The BHS Parking Lot- Worse in the morning or afternoon?

No Brandywine student is unaware of the morning traffic in order to get into our high school; however, whether people have realized the dangerous driving of some of our students is in question. Or, is the real question- should something be done before someone gets hurt?
Leaving the school at the end of the day is quite obviously everyones priority, yet is it worth putting someone's life and car in danger? The careless pulling out in front of people and near hitting their cars is becoming a serious problem. "It's getting to a point where its almost rediculous, like, what do the other kids need to do at home that is so important it is worth putting other peoples lives at risk?" says one annoymous student. Rather than an organized line or system, (that could be pretty effective and even result in getting out of the parking lot less than an hour after dismissal) students seem to think the more efficient thing to do is frankly, do whatever they can to get out of the parking lot. Even if that includes driving over top of other people.
One factor in the wreckless driving is whether or not the students are purchasing thier cars. "Maybe if these kids were working for thier cars, as opposed to keys being handed to them, they would be driving more responsibly" says one senior.
Regardless, this is a serious problem and it should be paid attention to before the result includes a car crash and a parking lot brawl.

BY:BRITTANY CAPUTO
OPINION ARTICLE!

New Coach Added to Brandywine Basketball Family

The '09-'10 basketball season is off to spectacular start. With a new head coach, superior talent, and a real grasp on the word team, the Bulldog basketball team is really showing a promising season. With a move up to Flight A, both the team and management needed to step it up. Head coach Steve Christensen shared his four goals for the season, "good people, good students, good teammates, and good athletes." With a record of 6-3, the team seems pretty parallel with those goals.
Good People - This year the team participated in a good drive for needy families. Through donations of food from family, friends and students they were able to provide Christmas (and a few more) dinners for families in need in the Wilmington area. " I think the basketball team doing a food drive really shows intiative. It shows how much they care about not only their team but also our community." vice president of NHS Tina Cianfaro stated.
Good Students - Like all teams in this school, the students have to keep up some standard in academic reputation. The students have to be passing a certain number of classes, and with such a great season going, keeping grades up is obviously an incentive to stay on the team. "Balancing school and basketball can be a hassle, but it's definitely worth it, especially since we're in the top 10 this year." player Jordan Purnell stated.
Good Teammates - Being a good teammate means both on and off the court for the Bulldog basketball team. Five students were sent over to Lombardy Elementary School to teach basketball instructional sessions for the kids over there. Not only does this show enthusiam for the sport, it shows the leadership and compatability needed to work with others. "The five students were really able to give back to kids who don't really get the basketball experience that we do." Coach Christensen said.
Good Athletes - "Since Flight A is much more competitive the kids have to be ready and improve steadily, which could be an adjustment from the last few years." new head coach Christensen has said. "we have a nice mix of senior leadership as well as some new younger faces." Some older shining stars like senior Jesiah Staples and some up and coming ones like sophmore Jordan Purnell are examples of what creates a great team. "I actually like going to practice and working hard, being with all my friends makes it that much better too." Jordan stated.
With a great season going, all of Brandywine is hoping for a continuance in the great direction it's going. A mix of new and old faces, a new coach and and admirable goals pushing the team to excel, the Brandywine 2010 team seems promising for years to come.

Written by Ericka Pyle

Brandywine Helps Haiti!

Whether you've seen it on the news or heard about it on the radio, the catastrophic earthquake that struck Haiti can not be ignored. On January 12, 2010 a massive earthquake, a 7.0 on the Richter scale, demolished the country. This earthquake is responsible for an estimated 100,000 - 200,000 deaths and the survivors have little to hang on to. Buildings, hospitals and homes have been destroyed. There is a severe lack of food, water, medicine and shelter. The damage is simply unimaginable.

While many have pledged assistance to the country, aid distribution is being described as "minimal." Distribution of food is reportedly unorganized, and the sick and the old have no chance of survival.

Plainly, something needs to be done and you can help.

The Red Cross is accepting donations through International Response Fund. You can text "HAITI" to 90999 to donate $10 to American Red Cross relief efforts for Haiti. The amount will be added to your cell phone credit card bill.

However, you can do something here at Brandywine High School. Ms. Van Such has started Brandywine's own Haiti relief fund. She is hoping to collect at least one dollar from everyone in order to collect the minimum $1,200. She is also reaching out to the Brandywine community as a whole. Any contributions from family members, local restaurants or stores would be greatly appreciated.

The people of Haiti are thankfully accepting food, water and blankets but the best contribution you can make at this time is money. Think about how desperate these people are and imagine having your entire life being destroyed in only a few minutes, surely you can shell out at least a dollar to help.

Photo courtesy of The Huffington Post

Written y Brittany Caputo