The official sTudenT newspaper of Bishop McnaMara high school | since 1964 | www.stampedenews.org | January 10, 2013

The STampedeThe STampede

SCHOOLWrestling Season BeginsThe wrestling team looks to improve on its finish last year. The star of the show should be Alfred Bannister ‘14, two-time state champion and Junior Olympics gold medalist. Over Christmas break, Bannister won the Beast of the East Tournament in the 138 pound division and was named the tournament’s Most Outstand-ing Wrestler. The team has nine returning members and several new faces. Coach Paul Wicks said the team hopes to finish top four in the WCAC and go to the state championship.

Tri-M Polos As an active working honors society, the Tri-M Music Honors Society has been approved to wear polos during school that are the scholastic color of mu-sic, pink. While they portray the emblem of three ‘M’s they also show the cross and anchors, which are unique to the BMHS chapter.

Fall Musical The fall production of The Secret Garden featured a cast of 55 actors, 17 technicians, 19 musicians, 15 hair and makeup artists, 49 adult volunteers and a guest choreographer. Musi-cian Theresa Rose ‘13 played over 5 instruments.

NATIONALSandy Hook Elementary Resumes Classes After three weeks of mourning, Sandy Hook Elementary School resumed classes on Thursday January 3, 2013 at a refur-bished middle school located in Monroe. Students were excited to reconnect with their friends and teachers proving that the tragic events did not tarnish the children’s desire to return, after surviving the 2nd deadliest school shooting in U.S history.

Starbucks Offers $450 Gift CardsStarbucks has recently let out new $450 gift cards. Each card has $400 on it and takes $50 to make as they are made out of specially etched steel. Star-bucks plans to sell only 5,000 from gilt.com. The card offers gold membership benefits such as free refills and gifts.

David Axelrod shaves mustache for charityPresident Obama’s campaign adviser, David Axelrod, shaved off his 40 year old mustache after promising to do so if he could raise over $1,000,000 for epilepsy research. Donors in-cluded Donald Trump, President Obama, George Clooney, Tom Hanks, Carol King and 2,500 more.

SPEED READ

- nEwS in bRiEf - from The STampede

Compiled by danielle GibSon ‘13, Caylie marTuCCi ‘14, JeSSiCa riCkS ‘14

Megan Ardovini ’13MAnAging Editor

The school has officially signed an agreement that will bring seven to ten Chinese and Korean citizens to Bishop McNamara to enroll in the 2017 freshman class as full-time students. Unlike any exchange programs the school has participated in to date, these students will be officially enrolled and potentially graduate with a high school diploma from Bishop McNamara. In collaboration with the Cambridge Institute of International Education, the school has agreed to host these students for a full four year education.

On December 3, 2012

the school was v isited by an Internat iona l Program Consultant and representative of the Cambridge Institute of International Education, Tyler Barhydt. The goal of this trip was to gather marketing materials to be sent to China and Korea to attract students to attend Bishop McNamara in the fall.

Once the students show an in-terest in coming here, the applica-tion process for the international students will be relatively the same as for domestic students with the added component of a Skype inter-view. According to the Director of Admissions, Ms. Patricia Garber, this added measure serves primar-ily to access the student’s English

speaking abilities and assure that when the student arrives their English comprehension is at a level that will allow them to integrate successfully into the community.

Religion classes and history classes could present a potential challenge for international stu-dents, said Mr. Barhydt. However, both he and Ms. Garber agree that the schedules of the incoming stu-dents will look similar to that of most ninth graders after they take the same placement tests as other incoming students.

In order to fully prepare for the arrival of our international mustangs, both the new students and our school community will be undergoing preparations to make

the transition as smooth as pos-sible. “Cultural immersion classes will be offered for [the students] during the summer before they start”, said Assistant Principal Mr. Victor Shin. Also, the faculty and staff of the school will participate in cultural sensitivity development during their in-service days.

Currently, plans are only un-derway to admit a handful of stu-dents into the freshman class next year, although the possibility exists for a future integration of a greater number of students from various countries. For the time being, “We are taking it one step at a time,” said Ms. Garber.

Chinese, Korean Students to Join Next Year’s Freshman Class

School agrees to enroll international students for the next four years

Amanda Wilson ‘13nEWs Editor

Bishop McNamara is known as a school where the student popu-lation is like one big family. In an effort to protect these rela-tionships between the students, the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program is being implemented at McNamara.

T he Olweus Bu l ly ing Prevention Program (OBPP) is a nationwide program that works to “improve peer relations, and make schools safer [and] more positive places for students to learn and develop [in],” according to the OBPP website. In order to do this, the program trains adults and students on what bullying is and how to deal with it. According to sophomore counselor Ms. Dannel

Wilson, “The program’s goal is to create an environment where stu-dents feel safe to report bullying behavior and adults know what to do and how to keep students safe.

This program has three goals according to the website; “Reducing existing bullying problems among students, preventing the develop-ment of new bullying problems, and achieving better peer relations at school.”

Ms. Wilson serves as the con-sultant to the program committee. She was trained in the program at her previous employment. The program is not being implement-ed just quite yet but it is in the making to do so at McNamara. “A proposal is being written to see if we can get the program at

McNamara,” Dean of Students Ms. LaSandra Hayes said.

To discuss the new program with the students, a dean’s meeting was called where the students were spoken to about bullying and the new program that will be insti-tuted. “The assembly was to address any concerns regarding the subject of bullying [as well as] what lies under the umbrella of bullying,” Ms. Hayes said. The subject of bul-lying was spoken to the students by Ms. Wilson. While talking to the students, Ms. Wilson used the students as a representation of different percentages involving bullying.

After the dean’s meeting on bullying, many students support the idea of instituting a program

that prevents bullying. Senior Jennifer Carson ‘13 said, “I think that a program here will help prevent bullying because no one deserves to be bullied.” Other stu-dents think this as well. “Bullying’s a big problem in a lot of schools and kids [that are bullied can] start skipping school because of it, so putting in a program will help stop it,” said Janae Witcher ‘16.

Although the program initia-tion date has not yet been set, it is still being looked into to promote positive atmosphere at McNamara. “[We] hope to be able to move forward in a positive direction for next year,” said Ms. Hayes.

Olweus Program Takes Root at McNamaraOlweus Bullying Prevention Program is an effort to prevent bullying at McNamara

Map showing origin of possible students. (Megan Ardovini ‘13/STAMPEDE)

2 January 10, 2013| The STampede

NewS

Marty robinson ‘14stAff WritEr

The topic of discussion in the English world is the vocabu-lary website called Membean. Membean provides guided, en-gaging, multi-modal vocabulary instruction while its “adaptive reinforcement engine,” said Membean’s website, helps stu-dents retain what they have learned. Membean has sold itself as an effective way to learn new vocabulary as well as practice the sense of using new words in ev-eryday dialogue.

Most teachers do not have the time to sit and teach students new vocabulary when their curriculum is as hectic as it already is. This vocabulary online learning system challenges students to create the initiative to learn new things on

their own and therefore remem-ber information much easier than they would if it was lectured to them. Membean has audio that allows you to hear all of the vo-cabulary, its meaning, and how to pronounce the word. If you are a

visual learner, Membean accom-modates that too. It allows you to see not only the words, but the word’s meaning and how it is used in a sentence.

The website gives new, mul-tiple vocabulary all in the allot-ted time. The time duration varies

from 5 minutes to an hour, giving the students new vocabulary just about every minute. It then asks you about the word you have just learned later on in the allotted time. Membean schedules learn-ing and repetitions to ensure

that what students learn is not forgotten.

Membean tries to capture the students attention with audio, video, and word pictures. Membean has a game-like format which catches the student’s atten-tion much easier than a regular

vocabulary book. “I actually use Membean myself... It is education disguised as a game,” said English Teacher Mr. Matthew Buckley.

Many students seem to enjoy Membean. “I like Membean, it helps you expand your vocabulary for the better,” said Derek Randall ‘14. Some people also think it is a great way to improve a student’s grade in such little time. “For only 45 minutes a week, it is a very easy A,” Ke’Shae Perry ‘14 said.

Membean customizes a learn-ing program for each and every student based on his or her exist-ing skill level and speed of prog-ress. If a student is learning and moving through the vocabulary at a high pace, then they will proceed to a higher skill level. Put in the hard work, and you will earn what the hard work gets you.

Vocabulary website Membean debuts in classesScreenshot from Membean.com

Marty spain, a giverSuccessful alum donates time, expertise to advance school’s mission

Brad Credit ’15stAff WritEr

“He’s a giver, he’s a total giver,” President Marco Clark ‘85 said about fellow McNamara alum Marty Spain ‘95. “He’s a server, he’s a giver, he’s creative. He figures out a way to work a 26 or 27 hour day when there’s only 24 hours in the day.”

In June of this year, Spain and the company he founded, n-tierac-tive, were recognized by Smart CEO Magazine as one of their 100 Best Run Companies. His achievements arguably make him one of the most successful McNamara alumni.

Fortunately for McNamara, Mr. Spain has not forgotten our school. “[McNamara] was just dif-ferent from my other high school,” said Spain. Before McNamara, Mr. Spain attended Fairborn High School in Dayton, Ohio. He joined our community after relocating with his military family.

“A lot of the things that I learned from this school are key to why I became successful later,” Spain said.

Mr. Spain’s involvement in the school does not end simply with the material resources he has donated. Mr. Spain donates his time and expertise, serving as a member of the school’s Board of Directors as chair of the IT Committee, ac-cording to Mr. Clark. He has led many of McNamara’s efforts to upgrade technology in the school, which includes a redesign of the IT infrastructure, with the goal of moving the school toward being a 21st century leader.

Mr. Spain is also an assistant varsity boys’ soccer coach. “As an as-sistant coach, we see the great value that he has. We always see added value in having someone that’s been through the program, that’s an alum, that’s vested, very interested in the school,” said Athletic Director Mr. Anthony Johnson ‘88. “He’s been a great supporter of Bishop McNamara.”

Mr. Spain has been involved in the McNamara community for years, saying that his purpose is to provide teachers with all they need to help students be more success-ful in the long run. “It just puts all the students in a better position to be more successful getting into college, [and] more successful once they get out into the real world,” Spain said.

With arrival of cold weather

avoiding flu with vaccination is

importantEmily Magruder ‘13

Photo Editor

Generally, a trip to the doctor’s office is not an appealing event, especially when one is going to receive a shot. However, consider the alternative: lying in bed with a pounding headache, chills, body aches, nausea and vomit-ing while stressing out about the days’ worth of school work piling up because of absences.

The flu affects schools every

year, peaking between January and February, causing student ab-sences and widespread sickness. “Absences spike the week after Thanksgiving and in February,” said Attendance Coordinator Ms. Joanann Walther. “I call [the flu] the ‘cousins’ disease’ because kids get it when they have just been with their cousins.” These ab-sences disrupt classes, according to Ms. Walther. One year, the total number of students absent for one school day reached a stag-gering 120.

The flu presents itself in dif-ferent strains year after year. This year, the vaccines are preparing to protect people against the H3N2 and Virus B strain of the flu. “It is especially important to

get vaccinated this year because two of the three virus strains used in this season’s influenza vaccines differ from the strains included in last year’s vaccines,” according to Karen Midthun M.D., from a Food and Drug Administration press release.

The traditional f lu shot is not the only method of preven-tion. A nasal spray made from a weakened strain of the flu is also offered to people between the ages of 2 and 49. Aryn Sydnor ‘13 who says she has never been vaccinated because she is “afraid of shots and needles,” said that she is now more willing to get vaccinated because of the oppor-tunity of the nasal spray.

However, vaccination is not

recommended for everyone. People with severe chicken egg allergies, or who are pregnant, should not get vaccinated as the side effects can be severe.

Flu shots and nasal sprays are not only administered at doctors’ offices. Alternative locations include participating Walgreens, CVS Pharmacies, Target Pharmacies and even Giant.

Students are also encouraged to avoid the flu by washing their hands with antibacterial soap, drinking plenty of water, dress-ing warmly, and getting enough sleep each night. Staying healthy is the first step towards avoiding the flu.

‘tis the flu season

“I actually use Membean myself... It is education disguised as a game,”

Mr. Matthew Buckley.

producTioN ediTorSMegan ardovini ‘13, Managing editor carolyn conte ‘14, copy editor Brieanna Bowman ‘16, design editor

The STampede SecTioN ediTorScarolyn conte ‘14, opinion-editorialJerica deck ‘13, features andrew feather ‘13, sports amanda wilson ‘13, news

To reach uSBishop Mcnamara high school 6800 Marlboro pike forestville, Md 20747

get.trampled@gmail.com

webSiTe and TwiTTerwww.stampedenews.org@stampedesports

3The STampede | January 10, 2013

SpecialwiNTer

Valentine’s Day for most is a day when they receive cheesy greeting

cards, over-priced flowers, and giant overstuffed teddy bears. However, for some girls, it’s the day we see other girls get cards, flowers, and bears. Valentine’s Day can feel like a day that glorifies couples so much that it makes single people feel left out, but it doesn’t have to be that way at all. If you’re one of the lonely or heartbroken this year on Valentine’s Day, don’t stress about it. Here are five reasons why having a significant other on Valentine’s day is not even worth it.

1) Let’s check and see where it originated shall we. According to history.com, this

gushy romantic holiday origi-nated as a Pagan holiday called Lupercalia, a fertility festival. During this festival adorable animals like goats and puppies would be sacrificed and women would be slapped with their hides in order to be more fertile. Romantic enough for you? Later the holiday was Christianized and evolved into Valentine’s Day after St. Valentine. This saint sent the world’s first valentine from jail and was then sentenced to death.

2) Most of the typical gifts people get for Valentine’s Day are ulitimately just useless. What do you do with flowers? Just look at them. What do you do with a stuffed animal? Look at it. Balloons? Look at them. Chocolates? Look at it, eat it, and then they’re gone. I promise

you in life you’ll use less roman-tic things like a toothbrush or socks way more often than any gift your valentine would buy you.

3) There’s way too much pressure on Valentine’s Day. There’s pressure to plan the perfect date and buy the perfect gift and to just have this perfect holiday for one day. Then if you and your significant other last long enough, there’s just even more pressure to top it next year.

4) Tons of people are alone on Valentine’s Day, including at-tractive people that are just as lonely as you. Singles can meet other great singles that people coupled up on this holiday miss out on. What a horrible day to be off the market anyways.

5) Without all that energy

to waste on another person, you have more ime for yourself. Pull out the chick flicks. Get a giant tub of ice cream. Paint your toenails bubblegum pink. Whatever makes you happy that you wouldn’t necessarily do with a significant other, go for it because you have the time to just do stuff for you.

You don’t need a Valentine on Valentine’s day to be happy. It’s simply an overly commer-cialized holiday where people are expected to display their affection in corny Valentine’s day cards and boxes of flavor-less sweethearts. So don’t worry about it. Being single on valen-tine’s day can actually be pretty amazing.

PreP Time: 20 min.Baking Time: 18-21

Preheat oven to 350 1. degrees.Prepare the white cake 2. mix as the directions on the box instruct you to.Seal five original Oreos 3. in a plastic bag and use a rolling pin to crush them.Mix the Oreo crumbs 4. into the white cake bat-ter.Using paper baking 5. cups, spoon the batter into the cupcake tray.

Bake the cupcakes for 6. 18-21 minutes. Allow 5-10 minutes of cooling time.Ice cupcakes with white 7. frosting.Place Winter Oreos on 8. the top of the frosted cupcakes.Using blue decorating 9. icing, draw a holiday themed design.Hand out your finished 10. delicacy to your friends and enjoy.

being Single On Valentine’s Day is

nOt Such a bad thing

Jerica Deck ‘13Features eDitor

(Amber Booth ‘11/STAMPEDE)

winter fashion trendsStyling by Jerica deck ‘13 and Maia Ennis ‘14 • Photos by Emily magruder ‘13

DiY Project: mulTi-STrand SCarf by Maia Ennis ‘14 Staff Writer

Tribal prints really add to a rough, vintage look. Carlton Suber ‘14

Who says you have to choose between warmth and fashion? A loud printed sweater is not only cozy, but adds a pop of fun to a winter color palette. Safiya Parker ‘13

Want to take your ensemble to the next level? Add a scarf. They add a unique new element to the outfit and keep you warm and cozy. Victor Harrington ‘13.

Cookies ‘n Cream Cupcakesby Danielle Gibson ‘13 Staff Writer

Circle scarves are an easy way to add effortless style to your wardrobe. Brianna Salazar ‘14

Oxford work boots add a rugged flair to any outfit.

Group the strips together, and wrap the strip of the bottom hemline around the other strands to secure them in place. Wrap down and back up for a few inches in length. Once the two ends have met, tie them together tightly. And now you have your own homemade scarf!

Cut one end of the bottom hemline so it becomes a separate string. Stretch all the remaining strips until they become long and the edges roll inwards.

Cut 1 or 2 inch wide strips horizontally across the shirt. Cut as many strips as you like but stop at the armpit. Use a ruler as a guide when cutting the strips, but don’t worry if they’re not perfectly straight. The more strips, the more strands your scarf will have.

Materials: 1 large t-shirt, 1 pair of scissors and 1 ruler. Begin by cutting off the bottom hem of the t-shirt.

InGREDIEnTS:1 box white cake mix3 eggs1 cup water1/4 cup vegetable oil

5 original Oreo cookies1 package of Winter OreosWhite vanilla frostingBlue decorating icing

SecTioN4 January 10, 2013| The STampede

SporTS

Head football coach out after nine years

at helmAndrew feather ‘13

sPorts Editor

After nine seasons and one of the most successful stretches in school history, Bishop McNamara’s foot-ball team has decided to part ways with Bryce Bevill as football coach. Bevill, the 2009 Washington Catholic Athletic Conference Coach of the Year, had a record of 38-55 overall and a conference record of 22-39 in his time as head coach of the Mustangs. He will remain at McNamara as an Assistant Dean of Students.

Bevill felt that as a high school coach, there were more important things than winning, such as being a mentor to his players, instilling a sense of spirituality into them and getting kids to college on scholarships. “I did exactly what I was supposed to do, how I was supposed to do it and when I was supposed to do it. I helped to put a bunch of young men in college and to me that’s what it’s all about,” he said. “I was able to help send a lot of young men to college and open up some doors for young men at Bishop McNamara and at other schools, so I think I did exactly what the Lord has put me here to do.”

After the past three seasons, where the team went 0-10, 3-6 and 3-7 respectively, many people felt that it was time to make a move. Anthony Johnson, Athletics Director at Bishop McNamara, was among them. “Personally it was very tough. Bryce and

I have grown to be great and close friends,” Johnson said. “Professionally speaking, however, I think there was some clarity to the decision and that it was a thing that had to happen.”

During Bevill ’s tenure at McNamara, the Mustangs foot-ball team went from a perennial WCAC afterthought to a team that fielded several future college ath-letes every year. Still, with rosters like the one this past year, which featured a senior class with at least seven future Division I players, the teams coached by Bevill fin-ished in a combined 0-22 against WCAC stalwarts Good Counsel and DeMatha. About not being able to play with the best in the conference, Johnson said, “Over the past few years we haven’t been

as competitive as we would have liked against the best our league has to offer. We’re hoping that a change in the leadership of the team will lead to better results.”

As the search for a new coach begins, Johnson said there is no ideal model that the board is looking for in a candidate for the job. “We’re looking for positive energy and someone that can uplift the team and the community in a positive way,” said Johnson. “That can come in the form of a veteran coach, or in a young person that hasn’t had much time on the job.”

While there is no set mold of an ideal applicant, Johnson claimed there are several charac-teristics they are looking for. “Our new coach has to be dynamic. A

coach has to be a teacher, he’s got to know X’s and O’s, got to be a motivator and he has to be a good recruiter,” Johnson said. “Also, he’s got to be a God-fearing man. He’s got to weave in a spirituality with teaching kids and coaching football.”

“We’re hoping to make a de-cision on the new coach by mid-January,” said Marco Clark ‘85, President and CEO of Bishop McNamara.

As for whether Bevill plans on becoming a coach again, “That’s completely up to my Lord and savior Jesus Christ,” he said. “If he wants me to continue coaching, he will open up an avenue for me to continue coaching. But as of right now, no.”

Bevill, Mcnamara football head separate Ways

Caleb forssell ‘14stAff WritEr

With the arrival of the new bas-ketball season comes various hopes and ambitions for the team.

During games, a section of devoted fans stand in the front line of the bleachers right next to the players on the bench, cheering throughout the game to familiar chants and tunes. The hype among students for the team has a reputa-tion for being overwhelming.

“I think the season is going to go well because of the spirit and enthusiasm of the students,” said Mike Sensenig ‘13, a regular part of the fan section at games.

One of the team’s major strengths this year is versatility. “We’ve got twelve or thirteen guys out there rotating to play,” said head coach Martin Keithline. The team displays very successful man to man defense and strategizes well to find holes in the opposing team’s offense.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, the team does have a couple of things to work on.

“One of our weaknesses now is understanding our offense and the holes,” said Keithline.

“I think the season is going to go very well,” said Kevin Robins ‘13, “We’re gonna have a lot of success and win a lot of big games.”

During the game against

Georgetown Prep on Tuesday December 4th at McNamara, the Mustangs used their abilities to their advantage and found the holes in the opposing defense to get the ball to the net.

“They played a good game,” said coach Keithline, “I could tell it was going to be good.”

Since dropping their first game against Middleburg on the 29th of November, the Mustangs have gone undefeated in three games. “I saw a lot of good things [against Georgetown Prep] that allowed us to move the ball,” said Keithline. “We’re ready to roll.”

Let’s get Weird: Basketball PreviewMustangs look to improve on disappointing 2011-2012 season

MuStAngS in COllEgE

Andrew feather ‘13sPorts Editor

brandon Coleman ‘10Football—Rutgers University

Major: Labor Studies

Since leaving McNamara as a Washington Post First Team All-Met and accepting an invite to play in the Under Armour All-American Game, Coleman, a redshirt sophomore, has quickly become one of the top wide receivers in the nation. After taking his first reception at Rutgers 44 yards for a touchdown, Coleman has continually burned defensive backs for big play after big play. He is the only Rutgers’ player to have two receptions of 85-yards or longer, and in only two seasons of action, he is just seven career touchdown receptions away from the school record. His rare combination of size (6-foot-6) and speed (4.5 40 yard dash) give him an advantage over nearly every corner in the college game and has NFL scouts drooling. Coleman was selected 2nd team All-Big East for the 2012-2013 season. In addition to dominating on the field, Coleman is excelling in the classroom as well, where he was named the 2011-2012 Big East All-Academic Team.

talib Zanna ‘09Basketball—University of Pittsburgh

Major: Social Sciences

After playing in 67 games and averaging 5.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game during his first three years at Pittsburgh, Zanna -- a redshirt junior -- has had a breakout 2012 season. The 6-foot-9 power forward has averaged 13.1 ppg and 5.9 rpg while showing marked improvements in all aspects of his game. Since graduating McNamara, Talib has displayed incredible progression in his shooting ability. Every year both his shooting percentage (.563, .571, .619) and free throw percentage (.476, .663, .725) have gone up, and he is demonstrating a nice mid-range game. Zanna’s Pittsburgh Panthers have also shown clear improvement and right now sit at 12-3.

Marcus thornton ‘11Basketball—College of William and Mary

Major: Business After exploding onto the scene as WCAC player of the Year, Gatorade State Player of the Year and being nominated for the McDonald’s All-American Game his senior year, Thornton has not disappointed. The 6-foot-3 sophomore became the Tribe’s go-to guy midway through his first year. He has since been named to the CAA All-Rookie team and was named to the Preseason CAA Second Team. So far this year, Thornton has been the leader of a revamped William and Mary squad and is scoring a team high 18.0 ppg. Thornton has also become the first player to be named the CAA Player of the Week twice this year and is the first Tribe player to take that honor two times in a season since the 2002-2003 season.

Successful three-point shot from the game on December 12, created with Burst Mode app on iPod. (Caleb Forssell ‘14/STAMPEDE)

Mr. Bevill roams the sideline against Landon during the 2011-2012 season. (Matthew Nunez ‘12/STAMPEDE)