By Charlie Glazier
Glenelg’s Seniors have already caught the case of “senioritis” for this 2017-2018 school year. Many students during this time of year experience stress over college and application process. The date for the application varies by state and school. Ten out of ten of the Seniors interviewed from Glenelg High School said they have experienced some form of stress due to Senior year. The time it takes some students to apply to colleges can drastically differ per student. When interviewing twelfth grade student, Brittany Anderson, she states that “It only took me ten minutes to finish my applications.” This contrasts with the opinions of Amy Smith, another twelfth grade student, when she states “ Applications took me a long time.” Smith goes on to say that she has put in a lot of time, work, and energy into her applications to ensure her applications are good quality. The application process time can depend on how skilled of a writer a student is, how prepared they are to write the college essays, and how many schools they are applying to. For instance, if a student is set on one school being the one they attend and they do not apply to any other schools, the application process will take then much less time. Most students started the process over the summer. When asking the students how they feel about the application process the common answer revolved around the idea that they were putting so much effort, time, and money into essays that they might not even receive admission for. The average cost of a college application is $37.88 as stated by a survey done by World Market. The students had a very wide range of prices they had paid for applications so far, from thirty to hundreds of dollars. Time management and organization is important when applying due to the amount of work a student is putting into the applications. The overwhelming majority of students were more anxious about getting in and felt pressured about acceptance than any other aspect of the process. Ryan Davis, Amy Smith, and Brittany Anderson all agreed that teachers like Mr. Faran, Dr. Burnett, Mrs. Nunemaker, and Mr. Male all have been extremely helpful in the application process. All of the staff, administration, and other peers of the students interviewed are said to have all lend a helping hand in recommendations, peer review, and application help. Mrs. Ohanian has a workshop dedicated to helping students with college applications. The teachers are all said to be trying to help with anything they can to better their students applications and have been planned lessons around college essay writing. By using these resources and teacher advice given to you by the school, hopefully students feel less inclined to be stressed during this time period. Students should also remember that not everyone gets into their top choice of a school and that putting your best effort forth in the application will help you to succeed. All of the students interviewed also all agreed on the point of them being excited to enter the new chapter of their education and except the freedom and new responsibilities that will follow. The stress of the application season is temporary and the relief of college acceptance will make up for all of the hard work the student have achieved. The concept of “senioritis” is also said to be very real as these students are anxious to move on to bigger and better places in the world. By Alex Long
Cyber Monday began in around 2005 when the National Retail Federation coined the term after noticing a spike in online purchases the Monday after Thanksgiving. This spike is explained by the fact that back in 2005, high speed internet was not readily available. Consumers would wait until they got to work on Monday after the long break to take advantage of their high speed internet and begin online shopping. Online retailers took advantage of this spike in purchases and began to introduce sales as a part of Cyber Monday. However, now that internet is accessible almost anywhere, anytime, is it worth it to wait until Cyber Monday to make purchases? It seems as if the answer is no. Amazon typically begins their Cyber Monday sale 10 days in advance. In addition to that, the flood of consumers purchasing products online causes a back up in retailers. In past years, Amazon has had difficulty getting purchases to their consumers on time due to the overflow. People also encounter a lot of merchandise being sold out due to the flood of purchases. Senior Olivia Paregol shared, “It's too difficult to shop on Cyber Monday. Everything is always sold out, and you don't even know if the clothes are going to fit.” Recent studies have shown that the best deals are actually on Thanksgiving day itself, with prices increasing from Black Friday to Cyber Monday. Cyber Monday is becoming less and less significant through the years. Further proof that Cyber Monday is becoming less important is that some teenagers don't even know what Cyber Monday is, both Luke Gezelle and Maria Collins asking, “What is Cyber Monday?” when questioned about the topic. A recent survey has also found that consumers are 42% less inclined to shop on Cyber Monday this year. This is because good deals online are no longer exclusive to Cyber Monday. Retailers have slowly extended the holiday, some beginning the sales Sunday night, or even continuing them throughout the week. Interestingly enough, the introduction of Cyber Monday has not affected Black Friday shopping, as the percent of sales on Black Friday is still fluctuating in the same fashion as it was prior to the introduction of Cyber Monday. By Hannah Butera
The years you spend in college are arguably the most important of your life. Your social, academic, and independent experiences sculpt you as a person and prepare you for your future plans. In saying this, it is crucial to select a college that best fits your needs. As opposed to selecting a college merely for one aspect, like sports or the social scene, there is a multitude of factors that need consideration to ensure that you get the most out of your college experience. Above all, affordability is the most important. Before anything, make sure the college is in a price range that is affordable to you or your family. It is important to take financial aid and scholarships into account when looking at the price, for the estimated tuition can likely be alleviated based on those factors. Student loans are also a significant factor. While they may allow you to attend the school of your dreams, keep in mind it could mean monthly payments for anywhere from fifteen to twenty years. If you love constant warm weather and sunshine, would going to a school up North make sense? No! That’s why the region and climate you desire is a factor that should weigh heavily on your decision. When I asked Senior Lily Discepolo about her college research process, she said, “When I started my college search, I made sure to research only Southern schools because I am not one with cold weather.” However, aside from personal climate preference, it is also important to go somewhere that is a comfortable distance for you from home. If you don't mind going far, you're options are endless! If you think you're more comfortable staying close to home, that's okay too. Remember, plane tickets can be pricy and not every school has an airport nearby; take this into account as well! The underlying point of going to college is the education you receive, so your academic interest should be a top priority when you make your decision. If you are set on a career path and have an utter passion for a certain subject, choose a school that specializes in it. For example, if you're passionate about becoming an artist, go to an art school, not a school that specializes in engineering or math. However, if you are unsure, going into a larger university “undecided” is a good option, for it will likely offer endless academic opportunities for you to explore. But remember, it is always okay to change your major! What you’re looking for from a social standpoint is also important to think about. If you are looking to have an extremely involved social life, a larger school with a multitude of clubs and organizations is your best answer. Along with this, Greek life is something to consider. If sororities or fraternities are something that call out to you, make sure the schools you're looking into offer them. Junior Leya Prezelski is starting her college research. “Being in a sorority is something I am looking forward to, so I’m looking at colleges that have this option,” said Prezelski. Sports is another aspect that people often seek in a college. A school with involved sports teams is likely a good option for those interested in an involved social agenda. However, if your education and personal growth is your top priority, a smaller campus that offers a more personalized education might be a better fit. Selecting a college requires a lot of time and thought. If the college you choose balances all of the factors you seek in your experience, it will likely be a good match. Make sure you consider every factor, and you’ll find a college fit for you! By Jessica Lipman
What is a better way to spend your Thursday night than learning about different cultures and important issues, playing games, and eating a diverse variety of cultural treats? On November 9th, Glenelg High School’s Black Student Union and the International Cultural Club spent the night inviting the entire school to enjoy a fun filled night of celebrating the clubs. In the beginning of the night, officers from the BSU and ICC took the stage to describe their clubs and the purpose they serve in Glenelg High School. Senior at Glenelg and President of the Black Student Union, Tyler Hebron described BSU to everyone as a club that “aims to provide a sense of community to and support for black students.” The speakers continued to describe when the clubs have meetings for listeners to join them after school. The Black Student Union concluded by explaining their field trip they attended to the Museum of African History and Culture and their end of the year pool party. After leaving the platform, The International Cultural Club took the podium by describing their purpose in the Glenelg community. Based on their powerpoint presentation, the ICC is a club which “aims to provide a sense of community and support to students with diverse backgrounds (races, ethnics, and cultures).” The speakers and leaders continued to describe the club as an educational opportunity to learn and teach others about different cultures. The ICC concluded their speech by stating when they meet and they take part in arts, crafts, watching movies, and cooking foods from different cultures. Students, parents, and staff were then able to walk around the cafeteria and fill their plates with a variety of foods from around the globe. After everyone was seated, the Mads sang “We Are The World” by Michael Jackson. This song was the perfect fit for this event, because the lyrics reflect on how everyone from around the world, no matter what your culture is, need to come and work together. When the performance finished, attendees participated in a game of Kahoot, quizzing everyone on different traditions and music from around the world. As the night came to an end, attendees were able to ask questions to members of both clubs and everyone was able to discuss the events of the night. The 2017 Potluck hosted by the Black Student Union and International Cultural Club was a night filled with laughs and carefree energy, where everyone was able to learn about the difference of cultures and their purpose in the community. Not only was this a night of education and trying new treats, but it created a sense of unity between everyone, showing that it does not matter what your race, ethnicity, or cultural background is. By Bethany Stewart
The day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, can be described in one word: chaos. This is the day when almost every retail store in the United States has their biggest sales of the year. Many people camp outside stores to get the best deals of the day before they are all gone. Lines are formed to enter the stores, with limited space to shop once you are finally inside. Junior, Hailey Griffin, says that “Every Black Friday, I camp out with my mom at the Towson Mall, and as soon as the mall doors open, we sprint to our favorite stores. Sometimes we get trampled, but we try to buy everything we possibly can.” The news stories about shoppers fighting over items and passing out from all the shopping are almost unbelievable. Some people literally do shop until they drop. Sophomore, Gabby Steinberg, has a Black Friday tradition that she has been doing for the past several years. She explains, “I wake up at 3 AM and go to the Hagerstown outlets with a bunch of my friends and our moms. We typically spend about $1,000, but we do get most of our Christmas gifts, so it is not just for us! Then, when we finally get home, we nap for a good six hours.” Many people avoid going out altogether, but no matter what someone does on Black Friday, it is likely they do not know the reason why this day is called Black Friday, or how the day actually came to be. The term Black Friday was originally used to describe a financial crisis, the crash of the United States gold market on September 24, 1869. To this day, this stock market crash was one of the worst the United States experienced. The market crashed due to a conspiracy, set-up by Jay Gould and Jim Fisk, to buy up a large amount of the nation’s gold, and later sell it for an extremely inflated price. On the 24th, the conspiracy unraveled, causing the crash in market, and stocks to decrease in value. Although the crash occurred in September, Black Friday is used for the day after Thanksgiving, because prices are typically at the lowest point of the year on this day. In recent years, the story behind the name Black Friday has shifted. Now, many people believe that it is called Black Friday because sales for these businesses are in the black on this day, black meaning that profit is being made. This is opposed to sales being in the red, and businesses losing money on sales. Although this is not the original story behind Black Friday, it makes sense as to why many people think this story more suitable. Black Friday is now a day where prices in stores drop dramatically, and people buy ridiculous amounts of various items. Many people use Black Friday to get a lot of Christmas shopping done, but if you want to avoid the chaos, you can wait for Cyber Monday, where many businesses have similar deals online, and you can avoid the ridiculous lines in store. Cyber Monday could be the best way to avoid becoming the next viral internet video, fighting over the last sweater in the store. But if you are up for the madness, get ready for Black Friday, because it is right around the corner. By Julianna Mirabile
Every year, families and friends gather on the third Thursday of November to stuff their faces. It’s a time where your crazy great Aunt Sally comes up from Oklahoma just to bring her popular cranberry sauce. Or when your long lost cousin shows up to take the cornbread and leave. Whatever the situation, the environment is kept pleasant and the stomachs are kept full. This carefree day is one where Americans give their thanks to the things around them that they take for granted in their everyday life. When Glenelg High School Senior, Zack Odachowski, was asked to digress from the generics, such as friends, family, and food, he said he is thankful for, “The memories I have when I travel. I am grateful that I get the opportunity to depart from the states and see amazing places with my family, such as St Thomas and Jamaica.” Being capable of leaving your hometown and visiting astonishing new places is something that should be appreciated by many. Another Glenelg High School student, Wande Owens, is a Junior who is on the football team. He says he is thankful for, “Having the skills needed to play football by being healthy and having a coach that pushes us to stay determined.” Owens recently recovered from a leg injury that kept him unable to play for four games. He is thankful that he had a quick recovery and was able to come back committed to becoming an even stronger player. Lastly, Glenelg Senior, Brittany Anderson, stated that she is grateful for her jobs, “Going to work everyday and earning my own income has helped me gain a stronger work ethic.” Anderson currently works at the Town Grill and is a nanny to two elementary school children. She is thankful for being able to acquire two enjoyable jobs that she looks forward to going to, as well as making money that she can save up for her future plans. Overall, Glenelg High School students are grateful for the fortunate lives they live. When digging deeper into what they are really thankful for, it showed that many privileges could easily be taken for granted. When Thanksgiving Day comes around this year, make sure to look at the bigger picture before digging into Grandma’s stuffing. By Nicole King
In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11th as “Armistice Day” to commemorate those who served our country in World War I and celebrate it’s official end. As a celebration, people gathered in their communities and threw parades while those in schools or work buildings had a moment of silence to honor those who fought. Two years later, an unidentified soldier from the war was buried at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia. This 1,100 acre plantation now stands as a memorial where thousands of soldiers are honored. In 1954, Wilson declared November 11th, the day known as “Armistice Day” to be renamed “Veterans Day” to show respects to not only those in World War I, but all wars. From fighting barbary wars (a series of wars fought at same time over the same conflicts) to taking down Osama Bin Laden, our veterans have accomplished what some once thought was impossible. These honorable men and women have dedicated their lives to defending our nation no matter how dangerous the battlefields may be. Their bravery and compassion earns them the right to not only be referred to as people, but as heroes. They leave behind their friends and family to endure months of arduous training followed by years of risking their lives in a war that has the possibility to take their life. All soldiers know that when they enter a war, there is a chance they might not return or return with substantial physical and mental setbacks. Thankfully, our country is fortunate enough to have 6.5% of it’s population willing to risk these outcomes to keep everyone safe and secure in their communities. On November 11, 2017, Americans will be celebrating the 64th year of Veterans Day by hosting a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Following this ceremony will be a program hosted by the Department of Veterans Affairs (a group designated to provide beneficial services to those that served). These events are just a few of the ways those in the community can honor these heroes for all they have done. On this day, everyone should take a brief moment to pay their respects and be thankful for all the brave men and women have accomplished for our country. Homecoming week is finally here, which means it is time to spend the week in unique outfits, cheer on our football team at the homecoming game, spend time with our friends, and dance the night away at homecoming. With multiple ways to show your school pride, everyday this week has a variety of ways to stand out and express your school spirit. From USA Day, Vacation Day, Fairytale Day, and Color Day there are different themes to look forward to everyday.
USA Day: USA Day is the day to show American pride by wearing our country’s colors. During this day, everyone wears red, white, and blue. USA Day is favored by many students, especially by Junior Carolyn Keating, Keating says how this day allows students “to show pride for their country and express their patriotism.” Tropical Tuesday: Dressing up as if you are at your favorite vacation destination is a creative way to celebrate the homecoming week. From wearing tropical shirts and pretending to be at the beach with all of the decorations, Tropical Tuesday, is another favored by many students. This day is simple and effortless, which makes it one of the most participated spirit days during the week. Fairytale Day: Whether you are dressing up as a princess or Prince Charming or being Tigger from Winnie the Pooh, Fairytale Day creates a variety of different characters to dress up as. Maddy Jansen, a Junior at Glenelg, explains she enjoyed Fairytale Day, because she was able to “wear [her] Eeyore onesie and stay comfortable all day long, while still showing school spirit.” Throughout the day, they were many students who wore clever costumes, including Junior Emma Letellier who dressed up as Shrek and Senior Ethan Fenton who wore a Willy Wonka costume. Color Day: Beginning with the Senior Tailgate early in the morning and ending with a school wide homecoming pep rally, Color Day is the perfect way to end off the week. With the different grades wearing their class color, Freshmen wearing gray, Sophomores wearing white, Juniors wearing black, and Seniors wearing red, this day gives students the opportunity to not only represent their class, but their school too. At the end of the day, Senior Tyler Hebron describes her last Color Day and homecoming pep rally as one of her favorite color days, because she has been “anticipating to wear the color red since her Freshman year for color day.” At the end of the day, students are able to attend the homecoming pep rally and participate in events and cheer on their fall season sport teams. By Jackie Lyons
Every state has legends. New Jersey has the Jersey Devil. California has Dark Watchers. But what does Maryland have? The great state of Maryland has many urban legends and haunted buildings that are all local and will be sure to keep you up at night. Crybaby Bridge, found in Prince George’s County across the Patuxent River, is a well known legend to most Maryland residents. According to the legend, a baby died in the river during the 50s and the cause of death is still unknown. It is said that if you visit the bridge late at night, you will be able to hear the distant sounds of a baby crying underneath the bridge. Located in Kingsville, MD, the Jericho Covered Bridge has made it to the list of the top haunted places in Maryland. According to legends, you are supposed to drive across the bridge, turn around at the dead end, then drive back under the middle of the bridge and turn off your engine. The driver must honk the horn twice and once every passenger is looking out of the rearview window, the driver must place their foot on the brakes. The light from the brakes is supposed to illuminate an apparition of a crying woman dressed in Amish clothing. When shown a picture of the bridge, Senior Easha Qasba immediately says, “It looks like I would die if I went under that bridge.” Many witnesses have said how their cars would stall the moment they would try to escape. Another well known urban legend is The Goatman. The most common theory about the origins of The Goatman is that he is the end result of a terrible experiment. It’s said that he hangs around the woods of Prince George’s County terrorizing teenagers by chasing after their cars, wielding an axe. However, Senior Trey Hensing doesn’t see him as a threat. “He’s probably the least scary things I’ve ever heard and he’s probably off in a mountain eating cans.” While The Goatman seems to be the most well known urban legend, he doesn’t seem to strike much fear in his targets. By Alex Long
As college application deadlines are approaching fast, Seniors are hurriedly trying to finish their applications on time. While some may be cranking out essays or squeezing in a few more service hours, Senior Allyson Kim is making a mini documentary about death. She explains, “I was zoning off in class one day and just came up with the idea.” In the video, she asks Glenelg students a range of questions from how they think they will die, to how they would like to be remembered. “Its interesting to hear what people have to say about such a heavy topic, I like getting a reaction out of people and making them feel something.” She plans to turn the video into a series, the next video centering around Glenelg Staff. Kim intends for the videos to be sent in as a part of her portfolio with her college applications. Kim wants her art to carry over to college and is planning to apply to SCAD, MICAH, FIDM, VCU and, SAIC with hopes of majoring in Graphic Design. Kim’s college resume looks different from the rest in another aspect; she started and maintains a buisiness. Kim started Sundivided started on a whim to make some extra money over the summer. She recalls, “I had not a dollar in my pocket and wanted to make a change.” Started on July 4th, 2015, the company features Kim’s original designs on t-shirts, hoodies, and even stickers. She begins by mirroring her hand-drawn designs onto her computer where she edits the designs to her liking. Kim then transfers the design onto a screen, which can then be used to print the design onto fabric. With a five star rating on Etsy and more than 1881 sales, the business has blossomed into what Kim likes to call, “the biggest accomplishment of my life”. Now however, Kim is trying to make the best out of her final year in high school, she describes, “school is not fun, but I realized that I am here with my friends and that I have to make the most of it.” She is excited to start a new chapter of her life in college, and in high school, would like to be remembered as, “someone who did what she wanted, not a follower.” This is her finished video about death. It is called “A Conversation About Death”. |
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