features
Bundled up Blazers take on climate issues
By David Tao | March 9, 2009, midnight | In Features »
Despite the season's most intense snowfall on March 2, thousands of young people from across the country dressed in layers and huddled together for warmth on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol. They wore green hard hats and carried signs with slogans such as "Yes to Climate Action" and "No More Coal" as they marched towards the coal-burning Capitol Power Plant. This scene was the culminating event of Power Shift 2009, a grassroots environmental summit mobilizing thousands to take a stand on environmental policy.
Among the fast and furious
By Rose Wynn | March 7, 2009, midnight | In Features »
"On your mark, get set, begin." Heads bowed in intense concentration. Pencils flew across papers. Packed together like the squares on a crossword puzzle, ambitious solvers hunched over the puzzles in front of them, scribbling furiously. The air was dense and thick with concentration, and the scratching of pencils on paper was the only sound that penetrated the silence. The clock ticked.
"Chips" gets dipped in salsa
By Anika Manzoor | March 3, 2009, midnight | In Features »
"Alright, everyone," junior Laura Sirbu eagerly commanded. "Girls on this side, boys on that side." I moseyed over to the right and glanced around the room, noting with some amusement that the girls nearly doubled the boys. Sirbu and English teacher Michelle Edwards, our bubbly instructors, immediately launched into a demonstration of the basic salsa step, and in minutes, the room was filled with sounds of shuffling feet and the occasional giggle as dancers watched each other stumble.
Bushy Blazers grow long for donations
By Fran Djoukeng | Feb. 25, 2009, 2 p.m. | In Blair Connection »
A variety of forms and contours roam the Blair hallways. Some don prickly spots, whereas some sport patchy areas. Others go thick and dark, red and curly, and scruffy and wild. Some barely measure a few centimeters in diameter and few are lengthy. A small number are well-kept and untangled, while furry, shaggy borderline unsightly ones can be found. No matter the volume, shape, trim or surface, these hairy chins will unite together for charity.
Hyder is a fighter
By Susie Branson | Feb. 21, 2009, midnight | In Features »
There are deadlines, responsibilities, meetings and pressures. Organizing a rigorous campaign is just the beginning of it. Three years ago, current junior Andrew Hyder sat in class, eyes glued to the television screen as two candidates running for the Student Member of the Board outlined their respective platforms. Listening to high school hopefuls debate, Hyder knew he wanted in.
From the front board to the student desk
By Rose Wynn | Feb. 14, 2009, 1:18 a.m. | In Features »
As Dr. Allan Wigfield peruses his classroom, his eyes scan the 17 faces at the desks in front of him. They grip their pencils at the ready as they wait for his lecture on human development to begin. A level of knowledgeable understanding is visible on the students' faces, a level of professionalism is unwonted in the normal college environment. Then again, the students aren't living in dorm rooms and aren't underage - they are teachers from Montgomery County schools, hoping for county recognition for their extra efforts to improve their teaching.
Shiver chic
By Susie Branson | Jan. 30, 2009, 5:33 p.m. | In Features »
Despite the growing urge to remain curled up under those warm sheets wrapped in that favorite pair of sweats, Blazers have continued to burn up the hallways in the latest winter fashions. Silver Chips Online now brings you the hottest winter trends to keep us sizzling through the winter weather. The resident SCO fashion expert calls on colorful hats, pea coats, thermal long johns and cheery moccasins to brighten up the average dreary winter outfit. However, beware the articles of clothing that are on the way out. Stay classy, Blair - read on to learn more.
Friending the folks
By Sophia Deng | Jan. 25, 2009, 10:27 a.m. | In Features »
"How many of you have Facebooks?" research teacher John Kaluta asks his class. Too many hands shoot up for him to count. "Better question, how many of you don't have Facebooks?" Kaluta's eyes sweep twice across the room, only to see empty space.
Munoz is change in action
By Jenna Bushnell | Jan. 20, 2009, midnight | In Features »
Cecilia Munoz, mother of junior Tina Munoz-Pandya, has been appointed Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the Obama administration and as of Tuesday, will be one of the highest-ranking Latina women in government. Munoz believes that this opportunity will help solidify "a place at the table" for the United States' ever-growing Hispanic population, as well as strengthen the relationship between local and national government for all Americans.
A whole lot of holiday happening
By Fran Djoukeng | Dec. 23, 2008, midnight | In Features »
If the holiday season has you desiring a whimsical winter wonderland, but the failing economy has you pinching pennies, fill up your calendar with free affairs that will fill a holiday attitude and leave you filled with holiday gratitude.
One more for the road
By Jenna Bushnell | Dec. 20, 2008, midnight | In Features »
It was 1 a.m. on a weekend night last June when Adrian, a senior, heard his phone ring. His mom was in the hospital. Adrian stood up - and stumbled over. He was intoxicated at a graduation party. Desperate to be with his family during their emergency, he dropped his drink, hopped in his Nissan Ultima and headed down University Blvd.
Pre-cal pal up for award
By Julia Wynn | Dec. 16, 2008, midnight | In Features »
Magnet math teacher William Rose is known up and down the third floor side hallway for mooching baked goods, popping into student conversations and being a generally good-humored guy. Sherman Leung honored Rose's reputation by nominating him for the local Gazette newspaper's "My Favorite Teacher Contest," a competition for teachers of all grades in 10 designated regions of Montgomery County.
Nifty gifties, SCO-style
By Jenna Bushnell, Katie Sint | Dec. 8, 2008, midnight | In Features »
As fun as it is waiting in line for 35 minutes at The Gap to get your mom that cable-knit sweater that she already has in every other color, we at Silver Chips Online have created a holiday gift guide to make this festive season filled with creative and thoughtful packages.
The cunning crossword crew
By Deepa Chellappa | Dec. 5, 2008, midnight | In Features »
"Quiet!" yells math teacher David Stein, staring menacingly around the computer lab in room 316. A hushed, reverent silence envelops the room. Taking a seat at his computer, Stein looks right and then left at his fellow teachers, who have their fingers eagerly poised over their keyboards. "Ready?" he asks. "One...two...three...go!" The day's notorious crossword puzzle has begun.
Step into the "Twilight"
By David Tao | Nov. 28, 2008, midnight | In Features »
From the outside, it seems like a normal late Thursday night at the Majestic 20 in Downtown Silver Spring. It's past 11 p.m. on Nov. 20 and the box office line is almost nonexistent. But a journey up the escalator towards the theaters reveals hordes of energetic, talkative teens donning collector's jewelry from Hot Topic and promotional t-shirts emblazoned with images of black book covers or a pale-white vampire with glowing golden eyes.
They know the game like they reffin' it
By Katie Sint | Nov. 24, 2008, midnight | In Features »
Donning sneakers and crisp uniforms, they step on the court or the field and stand ready for another game. The stadium lights glare and the scoreboard is keyed up as fans wait anxiously for the first kick, the first serve or the first fight between two teams. Up front and center, they see every goal, every basket, every ace and every Blair victory. Witnesses to glory or to heartbreaking defeat, they are as influential a part of the game as Blazer athletes, and often, the fate of the game rests on their shoulders. Under the spotlight, referees make decisions that can either send stands erupting in cheers or fans reeling in frustration.
Silver Quill offers thrills
By Jeremy Gradwohl | Nov. 23, 2008, midnight | In Features »
The juniors sat in front of a crowd at least one hundred strong. Alex Denton instructed the crowd to clap along with his next song, a cover of Velvet Underground's "Sweet Jane." But the eager crowd started clapping before an antsy Denton, with Ezekiel Leeds on guitar, could begin. "No, you guys aren't supposed to clap until we start," Denton said, and the crowd tittered. Denton gave a signal as Leeds opened the soothing melody on his acoustic guitar. The crowd started clapping again. This time, they got it right. And they liked it.
Openness with a capital "O"
By Sophia Deng | Nov. 22, 2008, midnight | In Features »
Tenth grade Communication Arts Program (CAP) journalism teacher Anne Cullen had not expected a response. After watching an episode of "Oprah" during her maternity leave in summer 2008, Cullen was inspired by the daytime queen to apply CAP to the talk show host's O Ambassadors program, an international program that encourages youth to participate in charity. In October, a surprising reply came: CAP sophomores were officially O Ambassadors.
Healing hearts and minds
By Rose Wynn | Nov. 21, 2008, midnight | In Features »
It has been more than a year since the father of Jeremy and Justin Herring fatally shot his sons in their beds one tragic night at the end of July, and the memories still resonate clearly within the John F. Kennedy High School community. Jeremy, 18, was a leading Kennedy basketball player for four years, an outstanding scholar and a quietly humble friend to many. Justin, 20, a Kennedy graduate who attended Montgomery College, was just as athletic and admired. He offset his brother's calm persona with a dynamically outgoing personality and a vigorous innocence that was well-loved by family and friends alike.
Taming tempers
By Deepa Chellappa | Nov. 17, 2008, midnight | In Features »
At lunch a couple of weeks ago, junior Leon Scales almost had a meltdown. He was trying to speak to his ex-girlfriend, but she brushed him off repeatedly to talk to someone else, leaving Scales feeling hurt, confused and upset. He felt his anger starting to get the better of him, pumping through the veins of his clenched fists and pounding heart - but instead of picking a fight, he turned around and walked down Blair Boulevard towards the band room. Picking up his drumsticks, Scales sat down and began to play.
The presidential probe
By Lucas Alvarado-Farrar, Susie Branson | Nov. 2, 2008, midnight | In Features »
As the election draws near, polling predictions and Electoral College selections seem to bombard us nearly ever hour. To respond to these forecasts, we at Silver Chips Online have devised out own, more scientific predictions for those Blazers who are simply unsure who will win this heated contest. We have created, using only the most trusted techniques in the industry, eight key tests for the outcome of the 2008 election.
Counselors can prevent college fears from graduating
By Julia Wynn | Oct. 31, 2008, midnight | In Features »
A fresh start. Slack rules. Less parental pressure. These are terms high school students associate with the college lifestyle. But the application process is a bit more of a fiasco, filled with seemingly never-ending deadlines and concerns. Many wonder how they will balance their parents' wish that they remain close to home with their own need for privacy and solitude. Others are worried about the cost of college and the possibility of rejection.
Beyond the pumpkin patch
By Susie Branson | Oct. 26, 2008, midnight | In Features »
Reds, oranges and yellows blur before the eyes of juniors Adam Hallberlin and Justin Rattey as they leap through the air. Plunging into their first annual pile of leaves for the autumn season, smells of dirt, grass and sweat engulf their senses. Even though their arms ache and their hands are covered with new calluses from raking all day, the corners of their mouths curve into a smile as they both think the same thing: it's fall again!
A gem in the neighborhood
By Ya Zhou | Oct. 13, 2008, midnight | In Features »
Students mill around in the courtyard, throwing around a football. Others sit around picnic tables, some chatting with friends and some alone, engrossed in textbooks. The students' voices are accompanied by sounds of construction, as older buildings are in the process of being renovated into state-of-the-art facilities. This may be a picture of any four-year university, but it depicts Montgomery College (MC), the community treasure that high school students often overlook as they conduct their college search.
Silver chic, back in action
By Susie Branson | Oct. 2, 2008, midnight | In Features »
Silver Chic is back for its second year of announcing and denouncing the most popular fashions on the Blair Boulevard runway. Silver Chips Online is here to report the hottest trends from horns to hooves of the new back-to-school fall fashion. Leave it to Blair to take the top trends and twist them into their own, devilish ways. Congratulations Blazers for an impressive, fashionable entrance into the fall semester - we can't wait to see what you do with the rest of the year!
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