Magazine-Style Front Page 1-RG.indd - Laurel High School's "The ...

the Shield 

Vol. 15 No. 4 

Laurel High School 

April / May 2010 

Laurel, MD 

Gabriella Cadena Kalada Abbey 

Sarah Allsop Zach Kapanoske 

Pep Rallies 

Introduce 

Auditorium to 

Students 

Season Updates On 

Baseball, Tennis, 

Softball and Track! 

Technology 

Dominates 

Teen Life 

pg. 4 pg. 15-16 pg. 8-9

2 | Opinion 

Editorial 

Pep Rally Boosts Spring Spirit 

Fall and winter athletes have 

always been treated to 

an assembly in which 

their accomplishments 

are celebrated and the 

non-athletes are given 

an opportunity to cheer 

on their peers. Every 

year football, soccer, 

volleyball, track, basketball, 

swimming, 

and wrestling teams 

showcase their players. 

For the fi rst time 

in recent memory, the 

opportunity to spread 

school spirit has been 

shared with the spring 

sports athletes. It’s 

been many years since 

Laurel High School has 

had a Spring Pep Rally. 

Players from tennis, baseball, softball, 

and track were recognized at 

Voice of the Students 

Dear Editor, 

Thank You 

Teachers 

As we look forward to the 

commencement ceremony of the last of 

our three children, my wife and I would 

like to express our gratitude to some 

of the outstanding faculty, staff, and 

administrators at Laurel High School 

for their efforts in enriching our children’s 

high school years. Our thanks to 

Principal Jones and Mr. Sorber who 

were instrumental in ensuring that our 

oldest daughter received her degree. 

Mrs. Rea, and Mrs. Davies, who are 

no longer at Laurel gave our children 

incredible support. Mr. Rooney, Mr. 

Stark (also no longer at Laurel), Mr. 

Brennan, Mr. Yoder, Mr. Giuliani, Mr. 

Miller, Mr. Vissotto, and Mrs. Bruce 

the grand opening of the school’s 

new auditorium. This gathering 

of students, athletes, and teachers 

all encouraged our children to do their 

best. A special thanks to Mrs. Davis 

for her support and encouragement. 

We would also encourage all 

seniors to attend Grad Night. It is a 

truly special event. 

Michael and Michelle DeOrnellas 

No Uniforms is 

Wonderful 

Dear Editor, 

It is utterly amazing how the atmosphere 

of school completely changes 

during dress down week. Upon walking 

into the doors of Laurel High 

School on an average day, you are 

inundated by a sea of white shirts and 

khaki pants, but, walking into school 

on a non-uniform day, you are greeted 

with bright colors and individual per- 

The Shield is Now on the Web! 

This online site includes past issues from 2005 to the present, 

staff biographies, the history of the paper, ad contracts, patrons 

and personal forms and much much more! 

Check it out today! 

www.theshieldlaurelmd.com 

theShield April / May 2010 

presented a forum for the athletes 

to be introduced by an 

enthusiastic emcee and 

to be applauded for 

their efforts. 

The special guest, 

former NFL player for 

the Denver Broncos, 

Steve Fitzhugh, entertained. 

His inspirational 

message and captivating 

style of delivery 

left the audience with a 

lasting memory. 

Although more 

time should have been 

planned for the introduction 

of individual 

athletes at the second 

assembly, thank you to 

the SGA for organizing 

the long-needed spring 

pep rally. Not only was 

it a boost to the individual athlete, 

but it promoted school spirit. 

sonal styles. This adds a brightness to 

the hallways and classrooms that isn’t 

present when uniforms are worn. Fashion 

and individual style is a way in 

which students can express themselves 

freely, therefore allowing for a more 

conducive environment for learning 

because students can feel free to express 

themselves and develop their 

own individual identities. 

Sophomore Kadijah Ward 

School is Too 

Crowded! 

Dear Editor, 

When are they going to build another 

high school for overcrowded schools 

like Laurel High? The people at the top 

say that the school has a high capacity 

of students, but that we’re not over 

crowded. When there’s two students 

shy of forty per class there’s something 

wrong because then we have to wonder 

if they all are getting the proper amount 

of education that a student should receive 

during their high school career. 

Some news websites and channels are 

explaining to us that the United States 

pretty much stinks when it comes to 

math and sciences. So how is having 

so many students in one class helping 

with this educational problems? 

Junior Emmily Payton 

theShield 

The Shield is published by the students of Laurel 

High School, 8000 Cherry Lane, Laurel MD 20707. It 

is sold at the price of twenty-fi ve cents per issue. The 

Shield is a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press 

Association, the Maryland Scholastic Press Association, 

the American Scholastic Press Association and the 

International Quill and Scroll Society. 

Staff 

Editors 

Editor-In-Chief 

Nikki Lust 

Managing Editors 

Kevin McLaughlin 

Caitlin Raynor 

Layout Editor 

Maury Quijada 

Photo Editor 

Ivana Medrano 

Copy Editors 

John DeOrnellas 

Emelie Kittlesen 

Alyssa Neira 

Maury Quijada 

Keyaira Williams 

News 

Edward Gabriel Bell III 

Feature 

Malcolm Richardson 

Sports 

Farhad Rana 

Entertainment 

Karene Winfi eld 

Opinion 

Keyaira Williams 

Exchange 

Jennifer Rodriguez 

Art 

Dominic Mallari 

International 

Laura Carranza 

Technology Coordinator 

Maury Quijada 

Managers 

Advertising : Sarah Jeffries 

Public Relations : Zachary Kapanoske 

Business : Sokhna Thiam 

Circulations : Alyssa Neira 

Patrons : John DeOrnellas 

Unclassifi eds : Karene Winfi eld 

Librarian : Sokhna Thiam 

News Briefs : Keyaira Williams 

Reporters 

Adam Block 

Miguel Ghersi 

Ian Kirksey 

Efosa Osayande 

Alyssa Overton 

Advisor 

Robert Giuliani 

Principal 

Dwayne Jones 

The objectives of The Shield are to 

report all news pertinent to the interest of 

students and staff in an objective manner, 

to heighten awareness in the student body, 

to increase involvement in student affairs, 

to provide entertainment, and above all, 

to provide a medium of support and encouragement 

of the ideals expressed in the 

First Amendment to the Constitution of the 

United States of America. 

Editorials in The Shield represent the 

views of the editors. They do not necessarily 

refl ect the views of the administration, 

faculty, student body, advisor, or other 

members of the staff. 

Letters to the editor are welcomed 

and encouraged. Letters must be signed 

and written in good taste, and are subject 

to editing. Please deposit letters in Mr. 

Giuliani’s mailbox, visit The Shield website 

at theshieldlaurelmd.com, or give them to 

any member of the staff.

April / May 2010 theShield 

News | 3 

“If we had no winter, the spring 

would not be so pleasant; if we 

did not sometimes taste of 

adversity, prosperity 

would not be so welcome”. 

Anne Bradstreet 

News 

Snow Destroys Landmark 

Laurel Christmas Tree 

Unusually Strong Winter Weather Leads to 

the Demise of Historic Christmas Tree 

By Sarah Jeffries 

How would one 

feel if one lost 

the greatest 

friend in the 

world? This is 

how Richard C feels. But this 

“friend” he is losing is not a 

person, it is a tree! This tree is 

the historic tree in West Laurel 

located on the Kluckhuhn 

front lawn on Montgomery 

Road right where it turns into 

Brooklynn Bridge Road. This 

tree stands out on the hill 

every holiday season as its 

lights create the biggest tree 

decoration in the City of Laurel. 

People come from miles 

away and often even stop their 

car and walk to the tree to admire 

it. This tree is probably 

the most photographed tree 

in all of Laurel. According 

to Rob Kluckhuhn, Richard’s 

son, he stated that the family 

has been decorating the tree 

for close to fi fty years.” 

This historic tree is one 

of the largest in Laurel. It is 

a soaring 65 foot tall, white 

pine and stretched 43 

feet across. This tree was 

planted in 1943! Now 

there is a strong chance 

that the tree won’t reach 

its 68th birthday. The 

snows of this past winter 

have severely damaged 

the tree. The fi rst 

blizzard took off some 

of the branches, but the 

second blizzard took off 

many more branches. 

There is a huge gap on 

the left side of the tree. 

The branches seemed 

to break 

easier 

due to 

the fact 

t h a t 

“A few 

years 

a g o 

someone 

set 

the tree on 

fi re, and the 

bark rotted 

and collapsed 

under the 

weight of the 

snow,” stated 

Kluckhuhn. 

Kluckhuhn 

explains, “I 

don’t think 

we can keep 

it. We are 

going to replace 

it.” A 

tree like that 

has too many 

memories to 

cut it down, 

but their 

original plan 

was for professionals 

to 

chop it down 

this month. 

The removal 

of the dead 

branches has 

taken place, 

but as of May 

7 the tree is 

Beloved Laurel pine tree suffered extensive damages after several heavy snowfalls. 

The owners plan to cut it down. (photo by Sarah Jeffries) 

still standing. 

When asked about how 

many lights there were on the 

tree Kluhuhn stated, “There 

[were] 12,000 lights on the 

tree and 440 amps that power 

it.” 

For some people, saying 

good bye is easy. For most, it 

will be hard. But those who 

really miss it can still have a 

chunk of the tree’s remains. 

There have been a couple of 

requests for the wood of the 

tree for memories.” 

There is a Facebook group 

for the remembrance of the 

tree and there are many more 

groups about the 65-foot tree 

where people recall all of the 

related memories they have. 

Also one can upload a picture 

of the tree and many memories 

that photographers have 

captured. These groups are 

helping the memory of the 

tree stay alive. One group 

is called the Big Christmas 

Tree in Laurel MD. There are 

many members in this group. 

If one is interested in this 

group, all one has to do is go 

on Facebook, click the search 

box and type in “the Christmas 

tree in Laurel.” 

Senior Caitlin Raynor 

is one of those people who 

have a grand memory of the 

big Christmas tree. She said, 

“I remember passing it three 

years ago and we fi nally got 

to see how they put up the 

lights. They use a pole and it 

has a pulley and they get on 

top of the tree and they string 

the lights down the tree. It’s 

very pretty and I am sad that 

it’s destroyed, and I loved it 

because it was a fi rst welcoming 

sign that you are now in 

West Laurel.” 

English Instructor Robert 

Giuliani reminisces, “ I would 

always take my daughters to 

see the tree when they were 

little. We would get out of the 

car and just gaze at the magnifi 

cent heartwarming sight. 

Especially when snow was on 

the ground, there was a special 

feel to the silent beauty in 

front of us.”

4 | News 


Nearby Massive Development to Impact Local Scene 

Konterra’s Town Center East Shopping Center Planned to Open in 2012 

By Nikki Lust 

Anticipated to be the 

retail, business, and 

residential focal point 

of the Baltimore-Washington 

area in the coming 

years, the local 

Konterra project is a multi-billion dollar 

venture to construct one of the most ambitious 

mega-complexes ever conceived 

in the country. Laurelites anxiously 

await the introduction of Konterra to a 

community that will welcome the employment, 

housing, and retail opportunities 

and fl ourishing possibilities the 

fi nished new development will bring. 

According to the website for the endeavor, 

dubbed the “Konterra Reality,” 

this 2200-acre, multi-faceted development 

is centered around “the most dynamic 

economic and cultural area on the 

Eastern Seaboard,” purposely straddling 

Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties 

to provide its inhabitants, patrons, 

and business affi liates only a 30-minute 

commute to Washington, D.C. and Baltimore 

and a 40-minute one to Annapolis 

and Frederick. Its vicinity to these 

bustling metropolitans and location near 

Interstate 95 and the Capitol Beltway 

are expected to usher in extraordinary 

prosperity and lucrative income to the 

prospective “premier business and residential 

community” of tomorrow. 

Consisting of a town center, residential 

neighborhoods, and a business campus, 

this three-dimensioned virtual city 

featuring innumerable amenities and 

community staples including “upscale 

retail and hospitality venues, technology 

campuses, educational institutions,” and 

homes nestled around “schools, daycare, 

recreation, worship, employment, and 

shopping.” 

Furthermore, in their dedication to environmental 

protection and commitment 

to sustainability, Konterra’s developers 

are helping to beautify and support the 

Prince George’s County community and 

reduce the detrimental effects this major 

construction effort can reap on the Earth 

by sponsoring projects ranging from the 

Anacostia Watershed Society’s April 18, 

2009 Earth Day Celebration, in which 

over 75 volunteers and the Citizens to 

Conserve and Restore Indian Creek 

(CCRIC) cleaned trash and tires from 

the riverbed. 

Responding to the potential threat 

of such substantial construction and the 

Spring Pep Rallies Introduce 

Students to the New Auditorium 

By Karene Winfi eld 

This wasn’t a Pep Rally; it was a 

motivational presentation and introduction 

of spring sports teams. The 

spring pep rally was sponsored by the 

SGA and Sponsor Tom Miller. The 

softball, baseball, outdoor track and 

tennis teams were recognized during 

the assembly. Apart from introducing 

the players of each team sport, 

efforts taken by Konterra to shield the 

environment from this imminent harm, 

District 1 County Councilmember Tom 

Dernoga expresses, as quoted in the summer 

2009 issue of The Konterra Times, 

“Konterra is going to be a great economic 

benefi t to Prince George’s County, but 

it could have a potential environmental 

impact. It’s good to see Konterra working 

to bring environmental awareness 

about that potential impact, and organizing 

the community to help clean up the 

downstream areas.” The people behind 

the Konterra establishment also held a 

2010 River Party and Stream Clean-Up 

on April 24 to further their eco-friendly 

initiatives. 

Acting as “the northern gateway to 

Prince George’s County,” the Konterra 

Town Center is presented as the welcome 

end to a lack of available upscale 

dining and shopping options in Laurel 

and its outlying lands. Advertized as a 

village of “tree-lined, pedestrian-friendly 

streets with outdoor cafes, high-end 

boutiques and exciting entertainment 

options,” offi ces, residential spaces, and 

parks are also planned to coexist amidst 

the trendy shops and edgy restaurants of 

the Town Center. With a civic framework 

of police, fi re, and additional 

community services fi nanced by surplus 

revenues, Konterra strives to be a 

self-sustaining powerhouse, generating 

upwards of 12,000 new jobs to boost the 

welfare of the local people. 

Moreover, cutting-edge architectural 

landscapes and scenery, functional transportation 

networks, and open regions for 

leisure, sport, or exercise activities such 

as biking and running are key integrals 

of the overall design plans. Greenways, 

bicycle paths, pedestrian sidewalks and 

trails, and overdue roadway improvements 

are expected to offer easy accessibility 

and comfortable qualities that 

will enhance Konterra’s neighborhoods. 

For instance, according to Laurel Today, 

a supplement of Maryland Life, Old 

Gunpowder Road, Contee Road, and 

Kenilworth Avenue will be widened and 

extended, several intersections north of 

Powder Mill Road will be improved, 

and the new Contee Road interchange 

will reduce regional traffi c congestion 

that will be expectedly aggravated by 

the added infl ux of visitors to and from 

Konterra. 

Atop what was once a gravel and sand 

mining site, the Konterra Town Center 

will rest east of I-95 and south of the fu- 

special guest Steve Fitzhugh, a former 

Denver Broncos football player, 

shared a few words of wisdom and 

encouragement to the student body. 

Fitzhugh involved students in his 

speech and shed light on important 

issues involved in teens’ daily lives. 

“I had a great experience at Laurel 

High School,” Fitzhugh exclaimed. 

“The students had a lot of energy, 

and they were receptive to what I 

Volunteers listen attentively to Motivational Speaker Steve Fitzhugh. (photo by M. Quijada) 

ture Contee Road interchange and consist 

of an eastern and western sector. The 

488-acre eastern division consists of 600 

hotel rooms, 4,500 residential units comprised 

of apartments, condominiums, 

and townhouses, 3,800,000 square-feet 

of offi ce space, and 1,500,000 squarefeet 

of retail stores, while the 253-acre 

western section is currently undergoing 

planning to house a similar mix of establishments 

conveniently in the same 

premise. 

The fi rst phase of Konterra Town 

Center East is scheduled for completion 

in 2012, yet the Forest City Washington 

and Gould Property Company 

dual developers, by “combining local 

knowledge with national strength,” predict 

that long-term commitment to the 

community will be required to fulfi ll the 

center’s creation in its entirety. 

Under the roof of Konterra’s residential 

neighborhoods, the 35-acres set aside 

for Wilshire Estates will presumably be 

fi lled by 61 homes, with costs beginning 

in the high $500,000’s, featuring “executive 

amenities,” elite architectural 

styles, and fl owing green yards, and will 

lie west of Contee Road at the corner of 

Van Dusen Road. Additionally, presented 

as a community praising togetherness 

and functionality, the Villages at Wellington 

will contain approximately 545 

single-unit homes, with starting prices 

in the low $500,000’s, within 240 acres 

bounded by Van Dusen Road and Cherry 

Lane on the north. 

The campus-style business division 

of Konterra encloses commercial, offi 

ce, research and development, and fl ex 

buildings at various locations connected 

by communication and infrastructure 

systems designed to promote cohesion 

and productivity. This 135.6-acre 

Konterra Business Campus, already offering 

550,000 square-feet of space and 

expanding to perhaps 1 million squarefeet, 

can be reached directly by Route 

1, a MARC train service line between 

Baltimore and Washington, and numerous 

bus routes. Further, the 37.231acre 

Konterra at Sweitzer Lane features 

250,000 square-feet of cost-effective 

building space for both large and small 

businesses near the Maryland Route 198 

interchange with I-95. Phase I contributes 

68,000 square-feet of offi ce space 

and 50,000 rentable square-feet of fl ex 

space leased by the national engineering 

fi rm Greenhorne and O’Mara, whose 

corporate headquarters have been within 

had to say.” 

“Fitzhugh was very intriguing, and 

I liked how he involved the students 

in his speech when he had volunteers 

come up on stage. It wasn’t boring . 

. . I actually gave him my undivided 

attention,” states DeAndre Bennett. 

Students were very much involved 

with the assembly, and the baseball 

team hyped up the crowd as they 

stomped and tore up a poster of the 

Suitland Rams in the fi rst assembly. 

“Life is like a priceless violin. One 

may draw harmony from it . . . but no 

one blames the instrument. If played 

correctly it will give forth beauty. If 

played ignorantly, it produces ugliness,” 

surmised Fitzhugh. 

Apart from Fitzhugh’s inspirational 

quotes, Ms. Martin’s Dance 3 

students concluded the fi rst assembly, 

while the Step Team concluded 

the second assembly. Mr. Wright’s 

choir performed the school song, 

the “Alma Mater,” as the opening 

for both assemblies. However, the 

second assembly was shortened 

due to a lack of time. Unlike the 

fi rst assembly where individuals 

on the teams were called onto the 

stage, during the second assembly, 

teams were announced as a whole 

since there was not enough time. 

This bird’s-eye view of the projected complex highlights its immensity. - konterra.com 

Konterra since December 2005, and Since purchasing the Laurel Sand and 

Phase II will add 132,000 more square- Gravel property in 1981 and partnering 

feet for offi ces. 

with the award-winning national real-es- 

Konterra Headquarters Building is tate developer Forest City Washington, 

a 128,000 square-feet, six-story offi ce the Gould Property Company wishes to 

building that is 41 percent leased, and continue its successful streak of build- 

added Konterra reality and Kingdon ing buzz-worthy establishments in the 

Gould, Jr. as tenants in 2008. It is lo- Washington Metropolitan area with 

cated to the west of I-95, across from the Konterra. Likewise, Forest City’s vice 

future Konterra Town Center, or north president of development Tom Archer 

of I-495, between the fi rst and second concurs in The Konterra Times, “We are 

interchanges of I-95, and can be reached committed to the community and deliv- 

via the Route 198 interchange. Also, ering a quality development that will 

the Braygreen Development Projects, stand the test of time,” and fulfi ll the 

found adjacent to the Laurel City limits Gould family’s longstanding “vision of 

at Route 1, will supply 35,250 square- building ‘a new town on,” the purchased 

feet of fl ex or offi ce space, ten loading construction grounds. 

docks, and free parking for employees. Vice President of Konterra Caleb 

“Konterra will provide two important Gould, who is continuing his father’s, 

features that will be extremely impor- Kingdon Gould Jr.’s, legacy and dream 

tant to the northern tier of the County,” of manufacturing from dust a thriving 

Laurel Mayor Craig Moe describes, ex- urban powerhouse in the idea of Konplaining 

the many benefi ts the Konterra terra. As a strong supporter of smart 

community will purportedly reap once growth principles to maximize develop- 

completed, especially through its dement and minimize infrastructure and 

velopment and “revitalization efforts” land use to protect the Earth, as relayed 

that are “‘raising the bar’ on standards in Laurel Today, Gould believes this 

of quality,” according to The Konterra three-pronged approach of attracting lo- 

Times. “The fi rst is the provision of a cals to live, work, and play in the same 

large amount of fi rst class offi ce space, venue is golden. “The more things you 

as well as a quality conference and con- bring together the better,” Gould devention 

hotel. The second is the proviclares, in Laurel Today. “If you’re just 

sion of higher quality retail, which has trying to make it a shopping district, it 

been absent in our area. For too long, won’t work. The key is to have people 

northern Prince Georgians, and Laure- live and work there and blend in cullites 

in particular, have been spending tural and recreational uses. That is what 

their money at stores outside Prince makes it work.” 

George’s County, even though their in- The long and costly process to build 

comes justify those facilities right here this mammoth mega-complex began 

in Laurel,” Moe comments, gratefully many moons ago and will speculatively 

welcoming the foreseen fortuitous inau- continue ten to twenty years into the 

guration of the massive undertaking. future. After an undisclosed period of 

However, LHS students share a more planning and debating, the four-mem- 

negative position regarding Konterra, inber Prince George’s County Planning 

cluding sophomore Sarah Jeffries, who Board approved the three billion dollar 

proclaims, “I’m upset because we don’t construction of the Konterra Town Cen- 

need another mall, and I would rather ter East on June 12, 2008 after its sub- 

have them use the funds for a wildlife mission in September 2007, based on a 

preserve. We already have Columbia Gazette article’s fi ndings. Developers 

Mall, Arundel Mills Mall, and Annapo- anticipate an 18-month approval process 

lis Mall all near us, so it seems useless.” before beginning construction in late 

Jeffries alludes to other Laurelites’ fears 2009 or early 2010 on this 30-month 

that the imagined refurbishing of the construction schedule for the downtown 

local Laurel Mall will suffer from Kon- portion of the Town Center. With 12 

terra, as she observes, “We could use to 20 years predicted to pass before a 

the funds for animals and Laurel Mall, glimpse of the completed Town Center 

which hasn’t even been fi xed.” 

even enters reality and yet undetermined 

“It’s going to be an overpriced mall dollar amounts and projected timelines 

if it costs that much for construction,” for the remainder of Konterra, this ‘town 

junior Malcolm Richardson worries. On of the future’ seems to be just that: a dis- 

the other hand, Richardson looks on the tant shooting star light-years away that 

bright side of the Konterra project by will take ages to approach distinction by 

mentioning that “it’s going to look nice awaiting humans who must continue on 

though because it costs so much money with their normal lives while the hope- 

to make,” quipping, “and if they don’t ful glimmer looms promisingly in the 

have a Starbucks, I’m going to laugh.” uncharted reaches of the unknown. 

Adolescents, Adults & Couples 

Carol Geer Williams PhD 

Licensed Psychologist 

Patuxent Place 

585 Main Street #143 

Laurel, MD 20707 

Offi ce Number: 

(301) 490-0778


Lifestyle 

Lifestyle | 5 

New Hairstyles Blossom During Springtime 

Laurel Students Mirror Latest Trends Modeled by Celebrities 

By Emelie Kittlesen 

With a new season and 

decade come 

new 

trends 

f o r 

hairstyles, 

and this 

spring 

is no 

different. 

If 

you’re 

look- 

ing for 

a fresh, 

n e w 

style 

or just 

a cute and classic up-do, 

look no further. Spring 

2010 promises thousands 

of ways to show off your 

creativity. According to 

www.hairstylesdesign. 

com, “Possibilities are 

endless with teenage girl 

hairstyles sporting multicolored 

dyes, curling, 

straightening, or waving 

options.” Celebrities such 

as Rihanna, Jessica Simp- 

May Dance 

Recital Draws 

Anticipation 

Want to see the Dance 

classes perform? Then 

come to the new auditorium 

on May 14 and 15 at 7 

p.m. to see the LHS Spring 

Dance Recital. 

Tickets cost $5 for students 

and teachers with 

IDs, $8 for college students 

with IDs, and $10 

for parents. There will be 

performances from Dance 

son, and Gwen Stefani inspire 

many of these styles. 

A new trend one may 

have 

already 

seen 

on Rihanna 

a n d 

fellow 

peers 

a r e 

very 

i n . 

“Her 

hair 

“My style cames from Rihanna and 

I like the mohawk look.”- Taylor 

Seibert 

been layered and 

razor-cut all over. 

Closed-cropped layers 

frame the face, short 

and close around the 

ears and neck. Nearly 

all of the layering on 

the top of the head is 

long. Long peek-aboo 

bangs have been 

added to change the 

geometry of the hairstyle,” 

according to 

www.hair.becomegor- 

has 

1, 2, and 3 students, along 

with dance alumni and 

guest choreographers. 

Ms. Martin’s classes 

will be demonstrating their 

talent and entertaining audiences, 

and the dancers 

want your support. There 

will be different performances 

each day, so come 

support the dance program 

and watch performances 

that will surprise and thrill 

you! 

(There will be a review 

of the Spring Recital in 

our June issue.) 

geous.com. Sophomore 

Courtney Foster says that 

she loves it, and sophomore 

Michelle Owusu 

adds, “The style can only 

suit certain face frames.” 

In fact, asymmetrical 

hairstyles are in for this 

spring. Although very extreme, 

it is one style sure 

to turn heads. One-sided 

braids, buns slung over one 

shoulder, and heavy bangs 

that taper from shortest to 

longest in a left-to-right 

fashion fi t in this category. 

“[Th is is] the fi rst time I had an updo. 

I love it.” - Mariah Caldwell 

News Briefs 

SENIORS 

Time is running out 

for your Last Wills and 

Testaments to be heard. 

May 14 is the last 

day for Last Wills 

and Testaments to be 

turned in for them to 

be printed in the June 

Graduation Issue of 

The Shield Shield. 

Visit Mr. Giuliani in 

room 269 and page 15 

of this publication for 

more information. 

For short hair, bobs and 

choppy layers work while 

long hair looks best wavy 

or loose 

curled. 

Sleek 

ponytails 

give 

an elegant 

look. 

Miley 

Cyrus 

a n d 

Ashley Bennett displays an 

artistic blend of styles with her hair 

expression. 

Gisele Bundchen 

showcase beautiful 

wavy hair. Miley 

Cyrus’ hair is curled 

in the back. In the 

front, long thick 

bangs come down to 

one eye while on the 

other side her hair 

comes down nicely 

by her ear and rests 

nicely on that side. 

When asked about 

LGBT Gains 

Awareness 

with Day of 

Silence 

On April 16, 2010, 

many students at Laurel 

High School and throughout 

the world celebrated 

the National Day of Silence. 

The Day of Silence 

is a national youth movement 

bringing attention to 

the silence faced by LGBT 

(Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual 

and Transgender) people 

the spring trend for African- 

American hair, sophomore 

Erin Keyes said, “Spiral 

curls, 

tracks, 

bangs, 

short 

cuts, 

wraps, 

roller 

wraps, 

and wet 

curls.” 

Sophomore 

Jennifer 

Dewitt 

a d d s 

that “the 

bump 

and colored 

bangs are in. The 

Mohawk is a new style 

that both guys and girls 

can pull off. Some get 

theirs two-toned. New hair 

trends can be up-to-date 

and either inspired from 

past styles or completely 

new. However, you should 

choose a hairstyle that suits 

your face and that you feel 

good wearing.” 

and their allies. This silence 

is caused by LGBTbullying, 

name-calling and 

harassment. 

People who participate 

in this event are silent 

throughout the entire day. 

According to the Day of 

Silence website, participants 

“believe that ending 

the silence is the fi rst step 

towards building awareness 

and making a commitment 

to address these 

injustices.” On this day, 

many LHS students also 

supported the cause by refraining 

from speaking.

6 | Clubs and Activities 

NHS 

By Sarah Jeffries 

Are you currently a junior or 

senior who has at least a 3.40 cumulative 

GPA for your high school 

career? Do your teachers or other 

club sponsors in or out of school 

believe that you exhibit the qualities 

of scholarship, leadership, and 

character, and promote your community 

through service activities? 

If you have answered yes to each 

of these questions and have attended 

Laurel High School for at least 

one semester, then you are eligible 

to join the National Honor Society, 

an honorary service organization 

that recognizes students who exemplify 

the qualities enumerated above 

and are extraordinary examples for 

their peers. If you are interested in 

applying to join this club and meet 

the required criteria for admission, 

visit the sponsor, Mr. Hiller, in 

room A152 for further information, 

including due dates for applications 

and a full list of requirements for 

potential applicants. 

The organization is led by four 

elected offi cers who meet to discuss 

future club endeavors, and all members 

meet sporadically to take part 

in community enrichment activities 

and other undertakings. These offi - 

cers include President Nicole Lust, 

Vice President Kevin McLaughlin, 

Treasurer Tiara Cobbin, and Secretary 

Imani Hopewell. 

“This includes the induction 

ceremony for the new members. 

Second, they made sandwiches for 


Clubs and Activities 

the food pantry of the Elizabeth 

House,” said Hiller. The group’s 

last endeavor was a community 

service Bowl-A-Thon in January 

at the Laurel AMF Lanes to raise 

money to fi ght the disease cystic 

fi brosis. This event made $125 and 

there are still more donations coming 

in. These fundraising projects 

have been completed, and “There 

are no special trips or activities 

coming up,” according to Hiller. 

“I believe the NHS has incredible 

potential to help many groups 

of people, and I’m very excited 

about welcoming new members in 

the upcoming induction ceremony,” 

comments President Nicole Lust, 

expressing optimism for the NHS’s 

future impact. Although no future 

meetings are currently scheduled, 

she adds, “With the end of the 

school year rapidly approaching, I 

hope that the NHS can do several 

more community enrichment activities 

and raise money for good 

causes with its current members.” 

Indeed, the society ran a successful 

face painting and balloon animal 

stand at the Spartan Fair, and is expecting 

to welcome new members 

at their scheduled May 11 Induction 

Ceremony. 

Outdoors 

Club 

By Alyssa Overton 

Do you need a getaway from 

your hectic teenage life? Would 

you like a night away from parents 

or younger siblings? Do you like 

to see musicals and plays? Do you 

like all-you-can-eat buffets? Then, 

join the Outdoors Club! 

The Outdoors Club is open to 

all teenagers, grades nine through 

twelve. Attending any fi eld trip 

sponsored by Director Robert Giuliani 

will include you as a member 

of the Outdoors Club. 

To cap off the school year, the 

Outdoors Club will be embarking 

on a weekend long camping and 

canoeing trip to Shenandoah River 

in Luray, Virginia in the middle of 

June. All are welcomed to attend. If 

you enjoy the great outdoors, rugged 

waters, sharing stories around 

a campfi re, and time spent with 

friends or if you simply want to 

get out of the house for a weekend, 

then the camping and canoeing trip 

to Shenandoah River is just the trip 

for you. 

This past month the club went 

to Toby’s Dinner Theater to see the 

musical Hairspray. This play, set in 

Baltimore in 1962, focuses on teen 

dating and dancing, as well as the 

serious topic of race relations. The 

musical is a Tony Award-winning 

play, which was followed by a 2008 

blockbuster movie. According to 

Giuliani, it was a spectacular evening 

enjoyed by all who attended. 

“As always, Toby’s Theater did a 

stupendous job with their acting, 

singing, dancing, and sets. All the 

leads had outstanding voices, and 

many of the students thoroughly 

enjoyed their tasty, all-you-can-eat 

dinner buffet,” stated Giuliani. 

The play was thoroughly enjoyed 

by the students of LHS. Senior John 

DeOrnellas stated, “I enjoyed the 

play and recommend that anyone 

who has seen the movie should go 

see the play.” 

Before Winter Break, the club 

ventured on a holiday trip to usher 

in the spirit of the holidays. They 

went to Fords Theater in Washington, 

D.C. and saw the classic play, 

A Christmas Carol, had dinner at 

the Hard Rock Café, and then took 

a trip up to the National Christmas 

Tree at the Ellipse near the White 

House. “The chilly evening, the 

tree’s décor and the play’s theme 

brought everyone in the spirit of the 

holiday,” says Robert Giuliani, the 

director of the club for 20 consecutive 

years. 

Then, at the end of January, the 

club headed up to Pennsylvania to 

the Seven Springs Mountain Resort 

and had some fun on the slopes for 

their annual weekend ski trip. “It 

was another exciting and successful 

trip. The kids exhibited honorable 

behavior and there were superb skiing 

conditions of almost 7 feet of 

snow,” stated Giuliani. 

For more information on the 

upcoming trips see Mr. Giuliani in 

room 269 or contact Robin Cooch 

from the Department of Parks and 

Recreation of the City of Laurel. 

Caribbean 

Dance Team 

By John DeOrnellas 

Have you wondered who those 

girls were that performed to reggae 

music at the International Assem- 

bly? Those ladies were a part of 

the Caribbean Dance Team (CDT), 

one of our new groups of dancers 

at Laurel High School. They are 

sponsored by Ms. Martin, Dance 

Instructor at LHS, and practice 

from 2:45-5:00pm every Tuesday 

and Thursday in the dance room. 

The CDT is made up of 13 

students. There are sophomores, 

juniors, and seniors, but most of 

the team is made up of seniors. 

There are two male dancers, and 

eleven female dancers. Jasmine 

Smith, a performer with the CDT, 

said, “Working with the guys was 

funny. They both had something 

the other didn’t. They worked hard 

and enjoyed working with all of the 

girls.” 

Some members of the team were 

also members of the International 

Dance Team (IDT), which performed 

during the last two years. 

Others are members of Ms. Martin’s 

dance class, or have performed outside 

of school. All performers had 

to try out earlier in the year, when 

the team was fi rst originated. They 

are in the process of beginning tryouts 

for new members that would 

perform during the 2010-2011 

school year. 

Lakesha Davis, former IDT 

member and performer for the CDT, 

explained, “The team is and always 

will be a great part of my memory 

of Laurel High! We all made friends 

with people we thought we’d never 

talk to, and I hope we encouraged 

others to go for their dreams. You 

can follow any one but it’s best if 

you start your own thing!”


New Teachers 

New Teachers and Classes | 7 

Donlan 

By Sokhna Thiam 

“I wanted to help back and apply 

my knowledge in English,” stated 

new ninth-grade English Instructor 

Ian Donlan when asked why he became 

a teacher. He also stated, “I love 

the fl exibility it offers for students 

and the opinions you have when 

reading and writing. I also like using 

rap songs for poems when I teach 

poetry.” 

Donlan took over an English class 

in late January. The class was previously 

taught by Mrs. Fraser, who left, 

and long-term substitute teacher Anthony 

Spangler. 

Donlan moved to D.C to study for 

his Master’s Degree in art and in English 

at George Washington University. 

Donlan grew up in Pawling, New 

Seniors 

By Ian Kirksey 

As this school year nears its end 

the Laurel High School Senior Class 

of 2010 looks like they‘re geared 

and ready to head into a bright future. 

But before they do, they have a 

few more events planned to end the 

last moments of their high school careers 

with a bang. 

Most students have turned in 

their community service hours and 

taken care of their fi nancial obligations 

but a few still need to get them 

sorted out. Mrs. Leandre, the class’s 

co-sponsor, says that students who 

still need to get community service 

shoud speak to Mr. Vissotto about 

helping the Spanish Club when they 

make thier weekly trips to local elementary 

schools to help out. 

Seniors also should remember to 

turn in their last wills to the newspaper 

staff. This tradition dating back 

to 1900 is a way for seniors to be 

remembered in print forever as well 

as a way to leave an underclassmen 

a memory. 

Now that it’s the month of May 

the seniors have entered the home 

stretch. The Prom Promise Assembly 

as well as the senior survey took 

place on May 6. The class’s last day 

of attendence at Laurel High School 

will be May 14. 

The highly anticipated prom, 

will be held on the 21st at the Grand 

Tremont Hotel in Baltimore from 

8:00 pm to 12:00 am. 

Even though the seniors won’t 

be in LHS any longer durring June 

York. “I love baseball! The Yankees 

are my team,” he exclaimed. 

Donlan previously taught 7th grade 

at Stephen Decatur Middle School. “I 

love the structure, and organization of 

middle schools,” he stated. 

His interests include boating, 

cooking, hiking, and the beach.” 

Evans 

By Emelie Kittlesen 

At fi rst glance, Ms. Evans’ classroom 

looks like any other: textbooks, posters, 

and pieces of cloth are scattered about 

in their proper places. Taking a closer 

look, I see the evidence of a fashion 

class. About fi ve sewing machines line 

the back counters while posters display 

the creativity of students. 

Laurel’s new fashion design teacher 

is Faith Alease Miller Brooks-Evans, 

who was born and raised in Baltimore, 

MD. She describes her childhood as 

“the best!” Evans taught at Baltimore 

City schools for 31 years. Her fi rst year 

was in 1975. She then went on to teach 

in Baltimore County for three years. 

With ten schools under her belt, Evans 

arrived at Laurel High in August. 

Evans is a graduate from Morgan State 

University and has a Master’s Degree 

from Coppin State College. She attended 

FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) 

in New York City for summer 

classes and has participated in the Paris 

they’ll still have a little bit left to 

do before they can move on into the 

future. 

Graduation practice and the class 

picnic will be held on June 2 as 

stated during the Prom Promise Assembly 

which was held on May 6. 

Graduation will take place on June 

4 at the Comcast Center on the University 

of Maryland’s College Park 

campus. And last, but not least, Grad 

Night will follow that eveing at the 

Phelps Center in Laurel. 

Feeling emotional, the class’s 

co-sponsor had a few fi nal words to 

leave to the seniors. Mrs. Leandre 

concludes, “Hopefully we’ll have 

fun with these last few events and I 

hope evey member of the Class of 

2010 has a fi ne day.” 

Juniors 

By Malcolm Richardson 

With the Class of 2011 becoming 

seniors soon, it is time for the Junior 

Class to think ahead and prepare for 

senior year, dues, prom, photos, the 

panoramic picture, and graduation. 

The Junior Class was supposed 

to have a Valentines Day dance in 

February, but because of the snowfalland 

lack of ticket sales, they had 

to cancel it. Funding for the class 

has become the focus for the rest of 

the year. There was an assembly in 

March, which focused on fundraising 

for prom tickets. The fundraiser consists 

of chocolates, fl owers, cookies, 

candles, appliances, and magazines. 

“Prom cafeteria, cafeteria prom,” is 

all Mr. Rivarde had to say about the 

Fashion Institute in France. 

She has also earned a certifi cation for 

Industry from the University of Maryland, 

College Park. 

Evans teaches fashion and fi nancial 

literacy at Laurel and also teaches a 

fashion class at Morgan State on Tuesdays. 

Her passion is fashion; she has 

made minister robes, prom dresses, 

window treatments and is a freelance 

fashion designer. In her free time, she 

enjoys going to the movies and singing 

and has done fashion shows. 

Evans says her goal has always been 

to be a fashion designer for celebrities 

and wants to work for Tyler Perry and 

Stevie Wonder designing their outfi ts. 

Her ambitions started early; in high 

school, she started her own business 

altering clothes for school teachers 

and counselors. She reminisces about 

her opportunity to create costumes for 

Classes 

progress of funds and what the future 

of the prom might look like for 

the class. He also regarded the fundraiser 

where the class sold boxes of 

candy saying the fundraiser didn’t 

look good at all.” 

The class sponsored a successful 

student-teacher basketball game 

on March 25 during 4th period. In 

addition, they plan to hold a talent 

show in May, and they sold concessions 

at the Spartan Fair. President 

Adesoye Olasubomi exclaimed, 

“We need money for prom!” Then 

he toned it down and stated, “And 

on a lighter note, we need money 

to lessen dues, and the class needs 

to participate because at the end of 

senior year we need to give back to 

the school.” 

Treasurer Frank Ugboh added, 

“Money can’t come without support 

from the class.” With all the events 

to come such as the Spartan Olympics 

and ushering at Graduation, the 

Junior Class will fi nd itself quite 

busy in planning for its future. 

Sophomores 

By Efosa Osayande 

“After trying to do a fundraiser 

during February in which we were 

going to sell lollipops, we didn’t 

get a lot of support from our fellow 

sophomores, so we decided we 

wouldn’t be able to do it,” explains 

Sophomore Class Sponsor Ms. 

Chambliss. 

Sophomore Harold Ortega said “I 

wouldn’t mind us doing that kind of 

Wesley Snipes in the movie New Jack 

City. 

Although she has had success in 

fashion, her mother did not support her 

in becoming a fashion designer. In fact, 

the reason why Evans is now a teacher 

is because of her mother.“I wouldn’t be 

as far in life if it wasn’t for her. It’s really 

a blessing in a way,” she explains. 

Evans feels that teaching at Laurel 

High is a reward. She loves her time 

at Laurel and thinks her students are 

wonderful. “They are the best kids 

I have ever taught; very well-mannered,” 

she proudly states. “I’ve grown 

to really love it. The students are like 

my second family.” 

Evans describes herself as multitalented 

and caring. Her advice for aspiring 

fashion designers is “don’t turn 

down any opportunities that come your 

way. Be persistent, aggressive, and true 

to yourself!” 

McCord 

By Sokhna Thiam 

“I love reading and writing, and I 

don’t feel it to be a chore,” stated new 

ninth-grade English teacher Mary 

McCord. McCord was born in Missouri 

and raised in Kansas City. The 

Missourian taught seventh and eighth 

graders at Blow Piece Jr. Academy. 

“This is my fi rst time working in a 

high school,” McCord joyfully expresses. 

McCord received her Bache- 

fundraiser as long as we are able to 

bring in enough money.” The Sophomore 

Class has raised just around 

$ 1,000 and Ms. Chambliss says, 

“The class offi cers and I are trying 

to do a lot for the sophomores this 

year, so that when you guys have 

your prom [you] won’t have to pay 

$80 for prom; it will only be $50.” 

The class offi cers are Alexie Malloy, 

Tyazia Scott, Aria Rucker and 

Tiana Ekeh. Ms. Chambliss says 

she thought about having a battle 

of the classes to bring more spirit to 

our school. Sophomore Tay’Vaughn 

Williams says, “I would love to 

have more activities done for the 

sophomores, like when the weather 

gets better we should have another 

Spartan Fair.” 

Another sophomore, Jade Hill, 

states, “The Sophomore Class is doing 

a great job this year; they should 

do a lot more activities in order to 

get the sophomores involved more.” 

Many students are saying the same 

thing and they obviously all feel the 

same way on the topic of how active 

the sophomore class is or is not. Ms. 

Chambliss states, “Without help 

from the sophomores, complaining 

will not do anything to further 

how much we do.” She also added, 

“Sophomores of LHS, we need support 

and involvement from you all; 

with the few people we have, we 

aren’t getting as much done as we 

should be.” 

“It’s pretty obvious that sophomores 

aren’t doing what we need to 

do to help, but it’s not so easy to up 

and decide to become a class offi - 

cer,” states Tiana Green. 

lor’s degree at the Catholic University 

of America and received her Master’s 

at the University of Maryland. 

McCord states, “I feel the ninth 

graders here are energetic and still 

trying to fi gure out who they are. 

Working with ninth graders is really 

good for me because they [are] losing 

their insecurities and having greater 

discussions.” 

She is interested in watching mov- 

ies, exclaiming, “I am a big movie 

buff!!” McCord also stated, “My fi ancée 

and I always go swing dancing.” 

When asked why she became 

a teacher McCord said “I had some 

really good teachers growing up.” 

McCord states that she “really enjoys 

teaching” at Laurel, and “I am here to 

stay.” McCord explains her uniqueness 

by stating, “I have a sarcastic 

sense of humor and I am not afraid 

to use it.” 

Freshmen 

By Keyaira Williams 

“[My goals for the class] are to 

make as much money as we can for 

senior year in order to keep the cash 

they have to pay down and [keep]our 

headaches down,” jokingly explains 

Chris Wenchel, one of the Freshmen 

Class sponsors. 

During the month of March there 

was an assembly to announce the 

next fundraiser for the Freshmen 

Class. The fundraiser involved the 

students getting family or friends to 

buy items in a Joe Corbi booklet full 

of food choices with a portion of the 

profi t going to the Freshmen Class. 

Only about 10 people in the Freshmen 

Class turned in their fundraisers 

by April 16. Ms. Wenchel stated, 

“I’m very disappointed... We didn’t 

make very much money.” The Freshmen 

Class is not very active, since 

only “a core group of 25 kids” primarily 

participate in class activities. 

However, Wenchel believes the 

participation will pick up after the 

summer when they become sophomores, 

To Ms. Wenchel, freshman 

year is a “sink or swim” year with 

many students not knowing enough 

to get involved. She hopes the summer 

will motivate them to help with 

their class fundraising. After all, if 

they raise enough money, their senior 

dues won’t be so hefty. 

There will be many more fundraisers 

and opportunities to get involved 

in the fall of this year in an effort 

to make the Class of 2013 have an 

amazing senior year.

8 | Technology theShield April / May 2010 April / May 2010 

theShield 

Technology | 9 

Drowned in a Wave of Technology 

TechnolOgy 

Does Anyone Read or Write Anymore? Students Obsess Over Twitter 

By Ian Kirksey 

Literature and the ability 

to read it has been 

the foundation of human 

civilization for the past 

fi ve thousand years of recorded 

history. It is rare 

when the art of the written 

word undergoes a transformation 

but when it does 

the effects are far-reaching. 

From the pressing of 

the fi rst papyrus papers in 

Egypt to the fi rst printing 

press of China, all these 

current new inventions and 

innovations are changing 

the world as we once knew 

it. As we enter the second 

decade of the 21st century, 

the way literature can and 

Can Teens Survive Without Technology? 

By Maury Quijada 

With each passing 

year, technology 

continues to mature, 

with constant advancements 

made in consumer 

product technology, 

Internet websites and 

services, and forms of 

communications. Interestingly 

enough, certain 

innovations, such as social 

networking sites and 

SMS (text) messaging, 

prove to be popular with 

students and even some 

staff members at Laurel 

High School. With notable 

technological advents, 

Laurel teenagers, 

having been exposed to 

technology for a while 

now, may have technology 

playing a large role 

in their life. 

Students at Laurel 

High School can attest 

to using various types 

of consumer technology, 

will be made and received 

is about to change. 

With the 

dawn of the 

internet, a 

level of interconnectability 

that has 

never before 

been seen 

has made it 

possible for 

a teacher in 

Maine to talk 

and share his/ 

her knowledge 

with students 

in places 

that vary from 

India to Morocco. Classic 

books like Homer’s Iliad 

and Mark Twain’s The Ad- 

mostly consisting of Internet 

websites, video 

games, and cell phones. 

Specifi cally, Internet activities 

range from the 

well-known social networking 

sites FaceBook 

and MySpace to the realtime 

micro-blogging service 

Twitter. Cell phone 

technology has continually 

risen in complexity; 

nowadays, Internet, 

e-mail access, and even 

games are available on 

even the rather simple 

models. Popular models 

among the teenage 

crowd range from the 

Apple iPhone to the RIM 

BlackBerry. 

Laurel students have 

been captured by this 

technological era from 

an early age. From computers 

and Internet to cell 

phones and text messaging, 

most students have 

had contact with technology 

since their pre- 

ventures of Huckleberry 

Finn are now available for 

download either for cheap 

prices or free on the internet. 

This information su- 

teens. Sophomore Keyaira 

Williams describes 

when computer use fi rst 

started for her. “[When] 

I had my fi rst computer 

in my room at 12 years 

old, I remember staying 

on that thing 24/7. It was 

bad,” she elaborated. “I 

was very excited to have 

my own computer,” she 

said. Cell phones have 

also been around for a 

while for students; several 

students, when interviewed, 

stated that 

they received their cell 

phones in late elementary 

and middle school. 

Sophomore Chris Dinarte 

jokingly stated, 

“[The cell phone] was 

my second love.” 

Several characteristics 

of these new technologies 

make them appealing 

to use. Senior 

Cedric James describes 

the addiction to social 

networking as “a way 

per highway now allows 

for anyone with an internet 

connection 

have access 

to books that 

might otherwise 

be miles 

away. 

However, 

for all the 

good the information 

age 

has brought it 

also presents a 

possible death 

to reading 

and literature 

as a whole. A 

prime example 

of this is that over the past 

three decades the literacy 

rate has declined 10% in 

of social interaction; 

an extension of talking 

at school. It’s as if you 

were talking with people 

in a hallway.” James 

somewhat describes the 

addictions to cell phones 

and text messaging the 

same way; “Cell phones 

are more personal and 

it’s mobile; it’s a way to 

interact with people oneon-one 

through text messaging, 

talking, and even 

e-mail anywhere you 

would like.” 

Without a doubt, technology 

has had a massive, 

indelible effect on 

an average student’s life. 

Technology’s mobility, 

ease of use, and advantages 

has affected students’ 

life at school as 

well as at home. 

Technology is a part 

of daily life for many. 

Continuing the computer 

evolution, Williams 

states “Now, I have a 

the United States. This decline 

corresponds with the 

introduction of the internet 

the 1980’s and its growth 

in popularity during the 

last two decades. 

“I prefer to read good 

old-fashion books, but 

honestly the internet has 

made it a lot easier to fi nd 

what you want in terms 

of literature,” said junior 

Cleveland Cook. 

While “I like the internet 

for other uses but I 

think it takes away from 

the whole reading experience 

if you place it on the 

web. Besides there’s just 

too much other stuff on 

the web” said sophomore 

Mario Miranda. 

laptop, and I am on it 

daily. I don’t know what 

I’d do without it,” Freshman 

Nima Sheybani, 

an avid computer user 

with a successful web 

hosting business, has 

accrued many hours on 

the computer; “I spend a 

lot of time on the computer.” 

Emphasizing the 

amount of use he gives 

his computer, he adds, 

“I even had 20/20 vision 

before I started using the 

computer!” Cell phones 

apparently are also used 

with dedication; Senior 

Imani Hopewell states, 

“I would marry my cell 

phone! I probably send 

over 3,000 text messages 

a month.” Many 

students spend shocking 

amounts of time on 

the computer and sending 

text messaging, with 

one girl even sending 

up to 12,000 messages a 

month. 

By Ivana Medrano 

“W 

hat’s happening?” 

That’s 

the question that the 

newly popular Twitter 

asks. 

Twitter is a social 

networking site for 

people to 

others 

up- 

keep 

Technology’s 

daily use 

ties into 

school indirectly 

as 

well. Students 

never lose touch 

with the outside world 

while in school like before; 

school computers, 

combined with excellent 

cell phone coverage, afford 

students the same 

connection as outside of 

school. Students access 

the internet, text message, 

and even call. It 

would seem most logical, 

as technology is a 

way of communicating. 

And we all know how 

often teenagers communicate. 

Laurel High School 

has taken measures to 

prevent technology during 

school hours, including 

blocking social networking 

MySpace and 

Twitter 

a s 

well as 

prohibiting 

cellphones from 

being on during school 

hours. Regardless, these 

countermeasures do not 

seem to work. Many 

people appear to simply 

disregard the rules 

and text message and 

commence calls during 

school hours. The 

student’s reason for this: 

They just can’t stop. 

“I fi nd it diffi cult to 

stop using technology in 

school. I could stop, but 

I would feel incomplete 

without my phone,” says 

sophomore Jennifer Ro 

dated on what’s happening 

in their daily 

lives. On the website, 

Twitter states, “Twitter 

is a real-time information 

network powered 

by people all around 

the world that lets you 

share and discover 

what’s happening 

now.” 

The 

d r i - 

guez, 

after being 

caught texting 

in class. 

With the continuing 

technological 

developments, Laurel 

teenagers seem to be 

completely immersed in 

a world of technology. 

site has also become 

an outlet for celebrities 

to share with their fan 

base. Known celebrities 

such as Lady Gaga 

and Miley Cyrus have 

been known to share 

information about their 

personal lives. 

However there 

are mixed emotions 

about the site. 

It can be a love or hate 

relationship with the 

public. Senior Quiana 

Atherly exclaims, 

“I love Twitter!” 

On the other hand, 

senior Quynh Ha says, 

“[Twitter] is pointless. 

You can’t comment 

on anything like you 

can o n 

Facebook.” 

Twitter’s initial purpose 

for being a networking 

site for business 

and personal use 

has lost a bit of meaning. 

Looking through 

Twitter pages of celebri- 

ties and even Laurel 

High Students, one can 

see that there are several 

tweets that don’t 

have signifi cance but 

most of the Twitter 

population has found 

it both helpful 

and entertaining. 

On the topic of 

the use of Twitter, senior 

Aly Ndiaye said, 

“I have a Twitter but I 

don’t use it.” 

Twitter seems to 

have become an obsession 

with Laurel 

High’s students. Some 

of the more twitter-obsessed 

students include 

senior Darren Hannible 

who has written 19,019 

tweets while senior 

Quiana Atherly has 

collected over 5,000. 

Laurel has several other 

students who have 

twitter pages as well 

and the number continues 

to grow.

10 | Feature 

By Ivana Medrano 

Music is a universal thing. 

Everyone listens to several 

styles and genres for music, 

whether its Rap, Hip-Hop, 

Rock, Soul, or R&B. Not 

only is it about the type of 

music, but it’s also about the 

musician, the artist behind the 

music. There have been many 

infl uential musicians that 

have left their mark through 

time. 

Unfortunately, the world 

has lost some of the best musicians. 

Tupac Shakur, Jimi 

Hendrix, James Brown, and 

Notorious B.I.G. are a few 

artists who have passed away, 

but are still listened to by a 

large following of fans. Some 

deceased artist even crack 

into the current top-selling 

charts. 

The year 2009 marked the 

tragic death of a pop icon. On 

June 25, 2009 Michael Jackson 

was pronounced dead after 

years of making music that 

moved a nation. Senior Quiana 

Atherly says, “He was the 

King of Pop and it was tragic 

because he was an infl uence 

on everyone.” Jackson came 

out with the top selling and 

most popular albums, Thriller. 

The album remained in the top 

10 of the Billboard 200 for 80 

consecutive weeks and 37 of 

those weeks at the peak position. 

Senior Kevin McLaughlin 

states, “It’s a tragedy that 

pop music lost one of its most 

unique icons.” 

R & B artist James Brown 

played a major role in music 

with his unique and new style 

of dancing and music. He 

has infl uenced many artists 

including Michael Jackson. 

Jackson has mentioned James 

Brown several times as one of 

his biggest infl uences in his 

dancing. 

Elvis Presley is also someone 

who helped revolutionize 

music. Junior Ian Kirksey 

says, “I think Elvis was the 

poster boy for Rock n’ Roll.” 

He helped pave the way for 

bands such as The Beatles, 

Nirvana, and The Who to play 

their music. 


Feature 

Deceased Artists Still Climb the Billboard 

Legends Live On through their Musical Contributions after Death 

Violetta Abraham 

Ejack Abung 

Dulce C. Arceo 

Lanell & Francine 

Barnes 

Alice F. Belton 

Latonya D. Black 

Marcus Brown 

Michelle Bruton 

Vioncia Buckson 

Mr. Buzzard 

Ronald Carter 

Ashley Childs 

Muriel E. Crentsil 

Dwayne Davis II 

DeOrnellas Family 

Danielle Douglas 

Octavia M. Engram 

Lucy A. Ertter 

Andrew + Lea 

Fitzsimons 

Elaine Forrest 

John Forrest 

Senior and 

musician Darren 

Hannible says, 

“[The artists] 

must always be 

remembered and 

commemorated 

because without 

their advances, 

styles, and musical 

fi nds, we 

wouldn’t be 

where we are 

now.” 

“They set a 

high standard 

for quality music,” 

says senior 

Kiara Kemp. 

Patrons of the Press 

Thanks for your support of student journalism! 

Ms. Franco 

James Grady 

Ms. Graves 

Cheric Gray 

Vivian Hall 

Reginald Harris 

Tommy Harrison 

Edward F. Hawkins 

Larry Hawkins 

Mrs. Hebert 

Tyro Hoopert 

Mamie Irvin 

Melinda Ittenbach 

Chief Jackson 

Linda Jeffries 

Roberta Jeffries 

Sarah Jeffries 

Lee Johnson 

Ms. Joyce 

Andrew Kapanoske 

Anthony Kapanoske 

Debbie Kapanoske 

George Kapanoske 

Teenager Relationships Filled 

with Questions about Trust 

By Jennifer Rodriguez 

“If the guy doesn’t really 

like the girl he’ll just tell her 

the things she wants to hear 

and cheat on her,” says Diana 

Mejia, a junior and an 

“expert” when it comes to 

Zach Kapanoske Patricia Perry 

Judith Lambert- Maury Quijada 

Winfi eld Lynn Rezac 

Tanya Landers Reneé Richardson 

Ms. Lazarro 

Florice Ritter 

Elizabeth Lesser Sekita Rodgers 

Melvin Lewis Miriam Rodriguez 

Jo Long 

Keith K. Rollins 

Sally Lust Ms. Rubio 

Thomas Mayah Bounama Samb 

Joe Mayes Dr. Sharp 

Claire McCann Yoshika Shephard 

Marjorie B. McCoy The Shepherd’s 

Nevis Melendez House of Restoration 

Mohamadon Melissa Siebert 

Donna Moon 

Michael C. Smith 

Marlene E. Nelson Terelle Spencer Sr. 

Sarah Ngo Sohna Abdul Karim Taufi que 

Ms. Mercy 

Femi Trimnell Art Studio 

Olumoya Clem + Liz Trimnell 

Adin Osayande D. Edmund Warthen Sr. 

Alfred Owen Keyaira Williams 

Chad Parker Michael A. Wilson 

The sudden death of music icon Michael Jackson shocked the world on June 25, 2009. 

relationships. Many teens 

struggle with relationship 

problems especially at such 

a crazy and confusing time in 

their lives such as their high 

school career. 

“When in a relationship, 

a girl can know that a guy is 

committed when the guy is 

patient with her decisions,” 

explains Mejia. She adds, “If 

you see that your partner is 

unsatisfi ed with the relationship 

you should do something 

[to] spice it up.” 

Most couples always 

show signs of “cheating,” but 

the problem lies in whether 

or not you can properly read 

the signs. At times, it may 

be hard to come up with a 

reason why guys aren’t committed, 

but it’s hard to be 

committed because there are 

always temptations. 

“Girls can’t be trusted 

because things can always 

happen. Like they might go 

to a party and since I’m not 

there I don’t know what she 

would be up to, or they could 

still be in love with their 

ex,” says Zane Carroll, who 

seems to be speaking from 

experience. Many teens, not 

only at Laurel High School 

but around the world, may 

think they know what they’re 

looking for when seeking a 

boyfriend or girlfriend, but 

since they’re so young they 

don’t even completely know 

themselves. Many don’t 

know the specifi c characteristics 

that they would want in 

that ideal person. 

Can the average girl differentiate 

between a ‘Player’ 

and a ‘Nice Guy’? “Not really,” 

says Mejia, adding 

“many girls seem to be attracted 

to the thought of a 

‘Bad Boy,’ which is usually 

the wrong choice.” 

Carroll adds, “You 

shouldn’t be in a relationship 

with someone whom 

you would bump heads with 

because that can lead to arguments 

which can lead to 

one being unfaithful.” Carroll 

closes by saying, “If you 

are in a troubled relationship, 

you shouldn’t keep it 

to yourself.You need to communicate 

with your partner.” 

- osochic.com


Feature | 11 

Teens Debate the Success of Young Marriages 

Despite High Divorce Rates Many Young Couples are Deciding to Tie the Knot 

By Alyssa Neira 

“I Do.” 

These two words 

start the beginning 

of the rest of one’s life as the commitment 

and increased responsibility 

of marriage commences. Lately, many 

adolescents have begun this important 

step earlier in their lives. It is becoming 

common, and though the marriage 

sometimes works, there are also occasions 

where it isn’t always blue skies 

and rainbows. 

In a study conducted by Rutger’s 

University in 1995, eighty percent of 

high school seniors responded that 

they plan on getting married, while 61 

percent plan on staying with that person 

for the rest of their lives. This issue 

is not just native to America, it is also 

seen all around the world. In Bangladesh, 

India, Mali and Nepal, half of all 

women were married by 18. The Center 

for Law and Policy reported that by 

March 1998, approximately 450,000 

15-19 year olds had been married. If 

this pattern continues, 100 million girls 

will get married before they are 18. 

Everyone’s situation is different, 

with reasons for early marriage quite 

varied: poverty, dowry pressures, parental 

concerns about premarital sex 

and pregnancy, economic issues, cultural 

reasons, or simply feeling in love. 

For example, it is common for teenagers 

in Hispanic countries to get married 

as an economic solution for their 

family. Marriage may not be their fi rst 

choice, but it is necessary. Others get 

married out of rebellion. Some have 

children young and leave school to 

take care of their families. Although 

young marriages may not be recommended, 

they are sometimes the only 

option. 

As a teenager in love, making this 

decision may change the rest of your 

life. “If teens want to get married, they 

should move in with that person fi rst 

and just be with them before making 

that step. A reason for an early marriage 

just depends on the person. If 

they feel it’s a good step, then more 

power to them,” stated junior Emmily 

Payton. In the same Rutger’s study, 59 

percent of the students agreed that living 

together before marriage is a good 

way for a couple to fi nd out if they’re 

compatible. Some teenagers think 

early marriage has its pros, such as 

unconditional love, lower cost of living, 

confi dence and the possibility for 

children. 

For others, early marriages cause 

more problems. For instance, junior 

David Carmen states, “There are pros 

and cons to everything, but I think here 

the cons outweigh the pros. If you are 

still a kid yourself, what makes you 

think you can handle the real world 

and marriage? You haven’t even lived 

most of your life or experienced things 

for yourself. Yeah, there can be certain 

circumstances when teenage marriages 

are right, but I think you have to look at 

yourself and say, ‘Is this the right thing 

for me?’” Cons of early marriages include 

being tied to the same person for 

the rest of your life, giving up your 

freedom, and working on maintaining 

human qualities. Another issue with 

early marriages is the high divorce 

rate. A 2001 study done by the Center 

for Disease Control and Prevention, 

48 percent of those married before 18 

were more likely to be divorced within 

ten years. 

Being a teenager, there are many 

decisions involving life that need to be 

made, such as career choice, college 

choice, and many fi nancial decisions. 

Marriage works for some, but it may 

not work for all. “No one can tell you 

if you’re in love, but young marriages 

never really get to experience love 

completely . . . but sometimes maybe 

you do fi nd the one when you’re 

young,” comments sophomore Lila 

Pipersburgh.

12 | Entertainment 


Entertainment 

Students Praise Ke$ha’s Unique Spin on Pop Music 

The New Musician’s Songs are Topping Billboard Charts and Radio Station Playlists 

By Karene Winfi eld 

American pop star Ke$ha Rose 

Serbert defi nitely knows how to 

liven up the mood at a dull party! 

The 22-year-old released her debut 

album Animal on January 5. 

Ke$ha’s album sets the mood for 

a party setting and has many upbeat 

tracks with catchy lyrics that 

will stick with you for days! 

Her fi rst album was enjoyable 

to listen to and students of Laurel 

High School favor some of her 

tunes. Sophomore Felix Mitchell- 

Williams expresses, “My favorite 

song by her would have to be 

‘BlahBlahBlah,’ due to the fact 

that I fi nd the song to be amusing 

and a bit true. Guys do brag too 

much saying ‘I can do this and 

that,’ but when it comes down to 

it they are just all talk.” 

While her songs express the 

realities of typical lives of young 

people, her most sung track is 

“Tik Tok.” Junior Xavier Sumter 

states, “‘Tik Tok’ is my favorite 

song of hers because of the simple 

fact that it is an intense party song 

and makes you want to dance! I 

also admire how she is a fresh 

new artist who is not afraid to be 

herself…she’s a true party girl.” 

Senior Jenny Smith states, 

“My favorite song by her is ‘Blah- 

BlahBlah’ because I love how it’s 

upbeat and I like the lyrics. There 

is nothing I don’t like about her! I 

like how her voice is unique and 

Lifehouse Blends Pop and 

Rock in Smoke and Mirrors 

By Alyssa Neira 

After a year of working 

on this album, the Lifehouse 

Smoke and Mirrors 

album was released March 

2. Singer and guitarist Jason 

Wade said the band 

“wanted to capture what 

they were doing on the 

road, but forgot about the 

radio side, which made 

this an on-going project.” 

Lifehouse is a Los Angeles 

based alternative 

rock band that formed 

in the late 1990s. Their 

2000 debut No Name Face 

launched their career, 

highlighted with the number 

one single “Hanging 

By a Moment.” It was the 

single most played radio 

track of 2001. They also 

won the Billboard Music 

Awards for “New Artist of 

the Year,” “Hot 100 Single 

of the Year,” and two Radio 

Music Awards for “Song 

of the Year” for “Hanging 

By a Moment” in 2001. 

They were nominated in 

2005 for the Radio Music 

Awards “Song of the Year” 

for “You and Me,” and in 

2007, they earned a Teen 

Choice Award for “Love 

Song” from the First Time 

album. 

The band spent a year 

recording thirty-fi ve tracks 

before deciding on the 12 

that went on the Smoke 

and Mirrors album. This 

record is a split between 

Lifehouse’s live rock and 

catchy pop songs. Jason 

explains, “That’s where 

the title of the album 

comes in.” 

“Halfway Gone” is the 

fi rst single on the album 

which features rapper/ 

songwriter Kevin Rudolf. 

Within three weeks of this 

single’s release, it is the 

fastest growing single in 

the band’s history, already 

reaching the top twenty. 

American’s Idol’s rock 

star Chris Daughtry also 

cooperated to make the 

album. During the tour, 

Jason and Chris met and 

wrote “Had Enough” 

within an hour. The song is 

reminiscent of the kind of 

music that got Lifehouse 

fans to fall in love with the 

band from the beginning. 

The album also consists 

of traditional rock songs, 

such as “Nerve Damage” 

and “Wrecking Ball.” 

These songs contribute 

to the feeling of being at 

a live Lifehouse show. 

Bassist Bryce Soderberg 

says they “tried a bunch 

of different styles, [and 

they are] really growing 

further as a band.” Smoke 

and Mirrors is Lifehouses’ 

fi fth album, which proves 

that they are a growing 

success. 

The alternative rock band’s collaborations sets it apart from other competing groups. 

different and she can keep you 

interested throughout the whole 

song. People who haven’t listened 

to her really should get the 

chance to because she’s good.” 

Ke$ha is admired for her attitude 

and wild personality, junior 

Todi Oyewole said, “Her songs 

seem to have awesome catchy, 

funny lyrics.” 

Wendell Risher-Flowers admirably 

said, “She’s creative; like 

how she adds in the dollar sign in 

place of the ‘S’ in her name; that’s 

cool.” Mitchell-Williams 

concluded, “I like the fact that she 

pushes the envelope. She reminds 

me a lot like the party side to Taylor 

Swift, who is innocent-like.” 

Although her music seems like 

all fun and games, 

some of her upbeat 

tracks seem to be 

repetitive. Oyewole 

explains, “I don’t 

- radioalice.radio.com 

think 

she can 

be taken 

seriously 

or stay 

famous, 

but I 

want her 

to.” 

From 

b e - 

ing the 

background 

voice 

of Flo 

Rida’s 

number 

one 

single 

“Right 

Round,” to breaking radio plays 

across the country, Ke$ha has 

come a long way. All in all, the 

Animal continues to entertain teens and critics alike. 

album Animal is strongly recommended 

for anyone with a good 

ear for an uplifting experience. 

- musicloversgroup.com


Feature/Sports | 13 

Skateboarding Becomes a Way of Life for Diehards 

Skating is Pursued Despite Time Restraints Imposed by School and Other Duties 

By Dominic Mallari 

Do you ever wish you 

could fl y? Ever thought 

of surfi ng without the fear 

of drowning? Skateboarding puts 

these two dreams together. Skaters 

go everywhere to feel the thrill of 

risking injuries. From stairs with 

handrails to vertical half pipes, all 

these adventurous endeavors allow 

skaters to know how it feels 

to fl y, as well as surf. Senior Ayman 

Abdeldayem describes that 

places to skate are “whatever is 

rugged enough to skate; got to go 

savage sometimes, ya know?” 

There are many things that get 

in a skateboarder’s way. One of 

them is school. School gets in the 

way of skating because it takes up 

all of our time. It doesn’t mean 

that school is a bad thing, but 

skaters try to juggle skating and 

still doing well in school. Skating 

is not tolerated in school or any 

other public place, and it is often 

misjudged by society. Also, skateboarding 

is not a sport. It is nothing 

like baseball, football, basketball, 

or any other sports because it 

has no rules or regulations, which 

is what makes it so different. 

Junior James Tilman, a local 

skater, says, “Skateboarding is a 

way to get out of everything. Like 

when I’m really stressed out, I 

skate to feel more relaxed.” 

Tilman also said, “I don’t like 

how skateboarding isn’t the way 

it was before. We all used to skate 

for fun, but now the new skaters 

only skate for the style. I think 

skateboarding should be a way to 

express yourself. You shouldn’t 

skate only because people want 

you to.” 

He states that kids these days 

only skate because it is cool, and 

not because they like it. Many locals 

feel the same way, and they 

feel that these posers only get in 

the way. 

Senior Joseph Locke explains 

his views on skateboarding, commenting, 

“It’s freedom, no rules 

to follow, just fl ow! It’s that thing 

that just isn’t a hobby; it’s a lifestyle.” 

When it comes to school work, 

Locke says, “Sometimes it’s hard 

to get off the brain, but for me it’s 

just another reason to get good 

grades.” 

He says that he always skates 

whenever he can. His opinions on 

new skaters are that “everyone 

plays their part in the enhancing 

of skating 

fun 

and new 

skaters 

are no 

except 

i o n 

[since 

t h e y 

are] just 

keeping 

skaters 

hyped.” 

His favorite 

spots 

include 

the Pie 

in Laurel 

Mall 

a n d 

Carolls 

Ledge. 

Senior Abdeldayem says, “It’s 

just something I love and actually 

have a passion for. Nothing can 

take me away from it and it’s a 

perfect stress reliever. [It] always 

puts a smile on my face.” 

Abdeldayem is almost done 

with high school, so he faces a 

huge amount of schoolwork. Abdeldayem 

explains how he does in 

school, mentioning, “Although I 

get good 

grades 

n o w , 

school 

interferesintensely 

[with 

skating]. 

I’m 

sure if I 

wasn’t 

skating, 

I would 

probably 

be a 4.0 

Skater Ayman Abdeldayem performs a Nollie 360-Flip on “The Pit” in Washington, D.C. (photo by Dennis Williford) 

student taking AP classes. But it’s 

not what I love. I’m glad to risk 

a couple GPA points for skating.” 

Even though he gets plenty of 

homework, Abdeldayem proudly 

claims that he skates for hours 

everyday. And with that spirit, he 

still maintains A’s and B’s on his 

report card. Through his hard work 

in skating, he’s earned some sponsors 

such as Kooks Skateboards 

and Velocity Skateshop, which 

provide him with the best equipment. 

Kooks is a new brand which 

makes decks. It has many riders 

and some decks can be found in 

GVC Skatepark and Shop, which 

is located in Laurel Mall. 

Abdeldayem also gives advice 

for anyone who is trying to skate, 

expressing, “Well I think being a 

new skater is cool and all, but it 

depends on what you’re skating 

for. Such as if you’re doing it to 

be cool or just to fi t in, then I can’t 

agree with that. But if you do it 

for the sole purpose of the beauty 

and art involved, and can just see 

yourself having a passion for it, 

then by all means go ahead and 

start skating.” 

Skateboarding is nothing more 

than that of a person’s mind. It all 

begins through a mindset because 

skaters do it for the fun of it since 

it is different, and it is perfect for 

those with an outsider mentality. 

Skaters would not feel the thrill 

of expressing themselves if they 

were held back by reservations 

about what they do. Rules do not 

matter to us; we just have fun and 

hang out. 

In addition, one of the major 

benefi ts of skateboarding is 

traveling. Trips to great spots for 

skateboarding take the locals to 

Washington D.C., Baltimore, and 

even New York. Although there 

are many other places to skate, 

Laurel also has its own ideal spots 

including GVC Skate Park at Laurel 

Mall, stair sets, open parking 

lots, ledges and curbs. As one can 

sense from skateboarders’ comments, 

skateboarding tends to become 

a passion or obssession that 

is fi lled with endless possibilities. 

Male Cheerleaders Add 

Integral Element to Squad 

By Jennifer Rodriguez 

“People should be open-minded 

and actually do the research on male cheerleading,” 

says Mrs. Bulla-White, who is 

the coach of the cheerleading team. 

This year, there are two boys* on 

Varsity and two boys* on JV. There was 

a mandatory interest meeting last month 

and tryouts were scheduled to be held last 

week. 

“I encourage all who are interested to 

try-out,” says Bulla-White, “I especially 

encourage male team members who are 

confi dent and can be dedicated to the 

sport.” 

“One thing that the guys quickly learned 

was that cheerleading is more dangerous 

than football,” says Bulla-White. The 

team has been practicing every day and 

they are in the midst of competitions. The 

team competed on March 19 and the 20. 

“I think it would behoove a lot of males 

to stay in shape [in order] to become a part 

of the cheer program.” The “main function” 

of the male cheerleaders “is to primarily 

lift the girl and keep them from hitting 

the ground,” explains Bulla-White. 

Many major colleges, including Maryland, 

have males on the their squad. 

Diana Mejia expresses how the male 

cheerleaders have helped her and the other 

female cheerleaders on the squad from 

avoiding injuries. 

“We actually need them for strength; 

[they] add to the program, and I think 

people have a bad view of them,” stated 

Mejia. 

This is Cheerleading Coach Bulla- 

White’s fi rst year as coach of the team. 

She has coached teams in Missouri and 

North Carolina, which both included male 

cheerleaders. Throughout all these years, 

she has yet to have a team that was not 

composed of athletes from both sexes. 

* The cheerleading sponsor has requested 

that the names of the male cheerleaders 

not be mentioned.

14 | Feature/Sports 


Sports 

Duke Blue Devils Claims 2010 NCAA Basketball Title 

Kyle Singler and Maya Moore Named Most Valuable Players of the Tournament 

By Malcolm Richardson 

During March Madness, the Division 

I teams battled it out to see 

who was the best college basketball 

team in the nation. No. 1 Duke defeated 

No. 

5 Butler for 

the Men’s 

Tournament 

and No.1 

UCONN 

conquered 

No. 1 Stanford 

for the 

Women’s 

Tournament. 

LHS 

SophomoreJordon 

McRae 

commented 

on March 

M a d - 

ness, stating, 

“Well 

M a r c h 

Madness 

is a time 

when noname 

teams 

can surprise 

the greatest 

teams in the NCAA.” Sixty-four 

teams compete, but there is only 

one champion. 

The highest seed will play the 

lowest, the second highest will 

play the second lowest and so on; 

nevertheless 

there 

will be 

sixty-five 

teams 

qualified 

on both 

sides in 

action to 

start off 

the tournament. 

But the 

#65 seed 

and #64 

play to 

determine 

who earns 

the last 

spot so 

the brackets 

can 

be even. 

In the 

1940s, it 

was only 

eight 

teams that were allowed to participate, 

then 16 in 1951 and 1952. 

MVP on the women’s side, Maya Moore, 

shoots a free throw. 

After that it varied between 22 and 

25 teams until 1974 where it became 

32 teams until 1978. In 1979, 

there were 40 teams in the tournament, 

and as time went on there 

were 48 teams for the 1980 year 

and the team count kept increasing 

until its present 65. It has recently 

been announced that next year the 

fi eld will be expanded to 68. 

Since its 1939 inception, it has 

built a legacy that includes dynasty 

teams and dramatic underdog 

stories. In recent years, friendly 

wagering on the event has become 

something of a national pastime, 

spawning countless offi ce pools 

that attract expert fans and novices 

alike. All games of the tournament 

are broadcast on the television network 

CBS in the United States, 

except for the opening round 

(also known as the play-in) game, 

which aired on TNN in 2001, and 

ESPN since 2002. The tournament 

bracket is made up of conference 

tournament champions from each 

Division I conference, which receive 

automatic bids. 

The fi rst round started off with 

a few “upset” games according to 

sports experts and the trend kept 

continuing until there was just one 

number one seed left in the tourna- 

ment. 

The postseason began March 4 as 

teams were selected for play. Maryland 

was in the mix as the 5th seed 

in the ACC conference, but when 

Maryland 

got to the 

second 

round, 

despite 

a valiant 

comeback 

by All- 

American 

Terp 

guard 

Grevis 

Vasquez, 

the Michigan 

State 

Spartans 

defeated 

the MarylandTerrapins 

with a 

3-pointer 

in the last 

second of 

the game. 

The Final 

Four 

this year was held April 3-5 in Indianapolis 

at the Lucas Oil Stadium 

Winter Season Most Valuable Players Named 

Respective Coaches Choose Top Athletes for Winter Teams 

By Farhad Rana 

MVP - Most Valuable Player. 

The winter season of Laurel High 

Athletics has ended with many 

positive outcomes. Although 

each sport required a team effort 

of success, 

many 

individuals 

stood out 

this season. 

Those were 

the chosen 

MVPs of 

their respective 

LHS 

athletic 

team. Each 

athlete was 

chosen by 

their coach 

based on 

achievements 

and 

character. 

Caitlin 

Raynor of the LHS Girls’ Swimming 

team was this season’s 

MVP. 

Coach John Venit stated, 

“Caitlin Raynor was selected by 

the team as the girls’ team captain. 

She is a 4-year letter winner 

in swimming and was undefeated 

during the regular season in the 

Girls’ Basketball MVP Dalvon Pinckney 

100 yard butterfl y.” 

Raynor was the County Champion 

and Central Regional Champion 

in the 100 butterfl y and she 

placed fourth at the State Swim 

Championships. 

Throughout the season she 

also swam the 

200 idividual 

medley and 

the 100 backstroke. 

Raynor 

was the anchor 

of the 400 

freestyle relay 

and swam the 

butterfl y in the 

200 Medley 

Relay. 

“Caitlin 

was the number 

one supporter 

of her 

teammates and 

she was a team 

leader, she was 

always concerned about the team 

fi rst and herself second. She was 

always there to support the team. 

She is a true leader,” expressed 

Venit. 

Zach Kapanoske was chosen 

as the Boys’ Swimming MVP. 

Venit stated, “He was selected 

by the team as Co-Captain for the 

boys’ team and is a 2-year letter 

winner in swimming.” 

Kapanoske swam every individual 

event except the 100 

breaststroke during the season 

and swam in the 50 free and the 

100 backstroke in County and 

Regional Championships. Kapanoske 

also swam in the 200 

medley relay and 200 free relay, 

which qualifi ed for Counties, Regionals, 

and States. 

“Zach’s number one concern 

was how we could make the team 

better. He was the team member 

that always led the team during 

special team functions,” Venit 

said. 

For Boys’ Track Coach Ken 

Broadhurst chose L’Zereck 

Chapman as Track’s MVP. 

Broadhurst stated, “L’Zereck 

had sort of a breakout season by 

fi nishing very well as one of the 

top sprinters in the state of Maryland. 

His leadership and keeping 

cool under pressure has catapulted 

the Laurel boys’ team to one 

of the better teams in the state.” 

This season Chapman had personal 

bests in the 200m, 300m 

and was one of the legs on the 

4x400m relay. Despite enduring 

a very questionable call at 

the state championships that cost 

where Butler was the hometown 

team in the fi fth seed. Michigan 

State, who was also a fi fth seed, 

faced Butler. The two No. 5 seeds 

battled it out and Butler clinched 

their fi nal 

berth with 

a win over 

Michigan 

State. The 

No. 1 seed 

Duke, from 

the ACC 

conference 

defeated 

West Virginia 

to 

earn their 

spot in 

the fi nals. 

As for the 

women, 

they were 

in San Antonio 

April 

4-6. The 

undefeated 

UCONN 

won their 

2nd title 

in a row 

against 

Stanford. Both of the women’s 

team fi nalists were No. 1 seeds. 

Men’s MVP Kyle Singler dunks during the 

tournament. 

Chapman the state title in the 

300m (a race he initially won), 

he was able to shake off the disappointment 

and lead the team to 

some great fi nishes in the 4x200 

and 4x400 meter relays. 

His times throughout the year 

qualifi ed him 

to compete in 

the National 

Scholastic IndoorChampionships 

in 

New York 

for the 200m 

dash. He was 

also part of 

the 4x400m 

relay team 

that competed 

there. 

For 

Girls’ Track 

Broadhurst 

chose Shena 

Brownell. 

Brownell had a very solid season 

during her fi rst year at Laurel 

High School. 

Though new to the team she 

is not new to the sport. Brownell 

spent her fi rst 3 years in high 

school competing for Watkins 

Mill. Her experience and drive 

to be successful has helped the 

Swimming MVP Caitlin Raynor 

girls’ team to achieve huge improvements 

over the course of 

the indoor season. 

Brownell was the only girl on 

the team to qualify as an individual 

to the State Championships, 

which is where she ran a season’s 

best time in 

the 300m. 

She also led 

the 4x200 

relay team to 

the National 

Scholastic IndoorChampionships 

in 

New York on 

March 12th. 

Dalvon 

Pinckney was 

chosen as 

the MVP for 

Girls’ Basketball. 

According 

to Coach 

Tommy Harrison Pinckney 

“Showed characteristics of leadership, 

punctuality, desire, drive, 

ability to make others better, 

skill, perseverance and the will 

to win.” 

Pinckney averaged 16.8 points 

per game, 6.6 rebounds and 3 

steals per game.


Sports | 15 

LHS Varsity Tennis Team Compiles 4-4 Record 

Spartans Struggle With Young Team 

By Zach Kapanoske 

“We have a very inexperienced 

team this season 

outside of the top positions 

which will be fi lled by seniors 

this year,” stated Laurel Tennis 

Coach Karl Holovach. 

Despite the 2010 Spartans 

tennis team featuring a young 

roster, veteran seniors Gabriela 

Cadena and Aditi Thanki 

provided stability for the 

girls’ team. 

On the boys’ side, junior 

Roderick Peyton and senior 

Kevin McLaughlin played 

singles, and Michael Akinlosotu 

was also a key player 

for men’s doubles. 

Even with an experienced 

roster, at the onset of the season, 

Coach Holovach was still 

confi dent that his team would 

be successful this season. 

“For the last six years, we 

have won at least 10 out of 13 

matches and I hope to continue 

this winning again this 

year,” said 

Holovach. 

He continued 

by 

saying “It 

was a team 

lead by seniors 

the 

last year, 

but I still 

have high 

expectations 

for 

this year’s 

team.” 

The team 

started 

the season against their two 

toughest opponents, Bowie 

and Roosevelt. Laurel lost 7- 

2 against Bowie. McLaugh- 

Spring Personals 

HEPHZA 

Thanks for being such a great friend! 

Emelie Kittlesen 

KEYAIRA WILLIAMS 

Newspaper wouldn’t be the same without 

you! Enjoy the rest of this crazy year. 


MS. BRUCE 

Hey Ms. Bruce! Hope the year gets better 

for you and your classes. 

Peer Leaders 

MIGUEL GHERSI 

Keep drawing and enjoy the rest of senior 

year! 


EFOSA 

I love your soft cheeks! Haha 

lin and Peyton were the only 

Laurel players to come away 

with a win in the match. 

The next opponent for 

Laurel was Roosevelt, who 

is the county’s top team, and 

has the top female player in 

the state, Katelyn Stokes. The 

Karene 

MS. MCQUILLAN 

Hey Ms. Mcquillan! Hope the year gets 

better for you and your classes. 

Peer Leaders 

MALIKA HACKLEY & ANA 

VASQUEZ 

Hi loves of my life. I love you with all my 

heart. Malika you are a great person. Ana 

ya tu save. Y Anaya tu sabes que tu eres 

bella, ye amo mama! 

Lovey y tu Chica 

NEWSPAPER STAFF One more to go! 

Attention Seniors! 

It’s time to write your Last Wills and Testaments Testaments! 

Leave a memory to your fellow seniors, to a teacher, or to 

an underclassman whom you’re leaving behind. 

Write your Last Will and Testament. 

Leave your legacy. Share it with over 2,000 

readers. It will be published in the special 

senior edition of The Shield, which will be 

given to seniors for free at graduation. 

Forms were already passed out in senior 

English classes. See Mr. Giuliani in Rm. 269 

or any member of The Shield staff for forms 

and information. 

Have any last words you would like to share? Leave 

your last words behind for all students and staff to read. 

Sophomore Alex Barber sets up to serve during a tennis match. 

Spartans fell in a one-sided 

match 9-0. 

Following the loss to Roosevelt 

the Spartans played 

Oxon Hill 

and beat 

the Clippers 

7-2. 

Next for 

the Spartans 

were 

the Bladensburg 

Mustangs 

and Laurel 

triumphed 

8-1. 

They 

photo - I. Medrano then faced 

off against 

Flowers 

and lost a close match 5-4 

“It was a really sad loss,” 

said McLaughlin. “We almost 

had it,” he added. 

Laurel’s schedule continued 

with Henry Wise. The 

Spartans defeated the Pumas 

6-3 with a strong performance 

from the Laurel boys’ 

team. Despite the Spartans’ 

4-4 record, Laurel is satisfi ed 

with their matches so far. 

Coming off a strong win, 

the Spartans crushed the 

Parkdale Panthers 9-0. 

Following a solid win the 

tennis team faced rival High 

Point on April 23, but lost by 

one point with a fi nal score of 

5-4. 

On April 28 the Spartans 

faced the Suitland Rams and 

vanquished them 9-0. 

“Our only three losses are 

to the powerhouses of the 

county,” said McLaughlin. 

He also expects the number 

of losses to stay the same for 

the rest of the season. 

BEST PLACE TO GET YOUR 

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16 | Sports 

The Laurel Varsity Baseball 

team began their 2010 season 

off with a slow start with three 

consecutive losses to the Bowie 

Bulldogs, Charles H. Flowers 

Jaguars, and the Henry 

Wise Pumas. 

The Spartans began their 

season with the home opener 

against rival Bowie Bulldogs 

and fell 13-4. The Roosevelt 

game was supposed to follow, 

but was postponed to April 15. 

After returning from spring 

break the Spartans faced the 

Flowers Jaguars and lost 11- 

6. Senior Zach Kapanoske 

pitched against the Jaguars and 

had seven strikeouts. 

That Friday, the Spartans 

faced the Henry Wise Pumas 

and fell 9-2. 

Third-year Head Coach 

Bryan Harris stated, “(even 

though) we are off to a slow 

start these have been loses to 

the top teams in the county, but 

we will see them again. My 

goal is for the team to fi nish 

fourth, which will allow us to 


Baseball Achieves Mid-Season Record of 7-7 

Varsity Team Anticipates the Playoffs 

By Caitlin Raynor 

Junior Alex Hanavin pitches during the Suitland game on 

April 16. 

(photo by Ivana Medrano) 

By Zach Kapanoske 

The Laurel Softball Team, 

lead by second-year coaches 

Julie Provino and Don 

Cleaveland and the senior 

captains Maria Dye and Dolorian 

Staunton, began their 

season with an inexperienced 

roster, but lots of interest as 

tryouts showed a lot of interest 

with more girls than previous 

years. 

“I think we’re all very 

good individually, but we 

have a lot of new players on 

the team and the [returning 

players] aren’t used to playing 

with them,” said junior 

Rebecca Jayne. 

Other seniors including 

Aeris Beard and Dalvon 

Pinkney, and the rest of the 

upperclassmen on the varsity 

roster aren’t letting youth affect 

the team’s performance. 

“The [returning players] 

try and help out the new players 

as much as we can. Most 

of the new girls pick up eas- 

ily, but we just go over drills 

through and through until we 

get it right,” stated Jayne. 

The Lady Spartans started 

off their schedule on March 

24 against the reigning regional 

champion Bowie Bulldogs. 

Laurel’s youth was no 

match for the Bulldogs, and 

they were defeated 24-1. 

Their next opponent was 

Bladensburg, whom Laurel 

beat 24-16. 

The Laurel girls’ next match 

up was against Flowers, the 

2009 regional runners-up. 

Again, the inexperience of 

the Spartans’ roster showed 

as the Jaguars of Flowers 

won 18-1. 

However, the Lady Spartans 

redeemed themselves the 

following game by triumphing 

over Henry Wise 20-12. 

Laurel was supposed to 

square off against Eleanor 

Roosevelt on April 15, but 

the umpires didn’t show up, 

so the teams scrimaged one 

another and the scores didn’t 

have a bye.” 

After the loses, the Spartans 

faced the Parkdale Panthers on 

April 10 and won 10-9. After 

being down by 7 in the second 

inning the Spartans tied the 

game 9-9 against the Panthers 

at the bottom of the seventh inning 

and Kapanoske scored as 

junior Anthony Nicome sealed 

the win with a single, and the 

Spartans earned their fi rst win 

of the season. 

Kapanoske explained, 

“When you make mistakes in 

a game, your confi dence level 

decreases and lately we 

have made a lot of mistakes. 

But against Parkdale 

we played well and 

our confi dence was the 

highest it’s been this 

whole season.” 

Following the win 

was the make up game 

against Roosevelt, 

which the Spartans lost 

8-4. 

On April 16 following 

the Pep Rally in the new 

auditorium the baseball 

team faced the Suitland 

Rams and crushed 16-0. 

Following the win the 

Spartans faced North- 

count towards their records. 

The softball team continued 

their schedule against 

Suitland on April 16, and the 

Spartans triumphed 21-11. 

The ladies faced a loss 

against Northwestern at their 

home fi eld 12-9. 

Following the Northwestern 

loss the Ladies faced the 

DuVal Tigers in the 

cold and rain, but 

were unable to win 

and fell to the Tigers 

13-12. 

After the unfortunate 

loss the Spartans 

faced Bowie and were 

overwhelmed 21-2. 

Jayne was able to hit a 

home run, and was the 

only player to score 

the two runs the Ladies 

earned against the 

Bulldogs. Freshman 

Lyndsey Llewellyn 

pitched against the 

Bulldogs. 

“I think we have 

a lot of potential, but 

western on Monday April 19 

and obliterated the Wildcats 

25-6. Nicome pitched and had 

seven strikeouts. 

On a rainy Wednesday the 

Spartans faced the DuVal Tigers 

and overcame obstacles 

while playing in the cold and 

rain, and won in fi ve innings 

11-0. Kapanoske pitched and 

had thirteen strikeouts against 

the Tigers. 

With high spirits the Spartans 

faced the Bulldogs once 

again with hopes to beat Bowie, 

which would tie them for 

third in the county standings. 

The Spartans led in the game 

until the fourth inning 8-4, 

but the Spartans were unable 

to hold the lead and fell to the 

Bulldogs 9-8. 

Although the boys lost a 

close game they focused on the 

next game, which was the following 

day, against Oxon Hill. 

The Spartans won against the 

Clippers 13-3; Nicome also hit 

his third home run of the season 

and drove in junior Alex 

Hanavin, Kapanoske, and junior 

catcher David Carmen, 

making it his fi rst Grand Slam. 

Carmen also hit the run that 

Softball Team is 4-7 as Season Winds Down 

Lady Spartans’ Inexperience Creates Challenge 

we need to start working together 

more, as a team,” says 

Jayne. 

The Lady Spartans were 

able to come back the next 

day and devoured Oxon Hill 

on their home fi eld at Fairland 

14-4. Jayne pitched and 

had 11 strikeouts against the 

Clippers. 

gave the Spartans the 10 point 

lead over the Clippers to end 

the game early by the mercy 

rule. 

Though the Laurel boys 

wanted revenge against Roosevelt 

they lost the rematch 

against the Radiers 16-2 on 

April 27 at home. 

Harris added that the team 

has a strong top line-up of hitters, 

and they have pitchers 

who are able to continuously 

throw strikes. However, the 

boys are unable to back up the 

pitchers and make plays in order 

to keep away from big innings, 

which is where the Spartans 

end up losing games. 

Laurel’s varsity baseball 

team was slated to play the 

make-up High Point game on 

Monday April 26, but it was 

canceled due to rain. On April 

29, the Spartans faced the High 

Point Eagles and defeated 

them 11-3. Then, they went on 

to face the Oxon Hill Clippers 

and fell 4-1. They then went 

on to face the Northwestern 

Wildcats and shut them down 

12-0. Zach Kapanoske pitched 

a 1-hitter with 13 strikeouts vs. 

the Wildcats. 

On April 27 the girls 

played the Roosevelt Raiders 

and lost 13-4 at Fairland. 

On April 29, the Lady 

Spartans fell to the High Point 

Eagles in a close one 9-8. On 

April 30, the Lady Spartans 

defeated the Oxon Hill Clippers 

15-8. 

Pitcher Rebecca Jayne winds up to pitch during a game.

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