Section F Blake Beat Senior Section April 30, 2010

Calling all seniors! The race is on to complete these ten activities before June 1, p. F3

Section F James Hubert Blake High School May 4, 2012

At Mr. Berry’s mansion the Class of 2012 met up after they had received mysterious invites to go there. They all were spread out in the mansion reminiscing about their high school days. Suddenly they heard a crash and they all gathered into the hall.

Everyone was there except Most Likely to Succeed Colleen Livingstone and Brandon Weber, who had just gotten done bragging about their successes on Wall Street. At first everyone assumed the noise was Most Likely to Hit a Parked Car Emily Lindsay and Isaac Appel¸ who were late after crashing into several cars in the driveway. But when they denied that they were the sources of the accident everyone grew suspicious.

The group began yelling and Least Likely to be in Class Victor Bennet and Danielle Blocker strolled into the room munching on hors d’oeuvres. Everyone began asking them what that weird noise was, but they claimed they were in the kitchen and did not hear anything.

They all decided to spread out and search the house. A few moments later a scream was heard throughout the mansion. Everyone ran to the noise and Most Likely to Win an Oscar Alex Reeves and Yann Ellinghaus were in the library standing by the bodies of Weber and Liv-ingstone, yelling “The cruel world has stolen life from precious beings!”

Most Likely to Start a Party Julian Carr was teaching Most Likely to Start a Party Rachel Jaffe how to Dougie when they realized what had happened. They

were questioned and they said they were in the Ballroom having a rager.

A detective came and questioned everyone in Din-ing Room. Most Likely to be on America’s Next Top Model Danielle Moore and Edwin Rodriguez were questioned first. They claimed to be voguing in the Con-servatory while Most Likely to be on American Idol Malcom Jenkins and Mary Fernandes were singing “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” to them.

The detective walked around to find Most Likely to be an Olympian Robert Korycinski and Rebecca Kalinich playing a competitive game of darts and pool in the Billiard Room. In the corner of the room by the bar Biggest Flirts Mark Cirincione and Lizzie Butler were playfully giggling and whispering into party goers’ ears.

Teacher’s Pets Neva Gakavian and Lucas Irvin were sitting in the study reading books about habeas cor-pus and eating apples. The detective found this suspicious and asked them for their alibis. They claimed they had been in the study all night debating the string theory.

Most Likely to Adopt Children Savannah Doane-Malotte and Daniel Louloudes were in the kitchen mak-ing formula for their newly adopted child from Thailand. The two had been caring for the crying infant all night.

Class Clowns Nia Edwards and Sean Thompson were making fun of and videotaping Most Likely to be on Reality TV Paula Edoja and Edwin Callender who were arguing about whether or not Callender looked fat in his jeans. The group said they had been in the Lounge

all night and offered to show the detective their camera as proof.

Most Likely to be President Rhea Wyse and Anthony Bui were outside having a press conference stating, “We did not have any contact with those individu-als.” The detective knew the two were innocent because they had been working on a peace treaty between Best Non-Couple Ricky Mancia and Larisha Winley. The two were bickering like a married couple about whether or not to go to Red Lobster for dinner.

Most Likely to have a Song Written About Them Grace Plihal and Robert Krakaur were in the lounge watching Justin Bieber’s “Baby” video which was ru-mored to be about Plihal. Krakaur began talking to the de-tective about how “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen was inspired by him. The detective mumbled, “You’re so vain, I bet you think every song is about you.”

The detective heard someone sprinting down the steps and ran to the stairwell. When he arrived he found Most Likely to be a Gold Digger Karen Vanegas stick-ing an antique candlestick in her designer purse. Then he saw Most Likely to be a Gold Digger Michael Joiner at the top of the stairs holding a wallet. Korycinski and Kalinich were running in from a jog when they helped the detective restrain the two. The candlestick contained blood on it and the wallet belonged to Weber. When asked why they did it they replied, “We ain’t saying we are gold diggers, but we’re in need.”

*Results were voted by The Blake Beat senior staff members

Class of ‘12 gets a clue about Blake Beat superlative winnersby Savannah Tryens & Larisha Winleyx

Clockwise from top right: Seniors Andrea Ramirez, Most Likely to be a Gold Digger Winner Michael Joiner, Julie Lopatka and Most Likely to Adopt a Child Savannah Doane-Malotte. Seniors Erica Wang, Lucy Harrelson and Cadijah Walcott enjoy a hug during dinner. Most Likely to be on America’s Next Top Model Danielle Moore and Most Likely to be a Gold Digger Karen Vanegas pose before they hit the dance floor. Biggest flirt Lizzie Butler watches the senior video, seniors Brianna Lopez and Most Likely to

be President Anthony Bui and seniors Matt Lipshultz and Katie Garcia smile for the camera. Seniors Isabel Avila, Tristan Fontaine, Lenasia Ransom, Taneigha Swingler and Ahmani Jones get ready to dance the night away. Superlative winners Most Likley to be on a Reality Show Edwin Callender and Most Likely to Get the Party Started Julian Carr arrive to Senior Banquet in style. Seniors Meredith Mathis and Melina Latona smile before the festivies begin. photos--by Rebecca Schwartz & Sammi Wright.

Seniors come together one last time to solve mystery at Berry Mansion

Find out what students have planned for after high school in Senior Directory, p. F6,7

Dear Me,

First of all, I want to congratulate you on how far you’ve come. You’re al-most done with your senior year! You’ve made it. I know these four years will feel like an eternity, but don’t give up hope; your time is coming.

Its incredible how much you will change and how many lessons you will learn during your time here at Blake High School. I know right now, at the begin-ning of freshman year, you’re having a hard time, but it’s not the end of the

world. You will endure many difficult and even heartbreaking things, but you are much stronger than you believe.

Don’t worry so much about what people think about you. Listen to your conscience and be yourself; don’t con-form. Try to be easier on yourself. There are many, many intelligent and amazing people around you, but don’t compare your achievements to their own. You will

achieve almost every goal you set for yourself (minus some minor setbacks), so don’t stress over stupid things. When you don’t make the musical, shake it off. When that boy in your math class fails to notice you, seriously, do not make it a huge deal. Better things are coming, and it’s actually better you avoided those situations anyway.

I can say with confidence, that

although you will start high school extremely anxious and tense, you will end it with peace and few regrets. Just be careful of people. Don’t be as trusting and optimistic about every-one, because sometimes they aren’t who they seem. Really think about

who your true friends are and who you should learn to rely on so that you can guard your heart.

Keep working hard and don’t get discouraged. All of it will pay off sooner or later.

With love, Savannah

May 4, 2012 The Blake Beat

It has been a long four years of high school. Time is quickly running out, and making the best of my last few weeks as a senior is my ultimate mission. Coming to Blake from Springbrook was definitely a decision I will never regret. Spending my last year of high school with my best friends

was a great choice. My first week as a new stu-

dent at Blake, I was nervous, but more anxious. Since I had friends here already, it was not as bad I thought it would be. Everyone was friendly and welcoming. I had high hopes for this school year and I was sure Blake would not let me down. The staff members are extremely nice. I thought it

was going to be awkward, but a lot of students randomly started conversations with me and I made a lot of new friends.

Homecoming is my favorite memory of my senior year. Being with my best friends, having fun, staying out all night and creating memories was the best way to start off my final year of high school. The night was filled with laugh-ing, dancing and partying and it did not end when the school dance was over. The homecoming game was also a night to remember, seeing how this is Blake’s second year in a row winning its home-coming game.

The Blake Winter Dance Concert is something that will also

remain very memorable for me. Since Springbrook does not have events like Blake does, I was sur-prised to see how big of a deal the concert was. I didn’t know that so many students were involved and the overall production was enter-taining. The best part was cheering on my best friend for her last per-formance on the Blake stage. The different styles of dance and wide range of music were really fun to watch and I had a great time.

I look forward to the many more memories to come as my time at Blake is winding down. I know my best memory of high school will definitely be walking across the stage at Constitution Hall on May 31 with all my new friends.

Mrs. Goodman still plays principle role in the hearts of students, staffFor the longest time, founding principal Carole

Goodman was the cornerstone of Blake High School. She embodied Blake and should not be forgotten at the place that still holds her dear in its heart.

One thing that I always found extremely amusing was that Mrs. Goodman would walk around the hallways with a handy dandy little Ziploc bag and a smile on her face. We were not fooled by her smile though; this was Mrs. Goodman’s time to make her way around almost every hallway and fill that empty bag with numerous phones (remember: this was when phones were not al-lowed at lunch).

She was not only on a mission to battle the cell phone users at lunch, but also to get to know the students at Blake. Freshman year, I was sitting in one of the many freshman hall groups at lunch and Mrs. Goodman walked over to us. Then, without pausing, she said hello to us and, I kid you not, called us all by either our first or last name. I don’t know if she did this to everyone in the school, but it really was comforting having someone as important as the principal know my name.

When alumnus Aron Crews brought Mrs. Goodman as his escort to last year’s Mr. Blake event, I can proudly say that I was one of many in the crowd with a big smile on my face because I realized how dedicated she still is to our school.

I don’t think I can name any event where I didn’t see her. Literally, the woman was everywhere—and might I mention, she always dressed so fashionably that you couldn’t miss her. When I was in TV News Production as a sophomore, Mrs. Goodman was our most frequent guest. She wanted Blake to know who she was, I’m sure, because she was proud of what she had created. I truly loved her presence at any Blake event and these past two years without her have left a hole in making everything perfect.

After the classes of 2012 and 2013 graduate, we will be the last students with memories of the school’s first principal. However, I hope that every student after our departure will remember who Mrs. Goodman was and remember her passion that helped make Blake one of the best schools in the area.

Doane-Malotte writes inspirational letter to her long ago freshman self

Senior praises Blake’s accepting environment, prepares for real world Walking in the halls of Blake High School was what

I used to always dream about in middle school, so in late August 2008 when I finally had my opportunity to call Blake mine—I took it and ran with it.

Growing up, I went to a small, private, Christian el-ementary and middle school. Everything was cookie-cutter and to be different was seen as one of the most ridiculous things ever thought of on the planet. Needless to say, if you know me, you know exactly why this wasn’t the best environment for me. Not only did I feel uncomfortable

when my parents got a divorce in my younger years, but there was also another uncomfortable feeling that I experi-enced while growing up: the feeling of being ignored. I felt like I was just a hushed case and that people just saw me as a good little kid who was dealing “with a lot of things in his life.” In no way shape or form did I feel accepted throughout these years. That is, until I came to Blake.

Walking through the doors of this school was one of the most exciting, yet nerve-racking moments in my life. I knew no one. But in my case, I used that to my advantage. I decided that the next four years of my life were not to be lived in regret, but instead with risk and bravery. At

Blake, I wanted to find my real self and not only that—I also wanted to show everyone else who I really am. And I can confidently say I have done just that. The things I have overcome, the friends I have made and lost, the decisions I have made—they have all shaped who I am today: a young man who is confident in who he has become and knows that wherever life takes him, he will survive.

So now, readers, it is my time to close the doors to Blake that I was so eager to open just four years ago, and open another door to my life—one that will take me across the country into a culture setting that will challenge both who I’ve become and my beliefs.

by Johnelle Revellex

by Michael Joinerx

by Savannah Doane-Malottex

by David Hyltonx

Coming to Blake from Springbrook

is definitely a decsion I will never regret.

Former Blue Devil now a proud Bengal for final days of high school

F2

Revelle reflects on highlights of senior year

Drama, drama and more drama is what you get when you put a group of highly theatrical people in a room together for three plus months and tell them to entertain you. Over the past four years, I have seen costume bandits, stage love turn to “real love” and plagues that affect the entire cast the night before open-

ing; I’ve seen all of that and I’ve never been so proud to be a part of something as I am to be a part of Blake Stage Company.

In 9th grade, I auditioned for Oklahoma!. When I saw my name on that ensemble list, I was elated. I was in ensemble; my little freshman self was a part of something that made me feel like I had a purpose – what else could I want from high school? I watched (stalked) the big scary

leads that seemed a thousand miles away. That is, until then-senior Sarah Lomke told me: “You do one show, you’re in; you’re in Stage Co. for life.”

I’m pretty sure she meant it as a dramatic “sell your soul” kind of thing rather than an offi-cial induction into the group. But whichever it was, I latched on to it and its accuracy. I have since been in 10 shows, over five com-petitions, battled about a million

costume blunders and touched countless audience members with my stage company family. Yes, we are family; we fight, leave, betray and love each other and I am convinced bonds are tighter between us than any other social/extra-curricular events I could have been a part of.

The most valuable thing I learned from Stage Company is how to be a decent human being. I was taught to be comfortable

with my own skin, to be a good leader yet compatible enough to help my team and most im-portantly, not to judge people. I guess I learned to act too, but these are the things that are going to stick with me forever, just like I will be in Stage Co. forever. My theatrical spirit joining the ranks of countless others as a guardian and muse to the Blake High School Theater kids for generations to come.

May 4, 2012 The Blake Beat F3Senior reflects on memorable events during high school#2012trendingtopicsmakeforexcitingyear

#Senioryearisalmostover and with 27 more days until graduation, I’ve been feeling kind of nostalgic. The class of 2012 has come together and trended lots of important, comical and relatable topics. So get hip to what your elders, peers and soon-to-be-alumni were talking about.

2012 ALL DAY—No one can argue that the Class of 2012 is the loudest, best and most spirited class. Everywhere you turn a TWENTY-TWELVE was there.

Seniors 4 A Cause—Trayvon, JSA, Kony2012, KGB; no matter what the social or global issue was, the arguably best class in Blake’s history was on top of their game show-ing support for this year’s hot topics. Seniors were all about getting involved and making a difference in the community, and that we did.

YOLO—Some love it, others don’t. Regardless of your personal life motto, senior year is all about living life to the fullest. And we have. We’ve planked on cars, traveled to foreign places, went club hopping (sometimes alone), twatched, cheated on significant others, lost (and gained) friends, snuck out, partied hard, broke a leg, arm or heart, put in tracks, didn’t shave, barely showered—seniors lived young, wild and free. No apologies.

The Countdown—Whether we were counting down to winter/spring break, seniors had Beyonce running for her money with our numerous, and often times unique, count-downs and honestly you can’t blame us. We are just excited and ready to start the next chapter of our lives.

[Insert] People Problems—Black, White, Mixed, Asian, Twinley, Ginger, Jewish, broke, rich or just plain unlucky-seniors shared their personal, private and very funny problems of the year. They’ve made us laugh, cry and left us slightly confused, but despite these sometimes difficult to deal with problems we’ve always been able to share them with one another.

Sorry Not Sorry—To put it simply, seniors just don’t care.

As we end this chapter of our lives, another one begins. Seniors have tweeted, trended and posted their high school woes and joys and now it’s finally our turn to move on to big-ger and better things. #SoLongHighSchool, #HelloWorld!

by Larisha Winleyx

Bengal suffers a case of broken heart due to poignant farewell Saying goodbye to Blake Stage Company proves the hardest task yet

by Alex Reevesx

I’ve never been so proud to be a part...of the Blake Stage Company.

Former Springbrook Blue Devil reflects on freshman year transferSchool offers more opportunities, experience for graduating teen

After having been a Springbrook Blue Devil for a year, I now look back and realize that having transferred to Blake was one of the best decisions I could have made.

It certainly was not easy to start fresh, all over again, but as the days went on, I soon found myself in an environ-ment in which I knew I would thrive. The classes that I was able to take here during three years have served as a foundation for my intended majors, broadcast com-

munications and journalism.Springbrook had much to offer,

but it was simply not the best match for me at the time. While I am proud to say that I am a Bengal, I still keep Spring-brook close to my heart, simply because it gave me memories that I will forever hold on to.

Quickly, I realized that academics were not going to be my only focus here at Blake. Thanks to my mentors, I began to look further, into other areas that in-terested me. The skills I learned and the leadership I developed in the past few years were worth every second of stress I

endured during my high school career.With an internship, a job, and a

promising future ahead of me, I know that many of my high school accom-plishments have been a part of my life thanks to the guidance I have received here. Now that I look forward, I am very thankful for having had the opportunity to be a Bengal. Blake certainly contrib-uted to the person I am today. There are not enough words to express the gratitude I feel towards every single person that walks these crowded halls.

The people I encountered and the situations I went through built my char-

acter and prepared me for what was to soon come my way.

With graduation less than a few weeks away, my goals are now clearer than ever. I am now moving to a new phase of my life, where I know I will continue demonstrating all that I learned from my time here.

Underclassmen, your time will come. Be patient, the real world can wait. Staff members, thank you for changing lives...and to my fellow seniors, con-gratulations for reaching this milestone! I wish you the very best in your future endeavors.

by Karen Vanegasx

May 4, 2012 The Blake BeatF6

Name Future Plans Name Future Plans

directoryseniorCody Acker Virginia Commonwealth University/Finance & BusinessGabriel Acosta Montgomery College/Undecided Austin Ager Montgomery College/BusinessJohn Alarcon Montgomery College/BusinessMcKayla Adam Montgomery College/General StudiesHenry Adjah-Provencal Stevenson University/Computer Information SystemsFrancisca Agbodzah Montgomery College/NursingNicole Alexander University of Maryland, College Park/Communications David Altobelli York College of Pennsylvania/Computer Science Steven Alvarado Montgomery College/UndecidedValentina Amaro Montgomery College/Radiology Davidson Anyanwu University of Maryland, Eastern Shore/Aerospace and Aeronautical EngineeringHenry Aparicio University of Central Florida/Psychology Erika Arancibia Montgomery College/Criminal JusticeAbigail Asantewaa University of Maryland, Eastern Shore/LawMoe Ashrafi Towson University/Business & FinanceSara Asomaning Frostburg University/EnglishIsabel Avila Stratford University/Baking and Pastry Arts & BusinessSelene Bae Montgomery College/International BusinessElijah Bah Alderson-Broaddus College/Physical TrainingMichael Bailey Montgomery College/Game Designer David Bartlett Bowie State University/Law Enforcement Quinndolyn Barnes Montgomery College/UndecidedBrian Battaglia Rochester Institute of Technology/Mechanical Engineering TechnologyTiffany Bennett United States ArmyVictor Bennett College of Charleston/BusinessAndrea Betances Montgomery College/Criminal JusticeSaron Bireda University of Maryland, College Park/Economics or Engineering Danielle Blocker Washington University in St. Louis/Undecided Brittany Bradley University of South Carolina/NursingLillian Bradley University of Maryland, Eastern Shore/Criminal JusticeDemetre Bo Montgomery College/Business Management Carla Brizuela Montgomery College/UndecidedMalachi Broadus Stevenson University/Film, Video and TheaterParis Broadus Undecided/Elementary EducationChris Brooks Hampton University/Undecided Jordan Brooks Undecided/Education or PsychologyChristina Buckley Virginia State University/Nutrition Anthony Bui University of Maryland, College Park/Biology & BiochemistryBlake Buress St. John’s University/Undecided Elizabeth Butler Charleston Southern University/Elementary EducationNicole Byrd Montgomery College/PhotographyJavian Caceres George Washington University/Political ScienceAlexa Calderon Montgomery College/Business AdministrationCarolina Camacho Maryland Institute College of Art/Photography Bria Campbell Howard Community College/UndecidedEdwin Callender Springfield College/Physical TherapyJulian Carr Towson University/Business Administration Raquel Castillo Montgomery College/UndecidedSelena Castillo University of Maryland, College Park/Undecided Emily Caulfield Montgomery College/NursingKayla Cayetano Undecided/Pediatric NursingDora Chan Grinnell College/BiologyJoshua Chang Temple University/UndecidedVictor Chau Worcester Polytechnic Institute/Architectural EngineeringJoal Chen New York University/JournalismJenny Chiu Towson University/International BusinessMark Cirincione University of Maryland, Baltimore County/Computer ScienceEmmanuel Clarke St. John’s University/Business & MusicJayde Clarke Virginia Union University/Broadcast Journalism & Communications Molly Cohen University of Pittsburgh/UndecidedSamantha Comer Montgomery College/UndecidedCameron Constantine North Carolina A & T/Landscape Architecture Charles Conteh University of Maryland, Baltimore County/PsychologyAmber Cook United States Air ForceCiera Cooke Montgomery College/Elementary EducationDashae Cooper Montgomery College/Criminal JusticeDonte Cooper Montgomery College/UndecidedTrey Cooper Towson University/Business ManagementWendy Cordon United States ArmyPhillice Cowan Temple University/Sports Medicine & Physical TherapyKelefa Crawley Art Institute/Culinary ArtsCourtney Cristaldi Montgomery College/History Bethany Crump Montgomery College/UndecidedJavier Cruz Montgomery College/ComputersGiancarlo Curzi Full Sail University/MediaI-Ke Davis Undecided/UndecidedPhuc Vu Dang Princeton University/PhysicsRyan Deane Towson University/Communications and FilmVinay DeMotte Montgomery College/Pre-MedJanelle Dixon Montgomery College/UndecidedSavannah Doane-Malotte University of Maryland, College Park/ Journalism & International Studies Emily Dollermore Mercyhurst University/UndecidedChristian Domaas Catholic University of America/International Economics & FinanceShavon Doswell Montgomery College/UndecidedRushayne Douglass Montgomery College/UndecidedAlexis Earley Towson University/UndecidedPaula Edoja Concordia New York College/Pre LawJohnyie Edwards Virginia Commonwealth University/Undecided

Nia Edwards Towson University/UndecidedYann Ellinghaus Undecided/UndecidedMarciana Esteves Towson University/Music PerformanceKathryn Evans Brooklyn College/UndecidedMary Fernandes University of Maryland, College Park/Animal Science & PsychologyAnthony Fischetti University of Maryland, Baltimore County/UndecidedOmari Fisher University of Maryland, Eastern Shore/UndecidedHayley Fixler University of Maryland, College Park/Journalism & BusinessAngelique Fleming Montgomery College/Game DesignJennifer Flores Montgomery College/Undecided Jocelyn Flores Montgomery College/UndecidedLane Flynn Appalachian State University/Exercise ScienceManyi Foncham Montgomery College/Undecided Triston Fontaine Alderson-Broaddus College/MarketingAngie Fortunak St. Leo University/Biology & Early EducationStella Fotso Old Dominion University/BiologyLinus Francis University of Maryland, College Park/Mechanical Engineering & Business AdministrationAmanda Freeman Towson University/Occupational Therapy & Exercise ScienceKristen Frese University of Pittsburgh/Pre-occupational TherapyKatie Fuchs University of Delaware/Elementary EducationReina Fuentes University of Maryland, College Park/Nursing Matt Gagern Montgomery College/Biology Neva Gakavian University of Maryland, College Park/BioengineeringKatie Garcia Montgomery College/NeuroscienceValentina Garcia University of Maryland, College Park/Animal ScienceJacob Gill Towson University/Business & Accounting Cecilia Girolami West Virginia University/Engineering Hayley Glantz Indiana University/NursingShawn Glisson Macklin Business Institute/FinanceJasmine Gomez Howard Community College/Criminal JusticeJake Gordon University of Maryland, College Park/BusinessJacob Gottlieb Montgomery College/UndecidedMatt Grady Undecided/UndecidedFabiola Gramajo Montgomery College/UndecidedBridget Gratton Montgomery College/Communications & Television BroadcastMeisha Griggs Morgan State University/ Vocal Performance & TheaterDuncan Grundman University of Maryland, College Park/ Civil EngineeringCharles Gross Delaware State University/TV and Radio Communications Sarah Hagan Towson University/ Early EducationKiery Hall Harrisburg University/Paleontology Weiss Hamidi Montgomery College/Undecided Kimberly Hanson Pennsylvania State University/Biology & MedicineLucy Harrelson American University/Undecided Jack Hawvermale Montgomery College/UndecidedNana Hayford Montgomery College/ForensicsJacob Hayman Indiana University of Pennsylvania/ UndecidedAmy Heim Toccoa Falls College/Youth Ministries & Music EducationGloria Henriquez Mount Saint Mary’s University/Criminal JusticePhuong “Amy” Hoang University of Maryland, Baltimore County/EngineeringSteven Hobley East Central University/Computer scienceAnique Holloman Methodist University/Forensic ScienceMiles Holt Columbia College of Chicago/Contemporary Music ProductionJamaal Hopkins Montgomery College/CommunicationsPreston Horton Montgomery College/Public SpeechDerek Houston Stevenson University/Architecture Braelin Howard Alderson-Broaddus College/Undecided Tyasia Hutchinson Spelman College/Undecided Ryanne Hyatt Montgomery College/NursingDavid Hylton Pepperdine University/ Entertainment Law & Music BusinessJustin Ingram Alderson-Broaddus College/Computer Programming & CommunicationsLucas Irvin St. Mary’s College of Maryland/Pre-MedicineAmina Irving Pennsylvania State University/Landscape ArchitectureBruce Jackman Montgomery College/EngineeringDorienne Jackson Randolph-Macon College/BusinessJanet Jackson Montgomery College/Elementary EducationSierra Jackson Montgomery College/ArtRachel Jaffe College of Charleston/CommunicationsMalcolm Jenkins Pennsylvania State University/Business & Political ScienceChristian Jeong University of Maryland, College Park/Biochemistry & MathematicsDevon Johnson Spelman College/Public Relations & Public Health CareMichael Joiner University of Maryland, College Park/JournalismThayzel Jones Montgomery College/Nursing Ashley Judah Marymount University/Political ScienceJake Kalen Montgomery College/UndecidedAziza Rearse Montgomery College/UndecidedNekia Kelsey University of Maryland, Eastern Shore/AccountingCecile Kevekam Virginia Commonwealth University/NursingDaniel Kim Montgomery College/Mechanical EngineeringDong-Hee Kim Pennsylvania State University/UndecidedRebecca Kalinich University of Mary Washington/BiologySandra Kindete Montgomery College/MedicalCross Klemko University of Maryland, College Park/BiologyDashon Kornegay US Air ForceRobert Korycinski Tufts University/UndecidedRobert Krakaur Montgomery College/Undecided

Austin Larkin Mount Saint Mary’s/Undecided Esmerelda Larkins Undecided/Arts Keith Lawson Montgomery College/Business Zoey Lee Hartwick College/Environmental Chemistry

May 4, 2012 The Blake Beat F7

Name Future Plans Name Future Plans

directoryseniorAdele Leishman Towson University/NursingIrene Lemberos University of Maryland, College Park/EngineeringSammi Levitt Pennsylvania State University/BusinessJose Lezama Undecided/UndecidedEmily Lindsay Goucher College/UndecidedSarah Lipkowitz University of Wisconsin-Madison/UndecidedMatt Lipshultz University of Maryland, College Park/Engineering Eugene Litman American University/UndecidedColleen Livingstone Johns Hopkins University/Near Eastern StudiesDontava Lodenquai Howard University/Computer EngineeringJenny Lon Towson University/Art EducationZachary Long Randolph-Macon College/PhysicsMonika Looney University of Maryland, College Park/Cell Biology & GeneticsJulie Lopatka University of Maryland, College Park/KinesiologyBrianna Lopez Ithaca College/Physical TherapyDaniel Louloudes University of Maryland, Baltimore County/Political ScienceStephanie Luk Fashion Institute of Technology/Interior DesignKevin Luna Montgomery College/Accounting & FinanceKayla Mack Bowie State University/PsychologyRicardo Mancia Towson University/Business AdministrationAlimatu Mansaray Montgomery College/Medical CareersMichael Mansaray Montgomery College/Software EngineeringDionte Martin Montgomery College/Undecided Johana Martinez Montgomery College/Childhood EducationAndrew Markowitz Undecided/UndecidedMeredith Mathis Reed College/Anthropology & PhilosophyKyle McArthur Community College of Baltimore County/Automotive Master TechnicianCourtney McKenna Bentley University/Accounting & Business ManagementTravon McMillian Saint Augustine’s College/Electrical EngineeringMelissa McNabb Clemson University/Animal & Veterinary SciencesConner McMurray Montgomery College/Landscape ArchitectureAndrew McWilliams Montgomery College/Sports MedicineJeremiah Medina Montgomery College/UndecidedAna Mejia Restaurant WaitressMatt Mehallick University of Tennessee at Chattanooga/Computer ScienceTerah Minor-Jones Concordia College Bronxville/EducationEmily Minter Slippery Rock University/DanceJennifer Miranda Montgomery College/UndecidedKristina Mitchell University of Maryland, College Park/UndecidedJulie Mitchell Montgomery College/UndecidedTara Mitchell Stevenson University/Human ServicesDanielle Moore University of Maryland, College Park/CommunicationsAlex Morales Harrisburg University of Science and Technology/ForensicsEly Morataya Montgomery College/Early Childhood DevelopmentRushell Morgan University of Maryland, Eastern Shore/Communications & JournalismMichael Morris Montgomery College/UndecidedJuan Moscoso Liberty University/UndecidedRichard Mohammad Kean University/TheaterShanice Mulrain Allegany College/Occupational TherapyMarcus Murray Montgomery College/Business MarketingMihir Nakrani University of Maryland, College Park/BiologyLeroy Napier-Radway Alderson-Broaddus College/Computer ScienceChristian Nava University of Maryland, College Park/Mechanical EngineeringVanessa Newman American University/UndecidedVictor Nicholson Montgomery College/Computer ScienceAlberto Nieto Montgomery College/UndecidedMichael Njosa-Benitez Clark Atlanta University/Mass CommunicationsNnamdi Odoazu Towson University/UndecidedDamilola Oluremi Lassell College/CommunicationsMarcus Owens Montgomery College/Game DesigningYasmeen Owens University of Maryland, Eastern Shore/BiologyAlexis Page St. Johns University/Biology & Pre-MedLauren Paniati University of Connecticut/Speech PathologyJonathan Parks Case Western Reserve University/Biomedical EngineeringBrandon Patterson Montgomery College/Game Production and DesignLeah Patterson St. Mary’s College of Maryland/Undecided Susana Pena Montgomery College/NursingJessica Perla University of Maryland, College Park/EngineeringAngela Pinchinat University of Maryland, College Park/Pre-MedMandy Pham Montgomery College/Pre-EducationGrace Plihal New York University/Liberal and Media StudiesSarah Prather Elmira College/International StudiesMatt Present University of Maryland, College Park/JournalismAndrew Price Montgomery College/General StudiesTaylor Proctor University of DC/Early Childhood EducationAshley Guevara Montgomery College/UndecidedZachary Radov Salisbury University/Physical EducationAndrea Ramirez University of Connecticut/EngineeringRamon Ramirez Electrician Tech SchoolAbby Ramlagan Coastal Carolina University/Marine BiologyLenasia Ransom West Virginia University/CriminologyStanton Ramsey Undecided/Criminal JusticeTai Ramsey Undecided/Environmental EngineeringDiego Reckeweg Undecided/ArtKevin Reedy Montgomery College/Musical TheaterAlexandra Reeves University of Maryland, Baltimore County/TheaterBrooke Rehman York College of Pennsylvania/NursingJohnelle Revell Bennett College for Women/English

Celina Reyes Montgomery College/Pre-MedElizabeth Reyes University of Maryland, Baltimore County/Computer EngineeringMagnus Richards Undecided/Physical TherapyAlex Rivera Undecided/EngineeringSam Rivera Mount St. Mary’s University/UndecidedJahmila Roberts University of Maryland, College Park/Government & Politics SociologyTraceyan Rosel Montgomery College/NursingEdwin Rodriguez Montgomery College/BusinessMaryangel Rodriguez Syracuse University/Art PhotographyMaria Romero Montgomery College/UndecidedKarina Romero Montgomery College/Pre-MedDanielle Routhier Coastal Carolina University/Marine ScienceDavid Salgado Montgomery College/X-Ray TechnicianGhulam Sallman University of Maryland, College Park/EngineeringAmanda Salmon Stevenson University/NursingChristian Salom Montgomery College/ UndecidedEvelyn Sanchez Montgomery College/UndecidedCori Santini Olney KindercareAlison Scher Montgomery College/UndecidedParis Schwartz Montgomery College/Japanese Language &CultureBrianna Scott Delaware State University/Theatre & BusinessJamila Seasay Morgan State University/NursingBrando Seo Montgomery College/UndecidedRushsheika Sewell Harford College/AccountingWilliam Sewell Shenandoah University/Criminal JusticeEmma Shannon Montgomery College/UndecidedKyle Shaw Towson University/UndecidedAndrew Simmons University of Maryland, Baltimore County/Mechanical EngineeringEmily Simmons University of Maryland, College Park/Journalism & HistoryAvery Smith Bowie State University/UndecidedDani Smith Montgomery College/Liberal ArtsSarena Sok Montgomery College/Early Childhood DevelopmentDanielle Stewart Montgomery College/NursingTaneigha Swingler Undecided/Social WorkNai’ani Sykes Bowie State University/Business ManagementNick Tatnall Undecided/EngineeringMegan Taylor Montgomery College/UndecidedKara Thompson Montgomery College/Business Sean Thompson Montgomery College/UndecidedMaiha Thompson-Mantini Mount St. Mary’s University/Business & Public RelationsSterling Tillman University of Maryland, Eastern Shore/UndecidedKimberly Torchenot University of Maryland, Eastern Shore/BiologyEmily Touch Washington Adventist University/Pediatric NursingPathrea Eric Touch Montgomery College/Medical FieldMaki Toure Alderson-Broaddus College/CommunicationEmma Towriss Maryland Institute College of Art/PhotographyMoussa Traore Loyola University of Maryland/UndecidedNam Tran Westwood College/UndecidedTram Truong Undecided/UndecidedSavannah Tryens Villanova University/International RelationsSamara Tu University of Maryland, College Park/Journalism & Political ScienceNicole Tuttle Saint Mary’s College of Maryland/BiologyJean-Claude Tzeuton University of Maryland, College Park/MathematicsMuhammad Uddin Montgomery College/UndecidedAvery Ugba Prince George’s Community College/Electrical EngineerJoann Valentin Montgomery College/Business ManagementVanessa Valerio Lynn University/BiologyMichael Valle-Rodriguez Virginia Tech/CulinaryDiego Vallejos University of Memphis/Music IndustryKaren Vanegas Montgomery College/Broadcast Journalism & International RelationsDarlyn Vasquez Liberty University/UndecidedTracy Velazquez Montgomery College/BiologyJeffrey Vides Montgomery College/UndecidedJason Villatoro Montgomery College/AccountingLynne Virgil Frostburg State University/Elementary School EducationPhabie Volcimus St. John’s University/UndecidedVincent Vanlear Sierra College/CommunicationJonathan Wahler Montgomery College/UndecidedCadijah Walcott University of Pittsburgh/Mathematics &Environmental ScienceDaniella Wall Montgomery College/UndecidedAlexis Wallace University of Maryland Eastern Shore/Art EducationCheyenne Walker Frostburg State University/ Fine and Studio ArtYasmin Wamala Hofstra University/JournalismKevin Wang University of Maryland Baltimore County/UndecidedMarguerite Warner Montgomery College/PhotographyBrandon Weber University of Maryland, College Park/Computer ScienceJeff Welder Rowan University/Electrical EngineeringRebecca Wellman University of Maryland, Baltimore County/Ancient StudiesMelissa Whitaker Howard Community College/Criminal JusticeJames White Coppin State University/Entertainment ManagementJenna Williams University of Mary Washington/AnthropologyLarisha Winley University of Maryland, College Park/CommunicationsLeisha Winley University of Maryland, College Park/Public RelationsEllen Wood University of South Carolina/Insurance and Risk Management & BusinessPeashion Woody, Jr. Saint Augustine’s College/BusinessBrandon Wooltidge Montgomery College/UndecidedRhea Wyse University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill/BiologyGrace Yoo University of Maryland, Baltimore County/Linguistics

May 4, 2012 The Blake BeatF8

*These people contributed donations to help support the publication of this issue of the Blake Beat

CONGRATULATIONSTO THE JAMES HUBERT BLAKE

CLASS OF 2012*Karina J. AcevedoZaiem AhmadThe Altobelli FamilyAnonymousThe Family of Isaac AppelPatricia ArnwineThe Family of Mary AronneThe Asante FamilyThe Atkins FamilyDanielle & Lauren BarlowMr. & Mrs. Bryon BarlowThe Bass FamilyThe Battaglia Family The Baumgartner FamilyAngela & Steve BeachamThe Beers FamilyThe Beers FamilyThe Benjoar FamilyLaura Benson & Bill LeishmanAlicia Black The Blackford Family Ryan BlaylockAlex Blocker The Boone Family The Bond FamilyThe Botto FamilyThe Bradley FamilyThe Bridegum FamilyPatty BrodaThe Broer FamilyNiara & Ayanna BrownElaine BubesThe Butler FamilyThe Byrd FamilyThe Callender FamilyMitch & Pawnee CampThe Cardinale FamilyAbbie CarlinerThe Family of Ellen Carroll The Caulfield Family Maya Chaurasia and Family The Family of Greg ChaimsonThe Chau Family The Chen Family The Kelly/Chirigos FamilyThe Cirincione FamilyJeffrey CohenHamidu ColeThe Comer FamilyThe Contreras Family The Coyne Family Jack DadlaniThe Dean FamilySara & David DeanDennis FamilyThe Deshler FamilyThe Dionne Family The Doane-Malotte FamilyThe Domaas FamilyThe Drucker FamilyThe Eaglin FamilyKaren Edwards

The Errigo FamilyMary FernandesJohn FitzgeraldThe Fischetti FamilyThe Fixler FamilySarojini FordKealea FoyHolly FordThe Fortunak FamilyThe Forysthe FamilyThe Forysthe FamilyAryn FrazierRenee FreilichThe Frese FamilyThe Freeman Family The Freeman FamilyThe Friedman FamilyThe Fuchs FamilyThe Fuentes Family Donna Fuller The Family of Neva GakavianThe Girolami FamilyThe Glantz FamilyThe Glatt Family The Glisson FamilyThe Glocker FamilyThe Goldwater Family Danny GonzalezThe Gordon FamilyThe Family of Jamil Gordon Charles HarperThe Harrelson FamilyThe Harris FamilyThe Hernandez Family The Family of Gloria HenriquezThe Hong FamilyThe HundleysThe Family of Jane HwangThe Hylton FamilyMs. Cheryl Hylton The Family of Jacqueline Hy-manThe Irvin FamilyThe Jaffe FamilyThe Johnson FamilyThe Joiner FamilyThe Kaleyias FamilyMary Kate KalinichThe Family of Rebecca Kalinich Caroline KennerLarry & Sharon Kenney Mr. & Mrs. Kister The Kindete Family The Klemko FamilyThe Kodak Family Kathy Koetz The Kominski FamilyThe Family of Robert KorycinskiRobert Krakaur The Kuhney Family The Lee FamilyAlexander Leishman

Leigh LeslieThe Lettieri FamilyThe Levitt FamilyMark LewisMrs. Ilene LineberryMr. & Mrs. Allan LinkThe Linsenmeyer FamilyThe Lipkowitz FamilyThe Litman FamilyThe Livingstone FamilyThe Loftus FamilyJenny Lon Pete & Romona LooneyThe Family of Brianna LopezThe Lopez Family Stephanie LukThe Majower FamilyJoyce & Al MannBetsy MarcusBeverly & Stuart MarkowitzBruce MarkowitzThe Family of Meredith MathisThe Martinez Family Marissa MetzgerThe Moore Family Danielle Moore Bridget MurrayThe Murray FamilyThe Parents of Vanessa New-manThe Nine FamilyThe Noone FamilyThe Norris FamilyThe Family of Michelle NguyenThe O’Grady FamilyThe Ortiz Family The Family of Maryann OutlawAlfred Renee PageThe Paniati FamilyBryan ParkBarry & Margaret PassettThe Patterson FamilyCarolina PeñaThe Perez-Ferrero FamilyThe Perla FamilyThe Perry FamilyHeidi Petersen & FamilyStephanie PewittThe Pham Family The Phillips FamilyEric PinnickThe Pledger FamilyThe PlihalsThe Family of Avery PottsThe Prather FamilyThe Present FamilyThe Purse FamilyThe Raju FamilyThe Ramirez FamilyCheryl RamlaganRobert Ramsey & Jane ButlerThe Reese-May Family

The Reeves FamilyThe Rehman FamilyAlfred Renee PageVinita RevellThe Rodas Family Maryangel RodriguezThe Russell FamilyThe Sallman FamilyFatima SallmanThe Sarmineto FamilyThe Family of Kara SavercoolJames Schafer EnterprisesThe Family of Jasmina SchoenThe Schwartz/Tanenhaus FamilyThe Shannon FamilyLiz & Ashley SheibaniagdamThe Shim FamilyHarriet SigelThe Sigwalt FamilyThe Simmons FamilyAbbie SpencerThe Spencer FamilyThe Stanley FamilyThe Sterling FamilyThe Sterling FamilyJanine Taira & FamilyThe Tarrer FamilyFamily of Emily Tchai Frisbee ThracklebushKristina Toliver The Treacy FamilyThe Family of Renee TreacyThe Truong FamilyThe Tryens-Fernandes FamilyThe Tu FamilyKhadijah TurayThe Family of Michelle Ung & Lim Family United Health HeroesJoann ValentineThe Vanegas FamilyThe Velez FamilyThe Veli FamilyDenise Venero The Vernon FamilyCadijah WalcottThe Wall FamilyThe Family of Alexis WallaceThe Weber FamilyFloyd and Noreen WeberLonnie Joan WeinheimerThe Williams FamilyDeena & Dara WinleyLeisha WinleyLarisha WinleyLavenna WinleyThe Winley FamilyThe Wolk FamilyRachel WooThomas WoodThe Wright FamilyMr. & Mrs. Wynne

Every class is a melting pot of cultures and races. There is a diverse student body and most kids are open to getting to know different people while in class.

But once that lunch bell rings at 10:51, everyone gathers into cliques and most of the school starts to look rather segregated.

There are many different opinions about the way students

group with similar people. Junior Darien Ellis says, “Football and basketball players are downstairs while the soccer, lacrosse, and baseball players are upstairs dur-ing lunch.”

Some students sit with analo-gous people because they will not be rejected or ridiculed if they hang around people that look or act like them. Ellis adds, “I think people hang out with those that share similar interests with them, because [that is] who they are most

comfortable with.” Most students try to catch up

with friends they rarely see during class time, because short talks in the hallway between classes and little chats during class is never enough time. “You usually just sit with your friends that you’re closer to and don’t generally see through-out the day,” says Junior Danielle Snowden.

Some students subconscious-ly sit with the same race, but not because they are intolerant of other

races. Freshman Alyssia Graves says, “It is not intentional, but the group I sit with is not as diverse as I would like it to be. It is mostly a group of white girls and I am the only African American.”

Various students are able to identify with peers of other races, so segregated lunches are not merely a result of skin color, but also up-bringing. “People hang out with people who act like them,” says Junior Shayne Asher, “so I think that’s why lunch is segregated.”

Things such as environment, community, and surrounding people play an important role in who stu-dents choose to relate with on an everyday basis, but some students still believe that mixing up the pop-ulation would be beneficial. “There are many different personalities at Blake and it is a diverse school. People do not embrace that,” says Graves. “If we were to desegregate our lunches, [students] would be able to see the great in all the dif-ferent people.”

Walking into English teacher Matthew MacLeod’s room, you may see his wall covered in pictures from Japan. These are not just pictures from a vacation; they are souvenirs from the life he had while teaching there for two years.

Because Mr. MacLeod did not travel much, he want-ed to get more experience in a different educational system. For two years, he lived in Japan and taught local students English communication skills. “They were excited most days to be able to try new English,” Says Mr. MacLeod. “It’s that enthusiasm that was contagious.”

In Japan, students there are held responsible in the classroom, and their after school activities have little to no teacher supervision. Says Mr. MacLeod, “It really made the students take on an extra degree of self-reliance.” He also realized that the students there are also much more respectful towards their teachers. “The teacher is not just a leader, but a severe authority figure,” Mr. MacLeod says.

Mr. MacLeod was fascinated at how differently people in Japan act from people in America. He says, “[They] were always very concerned with leadership… and their friends’ well-being, putting other people before themselves… with a very [selfless attitude].”

Americans cherish individuality, but the mind set in Japan is very different. “It’s very much about being a part of the group [in Japan].” Adds Mr. MacLeod, “It gave a certain degree of camaraderie.” Mr. MacLeod noted that in Japan, people are much more inclined to help others before they help themselves.

Mr. MacLeod also noticed that people in Japan express emotion more freely than people in America. He would attend sporting events where captains on the winning team would break down in tears. “Grown men [were] cry-ing in front of a group of people, whereas here we would see that as a sign of [femininity] or a sign of weakness,” adds Mr. MacLeod.

Mr. MacLeod says, “I… saw culture that most of my friends and family have never seen and probably never will.” Given the opportunity, he would definitely teach abroad again. Though he missed his home while in Japan, he thought the time spent there was enjoyable and worth-while. “Just like any experience in life, there are always ups and downs to it,” he adds. “I got a secret glimpse into an exotic world.”

While helping a friend in New York, junior Bibi Bourelly was discovered during an unexpected once-in-a-lifetime opportu-nity, which set her career in motion. With only her tattered guitar and her voice in possession, Bourelly was able to fulfill her childhood dream.

Childhood friend and singer Alexandra Waye called Bourelly last minute in need of a singer-songwriter to help record in the studio. “It’s interesting because I was actually very proud and a little bit surprised,” says aunt

Paula Bourelly. “She brought her guitar one day just to keep herself occupied and… The whole studio was blown away by her skill.”

When Bourelly was six, her mother died of breast cancer. She was raised by her father, a jazz musician, in Germany. When she came to America, Bourelly’s aunt helped raise her as her own. Says Dr. Bourelly, “I don’t think she could stop [singing] if she wanted to… It’s the one thing that gives her a great sense of peace and joy.”

Her mother’s death was somewhat an inspiration for Bourelly, since music kept her going. “It was my cure,” says Bourelly. “Music was then the replacement; it was like

the thing that raised me, the thing that kept me sane.” Bourelly moved between Germany and the United States multiple times, enrich-ing her inspiration.

Bourelly is influenced by every day people dealing with their own struggles, reminding her all too well of the struggles she has gone through. “She’s one of those people who… honestly is bothered by the things that we just ignore in the world,” says English teacher Omari Daniel. “She’s like one of those tuning forks that you stick in the ground, and when things go wrong in society… she feels it.”

She has collaborated with renowned

managers and record promoters like Mike Nazzarro and Ed Holmes who have worked with artists such as Amy Winehouse, Colbie Caillat, Taylor Swift, and Nelly, and she is the youngest beginner artist asked to write for singer Ciara’s new, yet-unnamed album. Bourelly believes her experience has made her a more open-minded and responsible per-son, helping her find her place in the world.

Says Bourelly, “Song writing is an art where it kind of has to be out of order; you have to be able to look at things and over-think them, and create a deeper mean-ing to them. [Music] has given me hope in people.”

by Chante Goodger& Tara Adhatamsoontra x

by Zach Kushner & Jacqueline Hymanx

by Ann Cirincione & Zema Meseretu

Underaged teens attempt to sneak into R-rated movies: some suceed, others fail, p. G4

Section G James Hubert Blake High School May 4, 2012

Junior composer discovered, given chance to pursue singing career Bourelly uses music as outlet to overcome struggles, past experiences

Despite widely diverse student body, lunches remain segregatedBengals not taking chance to mingle with those outside of their cliques

Teacher reflects on educating experience, culture change

English teacher Matthew MacLeod reminisces about his experiences teaching students English communication

skills for two years in Japan, allowing him to experience the cultural differences. --photo by Sami Wright

x

Imagine if your second language had to become your first as you entered into a new country, accompanied by an unusual culture.

Foreign exchange student and junior Jasmina Schön experienced a major culture shock after leaving her hometown Vienna, Austria and stepping foot into America for the first time.

Living in the United States has counteracted American stereotypes Schön has heard throughout Vienna. The stereotypes of a typical Ameri-can can sometimes be exaggerated or inaccurate. According to Schön, a well known stereotype in Austria is “Americans are fat and stupid.” Says Schön, “It’s not that everybody’s overweight… I don’t think that [the stereotype] is true.” Her own experi-ences in America have given her the means to create informed opinions.

Schön wanted to visit America “to experience something new” since she learned about foreign exchange programs on a TV show called Auf Und Davon, which translates to “Up and Away.” After applying to many programs, she chose “Youth for Un-derstanding” because she felt most comfortable with it.

When Schön first arrived in Bethesda, she did not have a pleasant experience with her first host family. After switching host families and en-rolling at Blake, Schön says, “I like the school here better than Austria’s.” Says Schön, “the people are nice and cool.”

Schön socializes with many new peers while participating on the Blake track team amongst other activities.

Living in a new country for an extended period of time is hard enough, but Schön has to do it without her own family. Host parents Becky and Lee Cornforth and host brother Robert Cornforth, who attends Paint Branch High School, are Schön’s family while she lives in America. “I really like [my] family and I hang out a lot on the weekends with my brother,” says Schön.

The transportation was one major culture shock for Schön. In Austria kids take the metro, the tram, or go to the bus station to travel to day to day activities. “Everything is really big here,” says Schön. “It’s kind of annoying because you always have to ask for a ride.”

Schön’s visit in the United States has given her a chance to taste American foods. “I don’t like it,” says Schön. Usually Schön consumes a diet made up of mostly fruits, veg-etables and rice and she is opposed to fast food.

Schön discovered many dif-ferences in the rules and people that govern teenagers between America and Austria. Says Schön, “American parents are way stricter.” In Austria you can drive at 18 years old and smoke or drink at 16 years of age, which is the opposite in America.

Schön is enjoying her visit in America. “I travel a lot… It’s actally cool” says Schön. “[There are] so many new experiences…I don’t have time to get homesick.”

Have you ever gone to the extremes to follow your dreams?

Junior Japanese foreign exchange student Mina Konaka traveled all the way to America in hopes of becoming fluent in English and aspiring to become an astronaut.

“My parents are normally very strict,” says Konaka. “It was weird that they encouraged me to come to America.” To become an astronaut, you must know the basics of astronomy and speak English fluently. Konaka knew that America offered astronomy as an elective course, and it would be a place where speaking English would be easier to learn.

When Konaka first landed in America, she had no idea what to expect. She came with little knowledge of American culture, and relied on watching shows like Glee and Gossip Girl to learn about American stereotypes. “I remem-ber feeling overwhelmed when I saw [on TV] that Americans just party all the time,” says Konaka.

“It was hard to make friends and the people were intimidating and rude,” adds Konaka. In Japan, students follow strict rules and etiquette while in school, and she thought American stu-dents would too. “People kept looking at me like I was weird and I felt hurt,” says Konaka.

“It’s nice that school work in America is so much easier than it was in Japan,” says Konaka. “This way I can play sports.” Throughout the duration of her stay, Konaka has managed to

maintain honor roll grades, as well as partake in Girls Volleyball and Junior Varsity Girls Basket-ball. “Outside of school I like playing the guitar and going to D.C.,” says Konaka.

Konaka has been staying with the Kalkofen family; a host-family who took her in from the be-ginning of her stay. The Kalkofen family includes previous alumni from Blake and a freshman who attends Blake this year. “They’re so nice to me and take me around so I can learn even more,” says Konaka. “It adds to the personal feel of this experience.”

“I would love to do this again, but in an-other state,” says Konaka. After this school year is over, she plans to head back to Japan. She be-lieves she has learned the language and lifestyle enough. “I will miss it here [because] I had a lot of fun,” adds Konaka, “but I miss my family.”

May 4, 2012 The Blake BeatG2

by Emma Friedman & Celeste Gregoryx

by Paola Arbaiza, Emily George & Morgan Ungx

Austrian exchange student experiences American culture Schön discovers inaccuracy of societal stereotypes about United States

Foreign exchange student Jasmina Schön points on the globe to her home country

of Austria. Schon has adapted to different foods and culture--photo by Niki Byrd

Junior leaves Japan to become astronaut, gains fresh perspectiveKonaka overwhelmed, tries to adapt to differences in new environment

People kept

looking at me

like I was weird

and I felt hurt.

Mina Konaka

May 4, 2012 The Blake Beat F3Bengals reveal past embarrassment for others’ enjoyment

Students show how to shrug off, laugh at yourself

You are walking down the spiral staircase when all of the sudden you take a tumble. As you roll down the stairs, you think to yourself, “Well this can’t end well.” You brush yourself off telling yourself no one noticed.

“I just laughed even though it was embarrass-ing,” says junior India Banks, after reminiscing upon a humiliating moment. As a freshman JV cheerleader, Banks’ experience was fun-filled and memorable. During a basketball game as she cartwheeled through the air, everything suddenly went south. Says Banks, “My leotard unsnapped and my bloomers were in the air for the crowd to see.”

Senior Magnus Richards was at the free-throw line when his time for embarrassment came. As he released the basketball, he knew it was too soft. It was an air ball, every basketball player’s worst nightmare. Richards looked at the bench only to see his teamates looking at him like he was stupid and Coach Marcus Wiggins laughing. Says Richards, “I was embarrassed but I laughed it off.”

During a summer camp trip at a bowling alley in middle school, senior Julian Carr’s chubby fingers got in the way of his fun. As he was going to roll the ball, his fingers got stuck and he slipped and fell in the bowling lane. “It wasn’t funny! It hurt,” says Carr.

Junior Megan Gagern is another victim of em-barrassing moments. As she was going to Target one day, she walked into a sliding door that didn’t open. Says Gagern, “I fell back a little and ran into this guy behind me. Everyone stared and laughed.”

Let’s not forget about senior Armani Olagun-doye, who enjoys making people laugh at his foolish antics. He stood on a table in the library and yelled as he released his inner Super Sayain, the character on the television show Dragon Ball Z. According to Ola-gundoye, going Super Sayain is when you go through a series of screams until it reaches a maximum.

We all know of the viral videos on YouTube like “Scarlett Takes a Tumble” and “David After Dentist” that constantly keep us laughing. We think to ourselves, “Glad that wasn’t me.” But wait... watch it happen to you tomorrow. And you never know, you just may be the next internet sensation for hilarious entertainment.

by Andrea Ortiz & Yvette Mingiax

School store volunteers share business experience in Bengal Cafe Employees speak about customer service, environment, involvement

Cash or credit? Paper or plastic? Would you like fries with that? It is not un-common for most students to work at some of the area’s most popular locations… But how many do you know that do this while in school?

Located in D hallway downstairs, The Bengal Café’s 40 employees serve students with a variety of foods and drinks three times a day. Says Bengal Café sponsor Fred Katz, “Our goal is to provide snacks and drinks with great service at reasonable prices.”

All employees are students and a ma-jority of them come from business classes taught by Mr. Katz. After filling out an ap-plication, students are reviewed by Mr. Katz, security, and administrators. Says Mr. Katz, “The Bengal Café is a real business and has its own manual that all student employees must adhere to.”

All profits made from the student-run business go to student programs and learning equipment. The Bengal Café has donated to Pennies for Patients and We the People fund-raising projects. In addition to paying for the computers in room D-153, the Bengal Café also supports Blake’s yearbook.

The school store has a calm and com-posed atmosphere. “When everyone learns the system, it’s really easy because people know what their jobs are,” says senior and co-manager Mark Cirincione. “Everything goes pretty smoothly.” Cirincione supervises the school store’s efficiency.

Approval from most of the student body has led to almost six customers a minute for the student-run business. Says senior Nia Edwards, a frequent customer, “I like it. The prices are good [because] they’re fixed costs.” Many students find the café cheaper, faster and more satisfying than the cafeteria.

Despite students’ general liking of the

café, the lines tend to be a common topic of annoyance. “At times [the lines] get out of hand,” says sophomore Jalen Green. Green finds that impatient shoving sometimes leads to a hectic environment.

Working in The Bengal Café is an enriching opportunity where students learn about running a company. Says senior and co-manager Shawn Glisson, “It provides real world experience; you’re able to be in a busi-ness setting.” Following the major success of The Bengal Café, other Montgomery County Public Schools are incorporating similar student-led businesses to provide similar experiences for other students.

by Maryam Outlaw & Jamie Nathlar x

One Directioners, No Directioners battle it out over recent pop music

We are going to be discussing the boy band One Direc-tion and their controversial music. The italicize paragraphs reflect the views of One Direction haters while the standard paragraphs reflect their admirers.

One Direction came to be during the British X-Factor. The boys did not know each other before the show which makes them all the more likable. Their music spread like wild fire, “because their music is really good,” says junior Kimberly Gebhardtsbauer.

One Direction lacks originality; they are not as good as they are made to seem. “They are talented but it’s nothing special, [it’s nothing] you couldn’t find on any pop station”

says senior McKenzie Reedy. Other bands like NSYNC, Backstreet Boys and New Kids on the Block come up with better lyrics than “I wanna stay up all night and jump around.” Some people believe a five year old could write their songs.

One Direction is this generation’s NSYNC. Instead of naming the band after themselves, they decided on One Direction because they all wanted the same thing and to go in the same direction. Gebhardstbauer listens to their songs all the time and never gets tired of them.

Their name is so inventive they are getting sued for one million dollars for using another band’s name. “They are not as good as they are hyped,” says sophomore Sophie Klein. Some people say One Direction is getting their 15 minutes of fame and will eventually fade out like the Jonas Brothers.

One Direction (or 1D) fans call themselves ‘direc-tioners’ after the band’s name. Whose fans show that much devotion? These crazy fans are dying to meet them, “I would absolutely freak out because I really want to meet them!” says Gebhardstbauer. Fans have traveled five hours and waited five hours in the cold just to get a glimpse of the band.

Opponents of 1D feel that the overvalued bands bring nothing to the table and their songs sound like a corny children’s cartoon theme song. “They are really kind of an-noying,” says junior Rachel Gist, “Even the Rebecca Black song ‘Friday’ makes more sense”.

Fans of One Direction are very loyal. Gebhardtsbauer believes that people will still listen to them even if they break up. One Direction is not just about cute boys and screaming girls; it’s about the music.

by Marce-Erica Adegbembo & Deanna Chirigosx

Our goal is to provide snacks and drinks with great service Fred Katz

It can be a little both-ersome when you bang into someone up the stairs, down the hall, or in the lunch-line because people can’t control their over-size backpacks.

But nowadays, overloaded backpacks literally seem to bump annoyance to a new level.

Most students feel a back-pack is just something used to hold your books and binders, while others throw all of their unwanted papers and leave their old lunches in it. Over time it builds up to make the backpack look like a suitcase.

Some backpacks can be

irritating while walking in the halls because they are so big. Sophomore Tayahd Campbell says, “I hate it. You will be walk-ing up a crowded flight of stairs and the next thing you know you are hit in the face with a huge backpack.”

In order to solve the prob-lem, Campbell adds, “I think they should put all their books in their locker and should only get the books they need for each class in between the classes.”

Students do not give too much thought to their back-packs. They get used, abused, shoved in the bottom of your locker or the corner of your room. However, recently the art of “backpacking” has become more and more popular amongst students. “They’re everywhere. It’s like they roll in packs as if they’re lions or something,” says junior Aisha McIntyre.

One aspect of these vi-cious backpackers that fellow

students hate most is how much space they occupy while waiting in line. Little things like this are what put students on edge after already having a bad day. Says sophomore David Thomas, “Kids with large backpacks are space holders in lines such as the lunch line and the Bengal Café.”

A solution to this prob-lem would be a little backpack compactness. Instead of trying to fit all of your sports equip-

ment in your backpack like your softball helmet or your giant lacrosse gloves, just bring the essentials like your books and binder. Sophomore Ezra Roschu says, “I don’t understand; it’s nonsense… there is no need for that much [stuff] in your backpack.”

Most Blake students have a general consensus on this mat-ter. Backpacks are made to store your books, not your cleats as well. This disturbance is caus-ing an uproar in the Bengal community. Students are tired of being attacked by king-sized backpacks in the hallways. Do us all a favor and put your back-pack on a diet.

May 4, 2012 The Blake BeatG4Eubie TV’s equipment for video mimics that used by real, professional studiosUp-to-date technology allows students to gain real-world experience in public broadcasting

*Cue theme music* Lights! Camera! Action! Your face on the television speaking to everyone: Good morning Blake. This is Eubie TV! (Smile)

We all know about the goofy en-tertainment in the morning: the videos, the daily information, the pledge, the news, the SAT word of the day and the song of the day that gets everyone in the mood of the day. “The funniest part has got to be making videos with the other managers,” says senior and four-year TV production student Ryan Deane. “We have so many inside jokes and such. It’s hilarious.”

But it is not all fun and games; TV 1 is where students learn the basics of all things TV. From producing to editing videos, to learning different positions on the news, students grow through the ranks of TV Production to Eubie TV, and learn tasks and responsibilities to gain experience. Adds Deane, “I am proud of Eubie TV because we’ve been recognized not only state wide, but nationwide as well.”

After TV 1, students can choose to take two programs: news or fea-tures. The news program focuses com-pletely on the news and how to work

the TV equipment. This allows the students to become familiar with how a news room works. Says TV Produc-tion teacher Susan Knott, “It is very similar to a TV news room; we try to keep it as realistic as possible.”

All of Blake’s equipment is provided by the county. The school is given grants and provided with the necessary supplies. Says Deane, “Our studio is very similar to professional studios. The only difference is [that] professional studios are a little more high tech than us, but we have a very professional studio with good equip-ment.”

Taking a TV class could be just what you are looking for; something that you enjoy and look forward to everyday. Some students find a pre-ferred career choice after taking TV Production. “I do plan on majoring in TV production later in life. My dream goal is to be working with ESPN,” says Deane.

“I’ve loved the idea of the news since I was young,” says sophomore Oscar Gomez. “I couldn’t wait to ex-perience it myself.” But some students say that the features program, which creates the short skits at the beginning of the news, is the best. “I have the ability to trust myself in a funny and creative way,” says Gomez.

Senior Ryan Deane, current manager and four-year TV production student, prepares the equipment for the morning news --photo taken by Cecilia Girolami

Too young to see R-Rated movies, teens still push underage limitsPossibility of getting caught not enough to stop testing of authority

Preparing to sneak past movie workers, remain-ing calm, and using a deep voice when you speak to an employee that could kick you out - sounds like a plan.

Sneaking into an R-Rated movie cannot be that hard.

According to the Classification and Rating Ad-ministration, Rated-R means “Restricted-under 17 and requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.” Teens today take it as “prepare to look older and test author-ity.” Juniors Peter Smith* and Sam Morales* agree with other teens; to avoid detection, you simply need to “pump your arms moderately... stand up straight and tall... get an older sibling to buy the tickets... and then just do it,” says Smith.

Smith and Morales assembled their sneaking-in manual, which they say will never fail. Says Morales, “[Most importantly,] wear black... blend in... you don’t want to stick out... make eye contact only when talking with someone. You don’t want to seem suspicious.”

These guidelines look and sound concrete and may make one think, “this actually might work,” but the law eventually caught up with Smith. “I could not believe I got caught. It was pretty embarrassing,” says Smith. Although Smith was not taken into custody, he was abandoned by his friends when security discovered him.

Most underage-teens who get into R-rated movies started sneaking in at ages as young as ten. Sophomore Heather Dunn* and junior Morgan Coleman* both snuck in at the ages of 12 and 14, respectively. Says

junior Tyler Turner*, “I was an innocent little 10-year-old the first time I snuck in... no big deal, the movie was worth it.”

The few individuals who can actually slip past movie workers come back saying, “Let’s do it again next week.” But is it worth risking getting caught? Says Coleman, “I would not do it again because it doesn’t seem worth the repercussions of getting caught.”

Like Smith, not everyone experiences the thrill-ing success of sneaking in. Some unfortunate teens will get caught, and others decide never to try sneaking in again. Says Coleman, “It was totally not worth it and it was embarrassing getting kicked out while everyone is staring at you.”

*Names have been changed

“There is no need for that much [stuff] in your backpack”

Bengals’ giant bags cause distress in hallways as they bump and shove others

How big is too big? Overweight backpacks answer that question

by John Kos & Cassie Tarner x

by Danny Gonzalez & MinJee Shimx

by Devin Cannon & Peter Angehx

Ezra Roschu

Hey knuckleheads! Look inside to see some of the people K2 has influenced, pp. K2-K4

After 35 years of teaching, journalism teacher Kevin Keegan has created a legacy through all of his various endeavors, leaving a lasting impact on his alumni, c o - w o r k e r s and current students, who are all eternal-ly grateful for Mr. Keegan’s “no excuses, j u s t e x c e l -lence” policy that he has in-stilled in every student he has come in con-tact with.

M r . K e e g a n i s m o s t w e l l -k n o w n f o r his successes as a journal-ism teacher at Rockville High School, w h e r e h e taught for 24 years, as well as in Blake High School, where he has now taught for eleven years. “ S t u d e n t s wouldn’t dare be in [Mr. Kee-gan’s] class and not per-form to his expectations…which, in the end, always makes them better students, writers and people,” says Associate Superintendent Carole Goodman. “He’s the real deal; every child should have a Kevin Keegan in their life.”

Under Mr. Keegan’s guidance, The Blake Beat has been named the top ranking newspaper in Maryland four times and was named the top ranking newspaper in the country in the 2005-2006 and 2008-2009 school years. All of Mr. Keegan’s alumni and co-workers would agree that his commitment and vision to creating student’s success is a large aspect of the newspapers’ achievements. Says Blake alumnus and USA Today Assistant Editor for NFL and Olympics Robert Klemko, “Mr. Keegan makes students see what they’re good at and develops those things.”

Adds English teacher Joseph Caulfield,

“Immersion in a successful program tempers a taste for excellence in future endeavors.” This explains why Mr. Keegan has so many accomplished newspaper alumni, including Tampa Bay Times writer Lane Degregory who won the 2009 Pulitzer Prize, as well as

Weight Watchers CEO David Kirchoff. Taking these teaching concepts to

coaching Rockville and Blake high schools It’s Academic teams has proven Mr. Keegan’s philosophies victorious. While Mr. Keegan was coaching Rockville’s team, they finished third in the National Tournament of Academic Excellence in Disney World and later com-peted in the It’s Academic DC Finals as well. The Blake team has won state titles several years in a row at the Maryland State Academic Championship. Mr. Keegan also created and hosted his own show, Quizmaster Challenge, in 1988 which has a similar set up to the It’s Academic competitions.

Mr. Keegan has gained much respect over the years for his incredible organization and the systems he sets up that will last for years after he leaves. Signature coordinator Peter Daddone took over the Rockville Jour-

nalism program after Mr. Keegan left, con-tinuing on the legacy of the paper and of Mr. Keegan. Says Mr. Daddone, “I made certain that ten years after he left, people would still be talking about [Mr. Keegan].”

Mr. Daddone felt the way almost all of Mr. Keegan’s students feel: an intense desire to continue Mr. Keegan’s legacy and maintain his reputation. While students both fear and respect Mr. Keegan, their apprecia-tion goes much further. Students look up to him and not only want to please him, but exceed his expectations. “His kindness and generosity are unparalleled in MCPS,” says Mrs. Goodman. “He mentors every new

journalism teacher and freely gives away his materials. He is an incredible role model on many, many levels.”

While Mr. Keegan is celebrated and admired for his success and wisdom, people of all ages love him for his persistence and sense of humor. When Mr. Keegan found a mistake in the October 2002 PSAT, many members of the College Board panel argued that he was incorrect. They tried to ignore his calls and only reluctantly allowed the question to be reviewed again. Mr. Keegan did not stop fighting until the College Board recognized the mistake and rescored approximately 1.8 million tests.

Mr. Keegan’s puns and threatening jokes are popular amongst coworkers and students alike. Former staffs have compiled

“Keeg’s Crack Ups,” a list of over 50 humor-ous things Mr. Keegan has said. “Keegan is the most groanworthy punster I have ever met,” says Mr. Caulfield. “Punning, after all, is a doomed enterprise; there is no such thing as a good pun.” Fake interviews are conducted by Mr. Keegan in Journalism 1, and he takes part of the intimidation away by creating amusing names for phony characters, such as “Seeda Light” and “Dennis Elbow.”

Mr. Caulfield will be taking over the journalism program next year and hopes to continue the success of The Blake Beat and the It’s Academic team. Mr. Daddone will be taking over the SAT classes and organization.

Mr. Keegan’s influence will forever live on at Blake High School and within every organiza-tion he has participated in.

There is one aspect of our so-called “K2” that is inarguable: his character. “He really remembers everybody and he truly cares about people,” says Mr. Klemko. “An important thing that Mr. Keegan taught me was how important is was to make connec-tions and keep relationships.”

“What I admire most about Keegan is his tenacious pursuit of demanding that a student bring their very best to the table every single day and the fact that he models that type of instruction,” adds Mr. Daddone. “Students are not just told to do something that defies the odds, Mr. Keegan does it too.”

by Savannah DoaneMalotte & Kristen Fresex

Mr. Keegan’s yearbook photo, circa 2012. ---photo provided by

the Blake Yearbook Staff

Mr. Keegan photographed in the Rockville yearbook. ---photo

provided by Timothy Hibberd

Volume 14 Number 6 James Hubert Blake HS Silver Spring MD http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/blakehs May 4, 2012

“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” - Henry Brooks Adams

K2 THROUGH THE YEARS

This supplement is a paid advertisement which reflects the views of our sponsors

May 4, 2012 The Blake BeatK2-Christopher BerryKevin Keegan is simply one of the finest teachers I have

encountered in 26 years in this business. There it is. I didn’t bury the lead.

I came to understand that fact in, admittedly, a skeptical fashion. This hotshot veteran teacher was leaving Rockville after 20+ years and bringing his act to Blake to change our world. Who WAS he? Turns out he was all that and a bag of chips, after all. I can walk in Mr. Keegan’s classroom on any day, any class, any period, and as a matter of practice always find the same thing. It might take the form of a formal lesson, it might be one-on-one guidance and critique, it might be sage advice. But I rarely leave his classroom without having exemplary teaching modeled for me. It’s simple: I always learn something.

When I listen to Kevin’s current and former students speak about what makes his journalism class a life changing experi-ence (no exaggeration here), the common element is clear: quiet, understood expectations. He expects that you walk into his class because you wish to learn. He expects as a student that you will always give your maximum effort. He expects that you want to improve. He expects that you are going to buy into his structure and philosophy. There is no debate on these givens. His method is tried and true. And if your measuring stick is results, then look no further. The product is crispy written copy, a constant questioning of the real story, the subtext of the interview, a dogged pursuit of the facts - a monthly edition of supreme student journalism.

Anyone who believes that Kevin Keegan draws this out from his students through sheer charisma or a taskmaster’s relentlessness is missing the point. You see, Kevin’s students consistently exceed his high expectations, in part, because they understand he has the same high expectations of himself. He is fond of drawing on the axiom “the harder you work, the luckier you get” with his students. But there is no luck in Kevin’s world. His teaching is the residue of hours of design, crossing of t’s, dot-ting of i’s, putting the pieces in place just so. The really excellent teachers fool us into believing it’s all so easy, when in fact it’s the alchemy of a little smarts, a modicum of preparation, and hours of investment for the sake of students. But let’s be clear: Kevin does have charisma and he does possess a taskmaster’s relentlessness. And I can’t help but marvel at all of these qualities.

At the end of the day, Kevin Keegan is the educator we’d all like to be. He’ll critique the last student article as thoroughly as the one he did in September. He’ll read a final set of “It’s Academic” questions with the same mellifluous brilliance he has for 30 years. He’ll impart succinct, practical wisdom to the last. He’s leaving the classroom fifteen minutes too early, rather than fifteen minutes too late.

I believe if Mr. Keegan has his way, on the last day of school he’ll simply turn off the computers in his lab, dutifully turn in his keys and his completed staff clearance form, give a brief tip of his cap, close the door and be gone. It fits with the no-nonsense, understated demeanor. What I also like to imagine is that, after he arrives at The Cape, throws open a window to take in the salt air, and finishes his unpacking, he’ll immediately get out his writer’s notebook and go in search of the story of a long-forgotten sea captain. And perhaps some unwitting, but hard-working student will sign on as his research assistant. How lucky for them.

-Kathy MooreIt’s been fun working on the College Readiness Committee

with you. Your candid remarks and quick wit always gave us something to laugh about. Your step-by-step emails to students and parents via Naviance were priceless. K2, you will be sorely missed at Blake. Thanks for the sense of humor when our duties seemed insurmountable! –K. Moore

-Sue Ikenberry I began coaching in the late 1980s and soon learned that

Kevin Keegan was a fixture at the “It’s Academic” tapings. He followed (and handicapped) those matches with an intensity that most people reserve for horse racing or football. His intensity gave it all so much life! I was lucky with my teams and my third year into it my team won the Superbowl. I still remember the thrill I got when Kevin called me “COACH”. I felt that I had been made a member of the most exclusive and best club in the world.

Kevin was as devoted to his teams and his students as any teacher I’ve ever encountered. And his contribution to the lives of his students -- especially his newspaper staff and those who were fortunate enough to be on his teams has been immense. Kevin’s leaving is truly the end of an era ~ for his students and his colleagues.

-Michael KravitzIn 1992, I’d been invited by Kevin to co-coach an all-star

academic team from the State of Maryland which would compete at the Panasonic Academic Challenge at Disney World. With 5 days to go before the first competition, I realized our kids didn’t know nearly enough about classical music, so I made two tapes with composer, title and snippets of music and got them to two of the players. In our first game, we were trailing badly with about 10 questions left. Up came a classical music question. Kevin and I were both looking to the floor to avoid any eye contact with our players. As the music played, Kevin whispered “is it on the tape?” to which I answered “yes.” Team Maryland buzzed at the earliest opportunity and got all the points. Kevin whispered back “way to go, coach.” Our players came back strong to win that game and eventually the entire tournament, but that “way to go, coach,” is one of my favorite memories of an amazing coach- Kevin Keegan.

-Clare BoyleKeegan-Thanks for everything you’ve done for me

over the past 11 years. I’m going to miss seeing you at Blake, but mostly I’m going to miss all the free T-shirts. -Clare Boyle, The Blake Beat, 2005

-Carole Goodman I should have

known the influence Kevin Keegan would have on my family when my ninth grade daughter came home and said ‘Mr. Keegan came and talked about the Rampage in English and I want to be editor in chief my senior year.” That single visit defined the next 17 years for the Goodman family. K2 had an incredible influence on both of my children both through journalism and PSAT boot camp and Sara followed in his footsteps as a journal-ism teacher, instilling terror into the hearts and minds of today’s youth; and they love her for it!

When Blake opened, Keegan offered to mentor our news-paper advisor as well as assist a very green new It’s Academic advisor (Mr. Caulfield) get a team started. K2 and I went to lunch each summer but not before I let him salivate over the lab set-up we had at Blake for journalism. The year my son graduated, I sent him a tongue in cheek email; “Adam is graduating, you are already packed (Rockville was moving to a holding school) and the fire insurance is paid up on my house. Can we talk?” Never dreaming he might actually consider coming to Blake. He showed up for the interview at 5:00 in his classic incognito uniform, a baseball cap and sun glasses and as he walked in, Mr. Caulfield walked by and without blinking said, “Hi Kevin!” With his cover blown, he had no choice but to come to Blake.

In the years that followed, he was the only staff member to dare park in my parking space and yes, it is true, I hunted him down, dragged him by his ear all the while saying “I’ll kill you Keegan!” until he moved his car. I got him back a few weeks later when I purchased a fake rock and planted it on his rear window. Mr. Harper cooperated and brought him down as we hid in the cafeteria watching his body language when he spotted his car. Priceless. Although I am still out the $10 I paid for the rock as he wouldn’t give it back to me.

Since he is retiring, I will share a secret no one knows. After the horrific death of a student on Blake’s campus, he actu-ally showed me the story before it went to press, knowing how controversial it was and how critically important it was that there were no factual errors. That trust and judgment speaks volumes about the character of one of the finest men I have ever had the honor to work with.

Keegan, you have influenced generations of students, whose parents wouldn’t dare be late on Back to School Night, with your commitment to perfection, challenges, humor (only when you ring the bell) and unique perspective on the world. Your classes were a joy and your energy and spirit will live on in the generations of students who had the privilege of being in your class. You are one of a kind, in the very best possible way. I wish you all the best in your retirement my friend, you are greatly loved and will be sorely missed but your legacy and the stories about you will live on and on.

-RMHS QuizbowlTo close out this round on Special K: This man presided

over Quizmaster Challenge for more than twenty years, inspiring the intellectual curiosity of countless generations of students and setting an insurmountable standard....KEVIN KEEGAN

With enduring gratitude, RMHS Quizbowl

-David GoodrichTo Kevin Keegan,For 21 years as The QuizmasterFor establishing an enduring It’s Academic program at

RockvilleFor authoring all questions for the Montgomery Academic

Beltway LeagueFor demanding excellence from his studentsFor calling my three kids “knuckleheads”For inspiring the following discussion in the MABL Finals: “It’s gotta be Helen Keller. Keegan loves Helen

Keller.”Thanks from all of us,David GoodrichRockville High School It’s Academic, RMHS Quizbowl

-Maya BarlevSeñor Keegan,Thank you for being the

teacher who taught me how to write, how to work hard and how to strive for perfection -- all while having a blast. Enjoy the life of retirement! You will be greatly missed.

Muchas gracias,Maya BarlevEditor in Chief, The

Blake Beat, 2007-2008

-Dick MullenaxI am truly honored to share a few comments on Kevin

Keegan. We in Florida met Kevin and Michael Kravits at the Panasonic Academic Challenge at Disney World. The team from Maryland was always well prepared and most of the time, I ended up writing them scholarship checks for winning the competition. The team members from year to year spoke of a special fondness and respect they had for Kevin. From them we learned Kevin’s first love was the school paper and told of all the awards it received. The first meet-ing became over 15 more at Disney as we formed a special friendship that will last forever. Kevin cared for his team, he lived and died on each round of competition. He was always encouraging them to be the best. Kevin also made me a better person, striving for excellence to the point that now I am proud to announce, “Kevin, I’ll take Shakespeare for a $1000”. I still have all the Team Maryland Shirts you gave me each year. May God bless you abundantly as you continue your journey.

Dick MullenaxPolk County School BoardPolk County, Florida

-Sara GoodmanHalfway through my freshman year of high school, Mr.

Keegan walked into my English class and changed my life forever. He looked around the room and said, (in that deadpan, gruff Keegan way), “A future Rampage Editor-in-Chief may be sitting in this room right now.” And those words defined the rest of my time in high school.

Of course, I hadn’t banked on the fact that on the first day of journalism 1, Keegan would threaten to throw a kid out the window if we ever threw anything in his class. Or on the insane amounts of homework, which was always checked for correct-ness, none of this current MCPS completion business. And reassessments? Hah. You were required to rewrite your articles if you wanted the ORIGINAL points; there was no way to earn additional points if you messed up the first time.

And for the only time in my life, an assignment had “You can do better than this, Goodman,” written across the top in those firmly-pressed, penciled block letters. And not only was he right, but by calling me out on it, he made me want to work harder and become a better writer. Instead of slapping an A on the paper and calling it pretty good, Keegan taught me that “pretty good” is never good enough.

By my senior year of high school, I had achieved that early goal of becoming Editor-in-Chief (and I think I am, to this day, one of the only students to ever yell at Keegan and survive!), and I went on to major in journalism in college. But when I decided to change my major to English and go into teaching, with an eye toward teaching journalism, I emailed him and said that I hoped he wouldn’t be disappointed in me. He replied and said that on the contrary, he couldn’t be more proud; I was following in his footsteps, which was the highest honor he could imagine.

I think he lived to regret those words when the newspaper that I sponsored later beat his at a national competition, but he had the grace to say congratulations and that he would beat me the following year, then retire.

After my parents, Keegan has been the most influential person in my life. I learned more in his journalism 1 class than I did in five semesters as a journalism major at one of the top ten journalism universities in the country. Everything that I teach in my journalism classes comes from him. And when I don’t know how to handle an issue with the newspaper, he is still the first person I turn to.

But while I value what I learned from him in the class-room, I value what I’ve learned from him about life even more. I know that the harder I work, the luckier I get. I know that they conquer who believe they can. I know to laugh when Keegan hits the bell. I know that I’m still not allowed to call him Kevin. And I know, unequivocally, to never, EVER throw anything in his presence.

Mr. Keegan, thank you for absolutely everything. -Sara GoodmanRampage Editor-in-Chief, 1997-1998

-Joe CaulfieldKeegan is a magician. Seriously, he is. He took up

prestidigitation as a child and hired himself out for the birthday parties as a teenager. But the real magic he has done has been in the classroom the last 34 years. He built not one-but two-national powerhouse journalism pro-grams, and he consistently led his academic teams to local and national championships. Most recently, he has done what I actually thought was impossible in his latest post as Blake SAT coordinator. Did he do it with mirrors?

Joe Caulfield, Blake English teacher

The Blake Beat K3-Jessie Levin & Rachel Sprecher Mr. Keegan--Wishing you as much happiness and suc-

cess in your retirement as you had during your glowing career. Thanks for the memories. Best wishes, Jessie Levin and Rachel Sprecher, Rockville Rampage 2002

-Altman Productions, producers of the It’s Academic show since 1960

Demanding, resourceful, energetic, competitive, bril-liant, hard-working, maddening, challenging, tough, creative, talented, inspired, gifted, exasperating, insightful---there aren’t enough adjectives in the dictionary to fully describe Kevin Keegan, who set a standard as a teacher, mentor, and IT’S ACADEMIC coach that few can match. You always knew that a Kevin Keegan team would be smart, focused, and ready to take on all comers. But Mr. Keegan never lost his perspective. He never put winning ahead of the welfare of his students. He insisted that his teams work hard, but his real goal was never winning--it was ensuring that his students appreciate knowledge, recognize that anything is possible if you’re willing to work for it--and that often the byproducts of an endeavor can be more valuable than obtaining the objective itself.

-Mac McGarryWhen I hear the name “Kevin Keegan,” the first word that

springs to mind is zeal. I first met a very young Mr. Keegan in 1983 when he became the coach of the Rock-ville It’s Academic team. I was immedi-ately impressed with his squad--with its knowledge, its orga-nization, and--most notably--its speed. Rockville won the first of its Washing-ton area champion-ships the following year, and his teams were always a force to contend with. When he transferred to Blake, his win-ning ways followed him. Kevin is a rela-tively young man, and I am sure that he will attack all of his future projects with characteristic enthusiasm. Congratulations, Kevin. Godspeed.

Mac McGarry, Host It’s Academic 1961-2011

-David HellerK2 -Even though I never had you as a teacher, your

presence still inspired me to become one :) Your tenacity in taking on the ETS over their incorrect PSAT test question is something that I will always remember. Congratulations on an outstanding career which has influenced so many of your students and peers.

-Joe and Linda MencariniLooking forward to celebrating your retirement with

you and Linda at all our favorite places.... Black Hog, G & M, Jonathans, Gentleman Jim’s, Cheesecake Factory, Keegan’s in Phoenix, and Keegan’s on the Cape!

Joe and Linda MencariniHappy Retirement! From your former Rockville colleague, It’s Academic

co-coach, National Honor Society co-sponsor and Employee-of-the-Month, MENC

Kevin,Best wishes on your retirement. We are all available

should you need tutoring in Retirement 101, assuming you can afford our rates on your new diminished income. We are also available for lunch!

The Rockville Math Divas (Linda, Jo-anna, Nancy, Nancy)

-Gilad Barlev“Thank you, Mr. Keegan, for teaching me to spot confus-

ing layouts, sloppy news-writing and lazily squashed headlines (once you’ve seen it, you can’t unsee it). Oh, and everyone knows Quizmaster Challenge was always the superior trivia show.” -- Gilad Barlev, Blake Beat 2005

Thank you, Mr. Keegan! -Editors, 2012

We feel so privileged to be able to say that we were your last First Period Editor class. You have taught us all so many different things through all of the years that we had the honor of your teaching. Thank you for dealing with our various quirks and horrible article ideas (finger monkeys and tea cup pigs?), and thank you for making our high school career filled with fond memories of

journalism. We hope that as we graduate, we will keep in contact with you as you retire. We love you Mr. Keegan!

- Savannah Doane-Malotte, Kristen Frese (Co-Editors-in-Chief), Joal Chen, Jake Gordon, David Hylton, Lucas Irvin, Rachel Jaffe, Sammi Levitt, Leah Patterson, Savannah Tryens, Samara Tu, Karen Vanegas, Larisha Winley and Leisha Winley (Associ-

ate Editors)

K2 K2

One is a forbidding, icy rock that lures

men to their deaths. The other is a

mountain in Pakistan.

Thanks for helping us scale the

heights, Mr. Keegan, and

congratulations on your retirement.

– John Kelly, RHS 1980

KNOW THE DIFFERENCE:

- Savannah Doane-Malotte & Kristen Frese

Thank you to Mr. Caulfield, Sterling Schiffman, the associate editors and all other contributers to this supplement. Mr. Keegan deserves

to go out with a bang, and you have helped us do that for him!

May 4, 2012

-Deena BarlevKeegan,

You are a leg-end in OUR o w n t i m e . Thank you for daily proof that high ex-p e c t a t i o n s and clarity change lives. W e L o v e You!

-Patricia KompareThe Amazing “K2” is beyond COM-

PARE. Your presence will forever be a part of

Blake. Your spirit is legacy. You are my HERO! K1

May 4, 2012 The Blake BeatH4