Homelessness in the Country

By: Denee D.

Homelessness to some is an epidemic; though unseen by many, it combines with poverty and thrives in America cities.

 “Many cities in this country are trying to give the impression that things are better than they really are, that homelessness is decreasing. But in reality, homelessness continues to increase regardless of who is in the White House or who controls Congress," revealed Michael Stoops, Director of the Washington-based National Coalition for the Homeless.

According to the United States Census Bureau, 12.6 percent of Americans live in poverty. United States Department of Housing and Urban US Development found that 704,000 people were homeless in Jan. 2005, resorting to homeless shelters or sidewalks. HUD studies also show that 75% of homelessness is in central cities. SADD Advisor Cindy Wasserman stated, “I think we need to reach out as communities to identify those in need and compassionately provide them with the opportunity to work and find them affordable shelter.”

Fifty-nine percent of persons homeless in Jan. 2005 were minorities, 45% of which were African American.  “I think that black males are proud people, believing that they must do things on their own. If they take the time to get a little help the percentage might not be so high,” expressed junior Jasmine L. As a whole, 65% of homelessness is male-dominated.            

To most students at Owings Mills High school poverty and homelessness may not be a reality but it does exist. “Last year [2005-2006] we had two students listed as homeless. They did not have their own residency and lived with another family in a single family household,” stated guidance counselor Debra Brannock. 

According to Homeless and Child Protective Service liaison and guidance counselor Christopher Lee, four different students this year are listed as homeless, all residing in single family households.

Information obtained for this article came from HUD.gov, Cnn.gov and Census.gov

Kids Helping Hopkins

By: Amna A.

Kids Helping Hopkins gives Owings Mills High School students an opportunity to help raise money for the hospitalized children.  

            Advised by English teacher Tim Jerome, the club holds about ten members.  “It is an organization that seeks to provide aid to sick children at Johns Hopkins hospital,” explained Jerome. 

            “At the end of the year, we donate all our raised money to Kids at Johns Hopkins hospital,” stated club Vice-President Naza A. 

            The organization plans many fundraisers throughout the year such as annual candy grams, pizza and doughnut sales and general donations by students and others. 

            “So far this year we had pizza and doughnut sales in Oct and we had the candy grams sales right before the break,” explained Jerome.  When asked about the success of the fundraisers, Jerome stated, “They were very successful and each time we run out [of pizza and doughnuts].”

            The meetings are held every other Tuesday in room # 323.  Dues are $2 due, and each member should pay in order to join the club.  

            “Club co-president and my student senior Vanessa S. got me interested in advising the club,” shared Jerome. 

            “It is a wonderful feeling to help the sick kids,” expressed Vanessa. 

            Club member, junior Tracey C. , exclaimed, “I feel like I am doing something good by helping others; we can get service learning hours for some of the projects.” 

St. Patrick’s Day

By: Robert D.

Leprechauns, shamrocks and pots of gold all symbolize St. Patrick’s Day, which is celebrated midway through the month of Mar.

            In memory of St. Patrick, a patron saint of Ireland, the “green holiday” occurs on the date of his death, March 17. Parades and dancing of the Irish jig help commemorate the life of Patricius, the Roman name for St. Patrick, who historians believe died around 461 AD.

Though he was born in Wales, Patrick made his way to Ireland after studying religion in order to become a priest. After studying for over 12 years, Patrick dreamt one day that the Irish were asking for him to come to Ireland to tell them about God. His mission in Ireland lasted over 20 years. Throughout this period of his teachings, Patrick established many monasteries, churches, and schools along the way. His preaching even converted among the royal families.

“It’s a celebration of the patron Saint of Ireland, the country that saved civilization. The Irish monks went into their monasteries and recorded history,” commented social studies teacher Robert Mace.

As with many other holidays, there are a few legends and myths connected to St. Patrick’s Day and the patron himself. One of the most famous of these legends is tells a story of how Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland. Though not a realistic likelihood, many of the Irish today would tell visitors that they cannot find a snake in all of Ireland.

Another Irish legend is the origin of the term, “Luck O’ the Irish,” Irishmen are descendants of the Celts and Vikings, who were both dominant invaders. Some of the Irishmen feel that they seem to be lucky because fewer get killed because of their natural fighting skills. From this, it is said the term "The Luck O’ the Irish" was derived.

Mace, who has Irish in his blood, plans on celebrating the holiday by going out to dinner and eating corn beef and cabbage at Captain Harvey’s. Like many of his fellow Irishmen, he does believe in the luck of the Irish. Mace later mentioned, “I carry shamrocks around with me. My mom gave me the four-leaf-clover when I went of to college. And I passed, so there must be luck!”

Carly Bloomberg, an Owings Mills High School senior, intends to celebrate the holiday while she is away visiting potential colleges for next year. “I am spending this St. Patrick’s Day in Charleston, South Carolina. I am going there to visit the school but I’ll party with some of the people I know there.”