On Saturday, February 4th, 2017, the Dancing Eagles competed in the Cheer Starz Dance Competition. The dance competition was held at Ballou High School. There were approximately 11 girls who danced to a total of 8 songs. The dancers came in first place once again in the overall competition based on moves, style, and uniforms.

This past year, we saluted and said farewell to our inspiring former president, Barack Obama. President Obama was and still is a great leader to the people of America. But how did President Obama become the wonderful leader he is today? Let’s take a look back at Barack Obama’s story about how he became the great person he is today.

On Friday, February 3rd, 2017, Woodridge Scholars celebrated the 100th Day of School! Scholars in grades PK thru 4 dressed up like they were 100 years old.

Should transgender people have their own bathrooms? This is a question that has been debated many times. Should they be allowed in the bathroom of the gender they changed to? Or should transgenders use the bathroom that matches the gender they were born with?

This year I was honored to be selected to the First Team Allmet Defense. Allmet consists of the top players in this area from both offense and defense. Players are deemed first team, second team, or honorable mention based on their performance during the season.

January 11, 2017. Over the years, dance has played an important role in helping people get in shape and be healthy. In 2016-17 there are all types of different dances. Some of the dances consist of JuJu on that beat, Running Man and of course, the famous Whip and Nae Nae.

 Blow Pierce went to the Air and Space Museum with the Junior Cadet program.  We did lots of activities.  First, we went to the top level which is also the tower. In the tower, we had a fantastic view.  We saw a big field, a runway for the airplanes and clear parking lots.

On January 24th, BET aired the three-day event “The New Edition Story” which takes you on the journey of the legendary R&B music group, “New Edition”. This epic three-part series takes you through the lives of Bobby, Mike, Ralph, Ricky, Ronnie, and Johnny Gill. 

Video by Christian Braswell, Kiani Bell, Danniece Hollins, Vincent Abney, Takalya Keys, Ireana Gaddis and Christian Taylor. 

Photos by Xavier Cook and Simone Wimbush 

Who is Todrick Hall? Todrick is an American singer, dancer, and actor. It all started on Youtube when Todrick began making Youtube videos of him and friends doing flash mobs. His flash mobs went viral! From dancing in Target to “End of Time” by Beyonce in 2011 to singing “Coca-Cola Shake” in Times Square, Todrick has made appearances in many places with his beautiful voice. 

Video by Tsion Cummings and Kiani Bell.

On Saturday, January 28, 2017, the Woodridge Dance Team put on their 1st Annual Father Daughter Dance. The dance was held in the gym with decorations like it was a prom. The colors were pink, white and purple.

On January 25, 2017, our school Friendship Southeast Academy K-5th grade had an assembly. We had a visitor named Sarah. Sarah showed us a video about her friends Grace and Michael. She showed two videos, one was called Jump Rope Heart Survivor-Michael Ehlers. 

On Saturday, January 28th, our Lady Eagles Cheerleading Team won 1st place in the Maryland Cup Cheerleading Competition that took place in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. This year’s team had way more synchronization and fewer falls than they did last year.

Once again, President Donald Trump got angry, and this time it was about his inauguration crowd. By now most of his remarks are devoted to attacking the news media. He continues to say that the media is dishonest. 

February 1, 2017. Black History Month began as Negro History Week which was created in 1926 by Carter G.Woodson. Carter G. Woodson was an African-American writer and historian known as the “Father Of Black History Month.” He also wrote an influential book, The Mis-Education of The Negro. Carter G.Woodson was born on December 19, 1875, and died on April 3, 1950. 

Video by Paris Taylor, Tsion Cummings, Thomas Howard, Ariyana Robinson, Kiani Bell, Ireana Gaddis, and Nikyia Rogers.   

Video by FNN Collegiate Bureau: Ireana Gaddis, JaJuan Davis, Tiffany Williams, and Ta'lessa Stewart.  

Do you know what is in your food? Have you ever looked at the ingredients on a potato chips bag? Some of the main ingredients are maltodextrin, ferrous sulfate, and riboflavin. According to Cumberlink.com, “Maltodextrin is a food additive that is produced from a grain starch”.