the

TALON MARCH

OPIOIDS A budding issue in Anne Arundel County. RACISM IN THE COUNTY It exists. FINSTAS An inside look at students’ hidden Instagram accounts. Volume 59 | Issue 3 | Severna Park High School | 60 Robinson Road | Severna Park, Maryland | SPTALON.COM TALON STAFF EDITORS IN CHIEF Shelby Chasser, CeCe Streaker PAGE 4 - Opioid Crisis COPY EDITOR Amanda Vu PAGE 5 - Opioid Crisis, continued Greer Long NEWS EDITOR PAGE 6 - Racism in County OPINION EDITOR Melanie Reynolds PAGE 7 - Racism in County, continued FEATURES EDITOR Matt Mangano SPORTS EDITOR Colin DeFeo PAGE 8 - Get Piping Ad ONLINE EDITOR IN CHIEF Connor Killeen PAGE 9 - Staff Editorial BUSINESS MANAGER Carson Whitney PAGE 10 - Opinions on SPHS MANAGING EDITOR Carey Cameron PAGE 11 - Milwaukee Ad SPORTS MEDIA MANAGER Nick Carparelli PAGE 12 - Finsta-gram STAFF WRITERS Parker Cross, Briana DeRosa, Lily Dougherty, Toni Fiocco-Mizer, Campbell Haney, Holly PAGE 13 - Finsta-gram, continued Hutcheson, Emma Jeter, Julia Owens PAGE 14 - Life After SPHS ADVISER Valerie Earhart PAGE 15 - Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival is celebrating its 30th anniversa- ry this year at SPHS. All of the songs were select- WHO WE ARE The Talon is the principle news publication and public forum PAGE 16 - Students who are Famous ed from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. “I’m really of Severna Park High School. ASSOCIATIONS The Talon is a member of the excited about all the songs I’m in,” sophomore Jaron Columbia Scholastic Press Association and Quill & Scroll International Journalism PAGE 17 - Students who are Famous, Givens said. Photo by Alison Edwards. Association. It has won Gold and Silver Medals from CSPA. DISTRIBUTION Staff members typically distribute 400 papers to our student body. Magazines are continued available to pick up in the hallways, the main office and throughout the English department. Subscribers may pay $25 to have the publication mailed to their home. PAGE 18 - Isabel Williams OPINIONS Views expressed in The Talon do not reflect those of the Severna Park High School administration or the Anne Arundel County Public School Board PAGE 19 - Isabel Williams, continued of Education. Signed columns or reviews represent only the opinion of the author. PAGE 20 - Lacrosse 4Peat EDITORIALS The Talon’s editorials will reflect a consensus of the members of the student editorial board. The subjects of the editorials will be determined by the PAGE 21 - Education Ad editorial board. The editorial board, which consists of the staff’s student editors, will determine the content, including all unsigned editorials. Editorial ideas may PAGE 22 - Ty Broadway be submitted to the editorial board by all members of the staff. Editorials should be sent to [email protected] or dropped off in the publication lab, 245, during school hours. No material will be published for which there is evidence that the author is using the paper for inappropriate personal gain. ADVERTISING TALK TO US Any student, parent, staff member or organization will be allowed to purchase ads. Non-students, businesses or any person not currently attending or related to an at- Severna Park Talon Severna Park Talon tending student may purchase ads, but the publication asks that those ads be busi- ness-related ads or be used to congratulate student or school successes. No ads will @thesptalon be placed in any publication until payment is made. Any business wishing to adver- @thesptalon tise in The Talon must meet district guidelines for obscene or offensive material. All copy or art will be judged by these standards. Any ad found to be in violation must be changed or it will not be published. The publication reserves the right to refuse sptalon.com any ad that is libelous, illegal, obscene, irresponsible, inappropriate or in poor taste. The publication also reserves the right to edit any ad before publication to ensure the standards and quality of the product. The publication may limit the number of COVER PHOTO type styles offered to ad customers and set guidelines for format and style. The pub- Mia Alexander, Maria Still, Amanda Vu, Sophie Grazioli and Kaylani lication reserves the right to edit all submitted copy or photographs. BYLINES Arriola Terry represent the diversity here at SPHS. Dr. George Ar- All articles, graphics, photos, art, columns, pages, reviews, and other material cre- lotto, the Superintendent of Anne Arundel County Public Schools, atively conceived, with the exception of staff editorials, mug shots and cut-outs will creatED a newly-required course for all high schoolers that deals be bylined with the producer’s name. All bylined writers will be held accountable with cultural education. “[Students] can’t be putting up hate The Prom Fashion Show is Key Club’s biggest fundraiser of the The girls softball team is looking to capture another state title for their work. When more than one person has contributed creatively to a piece of symbols and causing intimidation to certain classes of people, to year. Since the first fundraiser over ten years ago, the Prom Fash- this season. Last year, they won the state championship against work, any person who has contributed to the work must be bylined as a producer. certain ethnicities. It’s not right,” Maryland Delegate Mark Chang ion Show has raised more than $22,000 for March of Dimes. “It’s Northwest High School. “I’m hoping to get as far as we can said. Photo and graphic by Briana DeRosa. really fulfilling to be able to see the people you’re helping,” senior in playoffs,” junior Kerri Kazmarek said. Photo courtesy of 2 Mallory Lentz said. Photo by Campbell Haney. Campbell Kline. 3 NEWS NEWS school counselor Lindsay Brown, thought,” Travers said. Although lost his battle with addiction by us- the Not My Child presentations schools were training teachers on ing dirty heroin. Although Travers’ Opioid Epidemic Affects Anne are school specific, as administra- this issue well before the crisis family was struggling to find proper tors and teachers are the ones who struck Anne Arundel County, Tra- care covered through insurance and Arundel County design the presentations for the vers’ family was more focused on availability, Travers is amazed by The opioid epidemic is becoming more prevalent in unexpected areas. school. Those on the panel ranged combating alcoholism and depres- the resources available to those in from addiction survivors to the sion. “We really didn’t have a clue,” need. “Anne Arundel County is so by Carson Whitney | Business Manager former State’s Attorney, Wes Ad- Travers said. far ahead of everybody else,” Tra- ams. For over an hour, students sat Todd Travers got his associate vers said. in the auditorium listening to the degree from Anne Arundel Com- Anne Arundel County is fac- speakers share personal stories on munity College and was employed ing one of the worst epidemics in how quickly prescribed medicines by various companies before drop- the nation as opioids take over nu- can turn lives into a dark and dead- ping out of University of Maryland, merous communities. Awareness ly path of addiction. In advisory, Baltimore County to pursue his needs to continuously spread and students are currently taught about dream of cooking. After revealing every person must be aware of the drug addiction and opioids. By im- his addiction to his parents, they detrimental impacts that opioids plementing these lessons in school, were shocked that this could have can have on one’s life. Between it allows students to hear their happened to their own child. “You government funding and school teachers and mentors stress the im- just don’t know if you will be one lessons, community members are portance of drug avoidance. of those people that can take it and hoping for just one person to re- One of the panel speakers was walk away,” Travers said. Although think taking a drug and say no. In science teacher Stephanie Travers. they were set on finding a sober order to stop the growing trend of Her son Todd passed away from a house, “the demand far exceeds the overdoses in our area, every effort heroin overdose on Oct. 29, 2013. supply,” Travers said. He continued is needed. “There is help, there is Travers stressed the fact affected the fight and became sober after recovery, but people have to ask for parents are often unaware. “I re- completing the Drug Court Pro- it,” Schuh said. In an attempt to raise public awareness about the issue, there is a sign outside the county police station that updates drivers on the current statistics on overdoses and deaths from heroin. Overdoses in Anne Arundel County have not slowed down for the past four ally didn’t even give it that much gram. Ultimately, he relapsed and- years. “I want to see the number of fatalities go down,” former County Executive Steve Schuh said. Photo by Carson Whitney. // Do you know someone struggling Anne Arundel County is the tional county rehabilitation centers tently faced overdoses that plagued with addicition? Call the county third wealthiest county in the state in the county and State’s Attorney the state. In September of 2018, the for help and resources at the ad- of Maryland. According to the Na- Anne Colt Leitess echoed the need state was granted $66 million to diction help line: 410.768.5522 tional Institute on Drug Abuse, it for more resources to assist in addic- combat the issue. In addition, the or go to www.aahealth.org/hero- ranks as one of the most impacted tion recovery areas. Former Coun- Goverment issued a State of Emer- in-and-prescription-narcotics/ for opioid overdose areas in the nation. ty Executive Steve Schuh has been gency which provided an additional additional resources Throughout the year, the opioid-re- named the executive director of the $50 million over five years to assist lated death toll reached 155 people, Opioid Operational Command Cen- in the improvement of treatment a record high in the county. The pre- ter, which, “works with state offices and rehabilitation centers. vious year’s number was reached by to coordinate everyone’s efforts to In 2018, Star Week empha- mid-November. make sure that [they] are deploying sized on opioid addiction. A pan- Throughout the elections best practices across the state and el of guest speakers came to share for various Maryland offices, can- to make sure that [they] are filling their stories and provide extra mo- didates integrated this issue into in gaps in the delivery systems,” tivation for students to avoid the their campaigns. County Executive Schuh said. Throughout his term, dangers of opioids through the Not Stephanie Travers shares her message on the dangers of opioids. Travers lost her son, Steuart Pittman focused on addi- Governor Larry Hogan has consis- My Child campaign. According to Todd, to addiction. “There’s something so insidious about that drug,” Travers said. Photo by Ella Eaton 4 5 NEWS NEWS

Native American people. “We want to have a safe place for people who The State of Hate don’t feel like they’re represented,” Hateful incidents are on the rise in Anne Arundel County and Maryland. Manuel said. The club has now become a by Carey Cameron | Managing Editor space for students to talk about their experiences; good and bad. Severna Park is not a very di- ing a racial slur after the school lost County Public Schools, is in the pro- “We’ll end a meeting and people verse place. Only 15 percent of the to Annapolis in a basketball game. cess of creating a required course will talk about things that have SPHS population is a minority. I “This is really, unfortunately, a sad for all high schoolers that deals with happened to them,” Manuel said, have lived here my entire life, be- spreading of racial hate. It has no cultural education, called the Glob- “Some of the stories that I hear are coming a first-hand witness to the place in our community, it has no al Community Citizenship Course. just awful. People saying that they homogenous culture of this town. place in our state, it has no place in The class would be discus- have the right to say slurs because In elementary school, the lack of Anne Arundel County,” said Mary- sion-based with emphasis on di- of the first amendment. It’s not diversity mixed with our limited land Delegate Mark Chang (D-Glen versity and the local history of each even just the n-word, it’s the f-word cultural awareness, manifested it- Burnie). school. All freshmen would take the for gay people, and slurs that aren’t self in the form of accidental stereo- Lawmakers like Chang have semester-long class and it would even used often anymore.” typing and always pointing out the started to craft their responses to be a graduation requirement for The ignorance displayed in outliers in the room. these incidents. When Chang was all Anne Arundel County Public these incidents is not going to get As we got older, our cultural six years old, he walked out to his School students beginning with the fixed on its own. In fact, incidents awareness grew. We learned what front yard and found a dead cat class of 2023. Arundel High School like the ones in our own school sys- a stereotype is. We learned what hanging from a noose on his fence has been testing the course since tem are on the rise. According to not to say to people who do not because his family was Asian. This 2017, and it has now been approved Catherine Rentz of the Baltimore look like us. Yet our town remained scarring event motivated him to by the Board of Education. Sun, reported hateful incidents in the same: white, Christian, upper sponsor House Bill four, which Even though SPHS has not the state of Maryland rose 35 per- class. prevents the affixing of a noose or had any public racist or anti-semit- cent from 2016 to 2018. The rapid The ignorance that has swastika on any property with- ic incidents, we still have our fair succession of these hateful acts in plagued our community is not iso- out permission from the owner of share of problems stemming from Anne Arundel County demonstrate lated. Recently, there have been the property. If found guilty, the our uniformity as illustrated by dis- that there is a serious problem many hateful, racist incidents incident would be classified as a criminatory incidents that do not brewing. How do we fix it? How do across Anne Arundel County and misdemeanor with penalties up to get public attention, like the every- we address issues as complicated the state of Maryland, with inci- three years of imprisonment and/ day use of racial slurs and offensive as racism, homophobia, anti-semi- dents at Arundel High School, Ches- or a $5000 fine. “I’ve heard nothing jokes. tism, and xenophobia? apeake High School, Crofton Mid- but support for this. The little bit Junior Tamia Manuel start- Although I cannot give you a dle School, Chesapeake Bay Middle of feedback that I’ve received from ed a cultural awareness club called sure answer to this question, I can School and Southern High School. folks not supporting it; they’ve got Culture United in order to shine make a suggestion. Listen. Be open tion, respect and understanding Recently, there has been an uptick in re- These incidents include hanging nothing but hate in them. That kind light on cultures that are not neces- to opinions that are not your own ported bias-motivated incidents in the could be the key to ending the state of Maryland as well as Anne Arun- nooses in the school, drawing swas- of thinking and those kinds of ac- sarily discussed in depth in school and values that are not the ones en- ever-growing plague of hate and del County. These incidents caused Anne tikas and other hateful graffiti, vid- tion has no place in our communi- curriculum, and combat the nor- trenched in your head. Take a walk ignorance. Arundel County, as well as the state, to re- evaluate their approach when it comes to eos of students in KKK hoods and ty,” Chang said. malization of stereotypes in SPHS. in someone else’s shoes. promoting inclusion and diversity. “[Stu- even a piece of paper with the words Other state officials are also Their first event was a Native This is only step one of a long- dents] can’t be putting up hate symbols “Kill all blacks” on it. working to create a solution to this American celebration in place of a term process to become better cit- and causing intimidation to certain classes of people, to certain ethnicities. It’s not At Broadneck, a student post- problem. Dr. George Arlotto, the Thanksgiving celebration in order izens of the world. Combined with right,” Delegate Chang said. Graphic by ed a statement on Snapchat includ- Superintendent of Anne Arundel to emphasize the injustices faced by impactful legislation and educa- Harper White. 6 7 An opportunity in the making... OPINIONS The Mechanical Trades Apprenticeship Program How the Make money. Build a career. Opioid Crisis

The Apprenticeship offers: Applicant requirements: is Impacting Staff Editorial • Total Package: $45K+ first year • High School Diploma or equivalent tent, stable funding to keep peo- while learning, $117K+ upon • $75 application fee ple clean, and healthy after recov- graduation ering as well. • Pass a basic math test Severna Politicians and government • 30 FREE college credits • Visit and apply online at officials are voicing their opinions • 10 certifications on the issue, but doing little to • Job experience www.getpiping.com prevent it. Even if they are mak- • A career Park ing policies and programs against it, the measures they are taking Who we are: Application deadline: that they know. are not enough. Part of the reason • Commercial Heating, Cooling However, the area that drug issues like this happen in Friday, April 12, 2019, 3pm we live in is so wealthy counties and schools similar to ours and Refrigeration professionals that the issue is often is because of the stigma attached to • Welders swept under the rug and is them. People assume the face of ad- • Commercial Plumbers & Steamfitters seen as increasinly taboo. diction is amoung the homeless or • Riggers Teachers such as Stephanie those in poverty, but in reality ad- Travers have taken part in the school diction is all around us, and needs • Digital Tech Professionals wide panel, “Not My Child,” where to be dealt with without judgment. • And more! speakers shared their personal sto- We need real laws, proposals and ries involving drug abuse. Anne campaigns that can target students Arundel County has taken steps to before they use drugs, and provide Where we work: The Plumbers and Steamfitters Apprenticeship School In recent years, Anne Arundel better inform students about the constant, safe help without judge- • Hospitals/Health Care 1201 66th Street County has found itself plummet- toll that drugs take on them, as well ment if they do. We need more of • Stadiums/Arenas/Concert Halls Baltimore, MD 21237 ing into an opioid crisis. Maryland as the people around them, through these resources in schools and free is among the top five states in opi- the creation of the “Not My Child” • Power/Energy Plants clinics that all people could access. For questions please call oid-related deaths according to the program, which supports addiction Overall, our staff believes • Hotels/Restaurants 410-866-5313 ext. 1. National institute on Drug Abuse. therapy, thus preventing overdoses that there is a lot of talking but not • Public/Office Buildings Almost anyone you talk to has and deaths. enough action being taken in terms • Schools/Universities had some contact with drug abuse We believe although raising of preventative measures to prevent or use, whether it is themselves awareness is important, it's not al- the start of drug use and abuse, and or a family member that suffered ways effective. Drug addiction is an most times, the situation gets worse through addiction, or just someone epidemic that also needs consis- before it gets better. Do you have a job with guaranteed raises? We do! 9 OPINIONS QuestionsQuestions andand Answers:Answers: What do students think of safety at Severna Park High School? by Toni Fiocco-Mizer | Staff Writer

Sam Honecker Kyra-Leigh Hymons Elijah Hill Honecker is a junior who works at the YMCA Hymons is a junior who particpates in Culture Hill is a senior who has played football for four in Arnold and plays basketball there. Photo by United, NHS and NFHS. Photo by Melanie years at SPHS and takes additonal classes at Melanie Reynolds. Reynolds AACC. Photo by Melanie Reynolds. How do you feel about this How do you feel about this school’s overall security? I school’s overall security? How do you feel about this think the school is very safe and We definitely get a lot more priv- school’s overall security? I locked down. ileges and have less security be- feel like the school’s current secu- cause of where we live... I think it’s rity is fine. Swartz does a good job Do you think we need more because we are stereotyped as the with that. or less security? Why? The perfect Severna Park, like people amount of security we have don’t think they can do wrong Do you think we need more now is good because when the around here. or less security? Why? I think kid brought in the knife it was we need more security because a handled well and nothing really Do you think we need more or kid actually brought a knife into happened. less security? Why? Since we are school. such a predominately white school, Regarding the current I think if we had more stuff like Regarding the current po- political climate, how do more cops and maybe bag searches litical climate, how do you you feel about teachers it would become a problem of tar- feel about teachers carrying carrying guns in school? I geting the minorities of the school. guns in school? Knowing some think that would not end up well of the teachers at this school, that because the community would Regarding the current po- idea seems comical to me. definitely complain about it and it litical climate, how do you wouldn’t be safe. feel about teachers carrying guns in school? I don’t think teachers should have guns, I don’t personally want to be around peo- ple with guns especially at school which is kind of obvious. 10 FEATURES FEATURES

the chance to post what they want said. Although it is hard not being and the unhealthy habit of compar- Finsta-gram on their Instagram account without in the loop of everything that is go- ing yourself to others. “Some peo- the pressure of getting hundreds of ing on, she “really enjoys not hav- ple’s posts are really annoying when The truth about the popular side accounts. likes on a picture. “Because it’s just ing it now” and spends time doing it seems like they’re complaining by Greer Long | News Editor for your close friends, you don’t more important things. about something that doesn’t need have as many followers. It’s more There are plenty of ups and to be complained about,” Victorio for your own pleasure,” freshman downs that come with owning a said. Abbie Smith said. finsta. Not only do they help you All good things should come Like most social media connect with friends, they also help in moderation, yet many teenagers apps, Instagram is time consum- you meet people from other schools do not understand this while using ing, especially if you have a finsta. that you may find relatable. “You social media. Although finstas have Junior Anna Marcoon recently gave can make a lot friends on your fin- many positive aspects, negative fea- up her finsta to make more time for sta which is really fun,” sophomore tures of these accounts appear as school and sports. “Since people are Brittany Seda said. well. As social media evolves, fin- constantly posting on their finstas, However, along with the good stas may or may not stick around, it made me check it a lot and put off also comes the bad, including the but for now, they remain very pop- A “finsta” is a combination things like homework,” Marcoon constant urge to check your phone ular for students. of the words “fake” and “Instagram.” These alter- native Instagram accounts have become increasingly popular among teenagers in recent years. “Finstas can be good… people use it as an outlet to show their real personalities,” junior Rosslyn Scott said. Photo by Greer Long. Instagram has gained pop- Junior Ally Gray has a group do that.” It is popular for people to ularity among teens over the past finsta account with a few of her confront others on their finsta, with decade, as an effective platform for friends, where they post funny pho- or without the other person know- people to interact with others and tos, videos and rants about their ing. “Doing this leaves people won- share photos from their lives. Be- lives. “I like posting on my finsta dering if the post was about them, cause Instagram accounts are gen- to make people laugh at things I which may lead to confrontation erally geared towards the public, wouldn’t post on my real account,” and more fighting, even if they were numerous teenagers have resorted Gray said. Gray and the other ac- not involved,” Scott said. to creating a finsta, or an alternate count owners allow their close Another unique thing about Instagram account. friends to follow their finsta, along finstas is that the account owners A “finsta” is a combination of with people they know who go to are not concerned with the number the words “fake” and “Instagram.” other schools. of followers and likes they recieve. Most finsta accounts are owned by Having a finsta allows peo- Because people are posting about teenage girls, along with some boys. ple to connect online on a more per- their lives on a more personal lev- They are more hidden than a “rin- sonal level, but for some that may be el, having less followers means they sta,” or “real insta,” usually having a downside. Although junior Ross- have more privacy. “I usually post around 100 to 200 followers. The lyn Scott has a finsta, from what she things I wouldn’t want most of the usernames are often puns of the has seen, “finstas are negative spac- public to see, like semi-personal There is a visible difference between what people post on their “finsta” versus their “rinsta.” Finsta accounts originated as an effective owner’s real name, making the ac- es where people get in fights with stuff,” senior Travis Victorio said. way to share personal problems and interact with friends online. “The stuff I post on my finsta is definitely a lot more personal than what I post on my real account,” junior Lexi Kasten said. Photos courtesy of Lexi Kasten. counts harder to find than a rinsta. others and it’s socially acceptable to Having a finsta gives people 12 13 FEATURES FEATURES Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival XXX Life After SPHS Rock ‘n’ Roll cast members prepare for their annual production and the plague. These seniors plan on entering the workforce after high school. by Emma Jeter | Staff Writer by Melanie Reynolds | Opinion Editor Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival is cel- As the school year reaches its completely lost my voice. I couldn’t ebrating its 30th anniversary at midpoint, most seniors are becom- sing at all or talk, and I passed out SPHS. All the songs that have been ing anxious, awaiting college deci- in the hallway,” Cotton said. This selected for this year’s song list are sions. Finishing high school and year, she is the lead in Joan Baez’s required to be from the Rock & Roll attending a university the following “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Hall of Fame. This includes classic year seems like a rite of passage, Down.” hits such as Bon Jovi’s “Living on a and almost a necessity in today’s Despite this drawback, cast Prayer,” Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Let’s world. However, for some seniors, members are more than excited Groove” and RUN-DMC’s “It’s college is not the next step in life. about the production. Every year, Tricky.” Meet Carter Nagel. At eigh- the cast has two tailgates during However, because students teen years old, he is already dream- the run of the show where they play must practice for hours in close ing of working on his family’s farm games and eat food. After open- Senior Isabel Gonzalez is singing Aretha quarters, most of the cast tends to ing night, most performers will go Franklin’s “Think” in last year’s Rock ‘n’ for the rest of his life. “I don’t feel Roll performance. Gonzalez won the “best get sick. Usually, one person will like I need college for the trade I’m to the Double T Diner together. performer” senior superlative. “[This year] Senior Carter Nagel currently works on his family farm. He has been active in the busi- develop a contagious illness, and is the first rock song I’ve ever had because going down in my life, which is be- On closing night, seniors will give ness since he was younger. “[An electrician] is the position we need filled at the family then it will spread to the rest of the speeches backstage to the rest of the I’ve always had R&B songs. It’s going to coming an electrician and working business so I decided to fill that spot,” Nagel said. Photo courtesy of Carter Nagel. be a lot of work,” Gonzalez said. Photo performers. The illness has been for my dad at the farm,” Nagel said. cast about their experience with the courtesy of Isabel Gonalez. dubbed the ‘RnR Plague.’ His family owns and oper- granddad taught me how to cook, run my own restaurant,” Ackerman show, along with funny anecdotes “They used to have buckets ates Nagel Farm Service, a business and then when I was eight or nine, said. and expressions of gratitude for be- off stage. People would go off stage that Nagel has grown up with. In- he passed away due to lung cancer, Senior Brian Bohem plans ing part of the show. and throw up and then go back on stead of college, he plans on doing and I ended up taking a bunch of on enlisting in the Marines instead As advice to new and future stage. It was insane” senior Isabel an apprenticeship for an electric [cooking] classes,” Ackerman said. of attending conventional college. members of RnR, sophomore Jaron Gonzalez said. Gonzalez is the lead company before joining the work- As a CAT South culinary stu- Being in the military was always a Givens said, “Always think about in “Living on a Prayer.” force. “After high school, I’m going dent, he devotes about half of the of dream of his. “I never had an inter- what you can do to improve your- Junior Peter Cope said, “[Sick to go work for somebody for four the school day to learning the art of est in college,” Bohem said, “I just self. That’s always what a director people] just perform anyways but years, learn everything that I can, cooking. Ackerman already works want to stay in the Marines and re- looks for: someone they can work it’s really hard.” Cope is the lead in and then switch back over to Nagel at a five-star restaurant in Balti- tire after.” with and someone they can trust Fats Domino’s “I’m Walking” and Farm Service,” he said. “I’m going more, Woodberry Kitchen, under His family is what inspired in.” He is dancing in multiple num- plays lead trombone in the Rock ‘n’ to Lyewood Electric on the Eastern award-winning chef, Spike Gjerde. him the most, and since he was bers including “Let’s Groove,” “It’s Roll band. Cast members work hard Shore, we do a lot of business with Like Nagel, Ackerman plans a child, he has grown up many Tricky” and “Vogue.” to deliver an amazing performance, them.” on doing an apprenticeship in- around military figures. “I’ve al- Gonzalez also had a piece of and they often have to push through In a completely different field, stead of conventional schooling. ways wanted to be a Marine,” Bo- advice for new members: “Just be their illnesses so they can still have open about [the show]. Every sin- Juniors Sofia Urrutia (left), Erin Jeter senior Caeden Ackerman has a sim- “You could go to culinary school hem said. “My grandpa was a Ma- (middle) and Marie Hilbert (right) are the opportunity to be on stage. ilar plan for life after high school. or you could go do an apprentice- rine and I have five generations of gle year is so different for Rock ‘n’ dancing in Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” Last year, junior Annabelle Roll. That’s the cool part about it: in last year’s Rock ‘n’ Roll performance. Ackerman has been taking cook- ship, which is what I’ll probably do people in my family in the military, They all have been participating in this Cotton contracted a terrible case of ing classes since he was young, and for the current chefs I work for,” that’s what inspired me most to do you don’t really know what’s going show since they were freshman. “This the plague. “I got a virus that had was my favorite number last year. It was plans on pursuing cooking as a ca- he said. In the future, he dreams of it.” to happen.” almost turned into laryngitis… I so hype and we radiated the crowd’s reer. “When I was a lot younger, my cooking professionally. “I want to energy,” Jeter said. Photo courtsey of Erin Jeter. 14 15 FEATURES FEATURES Sophmore Ellie Cooley posts pictures and videos that appeal to Freshmen Lexi Hilliard is a self-taught gymnast who posts photos her followers. She has been tumbling on her Instagram account and videos on her Instagram page. She has gained over 20,400 for the past three years. “It’s fun and I love to post my videos,” followers and her account continues to grow everyday. “I taught Ellie Cooley said. Photo courtsey of Ellie Cooley. myself how to tumble and enjoy sharing it to m followers,” Hil- Our very own liard said. Photo courtsey of Lexi Hilliard. Internet Stars SPHS students have created a name for themselves on and off the internet. by CeCe Streaker | Editor-in-Chief

The majority of students have handle is @lexitumbles, where also gotten her name out to various a social media account where they freshman Lexi Hilliard also shows companies where she has received post pictures of themselves and off her tumbling and gymnastics positive feedback. “Companies what they are doing. Whether it skills to all of her followers. “I just sometimes reach out and ask me to be Youtube, Instagram or Twitter, started posting tumbling videos promote their products on my page, these apps have created a platform with my friends and it just kind of so they send me free merchandise,” for young adults to promote them- took off,” Hilliard said. Hilliard said. eos on. Twins Sydney and Luke opportunities to promote products Many students have social selves. Many students have follow- Hilliard’s account now has Youtube is another popular Herz have created @Sydnastical on and earn money. “We get a half a media accounts, however these stu- ers who they know personally or about 20,400 followers and is con- social media platform that many Youtube which has over 214,000 cent every time someone clicks on dents have created quite a unique mutually, but a few of our very own tinuing to grow everyday. She has high schoolers watch and post vid- subscribers. Their account was our video and get paid to advertise name for themselves. Despite the classmates have created social me- started in 2014 and has skyrock- companies and brand names in our popularity on the internet, the free dia accounts that have gone viral, eted in views and subscribers over videos,” freshman Luke Herz said. merchandise and money, these stu- creating a known name for them- the years. “We have friends who Despite the money the twin’s gain dents have created their accounts selves and a somewhat “famous” were already famous on Youtube from their hard work, they have de- to show off their talent and inter- reputation. and they helped us to create our ac- cided to donate the money that they ests. Sophomore Ellie Cooley cre- count and get it started,” freshman get from their videos to charity. “I just love showing off what ated the Instagram account @_el- Sydney Herz said. Twins Sydney and Luke both I love to do and am passionate liecooley about three years ago The account consists of sing- said they have gotten hate com- about,” Hilliard said. These stu- when she was a competitive gym- ing, baseball and gymnastic videos, ments on their accounts too, mostly dents have an abundance of unique nast. On her account, where she along with twin challenges made by from people they don’t know. “I get talent that has sparked the follow- shows and practices her skills, she both Luke and Sydney. The account hate comments from my videos but ers’ attention, and we look forward has acquired over 150,000 follow- has not only created a name for both I try my best to just ignore them,” to seeing where it takes them in the ers. Cooley’s account consists main- the twins, it also has given them Sydney Herz said. future. ly of videos of her gymnastic, diving and tumbling skills. Although she does not compete as a gymnast any- more due to a back injury, she still 150,000 followers creates tumbling videos that have gone viral on Instagram. “I have over 150,000 followers on my page 214,000 subscribers and sometimes get free gymnastics Twins Sydney and Luke Herz are freshmen this year and have been working on their mats and athletic clothes to pro- Youtube channel for some time now. Today they have over 214,00 subscribers on their mote on my account,” Cooley said. account. “We get money and free products everytime someone watches our account Another popular Instagram but we chose to donate to charity,” Luke Herz said. Photo courtsey of Sydney Herz. 20,400 followers 16 17 FEATURES FEATURES (LEFT) Isabel Williams dives to make a save at the Junior Olympics in California. Wil- liams and her team won third place in the IsabelIsabel WilliamsWilliams tournament. “I’ve gotten to travel and see A water polo star shines in the pool. water polo all around the world,” Williams by Matt Mangano | Features Editor said. Photo courtesy of Isabel Williams. (DOWN) Isabel Williams poses with her teammates Maddie Schultz and Shaye Sto- ry in Hungary. Her team won first place in the tournament. “It was a great oppor- tunity to reperesent the United States in this tournament and awesome that we won first,” Williams said. Photo courtesy of Isabel Williams.

Isabel Williams makes a save at a water polo tournament. As a goalie, Williams has a unique perspective of the game. “I like the advantage I have from being a goalie by seeing the whole pool,” Williams said. Photo courtesy of Isabel Williams.

It is a relatively unknown stand on the bottom, especially as a goalie before her. “I’m quite tall if ter Polo Olympic Development Pro- of times I’m bringing school work Harvard University, UC Berkeley sport, but for junior Isabel Wil- a goalie,” Williams said. This makes you haven’t noticed. One of my old- gram (ODP) where she competed in the car or on the plane,” Williams and Princeton University within the liams, water polo is her life. For the water polo different from every oth- er coaches saw that my brother was in a tournament in California with said. last few months,” Williams said. past ten years, Williams has been er sport, and is one of the many rea- tall and a good goalie and said, ‘Hey the Northeast Zone team, and was Despite the grueling schedule, Williams plans to commit in playing water polo as a goalie for sons Williams so thoroughly enjoys you’re probably going to be pret- selected for the Futures National the team is sure to have fun while the very near future, but is waiting the U.S. Naval Academy club team. playing it. ty tall, why don’t you start being a Team in Hungary. Her team rep- practicing. “While we were in Italy, for the decisions of other players “I love being able to work with other Williams was inspired to start goalie?’ And I only got better and resented the United States and had we had practice at an outdoor pool. and universities before she makes people when we’re all trying to win playing because of her siblings be- taller with age,” Williams said. great success in the tournament. Afterwards we had to swim back her decision. “It’s such a small com- and do our best,” Williams said. fore her. Her brother, Ronan, best Playing water polo has had They won first place and Williams from our practice in the ocean. It munity with such a small group of For those unfamiliar with the known as the Grit Fairy around a great impact on Williams, and won best goalkeeper of the entire was roughly a mile. We swam across people, once someone makes a de- sport, water polo consists of two SPHS, has been a role model for has given her the chance to trav- tournament. a harbour and boats were honking cision it will impact everyone else’s teams of seven; six field players Williams throughout her life. “He el across the world to places such Training for Williams is quite and yelling at us,” Williams said. “It decisions,” Williams said. “I hope to and one goalkeeper, who attempt has been an inspiration for me, and as California, Italy, Hungary and rigorous, with practices up to five was actually kind of scary; we al- know where I’m going by the start to score by throwing a ball into I see how successful he is. He’s a France. Williams got the opportuni- times a week alongside tourna- most got hit by a boat.” of my senior year.” the opponent’s net. It sounds sim- captain of the water polo team at ty to train and compete with many ments on the weekend, making The opportunities afforded by For Isabel Williams, her fu- ple enough, until swimming for an the Naval Academy, and he’s doing different club teams, including her schedule incredibly busy. “My water polo do not stop with travel to ture playing water polo is filled with hour comes into play. “A lot of peo- great things there,” Williams said. the Rose Bowl Aquatic Club with friends are understanding and sup- new places. Williams hopes to con- clear waters. ple get surprised at how long we are Williams started playing goal- whom she traveled to California, port me when I can’t make some- tinue to play in college. “I have been treading water because you can’t ie because of her brother, who was Italy and France, and the USA Wa- thing because I have practice. A lot in contact with Stanford University, 18 19 SPORTS

The4Peat boys lacrosse team is looking to win its fourth straight state title. by Colin DeFeo | Sports Editor Senior Shane Carr celebrating his second state championship win. Carr has been a key component in the past two state championships as the starting goalie. “It’s hard to Last season in the 4A state describe the intensity from the championships game but it fuels me to show out and play good,” Carr said. Photo by Katie Arndt. championship there were two min- utes and forty seconds left in over- time, with Severna Park all tied up Special Mortgage f inancing with Church Hill 7-7, when junior Mikie Harmeyer scored a clutch goal to win the game. The SPHS boys have won three consecutive for school employees state championships. If the team continues their winning streak, they could have a historic victory by winning four consecutive state championships, but it all starts with a successful season that leads to the playoffs. The off-season is a major gonna step up and help us go for lot of talent last year but we have a contributing factor for success, es- another state title,” sophomore Col- good group of kids who are ready to pecially later on in the state finals. in Shadowens said. work this year and step into bigger Off-season workouts are “very se- Preparing for the upcoming roles on the team,” junior Cameron rious consisting of workouts three season has various factors regard- Bear said. days a week with a day of running,” ing includes mental preparation: The number one goal for the senior Jimmy Maher said. “You can just prepare physically but season is simple: another state title Keeping in shape for lacrosse lots of mental things you just have With this in mind, the boys are al- Here to help is vital due to the quick pace of the to learn to deal with as it goes,” se- ready preparing for tryouts in ear- game. “The off-season mainly con- nior Niles Tinsley said. ly March. “I’m really excited about Visit esfcu.org/WinterSavings. sists of workouts so we are in the Mental preparation for the fi- this season and hoping to make an- 1 This credit applies to first mortgages only. Purchase transactions will receive up to a maximum best shape we can be in when the nal game is necessary since it can be other push for a state title,” junior $2,500 in closing cost credits, restrictions apply. Refinance transactions will receive closing season comes,” senior Shane Carr “nerve racking but very exciting,” Mark Bredeck said. cost credit for a zero point rate and term refinance, restrictions apply. Members must apply online between now and March 31, 2019 and enter “2019 Savings” in the comments box at the said. junior Alex Miller said. end of the application to be eligible for the closing cost credit. The credit will be applied at the time of closing. This promotion cannot be combined with other offers and is not valid on existing Approaching this season the The team was graduated nu- Educational Systems FCU loans. Additional exceptions may apply. Loans are subject to credit team has important, goals but much merous Division I players including qualifications and approval. All applicants must meet membership eligibility requirements. 2 Financing is available with 3% down of your home’s appraised value. Expected monthly depends on how the team performs Josh Coffman (University of Mary- principal and interest payment for a 30-year fixed conventional mortgage of $200,000 at an and reacts to adversity. “I just think land) and Dean Draughn (Univer- interest rate of 4.625% with one point (which is an equivalent APR of 5.093%) and a payment of $1,028.284. Total payment is $370,179.80. APR as low as 5.0934% for a 30-year fixed about the other teammates that are sity of Maryland). “We graduated a conventional mortgage. Rates are subject to change without notice.

Federally insured by 20 NCUA SPORTS SPORTS Ty Broadway Sports Budgets A sophomore wrestler strives to be elite for the second year in a row. How much funding does each sport program get? by Nick Carparelli | Sports Media Manager by Shelby Chasser & Matt Mangano After a successful season last Ty Broadway wrestles his opponent at the year, sophomore Ty Broadway state tournament. This It’s no secret that in order to Most athletics teams ask their as possible, and subsidize the cost of reached the state tournament and year, Broadway tried keep any athletic program afloat it players at the start of the season for the apparel with team funds when excelled to his own disbelief. It took to focus especially on the mental part of requires a large amount of money, a team fee that helps to purchase ad- available,” coach Timothy Dunbar just one individual, Brian Creek, the game. “It is such a and with the athletic program be- ditional equipment, fund team din- said. the Glen Burnie assistant wrestling mental sport because you have to believe ing one of Severna Park’s largest, ners and fund team activities. “It is Other teams like varsity cheer- coach, to inspire Broadway to try you can beat your the funds must be adequate enough at the discretion of the coach to de- leading also require a large amount something new. opponent and if you “Coach Creek, the Glen Burnie have the confidence in to sustain all of the twenty-three cide if they feel they need to charge of funding that is not initially pro- yourself the physical sports. So how does the school dis- a team fee and what that amount is,” vided by the school. They have a $50 wrestling coach, he wanted me to do part will take care of team fee, $60 booster fee, a $30 bow wrestling,” Broadway said, “I origi- itself,” Broadway said. tribute said money to fit the budget? SPHS Athletic Director David Lan- Photo by LifeTouch Every year, the athletic depart- ham said, “If they do charge a fee, fee and $100 fee for warm-up uni- nally didn’t want to do wrestling be- ment is given an allotment of funds that amount has to be approved by forms. In addition, they have fund cause I thought it would be a weird feel any pressure, I just go on the progress from freshman year. “Ty is each year identified at Materials of m e .” raisers for their main uniforms, in sport, but as the season went on I mat and try to do my best every a great kid and a great wrestler. He Instruction (MOI). These funds are On the other end of the fund- order to minimize the largest cost. enjoyed it more and more.” time I am out there, just giving it has improved quite a bit since last also given to schools in every de- ing spectrum, the girl’s varsity vol- Funding for athletics at SPHS During Broadway’s freshman 100 percent every time,” Broadway year and still has room to grow,” partment (math, science, art, En- leyball team receives significantly is not portioned evenly between all year, he was pulled up to varsity said. Bryden said. glish, etc.). According to Clayton less funding than football. They the fall, winter and spring sports after only two weeks on the junior As a freshman, Broadway During the season, Bryden varsity team. Broadway has been Culp, the Coordinator of Athletics, also have a larger team fee, which is programs, for example, football re- competed with seniors in the state worked with Broadway to help him able to improve his game by prac- “For the past couple school years, usually around $100 to $110. This ceives more money then volleyball tournament and will still have to reach his goals for the season. “Ty’s ticing against other skilled players. the athletics MOI has been in the covers the cost of extra equipment and cheerleading. work his way there again with a goal for this year [was] to place top “I try to surround myself with the range of $18,000 per high school, the girls need like spandex, game We reached out to the SPHS chip on his shoulder. “It feels good 8 in the state,” Bryden said. best group of people that can make that I can play at such a high level Going in to the state tourna- [and] the exact distribution of those socks and t-shirts. “The team makes Boosters president for comment on me better. I wrestle Coach Trevor and compete with the best, at the ment, Broadway was 33-6. After funds is determined at the school a bulk purchase of these things their budget, but did not receive a Bryden often in practice so he can same time it makes me feel that I winning his first match, Broadway level.” (cheaper) and the girls then pay for response. teach me new things,” Broadway can compete with guys like that, lost twice and was eliminated from One of the most popular the cost of these items (which they said. that are in their senior year and I the tournament. However, other sports among students and adults keep). We try to keep the cost as low Even though wrestling is a was just a freshman,” Broadway members of the team found some at SPHS is football. Administration high-contact sport, the mental as- said. Broadway will be going down success including Connor Bow- at the school seems to recognize pect is just as important as the to the 195-pound weight class as he es, who got fifth in the 220 weight this because $4,000 of the budget physical. “It is such a mental sport seeks different competition. class. is marked for football equipment because you have to believe you His teammates are impressed Broadway recommends that reconditioning, the largest distri- can beat your opponent and if you with how far Broadway has come in anyone who is interested in wres- bution of the funds. Not to mention have the confidence in yourself the such a short amount of time. “This tling should try out for the team. every player of the team is required physical part will take care of itself,” is his second year of wrestling ever, “All coaches want you to do is wres- at the start of the season to put in Broadway said. and to see how far he has gotten is tle hard. You might not have the a seven dollar team fee, and every Broadway is ranked in the top incredible,” teammate Jimmy Hop- most skill at it but as long as you player must participate in a team twenty in the state for his weight per said. are working hard, that is all coaches The stadium is a relatively new addition to the sports complex. Although the stadium is fund raiser of selling Blitz-cards for split between all the teams for practice in fall, football had priority for games. Photo by class. This creates massive amounts Trevor Bryden, the first-year will want from you,” Broadway said. $20 each. Campbell Haney. of pressure for him, so he tries to varsity head coach at SPHS, is excit- 22 keep the distractions out. “I don’t ed to coach Broadway and see him 23 Go to sptalon.com for expanded stories and content