Fall Sports
Wrap-Up
pp. 21-24
Vol.13
No. 1
The Shield
“Serving the Laurel High Community
Since 1995.”
Dec. 2007
Laurel High School
Homecoming
Gallery of Photos
pp. 11-14
Laurel, MD
25 cents
Majority of Students Conform to New Uniform Policy
Evolving Policy Has Seen Decrease in Violators
By Kristin Dwyer
“The majority of the students
have adapted to the uniform
policy and it’s not an issue to most
of them,” explains Laurel High
Principal Dwayne Jones. This
school year marks the very first
time that Laurel High has enforced
mandatory uniforms for the
student body. The general school
uniform consists of khaki pants or
shorts for the boys and khaki skirt,
skorts, shorts or pants for the girls.
Both girls and boys may wear royal
blue, white or gold (Laurel’s
school colors) polo or oxford style
shirts. The shoes must be black
and white or a combination of the
two colors.
Since the beginning of the
school year the number of uniform
violations has fallen. Laurel High
School Parent Liaison Lorese
Redfield, who handles violations
when violators are sent to the
office, explains, “The number of
uniform violations has decreased
significantly since school began.
Currently 10-15 students are sent
down daily. Some are repeat
offenders. Even with these small
amount of violations, Redfield still
thinks
there
could
be
improvement.” One must take into
consideration the school
population of almost 1800 when
analyzing the small amount of
offenders.
Why have a uniform policy?
Jones states, “Having a uniform
[policy] stops gang members from
displaying their colors and garb.”
The school also believes that
uniforms help to stop violence and
hopes that the new policy will instill
a sense of pride in Laurel’s
students. Uniforms also strive to
break down the barriers between
different socioeconomic groups.
Jones further explains that
the uniform policy has given the
school a more sophisticated,
mature look that also helps the
students focus. Since the uniform
policy has been enforced at Laurel
High, there has been a decrease in
the number of fights at this point
in the school year.
As far as in-school
suspensions go, there has been an
increase since the uniform policy
has been enforced. When a
student is out of uniform
compliance for the first time, he or
she is sent to In-School
Suspension (ISS). Some agree
with this punishment, and others
disagree, in particular, the
students. Should you be sent to
ISS for being out of compliance for
Homecoming King and Queen
Queen India Bell and King Olaniran Ogunleye
For a Gallery of
Homecoming Photos
See pp. 11-14
the first time, or should there be a
type of warning?
Many of the violations that
Arielle Songong (Fashion
Diva) was recognized for
proper uniform attire.
are now occurring fall within the
details of the uniform policy such
as wearing a shirt with a logo,
wearing a non-white t-shirt under
your shirt, wearing cargo shorts,
and wearing unofficial jackets or
sweaters.
Jones explains that the
policy is evolving and there have
been some student-favorable
changes. School spirit wear may
be worn on any day. This means
that if you have a Laurel sports
team jacket, or organization shirt
such as newspaper, SGA or TV
production, one may wear these
in place of your uniform shirt.
Another important change
that was made last month is the
coat/jacket policy. A meeting of a
representative body of teachers
was held in late October to discuss
the jacket policy. Jones, with input
from the teachers, decided that
jackets/coats could be worn
during the school day except for
inside the classroom, where they
would have to be taken off and put
either on a student’s chair or in a
designated area the teacher has
chosen.
Why are some people against
Christopher Holloway (Mr.
GQ) was honored with a
“Best Dressed” banner.
uniforms? Some say that uniforms
take away individuality, inhibit a
student’s freedom of choice, cost
too much, and aren’t comfortable.
(continued on p. 17)
HSA Scores Continue to Improve
Laurel Achieves “Annual Yearly Progress” Two Years
Consecutively and Is Removed from State Watch List
By Nikki Lust
“It is very exciting that Laurel
made AYP again this year and is
now off of the state watch list
because it proves that the teachers
are doing a good job, students are
taking a more active interest in
their education, and parents are
more involved in their child’s
success,” comments Carrie Curry,
Laurel’s Instructional Coordinator.
“I think that if we continue to be
as innovative as possible within
the curriculum restraints, engage
students, and continue to invite
parents to be a partner in their
education, Laurel can keep making
AYP and stay off of the state
watch list.”
Laurel High School, after
failing to meet Adequate Yearly
Progress (AYP) for three preceding
years, has met this standard for the
last two consecutive years, which
took the school off of the state list
for school improvement. When a
school fails to make AYP for two
years in a row, they enter school
improvement status, a position
appointed to poorly performing
schools that may eventually lead
to the state taking over the school.
Once a school is established with
this condition, only meeting AYP
for two consecutive years can
take a school off the list.
“I think it’s great,” Laurel
High School’s Principal Dwayne A.
Jones exclaimed. “We’re going to
do something to celebrate!”
With Laurel High School
showing improvements in two out
of the four HSAs and being taken
“...it proves that
the teachers are
doing a good job,
students are taking
a more active
interest in their
education, and
parents are more
involved in their
child’s success.”
-Instructional
Coordinator Carrie Curry
off of the state watch list for
school improvement due to
meeting Adequate Yearly Progress
(AYP) for two consecutive years,
the LHS students affected by the
requirement may have some
additional options to graduate if
they are struggling on the
standardized tests. A project
option, known as the Bridge Plan,
is one of these alternatives, and it
can allow a student who meets
certain criteria to complete a
project equivalent to the HSA’s
rigor in order to meet their
graduation requirement.
Although Maryland
high school students graduating
in the Class of 2009 or above have
been told that they must pass the
four High School Assessments
(HSAs) in order to receive their
diploma, new alternatives aimed to
help struggling young pupils
graduate have recently been
approved by the Maryland State
Department of Education (MSDE).
Despite the fact that
students must pass the High
School Assessments in order to
graduate if they are in the Class of
2009 or above, the “Bridge Plan for
Academic Validation,” which was
first proposed by the State School
Superintendent, Nancy S.
Grasmick, was approved, through
a divided Maryland State Board
of Education vote on Wednesday,
October 31. The Bridge Plan is
(continued on p. 17)
The Shield
PAGE 2
Editorial
The Shield
Will Wasteful Students Bring Spartan Hour to an End?
L
aurel High is the only high school
in the county where a student has
almost an hour to eat lunch, do
some school work, acquire some extra help
from teachers, socialize or meet with a club.
This time, known as Spartan Hour, was
introduced last year with the hope of
students making some wise decisions in
using these various opportunities to their
advantage.
Unfortunately, not all
students use Spartan Hour the way it was
intended. Too many students are wasting
the opportunities for tutoring and
spending too much time socializing.
Because of this there has been
announcements from the administration
that Spartan Hour could come to an end.
Announcement
after
announcement has been made in an
attempt to incite students to “do the right
thing,” but nothing seems to be working.
With fear of dropping GPAs it’s really no
wonder that they’re talking about ending
Spartan Hour.
For the past two years Spartan
Hour has been a favorite part of the
school day for many students who value
the extra time they are given to socialize
and seek academic help when necessary.
Students have explained that it provides the
opportunity to do things that otherwise would
be difficult such as completing make-up work
and talking personally with teachers. Some
use it to complete homework not finished the
night before.
In a school of over 1800, the majority
of students do use Spartan Hour wisely. Most
classrooms are filled with students eating,
being tutored, working or using computers.
Although it’s the minority of students who
waste their time, they are usually the ones
who need the tutoring the most. Some
students who have low grades aren’t
attending the mandatory tutoring sessions
they have been assigned.
Maybe it was too much to ask of
the students to make mature decisions and
use Spartan Hour the right way. No one
expects anyone not to socialize or not to eat
lunch, but the hallway loitering makes it look
like you are wasting time. Why not go into a
classroom, the computer labs, or the library
and do something worthwhile. Don’t make it
look so obvious that you’re not using your
time wisely.
It is this frustration that drives the
administration to make the threat of going
back to the old lunch schedule, which
consisted of 4 different shifts throughout
the course of third period with certain
classes assigned to one of the lunch
periods.
In this situation one had a limited
time for lunch and was not allowed to leave
the cafeteria (or courtyard) unless you had
a pass for a teacher. This is obvious far less
freedom than the present Spartan Hour.
Reverting back to the old schedule
would mean a loss of valuable time and
freedom, and if the student body doesn’t
want this to happen, then it is time to get
their act together. Spartan Hour was not
intended as recess.
Students who use this time wisely,
continue to do it. Students who waste away
Spartan Hour and just hang out in the halls,
don’t spoil it for the majority of the students
who think Spartan Hour is fantastic. Start
using your time wisely and reap the benefits
of the many opportunities of the hour. It
seems that the decision to end Spartan Hour
is in your hands. Let’s hope that the student
body can count on you for helping us keep
Spartan Hour.
Voice of the Students
Crossing Guards Could
Ensure Safety
Dear Editor,
On November 6, a student was
struck by a car while on her way to
school. She was doing the right thing
by walking in the crosswalk but it obviously didn’t matter. The day before
that there was another accident involving a bus and a car. The problems
started to occur when the crossing
guards no longer worked mornings.
For the protection of students, staff,
and parents there should be crossing
guards in the morning and afternoon.
Senior Patty Contic
November/December 2007
county? They are currently first and second. Coincidence? I think not. Having
quality tennis courts available on school
grounds would affect the status of the
Laurel High School tennis team-maybe
even give us the power to beat Roosevelt.
Sophomore Kevin McLaughlin
Students Long for Dress
Down Days
School Spirit Roused for
Baseball Team
Dear Editor,
Do you know what really grinds my
gears? The baseball team is one of, if
not the best team at Laurel High
School. We always have a winning
record. However, the fan support is
scarce. We don’t receive the hype for
a big game during school like the football
team does. The baseball team competes
against rival teams like Roosevelt and
Bowie too. The team should be
promoted more to get the fan support
we have never gotten.
Sophomore Logan Churchwell
& Senior Brian Robison
Dear Editor,
I think that we should be able to have
dress down days. I think this is a good
idea because when I went to a private
middle school we had dress down days
at least once a month. The students would
pay a dollar to wear their regular clothes
Build New Tennis Courts to school for that one day. Paying a dollar
Pleas for New Machines,
was a good idea because one could raise
Dear Editor,
As most of you should know, Lau- money for the school or for a charity. The Regular Sodas, and Continued
Spartan Hour
rel High School has one of the best students need dress down days. We need
tennis teams in Prince George’s to express ourselves!
Dear Editor,
Sophomore Caitlin Raynor
County. We often place third right afI think that we need a new vending
ter Roosevelt and Bowie.
Congratulations to
machine because sometimes it takes my
Of course, there is always room
money. I don’t always have time to go
Girls’ Soccer
for improvement, and the lack of avail- Dear Editor,
to the office or main lobby to report the
able tennis courts on school grounds
I just want to congratulate the girl’s problem. Also, we need to put regular
is affecting our quality of practice. soccer team on an awesome season. sodas back in the machine. The “ZERO”
Most of you know that there are in Being one of the five seniors on the team, sodas are disgusting! By the way I heard
fact two tennis courts in the back of I was very proud of how far we went. I that they are taking away Spartan Hour
the school, which recently have been also, wanted to thank Coach Craig for next year. I will be highly disappointed if
used as a skate park. The school being a great coach. I know I speak for it is taken away. I actually go to tutoring
should consider fixing it up a bit. It the whole team when I say that I learned and spend my time wisely during the
would not be too expensive seeing so much from him. Anyway, congrats to hour. In conclusion, new vending
what needs to be restored. Both everyone and I hope the winning streak machines, put back regular sodas, and
Roosevelt and Bowie have quality ten- continues next year.
do not take away Spartan Hour!
nis courts. And where are they in the
Senior Courtney Branch
Sophomore Gloria Tran
The Shield is published by the students of
Laurel High School,8000 Cherry Lane, Laurel
MD 20707. It is sold at the price of twenty-five
cents per issue. The Shield is a member of the
Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the
Maryland Scholastic Press Association, the
American Scholastic Press Association and the
International Quill and Scroll Society.
Staff
EDITORS
DITORS
Managing Editors
Melita Bell
Patti Contic
Nachelle Edwards
Krystal Gabel
Nikki Lust
Layout Editor
Melita Bell
Photo Editor
Patty Contic
Copy Editors
Krystal Gabel
Kaydee Kostishak
Nikki Lust
Ra’Neta Oliver
Rikkea Yates-Jackson
News
Ra’Neta Oliver
Feature
Jeneba Samking
Sports
Caitlin Raynor
Entertainment
Nachelle Edwards
Jocelyn Berry
Opinion
Alaina Alexander
Exchange
Kristin Dwyer
MANAGERS
Advertising : Franklin Abarca
Public Relations : Courtney Branch
Buisness : Kristin Dwyer
Circulations : Courtney Branch
Patrons : Caitlin Raynor
Unclassifieds : Kaydee Kostishak
Librarians : Franklin Abarca
News Briefs: Nikki Lust
R
REPORTERS
EPORTERS
Shelby Donaldson
Tano Eroraha
Mohammed Khan
Anam Qureshi
Luly Ramirez
ADVISOR
DVISOR
A
Robert Giuliani
RINCIPAL
PRINCIPAL
Dwayne Jones
The objectives of The Shield are to report all
news pertinent to the interest of students and
staff in an objective manner, to heighten awareness in the student body, to increase involvement in student affairs, to provide entertainment, and above all, to provide a medium of
support and encouragement of the ideals expressed in the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America.
Editorials in The Shield represent the views
of the editors. They do not necessarily reflect the
views of the administration, faculty, student body,
advisor, or other members of the staff.
Letters to the editor are welcomed and encouraged. Letters must be signed and written in
good taste, and are subject to editing. Please
deposit letters in Mr. Giuliani’s mailbox, email
them to [email protected], or give
them to any member of the staff.
The Shield
November/December 2007
PAGE 3
New School Store Scheduled to Open Second Semester
Aim Is for Business-Oriented Students to Run the Store.
By Kristen Dwyer
“It’s constructed, stocked
and ready to go,” explains
Laurel High PTSA President
Monique Holland. What is she
talking about? Laurel High
will soon be opening a school
store which will be located in
the gym lobby. It is in a space
that was
“It’s constructed,
stocked and ready
to go.”
-Laurel High
PTSA President
Monique Holland
previously used as a storage
room for the baseball team.
Renovations have been made.
A new counter for students to
purchase and view items has
been installed as well as
changes to the shelving.
The local shop will be
stocking merchandise ranging
from pencils to exquisite
calculators and other available
items for teachers and staff.
However, the school store is
more than a “convenience
store” for school supplies; it is
hoped that its shelves will be
stocked with items that can
help build your academic
success too.
The founder and originator
of this idea for a school store
is Holland. PTSA Board
members also contributed to
the plans for the store as well.
Laurel High Principal Dwayne
Jones replied enthusiastically
that Holland was the “push
behind the idea of having a
school store.”
An issue that is still being
contemplated is whether a
group of entrepreneur students
should run the store. Jones
explains, “I am looking for a
trustworthy and responsible
group of students to run the
school store properly.” Also the
students will need to find time
for marketing and business
procedures.
In addition to offering school
supplies, the process of a
school store also helps
business students achieve
academic skills through a real
entrepreneurial experience.
The students who will be
working the school store will
not be paid, but will be earning
The shelves are stocked and ready for sale in the new
community service hours.
store will be a success.” The
Holland explains, “The goal store’s aim is not primarily
is to have the store open a half profit, but the money made
an hour before school and a from the school store will be
half an hour after school. Also used to help our school and
it would be great to have it our sports teams.
open during Spartan Hour.”
The school store is
When Parent Liaison expected to be up and running
Lorese Redfield was asked after winter break. The school
about the school store, she store is a way students can
replied, “I believe the school market products to their peers
school store.
while the school provides them
with a supportive environment.
The school store is in the
process of becoming a fullfledged business that will serve
a role for the student body.
The City of Laurel and
Laurel’s PTSA split the
expenses of the renovations.
Devine Home Improvements
performed the renovations.
LHS Graduate McCormick
Recovering from Accident
Taking Physical Therapy after Multiple Operations
Class of 2007 Graduate Julian McCormick is still recovering from injuries
sustained in a car accident which took place on Sept. 1. After being missing for
eight days, from his wrecked car, McCormick dragged himself up a ravine to the
shoulder of the road and was discovered by a passing motorist. He was airlifted
to Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C.
McCormick has had approximataely sixteen surgeries to help repair damage to both
his upper thighs which were injured in the
accident.
Peggy McCormick, Julian’s mother,
states, “His spirits and resolve are very
strong.” She adds that physical therapy has
started and is going well. After six weeks of
intensive care, he is now able to stand with
the help of physical therapy and the walker.
Julian’s mother said that his goal is to
walk out of the hospital. He wants to come
home for Christmas, but that hasn’t been
determined yet. His mother also added that
he was very thankful for all the prayers and
well-wishers.
If you would like to send a a card or
letter to Julian, one may mail it to his home
address and his mom would be happy to deliver it to him.
Julian McCormick
11202 Laurel Grove Court
Laurel, MD 20708
Despite a slow recovery, Julian
McCormick’s spirit is strong.
PAGE 4
Nov./Dec. 2007
The Shield
Hispanic Heritage Night Displays a Proud Culture
By Rosey Batres
It is no secret that Laurel
High School has a large Hispanic
population. It is therefore no surprise
that the arrival of Hispanic Heritage
Month (September 15-October 15) was
eagerly awaited.
In order to show pride in
Laurel High’s Hispanic community and
to share its unique culture with others,
Foreign Language Instructor Kamali
Williams and the members of the
“Raices y Alas” Club arranged to hold a
Spanish Heritage Night at the school.
After preparing for an entire
month and with thanks to the efforts
of Williams and students Michelle
Gutierrez, Bertha Escobar, Carolina
CSLP Receives
$10,000 Grant
LHS’s Cooperative Satellite
Learning Project Class (CSLP), which
is taught by Mr. Roy Avedon, was
selected to receive a community grant
worth $10,000 from Honeywell
Hometown Solutions for the year
2007.
Honeywell Hometown
Solutions is the community outreach
program of Honeywell Aerospace.
This program is dedicated to
improving communities where
Honeywell people live and work in
three important areas of need, which
include Math and Science Education,
Housing and Shelter, and Family
Safety and Security. Laurel’s CSLP
class has been honored with this
donation due to Honeywell’s
appreciation for their contributions to
our community and efforts that make
things better in our “hometown.”
LHS Experiences
Lockdown
Laurel High School was placed on
lockdown due to a police incident that
occurred before the beginning of the
school day on November 13. Early
that morning, there was a threat to the
safety and security of Laurel’s
students and staff when an armed
fugitive escaped from the nearby
Laurel Regional Hospital before the
school day had begun. He was hiding
in the vicinity of the school. Due to
this incident, the students heading for
LHS on buses were transported to
Greenbelt Middle School instead of
heading to Laurel for a normal school
day. Walkers and students being
dropped off at the school by their
parents were directed by the police to
return home, however, when the
culprit at large was finally captured
by police, students began returning to
Laurel High School at 9:30 a.m. to
experience Spartan Hour, third and
fourth period of the school day.
The Prince George’s County
School Security Office, the Laurel
Police, the Laurel Bus Lot, and our
School Resource Deputy collaborated
to support and assist LHS in following
the necessary protocol and taking all
of the necessary precautions to ensure
the safety of the students and staff.
The professionalism and support of
our school security team, school staff,
the staff from the High School
Consortium, the Greenbelt Middle
School staff, and the students of LHS
Llinas, and Juan Rivas, the event was
held in the cafeteria on the evening of
October 12 with over 100 people in
attendance.
Parents contributed to the
evening by bringing in assorted dishes
from different countries, including rice,
tacos, enpanadas, horchata, and flan.
Entertainment consisted of an eclectic
blend of performances including a
variety of dances, such as the Merengue,
Salsa, Punta, Bachata, Reggaeton, and
Duranguense. Among
other
performances included Liz Guavera
playing the flute and Evelyn Nunez’s
solo of Selena.
Native costumes representing the
nations of El Salvador, Honduras,
Colombia, and the Dominican Republic
were worn by Gutierrez, Escobar, Llinas,
and Nunez. The evening came to a close
with a dance contest judged by teachers
Henrique Vissotto and Jaclyn Martin.
Prizes included t-shirts, hats, and teddy
bears all emblazoned with the logo
“LATINOS.”
Williams was happy with the
outcome of the evening and pleased by
the fact that people now knew more
about the Hispanic culture, including
those students of Hispanic heritage.
“We gained more knowledge of our own
culture,” stated Escobar.
When asked if there will be other
Hispanic Heritage Nights in the future,
Williams answered, “As long as I am
here, I will be happy to do something
like this again.”
News Briefs
helped to ensure that no student was
compromised during the events.
By Nikki Lust
Mr. Giuliani’s First
Period Wins Canned
Food Drive
to the fact that Prince George’s
County is often considered to be the
most affluent African American
County in the country.
Despite a few anticipated
differences between the Laurel and
United States surveys, the census
conducted by LHS students did show
many of the patterns for voting and
registration that the country depicts.
Some include that people with more
education, higher incomes, and jobs
are more likely to vote than others
and that homeowners and longtime
residents are more apt to vote as well.
The nation as a whole reports that
America’s voter turnout has been
declining over the years, turnout
among registered voters is slightly
higher, and that women, older people,
and married people are more likely to
vote. Many other detailed statistical
conclusions were reported in both the
US Census Bureau’s findings as well
as in the survey conducted for LHS
by this class.
Mr. Giuliani’s English 9 Honors
class donated the most cans for the
SGA-sponsored Canned Food Drive.
They were awarded a pizza party for
their great effort.
The entire event collected a total
of 310 cans. LHS’s collected cans
were donated to the Elizabeth House
in Laurel, which is a non-profit
volunteer organization for needy
residents in the Laurel Community.
Giuliani’s 1AB class collected more
than twice as many cans as their
closest competitor, Mrs. Belton’s
Period 1A class, with 89 cans.
“I was really impressed with my
students,” exclaimed Mr. Giuliani. “It
was all them. It shows how working
together for a common cause can
produce great results.”
Other contenders included Mr.
Miller (42), Mrs. Sumner (39), Mrs.
Ritter (25), Guidance (19), Mrs.
Kight (17), Mr. Hiller (9), Ms.
Holmes (8), Mrs. A. Jones (7), Mrs.
Ochida (5), and Mr. D. Smith (2).
AP US
Govt. Analyzes
Voter Participation
Mr. Rooney’s AP US
Government students completed a
project that analyzed the voter
participation of Laurel in order to
create a census report similar to the
US Census Bureau’s annual survey
results. The voting and registration
in the election of November 2000
results, which were collected by the
US Department of Commerce’s
Economics
and
Statistics
Administration, informed the students
of the voting behaviors of Americans.
Students analyzed in-depth statistics
about the percentages of ‘Americans’
who are actually citizens, how many
registered to vote, and how many
actually voted. Characteristics
including gender, race, age, education,
income, and duration of residence,
were factored into the analysis.
As was expected, the
students’ demographic census of
Laurel reflected that of the country as
a whole, although with some
differences. In Laurel, the African
American population has shown to
be more affluent than the rest of the
country on average, most likely due
Thanksgiving
Luncheon Held
Mrs. Aimee Pressley and Ms. Lisa
Bulla-White organized a Thanksgiving
luncheon for their students on
Tuesday, November 20 during Spartan
Hour in Room 403. In the spirit of
being thankful and giving back to the
community, this luncheon’s hope is
to give some students an opportunity
to celebrate Thanksgiving, to allow
the teachers to show their students
that they care about them, and to
provide students with the
opportunity
to
experience
Thanksgiving among their peers and
educators. During the lunch, each
student wrote down at least one thing
that they were thankful for this
Thanksgiving season, and they also
reflected on their participation in the
festivities.
Child
Development
Internships
Laurel’s Child Development II
course, which Mr. Devin Smith
instructs, is beginning its student
internship program with Bond Mill
Elementary School this year. Every
Wednesday, the ten students in this
class report to their internship site
for one hour and 45 minutes of
guidance, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
A variety of dancing was displayed on
Hispanic Heritage Night.
These ten students
participating in the internship include
Shawnelle Bost, Sherita DeHonney,
April Edwards, Quevena Hall, Terri
Lee, Chuntal Otts, Yazmyn Sneed,
Dominik Spratley, Dajourna Warren,
and Tyesha Winfrey. These interns
will be assisting Bond Mill teachers
with their classes, which range from
pre-kindergarden to second grade.
Mr. GQ and Miss
Fashion Diva Sport
Proper Uniforms
Mrs. Lisa Bulla-White and Mrs.
Nadine Masone are co-sponsoring a
new LHS program where the school’s
teachers nominate students to win the
coveted role of Mr. GQ and Miss
Fashion Diva every week. Gifts and
prizes are awarded to the winners, and
sponsors of this new initiative hope
that this will be an award that students
want to receive and a title that they
are honored to hold. Bulla-White
receives the teacher’s nominations
each week for the program, which aims
to keep students positive about our
uniform policy and provide positive
reinforcements for the requirement.
Beautification Day
Brightens Laurel
Laurel High’s Beautification Day
helped “to get students out to assist
in making the school look nicer and a
more welcome and inviting place,”
reported Christine Wenchel, Laurel’s
Administrative Assistant to the
Principal. On October 13, about half
a dozen LHS students, the School
Librarian Mrs. Liz Achirimofor, Mrs.
Redfield, and several students from
Northwestern High School in
Hyattsville participated to help
improve the grounds of LHS as well
as to earn communitys service hours.
Those who assist in this annual
event usually carry trees to the proper
location, dig holes, apply mulch, and
weed the premises, as well as plant
the actual treess on the LHS grounds.
During this year’s Beautification Day,
participants planted bushes around
the “LHS” letters in the front of the
school, repainted the cafeteria, with
the assistance of Mr. Miller, and
began the difficult (and expensive)
task of replacing the curtains on the
stage in the cafeteria.
In order for Beautification Day to
continue to be annual, Laurel needs
to acquire a grant for the county-wide
Gorgeous Prince George’s Day, which
the current County Executive of
Prince George’s County, Jack B.
Johnson, sponsors. Laurel High can
continue to hold Beautification Day
every year if the grant is awarded.
The grant is applied for in March and
awarded in June, according to
Wenchel.
The potted rees that LHS students
see daily outside that are not planted
yet will most likely be planted soon,
and the delay has been due to
problems with the soil being too hard
for participants to dig the holes
needed to plant them. Miss Utility is
expected to mark the area around the
school building so holes can be dug
for the remaining trees. The City of
Laurel has graciously volunteered to
dig the holes for LHS due to the hard
soil.
LHS Participates in
Homeless Walk
A variety of people associated with
Laurel High School, including
students, faculty, and family
members, united together to
participate in the Help the Homeless
Mini-Walk on November 2. Proceeds
went to the Laurel Advocacy and
Referral
Services
(LARS).
Participants completed approximately
5 laps around the track behind the LHS
building for about a half an hour during
Spartan Hour of that day, and donated
money, ranging from $10 to $100, to
LARS.
The Student Government
Association (SGA) sponsored the
event, which delivered $601 to LARS,
which is described by their website,
www.laureladvocacy.org, as “a nonproselytizing ecumenical ministry
serving the Greater Laurel area by
assisting homeless and low income
individuals or families experiencing
crisis with emergency and long-term
services designed to promote selfsufficiency.”
Student Nancy Barboza, the head
organizer of the event and participant
herself, “did everything” to set the
walk up and conduct it, according to
Mr. Miller, the SGA sponsor. Others
who walked for the cause include
Fernanda Castro, Alejandra Colindres,
Karin DeOrellas, Koroma Ebidu,
Jessica Garshell, Tia Gilmore, Lindsey
Hastings-Spaine, Ms. Holmes, Lilian
Isabor, Wesley Jackson, Vann
Johnson, Daniel Johnston, Mr. Jones,
Mrs. LeAndre, Nikki Lee, Marlina
Mathi, Ms. McQuillan, Mr. Miller,
Elizabeth Oyeneyin, Mrs. Swartz,
Mrs. Wenchel, Mr. Wenk, Chloe
Yarborough, and Mr. Zimmerman.
The Shield
Nov./Dec. 2007
PAGE 5
As part of Homecoming this year, the Laurel High SGA (Student Government
Association) sponsored a school service day on Sept. 22. Nearly 100 students,
parents, and LHS faculty painted the cafeteria, painted the bleachers, and did some
landscaping work in a school courtyard.
Special thanks to Mrs. Redfield, Ms. Lewis-Steiner, Mr. Wenk, Mrs. Wenchel, Mr.
Kouo, Mr. Lomax, Ms. Campbell, Mrs. Manuel, Ms. Holmes, Mrs. Rea, Mr. & Mrs.
DeOrnellas, & Mrs. Nimley for their help.
We also tip our collective hat to our sponsors for the day: Home Depot, Lowe's,
Sherwin Williams, and the LHS PTSA, who generously combined to donate more
than $1500 for the school improvement.
In addition, several local businesses donated several hundred dollars worth of goods
for our parade and dance: CarMax of Laurel, Next Car Rental of Laurel, Fox
Chevrolet of Laurel, and Jerry's of College Park.
You have options
Finally, LHS thanks the following teachers for their tireless work these past couple
weeks: Mr. Stark, Mrs. Rea, Ms. Holmes, Ms. Lewis-Steiner, Ms. Ritter, Mrs. Leandre,
Mr. Holstine, Ms. Jones, Ms. Augustus, Mr. Wenk and Mr. Giuliani. Thanks also to the
the student members of the SGA for their hard work these past couple weeks in
making homecoming a success: Matilda Amlalo, Ashley Hanavin, Brittany Jones,
Nikki Lee, Liz Guevara, Lois Sarfo-Mensah, Dina Ramirez, Nancy Barboza, Yazmy'n
Sneed, Morgan Harding, Foyeke Akinwande, Alexis Graves, Nicholas Ekisola, Shalini
Boodram, Tiara Cobbin, Eugene Olletey, Chelsea Joseph, Marlina Mathi, Antoinette
Harding, and Muftau Shinaba.
Nov./Dec. 2007
The Shield
PAGE 6
Teen Health
Many Teenagers Find It Difficult to Sleep at Night
A Variety of Reasons Could Be to Blame for Student Insomnia
I
By Anam Quershi
t’s 11:00 and you’re not
even halfway done with
your homework. You know
you won’t be done anytime
soon and by the time you are
ready for bed, it’s going to be
time to wake up. You don’t
really finish your homework
and you don’t really get a good
night sleep either because you
toss and turn worrying about
having not finished your
homework. Or maybe you
didn’t even have any
homework, but you still can’t
fall asleep. You turn on the
television or you go to your
computer. Sound familiar? If
this is the case, then you are
one of millions of teens who
suffer from insomnia. Insomnia
is defined as the inability to fall
asleep and/or the inability to
remain asleep for a reasonable
amount of time.
“It’s really lame because
I’m always worn out and barely
have any energy,” exclaims
Jocelyn Berry, a sophomore at
LHS. Some experts say the
reason that so many teens are
suffering from insomnia is
because of stress. The stress
that teens suffer from could
vary from having a load of
homework to stress from family
problems. Insomnia not only
makes a teen tired and lazy, but
it disrupts a student’s learning
process. Because the brain has
not had enough rest, the body
does not have enough energy
to keep the student awake and
prepared to be in a learning
environment.
Insomnia causes teens to
have excessive sleepiness,
fatigue, depression, and trouble
staying focused. It is common
to have insomnia occasionally,
but it is considered chronic if it
lasts longer than a 3 day
period. Stress isn’t the only
reason one could have
insomnia. Insomnia can be
triggered by emotional factors
that affect your mind. Because
of relationship problems or
personal issues a person could
be tossing or turning all night
thinking about it. Research also
indicates a connection between
insomnia and teens craving
food and being tired (like a
couch potato) as a result of lack Sleeping in class is sometimes the result of sleep deprivation.
of sleep.
quick snooze cannot be sleep deprivation can weaken who suffer from insomnia.
The University of Colorado avoided, put an alarm on for immunity and can increase Sophomore Brittany Greene
School of Medicine gave some an hour. Also don’t exercise risks of traffic accidents. He commented,
“I have
tips to teens dealing with before you go to bed. This also said that if you change the nightmares, so I keep waking
sleeping up.”
sleeping problems. They said stimulates the body too much. teenagers’
to remember that quality sleep
“I normally get it
In The Boston Globe Dr. environment that can help the
is important on a regular basis. Darshak Sanghavi said that teen cope with the disorder.
[insomnia] if I’m excited about
One of something,” expressed junior
All night study or
Laurel High’s Lindsey Hauck.
homework
H e a l t h
sessions
are
The old joke about
For Help with Insomnia or
I n s t r u c t o r s , counting sheep might have
discouraged.
Sleep- related Problems,
Jaclyn Martin, some truth to it. It seems
Coffee and Red
these Medical Centers:
said, “Insomnia logical that getting your mind
Bulls are some ○ ○ ○ ○Contact
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
can be treated off of topics that are nbothering
examples of selfSleep Health Centers
w i t h you can help. Thinking of
medicating
medications or pleasant situations in your life
stimulants that
Toll Free: 1-877-SLEEPHC
FAX: 781-271-0601
even just by or happy memories might help.
teens
and
Email:
[email protected]
drinking some Some also suggest to pray or
adolescents need
American Sleep Apnea Association
chamomile tea.” do anything repetitive.It seems
to avoid.
A.W.A.K.E. Network
She also adds, logical that getting your mind
Instead of
Washington, DC 20005
Telephone: 202-293-3650
“Insomnia can off of topics that are nbothering
sleeping late on
Fax: 202-293-3656
be cured by you can help. Thinking of
weekends, set a
Email: [email protected]
fixing problems pleasant situations in your life
consistent wakeNational Sleep Foundation (NSF)
that you have or happy memories might help.
up time. Make
1522 K Street, NW, Suite 500
because those Some also suggest to pray or
your bed a sleepWashington, DC 20005
Telephone:
202-341-3471
are usually the do anything repetitive.
only zone. No
Fax: 202-341-3472
factors that lead
w r i t i n g ,
If you continue to have
The University of Maryland Sleep Disorders Center
to teens having sleep problems then consulting
homework,
For Adults/ Adolescents 410-706-4771
For children 410-328-3363
stress.” Senior a professional can help. What
eating, watching
Maryland
Sleep
Disorders
Center
Mark Bowen not to do is to take any type
TV, or talking on
2303 Bel Air Rd
states, “I get of medication that your doctor
the
phone.
Fallston, MD 21047-2737
i n s o m n i a has not prescribed for you. A
Eliminate
Phone: (410) 877-3950
because I’m health center in the Laurel area
caffeinated foods
Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC)
stressing about is the Laurel Medical Center.
and beverages
2001 Medical Parkway, Annapolis Maryland 21401
college.”
after lunch time.
and Laurel Regional Hospital.
Phone: (443) 481-1000
Seniors aren’t Also, see Help box in center
Avoid
afterEmail: www.askAAMC.org
the only ones of this page.
school naps. If a
The Shield
Nov./Dec.2007
PAGE 7
Spotlight on LHS New Staff
Retirements, transfers, and
career changes continually
change the face of Laurel’s staff.
During the last few years sixty new
staff members have come aboard.
Let’s take this opportunity to meet
some of this year’s newest members of Laurel’s family. Throughout the year we will continue to
highlight these new faces for our
readers. Let’s make them feel welcomed!
his job rewarding. What does he like
best? “The daily challenges,” he adds,
“no one day is the same.”
Before coming to LHS, which he
describes as “cutting edge” with “a
focused program and environment,” he
worked at the Mulala Secondary
School, the University of the District
of Columbia, and Parkdale High
School.
An enigma to many because of how
busy his job keeps him, Mua is an
individual who is certainly a unique
addition to the LHS family.
Mr. Mua
By Krystal Gabel
Multilingual is an adjective that
can most certainly be used to describe
Josephat Mua, Laurel High’s new
technology coordinator. Well-versed
in seven languages, including Swahili,
Kamba, Kikuyu, Lhyuya, Masai,
Luo, and English, he credits the fact
that he “traveled widely at a young
age” for the fluency.
He grew up in Kenya, which is
where he learned Swahili and English,
which are, respectively, the national
and official languages of the country.
The other languages are the one
spoken in neighboring areas and, in
addition to these seven, Mua is also
in the process of learning French.
With all of these languages under
his belt, one would think that he
would be a foreign language teacher,
but, no, his passion is, instead,
technology. When asked what it is
that interested him in computers in
the first place, he answered that he
“always wanted to be the first African
Astronaut or pilot” and that “learning
how computers worked was in order.”
Before he came to America, Mua
had an exciting life as a teenager.
Through British Airways, when Mua
was fifteen, he earned the honor of
“Scout of the Year,” which placed him
in an exchange program where he
traveled all throughout Great Britain.
A graduate of the University of
the District of Columbia, he majored
in computer science, business
administration, and educational
leadership. He is also now pursuing a
combined PhD/Masters Program at
the University of Notre Dame of
Maryland. He also took certification
courses at Catholic University of
America in Washington D.C.
Although working in the school
system is a far cry from being an
astronaut or a pilot, Mua still finds
Mrs. Christian
By Shelby Donaldson
“I like to add a little bit of comedy
with military,” says Mrs. Tanya
Christian when asked what makes her
a unique teacher and person. Mrs.
Christian is teaching English 9 this
year.
She has been teaching for over ten
years in Maryland and worked at over
eight different schools in three
different counties. Two of the many
schools are Arundel High and
Forestville Military Academy. When
asked which school she liked better
she answered, “I like the strictness at
Forestville and the challenges at
Arundel.”
When asked “after being through
your first months of school, how are
your feelings on the school and
students” she laughed and said, “I
really like the strictness of Mr.
Dwayne Jones and I like the order of
my class.” Before she became a teacher,
she was a legal agent. She was tired of
seeing young teens being put behind
bars, and it inspired her to teach kids
and help them get somewhere in life.
Christian was born in Brazil and
lived in New York City for quite
sometime. She can speak four
different languages: Portuguese,
Italian, French, and English. She has
three degrees from three different
colleges: University of Delaware,
Johns Hopkins University, and City
University of New York, also known
as “CUNY.”
Her interest and hobbies are
traveling, boxing, and she adds, “I
enjoy comedy.” She is also a part of
the International Humanitarian
Association. She tutors multi-lingual
students and soon hopes to get
involved with the Drama Club and
possibly mentor young girls at Laurel
High.
Ms. Porter
By Jocelyn Berry
Who is Tinead Porter? She is
currently the new Fashion Design and
Independent Living teacher. at LHS.
Porter has not taught at any other
schools before, but has had her fair
share of interesting jobs. She was a
hair stylist, makeup artist, manager
at Nordstrom’s, and a summer camp
director. Why would she want to be a
teacher? “Because, I have always
loved kids and fashion.”
She wanted to be someone who
could “listen and relate.” “I usually
stay in class the entire Spartan Hour
and talk to my students about many
things other teachers wouldn’t relate
to; it really shows how much I care.”
When asked after being through the
first two months of school, what are
your feelings about Laurel and your
students, she answered quickly,
without thought and saying with a
smile,” I love my students; they keep
me on my toes and they’re funny.”
As for Laurel she said,” It’s different
from when she was in school.”
Porter grew up in the Maryland
and D.C. area. She is a 2005 graduate
of Delaware State. She has a Yorkshire
Terrier dog named Kodi who is the
‘man’ in her life.
When inquired as to why she is
unique, she stated “Well, because I’m
me and no one else is me, and
everyone’s special; they just have to
find who they are.” She looks up to
her mother because she is strong,
understanding, funny, and lets her be
herself. She feels a complete comfort
zone with her mother.
Here are some interesting favorites
of Porter. Her favorite candy is Lemon
Heads; her favorite ice cream is
Coldstone’s Cookie Cake Batter; her
favorite place to be is shopping at a
good shoe store, and her favorite
perfume is Pink Sugar by Aqualina.
In five years Porter hopes to be
“happy, wealthy, and married.”
According to some of her students,
Porter is a great addition to the Laurel
staff.
Mrs. Levy
By Franklin Abarca
A native of Virginia, Alice Levy is
a new addition to Laurel High School,
teaching both Latin and SAT Prep.
She double majored in Latin and
English at West Virginia University,
where she obtained her Bachelor’s
Degree.
Levy became a teacher because in
the 1950s, when it was status quo for
intelligent women to pursue careers
in either teaching or nursing. She
pursued Latin because her role model
was her Latin teacher, Mrs. Wise; she
influenced Levy to follow the same
path.
In the mountains of Richland,
Virginia, Levy taught Latin at a high
school for two years. She was married
and moved to Washington County,
Maryland where she taught Latin and
English for three years.
Her husband and she saved up to
travel around Europe for an entire year.
When they came back, they moved to
Howard County. “I like Columbia’s
history layout. Columbia is a pretty
place to live,” Levy stated. After that,
Levy began teaching in Prince George’s
County and has continued for almost
twenty years.
She has taught Latin in several
schools, such as Tayac Elementary,
Middleton Valley Elementary,
Benjamin Foulois Elementary, and
Lord Baltimore Middle School. Levy
stated that when Prince George’s
County cut her program 3 years ago,
she was sad because she loved
teaching Latin. The only opening at
the time was for an English teaching
position at High Point High School.
When she was offered the Latin
position here at Laurel High School,
she, without thinking twice, accepted
it.
“I’m happy to be here. The LHS
community is friendly and the people
I work with are helpful.” Levy stated
that the qualities that make her genuine
are her diligence and empathy for
others. In her free time, she enjoys
sewing and tutoring her students. She
also enjoys teaching, especially Latin,
because her students have positive
attitudes towards learning.
Mr. Austin
By Mohamed Khan
Seventeen years ago, Mark Austin
came to the USA from St. Lucia. He is
now a new addition to the Laurel High
English Department teaching ninth
graders.
Austin was born in Guyana and
has been teaching for 28 years
including in countries such as his
native Guyana and Trinidad from 1984
to 1989, St. Lucia from 1989 to 1990,
and the USA in Connecticut from
1990 to his present job in Maryland.
In Guyana and Trinidad, Austin
taught physical education. In St. Lucia
he taught both P.E. and English. While
in Connecticut, Austin was an
elementary and middle school teacher
where he taught all subjects. He has
taught math, English, and P.E. in his
past Maryland teaching positions.
Austin earned a Master’s Degree
in administration and a Bachelor’s
Degree in English leading Austin to
work in nonpublic schools in
Baltimore County.
When first moving to Laurel,
Maryland, Austin explained Laurel
High was his first choice because of
the location and it is “an example of a
school with tremendous potential.” He
also described Laurel as feeling at
“home” and he believes “the uniform
policy is a major step in the right
direction.”
Austin’s background for teaching
was derived from his studies at the
Teachers Training School in Guyana,
Andrews University in Michigan, and
Atlantic Union in Massachusetts.
When asked whether he enjoys
his career as a teacher, Austin replied,
“I have always wanted to teach. I was
motivated by a lady who was a
teacher as well as by her success.”
In his leisure time, Austin
explained his interests include sports
such as badminton, table tennis,
soccer, and basketball.
Mr. Austin
Mr. Pasko
By Nikki Lust
“Not many people know that I
spent six months living and studying
in South Africa, and that while I was
there, I went skydiving, jumped off
the highest bungee in the world, and
saw the first solar eclipse of the new
millennium, on my birthday
nonetheless,” enthusiastically
elaborated Mr. Pasko, a new English
10 teacher at Laurel High School.
Growing up in Northern
Virginia for much of his life, Brent
Oliver Pasko was born in our nation’s
capitol, Washington, D.C., and
attended Park View High School in
Sterling, Virginia.
“I was a ‘C’ student, and I
got into a lot of trouble with teachers,”
explained Pasko, while describing his
(continued on p.8)
The Shield
PAGE 8
Nov./Dec. 2007
Laurel High Welcomes New Nurses Cox and Okafor
Higher Pay Scale in Private Sector Creates Hardship for School to Retain Nurses
By Melita Bell
H
previous (short-lived) nurse positions
enjoyed working with the students,
but it was financially tough on them.”
Cox is a very cheerful woman and
she loves the environment that LHS
provides, “I love the faculty! They
are really nice, one of the best I’ve
worked with so far.”
ave you ever come to
school with a cough?
Maybe a headache? You
asked your teacher for a
pass and wandered down the deserted
hallway only to end up in front of the
nurse’s office
to find no
nurse inside.
That has
changed this
year, as we
welcome our
new school
nurse, Mary
Cox as well as
floating nurse
Promise I.
Okafor.
Though
Cox is new to
the LHS staff,
she is a needed
addition. In
many years
past, LHS has photo by Mel Bee
lacked filling the
position with a Nurses Cox and Okafor are ready to help.
nurse
who
stays in the job for a very long time.
While eating her breakfast that
Laurel Principal Dwayne Jones consisted of yogurt and interestingly
explains, “Most of the ladies in our enough eating it with a tongue
depressor, Cox looks around her desk
with pictures of her children and
family members.
Just because Cox has enough time
to have a snack, it doesn’t mean that
she isn’t always hard at work. She
does a lot to cater to the faculty and
students of the school. “I monitor
diabetic students’ blood sugar
levels, and I do a lot of first aid.”
One would wonder if some
hard working person would need
help. This would lead one to
believe that nurses could just be
hired on the spot since it’s a
popular career, but lately there
has been a shortage of school
nurses not only in this school,
but in the entire county. Cox
explains why, “There is a
shortage of nurses in the county.
The biggest reason is the pay
scale. A nurse could make a lot
more money in private industry
and hospital settings.”
To assist in the Health Room
and to fill in when C.N.A. Cox
is elsewhere, R.N. Promise I.
Okafor works as a floating nurse
at Laurel.
Previously it seems that the
school district hadn’t been paying the
school enough money. Nurse Cox
describes how this problem is trying
Let’s Meet the New Faculty Members
By Nikki Lust
(continued from p.7)
own high school experience. “I was frequently suspended, and
got banned from walking the stage on graduation.”
Despite these minor setbacks early in life, Pasko continued on to attend the Virginia
Military Institute, or simply VMI, where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Fine Arts.
“Since it was a military school, a sense of discipline is forced on you because you must follow the
rules,” he responded when
asked about what his
college experience taught
him. “You learn a lot
about yourself and what
you’re capable of.”
Pasko then
furthered his intellectual
quest by studying at
George Washington
University, earning a
Master ’s Degree in
Education and Human
Development. This
fresh LHS addition is now
a student at the
University of Maryland in
College Park, where he
is diligently on his way to
being granted a Ph.D. in
Curriculum Theory and
Development.
B e f o r e
attempting to inspire
youth at Laurel High
School, Pasko taught
English 10 at Charles
Herbert Flowers High
School for three years. “I
think that the [Laurel]
faculty is certainly more
friendly
and
approachable, and the
students are less
forward than they were at
Flowers,” he replied
after pondering the
question of how he felt
about Laurel High and its
pupils.
“When I’m not
teaching and busy with
grad school, I play rugby
and I like playing golf,
even though I’m bad at it,” included Pasko, informing Laurel’s students of his interests and
hobbies. “Going out with friends and family is also a priority.
Teaching is sort of in
my blood. My mom is a teacher and has been for 30 years, and she and my dad met while teaching
in the same school,” answered Pasko, recalling that he was inspired to become a teacher due to
family history. “My dad is no longer a teacher and now works for Microsoft, but their parents
were more or less teachers also.”
Pasko has a belief in “teaching the whole child,” noting, “I’m particularly interested in
the moral dimensions of teaching. There is a balance to be struck between teaching students
knowledge and teaching students how to think. A teacher should be able to do this, but it requires
exquisite balance.”
This Laurel faculty member believes that his job can be deeply rewarding, and hopes to
put a smile onto the faces of his students. “Those ‘ah-hah’ moments are pretty inspiring. To see
a student who previously didn’t understand things suddenly seem to get it, through my help and
encouragement, is a powerful thing,” he vividly describes, adding a short quip about his unique
teaching methods. “I believe that students learn best when they are happy, so throughout
instruction, I try to include usually bad jokes to crack a smile now and then.”
Nurse Okafor checks heartbeat of LHS student.
to be solved, “The new CEO increased
the pay scale so there is hope that all
the open positions will be filled.”
Now that we have learned about
the job side of Cox, it’s time for us to
learn about her personal life.
Cox is a very big football fan. She
states proudly, “I like watching college
football and basketball. I also like to
read and cook.”
Cox has two children who have
gone through the Maryland school
system. She is proud of her children’s
accomplishments and smiles when
mentioning them.
Senior Ra’Neta Oliver states,
“Having a nurse has really been
helpful this year! It has made it so
much more comfortable. I feel better.”
Cox makes a final comment about
Laurel’s staff. She says, “I would like
to memorize everyone’s name,” she
laughs adding, “they are a great staffvery positive and they have a good
energy. It [Laurel High] is just a very
positive place!”
Nov./Dec 2007
PAGE 9
The Shield
Spotlight
Faithful Training Leads Boxer Josh Davis to Success
Laurel High Senior Has Won 50 Bouts and Aims for the 2112 Olympics
By Rikkea YatesJackson
E
veryday, except Sunday,
17 year old Laurel High
senior lightweight boxing
phenom, Joshua Davis hits the
Laurel Boys and Girls’ Club to
condition and train for upcoming
fights.
He trains two hours
straight starting with running,
then warm-ups, next 15-20
minutes of jump rope, then four
to eight rounds of sparring,
followed by four rounds of
hitting the bag and finally his
closing exercise.
Over Davis’ seven year
boxing career, his training has
led him to win 50 out of 62
fights and numerous awards
such as the Junior Gold Gloves,
Summer Classic and World
Championship.
Since the beginning of the
Davis was born in
school
year Davis has also been
Washington, D.C. but raised in
Laurel,
Maryland.
Even though
he
was
motivated by
his mother,
his interest in
boxing was
h i g h l y
influenced by
his father,
Ty r o n e
Jackson.
“I use to go
to the gym
with
my
father; he
fought too,”
Davis stated.
Jackson has
trained other
local fighters Davis is also pursuing college.
such
as
Adrian Davis and Shawn conditioning with LHS Coach
Smith, who teaches Child
Bemechu.
PATRONS
OF THE PRESS
Thanks for your support
of student journalism.
Sonia Akonnor
Mrs. Bazarko
Ms. Alice Belton
Martha George Boxley
Bill & Lesile Branch
Michael Brett
DeOrnellas Family
Regina Durphy
Harold Engle
Andy & Leea
Fitzsimons
The Gabel Family
The Giuliani Family
Rudolph Giuliani
John Hagershot
Vivian C. Hall
Reginald Harris
Robert Hines
Curtis Jordan & Family
Charmaine Jordan
Mrs. Kight
Elizabeth Lesser
Dr. Lippert
Sally Lust
Claire McCann
William McDonald
Tom Miller
Curtis Person
Mandana Reed
Sally Samking
Chris Spellen
Sid Stark
Cathy Strine-Adams
Judi Strong
Superman
Mike Taylor
Janet Tubbs
Henrique Vissotto
Wonder Woman
Wayne Wood
Happy Holidays
Growth and Development and
trains the track team at Laurel.
“Former
Laurel High
teacher
Daniel Burns
talked to his
father about
me training
him,” stated
Smith. Over
the period of
time Smith
has trained
Davis, he has
been able to
determine his
strong and
weak points.
“He is a
seasoned
boxer and his
technical
work
is
excellent.
Usually a lot of fighters want to
be flashy, but he gets to know
his opponent,” explains Smith.
“He thinks a lot about his fighting
combinations instead of working
off instinct, but other than that
he is flawless.”
Asking about his strengths
and weaknesses, Davis replies,
“My strengths are speed and
reflexes and my weakness is
stamina.”
Aside from boxing, Davis’s
other interest include school and
different aspects about the
business world. His main
academic goal is to get into
college, but has not decided in
what he wants to major.
Davis’ boxing goals include
making it to the 2012 Olympics
and hopefully becoming
successful as a professional
boxer. Smith agrees with Davis,
“He should make it [to the
Olympics] but he has to separate
himself and find what is going
to make him different from the
rest [of the boxers].
PAGE 10
The Shield
Full Page Gazette Ad Same as Last Year’s---You Have it!!!!
Nov./Dec. 2007
Nov./Dec. 2007
PAGE 11
The Shield
Homecoming 2007
Senior Hall Way
Homecoming Football Game
Marching Band
Laurel’s
Mardi Gras
Spartan Spectacular
ROTC in Parade
Character Day
Cheerleaders
PAGE 10
Month 2007
THE SHIELD
The Big Game...
LHS Marching Band
Sophomore Princess
Darci Henderson and
escort Devin Gallman
Senior Prince Niran and escort
Joy Akinkoye.
Principal Jones enjoys the
game.
LHS Poms Squad
LHS Color Guard
Pep Rally...Parade...Game...Halftime...
By Luly Ramirez and Jeneba Samking
The Pep Rally was the perfect way to end Spirit Week. The students in Laurel High displayed their school spirit by ‘reppin’ their school colors, anxiously awaiting the Pep Rally. It
all started with the singing of the National Anthem and the ROTC Color Guard. Following the announcement of all the fall sports teams was an abundance of spectacular performances, which
consisted of the cheerleaders, steppers, Spartanettes, Color Guard, and Drum Line.
As always, the enthusiastic Mr. Robert Giuliani emceed the event. Giuliani introduced team members of the following fall sports: volleyball, girls’ soccer, boys’ varsity and junior
varsity soccer, varsity and JV football, and cross country.
This year the cheerleaders gave a commanding performance. They also tried something new. They taught a few teachers some cheers and in the end they competed against one another
to see who could do the cheer the best. Some of the few teachers and staff who participated included Mr. Harrison and Mrs. Richardson.
“Mr. Harrison was hilarious; that was the best part of Pep Rally,” chuckled junior Shelby Donaldson.
But what got everyone out of their seats was our marching band, whose performance was attention-grabbing and lively.
The Steppers, as well as the Spartanettes, gave excellent performances too. “I loved when the steppers started dancing to that old Bone Thugs in
Harmony song,” responded junior Filsan Hassan. The rally concluded with a powerful performance by the Drum Line.
Laurel High School’s 2007 annual parade took place on September 29, Homecoming day. At around 8:00 in the morning, students began
putting the floats together along with their sponsors. Every participant had to arrive at the designated location, which was behind the Safeway in Laurel
Lakes at 10:00 a.m. The actual floats were put on a flat bed truck, and the Homecoming courts for each class were driven in convertibles. The floats
consisted of pieces of the hall decorations put together to show the specific theme each class had.
With much anticipation, the parade began at 11:00 a.m. through the Laurel Lakes neighborhood on Oxford Drive, beginning with the Freshman Class,
which graduates in 2011, having an African/Caribbean theme. Different types of candy were given to the people who helped build the floats, which were
thrown out to the many people watching the event. The parade included the LHS Poms Squad, LHS Cheerleaders, LHS Girls’ Soccer Team, and the LHS
Marching Band.
Following the freshmen were the Sophomore Class, graduating in 2010, with a Brazilian theme for their float. Then, the Junior Class, with their 2009
graduation, had a theme of New Years in New York. Finally, and, following all the other classes, came the Senior Class, graduating in 2008, with a theme of
Asian/Oriental.
After going through Oxford Drive, the Parade went through Ashford Boulevard, turned right on Fourth Street by the Laurel Mall, turned right up
Cherry Lane,and ended at LHS. The parade was an enjoyable start to the day, with the Homecoming football game and Homecoming Dance following it later
on that day.
The next day was the one that most students had anticipated all year: Homecoming. Everything kicked off with the football team’s game against
Oxon Hill. Unfortunately for LHS fans, it resulted in a 39-12 loss to the Clippers. In the first quarter, Oxon Hill scored twice against Laurel, but the
Spartans rebounded with a Brandon Harvey touchdown in the second quarter. At halftime, the score was 13-6.
The entire Homecoming Court was introduced by Emcee Mr. Giuliani. Each member of the Court also chose an escort for the promenade.
During halftime stunning performances by the cheerleaders, Spartanettes, and Color Guard, Band, and Drum Line also took place. Although the cheerleaders had to perform without music, they still did well. The Spartanettes also rocked the stadium with their snazzy dance moves.
The third quarter ended with the Clippers still in the lead 20-12. By the end of the game Oxon Hill had scored more touchdowns and the game
Freshman Princess
finished with a final score of 39-12.
Chelsea Joseph and
“We worked hard, but we’re going to have to work harder next time,” stated junior Defensive End Philly Cottrell.
escort Nick Kirlen
”It was disappointing to lose [the] Homecoming game, but at least we scored,” said junior Fullback Randy Gatson.
The Shield
page 12
Spirit Week...
Class Competitions
By Courtney Branch
W
ith an early Homecoming in late September, the 2007-2008 school year started off with a bang. Since it
is Laurel’s first year in uniforms, most people looked forward to having a Spirit Week where they could
wear something other than their uniform. All week, students became creative and came to school wearing
the most outrageous things they could find.
Monday, September 24, was Pajama Day, and students
Seniors Show their ‘08 spirit.
wore everything from lounge pants to footy pajamas. Bedroom
slippers were a constant theme also. Tuesday, September 25 was
Character Day, and highlights included Minnie Mouse, Princess Jasmine, and Hannah Montana. This new type day provided many laughs. Wednesday,
September 26 was everyone’s favorite day, Mismatch/Bad Hair Day, (referred to by many students as Bama Day).
When asked how she put her outfit together, senior Kara Rutherford stated, “I just woke up and put stuff together.”
Another new addition came on Thursday, September 27: Decades Day. Outfits from the ‘50’s to the present were displayed, with the most dominant
decade being the 50’s, most likely because all students needed was a white t-shirt and jeans. Friday, September 28 was Blue and Gold Day. Students
basked in their last day of uniform freedom by wearing as much blue and gold as they could, and some senior and junior students got away with
simultaneously wearing their class color.
Homecoming wouldn’t be the same without class competitions. Kicking it all off was the annual Spartan Spectacular, which was held on Wednesday,
September 26. Students got the chance to leave third period early and head down to the football field to see the crazy competitions. With the perrenial
Mr.Robert Giuliani as the MC, the competition started with the Spartan Relay. Events included the Pie Race, the Mini Bike Race, Get Dizzy, the Egg
Race, and the Three-Legged Race. In the end, the seniors picked up the victory.
The next competition proved to be difficult. Musical chairs, led by the Drumline’s beat, started slowly. After what seemed to be a long time,
Spartan Spectacular Competition
the final four were narrowed down to three seniors and one junior. The junior was knocked out of the competition, and the seniors took away a threeway-win.
Following Musical Chairs was a new event called Punt, Pass, & Kick. Each class chose two boys and one girl to fulfill each task. After each class had a chance to punt, pass, and kick, the
sophomores took away their first win. The final event was the infamous Tug-of-War. There were four rounds: junior vs. sophomore, freshman vs. senior, freshman vs. sophomore, and then junior vs.
senior. In a hard fought battle, the seniors scraped a win. In the end, there was still some time left, so another event was added, but was not
included in the score. The Egg Toss used two members from each class. After each throw, the students moved back. After a short competition,
the seniors grabbed yet another victory. Overall, the final scores were: seniors with 180
points, juniors with 160 points, sophomores with 140 points, and freshman
with 80 points.
Thursday night was the night many people looked forward to: Hall
Decorating. Each class, with their respective themes, worked from 2:30
p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to make their hallway the best. Freshman, with their
Caribbean theme, set up in the Library Hallway. In the end, flags of
different parts of the Caribbean were set up on the left side of the wall, and
they had a water setting with a sea animal by the water. Sophomores set up
in the cafeteria and got to work on their Brazilian theme. Their hallway
ended up with a tropical setting, with trees in the background and people
dressed in
tropical
clothing.
Junior Class Hall Decoration
Sophomores take a break from decorating.
The juniors
worked on
the Upper Commons,
and with
their Times Square
theme, they
came up with a yellow
apple hanging down from the ceiling, a skyline, cobblestones, and
silver stars. The seniors
worked hard in the Main Lobby, using their Asian/Oriental
theme to its fullest
potential. Scrolls hanging
down from the ceiling,
Cherry Blossom trees, the
Great Wall of China, a
dragon, a pagoda, and two
real-life geishas and a
ninja were the highlights of
They’ve got spirit! Yes they do!
the room. Every class,
but the seniors, earned
bonus points for getting their hallways done before 8:00 p.m. Despite that fact, the seniors won with
a score of 282 points, followed by the freshmen with 217 points, the juniors with 207 points, and the
sophomores with 193 points.
Saturday, September 22 was the Community
Service
Competition. Classes were rewarded with points if
students
from their class came to help out. One of the major
projects
Freshman Class Hall
finished was the painting of the bleachers. A fresh coat
of blue,
white, and yellow paint made the bleachers shine. Each class had a number of students show up, but seniors
came out
on top again with 200 points,
followed by the
juniors
with
180
points,
the
sophomores
with 160
points, and the freshmen with
140 points.
The parade had
onlookers from
the Laurel
community. Each class had its
own float, as
well as
other organizations. Normally
the floats are
scored and
Sophomore Class Hall
added to overall scores, but the
judging didn’t
take place,
so the parade wasn’t scored. In
the end, here are
the overall
results: seniors with 662 points,
juniors with 572
points, sophomores with 518 points, and freshmen
with 462 points.
Senior Class CoSponsor Kari
Rea comments, “I was very proud of the Senior Class
participation. They came out
full force.” A
special thanks goes out to the SGA for putting together
the competitions, and to all the
students and
teachers for cooperating during the week.
Mismatch Day!
Sophomore Spirit
The Shield
PAGE 14
Nov./Dec.2007
The Dance and Coronation
Homecoming Dance Proved to be a Good Time for All
dramatic fashion kept the
By Nachelle Edwards the music, others were still auditorium. The festive Sophomore Court was crowd in suspense, as he
a little disappointed with dance tickets were sold for represented by Tiana
T
his year’s Fall
Homecoming
festivities
climaxed with a
dance on Saturday night
which included the
crowning of the king and
queen. From 7:00 pm –
11:00 pm, students, faculty,
and friends packed the
auditorium and danced to
the eclectic music provided
by the deejay. A variety of
music including pop, rock,
hip hop, and reggaeton was
played. This mix help to
make it an enjoyable event
for many. While some
people were content with
the selections. “This was
the first Homecoming
dance I went to and I had a
good time. It was
everything I expected it to
be, but the music was
limited and a little
repetitive,” exclaimed
senior Jose Najarro.
This year’s
Homecoming Dance theme
was Mardi Gras, which was
evident by the Mardi Gras
mask
tickets,
the
complimentary Mardi Gras
beads, and the traditional
Mardi Gras colors which
surrounded the the
$15 with proceeds going to
the SGA. A variety of food
and beverages were also
provided at no charge.
Towards the end of the
dance, the anticipated
coronation
of
the
Homecoming King and
Queen took place. Emcee
Mr. Robert Giuliani
announced each member of
the Court and his or her
escort and they walked
down the promenade as the
crowd applauded. The
Freshman Court included
Ashley Bennett, Chelsea
Joseph, Gary Cooke Jr., and
Avishkar Boodram. The
Conyers, Darci Henderson,
and Cristian Mosquera. The
Junior
Court
was
composed of Jasmine
Stratford, Ebony Majette,
Karleton Clegg Jr., and
Cameron Miller. The
Senior Court consisted of
India Bell, Khristine Huger,
Kaydee Kostishak, and
Niran Ogunleye.
Because there was no
competition for the title of
Homecoming King, Niran
was automatically awarded
the crown. When it came to
Homecoming Queen,
Emcee Giuliani, in
finally announced India
Bell as the queen and the
crowd cheered with
excitement. An organized
special dance for the king
and queen took place and
eventually the entire Court
joined in. After what most
people considered to be a
fun dance, a question on
many people’s minds is
whether or not we are
going to have a winter
dance. “I didn’t think I
would enjoy the dance as
much as I did and now I
can’t wait until the next
one,” commented senior
April Williams.
King
Olaniran
Freshmen Gary Cooke Jr.,
Chelsea Joseph, Ashley Bennett,
and Avishkar Boodram
Juniors Jasmine Stratford, Cameron Miller,
Ebony Majette, and Karleton Clegg, Jr.
Sophomores Darci Henderson,
Cristian Mosquera, and Tiana Conyers
Khristine Huger, India Bell, Olaniran
(Niran) Ogunleye, and Kaydee Kostishak
Homecoming Queen India
Bell and Homecoming King
Olaniran (Niran) Ogunleye
Patricia Contic, William
Williams, and Dakota Ennis
Queen
India
Tuba Akhtar, Jocelyn Berry, Wilmer Diaz,
Anam Qureshi, and Shaunta Dwyer
Nov./Dec. 2007
PAGE 15
The Shield
Clubs & Activities
With more than twenty
clubs in our school, we will
focus on the most active
clubs and report on every
club at least every other issue.
Outdoors Club
By Caitlin Raynor
Weekends of snowy hilltops,
rivers of excitement, and nights
of singing and dancing. This is
the description of the many activities the Outdoors Club of
Laurel High students anticipate
each year.
The latest activity experienced by club members was the
well-known play, “Dreamgirls.”
The play was based on the movie
that hit theaters last year, starring Jennifer Hudson, Beyonce
Knowles, Eddie Murphy, and
Jamie Foxx. Although the movie
was successful in theaters, the
play was a very different experience. The production was
beautifully done, the choreography and singing was excellent.
Nikki Lee, an enthusiastic sophomore gushes, “It was so captivating and unbelievably humorous!” Advisor Mr. Robert
Giuliani stated, “I always want
the students to have a good time
and it makes me feel good to see
them exposed to something new
for the first time.” According
to Giuliani, he is planning on taking the club to many other plays
and is considering a trip to Busch
Gardens in the spring.
In addition to new trips, the
traditional ones are always just
as exciting. The expeditions include trips to the theater. Last
week a group went to see
Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas
Carol.” Before the play they
enjoyed dinner at the Hard Rock
Café and a visit to see the National Christmas Tree got every-
one in the holiday spirit. The
“Sound of Music” trip is scheduled for in February at Toby’s
Dinner Theater in Columbia.
“Joseph and the Amazing
Technicolor Dreamcoat” is on
tap for March and “The Wizard
of Oz” is slated for May.
Another trip that always
seems to be the most popular is
the 18th Annual Ski and
Snowboarding Trip to Seven
Springs in Pennsylvania for a
weekend of fun on February 13. It includes luxury hotel rooms
and delicious filling meals. Mr.
Giuliani was able to acquire ten
more spots if anyone else would
like to go. On the trip students
are also looking forward to
snowtubing and enjoying the
variety of indoor activities
too.The year’s activities will end
with a camping and canoeing
weekend on the Shenandoah
River in June.
The goal of the Outdoors
Club is to expose the students
to cultural and outdoors activities that they can continue in
adult life. All the activities are fun
and exciting ways to hang out
with your friends while enjoying activities that not many teenagers are able to experience on
their own.
SGA
By Kaydee Kostishak
“The Student Government
Association is already off to a
great start,” expressed new SGA
President Matilda Amlalo. In
addition to a new president, the
SGA is comprised of new
committees, which were
formed by Mr. Tom Miller, the
SGA advisor. The Executive
Board consists of Vice President
Ashley Hanavin, Secretary
Brittany Jones, and Treasurer
Nikki Lee.
Senior Nancy Barboza and freshman Yazmy’N Sneed
show pride in the results of the food drive.
The seven committees and
each designated chairperson is
as follows: Nancy Barboza is
designated to the Community
Service Committee, Yazmy’N
Sneed to School Service, Liz
Guevara to School Spirit,
Nicholas Ekisola to Student
Advocacy (a voice for the
students), Shalini Boodram to
Leadership and Recognition (
honoring students and teachers),
Nikki Lee to Fundraising and
lastly Morgan Harding to
Recreation.
The Community Service
Committee recently finished
several events. There was a
food drive held at school until
Thanksgiving break, and on
Thanksgiving Day members of
the SGA volunteered at a shelter
to serve food. In addition to
these events, the Fundraising
Committee has planned
humanitarian efforts, which
include participating in Pennies
for Patients and Best Buddies,
both fundraisers. The School
Spirit Committee is planning a
winter spirit week, along with a
winter dance, and spring pep
rally. When asked what he
thought of the SGA so far, Miller
responded enthusiastically, “I
think it’s going really well; we
have a lot of good students that
I think will get a lot
a c c o m p l i s h e d . ”
SGA officers and senators
meet every first Monday of each
month in the gym. To learn
more, contact Miller or any
officer or senator of SGA.
ASA
By Rikkea Yates-Jackson
The new African Student
Association (ASA) is striving to
make a difference both near and
far. There are many things going
on around the world, but the
ASA’s passion is to impact the
community and the continent of
Africa. The association was
created to “inform students
about different African countries
and to show how diverse Africa
is,” stated Sergeant of Arms
Victor Etongwe.
The club meets every
Tuesday, the second half of
Spartan Hour, in room 136 to
plan fundraisers, have guest
speakers, and give presentations
about different countries in
Africa. It is sponsored by Mrs.
Agholor and Mr. Orebamjo, and
is comprised of an Executive
Board, which includes founder
and President, Zulikhat
Segunmaru, Vice President
Senior Kiara Bagley and Mrs. Adami prepare for serving
the Thanksgiving student luncheon.
Rikkea
Yates-Jackson,
Treasurer Aisat Okanlowon,
Secretary Sambo Frances
Conteh,
Fundraising
Coordinator Haja Conteh, Public
Relations Managers Tasha
McCormack and Ra’Neta Oliver,
and Sergeant of Arms Victor
Etongwe.
“I am happy we got it
started,” exclaimed Segunmaru.
“We are doing something that
hasn’t been done. If we raise
enough money, we can impact
many people.”
When asked how the
association will impact the
student body, senior and
Fundraising Coordinator Haja
Conteh replied, “I think it is
benefiting a lot of people. I hear
a lot of people talking about it.
After we start fundraising and
publicizing it more, even more
people will come.”
The association’s future
events include sponsoring a
show, and selling pizza and
candy to raise money.
Newspaper Wins Gold Medalist from
Columbia Scholastic Press Assn.
By Melita Bell
The Shield, Laurel’s school newspaper, has recently been
notified that it has won a Gold Medalist award from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, which is based at Columbia University in New York. The paper scored over 900 points out of
1000 in a very comprehensive national rating critique/evaluation.
Schools are notified in the fall (after the judging which takes place
over the summer) for the scoring of the previous year’s editions.
Last year’s Chief Editor was Justin Cousson and the Managing
Editor was Brian Lentz. In October the staff was also notified
that its paper earned a Second Place International Award from
the Quill and Scroll Association, which is based at the University of Iowa.
This year’s staff is very motivated to continue the tradition
of putting out the best school newspaper in the county.
Senior Ra’Neta Oliver comments, “This is my third year on
the staff and I think the best year yet. We have really good students who signed up for the course! I’m really excited!”
Although schedule conflicts resulted in some key recruits
not being able to take the class, Giuliani feels this staff has the
potential to be the best if they are willing to work and live up to
their commitment. Rather than have one chief editor, Giuliani is
experimenting with five managing editors to lead the staff, each
with their own set of duties and responsibilities. The managing
editors include (alphabetically) senior Melita Bell, senior Patty
Contic, senior Nachelle Edwards, senior Krystal Gabel, and sophomore Nikki Lust.
Co-Managing Editor Nachelle Edwards states, “The new
method takes a little time to get use to, but I think that Mr. Giuliani
knows what’s best for the staff and he has been the advisor for
many years.”
The Shield
PAGE 16
Nov./Dec.2007
Class News
Freshmen
By Franklin Abarca
With previous experience in
student government, Chelsea
Joseph becomes the new
Freshman Class President. She
has been involved with student
government for 3 years. She also
stated that when she was in the
eighth grade, she was her class
officer. Currently she is a
member of the SGA and Leaders
of Promise. Class Sponsor
Amanda Jones expressed
enthusiasm to work with the
Freshman Class: “I sponsor this
class because I’ve seen the
dedication of this particular
group. They have always been
ready after school to work.”
earlier in the year they discussed
the
new
auditorium,
Homecoming, and possibilities
of fundraising.
With Jones’s advice, the
freshman
class
created
Caribbean-themed decorations in
the library hallway. Despite the
Freshman Class’s creativity, they
didn’t win the hall decoration
contest, but it was very artistic.
Earlier in the school year the
Freshman Class had Mr. Tom
Dernoga, Prince George’s
County Council Chairperson, to
discuss the importance of being
active in your community. He
mentioned an ecology project
that was interesting to them.
There is a possibility that they’ll
do it in the spring, but they are
not sure yet.
When Joseph was asked
how the freshmen have
responded to their meetings, she
said that during the meetings,
they behaved very well,
discussed with each other, gave
out their opinions, and interacted
around the room. The Freshmen
Class meets on a regular basis
in room 234. Joseph mentioned
that they want more freshmen
to participate in different
activities around the school.
Jones said that they would do a
fundraiser and save the profit for
next year’s expenses. It’s like
creating an account for the
freshmen so they can have
money for their senior expenses.
Right now, they are preparing for
the winter pep-rally. “It’s not too
late to participate in the
Freshman Class meetings. We
will be having a many of
speakers,” Joseph concluded.
school that they too have some
great years ahead of them.
Jocelyn Berry proclaims,
“Hopefully we could get some
bake sales in because we have
prom and a lot of other important
things coming our way.” Right
now the sophomore class is
flying solo without a sponsor.
The Sophomore Class seems to
be full of life and has some high
achievers, so if you’re a teacher
who would like to work with
this type of student, then contact
SGA Advisor Tom Miller or the
Sophomore Administrator Dr.
Randolph Perry.
Sophomores
By Courtney Branch
By Anam Qureshi
The sophomores, the Class
of 2010, are revved up because
they aren’t freshmen anymore..
When they came in last year as
the ‘newbies’ not everything was
a piece of cake. They adapted
to a new school that wasn’t just
different physically, but more
challenging academically.
They encountered lots of
new people and became
accustomed to all the new rules
and regulations that Laurel High
had waiting for them. But now
since their sophomores, they
have an amazing opportunity to
show the school that they’re not
the kids anymore. They came in
with a roar and the echo is still
alive in their bright and young
personalities. With one of the
biggest classes yet, the
sophomores have showed the
The musical chair competuition is always
an exciting event during the annual Spartan
Spectacular.
Juniors
The Junior Class is well on
its way to making enough
money to pay for senior year, and
then some! With all the
fundraisers completed, the class
has raised around $1,000 and
with all the current and
upcoming fundraisers, they
should have no problem paying
for a prom.
Last year they raised most of
their money through lollipop and
keychain fundraisers. During
freshman year the class sold
water and other items at the
School Olympics, as well as
selling hot dogs, candy, and
cookies at the fish fry.
This year, they’re started
early, selling donuts in the Main
Lobby before school. The Class
of 2010 also is planning to sell
candy and other items. Some
fundraisers under consideration
include selling pizza and a
fundraiser with Five Below.
Under the direction of
Advisers Mrs. Lewis-Steiner and
Mrs. Ritter, the juniors have
meetings every second and
fourth Wednesday of the month
during the first half of Spartan
Hour (1st and 3rd Wednesday
meetings are for officers only).
President Yazmyn Sneed and
Vice President Morgan Harding
prove to be good leaders and
representatives of the Junior
Class. If you are a junior and
want to help come up with ideas
or raise money, “here’s your
chance!” According to Mrs.
Lewis-Steiner, “Students should
start attending meetings so they
can find out what’s going on and
become more involved.” She
says sign up today and be a part
of the Junior Class fundraisers.
Juniors and sophomores battle it out during tug of war
at Spartan Spectacular.
Seniors
By Tano Eroraha
The senior prom is
scheduled for May 17 at the
Radisson Lord Baltimore Hotel.
It’s hard to believe that is only
five months away.! Senior dues
are currently priced at $160 and
will increase after December.
This should be a top priority for
seniors. The dues cover a
yearbook, class t-shirts, cap and
gown for graduation, a
contribution to the school, and
funding to offset the cost of
senior activities.
“I thought senior year would
be an easy course,” states senior
Ra’Neta Oliver “but how wrong
I was; senior year is worst than
all three years of high school.”
Still, other seniors think that
senior year is the easiest year out
of all four years of high school.
When asked what the best
part of high school is, senior
Crystal Onuoha euphuistically
replied, “Spartan Hour can be
really productive, along with a
variety of after school activities
and new clubs such as the
African Student Association
(ASA).”
“Movies often give bad
reputations of high schools by
the many cliques such as jocks,
plastics, cheerleaders, and
nerds,” states senior Rashae
Matthews when asked for her
opinion of high school.
Prom may seem far away,
but it’s quickly approaching.
Many people waited until senior
year to attend prom for many
reasons: hopefully it will be
magical, exciting, an eye opener,
and a once in a lifetime
experience that many people will
remember for the rest of their
lives. Ideas for locations for post
prom include Dave and Busters,
the movie theatre in Columbia,
and the ESPN Zone.
Many preparations must be
made in order to prepare for
college such as applying to
college, saying farewell to
friends, and becoming physically
and mentally ready for college.
Preparing for college can include
writing admission essays,
achieving high SAT Scores, and
good cumulative GPAs.
Admission essays range
between 500 and 1,000 words.
Seniors have many tasks, but
in the end it will all pay off as
they approach the road to
success. “I can’t wait to go to
college!” exclaims senior Kaydee
Kostishak
Reflecting on Homecoming,
it was the hall decorating that
brought many of the seniors
together.Senior Hall decorations
took much work and money.
The hall decoration theme was
Asian Festivals.
The
decorations included the Chinese
Dragon from Chinese New Year,
cherry blossoms from the
Cherry Blossom Festival, festival
ninjas, lanterns, the Great Wall
of China, along with geisha girls.
The senior hall decorations
captured first place.
Co-sponsors for the Class of
2008 include Mrs. Kari Rea and
Sidney Stark.See them if you
have any questions.
Send your friend
or sweetheart a
Valentine Message
in our next issue
of
The Shield.
The Shield
Nov./Dec. 2007
PAGE 17
Improvements Remove LHS from State Watch List
By Nikki Lust
(continued from p.1)
meant to help students who have
had trouble passing the HSAs
earn a high school diploma, and
the plan would be open to students ending their junior year who
have failed one or more of the tests
at least twice, which means that
the candidate must have failed to
meet both the state’s minimum and
combined score requirements.
In order for a student to
be eligible for the Bridge Plan, all
other graduation requirements
would have to be satisfied and
additional criteria would have to
be met, including a minimum grade
point average, school attendance,
passing course grades, and
participation in remediation
programs such as tutoring, afterschool programs, and summer
school. The plan would then allow
students to meet the HSA
requirement by completing a
specialized project that is as
challenging as the HSA, and that
would be evaluated by each
individual local school district and
finally approved by the district
superintendent
of
each
jurisdiction.
Prince George’s Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) John
Deasy needed certain conditions
met before he could consider the
project adequate, including that
the project had to require the same
content and rigor as the tests, the
students had to have taken the
class in the subject and passed,
only those students who had
failed the HSA test “repeatedly”
could be eligible for it, and that
the students must attend school
regularly. Deasy stated, in a recent
Laurel Leader article, that if the
alternative project does not meet
those basic requirements, “it’s a
less rigorous assessment and I
don’t want to be a part of that.”
The Maryland High
School Assessments (HSAs) are
tests that measure individual and
school progress towards
Maryland’s High School Core
Learning Goals, and they access
the knowledge and skills that
students should have learned
while taking the test’s course,
according to MSDE. The four
mandated HSAs in Algebra/Data
Analysis, Biology, English, and
American Government must be
passed by students who entered
ninth grade in or after 2005 in order
Despite Some Complaints
School Uniforms Become
Accepted at LHS
By Kristin Dwyer
(continued from p.1)
Positive opinions for
uniforms
include
their
representation of the school and
the community. They aim to give
the students a sense of pride in
their school. There should be less
fights and bullying due to the lack
of fashion. A practical argument is
that it should be easier finding
something to wear with a uniform.
Senior Kaydee Kostishak states,
“Uniforms make it easier to get
ready in the morning.”
In the eyes of the students,
an important issue at hand is when
the student body will have “dress
down days.” Jones replied, “Dress
downs day will be given when 90
percent of the student body is in
accordance with the uniform
policy.”
The next dress down days will
be the week before the Winter Pep
Rally. The previous dress down
days were for Homecoming Spirit
Week, where students were to
dress as the special day specified.
During this week, there was a
tremendous
increase
in
participation compared to previous
years. Most seem to think that it
was because the students loved
Teachers check uniforms in the
beginning of each period.
Sometimes administrators do spot
inspection of classrooms. Some
students may change their uniform
during the day, so this is why
uniform sweeps are done
throughout the day. Students do
complain that having uniform
sweeps takes up valuable learning
time.
The school uniform trend
continues to grow. All of the
middle schools in the Laurel area
and most of the elementary
schools each enforce a uniform
policy.
The belief that school
uniforms help behavior and lead
to higher test scores has been
vocalized
by
several
administrations within schools
and districts throughout the
country. Whether it alleviates
financial or peer pressure is still
an issue that is debatable.
School uniforms in public
schools continue to be
controversial all throughout
America. The pros and cons of
uniforms is a debate that may go
on forever, but for Laurel High
School, no debate will be
necessary because uniforms are
the rule and despite the evolving
policies, they have become a
mainstay for now and the future.
to graduate in the state of
Maryland. These tests are taken
after the completion of the course
for each of these four core
subjects, despite the grade in
which the student may currently
be. These exams presently include
both multiple-choice questions
and written responses, however,
MSDE informs that the writtenresponse questions will be phased
out by 2009.
The HSAs can be passed
by either receiving a passing score
for all four tests or by using the
combined-score option, where
students can earn a minimum score
on each test and a combined score
of 1602, which is an option aimed
to help students meet their
requirement if they had a lower
performance on one of the tests
and a higher one on another. The
Algebra/Data Analysis exam
requires a passing score of 412, 400
for Biology, 396 for English, and
394 for Government. The minimum
scale score policy may change in
the near future, but for the time
being, 402 is the score for the
Algebra/Data Analysis HSA, 391
for Biology, 386 for English, and
387 for Government.
An HSA can be retaken
on many occasions throughout the
year if a child fails one, and during
the 2007-2008 school year, the
HSAs will be administered in
October, January, May, and July/
August. Additionally, high school
seniors will have a senior-only
administration of the HSAs in April
to help them graduate on time if
they have struggled with the tests,
beginning in the 2008-2009 school
year.
Laurel’s HSA scores
improved for the Biology and
English exams from 2006 to 2007,
while the Algebra/Data Analysis
and Government scores declined.
The percentage of students
passing the Biology HSA in LHS
rose 8.9 percent, from 45.3 percent
in 2006 to 54.2 percent in 2007, and
the English passing rate improved
by 4.2 percent, increasing from 55.9
percent to 60.1 from 2006 to 2007.
While Laurel High seemed to
succeed in elevating proficiency
in these subjects, the Algebra
passing rate fell 3.5 percent, from
53.5 to 50 percent, and the
Government rate declined from 62.7
to 58.6 percent, a 4.1 percent drop.
In the Laurel area,
Howard County earned the highest
passing percentage, 87.1 percent,
for the Algebra test in 2007, with
Meade High School was the
lowest, at 38.4 percent. For
Biology, Atholton led the pack with
90.7 percent passing. Overall in
biology Prince George’s County
Schools scored 48.6 percent. In
English, Prince George’s Country
had 57.3 percent of students
passing in 2007. Concerning the
Government exams, Atholton High
of Howard County, with 91.7
percent passing in 2007, was at the
top of the list.
“The algebra scores were an
expected change because the
students who were not expected
to pass the HSA were put into an
Algebraic Concepts class this
year, and they did not take the
“ T h e
school is doing
everything it
can to make
sure
that
students pass
the test...I have
given every
single student
the opportunity
to get himself or
herself through
graduation, but
ultimately, it is
the student’s
responsibility.”
-LHS Principal
Dwayne Jones
test,” explained Curry. “In 2006,
every student in Algebra took the
test, but in 2007, those in the
Algebra Concepts class did not,
so the test pool of fewer students
may have caused the lower
scores.”
In order to continue
having Laurel improve with their
HSA scores, which will in turn help
the school meet AYP in future
years and stay off of the state
watch list, Jones has implemented
many measures to help struggling
students meet the HSA
requirement. After-school tutoring
on Tuesdays and Thursdays,
interactive computer training for
algebra, and possibly adding a new
“HSA class” to give students
additional help and time during the
day to focus on their weaknesses,
can all contribute to improved
scores.
“It was kind of neat
because the tutors are all in India,
and some people would think there
would be a language barrier, but
there really wasn’t one,” described
Jones, on the on-line tutoring
program in algebra that will
hopefully boost LHS’s HSA
scores.
“One of the things that
we did was take the progress
reports of the ninth graders, and
those who received a ‘D’ or an ‘E’
were given a Spartan Hour tutoring
schedule,” Jones reported. “We
are in the process of seeing how
much improvement the ninth
graders made from progress report
time to report card time.”
Jones also stresses the
point that Spartan Hour can be
used for a child’s benefit since one
can raise their grades, along with
their HSA scores, if that pupil uses
the time wisely. “Some think of
Spartan Hour as socializing time,
but it is really a time to meet with
teachers on a one on one basis,
and to take advantage of the time
if you are concerned with your
grades,” he elaborated. “An
added advantage of Spartan Hour
is to teach students to be more
responsible with their free time.”
The upcoming 2009
graduation evokes worry in many
over whether some of this year’s
juniors will not graduate due to a
test. “I think probably over threequarters of the students have done
what they needed to do,”
explained Jones. “We just need
that last quarter of kids.”
“The school is doing
everything it can to make sure that
students pass the test, and I am
trying to ensure that everybody
passes the tests by the end of their
tenth grade year, so we don’t have
to worry about them [passing the
test] in eleventh or twelfth grade,”
Jones stated. The principal also
remarks that, with all of the
programs and policies to improve
HSA scores, “I have given every
single student the opportunity to
get himself or herself through
graduation, but ultimately, it is the
student’s responsibility.”
“I don’t have a problem
with [the HSAs], but the biggest
thing is that there needs to be
enough modifications for students
who need them,” remarked Jones.
LHS’s principal added, noting that
HSAs can be beneficial, and that
“the value of you high school
diploma should mean something.”
“I think that the faculty
and staff is doing a phenomenal
job because they are following the
county-mandated curriculum, but
they are only one-third of the
equation,” answered Curry about
what she thought the school’s
employees could do to help
improve scores. “The other twothirds are the students and
parents, who need to take a more
active role in encouraging the child
to do well on the test.”
The Shield
PAGE 18
Nov./Dec. 2007
Arts &Entertainment
Johnny Depp Stars and Sings in Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd”
Movie Depicts Wrongly Imprisoned Barber Who Seeks Revenge; Premieres Dec. 21
By Krystal Gabel
I
t has been known for years
now that Johnny Depp
(Pirates of the Caribbean,
Corpse Bride) is a versatile
actor, but the genre of his newest
film is bound to cause any fan’s
head to spin. Sweeney Todd: The
Demon Barber of Fleet Street is a
macabre musical that first
premiered on Broadway in 1979.
The music and lyrics were written
by famed composer, Stephen
Sondheim (West Side Story,
Gypsy) and the production is now
being brought to the big screen for
the first time by legendary director
Tim Burton.
The musical tells the tale of
Benjamin Barker (Depp), who
returns to London after serving
time in the penal colonies in
Australia for a crime he did not
commit, and he takes the name
Sweeney Todd. It isn’t long before
he is out for revenge against the
man who falsely
convicted him, the
scheming
Judge
Turpin,
(Alan
Rickman,
Harry
Potter) who took in
Todd’s
daughter,
Johanna, as his ward.
He gains assistance
from his former
landlady, Mrs. Nellie
Lovett
(Helena
Bonham Carter, Harry
Potter and the Order
of the Phoenix), and
sets up a barbershop
above her meat pie
shop,
which
is
completely failing to
attract any business
whatsoever. It is Mrs.
Lovett, in fact, who
figures out what just to
do with the bodies of
the men Todd starts to
slay in his quest for
vengeance.
Among his
victims is Signor
Adolfo
Pirelli
(played by Borat’s
Sacha
Baron
Cohen), an Italian
barber who threatens
to expose Todd’s
secret and whose
lackey,
Tobias
“Toby” Ragg (Ed
Sands), proves to be
smarter than he
looks as the story
progresses. There is
no question that the
movie’s
eerie
tagline, “Never
forget.
Never
forgive,”
is
extraordinarily
fitting.
Boasting a Tony
award-winning score
and such an all-star
cast, Sweeney Todd
is bound to attract
hundreds of viewers
when it premieres in theaters on
December 21. It is rated R for
violence and disturbing themes, it
is not the typical Christmas movie.
Appropriate for the entire family,
but, none the less, it shows
promise as a holiday blockbuster.
A few fans of Johnny Depp
explain their enthusiasm for the
movie, including senior Lauren
Keim, “I want to see Sweeney
Todd for one reason: Johnny
Depp! He is such a great actor and
he keeps me intrigued when I’m
watching his movies. Plus he is
extremely hot!”
Also senior Jose Najarro
explains, “I think Johnny Depp is
a great actor. I’m really looking
forward to this movie because it
reminds me of Edward
Scissorshand another great movie
of Depp’s.”
Senior Courtney Branch
explains, “It looks awesome and
it’s a musical which makes the
movie even better. I can’t wait till
it comes out!”
Will Smith Aims to Save the World in I Am Legend
Deadly Virus Decimates New York City
By Alaina Alexander
As wintertime approaches so
does the period where the best
movies are released. One of the
movies you can expect to smash
the box office is I Am Legend,
which hits theaters December 14,
2007. The movie was directed by
Francis Lawrence, who also
directed the movie Constantine.
The movie is based upon the
classic 1954 horror novel, “I
Am Legend” by Richard
Matheson. The novel took place
in Los Angeles, but for this
adaptation it takes place in New
York City.
One can expect to see stars
such as Alice Braga, Charlie
Tahan, and Willow Smith, who
is Will Smith’s real daughter.
The Academy Award nominee,
Will Smith, plays main character
Robert Neville, who is a brilliant
scientist trying to contain a
terrible virus.
The inexorable, manmade virus, caused by attempts
at curing cancer, begins to
expunge the people in New York
City, maybe even the entire
world. Somehow, Neville is
immune to the deadly virus and
could possibly be the last human
survivor on earth.
For three years, Neville
sends daily radio messages,
desperate to find any other
survivors who might be out there.
“My name is Robert Neville. I am
a survivor in New York. If there is
anybody out there…anybody.
Please. You are not alone.”
Unfortunately for him
the last man on earth really isn’t
alone. He is surrounded by “the
infected.” Victims of the plague
have mutated into carnivores. All
the while, the infected prowl in
the shadows and are watching
Neville’s every move, waiting for
him to make a fatal mistake. Will
Robert Neville find a way to
reverse the effects of the virus?
Readers’ Picks
What’s your Favorite Holiday Movie and Why?
Frosty the Snowman
because it’s cute and a
classic! I also love the songs
that are played in the movie.
They stay in my head for
weeks after I watch the
movie.”
-Senior Lauren Keim
“My favorite Christmas
story is The Christmas
Carol because it is so
interesting to watch how the
Scrooge goes through the
past, present, and future, and
how it changes him.”
- Senior Bianca Ruiz
“How the Grinch Stole
Christmas
because,
although he is a grinch and
may be mean, he eventually
opened his heart and
accepted the Christmas
spirit. It’s humorous.”
-Junior Sheldon Jackson
“The Christmas Story
because it prepares me for
the holiday season. The
different situations, the
family are funny and
interesting to watch.”
“My favorite Christmas
movie is The Little Drummer
Boy. Although the boy is a fictitious character, the movie is
centered around what I consider the true meaning of
Christmas- Christ’s birth.”
-Senior Jose Najarro
-Ms. McQuillan
Nov./Dec. 2007
PAGE 19
The Shield
Entertainment & The Arts
Britney Spears’ New CD “Blackout” Receives Rave Reviews
Catchy Tunes Put Her Back on Track
By Ra’Neta Oliver
C
hild Prodigy was the past
given title for pop-singer
Britney Spears; today,
Spears is the star of gossip
headlines and is constantly
targeted by the media. Despite
often being a media target, Spears
new album, “Blackout,” redeems
the fallen pop-singer. In 2000,
Britney entered the music scene
with her chart topping single, Baby
One More Time leading to her next
successful single, Ooops…I Did
It Again to the charts and selling
over one million copies of her
album.
The female soloist later took a
turn from popular teenage icon to
a more sexually assertive
performer. Spears was at the top
of the pop music world with the
success of her fourth album titled,
In the Zone, but she later landed a
spot in the headlines with her
marriage to Kevin Federline in
September 2004 degenerating her
music career and personal life.
Britney’s comeback has
brought much speculation about
whether the album would be a
success or a failure. Spears’ album
release date was moved two weeks
from November 13 to October 30
due to Internet leaks of the album.
Spears’ fifth album shows a
diminutive amount of growth from
her media-driven life.
Britney’s first single of the
album, “Gimme More,” starts as a
potential hit with a catchy beat
resulting in a good introduction
of the new Britney to the radio
waves. “Piece of Me” is a techno
beat driven song with Britney
proclaiming to the world “Do you
want a piece of me” saying I’m
Miss bad media karma, Another
day another drama, Guess I can’t
see the harm, In working and
being a mama, And with a kid on
my arm.
The album begins to take a
more sexual turn with the “Radar.”
Spears talks about someone
whom she is trying to pursue with
her radar. The song takes an
electronic approach with catchy
lyrics produced by Bloodshy &
Avant along with “Piece of Me.”
“Break the Ice” would have
been a more suitable introduction
for Britney and her comeback to
the music world with the track
starting off with an apology
Britney uses three different vocal
lines. Spears explains in the track
everything she admires about her
lover with a colliding harmony of
lyrics. Halfway through the album,
stating, It’s been a while I know I
shouldn’t have kept you waiting,
But I’m here now. In the potential
club hit single “Heaven on Earth”
Britney’s up-tempo track “Get
Naked (I Got A Plan)” takes a
strong seductive turn with
producer Danjahanz as the male
vocal line of the track. In “Toy
Soldier” Britney explains how she
wants a real man with a complex
tempo and an edgy side from
Britney’s vocals. Spears sings,
This time I need a soldier, I’m sick
of toy soldiers, a boy that knows
how to take care of me. Britney’s
“Hot As Ice” is one of the dislikable
tracks of the album with Spears
speaking of her good sexual
attributes. “Ooh Ooh Baby” and
“Perfect Lover” are two of the
many seductive tracks. Brtiney’s
best work is shown in the track
“Why Should I Be Sad.” The
album ends with a bonus track
titled “Get Back” which demands
people to get back because
Britney is back and here to stay.
Senior Melita Bell states, “I
love the song, ‘Gimme More’ and
‘Piece of Me.’ I can’t wait to hear
the rest of her CD.” Britney’s
album is a definite comeback after
the media headlines of drugabuse, child custody cases, and
being a fallen pop princess.
Grade: A-
Angels and Airwaves Returns to Rock Scene With “I-Empire”
Lyrics Focus on Love and Relationships
the lyrics leave more to be desired.
It becomes hard to decipher what
is being sung because the
background music distorts the
actual singing.
By Shelby Donaldson
Heavily influenced by the San
Diego rock scene, the alternative
rock band Angel and Airwaves’
new CD I-Empire focuses on lyrics
dealing
with
love
and
relationships. The follow-up album
to their 2006 debut, We Don’t Need
a Whisper, which went Gold, has
13 tracks that have the same
repetitive theme.
The line up for Angel and
Airwaves consists of front man
Tom Delonge, formerly of Blink
182, drummer Atom Willard,
guitarist David Kennedy and
bassist Matt Wachter, formerly of
30 Seconds to Mars. Delonge
created the band in 2005 after
leaving Blink 182 because of
creative differences. He stated that
The third track “Breathe” really
relates to teenage love today. On
this slow paced song the front man
sings about the passion he has for
a girl who takes his breath away.
One can actually experience
Delonge’s emotions as he
describes how his “hands shake,
clasped with fear” as the love of
his life comes near him.
with this group he is committed to
The first single,
“Everything’s Magic,” was
thrilling to listen to, mainly
because of its melodious rock beat.
It is about how you feel when
you’re in love and how it is as if
making positive music that
inspires the youth.
Although Angel and Airwaves
claims to be dedicated to creating
inspirational music for the youth,
one can not escape the band’s
constant expression of love in their
music. I-Empire opens up with
“Call to Arms,” a mellow track with
a melody that is amazing to the
ears. Even though the chorus is
great, Delonge croons about how
soothing his companions
“heartbeat” is in times of trouble,
“everything is magic around you.”
“Secret Crowds,” the
sixth track, is a departure from the
rest of their love-themed songs,
with a message that inspires
people to know who they are and
to be individuals. This song is
enjoyable to listen to because it
discusses how people need to find
the confidence to be genuine
instead of replicating what their
peers do. Angel and Airwaves
sophomore album may appeal to
the alternative rock lovers who
enjoy a mix of hard rock and slow
ballads, but “Secret Crowds” is the
only track that lives up to the
band’s goal of creating multilayered music the inspires change.
Grade: A
The Shield
Page 20
Nov./Dec.2007
Dan In Real Life Proves Both Comical and Inspirational
“Office” Star Steve Carell Displays His Acting Versatility
This movie is not filled with
By Jocelyn Berry
Dan (Steve Carell) is an
advice columnist looking forward
to perhaps being syndicated.
However, for Dan, it seems hard to
think about that when you have
two teens, one named Cara
(Brittany Robertson), who has
recently fallen in love, and Jane
(Alison Pill), who is just trying to
find her meaning in this hectic
world; not to mention Dan’s fourth
grade daughter, who is quite smart.
Throw in love that wasn’t
supposed to be and a comical plot,
wrapped with a remarkable meaning
and you get Dan in Real Life, a PG13 romantic comedy.
BE
DECEMBER 14
laughter, which is hard to believe
when you have Steve
Carell as the main
character. Carell is
very well-known for
his lead role in the TV
series, The Office. It
starts off in a New
Jersey suburb at
Dan’s house. When
his daughters are out
of school, he goes to
his family’s beach
house to meet up with
his mother (Diane
Wiest), father (John
Mahoney), and his
three brothers Mitch
(Dane Cook), Howard
(Frank Wood), and
Will (Henry Miller).
All of his brothers have wives and
children, except for Mitch, who
has a girlfriend.
After meeting up, Dan’s mother
tells
him to
leave
t h e
house
for a
little
while
a n d
clear
h i s
mind of
all of
his troubles. He wanders off to a
book store where he meets and
hangs out with what seems to be
the woman of his dreams, until an
unexpected phone call. Suddenly
she has to depart, leaving Dan to
go home and find that the woman
is his brother’s girlfriend! From
this point on
it
is
awkward,
from the
strange
d o u b l e
dates
to
interrupted
bathroom
conversations.
As the
m o v i e
progresses
one may begin to wonder, will Dan
sacrifice going loveless for the rest
of his life or will he be willing to
hurt his brother?
“Throw in love that
wasn’t meant to be, a
comical plot, and a
remarkable meaning...”
SURE TO CATCH THESE ANTICIPATED MOVIE RELEASES!
DECEMBER 14
DECEMBER 21
JANUARY 11
DECEMBER 25
Holiday Messages
MY SPECIAL IDOL
FRANKLIN I want to tell
you that since the first time I
saw you, I fell for you. I like
the things you do and the way
you’ve expressed your feelings such as sending me letters, buying me sweets, and
stuffed animals. You’re so
sweet. I found this a great opportunity to communicate
what I feel about you. I love
you.
Your Secret Admirer
CHEWBACELYN Your fur
may be soft, but you are
hardcore awesome!
D.G.N.F.
JENEBA SAMKING Hey!
It was fun having you in chemistry class although you were
a junior.
Gloria
ALL OF MY FRIENDLY
TEACHERS I want to thank
you for being such nice people
that have shown me how to
be brave and how to defend
myself from the outer world.
Thanks for teaching me every
step to becoming a great person. I appreciate your time and
attitude towards me. I hope our
friendship will last forever.
Your Favorite Student
MELLY B, LEAN-LEAN,
HAMMER, JEFFAQUITA,
AND EVERYONE ELSE
This year has been the best one
yet! But after this, it’s time for
the impending “C” word ...
college!Ah! Thanks for allowing me to confide in you as
friend! Happy Holidays!
Phil-it-up
MY WIFEYS: KERRY,
KIERAH, & MIA I love
yall...Money over Boys LOL...
We don’t save em’ we let em’
go...
#1 Wifey
ALL OF MY GIRLFRIENDS You know I love
you all. I appreciate everything
you have done to me. I’m now
feeling that I am being considered in your lives. Thanks for
understanding and being cool
with me. Especially you M&M,
PeBo, & Morgan; the rest of
you too, but I dont have enough
space and money to list you.
Your Love
JENEBA SAMKING You’re
such a great person and a really good friend. Love you!
Samad Basit
ANAM QURESHI You rock,
and you’re awesome!
Shelby Donaldson
HEY TV GUY Ignore that last
message because I have realized that I can never be with
you. So Imma stop chasin time
THAT TV GUY You don’t
know me, but if you’re willing to invest your time, I
wanna make you mine.
That Newspaper Girl
The Staff of The Shield Wishes You a
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
and be satisfied that you’re
not mine.
That Newspaper Girl
CUPCAKE 4 is my favorite number. LOL. I love you!
Puddin’
LULY I miss you! I’m so
glad you’re getting better! I
love you forever and always.
Your Bestest Friend Duh.
Shelby
NEWSPAPER STAFF
Have a Merry and Blessed
Holiday.Enjoy your winter
break. Remember that
“Nothing Good Comes Easy!”
Mr. Giuliani
LULY The newspaper staff
and Mr. Giuliani wish you
a speedy recovery.
JASPER Enjoy the holidays.
Mom and Dad
SAINT NICK I have been
Polly
good .
The Shield
Nov/Dec 2007
PAGE 21
Sports
Varsity Football Team Completes 2-8 Season
Junior Varsity Compiles 5-5 Record
By Tano Eroraha
The varsity football team
struggled through a 2-8 season
finishing their schedule with a 34-0
loss to Roosevelt. Highlights of the
season included victories over High
Point and Northwestern.
Let’s take a quick look at the
season. Five straight losses came at
the beginning of the season
including being shut out by the
Bowie Bulldogs 42-0 and the Tigers
of DuVal 34-0.
Losing to Bladensburg 24-14,
followed by a disappointing
Homecoming loss against the
Clippers of Oxon Hill 34-12, along
with a 28-6 setback by the Panthers
of Parkdale was not an ideal way to
begin the season.
With
neighboring rival High Point up
next the team did not give up. After
five straight losses the Spartans
aimed to give High Point the “L”
by overpowering the Eagles 6-2 in
a low scoring game. The team
enjoyed their first victory of the
season.
Up next were Wise and
Suitland. The Spartans were
dominated by Prince George’s
County’s newest high school, Wise,
35-0. The following week it was
worse against powerhouse Suitland
as the Rams demolished Laurel 527. Laurel’s senior Alvin Clark
scored the winning touchdown
against Northwestern
NEWS FLASH
Varsity Coach Harris
Resigns
On Tuesday, November 20th,
Coach Corey Harris submitted
his resignation form to Mr. Terry
Parfitt after his second year of
coaching football for Laurel.
“Hopefully we can find another
full time football coach by
February,” stated Parfitt. When
asked why he resigned he simply
stated“No Comment, but it has
nothing to do with the season or
the players or other coaches on
the football team.” “I am looking
forward to enjoying my family
as well as my life more,” states
Harris.
for a 6-0 win to give the Spartans
their first shutout of the season.
Observers say the Spartans could
have given up after such a trouncing
by the Rams, but they put it together
for a win.
The Varsity
Football Team lost their last game
of the season against Roosevelt 350; ending the season with a 2-8
record.
One positive aspect of
the season is that the team was not
guilty of any ineligibility rules
infractions so they didn’t have to
forfeit any wins like several county
schools did.
When asked about the
weaknesses of the team, Varsity
Wide Receiver Daryl Solee
explained, “The team is made up of
individual players.”
“Our biggest opponent is
ourselves,” exclaimed Senior
Quarterback Brandon Harvey.
Varsity Head Coach Corey
Harris states, “The strength of our
team was our defense, but it makes
it harder with inexperienced new
players.”
When asked to
comment on the season, junior
Philly Cottrell stated, “We started
from scratch, and tried our best.”
“We are looking forward to
working with the present juniors
and sophomores to help lead the
team along with off-season practice
McGregory Allen carring the ball against the defense.
and we want to focus on maturing
as a team,” declared Harris.
The boys’ Junior Varsity
Football Team ended their season
with a record of 5-5. Coach Brian
Moore is looking forward to
sophomores DeAnte Love, Brandon
Adams, Wilmer Diaz, and Lafayette
Matthews to assist the varsity
football team next season.
Coach Moore states, “In order to
have a good season, we must have
a good off-season.”
The team started with loses in
their first three games: against
Bowie, 14-0; Duval, 14-0; and a
slamming from Oxon Hill 28-0.
Keeping their spirits up
helped them achieve wins against
Parkdale, 16-0, and High Point 202. After a loss against Wise 20-6,
the Spartans followed with two
wins against Suitland 20-8 and
Northwestern 30-6. The season
ended with a 20-0 loss against
Roosevelt.
PG County High School Teams Forced to Forfeit Games
By Patricia Contic
The 2007 football season in
Prince George’s County was
marred with a rash of schools
using ineligible players which
resulted in their forfeits of
victories. Roosevelt, Friendly,
Flowers, Gwynn Park, and
Crossland all had to forfeit
victories.The most common
eligibility violation was having
a who that did not live in the
school’s district play for the
team.Investigators discovered
falsified addresses in many
cases.It wasn’t limited to
football either. Roosevelt’s
boys’ soccer and cross country
team also had violations while
DuVal’s boys’ soccer team also
had ineligibility problems.
The investigation started
in mid September when Vonda
Epps, a mother of a former
Marquis Stephens reaching for the ball.
football player for Roosevelt,
stated that her son had been
illegally enrolled into Roosevelt
for the school year of 20062007. Her son had used the
assistant coach Roman Morris’s
address. On September 14,
Morris and the head coach Rick
Houchens were suspended for
the rest of the season. Roosevelt
was forced to forfeit 23 victories
from the seasons of 2004-2006
after investigating the records of
the team’s roster. Due to
infractions this year Roosevelt
was forced to forfeit four of their
games and were banned from the
playoffs this year. In the first
week of October investigators
found that the boy’s soccer team
also played with ineligible
players forcing them to forfeit
five wins this season. A runner
for the cross country team was
also found ineligible which lead
to two forfeits. One of their
basketball players who
transferred from Bowie High is
being investigated.
Flowers High School has
been forced to forfeit three
games because of ineligibility
infractions. Crossland’s football
team is now on the list for teams
with forfeits due to ineligible
players.
The boys’ soccer team
from DuVal had to forfeit their
first playoff game against La
Plata when the principal found
that they had played with an
academically ineligible player
during two regular games this
past season.
The boys’ soccer and cross
country teams from Roosevelt
are still able to play in the
playoffs. Roosevelt is making an
appeal to lift the banned from the
playoffs to Superintendent
Deasy but there has been no
change of decision yet. The
county is now looking closely
into all athletes records to make
sure they are eligible to play.
It’s interesting to note
that Friendly’s football team had
been ranked number one for
most of the season. Gwynn Park,
Roosevelt and Flowers also had
been perrenial powerhouses
throughout the years. Laurel
High had no ineligibility
violations.
Winter Sports Update
Contact for Winter Coaches
Girls’ Basketball: Coach
Keith Coutreyer,
Gym 3-5 PM
Boys’ Basketball: Coach
Tommy Harrison,
Gym 5-9 PM
Wrestling Team: Coach
Chris Acosta, Wrestling
Room 3:30-5:30 PM
Swimming Team: Coach
John Venit, Fairland
Aquatic Center on Old
Gunpowder Road
6:30-8 PM on
Tuesdays and Thursdays
Indoor Track: Coach Ken
Broadhurst, at school
track/inside school
from 3-5:30p.m.
The Shield
PAGE 22
Nov./Dec. 2007
Cross Country Team Shows Signs of Improvement
By Jeneba Samking
It’s been a very long
time that anyone can remember
Laurel’s cross country team
finishing in a respectable place
in competitions. This year was
different. Several runners had
decent finishes and Laurel High
was beginning to receive some
recognition. Laurel even sent a
runner
to
the
state
championship.
The Cross Country
Regional Meet at Fort
Washington Park was on
Thursday November 1. The
team had several runners who
finished in respectable places.
For the boys competing with
about fifty people, Sebastian
Narcisse came in third, Josh
came in twenty- sixth, Tano
Eroraha came in thirty-third,
and Martell Young came in
forty-fourth.
Narcisse
qualified and participated in the
State Championship at Hereford
High School which took place
on November 10. He was the
sole qualifier from Laurel to be
invited.
It all began the very
first week of school when the
runners began their grueling
practices in hopes of winning
some meets as well as a desire
for personal improvement.
This year’s team was
guided by Coach Edwards,
who instructs the girls,
Assistant Coach Devon Smith,
and Head Coach Kennon
Broadhurst, who is commonly
referred to as “Coach Ken.”
Coach Ken has been
with the Laurel High Track and
Cross Country teams for
several years and has grown to
really enjoy coaching the teams
because he likes seeing young
people run, strive to do their
best, and reach their goals.
Being a former runner himself,
Coach Ken says, “I really like
the competitiveness of the
sport.” “Always wanting to do
better than an opponent pushes
a runner harder and gets them
closer to winning.”
Cross
country meets are held at a
variety of course throughout
the region. Three common
running grounds are Fort
washington Park, Greenbelt
Park, and Patuxent Park.
Practices are everyday
beginning at 3:00 P.M. and
ending at 5:30 P.M. The team
warms up and stretches
from 3:00 to 4:00, which may
include four laps around the
track or multiple laps around
the upper commons.
Actual practice
begins at 4:00. The team may
run from the school to the
Laurel Regional Hospital, run
ten to twelve laps around the
upper commons, or run four
or more laps around the
track. Inclement weather
forces the team to run inside
Senior Alfonzo Diaz leads the
the school building.
Although there
are many people participating in presently the boys’ Cross
track, not enough people want Country Captain win several
to run cross country because of events, serves as motivation for
the fact that it is long distance, the whole team. The coach
which Coach Ken says is the says, “It’s a good step for him
biggest problem.
and the team” and “it is also a
Expectations that the huge accomplishment.”
coach has for the team are to
The LHS track and
learn what it takes to be a good Cross Country team members
runner, run competitively, and are very unique. The entire
hopefully qualify for the State team has grown very fond of
Championship.
Having each other creating a good spirit
Sebastian Narcisse, who is of camraderie. They created
nicknames for each
other which include
Mariama
Saffa,“Rice;” Oshin Bennett
- “Storm;” Victoria,
“Dimples;” Jovanna”Fake Me;” Tano
Eroraha-”MIA,” and
Sharon Plummer, who
is also the girls’ Track
Team Captain, is
known as “Shay baby.”
Assistant
Coach Devon Smith is
said to always be
smiling,
which
motivates the team to
pack. do better and improve
their skills.
a
“It’s
always
challenge to keep up with
Sebastian. He’s such a hard
worker, along with everyone
else on the team,” says Tano
Eroraha.
“We all love each other
and our coaches,” exclaims
Mariama Saffa and Oshin
Bennett. They like helping each
other to do better and they
cooperate very well as a team.
Running Star Narcisse Helps to Revive Program
Sebastian Narcisse First to Win a Cross Country Meet in Many Years
By Jeneba Samking
“I feel super,” exclaimed
Sebastian Narcisse when
asked how he felt about being
the first in many years to win
several cross country events
for Laurel High School.
Narcisse won three events
at Fort Washington Park and
one at Patuxent Park. As a
freshman, he ran indoor as
well as outdoor track.
Currently a sophomore, he
switched over to cross
country which resulted in
him being a six time first
place winner.
His hard work and
dedication led him to
becoming captain of the
boys’ team. He described
cross country as very
challenging because he has to
run against top schools such
as Roosevelt and Flowers
High School.
Eating
properly and practicing
Narcisse leads the pack of runners.
Monday through Friday, from
3:00pm to 5:00pm are just
few of the many things that
help him become a talented
runner.
Narcisse was born in Haiti,
but moved to Miami, Florida
at age seven. After living in
Florida for about ten years,
he moved to Laurel,
Maryland. “Looking back at
the time I spent in Florida,
what I really miss is the food.”
He says that “the food in
Maryland doesn’t even
compare to the food in
Florida.” While in Laurel,
Narcisse joined the LHS JV
Football Team, but didn’t stay
on the team for very long
because he says “the team
had a hard time winning due
to the fact that the team
would not cooperate and
work together.”
A
friend of his encouraged him
to be on the track team. After
contemplating about whether
or not to join the team, he
finally decided to give it a try.
Narcisse describes himself
as entertaining, a fun person
to be around, and a hard
worker. He enjoys making
people happy, meaning he will
listen to people attentively
and say kind words just to
cheer them up. In his spare
time he likes to read, listen
to music, and talk to friends.
Three years from now,
when Narcisse will be a 2010
graduate, he plans on
attending the University of
South Florida in his home
town. His career goals
include becoming a computer
engineer or a professional
track runner.
Running
both cross country and track
in high school is preparing
him for the real world and
future challenges ahead.
Upcoming Spartan Competition
BOYS’ BASKETBALL
Dec. 18 Bowie
Dec. 21 @DuVal
Jan. 8 Wise
WRESTLING
Jan. 2 Largo
Jan. 9 @DuVal
Jan. 16 Roosevelt
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL INDOOR TRACK
Dec. 18 Bowie
Dec. 21 @ DuVal
Jan. 4 Parkdale Home
Dec. 13@3:00
Dec. 18@3:00
SWIMMING
Dec. 15 vs. Suitland/Largo
Jan. 5 vs. Douglass/Surrattsville
Jan. 12 vs. High Point/Flowers
Nov./Dec. 2007
The Shield
PAGE 23
Volleyball Team 2-12 Searches for Right Formula
Girls Show Individual Improvement but Team Wins Are Scarce
By Ra’Neta Oliver
Despite an overall 2-12
record, Laurel’s volleyball team
players still seem to have a
positive attitude. The Spartans
began their season with a win
over Bladensburg, with a score
of 3-0. The team was in high
spirits with a new season and
new players.
“We were so excited about
the season because, for some
of us [seniors], it’s our last time,
but there were also new players,
which also added to the
excitement,” explained senior
Matilda Amlalo.
The girls lost their following
matches against Bowie 3-0..
Following their first beating, the
team had a double loss against
DuVal, 3-2, and Parkdale, 3-2.
The girls began to lose their
spirit and teamwork as well.
“We became so frustrated with
our losses that we took it out on
each other,
which caused
us to lose
focus and lose
more games,”
senior Liz
Guevara
explains.
The girls’
losing streak
continued with
matches
against Henry
Wise 3-0, Oxon
Hill
3-0,
Northwestern
3-0 and High
Point 3-0. The
team fell to an
overall record
of 1-7 with a
Volleyball team shows unity during the Pep Rally.
home game
loss
to
“We finally won! That’s all
Roosevelt High. Scores of the show improvement after ending I could think. We were all
three games were 25-14, 25- their losing streak with a 3-0 win happy,” proclaimed freshman
15 and 25-4.
against Suitland High on Arielle Lima. Two days later,
October 9. This match was one the Spartans lost to C.H.
Although the Spartans have of two highlights of the team’s Flowers, giving them an overall
had many losses, Laurel did season.
record of 2-8.
“We expected more wins,
but we worked hard this season
and improved on working as a
team,” stated junior and CoCaptain Elsie Sanchez along
with senior Liz Guevara.
“Everyone on the team showed
improvement; we just hope for
a better season next year.”
Head Coach Taren Gray
expresses the same feelings as
the players explain, “I expected
more wins this season, but in
the end, it all came down to
keeping the team in good
spirits.” Gray, a former player
at Roosevelt High, expected
the team to be more
competetive, but now she
hopes for a better season next
year.
The girls last few games all
resulted losses: to Henry Wise
3-0, Roosevelt 3-0, Flowers 30, and Bowie 3-0.
The Spartans participated in
the playoffs, but were
eliminated after their loss to
Bowie.
The Shield
Page 24
NOV./DEC. 2007
Girls’Soccer Completes 9-4 Season
Oxon Hill Eliminates Girls In Playoffs
By Caitlin Raynor
“After coaching a girls’ team once
before, I swore that I would quit,”
recalls first year coach for the Spartan
Girls, Steve Craig. “But this has been
my most enjoyable season so far.”
Let’s take a look at the season.
The Lady Spartans Soccer Team began
the season with a rough start. They
played in a tournament and
unfortunately for the girls, they lost
all four games.
With those matches still fresh
in their minds, the girls knew they had
to pick their heads up and keep
playing. The Spartans opened the
regular season against Bladensburg
with a dominating win of 6-0. Their
home opener was against the Bowie
Bulldogs who handed the Spartans a
4-0 shutout. But after that loss the
ladies were said to be on “fire!” With
five wins in a row, the girls were 6-1.
They defeated DuVal, Parkdale, Dr.
Henry Wise Jr., Oxon Hill, and
Northwestern High Schools.
“I have been confident in
the team the whole season,” expressed
Senior Captain Patty Contic, who was
the leading scorer for the team with 16
goals and 18 assists. She added, “Being
a senior on the team has definitely made
me more aware to have as much fun as
I can. Also, to make as many memories
and absorbing it all that I can to make
the most of this experience.”
Next up for the Spartans
were the High Point Eagles. The ladies
suffered an 3-1 defeat, which
snapped the girls’ winning streak.
Three days after the upset, the
Spartans were up against the
undefeated Roosevelt girls. For the
seniors it was the last home game of
Senior Captain Patricia Contic
led the team in goals.
the season and it was a very special
game for all the girls. They lost 5-0
but that loss didn’t keep the girls
from making the most of the moment.
Senior Midfielder
Courtney Branch expressed, “The
last home game was definitely the
most exciting part of the season. Even
though we lost, it was really special.
We had a meeting and everyone [the
underclassmen] said something nice
about each of the seniors; then we
said something nice about them and
the team.” Including the kind words
exchanged, Principal Coach Jones
attended as well with some things to
say too. “He said that this [the season
and team] is what high school is all
about.”
“That was really nice to
have him there and say that,” stated
Craig.
Following the seniors’ last home
game, the girls spanked the Suitland
Rams 6-0. In their next contest against
Flowers the Lady Spartans slid by
with a 1-0 win. It was Coach Craig’s
100th win of his coaching career
which spans 20 years. Craig
previously coached at St. John’s High
School in the tough Washington
Catholic League. “At first I didn’t
realize it until the girls started
congratulating me, and that’s when I
remembered,” added a laughing Craig.
Four days later the girls ended the
regular season with a 4-0 triumph
against the Yellow Jackets of Gwynn
Park.
Since the girls defeated Flowers
they placed third in the county. This
led the team to compete in the
Regional Quarter Finals against Oxon
Hill. The girls were pumped with
prior knowledge of defeating the
Clippers in the regular season 1-0.
Branch stated, “I’m very confident in
the team. We beat them [Oxon Hill] in
the regular season, but hopefully it
won’t go into overtime.” The two
The Girls’ Varsity Soccer Team promotes their float.
teams were tied 0-0 but then in the
second half a goal was scored for the
Spartans by Contic. However, Oxon
Hill came back in the game with their
own score.
At the end of the game the two
teams were still tied 1-1 and then went
into double overtime with still no
goals. The double overtime led to a
shootout and Laurel was up first.
Goalie Katy Snider made the first goal
with no effort at all. The Clippers
made the next five goals with the
Spartans only making two more. The
final score was 2-1. It was a
heartbreaking loss for the girls,
especially the seniors realizing it was
their last game as a soccer player for
LHS. “It’s been fun, but sad too that
it’s almost over,” remarked Branch.
Coach Craig hopes for
anoher great season next year and a
good Freshman Class to replace the
seniors that they will lose to
graduation. “I hope to have as good
leadership that we had this year too,”
added Craig. The Spartans ended the
season with a 9-4 record.
Varsity Boys’ Soccer Compiles 8-6-1 Record
Duval Knocks Boys Out of Playoffs
By Kaydee Kostishak
Despite being knocked out of the
playoffs 3-1 by DuVal, the boys
posted an 8-6-1 winning record this
season.
Looking back throughout the
season, the boys’ team was prepped
and ready for the Spartan Tournament
which occured before the regular
season. The boys played Friendly
High School at home, and finished the
game routing Friendly 9-1. The next
day the boys played Reservoir High
School and beat them 3-2. Based on
the tournament outcome, the boys
were off to a winning start.
Replacing last year’s, new coach
Matthew Smith, was first year Laurel
High Coach Eric Ferguson. Ferguson
has been a substitute teacher at Laurel
High for many years. He has about
20-25 years of soccer experience and
plans to continue coaching as long as
he is needed. When asked what he
thought about the soccer team, he
declared, “I enjoyed the season, [and]
I enjoyed the kids. But more than
anything, I enjoy the Laurel family
and the support they gave for the
boys this year.”
In Memory
Sean Taylor
1983-2007
The staff of The Shield offers condolences to family,
friends, and fans, of the Washington Redskin
Sean Taylor. May he rest in peace.
The first game of the regular
season was against Bladensburg, at
home on September 11. Although the
boys won their first two pre-season
games, they did not manage to win
this game, suffering a 5-0 loss. The
Spartans then traveled to Bowie on
September 14, and worked harder to
only be defeated 2-0. This was a rough
game for the Spartans because two
key players, seniors Michael Ngang
and Jam Ngya were injured and could
not complete the game. After these
two losses, the boys knew they had
to step their game up. On September
18, at DuVal, the team experienced
their first win of the season, 1-0 with
DuVal being forced to forfeit because
of ineligible players. Grades have
affected Laurel players as well. Senior
Captain Hans Colglazier comments,
“If everyone had grades, our team
would be number one in the league.”
The team lost five players who were
forced to leave due to grade
ineligibility.
On September 21 there was
a home game against the Parkdale
Panthers. The Spartans were edged
by the Panthers 2-1. The team
traveled to Wise and ended the game
in a triumphant landslide 10-0. With
this outstanding win, the boys went
on to demolish Oxon Hill 7-0. On
October 2 at Northwestern, the game
ended with a tie, 1-1. Later that week
High Point beat Laurel 2-0. Arch-rival,
Roosevelt escaped with a 3-1 win over
the Spartans. Next in line were the
Suitland Rams with Laurel
overpowering them 3-0. The last game
of the season before playoffs was
against C.H. Flowers. The boys ended
their regular season with a 2-0 shutout
victory.
The first day of the playoffs
was October 29 against their last
opponent, Flowers. Key players in this
game were seniors Hans Colglazier and
Moyin Erinle. Colglazier had one goal,
while Erinle contributed three. With a
dominating win of 4-0, the Spartans
advanced to the second round of the
playoffs against DuVal. DuVal came
back from their loss to the Spartans
earlier in the season, and won 3-1.
Erinle scored the Spartan’s lone goal.
“We don’t communicate,
[and] we lack confidence,” stated
Colglazier as he explained his view of
the team’s greatest weaknesses.
According to Coach
Ferguson, and other teammates, the
strongest players include midfielder
Hans Colglazier, midfielder Alfonzo
Diaz, forward Moyin Erinle,
midfielder Michael Ngang, and
defender Jam Ngya, all whom are
seniors. Erinle was the leading scorer
for the team with 12 goals in the
regular season and four in the
playoffs, making a total of 16 for the
Spartans. “The team had great
potential, but we lack patience. We
complicated the game way too many
times,” stated Erinle, when asked what
his view of the team’s greatest
limitation was.
“I really enjoyed this
season. I would say out of all four
years I’ve been at this school, this
team had the best team spirit out of
all the teams I’ve been on. We never
fought, which is a first. Also, Coach
Ferguson is a great coach,” stated
Erinle who has been on the varsity
soccer team since he was a freshman.
When questioned about next
season, Ferguson responded, “Next
season we will be young. I think we’ll
be alright. We only have three
[returning to be] seniors for next year.”
LHS
SPORTS
HISTORY
Flashback
Laurel Wins State
Football Championship
This month
marks the twentieth anniversary of Laurel’s last
state football championship. The Spartan defeated Linganore of
Frederick County 14-0
to win the 1987 Maryland
State 3A Championship.
The team was coached by
Chuck Hickes.