by Hailey Guit

Photo Editor

December is a time to look forward to the New Year, while reflecting on what happened this year. Songs become popular, movies are released, and school events like winning a Regional or State title make for an exciting year. With 2015 right around the corner, The Patriot Press looks back at the top 14 things that grabbed student’s attention in 2014.

The polar vortex

Last winter was one of the coldest and snowiest in a long time, resulting in a more than usual number of snow days for students and staff. The county closed school ten times last winter, while only five make-up days are built into the schedule. Students made up two days they would have had off, while the state excused students for three days. Students and staff enjoyed the days off thanks to the snow. “I felt like it was too much snow,” said English teacher Mrs. Lisa Davis, “but I was happy for the extra time to get work done.” Forecasts indicate that Calvert County may be in for the same winter weather in 2015.

Sochi Winter Olympics

The 2014 Winter Olympics were held in Sochi, Russia in February. With the opening ceremony on February 7, the Olympics went on for 16 days. Many students enjoy hitting the slopes to ski or snowboard during winter, and the Olympics gave everyone a chance to see the best competitors come together to compete for the gold. “I enjoyed watching the competitions,” said sophomore Priscilla Means. “My favorite sport was the figure skating, because I think it’s pretty.” Highlights included Figure Skating, Ice Hockey, Snowboarding, and Skiing.  Since the Olympics only happen every four years, they were a big event in early 2014.

Taping Mr. Howard to the wall

The class of 2015 held a fundraiser last school year in which students bought lengths of duct tape and used it to stick Principal Kevin Howard to the cafeteria wall. Last year was Howard’s first year as principal, and the event helped students get to know him. Howard stood on a chair for both A and B lunch while students had the opportunity to buy duct tape. Near the end of lunch, the class council took away the chair to see if Howard would stick to the wall. Unfortunately, the tape couldn’t hold him and he fell.

Flappy Bird

The tiny gaming app became extremely popular last spring for students. The game was simple, with a goal of passing your bird through as many tubes as possible, but students soon found out how frustrating the game could be. Students report wanting to throw their phones and scream over the game. Despite it’s anger–inducing tendencies, students became addicted to Flappy Bird, and everywhere you looked during lunch, you could find someone playing it.  “It was popular because it was so addicting,” said freshman Ashlynne Smith. “It was fun to concentrate to make it through the tubes.” Flappy Bird rose quickly to the top of the charts on iTunes, but was removed by its creator under mysterious circumstances. Flappy Bird disappeared almost as quickly as it had appeared.

Divergent

The popular book became a movie in March, and students were eager to see it. The book series by Veronica Roth already had a large fan base among students. Divergent is set in a future in which characters live in a society divided into five factions. The movie follows Tris as she chooses her faction and attempts to adjust to her new life. “Most movies are boring, but it wasn’t,’” said freshman Emma Donaldson. “It was action-packed and there were a lot of plot twists.” On August 5, the movie was released on DVD. Divergent was the first of many big movies to premiere this year.

Softball superstars

The girls softball team won their seventh straight state championship in May. The game was a nerve wracking 4-2 victory over the Linganore Lancers from Frederick county. “I was excited, but it was even more exciting because I got to play with my sister,” said junior Michaela Cummings, “The best part was being able to win with all my best friends beside me.” The game was held at the University of Maryland on Saturday, May 24. The win was topped off by a ceremony in Northern’s cafeteria on November 25 at which the girls got their championship rings.

The Fault in our Stars

The sad, romantic film version of the young adult novel came out in theaters on June 6 and was a big hit. It tells the story of two teenagers, Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters, who meet in a teen cancer support group. Many students thought the movie was excellent and represented the book well. “My favorite scene was when Augustus and Hazel met, because Augustus said my favorite line from the book,” said freshman Jazele Gibson.

Happy

Pharrell William’s song Happy became a big part of the soundtrack of 2014. Even though the song was released with the movie Despicable Me 2, it gained popularity over this summer on radio stations and people’s playlists. The song’s message that people should be happy because if you are happy, nothing else matters struck a chord. Students also like the song’s upbeat and cheery tone.

World Cup

The 2014 World Cup was held in Brazil this summer, and soccer fans at Northern were eager to see the games. Even though the United States team didn’t make it very far, fans of the game didn’t let that stop them. “I loved watching all of my favorite players represent their respective countries,” said junior Justin Byun, “There were some really skillful goals and lots of drama in every game.” In the end, Germany won 1-0 against Argentina in an exciting game.

Yik Yak

The new anonymous social network became popular over the last few months among students at Northern. Yik Yak is an app that allows users to posts to be read only within a given area. Freshman James Morris said, “It’s similar to an anonymous twitter, so you can post stuff and nobody will know it’s you.” Yik Yak suddenly became one of the most popular apps among students in the fall. “Nobody knows who’s doing it,” Morris said, “You won’t get picked on for your opinions, so that’s why people like it.”

Shake It Off

Taylor Swift announced her new album, 1989, by releasing the single Shake it Off. Many students at Northern are fans of Taylor Swift, and her new song and album became overnight hits. Shake it Off became instantly popular because of its catchy tune and great message. The song tells people to ignore anyone who judges you for doing something that make you happy, and says you should just shake off all the bad comments. “It’s got a nice sick beat,” said junior Sarah Lodder. “It’s a lot different than the other stuff she’s done. She chooses to be herself instead of conforming to what other people think.”

Cross Country

The Cross Country team won their Regional Championship this fall. Both the girls and the boys cross country teams won, and it was a great accomplishment. “It was awesome,” said senior Riley Hafer, “It was our seventh year in a row. We are trying to keep the streak alive.” Many of the top-placing runners were from Northern’s team including Junior Matt Bennett and senior Julianne Ogden who both came in first. Unfortunately, they did not place in the state championship.

Mockingjay

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 debuted in theaters November 21, satisfying students who had been looking forward to it all year. The previous Hunger Games movie ended with a cliffhanger. In Mockingjay, Katniss finds herself in District Thirteen and a war is brewing between the Capitol and the Districts. Katniss becomes the symbol of the rebellion, but first she needs to decide if she’s up to the task. The film has tons of action and twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Powder Puff

Northern had its first ever girls football game against Huntingtown on December 3. The Future Business Leaders of America, who held the event, has held a traditional powder Puff game for years in which the freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior classes compete against one another. This year, there was a second game, in which the junior and seniors from Northern and Huntingtown competed. “People get really into it,” said junior Sydney Feldman. “People get really aggressive and I like that it’s competitive.”