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

More documents

Recommendations

Info

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 theShield April / May 2010 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!”
April / May 2010 theShield 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 movies, 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.
Page 1 and 2: the Shield Vol. 15 No. 4 Laurel Hig
Page 3 and 4: April / May 2010 theShield News | 3
Page 5: April / May 2010 theShield Lifestyl
Page 9 and 10: 10 | Feature By Ivana Medrano Music
Page 11 and 12: 12 | Entertainment theShield April
Page 13 and 14: 14 | Feature/Sports theShield April
Page 15: 16 | Sports The Laurel Varsity Base

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

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?