The Student News Site of Severna Park High School

The Talon
The last time Pep Rally was in the gym was Oct. 2023. Caleb Rassofsky, 2024 graduate, plays the xylophone as the marching band welcomes students into the gymnasium.
The Pep In Our Step
Kendrick Lamar’s most recent song in Drake and Lamar’s rap battle is “Not Like Us”, the cover shows a satellite view of Drake’s mansion with red icons, implying that Drake’s home is filled with pedophiles and registered sex offenders. The picture corresponds with the song because Lamar is accusing Drake of being a pedophile by saying lines such as, “Tryna strike a chord and it's probably A-Minor”, and “certified loverboy, certified pedophiles”.
Where did the Beef Come from?
Blessing Basket
Blessing Basket
This photograph demonstrates how students can engage in the novel they're reading, and bond with their peers and teachers. We see sophomore Molly Procida leading her fellow students in a session to speak about their current novel "Five Survive" by Holly Jackson. It also helps students engage more due to the fact that they chose to do this, and could leave at any time.
The Boundless Bookworms
The fabled Autumn Olive. yet to be ripe
Fall Foraging
Liam Sherr, Aya Knox and others in the pit at Pedal Pushers Jan. 27, 2024.
Pedal Pushers Owner Rod Reddish is Bringing Hardcore Music Back to Severna Park
A mural on the second floor created by SPHS students. The mural is an example of colorful artwork that truly gives life to the hallway.
The Importance of Art in School 
Embers underclassmen editors have tabulated the votes and have announced the 2024 senior class superlative winners.
Senior Superlative Winners 2024
SPHS Author
SPHS Author
A picture of the interior of the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History located in Washington D.C.
Dive into D.C.’s Museum Wonderland: A Teen’s Guide
An artistic interpretation of how watching and participating in sports creates a sense of eustress. This feeling is the scientific reason why people are so infatuated with sports and sports entertainment.
Go Team
Liam Cleary is introduced at the home varsity boys basketball game against Westlake High School on Dec. 18.
Severna Park High School Student Athletes Open Up about their Mental Health
On Sept. 8, Annapolis Junior Rowing (AJR) practiced a front end pick drill. AJR is based in Annapolis and its population is of students from all over Maryland. Cormac FitzGerald, a rower from Ireland moved to Maryland and joined AJR to continue his rowing career.
Annapolis Junior Rowing
Picture from the PTXC meet on 9/9 up in PA. This is the varsity cross country team photo. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT- Stephen Nunn 2025, Dylan Newhard 2025, Ty Miller 2026, Ryan Crowley 2024, Leo Havens 2025, Caden Lazzor 2025, Cooper Alahverdian 2025, Taylor Jarvis 2024. They placed 6th in this meet. Not our normal placement, as you may know. Jarvis was the star of this meet, coming in first with a time of 17:04. “I don't really do it for myself, I do it for everyone else," Jarvis said.
The Boys Cross Country Team
Taylor Swift is seen at the Chiefs game on Sept 24th cheering on Travis Kelce. Travis might be “The One” for Taylor in this closer look into their shared compatibility. They're not as different as they may seem. 
Unlikely Romance
Don’t Swim with Nessie
Album Cover for Psykos by Yung Lean and Bladee.
Psykos by Yung Lean and Bladee – Album Review
Max Leonard's manager as well as Founder & Talent Manager of Mad Lettuce Management Matt Ladis personally contacted me and shared early access of JUDO!. Additionally, I received access to the press release and some of Leonard's own thoughts on his project. “This project was me getting everything off my chest. I had a lot of changes happening in my life all around me. I had just gotten out of a relationship, I was graduating college, everything just kind of flipped for me. There was a time I wasn’t even making music during that time of change. But eventually, I found my way back and let this project be all the expressed feelings I had kept inside," Leonard said.
JUDO! – EP Review
Many songs contain deeper meanings and references that can be found by looking at its lyrics. Sometimes small details you notice can increase your appreciation for a song.
Have You Decided It’s Enough?
Snowboarding doesn't have to be a solo activity, going with friends and family can make it all the more enjoyable. Severna Park High School seniors Hamzah Hassan, Derrick Liu, Eric Chu and Ian Ireland snowboarding.
Snowboarding vs. Skiing
The top 5 trendline of artists people could have listened to this year as an example of what it looks like for it's users.
Why Everyone Loves Spotify Wrapped
Kendrick Lamar’s most recent song in Drake and Lamar’s rap battle is “Not Like Us”, the cover shows a satellite view of Drake’s mansion with red icons, implying that Drake’s home is filled with pedophiles and registered sex offenders. The picture corresponds with the song because Lamar is accusing Drake of being a pedophile by saying lines such as, “Tryna strike a chord and it's probably A-Minor”, and “certified loverboy, certified pedophiles”.
Where did the Beef Come from?
Embers underclassmen editors have tabulated the votes and have announced the 2024 senior class superlative winners.
Senior Superlative Winners 2024
According to ericdoa.com, his official website, his debut EP Bleed Vol. 1 released in 2019 under Lopez’s original alias “Killeric.” Additionally, he is affiliated with emo-rap, trap, alternative rock and “danceable R&B.” After becoming famous for belting out the egregious phrase: “Imagine if Ninja got a low taper fade,” after having just spilled out his guts about his late grandfather, ericdoa even has high schoolers like junior Mitch Murray, who singsongingly uttered the phrase to his friends in group chats and showed off his impeccable jawline.
DOA – EP Review
The drawing depicts two people kicking it back and watching a rom-com together. The great thing about movies is that they can be enjoyed alone or with a group of people, so they make for a good holiday activity that can be enjoyed by all.
Rom-Coms are the Bomb
Jacob Williams
Jacob Williams
Mrs. Koehler
Mrs. Koehler
Theo Skopp
Theo Skopp
Ms. Sexton
Ms. Sexton
Timmy Sullivan
Timmy Sullivan
Paradox Interactive’s logo
The best worst game developer
Students Ava Scott, Erin Hussey, Bella Van Gieson, Maria Bragg and Emerson Scott, pose for a picture during Best Buddies themed football game. The football game was at home against Glen Burnie, although the falcons lost 47-18, the fun of the theme and the fun of the game created a great atmosphere.
Best Buddies
Embers underclassmen editors have tabulated the votes and have announced the 2024 senior class superlative winners.
Senior Superlative Winners 2024
Swiftism Podcast hosted with Abigail Chase
Swiftism Podcast hosted with Abigail Chase
Valentine's Day Special w/ Dr. Love
Valentine’s Day Special w/ Dr. Love
Awaiting Christmas morning with excitement and love, a cozy corner filled with holiday cheer!
The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide
Junior Rionnah O’conner celebrates the holidays with family and fun. Dressing in matching Christmas pajamas and displaying a beautifully full and decorated Christmas tree, getting into the holiday spirit surrounded by loved ones.
Holiday Traditions
The SPHS College and Career Center where students can meet with regional admissions officers, get help on college essays, and receive advice on the application process as a whole.
A Stressful Senior Year
Severna Park students at the USA theme football game against South River holding up a Falcons flag after a touchdown.
The Importance of School Spirit
An artistic interpretation of how watching and participating in sports creates a sense of eustress. This feeling is the scientific reason why people are so infatuated with sports and sports entertainment.
Go Team
Republican candidate Trump and Democratic candidate Harris shaking hands at the start of the debate.
Who won the Presidential Debate?
Race to 270
Race to 270
The United States Capitol Building on Thursday, Jun. 11. The Capitol Building is home to the legislative branch of the United States Government, the branch in which laws are made and citizens are affected.
The United States Today
Around 4:20 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, Severna Park High School senior Shubh Agnihotri and Congressional candidate John Morse stand near the Pip Moyer Recreation Center in downtown Annapolis as they regroup after knocking on 44 doors together. “You can always be an asset to your community if you work hard enough to do it, so I really encourage you to look around about the stuff you really care about,” Agnihotri said. Agnihotri coordinated the Young Democrats meeting which John Morse attended to inform youth voters about his policies and the importance of voting/registering to vote.
Hit the Polls, Young Voters
The print issue of the Talon.
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The Student News Site of Severna Park High School

The Talon
The Student News Site of Severna Park High School

The Talon
Noel Castillo

Noel Castillo, Editor-in-Chief

Noel is a senior at SPHS, he is the current Editor-in-Chief and this is his fourth year writing for the Talon. He enjoys providing entertainment and information for others and one way he can do both is getting the scoop on people’s lives and sharing them. He loves listening to and writing hip-hop music, skateboarding, learning, playing video games and hanging out with friends. 

All content by Noel Castillo
May Print Issue

May Print Issue

Noel Castillo, Editor in Chief
May 21, 2024
Around 4:20 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, Severna Park High School senior Shubh Agnihotri and Congressional candidate John Morse stand near the Pip Moyer Recreation Center in downtown Annapolis as they regroup after knocking on 44 doors together. “You can always be an asset to your community if you work hard enough to do it, so I really encourage you to look around about the stuff you really care about,” Agnihotri said. Agnihotri coordinated the Young Democrats meeting which John Morse attended to inform youth voters about his policies and the importance of voting/registering to vote.

Hit the Polls, Young Voters

Noel Castillo and Logan Humphries
May 10, 2024
Max Leonard's manager as well as Founder & Talent Manager of Mad Lettuce Management Matt Ladis personally contacted me and shared early access of JUDO!. Additionally, I received access to the press release and some of Leonard's own thoughts on his project. “This project was me getting everything off my chest. I had a lot of changes happening in my life all around me. I had just gotten out of a relationship, I was graduating college, everything just kind of flipped for me. There was a time I wasn’t even making music during that time of change. But eventually, I found my way back and let this project be all the expressed feelings I had kept inside," Leonard said.

JUDO! – EP Review

Noel Castillo, Editor in Chief
April 16, 2024
April Print

April Print

Noel Castillo, Editor in Chief
April 5, 2024
February Print Issue

February Print Issue

Noel Castillo, Editor in Chief
February 17, 2024
Embers underclassmen editors have tabulated the votes and have announced the 2024 senior class superlative winners.

Senior Superlative Winners 2024

Noel Castillo, Editor in Chief
February 15, 2024
According to ericdoa.com, his official website, his debut EP Bleed Vol. 1 released in 2019 under Lopez’s original alias “Killeric.” Additionally, he is affiliated with emo-rap, trap, alternative rock and “danceable R&B.” After becoming famous for belting out the egregious phrase: “Imagine if Ninja got a low taper fade,” after having just spilled out his guts about his late grandfather, ericdoa even has high schoolers like junior Mitch Murray, who singsongingly uttered the phrase to his friends in group chats and showed off his impeccable jawline.

DOA – EP Review

Noel Castillo, Editor in Chief
February 15, 2024
December Print

December Print

Noel Castillo, Editor in Chief
January 12, 2024
October Print

October Print

Noel Castillo, Editor in Chief
January 8, 2024
On the observation deck of Edge, a skyscraper, overseeing the New York City skyline. "My experience in this leadership position has taught me the vital skills of communication and planning. With hands-on experience working with adults and organizations, I plan to make change at a larger scale," Class President Rory Jenkins said. "In college, I plan on participating in student government to make a direct impact in my college community by working alongside professors, older students, and community based organizations. Eventually, I would like to take my understanding of leadership learned through this position to the national level by becoming a member of the United States House of Representatives."

A Class President’s Classy Pursuit

Noel Castillo, Editor in Chief
October 31, 2023
August Print Issue

August Print Issue

Noel Castillo, Editor in Chief
September 6, 2023
Despite launching a week after summer began, Honeydew has stayed in my rotation for one and a half months now. Overall, it is reminiscent of other great works in the hip-hop/pop genres like Frank Ocean's Blonde or Tyler's IGOR but specific to the season. Additionally, Honeydew currently remains Biking With Francis' sole project and has a surprising amount of various other reviews online for a band with such a small following. 

Honeydew | EP Review

Noel Castillo, Editor in Chief
August 13, 2023
Colten Billings(far left), Liam Sherr(center), Braden Main(above), and Kasey Davolio(far right) in the process of setting up for their second show at Fort Armistead. Billings sets up his bass amp with a member of band "Lowlife Tea Party," while Sherr uses a skateboard deck to check the generator and sound on his end. "I really like how we're playing shows with these bigger bands that we've seen before and who we love. And they're always really nice to us; everyone in the scene is supportive, I think mostly because we're a new band of teenagers, we get cool points for it," Billings said.

A Guide to the Start of Pariah’s Career

Noel Castillo, Features Editor
April 17, 2023
An unedited, behind the scenes photo that was taken in preparation for the December Issue cover. The five teachers were wrangled together on a Parent Teacher Conference day before Thanksgiving break for a green screen photoshoot. Haring, (second from left) one of the core social studies teachers, believes that school is a good environment for young and older people alike. "It's great. I enjoy it. It keeps me feeling young because I go to school everyday. It doesn't feel like work, it feels like I'm going to school," Haring said. 

Teacher Features Vol. 1.5… Expansion on Social Studies Department

Noel Castillo, Features Editor
February 9, 2023
The collage is comprised of the actual album cover (top right) as well as three other singles featured on the album. In the top left is "Return of the Corpse", the bottom left is "Shameless Gorillas" and the bottom right is Guerilla Warfare. Guerilla Warfare is not actually a song on the project; instead, the lyrics on the song are featured in a track by a different name.

Tragedy of a Clown | EP Review

Noel Castillo, Editor in Chief
January 20, 2023
The Entrepreneur Fair is an annual event including students and alumni entrepreneurs as well as 14 current business owners. Realtor Lynn Peaper is currently the CEO of her own real estate business, as well as the chief development officer of the Matt Wyble Team and co-founder with two other people. “Everyone is their own business, whether you use your talents for someone else or not,” Peaper said. “It’s never too late to reimagine what you want to do with your life, and taking the next step towards your dreams is important.”

The photo is a screenshot from the official "Loneliness" music video, where Cameron Lew (Ginger Root) performs a song that quitting artist Kimiko is originally supposed to sing. "The year is 1983, Ginger Root is asked to write and produce songs for up-and-coming Japanese Idol, Kimimo Takeguchi. Right before Kimiko’s America Debut, she quits, leaving her manager to make the last minute decision of having Ginger Root perform in her place since he knows all the songs," Genius contributor Tappeh and gingerrootmusic.com said. "By coincidence, a new star is born."

“Nisemono – EP” by Ginger Root; Project Review

Noel Castillo, Features Editor
October 17, 2022
The lunch crew gathers in the lunch line after morning prep work. From left to right is Hohman in the dark orange, Dudley in the blue shirt and black mask, and Frazier in the light blue mask and pink bandana. “Basically, [our job] is to help out the manager in any way you can.” Dudley said. “Cook the food, prep it, lots of cleaning, doing whatever you can to make life easier for the manager. Photo by Noel Castillo

The Lunchroom and Its Trusted Crew

Noel Castillo, Features Editor
January 28, 2022
Kurious, mostly known for a couple features with MF DOOM, teams up with a mysterious artist named Ro Data to put together a 22 minute long EP with 8 separate songs. The tracklist includes songs that are all under 3 minutes, except for Seeing Ghosts, the outro track. The album cover depicts a massive monkey monster with “Koncrete Jungle” in heavily stylized writing. Photo by Noel Castillo

“Koncrete Jungle” Hip-Hop EP Review

Noel Castillo, Features Editor
December 17, 2021
Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You (Make My Wish Come True Edition)” music video was released a year ago on YouTube and already has over 175 million views. It has nearly a third of the amount of views the original music video from 11 years ago has. Sophomore Sam Elder has already gone through the inevitable onset of Christmas music. “Oh yeah, I’ve heard it this year,” Elder said. “Lot of Mariah Carey, jingle bells, definitely.”

“Stop Playing Christmas Music in November.”

Noel Castillo, Features
November 22, 2021
King’s Disease II album cover displays Nasir Jones’ head and shoulders on an orange background. KD was released on August 21, 2020, with the sequel dropping nearly a year later on August 6, 2021. Nas’ rap career started around 1994 with “Illmatic” and the single “Halftime” and he continues to put out high quality music, no doubt pleasing and shocking long-time fans.

“King’s Disease” I+II Album Review

Noel Castillo, Features Editor
November 4, 2021
Karah Parks started teaching long before she became a teacher, mentoring other students even when she was still in high school. She recently graduated college and got her teaching certification to return to SPHS and create a fun environment for students to learn. “I love working with students and I love sharing my passion for reading and writing with the students I work with,” Parks said.

Parks Teaching in the Park

Noel Castillo, Features Editor
October 13, 2021
When famous underground rapper MF DOOM died on October 31, 2020, fans became aware of the tragedy months later and have been nourning since. Although his passing is a massive loss for the rap industry, he was inspired by a lot of comic book supervillains, wrote many lyrics and produced beats that will undoubtedly appear on posthumous projects like “Super What?” in the future. 

“Super What?” Album Review

Noel Castillo, Staff Writer
June 12, 2021
Lucas Cropper has gotten more interested about the creation process of songs and has experimented with his own lyrics and delivery. In the photo, he is listening to hip-hop songs and trying to pull out what makes them stand out to him. Outside of the frame is one of Cropper’s friends finding samples to make beats. “I now want to pursue a career in hip hop that will inevitably get me no where,” Cropper said.

Listening to Hip-Hop

Noel Castillo, Staff Writer
June 1, 2021
“This ½ credit course, now required for graduation, is designed to explore the values and diversity of our local, national, and global communities” AACPS said. “Through real world occurrences and issues, students identify and discuss topics, events, and essential questions relevant to their local community which allow them to understand their personal role in demonstrating civic virtues.” In 2017, when GCC was first piloted at Arundel High School, about 750 students took the course in the first three semesters. Since 2019, the course has been required during students’ 9th grade year in order to graduate. The picture was taken during presentations in front of the Board of Education.

Global Community Citizenship and the Benefits for Students 

Noel Castillo, Staff Writer
April 30, 2021
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