Arts and Entertainment

Is Digital Art Real Art? 

Grace Khai '22   Staff Writer 
Art is all around us, from clothing designs and logos to buildings and architecture. Many people believe that digital art isn’t “real” art due to the fact that it can be sold in multiple copies, which means that it is “less in value.” In other words, since there is no “original piece” that can be physically seen on a canvas, many people think that there isn’t much importance to a digital artwork because it can easily be copied, pasted and sold. Some people believe that it’s “cheating” and since it’s easier to create, it doesn’t exactly count as art. Why is that? Many people claim that it's because they don’t have to go through the process of creating colors or controlling the texture of their materials like fine artists do; that digital artists do not have to deal with the same time and effort put into creating a physical artwork...

Marvel Summer Updates 

Shenell Logan '23  Staff Writer 
Summer is quickly approaching and with that, there is a new batch of Marvel content for fans and newcomers alike. As a Marvel fan since 2012, I am always excited to watch anything that Marvel has to offer. Unfortunately, phase four of Marvel’s projects has been an up and down journey. Phase four has brought unusual and confused disappointment for me and many fans alike, and I fear that Marvel may start to lose their iron grip on the film industry...

Senior Spotlight: Mason Sizemore

Wesley Ding '23   Staff Writer
Kajzahna Gray-Richardson '22   Staff Writer
Mason Sizemore is a senior at Howard High School. He is an artist that has taken three years of art, although he also took a high school level art class in middle school. He is most well-known for his mixed-media paintings, which contain metaphors about growth, life, and death...

Senior Trip Ideas That Aren't Ocean City, MD

Lily Soler '22   Staff Writer
Nicole Parker '24   Sports Editor
Although Ocean City is the traditional destination for Senior Week, over the years it has become over-crowded and very expensive. It is increasingly difficult to find a safe, inexpensive location that allows seniors, especially those under 18, to stay at. To counter this issue, here are some unique alternatives to take a fun trip with friends to participate in Senior Week without the disadvantages that come with Ocean City. 

Spring Playlist

Shenell Logan '23   Social Media Manager
Click the link below or scan the QB code to the right to view the best beats of the spring!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0yaVjHfis99o7nEMtcVHEq?si=dKYKeJmfQomnKvlgcucqYQ ​

Oscar 2022 Predictions

​ Grace Khai '22   Staff Writer
Due to his excellent performance in the Tick, Tick … Boom! and his returning popularity with his appearance in Spider-man: No Way Home this past year, Andrew Garfield could very well win “Best Actor” for this year. He brilliantly portrayed emotions like frustration and other feelings of annoyance through his singing in the movie, which is deserving of the award title...

Apple Products 

Esther Olojo '23   Staff Writer
Apple’s next phone is likely to feature some of the biggest updates we’ve seen in years. According to reports, the phone will have a notch-free design, giving users more screen space. There's a chance that Face ID sensors and a punch-hole camera will be built beneath the display. Ming-Chi Kuo, a well-known Apple expert, expects these upgrades to come soon...

The Book of Boba Fett Review

Emma Stuber '22   Arts & Entertainment Editor
For Star Wars fans, any piece of new information regarding our favorite characters is readily consumed. The Book of Boba Fett was an especially thrilling promise this year as many long-time fans grew up with the mystery surrounding this bounty hunter character. For the chance to have a look into Fett’s timeline, including how he survived the sarlacc pit and where he is after taking Jabba’s throne, was an exclusive opportunity especially in live action...

Marvel Show Ranking

Shenell Logan '23   Staff Writer
Last year, Marvel released their first five series on the popular streaming service, Disney+. The releases included the shows WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Hawkeye, Loki and What If? As the new programs were being released throughout the year, many opinions were given as to whether or not the shows were good. As someone who has been an MCU fan since 2012 and watched the shows as they were being released, I have my own ranking of these series...

Euphoria ​Review

Gabbi Rabold '22   Staff Writer
The show Euphoria has become a national hit ever since it ran on HBO max for the first time on June 16, 2019. The series follows a group of teenagers through their experiences of trauma, identity and relationships. Although the show brings up a lot of distressing topics like drugs, abuse and sex, teenage viewers seem to enjoy the show for its authenticity. Euphoria may not be representative of the average teenage life, but viewers love how it does not refrain from bringing up the very worst...

Artist Spotlight: Brady Scott

Nicole Parker '24   Sports Editor
Jasmine Wilson '22   Managing Editor
​For senior Brady Scott, it’s not about the followers. It’s about the photos. “When people repost my stuff on their stories it gives me a feeling of happiness that I don't know how to describe. It’s just a simple reshare and stuff but, it really means a lot that people are sharing my stuff,” says Scott...

Scream Review

Grace Khai '22   Staff Writer
The sequel Scream came out January 14 of this year (2022). The Scream franchise follows high school students that are brutally murdered by two killers with a ghost mask. Kevin Williamson was inspired to write Scream because of the infamous murder spree Danny Rolling committed back in August of 1990. A horror film that took place in Woodsboro where two teenage boys went around terrorizing the small town while experimenting with the “horror movie rules” seen in a lot in slasher movies, like Halloween. There are five total movies in the Scream franchise, the first four were directed by Wes Craven...

Valentine's Day Book Recommendations

Alyssa McGuigan '23   Features Editor

Video Games for the Holidays

Wesley Ding '23   Staff Writer
  There are countless video games that people enjoy playing during the holidays. Especially during the holidays when people are together, these games are great picks for anyone looking for a way to hang out with friends or family. The games on this list either have holiday-themed events/sales, holiday spirit, winter-based content, or all of the above. People don’t have to play just for the holiday events; there’s no reason not to play video games just for fun...

Netflix Recommendations

Gabbi Rabold '22   Staff Writer
Attempting to find the perfect series binge or movie to watch on Netflix can be a daunting challenge with its extensive library of movies and shows. It seems impossible to choose a show that will capture your interest the entire time or to pick a movie that your friends, family, or significant lover will agree on. Even so, no need to fear! Here are five options to help you make a perfect decision...
Emma Stuber '22   Arts & Entertainment Editor
As cold weather quickly approaches this season, Howard students brave the dropping temperatures with heavier layers and coats. But this doesn’t mean that style is compromised; instead, it has been enhanced by all of the fashion possibilities that winter has to offer...​

No Way Home ​Review

Shenell Logan '23   Staff Writer
Spider-Man: No Way Home is set to be released officially on December 17, 2021. The film will be a continuation of the events that transpired in a Spider-Man: Far From Home end credit scene. With Peter Parker’s identity now released to the entire world, along with being painted as a murderer, he obtains the help of Doctor Strange in order to make this problem disappear. But of course, this will not be an easy feat...

What If? Review

Shenell Logan '23   Staff Writer
Marvel released its fourth Disney+ exclusive show, “What If?” on August 11th, 2021. Marvel traded its usual live action experience for an animated show centered around different possible realities in the multiverse. As a Marvel fan, I was very excited for the prospect of seeing different theories and theses being explored in an actual show. Yet, I couldn’t have been left more dissatisfied. There are very few low performing films and shows from Marvel studios. But “What If?” is the worst of them all...

Music Through the Decades

Alyssa McGuigan '23   Features Editor
Everyone has heard the saying, “Music these days is just not good anymore,” at least once, whether it’s coming from a grandparent, parent or even a classmate. Just as 90’s trends have once again swept the racks of fashion classic 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and early 2000’s music is making a huge comeback. Or as Taylor Swift would say, “I come back stronger than a 90’s trend.” Now, I’m pulling a couple influential artists that I think created an impact on each decade...

Eternals ​Review

Shenell Logan '23   Staff Writer
Before Marvel’s newest project, Eternals, was officially released, mixed reviews were pouring in from both professional movie critics and fans of the MCU. Based on the trailer, I was expecting to see an engrossing film. The Eternals were being portrayed as these godly beings with astonishing abilities and I was excited to see how their powers would be used in the film, specifically in the action sequences...

The Addams Family Musical Review

Christina Parnell '22   Staff Writer
From November 11th to the 13th, Howard High is having its first theater production in almost 2 years!  Last month, Howard collaborated with Long Reach High school for their first show. Mrs. Greffen, the theater teacher, shares her excitement and information about Howard’s fall musical, The Addams Family: A New Comedy! 

Venom: Let There be Carnage Review

Kajzahna Gray-Richardson '22   Staff Writer
Diving right into the plot, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, the sequel to Venom, takes place in San Francisco, a year after Eddie Brock (played by actor Tom Hardy) becomes host to a shape-shifting extraterrestrial alien symbiote named Venom. Eddie and Venom struggle to coexist but are forced to put their differences aside when serial killer Cletus Kasady (played by actor Woody Harrelson), becomes host to another symbiote named Carnage. The fact that I could summarize the plot to just the “aftermath of the first Venom” proves the plot not only resembles the first movie but lacks any sense of structure...

Halloween Events in HoCo

Bobby Smith '22  Staff Writer
As autumn sets in, people may already be thinking about what to do for the Halloween season. The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in the cancellation of many events for the past two years, so this year’s Halloween events are expecting more participation. Numerous activities are being held in Maryland this October, and precautions are being taken to prevent the spread of Covid-19...

5 Books to Read This Year

Claire Madachy '22  Copy Editor
While the school year is starting again and many will have less time to unwind after long days, sometimes a good book is the perfect escape. Here are 5 books to get lost in this year:..

Summer Reading Recommendations

​Shenell Logan '22     Staff Writer





​Click the button below to view the list of Shenell's must reads for this summer!

Alexis' Movies Coming this Summer 2021

Alexis Werling '22   Arts & Entertainment Editor 
Click the button below to view the instant classics coming this summer!

Top Ten FPS Games

Chijoke Agbam '21     Staff Writer
Whether you have played them or not, you have at least heard of an FPS game. FPS games, standing for First-Person Shooter, is a gaming genre that's exploded in popularity over the last decade. There’s often a lot of discourse about FPS games, but the most relevant debate among  gamers is which one dominates over the rest.

Star Wars News

Emma Stuber '22     Arts & Entertainment Editor
Fans of Star Wars seem to never be short of new and upcoming material to enjoy. Almost every main character is getting their own film or series, providing viewers with a never-ending supply of lore and backstories to delve into. Whether it's the western-style Mandalorian, the animated Clone Wars, or the vintage original trilogies, both long-time and new fans of Star Wars are always able to find something to their liking. ​

Do Television Shows Accurately Represent Professions?

Alexandra Perrus '22     Social Media Manager
T.V. shows always bring attention to some important professions we see in our everyday community, but are these roles being accurately portrayed? In Grey’s Anatomy, we see doctors not playing by the rules: cutting L-VAD wires, falling in love with patients, committing insurance fraud- all while still managing to keep their jobs. ​

Wanda Vision Review

Alexandra Perrus '22     Social Media Manager
Marvel meets sitcom? Yes, please! WandaVision on Disney+ has taken the world by storm. It is a follow up to the previous Marvel movies, showcasing a new reality that Wanda Maximoff created after the loss of Vision during the movie Infinity War...

Marvel Theories

Alexis Werling '22     Features Editor
The Marvel Universe, an ever-changing world that keeps growing with time. Although it is well known for its superheroes from the movies and comics, what if things weren’t what we believed them to be?

Book Reccomendations

Shenell Logan '22     Staff Writer
Books are teleportation machines that will take you anywhere, from the fantastical Wizarding World of Hogwarts to the vicious and petrifying arena of the Hunger Games. They suck you in and keep you there until you've turned the last page and sighed in delight... or gloom.

Artist Spotlight

Emma Stuber '22     A&E Editor
Maggie Krieg, an 11th grader, is a talented student artist at Howard and has been taking art classes every year since entering as a freshman. I interviewed Maggie to learn more about her process and artistic experience, as well as to gain valuable advice for other young artists looking to improve. 

​

Are You Brave Enough to Watch American Horror Story?

Lauren Dearing '22     Staff Writer
American Horror Story is an American TV show that aired in 2011 with their premiere season of “Murder House.” The show aired on the network FX with directors Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk. American Horror Story currently features nine seasons...

​Can Streaming Services Replace the Movie Theater Experience?

Stephanie Samsel ‘21    News Editor
​Over the past decade, streaming services have become more and more conventional, with today’s isolation yielding the success of companies such as Netflix, Hulu and Disney+. The widespread number of entertainment subscriptions to video and music streaming providers alike has led many to speculate whether movie theaters and concert venues will experience a resurgence in customers after there is no longer a concern of contracting COVID-19...

Creative Writing Tips

Bobby Smith '22   Staff Writer
Creative writing is a beneficial hobby that can be pursued regardless of circumstance. Anyone can write if they are stressed, angry, have something on their mind, or are just bored. High school students need writing skills, a necessity in classes from English to Science. However, some readers might not know what to do if they want to try out creative writing...

2021 Grammy Awards

Megan Otchet '22   Staff Writer
​Many annual events are anticipated in January as an opening to the new year, one being the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards - but not this year. The award show was scheduled to take place on January 31 and will now be held on March 14, 2021, the new date announced on January 5 with the hope that the artists can attend in person...

Disney Plus Release Schedule 

Ella Werdell ‘23    Staff Writer
​Disney Plus has been a savior this year during quarantine, with a growing collection of movies and TV shows from Marvel, Pixar, Disney, Lucasfilm (the creators of Star Wars), National Geographic and 20th Century Fox. The streaming service has recently released their 2021 schedule for upcoming shows and movies. A timeline of the most anticipated and exciting upcoming releases is absolutely necessary to know what to expect of 2021...

Teen Slang Crossword

​Ella Werdell ‘23     Staff Writer
Do you think you know modern-day, teen slang? The only way is to solve this "Teen Slang" crossword!

Google Icon Ratings

​Ruby Gifford ‘23      Features Editor
Whether it’s the new Google icons, online learning icons or menu icons, students have seen more tiny emblems than human faces this year. Below is the definitive ranking of internet iconography...

​Journey through Time: Reviews of Two Bill and Ted Films 

​Alexis Schuster ‘21      Staff Writer
 I decided to watch “Bill And Ted’s Excellent Adventure” on Amazon Prime with my mother, as we were bored and looking around for something intriguing. We ended up watching the trailer for “Bill and Ted: Face the Music,” an​d my mother had the idea of watching the original and the sequel. Thus, we began our two nights of viewing...

Artist Spotlight: Gianna Casanova 

Holly Larson ‘23      Staff Writer
​Gianna Casanova, a Howard High School sophomore, is a digital artist, photo editor and sketch artist. At the age of fifteen, she has completed several untitled artworks using ibisPaint software. Gianna Casanova is a funny, creative and kind individual whose personality comes out in her art...

​Respect the Classics

Meghan Yunkun ‘23      Staff Writer
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to get through this thing called life…” - Prince 1984. Younger people are likely not familiar with the source of that saying or the identity of the artist who said it. Little did you know, he is an inspiration to many of today’s artists. Many students only know classic rock music from their parents or hearing it on the radio. Many would be surprised by how many modern artists sample from musicians of the past, influenced by their beats and lyrics...

​Point a camera at the QR code on the right to enjoy a "Classics" playlist —>

Howard Theatre Goes Virtual

Alexis Schuster '21    Staff Writer
 Have you looked forward to the annual school musical performed by your fellow students, only to be taken aback upon hearing that school has taken an online form? Fret not, for the stage has been taken to the digital medium! This year, a musical will be performed entirely online for the general public to watch, with a date to be determined. The accessibility of the musical however is unknown, as the director is looking for ways to broadcast it privately to the Howard High community...

​

NBA 2k21

Sahijpreet Singh '24    Staff Writer 
2K Sports released their new game, NBA 2K21, on September 4, 2020 to gamers around the globe. This game is the continuation of the NBA 2K series, with four editions at varying price points. It was developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K Sports. 2K has revolutionized video games in past editions, but this year NBA 2K21 is a step ahead of previous versions due to gameplay improvements, faster load times and adjustments to game modes...

​

Spooky Fun: Scary (and not so scary) Halloween Events

Hailey Gardner '21     Staff Writer
Due to coronavirus, many changes will impact this year's Halloween season and how students at Howard celebrate. There will be many changes to trick-or-treating as well as events like haunted hayrides, pumpkin picking and the widely popular Field of Screams, which will face restrictions upon re-opening this fall season. COVID-19 changes will fundamentally impact the functionality of these events. Families attending these events can expect online purchases of tickets to help limit the number of customers allowed to attend per day, necessary sanitation and timed visits...

​

Club Connections in Quarantine

Ariel Hammerash '21     Copy Editor
 On September 21, club leaders reunited with old members and welcomed new students to their ranks through an online club fair. Virtual school may have affected club activities, but Howard High’s student involvement in clubs continues — a crucial connection in an isolated world...
​

​​Online Shopping in Quarantine

​Johanna Wojewodzki ‘21     Arts and Entertainment Editor
When COVID-19 quarantine restrictions were put in place by the state government in Maryland, shops were required to close, leading Howard’s students to online shopping. Grocery stores went online with the pandemic, as did many doctors and pharmacies. Many major retailers have long made use of the Internet as a way to connect with consumers who would otherwise not be going out to shop. In addition to major retailers, one-person businesses on Etsy and eBay have been run successfully online...

​

Animal Crossing

Hannah Chaney '20     Social Media Manager
Animal Crossing: New Horizons (ACNH), the fifth game in the Animal Crossing series of simulation games with endless opportunities and adorable animals, was announced to fans last September. Since its March 20 release, ACNH has broken records, becoming the third best launch for any Nintendo game, and the second-best selling video game in North America. The game capitalizes on five aspects that lead to its massive success.

​

Sonic Movie Review

Chijoke Agbam '21     Staff Writer
The Sonic the Hedgehog movie was originally set for a release date of Nov. 8, 2019, but was pushed back to February 2020 after widespread criticism of the titular animated hedgehog’s appearance in the film’s trailers. Following a multi-million dollar redesign, Paramount Studios released a new trailer in January, showcasing a character design more akin to the character’s appearance in the original sonic video games and TV show. 

​

Step Team Season

Brianna Barr '22     Staff Writer
With the abrupt end to the school year, Howard High’s Legacy Step Team concluded another wonderful season. Highlights from the year included performances at basketball games, the Black History Month assembly, the Variety Show and Laurel Woods Elementary.

​

Things to do Over Spring Break

Ali Rizvi '20     Staff Writer
Spring break is an odd time for many high schoolers. It is a nice break, but not long enough to go on an ideal vacation, although it is long enough to get bored sitting at home. Luckily, there are numerous local activities in the spring to alleviate that boredom.

​

Pre Select Music

Kira Flowers '21     Staff Writer
With the senior midyear over and prom approaching, concerns about music choice arise. In recent years, administrators have curtailed the freedom of students to choose the music, including requests to the DJs, in favor of a pre-selected list of approved songs. 

​

Matilda Preview

Kennedy Offley '20      Features Editor
Howard’s theater department has announced their spring musical: Matilda. Based on the classic Roald Dahl novel, the show centers around a gifted young girl in a harsh, neglecting family who uses her powers of telekinesis to protect her loved ones.

​

Artist Profile: Charlie Veihmeyer

Brianna Barr '22     Staff Writer
Students are beginning to recognize the advantages of taking a fine arts class. According to Howard County Parents for Music, music education is proven to improve student’s academics, health and social well-being. Students are welcoming the overwhelming benefits, including Howard High’s very own Charlie Veihmeyer. 

​

The 2020 Oscars

Michael Cheruiyot '20      Staff Writer
Starting off the night, to honor the the lack of female nominees for Best Director, Natalie Portman wore a Dior cape that was embroidered with the names of female directors who were not nominated, including Lulu Wang, who directed “The Farewell,” Greta Gerwig (“Little Women”), Melina Matsoukas (“Queen & Slim”) and others. 

​

Winter Dance Preview

Erin Smith '21     Staff Writer
Howard High School’s annual winter dance concert, full of exciting performances, is set to take place on Friday, December 6 at 7:00 PM. Tickets cost seven dollars in advance through online orders and eight dollars at the door. The dancers in this concert have worked especially hard this year to prepare for this performance. This year, all the dances are student choreographed. This means that students have to create, learn, and teach all of their own dances, as well as select music and costumes that fit well with the dance. This process is especially difficult for junior and senior company members. ​

Artist Feature: Alina Anthony

Jasmine Wilson '22     Staff Writer
Alina Anthony is a senior here at Howard. She takes art twice a day: Studio Art AP during third period and Art 4 AP during sixth period. According to Alina, the theme of her portfolio is about “under- and misrepresentation in the media.” The art that she creates mainly focuses on marginalized groups around the world and important topics she feels do not get enough media coverage, with an emphasis on immigration policies. ​

New Music Teachers

Hannah Chaney '20     Social Media Manager
After sad goodbyes last year to Ms. Wacyk and Mr. Campbell, the Howard music department needed a pair of individuals to take on their roles. Among the school’s new hires are band director Bryan Welker and choral director Carrie Hall.

​

Back to School Playlist

Maddie Buchman '20     Editor in Chief
From pop hits, to vibe-worthy deep cuts, and alternative anthems, this year’s Howard High Back to School playlist has everything a student could ask for to start the year off strong. Among the featured music is new songs from the likes of Taylor Swift, Clairo and WILLOW. Packed full of current hits, many of these recent releases have reached the top of the charts on several streaming platforms such as Apple Music and Spotify, displaying their overwhelming popularity on a worldwide scale. Currently first on Apple Music’s global charts is the song, “Circles” by Post Malone, which also appears on the playlist. 

​

Photo Location

Olivia Wheatley '20     Arts & Entertainment Editor
With warm weather and sunny skies, people are drawn to the outdoors. Whether it be with your friends or a simple selfie, the warm weather provides a perfect excuse to go outside and take pictures. When asked where her favorite location spot is to take pictures, a junior, Kayla Junior stated “ I enjoy going to the harbor, it’s free and there’s a lot of attractions there and the night life is nice.” Listed below are places located in Maryland which provide beautiful scenery.

​

Summer Binge Worthy TV Shows

Hannah Chaney '20     Staff Writer
Summertime can be long and boring when your friends are away on fun beach vacations and you don’t have hours of homework to keep you occupied while they’re gone. For these times of need, sites like Netflix and Hulu go from just an app to life savers. But what are you supposed to watch once you get there? Here’s a list of binge worthy tv shows that are sure to keep you busy when going outside seems like the least appealing idea possible.

​

BSU Assembly

Alexis Donohue '219    Staff Writer
February 1st to the 28th was Black History Month. On the 28th .Trudy Amoako, Brian Quainoo, Erin Richardson, Chisom Ihoma, Sanaa Nugent and many others led an assembly for  the students and staff for Black History Month. They gave us a wonderful display of African fashion, performances by Dance 3 and 4, The Legacy Step Team, Women's Choir, and poetry.

​

Art Portfolio

​Maddie Buchman '20     Staff Writer
Michelle Nicklin:

The senior describes her photos as “conceptual”. When taking photos, she says that she tries to focus primarily on what is portrayed and the meaning that lies behind each one. Social issues have struck Nicklin as important topics to portray. The issues she includes call for a change in today’s world.

​

Summer Concert Plans

Mychael Usserey '20     Staff Writer
This summer, instead of sleeping all day and going on a Netflix binge, going out and hanging out with your friends at lively concerts is a good way to spend your summer. This year there will be many annual music festivals and concerts going on in the DMV area. This year brings in many performers to the SpringFest in Old Ellicott City, Merriweather, the Royal Farms Arena, the 9:30 Club, Capital One Arena and the Anthem.

​

Movie Review: Captain Marvel

Ryan Archer '19     Staff Writer
Captain Marvel is an enjoyable film, but it is also a film marred in controversy. It is impossible to talk about this film without someone bringing up the fact that Brie Larson called for more diversity in film journalism saying, “I do not need a 40-year-old white dude to tell me what didn’t work for him about A Wrinkle in Time. It wasn’t made for him. I want to know what it meant to women of color, to biracial women, to teen women of color, to teens that are biracial.” This call was taken as an attack against white guys who review movies... by white guys who review movies. I am also a white guy who reviews movies, but that does not mean I have any bias against Captain Marvel or Brie Larson. With that out of the way, let’s start the review.

​

Music Suggestions

Hannah Chaney '20      Staff Writer
With the start of spring, it’s time for your playlist to make this transition as well. If you’re currently on the hunt for a new tune to add to your life, I am here with a solution to that issue.
     My suggestion is “Sidelines” by Wallows. The somewhat new band’s most recently released single, “Sidelines” is a retro take on today’s pop and alternative scene. The mix of Braeden Lemasters’ voice, the synthy piano, and the rock-esque guitar chords create a distinct vintage feeling that a lot of bands fail to achieve these days. 


​

39 Steps Preview

Hannah Chaney '20     Staff Writer     
The Howard theatre department’s winter production of The 39 Steps is coming to the stage this March. The inspiration for the play stems from Alfred Hitchcock's film of the same name, which was an adaptation of John Buchan's spy novel. The show is filled with elements of both shock and humor.

​

Artist Profile : Courtney Acosta

Aaron Leong '19     Managing Editor
     Howard High School contains many talented artists, one of whom is Courtney Acosta. Acosta is a senior here at Howard, and has done art since she was a child. She will be enrolled at MICA next year, where she plans to continue her art career.

To continue reading, click here.

Mamma Mia Review!!

Cesar Llanos '19         Copy Editor
Mamma Mia! is a jukebox musical written by Catherine Johnson that premiered at London’s West End in 1999. The story follows the days leading up to the wedding of Sophie and her fiance, Sky, on the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi. Sophie, in an attempt to discover her father’s identity, invites three men from her mother, Donna’s, past: Harry, Sam, and Bill. The show is filled to the brim with fallacies, confusion, misunderstandings, and hit ABBA songs, and in the end, as if there were any other way to conclude the musical, the characters discover that love is what makes these broken and lost people whole and found.
​
To continue reading, click here.

Howard Dance Inspires

Hannah Chaney '20
Imagine yourself sitting in the auditorium, your eyes scanning across the stage as people leap and spin. This may be your initial takeaway, but when you look further, the dance program displays a lot more than just movement. Dancers varying in shape, size, gender, and skill level make up what we know and love about these performers. The massive number of roughly 150 students involved make it an extremely popular program at Howard High. It is also one of the most inclusive programs due to its welcoming nature to everyone, no matter their experience.

To continue reading, click here.

Pumpkin Spice Season

Skyia Cooley '19          Staff Writer
ELLICOTT CITY, MD - The much-demanded PSL is now available, and seen in the hands of many Howard students and staff. AARON LEONG/ LIONS TALE
     The smell of pumpkin spice draws people in every fall season. People call pumpkin spice “The Flavor Of Fall”:  The flavor and scent that lets a lot of people know that it is officially the fall season. The original pumpkin pie, lattes, candles, lotions, hand sanitizers. But now the list expands even more, with pumpkin spice flavored M&M’s, cream cheese, and even chips. 
​     Many people believe that Starbucks was the first to bring up anything involving pumpkin spice, but that’s wrong. A candle company located in New Mexico had beaten them to it, releasing a pumpkin spice candle in 1995. 
     People enjoy pumpkin spice because, as the days start to get cool and the wind starts to blow the leaves, nothing feels cozier than snuggling up with a blanket and a cup of pumpkin spice tea.

Artist Profile : Marisa Poisal

Brett Gilmore '20          Staff Writer
ELLICOTT CITY, MD, SEPT. 24, 2018 - Marisa Posial, pictured here outside of her class during spirit week, is one of several talented fine artists at Howard. BRETT GILMORE/ LIONS TALE
Marisa Piosal is a senior at Howard High School. She is a 17-year-old artist who is in the National Honor Society, the National Art Society. She also volunteers at the hospital. 


BG: What are your hobbies?
MP: “Painting.”
BG: Who’s your favorite artist?​
MP: “Mr. Hensley.”
BG: When did you start creating art?
MP: “Since 7th grade.”
BG: What inspired you to create art?
MP: “Being talented at something that not everyone can do.”
BG: What is your goal later in life?
MP: “To become a surgeon.”
BG: What is your goal for the school year?
MP: “To create an art portfolio.”
BG: Where is your favorite place to be?
MP: “At home.”

Cute vs Comfort : Finding Your Fashion

Aaron Leong '19          Managing Editor
​Sequoia Springs '20          Op-Ed Editor
Fall of 2018 hasn’t been the nicest to Howard High students’ wardrobe. With the imbalance of rain, sunshine, wind, and clouds, no one knows how to adjust to Mother Nature’s whims. This fashion guide will direct you in the right direction while maintaining style!
     Sweat stains and funky clothing is a major con to warm weather. You don’t want to be drenched in sweat or too hot to function. Rocking a short sleeve graphic tee with some stylish sweat-shorts is perfect for the fellas. A solid color tee is also a great option if you’re looking for an outfit with versatility. Finish the outfit off with some simple running shoes and a pair of ankle socks. Ladies, pair a short sleeve dress with some comfortable sneakers or sandals, and add a touch of flare with a cute purse. 
  For those colder days, avoiding skimpy clothes is essential. Ladies, match a light material sweater in addition to no-rip jeans and closed-toe shoes. Gentlemen, you want to stay warm, but please make sure you don’t look like you’re vacationing in Antarctica. The key to styling a winter outfit is layering! Don’t be afraid to throw on a hoodie with a flannel layered on top. Pair that with some jeans and maybe some boots.
   Bottom line: don’t be the kid who’s shivering in class because you didn’t bring a jacket. Use your sense of style to incorporate individuality. Everyone has those days of throwing on a hoodie, baggy sweatpants, and snug shoes. However, don’t make it an everyday move. Spice it up! Show the halls of Howard High that you’re not ordinary. Show your personality while staying comfortable.

Music and Movie Suggestions

Olivia Wheatley '20          A&E Editor
Hannah Chaney '20          Staff Writer
To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, released August 17 on Netflix and directed by Susan Johnson, is a 4 out of 5-star romantic teen comedy, filled with awkward laughs and cute moments which make it unforgettable. The movie is based on the best seller by the same name, written by Jenny Han. The main character, Lara Jean Covey (Lana Condor) writes secret letters about boys who she has and had intense feelings for. These secret letters stay locked away in a small box in her closet until one day, her little sister takes the box and sends the letters to all the boys they are addressed to.

​To continue reading, click here.