Kevin Jennings, National Activist Against Homophobia, Addresses Tri-School Community

The News October 24, 2003 Gilman School www.GilmanNews.com Volume CIII, No. 3 Faculty Poll Reveals Range of Attitudes Towards Tech- nology In The Classroom

BY JOSH SWEREN AND MATT YOUN Several weeks ago, Mr. Gorski, looking for each student’s unique email head of technology, reintroduced address. In addition, colleges can email Gilman iMail to the student body in a students with sources at this account detailed presentation at assembly. By and provide students with information. going to the iMail website and entering Mr. Gorski commented, “It’s not fancy, the proper username, students have it’s not glitzy…it’s straight email.” instant access to a free, easy-to-use Yet, in order for this new system to email account from any computer with function correctly, faculty must use the Internet access. As ninety-eight percent new technology available. The problem of the student body now has Internet is that some teachers embrace technol- access, Mr. Gorski chose a web-based ogy while others forcefully reject it. the e-mail program to allow for easy transfer News administered a survey to faculty of files from school to home. Through members in mid-October. there were this system, teachers can easily contact 22 responses to the survey. In the Upper their students without the trouble of School, half of the faculty uses technology often or constantly in the classroom. The other half uses technology rarely or First in a series of two not at all. An advocate of technology articles exploring the role said that with technology “students and teachers have frequent opportunities to of technology at Gilman. continued on page 2

Kevin Jennings at RPCS (Photo courtesy of Roland Park Country School) Kevin Jennings, National Activist Against Homophobia, Addresses Tri-School Community

BY CHRISTIAN FLOW Few members of the Gilman com- his point across.” One sophomore cited munity knew exactly what to expect last particularly the impact of the statistics Tuesday as a rare tri-school convention in which the Gilman student body’s cal- convened. Few people had ever heard lousness with regards to homosexuality of Kevin Jennings or GLSEN (Gay Les- seemed to be overwhelmingly indica- bian Straight Education Network) for tive – “certainly,” said he, “such statistics that matter. An hour of inspired rheto- served to open my eyes. The results ric, ending in a rousing standing ova- themselves were not exactly a surprise, tion, changed all that. Blending several but they really hit home when they shocking anecdotes in connection to his were displayed on the big screen and southern heritage and biased lineage, the discrepancy between our results he went on to discuss what exactly the and those of the others became so American dream entails. Mr. Jennings clearly evident.” Mr. Kirby, the faculty was able to communicate to his audi- advisor of Gilman’s own fledgling GSA ence the gravitas behind the mission of (Gay Straight Alliance), described the Inside This Issue... his foundation, namely to “assure that oration as “powerful, inspirational, and each member of every school commu- challenging – presenting us with the Opinion: Disciplinary Dishonesty? (Page 2); Alco- nity is valued and respected regardless prospect of becoming a more inclusive of sexual orientation or gender identity/ community.” Certainly, such presenta- hol at Gilman (Page 3) expression.” tions can do little but to improve a Said Senior Brian Sanders, “I think it society that appreciates diversity and, Sports: X-Country, Soccer, and Football Updates [the presentation] was very enlighten- perhaps, will promote awareness for ing. He [Kevin Jennings] was very artic- Gilman’s GSA as it looks to progress (Page 4) ulate and did an admirable job getting out of its incipient stages. Page 2 The Gilman News • October 24, 2003 Opinion The Gilman News • October 24, 2003 FROM THE EDITORS: Faculty Shows Varying Attitudes to Technology

continued from page 1

learn about new things.” However, one forcement to the learning experience. naysayer commented, “[technology] will Nineteen percent of the faculty feels never hide the quality of student work. that technology is extremely ben- Crap is crap with or without a Power- eficial, while seventy-five thinks that Point.” Fortunately for new services technology is somewhat beneficial. like iMail, it appears that most teachers Remarkably, only six percent feels that think that technology is a positive rein- technology will have no impact.

Coming Next Issue: More detailed poll analysis, including departmental breakdown

Gilman School

(410)323-3800 ext. 265 www.GilmanNews.com A team of outstanding students from the Gilman School competed The Gilman News welcomes letters to the editor, columns, and artwork with teams from Owings Mills High School in Owings Mills, and Edge- from Gilman students, teachers, faculty, alumni, and from the community- wood High School in Edgewood, on IT’S ACADEMIC, the nation’s fore- at-large. The News reserves the right to edit all articles for length and most high school quiz program. The match aired on 11:00 AM, October grammar. Send correspondence to [email protected], or to: 18, on WJZ-TV, Channel 13. Although the team finished second, and will The Gilman News thus not continue on the show, they will continue to participate in tourna- Gilman School ments throughout the year. The Gilman team consists of Captain Andrew 5407 Roland Avenue Janet, a senior; Andy Pasternak, a junior; and Neill Thupari, a junior. Their Baltimore, Maryland 21210 faculty coach is Thomas Shields. Above, the team poses with quizmaster for IT’S ACADEMIC on WJZ is David Zahren. (Photo courtesy of It’s Aca- Editor-in-Chief...... Tom Miller demic) Managing Editor...... Michael Siliciano Community Editors...... Simon Landau Josh Sweren Sports Editors...... Jordan Tucker Matt Youn Arts Editor...... Christian Flow Business Editor...... Jeremy Batoff Photo Editor...... Pat Hudson Archives Editor...... Peter Jarow

Faculty Advisor...... Will Perkins, Cesare Ciccanti, Michael Kelly

Contributors: Alan Alegado, Teddy Davidson, Adrian Kostrubiak The Gilman News • October 24, 2003 The Gilman News • October 24, 2003 Page 3 Alcohol Has Become An Essential Social Catalyst

BY TOM MILLER

Gilman has a drinking problem. The sis that all American teenagers, openly negative effects of student alcohol abuse or not, long for. at Gilman - from trashed houses to fall- That alcohol should have assumed ing grades - are everywhere apparent. such an important position in the lives of All the same, alcohol should not be vili- American teenagers is the logical result fied unnecessarily. Its role in our society of the way the substance is viewed in is important; moreover, a healthy social our society. Still, it may seem incred- role for alcohol is certainly possible. The ible to some that students receiving prevalence of alcohol abuse at Gilman the very best education in Baltimore stems not from the inherent nature of should conform so completely to this the substance itself, but from broader trend, submitting themselves in such social conditions which the school is large numbers to a senseless lifestyle powerless to alter. that glorifies mindlessness, violence, and sloth. Ironically, it is the students The Old Gym, the morning after the Homecoming dance, with the dance The case of Western Europe demonstrates that alcohol can be integrated from the most entitled and affluent canopy still at full mast. (Photo by Alan Alegado) into the lives of adolescents in a healthy households and the most respected manner. Children are exposed to alco- schools that are the most susceptible hol in a family setting from an early age, to the motivational malaise that invites Alcohol Poisons Our Community’s and consume it freely as adolescents, alcoholism. For these students, success often with the approbation of their par- is guaranteed - and therefore, on some Moral, Social, and Political Life ents. The culture of excess that afflicts unconscious level, something to reject. Alcohol abuse is only a symptom of a BY CHRISTIAN FLOW Gilman, however, is far less prevalent. By removing the thrill of illicit action stratified social system that devalues Gilman has a drinking problem – and the students cannot enforce themselves and breaking the exclusive connection diligence and merit. not a small one at that. It matters little meanwhile subjectivity should not be of alcohol to adulthood, European soci- Alcohol should not be the rock on whom one asks, as the response is introduced by forcing teachers to decide eties create an environment that allows which Gilman founders, but the admin- always the same – “it’s fun,” “it loos- whether or not to implicate a student children to understand responsible istration seems determined that it should ens you up,” “everyone does it,” or my who seems a bit tipsy. Why endorse drinking. (It is also important to note that be. One has only to attend a dance in favorite, “don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried such subjectivity when there is a device European adolescents drive much less the tri-school community - and observe it.” Training rules are routinely violated to such an extent that one wonders why coaches are still being pressed to waste paper and time distributing them. ‘Pre- VIEWPOINT gaming,’ dances, town meetings, repri- mands, judiciary committee meetings, suspensions have become Gilman’s perennial mosaic. The words “We didn’t do so well in the drinking department [at the RPCS dance]” during a recent Alcohol at Gilman sophomore form meeting sounded all too familiar. Even several class officers, BREATHALYZERS? RITES OF PASSAGE? TRAINING RULES? MANDATORY COUNSELING? the elected representatives of the student body, often fall under alcohol’s long shadow, compromising their abil- ity and credibility in helping to deal with and eliminate the issue. One wonders if perfectly suited for a far more accurate and begin driving much later than their the ratio of chaperones to students - to Gilman’s social events, and the Gilman and comprehensive evaluation? In the American counterparts, thus reducing sense the growing climate of helpless student body as a whole, are doomed post-Columbine years, many schools the risk of drunk driving accidents.) paranoia. No doubt breathalyzers will to remain intertwined with underage have installed metal detectors in their A recent assembly speaker con- be be next. Repeated condemnations, alcohol use. entrances – why not, in the wake of this tended that consuming alcohol is not a tighter policing, and touger penalties Never mind the statistics and the rash of incidents, install alcohol detec- rite of passage. This is absolutely false. only heighten alcohol’s appeal as an informative documentaries, both having tors in ours? Breathalyze everyone at In America - in sharp contrast to Europe, exotic, illicit substance. Hypervigiliance worked frighteningly ineffectively as they the door, and soon there will be no where childhood, adolescence, and is not only ineffective but damaging to cut a far too narrow swath of sobriety. symptoms, no room for hoodwinking adulthood is seen as one continuous the community as a whole. Never mind the contracts, ritually signed the system, no need for more repri- spectrum - childhood’s end is a firmly The question of alcohol is one with- and mentally discarded. The ‘problem’ mands and town meetings, no more defined moment. In our society, alcohol, out easy answers, but one thing is clear: in this case is fundamentally without suspensions, and most importantly, a a substance viewed as for the exclusive the problem cannot be made to simply a solution – underage drinking is an little bit less drinking. use of adults, has come to play the role go away. Many students have already impenetrable web of adolescent rebel- “Not practical,” some would cry, of a catalyst. Consumption of alcohol is accepted alcohol’s place in our culture; lion, peer pressure, stress, privileged “not legal,” some others, but twenty or the ultimate refutation of childhood and if they indeed wish to effect positive kids with too much time on their hands thirty breathalyzers, at about fifty dollars embrace of adulthood, a social apotheo- change, Gilman’s adult leaders should and too much money in their pockets, each would be a financial burden that and parents too busy, too lax, too the school could easily weather for the naïve. The substance itself is too hard well-being of its students. At the very to comprehend in terms of its tempta- least, one in every five students could tion, the strange power that it seems be made subject to a random test. As far to possess. Thus, the student was not as legality is concerned, Mr. Tim Wolf, wholly mistaken when he said, “They Gilman parent and practicing lawyer [the administration] know that students said, “It’s perfectly legal. Gilman is a drink outside of school, but they don’t private institution, they have the right to care – they know the problem’s too big administer such tests, and the students for them to handle.” The Gilman admin- have the right to refuse the test and istration certainly cares and, in theory, leave the grounds.” is taking the tactically correct road: So how about it? Mr. McGill’s newly not seeking to solve the problem, but announced decree that students found rather to eliminate the symptoms that to be intoxicated at school functions will fall under their jurisdiction. Their pace, be required to attend counseling ses- however, has been far too stagnant. The sions with their parents certainly adds stumbling block? One might say that the another deterrent. This new measures, students are trusted far too much. nevertheless, appears to be only a baby If the symptoms persist, then it is step when a more surefire method of necessary for the administrators to prevention exists and is so readily within truly eliminate them in a firm, objec- the school’s grasp. tive manner. As evidence demonstrates, The tent lies in a crumpled heap. (Photo by Alan Alegado) Page 4 The Gilman News • October 24, 2003 Sports Pack Mentality Leads to First Cross Country Win

BY TEDDY DAVIDSON As they say, good things come to those Invitational the previous weekend and who wait. The Varsity Cross Country wanted to carry the momentum through team savored their first win of the to the next race. season on October 7, beating visiting Now the group is looking ahead at a John Carroll 19-36 at Herring Run, future meet against Archbishop Curley, Gilman’s home course. Led by senior a team they are capable of beating. The captain Will Shock, the team put forth team is no stranger to defeat, having won an inspiring effort, taking five of the top just five times in its last six seasons. “A six spots in the race. “We went out with win against Curley would be phenom- a pack mentality and worked together enal,” said junior Ben Small, “it would to finish as a team,” said Shock, “John show we are a serious contender in the Carroll was holding on early, but we “A” conference.” In Coach Thompson’s Senior Micah Fergenson goes on a dash at Homecoming. (Photo by Adrian wore them out.” final year as head coach of the team, Kostrubiak) Given the squad has only five mem- he hopes he can exit on a good note, bers, it is important that they use each leaving behind a winning tradition for Varsity Soccer Defeats Calvert Hall other to pull themselves along in races. the sport. The team will face Curley on BY MATT YOUN The team did well at the Annapolis High October 28.

Throughout the Varsity Soccer game away with three goals in a four- season, the team was constantly “close, minute stretch as the team beat the but not close enough” in several one- Cardinals for the first time in 10 years. goal losses to the powerhouses of the This season, some key players MIAA “A” conference such as Loyola on the field have been Schoeberlein and and McDonogh. Gilman fail to earn Fergenson on offense and seniors Jake point despite some undeniably formi- Lieman and Zach Goldberg on defense. dable efforts. One notable problem Additionally, the senior leadership inside was, as junior Paul Stack noted, that, the locker room, through captains Gold- “We’ve been in every game, and we berg and Salsbury, has been instrumen- just need the mental toughness to finish tal in keeping the team on an even keel. [them] out.” However, this inability to Currently tied with St. Paul’s for the final “finish strong” may no longer be an playoff position of the “A” conference, issue. the team has playoff aspirations in mind, On October 15, in a match at and junior Schoeberlein supported this Calvert Hall, the Greyhounds faced a prospect, saying, “Our goal is to make halftime score of 1-1. Rather than suffer the playoffs and hopefully win the “A” yet another close loss, the team took conference championship, which I think away any chance of suspense in the we are capable of doing.” The squad waning moments, pulling away with a took a minor setback on Monday in a mighty 4-1 victory. Junior Will Schoe- 0-3 loss to Archbishop Spalding, but berlein scored one goal in the first half went on to tie them in a Wednesday and senior Micah Fergenson put the rematch. Junior Patrick Benitez outruns the competition at a Cross Country meet. (Photo by Adrian Kostrubiak)

Gilman Football Takes Tough Loss at Loyola, but Does Not Lose Passion

By JORDAN TUCKER

For the past five years, the score, but a pass by senior quarterback Gilman football team has been the Alex Wharton fell out of the hands “it” team of the MIAA conference, of sophomore wide receiver Reggie taking at least a share of the last five Fugett. With this loss, Loyola has championships and making its name taken the inside track to the MIAA “A” in Baltimore, the state of Maryland, conference championship. However, and even in the country at large. if Loyola loses either of its two Despite difficult losses remaining MIAA league games to Mt. to out-of-conference opponents St. Joe or Calvert Hall, Gilman will still Georgetown Prep and DeMatha, have a chance to retain the league title. the team was nevertheless holding In order for Gilman to even a three-game winning streak going have a chance at the championship, into this past weekend’s Loyola game. the team will have to defeat both The game was a tough Calvert Hall and McDonough. The battle between the two rivals, with ‘Hounds are going to do everything the winner likely to go on to be the possible to give themselves a shot MIAA champion. Without star senior at the league title and will continue running back Jerry Jones, who was to work hard everyday because unavailable due to injury, Gilman’s nothing is certain until all the games offense struggled. The game ended in have been played and accounted a 14-0 Gilman loss. There were several for. Crazier things have happened in opportunities, however, that literally the MIAA “A” conference in the past. fell out of Gilman’s hands. Following Although their chances an interception return by sophomore are slim, there is always hope. As cornerback Sean Price, the offense Coach Poggi said: “We may be needed only a handful of yards to down, but we’re not dead yet.”