Sophomore Devon Johnson finds love in dance as she swings with partner, p.

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Volume 12 Number 4 James Hubert Blake HS 300 Norwood Rd Silver Spring MD http://sites.google.com/site/theblakebeatnews/ February 26, 2010

Students are so over the snow after back-to-back storms

Second winter break celebrated with power outages and cabin fever
by Kirsten Petersen
x & Juliana Sesay
Montgomery County was
pummeled with a record-break-
ing blizzard from February 3 to
February 14, resulting in many
power outages and forcing some
students to cope with unusual
circumstances.
For sophomore Robert
Krakaur, the snow provided
an opportunity to relax and en-
joy recreational activities with
sophomore Brandon Weber.
While at Weber’s house, the rest
of Krakaur’s family stayed in
their cold home until they could
no longer take it. “They tried to
make a fire in the fireplace, but
it did not warm up the house
enough,” says Krakaur. “Even-
tually they got tired of it so
they went to my grandmother’s
house.”
Krakaur’s circumstances
may pale in comparison to those
experienced by sophomore Sam-
mi Levitt, who was in Florida
for a field hockey tour-
nament when the
blizzard
hit. Upon returning from the theless. “This blizzard was scary suit her best. She adds, “I am blower so it was not too hard.”
trip, her flight was delayed in because my family was afraid done dealing with the snow, and For Wright, shoveling was a
Atlanta. “I just sat in the airport of our roofs collapsing and of want a warmer climate for the less than enjoyable task. “It was
bored, wishing we would have losing power,” she says. “As the next four years.” frustrating because I couldn’t
stayed in Florida,” she says. snow began to accumulate, I not With all the snow piled keep up with the snow and
When she finally reached only began to dislike snow even high, some students jumped at what I had just shov-
Maryland, she discovered her
home had lost power, so she
more, I started to hate it.”
Wright, who has already
the opportunity to make some
money and charged neighbors
eled became cov-
ered again.” New
s4
chose to stay with neighbors chosen to attend the University for their shoveling services—but t os
instead of at a of Tampa, feels even more cer- not Krakaur. He did it for free.
re pho
hotel with her
parents. “I
tain that a warm climate will He says, “I helped my neighbor
Tom with people’s drive-
Mo
stayed at nu- ways that could not do
merous friends’ it themselves. He
houses,” Levitt has a snow
says, “who wants to
be stuck in a hotel with
their parents for three
days?”
Senior Katie
Wright and her
family did not suf-
fer a power out-
age, but her qualms
with the snow grew
more intense
none-

Senior Chris Callahan rejoices after shoveling her buried driveway. Many students in 15) shoveling and clearing neighborhood sidewalks, but others enjoyed recreational
Mongtomery County spent the “second winter break” (February 8 through February activities like sledding and building igloos. -- photo by Beth Callahan

Arias goes to Washington for United States Senate Youth Program

by Bronte Abell
x & Bryndon Cook
Junior Daniel Arias is one of two
student delegates representing Maryland at
the 48th Annual United States Senate Youth
Program (USSYP), where he will experience
the national government at work.
Each high school is allowed to nomi-
nate one student for the two delegate posi-
tions to represent their respective state. In
Maryland, over 300 students were competing
for the two spots. Arias says, “I was actually
a little nervous…[but thought] ‘what have I
got to lose,’ so I went for it”.
Career Counselor Kathy Moore
Junior chosen from over 300
students to represent Maryland
called Arias to tell him that Blake had
nominated him to the USSYP. He adds “I was
speechless...and really flattered.” Arias took
an exam covering everything from current
events to senate trivia. Arias, earning one of
the top ten scores, was allotted an interview.
Arias learned about his winning one of
the student delegate spots while home recov-
ering from Swine Flu. He read the e-mail Mrs.
Moore had sent him several times, then
ran to tell his parents. “The news was
quite a pick-me-up,” he adds.
Over a hundred student delegates
from across the US will meet in Wash-
ington DC from March 6 – 13, 2010 for
“Washington Week”. All expenses like
transportation, hotel and food will be paid
for. The delegates will also receive
a $5,000 college scholarship and
encouragement to pursue history,
political science and careers in
public service.
“As far as goals go, I hope to learn
a lot, meet interesting people, and make
Maryland proud,” Arias says. Past Wash-
ington Weeks have included hearing major
policy addresses by senators, and cabinet
members, and meeting with a Justice of
the US Supreme Court. At each meet-
ing students will have the chance to ask
questions to all the officials and gather a
new perspective on their jobs and roles in
government.
“I hope to take the things I learn back
with me to the student government, and
hope to use my knowledge when I run for
[Student Member of the Board],” Arias says,
“My fingers are crossed!’’

IN THIS ISSUE:
Students spare Girls’ varsity Piano prodigy preps
change to save shoots to kill on for summer Vienna
lives the court performance
page A3 page D1 page E1
A2
Helping hands deliver University
Haitian Relief Efforts of Maryland top-ten
sitting pretty
by Somala Diby
x & Gillian Spolarich
Since the January 12 earth-
quake in Haiti, Haitians and non-
Haitians alike have gathered at
Blake to discuss the community’s
participation in the Haiti relief
effort.
I AM HAITI is a team
composed of staff and students,
many of whom are Haitian. Led
by guidance counselor Berna-
dette White, representatives from
NHS, Leo Club, Project Change,
and the Asian American club will
sponsor Haiti relief activities.
The team decided on a campaign
because members did not want
the relief to be a one shot deal.
The team feels compelled
to help because, as Mrs. White
says, “Tragedy can strike at
anytime to anyone, no matter the
location.” The first of many ac-
tivities is Hat Day in early March,
when students who donate one
dollar to Haitian relief will be
permitted to wear a hat in school
for the day.
In celebration of Flag Day
in May, the art department will
create a giant Haitian flag upon
which students can paste cut-out
hands for one dollar. These ac-
tivities were planned with “direct
support through cooperation and
collaboration” adds Mrs. White.
The campaign is also par-
ticipating in Water Day. They
are planning to raise money
Kiplinger’s
best values
in public colleges
by sponsoring computer game
competitions on websites such as
www.Challenge.Water.org.
Individual students are
also doing whatever they can to
help the relief effort. Sophomore
Savannah Tryens and her family
donate around 50 dollars a month
through Plan USA to sponsor
a Haitian boy named Sam. The
money goes towards providing
food for Sam’s family, and clean-
ing the water in the community.
Since the earthquake, the
Tryens family does not know
the whereabouts of Sam be-
cause Plan USA is not working
individual search-and-rescue
cases. “When I first heard I was
devastated, not only for Sam but
for everyone,” says Tryens, “im-
mediately I did anything I could
to try and help.” After watching
a Haiti relief concert, the family
donated 200 dollars.
Junior Stefan Byrd has a
lot of family in Haiti. “The first
thing that came to my mind was
to call relatives in Haiti,” says
Byrd. “After we couldn’t reach
anyone, the family was in com-
plete panic.”
Most of his family was
untouched; however, a distant
cousin and her child were both
killed by the earthquake. Since
Haiti is close to his heart, Byrd
and his family have donated to
organizations such as Red Cross,
World Vision, UNICEF, and
Unity Healthcare.
February 26, 2010 The Blake Beat
1. University of North Carolina
Terrapins ascend at Chapel Hill
top-ten public 2. University of Florida
3. University of Virginia
college line-up 4. College of William and Mary (VA.)
by Lily Hua
5. Binghamton University (SUNY)
x & Savannah Doane-Malotte
6. University of Georgia
University of Maryland, College Park
has been ranked number eight in Kiplinger 7. University of Washington
Magazine’s top 100 best values in public col-
leges list based on price and quality, jumping 8. University of Maryland,
20 spots from February 2008 to 2010.
Kiplinger rates colleges based mainly College Park
on academic quality along with affordability.
Starting with 500 public universities, the list 9. SUNY Geneseo
is eventually narrowed to the top 100 schools.
UMD has kept instate tuition constant for four
10. North Carolina State University
years while improving merit, unlike other
schools. Senior Tullah Deme says, “I abso- Financial aid is provided to 50% of all enrolled
lutely think that college prices are too high. [They’re] students.
limiting students from getting a good education.” Out of the 137 Blake seniors that applied to
UMD is the state’s flagship institution and best College Park last year, 91 were accepted, and 40
known for its engineering, journalism, and computer enrolled. “I definitely think I made the right choice
science programs. The school’s cost is relatively low, in choosing to attend Maryland,” says Blake alumna
charging instate students $18,455 per year, includ- and Maryland freshman Christina DeGraft-Johnson.
ing tuition, room and board. “[Maryland] is a very “Being at [UMD] right now, my parents are better
spirited campus where students, alums and the com- able to afford my education.”
munity come to cheer on the Terps,” says Career The graduation rate at UMD has increased to
Information Coordinator Katherine Moore. 63% of all four-year students, and 82% of all six-year
A College Park program, Keep Me Maryland, students. UMD rigorous academics offer a variety
helps students that are at risk of leaving school due of classes to students. “There is no ‘hand-holding’
to financial issues. Senior Kristin Corcoran says, at [UMD],” says Mrs. Moore. “You must be ready
“Thinking about how much debt I could be in after for independence and good decision making, both
four years [of college] is very nerve-wracking.” socially and academically.”
The Blake Beat February 26, 2010 A3

Assistant Principal Joe DuBoyce, Junior Vanessa Carona and Principal Carole and Mrs. Goodman sport “Loose Change” T-shirts, which are being sold to support
Goodman show their support for the Pennies for Patients campaign. Mr. DuBoyce the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. -- photo by Michael Mugo

Fundraiser make cents, continues to support patients

SGA sponsors month-long event to raise money for cancer research
by Blaire Hoffman
x & Rachel Appel
Throughout the month of
February, donations to Pennies
for Patients as well as proceeds
from T-shirts, the Bengal Ball
tournament, spotlight basketball
game, and many other events will
go towards supporting and raising
awareness for the Leukemia &
Lymphoma Society (LLS).
Since 1949, the mission of
LLS has been to research blood
cancers (leukemia, lymphoma,
Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma),
educate the world, fund patient
services and enhance their qual-
ity of life. Student Government
Sponsor (SGA) and Student
Service Leader Coordinator Erinn
Rigney confronts many difficult
issues facing today’s society.
She says, “It is always difficult
to choose one [issue] to focus on
but Pennies for Patients is won-
derful…it directly reaches out to
cancer patients.”
The SGA has created many
new opportunities to allow stu-
dents to donate to Pennies for
Patients. Each week on block
day, Ms. Rigney’s leadership class
totals the money collected by
each first period class. Leadership
student Colleen McMullen says,
“More people than you realize
are affected by this disease, so
it’s important we help.” The win-
ning class receives a complimen-
tary doughnut breakfast and the
teacher is given a gift card of his
or her choice.
SGA president Jennifer
Lien has been involved in many
aspects of organizing this year’s
Pennies for Patients. As presi-
dent, she helped plan many of
the activities whose proceeds
are used to support the LLS and
she informed the PTSA about the
events. Lien encourages everyone
to donate to the cause and adds,
“[The patients] need all the sup-
port they can get, whether it is big
or small.”
During the annual Pen-
nies for Patients assembly, Lien
and other SGA members talked
about what LLS does and what
we as students can do to help. She
says, “I felt that it was the SGA
Executive Board’s responsibility
to speak at the assembly because
it allowed the student body to
know who we are.”
Vice president Miriam
Boussouf is hoping we reach the
school’s goal of $15,000 and that
Blake will be first place in the
county ahead of Walter Johnson.
Boussouf adds, “I was honored to
be asked to speak and it inspired
me to donate a lot more than
usual.” English teacher Jason
Potyk’s first period class collected
the most money during the first
week of Pennies for Patients,
raising $236 towards leukemia
and lymphoma.
So far the school has raised
$1,917.00 with the majority of
money coming from class col-
lections. 10 percent of the profit
from Monday’s basketball game
against Paint Branch went towards
the cause. Although Mr. Blake has
been postponed until March 4,
the proceeds will still go towards
Pennies for Patients. A second
round of T-shirt orders was circu-
lated and more than 75 were sold.
McMullen says, “The t-shirts are
important because it makes people
more spirited towards the cause
and unites the school.” Pennies for
Patients donations will continue to
be collected through the first week
of March.
Leukemia causes more
deaths than any other cancer
among children. Someone is di-
agnosed with blood cancer every
four minutes and it kills someone
every 10 minutes. It is now pos-
sible to donate online from a link
on the Blake homepage at http://
nca.sy.llsevent.org/Blake. Ev-
eryone and anyone are welcome
to donate.

Juniors take mock SATs, ACTs to prepare in time for March 13 test
x by Somala Diby
For the fourth year, juniors will have the opportunity
to take either a Mock ACT test or a Mock SAT test provided
by the school free of charge next Friday.
The Mock SAT and ACT are full-length tests released
by Collegeboard and ACT that are “good predictors of test
success,” says SAT Coordinator Moriah Martin. Juniors will
be allotted the time between 7:30am to 11am to take either the
Mock ACT or the Mock SAT administered in the cafeteria,
amphitheater, Media Center, and in classrooms.
Preference sheets were passed out the first week of the
second semester to juniors through English classes where they
indicated which test they would prefer to take. According to
Ms. Martin, the SAT tests students’ logic more than classroom
knowledge, whereas the ACT is often more compatible with
students who perform better in the classroom. Says Ms. Mar-
tin, “It depends on the students’ style of testing.”
Though the mock tests will be administered, taken,
and calculated like official tests, students will not be able to
send scores to colleges. The mock test will not include the
25-minute essay usually found in the first section of the SAT.
This will allow scores to be calculated faster and students to
receive test scores in a shorter amount of time. Junior Bridget
Hawvermale, who has already taken both the SAT and the
ACT, plans on taking the Mock SAT. Says Hawvermale, “It’ll
help me get a better grasp on where I need to improve.”
Students will receive private test reports approximately
two weeks after taking the Mock providing more time to
prep for the March 13 SAT. Many students are taking a
prepping initiative by signing up for prep classes, tutors,
and by studying independently. Ms. Martin contributes in
students’ prepping efforts by providing them with test books
and advice, and by connecting them to SAT or ACT prep
companies. “A big part of my job is just to be a liaison for
kids,” adds Ms. Martin.
During Blake’s first few years of administering the
Mock students had to pay five dollars and come to school
on a Saturday to take the tests. Since offering the Mock for
free and during school, increasing accessibility, turnout has
increased, helping a greater number of students learn more
about the SAT and ACT.

Digital Artists wanted

for the 2010-2011 Blake Beat staff!
If you are interested, bring your portfolio to
Mr. Keegan in A205A before school.
A4 February 26, 2010 The Blake Beat

SNOWMAGEDDON: SNAPSHOTS FROM STORM OF CENTURY

Clockwise, from top: Blake, as seen after the blizzard; junior Brittany Hamson, after the parking lot had been cleared; senior Spencer Ramsey shovels his driveway;
seniors Timothy Ho and Mary Gillis play in the snow; a snow-covered field; a pedestrian walks on an ostensibly cleared road. --photos by, clockwise from top,
sophomore Tram Truong digs a snow tunnel; another shot of the grounds of Blake, Tommy Irish, Kara Korab, Irish, Tu Truong, Korab, Irish, Korab.
The Blake Beat
Zesty salsa routines to spice up Mr. Blake fiesta March 4
Beauty pageant proceeds to go toward Pennies for Patients’ campaign
by Kirsten Petersen
x & Juliana Sesay
Unique this year with its
Mexican fiesta theme, the Mr.
Blake competition has been re-
scheduled for Thursday at 7pm
in the auditorium, after being
postponed due to the blizzard.
The event will kick off
with a couples dance spiced
with Latin flavor, rather than
the traditional group dance.
Senior and opening dance coach
Colleen McMullen says, “We
wanted something that would
be fun and could be incorporated
into costumes, decorations, and
music.”
McMullen feels that all of
the contestants are very enthusi-
astic about the competition and
are picking up the dance quickly.
She adds, “We consider these the
real men of Blake High School
because they’re not afraid to be
a little flamboyant and show
off.”
The pageant will also in-
clude the annual swimsuit and
formal wear showcases, talent
competition, and question and
answer portion. Senior Mo-
hamed Alghali is pumped for
February 26, 2010
the talent portion. He says, “I’m
excited about my talent because
it’s something I started doing
when I was bored but everybody
happens to love it.” Like many
of the contestants, Alghali is
keeping his talent a secret until
the competition.
Senior competitors feel
that their seniority grants them
the natural right to wear the cov-
eted crown. “Mr. Blake would
require a large sense of humor
and the charm to win over the
hearts of the fans; all of which I
have,” says senior Noel Salgado.
“As far as being versatile goes,
I’m the man for the job.”
The junior competitors
have just as much confidence
and zeal as the seniors. Junior
Lucas Frangou says, “I’m excit-
ed for the talent portion because
I’m going to make some ladies’
hearts melt.”
Though the blizzard
pushed the event back nearly a
month, the date change has been
advantageous to the contestants
and coaches. Some of the con-
testants feared they would not
be ready in time by February 10,
and the new date has given them
more time to rehearse. Junior
A5
Brandon Simms adds, “It gives
us more time to get ready and
practice so we can give everyone
a good performance.”
Like last year, the contes-
tants will be collecting dona-
tions for Pennies for Patients
during intermission. Although
the competition against other
high schools to raise money
will be over by the pageant day,
the donations will continue to
benefit leukemia patients. Says
Frangou, “[The donations are]
for a great cause, and once they
see me in that swimsuit they
won’t wanna say no.”

Barriga to hang in zero gravity, construct rockets, walk on moon

US Space and Rocket Center gladly accepts junior scholar into program
by Leah Patterson
x & Molly Cohen
Junior Isabela Barriga will attend the
Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy
starting tomorrow and ending Friday after
receiving a Honeywell scholarship along with
159 other students from 20 countries and 28
states.
The HLCA is in partnership with the U.S.
Space & Rocket Center and open to children of
Honeywell Technology Solutions employees.
Students aged 16 to 18 are given the opportunity
to learn more about science, space, and technol-
ogy. “I’m just curious to learn more about what
is out there in space,” says Barriga, “because a
lot of it still remains a mystery today.”
Barriga adds, “I feel really honored to be
given the scholarship because so many students
applied for it from all over the world.” She
received a letter in January which informed her
of the scholarship and includes tuition for the
week long program, meals, accommodations,
and program materials.
In order to receive the scholarship, Bar-
riga had to fill out an application which included
an essay, a copy of her transcript, and a form
listing her extracurricular activities.
During the program, students will do
activities such as build rockets, participate in
rough workshops and partake in realistic simu-
lations and physical challenges. “I’m looking
forward to experiencing the astronaut training,”
Barriga adds, “which involves a realistic shuttle
mission and [will simulate] what it feels like to
walk on the moon.”
Barriga’s parents are very supportive
of her accomplishment. Her mother works for
Honeywell Technology Solutions, which is how
Barriga was able to apply in the first place. Bar-
riga says, “I do not know a lot about [science
and space] but [my mother’s] enthusiasm for her
career makes me curious about pursuing it.”
As a member of the Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Math academy, Barriga is en-
rolled in an astronomy class, which has sparked
some of her interests in this field. “This is a great
example of a STEM experience far beyond the
classroom,” Principal Carole Goodman adds.
Although Barriga is unsure of what she
definitively wants to do in the future, she has
always enjoyed science and seeks to learn more
about this field. She remains open minded about
her prospects. She says, “I feel like this program
will help me decide if pursuing a career in the
science or space field is something I would be
interested in.” Isabella Barriga
A6 February 26, 2010 The Blake Beat

Seniors plagued relentlessly by unwelcome college emails

Tedious process leaves students fed up with annoying university spams
x by Christine League & Leah Rich
We were all extremely excited when we received
the first of many college e-mails, but now that we have
gone through the dreaded application process and been
accepted to our choice college- we are tired of it.
As soon as the e-mail hits our inbox, it either
goes straight to the trash or, if it’s lucky, spam. “I read
the e-mails, just to see what they want, and just throw
them away immediately. There is no use of keeping
them,” says senior Brandon Hawkins.
While some students find the e-mails annoying,
senior Drew Virgil doesn’t. Says Virgil, “It makes me
feel wanted.” There are about ten different colleges
that send Virgil e-mails on a daily basis with their
applications attached. “I don’t even consider going
there – it’s just a nice gesture,” adds Virgil.
Even though some students have already been
accepted to their first choice school, they still find it
helpful to get more information on the many different
colleges. “I like looking at what they have to offer,
so I know what is out there,” Virgil adds.
The two most common e-mails are: we ex-
tended the deadline just for you and we want YOU
in our college. But of course both of the e-mails are
personalized with your name in bold. “They always
send e-mails with APPLY HERE in big letters,”
Virgil says.
“My favorite e-mail is where there say ‘HEY
BRANDON, We here at…want YOU’,” says Hawk-
ins, “[it] makes me feel important to know which
colleges are really interested in me.”
Whether it makes you feel wanted or gets on
your last nerve, seniors everywhere are receiving
them. Whether or not they’re effective and worth the
effort – well, who’s to say? Adds Virgil, “I think it
makes the school look better. Other times I’m just like
isn’t it a little late to be sending me this stuff?”
Hawkins, on the other hand, feels slightly dif-
ferently. He adds, “I don’t think the letters are effec-
tive because I don’t really consider them as a place
I would want to go.”

PTSA hosts annual used books, media sale; reduces prices to half
Variety of novels, DVDs sold at Cloverly Shopping Center this weekend
the used books and other media at school but this general fund of the PTSA and eventually will be used
x by Cynthia Chow & Simone Taylor year, they decided to sell the items in the Cloverly toward staff luncheons, student scholarships, and the
A book from Barnes & Nobles may cost $10 or Shopping Center near the Elite Dance Center. They PTSA newsletter, the Blue Note.
more, but at the PTSA Used Book and Media Sale, made this location change because in the past, the The PTSA made use of many different venues in
you can by at least four books for about $8. county made them move the book sale back and forth order to collect books and media and to attract com-
The PTSA held its Used Book and Media Sale between the cafeteria and the small gym. “It’s gruel- munity members. They advertised through Facebook,
from February 19 to the 21. The sale will continue ing,” says Mr. Goble who had to move an estimated email, announcements in the Gazette, Eubiemail, the
selling books today from 12-8pm, tomorrow from 40,000 pounds of boxes twice last year. Blake Blue Note, a Northeast consortium listserv,
10am-6pm, and Sunday from 11am-3pm. The items in the sale are tagged with prices and flyers at places such as used book dealers and
The annual Used Book and Media Sale was students can afford. Although there are a few unique shops.
started three years ago by PTSA co-chair Jack Goble items individually priced, most paperback books are The sale is a promising way to raise money for
and PTSA president Robina Barlow. They got the idea $1-2, hardbacks at $2.50, CDs at $3, videos at $3, students and staff. Although the sale receives a lot of
to start this event from book sales that elementary and DVDs from $4-6. help from parents of the Blake community, the staff
schools held. “The PTSA should be finding ways to While making an average of $500 a day, the would like more student involvement. Says PTA
get books into the hands of kids,” says Mr. Goble. PTSA will hopefully reach its goal of making $3,000. member Orit Chicherio “We’ve had a few kids help
During previous book sales, the PTSA sold The money raised through this event will go into the with sorting/organizing, but we’d like a lot more.”

Have an opinion
about this issue
of The Beat?
Share it by
writing a letter to the
editor!
The staff welcomes all signed letters to the editor but reserves the right to edit
or condense them. Letters may be submitted to room A205A or mailed to:
The Blake Beat, Blake High School, 300 Norwood Road, Silver Spring, MD 20905.
The telephone number is (301) 879-1379.
The Blake Beat
Newsbeats
in
s Irv
Luc
a Sar
aE
lala
mi
n n n Samowitz, Jason Stellato, Laura Treacy, Kevan
The Blake It’s Academic team won in an
impressive fashion against Wakefield and La Plata
high schools January 23. The final score was 815-
365-320, as the team broke the previous school
record of 755 points. The game will air March 20 at
10:30am on NBC4.
The team was led by senior captain Isaac
Hirsch and featured senior Paul Sausville and
sophomore Lucas Irvin. The next match will be
filmed March 6 at 2:30pm at the WRC-TV4 Studio,
4001 Nebraska Avenue NW, Washington, DC.
n n n Lehman, Zoe Ligon, Caitlin Mitchell and Ting
Twenty students will be going on a school-
sponsored trip to Costa Rica during spring break:
seniors Justine Allen, Megan Buonomo, Michael
Brennan, Nikki Cali, Michael Gold, Jane Grenal-
do, Chris Kuhn, Sean McNamara, Taylor Miller,
Alexa Norberg, Nicole Pontius, Chris Riley, Joey
FOECBT
2160 BLAKE
February 26
Washington Metro Championships
at Germantown Indoor Swim Center,
5pm
Varsity Wrestling MPSSAA Region
Championships at Sherwood, TBA
Early Release Day
February 27
Varsity Wrestling MPSSAA Region
Championships at Sherwood contin-
ued, TBA
Girls’ and Boys’ Varsity Swimming
Washington Metro Championships
at Germantown Indoor Swim Center,
8am
Poms County Competition at Richard
Mongomery, 4pm
February 26, 2010
do
G renal
Jan e
Keva
n Ya
Yang, and juniors Ashley Barteck, Julia Boland,
Jake Mondonedo and Joey Morstein.
Students attending the Portugal and Spain trip
include: Sadia Bangura, Isabela Barriga, Danielle
Blocker, Camille Evette Brewer, Julia Soraya
Dennis, Sara Elalami, Karen Guambo, Simone
Kirkland, Grace Plihal, Alexandra Reeves, Re-
natta Rickford, Ann Vermillion, Kira Williams,
and Linda Wood.
n n n
Seniors Sofia Curzi, Ashley Haymaker, Kelly
Ting Zheng are now semifinalists for this year’s Ali-
cia Betancourt Prize for Excellence in the Arts. Three
candidates will be become finalists in early April
and then be interviewed by the Betancourt family for
first prize ($5000+ over four years), second prize (a
one-time $1000 award) and third prize (a one-time
$500 award). Recipients will be announced at the
CALENDAR
March 4
Mr. Blake Pageant in the auditorium,
7pm
March 5
Varsity Wrestling MPSSAA State
Championships at Cole Field House,
UMUC, TBA
Fashion X Show in the auditorium,
7pm
March 6
Varsity Wrestling MPSSAA State
Championships at Cole Field House,
UMUC, continued, TBA
A7
gon
Zoe Li
ng
Academic Awards Night in May.
n n n
The Kensington Volunteer Fire Department has
received a grant from FEMA to be used for college
scholarships to students who volunteer with the fire
department. It will award up to $4500 per semester
at a local college in exchange for at least two years
of service with the KVFD. For more information,
see English teacher Allison Finn.
n n n
The National Honor Society is offering special-
ized tutoring every day in B223 at lunch. On Mon-
days, NHS members offer tutoring in social studies;
Tuesdays they offer science tutoring; Wednesdays is
English; math help is offered Thursday and Friday;
and French tutoring is held on Fridays. For more
information, contact NHS tutoring chair Yonit Ad-
dissie.
March 16
ACapella Showcase Concert, 7:30pm
March 18
Spring Instrumental Festival Concert,
8pm
March 19
Swing Night, 7:30pm
March 26
Third Marking Period Ends
A8 February 26, 2010 The Blake Beat
Senior discusses tragedy, sorrow faced in aftermath of earthquake in Haiti, p. B4

Section B Blake Beat Opinion February 26, 2010

Students play
matchmaker for
lonesome celebs A relationship like theirs
x By Kemi Olowoofayoku only needs a slight push
There is no such thing as the ideal relationship.
Even celebrities have a hard time finding love, and from the friend zone to
when they do, we envy them. When they don’t, we
decide to play matchmaker. something more.
First on our list is the prestigious acting duo
of Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. Their on-
screen chemistry can be seen in classics such as
Titanic and Revolutionary Road. The two met when
they were young and since then have grown up to-
gether. A relationship like theirs only needs a slight
push from the friend zone to something more.
Seeing young celebrities grow up in the public
eye is always intriguing. They can either become
beautiful adults or pull a Lindsey Lohan and go
crazy.
In the case of Emma Watson, Harry Potter’s
Hermione Granger, a beautiful, intellectual teen has
emerged from the frizzy-haired snob she plays on the
big screen. Her looks shouldn’t be wasted on just any
clumsy ginger like Ronald Weasely (I mean, come on.
He can’t even do magic right. Definitely out). Watson
would be perfect with Gossip Girl’s Chase Crawford.
Just take a look at him—no explanation necessary.
Both of them with their auburn hair, eyes that stare
into your soul, classically rugged style… It’s almost
nauseating how beautiful they would look together.
They’re young, they’re multimillionaires; they would
undoubtedly have fun as a couple.
It’s always hard to read stories in the tabloids
about humiliated celebrities, whether they “acci-
dently” had a wardrobe malfunction or were publi-
cally dumped by a significant other. Immediately
Jessica Simpson comes to mind. She really needs
a man. Someone country, athletic and handsome.
Someone like Tim McGraw. The two could collabo-
rate on country albums while living happily on an
Alabama ranch equipped with stable animals and all
the Chicken of the Sea that she can eat. Graphic by Emily Stevens

ICC brings trouble to community, too expensive for everyday use

Uniting Montgomery and Prince George’s County is no walk in the park
x by Kirsten Petersen
For many people in our community, the InterCounty
Connector is old news. Its construction is inevitable, and trying
to fight it would be a failed effort. So why should the ICC still
be an important issue? Though the battle against building the
road will soon conclude, the consequences of its construction
will be lasting and brutal.
The ICC is being built as a shortcut between Montgom-
ery County and Prince George’s County. But if the intention
is to achieve a financial shortcut for Maryland drivers, the
Maryland Transportation Authority has failed; the tolls for this
road are exorbitant. To drive on the road for the minimum two
miles, a driver must pay $.25-$.35 during peak hours, which
are from 6-9am and 4-7pm. Few people will drive only two
miles of the road—the MDTA predicts that the average trip
will be 6.6 miles, meaning that a round trip will cost between
$3.30-$4.70 daily.
Before these tolls were finalized, the MDTA organized
a 60-day public comment period where Maryland citizens
could express their opinions on the toll rates. According to
polls taken during the September public comment period, 74%
of responders said that the tolls were too high. The finalized
rates are identical to the original rates, and though tolls were
lowered for overnight travel, it appears that the citizens were
not heard. The MDTA did not respond directly to a very obvi-
ous disapproval of the toll rates.
Pulling out a $5.00 bill for the occasional trip to PG may
not seem like a big deal, but the ICC is Maryland’s first all-
electronic toll road. This means that every driver is required
to use an E-Z Pass card to take the road. This will be very
inconvenient for drivers who are traveling from other states
or even for Maryland residents who don’t find out about the
pass requirement until they pull up to the toll.
Adding money to an E-Z Pass card, plus paying for gas,
makes choosing the ICC a much less appealing option when
compared to taking the Metro, a choice that can be much more
environmentally beneficial and cost-effective.
The first section of the ICC will open this fall, signaling
the beginning of travel troubles for many Maryland drivers.
What this road will never represent, however, is the achieve-
ment of convenient and environmentally conscious travel.

Senior trapped in stuffy classroom, aches for field trip liberation

x by Becky Joiner
Without a doubt, my favorite
school-related memories are from
field trips. Trips to museums, Amish
country, you name it.
So why is it I haven’t been on
a field trip since the ninth grade?
I mean, teachers have many
reasons for not wanting to go on
field trips anymore--and all of them
are lame.
A popular excuse would be the
classic, “Oh, it’s too time consum-
ing to plan a field trip.” And then,
of course, there’s the more typical
Student would rather be enlightened by
hands on research than sit in class all day
response, “What can you learn on
a field trip that you can’t learn in a
classroom?”
There’s a big difference be-
tween reading something in a text-
book and physically seeing it. A
classroom environment can become
pretty dull, and it helps to be able to
see an exhibit about NASA instead
of watching one of those boring PBS
specials.
While many teachers find field
trips frivolous and unnecessary, they
can also have a deeply emotional
impact on students. In tenth grade,
my English class read Elie Wiesel’s
semi-autobiographical novel, Night.
However, my class was not invited to
go on the field trip to the Holocaust
museum.
The following summer, I went
with my dad to see the Holocaust
museum and I was blown away. I
could really feel the darkness of the
tragedy, and I was more deeply af-
fected by what I saw that day than
I was by the book. No offense, Elie
Wiesel.
Also, from an educational as-
pect, new environments can provide
challenges that allow for a more
individualized learning experience,
while classroom teaching is often
generalized. Field trips allow stu-
dents to participate instead of just
observing.
Simply put, a book or a movie
can’t replace the real thing. However,
if you combine textual learning and a
hands-on experience, there is more to
be gained, educationally speaking.
So please, staff members and
administration, take into consider-
ation the educational and emotional
impact that a field trip can have on a
student. Even though I’m graduating,
there’s still hope for the future classes
to have a more interactive learning
experience.
B2 February 26, 2010 The Blake Beat

Senior endures once-in-a-lifetime blizzard on animal farm

Lyons must plow lane with tractor, cook stew over fire, feed 20 goats
x by Kaylene Lyons
Do you remember reading
the Little House on the Prairie
books? No power, cooking over
a fire, and trudging out to feed the
animals during dangerous blizzard
conditions. I’ve lived the life.
The huge snowstorm of
2010 has created many memo-
ries for people in our region, but
I’d like to think of mine as being
unique. Living on a farm with 20
goats, two horses, eight chickens,
a dog, and two cats, there is al-
ready a lot to take care of without
the obstacle of snow. When the
huge storm hit, my family and I
were taken aback. We woke up
to nearly two feet of snow on the
ground with another foot to come,
potentially putting the animals in
danger.
We practically swam out to
the barn only to be met by barn
doors stuck closed by snow and
ice. I was scared out of my mind.
What if we couldn’t get the doors
open? Luckily we were able to dig
out the doors to reach the goats
stranded inside and shoveled paths
for the horses to be able to move
around in the pastures. The next
daunting task consisted of dig-
ging out our third of a mile long
driveway using the tractor loader
and more than half of it by hand
shoveling. Spending five hours
shoveling out the lane, I will read-
ily admit I don’t think I’ve ever
done harder work in my life.
Aside from the animals
and tremendous amount of snow,
our family too lost power. Using
our huge hanging cooking pot
and stored water from mason jars
(due to the fact that we lose water
when we lose power), I made
dinner for my family over the
fire—beef stew/mush. Given the
circumstances the not so great
meal tasted wonderful and my
family complimented my cook-
ing, not an everyday opinion.
Even with the extra work on
top of normal farm work, I found
myself enjoying my time in my
snowed in powerless house. I was
able to appreciate historic times as
well as truly spend some quality
time with my family, not hassled
by my normal crazy schedule
and lacking the distractions and
sounds of technology.

Senior rattles off issues that he would rather avoid in coming year
x by Isaac Hirsch
We’re now two months into 2010, and
I can only hope that many things that were
prevalent in 2009 will not pop up at all this
year. In fact, I made a list:
Tareq and Michaele Salahi (White
House crashers): Not seeing these two
would be enough to make this a happy year
for me.
Athletes Acting Stupid: Never mind.
Way to get the year off to a good start, Gilbert
Arenas. Enjoy your break from the NBA.
Whining About “Bipartisanship”:
Last year was filled with each party whining
about the other party not working with them
in the spirit of bipartisanship. Both seemed
to think that the other party should reach
out to them, not vice versa. Anyway, I don’t
think either party is going to be “bipartisan”
anytime soon, so the least they can do is stop
talking about it so much in 2010.
So Much High School Drama:
Please, let’s stop the petty fights and airing of
grievances on Facebook. This is high school;
haven’t you people figured out that what you
do isn’t important?
Jokes About How I Am Skinny:
Amazingly, yes, I am aware that I am skinny.
I appreciate your concern though.
The American Media Latching Onto
a Celebrity Death, Giving Us Endless De-
tail Until No One But the Obsessed Could
Possibly Care Anymore: This happens every
year. Last year, it was Michael Jackson. We
learned everything anybody could possibly
want to know about his death, including his
family members.
People Devoting Discussion to Mov-
ies That Are Bad: Did you know that
some great movies came out last year? For
example, The Hurt Locker, a dramatic look
at the war in Iraq, is at the top of nearly ev-
eryone’s best-of list. But oh my goodness,
there’s a shirtless dude in New Moon! That
means it’s better!
Lists of “Things I Don’t Want to See
in the Coming Year”: Oops.

Junior trades in iPod, Google, Wii for CDs, home telephones, VHS
Out with the old, in with the new means television, books will vanish
x by Miles Johnson
This past decade has seen fantastic inventions such as
the iPod, Google, and the Nintendo Wii. But as new inventions
are made, old ones become unnecessary and obsolete: here
are 4 old inventions we’ll see fizzle out this decade.
CDs- Just think: when was the last time you went out
to buy a physical compact disc? With iTunes and Bittorrent,
it is much easier to download an album these days than to
buy one. But the final nail in the CD’s coffin is the ability
to download songs directly to your iPod instead of carrying
around a clunky walkman disc player. CDs don’t have the
nostalgia-causing effects or analog sound to survive the same
way Vinyl has this decade.
Television- first there were manual tape recorders,
where you would have a physical VHS tape to put in the VCR.
Now, there is DVR and TIVO. One click of a button and you
have the show or movie recorded forever. No need to search
for the VHS you used to record Seinfeld last week or look for
a new one to record The Little House on the Prairie.
Home telephones- According to a Center for Disease
Control and Prevention study in 2009, more than one in five
U.S. homes had already ditched their landlines and were us-
ing strictly cell phones. This one is just common sense. Why
pay an extra 40 bucks a month for non-stop telemarketing,
especially since we keep our cell phones with us all the time
anyway?
Books- Though books have been a main source of
knowledge since the 15th century, they have many clear
disadvantages. They require huge amounts of paper, and
are not exceptionally portable. These problems are being
overcome by the Amazon Kindle and the iPad. Who needs
libraries anyways?

Thinking about
taking Journalism
next year?
We’d love to have you!
Sign up for Journalism 1
for the 2010-2011 school year.
See any current Journalism
student or our advisor,
Mr. Keegan, for details.
The Blake Beat
Eight strangers brought together for sake of drama, right here
The Real World closer than we think? MTV reality show comes to town
x by Nikki Cali
This season of MTV’s The Real World takes place
in our very own backyard – Washington, DC. Apparently,
since the eight strangers are temporarily living in the nation’s
capital, they automatically assume that their political voices
and opinions will be heard… Yeah, okay.
With this idea in mind, the 23rd season is filled with
some of the most hot-headed, stuck-in-their-ways cast mem-
bers yet. Evident in the season opener dinner table debate
over religion and God, we see that MTV purposely decided
to pin religious polar opposites Ty and Ashley against each
other by putting them not only at the same dinner table, but
also under one roof.
To follow along with the fact that everyone in DC must
February 26, 2010
be heavily involved and interested in politics, presidents,
and campaigning, the lovely house on 20th and S Street is
decorated with presidential themed bedrooms, an oval office,
and a park-like telephone room. I’m glad that these are the
distinguishing elements of our surrounding area.
When it comes to photography options for roommate
Callie, there’s a plethora of monuments, parks, and other
historic elements she can capture. One of the main attractions
is the jaw-dropping Washington monument that a couple of
roommates freak out about when they drive past it for the first
time in their taxi. Come on, you’ve never seen the pencil?
After you get past the politically and artistically inter-
ested roommates on the show, you’re left with a couple of
rockers. So it seems if you’re into politics or music, DC is
where you should come to get started. It’s definitely not the
B3
place for the quirky-geeky guy, Andrew, who is searching
for love in a city that appears to be full of too many “good
girls.” Who would have thought?
Adding to the opinionated and advocating crowd is
roommate Mike, who goes on an interview for an internship
with a gay-rights awareness foundation. Although we may
take for granted the fact that many advocating groups like
these can be found in and around our area, are there none
anywhere else in the country? Are there only people with
strong opinions in the DC area? MTV has me wondering
about this.
The more I watch this season of The Real World,
the worse I feel for the roommates; their voices still aren’t
going to be heard, no matter where they’re living for the
summer.

The more I watch this season of The Real World, the worse I feel for the roomates.

Fist-pumping “guidos”
drown in self-tanner,
hair gel, protein shakes
Jersey Shore cast creates
derogatory stereotypes
about Italian-Americans
x by Analise Altobelli
In case you’ve been living under a rock for the past two months, let
me catch you up on the latest television obsession: the MTV reality series
Jersey Shore.
Jersey Shore is about eight Italian strangers who lived in a house on
the Jersey Shore boardwalk during the summer of 2009.
DJ Pauly D, Mike aka “The Situation”, Ronnie, Vinny, Sammi
“Sweetheart”, Jenni “J-WOWW”, and the infamous Nicole “Snooki”,
grace our TVs every Thursday night (the eighth cast member, Angelina, was
forced to leave the show during the third episode after refusing to work).
Millions tune in just to watch these self-proclaimed “guidos” and “guidettes”
get into drunken fights and fist pump into the wee hours of the morning.
Everyone waited for the season to end just to watch the reunion where
Sammi and Ronnie end their “true love” romance and watched while Mike
“The Situation’s” ego grew as girls in the audience screamed for his six pack.
Every episode seemed to come with more viewers hooked on the drama of
the Shore. Not only has this show grown in popularity because of its catchy
one-liners, but the controversy over the depiction of Italian-Americans has
taken The Jersey Shore to new reality show heights.
This show has made “guido” a universal term. However, “guido”
and “guidette” are derogatory terms that are used to put down and classify
Italians as thugs with an overly macho attitude. Whether we’re quoting an
obnoxious cast mate or describing someone’s gelled hair as the essence of
a “guido,” this show is affecting how we see Italians.
For Italian-Americans, The Jersey Shore represents the stereotypes
Italians have spent years trying to overcome: the idea that they are poorly
educated, loud, obnoxious, and overly-responsive to every situation, wheth-
er that be through yelling a vicious insult or throwing a punch.
Even before this show started, viewers who believed it to be offensive
petitioned for The Jersey Shore to be cancelled. MTV has openly responded
to these complaints and stands by its position that the show is not meant
to stereotype or make fun of Italian-Americans in any way. However, the
scenes that MTV elects to air are replete with cursing and inappropriate
behavior. MTV should have known that this public scrutiny of The Jersey
Shore was inevitable; if any one ethnicity is filmed in a house, there is bound
to be disrespectful interpretations of that ethnicity.
So next season when you’re watching the The Jersey Shore and
laughing at the crass comments made by “The Situation”, just remember
that not all Italians spend their day tanning, going to the gym, and fist
pumping in clubs.

Teens feel the need to be followed, post useless information online

Constant Facebook, Twitter updates should be reserved for celebrities
by Domonique Hume
x & Cecil Roberson
From Twitter to Facebook, there
are many online outlets through which
people can vent their personal feelings
to others. But is this obsession with
revealing your most intimate secrets
therapeutic or unhealthy?
It’s unnecessary for an ordinary
person to post personal information on
Twitter. Twitter is a website for celebri-
ties and no one else. No one cares about
what an ordinary person has to say.
We are only interested in celebrities’
personal lives and gossip. This is the
21st century’s way of staying in touch
with all your favorite rockers and movie
stars. The days of fan-mail have long
since run their course.
What’s the point of saying, “I’m
eating?” Who cares? If we had Twitter
accounts we would use them to follow
our favorite celebs. You would never see
us following a classmate. That’s what
school is for.
Facebook, on the other hand, is
a website for you and your friends to
contact one another. It’s not to relive
all your daily triumphs and tribulations
and then broadcast them to the rest of
the free world. There’s nothing wrong
with saying, “I’m about to go to a John
Mayer concert.” That’s interesting to
people because it’s something they can
appreciate. Saying ,“My mom does not
understand me and I hate her,” well,
Facebook is not exactly the right forum
for that kind of confession. Yes, every
teenager can relate to those sentiments
but that is something that should remain
private and family matters are just that:
family matters.
What about the all too common
habit of people posting their relationship
woes online? Can you say “get a life?”
Why do people involve the rest of us in
their relationships? We don’t want to
know how Harry met Sally (unless of
course it’s really Meg Ryan and Billy
Crystal). Twitter is where we go to catch
up on celebrity gossip, not peer drama.
We want to know what casino Lady
Gaga goes to show her best poker face
or where Miley Cyrus goes to Party in
the USA.
B6 February 26, 2010 The Blake Beat

Blame it on parents: economy woes stifle students’ dreams
x by Samantha Steinfeld
Don’t be mad at Whether the most recent newspaper
them: they did you’ve opened was the New York Times or
the Milwaukee Daily, chances are you’ve seen
create this whole something about the recession: the topic that
snuck into our daily lives and conversations.
recession to spare And I’m here to tell you that this recession…
is a lie!
our feelings. But I first figured this out when I noticed
some peculiar patterns: my parents couldn’t af-
now that we’ve ford to help me become a professional actress,
but they could send me to an educational camp.
figured this out, They can’t afford to send me to a far-away, ex-
citing location for college, but they can afford
we should use it to the school that they can drop in for surprise
visits on the weekend.
our advantage. This recession was created by parents
everywhere who find themselves stuck in the
same dilemma over and over again: coming up
with an excuse not to have to do certain things Seems fine and reasonable, right?
that they don’t want to do because they’re
child is, well, less-than-talented. And I have
Wrong. Read between the lines. Are you sure
that the inability to afford to buy me a car has
to commend them: it’s brilliant. Do you cringe
at the thought of sitting through dance perfor-
nothing to do with the multiple accidents I’ve
caused and mailboxes I’ve hit while on my
mance after dance performance, watching your
hopelessly uncoordinated kid? Don’t want to
permit? Are you sure it has nothing to do with
the constant screams of terror and multiple
watch your son score endless goals at his soccer
games? Just pretend you can’t afford it!
life-flashing-before-your-eyes episodes that
occurred while I was behind the wheel, despite
For example, upon getting my license,
mother sat me down to have “the talk.” No, not
your assurance that I’m a great driver while in
the comfort of your immobile home?
that one. The recession talk. The, “I’m so happy
you [insert major accomplishment here], but
Don’t be mad at them: they did create
this whole recession to spare our feelings. But
unfortunately, the economy prevents us from
investing in [insert your soon-to-be-crushed
now that we’ve figured this out, we should use
it to our advantage. Being forced to go with
dream here]. You know how it is—[insert
something-really-unspecific-that-isn’t-really-
your parents to some stuffy family gathering?
Make the argument that more weight in the car
all-that-expensive here] are through the roof,
and we have house payments to make. I just
will cause it to go slower, and therefore, waste
gas and money. Get creative—the possibilities
don’t think it’s going to happen right now.” are endless.

Football stars, basketball legends favored over artists, singers, dancers

Non-athletic students have tougher time finding scholarship opportunities
x by Joey Fruth
During these difficult times,
a lot of people would appreciate
a $30,000 per year scholarship to
their dream colleges. But unless you
have immense athletic talent, that
kind of money is hard to come by.
Many high school sports stars
are being offered full-ride scholar-
ships based on their sporty prowess.
While there is no problem with this,
it may leave other students feeling
neglected. Not everyone is good at
sports, but that doesn’t mean these
students don’t have some sort of
exceptional skill in another area.
Some schools offer just as
many full-ride scholarships based
on academics. The University of
Maryland offers a full-ride called
the Banneker Key scholarship for
highly eligible students. While there
are a lot of these, this leaves out one
other area students may be excep-
tionally talented in – the arts.
Non-athletic students are eli-
gible for numerous, smaller scholar-
ships, as well as financial aid. But
it is still harder for them to receive
money, seeing as they have to ap-
ply for more scholarships, whereas
the athletes get full-rides. There are
exceptional actors in drama classes
and school productions, incred-
ible singers in high school chorus
classes, and inspirational artists in
elective art courses all across the
country. And while some of these
people get the money they deserve,
sports talent seems to be favored
over these things.
Some athletes are offered
full-ride scholarships from schools
they haven’t even applied to yet.
Yes, an amazing football star can
be worthy of one of these hard-to-
come-by scholarships, but there
are other students in more creative
areas that deserve this money just
as much.
Here’s a reasonable solution:
realistically, colleges don’t have
enough money to hand out a lot
of full-ride scholarships based on
any talent. So instead of playing
favorites, maybe they should bal-
ance it out and give portions of the
money to people that deserve it.
I’ve seen people at this school act-
ing in stage productions or creating
breath-taking works of art that are
placed in the hallways. These artists
deserve scholarships as much as any
spectacular athlete.

There are other students in more creative areas that deserve this money just as much.
The Blake Beat February 26, 2010 B7

After blizzard, senior gives suggestions for snowed-in fun

x by Stephen Kae
During the blizzard of 2010, many of us felt blindsided
and unprepared for this natural disaster, which was probably
caused by too many kids doing snow dances and wearing their
pajamas backwards. But for those of you who survived, I bring
advice.
Always make just-in-case plans with your friends when-
ever you hear the phrases “snow storm” and “school cancelled” in
the same sentence; it never hurts to be prepared. But at the same
time, try not to get your hopes up no matter how much it’s snow-
ing outside—you don’t want to end up bitterly disappointed.
The stand-by sledding, snowball fights, and building
snowmen are always fun, but you can only stay outside for so
long. Plus, as I learned from this recent blizzard, it’s pretty hard
to go sledding when you can’t see the lower portion of your
body. When you have to stay inside, try hanging out with fam-
ily and watching movies. And if you’re the type of person who
isn’t very social with his or her family, at least you don’t have
to talk during movies.
For those of you who are low on cash and have some
winter calories to burn, offer to shovel your neighbors’ driveways
for a nominal fee. Don’t push your luck in the money. Then
again, if it snows an insane amount again, you might be able to
get away with hustling your clients.
When you feel like doing something productive, try
cleaning out the junk in your closet, garage, under your bed, or
maybe just your whole entire room. Don’t forget to blast some
jams to assist the boring hours pass smoothly. After the deed is
done you won’t have to worry about your parents nagging about
cleaning...well, for a while, at least.
If worse comes to worst and you’re snowed in with no
electricity, get the candles, flashlights, lanterns, and do some
puzzles or play some board games (my favorite is Monopoly).
If you are missing these extraordinary tools to fight cabin fever,
then sorry, you’re a goner.

Once glitzy, glamorous Grammys turn into wacky, wild whammy

Disasterous duos, grotesque get-ups hit wrong note with hopeful music lovers
by Miles Johnson
x & Caroline Pledger
From the glamorous entrance on the
red carpet to the star-studded awards and
performances, the Grammys are a night of
celebration for American music.
However, instead of the enchanting
and thrilling atmosphere viewers have come
to love, the show this year was just tacky
and bizarre.
Now the first impression one gets of
the night is how beautiful and flawless the
stars look on their way into the venue and
how excited they seem while answering vari-
ous interviewers’ questions so the folks at
home will feel jazzed too. But we started to
cover our eyes while watching this segment
as one after another stars arrived in ill-fitting,
tasteless wacky get-ups.
We already expected Lady Gaga to
show up as a piece of art, but we were actu-
ally disappointed that she managed to wear
a dress that was only one color and not wear
anything fun on her face or in her hair. In-
stead she distracted from that face of hers by
holding some sort of big icy ornament that
looks as though she stole it from the top of
an abandoned Christmas tree.
Things just got worse from there as
everyone decided they were going to try
to out do Lady Gaga. Adam Lambert wore
something that looked like a sequined mata-
dor costume. Nadeaa, an artist we’ve never
even heard of, decided to wear something so
short and revealing that she had to be cen-
sored. And Brittany Spears wore some sort
of black lace lingerie type leotard that could
only be deemed appropriate for a stripper’s
funeral, NOT the Grammys.
As if we had not already heard enough
about Lady Gaga during the pre-show, we
also got to see her open the show with a
performance featuring Elton John. If you had
your eyes closed it was a great performance,
the singing and the piano playing was on
point but the moment you opened your eyes
and saw the factory like set pieces, the ring-
leader and Elton John in Gaga sunglasses,
the integrity of the act was lost.
Following Gaga was a mess of perfor-
mances including the likes of Taylor Swift
and Stevie Nicks. Now we have always
admired Stevie Nicks but this was not her
best performance especially since she is such
a legend and yet was overshadowed by her
teen counterpart in the duet who’s soaring in
popularity for the moment.
But the most memorable act, and we
cannot even decide if it was astonishing
or horrifying, was P!nk’s performance. It
was an aquatic mixture of deep emotions
and Cirque de Soleil set pieces that literally
poured right out of her soul and the ribbon
holding her up in the air on stage.
Really, what we’re trying to say is that
as bizarre as it was, the Grammys were at
least entertaining this year.

Viewers can’t stop watching Secret Life despite increasingly bad plot
Teen finds guilty pleasure in ABC Family’s unrealistic high-school drama
ma. Don’t let the title of the show same place at the same time in and acts like she’s the only per- on the contrary, is in a relationship
x by Rachel Babcock fool you: there are no secrets at between the class bells. I wish son with problems. Grace, on the with a girl who lives in Bologna,
Every Monday night, teen- all. Everyone knows everything my class bells were ten minutes other hand, believes her father’s Italy. Now that’s a functional rela-
agers with no life tune into the about each other’s lives, which apart. It’s like they have bionic death was collateral damage for tionship. And Jack, the strangest,
most ridiculous show on ABC just adds to the exaggerated chaos hearing, because as soon as one having sexual relations with her has just one thing on his mind
family, The Secret Life of the of the show. starts gossiping, they all jump boyfriend. And Adrian, she’s every episode. I think we all know
American Teenager. But don’t The plot is all over the the scene. simply a hussy. what that is.
bury your head yet… I’m just as place- from all of the parents The characters are as un- The boys of the show have After all this, however, I
guilty as you. For some reason, sleeping with each other to a realistic as the storylines. Amy, major issues as well. Ricky, the love this show so much. I will
we still watch it week after week school counselor sexually harass- the teenage mother, fools us all. baby daddy, lives in his own apart- continue to watch it every Mon-
to see what happens next in this ing a student. Too much happens If you don’t watch the show, you ment. He’s a full blown adult! He day and if you are a closet lover,
outrageous teen drama. in one school day to make the are under the impression that she has an apartment, a job, he’s a don’t be. Stand up and admit that
The show revolves around show at all believable. And it’s is struggling to raise her child. father (a good one at that), and a you love The Secret Life of the
unrealistic teenage and adult dra- so funny how they all are in the You are mistaken. She’s selfish full time student! Go Ricky! Ben American Teenager.
B8 February 26, 2010 The Blake Beat

The James Hubert Blake administration, faculty & staff congratulate

these students on making the Second Quarter Honor Roll:
9TH GRADE Olivia Park Ramanda Graham DANIEL ARIAS Matthew Rankin Mary Gillis
CHRISTIAN ABELL Calvin Perry Fabiola Gramajo Nicholas Arnold-Medabal ALEXANDER RAUL Megan Glixon
Valeria Acevedo Mariuxi Pintado Lucy Harrelson SARAH AYLOR Cory Reyes Sean Gobourne
Phrasaengd Adhatamsoontra Vijay Raju Bradley Harrison Julia Baker Naomi Richardson Ryan Goodman
Kwame Asante PRADIP RAMAMURTI Marvin Hart IV Spenser Balog Renatta Rickford Chelsea Gracyalny
Angela Bair Teresse Rehwoldt Heather Heim Sadia Bangura Steven Rodriguez Jane Grenaldo
India Banks Rosa Reyes Marcel Hofmann LAUREN BARLOW H Clay Rorie Alexandra Guillen
Caio Bastos Ryan Reynolds David Hylton Isabela Barriga Ariel Schwartz Angel Gutierrez
Kayla Beard CHRISTINE RICCIARDI LUCAS IRVIN Ashley Barteck Emma Semanyk Gabrielle Hall
JENNA BEERS Patrick Richard Rachel Jaffe Joyce Bartlett Isak Shah Sarah Harrison
John Beers Andrew Riedel Christian Jeong Darryle Bennett Max Shannon Max Hedgepeth
KATHERINE BLACKFORD Isabel Rodriguez Devon Johnson Julia Boland MARIEL SHILLING Elizabeth Hellman
Nicholas Breen CHELSEA RYAN Michael Joiner Braden Bond Cassandra Smith Jorge Herrera
Graylyn Broadnax Hassanatu Savage ASHLEY JUDAH Maria Bonilla-Hercul Keonna Smith Sasha Herrera
Michelle Brooks Laura Savary Rebecca Kalinich Mia Browne Stella Song Isaac Hirsch
Madison Bruffy Rebecca Schwartz ROBERT KORYCINSKI JORDAN CALLAHAN Gillian Spolarich TIMOTHY HO
THAIS CALDERON Susan Shelton-Der KEVIN LAM Shaina Callahan Spencer Sterling Todd Holbert
Cory Camp Min Shim Melina Latona Taylor Callwood Alexis Thweatt Jadon Holloman
Samantha Carpenter Stefan Sigwalt Zoey Lee Maya Campbell Jamie Tran Lauren Hubbard
Olivia Castro Laura Smethurst Adele Leishman Jayson Carter Serge Tzeuton JULIE HULEIS
Gregory Chaimson Anna Steinfeld IRENE LEMBEROS Kiarra Ceasar Akaninyene Umo Thomas Irish
Kevin Cheung Sarah Sterling Peyton Leonard Christie Chambers Victoria Vahlear JI WOO JANG
Michael Chheang Jasmine Stevenson Sarah Lipkowitz Jeremy Chen Sophia Venero Jennifer Jara
Nyima Chodon Julia Stewart MATTHEW LIPSHULTZ Cynthia Cheng SHANNON WADE Rebecca Joiner
Ryan Choe Kelly Stock Eugene Litman Maia Chicherio Jasmine Walker Safa Karzai
Hoyoung Choi Jean Suazo COLLEEN LIVINGSTONE Git-Yee Chu Alex Wells IV JOHN KIM
Lindsey Comer JANINE TAIRA Jenny Lon Joseph Crews William White Kara Korab
NICHOLAS CORSILLO Lucas Tax Monika Looney DELANEY CRUICKSHANK ERIC WILEY Patrick Lee
Lydia Curdts Emily Tchai Julie Lopatka Ravi Dadlani Kira Williams Kellian Lehman
Priya Dadlani Emily Tempchin Brianna Lopez Shelby Davis Patrick Xiao Priscila Lemos
NICHOLAS DAVIS Sopheak Ung Stephanie Luk Somala Diby HYO YANG ZOE LIGON
Julia Dennis Denise Venero Leslie Mata Leanna Diggs Jung Yang Erik Lodge
Assoumou Diby Natasha Virjee Meredith Mathis Christiane Djoum Alexandra Zaika Lourdes Lopez
Alison Dionne Wanjiru Waithaka Courtney McKenna Portia Egwim Justina Lumor
Albert Djoum Helena Waks Conner McMurray Kathleen Faisca Saraiya Lundy
Julia Doh RUSSELL WANKE MELISSA MCNABB Ryan Frazier Kaylene Lyons
McKenzie Dreher CAROLINE WANNEN Charis McNamara Kelley Frese Maya Mandaiker
Emily Eaglin Deneen Watson MacKenzie Meyer DELILAH GATES 12TH GRADE Ashley Martin
Darien Ellis Natalie Wiggins Julie Mitchell Sylvester Gates BRONTE ABELL Xavier Mauprivez
Monica Eng Kielan Wilcomb Tara Mitchell Samuel Glatt Yonit Addissie Raquel McKenna
Matthew Forsythe Kionna Wiley Danielle Moore Jerald Gomes ANGEL AGUILAR COLLEEN MCMULLEN
Aryn Frazier Bryan Wilkerson Arianna Morrell RAINIER GOMEZ Josue Aguiluz Sean McNamara
Connor Gaffney Karissa Wong Juan Moscoso Amy Gottlieb Oluwaseun Ajayi Frances Melgar
Da’Quan Givens-Coley RACHEL WOO Mihir Nakrani Nakea Green Justine Allen Hana Menassie
Corey Glocker Francisco Zamora-Valle Tayler Nine Gordon Gregg Amber Alston Christina Mensh
Derek Glocker Karim Zarhloul Lauren Paniati Kelly Hanlon Analise Altobelli Nicole Michur
Gina Gomes Seong Park BRIDGET HAWVERMALE THOMASINA ANANE CAITLIN MITCHELL
Daniel Gonzales Jonathan Parks Brandon Hedley Rachel Appel Genesis Morales
Chante Goodger Leah Patterson Blaire Hoffman ARGNARAMON ASSIE Gloria Nhan
ERIC GOTTLIEB Antonella Perez Ferrero Lily Hua ALEXANDRA AUGUST Alexa Norberg
Jose Granados 10TH GRADE Jessica Perla Nicholas Hung Nia Banks Sara Nuttle
Anjelica Grant MOHAMMED ABBAS Angela Pinchinat DYLAN HYSEN Robert Bennett Joachim Ogodi
Candace Grant Henry Adjah-Provenca Grace Plihal Terriza Jefferies Alex Blocker Timothy Ostermeyer
PAUL GREGG Francisca Agbodzah Sarah Prather Miles Johnson Miriam Boussouf Grace Oxley
Emily Greitzer Nicole Alexander Matthew Present Donzell Johnson Jr. Grant Bradshaw Macy Passawe
Anna Haley Daniel Anduray Zachary Radov Musu Kawusu-Kebbay Holland Broadus Kayla Pearson
Kellen Healy DERICK ANSAH Andrea Ramirez Zachary Kaye Jeffrey Brumfield Kirsten Petersen
Vivian Henderson Henry Aparicio Tai Ramsey Joshua Kenes MEGAN BUONOMO Marie-Estelle Pham
Azalia Hernandez Isaac Appel Alexandra Reeves Damon King Adrienne Bush Leslie Phelps
RACHEL HEWITT Abdoul Bah Brooke Rehman Peace Kish NIKKI CALI Daniel Pistolessi
Tramanh Hoang Brian Battaglia Elizabeth Ann Reyes AIMEE KOHORST Bethany Callahan RACHEL PLAFKER
OLIVIA HUBBARD DANIELLE BLOCKER Loren Riesenfeld Corinne Konoza CHRISTINE CALLAHAN Irene Polyzos
Samantha Ignacio ANTHONY BUI Jahmila Roberts Brandon Krixer Julia Campbell Nicole Pontious
Samuel Jaffe Nicole Byrd Maryangel Rodriguez Zakaria Ismail Kronemer Carina Cannon Darryl Prather
Zachary Johnson Selena Castillo GHULAM SALLAM Sara Kushner HALEY CARPENTER William Prindle
Irene Jones MAN CHAN Matthew Siegel Daniel Lee KATHERINE CARRICO Jacqueline Revolorio
Kendred Jones Joshua Chang Andrew Simmons Kevin Lee Jordan Chacon Leah Rich
Melania Karmazyn Victor Chau Nicholas Tatnall Jennifer Lien Emily Cheung CHRISTOPHER RILEY
Hannah Kenney Charles Cheng Megan Taylor Julia Maas Adrianne Chiaravallotti Cecil Roberson
Hamza Khan-Tareen Hiu Chiu Kalkidan Tesfahun Edward Madden Danny Ching ZAHUR SALLMAN
Barzillai Kim Mark Cirincione Kimberly Toxie Austin Malner Cynthia Chow Joseph Samowitz
Rute Kiros Molly Cohen Savannah Tryens-Fernand Emily Matos Kirstyn Clark Devonte Sayas-Drake
Michael Kister Miya Cook Samara Tu Monica Mbuia-Joao Dawn Clarke SYDNEY SELDEN IV
Ava Koufos Gabriela Cordoba Nicole Tuttle Matthew McGugan Kyle Clemmer Sharisa Sesawaeng
Cecilia Kwakye Courtney Cristaldi Jean-Claude Tzeuton Tara McIntyre Bryndon Cook Juliana Sesay
Terrance Lagrue Bethany Crump Karen Vanegas Joshua Medina Kristin Corcoran George Shaw
Ashlin Lee Giancarlo Curzi Tracey Velazquez Brooke Mellish Marcelina Cordoba Trevor Skibine
Dae Kyu Lee PHUC DANG Cadijah Walcott Joseph Morstein Ulises Cordova Chavez Samantha Steinfeld
Westin Lee Brandon Davis Alexis Wallace Nicholas Mugge Keary Cristaldi EMILY STEVENS
Sara Lettieri Savannah Doane-Malotte Yasmin Wamala Jade Myers Thomas Cunningham Cindy Tan
Jourdan Lewanda Christian Domaas Erica Wang Amber Newman Sofia Curzi Margaret Thomas
Blaine Lowry Marciana Esteves Zhichen Wang QUYNH-NHU NGUYEN Ashley Dakins Dezmine Thompson
Cindy Luu Kathryn Evans BRANDON WEBER Georgiette Oduro Boateng Jazmine Dandridge Tu Truong
Eli Marsh MARY FERNANDES Jeffrey Welder Kemi Olowoofayoku Nicolette Dehi Jerin Valliath
Catherin Mata Hayley Fixler Rebecca Wellman Leena Owen Ramatullah Deme JOHN VERNON
Mayia McKenzie Angelique Fleming Jenna Williams Kim Palmer Lauren Deshler Drew Virgil
Mekayla Mekara LANE FLYNN Larisha Winley Jeongyeon Park Rebecca Doane Suzanne Walls
Cianna Miller Linus Francis Leisha Winley Joshua Paunil Sharne Donley CHRISTINE WEITHMAN
Yvette Mingia Amanda Freeman Ellen Wood Matias Perez Ferrero Anthony Donnay-Wood Jr. Christina Wilbur
Andy Morales Kristen Frese Rhea Wyse Heather Phillips Merissa Dyer Claresa Williams
Matthew Nee Kathryn Fuchs Jessica Pinchinat MARIA ESCOBAR Nicole Wilson
Yonata Negatu NEVA GAKAVIAN Caroline Pledger Robert Flynn Deena Winley
MICHELLE NGUYEN Katie Garcia Eric Poloway Jonathan Frame Kaitlyn Wright
Ibrahim Nhabay Valentina Garcia SONIA POLYZOS Susan Frimpong Kevan Yang
Brenna Noone Jacob Gill 11TH GRADE LINDA POWERS Joseph Fruth Timothy Yee
Adefolarin Orimolade HAYLEY GLANTZ ALEXANDRA ABELL Rohan Raju Elise Gifford Caroline Zebrowski
Andrea Ortiz Jacob Gordon Morgan Aguilar John Ramirez Brittany Giganti Ting-Ting Zheng

Names in all caps indicate Straight A’s

Senior receives scholarship worth over $100,000 to University of Wisconsin, p. C6

Section C Blake Beat Features February 26, 2010

From left, tripets Robert, Roman and Romello Borris stand side-by-side to show in a few years, the Borris brothers are just like any set of siblings, and are often
some brotherly love. Although they are first set of triplets to walk Blake’s hallways mistaken for being a group of best friends. -- photo by Sharisa Sesawaeng

1 Borris, 2 Borris, Red Borris, Blue Borris...3 Borris bros?

Blake’s own triplets roam halls, no longer sporting matching threads
x by Kirsten Petersen & Juliana Sesay
When Robert, Roman, and Romello walk in the
hallway together, they’re often mistaken for being
simply best friends. Not only do they share a love
for Redskins football, but also a mother, father, and a
house…yes, they’re brothers.
Triplets, actually.
Freshmen Robert, Roman, and Romello Borris are
the first set of triplets at Blake since Alumni Thomas,
Kelly, and Daniel Whall graduated in 2007. Though as
children they appeared to be your quintessential triplets,
in reality they’re just like any set of brothers. “We all
have common interests and we think similar[ly],” says
Roman. “The only differences we have are our person-
alities and small things we enjoy to do by ourselves.”
Until middle school, the Borris brothers were
dressed identically, using their matching outfits to find
each other and stay close. “When we were little,” says
Roman, “we would stay together and we used to get
angry when we were separated.” Once they tossed aside
the identical ensembles, they began to branch out and
make new friends.
Robert, though the oldest, often considers him-
self the least outgoing. “I’m shy when I’m put on the
spot,” he says.
The third child, Romello, feels that he is also
introverted. “I’m shy,” he says, “but after a while I’m
as cool as the average person.”
As the middle child, Roman is usually mistaken
to be the oldest because he is more outspoken. Robert
adds, “Sometimes Roman acts like the oldest, but I do
have my moments.”
Roman says, “Our personalities are very different
from each other, so when we do activities together, we
try to make compromises.”
They have always stood by each other when a
brother was in trouble, even if it meant fist-fighting;
the boys admit to getting suspended a few times. Says
Roman, “We would play around with each other and
say ‘I don’t know you,’ but not for real. We are too
close to each other.”
Despite their differences, and thanks to their
similarities, the brothers feel a connection that runs
deeper than you might think. “Being a triplet isn’t
any different from having siblings,” says Roman, “we
don’t usually say ‘that’s my triplet,’ we say, ‘that’s
my brother.’”

Will the Gecko save you? Will you really be in Allstate’s good hands?
Students more cautious on road after scary experiences behind wheel
by Somala Diby
x & Gillian Spolarich
Frozen in the driver’s seat, your
jaw hanging open; you sit in disbelief
and hope that this is all a bad dream and
that your parents will not really have to
see your dangling rear fender. This mo-
ment is all too real for many young driv-
ers today, and it happens in seconds.
Senior Kristin Corcoran can attest
to the car-accident experience. At Blair
High School in May 2009 while on her
way to take the SAT, Corcoran slammed
her mom’s 2002 Honda Accord into a
tree when she accidentally floored the
gas pedal instead of the brake pedal.
“It was definitely the most embarrass-
ing moment of my life because a lot
of people I knew were around,” says
Corcoran.
Surrounded by spectators, Cor-
coran’s first impulse was to call her
parents to tell them what had happened
and obtain insurance information. “I
remember thinking, ‘What am I going to
tell my parents? They’re going to be so
mad at me when they see what I did,’”
says Corcoran. Fortunately, she walked
away unscathed, retained full driving
privileges, and did not have to pay for
anything; State Farm Insurance covered
the damage done to the whole front of the
car and the left side near the wheel.
A car accident in late November
left senior Mike Steffes’s Chevrolet s10
Blazer totaled. A man hit the passenger
side of Steffes’s car after running a red
light. The impact caused his car to 180,
resulting in a collision with another car.
Says Steffes, “It was the scariest thing
that has ever happened to me.”
Although the damages were cov-
ered by Allstate Insurance, the accident
left his car windowless and his axle
completely bent in the wrong direc-
tion.
Junior Anna Hinden was recently
involved in two car accidents, one when
she was not in the car and one when she
was driving.
The first accident occurred No-
vember 18 when a senior hit Hinden’s
silver Lexus backing out of the parking
lot. Thankfully, there were no passen-
gers in the Lexus and the senior came
out untouched in the other car. Says
Hinden, “All I could think of was what
my dad was gonna say [because he]
had just bought me the car one month
earlier.”
Two days after the incident in the
parking lot, Hinden hit a car driving
home after cheerleading practice at an
intersection. Says Hinden, “I cried. I
was really scared for a few minutes.”
Although Hinden feels safe while
driving, she says, “There are always
dangers on the road and in the parking
lot, but you have to do everything in
your power to keep yourself and the
other people safe.”
C2 February 26, 2010 The Blake Beat

Upperclassmen hold different views on morning routines

Sleeping in, showering, catching up on the world, all in one morning
by Analise Altobelli
x & Sean McNamara
During the harshest months of winter, it can be
very difficult to pull yourself out of bed. And for many
Blake students, waking up is half the battle.
With senioritis already in effect, it is a surprise that
seniors wake up on time to come to school. Says senior
Zoe Ligon, “I usually wake up at 6:30, but I’ll wake up
at 6:15 if I’m actually trying to look decent that day.” For
Ligon, gathering her daily items such as clothes for dance
and Poms practice adds to her morning routine.
Senior Tommy Gorman’s morning begins around
6:05 when his alarm sounds and he makes his way to the
shower. Unlike most students, Gorman heads back to sleep
after his shower, getting as much shut-eye as possible. Gor-
man says, “[The] commute to school plays only a small
factor because it’s only five to ten minutes [of] driving.”
Junior Lucas Frangou manages to pull himself out of
bed at 6am every morning. For him, 6am is not a deadline
When my body wants to wake
up, it wakes up, unless it’s
forced to...from someone else.
Sophomore Michael Joiner
to meet the bus, Frangou says, “Commute isn’t really a
problem for me, 6am is just a comfortable time for me
to get up.” His wake-up procedure consists of shaving,
showering, combing his hair and heading for school.
Morning news is a daily part of junior Nick Mau-
privez’s morning. After waking up at 6:30am he takes
a shower, gets dressed and catches up on world events.
Mauprivez says, “Meeting the bus affects my schedule,
[so] I leave my house around 7am so I can get to school
around 7:15am.”
Junior Vanessa Corona gets an earlier start to her day
by waking up anywhere from 5:25-5:35am. Corona factors
in a morning shower and a quick breakfast before heading
out the door for her long drive to school. Says Corona,
“Considering the fact that I live in Rockville it takes me
longer to go to school…it’s about a 35 minute drive in the
morning because of the morning traffic.”
Upperclassmen who are able to drive themselves
to school have commute problems of their own. Driving
to school is made difficult by the overly crowded roads
and stalling traffic lights. “My commute to school plays a
large factor in the time I wake up for school,” says junior
Brooke Mellish. The benefits of driving to school, however,
often outweigh the traffic concerns. “Now that I don’t have
to take the bus to school,” Mellish adds, “I don’t need to
wake up as early because it only takes me 15 minutes to
get to school.”
For some students, physically getting out of bed is a
task on its own. “I don’t really wake up until about 6:20 and
then normally fall back asleep,” says sophomore Michael
Joiner. “When my body wants to wake up, it wakes up,
unless it’s forced to wake up from someone else.”

From hallways to lecture halls, alumni reflect on campus adventures

x by Emily Stevens
With our busy schedules,
Old Bengals return home to give helpful
the last thing on most teenagers’
minds is moving on to college.
tips to starry-eyed college-bound students
But as our amount of time at
Blake slowly shrinks, we are all
starting to wonder: what lies be-
yond high school?
Many 2009 graduates have
found that being a college fresh-
man is a life-altering experience.
“I’ve had to become more studi-
ous, organized and responsible,”
says alumnus Ian Nyanin. Because
of the transition from living with
your parents to living on your own
and the start of a new educational
program, many find that the first
semester of college is as challeng-
ing as it is exciting.
College brings not only the
opportunity for deepening your
education, but also for learning life
lessons and having priceless expe-
riences. “College social situations
allow you to discover the type of
people you want to be surrounded
by,” says alumna Elynsey Price.
The balance of work, play,
and everyday routine is something
that college freshmen have to work
hard to master. “In college there is
always something going on, but
it’s important not to try and do ev-
erything,” says alumnus Brendan
Lipton. Although being involved
has its advantages, so does setting
apart time for sleep and rest. on friends or [romances],” says
Looking back, college fresh-
men each have had their own
personal issues to deal with and
overcome. “I love being indepen-
dent and having more control over
my life, but it can be daunting,”
says Nyanin. “[Sometimes] all I
really want is my own bed.” De-
spite the occasional homesickness,
going away to school definitely has
potential to be enjoyable.
The vote for the best col-
lege-picking method is unanimous
among 2009 alumni: choose the
school that is best for you person-
ally. “Don’t choose a college based
College is
everything
Lipton. College newbies have
discovered that it is important to I hoped
feel at home while on campus.
“Go to a school that you truly it would
feel like you can be yourself at,”
adds Price. be and
All in all, the first semester
of college has been scary, fun, everything
overwhelming and a little bit
odd for most 2009 alumni. Adds I didn’t
Nyanin, “College is everything I
hoped it would be and everything expect it
I didn’t expect it [to] be.” Soak
up high school while you can, [to] be.
because before you know it, you
could be facing the strange new IAN
world of college. NYANIN

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to say?
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The Blake Beat February 26, 2010 C3
Call me, beep me, if
you wanna reach me
BlackBerry takes over
by Storm, remains Bold,
adds Curve to technology
x by Merissa Dyer
Curves, Bolds, Tours and Storms – the names are foreign
to those living out of touch, but not to the 21 million people
using BlackBerry Smartphones globally. Although its first
Smartphone, introduced well over eight years ago, targeted
the corporate crowd, the BlackBerry is getting a demographic
makeover as it becomes more popular among teens and young
adults.
“I love that there’s so much you can do on it,” says
senior Keary Cristaldi, who has been using her BlackBerry
Curve for a little under a year. One of the most convenient
features is BBM. For anyone who has heard the term thrown
around and felt excluded from the club, BBM is an acronym
for BlackBerry Messenger, an application that allows global
user-to-user instant messaging in real-time. She adds, “It’s just
so much easier and quicker. I think it’s cool that you can see
exactly when someone has read your message and is typing
theirs.”
What improved the Blackberry’s attractiveness? Senior
and Blackberry Curve owner Brenda Flores credits the rich
and the famous. “The influence of celebrity culture is nothing
new,” she says. “Like many trends that have come and gone
through the years, they’ve started with celebrities. The Black-
Berry is no exception.” This is true, considering paparazzi
photos and websites like CelebrityBlackBerrySightings.com
seem to always catch stars and their beloved Smartphones
attached at the hip.
Says junior Serge Tzeuton, “They’ve become more
popular because of the easy messaging capability and just the
fact that Blackberrys have a ‘high-class’ status.” He adds, “I
love the apps most because it’s much more convenient than
going to my computer.”
However, not all find the BlackBerry experience as
seamless. “There’s a lot of apps like Twitter and Facebook
that make networking more convenient,” adds Cristaldi, “but
[BlackBerrys] are not very reliable. In under a year, I’ve gone
through three and they’re really expensive to replace.”
Despite the other Smartphones on the market, one
senior considers the BlackBerry superior over its contend-
ers. “I would definitely recommend the BlackBerry over
the iPhone,” says senior Ashley Martin, who has owned the
BlackBerry Bold for over a year. “The 3G experience is one
of a kind and I can get easy access to the internet.”
With 50 million plus devices sold last year, one thing Senior Brenda Flores smiles as she shows off her than just make calls and text-she can go online, watch
is for sure – the Blackberry is here to stay. Blackberry Curve. The phone allows her to do more videos, and listen to music. --photo by Tu Truong

Students make New Year’s resolutions to start scholastic execution

Failure to succeed in past prompts peers to achieve academically
by Nicholas Hung
x & Chris Jaeger
For many, the New Year
means new habits. The chal-
lenge is actually sticking to
those habits and living up to our
word. Whether your resolutions
require short term or long term
changes, it is always difficult to
follow through.
Junior Patrick Xiao’s reso-
lution this year was to get more
sleep. But he broke it the first day
of January. Says Xiao, “I [went
to bed] at 3 because there were a
lot of good TV shows on.” From
entertainment to schoolwork,
there is always something pre-
venting resolutions from being
met. “I’ve been so focused on
school,” adds Xiao, which also
causes him to stay up late.
Students will sometimes
make resolutions to help keep
them in a steady work habit for
school. Junior Cynthia Cheng
made a resolution not to pro-
crastinate, but has reverted back
to the habit. “I thought this was
going to be an easy resolution,”
says Cheng. “I guess it’s easier
said than done.”
Resolutions can also be
made for a personal benefit of
health. Junior Heather Fitzger-
ald made the resolution to eat
healthy and try to stay fit. Says
Fitzgerald, “It was easy to do
the first week, but then I found
myself slipping back into my
old routines.” Fitzgerald has
attempted to start her resolution
again and has not given up.
Fitzgerald also made a
resolution to just do better in
school overall, and has lived
up to her claim. “I didn’t do my
homework as often as I should
have,” adds Fitzgerald. She has
turned in her homework on time
and often and is seeing the re-
sults of her newfound habit.
Resolutions are not al-
ways a bust and can be suc-
cessful. Freshman Michael
Chheang has yet to fail his
resolution of not procrastinat-
ing. Says Chheang, “[Before] I
consistently procrastinated on
English projects.” Chheang has
used methods like writing down
assignments in his planner to
stay organized.
Whether it is for a personal
gain, better health, or a better
work ethic, resolutions can be
difficult to accomplish for more
than a week, a few days, or, in
some cases, a few hours. How-
ever, it is not impossible, and
with perseverance and determi-
nation, following through with
resolutions can have a positive
impact on anyone’s life.

Disney more than just fleeting childhood phase for one freshman
Phillips never sad when thinking about the happiest place on Earth
x by Megan Bush
It seems like most teens these
days have similar interests: boys indulge
themselves in sports and video games,
and girls spend their free time acquainting
themselves with the latest fashion trends.
But freshman Wallace Phillips is different:
his love for all things Disney occupies most
of his time.
Phillips’ affection for Disney
stems from his father, who worked as an
animator to create the 1982 movie, Tron.
It was through his father that Phillips was
originally introduced to the beauty and won-
der of the films. Adds Phillips, “Throughout
the years Disney has been my life.”
This freshman’s interest started to
become intense in the first grade, when he
had an obsession with Peter Pan. “I really
loved the concept of adventures,” says Phil-
lips, “and I liked to imagine that I would
stay young forever, just like Peter Pan.”
Later on, as his interest grew, he began to
enjoy Disney fairy tales, such as Cinderella,
Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid,
and Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.
Not only does Phillips enjoy Dis-
ney movies, he also knows much of the
company’s history. Phillips has gained his
Disney knowledge through reading books
on its history, visiting Walt Disney World
in Orlando, Florida, and visiting the official
online community for Disney fans, D23.
com. “I once wrote the names of every
Disney Animated Film from 1 to 49 just
because I was bored,” he says.
Even though he can practically an-
swer any Disney question that is thrown at
him, he still wants to learn more about the
entertainment company. “I haven’t been to
Burbank, California, where Disneyland is,
which is also where the Walt Disney Ani-
mation studios is and where Walt Disney
and his brother Roy Disney founded their
studio…in 1923, and I would really like to
visit,” Phillips says.
Even though he loves the movies so
much, Phillips does not enjoy the Disney
channel on television. “It’s really lame” he
says, “the old shows were good, but the new
ones are horrible.”
As for Phillips’ goals in life, he
would like to become an animator just like
his dad. “I will create new characters for
Disney’s newest animated films, and I hope
that Disney will go back to hand- drawn
animation…because hand- drawn anima-
tion is the animation that we love and it is
the animation the animators started with,”
he says.
Throughout the
years, Disney
has been my
life.
Wallace Phillips
C6 February 26, 2010 The Blake Beat

Nominated senior receives four-year full-tuition scholarship

Chacon chosen from among 1,000 high schoolers
x by Suzanne Walls
Recently, over 1,000 high school
seniors in Montgomery County Public
Schools were nominated to earn a four-
year, full-tuition scholarship worth over
$100,000, which was sponsored by the
Posse Foundation. The 12 most highly
qualified applicants won out of the 25
finalists.
Senior Jordan Chacon is among
the 12 students chosen to receive this
prestigious scholarship. She plans to use
it towards her first choice school, the
University of Wisconsin-Madison. Says
Chacon, “Out of the six schools Posse
offered [scholarships to], UW-Madison
Jordan Chacon had all the things I wanted.”
On the night Chacon received the
call from Posse she says she, “started
crying with no control, repeatedly say-
ing ‘thank you’. It was the best feeling
I’ve ever felt in my life.”
College Career counselor Kathy
Moore informed Chacon of the schol-
arship and encouraged her to apply. “I
decided to research the foundation and
its purpose,” says Chacon. “I found that
it’s a great program with a fantastic
mission.”
Considering that Chacon’s family
has suffered financially, she says, “I feel
grateful and blessed to receive such a
tremendous gift that couldn’t have come
at the most opportune time.”
To receive the scholarship, the
applicants needed to be DC metro
residents and had to have demonstrated
superior academic performance. Posse
seeks out individuals who are both
strong students and leaders in their
community.
For Chacon, earning the scholar-
ship did not come easy. “The applica-
tion process was very challenging,
considering that I only had two weeks
to complete it,” adds Chacon. “I had to
prepare myself for [three] interviews,
all of which were different, crazy, and
challenging.”
Adds Chacon, “This scholarship
has given me the opportunity to succeed
to my utmost possibility…It’s the best
feeling in the world!”

Formula for perfect SAT score: prep classes, no fear, plenty of sleep
These tips will put you on the fast course to 2400; buckle up, get ready
by Nicolette Dehi
x & Isak Shah
2400 points is quite a lot,
and the 200 you recieve for writ-
ing your name are all you are
guaranteed; it would be surpris-
ing if you weren’t worried about
the SAT’s. These tips will put you
right where you need to be on the
path to success - worry free.
Tip Number One: Enroll
yourself in some sort of prep
class, or get a one-on-one tutor.
A rigorous environment
will help you no matter how
much you think you can get
done alone.
A local company, like
StudyWorks, that offers makeup
sessions, comes with a prep book
of its own, and offers courses to
get ready for the SAT and ACT.
They also feature private tutor
sessions and online classes.
There are 4 basic levels
of instruction: “Express” for
rush reviewers, “Standard” for
a normal class, “Genius”, which
is specifically for those that al-
ready score 600 and up on each
section, and “Security” for those
of us that want insurance of a
perfect score. Says English re-
source teacher Joseph Caulfield,
“It familiarizes [you] with test
format, and prepares [you] with
specialized skills.”
Tip Number Two: Take
the mock SAT. This one is obvi-
ous: after all, it is FREE. The
mock SAT models the real one
quite closely so when you go
in to take the real SAT, you will
already be acquainted with the
format and have a feel for the
timing.
Tip Number Three: Pick
the type of prep class you want
based on what environment you
study best in—don’t pick a class
just because your friend is in it.
If you struggle paying at-
tention in a classroom setting:
try a private tutor instead! We all
know how difficult it is to listen
to a teacher for three hours, and
it would be much easier to inter-
act one-on-one without falling
asleep, right? “I actually took
both a prep course and worked
with a one-on-one tutor,” says
Blake alumnus Michael Taft
Clark, “but most of the time I
was asleep in the class. The tutor
helped much more.”
If you are easily distracted
by your friends and other stu-
dents: try a standardized prep
class, like the StudyWorks class-
es. You’ll be taught techniques
by a teacher and do group work
and even complete practice tests
as a class.
This environment helps
you retain information by help-
ing and learning from other
classmates, instead of just being
distracted by them.
Tip Number Four: Before
the test, get tons of sleep, and def-
initely don’t cram. Get an early
start, stay calm, and spread out
the study over a longer period of
time. You’ll feel more refreshed
and have a higher chance of scor-
ing well if you’re not stressed out
and wired on energy drinks.
Says Blake alumnus Be-
nuel Hostetter, “A few of my
friends wanted to pull an all-
nighter, because they were wor-
ried about their scores. I’ve
never been happier that I slept
instead.”

Digital
Photographers
Wanted
for the 2010-2011
Blake Beat staff
If you are interested, bring your portfolio to
Mr. Keegan in room A205A before school
The Blake Beat
Forget the Golden Globes: students choose top TV shows
Favorites include musical-comedies, crime/dramas, riveting dramedies
x by Samantha Steinfeld
Television: the little box that
keeps us away from our homework
and our responsibilities. But since
there is virtually no limit to the
amount of TV shows that can be
watched, students have narrowed
down the choices and selected their
favorites.
Best New Shows: For both
junior Julia Maas and junior Lauren
Barlow, the current favorite is Glee,
the new hit from Fox and winner of
both a Golden Globe and a Screen
Actors Guild Award. The show is
the only musical-comedy on TV
right now, making it very unique.
[White Collar]
is surprisingly
good and
funny.
Celeste Campbell
Says Maas, “It’s so much fun to
watch with all the dancing and sing-
ing that the cast does! I don’t think
that I have ever watched an episode
without laughing out loud!”
For senior Celeste Campbell,
the best new show is White Collar,
a crime/drama from USA that fol-
lows Neal Caffrey, a former white
collar criminal who agrees to help
the FBI catch other criminals by
using his expertise as a criminal.
Says Campbell, “It’s surprisingly
good and funny. Some of the story
lines are a little out there, but it’s
still done really well.”
Best Reality Shows: For
February 26, 2010
senior Gloria Nhan, it’s American
Idol, the nine-season running search
for America’s next superstar. “I like
watching American Idol because
I find it funny how some people
think that they can sing when they
really can’t,” says Nhan, “Also,
when the finalists are up, it’s great
to find that whoever is the winner
has such talent.”
C7
For junior Sara Kushner, the
best reality show is Survivor, the
show that has been on for twenty
seasons. The show strands sixteen
people in a remote location and
eliminates one person a week until
there is one ‘survivor,’ who walks
away with $1,000,000 dollars. Says
Kushner, “I love Survivor because
it’s just so exciting to watch!”
Best Comedy: Both Camp-
bell and Kushner say that it’s Greek,
the dramedy from ABC Family
that follows Greek life at one par-
ticular school. Says Kushner, “I
like Greek because of the plot and
characters.”
Show to Avoid: Both Maas
and Campbell say to steer clear of
The Secret Life of the American
Teenager, the drama that began
when the central character, Amy,
found out she was pregnant. Says
Maas, “The acting is bad and the
show has pretty much no plot.”
Campbell adds, “It’s com-
pletely ridiculous, the acting is
awful, the characters are obnoxious
and overall it just sucks.”
I love Survivor
because it’s
just so exciting
to watch!
Sara Kushner

Now everyone’s uploading photos, updating statuses, playing games

Teachers able to talk to slightest idea how to use them. “My daughter laughs at
me all the time,” says Mrs. Branson, “Basically I ignore
everything that gets sent to me—who the heck cares
not as eager to get a Facebook. “With a face like mine, the last
thing I need is a Facebook,” says English teacher Joseph Caul-
field.
friends, family, students about your farm, what Twilight character you are, who
you are sending pokes or shoes to or any other mindless
Who the heck
through social network things?”However, as the ways for students and teachers to cares about your
x by Anna Ching & Tullah Deme
communicate outside the classroom increase, there are
some concerns. “Facebook is a personal choice for anyone;
farm, what Twilight
Facebook: a social network once used by teenagers
to stalk their friends has now expanded to include adults,
not something I could, or should, control,” says principal
Carole Goodman. “[But] we really are at a crossroads on
character you
parents, and teachers.
Although Facebook is banned for students, teachers
how to communicate. [We must] adhere to limits and not
cross a line. Appropriate communication is fine; it’s when
are, who you are
are still able to access the website during school. With that
opportunity, some teachers take the time to check their
the lines get blurred that it becomes problematic.”
For both Mr. Ho and Mrs. Branson, however, the
sending pokes or
Facebook in school in order to keep up with their friends
and families out of the area. Says English teacher Amy
website is an entertaining and fun resource. Says Mrs.
Branson, “Some of the pictures can be pretty interest-
shoes to or any
Branson, “It just became an easy way to keep in touch.”
Many teachers use Facebook to play games and keep
ing. I guess with Facebook or anything else, ‘you are the
company you keep.’”
other mindless
up with students. Says Mr. Ho, “I use it for mainly chess,
and to [help] students with their work and to keep them
“I think Facebook is great,” adds Mr. Ho. “Ev-
eryone should have [one]. Facebook is the most legit
things?
updated with what work they are missing.” But when it [website].” English teacher Amy Branson
comes to the applications, some teachers do not have the However, some teachers don’t feel the same way and are

BE IN THE
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C8
That’s a weird place to put a piano…
-----------------------------------
This school is nutty
-----------------------------------
LOL @ Churchill kids
-----------------------------------
The playoffs are fixed!!
-----------------------------------
Jets should have won
-----------------------------------
Go Saints!!
-----------------------------------
Sanchez is a beast
-----------------------------------
Jets are going to make another playoff appear-
ance
-----------------------------------
Rex Ryan is the best coach
-----------------------------------
Can you lift me up? Turn the ashes into flames
-----------------------------------
I have overcome more than words will ever
say
-----------------------------------
And you flashback to when he said Forever
And Always
-----------------------------------
St. Pat’s crew! That’s whats up!
-----------------------------------
This is the last straw, don’t wanna hurt any-
more
-----------------------------------
Just smile. Smile for your friends. Smile cuz
you can
-----------------------------------
She wanted to test her husband.
She knew exactly what to do:
A pseudonym to fool him.
She couldn’t have made a worse move.
-----------------------------------
She sent him scented letters,
And he received them with a strange delight.
Just like his wife
But how she was before the tears,
And how she was before the years flew by,
And how she was when she was beautiful.
She signed the letter
-----------------------------------
“All yours,
Babooshka, Babooshka, Babooshka-ya-ya!
All yours,
Babooshka, Babooshka, Babooshka-ya-ya!”
-----------------------------------
She wanted to take it further,
So she arranged a place to go,
To see if he
Would fall for her incognito.
And when he laid eyes on her,
He got the feeling they had met before.
Uncanny how she
Reminds him of his little lady,
Capacity to give him all he needs,
Just like his wife before she freezed on him,
Just like his wife when she was beautiful.
He shouted out, “I’m
-----------------------------------
All yours,
Babooshka, Babooshka, Babooshka-ya-ya!
All yours,
Babooshka, Babooshka, Babooshka-ya-ya!
All yours,
Babooshka, Babooshka, Babooshka-ya-ya!
All yours,
Babooshka, Babooshka, Babooshka-ya-ya!
-----------------------------------
How do you conclude to intro the interlude?
February 26, 2010
UnClassifieds
See any BEAT staffer to buy your
Unclassified in our next issue.
70¢ for the first ten words, 5¢ for each additional word
Good music up in the PARTY!
-----------------------------------
Paparazzi, we not bothering Nobody…Can I
talk my stuff again?
-----------------------------------
I was gonna steal them I aint have no money!
-----------------------------------
You’ll need your rest if you’re going to combat
tomorrow…
-----------------------------------
Naw son never that, naw son we aint rockin
like that.
-----------------------------------
Stay away from the poison apple!
-----------------------------------
Thanks for ditching me Grant…
-----------------------------------
Sarah loves to SCRAPBOOK!!
-----------------------------------
ADD OIL NEIL!
-----------------------------------
Hobby: playing with puppies at Columbia
-----------------------------------
.laurLic 7pc :)
-----------------------------------
Chris Callahan is the greatest twin of all time.
-----------------------------------
ADRIENNE BUSH is a Hurricane!!!
-----------------------------------
Tracy, what’s good?
-----------------------------------
BUY A SENIOR AD FOR THE YEAR-
BOOK!
-----------------------------------
Snowww
-----------------------------------
I love Ms. Finn
-----------------------------------
Is this even a real class? Yearbssss
-----------------------------------
Shout out to my boy Ricky! Doing it big in
’10-’11!!! El C <3
-----------------------------------
Analise <3
-----------------------------------
3in a box crew
-----------------------------------
That wasn’t there last night…its back!
-----------------------------------
Sam Comer is the love of my life.
-----------------------------------
Fake bananas
-----------------------------------
Go back to Narnia.
-----------------------------------
I love you Rachel Porter! Will you be my
Valentine?!
Love R+S
-----------------------------------
Can you hold my cheeseburger?
Danny S.
Sorry we table topped you.
-----------------------------------
Emma Semanyk 2nd house 3rd window to the
left.
-----------------------------------
Christian Abell got straight As.
-----------------------------------
Join the Creative Writing Club!
We dissect poetry, not frogs.
-----------------------------------
Join the Creative Writing Club!
Every Tuesday after school. Come.
-----------------------------------
Join the Creative Writing Club! In Ms. Bran-
son’s room every Tuesday.
-----------------------------------
You say “also” funny. Is it a Montgomery Vil-
lage thing?
-----------------------------------
Join Allies for Equality! All are welcome! Every
Thursday! Yay!
-----------------------------------
Oh no oh no oh no I’m falling!!!!!
Just kidding.
-----------------------------------
UH UH UH UH UH UH UH UH UH hi.
-----------------------------------
Join Environmental Committee! Eat cookies and
help save the planet.
-----------------------------------
I chose the chicken without the HIV. That’s a
good chicken.
-----------------------------------
Onetwo, twotwoone, onetwo, toodalootwo.
-----------------------------------
Eric Rivera? What a cutie.
-----------------------------------
Happy Panda-
-----------------------------------
She lives on her couch. Not her’s, but the other
ones’.
-----------------------------------
Searching, Seeking, Reaching, Always.
-----------------------------------
Join the Muffining Group. Muffins included.
-----------------------------------
SAMIR B3 = BIG HITTAAA
-----------------------------------
The Triangle Is Now A Square
-----------------------------------
I love Meredith Majower <3
-----------------------------------
Yearbsss
-----------------------------------
Shout out to my boy Ricky! Doing it big in
’10-’11!!! El C <3
-----------------------------------
Oh hey Becky Joiner!
The Blake Beat
Hey Jane
-----------------------------------
Shout out to my boy Ricky! Doing it big in
’10-’11!!! El C <3
Nikki Cali!!!
-----------------------------------
It’s a class not a club.
It’s a life that you love.
If you like, I’ll give you a hug.
Yearbook <3
-----------------------------------
Diana my love, c’est moi ma Cherie, ahehehe.
-----------------------------------
Macy I hate when you say, “Do you feel pro-
found?”
Jeez!
-----------------------------------
Ah Aurelia, I see you driving me all around in
your car!
Ok ok, fresh!
-----------------------------------
Did I forget anyone? Yeah Uche. D
Drunken butterflies? Really tho? Ahaha Love
it.
-----------------------------------
Father can you hear me?
No girl, you cannot do the addict part.
But I still love you.
-----------------------------------
So what’s the deal with Little Shop?
-----------------------------------
Ms. Branson is AWESOME.
There is no one like her.
-----------------------------------
Ms. Branson 1st period Lit class ROCKS
-----------------------------------
What happened to sleeping?
-----------------------------------
Is Big Brother watching us?
-----------------------------------
BUY A YEARBOOK!
-----------------------------------
Seals are so cute <3
-----------------------------------
www.givemehope.com...
For if you ever doubted humankind.
-----------------------------------
You’re just jealous cause you can get beat up
by a gummy bear…
-----------------------------------
Tracy is a creeper.
-----------------------------------
Looking for a top hat, please call Chris P.
-----------------------------------
Rob sounds like a Transformer.
-----------------------------------
Well I told him the juice was too tight but he
didn’t listen.
-----------------------------------
Anna likes to muffin.
-----------------------------------
Are you going to the Asking Alexandria con-
cert?
Yes.
-----------------------------------
I need this.
-----------------------------------
NBA All Star Weekend was a catastrophic
disappointment
-----------------------------------
Brandon Jennings #3 All DAYYYYY
-----------------------------------
Happy Birthday T’keyah Adams!
-----------------------------------
Papa Suku is alive
Pom squad works hard in prepartation for tomorrow’s county competition, p. D7
Section D Blake Beat Sports February 26, 2010
Junior forward Nikki Ostrow pulls up a jump shot while
covered in defense during a game against against the
Regular season ends with 67-64 win over Panthers for 16-3 mark
Starter Agwu injured as boys get ready for post-season tournament
by Jeff Brumfield
x & Josh Paunil
After finishing their season
undefeated in the 3A/2A east divi-
sion, the boys’ varsity basketball
team looks to ride their success
all the way to the Comcast Center
and a state title.
In Monday night’s thrilling
conclusion to the regular season,
Blake defeated their consortium
rival, the Paint Branch Panthers,
67-64, pushing their record to
16-3. Junior guard Ryan Frazier
scored 28 points for the Bengals,
while junior guard Brandon Hed-
ley hit a game winning three
pointer with only seconds left on
the clock.
The game’s most shocking
Quince Orchard Lady Cavaliers, who were dispatched by
the Lady Bengals 77-35. -- photo by Kara Korab
moment came in the second quar-
ter, when senior guard/forward
Carlton Agwu landed awkwardly
on his arm, dislocating his elbow.
It is unclear whether the injury
will sideline Agwu for the play-
offs, but his team is hoping for
a speedy recovery. Adds senior
guard Max Hedgepeth, “Carlton
adds a toughness to the team
that no one else can
match.”
Last Friday the
Bengals faced off
Our main goal is to bring
against the Wootton
Patriots. The teams
a state championship to
battled back and forth
throughout the game,
Blake. If we do our thing, no
pushing the action
into double-overtime
one can stop us.
before the Patriots
eventually edged the Bengals
75-72.
“We couldn’t hit the big
foul shots when we needed them
the most,” says senior forward
Nathan Dalgetty, “which isn’t
normal for us as a team.”
Two days before the double-
overtime loss, the Bengals defeat- achieved an exciting victory over
ed the Kennedy Cavaliers 74-71.
Taylor Miller
Fasdmen;rit
uhnbroiutbn-
srtnrtnsrtjsrtj
rysrjrstjsfsr
D?
With 3A division in
hand, Lady Bengals
shoot for redemption
in playoffs, state finals
by Nikki Cali
x & Joey Samowitz
Revenge was in the air Monday night as the varsity Lady
Bengals defeated their consortium rival, the previously unbeaten,
Paint Branch Lady Panthers (20-1) convincingly 74-59.
The girls had lost 61-58 to Paint Branch earlier in the season.
On top of that the Lady Panthers had beaten the Lady Bengals three
years in a row in the midst of an undefeated Montgomery county
streak. Christine Weithman lead the team with 30 points and out-
scored all met watch Brene Mosely who had 27 for the Panthers.
“We fought hard and this win really means a lot,” says senior captain
Christine Weithman.
Last Friday the girls took the floor to celebrate their senior
night against the Wootton Lady Patriots, winning 65-53. The girls
also clenched the 3A/2A East title with a 10-0 divisional record,
17-5 overall. “It meant a lot to play on senior night,” says senior
captain Gabrielle Hall. “Since I’ve been on the team since I was a
sophomore it felt good to have the other players make our posters
and honor us [seniors].”
February 17, the girls punished the Kennedy Lady Cavaliers,
69-45. Seniors Hall, Weithman and Justine Allen all hit double fig-
ures in the victory. Freshman guard Caroline Wannen also grabbed
ten rebounds. “It’s nice to know that we can rely on everyone on
the team to score,” says Allen.
The girls came out cold after the snow break, coming up 13
points short against the undefeated Seneca Valley Lady Scream-
ing Eagles, bringing their 11 game winning streak to a screeching
halt.
Although Weithman scored 24 points against the Lady
Screaming Eagles, it wasn’t enough to outscore their opponent. The
Lady Bengals began the game in a hole, down 18-0. It was a deficit
they could not overcome. “It wasn’t that we were playing bad,” says
senior Megan Buonomo. “We just weren’t making our shots.”
Before the loss to the Lady Screaming Eagles the girls were
beating opponents by a whopping average of 34 points per game.
Against Northwood February 2 the girls won, 71-38, to push their
division record to 10-0.
Prior to those two games they dominated the Rockville Lady
Rams, 74-13, and for the second time this season they beat the
Wheaton Lady Knights, this time 85-41. “[The streak] felt good
because the papers and a lot of people didn’t take us seriously so it
was like we had to prove something new every game,” says Hall.
The Einstein Lady Titans and the Quince Orchard Lady
Cougars were also easily dispatched by the red hot Bengals, 53-21
and 77-35 respectively. Weithman hit over 20 points in each game
and Hall picked up a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds
against Einstein.
The girls will be put to the test throughout playoffs but by
earning themselves the number two seed in the 3A East bracket they
are clearly one of the favorites to get to the state final this year.
Blake was up 55-38 heading into the court.”
the fourth quarter, and was able to The Seneca Valley game
hold off a 33-19 Kennedy run to also served as the Bengals’ senior
win the game. Frazier and Agwu night, making the victory all the
both had great performances for more significant. “It felt good to
Blake, scoring 25 and 18 points win on senior night,” says coach
respectively. Marcus Wiggins. “All the seniors
February 16, the team have gone to Blake for four years
and we’ve spent a whole lot of
the Seneca Valley Screaming Ea- time together.”
gles 90-55. The star of Because of their regular
the night was Hedley season success, the team has
whose 35 points and
nine three pointers
earned the number two seed in the
3A West region and a first round
broke school records.
Adds Hedley, “I was
bye; a position that has the Ben-
gals focused and ready for a deep
able to score because
my team saw that I
playoff run. “Of course our main
goal is to bring a state champion-
was on fire and so
they kept feeding me
ship to Blake,” adds senior guard
Taylor Miller. “If we do our thing,
the ball every time up no one can stop us.”
D2 February 26, 2010 The Blake Beat
Bengals perform very
swimmingly in meets
x by Samir Battou
Although the varsity swim and dive team struggled to produce wins
throughout the season, many top swimmers performed their best at the
county meet last weekend.
The swimming portion of the meet began February 18 with the 500
yard freestyle. Freshman Cory Camp swam a personal best with a time of
4:56.94 which put him in the top ten of the entire county.
Juniors Cameron Lancon and Spencer Sterling had top finishes in
both of their events at this year’s county meet. Sterling finished third in
both the 100 yard butterfly and 100 yard backstroke. Lancon finished 4th
in the 100 yard butterfly. Sterling says, “The competition at counties is a
lot more elevated than in dual meets.”
The girls were also successful at counties with senior Nikki Cali
placing ninth in 100 freestyle, and tenth in 200 freestyle. Senior Adrienne
Bush also placed 13 in the 200 freestyle.
At Divisionals, which took place February 13, the team struggled but
individually the Bengals had success. Sterling won both of his individual
events in 100 backstroke and 50 freestyle and senior Mary Gillis was able
to place fourth in 100 backstroke.
Due to the snow this season, many practices and meets were cancelled.
The last dual meet took place January 30th versus the Northwest Jaguars.
The meet was very close for the boys as the Bengals were able to close it
out, winning by a margin of three.
They began early on with a sweep in the 200 individual medley by
freshmen Camp, Sam Jaffe, and Andrew Latona. The success continued
with individual wins by Camp, Lancon, Bennet, and Sterling. Latona adds,
“It felt good being able to sweep the competition completely with me, Sam
and Cory all freshmen being able to place.”
The girls also swept the 200 freestyle event led by Bush, Gillis, and
senior Megan Bush. They also picked up individual wins by Cali in 200
individual medley, and senior Haley Drew-Carpenter in the diving event.
However the girls’ team fell short, as they lost 102-69.
Tonight the prestigious Washington Metropolitan Championship meet Freshman Dan Damico swims freestyle in Damico is one of several young swimmers for
will take place in Germantown. a meet for the Bengals against Northwest. the Bengal team. --photo by Tommy Irish

Digital
Photographers
Wanted
for the 2010-2011
Blake Beat staff
If you are interested, bring your portfolio to
Mr. Keegan in room A205A before school
The Blake Beat
Wrestling team grapples season record; gears for next year
x by Chris Jaeger
With the last two games of the sea-
son being canceled due to the snow, the
wrestling team finished the season with
a 6-6 record including being 3-2 in the
division, and also placing 13 in the county
championship.
The wrestling squad fought a good
match but placing 13 was not what they
had hoped for. “We fought hard and never
gave up,” says junior Nick Mugge, “the
other teams were just better than us and
outplayed us.”
February 26, 2010
Blake lost their last match to the better.”
Whitman Vikings 12-58 on February 3. In a tri-meet at Churchill the Ben-
The match proved to be their last of the gals lost in a close match to the Churchill
season due to snow cancellations. Says Bulldogs 33-38, but came out on top of
sophomore Brian Battaglia, “Their team the Richard Montgomery Rockets in a
out played us and deserved to win that dominating fashion, winning 70-9. Says
match. We played our hearts out.” Mugge, “We came through against the
Although the wrestling team lost Bulldogs. I think that was the best we
three of their last five games, the two wins played all season.”
were well earned. The wrestling squad The Rockets were able to get the
beat the Walter Johnson Wildcats 42-24. edge over the wrestling team. With his
Says junior captain Edward Madden, “We first year on varsity, sophomore Edwin
were focused and determined to win this Callendar, “They were tough and one of
match, they played well, we just played the best we face. We put up a good fight,
D3
but they came out on top.”
Although the team did not do as well
as expected, the team had good chemistry
and sportsmanship. Says junior captain
Joshua Kenes, “Everyone is friends and
gets along with each other.” The team
looks to build on this for next season.
With more than half of the squad
returning next year, the wrestling team is
hoping to look at this season and improve
to an even better team next year. Says
Battaglia, “Although we lost a few key
players, we have picked up some pretty
fast learning new kids.”

Snow storms prevent girls

indoor track and field
from state championships
Boys team looks to improve
next year with returning stars
x by Jonathan Frame
With the Indoor Track and
Field season coming to an end,
the Bengals have seemingly fall-
en short of their goal to make the
state championships, but their
season was still successful.
February 17 the team par-
ticipated in the Maryland Re-
gionals after being off a week
due to snow. The Bengals shook
off the cobwebs and the girls
finished ninth while the boys
finished twelfth.
The girls’ 4X200 meter
relay placed fifth and gave senior
captain Grace Oxley a reason to
be happy. “The highlight of the
year was when the girls 4x200
team improved dramatically,”
says Oxley, which was good to
see in a young team.
Oxley adds, “It was not
the best time for us to have a
week off of school right before
regionals.” Due to the break the
Bengals didn’t compete at their
usual level and fell a little short
of states.
January 25, the Bengals
started their determined run for
the state finals by participating
in the MCPS championships,
the first of the end of the year
championships. Junior captain
Rohan Raju said, “Everyone
worked really hard and it showed
in the times they ran.”
This proved true as junior
Simisola Olamide finished fifth
in the Girls 55 meter dash. Later
in the meet, Alistair McLean
finished thirteenth in the Boys
800 meter run in a field of 37.
The Girls would end the meet
finishing twelfth.
The Montgomery Invi-
tational took place January 9
and was a completely different
experience for the Bengals. This
meet involved many more teams
and made it much harder for the
Bengals to place.
But again there was an-
other great turnout by Olamide
and senior captain Beth Hell-
man. Olaimade finished fifteenth
in the 55 meter dash in a field of
74. Hellman would place in the
top 70 in the 1600 meter run.
Oxley would also place fifth in
Girls triple jump to show her
improvement and motivation
that the team has experienced
throughout the year.
December 15, the Ben-
gals participated in the Around
the Town Invitational. Several
players placed during the meet
and showed the abilities of the
team. Olimide finished first in
the 55 meter dash while Oxley
finish third in the same event.
Senior Kwabena Asante would
finish third in the Boys 55 where
junior Samoy Young finished
fifth. To finish off the meet,
senior Anthony Donney-Wood
would finish first in the Boys
shot put.
Even with a successful
year there was one thing Oxley
had to do. “The most important
goal was to instill enough wis-
dom and love about the sport,”
adds Oxley, “ so when I graduate Practice is an everyday thing for Junior Rachel dilligently works to pefect her shot put skills for
they can keep the sport alive.” Porzel of the Indoor Track and Field team, as she the upcoming season. --photo by Nicolette Dehi

Bengals bring fire to ice, expect to wage war next hockey season
Despite hard finish, team hones skills, gets ready to tear up rink next year
x by Sean McNamara
Despite a brutal finish to a challenging
season, the community ice hockey team looks
towards next year with enthusiasm.
The Bengals final game versus the
Bethesda-Chevy Chase Barons February 1
was an intense game and a climactic end to the
season. The boys fell 12-4 to the Barons. Goals
were scored by freshman forwards Pradip
Ramamurti, James Stradley and defensemen
Michael Bell with 2-1-1 goals respectively.
Junior forward Nick Mauprivez says, “This
was a great game for us, each one of those
shots was worked for.”
The second to last game versus Mont-
gomery Blair Blazers proved to be one of the
Bengals highest scoring games of the season.
The Blazers edged the Bengals 5-12. Not a
single Bengal scored more than once here,
showing great teamwork and consistency
across the board. “The offense showed great
communication this time around,” says senior
right wing Jordan Klemko.
Walter Johnson made the Bengals hustle
and beat them 14-1 January 22. Blake also
suffered defeat to the hands of the Wootton
Patriots, 14-2, January 15 and a loss to the
Damascus Hornets by the same score on the
January 8. Shots came from Ramamurti (2),
Bell (1) and Stradley (1). Sophomore goalie
Cross Klemko says, “Wootton is always the
best team [we face], them and Whitman.”
The Bengals also lost 11-1 against the
Gaithersburg/Magruder team January 6. The
combination Trojan/Blazer team kept Blake
on its feet the whole time. Ramamurti scored
the sole goal with the help of senior forward,
Samir Battou. While Blake had trouble stick-
ing with the high-scoring teams, it had no
problem avoiding shutouts.
Blake also lost to the Sherwood War-
riors 9-1 December 18. Despite, the lack of
wins this season, the Bengals showed a lot of
potential for future seasons. “Next year they’re
trying to get at least 2 [practices] a week, off-
ice training and work-outs…they’re trying
to get professional trainers to come to some
of the practices as well,” says senior goalie
Sophie Van Etten.
For junior center Daniel Bell, two prac-
tices a week is good news. Says Bell, “if we
can get more interest in the program then we
will be able to have cuts and develop a stronger
team.” Hopefully the two practices a week will
help hone the team’s skills in coming years.
New players also bring new skill sets to
the team. Leading scorers for the season were
freshman Ramamurti with 11 goals and senior
forward AJ Mueller with five. Ramamurti has
plenty of time to gain experience on the team
and hopefully more under classmen will help
fuel wins in coming years.
D4 February 26, 2010 The Blake Beat
Underclassmen
ballers shoot to
16 win season
Dominating defense
makes them a force
to be reckoned with
x by Max Hedgepeth
Apparently, four eight-minute quarters is not enough
time for the JV boys basketball team to finish a game. In their
third overtime game of the season, the Bengals beat out Ken-
nedy 77-69.
Seeing that the Cavaliers were not going to slow down,
the Bengal’s offense had to keep up. Thankfully, sophomore
Ricardo Mancia scored a team high 15 points to help lead his
team to victory. “It really wasn’t our offense that won us the
game,” says Mancia. “As usual, it was our team defense that
ultimately got us the win.”
This fast-paced, high scoring game, capped a six-game
winning streak, including one point victories over the Rockville
rams and the Northwood Gladiators and a 26 point domination
against Einstein. Says freshman Stefan Sigwalt, “Some of our
games have been ugly, but we’ve been getting the wins, and
that’s all that matters.”
While they were in a few close games that they eked
out at the end, the Bengals also had several blow outs worth
noting. The boys defeated the Wheaton Knights twice; first by
40 and the second time by an equally convincing 33. “Those
games are definitely the most fun,” says sophomore Julian Carr.
“Everyone gets a chance to play, and there’s really no pressure
when it seems like every shot we throw up is going in.”
After playing 18 games, the team only lost two. One of
these games was a tough one at Quince Orchard. Says sopho-
more captain Ryan Deane, “We were definitely disappointed.
But instead of crying about it, we used it as motivation, and
haven’t lost since.” This six game streak is the second long one
of the season, as the Bengals won seven in a row after their
first loss to Springbrook.
Beginning the season as an inexperienced, young group
of guys, the JV boys have exceeded all expectations, finishing
the season with one of the best records in Blake history. “I knew
we had the potential to be good,” says sophomore Avery Ugba,
“but I didn’t think we’d do as well as we have done.”
Aside from the striking winning record, many of the
boys proved to be ready to play at the varsity level next season,
including sophomore Thomas Handy who moved up to varsity
half way through the season. Says Handy, “Playing JV is defi-
nitely what prepared me to play on varsity. I’m looking forward Sophomore Captain Ryan Deane forces his way past a The win was the Bengals fourth straight and was a testament
to playing with the same guys next year at the next level.” Seneca Valley defender on the Bengal’s way to a 57-46 win. to their strength and stamina. -- photo by Beth Callahan

Lady Bengals produce eleven game win streak, carry on tradition

Girls conquer opponents through superior shooting game, teamwork
x by Stephen Kae
Following an 11-game winning
streak, the JV lady Bengals ended the sea-
son in stellar form beating every team dur-
ing the streak by an average of 31 points.
February 17 against the Kennedy lady
cavaliers, the lady Bengals dominated, win-
ning 59-22. The Lady Bengals started slow
but dominated all throughout the rest of the
game. “We started off slow, but stepped
up our game during the second half,” says
freshman guard Sarah Sterling.
The lady Bengals were able to crush
the Seneca Valley screaming eagles 53-15
and team chemistry was a big factor in the
lady’s success “[We used] positive energy
at practices and games, and discipline to
be successful,” adds freshman forward
Megan Gagern.
The girls visited the Northwood lady
gladiators February 1 where they started
off the month with a bang, winning 54-25.
“Our passing has improved drastically,”
adds Sterling, “Our biggest challenge was
staying focused.”
Prior to Northwood, the girls made
Blake Field House proud with home wins
against the Wheaton lady knights and
the Rockville lady rams, 56-9 and 52-29.
Holding opponents to below 30 points was
a trend in the Bengal’s wins this season.
Defense was the girl’s strong suit.
A 75-21 thrashing of the Einstein
lady titans marked the midway point in
their highest offensive output of the season.
The girls took over right after the tip off
cruising to a victory with multiple girls
scoring in double digits. The win was also a
testament to how much they have improved
this season after losing three of their first
six games.
Back in January the lady Bengals had
only lost to the Damascus lady Hornets,
but still put up a tough fight, losing 34- 49.
Sterling adds, “We have all improved dras-
tically [since then]; the coaching at Blake
is amazing.”
The future of girls’ basketball at
Blake is looking bright. “The underclass-
men this year are very good and we will
get better through our years here,” says
Sterling.

Young wrestlers put in effort, make use of newly honed abilities

JV boys look poised for varsity futures during winning snowy season
by Sammi Levitt
x & Savannah Tryens
After impressive performances at their last few
matches, many JV wrestlers look poised to make the
jump to varsity next season.
“I am very proud of the efforts of the JV team.”
Says JV coach Jeter, “They have done a great job this
year learning the sport.” Besides just learning the sport
the wrestlers have been quite successful competitors. In
their last four matches against Churchill, Richard Mont-
gomery, Walter Johnson and Whitman high schools, JV
came out victorious.
In January, JV competed in the Delmarva Classic
Tournament where many Blake wrestlers placed. Soph-
omores Nick Tatnall and Matt Lipshultz placed first in
their weight class. Sophomore Kiery Hall placed second
in his class, while freshmen Marc-Stephen Meredith,
Danny Gonzalez, and Cory Covington, Sophomores
Tala Drammah and Dashawn Hall, and Juniors Evan
Lipshultz, and Deshawn Smith all placed third.
This year the Bengals finished 13-3 in their regu-
lar season matches, suffering from tough loses against
Sherwood and Northwest high schools. Sophomore
and team leader Hall is content with this season. Hall
adds, “I was more than proud because whether we
won or lost we did it with class and everyone gave it
100%.”
By his performance this season, the undefeated
sophomore Tatnall proved that he can compete at
the varsity level. Tatnall wrestled varsity against the
Richard Montgomery Rockets, beating his opponent
6-2. Says Tatnall, “It was a really great experience
and I think it really improved my skills, going back to
JV, I was very confident.” Tatnall finished the season
on JV.
Starting off the season as an inexperienced team, a
lot of practice and hard work led to their winning record.
The team practiced every week day for two hours, with
some Saturday practices thrown in. “They say practice
makes perfect.” Says junior Evan Lipshultz, “we’re not
quite perfect but were a strong team.”
Due to the snow, many tournaments were can-
celled. “It is extremely disappointing for us because I
believe that we were going to do very well,” says coach
Jeter. After having a great season, the team will lose
many great players due to moving up to varsity but they
look to reload next year with the incoming freshmen.
The Blake Beat
Senior Christine Weithman, a four-year varsity
starter, shows her composure at the free throw line
(top left); Weithman celebrates a great game against
NBA All-Star Weekend offers entertainment to basketball nation
xby Max Hedgepeth
Assembling all of the best players in the NBA into
one enormous venue, for an entire weekend, can only serve
one purpose: a tremendously entertaining time. This year’s
NBA All-Star Weekend was no exception.
The long weekend began February 12 as the rookies
took on the second year players in the exciting display of
young talent known as the Rookie Challenge. While the
rookies couldn’t find a way to contain the Oklahoma City
Thunder’s Russell Westbrook, who dropped an impres-
sive 40 points, they were able to overcome their lack of
experience and pull off the shocking upset, beating the
sophomores 140-128.
Before the dunk contest, which has become one
of the main events of All-Star Weekend, the traditional
three-point contest and skills competition in which play-
ers are challenged to complete a course testing various
Robinson had successfully become the first ever three-time Slam Dunk champion
February 26, 2010
Quince Orchard (top right), full of high speed fast
breaks (bottom) and team work. --top left photo by
Tommy Irish, other photos by Kara Korab
The rising stars of the
association take flight
in tough competitions
basketball skills.
In the skills competition, two-time MVP Steve
Nash from the Phoenix Suns took the trophy in victory,
speeding through the course without error. The Utah Jazz’
Deron Williams’ remarkable time of 37.6 seconds in the
final round was shattered as Nash captured his second skills
challenge victory (2005) with a time of 29.9 seconds.
The much anticipated Slam Dunk contest con-
sisted of four players: Toronto Raptors’ Demar Derozan,
the first ever “dunk in” winner, the Los Angeles Lakers’
D5
Determination,
domination leads
to record totals
Weithman bounces
back from torn ACL to
carry team to victories
x by Joey Samowitz
Freshmen usually need two years on the JV level
to be ready to make the leap to varsity, but once in a
while a star comes around and wows the coaches.
Three years ago that freshman was senior Chris-
tine Weithman, who had the skill to make up for her lack
of size and experience and impressed varsity coach Patti
Gilmore enough to earn a spot on the varsity squad.
Weithman immediately impacted the varsity
team. She became a starter towards the end of her
freshman year, outplaying the seasoned seniors. Says
alumnus and former Blake basketball player Nicole
Simon, “When I first saw Christine at try-outs, I never
would have guessed that she was a freshman; Her abil-
ity clearly outshined a lot of the athletes that come out
of Montgomery County.”
With a shooting stroke forged through years of
practice, Weithman continues to prove to be a scoring
machine, 24 per game. She is deadly from behind the
arc averaging about three three-pointers per game.
“Scoring threes is definitely my favorite part of the
game. I feel like it shows my strength because I spend
a lot of time in the gym working on the shot,” says
Weithman.
This season she has broken both the school scor-
ing record for a single game and a career. The most
staggering of the two being the career scoring record as
Weithman missed nearly all of her junior season after
tearing her ACL. “When I made varsity as a freshmen
I made it my goal to get over 1,000 points, I was afraid
when I tore my ACL that I wasn’t going to be able to
make it so it meant a lot to come back and do it,” adds
Weithman.
Weithman has shown time and again that she
has the ability to take over games. “She makes crucial
pressure shots along with shots that help open up a huge
lead,” says Gilmore. A testament to this was a double
double Weithman grabbed against the Wheaton Lady
Knights, as she went for 24 points and 11 boards. On
top of that, she passed for seven assists on the night.
At 5’8” she provides a matchup problem for
many shorter guards and her shooting stroke makes her
nearly impossible to stop. When defenders foul her, she
makes them pay from the line. Weithman shoots about
83 percent from the charity stripe.
Weithman started the season with a bang, break-
ing the school single game scoring record with 38
points. Weithman shot five threes on the day leading
the Bengals to a 70-47 victory. Adds coach Gilmore,
“[Christine’s] work ethic and many offensive weapons
seperate her from the other players.”
Weithman’s play on the court has also earned
her a spot on the Washington post’s All Met first team
watch. She has caught many college coaches’ eyes
and is currently being recruited by Bryant and UNC
Greensboro, to name a few.
Shannon Brown, the Charlotte Bobcats’ Gerald Wallace,
and reigning champ from the New York Knicks, Nate
Robinson. Although the contest started slow, Derozan
finished off the first round with a stunning alley oop jam
to earn a perfect 50, and sling shot him into the final round
against Robinson.
At 5’9”, Robinson put on a show in the final
round, including a spectacular reverse dunk. After the fans
voted, it was confirmed that Robinson had successfully
become the first ever three-time Slam Dunk champion.
The 2010 NBA All-Star game definitely high-
lighted the weekend. A game played in front of a record
108,713 fans at Cowboy’s Stadium in Dallas, loaded with
the game’s biggest superstars did not disappoint. Led by
the Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron James’ jaw dropping
dunks and All-Star game MVP Dwayne Wade of the Miami
Heat’s 28 points, the East eked out a 141-139 victory to
close out the long, entertaining weekend.
D6 February 26, 2010 The Blake Beat

New staff gives Redskins fans hope for playoff future

x by Josh Paunil
After a dismal 4-12 record and back-
Almost every to-back years of missing the playoffs, Daniel
Synder decided to clean house and hire a brand
playoff team is a new coaching staff in hopes of contending for
playoffs in the seasons to come.
great example of Washington has already made the first
few steps towards success by hiring General
why the Redskins Manager Bruce Allen, Head Coach Mike Sha-
nahan, Offensive Coordinator Kyle Shanahan,
should draft and Defensive Coordinator Jim Haslett. Bruce
Allen was a great pick-up for Washington who
Okung. is experienced and has a history of winning.
He led the Oakland Raiders to a Super Bowl
appearance and has won the George Young
Executive of the Year award.
Head Coach Mike Shanahan was also a
great catch for the Redskins; he has a successful
past just like Bruce Allen. Shanahan has won
three super bowls (two as a Head Coach and
one as an offensive coordinator), has a 60%
winning percentage in the regular season, and a
62% winning percentage in the post-season.
Another benefit from hiring Coach
Shanahan is having his son, Kyle as team Of-
fensive Coordinator. Kyle Shanahan led the
Houston Texans to a top four ranking in total
offense (3rd in 2008 and 4th in 2009) both of his
seasons in Houston. The Redskins also brought
in Jim Haslett, long-time Saints Head Coach,
to be the Defensive Coordinator.
Due to the Redskins 4-12 record this
past year, they have a great opportunity to
pick up a very good player with the number
four overall pick in the draft. Even though
the popular pick would be Sam Bradford, the
Redskins should draft what they really need: an
offensive lineman. The best offensive lineman
available is Russell Okung out of Oklahoma
State who is 6’8, 300 pounds and would be a
great pass blocker at left tackle to protect Jason
Campbell.
Almost every successful NFL team is a
great example of why the Redskins should draft
Okung. The two Super Bowl participants both
have Pro-Bowl caliber linemen. More so,The
Colts have given up the least amount of sacks
in the NFL and the Saints have given up the
third least sacks.
Despite the Redskins’ record Mike
Shanahan is taking over a team with a lot of
talent (including two pro-bowlers). Look for
Washington to finish around .500 next year due
to their new coaching staff, talented roster, and
the development of Jason Campbell and the
young Wide Receiving core.

McGwire gains support after telling truth, loses chance at Hall of Fame
x by Jonathan Frame
For a while, Jose Canseco had finally shut up, con-
gressional meetings were unheard of, and baseball was
just baseball—but now Mark McGwire has reawakened a
dormant storm.
Monday January 11, 2010: former All-Star Mark McG-
wire released a statement to the Associated Press admitting
to the use of Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) during
the 1998 season, the year he broke the home run record. His
congressional meeting had gone on for a long period of time
and many believed that McGwire was drug free, but now he
has admitted otherwise.
McGwire said that he had used small doses of steroids
on and off over several seasons in order to improve his health,
not to get the upper hand. In fact, McGwire said that the
steroids made no difference on his performance and that he
would be able to hit the home runs without them.
With McGwire’s admittance to using PEDs comes
the realization that now six out of the top 15 on the all-time
homerun list have used drugs, continuing to hurt the integrity
of baseball. And McGwire, who was battling for a spot in the
Baseball Hall of Fame, might have just taken his name off of
everyone’s voting ballot forever.
As soon as McGwire admitted to his usage of PEDs,
America’s favorite snitch, Jose Canseco, appeared once
again. The day after McGwire’s statement, Canseco came
out saying that McGwire was not completely forthcoming.
Canseco said that between 1986 and 1992 McGwire and he
injected each other with steroids in the Oakland Athletics
clubhouse bathroom stalls.
When this alleged activity took place, the two were
teammates in Oakland. Of course McGwire refuted the state-
ments and said that Canseco was saying this to sell his book,
“Juiced,” and calling Canseco a liar once again. Canseco does
say that he is still a fan of McGwire and says that he probably
would have broken the record without the use of PEDs.
There has been one positive outcome of McGwire’s
coming clean: he has regained respect from his fellow ath-
letes from various leagues. Though McGwire might have
hurt his chances of making the Hall of Fame and hurt his
image some, at least he had the decency to tell the truth.
Both Cardinals Slugger Albert Pujols and ex-Colt Marvin
Harrison have come out saying that they respect McGwire’s
truthfulness.
McGwire is currently the hitting coach of his old team,
the St. Louis Cardinals, and looks like he is going to hold
down this position. He will live on to be a role model to people
across the nation and will always regret his usage of steroids.
McGwire says, “I wish I had never touched steroids. It was
foolish and it was a mistake. I truly apologize.”

[McGwire] will live on to be a role model to people across the nation...

Wizards ship off familiar

faces in attempt to regain
former glory, playoff birth
Jamison, Butler, Haywood,
make their way out of DC for
greener pastures, big changes
x by Samir Battou
January 6, 2010 the Washington Wizards franchise as we knew it
had changed forever. But things had been taking a turn for the worse long
before then. It was two years ago when the Wizards took the Cleveland
Cavaliers to game seven of the second round of the eastern conference
playoffs. Unfortunately the Wizards lost, but hopes were high for the high
soaring fast paced Wizards led by “The Big Three” of Gilbert Arenas,
Caron Butler, and Antawn Jamison. But the obvious leader of the Wizards
was Gilbert Arenas.
Gilbert Arenas was averaging 28.4 points per game, which was sec-
ond in the league in scoring. Things were looking good for the Wizards
franchise, which for the first time in 10 years went to the playoffs in back
to back years. Later that season Arenas tore his MCL against the Charlotte
Bobcats, and his best season yet was suddenly over.
Arenas struggled in returning back to the form he was prior to his
injury only averaging 13.4 points in the 13 games he played. Arenas agreed
to sit out the 2008-2009 season in hopes of returning in the best shape of
his career for the 2009-2010 season. When training camp resumed in July
Arenas looked as if he fulfilled his promises adding 15 pounds of muscle.
It looked as if Arenas was ready to return to stardom.
Arenas began the Season averaging 22.2 points per game and the
Wizards started off winning six of their first 10 games. But December 24
an unprecedented event occurred. Arenas was found with four unloaded
handguns stored in a container in his locker inside of the Verizon center.
This was a strict violation of his contract and Coach Flip Saunders im-
mediately suspended Arenas. Arenas’ explanation of having four unloaded
guns was to hide them from his four year old daughter.
January 6 NBA commissioner David Stern was forced to react and
suspended Arenas indefinitely for the rest of the season without pay. The
Wizards of the past were forever changed. During the all-star break the
Wizards attempted to clean house by trading Caron Butler, DeShawn Ste-
venson, and Brendan Haywood. In return they received four players: Josh
Howard, Drew Gooden, James Singleton and Quentin Ross. In completing
this trade the Wizards hope to save money and potentially go after a high
Graphic by Emily Stevens
priced free agent during the offseason.
The Blake Beat
Poms get jiggy with it
in route to perfection,
county championship
Solid routine, great team,
chemistry, helps Bengals
continue undefeated record
x by Sean McNamara
Most sports require great
amounts of ability, determination
and perseverance to succeed, and
while many teams here put in a lot
of work during their season, few
strive as hard to win as the poms.
During the second half of
their season, the poms were sched-
uled to compete in three competi-
tions, but a blizzard disrupted the
events and the poms workouts.
“It’s difficult to have an extended
season due to the snow since
we’ve been working so hard for
the past six months,” says senior
pom Zoe Ligon, “but we’re all still
really motivated to win the title of
county champions again.”
Their first competition was
at Northwest high school on Janu-
ary 16. Despite a few challeng-
ers, the Bengals had no problem
outscoring and outperforming
their competition. “I think all of
us agreed it was a magical perfor-
mance,” adds Ligon. “After we
performed, we started jumping
and screaming because everyone
felt so confident about how we
danced.”
Some of the poms toughest
competition for gold came from
Sherwood and Magruder, teams
that have been known to give the
Bengals trouble in the past. “All
the other teams are working just
as hard right now and that’s what
February 26, 2010 D7
keeps us motivated,” says senior
pom Laura Treacy.
While ability and hard work
are a large part of the Bengal’s
success, they would not have been
able to work through their difficult
choreography without great team
chemistry. Adds Treacy, “This
year is one of, if not the closest
team, Blake has had in a while.
We all have each others backs
and we all want this more than
anything.”
Faced with a perfect record
from last year, the poms are work-
ing hard to keep that streak going.
Senior captain Alexa Norberg
says, “We have a lot to live up
to … but this year team is just as
strong, if not stronger than last
year. We have all the assets to win,
we just have to stay motivated.”
The Bengal’s final competi-
tion is the MCPS championship
at Richard Montgomery high
school. There the poms hope to
defend their title as county cham-
pions. Adds Treacy, “we’ve been
working all year for these last six
minutes and we are ready to show
everyone what we’ve got!”
The Green and Gold com-
petition, which the Bengals were
scheduled to compete in on Feb-
ruary 6, was canceled due to the
snow, but you can catch the poms
final competition of the year at
Richard Montgomery high school The poms end their routine with a bang before Invitational January 16. They hope to win again
tomorrow at 4:30 pm. winning first place at the Northwest Pom at counties tomorrow.--photos by Kara Korab

Jayhawks fly to become favorites, with the Wildcats, Orange closing in

With upsets brewing, tournament shaping up to be one to remember
x by Josh Paunil
With nearly two weeks left
until selection Sunday, college
basketball is heating up and a
host of upsets are occurring all
over the season, ensuring that
the NCAA tournament will be a
great one this year.
The Kansas Jayhawks are
the favorite to win the National
Championship right now but
three teams (Syracuse, Kentucky,
and Purdue) will make it difficult
for the Jayhawks to do so. Kansas
is a very balanced team with two
all-American candidates, Sher-
ron Collins and Cole Aldrich,
providing the team with plenty
of experience. Kansas also plays
great defense and has a brilliant
coach in Bill Self.
Syracuse has emerged as
a major threat to the Jayhawks’
championship hopes and has all
the makings of a championship
team: a veteran coach, star play-
ers, good defense, and big wins.
However, one area the Orange
falls short in is its offense. In the
games that Syracuse has played
in, they failed to score more than
65 points.
Kentucky is also a team
that could make a deep run in
March Madness. The Wildcats
have two star players in fresh-
men sensations John Wall and
DeMarcus Cousins. The Wild-
cats’ speed allows them to score
a lot of points off turnovers. The
key to the Wildcats’ success will
be Cousins’ scoring and Wall’s
assists. In games that Kentucky
wins by six or more, Cousins
scores 18 points per game and
Wall has seven assists. However,
in games they win by five or
less, Cousins averages only ten
points a game and Wall, only
three assists.
Another final four con-
tender is the Purdue Boilermak-
ers. The Boilermakers can score
inside and out and play great
defense. With big wins against
Tennessee, West Virginia, and
Michigan State, Purdue has
shown what they can do when
they are rolling on all cylinders.
A sleeper team to look out
for come tournament time is the
Ohio State Buckeyes. Despite the
Buckeyes’ six losses, they have
quality wins against Wisconsin,
Illinois, and Purdue. Ohio State
also has the hottest player in the
country, forward Evan Turner
, who averages 19 points per
game, nearly ten rebounds, and
six assists.
All in all, this year’s NCAA
tournament has the potential to
be the best there has been in a
long time. With no overwhelm-
ing favorite, and many teams
with the talent to make deep runs
in the tournament, be prepared to
be shocked and awed by all the
upsets this March.

Girl ices competition with goalie skills, freezes opponent offense

Cool composure helps senior Van Etten break gender barrier in rink
x by Nikki Cali & Jeff Brumfield
Usually when you see girls out on the ice, they
are performing graceful figure skating routines. But
for senior goalie Sophie Van Etten, her time on the ice
is spent acting as the last line of defense for the Blake
Community Ice Hockey team.
An avid fan of the NHL’s Washington Capitals,
Van Etten had always admired the game of hockey but
had never actually played it until this year. “My first time
on the ice with all my goalie gear was the first practice,”
says Van Etten. “I fell a lot.” But her determination out-
weighed her inexperience and she became one of two
goalies on this year’s community ice hockey team.
Van Etten’s resolve certainly did not go unnoticed.
Says Coach, Ted Pazulski, “She worked very hard in
the off season in order to learn the basics of the goalie
position.”
Even with her preseason preparation, Van Etten
still needed some help and special attention from the
coaches to develop into a proficient goalie. “In the
beginning they worked with me a lot because I really
needed it,” says Van Etten. “But now that I’m better,
they treat me the same [as my teammates].”
Over the course of the season, Van Etten has
shared ample amounts of playing time with fellow
goalie, sophomore Cross Klemko. “I think it’s good for
us to share time because it makes us both play harder,”
says Klemko.
The friendly competition for the same posi-
tion is also a driving force to improve their skills. “I
wouldn’t be able to get benched [if Van Etten wasn’t
on the team],” adds Klemko. “I have to play well
to stay in.” The pressure for Klemko to play better
doesn’t come from the fact that Van Etten is a girl, it
is all simply about playing time. Says Klemko, “We
all just treat her as another teammate: it doesn’t mat-
ter the gender.”
Although there have been girls on the ice hockey
team in the past, there has never been a female goalie.
But Van Etten has definitely managed to maintain her
confidence and hold her own with the boys. “Sophie
is definitely not intimidated by the boys,” says coach
Pazulski. “She is a stand up goalie [that] will stand up
to any of the best shooters in the league.”
Van Etten admits she relishes every opportunity
she gets to prove herself to her male teammates and
competitors. “The best part of playing goalie is seeing
the look on a player’s face when I block their break-
away shot,” says Van Etten. “They’re always pretty
shocked.”
D8 February 26, 2010 The Blake Beat
Local band to be next alternative sensation; spirit fingers work magic for sophomore, E3

Section E Blake Beat Fine Arts February 26, 2010

Senior unlocks Golden

Key with piano passion,
enchanting melodies
by Isaac Hirsch
x & Leah Rich
Composers traditionally
start at a young age and senior
Ulises Cordova Chavez is no
exception. He will be playing his
own original composition at the
Golden Key of Vienna Interna-
tional Music Festival in Austria.
He will play July 15, after
submitting his original piece
“Meteora,”
which Cor-
dova Chavez
considers one
of his most
It’s good to know
complex
pieces. “I’m
that I’m getting
in the process
of polishing
somewhere.
and finishing Ulises
my final Me-
teora,” says Cordova Chavez.
“[The original] was very well
received.” After submitting the
piece, he won both an Achieve-
ment Award and an Achievement
Diploma.
Cordova Chavez started
studying piano at a young age, but
it was a rocky start. “Although
I loved to play with the sounds
and discover my way around
the keyboard,” says Cordova
Chavez. “I never studied for my
classes, and I usually transposed
and changed the ending of pieces
I didn’t like.” He studied under
the renowned Mexican composer
Above, Senior Ulises Cordova Chavez plays debut his own original composition in July at Arturo Márquez.
a tune on the piano in the school auditorium. the Golden Key of Vienna International Music Cordova Chavez is strongly
Chavez, who started playing at a young age, will Festival in Austria. -- photos by Aaron Crews supported by his parents and his
grandparents. “We are very ex-
cited and deeply proud of him,”
says Cordova Chavez’s mother,
Dr. Rosa Chavez-Eakle. Cordova
Chavez’s grandparents will be ac-
companying him in Vienna.
Cordova Chavez cites
the composers Ludwig van
Beethoven and Gustav Mahler as
his influences, and surprisingly,
the 1990s grunge band Nirvana.
“Smells Like Teen Spirit… makes
my body ef-
fervescent
w ith p as -
sion, rage,
a n d j o y, ”
says Cordo-
va Chavez.
He also lists
the modern
Cordova Chavez band Muse
as one of his
favorites.
Earlier in the year, Cor-
dova Chavez participated in the
International Cervantino Bar-
roco Festival, held in Mexico. He
played in concert at the festival
and was paid to do so. “[This is]
probably the biggest event in my
pianistic history to date,” says
Cordova Chavez. He has also
won the Blake Talent Show and
a “What is Beauty” Reflections
contest.
Cordova Chavez is thank-
ful for all the help provided to
him by AP Music Theory teacher
Brian Damron and Choral teacher
Jonathan Dunn. Says Cordova
Chavez, “It’s good to know that
I’m getting somewhere.”

Award-winning documentary has special screening at Blake February 18

Students have opportunity to meet director, learn from different cultures
by Analise Altobelli
x & Emily Stevens
Music and TV Production students
had the privilege to view a screening of a
documentary, The Music Lesson, and talk
to the director, Virginia Galloway, Febru-
ary 18.
This event was set up by Principal
Carole Goodman and Theatre teacher
Michel D’Anna. “We have not had the re-
sources to bring in guest artists for a while
so when this opportunity presented itself, I
jumped on it,” says Mrs. Goodman.
The documentary was filmed about a
group of ten classically trained students from
the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra who
traveled to Africa to teach and learn from
Kenyan students. Although the Kenyans are
not formally trained in music, music is a big
part of their lives; they know music passed
on through tradition in their tribe.
Mrs. Galloway was inspired to cre-
ate this documentary because of her former
experiences in Kenya working with the Paul
Chester Children’s Hope Foundation. “I was
moved by the children of the community,
by their singing and dancing, also by their
wealth of spirit in the face of such little
material wealth,” she says.
When Mrs. Galloway returned home,
she felt compelled to share her experiences.
She says, “My goal is to inspire the students
to become interested in their global neigh-
bors and in the idea of learning outside of
the classroom.” She hopes that her film will
have a positive impact on the attitudes of
American youth.
At Blake, many students were moved
by the film. “I think it touched on the impor-
tance for us to open our worlds to everything
around us,” says junior Joyce Bartlett. This
story also taught students about Kenyan
culture. “Here in America we’re so fortu-
nate…and we’re still not even satisfied,”
says junior Lucas Frangou. “Whereas in
Kenya, it seems like as long as they have
their friendships and their music, they are
happy.”
Mr. D’Anna thought a showing of the
film was a chance for students to learn an
important lesson about music. “It’s not just
[about] reading and learning techniques…
the spirit and soul must be part of the experi-
ence, too,” he says.
Mrs. Galloway has a goal of influenc-
ing many people’s views on the arts; Blake
is just one of her many steps along the way.
“The wisdom that was shared and the les-
sons that I learned [in Kenya] will forever
influence my way of being,” she adds.

FasXion show to debut this fall: not end of runway for designers, models
x by Merissa Dyer
Flashing lights, fierce designs and top-model walks
– for the past few years, watching students’ original de-
signs grace the runway at FasXion (pronounced “Fashion
X”), has been a regular staple and one of the most antici-
pated events of the year.
This spring, however, the FasXion catwalk will
cease to exist, as the club reached the decision to push
the show back to September.
“As a team, we did not feel ready for the March
show that was steadily approaching,” says FasXion
President and designer, junior Brooke Mellish. “We may
not be holding the spring fashion show, but that will just
mean we get to have two, even better shows next year for
everybody to participate in and enjoy.”
Prior to Mellish’s decision, models and assistants
were hard at work practicing three times a week, and
designers were diligently laboring to complete as many
outfits as possible. The club was also working on spon-
sorship, fundraising, designing programs and tickets, in
addition to finding intermission acts and music for the
show.
“I was a little upset, but I was okay with it,” adds
Model Coordinator and senior Nicole Wilson. Although
she planned to strut down the catwalk this year for the
first time, she is not concerned. “I am going to do my best
to come home [in the fall] so I can work the runway and
show off the beautiful creations of talented designers.”
Though the decision may disappoint some, the club
is united on its verdict. “We felt we needed more time to
live up to the expectations of past shows,” says model and
assistant, junior Janjay Davis. “I love FasXion and all the
morals I’ve learned from it throughout the years. It was the
best decision we could make to keep our reputation.”
Junior and FasXion model Paris Saunders says,
“Our postponed show is just a minor bump in the road.
You will see us very soon…our heels will continue to
shine.”
E2 February 26, 2010 The Blake Beat

Sophomores Devon Johnson (left) and Brian
Ogbonna demonstrate hand dancing, a mixture
Sophomore jitterbugs,
swings with spirited
fingers, feels rhythm
Johnson takes lead, embraces
unusual style of hand dancing
while expressing herself
x by Leah Rich
Just the thought of danc-
ing with a partner with no set
choreography could make anyone
uncomfortable, but sophomore
Devon Johnson commends those
with the maturity to do the unfa-
miliar style of hand dance.
Hand dancing is a mixture
of the jitterbug and swing dancing
and was originated in Washing-
ton, DC in the 1950s. The partners
lead with their hands, which are
always joined in some way, there-
fore the style name. When the
rhythm and blues music turns on,
the dancers express their feelings
through their un-choreographed
movement.
Johnson started hand danc-
ing the summer before ninth
grade. Her parents had started
two years before her and she was
inspired once she went to a perfor-
mance. “It just looked like a bunch
of adults dancing together,” says
Johnson, ”But at one of their hand
dance performances, a group of
kids my age performed and that’s
really what inspired me.”
of jitterbug and swing dancing in the Blake dance Johnson participates in
studio. --photo by Tu Truong social dancing. “Guys that were
about 16-years-old would go and
grab women in their 50s and start
dancing with them,” says John-
son. This gives the dancers an
opportunity to talk to each other
in a stress-free environment. She
was surprised to see boys similar
to her friends, hand dancing.
Johnson adds, “To me it showed
a lot of maturity in them.”
Hand dancing gives John-
son the chance to compete. She
has been competing in a group
competition called Tri-State
where six girls and boys perform
a line dance. Her last perfor-
mance incorporated a Michael
Jackson Mix in honor of his life.
Next year, she will compete in a
couple’s competition. “My part-
ner Justin [and I] are preparing
now, so that should be fun,” says
Johnson.
Dance has been a big part
of her life. She currently does bal-
let, tap, jazz, hip-hop, and is on
the poms squad. Says Johnson,
“After I leave for college, hand
dancing is the only one I’ll prob-
ably stick with.” Give her any
kind of beat, and she will be on
the dance floor with a partner or
group, doing what she loves.

Streetlight Silhouette: new alternative sensation, next Cobra Starship

Band performs at popular music venues, over 750 fans via MySpace
by Anna Ching
x & Caroline Pledger
Fans all across Maryland are rooting
for the newest sensation in Alternative Pop
music, and they are nothing like what you
see on MTV.
Rocking Jammin’ Java and the 9:30
Club are two of the latest achievements
for Blake band Streetlight Silhouette as
they work toward spreading the message
of their music.
What started out as a mutual passion
for creating music, turned into the band’s
striking success. From a young age both
sophomore keyboardist Miguel Pena and
junior drummer Spenser Balog knew that
they wanted to pursue music. After forming
a friendship in eighth grade, they began
working hard as a duo to create the band
of their dreams.
Once reaching high school, the
band began to really take shape; adding
sophomore rhythm guitarist Diego Vallejos
and three other members in Montgomery
County. “The personalities of the members
all reflect the goals of Streetlight Silhou-
ette,” adds Balog. “Diego puts forth a
strong sense of energy and enthusiasm
for the songs, and is never found without
his heart enveloped in each line of each
verse.”
Since picking up steam in the last
few months, Streetlight Silhouette has been
performing high-energy shows to get their
name out in the community. But they have
a message that spans beyond the sounds
of the instruments alone. On the meaning
behind the name, Balog says, “Streetlights
cast [and] send off distinct silhouettes.
Placing the two words beside each other
serves as a story. Lights reveal objects
and objects along the pathway serve as
the obstacles that appear in the conquest
for direction.”
The band’s dedication is obvious
when it comes to the fans. With over 750
fans to please, Streetlight Silhouette works
hard as a unit to promote their music, us-
ing MySpace as their primary channel to
connect with listeners. Junior Stephanie
Rivera, a close follower of the band, says,
“Their music is really electronic. They
have some swell lyrics and [you can tell]
they really want this. They don’t play
around when it comes to their music.”
The band’s most recent show was
Valentine’s Day at the 9:30 Club’s Battle
of the Bands. The band enjoyed the enthu-
siastic crowd. Balog says, “That stage has
showcased so many artists we love that it
was our [responsibility] for putting on the
greatest show we could.”
Though the band has hopes of some-
day being signed to a record deal, for now
their primary purpose is to share their
personal experiences through song and
keep their fans hanging on. One fan will
definitely be there; as Rivera adds, “These
boys mean the world to me and this is their
dream. They are truly a family. You will
hear great things from them.”
Come out and support the band
March 3 while they get the opporunity to
perform with popular artists Cash Cash,
Shawn Fisher, and Victory By Revenge.

Express
yourself
Buy
Unclassifieds!
70 cents for the first
10 words, 5 cents
for each additional
word. See
Mr. Keegan to buy.
The Blake Beat
REVIEWS FOR YOU
Mass Effect 2 worthy of praise, your money
x by Tommy Irish
Mass Effect 2 has finally arrived,
and has proven that not all sequels fall
short of the original: The epic trilogy
is continued in this new third-person
shooter with some impressive features. the turnout of the final installment.
In Mass Effect 2, you take on the
role of Commander Shepard, a hero to
humanity and aliens alike. Your mission
is to gather a team of specialists from
across the galaxy and stop a new threat to
humanity. Beyond that, the story is in the
hands of the player. Each decision affects
the plot, rendering a unique experience
for each player.
Before the game begins, the player
is offered the chance to import their
saved profile from Mass Effect. All of
Caroline Pledger
Denzel, Kunis give performance of biblical proportions
Book of Eli delivers audience with riveting action
by Isak Shah
x touches it but me,” creates a thousand ques-
The Book of Eli is a post-apocalyptic
thriller reminiscent of Mad Max. It takes
place during a nuclear winter, a result of
a hole torn in the ozone above the United
States. As dust and ash foul the air, gangs of
thieving, violent lowlifes inhabit every inch
of the land: trust no one, and help no one.
Enter Denzel Washington, a “si-
lent-type” loner who sports sunglasses and a
blade that makes Rambo’s look like a butter
knife. He exudes confidence and purpose,
striding down a seemingly endless road and
facing all odds fearlessly on his mysterious
journey “West.” Battling bandits and search-
ing constantly for scarcities like water and
Chapstick, the solitary figure always carries a
Josh Paunil
February 26, 2010
the decisions made in the first game
are reflected in Mass Effect 2, opening
and closing opportunities throughout
the game. This same system will apply
for Mass Effect 3, so the decisions you
make in the first two games will affect
The game itself is amazing: with
tons of side missions and many story
missions, this game will have you play-
ing for countless hours. Typically this
length would make the game feel dull
and repetitive, but each mission is new
and refreshing, and the game-play fea-
tures many different kinds of enemies
and scenarios to fight through. Beyond
the store-bought game, there is a large
amount of promised downloadable
content, ranging from new vehicles to
Indie band Beach House releases new atmospheric album
x by Caroline Pledger
While most teens are listening to the
latest hits of Ke$ha on Hot 99.5, a lesser-
known underground pop group called Beach
House is just starting to gain notice.
The latest album Teen Dream hit
stores just over three weeks ago and fans
have anxiously awaited the release of this
particular album. Delivering an improved
sound via their new label Sub Pop, the
band’s mission was to keep to the dreamy
chords they are known for, but also throw
in some new drum tricks.
Beach House is an indie band com-
prised of two members, Christiane and
Michel Legrand, a married couple who
originated from Baltimore, MD. Christiane
sings comforting and sweet melodies while
knapsack. His repeated statement of “nobody
tions about the nameless bundle he guards.
Along the way, our mysterious
leading man meets a young, plucky fe-
male: Mila Kunis. Despite his intentions to
leave her behind in the broken down town
she lives in, she follows him like a young
puppy and asks countless questions - many
of which he answers with countless wise-
cracks. His fatherly, protective treatment of
her creates a bond between them and soon
they are traveling partners, sporting match-
ing sunglasses and boots (his stripped from
a rotting corpse).
Washington dons the enigmatic role
like a second skin, becoming the wearer of an
impenetrable mask that hides his purpose just
White Collar compliments suspense with romance
FBI consultant busts cons, pursues woman of dreams
x by Josh Paunil
Neal Caffrey has done it all: he
has jumped out of a three-story window,
escaped from jail, and even infiltrated
corrupt Wall Street brokers. However, he
has yet to do one thing: track down the
girl he loves.
In White Collar, the ex-convict Caf-
frey teams up with FBI agent Peter Burke,
the man who captured him twice, to use
his criminal expertise to track down high-
profile and elusive criminals. In return for
Caffrey’s services, he doesn’t have to go to
jail and he will eventually be free.
The main storyline in this crime
comedy-drama is Caffrey trying to find
his girlfriend, Kate. She is the reason Neal
E3
missions.
For those familiar with Mass Ef-
fect, Mass Effect 2 will feel very sim-
plified for you. Weapons and armor are
no longer collected, simply upgraded.
Depending on your class, there will be
some new weapon replacements in the
game, but usually weapons are only
improved with upgrades.
The game still lacks multiplayer,
but its absence does not detract from
the game. The single player experience
is unique and plenty of replay value,
with each class and decision offering a
different play-through; it wouldn’t make
sense to add multiplayer.
Overall, this game is worthy of the
60 bucks and has me hyped for the final
installment.
Tommy Irish
Michel provides the always-enthusiastic this album to introduce their trials with the
instrumentation of the guitar and other synthesized drum pads. Specifically in the
synthetic sounds. song “Walk in the Park”, the mood shifts
Teen Dream is the group’s third to a tense, more vigilant overseeing where
album following a line of records. Their blaring organ riffs sound off to a combus-
sound lies mostly within the realm of tion of two interworking melodies.
slow, atmospheric rhythms and haunting In this song and in others, a real fo-
lyrics, but with Teen Dream the band has cus of chord layering is emphasized. The
ventured into a more upbeat experimental sounds automatically make your small
aesthetic. surroundings feel enlarged by an automatic
Thrilling songs like the single “Nor- change in acoustics.
way” introduce a new method to the Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed play
standard “guy-plays-guitar-girl-sings-hap- offs of previous recordings featured on this
piness-ensues” ideal. The song is perfectly record. It reminds me of the imaginary blan-
titled to engulf the airy and lovely, almost ket and cup of hot cocoa I could snuggle up
girlish vibe that only a woman’s voice can with while listening to this album. I would
inspire. definitely recommend listening to this al-
But Teen Dream isn’t all happy rain- bum. It really makes a listener yearn for the
bows and clouds. Beach Houses utilizes next installment of sweet delight.
as well as the shades that hide his eyes. As
usual, he is incredible. Kunis complements
his hardness with her innocence and feminin-
ity and the pervasive notion of her youth. The
understanding between them, both in their
characters and as actors, creates a beautiful
synchronicity that combined with the dusty
landscape and hardcore wardrobe, is rivet-
ing. Kunis and Washington continually save
each other and Washington’s character opens
just slightly with companionship, enough to
make him irresistible to curiosity.
The entire film will keep you on your
toes, guessing and flailing at possibilities and
truths that don’t appear its genius camera
angles and directing revealing little and
disguising much until the very end of all the
dirt stained action. Isak Shah
escaped from jail in the first place, Neal entertained by this crime comedy-drama
wanting to win back Kate’s love before she all season long.
left him. However, by the time Neal made My only worry about this show is
his escape deal, it was too late. how long it can remain realistic before
Neal has been spending every waking it turns into 24 and completely becomes
moment in an attempt to track down Kate outlandish. Some scenes are borderline-
and he is becoming closer with each pass- believable in White Collar, but it has
ing day. He has discovered that someone not turned absurd. As long as the writers
within the FBI is controlling his girlfriend keep everything that happens in the realm
and will let her go if Neal gives him the of possibility this show will continue to
Amber Music Box, a mysterious, treasured improve.
item that Neal will have to steal. Tune in March 2 at 10 pm to watch
White Collar is a funny, captivat- the season finale of the second season of
ing, and action-packed show I highly White Collar on USA as Neal Caffrey and
recommend everyone watch. Between Peter Burke attempt to capture a murderer.
Neal Caffrey doing death-defying stunts Be prepared to laugh, conjecture, and
and wondering who has his girlfriend,
you will laugh and guess while being
wonder as you watch this action-packed
crime-comedy.
E4 February 26, 2010 The Blake Beat