Академический Документы
Профессиональный Документы
Культура Документы
C1
Volume 13 Number 3 James Hubert Blake HS Silver Spring MD http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/blakehs December 17, 2010
Blake students came out December 7 to Cheeburger Cheeburger in Burtonsville Wade, senior Mia Browne, and senior Shelby Morales await their meals (top right ,
to participate in a fundraiser for After Prom 2011. From 5pm-9pm, the restaurant from left to right). Seniors Bridget Hawevermale and Catherine Burkhardt (bottom
donated 20% of its profits to the PTSA. Senior Aimee Kohorst, a Cheeburger left) show their support for After Prom. Senior Erin Yates, junior Sarah Prather
Cheeburger employee, takes a break from serving (top left). Freshman Riley and junior Maryangel Rodriguez (bottom right) enjoy Cheeburger Cheeburger’s
Cruickshank, junior Alex Morales, senior Delaney Cruickshank, senior Shannon famous milkshakes. -- photos by Aron Crews
A6 December 17, 2010 The Blake Beat
Touch screen vending Says senior Evan Lipshultz, “The vending machine
is amazing. I love being able to choose from 100 different
combinations of drinks and [flavors].”
machine attracts all The way the vending machine works is simple. First
you touch the screen, selecting the soda brand you want:
The vending
Coca Cola, Fanta, Sprite, etc. Then you select a flavor to machine is
New drink fountain go along with the soda. For example, if a customer chooses
Coke the next step is to choose between the flavors such amazing. I love
allows customers to as raspberry, vanilla, cherry or lime. Junior Jessica Perla
says, “It has so many options to choose from and it has the being able to
design their own soda craziest flavors.” The machine offers up to 106 flavors.
California Tortilla has found itself swamped with
customers just wanting to use the vending machine, which
choose from
x by Larisha Winley & Leisha Winley just became available for use December 1. “It’s really cool
to see and there’s usually a line of people waiting to get
100 different
California Tortilla, located in Olney, installed the
first touch screen vending machine in the area December
drinks,” says junior Matt Lipshultz, “but I was entertained
just watching people get their drinks.”
combinations
1 allowing customers to choose from over 100 different
flavors to add to their soda.
The machine is usually enjoyable for customers,
except for when it freezes up from the being overused all
of drinks and
Even though the vending machine has only been
operating for two weeks, it has gotten a lot of positive
day. However, this has not stopped patrons from returning
to use it. Perla, Evan and Matt Lipshultz have all visited
[flavors].
feedback. “We have had [customers] come in like six times California Tortilla more than once to use the machine.
a day…buzzing off the walls,” says assistant manager This particular touch screen vending machine is also Evan Lipshultz
Ashley McLellan. “[The response] has been overwhelm- available at the California Tortillas in Dulles, Virginia and
ing.” Potomac, Maryland.
Security assitant Stefan Dade, who has worked at Blake since the 1999-2000 school on his hands, Mr. Dade plans to pursue his hobbies and take time to travel during
year, will be retiring from the school system as of January 1. With more free time his retirement. -- photo by Cecilia Girolami
Mr. Dade to retire January 1, plans to enjoy his new-found free time
will forever remain in the hearts of parents, decades ago. “He’s given me lots of advice As with any other job, Mr. Dade also
x by Karen Vanegas staff and students. over the years related to managing kids or had to confront many ups and downs when
Security assistant Stefan Dade will Before coming to Blake, Mr. Dade was even my own stress in dealing with kids,” says dealing with the school. His favorite memories
officially retire from his longtime career a first grade detective at the Metropolitan Mr. Tyrell. “He’s a man of great conviction.” include the friends he made and the bell that
January 1, after 12 memorable years of valu- Police Department for 25 years. He retired Mr. Tyrell, along with others in the school, signals the end of the school day. His most
able enforcement and protection services to from the police department and soon after feel that Mr. Dade has truly helped them somber memory is of the student that was
the school. was employed. Security team leader Charles throughout the years. killed in the school’s parking lot.
Mr. Dade’s natural ability to connect Harper says, “Mr. Dade was arguably the face The investigative background Mr. Dade Regardless, the time for a farewell has
with students has made him a crucial staff of Blake Security, having served faithfully and brought with him was of great service to the come. Mr. Dade will now use his free time
member. “Whether students walk away from reliably since the second year the school was school. “If we had a mystery to solve, [Mr.] to enjoy his hobbies, travel and work around
a serious or not so serious conversation with in existence.” Dade was the man to solve it through patience, his house. Mr. Dade says, “During my time, I
him, they always know he cares,” says Prin- Assistant principal Rudy Tyrell worked determination and a critical eye for details, hope that I have... made a difference in their
cipal Christopher Berry. Mr. Dade’s charisma with Mr. Dade at Francis Scott Key about two both large and small,” says Mr. Harper. lives.”
The Blake Beat December 17, 2010 A7
Newsbeats
ffe
ker Sam Ja
y Ac latt
Cod Nia ca G
Chi
n R ebec Fran
ches
ca K
uhne
y
n n n Star Game. Lagerlef and Kuhney led the Lady Bengals to on November 13, 2010. Students competed with actors
Reflections, a PTSA-sponsored program, is a con- their first state semifinals appearance and finished with a from other schools in various categories. The following
test in which students of all ages submit their own artwork 12-6 record, 4-1 in their division. students won first place in their categories: Junior Alexan-
to be judged in local, state, and national levels. dra Reeves in Prose Interpretation and Readers Theater,
The competition accepts art in six forms: dance n n n sophomore Emily Eaglin in Informative Speech, senior
choreography, film production, literature, musical com- Junior baseball standout Cody Acker was named Mark Fearson in Readers Theatre, and sophomores Jour-
position, photography, and visual arts. The theme for to the Maryland Pre-Season All-State Team. One of just dan Lewanda and Calvin Perry in Ensemble Acting. The
this year’s Reflections is “Together We Can.” Students three Montgomery County players, Acker continues the following student won third place in her category: senior
interested in entering original work should visit the PTSA streak of three-straight Blake players being named to Ashley Peters in Dramatic Interpretation. The following
website, www.blakeptsa.org, to review the guidelines for the 30-man roster. Acker tied or set four Blake baseball students are finalists: freshman Angela Mix in Poetry,
each art category and to access copies of the entry and records last year for most consecutive games with a hit sophomore Assoumou Diby in Dramatic Interpretation,
consent forms. The deadline for submissions is today. (15), most multi-hit games in a season (11), career field- sophomore Jourdan Lewanda in Prose and in Poetry,
ing percentage (98.5) and most improved batting average and junior Richard Muhammed in Children’s Literature.
n n n between seasons (.317). The junior also led Blake last The following students are Participating Team Members:
Senior captain outside hitter Meagan Lagerlef was year in batting average (.547), hits (29) and runs batted senior Nia Chin, freshman senior Surasree Das, freshman
named 1st Team All-County and sophomore outside hitter in (26) and helped lead the team to a 3A West Region Rebecca Glatt, sophomore Azalia Hernandez, sopho-
Franchesca Kuhney was named Honorable Mention All- Championship appearance. more Sam Jaffe, sophomore Matt Krieger, sophomore
County by The Gazette. Lagerlef was also selected as one Kristina Mitchell, sophomore Ryan Reynolds, and
of the top 24 seniors in Montgomery County to participate n n n freshman Faith Ore.
in the annual Montgomery County Coaches Senior All- Blake hosted the First Qualifying Meet for Forensics The next meet will take place January 29 at Blake.
OECCT
D
170 BLAKE
CALENDAR
December 17 December 20 December 22
CCBC Indoor Track Meet JV girls’ basketball vs. Damascus, MCPS Developmental Meet #1 at
at CCBC Essex, 4:30-8pm 5:15pm Prince Georges Sports and Learning
JV boys’ basketball vs. Paint Branch, JV boys’ basketball at Damascus, Complex, 3-9:30pm
5:15pm 5:15pm JV boys’ basketball at Einstein,
Varsity boys’ basketball vs. Paint Varsity girls’ basketball vs. Damascus,
3:30pm
Branch, 7pm 7pm
Varsity boys’ basketball at Damascus, JV girls’ basketball at Einstein,
Ice Hockey vs. RMR at Rockville #2 5:15pm
7pm
Rink, 9:50pm Varsity boys’ basketball vs. Einstein,
December 21 5:15pm
December 18 Varsity Wrestling vs. B-CC, 6pm
Varsity girls’ basketball vs. Einstein,
7pm
Varsity Wrestling vs. Damascus and
December 23
Ice Hockey vs. Blair Rockville #2
Sherwood, 1pm Rink, 6:15pm
Swim and Drive Team PTSA meeting, 7pm
at Rockville Municipal, 4:15pm Alumni Panel & Reception in am-
JV wresting vs. B-CC, 7pm phitheatre and black box theatre,
Seneca Valley Pom Competition, Instrumental Music Winter Pops Con- 12:30pm
10am cert, 7:30pm
A8 December 17, 2010 The Blake Beat
Student hopes for lowered voting age to increase teenage political awareness, p. B2
jjjjywryohwrthnsrsrnsbiuyulfyuttfcufyufysrjoinbusrjnlisurtnislrutnjsrtnrtnrsttrdrtdn
In the land of the free, the Modern Rights Association, or NYRA, is a youth would improve overall schooling
one who thinks so. The National Youth
Era, or the society of today, we have arrived led national non-profit organization, in- and where they need to improve. Maybe
at a place where status quos have shaped corporated in 1998, dedicated to fighting x by Matt Present a teacher will find out that many students
our lives and double standards have limited for the rights and liberties of young adults. There are many teachers at Blake that need to have more of a visual approach than
them. One of the biggest double standards Located in all 50 states, the establishment are dedicated and incredibly knowledge- an auditory approach. Maybe a teacher will
we have come to know is the limitation of promotes change in unfair stipulations able in their subject area. However, for see that the class understood one unit really
the age as it relates to registered voting. which have been placed on teenagers. every good teacher there is a bad teacher, well, but struggled to understand another.
Over the decades, our In 2006, NYRA mem- teachers who are lazy and The point is that if teach-
patriotic country has perse- bers convinced New York
vered rights like freedom of Lowering City councilmember Gale
careless when it comes to
our education. It would ers are unaware that there is a
problem, they will not be able
speech and voting rights. Brewer to pass a bill, which
From the time that teens the voting lowered the voting age to
Some teachers have
a difficult time making the help to solve it and do a better job
teaching their future students. It
reach high school, to the mo- 16 for community elections.
ment when they head off to age would This change can put teens
material easy to understand
or the teachers who give teachers is our obligation as responsible
students to provide this feedback
college, they are pressured one step closer towards a
with adult responsibilities. present an higher ethical and govern-
busy work instead of home-
work. It is time that Blake by giving since it will help teachers just like
we would want them to help us.
In juvenile courts, the youth ment system.
are often judged to be ac- opportunity At age 18, teenagers
provides a way for students
to let their teachers and the them They give us grades and com-
ments on our assignments and
countable, responsible, and move out of their com-
mature. Yet when it comes to for more fort zone, and are quickly
administration know what
they think, allowing students feedback we would be doing the same for
their teaching.
more practical affairs like vot- plunged into new, unfamil-
ing, teenagers are considered political iar places. Suddenly, the
to play their part in improv-
ing education at Blake. We to improve Evaluations are used widely
and effectively amongst colleges
imprudent and senseless little thrill of being a first time
children. What twisted minds awareness voter is coupled with all
need teacher evaluations.
Teacher evalua- their and universities, so why can’t we
use that same system? By giving
created the rule which allows that is adulthood. It’s really
one to have adult responsi- among no surprise many first time
tions are the key to better
education. It would help teaching feedback we could make learning
easier for students who follow in
bilities, but not rights? Appar- voters feel apathetic towards
ently, we’re overruled. teenagers. politics; before 18, most
teachers by giving them
feedback to improve their methods. our footsteps. They would have
the opportunity to receive a bet-
Just like every other teenagers are alienated from teaching methods. Teacher ter education from teachers, who
American adult, young adults it. Lowering the voting age evaluation should take place may have considered students’
pay taxes. In fact, teens pay would present an opportu- at the end of each semester since many evaluations.
an estimated 9.7 billion dollars in sales nity for more political awareness among students have different teachers and classes. Students, understand the importance
tax alone. In addition, 80% of high school teenagers. The government will be the first There should be two copies of each evalu- of teacher evaluation for the improvement
students have jobs at some point before to say “the children are the future.” Adults ation: one for the teacher and one for the of education, and take action. Talk to your
graduation. The worst part is that working claim they have interest in the needs and administration. That way if there is a recur- teachers, your counselor or your grade
teens have no say over how much is taken ambitions of teenagers, but still we stand ring problem it can be addressed. administrator and tell them that there is
out of their paychecks. So much for taxa- together, unable to vote. The only way Teacher evaluations should be one easy way to improve the quality of
tion with representation. democracy can work is if people, young uniform throughout the school with ques- education at Blake: establish teacher evalu-
In my opinion, 16 should be the and old, are active participants. tions highlighting what teachers do well ations.
The Blake Beat December 17, 2010 B3
Being grounded defined
differently for all; more
severe for some students
Parental interpretation of
punishment ranges from
non-existent to destructive
x by Britney Stuart Friday is your best friend’s
birthday party, yet Saturday
“Megan, you are grounded for your boyfriend wants to take
two weeks, no social events, phone, you out for your 2nd year an-
TV or laptop.” niversary - which one do you
This punishment is just one choose? Oh, and of course
example of what a typical ground- to make things even more
ing for a high school student would complicated - both will be
be. But has anybody ever thought: devastated if you do not hang
what if grounding had a completely out with them. Restriction can
different meaning? Interpretations of come very close to ruining a
this word could be taken in multiple, social life.
bizarre directions depending on your Last, there is that poor
parent. child who is grounded for
For the fortunate child, ground- life- whose social life is being
ed could simply mean “you are being burned in flames. This is by far
watched over.” This might seem the worst, most horrible stage
ridiculous, yet I have surprisingly and leaves few survivors. Now
witnessed this so-called “punish- obviously, a parent rarely ever
ment” in complete jealousy. Some of says, “You are grounded for the rest
my friends have been allowed to go of your life.” It is more likely your
to parties, concerts, movies, friends’ parent will say, “You are grounded
houses; the list is endless- while until you get your driver’s license and
they are “grounded.” Apparently as complete your college applications.”
long as they are being “supervised,” But everyone knows how long these
everything is acceptable. This bril- two processes take. Could take a
liantly constructed consequence is month… a year… even two years!
totally unfair. But why would parents ever
Next comes the average child, ground their child for that long? course,
the one under “restriction.” Accord- Normal justification might be “Oh… but gen-
ing to my parents, the definition of Megan received bad grades” or erally kids
being restricted is only going out “She drank at a party,” but there are these days
one night each weekend. In fact, I always those distorted answers such just become
am writing this article as I am con- as “She took her sister’s cardigan” punished for
fined in my home on a Friday night or “He is on the phone too much.” seemingly trivial
restricted. During the in-between Parents should not severely punish things and sometimes
stage, the child has some privileges, their child for something trivial or just out of the blue. So next
yet freedom barely exists. something that is common amongst time your friend tells you that
Restriction is by far the most us teens. she’s grounded for life, have a little
frustrating stage as well. What if There are exceptions of sympathy.
Section
SectionC
C Section
C James Hubert
BlakeBlake
Blake Beat High School
BeatFeatures
Features December
17, 2010 December
October17,
8, 2010
2010
Picking out
presents
is one of
the hardest
things to
do during
the holiday
season.
Carley Pressley
Blake seniors breathe sigh of relief as early acceptances to college arrive in the mail, p. C2
C2 December 17, 2010 The Blake Beat
Sporcle: not just a computer game, an addiction for your brain In fact, Sporcle.com’s mission state- cereal” one can find quizzes like “Name the
by Dylan Hysen
This creation x & Conor Wallace
ment is: “We actively and methodically search
out new and innovative ways to prevent our
capitals of African Countries.” Says senior
Gregg Nicholson, “[Sporcle] wastes time…
has changed my Do you know the 37th president of
the United States? Can you name the capital
users from getting any work done whatsoev-
er.” Another Blake student who has fallen into
but it also teaches [us] things we didn’t
already know.”
life...my levels of Cameroon? How about the most popular
types of soda or the names of Simpsons
Sporcle’s trap is senior Joey Morstein. “I play
anytime I’m in a lab at school or can get on at
Sporcle is growing in popularity
among Blake students. Morstein, Raju and
of not doing characters?
If so, Sporcle.com, a hub of infinite
work,” Morstein says. “It’s addicting.”
Every day Sporcle publishes new quiz-
Nicholson play Sporcle about three, four or
five times a week respectively. “Sporcle is
homework have knowledge on the most useful and unusual
facts, is where you belong.
zes. There are currently over 4,000 published
quizzes and many more user-created ones.
greater than sliced bread and bungee jumping
combined,” says Raju. “If one was to look up
increased so Sporcle.com is a quiz site that was
launched in 2007 by Matt Ramme. The
For each quiz, the player types in potential
answers. If an answer is correct it will appear
the definition of ‘awesome’ in the dictionary,
there would be a picture of Sporcle right
much that I am quizzes vary in topic and are also timed. An
increasing number of Blake students, like
beside its clue. Some quizzes allow players to
type responses that apply to any of the miss-
next to it.”
According to Raju, students certainly
now a master of senior Niraj Raju, are playing Sporcle. Says
Raju, “This creation has changed my life...my
ing answers while others make it so questions
have to be answered in a certain order.
learn from Sporcle. “I have learned the most
important skill for the adult working world
procrastination. levels of not doing homework have increased
so much so that I am now a master at the art
Some of Sporcle’s quizzes are cer-
tainly trivial, but many others can be edu-
- how to look like you’re doing something
while not doing a darn thing at all,” says
Niraj Raju of procrastination.” cational. In addition to “Identify the type of Raju.
UnClassifieds
COUSIN Sammy is the best I love me some Ellen
______________________________ ______________________________
Fasdmen;rit
uhnbroiutbn-
srtnrtnsrtjsrtj
rysrjrstjsfsr
D?
Section D Section
D James Hubert Blake
Blake High School
Beat Sports December
17, 2010 December 17, 2010
We need to
improve our
communication
level, as well
as passing
and defensive
game, which
will lead to a
better offense
Nikki Ostrow
tough competition gether and will make a run against of five seniors, including alumni January, the Lady Bengals will
their division opponents. Christine Weithman and Gaby play almost exclusively division
Monday the Lady Bengals Hall, both of which were named opponents, whom they play twice
Wannen, Ostrow lead team lost 67-41 to consortium rival, the First Team All-League and were each, for the remainder of the
Springbrook Lady Blue Devils. selected to play in the Montgom- season including Wheaton, Rock-
Senior forwards Nikki Ostrow and ery County Public Schools Top 10 ville, Northwood, Kennedy and
in scoring with combined Reanna Beatty led Blake scorers Senior All Star Game. Weithman is Einstein high schools. If the team
with nine points apiece and sopho- the only Blake basketball player plans on making a run deep into
20-points-per-game average more center Danielle Snowden to have over 1,000 career points. the playoffs, division wins will be
added six rebounds in a losing ef- “Younger players have had to step important down the stretch.
Varsity boys’ basketball off to a slow start after losing two of three
Hedley pouring in 20 points as squad prepares for Paint Branch tonight
coach Marcus Wiggins. “It was obvious that we couldn’t win. Blake got off to a quick start due to Hedley’s 100% shoot-
x by Paige O’Flahavan & Josh Paunil match their size.” The Blue Devils more than doubled the ing from the floor, including four three pointers, and the team
Despite a slow start to begin the season, the varsity Bengals’ total for rebounds and shot twice as many free took a 23-15 lead at the end of the first quarter. “Brandon had
boys’ basketball team has showed a lot of potential with two throws as well. a hot hand,” says McGugan. “No one could stop him.”
returning starters and other key additions in hopes of repeat- In Blake’s first home game of the season, they lost to a However, despite a late run by the Barons to tie up the
ing last year’s success. tough Poolesville Falcons team, 67-54. The game was close game at 40 apiece with seven minutes left, the Bengals put
When Blake traveled to play consortium rival, the the entire time with the Bengals only down three points with away the division foe on McGugan’s 6-6 shooting from the
Springbrook Blue Devils, the team was unable to keep up a few minutes left in the game when senior Matt McGugan, free throw line in the final minutes.
with the Blue Devils and lost 74-58. Despite a season-high 20 who had 23 points and six rebounds, suffered from cramps. Despite the slow start to the season, the Bengals’ goal
points for senior captain guard Brandon Hedley and career- The Bengals also suffered from mishandled passes and is to build on last year’s success to make it even farther. Says
high 19 points from junior center Avery Ugba, the Bengals a lack of scoring on the team outside of McGugan and Hedley, senior forward Brandon Simms, “We’re trying to go back to
were out-rebounded by the Blue Devils and gave their rival who accounted for over 75% of the team’s points. Comcast and bring home the trophy.”
too many second-chance points. When the Bengals traveled to face the B-CC Barons in The team plays at home against the Paint Branch Pan-
“We were ineffective early on the boards,” says head their first game of the season, they came away with a 56-51 thers tonight at 7pm.
Girls dive head first into new season with high hopes
Crushing victory over Gaitherburg propels Lady Bengals to strong start
x by Eddie Madden Fribush. cide the division,” Mr. Fribush year even though the team is
The Lady Bengals next says. Before then however, the very small. They may lack depth
After a 124-47 blowout of meet is against division oppo- Bengals will be tested by the as past years, but they do not
the Gaithersburg Lady Trojans, nent, the Rockville Lady Rams Kennedy Lady Cavilers January lack the talent and aptitude to
the girls’ swim team’s confi- on Saturday at the Rockville 15 at The Martin Luther King compete with the best teams in
dence is elevated as they have Municipal. The Bengals look to Swim Center and the Einstein the county.
advanced to 1-0, with high hopes use the momentum of their great Lady Titans January 22 at the “[The team] is having a lot
for the rest of the season. start to keep the success coming. Olney Swim Center. of fun in and out of the pool, and
“So far, so good,” head “[We have] a really strong team After losing many mem- I’m excited to see where we’ll
coach Jared Fribush says about this year…we have a lot more bers last year, the team re- end up,” says Jaffe. Come sup-
the team this year and their per- depth which should really be bounded with over 40 girls port the Lady Bengals Saturday
formance December 11. After a big factor in big meets,” says coming to tryouts and making as they take on the Rams.
moving down from Division junior captain Rachel Jaffe. the team. This not only gives
2 to Division 3 this year, the The Bengals are working the Lady Bengals depth, but it
Lady Bengals hope to contend
for the division title. “Our girls’
hard in preparation for their
meet against division rival, the
allows the team to push each
other at practice and make each So far, so good.
team lacks the star power as past Magruder Lady Colonels Janu- other better.
years, but it has depth past years ary 29. “[It] will be our toughest The girls dive team looks Jared Fribush
Rachel Jaffe cannot compete with,” says Mr. dual meet, and will probably de- to perform at a high level this
We have a good shot of winning the division this year. Cameron Lancon
Spencer Sterling
The Blake Beat December 17, 2010 D3
Blake wrestling has early success on mat, brings home wins
Junior Edwin Callender pins his opponent at the Mad Mats tournament at Magruder Kwame Asante made the finals in their weight classes. Earlier Blake beat Blair to
High School where Blake finished fourth. Senior Evan Lipshultz and sophomore start of the season with a win. --photo by Aron Crews
First match goes well for varsity Bengals, take 57-9 victory over Blair
Senior Evan Lipshultz and sophomore Kwame As- majority of the match. We just couldn’t pull through in
x by Sammi Levitt & Savannah Tryens ante are two of those people. Though neither one won in the end.”
Trying to get off on the right foot, the varsity wres- the final, Lipshultz and Asante both had tough matches, In their first match of the season, the Bengals domi-
tling team capitalized on their strengths and defeated managing to place second in the 103 and 140 weight nated Blair in a 57-9 victory, bringing both their division
division opponent, the Blair Blazers, and placed fourth classes, respectively. Says senior co-captain Zakaria and overall record to 1-0. On a squad of fourteen, ten
out of 18 at the annual Mad Mats tournament. Kronemer, “Both guys had to wrestle tough competitors Bengals impressively either teched (being the first to get
The competitive Mad Mats tournament, which takes all tournament long. The fact that they made it that far 15 points) or pinned their opponents. Says junior Brian
place at Magruder High School, allows the wrestlers to is impressive.” Battaglia, “It was a great start to the season, and it gives
compete not only against fellow Montgomery County Overall, the Bengals only lost to wrestling pow- us a lot of momentum for our upcoming matches.”
schools, but also with schools from all over the state. erhouses the Magruder Colonels, Glenelg Gladiators Tomorrow the Bengals have a tough match against
The impressive finish was made possible by the wres- and Walt Whitman Vikings. “They are all tough teams the Damascus Swarmin’ Hornets and Sherwood Warriors
tlers who competed in the final round and in consolation to beat,” says junior Edwin Callendar, who placed third at home, followed by another home match Tuesday against
matches. in his 171 weight class. “We were in the top two for the division rivals, the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Barons.
Community ice hockey team looks to rebound after slow start to season
Squad struggles with defense despite good performances from goalie
by Josh Paunil in the division, 13-2. Freshman group allowed 39 shots on goal, The team clocked in their of the season, they lost to the
forward Aiden Bittinger-Esser and due to the Wildcats winning most best performance of the year de- Damascus Swarmin’ Hornets com-
x & Robert Krakaur sophomore forward James Stradely of the face-offs. fensively when they traveled to munity team, 10-3. Rankin had his
With their five leading scor- scored the lone goals for the team. When the squad played the face the DC Tigers community best game of the season after scor-
ers back from last season and two “They just out-skated us and were Sherwood Warriors, the third-place team and lost, 8-0. Klemko once ing a goal and having an assist, and
four-year veterans returning, the able to get behind our defense to get team in the division, they came again played well for the team by was joined by Bittinger-Esser who
community ice hockey team has a lot of shots on goal,” says senior away with their third loss of the sea- having a save percentage of close scored a goal of his own.
a good chance to post their best forward Matt Rankin. son, 11-1, December 6. However, to 85%. “[Klemko] kept us in the Despite the slow start to the
record in recent years despite a The team also struggled to junior goalie Cross Klemko had one game most of the time by allowing season, the team is confident they
slow start. get past the Wildcats’ defense, of his best games of the season, sav- only a few goals despite our poor can rebound. “We just need to take
In the latest game against the managing only seven shots on goal. ing over 75% of the shots on goal. defense,” says senior center Daniel each game one at a time,” says Bell.
Walter Johnson Wildcats, the team “Their defense is among the best Stradley scored the team’s lone goal Bell. “He came up big for us.” “If we do that, we can pick up our
fell to the highest-scoring team we’ve faced,” adds Rankin. The in this game as well. In the team’s opening game first win of the season.”
D4 December 17, 2010 The Blake Beat
Indoor track hurdles opponents, boys take first place, girls third
Runners strive for new achievements, hope to make improvements
by Danny Lee ter, the new head coach Charles placed third in the 4X1600 meter Christina Falden placed second scrimmage at PG County’s
Simms has intensified the train- relay and eighth in the 4X400. in the shot put, while senior Sports and Learning Complex,
x & Ricardo Mancia ing. “I’m really looking forward The boys did well too, placing Nhial Agok placed first in the where the Bengals put in many
Shot Put, 100 meter dash, to this season,” says coach first in the 4X800 and 4X400 300 meter dash and sixth in the new runners. With no points at
1600 meter relay. These events Simms. “I coach a bunch of events and placed fourth in the high jump. stake, the Bengals were able to
are not things you would expect good kids that come out every 4X1600. Senior captain Rachel Sophomore Darius Ox- enter their underclassmen into
to see during the season of snow day outside in the freezing cold Porzel says “[The team] is go- ley was another example of an different races in an effort to
and 20 degree weather. How- and work hard to get faster and ing to do really well…the relay individual success at the meet explore talent at the scrimmage.
ever, the Bengal indoor track put Blake track on the map in teams are our strongest event.” by coming in second in the 800. “It’s a pretty new team and I see
and field team is hard at work at Montgomery County.” While the boys’ and girls’ Junior Justin Ingram also did a lot of potential,” says senior
these events and more. This past Saturday the team did well, some of the play- well by placing second in the captain Alistair McLean. “We
This year the team has one team had their first meet which ers had their own personal wins 55 hurdles. have more of a drive this year.”
of the biggest turnouts ever. The they fared well in. The girls and achievements as well. Senior The season opened with a The team looks to keep
roster is compiled of 51 players: improving and doing well. There
23 boys and 28 girls. Senior
Erin Yates says, “The hard work
The hard work we’re putting in during are three meets the team is
hoping to excel in before the
we’re putting in during practice
is paying off during the meets.”
practice is paying off during the meets. Montgomery Invitational, the
culmination of the season, Janu-
Along with the larger ros-
Erin Yates ary 8.
The Blake Beat December 17, 2010 D5
Boys’ basketball
begins season
with three wins
Team dominates
with over-20-point
margin of victory
x by Paige O’Flahavan & Josh Paunil
Looking to continue their success from last
year, the JV boys’ basketball team has started off
undefeated with a win over consortium rival, the
Springbrook Blue Devils, and an average margin
of victory of over 20 points.
The Bengals defeated the Blue Devils in their
latest game, 58-46, with sophomore captain guards
Breon Herbert and Stefan Sigwalt leading the way,
scoring 20 and 11 points, respectively. However,
Blake started off the game slowly allowing the Blue
Devils to lead at the half, 27-25, due to the team
committing nine fouls.
“We played well together and did a good
job communicating,” says sophomore guard AK
Jones. Jones also scored ten points. Sophomore
center Leon Dean added seven of his own showing
the multitude of scoring options that the Bengals
have.
In Blake’s first home game of the season,
they came away with a 69-38 win against the Pool-
esville Falcons. “We’re a very athletic team and
have good chemistry,” says Herbert. The Bengals
dominated the whole game holding a lead at the
end of each quarter, and having a double-digit lead
throughout the second half.
When the team took on the B-CC Barons to
start off the season, they doubled their opponents’
score, winning 72-36. However, even with a con-
vincing win such as this, one the Bengals found
a lesson to be learned. “We have a lot of talent,”
says Sigwalt, “but we need to work on finishing
and controlling the pace.”
After a strong start to the season, the Ben-
gals look to continue their domination throughout
the rest of the season. Says freshman center Ohio
Sophomore guard/forward Folarin Orimolade dribbles basketball team defeats the Blue Devils, 58-46. The team Chiazor, “Our long term goal is to go undefeated
past a defender from Springbrook as the JV boys’ has won its first three games. --photo by Aron Crews this season.”
Junior Varsity squad picks up first victory of the season over Blue Devils
Girls lose to Poolesville after tough, three-point overtime loss against B-CC
by John Beers ning our offensive plays,” says the very end. game at 33 with two free throws Comer.
sophomore captain guard Lindsey The Lady Bengals began just before regulation ended. Over- Despite their 1-2 start, the
x & Michael Errigo Comer. their season with an overtime loss time was a defensive battle, as the team remains optimistic. Cameron
JV girls’ basketball used The Lady Bengals domi- to the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Lady Bengals came up just short adds, “If we keep working hard the
excellent shooting, scrappy de- nated all aspects of the game. Lady Barons, falling 37-34. The on several offensive possessions. way we have been, then…we will
fense and great teamwork to pick Defensive execution led to easy Lady Bengals displayed great “The team worked really be successful this season.”
up their first win of the season baskets as the Lady Bengals forced defense throughout the game but hard throughout the game,” says The Lady Bengals travel to
Monday night defeating rival, the many turnovers and held the Lady could not hold on for the win. Comer, “but we started getting ner- face the Paint Branch Lady Pan-
Springbrook Lady Blue Devils, Blue Devils scoreless for long “We didn’t give up and we kept vous when the score got close.” thers tonight hoping to continue
57-21. stretches. going and fought to the finish,” The Lady Bengals execut- their winning ways.
The Lady Bengals jumped In their second game of the says sophomore guard Megan ed offensively and defensively Upcoming home games for
out to an early lead and were in season, the Lady Bengals suffered Cameron. throughout the game. Tough de- Blake include the Damascus Lady
control for the entire game. They a tough loss at the hands of the The two teams both played fense led to easy fast-break points Swarmin’ Hornets Monday, the
scored first and never gave up the Poolesville Lady Falcons, 52-27. hard, as the Lady Bengals fought and lay ups. “We have multiple Wheaton Lady Knights January
lead. “We started off very strong, They showed good effort through- back from a first quarter deficit defensive plays that cause the 4, and the Rockville Lady Rams
playing great defense and run- out the game and played hard to to lead at the half. B-CC tied the other team to get frustrated,” adds January 7.
If we keep working hard the way we have been, then... we will be successful.
Megan Cameron
BCS bowls’ inadequate system leaves out good teams, leads to debates
Junior calls for playoff tournament to make great showdowns possible
system, it is almost impossible for a team power to change it are making money from
x by Lucas Irvin
The Boise State At the end of the season for every
with a fluke loss or a team who is not in an
AQ conference to make it into the champi-
this system. Coaches, athletic directors and
bowl directors get hefty bonuses whenever
(BSU) Broncos major sport, teams are bracketed and have
a playoff to determine the champion. The
onship game.
Teams such as the Boise State Bron-
postseason rolls around, but at the expense
of the universities.
and the Texas only exception to this is Division I-A col-
lege football, which instead has the Bowl
cos (BSU) and the Texas Christian (TCU)
Horned Frogs, who have both been contend-
According to an NCAA report, 106 of
the 120 schools that play I-A football lost
Christian (TCU) Championship Series (BCS).
There are 125 teams in Division I-A
ers in recent years with undefeated records,
are always left out because of their easy
money in 2009, and Big Ten Commissioner
Jim Delany says an NFL-style football play-
Horned Frogs... and 35 total bowls, so a winning record near
guarantees some postseason game, lead-
schedule, though they almost always blow
away their competition.
off would generate “three or four times” as
much as the current system.
are always left ing to such trivial games as the San Diego
County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl.
In 2006, an undefeated Boise State
finished 8th in the BCS standings, but did
As strong as the opposition and
reasoning is for a college football play-
out because The best ten teams are supposed to
make it to a BCS bowl, but since lackluster
not play the only other undefeated team
left, Ohio State in the championship game.
off, it seems highly unlikely that one will
emerge. People have been trying to get one
of their easy automatic-qualifying conferences (AQ)
still have to send a team to the BCS, this
A playoff would completely do away with
this problem, giving every team in conten-
ever since BCS buster Boise State beat the
Oklahoma Sooners in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl
schedule. rarely happens. This year, an unranked
Connecticut is headed to the BCS, but #9
tion a shot at the title.
The main reason this is not being
after Oklahoma was expected to embarrass
Boise, proving that teams in weak confer-
Michigan State is left out. With this faulty changed is that the people who have the ences aren’t necessarily weak themselves.
D8 December 17, 2010 The Blake Beat
Marching band, once largest in county, has shrunk in size after county ruling, p. E2
thnsrssdfasdfsdafsdafsdahfasdfhdsal;kfjsd;alkfjasd;lkfjsda;lkfjsad;lkfjsdal;kfjsdaf
It was a pure
delight of which
I wouldn’t trade
for the world
Ryan Reynolds
The show opened with pre-
concert entertainment by the jazz
ensemble, student soloists, and a
cappella singers. For the student
soloists it was a unique chance to
perform with a live band behind
them. “When it was time to per-
form we fit together like a jigsaw
puzzle,” says sophomore Ryan
Reynolds. “It was a pure delight
of which I wouldn’t trade for the
world.” Reynolds performed Mi-
chel Bublé’s “Everything.”
During the second half, the
New York Voices took to the stage
and performed several of their
pieces, all of which impressed the
audience. Says soloist and senior
Matias Perez-Ferrero, “The New Drummer Carter Howard (left) and saxophonists Calvin Daniel Louloudes get the crowd going during the New York
York Voices are the most talented Ward, Paul Gregg, Jalen Marshall, Wesley Hunn and Voices performance December 3. --photo by Aron Crews
The Vocal Ensemble Chorus, directed by Sandra Zinkievich, performed in the Song of Seville Overture” were sung by the choir. The upcoming band concert will be
of the Season concert on December 8. Songs such as “The Silver Swan” and “Barber held on December 21 with a Rock and Roll theme. --photo by Cecilia Girolami
Musicians talk about upcoming band concert, excited to play for peers
by Kristen Frese Zinkievich, “The most rewarding [part of can be both difficult and rewarding. Says that the songs that will be performed appeal
the night]… is the look on students faces Honors Choir member Lizzie Reyes, “It was to people of all ages, so everyone in the
x & Leah Patterson when they know they’ve done well.” difficult sometimes to get us blending with audience will be entertained.
Winter brings out the musical tal- The high-energy performance re- one another…and perfecting [the sound] to Many students look forward to the
ents of many Bengals, with the Choruses’ ceived a positive response from teachers, the best that we can.” band concerts because they know there are
concert December 8 and the upcoming performers, and audience members. Says The second band concert of the year always surprises involved. Some concerts
Instrumental Music Winter Pops Concert junior McKayla Adam, “I thought overall will be held December 21 at 7:30 pm. The have included props such as a fog machine
Tuesday, many students are ready to show it was very well put together, and when I Instrumental Music Winter Pops Concert’s and last year music teacher Brian Damron
off their talent. looked around, the audience was always theme is Rock and Roll and will feature read a poem as his band performed in the
The choruses’ winter concert De- smiling.” songs by famous bands such as The Beatles background. Other students simply enjoy
cember 8 began at 7:00 pm. The concert, The choruses have been preparing the and Led Zeppelin. “The winter [instrumen- the music played, and the talent showcased
entitled “Songs of the Season,” showcased songs for the concert since the beginning of tal] concert is probably the best one of the in the events. Says junior Matthew Lip-
performances by all three choruses - Vocal the year. The performances included songs year,” says junior Daniel Louloudes. “All shultz, “I really like the drumline perfor-
Ensemble, A Cappella and Honors Concert such as “The Silver Swan” and “Barber of of the ensembles play and all of the coolest mance, it’s always something different and
Choir. Says Vocal Ensemble teacher Sandra Seville Overture.” The preparation process stuff happens.” Many band members agree cool to watch.”
id
t
This is the exact ques- mother” ties her children to ing these sensitive situations. back and watch be-
a
tion the TV show, Primetime: a post outside a store a like Some people act. Whenever cause we ourselves
By Delilah G
a
What Would You Do, asks. dog. a passer-by stops a “drunken have been there.
By performing the same person” from getting in a car; But when a per-
m
The premise is simple: actors
portray a troubling scene in skits with actors of different or scolds a “racist cashier” son stands up for
e
public, while hidden cameras races, genders, clothing-styles who refuses to serve a Muslim, the underdog
r
watch to see how the unsus- and ages, the show brings out Jew or Latino, we revel in the we are inspired
as catch
pecting bystanders react to the sad truth about stereotypes morality and brevity of our to be more than
the ethical dilemmas. But the in our society. Did you know fellow man. Should such a an inactive by-
results are amazing. that people are less likely to situation arise in my presence, stander. So I
The show, which cur- intervene when “destructive I will choose to be more than don’t know
rently airs 9pm Fridays on teens” are defacing a stranger’s an inactive bystander while what you do on
ABC, highlights human ten- car if the teens are white in- others suffer. Friday nights,
dency towards inaction. You stead of black; or when an “ag- The show is raw because but if I were you
ao
f ethical absen
would be appalled by how gressive guy” is abusing his its sole purpose is to observe I’d be watching this
ce
er
many people would simply girlfriend in public if he is an the actions of real people. show.
Mons Kanye West, in his Swift lovers alike that it is: a preciated about
er t newest musical install- he’s the same West we hip-hop album. Songs West’s previous album,
ment, My Beautiful Dark used to appreciate. like “Monster” and “So but he sticks to rapping
Twisted Fantasy, does In an effort to avoid Appalled” feature well- and leaves the sing-
everything right. an unintentional leak, known artists like Jay-Z ing up to John Legend.
g
is z
Everywhere he West released a song and Rick Ross as well The best part, though,
n
e
went wrong in every Friday prior to as up-and-coming art- features the wildly hi-
i
d
By Damon K
his excessively the release of his album, ists like Nicki Minaj and larious Chris Rock. It’s
synthesized birthing what fans grew Pusha-T that lend the two minutes of Rock
a
and overly to know as G.O.O.D. album a well-rounded ranting and raving about
lbum runs aw
emotional Friday. Because of this, line up. Backing up the one of West’s old girls,
album, 808’s most of the tracks I had wide array of featured with her laconically re-
and Heart- already heard before. artists is the interestingly sponding, “Yeezy taught
break, has Nonetheless, his album consistent, yet distinc- me.”
been righted was still worth buying; tively different beats I say the album is
here. He’s Kanye added outros, featured on each song. a must-buy for anyone
capitalized samples and, in some Ranging from the simply who appreciates music.
on every- cases, whole new bars layered, “Runaway”, to It’s also definitely worth
thing he does to certain songs to make the multi-layered, “Lost going deluxe if you’re
best, yielding them different from their In This World”. Each buying from iTunes; the
an album remi- released versions. song has its own specific deluxe version features
niscent of his Late We s t ’s h i g h l y mood and concept. his critically acclaimed
wit
t
ay
e
ar
h au h with a newer Yeezy single, “Power,” estab- vorite on the album Runaway.
diophile’s
flare. He’s proving to lishes My Beautiful Dark is “Blame Game”. It If you haven’t al-
all his critics and Taylor Twisted Fantasy for what combines aspects I ap- ready, go buy it.
Let’s get one thing straight: I love lads. Nicki does not meant about this Tee
Nicki Minaj. Unfortunately, her debut to be singing ballads. Although “Save song. Rihanna’s vocals on each
album Pink Friday just didn’t sit right Me” is easy for anyone to relate to, the chorus definitely help to
n
with me. song is not anything like we’re used to make this song a close
sa
After “Mixtape Nicki” and verses hearing from Nicki, and is easy for any second to “Blazin’”.
on such songs as Kanye West’s “Mon- fan to skip upon listening to the first All in all, I
ys
By Sam Glatt
ster”, I was expecting a much fiercer verse. definitely have to
and intense rap album. What we got There is one song on this al- say that this debut
“
was a couple of good rap jams, and bum that I can definitely classify as my album is only
S
then a majority of songs in which she favorite. Nicki has a duet with Kanye okay. I love
a
tries to sing. Let me stress try. West entitled “Blazin’” and it is by far some songs and
ve me” f
The only songs on par to those the stand out track on the album. It has I completely
from her mixtape days are the smash the perfect blend of Kanye’s perfect hate others.
hits “Roman’s Revenge” featuring rhymes and Nicki’s new style of rap. It I personally
Eminem and her solo song “Did It definitely isn’t as intense as “Roman’s think that Nicki
On ‘Em”. Besides these songs, Nicki Revenge”, but it doesn’t drag on slowly should stick to
goes back and forth between attempts like “Last Chance”. being featured
to show off some amount of vocal The song I was most looking in other people’s
talent and a few somewhat successful forward to definitely met my expec- songs. A solo ca-
ro
attempts at slower songs. tations. Nicki’s collaboration with reer may not be
Songs such as “Save Me” and Rihanna entitled “Fly” is definitely the best idea for her;
“B u
m
citing commercials was rather than gasping at the explosions are, indeed, more interested in Jolie’s
a
g
only just that- hype. and suspense that should have been, perfectly coiffed up-do than the secret
Sh
s
Needless to say, we all but were not. For once, it is painfully identity of the film’s mystery man, Al-
enjoyed the movie- apparent that she is, in fact, acting in exander Pierce. As the couple rides off
o
B y Is ak
it was cute and at a rather two-dimensional movie, as a in to the Venetian sunset, the signature
n
times funny and rather two-dimensional character. The enigmatic smile on Jolie’s lips, the audi-
even suspense- lack of believability is only made worse ence is left feeling somewhat cheated
bad trip,
ya
onl
effortless air of mys- is less than thrilling, and even the com- commercials. With a measly 2 1/2 stars
s
ored by big
the set and wardrobe, and the renown of
dashing Johnny Depp could the director couldn’t bump the second- by Depp or Jolie, and I’m sure fans of
have been absolutely first-rate. rate storyline up to first. both await the next breakout role with
The only problem was a painfully By the time the turn of the bated breath.
E4 December 17, 2010 The Blake Beat