broadneck tribruin - january/february 2013

January/February 2013 Volume XXVII, Issue IV Annapolis, Maryland

TribruinBroadneck

Battle of the Bands:Epic 4 Nothing

School safety concerns

Where are they now?Stephen ReillyP. 12 P. 8 P. 10, 11 P. 19

Lacrosse recruiting

Kids with a future

The Bear Trap

Our purpose in publishing the Broadneck High School Tribruin is to disseminate information that pertains to the Broadneck High School population. As a staff, we will publish news, features and opinion articles for and about student, faculty and administration activities, interests and policies.We will seek out the truth and provide balance to each story. We will maintain high ethical standards in regard to fairness, personal and legal rights, responsibilities as journalists and most importantly —accuracy.We will clarify information, helping readers understand issues, situations, rules and changes.We will act as a monitor for the good of the school community.We will provide a public forum for responsible expression of our students’ opinions and present well-balanced, locally researched coverage of issues of broader student interest.We will publish articles, columns, editorials, letters and announcements about issues relating to students.We welcome diversity and increase the scope and depth of our coverage in order to heighten mutual understanding and awareness throughout our entire school community.

Tribruin Mission Statement

contents january 2013He said, she said: colored pants

The TribruinProudly serving the Broadneck

Community since 1985

Co-Editors-in-ChiefAlyssa Maltese

[email protected] Aldrich

[email protected]

Assistant Editors-in-Chief

Kelsey BartholdNews Editor

[email protected]

Christine ClarkePhoto Editor

[email protected]

Aleigh [email protected]

Section EditorsMeghan Cook

[email protected] Easthom

[email protected]

Taylor [email protected]

Sarah [email protected]

Business ManagerBradley Felton

[email protected]

WebmasterNick Bentley

[email protected]

AdviserKaren Hott, CJE

[email protected]

Alexandria [email protected]

Caryl De Los [email protected]

Staff Writers

Caitlyn [email protected]

Sarah [email protected]

Jayda [email protected]

Summer [email protected]

Emily [email protected]

Haley [email protected]

5 7 With the New Year, comes...

8 Where are they now? Stephen Reilly

10,11

Kids with a future

Lacrosse recruiting19Members of lacrosse team recruited for college teams

• Resolutions• Newly effective laws

• Classes for professions• Future Doctors

Organization• CAT South Nursing with

Melissa Roberson

14 Now on stage• Improv Club• Battle of the Bands

coverage

Girls’ and boys’ opinion on fashion choice of colored pants

World traveling entrepreneur

12 School safety Safety concerns arise after Sandy Hook shooting

17 Redskins vs. Ravens

Football team rivalries spark

PAGE 2 | TRIBRUIN | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

Teachers With Guns. It sounds like some sick and twisted Quentin Tarantino movie, or the title of a crazy episode of Law and Order. I can see a few teachers roaming the halls with a pistol, sneaking around the corners like they’re James Bond, 007. ABORT MISSION, ABORT MISSION.

Unfortunately, it’s the real-deal. In states such as Ohio and Texas, teachers are flocking to gun training classes. Following last month’s tragic school shooting in Newtown, Conn., teachers feel they need to take extra precautionary measures when protecting themselves and their students. Governor Rick Perry of Texas recently hinted at a Tea Party forum that he supports legislation that would allow and support the arming of teachers.

Students, teachers and parents have begun questioning the safety of their schools, and in some states, people believe that guns are the answer to our safety issues. Before our county’s holiday break, there were rumors that threats were being sent to schools across the county. The last day of school before break, 38 percent of high schoolers in our county were absent. Last year, the percentage that day was a measly 9.15 percent.

You don’t fight firearms with firearms, or however the saying goes. The answer to solving our safety issues isn’t to hand out more of the things that cause safety issues. We should trust our school administrators enough to know that they are going to take the necessary measures to keep us safe, and that doesn’t mean with weapons.

Think about this: if somebody is going to come barreling into our classroom with an assault rifle, a gun that your teacher has locked up in a safe behind his desk isn’t going to do any good. A student could get ahold of said gun. One student gets out of line, next thing you know, MAN DOWN.

I don’t know about you, but I know a few teachers who I wouldn’t trust to have a gun. Kids can be stupid, and teachers can get frustrated. While I don’t think one of my teachers would shoot me, you can never be too sure.

Christine ClarkeAssistant editor-in-chief ‘13

Front page photo courtesy of Cooper Flynn. Sophomore Alex Flynn, junior Andrew Vasilchenko and seniors Marston Conti and Cooper Flynn in Epic 4 Nothing, the representative for Broadneck at Anne Arundel County Battle of the Bands.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 | TRIBRUIN | PAGE 3

TRIBRUIN.orgVisit our website to get the full story!

pay on-the-goNICK BENTLEY

tech savvyJAYDA MOOREFIELD

Read all about the Technology Student Association, a technology-focused club.

PayPal and other payment programs make it possible to make some dough on-the-go.

eat outside?ALEX CARMICHAEL & EMILY WHITMORE

Why aren’t we allowed to eat lunch outside? Find out why students cannot leave the building during their lunch period.

While Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley is pushing for legislation that would ban assault weapons and create new licensing rules for guns, South Dakota’s House of Representatives recently passed legislation that would allow school districts to arm teachers.

Cartoon by juniorAndrew Schoene

| TRIBRUIN | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

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She said... He said...

Colored Pants

Jeans go way beyond blue. Colors and patterns on pants are becoming trendier each day, even in the hallways. Boys and

girls alike are wearing colored pants, whether it’s jeans or corduroys.

Meghan AldrichCo-editor-in-chief ‘13

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Colored pants are hard to match things with, but they’re definitely cute. Pastel

pants are adorable [on guys.]” —Senior Kimmy Schmitt

I do like them a lot. I don’t really own any, but I would like

to. I like blue or light pink.” —Sophomore Autumn Davis

I have mint green and pastel yellow pants.”

—Sophomore Lauren Beyer

I like [colored pants] on girls because it shows their style and how they like

to dress. I would wear light jeans, dark jeans, and dark cords. I wouldn’t wear any vibrant colors like yellow.” —Sophomore Ethan Whetsel

They make things more interesting than just denim.” —Sophomore Owen Crandall

They are better than just boring jeans.” —Freshman Caleb Munsey


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Senior Matt Schofield’s New Year’s resolution is to eat less at McDonald’s.

Freshman Hunter Graham’s New Year’s resolution is to get better grades.

Junior Anna Buchanan’s New Year’s resolution is to be more independent.

Solutions to your New Year’s resolutions

Stop procrastinating, stop eating junk food, go to the gym more, read more books – New Year’s resolutions are upon us again,

but do we really expect to follow through with them? Do we even remember what our resolutions were for 2012?

Going for a jog in the morning every day, finishing homework in the morning, or even making your bed before you do anything helps start the day off in the right track. Then you start making half the bed, finishing half the homework.

The cynics of our time could suggest resolutions are a waste of time, but they don’t have to be. Resolutions give people something to work towards, maybe even a reason to get out of bed in the morning. They excite us for a new year, representing a clean slate. Who doesn’t love that?

The start of 2013 and every year before that

has offered us a chance to wash out the bad habits we have gained and bring in the good habits.

If you have had trouble keeping your New Year’s resolution in the past and are partial to starting a new one, there is a strategy to resolutions. Thanks to Forbes magazine, we now have a step by step “strategy for highly effective New Years’ resolutions.”

The first step is to know why you want your resolution, making sure it is dear and special to helping you succeed in your life journey. Having a resolution that holds a serious personal interest in your life is what is going to keep you going for the New Year.

The second step is to be specific. Instead of wanting to stop procrastinating, try finishing your homework the day it is assigned. This way you will know exactly what you need to do each day and have less room for breaking your promise.

The third step is to write it down. Make sure it’s in ink somewhere you can see it many times a day. The writing might plague you every

day, but it will remind you of your year-long goal.The fourth step is making sure you get

rid of everything in your environment that can bring you and your goal failure. It is easy to give into temptation, but we all know what happens when Eve bites the forbidden fruit.

Fifth step is to make sure you have one major goal to accomplish. If you have 10 different goals to complete, then you will lose track easily. It would be setting you up only for failure.

The sixth step is to focus on the process. The resolution may become tedious, but your persistence will be worth it in the end.

The final strategy is to forgive yourself for your failures. It’s okay if you have a mishap and indulge in that chocolate that has been staring at you for the past week. If you get down on yourself, then you won’t be as excited to continue your resolution.

Even if it’s something as simple as making your bed, a New Year’s Resolution is a good thing to work for. It may even give your life a little bit more meaning.

Sarah Marcum ‘13Life section editor

Select legislation passed in the previous year is now in effect. The most publicized is the controversial Civil Marriage Protection Act, legalizing same-sex marriage. As the clock struck midnight on January 1, same-sex couples were officially granted the right to marry. In the Civil Marriage Protection Act the definition of marriage was expanded to include the union of two individuals of the same sex. But some religious individuals see the amendment as a violation of their rights.

On January 2, the day following its enactment, four members of the Westboro Baptist Church stood outside the Anne Arundel Circuit Court protesting same-sex marriage. The group held signs with sayings like, “Doom is imminent” and “2 gay rights: AIDS & hell.” The group was met with more than 250 counter-protesters equipped with signs and church hymns. A group crowded in front of a homemade sign with “Gay marriage: it’s like straight marriage, but with rainbows & free cookies.” The group proceeded to hand out cookies. Signs were everywhere saying things like “God loves all his creations” and “Make love, not hate.”

The group from Westboro Baptist Church was roped off in a little section in front of the court building. The group of counter-protesters stretched far down the street. Mayor Josh Cohen said in an interview with the Annapolis Patch that the counter-protest “draws attention to the fact that Maryland is a very tolerant state.”

You see, what most people don’t realize is that the Civil Marriage

Protection Act was vigilant in making sure religious freedoms were protected. It established that “religious entities have exclusive control over their own theological doctrine, policy teachings, or beliefs regarding who may marry within that faith.” It even goes as far to say that religious groups are protected in the right to “withhold benefits from, or discriminate against such entities or individuals.” Another little-known fact about the amendment is that it redefines “incestuous relationships,” which have now been expanded to include family members of the same sex.

A commercial law to prevent identity theft with security freezes is now effective. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 15 percent of all cases of identity theft in the United States are of new account origination. That is a specific kind of identity theft where the criminal opens credit in another’s name. A security freeze prevents credit reporting companies from releasing your credit report without your consent. Now if a parent or guardian requests a security freeze on their child’s consumer report, consumer reporting agencies are required to oblige.

The Arsenic Law bans the use, sale and distribution of chicken feed containing arsenic. Arsenic was used as an additive in chicken feed that promoted increased rate of weight gain, improved feed efficiency and improved pigmentation of the chickens. A recent Food and Drug Agency study shows that arsenic has been linked to various human ailments, including neurological deficits in children. Maryland is the first state in the country to ban the arsenic additives in chicken feed despite the prevalence of bans throughout the United Kingdom and Canada.

Caitlyn Maltese ‘13Staff writer

New laws come into effect for state of MarylandPh

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Q: How did a degree in communication take you around the world?A: I think the degree itself was driven more by my generalist approach to life. I tend

to know something about everything versus being an expert in a few things. My travels started at 19, a year out of Broadneck High School, when I went to Europe for a few weeks of backpacking. I like to say it gets in your blood and once you start traveling you never really go back, at least I didn’t. At Salisbury I did very well, graduating in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and with a 4.00 GPA. I was not the smartest guy in the room but I did what I had to in order to succeed, found the right classes that interested me (since Communication offers more diversity than any other major), professors I wanted and other tricks of the college trade. I interned at the White House in media affairs and applied for a Rhodes Scholarship and a Marshall Scholarship. I was a finalist for the Marshall but received no prize for second place, and the chairman of the selection committee for Rhodes called to say he couldn’t give me the scholarship but he hired me as his personal legal assistant at a big firm in D.C. where I worked my first year out of Salisbury. Three weeks in, I realized I didn’t want to practice law per se but still got into Georgetown Law early admission. About a month before starting classes I bought a one way ticket to Hong Kong to teach English, much to the chagrin of just about everyone in my world. It was the best thing I ever did. I’ve lived on four continents and have been to 40 countries by the age of 25. Traveling is the best education someone can have, unlike anything you can learn in a classroom.

Q: How did you get the idea for Global Experiences?A: Having traveled a lot, not wanting to work for the man and because my wife is

from Sydney, Australia, we wanted something flexible and web-based, driving my decision to start Global Experiences. I had many contacts around the world, so I had a place to go. We originally started recruiting people to teach English abroad which quickly expanded into internships. We saw an opportunity to help young people get practical work experience and an international cultural experience they’d never forget, so we took a chance. We have now sent thousands of students abroad and just hired our 29th employee. Our mission is “to provide life-changing experiences” and we love what we do.

Q: What is the most meaningful place you have traveled to?A: I have favorite places for different reasons. Thailand for kindness and beaches and

mountains and food. Australia for beauty, my wife’s family and where two of my three kids were born. Sweden where I earned my master’s degree in Peace and Conflict studies on my Fulbright Scholarship and where I met Emily, whom I’ve now been married to for 13 years. Hong Kong, because it was just so different and my first real international living experience for a long period of time. The most memorable trip though was starting in Bangkok and ending in Amsterdam, all by land over several months via Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, China, the Trans-Siberian Railway across Mongolia, Russia, Eastern Europe and on to Amsterdam. This trip changed everything, my ultimate sliding door, and I knew I was going to do something entrepreneurial in the international community. What a ride it has been.

Q: What did you do before becoming executive director of Fulbright and how will this new job be different for you?

A: I have co-founded and built Global Experiences for the last 11 years. I was on the D.C. chapter board of the Fulbright Association doing a lot of volunteer work in the Fulbright world for four years. The opportunity to be only the third Executive Director in the history of the organization, coupled with the chance to work with so many bright Fulbrighters, was once in a lifetime. Originally, a reluctant applicant, Emily and I decided I could do more to affect change in the world and do great things with Fulbright at this stage while she has assumed the helm of Global Experiences. We can, in a sense, “have our cake and eat it too.” Fulbright is based in D.C. so that is new and it is also a non-profit organization. I will emerge as the face of this organization, working with thousands of members, international associations, high level state department people, advocating to Congress and much more. Indeed my life has already changed! I love it so far!

Photo permission of Stephen Reilly

Where are they now?Stephen Reilly, Class of 1991

Stephen Reilly co-founded Global

Experiences in 2001 with his wife Emily. Global Experiences

provides international internships and

English teaching programs abroad.

Additionally, Reilly works as the executive

director for The Fulbright Scholarship

a nonprofit organization that

gives scholarships to individuals who

demonstrate a high level of academic

and leadership potential. He was the recipient of a

Fulbright scholarship to Sweden, where

he earned a master’s degree in Peace and

Conflict Studies.

Caryl De Los SantosStaff writer ‘13

| TRIBRUIN | JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2013

It’s not too early to start planning your future

CAT South student gets head start on career

“I don’t have time to sleep anymore,” said senior Melissa Roberson in a weary tone, as she sighed and leaned against one of the decorated walls in the art hallway. Roberson’s day begins at 5:30 in the morning, and doesn’t end until 2:00 a.m. on some nights. She pushes herself out of bed and starts to get ready for school—a routine that most Broadneck High School students have become accustomed to.

“I usually have to put on tons of cover-up every morning to hide the bags and dark circles,” she said. “It gets pretty rough.”

She spends her time trying to balance a social life, a 25-hour work week at Famous Dave’s and five hours of homework each night. She is falling behind in her school work and has had to cut back on hours at work. Yet, Roberson’s story differs from the normal struggle of teenagers to find a balance in their lives; it is defined by her participation and passion for the CAT South Nursing Assistant program.

According to the CAT South website, the Nursing Assistant program aims to:

“… prepare the student to perform basic bedside nursing procedures under the supervision of a registered nurse. Activities in the program will include patient-centered care, specific hospital techniques, and preparation for employment in various health care facilities. Instruction will be provided in a variety of patients. Opportunity will be provided for the student to learn, plan and demonstrate care in selected clinical settings including the 50+ hours required for the students to become eligible to

take the Certification Exam for Geriatric Nursing Assistant.”In simpler terms, Roberson defines the role of this program by saying,

“When I’m done with the course I will be a certified nursing assistant (CNA), allowing me to sit for my generic nursing assistant (GNA) exam. So, I can be employed right out of high school.”

Though the program requires an extensive amount of work, including homework and clinical studies, which Roberson refers to as “clinicals,” she values the preparation it is giving her for the real world. These clinicals take place at the Ginger Cove nursing home, where students are assigned a patient whom they help with their daily routine, including activities such as bathing, helping with oral care, eating breakfast and other basic medical needs.

“Every day is new and exciting,” said Tenequa McClean, a Broadneck High School senior who completed the program last year.

While most high school students, especially juniors and seniors, are struggling to find a path in life, McClean already knows that she wants to be a nurse, and credits the program with helping her establish that dream.

Similarly, Roberson’s goal is to be a nurse. “I’ve known that I wanted to be a nurse since I was two years old,” she said. “I was quite the character, always playing doctor with my puppy.”

Roberson plans on following her childhood dream by establishing a career in nursing. First, her goal is to get a job at Ginger Cove—the nursing home where she is currently practicing—while taking classes at Anne Arundel Community College (AACC). Following this, she is hoping to become a registered nurse (RN) and gain both her bachelor’s and master’s degree in the medical field.

Sarah MerrillStaff writer ‘14

Senior Melissa Roberson searches for a vein in a patient’s arm.

Photo permission of Melissa Roberson


It’s not too early to start planning your future

Engineer—Advanced (Honors and AP) maths and sciences—Communications Technology I —Communications Technology II—Engineering Drawing/CAD I—Engineering Drawing/CAD II—Power, Energy & Transportation Systems—AP Physics B or AP Physics C—Engineering and Robotics Club

Teacher—Child Development I—Child Development II—Honors Child Development III—Introduction to Teaching Profession—Future Educators Club

Business—Advanced Software Applications: Word/PowerPoint—Advanced Software Applications: Excel/Access—Honors Business Management—Career Research and Development—Computer Skills for Academic Success—Principles of Business A—Principles of Business B—Software Applications—Honors Visual Basic I—Web Page Design—DECA Club

Journalist—Journalism—Newspaper 1-4—Photography and Digital Processes 1-3—Yearbook 1-4—Literary Magazine 1-4

Doctor—Honors Art and Science of Nutrition A—Honors Art and Science of Nutrition B—Health Competencies for the 21st Century—Drug Education—Human Sexuality—Sports Medicine and Athletic Training—AP Biology—Human Physiology—AP Psychology—Future Doctors Organization (Club)

As you look toward the future, you probably think about what job you want. To make your dreams come true, certain classes need to be passed. The extra classes and clubs for several occupations are listed.

Bradley FeltonBusiness manager ‘14

A new club has come to Broadneck this year—the Future Doctors Organization (FDO). This club is for anyone who is interested in a medical career: a nurse, a doctor, a surgeon or any other medical professional.

The FDO was sophomore Paxton Paganelli’s idea over the summer; he created it with the help of fellow sophomores Maria Lim, Katie Wesdyk and Micaela Frye later after getting administrative approval. Paganelli first contacted Assistant Principal William Eggert and history teacher Christina Sipe to ask about forming the new club. Then he wrote the by-laws and “contacted the ‘A-Team,’” he said, referring to Lim, who is the vice president of the club; Wesdyk, who is the club’s secretary; and Frye, who is the treasurer. These four, collectively, are the co-founders of the FDO, with Paganelli being the president.

Lim said Paganelli formed the club because he “wanted to create opportunities for other students with the same aspirations” as his.

Sipe is the club’s teacher sponsor. “Paxton came up with the idea for the club and asked me to be his sponsor. I could see how motivated he was and agreed to sponsor after he wrote a very convincing request,” she said in an email.

FDO membership is open to anyone interested in the medical field. Registration is closed for this year; membership forms were due to Sipe by Nov. 2. However, she said that students who are interested can register for next year.

There are currently 46 FDO members: four seniors, nine juniors, 31 sophomores and two freshmen, with most of the members being girls. These students meet one to three Tuesdays per month in Sipe’s room (D205) according to a printed meeting schedule.

Frye said that the co-founders didn’t expect the FDO to grow into the huge club that it now is and she’s really happy to be a part of this club that is “inspiring students to pursue a career in the medical field.”

The purpose of the club, according to Paganelli’s handout, “The Future Doctors Organization Of Broadneck Senior High School,” is “to allow students with aspirations and interests in the medical field to understand and learn how the use of medicine and medical practice can help people and help students learn about careers of being a medical doctor or any other medical profession.”

Back in November, interested members signed up for a volunteer opportunity held on Dec. 10 to wrap toys for kids at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. Paganelli and junior Lexi Marquess created the toy drive, which was called Wrapping Hope. “We held drives at Magothy River Middle School, too,” Paganelli said. He and Marquess delivered the wrapped gifts to Hopkins on Dec. 17.

All students wear a white polo with the FDO logo so that they are in “uniform” when they go to medical offices and other places outside of school. Most of these trips and outings to doctors’ offices will be taken after school, Sipe said. If the FDO students do have to miss school for a club trip, though, then the trip will be treated mostly like a field trip.

The FDO recently went “to two events at the hospital” (Anne Arundel Medical Center). The first was on Feb. 2; FDO members dressed up in scrubs, learned about the operating room and watched a surgery. Then, on Feb. 5, they went on an orthopedic department tour.

Wesdyk said, “It’s great to be in a club where students are interested in becoming doctors. It will be cool to visit doctors and actually participate instead of just learning.”

“My goal for the students is for them to see what the medical field really entails and decide if that’s what they want to do with their life. Also I’m excited for their volunteer opportunities as well,” Sipe said in an e-mail. She added, “[Students] get to see what their future job could be like and [also get] volunteer experience.”

Similarly, sophomore and FDO member Allison Hannahs said, “I think that FDO is a great way to explore career possibilities while in high school.”

“Teachers go into the field because we want to inspire children. We deal with students every day that aren’t motivated and we try to motivate them but some just don’t care; it’s disheartening,” Sipe said in an e-mail. “It’s very rewarding and refreshing to see students who are motivated participate and the students who are part of FDO are motivated. It’s great to be there to help them.”

Taylor HickoxBHS editor ‘14

FDO helps kids interested in medical career

| TRIBRUIN | JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2013

Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting prompts nationwide discussions

Security liasion William Eggert talks about school safety measures following the incident

Tragedy struck on Dec. 14, 2012. Apart from the Virginia Tech incident in 2007, the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School marked one of the worst school shootings in history. It is not a common thought to feel unsafe while attending school, but following that December day, rumors and talk of “new safety procedures” quickly spread throughout the county.

Announcements were made days later by Principal David Smith regarding lockdown drills, cracking down on the number of people in the lobby and, sadly, rumors created by students. It is important to note that the lockdown drill had been planned since the school year started and was not in any way a result of the Connecticut shooting.

Rumors included a student making a remark about bringing a gun to school, planned shootings at other schools in the county and threats being made to several schools.

Senior Maggie Kirby said, “I have an issue with how people think these rumors are funny and that they are to be taken lightly. Like it is something to just toss around. The school is doing everything it can to quell that, but it makes you realize that this stuff really happens and it’s not funny. Students should intuitively know they can’t expect no reaction when they make these remarks.”

William Eggert, assistant principal and security liaison, said there aren’t a whole lot of changes that are being made to our school, just an “increased awareness of the world we live in.” The major goal of our school system is to keep everyone safe; this has always been a number one priority. “Parents send you to school to learn, have a good time, prepare for college or a job, but mainly to be safe,” said Eggert.

Regarding feeling safe at school, only one out of five students surveyed said she doesn’t feel safe at Broadneck. “I don’t really feel safe. The doors are always open, we only have one cop and there is nowhere to hide with windows everywhere,” said junior Stephanie Peterson.

Eggert assures that the school does everything it can to keep the doors locked and closed at all times. He said, “It is not easy with students coming and going to VoTech and seniors leaving early. At 10:20 it seems like a quarter of the school is leaving. This is fairly new to Broadneck. We used to be here until 2:05. There wasn’t much movement. Now we have classes in portables and students coming and going from their cars.”

Student advocates Richard Russo and D.J. Hunt, school police officer Adam Koch and assistant principals help patrol the school to keep doors closed. There are about 86 cameras, mostly inside the school. “They give us a chance to check stairwells or make sure doors are locked. The school system has their own safety office to check cameras. I might get a call sometimes about an open door we might not have seen. But obviously, they can’t be checking all the cameras in every school,” said Eggert.

All in all, Eggert said that they have taken the things that are already being done at Broadneck and have made them better. Events like the Sandy Hook shooting have raised awareness of the things that need to continue to be modified.

“There is no way to prevent things like this from happening. If people want a gun, they will find one. I think people want attention; they are hungry for it,” said junior Joey Voigt.

Teachers across states like Texas and Ohio are racing to join free firearms classes in the wake of the Connecticut massacre. In Ohio, more than 900 school employees signed up for the three-day gym training. In Texas, teachers were offered a free Concealed Handgun License course, which 400 of them signed up for. In Utah, 200 teachers received free instruction from gun activists.

Many critics mock the idea of arming teachers, saying it would add danger to the classroom and distract teachers from their jobs, according to an article in NY Daily News. Supporters say armed teachers could have stopped the Sandy Hook shooting.

“I’ve read about some states like out west where people and adults can carry weapons. I can’t see us coming to that. Pro-gun lobby wants to put an Officer Koch in all buildings all the time. Even with the last shooting, maybe a police officer could have stopped the guy, maybe not,” Eggert said.

Half-mast Happenings:

According to www.halfstaff.org, the nationwide Dec. 14 2012 half-mast flag order following the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. was the thirteenth order of 2012.

Photo by Aleigh Romito

Flag at half mast in Annapolis after President Obama’s request to remember Sandy Hook Elementary.

Aleigh RomitoAssistant editor-in-chief ‘13

JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2013 | TRIBRUIN | PAGE 13

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Improvising humor

Sarah MerrillStaff writer ‘14

Cover story:Battle of the Bands

The 15th annual Anne Arundel County High School Battle of the Bands occurred on the evening of Jan. 26 at Maryland Hall. Marston Conti, Alex Flynn, Cooper Flynn and Andrew Valsilchenko form the band Epic 4 Nothing and were chosen to represent Broadneck High School.

Auditions for Battle of the Bands took place on Dec. 14. Five bands competed to represent Broadneck. Ed and the Specials was the first to perform. Following them was Made in China, a band Christopher Spurdens said, “Didn’t stand out.” Next was Glass Garden, a favorite to win, but they “had far too much angst,” said junior Erin Jenkins.They were followed by Cruise Control.

Epic 4 Nothing was the last band to perform. The tension was high, and it was expected that Glass Garden would be the winner. Yet, the three-week old band managed to pull together for a win. The bright stage lights shined down upon them, and everyone assumed it would be another alternative cover band performing. Yet, when the first lyrics left Alex Flynn’s lips, the audience’s mouths dropped. “That was nothing like what I expected,” said Spurdens.

“We’re different because we are energetic; we let everything go on stage. We also have a new style that will shake things up,” said junior Valsilchenko.

Their new style was a mash of rap and alternative music, similar to the Beastie Boys. Their high energy set provided the audience with a chance to interact, and they performed all original music.

In preparation for the next stage, the band performed a preview concert at a local revenue called the Whiskey.

On January 26 the Epic 4 Nothing took the stage once again. Except this time, both the stage and the audience were far larger. Unfortunately, the bands luck took a turn for the worst when they found out they had been drawn to go first. “It’s kind of like this unspoken rule that if you go first you’re screwed,” said senior Cooper Flynn.

As luck would have it, Epic 4 nothing did not win. They placed fifth.

“We talked to the judges and they said we would have gotten second if we had not gone first,” said C. Flynn.

Another issue for the band was a lack of time. Because they had formed only a month and a half before Battle of the Bands, they lacked the connection and practice some other bands had.

Despite their loss, the band is already gaining some followers in the Broadneck area. Senior Christopher “Topher” Todaro, one of the band’s biggest supporters, says, “They are beautiful; everybody should listen to them.”

There is always next year, as the saying goes. “They [A. Flynn and Valsilchenko] said they are going to do it again,” said C. Flynn. “It will probably be Alex rapping and Andrew on lead guitar or bass.”

The other two members of the band, Conti and C. Flynn are seniors, so a Battle of the Bands reunion is not in store for them. “We’ll probably last until the end of summer,” said C. Flynn.

Photo by Alyssa MalteseMembers of Improv club posing with props during one of their rehearsals.

“Whose line is it anyway?” A popular television show where grown men are required to be goofy and play games. It sounds like a bunch of nonsense, but improv is a true test of skill. To think on one’s feet and have the ability to make others laugh can be a hard skill to master.

Broadneck’s very own Improv team has been getting more recognition this year. With four shows already under their belt and audiences of sometimes over 100 people, this year has shown a steady increase in popularity.

“We haven't had very many shows in the previous years, but this year we have had four already and we are going to have a few more. The shows increase as we get better,” said senior and head of Improv Sara Ristaino.

Members of the Improv team includes freshman Csenge Szabo, sophomores Matilda Hoggard, Bridget Bishop, Marisa Roper, Rylee Rucker and Sam Morton, juniors Kris Rasmussen, Adam Gross, Stephanie Koka and Zach Wilde and seniors Brandon Datko, Pablo Escobosa, Sara Ristaino and Cody Petenbrink.

Now working harder than ever, they have increased their practice schedule to two times a week, every week. The team has grown more competitive by holding auditions for members to make sure that they are the best.

Escobosa, who has been a part of improv for three years, said, “I like the

haphazard nature of [improv]. I’m a pretty terrible procrastinator in most things, and to be able to get on stage, totally unprepared, and make people laugh is just so terrifying and fun...it’s what I imagine ropeless rock climbing is like.”

Roper also added that improv “gives me a chance to step out of my comfort zone and try new things. Also, because it is unscripted every show is different and exciting.”

Some games that are played during the show are British Parliament, where the team divides in two and argues in a British

accent, Bus stop, where one person has to weird out the other person to get them off the stop and Scenes from a Hat, where the audience writes down scenes and then the team acts it out.

Datko said, “[Improv] is a great way to have fun

after school and make new friends, but the games and activities we do during practices can actually help you with speaking in front of others as well as help you think quicker which are great skills to learn and use throughout your life.”

Their next performance is on March 8 and Escobosa really encourages students to come out and see them. He said, “We're great because we're local. We're the kind of people you see in your English classes or in the hallways, and you may have never known we could be this funny or this talented. Our shows are usually only an hour and a half long, and in that time we can promise you'll enjoy yourself.”

Alyssa MalteseCo-editor-in-chief ‘13

“

It’s what I imagine ropeless rock climbing is like.

“


Cathy Mohler, Realtor ®GRI, CRS, SFR, ePRO

443-223-1570 cell410-544-4000 office [email protected]

Service, Integrity, KnowledgePut Cathy’s Commitment to Work for You


Rrring! Rrring! Beep-beep! Your alarm rings, screaming in your face,

“It’s time to get up for school!” You groan, roll over and slap the button off,

begging for five more minutes, then five more minutes.

Finally you drag yourself out of bed. Sound painfully familiar? Sorry, my friends, but you’ve been living

with the Anne Arundel County Early Start Time Sleep Deprivation Disorder for quite some time.

Many parents of high school students and even students themselves feel that high schools in AA County start too early in the morning.

Joanna Conti, former chair of the Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) and current chair of both the Parent Advocacy Network and Anne Arundel Cares (a group that she created to raise money for local non-profit organizations), said during a press conference that early start times have proved to have several health and learning impacts.

She said that there are several studies that show “compelling” statistics resulting from early start times in high schools across the country.

Some of these statistics include increased car accidents caused by sleepy students in the morning and sleep problems in school.

Some kids are sleeping through first block because they get up too early and are therefore tired during their morning classes; this obviously would have a big impact on their grades for those

early classes. Conti even said that several teachers have signed the petition

for a later start time for AA County schools because their first period students are sleeping through the teachers’ classes.

Conti cited a study done by a school in Kentucky relating to school starting time during the conference.

This particular school changed its start time from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and found that consequently, the percent of kids attending who got eight hours of sleep per night rose from 36 to 50.

This was a pretty big change, she said.Conti said that her opponents will sometimes argue that we

shouldn’t “coddle” our kids - they need to learn to get up for work. She flat-out responded to this claim by saying that most adults don’t even start work as early as our students do.

They often go into work around 8:30. Furthermore, she said that our bodies just aren’t programmed

to go to bed that early. “I’m a data-driven person,” Conti said, when asked why

she chose to tackle this issue. She further mentioned that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) did a study that showed that early start times went so far as to cause students collectively to have increased thoughts of suicide, that more suicide planning was occurring because of getting up for school early.

“There were a lot of health implications,” Conti said.Another opposing point of view is that it would be costly to

push back the start time of high schools in our county. Conti said that this cost would come predominantly from transportation purposes.

She said that it is estimated that this change would cost around $3 million, but she doesn’t know what this cost would include. The cost of this change “could be substantial” and “a lot of people feel that it won’t be worth the investment,” Conti said.

This petition is gaining support, but is honestly going to take at least a few years to change, as most controversial issues usually do. “There are a lot of valid arguments on both sides,” Conti said. “This is going to take time to change.”

County activist speaks about pushing back the start time of Anne Arundel County schoolsTaylor Hickox BHS editor ‘14


The Environmental Club may not have all the answers to the world’s energy crises, but they do have highly applicable ideas for how we can adopt innovative green initiatives that don’t cost too much.

The first of these initiatives is the remote shut-off of computers. Our school’s computers, if not powered down by students or faculty, stay on all night or even over entire breaks. Often times, entire labs stay powered on during these periods and this is an enormous waste of energy.

The Environmental Club started its “energy patrol” two years ago. Since that time, a group of students has been sent out during every club meeting to patrol the halls, turn off lights and computers, and leave friendly Post-it note reminders to teachers about remembering to conserve energy. The club has gone a step further this year by recording data on these patterns and converting the recorded amount of wasted energy into what the school is wasting in dollars.

The results of this research were presented by Environmental Club’s president, senior Mae Kate Campbell, at a meeting of the AACPS school board in October. The club found that at Broadneck alone, $14,897.84 is wasted per year on computers being left on overnight. By multiplying this number times the number of high schools in AACPS (12), it was estimated that our county wastes a total of $178,774.13 per year on unnecessary computer usage. If we were to consider all of the elementary and middle schools in this calculation— the costs would be astronomical.

Both money and energy are being wasted at a rate we can no longer afford and the county is now taking action. Broadneck High has been selected to pilot a new program which involves “remote computer shutoff.” What this means is that all logged-out computers left on after school hours will be shut off automatically through the county. Computers that are still logged in will be left on to ensure no one loses files. This testing will start Jan. 22 and, if successful, the program will be launched for the entire county in the coming year.

A change in policy like this is an enormous step in the right direction and proves what important impacts students can make. Concerning the Board presentation, Michele Weisgerber, Broadneck’s signature program facilitator on environmental literacy, commented that “the meeting was very influential; hearing a student voice is more powerful than you all realize.” She continued to say that the Board shut down the idea of remote shut-off last year, saying that its application “wasn’t feasible.” This year, through the dedicated efforts of Environmental Club, its sponsors and its president, a meaningful difference has been made.

Another exciting initiative being proposed is the installation of a green roof at Broadneck. Green roofs, also known as eco-roofs, are rooftops designed and planted with vegetation. Most commonly implemented in urban areas, green roofing is not only beautiful and unique to look at, but also has enormous environmental benefits including reduced energy usage, reduced storm water runoff and the addition of green space.

The area of Broadneck that is being considered for this addition is the rooftop space outside of English teacher Kevin Whewell’s and AVID teacher Diane Casey’s rooms and would be visible for students to enjoy. To plant on the entire roof area would be too costly in one juncture, so the space will be plotted off and renovated one plot at a time. Environmental Club facilitator Nancy Bourgeois said that the area the Environmental Club wishes to see renovated this year would cost around $10,000 and would cover a plot 20 feet by 30 feet in size. The club is in charge of both raising money on their own and receiving grants from outside sources that would help with the project. They are currently looking into receiving grants from the Captain Planet Foundation and from Pategonia stores, though fundraising has already begun through club efforts including the

Broadneck Annual Craft Bazaar. Club president Campbell is heavily involved in the green roof project.

She commented on the timetable of the project saying, “We are planning that the actual construction will get started this year in April as a part of our Earth Day celebration.” She said, “One day there may even be student access to the green roof. There is an access point to the proposed part of the roof through an office by the weight room.” Along with the directly beneficial environmental impact the green roof will make, the potential for student access to the project opens completely new doors in the world of environmental awareness and literacy in education. Campbell said, “Students could really gain valuable learning experiences through interaction with this project; it’s an entirely new approach to environmental education.”

Of course there are necessary safety precautions that need to be taken involving the installation of railing and the lengthy process of gaining approval from the county in order for this plan to come to full fruition. There is still a long way to go for these Green efforts, yet when considering the unstoppable nature of impassioned students in the Environmental Club, “the sky’s the limit.”

Haley WilsonStaff writer ‘13

It’s not easy being green

Bottom photo permisson of greenroofs.org

Top: Pictured is the location of the future green roof, outside of Kevin Whewell and Diane Casey’s classrooms. Bottom: What the green roof will look like once completed.

Top photo by Haley Wilson

Young girls, ages 5 and 6 years old, chase one another on the field, holding bright, plasticky lacrosse sticks. Parents cheer for their little laxers while worrying about injuries, searching for signs of interest and even wondering about the scholarship potential of a sport that is picking up fast along the east coast. It’s early spring of 2001 and lacrosse is gaining popularity in Anne Arundel County, particularly among females.

This group of girls playing the game as first graders in the spring of 2001 now make up the senior class of girls varsity lacrosse players as they enter their final high school season. Ten of them are recruited to play college lacrosse next year. Among these seniors are midfielder Aislinn Probst, defender Devani Smith, and goalkeeper Natalee Easthom. They’ve been playing on the same rec league (BAYS) and club team (CCLAX) for over a decade.

The Path to RecruitmentAll three are recruited to play Division I lacrosse next

year, yet their recruiting paths were very different. Melissa Greene, girls varsity lacrosse coach, said, “Dedication to the sport of lacrosse, playing club all year round, performance on the varsity team leading up to their senior year, and academic performance are what has made these players recruitable.”

Committed to the Naval Academy, Aislinn Probst is living her dream to play lacrosse for the women’s team, coached by U.S. Lacrosse Hall of Fame coach, Cindy Timchall. To play under Coach Timchall for the Naval Academy has “been a top choice since fifth grade” for Probst. She was selected in the summer 2011 following her sophomore year, early for lacrosse recruitment standards. “I was really excited and relieved when I got recruited,” said Probst. “I didn’t have to worry about going to more camps and clinics.”

Devani Smith, playing for the University of Richmond’s lacrosse program next fall, is eagerly awaiting the chance to become a defender for the school that was one of her top three choices. “University of Richmond appealed to me most because it was a small school with a good surrounding. I loved it because the campus fit me perfectly, and it had a Division I program.” She committed in late February 2012, her junior year, a typical time to commit for lacrosse.

The steps to get there were challenging, though. “We had to attend tournaments every weekend of the summer, which involved massive amounts of traveling.” Smith also had to attend meetings with club coaches and spend hours each night emailing college coaches. “Then if it all works

out,” said Smith, “you ‘verbally commit’ to that school.” This past fall Smith sent in her application to

Richmond and officially signed with the team. “After being recruited I felt as though a million loads of pressure were taken off my back. It was like all the hard work finally paid off.” Of course, Smith noted, a recruited athlete still has the pressure to keep one’s grades up and maintain her athleticism, but is relieved of the stress of sending out different college applications and the “wait” of an acceptance letter.

Natalee Easthom is recruited to be a goalie for Northwestern University’s women’s lacrosse team. Easthom finally committed this November after a long, exhausting search that began early in her sophomore year. Coach Greene played goalie for Broadneck and St. Mary’s College and said of Easthom, “Her work ethic, tough mentality, and not letting one bad half or game affect her is what made her recruitable.” Easthom said, “For goalies it’s more typical to be recruited senior year, but compared to my class, who had girls recruited as early as sophomore year, it was kind of late.”

While playing lacrosse for the team that’s won seven of its last eight championships, she will fulfill her career dreams through study at NU’s McCormick School of Engineering. “It was nerve wracking watching all my teammates get picked up,” said Easthom, “and while I was happy for them, I was worried that I wasn’t going to end up at a good school. Playing lacrosse and studying to be an engineer narrowed down my options so it was hard to find a good fit.”

Season OutlookReflecting on their recent recruiting successes, the

girls varsity lacrosse team’s season holds great potential. Smith said, “I can’t wait for our group of seniors to come together as a whole. I know the season is going to go by really fast so I’m already trying to mentally and physically prepare myself for the college training next fall.”

Probst said, “It’s also a little sad.” Easthom traveled to Chicago in mid-January to meet her college teammates and said, “I’m really pumped for this year. We have a good chance of going far as a lot of our seniors are recruited to Division I schools.” The last time girls lacrosse won the state championship, Coach Greene was a senior in the class of 2003.

She hopes they enjoy their upcoming college seasons, noting that it’s a big commitment to play in college because it’s a new level of lacrosse. “For whatever reason people wanted to be recruited, I hope it comes true,” said Greene.

Lacrosse girls prepare for next level

Girls recruited to D-I colleges: Devani Smith, Aislinn Probst, Natalee Easthom.Photo by Greta Easthom

Senior Girls Lacrosse Recruits

Zoe Earnest High Point U.

Natalee Easthom Northwestern U.

Corey Hunteman Erskine U.

Kacy Koolage High Point U.

Marley Llinas Erskine U.

Abbey Meehan La Salle U.

Becky Meyer American U.

Erin MurnaneElon U.

Aislinn Probst Naval Academy

Sara Ruzzi Columbia U.

Devani Smith Richmond U.

Majority of seniors on team commit to play for nationally ranked colleges

Greta EasthomSports & op-editor ‘15



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Spot the 10 differences between these two pictures!

Can you name the intersection? Original and photo illustration by Sarah Merrill

5 6

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9 2 3 8

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