The Orange and Black Record

Martinsburg High School science teacher Mrs. Renee Haines was recently awarded the Presidential Award in Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching! Mrs. Haines was officially nominated in 2021 but just recently found out that she had been selected for this prestigious award.

The process to apply for this award was grueling. "I had an intense application process to complete, followed by state reviews, and finally national reviews by the National Science Foundation," said Mrs. Haines. She was nominated by Mrs. Maranda Lynch and officially registered by former superintendent, Dr. Murphy. Along with this prestigious title, Mrs. Haines also is invited on a special trip. “I will get a trip to Washington, DC to be recognized by the White House and Office of Science and Technology Policy. The other teachers from other states will also be there, and we will participate in professional development sessions while there,” she said. Mrs. Haines also commented, “I'm excited to get to know teachers from other states and to get some new strategies and ideas to use in my classroom.” In addition to going to Washington D.C., she will receive 10,000 dollars! “I have plans to get a fancy camera and learn how to take professional style photos. I've wanted to do this for a while, but cameras are expensive! Also, my husband and I are planning a trip to Iceland for our 20th anniversary this summer, so this will be a nice addition to our trip budget,” she said.

Mrs. Haines wanted to share some advice for others trying to achieve goals like hers: "Teaching is hard, and good teaching is even harder. If someone would want to receive this award, they will be evaluated on their content knowledge, use of instructional strategies, meeting the needs of all learners, involvement in school, district, or state curriculum development, and more. I would suggest knowing what the National Science Foundation expects, then adding those things into your teaching practice. Reflection is a large part of the process - thinking about what worked and what didn't, how do students respond to lessons and how can I change those lessons. Don't be afraid to try new things and don't be afraid for them to fail. Every mistake is an opportunity to grow and learn. That is science, after all." Congratulations Mrs. Haines!

In the United States, a new president is elected and inaugurated every four years. This year, the 47th president was sworn in on January 21st, 2025. The inauguration of President Donald J. Trump and Vice President JD Vance this year was slightly different from past inaugurations for multiple reasons.

Inaugurations are known to fluctuate and have never quite been the same throughout history. As dictated by the Joint Congressional Committee, the first inauguration of George Washington was held on April 30, 1789, in front of New York’s Federal Hall. President Washington then took the Oath of Office on a Wall Street balcony. Washington’s second inauguration took place in Philadelphia since the permanent Capital was under construction. Andrew Jackson’s Inauguration on March 4, 1829 started a series of thirty five inaugurations to be held on the East Front of the Capitol. Ronald Reagan’s 1981 Inauguration was the first held on the West Front of the Capitol

Inaugurations for the President and Vice President are slightly different. The Vice President-elect is inaugurated first, stepping onto the platform and repeating the Oath of Office, which can only be administered by Senators according to the Oath Act passed on June 1st, 1789. The President-elect is sworn in second following the same procedure. The President then will deliver an Inaugural Address, which is a speech given by the President to state their vision and goals for the United States.

The 2025 inauguration was held inside the U.S. Capitol at the Rotunda instead of being done at the East or West Front of the Capitol, which is the typical location. This is likely due to the cold temperatures the northern region of the nation was experiencing. In addition to the difference in location, President Trump did not place his hand on the Bible during his ceremony, which is typical procedure but not required. President Trump also signed more executive actions and orders on inauguration day than any other president according to an article by the Washington Post. President Trump also made history as the first known felon to be elected president as stated in an article by The New York Times.

The nation is divided when it comes to opinions on the president. Many believe that the people of the United States should put their political ideas aside and recognize that any decision made by the president will affect all the citizens of the nation, not just one party. In an interview with Martinsburg High History Teacher Mr. Burkhart following the inauguration, he stated “I just hope that regardless of political affiliations or leanings we all come together and try to put aside our differences. We as a nation need to realize that it's not the individual in the White House that has made this country the great nation that it is, rather it is the citizens of this nation from all walks of life that have made us as prosperous as we are.” Mr. Burkhart then went on to state that “”We the people’ is how the Preamble to the Constitution starts not ‘I the President’ or ‘Us the Congress’ and I think once we realize that and come together, this nation will continue to flourish.”

Sources

Joint Congressional Committee Inaugural Events and History:

www.inaugural.senate.gov/inaugural-events/

Washington Post article:

www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/01/20/trump-executive-orders-list/

The New York Times article:

www.nytimes.com/2024/05/30/nyregion/trump-convicted-hush-money-trial.html

Martinsburg High School is encouraging students to get involved int their community by providing guidance and support through it's PASS (Providing Academic and Student Support) program, which pairs high school students with younger students from local elementary and middle schools in a mentorship relationship. This goal with this program is to build connections and provide role models. The PASS program creates opportunities for students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. PASS mentors work closely with their mentees, offering help with homework, providing encouragement, and serving as trusted mentors. The program emphasizes building meaningful relationships that promote confidence and a sense of belonging for younger students, while also teaching high school mentors leadership, patience, and empathy.

The importance of programs like PASS is highlighted in January, which is National Mentoring Month. This school program highlights the positive impact that mentorship can have on individuals and communities, further shining a light on the meaningful connections being brought in through the PASS program. Senior Grace Strohecker believes that the PASS program has been very helpful addition to our community saying, "it provides guidance and encouragement through a crucial stage of growing up." Strohecker noted that the program is helping with the younger kids self-esteem and willingness to make mistakes because they know they have someone to look up to if they need it. "They [the kids] open up super fast and aren't afraid to be honest because they get to talk to someone close to them in age about whatever's on their mind as opposed to talking to a straightforward, intimidating adult" remarked Strohecker. Whether it’s assisting with reading, giving advice, or just being there to listen, the PASS program is shaping the next generation of leaders and building a stronger, more connected community. For students at MHS, the chance to inspire others while growing themselves is a rewarding experience that highlights the power of mentorship.

This program stands as a reminder that the simple act of offering guidance can make a lasting impact. For more information please contact Mrs. Roach!

Good Times has recently revealed their show, "Hooked,” about the origin story of Captain Hook. The show delves into Captain Hook’s origin and how he became the story's villain. During their journey, they wreck on Neverland and meet Peter Pan and the Lost Boys. The pirate crew sees how amazing Neverland is and must decide whether to become a lost boy or stay with Captain Hook. The show was revealed on January 24th at South Middle School, but be sure to also look out for the Glitz show reveal on February 4th!

Martinsburg High School Good Times President Brittney Mills hopes to win both shows during their competition season, though she also hopes to keep the family aspect of the group and "have fun.” The group has worked for months on the shows and spent hours every week cleaning, perfecting, and working to make it "as great as possible.” Mills has much faith in the group of Good Times and Glitz, and she’s noted although the difficulty of the vocals and choreography went up, the groups worked very well with it. She included, "This group of Good Times and Glitz performers are dedicated and are very hardworking.” She also praised the Band and Tech teams, saying they’ve been stepping up and delivering with not only quickly learning the music and working with changes but also working swiftly to build sets and have the show running from behind.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stands as one of the most transformative figures in American history, a beacon of hope and justice who changed the nation’s course through his unwavering commitment to equality and nonviolence. As MHS history teacher and Black Student Union (BSU) advisor Mrs. Brown observes, “MLK acknowledges the struggle and achievements that occurred in the nation involving civil rights, freedom, and equality.”

BSU President Zaida Dunn echoes this sentiment: “MLK Day is a day to reflect on the accomplishments that MLK made for the Civil Rights Movement and his fight for equality, justice, and peace. It’s a reminder of current social injustice and the importance of fighting for your rights.”

Dr. King’s mission extended beyond racial equality. He recognized that for true justice to prevail, the nation had to address poverty, militarism, and systemic social inequities. Dunn notes, “This shows that MLK wasn’t just worried about African American rights but Human Rights.” Before his assassination in 1968, Dr. King championed the Poor People’s Movement, a bold initiative aimed at eradicating poverty across racial and social lines and holding the U.S. government accountable for systemic inequities.

One of Dr. King’s most profound reflections came in 1967, when he stated, “I fear I may have integrated my people into a burning house.” Mrs. Brown explains that this quote reveals his concern that America was losing its moral compass, warning of the consequences of ignoring the underprivileged and oppressed. “He believed the country would continue to experience violence and anger unless the underclass was given justice and opportunity,” she said.

Dunn highlights Dr. King’s enduring impact: “I would say MLK’s greatest impact was that he fought and stood up for racial justice without the use of violence. That’s what made him an effective leader; it’s what created lasting political, legal, and cultural change.” His leadership led to landmark legislation, including the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act, which protected the rights of marginalized groups across the nation.

The campaign to honor Dr. King with a federal holiday began just days after his assassination. Dunn explains, “A bill was sent to create a holiday celebrating him. It was signed in 1983 by President Reagan and was first observed nationwide in 1986.”

As Dunn aptly reminds us, “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy inspires us to continue the fight for equality, justice, and human rights, while reflecting on the progress he helped achieve and the work that remains.

The past few weeks have been devastating to Southern Californians. They are dealing with massive destruction that has affected countless lives and land. On January 7th, a series of wildfires began to spread quickly and cause tens of thousands of Californians to evacuate their homes. It started in the Pacific Palisades as a brush fire. Now, investigations for what could have caused the flame are taking place. The first thought was arson but the fire began in a secluded area that would be an unlikely and inconvenient location. Experts believe because the area had high-voltage transmission lines, there was a spark that caught fire on the waterless shrubbery. Identifying causes of fires is highly specialized and demanding. Experts are still unsure.

Fire fighters have worked tirelessly to contain the fires, but wind has been their greatest adversary. The Santa Ana Winds fan the flames across the dry landscape. These winds are high-speed and dangerous; they habitually pick up and blow from the mountains in Southern California. Recently the winds have been dying down and as of January 23rd, the Palisades fire is 75% contained.

The Eaton and Palisades fires have already been placed in 2nd and 3rd for the most destructive wildfires in California history. There have been four additional lesser fires. These wildfires have collectively taken the lives of 28 people. The number may be higher due to dozens of missing persons. It’s estimated 17,000 structures have been destroyed. Approximately 40,500 acres have been scorched and more is yet to come. Residents of the affected areas are dealing with toxic levels of air quality. The fires have left smoke and ash-filled clouds that suffocate and stifle. The air index is 173, which is in great contrast to the healthy quality which is usually 50 or below. Residents of the Palisades have also been ordered to boil water as some water supplies have been contaminated with ash and other debris. Sewage, water, and power infrastructure have been significantly damaged across the region. While the fires are raging, some have taken advantage of the crisis to loot homes. Many have been caught and officials assure that they will face prosecution.

Martinsburg High School has students who are involved with firefighting. When asked how challenging putting out a fire can be, Jalexi Marrero said “It can be very challenging to fight a fire. Depending on the size of the fire and what is in flames, the weight of the gear and the weight of the equipment, can make the process more difficult.” Jalexi is a part of the James Rumsey Technical Institute: Emergency Firefighting and Management Course. She also listed the main reasons for why wildfires occur, “unattended campsites, burning debris, arson, and extended drought.” Human caused fires are often unintentional. Student and volunteer at the Baker Heights Volunteer Fire Department, Nick Barrett, gave a run-down version of what happens at the scene of a fire. There are many steps and actions they must ensure, because, above all “first priority is and always will be the safety of everyone.” Nick also commented that after the fire is extinguished, they “salvage and overhaul, which is just picking up anything that is important like pictures or urns so on and so forth.” Fire fighters put so much thought and determination into quelling raging fires. Recognize and appreciate our local firefighters as well as the ones who are currently battling the California catastrophe.

By Ella Murphy

Reporters: Taylor Strack, Riley Harper, Lizette Lopez, Ella Murphy

Co-Editors: Savannah Malatt and Kaylin Henry

Advisor: Rhonda Foreman