When I became The Wingspan’s Online Editor-in-Chief, it was based on my vision to grow The Wingspan’s online presence. We live in a world where news is constantly happening, and we want to be able to report that news as soon as possible.

So, to grow that online presence, we considered many various improvements – some of which have been implemented over the past year. On day one of this school year, we collectively made the decision to publish online every school day. Having a goal to publish an new article, or announcement, or article, or story, or slideshow, every day has lead to a new precedent for Wingspan. For the first time ever, The Wingspan has published online content every school day this past year.

Looking back at everything that our team has done this year, and every change to our website, I can not wait to see what lies ahead in the many years to come.

With a cliche feeling of bittersweetness, I will now press the “Publish” button for the last time, and turn The Wingspan’s online responsibility over to next years more than capable Online Editor-In-Chief, Emma Harring.

Thanks for allowing me to bring you the news all year long.

For the last time,
Paul Didwall

When the students and faculty at Centennial think of rivalry, they think of Mt. Hebron.

So it is fitting that the Eagles Boys Lacrosse would have to go through their longtime rivals to get to the regional finals. I mean, could it go down any other way? So the Eagles suited up and went to war with Mt. Hebron one more time this year.

The battle got off to a quick start with four Centennial goals from seniors Teddy Sylvia, Ben McHugh, Stephen Latona, and freshman Austin Kraisser. A lone Mt. Hebron goal was also scored going into the final two minutes of the first quarter where Hebron began to close the gap. A man-up goal off of a Centennial slash by Kevin Collins made it 4-2 going into the second quarter. You could feel a shift from the hot start of Centennial’s offense.

The Eagles simply could not catch a break on the faceoffs, and turnovers for the middle half of the game. Hebron would score two quick goals in the start of the second quarter to tie it up at four with seven minutes left, eventually scoring one more time to lead 5-4 going into halftime.

The Vikings would continue to be hot coming out of halftime as well with yet another goal to push them to a two goal advantage. The Mt. Hebron defense throughout most of the third quarter until four minutes and thirty seconds remained on the clock, thanks to a well placed stick-check by CJ Marquart, the Eagles offense had woken back up and had the ball on a play that defined the final chapter of the game. Stephen Latona ripped a shot to close the gap back to one goal and give Centennial the momentum back. Latona would score again for the hat trick and the tie at six going into the fourth quarter.

It all came down to this. A final effort to seal victory. Teddy Sylvia scored quickly for the Eagles to take a lead they would never get back. The Eagles made defensive stand after defensive stand to shut down Mt. Hebron. One last goal by freshman Mike Moore would put the game out of reach at 8-6 with a little over two minutes left. And as the clock ticked to zero, the fans went nuts as the team threw their sticks in the air and surrounded their goalie, senior Bryan Ruygrok who had 12 saves on the night.

A fantastic win for a team who fought hard for it.

The Eagles set their focus onto Glenelg, whom they play for the regional title tomorrow night at 7 PM at Glenelg.

For more information on tonights game, Subscribe to chswingspan.com by clicking the “follow” button in the bottom right of the page.

The months of May and June bring many changes to high schools. Seniors officially leaving, joy in having a few months away from the four walled building of school, and looking forward a new fresh start for a new school year. But the 2012-2013 school year will end in a much more drastic way.

Not only will those at Centennial High School have to say farewell to their seniors, but also to their Principal, Carl Perkins, who will be retiring from the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) after this school year.

Perkins has worked for HCPSS for the past 35 years. He was first a teacher at CHS, and then occupied the posts of assistant principal and principal at Oakland Mills Middle School, went on to the post of Principal at Folly Quarter Middle School, and then came to CHS as its Principal for the last five years.

These five years have been very special for Perkins. “It has been one of the most enriching and motivating, and challenging experiences at the same time I have ever had in my career. I thoroughly enjoyed working with the staff, students, and the community.”

The CHS teachers also feel the same way about their colleague. However, they are unable to grasp the situation that came so drastically. “It’s sad, and I am in denial – I don’t want to think about it,” said Andrea Covington.
Debbie Blake wishes Perkins a great future. “Thank you for all you have done for Centennial High School and the students. I hope you find a lot of happiness in your retirement years.”

Although some students at other schools may think of a principal as an unknown human being in charge of what they cannot do and might fear meeting him in the hallways, Perkins was another type of principal entirely. While on his frequent trips through the hallways, a smile and “good morning” or “good afternoon” could be heard for every person, be it student or colleague. His position was one that, unfortunately was not designed for too much interaction with the all of the students, but Perkins always made his best efforts to encourage learning while balancing it with positive school spirit for all the Centennial students.

A message from senior Larry Zhang to Dr. Perkins conveys his altruistic attitude towards the students and the unique experiences he offered to the students. “Well, Dr.Perkins, although I am sure we never got to know each other personally – but I am sure you have seen me around. The kid with a VCR as a belt? Oh you don’t remember that? How about the kid with the lamp? If not that, then maybe the boxer from the Martial Arts club? Anyhow, so what does stating these things about me have to do with your retirement you may ask – but alas! It has everything to do with it! Or rather I just want to say thanks – thanks for allowing me to go all out during spirit week and thanks for allowing me to create the Martial Arts club. I can say that I am satisfied leaving this school as a Senior this year, anyhow, good job”.

Junior Qian Mei also feels that Perkin’s work at Centennial far surpasses what any other Principal could have accomplished. “I feel that after all that Dr. Perkins has done to make sure the school’s standards stay at their highest, the next principal is definitely going to have to meet up to very high expectations.”

Perkins’s accomplishments for the CHS community are too great to be subjected to merely one article. No matter what his future entails for him, he will always have a special place at Centennial with the staff, students, and the wonderful memories and happiness he gave to the community.

Photos: Navraj Kalra & Caroline Oppenheimer

On May 10, 2013, current and former culinary students came together in the foods room in order to prepare a luncheon for the teachers during fourth period.

The students prepared a variety of foods, ranging from lasagna to veggie skewers to miniature lemon meringue pies.

The students were happy to help prepare the luncheon, and the foods and nutrition room was filled with students in both the advanced and standard culinary classes.

“This was a lot of fun,” said sophomore Sam Lear. “All the teachers seemed really excited.”

This was also a chance for some students to show off their cooking skills.

“Not a lot of teachers know that I’m in culinary, and it’s nice to see them excited to try our food,” said senior Erin Coward, an advanced culinary student.

Tuesday, May 14 – Exams in Period 3 & 4A

Wednesday, May 15 – Exams in Periods 1 & 2

Monday, May 20 – Exam in Period 4B

Tuesday, May 21 – Exam in Periods 5 & 6

Art III student Morris Mou’s “Self Portrait in Blue” painting won the Baltimore Museum of Art Curator’s Award. Photo II student Ginny Kim’s image “The Greatest City in America” won first place – the Congressional Award for Congressman Cumming’s district. She will go to Washington in June to attend an awards ceremony for works by students representing each congressional district in the U.S. Kim’s photograph will be on display in the U.S. Capitol for one entire year.

content provided by Joanne Tulkoff

Words: Margaret Heck

Photos: Caitlin Martin

Back in April, during the Project Power kickoff assembly, Royalty aka Mr129 asked Centennial students to wear red on May 13th to show eagle pride and school unity. Now that it’s almost the 13th, Royalty returned to bring Centennial staff and students a present. He brought red wristbands with “#EaglePride” and “#WeAreRoyalty” printed on them to help promote school spirit and unity. The bracelets were funded by Royalty. Students at Centennial are asked to wear red on May 13th, and they will be able to receive the red wristbands during lunch shifts that day.