The Talon, Winter 2014

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Volume 13, Issue 2 Winter 2014

As values and roles shift,

the modern family tree reflects our new diversity

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Different Paths: A look into the daily lives of five different people working their religion into their daily lives.

Features

Entertainment

sports

3.teacher feature: Mr. Heller: High School memories, pet peeves, and more.

17. The man, the music, the story: Senior Austin Crow pursues his music career.

23.for the record: Megan Rebholz (‘14) sets two new track records.

4. life overseas: Five Forge students share what it’s like to live overseas.

18. reviews: The Arctic Monkeys’ new album, “AM”.

8. Religious clubs: Members from YoungLife, FCA, and 4:12 Student Ministry talk about why they worship.

from the Cover On pages 11 to 15, Seth Brodie (‘14), Miranda and Makayla Hendrickson (‘16), Jake Mays (‘15), Rebecca Wilson (‘17) and Laura Hickey (‘15) discuss their unique family experiences.

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30. FEATURE AND FAVES: A look into some of Mr. Heller’s favorite things.

20. SUCCESS and progress: Seniors Kenya Holland, Jayla Osborne, Christian Cole, and Aleyse Shannon are following their dreams to college.

24. goals: What athletes are planning to achieve this season. 25. INJURIES: Students share the obstacles their facing due to their injuries. 26.JAMES GRANDERSON: James Granderson (‘16) has been invited to Australia to run track. 28. top 10 games this season: 10 games or events this winter season you shouldn’t have missed.


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feature er h c

d a r n Ko r

Helle

Mr. Heller is a very active and motivated man. Not only does he teach AP Environmental Science, biology, and sponsors the Forge Environmental Club, but he also is a father to three children, an avid triathlete and marathon participant and a successful business owner. Mr. Heller wanted to share his passion for staying fit through his two athletic companies, FredEvents and Tribal Quest, which holds races, duathlons, mountain biking racing, and crossfit. “I love hearing from people [that] say, ‘Man, this race was the first time I’ve done anything like it...I’ve really turned myself around because of it!’,” Mr. Heller said. Although Mr. Heller was placing very well in triathlons, they became to tough to keep up with and afford. His training consumed a lot of his free time and traveling fees became very expensive. He

By Juliana May Reporter

originally started his FredEvents in 2001 to pay for his trip to Hawaii for the Ironman Triathlon, a very prestigious race which people from many countries participate in. Since then he has slowed down his pace in life and now just runs the company to stay in shape and make money on the side. “Anything to stay active,” Mr. Heller said, “I don’t want to be the old geezer where my son then later on is gonna be like ‘Hey, let’s do something dad!’ and I can’t do anything . I want to give him a run for his money as long as I can.” While he was in college, he swam for Mary Washington and later became interested in mountain biking and started racing. “I got sick of that after about five years and then decided to do triathlons. I did off-road triathlons,” Mr. Heller said. Off-road triathlons consist of three parts; usually a 1.5 km swim, a 11km trail-running part, and a 30 km mountain-biking part. He spent up to twenty hours per week training for these while he was going to school. He was spending his free time running or going to the pool. He joined a biking club, which he still rides with. He even had a coach for a while for his triathlon running. Mr. Heller began placing very well in these triathlons. They began to take up lots of his time to train for them and it became very expensive to pay for the travel fees to compete. “After about seven years I was on the cusp of ‘Do I want to go pro or do I want to continue teaching?’ then I had kids coming and I decided to slow it down a little bit,” Mr. Heller said. Ever since then, he only runs marathons to stay in shape and have some fun. Next year he plans on managing the Virginia Outdoor Center (VOC) in Downtown Fredericksburg with his current business partner, John Garmen. His future plans consist of offering outdoor activity classes to get students involved in science. “I’d like to have it almost like an offering for middle and high school students to be able to come there as an afterschool program, offered basically twice a week for an hour and a half,” Mr. Heller said, “It would be almost supplemental to SOL material, but a hands-on kind.” Mr. Heller wants to run this program to get students more involved and excited in everyday science because he believes that they are bored of it in a classroom. He aspires to get a group of teachers together to have projects and camps for the students to participate in. “I’m hoping by 2015 we’ll have a first class running and basically do summer camps along with that as well,” Mr. Heller said.

Photo by: Juliana May

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Life Overseas:

Five students describe what it’s like to live overseas and then make the transition back to the United States. Photos and Copy by Reed Melancon Reporter

connor Mcclain (‘14) Where did you live? -Ottowa, Canada

How old were you? When did you move back? -From 4 to 6 years old

What was it like? How was it different than here? -It wasn’t a whole lot different, just a lot of snow. They speak French so I had to learn it. I spoke French before I learned English. It also seemed like the food was not as healthy. Everyone in the neighborhood knew each other and everyone was friendly. You would have French classes and then an English class, kind of like 2 foreign languages. It is very similar to the U.S. and they seem to like Americans.

What was the hardest adjustment to make?

-There weren’t really any hard adjustments besides the language in some parts.

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jacob frietze (‘15) Where did you live? -Argentina

How old were you? When did you move back? -When I was 15 years old and I moved back when I was 16, halfway through the school year.

What was it like? How was it different than here? -There wasn’t much freedom. My house was surrounded by barbed wire and cameras for my family’s protection. School wasn’t as hard. It was international school and it was easy to make friends.

What was the hardest adjustment to make? -Learning to speak a new language was the hardest adjustment to make.


tim bobeck (‘15) Where did you live? -Germany

How old were you? When did you move back? -I was 6 when I moved there and I moved back in 2011

What was it like? How was it different?

-It was completely different. The food is very different. You can travel almost anywhere around the country or Europe on a train. The cities are more decorated for festivals. It is very socialist. Moving back was harder. Over there you had to learn German and English. Most Europeans like Americans.

What was the hardest adjustment to make?

-Its harder to travel here. Transportation was a lot easier in Germany, you could walk out of your house, get on a bus and travel anywhere around the country. Gas is more expensive here. Food is fattier here.

karl bassa (‘14) Where did you live? -France

How old were you? When did you move back? -I moved there when I was 6 and moved back here last year.

What was it like? How was it different?

-The food and the language were the main differences.

What was the hardest adjustment to make?

-Making new friends was really hard, I had to learn a whole new language.

francis morales (‘14) Where did you live? -Japan

How old were you? When did you move back? -I lived there 2nd through 4th grade

What was it like? How was it different?

-We took Japanese culture classes and learned Japanese sayings. I also learned to use chopsticks. Not a lot of people can say they lived there so it was cool.

What was the hardest adjustment to make?

-The hardest adjustment was that there is not as much you can do there.

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different PATHS: Five lives built on faith Christianity Showing and teaching people his faith in his everyday life is extremely important to Jeremy Hayward. (‘16) Every day before school, Hayward writes a Bible verse on his arm. He set a goal to do this every single day of the year to serve as a reminder to be thinking of God. “I also write a verse on my arm because people will ask what’s on my arm, and then it is easier to talk to them about God and help them get involved,” said Hayward. Jeremy this goal because he enjoys having a constant reminder that God loves him, and wants to take advantage of the moral life God intended for him to live as a Christian. Every night Hayward reads a new part of the Bible and he takes some time to think about the verse he read and how it can apply to his life. “I’ve been through a lot and showing my

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faith in my everyday life helps me through my problems and I know my religion is something I can always hold onto.”

Buddhism Buddhism is a religion that is sometimes viewed as more of a way of life. Kristabel Moore (‘15) uses her religion to keep peace within herself and to be sure she doesn’t allow the little things to get to her. “I just make sure that I meditate every day, whether it is sitting down and closing my eyes for a few minutes to clear my head, or by keeping a clear conscience when I’m doing something that I enjoy,” said Moore. Moore focuses every day on being sure she doesn’t take advantage of people or situations and really thinks through decisions before making them to be sure she keeps peace within herself. As another way to keep internal peace, Moore has decorated her room to match her religion to be sure she is in a peaceful environment every day.

By Cameron Scovell Buisness Manager

“Buddhism doesn’t have to be someone’s spiritual path but I think that it has a good guideline to follow for determining what’s right and what’s wrong,” said Moore.

Muslim Hanna Awad (‘17) attends Sunday school as well as going to the mosque to pursue her Muslim beliefs. She has attended her Sunday school for 8 years, and recently began being taught by her mother at home. “I’m comfortable either way because at a mosque I have friends who I’m really close with there with me but I think I’m a little more comfortable at my house because my mom teaches me and I can understand everything a little better,” said Awad. Every year the Muslim community spends a month of their summer fasting. They fast all day until the sunsets, then they break their fast. Sometimes the community will get together and break their fast at the mosque with a huge feast and prayer, other times


From left to right:: Top row: Jeremy studies a few verses every day in his bible.

This is a part of a religious shrine in Kristabel’s room. Middle row: Many people from the Hindu religion gather to practice their religion together. A photo of the Mandir in Kushal’s house. Kristabel in her meditation room. Bottom row: Jeremy writes a new verse on his arm to remind him of his faith. Kristabel and her brother put 5 yen into the box, and bow for good luck at the Great Buddha in Kamakura. Far right: Wearing her traditional hijab Hanna prepares for one of her daily prayers. Photos Courtesy of their subjects.

they break their fast as a family at home. “We fast so we can understand how the less fortunate feel and understand that they don’t have everything we have,” said Awad

Hinduism “In the morning after you get dressed, you light fire in front of the temple called a Divo. You do this to keep the evil spirits away and welcome the God of Wealth, “ said Kushal Parbadia. (‘16) Parbadia has been practicing Hinduism as long as he has been alive, and worship is just part of his daily routine. His days begin and end with going to Mandir, or the household’s private , small temple. After getting ready in the morning, Parbadia practices this process called a Puja. Then he finds himself back at the Mandir at dinner time lighting the fire again as an act of prayer. During the Puja at dinner his family says an Aarti, a song-like prayer, for worship.

“Hinduism has shown me that God is always with you. Whenever you go with your gut, God approves of it,” said Parbadia. Hinduism is a way of life to Parbadia, it has kept him true to himself and taught him to always remain open minded about other people and things. Sometimes Kushal will ask himself why can’t his religion just be simple, however, it’s fun to have such a complex religion and he appreciates the religions effect on him.

Judaism

on trying to use himself as a source of help to other people before helping himself. To Losee Judaism is a lot about self reflection. “It’s not so much prayer but thinking about what you’ve done and how you can not essentially make up for that by doing something but by making the world a better place,” said Losee. He feels that Judaism teaches tolerance and that religion is just a highlight of who you are. “Religion is a part of someone, it is a part of who you are; it isn’t who you are,” said Losee.

Lazor Losee (‘14) starts his weekend off with a trip to his Synagogue. Worshiping the Jewish God is something he has done all of his life because when you’re born to a Jewish mother you are automatically Jewish. “It creates a sense of family, it creates a very large sense of the people who have something specific with me that no one else does,” said Losee. Religion has helped Losee focus more

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gives me something to “ Itthink about throughout the

changed my “ Itperspective on a lot of

week and it’s refreshing.” -Matt Greathouse (’16) is around the “ Everyone same age so if you mess

things and they use analogies that relate to your life.” -Grant Garza (’16)

“ Using your talents to

why i serve up it’s ok. It’s just a really safe place.” -Mary Stanford (’17)

actually do something is a lot better and gets you more involved.” -Teresa Tropodi (’14)

ChRistian Clubs

Students talk about why they worship their God in the 4:12 Ministry, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Young Life.

“ It’s nice to start your day

off with the Word and prayers; it’s just a huge blessing in my life.” -Karrah Tranquill (’16)

I joined the club because it proves that even high school students can have an impact on the community around them.” -Emily Barnes (’15)

By Maison Chaffin Reporter

“ With all the stress it

helps to break from that during the week, and campaigners is awesome. It helps me build my faith.” -Matt Greathouse (’16)

us to continue “ Itowant grow and get more people involved to continue to do more community service.” -Maya Barnes (’14)

“It’s good fellowship each week to start off your morning with God.” -Teresa Tripodi (’14)

Upcoming Events 4: 12 Ministry: meets the 2nd Wednesday every month to plan service projects. On January 8th they have their first guest speaker.

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The Fellowship of Christian Athletes: meets every Thursday morning at 7:05 to eat breakfast and talk about their faith.

YoungLife: has Campaigners on Mondays to have lessons from the Bible and club on Wednesdays. Summer camp is July 17-22.


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THE MODERN FAMILY

As family makeup continues to shift, “normal” has become a relative term.

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Mikayla and Miranda Hendrickson with their father, Tony Hendrickson Photos Courtesy of: Mikayla and Miranda Hendrickson

“People think it has to be cookie-cutter and it doesn’t. What really defines family these days? Family really needs to be looked at with who serves those roles in your life, and that doesn’t have to be biological.” -Troy Hendrickson Miranda and Mikayla Hendrickson

say he’s gay. It was definitely different.” This change in the girl’s lives was difficult to comprehend at first, but after a while things By Katie Bashista became more clear. Feature Editor “Initially it was kind of shocking,” said Mr. Hendrickson. “But a lot of the comments I got Our beliefs and morals are shaped throughout back from the girls were that things made more our lives and much of that shaping is attributed sense now.” to our parents. Raised in a very Christian home, While Miranda and Mikayla were going through Miranda and Mikayla Hendrickson (‘16) were their own process of coming to terms with this taught the fundamental beliefs of the religion, and new reality, some of the people that they used to the idea that being homosexual was wrong. But be close with were not as keen on accepting it as after the separation of their parents, their father they were. came out. “Once people found out that my dad was gay “The way that I was raised,” Miranda said, people kind of closed out on us.” Miranda said. “even by him, gays are wrong, you shouldn’t do it, They lost friends at their church, a few from you can’t do it, and then for him to come out and school, and even some of their own family

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members. “People would ask ‘Is your dad really gay?’ and then they’d say ‘I don’t want to talk to you anymore,’” said Mikayla.“Now some people don’t talk to him, people were making fun of us. It was hard.” “Other people talking about me in front of them or to them was very painful for them as well as for me,” he said. “It wasn’t an easy transition.” For Mr. Hendrickson, the most important thing wasn’t necessarily acceptance, it was knowing that he was supported. “People need to realize if someone is transitioning and coming to terms with who they are the key thing that that person needs is their love and support,” he said. “They don’t necessarily need their agreement they just need


Counterclockwise:

Hickey’s father signing to her as a child. Photo Courtesy of: Laura Hickey

Laura Hickey (‘15) as a baby with her mother. Photo Courtesy of: Laura Hickey

Hickey’s tattoo of the sign for “I love you” in honor of her parents. Photo by: Alison Mairena

Rebecca Wilson (‘17) and her family at the Marine Corps Museum. Photo Courtesy of: Rebbecca Wilson

to know that they’re loved and they’re supported even though that person may not agree with them.” After the initial shock of the news subsided and the questions began to die down, Miranda and Mikayla found it in themselves to support their father. “We’re really close now, closer than we were and I’m beginning to think I can be okay with this,” Miranda said. “I don’t agree with what he’s doing but I’m okay with him doing it because he is my father and I accept him.” When she realized that this was something they’d have to adjust to, Mikayla explains that it was just something she had to do. “If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have a dad in my life and I want that fatherly figure,” she said. “It’s different I’ll admit that but I wouldn’t trade him for anything.” Miranda and Mikayla’s lives were altered by the confession of their father, but even though it’s not the type of family they were used to, it still works. “People think it has to be cookie-cutter and it doesn’t,” he said. “What really defines family these days? Family really needs to be looked at with who serves those roles in your life and that doesn’t have to be biological.”

Laura Hickey By Alison Mairena Design Editor

Out of the 7,000+ languages spoken in the world, one in particular is commonly overlooked because speakers replace word with hand gestures. One part of the 70 million people who

use sign language in their everyday lives is Laura Hickey (‘15) Both of Laura’s parents are deaf and so she was taught to speak sign language at a young age. “Until I bring it up and tell people they usually don’t even know I can speak sign language, let alone have deaf parents.” Merging two different cultures, Laura has come to realize that “the hearing world is a lot different from deaf culture in communication, and as a result so are the social norms.” With American Sign Language, body language and emotion are extremely important because it helps the other person better understand what exactly is trying to be said. In public, “what my family considers a casual conversation may seem like a heated debate but body language just is a way to express tone of voice in ASL.” People will of course stare, but Laura finds it flattering because she can tell it is out of interest. When Laura is not with her parents and must contact them, she makes a phone call like a regular teenager. “In my house we have this videophone, or as we call it, a VP, and I really appreciate it because it helps my parents communicate so much easier. It’s like a video chat but instead of face to face an interpreter acts as a middleman.” The speaker interprets what Laura’s parents sign to them and then speaks in English to the caller. The only real setback is the language barrier between Laura’s parents and everyone else. “When my parents are alone, they usually have a pen and paper ready so they can just write out what they need to say. More recently though I noticed people are a lot more understanding

and can usually just gesture and point or give a thumbs up or down.” Laura and her sisters lend a hand whenever they are in public and act as interpreters as well. “I don’t think my life is different from others at all. Having deaf parents allowed me to experience life from the perspective of two cultures and and gave me the freedom blend their morals and social standards to make me into me. I lead life just like the average Joe.”

Rebecca Wilson By Abby Erdelatz Managing Editor

When Rebecca Wilson (‘17) first wakes up, her aunt and uncle are already gone. Soon, her mother and grandmother are awake and getting ready for work. When she leaves for school, her two sisters and cousins are leaving with her. When they get home, it’s just the kids until around 5:30, when everyone else starts to return. By the end of the day, all eleven members of Rebecca’s family are under the same roof: her mother, her mother’s boyfriend, her two sisters, her mother’s parents, her aunt and uncle, and her two younger cousins, and Rebecca herself. Two years ago, her mother’s side of the family moved in with them for financial reasons. “I liked it at first, because I hadn’t seen them in so long,” she said. Having the whole family together was fun in the beginning. But after some time, however, having a full house became less convenient. At dinner, most members of the family are in different places. “We tried to do the whole ‘eating together’ thing,

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“My dad and I were really close. He was my baseball coach and we used to hang out a lot. It’s just really different around my house now without him there.” -Jake Mays

Photo by: Alison Mairena

Left to Right:

Jake Mays (‘15) as a baby at a baseball game with his father. Jake’s 2013 Christmas light display. Photos Courtesy of: Jake Mays

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but after a while it got too hectic, so now we just all eat separately,” she said. And when you’re surrounded by ten other people, hectic is certainly the right word. “No one has any personal space,” she said. Needless to say, most of the kids share rooms. “I probably interact with my older sister the most, because we share a room,” she said. One thing is for sure: Rebecca’s house is rarely without action. In fact, that’s the best thing about her house. “You’re never alone,” she said. “You always have someone to talk to.”

Jake Mays By Chloe Sikora Web and Copy Editor

After three weeks of hanging up over 20,000 strands of lights and a month of programming, Jake Mays (‘15) finally finished decorating his house for Christmas. As you drive onto Monument Drive, it compares to no other houses on his street. The red, green, and white lights flash to the beat of the Christmas songs that play on your car’s radio station that are synced up to the lights. Most people just see the light show as a way to celebrate the holidays, but the Mays family sees it as a way to celebrate and commemorate the life of Jake’s dad. On December 26th, 2011, Jake lost his father, Brian Mays, due to a pulmonary edema. Even though he was only a freshman at the time of his father’s passing, Jake found it his duty to step up and take on the responsibilities of being the man of the house. “My dad and I were really close. He was my baseball coach and we used to hang out a lot. It’s just really different around my house now without him there,” said Jake Mays (15). Every year around the holidays, Jake and his dad had a tradition of putting up an extravagant light show in front of their house. Even though Jake no longer has his father there to help him, he still continued on the tradition. “We’ve changed a lot of stuff and it’s become a lot bigger. My mom helps me with a couple of things but it’s mostly me. It’s something me and my dad both enjoyed doing and I didn’t want to quit” said Jake. When asked about what he remembered most about his father, Jake said that he cared for everyone and was always there to help when it was needed. After his father’s passing, Jake said it really shed a light on how much his dad impacted people, which led him to build closer relationships with his dad’s friends. Jake hopes that every year he can make the light show even bigger and to carry on the tradition for years to come. “The lights were a great way for Jake to honor his father’s memory,” said Jake’s mom, Karen Mays. “It’s something our neighbors enjoy and they have been really helpful. It’s something great to share with other people because it brings joy and happiness to them.”


Seth Brodie By Chloe Sikora Web and Copy Editor

Left to Right:

“It has been seventeen years and I get to see who I was actually blood related to,” said Seth Brodie (‘14). Seth and his mother went on a search to find Seth’s birth parents and to find out his original story. His parents were in the military stationed in Okinawa previously when Seth they originally adopted him when he was an infant, his mother in the Navy working as a nurse and his father working as a marine on the base. So going back to the island was not just a random act of adventure, but a return to an old, familiar home. His journey started on the island, where his mother had met up with some of her old nursing friends and acted as their interpreters for the entire trip. “We toured the island and went to a bunch of historical places. I mainly wanted to see where I would have been living,” said Seth. From there, they went to the hospital where he was born. They ran into a little bit of trouble getting information from the office about his birth mother because the hospital did not want to give out information about patients. Luckily, his mother’s friends knew the doctor and he was more than willing to give them the information of his aunt and uncle. “My mother wasn’t able to keep me because of money and medical issues, so she gave me to my aunt and uncle,” Seth said, “We have no record of my dad.” Upon getting their phone number and address from the doctor, they called Seth’s aunt and uncle to meet with them at the Sanco, which is similar to a mall with many attached outdoor restaurants. “I was scared and happy at the same time. I was so nervous I was practically shaking,” Seth said. Seth, along with his mother and her friends, who acted as translators, met the couple at the restaurant. His aunt just started crying and apologizing for not having enough money to keep him. “They were great people although I couldn’t understand anything they were saying,” said Seth. The lunch was described as an almost revelation and it helped Seth really understand what could have been. With all the closure given and the trip over, Seth shared how his parents have given him everything and that experience made him appreciate them so much more. He said, “I had an eye-opener to how I would have been living and I realize how grateful I am to be living with parents who brought me in.”

Seth Brodie (‘14) as a toddler in front of a fountain. Seth as a child in front of his elementary school. Photos Courtesy of: Seth Brodie

“I had an eye opener to how I would have been living and I realize how grateful I am to be living with parents who brought me in.” -Seth Brodie

Photo by: Alison Mairena

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Austin Crow performing at Bella’s Cafe Photos Courtesy of: Robert Crow

one man band

Austin Crow (‘14) shares his journey of becoming the musician he wants to be. By Luke Hilmer Reporter

In a small corner in the Guitar Center’s 2012 Battle Sheeran,” he said. of the Blues, a young man holding a guitar hooked it Crow has decided not to let down his family, or his up to a few copper-shielded Egnator speakers and listeners. strummed out a tune that echoed throughout the room. He said, “When I graduate I plan on going to When he finished the song, a small applause and college for music. Either music performance, or music a “Whoop!” came from his audience. He calmly put production. No matter what I do it’s going to be about his guitar away and walked off camera He later won the music, and my fans who listen to it.” third place in the contest and posted the video on his Crow currently performs on his Youtube channel. YouTube channel. His name is He says that people commonly compliment his unique Austin Crow (‘14) style. Crow has used the knowledge I want my listeners to feel a his previous guitar lessons gave him Austin sings and plays four instruments: guitar, piano, bass, in order to learn other instruments. connection with my music mandolin. Although he currently works and me. I want them to look Since he’s a senior, Crow has to alone, Crow at one time did play up to me as a role model, make a big decision for his future: in a band with one of his friends, and I want to help them whether to take a chance and they called it Home By Midnite. He through difficult times with pursue a musical career, or find eventually left because he thought it something else. He has to consider my music.” wasn’t the right path for him. his fans, his future, and his family. -Austin Crow (’14) After he left the band, Crow “My family has supported my started doing gigs at local music from the start,” Crow said, establishments, he played music “They have spent so much money and time on my at a little coffee shop in Stafford called Bella Cafe, music career. They come to every gig I have and they after a little while he decided to sing. He then started are so proud of me.” playing gigs at fairs, bars, and coffee shops around Crow is a one man band, not only does he play the Virginia. He’s currently doing gigs at Antonio’s Italian music, he also writes it. Restaurant. “I care about other people more than I care about “I want my listeners to feel a connection with my myself. I write music to tell an emotion I have and to music and me. I want them to look up to me as a role share it with people. I want to express myself, and model, and I want to help them through difficult times hopefully inspire someone as the musicians I look up with my music,” Crow said. to inspired me, like John Mayer, Dallas Green, and Ed

linked Check out these links to Crow’s YouTube videos Battle of the Blues 2012

Cover of “Have You Ever Seen The Rain?” by Creedence Clearwater Revival

“The House of the Rising Sun” cover at Bella’s Cafe

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REVIEWS

Warning: Explicit Content Below

By Lauren Collis Reporter

In “The Wolf of Wall Street”, Leonardo DiCaprio plays a stockbroker named Jordan Belfort who swindles millions of dollars from investors through his sketchy stockbroking firm. DiCaprio’s character starts off as an eager, uncorrupted new guy on Wall-Street, but quickly spirals out of control when he begins to make thousands of dollars a week. With Jonah Hill as his odd sidekick, he begins to get wrapped up in the world of money, drugs, and sex.The movie is nearly three hours full of crazy, and sometimes disturbing, situations that occasionally have you wanting to look away. It isn’t surprising that the movie is rated R with graphic scenes and colorful language making it definitely a movie that you’d want to check with your parents before watching. Even though the movie is juvenile at times, the acting is superb. DiCaprio completely submerged himself into the role, turning himself into a sleazy character that no one would ever want to trust their money with. Throughout the film I was highly impressed with his acting, especially in one hilarious scene in which he narrates as he literally crawls towards his car. Jonah Hill impressed me as well with his portrayal of the humorous right-hand man to DiCaprio’s character. As expected, he handled the funny parts very well, like in one scene where he explains how he married his own cousin. What I wasn’t expecting was how he also handled the serious scenes equally as strong. Matthew McConaughey, who was in the movie for only a few brief moments, made a big impact on the development of DiCaprio’s character. He ultimately was the reason why DiCaprio went from loveable and ambitious, to seedy and not-so-loveable. All the actors did a great job in getting into their characters and making the movie much more engaging and enjoyable. Sadly, however, the acting was really the only silver lining I could find. Throughout the movie Scan this code for there were several mature scenes that eventually became ordinary due the trailer to their frequency. The cursing was a bit extreme, using the f-word over 506 times, a new record in movie history. For the most part the cursing seemed unneeded, almost like the director was actually trying to break the record. This movie definitely shows thatmoney brings women, based on several explicit scenes that can become very uncomfortable to watch with your parents (like I did). The drug use as well seemed very unrealistic and exaggerated, which took away from the enjoyment of the movie. I understood the purpose of the scenes, to show the lifestyle of the rich, but it all seemed very excessive. All in all, this movie had great acting from all the characters and some enjoyable scenes that had everyone in the audience laughing. It was a disappointment that such great acting didn’t accompany such a great movie. This movie takes cursing, drugs, and sexuality to the extreme, and I caution anyone who’s thinking about watching it that viewer discretion is definitely advised.

Top right:

Movie poster for “The Wolf of Wall Street.” To the left:

DiCaprio and Hill embracing during a scene in the movie. Above:

DiCaprio as Jordan Belfort in one of the opening scenes of the movie.

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Arctic Monkeys: Effortlessly Cool By Katie Bashista Feature Editor

The Arctic Monkeys’ cover for their newest album, “AM.”

One of the best musical groups to come out of England, the Arctic Monkeys, are making their way across the pond to start a U.S. tour, and we’re lucky enough to be one of their stops. The Arctic Monkeys are an indie rock band native to Sheffield, England that consists of Alex Turner (lead singer/lead guitar), Jamie Cook (rhythm/lead guitar), Nick O’Malley (bass guitar/ backing vocals) and Matt Helders (backing vocals/drums). The band formed in 2002 and rose to the top of UK charts with their first single “I Bet That You Look Good On The Dance Floor” and have since released five albums. Their newest album, “AM”, was released back in September and stunned fans and critics with a brand new sound. The album is a blend of several different genres including heavy rock, hip-hop, R&B, and even a hint of funk. In February 2012, the first single off the album, “R U Mine?” was released and is the typical British rock sound that the Arctic Monkeys have made all their own. After the release of this single, I expected the album to be just another angsty British rock album. Then they unleased “Do I Wanna Know” and it was a game changer. The slow, R&B influenced rhythm mixed

with Alex Turner’s smooth, almost dark vocals is a perfect combination that increased my anticipation for this album to the point where I was actually counting down the days until its release. This new sound can be found in most of the tracks on the album including “Mad Sounds” and “Fireside.” However they still haven’t lost the British rock sound that brought the Arctic Monkeys to the top in the first place with tracks like “Arabella” and my personal favorite, “Knee Socks.” Alex Turner describes this album as their most original album yet, but I would say that it’s one of the most original albums to be released in 2013. This new sound is proving to work in their favor because the album went to number one on the UK charts, making the Arctic Monkeys the first independent label band to have five number one albums in the UK. Alex Turner delivers the lyrics “So kind of you to bless us with your effortlessness” from a song on their second album “Favourite Nightmare” and while the lyrics weren’t written to pertain to them, they definitely fit the description. If you haven’t checked this band out yet, do it. It’ll be worth it.

4 movies to see in 2014 A New Perspective on the Afterlife By Chloe Sikora Web and Copy Editor

No good deed goes unpunished and “The Five People You Meet in Heaven” by Mitch Albom really reflects on that. It is a heartwarming story about the meaning of life despite one’s preconceptions of worthlessness. The reader is led through the life and afterlife of a maintenance man named Eddie, analyzing all of his small actions that made a surprisingly large impact on other people. The story opens up on Eddie’s 83rd birthday when he dies saving a little girl from an amusement park accident. We then follow him into his afterlife where he find heaven different than what he expected; instead of going straight to the pearly white stairs, Eddie finds himself meeting five people who affected his life, or vice versa. Each person was related to Eddie in some way, friend or stranger, and help put his experiences into perspective. In Albom’s short novel, each character creates their own separate heaven and they share insight on why and what dictated it. Throughout his successive journey after meeting five people, he experiences heartbreak, anger, happiness, and most all forgiveness to others and himself. It is a quick read because the suspense sucks you in. You just don’t know what is coming next. Even though it’s about death, it is still a heartwarming story that teaches you about the impact that one action can make. “All endings are also beginnings. We just don’t know it at the time.” This is one of the most prominent quotes of the story that inspires us to give ourselves some introspection on our life and our deeds, which are good or maybe overlooked. If you want to read a book about love, conquest, trial and error, and maybe want to cry, this is your book.

Three Days to Kill This action thriller is one of the must see action flicks of 2014 simply because of the classic suave acting of an eighties action star and the return of Kevin Costner. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes This sequel takes an apocalyptic turn, and with modern effects, the filmmakers should be able to pull off some never-before-seen stuff with terrifying apes. , 22 Jump Street With the first movie, 21 Jump Street, grossing at over $35 million, the follow up could be even funnier than the first, and one of the best comedies of the year. The Hobbit: There and Back Again As Peter Jackson’s last Middle Earth film, few fans will miss out on the chance to see the finale.

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Success in progress

Three students are beginning their college careers by following their dreams. Kenya Holland (‘14)

Comitting to Princeton basketball

By :Nia Washington Reporter

“When I first got the call, I was excited but completely overwhelmed at the same time. It was a call I never expected, and I certainly didn’t think I would actually end up going there,” said Kenya Holland (‘14). Kenya is a senior that is a 4 year varsity basketball star with a 4.375 GPA and is currently committed to Princeton University. Kenya is going to Princeton for both academics and athletics. “I honestly didn’t think that I was up to Princeton’s standards before they were recruiting me, but I’ve always wanted to go to an Ivy League school,” said Kenya. Kenya has been playing basketball since she was 8 years old and started playing AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) when she was 9. “I realized how good I could be and loved traveling with my team, meeting new people,” Kenya said. Kenya broke the school record her freshman year with 8 three-point shots in one game, her sophomore year she made 2nd team all district, and her junior year she broke her own record with 9 three-point shots in one game. Juggling both school and basketball isn’t easy for Kenya either. In order to even get into Princeton, she has to keep her GPA up. “It’s absolutely hard to be a student athlete; having tough classes and still focusing on improving in basketball. I’ve definitely had some very late nights when I’m tired after practice and still have to do homework. But the biggest thing is learning to manage my time so that I don’t stress myself out,” Kenya said. Kenya officially committed to Princeton right before school started. She struggled with the decision of whether or not it was the right school for her. “It’s an amazing feeling knowing that I’ve surpassed my own goals that I originally set for myself,” she said. “I couldn’t be happier with the decision I’ve made.”

Photo by: Nia Washington

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Alyese Shannon (‘14)

Aspiring off-broadway performer By Juliana May Reporter

Most students have been participating in their favorite sport or club since they were little, but this wasn’t the case for Alyese Shannon. In eighth grade Alyese participated in a mandatory school play, her introduction into the world of drama. “Moral of the story: you don’t have to start something when you’re three to have an advantage!” Alyese said. As a senior, Alyese is constantly thinking about her future and what she wants to do later in life. She auditioned for an acting agency, Don Buchwald and Associates, in New York City last December. The agent’s job is to inform actors of auditions coming up so they can prepare and get the job. The agent only gets paid when their actor gets a part. “I was really “fresh” in the business and not ready for that step quite yet,” Alyese said. Auditioning for a professional company doesn’t sound hard until you hear what it entails. The company did not make Alyese prepare a monologue, instead they gave her a monologue to read on site. “The audition is actually called reading because the give you a piece of a TV show script, called a side. They ask you to read and perform it simultaneously, no practice. It’s a cold-read. The cold-read and a couple interview questions made up the whole process,” Alyese said. Even though Alyese did not get signed by an agent she is still working hard toward a career in Music Theater. She has taken all the drama classes Colonial Forge offers and actively participates in plays. “Usually I audition for Summer Acting programs. The past two summers I studied in New York and at Radford University in Intensive Acting programs that have really helped me grow as an actress,” Alyese said. She hopes to major in music theater and audition for Broadway and Off-Broadway shows in New York. Until then she actively participates in school plays and drama classes. Photo by: Amber Roca

Christian Cole (‘16)

Fulfilling her lifelong singing goals

By Lexi Franklin Reporter

Christian Cole is working towards her dream of becoming a successful performer. Being only a sophomore, she is in the process of being signed to a management label, and she also performs at various venues. Christian has been singing since she was five, and recording since she was 13. “When I was 13, I became serious about music, so my parents got me to a recording studio,” said Christian. Around that time she was first signed to a management label and began working on an album. Unfortunately, there was a clash between authorities and had to walk away. She now has an opportunity to get signed by a bigger management label. Aside from recording, Christian has performed at several events throughout the years, and also increased her audience size. She started with talent shows, and moved to bigger audiences like the Masquerade Ball in Fredericksburg last October. In December she also performed for an annual Christmas event at Potomac Mills. In February, Christian will perform for her largest audience yet. She will sing the National Anthem for an audience of 800 at the Black History Gala at the expo center and the Pentagon. She got the opportunity to sing there because her godmother is an ambassador for the gala every year, and asked her to perform. Christian sings because of the way it makes her feel. “I feel like I’m no longer on Earth and I’ve left all of my troubles and worries behind,” said Christian. Christian has inspirations inside and outside of music. Christian said, “My love and passion for music is what inspires me.” She is also inspired by singers Beyonce and Elle Varne. Aside from music, her mother and godsister are her biggest role models. Christian has already achieved so much in her musical career, and is working towards getting signed by a major record label and getting her music out. “I have faith in my talent and abilities so I have always been prepared to succeed,” Christian said. Photo by: Lexi Franklin

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SETTING, WORKING, ACHIEVING: How winter athletes are planning on achieving their goals this season. By Erin Lipson Reporter

Photo by: Brianne Clasen

‘14

Sawyer Chaffin

GOAL: “I want to improve on individually getting better at my speed and endurance in the water and also help my underclassmen with getting along with the team and different strategies.” PREPARE: “Swimming involves a lot of cardio, so I went on frequent runs and and tried to get up my speed.”

Courtesy of: Mike Somers

‘15

Allison Taylor

GOAL: “I want to try to get under 5:20 for my mile time. I’ve never made it to that time before.” PREPARE: “Cross country helps a lot

to train me to get there. We practice every day and never have a day off. We run 7 miles every day after school in about an hour and a half.”

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Photo by: Chloe Sikora

‘14

Haley Cooper

GOAL: To have the team go to regionals, to individually make it to regionals, and to do a lot better than all of my other years.” PREPARE: “Every day we all come in for practice, sometimes at inhumane hours. We have given everything we have at practice knowing that the more we do our routines and skills the easier they become. The meets we have competed in have exceeded my expectations and we’re giving Stafford [the reigning regional and district champs the past several years] a run for their money.”

Courtesy of: Carter Ross

‘16

Carter Ross

Photo by: Amber Roca

‘15

Marco Haskins

GOAL: “To work hard in the gym every day to make myself and the team better, I want us to all work better as a team and grow closer as not only teammates but also as a family. We all want to win our conference and make it to states.” PREPARE: “We were in the gym every day as a team working our butts off and waiting for our football players who were going to play this year to come in the gym with us continue to strive for success.”

Courtesy of: Lifetouch

‘17

Vanessa Hernandez

GOAL: I want to have a winning record

GOAL: I want to win districts and I want

PREPARE: “ I went to conditioning and weight lifting and worked on my shooting. I have to get mentally prepared for the season. It’s one thing to be physically in shape and another to be mentally prepared. I have to get into a certain mindset before I play. ”

PREPARE: “I did fall ball, which is

and score 25 points in a game.”

to improve on shooting with my left hand.”

basically like pre-season. I also did weight lifting and lots of conditioning.”


From Left to Right:

Megan Rebholz runs during the final season of Cross Country. Her time was 18:36 for the 5K. Rebholz and her teamates surround their coach. Rebholz breaks the two mile record at the Cross Country meet. Rebholz gets encouragement from her coach. Photos Courtesy of: Mike Sommers

FOR THE RECORD

Megan Rebholz (‘14) breaks the two mile and 5k records. By Erin Lipson Reporter

“To break the record I didn’t do much differently,” In her final season of Cross country, Megan Megan said. “Except for really Rebholz (‘14) broke and set a new record focusing on drinking water in the for our Colonial Forge cross country team. Megan set the 6A conference 4 record with days leading up to it and I had to go to the bathroom in every single one a time of 18:36 for a 5K. of my classes that day because I Megan says that having her coach was hydrating too much.” believe in her makes it easier for her to Not shortly after breaking this push herself during a race. “My coach told me I could get the record record she moved on to also breaking the school record for the 2 so that was going through my mind the mile race. entire race.” Megan said “I thought it would Rebholz be cool to leave my mark on something.” “I broke the school record in the has 2 mile the week before we left for After falling short last year Megan pushed recently herself in training and just focused on Christmas break.” Megan said. commited Megan talked about how motivation keeping her body healthy, mind positive, really stuck with her throughout and staying injury free, and really trying to to UVA for push the pace of my every day runs. the entire race. “The race is 8 laps track. long and when I was on my last lap “I think I got there by just working my I could hear my coach screaming hardest and pushing myself every single at me that I could do it. It was the day,” Megan said. coolest feeling ever.” And that’s exactly what Megan did. Winning a race is not always about dedication and faith, it’s “My time was 10:53. In track, there is a specific time you have to run in order to qualify for the also important to prepare your mind and body conference meet.” Luckily Megan met this time physically and mentally.

Time out

and made it. “In the back of my mind I knew I had a chance to break the school record (which was 11:00) but I didn’t really believe I was going to do it.” Megan said. Coming into high school Megan never expected to make it as far as she did. She had hopes and goals but she wasn’t sure that she would actually reach them. She said “I never expected to do this well. It feels like a dream come true. This time my freshman year I wouldn’t have been able to run a 5k without walking so it has really been an amazing experience.” “I didn’t even think I could run so fast so early in the season. I ended up being one second away from qualifying for nationals, so that is my new goal.”

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Off the ice into a hover-round

Matt Drinkwater (‘14) shares the experience of being taken off the ice due to a knee injury. By Ashley Marshal Reporter

Matt Drinkwater (‘14) aka the scooter guy, has been seen around school causing traffic jams and allegedly giving students rides to their classes. Many don’t know exactly why and how he was put in his electric mobility scooter. In 2005, Matt lived in Hawaii, where he played on an ice hockey team. Not your typical sport on the big island, but Drinkwater loved playing. His love for the sport was eventually the cause of his long-term injury. Hockey players accept the possibility that they are going to get hurt. Speeding down the ice, plowing into the other team at full speed just to get the puck back in your possession is worth all the bloody noses and cracked ribs. During a game 9 years ago, Drinkwater checked one of his opponents, who then retaliated with a low check to his knee, causing him to fall to the ice. He shrugged it off, as hockey players are taught to do, and jumped right back into the game. Little did he know that his knee was in no condition to be skating on. In 2007, Drinkwater moved to Virginia with his family. He noticed the increasing pain in his knee, but ignored it. By 2008, the pain was unbearable, so Drinkwater finally visited a doctor. The doctor identified the problem: Drinkwater had been suffering from osteochondritis dissecans for the past 3 years. Usually a rare disease, Drinkwater’s injury is very unusual in that it has the same effects and outcomes as this biological defect, but he wasn’t born with it, which is usually the case. Osteochondritis dissecans, usually addressed as a joint disorder, happens when cracks form in the articular cartilage and in the underlying

bone. This cuts off the blood flow to the cartilage and causes the bone to die in a process called avascular necrosis. The bone is healed by the body but leaves the cartilage prone to damage and results in tiny fragments in the cartilage, restricting its ability to regrow. Not to mention the extreme pain with every step, and more cracking in the cartilage as well. The doctor gave him medicine to manage some of the pain. “Well, literally speaking, my cartilage basically died on me. I could be walking down the hallway and it would just give out on me and I couldn’t stop myself from hitting the floor. The medicine they gave me never really worked, so I just had to deal with it for 8 years,” he said. 5 years and 8 doctors later, Drinkwater finally got the surgery he needed. In October he underwent cartilage reconstruction surgery, but this was only the beginning. He had to have four surgeries altogether just to begin to fix the initial injury. When the doctor visits were over, Drinkwater was bound to his hoveround and told he couldn’t walk on his knee for 6 weeks. After that, he would undergo 9 months to a year of recovery, consisting of physical therapy and other traditional forms of healing. What began as just another game on the ice, ended with years of intolerable pain and ignorance from trained professionals. Matt is no longer able to play hockey and is not sure if his chances will get any better in the future. “If I could, I would get back on the ice tomorrow. I loved playing and it sucks that I’m not able to anymore,” he said.

Pain No Gain

Students find their injuries to be holding them back . By Lauren Collis Reporter

On October 29th, Andrew Fedowitz hit his head on the concrete floor of his garage and fractured the back of his skull, sustaining serious damage to his left frontal lobe. Fedowitz plays ice hockey and because of his injury, he loses valuable time to prepare for the upcoming season. “I won’t be able to go to training so I’ll be worn out and not ready,” Fedowitz said. Andrew Fedowitz (‘17) In November of 2013, Rebecca Hogarth was riding her horse when it bucked her off. She tried to use her wrist to break her fall, but ended up breaking her wrist instead. Her injury not only affected her, but her whole team. “It’s affected my riding team because they lost a teammate so now they’re down a person,” Hogarth said. Rebecca Hogarth (‘15)

From Left to Right:

An image of Drinkwater’s knee with the cracks in his cartilage. Drinkwater on his scooter in order to keep the pain off his knee from a previous hickey injury. Photos Courtesy of: Matt Drinkwater

Last December, Mary Howe sprained her back during gymnastics season and then resprained it before cheer invitationals this year. Then, during pep rally a fellow cheerleader accidentaly landed on Howe’s head, causing a concussion. Now her simple day-today experiences have changed. “I haven’t been in [school] at all November or December. I can’t go to the mall and I can’t do gymnastics this year,” Howe said. Mary Howe (‘15)

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Photo by: Jenna Smith

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James Granderson

Class of ‘16

Running in australia

By Jenna Smith Reporter

Australia: James Granderson (‘16) has been invited to go to Australia and represent the state of Virginia in the 100m hurdle this summer in a competition called Down Under Sports. Down Under Sports is an annual international sports clinic and tournament organized by International Sports Specialists, Inc. He was recruited at his first state meet last year as a freshman in high school. “I am excited to go and represent Virginia,” Granderson said. “I’m prepared but expect a lot of competition because we will be competing against athletes all over the world including Russia and China.”

At the forge: Granderson first began running track in the 7th grade. This spring will be Granderson’s second year running track at Forge. He will be participating in the 110m hurdle, 300m hurdle, 4x4 relay, 200m dash, 400m, 4x1 relay, long jump, high jump and pole vault. He was scouted as a freshman in high school to represent the state of Virginia in a world wide meet in the summer of 2014. He also had a successful track season for Forge last year.

Whats Next: The Down Under Sports event was originally designed to improve athletes and help them get noticed and accepted into college. As a sophomore,Granderson has gotten 3 college letters from universities. So far, they are at the bottom of his interest. “I am trying really hard to be scouted by a D1 university, ” Granderson said. “Moreso the Air Force Academy, because my older brother got accepted to the Naval Academy in 2011 when he ran track at Forge, and I really want to beat his 110m hurdles state record.” Placing at the meet this summer, Down Under Sports could make it easier for Granderson to get noticed by his desired D1 colleges.

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2

1 Photo by: Amber Roca

1) Boys basketball said the Mountain View game was their best. T.J. Flood’s personal best was Stafford, the first of the season, with 13 points, 3 assists, and 3 steals. “Stafford was a good game. Me and my team stuck to the fundamentals and played our game,” said Flood (‘15).

6

2) Boys swim won 206 to 70 against Brooke Point on January 25, 2014 at the Woodlands Pool. Brandon Hickey (‘15) said, “ We won by over a hundred points. That’s our best meet.” 3) At the Patriot meet, gymnastics placed second. Senior Jennica Pesino scored a 8.62 on the vault, where the gymnast runs and then bounces on the spring board, twists or flips, and then is supposed to stick the landing. “It was the highest score I’ve gotten, and the most difficult, said Pesino. “You have to keep your toes up long enough to finish the twist.”

Photo by: Maison Chaffin

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Photo by: Triston Jilson

4) Step team placed third at the competition at Mary Washington with a African-themed dance. “We had a lot of practices where we had to stay until 9 pm. It was fun though, since we got to know each other better,” said Jennia Harris (‘15)

5

Photo by: Maison Chaffin

8) At the St. Christopher meet, the winter track team had many people who placed for states. Crystal Jones qualified in regional long jump and Megan Rebholz qualified for states. The 4x8 qualified for regionals as well. “For how much time we missed from the snow, we did surprisingly well. You kind of have to hope everyone has been doing what they were supposed to. It was refreshing,” said Coach Leyh.

Photo by: Amber Roca

5) Girls basketball’s best game was against Stafford, where Camille Downs (‘16) scored 9 points, 5 steals, and 3 rebounds. “The game was good, even though I don’t think I was there mentally, I still managed to pull their way and give us victory in the end. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard,” said Downs.

9) The best swim meet was when Forge beat Brooke Point 200-82. Girls swim placed second at the North Stafford meet, which was deemed the most challenging. “It was great seeing everyone’s hard work payed off at districts. As a team, I think we did prettty well,” said Keara Garrity (‘16).

Photo by: Maison Chaffin

6) The best meet for gymnastics would be the last meet at Patriot High School, where Shannon Lea (‘15) scored 8.3 of 10 on bars. “We came in almost three and a half points of beating Stafford,” said Lea. Forge has consistently placed second throughout the season. 7) Brooke Point was unanimously the dance team’s best competition. They earned 1st place in variety with a jazz number, 1st place in small varsity hip hop , 3rd place for large varsity jazz, and 3rd place in a lyrical number. ”I was really nervous going into the competition as a junior and captain. Having placed so well, I felt good helping the girls get there, who really put in the most work,” said Riley Ford (‘15).

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3

8

Photo Courtesy of: Keith Franklin

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Photo by: Triston Jilson

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Photo Courtesy of: Lifetouch

1


10 season “We drill excessively. Serious drills are the best way to control matches and situations, and also the best way to win,” said Coach Swink. Colonial Forge’s wrestling team is the number two ranked team in the state of Virginia and its wrestlers are working harder than ever to make sure that their rank becomes number one. With returning senior wrestlers becoming nationally ranked and receiving scholarships for their craft, they intend to

Photo Courtesy of: Lifetouch

have a lengthy career in college and hopefully receive a scholarship. “You have to work and focus on your technique and getting all your moves down,” said Dylan Hunziker (‘14). He wrestled at the Escape the Rock Tournament in Pittsburgh and beat a nationally ranked wrestler and then placed sixth overall.

top 10 games this

By Chloe Sikora and Eli Hand Web/Copy Editor, Reporter

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features

Little-known facts about Mr. and favs: Heller. By Jenna Smith Sports Editor

If you had a do over? “If I had a do over I would study more in high school, but other than that I have no regrets.

role model?

biggest pet peeve ?

“When people take or steal other people’s stuff and don’t treat it with respect. I see that a lot in class.”

Your motto?

“Everything in Moderation” LIFE shaping moment? “My travel between the US and Germany has shaped me because growing up in Germany was really different and coming to the US in ‘88 or ‘89 for high school and college was a new change. I had to make all new friends, and then going back to Munich for grad school just opened my eyes to the different things and people.”

favorite thing to do with the kids?

“My role model is my grandpa because he really introduced me to many of the things that I am involved in today, like sports and outdoor activities. My mother really encouraged me but my grandfather really pushed me.”

Favorite High school memory? “The best high school memory is when I went on a class trip down to South France for 10 days with my buddies.”

“I like going outdoors and going down to the river with my kids. I like seeing how much they enjoy playing on the rocks and going camping.”

Pets?

“We have 3 chickens and a cat.”

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fro m Managing Editor Abby Erdelatz

k

Editor In Chief Shelby Shillingburg

Editor’s de e s th

lasts

Word

A family is made once everyone unconditionally cares for each other. It can’t be forced based on relation.”

Design Editor Alison Mairena Web and Copy Editor Chloe Sikora editors Features- Katie Bashista Entertainment- Brianne Clasen Sports- Jenna Smith Photo- Amber Roca Business Manager- Cameron Scovell Staff Nia Washington Lexi Franklin Juliana May Erin Lipson Brooke Warren Eli Hand Nathan Hawkins

Lauren Collis Reed Melancon Ashley Marshall Cronje Helm Maison Chaffin Luke Hillmer

editorial Policy The Talon is the official student magazine of Colonial Forge High School. All articles are studentwritten. Views expressed are those of the student writers and editors, and are not necessarily shared by the administration or staff of Colonial Forge. The staff strives to uphold the highest journalistic ethics and standards. Unsigned editorials represent the majority of the editorial board. Letters to the editor are welcome and should be submitted to Room 301 or e-mailed to cfhstalon@gmail.com.

I have lived with my single mom most of my life. When I was little and I would go to my friends’ houses, I would always feel so different. My friends had both parents and siblings and for awhile I felt as if maybe I was at a disadvantage. Maybe I was missing out somewhere. Family is traditionally seen as a husband, wife, and a few kids all under one roof. The emphasis was solely on relation. Anything else wasn’t considered a real or healthy family. A society measured how well you met its expectations. If a family didn’t fit, it was criticized and belittled. Anything that wasn’t ‘normal’ was considered caustic to the identity. As society’s moved forward it has become more willing to accept the differences of families. It now values the variety and how that helps build a person. A family is as a group of people who help raise one another by providing love and support. A family sticks together and protects each other. A family is made once everyone unconditionally cares for one another. It can’t be forcibly made based on relation. A family is what you make of it. There is no right or wrong answer. Based on the older views, I should be at some sort of disadvantage, but I don’t feel that way. As I’ve grown I’ve realized that I haven’t lost anything by having a single mom, but I have gained my Nana. Although most people don’t consider their grandparents as immediate family, I can’t look at my Nana as anything but. We don’t live together but I talk to my Nana everyday. My mother, Nana, and I are close. We help and protect each other. That’s what makes us a family.

Tired

There are many different family types out there. We aren’t cookie cutters, we all come from different backgrounds. Here alone there are adopted families, families with parents deployed, families with communication barriers, families with missing parents, families with gay parents, big families, small families, but all still families. I’m not saying that having a different family circumstance is necessarily ideal, but it’s those differences that make us who we are. It’s those difference that build our personalities. As teenagers, our family grow to our friends, groups, and clubs. You pick your family based on who you want to become. Those you associate with help you grow and change into the person you will be. Jake Mays continues tradition because of the memory of his dad. Miranda and Makayla Hendrickson have become more accepting because of their dad. Laura Hickey is able to blend two cultures and create her own morals because of her parents. Seth Brodie is able to recognize greater possibilities because of his adoptive parents. And I have developed a creative outlook because of my Nana and learned what it means to be strong and persevere because of my mom. I am who I am thanks to my family. While at the moment these different families don’t seem stereotypical, this won’t always be the case. The definition of the modern family is going to keep expanding as those with different circumstances pass on their experiences and morals. The modern family isn’t a nuclear family. It’s much broader than that.

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