generation seems to be very compassionate and accepting of others as a result. “I hope that that trend will continue, starting with di-versity of thought, ethnicity and background, and turning into the ability to have compassion for people that are in a diff erent situation than you,” says Denison. “I have high hopes.”

silverchipsMay 25, 2016 Features C3/C4

KIDSDAYS

these

story by: Aditi Shettyart & design by: Dawson Do

You may have heard of the Baby Boomers, the large generation born after victorious soldiers returned to the home front in the aftermath of World War II. After that came Generation X, shaped by events like Vietnam and Watergate. Around the 1980s came the famous Millennials, probably the most studied generation on record. They have a reputation for being self-obsessed, spoiled, and entitled, epitomized by Hannah Hor-vath from the TV show, Girls.

The Millennial generation ended around 1995. That means that most students in col-lege now, and all of those in high school and below, are not, in fact, Millennials.

lennials, who were previously the largest generation on record. At a staggering 60 million members, Generation Z has extensive consequences for businesses and for society.

Technology

Generation Z, according to advertising fi rm J. Walter Thompson (JWT), contains people born roughly between the mid-1990s and the early 2000s, with the oldest members hav-ing just entered college. What unites this generation, according to a JWT Intelligence trend report, is their unique role as the “the fi rst true digital natives.” People born in this range of years cannot remember a time before the Internet, and it has shaped them in unexpected ways.

According to the trend report, 86% of the members of Gener-ation Z use their cell phones multiple times a day. Freshman So-phia Lindsay is one such teen. “I rely a lot on technology,” she says. “A day without a cell phone is… a struggle, and it’s hard.”

However, growing up with the Internet has also opened many teenagers’ eyes to its downfalls, like the lack of privacy. “As far as privacy, they are aware of their personal brand, and have seen older Gen Y-ers [Millennials] screw up by posting too openly,” Dan Gould, a trend consultant for advertising agency Sparks & Honey, told the New York Times.

Isvari Mohan, a Gen Z-er who wrote a column on her gen-eration for the Boston Globe, agrees with Gould’s assessment. “Our generation is not as enamored with social media as Mil-lennials are,” she says. “We tolerate it, we’re on there if we know it’s important, but we are prett y measured in what we put out there.” According to the JWT trend report, 82% of Gen Z respondents reported thinking carefully before posting to social media.

Lindsay, who, when it comes to social media, uses “prett y much everything,” says that posting carefully is critical. “I feel like if you don’t think about yourself in the future, and if you fl aunt a photo of yourself smoking or something, you don’t want someone to see that and then not get a job because of it,” she says.

Coming of age with a phone in hand means that Generation Z kids know how to use technology to their advantage. Fresh-man Ammnouel Abebe says that the Internet has aff ected his life “mostly positively.” “I’m a freshman but I also know some calculus because of the Internet,” he says. “I wanted to study [mathematics], but I didn’t have the books so the Internet was one of the easiest… ways to fi nd information.”

This group also tends to use social media in positive, con-

structive ways. According to a 2012 study by Common Sense Media, teenagers who use social media report that, in general, it makes them feel more confi dent, more outgoing, more popu-lar, and even more sympathetic towards others. However, the largest proportion (49%) still say that they prefer face-to-face contact.

Lindsay says that she dislikes how much Gen Z teens rely on technology. “I wish people talked more, and I wish technology didn’t aff ect how we communicate with people, but it does,” she says. “Instead of just going and discussing what you’re go-ing to do [that] night with someone that’s across the room from you… you text them. You don’t take the eff ort to actually go and talk to people.”

World events

Dr. Elli Denison, director of research at the Center for Gen-erational Kinetics, defi nes Generation Z by whether someone can remember a world before the 9/11 terrorist att acks. “That’s our cutoff point because we feel like that was such a huge shift that you either remember how it was before or it’s always been history to you,” she says.

As a result, Millennials, who reached adulthood in the early 2000s, and Generation Z, who will begin to do so about 15 years later, have had very diff erent formative experiences. “[Millen-nials] grew up in the 1990s era… It was a very optimistic period of time when America was doing really well overseas, we were doing strong fi nancially, we were coming relatively high off of the Cold War and World War II,” Mohan says.

Generation Z kids, on the other hand, grew up in a com-pletely diff erent, and at times harsher, world. “We as Gen Z people tend to have more negative views of the world, partially because we grew up in the recession,” Mohan, the Generation Z writer, says. “I don’t remember the world before 9/11 and be-fore there was that fear of terrorism.”

Denison, the generational researcher, refl ects that terrorism as a lifelong reality is something unique to Generation Z. “Ter-rorism has been around for centuries and centuries, but it al-ways happened somewhere else,” she says. “It didn’t happen in New York City. It didn’t happen in Pennsylvania. Gen Z is growing up in a world where it does happen here.”

Mohan says that this climate has had an impact on the over-all psyche of today’s teenagers. “[Those issues] make us more conservative, more reserved, less likely to take fi nancial risks, less likely to be optimistic about our future,” she says.

The fi ndings from the JWT Intelligence trend report affi rm Generation Z’s tempered outlook. “When we asked 1,000 mem-bers of Generation Z what it meant to be successful, the most common response was a good job, a comfortable existence, and a family,” the report reads. “Happiness was mentioned more than money.”

Growing up in a harsh economy also means that the gen-eration tends to be wise about money, according to Denison. “Gen Z has watched Millennials really, really, really struggle with things like credit card debt and student debt…” she says. “It’s appearing that Gen Z is a litt le more cautious.”

Junior Krissia Funes has noticed this tendency in her own fi nancial decisions. “Now we know why we need to save mon-ey and the outcomes if [we] don’t,” she says. With her extra money, she says, “I save up because I know the economy’s not good.”

According to the trend report, an important result of being raised in a grave economic and political climate is increased awareness of the outside world. “Generation Z is engaged and globally minded, the result of growing up against a backdrop of terror, war and fi nancial uncertainty,” the report concludes.

Page 14: May 2016 - Silver Chips Print

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Page 15: May 2016 - Silver Chips Print

done. The comedy show we attended at the

Kennedy Center was surprisingly enter-taining, especially the jokes by lead comic Brooks Wheelan about his simple upbring-ing in Iowa. The audience left with smiles, which is pretty telling of the quality of the show and other free performances at the Kennedy Center.

Takeaways

After a day of walking over three miles, it is clear to us that the Metro is not a reliable form of transportation for trying to get any-where on a schedule. With a Metro system that is spotty at best and stations that never seem to be close to our intended destination, it made more sense to save our money and take the long walks across town. The conse-quences? Rushed activities and sore feet.

silverchips May 25, 2016

What’s the move: D.C. with $20 and a Metro cardCheap and fun activities for a day trip around the D.C. metro areaBy Grady Jakobsberg

Many people see Washington, D.C. as a large, spiritless wasteland full of govern-ment buildings that fulfill god-knows-what bureaucratic tasks; all with a rancid smell that rises off the Potomac and wafts through the capital. But when it comes down to it, D.C. is a vibrant city where one can spend a weekend or even just a couple of hours on a lazy Sunday.

Silver Chips sent out a team of the fin-est staff members to find some fun, lesser known activities to occupy a day in the city. The catch, however, was that we had to last the day on a student’s budget, that is, with only $20 and a Metro card.

Our experience

Accompanied by my traveling compan-ion, Charles Lott, and our personal photog-rapher, Chaminda Hangilipola, I started the day with a long Metro trip to Gravelly Point Park. Gravelly Point is an open area north of Reagan National Airport where people can relax while observing the airplanes take off above. The Mount Vernon walking and biking trail winds through the park as well, connecting it to many other places along the Virginia coast.

Getting to the park was one of the big-gest difficulties of the day for us. Starting at the Silver Spring Metro station, we took the 45 minute trip to Reagan National Air-port, transferring lines once. Upon arriving, we naively entrusted our navigation to Siri and began our journey going the complete wrong direction. Half an hour later, we were on our way after receiving directions from a cab driver.

At the park, a grassy field leads up to a pair of piers that stretches into a small riv-er, which is the closest people can get to the plane take-off strip. The planes did not come as near as we had anticipated, but if the wind had died down and the sun peeked out from behind the shadowy clouds, it would have been a beautiful spot to spread a picnic blan-ket and enjoy the view of the airport and the Potomac.

Fierce winds in which we could not toss a Frisbee more than five feet drove us back to the Metro to hop back in a subway car. Our intended destination was the Nation-al Building Museum, where, according to its website, we could try the free activity of “constructing a 7-foot-tall, soft-block arch in the Museum’s Great Hall.” Upon arriv-ing we discovered the entire Great Hall was fenced off for carpeting, forcing us to change our plans and travel a couple of blocks to the Botanical Gardens.

On the walk to the gardens, we passed through the National Law Enforcement Memorial where we bought some large hot dogs for $2 each. The law enforcement vet-eran running the cart explained to us that most hot dog stands serve more bread than meat, holding out his pinky to indicate the size of their dogs. His stand, he said, offers customers a nice, large hot dog that, covered in ketchup, mustard and relish, hangs off the edge of the bun. We enjoyed the meaty snack and thanked him profusely for the great deal before moving on to the Botanical Gardens.

The nature assortment has both an out-door garden and an indoor conservatory. Going through the circuit of different plant environment rooms in the conservatory, we saw vines, flowers and other plants from the tropics, Mediterranean, and Hawaii. It was easy to get lost in the temperate rooms where a floral scent wafted around us and magnificent orchids peeked out at us from under leafy vines. The desert room jerked us back into reality when we moronically touched the spines of a cactus.

Next, we headed down the street to the National Museum of the American Indian where an assortment of food trucks lined the block. Grabbing four dollar soft serve chocolate ice cream, we headed back to the gardens where we basked in the sun on cushioned wicker couches surrounded by the drooping trees of the garden. “Can we stay and take a nap?” Charlie asked. It was incredibly comfortable there in the sun, but with a strict itinerary we had to move on.

Everyone knows that a day in D.C. is not complete without a visit to one of the free Smithsonian Museums along the mall. With

a low budget, any student can find a free museum from the wide collection. We went old school and chose the field trip capital of museums, the Museum of Natural History.

Greeted by the giant elephant statue, we walked through different parts of the mu-seum, marveling at the deep sea creatures in the Ocean Hall, like the jellies and giant squid, and fantasizing about the extremely valuable Hope Diamond. But the promised adventure of the mall and a long line of food trucks lured us away from our educational endeavors.

We grabbed gyros from a Greek themed food truck called “Chef Alex,” which was part of a long line of food trucks on Seventh Street, and moved to an open space on the National Mall to toss a Frisbee. Every D.C. visitor should know that, on a nice day, the mall is the perfect spot to toss around a Fris-bee, play pick up football, or fly a kite.

To finish off our day, we headed across town to the Kennedy Center to enjoy one of their free 6:00 shows that are open 365 days of the year. We were told that in order to ensure tickets we would have to arrive by 5:15. We realized a little too late that we had lost track of time playing Frisbee, and with no trust in the Metro system to get us across town in time, we decided to start on the 40 minute walk instead.

This walk was by the far the worst part of our day. With sore feet, we followed Si-ri’s directions until we could see the glow-ing beacon of comfort that was the Kennedy Center. Unfortunately, there was a highway separating us from the building. Stressed for time and unwilling to walk back, we took off in a desperate sprint across the Potomac and Rock Creek Parkways, and Charlie cackled in glee as he dodged cars left and right. Af-ter hopping the fence on the other side, we walked nonchalantly toward the entrance, contemplating the idiotic thing we had just

The day also revealed to us that there are plenty of free things to do in DC, so it is best to spend money on food. Food trucks and hot dog carts are always a good bet for cheap but satisfying tummy fillers.

It is best not to schedule a trip to D.C. with strict time limits. In our experience, rushing has you running across highways, which is not fun unless you are an adrenaline junkie who enjoys the sound of angry drivers. It is also nice to take your time and fully enjoy each activity you do.

Activities that did not make the cut

If the Kennedy Center or Gravelly Point Park do not sound like your sort of thing, do not fret: there are plenty of other fun, afford-able activities to do in D.C.

First, there is the wide variety of muse-ums. Everyone knows the Smithsonian mu-seums, but be sure to check out less known places like Madame Tussauds Wax Museum ($16 and up) or the National Portrait Gallery. Though Madame Tussauds costs money, it offers a unique and personal experience where you can marvel at the realistic look of the wax sculptures. The National Portrait Gallery is located at a very convenient spot by the Verizon Center and Chinatown, pre-senting an opportunity to check out some lesser-known art exhibits.

For any beautiful sunny day I would sug-gest at least spending part of your day out-side. The Botanical Gardens and Gravelly Point Park are both places to connect with the outdoors, but there are plenty of other places to go around D.C. as well. The Na-tional Arboretum and Rock Creek Park are prime areas for a peaceful walk or bike ride, and the Smithsonian National Zoo is a nice destination for observing your favorite ani-mals from around the globe.

For anyone seeking an overnight trip, I recommend Greenbelt National Park right outside of D.C. in College Park. Just grab some camping equipment and food, take the Metro over there, pay the $16 dollar camp-site fee and enjoy all the nature the park has to offer.

A MONUMENTAL TRIP When the sun finally came out, it was a beautiful day in DC.CHAMINDA HANGILIPOLA

A WALK IN THE PARK Charlie and I walk along the Mount Vernon trail as a plane flies overhead at Gravelly Point Park (above). We walk through Union Station on our way down the mall to the National Museum of Natural History (top).

CHAMINDA HANGILIPOLA

CHAMINDA HANGILIPOLA

In first person

D1 Entertainment

Page 16: May 2016 - Silver Chips Print

silverchips May 25, 2016D2 Entertainment

Getting in tune with all of Blair’s unique music tastesSilver Chips takes a look at what is considered music to Blair’s ears

On any weekday from 11:07 a.m. to 12:49 p.m., Blair’s Student Activity Center (SAC) is filled with noise. People are talking, eat-ing, laughing, yelling, and even screaming, but as I listen more closely, I begin to hear a new source of noise: music. In fact, there are two rhythms travelling across the room: one is a fast, Latin-sounding beat emanating from one of the booths by the SAC entrance, and the other is a slower, steadier thumping which is no doubt the background for a rap.

The owner of the speaker playing the rap music introduces himself as senior Mat-thew Tibebe. He is playing “Hello” by Busta Rhymes ft. Chance the Rapper, a song he says is “bright, happy, and just what you need when you are close to the finish line of graduation.”

The ear buds and speakers that fill Blair’s halls do not all play the same tune. From pop and rap to Indie folk and disco, the music playing around the school will pump you up, cool you down, make you laugh, and make you cry. So I decided to take a closer listen at what music Blair’s students have to offer.

After Tibebe, I move on to another table, asking students which songs they had last played on their phones. The first to respond is junior Edgar Blanco, who glances down at his phone to see “Don’t Hurt Yourself” by Beyoncé playing at the top of the screen. Blanco says he likes the song and the whole album, “Lemonade,” because it describes the singer’s own experiences. “[The songs] talk about her background as an artist and in general,” he says. “I like how she can make her music personal.”

The table to Blanco’s right looks promis-ing, with two out of the three students wear-ing headphones. Junior Alyxza Abrams, is, unfortunately, watching a video and not lis-tening to music, but says the last song she listened to was the final song in the Break-fast Club, “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds from 1985. Abrams says that this song, and others from that era, are bet-ter than modern music. “It’s a classic and a lot better than the crap we have now,” says Abrams. “Rap these days just sounds fake.”

Sophomore Amber Hayes, who is sitting to Abrams’ left, passionately disagrees with this statement, although she, too, has chosen to eschew rap in favor of an American alter-native rock band from South Dakota called Spill Canvas.

Hayes does not say which song she is listening to, but instead explains why she appreciates the band so much. “I really feel that I can identify with them on an emotion-al level,” she says.

Junior Andrew Phillips, the third and fi-nal member of this lunch table, shares a long list of his favorite Skrillex songs. However, he adds that the last song he listened to was

actually “Life on Mars?” by David Bowie, a song of a very different genre.

Phillips cites Bowie’s great melodies as his reason for liking the singer. “[Bowie’s] songs are really fun,” Phillips says. “The tunes are great. It’s something you can just rock out to.”

I say farewell to that table and move on to find another ear bud…uh… laden student and approach sophomore Josue Hernandez as he sits down at his table. Hernandez, un-like the members of the last table I visited, has chosen to embrace the music of this mil-lennium, specifically in the form of rap.

The last song Hernandez listened to was “Really Really” by Kevin Gates, whose most recent album, Islah, was released in January. Hernandez loves how he is able to connect with Gates through the music. “His lyrics are about himself and his life. It understands me,” he says.

And with that profound statement from Hernandez, I say my thanks, turn around, and head straight for the library to listen to the new (and old) music I have discov-ered.

Thanks, Blair.

From aliens to bunnies, all movies have a message to tellUncovering the hidden themes in animated children’s movies

If you ask a 16 year old what their favor-ite movie is, they probably will not give you a list of around 32 different animated chil-dren’s movies they cannot decide between. They might say, “Deadpool,” or maybe, “Captain America: Civil War,” but even if they do not list one of those two, they prob-ably will not end up spending 10 minutes telling you about the most recent animated movie released. Nonetheless, here is a re-view of four widely popular animated films from 2015 and 2016.

First is the worst! “The Good Dinosaur,” released in November, follows an Apato-saurus—which is just a fancy name for a gi-ant plant-eating dinosaur—and his human friend. There were many parallels between this film and “The Lion King,” but “The Good Dinosaur” ended up being nothing more than an attempted spin-off that did not quite live up to the Disney classic. As you watch the movie, you follow the story of the Apatosaurus, Arlo, and his human friend as they try to find their way back to Arlo’s farm after his dad is killed during a flood. Hmm… sound a bit familiar?

The only original thing that really stood out, and not in a good way, was in the middle of the movie, when Arlo and his hu-man friend decide to eat some berries. Out of context, that sounds perfectly normal. In context, however, it is easy to interpret what happens next as a drug-induced hysteria.

The screen exploded with vibrant colors and animations of Arlo and his friend as they morphed into new beings. The scene was accompanied with laughter so creepy it is a wonder none of the little kids in the theater started crying. The joke was ma-ture enough to go over the children’s heads while providing a good laugh for the adults forced to sit through the movie with their kids. Despite that, the movie was a bit of a disappointment and did not reach its full potential.

Second is… well, not the best, but still pretty good. “Home” was released this March and is the story of a girl named Gra-tuity Tuchi, nicknamed Tip, who sets out to find her mother after a friendly alien race called the Boov take over Earth. On the way, she meets a fugitive Boov named Oh, and they work together to protect Earth from an evil alien race while still searching for Tip’s mom along the way.

The soundtrack is straight fire. Singer Rihanna voices Tip, which means there are plenty of amazing songs in the movie. The main characters in this movie are a girl of color and her single mother, and it was a nice change of pace to finally watch a movie that is not centered around a white, subur-ban family of four.

Third is the one with the treasure-chest? Maybe not monetary treasure, but the con-cepts promoted in “Zootopia” are worth be-ing treasured mentally. “Zootopia” (which is still in theaters!) follows the story of a bunny named Judy, who dreams of becoming a police officer. Because of her small size, her friends and family do their best to discour-age her from following her dream. When she arrives, the captain of the police department does not believe Judy is capable of anything because she is a bunny, and names her a me-ter maid, a parking meter monitor, in an at-tempt to lessen the value behind her badge. Judy goes on to prove herself to be the most valuable officer at the police department and reinforces the notion that not everyone fits their stereotype.

“Inside Out” was released last June, and just a warning, if you cry easily watching movies, (or even if you do not), you will sob watching this. The movie takes viewers into the mind of a happy preteen named Riley, whose life changes when she moves across the country. As her animated emotions of Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust try to guide her through this life-altering experi-ence, we watch as the primary leader of Ri-ley’s emotions switches from Joy to Sadness.

This movie is amazing. It is about time people began talking about mental health and its effects on the way people deal with difficult situations in their lives. The movie effectively portrays the internal struggles people face, and how coping with differ-ent emotions can be difficult. It emphasizes

the importance of being in touch with one’s emotions to children, and expresses the val-ue of talking to people instead of letting ev-erything build up inside. The movie serves as a positive and creative reminder of how important being aware of mental health is to happiness.

By Julian Brown

By Niki Patel

CALEB BAUMAN

ALEXANDRA MENDIVIL

CALEB BAUMAN

STEREO FEVER Senior Kristian Paulos is all smiles as he listens to his favorite tunes.

BLAIR BLARES Senior Sofnyas Gobena listens to music during lunch in the SAC.

Page 17: May 2016 - Silver Chips Print

Across1. Swiss mountain range5. “____ to differ”9. LaCrosse manufacturer14. “Feel the ___”, 2016

slogan15. Weather agency16. Off-Hollywood � lm17. Bye in Bologna18. Russia in the 2018 World

Cup19. It’s not easy being this20. With 50 across, honesty

principle to live by23. Dance or dip24. “Illmatic” rapper25. Safe28. Breath mint31. Stay clear of32. Somewhat34. Frizzy do, for short36. Silver Spring school40. Squeeze (out)41. Number of cat lives42. Put back to zero43. THC foodstuff46. Dos y dos47. Confucian “way”48. Addict, informally

50. See 20 across56. Gap sealer57. Blue in Bolivia58. Hummus companion59. _____ Island, former im-

migration hub60. Gambling destination61. Light bike rider62. Keibler of “Dancing

with the Stars”63. Biblical garden64. Swine sound

Down1. Basics2. Star Wars princess3. “Eat ____ Love”4. Sledder’s protection5. Get some air6. Galoshes7. Painless class8. Cancun cat9. Fast food classic10. Disorder11. Thought12. Javier’s hundred13. Barbie’s bae21. What Ghana has that

Germany doesn’t

22. Togetherness25. Equal26. Bring to mind27. Shaped like amegaphone28. Wear out29. Pull ____ one (hood-

wink)30. Announcer of old32. French friend33. Stein, Blair alum35. “For here ____ go?37. Not turned up38. Sacha Baron Cohen

fashionista39. Precede44. Slanted type45. English graf� ti artist46. British Sri Lanka48. Rattled49. A single Apple music

store?50. Milkshake ingredient51. Software contract52. Tortoise rival53. Apple assistant54. Lots55. Pull hard56. Vegas tech expo

Life Lessonsby Neal Sarkar

silverchips

D3May 25, 2016 Chips Clips

LINDSAY HARRIS

The Com� est Spot TIFFANY MAO

If Snapchat Filters Were Real

Sudoku

WWW.WEBSUDOKU.COM

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16

17 18 19

20 21 22

23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30

31 32 33 34 35

36 37 38 39

40 41 42

43 44 45 46

47 48 49

50 51 52 53 54 55

56 57 58

59 60 61

62 63 64

Mini

Across1. Like this clue 6. “Rolling in the Deep”

singer 7. Heat in San Juan 8. “The Sound of Music”

family name 9. Proverbial battlers

Down1. Certanties2. Challenge opener 3. Chill 4. Rise over run 5. Testudo and Trimble,

for example

1 2 3 4 5

6

7

8

9

by Neal Sarkar

Advice to Youth MARISSA HE

Page 18: May 2016 - Silver Chips Print

May 25, 2016D4 ADs silverchips

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La Esquina LatinaE1

donde la gente puede observar la fauna exótica. Wayra Cerda, una estudiante de onceavo grado, tiene raíces ecuatorianas y visitó a las islas Galápagos y nunca se olvidó del viaje que se convirtió en una experiencia inolvidable. Wayra dice “el agua es limpia, todo es bonito y la temperatura es perfecta. Se puede hacer lo que

uno quiere cuando se llega a la isla,

como ir en una excursión y ver toda la naturaleza.” Wayra com-para las islas Galápagos con los lugares turísticos en los Estados Unidos, “todo en las islas Galápa-gos es natural comparado con los Estados Unidos donde casi todo es arti� cial. En las islas Galápa-gos, las plantas y la fauna han es-tado allí por mucho tiempo sin ser in� uenciada por la civilización.” Si uno quiere explorar la natu-raleza que no se puede encontrar en ningún otro lugar, ir a las islas Galápagos es la mejor opción que cualquier otro lugar en el mundo. Localizado en el Mar Caribe, la

República Dominicana siempre h a sido un lugar muy po-

pular para vacacionar por lo mucho que tiene

para ofrecer. Uno puede ir a sitios históricos para

aprender sobre los comienzos

de una isla tan bella y diversa. Un destino muy

popular es el mo- nasterio de San Fran-

cisco, que fue construido en 1508 en la ciudad de Santo Do-mingo, la ciudad más antigua del Nuevo Mundo. También se puede visitar La Puerta del Conde, el lugar donde se alzó la bandera por primera vez y se declaró la independencia en 1844. En la Repúbli-ca Domini-cana nunca se puede estar aburrido. Aparte de sus sitios históricos, están los centros turísticos como Punta Cana, donde uno puede hacer actividades como subirse a una tirole-sa, conocido como canopi,

Por Carlos Fuentes y personal montar buggies en la playa, jugar golf o bucear en las aguas claras. Desde sus conciertos en la playa, restaurantes caribeños, lugares históricos y actividades turísti-cas, siempre hay algo que ha-cer en la República Dominicana. Perú, mejor conocido como el antiguo imperio incaico, ofrece a los turistas no solo una experien-

cia inigualable, sino también la oportunidad de presenciar

una de las 7 maravillas del mundo, Machu Picchu.

Este país tiene costa, sierra y selva lo cual lo hace perfecto para poder gozar de cual-quier clase de clima. La ciudad de Cusco, la que una vez fue el corazón del imperio incaico, es visita-da anualmente por cientos de turistas de diferentes par-tes del mundo, los cuales se ven atraí-dos a estos paisajes rurales por lo que algunos llaman “una energía espe-cial.” Machu Picchu,

al igual que los otros templos, son un portal de tiempo los cuales dan una idea de lo que era antes la ci- vilización de los Incas. El festival del Sol y la tierra, conocido como Inti Raymi, ocurre una vez al año el día 24 de junio en el Valle Sagra-do. Este festival es para agradecer-le al dios del Sol, Inti, por el año pasado. Los pobladores de Cusco se reúnen y coordinan un festival lleno de colores, historia y música típica del Perú. Al igual que Cusco, Arequipa, más conocida como la ciudad blanca, ofrece a los turistas una vista del vuelo del cóndor en el Cañón del Colca y a la

Los días van pasando y las va-caciones de verano se aproximan, haciendo que los estudiantes de Blair se preparen para disfrutar el verano. No hay que preocuparse al no tener planes � nalizados para las vacaciones, si uno no tiene nada que hacer este ve-rano, no hay ningún problema. Es probable que con excepción al país natal de uno, la persona común no conoz-ca a la mayoría de los países de Latino-américa. Con todo esto dicho, este verano es el tiempo para que uno salga de la casa, compre un boleto de avión y vaya a pasar sus vacaciones en el país o los países de su elección. Un gran número de los estu- diantes hispanos de Blair tienen raíces salvadoreñas, entonces qué mejor país para empezar que con El Salvador. Este país es conocido por sus playas hermosas y paisaje montañosos. El país está localiza-do en Centroamérica haciéndo-lo un país tropical, en donde se puede gozar de un clima fenome-nal. Su clima hace que El Salvador siempre esté lleno de vida. Los salvadoreños saben ocupar la bio-diversidad y el clima a su favor. Es uno de los países más pequeños en Latinoamérica, pero no hay que dejarse engañar por eso porque es un país con una cultura fascinante y con destinaciones extravagantes. Cindy Vásquez, una estudiante de onceavo grado, vivió en El Salva-dor hasta los 14 años y conoce el país muy bien. Cindy dice, “a mi me gustaba ir de excursión a las montañas al lado de la ciudad de Perquín porque se sentía agra-dable caminar y ver la naturaleza de las montañas.” Dejando a un lado la tecnología y estar dentro del corazón del las montañas es la mejor manera de sentirse conecta-do con la naturaleza al igual que con el país. Si alguien sabe un poco de El Salvador, sabe que la cultura es vibrante y la comi-da es exquisita. Existe un evento donde se puede conocer todo. Vásquez dice, el festi-val Pueblos Vivos es un evento anual donde se puede conocer la cul-tura inmensa del país, la comida, el arte, las artesanías y en reali-dad tener una experien-cia puramente salvadoreña.” Esta feria normalmente sucede al � nal del verano y es totalmente gratis. Entonces si tus padres te pregun-tan dónde quieres ir para las vaca-ciones, ten en mente a El Salvador. Al mirar al otro lado del mun-do, nos encontramos con España. Aunque no es un país latinoame- ricano, todavía es un país hispano-hablante. España tiene una historia de lo más antigua. Al caminar por las calles y ver la arquitectura, uno cuestiona en qué era está viviendo. María Carter, una estudiante de

Vacaciones con destinación a países hispanohablantesEl verano es un tiempo de muchas oportunidades, especialmente para viajar

onceavo grado, va a España todos los veranos para visitar a su fa-milia. A diferencia de El Salvador, María pasa su viaje en las ciudades de España donde hace varias visi-tas turísticas. Ella nos cuenta, “a mi familia y a mí nos gusta ir a la ciu-

dad de Burgos donde vamos de turismo y vamos a

la catedral Burgos porque mi fami-

lia es religiosa.”

P a s a r por las calles antiguas da una lección de historia es más en-tretenido que cualquier clase de historia en Blair. España es muy conocida por la tradición de ir a varias barras y comer tapas. Las tapas son una variedad de comidas pequeñas variando desde pinchos a bocadillos. María también tiene sus tapas preferidas y cuenta, “mis tapas preferidas son las patatas bravas, la tortilla de patata y hue-vo y jamón serrano.” Las barras de tapas son algo que no se puede dejar sin visitar. Por supuesto tam-poco se puede olvidar del fútbol. El fútbol es un elemen-to tan grande de la cultura española que la gente de-

dica tiempo a su equi-po favorito como a sus familias. No importa

si uno es madridista o culé, en España es parte de la vida dia-ria y cualquier fanático de fút-bol se sentirá como en el paraíso. Hablando de paraísos, las islas de Galápagos en Ecuador son lo más cerca a un paraíso de natu-raleza. Las islas Galápagos son bien conocidas por ser el hogar de muchos animales exóticos, los cuales solo se encuentran allí. Las islas Galápagos se componen de 13 islas principales y varias islas más pequeñas, pero la mayoría del turismo se concentra en las islas

ARITRA ROY

LINDSAY HARRIS

arquitectura precolonial. También ofrece la oportunidad de poder observar el Valle de los Volcanes, el cual fue reconocido por el go-bierno del Perú como patrimonio nacional. Otras aventuras como kayaking al igual que escalar mon-tañas y observar a volcanes dormi-dos son unas de las muchas cosas que puedes experimentar en otras partes en Perú. Este país es un des-tino indispensable, siendo reco- nocido en el 2014 como, “el mejor destino culinario del mundo.” Con tantas opciones, puede pare-cer difícil decidirse por un solo país que visitar. Hay que tomar en cuenta las preferencias personales y las aventuras que se quieren vi-vir, ya que no todos los países o- frecen las mismas actividades. Es de importancia tener noción del presupuesto con el que se dispone ya que algunos destinos pueden resultar mucho más costosos. Esto se debe a su popularidad, la distancia y la economía del país en general. Además, también es crucial ir bien preparado, pues muchos países requieren ropa o equipo especial dependiendo del clima y de las actividades que o- frezca. No quieres estar en un país y terminar encerrado en el hotel porque no has traído lo necesario. Finalmente, sobre todas las co-sas, lo más importante es hacer de tu viaje una experiencia inolvi- dable, ya sea que viajes en familia o solo, intenta sumergirte en la cultura del país que visites e inten-ta cosas nuevas y divertidas, para poder tener un buen recuerdo que puedas recordar el resto de tu vida.

silverchips25 de mayo del 2016

LINDSAY HARRIS

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silverchipsE2 25 de mayo del 2016

Por Andrés Pérez

Oportunidades para aprovechar el verano a lo máximoLas vacaciones pueden ser un tiempo para aprender, trabajar o relajarse

Por Ilcia Hernandez

Hispanos re� ejan sobre la solicitación a universidades

LINDSAY HARRIS

conciertos, clases de yoga al aire libre y picnics al aire libre con música en vivo en Silver Spring.

Por otro lado, hay estudiantes que toman la decisión de tomar clases de verano para avanzar con sus créditos. A muchos les parece una mala idea, ya que el verano es visto como un muy anhelado descanso después de un año esco-lar ajetreado, pero muchas veces las clases de verano son una ven-

taja que algunos estudiantes no pueden ignorar. La estudiante gua-temalteca, Madeline Tobar de déci-

mo grado, com-parte sus razones para tomar clases de verano. “Iré a la escuela de vera-no para superarme porque necesito salir adelante en al-gunas clases que no son mi área fuerte.” El verano es una época esencial para los estudiantes, ya que les permite li- berarse de la rutina escolar, tomar un descanso e intentar cosas nuevas. Aby Hernández, una estudiante mexi-cana del noveno grado, describe el verano así, “es el punto en el que ya las responsabili-dades se terminan y nos podemos ale-jar del estrés y los dolores de cabeza. Podemos convivir

con nuestros amigo y si es nece-sario, podemos ayudar a nuestros bolsillos si decidimos trabajar.” El verano también ofrece una versatilidad en el horario de la mayoría, porque les permite entrar en prácticas para obtener expe-riencias en áreas especí� cas. Las prácticas le permiten a los estu-

El momento más esperado de todo el año por muchos estu- diantes ya está muy cerca y muchos ya tienen plani� cado lo que van a hacer con su tiempo en vacaciones. Después de un año escolar es-tresante, la playa, los parques de diversiones y otras actividades al aire libre tienden a ser los primeros puntos en la lista de quehaceres de la mayoría. A pesar de esto, para otros, el verano es una oportuni-dad más para obtener conocimien-to y experiencia para el futuro. Para los estudiantes de la es-cuela superior existe un extenso rango de oportunidades durante el verano. La mayoría de tiendas, especialmente las departamen-tales, contratan a dependientes jóvenes en preparación para una de las temporadas de venta más altas del año. Esto presenta una gran oportunidad para obte- ner experiencia laboral, ya que generalmente, le dan prioridad a los estudiantes que los necesi- ten solo durante esa temporada. La estudiante guatemalteca, Rossy Ramírez de doceavo grado, comparte cómo se prepara para tomar ventaja de esta oportunidad. “Por medio de una amiga conseguí trabajo en una tienda de ropa solo para la temporada de verano. Mis planes son trabajar las horas que pueda para poder ganar dinero y así poder salir con mis amigas y también para ahorrar un poco.” Otros estudiantes toman el ve-

rano como un escape turístico. Jerilyn Sical, una estudiante guate-malteca del décimo grado, ya tiene plani� cada una ruta de lugares que visi-tar, “mi intención es ir a conocer nuevos lugares para conocer más sobre la cultura de este país. Mi sueño es ir a Miami Beach y a Disneylandia.” Las vacaciones no solo son para viajar a conocer lugares distintos, sino para ver a familiares. Je- rilyn dice, “espero poder visitar a mis tías en Tampa y Flo- rida para poder ir con ellas a estos lugares y hacer todo juntas.” Hay que tener en cuenta de que para divertirse no es nece-sario salir del estado, solo se necesita un poco de creatividad y tiempo para en-contrar actividades divertidas. La página web visitmaryland.org tiene un calendario dedicado a eventos categorizados por mes, en el que ofrecen una variedad de actividades que van desde e- xhibiciones de arte hasta carreras de botes. Otra página web down-townsilverspring.com también o- frece un calendario similar, en el que se puede encontrar fechas de

diantes aplicar los conocimientos que han adquirido en la escuela en situaciones de la vida diaria. Esto es muy importante porque ayuda a que los estudiantes em-piecen a descubrir sus intereses y talentos. El Sr. Finch, coordinador de prácticas en Blair, da consejos a los estudiantes sobre cómo en-contrar la oportunidad que más se adapte a sus intereses. “Hay varias maneras en las que los es-tudiantes pueden entrar en prác-ticas. Pueden venir a visitarme al salón 221, hablar con sus amigos, que muchas veces tienen mejores conexiones que yo mismo o que otros maestros, ya que han hecho prácticas anteriormente o simple-mente hablar con sus maestros. Conseguir acceso a prácticas no es difícil, solo es necesario preguntar y lo importante es que le permi- ten a los estudiantes conectarse con personas que les van a ofre-cer oportunidades del mundo real para explorar sus capacidades.” A pesar de lo que cada quien de-cida hacer con su verano, hay que tener en mente que lo más impor-tante es disfrutar lo que se hace. Ya sea que vayas a tomar clases de verano, salir con tus amigos o simplemente quedarte en casa viendo películas, cada actividad tiene sus ventajas y desventajas. Lo principal es que te manten-gas seguro y disfrutes de cada segundo de tu verano a lo máxi-mo ya que el próximo año escolar comenzará antes de lo esperado, que entristeze a todos al pensarlo.

los 4 años. “El proceso de� nitiva-mente valió la pena y estoy muy orgullosa porque voy a ser de la primera generación en mi familia quien va asistir a la universidad.” Daniela Zelaya vino a los Esta-dos Unidos a una temprana edad. Zelaya comenzó formando una

idea de lo que ella quería estudiar con mucho tiempo de anticipación y decidió integrarse a la academia de profesiones de servicios hu-manos. “Debajo de esa academia yo tomé las clases de AP psicología y desarrollo infantil. Me encantó aprender sobre la mente y el com-portamiento humano. En la clase de desarrollo infantil, yo apliqué lo que aprendí en la clase de psi-cología para darle lecciones de aprendizaje a un grupo de niños pequeños.” Después de esta expe-riencia, Zelaya decidió que quería

siempre le ha interesado mucho las clases de ciencia como la biología, química, ciencia am- biental y física. “Todas las clases me gustaron e in� uyeron mi de-cisión de lo que quiero estudiar en la universidad.” El proceso de solicitud universitario tampo-

co no fue fácil para Rosales. Ella cuenta, “yo me dí cuenta cuando mi hermano mayor estaba solici-tando a la universidad pero nunca pensé que fuera tan difícil. Es un proceso largo y hay una cantidad extrema de hojas por llenar.” En-cima de todo eso, Rosales también llenó solicitudes para poder ganar becas. Rosales planea estudiar bioquímica en la universidad pero su decisión � nal no es � ja. Ella fue aceptada a la Universidad de Trinity y va asistir con una beca completa que paga sus estudios

La clase graduanda del 2016 ha terminado su tiempo en Blair y muchos estudiantes van a ingre-sar a la universidad en el otoño. Es un orgullo decir que hay muchos hispanos por graduarse este año, quienes han contribuido mucho a la comunidad de Blair. Marco Salgado, Patri-cia Rosales y Daniela Ze-laya son solo tres estudiantes del doceavo grado quienes tienen un porvenir muy exi-toso. Estas son sus historias. Marco Salgado re� exiona sobre su tiempo en Blair y dice, “Blair tiene mucho apoyo para los Latinos en términos de clubes y organizaciones. La escuela o- freció un gran apoyo para mi.” Desde que Salgado tomó la clase de ciencias ambientales, su deseo de tener una profesión en el campo del conocimiento ambiental y paisajismo engran-deció. Él aprendió mucho en esa clase e in� uyó mucho su decisión y planes para el futuro. Salgado dice, “quiero estudiar arquitectura de paisaje porque me encanta trabajar afuera y poder cuidar del ambiente y tam-bién para poder diseñar y crear espacios al aire libre sostenibles. Al llegar a la universidad, ten-go planes de aumentar mi cono-cimiento en la área del paisajismo.” Al comenzar el proceso de soli- citud a la universidad, él se sintió muy preparado gracias a sus maes-tros y consejera. Él dice, “gracias a la Sra. Bailey, nunca ignoré una fe-cha límite y ella me guió a lo largo del proceso. El proceso de solicitud a la universidad puede ser muy a- gotador porque hay muchas solici-

tudes por llenar e información que proveer. A pesar de todo el arduo trabajo, creo que todo valió la pena al � nal.” Salgado re� eja diciendo, “algo que hubiera hecho diferente antes de comenzar a solicitar a las universidades es conducir mi pro-pia investigación sobre las que me

interesaban. Yo no hice eso y me atrasó un poco cuando comencé el proceso.” Salgado fue otorgado la beca Arthur Dorman del Che- sapeake Bay Trust por $5,000. La beca se trata de la administración, conocimiento ambiental y compro-miso al mejoramiento de la comu-nidad local. Salgado tiene planes de asistir a un colegio comunita- rio por dos años y después trans-ferirse a la Universidad de Flo- rida o la Universidad de Cornell. De todas las clases y cursos que Blair ofrece, a Patricia Rosales

estudiar y recibir una doble licen-ciatura en educación y psicología. Zelaya es la primera en su familia que va ir a la universidad y ella ex-presa que está agradecida por toda la ayuda que recibió del Sr. Medra-no, entrenador de ACES, Achie- ving Collegiate Excellence and

Success, su consejera y las ayudantes en el centro de ca- rreras. Ella dice, “la parte más difícil del proceso de solicitud universitario fueron los ensa- yos. Había tanto que hacer y encima de todo eso, también tenía tarea de la escuela. En varias ocasiones me quedaba despierta toda la noche traba-jando.” Zelaya aconseja que ella “comenzaría escribiendo los ensa- yos durante el vera-no” al comenzar este proceso largo. Zelaya solicitó a todas las becas que pudo, pues por ser una estudiante DACA, sus opciones eran limitadas. “Yo solicité a becas como TheDream.US, La Esperanza scholarship fund y dos becas del Hispanic Scholarship fund. Ella ganó la beca TheDream.US la cual le da solicitud gra-tuita de cuatro años en la Uni-

versidad de Trinity. Ella está muy agradecida por todo el apoyo que la escuela le ha brindado. Zelaya termina diciendo, “es una gran bendición para mi familia y estoy muy emocionada por el futuro.” Los estudiantes del doceavo grado se enfrentaron con muchos obstáculos durante el proceso de solicitud universitario. Con todo el esfuerzo y tiempo que dedicaron, el resultado � nal es muy grati� cante y hace que todo haya valido la pena. ¡Muchas felicidades a la clase del 2016!

GRIFFIN REILLYCORTESÍA DE PATRICIA ROSALES JEDEDIAH GRADY

ESTUDIANTES DEL DOCEAVO GRADO Marco Salgado irá a un colegio comunitario, Patricia Ro-sales irá a la Universidad de Trinity y Daniela Zelaya irá a la Universidad de Trinity. (de izquierda a derecha)

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May 25, 2016E3 ADs silverchips

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May 25, 2016 F1 Sports silverchips

Spring sports teams wrap up their seasons, playoffsBy Dawson Do

Track, lacrosse, baseball, softball, and tennis end with strong postseason runs

BLAZER FIELD, MAY 20- On Friday May 20th, Blair softball beat the Clarksburg Coyotes 3-0 to advance to their second play-off semifinal in three years.

Softball head coach Louis Hoelman said that Blair played one of their best games of the season in the win. “It’s the most confi-dent we’ve been in a big game. I think they wanted the game so badly, but it didn’t freak them out,” Hoelman said. “They just put their best game together at the right time. That was by far our best game mentally and physically.”

Pitching dominated the game early, as both teams were held scoreless through three innings until Blair was able to move a baserunner around and take a 1-0 lead entering the fourth inning. The game con-tinued to go along quickly, with the Blazers failing to generate offense and senior pitcher Karylena Cruz shutting down the Coyote’s bats as well.

Then, in the bottom of the sixth inning, senior Anna Reachmack hit a single up the middle to bring Cruz up to the plate, who hit a two run home run to give the Blazers a 3-0 lead, and effectively put the game out of reach for the Coyotes.

Junior shortstop Isabel Lott attributes the team’s win to the unprecedented emotion they carried throughout the game. “Lots of times, we lose intensity towards the middle, and we’re not cheering as loud, and we’re not talking as much in the field, but we were so on top of it.” Lott said, “We wanted this game so badly, and I think that’s really the only difference. We wanted it.”

Cruz, who pitched a game shut-out, said

that training with her teammates helped her prepare for this moment, “We all do a whole bunch of mental training and that’s definite-ly helped a lot, and then just bonding on and off the field together.” Cruz said, “We spend all our time together and it’s kind of weird,

but whatever we do, we’re all together. It’s really nice and I think that helps a lot.”

Last year, the Blazers lost by one run in the regional final to the Northwest Jaguars, and Hoelman says that being in the same position again this year helped Cruz pitch

so well. “I think that last year we lost by one run

in the regional final.” Hoelman said, “I think she’s wanted it so badly this year that she came out and she just put any emotions, any nerves behind her, and just played her tail off. She just did a great job.”

Although they won, Lott believes that they can always improve their performance, especially on the offensive side of the game. “I think we’ve got to start focusing more on our pitch. Lots of times we get a little nervous on plate and we start swinging at things that are too high, or things that are too low, or outside.” Lott said, “I think re-ally what’s coming up is good pitchers, who know how to hit their spots. We’ve got to get a little better at hitting and staying confident at the plate.”

Moving forward, Hoelman believes that if the players keep playing like they did against Clarksburg, then they will have no problem winning a state championship, “If we win two more games, we’re state cham-pions.” Hoelman said, “We’ll take it one game at a time. I think if we go in with the same mental approach that we had tonight, then we’ll be fine.”

The players hold the same sentiment, and are looking forward to winning a state championship, “We’re definitely looking forward to kicking butt in the next couple games and winning states!” Cruz said.

Softball’s next game is Tuesday, May 24 at 7 p.m. at Bachman Park in Glen Burnie, Maryland. They will face Chopticon for a trip to the state championship game. If they advance, they will compete for a state cham-pionship on May 27 or 28 against either Sherwood or Eleanor Roosevelt.

Softball cruises past Clarksburg to advance to state semifinals

By Christian Mussenden

SAMANTHA MALLON

PICTURE-PERFECT The 2016 varsity softball team poses with their coach-es for a picture after winning the 4A west regional championship on Fri-day. The team will play against Chopticon in the state semifinals on May 24.

In this year’s playoffs, the varsity boys’ volleyball team started off with a win against Magruder three sets to one. After moving on to the next round, Blair fell to Sherwood three sets to zero on May 10 at Sherwood in the quarterfinals.Season Record: 8-5Key Players: Albert Wang, Eric Chen, Stephan Loh

The varsity baseball team faced B-CC in the sectional finals on May 18. The game ended with a score of 7-2, stopping the team’s playoff run. This year, the team de-feated Richard Montgomery in the first round and Whitman in the sectional semi-finals.Season Record: 11-7Key Players: Ryan Bratton, Robert Pfefferle, Ra-phael Kanner, Ian Donaldson

Two of Blair’s Tennis doubles teams, con-sisting of junior Eshan Tewari, sophomore Richard Gancayo, and freshmen Haydn Gwyn and Tyler Huang, advanced to the semifinals. Junior Marc Zolotarev made it to the singles quarterfinals. Season record: 7-4Key players: Marc Zolotarev, Eshan Tewari, Richard Gancayo, Desmond Colby

On May 16, the varsity boys’ lacrosse team matched up against Magruder in the sectional championships. The team ulti-mately fell to the Colonels 8-4.

Although Blair started on the offensive early in the game, Magruder brought the ball back to Blair’s goal and quickly scored. Junior Paul Moser was then able to gain a quick steal and score. He tied the game 1-1. After Blair found another opening, fresh-man Garrett Anderson struck quickly with a shot to the corner of the goal giving Blair the lead at 2-1.

In the second quarter, Magruder scored twice but Blair was able to quickly counter with goals by juniors Paul Moser and Sean Tan.

Another exchange of goals occurred in the third quarter including a goal by senior Matthew Guerrera, but, in the fourth quar-ter, Blair could not stop Magruder’s offense as their opponents found five additional goals by the end of the game. Blair’s playoff run had ended in their third game.Season Record: 5-7Key Players: Matthew Guerrera, Joshua Agu, Sean Tan

On May 17, the varsity girls’ lacrosse team faced off against Magruder in the sectional semi- finals. Magruder outscored Blair 16-13 at Blair Stadium, ending the team’s playoffs. Blair had previously de-feated Wheaton in the first round on May 13.Season Record: 7-5Key Players: Nicole Spiezio, Emma Soler, Mad-eleine Boyer, Schuyler Cross

GRIFFIN REILLY

The boys’ team placed second overall in the 4A West regional and the girls’ team placed sixth. Junior Thierry Siewe Yanga won the regional championship for the 800m The boys’ 4x800m relay team con-sisting of senior Ben Geertsma, senior Alex Mangiafico, junior Dominic Massimino, and Yanga, also won the regional champi-onship. Sophomore Morgan Casey quali-fied for states in the 800m. The girls’ 4x800m relay, consisting of Casey, senior Audrey Krimm, senior Regina Gretschel, and senior Susanna Maisto placed fifth in the region to qualify for states.

The boys’ 4x100m relay, consisting of junior Christopher Butler, junior Ponce DeLeon, junior Clifford Carter, and junior Eric Zokouri, placed second in the region and also qualified for states. Boys’ 4x200m, consisting of Butler, DeLeon, Gresser, and Carter, also qualified for states. The 4x400m boys’ team, made up of senior Thien Cao, senior Evan Gresser, Mangiafico, and Yanga, placed second. The girls’ 4x400m, consist-ing of freshman Alexis Stewardson, Maisto, Gretschel, and senior Grace Olawuni, placed third overall and qualified for states. Fresh-man Deeya Garg qualified for states with a new pole vault personal record. Maisto beat her personal record and placed third in the 400m dash. Olawuni placed second in the 100m dash to qualify for states. Cao placed third in the 300m hurdles and qualified for states.Key Athletes: Thierry Siewe Yanga, Ben Geerts-ma, Alex Mangiafico, Susanna Maisto

GRIFFIN REILLY GRIFFIN REILLY GRIFFIN REILLY

COURTESY OF MARCI MARTIN GRIFFIN REILLY

VIMEO.COM/167757021

This story is accompanied by highlights of a game. To see the video, scan the code to the left with a QR reader app, or use the URL below.

Timely hitting and dominant pitching keep team’s playoff hopes alive

Page 23: May 2016 - Silver Chips Print

May 25, 2016 silverchips Sports F2

By Brianna Forté

Long races bring joy, pain, and accomplishment to runnersMarathoners push their mind and body to the limit

“I‘m just going to walk,” says senior Audrey Krimm as she starts to feel hopeless. But as mile mark-er 12 comes into view Krimm and her friends make a mad dash for the last mile to the � nish line. With throbbing legs and pounding hearts, they � nish the race to com-plete their � rst half marathon.

Krimm and her friends are not the only Blazers who live for the challenge of running marathons. Other dedicated students and teachers train for months for the big race that tests their endurance and determination.

Source of inspiration

What is one person’s hell is an-other person’s heaven. Some stu-dents at Blair dream of running marathons, including Krimm, who participated in a half marathon last year and is working her way up to a full one. “It was mostly like a bucket list kinda thing,” she ex-plains.

Krimm encouraged four of her cross country teammates, sopho-more Morgan Casey, senior Susan-na Maisto, junior Lara Shonkwiler, and sophomore Isabel Present, to join her in the half marathon. “My friend Audrey had been talking about it during the cross country season and was like, ‘We should to-tally do this,’ and I was like, ‘Awe-some!’ It sounded really cool and it’s de� nitely a goal of mine to run a full marathon,” Casey says.

The � ve cross country runners decided to run the half marathon as part of the 2015 Annapolis Run-ning Classic in November, right after their cross country season ended. “It was right after Region-als and we were like, ‘No, we are not done with our cross country season. We’re not done running like 6,000 miles all day every day!” Casey recalls.

Another member of the cross country team, senior Anna Ou, de-cided to run a full marathon during her freshman year to challenge her-self as a new runner. During eighth grade, Ou started looking at rac-es in the D.C. area and signed up for the Marine Corps Marathon. “During the spring of eighth grade I was like, ‘Oh you know I could probably build up to that’ because [the race] was like eight months lat-er,” Ou says.

Math teacher Jack Giles decid-ed to sign up for half marathons to introduce a � tness routine into his life. While he originally started running to stay healthy, it has be-

SAY CHEESE Senior Anna Ou and her mother take a picture after a run.

come a major part of his life over the years. “[If] I haven’t run that day I just have to get outside and do it. That’s kind of a good thing. It [has] just become like a part of my life,” Giles says.

Practice makes progress

For most of the runners, a lot of training went into preparing for the big day. The general training regimen for marathons requires runners to steadily increase the mileage of runs until they eventu-ally reach the distance of the race. “For average runners you’d try to build up your workout load and go from four miles, to six miles, and gradually build up to thirteen or twenty six miles,” Krimm explains.

Krimm and her crew trained by completing their cross country and track workouts, which Krimm and Casey supplemented with ad-ditional Saturday afternoon runs. “We would go on these long runs together and that was like a big con� dence booster and also it got the training done,” Krimm says. “We pretty much just continued keeping the mentality of cross country [and] kept getting the mileage up,” Casey adds.

Ou also describes her training casually. “During the summer I ran a little bit, but I was also kind of injured during the summer so I didn’t run as much as I wanted. I just did cross country and then I added a few extra-long runs,” Ou says.

Because Ou ran on her own, she had to � nd other ways to stay moti-vated, including Chipotle. “Some-times I like to run to places like the Rockville Shopping Center, which is about 8 to 10 miles from my house,” she says. “I would just run over there and get Chipotle, which makes it worth it.”

Before the marathon, all the runners made sure to maintain a healthy diet and get lots of sleep. “The night before we carb loaded and ate a bunch of pasta which was good, and I tried to drink a lot of water to stay hydrated,” Krimm says.

The big day

Once the big day arrives and the race begins, excitement kicks in and gives the runners a major boost. “We started off at a decent pace and we just kind of kept pick-ing it up and picking it up as we got more � lled with adrenaline,” Casey says.

However, Krimm says that her energy began to dwindle halfway

COURTESY OF AUDREY KRIMM

FLEXIN’ Members of the cross country team show off their medals after completing their � rst half marathon in November.

COURTESY OF ANNA OU

through the race. “Physically, when I got to around 8 miles in, I was like okay, I feel fantastic, my body’s in the zone. When I got to around 12 miles in, I was breaking down [and] I was like ‘I can’t do this,’” she recalls.

Ou started out the race strong and coasted along the � rst half. “For the middle between like miles 12 and 20-ish it was just really bad,” she says, grimacing. “And then towards the end you’re like, ‘Oh my gosh there’s only 4 miles left!’ and I got really excited and I just felt really good.”

For Giles, the half marathons he has run were no big deal be-cause they were no different from the distances he usually runs. The problem for him is the pace he sets at the beginning of his races. “Usually I run… too fast at the be-ginning at a pace that I can’t keep up... It’s more like nervous energy,” explains Giles.

Once the adrenaline and excite-ment fades, the runners are in for a long and testing period of running. The pain after a marathon race is unavoidable. Sore legs, dehydra-tion, and overall exhaustion are

just a few symptoms these Blaz-ers describe. As soon as Casey got back from her half marathon she went straight to sleep. “I de� nitely took a nap despite the fact that I got back at like 1:00 in the afternoon. I was just like yeah I’m done for the rest of the week,” Casey says.

Ou was also exhausted after her marathon, and was thankful that she could rest during the three-day weekend after the race. “We didn’t have school for three days after [the race], so that was good be-cause I could not walk up or down stairs,” she jokes.

The real reward

Crossing the � nish line at the end of the race is the physical re-ward, but runners also gain mental rewards as well. After � nishing her � rst half marathon, Casey was left with a feeling of strong satisfaction and accomplishment. “Mentally, I felt really great and just super proud of myself and all of us for being able to do that,” Casey says with a smile.

For Krimm, marathons are ap-pealing because they test people’s resilience and strength. “It can prove a feat of human ability. I just really like the idea of pushing your body,” she explains.

Ou learned a lot about herself through her marathon training, as well as during her race, and be-lieves that it impacted her as a per-son. “I feel like it’s a really personal experience, not even just the event itself but the training for it…” she says. “At the end of the day you realize that you can do more than you think you can.”

At this point, anybody who watches the entirety of the NBA playoffs can be considered a mar-athon athlete. The National Bas-ketball Association (NBA) playoffs this year started on April 16. By the time this article is published, the date will be May 25 and the NBA playoffs will not even be three quarters of the way � nished. The NBA is one of the most popular and pro� table leagues in all of pro-fessional sports, but the league’s handling of the playoffs is too drawn out and lessens the appeal of the sport. The most glaring problem is the amount of teams allowed to partic-ipate. The NBA’s playoff system, which allows 16 out of 30 teams in the league to play in the postsea-son, allows an excessive amount of teams to participate. The majority of these teams have no chance con-tending for an NBA championship. If you do not agree with me, then consider this. Since the NBA expanded its playoffs to a best of seven series format in 2003, only once has a team with a seed lower than a four reached its conference’s � nals, and only twice has an eight seed beat a one seed, and both times those eight seeds lost in the following round. This is not neces-sarily a problem for the National Hockey Association (NHL) which

also employs a 16 team playoff format and is generally viewed as having one of the best playoff at-mospheres in the world of profes-sional sports. The reason this sys-tem works for hockey, but not for the NBA, is that the NHL does not have the talent disparity between teams that the NBA has. Unlike any other league, the NBA has an interesting compet-itive culture where team success heavily relies on the performance of star players. The best teams in the league are those that have the best players—most teams cannot even come close to the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers simply because they do not have a Stephen Curry or a LeBron James. This has created a league which is at its best when these superstars face each other with a championship on the line. With the current playoff format, the NBA unnecessarily elongates the amount of time their fans have to wait for these matchups. This may not seem like a problem, an extra round of playoff basketball should not hurt the league’s pop-ularity. However, by doing this the NBA is putting their star players at risk of injury by forcing them to play extra games at playoff-inten-sity against mediocre teams. This has already happened this year, when the Los Angeles Clip-pers lost both their star players,

Chris Paul and Blake Grif� n, to injury during a � rst round game against a porous Portland Trail Blazers team. Not only did this end Grif� n and Paul’s years, it ended the rest of the Clipper’s year, who after winning the � rst two games with Paul and Grif� n, lost the remaining four games without them and were then eliminated from the playoffs. Yes, injuries are a part of the game and they are impossible to predict, but injuries in the � rst round rob fans of seeing their fa-vorite players face off against oth-er top teams in the playoffs. This has unfortunately become a part of the NBA playoff experience, but this can easily be avoided with the elimination of the � rst round. The NBA is one of the most entertaining leagues in profes-sional sports due to its fast action of play and collection of talent unparalleled by any other sport. However, the league will never be able to transcend its current popularity unless it moves to an eight team playoff format.

Time does not help the appeal of NBA PlayoffsBy Christian Mussenden

“Christian’s Corner” is a new monthly column where staff writer Christian Mussenden expresses his opinion on

current events in the world of sports.

Page 24: May 2016 - Silver Chips Print

May 25, 2016F3 Sports silverchips

By Cole Sebastian and Aditi Shetty

Halfway thereThe community of street vendors that thrives off Nationals Park

“Ice cold water! Two dollars, two dollars! Water, water, water!”

It is six o’clock on a Tuesday night and Half Street, the short block leading up to Na-tionals Park, buzzes with activity. Music is pumping as fans flow from the Navy Yard Station at one end to the large blue gates at the other. They pass by arches labeled “Fairgrounds,” where daunting bouncers dressed in orange tie wristbands onto those who choose to enter the Nats’ largest pre-game party. Little kids in oversized jerseys yank on their parents’ hands, pulling them towards the excitement of a spring baseball game. Beside this entire huzzah, from the sidewalk come the shouts, “Two dollar wa-ter! Iiiiice cold!”

The loudest exclamations come from one particular vendor, a slim man in jeans and a baggy Nats t-shirt, who says his name “is the same as the color of [his] skin.” Black, who has worked on Half Street for two years, says that he loves the excitement of vending at Nationals Park. “You go to other sporting events, they don’t have things like this,” he says. “People go to a sporting event and just go inside a building. Where’s the excitement at?”

At every home game, Black is just one of several vendors on Half Street who peddle their goods, from sunglasses and sweatshirts to peanuts and pretzels. Their carts line the block, stretching from the Metro exit to the center field gates of Nationals Park. Many of them are immigrants from the Middle East who talk to each other in Arabic, while oth-ers are D.C. natives.

The vendors’ livelihoods depend on the 26,000 some people who walk through the Nationals’ gates every gameday. The ven-dors must fight for the attention of each member of the thick stream of fans that pours into the street. However, their job ex-tends beyond the pregame excitement. For Half Street vendors, the Nationals game be-gins hours before the first pitch, when they begin to set up their stands.

3:30 p.m.

With almost four hours to game time, most of the vendor stands are already ready for business. A middle-aged woman named Kamale, who asked to be referred to only by her first name, sits in a folding chair behind piles of t-shirts and hats. As she peddles her goods to potential buyers, she laments the difficulties of life as a vendor. “We have to fight every single day,” she says.

Kamale thinks that many government officials try to shut down street vending in D.C. but ignore the real crimes. “[The gov-ernment officials] like drugs, they like pros-titution, they like all the corruption in down-town, except for people working honestly to make a living,” she says. Kamale, who has

been a street vendor for 25 years, says that she enjoys the freedom that comes with the job, but at the same time, she has to rely on herself.

Twenty feet up the road from Kamale is Brigitta Nyahn, a Blair alumna who runs a merchandise stand with her husband. Nyahn says that she has a strong friendship with Kamale and other merchandise ven-dors despite being in direct competition. “We all know each other,” Nyahn says. “We might be selling the same things but… we all work together.”

A little further down the street is a wall that reads, “Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good too.” To the left of the mural sits a cart owned by Aminata Phillips. She describes a sim-ilarly friendly envi-ronment among the food vendors. “I’m not so competitive,” she says. “I just come, work. What-ever is for me is for me. I’m not some-body who likes to compete.”

4:08 p.m.

A few minutes after four, a young Egyptian man with a beard and a twin-kle in his eye yanks cold water bottles from their packag-ing and tosses them into a cooler outside a small food stand. Ahmed Nabyl immi-grated to the United States two years ago and has been work-ing on Half Street for a year to save up for international law school.

Trained as a law-yer back home in Egypt, Nabyl finds that his career op-tions are limited in the U.S. “It’s not my choice… It’s not the job I want but it’s what’s available right now,” he says. Although he works here because he needs the money, Nabyl still enjoys vending. “You should love what you do until you get what you need,” he says with a grin.

Other vendors are also working to get themselves through school, like Samira who asked to be referred to only by her first name. She owns the cart manned by Black,

and will graduate from Montgomery Col-lege in the spring. Afterwards, she plans to attend a four-year university to study eco-nomics. Samira says that after graduating, she will “definitely not” keep working as a vendor.

Others, like Phillips, who has been work-ing as a street vendor since 1986, set up shop on Half Street because vending is the only thing they know. “I don’t have a choice. I don’t really like the job, but I have to work,” she says. “I don’t make enough money. I should be retired by now.”

Kamale and Nyahn both work as nurses outside of their jobs on Half Street. Nyahn says that her husband also has a full-time job, but they enjoy vending Nats gear in

their free time and the extra money it brings.

5:10 p.m.

By now, a few fans have begun fil-tering into the sta-dium. As they pass through the turn-stiles at the Center Field Gate, they pick up free Ted-dy Roosevelt dolls, that day’s giveaway item.

Meanwhile on Half Street, a scalper dressed in black has started illicitly ad-vertising his tickets to those fans who have not yet man-aged to get them. He says that he has been working in the scalping business for several years, and has seen the area around Half Street change a lot since the Nationals arrived in 2008, “in a good way.”

As the scalp-ers work to attract game-goers who exit from the Metro station, Black stands outside Samira’s cart just across the way, peddling his peanuts and water.

Black used to work in the VIP section of the Nationals’ old stadium, Robert F. Kenne-dy Memorial, when the team first came to D.C., but he loves vending at Half Street. He is also an avid Nationals fan. As for his most-loved Nationals player, he does not play fa-vorites. “I ain’t favoring no one. All of them, I love every last one of them,” he gleefully

explains. Black, like many of the other ven-dors, has another job outside of Half Street. “After I leave baseball, you’ll see me in the Macy’s in D.C. in the women’s shoes depart-ment,” he chuckles. “These are actually my two careers. [But] I really love this job.”

5:57 p.m.

As the crowd of fans grows, a stocky man wearing an oversized Oakland Raiders jer-sey rolls a suitcase into the middle of the road. He spreads out a tarp and begins lay-ing out Nationals caps to sell to fans.

People like this man, who sell merchan-dise without an official license, are the most threatening source of competition for the established merchandise vendors, accord-ing to Nyahn, the Blair alumna. “We have a license to do this, we pay for this, we pay our taxes every year to do this. You’ll see the people on that street selling hats. It’s not right,” says Nyahn.

Nyahn also identifies a major problem on Half Street that affects merchandise and food vendors alike: stealing. Phillips, the vendor who has been in the business since 1986, says that stealing is something that she deals with on a day-to-day basis. “A lot of times I just cry or call the police,” she says.

Nabyl, the aspiring lawyer, has experi-enced this challenge firsthand. A twelve-year-old boy once stole a bag of chips from the cart, forcing Nabyl to chase after him. Yet Nabyl sympathizes with those who do not have money to buy food. “If you don’t have money and you want to take anything, you can take it, just tell me,” he says. “I will give it to you free, but don’t just take it. It’s not fair.”

6:22 p.m.

Three flags on the top of a building at one end of Half Street whip back and forth in the strong wind: the U.S. flag, the D.C. flag, and the Nationals flag. The fans are streaming in steadily now from the Metro and nearby parking lots, and the Half Street festivities are in full swing. The music is loud, the ven-dors are yelling, and the fans are already be-ginning to have a good time.

The people, the commotion, and the ex-citement is what all the vendors love most about their jobs. Samira, who begrudgingly works a cart to get through college, says that this time before the game is the only enjoy-able part of vending. “It’s just fun. Meeting so many people, the energy. The people out here are funny... It’s just fun,” she says.

Nabyl loves interacting with all the cus-tomers. “Every day I meet a lot of people from different cities and different countries,” he says. “For me it’s fun. I love it.”

Phillips would like to retire soon, but until then, there are parts about her job that she loves. “I get to meet a lot of people ev-ery day. Make friends,” she says. “I work for myself. That’s all the good in my life.”

Photos by Chaminda Hangilipola

TWO DOLLAR WATER! Vendor Ahmed Nabyl sells water and snacks from a street cart to save up for law school.

NATIONALS KNICK-KNACKS The vendor stands lining Half Street near Nationals Park in Southeast D.C. offer a variety of goods, from hats to Hampton Farms peanuts.

Page 25: May 2016 - Silver Chips Print

insidechirps

OP/ED 2NEWS 1 BIRD WATCHING GUIDE 8SENIOR WILLS 3 & 7 SENIOR DESTINATIONS 4-6

silverchirps May 25, 2016

Winner of the 2016 Columbia Scholastic Penguin Award

Montgomery Bird High SchoolSILVER SPRING, MARYLAND

A public forum for avian expression since 1937

Birds � y high G1

Prom on the cheepEleanor Hawkis gives advice to budgeting birdies.

Stork marketEconomics club is ‘winging it’ when it comes to Wall Street strategy.

Not-so-bald eaglesNot only are students taking advantage of the new hat policy, local birds are too!

ROBIN REDBREAST COURTESY OF MR. BIRD HIMSELFBEBE BRINGER

VOL 3.14 NO 2

LARRY BYRD

B1 C2 G3

Blue’s JStudent Blue Jack-man says he was wrongly suspended for ‘rolling a J.’

A2HIPPOGRIFF REILLY

FOWL PLAY Senior Anna O’Drisgull scores 0.5 points for spotting a predatory bird and a � ock of � amingos.

AMANDA WESSOWL

JEREMY STELZNER MEMO-RIAL AVIARY, May 11—In a match that came down to the � nal bird, the Blair birdwatching team (6-1) was defeated by a very strong Bethesda Chirpy-Chase team (7-0).

The Blazers got off to a strong start after senior captain Cardi Nal spotted a rare hummingbird, earn-ing the home team two points. He followed up this feat by pointing out a small pigeon � ying across the sky, adding another point to their lead. “As captain, I knew I had to bring my A-game, especially in a game like this,” said Nal.

Varsity birdwatching loses to B-CCAccording to Blair coach Jerry

Bird, “Our defense was the reason for the strong start, they were able to swallow their pride and play a good game. A few unlucky [bird] calls from the of� cials clipped our wings. We have to work on ex-ecution tomorrow after watching game � lm.” In his ten-year coach-ing career at Blair, he has brought home three consecutive champion-chirps.

All Star exchange student Ki Wi added that the fans played a huge part in the game. “We had a packed crowd, we had to open up a spare row to make room for the families of the players,” said Wi. The faith-

ful Blair Blazers have sold out the Aviary every game this season.

In the upcoming weeks, Blair will � nish out the season against a strong Tweeton team (6-2) and the mediocre Demacaw � ock (3-3). Blair is expected to have a great bird seed going into the Maryland playoffs. Blair’s leading scorer, F. L. Amingo, explained that he ex-pects a long playoff run this year because of the way they can score early. “You know what they say. The early birdwatcher gets the worm.”

By Joe2

Birds fail PARCC testingAccording to data released by

the MCPS Of� ce of Shared Ac-countability (OSA), 100 percent of Blair’s bird population failed the PARCC assessments. In a memo sent on May 12, OSA researchers identi� ed the avian population’s signi� cant barriers to passing, in-cluding dif� culties using Chrome-books and high absence rates dur-ing the winter months.

Some educational advocates allege that Blair has not properly prepared birds for standardized testing. “There really needs to be better understanding of the test

layout,” Ima Byrd, president of the Bird Educational Advocacy Koali-tion, said. “You can’t expect any segment of the school to do well when they’re just winging it.”

In an interview conducted on the track, sophomore Byrd Brian, a goose, said the 126-minute testing blocks were far too long. “It’s too much to expect us to focus for over two hours,” Brian said.

Despite the failing scores, all Montgomery County birds will graduate with honors and 4.0 grade point averages, thanks to the new grading policy adopted by Interim Superintendent Canary Bowers.

By Eleanor Hawkis

see SPORTZ page F2

Spike in avian-on-feline crime reportedLocal residents start “bird-bell” campaign

#FeelTheBerd

EAGLE-ITARIAN Presidential candidate Berdie Sanders visited Blair on May 20 to make a speech. “We have to break up the big beaks,” he said.

CAMILLE PURRSCH

All throughout the DMV area, a new scourge is stalking our streets--murderous birds. Birds have been responsible for a 500-fold increase in murder of cats over the past year, DC Mayor Mewriel Meowser announced Monday.

Other urban areas have been experiencing similar rises in feline homicide this year, in what experts say may be an alarming new trend.

In the wake of this announce-ment, community organiza-tions such as Cat Lovers Against Winged Species (CLAWS) and the Bird Superpredator Society (BS) banded together to announce a

new initiative to � ght the � ocks of killer birds.

“People think birds are cute, but they kill cats and spread nasty diseases like bird � u,” said Silver Spring resident Miao Miao.

DC Councilmember Phil Cat-man agreed. “Birds are nasty kill-ing machines,” he said. “The least bird-lovers--if such people exist--can do is bell their birds. And the murderous ones? Let’s give ‘em the death penalty.”

Catman is not the only one call-ing for harsh measures to deter bird crime. Some residents believe that “tough on crime” stances are the only way to forestall what could become a massive avian ter-

By Camille Purrsch rorist community. “They’ve already started ex-

perimenting with biological weap-ons,” said Defense Secretary Ash-ton B. Catter at a news conference Tuesday. “I’m sure many of you-have been the victims of a � y-by bird dropping bombing. We need to nip this in the bird--uh, bud.”

Crime policy experts at the Cat-to Institute told Silver Chirps that, if unaddressed, bird terrorism will only increase. “In a few years, we could have a real Hitchcock situ-ation on our hands,” said Michael D. Tailwagger. “Once they’re � n-ished with our cats, they’re com-ing for us.”

Geese prepare track for meet

As the track team gets ready for the most important meet of the season, they forgot one part of getting ready: cleaning all of the goose poop off the track! The � rst heat is up, and already the stench of geese feces overwhelms the ath-letes. A runner from B-CC faints before even stepping foot on the track. For the brave ones who were able to get past the � rst whiff, the hard part was yet to come: navi-gating the maze of poop mounds that clutter the track. Senior cap-

tain and track star Susanna Moasto can attest to the dangers of doing so. “Once I was sprinting to the � nish line ahead of my competi-tion when all of a sudden my legs slipped out from under me and I face planted in a pile of poo,” re-membered Maisto.

There is so much poop that the track team has created a new event unique to Blair: the poop hurdles. Maisto has been training hard for this event in the hopes that she will catch the attention of some col-

By Camille Cockatoo and Luisa Lovebird

BATHROOM BREAK Geese do their dudy for the track.

see EVERYBIRDY POOPS page F2

CHIRPY SONAM

HOW TO POOP ON CARS 7.5

Page 26: May 2016 - Silver Chips Print

The question is often asked, should the birds of Montgomery Blair be granted the freedom to � utter across University Bou-levard and engage in an open lunch. I am here to tell you that the answer is absolutely not. The risks are just far too high for us to make such a brash decision regarding the future of our birds.

First of all, the birds simply are not responsible enough to make it across the dangerous University crossing without getting plastered on a windshield. These teenage birds have some sort of invincibil-ity complex where they feel like nothing in the world can touch them. The unfortunate truth is that birds do not look both ways, and before you know it, one of our bird students has become road kill.

In addition, the business owners of Four Corners are adamantly against � ocks of birds frequenting their shops. “It makes it dif� cult for me to enjoy my lunch because there are lots of teenage birds � ying around the store screaming bird obscenities,” said local resident Elmer Fudd.

Now when an entire � ock of birds has Chipotle for lunch, there are certain wastes that form and are then dropped back on campus in the form of aerial attacks. “Just last week some delinquent birds came back from lunch shouting ‘Airstrike!’ and repeatedly attacking me from above,” said sophomore Jimmy Neutron.

We can not allow this issue to become more widespread. Our building services workers already have a very dif� cult job cleaning up after 3,000 bird students so we should be making their jobs easier, not harder.

Now you may ask: How bad can open lunch for birds really be? I mean they’re just getting lunch right? Wrong. There is

a much more serious side effect of grant-ing bird students the permission to simply leave campus during lunch. That’s right--I’m talking about birds on drugs.

For every good bird who will simply go eat their lunch and then come back to school, there is one who is not so good. These birds � y off to discrete locations in order to engage in bird drugs before return-ing back to class. This means that the num-ber of bird students guilty of FUI or Flying Under the In� uence increases signi� cantly.

Even worse, this gives birds the oppor-tunity to leave and not come back to school without anyone realizing. If the bird open lunch policy is put into effect, then seventh and eighth period attendance will decrease signi� cantly.

These birds are still in their arrogant teenage years and are not to be trusted, so I beg you, cage the birds.

“A free bird leaps on the back of the wind and � oats downstream till the current ends and dips his wing in the orange sun rays and dares to claim the sky.” These words from legendary poet Maya Angelou encapsulate what it means to be a bird, what it means to be free. Being a bird means you have the unalienable right to � y where you want, the right to ‘dip your wings into the orange sun rays,’ but with a closed lunch policy, Montgomery Blair High School is forcing these free birds into a cage.

The birds of Blair High School deserve the right to open lunch for an abundance of reasons, the most pressing of which is the quality of food in the lunchrooms. “I never see birds in the SAC anyway,” you might say. Well why do you think that is? The food quality, in both nutrition and taste, is just way too far below what birds need from their school. An open lunch would allow birds to get high quality food that’s good for them, from local establishments like McDonald’s and Papa John’s.

The major reason opponents to an open lunch use against the policy is that the poli-cy is just providing an opportunity for mis-chief. They assert that the policy prevents absences in the afternoon periods, prevents drug use, and maintains order at school. They won’t say it aloud, but the message they are really saying with this argument is clear: Blair’s policies are discriminatory against birds.

Opponents to an open lunch also claim that the policy ‘protects’ the students, because it makes sure they don’t get hurt as pedestrians when crossing the street. But this claim is an insult to bird intelligence. According to Mother Jones, there are ap-proximately 20 billion birds in the US. And according to USA Today, only 340 million

May 25, 2016

voicebox“I person-ally believe that, in my opinion, I just think.”

Mallard MoayeriSuper senior

silverchirps

COURTESY OF TOUCAN SAM

Toucan Sam

were killed by cars. That’s a kill percentage of just 1.7%, which for a Blair population of approximately 3,000, that’s just 51 birds killed every year. A small price to pay for the ability to go to Subway at lunch.

The closed lunch policy is just too much for today’s birds. The cafeterias are � lled to the brim, the food is bad, the policies are discriminatory against birds. This is a life that birds just cannot live. The birds at Blair are not free, they’re caged.

“The caged bird sings with a fearful trill of things unknown but longed for still and his tune is heard on the distant hill for the caged bird sings of freedom.”

2 Opinions

“My street >>>>>>> University OR Coles-ville.”

Big ByrdJunior

Notorious DOGSophomore

“I go here, I swear.”

“Please don’t put me in the paper.”

Mr. Stork-ner?????

“Yes, it’s fun to hang out at Chirpotle or Sub-(Alpine Warbler)-way.”

Pick E.Freshman

Teaguey BirdCHIRPY SONAM

Should birds have open lunch?

Two feathered creatures give their opinions on this

controversial issue

NO:YES:Safety � rst. Keep

the birds in.Let the birds

out of their cage.

SHIVANI MATTIKALLI AND VICTORIA TSAI

Reading Mean TweetsHere is an unrelated video by Miles Albatroyce in the style of the Jimmy Kim-mel’s segment. To see the video, scan the code to the left with a QR reader app, or use the URL below.

VIMEO.COM/SILVERCHIPS/MEANTWEETS

Page 27: May 2016 - Silver Chips Print

silverchirpsMay 25, 2016 3

SENIOR WILLSWe, AMANDA WESSEL and ELEANOR HARRIS, of sound minds and hot bods do hereby bequeath:To Alice and Sasha (aka Ali-sha/Salace): The Silver Chips kingdom. The paper is now in your hands and we couldn’t be more excited and proud of you guys. We know you will do great things and work hard to make the paper even better. May your late nights be lit and your page drafts be error free. Remember that the manifesto is the law of the land, but it will never have the answers you need to the questions you have. Use good judgement. We trust you. <3

I, AMANDA WESSEL, do hereby bequeath:To Rebecca: My shadow. You can keep it to remember me by but don’t bother carrying it around with you. I know you will do great, unique things during your time at Blair. Sor-ry that teachers will probably mistake your name with mine a few times but don’t hesitate to correct them. I also leave you good health. Keep up the good work on track but don’t hurt yourself!To Camila: I leave you in charge of La Esquina Latina. Oh wait, you already were in charge for a year. Keep up the good work. I can’t think of anything else I can leave you that would be of any benefit because you are already so on top of everything with a year to spare. Good luck with college stuff and senior year. Don’t forget to read some Gabo and Sor Juana every once and a while to keep your AP Literatura skills sharp.

I, ELEANOR HARRIS, do bequeath:To Adelaide: Anything left in my room (and I won’t make you pay for it anymore). Homework help whenever you text me. Your own bath-room - finally! You have al-ways been so weird and cute and sincere, and I hope you continue to listen to my ad-vice and then ignore about 50 percent of it. Bring your own special talents, and that one talent especially, to Blair. I love ya.

To Sasha: A love of boy bands and a promise to attend the One Direction Reunion Tour. See you in 25 years (but also sooner).To Alice and Aditi: My mis-sion of, as Amanda would say, putting the femme in STEM. I am so excited to see you take over the world, Marco Rubio-style boots and all.

I, SARAH HUTTER, being of semi-sound mind and body, do hereby bequeath:To Aditi and Josh: patience, more patience, and the strength to muddle through! Happy fact checking!To Gabriel Field: the official title of Reigning Monarch of Central Avenue.To Arielle Gottlieb: the power to make it through CAP Se-nior Presentations.To Sylvie WEissman: the walk to 7-Eleven, and Jacob.Best of luck junior class!

I, SUSANA PEREZ, leave the yearbook to Leah Savage, Danie Stewart, Ruby Drizin-Kahn, and Nika Seider. Good luck with DSims. I know the book will be better than ever!

I, JOE MAHER, leave this school to H. Everything you see is your kingdom. You’re the captain now. Do your homework.

I, SAM BUTLER, leave greedy Grady no money. But you can have my Silver Chips job and you can have my fris-bee team.

I, DALIAH BARG, bequeath:To Lauren Frost: the entirety of the MBHS Girls’ Tennis Team. Good luck and treat it well.To Nishka Parikh and Isabella Hunt: two very big roles to replace.To Madeline Kershow: the job of entertainer and gossiper during tennis season. Take care of the team for me.

I, ANNA HUKILL, do hereby bequeath:To Elizabeth and Ariel: All the money in the world!To Elizabeth Cove: Ellie and Elijah’s love, Mr. Cuddles,

and a date with 22.To Linnea and Sammie: Krunkos, weird boys, and lots of strange nights.To Brenna and the Olivias: Bumping, JB, and good swim-ming/diving vibes!And to all my little fhockers: lots of pigeon droppings and the best of luck next season!

I, SUSANNA MAISTO, be-queath:To Eleanor Cook, Akosua Hawkins, and Lexi Stewart-son: sub-60 second 400s.To Margot Bloch: Taylor Swift songs on long runs.To Thierry Siewe: The ability to choose whatever spirit day you could want. And blazing fast races, of course!To Morgan Casey: Blair run-ning motherhood.To the rest of Blair XC and track: Speedy times, bad tans, post race puking, and all of my love!

I, LUISA MCGARVEY, here-by bequeath:To Elizabeth Cove: Everything in my life, the “Midwest,” the love of my life Sally, weird nights in my attic, everything I do that annoys you, all the food I took from you, and lunches in the lab.To Isabel Fetter: lonely car rides, coffee that burns your mouth, and camp songs.To Brianna and Georgina: All the fun in the world AKA the entertainment section, treat my baby well.To Madison Waechter: All my unfinished tech work and all my goldfish.To the field hockey team: the dreaded mile, sweat, and ex-tra sugary sister presents.

I, EMMA SOLER, hereby bequeath,To Talia: the defense. You can do it.To Lea: the of role of “best sis-ter” and post-practice beltway rides.To Marianne: creative gifts and smiling a lot.To Cole: features, online pizza ordering, stories that toe the line, and all my enthusiasm about Chips.

I, CINDY GILBERT, leave:Maia Premak: Legally I can-

not duplicate my diploma for you, nor adopt you, so in or-der to provide for your future stability while I’m gone (from Blair), I leave you my per-sonal mental affects, or “tech-niques,” on how to maintain your accustomed lifestyle, aka admiring & aspiring to be-come how dope I am. You’re truly the only person I believe capable of handling being passed down my swag & us-ing it respectfully. (It’s quite large and difficult to handle.) I leave with you… the ability to sleep through a class and bull**** the work last second, bathroom stalls with quirky conversations to hide in from teachers (yet keep you enter-tained since the cellular recep-tion within the Montgomery Blair institution sucks), the importance of walking with importance (it can get you literally anywhere), & the old “I’m holding my arm up as a battering ram & looking for-ward so I totally don’t see you & if you walk slowly toward me on the wrong side of the hallway you will get shoved, but not really, because that’s mean, but watch out ‘cause I totally could, & elbows hurt, man” technique.Amy: You suck, I give you nothing. Okay fine, I pity you since you’re the youngest; you can stay out of my room & mail me care packages when I’m gone. (Also, I love you, & am sad we never got to share a class because you’re my best friend as well as my little sister, but I totally would have obliterated people who messed with you, so its good you kept your distance at school for the sake of the general population.) To the others I leave behind…Ac-quaintances, peers, all those who boosted me up with their kindness; Mr. Finch, Mr. Hin-kle, Ms. Gibboney, Ms. Lusby, Ms. Smrek, Mr. Haigh, and Mr. Smith (among others), if it weren’t for you all, I would not be saying goodbye today, I would have let go (aka got-ten a GED) long ago. A special goodbye to Ms. Harvey, she stands apart with her honest qualities from the

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

Page 28: May 2016 - Silver Chips Print

Laura Kernizan University of WinnipegMatthew Kessler SUNY AlbanyLarisa Ketcha Montgomery College, Working William Keysar UnknownNazea Khan Temple UniversityAjay Kharkar University of Maryland - Baltimore CountyEthiopis Kifle Towson UniversityFrancillia Kimbembe Washington Adventist UniversityCamille Kirsch University of ChicagoJerusalem Kitila UnknownPhilip Kloner University of Maryland - College ParkIbrahim Kondeh UnknownRichard Kong University of Maryland - College ParkBenjamin Koontz Montgomery College, UMD- College ParkChristopher Koontz Montgomery CollegeAdrienne Kossangba Oakwood UniversityReva Kreeger Guilford CollegeAudrey Krimm University of Maryland - College ParkJason Kuo University of Maryland - College ParkEssam LaBoone North Carolina Central UniversityJames Laguerre Montgomery CollegeMichael Lake UndecidedCharles Laming University of Maryland - College ParkRandy Layza Ugolini Maryland Institute College of ArtBrian Le Harvard University and New England ConservatoryD’Yonni Lebby MilitaryErin Lee University of Maryland - College ParkHaena-Young Lee Cornell UniversityAnnabelle Leete Ohio Northern UniversityDesiree Lejano University of Maryland - College ParkKevin Leon-Matute UnknownChris Leung Johns Hopkins UniversityDiana Leung Georgetown UniversityNoah Levine University of ChicagoOlivia Lewis Wellesley CollegeAmy Li Princeton UniversityAnthony Li University of Maryland - College ParkYuqiong Liang UnknownBenjamin Lickerman The University of British ColumbiaPatrick Lill University of Maryland - College ParkRaymond Lin Harvard UniversityRichard Lin University of Maryland - College ParkEleanor Linafelt College of WoosterAlexander Liu Cornell UniversityCynthia Liu Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyOdalis Llerena-Lopez Montgomery CollegeStephan Loh University of Maryland - College ParkWilder Long UnknownDe’Jia Long Hillie University of Maryland - Baltimore CountyManuel Lopez Montgomery CollegeMiguel Lopez University of SevilleBrenda Lorenzana Borja WorkingEthan Lott Clark UniversityVictoria Louis Charles UnknownEvelyn Lozano Montgomery College, University of MarylandHumberto Lopez Cabrera Working and TravelingMarvin Lopez Mendez UnknownEric Lu Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyWinne Luo University of California - BerkeleyHelen Machuca UnknownNora Machuca United States Marine CorpsFiona MacNairn McGill UniversityChristopher Maduako Montgomery CollegeJoseph Maher Union CollegeSusanna Maisto College of William & MaryAlexander Mangiafico Amherst CollegeBaboucarr Manneh Hampton UniversitySokoufeh Marghi UnknownJose Marriaga Giraldo UnknownNathaniel Marshall University of North Carolina - AshevilleAisha Marsono Montgomery CollegeSabrina Martin University of Maryland - College ParkJenneffer Martinez UnknownRoni Martinez UnknownVeronica Martinez Montgomery CollegeGhelila Mascio University of PennsylvaniaBenjamin Massinga UnknownJacob Mathews University of California - BerkeleyAudrey Maynard Gettysburg CollegeKelly Mayo University of Rhode IslandJohan Mazali Towson UniversityMirna Mazariego UnknownKayin Mazyck Notre Dame of Maryland UniversityNeida Mbuia Joao Drexel UniversityLuisa Ann McGarvey Oberlin CollegeQuinn McKenzie Montgomery CollegeTrishanna Mckenzie College and WorkingMichelle McKinney UnknownFlannery McLamb UnknownLeah McLean Towson UniversityWilliam McMillian Amherst CollegeMaris Medina University of Maryland - College ParkLeslie Medina Bonilla Montgomery CollegeCelia Medrano Montgomery CollegeYannie Mei Cornell UniversityDiego Melendez-Sosa UnknownAlexandra Melinchok University of Maryland - College Park

Miguel Gamez UndecidedChristine Gao University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignAyame Garrett-Saunders Temple UniversityEve Gates Towson UniversityLela Gaye DePaul UniversitySidney Geertsema University of Maryland - College ParkSagnii Geleta UnknownHeyaw Gesesew Boston UniversityBetelehem Getahun UnknownSamual Gezahegn Howard UniversityClarissa Gideos University of Maryland - College ParkCynthia Gilbert CollegeGallienne Gilmer-Hack UnknownLucy Glenshaw Gap Year in Silver Spring Sofonyas Gobena UnknownCalvin Godfrey University of Maryland - College ParkAriel Goldbloom-Helzner Brown UniversityYaelle Goldschlag Gap Year, University of Maryland - College ParkJonathan Gomez University of District of ColumbiaSelena Gomez Montgomery CollegeRayner Gomez Santana UnknownIsmael Gonzalez University of Maryland - College ParkMildred Goode Hampton UniversityChristopher Green Fairmont StateEvan Gresser University of Maryland - College ParkRegina Gretschel Tulane UniversityJesse Griff-McMahon University of Maryland - College ParkAlexa Gross Chowan UniversityHaleluya Gruga UnknownCandia Gu Carnegie Mellon UniversityRicardo Guadamuz UnknownJohn Gualdarrama UnknownAndy Guan University of Maryland - College ParkDiego Guarniz Layza Montgomery CollegeKaterine Guerra Lopez UnknownMatthew Guerrera University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill (ROTC)Devora Guerrero Roque UnknownJacqueline Guevara Montgomery CollegeBryan Guevara Garcia UnknownAnthony Guzman UnknownBrian Guzman UnknownJustin Hall Gap Year, CollegeMuhammad Hamza Towson UniversityMichelle Hao University of California - BerkeleyBenjamin Hardin UndecidedSiddhartha Harmalkar University of Maryland - College ParkEleanor Harris Mount Holyoke CollegeMargo Harvey Allegany College of MarylandAnoa Hawkins UnknownMarcus Hayes Montgomery CollegeJossue Hernandez UnknownReyna Hernandez Majano College and WorkingErick Hill Montgomery College Kenneth Hill University of Maryland - College ParkConnie Ho University of California - BerkeleyEthan Holland Duke UniversityDavid Holloway Methodist UniversityEva Houston University of Maryland - College ParkDavid Hsu University of Maryland - College ParkDennis Hua CollegeCarly Hufford James Madison UniversityAnna Hukill University of South CarolinaThomas Humphreys University of Maryland - College ParkTyler Humphreys Montgomery CollegeLily Hung University of Maryland - Baltimore CountySarah Hutter Mount Holyoke CollegeAngelina Ignato Culinary Institute of AmericaZewde Ingram University of Maryland - College ParkIan Ishida University of Maryland - College ParkBereket Iyob Montgomery College and WorkingYamai Jack American UniversityJorgia Jackson Montgomery CollegeZachary Jackson UnknownMarty Jiffar University of ChicagoFatmata John CollegeAriana Johnson Catholic UniversityColby Johnson Xavier UniversityChristopher Jones University of Maryland - Baltimore CountyHunter Jones University of Maryland - College ParkStevie Jones Marymount UniversitySarah Joyce University of Maryland - College ParkAdonie Juarez WorkingHaja Kalokoh University of Maryland - Eastern ShoreMohammed Kamal Full Sail UniversityChloe Kang UnknownTyler Kang Towson UniversityMuhammad Kanteh Full Sail UniversityClara Kapiamba Southern Illinois UniversityNathaniel Kapler Montgomery CollegeSumukh-Lucas Karandikar University of Maryland - College ParkHannah Kaufman University of Vermont - BurlingtonMark Kazlau ITT Technical InstituteDagemawit Kebede Towson UniversityNico Kemp Green Mountain College Frances Kennedy-Long Trinity UniversityRediet Keno UnknownJesse Kenworthy University of Miami

Alfonso Catacora UnknownKarina Chang University of California - BerkeleyPatrick Chao University of California - BerkeleyMicah Charles UnknownKarina Chavez UnknownEric Chen University of PennsylvaniaSage Chen University of MichiganScheinderson Cherubin Bowie State UniversityAmalia Chiapperino Macalester CollegeKamin Christmas UnknownKossi Christmas UnknownNoemi Cintora Vega UnknownBritanya Clarke Montgomery CollegeKaris Clement Temple UniversityJordan Cobb Camden County CollegeChristian Coello University of Maryland - College ParkEmma Cohen West Virginia UniversityEllis Cohen-Kristiansen Elon UniversityAldhana Colan Montgomery CollegeAngie Colindres UnknownAlice Conteh Virginia State UniversityEliya Cook Juniata CollegeWilliam Cook Montgomery CollegePaulo Coronel Llerena Montgomery CollegeJerry Cortez UnknownKarla Corvera-Portillo Montgomery CollegeGabriel Cote Towson UniversityDio Cramer Macalester CollegeSchuyler Cross Ohio State UniversityKarylena Cruz Towson UniversityCaroline Cruz Cruz UnknownHector Cruz Gonzales UnknownSindy Cruz Gonzalez UnknownPaloma Dade Montgomery CollegeNoah Dagne University of Maryland - College ParkAleksandra Dagunts George Washington UniversityGaurav Dahal University of Maryland - College ParkSaloni Dalal Carnegie Mellon UniversityJordan Davenport Working and Pursuing MusicDonald De Alwis University of Maryland - College ParkRuben De Leon UnknownAnadoria Delcid College and WorkingKendall Delille Towson UniversityTsion Demissie Towson UniversityHeather DeMocker University of Maryland - College ParkKennard Dennis Montgomery CollegeJulia Derringer University of MichiganMildred Devereux DePaul UniversitySuvekshya Dhakal UnknownVishnu Dharmaraj University of California - BerkeleyFridaous Djobo Radford UniversityIan Donaldson Grinnell CollegeJeremy Du Princeton UniversitySpencer DuChene UnknownCierra Duell University of Maryland - College ParkRamya Durvasula Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyIsaac Eaton University of Maryland - College ParkGerman Echeverria WorkingHelen Edge Smith CollegeJoie Edmonds Concordia UniversityZaafira Elham University of Maryland - College ParkYosefe Eshete University of Maryland - College ParkEdvin Espana Berganza Montgomery College, Liberty UniversityJhonnatan Esquivel WorkingKenny Esquivel Nava UnknownCamille Estrin Franklin & Marshall CollegeJoseph Estrin Hobart and William Smith CollegesMadeleine Evangelista University of Colorado - BoulderChristian Everett UnknownAngel Fan University of PennsylvaniaNoah Fang Brown UniversitySaajid Farooq University of Maryland - Baltimore CountyLouis Faye Towson UniversityAmanda Feinberg Bryn Mawr CollegeBenjamin Felber University of Maryland - Baltimore CountyStefanny Fernandez Troya UnknownAbismel Ferreira Saldana UnknownMussie Fitsum Hailu University of Maryland - College ParkRobert Fitzpatrick University of Wisconsin - MadisonRobert Fleischman University of Maryland - College ParkTeofan Fletcher UnknownChristian Flores Pursuing Music and EntrepreneurshipJocelyn Flores UnknownFredy Flores Membreno UnknownJennifer Flores-Chavez Montgomery CollegeMaximillian Foley-Keene University of Maryland - College ParkLaura Forcha Mount St. Mary’s UniversityDarren Ford UnknownJesse Foster UnknownPatrick Fox University of Maryland - College ParkJulie Francois Morgan State UniversityCamille Franks Guilford CollegeRyan Frey UnknownAndrew Fuchs University of VermontSalman Funyas Montgomery College, University of MarylandMargaret Gallishaw University of VermontBryan Gamero Renderos Unknown

Afnan Abdella Montgomery CollegeIkram Abdoulwasse University of Maryland - College ParkHafsa Abdulkadir Montgomery CollegeAbenet Aberra Montgomery CollegeLinda Acha Mississippi State UniversityJadenia Addison UnknownEyob Aemero UnknownOluwaferanmi Akinpelu Pennsylvania State UniversityMunira Alami University of Maryland - Eastern ShoreAaron Alem University of Maryland - College ParkNathalie Aleman-Aguilar UnknownHawra Al-Jabiri Johns Hopkins UniversityMatthew Allen Gap YearClaudia Allou Michigan State UniversityBenjamin Alsberg Towson UniversitySandra Alvarez UnknownEduardo Alvarez Reyes Montgomery CollegeBethel Amanuel Montgomery CollegeLeah Ameha Washington Adventist University Nanya Amun-El UnknownMike Antoine UnknownTakyi Antwi CollegeNoela Anwei UnknownDamarice Anyam CollegeRachel Arbacher New York UniversityIsabel Argueta Montgomery CollegeJulian Arnouk University of Maryland - College ParkMusie Asfaha Towson UniversityBemenet Asfaw University of Maryland - Baltimore CountyDagmawi Assefa University of Maryland - College ParkVictoria Assokom-Siakam Washington University in St. LouisJoseline Ayala UnknownAmah Ayivi Koutodjo NavyJazmin Ayllon Salisbury University Ji Hyuk Bae University of Maryland - College ParkShayan Baghi UnknownRay Bailey Parks Morgan State UniversityAdrian Baldwin The College of CharlestonNicholas Banks Drexel UniversityDaliah Barg New York UniversityEmily Barrero Gap Year in El SalvadorGisselle Barreto Estrella Montgomery College, Salisbury UniversityKaila Baskin Medtech Colleges and InstitutesPaul Bass Denison UniversityAlazare Bati University of RochesterCameron Bauserman University of VermontPatricio Beatley UndecidedHannah Beck Mount St. Mary’s UniversityMiskir Belayneh University of Maryland - Baltimore CountyLydia Berhanu Marymount UniversityDamian Bess Montgomery CollegeElshaday Beyene Montgomery CollegeRediyet Beyene UnknownGenet Bezabih UnknownSamuel Biaku Towson UniversitySamuel Bilsky Grinnell CollegeTsion Bizuayehu American UniversityOmolara Blaize Montgomery CollegeMonica Blanchard-Dixon George Mason UniversityKarla Blanco Montgomery CollegeJuan Blanco Alvarez Montgomery College, United States Marine CorpsArjun Blum Pennsylvania State UniversityMalik Blythers UnknownEva Bogino Sewanee: The University of the SouthJimmy Bonilla United States Marine CorpsSimone Boyd Towson UniversityMadeleine Boyer Davidson CollegeAlexis Brantley Washington Adventist UniversityAlexander Brassel University of Maryland - College ParkIsabel Brecher University of Maryland - College ParkJulian Bregstone Oberlin CollegeRacquelle Bremmer UnknownMia Bristol University of PittsburghOmari Brooks Bowie State UniversityJoel Brown Montgomery CollegeMargaret Brown University of Maryland - College ParkOsaze Brown Temple UniversityJaiana Brunner UnknownBeret Bruwelheide SUNY ESFScott Buchan University of Maryland - Baltimore CountyNoah Buchholz Indiana UniversityBao Minh Bui University of Maryland - Baltimore CountyMadeline Burke Bradley UniversityMaxwell Burke University of Maryland - College ParkLucas Burtnick Salisbury UniversityDennis Buruca-Ramos Montgomery CollegeSamuel Butler Tulane UniversityAbdul Byrd Montgomery CollegePerla Cabrera Molina UnknownIsabella Calingaert The University of ManchesterCindy Campos Flores Montgomery CollegeSarah Canchaya-Elias Montgomery CollegeHoang-Thien Cao University of Maryland - College ParkKatie Caro UnknownOscar Carrillo Towson UniversityJazmine Castillo Hampton UniversityRuth Castro Franco Working

May 25, 2016 4/5silverchirps

Where is the Class Of 2016 Flying Off To?

ANGEL WEN

Jessenia Mendez Montgomery CollegeEdrainis Mendez UnknownTracy Jane Mendoza Montgomery CollegeRosa Mendoza Arias Montgomery CollegeBryan Mendoza Diaz UnknownMario Menendez Muniz University of Maryland - College ParkYonatan Mengesha Montgomery CollegeMeseret Mengistie Montgomery CollegeNeal Mesidor Hampton UniversityLeah Messina Washington University in St. LouisYeabsira Mezgebe Towson UniversityKidus Michael Towson UniversityKebron Mihrete City Year - New York CityCaitlin Miller Virginia TechNickson Minja West Virginia UniversityKaren Miranda Garcia UnknownMazda Moayeri Harvey Mudd CollegeRichard Moglen University of Maryland - College ParkDarian Mohammed Montgomery CollegeKeren Molina Montgomery CollegeDafany Molina Acosta UnknownArnold Mong Princeton UniversityChristopher Montano Montgomery CollegeChristine Monyak University of Wisconsin - MadisonEmma Moore University of Maryland - College ParkJohn Moore University of MississippiChristopher Moran Montgomery CollegeBrianna Moreno New York UniversityKevin Moreno Jimenez UnknownBrian Morris Stanford UniversityImani Morris UnknownRa-Sean Morris Montgomery CollegeAlexis Moses University of Maryland - College ParkAaron Mott The University of ManchesterAhrdesheer Mudd Rochester Institute of TechnologySean Munroe Clark UniversityRachel Myers College of Saint RoseLee Narvaez UnknownThanuri Navarathna University of Maryland - College ParkBrian Navarro Montgomery CollegeJasmine Nelson UnknownAlexander Newman Washington University in St. LouisSascha Newton-Mason UnknownIngride Ngaku University of Maryland - College ParkAnge Ngatchou Montgomery CollegeHenry Nguy Montgomery CollegeAmy Nguyen UnknownDanny Nguyen Montgomery CollegeHoa Nguyen Montgomery CollegeJimmy Nguyen Montgomery CollegeTuyet Nguyen University of Maryland - College ParkWhitney Nguyen City Year - Philadelphia Edgardo Nolasco Santos Gap Year, CollegeTucker Nosal California State Polytechnic UniversityDebissa Nuressa University of Maryland - College ParkAnna O’Driscoll McGill UniversityPatrick Okombi Montgomery CollegeGrace Olawuni University of Maryland - College ParkDionel Blaise Ifer Olo DigiPen Institute of TechnologySolomon Oloka Montgomery CollegeAnna Olsson University of Massachusettes - AmherstCeleste Orellana Munoz UnknownDaniela Osorio Hernandez UnknownAnna Ou University of California - BerkeleyMark Overton, Jr Morgan State UniversityAmirat Oyolola UnknownAngela Sofia Pablo Montgomery College, Towson UniversityDavid Paniagua UnknownJulian Parish-Katz Duquesne UniversityAngela Park Cornell UniversityJohn Park University of Maryland - College ParkCarolyn Parker Montgomery CollegeOlivia Parkinson Temple University Joshua Parks UnknownDevya Patel UnknownHari Patel University of Maryland - College ParkDarelle Patotchou U nknownEric Pattmon UnknownKristian Paulos Full Sail UniversityAlexa Pavlicek UnknownImir Payne Montgomery CollegeLuis Paz University of Maryland - College ParkCadence Pearson University of DenverJonathan Pedersen University of Maryland - College ParkRowyn Peel Oberlin College Genesis Penado Saravia UnknownJenifer Pena-Galvan Trinity Washington University Dianna Perdomo Montgomery CollegeDiana Perez Montgomery College Rossiely Perez Towson UniversitySusana Perez University of Wisconsin - MadisonJaime Perez Elena UnknownNorma Perez Ortez UnknownOliver Periz Montgomery CollegeRobert Pfefferle University of Wisconsin - MadisonNguyen Phan Salisbury UniversitySamuel Pinczuk Marymount Manhattan College

Page 29: May 2016 - Silver Chips Print

Laura Kernizan University of WinnipegMatthew Kessler SUNY AlbanyLarisa Ketcha Montgomery College, Working William Keysar UnknownNazea Khan Temple UniversityAjay Kharkar University of Maryland - Baltimore CountyEthiopis Kifle Towson UniversityFrancillia Kimbembe Washington Adventist UniversityCamille Kirsch University of ChicagoJerusalem Kitila UnknownPhilip Kloner University of Maryland - College ParkIbrahim Kondeh UnknownRichard Kong University of Maryland - College ParkBenjamin Koontz Montgomery College, UMD- College ParkChristopher Koontz Montgomery CollegeAdrienne Kossangba Oakwood UniversityReva Kreeger Guilford CollegeAudrey Krimm University of Maryland - College ParkJason Kuo University of Maryland - College ParkEssam LaBoone North Carolina Central UniversityJames Laguerre Montgomery CollegeMichael Lake UndecidedCharles Laming University of Maryland - College ParkRandy Layza Ugolini Maryland Institute College of ArtBrian Le Harvard University and New England ConservatoryD’Yonni Lebby MilitaryErin Lee University of Maryland - College ParkHaena-Young Lee Cornell UniversityAnnabelle Leete Ohio Northern UniversityDesiree Lejano University of Maryland - College ParkKevin Leon-Matute UnknownChris Leung Johns Hopkins UniversityDiana Leung Georgetown UniversityNoah Levine University of ChicagoOlivia Lewis Wellesley CollegeAmy Li Princeton UniversityAnthony Li University of Maryland - College ParkYuqiong Liang UnknownBenjamin Lickerman The University of British ColumbiaPatrick Lill University of Maryland - College ParkRaymond Lin Harvard UniversityRichard Lin University of Maryland - College ParkEleanor Linafelt College of WoosterAlexander Liu Cornell UniversityCynthia Liu Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyOdalis Llerena-Lopez Montgomery CollegeStephan Loh University of Maryland - College ParkWilder Long UnknownDe’Jia Long Hillie University of Maryland - Baltimore CountyManuel Lopez Montgomery CollegeMiguel Lopez University of SevilleBrenda Lorenzana Borja WorkingEthan Lott Clark UniversityVictoria Louis Charles UnknownEvelyn Lozano Montgomery College, University of MarylandHumberto Lopez Cabrera Working and TravelingMarvin Lopez Mendez UnknownEric Lu Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyWinne Luo University of California - BerkeleyHelen Machuca UnknownNora Machuca United States Marine CorpsFiona MacNairn McGill UniversityChristopher Maduako Montgomery CollegeJoseph Maher Union CollegeSusanna Maisto College of William & MaryAlexander Mangiafico Amherst CollegeBaboucarr Manneh Hampton UniversitySokoufeh Marghi UnknownJose Marriaga Giraldo UnknownNathaniel Marshall University of North Carolina - AshevilleAisha Marsono Montgomery CollegeSabrina Martin University of Maryland - College ParkJenneffer Martinez UnknownRoni Martinez UnknownVeronica Martinez Montgomery CollegeGhelila Mascio University of PennsylvaniaBenjamin Massinga UnknownJacob Mathews University of California - BerkeleyAudrey Maynard Gettysburg CollegeKelly Mayo University of Rhode IslandJohan Mazali Towson UniversityMirna Mazariego UnknownKayin Mazyck Notre Dame of Maryland UniversityNeida Mbuia Joao Drexel UniversityLuisa Ann McGarvey Oberlin CollegeQuinn McKenzie Montgomery CollegeTrishanna Mckenzie College and WorkingMichelle McKinney UnknownFlannery McLamb UnknownLeah McLean Towson UniversityWilliam McMillian Amherst CollegeMaris Medina University of Maryland - College ParkLeslie Medina Bonilla Montgomery CollegeCelia Medrano Montgomery CollegeYannie Mei Cornell UniversityDiego Melendez-Sosa UnknownAlexandra Melinchok University of Maryland - College Park

Miguel Gamez UndecidedChristine Gao University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignAyame Garrett-Saunders Temple UniversityEve Gates Towson UniversityLela Gaye DePaul UniversitySidney Geertsema University of Maryland - College ParkSagnii Geleta UnknownHeyaw Gesesew Boston UniversityBetelehem Getahun UnknownSamual Gezahegn Howard UniversityClarissa Gideos University of Maryland - College ParkCynthia Gilbert CollegeGallienne Gilmer-Hack UnknownLucy Glenshaw Gap Year in Silver Spring Sofonyas Gobena UnknownCalvin Godfrey University of Maryland - College ParkAriel Goldbloom-Helzner Brown UniversityYaelle Goldschlag Gap Year, University of Maryland - College ParkJonathan Gomez University of District of ColumbiaSelena Gomez Montgomery CollegeRayner Gomez Santana UnknownIsmael Gonzalez University of Maryland - College ParkMildred Goode Hampton UniversityChristopher Green Fairmont StateEvan Gresser University of Maryland - College ParkRegina Gretschel Tulane UniversityJesse Griff-McMahon University of Maryland - College ParkAlexa Gross Chowan UniversityHaleluya Gruga UnknownCandia Gu Carnegie Mellon UniversityRicardo Guadamuz UnknownJohn Gualdarrama UnknownAndy Guan University of Maryland - College ParkDiego Guarniz Layza Montgomery CollegeKaterine Guerra Lopez UnknownMatthew Guerrera University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill (ROTC)Devora Guerrero Roque UnknownJacqueline Guevara Montgomery CollegeBryan Guevara Garcia UnknownAnthony Guzman UnknownBrian Guzman UnknownJustin Hall Gap Year, CollegeMuhammad Hamza Towson UniversityMichelle Hao University of California - BerkeleyBenjamin Hardin UndecidedSiddhartha Harmalkar University of Maryland - College ParkEleanor Harris Mount Holyoke CollegeMargo Harvey Allegany College of MarylandAnoa Hawkins UnknownMarcus Hayes Montgomery CollegeJossue Hernandez UnknownReyna Hernandez Majano College and WorkingErick Hill Montgomery College Kenneth Hill University of Maryland - College ParkConnie Ho University of California - BerkeleyEthan Holland Duke UniversityDavid Holloway Methodist UniversityEva Houston University of Maryland - College ParkDavid Hsu University of Maryland - College ParkDennis Hua CollegeCarly Hufford James Madison UniversityAnna Hukill University of South CarolinaThomas Humphreys University of Maryland - College ParkTyler Humphreys Montgomery CollegeLily Hung University of Maryland - Baltimore CountySarah Hutter Mount Holyoke CollegeAngelina Ignato Culinary Institute of AmericaZewde Ingram University of Maryland - College ParkIan Ishida University of Maryland - College ParkBereket Iyob Montgomery College and WorkingYamai Jack American UniversityJorgia Jackson Montgomery CollegeZachary Jackson UnknownMarty Jiffar University of ChicagoFatmata John CollegeAriana Johnson Catholic UniversityColby Johnson Xavier UniversityChristopher Jones University of Maryland - Baltimore CountyHunter Jones University of Maryland - College ParkStevie Jones Marymount UniversitySarah Joyce University of Maryland - College ParkAdonie Juarez WorkingHaja Kalokoh University of Maryland - Eastern ShoreMohammed Kamal Full Sail UniversityChloe Kang UnknownTyler Kang Towson UniversityMuhammad Kanteh Full Sail UniversityClara Kapiamba Southern Illinois UniversityNathaniel Kapler Montgomery CollegeSumukh-Lucas Karandikar University of Maryland - College ParkHannah Kaufman University of Vermont - BurlingtonMark Kazlau ITT Technical InstituteDagemawit Kebede Towson UniversityNico Kemp Green Mountain College Frances Kennedy-Long Trinity UniversityRediet Keno UnknownJesse Kenworthy University of Miami

Alfonso Catacora UnknownKarina Chang University of California - BerkeleyPatrick Chao University of California - BerkeleyMicah Charles UnknownKarina Chavez UnknownEric Chen University of PennsylvaniaSage Chen University of MichiganScheinderson Cherubin Bowie State UniversityAmalia Chiapperino Macalester CollegeKamin Christmas UnknownKossi Christmas UnknownNoemi Cintora Vega UnknownBritanya Clarke Montgomery CollegeKaris Clement Temple UniversityJordan Cobb Camden County CollegeChristian Coello University of Maryland - College ParkEmma Cohen West Virginia UniversityEllis Cohen-Kristiansen Elon UniversityAldhana Colan Montgomery CollegeAngie Colindres UnknownAlice Conteh Virginia State UniversityEliya Cook Juniata CollegeWilliam Cook Montgomery CollegePaulo Coronel Llerena Montgomery CollegeJerry Cortez UnknownKarla Corvera-Portillo Montgomery CollegeGabriel Cote Towson UniversityDio Cramer Macalester CollegeSchuyler Cross Ohio State UniversityKarylena Cruz Towson UniversityCaroline Cruz Cruz UnknownHector Cruz Gonzales UnknownSindy Cruz Gonzalez UnknownPaloma Dade Montgomery CollegeNoah Dagne University of Maryland - College ParkAleksandra Dagunts George Washington UniversityGaurav Dahal University of Maryland - College ParkSaloni Dalal Carnegie Mellon UniversityJordan Davenport Working and Pursuing MusicDonald De Alwis University of Maryland - College ParkRuben De Leon UnknownAnadoria Delcid College and WorkingKendall Delille Towson UniversityTsion Demissie Towson UniversityHeather DeMocker University of Maryland - College ParkKennard Dennis Montgomery CollegeJulia Derringer University of MichiganMildred Devereux DePaul UniversitySuvekshya Dhakal UnknownVishnu Dharmaraj University of California - BerkeleyFridaous Djobo Radford UniversityIan Donaldson Grinnell CollegeJeremy Du Princeton UniversitySpencer DuChene UnknownCierra Duell University of Maryland - College ParkRamya Durvasula Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyIsaac Eaton University of Maryland - College ParkGerman Echeverria WorkingHelen Edge Smith CollegeJoie Edmonds Concordia UniversityZaafira Elham University of Maryland - College ParkYosefe Eshete University of Maryland - College ParkEdvin Espana Berganza Montgomery College, Liberty UniversityJhonnatan Esquivel WorkingKenny Esquivel Nava UnknownCamille Estrin Franklin & Marshall CollegeJoseph Estrin Hobart and William Smith CollegesMadeleine Evangelista University of Colorado - BoulderChristian Everett UnknownAngel Fan University of PennsylvaniaNoah Fang Brown UniversitySaajid Farooq University of Maryland - Baltimore CountyLouis Faye Towson UniversityAmanda Feinberg Bryn Mawr CollegeBenjamin Felber University of Maryland - Baltimore CountyStefanny Fernandez Troya UnknownAbismel Ferreira Saldana UnknownMussie Fitsum Hailu University of Maryland - College ParkRobert Fitzpatrick University of Wisconsin - MadisonRobert Fleischman University of Maryland - College ParkTeofan Fletcher UnknownChristian Flores Pursuing Music and EntrepreneurshipJocelyn Flores UnknownFredy Flores Membreno UnknownJennifer Flores-Chavez Montgomery CollegeMaximillian Foley-Keene University of Maryland - College ParkLaura Forcha Mount St. Mary’s UniversityDarren Ford UnknownJesse Foster UnknownPatrick Fox University of Maryland - College ParkJulie Francois Morgan State UniversityCamille Franks Guilford CollegeRyan Frey UnknownAndrew Fuchs University of VermontSalman Funyas Montgomery College, University of MarylandMargaret Gallishaw University of VermontBryan Gamero Renderos Unknown

Afnan Abdella Montgomery CollegeIkram Abdoulwasse University of Maryland - College ParkHafsa Abdulkadir Montgomery CollegeAbenet Aberra Montgomery CollegeLinda Acha Mississippi State UniversityJadenia Addison UnknownEyob Aemero UnknownOluwaferanmi Akinpelu Pennsylvania State UniversityMunira Alami University of Maryland - Eastern ShoreAaron Alem University of Maryland - College ParkNathalie Aleman-Aguilar UnknownHawra Al-Jabiri Johns Hopkins UniversityMatthew Allen Gap YearClaudia Allou Michigan State UniversityBenjamin Alsberg Towson UniversitySandra Alvarez UnknownEduardo Alvarez Reyes Montgomery CollegeBethel Amanuel Montgomery CollegeLeah Ameha Washington Adventist University Nanya Amun-El UnknownMike Antoine UnknownTakyi Antwi CollegeNoela Anwei UnknownDamarice Anyam CollegeRachel Arbacher New York UniversityIsabel Argueta Montgomery CollegeJulian Arnouk University of Maryland - College ParkMusie Asfaha Towson UniversityBemenet Asfaw University of Maryland - Baltimore CountyDagmawi Assefa University of Maryland - College ParkVictoria Assokom-Siakam Washington University in St. LouisJoseline Ayala UnknownAmah Ayivi Koutodjo NavyJazmin Ayllon Salisbury University Ji Hyuk Bae University of Maryland - College ParkShayan Baghi UnknownRay Bailey Parks Morgan State UniversityAdrian Baldwin The College of CharlestonNicholas Banks Drexel UniversityDaliah Barg New York UniversityEmily Barrero Gap Year in El SalvadorGisselle Barreto Estrella Montgomery College, Salisbury UniversityKaila Baskin Medtech Colleges and InstitutesPaul Bass Denison UniversityAlazare Bati University of RochesterCameron Bauserman University of VermontPatricio Beatley UndecidedHannah Beck Mount St. Mary’s UniversityMiskir Belayneh University of Maryland - Baltimore CountyLydia Berhanu Marymount UniversityDamian Bess Montgomery CollegeElshaday Beyene Montgomery CollegeRediyet Beyene UnknownGenet Bezabih UnknownSamuel Biaku Towson UniversitySamuel Bilsky Grinnell CollegeTsion Bizuayehu American UniversityOmolara Blaize Montgomery CollegeMonica Blanchard-Dixon George Mason UniversityKarla Blanco Montgomery CollegeJuan Blanco Alvarez Montgomery College, United States Marine CorpsArjun Blum Pennsylvania State UniversityMalik Blythers UnknownEva Bogino Sewanee: The University of the SouthJimmy Bonilla United States Marine CorpsSimone Boyd Towson UniversityMadeleine Boyer Davidson CollegeAlexis Brantley Washington Adventist UniversityAlexander Brassel University of Maryland - College ParkIsabel Brecher University of Maryland - College ParkJulian Bregstone Oberlin CollegeRacquelle Bremmer UnknownMia Bristol University of PittsburghOmari Brooks Bowie State UniversityJoel Brown Montgomery CollegeMargaret Brown University of Maryland - College ParkOsaze Brown Temple UniversityJaiana Brunner UnknownBeret Bruwelheide SUNY ESFScott Buchan University of Maryland - Baltimore CountyNoah Buchholz Indiana UniversityBao Minh Bui University of Maryland - Baltimore CountyMadeline Burke Bradley UniversityMaxwell Burke University of Maryland - College ParkLucas Burtnick Salisbury UniversityDennis Buruca-Ramos Montgomery CollegeSamuel Butler Tulane UniversityAbdul Byrd Montgomery CollegePerla Cabrera Molina UnknownIsabella Calingaert The University of ManchesterCindy Campos Flores Montgomery CollegeSarah Canchaya-Elias Montgomery CollegeHoang-Thien Cao University of Maryland - College ParkKatie Caro UnknownOscar Carrillo Towson UniversityJazmine Castillo Hampton UniversityRuth Castro Franco Working

May 25, 2016 4/5silverchirps

Where is the Class Of 2016 Flying Off To?

ANGEL WEN

Jessenia Mendez Montgomery CollegeEdrainis Mendez UnknownTracy Jane Mendoza Montgomery CollegeRosa Mendoza Arias Montgomery CollegeBryan Mendoza Diaz UnknownMario Menendez Muniz University of Maryland - College ParkYonatan Mengesha Montgomery CollegeMeseret Mengistie Montgomery CollegeNeal Mesidor Hampton UniversityLeah Messina Washington University in St. LouisYeabsira Mezgebe Towson UniversityKidus Michael Towson UniversityKebron Mihrete City Year - New York CityCaitlin Miller Virginia TechNickson Minja West Virginia UniversityKaren Miranda Garcia UnknownMazda Moayeri Harvey Mudd CollegeRichard Moglen University of Maryland - College ParkDarian Mohammed Montgomery CollegeKeren Molina Montgomery CollegeDafany Molina Acosta UnknownArnold Mong Princeton UniversityChristopher Montano Montgomery CollegeChristine Monyak University of Wisconsin - MadisonEmma Moore University of Maryland - College ParkJohn Moore University of MississippiChristopher Moran Montgomery CollegeBrianna Moreno New York UniversityKevin Moreno Jimenez UnknownBrian Morris Stanford UniversityImani Morris UnknownRa-Sean Morris Montgomery CollegeAlexis Moses University of Maryland - College ParkAaron Mott The University of ManchesterAhrdesheer Mudd Rochester Institute of TechnologySean Munroe Clark UniversityRachel Myers College of Saint RoseLee Narvaez UnknownThanuri Navarathna University of Maryland - College ParkBrian Navarro Montgomery CollegeJasmine Nelson UnknownAlexander Newman Washington University in St. LouisSascha Newton-Mason UnknownIngride Ngaku University of Maryland - College ParkAnge Ngatchou Montgomery CollegeHenry Nguy Montgomery CollegeAmy Nguyen UnknownDanny Nguyen Montgomery CollegeHoa Nguyen Montgomery CollegeJimmy Nguyen Montgomery CollegeTuyet Nguyen University of Maryland - College ParkWhitney Nguyen City Year - Philadelphia Edgardo Nolasco Santos Gap Year, CollegeTucker Nosal California State Polytechnic UniversityDebissa Nuressa University of Maryland - College ParkAnna O’Driscoll McGill UniversityPatrick Okombi Montgomery CollegeGrace Olawuni University of Maryland - College ParkDionel Blaise Ifer Olo DigiPen Institute of TechnologySolomon Oloka Montgomery CollegeAnna Olsson University of Massachusettes - AmherstCeleste Orellana Munoz UnknownDaniela Osorio Hernandez UnknownAnna Ou University of California - BerkeleyMark Overton, Jr Morgan State UniversityAmirat Oyolola UnknownAngela Sofia Pablo Montgomery College, Towson UniversityDavid Paniagua UnknownJulian Parish-Katz Duquesne UniversityAngela Park Cornell UniversityJohn Park University of Maryland - College ParkCarolyn Parker Montgomery CollegeOlivia Parkinson Temple University Joshua Parks UnknownDevya Patel UnknownHari Patel University of Maryland - College ParkDarelle Patotchou U nknownEric Pattmon UnknownKristian Paulos Full Sail UniversityAlexa Pavlicek UnknownImir Payne Montgomery CollegeLuis Paz University of Maryland - College ParkCadence Pearson University of DenverJonathan Pedersen University of Maryland - College ParkRowyn Peel Oberlin College Genesis Penado Saravia UnknownJenifer Pena-Galvan Trinity Washington University Dianna Perdomo Montgomery CollegeDiana Perez Montgomery College Rossiely Perez Towson UniversitySusana Perez University of Wisconsin - MadisonJaime Perez Elena UnknownNorma Perez Ortez UnknownOliver Periz Montgomery CollegeRobert Pfefferle University of Wisconsin - MadisonNguyen Phan Salisbury UniversitySamuel Pinczuk Marymount Manhattan College

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Senior Destinations, continuedAnggel Plasencia UnknownKayla Poawui UnknownGloria Portillo UnknownRuth Portillo-Lopez Montgomery CollegeDavid Powers UnknownYarelis Puschendorf Montgomery CollegeLauren Queen Mount Holyoke CollegeCynthia Quintanilla Montgomery CollegeElizabeth Quinteros Montgomery CollegeMilica Radoja Towson UniversityDivya Rajagopal University of PennsylvaniaSangita Ramaswamy University of Maryland - Baltimore CountyEstrellita Ramirez UnknownMirian Ramos WorkingHannah Rapp University of Maryland - College ParkAnna Reachmack University of Maryland - College ParkIsias Redman UnknownJacob Reinke Western Washington UniversityTania Revelo-Aguilar UnknownAlfredo Revelo-Sanchez UnknownBrian Reyes Montgomery CollegeDouglas Reyes UnknownIrene Reyes UnknownIsell Reyes University of Maryland - Baltimore CountyFrancisco Reyes Jimenez Montgomery CollegeRosy Reyes Rivera UnknownHanibal Rezene Towson UniversityKaleab Ribbiso Georgetown UniversityAnu Rimal Montgomery CollegeEric Rivas-Hernandez UnknownDaniel Rivera UnknownJessica Rivera UnknownSelvin Robles Blanco Montgomery CollegeJefrey Rodas Cetino Montgomery CollegeJohanna Rodriguez Hernandez UnknownMaria Rodriguez Herreno UnknownWilly Rojas UnknownAdina Rombro Gap Year, Oberlin CollegeJacqueline Romero Zavala UnknownIdris Romodan University of Maryland - College ParkPatricia Rosales Trinity Washington UniversityBrandon Royal UnknownMiles Royce Pitzer CollegeKathleen Ruan Carnegie Mellon UniversityAaya Rustom University of Maryland - College ParkNoah Rutan UnknownNesha Ruther University of Wisconsin - MadisonSharon Sabi Bennett CollegeAnnalore Salemi Salisbury UniversityMarco Salgado Lara UnknownAjay Samuel Thomas Mar Baselios College of Engineering and TechnologyHenry Sanchez College and WorkingOmayra Sanchez Montgomery College Sofia Sandoval-Ferriss American UniversityDbnomba Sangare UnknownArianna Sankar University of Maryland - College ParkSiryi Santos University of Maryland - College ParkTeague Sauter Washington CollegeThomas Schoppert DePaul UniversityJ’Den Seals Coppin State UniversityJonathan Sebastian UnknownRoy-David Marcel Seri UnknownEdith Servin Nava Montgomery CollegeDella Seworye Montgomery CollegeNicholas Shereikis College of WoosterJaylin Shorts UnknownJyan Shorts UnknownMahlet Siltan Montgomery CollegeJustine Simeu Bowie State UniversityKatie Sims Eastern UniversityCaitlyn Singam University of Maryland - College ParkJulia Sint University of Maryland - Baltimore CountyJames Sleigh University of VermontDevin Smith Montgomery College

Arqad Soendoro UnknownCindy Solano Montgomery CollegeEmma Soler Bates CollegeRosemary Solomon Watkins College of Art, Design & FilmTenzin Sonam Earlham CollegeRonaldo Sotelo UnknownStephen Soza Montgomery CollegeJevaughn Spencer UnknownNicole Spiezio Virginia TechRamanuja Sreenivasan University of Maryland - College ParkDaleyan Stevens UnknownEleanor Struewing Goucher CollegeKaden Sukachevin Walla Walla UniversityFelix Swart Arizona State University - TempeKimberly Symba University of Maryland - Eastern ShoreAaron Szabo University of Maryland - College ParkAbel Tabor UnknownBethel Tadele UnknownMarlina Tadesse University of Maryland - College ParkFrances Tagbo UnknownEljoy Tanos University of RichmondNahom Tedla UnknownJeffrey Tejada UnknownFilagot Teklu UnknownYadira Telule Torres Montgomery CollegeNebeyu Temesgen Towson UniversityNebiat Temesgen Trinity Washington UniversityLalibela Temple Cosmetology SchoolBarsat Thapa Montgomery CollegeMatthew Tibebe Salisbury UniversityJessica Ticas UnknownCarter Tipton Pacific UniversityTsegamariam Tona UnknownGbatoe Torh UnknownLarissa Torres UnknownLila Tovar Siebentritt Montgomery CollegeAdam Tran UnknownMelinda Tran Montgomery CollegeCarlos Trejos UnknownShane Trimble Gap Year in BoliviaVictoria Tsai Stanford UniversityBlanche Tsakam Montgomery CollegeGreer Turner Goucher CollegeTrevor Turpie Embry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityKelvin Umanzor Montgomery CollegePatrick Vargish Pace UniversityKalin Vassilev University of Maryland - College ParkKeegan Vernon-Clay University of California - Santa CruzSherri Vester UnknownAmilcar Vicente UnknownArthi Vijaykumar University of Maryland - College ParkEsmeralda Villalobos Montgomery College Saphir Villard UndecidedJasmine Villatoro UnknownVictor Villatoro Pacheco UnknownDaisy Villavicencio Montgomery CollegeJoseph Vuong UnknownKiya Wakene UnknownCharles Waltz-Chesnaye Vassar CollegeAlbert Wang University of Maryland - College ParkLeo Warren York UniversityEric Wasserzug College of WoosterZachary Wathen University of Maryland - College ParkJesse Webber Temple UniversityAngel Wen University of Maryland - College ParkBronte Wen Johns Hopkins UniversityLucy Wen University of Maryland - College ParkAmanda Wessel Bryn Mawr CollegeLena West Ohio State UniversityGeovonie White UnknownJared Williams Howard UniversityReid Williams Asheville, North CarolinaZachary Williams University of ChicagoZane Williams Utah State UniversityAshlyn Wilson Penn State UniversityLinden Wilson UnknownJuliana Wolde UnknownDylan Wolking UnknownSabrea Woodberry University of Maryland - Eastern ShoreJeong-Yoon Wu University of Maryland - College ParkLytton Xu University of Maryland - College ParkMichael Xu UnknownChancelle Yatti WorkingMary Yilma Gap Year, Boston CollegeMussie Yohannes UnknownSatchel Young Montgomery CollegeJosephine Yu Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyMatthew Yu University of Maryland - College ParkRona Yu California Institute of TechnologyWilson Yu Carnegie Mellon UniversityStefany Zaldana Amaya UnknownDaniela Zelaya Trinity Washington UniversityFolane Zeleke University of Maryland - College ParkCalvin Zhang UnknownSabrina Zhou University of Maryland - College ParkTimothy Zhou University of Maryland - College Park

Junior SuperlativesMost likely to become a Latin scholar: Cole SebastianMost likely to become a bestselling romance-novel author: Grady JakobsbergBest name: Julian BrownMost likely to rock Crocs to prom: Sasha MarquezMost likely to have a creek: Dawson DoMost likely to enter Blair through a side door: Josh FernandesNext Marco Rubio (but cuter): Aditi ShettyMost likely to get a palm reading to decide where to go to college: Brianna ForteMost likely to be the next mayor of Takoma Park: Alice ParkMost likely to be a pro on Dancing With the Stars: Georgina BurrosMost likely to square up with a dance battle: Niki PatelTallest: Christian Mussenden

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silverchirpsMay 25, 2016 7

MAD DOG MAL

MORE SENIOR WILLS! politics of the other adminis-trative staff, pushed me to-wards where I want to go, has a really cool Beatles poster, & without her help I wouldn’t have survived this year. I give you all my respect, I never thought I’d meet a singular teacher in this school system kind, human, and honest, as well as mentally stable. You all impressed me.

I, SABRINA ZHOU, do hereby bequeath:To Kinjal: my hairline and the key to the 4th floor pool.

I, BOBBY PFEFFERLE, leavevarsity baseball in the hands of Ryan Bratton and Zach Dunne. #beatwhitman

I, CAMILLE ESTRIN, hereby leave the point guard position to Allison MacKenzie.

I, MARIS MEDINA, do here-by bequeath:To Niki: never ending Twitter rants, perfect pirouettes, and tall white boys who will come to every single poms invita-tional.To Silver Poms: protection

against endless paper cuts and shin splints.To Angie: non-creepy Tinder boys.To Emily: room 252, all the alliteration and imagery in the world, honest writing, and an-all expenses paid trip to Hutswana when you finally beat Madeira.To Dawson and Brianna: per-fect color schemes, lined up text, and unpixelated images.To Ben: non-awkward DC dates and Nats season tickets.To Yessie: clever IG captions.To Aditi: the power of persua-sion.

I, DIO CRAMER, ofsemi sound mind and body do hereby bequeath the fol-lowing:To Gabel, my love my light my life. I leave you the DNA we share in the hopes you can make the most of it.To Grace and Miriam and Ali, I leave you all the power vested in my by the gods of stage crew. May your screws never strip and may your wood never warp.To Tommy, I leave you Bran-don. Take care of him, feed

him daily and occasionally take him on walks.To Amy, I love you. You got this.To Max, I leave you fonts and good graphic design. Use them wisely.To Marco, I leave you the magic of the trees. Whisper to them and they will whisper back.To Will, there is nothing I can give you that you don’t al-ready have. Use your powers for good.To Braedon, I leave you Gabel. Feed him, shower him with love, take him on walks.To Oregano Boy, we never talked and I do not know your name, but good luck on your future endeavors. I am rooting for you.

I, NAZEA KHAN, wish the best of luck to my MSA babies and fhockey5 squad <3 Don’t be dry, be live.

WE, THE SENIOR CLASS of ‘16, of sound mind and body, do hereby bequeath:To the Class of ‘17: Luck and hopefully not senioritis!

I, CAMILLE KIRSCH, being of sound body and mind, hereby bequeath:To the Silver Chips junior staff: late nights, junk food, “said is not dead,” and a sin-cere conviction in the power of journalism. Change the world.To Cole and Julian: The best section ever. Take care of my baby.To Cole: My identity. We’re basically the same person - you’re just ten inches taller and male.To Aditi: A love of writing. You’re going to go far, kid.To Lily: The above Fallout Boy reference (you’re wel-come) and my eternal love. Proud of you, little sis.To Camila: The power of the Camil(le)a name. You’re my soul sister.To Siena and Max: The don-key! Remember your eco-nomics -- carrots work better than sticks, and carrot cake works best of all.To Jemma, Vivi, Shrabonti, Suad, and Christian: A com-plete and total shortage of la-bels. Go forth and make Blair accepting!To all of Blair: My thanks.

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