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Courtesy Photo
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| Taelor Ostrander stands in front of "One Tree Hill" character Brooke Davis’s house. Her character is played by actress Sophia Bush, and this house was in the show from seasons 1 - 3.
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Behind the scenes of a television show
By TAELOR OSTRANDER, Arundel High School
Most people believe that watching a television show is a passive activity, but I have become involved with one particular show, 'One Tree Hill.'
After watching the show for a few years, I wanted to know more about what happened behind the scenes.
When I found out that 'One Tree Hill' was filmed in Wilmington, N.C., I looked into the possibility of being part of the audience. When I called, they told me that they needed extras for a basketball scene in a high school gym. I convinced my dad to take me to Wilmington, so we drove down and stayed at a hotel.
As extras, we worked on the set for 16 hours and were paid $90. I was so tired by the end of the day that I didn't realize that one of the actors, Chad Michael Murray, had bumped into me. I was so excited that I got to speak to him, even though it was just hello. We appeared on the 8th episode, which aired a month after filming. My friends and I were disappointed that I had only one second of screen time.
On the set I realized that the cast members are like everyone else, as they love to goof off and be themselves. I also realized the role of the actors is to make their characters appear real; they read scripts and pretend to be someone else. What is real about them is the personal chemistry they have with each other. The actors have a director who guides them and tells them what to say, where to go and what to wear. In spite of the long hours and poor pay, I loved working on the set with the actors.
After returning home, I knew I wanted to go back to Wilmington. On our second trip, my father and I had even more fun. The work of the extra had become familiar, and we only had to work until noon. This time we were given directions to walk outside of a store, 'Clothes over Bro',' which is owned by one of the characters, Brooke Davis, played by Sophia Bush. During the take we didn't get a chance to interact as much with the actors as we did when we worked on the set on our first trip. However, during the second trip we had the opportunity to explore the area around Wilmington.
While exploring, I had the chance to interview some of the people who worked on the set. There were hundreds of people involved in producing just one scene. One of the people I had the opportunity to interview was Kristen, an intern working for the extras' casting director. She told me that she had gone to East Carolina for two years studying the entertainment field and then to Hollywood, California, to intern for a producer. Her job was to read scripts and select good ones. After the internship in Hollywood she transferred to University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She is currently finishing her degree while interning with the extras' casting director of 'One Tree Hill.'
Kristen went on to tell me that working on a TV show is hard work. I learned that she has only a 30-minute meal break, and she works about 14 hours on Friday. On a positive note, she added that the food on the set was good and plentiful. She takes the extra food home and rarely has to buy groceries. Her favorite job on the set is helping the set designer. She concluded that being an intern is a great experience as there are many different departments on the set of a television show. She is presently writing her fourth script.
I had the opportunity to interview a set designer who worked on a restricted area of the set. Working with the WB/CW since 'Dawson's Creek' started, he moved to 'One Tree Hill' when it began. Letting me into a restricted area to show me the sets he created, he told me that many of the 'behind the scenes' people don't interact with the cast members because they work at different times.
Later in the visit, I talked to some of the other extras. One woman told me she was offered a job as an extra on another show, but she turned it down because it required her to be topless. Another actor explained that since many movies and other shows are produced in Wilmington, some extras — including college students who are studying the film industry — get to work quite frequently.
After filming, I took an official tour. I learned a great deal about the production of a television show. For example, many of the items on the sets are not real, except for the appliances. Companies pay to have their products on the show. When the director yells, 'action,' everyone on the set must stop moving, as the microphones are very sensitive to sound. (Interestingly, Wilmington is the second largest studio in the country after Hollywood.)
After finding out about the characters, how the show was made, and what it takes to produce a show, I realized it's not any easy thing to do. It doesn't take just a day to make a show; it takes weeks and many people. It takes actors, scriptwriters, producers and, yes, extras to create a great show.
Nothing tops face-to-face interaction
By KIRSTEN ORR, Arundel High School
Over the last decade, it has become increasingly common to see people holding cell phones to their ears rather than shaking hands and chatting.
While face-to-face interaction will never disappear, new technological advances have given us many alternative ways to communicate.
Certainly face-to-face interaction is more personable. Meeting with another person allows for small talk and gives the impression that people have the time to sit-down and talk to others, signifying importance.
Such relations serve as a healthy way to communicate because people can express all the emotions of a story or issue that would otherwise be difficult to express over the phone. Many people prefer face-to-face interactions to talking via the phone because it is easier to see if they have another's full attention.
On the other hand, cell phone use, text messaging and social networking often prove more efficient. As soon as a person calls or 'texts' a friend, the two are instantly connected.
'Texting is great when you don't have a lot to say,' said sophomore Amber Ciemniewski.
People using these forms of communication can expect quick responses without having to take time out of their busy lives to schedule meetings with others. 'Texting is the best way to talk. It does not take priority like talking over the phone or face to face. You can do it when you want to,' said junior Tyler Bair.
Additionally, for the creative minded people, technological advances have made communicating fun. For instance, the way people present their MySpace pages reflects their own style; by communicating with others on MySpace, each person displays his unique flair.
Furthermore, social networking allows a person to make friends with several people he might not otherwise get to know. 'If I don't know a classmate very well but have a simple question or comment for that person, I would feel funny randomly confronting that person in the hall. With instant message and MySpace, I can briefly come in contact with the person in an impersonal way,' said sophomore Briana Mckellery.
Senior Heather Clark agrees. She said, 'Nothing can take place of talking to someone in person, but Facebook and other networking sites are good for keeping in touch and for less important things.'
According to a survey conducted by the Princeton Survey Research Associates International in 2006, the mobile phone was the primary means of communication among teens. In descending order, text messaging, the Internet and social networking followed. Rather surprisingly, even land lines are more frequently used to communicate than face-to-face interaction!
Social networking has become increasingly popular over the years. Just two years ago, MySpace became the number one user site, exceeding Yahoo in the number of 'hits' or visits.
If the trend continues, it is curious to note how future communication could be impacted.
Even more, what new trends will emerge in the future to aide communication?
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Courtesy photo
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| Coach Chuck Markiewicz stands on the sidelines during an Arundel football game and calls a play.
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Coach Chuck Markiewicz
By ZAC PLITT, Arundel High School
Coach Chuck Markiewicz has a thing with good quarterbacks — Evans, Pfisterer, now Elko. Mr. Markiewicz produced a state championship at North County in 1994, along with other record setting teams. How does the 2007 Arundel team compare?
After the 1994 championship, Mr. Markiewicz's next best team is the 1996 North County Knights. Quarterback Mike Evans completed 237 passes that season, a state record that stood until this year. Mr. Evans threw for 2,996 yards with 32 touchdowns, all state passing records.
Mr. Evans' favorite target was Corey Wright, a wide receiver at North County in 1996. Their connection was well known by defensive coordinators all over the county. Mr. Wright caught 89 passes for 15 touchdowns, setting state records at the time. Mr. Evans to Mr. Wright was a dangerous connection in 1996, setting an example for what a Chuck Markiewicz offense can do.
The next prolific passer in the Mr. Markiewicz line was Mike Pfisterer, now a coach at Arundel. Playing for North County during the 1997-2000 seasons, Mr. Pfisterer set state records for most passes completed in a game (38) and most touchdown passes in a career (78).
Now at Arundel, Mr. Markiewicz has made good use of weapons Nick Elko and Brandon Johnson-Farrell, both seniors. Combined, the two broke a total of 9 records, 6 of which were held by Mr. Markiewicz's old tandem of Mr. Evans and Mr. Wright. The offense set new state team records for most passing yards in a season (3,251), most attempted passes in a season (456), and most passes completed in a season (277), all previously set by the 1996 North County Knights.
Nick Elko had an amazing year in 2007 — 3091 yards on 260 completions, 43 touchdowns with only nine interceptions with a 60 percent completion. He set state records for most offensive yards, most passing yards, most passes attempted, most passes completed, and most touchdown passes, all in a season. But he couldn't have done it without Brandon Johnson-Farrell's record-breaking year.
Brandon Johnson-Farrell was undeniably the best wide receiver in Anne Arundel County in 2007, making the All-Met team. He also tore up the record books, setting four state records for most receptions in a season, most receiving yards in a season, most receiving touchdowns in a season, and most career receptions.
Best passing attack in county history? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Chuck Markiewicz will continue to produce with his run-and-shoot offense at Arundel. If we're lucky, we will receive another Evans to Wright connection, maybe even another Elko to Johnson-Farrell. If history truly does repeat itself, Arundel football has a promising future.
Counseling office ready for senior rush
By JOSH MALAMUD, Arundel High School
High school guidance counselors are an integral part of the stressful college application process. These behind the scenes players field the rush of applications and endure the rising stress levels just as students anticipate the looming deadlines.
If the application process is tedious for a single student, factor in several hundred applications and that will still be minimal compared to the stress level of the guidance staff at Arundel High School.
The task is daunting according to one of Arundel's counselors, Erin Arnold, a new addition to the guidance department this year. She said, 'It really just takes a lot of time for each of our seniors—and we have a lot!'
Any college-bound senior will tell you it is hard to get much done during the final, hectic application months. Tensions are high and the paperwork seems endless. Many become frustrated when getting business taken care of in the guidance office seems impossible.
Kenny Cox, a senior, experienced all-too-familiar stress caused by the college application rush. 'I went to the guidance office a few weeks ago and I waited for about 30 minutes. While the wait was aggravating, I knew that the counselors were busy and that my appointment was important,' Kenny said.
This understanding is necessary to maintain a healthy attitude in the midst of application chaos. Luckily there are ways to ease the difficulty of guidance office during the precious months from November to February. 'The best thing students can do is make sure they have everything that needs to be sent off to the college together in one packet,' says Michael Dunaway, counselor. 'Included in the packet should be envelopes already stamped and addressed to the college so that things can get out more quickly,' Mr. Dunaway added.
Ultimately, guidance counselors are ready, willing and equipped to help all those seeking college application completion. While the college application process is tedious, frenzied for everyone involved, organization and patience can ease the frantic nature of counselors and students alike.
50 minute lunches
By KIRSTEN ORR, Arundel High School
The first school in the county to kick off an advisory program five years ago, Arundel High School is set to launch another innovation in scheduling — a 50-minute lunch period which they will call the 'Wildcat Hour,' with the start of the new semester.
Principal Sharon Stratton first considered the 50-minute lunch at a conference held seven years ago, where a principal from Colorado explained the unique benefits of such a schedule. Ms Stratton originally thought it was a 'crazy' idea. Later, however, she noticed the similarities between the exam breaks and the 50-minute lunch. In both events, students are able to walk around, socialize, grab something to eat, and approach teachers and other staff members for help. In the months that followed, the idea of the 50-minute lunch continued to 'grow' on Ms. Stratton and other faculty members.
As Mrs. Stratton continued to ponder the idea, she discovered that some other counties around Maryland have adopted the 50-minute lunch, and the program has shown great success. Montgomery and Prince George's counties, for instance, have operated on this schedule for the past few years. Both last spring and again in the fall, committees of students, teachers and administrators toured schools in the neighboring counties and observed the plans in action.
After many meetings and much discussion, the administration, faculty and student body are ready to launch the 50-minute lunch. Arundel High School plans to 'ease its way' into the 50-minute lunch. During midterm exams, the traditional 20-minute breaks have been lengthened, food kiosks have been set up and students have been coached to use the time wisely to practice for next semester's launch of the new plan. Students are using the extra time to socialize, learn where the food stations are located and how they can purchase food quickly and consult teachers, much like they will do when the 50-minute lunch debuts at the end of January.
Furthermore, the administration has established rules and regulations for the 50-minute lunch and students are getting the chance to learn and practice them during testing week. For instance, while students may choose which kiosk to visit for their food and where to eat the food they have purchased, they may stand on only one side of the hallway to eat and socialize. Some may choose to purchase and eat food in the cafeteria, as they have traditionally done; however, the capacity for the cafeteria is closely monitored.
While many people have asked Mrs. Stratton why she would risk the chaos that may accompany the shift to an extended lunch period for the 2000-plus students, she stresses that the benefits of the program are worth the effort involved. The main goal of the 50-minute lunch is to increase student achievement, she said, noting that 'our school struggled to move forward with academic achievement.' She is eager to create time for students to get the extra help they need in classes. She notes that she does not like Arundel standing in the middle of the county in achievement and hopes the extended lunch will help students increase their test scores and allow the school to stand for its academics.
Jason Williams, an administrator, says this new extended lunch 'gives students an opportunity to increase academic achievement by giving [them more] time they need in classes they are struggling.' The 50-minute lunch provides tutoring options and allows time for students to complete their homework. It also calls for a mandatory study hall which students who are not performing up to standard must attend for extra help. He emphasizes that the study hall is mandatory; students who do not attend it with have to serve detentions during lunch.
Additionally, the administration hopes that the extended lunch will help students to become more involved in school. Many of the school's clubs have scheduled meetings for certain days of the week, allowing students and faculty sponsors to meet together during the school day. For example, Wanda Trimnal, yearbook and newspaper advisor, said, 'Because so many of my newspaper staff members are heavily involved in other activities [and for the first time in my 22 years as advisor, newspaper is not scheduled as a class], it has been extremely difficult to meet and produce The Spectrum in a timely manner. The staff members and I are excited about the opportunity to meet twice weekly within the school day.'
The 50-minute lunch, with its time for tutoring and various club meetings, gives students who can't stay after school because of transportation problems the opportunity to become involved in clubs, without increasing the stress of their already hectic schedules.
According to Tanja Wheeler, another administrator, other advantages of the 50-minute lunch are to provide greater student-teacher connections, allow students time to socialize and relax, and eventually increase time they can spend with their families.
She also feels the 50-minute lunch is 'an excellent way for students and faculty to revive' since it falls in the middle of the day. Moreover, because students can receive help, socialize with others, and remain active in clubs during the day, they will have more time after school that could be spent with family.
Faculty and staff members expect that academic achievement and participation in clubs at Arundel will grow. Meeting during the school day diminishes the stress of staying after, because it is hard for students to arrange time after school. Many students can't drive and rely on their working parents to pick them up which can be hectic, also, many students can't find time to stay after because of jobs.
The school officials are approaching the move to the extended lunch with some caution. Administrators must make sure the building remains safe and secure. 'Having 2000 kids loose in a building is scary to a lot of people,' said Ms. Wheeler. Additionally, the school must give all students adequate opportunity to eat. All of the administrators believe the new extended lunch will serve as a positive experience.
'Any time you start a new program, there will always be transition pains,' said Mr. Williams. 'Arundel is as capable as any other school. It operated effectively and was very successful already (during the midterm breaks).'
'The kids are super!' Ms. Stratton said, adding, 'Students are aware of the expectations.' She feels very comfortable providing the experience at Arundel.
The success of the CATS advisory program, whose acronym stands for 'Connecting Arundel's Teachers and Students,' gained the interest of other schools in the county and ultimately led all of them to follow suit with their own similar programs. Administrators think so highly of the new 'Wildcat Hour' that they are sure other schools will want to follow this model.
'All schools in the county are trying to find ways to grow student success. Other schools will follow if we demonstrate student achievement,' Mrs. Stratton said.
The 50-minute lunch will be a huge step from the current 25-minute format.
'It has been a long process, and I'm very, very excited for it to come,' Mrs. Wheeler said, adding, 'I think it will get better and better!'
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