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By: Wakui Waiganjo  How does one solve an issue society collectively knows little about? By making sure everyone learns a little more about it.
Aggression, recklessness, irritability, dishonesty, chronic irresponsibility, and a lack of remorse. When we hear these traits we think of the worst of society, the small segment of the population who make life difficult for everyone else. However, these traits as defined by Fonagy (2025) are the signs of a mental health issue called Antisocial Personality Disorder which affects between 1-3% of the population, millions of people.
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By: Lex Bowen  Spring trip has come and gone. Hundreds of students packed up their bags, polished their instruments, and boarded a bus to Virginia. Two days later they returned, arms laden with trophies after a Glenelg sweep in every category.
The return of the performers echoes throughout the building. The hallways fill once again with the scattering of music and liveliness associated with the performing wing. Follow the framed trails of color and creativity through the halls, and the chaos tapers out, fading into a focused hush, broken only by the whisper of brushes and scratch of pencils against paper. By: Basith Syed  After 11 years of dedication to students, families, and the Glenelg High School community, school counselor Dr. Steven Burnett is set for retirement at the end of the school year. Known for his supportive presence and commitment to helping students succeed, Burnett leaves behind a lasting impact on the school.
By: Ariel O'Leary  The lights dim, the music starts, and months of hard work come together on stage. At Glenelg High School, the dance department’s performances are far more than just four shows per year; they are examples of dedication personified.
And it’s been this way for at least the last 23 years under the direction of Jennifer Seye who has turned the dance program into what it is today, an inclusive space where students of all backgrounds and experiences can explore and express their passion for dance. By: Foyinkemi Olalere  According to a 2025 study conducted by the American Veterinary Medical Association, 43 percent of U.S. households own a dog and 33 percent own a cat. Including other pets such as reptiles, birds, fish, and gerbils, about 62 percent of Americans own some kind of pet.
Roughly 6.5 million animals enter shelters each year, but only 3.2 million are adopted, leaving the remaining 3.3 million to either stay in shelters for ages, or be put down. The national move towards no-kill shelters has seen the national save rate climb to 83 percent, a 77 percent reduction in euthanasia rates since 2016. This progress is driven by education on the issue, with various organizations working to improve conditions for pets in need of homes. One of those organizations? Glenelg’s newest club: Glads for Wags, whose mission is to spread awareness about the needs of man’s best friend in shelters around the area. By: Sam Wilmeth  Inertia is a fundamental principle of physics allowing an object in motion to stay in motion, unless acted upon by an external force. Without it, any forward progress would be brought to a halt.
For science teacher John Ballentine, however, no force seems to be stopping him from moving forward. Following Patrick Crouse’s retirement from Glenelg in January, Ballentine was hired as the new assistant principal. By: Ariel O'Leary  During his freshman year in 1991, Chris Winters attempted to try out for the Glenelg baseball team.
Upon learning that Winters was part of the Marching Unit, the coach at the time told him bluntly, “as soon as you step on that bus for Spring Trip, you’re not mine anymore – you’re the marching band’s.” Winters boarded that bus. Today, it’s safe to say that Winters has been a steady driver behind the wheel, leading Glenelg’s band program down a long road of continued success for the last decade. By: Foyinkemi Olalere  If you squint hard enough, you may be able to see the distant horizon of the year 2026. Past the Christmas carols, incredible food, and brilliant lights, January can seem both light years away and impossibly close.
Some may remember the resolutions they made in January 2025. According to research, only about 9% of those who made resolutions actually kept them. After so many years of making and failing to keep one’s resolutions, it can feel like they’re useless. Why attempt to commit myself to a promise I know that I’ll fail? you may think as you scoff at hopeful Pinterest walls and vision boards covered with magazine cut-outs. And truthfully, the sentiment is easy to understand. By: Sam Wilmeth  Hirsch with her daughter at her retirement send off. Hirsch is retiring after 30 years. When someone like Mindy Hirsch dedicates their whole life to helping others, it’s hard to put the amount of work they have done into perspective.
For some of you, that work may have come in the form of being a Gladiators on the Horizon mentor under Hirsch’s guidance. Perhaps you were recognized as Gladiator of the Year, a time-honored tradition celebrating success in Glenelg’s community, which Hirsch helped establish. Or maybe it was Hirsch’s advice that set you on your college and career path. As Hirsch prepares for retirement in January after 15 years as Glenelg’s school counselor – and for more than 30 total years in the county – it is these pillars of Glenelg’s community that must be recognized and celebrated as just a few of the countless contributions Hirsch has made to enrich students and staff alike. By: Vanessa Buechler  Crouse poses with his wife, Casey, in New Burn, NC, where they will move in 2027. For nearly four decades, Pat Crouse’s presence has been a defining aspect of his educational career.
And for the past seven years, it’s been Crouse’s presence in Glenelg’s hallways and after school activities that have shaped and defined the school’s environment. As of Jan. 1, 2026, Crouse will leave behind his legacy, retiring as Glenelg’s longest current tenured assistant principal. To most, retirement might feel like an end, but to Crouse it signifies an opportunity to begin a new chapter – one where he will get to spend more quality time with his wife and son. Until then, Crouse plans to relish his final days at Glenelg. by: Foyinkemi Olalere  We’re officially more than a full quarter deep into the school year. New schedules have become routine; routes in the hallways are now muscle memory; we’ve settled in with new teachers and classmates, and reconnected with those from years past.
We got older, and the world kept spinning. It’s just high school, after all. We’re all used to it. And what about the 347 students that make up Glenelg’s freshman class? They’re getting used to it as well – the good, the bad … the stress.
Quote to live by: “Students: you matter, you are enough, and you make a difference.” Most looking forward to this year: “I am looking forward to continuing meeting everyone and learning more about all the rich traditions at Glenelg!” Fun fact: Gers played Ultimate Frisbee during college, making it to nationals her senior year.
Quote to live by: “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great" – Zig Ziglar Most Looking Forward to this Year: “Creating meaningful connections with my students, as well as the rest of the staff and student body at Glenelg!” Fun Fact: Burton lives together with her sister, her niece, and her six-year-old daughter.
Quote to live by: “Sometimes the best way to solve your problems is to solve someone else’s.” Most Looking Forward to this Year: "Getting to know my students' interests on a deeper level and connect with them more." Fun Fact: When Burke was younger she was not great at math. She struggled and had a hard time until she started having awesome math teachers to help her. She wants to teach her students what her math teachers taught her.
Quote to live by:
"Why fit in when you were born to stand out." - Dr. Seuss Most Looking Forward to This Year: "I'm excited to be here at Glenelg and learn all the traditions we have!" Fun Fact: When Vanderbloemen was in high school, her mom worked in the ALS program at OMHS, and she would visit her often. She got to know the students in the program and see how unique and special each student was. When Vanderbloemen decided she didn't want to become a speech therapist, she knew working with students would be her next adventure. She knew that the ALS population of students was who she wanted to work with. Ademide Shodunke  One of the most challenging aspects of working in a new school is the time it takes to transition and assimilate to the nuances that define any school’s culture and community. Ask anyone who knows her, and they’d say Amie Jensen was ready on day one. Now, eight months into her tenure as assistant principal, Jensen is in a position to reflect on what has made her time at Glenelg so special. Manuela Dabiri  For the past 23 years, Philip Johnson has found a way to blend his passion for coaching with his love for teaching.
Johnson, a biology teacher who coaches indoor/outdoor track and field and cross country, has relied on a steady dose of empowering a number of students and athletes to push past their limits and achieve their goals. That number, after 27 total years as an educator, is in the thousands. Today, Johnson’s journey is full of insights on how he manages and balances the demands of both roles and what motivates him to help students and athletes reach their full potential. By: Avery Donnellon and Vanessa Buechler
Not only has Puthenkalam qualified for All-state choir every year of his high school career, he was recently accepted into the even more prestigious All-Eastern Choir, encompassing 11 states and Washington, D.C.
By: Valerie Menendez  At Glenelg, we learn just as Gladiators do; striving to accomplish our hopes and dreams, we are taught to pursue many different interests. Whether it is a club that peaks your interest, or a class that you want to join, it’s never too late to start building those blocks before you begin your career.
I recommend starting with Visual Production.  It's the holiday season! The season of giving, traditions, and pretending you like that horrible gift from that one relative. The holidays are a special time of year when we share a little extra love, so we figured we'd share some Shieldy warmth with our readers. Cozy up by the fireplace, grab your cup of cocoa or nogg, and enjoy our staff's favorite holiday traditions and moments. By: Avery Donnellon  Six groups. Nearly 300 performers. 26 songs. Two hours.
And three directors. For decades, the GHS winter concert has sold out the nearly 1200 seat auditorium, filled with students, parents, and community members alike. Whether it be new and exciting pieces added to the program, or the classics like “Sleigh Ride” or “Masters in this Hall”, there is no shortage of beautiful music to enjoy. By: Jacob Miles  Most people use the New Year holiday as a time to make goals for themselves, whether it’s getting better grades or exercising more. However, by the time February rolls around, most of these goals have faded. At the beginning of the year people are motivated and inspired by others around them to be better. But, motivation doesn’t last forever and people need tools to help them fulfill their resolution.
One of the biggest mistakes students make when creating goals is not knowing how much they can accomplish. Most overestimate how much they can accomplish in a week or even a month, but underestimate what they can do in an entire year. The best way to stay on the right track is to create a plan. Find something that you want to accomplish, like getting a good grade on this year's final and set small goals to accomplish this. It is also a good idea to be flexible in your journey. Sometimes it will be hard to follow your plan but if you are flexible it makes it easier for yourself to bounce back from small mishaps in your plan. By: Valerie Menendez  Jocko Willink, a New York Times best seller, once said: “The bad that comes in things can be reframed as a point where one must work on.”
It is a mantra that Glenelg special educator Joshua Hatmaker has strived to live by for as long as he can remember, and one that continues to guide his professional career. In his elementary school years, Hatmaker said he recalled feeling behind his fellow peers and classmates, which prompted his family to find the possible cause. Hatmaker was diagnosed with Dyslexia in 5th grade, a learning disorder that makes it difficult for one to read and/or speak. After receiving an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) and having put in countless hours of his free time into learning, Hatmaker said he was finally able to comprehend on grade level by the 7th grade. By: Vanessa Buechler  While it is usually the cast members of a play, musical, or hollywood production that receive the most recognition for their performance, there is no denying that it is those who work behind the proverbial curtain that quietly shape the viewer’s experience.
And that certainly was the case at this year’s production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Oct. 24-26. By: Manuela Dabiri  For many years, attending a four-year college has been seen as the most reliable path to a successful career. However, as technology evolves, more people are discovering that college isn’t the only route to a good job. There are a variety of paths that offer great opportunities. From trade schools to TikTok and streaming careers, a number of options can lead to fulfilling, well-paying work. Let’s take a closer look at some of those alternatives.
By: Shaun Inake  According to numerous studies conducted across the US, 40-45% of Americans say that fall is their favorite season. Whether it’s the fall colors, the cooler weather, or the many holidays celebrated like Halloween or Thanksgiving, many agree that autumn is a great time to go outside and see what places have to offer. Fortunately, Howard County offers many different fall activities to both residents and visitors.
By: Alex Kersh  Since the mid 19th century, the education system has generally followed a noticeable pattern: go to school, graduate, and get a job. As the world modernized, the pattern has commonly included matriculating to one of the thousands of higher educational institutions around the world.
Today, requirements for admission into colleges and universities have become growingly complicated, and many students are left wondering how they can get ahead of the competition. While there are many pre-existing methods to improve resumes and get an early start to college – including after-school programs, internships, and Advanced Placement programs – one program has emerged which allows high school students to actually take college courses during their high school years. By: Justin Zulu  For business and foundations of technology teacher Moises Zelaya Caceres, being named senior teacher of the year must have felt like a dream. In his three years as an educator, Zelaya has already made a significant impact at Glenelg, and has certainly made his presence felt.
“It’s very honorable,” Zelaya said about being chosen by the student body. “As a teacher, your main interactions are obviously with students on a day to day basis. I think to myself, how can I be personal with students to help them learn, and are they enjoying what they are doing? It is validating to be recognized like this and hopefully it shows that I am doing something well and that the students are also learning.” |
