May 26, 2021 the Warrior CLASS OF ‘21 SENIOR EDITION Sherwood High School: 300 Olney Sandy Spring Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860 www.thewarrioronline.com In-Person Graduation Will Celebrate Seniors’ Resilience by Aidan Trump ‘21 Sherwood’s graduation ceremony will be made available by way of the rehears- Sherwood’s in-person gradu- al presentation, which will be released ation ceremony is set to be held at as a video between May 27–June 3. the Caruso Memorial Field on June Sherwood alumni Scott Van Pelt 11, at 9 a.m. Those in attendance (‘84) will deliver his second com- will be subject to CDC and Mary- mencement address to Sherwood (his land Department of Health (MDH) first being in 2006). Van Pelt hosts Covid-19 safety measures. The cere- ESPN’s prestigious sports news pro- mony will feature speeches from the gram, “SportsCenter with Scott Van commencement speaker, senior class Pelt,” among a variety of other shows. officers, and the student speaker. Van Pelt’s address will differ from his On May 18 the Montgomery Coun- last. “The themes will be similar. But ty Council sat as the Board of Health the world has changed massively in to chart the new course for Montgom- the time since I spoke last,” said Van ery County’s reopening. Encouraged Pelt. “Sherwood will always be special by the increased levels in vaccination to me. It takes me back to a very dif- the council voted to loosen county ferent time … I had so much fun there Covid-19 restrictions. Most notably, and never, ever, imagined I’d be asked her speech. “I’m very excited to speak at high school careers with pride. “[I the council’s resolution set May 28 as to speak at the graduation … I’m very graduation because it’ll be like getting to hope seniors feel] a great sense of ac- the end of all county Covid-19 restric- grateful to be asked to come back.” talk to everyone that I’ve missed,” said complishment, ready to take on what- tions, including those pertaining to Addresses will also be given Le. “I hope the rest of the seniors real- ever life has in store for them,” said high school graduation ceremonies. On by student speaker Noah Ngimbi, ize … we have just as strong of a bond Johnson. “Our seniors are resilient May 28 “all conduct and business in and the senior class officers, Presi- as any other class and we should trea- and strong in challenging times as Montgomery County must follow any dent Paige Snyder, Vice President sure the memories we did get to make they have demonstrated this year.” State or MDH requirements that are in Ethan Manlapaz, Secretary Alex- in our unique high school experience.” Johnson’s remarks epitomize what place,” according to the council’s res- is Le, and Treasurer Zoe Rubin. Senior class sponsor Pamela John- the graduation ceremony is aiming to olution. More information regarding Le is looking forward to delivering son wants seniors to reflect upon their get across to this year’s Senior Class.

What’s Inside How Would You Describe Your Time at Sherwood in One Word?

All-Senior Team A compilation of Sherwood’s most notable athletes. (Page 3)

Destinations See where all of your classmates are headed next year. (Pages 4-7)

Senior Columns The Warrior Staff reflects on their past four years at Sherwood. (Pages 8-11) *Based off 289 survey responses 2 The Warrior • Staff May 26, 2021 This Year’s Top Letter from the Editors: Headlines: This issue that you are holding in your hands is a token of the struggles we have faced this past year. Through masks, Zoom school, virtual college tours, and an Here are just a few headlines of online stories overall decline in motivation and mental health, we made it. With only 2.5 years written by seniors on The Warriorthis past year. in the building, and 1.5 from our homes, this year’s senior class has faced an Check out these and many more articles at unprecedented situation. www.thewarrioronline.com. We won’t sit here and mourn everything we lost this year, because everyone has Covid-19 Could Change lost something. We simply hope you all take a moment to celebrate yourselves and reflect on your years at Sherwood, just as we have done while producing College Admissions Forever this issue. Whether you’re crying about the thought of leaving Olney or already by Seth Kauffman packing your bags for college, you have an incredible journey ahead of you.

This Senior Issue of The Warrior is dedicated to commemorating the experienc- Environmental Groups es that made the Class of 2021 what it is. We all walked these halls together and Head Off Drilling in grew tremendously as people, and now that chapter is closing. ANWR’s Coastal Plain by Aidan Trump Congratulations on making it this far, we can’t wait to see what you all accomplish. - Jenna Bloom and Jimmy Yates 2021 NFL First Round 2020-2021 Editors-in-Chief Mock Draft by Aaron Jaffe Senior Staff Members Reflect on What Stop Your Toxic Lessons from The Warrior They Will Bring Masculinity, Baby; It’s the With Them into Their Post-Graduate Life... Sign of the Times by Martholdy Pierre-Canel “Something I will take away from newspaper after high school will be the qualities of being on time and doing Sherwood Installs good work in that time. Making interesting and informa- Cameras with Plans To tive articles all before a deadline puts pressure on a writer to actually put effort in and have a good work ethic. These Broadcast Games Online are all qualities I hope to use in the future, and it’s all by Ryan Duvall thanks to Mr. Huck.” - Jackson Hongtong

Best Things to Come “I’ve improved my writing skills and got better at Out of 2020 arguing on political issues. I was able to get a better grasp at by Elizabeth Casey researching and reporting different topics.” - Dylan Friedman

“A lesson I will take is do not work for the sake of working; work Mandalorian S2 Brings Star because you enjoy what you are working on and enjoy learning Wars Back To Its Roots from your work.” - Ella Casey by Graham Skinker "Being on The Warrior for two years has been a really good experience for me. I was able to learn a lot of new things Tik Tok is Ruining Music about journalism, and it definitely helped me to decide that I by Jackson Hongtong want to pursue a career in journalism moving forward." - Graham Skinker Godzilla Throughout “After writing countless articles for the Warrior, Newspaper the Years class has taught me the importance of time management and by Dylan Friedman the power of informed and quality writing. In addition, I’ve learned that ‘writer’s block’ really doesn’t exist when you have a If You Believe In Equality, deadline. The hours spent perfecting multiple article drafts or coming up with the perfect headline has shown me that dedi- Feminism is For You cation and commitment are key qualities, which I will definite- by Jimmy Yates ly take with me post-graduation.” - Sudha Sudhaker

Taylor Swift: the Artist of “What I’ve learned from The Warrior is to be open to new the Decade things. I’ve mainly written about sports for the newspaper, but I by Jenna Bloom also have been given the chance to write about other things like entertainment which is fun.” - Ryan Duvall The Warrior • Sports 3 May 26, 2021 2021 All Senior Team The seniors on the All-Senior Team were selected by fellow seniors on The Warrior newspaper staff. The main criteria were athletes’ contributions to one or more of Sherwood’s sports teams; athletes’ individual states, titles, and other honors; the overall success of the teams in the regular seasons and playoffs; and athletes’ plans to continue playing a sport at the collegiate level.

JACK ANDERSON: Cross SAMMY GODFREY: Soccer MICHELLE LUI: Tennis SOPHY SANCHEZ: Swim Country, Track & Field Sammy is a four-year girls varsity soc- Michelle is a four-year girls varsity Sophy is a four-year member of the Jack is a four-year member of the cross cer player at Sherwood. She is commit- tennis player at Sherwood. She led the swim team at Sherwood. She helped country team at Sherwood. Jack was ted to play in college at the University team to winning the division in 2019 to guide Sherwood to wins in states in awarded 3 time All Region, 2 time All of Mount Union in Ohio and has been and currently plays #1 singles. She also both 2018 and 2019, along with Metros County, and 2 time All State a key contributor for Sherwood the last plans on playing on the club team next in 2018. Sophy was awarded most ded- honors. four seasons. year at the University of Maryland. icated in 2019, and was also selected to JAKE BECKER: Baseball be a captain in the 2020-2021 season. EMILY GRAVELL: Cross Country CHARLIE MATUSEK: Jake is a four-year varsity player who Lacrosse, Swim, Football BRETT SEILS: Baseball, Basketball is committed to Emily is a four-year member of the to play Division 1 baseball. He won cross country team. She won the most Charlie is a four-year varsity lacrosse Seils is a three-year varsity baseball Moco Freshman of the Year award and dedicated award her junior year and athlete. He scored a combined 100 player and one-year varsity basketball was also placed on the all district team was girls team captain both junior and points in his first two seasons, includ- player for Sherwood. Brett is commit- his freshman and sophomore years. senior year. She was also nominated ing being selected to the first team all ted and will play Division 1 baseball at for the 2018 All-RunWashington Pre- division and second team all county his Towson University this upcoming sea- season Team. She plans on participat- sophomore year. He also participated son. He was named to the MSABC pre- STEPHEN BILLIG: Basketball ing in the club running team at the Uni- in one season of both swimming and season all state team for baseball and Stephen is a three-year varsity basket- versity of Maryland. football. was voted as a team captain this year. ball player for Sherwood. He is com- OLIVIA MILLER: mitted to play at MARYAM HIGAZI: DAULTON STEWART: Baseball in Chestertown, MD, this upcom- Volleyball, Track & Field Soccer, Track & Field ing season and also was awarded the Maryam is a four-year member of var- Olivia is a four-year starter on the Daulton is a four-year member of the sportsmanship award as a sophomore. sity volleyball, and a two year mem- varsity soccer team, and served as a Sherwood baseball program. He has ber of varsity track and field. She is a co-captain her senior year. She also excelled at Sherwood, and is commit- ALLY BLOOM: Softball, Basketball two-time volleyball regional champion ran on varsity track for three years, and ted to play baseball at Shenandoah Ally is a four-year varsity softball (2017, 2019), and helped lead the War- holds the Sherwood school record for University in Pennsylvania. He and his player and starter at Sherwood, as well riors to an undefeated volleyball sea- 800 meters, as well as being the Mont- team aim for a successful 2021 season. as a two-year varsity basketball play- son in 2021. Maryam plans to play club gomery County individual champion er. She helped lead the softball team volleyball at the University of Mary- for that category. She plans on playing CHRISTY TRANG: Cross to win states in 2019, and was named land, College. club soccer at the University of Dela- Country, Swim, Track & Field ware next year. captain for both softball and basketball Christy is a four-year member of the her senior year. KYNDALL HOPKINS: Softball ALEXIS NNABUE: Basketball cross country, swim, and track teams. Kyndall is a three-year varsity soft- She finished at the top of the cross ASHLEY BUTTON: Field Hockey Alexis is a four-year varsity member of ball player, and is the team’s starting country state meet in both 2018 and the girls basketball team. In her junior Ashley is a four-year varsity field hock- pitcher. She is committed to continue 2019, and participated in relays all four year, she received an all-division first ey player who is committed to play Di- her softball career at Coppin State Uni- years. vision 1 field hockey at Shippensburg versity. team selection along with winning the division title and reaching the region- University in Pennsylvania. Through- TAYLOR WALLACE: Swim out her career, Ashley has won several LEXI KIMMEL: Volleyball, Lacrosse al championship. She was named a awards including most valuable player co-captain her senior year and plans to Taylor is a four-year member of the Lexi is a four-year varsity athlete who for Sherwood in 2018 and 2019, first play club basketball at the University varsity swim team at Sherwood. She was a captain for volleyball on both JV team all division from 2017-2019, and of Maryland next year. contributed to Sherwood’s 2018 Metro and varsity. She won the sportsmanship was an honorable mention for the 2019 title, and Sherwood’s Metro and state and MVP award, and is also a captain Washington Post All-Met field hockey MICHAEL PARKER: Dive championship wins in 2019. Taylor as a senior on lacrosse as well. also placed 2nd in the Region in 100 team. She also led the team in scoring Michael is a four-year varsity diver at Free in 2019. After her sophomore her freshman and sophomore years on Sherwood. He was the Runner Up at BRENDAN KLEIMAN: Baseball year, Taylor was awarded the most im- top of being captain her senior year. States his freshman and sophomore proved award, and for her senior sea- Brendan is a catcher for the varsity year, eventually winning both States son she was named a team captain. JIMMY CONNER: Lacrosse, baseball team at Sherwood and is com- and Metros his junior year in 2019. Hockey, Football mitted to play at California University In 2020, he had a perfect dive season, MICHAEL WILLIAMS: Swim of Pennsylvania. He played for four never losing a single competition. He Jimmy is a four-year varsity athlete for years and was selected as a captain his Michael is a member of the swim team both lacrosse and hockey and played plans to continue diving at The Ohio senior year. State University. for two years as he led the boys team to football his senior year. He is commit- record Division, Regional, State, and ted to play Division 1 lacrosse at the DENVER LAUER: JAIME PETRONIS: Lacrosse Metro titles in 2020. Michael placed University of Tampa next year. He won Softball, Basketball 2nd in the Region in 50 and 100 Free in Rookie of the Year in his Freshman year Jaime is a four-year varsity lacrosse Denver is a two-year varsity softball 2020 as a Junior. He also placed 8th in for hockey and was first team all divi- athlete at Sherwood who is playing at and basketball player at Sherwood. She States in both events and 11th in Met- sion for lacrosse his sophomore year, American University. She was selected plays both as a catcher and an outfield- ros in 50 Free as well as 10th in Metros along with being a captain in his se- as a captain her senior year and was se- er on the softball team, and is commit- in 100 Free. nior year for both lacrosse and hockey. lected to the all division second team in ted to continue playing softball at Mill- her sophomore year as well. TESS FARLEY: ersville University. SEAN YAMADA: Lacrosse, Football Softball, Field Hockey TYLER LOPES: KATE PETRONIS: Lacrosse Sean is a four-year varsity lacrosse and three year-varsity football athlete. He Tess is a four-year varsity athlete for Wrestling, Football Kate is a four-year varsity lacrosse both softball and field hockey, along was a captain for both sports in his se- Tyler is a four-year player for Sher- player who is committed to play at with being named captain senior year nior year and will attend Susquehanna wood’s rugby and football teams, as American University next season. She for softball. She won the sportsman- University in Pennsylvania to play la- well as being a three-year wrestler. was selected as a captain her senior ship award in 2018 for softball and crosse and attempt to walk on for foot- year and also made the second team for ball. helped the team win the 2019 softball the all division team her sophomore state championship. year. 4 The Warrior • Destinations The Warrior • Destinations 5 May 26, 2021 May 26, 2021 Estrella Gomez Yanez Community College Top 6 Schools for the Class of 2021 Class of 2021: The Journey Continues Cole Gormley Marist College

Ruth Abera Eastern Mennonite University J’Niya Buckman Ishan Goswami University of Maryland Emma Abercrombie Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Jonathan Bui Montgomery College Emily Gravell University of Maryland Alex Adcock Towson University Lillyan Burriss Work Aaron Greenberg Montgomery College Meron Aga University of Maryland James Butterfield American College of Greece, Deree Lily Groff Lafayette College Lissandro Alvarado Chavez Bucknell University Ashley Button Shippensburg University Jeffrey Gross Rochester Institute of Technology Morgan Anaya University of Virginia Kai Cady Liberty University Phoenix Hansen Zule Montgomery College Bathsheba Anaya Work Dylan Campbell Hofstra University Connor Harless Ohio University Madeline Hawkins The Ohio State University Josselyn Anaya Ardon Work Christa Canagarajah University of Maryland University of Maryland, Towson University College Park - 59 students Jack Anderson University of Maryland Valentina Capobianco Towson University Justin Hayes-Puttfarcken Miami University of Ohio - 21 students Peyton Aronow Radford University Gabriella Caponiti University of Maryland Alexandra Heller Penn State Berks Emma Babcock Rochester Institute of Technology Ava Casaus Elon University Brenna Henderson University of Redlands Corey Barnes Elizabeth Casey University of Maryland Carly Herman University of Maryland Colin Barry Purdue University Lewis Castle Caroline Hermosilla University of Florida Melissa Batawila Montgomery College Alex Chaves Virginia Tech Angelena Hicks Salisbury University Zoe Bayewitz Gap Year Joshua Choi University of Maryland Maryam Higazi UMBC Jake Becker Towson Arnav Chopra University of Maryland Ghislaine Bias Hilary Montgomery College Shalill Hill McDaniel College Lauren Becker University of Maryland Tmothy Chung University of Maryland Salisbury University The Ohio State Sarah Ben-Yosef University of Chicago Sarah Cohen University of Georgia Abigail Hill Loyola University Maryland - 10 students University - 6 students Neal Berisford University of Maryland Kalee Comstock University of South Carolina Mackenzie Hillman University of Maryland Jack Berisford Work Jimmy Conner University of Tampa Madeline Hogentogler Montgomery College Mark Berman Ursinus College Ariadna Cordova Ventura Montgomery College Tatiana Hogston University of Maryland Rachel Best San Diego State University Sylvia Cotten University of Maryland Jackson Hongtong University of Maryland Catherine Biem University of Maryland Joel Cundick Brigham Young University Kyndall Hopkins Alex Bigirimana Towson University Haile Daniel Towson University Colin Horan University of South Carolina Riley Blake University of the Arts Gregory Daniel Towson University Ali Hosseini University of Maryland Breshae Hubbard Montgomery College Tessa Block Georgetown University Jimmy Dong University of Maryland Penn State University of South Jenna Bloom University of Maryland Ryan Duvall Virginia Tech Korbyn Hunter Gap Year University - 6 students Carolina - 6 students

Ally Bloom University of Maryland Minoli Ediriweera Georgetown University *Based off 241 students attending four-year institutions Vincent Bonsby Salisbury University KJ Edwards Gap Year Students Going In State and Out of State Olivia Bowman Montgomery College Tess Farley University of Tennessee Julia Hurley University of Alabama Camila Brennan Nova Community College Helen Federline Montgomery College In State: 50.6% Josephine Irving UC Irvine Lindsay Brigham Montgomery College Katie Feeney Penn State University “I just couldn’t imagine a Aaron Jaffe University of Maryland Kendall Bruns University of Georgia Alyssa Feinbaum Indiana University world where I’m more than Irma Juarez Montgomery College an hour away from Mr. Allen” Caroline Feinroth Salisbury University Carter Buckingham Virginia Tech - Jahnavi Kirkire (attending Felix Kahan University of Maryland Ruth Fekadu University of Maryland the University of Maryland, Chrysanthe Kallimanis St. Mary’s College of Maryland College Park) What Are the Top Majors for Angelo Ferraro Temple University Lily Kanstoroom San Diego State University Arwen Ferro University of Maryland “Do you ever wonder what it’s like to Kian Kaplan Montgomery College go to school in California – the sum- James Fitzgerald The Ohio State University the Class of 2021? mer sun, fun loving people, and in- Sultana Karzai University of Maryland Natalie Flynn University of North Carolina Wilmington credible social life? Yeah me neither, Logan Katzman Kent State University Brooke Formichelli Coastal Carolina University see y’all on campus” - Elyssa Cheung (attending the University of Seth Kauffman The Ohio State University 1. Biology (31) Lauren Fout University of Rhode Island Maryland, College Park) Rudy Kaufman University of South Carolina Dylan Friedman Washington College Alison Keller Towson University “Jessie J always told me it 2. Business (29) Alec Fritsch Work wasn’t about the money, but Amber Khan UMBC Michelle Fuentes Montgomery College Jessie J never considered the Mahlet Kidane Community College cost of med school” Grace Fullmer Brigham Young University Hawaii 3. Computer Science (23) - Nia Zagami (attending the Abigail Kim University of Maryland Priya Ganganna George Washington University University of Maryland, Ronnie Kim Gap Year Baltimore County) 4. Engineering (20) Joseph Gedner Gap Year Lexi Kimmel Penn State University Naomi George-Hall University of Pittsburgh Out of State: 49.4% Eliana Kindred University of Maryland 5. Psychology (14) Joanna Gibbs Hofstra University Jahnavi Kirkire University of Maryland “Let’s just say I’m really excited Joshua Ginsburg University of Maryland about the Greek Life” Ngote Gali Kiroundje Ronel McDaniel College 6. Nursing (13) Rachel Gkatongoni Towson University - James Butterfield (attending Katelynn Kling Coastal Carolina University American College of Greece) Joshua Goldberg Salisbury University Matthew Kong University of Maryland Devon Goldstein University of Maryland “I wanted to go to Florida but I Michael Koo University of Michigan picked the wrong Miami” Mariana Gomes Colorado State University Cooper Kroll University of West Virginia - Justin HP (attending Miami Rene Gomez Work University of Ohio) Thomas Kroma Towson University 6 The Warrior • Destinations The Warrior • Destinations 7 May 26, 2021 May 26, 2021

Emily Lamb Penn State University Theo Ng University of Maryland Jadaya Strickland Culinary Arts Megan Lang George Washington University Noah Ngimbi Montgomery College Any Students Going to Big Nicholis Strohmeyer Community College Denver Lauer Millersville University Duong Nguyen University of Maryland Julia Swistak The University of Scranton Chiamara Lawrence Towson University Nathan Nguyendinh UCLA Ten Schools? Audrey Tagg University of North Carolina Charlotte Alexis Le University of Maryland Sonyah Ngwafang University of Maryland University of Maryland - 59 Joshua Tagliere University of Maryland Mason Leber Work Arba Nikiema Salisbury University Nataly Tapia Montgomery College Hannah Lee University of Maryland Molly Niverth University of Maryland Penn State university - 6 Ethan Therrien University of Maryland Mackenzie Lee Howard University Richard Onslow Rochester Institute of Technology Aidan Thompson Gap Year The Ohio State University - 6 Wayne Legendre Indiana University of PA Joao Pagnussati Towson University Tiani Thorne Hampshire College Alex Leonard University of Wisconsin Madison Samuel Palmore University of Delaware University of Michigan - 2 Jenna Timmons University of Texas Austin Jenny Lill James Madison University Ravi Panguluri University of Maryland Hope Tippery University of South Carolina Purdue University - 2 Erik Lin University of Maryland Vasili Papoulias Work Ashley Trejo-Cabrera Montgomery College Sydney Linnell University of Vermont Michael Parker The Ohio State University Indiana University - 1 Aidan Trump Montgomery College Kristina Little UC San Diego James Parks University of Maryland Bruna Tsetezoh Montgomery College Michelle Liu University of Maryland Traci Parks Towson University University of Wisconsin - 1 Johannes Tsigea University of Maryland Amanda Lo Boston University Colin Patil The Ohio State University Miles Vandre Brigham Young University Terence Lo University of Maryland Olivia Velasquez University of Maryland Amelia Lopes University of Tennessee Melanie Velez Community College Tyler Lopes James Madison University How has the pandemic impacted your college Kathryn Venable East Carolina University Victoria Lucas Montgomery College Derick Ventura Montgomery College Elizabeth Ludwick Towson University application process/decision? Taylor Wallace University of Maryland Paul Magin University of Maryland Delaney Walsh University of Maryland Charles Matusek Towson University “Well it was nice to Clara Walz Southern Virginia University “Overall, the pandemic has affected “The pandemic was honestly Jerry McGill not have to submit that best thing to happen to Jack Weinberg St. Mary’s College of Maryland SAT/ACT scores” everybody in making their college Michael McHale US Marine Corps my college application process. Brenda Welch Rochester Institute of Technology - Rudy Kaufman decisions through not having the op- portunity to tour schools, meet athletic Since most colleges became Eliandry Mercedes De Aza UMBC test optional, I did not have to Paige Werden Towson University coaches in person, and also really get “It has let me focus Jaden Meres Trade School take the SAT. It really shows Madison West Montgomery College to see what the school is like. I think on my studies and that standardize testing should Christopher Milke Penn State University the pandemic caused a lot of people to what I want to ma- Abigail Wheatley Barry University not impact whether you go to make their college decision later than jor in and where I Luke Miller Fredrick Community College college.” Eric Wilbur Bridgewater College they would have wanted to.” want to go and not Olivia Miller University of Delaware - Katia Mishler Nick Wilson The Ohio State University - Emily Gravell to choose a college Jacqueline Miller University of Maryland based on my friends. Elana Winter James Madison University Katerena Mishler Towson University “Honestly, the only change that caused any issues would be my abil- So it has helped me Andrew Wischmann West Virginia University Rohan Mittu University of Maryland ity to travel and get a real feel for what the school is like. So many with focusing on my- Allison Wong Georgia Tech self and what I want Justin Morales Montgomery College unforeseen changes have been made that impact the ability to see Isabel Wood Catholic University of America what your life would be like at the various schools.” to do.” Alexia Morinigo-Spalding Duke University - Hope Tippery - Abigail Schmid Lydia Wooden Virginia Tech Cynthia Mulkey Marymount University Sean Yamada Susquehanna University Katherine Nazzaro Appalachian State University Jimmy Yates University of Maryland Alex Neukam West Virginia University Thomas Yates University of Maryland Kate Patterson Penn State University Shae Rudnick University of Findlay Deborah Yosef Salisbury University Matthew Paz Brigham Young University - Idaho Emily Ryan American University Jun Yu Montgomery College How many seniors are Priscilla Perez Montgomery College Hafsa Salman Marymount University Antonia Zagami UMBC Steven Perez Towson University Sophy Sanchez Florida State University Robert Zanville University of South Carolina playing a sport in college? Kate Petronis American University Julia Savelson University of South Carolina Daniel Zarrelli Montgomery College Jaime Petronis American University Rachel Schindel James Madison University Shirley Zheng University of Michigan Divison I - 9 Emma Pfeiffer University of Tennessee Knoxville Abigail Schmid Oral Roberts University Martholdy Pierre-Canel Boston University Carson Seagle Montgomery College Division II - 7 Maria Pizanias Towson University Peter Shin University of Maryland Division III - 8 Michael Plater US Air Force Alexandra Silalahi Purdue University The Warrior attempted to contact all se- Sydney Pollock University of Pittsburgh Rachel Smith-Cohen Cleveland Institute of Music Elias Queiroz Da Silva Gap Year Paige Snyder Louisiana State University niors through Google Surveys shared by “Playing baseball in college has been my goal since I Mukund Raghavan UMBC Lucy Sokol University of Vermont Honors English 12 and AP Lit teachers, was very young and I’m excited Elis Raskin Work Bethany Solangaarachchi Catholic University of America and received 291 responses. However, se- to play at the next level.” - Jake Becker (attending Towson University) Andre Rebelo University of Maryland Danielle Soled Towson University niors who did not respond to the survey or Emily Rogers Towson University Will Steffan James Madison University are not graduating this year, are not in- “I’ve been dancing for so long that it wouldn’t feel Madelyn Rohan Loyola Marymount University Timothy Stephens Northeastern University cluded. The survey was compiled by Jenna right to stop doing it when I have the opportunity William Rousey University of Maryland Caleb Stern Salisbury University to keep going. I didn’t want to necessarily throw my Bloom, Seth Kauffman, and Jimmy Yates. talent away too quickly.” Jalen Royall Howard University Daulton Stewart Shenandoah University - Kristina Little (attending UC San Diego) Seamus Ruane University of Maryland Tricia Strawn Salisbury University 8 The Warrior • Senior Columns May 26, 2021 Thanks Sherwood, but Not Really by Jenna Bloom

I was in middle school when my Mom brought home a copy of “The Warrior” newspaper, a publication I had never heard of before. Flipping through the pag- es, I read columns of graduating seniors (who felt like adults at the time), and stories of how Sher- wood had changed their lives. Now, 5 years later, I am sit- ting down to write one of those very same Senior Columns. I Learning To Soak It All In think my story is a little differ- by Jackson Hongtong year to move up, but I knew my ent though. Like them, I have time would come to be at the front changed tremendously as a person Although I have had years and for the best view. Well, at least I throughout high school, but very years to plan and devise something thought so. few of my transformations have great to write for my own senior Fast forward to March of 2020. been a direct result of Sherwood. column, I still don’t even know School closes down for two weeks, Since Freshman year I have how to begin. I could share one sto- which eventually turned into anoth- felt isolated from the “Sherwood ry and talk about how that shaped er two weeks, and then suddenly I community” as a whole. The my view on something and made realized I was finished with my ju- general atmosphere of the school me change as a person. I could talk nior year. During this time, not only was not comforting or secure, about the many different experi- was I often finding myself alone, especially following an incident ences I have had and how they all but also thinking about all the old where rumors were spread about to conventions and events, going co Editor-in-Chief of The War- have impacted me, giving insight to memories I used to have during me to my entire grade. I shied outside of my comfort zone and rior, and tennis season is rolling everyone reading. You’d think that the school year. Although I used away from football games and making connections with more around again. Then, the virus that I’d be able to come up with some- to rather stay home over going to large events, scared that I would people than I ever thought possi- shall not be named came and de- thing elaborate and intriguing for school, I began to miss the normali- come into contact with the wrong ble. I brought all of this newfound stroyed everything. my last one, right? Well I thought ty of being at school and interacting person or not find anyone I knew. confidence back to school, where But the crazy thing is, once so too, but that will be my point: no with everyone, whether they were a I had no desire to join any clubs, I became Spotlight Editor for I was physically separated from one really knows what will happen, friend, teacher, or even someone I meet new people, or branch out Newspaper and Assistant Student school, I truly became myself. whether it is a surprise test on a had never talked to before. from my classic “middle school Director of Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival. All of the people in the hallways Tuesday or a global pandemic that As I reflect on the senior year turned high school friend group” When I mentioned earlier that I once feared were reduced to keeps you out of school for a whole that wasn’t, I wish I could have had (which eventually fell apart in I struggled with many facets of my black screens on Zoom, and I year, things happen in our lives that the chance to make more of those less than a year). identity, the biggest part was my was in control of who I talked to. we have no control over. The only memories spent in class laughing During this chaos, I joined sexuality. I didn’t know anyone Over the course of the pandemic, thing we do have control over is with my friends and talking about my Jewish youth organization, else at Sherwood like me, mak- I came out to the world, met my what we do during that time and our plans for after the football BBYO. As I went into my soph- ing me feel like I carried around best friends, and I was … happy. I how to make the best of it. game. However, being in quar- omore year, the people I met this huge dark secret that I could realized that all of the things that In the beginning of adoles- antine also gave me some of the through BBYO gave me the con- never tell anyone. I overheard restricted me from loving myself cence, I believed things were easy. best times with both my family fidence to not only be myself, homophobic comments in the were so superficial, and removing In middle school, I made many and friends that would have never but to realize that being myself hallway, making me feel like an them from my life caused an as- friends that I still hang out with and happened otherwise. And honest- was more than enough. As a 10th alien who had something wrong tronomical change in my being. transitioning to high school was ly, that’s the message of this whole grader, I still struggled with many with me. Bottom line, Sherwood So, as I wrap up my Senior never something I was necessarily thing really. There are times and facets of my identity, but things did not serve as a place where I Column, I would like to say thank afraid of. I had my doubts obvious- situations that are totally out of were looking up. I transitioned felt comfortable or accepted, but you. Not to Sherwood, newspa- ly with so many new people, but I your control, but you can still do into a new friend group, had the BBYO did. In BBYO, I found per, Rock ‘n’ Roll, or the tennis knew that was part of the process. the things that you can do and have best tennis season of my life, and people like me, and I made friends team, but to the individual people Homecoming, Friday night foot- fun. The memories of this past year most importantly, I taking who I felt comfortable coming out who served as my escape over the ball games, and parties with friends sure aren’t the ones that I expected Newspaper. to and “sharing my secret” with. past 4 years. I wouldn’t trade my came quickly, giving me some to have for my senior year, but I still I also became president of my We’re now in the middle of high school experience for the of the best memories to date. The have made some good ones. Do not BBYO chapter, and learned valu- my junior year – and life is going world, because I know it has pre- only negative I really ever had was take for granted the time you have able leadership skills and things great. Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival is pared me for one hell of a lifetime having to sit in the back of the stu- now because sooner or later you’ll about myself I never knew. I went happening, I’ve just been named ahead. dent section, having to wait every have no more. Dos and Don’ts of High School by Devon Goldstein DO find a balance between ing that going to get help during your studies and social life. lunch won’t do anything or that Going through high school Even though high school is a you “don’t have the time” ... from freshman to senior year, time to make new friends and trust me, you do and it will be you tend to notice and learn try new things, school is not the worth it. things from your own experi- second priority. School should DON’T compare yourself ences and those around you. come before parties, sports to others. All throughout high Throughout high school I have games, and dances. However, school you will see your peers come to realize that things you should make time to be and friends doing some differ- won’t always go as planned, but with your friends and family. ent things than you are. When you should try to control what Trying hard in school pays off you see this, you should not you can. From my first hand ex- and feels great when you get compare yourself to them. Do- periences and struggles, here is the recognition you deserve ing so will only make you feel a list of my DOs and DON’Ts of but alongside your education, bad about yourself and wish high school. You don’t notice school this may seem very hard high school: finding your group of people you were doing what they were. what you’re missing until it’s not to do; however, over time it DON’T place yourself in and those that will support you Trust me, 80 percent of the time gone. Having a lot of my senior begins to get easier. Trust me. a box. You should always be is a very important part of high they aren’t having as much year taken away from Covid-19 Whether it be one bad grade open to trying new things. High school. fun as they seem to be online. made me realize how special on a test, one mess up at your school prepares students for DO utilize the resources Learning to think and act for all of the little moments you sports game, or missing one college and being independent available to you. Whether it be yourself is very important in experience really are. Cherish small detail during the day, in the real world, so you should teachers, other students, or on- high school. I ended up learn- all of the school dances, foot- don’t work yourself up and be willing to try something new line help, using resources will ing this later on but once I did, ball games, pep rallies, and stress over it. Something I have even if it scares you a little. make a huge difference in your I started becoming an overall individual moments you have learned through my four years Whether it be learning a new success in high school. Just go- happier and better person. with those around you at school in high school is that everything subject or talking to new peo- ing to a teacher during lunch to DO cherish the years you because you only really experi- will work out the way it is sup- ple, trying something that is out get a little extra help on a topic have in high school. Although ence it once. posed to in the end. Move past of your comfort zone can help can improve your grade from a it may seem cheesy, time real- DON’T stress out over the small bumps in the road and you grow. B to an A. Even if you are think- ly does fly by when you’re in the little things. When in high focus on the bigger picture. The Warrior • Senior Columns 9 May 26, 2021 Senior Year In a Pandemic...Sucked by Ryan Duvall What’s Really in a Last Name? by Jimmy Yates In a normal year, most senior columns would be about what I was just a little freshman, we have learned throughout high entering a school ruled by my school, how we have changed, family. My dad worked at Sher- and how we have grown. But wood for four years as a social these are not normal times. In- studies teacher, and both my old- stead, my fellow seniors and er sisters attended and graduated I were forced to attend school from Sherwood before going to virtually the past year, whisking college at the University of Mary- land and Towson University, re- away the dreams of a typical fun spectively. Thus, my name imme- senior year full of good memo- diately triggered the mentioning ries. I’ve had to adjust to life as a of my all-star student sisters and anything. I did struggle with this high school senior learning from my energetic father, besides the family and friends. I had played close to me has any ties to. I find home. a little bit, but that may have also few new or unfamiliar teachers soccer and ran long distance my it strange but rewarding putting Since March of 2020, I have been due to a lack of motivation who spared me from the constant, entire life, and to quit in my first in all my effort and athletic abil- been learning remotely, due to the to insert myself into this new sit- “Oh you’re a Yates?!” followed or second year of high school ity into a sport which I had never Covid-19 pandemic. And to tell uation. by “Your sister was an amazing would put a very unsatisfacto- even considered playing before. the truth, it felt like MCPS, and Ultimately, the most disap- student,” or “Your dad was the ry ending to my athletic career. My coach and teammates often most school systems in general, pointing thing in an already bad best teacher!” I was okay with this truth, but I ask me why I haven’t played had no plan for this. Virtual learn- senior year was the return to It wasn’t the attention or the doubted my parents or friends since freshman year. I have asked ing started out with no Zoom, no in-person classes through Sher- constant praising of my family would understand. My constant myself the same question, as ten- nis is very fun. But instead of re- classes, just a few assignments wood’s hybrid learning, as after that I dreaded, but rather the awk- sneezing, wheezing, and injuries were enough to convince my par- gretting not starting sooner, I am that were due at the end of the numerous delays, it was an unap- ward silence that followed. Both ents to let me stop running track, grateful that I had the idea and the week, and it felt lonely sitting in pealing experience that was just the teacher and I understood that although we decided that I should courage to sign up and play in my as interactive as learning from their expectations had been raised my basement doing school-work stick with soccer a little longer. senior year. for a few hours each day of the home. It felt like a cheap trick, a few levels because of my sib- lings, and they did not want to be I played soccer until my ju- Over the course of my years second semester. However, by the because if your teacher had de- nior year, I enjoyed some parts, at Sherwood, the combination of end of Summer, MCPS seemed to clined to come back to school disappointed. Not to say that the added pressure made it impossi- but I often wished I had quit af- new teachers and different class- be getting their act together, of- you were stuck using Zoom in ble to do well or put effort into ter freshman or sophomore year. es has definitely lowered the rec- fering full online classes through the cafeteria. And with only three school, but it definitely weighed Although I no longer participated ognition and raised expectations of my teachers in the building, Zoom and a real concrete sched- on my shoulders during my first in track, I still ran almost every that usually come with my last it felt like a waste of time, so I ule. And that was fine, as we at few years of high school. day, the only difference was that name. Branching out into my own least had a little normalcy when it opted back out, ending my hope Following in my sister’s foot- I listened to my body more and activities and interests has not came to waking up and attending of a somewhat normal ending to steps, I was also playing soccer through caution and rest days, only brought me new experienc- classes. what fairly can be described as a and running indoor and outdoor I was more easily able to avoid es and lessons, but it has also al- Personally, it was very hard terrible year. But I’m putting that track. I managed to play soccer injury. I chose not to play soccer lowed me to appreciate the recog- to actually learn through these on- in the rearview mirror, and I’m in the fall of my freshman year, my senior year. The strange short- nition my name receives instead line classes, as for most courses going to embrace an optimistic but my hamstring injury suffered ened spring season, along with of dreading it like I used to. My it would typically entail students view that the page is turning on the previous year prevented me my personal reasons, were more sisters and I may have attended getting assignments and teachers the pandemic. Normal times are from running indoor track. I man- than enough for me to sit out, and the same school, participated in the same sports, and been on the being present in case we needed returning, and I’m ready for it. aged to run outdoor track, and I even persuade my parents as well. definitely enjoyed it, but at some Instead, I’m playing tennis same Newspaper staff. However, point between the hamstring this spring. No member of my each of us have our own interests, cramps and the asthma attacks, I family has ever played tennis be- and I am proud of the path I’ve You Are So Gifted fore. It’s exciting and liberating to taken, both in and out of my sis- by Taylor Wallace realized the only reason I was still playing these sports was because participate in an activity which is ter’s footsteps, to get to where I As a self proclaimed I did not want to disappoint my completely my own, and no one am today. “high-striving” student, if I have learned anything from these past four years in high school, it’s the Parting Thoughts from Someone importance of perspective. Going into high school, my academic ego was at an all time high. Up Who’s Way Too Sentimental until that point I only got ‘A’s’ by Hannah Lee and I didn’t plan on stopping. So I’ll admit it: I am a suck- However, it turned out that what I er for typical high school coming coined as just my ambition show- of age media. I spent much of my ing was actually me experiencing the sneaky side effects of gifted preteen years watching movies and kid burnout. It’s very common shows like One Tree Hill, Freaks and Geeks, Perks of Being a Wallflow- amongst kids like me, who was so when I made the conscious ef- a part of a ‘gifted and talented’ fort to switch the narrative in my er, Clueless, and other popular TV program in elementary school, mind and become my own big- representations of teen life. While I to experience repercussions such gest fan, I was able to find peace knew of course these were just enter- as perfectionism, crushing self- in who I was and where I was. I tainment, certain thoughts and scenes doubt, and a decrease in motiva- realized that the flawless image would continue to linger in the back tion once transitioning to a more of myself I had formulated didn’t of my mind. Would I ever get my difficult environment such as high even exist and I acknowledged own tunnel scene? Would my friends erything and like things are looking down in the football field at two in the school. that part of life is constantly being and I return to the playground we up, other times you’ll feel certain morning or the yearly pre-summer Being faced with the reali- a work in progress. That’s when grew up playing in after graduation? that the world and life as you know break barbecues. You’ll look back ty of my academic abilities and I realized that I had to redefine Would high school be as exciting and it is ending (trust me, it’s not). So no, on these memories or even just a few feeling like I wasn’t living up to what being ‘gifted’ meant to me. reckless as it seemed? the movies don’t show the hours of people with a kind of fondness and the title of being ‘gifted’ was the My message here is much Truthfully? Most of the time it’s homework or breakdowns over ex- nostalgia that only looking back on most difficult obstacle I had to more than just that you are more not. It’s often more awkward and ams, but who would want to watch your early youth can provoke. You’ll overcome. When I found myself than your grades, it’s that no mat- tedious as you go through so many that anyway? When it comes down learn to have more empathy for the getting the occasional ‘B’ in my ter where you are in life, you are changes in such a short amount of to it those won’t be the memories you younger versions of yourself because classes, it was extremely dam- gifted. Every day, you are gifted time while squished into a hallway bring with you. you know they were doing the best aging to my confidence. It made with the ability to wake up in the with other strangers doing the same. My point is that your “movie they could given the circumstance me feel like I wasn’t actually as morning and work towards mak- There’s no big upperclassman bully moments” aren’t always going to and while the friends you meet may ‘special’ as everyone had told me ing whatever dreams you have a dumping you in a trash can, and no be these grand schemes or parties or may not be forever ones, they still I was for years. I felt like a fraud. reality. I’ve spent way too much magical transformation that can turn that you may think they’ll be – it’ll leave you with pieces of themselves The shame from not doing as well of my eighteen years on this Earth you from an “underdog” to the most be the moments in between that re- that become a part of your own self, a as I wished in my classes com- beating myself up for falling popular kid in the grade overnight. ally sneak up on you. I never thought constantly growing mosaic. I’ll look pletely tanked my motivation be- short of the unrealistic standards No Project X backyard parties (at I’d miss sneaking off to 7-Eleven or back on those late nights and early cause I had completely convinced I put in place. It wasn’t until I re- least no successful ones). The repet- the pure bliss of walking to a friend’s mornings with people I’ve grown up myself that my best just wasn’t alized that where I am right now itive school days will blend and mesh house after the school day is can- with and in a way it’ll be my own lit- good enough. is where I am meant to be that I and you’ll be inspired, then burnout, celled midway because of a freak tle movie, flaws and all. My saving grace from this was able to break out of the men- then be inspired again, and the cycle snow storm. The conversations and destructive mentality was putting tal cage I had locked myself in. I continues. There’s also a sort of bliss laughs you share with people you P.S. As someone who’s weeks away things into perspective. I had to could not be more excited to take in that. No matter how much you meet in new classes who you never from graduation please don’t think give myself credit for all the hard advantage of my gift every day mess up or do something you re- interact with again when you both you’ll have it all figured out by now. work that I had done. We often and get the chance to go out and gret, it’s really only just high school. get a new schedule. The random spur Have I learned a lot? Sure. Do I know tend to be our own biggest critic fulfill my potential. Some days you’ll feel on top of ev- of the moment decision to go and lie what I’m doing? Absolutely not. :) 10 The Warrior • Senior Columns May 26, 2021 Bumps along the Road When One Door Closes, Another One Opens by Paige Werden by Seth Kauffman From crowded hallways and I thought I had it all figured meeting new people, to taking out. Before I even stepped through hard classes and receiving exten- the doors of Sherwood as a fresh- sive work loads from teachers, man, I had already decided what adjusting to high school life has been very challenging. Stepping my high school career would look into those Sherwood hallways for like. I would be on the basketball the first time, I was completely team, playing Friday night games in unaware of what would lie ahead front of the entire school, and in the of me. I knew that high school spring, I would be a pitcher on the was going to present its challeng- baseball team. I had played basket- es, but I had no idea what unbe- ball and baseball my entire life, and lievable circumstances the world the senior dive captain for the I knew that I wanted to continue do- and I would come to face. Sherwood dive team, as I had par- At the time, my freshman ticipated in both swim and dive at ing so in high school. As an athletic and sophomore years of high Sherwood for the last three years. kid with experience playing com- school seemed to be the hardest I looked forward to singing a lead petitive sports, anything else would two years of my life. I had gone in the 50th anniversary of Rock n’ be out of the question. through so many changes with Roll Revival in front of all of my But what I didn’t realize was friends, constantly trying to find friends and family. And last of all, that high school sports, especially at supportive people to surround I looked forward to applying to as a top-tier school like Sherwood, are myself with. At the same time, many colleges as I could to en- a whole new level of competition. Long story short, I ended up trying closes, another one open.” I swear my family was impacted greatly hance my chances of getting into out for both, but only one of them I made it up myself but apparently by financial struggles. In Sopho- a good school. Sure, I had been playing travel bas- more year, I came to terms with Just as I felt like my world ketball and baseball for years, but ended up working out. Alexander Graham Bell coined it my sexuality and started dating was crumbling underneath me, a I was undersized and high school What I would come to realize first. In any case, two amazing new my current girlfriend. Along with glimpse of hope shone through. athletes are coming from even better later was that getting cut from the experiences presented themselves this, I took my first AP class and As opportunities arose for me, I travel teams and some train all year basketball team forced my hand. It for me when my plans fell through. had troubles balancing my social was able to get my vaccination for their sport. Before, I was playing is impossible to participate in Rock Participating in Rock ‘n’ Roll Re- life with the new workload. All of and I felt my anxieties assuage. on teams with the same guys every ‘n’ Roll and play a winter sport at the vival turned out to be a life-chang- these adversities, though seem- Although Sherwood will not be same time, so after my basketball ing experience, and in the spring, I ingly making my life difficult and providing a senior prom this year, year, and I had good relationships unstable, could never compare to my girlfriend and I can experi- with my coaches. At Sherwood, I plans fell through, I was able to fully ended up starting on the volleyball the struggles experienced in the ence a modified version with our was a small fish in a big pond, com- commit myself to Rock ‘n’ Roll. team and helped lead the team to a years following. friends. Possibly the most excit- peting against big fish who were al- In the spring, I had to readjust division championship. Had I con- As many agree, the past cou- ing of all, I am featured in Sher- ready used to being in big ponds. my priorities once again. Baseball is tinued playing basketball and base- ple years have been very trying wood Music Department’s virtual So, sticking to my precon- possibly the most competitive sport ball, my ambitious athletic goals for us all. For the graduating se- Rock n’ Roll Revival 49.5, along ceived plan, I tried out for the bas- at Sherwood, and I realized I just may have been fulfilled, but I would nior Class of 2021, the Covid-19 with all of my peers I have sang ketball team as a freshman. In the wasn’t as good as the other kids try- never have solidified my passion for pandemic cut short junior year with for the past four years. ing out. But, that rejection made me performing music and playing vol- and took away many students’ Let’s not sugar coat it: 2020 days leading up to tryouts, I noticed abilities to experience a real se- and most of 2021 were grueling a sign inviting students to audition look forward to next spring, when I leyball. nior year. This meant no prom, no and disappointing. However, this for Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival. I knew could try out for volleyball. I took High school marks a big transi- Rock n’ Roll Revival, no winter does not mean good things did what Rock ‘n’ Roll was, and I re- advanced volleyball as a gym class tion in your life that brings change, sports, and possibly never seeing not come from this difficult year. membered coming to see the pro- my freshman year, and fell in love excitement, and new opportunities. our favorite teachers in a school I have learned first hand that life duction as a fifth grader, but I wasn’t with the sport through that experi- So keep your mind open to the pos- environment again. will throw curve balls and bumps sure if I wanted to do it. It was a big ence. sibility of new experiences, because Stuck behind a screen, my along the road ahead. The most commitment, and I would already After getting cut from baseball, sometimes fate has different plans anxiety levels increased as the important thing we can do is to be I adopted “when one door for you. Covid-19 pandemic worsened. grateful for the good things that have basketball to worry about. I had longed for that perfect de- have come from 2020 and thank piction of senior year; having the the bad things for teaching us time of my life with those I loved valuable lessons about persever- Looking Back on High School most. I looked forward to being ance, patience, and hardships. by Ella Casey With Home, There’s Distance Looking back at the person I was in freshman year I see an by Lucy Sokol astronomical difference to who I am now. However, if you told me For much of my life I struggled back then how much the past four to identify what my home really years would impact me, I would was, and with divorced parents, two have told you how stupid or cli- separate houses made “home” such chė that sounds. The fact of the a complex thought. We all know the matter is, you never realize how saying, “Home is where the heart much you really grow until you is,” and while my heart has roamed look back at the old ‘you’ and to various places, in the last four cringe at your past self, reminisce on your past experiences, and years, it has placed itself at Sher- laugh about your past worries. wood. I know, I know, it’s cheesy to I cannot pinpoint any spe- say, but a majority of my unforget- cific factors or exact moments in table memories and life lessons root which this growth occurred, but back to Sherwood and the town of ing music with my friends in my I can certainly say that I am not Olney. 2013 Corolla, and feeling pain in the same person I was when I first These last four years have my stomach after laughing hysteri- wandered the maze of halls that computer science course and kept son. Some people totally figure strapped me on a rollercoaster that cally with my sisters. I am going to was Sherwood High School my the ball rolling until now when it themselves out and they know had me experience some of the miss being under the Sherwood sta- freshman year. There was always is my intended major. who they are, what they want, hardest lows as well as numerous dium lights and watching my little that stereotype that high school But just because I found a and what they stand for. For me, highs. From coming to terms with sister perform during halftime. I will is the time when people totally course I really enjoyed didn’t I figured out that I don’t really find out who they are as a person, mean I stopped exploring op- know who I am, but that’s okay, I my sexuality, fighting against my so- deeply miss getting into heated ral- who they fit in with and what they tions throughout high school, don’t need to yet. People change cial anxiety, and taking more risks, I lies with my dad on the tennis court, want to do with their lives--again, like I said: it is a time for ex- all the time, so I don’t have to fit would like to say I have transformed and the smile my mom presented to I thought all this was clichė non- perimentation and having fun. I into any few traits, which in itself into a more dynamic character. The me every time she came home from sense. Which it is. But there is decided to take a diverse set of is self-discovery--and one that character that would purposely ac- work. some truth to it. subjects, things I was fascinated I think is quite common among cept a job that forces them to get out As my senior year comes to an By no means does every per- by; it didn’t matter that I thought high-schoolers. of their comfort zone, and eventual- end, I would just like to thank my son come out of high school with I wouldn’t make a career out of Overall, high school was not ly stop obsessing over what others girlfriend as well as all the teachers, their whole life figured out--In it. I took Photography because it what I thought it would be, and think, and begin prioritizing self- coaches, friends, and family mem- fact, no one fully does. That being intrigued me--I had never held a it influenced me in ways I never love and personal growth. bers who gave me unconditional said, high school is a time for ex- camera in my life but my mom really realized before or thought perimenting and messing around had one so I thought ‘why not’; that it could. Despite this, I know Attending University of Ver- support during my time at Sher- to find out what you really do en- I took AP level history courses there is plenty more change to mont in the fall means that I will wood, as I never thought I would joy and want to spend your life because I enjoy learning about it come in college and beyond. So be 510 miles away from home. An ever have the opportunities and doing. Coming into high school I and wanted to go more in depth; if I have one piece of advice that eight hour drive or a two hour plane skills I have today. Huge thank you was planning for a whole differ- I took Psychology because I I’ve gathered in the past four ride that brings me both excitement to The Warrior for always being an ent career path than I am on now thought it would help me under- years it is: work hard in high and sorrow. I would like to say I will outlet for me to express my voice heading towards college. Before stand myself and others more; I school, but don’t think you have not cry during my next trip up there, and never turning down my random freshman year I had never taken a took Newspaper so I could learn to have your life all figured out. but as I am writing this my opin- or sporadic ideas. As the curtains computer science class. The only more about the world and write/ Try out new things, find out what ion is slowly shifting. Montgomery close, I look forward to what the fu- time I had had a computer-based research about the things that I you like and find what bores you. County will forever be in my heart ture holds for me and I hope I can course was computer art, which was curious about. Explore your options, and you is a totally different field. But -af As for finding out who you may even end up finding your and I am going to miss every second keep a good grasp on what I now ter this one class, I took another are, that depends on the per- passion along the way. I am away. I am going to miss blast- call my distanced home. The Warrior • Senior Columns 11 May 26, 2021 It’s Just Like Kindergarten Started From the Bottom Now I’m Here by Martholdy Pierre-Canel by Aaron Jaffe that one day I will move up high I‘ve always been the person enough in the world to repeat who usually had to ask her parents The year is 2017 and I am this experience and develop re- for permission to do things three nothing but a wide-eyed fresh- lationships with pro athletes. business days beforehand and the man with two things in my mind: After getting a few beat one who could never sleep over jobs under my belt, I felt more because I was in a strict house- I love sports, and I like to talk hold. Surprisingly though, the about them as much as I can. I comfortable in my writing than girl who had to be home by mid- decided to see what I could do ever. Over the next two years, night is soon to be crossing state with this little bit of knowledge I wrote about boys varsity bas- lines and eventually border lines. and signed up for the now extinct ketball, boys lacrosse (again), At this very moment I feel journalism class at Sherwood. wrestling, and the biggest sport more curiosity and excitement The class began by focusing on at the school, football. To be en- than nervousness, but big chang- gaged with the school and the es like moving to college do not if something had ever gone wrong current events and precise gram- necessarily register completely my family was always in a close mar work, not entirely what I ex- players was possibly my most until it’s time to actually move. I vicinity and at the end of the day, pected but it gave me the proper enjoyable high school experi- had spent my whole life here in I could always come home. My writing skills, unique techniques, ence and my most significant Olney. My friends, family, and friends had been my friends since and a style of writing that I use contribution to Sherwood in my school are here. I’ll always re- middle school or the beginning of with each and every piece of two and a half years of in per- member being on three-hour-long high school; I had already gone writing I create. son learning. My writing was facetimes with my friends look- past that “getting to know them” ing for apartments at our dream stage and had already picked who Fast forward a few months also not just limited to cover- locations, especially Boston. I to keep in my close circle. Moving of “doing the dirty work” and ing Sherwood sports. I covered figured it wouldn’t hurt, so I de- 427.7 miles to Boston is a restart my friend Jackson and I were as- all four major U.S. professional and write about sports from the cided to apply to Boston Univer- button. It was like I had reverted signed to cover the girls varsity sports, as well as college basket- quarantined bubble of my home. sity. Fast forward some months back to kindergarten, knowing no basketball team, the first of many ball and football. I wrote articles The college process began and to me opening my decision letter one and knowing nothing about beat reporting jobs. We went to on everything from mock drafts, I looked for schools that would in the church parking lot (there the new world I was entering. to season predictions, to march allow me to write and enjoy a is something spiritual about that Boston is a tapestry made of the games, we interviewed play- but that is a talk for another time) different cultures and it has left ers and coaches, and I felt like I madness brackets, to opinions on big time sports scene. A few and I was welcomed with red me wondering since I was accept- could do this for the rest of my teams, and reactions to the big- short months later, I received and white confetti and the word ed if it’d change me for the worse life. It was the rush of feeling gest events from the sports world my acceptance to the Univer- “Congratulations!” printed in big or for the better. Change and in- that you knew more than the av- at their time. Writing about my sity of Maryland as well as an bold letters to spend one semes- dependence, though, is vital to erage fan and had that inside in- hometown DC teams and other acceptance to the Phillip Mer- ter in Boston and one semester in growing as an adult. Learning formation that was only captured pro level sports teams was the rill School of Journalism. Be- London. about yourself, your fears, your most natural writing for me and ing in my home state at one of I was overly excited for a likes and dislikes, and how you by you. Once the season ended, new change. I was running on a act in certain situations is bound I followed up with another beat, confirmed what I had wanted to the best journalism programs senioritis high watching every to happen and now just happens this time with boys lacrosse. I do with my life. in the country was something a dorm tour, dorm review, day in to be our time, like kindergarten. had prior friendships with many The pandemic came, and my freshman me would have only the life, etc. practically anything In the same way I conquered that of the players on the team, and it writing was put on pause. How- dreamed about. Now as a senior that YouTube showed me. I was foreign feeling of a new environ- made the whole experience more ever, because of Mr. Huck, the with only a few short weeks to convinced that I was ready to ment, even if it was only elemen- enjoyable feeling like a friend of newspaper teacher/overseer-er go, I will look back on my time press the commit button until tary school, I am tasked with the the time came when I actually same inevitable endeavor that I the team, rather than an annoying of all, it wasn’t for long before at Sherwood as memorable steps had to do it. Given the approval too will conquer again. So yes, media member. I can only hope I was able to get involved again towards my future. by my parents to move, my heart homesickness is inevitable but sank and my entire childhood had who says Boston can’t be home flashed before my eyes. At home, too? Remember Warriors, Take It Slow Focusing on the Bigger Picture by Aidan Trump by Sudha Sudhaker As I prepare to move on from Sherwood, I’m struck by a mul- As I look back on my high titude of varying emotions. I’m school experience, it seems like anxious, yet full of anticipation just yesterday that I was an incom- for the years ahead. I am excited ing freshman at orientation. It’s to further broaden my horizons safe to say that I never expected my and I look forward to tackling four years at Sherwood to shape new challenges in college and me as much as it did. Oftentimes, beyond. Still, there is a part of students don’t expect their classes me that wishes I could go back to be among the most memorable to my first day as a freshman and experiences of high school, but in remember what it was like to be a my case, electives that I committed clinical rotations in the mornings at newbie in the building. I was un- to ended up really giving me a di- a retirement home. This was where rection for my future and defining I got a chance to care for residents willing to believe the corny cliche my high school years. and listen to their stories. This was everyone told me, the one about One of my most unforgetta- an unforgettable experience that how “high school can have the ble experiences was being in the showed me how I can make a dif- potential to change your life.” med-sci program since ninth grade, ference in someone’s life. Until recently, going to Sher- granted the repetition of waking up, something that we have all as the experiences solidified my During sophomore year, I wood day in and day out gave up at the same time each morn- wished for at one point or anoth- decision to go to nursing school. decided to join newspaper class, me a false sense of permanence ing and seeing the same familiar er, doesn’t just mean having new Spending class periods taking notes which was one the best decisions and security. For better or worse faces of my friends and teachers. freedoms and exciting experienc- on different bodies and diseases ac- I made in high school. Newspaper it felt never-ending, but now as Now as I think about college, the es. Growing up means taking on tually became interesting to me. class gave me an outlet to discon- I brace myself for the unknown next chapter in my life, I’m ner- new responsibilities, and giving Getting to dissect a cow’s heart nect from the stresses of school I look back upon my past four vous. It’s the nervousness that up youth and impulsivity. sophomore year and then getting and simply be creative. Moreover, years at Sherwood fondly. During comes with any break or change If I could offer one piece of to witness an open heart surgery the Warrior has provided me with a my time at Sherwood I didn’t in a cycle. The advent of the coro- advice to any underclassman, it during a field trip junior year were community that I will always cher- just learn academia, I learned navirus pandemic and the ensuing would be to take it slow and en- definitely some of my most memo- ish. I’m glad that I took the initia- real life skills. Playing on Sher- quarantine gave me an under- joy your time instead of wishing rable moments. My junior year in tive to try something new and join wood’s various sports teams standing of how quickly a cycle high school was over. Each day the med-sci program was certainly the Warrior. required teamwork and taught can change. offers a new opportunity to learn the most demanding. The first unit Even though I missed the tradi- me accountability. The rigorous After having had a glimpse and grow. High school really does exam I took I got a C on, which was tional senior year experience, I am course loads of my AP classes of how life can transform in an in- “have the potential to change discouraging. However, I realized satisfied with the experiences and that I needed to manage time my memories I had at Sherwood. I will meant I would spend hours into stant I found myself having more your life,” and if you’re not care- better and have better study skills. definitely miss the little moments the night studying, which taught and more reverence for my past ful your time at Sherwood can Countless hours were dedicated to that defined my high school experi- me determination. Sherwood in- in all of its structured familiarity. pass in the blink of an eye. Even study different disease processes, ence like walking to class with my troduced me to people with vastly For me, this sentiment is best re- at the start of my senior year, memorizing medical terms, and best friends or even the last minute different personalities and -back flected in a line taken from Vam- graduation and college seemed learning how to perform different reviewing on Quizlet before the AP grounds, which taught me open pire Weekend’s “Step.” “Wis- an eternity away, but now it’s as nursing duties. Of course, it was Lang vocab quiz. My best advice to mindedness. Everything I learned dom’s a gift, but you’d trade it for if the reality of my situation has not easy at all, but I knew that this any incoming freshman would be at Sherwood played a part in my youth. Age is an honor, it’s still hit me all at once. Thankfully, al- was the path I wanted and was de- to try new things and take advan- personal growth these past four not the truth.” For me, that line though I’m nervous, I feel ready. termined to succeed. The dedica- tage of Sherwood’s many oppor- years, shaping me into the person has taken on greater importance My time at Sherwood served me tion paid off and I ended up passing tunities and academic programs. I am today. and has become a personal man- well. I am ready to face new chal- my final exam.The last semester of Cherish your time in high school Now I see how I was in such tra. The line is bittersweet and lenges and to continue my life’s junior year was spent in completing because it really does fly by. a rush to grow up. I took for serves as a reminder that growing journey. 12 The Warrior • Seniors’ Advice May 26, 2021 - “One piece of advice that I would give young “I would advise incoming student to think er students is to be an advocate for yourself. hard about electives. These electives broaden your interests and I would have never found I think that starting to advocate for myself at - my true career path without completing a younger age taught me to be more inde classes in computer science. These electives pendent. I think it is important because your should be within your interest and to further parents are not going to be there for you your education in a subject you love.” when you go away for school.” - Emma Babcock - Alison Keller “Don't put too much pressure on yourself in regards to grades and standardized test scores. Work your hardest, do your best, and whatever happens happens. You will be successful no matter what college you aspire to go to as long as you are devoted and have a strong work ethic.” - Ethan Onslow “High school is hard. New challeng- es arise just when you think you get “Everything happens for a break; it's worth it. Keep working, a reason whether that keep trying, but don't forget to give In a survey be a test grade, a college yourself a break here and there. decision, a friendship, it Your efforts won't go unnoticed and given to is supposed to happen they will get you further than you so let it. You cant control ever could have imagined.” Sherwood seniors, outside forces so dont try - Rachel Best to - it will make your life The Warrior asked so much simpler.” “School is not a rush, take - Paige Snyder your time and make sure for the advice they you do your best in high school because your high would pass down school performance will to younger “Learn to balance your life. determine if colleges will Don’t take school for granted, accept you or not. Be patient students. do the work because it’ll only and understanding because make the future easier. But that's the key to success.” Here are some also, don’t dwell on doing poorly - Biem Gabrielle on a test, you’re here for a short responses: time so make memories.” - Matthew Kong

“Don’t be afraid to send that cold call email, reach out to somebody, or take a risk! “Opportunities are our there for you, - Risks end up being the most rewarding, but you have to look for them. You and they are the actions that we remember have access to so many more resourc at the end of everything.” es and choices than you think you do, but you’ll need to ask for them and do - Tessa Block the research.” “Find a group of people - Lily Groff “Not everything is that are loyal and trust- so serious, some- worthy, because my “My advice is to start the college pro- times you just friends have been my rock cess early and to do lots of extracur- gotta take a step since freshman year and it riculars. Applying to colleges can be really helped me through stressful if you do it last minute so I rec- back and relax.” my high school career.” - Caleb Stern ommend you start in the summer going - Madeline Hogentogler into your senior year.” - Katie Feeney