Senior Renee Wilson promotes milk as Dairy Princess

Posted on April 27, 2012 by adviser

Rachel Lee

Got milk? Senior Renee Wilson certainly does. Renee was crowned Maryland Dairy Princess in July of 2011 and has spent the year fulfilling her responsibilities as the spokeswoman for dairy products.

Photo courtesy of Renee Wilson. The freshly crowned Dairy Princess poses with her family after her victory in June. Renee Wilson (12) has spent the year fulfilling her duties as dairy royalty.

A Dairy Princess is a young woman between the ages of 16 and 21 who promotes the dairy industry at the county, regional, or state level. Contestants must win a pageant in order to be crowned Dairy Princess. Renee has participated in two pageants; she won the regional pageant last May and the state pageant in July. The National Dairy Council, along with Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association and the Maryland Dairy Princess Association, sponsors the reign of the Maryland Dairy Princess.

Renee’s family and friends knew Renee would be the perfect Dairy Princess, and due to their encouragement, she decided to compete. The Dairy Princess must be proficient at public speaking and knowledgeable about the dairy industry. Since Renee grew up on a dairy farm and has never shied away from speaking to a crowd, her qualifications were obvious.

The Dairy Princess pageant is different from a typical beauty pageant because the goal is to promote milk. Contestants must complete two radio spots which deliver the message that everything goes great with milk. They must also give a speech and perform a skit illustrating the importance of the dairy industry. For her pageant, Renee performed a skit in which she was Little Orphan Annie taking her three servings of milk to school.

After performing their skits, contestants interview with the judges and answer the terrifying “fish bowl question” in front of the crowd. As for this question segment, Renee stated, “It is nerve-racking. Everyone is watching.” At the state pageant, Renee was asked, “How should farmers promote milk more effectively?” In response, Renee described how farmers should focus their promotions on children and major retail stores.

As Dairy Princess, Renee has many responsibilities. She travels across the state and attends a variety of events to promote the dairy industry. Promotional events include other pageants, the Maryland State Fair, Boy Scout meetings, and Farm Bureau meetings. Renee stated, “At these events I provide milk toasts, dips ice cream, distributes promotional products, teach students, and encourage children to play our dairy games.”

The National Dairy Council sponsors Renee to attend many fun events outside of her standard duties. Just this December, Renee was given the chance to attend the Ravens vs. Colts game at M&T Bank Stadium, where she walked on the field before the game, toured the stadium, and took pictures with the cheerleaders.

As to her favorite part of being Dairy Princess, Renee stated, “I love teaching others, especially elementary school children.” In fact, Renee plans to go to school for Agricultural Education and make a career out of her teaching skills. She also likes to give autographs and make other people happy.

Overall, Renee feels the Dairy Princess has been an “incredible experience” not only because of the amazing people she has met, but because of the ways in which she has grown up. Her reign has helped her in communication, creativity, professionalism, coordination, and networking. Although Renee will give away her state crown in June, she knows her memories will last a lifetime.

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Alumnus publishes autobiography

Posted on April 27, 2012 by adviser

Taylor McElduff

The average child spends his time playing outside, avoiding nap time and playing pretend. Not everyone, however, can be so lucky to grow up in a happy environment. Take for example, Kirk Felix, author of the autobiography Raised by Wolves: The Story of Abandonment, Abuse and Survival. When readers pick up this book, they will not only be surprised by the trials and tribulations which Kirk and his brothers, Keith and Jim, faced, but also by the fact that all three were residents of the Hereford Zone. Kirk graduated from Hereford High School in 1968.

As noted in its title, this book is not an average coming of age story. The Felix brothers faced unimaginable circumstances including being abandoned by their parents and being separated and reunited within foster care. The boys were also faced with grieving their uncle shortly after they left foster care. These three boys witnessed these events all by the time they reached middle school. Coming up with the title hit home for Felix, who stated, “You must read the book through to fully understand the impact of the title. Real wolves love and protect their brood in packs. We were raised by relatives who did not actually consider us as part of the family per se.”

In reliving the memories of a childhood full of turmoil one would expect upsetting feelings to surface. However, Felix stayed positive throughout the writing process: “Reliving some parts of this book was not hard because as a child you have the ability to block out those parts of your life that you cannot remember or you wish to forget.”

Felix started writing this book in 1981 while attending Southern New Hampshire University. “It all began as a college English course and the assignment was to produce a short autobiography about your life. I ended with eleven pages typed and double spaces. The instructor was impressed with how my brothers and I were raised. He stated I should expand the writing into a viable manuscript and maybe publish a book. I received an “A” on the project,” he stated.

Felix started to work on the book in 1995 and then put it away again only to pick it back up in 2007. At this point, Felix was determined to finish the book and publish it as “a coffee table book.”

A term most writers are familiar with is that of writer’s block. Felix is no different. “You get to a point when you have written so much that the written word becomes a blur. You have so many facts and other information you just do not know where to put it all or how to present it in a logical fashion. Much of what has been written was emotional and that in its self it enough to create writers block. Do I want to really write about this or that and can I as the author, see my way past my own ghosts to accomplish what I have set out to present? It is never easy when writing an autobiography of this type,” he stated.

As for advice for upcoming writers Felix makes it simple and clear: “If you can dream it, you can do it. Never give up and write from your heart”

This story is a must read not only for its empowering message of overcoming obstacles but also for the familiarity for members of the Hereford community. Readers will appreciate this book for it’s simple yet gratifying shout-outs local places. Felix creates a simple map in the reader’s mind as roads and places throughout the Hereford Zone are revealed, a feature not found in other books.

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April News Briefs

Posted on April 27, 2012 by adviser

Photo by Renee Wilson.

 

Ag Day participants prepare for the tractor parade on April 14th. Events included animal displays, showmanship demonstrations, indoor displays and games, a car show, flea market, and a Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation display.

 

 

Photo by Renee Wilson.

Mrs. Coon puckers up to kiss a pig. The Future Farmers of America sponsored a six-day fundraiser for a Career Development Event field trip at the University of Maryland. Mr. Walter won the event by raising the most money and kissed a pig on the morning announcements. He stated,”I was happy that I could help FFA raise money for future projects. The smell of the pig was tough to overcome but the kiss wasn’t bad. The snout was dry and the pig cooperated.”

 

 

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Junior Alex Green mentors youth; volunteers at St. Vincent’s Villa Treatment Center

Posted on April 27, 2012 by adviser

Abby Kousouris

We’ve all been there, trudging through the laborious hours of community service that must be completed in order to graduate. For the most part, students will accept any kind of service project. They moan and groan, complaining that they have to work. However, unlike the masses, Alex Green (11) chose to create a project based on her personal interests in order to make her service learning project more enjoyable.

Alex Green has started an independent project at St. Vincent’s, a residential treatment center in Timonium for children dealing with abuse. Most kids at St. Vincent’s have tried to run away, hurt themselves physically, or felt threatened by an abusive parent. Imagine a child living in fear, always cautious of strangers and their intentions. Alex knew that working with these kids would not be easy. She knew that she would need to be patient and gain their trust before she was able to make progress with them.

It was a long road to start the project. The volunteers at St. Vincent’s directed Alex on making her own lesson plan, filled with fun crafts to entice the interest of her young subjects. She feverishly planned her independent endeavor with the girls, making sure not to include anything that would set off emotional triggers or would involve a lot of physical contact with the kids. Alex said, “They are just little kids and you have to remember that they had a rough life.”

After she put her ideas on paper, she met with some of the volunteers to get their insight. When her plan was finally approved, she got a team of her friends together to help.

Photo courtesy of Alex Green. Alex Green (11), third from left, volunteers at the local treatment center for children dealing with abuse. She has made lesson plans incorporating arts and crafts projects to help the kids.

On the first day, Alex had the girls take pictures of their friends and their surroundings. The kids laughed and giggled with one other, taking silly photos and artful shots. Alex stressed that she wanted the kids to remember how much fun that they had. She also included arts and crafts projects that would not only be fun, but also useful. She is planning on making belts, picture frames, wooden boxes, and flower pots.

Alex thinks that there is nothing more rewarding than community service. She said, “It helps you see the bigger picture in the world that we are not just living in a sheltered society, but there are real problems that people need to focus on and people need to do something about.”

Previously, Alex did a lot of community service at animal shelters, but this time she opted to make a difference in the lives of children. Alex said, “This one is different for me because I am actually helping children. This is something I actually organized myself which makes it even more fulfilling knowing that you are personally getting everything together and organizing things to help these kids.” She stresses the importance of community service and the effect that it has on other people’s lives. Alex said, “It makes you feel better that you are helping other people and you are doing something to better the community and you are not just sitting at home or doing something for yourself but you are actually going out there and making a difference.”

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Camden Yards streaker reveals all during Harbinger interview; Reporter Ryan Abbott speaks directly with infamous Batman

Posted on April 27, 2012 by adviser

Ryan Abbott

“The court is 2-2. Arrieta sets up for the pitch – and it seems there’s a fan on the field, we’re going to take a quick commercial break.”

A shirtless, capped man (the Batman streaker) jumped the right field wall and trotted around in a circle, causing the crowd to applaud with enthusiasm. Eight policemen slowly walked toward the man, surrounding him in a practiced formation. Attempting to evade them, he rapidly changed directions, and headed for the warning track. Juking left and right, he swiftly avoided the end of his 30 seconds of fame until he was taken down by a perfectly-executed tackle by two officers. But he wasn’t ready to stop his escapade. He attempted to stand back up and flee, but, he wasn’t fast enough. He was slammed right back down to the ground by another officer. The crowd appreciated the entertainment.

Photo courtesy of sportsgrid.com. The Batman streaker runs on the field on Opening Day at Camden Yards. He was arrested but released without any criminal charges.

Batman was arrested and taken to jail, but later released without any criminal charges. He was shocked by this and said, “I had to ask twice; I was like, are you sure, officer?” The Oriole’s office said, “It was a communication error that we won’t make again.” Mark still wasn’t let off without consequence; he was supposedly banned from Camden Yards for life, which many found way too harsh.

Certainly the Orioles organization didn’t find it funny, but he told me, “My whole objective was to make people laugh.” But in truth it seems that he may have gotten off the hook. Even though publicity has made it seem like he was banned from Camden Yards, when asked about the ban, he commented, “I’m kind of sad about it, but nobody from the Orioles has contacted me or sent me anything in the mail, so I will probably try and go back.”

The incident has gotten a lot of publicity in the local news and even at a larger scale. His story was featured on Ellen after grabbing her attention when he said in another interview that he was planning to do it in his Ellen underwear. He also noted, “I watch the show all the time, and the producers heard about what I did, and she got a kick out of it. They are even going to try to fly me out and dance with her in my Ellen underwear.”

Whether you like it or not, many (including myself) found what Mark did as extremely funny and entertaining. When I asked him if we will ever see another appearance by Batman, he responded by saying, “Most likely, yes. If it’s not going to be Batman, it will be Ellen.”

Even a former student at Hereford has entertained people by running onto Camden Yards. Last summer, Eric Wheeler jumped the gap between the top of the Oriole’s dugout and the field. After landing on the field, he ran passed the Boston Red Sox dugout, raising both middle fingers in disgust. His run continued until he fell to the ground without violence after seeing a taser being pointed at him.

Eric spent the night in jail, paid a trespassing fine, and then had to do 60 hours of community service. At least he can still attend games. Kevin Wheeler (11), brother of Eric, said “[he ran onto the field] just to raise his reputation.”

No matter the reason, running onto Camden Yards entertains many and certainly makes people smile.

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Students struggle to conquer towering piles of homework, nightly battle

Posted on April 27, 2012 by adviser

Taryn Quaytman

My eyes began to droop slowly, but I defiantly forced them open. Just a little bit longer, just a little bit longer, I murmured to myself. My eyes burned as I looked around me: an array of papers with subjects ranging from AP English 12 to Calculus BC enveloped my desk. I looked at the clock, which read 1:59, and realized that the time might have been acceptable, had it been twelve hours earlier. I went downstairs and made a coffee; sadly, my night had just begun.

 

I wish I could say that this was an unusual occurrence and that the dreaded all-nighter during the school week was a rarity. I would like to be able to say that my senior year has been a breeze full of sleep-filled weeknights and Fridays and Saturdays full of adventures with friends. But sadly, a few too many AP classes and far too many hours of homework have made my senior year one of the most challenging, trying years of my life.

Drawing by Genevieve Ott.

From the moment a student walks through the acclaimed Hereford High School’s brown front doors, teachers and administrators instill basic ideas upon every individual that are reiterated constantly throughout a student’s career: Participate in extracurricular activities. Stay involved. Take APs. Participate in challenging activities as much as possible because at the end of the road lies the most important task of all: college.

But what teachers sometimes fail to remember is that teenagers are only capable of doing so much. In their efforts to keep students from falling into the depths of Senioritis, they sometimes unintentionally push students over the edge.

I had dreams of getting into Brown University, and I knew that senior year was essential. So, I am taking five AP classes; I participate in Theater after school every day; I babysit during the school week; I am an active member of the newspaper; I am a member of several honor societies; and keeping up with everything is a mere impossibility. And while I am aware that I did this to myself, and I am the one who chose to take all of these classes, I also believe that much of the homework we receive is unnecessary, excessive, and ultimately a waste of time.

Most AP teachers recognize that the curricula for their classes are challenging, and they also realize that in order for students to do well at the renowned end-of-the-year exam, time-intensive work must be issued. But what must be kept in mind is that students are taking numerous classes, and if three-hour work is assigned for every single class, students are simply not going to be able to keep up.

The solution? Busy work must be eliminated. When teachers want notes from students, they should allows students to utilize the method that works best for them—after all, students will use these notes later as a study tool, and rifling through pages of questions and activities that do not help them retain information will surely not lead to success. Making students copy things down word for word from another source is not a good technique either—it becomes a monotonous task that students are able to do without much effort or focus.

Teachers should try to minimize the homework load to no more than one hour per class. Students will gain so much more from a solid hour of diligence rather than several hours of stress accompanied by a panicky feeling of being overwhelmed.

Another thing teachers can do to avoid surplus stress and worry, is to provide students with their homework assignments as much in advance as possible. If students are aware of upcoming due dates, they can plan their assignments according to their schedule, but arriving in a class period one day only to find out that something huge is due the next day is sure to cause an unnecessary amount of anxiety and exhaustion for the student.

The importance of sleep on the overall functioning of an individual is undeniable, and yet sleep is something that the average high-school student tends to lack. I never thought going into high school that I would spend sleepless nights hunched over my desk researching and computing and analyzing, but come senior year, I have found that this has become a harsh reality. And sure, I could give up and go to bed, but this would only be an option if I would be okay with getting Straight C’s on my report card. Sleep plays such an important role on not only physical health but mental health as well—and I honestly can say that the consequences of losing sleep from these classes has outweighed the benefits of the things I have learned from them.

Every class at Hereford High has something intriguing to offer for students, and what appeals to many is the wealth of knowledge they can obtain from partaking in these classes. But students need to remember that their health should come first, and teachers should realize that teenagers have school, extracurricular activities, jobs, and other commitments that consume every one of their days.

Being a teenager at Hereford High is not always so easy.

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April Sports Briefs

Posted on April 27, 2012 by adviser

Quick Glance: Boy’s Varsity Baseball Teams

Key Players: Jay Patti, Patrick Wetzelberger, Eli Ginsburg

Team Captain: Josh Kufera

Team Info: The baseball team is bouncing back from a disappointing season last year. The boys and coaches are expecting a great season. Sean Danielczyk (12), second baseman, predicts the team will go 16-0 in the regular season and will have a great run in the playoffs. Coach Evans said the team can go “as far as they want to go.” He also said it wasn’t hard to replace the seniors who left. Jay Patti (11) said, “The postseason is a whole new season, so it’s all about who can put it together at the right time. We can make a run.” The whole team is very confident in their possible success this season. -A.J. Endres

Quick Glance: Boy’s Varsity Lacrosse Team

Key Players: Connor Cunningham, Morgan Pritchett, Ted Demiris, Jason Ashwood, Jack Adams, Josh Reider, and Joe Seider

Team Captain: Will Bittner

Team Info: The lacrosse team is looking to defend their title of State Champions, and this year doesn’t seem to differ from the previous four. The Bulls started the season with a tough loss to No.1 ranked Gilman, 10-3. However, the team made an admirable rebound against St. Paul’s, beating them 11-10 in overtime. When asked if they feel any pressure to repeat, Connor Covell (12) said, “Yeah a little bit. I mean everyone’s out to get us. We just have to take every game seriously, and one at a time.” The Bulls only loss last year was to now in the 3A division, Glenelg. The team is pumped to play Glenelg and hope to see them in the playoffs for revenge. They are looking confident and superior as they prepare for another eventful playoff run. – Doug Lasure

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School-sponsored events conflict with prom

Posted on April 27, 2012 by adviser

Carley Evans

“Guys, I got my dress.”

“Oh, let me see! It’s so cute!”

“What are you doing before and after prom?”

“Oh, I have track, so I can’t do anything. I’m sorry!”

Sadly, this type of deal is a burden on everyone going to this year’s May 18th prom. From sporting events to school work and tests, the day picked for prom is the worst EVER!

I feel it is very unfortunate that we need to choose between two school-sponsored events because the decision to have prom on this date makes kids decide between academic (AP Test) commitments and the prom. Also, there are many state and regional athletic events (baseball, track, softball and boys and girls lacrosse) that have been working hard for months that are now effected by the prom date.

How about the AP tests? Everyone knows the week of prom, not a lot gets done because of the excitement leading up to the event. Thirty-nine students are signed up to take the AP test the day of prom. No one wants to have to actually think and do work on the day of prom.

How many students like waking up early in the morning the day after prom? I bet no one! The NHS Walk-a-Thon is scheduled for May 19th, around 8 a.m. Personally, I’m not sure I will even be attending. If post prom doesn’t end till around four, how do they expect kids to be up and ready that early in the morning as a responsible student who is completely deprived of sleep?

Can you imagine how stressful it is to wake up early in the morning for a championship game? Many sporting events hold their regionals or states the day after prom. Students have to leave early from the event of the year. That also means if that one particular student can’t go because of a huge sporting event, then their date will not attend. Adding prom dates to that number, approximately 400 students cannot fully enjoy the night they have anticipated all year. “It really sucks for people who have sports that day. If they can’t miss a practice or game then I feel like they are obligated not to miss out on usual activities before prom,” said Brittany Muhler (12).

Leaving prom early means that all those people cannot go to post prom. How many volunteers does it take to make post prom happen? I’m assuming quite a lot. When all these students don’t show up for various reasons, the parents and school volunteers will be wasting their precious time and could lose some money.

“I really don’t feel like getting up early on any occasion, especially when I have a game the day after prom. It will be annoying, but I will have to get over it really quickly. I probably won’t be able go to post prom if I have a game,” said Patrick Wetzelberger (11). On the other hand, some students have sporting events right before prom, around 5 p.m. I couldn’t imagine having to miss my senior prom because I have “a prior appointment.” If students leave early from prom then they won’t be attending post prom. Pointless!

“I don’t understand why it’s on a Friday because it causes conflicts with girls getting their hair done and taking pictures prior. It’s my senior prom!” said Brittany. Unfortunately for seniors, this is our last Hoorah! before we graduate. Underclassmen, do not follow the class of 2012 with this type of decision; you will be sorry!

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Traci Rambert runs relay races rapidly

Posted on April 27, 2012 by adviser

Haley Gilmore

Traci Rambert (9), might be the next big track star at Hereford. As a freshman, it is hard to make varsity, especially as a sprinter, but Traci did it!

Photo by Taryn Quaytman. Traci Rambert (9) competes in multiple events for the Varsity Track and Field team as a sprinter. She has surpassed expectations during her freshman year.

Traci’s specialties are the 200 meter dash, 100 meter dash, 4×200 meter relay and 4×100 meter relay.

With a season of indoor track already under her belt Traci was ready for the outdoor season. Unfortunately Traci was put on the injured reserved list due to a knee injury in the beginning of the season. After a brief respite Traci is back in action and running for the team.

Traci’s fastest time so far in a meet has been 28 seconds in the 200 meter dash.

“I admire her dedication to the team because she ran at the Owings Mills meet,” said Jamal Cody (9), referring to her spectacular performance.

One of Traci’s friends and teammates Emma Ball (9), said, “She is the one that pushed me to become faster.” Emma also sprints Varsity with Traci and loves every aspect of it.

Besides practice every weekday, Traci’s runs for a few hours on the weekends.

When it isn’t track season, she plays soccer and runs frequently. Traci is also always open to new things. She is starting to run 300 meter hurdles.

Traci is basically in love with track. She said her favorite part of the meet “is winning.”

Expect to see Traci Rambert make it all the way to States this year. She’s on the fast track to success.

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Defenders of Animal Rights Inc. seeks attentive, loving pet owners

Posted on April 27, 2012 by adviser

Amanda Battle

Photo by Carli Lehmann. Defenders of Animal Rights Inc. provides a home for animals in need. Reporter Amanda Battle played with the cats at the shelter in Phoenix, Maryland.

Defenders of Animal Rights Inc. has been a home for Max, a kitten that was lit on fire by a teenager and suffered first and second degree burns; Frankie, a dog that was starved nearly to death and thrown over a fence and left there to die; Libby, a starved puppy found in a dumpster under a pile of furniture; and 120 other animals.

Defenders is located off of Old York Road in Phoenix, Maryland. This grass-root organization was the first in Maryland to establish a shelter that does not euthanize animals. The loving shelter holds animals as long as it takes for them to be adopted and has made it a priority to spay or neuter every animal housed in the shelter. The generous donations are what the pet and adoption center runs on solely.

“The donations pay for food, vet bills, surgery, vaccines, cleaning supplies, heat and electric bills, and tests for the cats and dogs,” said Gane Simmons, Defenders of Animal Rights Inc. worker of thirteen and a half years. She explained that the shelter spends $400 to $500 a week to provide the animals with proper nutrition and sanitation.

Not only does the shelter home cats and dogs, but one could find several birds, two pigs, and three ducks on the 35.8 acres. During the spring time, the shelter receives many litters of kittens that need a homes. Annalee Heneghan (10), a frequent visitor to the shelter said, “Defenders get a lot of kittens in the spring time for sure. I visit the shelter a lot and play with the kitties a lot. The kittens are precious and they deserve a home!”

The shelter is open to the public from 10 am to 4 pm on Monday to Friday, and 10 am to 1 pm on Saturday. Visitors to the humane society can sit in the two large cat rooms and play with the kitties or play with one of the adorable dogs..

“I have five cats. Cats are always there for you. When I’m in my room doing homework, my cat is always with me. I’d suggest it to anyone to adopt a cat. They are loving animals and a great addition to your family,” said Megan Findle (11).

If you are looking for a loving kitten to add to your family, it costs only $90 to adopt one. The price of the kitten includes spaying or neutering, distemper shots, Rabies shots (if the kitten is old enough), tests for aids or leukemia, worming, and flea and tick treatment.

If you are more of puppy person, it costs $90 to adopt which includes spaying or neutering, a distemper shot, a rabies shot, worming, flea and tick treatment, a Bordetilla (for kennel cough) and Heartworm and Lyme tests.

“There are a lot of sweet, friendly, healthy animals that are waiting for a home. By adopting an animal, you are saving a life,” Gane Simmons explained. As of 2009, Defenders of Animal Rights Inc. has re-homed 25,969 animals since it was established in 1975.

On the animal’s behalf, Gane Simmons voiced, “We are sweet, loving animals with a lot of love to give. Please adopt us!” So head down to Defenders of Animal Rights Inc. to adopt an animal, give the animals some love, or make a donation to the humane society. Everything you can do to help the animals is guaranteed to go a long way.

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