the shield · condition called alopecia areata, which is when white blood cells at-tack the cells...

Laurel High School Laurel, MD 25 centsVol. 12 No. 3 March 2007

By Flor Orellana-Diaz

New-Look Mall to Include a 16-Screen Movie Theater, Expanded Food Court and Local FlavorStudents to Reap Benefits of Newly-Designed Laurel Mall

(Photo by J. Garshell)

The new, redesigned Laurel Mall is expected tomake its debut in late 2008.

Seven Students and a Teacher Donate their Hair to Help Children Who Need WigsLeaders of Promise Brings Locks of Love to Laurel High

By Justin Cousson

Laurel High’s Cosmetology students helped cutand style the participants’ hair.

A staple of the Laurelcommunity since 1979 that has seen its fortunes collapse

in recent years facing internalproblems and competition, LaurelMall is under new management andset to receive a bold new look. SantaBarbara-based Somera CapitalManagement LLC purchased LaurelMall in February of 2006 for $31million and now owns 23 acres of the35-acre mall site, with the notableexceptions being The Burlington CoatFactory building and its adjourningparking lot. The 664,000-plus-square-foot,two-story mall is set to receive a full-scale renovation. The mall’s exteriorwill receive a facelift reflecting someof Laurel’s rich history, with localbrick and stone in a nod to the city’strain station, and ironwork reflectingLaurel’s mill-town past prominentlydisplayed both in and outside of themall. The mall stores occupancy rateis currently eighty-five percent. Thewoes arguably began whenMontgomery Ward went out ofbusiness in 2001, and then worsenedwhen J.C. Penney closed in 2003. Themall’s parking garage suffered fallingconcrete damage on June 30 andDecember 27, 2005 adding anotherdeterrent to local shoppers

In a recent article published in thePrince George’s County Gazette,Charlie Christensen, Somera’s vicepresident for Asset Managementstated that focus groups conducted in2006 told the mall’s redevelopmentteam that “[The mall] is a bigdisappointment fornewcomers and a majorembarrassment forlongtime residents.”Christensen added thathe hopes the changescan change thatperception. In the samearticle, Mayor CraigMoe called the project“one of the mosts i g n i f i c a n t ”redevelopment effectsto ever impact the Cityof Laurel. Under Somera’splans, the parking garage(along with the formerJ.C. Penney building)will be demolished inearly 2008, and willbecome home tofreestanding restaurants and shops ina plaza area with wide sidewalks,benches, lighting, and extensivelandscaping similar to that seen atBowie Town Center. Somera officials have kept quiet asto what stores are targeted for theinside of the mall, but, a two-storybookstore and a 16-screen movie

theatre with stadium seating have beendiscussed, as well as unidentified“class A” tenants. The interior is alsodue to contain limestone flooring(featuring a map of Laurel and itssurrounding counties), an atrium, achildren’s play area (with a Laurel

Race Track theme), and a new foodcourt with a lounge and skylight. Themall’s center court will feature a clocktower reminiscent of Laurel’s formerB & O Railroad Station. The majority of Laurel studentsabandoned the struggling mall forvenues such as Arundel Mills and TheMall in Columbia, both of which are

within 20 minute drives of LaurelMall. However, many are optimisticfor the mall’s future, and would beinterested in checking out a new-lookLaurel Mall. “I’m excited to see thenew bookstore,” insists senior JulianMcCormick, “because the Books-A-

Million at Arundel Mills[is way bigger than theone around here]. It’salso going to be good tosee a well-lit food courtwith more than 5 placesto eat,” he added,claiming that the mall’scurrent state suggests anominous environment,“[the current court]’s abit seedy.” McCormickalso believes that thenew mall needs to reachout to students withsome youth-orientedstores. “I would like tosee Spencer’s come back,and a toy store orsomething.” The movie theatreplanned for Laurel is

quickly gaining support. “I don’t evenlike Arundel Mills,” McCormick adds,“I just go there for the theater.” Senior Gregory Hood knows thatsuccess isn’t just in marketing toyouth, insisting that Laurel Mall’ssuccess will ultimately come down tothree words. “Bed. Bath. Beyond,”he declares, “although it could

definitely use a Hot Topic, and someclothing stores like Pac Sun, AmericanEagle or Nordstrom to compete.Throw in an L.L. Bean while they’reat it – they’ve got some cool stuff.”Hood then suggested that moreupscale food options, such as GloryDays Grill or Du Claw would bring aclassy touch to the area. “I want to see an Aeropostale, anOld Navy, or an H&M – that place isawesome,” insists junior AngelineDauteuil, who then added that “girlswould be all over a Forever 21, andwe’d really need a place to buyelectronics and CDs.” CopyingArundel and Columbia will not beenough, though, claims Dauteuil,reminiscing to the mall’s past. “I wantthe Disney store back! I missed thatso much when it went away. If theyreally want the mall to succeed, thereneeds to be a place to buy cutepuppies and kittens – it’s just commonsense.” Laurel Mall is currently under themanagement of General GrowthProperties, which oversees ArundelMills and The Mall in Columbia. Themall will remain open during therenovations, (which start late this yearwith the Fourth Street Parking Garage,which will be rebuilt along the streetand hidden by trees) as mostconstruction will occur at night. Thenew Laurel Mall is expected to makeits debut in time for the 2008 holidayshopping season.


Have you ever wondered howyou can help others with medi cal conditions, such as can-

cer, feel a bit happier? Locks of Love, which provides hair-pieces to financially disadvantagedchildren under the age of 18 sufferingfrom long-term medical hair loss, wasfounded for that very purpose. Mostof the children helped by Locks ofLove have lost their hair either from acondition called alopecia areata,which is when white blood cells at-tack the cells in the hair follicles thatmake hair, or from chemotherapywhich is used to treat cancer. School service club Leaders ofPromise teamed up with Locks ofLove on February 2 in order to collecthair and money donations, which theywill use to make wigs for the children.This event was chaired by seniorsStephanie Palacios and Ebony Harris.Seven participants: seniors KrishnaDalsania, Molly Hopkins andStephanie Palacios, Gabriela Saber;

junior Reina Ambrosio; sophomoresRobert Balarabe and ElizabethFitzsimons, all hadtheir hair cut and styledby Laurel cosmetologystudents. Their shearedhair was donated toLocks of Love. Twoother dedicated people,senior Jennifer Garshelland Algebra InstructorAlayna Manuel, savedtheir hair from whenthey had it cut prior tothe event and donatedit to Locks of Love.This is Garshell’s sec-ond time donating tothe program. “I’m doing this inmemory of my mother,who had breast can-cer,” expressedGarshell. “It is sad thatkids have to go throughcancer, so I want to helpthem out.” Palacios, who helped run theevent, donated about 18 inches of hair,

which she had been growing since shewas nine years old. Palacios was in-

spired to follow through with the do-nation of her hair after watching an

episode of the “Maury Show” eightyears ago. On this program, one of

the guests, a shy fiveyear old with long, sway-ing hair, held a cancervictim’s hands and said,“I am going to give youall the hair I have.” Sincethen it has been herdream to one day let goof her hair in order tohelp change the lives andlift the spirits of others. “Leaders of Promiseholds blood drives, Ca-reer Day, InternationalNight and other activi-ties, but they didn’t dohair donations prior,” ac-knowledged Palacios. “Iproposed the idea be-cause not many peopleknow about it. A lot ofpeople could use hair.” Many of the partici-pants were inspired todonate hair to honor rela-

tives and friends who have undergonechemo or have struggled with cancer.

“One of my cousins has leukemia,and he inspired me to go through withthis,” declared Ambrosio. After the event, all of the partici-pants could not help but feel changedby the process.“It feels different,”stated Hopkins. “It’s been so longsince I’ve had short hair, but it feelsgood because I did it for a good rea-son.” “This is something that I have beenwaiting on for eight years,” sighedPalacios. “It was like a dream. Now ithas come true. Hopefully, it will helpothers in making their dreams cometrue.” Six to ten ponytails are needed tomake one hairpiece for a child. Thesehairpieces are vacuum-fitted. For chil-dren under the age of six, a synthetichairpiece is used, for their heads arestill growing and they tend to outgrowthe hairpieces quickly. One can findmore information on Locks of Loveby visiting their website atwww.locksoflove.org.

Managing Editor Brian Lentzcontributed to this article.

The ShieldThe Shield“Serving the Laurel High Community

Since 1995.”

Students Discuss FirstLoves, Date Ideas, &

FavoriteRomantic Movies

pp. 10-11

Examine the Influence ofBlack Musicians on

Today’s Musicp.13

INSIDE: Black History Features...New CD Reviews...Teacher Features...Winter Sports Wrap-Up...Computer Dating...

The ShieldThe ShieldThe ShieldThe ShieldThe Shield March 2007PAGE 2

The Shield is published by the students ofLaurel High School,8000 Cherry Lane,

Laurel, MD 20707. It is sold at the price oftwenty five cents per issue. The Shield is amember of the Columbia Scholastic PressAssociation, the Maryland Scholastic PressAssociation, the American Scholastic Press

Association and the International Quill and Scroll Society.

S t a f fS t a f fS t a f fS t a f fS t a f f

Editor-in-ChiefJustin Cousson

Managing EditorBrian Lentz

Layout EditorMelita Bell

Photo EditorsJennifer Garshell

Brian LentzBrad Lust

Copy EditorsJoan Oguntimein

Flor OrellanaAshley Hanavin

NewsWilliam Asiedu

FeatureNachelle Edwards

SportsPhillip CooperEntertainmentRa’Neta Oliver

Brad LustOpinion

Candace McCoyExchange

Patty Contic

Advertising : Hilda BoatengPublic Relations : Ashley Campbell

Buisness : Crystal CooperCirculations : Alaina Alexander

Patrons : Patty ConticUnclassifieds : Dennisse Mallari

Librarians : Ashley Campbell

News Briefs: Marquita Monroe Juanita Zimmerman

The ShieldThe ShieldThe ShieldThe ShieldThe Shield

REPORTERS

The objectives of The Shield are to report allnews pertinent to the interest of students andstaff in an objective manner, to heighten aware-ness in the student body, to increase involve-ment in student affairs, to provide entertain-ment, and above all, to provide a medium ofsupport and encouragement of the ideals ex-pressed in the First Amendment to the Constitu-tion of the United States of America. The news-paper is run without any censorship from ad-ministration or faculty. Editorials in The Shield represent the viewsof the editors. They do not necessarily reflect theviews of the administration, faculty, student body,advisor, or other members of the staff. Letters to the editor are welcomed and en-couraged. Letters must be signed and written ingood taste, and are subject to editing. Pleasedeposit letters in Mr. Giuliani’s mailbox, emailthem to [email protected], or givethem to any member of the staff.

Katherine AppiahHenry Ekisola

Erick GabbidonDimitri JordanBrian RomeroZoeya Saleem

Robert Giuliani

Dwayne Jones

ADVISOR

PRINCIPAL

MANAGERSVoice of the Students

Editorial

EDITORS

Dear Editor, I would like to express my appreciationfor the announcements that acknowledgestudents who have received collegeacceptance letters. I really think it’s a goodway to boost school spirit. I hope studentsstart taking advantage of this greatopportunity to be recognized for somethinggood.

Senior Ope Olowomeye

COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE

RECOGNITION

Dear Editor, I have always been bothered by the factthat Laurel High School sometimes islooked down upon. Our students need tobring back the “old” Laurel High School withthe student involvement and commitment.Back in the ‘80s, Laurel High School (LHS)was one of the top schools in the county. Iwant to see that again. Even though I’m asenior, I would love to see LHS rise upagain. Students need motivation and theycan only find it within themselves. Peerpressure for academic achievement shouldbe widespread and negativity should vanishin due time. Our principal is doing all he canto improve the school and he can only do itwith help from the student body, after all itis a ratio of 1,950:1. By becoming more intune with all the activities going on withinthe school, the students can participate andbecome involved in more positive activities

Dear Editor, This year the yearbook staff has decidedto implement a new component in theyearbook, superlatives for all classes. In allthe other years only the Senior Class wasprivileged enough to participate. I think thisnew idea takes away the fun anduniqueness of senior superlatives. Thewhole point of Senior Superlatives is to seehow much members of the Senior Classhave changed over the course of highschool. In order to receive a superlative youhave to work for it and prove it for all fouryears. I know the yearbook staff is probablydoing this to attract more buyers, but bythe time the underclassmen become seniors,the novelty/specialty of senior superlativeswill be gone.

Senior Crystal Cooper

SUPERLATIVES SHOULD BE

UNIQUE TO SENIORS

Most of us agree that the Black HistoryAssembly held on Thursday, March 8 wasan outstanding success. The students,faculty, and guests who participated werespectacular, and their efforts are greatlyappreciated. I am truly impressed with thetalent of many of our students, but therewas a problem; the sound system’sdistortion of the voices made it difficult to

LHS NEEDS TO REKINDLE

REPUTATION OF THE EIGHTIES

therefore, rekindling LHS’s reputation from20 years ago.

Senior Flor Orellana-Diaz

PENNIES FOR SOUND?

understand all that was said, and thefeedback hurt my ears! The sound systemin our gymnasium is sorely in need ofupgrading. So I started thinking…with thesuccess of the Pennies for Patients drive,perhaps our student body would again begenerous enough to open their pockets anddonate their loose change to a worthy cause:a new sound system for the gym. How aboutit, Spartans? Does this sound like sense toyou? Let’s make sound sense and collectsome cents for sound! English Instructor Sharon Campbell

Dear Editor,

No matter what high schoolyou walk into, it seems thatnot a day passes without a

fight. One could even argue thatthese disputes are a part of basichuman nature: whenever groups ofpeople are together, there’s likelyto be some sort of conflict.Unfortunately, far too often,conflicts are not dealt withappropriately, and disagreementsescalate into violence. If you fight at school, youknow that soon enough, security’sgoing to break up the fight, andyou’re going to get in trouble. Theactions of all involved parties areevaluated and investigated. It’sgenerally a 5-10 day suspension,but repeat offenders may getdouble, and depending on theseriousness of injuries – one mayget expelled. If you assault ateacher, it’s an automatic requestfor expulsion. If you have the sensenot to fight at school, you shouldalso have the have the sense to not

I have attended Laurel High School forthe past four years. With regards to theBlack History Assembly I wish that moretime could have been given to the traditionalAfrican dancers and the choirs singingnegro spirituals.

Senior Idris Shinaba

Dear Editor,

MORE TIME FOR

AFRICAN DANCERS

NEED SPRING PEP RALLY

Dear Editor, Every year there are pep rallies for winterand fall sports, but where is the love forspring sports? As a baseball player I feelleft out during the spring as we don’t getmuch recognition from the school. Anannouncement here and there occurs, but Ibelieve a spring pep rally would do allspring sports teams some good.

Senior Greg Hood

Encouraging Fighting Damages Numerous Reputationsfight in your neighborhood. If youtake it outside, you might not havesomeone to break it up. Also, don’tbring your neighborhood fightsinto the school building. “Fights, at school, andoutside, have changed since I wasyoung,” insists Principal Jones, “inmy day, people made sure it wasone-on-one – they got it off theirchests, moved on, and learned torespect their differences. In thisday and age, unfortunately,children don’t let stuff stop. Thereare too many kids getting injured,sent to the hospital, and dying overpetty stuff.” And now, with technology, theproblems that fights cause can beused to ruin a school’s reputationand cause problems all over thecommunity. It used to be that kidsran to fights – now they just run totake video. These conflicts comeback to the source more often thannot. What gets taped in theneighborhood also comes back to

the school, and parents becomeconcerned for the safety of theirkids. There are ramifications tostarting fights outside of school. Ifyou’re living in a neighborhoodwith a lot of fights, your parents’property values will go down andyour neighborhood’s going to gaina reputation. In the greater majority offights, kids know they have aproblem with each other, and theydon’t go to their parents, adults, orpeer mediation. Take a sampling ofthe discipline problems pulledfrom any school, and you will findthat the reasons people have to fight– petty things, misunderstandings,the need for attention – don’t holdup and aren’t worth fighting for. We don’t have bad kids hereat Laurel, we have people who needto calm down and focus – not justfor their school or neighborhood’simage, but for their own good.Grow up and show a sense ofmaturity and civility.

All letters to the editor, as well as any comments on any article, can be sent via e-mail [email protected]

The ShieldThe ShieldThe ShieldThe ShieldThe Shield PAGE 3March 2007

America Mourns the Passing of Former President Gerald Ford

By Joan Oguntimein

News

Nation’s 38th President Sought to “Heal the Nation’s Wounds” following Watergate Scandal

By Marquita Monroe

College Summit Aids Students in Path to College and Careers

Across the nation the world felt grieffor the loss of former PresidentGerald R. Ford who died at the ageof 93 on December 26. Ford is oftenremembered as the president whosucceeded Nixon when he resignedbecause of the Watergate Scandal. Ford died at at his home inRancho Mirage, about 130 miles eastof Los Angeles, CA. In recentmonths he had battled with pneu-monia and had three heart proceduresperformed including angioplasty theMayo Clinic in Rochester, Minne-sota. In Ford’s younger years he was atop athlete. He was the star foot-ball player for Grand Rapids SouthHigh School, rising to become thecaptain of his high school football

team. In 1930, he was selected to theAll-City team of Grand Rapids CityLeague, which caused him to attractmajor attention from college recruit-ers. Upon graduation he attended theUniversity of Michigan as an under-graduate, where he played center andlinebacker for the school’s footballteam and helped the Wolverines totwo undefeated seasons and nationaltitles in 1932 and 1933. The teamfell on bad times in his 1934 senioryear, winning only one game. Fordwas the team’s star nonetheless. Hewas also apart of the 1935 CollegiateAll-Star Football Team, whichplayed against the Chicago Bears inan exhibition game at Soldiers Field.The University of Michigan retiredFord’s jersey #48 in 1994. Following his college graduationin 1935 with a degree in political sci-ence and economics, he turned down

Ford served from 1974-1977.

Filling out college and financial aidapplications are part of College Summit.

“Let Talent Shine!” Motivatedby this motto, sixty selected LaurelHigh School seniors are currentlyenrolled in a unique course entitledCollege Summit, which equips themfor higher education. College Sum-mit is a national program that pro-vides districts with strategy andtools to transform college enrollmentby sending more students to post-secondary education. Although this is the first year thatLaurel has offered College Summitto all its seniors, this test trial yearhas already been hailed as a success.Last year, College Summit was of-fered to senior in Gear Up and wasfunded by Mr. Joe Fisher, Directorof First Generation College Bound.Both students enrolled in the course,which is currently divided into twoclasses, and its coordinator, EnglishInstructor Ms. Michelle McQuillan,believe that College Summit has en-abled students to stay ahead of thecollege process game. “If not for col-

lege summit I would have been be-hind in my college application pro-cess,” says one of Laurel’s twelvePeer Leaders, Nana Sasu, whohas sent in all of her collegeapplications and is currentlyworking on applying forscholarships. Selected by Ms.McQuillan, Peer Leaders arestudents who have gone to oneof College Summit’s four daysummer workshops and arethus able to help other stu-dents through the college ap-plication process. “As peerleaders our duty is to informand educate our peers abouthigher education,” saysQueenmore Esotu, anotherpeer leader. “Or just anything that ex-pands your knowledge,” addsSasu. Each week, studentsmust complete an activity ina workbook entitled The Navi-gator, which covers differenttopics on the college process. In thebeginning of the class, the studentsworked on setting goals and planning

for the future; then, they worked ontheir personal statements and collegeessays. Now, they are working on

internships. From setting goals towhat to take with you when prepar-ing to leave for college, College Sum-

mit covers all aspects ofthe college process andlife. And in addition tothe all the great college in-formation students gain,they also have the ben-efit of being linked withsome of CollegeSummit’s partner col-leges, such as MorganState, Goucher College,and George WashingtonUniversity. College Summit is avery advantageouscourse. “It’s a lot of re-sponsibility,” commentsSasu. “In order to be apart of College Summityou have to be willing towork and submit your-self to several types ofleadership because it’s in-

tensive, but that’s because the entirecollege process is intensive.” Stu-dents in the course are excelling. Ac-

cording to Heather Sheridan of theNational Capital Region, Laurel Highhas the highest number of studentswho have applied to college and com-pleted the CSNET in National Capi-tal Region, which includes PrinceGeorge’s County, Washington, D.C.,and Northern Virginia. McQuillancomments, “I see that the studentsare benefiting. They are meeting dead-lines. They are on track” She addsthat she enjoys teaching the class com-menting, “I have enjoyed the feed-back that students who are in theirfirst year of college have given meabout college life.” Next year, Laurel High Schoolhopes to expand the program. If youwould like to find out more about Col-lege Summit, its purpose and its mis-sions, you can visitwww.collegesummit.org. There,you’ll not only find helpful tools andan informational video from CollegeSummit Founding Spokesman, DonCheadle, but you’ll also find photosof some of Laurel’s Peer Leaders.Check it out or contact Ms.McQuillan for more information.

completing financial aid forms andlearning terms. Next, they will learnhow to create resumes for jobs and

contract offers for the Detroit Lionsand Green Bay Packers, teams of theNational Football League (NFL).Ford took a coaching position at Yale

and also to applied to its law school.After earning his LLB Degree in1941, Ford went took the bar exam;shortly thereafter he opened a lawpractice with his friend, Phil Buchen. Before being sworn in as presi-dent in 1974, he was a congressmanfor the state of Michigan. Ford de-clined offers to run for Senate andgovernor of Michigan. He believedthe highest honor was to be speakerof the House of Representatives.Ford became vice-president afterSpiro Agnew pleaded no contest to atax evasion charge and resigned fromthe nation’s second-highest office. Ford was sworn in as presidenton August 9, 1974, when Nixon re-signed. English Instructor SharonCampbell states, “Ford will alwaysbe remembered for the pardoning ofNixon after the Watergate Scandal.” Social Studies Instructor Kathy

Boyer adds, “He really helped thecountry move on after the WatergateScandal.” During the two and a half yearsof his presidency, Ford ended theU.S. involvement in the war with Viet-nam and brought many troops home.Ford helped to mediate a cease-fireagreement between Israel and Egyptand he signed the Helsinki humanrights convention between the SovietUnion. He also traveled toVladivostok in the Soviet to sign anarms limitation agreement with Le-onid Brezhnev, the Soviet President. Upon Ford’s death he became thelongest living president in history, fol-lowed by former President Nixonwho also died at 93. One notable as-pect of Ford’s legacy is that he wasthe first president to ever becomepresident without being elected to thepresidency.

Young Speaker Relates to Audience at Black History Assembly

(photo by J. Garshell)

By Brian Lentz

Miss District of Columbia, Musical Selections, Steppers and Speakers Enhance Program

As an annual Laurel High Schooltradition, the Black History Commit-tee organizes an assembly to com-memorate Black History Month. Thisyear, it was held on March 8 in thegymnasium, and included many per-formances and presentations.

The program started out with thePresentation of Colors by theAFJROTC. Senior Klyston Barclaypresented the American Flag, sopho-more Alexander Kalka held the Mary-land State Flag, junior Keith Moylermarched as the Right Rifle Com-mander, and senior Abdullahi Iro pre-sided as Left Rifle Commander. Following this was the Welcomingby Brittany Loman, who set the stagefor the Laurel High School Chorus.The chorus performed the Black Na-tional Anthem, which is “Lift EveryVoice and Sing.”

“They did well,” ap-plauded senior Devin Lewis.“They were all in sync.” Following the chorus’performance was a presen-tation called “The Occa-sion” by Dipo Adedeji.Adedeji talked about lead-ers and inventors in blackhistory, as well as stressingthe importance of educa-tion so that Laurel High stu-dents may go on to leavetheir mark in history. Following this presenta-tion was another musical se-lection by the chorus, a Ne-gro spiritual entitled “IWant to Die Easy.” In thisselection, senior Dominique Spriggs per-formed a solo at the end of the song. After the chorus came a rap writtenand performed by senior Jessica Hardentitled “Am I.” In this rap, Harden de-scribed the struggle of African Ameri-

cans throughout history, as well as thestruggle they face today. The next event in the program wasthe introduction of the guest speakerby senior Beverly Luckett. Thespeaker was Mrs. Rashida Jolley, who

has been Miss District ofColumbia and a MissAmerica contestant, and iscurrently a national moti-vational speaker and asinger/harpist. To start out her speech,Jolley enthusiastically per-formed “Survivor” byDestiny’s Child. In this per-formance, Jolley involvedthe audience by handingoff the mic to students inthe crowd as she walkedaround. “It was good,” stated se-nior Brian Slye. “It was ex-citing to see how she in-volved the crowd in the

performance.”

During her speech, Jolley reachedto the students by talking about issuesthat are affecting society today. Someof her topics included abstinence,

STDs, true love.woman empower-ment, and the importance of family. “I like how she kept the crowd en-gaged,” commented School SchedulerMs. Latonya Black. Following the speaker was a per-formance of “Oh Freedom Medley” bythe Gospel Choir, and then an act bythe Nu-Monik Steppers. “It was amazing,” acknowledgedsenior Camri Jeter. “They looked likethey were really into it. They will defi-nitely do a good job on 106 & Park.” Several acts were omitted from thesecond assembly due to lack of time.Some of these include a performanceof an African dance by some studentsand closing remarks by Dr. RandolphPerry. “The program was phenomenal,”execlaimed organizer Mrs. MandanaReed. “It was excellent, amazing, justabout every [positive] adjective thereis. And the student body behaved ex-cellently.”

Both choirs performed enthusiastically.


By Ashley Hanavin

News Briefs


Brian Miller’s “Testing Biodiesels from DifferentFeed” won first place in Biological Science.

Upon hearing the words“science fair,” some LHS studentsgroan at the notion of having todo yet another experimentalproject. They rack their brains,surf the Internet, and pore overbooks for ideas for a project thatis appropriate for their grade level,yet simple enough to knock outin a weekend or two. On the otherhand, some students jump rightinto their project and create suchwonderful projects that they areexhibited in the school’s annualScience Fair. A total of 83 projects were en-tered into this year’s Science Fairwhich washeld onJ a n u a r y25. Thetwo cat-egories forthe fair in-c l u d e dBiologicalS c i e n c eand Physi-cal Sci-ence. Thisyear’s win-ners forBiologicalS c i e n c eare “DNAis theWay” byDomin ikSpratzle inthird place,“Best Fruitfor Natural Dye” by KatherineWitek in second place, and thefirst-place winner was “TestingBiodiesels from Different Feed”by Brian Miller. In Physical Science, the third-place winner was “I See VitaminC” by Jamila Opiotennione;“Household Chemicals Preserv-ing Cut Flowers” by SabrinaAfrin came in second, and “Dis-tances of Dominoes” byShahnawaz Khan captured thetop prize. To eliminate any teacher biasin judging projects, experts fromthe Applied Science Lab atGoddard were recruited to scorethe projects, according to Sci-ence Coordinator MarthaBazarko, who has been a sciencefair judge in other schools for “tenor fifteen years...a long time.” Shealso noted that former LHS Aca-demic Coordinator and ScienceInstructor Ginger Sutula, alongwith her husband, joined the folksfrom Goddard in judging theprojects. The criteria for judgingincludes a variety of aspects: ifthe scientific method was used,

GarschellNamed City ofLaurel Studentof the Month

By Brian Lentz

By Patty Contic

Spring SportsUnderway

Spring has arrived and sohave athe spring sports of tennis,softball, baseball and outdoortrack. The following informationwill help you contact the perspec-tive sport coach. Tennis Coach Karl Holovach([email protected]) canbe visited in room 208. SoftballCoach Ed Murphy can be con-tacted through email [email protected]. BaseballCoach Dennis Augustyniak canbe emailed at [email protected] Track Coach Corey Har-ris can be contacted atl h s_spa r t ans@yahoo .com.Coaches are also after schooldaily conducting practices. For more information or as-sistance one may visit LaurelHigh School’s Athletic DirectorTerry Parfitt in Spartan Hall or e-mail at [email protected].

the complexity of the projects, theappropriateness for the students’grade level? Is it independent? Isit biased? Bazarko mentioned that thebest projects that she has seen inprevious years have been “theones that go to the county andarea fair.” She adds, “We’re veryhappy when projects go to thecounty-wide fair.” Usually winning projects fromLaurel have been put on displayin Laurel Mall, but this year, thereis “a lot of uncertainty,” notedBazarko. Due to the fact that themall is under new ownership, sheis not sure whether or not it willhappen this year. “They haven’tcommitted yet. They haven’t saidyes, but they haven’t said no, ei-ther. Traditionally, the projects are

put on display in the month ofMay.”

Jennifer Garshell received her award in a formalceremony on January 22.

At a City Council meeting heldon January 22 senior JenniferGarshell was named City of Lau-rel Student of the Month. With theaward came a symbolic key to thecity pin, the first of its kind, a $50savings bond, and a certifi-cate.The city commemorates theefforts of one adult and one stu-dent each month for their contri-bution to the community. “I was surprised to be honoredby the City of Laurel for the Stu-dent of the Month,” statedGarshell, “and I hope that moreLHS students will earn thisaward.” Garshell was nominated for thisaward by Ms. Chris Wenchel, be-cause of her involvement in manyactivities in and out of school. “The city wanted a youth fromLaurel High School, so I thoughtof all the youths that I know,”stated Wenchel. “I chose Jenni-fer because she makes a differ-ence in the school. She is veryactive in school and communityactivities.” Some of those activities in-clude Senior Class President, in-volvement in SGA, Editor-in-Chiefof the yearbook, Photo Editor ofThe Shield, Outdoors Club par-ticipant and presenting morningannouncements.

Outside of school, Garshell isa senior Girl Scout and a part-timesales associate for Hallmark. During the summer, sheworks at the Maryland NationalParks and Planning Commis-sion, where she also has earnedover 300 community servicehours. She also managed a 3.79GPA last quarter.

Science FairTouts 83 Entries


Junior MelitaBell Places inNBC4 Essay

ContestBy Crystal Cooper

Students RaisePennies for

Patients

During Black History monththis year, Laurel junior Melita Bellmade history by capturing thirdplace in an essay contest spon-sored by NBC. The prompt wassimple enough – why is Black His-tory month important? By makinguse of her superior writing skills,this junior won prizes including a$500 check from NBC and $1500from Fannie Mae, First Book, andThe Washington Informer. Center-ing her topic upon unsung Blackheroes, those never mentioned intextbooks, Bell was on her waytoward triumph. While writing theessay, Melita admits that shenever thought she would actuallyplace, but knew she definitely“stood a chance at writing a goodessay.” Surprisingly, Melita neverknew about her victory; friendsrepeatedly told her, “Melita,you’re on TV!” but she didn’t seethe news for herself until muchlater. She describes being on TVas a good experience. “It will getme out there,” she explains. Bell

also believes that winning thecontest will make her name rec-ognizable when she further pur-sues a writing career. Upon gradu-ating next year, Bell plans to useher prize money toward tuition atSt. Mary’s College of Marylandor Ohio State University. Bell isan editor for Laurel’s award-win-ning school paper, The Shield.

This year LHS students par-ticipated in Pennies for Patientsfor the Leukemia & LymphomaSociety from the month of Janu-ary untill March 5. Overall theEnglish classes raised over $1500dollars. The winning class to berewarded with a pizza party isMrs. Hall’s 3A class. The top fiveclasses with the highest partici-pation include Ms. Hall’s 3A classwith a total of $215.38, Ms. Rossi’s3B class with a total of $145.52,Ms. Bruce’s 4A class with $141.43,Ms.Walker’s 2B class with a totalof $127.30 and Ms. Walker’s 4Aclass with a total of $110.07. Therewere 52 classes of the English De-partment that participated in Pen-nies for Patients. The amount eachclassed raised ranged from $1.40to $215.38. SGA President JustinCousson says, “ That it probablythe SGA’s best accomplishmentso far. It was great that we couldget so many students and classesto come together for a goodcause.” Although, some classesdidn’t raise any money towardsPennies for Patients many feel theturnout was great for the first year.

By Marquita Monroe

Last year in the award’s inau-gural year, two other Laurel HighSchool members were honored bythe City of Laurel. StudentNatasha Ryals (Student of theMonth-January) and English In-structor Robert Giuliani (Citizenof the Month- April).

Helms & HowardAdvance toCisco State

ChampionshipBy Hilda Boateng

Seniors Alex Helms andSimone Howard won first and sec-ond place respectively in thePrince George’s County CiscoContest that allowed them toshow their brilliance in computernetworking. In the contest, heldat Wise High School, both stu-dents were challenged with mak-ing networking cables, troubleshooting networking problems,and configuring routers all whilebeing timed. Competing againstHelms and Howard were eightother students from Crosslandand Suitland High schools. Mr.Hines, the advisor for the Cisconetworking class at Laurel Highexplains that because the Cisconetworking preparation class isnew, this is the first annual con-test of its kind in which studentshave been able to compete. Healso adds that the class is not aneasy class to take. It is similar toan advance placement course,with all the benefits such as aweighted GPA, so students mustapply for a spot in the class. Helms and Howard will nowrepresent Prince George’s Countyand Laurel High in the state com-petition.


Students Enjoy Abundant Snow On Ski Trip Seventeenth Annual Weekend Outdoors Club Trip Offers Adventure and Excitement

By Jennifer Garshell

Enjoying the fast adventure of snowtubing.

In mid-January a ski trip would nothave seemed possible with mid-seven-ties temperatures and not a snow cloudin the sky, but in a week’s time, tem-peratures dropped dramatically and

snow began to fall at Seven SpringsMountain Resort in western Pennsyl-vania.

The days dwindled down and withour first snowfall and two-hour delayof the year; it began to feel more likewinter. Friday, January 26 finally ar-rived with much excitement and en-thusiasm. Laurel High students, alongwith chaperones Outdoors Club Direc-tor Robert Giuliani, Principal DwayneJones, Ms. Robin Cooch and Ms.JoAnne Barr, met at the Laurel Com-munity Center Friday afternoon inpreparation for their weekend trip. Students played basketball andhad a quick bite to eat as they waitedfor their bags to be routinely searchedby the Laurel City Police and sniffedby their search dog. After coat pock-ets were checked, teens took their lug-gage to the deluxe chartered bus com-plete with movie screens. While loading the bus one couldhear students calling seats: “I want theback!” yelled Jesse Villena. Others saidthey wanted window seats or onescloser to the movie screens. Wherever one sat, you gotcomfortable for the almost four hourride to Champion, Pennsylvania. The movies started and the busgot quiet; some fell asleep, others lis-tened to iPods or played video games

to pass the time. We later arrived to asnow-covered winter wonderland withskiers and snowboarders traversing theslopes.

After unloading the bus, studentswent up to the third floor in search oftheir deluxe rooms. Because of con-tinued good behavior annually by Lau-

Swimming was one of the many other activities offeredat Seven Springs. (photo by J. Garshell)

rel High students and Mr. Giuliani’sconnections( he has organized 107group trips to this resort!) the Out-doors Club is the only school group inthe main lodge; other school groupsare further away in the group chalets. After quickly locating the rooms,the students had to wait in the hall forall the rooms to be checked by the chap-erones. A half hour later everyone wassettling in their rooms and unpackingtheir snow gear to adventure out downthe slopes, grabbing their bathing suitto take a dip in the pool or just gettingin their PJs to relax in the room. One a.m. came faster than anyoneexpected and it was curfew time whichmeant staying in your room. Around 7 a.m. students started wak-ing up to go to the buffet breakfast tofill up before going to play in the snowor to get their skis/snowboard and getlessons to head down the mountain. After hours on the slopes it was timefor the scheduled group photo. Sur-prisingly just about everyone arrivedon time or even early. After the group photo, the pho-tographer stuck around to take candidpictures of friends in the snow. Meanwhile, inside at the roller-skating rink about twenty students met

up and had the whole rink to them-selves to bring back moves that theyhadn’t done since sixth grade, leavingmany falling on their rears in laughter. The fun and games did not end therebut continued into the swimming poolwhere a classic ‘girls versus boys’ gameof water basketball was started; otherswent into the hot tubs to take the chilloff from being in the snow all day. Before we knew it, it was time fordinner at the buffet, which offeredchicken, pasta, salad and many sides.Many favorites were at the dessert table,which presented an assortment ofcakes, cheesecake and lots of choco-late. After dinner one of the biggestfriendly snowball fights occurred out-side of the hotel on the back terrace. The snowballs continued to fly atten when everyone went snow tubing.

Everyone grabbed a tube and headedfor the lift. Mr. Giuliani and Mr. Jonesenjoyed the tubing immensely. The gates opened and the race wason. Some went down in groups of asmany as seven while others chose togo down by themselves. The only badpart was the snow coming down andhitting the students in the face. After

an hour and a half, students headed backto the hotel to warm up and chill out. Sunday morning breakfast wasserved later, leaving many in bed laterthan the previous day. Just about ev-eryone met up in their pajamas andate around two tables and discussed whattheir plans were for the day. The chaperones offered a compe-

tition to see who could have thecleanest room by 11 a.m., the requiredtime to turn in the keys and check outof the rooms. Packing seemed easieron the previous Friday when the stu-dents left to go to Seven Springs, buteveryone managed to get their stuffback into their suitcases. After being packed, the suitcaseswere moved to three designated lug-gage rooms, where they stayed until itwas time to load up the bus. With four hours remaining, stu-dents took last runs down the slopesor went to the arcade to challengetheir friends in a game of pool or airhockey. Because of the group’s good be-havior, the chaperones bought pizzafor the group before they headed forthe bus. Giuliani explained,”Everyone waspleased with the 50 inches of snow.The conditions were great and no onegot hurt. Many in the group of 55 ex-plored the entire mountain skiing downall 30 slopes. We’ll keep on sponsor-ing these trips as long as the kids con-tinue to behave. The required meetingthe week before with parents alwaysseems to help out a lot.” With a beautiful resort such as SevenSprings and the multitude of activitiesand amenities offered, it’s hard not tohave a good time.

Roller skating was another fast-paced activity for the group. Friends and snow always seem to mix.(photo by J. Garshell)

(photo by J. Garshell)

Laurel Teen Outdoors Club


Coach Chuck Hickes Retires after 37 Years of DedicationUnder his Helm in 1987 Football Team Won Only State Championship

By Zoeya Saleem

(Photo by: J. Garshell)

Chuck Hickes retired after a 37-yearteaching career, with 22 at Laurel.


Dominika Baranovicova came to Laurelfrom the central European nation ofSlovakia.

“The Americanlifestyle is

faster.”

“It’s cool and very differ-ent from Slovakia; people arevery friendly,” explains foreignexchange student DominikaBaranovicova, when asked herfeelings about Laurel HighSchool and Americans in gen-eral. Seven months ago she ar-rived from Slovakia, a smallland-locked country in CentralEurope. Baranovicova camewith a passion for learning En-glish and experiencing Americanculture. Baranovicova, a senior, en-joys sharing her experienceshere in America and Laurel HighSchool with people in her home-town in Slovakia, where “It’sbigger, so I can know morepeople. They’re nice, friendlierwith students.” She describesthe Slovakian school system asbeing more serious and contain-ing less interaction betweenteachers and students. Usuallylearning in one classroom ofabout twenty students,Baranovicova has a new under-standing of education by com-ing to Laurel High. In addition to gaining a dif-ferent type of educational ex-

perience here, Baranovicova hashad chances to visit new placesand celebrate American holidays.When asked what she would re-member the most, Baraniviocvashared her experience of see-ing Washington, D.C. and par-ticipating in the American holi-

day of Thanksgiving. She re-ally appreciates her host fam-ily, Chris Wenchel, LHSprincipal’s secretary and theirsons, Joey Gilliam, and CoreyGilliam. The family also hostsforeign exchange studentGabriela Saber. Baranovicova admitsshe was nervous when she firstmet her host family at the air-port, but any fears were short-lived. “They’re really nice,”Baranovicova gushes, “it’s al-most like home - they’re trying

to help us with everything weneed.” Baranovicova has grownespecially close to Saber. “We’realways together, sharing a roomand all. We have lots of fun.” Saber, here from Brazil,and also attending Laurel High,describes Baranovicova as“....very friendly person, ener-getic, loves to go out and havefun and very intelligent. She’slike a sister; we do everythingtogether.” “The lifestyle here is faster,”Baranovicova mentioned as sheexplained what she sees as a ma-jor difference from Slovakia. Be-fore coming to the United States,she thought American culturewas focused on spending mosttime in entertainment, fame, par-ties and just being free. “But ac-tually people here are more busywith work,” she realized aftersharing time with students andthe hosts she lives with in Lau-rel. It was the idea of her fatherand the vivid stories of Americatold by friends who have vis-ited the U.S, that made her de-cide to come here.Baranovicova and her fatherwent to the agency in Slovakiaand found a host here in Laurel

Foreign Exchange Student Baranovicova Enjoys AmericaSlovakian Student Looks Forward to Seeing the Rest of the World and Returning to U.S.

to help herunderstandA m e r i c a nculture andl a n g u a g e .Enjoying here d u c a t i o nand her so-cial life,Baranovicovatakes delightin hangingout with herfriends, play-ing the in-door raquetgame ofsquash, andcreating art.She also hase n j o y e dmany of herexperienceswith the Out-doors Club.Later in life,Baranovicovaplans to at-tend college in England. After making her dream areality she plans to rememberher time and experience here atLaurel High School and theUnited States of America for-ever. “People are friendly,”

By Dimitri Jordan andBrian Lentz

Chuck Hickes, long timeteacher at Laurel High School,

retired on March 1. Hickes,who was born in Tyrone, Penn-sylvania has accumulated a to-

- SlovakianDominika

Baranovicova

Baranovicova said with a smile.“I’d love to come back toAmerica in a few years. I’d liketo live here again, visit somefriends, bring some others, andgo see the Grand Canyon. Iwould love to come here again.”

tal of 37 years teaching, 22 ofwhich he spent at Laurel. Hestarted by majoring in elemen-tary school education, and latertook classes to be a certifiedhigh school mathematics

teacher. Along withthe potpourri ofsubjects he’staught in el-e m e n t a r yschool, he’salso taught ge-ometry, Algebra1, and Pre-Al-gebra. He hasalso partici-pated in manyextra-curricularactivities, suchas playing forthe faculty soft-ball team andsupporting theFirst Genera-tion CollegeBound pro-gram. “Get in-volved with theschool,” ad-vised Hickes to

his fellow teachers. “Teachingis so much more fun when youare doing things outside of the

classroom. You also have moreof a chance of helping the stu-dents if you do.” One of the main teachers thatHickes commended for beinginvolved in activities is Mr. TomMiller. Miller is the Senior ClassSponsor, runs the SGA, holdsBible Study, opens the weightroom for students after school,and assisted the cross countryteam this fall. “If I did just teaching, Idon’t think that I would wantto be a teacher,” admitted Miller.“I see teaching as a ministry-asan opportunity to influenceyouths and ultimately, lead themtowards Christ. I see teachingas my call from God, and beinginvolved in all of these activitieshelps keep the job interesting.” Hickes also has been a foot-ball coach many of the yearshe’s been teaching high school.He played football in highschool, and all four years ofcollege. He has coached foot-ball for 33 years, 16 years ofwhich he spent as a head coach. Hickes started coaching in1970, where he played the roleof assistant coach. When askedwhat was his best memory ofcoaching was, he said, “Seeingand appreciating the effort the

kids put out every game.” Hewas the head coach of the Spar-tan team that went to the 1987State Championship, the onlyone in Laurel’s history. Amaz-ingly, Laurel also captured statechampionships in three othersports that year: boys’ soccer,volleyball and cross country.Two of the honors he’s re-ceived are the 3A Coach of theYear in 1987, and a prizedTeacher of the Year award in1990. One thing that Hickes en-joyed at this school was thesense of community set by thestaff and students. “The basicculture of this school is accep-tance,” affirmed Hickes. “Ihave always appreciated thisaspect of Laurel High School.” And one thing that the teach-ers and students liked aboutHickes was his love and dedi-cation for the students. “It wasnever a surprise to see himcome into my classroom tocheck up on kids in the FirstGeneration College Bound pro-gram,” acknowledged Mrs.Leslie Kight. Math Instructor SteveParker elaborated by saying,“He made a difference in kids’lives with his work in the pro-

gram, and his work outside ofschool.” Some of the things thatHickes did outside of the schoolwere neighborhood tutoring andvisiting students and parentsabout their progress on gettingthe students to college. “You get attached to yourstudents,” acknowledgedHickes, “especially the ESOLclasses.” When asked why he was re-tiring, he said, “My wife and Ibought some land in Pennsyl-vania since the pricing wasright, and had a dream housebuilt there. It was a good deci-sion financially, and everythingjust kind of fell into place.”Hickes and his wife, Sue, of al-most 34 years, will be movingto Pennsylvania. While there,Hickes says he might “Continuecoaching, or even continueteaching. I can’t imagine my-self just sitting there.” He alsosaid that he plans on playing alot of golf. As for one last parting mes-sage from fellow teachers Kightand Parker: they chided, “He hada lot of nerve for leaving with-out making us a cheesecake.”Hickes was known for his ex-pertise in the creation of tastycheesecakes.

The ShieldThe ShieldThe ShieldThe ShieldThe ShieldMarch 2007

Spotlight on New FacultyPAGE 7

Mrs. Léandre

By Alaina Alexander

Retirements, transfers and careermoves contiuously change the faceof Laurel’s staff. This year alone,over twenty new faces have comeaboard. Let’s take this opportunity tomeet more of Laurel’s family. This isa continuing series highlighting newstaff members throughout the year.

Ms. BoxleyBy Hilda Boetang

Could you imagine being thedaughter of an American diplomatwho served in Ethiopia,Botswana, and Côte d’Ivoire andgrowing up in different placesaround the world such as Mary-land, Ohio, and even Africa? This

“This is my forty-second yearas a certified career and technol-ogy/business educationteacher!” exclaims Ms. MarthaGeorge Boxley as she calculatedthe years. Boxley is a new addi-tion to the teaching staff of Lau-rel High School, but what shedoes is not new to her. Boxley was born and raised inthe Delmarva area of the EasternShore of Virginia and Maryland.She later moved to this area aftergraduating from high school i n1961 as the class valdectorian.Boxely spent four years inGreensboro, North Carolina, whilepursuing a Bachelor’s Degree atthe North Carolina Agriculturaland Technical State University.“It was a different experience…Iwas glad I got away,” she ex-plains. Boxley didn’t stop there.She went on to obtain a Master’sDegree from Catholic Universityof America. After earning herMaster’s, Boxley added on an-other degree, an EDS degree, inspecial education, from GeorgeWashington University. Evidently, education is im-portant to Boxley. “It’s like mylife,” Boxley says with a smile.“Education is my business!” andbusiness it is; Boxely has servedas a summer school principal ofan elementary and secondaryhigh school, an assistant prinicpalof two high schools, an adjunctprofessor at Trinity University,and has taught numerous busi-ness-related subjects before shejoined the Laurel High SchoolStaff. She currently teaches key-boarding, both regular and Ad-vanced Computer Applications,and Introduction to Technology.So far Boxley is enjoying her ex-perience. She explains that thestaff and students have been cor-dial and helpful and that she feelsthat she is having a good year.

By Crystal Cooper

Ms. J. Banks

likes to read and travel;.she hasbeen to quite a few interestingplaces on her own and as a chap-erone on school (athletic, seniorclass, and foreign exchange) trips.Her extensive list of travels in-clude Anchorage, Alaska; Mos-cow, and St. Petersburg, Russia;Hamburg, Germany; Athens,Greece and the Greek Islands;Crete, Rhode, and Santorini;Istanbul, Turkey; Copenhagen,Denmark; Paris, France; Freeportand Nassau, Bahamas; Alcapulco,Mexico City, Taxco and Cancun,Mexico; Kingston, Montego Bay,Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Barbados;Martinique; Sann Martin; SanJuan, Puerto Rico and numerousplaces in the United States includ-ing U.S. Possessions St. Thomasand St. Croix, Virgin Islands. “I’veliked everywhere I’ve been!” sheexclaims. Other than traveling,Boxley also enjoys spending timewith her family. Boxley already knew what ca-reer she wanted to pursue whilein high school. She explains thatshe was specifically inspired byher high school home economicsteacher, business teacher andguidance counselor. With experi-ence and a love of education,Boxley is sure to inspire the stu-dents of Laurel High School.

In the fast-paced halls of Lau-rel High School, teachers whotruly care are special. One suchinstructor seems to be Mrs. J.Banks, who teaches conceptualphysics and environmental sci-ence. Her dedication to her job stemsfrom a variety of sources. Her in-

Mr. Proietti

By Bryan Romero

A native of Merced, Califor-nia, first year Science InstructorChris Proietti believes that theLaurel High School student bodyhas “been a pretty nice group ofkids.” Proietti, graduate of the Uni-versity of California, San Diego,comes to Laurel with some teach-ing experience after working at St.Rita’s School in Baltimore, Mary-land. Looking back, Proietti thankshis parents for the position thathe is in today. “I thank my par-ents for raising me the way thatthey did.” Proietti goes on to say,“They were very supportive in ev-erything that I did and very lov-ing. We definitely had some funtimes.” Proietti drew his inspira-tion of teaching from his previ-ous teachers. “I just remembergreat memories with my teachersand wanted to give back to thecommunity and help the youth.”Helping Proietti acquire his posi-tion at LHS was another teacheron the Laurel High staff who in-formed him of this job opening.

Ms. Coley

By Melita Bell

Along with the hundreds ofnew student who grace the hall-ways of Laurel High enters a newScience Instructor, Ms. KishaColey. She is a native of PrinceGeorge’s County, Maryland.Coley decided that being a teacherwas something that she wantedto do at a young age. “I exhibitedlove, patience, kindness, good-ness, gentleness, and faithful-ness. I have a lot of joy andpeace.” These are all good qualitiesthat a teacher needs to have to beable to teach their students andmake learning an experience toremember. At one point in Coley’s life,she experienced an epiphany, and

was the childhood lifestyle of Mrs.Lisa M. Léandre, Laurel HighSchool’s newest addition to theEnglish Department. In her firstyear here at Laurel, Léandrespeaks very highly of her stu-dents and colleagues. “I am excited by the progressthat my students are making andhow they are beginning to betterexpress themselves through writ-ing. I have also been impressedby how hard-working and profes-sional my colleagues are. Every-one is always here to help,” saysLéandre. Although she is a new English10 Instructor here at Laurel, she isnot new to the teaching environ-ment. Léandre has worked at fourprevious schools, including onein Detroit, Michigan. Léandre graduated fromCatholic University of America inWashington, D.C., where she ma-jored in International Economics-Liberal Arts. When asked what inspired herto become a teacher, she smilesand states, “I started volunteer-ing in schools when I was in thefourth grade helping people read.I also believe that if you can read,you can do anything.” What does this humorousteacher like to do in her spare time?“I like spending time with my hus-band and four teenage daughters,cooking, playing scrabble, andeating,” she says with a laugh. As for activities here at school,she is not involved in anythingextra at the moment, but hopes towork with the girls’ Outdoor Track

team next year. “I used to run inhigh school and it will help mekeep in shape.”

Although Boxley has a greatpassion for education, she provesto have other interests. Boxelyexplains that in her free time she

spiration comes from MarvaCollins, an inner-city Chicagoteacher who used techniques thatreally got through to her students.Just like Collins, J. Banks wantsto make her lessons interestingand exciting for students. If astudent’s interests lie in medicineor science, she states that she’dgladly help in linking that studentto a job using her outside con-nections. A Washington, D.C. native,Banks graduated from DunbarHigh School. After high school,she continued her studies atFlorida A&M University, majoringin biology. It wasn’t until later thatshe took courses in education. Before coming to Laurel High,Banks returned to D.C., where shetaught at Miner and Aiton El-ementary Schools as a science re-search teacher. With regards to LHS, Bankslikes the fact that she’s not work-ing with young children anymore.In an easy-going manner she ex-presses, “Most of the kids hereare respectful.” One thing she dis-likes is the long walk to the annexrequired for the transition to her4B class. While here at Laurel, Bankshopes to get involved in LadiesDestined for Success, since oneof her many passions is “helpinggirls be all they can be.” If one were to see Banks out-side of school, she would mostlikely either be with her twodaughters, at a church function,or even enjoying a dance perfor-mance at the Kennedy Center.

figured out that a teacher waswhat she wanted to be! Coley wasinspired by her father, a hard-working man. “My dad was a Sunday Schooland Bible School teacher. He gotup everyday to deliver the Gos-pel of God. That [He] was my in-spiration.” Coley graduated from SuitlandHigh School and continued hereducation at Shaw University inRaleigh, North Carolina. Coley ma-jored in biology and chemistry. Before teaching environmentalscience, biology, and chemistry atLaurel, Coley taught at NicholasOrem Middle, Suitland High, Wil-liam Beans Elementary, and Ben-jamin Stoddard Middle School. Although Coley is often busyat work, she still finds time to doyoga and write poetry. Welcometo the Laurel High Family.

Proietti described his earlyweeks at Laurel High as very“hectic and challenging.” Fortu-nately, the staff was very friendly

and helpful. When asked wherehe saw himself in a decade, Proiettitook a deep breath and happilydeclared, “Retired!”


Annual Winter Pep Rally Displays Laurel’s School SpiritBy Justin Cousson

Hosted by perennial emceeRobert Giuliani, the annual Laurel High Winter

Pep Rally was held on February23 to a packed gymnasium. Thefestivities – originally intendedfor the Winter Spirit Week de-layed by snow days - kicked offat 1:15 as the crowds stood upfor the ROTC Presentation ofColors which then led into the na-tional anthem. The anthem wasperformed by Carmen McGinnis,Dominique Spriggs, JohnalynLee, and Dipo Adeteji. The doo-wop influenced acapella perfor-mance seemed to go over wellwith the crowd. “It was an inter-esting take,” stated junior LaurenKeim, videotaping the event forTV Production. Next, the Laurel High PomSquad started their routine inwhat energetic emcee Giuliani de-scribed as their “kung-fu” poses.By the time their performancesegued into a routine to Fergie’s“Fergalicious,” the crowd went

wild with applause. “The pomshave really improved from lastyear,” noted senior HamidSegunmaru. The Laurel High CheerleadingSquad followed the poms in a mu-sic-free routine that featured sev-eral rousing cheers. “You betterwatch out like you know youshould, the Spartans are here –get it, got it, good!” chanted thegirls enthusiastically. “The cheerleaders – wow. Hardto beat, man,” stated senior BradLust, who, as publicity coordina-tor of the SGA, helped organizethe event. “They were intense.”Senior Queenmore Esotu wasequally enthralled by the pomsheavily step-influenced perfor-mance. “They were on fire!” pro-claimed Esotu, “I loved theircheers, especially when theycalled out the Classes.” The first sports team to emerge,and walk under the cheerleaders’famed human tunnel, was theboys’ basketball team, whose 14-7 record was touted as theschool’s best in over a decade.

Surrounded by thunderous ap-plause, the basketball team thendazzled the audience with a dis-play of their dunking skills. The small, but powerfulgroup of Laurel High wrestlers,was the next team to bask in thecrowd’s affection. Senior John“The Nigerian Assassin”Onyenemezu, who went 20-6 inthe season, gained an especiallyenthusiastic response, as twofans jumped on his back, pull-ing off the rarely-seen double-piggyback. “Yeah, that was us,” notedLust. “Hey, some things justneed to be done,” insisted SGAPresident Justin Cousson. The swim teams and Laurel’sindoor track stars then followed;their names drowned out by thecrowd’s cheering. Finally, the girls of the LaurelLady Spartans’ Basketball Teamcame out to the crowd’s apprecia-tion. Departing seniors on thesquad were given roses and bal-loons in their tearful goodbye asCoach Tommy Harrison thanked

the entire team for their effort anddetermination. Next, the Nu-Monik Steppers,in the manner of a dozen drill ser-geants, delivered a performancethat many in the crowd called au-thoritative and powerful. To wrap up the festivities, theLHS Drumline appeared, giving awhirlwind performance that drovecountless students to dancing.

By Dennisse Mallari

LHS Sweethearts Dance Meets With Tepid Response


Despite a lower-than-expected turnout, severalstudents enjoyed the Sweethearts Dance.

The Laurel High School Win-ter Pep Rally seemed to achieveits purpose of bringing out someof Laurel’s best school spirit in acelebration of the school’s mostinvolved. A final pep rally is ten-tatively scheduled for late spring,and will honor the school’s base-ball, softball, tennis, and trackteams, as well as showcasing sev-eral of Laurel’s talented groups.

Cheerleader Carmen McGinnis pumps up the crowdas the swim team anticipates introductions by Mr. Giuliani.

(photo by J. Garschell)

Due to a snowstorm that

postponed the Valentine’sDance, ten days later the dancewas held on February 24. Al-though the attendance was low,those who went seemed to havea good time. As previously men-tioned, the dance ran into aroadblock in the form of asnowstorm, postponing thedance a week. Instead of hav-ing it on February 17 the school

held it on the night of February24. Some of the students who

previously planned to attend the“Sweetheart Dance” unfortu-nately either had to work or hadother commitments once thedate was changed preventingthem from showing up to the re-scheduled event. Close to 100tickets were sold and slightlyless than 60 students eventuallymade it to the dance floor. The “Sweetheart Dance” wasa slow starter with the initial half-hour featuring only twenty or sostudents. By the end of the first

hour, thec r o w dgrew andl ivenedup asp e o p l ebegan todance. “Ihad fun,o fcour se ,but itw o u l dh a v ebeen bet-ter ifm o r ep e o p l ew e n t , ”s t a t e ds o p h o -more An-d r e aD i a z -Holguin,

echoing the views of severalpresent.

The Sweetheart DanceSponsor SGA Adviser TomMiller concluded, “I think thedance wentpretty well. Abigger crowdwas expectedbut it was stillfun for the fewstudents whowent.” Initially, stu-dents werecoaxed to attendthe dance withcheap ticketssold in the caf-eteria duringSpartan Hour,allegedly at halfthe price thatbuying at thedoor would be.However, theevent then metwith early con-troversy withthe announce-ment that notickets would besold at the door- a decisionmade with stu-dent safety inmind. Somestudents mayhave put offbuying tickets,knowing LHS’shistory of plan-ning Valentine’sdances with

little success. The threat oc-curred, but Miller cleared it andexplained, “A dance was can-

celled two to three years ago,but this one is happening, so no,it will not be cancelled.”

The ShieldThe ShieldThe ShieldThe ShieldThe ShieldMarch 2007 PAGE 9


Romantic and Fun Dates Don’t Require Excessive SpendingLaurel High Students Have Countless Suggestions for Good Times that Won’t Break the Bank

By Nachelle Edwards

Young Love is Alive and Well in the Hearts of many Laurel Students

By Candace McCoy

Students Reminisce about Feelings Evoked by First Loves

(Illustration by J.Cousson)

Love can strike at any moment: students should take extremeprecaution and always remain vigilant when love is in the air.


When it comes to a good date, your wallet shouldn’t set thelimit - be creative, or take a look in this article, kids!

Let’s reminisce to a time longago when we were all quiteyoung. The smell of hot

cocoa clung to the air and theBackstreet Boys latest hit playedin the background. A chill was inthe air, but that was okay sinceone of the best holidays was ap-proaching –Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day gave everylittle boy and girl the perfect ex-cuse to be extra nice to their crush.As all the young children de-signed Valentine’s Day cards fortheir classmates, there was alwaysone card that stood out. That par-ticular Valentine was usually thebiggest and the best, full of colorand design. That was the Valen-tine that was reserved for thatspecial someone- the one whocould make your eyes sparkle andyour knees grow weak. Many ofus discovered our first loves withsecret meetings under the trees atrecess and notes passed betweenfriends stating, “I like you. Doyou like me? Circle yes, no, ormaybe.” Even if we can’t remem-ber their names, we remember thatspecial feeling we felt when giventhe prettiest Valentine of all. As we fast-forward a couple ofyears, the faces may change, but

that special feeling remains.Whether the experience wasgood, bad or ugly we all can re-call our first loves. Although thereare many definitions for love,none of them mention the knee-knocking,head-reelingexperiencethat manypeople got h r o u g hw h e nthey’re inlove. Whensome peopleexperiencelove theydon’t thinkstraight andsometimesthey dothings theyn o r m a l l yw o u l d n ’ tdo. Manypeople statethat they arein a goodmood andeverythingappears bright and fresh. Somestudents explained that love en-hances all of their senses; theyeven claim that their food tastebetter! On the other hand, accord-ing to our survey some non-ro-

mantics claimed that they didn’tseem to notice anything differentother than that there was an addedperson in their life. Alaina Alexander, a sophomore,proudly confesses not just to her

current situation, but to herfriends’ matchmaking skills. “I’min love right now with MarcusAllen,” she gushes, “we met inschool through a friend of ourswho got us together. It’s working

because we’re best friends andwe’re dating.” Senior Flor Orellana-Diaz re-calls her first love fondly; itsheartbreak lessened with theyears. “I was in first grade, my

first year inschool. I re-member thisboy, hisname wasDylan andhe was re-ally cuteand I reallyliked him. Iwrote notesto him, buthe broke myheart be-cause henever re-s p o n d e d ,but thatcould havebeen be-cause hedidn’t knowhow to writeyet.” Mean-

while, junior Ashley Hanavin’sfirst brush with love is recalledwith a little more confusion thanOrellana-Diaz’s.”It was first gradeand me and my friend liked thiskid named Michael Everly who

was in our class,” she recalls. “Wewere like ‘married’…I don’t re-member, but it was really weird,looking back on it.” Senior Phillip Cooper pushesthe question away when con-fronted, stating, “I ain’t neverbeen in love. I know that’s whatevery guy says.....” Your first love can be extremelyfrightening since you’re experi-encing new feelings. At the endof the day it often leaves all of uswondering at some point how tocope with being “in love.” Somesay that the best way is to handleeach day one day at a time. Since most of us fell in love ata young age, it’s easier to lookback and realize that the personwasn’t your “soul mate.” Eachnew relationship is a learning ex-perience. The relationships helpus understand what true love re-ally is. For some, the meaning oflove comes a lot sooner, for oth-ers, it sometimes takes multipleexperiences and sometimes anentire lifetime. Don’t let heartachedeter you from searching for love,for the next eyes you look intomight just be the ones you’re stillgazing into for years from now. Nomatter how and when you findtrue love, nothing can ever takeaway or replace that unique andexhilirating feeling of a first love.

M y love don’t cost a thing isa common, but concealedthought in the minds of most

young couples. Although people maysay they want expensive gifts or fan-tasy dates, one may be surprised to findout that the most important thing tothem is that they have someone spe-cial with which to spend time. Howmuch money is spent on a date doesnot seem to be a major ingredient for agood time. Locally, there are plenty of placescouples can go to have fun that won’tbreak the bank. Taking your date to arestaurant, a movie, or even treatingthem to a quiet dinner at home can allbe romantic gestures. If the conven-tional dinner at McDonalds is notenough to please your date, put a littlemore effort into it and come up withsomething from your heart. Look fora restaurant with a romantic atmo-sphere and/or a great view. Put somethought into your planning. A well-planned picnic at a park often topsany expensive restaurant. The most common dating spot forteens is usually the movie theater.Whether your going to see a chick flickor a horror movie, a darkly lit roomand popcorn become the standard formany dates. On average, a movie ticketcosts about seven or eight dollars.When you add the jumbo popcorn youand your date will share and the largesoda with two straws, it comes to atleast $30. Local movie theaters includeLaurel Cinema 6, Beltway Plaza Acad-

emy 8, Sony Centerpark, AMC Colum-bia Mall, and Muvico Egyptian 24theaters at Arundel Mills Mall. Everyone shares the common in-terest and en-joyment of eat-ing. Laurel isinundated witha plethora ofe a t i n gestablishments.Thevariety is sure tos a t i s f yanyone’s tastebuds.Our surveyindicates thatthe the com-mon favoriteamong LaurelHigh students isT.G.I. Friday’s.Maybe it’s theirhuge burgers,tempting des-serts, or thenew contempo-rary decor thatattracts stu-dents. If you’relooking for asmall, invitingplace to takeyour date, trySilver Diner orLedo’s Pizza.Silver Diner in-troduces a rejuvenated retro mood tothe suburbs with shiny jukeboxes andFifties décor. Ledos Pizza provides ataste of Italy at affordable prices. Theall-you can-eat salad, breadsticks and

soup is a great bargain for $6.00. Mexi-can restaurants are plentiful. DonPablos has an extensive menu, butChipotles is more budget-oriented

where a couple can eat for less than$20.00. If you don’t like sit-down dates orthe usual dinner and a movie, get ac-tive. The Laurel area is filled with ac-

tivities such as ice skating, bowling,roller skating, and laser tag. Theseactivities provide an edge of excite-ment as well as creating some possibly

h u m o r o u ss i t u a t i o n s .Before thewinter seasonis over, takeadvantage ofour local iceskating rink,The GardensIcehouse onGunpowderRoad. Skat-ing costs $5for weekdayadmiss ion ,and $6 forweekend ad-m i s s i o n .Skate Rentalsare $3.50.The Fridaynight sessionfrom 8:00-10:00 pmwith dj musicand low lightsis quite popu-lar. If you’relooking for awarmer get-away, retreatto The Laurel

Roller Skating Rink on Brewers Court.They also play upbeat music and thelatest in hip hop, pop, and R&B. Onecould also take your date to the AMFLaurel Bowling Lanes where you both

could enjoy a little good-natured com-petition. What is the typical date budget foran LHS student? According to a recentsurvey, money to spend ranges fromcompletely broke-$150. “I don’t re-ally have a budget as long as we bothare having fun and enjoying each oth-er’s time,” commented senior Domin-ique Spriggs. How do you spend zero dollars on adate? If you’re a female, it’s easy. Re-sponses indicated 97% of femalesdon’t expect to pay for dates. “On aregular date, I would spend close tonothing because of the fact that I’m agirl,” explains sophomore VelenaRucker. Is this a common belief among fe-males? “I think girls expect the guy topay for the date because they feel spe-cial when guys invest their time andmoney in them, but I will still offer tohelp with the bill,” exclaimed juniorRa’Neta Oliver. Although some people may not be-lieve in true young love, it seems thatwhen it comes to romance and ways tosave money, teens rely on the oldstandby--staying at home. The surveyindicates that teens prefer a nice quiettime at home with their date. “I cancook for him and make it a romanticstay-at-home date,” states sophomoreJada Stanard. One doesn’t have to spend a for-tune to have a good time. Somethoughtful planning and putting yourheart into every gesture often createthe best dates. Don’t ever let moneystand in the way of love.


Students Sound Off on their Favorite Romantic MoviesChoices For Most Romantic Flick Include old Standbys and Recent Films

By Flor Orellana-Diaz

Unclassifieds


Rating romantic movies, LHS students’ answersranged from the expected to the surprising.

LHS Students’ Top10 Romantic Movies

PATTY CONTICYou’re awesome!!

Ashley!

MOMHappy belated birthday!

Your Daughter

SHELBZYou are my bestest!!!! Yourock and they want to leavewhen they say you out of con-diments (lol!) You’re so hott!

Hunnie Bun

PHILLIP &MEATHEADSEveryone knows whatyou’ve done.

Lynette

AMYThanks for the Play-Doh!

Ashley!

CHASYou’re not just my big brother,you’re my best friend and myrole model. I love you andthank you for everything youhave done for me.

Patty Ann

MY HUN BUNI love you SOOOO much!You’re my boo foreva cuz weare the cutest! You brighten myday!!

Alaina

THE PEOPLERelease from your physicalrestraints.

The Bodhissattva

TOBY & TUBBYWow! You two have people tolove and I don’t, but I’m happyfor you!

TibbyMR. GIULIANIWe love you and we appreci-ate being in your class.

Newspaper Staff

JORDAN M.I love you...it is true!

You Know Who

MR. GIULIANIThanks for everything! Youhave helped me so much thisyear!

Patty Ann

BRADCongrats on getting intoCollege Park!

Ashley!

TUBBY AND TIBBYYou guys are great! I’m talk-ing to you now!

Toby

ASHLEY ALLENHave a nice day, Valentine.I love you sometimes.

Henry Ekisola

CRYSTAL COOPERDon’t forget to finish yourchapter 10 outline and havea happy early birthday!

H.B.ERICK & HENRYErick is a part of the JDB forlife. Oh yeah, Henry’s in it too.

Phillip CooperLILIAN ISABORWassup baby - I love u

U Know Who

CANDACE &KATHERINEKatherine, you should get yourglasses soon! Candace - tellPooter I said Happy Birthday!

H.B. ANAMSweet Sixteen! Sorry Icouldn’t make it but I hope youhad fun!

Dennisse

THE LOVE DOCTORThanks for giving me adviceon the attractive, irresistable,affectionate, goofy, fun, seri-ous, likable, loveable, friendly,helpful, foregivable, multi-tal-ented, beautiful Anthony.

The Heartsick Patient

ZOEYAHappy birthday!

Dimitri & Dennisse HILDIE!Do your math homework! Doyour Psychology homework!I’m watching you!

Crystal Cooper

TIBBY & TOBYI love you guys!

Tubby

SAMADI think you’re hot! I love you

Tubby

DIMITRIHappy birthday! I’ll get youyour cocoa!

ZoeyaNANCYI luv u chica! Thanks for therose! I got you next year (youknow I’m broke). Happy Birth-day!

Nena

ANTHONYU may be out of my sight,but not out of my heart. Umay be out of my reach, butnot out of my mind. I maymean nothing to u, but u’llalways be special to me.

Karlese

CHRIS (MY DARLING)You are the best hubby ever!We have to go to Dave andBuster’s!

Ashley C (Your wifey)

MY SECRET ADMIRERI know who you are! It’s soobvious! I’ll wait until you’reready to reveal it, but you’reway too old for me!

JDfan

JENNIFER GARSHELLEvery time I see you I smile.When we say bye I don’twant to let go. You brightenmy life everyday with love.

Joey

SWAMPYWhat’s the story?

J.C.

Whether you snuggle upwith your significantother or just enjoy

watching romantic movies, com-monly called “chick flicks,” every-one seems to have a top ten listof “Best Romantic Movies.”

Movie viewers have differentcriteria as to why they prefer sometitles over others. Plot, favoriteactors, soundtrack, and connec-tivity seem to matter to many stu-dents. In a recent school survey,when asked to list the title of theirfavorite romantic movie, most girlssaid “The Notebook.” Based onthe novel by Nicholas Sparks,this flashback style movie startswith an elderly couple in a nurs-ing home. The flashbacks depictthe young couple falling in loveover a summer in the country. Un-fortunately, the young upper-class girl, Allie, has to move awaybecause her parents will not al-low her to be with a mere countryboy. Despite the forced separa-tion and heartbreaking distancebetween them, Noah and Allie’slove for each other still remains.They meet up again years laterafter Allie is already engaged. Inthis movie’s ‘happy’ ending, theirlove is revived and they get mar-ried. Years later, Allie suffers from

Alzheimer’s but Noah is still byher side. They die together ineach other’s arms at the nursinghome.

What attracts young teens toa classical love story? Maybe it’sthe fact that teens can relate tothe classic relationship traumas of

any age. Love and all its problemsand glory seem to transcend time.Many love stories are also popu-lar for not just raising your spir-

its, but touching your heart.“I cry every time I watch A Walkto Remember,” recalls sophomoreDennisse Mallari, “it’s such a

really good movie about love atfirst sight,” exclaims seniorPhillip Cooper, adding “too badthey don’t get to live.”

Asked what his favorite ro-mantic movie was, senior JulianMcCormick stated, “Meet JoeBlack” because it shows that loveis so powerful that even deathmight stop for it.” PorfirioVelasquez Jr., a sophomore, be-lieves that “The Lion King,” amovie that usually caters toyounger audiences, is the best.Movies such as “The Lion King”illustrate universal themes of loveand compassion without bla-tantly pushing specific feelings. Most of the surveyed stu-dents chose recent (Nineties topresent) movies. AlyannaSardillo, a junior, enjoys recent ro-mantic movies more than olderones “because classic movieshave characters that think verydifferently from people today.”Teenagers can relate to the char-acters in more modern contempo-rary classics such as “When HarryMet Sally,” and “How to Lose aGuy in 10 Days.” Many who enjoy older filmsnote that they present classicalovertones and illustrate that eti-quette and gentility is required togain a woman’s attention and ap-preciation. Other movies that were se-lected by LHS students includeCasablanca, Ghost, A BronxTale, A Walk to Remember, andRunaway Bride.

MY WIFEY ASHLEYMy Valentine, I love you sodearly. You’re the best! Seeyou in Chemistry, babes.

Your Hubby Chris

heartbreaking story. I love themovie.” Another common selection onthe survey was “Titanic.” “It’s a

1. Titanic2. The Notebook3. Love & Basketball4. Romeo & Juliet5. Pretty Woman6. Dirty Dancing7. A Walk to Remember8. A Lot Like Love9. West Side Story10. Crank/Ghost [tie]

Also receiving votes inShield survey: Casablanca, A BronxTale, When Harry Met Sally,How to Lose a Guy in 10Days, I Am Sam, Cruel In-tentions, Meet Joe Black,Hitch, Runaway Bride


Class SpotlightSeniors

By Henry Ekisola

With the help of Class Spon-

sors Tom MIller and Andrea

Nelson, the Class of 2007 still

has more plans for the last 10

weeks of the school year.

Jennifer Garshell, Senior

Class President, noted, “We

have a lot planned for this year,

and as a result of this, the 2007

Committee is planning a warm-

weather barbeque on the foot-

ball field this spring.

“I feel that the Class of

2007 is doing big things in the

future and I’m happy to be

privileged to be part of this

class,” stated senior William

Asiedu. Being a senior means

leaving high school and leaving

memories behind. One of the

most remembered eventfor the

Class of 2007 will be prom,

which will be held on May 12.

on the Spirit of Washington

Ship.The boat will cruise the

Potomac under a starry sky.

Following this great event

will be graduation of the Class,

which will take place at the

Comcast Center at the Univer-

sity of Maryland College Park

on June 1 at 5:30 p.m.

Later that night Grad Night

will be held at the Phelps Cen-

ter. Until future reunions, this is

the last time when the Class is

together as a whole. Everyone

will share their last memories

with one another before step-

ping out into the real world.

JuniorsBy Ra’Neta Oliver

SophomoresBy Katherine Appiah

Freshmen

The Class of 2008 is in the

process of selecting locations

for senior prom. They are cur-

rently visiting various sites. With

President Gabriela Farias, Sec-

retary Ra’Neta Oliver, Public

Relations Liz Guevara, and

Fundraising Coordinator Lois

Sarfo-Mensah, this group of stu-

With spring in the air, love is

often certain to follow and the

Sophomore Class helped the

students of Laurel High show

their affection during the

Valentine’s Day season by spon-

soring a rose and carnation sale.

The flowers were sold in the

main lobby in early February,

with prices of seven dollars for

roses and three dollars for car-

The Class of 2010 is mak-

ing great strides as they head

into the end of their first year.

Class Sponsor Mrs. Manuel is

very excited about the new

ideas that she and the students

have for this year, and she is

optimistic for the future of the

class. “What we’re mostly fo-

cused on is fundraisers right

now,” she stated when asked

about any upcoming events.

One idea that the class is fo-

cusing on is bringing in a pho-

tographer to take “buddy pic-

tures” of students and their

friends. Class President

Briyauna Witherspoon, Ser-

geant-in-Arms Shalini Boodram,

and Head of Fundraisers Eugene

Olletey are working to create

ideas for new fundraisers for

their class.

nations. Originally due to be de-

livered on Valentine’s Day, win-

ter weather forced the flowers

to be distributed a day earlier on

the thirteenth. Fundraising

seems to be the new focus of

the Class of 2009 as the sopho-

more officers said that they were

determined to raise emore

money than ever. For informa-

tion on upcoming Sophomore

Class activities, see Class Spon-

sors Mrs. Lewis-Steiner, Mrs.

Ritter, and Mrs. White, or class

officers, President Myeisha

Cunningham, Vice-President

Daja Warren, Secretary Morgan

Harding, or Treasurer

Shanquetta Williams

dents are working hard to bring

in money with various

f u n d r a i s e r s .

“I’m really excited, I think that

the fundraisers we have will

greatly benefit the Junior Class.

I would say that moneywise,

the future looks good.” ex-

plained Farias. With spring

here, the class has already set

up several car washing events

that will be announced in the

upcoming months.

“I am excited about the

fundraisers we have planned

and we will have many more to

be announced.” proclaimed

Sarfo-Mensah.

The recent 2008 assembly

on March 2, planned by Class

Sponsors Kari Rea and Sidney

Stark, focused on the new

Gourmet Delights fundraiser.

As an incentive to selling, the

fundraiser offers a discount on

senior dues.

Money for this major

fundraiser has been collected

and profits will soon be deter-

mined. The class is hopeful that

the fundraisers are successful

and will help the class with

prom expenses.

By Katherine Appiah

In our next issue, The

Shield will profile the

Outdoors Club, National

Honor Society, Student

Solutions, and ROTC.

In our last issue an article on

new Assistant Principal Helen

King should have stated that she

was Principal of William Wirt

Middle School for nine years

before coming to LHS.

Congratules the

Nu-Monic

Steppersfor your national

television appearance on

106 and Park.

The staff of

The Shield

Annual Laurel High

Career Day

April 27

CORRECTION

504 Main St. Laurel MD. 301-497-2324

A Chill Place to Chillax!

-Coffee

-Desserts

-Cappuccino

-Gourmet Hot Chocolate

-Whole beans or freshly

brewed

-Music and more!

Bring in this ad & receive a free cup ofBring in this ad & receive a free cup ofBring in this ad & receive a free cup ofBring in this ad & receive a free cup ofBring in this ad & receive a free cup ofcoffeecoffeecoffeecoffeecoffee

Special

If you are interested in being a speaker:

1. Visit the Career Day Link at:http://www.pgcps.org/~laurel/career_day.html

2. Complete the speaker formE-mail the form to:

[email protected]

[email protected]

All speaker forms are due by April 17, 2007

COMPUTER DATING

Are Macs and PCs

Compatible? No, Silly,

We’re talking about

students!

Check out p.20

SENIORS!

Last Will and

Testament Forms

will be distributed before

spring break. Leave your

memories and your

legacy behind!


Past Black Artists’ Influences Exhibited in Today’s Music Many Musical Innovations Developed in Last Century

By Will Asiedu

The Famed R & B Singer Electrified Audiences around the World for More than 50 Years

Soul Legend James Brown Leaves a Lasting Musical Legacy

By Dimitri Jordan

James Brown performs in 2004.

James Brown, the self-pro

claimed “Hardest Working

Man in Show Business,”

passed away on December 25, at

the age of 73 from congestive

heart failure resulting from com-

plications from pneumonia.

Brown was born May 3, 1933

in Barnwell, South Carolina to

Joseph and Susie Brown. His par-

ents separated when he was four,

and he lived with his father until

he was seven. Brown was then

sent to stay with his aunt and

never lived with his parents

again.

As a child, Brown used to

make money by picking cotton,

shining shoes, cleaning out

stores, washing cars and dishes,

and singing in talent contests.

During this time, he also learned

to play a harmonica his father left

with him. After seeing Louis Jor-

dan, a popular jazz and R&B per-

former from the Forties, Brown

was inspired to become an enter-

tainer.

Later, as a young

adult, Brown legally

changed his name to

remove his “Jr.” desig-

nation. In his spare

time, he practiced his

musical skills, but also

ran into trouble with

the law. He was con-

victed of armed rob-

bery and sent to a ju-

venile detention center,

where he met a man

named Bobby Byrd.

Brown’s music

career took flight when

he joined a group called

the Avons, led by Byrd.

In 1953, Brown and

Byrd’s sister, Sarah,

performed in a group

named “The Gospel

Starlighters,” which

was later changed to

“The Flames.” Soon

they became James

Brown and the Flames,

and after Please, Please, Please

went to number five on the R&B copies in 1956, Brown knew he

was ready to go out on

his own.

In the Sixties Brown

hit his commercial peak.

Night Train, Papa’s Got

a Brand New Bag, and I

Got You (I Feel Good),

which rose to number 35,

eight, and three on the

U.S music charts, respec-

tively. He was known for

his prolific output; in

1968 alone, he released

13 albums. By 1971, he

was writing and produc-

ing so much music, for

himself as well as others,

that he was one of the

first artists to establish

his own label with his

People Records. Brown

used his music to spread

his beliefs and inspire

others. Indeed, Say It

Loud (I’m Black and I’m

Proud), Soul Power, and

You Got to Have a Job

(If You Don’t Work, You

Can’t Eat) were social statements,

but Brown also saw the impor-

tance of music in entertaining,

churning out dance hits such as I

Got Ants in My Pants (And I Want

to Dance) and For Goodness

Sakes, Look at Those Cakes.

Brown was unafraid for his music

to bridge genres; his music

touched on rock, jazz, reggae,

disco, afrobeat, and hip-hop.

His last major hit was 1985’s

“Living in America,” which was

featured in Rocky IV and earned

Brown a Grammy for Best Male R

& B Vocal Performance. Brown

was known for his amazing live

shows, where he was introduced

as “Soul Brother #1 - Mr. Dyna-

mite - the star of the show -

JAMES BROWN!” Onstage, he

would often fake his own death -

collapsing and having a friend

cover his body with his trademark

cape, only to come back enthusi-

astically howling. In the last two

decades, Brown continued to per-

form hundreds of shows a year. A

man completely devoted to his

craft, he left a sizeable legacy, and

will be truly missed.charts, selling over one million

As we look at the rich musical

history of America, we tend

to see that music over the

century has been intermixed through

the various genres. But where do the

origins of these euphonious tunes

come from? Since the beginning of

slavery, African-Americans have had

a major influence on “American”

music. Through this music, many

artists and musicians were recognized

for their musicianship and earned un-

precedented mainstream success.

The influence of African-Ameri-

can music has been felt in popular

culture perhaps ever since Africans

brought genuinely polyphonic songs

to the Americas from various ethnic

groups across the Sub-Saharan and

Western regions of Africa.

The Blues have had the most pro-

found influence on American music.

Gospel, Jazz, Rock & Roll, Funk,

Hip-Hop all trace their roots to the

dire condition of slavery, poverty, and

segregation suffered by African-

Americans. The Blues can be labeled

as a method of healing for these con-

ditions suffered. But in the recent

years, Blues music has become ur-

banized and mainstream, and truly

crosses barriers of race. White Singer/

songwriter John Mayer branched out

from the acoustic balladry that

launched him on the national radar

and betrayed a blues influence on his

album, Continuum, which was nomi-

nated for an Album of the Year

Grammy in 2006.

Every culture on earth uses music

and verse to express deep emotions,

ease a difficult workload, or blow off

steam. In what is now known as

Roots music, Africans sold into sla-

very in this country, prohibited from

practicing their old cultures, devel-

oped work songs and field hollers to

shorten a long day’s work. But as

modern recording was developed,

these hymns developed into popular

music.

During the 1900s, black music and

artists made major advancements. In

1901, Bert Williams and George

Walker became the first recorded black

musicians. In 1911, Scott Joplin per-

formed the first black opera,

Treemonisha. African-American mu-

sic was simplified

for white audi-

ences, who would

have otherwise re-

jected black per-

formers. Through

the disintegration

of black music,

swing music was

birthed. The devel-

opment of swing

coincided with the

1932 emergence of

the 13-piece dance

band; such as those

led by Duke

Ellington, Fletcher

Henderson, Count

Basie, Jimmie

Lunceford, Benny Goodman, Artie

Shaw, and Earl Hines.

Similarly the great pop and jazz

vocalists of the 1950s and 1960s em-

ployed arrangements and instrumen-

tation by arrangers and musicians

previously associated with the

phraseology of the Big Band era.

White musicians and fans en-

thralled by the truth and rhythm of

the blues began copying popular

black artists. By the coming of the

1940s, it became popular for artists

to create cover versions of African-

American songs, which frequently

topped the charts. During the 1940s,

African-American music was catego-

rized as a developing genre called,

“rock and roll”. Its upholders were

Little Richard and Jackie Brenston,

whose songs were regularly covered

by white artists such as Pat Boone in

order to gain airplay from stations in

segregated territory.

In the 1950s, America would see

Elvis Presley and Bill Haley, who per-

formed Rockabilly. Rockabilly epito-

mized the worst fears of many con-

servatives at the time: white boys and

girls dancing and singing in the wild

ways associated with African-Ameri-

can culture, and thus breaking social

barriers. After seeing how much their

parents hated the uproarious and

upbeat music, rebellious white teens

embraced it. This stamped the begin-

ning of the acceptance of musical

genres crossing racial boundaries

amongst all audiences. Presley went

on to become one of the most suc-

cessful recording artists of all time,

but always recognized the influence

of black artists such as B.B King,

Jackie Wilson, and Fats Domino on

his music.

In the 1950s, American people be-

gan to grasp a fast growing popular-

ity for hard Blues. Also, with Blues

came the introduction of Soul, pio-

neered by greats such as Ben E. King

and Sam Cooke. Also, in the 1950s,

Soul and Rhythm and Blues became

major influences on the genre of surf;

which was predominantly targeted

for white audiences and made stars

out of Jan & Dean and the Beach

Boys. Perhaps

the most

idolaized of

the R&B genre

were Diana

Ross and the

Supremes and

A r e t h a

Franklin. In-

fluenced by

A f r i c a n -

A m e r i c a n

rhythm and

blues, the UK

natives, The

Beatles, re-

turned to the

United States

in the 1950s

with a classical-style of R&B (blues

and pop with both traditional and

modernized perspectives). Along with

their contemporaries, the Rolling

Stones (who regularly covered songs

by Motown acts such as the Temp-

tations), Rock n’ roll bands grew out

of R & B to create their own genre.

In the 1970s, the highly acclaimed

“Godfather of Soul,” James Brown,

was credited with the invention of

Funk, which brought heavy basslines

to dance music, and influenced the

disco hip-hop, and house music that

followed. Two important artists of

the funk movement were Parliament

Funkadelic, and the multi-cultural Sly

& the Family Stone.

In the 1970s, Jazz fused with de-

rivatives (Rock) to form Jazz-Rock

or Fusion. But the 70s also saw the

creation of hip-hop music, which, af-

ter its birth through pioneers such as

Grandmaster Flash and the Furious

Five and Run D.M.C., became a truly

transcendent genre by the late 1990s,

enthralling fans of all races. Through

hip hop came the invention of other

regional forms of music including,

Miami bass, Chicago hip house, Los

Angeles hardcore, and DC go go.

The 1980s could be classified as

the years of pop, where pop artists

sang a type of pop dance-soul that

would feed into New Jack Swing and

lead to the successes of artists such

as Bobby Brown and New Edition.

Now, in the present day, the in-

fluence of past black musicians is im-

possible to ignore. With the growing

hip-hop trend of sampling, it is com-

mon for an artist to use a sample of

an early black artist’s song, as his

hook. Sampling is found on count-

less songs, with a few notable ex-

amples being Kanye West’s incorpo-

ration of Ray Charles in “Gold Dig-

ger,” and Chaka Khan on “Through

the Wire.”

Nowadays, the influence of black

artists on popular music is obvious

to even the most casual music fan. It

is impossible to turn on a radio with-

out encountering the work of black

artists, or music inspired by them. It

appears that now, in the 21st Cen-

tury, that music has become color-

blind, and that genres innovated by

musicians of all races are continu-

ously moving in bold new directions.

“Now in the present day, the

influence of past black

musicians such as Ray

Charles, James Brown, and

Little Richard is

impossible to ignore.”


Sophomore Effort Features Appearances by Chamillionaire, Lil’ Jon and 50 CentCiara’s “Evolution” Takes Her to the Top of the Chart

By Juanita Zimmerman

By Erick Gabbidon

Georgia-based Rapper’s Second Studio Album Breaks Through with the Hit Single, “I Luv It.”

(Photo Courtesy LaFace Records)

“The Evolution” is Ciara’s followup to hermultiplatinum 2004 debut, “Goodies”

(Photo Courtesy Def Jam Entertainment)

“The Inspiration” debuted at number one onthe Billboard Charts, selling 352, 000 copiesin its first week.

The multi-platinum R&Bartist Ciara is back withher sophomore album,

Ciara: The Evolution. It wasreleased on December 5, 2006and debuted at #1 on the Bill-board 200 Chart, selling338,447 copies in its firstweek. There are 18 tracks onthe album which includes 14songs and four interludes—theevolution of music, dance,fashion, and C[iara]. BryanMichael Cox, Dallas Austin, Lil’Jon, Polow Da Don, Rodney“Darkchild” Jerkins, theNeptunes, and Will.I.Am allhelped to produce this album.Guest appearances include 50Cent, Chamillionare, and Lil’Jon. Ciara’s sophomore albumreveals her “evolution” as a pro-ducer, singer, and songwriter. Ciara released her first al-bum, Goodies, in September2004, and it sold over two mil-lion copies in the United Statesalone. Not only did the albumdebut at #3 on the Billboard 200Chart, selling 124,750 copies inits first week, but the same titledtrack also peaked at #1 on theBillboard Hot 100 Chart, and

the second single, 1, 2 Step fea-turing Missy Elliott, and thethird single Oh featuringLudacris, both peaked at #2. Be-cause of its phenomenal suc-cess, Goodies earnedCiara several nomina-tions and awards. Ciara: The Evo-lution begins with agreat up-tempoopener, That’s Right,produced by Lil’ Jon,who is also featuredon the track. Thesong is about howCiara always altersher schedule for herboyfriend, but shefeels that she shouldchange and hangout with her girl-friends. She sings,“You can miss me allyou want, but I’m notcoming over/TonightI’m doing me I’ll callyou in the morning/Hanging with mygirls until the break of dawn…” The second track, Like ABoy, is about how men can docertain things, but if women dothe same thing, they are lookeddown on. Some of the lyrics in-

clude, “What if I had a thingon the side/Made you cry/Wouldthe rules change up or wouldthey still apply/If I played you

like a toy/Sometimes I wish Icould act like a boy…” Thetrack deftly handles double-standards. Promise, the first slow trackon the album, is a slow, smooth

track about Ciara finding theperfect man. “There’s nothing Iwon’t do/To spend my life withyou/I’ll give my all to you/I

promise that I willnever lie to youboy…” “Na-uh-uh-uh-uh-uh…” are someof the catchy lyr-ics to C.R.U.S.H.Ciara sings abouthow she has feel-ings for a guy, andshe wants to tellhim how she feels,but she is too shy. Make It LastForever is an excel-lent dance trackthat samples ItTakes Two. In thissong, Ciara wantsto be with a guy nomatter what thecircumstances are.“Wherever you areall right, all right/I just want to be

with you/We can do whatever/Baby I’m yours all right, allright/Tonight is about me andyou/Make it last forever…” Other tracks on the albuminclude I Proceed, Can’t Leave

‘Em Alone, featuring 50 Cent,My Love, Bang It Up, Get Upfeaturing Chamillionare, Get In,Fit In, So Hard, and I’m JustMe.

The album concludes withthe ballad I Found Myself thatfits Ciara’s voice perfectly title.Ciara sings about how her lifehas changed over the years andhow she became the woman sheis now. “So long farewell/Mylife’s moving forward/My shiphas sailed/And I’m so glad it’sover/My heart is well/After allthat I’ve been through I foundmyself…”

Ciara: The Evolution is agreat sophomore album fromCiara that is even better than herdebut. Ciara has up-temposongs on the album, but she hasa few more ballads than on herdebut in order to add more va-riety. The lyrics are more seri-ous and mature. Sophomore al-bums are always difficult forartists, but Ciara has provenwith this album that she is defi-nitely here to stay.

FINAL GRADE: A

Young Jeezy’s Sophomore Album Lacks “Inspiration”

FINAL GRADE: C

is heating up the streets as well,churning in a little self-promo-tion by dropping the latest in-stallment of the Gangsta Grillzmixtape series, the new tape “IAm The StreetDream” helped tobuild up hype for hisalbum. Working inAtlanta’s legendaryPatchwerk Studios,Jeezy welcomed agroup of theindustry’s top artists,Ludacris, SnoopDogg, R. Kelly,Keyshia Cole, and G-Unit’s Young Buck,to collaborators toproduce “The Inspi-ration” recordingsessions.

After goingplatinum with his de-but album, it only re-mains to see if he canoutdo his previousperformance. The al-bum starts off withthe Shawty Redd-produced Hypnotize, in whichJeezy makes the first of manyrepeated boasts about his rap-ping skills, street smarts, and

how he will do anything neces-sary to get ahead in the hip-hopand rap industry. In the Midnite Black-pro-duced Still On It, Jeezy de-

scribes money making in thehood, a common themethroughout his songs. U KnowWhat It Is discusses Jeezy’s

street credibility and how every-one knows who he is.

The fourth track is aself-named song J.E.E.Z.Y . Hetalks about the cars he drives,

the ones he likes todrive and how heis all about hismoney. Firstsingle, I Luv It(which broke intothe top 20 of theBillboard Hot 100before the album’srelease) finds Jeezytalking about howhe loves life andworks hard toachieve everythinghe has accom-plished so far. The follow-up single, Go Gettafeatures R. Kellyand is about life inthe club scene andliving on the edge,and gettingwomen.

3 a.m is pro-duced by and featuresTimbaland. The track discusseshow rappers have to be real andnot just play off fake roots for

popularity. I’m The Realestfinds Jeezy treading the sameterritory about how other artistsjust rap about situations that theyhave never encountered andhow most of them are phoniesand fakes. Streets On Lock dis-cusses how everything comeseasy to him because he has ex-perienced so many devastatingevents in his life.

Bury Me A G talksabout death and how he wantsto be remembered as authentic,a true “G.” Dreamin, which fea-tures Keisha Cole, talks abouthow children from the hoodshould not abandon theirdreams. The Inspiration seems torethread most of the samethemes-Jeezy has a lot ofmoney, Jeezy’s a real thug,Jeezy can get all the ladies-of hisdebut album. Jeezy, who once describedhimself as a “motivationalspeaker of the streets,” needs tofind a few new things to say ifhe’s going to keep his career’smomentum going.

No matter what is go-ing on in the hip-hop scene, anartist can only make a name forhimself by being original andunique. Many artists come andgo and there are only a selectfew who have what it takes tohave a successful career in thehip-hop industry. Now, withhis second album, The Inspira-tion, hip-hop fans are anxiouslywaiting to find out whether JayJenkins, better known as“Young Jeezy” is here to stay.

Born in Macon, Geor-gia, Jeezy released two albumsindependently before hitting thehip-hop scene like a storm withnot one, but two blockbusteralbums: first going gold as amember of Boyz n da Hood, andthen, achieving double-platinumstatus with his solo debut “Let’sGet It: Thug Motivation 101.”Jeezy’s second album, releasedon December 12, 2006, in-cludes the hit singles “I LuvIt” and “Go Getta.” Jezzy per-formed “I Luv It” at both theBET Hip Hop Awards and theBillboard Music Awards. Jeezy


The Chicago-Based Pop-Punk Band Strays Away from “Emo” and Aims for Pop PerfectionFall Out Boy’s “Infinity” Debuts High on the Charts

By Dennisse Mallari

“Infinity on High” is Fall Out Boy’s fourth albumand their first to top the Billboard Album charts.

Rendering stimuli from awealth of rock, punk, pop,hardcore, and even emo, Fall OutBoy has gained a reputation asone of the most original main-stream rock and roll bandsaround. With their characteristicsound of unforgettable melodies,clever lyrics and diverse guitarhooks, Fall Out Boy have done itagain with their latest album, In-finity on High, which was re-leased on February 6, 2007, anddebuted at the top of the Bill-board album charts selling over300,000 copies in its first week. Although the band is namedafter Simpsons superhero Radio-active Man’s sidekick, it wasn’tcrusader powers that got the Chi-cago foursome to where they aretoday. Nine years ago, bassistand lyricist Pete Wentz joinedforces with good friend and gui-tarist Joe Throhman and beganwriting songs and poems. Thecharismatic comrades trippedover their soon-to-be vocalist andguitarist Patrick Stump. After theirsearch for a drummer, goingthrough many auditions and tran-sient members, the band’s happy-go-lucky method united them upwith an old friend Andy Hurley.

Coming from different failedbands, they wanted to play musicthey had grown up listening to—punk rock. In the early days, the band re-leased their debut album Fall OutBoy’s Evening OutWith Your Girl-friend on UprisingRecords in 2003. The band’s sta-bility was threat-ened when Wentzoverdosed on thetranquilizing Ativanin a suicide attempt.The song I’ve GotA Dark Alley AndA Bad Idea ThatSays You ShouldShut Your Mouth(Summer Song),from their albumFrom Under TheCork Tree, wasbased uponWentz’s attemptedsuicide, and hisdeeply personallyrics helped theband score a massive followingand a major label record deal withIsland Records. Their major-label debut albumFrom Under The Cork Tree wasreleased on May 3, 2005. The al-bum debuted on the Billboard

200 at #9 and sold over 70,000copies in its first week. Soon there-after it achieved Double Platinumstatus, buoyed by hit singlesSugar We’re Goin’ Down andDance, Dance, both of which

crossed over to the pop chartsand crashed into the Top 10. Their newest album’s title,Infinity On High, is a title takenfrom a line in one of artist VincentVan Gogh’s personal letters. The lead single, titled This Ain’t

A Scene, It’s An Arms Race, de-buted at the 2006 American Mu-sic Awards and became their mostsuccessful single, debuting at #2on the Billboard Hot 100 - thehighest debut of any rock single

since 1995. This new albumhas 14 amazinglylyrical tracks.Thriller, featuringlabelmate (andpublic supporter)Jay-Z, tells thestory of how theband came from acommon life to thelifestyle of the fa-mous. Questioning aperplexed womanof her future ac-tions is the story ofThe Take Over, theBreak’s Over. Hit single ThisAin’t a Scene, It’san Arms Race ex-plodes with its call-a n d - r e s p o n s everses and Don’t

You Know Who I Think I Am?show the dramatic side of FOB. I’m Like a Lawyer with the WayI’m Always Trying to Get You Off(Me & You), shines with pop per-fection thanks to Babyface’s ra- FINAL GRADE: A

dio-ready production while BangThe Doldrums heats us up withits romantic tones. Hum Hallelujah talks of a teen-age calamity being accepted andjust moving on. The piano balladGolden starts off with a harmonicsound and ends with a secretmessage. The vowel-less Thnksfr th Mmrs, the second single, isabout a relationship bitterly re-membered. The (After) Life of theParty is an epic love song thatfloats along far outside of the typi-cal “emo” label. The Carpal Tunnel of Loveshows us the flowing ups anddowns of passion. The mathematically titledFame < Infamy tells the tale of anot-so-successful communicatorand You’re Crashing, but You’reNo Wave talks about how a safeworld falls apart. Originally written as a hip-hopsong, I’ve Got All This Ringingin My Ears and None on My Fin-gers proves that sometimes thetruth hurts the worst of all and itends with a clapping laugh and afamiliar computerized voice stat-ing “NOW PRESS REPEAT!” Af-ter listening through Infinity OnHigh, you’ll find it hard to resistdoing just that-feeling high!

The ShieldThe ShieldThe ShieldThe ShieldThe ShieldPAGE 16 March 2007

Gazette Full pagead

Jill Said to use thesame one from ourlast issue-- Max putthat on the page in-

house from yourend


Boys’ Basketball Team Finishes Memorable SeasonCompiles a 14-7 Regular Season Record, Loses to Flowers in Third Round of Playoffs

By Phillip Cooper

Girls’ Basketball Team Has High Hopes for the FutureFour Win-Sixteen Loss Season Showed Improvement at End of Year.

By Brian Lentz


Justin Redfield and Marcus Hebron watch asMilade Lola-Charles charges to the basket.

The Laurel High Boys’ Bas-ketball team concluded theirbest season in recent memoryon February 28 with a 56-48loss in the third round of theplayoffs to10th ranked CharlesHerbert Flowers. The Spartans experiencedtheir best start in years as theyjumped out to 9-0 start and afourth place ranking in the pres-tigious Washington Post’s TopTwenty area rankings. With theirearly season win streak, thestands were full and the studentbody was buzzing with highhopes. The Spartans experiencedtheir first loss of the season inan away game on January 5 toarchrival Eleanor Roosevelt 61-51. The team then reboundedagainst Crossland High at homeon January 9 with a 58-48 vic-tory. The Spartans then cameout on top against Parkdale in aconvincing win by a score of66-51. When they played on Janu-ary 16 at home against Flow-ers for first place in the 4ALeague it would be their biggestchallenge yet. Coming in, bothteams had only lost one game.The Spartans fell by a score of

63-58, creating a record of 11-2 overall and second place in the4A Division. The team had arecord of seven wins and twolosses in league play. The Spartanshoped to reboundagainst preseasonranked Oxon Hill onthe visitors’ court onJanuary 19. Theboys fell short los-ing 41-37 giving theSpartans back toback losses for thefirst time the entireseason. The boys thenreturned home afterthe close loss toface High Point HighSchool on January23. They pulled outa win over theEagles 54-43. Thiswould be the Spar-tans last win overthe next three gamesas they went on adownward spiral.The Spartans trav-eled to newly builtWise High Schoolon January 30 andlost a nail-bitter 61-59. Thenthe boys traveled on February2 to Suitland High and fell to the

Rams in another close game,54-49. The team returned home tomake-up a game that was re-

scheduled against BladensburgHigh on February 5. The boyssuccumbed to defeat once

Sports

more, 49-41. This loss saw theSpartans fall out of the Wash-ington Post rankings for the firsttime in their entire season.

During this un-fortunate streak,Head Coach KeithCoutreyer believedthe Spartans couldrebound. “Playershave to step up andmake plays.” He alsoa d d e d ,“They experiencedtough road lossesand situations theyhadn’t seen thewhole season.”

Against North-western on February6, with a win inblowout fashion 62-37, the Spartansended their threegame slide. Thisgame displayed theSpartans’ highestpoint total of the sea-son. The Spartansfaced Roosevelt fortheir last game of theregular season onFebruary 20. Their

second loss to the Raiders cameby a score of 60-56, ending

The Laurel High School Girls’Varsity Basketball Team endedtheir season with a 4-16 recordfollowing their loss to Suitlandin the regional playoffs. “We’ve improved, but not atthe rate that I would have liked,”commented Head Coach TomHarrison. “We have played wellin three of the last four games[of the season]. There’s stillroom for improvement.” Though Brittany Jacksonscored 24 points, forced 5steals, and was awarded the titleof Player of the Game, the LadySpartans were dominated by theSuitland Rams, 54-40 and elimi-nated in the first round of theplayoffs. “We struggled in the begin-ning of the year,” reflected jun-ior Angel Saunders, “but wecame together towards the endof the year.”

For the last four games ofthe season, the Lady Spartanswent 0-2 and had thelast two games of theseason canceled dueto the weather. TheCrossland game,which would havebeen held on February16, and the Rooseveltgame, which wasscheduled for Febru-ary 21, were both can-celed during the weekthat the region was hitby a snow and icestorm. “I’m not going togive up if they don’tquit,” commentedHarrison about theteam’s commitment.“I will help them getto the level they wantto get to, as long asthey help themselvesto reach that goal.”

Following the February 6away game loss to Northwest-

the season. This game was heldon February 9 against Bowie.

With fifteen secondsleft, and a 55-53score, the LadySpartans had an op-portunity to win thegame, but they gaveup a foul, which ledto two successfulfree throw shots thatsealed the game forBowie. Though the sea-son for the LadySpartans has ended,their relationship asa team has not.Coach Harrison isstill preparing fornext year, as well aspreparing the lone se-nior, Brittany Jack-son, for college.Jackson was one ofthe top scorers in the

county this year.

Sophomore guard Tiffany Fails has been oneof many contributors to the young team’sgrowth.


He also takes the team outto both visit the colleges as wellas to relax and enjoy eachother’s company. Coach Harrison is trying toget the team into summer andfall leagues for next year, so thatthe team will hopefully have alonger playoff run. “I have the dedication,”stated Harrison. “I just need thegirls to be as dedicated as I am.A lot of the girls are used to play-ing in recreational leagues, andweren’t ready for this level. Theexperience should get themready for next year.” In regards to next season,the team is not sure who willreturn. According to Saunders,the team is going to wait to seewhat happens over the summer. “Next year’s team is stillgoing to be young,”acknnowledged Saunders, “be-cause a lot of people choose notto come for tryouts.”

ern, the next game for the Spar-tans was one of the closest of

their regular season with arecord of 14-7. The Spartans faced theSuitland Rams in the secondround of the playoffs on Mon-day Feb. 26. They won an ex-citing nail-bitter 47-46. Laurel went on the road toface tenth-ranked Flowers inthe third round of the playoffson Wednesday Feb.28. and lost56-48. This loss ended theSpartans’ magical season. Although the Spartans endedtheir season without fulfillingtheir championship aspirations,the team compiled the bestrecord in recent history. “They didn’t win the cham-pionship, but they came out win-ners,” Coutreyer states on theseason outcome. Coutreyer hopes that theteam will improve on this year,excited with the prospects ofthree returning starters for nextyear.. “We have good experiencedstarters such as juniors KilianAzah, Reggie Young, and sopho-more Marcus Hebron. We ex-pect kids in the program to stepup and play. We really want tosee how sophomore Austin Colewill play next year,” statedCourteyer, optimistic for the2007-2008 season.

The ShieldThe ShieldThe ShieldThe ShieldThe ShieldPAGE 18 March 2007

Mitchell and Onyenemezu Place Second & Third Respectively at County Tournament.

Girls Capture Third & Boys Take Fifth in County SwimmingTeams Compete at State Championship at University of Maryland

By Justin Cousson

By Ashley Campbell

Small Spartan Wrestling Squad Produces County-Ranked Threats

Junior Martin Mitchell ranks second in the county inthe 112-lb weight class.


Sophomore Scott Tyree is one of many young swim-mers leading the Spartans.

Two Spartan wrestlers shined atthe Prince George’s CountyTournament held at the PrinceGeorge’s County Sports andLearning Complex in Landover, MDon February 16. Senior JohnOnyenemezu defeated his firstopponent, but fell to a wrestler fromOxon Hill in the semi-finals. Still,with his initial victory, Onyenemezutook the ranking of third in thecounty in his weight class, andqualified for the All-County team.Junior Martin Mitchell fiinishedsecond in his weight class and alsoadvanced. Both wrestlers capturedfifth-place finishes at the RegionalTournament which was held at C.H.Flowers on February 25, Earlier this season, with six outof a nine possible Spartan wrestlersshowing up, the Laurel High SchoolWrestling Team coached by ChrisAcosta put their best efforts into theTri-Meet against Archbishop JohnCarroll and Friendly High School onFebruary 3. Laurel first faced a team ofwrestlers from Carroll High School.One hundred and sixty pound seniorLuis Bonilla was pinned by Carroll’sEthan Reese after trailing by a scoreof 19-5. Next, in the 189-lb weightclass, freshman Diego Okunkwo waspinned by Carroll’s Tim Webster. The 245-lb Onyenemezu thenfaced Carroll’s John Von Paris, whowas ranked second in the state. “Ifhe’s going to win, John has to pin

The Laurel Spartan swimmersended their 2006-2007 campaignwith an overall record of 21-7. Thegirls compiled an 11-3 record whilethe boys achieved a 10-4 record.Both teams performed well in theCounty Tournament, and went onto compete in regional and statemeets. Coach John Venit feels thathe had prepared them well and that’sthe reason for their success. The Spartans started off theirseason on December 9 with a girls’victory against Flowers 102 to 67,but the boys fell to Flowers 88-77.Next they faced Suitland and bothteams won, 129 to 25 girls and 116-37 boys. Although, there were a va-riety of close calls, the girls managedto leave their first meet 2-0 while theboys split at 1-1. On December16, although theboys and girls entered their secondmeet with high hopes and full hearts,they were pummeled by Bowie 133-37, but got back on track with a winover Forestville 134-0. “Getting newmembers are hard; sometimes badthings happen but we can always pulltogether as a team and work throughit,” said Sarah McCray when askedabout the loss to Bowie. The boys’ high hopes didn’t letthem down as they celebrated an as-

tonishing victory against Forestville105-52. The dominating victory musthave given the boys a new level ofconfidence going against Bowie butthey also fell, 117-49. Newcomer PhilipHayes says, “I wasinspired to join theteam by my friendJenny; she made mewant to do somethingwith my time and Ifelt that the swimteam was my best op-tion.” When the meetended the girls had arecord of 3-1 and theboys were 2-2. Theteam practiced longand hard to preparefor their next meetwhich took place onJanuary 6. The girlsstarted their thirdmeet with a stunningvictory against Largo133-8 and an overpowering victoryover Friendly 133-4. The boys de-feated Largo 112-6 and Friendly 109-15. Then on January 13, the girls pro-ceeded to beat Wise High School 136-13 and lose to High Point. The boysbeat both High Point and Wise in con-vincing fashion.

Both the Lady Spartans and theboys defeated Suitland and ParkdaleHigh School to improve their recordsto 8-2.

Coach Venit explains, “I can’tcompare this team to another becauseall of my teams are different. Theyall have different strengths and weak-nesses.” The girls came out victorious intheir sixth meet on January 27 withwins against Oxon Hill 99-49 andCrossland 109-23. The boys on the

other hand won against Crossland101-33 and lost to Oxon Hill 89-70.The Spartans finished their seasonagainst Northwestern and Roosevelt

on February 3 whenthe boys defeatedNortwestern 99-42and fell 128-34 toRoosevelt. The Lady Spar-tans met the same fateas the boys with awin over Northwest-ern and a loss toRoosevelt. The PrinceGeorge’s CountyChampionships wereheld on February 10at the FairlandAquatic Center inLaurel. The LadySpartans capturedthird place and theboys earned a fifthplace finish. The Regional

Championships were held on Febru-ary 19. The Spartans’ highest fin-isher was Caitlin Raynor with a 3rdin the 100 butterfly and 5th in the100 backstroke. The first state championship meetever in the state of Maryland washeld on Saturday, February 24 at theUniversity of Maryland.

The Spartan Boys swam the 200Medley Relay with sophomoresScott Tyree, Jared Hester, JordanMegaughey, and junior PorfirioVelasquez and finished 20th. Freshman standout Caitlin Raynorswam the 100 Butterfly and 100 Back-stroke. She finished 12th in the But-terfly and 11th in the Backstroke. The Lady Spartans swam the 200Medley Relay with Raynor, sopho-more Sarah McCray, junior KaraRutherford, and senior DelinaDehonney and finished 21st. McCrayalso participated in the 500 Freestyleand also finished 21st. The Lady Spartans swam the 200Free Relay with McCray, Raynor,Dehonney, and sophomore ElizabethFitzsimmons; the group finished20th. Both girls and boys swam the400 Free Relay. Tyree, Megaughey,junior Philip Hayes, and senior RenanAuricchio were on the boys’ team andfinished 22nd while Rutherford,McCray, Fitzsimmons, and seniorMegan Potts swam and finished 19thfor the LHS girls. Because the squad was veryyoung this year, next year’s teamshould definitely benefit from thispast year’s experience. The youngerswimmers say the future looks good! Many swimmers will be swim-ming year-round to stay in shape.

him in the first two periods – his bigproblem has been tiring out,” insistedJohn McIver, an LHS wrestler lost toinjury this season. “If he gets tired,[John] just has to get on top of himand just stall,” noted former LHSwrestler Calvin Lofton. Onyenemezu held Paris scorelessin the first twoperiods but fell bypin in the third.“He was‘ginormous’ – helooked like he was....old,” statedO n y e n e m e z u ,disappointed bythe result. “Thereferee looked likehe was going tocower in fear. Iwould giveanything to face[Von Paris] again –I wish I could.......just instigate are-match. Mitchell gavethe Spartans theirfirst win of themeet when hedefeated 112-lbMatt Bodt in a match that went thedistance. Mitchell picked up a 4-2victory. After Mitchell’s match, 130-lbsophomore Gabe Rodriguez waspinned by Carroll’s Matthew Miller,followed by senior Tonisha Cox ,losing by pin to Carroll’s NickAlmony in the 145-lb weight class.

In a series of exhibition matchesbetween Laurel and Carroll, Bonilla,Okunkwo, and Rodriguez each lostby pinfall. Bonilla was not fazed bythe losses, noting, “I feel good. Iwrestled a tough guy. I need a lot ofpractice [between now and the

county tournament] but I’m justgonna keep doing my best.” Laurel fared much better against ateam of wrestlers from Friendly HighSchool. Cox lost by pin in both of hermatches, but held Friendly’s BrianKane to only four points in a hard-fought performance. “That wasprobably my best match,” Cox said.

Onyenemezu followed up lossesby Okunkwo and Bonilla by pinningFriendly’s Joe Fuller 1:30 into thethird period of the 245-lb matchup.Onyenemezu insisted he had asurprising motivator in his headduring the match. “I think about TheFray a lot when I wrestle. You know,

those lines in[their song]“Over MyHead,” whenthey’re like‘she’s on yourmind, she’s onyour mind’ – I cantotally relate tothat....” The 245-lb senior,wrestling in hisfirst full seasonfor Laurel, hasbeen one of theteam’s mostc o n s i s t e n tperformers, andhas a Top 10position in stateon his mind goinginto theu p c o m i n gc o u n t y

tournament. “I’m looking to getahead,” he mentions. “I expect toplace in the top 3, but I think I havea great chance at being countychampion.” While Onyenemezu expressedexcitement towards upcomingtournaments, he was moved when herealized that the meet would be the


last match at Laurel High for thegraduating senior. “It’s the end of anera, for me at least. I will not missthat mat, though – it’s bad luck. Itneeds to be burned.” Following Rodriguez’s loss toFriendly’s Joe Bradley in a matchinterrupted by blood, junior MartinMitchell was merciless againstFriendly’s David Hatem. Mitchelldominated Hatem throughout the six-minute match and emerged with a 9-5win. Mitchell, who recently defeatedthe county’s top wrestler from BowieHigh, kept his words to a minimumfollowing his victories, but expressedgreat anticipation for the CountyTournament. “I think I’m takingCounty. I feel confident, and I’mgonna keep working hard,” he vowed. Okunkwu and Rodriguez endedtheir days with quick defeats byFriendly’s Matt Webster and BryanOwens, respectively, at 25 and 22seconds in. Despite leaving winless,Rodriguez was upbeat about theteam’s performance, and his own.“This is the first year for a lot of us,and we’re doing well. I’m proud ofmyself. Win or lose – it’s all aboutgaining experience. I know I’m gonnado better next season.” Acosta expressed approval of hissmall, but dedicated team’sperformance. “They did well outthere today,” he remarked.“strengthening their strengths andworking on their weaknesses.Improving is the most importantthing, and they’re all doing great jobs.”


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Questions 1. How much do you spend onan average weekend date?A. $5-15 B. $15-30 C. $30-35D. $45 or over 2. What is your favorite typeof music?A. Country B. Go-Go C. Pop D.R&B E. Rap F. Rock 3. What is the first physicalcharacteristic you notice?A. Face B. Hair C. Body D. Cloth-ing E. You don’t- personality iswhat matters! 4. What is the most impor-tant quality in a friendship?A. Sense of humor B. ReliabilityC. Trustworthiness D. Honesty E.Mutual interests 5. How do most of your datingrelationships start?A. Through mutual friends B.Exchanging phone numbers C.Friends first D. Meet at a party 6. How far would you travelon a date?A. 0-20 mi. B. 20-40 mi. C. 40-60 mi. D. Doesn’t matter 7. How should dates be paidfor?A. Guy pays B. Girl pays C. DutchD. Mom’s credit card

8. When you go out, you pre-fer …A. To be alone with your date B.Double dating C. Group date 9. How do you usually end afirst date?A. Hugging B. A wave goodbye C.Excessive kissing D. Kiss on thecheek 10. What would you like to doon a date?A. Go to a party B. Explore anarea like the Inner Harbor C. Stayhome and rent movies D. Go to amovie and dinner 11. What is your idea of a ro-mantic evening?A. Candlelight dinner B. Walk inthe moonlight C. Watching mov-ies on cable and eating pizza 12. You think the word “love”is …A. Overused B. Underrated C.Something people say when theywant something D. A truly beauti-ful word that should have a specialmeaning 13. What gift would you ratherreceive?A. Flowers B. Money C. Candy D.Jewelry

14. You consider yourself …A. Romantic B. A player C. Anintellectual D. None of the above 15. When you argue with yoursignificant other, you …A. Pretend it never happened B.Call and apologize C. You neverspeak with the person again D.Send hate mail 16. When you have a crush,you …A. Watch them form afar and neversay a word B. Flirt like crazy C.Have a friend introduce you D. Putunsigned letters in their locker 17. Do your friend’s opinionsaffect your date?A. Yes B. No C. Sometimes; itdepends on how much I like them 18. What is your relationshiplike after you break up?A. Bitter enemies B. Stay friendsC. It hurts to be around them. 19. When your significantother goes to college, you will ex-pect them to…A. Remain loyal to you. B. Forgetall about you. C. Get back to-gether when they come home. D.See other people.

20. When you are together inpublic, you …A. Prefer no body contact at allB. Hold hands only C. Grab a quickkiss D. Do whatever; it’s a freecountry 21. How do you kiss your date?A. Peck on the cheek B. Passion-ately C. Short and sweet D. Slowand romantic 22. Before you go out you …A. Go along with your friends B.Let your date make the plans C.You know exactly what you willbe doing

23. If your best friend hits onyour boy/girl friend, you …A. Confront your best friend. B.Pretend it’s not happening. C.Confront your boy/girl friend D.Talk to them both together.

24. What is the greatest agedifference you would date?A. Doesn’t matter B. Under 2years C. 2 years D. 5 years E. 10years 25. Would you forgive some-one for cheating on you?

A. Only the first time B. NeverC. Yes, I don’t want to lose themD. Yes, then get even

26. At a dance, I prefer to …A. Slow dance B. Fast dance C.Line dance D. Group dance E. Be awallflower 27. I believe in …A. Love at first sight B. Falling inlove on the first date C. Friend-ship turning into love 28. What do you plan to doafter high school?A. College B. Military C. Get ajob D. Freeload off my parents 29. Does it matter what kindof car your date drives?A. Yes B. No C. Doesn’t matterD. Depends where you are going

30. How seriously do you takecomputer dating?A. I will marry someone on mylist. B. I want to date people onmy list. C. It’s just for fun. D. Iwant to see if the person I am dat-ing is on my list. Write your answers in the formbelow.

Turn in the completed form along with $1.00 to any member of the newspaper staff or to Mr. Giulianiin room 269 no later than Wednesday, April 4. Computerized results will be returned within two weeks.Results are confidential. Join in on the fun. It will be interesting just to see the list of people with whomyou’re matched. All are invited to play. This should not be taken seriously and is only for fun!

How would you like to have a list of your top ten most compatible members of the opposite sex from Laurel High School? Even if you already havea steady boyfriend or girlfriend, aren’t you curious as to whom you’ll match? Just knowing these names should prove interesting and lots of fun. Here’s what you’ll get: a computerized list with your name and the top ten matches, along with their grade and homeroom numbers. The results arestrictly confidential and will not be published in the paper. It’s up to you to do whatever you want with the list of names. Don’t be left out!!! It’s all for funand shouldn’t be taken seriously. All you have to do is answer 30 questions by following the directions and filling out the form below. The computer willdo the rest! Extra forms are available in room 269.

Don’t Be Left Out!

the shield · condition called alopecia areata, which is when white blood cells at-tack the cells...

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