By Jade Washington
With the sun blazing, flowers blooming, and adventures nearing, we can say goodbye to the frosty winter and say hello to the balmy spring. Spring is the time of season to open your windows to view the plants sprouting, or plan some dandy break plans. Spring is not only wondrous because of the weather before the scorching summer, but for all the delightful places and activities that will come. As spring arrives and the spring fever rises, here are some great things about springtime. From berry picking to water gardens, springtime is the season of new life. At Gorman’s Farm in Laurel, Maryland, people can pick fresh produce to later enjoy with fresh made salad, or gather in a group to enjoy nature’s products. Another suggestion is to enjoy a stroll through Brighton Dam Azalea Garden, where patrons can view fresh azaleas or hybrids to a beautiful waterfront in Brookeville, Maryland. Spring has many wonderful adventures people can take , such as listening to the birds sing and chirp or going to the park with your close-knit friends or family. Other ways are taking in the beauty surrounding the community by spending some time at Centennial Park in Ellicott City, Maryland. According to Sophomore Kylie Haynie,“The atmosphere is uplifting and warm. With opportunities to go kayaking, have picnics, and fly kites”. Another activity to do in the spring stated by Mr. Hereth is “Trail running at Harper’s Ferry”. Spring is not only enjoyable because of all the activities you can do, but for the all nature blooming around you. With spring on the way, people can prepare to make plans for the warmer days and with friends. Spring may be weeks away, but we can still plan today. Spring is the season to rejoice and be glad because everything is new. The flowers, the air, and even yourself can change. Start by reflecting on the things you can do to help other people, and make yourself a better you. As spring arrives from the crisp winter, be confident in yourself, so that your hardships will fade away. Remember when bad trials come your way, do not be bitter and icy, but instead spring forward. By Emma Twigg & Paige Sheldrake
As spring gets closer, so does the most important decision for Seniors: college decision-making. Choosing a college to spend the next four years of your life at can seem like a daunting task. There are so many factors to consider and plenty of options to keep in mind. Cost, distance, location, and environment are a few of the most important aspects to consider. Cost is very important when looking at a college or university. Senior Kaylee Fenton says that when she was applying to schools, “cost was the most important”. Tuition is typically the most expensive part of the total college bill. Talk to your parents about their budget, discuss loans, and see if you are eligible for any financial aid. Another aspect to consider when talking about cost is scholarships. Have you received any scholarships? Are you planning on applying for scholarships? Most schools have a wide variety of scholarships you can apply for to help lower the cost of attending the school. If the schools you are looking at do not offer as many scholarships as you would like, look for outside scholarships. There are many organizations and groups that offer money to prospective college students. Make sure to look into what you are eligible to apply for and what the scholarship winnings include. Another component to consider in choosing a school is location and distance. This goes along with cost, especially if you wish to go out of state. If you plan on enrolling in a school far away, keep in mind the price of traveling back home for holidays. Consider not only travel expenses to come home, but you may also need emotional support from family. Being on your own can be a lot to adjust to and you may want to go home to a familiar place for the weekend. Birthdays, family events, or even a weekend with family are also important. It can be hard to visit if your school is several states away and requires a plane ride. When asked, many Glenelg Seniors claimed they applied primarily out of state. However, living away from home can be difficult at first, so consider the homesickness and if you will need to be able to go home on the weekends. Your top choice school should include your major. The whole point of college is to further your education and to get a degree. The school should have a good program for what you wish to major in, as this is important for your future and getting a steady job. Many said that this was a huge factor when deciding on a school. Marisa Patsy, a Senior at Glenelg, said “The school’s program is really important to me when considering where I want to go”. Try to find out as much information as you can about the school’s program for your major. Consider talking to current students who are studying the same major or even reach out to professors about what they think of the program. You may need to look for internships and job opportunities that are available through the school. When choosing a college consider if you feel comfortable on campus and in the surrounding area. Make sure you feel at home on the campus by visiting or taking a tour. You may find that the campus surroundings may not be a good fit for you. Some people prefer a more urban campus, while others enjoy the quiet life of rural campuses. Are there activities available on campus? Green spaces or a quad to enjoy the outdoors? What about the town surrounding the school? Are there things to do and places to visit or hang out? These are aspects that often get overlooked in the college search process. Not only consider area, but also climate. Schools located in the northern parts of the country typically remain cold for the majority of the school year. If you are not comfortable with cold weather, consider going to a school where the weather won’t be an issue. The actual size of the campus is also important. If the campus is large, it could take 20 to 30 minutes to walk from one end to the other. You may have to purchase some mode of transportation, such as a bike or skateboard to get from class to class. College decision-making is something that takes a lot of time and consideration. Take into account all aspects of college life and what will be the best fit for you. Don’t feel that you’re overwhelmed with choices and decisions, talk to your friends and peers who are going through the exact same process. It may seem difficult, but the end result is worth it. By Jessica Lipman
Winter is coming to an end, so people no longer have to be cooped up inside longing for thermal weather. Springtime is approaching, the sun is shining, and the temperature is rising. Everyone has their own favorite outdoor activity, which means it is time to shed the winter coats and embrace the great outdoors. The most delightful activities occur on warm, sunny days with blue skies and warm breezes. Being adventurous and out of the house will help you appreciate the nature around yourself. Camping and hiking are popular activities during the spring. Local hiking trails and campground sites close to Howard County include Daniels Dam, Cascade Trail, and Lake Elkhorn. These sites help engage campers to the wildlife, rustic scenery, and the scented meadows. Along with camping and hiking, biking and being out on the water are two common activities during the springtime. Although biking can take place in somewhere as simple as your neighborhood, Campbell Shepard, a Junior at Glenelg High School frequently visits bike trails such as Western Maryland Rail Trail, Indian Creek Trail and Patapsco Valley State Park. Shepard enjoys biking during this time of the year, because of the “fresh, gentle wind and the nature.” Whether you prefer a canoe, kayak, rowboat, or paddleboat, there are plenty of nearby lakes to enjoy the water, such as Centennial Lake, Piney Run Park, and the Liberty Reservoir. Although, some people enjoy camping, hiking, and being out on the water, others enjoy practicing and playing their favorite spring sports. Sophomore, Emma Letellier, at Glenelg High School enjoys spending her free time practicing and playing lacrosse because it is not only her favorite sport, but it also helps her to “stay in shape and improve her athletic skills.” Spring gives people the chance to explore hobbies, to be healthy, and to stay in shape. With this list of lively local activities, you will be sure to make the most out of the spring season. The springtime brings everyone outdoors and helps people recuperate from the long and chilly winter season. Spring has sprung and that means it is time to get out of your comfort zone, be adventurous, and enjoy the bright sun. By Julianna Mirabile and Hannah Butera
Spring break is a time to relax and forget about the stress and struggles that many have been bombarded with for the past months. This years spring break will be from April 7-14. With just a few weeks away from break, many students at Glenelg have their plans set in stone. Many exciting vacations, in and out of the country, will get students energized for the last quarter of the year, and maybe get them a nice tan. Senior, Chris Currie, will be flying to one of the coral archipelagos, Turks and Caicos. This trip was a graduation gift, and his family will be accompanying him. His luxurious resort will provide him with food, drinks, and a beautiful view all week. Some activities he looks forward to are cliff diving, jet skiing, windsurfing, and fishing. Fishing will take place on a boat with a glass bottom. He aspires to catch, “An asian sheepshead wrasse, though that would be very rare.” Junior, Brittany Anderson, will be exploring the luminous waters of the Caymen Islands with her mother. After receiving her scuba certification a few months ago, she is thrilled to be going on three dives a day in the Caribbean Ocean. Her hard work has taken her a long way, for she says that she, “recently took two hour classes to be certified to go down thirty more meters than an average scuba diver.” She has been scuba diving a few times before and is thrilled to be able to see the aquatic animals that will be roaming the Caymens. Sophomore, Martayn Vanderwall’s, plane is directed towards South of Mexico to the country of Nicaragua. This first time trip will be with his family, ziplining over volcanoes and hiking up mountains. Being a professional fisherman, he is excited to seek out the different species that will be living in the waters down there. Freshman, Matt DiFranco, is heading to the Bahamas for the first time with his family. He is looking forward to being able to swim with the dolphins and snorkel through the crystal clear water. After recently learning how to surf, he will be practicing more in the waves. Fishing will also be an enjoyable activity while appreciating the warm weather. The white, coarse sand will be aching for DiFranco due to his intricate talent in building and designing sand castles. Junior, Zack Odachowski, will be returning to St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands for the second time, for a fun filled family affair. Odachowski looks forward to eating the scrumptious jerk chicken St. Thomas has to offer, as well as “smelling the fresh Caribbean Sea”. Odachowski is an avid fisher, and looks forward to exploring the extensive ocean. In addition, his family plans on scuba diving and snorkeling to get a close up look of the many sea creatures that dwell in the sea. Whether you’re traveling afar this spring break or staying home, the relaxation is a much needed break from the strenuosity school often entails. But, as tropical vacations seem to be a trend this year… let’s dive into the spring break of 2017! By Sofia Weddle
For those infatuated with classic film star Audrey Hepburn, this past January 20th may have been a heart-wrenching day. This day is remembered as the 23rd anniversary of beloved Hepburn’s untimely death at age 63. While her death will lay infamous in history, so will her iconic image of poise and glamour, as well as her compelling roles in classic motion pictures. Hepburn also held a remarkable capacity for philanthropy as, “she influenced artists [and actors] as a whole…to go out and do charity work”, according to Ms. Maisel. Audrey Hepburn made her mark on the movie industry through many acclaimed films adored by the old and young, male and female alike. Ms. Maisel, an avid Hepburn fan and English teacher at Glenelg, “would have to say Roman Holiday” is her favorite of Audrey’s repertoire. Though these movies are classic, many millennials and teens have not experienced Hepburn’s elegant demeanor. Part of this might be caused by a lack of information, exposure, or appreciation for the stars who made Hollywood into what it is now-- a diverse culture celebrating the creative minds of artists. With that in mind, here is a short summary of Audrey Hepburn’s greatest film achievements to help out those deprived and starving for a little black-and-white magic. Roman Holiday This whimsical, Oscar-winning fairytale will take viewers on an adventurous summer fling in the city of Rome, Italy. In the film, Hepburn takes on the role of a severely “sheltered” (IMDB) princess on a royal European tour. One night, Princess Ann gets so bored of her life that she takes to the dimly-lit cobblestone streets, all while on heavy anxiety-relieving meds. While traipsing around the city, she runs into a young journalist named Joe Bradley (played by Gregory Peck) who puts her up for the night. Ann’s royal identity is unknown to Joe until the next morning, and unbeknownst to Ann, Joe is a reporter being paid to interview the Princess. These events are just the starting point for Ann and Joe, who soon go on a series of romantic adventures around the historic allies of Rome. With a first-love type story chock full of ice cream, dancing, swimming, the “Mouth of Truth” (Italy Guides) that bites, and kisses, Roman Holiday is perfect for the simpleton, hopeless romantic yearning for a bit of enchantment. Sabrina In this 1954 Hepburn classic (IMDB), Sabrina, the daughter of a wealthy family’s chauffeur is desperately in love with one of the Larrabee sons: a suave playboy more interested in girls than he is in maintaining his family’s business. After moving to France temporarily to attend a cooking academy and fight off her unrequited feelings, Sabrina returns back home a more mature, high society woman. David Larrabee, still the playboy he once was but now unhappily engaged for a business deal, immediately takes interest in Sabrina’s new look. Interestingly enough, so does David’s older, more serious brother, Linus Larrabee (Humphrey Bogart). Sabrina becomes entranced by this newfound attention from David, but that does not stop Linus from grabbing at any chance he can to get Sabrina to fall for him instead. This masterful romance tale will pull on all the right heart-strings, and make any fashion addict weep with joy. Breakfast at Tiffany’s Possibly considered Hepburn’s most famed film, Breakfast at Tiffany’s is adored by all who watch it. The storyline consists of Audrey playing a classy socialite named Holly Golightly, who owns a nameless cat, absolutely adores Tiffany’s (the jewelery store), has many suitors, and who makes a living by having a weekly conversation with an ex-gangster-turned-Sing Sing prisoner. One day, her comfortable routine takes a turn when Paul Varjak (George Peppard), a novelist, moves into Holly’s apartment building (IMDB). Unsurprisingly, but ever so captivatingly, the two begin to fall for each other, all while learning what it feels to belong and be loved. Funny Face In this enthusiastic musical, Audrey Hepburn plays a bookstore employee named Jo Stockton, who is obsessed with philosophy and dislikes anything involving fashion (IMDB). Suddenly, her little bookshop is bombarded with models, stylists, photographers, and a magazine editor for a photoshoot. The photographer, Dick Avery (played by Fred Astaire), notices Jo’s interesting look or so called “funny face”. After much persuasion, Jo agrees to go to Paris to model a new collection and take photos as the new face of the magazine, known as the Everyday Girl. Throughout each sunny song, Dick and Jo fall increasingly in love, all while wandering by famous Parisian landmarks. Nevertheless, there are a few hiccups that disrupt their relationship, but nothing that cannot be resolved with beautiful high-fashion ball gowns. Charade In this comedic thriller directed by Stanley Donen, and often mistaken as an Alfred Hitchcock film, Audrey Hepburn plays a recently widowed woman by the name of Regina Lampert (IMDB). The mysterious part of her situation is not one of accident, but of murder. Set in the backdrop of glamorous Paris, Regina is chased down by multiple men, all of whom want the $250,000 that her late husband allegedly stole in World War II and stashed away. Through the many twists and turns this movie takes (there are about ten-- I counted), Regina sporadically trusts a secretive American named Peter Joshua, played by Cary Grant (IMDB). In this sharp, witty, and surprising film, you’ll hesitate to fully trust anyone again. How to Steal a Million Almost as suspense-filled as Charade, this film involves a Parisian woman, Nicole, and her art-forger father, Bonnet, caught up in the drama of their scam being revealed to the entire world. In order to stop the art examiners from testing her grandfather’s forged sculpture, the Cellini Venus (IMDB), Nicole (Audrey Hepburn) takes to enlisting a so-called art thief named Simon Dermott (played by Peter O’Toole) for help (IMDB). Over the course of a week, the duo plan out their heist which culminates in one very tense but exhilarating night. Of course, this being an Audrey Hepburn movie, the two main characters soon start to see each other in a more affectionate light, but one person is not especially what they seem. As this movie is available to stream on Netflix, there is no doubt that old and new fans alike will rewatch this comedic, nerve-wracking film for years to come. My Fair Lady Known as one of Audrey’s most entertaining accomplishments, this movie is set around the plot of elitist phonetics professor Henry Higgins, played by Rex Harrison, who bets he can transform a Cockney flower girl into a high-class lady (IMDB). Eliza Doolittle (Audrey Hepburn), being his victim, accepts these lessons and soon becomes a sophisticat. Doolittle is then admired by the rich Freddy Eynsford-Hill, causing Higgins to realize he may love her too (IMDB). Reminiscent of the 90s Pretty Woman, this classic film takes an unusual situation into an oddly romantic one perfect for any viewer wanting a laugh and a swoon. By Nicole King & Hannah Butera
When we think of Saint Patrick’s Day, we think of leprechauns, the color green, four-leaf clovers, and getting pinched. When we asked Senior, Maria Twigg, who comes from an Irish family, about her family's St. Patrick's Day traditions, she explained “Ever since I was little, my mom has hidden green, clover shaped notes around the house with little clues that lead us to the ‘pot of gold.’ When we followed the clues to the right location, there was a path of glitter that lead to a pot of chocolate gold coins”. We associate St. Patrick's Day with so many different trademarks, but do we really know where they originated? Every year on March 17th, we gather as a nation to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day. This holiday is a global celebration of all of those in the world with Irish heritage. In the 1700s, Irish immigrants in New York City started the first St. Patrick's day parade. Today, thousands gather throughout the streets of the United States, such as New York City, to dance, feast, sing, and cherish the Irish culture. The name originates from the patron Saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick. After going through six years of brutal slavery, he turned to God to be his savior. Through prayers he became a leader of his local church which lead him to follow his love for God and spread Christianity to Ireland. When he died on March 17th in A.D. 461, his church wanted to celebrate his impact. His courageous and holy effect on this world is why we commemorate the Irish culture. Before St. Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland, the Irish people believed that the kings and queens were descendents of gods called “Tuatha De Danann”, which took the form of fairies on Earth. Leprechauns were the tallest, dressed in red coats, and they were known for their mischievous behavior, tricking people, and collecting gold. A popular belief is that as Christianity continued to spread, the image of Leprechauns became a small, cartoonish symbol to be less scary to children. Believe it or not, blue was once the color associated with the holiday of St. Patrick's Day. However, as green is one of the colors in Ireland’s tricolored flag, and Ireland is known as “Emerald Isle” for its green landscape, green became the color associated with the holiday. Lastly, the shamrock is an important symbol for St. Patrick's Day since it illustrates the Holy Trinity. This is the concept that God is three in one: The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. Many believe that the shamrock is the key to good luck. Senior, Emma Buch, is fortunate enough to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day with her family. She said, “My family does not hold back in showing their green spirit; my mom colors all of our food green and gets us accessories to show off some Irish spirit”. This is just one of the ways a Glenelg family expresses their holiday spirit. Whether you are Irish or not, it is highly encouraged to show off your green and be thankful for everything Saint Patrick did for our nation. By Olivia Kavadias
As a high school student, it is hard to feel like you can really make a difference or even a ripple in the water of the big world of government and politics, especially when many adults do not believe you are knowledgeable or “grown up” enough. But having the responsibility, maturity, and outlook to deal with politics does not come with age. An unnamed GHS student believes high schoolers are old enough to be involved with government, saying “at this point we [high school students] are educated on the topics and issues affecting us that high schoolers, or at least tenth graders, should be able to give their opinions.” Even though the voting age will not be changed anytime soon, there are lots of things students can do in politics and government, including getting involved in their community, and knowing what’s going on in politics today. Be Informed As children, we believe almost everything our parents say. If they do not like something, we don’t either, and if they do, we’re all for it. But it is time to adopt personal opinions and make your own decisions on what you think is right, wrong, and everything inbetween. Know what’s going on in the world and observe how it affects America and other countries socially and economically, as well as different demographic groups, so you can be aware and prepared. It’s as easy as watching the news or reading the paper everyday. Get Involved Even though most high school students are not old enough to vote yet, there are endless ways to get involved in politics in your community. It is great to live close to Washington D.C., where lots of events occur and government buildings are. Things like surveys, attending speeches, reading the news, and even taking a tour through the National Mall are good things to do. All of the buildings and historic landmarks in D.C. may make someone want to learn more about them. Discuss Discussing politics are a great way to see other sides of any story, and broaden your education of them. It can also give you a better understanding of something like a policy or issue. By talking with others, you are keeping an open mind, something always good to have especially in a rapidly changing America. Discussing, however, is not an argument, and politics are something rather controversial, so when discussing them you should respect everyone’s opinion. Relate and Connect Once you’ve learned about politics and problems in America, relate them to your family and community, and connect how different situations will be affected by new bills or policies. This lets you see the whole picture, giving you a better lens to look through for understanding and widen your view. Also, relating things that occur in government to yourself or community will give you a personal connection, raising political efficacy, the belief that what you do has an effect on something. As high school students and American citizens, it is our right to be involved in politics and government, afterall we are given the right to vote and speak out, as well as be informed about our country, and it seems many agree. Sophomore Rachel Dematatis thinks it is immensely important to be involved in government, and doing things like “talking to… the principal and other leaders in [your] community, or joining student government at school,” are things every student can do to participate in politics. By Paige Sheldrake and Emma Twigg
With prom season approaching faster than we realize, the struggle of finding a perfect dress can be daunting. Style, size, color; so many options! It can be overwhelming to try and figure out where to even begin, but with a little guidance, finding your dress can be a breeze. Many people choose to shop in stores, whether it be department stores or boutiques. If you plan on going to a department store, head to the mall. There are thousands of options available and if you do not find the right one in a department store, there is the option of a boutique. There are multiple boutiques throughout Maryland and within a reasonable distance from Glenelg that dress buyers can go to find their dream dress. Dejavu, Synchronicity, Lux and Royal Bliss are just a few of the popular places. Staff can be helpful in picking out what would be the best fit and give advice on colors and styles. Many Junior and Senior girls claim that in-store shopping is better than online and can make the prom dress experience much less stressful. Shopping in a store allows you to try on and see how the dress actually looks on before purchasing it. Katie Grimm, a Senior at Glenelg says “online shopping is so hard because you don’t know what size you may be based on the different designers”. Another issue is seeing how the dress looks in person. Emma Moog, another Senior at Glenelg, says “It’s better to try it on before you buy it”. Shopping in a store can save you the issue of alterations or buying a dress that you do not love. An alternative to buying in-store is to buy online. Although it can have its drawbacks, online shopping is not all bad. It can save time and money. Instead of finding time to go out to a store, you can shop from the comfort of your house without the hassle of lines and dressing rooms. Many online sites may be cheaper than shopping in-store, with various online deals. There are many reliable sites that you can go to in order to find your dress. Promgirl and Lulus are the top two sites for ordering a prom dress. Promgirl has extremely quick shipping and Lulus is very reliable when it comes to material quality and size. Senior, Bailey Arenberg, says that “I look at department stores, but I also like Lulus”. Whether you choose to shop online or in stores, there are plenty of options from which to choose. Overall, it is up to you on where you wish to shop when looking for prom. Do some research and figure out whether you would prefer online or in-store. In order to figure out which way you want to go when shopping you can ask friends and family. Either way, you’re sure to look great! By Alex Long
Traditionally a Roman Catholic holiday, Mardi Gras is a celebration that dates back thousands of years. The season of Mardi Gras begins on Epiphany and ends on Ash Wednesday, lasting a week. Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, marks the beginning of the season of lent. Mardi Gras was first celebrated in America in 1699 after French explorers landed in what they called Point Du Mardi Gras. The explorers held a small feast to celebrate Fat Tuesday and the start of lent. In the years that followed, Mardi Gras became a great celebration with street parties, dances, and great feasts. However, when Spain took control of New Orleans, they put a stop to the celebrations. The ban was in place until Louisiana became a U.S. state in 1812. In 1827, a new tradition began when students donned costumes and danced through the street of New Orleans. Today, Mardi Gras is celebrated very similarly to how the French originally celebrated with parades, food, and costumes. This year, Mardi Gras is going to be held on February 28th. Party goers in New Orleans can expect to see floats, head dresses, and people decked out in purple, gold and green costumes. Glenelg Sophomore, Jared Rezeppa, who has celebrated Mardi Gras recalls that, “All of the streets were really busy and you could hear people partying until the next morning.” Because so many people are expecting a great celebration, there are many traditions to uphold this year on Mardi Gras. Made of a braided danish dough decorated with sugar and candy, king cakes are served in celebration of lent. Some of the cakes have a plastic baby braided into the dough, and according to the Official Mardi Gras website, “ the "lucky" person who receives the slice of cake with the baby is asked to continue the festivities by having the next King Cake party (or at least purchasing the next cake for the office).” King Cakes are a special part of Mardi Gras, and some are even available for delivery for those who can’t be in New Orleans on Mardi Gras. The traditional colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green, and gold. Glenelg Senior, Erin Cutroneo who has celebrated Mardi Gras in New Orleans before remembers Mardi Gras being, “A colorful, cultural explosion.” According to the official Mardi Gras website, “Purple Represents Justice. Green Represents Faith. Gold Represents Power.” As Erin recalled, colors are a huge part of Mardi Gras and almost everyone can be seen wearing either purple, green, or gold. As reported by the Mardi Gras website, the tradition of wearing masks was originally started so that people could, “escape society and class constraints. When wearing a mask, carnival goers were free to be whomever they wanted to be.” Today however, most people wear masks and float riders are even required to wear the masks. Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a world famous celebration. Other countries celebrate Fat Tuesday as well. For example, in Brazil, Fat Tuesday is called Carnaval and is celebrated with parades, food, and parties much like in New Orleans. Mardi Gras is a celebration that is not exclusive to anyone, and it brings people of all race, gender, and religion together through celebration. |
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