The Student News Site of Richard Montgomery High School

The Tide
The Student News Site of Richard Montgomery High School

The Tide
The Student News Site of Richard Montgomery High School

The Tide
Tara Amin

Tara Amin, Print Managing Editor

Senior Tara Amin is in her fourth year working with The Tide. Last year, she was the Opinions Editor, and this year, she is the Print Managing Editor. She is really looking forward to working with the new writers and editors this year and developing the front page of each issue. She enjoys spending time with friends, listening to music, and playing field hockey and lacrosse for RM.

All content by Tara Amin
Social studies teacher Pete Beach celebrates with his class and the SGA students after being named Teacher of the Year finalist.

[Photo] MCPS names RM’s Mr. Beach Teacher of the Year finalist

Jocelyn Yuan, Features Editor
March 18, 2025
With this school year marking her fourth year in the position, Principal Alicia Deeny has redrawn RM’s path as the first female principal in the school’s long history. Always bringing her smile and unwavering support for her students, Ms. Deeny’s effort and dedication to uplifting the community is evident. “Being the first female principal means that I have the opportunity to bring the perspective that I have and my experiences, especially growing up in the Rockville community as a woman who has, throughout my life, been the only woman doing certain things.” Ms. Deeny said.

National Women’s History Month

Tara Amin, Print Managing Editor
March 3, 2025
AP Human Geography teacher Andrea Lyons discusses the relationship between humans and the world that surrounds us each day in her class. Ms. Lyons never shies away from diving head first into more taboo topics that relate to human geography, demonstrating her ability to break the norms and have real conversations with her students. “My advice to the young women at RM is to always remember that you are enough and to not take the weight of the world on your shoulders and don’t let your male counterparts off the hook in doing their fair share of what needs to be done,” Ms. Lyons said.

In her second year as a teacher in RM, honors physics and earth systems teacher Deirdre Garahan has found and solidified her footing in the science department. From honors students to ESOL students, Ms. Garahan teaches a wide variety of students, expanding her reach and ability to help the community. “To the young students and the young women at RM, go for it anyway. Make any doubt a motivator for your future,” Ms. Garahan said.

As a woman in STEM, AP and IB Calculus teacher Laura Goetz is beloved among the math department and students. Her enthusiasm about math and ability to make topics more engaging creates an exciting learning environment for her students. “Try to shut out the doubters, focus on your inner voice and what you can do. Know that you’re going to get knocked down, maybe because you’re a woman or maybe by STEM, can you get back up?” Ms. Goetz said.

Language department head and Spanish teacher Sara Ezeonu creates a safe and inviting classroom environment everywhere she goes. Her impact on her students is undeniable, pushing them to produce their best work and exercise their minds in the class. “I strive to be a role model for all of my students. I know how important it is to see someone that looks like you or has come from the same area that you’ve come from,” Ms. Ezeonu said.

History and Women’s Studies teacher Lisa MacFarlane is one of the most knowledgeable staff about women throughout history. As the only Women’s Studies teacher, she works closely with the course content and creates a safe learning environment for the female students in her class. “One of the big themes of the class is equality for women and looking at ways that they can achieve equality. Just because you’re trying to achieve equality for your group doesn’t mean you’re trying to take away anything from anyone else,” Ms. MacFarlane said.

Working closely with the administrative staff, the main office staff tells the community about updates and information related to RM. The main office secretaries Cathleen Stec, Debra Hirrlinger, Mary Ayala and Susan Aubertin (not pictured) are considered the back bones of the community, working behind the scenes for the day to day operations. Administrative secretary to the Principal Laura Hermansdorfer (rightmost) sends out weekly newsletters, available in multiple languages, for all families.

As one of the two female security guards, Tajane White is able to connect with the student body while protecting our school. She began working for the security department in 2022 and has since become a friend and resource for many different students.

Whether she’s courtside at the volleyball games or behind the scenes of the pep rallies, AP World History teacher Rebecca Garrigues is beyond involved. Her sociability and remarkable connections with her students and fellow staff creates a welcoming learning environment for everyone in the building. “If you want to see something happen for the school, or a policy change, or there’s an issue that you notice, bring it up and fight for it, advocate for yourselves and advocate for your peers, ” Ms. Garrigues said.

[Video] Tide Takes: Seniors reflect on early college decisions

Jessica Wang and Uma Patnaik
January 24, 2025
Photo of the Day: AP Calculus BC exam

Photo of the Day: AP Calculus BC exam

Tara Amin
May 13, 2024
Photo of the Day: Girls lacrosse tryouts

Photo of the Day: Girls lacrosse tryouts

Tara Amin
March 5, 2024
Senior Jesse Boone celebrates after nailing a three-pointer late in the Rockets' win over Paint Branch.

Boys basketball secures spot in quarterfinals

Tara Amin and Ari Fine
February 28, 2024
The Recording Academy, responsible for the awarding of the Grammys, has snubbed artists on countless occasions in the past.

Grammy voting method fails to represent fans

Tara Amin, Opinions Editor
February 28, 2024
Juniors Caroline Kaye, Ema Djordjevic and Corinne Howard pose during the 2024 upperclassmen pep rally. Kaye, Djordjevic and Howard are three of the four captains of the girls varsity volleyball team that won the state championship this school year for the first time in RM history. “Nothing could ever compare to that feeling honestly, like all of our work and strength had completely paid off,” Howard said.

Photo Essay: Winter Pep Rally

Tara Amin
January 31, 2024
RM community members are encourged to share there thoughts and opinions to The Tide opinions editors.

Letters to the Editor

Shelby Roth and Tara Amin
January 5, 2024
Mr. Matthew Martini, poses in front of Richard Mongtomery's trophy case, specifically a few of the lacrosse trophies that have been awarded to RM.

From NCAA tournaments to assistant principal: How Mr. Martini landed in MoCo

Tara Amin, Rihanna Pabai, Piper Young, and Samriddhi Agrawal
September 26, 2023

23nior Wills

Tara Amin, Centerspread Editor
June 12, 2023
On Friday, May 19 at the Rockville Hilton, Students step onto the dance floor to prepare for a slow dance. “My favorite part was being together with all my friends when good music was playing,” senior Bella Ventimiglia said.

Photo Essay: RM upperclassmen take on prom

Uma Patnaik, Michaela Boeder, Tara Amin, Davi Jacobs, and Balmore Ruiz Guardado
May 23, 2023
The Tide Centerspread Presents: Pickup Lines

The Tide Centerspread Presents: Pickup Lines

Tara Amin, Centerspread Editor
February 9, 2023
Photo of the Day: Student athletes prepare for upcoming lacrosse season

Photo of the Day: Student athletes prepare for upcoming lacrosse season

Tara Amin, Centerspread Editor
February 7, 2023

The upcoming Powderpuff games

Tara Amin, Centerspread Editor
December 7, 2022
Isaac Gilchrist prepares for his role as Assistant Stage Manager in the play "Puffs" by checking the sound.

Q&A: Behind the scenes of Puffs

Tara Amin, Centerspread Editor
November 16, 2022
Photo of the Day: Students take excursions into DC

Photo of the Day: Students take excursions into DC

Tara Amin, Centerspread Editor
November 15, 2022
A student walks down the Junior's 'Haunted Carnival' themed hall. A detailed clown face and red and white ballons hang on the wall.

The spooky walls of RM’s halls

Tara Amin, Centerspread Editor
November 2, 2022
Calligraphy club’s leadership team created an advertisement to gain student interest on social media.

New clubs launch this school year

Claire Xu, Ellie Noh, Libby Cooke, and Tara Amin
November 1, 2022
Launching Into The School Year!

Launching Into The School Year!

Tara Amin, Jordan Alpay, Sayeda Hasni, Maria Yu, Natalie Pamboukian, Dorothy Dang, Chaiwey Chen, and Mayah Nachman
October 19, 2022
The animation in this three-part film was done by Nexus Studios, an animating and production studio in Los Angeles.

Netflix’s “The House” mixes stop-motion animation and horror

Tara Amin, Arts Writer
February 17, 2022
Adele brings a new sense of maturity to her newest album, "30."

After years of staying out of the spotlight, Adele makes a comeback

Tara Amin, Arts Writer
December 1, 2021
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