Category: In-Depth
Breaking News: Mr. Chiarella Confirmed to Actually be a Chia Pet
Anna Tache
Editorial Editor
It has come to our attention at the Pressed Bear that many Hammond students have uncovered a secret about Hammond teacher Mr. Chiarella: he is not human, but actually a Chia Pet. For those that don’t know what a Chia Pet is, it is a terracotta figurine in which one grows chia to serve as hair or fur. This shocking information was uncovered by Junior Carlos O’Ryan, who stumbled upon evidence on accident. “When he went to pull back his hair, I saw his head was made of terracotta and something seemed to be sprouting out of it. So, as one would, I made the assumption that he was a Chia Pet. I mean, it was in his name all along! Chia-rella? I’m surprised it took me so long to realize.”
When this information spread, many people seemed to be surprised by this revelation. However, one student in particular, Junior Isaiah Olujide, seemed to unphased by this news. “I knew it all along. Have you ever seen that man without long, beautiful, billowing hair? I don’t think so. His hair just keeps growing and growing. If he cut it, you’d see grass on his scalp. It’s just science.”
The Challenges of College Applications
Amanda Russel
In-Depth Co-Editor
With college application deadlines coming and going for the next few months, seniors are currently in the midst of the lengthy, stressful, and tedious process of applying to college.
At the beginning of the school year, seniors were instantly thrust into the chaotic college application process. Senior Luz Serna said “I wish it wasn’t so quick. We just got back from summer and it feels like there is no thinking time.”
With the earliest college application deadlines being due on October 15th, and the FAFSA Application opening up on October 1st, it is no wonder that seniors felt overloaded at the start of the school year. ”
Taking The SAT and ACT Out of College Applications
Aubryanna Lee
Co-A&E Editor
Have you taken the SAT? Have you taken the ACT? Have you ever been worried about not getting into college because of your SAT or ACT scores? Well, if you are a student in the Class of 2023 or any of the following classes, you may not have to worry about submitting any standardized test scores to any colleges.
There are over 850 schools that no longer require applicants to submit their SAT scores (The New York Times). Colleges say that removing the SAT scores helps them attract strong applicants that may not have previously applied. This includes minority students, those from low income families, and those whose academic abilities are not showcased by standardized tests. Data shows that tests like the SAT are biased against students from low-income households. Students coming from low-socioeconomic backgrounds tend to have a lower performance on standardized tests.
Best Buddies is Back
By: Laura Mosier
Staff Writer
Hammond student, Katie Rees, has spent the past few months working hard to reopen Hammond’s chapter of the international organization Best Buddies. Best Buddies is an organization that helps students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In 2014, Hammond’s Best Buddies chapter was closed due to internal conflict, and Katie saw a need for this organization to be reopened at Hammond.
Best Buddies Katie Rees and Deja Reece
Where are They Now? – Ms. Leonard
By: Amina Jamil
Managing Editor
Everyone knew and loved Mrs. Leonard, our beloved principal. After being the principal at Hammond for seven years, she has advanced in her career and is now Community Superintendent. Although she is no longer at Hammond, her spirit lives on.
Where are They Now? – Mr. Akatu
By: Aidan Borsh
Staff Writer
Current seniors that were in Mr. Osborne’s 10th grade class will remember the infamous Mr. Akatu. (Although, if Mr. Akatu is more memorable than Mr. Livieratos’ student teacher, Mr. “M,” is up for debate). While Mr. “M” quickly abandoned his desire of becoming a high school teacher, Mr. Akatu stuck with it. The former running back for the University of Maryland Terrapins and graduate of Towson now spends his days teaching in his own classroom at Rockville High School.
At Hammond he touched many lives, mainly by angering several 10th graders about the plot of Life of Pi. Nonetheless, his teaching was only a small slice of why this man kept life interesting through the stress of sophomore year. From his newsboy cap, to the fact that he pours his milk before his cereal,
Where are They Now? – Mr. Kostrick
By: Kenneth Apana-Korley
Online Editor
For years in the technology hallway at Hammond High School, one man stood firm while so many left along the way. A man named Alan Kostrick stood by his motto, “Kostrick Kares;” but now that he’s gone, everybody wants to know: Where is he now? With that question in mind, the Bear Press was able to get in touch with Mr. Kostrick through email and conduct an interview.
