Oprah’s School

By: Sam C.

In the works since Dec. 2002, the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls finally opened in the early weeks of Jan.

            The plan for the school originated when African leader Nelson Mandela called upon Winfrey for help with education in post-apartheid South Africa. To this Winfrey pledged $40 million and promised to assist Mandela in his quest of bettering the education system in South Africa.

            Winfrey, Mandela, South African Ministry of Education Professor Kader Asmal and Guateng MEC of Education Igantius Jacobs broke ground for the project on Dec. 6, 2002 and since then much work has been put into the project.

            The property itself consists of 52 acres of land, which was then used to create a campus containing 48 buildings. Numerous dormitories were created for students, as well as a wellness center and a large gymnasium. The campus also consists of numerous classrooms, a library and dining halls.

            Though the school was built in efforts to increase the education in South Africa, there were some specific requirements that students had to meet. For one thing, all students who wished to attend the school had to apply. The school received 3,500 applications nationwide and of that number only 152 applicants were chosen. Students had to be academically qualified and their families had to have an income of lover than $787 a month.

            Those selected were either 11 or 12 and would enter the school as a seventh or eighth grade students. After the school was complete, the students would then attend the school until they graduated. Their  curriculum includes a wide range of subjects such as numerous scientific classes economics and social studies classes, various language classes, as well as life and leadership classes.

            All of this became available in Jan. when Winfrey opened the school to the students. The entirety of the event was aired on ______ as a primetime special. The event is now currently available on DVD.

            Though the idea for the school is extremely honorable and generous, Winfrey has been receiving much criticism for the school and its lavish aspects. According to the Boston Globe, many African leaders have been upset by the development of the school. Leaders have claimed that the school only fulfills an outsider’s view of what Africa needs and does little for the community as a whole.

            Winfrey though defended herself by to the Globe by saying that her school is a "model for other schools and . . . a launching pad for influencing education around the world. This is just the beginning." Only time will tell in seeing what kind of influence the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls has on its students as well as the rest of South Africa.

            Information for this article was obtained from www.wikipedia.com, www.boston.com and www.oprah.com.

Spring Fashion

By: Amna A.

“Spring is all about color, high heels and skirts,” exclaimed junior Natalie M. 

                                There are many new fads as well as previous years’ fashions that will be in this season.  Polos and embellished tees remain popular. In addition, the girly girl fad is in and girls can be seen wearing puff sleeves, ruffle trims, polka dots, eyelet lace, lace tank tops, layering of shirts and baby doll dresses.

 Ripped jeans and cropped pants are in for spring 2007.  Also continued from last year is the pairing of leggings under a denim skirt.  Long plead and plaid skirts also remain popular.  “I love the long flowery skirts,” shared Mindel.

  In shoes flip flops, fancy sandals and wedges are in. Oversized sunglasses, long beaded necklaces and long earrings are the key accessories this season.    Also popular this season is a huge tote bag. 

            Junior Melanie L. exclaimed, “When spring comes around, I get a chance to dress up for school by wearing skirts, baby doll dresses and cute flip flops.”

            Guys this season can be seen sporting embellished tees and polos.  Khaki shorts, cargo pants and ripped jeans remain popular with a simple pair of flip flops.  “I mix up polos with shorts, khakis and a pair of flip flops,” stated senior Davie Jenkins. 

             “For me spring is all about wearing comfortable tees and shorts,” said junior Kean Black.

The information from the article was found on: www.fashionfollower.com.

Harry Potter 7

By: Cara L.

The seventh and final novel in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, has set its release date for July 21. Many of Owings Mills High School students who are fans of the Harry Potter series await the final book, but feel it is bittersweet as it will be the final part of the saga.

            From the beginning, Rowling planned to release seven books, to represent the main character Harry’s seven years at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Interestingly enough, the sixth book ends with Harry claiming that he will not return to Hogwarts for his final year, in order to defeat Voldemort, a dark wizard who has set out to kill Harry and take over the wizarding world.

            The end of the sixth book informs the readers about the Horcruxes that Harry must find; Voldemort has split his soul into seven pieces; each are hidden and need to be destroyed for Voldemort to be destroyed. In addition, the sixth book ends with the tragic death of Dumbeldore, Hogwarts’ headmaster and Harry’s loyal friend. It leaves the reader wondering if it is possible for Harry to defeat Voldemort without the help of Dumbeldore.

            Rowling has not released any information as to what will happen in the seventh book, but many have made speculations as to what will happen.

            Mindy Sauter, English and yearbook teacher at OMHS, is a huge Harry Potter fan and had a lot to say about what she thinks will happen. “I think either Harry or Voldemort will have to die in book seven,” she explained. She also predicted that Draco Malfoy, Harry’s schoolmate and a deatheater, a Voldemort supporter, who tried to kill Dummbledore throughout book six, will not survive the final installment and that Harry’s best friends Ron and Hermione will end up together in the end. She also expressed that she thought there would be “unbelievable things” coming. In reference to excitement about the book being released, Sauter said she felt that she was “insanely excited, but a little sad because now it’s all over.”

            Sophomore Danny S. shared his thoughts on the seventh book. “I am really excited for Harry Potter to come out. Its going to be so good!” When asked what he predicts will happen, Solomon said that he thought Harry would defeat Voldemort. For now, readers will just have to wait and see what Rowling has done with the last installment of the Harry Potter series.