March 2011

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

PG 4 Another Successful Talent Show PG 12 Indoor Track and Field Competes in NYC

PG 3 JROTC: Honor Unit with Distinction PG 2 Welcoming a New AP

The Talon

cfhstalon@gmail.com

Freshman Joshua Javar Takes Home 1st Place

Josh Javar (‘14) reacts as Stephen Bolles (‘11) announces his win at the Spring talent show.

Volume 11, Issue 5

News

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March, 30

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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

New AP, Dr.Spillman, Welcomed Lauren Rogers Editor-In-Chief

On February 25, we said goodbye to an important member of our staff, Mr. Mammarella. On March 9, we met his replacement, Dr. Karen Spillman.

Dr. Spillman, as she prefers to be addressed, has been working in the educational field for twenty years, both in the state of Virginia and Indiana.

“I was a science teacher in Indiana for 8th and 9th grade Earth and General Science, at Potomac High School for six years, was a master teacher for one year, the director of curriculum and staff development for three years, Principal at Woodbridge High School for

four years - and I promise this is the last one – an Associate Superintendent for two years,” said Dr. Spillman.

Even with so much experience under her belt, coming into a new work environment can be nerve wracking, especially with over 2000 new faces to learn. Dr. Spillman is all smiles though saying, “The minute I walked in to the building it felt like home.

Everyone is so welcoming and warm here. I’ve been really impressed with the number of kids walking up to say hello and introduce themselves.”

“It’s a small world

after all” is proven in Dr. Spillman’s “not-so-new” friends. “Yesterday I was excited to see Mr.Brown, who was a student of mine at Potomac. I also worked with Mrs. Jacobs a few years ago,” she explained.

All eyes are on Dr. Spillman as she settles in to her new home here at Forge.

With a student body still feeling Mr. Mammarella’s absence, the pressure is most certainly on. However, Dr. Spillman appears confident in the character and charisma of our students, “I’m here to help every student achieve 100%, 100% of the time.”

Dr. Karen Spillman started on March 9, and has adjusted well to the flow at the school.

Natalee Rombough Photography Senior

Stephanie DeVaux Opinions

Many Honored at “luxurious” JROTC Ball

Junior

Shelby Ball Features

Sophomore

Kathleen Namey 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.

Honored Cadets were seated at the front of the hall alongside Dr. Martin, Mr. Jones and Mrs. Jacobs.

Liza Contreras Reporter

The Army JROTC program helf their annual military ball at Fort Belvoir on Saturday March 5th, 2011.

“The military ball is culminated with dinner and dance,” said Colonel Mayfield.

The cadets, with the help of their cadre members and instructors, plan every detail of this event including the location, meals, refreshments and revenue.

The evening started with the arrival of 166 cadet members along with their guests. Also in attendance were Colonial Forge

administrators Dr. Martin, Mr. Rodney Jones and Mrs. Tricia Jacobs. After checking in, the cadets were given specific instructions of how to enter the dining area and where they would be seated.

“This year we chose Fort Belvoir because it was nice, luxurious, and the view was great. It was the first military ball in an Army Officers Club,” said Joshua Kovacs (’11).

As the cadets and their guests entered the dining area, they were introduced to each honorable member and took their seats. Once everyone took their seats the ceremony began with the introduction of the head table

by Cadet Major Victoria Powell (’11).

“I was seated with the honorable guests because Colonel Mayfield felt that I was a mature and responsible cadet to be the face of the battalion,” said Major Raquel Mathieu (’11).

To the right of the dining area was a projector screen previewing a PowerPoint by webmaster Jacob Bryant (’11) and assistant Lemuel Howard (’12) showing their “Year in Review.” It also had a special presentation acknowledging the seniors.

On each slide was a then-and-now photo of each senior cadet and a description describing what

they would like to do after high school below the photo.

“I wanted something professional. The ball was the first time we practiced all together; I was a bit nervous about how the National Anthem would turn out, but afterwards I really liked the outcome,” said Captain Darius Braswell (’11).

After the students sang the National Anthem, all the cadets recited the cadet creed and the army song.

The POW/ MIA ceremony quickly followed and the distinguished military men were acknowledged through a symbolic table located near the honorable guests’ table.

After a moment of silence, the formal toasts were made with apple cider at hand.

After the Chaplain’s prayer was said, dinner was served.

An excellent meal of salad,

vegetables, mashed potatoes, chicken, steak and dinner rolls was consumed. The drinks included water, tea and coffee, and for dessert, cheesecake was served. After dinner 29 seniors were given Certificates of Appreciation and Completion, along with a 4-star coin from the Honorable John McHugh, Secretary of the Army. After the seniors took their seats the presentation of awards were represented by six veteran organizations. The last award was presented by Gacheri Mwongo (’11) and James Solis (’11) to Colonel Mayfield and Sergeant Major Worthan. They were given certificates of appreciation to thank them for all that they do. The ball ended with music playing and cadets and their guests dancing in the middle of the dance floor.

Honored Cadets:

Seated at the Head Table of the Ball: Cadet LTC Joshua Kovacs (’11) - the current Eagle Battalion Commander Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Murtha (’11) - the former Battalion Commander Cadet Command Sergeant Major Jacob Myers (’11) Cadet Major Victoria Powell (’11) - the Battalion Executive Officer Cadet Captain Shakira Abdalmajied (’11) - the Battalion Adjutant Cadet Captain Darius Braswell (’11) Cadet Captain Gacheri Mwongo (’11) Sang the National Anthem: Cadet Captain Darius Braswell (’11) Cadet Tyler Womack (’11) Cadet Timmy Iker (’11) Cadet Maeah Walthall (’12) Cadet Captain Gacheri Mwongo (’11) Guest Elena Flores (’11)

3 Military action in Libya continues as UN Coalition steps in John Schwartz Managing Editor

As military action in Libya quickly escalates, many Americans grow concerned about the decreased stability in the Middle East. While Egypt recovers from its revolution and gears up for a return to normalcy under a new system of government, the fighting in Libya and other countries have caused the United States and other countries to step forward in order to try and put an end to the murder of innocent civilians.

Egypt’s protest started

after they witnessed the progress that protesters in Tunisia made when they ousted their corrupt President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, 28 days after the revolution started, on January 14th.

Egypt followed a similar path, though their protesters strengthend their position by making it as peaceful as possible, fighting only as a last resort to defend themselves. After nearly a month of protests, Mubarak resigned from office on February 11th. These two countries, successful in

their revolutions, have lost the center of attention as the protests in Libya have escalated to the point where some analysts have deemed it a civil war.

Muammar Gaddafi has ruled in Libya since he seized power in 1969.

Citizens whose discontent has risen to the point of revolution have staged a civil war against Gaddafi in an attempt to oust him from office. Gaddafi has responded with brutal force, pushing to the opposition to the point where it seemed

like they were about ready to buckle and lose their fragile control on vital positions throughout the country. However members of the UN, including the US, France, Canada, and Great Britain, have formed a coalition to stop the slaughter of citizens by Gaddafi as defined in the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, which called on UN member nations to take all necessary measures to protect civilians and civilian-populated areas under threat of attack.

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The coalition has so far severely crippled Gaddafi’s air force capabilities and has effectively eliminated the anti-air capabilities of Gaddafi’s army. The coalition has been careful to avoid attacking Gaddafi directly, as they wish their actions to be seen as protectors of citizens, not ousters of foreign tyrants.

As more and more attacks occur in Libya, under the name Operation Odyssey Dawn, the question remainswhat will become of Libya?

Will Gaddafi continue to

News

March, 30

reign despite continued and increasing pressure for him to step down? Will he finally be removed from office violently? Or will the civil war come to a standstill, with neither of the three sides wanting to make a move against each other?

One thing is for sure-US role in this civil war is a huge influence, and our choices must be made very carefully to not only maintain our relationship with Libya, but also governments surrounding Libya and around the globe.

JROTC named Honor Unit with Distinction after formal inspection Leekeisha Stover, Kyra Youngblood and Kayla Boyer Reporters

Tensions rose as anxious cadets scrambled to find missing hats, ties, and awards; going over the final run down making sure they had everything they needed to make their uniform perfect for the inspection.

Not many people understand the value of being a part of a major club, such as JROTC. You often hear words of encouragement like the gesture “Hoooooooah” coming from room 245 every day. Shaquil Hickman (’11) said it’s “like being a part of a mini big family”.

The past few months have been hectic for the cadets in the Eagle Battalion due to the recent Military Ball, and other competitions such as drill meets, and raider competitions. The major

event that has turned the whole battalion upside-down was the Formal Inspection.

The evaluation consists of US Army assessment criteria for personal appearance, military bearing and leadership potential. Currently the Eagle Battalion is an Honor Unit with Distinction placing the program in the top 5% of all Army JROTC programs globally.

There are over 160 cadets that are a part of JROTC at Forge. After meeting in the gym on March 10th, the cadets were pretty nervous when the Army Officers walked in.

“I was so nervous I could barely speak,” said Robert “Tre” Webster (‘13).

The individual inspection consisted of a

uniform inspection and each cadet was asked a question about the Army. The pressure for this inspection was overwhelming.”The Army sergeants inspected all of the first cadet sergeants personally and to be honest I felt as though my heart was going to come out of my chest”, said Shaquil Hickman (11’).

After all the chaos and madness was over, JROTC was proud to claim the title of Honor Unit with Distinction. “I was happy and at the same time modest because I knew we would get it,” said Jacob Bryant (11).

If you want to make a difference, and learn good leadership skill JROTC is a good program to be involved in. “JROTC is a

Cadets stand at attention in preparation for the start of the inspection. High ranking cadets were in charge of managing the battallions.

good experience. It builds confidence, leadership skills, and communication skills.

The battalion has a good sense of camaraderie about it. It’s fun and interesting,

and the group is supportive.” said Austin Jones (13’).

“touched you” deep down.

“Listening to her speak really gave me ideas for more projects we can do, and more ways to help. It showed me how fortunate I am to have an education.

It’s hard to picture your life without going to school,” Reinaman said.

Although it may have seemed that the only students in the fully seated auditorium were leaders and Learn and Serve students, many other students came to listen as well. Tyler Verdeyen (’12) said, “I

wasn’t supposed to go initially, but I am glad I did.

I actually enjoyed listening to her.” Many students throughout Forge were able to experience this.

Luckily, teachers and administrators were able to get Ms. Tutu to come to Forge that day. She had a cancellation the week before, so she was able to come and speak. Most people were happy to listen to Ms. Naomi Tutu that day and took the firsthand experience and put it into their own perspective.

Naomi Tutu Speaks on Life Experiences in Auditorium Kathleen Namey News Editor

As all of the Learn and Serve students in Stafford County walked into the Colonial Forge auditorium on February 21, 2011, few knew what to expect from the speaker they were about to hear. Who is Naomi Tutu? Why is this a special event? Why am I even here?

Student leaders throughout Colonial Forge soon realized after Ms. Tutu began to speak why they were there. They were about to hear a remarkable story from an amazing lady. “It

was a once in a lifetime chance,” Mrs. Easter, the Learn and Serve Teacher at Forge said.

Naomi Tutu is the daughter of South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu. She founded the Tutu Foundation, which helps South African refugees in African countries. The foundation gives refugees scholarships so that they can learn skills that would make them self-supporting.

It also gives people without an education somewhere to learn without being racially

segregated. Ms. Tutu had a firsthand perspective of apartheid in South Africa as a young girl. After going through this legal racial segregation, she decided to make a change.

Her speech truly stayed in many students’ hearts and minds. Ms. Tutu combined Martin Luther King’s dream of the “Beloved Community” with the teachings of a South African proverb, saying that our actions or inactions can affect not just the community, but the world.

Not only was Learn and Serve there, along with the administration, but so were the National Honor Society officers. Dennis Haskins (’11), the treasurer of NHS and a Learn and Serve student, said, “It really shows that the little things you do here and there really can help a bigger cause.”

This was one of the main points the Ms. Tutu said.

Anything you do helps the larger community.

Lauren Reinaman (’12) , was also shocked at how the speech really

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March, 30

Day vs. Day: A Day in the Life of Mr. and Mrs. Bedford Allie Cox Reporter

One glance at your schedule and you see you’re scheduled for Mr. Bedford’s English 10 class then looking further, you see that your next block is Mrs. Bedford’s Geometry class.

Their names aren’t the same because of coincidence, but because they’re married while working in the same profession.

Mr. Bedford is usually found in room 303 teaching English and Literature; while Mrs. Bedford would be seen on the opposite side of the school teaching Geometry, Geometry part I, or Algebra I part II in the math department.

Mrs. Bedford describes her day in two words: “Exhausting and Interesting. Working with teenagers you never know what’s going to happen.”

If you ever need Mrs. Bedford you could find her in her classroom or on

morning hall and CTE duty.

Each day when they first get to Colonial Forge both Mr. and Mrs. Bedford turn on their computers, read their emails, and picks up their mail from the mail room.

Mr. Bedford describes his day, “Crazy Busy,” “From the time in until practice ends, I’m always doing something.”

Teaching, emails, coaching track, and others fill Mr. Bedford’s day to the brim.

“One day I was here for fourteen hours,” he said.

You can usually find Mr. Bedford teaching in his classroom, on Y day morning hall duty or Y day lunch shifts.

The Bedford’s are always willing to help out and tutor after school for the people that need it.

You would think that working in the same profession they would see each other all the time or talk

throughout the course of the day, but working in different teaching departments on opposite sides of the school they rarely seen each other.

“It’s fun, but we never really see each other,” said Mrs. Bedford.

“I like working together. There’s always someone to listen to what I have to say, and it’s nice to have someone I care about in the building,” said Mr. Bedford.

A Former track runner, Mr. Bedford now cohead coaches the Colonial Forge Track and Field team.

“If they have them sometimes I’ll go to the track meets,” said Mrs. Bedford.

Working together, but rarely seeing each other the Bedfords still enjoy their days teaching and coaching the students of Colonial Forge. “It’s a large school with good kids; it’s different every day,” said Mr. Bedford.

Mrs. Bedford (left) and Mr. Bedford (right) embrace the idea of working together at Colonial Forge.

Students show off talents for a sold-out crowd Naoko Branker Reporter

March 15 was a night of epic proportions.

There were singers and dancers who brought everything they had to this competition. This year was definitely different. Stephen Bolles, a member of the band Decades Late, wasn’t able to play with his band this year in the show because he was the master of ceremonies of the night.

While Stephen was disappointed in not being able to play in the band, he showcased his beat boxing talents at the end of the night and Decades Late played a piece and being the MC did have its perks.

“The biggest difference was the satisfaction of delivering the results. The look on Josh’s [Javar] face when he won first made me feel like I had done something worthwhile because he was SO happy.”

The talents ranged from groups singing to the step team performing to solo

acts. The acts were definitely diverse because of the talents showcased.

The winner, Joshua Javar (’14), break-danced and wowed the crowd to the point that there was a standing ovation.

The second place winner, Kaitlyn Myers (’14) sang an original song, Three Words, and was compared to Taylor Swift for her amazing voice.

The third place winner was Vaughn Byrd (’11), who Stephen called “a man with a PhD in ohhh yeahh.” He played a jazz piece on the piano, and with the level of complexity in the piece it is hard to believe that he has never had a piano lesson.

“I’ve never taken lessons. Yes, I am self taught,” said Vaughn. “It started in church. I was fascinated with the Ammond organ and its rich sound. A few years later I bought my first keyboard.”

With the amount

The Hipster Kids that are Extremely Swift with Swagger out of this Nation Group Number Seven, the Seventh Wonder of the World...GROUP, performed at the talent show on March 14th.

of energy and work he put into his piece, Soulful Progression, it is amazing that he came up with it himself.

Vaughn also gave a little advice for next year’s contestants about what to wear to look your best and performing, “If I’m performing as a soloist, I make sure I have shiny shoes and lots of color associated

with my outfit. If I’m playing with a group, then obviously I match the group. Be sure you know what you’re doing.

If you’re a soloist perform with showmanship.”

This talent show was definitely worth seeing.

The acts were all different and while the competition was fierce, to add to the suspense for the contestants, they weren’t allowed to

see their fellow contestants during the show. While this seems nerve-wracking for an audience member, the contestants showcased themselves at their best during the show, free of nerves.

Dillon Perera (’11) was nervous at first when he got on stage to sing My Side of the Story by June, but relaxed and had a great

performance, “I greeted the crowd and said the title of my song and just played. It was a lot of fun. It was so relieving when they started to clap along. It was an amazing night. I loved it and I wish I could do it again.

I’m sorry I didn’t do it in years before” said Dillon.

This year’s talent show was an improvement on the previous years’ shows and it showcased a variety of acts and talents that no one will forget from that night.

When asked if he could perform with another act besides his band, Stephen had this to say, “I would definitely pair up with Vaughn for some PianoBeatbox-Jazz-Fusion.”

If you liked the Talent Show and all it had to offer, come out and support Stephen, Vaughn, and all of the other performers at Colonial Forge on May 5th for our very own Jazz night, which will be filled with food, jazz, and lots of talent.

Entertainment

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March, 30

Music Festival, United Blood, Brings Classic Hardcore Music to the Masses Mary Margaret and Ashley Bruner Reporters Named for lyrics to the our area. Kids are willing to song “New York Crew” drive long distances to see by the 80’s hardcore band, this yearly event.

Judge, United Blood Fest Coming in at $55 for a has been around for five two day pass and $30 for a years. one day pass, the festival is Each year, nearly 40 a great deal. For this small hardcore bands gather in amount of money, you can Richmond, Virginia for two see 35 bands for less than days. About 15 to 20 bands two dollars each. take the stage each day and The venue change this play a 30 minute set. year has thrown many out The two day festival of whack, though. For the attracts fans from up and past five years, United Blood down the east-coast and has been held at Alley Katz. draws a lot of fans from This year, the show is set to

be held at the Canal Club on Cary Street.

Offering an array of restaurants, there is no need to worry about grabbing dinner. Boasting anything from a CanCan café called CanCan Brasserie to an “authentic” Mexican restaurant called “Little Mexico”, you’ll find a place to grab grub no matter what you’re in the mood for.

If you’re planning on driving yourself, make

sure you brush up on your parallel parking. Parking in Richmond costs, too, so bring extra cash.

You might also want to bring extra cash for T-shirts and CDs, as each band will have their own table to sell their goods at each show.

If you’re into grimy, raw, fast music, then United Blood is exactly your speed.

However, the crowd can get wild and the pit can get crazy so it’s not for the weak of heart.

Bands to Check Out: Down to Nothing:

A straight edge hardcore band from Richmond, Down to Nothing has made waves in the hardcore scene.

Their heartfelt lyrics and driving beats coupled with raw passion and anger prove an addictive combination. Since their inception in 2000, Down to Nothing has released five CD’s, two vinyls with both Kids Like Us and On Thin Ince, and a split CD with 50 Lions.

Having notably energetic and notoriously rowdy shows, Down to Nothing is a must-see at this year’s United Blood Festival.

Bracewar:

Since their birth in early 2005, Bracewar has experienced quick success. After the break-up of the Richmond hardcore band Murder Weapon, vocalist Ryan “Braces” Wall formed a new band that would later become Bracewar. Surprisingly catchy and constrastingly abrasive, Bracewar has successfully combined the punk fervor of the band Infest with the classic hardcore sound of Cro-Mags. Having released only 3 CD’s, a self-titled demo in 2006, a LP titled “Juggernaut” in 2007, and a four song demo titled “Whatever It Takes” in 2009 there’s still a chance to be an early fan.

H2O: In the last 17 years, H2O has become a household name for melodic-hardcore fans. Hailing from New York, the members

of H2O had no idea that their one-song side project would sell millions to fans across the world. Their albums feature driving beats, powerful lyrics, and heart filled, raw vocals. Since their 7” vinyl four-song demo released in 1994 to their most recent album Nothing to Prove, the band has released 16 albums, 7” vinyls and EP’s. They’ve been on countless compilation CDs and were even featured in the 1999 move, Killing Vegetarians. H2O doesn’t over-produce their albums, therefore their live show is just as good as the album.

At every show, the band pours their heart out on stage and their good vibes pulse through the crowd. Make sure you don’t miss H2O this year at United Blood and arrive early for the coveted center stage spots.

Pokémon Black and White Reaches to Old and New Fans Manuel Lemus Reporter

It has been fifteen years since the first release of Pokémon Blue and Red, and ever since then kids just can’t get enough of them.

Pokémon Black and White is the fifth installment in the series. Black and White introduces 156 brand new Pokémon to the franchise, bringing the total to 649.

The concept of the game hasn’t changed; the goal is still to catch and train Pokémon throughout the new region known as Unova, and ultimately defeat the gym leaders to become Pokémon master.

Yet this new version of the old favorite adds a few new twists and turns with all of the game’s new features.

This includes new graphics; new battle modes

called Triple battle and Rotation battle, combination moves, and speech balloons were added for easier dialog and a seasonal cycle to make game play somewhat realistic.

Specifically, the Triple battle mode allows each player to choose three different Pokémon. From there you can select any one you want to attack.

The other new battle feature is Rotation battle; although still including three Pokémon, it is a one-on-one match where the Pokémon in the front can be switched with either of the two other Pokémon sent out without using up a turn.

Cleveland Corbett (‘13) says, “The new battle modes stand out for me. It’s

my favorite thing they have improved from the older games.”

The series has changed a lot over the past years and the older fans still miss the old Pokémon. The new generation can never truly compare to Pikachu and the first generation.

Suzette Figarella (‘13) says “I’ve noticed that some of the new Pokémon have bits and pieces from the old. Some are useless like the Trubbish. The original are and always will be better, I think plenty of people can agree with me on that.”

In this respect, Figarella is right; out of all the ideas the illustrators have come up with, the originals trump them all.

Pokémon has

been able to maintain its popularity over the years due to its diverse fan base around the world. The brand still markets the game by selling cards, toys, games, and the new episodes of its TV show.

It seems to be growing in popularity, and the older audience is starting to come back since the release of the game.

Figarella says, “I think it has grown because it’s becoming more of a ‘hipster’ fad and a little trend. My cousin, Joel and I have loved Pokémon since the beginning. I can definitely tell that its popularity has increased which is only because it’s ‘cool’ to like it now.”

Either way Pokémon Black and White

The new game comes in both White and Black versions.

is a good game with a cool plot. And even if you are in high school, it is fine to go back to something you use

to play when you are a little kid. You are never too old for Pokémon.

Entertainment The Talon

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March, 30

Nintendo 3DS: Evolution of Handheld Gaming Chris Hawks Reporter

Three-dimensional graphics are at your fingertips with the planned release of the Nintendo 3DS portable gaming system.

Nintendo’s official release of the new addition to the DS series for North America is scheduled on March 27, 2011.

What makes this new portable game system different from others is its use of autostereoscopy, which enables 3-D graphics without the use of a headset or traditional 3D eyewear. The Nintendo 3DS system also allows for autostereoscopy to be adjusted with a wheel on the

side of the top screen.

However, new 3-D graphics are not the only thing making an appearance with the 3DS. Features like StreetPass™ and SpotPass™ allow users to connect with other 3DS’s and the internet by just walking by a person or hotspot.

When the 3DS connects with another it transfers high scores for games, Miis™, and custom characters. In addition, an analog control pad has been added above the original pad for an optimum gaming experience.

Returning features have also been modified or

updated. The stylus now has a more user-friendly interaction by allowing the user to augment its size.

The camera introduced from the Nintendo DSi has been modified by adding an extra camera so it looks like a pair of eyes. This allows for 3-D images to be taken as the second camera is used to help simulate looking out of a pair of eyes.

Each system comes with a 2-gigabyte SD card to store 3-D photos, music, and other miscellaneous files.

Also, the charging cord has been changed to a dock so gamers can charge their 3DS while in sleep mode so the

3DS may continue to stay connected to SpotPass™.

Playing older DS and DSi games are not a problem with the 3DS as it’s completely backwards compatible with the exception of the smaller GameBoy Advance slot.

However, a game must be 3DS compatible to be viewed in 3-D. You can even purchase classic Gameboy games with the Nintendo eSHOP. Games expected to be released are The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3-D, The Sims 3, and Star Fox 64 3-D.

“I’m your biggest fan” All that we’re saying is give indie a chance Ally Hottle Reporter

The phenomenon of celebrity worship is nothing new hitting the tabloids.

For decades teens and even adults have been enraptured by certain celebrity’s talents, but what does a true fan really go through?

Many celebrities dismiss the fact that fans would do anything for them.

As a diehard Jonas Brothers fan, I have done numerous things that make other people wonder. I’ve attended four Jonas Brother’s concerts and spent over $900 on tickets and sound checks. Most people think that’s crazy, but teens like Makayla Lepley (’13) understand.

It’s no secret that teen girls, like Makayla, have become obsessed with Justin Bieber. She says, “I’m obsessed because not only is he the most beautiful person I’ve ever laid eyes on, but his story about becoming famous for his amazing angelic voice is so inspiring! He deserves all the attention he gets, he’s extremely talented and I’ll never stop being a fan, ever.

I tweet him at least 100 times a day. I tell him I love him and that he’s amazing, or things that relate to his

Joe Vargo Reporter

tweets. He‘ll say something like ‘back on tour in Europe,’ and I‘ll say ‘AHH MYWORLDTOUR2011 is going to be great! I <3 you JB!’ I say random things all the time!”

It’s easy for people to push aside fans and call them crazy, but for obsessed fans, it’s a way for them to connect with other people across the world and in their community through their favorite celebrities.

Celebrity worship has amplified among teens due to the explosion of television celebrity gossip shows such as Entertainment Tonight, Chelsea Lately, and E! News. Also, instant access to celebrity news on the internet through sites such as Twitter, Cambio, and OceanUp helps fans connect with their favorite celebrities.

Imagine whereever you go fans and paparazzi are following and capturing your every move on camera; they absolutely worship your every action and would kiss the ground you walk on. In some cases teen celebrity interest is harmless, but it can turn into terrifying levels of obsession.

“Who is Arcade Fire? I haven’t heard them.

They must not be very good.” This was some people’s reaction to seeing Arcade Fire taking home the Grammy for Album of the Year. If you watched the Grammys this year you know that there were some upsets.

Fans of popular artists like Bruno Mars and B.O.B were confused when Esperanza Spalding won Best New Artist. Justin Bieber fans went as far as changing his Wikipedia page to say that he had won a Grammy. This brings up the question; are lesser-known artists inferior to huge celebrities just because their fan base is smaller?

No. “People’s choice” shows are there to reflect popularity. The Grammys recognize artists who made an impact and awards are given based on opinion. You don’t have to agree with the Grammys or any other award show for that matter, but you shouldn’t dismiss them. It’s easy to brush off artists you’ve never heard of but there must be some reason they are winning awards. Instead of ignoring unknown artists,

try listening to them and seeing why other people like them, you might enjoy their music. Under the mainstream there is a plethora of bands, genres, sub-genres and innovative artists. Many mainstream artists take cues from underground music.

It’s absurd to overlook artists based on their popularity.

In the opposite effect, some fans of underground artists cry “sell-out” the minute their favorite indie band breaks the Billboard Hot 100. I can understand that the fans don’t want their favorite bands to change their style to accommodate a broader audience, but why would anyone wish for their favorite band to be unsuccessful? It’s selfish to think you are privileged to listen to a band just because you were the one to discover them first. I don’t know of any artists who make their music for only a select few to hear; they want as many people to hear their music as possible. So if you know of a great underground artist, share it. And if you haven’t heard of a new artist, embrace it.

Arcade Fire (top) and Esperanza Spalding (bottom) were both given awards at the Grammys this year

Entertainment

7

The Talon

March, 30

Tim Hecker’s Ravedeath, 1972 is experimental music at its best

Drew Lanzafama Reporter

Known to many within the ambient music community as the premier electronic soundscape artists, Tim Hecker has been silently churning out expansive noise records since 2001.

His resumé dates back further under the moniker Jetone, which released more electronica-dance inspired albums. The Montreal native released his sixth, and perhaps most established work, Ravedeath, 1972, on February 14th on Kranky Records.

The issue with the reception of ambient or electronic music is that it is easily disregarded or cast aside as too boring or directionless sprawl. The music is definitely designed for headphones only, but upon further examination the intricate qualities of the music become much more fulfilling. Tim Hecker not only produces unique, building sounds but develops a concept within his music unmatched by his contemporaries.

Ravedeath is no different.

This record is representative of Hecker’s fascination with “digital garbage” and the disintegration of music on a whole. He believes the way

the music industry operates today is extremely flawed.

To him, it has become too digitialized, harming the musician’s lifestyle and causing an alarming rate of turnover. An album will get played, then overplayed, and then it’s gone, making the eternal haunt on the internet.

The album cover serves as a visual of the theme.

The music’s composition is permeated with the struggle between traditional and digitalized music. At the core of the album is a day’s worth of organ recordings. Hecker went to Reykjavik, Iceland to record some organ pieces that were to serve as the foundation of the record. He then took these recordings home and layered digital synths overtop of them. The combative forces between the two types of music can be most clearly heard on the suite “In the Fog” (the song is broken into three parts).

The organ struggles to be heard over hazy synths.

However, the contrasting instruments do not clash here; Hecker manages to weave the two together, creating beautiful harmonies.

Hecker does not let the music get away from

him on Ravedeath. Whereas some ambient artists’ will have tracks that dissolve into minimal tones and key plinks, Hecker’s songs build and coalesce into rather intense sonic walls. At times, the songs stray away from

the ambient mood altogether, as on (the aptly titled) “Hatred of Music I,” and turn into loud, experimental bliss. The fact that Hecker composes songs in a suite format prevents them from outgrowing their limits, each

one building and falling at just the right time.

Hecker’s most profound work comes at a time when digitalization has become music’s biggest issue. But perhaps the digitalization of music is

what has made this record his most accessible to date, and therefore the most critically acclaimed. I do agree that the creation of MP3 files have taken away from the musician’s livelihood and that the rate of turnover in music has increased rapidly; however I do not agree that music tself is coming to an end. Resting in an eternal digital graveyard is not necessarily a bad thing.

In some ways albums are immortalized by the internet and can be revisited at any time. I suppose there is some bias, in that this is coming from the position of a consumer, but I greatly appreciate the internet’s role in music…for me. There are so many albums to traverse and so few independent record shops that listening to everything without the internet would be near impossible. I think Hecker begrudgingly understands the importance digitalization plays in music at times.

The fact that he was able to incorporate traditional instruments to electronic ones show that musicians can be adaptive without deviating from what is at their core.

Rift Gives World of Warcraft a run for its money Kevin Leyh Reporter

Rift is the latest MMORPG (Multi Mass Online Role Playing Game) to join the online world that is dominated by World of Warcraft. Rift is a game about your hero trying to close Rifts that occur in your planet, Telara. Much like World of Warcraft, you start off choosing between two factions; The Guardians or The Defiant. The Guardians are a group of three races that are considered more on the “good” side. They look to protect the world and save it from rifts that threaten to destroy the world. On the other side, The Defiant are the more “evil” of the two factions. With more demonic looking characters and motives of taking over

the world after the rifts have been dealt with, The Defiant are the darker characters of the game.

The gameplay in Rift is very similar to WoW, your spells are set up in the same way, you move in the same way, you can acquire mounts at higher levels (which are animals that you can travel on), and even the basic roles in the game are the same, with tanks, healers, and damage dealers. With many similarities to other MMORPG’s, one should wonder if Rift has any original ideas, or if it is one big composition of games.

Rift does have original ideas, in the mass of other games ideas floating around in its programming.

Rift has a system where you can form public raid groups for stopping and sealing minor rifts as they occur across the land. Also, instead of picking a class and going with it like in other games, you pick four main character classes while you can pick eight different “souls” or minor paths for you character. For example if you choose a Warrior, the souls you can pick from are Beastmaster, Champion, Paladin, Paragon, Rift Blade, Void Knight, Warlord and Vindicator. While you can pick from four different classes, Warrior, Mage, Cleric and Rogue, the souls make your character what you want it to be.

Rift also allows you

to customize your character in incredible detail. Unlike in other games, you can customize your character however you want. You can set its facial features, nose, mouth, ears, eyebrows and eyes, however you want.

You can set the color of its hair to a specific shade, and even put on and color tattoos on your character’s face.

Rift allows for a lot more customization to the player, which seems to be what many MMORPG-ers have

been wanting for awhile. Rift seems like the game that will be able to rise to the top of the MMORPG throne and replace WoW, after they work out a few kinks.

Features The Talon

8

March, 30

Ancient Clash Lives On in the Hallways of Forge Stephanie Devaux Opinion Editor

As most Colonial Forge high school students have probably picked up from the cryptic messages spread throughout the school, March gives way to Foreign Language Week.

Yet despite all of the hola’s and bonjour’s appearing on students’ shirts and being echoed down the hallways, Spanish and French classes are not the only big players in this international week of fun. Oftentimes, we forget the small voices of the Germans and Romans, yet during Foreign Language Week all of the Latin and German classes battle it out in what is, for them, the biggest event of the year.

German teacher Frau Mades and Latin teacher Mrs. Thompson prepare their respective classes for this interactive simulation of the age-old battles between the ancient Romans and the Germanic tribes. But what is this battle specifically?

Frau Mades explains, “The battle consists of several academic, Jeopardy-like rounds where tribes and legions must answer questions to advance to the next round. The questions can come from all aspects of our classes: vocabulary, grammar, history, daily life, mythology, translating, reading, or speaking.” Yet the truly exuberant part of the day comes after the

academics are over. “Once a tribe or legion has progressed through the last academic level they are allowed to do the actual physical battle against an enemy.”

At this point, the two classes are transported back into the time of the Roman Empire.

Historically, Julius Caesar and Germanicus battled with the Germanic tribes, while Arminius defeated the three Roman legions at the battle of Teutoberg Forest in 9 A.D. Mrs. Thompson further generalizes the historical significance. She says, “Roman legions fought with German tribes for hundreds of years.” The Forge battle between the Latin and German classes subsequently mirror this long-term rival between the two groups.

These battles come back to life as modern students fight each other with realistic replications of ancient weapons. Colin Haberbosch (’12) tells about his plans for the big battle. “I’m making like a javelin or a sword or something. My legion’s symbol is a Boar so I’ll probably put one on whatever weapon I make.”

As the two foreign language classes go head to head, one thing is for sure: it’s sure to be the battle of the school year.

NOTE:

The rescheduled date of the German-Latin Battle has yet to be determined.

Check in with this space in future issue’s to stay up to date.

Foode Promises “Gourmet Food for the Rest of Us” Natalie Rombough Photo Editor

Food: it’s everywhere and vital to human existence. With the array of restaurants open to the public in Downtown Fredericksburg, why not go to one that is one of a kind?

That’s why I chose to go to Foodē, (pronounced Food-e).

Nestled comfortably between Pa Dutch Food and Candy Company and Tim’s Wig and Beauty Supplies at 1006 Caroline Street, Foodē offers their customers a unique dining experience because of the style of food that is served. “Everything at Foodē is organic and most stuff is made in house” said Alexis Izzo (‘11).

On a cold and windy day, I thought a toasty grilled cheese sandwich would hit the spot: and that’s exactly what happened. The Grilled Cheese for “Big Kids” sandwich has bacon, lettuce, and a cheese and pesto tomato sauce, served on all-natural bread; with a side of potato salad: a delicious meal for only nine dollars.

The bread was soft, while the cheese and tomato sauce had a wonderful citrus zing to it. The bacon was hot and crispy while the lettuce was cool, crisp and crunchy.

The potatoes in the potato salad were soft and chilled.

Washed down with Foodē’s complementary citrus water, the meal was overall excellent.

After the meal, I was looking over the menu and happened to glance at the dessert section. The chocolate chip cookies and milk were calling my name, and I’m sure glad I listened.

The cookies were warm and soft. The chocolate melted in my mouth and the cold milk was a refreshing finish.

Foodē’s serves “gourmet food for the rest of us.” One aspect of that can be seen in their prices: I got a superb meal for less than twenty dollars.

Overall, the Foodē experience is one that shouldn’t be missed.

Downtown Fredericksburg Restaurant offers organic and in-house food.

Rebecca Black: I understand, it’s Friday Megan Niewold Reporter

I was excited for Friday, until Rebecca Black started singing about it… now I wish “Friday” was called something else. This new Youtube craze made a music video that has over 47 million views; that seems impressive until you actually see the video.

“It’s Friday, it’s Friday, gotta get down on Friday.” I wish I didn’t know that lyric, and that it was not stuck in my head… on repeat. I also wish that Rebecca’s video didn’t include her riding down a highway, on the top of a convertible, without a seatbelt; her mom probably does too.

Also let’s face it, at thirteen years old, this girl is not “getting down” or “partying” on Friday; she’s probably sitting in her room singing along badly to Taylor

Rebecca Black’s “Friday” is one of the newest viral videos to hit the web

Swift.

Multiple times in the obnoxiously catchy song Rebecca contemplates “which seat do I take?” Well Rebecca, if there are not any seats left in the front of the

car, wouldn’t you sit in the back? This girl evidently lacks common sense.

“Yesterday was Thursday, Thursday, Thursday” is another pointlessly stupid lyric; I

mean, if today is Friday, then yesterday was obviously Thursday. Wait, Rebecca is going to tell us about all of the days in a weekend; “Tomorrow is Saturday, and Sunday comes afterwards.”

Please Rebecca Black, just stop.

I actually didn’t watch this viral video until I realized there was at least one person in each of my classes singing “Friday.”

Rebecca Black is catchy, and she’s making a lot of money at age thirteen, but if this video stays popular for much longer, I’m going to lose a lot of respect for the music industry. I probably should not be recommending watching a video this terrible, but if you’ve been hiding under a rock and haven’t seen it… you should watch it just for laughs.

Features

9

The Talon

March, 30

Forge Has Guts!

NHS Participates in Fundraiser to end Crohn’s and Colitis Caitlin Russell Managing Editor

The Steven Snyder Chapter of the National Honor Society recently finished its March wristband fundraiser for the CCFA (Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America).

The fundraiser, which began on March 7th and ended on March 18th, was a stunning success with a total of over $500 made, so far.

The CCFA is the national organization that raises money and awareness for diseases like Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis. The diseases CCFA focuses on affect the gastrointestinal tract and make it difficult for individuals to lead “normal” lives. People who have a chronic gastrointestinal illness have difficulty obtaining nutrients, often have to take extended time off from school or work, and depend on an arsenal of medications and/or strict diets to try and keep them healthy.

“I came up with the idea last year, but because of all the snow we couldn’t do it until this year,” Dennis (DJ) Haskin (’11), treasurer of NHS, said, “Everyone that gave a dollar or more got a cool blue “Forge has guts bracelet.”

All of the NHS members were required to sell at least one bag of the

bracelets (five per bag) for at least $1 each. According to Shannon Strong (’11), president of NHS, “We officers decided we wanted to give away bracelets that say Forge Has Guts (like the national campaign Got Guts?) with a minimum $1 donation. I sold a couple of bags worth...I’d usually hawk the bracelets in every class. I even did it in Spanish.”

The reason many people probably don’t know a lot about these types of illnesses is because they’re not usually talked about and don’t have the huge charity campaigns that leukemia, heart disease, and AIDS do. Over the past few years the NHS has tried to pick a charity that is “closeto-home” and this year is no exception. There are students at our school with these illnesses as well as adults on our staff and many people in our community that are affected by these ailments.

Dennis is affected personally by the disease; his younger brother, Ben Haskin (’14), has Crohn’s.

According to Dennis, Crohn’s is “a stomach ulcer disorder thing that makes you really tired and sick. My brother having it made him a lot less active when we

were younger but now that it is managed, he has more energy, and we even ran xc and played tennis together this year.”

Shannon also knows someone with the disease, a close family friend. She said, “A friend of my family’s has Crohn’s disease so we sent her a bracelet.”

According to Dennis, the National Honor Society members “covered the 120 dollar cost of the bracelets and were able to donate $500 total to the foundation and a little extra to a teacher that is running a race for the Crohn’s foundation.”

The National Honor Society raises money for Crohn’s and Colitis Disease by selling cause bracelets.

Concert Band Recieves Superior Ratings Joe Vargo Reporter

Colonial Forge concert bands just finished up their annual festival where each band is judged and given a rating. The Bands travel to Brooke Point High School where they play their selection music in front of a panel of judges. Each of the three bands (Concert Band, Symphonic Band and

Wind Ensemble) earned a superior rating, the highest possible rating a band can achieve at festival. The three different bands represent three different levels of difficulty. Concert band plays the easiest music, while wind ensemble plays the most difficult music.

Regardless of

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difficulty, each of our three bands spend months preparing for festival in their classes and with after school rehearsals. The combination of the concert bands and marching band superior ratings make Colonial Forge a 10 year honor band. The superior ratings also contribute to the Blue

Ribbon Award. The band, choir, and orchestra achieved superior ratings each year since 2002, making Colonial Forge a Blue Ribbon School for the 10th year in a row.

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Features The Talon

10

March, 30

Hairspray set to premier in May Tarah Portland Entertainment Reporter

Through a preliminary audition, five hour call backs, new dance choreography, and more than 50 people fighting for the same spot, who will be starring in the upcoming spring musical Hairspray was an intense and nerveracking decision. But don’t fret, they were all figured out and are now on their way through an even deeper rehearsal, making nerves appear twice as much as the time gets closer to the performance day: May 19 to the 21.

“The drama departments came up with a short list of musicals we were interested in working with and we felt that Hairspray would have the broadest appeal,” says Drama teacher Ms. Hansen.

Hairspray was created as both a Broadway show and a film, but Colonial Forge’s version will mirror the Broadway version. With more musical elements and extra scenes not seen in the film version, our spring musical will be even more entertaining.

Now that they have the musical chosen, auditions had to come next.

With more than 50 people wanting to audition, they were given a chance to sing their own music, sing something they just learned, and then perform a dance.

Although the choices were made difficult, the characters were finally chosen based on how well the student would embody the character, and who would add to make the best show.

Once Hairspray was chosen, students burst with energy and motivation to begin rehearsing.

“I’m so pumped to play my part as Penny, her personality matches mine and performing her is just like being myself with a little more ‘umph’” says Riley MacIsaac (’12). With rehearsals Monday through Friday for two and a half hours each, the drama crew is determined to make this the best spring musical they can. “We’re all so excited to be working on such a fun show with a fabulous and uplifting message,” says Ms. Hansen.

Chorus and Band to Disney Taylor Ross Reporter

The Colonial Forge High School chorus and band programs are taking a trip to Florida this year to attend music workshops as well as visit Disney World, Universal, and participate in a parade. The trip is open to all chorus classes, and all marching band students.

About 175 students will be attending the trip, each paying about $500, which covers the transportation, hotel room fees, music workshops, and Disney/ Universal tickets. Students are expected to have a C average or better in academic classes, with an A average in their chorus or band class.

Now nearing the trip, band students are participating in after school rehearsals, every Tuesday and Thursday after school for two hours. Mrs. Perry, the chorus director here at Forge, will take the students to a music workshop with some of the Disney performers, while Mr. Coston will lead the band students in a

parade through the Universal Studios Park.

Senior band student Joe Vargo tells us that “Band is doing a parade through the park for about an hour, then we’re just going to Universal studios.”

Bria Dutton, a senior chorus student, tells us “We are learning the song, before we go, in class. It’s a workshop more for like show choir stuff, so like singing and dancing.” Bria, along with many other chorus and band students, is very excited to attend the trip. “I’m ready to get away from forge for a couple of days.” Bria says.

The bus ride is about 15 hours, with traffic.

Bria Dutton says, “We’re gonna sleep most of the way.”

Chorus and band students will leave Wednesday, March 29th around 5 p.m., arriving in Florida on Thursday morning, and return to Stafford the morning of Sunday April 3rd.

submissions. The chances of getting your published may be slim but every entry is carefully judged. Initials are written on every piece of work instead of the author’s full name to avoid judges from high scoring their friends. “Colonial Forge has a literary magazine to provide a publishing opportunity for student

authors and artist to express themselves,” said Mr. Davis.

Make sure you buy a copy of Molten Art when it comes out at the end of the year to see the outstanding authors, poets, and artist that walk the halls of CFHS.

Molten Art Begins Judging Submissions Kyra Youngblood Reporter

Molten Art has just begun to judge their submissions for another great yearly edition of Forge’s literary magazine.

The deadline for submissions was in January and ended on the 18th of February.

This year, Molten Art has received more submissions in general but especially in photography. Submissions

are scored on a scale of one to six, six being the very best of the best. According to NCTE guidelines, all submissions are judged by three regular readers and one editor-in-chief of Molten Art which makes four judges in all.

There are no specifics for what type of work they are looking to put

in the magazine. “I don’t judge the pieces myself but the readers and judges look for all the features of good writing: strange voice, creativity, and correctness,” said Molten Art advisor, English, and creative writing teacher Mr. Davis. Overall, the club officers have fun judging the submissions that were entered. Molten

Art plans to have all the submissions judged by the end of March and the whole magazine itself should be finished by the end of April.

Molten Art received roughly about 120 submissions in all genres of literature and art. The space in the literary magazine is limited and can only hold about forty to fifty

Learn and Serve Participate in community Outreach Programs

Game Night: Kristen Castilleja (12) helps kids play games at ESL night. Kids wanted to stay in the game room all night. “ESL night was awesome! It was fun interacting with the kids and listening to the different languages they spoke” Kristen Castilleja (12).

All I Want To Do Is Read: Learn and Serve students read books with kids. Learn and Serve had three rooms for kids to go in. There was a movie room, game room and reading room.

Let’s Go Fishing: During a field trip to Rapphannock River, Andrew Wilson (12) and Beau Bouie (11) drag in the fishing net. They placed the nets on the table so the other students could search for specimens.

What is that?: Kathleen Namey (11), Graciela Slyer (11), and Lauren Reinaman (11) observe the specimens collected in the fishing nets. They recorded the type of marine animals that were collected in the river.

Sports

11

The Talon

March, 30

Freshmen on Varsity teams play hard to earn their positions Kristen Steele Reporter

As most students are well aware, Forge is notoriously talented and accomplished in sports.

Some people that are not even zoned to go to the school transfer to Forge in order to get a more wholesome athlete experience because the school is in on an elite level when it comes to sports.

Coaches are overrun with talent and tough decisions

when it tryouts come, because there is so much talent to offer from the students, including freshmen.

In just the Fredericksburg/Stafford area alone, many traveling and club teams are offered in a variety of sports outside of just recreational teams. This offers teenagers a chance to try a new sport, if they are talented at it, and see a higher level of competition.

Playing on a traveling sports team also allows athletes to meet other people in the area that play the same sport, and to receive constructive criticism from coaches who have been playing and coaching the sport for years.

Due to having a long list of accomplished club teams, the area produces a lot of talented athletes in a large range of sports.

Rachel Carr (‘14),

who has been playing soccer for eight years, has made the accomplishment that only a handful of athletes can say they did: making the girls’ varsity soccer team her freshman year. Because she is a freshman, she has major competition everyday from the upperclassmen that have been playing at a high school level for three or four years, but that does not overshadow that she obviously has a lot

of talent.

“I like being on the varsity team as a freshman,” Carr said. “It is a good experience to make me become a better player.”

Rachel won’t be doing this alone, however. There are a total of 5 girls on the soccer team that are freshmen.

But Carr said that the returning upperclassmen are “welcoming” and they “help

by giving tips.”

“I’m looking forward to building chemistry with each other and being able to connect,” Carr said. “We have so much talent and upperclassmen to look up to.”

Q&A: Mr. Bronson Gambale, Girls Varsity Soccer Coach Liza Contreras Reporter

What happened to last year’s soccer coach?

What was it like in Jamaica? Like how did you guys plan it out?

- Coach Backus became Coach Beale, and after a very strong and long tenure here as the head coach, she thought it was a good time to move on. She is still very involved with Athletics here and is the coach for the freshman girls’ basketball team.

- Manassas Assembly of God developed a team to go down to Jamaica. There were 3 groups; the 1st was based on construction and repair. We were rebuilding the church in the main city down by the capital. The 2nd group was going to be offering Vacation bible school for the villages and cities youth. The 3rd group was the one I ran and we were bringing in a soccer school. Like I said earlier it is universal and brings enjoyment to every culture.

What are some of your coaching experiences?

- Some of my coaching experiences would involve tenure at North Central University as a graduate assistant, I developed and Head coached the boys team at Cristo Ray High School, I was coaching Director for a youth development program with a pro academy in Minnesota “Cruz Azul,” and now I am running 2 travel teams for Stafford that play in the top Women’s league in Virginia So how many years experience would that be?

- I have coached soccer for close to 5 years now, most of that with multiple teams per season. I also have been a private fitness trainer for close to 8 years.

What got you into coaching soccer?

- I grew to absolutely love it. I was always a captain on all the teams I have been a part of. I went from FBLA to college soccer. I

What was the soccer school like?

New Varsity coach Mr.Gambale talks with his players.

always had a hunger to lead and understand why things worked and breaking down the human mind and body.

When I got to college and got my first opportunity to coach I took it and ran.

What was the main purpose of the pro academy?

- The main purpose for the pro academy was for the pro team in Mexico “Cruz Azul” wanted to find talent here in America. They also wanted to give back to the Latino community in Minneapolis.

They saw that the number was high and there were not a lot of funds for the kids to play. So we brought high level training to kids that had a lot of promise. In return

the kids got off the street and the pro team got free looks at talent.

Why did you choose to play Soccer?

- It is a beautiful game, the flow and the rhythm are memorizing. I love that all I need to play is have a ball. It is one of the things in life that can easily cross cultural. I would walk into foreign countries every year and I would not need to say a word, just pull out my soccer ball and instant involvement and smiles.

What position did you play?

- The position that I played the most was striker, my

coaches would have me work up top and try to score. I also worked back into a center midfield position. Yet there is nothing like playing up top.

Have you ever worked with soccer outside of the country?

- Two summers ago I was in Jamaica working with the youth at a Church putting together a soccer school and helping rebuild their church. I have also been to Nicaragua, Bolivia, Mexico and others. While in high school all the way through college would go to these places and work with the churches to bring music, relieve, repair, and/or course soccer.

- They opened up the fields for the kids to use but unlike the fields here, where we fight over which turf or pristine grass field we will use they had gravel parking lots. We were planning on 20-30 kids but on the first day we had almost 100 kids.

We were teaching technical skills and fun games to play at first then we developed teams and a little in house league.

How are the doctors there?

- Well thank goodness my wonderful mother-in-law was there and she is a nurse and she had antibiotics and was able to keep it looking ok until I got back to the states a few days later.

How did you end up back in Stafford?

- Both my wife Samantha and I are from Northern Virginia. We were living out in Minneapolis when we first got married, once we got pregnant with our daughter Braelyn Gianna we moved back to the area to be near family. We now have our son Luca Cristiano.

How did you get the job here at Forge?

- I started coaching in Stafford and training a few players that used to go here and go here now. When I found out that they were looking for a new Head coach I put my resume in.

What do you think of Forge so far?

- The faculty and staff are great and the students are smart and well behaved.

What do you think of the team?

- There is a great mixture of very talented girls and they are all hard workers.

There were 60-65 girls trying out this season and it was hard to cut down to get our Varsity and Junior Varsity teams. Varsity looks tough this season, there is a lot of talent and hunger, but it will come down to how fast we can blend and develop experience. We are a young team with 50% of our team being underclassman.

Sports The Talon

12

March, 30

Indoor Track and Field Competes in New York City Hannah Somers Reporter

The indoor track and field team competed at Indoor Track and Field Nationals in New York City over the weekend of March 12th to 13th. This was the second year that the team has competed and like the year before, they had many athletes who competed and ended the season on a high note.

The boys 4x800m relay team, which consisted of Ricky Cappetta (’12), David Klimek (’11), Jordanis Lozier (’11), and David Pennesi (’12), finished 5th overall. Their time of 7.49 breaks the previous school record of 7.57 and earns them a #4 spot in Virginia, and an impressive top 30 spot in United States history.

David Klimek (’11), who ran the second and fastest leg of the relay, said the successful outcome “was a pleasant surprise”, not only because of the talent that a fifth place finish took, but “more so just the timing of us hitting our best races on the same day.”

All four relay members were named to the All-

David Pennesi (‘12), Ricky Cappetta (‘12), David Klimek (‘11), Jordanis Lozier (‘11) pose after their win.

American team, which is a selective title that recognizes high placement in events.

Jeremy Granderson (’11), the sole field even athlete that competed at nationals, finished the indoor season ranked #8 in the United States with his high jump of 6 feet 10.25 inches.

Hannah Dickinson was the only girl to travel to

the Big Apple for the 2011 Nationals and raced in the girls 800 meter race, finishing with a season best of 2.21.

The event consists of an entire weekend of competing, leaving the athletes in multi-colored, stadium-style seating along with thousands of other spectators and athletes

waiting to compete.

When the team wasn’t preparing to race, though, they were out on the town; doing their annual run around Madison Square Garden, spending time shopping around Times Square, and eating at restaurants with giant, New York-style, portions.

This is one of the main traveling events the track team partakes in, but it is not alone. The spring track and field team is working on finding their way to The Penn Relays, a historic meet that has drawn thousands of spectators since 1895.

The boys 4x800 team, along with the entire Colonial Forge Track and Field Team, has high expectations for this spring season. When asked about these expectations Klimek (’11) said “the team we have this year has the opportunity to do great things when we are all on the same page and working hard.”

Lacrosse Expecting a Winning Season Megan Niewold Reporter

The Colonial Forge lacrosse team is looking forward to an exciting season. As the season progresses the players are keeping their skills fresh during practice, and awaiting their biggest rival, Mountain View.

Everyone says that practice makes perfect and lacrosse players are no strangers to intense practices.“I think practice helps us prepare because after each game we have to look at what we did wrong, and then fix it,” explains Jarrett Myers (’13). The practices consist of warm-up jogs, stretches, then attack and defensive drills. “We are looking a lot better than last year, I think we have good chance at winning all of our games,” says Colin Haberbosch (’12).

“The hardest team to beat will be Albemarle,

they’re always good,” Haberbosch explains, “but Stafford Senior High School, will be the easiest.” As a member of the varsity team for three years Haberbosch is expecting a winning season.

To be a successful team, the players must develop a bond. Because the school week can be hectic, the team sets aside time before games to pump each other up. Before every game the team will get together and play some basketball, or the moms will get together and make a team dinner.

“For the most part we get along,” Myers explains, “team bonding for us isn’t really anything special.”

As the lacrosse team hopes to come out with a district title this season, the parents, fans and student body is expecting the best for players.

Reflecting on a Great Season and Career: Lindsay Carr

Caitlin Russell Managing Editor

Gymnastics is a sport filled with lithe and graceful movements, and a skill that requires the rhythm of a dancer and the strength of a football player. Simply put, it is a time intensive and extremely competitive lifestyle.

Lindsay Carr (’11) has been a gymnast for almost 12 years. She started the sport as a tiny six-year-old. Lindsay has been a star on the high school gymnastics team since her freshman year, and as a senior, she reflects on past memories with a twinge of bittersweet nostalgia and future plans with a sparkling optimistic outlook.

Q&A:

Why do you enjoy the sport so much?

-I enjoy this sport because it’s challenging and there’s always something new to learn and work on; it is never boring.

How were your regional and state meets?

-The team placed 3rd at Regionals. I got first on beam at Regional and 4th on floor. At States, I got 5th on beam and 9th on floor.

Who is your high school coach?

-Coach Thornburg How exactly did you feel after each of these meets?

-I was very sad actually because they were the last meets I competed for the school. I was very proud of my performance though.

Do you plan on continuing gymnastics in college?

-Yes, I can’t imagine my life without it.

Who has always been there to support you at your meets? Who do you consider to be your biggest fan?

-My mom; she has never missed a meet, even since I was seven years old. My family in general is very supportive; both my parents are proud of my accomplishments.

Overall, how was this season in respect to all other previous seasons in your high school gymnastics career?

-This was the best season I’ve had in my high school career. I was a lot more focused, most likely because I knew this was my last year, my last chance.

Describe your team members.

-All of my team members are strong and are capable of being great at all events; it’s just a matter of applying their potential.

Do you have any advice to students interested in trying out for the gymnastics team next year?

-If you’re thinking about trying out, you need the skills (obviously), and you should think about joining a class at a rec center.

An Forgeacrosse player leaps for the ball during practice.

What is one of your most prized memories from high school gymnastics?

-My fondest memory was when our 20092010 team won districts. It was less about the winning and more the feeling of accomplishment, knowing that our hard work had finally paid off.