February Issue 2011

Colonial Forge High School 550 Courthouse Rd., Stafford, VA 22554

Pages 2, 8-9 A Farewell to Mr. Mammarella Page 3 One Act Play Festival Huge Success Page 10 Forge-Based Charity Helps Fund Brain Research Page 6 Local Bands find Huge Success

The Talon

cfhstalon@gmail.com

Volume 11, Issue 4

News

The Talon

2

February, 24

The Talon

Colonial Forge High School 550 Courthouse Road Stafford, VA 22554 (540) - 658 - 6115 cfhstalon@gmail.com

Editor in Chief Lauren Rogers Senior

Managing Editors John Schwartz Senior

Caitlin Russell Senior

Editors Tarah Portland Entertainment Junior

Natalee Rombough Photography Senior

Stephanie DeVaux Opinions

Mr. Mammarella to retire after 17 years; 11 at Forge Taylor Ross Reporter

Mr. Nick Mammarella has been an assistant principal at Colonial Forge since the school opened, in 1999; unfortunately, his time here at Forge is coming to an end.

Mr. Mammarella will leave on February 25th, 2011.

“I had planned to retire on July 1 of this year, but an opportunity to work with Marine families to assist in the transition of school moves during military relocations became available.” Mr. Mammarella will be taking a job with the Marine Corps, continuing what he loves to do, working with kids and their families, helping the kids to feel comfortable during their transitions to their new schools. “It was too hard to pass up.” Mr. Mammarella explains that he was

disappointed that he couldn’t stay until the end of the year, but the job was a once-in-alifetime chance, and he had to take it.

Mr. Mammarella will miss Forge, he says “I have mixed emotions.” The thing he will miss most is “The students, just the students.”

Mr. Mammarella has been close to the students here at Forge, and will miss the relationships he has formed over the years. He has stayed an assistant principal for that reason; “I never became a principal because it would remove the availability, and I wouldn’t be as close with the students.” His favorite memory involves a student from Forge a couple years ago. “He was mentally and physically handicapped. And when he walked across the

stage at graduation, all of the other students gave him a standing ovation.” That, he says, showed the genuine compassion of the student body, another thing he will miss about Forge.

Even though he is leaving his position as an assistant principal at Colonial Forge do to a recent job opportunity, Mr. Mammarella still plans to vacation in Germany for 2 weeks, and also take a motorcycle tour around the country for 2 weeks.

Although he will not be here next year, both faculty and students both will always remember, and miss, the adventurous and caring Mr. Mammarella.

See More on Pages 8-9 Mr. Mammarella has been an admin at Forge for 11 years

Junior

Shelby Ball Features

Sophomore

Kathleen Namey

A Day in the Life of: Mrs. Wilson

News

Junior

Grace Phillips Sports

Senior

Staff Naoko Branker, Kayla Boyer, Ashley Bruner, Mary-Margaret Bruner, Liza Contreras, Allie Cox,Kyle Doescher, Ashleigh Dye, Katie Garrison, Scott Gates, Jeremy Granderson, Christian Hawks, Alex Hottle, Zachary Johnson, Manuel Lemus, Kevin Leyh, Donovan Moore, Christopher Morehead, Ricardo Morrison, Megan Niewold, Sean O’Neill, Taylor Ross, Chanea Rutland, Hannah Somers, Kristen Steele, Leekeisha Stover, Susan Taah, Emmily Upshaw, Joe Vargo, Kyra Youngblood The Talon is the official student newspaper of Colonial Forge High School.

All articles are student-written. 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. The Talon is printed monthly by Narrow Passage Press.

Letters to the editor are welcome and should be submitted to Room 301 or e-mailed to cfhstalon@gmail.com.

Allie Cox Reporter

In a school of over two thousand people it may be hard to find someone in the crowd, but with her unique style you could easily point out Mrs. Wilson.

“I’m not afraid to be me” said Mrs. Wilson.

Have you ever found yourself forgetting your homework, needing to check your grades, or asking your teacher a question? If so, you can thank Mrs. Wilson, the webmaster of Colonial Forge’s school fusion page.

As the programming teacher, Mrs. Wilson controls her classroom and Forge’s school fusion page.

“Crazy Insane” she describes her average day at Colonial Forge. “There’s always something new.”

It can get kind of crazy being a teacher.

There’s always new drama that the kids talk about, new things happening at Forge, and trying to keep her classroom as exciting and as much fun as she can make it.

“I have four kids so it’s a mad rush in the

Mrs. Wilson teaches the programming classes at Forge as well as doing many things behind the scenes.

mornings to get everything done.”

Out of the eight class periods within our block scheduling Mrs. Wilson has six; three classes each day so she is constantly busy.

Besides her appearance, what makes her different from others?

She’s very down to Earth, an easy person to talk to, and is always herself.

In her spare

time you would probably find Mrs. Wilson solving the Rubik’s cube, doing puzzles, watching movies, the Maryland Terrapins, or listening to music.

If you’re ever looking for her you would most likely find her in her room, since school fusion and a classroom is a big duty you won’t find her at the bus or lunch shifts. You could however find her in the DI committee, school

leadership, or sponsoring the young republicans.

“I also try and attend school functions to see my students doing things” said Mrs. Wilson.

Colonial Forge is the only school that she has taught at. She started in the marine’s developing curriculum, before becoming a teacher.

“I liked teaching the information to people”

she said.

And what better way to spread information out to people than to teach it. She teaches in the high school because she enjoys this age group of people, there’s always something new that they are talking about and are somewhat more mature than children.

“I like this age group … the students are the best,” said Mrs. Wilson of Colonial Forge students.

Mrs. Wilson is a very fun teacher. For instance, what if she she woke up in a real life game of zombies?

“I would call all my friends and students together and make plans to defeat the zombies and win.”

Busy days filled to the brim, yet still as fun as she can make them. Mrs. Wilson enjoys her days and the people at Colonial Forge.

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The Talon

News

February, 24

Advanced Programming classes score big with midterm games Liza Contreras Reporter

Exams this year, particularly with the added snow days, were extremely stressful. However, some classes found a way to get past the typical scantron and 150 question exam.

Mrs. Wilson’s advanced programming class used a game-making program, Game Maker, for their first semester exam.

“For the first semester, the class’s main focus was gaming: attaining knowledge about the significance and progression throughout the years,” said Mrs. Wilson. Each student attained better knowledge of the past and present of gaming. By learning the importance of each system and the successes the students were better able to plan ahead what they wanted their game to be based around. During the process of making their games each student made their own sprites, moving

pieces, or using ones already programmed in game maker.

“I’m satisfied with my work, for the most part, but I would have liked to make more,” said, Joshua Lewis (’11). Each student picked their own game but had to follow certain criteria.

The objective was to be able to understand the “theme” of the game and interpreting it into each room. They enhanced each level by using objects, backgrounds, and sound effects each pertaining to their set themes.

“The main focus and target for my exam was to make a simple yet difficult game, something similar to the classics,” said Vuong Nguyen (’11). “It’s a lot of work, but I at least tried.”

Gaming began with Space Wars back in 1961 at MIT

by Steve Russell. Now a half a century later, games have changed from when they were first presented to the world. In the advanced

class, each student studied the impact that gaming made on the American culture and how it has affected us today.

“My game has only two levels, but the second level is a survival level that mixes into more than just that one level,” said Trevor Won (’11).

“I am proud of each of my student’s work; looking back it seems easy, but the process is actually very hard,” said Mrs. Wilson, “Most of the games can be played on any PC, but I put it up on my fusion page so that they have access to them.”

Each student interviewed on average plays three to four hours of videogames.

Although a future game may not be set into any of the students future, it’s most definitely a hobby they’re sure to keep.

Nam, quam ere minctur, sum faceatum conserferum in consequae mo i

Drama’s One-Act Festival is a huge success John Schwartz Managing Editor

The first annual One-Act play Festival occurred here at Forge on February 4th and 5th and enjoyed huge success from students, teachers and parents alike. “I missed about the first five minutes of Gary Sharp’s play,” said Mrs. Fulmer, “but that kid must be crazy.”

The Festival featured four one-act plays written and directed by Colonial Forge Students.

Phobia was the play that was chosen to be performed at the district VHSL competition, and was the only student written and directed play shown. Taylor Vashro (‘12), who plays a girl with an unusual case of Papyrophobia, was chosen to play on the all-star cast. The all-star cast is comprised of the five best actors and five best actresses to perform a

certain play.

Shannon Strong (‘11), who hopes to pursue a future in directing film, directed The Interview.

“It’s my first time directing something on stage,” she said of Anna Gannon’s (‘11) play. Her love for directing stems from “all the creative control” she holds. “It was really cool seeing Anna’s creation on stage that I directed.”

The plays were written by Drama III/IV student’s who at first only had to write the first ten pages, then eventually finish their plays. When asked why she thought the play she wrote wasn’t chosen, Shannon remarked “it was terrible and it would have bored people to death.”

Shannon added that she liked “transforming someone

else’s work” better than directing her own.

Maren Hunsberger’s (‘11) play, on the other hand, was one of the four chosen. “Utterly, incredibly surprised” is how she described her feelings when she realized her play was chosen. “Stretching my talents and collaborating with other artists was invigorating,” Maren said, “it was fascinating to see the play through the eyes of the actors and director, to see my own work with new eyes, and to see it take on a new form.”

If you were not able to get out to see the plays, the Drama department plans to sells DVDs of the event later on in the year.

One-Act Plays Featured

The Substitute Written by: Gary Sharp (‘12)

The Interview

Directed by: Stephen Hensell (‘12)

Written by: Anna Gannon (‘11)

An innocent class period with a substitute teacher turns into a zany predicament... can the students escape the clutches of the ‘evil’ substitute in time?

Directed by: Shannon Strong (‘11)

The Genesis Complex Written by: Maren Hunsberger (‘11) Directed by: Ian Bamberg (‘11) In a futuristic world, people are chosen to further humanity if they possess the ‘ideal’ qualities, but a young man & woman question this situation and the humanity of those who

Two sisters attempt to start a theatre to honor their mother’s wishes, and end up interviewing two goofy directors & their acting troupe of misfits from all over the world.

Phobia Written by: Hannah Josi (‘12) Directed by: Daniel Blosser (‘11) Two friends attempt to forcefully cure their four buddies of some seemingly ridiculous phobias... but the plan backfires with hilarious results!

Entertainment The Talon

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February, 24

Prom Dress Tips for 2011: Short vs. Long Tarah Portland Entertainment Editor

Every year, prom has the same look: girls in long dresses and guys in bow ties and cummerbunds. If you think about it, you could technically pull out your mom’s old prom dress and you’d still be in style. But this year, it’s time to spice things up, a change of pace, if you will.

If you’re not a senior, it’s time to rip off everything below the knee, and start rocking the short dress.

“Short dresses are fun, not that formal and easy to dance in! For juniors, you still have another year so you might as well live it up now and get fancy when you’re a senior,” says Alissa Kelley (’12). Long story short: step into the 21st century, with a little more bare leg than in the past.

However, if you are a senior, stick with the classics.

Low fancy backs, long

Stephanie DeVaux Opinion Editor

dresses, and black tuxes are a must. Think about it; this is your last prom ever. That being said, you want to party in style. Catie Platt (’11) says, “Wearing long dresses are just plain traditional. If you’re a senior, you won’t be able to look this fancy again!

So with that being said, I think all seniors should wear only long dresses.”

Teenage girls take all day getting ready: nail appointments, hair appointments, make-up, and finally zipping up the perfect dress they found months ago. Prom is all about how you look. Don’t ruin your night by being sucked into wearing your mom’s dress.

Roll with the new style, and you’ll have yourself the time of your life and look good while you’re doing it.

“Short dresses are way more fun than a boring old long dress.”

- Abigaile McCue (’12)

long dresses

58%

short dresses “It’s prom; a long dress is non-negotiable.”

- Samantha Harman(’11)

42%

Sony unveils new portable game system, the NGP Joe Vargo Reporter

Sony just announced its new portable gaming device to compete with Nintendo’s 3DS and it is packed with features, potentially overshadowing the hype around the 3Ds, Sony’s new console is codenamed the NGP or Next Generation Portable. The console is basically a sequel to Sony’s popular PSP, and while the NGP looks similar, it adds many innovative features. The most notable improvement would be the touch features. The front screen is touch sensitive as well as a touch sensitive pad on the back of the device.

The purpose of the front and back touch screens is to allow for intuitive controls and allow for new and creative games. The NGP also takes after the iPhone with front and back facing cameras. Sony demonstrated the device at a press conference in Japan and the many ways the technology could be used. On top of the

touch capabilities the NGP was redesigned to have 2 analog sticks for first person shooters and easier controls.

Furthermore the NGP has graphics that look close to what is available on Ps3 or Xbox 360. It is also rumored that the NGP will have WiFi or 3G connectivity. Sony designed the device so you would be able to play a game at home and then play it portably on the NGP. Nintendo has always had a monopoly over the portable gaming world, but will the NGP steal the show? It’s hard to say when the two devices are marketed towards different demographics. Nintendo’s 3DS launch titles include Mario Kart, Animal crossing, and Zelda. While the NGP’s Launch line-up includes Killzone, Call of Duty, and Uncharted. It appears the NGP is targeting the hardcore gamers and tech aficionados while the 3DS aims for the casual gamers.

It appears that Sony doesn’t have plans to take over the handheld gaming market with its portable powerhouse but rather provide an alternative to the DS and a supplement to the PS3.

Although the NGP seems cutting edge, there are skeptics. Many are concerned that with all the powerful hardware and features jam-packed into the NGP, that the price will be too high for it to be successful. Another concern is the length of the battery life with all of the NGP’s components. Sony hasn’t commented on the price or any hardware specifics, so we will have to wait to closer to the release, later this year.

Entertainment

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The Talon

Justin Bieber: Actually Successful Manuel Lemus Reporter

There’s no denying that Justin Bieber has swept into the hearts of millions of teenage girls over the past two years. No doubt he has been successful with his music, his album topping number one on the charts and all his singles being in the top half of the charts. He has even gained fame around the world; a teen sensation.

Some people seem to be getting out of hand with this kid. He gets a 500 dollar hair cut, yes 500 dollars! Am I the only who thinks that’s ridiculous? To make it even worse he has his own line of nail polish. Looks like companies just want to put his name on simple goods and watch it sell out like crazy.

Now Bieber is getting his own movie.

Shannon Lowe (‘13) said “I think it’s going to be cool

that it shows how he came from a small town and rose to fame. But an inspiring story doesn’t hide the fact that his music sucks.”

Beau Bouie (‘12) says “He deserves it. He has a huge fan base and has done so much at his age. I’m for sure going to watch it.” It is true that at the age of sixteen he has sold out venues, including Madison Square Garden, all over the country and has been nominated for awards but should there really be a movie over Beibs?

Matt Myers (13) says, “My life is more interesting than his. Just because I don’t have a preppy boy haircut doesn’t mean my life isn’t interesting.”

If he deserves his movie or not, we all know that it’s sold out. Millions of fans are willing to pay

money to hear his story and realistically being able to do that at his age is pretty cool. I have to give props to the kid for being able to stay in the spotlight for this long. Maybe he is the next big thing or he’ll just be like every teenage pop sensation and fade away over time.

Maybe he will be the next big thing or like every teen pop star just disappear; past pop stars Aaron Carter and Jesse McCartney. Even if that does occur Justin Beiber has done things the majority of us won’t do.

major hit. “Why so serious?” donned t-shirts, status’ and posters everywhere and his face was around every corner. You could argue that this was particularly because of Heath Ledger’s death, but I know the real reason: everyone, deep down, knows he’s right.

“You know what I’ve noticed? Nobody panics when things go “according to plan.” Even if the plan is horrifying! If, tomorrow, I tell the press that, like, a gang banger will get shot, or a truckload of soldiers will be blown up, nobody panics,

because it’s all “part of the plan.” But when I say that one little old mayor will die, well then everyone loses their minds!” That’s possibly the most memorable quote The Joker left us with.

You know though, he’s right.

We turn on the news in the morning and hear of chaos in Afghanistan and Mexico. A soldier might be risking their lives, and a family their parent, but everything is going “according to plan”, right?

Even though The Joker was created to be a foil for

February, 24

Comic book plots reveal truths of society

Lauren Rogers Editor-in-Chief

I’m not going to lie to you, I got the idea for this article from two comics.

To be more specific on that, I got the idea from Batman and The Green Hornet. Both storylines deal with corrupt towns and the citizens that have accepted it as part of their everyday life. When you actually think about it, even with the costumes, crazy weapons, and masked villains these comics do a very accurate job of representing our own society.

In the latest Batman installation, The Dark Knight, The Joker was a

Autumn, is a second Spring, when every leaf is a f lower -Albert Camus Sponsored by: One Year of Garden

Batman (and he does his job extremely well), it seems he was also designed to leave fans thinking. He parades around town treating citizens like pawn pieces in a game and at the same time his lunatic ramblings make a bit of sense. We’ve all gotten way to used to chaos that the only chaos we even see as chaos anymore is the chaos we don’t see coming; what nobody warns us of, no matter how great or how little.

Still in theaters is The Green Hornet and although I wasn’t particularly impressed nor left with the feeling of being ripped off, the plot does have an underlying frame. In a crime ridden world where the people have come to accept murder and rape as part of their everyday life, two men set out to wake everyone up. The movie was laced with a lot of comedy and action, but the idea that our world has become far too desensitized to violence is very realistic.

I walk down the halls and through the mall seeing movie posters for The Green Hornet and backpacks with Batman insignias, though I’m sure that the reason that people like these comics, along with the numerous others blowing up our TV screens, isn’t because of the underlying metaphors and deep plot lines. People love comics because they’re action packed, fantasies.

Everyone wishes they could be a hero by night and an everyday citizen by day.

Recognition and fame is sought world-wide and by reading and watching these masked adventures, we can get just a bit closer to that fantasy.

However, if everyone just realized that doing something about the state of our society is as easy as speaking to students in the rough neighborhoods about avoiding gangs, then maybe being a hero isn’t as far-fetched as we thought.

Our neighbors are heroes, our parents are heroes and

our grandparents are heroes.

There are firefighters, soldiers and doctors all around us. Instead though, we’ve allowed it to come to the point that by January 11th, 2011 there had been exactly 11 homicides in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

That’s one murder, in one county, every day. Hey though, it’s “PG” County, the gang capitol of our area and the site of at least two murders a week, it’s nothing unexpected, right?

You’re wrong.

You’re so wrong. Why should we come to accept pointless murders over weird looks or a few bucks someone forgot to pay back?

We shouldn’t. In my opinion, this has become one of the many great failings of our time. Not so much the people committing the crimes, but those that can paint their nails and chat on the phone as a news anchor reads from a piece of paper, “…the latest murder victim was a student at the university…”

Entertainment The Talon

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February, 24

Student Bands, Local Success

Ally Hottle Reporter

Mary Margaret Bruner Reporter

In a school dominated by sports and academics, a few students have branched out and set their sights on a different type of goal: music.

Now, The Talon is giving those brave young musicians a chance to expand their fan base and get credit for all of their work. While the genres vary, the talent and dedication of both bands remains the same.

Sophomore, Bradley Wyatt, has been playing in a band for almost a year, “I started Once Upon A Nightmare in March of 2010 after me and lifelong friends David Herriott (’13) and John Abel (’13) had wanted to start a band for about a year.” Under the name Once Upon A Nightmare, Bradley and his friends played local shows at Fredericksburg venue, The Refuge, and began to make a name for themselves. In December Bradley decided it was time for a change. The boys changed their name to Depths of Mariana and began playing a different genre, deathcore.

Wyatt draws inspiration for this change of genre form bands like Oceano, And Hell Followed With, and City And Color. As far as their plans for the future Wyatt says, “We would like to record and have a tour in the next five years.” Currently,

MTV’s Skins sheds light on real issues

Members of Being Born Rich, Wade Cook (‘11), Gregory Nowotarski (‘11) and Sean O’Neill (‘11) have been looked at numerous record labels and continue to make new music.

they are writing for their EP and designing merchandise.

You can check them out on Myspace and like their page on Facebook.

In addition to Depths of Mariana, another band made up of CFHS students is making waves in the music scene. Being Born Rich, an alternative band from the minds of Greg Nowotarski (’11), Sean O’Neill (’11) and Wade Cook (’11), has also been flying under the

radar at Colonial Forge.

With a 2-song demo already released, Greg is hopeful they will make it far, “We plan to take it as far as it allows us to go. The support of everyone makes me pretty hopeful we’ll go far though.”

The demo is free and the band is going to start selling t-shirts soon so check with one of the members to buy one. Also, make sure to listen to their music on their Myspace or Facebook page.

With all this talent at Colonial Forge, it’s important to support our fellow students in their attempts to make a name for themselves in the music business. The best way to show your love is buying their records and merchandise and keeping an eye out for shows. Who knows, in a few years you may be able to say, “Hey I went to high school with those guys!”

The American MTV version of Skins premiered on January 17 as a remake of the formerly aired British series. Although similar concepts are covered, the British edition is more blunt and vulgar in terms of their diction, regarding nudity and drug use. Due to the lack of censorship in the U.K., the U.S. version is still controversial.

The Parent Television Council (PTC), an American organization, has strong opinions toward the content of the British remake. The various shows on MTV, such as 16 and Pregnant, show that having sex as young adults isn’t glamorous, as wherein Skins completely contradicts the message.

The PTC is arguing that Skins casts a false image of all different backgrounds because it suggests that young adults participate in strong promiscuous activities and illegal substance use, followed by strong language and disrespect toward elders. Also, as a result of the actors being minors, a PTC spokesman, Dan Isett, stated, “The characters are completely nihilistic. They don’t care about anything.”

The show is aimed toward younger audiences despite viewer’s discretion being advised and an M for mature rating. The majority of younger audiences tune out the significance

of the message, which could ultimately influence behaviors.

Since the PTC made such a large controversy toward the remake, students are saying the series Skins is entertaining and doesn’t influence them. The content of the show expresses how people deal with their problems in the least responsible way which gives students the ability to make better decisions. “The controversy with this MTV remake is not needed,” says Jessie Loyd (’13) “High school students at Forge have more knowledge than to participate in such activities because of an MTV series.”

Dysfunctional families, mental illnesses including eating disorders, sexual orientation identity, substance abuse, and death are reflected by the actions through characters in the series such as, Tony Stonem, Michelle Richardson, and Sid Jenkins. The parents of teens are turning the series into something that could potentially corrupt the minds of our generation, although students are taking a different view.

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Endangered Species, Hitting Close to Home

Features

The Talon

February, 24

Hannah Somers Reporter

In Virginia alone there are 63 endangered plant and animal species. This means that there are 63 living things that are facing an almost inescapable end to their existence, a painful road to extinction. In today’s society, awareness about the destruction of the rainforests instills a feeling of responsibility for the lives of tiny lemurs half way across the world; but, strangely people cannot seem to develop the same feeling for creatures in our own backyards.

The problem seems to be awareness. The growing list of endangered species includes many common animals such as the gray bat and the bald eagle. There are also many plants listed as endangered that can aid in health care, and just as in the rainforest, may contain cures to many diseases.

Number of species that have gone extinct throughout the past 400 years.

Shane Hanlon, a Fish and Wildlife Biologist with the Fish and Wildlife Service, suggests that there is “inherent value in all species and they all contribute to the

functioning of ecosystems that ultimately support human life and quality of life.” For example, the smooth purple cone flower and the small whorled

pogonia are two plants that contain natural remedies for a variety of medical conditions.

Mr. Hanlon said that high school students need

to “evaluate your impact on the world,” “learn about sustainable living,” “get involved,” and realize the inevitable consequences if we do not.

The consequences are already playing out in our area with the development of Chesapeake Bay dead zones, where life has been completely eliminated and the economic failure of fisheries that have been destroyed as a result. Mr. Hanlon said there are “thousands of examples of this and you don’t have to look far to see them.”

We, as the coming generation, have a responsibility to protect the lands necessary to preserve these species. When it comes down to it, all living things are interdependent, and humans are no exception.

Mr. Hanlon says that if there is one thing we should all remember it is that “you may just be one person, but ultimately this is your world, and you have more of an effect on your world than you think you do.”

Starbucks releases the Trenta, 31oz Coffee Katie Garrison Reporter

We all know you love your coffee and are willing to do just about anything to get a hold of your morning cup, but how much do you really need?

Starbucks has just released a new size, it is called a Trenta. “…Trenta is the answer to what customers wanted,” Howard Schultz, the Chairman and CEO of Starbucks explained to CNBC. Ashley Forney (‘11) is all about her Caramel Frappuccino in and out with tons of caramel drizzle (for all of you Starbucks lovers CRF I-O). However, she just about always goes for a grande. “I wouldn’t be able to finish a Caramel Frappuccino if it was a Trenta, but I can finish a Trenta Passion Tea Lemonade (PTL).

Unfortunately for all of you latté drinkers, the Trenta

What size do CFHS students prefer?

6% 13%

13% Tall Grande Venti Trenta

66%

Out of 90 students polled is only available in cold cups. With choices limited to iced coffee, Tazo iced tea and iced tea lemonade. In the future they may add more drinks such as Frappuccinos

and iced lattes.

“I like the idea of the Trenta cup for cold cups because you can get more for just 50 cents more and you always can get them without

the ice. However, I think they should extend the cold cup to all cold drinks like Frappuccinos,” said Forney.

Is the Trenta inspired by keeping up with the

competition? McDonalds has become one of their biggest competitors with the introduction of the McCafé.

The McCafé offers two sizes medium and large; the large

is 20oz which is smaller than a Starbucks Venti, which holds a total of 24oz not including your dome lid.

Features The Talon

8

February, 24

Farewell Farewell

The Talon says goodbye to an admin, a co-worker, and a friend.

“Loved getting beat in mercy by him....but loved putting him in headlocks even more.”

-Brandon Sendejo (‘11)

“Mr. Mammarella was the best AP ever! I love how he always gave me candy before my field hockey games!!”

-Christine Reinaman (‘14)

candy

“Mr. Mammarella was one chill bro. Taking down crime, one gum chewer at a time.”

"I remember he came into lacrosse weight lifting and started -Gary Sharp (‘12) benching with Mr. Jones, gonna miss him."

-Jason Moore (‘12)

“Mr. Mammarella was so cool. He didn’t press charges against me when I crashed into the crosswalk sign.”

-Hannah Myers (‘10)

“He’s a fantastic AP. He’s always willing to help a student or find someone who can help them. However, at the same time, he’s strict and can be very intimidating at times.

Plus, it’s pretty cool that he wrestles some of the kids after school...and wins.”

-Hailey Starnes (‘11)

awesome!

“He was great and will be missed.”

-Brenden Holland (‘12)

“He's just that one guy you see in the hallway all the time.

The guy that looks really approachable but capable of breaking your arm at the same time. The guy who says he's not afraid to break up fights. He's just that guy we'll all be really sad to see go.”

-Christian Purdy (‘11)

laughter

jokester

“He’s the only AP I ever met who could jump over a table.”

-Ben Jackson (‘12)

“Well he’s always been nice and dedicated, I feel like I always approach him with problems, like when people kept stealing my money or when someone hit my car. He always tries to do everything he can to help you and he will be greatly missed.”

-Ali Campbell (‘12)

“Mr. Dude Mammarella Dude-ett I don’t think I would have ever ran into such a down, legit, and chill pirincipal like yourself. I was able to talk to you and take you seriously and still have fun conversation.

When you were doing the most spontaneous things like beating up kids a quarter your age. I was lucky to have you for a year and a half.

Good luck. Good ridance. Goodbye.

-Victoria Taylor (‘13)

“He was a man who was always willing to help anyone who needed it.”

-Chase Boster (‘12)

“I didn’t know him that well on a personal level or anything but I have always heard good things about him and from my point of view he did a really good job and he will be missed.”

Jarrett Myers (‘13)

“Mr. Mammarella kept me out of jail. He’s the reason I graduated.”

-Langston Barnes (‘10)

mercy

“He commands respect without trying.”

-Dillon Perera (‘11)

giving

“I met with him once, he said I wouldn't get in trouble but I'd get to enjoy an hours detention for the next week.”

-Robert Frasher (‘12)

“He was always hilarious and were all going to miss him like crazy.

There was no other AP like him.”

-Taylor Vashro (‘12)

"Mr. Mammarella was a prime example of an administrator enforcing discipline while maintaining a mutual respect and caring relationship with students."

- Eric Handy (‘10)

Features Mr.Mr.Mammarella Mammarella

9

“Me, him, and Aqil talked about how he broke peoples fingers and other such bones....good times.”

-Ryan Snyder (‘12)

kind

The Talon

“I switched my AP to Mr.Mammarella because he's such a nice guy, and I'm really sad he's leaving. I will definitely miss him having cookies and snacks inside his office! He's a great principle, he had like a ‘my doors always open’ policy which was way cool.”

-Megan Niewold (‘12)

“Well one day I was walking down the hallway and I was itching my eye and Mr.mamarella saw me and he offered me some eye drops. I was really intimidated considering I never actually talked with him but he is a real kind man and I think everyone will miss him.”

-Brooke Bing (‘11)

“Law Enforcement: defined.”

“I will most certainly miss Mr. Mammarella, but it will save me a lot of money through the year as I will not have to throw away so many pieces of gum.”

-Blake Frohnapfel (‘11)

“Mr. Mammarella is the only person that catches me with gum every morning. He has a crazy eye for gum chewing, that is something I will always remember about him!”

-Amanda Vogt (‘12) “Mr. Mammarella looks like he goes hard.”

-Christian Distefano (‘13)

the best “He always seemed to find a way to add a sense of humor and personality to our days at school.”

-Anna Gannon (‘11)

“It's really cool to see an administrator that's so close to a lot of students and messes around with them and stuff.”

-Chris Domi (‘12)

“What I’ll remember about Mammarella is that he is always getting me for having gum, I can't ever get away. He's a cool guy and he is going to be missed. He was one of the cooler principals.”

-Nick Romano (‘12)

cool

gum

“Mr.Mammarella is probably one of the coolest APs ever. He’s super nice but doesn’t take anything from anyone.”

-Brian Rawlins (‘11)

<3

"My man Mammarella might move mountains monumentally mesmorizing mercy."

-Jacob Camacho (‘11) “You can't get much by Mr. Mammarella, he has eyes on the back of his head, but he also has your back and always manages to find a way to make you laugh when you walk through the doorway.”

-Elena Flores (‘11)

February, 24

“Always gives good advice in life!”

-David Williams (‘11) “Shortest guy that'll make you say mercy.”

-Anthony Dailey (‘09)

“When I first decided to graduate early, he was really supportive and believed that I could do it.”

-Sydney Brown (‘11)

“What he lacks in height he makes up for in coolness.”

-John Duer (‘11) “I'm really sad that he's leaving. He is so good at his job. He's always smiling and is so in tune with all of us, but really good at keeping people in line. You can tell that he honestly cares about every last kid at Forge, and we love him and are going to miss him so much.”

-Catherine Darling (‘12)

Features The Talon

10

February, 24

New Weekend Activity, Ghost Hunting

Forge Junior Steps up, Raises Money For Brain Tumor Research Ashley Bruner Reporter

It is a generalization that is typically correct: teenagers are selfish. We spend all of our money on clothes for ourselves, whine and complain when we have to use our hard-earned money to buy gifts for our friends at Christmas or our significant other when Valentine’s Day rolls around.

The concept of giving back is a far off, foreign one, even after school clubs such as Learn and Serve have made genuine efforts to bring it into the limelight.

Although for Colonial Forge student Catherine Darling (’12) , giving back is a must.

Her charity, Students Supporting Brain Tumor Research (SSBTRVA), has been working towards success for a few months now. “I was looking for a charity to donate money to, when I stumbled across SSBTR in Arizona. I realized that it was student run and thought it was awesome, so we started a branch in VA,” said Darling.

Although the branch in AZ was the final push to start a charity, her inspiration came from a bigger, closerto-home factor. “One of my

very best friends, David Pevsan, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor just before the start of this school year. We’re very optimistic about his condition, but the whole ordeal inspired me and countless others that love him to do something proactive on his half.”

Considering SSBTRVA is on a much smaller scale compared to most charities, it’s making a big impact.

“The great thing about this organization is that 95% of our funds go directly to brain tumor research; The Red Cross only gives about 40% of its funds on a good day to its cause.”

In its comparably short existence, SSBTRVA has had some fairly notable accomplishments. “We hit our first milestone by raising our first $1,000 in order to file our SOLc3,” says Darling. The SOLc3 is the official document that deems charities a nonprofit organization. “As soon as it’s approved, we’ll be able to legally ask for large donations from major companies without them doubting our legitimacy,” explained Darling.

Coupled with donations, SSBTRVA also plans to

hold fundraisers for their cause. “We are in the process of planning a Walk/Run 5K, or something of that sort.” As many students are familiar with, Chick-Fil-A is a fantastic supporter of student organizations. The Catherine and the SSBTRVA take advantage of ChickFil-A’s charitable attitude as a means to raise money for their larger functions. “While we plan this Walk/Run, we do fundraisers at various restaurants like Chick-Fil-A spirit nights. They help us raise money to use on our larger fundraisers. We’re planning a big one for the future at the [Spotsylvania} mall. It should be awesome.”

It is no doubt that this charity is sure to be successful. Catherine’s dedication to her cause and careful planning of the future are definitely a great start.

As for the future? “We are hoping to host an annual Walk/Run 5K to raise money for brain tumor research, to raise awareness of brain tumors as the #2 cause of cancer-related death among teens and to successfully maintain our status as a student-run organization, and hopefully to expand in the future.”

The Confederate Cemetery in Downtown Fredericksburg provides for some late night ghost hunting.

Ashley Bruner Reporter

Fredericksburg’s seemingly harmless façade is deceiving. Riddled with haunted houses and ghastly graveyards, Fredericksburg serves as weekend entertainment for a certain Colonial Forge student, Sam Cook (’12).

While browsing through the Gettysburg Paranormal Society’s store in downtown Gettysburg, PA, I saw something very interesting: a book about the ghosts of Fredericksburg. Coming from one of the most haunted places in the continental U.S., this is quite an honor.

Such an honor, in fact, it’s surprising that it’s not taken advantage of more.

Ghost hunting seems to be a great new alternative to partying on the weekends.

Even though we are

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lucky to have such a rampant number of hauntings, it is often hard to make the most of them. Priced in the hundreds—and sometimes thousands—, ghost hunting equipment is often hard to come by. “I usually go hunting with my boyfriend Kevin. We can’t afford any of the fancy equipment so we use a recorder on my cell phone and a Flip camera to catch evidence. “

For most kids, though, ghost hunting isn’t something you just pick up.

For Sam and Kevin, their call to ghost hunting came through an experience they had at Fredericksburg’s very own Presbyterian Church.

Located on Princess Anne Street, this church features a graveyard on the side, separated from the sidewalk by a wrought iron fence.

“We walked along the brick wall of the graveyard; it closes at dark so we couldn’t go in. We heard leaves crunching, but nobody was there. That experience got me hooked on the afterlife. I can’t wait to go back.”

One of the most important parts of ghost hunting is analyzing the evidence you collect. “After Kevin and I got home from our first night, we took our footage back to my house and watched it on my computer. Even though we couldn’t see anything, my phone recorder captured the leaves crunching. It was really cool.”

Students in our area are in one of the best for ghost hunting. The spirits are a step away in the City by the Battlefield.

at three convenient locations in: Alexandria, Chantilly, and Fairfax

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Features

11

The Talon

February, 24

Hidden Artists: Art Forged Behind the Scenes Pots and Pans, Pasta or Potatoes Leekeisha Stover Reporter

Anyssa Dudley (’13) loves to write poems in her free time. She likes to write because “It’s fun. Writing shows a completely different side of who I am.” She is not interested in using her writing talent as a profession because “It is more of a hobby than anything else.”

She is inspired to write about her emotions, or thing that happen in her life. She is not very open about her work but sometimes shares it with a few of her close friends.

Dominique Jordan (’13) Started cooking at the age of 6 years old, She started off making very simple things such as Ramen Noodles, Then started doing things like helping her grandmother prepare dessert batters. Some of her favorite “chefs” are popular TV personalities, like Rachael Ray and Paula Deen. Dominique is not your average cook. She adds more of a healthy twist to her dishes. Dominique is a travel culinary student at Stafford High school.

Q: Who inspired you to cook?

A: No one really inspired me to cook, in particular.

Cooking is a talent of mine, not a skill. A talent is a natural ability and a skill is something that has been developed by training.”

Q: Why do you like to cook?

A: I love to cook because it makes me happy as well as others around me. I am a very caring person and I love catering to others.”

Q: What inspires you to write?

A: My emotions. Emotions play a huge role in whatever I wrote. Also my thoughts if at a certain moment. I think about my family, I tend to write about my family.

Dominique chops up tomatoes for a sauce to go with her spaghetti.

Q: What type of things do you like to cook?

A: Some of my favorite things to make are macaroni and cheese with bacon/ onion topping, chicken with dumplings over rice, spaghetti with Italian meatballs, different varieties of gourmet burgers, and the

list goes on! I also enjoy grilling.

Q: Where do you find time to cook?

A: I cook dinner for my family very often if not daily.

Eating is essential and to eat, I must cook. It’s just that simple.

Q: What type of feeling do you get when you do cook?

A: Cooking gives me a feeling of joy, happiness, relief, satisfaction, confidence, pleasure and thrill all at the same time.

Words can’t do this feeling justice.

Paints, Palettes, and Portfolios Kyra Youngblood Reporter

Mallory Morgan (’13) can best describe her love of art as an addiction. Her constant doodling has made her the exceptional artist she is today. She’s always seen in class with a pencil in her hand drawing away at a notebook full of sketches of animals. Practice makes perfect with Mallory and she gets a lot of it. Her passion for drawing shows through the immense details of all her sketches. She’s on the right track of pursuing a career in the art industry. Who knows, one day you might see her work in a famous animated movie Q: How long have you’ve been drawing and what do

Pen and Paper

Kayla Boyer Reporter

you like to draw the most?

A: I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember.

I like to draw animals but mostly dogs.

Q: Do you keep a portfolio of your art?

A: I take art class but I don’t keep one right now, I’m planning on it.

competitiveness.

Q: Do you want to pursue a career in art? If so, what do you want to be?

A: Yes, I plan on being an animator with a major animating company like Pixar, Disney, or DreamWorks

Q: What do you find is easiest to write about?

A: Things that have happened are easier to write than making up stuff in my opinion.

Q: How does it make you feel when you write?

A: When I write I feel relaxed. When I write it’s very calming. I find that after I write I don’t feel as stressed as I did before I started writing.

Q: What is your most favorite piece of work and why?

A: My favorite piece of work that I have written is a

poem I titled “what to write” because it’s random just like me.

Q: What is your most favorite piece of work and why?

A: My favorite piece of work that I have written is a poem I titled “what to write” because it’s random just like me.

Q: Any additional interesting info?

A: I love to write poems most of the things I write are poems. I don’t really share my work. A few close friends read what I write every now and then.

Hold on

by Anyssa Dudley I hold on to anything I can A memory, a vision, to life itself.

I refuse to let go. I Can’t just surrender and wave my hands In defeat.

I have to have some sort of grasp On reality, the world, your every word.

I keep holding on even though my Grasp is loose.

I need the strength to pull myself up.

But the only thing I can do is hold On to the edge.

I must stay strong.

I must…

Hold on.

Q: Why do you like drawing?

A: I don’t know. It’s just something I do without thinking, kind of like an addiction.

Q: Have you’ve ever entered your art in any contests or competitions?

A: Not that I can recall. I draw for the fun of it, not for

Art by Mallory Morgan (‘13)

Sports The Talon

12

February, 17

A Look Back on Winter Track Jeremy Granderson Reporter

The Colonial Forge Boys track and field teams are progressing towards the end of their season and many of the athletes have made many accomplishments throughout the season. The team has competed diligently throughout the whole season setting individual goals and improving their previous times. Starting at the district competition, the Forge boy’s team had to prove their hard work and determination.

Recently the Forge boy’s track and field team competed in the Commonwealth District meet in which Brian O’Loughin won the mile race, and second in the two mile. David Pennesi got third in the two mile, fifth in the pole vault, and third in the mile. David Klemeck got third in the five hundred. The boy four by eight hundred meter runners which included Drew Lanzafama, David Klemek, David Pennesi and Brian O’Loughin won the competition and are now the top four by eight hundred meter team in Virginia. The boys four by four hundred meter team that included David Klemek, Desmond

Wrestling District Results 1st place in the 112 weight class: Michael Hayes (’12) 1st place in the 119 weight class: Connor Mairena (‘11)

Jordanis Lozier (‘11) pushes into his final lap of his leg of the 4x800 meter relay.

Wineburg-Jones, Andrew Mchugh, and Ricky Capeta improved their original times and placed second in the district. Overall the Boys team placed second in the district behind Brook Point High School.

The Colonial Forge boy’s team made a major accomplishment when they won the Northwest Regional Outdoor Track and Field Championship for the first time in school history.

This accomplishment set a higher standard for the boy’s team and is expected to make another surprising accomplishment and win the Indoor State track and field competition. Throughout

expectations, the boy’s with the best athletes in the season the team has track and field team set the state and comeback to grown closer and closer and off to compete in the State Forge with more amazing it has shown through their track and field competition accomplishments. With excitement in winning these to make a name for them their past accomplishment competitions. Ricky Capeta in school history. After they stride forward to win (’12) said, “It feels more winning a Regional more competitions and make relaxing now we know we Competition they have themselves the team to beat are good enough to compete in the future. at States for the second time, the confidence to compete because we have grown as a unit and are behind Dance each other through every Voice competition”. The team has Acting ce expectations for themselves man Perfor ss to better improve themselves Fitne in the future. Capeta said,

“I expect us to do better, get good times, and try as a whole to get more 5933 Plank Road, Suite F (540)- 288-3888 points to when even more www.ahouseofdance.com competitions”.

With high

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Wrestling Goes Far Without As Many Fans Megan Niewold Reporter

The Colonial Forge wrestling team is the one other schools in Stafford county fear. For the past 11 seasons the wrestlers have defeated North Stafford, Mountain View, Stafford Senior, Brooke Point, Massaponax, River Bend, and Albemarle high schools; the winning streak has continued as the young men have moved onto regional’s and won.

“We work harder than any other team at this school” says Connor Mairena (’12). Wrestling takes extreme self control, with maintaining weight, dedicating your time and

energy to practices, and trying to become and stay the best. “The hardest part is not drinking; water, vitamin water, sweet, tea or mountain dew,” says Mairena who maintains a 119 weight and is ranked 3rd in the state of Virginia.

The Forge wrestlers are ranked 40th in the country, and have 3 state titles. Colonial Forge wrestling is the best, and has worked hard to become the best. Although they compete as a team Mikey Hayes (’12) says “my favorite part of wrestling is that winning is my fault, and loosing is my fault.” The sport is set up so if a single person on your

team wins a match, you are closer to winning as a whole.

“We are top in the country because we work hard, not just during the season. 365 days a year, 7 days a week, there is no ‘off’ season. It is not a sport, it is our life-style,” Hayes explains. Connor Mairena also takes on the same responsibility as Hayes, making wrestling his life: “I think wrestling has taught me how to push through tough times, and keep going even if it hurts” Connor explains. Colonial Forge wrestling works as a team; they deserve every win, loss, and title they gain.

Name: Connor Mairena Age: 17 Weight: 119 Rank: 40th in the U.S - 3rd in VA “It takes a special group of people to do what we do, you want to be a part of something bigger than yourself.”

Name: Mikey Hayes Age: 17 Weight: 112 Rank: 29th in the U.S - 4th in VA “Wrestling is not necessarily a sport like football, it’s a lifestyle- it’s been like that since I was 7.”

1st place in the 130 weight class: Sean Murphy (’13) 1st place in the 152 weight class: Zachary Martinez (’13) 1st place in the 160 weight class: Scott Reilly (’11) 1st place in the 171 weight class: Zachary Nolan (’11) 1st place in the 189 weight class: David Reck (’12) 1st place in the 289 weight class: Quinton Winters (’12) 2nd place in the 103 weight class: Bryce Gentry (’13) 2nd place in the 125 weight class: Curtis Harris (’14) 2nd place in the 215 weight class: Mark Garrity (’12) 3rd place in the 140 weight class: Adam Sinnott (’14) 4th place in the 135 weight class: Mattheos Lozier (’12)