Stingray Times 1

STINGRAY TIMES Volume 3, Issue 4 January/February, 2015

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

1 – Laser Light Show

1 – A New Year

1 – Testing Tips

2 – Safe Snow

2 – Snow Day Activities

2 – Polar Bear Plunge

2 – MLK Day

2- Mr. Olinick

3 – Dr. Holocker

3 – Terror Attacks

3- Weather

3- Candy Poll

Laser Light

Show By: Giselle D. & Emily F

The Laser Light show was a fun way to raise

awareness to Black History Month. On February 12,

2015 the Laser Light Show was presented at

Matapeake Middle School. Here, a man used lights

and music to create representations and educate

students about the importance of black history

month. The laser light show operates with only one

laser that creates an optical illusion by quickly

moving around the screen. The laser only has three

colors, the primary colors, which mix together to

create thousands of different colors. During the

show we learned about people such as Rosa Parks,

Ray Charles, President Obama and many other

famous African Americans. The PTSA raised the

money for the school which allowed us to have the

assembly.

A New Year By: Tristen G

When starting a New Year many people have a “New year’s

resolution” or a goal to accomplish during the New Year.

Every person has something they want to accomplish in the

New Year. Common resolutions are to lose weight, volunteer

to help others, quit smoking, get a better education, get a better

job, save money, eat healthy food, get fit etc. New Year’s is

December 30-January 1. In Times Square in New York City,

a glass ball gets dropped in the center of Times Square at 12:00

am, to celebrate the New Year. New Year’s dates back 4,000

years in the time in Babylon.

A Few Resolutions Mrs. Walsh: My New Year’s Resolution is to spend more

time travelling and exploring new places with my family. The

best way to achieve a goal is to plan ahead. So, as a family we

are currently discussing where we want to go and what we

want to do. We will then compile a list of everyone's hopes

and develop a plan to make it happen.

Ms. Hausburg: My New Year's Resolution is to cut out wheat

gluten and be gluten free. It will help me be healthier, have

more energy, and lose some weight. It is not an easy resolution

because wheat gluten is in so many things I enjoy eating like

breads, pasta, and pizza! The first step of my plan involved

removing all the things in my house that had gluten in it like

cookies, crackers, and bread. My second step is not to buy

anything with wheat gluten. Another hard part is when I go

out to dinner with friends. That will be the real test!!

KEEP TRACK OF YOUR GRADES AT THE PARENT PORTAL LINK ON THE MMS WEBSITE!

USE YOUR SCHOOL USERNAME AND PASSWORD.

Testing Tips By: Jennifer D.

1.) Pay attention in class

2.) Take good, thorough notes

3.) Review a little every night

4.) Complete all homework

5.) Organize your time to have time to study

6.) Ask questions if you are confused

7.) Stay relaxed during the test

8.) Don’t spend too much time on one question

9.) Don’t rush

10.) Read the entire question

11.) Pay attention to hidden key words

12.) After you have finished, go back and check over to make

sure nothing is left blank and to check for careless mistakes

that you may have made

4 – Our School Nurse

4 – Flu Prevention

4 – Super Bowl XLIX

4 – Conditioning

5 – Horoscopes

6- Special Edition-

African-Americans &

US Presidents

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SAFE SNOW By: Kira T. & Lauren B.

Stuck in the snow? Trapped in your house? Here are some

tips to keep your winter warm and safe.

Be sure to limit any running you may have to do outside.

Not only does it make you sweat, which can freeze your

skin, but if there happens to be any hidden “black ice”

around, you might just be the one to find it. If you ride in a car with an adult, be sure to have plenty of time to get to

where you are going, otherwise rushing in a vehicle while it

is snowing can cause many car accidents. Try avoiding

riding in a car is possible. When you are in the car be sure

to keep food and water and a first aid kit. Finally be sure to

keep a full tank of gas.

To keep warm, follow these tips

· Wear lots of layers. · When you shiver think of it “as a warning sign”,

your body’s temperature is dropping, you need to

find a warmer place.

· Being “well-fed” will help you better handle the cold temperatures. Also stay hydrated.

· Be prepared. Bring an extra set of mittens, a hat, dry clothes, and warm blankets, (if needed).

· “A good pair of waterproof boots are essential.” · Wear a hat and mittens, you can lose body hear

from any exposed skin.

· Mittens keep your hands warmer then gloves do. · Wool, cotton, and fleece are the best materials to

wear this winter.

· Wear a scarf. · Keep your fingertips, ears, and nose covered when

you go outside.

· Keep your clothing dry, the wet clothes can make you even colder.

· Tea and hot chocolate are good to drink in the cold weather.

· Exercise will keep you warm, opposed to sitting around all day.

·

Snowy Day Activities By: Karenna K. & Rachel R.

It’s winter, so it’s very cold outside. Of, course, the best thing

about winter is SNOW! If you’re feeling stuck on a snowy day and

don’t know what to do, here are some things to get you having the

best snow day ever! One thing you could do is go outside and build

a snowman or snow-fort. Another thing to do, if you aren’t an

outside person, is stay inside and make hot cocoa! Something you

could do with your family or siblings is have a friendly snowball

fight! Again, if you aren’t quite an outside person, you and your

family could play video games or watch a movie and sit next to the

fire. If it’s one of those days that too windy to play outside, you

could play board games or even make up a game to play.

Something fun to do could be going outside and going ice skating! Almost anything you can think of on a snowy day could

be fun!

Polar Bear Plunge By: Casey S.

Since 1997, Maryland has been continuing its annual

tradition of the MSP Polar Bear Plunge, which is held at

Sandy Point State Park on January 24th. Anyone who wants

to take a plunge into the Chesapeake Bay can do so by

donating a minimum of $75 and registering online or paying

at Sandy Point. The goal of this fundraiser is to raise money

for the Special Olympics- an organization who provides year

round athletic training for people with special needs. You

can register by yourself or start your own plunge team to

raise even more money. All participants will receive a plunge

shirt. Matapeake Middle School’s NJHS team will be

participating this year on the Cool Schools Day, January 30th.

MLK Day By Alex E. & Liza S.

This year, the national holiday, Martin Luther King Day

(MLK Day), falls on the 19th of January. MLK Day is

always on the third Monday of every January. Martin Luther

King Day was created to commemorate MLK for his

consistent bravery, perseverance, and efforts to stop

segregation (which was eventually a success after he died.)

People all over America come together to celebrate and

remember the great man that changed the course of

America’s future. At the White House Rose Garden on

November 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill,

proposed by Representative Katie Hall, creating a federal

holiday to honor King. It was observed for the first time on

January 20, 1986.

Welcome Mr. Olinick By: Harper R.

Q: What class will you teach this year?

A: Special Education

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: Be out on the boat.

Q: Are you excited to work at Matapeake Middle

School?

A: Yes.

Q: What message do you have for new students?

A: Work hard and try your best.

Q: What inspired you to become a teacher?

A: Inspiring the youth to excel not just in the classroom

but as a person.

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Straight From Dr. Holocker By: Julia B. & Kristi L.

We are more than halfway through the 2014-2015 school year. We, the students, have made many improvements but also have

some things we could improve on. In an interview with Dr.

Holocker, we asked her about these student improvements, she

said, “I think the care of the Chromebooks has really improved

since we got them at the beginning of the year. At first we had a

lot of screens that cracked but now that everyone is getting use

to them and using them more carefully we are seeing less

damages.” She also mentioned some things that the students can

improve on. “Charge your Chromebooks at home at night! Put

it in your Google Calendar as a daily homework

assignment. This is the one thing I would like to see improved

for the rest of the year and for next year.”

We now have had many events leading up to the end of the

school year since we started in late August. For example we have

some PARCC tests and finals that we have been practicing for.

However, some students are still stressing out over them! So we

interviewed Dr. Holocker to see what she had to say. Her advice

was to “not stress over these tests, do you best and try,” she says,

“But know that these tests are in the ‘trial phase’ which means

there may be problems with them. Do your best because we see

the results but do not worry about them! You will do great!” The

PARCC practice assessments are on March 9 and March 12. The

actual PARCC tests are March 17-19 and March 24-25.

Additionally, the topic of recent snow days came up. “I had to

work on the snow days.” Dr. Holocker tells us. “When schools

are closed, Mrs. Kovach, Ms. Diviney and the custodians have

to still come to work. We use the time to get done all of the things

that we do not have time to do during the regular school day

when the school is full of people. Use use this time as ‘catch-

up’ time!”

Lastly, this month, February, is Black History Month, so we

asked Dr. Holocker who she thought was an inspiring African

American. Here were her thoughts: “There are so many, but I

think the one African American person that I think has been very

inspiring in my life is Dr. Ben Carson. Being a world renowned

pediatric neurosurgeon has not changed his humble ideals and

his priority to family and education. Dr. Carson does so much

for education and he truly believes that all children can succeed

no matter what their physical environment is. I have read all of

his books and I have heard him speak on many occasions. He is

truly a gifted surgeon and a wonderful human being.”

Candy Poll By: Taylor P.

Some students in Matapeake Middle were asked “What is your favorite Valentine's day Candy?” The choices were chocolates, nerds, lollipops, sweethearts, tootsie rolls, M&M’s, PEZ, and Other. The 33 students that responded voted mostly for chocolate (39%), followed by other (some of which were chocolate candies, 24%), then lollipops (7%), M&Ms (6%), tootsie rolls, sweethearts, and nerds tied, all with 1 vote, (3%), and in last place, with no votes, PEZ. The second question was “what kinds of types and flavors of candy do you most?” where people could have more than one answer, included hard, soft, sweet, chewy, sour, salty, chocolatey, and other. The results were chocolatey (58%), sweet (55%), sour (45%), soft (42%), chewy (39%), hard (30%), salty (15%), and other (12%).

Terror Attacks in France By Hanna P. & Charlotte K.L.

On January 8th, a deadly terrorist attack took place in Paris, France.

The terrorist’s target was the office of the magazine titled Charlie

Hebdo. The two gunmen shot and killed twelve people. Four of the

magazine's well-known cartoonists, including its editor, were among

those killed, as well as two police officers. This incident is considered

to be the deadliest attack in France since 1961.

The terrorists were armed with assault rifles and are highly

dangerous. The gunmen stole a car on January 9th at 8:30 a.m. (French

time) and fled to a nearby office building.

Police are outside the building where at least one of the terrorists are

with a suspected hostage. The police brought professional negotiators

although the gunmen seem to refuse to make any deals.

The terrorists were captured and put to custody. There were five total

people arrested linked to the terror attack. Hayat Boumediene, one of

the gunman’s widow, was allegedly an accomplice but crossed the

Syrian border before authorities could make a call.

The terrorists were Islamic and witnesses overheard them yelling,

“We have avenged the Prophet Muhammad” and “God is great” in

Arabic. The terrorists are suspected to be influenced by Al Qaeda and

Isis.

People worldwide have been rallying behind those killed, waving

signs or wearing shirts with the phrase “Je Suis Charlie” or “I am

Charlie”. Rallies and ceremonies have taken place in city streets where

candles were lit and pencils were placed on the street to represent that

the innocent people in the Charlie Hebdo office had nothing but

pencils to defend themselves. The newspaper plans to release a new

paper soon in which the proceeds will go to the families of those who

died during the attack.

Weather By: Riley F.

Day Temperature Rain

Percent Forecast

Thurs, Feb. 26

20° - 30° 20% AM

clouds/PM sun

Fri, Feb. 27

17° - 30° 0% Partly

Cloudy

Sat, Feb. 28

21° - 30° 0% Sunny

Sun, Mar. 1

32° - 38° 20% Mostly Cloudy

Mon, Mar. 2

31° - 44° 60% AM light

rain

Tues, Mar. 3

33° - 37° 70% Rain/Snow

Wends, Mar. 4

28° - 39° 20% Mostly Sunny

Source: http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/l/21666:4:US

http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/l/21666:4:US

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Super Bowl XLIX By Hanna P.

On February 1, one of the greatest nights of the year for

American sports took place. Super Bowl 49 was played at the

University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The two

teams, the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots went

head to head for the title of Super bowl champion.

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll and his offensive coordinator,

Darrell Bevell, secured the title of most lame-brain call in Super

Bowl history as Seattle, 1 yard away from victory, inexplicably

fell to the Patriots, 28-24. on first down, Seattle smartly gave the

ball to Marshawn Lynch, a.k.a. Beast Mode, who powered off for

4 yards to the 1. Still holding a timeout and the clock running, it

was time for Lynch to run again. Only this time, Wilson

surprisingly set up in the shotgun and forced a shallow pass over

the end zone toward Ricardo Lockette. Butler was there again this

time, only he didn't tip the ball, he intercepted it to give New

England the victory in yet another pulsating end to a Super Bowl.

To some, the Super bowl isn’t only about the game. Katy

Perry’s amazing half time show set a high standard for the next

contenders with her amazing effects and overall hype. Katy

surprised us all with a crumbling checkerboard floor, dancing

sharks, four quick changes, shooting stars, and her amazing

entrance on a gigantic silver tiger. Katy was also joined by Lenny

Kravitz, and a throwback with Missy Elliott.

The commercials are also a big deal for the Super bowl. This

year the ads were further away from the humorous side than

expected. There were controversial ads in the breaks such as the

NFL’s ad addressing domestic violence and abuse. Nationwide

also had a depressing ad about a little boy talking about all the

things he will never do, because he died in an overflowed

bathtub. Go daddy had to remove their original ad, a puppy

breeder who loses a puppy. The puppy finds his way back home

to find that he was already sold. Many said this was encouraging

all the wrong things, and was replaced.

Our Nurse: Mrs. George By: Molly C. & Sophia P.

Q: How long have you been a school nurse? A: I have been a School Nurse since 1984. [31 years]

Q: How long have you worked here at Matapeake? A: I have worked at Matapeake since it opened. [8 years ago]

Q: What do you like most about being a nurse? A: I like helping people, I like talking to teens, and teaching them how to take care of themselves. For instance, instead of just caring for a student and not having the student explain how and why the student learns nothing but when I show a student how to clean a cut and bandage they then know how to do it for themselves. [Did you know that the bubbles from peroxide come from oxidation and will clean a minor cut? The chemical formula for peroxide is H2O. if you release the extra O molecule through exposure to air, water is left.]

Q: If you could have another job, what would it be? A: If I was not a School Nurse I would be a U.S.A.F Nurse so I could help other people, serve our country and see the world. That was my original plan but I met and married my husband in college, so that just shows you “Love Trumps All” when you’re young and in love!

Q: Do you have any tips for staying healthy at school? A: Eat a balanced diet, exercise several times a week, get at least 8-10 hours of sleep every night, and most importantly when in a community setting like school - try to not put your hands around your nose or mouth during the day, and always wash your hands before eating.

Healthy Conditioning By: Rachel G. & Danielle K.

During winter it is important to keep your body healthy and strong. However, the cold weather can prevent some people

from conditioning and exercising. According to our own physical education teacher Mr. Schulte, some good exercises to

stay fit during the winter are bodyweight exercises such as push-ups, pull-ups, squats, planks, etc, which are good because

they require a minimal to no equipment requirement. Running programs are also a good way to condition for sports

because it helps immensely with the cardiovascular endurance. It is also important to treat your body well by eating

healthy. A good way to stay healthy is by following the MyPlate guidelines, which can be found at

www.choosemyplate.gov.

Also, it is important to keep in mind that your body requires different amounts of calories depending on the activity

level. When your body is less active, you need fewer calories while a more active body requires more. There are many

ways to stay active during the winter, and these are a few guidelines to help. Mr. Schulte wants us to keep in mind though,

that at this age we should not be concerned with increasing the size of muscles. Instead, we should be focusing on

strengthening the joints and connective tissue, as well as getting the muscles to work more efficiently because these help

with our bodies growth and development.

Flu Prevention By: Bethani D. & Hannah S.

During the winter season, it is important to take precautions to avoid illness. The flu, or influenza, is an infection of the

nose, throat and lungs and spreads very easily, especially

during winter. Some tips for avoiding the flu are: avoid close

contact with people that are sick, stay home when you are

sick, always cover your mouth and nose while coughing and

sneezing, make sure you wash your hands after touching your

eyes, nose, or mouth, and lastly, always practice good health

habits by eating nutritious foods and drinking plenty of

fluids. Flu prevention is an easy and effective way to stay

healthy, so make sure you follow these tips!

http://www.choosemyplate.gov/

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Horoscopes Source: http://www.astrology.com/2015

By: Eveyln G.

Capricorn: Dec 23- Jan 20 There is a huge plot change for you this year, the past two plus years, taught you everything there is to know about deep feelings, letting go and resourcefulness. You've been putting a tremendous amount of energy into your career and life goals and committing to the long haul. This has served your career well. Aquarius: Jan 21- 19 Feb The pressure is finally easing up in 2015. You may feel a bit beaten down, but all the more strong and mature as a result. You can bid farewell to the constant testing and hardships that you've braved and conquered. This year is finally bringing the fruits for all of the arduous labor you've so devotedly mastered. Pisces: 20 Feb- 20 Mar Get ready for love, romance and glamour galore in 2015, Pisces. You've got so much going for you in the realm of partnering and fusion. You're an irresistible siren with power to your own discernment, dear. You have enough magic to go solo. Aeries: March 21-April 19 2015 is about becoming innovative and reconnecting with your spiritual path in a new way. Travel is in your future and you will be reshaping your entire philosophy and worldview while finding important mentors, and guides. You've learned the hard way what it means to be too trusting in that naive Aries way. You're stepping into the fiery fierceness of your most authentic self this year, Aries! Own it! Live it! Love it!

Taurus: April 20-May 20 Magic is yours for the making in 2015! A year for reconnecting to your roots of strength and creativity in preparation for a steamy little romantic cycle that kicks off this August. You're ready for a reprieve and some serious vacation days. 2015 is sure to deliver this and more! Gemini: May 21-June 21 Double hurray, all of that diligence and handwork is totally paying off in 2015, Gemini. You've fought your way through enough bumps and bruises on the road to success over the past few years, and now you're ready to truly claim your foothold and take your vision to the next level. One of your strongest assets in 2015 is your mind. The more you're willing to take risks with your long-term goals and dreams in 2015, the more generous the payback. Cancer: June 22-July 22 The year starts off with quite a turbulent bang, Cancer! To call the onset of 2015 emotionally loaded is an understatement. You've reached the final stage of the evolutionary push with self, career, family and relationships. You've certainly had every nerve and sensitivity tested over the past few years. Leo: July 23- 21 Aug The royal treatment continues, Leo! You still have the glorious power of Jupiter in your sign for the first half of the 2015, so go ahead and rock that joie de vivre that you rock so well. As sad as it may seem to part ways with the generous abundance of the big jovial planet in your sign this summer, you can take comfort knowing that the second half of the year will bring you luck and abundance in the financial department.

Virgo: Aug 22- Sep 23 Your star is totally rising in 2015, Virgo! Although you will have to be patient until the second half of the year for the real fabulousness to kick in, it's so worth the wait. It gives you plenty of time to do your favorite thing: prepare, prepare, prepare. Use the first half of 2015 to work and rework your dreams. Libra: Sep 24- Oct 23 Relationships and communication are the top two headlining contenders for your life script in 2015. You will continue to have the North Node of Fate in your stars for one more year. This is a cosmic and evolutionary push to do your Libra balancing lessons, and to do them well Scorpio: Oct 24-Nov 22 You're finally breaking out of the dark tunnel of transformation that seemed to last for an eternity. Instead of feeling like a ghost in your own life, you're going to reincarnate into greatness. The overall theme takes a dramatic turn from all of the loss, letting go. Sagittarius: Nov 23- Dec 22 You were born to be wild, Sagittarius, and this year you'll be back in your favored rambunctious saddle. After surviving the past few years of feeling pent up, frustrated and in the longest darkest, tunnel of the unknown, you're so ready to break on through to the other side. To say it's a totally new you is no exaggeration. You've been shedding layers upon layers of your old, false self in order to make room for this glorious.

The History of Saint Valentine By: Mackenzie B. & Alyssa L.

Maybe Valentine’s Day is not all about flowers, candy, and romance but more of the history of St. Valentine. Did you

know that Cupid was the Roman god of love? Empire Claudius banned all marriages and engagements in Rome in order to

lessen the attachment of the strong men needed to fight and their families. Valentine was a Cristian priest and was punished for

his teachings. When Valentine's actions were discovered, he was sentenced to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head

cut off. On February 14, Valentine was executed, not only because he was a Christian, but also because he had created a miracle.

He supposedly cured the jailer's daughter of her blindness. The night before he was beheaded, he wrote the jailer's daughter a

goodbye letter, signing it "From Your Valentine." Another myth tells us that this same Valentine, loved by all, received notes to

his jail cell from children and friends who loved and missed him. St. Valentine was punished for creating a miracle and

encouraging love and marriage.

http://www.astrology.com/2015

Stingray Times 6

STINGRAY TIMES Volume 3, Issue 4.5--Special Edition dedicated to African-Americans and U.S. Presidents. February, 2015

Grover Cleveland By: Molly C.

Grover Cleveland was the 22nd president of the United States. He was the first Democrat

elected after the Civil War. Grover Cleveland was the only President to leave the White House and

return for a second term four years later. He gained quite a reputation as a fresh-faced politician who

fought corruption and patronage. In 1881, he became Buffalo’s mayor and in 1882 he came New

York’s governor. Cleveland was also a teacher at the New York Institute for the Blind in Manhattan

before deciding to pursue a law career. Later on in his presidency, he was considered a boring president

who vetoed almost everything. Historians rank Cleveland as an average President at best. While

Cleveland does get credit for restoring the power of the presidency in the 1880s, his misunderstandings

about political systems and an economic depression in 1893 saw Cleveland’s Democrats lose power

quickly and his political career ended.

Harry S. Truman By: Jennifer D.

Harry S. Truman was our 33rd President and ran from 1944 to 1952. After World War 1, he was

chosen to run for one of the three county-judge positions in Jackson County. He was elected Judge,

which was an administrative rather than a judicial and was defeated when he ran for second term.

Ran again in 1926 and became a presiding judge. Held this position until he became Senate in

1934 and helped Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s new Deal projects. He gained support from public

and was announced as Vice President to Roosevelt. Truman was initially reluctant to become Vice

President, but campaigned strongly once he received the nomination. Frank Delano Roosevelt and

Harry S. Truman were elected on November of 1944. Truman took the oath to office on January

20, 1945. He was sworn into Presidency on April 12, 1945, after Frank Delano Roosevelt died of

a massive stroke. On March of 1952, he announced that he would not run for reelection. He died

on December 26, 1972 and was buried in the courtyard of the Truman Library (which is what he

had built as a Presidential library).

Rosa Parks: The woman who stood up and sat down for what she believed in.

By: Emily F.

Rosa Parks was an activist against racial discrimination. Rosa is well known for

her rebellion on the Montgomery bus, or the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Basically,

Rosa was asked to stand up (she was in what was considered a white person seat).

She decided to act upon this command and stand up for what was right. Rosa stayed

in her seat and refused to get up. She was arrested and took the punishments, but

didn't change her opinions on segregation and apartheid. Rosa Parks is a very

inspirational woman and encouraged others to stand up for their ideas.

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Andrew Jackson By: Giselle Dye

Andrew Jackson was the seventh president of the United States. He was born in March 15 1767.

With the help of Henry Clay, Andrew Jackson became president March 4, 1829 through March 4,

1837. During the Election of 1824 people believed that there was a corrupt bargain between Henry

and Jackson to help Jackson become president and Henry become secretary of state. Andrew

Jackson was known as the common people’s president. He was a democratic republican. Andrew

Jackson died June 8 1845.

Zachary Taylor By Deanna J.

Zachary Taylor was president of the United States from 1849-1850 he was the 12th president of the

United States of America. Zachary was born on November 24, 1784 near Barboursville Vagina. He

led the States during the debate on slavery. Zachary die on July 9, 1850 from cholera morbus after

16 months of service.

Woodrow Wilson By: Danielle K.

President Woodrow Wilson was our 27th President, he was born on December 28, 1856, in Staunton,

Virginia. He was a major politician for most of his life, until the year that he decided to run for

President. Woodrow Wilson was in office as President from 1913 to 1921, after that he continued his

life on as a politician. When he first started his Presidency he married a young woman, named Ellen,

and they were married up until 1919, when she died, he then remarried a young woman named Edith,

in 1922, the first year after his Presidency was up. Woodrow Wilson eventually passed away on

February 3, 1924, in Washington D.C. His grave is now located in the Washington National Cathedral.

Mae Jemison By: Isabelle K.

Mae Jemison, born October 17, 1956. She became the first African-American woman to travel to space

when she took off into space on September 12, 1992 aboard the Endeavour on mission STS 47. In

recognition of her accomplishments, Jemison has received several awards and honorary doctorates.

Harriet Tubman By: Mackenzie B.

Harriet Tubman was an African American bondwoman who escaped from slavery to become a leading

abolitionist before the American Civil War. She was born in Maryland in 1820, Dorchester County, MD,

and Harriet successfully escaped in 1849. In her life she led hundreds of enslaved people to freedom

along the route of the Underground Railroad. In early 1859, abolitionist Senator William H. Seward sold

Harriet a small piece of land on the outskirts of Auburn, New York. The land in Auburn became a haven

for Harriet’s family and friends. She spent the years following tending to her family and others who had

taken up residence there. In 1869, she married a Civil War veteran named Nelson Davis. In 1874, Harriet

and Nelson adopted a baby girl named Gertie. Surrounded by friends and family members, Harriet

Tubman died of pneumonia in 1913.

Grover Cleveland By: Leah D.

Grover Cleveland was the 22nd and 24th president of the United States. In an effort to clean up the government,

Cleveland vetoed much of the legislation that passed over his desk. He vetoed more than twice as many laws

as all the previous presidents before him. He became known as the "Veto President" which was also Andrew

Jackson’s nickname.

http://www.google.com/search?safe=active&rlz=1CAHPZY_enUS607US607&es_sm=122&q=dorchester+county+md&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAGOovnz8BQMDgx4HnxCHfq6-gaVFZYoSmJVummuiJZadbKVfkJpfkJMKpIqK8_OskvKL8h5tCDiRffGoHmsBe03WMZH-i0vL9gAAn4Ssf0sAAAA&sa=X&ei=wvblVP69OpLhsATnxoH4CQ&ved=0CI0BEJsTKAEwFA

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Calvin Coolidge By: Rachel G.

Calvin Coolidge was America's 30th President and was in office from 1923-1929. He lead

the nation through the 20's, a decade of social and cultural change. He took to office

following the death of President Warren G. Harding, whose administration was scandal. He

favored tax cuts and limited government spending, although some of his actions did

contribute to the Great Depression. During his term in office he signed the Immigration Act,

Indian Citizenship Act, and much more.

Beyoncé By: Alyssa L

Beyoncé started out as one of the singers in a famous group called “Destiny’s Child” and once the group

separated, Beyoncé was a wonderful solo artist. Beyoncé is now known as an amazing and powerful woman,

along with the label of hero. Beyoncé currently lives in Bridgehampton, NY with Jay Z and their daughter

Blue Ivy. She inspires people all over the world and records outstanding hit songs/albums. Beyoncé’s first

debut solo album, “Dangerously In Love” (published by Michelle Williams on June 20, 2003) was a hit and

her and her music has grown ever since.

Martin Van Buren By: Taylor P.

Martin Van Buren, eighth president of the United States, also known as “the Little Magician”

was known for laying the “foundations for the Democratic Party and the modern political

machine”, yet much of the US forgets of his existence. Born 1782 in New York state, The

Little Magician later helped to build the disciplined and well-organized democratic Party;

gaining him 85,000 more votes than Jackson in 1832. Finally, in 1837, he was elected

president and throughout his term (1837-1841) he avoided wars and faced a financial

crisis. However, throughout his presidency, he made several choices that many Americans

didn’t agree with, like the removal of Native Americans and his opinions on the annexation

of Texas; and thus, he was not re-elected. Martin Van Buren made many changes to the

American society, good and bad, so people should take the time to learn more about our

lesser-known presidents.

George Washington Carver By :Kristi L.

George Washington Carver was born January 5, 1864 in Diamond Missouri. He tried to enrol in

two schools, one which refused to enrol him because he was an African American. He went on to

Iowa State College of Agriculture and became the first African American to attend there. He

graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science and a Master’s degree in Agriculture.

and went on to become a world-famous chemist who made important agricultural discoveries and

inventions. His research on peanuts, sweet potatoes, and other products that helped poor southern

farmers vary their crops and improve their diets. He developed more than 300 peanut - based

products and 118 sweet potato products. Soon before his death in 1940, George Washington Carver

donated his entire savings to found the Carver research center, for agriculture. On January 5, 1943,

he died of epiglottis, a throat infection. Although he is no longer living, his inventions live on

today. A monument showing Carver as a boy was the first national memorial constructed in honor

of an African American.

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Toni Morrison By: Riley F

On February 18 in 1931, Toni Morrison, a famous African American author was born in Lorain, Ohio.

Originally born Chloe Anthony Wofford, Morrison had a love for literature and reading at a young age.

She grew up going to segregated schools and was the only African American in her entire class, as well

as the only one who could read. In her collage years Morrison changed her name to a shortened version

of her middle name, Anthony, and becomes Toni Wofford, later changed to Toni Morrison from marriage.

After the birth of her first son, Morrison joined a group where she worked on her first novel, originally a

short story.

According to the Times Magazine website, Morrison started to write because she wanted to read

a book, but realized that what she was looking for hadn’t been written yet. Because of this realization she

then decided that she had to be the one to write it. As a quote from Toni Morrison herself, according to

brainyquote.com, “If there’s a book you really want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must

write it.”

James K. Polk By: Rachel M.

James K. Polk was born born in Pineville, North Carolina on November 2nd,

1795. He was the 11th president of the United States. On March 4th, 1845, Polk

was elected president. He served his term from March 4th, 1845- March 4th

1849. However, Polk was a “Dark Horse President”, meaning most people,

including him, thought he would not win. Some major accomplishments that

Polk had while he was president was he ended the dispute with Great Britain

over Oregon territory, reduced tariffs, established an Independent Treasury, and

took California from Mexico. James K. Polk only stayed in office for 1 term,

as he promised in his campaign, and died shortly after when he was 53.

Maya Angelou By Julia Bentley

Just a child born on April 4, 1924 in Saint Louis, Missouri, Maya Angelou soon

grew up to become a wonderful and well-known author, actress, dancer, screenwriter,

singer, dancer and poet. In the beginning of a hard life, her parents split up when she was

very young. It was difficult for her as a child and it became even worse, leading to being

traumatized when her mother got a disrespectful boyfriend whom sexually assaulted her

at age eight. This led to her to spending many years a virtual mute and pushed the rest of

her life in a bad direction. She became a homeless teen mother and additionally, a high

school drop out. At the same time she began talking again, she began to write and soon

had a book published “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” which is a famous written

recollection or memoir of her first seventeen years of life. She went on to writing

autobiographies as well as other poems and books - thirty-six different ones are

published. Two of her more known ones are “Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘Fore

I Die” and “On The Pulse of Morning” which she shared at President Bill Clinton’s

inauguration. Maya Angelou passed away on May 28, 2014 in Winston-Salem, North

Carolina. Though, Maya Angelous had a tough life, she was remembered for being a

strong woman, with so much talent, in her mind and writing that will be remembered and

loved for years to come.