Everyday, tons of students walk through the hallways to get to their next classes. Most students don’t take the time to stop and look around their beautiful school to notice the different landmarks. Upstairs in the hallway to the left from the library, there are important documents hanging on the wall. This is the Freedom Shrine. “I didn’t even know what it was until you told me. If it were located somewhere else I might have noticed it” said sophomore, Kylie Milstead. 

  Through all the chaos to get to the next class and friends, this wall does not get as much attention as  deserved. “I’ve never really noticed it before. I’m too busy getting to where I need to go” said sophomore, Kaitlyn Longo.

   It is important that more people notice because it took a lot of time and effort to create. The Exchange Club of Frederick donated the documents in December, 1997.

  The Shrine contains important parts of history. The documents on the Freedom Shrine include The Declaration if Independence, The Constitution, The Inaugural Address by John F. Kennedy, McAuliffe’s Christmas message, Star-Spangled Banner, Treaty of Paris, Washington’s Farewell Address, Monroe Doctrine, Gettysburg Address, Washington’s letter to Colonial Nicola, The North Ordinance, Mayflower Compact, Wilson’s 1^st Inaugural Address, Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s “Four Freedoms”  and many others. Each one is blown up into clear writing and framed for everyone to see.

   All of these documents are important parts of history that created equality in our country” said history teacher, Joseph Backlawski. So remember, walking to the library? Check out the Shrine!

  The European History Bowl took place at Georgetown University this year.  Urbana entered a star team which ended up doing very well.  The History Bowl is a competition in which questions are asked about European history.  The set up of the competition involves many schools from around the D.C. area.  Two public schools, including Urbana, and twelve private schools were entered into the tournament.  After the round –robin tournament, Urbana finished in second place with a 9 and 4 record.  They also were the only team to beat one of the best schools, Yorktown High School, who finished in first place. 

  Oltan Akin, a member of Urbana’s team competed in the history bowl tournament. 

 “I took the AP Euro class last year and Mr. Kachur talked me into to joining the team.  At first I went to the practices to practice for the AP test.  The practice paid off for the AP test, and I have now been on the team just for fun the past couple years,” said Oltan.

  Oltan’s strongest subject while competing is industrialization and naturalization.  These subjects may never have popped into many peoples minds, however to Oltan it just comes naturally.  The hardest questions for Oltan are those about famous European authors and leaders

   One of Oltan’s teammates, Jasper Sachsenmeier, has many similarities to Oltan when it comes to the History Bowl.  For example, he believes that the biggest rivals to Urbana are Georgetown Prep and Yorktown High.  However when it comes to subjects, Jasper believes his strongest area surrounds questions about Germany.  The hardest question that he ever received was about Aztec languages.   

  The European History Team has gone unnoticed to many around the school, but with winnings like this they are sure to become more recognized.  There are many students at Urbana that are good at history and if you are one of these students, talk to one of the members of the team.

Senior Brian Whitestone won first place from the county's recycling program for this billboard design which will be placed on the side of a Frederick city bus.

This past Thursday the UHS music department went to Gatlinburg, Tennessee on their annual trip. During four days there the music department received great accolades for their outstanding performances. The Concert Choir got second place and an excellent rating. Chamber Ensemble received second place and a superior rating. Guitar Ensemble took first place and an excellent rating. Katie Gibbons won the outstanding piano accompanist award. Orchestra and Indoor Color Guard each received first place and a superior rating. Jazz Ensemble earned first place, an excellent rating, and outstanding trumpet section. Wellie Fox won the outstanding trumpet solo award, Sean Meyers won the outstanding alto saxophone solo award, and they were the overall Jazz Ensemble champion. Concert Band received first place and a superior rating; Alex Scalera won the outstanding trumpet solo award, and they were the Overall Concert Band Champion. The UHS Band and Orchestra program won the Overall Instrumental Grand Champion award for the entire festival. The great UHS music department once again proved why they are one of the best.

The All-Area Wrestling teams were announced and Urbana had many of the honored wrestlers. The first team all area wrestlers are freshman Nick Frank at 103, sophomore Matt Steinheimer at 112, and seniors Adam Krop at 125, Peter Tatanish at 135, Mike Dailey at 215, and Jimmy Fitzgerald at 285. Urbana’s six first team wrestlers were the most of any school. Senior Nick Carberry and Junior Matt Semelsberger were second team at 130 and 189 respectively. Senior Joe Abretski was honorable mention at 140 and senior Jose Silva was honorable mention at 160.

Urbana senior Adam Krop became the first wrestler in Frederick County history to win three state championships on Saturday. He defeated Arundel sophomore Tyler Goodwin in the 125 final. Krop had won state titles at 112 and 119 the past two years. Krop who is going to wrestle at Princeton next year finished his high school career with 149 wins and 6 losses.

Four of Urbana’s eight wrestlers made the medal stand at the tournament. Senior Peter Tatanish finished third at 135, freshman Nick Frank finished fourth at 103, and Senior Mike Dailey finished fourth at 215. Urbana as a team finished fourth in the team standings with 76 points.

The wrestling team getting ready to go to states in their limo on March 5th.

The wrestling team heading to states in style

Urbana High School has named Ryan Hines head coach of the Hawks varsity football team. On February 5^th Urbana announced Hines would take over for Joe Conner, who led Urbana to an 8-3 record in his only season as coach. Hines is leaving Walkersville where he had a 17-33 record in 5 seasons to become the fourth head football coach in Urbana High School history.

  The Urbana High School Administration is very proud to announce that our own staff member, Michelle Shearer is the recipient of the 2009 Siemens Award for Advanced Placement for teachers. Shearer is the only teacher to have been chosen in the entire state of Maryland out of 50 teachers nationally for this award. In order to become a recipient, one must have an inspiring effect on the students taught , and truly love the job. Not only is this award a great honor, it comes with great opportunities. Shearer’s name will be mentioned in USA today and will be recognized nationally. Along with Shearer being honored with winning this award, Urbana High School will be rewarded as well. We will receive a $1000 check to be used towards our math and science department. The Siemens award also designates that our school has a wonderful Advanced Placement Program. As a final reward, a banner will be mailed to our school to recognize the achievement of Mrs. Shearer. Overall, this award is a wonderful thing for both the career of Shearer, and the recognition of Urbana High School. Great job Mrs. Shearer!