here - The Shield

The Shield
Vol. 18 No. 3
How Can We Stop
Teen Violence?
pp. 12-13
WWE Diva
Champion Visits
LHS p. 3
Getting in Shape
for Summer
p. 16
Spartan Fair
p. 24
Spring Sports
Coverage
pp. 20-23
Prom Expenses:
Girls vs. Guys
p. 7
Civil War
Reenactment
in Laurel
p. 14
LHS Freshmen Charles and
Daniel Kreger portray
Confederate soldiers. p. 14
-photo by A.T.
April/May 2013
Laurel High School
Laurel, MD
25 cents
Counting the Days Seniors Anticipate
Prom and Year-End Activities
Final Exams, Graduation, and Grad Night are on the Horizon
By Queen Bentil
O
ne of the finest hotels
in the Baltimore Inner
Harbor, the Baltimore
Marriott Waterfront, sits on
the water’s edge and is where
the much-anticipated Laurel
High Senior Prom will take
place. Being on the waterfront
will provide seniors a view of
the harbor as they enjoy their
prom, which will be held on
May 17 from 8:00-12 midnight.
As the prom approaches,
the questions on most seniors’
minds are what to wear and
who to take to the event. The
excitement is palpable as the
prom gets closer and closer; the
girls have already started looking for their dresses and the
guys are thinking of innovative
ways to ask them to the prom.
The theme for this year’s
prom is Masquerade Ball. The
masked event will add a mystery to the prom and make it
more exciting. DJ Rico, a DJ
featured on Majic 102.3, will
be playing music for the event.
The prom tickets are $90 and
they went on sale on April 9.
Seniors who have not
completed their service learning hours and/or paid their
senior obligations were not
eligible to purchase a ticket.
The last day for seniors to pay
their obligations is May 24.
Senior Avril Ricketts says,
“I am excited about prom. I
hope they have good music.”
When asked about how she’s
preparing for the prom, she
replied, “I’m going shopping
Site of this year’s prom, the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel
overlooks the east area of the Baltimore Harbor.
-photo from harboreast.com
and getting my hair done.”
Senior Kayleen Yermal hopes they have a variety of music. She commented, “[I hope they] play
different kinds [of music] and
not just one type all night.”
All the seniors seem to
be ready to have fun at
their prom. They have high
hopes and expectations for
a successful and fun night.
In addition to prom, other
senior activities are on the
horizon: senior awards night
will take place on May 15
(changed from May 9) and
senior finals start on May
10. Prom Promise will be on
May 16 during second period.
Graduation rehearsal and
the senior picnic will take
“This is one of
the best times
of your life and
you want to be
able to have fond
memories of it
all.”
-Senior
Class Co-Sponsor
Cynthia Augustus
place on May 30. Seniors will
receive their caps and gowns
at the rehearsal. Graduation will be held on June 3 at
9:00 am at the University of
Maryland’s Comcast Center.
Seniors are also encouraged
to attend Grad Night, an alcohol- free event, sponsored
by the Grad Night Committee with help from the PTSA.
Senior Class Sponsors Ms.
Augustus and Ms. BullaWhite want to “encourage
all the seniors to take part
in the activities held during
their senior year. This is one
of the best times of your life
and you want to be able to
have fond memories of it all.”
Page 10
April/May 2013
The Shield
Clubs and Activities
Spanish
Club
By Yakira Cordon
“I love the Spanish language and culture and want
students to be more aware of
it,” Spanish Instructor Sonia
Silis replied when asked why
she sponsored Spanish Club.
Since Henrique Visotto
left Laurel High School, Silis
has taken control over Spanish Club as their sponsor.
Their president is sophomore
Sarah Garey, along with Vice
President Katherine Corado,
Treasurer Yakira Cordon, and
Secretary Kofi Ansah-Bien
The Spanish Club has done
many things for the community.
They attended International
Night and recited two poems;
they also go to Laurel Library
to read to the children and to
help them learn the Spanish language and teach them about Latin traditions during Christmas
time. They also tutor those who
need help with Spanish 1, 2, 3,
4 and AP/IB every Thursday.
The club is currently planning to go to Six Flags on May
10 for their end of the year trip
and is selling candy and honey
buns almost every Wednesday
in the morning from 7-7:30 to
raise money for the community.
The Spanish Club aims to
keep the culture alive and give
the kids a chance to find a sense
of belonging at LHS. You don’t
have to be Spanish to join the
club; they welcome diversity.
Not only do they help the community, but they also help each
other by learning about each
other’s backgrounds and what
they have been through, each
having had a unique journey.
Everyone is encouraged to
join the club and there is always space for more members.
Debate
Team
By Avril Rickets
In Prince George’s County,
the only schools that have a debate team are Eleanor Roosevelt
High School, Forestville Military Academy and now Laurel High School. All the other
schools have mock trial teams.
Social Studies Instructor
Brian Wenk sponsors the De-
Members of ROTC relax after the events of Career Day.
bate Team and sophomore Alleyah Caesar is the president.
Anyone can join this team
as long as they are committed. This means not just coming once or twice to practice,
but coming on a regular basis.
To enter a competition, you
have to have at least 8 people,
but Wenk would “like to have
a team of 12” so it would be
easy when substitutes are
needed. Laurel’s Debate Team
has not yet been to a competition but is doing scrimmages
to develop their skills. They
have had scrimmages in April
and one upcoming in May.
The Debate Team’s recent
topics include: using drones,
current issues, gay marriage,
abortion, and prayer in schools.
Wenk stated, “We use topics
from my political issues book.”
If you like to talk or argue or want to be a lawyer,
join the Debate Team. It’s
good practice and is a positive addition to your resume.
AFJROTC
By Abigail Appiah
Laurel High’s Air Force
Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (AFJROTC) stays
busy throughout the school
year. In September, the
new cadets attended a
two-day camp at Laurel
High for physical training and to learn the basics
of ROTC. The new cadets
and their selected leaders also attended a threeday
county-wide-camp
event at Camp Schmidt.
They joined other
school groups and marched
in the Homecoming Parade, and even marched
in the holiday Main Street
parade
in
December.
The group is led by
-photo by R.G.
Senior Aerospace Science Instructor CMSGT Jackson, AST
MSgt Garrett, and students
JeVon Moore as Commander,
Clarissa Smith as Vice Commander, Job Hernandez as
Operation Squandering Commander, Mara Dixon Jr. as Missions Support Squadron Commander, and Clara Smith as
Logistic Squadron Commander.
In February, they participated in drill competitions
against other ROTC groups
from P.G. County. “The kids
were not as prepared as the others we went up against: they
were mostly army students,”
commented Chief Jackson.
Some ROTC members participated in a military ball on April
12. Members also had a fundraising car wash in front of the
auditorium on April 20. Later
this month they will have their
Pass and Review, where cadets
will be presented to the Command Staff on the football field.
“I hope they would absorb and realize the possibilities in AFJROTC because
they’re our future leaders,”
commented Jackson about the
new cadets. He also expressed
his hopes for the graduating
seniors: “I wish them well.
I hope AFJROTC has prepared them for their journey.”
On May 1, an annual recognition program was held
and cadets were awarded. The
results of this assembly will
be reported in the next issue.
BCF
By Gucci Ezenwachi
“BCF, meaning Bethel Campus Fellowship, is a worldwide
organization that reaches out to
young adults, leading students
into Christ and preparing them
to be reliable men and women
that God can entrust for the next
generation,’’ reads the BCF’s
motto. Thousands of students
have been captured by the love
of Jesus Christ; BCF has spread
throughout the country, right
here to Laurel High School.
BCF bible study isn’t your
regular bible study; there is
singing, dancing, spoken word
testimony, and guest speakers. It all started back in 2012
when senior Abisola Akinkwo,
along with senior Oluwaseun
Olojo, attended the national
conference for BCF. They
both decided that they wanted to start Laurel’s very own
BCF, and after their long wait
they found a sponsor: Cisco
Instructor Michael Hines.
They began teaching and
encouraging other students
with love so that they may
know God and form a relationship with Him. “I learned
about receiving permanent
things from God, who wants
to bless us permanently,”
says senior Limnyuy Lainjo.
BCF has spots for any type
of person, regardless of race,
gender, or religion; it doesn’t
matter where you come from as
long as you want to learn about
God. “Bible study is a place
for anyone and everyone who
intends to experience God,”
commented senior Jide Olokun.
On April 27 BCF had its
very own Gethsemane experience, or “putting on the armor
of God.” LHS is one of the
first high schools to have this
event. People from different
places and states attended this
event, as well as our students.
BCF recently was involved
with a fruit snack fundraiser.
President Akinkwo and Vice
President Olojo say that “BCF
has many things planned for
the 2014 upcoming school
year. They are looking forward to enhancing BCF’s
growth through activities and
to increase their membership.”
April/May 2013
Page 11
The Shield
Clubs and Activities
Anime Club
By Correy Blake
Laurel High School’s Anime Club is a place for fun
with friends combined with
the explosive and actionpacked world of the very
popular Japanese manga.
“The meaning of Anime Club is for people
who like Anime Club to
come together as a group,”
says junior Khafre Annis,
who is the club president.
Anime is Japanese animated productions featuring
hand drawn and computergenerated animations. It is
used in television series,
films, video games, commercials, and live streams
on the internet. It’s almost
always present in genres
of fiction like science fiction, action, and adventure.
Anime Club broadens
and introduces new anime and revisits the old by
showing TV episodes and
full-length features, like
the most commonly known
Naruto and Dragon Ball Z.
The club plays popular
anime card games like YuGi-Oh and Pokémon as
well. “It’s a lot of fun,” says
senior Eric Smith. Some
of the club members get
together out of school and
visit anime-related events
like the world renowned
Otakon Convention.
“I took on the job
as sponsor for Anime Club
only because they needed
one, but other than that
I’m not an expert on an-
ime,” says Social Studies Instructor Brian Wenk.
Anime Club meets every
Thursday in room 237.
National
Honor
Society
By Nasima Felder
The National Honor Society (NHS) is affiliated with
a national organization with
guidelines. Each school has
its own organization. They
meet every first Tuesday
of the month after school
at 2:45 in room A-109.
NHS is club that is open
for students with a 3.4
GPA. In order to get into
the club students must apply. Teachers help to establish new members from a
list that shows all eligible
students. Possible NHS
members were evaluated
through their service, leadership and GPA. Students
for next year have already
been selected. As the paper
went to press the induction
ceremony was scheduled
for May 3. A full report
will be in the next issue of
The Shield. “The purpose
of the NHS is to prepare
students to be good citizens
and to develop some values
in life. It is also to develop
leadership skills,” stated
co-sponsor Rima Garg.
NHS has done multiple
things since the beginning
of the school year including helping with International Night, and collecting
money to send to Laurel Elementary. They scheduled
a Valentine’s Day fundraiser and planned to make
Valentine’s Day cards for
residents of Morningside. They want to host
a
fundraising
activity to help an organization.
For info, see Mrs. Garg
in rm. A-109 or co-sponsor
Mrs. Davis in rm. A-204.
Yearbook
By Queen Bentil
The production of Laurel High School’s yearbook is slow this year
due to the lack of student
participation.
Yearbook
Sponsor and English Instructor Sharon Campbell
commented, “I’m very disappointed in yearbook participation. I have little help.”
The club is open to all
and meets after school on
Tuesdays in Campbell’s
room (254). The student
leader of the club is Katherin Cordino, as she has
been most consistent and
most helpful in the production of the yearbook.
The theme of this year’s
yearbook is “If Halls
Could Talk”, which was
chosen by the yearbook
staff. The yearbook will
be $75 and students may
purchase it through Campbell. Seniors purchase
the
yearbook
through
their
senior
package.
As a result of the yearbook not being completed
yet, there is not a slated
date the yearbook will be
available for purchasing.
Shield Chief Editor Alexa Thornton organizes page layout sheets for
-photo by R.G.
the May issue of the school paper.
The Shield School Newspaper
Wins Two National Awards
The Shield recently was
awarded a Second Place prize in
The American Scholastic Press
Association’s annual national
journalism ratings and contest.
The evaluation included all editions of the newspaper printed
in the calendar year 2012.
Earlier, in the fall, in a very
comprehensive evaluation, the
paper earned a Silver Medalist award from the Columbia
Scholastic Press Association,
which is based at Columbia
University in New York City.
Journalism Instructor and
Newspaper Adviser Robert
Giuliani, who is in his 18th
year guiding the newspaper,
explains, “Awards are nice,
but I want to make certain that
the students realize that the
more you put into something,
the more you get out of it. The
dedicated people on the staff
should be recognized for their
efforts. They are practicing the
important art of writing and in
addition to reporting and providing a forum for student opinion,
their articles often inform and
promote all the organizations
and activities of the school.”
He said he would like to
promote and recognize good
writing in the school. Giuliani
has been in contact with the National Quill and Scroll Society,
based at the University of Iowa.
They informed him that Laurel High has a charter and he
is interested in learning about
the national guidelines for recognizing good student writers.
Giuliani said that his student editors have been doing
a good job for the most part,
but he would especially like
to mention that the paper’s
Chief Editor Alexa Thornton
has been stellar in her dedication, editing and writing.
Page 12
School’s
Perspective
By Alexa Thornton
A
fter the tragedy in Newtown,
Connecticut, the various homicides of Prince George’s
County Schools’ students throughout
this school year, and bomb threats, students and teachers alike begin to wonder: why is this happening, and what
can we do to stop it? What, as concerned parents, teachers, and friends,
can the citizens of Laurel do to help
prevent such violence among teenagers? What causes these problems?
“Kids are impulsive and think
with their amygdalas... they react before they think,” Social Studies Instructor Brian Wenk commented. “I
think it [violence] is glorified in the
media and I think that kids don’t realize the severity of their actions.”
Indeed, violence in video games,
television shows, and movies has often been blamed for turbulence and
brutality among teenagers, and strenuous attempts have been made just
as often to censor these outlets and
shelter children from the bloodshed.
As they team up with parents in this
effort, most schools will block access
How Can We Prevent
Teen Violence?
to certain websites such as Facebook,
Tumblr, and Cracked.com, so as to prevent students from viewing potentially
harmful content─ LHS is one of them.
Limiting internet access at school,
however, is not nearly enough to prevent
assault and promote peace. Police Officer Debbie Toppins, working at LHS, had
ideas similar to Wenk’s: “Kids are very
quick to act on he say she say stuff... it’s
ending up with kids getting charged...
it’s ending up with outside issues, family issues, and lately we’ve been having
to explain to these kids that there’s not
a reset button...” So, in addition to censoring what students see online, the staff
of Laurel High School deals with violent
students personally. Toppins added, “The
ones who have issues, we tell them what
their options are, and then we try to even
refer them to other resources and provide
tools for them to deal with their anger.”
Guidance Counselor Monique Graves
explained, “When kids come into the
guidance office and tell us that [someone is being hurt] we have to report
them... We also talk about different options and alternatives to lashing out.”
Principal Dwayne Jones commented, “[We encourage peace] by trying to
Parents’
Role
I
By Queen Bentil
n this day and age, teen violence
is a very common tragedy which
we hear about daily. Some people think teen violence is limited to
shootings, but teen violence also includes fights, gang violence, and so
much more. Prevention is the key
to putting an end to the violence.
When parents were asked what
the best way to prevent teen violence
was, most replied that engaging them
in productive activities that kept them
occupied after school was the best way
to stop it. If the teens were occupied,
there would be a lesser chance of them
being out, engaged in violent situations. Other parents believe that knowing all the friends of their teens and being involved in their everyday lives is
the best way to prevent their teens from
being involved in violent situations.
Parent Jacob Bentil commented,
“I encourage my children to engage
in productive activities, like after
school activities. I also counsel my
children about making good friends.”
Other ways parents keep their teens
away from violence is by implementing curfews and rules. If the rules are
broken, parents take away electronic
devices and outing privileges. Other
parents talk with their kids to make
them understand their mistakes. Parent
be proactive instead of reactive. We need
to be able to get more students to come
to us with issues before they occur or
after they have occurred. Students have
to trust that the adults in the building
have their best interest in mind all the
time and violence is never the answer
to a situation they are dealing with.”
Often, however, students may not
feel comfortable talking with adults
about their anger or problems with other students. While some schools have
set up anonymous ways to report bullying or concerning behavior, Laurel High
School is currently reviving the more
common method of peer mediation. “I
like the peer mediation we do. It gives
everybody a chance to talk... you’re allowed to get angry, but there’s a way
to handle it and there’s a way not to,
so this gives you a way to say, ‘Hey, I
don’t like the way you’re treating me; I
don’t like the way you’re talking to me’
without putting your hands on someone,” Security Assistant S. Craig said.
Naturally, while LHS does encourage peace, the school has also hardened its consequences: “If you fight
after we’ve mediated you, you get
double the consequences, and you
also get criminally charged for a fight,
so the best thing to do is shake hands
and say that’s it,” explains Craig.
With Six Prince George’s County
Teens Murdered Since the
Beginning of the School Year, It Will
Take a Joint Effort
By Madison Andrews
T
een violence within the U.S has
increased over the years, and this
is especially true with the younger generations. In a 2009 survey, it was
reported that 650,843 young people aged
10–24 years were treated in emergency
departments for nonfatal injuries sustained from assaults, such as cuts, bruises, broken bones, and gunshot wounds.
Approximately 32% of high school students reported being in a physical fight
in the 12 months before the survey.
Prince’s George’s County Police
Officer PFC M. Gaynor believes, “TV
management at home, lack of concentration on school work, and in some
instances lack of discipline” are causes of the increase in teen violence.”
City of Laurel Police Officer Corporal
Joseph Johnson explains, “We have a mentorship program where we talk with both
the parents and the troubled teens one-onone. We suggest ideas on how to go forward with your life. Our ultimate goal is
Police’s
Perspective
to make them realize that they have different choices and options other than crime
or drugs. I recommend that parents spend
as much time as possible with their children. They need to make it a point to every day talk with their son and daughter.”
Teen violence is a big factor in today’s society with all the new technology,
social media, and just the mindset that
young adults have. Teen violence takes
many forms and ranges in severity. The
most famous type is school shootings as
seen many times on the news, but more
common is teens pointing guns at each
other. Even school bullying is a form of
teen violence even though less severe.
Violent behavior often begins between sixth and twelfth grade.
Domestic violence can also involve
teens, which can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship
that is used to gain or maintain power and control over a romantic partner,
as well as physical harm. Roughly 1.5
million high school boys and girls in
the U.S. admit to being hit or physically harmed in the last year by someone
whom they were romantically involved.
How do you recognize a potentially
violent teen? The signs can include, but
are not limited to, past violent or aggressive behavior, threats (verbal or written), past suicide attempts, arson, and
drug dealing. Also, watch out for abuse
of alcohol or drugs, cruelty to animals,
or poor relationships among peers.
Seeking help is one of the easiest parts
of dealing with a violent teen. Focus
Adolescent Services, a support website
for troubled teens, encourages parents
to get help quickly for their teen. In this
situation, communication is important to
helping your teen. The agency suggests
setting up meetings with your teen and
a qualified mental health professional.
The Prince George’s County Police
Department has the Explorer Program,
which is held at the Police Athletic
League Center during the summer as a
summer camp. This camp helps lower
teen violence in Prince George’s County.
Two important tips for helping violent teens are to help them develop a positive outlook on life and to
make them feel like they are in control of their own lives and destinies.
freshman Jonathan Sanchez, addressing
the issue of students encouraging violent
acts. He adds, “There need to be students
who will either help or get help; not just
watch people get put down.” Without realizing it you could be spreading teen violence just by doing things such as cheering
on when a fight begins. Also, stay away
from parties where someone may be
drunk, which can lead to violence.
“I walk away from fights to avoid getting in trouble or being involved in other
peoples’ issues,” sophomore Danna Velasquez states. “I think that people who fight
often should be expelled to avoid even
more violence being started in our school.”
Many students feel that violent teenagers in school should be punished more
harshly to help prevent the spread of
this violence, but others feel that they
can make a difference on their own.
“[To help prevent teen violence stu-
dents should] not be stupid and just
stop judging everyone,” suggests junior Edith Villalta. Prejudice between
students is a big part of why there is so
much violence, but why resort to violence to deal with issues? What can we
do instead of turning to this cruelty?
“I think that any other way we try to express ourselves, we feel that nothing is being done,” explains junior Nasima Felder.
Many feel that what some teens need is
to find other ways to channel their anger
or escape problems at school or home.
“[Instead of resorting to violence,] they [teenagers] can play video games, learn martial arts, or simply
talk about who or what is bothering
them to a friend or family member,”
freshman Cameron Smith remarked.
“We really can stop teen violence. People just need to get in touch with their feelings,” comments senior Correy Blake.
Students’
Role
I
“
Francis Ugboh commented, “I sit them
[children] down and talk to them in a
manner that they will see their mistakes, understand them, and change. I
do this because I believe in dialogue.”
“We [as parents] need to have serious talks with our children to help them
further understand good and bad,” parent Florence Archampong commented.
Communication is very important
in preventing teen violence. Parents and
their teens should have a relationship
where they [teens] can confide in their
parents and talk to them about what is
going on in their lives. If parents are actively involved in the lives of their children, the chance of those teens getting
involved in violent situations lessens.
Page 13
By Jillian Thornton
think teen violence is a big problem because people bully others to feel better about themselves,” remarks senior Jasmine
Mobley. Each year violent crimes are
committed by teens/young adults.
According to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, homicide is the
second leading cause of death among
young adults in the United States. Violence among teens is huge part of today’s society and a big issue in the lives
of teenagers. Fighting, bullying, violent
relationships, and even gang violence
are frequently exposed to teens, most
of which happen at school. Teachers
and administrators take precautions to
avoid such violent acts during school,
but the issue is still just that― an issue.
“We need to help each other,” says
I
Page 14
Community
The Shield
April/May 2013
Ballplayers Flock to New PowerUp Sports Facility
Baseball and Softball Training Are Most Popular Activities
trying to help them advance next level.” PowerUp also offers ting. They also have places where
their training or fundraising. personal trainers for all sports. I can practice my pitching.”
“It’s worth every dollar. They
PSC has many teams that LHS baseball players
use their facility. Eleanor Roos- had positive things to say about helped me a lot with many of my
PowerUp Sports and Training
evelt, Bowie, Bishop McNamara PowerUp. Senior Herman Fort- weaknesses, so I will say it is worth
(PSC) is a new sports facility in
and DeMatha Catholic in Prince son stated, “PowerUps helped it,” remarked LHS baseball player
Laurel. It is located in the buildsenior Devario Paradise.
George’s Couning of the former Extra
PowerUp isn’t only for
ty;
Reservoir
Innings. PowerUp offibaseball. Carmen stated,
High in Howcially opened on Decem“We offer training in
ard County; and
ber 1, 2012. The owners
almost every sport you
Blake and Blair
are Russ and Cindy Hall.
can think of.” Powin
MontgomCindy Hall is a former
erUp also sells sports
ery County are
gymnast and a gradugear for all sports. They
just some of the
ate of St. Vincent Palare open 7 days a week
many
schools
lotti, here in Laurel. Their
from 9:00 am-10:00 pm.
that use their fason, Joseph, is a freshPowerup is locilities.
When
man and plays baseball
cated at 8610 Cherry
asked what does
at local school baseball
Lane, only five blocks
PowerUp
do
powerhouse, DeMatha,
from Laurel High.
and often can be found The doors of PowerUp are open seven days a week. to help improve At times PowerUp’s popularity draws crowds.
-photo by pu
-photo by pu
If you are an athbaseball
skills,
using the facilities.
Carmen’s job focuses on Carmen stated “We find the play- me a lot. I go there to practice. lete and need special training
PSC offers different kinds of
memberships. Community Out- reaching out to the area teams, er’s weakness and improve upon They have several batting cages or athletic gear in any sports,
reach Director Fred Carmen who’s leagues, and community groups them to help ensure success at the where I always practice my bat- PowerUp is a place to consider.
By Malik Mendez
no stranger to baseball, having had
two sons (David and Tyler) play
baseball for Laurel High School,
stated, “We offer multiple memberships. A personal membership is as little as $50 a month.”
Laurel Community Hosts Civil War Reenactment
Laurel Historical Society Portrays the “Battle of Laurel Station”
By Jillian Thornton
Nearly 150 years ago, hundreds of Union soldiers stayed here
in Laurel, in charge of protecting
their only rail line to Washington.
Laurel was almost a site of battle,
but it was avoided with the troops’
security. Although there was never
an actual battle in Laurel during
the Civil War, the Laurel Historical Society created a reenactment
called “Laurel Station: A Living
History Program.” The reenactment, which ran from 9:00 a.m.
to 3:30 p.m. on April 13, was free
to spectators. It took place outside of the American Legion in
Marr Field, an area frequently
referred to as “Laurel Station.”
“[The purpose of the event was]
to recreate history, to bring you
back to the lives of the soldiers and
their families,” remarks participant
Jacqueline Parker, a “camp follower” in the reenactment. Others
commented that the event helped
to “remember this part of our his- Karen Lubieniecki, who referred to federates by the end of the battle.
According to participant Tom
tory,” and form a “hands-on feel to the reenactment as “The Battle of
see what a soldier’s life was like.” Laurel Station That Never Was.” Wachter, the fictional battle was not
During the reenactment, Confed- choreographed, and the reenactors
Activities of the day included
themselves did
participatory
not know what
drills and a firthe
outcome
ing demonstrawould be when
tion, and ended
they began firwith the final
ing. Evidently,
battle between
the only anthe Union and
ticipated
part
Confederate solof the skirmish
diers. Throughwas that the
out the event,
Union soldiers
Laurel
High
would begin to
School’s
own
overpower ConSocial
Studies
federates in the
Instructor Dale
beginning of the
Brennan, a volbattle. A winner
unteer reenactor,
introduced drills, Union soldiers successfully drive out Confederate force in the “Battle was only defined
once one side bed e m o n s t r a t e d of Laurel Station.”
-photo by A.T.
gan to outnummusket loading,
ber the other.
and recited inforMike Kreger, who portrayed
mation about soldiers and battle erate soldiers invaded the camp of
during war. Other information Union soldiers, who were pushed a Confederate soldier, explained,
about the era of the Civil War was back towards the river. They earned “We knew at the very beginning
given by Laurel Museum Volunteer a victory, overtaking the Con- we would advance on the camp and
the Yankees [Union soldiers] would
push us back… In big events… a
lot of times there are thousands of
guys out there and you want to approximate the percentage of people
who were killed or wounded during
the battle… sometimes the older
people don’t want to walk across
the field or they’ve got bad knees
so they’ll be the first to take hits.
Sometimes, if somebody has something really good in their haversack like Twizzlers… I might go
down behind him [and take them].”
Karen Lubieniecki explains that
the reenactment was an event in
correspondence with the museum’s
current free exhibit, “Stationed in
Laurel: Our Civil War Story.” This
exhibit along with the reenactment
itself, are both events in recognition of the 150th anniversary of
the Civil War. The exhibit will be
running through December, having
begun in February, and is open to
the public on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and
on Sundays 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
April/May 2013
Page 15
The Shield
Construction of New Laurel Library to Begin This Fall
Community Looks Forward to the Replacement of Library on Seventh Street
By Alexa Thornton
A
fter years of lobbying by community
groups for a bigger library, plans to build
a new 32,000-square-foot
Laurel Library have been
scheduled for execution
this fall, with $17.5 million set aside from the proposed 2014 fiscal budget.
This new project will
replace the old Laurel Branch
Library on Seventh Street,
which has been standing
for 48 years, which County
Councilwoman Mary Lehman says is no longer capable
of serving community needs.
In an effort to remedy
this, the new library is designed to include up-to-date
features such as a wireless
network for patrons who
would like to bring their laptops to the building, as well
as a vending machine area,
two large meeting rooms, and
several study rooms that may
also serve as tutoring areas.
The library will also have a
fireplace and a drive-through
book drop-off window.
“I think it’s a really
good idea that they are
building a new library. I
can’t wait!” exclaimed junior
Cameron
Sumter.
Junior Mariah Perkins added, “I think it’ll
get more kids to come
to the library, especially
if it’s more convenient.”
Lehman also asserted
that the development of
this new amenity would be
an investment in the community, explaining that although the proposed fiscal plan may cut $800,000
from the library system’s
budget, the new Laurel library would provide jobs for
Laurel citizens, both during
construction and during use.
“You don’t stop all economic activity in tough economic times,” Lehman said
in an article in the Gazette
by Jamie Anfenson-Comeau.
This building plan,
however, is so large that its
parking lot will invade the
adjoining
Emancipation
Park, a property of the city
of Laurel. City officials say
this is because Laurel’s existing library is one of the
county’s most visited, and
usage is expected to increase
once the new one is built.
In exchange for one
acre of its land, the county
must perform renovations
on the park, including the
construction of an amphitheater, a new walkway, green
space, and bathrooms, as
outlined in the 2014 budget.
This compromise is to
be honored in light of sev-
eral community members’
who raised concerns that
the expansion of the library
would destroy the park,
which has been the center
of the historical Grove community since the 1880s.
Now, members of that
community
are
satisfied with the construction
plan, even if it does mean
losing
some
parkland.
City officials also disclosed that $117,000 will be
set aside for artwork in both
the library and the park; several community members
have volunteered to oversee
this project, making sure
that the artwork chosen reflects the Laurel community.
Pennies for Pasta sponsored by Olive Garden
Leukemia/Lymphoma Society Fundraiser
$712.93 total
collected from the
school overall
First place winning students received a full meal delivered to their classroom by Olive Garden.
-photo by R.G.
Ms. Bryant’s first period classes collected $224.52 for first place.
For second place, the classes of Ms. McQuillan Thomas collected $132.84.
Page 16
Teen Health
April/May 2013
The Shield
Getting in Shape For Summer: Which Method is Right for You?
Girls Should Focus on Diet and Exercise Plans Appropriate for Body Types
By Yakira Cordon
S
Pear Shape
D
iet Plan: If you have a pear-shaped body you should be
on a lower fat eating plan. You should also choose complex
carbs like whole grains and veggies; no potatoes. Choose lean
proteins such as turkey, chicken, tuna, trout, salmon, and beef-no
fast food or junk food. Low fat dairy products are good for you,
as you need your calcium. Eliminate saturated fats such as hydrogenated oils found in processed food. For lunch you might eat a
sandwich with 2 slices of whole wheat bread with 1 teaspoon of
light mayo, 2 ounces of lean deli roast beef, 1 slice reduced fat
cheese, and lettuce and tomatoes, with a side of 5 baby carrots,
10 celery sticks, and 1/2 cup of grapes. Consume 1500 calories per day; 750 from carbs, 375 from fat and 375 from protein.
body, you have more of your
body fat on the lower part of
your body. Your upper body is
more slender than your lower
body. You may or not have a
defined waist and are more
likely to have small breasts, a
big butt, and chunky thighs.
Also, your lower body is probably shorter in length and your
hips are wider than your shoulders. You probably run a little
bigger in size for pants/skirt
than in tops. Kim Kardashian,
Jennifer Hudson, and Jennifer
Lopez have this body shape.
If you have an apple-shaped
body your waist to hip ratio is
even. Your mid-section may
cause your hips and shoulders
to appear narrower than they actually are. You’re fuller in your
waist area than in your hips and
shoulders; however, you tend to
have great looking legs. Stars
like Queen Latifah and Brooke
Elliott have this body shape.
If you have a box-shaped
body, you have a straight rib
cage with little or no waist
D
iet Plan: Now if you have an apple body shape
then your diet will be slightly different. Replace
those carbs with foods such as barly, buckwheat, and
amaranth. Avoid foods high in sugar because they
will make you hungrier. You can eat healthy fats like
olive oil, avocado, and nuts. Consume 1500 calories in all, but split them into categories: 600 Calories from carbs, 525 from fat, and 375 from protein.
xercise Plan:
It’s not only about eating right, even though that’s very important. It’s about working out also, so do at least 40
minutes of cardio sessions a week: running, biking, or swimming. This helps build lean muscles in your lower body and balance the top half.
Also, twice a week do some total body strength
training to help tighten your core and burn flab.
I
D
iet Plan: If you’re a box shape your
diet will consist of high iodine and
selenium foods. For example, seaweed,
shrimp, and 1/3 cup of sunflower seeds
daily. Eat grapefruit, spices, nuts, and fish.
An example of what to eat for breakfast is
a grapefruit and an omelet with spinach.
Consume 1500 calories in all; 500 from
carbs, 500 from fat, and 500 from protein.
xercise Plan: Do cardio workouts like
running, biking, dancing, or at least walking for an hour each day. Also do crunches to
tone and curve your body. Remember to do
strength training to your body to give it an athletic look after you’ve lost the body fat.
E
Plan: In order to get better results you have to add
Exercise
some exercise to the plan like fat burning activities that make
your legs and thighs work, such as walking, jump rope, dancing,
swimming, and biking. You want to reshape your body to make it look
curvy instead of pear-like. Therefore you should also do free weights
to build your arms, chest, back, and torso. Also, do a lot of pushups.
Box Shape
E
Apple Shape
line indentation. You have
straight and equal legs. Your
extra weight would be located
in your torso and you have
broad shoulders that basically
make a rectangular shape all
the way to your hips. The singer Adele has this body shape.
In order to lose the weight
you need a diet that will fit you.
Using advice from livestrong.
com and Dr. Oz, the following are recommendations you
should follow when losing
weight for your body shape.
http://www.channel4.com/
fabafter40-cdn.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com
ummer is coming!
That means going to
the beach, pools, and
amusement
parks,
where they all have one thing
in common- water. That means
bathing suits and bikinis, and
if you don’t want to have another summer of not being able
to enjoy yourself because you
feel insecure about your body,
I have found a solution for you.
“It would be nice to lose
some weight for summer because it would be a healthier
lifestyle,”
replied
sophomore
Madison
Andrews.
Have you ever tried to lose
weight, but got no results? That
may have been because you
weren’t eating or working out
in a way that would benefit your
particular body type. There are
three body types that run most
common: the pear shape, apple shape, and the box shape.
If you have a pear-shaped
myadventuresinfashion.blogspot.com/
f you’re already thin, but want to have a toned body, but don’t know how, I have a solution for you. In this diet and exercise plan, you will be eating 6 servings of whole grains
and 2.5 cups of veggies, 2 cups of fruit, 3 cups of dairy, and 5.5 oz. of protein per day. As for exercise, you should go to the gym daily and do machine weights. Also, engage
in cardio workouts like running or biking. Do the plank workout and the vacuum workout to define your abs, but don’t use a lot of weight when you do this or else you may
end up looking bigger. Keep it at a low weight but do a lot of reps. Males, however, can put as much weights as they can support, and need more protein to build lean muscle.
Most importantly, have fun with your diet and exercise plan. Eat something you like once in a while, but don’t do something crazy like go to a buffet. Don’t be miserable with this diet or else you will likely not stay with it. Remember, it will all be worth it in the end. Don’t forget that this isn’t just for looks, but it’s also for your health!
April/May 2013
The Shield
International
Page 17
Understanding the Celebration of Cinco de Mayo
Several Nations Participate in this Celebration of Mexican Culture and History
By Madison Andrews
F
or many, Cinco de
Mayo is a celebration that Mexican
restaurants use to hype
up sales, and it is the only
familiarity many people
have with the term. It’s
time to find out the true
story behind Cinco de
Mayo.
This celebratory
day, originated and celebrated by mainly MexicanAmericans, is the day dedicated to the celebration of
the Mexican Army’s 1862
victory over France in the
Battle of Puebla during
the Franco-Mexican War.
A similar celebration takes
place in the Mexican state
A traditional Cinco de Mayo dress
heritage. This is
true particularly
in areas with
large
Mexican-American
populations.
The American Cinco de
Mayo celebration originated
in the MexicanAmerican communities of the
American west,
Southwest, and
Northwest in
-photo by notacook.com
the 1860s. Al- Chicken and Potato Flautas is a popular Mexican dish.
though Mexican citizens feel very proud like in the United States, dant celebration. Puebla
elsewhere celebrates Cinco de Mayo
of the meaning of Cinco celebrations
de Mayo, it’s not an of- also emphasize Mexican with fiestas, dancing, decoficial national holiday in cuisine, culture, and mu- rations, and food. Women
Mexico; however, it sic. For example, Windsor, dress in brightly colored
is an official holiday Canada holds an Ameri- dresses, and men wear
in the state of Puebla. can-style “Cinco de Mayo authentic western cloth“Cinco de Mayo Street Festival,” where ing to commemorate the
is celebrated because some Canadian pubs play holiday. There are parades,
the Mexicans beat the Mexican music and serve Mariachi bands, and peoFrench. Mexicans have Mexican food and drink. ple performing Mexican
Also, a skydiving folk dances in the streets.
festivals, and all the
people party. Schools club near Vancouver,
Along with all of these
put on shows such as British Columbia, Can- activities, there is a wide vadances on the main ada, holds a Cinco de riety of traditional Mexican
streets of Mexico. Mayo skydiving event. food, including enchiladas,
In the Cayman Islands, tortilla chips, tacos, salsa,
They usually march
down the main streets the re is an annual Cinco tamales, guacamole, and
of Mexico,” explained de Mayo air guitar compe- mole poblano. Traditional
Freshman
Grasiela tition. The city of Brisbane, Mexican symbols like the
Australia, Virgen de Guadalupe and
Rincon, whose rela- Queensland,
holds
an
annual
Mexican César Chávez are part of
tives are from Mexico. There are many Festival to honor the day, banners and special events.
places around the and celebrations are held
In the U.S. some of the
world that celebrate in London, England and largest festivals take place
Cinco de Mayo in New Zealand as well. in Los Angeles, Chicago,
-photo by travelblog.goaheadtours.com their own way. Just
In Pueblo, there is abun- and Houston.
of Puebla, where the holiday is known as El Día de la
Batalla de Puebla (The Day
of the Battle of Puebla).
Despite what many believe, Cinco De Mayo is
not Mexico’s Independence Day. Mexican Independence Day, the most
important national patriotic holiday in Mexico, is
celebrated on September
16. The country’s independence was declared
more than 50 years before the Battle of Puebla.
In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo
isn’t celebrated as much
as it is in the U.S. In the
U.S., Cinco de Mayo has
become a celebration of
Mexican culture, pride, and
Page 18
April/May 2013
The Shield
Entertainment
Mindless Behavior Still Attracts the Younger Teens
New Album and Documentary Film Highlight Recent Tour
By Nasima Felder
M
indless
Behavior–
Prodigy, Roc Royal,
Ray Ray and Princeton– a group whose music features a mixture of R&B grooves,
pop hooks, and hip-hop swagger, released their sophomore
album All Around the World on
March 12. The album reached
number six on the Billboard
200 and number one on the Billboard’s R&B/Hip-hop charts.
In its first week the album outsold their debut album, selling 37,000 in its first week.
They also have a documentary and concert movie titled
All Around the World, which hit
AMC Theaters March 15. The
documentary gave fans a glimpse
into the creation of Mindless Behavior from the start. The film
also includes live performances
of Mindless Behavior’s hits, including “Mrs. Right” and “Girls
Talkin Bout” which was filmed
at a stop during last summer’s
#1 Girl tour in Atlanta, Georgia.
The group was started in 2008
from a concept created by Conjunction Entertainment Inc. CEO
Walter Millsap (who worked
with Beyonce, Alicia Keys, J.Lo
and Timbaland) and Streamline
Records head
Vincent Herbert
(who previously worked with
Lady GaGa and
Toni Braxton).
The group
trained in dancing and singing
for two years
before they began recording
and releasing.
An open
audition
was
held and Prodigy, Princeton,
Roc Royal, and Ray Ray shined
the brightest of over 600 children, instantly charming the
team. For the next two years
they immersed themselves in
music, developing their singular sound and style. Ray Ray
studied under legendary L.A.
battle dancer Tommy the Clown.
Both Roc Royal and Princeton started their careers at a
young age. Roc Royal has been
rapping since the age of eight.
Princeton starred in com-
ondary Dance Showcase for
Prince George’s County Public Schools, which took place
on March 27. Laurel High
School’s state–of-the-art au-
ditorium served as the venue
for this entertaining event.
Thirteen high schools and
one middle school participated
in this event. The students performed many styles of dance including jazz, modern, hip hop,
ballet, and Bollywood. Laurel
High’s dance group performed
“Into the Light’’ to the music
of “Ghost” by James Vincent
Morrow. Miss Martin choreographed the dance number.
Laurel’s dancers are now a
performing group so they were
able to go back to old techniques as well as try new ones.
Many stated that they enjoyed
learning from new instructors
and trying different techniques.
mercials for Sketchers, McDonalds, and Nike as well as a couple
of music videos at the age of four.
Mindless Behavior started out opening shows for
the Backstreet Boys, Janet
Jackson, and Justin Beiber.
The group’s first single,
Laurel Hosts Dance Showcase
By Gucci Ezenwachi
Laurel High School hosted
the Sixteenth Annual Sec-
The County Dance Showcase also included instructors from throughout the county sharing techniques
“My Girl,” has almost 14 million views on YouTube and was
nominated for a 2011 “Viewer’s
Choice” BET Award. The follow
up “Mrs. Right” with its infectious and soulful beats landed
#1 on BET’s 106
and Park three
weeks in a row.
It was also the #1
most added song
at Urban Radio.
The track’s
cinematic video,
directed by Brett
Ratner, features
stars like Mike
Epps, LL Cool
J, and Diggy
Simmons.
It
quickly became
the #1 most demanded
music video on Music Choice.
“I love Mindless Behavior because they are unique
and encourage their fans to
be themselves. Also, they are
just fine!” exclaimed freshman
Beatrice
Ndor-Osei.
Their third single “Girls
Talkin Bout” bounces from energetic electro production to an
unforgettable chorus. The song
equally showcases each member’s talent. According to the
song they have “swagger on a
thousand million and beyond.”
The members of Mindless
Behavior constantly stay in
touch with their fans online. As
a result they are #2 UMG artists behind Lady GaGa in terms
of online presence. They also
have the #1 artist page on MTV.
com. “They interact with their
fans and encourage them to
be mindless,” stated freshman
Kayla Barnes when asked why
she likes Mindless Behavior.
How does one become
“mindless?” According to Ray
Ray, “Anybody can be mindless. It doesn’t matter if you’re
two years old or eighty-two
years old. Be yourself. Love
who you are and love what
you do no matter what that is.”
Freshman Gracy Onuma
sums it up succinctly by saying, “OMG! I love them and
their music. #TeamMindless!”
Class of 2013
Watch Yourself Graduate!
Acquire a DVD of the
Entire Graduation Ceremony
(which includes
each student
walking across the stage)
Order Forms Are
Available from TV
Production Instructor
Mr. Giuliani in rm. 269.
Previous Years Ceremony DVDs
Are Also Available.
April/May 2013
Page 19
The Shield
Drama Club Prepares for Spring Production
Two Short One Act Plays to Showcase Laurel’s Thespians
By Kayleen Yermal
Laurel High School’s Drama Club is preparing a spring
production that will occur
later this month. A Night of
One Acts consist of two oneact plays: comical and serious. The titles are “13 Ways
to Screw Up Your College
Interview” and “Lockdown.”
The group rehearses
on Mondays and Fridays
in the Black Box in order
to prepare for their show
on May 22 and May 24.
“Events like this are designed to allow our actors to
showcase their talents. Although I had not originally
planned on doing a show after
the musical, I saw that we still
had a lot of talented actors at
Laurel who wanted another
opportunity to showcase their
talent this year, and our night
of one acts will allow that. The
beauty of a night of one acts
is that it allows the director to
cast a large number of people,
highlight several new plays,
and yet still appeal to a more
intimate audience, the way
that many one acts are generally designed to do,” stated
Drama Instructor and Director Frank Hammond. One act
plays are usually not musicals.
“Once we get it memorized,
it’s going to be awesome,”
said junior Andrew Benson, a
cast member in the production.
Hammond and the students
are expecting audiences to respond positively to these one
acts. “I think they’re going to
have a great laugh throughout the whole show because
some things are hilarious and
some things are super corny,”
commented freshman Aly Tu.
“I think that audiences will
“...I saw that
we still had a
lot of talented
actors at Laurel
who wanted to
showcase their
talent this year,
and our night
of one acts will
allow that.”
-Director
Frank Hammond
enjoy the night of one acts as
each one act deals with issues
that are relevant to teenagers; some deal with these issues comically, some more
seriously,” said Hammond.
In addition to the upcoming night of one act plays,
Hammond has plans to revive
the International Thespian Society, which has not been active at Laurel since 1991. “ITS
is a great organization that allows experienced drama students to compete and network
with drama students and professionals locally, regionally,
and at times, nationally.
My goal this year has
simply been to restart our
chapter and indoctrinate our
members so that next year
we are able to compete. Very
few local schools have active
Thespian charters, so I am
hoping to also encourage other schools to join us in our attempts,” remarked Hammond.
Hammond took 15
students who were eligible
for ITS to the Third Annual
Theater Festival on March
26 and will continue to expand the Thespian Society
as next year approaches.
“Our current drama supervisor, Anita Lambert, continues to make a strong effort to
strengthen and unite the drama
programs in Prince George’s
County Public Schools by
creating events such as the
Third Annual Theatre Festival... Many of those students
[performed] in the festival.
“I am excited about such an
event, and I think as we activate our Thespian chapter,
we will find similar stimulation,” Hammond declared.
ATTENTION SPARTAN STUDENTS:
Are you looking for a part-time job?
Fill your summer with lots of cash!
Local green remodeling firm has positions open for field marketing representatives!
-PART TIME WORK, FULL TIME PAY
-FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES
-START AT $8 - $15/HR
-TOP LEADERS MAKE $30 - $40/HR
-EARN VALUABLE MARKETING EXPERIENCE
-LEARN ABOUT GREEN TECHNOLOGY
-ABSOLUTELY NO SELLING INVOLVED
Field Marketing Representatives are not selling
our products. They are responsible for articulating the benefits of our products and services. They
are charismatic, trainable, and competitive. They
must have the desire to succeed in a fast-paced
and high-energy environment.
CALL/EMAIL FOR AN INTERVIEW
Patrick Begley
[email protected]
410-412-3945
Pinnacle Energy Inc.
6670 Business Parkway,
Ste 105
Elkridge, MD 21075
Page 2
Editorial
The Shield
April/May 2013
The Shield
Friendships Can Last Beyond High School
Former Boxing Champion Muhammad Ali stated, “Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It’s not
something you learn in school. But if you haven’t learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven’t learned anything.”
How many graduates have learned the meaning of friendship before they leave high school? People always write in their
friends’ yearbooks to “K.I.T. (keep in touch)” and although the intentions are good, it’s rare that people really keep in contact.
It seems we lose touch with those we are close with throughout the years, but you went to the same school and you had
the same classes, so shouldn’t there be a bond that can last longer after graduation? Just because it is graduation and seniors
head in many different directions, it doesn’t mean that friendships have to fade. Maintaining a friendship is something that
you have to work at. It takes effort on both ends. You can go to a college and still call your old friends while making new ones.
We lose touch, however, because our generation is more comfortable being independent, and we get too wrapped up in our
own “busy” lives to think about and remember those whom we haven’t seen in years, whom at one point in our life were so vital.
High school reunions are a great way to rekindle a friendship, but often the idea of staying in touch fades after that
one evening too. Some will need a friend who was with you through all the drama, stress, and happiness of high school. They
know you better than anyone else. As seniors leave the cocoon of high school and start to spread their wings, it’s important to
keep some high school-based friendships that aim to last a lifetime, but you have to make it happen by putting forth the effort.
Opinion
Should Females Be Allowed in Combat?
By Michelle Anderson
When you think of someone enlisted in the United States Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force or Coast Guard, what do you
immediately imagine? Do you see a man, gun tight to his side and dressed in his battle dress uniform, yelling and fighting for
our country with his men in Iraq? Perhaps, but this scene is not the case anymore: this person could now very well be a woman.
As of January 23, 2013, the lives of military women have forever changed. After fighting and dying alongside men in combat for years, the ban for women in certain combat positions has been officially lifted and women can
finally join the front lines with men as equals. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says women have become an “integral part” of the military and have already demonstrated their willingness to fight during the wars of the last decade.
Many women haven’t been able to go further in their careers due to the ban of women in combat positions. They had blamed the military for unfairly holding them back. With the ban finally lifted, however, the possibilities for women in the military and advancement in each one’s career have broadened immensely.
Women currently make up more than 14% of the 1.4 million active military personnel but were not allowed to serve in over 230,000 combat positions, despite the fact that they have often served at the front lines.
More than 800 women were wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, where at least 130 have died, reports CNN.
Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand, a New York Democrat who has pushed for lifting the ban, called it “a proud
day for our country” and an important step in recognizing “the brave women who are already fighting and dying.”
“I have complete confidence in women when in combat,” says Laurel High School senior and Private First Class Army Reservist
Correy Blake. “It doesn’t matter if she’s a woman or not, you need someone to cover your back when you’re in a combat zone.”
Public opinion polls show that about three fourths of Americans do support this new change; however there is still one fourth of Americans who don’t. They have similar arguments to that of Professor Kingsley Browne of Wayne State University, who argues that because women are not physically built like men, attempts to integrate them may lead to lowered standards overall. Additionally, he believes women in combat
units may negatively change the dynamics, creating conditions of sexual competition and sexual harassment.
“I feel as if a woman was fighting in combat I’d want to protect the woman and not my men,” replies the Commanding Officer of Laurel High School’s Air Force Junior ROTC Program, Jevon Moore.
According to Fox News, “Panetta’s decision gives the military services until January 2016 to seek special exceptions if
they believe any positions must remain closed to women. Some front-line military roles may open to women as soon as this year.
Assessments for others, such as special operations forces, including Navy SEALS and the Army’s Delta Force, may take longer.”
“Things keep changing and when it does, it opens up more career fields for women. This allows more job opportunities and mobility for females in the service,” commented Laurel High’s AFJROTC Instructor Sergeant Nolan Garret.
Women serving in the U.S. Military have earned the right to fight alongside men. By the year 2016, gender will not be a major factor deciding which jobs are and are not open to people in the military; it will then be solely based on the physical and mental standards our serving candidates must currently meet. Although there will
always be some who feel the female body is not as tough as a man’s and that strength is judged only physically, now, we can truly say that both our men and women are protecting our country by every means possible.
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
Chief Editor
Alexa Thornton
Managing Editors
Queen Bentil
Nasima Felder
Layout Editor
Madison Andrews
Photo Editor
Jasmine Mobley
Copy Editors
Queen Bentil
Jillian Thornton
Alexa Thornton
Michelle Anderson
Timi Daramola
News Editor
Queen Bentil
Feature Editor
Nasima Felder
Sports Editor
Keren Vital
Kayleen Yermal
Entertainment Editor
Abigail Appiah
Opinion Editor
Madison Andrews
Art Editor
Gracey Mathi
Health Editor
Yakira Cordon
Technology Coordinator
Kyle Raynor
Managers
Advertising: Abigail Appiah
Public Relations: Kayleen Yermal
Business: Yakira Cordon
Circulation: Avril Ricketts
Patrons: Keren Vital
Unclassifieds: Jillian Thornton
Librarian: Avril Ricketts
News Briefs: Queen Bentil
Exchange: Correy Blake
Michelle Anderson
Reporters
Malik Mendez
Gucci Ezenwachi
Jared Bell
Advisor/Instructor
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. Visit
The Shield website at theshieldlaurelmd.com, or
give them to any member of the staff.
Page 20
April/May 2013
The Shield
Sports
Softball Team Aims to Advance in Playoffs
Improving Spartans Hope to Topple Rivals Roosevelt, Bowie, and Flowers
By Jasmine Mobley
“I expect the girls to step up and
rise to the occasion, especially my
seniors. I try to stress to them ‘how
do you want to be remembered
when you graduate from here?’ And
to leave knowing you played your
hardest with no regrets,” explains
Head Softball Coach Julie Provino.
The Lady Spartan softball players have achieved an 11-4 record as
of May 3 with a tough test against
Flowers as the newpaper went
to press. Many teams would be
happy with eleven wins, but the
Spartans want more. They are currently in fourth place in the Prince
George’s County 4A League trailing Roosevelt, Flowers and Bowie.
With playoffs next week, Provino explains, “In order to advance
we really need to step it up defensively. Every game we lost was because of 1 bad inning where we let
a lot of runs score. The girls need
to find a way to shut it down when
those innings happen.” Laurel’s
only losses (Bowie twice, Roosevelt and Flowers once each) are
to the top 3 teams in the league.
The league has many teams that
are weak where the top 4 teams
often crush their opponents. Laurel
seems to be just a step behind the
top three and they are working on
breaking through. Last week the
Spartans dominated Suitland 39-4
and they have had many other overwhelming victories.
Reflecting back on the season,
the girls were excited for their first
game. They had a practice scrimmage against Pallotti where they
won with a score of 20-14. They
celebrated their win with a dinner
at Buffalo Wild Wings that night.
“We did okay our first scrimmage, but we could’ve had some
improvement,”
senior
Danielle Conway, second base, said
about their first scrimmage.
Conway also believed that the team
has a stronger defense as well.
The scrimmage win against Pallotti, who in the past has always
crushed the Spartans, showed
that the girls just might be better than in the previous years.
There are new members on
the team this year, so that means
new abilities have been added
to the team. “We have decent
pitchers with experience now
and a strong defense,” junior Ta-
Senior Jamila Mitchell makes good contact with
game against the Raiders.
tia Craft, center fielder, stated.
With new members it also
means there are some weaknesses.
Craft and Conway believe that
the team’s weakness is inconsistent hitting; however, they were
excited for a successful season
with more well-rounded players.
Their first game of the season was
against Bladensburg on March 21
and they won 20-14. The next game
was against Bowie. The Bulldogs
overwhlmed the Spartans 14-3.
Earlier in the season Provinocommented about the team’s strengths:
“Our hitting is strong this year; a
lot of solid bats and fast girls who
can lay down bunts. Also, we have
three pitchers that have some speed
on their ball and are improving
daily: senior Jamila Mitchell, freshman Ashley Woodall, and Katie
Cardinal. I also have a handful of
girls who are eager to take critique
and build from it and those girls are
really working hard to improve. As
they are improving their confidence
is growing, which is great to see.
“Developing a new catcher [is
our weakness],” she added. “Sophomore Adrianna Little is still learning the game and we need to build
her arm strength. Also, our defense
is still working on building that chemistry together on the field and
knowing where to go
with the ball and when,
without the coaches having to yell it out. It’s
something we’re working on a lot this year.”
Provino then talks
about competitors and
upcoming games. “We
only have one returning outfielder: junior
Tatia Craft. So we are
working on developing a fast outfield. We
have our girls with the
most speed out there
because they are able to
track balls well and cut
the ball in off hits in the gaps quickly.
We want to hold our com-photo by R.G. petitors like Bowie, Roosevelt, and Flowers, who hit
Bridgette Edman anticipates pitch from
Roosevelt pitcher
.-photo by R.G.
a lot in the green to as few bases
as possible. So the girls are working on building their chemistry in
the outfield and communication.
Outfielder Craft had an injury
which hurt the team defensively.
Provino adds, “The girls on
the team to look out for this year
are: senior Zelle Ndika– shortstop/
catcher; she was selected as a Second Team All County Player last
year and was a leadoff batter, having hit .563 last year; senior Jamila
Mitchell– 1st base/pitcher; she was
our #4 hitter last year, moved to
#5 this year, with a solid bat and
great glove in the field. Zelle and
Jam are the captains this year;
they lead the team with their positive attitudes and are always hard
working and give 110% every day.
They truly practice how they will
play. They have displayed leadership skills any coach would die to
have. Freshman Ashley Woodall is
a pitcher/1st base, solid hitter, and
will be hitting #4 spot. She is a smart
player on the field and will lead our
pitching force this year as well.
Woodal
pitched
a
no-hitter
against
Parkdale
this
year. Her pitch is very fast.
Katie Cardinal, also a freshman, is a third base/pitcher and
batting second. She is a very aggressive base runner and always
looking to get that extra base.”
It was sweet for the girls to beat
Wise this year 19-11 to avenge
their loss in the playoffs last year.
“The girls were ready. We hit well
and had a bunch of good plays in
the infield,” Provino said. Laurel
tallied eight hits and batted nearly
twice in the bottom of the inning
to take a commanding 9-1 lead.
The girls lost to Bowie 14-3,
Flowers 18-8 and lost to first place
Roosevelt 17-7. This year they are
playing the top teams much closer
and the losses are often a one inning meltdown. As they heed Provino’s advice thay are determined
to change this in the playoffs.
April/May 2013
The Shield
Page 21
Baseball Team Heads to Playoffs 7-6
Team Progresses Despite Loss of Former Head Coach Harris
By Jared Bell
Following a 7-11 season and starting this year
with a new coaching
staff, many Spartan baseball players are pleased
with their current season
in which the team has
compiled a 7-6 record.
The season started with
a bang, a 14-7 win against
Gwynn Park on March
11 and later, an 11-11 tie
against Bladensburg, that
was finished last week.
“It was disappointing to
start the season with a tie,
but it’s better than a loss,”
states third baseman/
shortstop Tiameu Savage.
The team went on to
play Bowie High School
on March 23, losing 11-4.
Laurel was now at
an 0-1-1 record and had
county powerhouse Wise
coming up. Ultimately
Wise’s pitching staff was
too much for the Spartans and the game ended
in a 3-0 shutout. Laurel was now on a twogame losing streak and
had no intentions of letting it go any further.
They responded with
a 14-2 blowout against
the Oxon Hill Clippers on
April 8. “It felt like everyone was on the same page
defensively and had their
eye on the ball,” says
outfielder Jerome Gillis.
This game gave the
Spartans their first victory
and left them at a 1-2-1
record. Laurel continued
their winning ways with a
nail-biter victory against
Northwestern. “The game
was back and forth the
whole time, but we were
able to gain some momentum at the end of the
game and come out with
Hitting has been hot and cold for the Spartans throughout the season.
a victory,”
commented Savage.
The Spartans
were
now on a
streak and
had a game
with
the
DuVal Tigers coming
up on April
13.
They
advanced
the winning
streak to two Pitching has been a strong point for the Spartans the last several years. -photo by R.H.
games with a
The Spartans next faced demolishing them 1019-2 blowout. “We were
just able to make plays of- defending county cham- 0. They next earned a
fensively and capitalize on pion Bowie after the hard-fought 11-6 victory
their mistake,” affirmed loss against Flowers. against the Northwestern
catcher Tyler Harmon. Bowie was too much to Wildcats on April 29. “We
The following week handle for the Spartans, didnt like getting shut out
Laurel played county rival which led to an 8-2 loss. the previous game so we
Now on a losing took it out against NorthEleanor Roosevelt, which
resulted in a 10-3 loss. streak, the Spartans had western,” said Savage.
As the baseball team
Two days later, Laurel no intentions to let this
won against cross-town streak continue. Laurel heads to playoffs, their
rival Suitland. shut out Parkdale 21-0 record stood at 7-6 as of
However, on April 23 Pitcher Ty- April 30. The team has
the Spartans ler Carmen pitched his had a rollercoaster seacould
not first no-hitter of the year son, beginning with the
turn the vic- and his second shutout. loss of a former coach
“We worked hard, with which they had betory against
Suitland into swung our bats, played come familiar. New Head
a
winning good defense, and our Coach Don Cleveland
streak when pitcher (Carmen) pitched took over the position of
they
faced a dominant game,” re- head coach left by Brian
Charles Flow- marked second base- Harris who left to take
ers on April man Malik Mendez. the head coaching job at
On April 24, Wise rival Bowie High School.
19.
Laurel
couldn’t get then beat Laurel again, “Playing against our forany runs on this time, 19-1. Back to mer coach added a little
the board and prove their worthiness, more intensity to the
overwhelmed game,” said pitcher/outwas
shut- Laurel
-photo by R.H.
out
11-0. Oxon Hill two days later fielder Herman Fortson.
Page 22
April /May 2013
The Shield
Rebuilding Tennis Team Makes Strides Under New Coach
Several Players Boast Improvement as the Season Progresses
By Timi Daramola
As the tennis team progresses
towards the playoffs, singles player Aldijah Koeiman thinks that it’ll
be tough for the team to go far due
to the inexperience of most players, but she is hoping for the best.
She thinks that some of the more
experienced players may advance.
Last year Divina St. Peters advanced to States and hopes for the
same this year when she partners
up with Koeiman, who leads the
team with seven wins out of ten.
“It’s a rebuilding year, we are
making progress daily, but not
as fast as I want it to be,” commented Tennis Coach Monique
Graves, who had been an assistant
coach for years under Head Coach
Karl Holovach, who stepped
down at the end of last year.
With an overall season record
of 3-4, the Laurel Spartan Ten-
nis Team has been competitive
in county matches. The Spartans’
three wins have been against DuVal 6-3, Wise 6-3, and Suitland 8-0.
The Spartans have been defeated by Bladensburg High 6-3,
Bowie High 9-0, Parkdale High
“I’ve had
some nice wins
and even when I
lose, I lose with
a bang.”
-Sophomore
Aliyah Koeiman
6-3, and Flowers 8-1. “Roosevelt,
Bowie, and Flowers are tougher
opponents,” states Coach Graves.
The tennis team lost six seniors
from last year, but has gained lots
of new players for this year’s team,
which include freshmen Keith
Harris, Mason Henry, and Victor Okonmah, along with juniors
Xavier Sykes and Hana Haile
and sophomores Abdoul Keeyta,
Satia Harper, and Ana Medina.
“They have improved a
lot since the very beginning, but they still need some
work,” commented Koeiman.
“My season is going great. I
did better than last year. I’ve had
some nice wins and even when I
lose, I lose with a bang,” states
Aliya Koeiman. “And tell those
people next year: watch out, you
got a new pro on your hands.”
Returning players who are
considered the team’s strengths
include Koeiman known as the
“most consistent player” while
Phillip Stokes and Divina St. Peters are known as the “strength
of the team.” “The team’s weak-
ness would be the lack of energy compared to last year, our
lack of players, and the fact that
the team is made up of mostly
rookies,” explains Koeiman.
Graves believes that the returning players are the star players,
and they have been a huge impact
on every match especially due to
the loss of the star players from
last year’s team. The singles players include 1st, Stokes; 2nd, Christian Gonzales for boys and 1st, St.
Peters; 2nd Koeiman for girls.
The doubles players include
1st, Keith Harris & Mason Henry; 2nd, Evan Garnes & Xavier
Sykes for boys, and 1st, Aliya
Koeiman & Satia Harper. For lack
of players, they have to forfeit
their 2nd girls doubles at every
match. Mixed doubles include
Abdoul Keeyta & Ana Medina.
he boys are bound to struggle because they have lost a lot
of male players from the previ-
ous team. It is the simple matter of having to rebuild the boys’
side, and get them back to the
level that they were last year.
The girls have many
strong returning players. “Although, the new players are
improving, and getting basic
skills,” says Coach Graves.
“Work hard at what you do
because there will always be
someone out there that is better than you,” is the advice from
Phillip Stokes to new players.
Both the boys and girls
need to improve on saves, forehands, backhands, and volleys.
Graves coaches not only to
improve the returning players, but
also to bring up the new players
so they can be better next year.
As the regular season comes
to an end, the team continues to
prepare for post-season play in anticipation of the playoffs which includes the Counties and Regionals.
Student Upset Faculty in Annual Basketball Game
Teachers Lose 53-49 for First Time in Decades
By Keren Vital
“My man Blair was cookin’,
and the teachers couldn’t stop
him,” stated junior Daje’ Roots.
That sums up the outcome of
last month’s annual Students
vs. Teachers Basketball Game.
The students’ team finally
overpowered the teachers, after years of repeated defeats.
In his twenty-third year of
teaching at Laurel High School,
English Instructor Robert Giuliani remarked, “This is the
first time I have ever seen the
students beat the teachers.”
The event last month presented
a quick recognition of the spring
athletes before the game. On the
students’ team were Blair Warr,
Kordell Jordan, Gerald Williams,
Robert Jordan, Tamia Colemen,
Elijah Thompson, Ahmed Ogiefo,
and Jerome Gillis. The student
Several teachers cheered their fellow faculty members on during the
game.
coach was senior Tai Marshall.
On the faculty’s team were Mr.
Sommerville, Mr. Harrison, Mrs.
Wenchel, Mr. Turner, Mr. Alexander, Coach Payton, Coach Ox,
Principal Jones, and Mr. Scott.
The first shot for the students’ team was made by senior
Kordell Jordan and the teachers’
first shot was made by Sommerville. The next couple of shots
were made by the students and
they slowly started to pull ahead.
Soon enough Mrs. Wenchel
was taken out of the game due to
an injury and Mr. Turner replaced
her. Turner started putting numbers on the scoreboard and had the
teachers catch up with the aid of
Coach Payton. Shortly after that
Principal Jones was put in the
game to a chorus of friendly boos.
“My boy Blair Warr did a
number; young K.D. in the
making,” said junior Bakniya
Stewart. Oodles of students
thought the same thing; Warr
did his job as point guard and
was in for most of the game.
The students were ahead
of the faculty for the entire
A smothering defense helped the students upset the teachers.
game. At half-time the score
was 26-21 and the cheerleaders did a short halftime show.
Robert Jordan made the first
shot after halftime, and even when
the teachers were up on the students with a full-court press the
students were still able to play
hard. They all worked together as a team and assisted each
other’s shots. During the game
Kordell was able to catch his
own rebound and make his shot.
“It was a good game,” stated
sophomore Ivie Foster. “The teachers thought they were going to win,
but then my man made a shot...“
“A shot at the buzzer,” senior
Shayla Jenkins mentions as her
highlight. Freshman Bridgette
Manful and senior Corry Blake
said they won’t forget the collision between between Mr. Alexander and student Tamia Coleman.
Blake added, “Kordell did really well with his lay-ups.”
As the buzzer sounded, the final score: Students 53 Faculty 49.
April/May 2013
Page 23
The Shield
Outdoor Track Team Competes in Penn Relays
Coach Broadhurst Plans to Take Runners to Nationals
I
By Keren Vital
t’s their last chance to
make their mark for the
year. The running Spartans
have a team filled with new
people for the year: Bridgette
Manful, Autumn Boone, Caleb McCammon, Tomi DayoOtekurnrin, Robert Brack,
Diamond Hutchinson, Mundi
Ibemsi, John Ruahana, Chinedu
Nwabuisu, Blair Warr, Zachary
Crowell, and Cynthia Leandro.
With the aid of five other assistant coaches, Head Coach Ken
Broadhurst plans to take runners from the team to Nationals.
The returning veteran runners include Tori Eley, Nadjad
Nikobou, Keren Vital, Aaron
Dowell, Malik Harvin, DaRuan
Bynoe, and Gregg Walker. The
graduating senior is Blair Warr.
Recently the Spartans traveled up to the University of
Pennsylvania in Philadelphia
for the annual 119th Penn Relays. Over 22,000 athletes participated from over 60 countries,
and over 100,000 people came
to watch. History was made by
both Jamaicans and USA teams.
Members of Laurel’s team
participated in the girls and
boys’ 4X400 and in the boys’ sic at North Point High School. set their own personal record.
The Falcon Invitational was at
4X100. The teams place in the DaRaun Bynoe made it to the
second half of all the entries. 200 finals and came in third at Central High School on March
Freshman Caleb McCammon 22.23 seconds. Blair Warr came 30. For the 100 meter dash
says, “Although we didn’t in second for the 800 at 2.00.22 Tomi Dayo-Otekurnrin came
place high, it was a good ex- minutes. The boys came in at fifteenth in 12.68 seconds.
The first meet of the season
perience for everyone to com- fourth for their 4x100 meter
pete on a national level.” relay at 45.85 seconds. During was the Seahawk Invitational
on
March
The Dar23 at South
ius Ray InRiver High
vitational on
School. For
April 19 was
the 100 meter
a meet for
dash Malik
the girls. It
Harvin came
was their secin
twentiond twilight
eth place at
meet, where
12.16
secthey run in
onds
and
the dark, but
Tomi Dayobecause
of
Otekurnrin
the rain storm
came
in
on the way
twentythey had to
eighth
at
rush the en12.32 sectire meet. In Thousands of players and spectators alike attended the 2013 Penn Relays.
-photo by K.V.
onds. For
the middle
the 200 meof the girls’
4x400 meter relay, all the their 4x400 meter relay, they ter dash Tomi Dayo-Otekurnrin
girls were cleared off the came in third at 3:33.57 min- came in thirty-fifth at 26.66
track because it started pour- utes and in their 4x800 relay seconds and John Rauhana
ing. The pop-off and second they came in third at 8:28.75. came in thirty-seventh at 26.68
leg were upset because they The team also attended the seconds. For the 400 meter dash
felt they had run for no reason. H.D. Woodson Invitational. Keren Vital came in eighth at
The next day the boys atAt the Dunbar’s Crimson 64.06 seconds, Bridgette Mantended the Waldorf Track Clas- Tide Invitational the girls’ relay ful came in twelfth at 65.93
seconds, DaRuan Bynoe came
in fourteenth at 55.39 seconds,
and Aaron Dowell came in
thirty-first at 58.30 seconds.
For the 800 meter race
Cynthia Leandro came in
forty-third at 3:31.13 minutes, Damon Watson-Willis
came third at 2:07.50 minutes,
Chinedu Nwabuisu came in
twenty-fourth at 2:25.71 minutes, and Robert Brack came in
thirty-fifth at 2:42.07 minutes.
In the 1600 meter race
Caleb McCammon came in
seventeenth at 5:01.26 minutes and Blair Warr came in
twentieth at 5:03.39 minutes.
For the 4x400 meter relay the girls’ team came in
fourth at 4:20.48 minutes
and the boys’ came in second at 3:35.03 minutes.
For the 4x800 meter race
the girls’ came in eleventh
at 12:18.48 minutes and the
boys’ came in tenth 9:41.85
minutes. In the shot put,
throw, Pedro Aguilar came in
thirty-fifth at 24-05-00 and
thirty-first at 65-03 for discus.
The team hopes to do well
in the remaining meets which
include County and Regionals
and even States if they qualify.
SENIORS!
TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO SUBMIT YOUR LAST WILLS AND TESTAMENTS
Be Remembered and leave your favorite memories to both your fellow
seniors and underclassmen. Don’t forget about your parents and teachers!
SPECIAL REDUCED PRICE ONLY $1.00
You may write up to 400 words
May 13 is the last day for Last Wills and Testaments to be turned in. They will be printed and
published in 2000 issues of the June Senior Graduation Issue of The Shield.
Please save it to a flash drive and see Mr. Giuliani in room 269 or send email to [email protected]
Page 24
April/May 2013
The Shield
Students Dive Into Fun at
Spartan Fair
Vendors were invited to participate.
Assistant Principal Michael Dinkins takes a pie to
the face.
Children enjoyed face painting.
Police Officer Debbie Toppins gets creamed!
Assistant Principal Scott smiles as he awaits his
fate.
O
By Kayleen Yermal
n a breezy, sunny day students and members of the
community attended this
year’s Spartan Fair, which was held
on Saturday April 20. Their attendance and purchases supported Laurel’s clubs, classes, and sports teams.
Main Office Secretary Sharon Clifford organized this year’s event. She
said that in order to prepare for the fair,
she “made signs and sent out emails
to vendors to get them to participate.”
Many of the Laurel High
School’s clubs and classes had to
prepare for the fair as well. “We
had a meeting and decided what
we would sell, we put in our application, and got our pizza,” said
Spanish Club Sponsor Sonia Silas.
The weather this year had an impact
on the day. “The wind is making it very
cold,” stated senior Brandi Chruchwell, who helped the Green Club sell
snow cones. The debate team, which
sold baked goods, unanimously
agreed that it was in fact a windy day.
Despite the wind, many students came
out this year. “It was a little bit better
than last year, but we would like more
people to come out,” said Clifford.
The students who did come out
seemed to have a great time. “My
favorite part was getting to hang out
with friends and support the clubs,”
exclaimed sophomore Tracy Nguyen.
“My favorite part was getting to know school spirit,” announced sophomore Riley Horn.
Senior Rachel Daniel stated her
favorite part of the fair was the
food. There were many food options at the fair, including chicken
wings, pizza (sold by the Spanish
Club), and hot dogs and hamburgers (sold by the volleyball team).
There were also activities
such as a moon bounce, pick a
flower, and the fish bowl game.
Throughout the day, there were certain scheduled events that took place.
JROTC had a car wash where they
raised close to $300, and at 2:15, the
modeling team performed in the gym.
The main events of the Spartan Fair, of course, were the pie toss
and dunk tank. Students bought
tickets to either throw pies at Mr.
Dinkins and Mrs. Toppins or try
to dunk Social Studies Instructor
Brian Wenk, and many of the administrators. These staff members
threw out jokes and taunts like, “I
haven’t submitted your final grade
yet” and “You’re thinking too much.”
Both students and teachers
tried to dunk the staff members in
the tank. English Instructor Robert
Giuliani dunked Mr. Scott four out
of six throws. Scott was very cordial
about the situation. Students were
very enthusiastic about these events.
“I would love to get Dinkins in the face with a pie,” exclaimed
senior
Eric
Smith.
Senior Andrew Johnson said
he
enjoyed
“watching
Mr.
Wenk fall into the water.”
At about 4:30, it was closing
time and students went home after another successful Spartan Fair.
The cherry blossom trees were in full bloom during the fair.
-photos by R.G. & R.H.
Freshman Jillian Thornton is Patrick
Star!
Mr. Giuliani attempts to dunk Principal Jones
since his on-target ball didn’t dislodge the seat.
Ms. Achirimofor plants a tree two days before
Earth Day.
Many students spent the entire afternoon at
the fair.
Green Club members had fun at the fair.
April/May 2013
Page 3
The Shield
News
WWE Diva Champion Speaks Out Against Bullying
Kaitlyn Visits Laurel High School as Part of Anti-Bullying Campaign
By Alexa Thornton
M
“
y favorite part
[of my job] is
obviously being
actually in the ring... but
other than that, it’s getting to do stuff like this for
real, because I feel like being able to talk to kids and
young adults is so awesome
for me—and hopefully it is
for them—because I feel
like I relate really well to
younger people because
I’m younger and I feel like
I still have the same kind
of mindset... it’s just cool
to have someone want to
listen to me and can be
inspired by it,” explained
WWE Divas Champion
Celeste Bonin—publicly
recognized as “Kaitlyn”—
during her recent visit
to Laurel High School.
The wrestler appeared in
the auditorium for a short
presentation and signing
on March 25, where she
spoke briefly as part of an
anti-bullying
campaign
and answered a few questions from the audience.
“For someone
who is being bullied, I know it’s
very very hard to
speak up and do
something about
it but just always
know that you always have your
teachers and you
always have your
parents, and you
always have your
peers... and if you
see someone being bullied,” Kaitlyn said, “from
Kaitlyn enjoys visiting schools to help kids and promote healthy ways of dealing
with issues.
-photo by N.I.
personal
experience, my
brother
was bullied and I
never really realized how
bad it was
until I got
older and
I realized
how bad
it had affected
him, so if
you see it
and you
don’t do
anything
about it,
it’s
almost as
bad as being part of it.”
Kaitlyn added that she is
part of the WWE community’s anti-bullying campaign, be a STAR (Show
Tolerance and Respect).
Although her presentation was cut short due to
the county’s two-hour delay that day, Kaitlyn also
spoke about her experience in WWE and how
she came to be the Divas
division champion— after having followed wrestling as a kid and trained
as a body-builder, she rose
above other competitors
in season three of WWE
NXT, eventually making it
to her hometown of Houston to capture the Divas
Championship. “I’ve always been super competi-
tive and driven,” she told
the LHS audience, adding
that “it’s so so important
to have goals and dreams.”
A question from the audience then prompted Kaitlyn to explain the legitimacy of WWE: “Everything
that happens in the ring is
predetermined, but what
happens in the ring is
real... the pain is real.” She
explained that the matches could also be changed
based on reactions from
the audience if it were seen
fit. She is currently participating in Wrestlemania, an
event she has been looking
forward to. She exclaimed,
“This is literally our busiest time of year; I’ve been
home two days in the entire month of March!”
Page 4
April/May 2013
The Shield
County Executive Gains Partial Control of School Board
Maryland General Assembly Weakens Bill in Light of Legislators’ Concerns
By Alexa Thornton
A
fter
several
weeks of deliberation
and
controversy, the
Maryland House of Delegates made a final decision to approve a modified
version of Prince George’s
County Executive Rushern
Baker’s proposal to “take
over” the county school system, putting him in charge
of the appointment of the
county superintendent and
reducing the power of the
elected Board of Education.
On April 6 the Maryland
House of Delegates voted 8145 to pass the bill, which was
introduced back in March,
after various compromises
had been made to satisfy
both Baker─ who attempted
to dissolve the elected Board
altogether and replace it with
an appointed one in 2002─
and critics of the proposal.
In the original plan, Baker
had asked for both the power
to directly appoint the superintendent of schools as well
as the power to control the
school system’s $1.7 billion
budget. This would mean, for
instance, that the superinten- is going to be deleted, but it in the past ten years─ in his
dent would become a cab- may be fine-tuned.” She add- reasons for his ambition.
inet-level position, giving ed of the proposal, “I don’t Supporters have added on to
him or her much more power. see much harm in it and I this list, complaining about
However, it also would think it will pass because the Board’s inconsistency in
mean that teachers’ sala- people will begin to realize dealing with matters such as
ries would be set by
transportation, accountthe superintendent inability, and the fact
stead of negotiated by
that Prince George’s
the School Board. This
County Public Schools
particular ramification
are near the bottom
caused much unrest
of statewide rankings.
among teacher associa“I can understand
tions and unions who
why the County Execubelieve their bargaintive or any other entity
ing power would be
might want to adopt
diminished as a result.
this posture because
Laurel High School
unfortunately, we have
Social Studies Instrucbeen low performing in
tor Sundra Banks was
the state... the natural
among those coninclination is ‘I can do
cerned, commenting, “I
a better job.’ Hopefully
think teachers warrant
it’s about what’s best
some kind of protection
for the students and not
from authoritative ensome personal agenda...
tities and the potential
He has an obligation to
of abusive edicts... the
see that students get the
County Executive Rushern Baker
county in general is opbest education possi-photo by quickfeetsoccer.org
posed [to this aspect].”
ble,” remarked Banks.
Social Studies Instructor that the years we’ve been
Social Studies Instructor
Lauren Boyd, on the other doing it this way, we haven’t Brennan, however, mused,
hand, was confident that her gotten much headway.” “It’s a power grab by the
rights would be protected:
Baker insisted that these County Executive who re“That will probably come in measures would provide ally has no background in
another form or a better for- better accountability for education and I don’t see
mat... I really don’t think it the issues plaguing Prince how things can improve
G e o r g e ’ s when someone who is in
C o u n t y charge of education has no
P u b l i c background in education.”
Schools. He
“I was very concerned
noted the about the amount of power
lack of im- that Rushern Baker wantprovement ed. He didn’t get it, thankin student fully... Nonetheless, I think
p e r f o r - the whole idea about doing
mance and something to replace the
the
rapid School Board is warranted
change of because of the fact that… it’s
s u p e r i n - been a political football for as
ten d en ts ─ long as I can remember; it’s
there have where people get their startbeen five ing point in politics… sim-
ply to make connections,”
commented Social Studies
Instructor Joseph Rooney.
Still, others raised the
concern that if this legislation passed, it would set an
unfavorable precedent for
other counties that may not
even need such bold actions.
To quell these objections, the
Maryland General Assembly
weakened the bill: control of
the budget was erased from
the terms, left to the Board
of Education as it is now,
and instead of complete control over the appointment
of the superintendent─ who
will now be referred to as
the CEO of PGCPS─ Baker
will be able to choose from a
list of three candidates given
to him by a search committee appointed by Maryland
Governor Martin O’Malley.
The School Board will
then appoint the superintendent following contract
negotiations with the chair.
In addition to this,
WJLA.com reports that four
new members will be added
to the P.G. County School
Board, three of which will
be appointed by Baker.
Likewise, he will be able to
choose the Board’s chairman and vice-chairman, although the vice-chairman
must be an elected member.
The bill also states that in the
event that the School Board
wishes to overturn any decision the superintendent
makes, a vote by two-thirds
of the Board is required.
O’Malley signed the legislation on April 9, and it will
go into effect on June 1. In
the 2018 legislative session,
the bill will be up for review
by the General Assembly.
April/May 2013
Page 5
The Shield
Reliford and Husband Compete on The Newlywed Game
LHS English Instructor Mrs. Reliford Wins All-Expenses-Paid Trip to Jamaica
I
By Abigail Appiah
magine being on a TV
game show with your new
spouse after having just
been wed and having to answer questions about his best
features, childhood memories,
things you would like to change
about him, celebrity crushes,
and even his former dates.
This scenario was a reality
for Laurel High School English
Instructor Stephanie Reliford
when she competed, along
with her husband, Anthony,
against two other couples on
GSN’s The Newlywed Game.
According to gsntv.com,
“The Newlywed Game is
GSN’s modern installment of
the classic series showcasing
three newly married couples.”
The newlyweds compete
During the summer of 2012, people get cold feet because
against each other by guessing
the answers of their spouses. the Relifords had a joint idea to of the cameras and because
any
questions
Hosted by
can be asked.
Sherri ShepWhen asked
herd, the show
about
stage
is meant to
fright, Reliford
show spouses
stated, “I didn’t
how well they
calm down until
know
each
the show was finother.
ished and I tried
In order to
not to show it [her
be on the show,
nervousness].”
a couple has to
She and her
send an email
husband met in
to the proMarch of 2011,
ducers of the
an event that led
show, and they
Mrs. Reliford and her husband enjoy being pulled by a speedboat on
to the altar in
then
receive
the waters of the Caribbean in Jamaica.
-photo by Jamaican photography
May of 2012.
an application.
Reliford reThe couple
is later expected to have a video register for the show. After they vealed the most embarrasschat interview on Skype with the were chosen, they flew to New ing question she answered: “If
producer; the chosen contestants York City for the shooting. The you could teach your husband
are later notified of their selection. show isn’t shot live, but many anything, what would it be?”
And she answered, “I would
teach him how to dance.”
After several rounds of
questions, the Relifords were
pronounced
the
winners.
“We were excited, but we already knew we won,” explained
Reliford after the victory.
She and her husband won a
four-day all-expense-paid trip
to Negril, Jamaica, which is
about a 90 minute drive from
the Montego Bay Airport.
Reliford and her husband decided to depart during Spring Break.
When asked about her vacation, Reliford exclaimed, “It
was better than I expected! It
was wonderful! We enjoyed the
all-inclusive aspect of the resort, and we enjoyed it so much,
we’re booking another vacation to another Sandals Resort.”
Career Day Offers One-on-One Insight for Students
New Career Day Format Allows Juniors and Seniors to Focus on Specific Paths
By Jillian Thornton
Since elementary school we
have all enjoyed that one special day
of the year filled with guests, ranging from firemen to police officers to
nurses, coming into our classrooms
and teaching us about what they do.
Here at Laurel High School,
English Instructor Michelle McQuillan-Thomas and Cosmetology
Instructor Gina Simpson have been
working arduosly to arrange enjoyable Career Day activities for many
years. Laurel High’s upperclassmen
have witnessed past Career Days at
the school; speakers from all fields
would go from class to class to give
students an idea of what they do at
work. However, Simpson and McQuillan-Thomas, both having been
setting up the Career Day activities
for over a decade, had something entirely different planned for this year.
“In the past, speakers [had] been
scheduled into as many classes as
possible and moved from room to
room. Although this allowed each
student to hear about different careers, it did not guarantee that a
student would hear about any careers in which they had an interest,” explains McQuillan-Thomas.
Thus, on Friday, April 26, Ca- and even acting have been parts of part of Career Day. While visiting
reer Day took on an entirely new past Career Days events. This year, her former teacher, Mr. Giuliani, it
format. Prior to the event, McQuil- guests also included a magician, an was discovered that LHS had been
lan-Thomas remarked, “This year engineer, a radio host, a journalist, an important stepping stone to her
students will be able to speak with and a librarian, among many more. being a physical therapist: she first
individuals and learn about the ca- According to Simpson, any inter- became interested in the profesreers in which they have an interest.” ested professionals were invited to sion when she became acquainted
“It’s going to be more like a come in and contribute as speakers. with an athletic trainer after having
college fair,” claribeen injured playfied Simpson in
ing volleyball, and
the weeks leading
Science Instructor
up to the event.
Mr. Daniels recomThis year, juniors
mended that she
and seniors were
explore the path of
encouraged
to
physical
therapy.
visit
individual
She later achieved
tables in the aua Doctorate in
ditorium
lobby
physical
therapy.
to talk about the
Giuliani gushed,
careers they were
“I have had lots
specifically interof former students
ested in pursuing.
return, but one
The purpose of
with her Doctorthis new setup was
ate...outstanding!”
to give kids more Students interested in childcare had an opportunity to speak to women
So how do stuinsight and to be working at the Loving Hands Enrichment Center.
-photo by R.H. dents usually reable to focus on
act to Career Day?
one career type. The speakers held This allows students a wide variety Are they being significantly affectdemonstrations, on-sight interview- of information for them to explore as ed? “We hope so,” laughs Simpson.
ing, and other one-on-one types of many different careers as possible.
“Students who take advantage
learning for interested students.
One of these people was a Class of the day by coming dressed proProfessionals in law, educa- of 2002 graduate, Dr. Jeanna Brown, fessionally with an inquisitive
tion, culinary arts, dancing, politics, who returned to Laurel High to be mind, a resume, and a willingness
to learn will get a lot out of Career Day,” remarks McQuillanThomas. Many students have
benefitted from the event in the
past and are very appreciative.
Career Day seemed to have a
very positive effect on many Laurel
High students.“I enjoyed the new
version of Career Day because it
allowed students to converse with
adults who have a job that pertains
to their interests… which helps
students gain a better understanding in a one-on-one conversation.
However, I did think the calling of
the tickets wasn’t always clear,”
commented junior Marvin Howell.
However, some students preferred the old format: “I thought
that the way they did it this year
was too much trouble and didn’t
benefit as many people as it could
have because freshmen and sophomores were left out. The old
format was more accessible although personally I’m glad I had
the opportunity to go because I
found a potential summer job,”
remarked junior Alexa Thornton.
Overall students definitely
seem to enjoy the annual opportunity to dress professionally
and learn about potential careers.
Page 6
The Shield
April/May 2013
Laurel High School Celebrates Earth Day
Green Club and Gardening Program Entice Students to Go Green
By Avril Ricketts
“I think it’s a day devoted
to the earth’s well-being, even
though every day should [be],”
stated freshman Cameron
Smith as he responded to the
question: What is Earth Day?
Earth Day is an annual day
on which events are held
worldwide to demonstrate
support for environmental
protection. This event happens every year on April 22.
Earth Day was founded in
1970 and has been going on
for 43 years now, having become a tradition all over the
world. It is also recognized
as International Mother Earth
Day, which was adopted by
the United Nations in 2009.
At Laurel High School,
two groups participate in
helping the earth: The Green
Club and Nurse Muriel Crentsil’s Gardening Program.
For Earth Day, the members Soil, constructed by seniors the enclosed courtyard, was creof the Green Club were at the Nathan Blagg and Elizabeth ated in 2010 and is a part of the
Spartan Fair selling snow cones Beckley; and Plains, created Alliance for Healthier Generaand presenting poster boards. by freshman Kevin Afoak- tion/Healthy Schools Program.
The boards demonstrated facts wah, sophomore Brian Cascro, Students learn how to beautify
they have learned from En- and senior Anthony Brack. Laurel High School’s environment
while
virothon, which
having the benis a competition
efit of physical
Green Club has
activity in the
participated
in
garden.
Stuevery year in ordents can earn
der to inform the
community
students of Lauservice hours
rel about various
by
working
aspects of enviwith the nurse
ronmental issues.
Category postin the garden
as well. Media
ers include: WildSpecialist Liz
life, created by
Achirimofor
seniors
Frank
also helps with
Carranza
and
the
garden.
Avril
Ricketts;
Members of the Green Club sold snow cones at the Spartan Fair.
Last year
Aquatics,
done
-photo by R.H.
the students of
by
sophomore
the
Health
Taqque Porcer and senior Eric
“[Earth Day is] being
Smith; Forestry, done by senior environmentally
friend- Club had the opportunity
Brandi Churchwell and sopho- ly,” Watson-Willis stated. to visit and work with Mimore Daa’im Watson-Willis;
Laurel’s garden, located in chelle Obama’s garden for
a day at the White House.
The students have mainly
grown fruits and vegetables in
and out of seasons, and have
used the food they have grown
in the Food and Nutrition classroom to make healthy dishes.
The Green Club would
like everyone to get involved
in protecting the earth by participating in something that
will help Mother Nature. Not
just on April 22, but everyday
pick up a piece of trash off the
ground and put it in the recycling bin, turn off the faucet
or go out and plant something.
Senior Correy Blake explains, “I think Earth Day is a
great way to show people of
earth that it is crucial to protect the planet that we live on.”
Ms. S. Johnson, Ms. Malloy, Ms. Achirimofor, Ms.
Archer of the University of
Maryland, Ms. Adams, and the
Green Club members hope you
all had a “Happy Earth Day.”
Turf Might Replace Grass on PGCPS Football Fields
Proposed Schedule Sets Laurel to Have Fields Replaced with Artificial Turf by 2017
By Kyle Raynor
Prince George’s County
representatives are pushing
the proposal to replace all high
school football fields in Prince
George’s County with artificial turf. The bill states that
all fields will be installed with
turf by the end of the 2019 fiscal year; the six-year project
will be funded by Program
Open Space, a land preservation program that is funded by
a state real estate transfer tax,
along with federal programs.
Delegate Jay Walker (DDist. 26) stated in The Gazette that the county would
pay $600,000 for each field.
Walker also stated in the ar- Coach Todd Sommerville ing on a ragged field. In the
ticle that maintenance for turf states, “Turf fields have nu- long run, turf fields will provide more
fields compared
performance
to grass fields
output for
is
drastically
players and
more cost effecless fatigue
tive. “Maintainon the body
ing current grass
if they can
fields,
which
play on a
includes waterfield
deing, fixing divots,
signed
to
draining them,
hold up in
and
deeding
any weather
them, amongst
condition.”
other
things,
Safety
costs $30,000 a
If a bill is passed Laurel High’s football field could be replaced with
is a major
year. Maintain- artificial turf.
-photo from sj.sunne.ws
factor in
ing a turf field
would cost $3,000 a year.” merous benefits. They allow sports and dirt fields are more
Laurel High Physical Edu- multiple sports to be played saturated than turf as well as
cation Instructor and Football all year ‘round without play- often lacking grass; there are
many rocks on the surface,
which can create more fatigue for a player and pose
a potential safety hazard.
Unfortunately, because turf is
rubber, the fields will be hotter
in the summer and may cause
comfort issues, but in the end,
turf has the major benefit of
being able to be used in almost
any environment! Games will
no longer be canceled because
of fields that flooded from a
rain storm that occurred even
a week prior to the game.
Laurel High, along with
Central, Potomac, and Parkdale High Schools, is currently scheduled to have its grass
field replaced with turf by the
end of the fiscal year of 2017.
April/May 2013
Feature
Page 7
The Shield
Prom Expenses Are Skyrocketing
Girls
F
Comparing Costs for Prom Night
By Gracey Mathi
or many teenage girls, prom is the night your class will be
together for the last time before graduation. It is viewed
as a time to reminisce about the memories formed in
the past four years. but Prom Night doesn’t come cheap.
There are plenty of ways to accomplish your perfect prom on a
budget. But for those who decide to go all out, prom can quickly
add up to a costly night. Every year, teenage girls spend hundreds
of dollars on prom. This includes paying to get all dolled up, buying a dress and shoes, arranging for flashy transportation, and getting a
boutonniere for their date. And then there’s paying for the actual ticket!
For Laurel High School seniors, the evening to remember starts with, what
feels like, a mere $90. This $90 ticket includes entry into the dance, including dinner and beverages. This makes costs for a pre-prom dinner unnecessary.
Once the cost of the prom ticket is out of the way, girls can finally focus on what
follows soon thereafter and what has been anticipated for the longest—buying the
perfect prom dress! Choosing a prom dress is the pre-prom headache that gets girls
the most excited about prom. Most prom dresses can cost between $100 and $400.
Senior Maria Llinas, who was asked to prom sophomore year, says there
are many expenses for a girl. In addition to paying $250 for the prom dress,
some of her expenses include shoes ($25-$130), getting a manicure
($14-$80), getting her hair styled ($25-150), jewelry and accessories
($50 and up), and the boutonniere for her date ($10-$20). Some
girls even opt to have their makeup professionally
done.
Transportation is another important contributing factor that can add
significantly to the prom tab. Sure,
your Mom could probably spot you
and your date a ride but wouldn’t it be
more exciting to arrive to the beginning of
the best night of your life in a limo or party
bus? Renting a limo is an extravagant option, but it is very common when it comes
to prom. They can cost anywhere from
$200 to $500. Most girls get together with a small
group of close friends and their dates and split
the cost, which is an ideal option for those on a budget.
It’s no secret that prom is crazy expensive. “Planning memories costs a lot, but it’s worth it,” explained
senior Jasmine Mobley when asked what compels
her to spend $175 to $2100 on prom. Yet, preparations for prom are so much more focused on materialistic things that some students forget to reflect on
what it really should mean to them; it is not about the dress or food. It is not
about the limo or shoes. It’s the night. It’s that one last dance in a senior’s
high school career. Prom is a night that will never be forgotten because it is
the dance that has been in the works ever since a girl learns of it as a child.
C
-danceclassonline.in
Guys
By Correy Blake
osts on prom night can differ greatly; expenses can range
from around $150 to as much as $1500, but you don’t have
to spend a fortune to have a good time. Thinking and
planning ahead may have great benefits: be sure
that you decide on your budget for each particular item and that it is quality that you pay for.
These costs, however, may be different for guys than they would be for girls.
Item Number one is the corsage, which is
customary to buy for your date, and it is key that
the corsage you choose doesn’t clash with either
of your outfits. The average cost is between $25
and $50. A convenient store to go to for this is the
flower shop on Main Street called Rainbow Florist.
Item number two is the ticket. The cost for
the prom ticket at Laurel High School is $90, so
guys, you better save up if you’re planning on buying a ticket for your date in addition to your own.
Another very important item is your tuxedo. It is a
must. It is considered semi-formal attire and it’s crucial that you like how you look, but the costs will be
between $175 and $300, depending on the extras,
as the price increases as you get fancier. Grace’s
Bridal and Tuxedo in Laurel is one ideal place
to go for this. Senior Kyle Raynor is fortunate
to own a tuxedo, so one less expense for him.
On your special night you will also
need some form of transportation and if a limousine is what you want, be sure that the limousine service is licensed by the state and
research the service thoroughly in order
to be prepared. One such service is MDV
Limousine on Mews Ct in Laurel. The standard cost for a limo may be around $400.
A final expense is optional. Although there will be food provided at the prom,
some want a private dinner with that special
someone, or a group of friends away from the
frenzy of the prom. My advice is to eat local
in Laurel instead of the possibility of getting
lost in the city maze of Baltimore. Some establishments in the vicinity include T.G.I
Fridays, Applebee’s, Olive Garden, and
Red Lobster, most of which are located along Route 1. A decent dinner will
cost about $30 a person including all entrees.
Remember seniors: this is your special
night. For most of you it will be the only prom that
you will ever attend. Make it a night to remember!
Page 8
April/May 2013
The Shield
Should Parents Decide Child’s College Major?
Students Appreciate the Guidance and Influence but Forcing Is Another Issue
By Abigail Appiah
It’s application time once
again, and as we put together
application packages, our
parents fuss and worry about
our choice of degree and colleges. Most parents already
have visions of what they’d
like to see their kids become
as soon as they’re born, but
a teenager’s idea of a “cool
career” is bound to be different from their parents’ ideas.
Most parents are supportive
of their child’s college major
when it’s in the typical “money-making” fields such as science, technology, engineering,
and mathematics (STEM),
but are they as readily supportive of a career in the Arts,
entertainment, and sports
world, where there are smaller chances of success than
the previously listed areas?
Choosing a college major
because you were positively
influenced or want to follow in
a family member’s footsteps
is one thing, but it’s quite
another to be coaxed or even
forced into a college major
because it’s what your family
believes you should get into.
“My parents have a major influence on my career
choice. Even though I have
a choice, they guide me to
which one would suit me
most because they know me
best,” remarked junior Nahl
Ilyas, who is planning on
becoming a math professor.
“She can choose a career
with a lot of math or a lot
of English as long as she’s
not a bum,” explained Math
Instructor
Karl Holovach
about his young daughter.
Junior Timi Daramola, a
future medical student commented, “I don’t think parents should have any influence on our career choices
because we’re the ones going to college-not them.”
To those of you who have
decided to pursue a major
outside the typical “moneymaking” fields, how did your
parents react to your choice?
Did they encourage you? If
you’ve already chosen your
degree, are the job options
available shocking to you?
“I wanted to do something in
cosmetology and fashion design, but I didn’t choose either
as my major because they don’t
offer a lot of jobs,” lamented senior Jasmine Mobley.
“Psychology is my major,
with music as my minor. My
parents support me because I
have a backup plan [in case
my music doesn’t work out].
If my parents ever decide
not to pay for my education
I’ll work and pay for it myself,” disclosed aspiring musician junior Ayrton Soumah.
When thinking about pursuing a dream, one should
remember that it takes
money to fund a passion.
Students should be prepared
to explain what college major they want to pursue, what
led to this decision and present an explanation as to why
it is important that the student receive the family’s
support, even if the parents
disagree with the choice.
Vibrant Spring Fashions Emerge this Season
Styles Adapt to the Change in Weather; Rihanna Sets the Pace
By Abigail Appiah
and Nasima Felder
Spring is usually the season
to bring out the floral and colorful clothes from our closets.
Last year’s spring fashions
highlighted Sixties neon colors, which are returning this
spring along with pastel colors. “For females, we usually
sell a lot of pastel colors and for
the males, Ralph Lauren Polos,” commented Belinda Williams, one of the managers at
Marshalls Department Store.
To cheer up after a gray,
dreary winter, pop colors
will sometimes be seen worn
from head to toe. Michael
Kors is one of the many designers to embrace this trend.
His designs include a suit
in primary yellow, a dress
in bright primary red and a
bright blue coat. For petites
who would like to adopt this
trend, the trick is to wear
colors that accentuate your
complexion and hair color.
There’s always a lot to
look forward to every season,
from engaging in new trends
to wearing the latest clothing
from our favorite designers.
Pop singer, turned fashion icon, Rihanna, who was
Bright-colored Doc Martens
boots range from $100 to $200.
-photo from onlineshoes.com
crowned Billboard’s num- Doc Martens, which were
ber one top 40 artists of the introduced in the Sixties, are
decade, released her cloth- making a huge comeback
ing line with River Island this spring. Originally worn
on March 5; just in time for by people into punk fashion,
spring. Aimed at “sassy young these stylish, yet comfortable
personalities,” the diverse boots, are now being worn by
collection is supposedly “ca- celebrities like Avril Lavigne,
sual, chic and flirty” and for
“all different body types.”
Rihanna has already set
many trends including her
oversized camouflage jacket,
shaved-side hair and double-topped cropped jeans.
Guys can be seen sporting colors such as dusk blue,
poppy red, lemon zest, and
nectarine (this year’s version
of tangerine). Senior Correy
Blake said, “Its going to be
hot so I’m wearing light clothing like plaid shorts and light
colored shirts.”
Colored
trench coats are also in for
males this spring. Brown is Rihanna’s double-topped cropped
one of the colors that guys can jeans are currently sold out online
use to offset the bright colors.
-photo from shopstyleceleb.com
As far as neon colors go,
Jessica Alba, Miley Cyrus, and
Kristen Stewart. Some of us
may recall Nicki Minaj wearing bright colored Doc Martens in her “Super Bass” video.
When it comes to sneakers, many people will be seen
rocking bright colored sneakers like the Nike Lebron X,
Nike Zoom Hyperflight PRM
and Nike Barkley Posite Max.
These sneakers were released
during March and April.
In makeup, dark berry lips
are the thing. This look gives
a cool gothish, yet stylish
look. Celebrities like Rihanna, Solange Knowles, Kelly
Osbourne, and Emma Stone
have been spotted rocking this
look many times on the red
carpet, which means there’s
no doubt dark berry lips
will be popular this spring.
Fashion repeats itself: one
minute you can be dressed
in the hottest look, and
the next you can be totally out of style and date.
April/May 2013
News Briefs
LHS Science
Fair Winners
Awarded at
County Fair
The winners of the LHS
Science Fair attended the
County Science Fair on
March 8 and did an exemplary job representing
Laurel High. Sophomores
Tiara Njie and Nahbila
Bassah won the Senior
Category Awards and the
Best Exhibit Award in the
category of chemistry.
Sophomore Syed Hussain
also placed in the Best Ex-
hibit Award and the Senior
Special Awards in the category of chemistry. Sophomore Fatima Beri placed in
the Senior Special Awards.
German
Students Meet
with GoetheInstitute
Representatives
The German students of
LHS recently had the opportunity to meet with representatives from GoetheInstitute in Washington,
DC. The Goethe-Institute
is a German cultural center, with a main goal of
promoting the German
language in the U.S. The
Representatives,
Craig
Childers, a Language Program Coordinator, and
Sarah Yabroff, Coordinator
of Transatlantic Outreach
Programs, talked about
their jobs and how the German language is a beneficial language to learn. Then
the students had the opportunity to ask them questions. The German students
experienced how continuing to learn the language
will benefit them in life.
Patrons of the Press
Thank you for your support of student journalism!
Jan Lamanna
Anastasia Smith
Cathy Strine-Adams
Yum’s Restaurant
Suah Deddeh
Brenda Givens
Malik Mendez /
Geiner and Mark Winkey
Rebecca Jurney
Xavier Hurley
Felicia Myers / Xavier Sykes
Lisa Ojeda-Brown
Mary Dawn Dobson
Rose
Robert and Melissa Maher
Lanell and Francine Barnes
Elizabeth Lesser
Eileen and Michael Thornton
Page 9
The Shield
Empty Bowls
Fundraiser
Helps Fight
Hunger
Laurel High School is
partnering up with FISH
of Laurel to raise hunger
awareness. The second annual Empty Bowls fundraiser was held on April 26
from 5:30-7:00. The cost of
dinner was $15 per person;
all proceeds were donated
to FISH of Laurel to help
fight hunger. Addition-
ally, there was a silent auction of items which were
donated from the Laurel/
Beltsville Senior Center.
Cosmetology
Class Collects
Wigs for Cancer
Patients
Cosmetology is refurbishing used and new wigs
to donate to cancer patients. Many students have
donated wigs so that they
will be used to help cancer
patients See Ms. Ballenger for more information.
Pregnant?
The choice is yours.
Choose to know.
pregnancy tests
options education
viablility ultrasound
support services
free and confidential 301-776-9996
laurelpregnancycenter.org
Laurel Pregnancy Center