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Seniors Anticipate Graduation at Comcast Center
Prom Memories Linger as Class of 2008 Members Look Forward to Grad Night
By Jeneba Samking
“As freshmen, no one thought four years of high school would go by so quickly. It seems like just yesterday
when we were stuck wearing the freshman green and now we’re at the very last stage of high school and it seems so
surreal,” describes senior Ra’Neta Oliver.
After anticipating senior year, it has finally come. This year’s graduates, the Class of 2008, experienced their
prom at the elegant Radisson Lord Baltimore Hotel on the night of May 17. After lots of preparation, the seniors headed to
a night in “Hollywood,” this year’s prom theme. In their extravagant gowns and elegant tuxedoes, the seniors hit the
dance floor, enjoyed a buffet of appetizers and a scrumptious dipping bar, and viewed a reminiscent slide show of high
school memories; all of which made their prom a night to remember.
The fun and excitement didn’t stop at prom for the seniors. At one in the morning many students gathered at
LHS and filled four chartered buses to Adventure Park, USA in Frederick, MD. This fun-filled event included go-karts,
mini golf, paintball, a rollercoaster, a ropes course, an arcade, a rock wall, and laser tag. Despite the long evening many
of the seniors still seemed to have energy, at least in the first part of the night.
After partying and having the everlasting memory of prom on their minds, the next hot topic for seniors is
graduation. “I’m super excited,” exclaims senior Kaydee Kostishak. On May 29, for the fifth year in a row, the LHS
graduation ceremony will be held at the Comcast Center in College Park. At 5:30 pm the ceremony that parents, students,
friends, and family have all been waiting for will begin. Close to 400 graduates, gentlemen dressed in blue and ladies
dressed in white, anticipate walking across the stage and receiving their diploma, their rite of passage.
Although high school is over, graduation should not be considered an end, but rather a beginning.
“I never expected this year to be so difficult. After 10 months of arduous work and unexpected obstacles, I look
at graduation as my most prominent achievement and I am so thankful that I have made it this far,” commented senior
Nachelle Edwards.
Many tears and hugs will be shared as the members of the Class of 2008 leave their mark at LHS and take a step
into the real world.
Radisson Lord Baltimore Hotel was
the site of this year’s prom.
Later, on the evening of graduation, seniors will also gather at the post-graduation party known as “Grad
Night.” For more information on this alcohol-free, safe, and fun evening which continues all throughout the night, see
article on page seven.
LHS Prepares for the Big Move
Many Spartan Hall Residents to Move Into Temporaries
By Krystal Gabel
A
s one views the front grounds
of Laurel High School it is
obvious that with the recent
arrival of the new temporaries the “big
move” has already begun.
With the demolition of
Spartan Hall looming in the near
future, the teachers who currently have
classrooms in the annex, as well as the
those in the temporaries, will have to
relocate in order for the construction
of the new building to begin.
Additional temporaries,
otherwise known as “learning
cottages,”are currently being placed in
the teachers’ parking lot. Eventually
with all the teachers’ parking spaces
being eliminated, students will no
longer be able to park on campus
because the teachers will need to use
the student lot.
Originally, those teachers who
currently have their classrooms set up
in the old temporaries were supposed
to make the move into the new ones
around May 26; additionally, the
teachers who are located in the annex
were at first scheduled to move out at
some point between June 6 and 9. But
when last asked about the dates,
Instructional Coordinator Carrie Curry
said that everything has been pushed
back about a month because “the county
missed a permit deadline.” It looks as if
no one will be moving until sometime
in June.
According to Curry,
approximately thirty-nine teachers will
have to relocate during the move.
Considering the fact that, once the new
ones arrive, there will now be a total of
thirty-nine temporaries on campus, it
is a perfect match.
Social Studies Instructor William
Yoder is one of many teachers who has
already started packing in preparation
for the move. “My closet is basically
empty,” he says. “Everything that needs
to go home is home.”
When asked what he dreads most
above the move, Social Studies
Department Head Dale Brennan, whose
classroom is currently located in Spartan
Hall, more specifically, in the area
known as Tornado Alley says, “The
PROM KING AND QUEEN
things we have not anticipated will
happen-the unknown.”
Psychology Instructor Joseph
Lippert comments on the move by
saying, “Making sure that everything
needs to get moved, gets moved. It’s
not that big of a challenge,” he adds on
account of the fact that he had just
made the move to LHS this past summer
after previously teaching at Bowie High
School.
When asked about his feelings on
the new annex, Band Instructor Chuck
Zimmerman states, “I’m exuberant
about having a new place to perform.”
Yoder says that he has two main
concerns about the move: “traffic
patterns and easy access to a copier if
I’m in a temporary.” But he adds, “We
don’t know exactly who’s going to be
where.”
When asked how he thinks the
move will affect the entire school, he
answers, “I think it will affect the adults
more than it will the students.” He
elaborates that “younger people” are
naturally more “resilient” and can adapt
to change more easily than adults can.
FORBI FONCHAM & RASHAE MATTHEWS
PAGE 2
The Shield
May 2008
The Shield
Reflecting on our High School Years
Four years ago, as freshmen, we
would have never thought high school
would be over so quickly. Looking
back on the very first day of high
school when we arrived, you wondered if you would see your best
friend or anyone from your middle
school in any of your classes. Once
you realized that you would not see
as many of your old friends as you
thought, you began to mingle with new
people and make friends. Being stuck
with that freshman “green” all year
long classified you as an underclassmen. Throughout the year, your status changed from freshmen to sophomores. With extra freedom, a little
backround of the school, you started
to show a little indivudalism and
independence.Getting accustomed to
your surroundings gave you a boost
in your confidence.
Sophomore year, you continued
to make friends and lost some of the old
ones. As your homework began to pile
up opportunities begin to open up for the
classes that you could take in order to
better prepare you for your future in college or the working field.
As sophomores, proudly displaying our red shirts, we were waiting, thinking that graduation was closer, but just
too far away to see.
In your junior year you constantly
recieve college mail that you thought was
at one time good, now you percieve it as
junk mail. Some of us began driving, and
we realized that our high school years
were going by fast. As the year ended
and we prepared for our finals, we
couldn’t help, but think that next year
would be our last year here...just one
more year. And here it is, May 2008.
This month kept us feeling
sooverwhelmed with so much preparation for events such as Prom, Graduation
and Grad Night. Some of us didn’t even
have time to write a Last Will.
This has all come too quickly! It’s
all over. It’s almost scary to think of all
the changes we have gone through, all
the good times, the bad, and how much
we have grown. Now you realize that
you will miss your friends and the people
whom you have spent four years with,
so the question is, how do we say
goodbye to the people whom we
laughed and cried with all throughout
these years?
Although high school is a small part
of life, it is one of the most significant
parts. These past four years were the
times of new beginnings, self-discovery, and change. Regardless of where
time and fate may take each of us on
our separate paths, we will always be
bound to each other by a common
thread- we will always be proud members of the Laurel High Class of 2008.
The Shield is published by the students of
Laurel High School,8000 Cherry Lane, Laurel
MD 20707. It is sold at the price of twenty-five
cents per issue. The Shield is a member of the
Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the
Maryland Scholastic Press Association, the
American Scholastic Press Association and the
International Quill and Scroll Society.
Staff
EDITORS
Chief Editors
Nachelle Edwards
Ra’Neta Oliver
Managing Editors
Jeneba Samking
Nikki Lust
Melita Bell
Krystal Gabel
Patty Contic
Layout Editor
Melita Bell
Photo Editor
Patty Contic
Copy Editors
Krystal Gabel
Kaydee Kostishak
Nikki Lust
Ra’Neta Oliver
Rikkea Yates-Jackson
News
Ra’Neta Oliver
Feature
Jeneba Samking
Sports
Caitlin Raynor
Entertainment
Nachelle Edwards
Jocelyn Berry
Opinion
Alaina Alexander
Exchange
Kristin Dwyer
MANAGERS
DISPLAYING OUR SPARTAN
PRIDE WITH SPARTAN
WEAR
Dear Editor,
The L.H.S uniform policy has without a doubt restricted all of our freedoms and rights to express ourselves.
So I’m sure I’m not alone when I say
how excited I was when Mr. Jones announced earlier in the year that it was
permissible for us to wear “Spartan
Wear,” anything associated with Laurel
High School Clubs, associations, or athletics.
This new policy allowed us to represent things that we participated in; it
enabled us to express our Spartan pride.
As a member of the Laurel High School
tennis team, I was ecstatic about being
able to wear my tennis uniform to
school. Mr. Jones has announced that
athletics can only wear their attire on
game day, and clubs and organizations
cannot even wear their clothing.
Our last chance to express ourselves in this school has been destroyed,
and frankly, I think it’s unfair. As principal of our school, I would like to think
that Mr. Jones of all people would be a
huge advocate of extra-curricular activities. Honestly, athletes are some of
the top students in school and well-rounded.
They’re required to earn a 2.0 GPA with no
E’s. They’re hard-working, people, and they
deserve a little wiggle room when it comes
to the uniform policy, especially when it
comes to representing something in which
we participate. All we want to do is show
people what we do; we deserve to display
our Spartan pride. So, Mr. Jones, let us have
this; it’s all we have left.
Sophomore Kevin McLaughlin
HONOR ROLL DINNER
APPRECIATED
Dear Editor,
I would like to thank Mr. Tom Miller
and the student government for the
wonderfully successful Honor Roll
Dinner! This spectacular event made the
students feel appreciated for all their hard
work during the first three quarters of the
school year. Special thanks go out to the
SGA for their great efforts at planning and
organizing this first time dinner held in
honor of those students who are
dedicated and committed to the ideals of
education.
In order to honor and reward
these successful students,entertainment
was provided by students playing the piano, while the parents and students ate
food catered by Three Brothers Restau-
rant in the cafeteria that was beautifully
decorated in LHS colors and style. The
real treat was being served and appreciated by all the devoted teachers who volunteered their time to show the students
that hard work matters. The icing on the
cake was having Principal Jones speak and
motivate the young adults to continue down
this path of success. Thank you Mr. Jones
for your years of dedication and service
to these kids, for you have made all the
difference in their lives. As a parent, I was
truly honored to be a part of this touching
celebration honoring the accomplishments
of our children and future leaders of
America. Please bring back the Honor Roll
Dinner next year.
Parent Sally Lust
THANK YOU SENIORS
Dear Editor,
Throughout my years at Laurel High
School, seniors have helped me with my
maturity as a student, a person, and as a
whole. Many of the seniors are mature,
hard-working, and diligent young adults.
Essentially, the Senior Class, year by
year, has been a role model to look up
to. They instilled in me such values as
diligence, work ethic, and the importance
of meeting deadlines. I greatly appreciate your influences on me.
Junior Tano Eroraha
Advertising : Franklin Abarca
Public Relations : Courtney Branch
Buisness : Kristin Dwyer
Circulation : Courtney Branch
Patrons : Caitlin Raynor
Unclassifieds : Kaydee Kostishak
Librarians : Franklin Abarca
News Briefs: Nikki Lust
REPORTERS
Shelby Donaldson
Tano Eroraha
Mohammed Khan
Anam Qureshi
Luly Ramirez
ADVISOR
Robert Giuliani
PRINCIPAL
Dwayne Jones
The objectives of The Shield are to report
all news pertinent to the interest of students and
staff in an objective manner, to heighten awareness in the student body, to increase involvement in student affairs, to provide entertainment, and above all, to provide a medium of
support and encouragement of the ideals expressed in the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America.
Editorials in The Shield represent the views
of the editors. They do not necessarily reflect the
views of the administration, faculty, student body,
advisor, or other members of the staff.
Letters to the editor are welcomed and encouraged. Letters must be signed and written in
good taste, and are subject to editing. Please
deposit letters in Mr. Giuliani’s mailbox, email
them to [email protected], or give
them to any member of the staff.
The Shield
PAGE 3
May 2008
Valedictorian Villaflores Pursues Art Career
High School Achievements Have Left Him Humble and Sleep-Deprived
By Kaydee Kostishak
D
uring his high school
career, all he did was
concentrate
on
perfecting his school work. He
lost much sleep, and never
planned on receiving this
award. Unfortunately for him,
he couldn’t escape the destiny
of being the Valedictorian for
the Class of 2008. But, with a
cumulative grade point average
of 3.9, how could he expect
anything less? So, who is this
mysterious guy? It is none
other than the hardworking,
sleep-deprived,
artistic
Anthony Villaflores.
“I’ve known Tony for three
years, and he’s worked hard
through all of them. No one
deserves valedictorian as much
as he does. He works hard and
stays focused,” commented
senior Jennifer Hammer.
Anthony’s lowest grade
was back in the fifth grade. He
states, “Back in fifth grade, I
got an ‘E’ in English. I still
remember my teacher’s name.
She gave so much work!” That
English teacher prepared him
early for what high school had in
store for him, especially for Ms.
Davis’ AP English classes.
After inquiring Villaflores if he
lost much sleep during high
school, he replied, “Yes, especially
for Mrs. Davis’ class.
I
procrastinate too much, but this
year, I’m learning how to manage
my time better.”
Villaflores has taken rigorous
classes consisting of AP
Government, AP World History,
AP Language, AP Literature, IB
Studio Art, and AP Calculus. In
addition to taking these classes,
he has been a part of the National
Honor Society. Not only did he
have to concentrate on these
classes and activities, but he also
dedicated his time to being a math
tutor, designing the Grad Night
and olympic t-shirts, and also
painting the school benches last
year.
Another one of his extracurricular activities included
sleeping, which seemed very
scarce during these past four
years. “I regret not enjoying my
high school years as much as I
could have, but that’s life; you
can’t do everything you want,”
remarked Villaflores.
Most people would be
honored and enthusiastic to be
named the ‘smartest person in
the Senior Class,’ but for
Anthony, the case is different.
“I never wanted to be it, and to
be honest, I wish someone else
was the valedictorian. I like
turning in quality work. I guess
it’s a habit my parents influenced
on me early on,” commented
Villaflores.
Why doesn’t he want it, you
wonder? “It’s an honor, and
everyone is telling me I should
be excited, but the speech is
what I’m worried about. [I feel]
awful, excited, sick, but mostly
nervous. I’m not much of a
public speaker. I get nervous in
front of thirty people,” noted
Villaflores. “The last time I was
on stage was when I played
‘Silent Night’ on the violin, a
solo, back in fourth grade. My
bow barely made contact with
the strings because they were
bouncing too high from my
shaking.”
After high school, Villaflores
will be attending Maryland
Institute College of Art (MICA)
to major in illustration and
animation. In addition to painting
Center, and has decorated the
Junior as well as the Senior Hall.
Adding
to
these
accomplishments,
his
chalk
painting was
featured in The
Wa s h i n g t o n
Post in fifth
grade and his
“ S h o e
Illustration”
was shown in
the Maryland
G a l l e r y .
Anthony was
also able to earn
the spot of
“most artistic”
for a senior
superlative in
LHS’s school
newspaper, The
Shield.
Villaflores
has his goals
set, and plans to
use his artistic
talents in the
future. “He’s
Anthony Villaflores
going to go far
the school benches, he has in anything he does,” added
painted a mural in the Career Hammer.
Salutatorian Guevara Work Ethic Equals Success
Headed to University of Maryland at College Park on a Pre-Med Path
By Rikkea Yates-Jackson
A
fter four years of hard
work,
Liz
GuevaraValverde has
rightfully
earned
the
honor
of
salutatorian.
Guidance
Counselor
Collins- Swain
notified her
about
the
phenomenal
news in the
main lobby
while she was
selling pizza
for the Spanish
Club. “I was
completely
shocked,”
s t a t e s
GuevaraValverde.
Guevara-Valverde’s work
ethic is the main contributor
to her success, “If I don’t get
something, I review it and I do
my homework everyday after
Liz Guevara
school. Sometimes it takes
hours.” In addition, Guevara-
Valverde credits her second
highest-class ranking to the
influence and determination of
her parents. “My parents were
teachers in South America.
They learned English on their
own. My mother then received
another teaching degree in
America. Because of my
mother’s accomplishment I feel
I can do anything.”
Even though her challenging
course schedule and list of
extra-curricular activities
mirror that of every other active
honor student, what sets
Guevara- Valverde aside from
the rest is the fact that she
excels in every task she takes
on. In addition to balancing
Advance Placement classes,
such as AP US History and AP
Biology, she actively leads her
volleyball team. She is the
president of the Student
Government Association and
the National Spanish Honors
Society. She is also fluent in two
languages, Spanish and English.
Even though her schedule is
filled with academic and extracurricular commitments, she still
sets aside time to relax and be
with friends. “I utilize my
weekends to go out at night. I
keep to my schedule and I plan
things out ahead of time.”
Guevara-Valverde intends to
use her summer after the close
of high school to travel. “I am
going to Europe and Italy and
just relax before college.”
One of Guevara’s best
qualities is her dedication to her
friends. “As a friend, she is
understanding; she doesn’t
judge and she is accepting of
everything you do and say. She
is always encouraging and
gives great advice,” states close
friend Gabriela Farias.
If success is measured by
how one overcomes the
adversities in his or her life, then
Guevara-Valverde is a perfect
exemple of this. GuevaraValverde has only lived in
America for 12 years; when
she entered the first grade, she
was transferred out of ESOL.
In addition, she is the first one
in her family to go to college in
America. Even though she had
difficulty early on in elementary
school because she was still
trying to master the English
language, she still excelled and
math became her strongest
subject.
Her interest changed over
her grade school career and
now she enjoys history and
science. She hopes to turn those
interests into a life-long career.
“I really want to be a doctor
and eventually work at a
hospital.” Guevara-Valverde
plans to attend the University
of Maryland, College Park,
which was her number one
choice. I want to major in
history,” noted GuevaraValverde. “I’m going to do premed so I will probably double
major. After that, I want to go
to medical school, hopefully on
the West Coast.”
The Shield
PAGE 4
May 2008
Focus
Class Officers Practice Leadership Skills for Future
Students and Sponsors Comment on Trials, Tribulations and Satisfaction of Leading a Class
This is the third and final installment of
The Shield’s series on student leadership. In
this article the difficulties, the
responsibilities and the satisfaction of being
a class officer are examined. In previous
issues, the roles of team captains and club
leaders were explored.
By Nikki Lust
W
ith class activities and events
demanding immense effort and
dedication from students in
order for a class’s goals to be
met and duties to be fulfilled, the class officers
must demonstrate effective leadership skills
and the abilities to guide and manage. They
must become role models.They must show
integrity and work well with both their fellow
officers and adult sponsors. All of this must
happen so that the goals of the Class can be
accomplished.
“Student leadership development is the
process of involving students in meaningful
ways both in and beyond the classroom. It
is providing opportunities for students to
demonstrate their talents, skills, and interests
while continuing to develop new skills. It is
also about giving students more ownership
of the programs they attend,” expressed
Michele V. Sacerdote in an article displayed
on System for Adult Basic Education
Support’s (SABES) website. The article
continues, “First and foremost, student input
can improve and strengthen programs in ways
that the Director (class sponsor) could not do
alone. Students bring new energy and ideas
to the program. Second, student leadership
provides opportunities for students to get
involved and to learn skills that can be
transferable to the workplace or community.
Finally, student leadership deepens each
student’s commitment to adult literacy and
increases the chances that the student will
continue to learn.”
“Directors/sponsors have the power to
set a tone for the program. The best
atmosphere for fostering student leadership
is one that is accessible and values student
input. It is the job of the sponsor to encourage
teachers and staff to support student activities
and recommendations. Students need to see
that their suggestions are taken seriously.
So, if teachers and staff refuse to implement
these suggestions, then students may lose
motivation to get involved. Directors /
coordinators need to make a conscious
decision to include students in meaningful
ways. This is easier said than done. It takes
time and energy to find ways to include
students. It can mean letting go of controlling
how and what happens and being open to
new ways of doing things.”
Furthermore, this article indicates that
several “barriers to student involvement,” in
class functions, for instance, may include
“lack of time” or “confidence,” that they are
“not clear about their role in the group,” or
that they “feel cynical that [the] program
will not really listen to their ideas;” however,
class officers are intended to lead their peers
with the responsibilities and tasks of the class,
and thus assuage those inundated with onuses
and hindrances that could possibly lead to
the deterioration of the class.
Various class leaders in Laurel High
School commented on their roles and
undertakings as officers in their class, in
addition to remarking on the highs and lows
of their positions, the motives for desiring
their jobs, and the prospects for their futures.
“My satisfaction from being a class
officer is knowing that I’m the one who helped
make decisions in the activities and
fundraising this year,” Vice President of the
Sophomore Class, Shalini Boodram,
explained, noting that one could benefit from
class leadership since one may “gain skills
and get into many things for free.” “Staying
after school, holding meetings during Spartan
Hour, and making sure everything runs
smoothly,” are disadvantages of the position,
while “the largest problem is getting things
done and when it’s going to be done.” “I
wanted to raise money for our class and have
fun activities, but since I was out [of school]
for a long time, I could not get to do much
this year,” she explains regrets about her job,
but concluded with the positive assertions
“well, it would look good on my college
application,” and “being in SGA is hard work,
but it’s worth it.”
“Time is a huge sacrifice. You have to
dedicate time. Time has always been a
sacrifice for me and other officers. You can
have the passion and dedication for the
position, but [you] have to have time to put
in and out of school,” proclaimed Freshman
Class President Chelsea Joseph.
“Communication is a problem I have. It’s
difficult upon yourself when you have to
communicate between your other class officers
and the president and their staff.
Communication is a natural problem in SGA,
but hard to solve,” she included, providing
the advantages of her role with “the
satisfaction I receive from being a class officer
is knowing that I represent the students and
help the students. It shows my school spirit
and how much I care for the students.”
“There are many benefits from being a class
officer. One huge benefit is you become
known in your community, and it looks great
for college. Lastly, your teachers may show
gratitude for your work in the school for the
students,” and “assuming the position as [a]
class officer will help you in many ways in
the future. This will help you with working
with other people, time management, and
assuming authority.” Joseph established that
“the main reason I became a class officer is to
help the students and be their voice. I always
had the passion to lead, so I felt I should put
it to use.”
“I always had
the passion to
lead, so I felt I
should put it to
use.”
-Freshman Class
President Chelsea
Joseph
“I actually care about the well-being of
my class. I want our years in high school to
be memorable and enjoyable,” Junior Class
Secretary Jeneba Samking declared, as to the
reasons for her becoming a class leader. “I
feel like I’m playing a big part in helping my
class, such as raising money and coming up
with different ideas for our senior year,” she
explains. “I get to go on SGA field trips,
and I also get to help plan different activities
for the school because of my leadership
position within the Junior Class.”
Conversely, as to the hardships class
officers encounter, “I gave up my free time
during Spartan Hour to attend the meetings,”
and “many people do not cooperate when
you’re just trying to help them. Being a
class officer gives you leadership skills and
looks very good to colleges when you start
applying,”
Samking
announced,
conclusively.
“Because I wanted my class to have a
good prom, and I wanted to improve Laurel
High, I decided to endure the selection process
to become a class leader,” Eugene Olletey,
Treasurer of the Sophomore Class, offered.
“Being a class officer gives you lots of
satisfaction. Some of them are being able to
help your class and hear what good things
SGA is doing for you,” and “some benefits
are that we get into lots of events for free.
You gain leadership skills,” he uttered.
“Staying after school long hours [and] coming
in early to decorate for homecoming and more
events,” are encumbrances of the post, while
the “largest problems are that you have to
listen to what people want [and] try to change
things last minute.”
The class sponsors bestowed their
outlook on class leadership by illustrating
the significance of these leaders within their
class, and communicated their perceptions
on the selection methods that are employed
to choose class officers.
“We have had illness [and] some things
that didn’t go as well as we hoped because
we weren’t as organized. In the future, we
hope that excitement will spread to our entire
class about our activities about a class-wide
community service, and I hope we will be
‘gelled’ as upperclassmen. We hope that
this will continue in our junior and senior
years. We hope that, as we leave the school,
we will set the standard for class leadership.
We hope that that will follow through as we
return to Laurel as alumni,” Lisa Leandre,
Co-Sponsor of the Sophomore Class, along
with Jeffrey Holstine, stressed. “I look for
leadership; by that I mean a person who is
mature in their thinking, who would like to
organize something for the class, [and] who
has a vision. I would hope that a class officer
would be able to spark enthusiasm for class
activities,” Leandre exclaimed, about the
merits and virtues class leaders should
possess.
“I believe our class officers were voted
by their peers. The class officers were already
set [when I became a co-sponsor], but we
may have some leadership changes this year,”
Leandre mentioned. “There seems to be
some talk about people running for office
changes, and some students have expressed
an interest in running and serving their classes
in an elected capacity.”
Freshman Class Sponsor Amanda Jones
explained her feelings on student leadership
within classes by saying, “I am looking for
individuals who are reliable, dedicated, and
concerned for the overall well-being of their
class,” inserting “I think it is very important,”
for leadership in her sponsored class. “On a
scale from one to ten, it is a twelve,” for the
importance of class leadership, and she
attached that “this is my first time as a class
sponsor, so I am still learning.” “Although
the cheese steaks we made at the Spartan Fair
fundraiser were yummy, we only made enough
[money] to break even, so for next year, we
are planning on doing something else. At
least one freshman told me he had fun, so it
wasn’t a total loss,” Jones indicated.
“All of the officers were already in
position, and they asked me to be their
sponsor,” Jones described, about the
appointment process, including that she will
probably either sponsor the Freshman or
Sophomore Class the following school year,
adding, “I am currently seeking officers for
next year. I have my eye on a few good
candidates. To the best of my knowledge,
they have to run for their position each year,
so it is possible that the same officers may
not be in the same positions [in future years].”
Junior Class co-sponsor Florice Ritter
expressed, “I think it’s 50-50. It has to be
someone who is respected by their peers.
They have to be well-respected by their peers
and take on the responsibility of leading.
They are a role model. Other people look at
that person.” She referred to whom she would
deem a suitable class leader with, “I would
be looking for someone who is committed to
the cause, responsible, and punctual. It is
difficult because you have a lot of things that
you have to help the students with, and you
have your own responsibilities as a teacher;
but, in the end, it is rewarding, and I enjoy it
when I get to see the students walk across the
stage,” asserted Ritter.
“We didn’t select them. They were voted
on by their peers,” affirmed Ritter, on the
selection system for the Junior Class officers.
“That will be their choice, but they will
have to go through the selection process of
voting,” she elucidated, clarifying that the
2007 – 2008 school year’s Junior Class leaders
will most likely not merely shift up the
succeeding school year to be Senior Class
leaders, adding that, “Everything kind of
shifted up this year. I joined Ms. LewisSteiner [to sponsor] the 2009 Class in 2005.”
Jeffrey Holstine, a Sophomore Class cosponsor with Lisa Leandre, pronounced that
“involvement, promptness, and leadership,”
are the chief attributes that he examines in
class officers. “It’s extremely critical because
they are the ones who know their classmates
the best. They can tell their peers what to do
because they have a network or connection
[with them].” In addition, “I think they
were voted on last year in ninth grade, and
became sophomore officers,” responded
Holstine, illustrating skepticism to the
nomination and appointment procedures in
the other classes.
“Understand that the four-year stint that
I am finishing up has been the only experience
I have had as a class sponsor, so my thoughts
come completely within the frame of reference
of the LHS Class of 2008,” co-sponsor of the
Senior Class, Sidney Stark, explained.
“When Mrs. Rea and I decided to co-sponsor
the Class of 2008, it was approximately three
weeks before Homecoming of the Class’s
Freshman year. Mrs. Rea taught ninth grade
English at the time (and still does), and I
believe it was a group of her students that
approached her about the idea of sponsorship.
Figuring it would be better if there were
someone to share the workload, she
approached me, and we quickly organized a
group to work on Homecoming. It was from
that group that our class leaders began to
develop.”
Stark added, “It became clear in the first
couple of years that class leadership treads in
line between popularity and actual
contribution of time and effort. Most class
elections are popularity contests, especially
in the younger years, and sometimes the most
‘popular’ ones aren’t the ones who want to
get things done for the good of the class.
Homecoming decorations are a tedious chore,
with time and energy needed to develop a
design concept, collect the materials needed,
and actually create the decorations that fit the
theme in an eye-catching and creative manner.
Class sponsors are looking for leaders who
may not be the most artistic, but who are
willing and able to motivate classmates to
give time and effort to make an effective
decoration piece that can be used for a float in
the parade.”
“As the Class moved up through the
grades, we needed leaders who could bring
energy and creativity to the mundane task of
fundraising. I would stress to those who
would have an interest in taking leadership
roles in their classes that the fundraising you
do in the junior and sophomore years (and
even the freshman year, if you can get your
classmates to do it) will help you
immeasurably when you get to senior year.
Classes need a lot of money in order to hold
a nice prom in a top-notch location with a
nice menu, attractive decorations, and useful,
yet attractive, favors to give away at the end.
Our class is able to have a picnic this year for
everyone because we began the senior year
with a nice balance in our bank book. We
can also offer an after-prom event to the class
members well below cost,” Stark described.
“When we chose our officers for the senior
year, we had a group of students who were
greatly interested in holding office, mostly
because they would have a good deal of input
into the prom. As the year progressed, people
settled into roles that suited them. Senior
year is really different for class officers than
any other year, and with the amount of work
that has to be done, it’s important to have
people who are excited about being involved.
Those who want leadership positions just
because it looks good on a college application
may be acceptable in the lower grades, but
there is so much work to be done senior year
that you have to have officers that can
accomplish a lot. Hopefully, class members
are aware of this as they cast their ballots for
class officers, as it would have been much
more difficult to ‘pull off’ all the senior
activities if you just had ‘popular’ folks
holding down the key positions,” expressed
Stark, noting that, “being busy with Senior
Class activities (prom, Graduation, etc.) . . .
has quite simply been taking up virtually all
my time.”
“Lead and
inspire people.
Don’t try to
manage and
manipulate
people.”
-Ross Perot
High School Leader Grant Nelson, on
the New Horizons for Learning website,
writes, “‘I believe student leadership is being
a good role model in your school.’ ” One
student replies, “I believe student leadership
is doing the right thing, and having people
look up to you.” Another remarks, “I think
student leadership has to do with being a
trustworthy person, one that others can
depend on.”
“These are all true, but how then can one
define what a student leader truly is if there
are so many definitions? Well, I believe
there are a few main qualities every student
leader needs, and also have identified some
of the reoccurring themes I have seen in the
words of student leadership, words that seem
to gain recognition as the years progress,”
pronounced Nelson, Associated Student Body
President at Mount Si High School in
Snoqualmie, Washington, Vice President of
the Washington Association of Student
Councils (WASC) Board, and WASC
representative for the Washington State
Learning First Alliance (WSLFA), according
to the New Horizons for Learning’s website.
“Student leadership is quite simply
what it sounds like: leadership on a student
level. Why is this an important characteristic
for a school to have? Because each school,
whether small or large, has similar attributes
to those of a community. Within the school
are hundreds to thousands of students, all
from different backgrounds, with different
beliefs, different values, and different abilities,
all coming together with different focuses in
life. In most cases, these students all share
one building, and many of them also share
one goal, and that goal is to become
accepted,” Nelson included, inserting,
“Simple gestures of friendliness and a sincere
heart for people are some of the qualities
respected student leaders have.”
“I have noticed one main truth about
student leadership throughout my high school
experience. This truth is that every student
who wants to make a difference in his or her
school must be willing to take action. Many
of today’s student leaders I have met
understand this virtue, and I just hope that
over time more students catch on. It is only
then that the halls of our schools will be
filled with joy, that there will be no student
at school who feels alone, and that the school
community will be able to achieve true
greatness,” concluded Nelson, demonstrating
how even student leaders on the opposite
sides of the country can share similar views
on the subject of student leadership.
Numerous renowned personalities have
provided notions on leadership in the
yesteryear.
“People ask the difference between a
leader and a boss . . . The leader works in the
open, and the boss in covert. The leader
leads, and the boss drives,” Theodore
Roosevelt proclaimed, along with “the best
executive is the one who has sense enough to
pick good men to do what he wants done,
and self-restraint to keep from meddling with
them while they do it.” Additionally, “I
dream of men who take the next step, instead
of worrying about the next thousand steps,”
he declared.
“It is a terrible thing to look over your
shoulder when you are trying to lead - and
find no one there,” explained Franklin Delano
Roosevelt.
Dwight D. Eisenhower pronounced,
“Leadership is the art of getting someone
else to do something you want done because
he wants to do it,” and “You do not lead by
hitting people over the head – that’s assault,
not leadership.” He sounded off, “Pull the
string, and it will follow wherever you wish.
Push it, and it will go nowhere at all.”
“Leadership has a harder job to do than
just choose sides. It must bring sides
together,” Jesse Jackson announced. “Time
is neutral and does not change things. With
courage and initiative, leaders change things.”
John Quincy Adams asserted, “If your
actions inspire others to dream more, learn
more, do more, and become more, you are a
leader.”
“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but
if you want to test a man’s character, give
him power,” Abraham Lincoln broadcasted.
“No man is good enough to govern another
man without that other’s consent.”
Ralph Nader uttered, “I start with the
premise that the function of leadership is to
produce more leaders, not more followers.”
“Lead and inspire people. Don’t try to
manage and manipulate people. Inventories
can be managed but people must be lead,”
expressed Ross Perot.
Henry Kissinger commented, “The task
of the leader is to get his people from where
they are to where they have not been.”
“What makes leadership is the ability to
get people to do what they
don’t want to do and like it,” mentioned
Harry Truman.
Aristotle philosophized, “He who has
never learned to obey cannot be a good
commander.”
“No man will make a great leader who
wants to do it all himself, or to get all the
credit for doing it,” noted Andrew Carnegie.
May these quotes from the past serve as a
guide for our leaders of the future. When class
elections are held, let the information in this
article assist you in making a wise choice.
May 2008
The Shield
PAGE 5
Councilman Dernoga Strives to Help Laurel High
Sophomores Nikki Lust and Benson Nantwi Amponsem Participate in Student Shadow Day
By Nikki Lust
G
overnment Day is always fun. We
get to host high school students
from our Districts and show them
around. I always worry that what
the students get to see is kind of lame - they
never come on the interesting days. However,
the best part is getting to sit and talk with
the students in a roundtable discussion. I
learn a lot about what is going on at Laurel
and High Point, and I learn what kinds of
things I might be able to do to help.
Hopefully, the students learn something, too,”
expressed Democratic District 1 Council
Member Thomas E. Dernoga of the Prince
George’s County Council.
On Tuesday, April 8, 2008, the Prince
George’s County Council held their Student
Shadow Day Program, an event within the
National County Government Week of April
6 to 12, 2008. Students visited the County
Administration Building in Upper Marlboro
to witness first hand the dealings and
proceedings that conventionally transpire in
the legislative branch of local county
government. The day’s happenings involved
pupils attending agenda briefings and council
sessions, conversing with their district’s
council member in his or her office, and eating
lunch with the council members.
“All legislative powers of the County
are invested in the County Council. In
addition, the County Council sits as the
District Council on zoning and land use
matters, and as the Board of Health on health
policy matters. The County Council meets
as a legislative body at 10:00 a.m. every
Tuesday in the Council Hearing Room on
the main floor of the County Administration
Building in Upper Marlboro. The District
Council meets at 10:00 a.m. on second and
fourth Mondays. The Board of Health meets
as required. The Council recesses in August
and December,” informs Prince George’s
County Maryland’s official website, which
provides insight into county government’s
legislative branch. “All County Council
sessions are open to the public, and citizens
are encouraged to attend,” the website adds.
For Laurel High School, the Advanced
Placement Government and Politics and
United States History Instructor Joseph
Rooney selected two students, one male and
one female, to partake in the Student Shadow
Day Program by following their district’s
council member, District 1’s Thomas
Dernoga, for the day while he conducted
typical work-related functions. Nicole Lust
and Benson Nantwi Amponsem were the
nominated two from LHS who experienced
the day’s actions.
“In 2008, the National County
Government Week’s theme is “Protecting Our
Children.” Counties can show their residents
the many ways they work to protect and
enhance the health, welfare and safety of
children in sensible and cost-effective ways,”
reported the National Association of Counties,
“the only national organization that
represents county governments in the United
States,” on their website. “National County
Government Week (NCGW) is an annual
celebration of county government. First held
in 1991, the goal of county government week
is to raise public awareness and understanding
about the roles and responsibilities of the
nation’s counties. There are activities at the
national, state, and local levels during county
government week. More than 1,000 counties
annually participate in NCGW by holding a
variety of programs and events. These include
tours of county facilities, presentations in
schools, meetings with business and
community leaders, recognition programs for
volunteers, briefings on environmental
projects, and adoption of proclamations,” the
NACo explained, about the role of NCGW.
The Student Shadow Day Program
consisted of high school scholars shadowing
their district’s County Council member for
the school day; thus the two Laurel High
students centered around Councilman
Dernoga, while other participants trailed
District 2’s Will Campos, District 3’s Eric
C. Olson, District 4’s Ingrid M. Turner,
District 6’s Samuel H. Dean, Chairman of
the Council, District 7’s Camille A. Exum,
District 8’s Tony Knotts, and District 9’s
Marilynn M. Bland, Vice-Chair of the
Council, which comprise the Prince George’s
County Council. The exception was for for
District 5’s Council member since a special
election on May 6, 2008 will be held to fill
the vacancy of Maryland State Senator David
C. Harrington, who resigned his District 5
Council Member post as of February 7, 2008.
LHS’s two chosen students joined two
High Point High School pupils in the day’s
success rate, but we can’t do everything,” he
activities, and the group began the day by
noted.
interacting with several of Dernoga’s staff
“Third, since the Council is responsible
members in his office, prior to the
for land use, I spend a lot of time working on
Councilman’s arrival. Upon his entry, the
zoning proposals to see what will be
District 1 students conversed with the
beneficial for District 1 and what the impacts
Councilman, until a briefing, where all of the
will be. I try to see to it that new
students shadowing Council members from
developments will have minimal traffic and
every participating district attended.
environmental impacts,” elaborates Dernoga.
Subsequently, the entire group of pupils,
Prince George’s County Maryland’s
Council members, and other staff members
website provides Dernoga’s civic activities
working at the County Administration
history by stating, “Prior to his election to
Building ate a catered lunch together, which
the County Council, Mr. Dernoga served as
was followed by a mass gathering, whereupon
President (1989-91 and 1995-97) and Vicethe students involved in the Shadow Program
President (1997-2001) of the West Laurel
were presented framed Certificates of
Civic Association; Secretary of the Bond Mill
Recognition and a backpack filled with items
Elementary School Parent and Teacher
from one’s Council person’s office.
Association (1994-96); Coach and Team
“The biggest thing that I’m doing is
Manager of the Laurel Boys and Girls’ Club;
getting the auditorium built. I don’t think
member of Board of Education Committee of
people understand how huge of a project that
100 Community Advisory Committee (1997is. As much as I would like to see the entire
Present); member of Prince George’s County
school rebuilt, I knew that I had no chance of
Commission 2000 Growth Task Force (1998getting the funding for that. However, the
2000); member of Laurel Regional Planning
auditorium is really going to be a big deal,”
and Transportation Committee (1992-96);
Dernoga commented, on his achievements,
member of Partnership for Regional
successes, and triumphant feats in enhancing
Excellence of Washington Metropolitan
LHS. “I also helped raise over $40,000 for
Council of Governments (1992-93); and
the PTA. I give a grant each year for $1,000
member of Prince George’s County
or more to support Grad Night. I buy a
Alternative Law Density Task Force
season long ad in the Shield every year to
Committee (1991).”
help pay for the cost of the newspaper (that’s
“Mr. Dernoga, then a Baltimore tax
why you see one of those goofy ads from me
lawyer, began his civic activist career in 1987,
every month). I have also helped the Sports
after attending a West Laurel Civic
Booster Club with financing,” he explans
Association (WLCA) strategy meeting
pertaining to the improvements and benefits
concerned with opposing a large unwanted
that this Council member personally
orchestrates for Laurel High.
“I participate in Career Day every
year,” Dernoga announced,
intensifying the array of deeds that he
manages to accomplish. “One thing
that I did that many people don’t
remember is that I stopped the school
system from building an 800-seat
addition on the building. This had
nothing to do with the Auditorium,
and it just would have been
classrooms, with a small increase in
the cafeteria. Laurel is supposed to
hold 1,850 students. At the time,
Laurel had 2,300 students, and the
addition would have allowed the
school system to put 3,000 students
in Laurel. It would have been really
mobbed in the halls, the stairwells,
the cafeteria, etc. Now, the student
population is down to around 1,850
students, and it still seems crowded;
3,000 students would have been
unbelievable,” he explains.
Being “a life-long resident of
Central Maryland,” Dernoga, whose
“constituent area includes Adelphi,
Laurel’s County Councilman Thomas Dernoga
Beltsville, Calverton, College Park,
commercial development on the community’s
Laurel, Montpelier, South Laurel, Vansville,
doorstep. Mr. Dernoga left that meeting as
and West Laurel,” respectfully “has resided
the WLCA’s new pro bono zoning lawyer
in Prince George’s County since 1980,”
despite the fact that he knew nothing about
according to the Councilman’s information,
zoning law or land use. Over the next two
acquired from the Prince George’s County
months, Mr. Dernoga taught himself zoning
Maryland website’s District 1 page.
law and land use planning, and helped lead
“I am from Ellicott City, [which is] about
800 neighbors in successful opposition to
25 minutes north of Laurel. I grew up in a
the development. It was an unexpected
neighborhood similar to West Laurel or
beginning that led to a 15-year run as a
Montpelier,” explained Dernoga, on his
WLCA leader, with regular involvement in
residency in Laurel’s district.
land use planning in Prince George’s County
According to the county website, the
and Central Maryland.” This civic activism
councilman “holds a Bachelor of Arts in
prepared him to serve the people.
Government and Politics from the University
Furthermore, his public crusading
of Maryland College Park (1981); a Juris
persisted when he, “put his new zoning law
Doctorate (with honors) from the University
and civic activist background to public
of Maryland School Of Law (1984); and a
benefit, offering low cost legal services to
Master of Laws in Taxation from Georgetown
civic groups around Prince George’s County
University Law Center (1988). Dernoga has
and Central Maryland. Mr. Dernoga soon
been a member of the Maryland State Bar
found himself appearing before the Zoning
since 1985, and is a member of the Prince
Hearing Examiner, the Planning Board, the
George’s County Bar Association. Prior to
County Council and even Circuit Courts and
his election to the Prince George’s County
the Court of Special Appeals. Mr. Dernoga
Council, Mr. Dernoga maintained a general
helped citizens fight against a major sand
law practice emphasizing land use,
and gravel operation in Clinton; helped
environmental, administrative, and tax
citizens fight the major expansion of the Hyde
matters, but now concentrates on County
Field Airport into a large industrial airpark;
Council business.”
defended civic associations in Fort
“I have three main focuses. First, I keep
Washington sued by a developer; helped the
a close eye on the budget (boring!). It’s how
Broad Creek Historic District residents defend
I was able to get the auditorium for Laurel.
the County’s only historic district from
Being on top of the budget provides
incompatible development; helped
accountability from the county agencies, and
environmental groups save the Belt Woods
it gives me a chance to see where funds might
old-growth forest off Church Road from
be available for important projects in District
development; helped Oxon Hill residents fight
1. There is never enough money to go
National Harbor; helped Baltimore County
around, so knowing where to find it is
environmentalist prevent the University of
important,” Dernoga stressed, as to the
Maryland Baltimore County from expanding
assistance that he provides for his district in
its business park campus into critical
the Council. “Second, my staff and I help
wetlands; and helped Bowie residents prevent
constituents with a limitless number of
environmentally damaging development in
problems. It is amazing how many people
the Horspen Branch stream valley,” the Prince
have problems, and it is even more amazing
George’s County Council’s website explains,
how many different kinds of problems there
noting insight into the Councilman’s
are. We spend a lot of time figuring out how
qualifications and aptitude for his position in
to solve these problems. We have a good
Dernoga’s “most notable case was the
year-long fight against the Washington
Redskins when the team attempted to build
a stadium in Laurel at the racetrack on the
Anne Arundel County side of the Patuxent
River. His co-counsel in the Redskin matter
was Walter H. ‘Mike’ Maloney, who
subsequently became Council Member for
District 1, and whom Mr. Dernoga eventually
succeeded as a local legislator. The
Washington Post recognized Mr. Dernoga as
‘The Lawyer Who’s Wanted When
Development is Not,’ in a December 1997
front page Metro Section article.”
“As a civic activist, Mr. Dernoga also
ventured into aspects of the Prince George’s
County Charter, participating in 1992, in
the successful voter initiative to amend the
Charter to place term limits on County elected
officials. He participated in the 1996 and
2000 citizen efforts to prevent County
government from repealing the TRIM tax
cap amendment and the Term Limits
amendment from the Charter,” the
Councilman’s informative District 1 page of
the County Council’s website announced.
Being an active, diligent County
Councilman, Dernoga customarily has a rather
eventful work day. “I start very early, looking
at e-mails on all kinds of topics. I try to
answer what I can and I forward others to
County employees for them to answer. Then,
I read the news online. Then, I dash to
Upper Marlboro. It’s about a 45-minute
drive, and I usually answer phone calls (hands
free). Depending on the day of the week, I
either have Council session
(legislative session or zoning session),
or I have Committee meetings. In
the Committee meetings, we go over
proposed changes in the law or the
budget, or we review the actions of
agencies to see how they are doing
and whether we need to change any
laws. Throughout the day, I may have
meetings with non-profit groups or
business people who need assistance
from the County. Then, in the
evening, I may have a public hearing
or some community meeting or
reception to go to. Often, I have
several to go to. It makes for a day
that can go from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.,
but it is always interesting and always
a little different each day,” as he
comments on the typical life of a
County Councilman.
“In addition to those
responsibilities, I also Chair the
Transportation, Housing and
Environment Committee (THE). We
meet every other week, and we are
one of the busiest Committees. We
are responsible for overseeing road and
mass transit policies, and we have a lot of
environmental issues in front of us. There is
a new state storm water law that we have to
comply with. This affects how development
occurs to minimize the impacts on streams.
I am very involved in water quality issues,
especially Laurel Lake because it has a unique
set of problems that cannot be easily fixed.
We are working on a new Water and Sewer
Plan for the County ([which is] more
important than it sounds). I am also working
on preserving agriculture in the County.
People do not realize how important this is.
Historically, our farms grew tobacco, not food.
Now that tobacco has stopped, the farmers
are selling the land for development and this
is creating congestion, sprawl, and
environmental impacts. With a potential
food crisis looming in coming years, it is
critical that we retain enough land to produce
food locally,” Dernoga concludes. He
comments about his involvement in benefiting
the lives of Laurel residents and other
constituents, being a member of the Council
Committee on Planning, Zoning, and
Economic Development (PZED), the Council
Representative of the Transportation
Oversight Committee, and Council of
Governments 2008 appointment for the
Metropolitan Washington Council of
Government’s (COG) Metropolitan
Development Policy Committee, which
reports to the COG Board of Directors on
regional population growth, economic
growth, and land use matters, according to
the Prince George’s County Council’s latest
update on committee assignments for 2008.
Based on Dernoga’s website, his
accomplishments include, for improving
education, that “the Education Budget has
increased by over 50 percent in four years,
lowering class sizes,” there has been “record
funding for New School Construction and
School Renovations, easing overcrowding.”
He has “secured funding for the new Vansville
Elementary School, an auditorium for Laurel
High School, new roofs for High Point High
School, Eisenhower Middle School,
Cherokee Lane Elementary School, and Bond
Mill Elementary School,” and he has
“secured two million dollars for renovations
to High Point High School and raised
150,000 dollars in private funding for a new
track.”
He also has helped to enhance public
safety. “The Council funded hiring 250 new
police officers and 100 new firefighters and
EMS technicians since 2002.” He “worked
with Sheriff Michael Jackson to enhance the
Sheriff Department,” and he “kept [his]
promise to return career firefighters to
Branchville Volunteer Fire Department.”
For senior citizens, Dernoga “created
the vision for a new Senior Center for Northern
Prince George’s County and obtained
necessary funding [for it]. He fought through
red tape and bureaucracy to get a Senior Center
in to the ‘design’ phase, provided the Laurel
Senior Friendship Club with 12,000 dollars
in funding,” and “raised 125,000 dollars for
ATLAS to outfit the new Senior Center being
constructed next to the Laurel Regional
Hospital.
Additionally, with the
environment, he “secured one million dollars
for cleaning up Laurel Lake,” and he is the
“leader in passing County Clean Air
Legislation.” He is the “Chairman of the
Council of Governments Regional Air Quality
Committee,” and as a result has won the
“Mike Maloney Environmental Public
Service Award.”
For the community, Dernoga has
“provided 39,000 dollars to LARS to help
the neediest residents in District 1, provided
14,000 dollars to College Park Meals on
Wheels to ensure quality meals for those
elderly who need assistance and provided
13,700 dollars to Laurel Historical Society
and Laurel Museum to enhance their
collections, public exhibits and to maintain
the Museum facility.”
He has “secured funding for a new Laurel
Library and secured funding for improvements
to the Beltsville Library.” He is the “leader
in obtaining funds to add 19 positions to the
Library System Budget,” and is “working
with the Maloney Family to rename the
Beltsville Library Building in honor of former
Councilman Walter ‘Mike’ Maloney.”
Pertaining to land use matters, he “kept
[his] promise to save Gunpowder Golf Course
and keep it affordable for senior citizens and
beginner golfers, he worked out a compromise
on the proposed Bozzuto multi-family
housing project on Cherry Lane in Laurel
and he worked out a compromise for the
Montpelier Hills expansion to lower density
from 750 potential multi-family units to 211
luxury townhouse units. ” He also stopped
inappropriate high-density apartment housing
in North College Park, prevented re-use of a
‘rock crusher’ adjacent to the Longwoods
community, and had the property converted
to light industrial uses.” He “kept [his]
promise to commence a new Sub-Region I
Master Plan Study. He helped the
“Ammendale Road upgrade [is] near
completion to get traffic off of Beltsville
streets.” There is an “upgrade of Contee Road
to improve access to Laurel Regional
Hospital. ” He also obtained funding for
Rhode Island Avenue safety improvements
for pedestrians and bicyclists,” and he
“obtained funding for Montgomery Road
safety improvements.”
Thomas E. Dernoga took office
representing Council District One on the
Prince George’s County Council on January
29, 2002, following a Special Election to
replace the late Walter H. ‘Mike’ Maloney.
Council Member Dernoga was re-elected in
2002 and 2006, and selected by his colleagues
to serve as County Council Vice-Chair for
the 2005 Legislative Year and County
Council Chair for the 2006 Legislative Year.
“Serving You, now in my second term
on the Council, is an honor and a privilege.
I approach my role in government just as I
did my civic activist career - as Your Advocate
in Upper Marlboro,” Dernoga announces, on
his website’s home page. “The County
Council elected in 2002 was the strongest
and most effective Council in the past 20
years. I was fortunate to partner with key
Council members to ensure that the
Legislative Branch provided leadership and
oversight that set the standard by which
quality of local government is now measured.
Those colleagues selected me to be Chair of
the Council - a signal honor,” he adds. “I
was re-elected in 2006, and our team became
even stronger. I am pleased to continue
playing this role among the County’s leaders,
working for You to advance Prince George’s
County.”
The Shield
PAGE 6
May 2008
A Variety of Cultures Displayed at International Night
Dance, Food and Costume Color the Evening
By Anam Qureshi
Laurel High School has
been celebrating different
cultures and diversity for many
years. A variety of nationalities
attend our school. International
Night has been a platform for all
of the students at Laurel High to
show their cultural backgrounds
and to represent their heritage.
Ms.
McQuillan,
Leaders of Promise Sponsor,
organizes International Night
Festivals. Each and every multicultural night is colorful, diverse,
and exceptionally entertaining.
“The
show
was
represented by all different
cultures,” exclaimed McQuillan.
The show began at 7:00 on
Friday, April 11. The master and
mistress of ceremonies for the
show were Daryl Solee and
Shanae Francis. The show
began with the National Anthem
which was sung by Carmen
McGinnis, the winner of the first
annual LHS Idol Contest. The
polyglot welcome was next.
Polyglot means ‘many tongues.’
Some of the students who
participated in International
Night said “hello” in their own
native languages.
The first performance
was by the International Dance
Club. This club is under the
instruction of Co-sponsors
Sharon Campbell and Mrs.
Picott-Bryan.
songs from India, Dominican
Republic, and Sierra Leone.
The second
performance was by a member
of the Spanish Club, Carolina
Llinas. She performed a dance
College, were in the group and
they performed a mix of
songs that were all from India,
their native country.
“I
loved
this
performance! The music was
Students perform ethnic dances on stage during International Night.
The students
represented St. Kitts, British
Virgin Islands, Trinidad, St.
Lucia, Puerto Rico, Japan,
Scotland, Sierra Leone, Senegal,
and
Germany.
Their
performance was made up of
of a song from Columbia, her
native country.
Next
performance was by a group
called Indian Rhythm. Krupal
Patel, Priyanka Patel, Mahek
Patel, and Laurel High’s alumni
Dhara Bhalodia, who now
attends Howard Community
great and the girls did a really
good job!” said senior Tuba
Akhtar.
The next act was
“West African Explosion.”
They represented Sierra
Leone, Liberia, and Nigeria.
These ladies have danced
together for four years and are all
in either eleventh or twelfth grade.
The second to last
performance was by Bisma Zaman
and Aditi Thanki. These two ladies
are in tenth grade and performed
last year too. Their duet name was
Paki-Indalicious.
Last but not least, there
was a performance by Kaylesh
Ramu’s younger sister, Sivalesh
Ramu. She represented Malaysia
and performed a dance.
“Sivalesh was so cute!
She had so much energy and
confidence when she was dancing.
She was definitely my favorite
performer!” says Sahar Qureshi,
LHS graduate who now attends
UMBC.
The show was not over
after the performances. There was
a dinner, which included foods
from around the world. After the
dinner, there was a fashion show
that showed the audience different
kinds of clothing from many
different countries.
Most felt the
International Night was splendid
and everyone did a wonderful job
by attending and helping out with
the program. This was definitely a
night that demonstrated America’s
diversity.
New Nationals Stadium Opens Up in Washington
Park Has Great Sight Lines and Places the Fans Close to the Action
By Caitlin Raynor
As children we remember going to
a baseball stadium and eating peanuts
and funnel cake while watching your
favorite team play at an ordinary
baseball park. You remember eating
hot dogs and cotton candy cheering
on the home team. At the new
Washington Nationals Stadium the
experience should be even better and
will help to create more memories.
From the upper levels one is able
to see the Washington Monument, the
U.S. Capitol Dome, the Navy Yard,
and the Anacostia River.
Fan Christopher Raynor explains,
“The Park is beautiful; the only fault
would be that if you’re in the lower
levels you are unable to see the view
of the monuments. Only from the
upper levels can you see D.C. for
what it truly is and not skyscrapers
and buildings.”
Not only do you get to see these
beautiful views from the Nationals
Park, but one gets some added
entertainment. While you watch the
game your kids are able to go and play
video games at the Sony Playstation Red, Hot & Blue, Boardwalk Fries, energy efficient and is made with
Pavillion or make a new teddy bear at Hard Times Café, and Ben’s Chili Bowl. 20 percent of recycled materials. It
the Build-A-Bear Workshop. There is
also has gardens on parts of its roof.
also a karaoke
T
h
e
stage,
the
construction
SingStar
and building
Stage, batting
of the new
c a g e s ,
ballpark is
pitching
said to have
c a g e s ,
cost about
playgrounds
610.8 million
and picture
dollars.
areas.These
In order
attractions are
to repay the
open three
debt, 11-14
hours prior to
million per
the
start
year is to
game.
come from
The open
in-stadium
The low seats in the Nationals’ new
design of the
taxes
on
ballpark puts the fans real close to the field.
stadium allows
t i c k e t s ,
fans
to
concessions
continue watching the game while
Another feature that the park has and merchandise; 21-24 million per
getting concessions.
is the 4, 811 square foot high- year from new tax on businesses
There are 48 concession stands
containing items such as Maryland’s
famous crab cakes, burritos, tacos, old
bay fries, and salads. Some of the wellknown restaurants and concessions are
definition scoreboard which is
probably the largest in the
country.The screen is huge, yet very
sharp. The new stadium is an
environmental friendly ballpark; it
was designed and constructed to be
with gross receipts of about 3
million, and finally 5.5 million per
year in rent payments from the
National’s team owner. Along with
the repayment, the National’s are
to lease the stadium for 30 years
from DC Sports Commission for about
5.5 million per year.
The stadium is on a 26-acre lot
located over a mile south of the U.S.
Capitol. The stadium will also be used
for other events. Roman Catholic Pope
Benedict VI performed a celebration of
the Mass in April before a crowd of 48,
000. Laurel’s English Instructor Robert
Giuliani had fifth row seats for the Mass
and described the event as unforgettable.
He was also impressed with the
smoothness in which both the stadium
and Metro handled the crowd.
The new Nats Park opened on March
29, 2008 and the first regular season game
was on March 30 against the Atlanta
Braves. At the bottom of the ninth inning
Ryan Zimmerman was up to bat with
the score tied 2-2 and two outs. Looking
forward to hitting just a single,
Zimmerman ended up hitting the first
home run of the season, winning the game
in the final inning. What a perfect ending
for the game, leaving the patrons of the
new Nationals Stadium with the
satisfaction of an exciting Opening Night
win; leave it to Zimmerman to make a
lot of fans forget the Nats blemishes with
a home run to always remember.
The Shield
May 2008
PAGE 7
Passion Drives the Skaters of Laurel High
By Jocelyn Berry
F
or most here at Laurel
High, weekends mean
shopping, eating, hanging
out with friends, or just relaxing
at home, but for one group at
our school, it means the
possibility of breaking bones or
even landing a new trick for a
sponsor tape they are making.
Yes, the Skateboarders here at
Laurel spend their weekends
actively practicing their sport.
This group can almost
always be found in the library
hall discussing new spots or just
joking around with each other. I
got lucky and was able to
interview most of them and
learn so many new things about
this unique group. This is a
collection of characters that
definitely doesn’t lack personality
or individuality. A majority of
them started skating last year,
but some have been skating for
most of their lives.
All of these people have
a story that goes along with why
they skate: some because their
friend got them into it, some just
to be different, others because
they missed their home state
where it was somewhat popular,
and also just because it feels
right.
This group of students
sees life differently. For
example, a typical student when
walking down the street sees
grass, a road, a sidewalk, and
maybe some benches, but for
skaters they view the landscape
with a different eye: they see a
gap that could possibly be ollied,
a bench that with some wax
could be grinded, or a manual
“...it gives
you one of the
most naturally
h i g h
experiences
one could ever
have.”
pad in the middle of a
parking lot. Every piece of
terrain appeals to them as a
potential challenge on which to
ride a skateboard.
When asked what
would they do with their lives if
they didn’t have skating I got
some colorful answers. Malcolm
and Marquett said it keeps them
straight-not doing bad things.
Aymane Abdeldayem said he
would be eating hot fries
becoming obese and playing
guitar hero all day. Christopher
Slaughter would play video
games all day. Forrest Ford
would do nothing or play
basketball. Joseph Cameron
would become a shopaholic.
Chucka Elve would
most likely BMX or play
basketball and soccer. Zachary
Harley would, in his own words,
be a “loser.”
They believe that these
fates for them would be horrid
and that in a way skateboarding
saved their lives.
They all had different
reasons for skating. Some
believe old men make them want
to skate. Some skate because the
feeling of being free is so
overwhelming that when they
aren’t skating it feels like they
are in prison. For others it is an
art form that is an addiction. One
of them skates just because their
friends do. Others skate because
it’s a release of stress and anger.
Many skaters said they do it to
separate themselves from others
in this school and not to
conform to the daily stereotypes
that are here at Laurel High
School.
This group is very close
knit and is almost like family
These LHS skateboarders show that comraderie is an
important aspect of the skateboarding scene.
because they are always
together skating or hanging out
after school. In a way, skating
has consumed their lives and
without it they would be almost
lost. No matter the fact that
skating could potentially injure
you, they still love it, which to
some would make no sense.
However, for them, it does.
Something indescribable feel
about skating is right for them
and they do not know how to
explain it. Some boarders say it’s
a feeling of accomplishment and
passion that takes over you
when you are skating; it gives
you one of the most naturally
high experiences one could ever
have.
These students don’t
skate to get sponsored by
companies, they skate because
it is what they love. One
skateboarder comments, “The
idea to skate just to get
sponsored does not click in a
true skater’s mind; we do it for
the love, for the rush that you
get when skating; and for those
indescribable moments that only
happen a few times in one’s life.
Grad Night Gears Up for its 20th Year Celebration
Graduating Seniors Anticipate an Alcohol-Free Evening of Fun and Games
By Kaydee Kostishak
Graduation is both exciting
and sad for seniors. It is exciting
because they’re finally moving
on to the next level of their life,
but sad because many people
will never see each other again.
Other than future reunions, the
last chance for everyone to be
together is Grad Night!
Grad Night will be from
10:00pm- 5:30am on the night
(May 29) of graduation. This
year, Grad Night will be
celebrating its 20th anniversary!
As always it will be held at the
Laurel Boys and Girls’ Club
This Grad Night t-shirt will serve as admission
into the event.
and the Phelps Center located
on Montgomery Street in
Laurel.
The
common
misconception is that students
are not permitted to leave
during this time, but they can
after a parent is called and
notified. The point of Grad
Night is to get all of the
graduates together for one last
memory and to provide a safe
and fun-filled night. The grad
student needs to provide his/her
own transportation and parking
is not advised because it is so
scarce.
What will graduates eat
between these long hours?
Chic-fil-A, The Green Turtle,
and other local places will be
donating food. Most of the food
will be “finger food” so you can
just grab it and go. The food has
always been endless all night
long with a great amount of
local businesses donating. Even
some breakfast food is provided
in the morning.
There will be much
entertainment. A casino is set
up in one room where students
can win play money that will
give them chances for real
prizes. Blackjack and the
spinning wheel are parts of the
casino games. Some of the
prizes in the past included
refrigerators for college,
televisions, and music systems.
Karaoke is always a big hit.
Lots of other forms of
entertainment and carnival
games are offered.
The one activity that
everyone looks forward to is the
Womanless Beauty Contest. In
order to compete in this contest,
males have to dress, walk, talk,
and act like a woman. The best
male “woman” will win the
pageant, but she also will be
judged on how she answers
some key “female” questions.
English Instructor Robert
Giuliani has been asked to
emcee the event for 19
consecutive years. He said this
events starts at 3 in the morning
and serves as the climax to the
evening. He adds, “You would
not believe to what extremes
these guys will go to in order
to look like a beautiful
woman!” Each has a female
partner who helps prepare
them for the stage. Cash prizes
are awarded to the winner and
the runner-up. Other activities
that will be available are to be
kept a secret so the fun is not
ruined.
The Grad Night t-shirts are
$15 each and they are your
ticket in. There will be a
number placed on the tag of
each shirt to identify each
person. This is to ensure safety,
and that only graduates are
present.
This is the last chance for
all of the graduates to get
together and celebrate once
and for all! If you have any
questions one may contact
Grad Night Chairperson Kim
Potts, or any member of the
PTSA. The Senior Class
sponsors are not in charge of
this activity.
The Shield
PAGE 8
May 2008
Students Learn Options for Future on Career Day
Wide Range of Speakers Expose Students to Possible Career Paths
Jeneba Samking
At Laurel’s twelfth annual
Career Day, students had a
chance to hear an array of
different career-oriented
speeches. One hundred and
nine guest speakers visited
LHS on April 25 to encourage
students to do well in school
and introduce them to many
professions. Many students
walked the halls dressed in
business attire, talking about the
speakers they had and the gifts
they received.
This year, the speakers
represented various careers
such as law enforcement
officers, accountants, a horse
trainer, a magician, hotel
managers,
scientists,
chiropractors, and an NFL
manager.
Organizing Career Day
again were Ms. Mc Quillan
and Ms. Simpson, who
planned a well-organized
event. McQuillan says
proudly, “I think it went very
well; every year we look at the
comments of the speakers and
try to improve.”
Guest speaker Pamela
Candelaria explains, “My
Career Day experience has
been very good. Career day
gives students a well-rounded
opportunity to witness different
careers.”
Many students were
wondering who the mystery
man was in the helicopter; the
answer is a Baltimore County
police officer. He landed a
police helicopter on the football
field and drew an enormous
crowd of amazed students.
Junior Wesley Jackson
says, “I have to talk to people
about my prospective career.”
Many other students agreed
that career day is a very good
way to expose students to
many job fields.
Dr. Marcia B. Levi,
chiropractor, gives this piece of
advice to students, “Examine
what job you want to do and
make sure there is no physical
or mental stress.”
McQuillan and Simpson
plan on organizing Career Day
next year as well.
Pamela Candelaria, a pharmaceutical company representative,
delivered a captivating presentation on Career Day.
Class of 2008 College Acceptances*
Abarca, Franklin-Fordham
University, Towson University
Allen, Daniesa-Baltimore
International College
Atekwana, Colton-Bowie
State University, University of
Maryland, College Park
Bagley, Kiara-Morgan State
University, BowieState University
Barboza, Nancy-Hood College,
University of Maryland, College
Park
Baidu, Priscilla-Towson University
Bell, India-Norfolk State,
Savannah College of Art and Design,
Frostburg State University,
University of Maryland, Eastern
Shore, Salisbury University, Bowie
State University, North Carolina
A&T
Bell, Melita-Bowie State, UMBC,
Ohio State University
Bradley, Octavia-Prince George’s
Community College
Branch, Courtney-Howard
Community College
Bridges, Joshua-Universal
Technical Institute of Pennsylvania
Campbell, Ashley-Seton Hall
University, University of Maine,
Howard University, University of
Maryland, College Park, Virginia
Commonwealth University
Cannon, Alyse-Lincoln University
Carpenter, Joshuah-Bowie State
University
Chambers, Valencia-Anne
Arundel Community College
Coleman, Leshei-University of
Maryland, Eastern Shore
Colglazier, Hans-Embry-Riddle
Aeronautical University
Collins, Cairi-Baltimore International College
Contic, Patty-Goucher College
Conteh, Haja-St. John’s University, Rochester Institute of
Technology, St. Joseph’s University
Crute, Samad-ITT Technical
Institute
Dadson, Nelly-Art Institute of
Washington
Daniels, Darien-Coppin State
Universtiy
Darling, Brittany-Bowie State
University
Edwards, Nachelle-Morgan State
University, Howard University,
Bowie State University
University
Epps, Victoria-North Carolina A&T
State University, St. John’s
University, Howard University
Etongwe, Victor-Howard University
Ezirike, Mya-Hampton University
Farias, Gabriela-Washington
College, University of Maryland,
College Park Scholars, Fordham
University, George Washington
University, American University
Foncham, Forbi-Lincoln University,
Bowie State University
Forleh, Antonette-Baltimore
International College
Francis, Shenae-Coppin State
University - Honors Eagle, St. John’s
University, Howard University
Franklin, Aldentwone-University
of Maryland, Eastern Shore
Gabel, Krystal-Hood College,
Towson University, University of
Maryland, College Park
Garnett, Maxwell-Morgan State
University, Bowie State University
Garshall, Jessica-Hood College,
University of Maryland, College
Park, Towson University
Gibbs, William-Morgan State
University, St. John’s University,
Bowie State University
Gibson, Raynel-Universal Technical
Institute
Gomez, Daniel-Howard Community
College
Grant, Shantice-Johnson & Wales
University
Guevara-Valverde, Liz-Washington
College, St. John’s University,
University of Maryland
Gutierrez, Michelle-DeVry
University
Haines, Scott-University of
Maryland, College Park
Hammer, Jennifer-York College,
Towson University, University of
Maryland, College Park
Hanavin, Ashley-University of
Maryland, Baltimore Campus,
University of Maryland, College Park
Hayes, Philip-Towson University,
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Campus, University of Maryland,
College Park
Hicks, Aqua- Morgan State
University, Coppin State University,
Lincoln University, Norfolk State,
University of Maryland, Eastern
Shore, Bowie State University
Hicks, Pirrassa-South Carolina
State University
College Acceptances
Holloway, Christopher-Lincoln
University, Hampton University,
Bowie State University
Holmes, Breeanna-Coppin State
University
Huger, Khristine-Lincoln
University, Norfolk State, Bowie
State University, Savannah College of
Art and Design
Hussain, Anum-University of
Maryland
Hylton-McDaniels, CymoneVirginia Wesleyan College, University
of Maryland, Eastern Shore
Idehen, Allistar-DeVry University
Isabor, Lilian-Lincoln University
Jimmerson, Jerome-Bowie State
University
Johnson, Breanna-Coppin State
University
Johnson, EK-University of
Maryland, Eastern Shore
Johnson, Shamika-Norfolk State,
University of Maryland, Eastern
Shore, Bowie State University
Jones, Sonia-Lincoln University,
Bowie State University
Kamara, Matena-The Art Institute
of Philadelphia
Kirlen, Nicholas-Morgan State
University
Khan, Shahnawaz-Norfolk State,
Bowie State University
Kostishak, Katharine-Towson
University, Salisbury University
Leach, Brandon-University of
Maryland, Eastern Shore, Bowie State
University
Lynch, Tiana-Coppin State
University, Morgan State University
Matthews, Rashae-Norfolk State
McCarter, Mia-University of
Maryland, Eastern Shore
McCormack, Tasha-University of
Pittsburgh, Penn State, University of
Maryland, Baaltimore Campus,
Towson University
McGinnis, Carmen-Hampton
University
Miers-Johnson, Olyvia-Coppin
State University
Miller, Jeslyn-Coppin State
University, Howard University,
University of Maryland, Eastern
Shore
Mitchell, Martin-Coppin State
University
Moore, Kenelle-University of
Maryland, Eastern Shore, Bowie State
University
Najarro, Jose-Morgan State
University
Nkongho, Lizette-South Carolina
State University, North Carolina
A&T State University
Noifu, Akeem-Coppin State
University, Norfolk State, West
Virginia State University, Virginia
Union University
Ofong, Chika-Morgan State
University
Nyarko, Mame-Hood College
Ogunleye, Olairan-Morgan State
University, Coppin State University,
University of Maryland, Eastern
Shore, Bowie State University
Ogunsola, Ayobami-Anne Arundel
Community College
Oliver, Ra’Neta-Delaware State
University, Virginia Wesleyan College
Onuoha, Ojiuyo (Crystal)University of Maryland, Eastern
Shore, Salisbury University, Frostburg
State University, Bowie State
University, Howard University
Opiotennione, Jamila-Coppin
State University, Towson University
Osei, Mame-University of
Maryland, Eastern Shore
Oweh, Kaira-Morgan State
University, North Carolina Central
University, Bowie State University
Pelzer, Alexandria-Morgan State
University, Coppin State University
Purnell, Matthew-University of
Maryland, Eastern Shore, Baltimore
International College, Frostburg State
University, Bowie State University
Ralph, Alana-Art Institute of
Washington
Ramirez, Dina-University of
Maryland, Baltimore Campus, Villa
Julie College
Redmond Jr, Tony-TESST College
of Technology
Redfield, Tiffany-Bowie State
University, Virginia Commonwealth
University, Radford University
Ross, Arsheneka-University of
Maryland, Eastern Shore, Winston
Salem State University
Rutherford, Kara- Salisbury
University
Saffa, Mariama-Salisbury University
Sams, Marcus-Baltimore
International College
Samuels, Dymique-Bowie State
University
Sarfo-Mensah, Lois- University of
Hartford, St. John’s University
Drexel University, UMBC,
University of Maryland College
Park
Saunders, Angel- Bowie State
University, St. Augustine’s
College,Washington College
Segunmaru, Zulikhat- University
of Maryland, College Park,Virginia
Commonwealth University
Simms, Georshele-Norfolk State
University
Simms, Indyia-University of
Maryland, Eastern Shore, Bowie
State University
Songong, Arielle-Morgan State
University, Lincoln University,
Mount St. Mary’s University, Bowie
State University
Stanley, Ayrhica-Coppin State
University, Lincoln University
St. John, Daniel-Liberty University, Baltimore International College
Suess, Jeffrey-Anne Arundel
Community College
Taylor, Ashley-University of
Maryland, Eastern Shore
Taylor, Cynthia-Coppin State
University, University of Maryland,
Eastern Shore, Bowie State
University
Umeh, Ikenna-Coppin State
University
Velasquez, Porfirio-Coppin State
University
Villaflores, Anthony-University
of Maryland, Baltimore County,
Maryland Institute College of Art,
Art Institute of Washington
Walker, Chantel-Coppin State
University, Villa Julie College
Wheeler, Kenneth-Norfolk State
University, University of Maryland,
Eastern Shore
Williams, April-Bowie State
University
Winfrey, Chauncy-Nashville
Auto-Diesel College
Wise, Jonathan-Lincoln
University
Wood, Wayne- Bowie State
University, Norfolk State
Universtiy, Johnson C. Smith
University
Yates-Jackson, Rikkea- Lincoln
University, Hampton University,
Howard University, University of
Maryland, Baltimore County
Young, Reginald-Bowie State
University
*As reported by Guidance and
compiled by Rikkea Yates-Jackson
The Shield
May 2008
PAGE 9
Crowds Enjoy a Variety of Spartan Fair Activities
Over 70 People Donated in Blood Drive
By Alaina Alexander
Hundreds of people gathered
on a sunny Saturday afternoon to
come out and enjoy the Fourth
Annual Spartan fair. It was held on
April 26 on the front grounds of
the Laurel High School campus.
Moon bounces, face paintings,
and a variety of different foods
covered the school grounds with
color. There were performances
from the Deerfield Run Step Team,
the Eisenhower Divas, the Laurel
Elementary Step Team, the L.H.S.
cheerleaders, the Gospel Choir, and
the L.H.S. Poms Team. “Poms
danced all day. The Spartan Fair
was a lot of fun, ” stated
sophomore Morgan Taylor, a
member of the Laurel Poms Team.
The first three years the Fair was
sponsored by LHS former Media
Specialist Jan Davies. This year the
Fair was organized by Records
Secretary Mrs. Green.
Local Hip-hop and R&B
stations 92.3 and 95.5 came out to
support the Laurel community.
They played all the latest music
and kept the mood of the fair lively.
The main objective of the fair was
to bring everyone from the
community and school together to
help raise money for clubs and
teams, and that’s exactly what they
did.
“Who would have
thought so many
people would want to
come together and
help those in need?”
-Sophomore Mia Greene
Part of the day included a Book
Fair sponsored by Laurel’s Media
Specialist Liz Achirimofor. Visitors
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Pregnancy care
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Personal injuries...
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Medicare and most insurance accepted
Healthy Living
were able to purchase from a huge
variety of books and readingrelated items. Out front, various
vendors also sold their household
items in a community yard sale,
while the AFJROTC held a car
wash in front of the annex.
In conjunction with the
Spartan Fair, a blood drive was also
held at the same time. Nursing/
Medical Career Instructor Alice
Belton of Laurel’s Technical
Academy, organized the drive
through the American Red Cross.
Students responded to the call,
“Help save a life,” which was
continuously announced over the
school’s P.A. system in the
preceding weeks before the drive.
“There were many students who
were interested in giving blood.
Who would have thought so
many people would want to come
together and help those in need?”
stated sophomore Mia Greene.
Over 70 people donated blood.
A total of 43 pints were collected
and were destined for a local blood
bank. Belton concludes, “It was
heartwarming to see people who
have never done this before. Some
people were afraid of needles, but
they still went through with it in
order to help others.”
Honor Roll Student
Recognized at
Inaugural Dinner
By Ra’Neta Oliver
As each quarter rolls by, many students
anticipate the arrival of report cards, while
other students dread the quarterly report of
“unfair” grades. Also, many students are presented with a congratulations letter explaining
their honor roll achievement, but Student Government Association (SGA) President Matilda
Amlalo explains that “a letter is good, but honor
roll students should be recognized with something more.”
Vice President for SGA, Shalini Boodram
brought about the idea of an Honor Roll
Dinner, which included an attendance of over
175 students and parents on April 9.
Boodram borrowed the idea from past honor
roll dinners at her former middle school
Eisenhower. She also organized the setting of
the dinner, Boodram explains, “I just wanted
a nice, quiet dinner with decorations for people
to have a good time.” The piano selections
from junior Kathleen Galindo also set the
mood for the quiet evening of celebration.
Three Brothers restaurant catered the
dinner which was paid for with fundraisers
from various SGA events such as past dances
and Spartan Spectacular.
Although the honor roll dinner is an event
to recognize students with academic
excellence, Boodram believes that this will
“motivate students to try harder if they see their
fellow peers being treated for earning honor
roll.”
SGA Advisor Tom Miller explains that this
year’s honor roll recognition “slowly
developed” beginning with the first quarter
distribution of candy bags. Second quarter
recognized honor roll students with free tshirts, and third quarter included the honor roll
dinner. For future school years, Miller plans
to advertise prizes for honor roll recognition
to show students that “hard work can be
rewarded.”
PAGE 10
The Shield
May 2008
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The Shield
May 2008
Retirements, transfers, and career changes continually change
the face of Laurel’s staff. During
the last few years sixty new staff
members have come aboard.
Throughout the year we highlighted these new faces for our
readers. This is the last of our installments.
Mrs. PicottBryan
By Krystal Gabel
Heather Piccott-Bryan is
the head of Laurel High’s
Family and Consumer Science
Department; she also teaches
Food and Nutrition. Born and
raised in Jamaica, she came to
America for the first time in
1995 as an ambassador for the
Jamaican 4-H to the U.S.
During this time, she stayed
with twelve different families
and visited four different states.
It was only in 2000 that
Piccott-Bryan made a
permanent move to the United
States. Before coming to
Laurel back in August 2007,
she taught at Risley Middle
School in Georgia. When
asked why she decided to go
into teaching, she answered,
“Everybody in my family is a
teacher. We’re a family of
teachers.”
In response to an inquiry
about what makes her unique,
Piccott-Bryan said, “I like to
smile,” and proved it by
allowing a smile to accompany
the answer.
She also added that the
LHS staff has been very
“welcoming to the family”
when asked what she likes
best about Laurel High so far.
Her thoughts on the student
body are that, “They’re
opinionated.
Very
opinionated.”
As a recent immigrant to the
United States and as a
Jamaican native, Piccot-Bryan
will surely add to Laurel High’s
already diverse community and
her tendency to smile will serve
to brighten the atmosphere.
Mr. Erik
Johnson
By Alaina Alexander
Johnson, a very downto-earth teacher, has interests
in history, nature/animals, and
of course, sports. He is also
very fond of learning new
things as he explains, “I always
want to improve in everything.
I feel like no matter your age,
you should strive to get better
educated. Just because you
are out of school that doesn’t
mean you have to stop
learning.”
Mr. Earl
Johnson
By Kristin Dwyer
Mr. Erik Johnson, new
2007-2008 physical education
and health teacher, grew up in
Baltimore, Md. He graduated
from Towson University, the
second largest university in
Maryland, with a degree in
Sociology.
Since his graduation he
has worked at previous schools
in Baltimore County and City,
and at Wise High School in
Prince George’s County. “I
decided to work at Laurel
because it was much easier to
get here in the morning rather
than to Wise,” expressed
Johnson.
When asked about his feelings
toward Laurel High since he
has been here, he replied, “I
enjoy working with the kids
here in Laurel; some of them
are outstanding men and
women, and the administration
is very supportive.”
One might have seen
Johnson around the school last
year coaching the football
team, along with Coach
McCray and Corey Harris. “I
got into coaching directly out
of college.” It’s obvious that
Johnson has adapted to the
school without a problem.
Who is this new teacher
who once lived in Jamaica?
Forty-eight-year-old Earl
Johnson is his name. He was
born and raised in Mandeville,
Jamaica, and attended the
Georgia Gwynn Academy
while living there. He also
attended the University of
Jamaica, North Caribbean
University, College of Arts,
Science and Technology, and
is now a student at Towson
University.
Johnson is a teacher in the
Math Department, where he
teaches Algebraic Concepts.
During his free time, he likes
to play
soccer, listen to music, play the
keyboard and swim.
Laurel’s new teacher has
a very positive attitude towards
our school and our students.
He states, “The school is great
and the students make a great
effort to succeed, and to do
well.”
When asking him what
inspired him to become a
teacher, he replied, “When
PAGE 11
leaving college, I was going to
become a farmer, but then I
was asked to substitute at my
own high school.”
He then became a
substitute at Fern Court High
School, and he really liked it,
so he decided to become a full
time teacher. He then stayed at
Fern High and taught there for
22 years.
Johnson has now been
teaching for 28 years of his life
and enjoys it greatly. “I am very
patient with my students, and I
have a lot of tolerance for
anything now than I have ever
had before, after becoming a
teacher.” He also comments
that he likes to wait on students,
and help them as much as he
possibly can. His students see
him as a kind and wellrespected teacher
Coleman said, “Motivating
and keeping the kids quiet.”
“The biggest rewards
from teaching are seeing a job
well done and knowing that I
helped them get to that point. I
love knowing that I changed a
student’s outlook on art.”
Student
Teacher Ms.
Coleman
Ms. Coleman has
decided to pursue a career as
an elementary art teacher.
Ms. Coleman’s Art 1
classes have been working on
a project that is called Project
Eco Runway. It is a project in
which the students must create
sculptural garments using trash
as their media. The student
worked in teams to create the
garments and then had a
fashion show in which a student
from each team would walk
down a runway wearing the
garment that they have created
and to the approved music of
their choice. The students
critiqued each garment that
went down the runway. The
project teaches the students
about the art element form and
about working collaboratively.
“The performances of
the models were really
dramatic and entertaining.
Overall the groups did really
good and I’m proud of them!”
chuckled Ms. Coleman.
The students in her
classes have said that it has
really been a great experience
to have Ms. Coleman with us.
She has broadened our
thinking in terms of art and they
wish her luck in her upcoming
career as a wonderful art
teacher.
By Anam Qureshi
Dana Coleman is a
student art teacher at our very
own LHS. She has been a
student teacher since March
and has really brought a splash
of creativity to both our art
classes and the students. Ms.
Coleman attends University of
Maryland at College Park and
is majoring in secondary art
education.
Dana Coleman has
taught as a student teacher at
Stonemill Elementary in
Rockville as a universal art
teacher and not just for one
specific grade. She giggled and
stated that the kids at an
elementary school make art
that is so “pure and they don’t
do it for a grade.”
“I first really wanted to
be a sports trainer when I was
in high school, but when I got
to college I changed my mind
and wanted to become an art
teacher. I love art and kids!”
explains Coleman.
When asked about the
hardest thing about teaching,
The Shield
PAGE 12
May 2008
News Briefs
Forleh Wins
Marketing
Student Award
Senior Antonette Forleh was the
recipient of the 2008 Outstanding
Marketing Student of the Year Award
for Prince George’s County Public
Schools.
“This is the second year
[consecutively] that a student from
Laurel High School has received this
honor. Last year, it was Arielle
Thomas,” mentioned Mark Rivarde,
Forleh’s Business instructor.
“The process is she had to submit
five essays, a biographical sketch, a
resume, and a committee made a
selection from a pool of candidates
from the Work Study Program for all
of Prince George’s County Public
Schools,” Rivarde described what the
procedure for applying for the award
entailed. She was awarded “a certificate,
[and was] recognized at an annual
employer appreciation luncheon,” for
winning the award, commented Rivarde.
“The interesting part is that the
outstanding employer was her employer
from
Riderwood
Retirement
Community. She works there as a
server,” he noted the irony of the
situation.
TV Production
Presents Clio
Awards
“The Clio Awards is the world’s
most recognized global awards
competition for advertising, design, and
interactive. For nearly five decades,
the Clio Awards has maintained its
original commitment to celebrate and
reward creative excellence, honoring a
By Nikki Lust
powerful form of communication and
its impact on modern culture. At the
same time, the Clio Awards remains
focused on evolving with the industry
in order to acknowledge the most
current, breakthrough work. Clio’s
iconic statue is the most widely
recognized and coveted symbol of the
industry’s creative accomplishments,”
declared the Clio Awards’ official
website, providing insight on these
commercial-related accolades.
Laurel High School’s Television
Production class produced their own
group commercials by writing scripts,
acting, filming, and editing their
collaborative creations, and Robert
Giuliani, the class’s instructor,
presented Clio Awards, similar to those
presented annually to the best
commercials developed in the real world
of television, to the winning
commercials of the course, subsequent
to the class viewing their peers’
productions and voting for the finest
works.
“Stunt Away 2K,’” directed by Daryl
Solee, with the contributions of his
team members Twone Franklin, Karlton
Klegg, Brandon Leach, Makon Mathis,
Gabriel Vanjah, and Lenford Waxstaff,
won first place, and was a comedy
focused on a “fakeness detector.”
Second prize went to “The Loser Line,”
directed by Kevin McLaughlin, and
produced with group members Mark
Bowen, Jessica Delgado Rosado, Darrell
Evans, Lindsey Hauck, Zachary
Kapanoske, and Farhad Rana. The
commercial concentrated on a
telephone dating service for “socially
awkward” individuals who simply cannot
get a date, according to McLaughlin.
“Founded by Wallace A. Ross in
1959, the program’s name originates
in Greek mythology, where Clio was the
muse of history, the recorder of great
deeds, the proclaimer and celebrator of
accomplishments, and a source of
inspiration and genius. Originally
conceived to honor American
advertising, the Clio Awards expanded
in 1965 to include international work
and today receives more than 19,000
entries annually, 65 percent of which
come from outside the United States,”
the Clio Awards’ certified website
proclaimed.
Bruce Named
College Summit
Teacher of Year
Tyauna Bruce, Laurel’s College
Summit teacher, was awarded the
“Outstanding Educator Award for
College Summit,” among an array of
candidates consisting of, “all of the
teachers teaching College Summit in the
National Capitol Region [of] Maryland,
D.C., and Virginia,” according to Bruce.
“It meant a whole lot, since you
[can] often feel, as a teacher,
unappreciated,” Bruce commented,
about
the
gratitude
and
acknowledgement that this accolade
provided for her. “For the students,
Coach Jones, and Ms. McQuillan to
come together to nominate me for this
award meant a great deal because it let
me know I was
Spartan Hour Clusters Introduced
Games, Movies, and Study Halls Are Offered
By Caitlin Raynor
The entire student body of almost 1800 is released at Spartan Hour and the
halls are packed. The administration, along with the Spartan Hour Committee, has
devised a way to reduce the crowds in the halls: they have come up with the idea
of clusters.
These clusters are designed to try to get the students out of the halls and into
classrooms. The clusters consist of study halls, movie clusters, game rooms, and
the sport of the week in the gym. Starting at the end of March, basketball was the
first sport cluster; it was followed by soccer and hockey.
Students have options of different clusters to spend their Spartan Hour if they
decide to take advantage of the opportunities. The study hall clusters are in the
math hallway, rooms: 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 212, 214, and the Media
Center. The game clusters are where one is able to play board games, not electronic
games, with friends or even with new people you meet. These clusters are in the
following rooms: 150, 151, 153, 164, 165, 171, and 172.
The movie clusters in rooms allow you to watch a movie with your friends
during Spartan Hour. The movies are ones that have been previously approved by
the county. The movie clusters can be found in room 144 on Tuesdays and
Thursdays, and on Fridays only, in rooms 146 and114.
If you are not interested on a cluster, you and your friends are able to hang
out in the cafeteria and eat your lunch or go to the gym to watch the game of the
week. The clusters took effect in late March. Don’t forget that tutoring is also
still taking place.
Advisory Period Planned for Next Year
All Ideas Are Not Finalized Yet
By Patricia Ann Contic
Starting next year there will be an advisory period once a week for 25 minutes. The
majority of the faculty will lead the advisories including teachers, administrators,
counselors, and librarians. Monthly themes for the new experiment may include respect,
creative problem solving, self-management, responsibility, accountability, study skills,
and character education. The discussions during the period aim to concentrate on
both academic and social skills.
The primary goal of the advisory period is to increase the connection and sense of
ownership that a student has with the school. Grades in the class for students will be
based on attendance and participation. Assistant principals will be walking around
during the period in order to be sure that the advisories are being implemented properly.
making a difference,” she mentioned,
remarking that her nomination for this
honor was “a combination of something
written by students and a nomination
by Coach Jones.”
“College Summit provides districts
with a strategy and tools to transform
college enrollment throughout the
district. Equipping students, teachers,
counselors,
principals
and
administrators alike, College Summit
builds your capacity to send more of
your students to post-secondary
education,” proclaims College Summit’s
official website, explaining the vision
of the program. The website also states,
“College Summit provides such a
structure by giving teachers and
administrators sophisticated methods
and materials to ensure that every
student who can make it in college
makes it to college,” and, “Rising
college enrollment rates are hard data
that administrators can use to
demonstrate what they are doing right
for their students. Providing each and
every student with what he or she needs
to get to college ensures that all students’
potential can be realized.”
Other claims by the website include,
“College Summit only succeeds in
schools because of the passion and
inspiration of the educators who put it
into practice. Across the country,
College Summit supports teachers,
principals and superintendents who are
tirelessly dedicated to bringing out the
best in their students and to sending
more of their students to college. As is
Teachers dedicate their lives to
equipping students with the skills and
knowledge they need to succeed.
Increasingly, academic skills are
necessary, but not sufficient for a
student to enroll in college. Each
student needs the structure of a postsecondary plan.”
NHS
Welcomes New
Inductees
After school in the Media Center,
the National Honor Society held its
Induction Ceremony on May 8, 2008.
Four members presented speeches for
the Society, including Philip Hayes for
scholarship, Nancy Barboza for service,
Ashley Hanavin for leadership, and
Anthony Villaflores for character.
The ceremony entailed greetings,
speeches, the Honor Society Pledge,
and the new inductees being awarded
membership cards.
Present officers include President
Nancy Barboza, Vice President
Mariama Saffa, Secretary Lois SafroMensah, and Treasurer Mya Ezirike.
Mr. Hiller is the sponsor with assistance
from Mrs. Davis. The new inductees
include Fri-Atosh Achirimofor, Foyeke
Akinwande, Kayla Fowler, Lindsey
Hastings-Spaine, Elizabeth Oyeneyin,
Tawanna Persaud, Kayleshwari Ramu,
Zulikhat Segunmaru, Chika Ugboh,
Juanita Zimmerman, Jared Hester, and
Dennisse Mallari.
Departing graduates include
Franklin Abarca, Nancy Barboza, Mya
Ezirike, Christina Gilliam, Liz Guevara,
Jennifer Hammer, Ashley Hanavin,
Philip Hayes, Aisat Okanlawon,
Rashidat Oyegunle, Mariama Saffa, Lois
Sarfo-Mensah, Anthony Villaflores, and
Rikkea Yates-Jackson.
The Shield
May 2008
PAGE 13
Sportsmanship Displayed at Spartan Olympics
Junior Class Wins Overall Competition
Jeneba Samking
The annual Laurel High
Spartan Olympics were held on
Friday April 18 from 3:00pm to
6:00pm. Laurel High’s Class of
2009 won the Olympics for the
second year in a row. The
events in the Olympics included
Track and Field, soccer,
kickball, basketball, and flag
football. “I enjoyed watching
the synergy and the team work
of the students,” exclaims Mr.
Wenk, who coached the dodge
ball games.
The coordinator of the
Olympics, Mr. Henrique
Vissoto, says with the support
of Coach Jones, teachers and
staff, he was able to organize
an incredible event. He adds
that teachers are not always
here to teach, but to provide
activities for the students. It was
his intention for the
Superintendent Dr. Deasy to
come to the Olympics but
unfortunately, he could not
make it. He says proudly that
students had a lot of fun, and
that was the most important
part.
In dodge ball, the
juniors won over the Freshman
Class; the sophomores won
while playing the seniors. The
sophomores also triumphed
over the freshmen, and the
juniors beat the seniors.
In the flag football event,
the coach was Mr. Moore. The
juniors won while playing the
freshmen; the sophomores beat
the seniors. The sophomores
also won when playing the
freshmen, and the seniors
defeated the juniors.
In the soccer games
Mr. Kouo was the coach. The
seniors won when playing the
sophomores; the freshmen
ousted the juniors and the
juniors triumphed over the
seniors.
The freshman
defeated the sophomores.
Coaching
the
basketball events were Mr.
Vissotto, Coach Jones, and Mr.
Hardimon. The juniors won
while playing the freshmen.
Sophomores defeated the
seniors and the freshmen.
Lastly, the juniors overpowered
the seniors.
For the kickball
events, the coaches were Mr.
Giuliani and Mr. Fenwick. The
seniors beat the sophomores;
the juniors won against the
freshmen and the seniors. The
sophomores defeated the
freshmen.
In the last event,
track, the coach was Mr. Mua.
Seniors won against the
sophomores. Juniors won while
playing the freshmen, and the
seniors triumphed over the
juniors.
The overall MVPs for
the Olympics were sophomore
De’Antae Love and senior
Kendra Gustus. The MVPs for
Track and Field was junior
Myeisha Cunningham; the
dodge ball MVP was Courtney
Slaughter; the MVP for
basketball was senior India
Bell; the kickball MVP was
Brian Bain, and the soccer
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Soccer was extremely popular with all classes
fielding teams. The Freshman Class defeated
the juniors in this game.
MVP
was
Nicklass
Kamukuenjandje.
This year, LHS tried
something new and come up
with the idea of having a Mr.
and Ms. Laurel. Since no
males wanted to participate,
there were three Ms. Laurel
winners. In first place was
senior Arielle Songong, second
place, Shamika Johnson, and in
third place was Marche
Pearson.
After all the events,
students gathered in the gym to
watch a few performances.
Ms. Martin’s International
Dance Team performed as well
as one of her other dance
classes. Following their
performance was Ms. Nelson’s
Gospel Choir. At around 6pm
this
year’s
Olympics
concluded. The students began
to leave and the Class of 2009
left with victory in their hearts!
Juniors Anticipate Senior Year
By Anam Qureshi
Jeneba Samking states, “The juniors have made an impression at Laurel
High. Being the upcoming seniors and in the most important year of my high
school career, juniors have a lot of pressure on them. Even with this stress and
pressure, we have been working on plans for prom next school year and have
been raising money for many occasions.” The sponsor for the Junior Class are
Ms. Lewis Steiner and Ms. Ritter. The Class of 2009 meetings, with topics
such as planning for prom, are held in Lewis-Steiner’s room 164. The students
have been considering both Le Fontainebleau in Glen Burnie or the Marriot
in Towson. The class is aiming for a mid-May prom. The theme has not been
decided upon yet, but it will be soon. The plans for after prom are still undecided
and the class trip might be an exciting trip to New York or Myrtle Beach,
South Carolina. The Class of 2009 continues to fundraise, and plans on doing
a lot more in the near future.
Sophomore Sponsors Seek
More Student Involvement
By Jocelyn Berry
The Sophomore Class seems to be doing more than they did last year.
During the spring fair, the class sold Chick-fil-A sandwiches, sold Papa Johns
pizza, and had a bake sale. The final activity this year will be a car wash as well
as some strategizing for junior year. The sophomores are also thinking of
different fundraisers to kick off the next year. The Sophomore Class is
contemplating doing community wide projects. Currently the class is unsure of
where prom will be held, but the class has another year to fundraise and figure
that information out. As of right now the class’s co-sponsor, Ms. Leandre is
looking forward to next year and would appreciate more participation and help
from more of the class’s students. If you are a student in the Sophomore Class,
and want to get involved, see one of your class sponsors Mr. Holstine or Ms.
Leandre.
The Shield
PAGE 14
Freshmen
By Kristin Dwyer
The Class of 2011 is on its
way to financial success. At
their recent fundraiser on
Saturday, April 26 the
freshman sold delicious cheese
steaks at reasonable prices in
order to raise money for their
class
Freshman Sponsor and Art
Instructor Amanda Jones
organizes fundraising and
constantly encourages more
freshman students to become
more active and supportive of
their class. Class members
earned community service
hours at the Spartan Fair. The
class holds their meetings on
Tuesdays and Thursdays
during Spartan Hour in Ms.
Jones’ art room. The class
seeks any freshman interested
in helping and adding new
ideas.
The class will be holding an
end of the year get-together to
decide on the candidates for the
elections.
The freshmen class
came in fourth place in the
Spartan Olympics. “We
worked hard on our Olympic
shirts, and had a lot of fun,”
comments freshman Courtney
Slaughter, who was MVP of
the dodge ball game.
Finally, the Freshman Class
is working hard and diligently
to become successful and raise
money for their class. Jones
also states, “We are looking for
more interested freshmen
willing to help and attend the
meetings during Spartan Hour.”
Outdoors
Club
By Courtney Branch
Member of the Outdoors
Club have participated in a
variety of events this year.
Earlier this month the group
visited Toby’s Dinner Theatre in
Baltimore to see an outstanding
production of “The Wizard of
Oz.” They’ve also seen “Dream
Girls” and “The Sound of
Music.” The group seems to
enjoy the performances and the
great food at both Toby’s Dinner
Theatre in Baltimore and
Columbia. Students also went
to DC to the Hard Rock Cafe
and to see “A Christmas Carol”
at the Lansburgh Theater,
which was followed by a trip to
the National Christmas Tree near
the White House. As usual the
weekend ski and snowboard trip
to Seven Springs Mountain
Resort was delightful.
“I’ve gone on trips in the past
and I’ve enjoyed them, so I’m
excited to see what else comes
along this year,” exclaims senior
Melita Bell.
Directed by English
Instructor Robert Giuliani,
through the City of Laurel,
Giuliani organizes the trips. He
is always enthusiastic about the
upcoming canoeing and camping
trip along the Shenandoah River.
This trip will take place on the
weekend of June 13-15. The
weekend includes an all-you-
Prom Promise
As part of Prom Promise seniors made up their
face and remained silent throughout the day. The
wrecked auto was also placed in the front of school.
can-eat steak dinner cooked over
an open fire.
If you’re interested in going
on any of these trips, listen for
announcements and pick up a
form from Mr. Giuliani in room
269.
Music
Department
By Franklin Abarca
Throughout this year, the
marching band and the concert
choir have been involved in
many performances displaying
Laurel High School’s students’
talent in front of audiences. The
marching band and the jazz
band, both sponsored by Mr.
Chuck
Zimmerman,
participated in the County
Festival where both did really
well and earned an excellent
rating from the judges.
Also, the jazz band played
for the City of Laurel Mayor
Moe. They have played at
football games and in special
school organized events. In the
fall they participated in the
Prince George’s County
Marching Band Showcase,
which was a special occasion
where marching bands from all
over the county played.
The Concert Choir,
directed by Mr. Wright,
performed in a variety of
events this year. In addition to
participating in the County
Festival, they also sang at the
local Laurel Mall during the
period of winter holidays. Their
usual winter and spring
seasonal concerts were
delightful.
According to their
instructors, the students
involved in the Music
Department
have
demonstrated enthusiasm and
interest by continuing to come
to practices in order to
improve their performances;
they aim to acquire instructional
and educational discipline to
help them develop their musical
skills to an optimum level.
Jazz Band was added this
year and has been a success
thanks to the support that the
students, the school, and the
May 2008
county have provided. They
started the year with brand
new instruments.
Both Music Instructors aim
to strenghthen their programs.
“We need to keep working
hard, and we’re hoping to add
a couple of trips; we also will
be recruiting more talents to our
group,” said Music Instructor
and Marching Band Sponsor
Chuck Zimmerman.
“I will continue teaching the
kids how to read music and we
will even practice after school,”
expressed Chorus and Concert
Choir Director Wright. Both
organizations (band and
chorus) expressed thanks for
all the help the school has given
to their programs.
Art Club/
Art Honor
Society
By Franklin Abarca
With the school year
coming to an end, the Art Club
and the National Art Honor
Society have been quite busy
working on a variety of
projects.
National Art Honor Society
Sponsor Andrea Lee, along
with her students, have been
doing some fundraising, such as
gift wrapping at Christmas,
delivering Valentine’s Day
candy grams, and face painting
in the Spartan Fair this spring.
They’ve been re-painting some
logos located in the gym and
the Spartan logos situated on
the stairways.
This year the Art Club
focused more on the interests
of its members working on a
variety of creative projects.
The Art Club has been meeting
and working on projects, such
as self-portraits, school-made
cards, animation and manga
(Chinese animation cartoons),
t-shirts, and instructional
PowerPoint presentations that
illustrate some of the other
students’ work and their
meanings. The work has been
accompanied with pizza and
soda for the members.
The Art Honor Society is
planning to paint more murals,
aiming to beautify the school.
They are also going to paint a
mural for the Fire Department
of Laurel. Both members of
these creative organizations
have been really excited and
serious about upgrading the
school’s grounds. They notice
a lot of things around the school
that need some artistic touch,
so they work on them.
Also, Art Instructor
Sonya Everett’s sculpture class
designed beautiful hanging
pieces of three-dimensional art
based on the theme of peace.
These now grace the stairwells
of Laurel and add some color
and life to a usually dark area.
Mr. Jones, Laurel High
School’s principal, has
supported both groups, and
students have also shown
interest in projects that helped
raise some money to buy art
supplies for their own use.
“If you have a ‘B’ average
or above in art, and you want
to help beautify the school,
please see Ms. Lee or Ms.
Jones in room 122 or 234
respectively,”explains Art
Instructor and National Art
Honor Society Sponsor Lee.
She adds, “Join the fun, and
become part of the creative
crew.”
Yearbook
By Ra’Neta Oliver
As the year winds down, many
seniors anticipate the arrival of the
yearbook. Whether it’s the vibrant
color pages or the reminiscent photos that make the yearbook so desired, it is always a highlight of the
end of the year.
Throughout the whole year,
Sponsor Mrs. Campbell and the
yearbook staff have been ardently at
workonthe2007-2008yearbook.The
Odyssey yearbook with the theme of
Spoogle is scheduled to be distributed
either at graduation rehearsal or at
graduation. Because of the later than
usual distribution, students are
encouraged to take their yearbooks
to Grad Night for signatures.
The Shield
May 2008
PAGE 15
Through The Years
Class of 2008
Members of 2008
ride their freshman float.
Sophomore year Hall wa
wayy
ROTC leads the
Homecoming Parade.
Class Color Day in Junior
Year
Junior Year
Homecoming Court
Senior Year Float
Principal
Jones driving
the Senior
Float
Reminiscing
Homecoming
Court of
Senior Year
The Shield
PAGE 16
May 2008
Senior Year
Hall wa
opular
wayy is quite ppopular
during Spartan Hour.
Most couples
were smiling at prom.
Timothy Barksdale
displa
displayy s school
spirit on Mismatch
Day.
Senior soccer players:
Lacey Ennis, Cymone Hylton,
Patty Contic, Kara Rutherford, and Courtney Branch
share smiles in front of the
camera.
Seniors Patty Contic and
William Williams share
laughs at Homecoming.
Senior Marcus Sams
and Sonia Jones pose
in their formal attire
at prom.
Kaira Oweh, Brian Bain,
Scott Haines, and
Cr y stal Onuoha enjoy
good times.
Seniors Joshuah
Carpenter and
Abraham Harris bask
in a moment at prom.
The Shield
May 2008
PAGE 17
Senior Spotlight
Ducktaping Mr. Dinkins
Senior strike a pose
for a picture at prom.
LHS football team battles
for the ball against Oxon
Hill.
Ryan Zamora shows his
style during Spirit Week.
Prom Prince Daniel
St. John and Princess
Khristine Huger
Liz Guevara, Gabriela FFarias,
arias,
and Kara Rutherford showing
Spartan spirit.
Dar yl Solee and
Matthew Purnell on
Mismatch Day.
Swat Team Performance
Seniors take a rest
break at prom.
The Shield
PAGE 18
FRANKLIN ABARCA, leave
the following items and memories
to my friends, all my novias, and
my family of teachers. Throughout
this past 3 years, I have learned a
lot from this country, I meant a lot,
and I just want to thanks all those
people who contributed to this
knowledge of mine and shaped me
to who I am today, with some
exceptions of attitude and jokes
which I have gotten from other
resources which I don’t want to
mention. Anyway, I hope
everybody the best; I will be
working on my dreams so I wish
yours come true too. First I want
to thanks Jehovah God for have
helped me all these years and for
all the strength you have given me
to overcame my obstacles these
days, I will continue, of course
praying to you. Second, I want to
thanks my precious mom who
continuously has given me the
inspiration and force to keep going
and going even when the thing
worsted and nobody was there but
her, spiritually, along with my
siblings who have given me their
support and unconditional love
since I was born. Third, I want to
thanks all my true friends,
including my class fellows and
friend teachers who I’m going to
mention right now: To my English
instructor, teacher, and friend, Mrs.
Bibby, thank you for all the things
you have done and taught me
during the years I had you, also
thanks for the support and sharing
your family time with me. To my
healthiest and dancing teacher,
Mrs. Martin who has advised me
and has told me how to deal with
my personal life and also thanks
for showing me some of your
moves, even if I didn’t make it
through still. To my role model and
also friend teacher, Mr. Giuliani who
has assisted me in my career
choices and has instructed me the
way things should be done, I
appreciate
your
patience and hard
work. To my digital
friend teacher, Mr.
Holder who taught me
the basic tools to
open the doors which
I call digital world of
design, also thank
you
for
the
suggestion you told
me to follow and for
being a humorous
friend. Also thanks to
all my teachers who
have brought into my
life new skills and new
experiences during
these three years I been in this
country, and they are: Mrs. Brown,
Mrs. McCann, Mrs. Levi, Mrs.
Murphy, Mr. Hiller, Mr. Ringler,
and Mr. Yoder. Now, to my class
folks, I want to say I might have
been rude, inappropriate, and
sometimes a jerk but deep inside,
to the people who knows me, I’m
really thankful for being with me,
sharing a talk, and teaching me
how to behave when I was
messing up the morals, lol. Well,
although I met you this year, I want
you to know that you have gained
my heart, friendship, and
memories. Thanks for being a
friend, a pal, and a good listener
even when I speak improperly,
yeah it’s you Nachelle Edwards. I
want to say to you that maybe you
are not that friendly, but still I think
you are special, thanks for your
patience and friendship Luvin
Sical. You sweetheart, you are a
somebody, I want you to know
that even we met this year, it
seemed I knew you from the other
life; thanks for everything and
your support, thanks for the food
and chocolate, you chocolate one,
lol, yeah Foyeke, you’re a true
friend. Well, I met you at work and
we have share laughs and good
times my Salvadorian bro, I want
to thank you for have shown me
some appreciation and friendship,
yes you, Jamie; and well, you bboy you are cool and continue
demonstrate that not only whites
are smart, Robert. And Finally, to
all my girl-friends which by the
way hate me, but deeply love me,
thank you for all the things we
have shared in class, Mel B,
Courtney B, Patty C., KK, K,
Jeneba,Krystal, Anam, Nikki, Jose,
Dina, Phil, Lauren, Priscilla, Nancy,
April, Elizabeth, Krupal, Michael,
Matthew, Andrew, Chelsea, Maud,
and Aqua (even if you say to hate
me). I wish to every single person
in my testament the best of the best
in life and I hope, along with your
hard work, you succeed in this
world. Thanks everybody for
those times and memories.
JORGE BALUENA, Well here
I am about to graduate, but first I
must recognize a few people that
are very important to my success
in the future. To start things off
I’d like to thank the teachers that
had the patience to put up with
me. Starting with my auto tech
teacher Mr. Sorber. Afterwards I
would like to recognize my English
MOST UNFORGETTABLE
SHAH RANA AND SHENAE FRANCIS
May 2008
teachers Ms. Campbell, Ms. Hall,
and Ms Rossi. I would also take in
mind the friends I made here in
Laurel High School. Nevertheless
I wish luck to my partners in crime
Mimi and Brittany (Gringita) you
know how we are the three
musketeers, lets keep it that
way!!!! Then I have my friends
Diana C., Chuntal O., Ana A.
Bryuana W., Xilo Q., Dianeli C.
Acacia M., Jesse G.(guanaco),
Darnell W.(spark plug tester),
Charles P.(Gringo Loco) and
Sabrina F., I wish you the best of
luck in life and school. Heads up
to my homies Juan M., Marco Z.,
Jose C. Mathew R. in conclusion
to I wish that the juniors Marcelo,
Kelly, Alicia, Samad, Isaiah and
Evan in auto tech take care of the
tools and good ol’e Mr. Sorber
A.K.A GM.!!! Honda Rules!!! Best
of luck to all!
INDIA BELL, I leave Laurel
High, the overcrowded hallways
between classes; to Mrs. Rea, the
four consecutive years of hall
decorations and my over the top
ideas; to Mrs. A, the times you let
me hide out in out in your room to
cry when times were hard; to
J.Masta, the pillow fights, the fried
potatoes, and many starbucks
chats; to Kenny, the hanging track
piece, the four miniature braids,
and multiple youtube video; to
Mimi, the HIDEOUS interpretation
of a model walk and the advice I’ve
given to and received from you;
to my mother and new stepfather.
I leave you my entire high school
career, the honor roll that I’ve
achieved my whole life, and I leave
you with the honor of the first all
your grown to graduate high
school AND progress to college-I
love you mom and Brian; last but
definitely not least, to Khristine…
Khristine I leave you with the hope
that I inspired you, that I motivated
you-I leave you with the laughs,
the smiles, the Michael Jackson
interpretations, the sadness, the
arguments, the hospitals visits, the
multiple inside jokes, the trips, the
music, my first time gluing in a
track, and the millions of pictures
we have together-I also leave you
with love. I love you like a best
friend, I love you like nothing else
I’ve ever loved in my life-put my
entire life on that, thank you for
the opportunity, thank you for
saying yes.
COURTNEY BRANCH, I can’t
believe 4 years can fly by so
quickly. It’s hard to believe we’re
finally graduating! I have so many
memories from my 4 years at Laurel
High School. To THE GIRLS
SOCCER TEAM, I leave behind
memories from practices and
games, Alex the Spartan Stud,
decorating Craig’s truck, the
Pallotti coach “Cut the music
girls!” and Jesse’s impression. To
the SOCCER SENIORS, I leave
behind our whole high school
career together, going through 3
coaches in 4 years, stupid referees
and bad calls. TO THE DRAMA
PROGRAM AND MR. STARK, I
leave behind 4 years of memories:
West Side Story, Alice in
Wonderland, and Charlotte’s Web.
Hopefully you upcoming actors
MOST LIKELY TO BECOME
A MYSPACE CELEBRITY
WADE KASOZI AND KRISTINE HUGER
The Shield
May 2008
than we did this year. To the
LUNCH GROUP, I leave behind
two years of eating and having
interesting conversations in Mr.
Stark’s room and our picnic! To my
1B DRAMA CLASS-, I leave
behind the best skits ever and my
little group (Daniel, Amy, Amanda,
and Angeline). TO MRS RAE, I
leave behind 4 years of knowing
you, different renditions of classic
novels. I also leave behind the
hope that next year’s freshman will
be better than this year’s. You’ve
been a great teacher and friend, and
I’ll be back next year to offer any
assistance. By the way, if you ever
need a babysitter, let me know!
MR. STARK- I’ve had so much
fun being under your direction
during my freshman and senior
year and taking your drama
classes. You’ve taught me a lot and
I’m going to take my experiences
and pass them on to other people
at Howard next year. Don’t be
surprised when I drop by to check
on your drama students and the
plays next year! MRS. DAVIS You’ve taught me so much in the
two years I had your class.
Because of your teaching, I got my
credit for my Fall semester of
English, so I don’t have to take it!
You made English fun and I loved
having you as my teacher. I will
definitely be dropping by next
year! MR. GIULIANI- You’ve been
a fun teacher. I loved learning TV
Production from you. I know this
year I haven’t been the best, but I
still loved every minute of your
class, both TV and Journalism. My
first experience working on a
newspaper staff will always stay
in my mind. TO THE CAST OF
CHARLOTTE’S WEB-I leave
behind fun practices, ordering
food, and many issues. I will
always remember Acacia’s sermon,
riding around on the cart, TICKLE
TICKLE (William), being WAY
TOO loud backstage, missing
cues, having no Edith until the
month before the performance,
New kid and Newnew kid. I’m sad
that we never got to perform the
show, but I loved every minute of
practice with everyone. I became
a lot closer to some of you through
this experience, and I will never
forget it.AMY FOWLER-We’ve
been through sooo much together.
From ACSA to West Side Story to
our lunch group and drama group,
it’s been fun having you there. The
best part has been reminiscing on
West Side Story jokes: Nats,
Kelloggs, the shotgun wedding,
the “I Feel Pretty” curtain quartet,
Mark breaking the window, and so
many more. I can’t wait until we’re
at HCC together!!! The way we are,
it’ll seem like we’re only there for
15 minutes…And yes, next year, I
will share my pretzels with you!
KRYSTAL GABEL-I can’t believe
we’ve survived 4 years together!
It seems like just yesterday we
were in Mrs. Rea’s class reenacting
Romeo and Juliet scenes. Now
we’re in Mrs. Davis’ class
reenacting Hamlet scenes and I
remember all the fond times we’ve
had together: Mrs. Rea’s English
class, Mrs. Bazarko’s biology
class (even though we weren’t in
the same one), Ms. McQuillan’s
English class (me, you, Loisah,
and Sparkly Man), Mrs. Davis’
Lang class, Mr. Hiller’s physics
class, Ms. Jackson’s study hall,
PAGE 19
Mrs. Davis’ Lit class/seminar, and
Mr. Giuliani’s newspaper class. I’m
sad that I won’t get to be in any of
your classes next year, but don’t
forget to IM me! If you ever have
any push pin moments, don’t
hesitate to call me and vent! Love
you girl! Soon, we will take over
NYC in the papers and on
Broadway! AMANDA MORRIS-I
can’t believe we’re graduating!!!!
We’ve known each other forever!
I was soo excited when you came
to Laurel 3 years ago and we were
in Art History together. It was fun
sharing that…interesting class
together. Oh, the memories. Same
with last year in Lang. Good times,
but not as good as this year in
Drama! We have so many inside
jokes, I can’t remember them
all…but I can remember…15
MINUTES!!!! Haha good times.
Thursday movie nights and
Chipotle need to continue next
year, even though you’ll be at
Towson. Don’t forget us little
people at HCC! Love ya girlie!
ANGELINE DEUTEUIL- You’re
soo much fun! Having you as a
friend these past 4 years has been
a blessing. I remember when we
did Alice in Wonderland together
and hardly knew each other, and
now we’re heading off to HCC
together (speaking of, sorry I
didn’t warn you about the
orientation back in April). I’m so
excited that we’re going to go to
school together for a few more
years, but I’m ecstatic that we’re
going to be friends for a long time.
MELLY B- I can’t believe it’s been
4 years since we had history
together. Time flies! It’s been fun
having classes with you and
MOST LIKELY TO APPEAR ON SPORTS CENTER
REGGIE YOUNG AND ANGEL SAUNDERS
sharing opinions about said
classes and having interesting
facial expressions and adopting
your Melita-isms. You’ve been a
huge influence in my life and I’ll
never forget you. I’ll be calling you
up next year asking about your
opinions of what goes on during
the Project Runway and Degrassi
seasons. Love you girl! ASHLEY
H- I have three words for you:
Demonic Baby Doll. I’m glad I met
you freshman year. It was fun
having you around during the West
Side Story days and helping to
create most of the memories I
treasure today. Even though we’ve
never had any classes together,
I’ve loved getting to know you and
having you in my life these past
four years. If you do any tech stuff
at college, keep the West Side
Story tradition going, and buy a
baby doll and some brick colored
paint and beat up that baby doll,
make another movie and send it to
me. ASHLEY C- Where to begin
with you! We’ve had some crazy
experiences together. We both
have the same ideas about
everything. I had so much fun with
you passing notes in history class
freshman year. I’ll never forget the
jokes we made last year and this
year. (MARYLAND MARYLAND
ARR ARR ARR! and all
the…interesting phrases we found
in Shakespeare’s plays. Who
knew slang used today came from
that?) You’re an awesome friend
and I know we’re going to stay in
touch no matter what over these
next few years. I only wish I met
you in middle school. Who knows
what damage we could have
caused back then! I love you so
much and I’m gonna miss you next
year, CHRISTOPHER- My brother!
I’ve had so much fun these past
two years, from CSLP to Seminar
and Charlotte’s Web. I had a lot of
fun pushing you down every
practice and playing slide in the
background and sharing food and
causing you pain (on accident!).
You’re an awesome friend and we
have so much in common. Next
year we’re going to party like
there’s no tomorrow!!!! Love you
my brother! PHIL-I still remember
from our 10th grade Drama class all
the skits we did (KJAM!) and from
then on we’ve been great friends.
I’ll always remember all the notes
we passed in class and between
class and doing Annie Jr. at Laurel
Mill. Although we’re going to
different schools, I know we’ll see
a lot of each other, because we’ll
probably end up doing more oneacts at Laurel Mill each fall. You’re
a great friend and I know we’ll be
friends for a long time. DAN
JOHNST!- We didn’t talk a lot last
year, but from the way we’ve
connected this year, I feel like I’ve
known you my whole life. I can talk
to you about anything and you’re
always there for me. I love you so
much, and I’m so glad we’ll be
together at HCC next year. I love
all the inside jokes we have (15
minutes) and all the skits we’ve
done (foreigners, detectives, and
so many I’ve forgotten) and all
your imitations (Hey kid, it’s your
mom.) and our movie Thursdays
except not cause Amy has to work
and me getting mad at crazed
basketball fans at the Comcast
Center and Enchanted and bipolar
Beverley at Silver Diner and our
MOST LIKELY TO MAKE YOU LAUGH
DANIEL JOHNSTON
The Shield
PAGE 20
Beverley at Silver Diner and our
Hairspray obsession and you and
Krystal’s New York plan that
involves Hayden Christiansen and
Bernadette Peters and me making
you guys famous and me, you,
Phil, and Mel singing happy
birthday to Brian Bain at Greene
Turtle and you’re crush on Arielle.
There’s so much that we’ve done
and I’ve probably only covered
half of it. I know we’re gonna have
TONS more fun at HCC next year,
and I can’t wait. Love you my
boyfriend/husband/baby daddy!
By the way, we still need to go pick
up our child from the hospital. It’s
been about a month or so.
SCOTTY!- You’ve been a great
friend to me. I’ve had a lot of fun
with you this year, and I’m glad
you were my prom date. I feel bad
that I’m leaving you here next year,
but I know we’ll stay in touch. And
in tennis, when in doubt, do your
Williams Sisters grunt! Love you
Scotty! KARIN D- I’ve loved
having you as a friend. We have
completely
contrasting
personalities, but I love that you’re
there to keep me sane in Lit.
You’ve been a really good friend,
and I’ll remember our IM
conversations and you always
looking at me like I’m crazy (which
I am). If you ever need someone to
talk to, you know who to IM or
call. JESSICA G- I’ve had so much
fun with you this year at student
aides. We have so many jokes that
we’ve come up with this year, all
of them stemming from the juniors
(MONEY MONEY!!!, Nancy
who’s really Daisy and sells for
money on the side, Jordan being a
single mom, Tom and Daisy acting
like they’re married and so much
more). Even though you’re crazy
smart, I love how you are just like
me and don’t want to do anything.
I’ll miss you next year when I need
a second opinion on something,
but then again, I’ll just call you and
bug you like that! Thanks for
making my 1st period on A Days a
memorable experience (it helped
Mrs. Rea feel either not as bad or
worse about her freshman).BRIAN
BAIN!- We haven’t really hung out
a whole lot this year, but you’re
still one of my good friends. I had
a lot of fun with you in Drama and
organizing Prom Promise. I’ll never
forget when me and Daniel and
Phil and Melita sang Happy
Birthday to you at Greene Turtle
on your 18 th birthday. That’s
something you’re never gonna
forget! I’m glad I have you as a
friend, and I hope we can stay
friends for a very long time. Love
you! JOHANNA We’ve known
each other for YEARS, and I’m sad
that we’re going our separate
ways. From soccer to Charlotte’s
Web, you’ve been there to make
me smile (*Hand over the eye*
“Oh, ok then” and exit). I’m gonna
miss having you as my mother to
help me pick on Chris. Too bad we
never got to do it for real. Keep in
touch!! Love you!!!!! WILLIAM
WILLIAMS- We haven’t really
known each other for long, but
we’ve had some fun times in Drama
and play practice (TICKLE
TICKLE!). You’re an awesome
person and I’m gonna miss having
you around next year. Keep in
touch!!!!! NIKKI LUST- There, I
gave you a shout-out! Haha, I’m
just kidding. I’m glad that I met you
May 2008
this year. You’ve been a great
manager, and without you, I
successful with you on the staff.
I’ll come back next year to check
on you, but don’t hesitate to email
me or give me a call.
JOHANNA CAREY, I am
leaving these words of memory
and wisdom to loved ones.
First, I would like to thank
everyone in my life that has helped
me through these past four years;
it’s been hard, but totally worth it.
ASHLEY CAMPBELL, you are the
best ever. We’ve been friends ever
since that day at the bus stop, and
you are super awesome for putting
up with me! I couldn’t have done
this without you. I know this wont
be good bye for us, you better call
me and keep me informed with the
goings on of your life, love you
.DIMITRI JORDAN, the love of
my life. Babe, we have been
through so much together, and I
plan on us going through so much
more, as long as we have each
other, I know everything will be
alright. I want to let you know that
everything I am now has been
because you are in my life. I want
to spend forever with you, white
picket fence and everything. You
ARE my everything. I love you
with all my heart, more than all the
stars in the sky, forever and ever
babe. DARIEN DANIELS, first,
BREATHE sweetie! Please
remember to take it one thing at a
time, no one expects you to do it
all. You’ve been my friend ever
since freshmen year, with that
mistake, but fun, locker. We will
always have prom to look back on.
Try not to eat bacon that’s not
yours! Love you girl. DYLAN
WILLIAMS, I love you so much
sweetheart, you have one more
year until you’re out of here, and
it’s going to get better, it has to.
I’m so glad you’re my best friend.
I honestly don’t know what I
would do with out you in my life.
Stay safe and sexy and you know
I’ll always be here for you, just call
me anytime, I love you. IMANI
PERSON, I know we’ve been
through a lot these few years, and
I want you to know that you’re a
cool person and I’m happy to have
you as a friend. No hard feelings
about anything, water under the
bridge and all that. Have lots of
fun next year, and keep up with
your art so you can come join me,
you will do great things. Love you.
NOOK, you are all too funny, thank
you for making Spartan Hour
memorable. Billy- I hope you get
to stay here another year, Dimitri
does too, you know it. Try to take
it easy on him while I’m gone. Sami
and Brian M. - you two are so
funny and smart, it’s insane! Good
luck with the band next year, I
know you’ll do fine. Erin- Try not
to scare too many people with your
judging eyes; you’re so awesome
for putting up with us love. BRIAN
B- Don’t ever change, I love your
crazy attitude. Good luck with
everything and be careful with who
you flirt with, not everyone is as
nice as us. C.J. - You are too crazy,
but I love you! You and Darien are
so awesome, and I wish you two
the best. Oh and, I AM THE
WALRUS, GOO GOO GOO
JOOB!!! Rushine- I love you so
much, I don’t know what I would
do without our talks, thanks for
always being there for me, and you
know ill always be there for you
when ever you need it. KIM
SNIDER, Wow! We did it! From
graduating from elementary,
school together, to now. It’s been
a crazy ride, thanks for being there
for me. You’ve made this high
school experience super fun! I love
you sweetie. And good luck with
everything. JARED HESTER, You
are so freaking awesome!! And
please don’t stop doing art for
YOU. It’s so important to remember
that YOU are the artist. Take
suggestion, but be true to
yourself, that is my wisdom to you
lol. You are the coolest person ever,
don’t change, I love you. BAND,
PLEASE take it easy on Z… and
your drum majors and section
leaders. Z, thank you so much for
everything, you are the most
awesome coolest band teacher
ever! You have really helped me
these four years; take it easy on
them next year. To my section,
although small, you guys better
keep it sexy! I love you all! Band
will be the thing I miss most about
this
place.
CAST
OF
CHARLOTTES WEB, It was a
good run guys! You all are so
amazing! Although the play didn’t
go on, I can’t say I didn’t have the
time of my life with you guys.
Thank you so much, I love you all.
To anyone I may have left out, I’m
very sorry, but I love you dearly.
To all my friends, thank you, I
don’t think I could have done it
without you, and this place just
wouldn’t be the same. Thanks
again, class of ’08, WE DID IT!
DARIEN DANIELS, Being of
compassionate mind and
overwhelmed body I leave many
things behind at Laurel High.
Firstly, to the teachers that
PRETTIEST EYES
MOST LIKELY TO BECOME
THE NEXT TOP MODEL
HANS COLGLAZIER AND NACHELLE EDWARDS
PHILIP HAYES AND APRIL WILLIAMS
The Shield
May 2008
influenced me: Mr. Z-the coolest
and most laid back band teacher I
know; thank you for being the
teacher that you are, and for being
a great individual. Ms. Campbellthe most interesting, encouraging
English teacher that I know; you
allowed me to rediscover the
passion for literature and English
that lay hidden in my heart. Mr.
Giuliani-the most energetic
newspaper teacher and school MC
I’ve ever encountered; teachers
like you keep the school spirit alive.
Ms. Nelson-the most helpful math
teacher I’ve had; math is my worst
subject, but you made it easier.
Your contagious smile infects all
those around you. Ms. Morristhank you for your patience as I
struggled through Spanish Two
with trouble, apathy, and a
defeated attitude; I finally got
through it! To the Class of 2008
sponsors, Mr. Stark and Mrs. Reathank you for all the hard work and
dedication. Last, but certainly not
least, Ms. Rossi-the most giving
English teacher. You strive to help
students learn, which is a great gift.
Your frustration with the laziness
of some students only
demonstrates your dedication to
teaching. You have a big heart,
and I am honored to have been
your student. Friends at Laurel
have also influenced my life.
Through the years, I have
discovered the love of friendship.
To the “nook”-I leave you with the
memories, wacky conversations,
and inside jokes; you all know who
you are. To Johanna and Dimitrigood friends, good laughs, and
great double dates (and no,
Dimitri, no more “yellow marker,”
or “bacon”). To Brian-I leave
memories of my head injuries,
concussions, and your bad jokes;
keep the jokes, I don’t want them!
To Leanne-I leave you with fun
memories of car rides with Jamie;
good luck in the future. To the
friends in Business Math-I give
you the funny conversations and
memories that we had while
refusing to do our work! To the
band- I leave you with the
encouragement of pursuing your
musical talents. Lastly, I leave
words of faith and hope to those
who I may have forgotten to
mention that were great parts of
high school. To the events,
classes, and other memories: the
small, ancient lockers-I leave you
great frustration. To the crowded
hallways-I leave the terrors of
getting through to make it to class.
I gladly leave behind the drama
and the fights-may you never
plague my mind again. I leave
behind the wonderful experience
at Seven Springs Ski Resort my
freshman year-skiing is so fun! To
all the Homecoming dances… they
were too fun to even describe! All
the marching band events, though
at times frustrating, were worth the
pride and discipline in the end. We
were proud; we represented Laurel
with dignity. We worked hard,
through the heat and the cold. We
were the reason people came to the
football games! Concert band
always possessed beauty and
grace. I regret all the
procrastination when it came to
assignments; I shall not do so
when it comes to college. To Ms.
Martin’s Dance Class-dancing
allowed me to express myself in
ways I never thought possible. It
is beautiful, and I’m glad that I had
the opportunity to learn so much
from this class. To sum up all of
these things, I give thanks to the
laughter, tears, struggle,
perseverance, and fun times. My
final words are left for the most
loving, caring, honest, loyal,
compassionate, best friend in my
life-Charles Poff. Remember the
beginning of the year? Look
PAGE 21
where we are now! How time flies
when you care so deeply for one
another, and when you stick
together, no matter what happens.
We are graduating together, and
sharing the joys of senior year
together. Prom will be one of the
best experiences we shall ever
share together. Thank you for
loving me. I hope that you stay
my best friend for a long
time…Class of 2008-we did it! I
wish you all luck in the future. I
hope that life brings you
happiness; this is a new chapter
of your life that you are starting,
so make it worthwhile…
KARIN DEORNELLAS, I leave
behind to my brother John my
spirit to help you though your last
two years of high school, along
with all the help I can give to you
in order for you to not become
stressed or lazy in the coming
years here. Krystal, never forget
our strong friendship that
survived these past four years of
high school, and will continue on
after we have gone our separate
ways to college. I will always be a
call away when you need someone
to talk to or just want advice best
friend—Krystal. Daniel, Ricky,
Foyeke, and Mel, I leave behind
all the poems and stories I have
written these past two years in
which you shared your opinion
and helped me improve my writing;
I’ll never forget you all. Fifi, I wont
forget all the fun we had together
these past four years of classes
together and the friendship that
started from all of this; you are one
of the best writers of that genre of
stories I know. Jessica G and
Anum—for all the fun we had this
year in Brennan’s and Davis’s
classes, and for the great
discussions we had over our
assignments and life in general.
Dina, Nancy, Michael, Courtney,
Aisat, Amy, Tony, Jason, Nancy,
Breeanna—the
many
conversations we shared in the
classes we had together. Mark, I’ll
never forget all the arguments and
advice that we had over the past
two years, and the friendship that
started too. Tyler and Kathleen, I
just met you not long ago, but I’m
glad I did especially for all the
intriguing conversations we had
about the most random things this
past year. Mrs. Green, Ms. Black,
and Mrs. Lawson, I leave behind
all the files and paperwork I helped
you with in order to make your jobs
a little easier. Mrs. Davis, I will
never forget all the help and
advice you gave me these past two
years, and I leave behind all the
work I did for you to use as
examples to show to your future
students. Mr. Brennan, Mr. Yoder,
and Mr. Rooney, I leave behind all
the interesting conversations we
had these past three years in and
outside of classes. To Mr. Yoder
and Mr. Brennan, I leave behind
the memories of all the jokes and
laughs that came from the talks
between us, and I’ll make sure to
come back and visit you both—
along with thanking you for all the
advice you gave me these past
years too. Mr. Miller, I thank you
for being a great teacher of mine
these past two years—I have
learned a lot from your classes and
appreciated your thoughtfulness
towards your students like me. To
Mrs. Lee, I leave behind the
remembrance of my teapot, and I
thank you for the wonderful advice
and conversations we had in class.
To Mrs. Rea, I leave behind all the
help I gave you in getting though
the senior year of planning. To
Mom and Dad, thanks for always
being there when I needed you the
most.
NACHELLE EDWARDS, I
leave the following items and
memories to my friends, my chicas,
my skillet biscuits, my FAM; past
and present. You guys have
helped me through some ride or
die times and for that I am forever
thankful. I have come to realize that
there isn’t enough time in the
world to waste it crying over what
you could not accomplish in the
past; so I will instead give thanks
to those in my life who, without
hesitation, brought love, laughs,
and insight into my life. NANCY/
“my lil fish” – I really don’t know
where I would be without you!
Throughout these four years, you
have been my lil fish, my best
friend, my conscience, my go-to
chick, and my sister. When I fell
off track, you always knew just
what to say to make me realize I
was messing up. And then there
were our fun times –homecoming
dances (lol), bachata lessons,
advice about Happy Feet (and all
the others), AP work, and
everything else. I am going to miss
you so much! Can you say...party
at nena’s dorm! Lol. You’ve
changed so much since freshman
year and I am so proud of you. I
wish you so much luck at UMD
and on whatever else you aspire
to do. So, I leave you with my
gratitude; thank you for being the
queso to my macaroni! April- You
are the common sense and
confidence to my spontaneity. My
Asian persuasion! There is no
doubt that you are the logical one
between the two of us lol. When I
was ready to quit, you always
believed that I could overcome the
obstacles I made for myself. When
we first met (in Adolph Hitler’s
math class lol) I thought that we
were complete opposites and
wouldn’t be close friends. Now, I
realize that it is our opposite
demeanors (had to throw a AP
vocab word in there lol) that make
us good friends. I wish you the
best with your modeling goals and
BORN IN THE WRONG DECADE
MOST LIKELY TO BECOME A BILLIONAIRE
NIRAN OGENLEYE AND KRYSTAL GABEL
BRANDON LEACH AND JENNIFER HAMMER
The Shield
PAGE 22
I know I’ll see you on Top Model
in a couple years. Heaven Stevens/
My Sister from another mister –
“You want some?”…NO… “Then
turn around then.” Lol haha. I leave
you my awesomely crazy super
recognized legacy…lol sike. You
know you’re like the little sister I
wish I had and I appreciate you so
much. I’m not gonna go through
all our inside jokes but just know
that you’re like the bombest skillet
buscuit ever! Even though you’re
younger, I have still learned a lot
from you. Continue to focus on
school and don’t let school
become your last priority like I
almost did. Have fun home slice
and don’t doubt that your big
sister will be back checking up on
you! MEL BELL& RA’NETA/ the
two-thirds of the Shield’s 3 amigos
– I love you guys! Both of you
know that without you, I defiantly
would not have made it through
any of this. Ra’Neta, (yes I spelled
it right) thanks for the backroom
advice sessions, the drama, your
love problems, and all the advice
you gave me. Kaira– I love you
chick! You were like the first friend
I made back in the day when I
moved to this place they call
Laurel. I can’t believe that was five
years ago! We have grown so close
and I consider you as a sister. I
wish you luck in college and
whatever you decide to pursue
later on. Glen/ “my go-to guy”- JR!
geese where would chelle be
without jr.? hopefully we’ll never
know lol. You’re probably one of
the most important people I met
this year. Thanks for always being
a listening ear…even most times
at 2am lol. Whenever I had a
problem, with dukes, with guys,
with work, with my health, even
with you, you were always there
to listen and not judge. I truly
appreciate it. Even through the
weird times, you never let it get
awkward…kinda lol. Thanks for
just…. being Glen lol. FRANKLIN–
Thanks for being so frankalicious
lol. You always made me laugh.
From our backroom parties to your
weird and often inappropriate
jokes, it was always fun.DINA– I
love you chica! You are such a cool
and down-to-earth person and I
will never forget you…or your
lover Jose…who wanted me to
include him in my last will...so I did
lol.NIKKI, & the 08-09SHIELD
STAFF– I leave you the wonderful
pleasures of the school
newspaper lol. Hopefully you
guys can maintain the paper’s
legacy and whip next year’s staff
into shape. Take care of my back
room chicks! MRS. DAVIS– I
cannot begin to express my
gratitude towards everything that
you have done for me! Without
your
understanding
and
inspiration, I would not be writing
this last will right now, I would be
trying to figure out a way to pay
for summer school. I appreciate all
your efforts and determination as
a teacher and hope all your future
students can learn as much as I
have from you. MS. BRUCE–
Thank you for being the teacher
that I always needed. Not only did
you teach the curriculum, but you
taught me life lessons as well;
something that very few teachers
are able to do.
AMY FOWLER, I do hereby
leave behind the following:
AMANDA-ARM! I love your
obsession with green and your
ability to fit in suitcases.
COURTNEY-All of our West Side
Story memories: nats, the wedding,
and the baby. Two circles kids!
DANIEL- Our great conversations
and your ability to make me laugh.
The brilliant plan to rid the world
of ugliness and making people
jealous. SCOTT T- The other
catholic and French honor society
buddy who keeps me informed on
the latest “French news”.
MATENA DIMITRI, and
May 2008
STANLEY- Procrastinating our
way through psychology. SCOTT
H AND TAYLOR- You are
ridiculous! KRYSTAL, ANGELINE,
MELITA,PHIL BRIAN, SCOTT T,
CHRIS, ASHLEY C, COURTNEY,
DANIEL AND AMANDA- The
magnificent lunch group and
memories of our good times
together. SAM G, DANIEL, and
SAM P.- My Spanish saviors.
ANAM, JESSICA, BRAD,
DANIEL, and AMANDAFantastic conversations on the
bus and “tranny” moments.
AMANDA, COURTNEY, and
DANIEL- Singing Grease songs
that only take 15 minutes to finish.
RAYNEL GIBSON, I leave
Laurel High School with a smile on
my face. Knowing that I have
accomplished one of my lifetime
goals. Now one step closer to
becoming successful in life. I want
to thank all of my teachers who
taught me. Especially, Ms. Reed,
Ms. Bruce, Mr. Moore, Mr. Ernst,
Ms. Rossi, Mr. Sorber,
Mr.Hollvach, Coach Harrison and
last but not least Mrs. McQuillan
for being so perspicacious as she
would say. Thank you for
supporting me and believing in me,
even when I didn’t believe in
myself. And my advice to all
underclassmen stay focus, and
always remember the sky is the
limit, so shoot for the stars. Believe
in the impossible. God bless to all
of the 08 class.
CHRISTINA GILLAM, The
end is finally here. It feels so good
to say that. Time really flies.
Although there were some good
times and some bad times its good
that I can look back on everything
now and see how much I grew
from everything. From the time that
I gave up on my track career
because I wanted to be prissy to
the time when I thought I could
try cheerleading. Only to see that
it wasn’t for me because the squad
MOST LIKELY TO STAY TOGETHER FOREVER
was full of DRAMA. Only to have
to keep doing it so mom dukes
wouldn’t hate me. To my bandits.
I love you guys to death you know
who you are. I will never forget our
missions and you’ll better not
either. To my bald friend I cant wait
until we go off to college and get
to see what the real world is like.
We still have a lot to learn and I
cannot wait to learn it with you.
To my blackie. Stay black n stay
GUCCI! I love you so much and
you truly were a bestie that I
couldn’t have lived without. To my
Nae how could I have gotten
through all my problems without
you. Don’t forget all the tricks I
used to play on you with my stories
but thanks again for being there.
You better keep in touch. To all the
friends that I lost. Used to trip off
losing friendships but as I matured
I saw that our friendships weren’t
meant to be. Hope you not sitting
around thinking about our
friendship and what it could have
been because Im most certainly
not. I’m probably sitting in Hawaii
somewhere dancing with the hula
girls. Aha! To my Tianum lol…….
I love u like a fat kid love cake and
I will never 4get you. We gonna
be in Baltimore at school partying
like its our birthday. And last but
not least I LOVE YOU MOMMY
AND IM SO GLAD THAT WE
FIXED OUR RELATIONSHIP
OVER MY HIGH SCHOOL
YEARS!! IM OUT COLLEGE HERE
I COME!! 08 baby
SCOTT HAINES, Four years
ago, today seemed so distant.
Nobody would have guessed that
high school would have gone by
so fast, yet here we are less than a
month from graduation. So much
has happened, and so many
friends have been made that will
last a lifetime. Leaving high school
behind, although something we all
long to do, is one of the hardest
things to do.To the other guy
AKA Taylor, I leave plenty of fond
memories. Smacking me with a
drumstick, ridiculous science
projects, obnoxious noises, (paint
can?) and one question—are you
ridiculous? See you at UMD bro.
To Sammy Chan, I leave band
times, fake cheerleading in Mr.
Clary’s room, card games, and the
aviators you gave me which Taylor
stole from me. To Sami (Graciano)
I leave more marching band
memories, robotic drill, and our
idiocy in piano class. Oh and
tacos, can’t forget that. To Allison,
STOP TRYING TO KILL ME!
SERIOUSLY! To Amy, I leave
random events in math/physics/
world/APUSH, Mr. Mewbourn’s
entertaining stories, and lots of
bacon. To Jordan, Matt, and Tyler,
I leave painful memories from
lunch behind the gym lobby over
the last semester. Freaking tall
white people. To Ben, I leave the
low brass section. Be loud, very
loud. To Anton, I leave my trumpet
section. Keep it up, be loud and
proud about it! To Danny/Liz S/
Becca/the other freshman (soon to
be sophomores) I know, have a fun
3 more years. To Mohammed, I
leave randomness in seminar and
your ever-present Muslim pride.
To Phil, another tall white guy, I
leave several classes we’ve had
and felt out of place in. To
Ricardo/Porfirio, I leave our
random ranting in English. Keep
wrecking in Brawl! To Charlie the
Communist, I leave all our classes
together and our bored days in
classes when nobody else showed
up. COMMIE! To Ashley, I leave
all my random outbursts from Mr.
Giuliani’s freshman English class
until now. To Bobby AKA Ryan
Z, I leave more band stuff and stuff
for the other Asian guy I know. To
Brian Bain, I leave 12 years of pain
and laughter we’ve had together,
memories from the people from
elementary school until now, and
BIGGEST SWEETHEART
JOSE NAJARRO
AND
DINA RAMIREZ
E.K. JOHNSON
AND
CRYSTAL ONUOHA
JESSE GIUROLA AND NANCY BARBOZA
The Shield
May 2008
Brian Bain, I leave 12 years of pain
and laughter we’ve had together,
memories from the white people
from elementary school until now,
and plenty of other stuff I can’t
think of. To Pedro AKA Jesse, I
leave memories of band camp from
when you were in the trumpet
section as well as now in drumline,
and our random greeting and
farewell hand motion. To all my
friends whom I did not mention, I
leave my randomness and any
memories we may have shared
since we met. To Mr. Z, I leave
four years of having to endure mine
and Taylor’s torture. Enjoy the
band without us! To Mr. Hiller, I
leave your kinky slinky, your
movies, and an awesome 4-A
physics class last year. To Mr.
Yoder/Mr. Brennan, I leave 1600+
people to make miserable without
me, and lots of “Calvin and
Hobbes,” respectively. To the
Class of 2008, I leave our years
together from kindergarten right
up to the stage we’ll be walking
across soon. We’re the big dogs
now; see you all at graduation!
OCTA’VIA HEBRON, Lessons
learned; taught well by myself, my
teachers and my peers. Fears faced
I leave here with the class of 2008
a very bright, intelligent, well
prepared young adult. First, to
those (HATERS) who thought and
said I wouldn’t make it, well I DID,
and I “Thank you” because
without you I wouldn’t have
gotten that extra energy to push
forward to make you look dumb. I
would also like to thank my
teachers, administrators and
security…lol Ms. Walker, for
pressing me out about coming to
school; Ms. Bruce for teaching me
to be a responsible young adult;
Mr. Dinkins for putting up with me
and being my favorite (smiles);
Craig, thanks for keeping me out
of trouble; Mr. Harris for
encouraging me to stay focused;
and Ms. Richardson for being
more than a counselor. To my
friends I don’t know where to
start, I LOVE YOU guys and no
matter where life takes us or what
happens after that last day, I’ll
always keep you in my heart. (The
locker Crew) and too many others
to name, but if you’re my true friend
then you know I’m talking to you.
My many of cousins I LOVE YOU.
With three of you I’ve had a
problem but regardless “blood is
thicker than water” I’ma rap this
up with a thank you to my mom,
Aunt Kimmie, Eika, Granny, my dad
and my step-mom, for being there
for me. Some of you I feel
questionable about right now but
you still had an impact on helping
me become the person I am today.
To everyone else I’m done…I’m
gone, so “BIG UPS, TO ALL MY
HATERSSS”. There can and will
only be one Octa’via Hebron, It’s
08 n’ I luv it!!!
PIRASSA HICKS, If you’re
reading this……I MADE IT! Just
a simple thank you to everybody
who helped me get here. Teachers,
family, friends. Mr. Smith a special
thanks to you for taking me under
your wing, showing me the ropes
of being in this profession. Thanks
for all the help. Mommy &
Grandma, Love you thanks for
everything. My final three people,
my two brothers from another
mother, Craig Henry & Corey
Taylor. Love yall like brothers, you
ever need something I got you its
nothing I’m there. Ok then finally
my girl Keisha. Love you boo. I
won’t be here physically next year
to check on you but I will be
making sure you in them books ok.
3.0’s an 3.5’s is all we getting next
year no excuses. Lol. To
everybody else that I didn’t
mention by name you know that
you helped me and this thank you
is for you. Even the people who
caused havoc in my high school
LEAST LIKELY TO
GROW UP
life because it made me who I am
today. I MADE IT! Yes I did even
after people told me I wouldn’t.
HA HA HA HA. Aight man IM
OUT!!! Love yall. Goodbye LHS,
hello SC State.
KHRISTINE HUGER, To my
home away from home I leave
Laurel High with 3 years of
congressional hard work and the
headaches accumulated between
the reoccurring hall, ID, security
and uniform sweeps. I also leave
my 1st runner up Homecoming
queen title and an over populated
Spartan Hour. To MS. SIMPSON I
leave you all my duty sheets
marked with all the ‘5’s’ and
occasional ‘3’s’ you have seen fit
to give me. =]. I also leave you my
memory of you infamous ‘get
down’ during our 11th grade year
in ocean city! Moreover, I leave
you our difference and I leave you
total thanks, I appreciate you.
To MRS. MCQUILLAN I leave you
with my first year at Laurel, 10th
grade, our first period ‘B’ day
class. Grade 10 English Honors. I
also bless you with my many-afailed Vocabulary test, I leave the
appointed nickname you gave me,
‘chameleon’now from my 12 th
grade year I will leave you my
College Summit peer leaderresponsibilities, my navigator, I
leave you with treacherous
accuplacer test, and mobile lab
computers 2,and 6, which of whom
never seem to be working. I finally
leave you great thanks. For your
time, lengthy talks and your wise
outlooks. MS. BRUCE- I leave you
my English 11 binder, filled with
incomplete ‘do-now’s’ and
homework assignments I leave
you with, my journal filled with my
deepest thoughts and feelings. I
also would like to leave you a thank
you. You are a wonderful person.
KENNY WHEELER- LLs! I leave
your b. all the Chris Crocker videos
YOUTUBE has to offer.=] I leave
ALWAYS SEEN TOGETHER
PAGE 23
you with Ms. Jay Pendavis, and
that malicious “African,African”
that you do so well. I GIVE you my
“
B
…
.
PPPPPLLLLLEEEEAAAAZZZZUUHH!!!
Im going to miss you Kenny
=].INDIIIA! I leave you, missy with
the homecoming queen title that I
was supposed to walk away with.
I leave all out pleasant memories
of this ‘wonderful’ senior year.from riding top down on 9/29/07
to your surprise birthday party. To
the family trip to Georgia to family
night on 10/21/07.Becoming
besties with Porchia. Dancing to
Michael Jackson at your parents
wedding. Losing terribly at
Scrabble at your grandmother’s
house- our first sleepover, you
visiting me at the hospital post my
surgery. Going to the movies to
see…Beowulf, Saw IV, and 10,000
B.C. I also leave you our dreams
of having our own Savannah
Christmas. I leave the nicknames,
Shyne-Bell Atlantic, and Hammie,
joint custody of our letters, and
meeting Brian for the first time. I
leave you love and all of me. I leave
countless tears…and many dented
lockers, our friendships breaks –
dishonest lead-ons, bad vibes,
arguments, hot headedness, valid
points, laughter, thumb wrestling,
Disney movies, ‘crankin that
Soulja Boy’, Melia, Mack, Time,
Patience, Pinochle(lol), checkers,
straps, fun, driving lessons, the
29th of every month,8months (at
the time of print), Bumpkin,
Duckie, Freeze, Flatbootie ,Mic
Check JR, Black MAGg and Flicc.
I wan to add this on. I lied. Im not
leaving you any of this stuff
because I plan to be you best
friend forever! I love you.
MATENA KAMARA,
Determined I am, successful I hope
to become my four years in high
school has prepared me to be the
best person that I can be. Whether
it was running the hallways, being
late to class, not following rules,
completing all my assignments and
participating in activities. I enjoyed
it all good or bad. At times I felt as
though I was trapped in these
walls and had to do what I was
told to do. It was worth it all. Of all
four years my most amazing year
was ninth, entering into high
school as a fresh meat I was ready
to tackle any obstacle that came
my way. I had fun because
everything was so new to me, “it
was an adventure”. Junior year
was the hardest because that was
when I knew everything had to be
take care of then or never. Senior
year was rocking because I did
nothing, blew off everything and
loved not caring anymore. So as I
sit and look back on all the years I
wouldn’t take a second of it.
School was my second home, here
I bonded with people, formed
relationships and learned so much
about myself as an individual. My
greatest accomplishment was to
touch the heart of someone else.
As I wait to take my final walk in
these hallways I am left to say
nothing but thank you to those
who have helped me, encouraged
me, and nurtured me along the
way. To my friends I love you, don’t
let the real world beat you up. “It
is within us that determines not
who we are today but who we will
become tomorrow.”
MOHAMMED ABDULMATEEN, My friends; comrades,
companions, respected teachers,
and peers, a long struggle is
coming to an end. Our hard earned
declaration of success will soon
be in our hands. 13 years of
striving, and pursuing our goal,
will finally be acknowledged, and
awarded- May 29, 2008!First and
foremost, I praise Allah, the
benevolent, the merciful, creator of
the heavens and the earth, for
blessing me with countless
bounties and granting me so many
ALWAYS SEEN LAUGHING
CHRIS HARRIS
AND
ASHLEY CAMPBELL
GRAY ALLISON
DYMIQUE SAMUELS AND KAYDEE KOSTISHAK
The Shield
PAGE 24
have ever inflicted any pain, or
hardship upon; I hope this
milestone can be remembered,
and I can be remembered, only for
my good deeds and not my bad
deeds, as this is how I will
remember all of you. I hope and
pray for the well being and
prosperity in the future for all of
you. We have grown, matured,
and learned a lot from one another.
Some have matured faster than
others, hence my luscious facial
hair, but I hope our growth and
desire to learn never ends. I wish
I could have remained a child; nap
time in Deerfield Run Elementary,
recess, all of it was great while it
lasted. I remembered my first day
in kindergarten; boy was I
nervous about going to school
for the first time. A mixed anxiety
of excitement, and fear, rushed
through my veins. I feel the same
way now as I did then, which is
ironic because I’m leaving what I
feel secure in, my school. I have
cherished friends, great memories,
and a lot of laughs in Laurel High,
which I will dearly miss. But
before I go I would like to
acknowledge and extend my
gratitude towards certain people;
Mr. Yoder, my World History
teacher, who introduced me to my
passion for history, and taught me
the significance of understanding
other cultures, and religions, and
striving to bring mutual
understanding between people of
different backgrounds. Mrs.
Davis, who taught me writing,
reading, and presenting skills
which I apply in various areas of
my life, Mrs. Davis has a truly
inspiring character, one I will
never forget, which has some
what mirrored onto me. She
always complimented me and
brought a cheerful experience in
being her student. Mr. Miller,
congrats on the baby, taught me
math in SAT prep, but more
importantly he helped me in my
cross-religious studies by
teaching me and addressing my
questions about Christianity,
even when he had a line of
students waiting for him, he
somehow managed to attend to
me. Mr. Rivarde, the Muslim
Student Association (MSA)
sponsor, and respected teacher
who advocated me and, gave me
advice on being a leader, and a
good person with morals and
values, not only teaching me but
practicing these traits himself. My
Muslim brothers and sisters in the
school; Vice Presidents of the
MSA, Osama Abuzenah and
Abdullahi Mahmoud, without
you two, MSA would have not
been possible, also Muhammad,
Bilal, Zulikhat, Ayman, David,
Muftaha, Adam, Asad, Rashidat,
Haja, may Allah accept from you
all. My friends; Prince Solee, Paul,
Cam’, Sammy Carmen, Melita,
Mariama, Darius, Scott, Philip,
Sabrina, OG Niran from the
May 2008
elementary days, Abraham, Tuba, not paid much, you give the are too cool for school and that’s
and anyone I have forgot to biggest gift to the world, that. Jenny and Tony, you guys
mention, all of you know who are, knowledge. Now to my friends; are too smart and too cool for
my love and prayers are extended April, you are sunshine don’t let school! To all those I didn’t add,
to all of you. I have learned anyone tell you what you are. you know I love you, the world
something and grown from every Ra’Neta my R&B/Soul sista, I love would not turn without you
individual I have ever met.Even you with all my heart. Simi and here.To Laurel I leave this, It has
though this is my bid farewell to Rashidat, I have know you all been a great four years. Now I
my fellow classmates, I want to pay through good and bad and you throw up my deuces and call it a
my respects to my family, who are were always there. Matilda and wrap! 2008!
my inspiration, my guide, and my Lilian, I can always count on you
support. My family pushed me, to make me happy, never forget
PORSHA MILES, I was once
they always wanted the best for me, your worth. Lawren my littles, I will told that “If you find true friends,
and any they have all done their miss you and I love you. Scotties, you better keep them.” This year
part in guiding me toward the you make my heart sing. Wesley, my friends are leaving me. I have
correct path. I have put them Mr. GQ, keep it real and stay been with these people forever,
through a lot of stress which I am focused on the dream. Jose & Dina, we’ve had our ups and downs but
regretful of, but as I begin a new a match made in heaven, stay we still remained friends. Kerry, I
life, I wish to strive in pleasing happy. Crystal and Tasha, my am so proud of you, you’re my
them. I’m sure many of you feel the singing partners in crime. Chris right hand mans; and I’m going to
same way about your families. So and Ashley, you two are stuck like miss you. Tay Tay words can’t
if I leave with any advice, it is to glue so keep it cool. Chris and express how I feel about you
be kind to your family, no matter Christie, you two are the coolest, graduating. I must admit I was
how much fame you obtain, no funniest twins ever. Mya and skeptical but I’m glad you pulled
matter how much you desire to Stephanie, I love you though you through and got your act together.
leave and become independent, eat my food. Aqua and Carmen, You know you my cousin. Chikale
please, always respect and be two wonderful people with and Amirah I love you and
dutiful to your parents in genuine hearts. Kyle, my Eeyore, I congrats. Class of 2008 you will
everything they say that is morally hope you get the best CISCO job be missed
correct. So rejoice and be happy ever so I can mooch your money.
ACACIA MORTON, I just
my fellow seniors, were finally Maddie, my African, non-African wanna say that even though I cant
graduating!
sister form another continent, we wait to get out of this school, there
P.S. If I haven’t talked to you about will mooch off Kyle together. Chris are some special people that I’m
Islam, I apologize, and hope you Tapia, Terrence, Diamond, Jeneba gonna miss greatly. AMBER
will take upon the responsibility of a.k.a SAMKING! and Bobby you GLOVER
and
KEISHA
learning it at your leisure. O, and guys made learning about crazy GANTHIERr: yall are my heart for
important quote to live by people like Bobby and SAMKING real, I love you guys so much and
Mohandas Gandhi, who once said, fun!. Teona, I love you and never God has blessed me with tow best
“Be the change you want to see in let anyone put you down. Indyia, friend like you. We have our whole
the world.”
Danny, Marcus, Francia, and live ahead of us and believe me,
LOIS SARFO-MENSAH, I give Monique, you guys made my day it’s gonna be crazy SABRINA
Laurel High School my thanks. every A-day. Fosah and E.K, you FROST aka Long Neck:: I love you
First to my teachers; Mr. Aring, Dr. all better become rich doctors, boo! You were the 1st friend I made
Dupree, Mrs. Mykytyn…though Shenae, Chante’l and Jeslyn, I love in high school and you’re one of
you are not here, you shaped my you guys too much for words. my most cherished ones. I hope
future. To Mr. Cooper for keeping Angel, we go further than the we can remain close because it
it real. To Mrs. Rea and Mr. Stark Flintstones, I started in the 7 th would break my heart to lose you
for being the best sponsors in the grade with you and I’m ending 12th MONIQUE MOORE aka Cookie ::
whole world. To Mr. Wenk for being with you, I love you. Angeline, My Jamaican sista for life! I love
a great guy. To Mrs. Davis for you are soo funny and Ashley H, you girl! I know you always got
blooming the literary buds in us all. you guys are the coolest. my back and you best believe I got
To Ms. McQuillan for being a Courtney and Amy, we go way yours! We have a whole lot of
strong black leader to follow the back. I love you guys. Philse you partying to do so stay in touch.
footsteps
TA J A
of.
To
G R AY
M r s .
a k a
Bruce for
Wifey ::
OST RTISTIC
t h e
I ’ m
patience,
going to
sarcasm,
miss you
support,
s
o
and the
much!!
special
We ’ v e
sessions!
Known
To Mrs.
e a c h
Morris for
other
b e i n g
since
unforgettable
middle
. To Mrs.
school
Boyer for
and
I
h e r
hope our
honest
friendship
words. An
doesn’t
ideal ruler
e n d
of
the
when I
s a n e
leave. Be
world. To
good,
a
l
l
behave
teachers,
yourself
though
because
you are
I ’ m
ONY ILLAFLORES AND MANDA
ORRIS
M
T
V
A
A
M
gonna have my eye on you TERRI
LEE:: Your are my girl for life and
I’m gonna miss your crazy behind
so much! If you ever need
anything just give me a call.
DANIEL JOHNSTON:: You are by
far the coolest boy I know and I
will never forget those times we
had in “Wenkville.” You are such
a wonderful person, inside and out
and I’m looking forward to doing
“The Wenk” with you at prom !
love you! TIFFANY BROWN::
Hey “WB”, you know what that
stands for! I’m going to miss you
and those good times we had in
Child Growth and Development.
Keep in touch and don’t forget to
wear that mermaid sewn dress to
your prom (you know what I’m
talking about)! Love you! THE
WHOLE
CAST
OF
CHARLOTTES WEB: I’m just as
upset as you guys are about the
play but you guys did a great job
despite the fact that the play was
cancelled. I had so much fun with
all of you guys, ya’ll are soo
funny! I love you all!! CRAIG
HENRY My big brudaahh man! I
got mad love for you believe that.
We’ve known each other since
elementary school and I hope high
school isn’t the end JEARGE
OSARIO,BALBENA
and
MATTHEW RHODES: Spanish
class would be nothing without
you guys. You both cracks me up
and I’m going to miss you both
greatly. To all those people that
have a problem with me (you know
who you all are): Just to let ya’ll
know, I dislike you just as much,
if not more, as you dislike me. One
day when I’m living large and
you’re living in a box, I’m going
to laugh_______ But hopefully I
never have to see any of ya’ll
again! Thank you all for letting me
know how important I truly am
because obviously I have to be
since my name comes out ya’ll
mouth so much!
KERRY QUEEN, I leave Laurel
High School as changed, optimistic, bright female. So much different from the ninth grader I was in
2004, I will walk across the stage
on May 29, 2008 one of the happiest people on this planet. All my
friends, enemies, associates, old
friends. IM LEAVING! And I’m
PROUD! Time too move on with
my life. Honestly, too sit and think
that High School is really over
makes me reminisce on the things
that meant the most while my time
was spent here. First, THE
LOCKER CREW. Ya’ll are truly my
heart. Bre, Lori, Chikale, Amirah,
Kierah, Alaina, Ki-Ki, Tay,
Porsha, Leo, Monisha. Through
the years, we all experienced so
much. The Drama, The great
times, our style, Then the
Uniforms...UGH! Photo Shoots,
Petty Arguments, Making the
Gossip Page, Crowded Lockers,
Fun Times, and Getting Pushed
away from the locker “CLUSTERS,” Sad Times, ETC. Every
The Shield
PAGE 25
single one of you has touched me
in a certain way. Bre…The Main
B. Lori…The Little Sis.
Chikale…My
Homie.
Amirah….My #1 {you know the
rest} Lol. Kierah…My Ace With
The Mace. Alaina…The Friend
From Taygen…LOL. Ki-Ki…My
Thug {My Partner in HOTTNESS!}
Tay…My Lifelong. Porsha…The
Bestoo. Leo…My Lifeline.
Monisha…My Mo-Mizzle. I love
all of you so much. Everytime I
look back on High School, I will
think of the locker crew. Also, my
Cambodian lovers Tinalina and
Mo-Mo ya’ll better stay on track
next year, and be good before I
have too hurt you! All my other
close friends if you’re reading
this…You know who you are and
I love you guys! All of my
teachers, I thank you for
everything. Mrs. Collin-Swain I
thank you for being the best
counselor I ever had. The people
who judged me, or who never got
to know me…I feel bad for
you…YOU MISSED OUT DUDE!
With that said, my time is up in
Laurel High School…anyone
who will be left here and is
reading this I can only wish you
have as much fun as me! My time
is over…Class of 2008 WE DID
IT “Imagination is everything. If
we can imagine a future, we can
create it, if we create that future,
others can live in it. That is the
essence of success.” -Unknown
“You gain strength, courage, and
confidence by every experience in
which you really stop to look fear
in the face. You are able to say to
yourself, ‘I have lived through this
horror. I can take the next thing that
comes along.’ You must do the
things you think you cannot do.”
- Eleanor Roosevelt
CHRISTINA JOI RAWLEY, I
leave behind My besties (The
Crew) Pilar, Blythe and Kimara.
Sisters Amber and Niemah. My
daughter Kristen. My wifeys Lakia,
BG and Amari. My honey Bobby.
My Boo Skii Morgan
aka Morgo lol. My
favorite Teachers Mr.
Harrison, Mr. Stark,
Mr. Moore and Mr.
Holovach, without
them I wouldn’t be
leaving this place lol.
My father Mr. Harris,
he made sure I was in
class getting my
work done and made
sure I was graduating.
I thank him for all of
that. Mr. Holovach,
my Algebra 2teacher,
taught me that I
really am good in
math and I didn’t
realize this until this
year..wow.
Ms.
Redfield, helped me
out a lot this year and
I really truly thank her
for being there for
me. I will most
definitely miss my
crew! We have so many memories
like “meet me by the vending
machines @ 11:15 so we can
fight!” “Bet she won’t pop off tho”
“bald-head skally wag ain’t got no
hair in the back, gelled up, weaved
up, yo hair is messed up” “Ay
where wiggy at?” “Jerry Jerry
Jerry Jerry” Lmao.. I’m going to
miss all of you sooo much. Ya’ll
are the realest girls in Laurel. All
these other girls can’t compare.
The best class is leavin, 2008 and I
thought we would never leave but
we are so deuces. Go ahead 09 and
run it. Toodles..Muahhhhh
KIM SNIDER, To everyone who
was ever there for me thank you I
will always remember you guys.
BRIAN, I love you! I’m glad you
came to Laurel because I found the
person I want to spend the rest of
my life with. You always know what
to say or do to cheer me up even
when it’s your fault. I’ll always
remember all the things we shared
in high school the good and the
bad. You are amazing I love you.
KATY, good luck next year my big
little sister. Make the right choices.
I hope you have a good senior year
next year… being in temps,
wearing you uniform, and not
being able to drive to school. Stay
out of trouble I know where you
sleep. You are the best sister ever.
JOHANNA, we have known each
other since elementary school. We
have been through so much. From
the many club houses we built, to
the tornado warning, to our first
crushes. Through many talks and
tears. Thanks for always being
there. LYLAS. THE NOOK, we
have had a ton of great times and
many
jokes.
Intelligent
conversations (black holes,
bananas, and how Brian really
made us up) Visits from teachers,
administrators and people wanting
to chill with us. (We were the envy
of the clusters). Endless trips to
the vending machines. (For Billy
mostly.) And the up’s and downs
of relationships. Dylan, Billy, Sami,
Imani, Dimitri, Johanna, Ashley, CJ,
Darien, Jesse, Brian (Bain), My
Brian, Erin, and Rushine. You guys
are awesome thanks for making
lunch so much fun! THE CAST,
you all know who you are. It was
fun. We had some good times
messing around on stage and
good food pizza and Chinese yum!
We had some stressful times
learning lines and finding a day we
would all be there to practice.
Always remember “I can face
anything with friends like you
friendship is one of the most
satisfying things in the world” MR.
Z, thank you for saving me by
letting me be your student aid this
year. Thank you for teaching me
to play the clarinet and being
patient. Remember to pass out
concert uniforms in September!
ARIELLE SONGONG, I leave
Laurel High School with regret of
not being here long enough to be
with the incredible staff. Laurel
High School has been a fabulous
experience for me and I feel that
the teachers and staff have taught
me most of the things I will need
to succeed in life. I would
especially like to thank Mrs.
McCann. She was the first to know
me, and I devote my English
Language skills to her. To Ms.
Graves my counselor, thank you
for helping me with the colleges
and scholarships applications. Mr.
Holovach – you owe me a chess
game. Mrs. M. Reed – thank you
for the challenges you made me
face on the computer. To all my
teachers: Ms. Geissler, Mrs. Boyer,
Mr. Holovach, Mr. Moore, Mr.
Kouo, Mrs. M. Reed, Mrs. Garg,
Mrs. Fritz, Mrs. McCann, Mr. Hiller,
Ms. Wresche, Mr. McCray, Mrs.
Burford, and Mr. Zimmerman –
thank you all for being so nice, and
inspirational; and for preparing me
for college. To all the other
teachers and staff, especially Ms.
McQuillan, Mr. Miller, Mr. Fon, Mr.
Jones (the principal), Mrs. Swartz,
Mr. Tagyen, Mr. Smith, all ESOL
May 2008
teachers, and other counselors –
thank you for being nice and
supportive. It made me feel so
special. To all my classmates – it
has been a pleasure to be in a class
with you, and I wish you well in
the future. To my parents,
brothers, and sisters – thank you
for loving me, and being there for
me. I love all of you, and will surely
miss Laurel High School.GOD
BLESS THE CLASS OF ‘2008’!!!
MADELEINE STEIN, I leave all
you underclassmen with the best
of luck and hope that you all
graduate with YOUR class!
Arshaneka: girl, you crazy but
without you, I might not have
survived junior and senior. (nuts)
LOL. Ren: my sister,…nuff said.
LOL! Dina: I love you! Idk what
I’d do in French class without you.
Lois: My African twin. I’m still
working on that accent. I’ll get it
eventually. I’m glad we had class
together even if it was extremely
boring. And I’m still gonna eat
“dry break” so get over it!!! Daniel:
I haven’t known you that long and
I regret not meeting you sooner
but hey, we’ll definitely keep in
touch. To everyone else I didn’t
feel like wasting space and money
on, I love ya’ll too. It’s been real
fun. To my teachers: Mr. Harrison:
I love you man! I hate you for
making me do all the things you
made me do like run a bajillion times
in softball. But what don’t kill me
makes me stronger and I’ve learned
a lot (not just softball). You’re fam!
Mr. Holder: put your glasses on.
You know I have RLS that’s why I
get the mail and I’m still mad you
gave me the ADSD computer. I’ll
come back and visit =) (stern). Mr.
Wright: Thanks for giving me the
opportunity for Honors Chorus. It
was fun and a great experience for
me. Ms. Nelson: I had so much fun
in Gospel Choir. To all my other
teachers: Ms. Hall, Ms. Bruce, Ms
Rossi (told you I could sing), Ms.
Fail, Mr. Fon, and all the rest that I
Seniors
If you build castles in the air
Your work need not be lost
That is where they should be
Now, put the foundations under them
-Henry David Thoreau
can’t remember right at this
second (SORRY)! that had me as a
student, thanks for teaching.
FRANCIA THOMAS, Ms.
Boyd…when I first got here I came
with a 0.75 and you helped me
bring that up because you were
always on my back. I want to thank
you because without your
encouragement and uplifting spirit
and words I probably would’ve
failed some classes. I appreciate
all our talks we have had and will
forever be grateful that I had you
as my teacher. My beautiful cousin
Victoria, where do I start. I
remember when I got here on my
first day I was glad that I knew at
least one person, then you
introduced me to all these other
refugees (lol), sike naw. We’ve had
our ups and downs from all our
craziness we’ve done and been
through together. Yeah you did get
on my nerves at times but we
always managed to find something
to laugh at and forget we were even
mad. I’m glad I met you and got so
close to you. I couldn’t have asked
for a better person to end my
senior year with. Love you boo
always xoxo. Ms. Bruce, thanks for
encouraging me to do better in my
work and writing. Your good
teaching has added to my
becoming a more focused student.
P.S. thanks for catching me up on
all my work when I got here. I really
needed it. To my wifey, no I didn’t
forget about you, keep your head
in these books and make sure you
don’t let anyone stop you from
succeeding in what you want.
Quiet down sometimes…lol. Mr.
Rivarde (R.Diddy), I didn’t know
you at the beginning of the year
so of course I thought we would
go at it everyday, but that wasn’t
the case. You actually turned out
to be nice and a good teacher. I
still don’t like the fact that you
gave me all those hard
projects…Thanks!!!
NANCY ZUNIGA, I
would like to thank my
teachers for making
this possible for me;
Mrs. Hall, Ms. Walker,
Ms. Martin, Ms.
Bryan, Mrs. Forrest,
Mr. Forrest, Mr.
Diewald, Mr. Ernst,
and Mr. Holestine.
But I would like to
thank Ms. Graves for
helping me all the way
through. Thanks to all
of you!! My best
buddies imma miss
you guys so much. I
love you guys!! You
know who you are,
thanks for being with
me and accepting me
for who I am. Carmen
please don’t do
anything stupid when
I’m gone cuidate and
please think before
you act!!
The Staff of The Shield Wishes you Luck in the Pursuit of your Dreams.
The Shield
PAGE 26
May 2008
Entertainment
The Palette of Summer Movies Is Splashed with
Adventure and Fantasy
*By Melita Bell and Krystal Gabel
Iron Man
Genre: Action/Adventure/Sci-Fi/Thriller
Director: Jon Favereau
Release Date: May 2, 2008
Plot: Tony Stark (Robert Downing Jr.) is a wealthy industrialist who
turns to crime-fighting after a life-threatening incident that caused
him to have to build a technologically-advanced suit of armor. Also
starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Jeff Bridges.
Speed Racer
Genre: Action/Family/Sport
Director: Andy and Larry Wachowski
Release Date: May 9,2008
Plot: Speed Racer (Emile Hirsch) was born intoa family whose lives
are centered around the track. His father, Pops Racer (John
Goodman), is the one who designed Speed’s car, the Mach 5; his
older brother, Rex, was a legendary racer in his own right before he
was killed on the track. When Speed refuses an offer from Royalton
Industries and consequently stumbles upon the fact that some of the
races are being fixed, he makes an enemyout of the company. He’ll
have to win the most dangerous race of them all, the Crucible, the
very competition that took his brother’s life. Also starring Christina
Ricci as Speed’s girlfriend, Trixie,and Susan Sarandon as his mom.
The Dark Knight
Genre: Action/Crime/Drama/Mysery/Thriller
Director: Christopher Nolan
Release Date: July 18,2008
Plot: Batman (Christian Bale) teams up with Lieutenant Jim Gordon
and D.A. Harvey Dent in order to intensify his war on crime. They
work together to destroy what’s left of Gotham’s criminal
organizations, but soon encounter the Joker (Heath Ledger), a
sociopath and criminal genius, who starts terrorizing the city’s
population.
The Strangers
Genre: Horror/Mystery/Thriller
Director: Bryan Bertino
Release Date: May 30, 2008
Plot: While staying at an isolated vacation house, James Hoyt and
Kristen McKay (Scott Speedman and Liv Tyler) find themselves
accosted by three masked strangers and end up in a violent struggle
for survival.
WALL•E
Genre: Sci-Fi, Animation
Director: Andrew Stanton
Release Date: June 27, 2008
Plot: After hundreds of years of loneliness, robot, WALL*E
(Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class) meets a search robot,
EVE. WALL*E ends up chasing EVE across the galaxy to obtain
information about the planet’s future before EVE spreads her
* Information according to IMDB.com
findings to the humans.
Hellboy II: The Golden Army
Genre: Action/Adventure
Director: Gulilmerro del Toro
Release Date: July 11, 2008
Plot: When the creatures of the mythical world prepare to launch a
full-frontal attack on the human plane, Hellboy (Ron Perlman) and his
team are the only ones who can save it from certain destruction.
Chronicles of Narnia-Prince
Caspian
Genre: Adventure/Family/Fantasy
Director: Andrew Adamson
Release Date: May 16,2008
Plot: A year has passed since the Pevensies left Narnia at the end of
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. When they are summoned
back, they learn that hundreds of years, not just one, has passed and
that Narnia is being ruled by the tyrant General Miraz. It is up to Peter
(William Moseley), Susan (Anna Popplewell), Edmond (Skandar
Keynes), and Lucy (Georgie Henley) to find Prince Caspian (Ben
Barnes)-the true heir and Miraz’s nephew.
Indiana Jones and the
Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Genre: Action/Adventure
Director: Steven Spielberg
Release Date: May 22, 2008
Plot: Dr. Henry “Indiana” Jones is back in action once again as the
latest installment of the famed saga hits the big screen. Jones
(Harrison Ford) becomes involved in the Soviets’ efforts to discover
the secrets behind the mysterious Crystal Skulls.
Kung Fu Panda
Genre: Animation/Comedy
Director: Mark Osbourne and John Stevenson
Release Date: June 6, 2008
Plot: A lazy panda named Po (Jack Black) is unexpectedly chosen
to fulfill an ancient prophecy. This is a dream come true for Po
because he is the biggest fan of Kung Fu. He joins the Kung Fu
world and led by the legendary Furious Five, Tigress, Crane,
Mantis, Viper and Monkey under the leadership of Master Shifu,
Po is forced to defend the group when a ruthless snow leopard Tai
Lung has threatened the tribe. Po’s strength is tested as he
demonstrates his courage and overcomes his weaknesses.
The Shield
May 2008
PAGE 27
Comedy, Gore, and Romance Fill Summer Menu
The Sisterhood of the
Traveling Pants II
Genre: Adventure/Comedy/Drama/Romance
Director: Sannaa Hamri
Release Date: August 8,2008
Plot: The girls are back in this sequel to the hit film adaptation
of the series written by Ann Brashares. We catch up with
Bridget (Blake Lively), Lena (Alexis Bledel), Tibby (Amber
Tamblyn), and Carmen (America Ferrera) three years later as
they all go their separate ways during their freshman year of
college, but, as always, remain in touch. As events unfold,
each girl learns something about herself and the group comes
to appreciate their unbreakable bond more than ever.
High School Musical 3:
Senior Year
Genre: Musical
Director: Kenny Ortega
Release Date: October
24,2008
Plot: The gang from the
previous TV movies reunite
once again as Troy (Zac
Efron), Gabriella (Vanessa
Anne Hudgens), Sharpay
(Ashley Tisdale), and the rest
encounter their final year at
East High. The friends, and
sometime enemies, deal with
the fact that college and their
inevitable separation is
looming in the near future
amid plans for a spring
musical production.
Wanted
Genre: Action/Thriller
Director: Timur Bekmambetov
Release Date: June 27,2008
Plot: Wesley “Wes” Gibson (James McAvoy) is a slacker
whose life lacks any excitement-that is, until he meets Fox
(Angelina Jolie). She recruits him into a secret organization
known as the Fraternity in order to train him to avenge the
murder of his father by unlocking his hidden powers. He soon
learns that his new associates have secrets,
and that he is the only one who can control his destiny.
College
Genre:Comedy
Director: Deb Hagan
Release Date: August 29,2008
Plot: Drake Bell stars as Kevin Brewer, one of three high
school seniors who check out a college to see if they would
be interested in attending.
Saw V
Genre: Action/Crime/
Horror/Mystery
Director: David Hack
Release Date: October
24,2008
Plot: With Jigsaw dead,
Hoffman (Costas Mandylor)
is left to carry on the former’s
deadly work while more is
revealed about the past of
John Kramer while Luba
(Meagan Goode), a city
planner with a rich
background, enters the
picture.
Patrons
The staff of The Shield thanks you for supporting student journalism.
Martha and George Boxley
Robert Hines
Charmaine Jordan
Mrs. Kight
Mike Taylor
Hannah Montana
Ashley Campbell
John Hagerhorst
Sally Samking
The Bell Family
Herique Vissotto
Rufus Ferguson
Phil-it-up
Cathy Strine-Adams
Jared Padeleki
Elizabeth Lesser
Manada Reed
Alice F. Belton, RN, MSN
Mr. Stark
Ashley Hanavin
Patty Ann Contic
Mr. Giuliani
Tom Miller
Janet Tubbs
Mr. Tommy Harrison
Harold Engle
Wes & Kelly Donaldson
Cast of Charlotte’s Web
Elaine Forrest
John Forrest
Tavashia Sellers
Judi Strong
Reginald Harris
Wayne Wood
Sally Lust
Fern and Henry Fussy
Branch Family
Andy & Lea Fitzimons
DeOrnellas Family
Sean Faris
The Gabel Family
Claire McCann
Vivian C. Hall
William McDonald
Sonia Akonnor
Chris Spellen
Michael Brett
Class of 2008 Seniors
The Shield
PAGE 28
May 2008
School’s Play Charlotte’s Web Canceled
As Co-Senior Class Sponsor, Director Explains Time Restraints Interfere with Production
By Courtney Branch
The school play,
Charlotte’s Web, was
cancelled in April due to
several complications.
Laurel’s last chance to put
on a play in Sellers
Theatre before the
demolishing of the annex
was halted after 5 months
of practice and preparation.
Undoubtedly, the cast
was upset when the play’s
director, Mr. Sidney Stark,
cancelled the show the
week before it was
scheduled to go on, but he
had his reasons: prom and
graduation. As one of the
senior class advisors, Stark
is in charge of everything
that involves the Senior
Class this year. Because
everything was happening at
the same time, something
had to give.
“I was disappointed that
we had to do it, given all the
hard work that some cast
members had put in. It was
unavoidable as we moved
into the later part of the
year,” said Mr. Stark.
The motto for many
actors is “The show must go
on,”but for the cast of
Charlotte’s Web, this time,
the show won’t go on.
“I’m very, very
disappointed in the
management of the play and
the behavior of the actors
who didn’t support the play.
I also feel very resentful
and angry,” stated
sophomore Charlotte
Steinecke, who played one
of the lead roles of
Charlotte the spider.
The cast members
weren’t the only ones who
were mad about the show
getting cancelled. Other
students voiced their
opinions when they heard
the news.
“It makes me sad that
this is the second time in
two years that a show has
been
cancelled,”
exclaimed senior Krystal
Gabel.
“I’m only a sophomore
and for the last two years,
there haven’t been many
plays. I was hoping the
Drama Department would
be able to put one on this
year,” said sophomore
Nikki Lust.
Laurel High and the Staff of The Shield
would like to thank
The Gazette Newspapers
for their support in the production
of our school newspaper.
Special thanks to CEO Chuck Lyons, Jill Kephart, and Max Dangler.
You had plans...
...a baby wasn’t one of them.
You have options.
-Pregnancy Tests
-Referrals for STD testing.
-Free and confidential.
Help for today. Hope for tomorrow.
301.776.9996
415 Main Street, Laurel
www.laurelpregnancycenter.org
The Shield
May 2008
PAGE 29
Prince George’s Community
College
Laurel College Center
312 Marshall Avenue, Laurel MD 20707
Elite Driver Education
Only AAA Certified School in Maryland
36 hour MVA Certified Course
Morning & Evening Schedules
LAUREL COLLEGE CENTER CLASSES
SKB600 Driver Education . Tuition $310
Note: There is one time per semester $7.00 registration fee.
Locations
Ref. #
Dates
Times
7067
M-F, 6/2-13
6-9:15 p.m.
Laurel College Center
7068
M-F, 6/16-27
10 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
Laurel College Center
7069
M-F, 6/30-7/11
6-9:15 p.m.
Laurel College Center
7070
M-F, 7/14-25
10 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
Laurel College Center
7071
M-F, 7/28-8/8
6-9:15 p.m.
Laurel College Center
7072
M-F, 8/11-22
10 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
Laurel College Center
The Shield
PAGE 30
May 2008
SPORTS
Spartan Baseball Team Compiles 14-4 Record
Laurel Downs Bowie in Regular Season but Bulldogs Win in Playoffs
By Ra’Neta Oliver
Laurel High’s Spartan
Baseball Team ended their 2008
season with a record of 14-4.
Key wins included triumphs
over the Roosevelt Raiders
twice, the Bowie Bulldogs once,
and the Oxon Hill Clippers.
Going into the playoffs, the boys
were seeded third in the county.
They earned a bye in the first
round and shutout Parkdale 8-0
in round two. In the third round
the Bowie Bulldogs eliminated
the Spartans from the playoffs
with a 6-3 win.
Let’s take a look at how the
season unfolded. The boys
began their season annihilating
Bladensburg with a 14-0 win.
Stars in this win included senior
Daniel Herron and sophomore
Wilmur Diaz, who each hit a
triple as well as sophomore
Zachary Kapanoske who
pitched. The team lost the next
game to rivals, the Bowie
Bulldogs, 12-2.
Then the team bounced
back, dominating their next
three oppponents. They shut
out the Duval Tigers with a high
score of 400
,
overpowered
the Parkdale
Panthers 103,
and
defeated the
High Point
Eagles 14-4.
Laurel’s
other longtime rival
school,
Eleanor
Roosevelt,
beat
the
Spartans 12Spartan
3, but the
team came back strong from
their setback with a 16-2 defeat
over the Suitland Rams.
Following their win against the
Rams, Laurel lost to the Oxon
Hill Clippers with a 17-2 score.
The team then came back
from their third loss with an 113 victory against the Charles H.
Flowers Jaguars. The boys
went on to conquer the
for the game, and Herron
closed. This was a very
important game for the league.
If Bowie lost their next game
to
the
Raiders, the
second seed
would be a
close toss
up.
Coach
B r y a n
H a r r i s
explained
that the team
has “stepped
forward as
a program
beating
Bowie for
the first time
Logan Churchwell winds up for LHS.
in
eight
Bladensburg Mustangs with a years” and has the “potential to
14-1 score, and then the Bowie go far in the 4A South with the
Bulldogs were next in line to play pitching.”
again.
Laurel then went on to
In a close and exciting game, crush the Henry Wise Pumas
the Spartans beat Bowie 9-7. 11-1. Earlier in the season, the
Robison was the starting pitcher boys lost to the Oxon Hill
Clippers 17-2, and in a return
matchup, the Spartans
triumphed over the Clippers 90.
Adding another win to their
record was their game against
the Northwestern Wildcats. The
final score was 8-0. The teams’
winning streak was cut short
with a 8-5 loss against the first
seeded team, the Roosevelt
Raiders. However, the Spartans
bounced back with a win over
Flowers 12-0.
The last game of the regular
season was on May 6 against
Friendly High School. Friendly
is the first seed for the 3A
league. Laurel shut them out 170. This game gave Laurel high
hopes for the playoffs.
Co-Captain Danny Herron
explains that it has been “a great
season overall; we played
games very well.”
Kaydee
Kostishak
contirbuted to the writing of this
article.
Softball Team Completes 8-11 Rebuilding Season
New Coach Acosta Guides Team
By Luly Ramirez
The Lady Spartans
Softball Team ended the season
with a record of 8-11. This year the
ladies were guided by first-year
coach Chris Acosta, who was
experiencing his first time as a
head softball coach. He had
previously been assistant coaches
to both a college level team in
Long Island, New York and at Walt
Whitman High in Montgomery
County. This year, along with a
new coach, was a new team with
fresh faces who were bumped up
from JV and a couple of returners.
Acosta stated, “The
improvement of the team overall
was OUTSTANDING! With this
being my first year with the team,
the girls picked up all the skills
and strategies I had taught them.
During the season there were a few
games that were close in score and
could have gone either way, which
was exciting to be a part of.”
The Staff of The Shield
Would Like to
Congratulate
all of the
Graduating
Senior Athletes.
Good Luck in your
Athletic Careers
in College
This year the Lady Spartans
started with a triumph over
Bladensburg 19-12; it was a perfect
start for the young team. The win
was followed by a overwhelming
loss against rival, the Bowie
Bulldogs 18-2. But the ladies
didn’t allow the memory of this
loss to linger because in the next
game they defeated Duval 19-12
the next day.
This win was
followed by 3 losses: Parkdale 2117, High Point 10-6; and Roosevelt
15-4.
One factor that affected
the girls was losing one of their
best players, senior Lacey Ennis
during the middle of a game due
to an injury. It really took a toll on
the team, but in the very next game
they defeated Suitland 13-3.
Following the win against
Suitland, the team faced the Oxon
Hill Clippers hoping for another
win. They fell to the Clippers 133. Two days later the Spartans
faced C. H. Flowers at home, and
the Spartans were crushed 15-5.
Losing continued as the
Bladensburg Mustangs routed the
Spartans 22-2.
After
the
overwhelming
loss
to
Bladensburg, the girls had to pick
up their heads and keep going.
Next up for the Spartans were the
Wise Pumas in which the Spartans
cruised to a 16-5 win. Next up for
the Lady Spartans were the
Clippers once again. The girls were
hoping for a comeback, but were
handed a 14-12 loss.
Following the loss to Oxon
Hill was Roosevelt. The Raiders
triumphed 15-4. After having
beaten Suitland once, the
Spartans were anxious to defeat
the Rams again.This was not the
case as Laurel lost to the Rams
11-7. The next day was the last
home game for the girls’ softball
team for the 2008 season. It was
also Senior Day for the team. The
Spartans played Northwestern
and trounced the Wildcats 13-2.
Following the exciting
win, the girls played Flowers
again, but closely lost to the
Jaguars, 6-7. The last game before
the regular season ended was
against the Suitland Rams. The
Spartans lost 11-7.
The Lady Spartans
entered the playoffs seeded ninth.
The girls’ playoff games kept
getting rained out. Finally on May
14 a doubleheader was scheduled.
Their first game was against the
Suitland Rams. The girls earned
an exciting first round win 19-7.
Bowie was up next in the
doubleheader. The Bulldogs
stopped the Spartans with a
convincing 25-2 win. Acosta
explained, “Every-thing came
together in the palyoffs and the
team played like a team...as one.
Everyone was backing each other
up and keeping everything
positive. I’m so proud of all the
girls on the team and look forward
to next season.”
The leading
ladies for the Spartans included
Captain Lauren “Muscles” Keim
with an on-base percentage of .846
and Becca “Freshman Sensation”
Jayne who had five home runs and
led the team with 37 runs total.
Captain Lacey Ennis, with a
batting average of .735, was
leading the team in stolen bases
and runs until her injury. Tosin
“Wheels” Abyumar, at season end,
led the team in stolen bases with a
total of 33. Katie “Pops” Staub, as
catcher, threw out 58% of the
opposing team’s attempts; Staub
also sported a .536 batting average
and led the team with 41 RBIs.
“Katie was a beast at
catcher, and she was also an
animal at the plate, ” stated Coach
Acosta.
Caitlin Raynor contibuted
to the writing of this article.
The Shield
May 2008
PAGE 31
Outdoor Track Team Experiences Individual Improvements
Spartans Compete in Penn Relays
By Tano Eroraha
Another year in the
history books as the outdoor
track season comes to a close.
Through many practices and
worn out running shoes, despite
not achieving many team
victories, the season produced
many
top
individual
achievements. On May 16 the
4A
South
Regional
Championships meet was held
at Wise High School. Spartan
Jibri Victorian ran the 400 meter
dash in 53.5 seconds. At the
Prince George’s County
Championship, also at Wise, held
on May 8 and 10 Laurel’s 4 by
800 meter relay was clocked at
8:21.6 and junior Sharon
Plummer finished her 300 meter
hurdles in 49.5 seconds.
“What you put into track
is what you get out of it,” stated
junior Tano Eroraha. The track
team won a couple of medals at
the past outdoor meets such as
the Lee Calhoun High School
Invitational in North Carolina and
the Falcon Invitational in Seat
Pleasant, Maryland.
This year’s returning
athletes consisted of seniors
Hans Colglazier, Alfonzo Diaz,
Crystal Onouha, Wayne Wood,
Abraham Harris, Victoria Epps
and William Gibbs; junior Sharon
Plummer, and sophomore
Sebastien Narcisse.
New members this year
included seniors Jared Hart,
Akeem Nofiu, Chika Ofong,
Matilda Amlalo and Jonathan
Wise; junior Oghenetano Eroraha
and freshmen Monica Souders,
Katrina Ablorh, Oshin Bennett,
and Jovanna Witherspoon.
The team practiced
everyday from 2:45 through 6pm
on the track field or inside the
school during inclement weather.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays the
team was found in Coach
Smith’s room for study hour
from 2:45 through 3:45 pm.
Immediately after study hour, the
team could always be spotted
outside on the track with their
spikes,
Gatorade,
and
stopwatches. Their workouts
usually ranged from 100 to 800
meters; depending on the type
of runner you are, and the
potential events that you were
going to participate in at meets.
Hard work eventually pays off
in the long run when your times
drop.
Taking a look back at the
early part of the season, the first
league meet was on March 26
at Flowers. William Gibbs and
Tano Eroraha ran the 400 meter
dash and both won for their heat.
Sebastien Narcisse ran the 800
meter dash and the mile run and
dominated for his heat and
overall to win first place.
On Saturday, March 29,
the Spartans traveled to North
Carolina for a meet, the Lee
Calhoun
High
School
Invitational. The boys earned
third place for the men’s 4 by
400 and Narcisse won the 800
and the mile run once again.
On April 2, the outdoor track
team went to High Point for yet
another meet. This meet served
as a warm-up to the Falcon
Invitational later that week.
meter relay team consisted of
Jonathan Wise, Sebastien
Narcisse, Alfonzo Diaz, and
Tano Eroraha. They placed
second with a time of 8:53.54.
The following week the team
traveled to Baltimore on April 12
to participate in the Hendrick’s
Track Festival. The team fared
poorly with disappointing times.
Many of the members still had
to work on techniques and
communication. On April 19, the
track team traveled to Meade
High School for the Meade
Stampede Invitational in Fort
Meade, Maryland.
From Thursday to
Saturday, April 24-26, the
Spartans traveled to Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania at the University of
Pennsylvania for the renowned
Penn Relays. The Penn Relays
is an enormous meet because
over a hundred different schools
from across the nation attend.
Besides regionals and county
championships, this, by far,
creates the biggest anticipation
On April 5 at the Falcon of the entire season. The Penn
Invitational the men’s 4 by 800 Relays gives young athletes the
chance to get noticed and it’s
where there hard work pays off.
At the Penn Relays, the 4 by 100
meter relay team (William Gibbs,
Keith Pitts, Wayne Wood, Jibri
Victorian) finished with a time
of 46.19 seconds.
“Penn Relays was one
of the best things I’ve ever
experienced,” stated sophomore
Jibri Victorian “although running
in front of over 25,000 people is
nerve-wracking, it was very
enjoyable.”
“Next year, I expect the
underclassmen that are running
this year to help carry the team,”
declared Head Coach Kennon
Broadhurst. The potential
returnees of next year are
Sharon Plummer, Oshin Bennett,
Monica Souders, Sebastien
Narcisse, and Tano Eroraha.
Throughout
the
summer, the track team will be
practicing in order to prepare
themselves for next year. “The
team is good now,” stated
Broadhurst “but with extra work
and determination, we will be
even better next year.”
Spartan Tennis Team Completes 7-4 Regular Season
Boys and Girls’ Doubles Teams Advance but Lose in Semi-finals
By Mohammad Khan
Laurel High School
Tennis Team has completed
their season with a 7-4 record.
Two doubles teams advanced
to the Regional Semi-Finals.
The Spartans started
their season with a
disappointing loss to
Bladensburg, but were able to
come back with wins against
DuVal, Parkdale, Wise and
High Point. Also, later in the
season, the Spartans defeated
neighborhood-rival, Pallotti
High School in a srimmage.
The team also triumphed over
Northwestern, Suitland, and
Flowers. Their win over
Suitland was a 9-0 shutout, a
difficult achievement in high
school tennis.
After the regular
season, the Spartans began
post-season with tournaments.
In the first two days of the
County Tournaments, only two
Spartan Teams survived;
Kevin McLaughlin and Chika
Ugboh as Mixed Doubles, and
Gabby Cadena and Fri
Achirimofor as Girls’ Doubles.
Both doubles teams lost in the
Semi-Finals, which resulted in
a 4th place ranking in the
Region.
This year ’s team
started with the loss of almost
half its players due to 2007
graduations. However, many
newcomers that joined the
team were able to fill those
slots. Roderick Payton, a
freshman, rose to the challenge
and became the Spartans’
number two singles player.
Other new players included
Taylor Boardman, Alejandra
Colindres, Kaylesh Ramu,
Mohammad Khan and Aditi
Thanki.
Kevin McLaughlin,
the boys’ first singles player,
believes that this year’s team
is, “full of potential, and with a
little work, could be the best
around.”
Coach Karl Holovach
says, “I feel good about this
year’s team. I know it’s a
rebuilding year, and we have a
winning record, but I
personally judge on the
individual improvements of
each player, and everybody on
the team has improved.”
The Spartans have big
hopes for next season. Their
main goal is to defeat their
biggest
competition,
Roosevelt. “And with a little
work” states McLaughlin, “I
believe we can do it!”
Spartanettes Announce 2008-2009 Squad
New Coaches and Poms Aim to Enhance Performances
By Shelby Donaldson
Dance, dance, and
dance! Dance is what’s all
about the new and improved
Poms Team. This year, the
team has new coaches,
LeAndra and Leniece, and
there is going to be a big
change according to new
Co-Captain
Alaina
Alexander: “We have a lot
of news girls that are going
to bring a lot to the table;
we are very excited for the
New Year”.
Twenty new girls
made the team for the ‘08’09 Season. Tryouts were
held Tuesday, April 8,
through Thursday April 14.
The new Spartanettes Pom
Squad consists of: Vernika
Brown, Morgan Taylor,
Antoinette Black, Tiana
Conyers,
Destinee
Majette, Chereayna Hill,
Stephanie Ward, Ashley
Bennett, Amber Coleman,
Luly Ramirez, Kayla
Fowler, Kiara Hill, Yelena
Rucker, Nathalie Aquino,
Lawratu Bah, Kiara
Wilson, Alexis Hursey,
Aaguslee Greer, Ebony
Majette, and Aria Reeker.
There are also two new
captains, Tianna Seaborn
and Brionna Steele; the two
new co-captains include
Alaina Alexander, and
Qianna Atherley.
The team had its
first performance on April
26, 2008 at the Laurel High
School Spartan Fair. There
they fundraised by having a
bake sale, and showed off
their talent by performing
in the front of the school.
During the summer
with lots of practices, the
team plans on perfecting
their technique for the
upcoming season.
One can also be
sure to catch their
performances at basketball
games, football games, and
many other school events.
The Shield
PAGE 32
May 2008
SAY GOOD-BYE TO SENIORS
TASHA Thanks for being
there for me this school
year. Tasha, thanks for the
advice, and funny moments
we had and shared. I love
you. Congrats on being a
senior.
Sammie
DORIAN G. HAROLD
Congratulations! Remember,
“Choose work you love and
you will never work a day in
your life.”
M.G. Boxley
KAYDEE K This year has
been so much fun! Newspaper
class was the best! I’m gonna
LAREN,BROB,
miss you so much! I love you
JENIQUA, WILLY,
girl!
LACEUMS, FRANCaitlin
CISCO & PATTY POO
I will miss you all sooo JASON BROWN Conmuch! This year was great gratulations! Remember, “All
with you guys. Good luck good performance starts with
in the future. I plan to spend clear goals.”
most of my summer with
M.G. Boxley, Your
you guys :) Love Always,
Computer Software
Kaydeekay
Applications Teacher
PATTY ANN I’m gonna
miss you so much next year!
My two years with you
have been fun and hard
times. I’ll never forget the
memories! Love you! Have
fun in college!
Caitlin
NEWSPAPER STAFF An
extra special thanks to those
who came back to finish your
senior issue.......Mr. Giuliani
TAMMY I hope we stay
together going to different
colleges.
Tom
FELICIA FOSTER Congratulations! Remember, “If
you don’t seek perfection, you
can never reach excellence.”
M.G. Boxley, Your
Keyboarding Teacher
DANA MALONE Congratulations! Remember, “Your
game is only as good as your
patience.”
M.G. Boxley, Your
Keyboarding Teacher
BOYS’ BASKETBALL RENALDO Although we
TEAM Thanks for giving us a fight I still care about you.
wonderful story to write. ConSonia
gratulations.
The Shield Staff TAYLOR I wish we had
our own song.
Bobby
RA’NETA Im going to miss
you sooo much! Thanks for
putting up with all my crazy issues and “m” drama. LOL.
Have fun in college and make
sure u “behave” yourself .You
ar e great friend and like a sister. Love. You!!!
Jeneba..*Iyesha*
OUTDOORS CLUB MEMBERS White water in two
weeks (Mr. S. don’t flip the
canoe!) and think snow for
January!
Mr. G.
CLASS OF 2009
I guess the school belongs
to you now!!!
Right!
WASHINGTON CAPITAL
FANS This year was a warmup. Wait till next year. Penquins
and Caps in the finals!!!
#8...You are the best!
Caps Fan #1
To the beautiful...CHUNTAL,
CARMEN, QUAVENA,
R A S H AW N D A ,
MADELEINE...Thanks for
the dedication to Gospel Choir
this year. I will miss you guys.
Ms. Nelson
PETE Why can’t I go to
the beach with you?
Michelle
V.H. Looking forward to the
move.
R.G.
LOVEISNOWHERE
How did you read the
above line? Tells you something about yourself.
ANGELICA Hang in there!
I love you. You are doing
great!
Dad
SHENAE FRANCIS My
lovely St. Thomas Girlthanks for being my buddy
in seminar with Mrs.Banks.
LHS TEACHERS You have You will always be my w.
made my four years here very Accept it or not. I love you.
Frances
rewarding!
Mike T.