The Talon, Fall 2013

Volume 13, Issue 1 Fall 2013

arrests, massive fines, jail time, the

truth and consequences of risky behavior

cfhstalon.com

@cforgepress

facebook.com/forgepress

pintrest.com/cfhstalon

4

Check out this feature on Mr. Spicer and working on his family farm.

from the Cover On pages 15 to 18, Deputy Neil sheds some light on the real legal implications of underage drinking, distracted driving, and illegal drug use.

Photo by Amber Roca

2

Features

Entertainment

sports

3. An Eagle Once More: Mr. Daniel talks about his background in professional football.

12. making it big: Ian Bamberg (‘11) makes an appearance on Criminal Minds.

25. from 3a to 6a up, up, and away: Football divisions change from districts to conferences.

13. reviews: The 1975 concert brings about an Indie Invasion.

26.determined to dance: Julia Weaver (‘17) dances despite battling diabetes.

6. Military to classroom: Mr. Gottschalk uses his military past to help him in the classroom.

8. keeper of the bees: Iain McGlothin (‘16) keeps bees in order to help the enviroment.

9. De-Grading: Mr. Baskin has a unique grading system in his English classes 10. Tyler crowell: Crowell (‘15) talks about living with hearing impairment.

20. new york, new york: Erika Ortner (‘14) and Matt Zimmerman (‘14) spend a week in NYC. 21. cover worthy: Yearbook students pose for Custom Ink. 22. Style Speaks: Lauren Vastano (‘15) and Natalie Fritz (‘15) take on the world of fashion.

28. olympic dreams: Camryn Curry (‘17) and Kira Rivers (‘15) work toward Olympic Trials.

30. Changing for the better: Spirit participation grows with the creation of a Forge Spirit Club.

e

an

ce ag e On ai l g n a

g e r g

l e i n a D

By Abby Erdelatz Media/Web Editor

Most high schools don’t have a principal that has tossed a football on the same field as Reggie White and Donovan McNabb. But as usual, Forge is one of a kind. Our new principal, Mr. Gregory Daniel, before he became a teacher, played football at Virginia Tech and was a free agent for the Philadelphia Eagles: an undrafted athlete invited to come, play, and try out for the team. It was an experience he certainly remembers.

“What sticks with me the most,” he said, “is meeting, seeing, and being a part of the locker room with players, that when I was in college or even in high school I would see play on TV. Guys that you look up to, you know, your role models as an amateur athlete.”

Having played football since he was eight years old, playing next to these icons was the most memorable thing about the whole experience.

“My locker was actually beside Herschel Walker’s locker. I was their equal; I was one of their teammates for the short time I was there.” said Daniel. “It was a little intimidating at first, but once I stepped on the field I felt that I could compete with anyone.”

Unfortunately, after tryouts, not every player can make the team.

In 1992, Mr. Daniel ended up being the last player released the day everyone received their ‘pink slips’ telling them to pack their bags. He remembers sitting on the side of his bed until late that night.

“I honestly thought I had made the team. That night after all the activity stopped, I began to get excited thinking I had made it,” he said. “My mind was racing a thousand miles per hour. I thought about things like, what I would do with all the money I would make, where would I live, what kind of car I would purchase?”

But at around 10:00pm that night, he was summoned to the football offices at the stadium and given the news of his release.

“It was a bittersweet moment for me. Obviously, I was not happy with being released; however, I was grateful for the opportunity, and I was pleased knowing that I was the last player released on final cut day,” he said.

The Eagles, as well as a few other teams, invited him to try out next year, but he decided to go back to school. Soon after that was when he met his wife, and became a teacher. The ‘glory days’ were over.

However, he has no regrets about the path he chose.

“I believe that everything happens for a reason...this is where I’m supposed to be,” he said. His time with the Eagles, though brief, continues to influence his life today. “The three most important principles that I have learned is to stay positive in the midst of bleak situations, get up immediately when I fall, and that when you work hard you can accomplish anything. It has made me appreciate just how blessed I am.”

Photo by Abby Erdelatz

3

4

Farming For the family

How buying back the family farm created a selfsustaining lifestyle for the Spicer Family.

By Brianne Clasen Entertainment Editor

It seems like nowadays there’s no room for a slow paced life. New developments are popping up everywhere, traffic is getting worse, and people are constantly rushing to get things done.

When I pulled up to Byron and Laura Spicer’s home in Spotsylvania County, all the stresses of life seemed to just disappear. Mrs. Spicer had just finished picking pumpkins from her garden and was making her own yogurt, while Mr. Spicer was building a new fence.

Built in 1921 by his great-grandparents, the farm was sold out of the family in 1991 for more than twenty years. One day, Mr. Spicer took his son to the farm to reminisce about his childhood. While he was there, the owner of the home arrived and informed Mr. Spicer that he was putting the house up for sale. In 2010 the farm was back in the Spicer family name again.

“Hardly any people in this day and age have a connection with their past” Mr. Spicer said. “It’s a connection I was fortunate to grow up with, having access to the farm, and that I will be able to share with my kids.

Buying the farm didn’t just mean purchasing a piece of property, it meant preserving my nation’s, states, and family’s legacy.”

Mr. Spicer found that many things had changed in twenty years. The old owner of the home had not kept up with the maintenance and let the house deteriorate. One of Mr. Spicer’s favorite rooms, the parlor, had been converted into a garage where he stored five motorcycles. Although the motorcycles broke through the original wood the home was built with, Mr. Spicer describes it as a blessing in disguise because it exposed the house had termites.

Although the termites are gone, many renovations and additions are being added onto the home.

“It’s not about creating a perfect twenty-first century home. Rather, preserving and restoring my home tastefully, all while trying to keep it as raw as possible” he said.

Not only did buying the home mean maintaining the house itself, but it also meant maintaining the 5.5 acres of land it sits on. So what motivated them to begin a “farm-life?”

“Before we bought the farm, we were living in Shenandoah where people lived sustainably. We were interested in becoming self-sustaining ourselves” Mrs. Spicer said. “So one day we tapped our maple tree for maple syrup and thought ‘we can do this.’ So making our own syrup was the catalyst that made us want to try a new lifestyle,” she said.

Their land is filled with plenty of space for their animals to graze and their fruits and vegetables to grow. The land benefits them as a place to

Pictured from Left to right:

Mr. spicer’s son, Charlie, and one of their chickens.

Photo by Brianne Clasen

Mr. Spicer’s first visit to the farm with his Grandma and Grandaddy Green.

Courtesy Byron Spicer

Mr. Spicer’s Grandma Annie Mae, Grandma and Grandaddy Green, and Aunt Ivye.

Courtesy of Byron Spicer Mr. Spicer’s Grandma Green and a guernesy bull.

Courtesy of Byron Spicer

Mr. and Mrs. Spicer in their hay barn.

Photo by Brianne Clasen

raise and grow their own food, and also serves as economic opportunity.

As of now, there are three cows, four goats, three turkeys, over a dozen chickens and a cat living on the property. Two of the cows are expecting to give birth anytime, and by next fall will be ready to sell the two babies for profit. The three turkeys that were wandering around, won’t be wandering for much longer. One will be eaten for Thanksgiving, the other for Christmas, and the third will be sold for profit.

“The animals help us live a self-sustaining life, benefit us economically, and provide a great ambiance for the land,” Mr. Spicer said.

To also live more sustainably, Mrs. Spicer cans and preserves the fruits and vegetables from her garden, makes her own bread and yogurt, all with trying to balance her job and family.

“We’re very isolated in our efforts. Farming is a lost art. But when you walk down the aisles of the grocery store, it’s boxes of unreal food. Even if you buy organic food, you still don’t know where it comes from and you’re going to pay top dollar” Mrs. Spicer said. “Instead, I have everything I need in my yard. At times it can be overwhelming and I’ll have to go to the grocery store. In this day in age it’s impossible to be a purist. We don’t live in a society where people are offering to come over and help us, there’s no more community support. And that’s definitely one of the toughest parts” she said.

Being at the farm gave me a different perspective on how society used to be. People didn’t have the advantage of just running to the grocery store, but rather depended on community support and the helping hand of a neighbor.

Although buying back the farm has been a monumental task, Mr. Spicer couldn’t imagine living life any other way.

“Having the heart of the property back meant so much to everyone in my family, and it’s allowed our family to create a self-sustaining lifestyle. Even though a lot of labor and time is required, I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to bring back a piece of our family’s history,” Mr. Spicer said.

“

In this day in age it’s impossible to be a purist. We don’t live in a society where people are offering to come over and help us, there’s no more community support.”

-Laura Spicer

The farm house.

Photo by Brianne Clasen

Mr. Spicer’s Grandadaddy Green.

Courtesy of Byron Spicer

Mr. Spicer and one of his expecting cows.

Photo by Brianne Clasen

Mr. Spicer’s Great-Great-grandfather William Gabine Green.

Courtesy of Byron Spicer

5

Photo of Gary Gottschalk when he served as Executive Officer on the USS Fanning in 1976 Photo courtesy of Gary Gottschalk

6

M

i

o m

ta i l

o class t y ro r

y r a G alk

h c s t Got

A

By Katie Bashista Feature Editor

of the waters of Vietnam, where they would board and search any ships trying to get inside the twelve-mile limit of South Vietnam. s students, we spend about “Somehow there was a certain excitement nine months in school with teachers. We see them almost attached to what was going on in Vietnam,” he said, “At that stage it wasn’t something to be every day but even with all avoided, it was something to do a little bit with.” of this time, how much do we He then spent six months in actually know about destroyer school and came out as a them? weapons officer on a guided missile Gary Gottschalk destroyer named the Buchanan. This is known to the students as a history was located off the waters of Vietnam teacher, but what many of them don’t as well and was used to fire guns in know is that Mr. Gottschalk has lived support of the troops on the ground. some of the events that we learn about “Sometimes it was random fire all in history. night long.” He said.

“I didn’t really have a hot job After his time on the Buchanan, he opportunity coming out of college,” he Mr. did a tour at the Pentagon for about said, “I was kind of at loose-ends and Gottschalk three years where he was a staff the Navy was there.” officer and ended his 26-year career in spent 26 Right out of college, Gottschalk joined the military as a member of the staff of the Navy starting on a series of tours, years in the Secretary of Defense. the first one being a ship escort out of the military. “[The career] was varied.The first Pearl Harbor where he started as an half or so maybe a little bit more with anti-submarine warfare officer. the fleet at sea,” he said. “And the last After three years Gottschalk made the part sitting at a desk smashing pencil decision to stay in the navy and spent two years lead in the Pentagon.” on a variety of small, high-speed boats. One of Mr. Gottschalk retired from the Navy on August his assignments was with a destroyer escort off

quick fact

1st, 1988 and was a student teacher by the end of that year.

He enrolled in night courses at George Mason University to get certified as a social studies teacher which he describes as a natural move because of his experience.

His time in the military and the attributes that he’s acquired through his experiences can be reflected in his teaching.

“I suppose I am unconsciously drawing on all sorts of things [from the military],” he said. “You had to be able to speak reasonably articulate in the military which I try to do in the classroom.”

Being in the military was obviously not an easy task, but being a teacher doesn’t seem to prove to be any easier.

“When I was in the military I thought we really worked hard,” he said. “And when I started teaching I thought, oh my Lordy, I had no idea how tough this was going to be.”

Although the job may come with its difficulties, Mr. Gottschalk finds it very rewarding.

“You’re kind of in this job to serve in the sense that you hope you’re helping people to get a foundation to get ahead,” he said. “And when you get some feedback that that’s happening it really feels good.”

7

keeper of the bees Iain McGlothin (‘16) takes care of his personal bee hives, and aims to save the environment

By Eli Hand Reporter

Honey bees all around the globe are being destroyed and drastically affecting the honey industry, as well as pollination of every flower and plant. In Spain alone, eighty percent of bee hives have disappeared forever. Iain McGlothin (‘16)knows this, and is keeping bees to try and stop the devastation of dying hives.

“They’re valuable, they’re good to have around, and plus honey bees aren’t that aggressive”, said Iain, “ Last May we had thirty pounds of honey.”

When Iain and his father first heard of colony collapse disorder CCD two years ago, they did not expect that the statistics would be so severe. While they were in a class for beginner beekeepers, they learned that thirty percent of honey bee hives were being destroyed all around the nation. This is a disorder that is causing worker bees to leave the hive and not return due to various factors.

“My dad got into it sort of…We took a class at the Rappahannock Bee Keeping Association”, said Iain. Before they could get started however, they needed the supplies and, more importantly, a colony of bees.

In order to do this, the Mcglothin family bought most of their supplies from an independent seller in Remington, VA. Once they had their bee farm up and running, the bees needed something to get them started before they were to become a perfectly functioning community. Iain and his father first used a technique that gives the bees the energy they need by taking a bag of sugar water and cutting a hole in the bottom of it to place in the hive.

“For the most part they take care of themselves. In the beginning we fed them sugar water to get them started; they kind of just suck it up “, said Iain.

During the first winter Iain lost a good portion of the bees due to the harsh conditions of being near a lake in the freezing cold.

“We have one hive that’s full size still but we lost one during the winter. There are between eight and ten thousand [bees] now”, said Iain. Just as one hive on the McGlothin bee farm was destroyed during the winter many others are dying due to invaders, environmental conditions, and viruses.

“Without Beekeepers, they usually die on their own”, said Iain. CCD is a broad view of many possible problems affecting honey bees and could be the result of human disruption with the environment.

The bees themselves don’t necessarily always “want” to sting a person. More times than not a bee won’t sting someone because it will more than likely die if it does this.

“It will die of infection because there are barbs that pull at the inside of the bees”, said Iain. However, that doesn’t always provide Iain ultimate protection from taking honey.

“I got stung in the head once. Ive only been stung two or three times”, said Iain. Iain wears a protective suit when he is beekeeping.

Through his experience of beekeeping, Iain has learned the importance of bees and the benefits that go along with taking care of the Stafford County environment, through his colony of honey bees. Iain McGlothin is the beekeeper.

8

Above:

Sophomore Iain McGlothin in his beekeeping attire. McGlothin understands the importance of bees and beekeeps to help stop the destrcuction of honey bees.

Photo by: Eli Hand To the left:

Some of the bees in one of McGlothin’s bee hives.

Photo by: Eli Hand

de-grading

Mr. Baskin introduces a new grading policy in his English classes

By Brooke Warren Reporter

“I don’t think human intelligence can be measured in points,” said Mr. Baskin, the newest teacher in the English Department at Forge.

Mr. Baskin’s grading system is different from many of the other teachers.

Many students fear trying new styles of writing and expression because they’re afraid their grades won’t be good. So instead, Baskin’s system allows students to try new styles of writing and express themselves without that fear. Baskin wants his students to actually try and not have the fear of failing because of their letter grade. “I have yet to see how grades help students or teachers” Mr. Baskin said.

At the start of every class period, Baskin has a poem, or picture, or some form of art that he asks his students to analyze and critique it. “I like that he asks us to analyze poems,” said Melanie Hatch (‘14). “It’s a great way to get the class to talk. Sometimes students have a lot of funny comments too.”

Baskin is very lenient when it comes to grading his students. “When you take away the grades and points, it opens up the opportunity to try again and again till it’s correct.”

Stafford county policy requires every teacher to submit one grade in the gradebook per week. Baskin says, “In the end, I will have grades in the gradebook.” However, at the end of every nine weeks, Baskin will ask his students to reflect on how they think that they have done as a student that marking period.

“I’ll ask them if they’ve turned in work on time, how efficient of a job they’ve done on their work, and their amount of participation in class.”

Baskin makes it very specific that the students do not “pick” their grade, instead, they will “choose the grade they think they earn.” Baskin does keep a written record of grades he gives his students and if the students turn in their work in a timely manner.

In the end, “I’ll take into consideration the grade that the students have given themselves, and what I think they have earned.”

“My system aims to take the pressure off of getting work done right the first time and also

takes away the fear of failure.”

Baskin got his inspiration from his 12th grade AP English teacher, saying, “The system seemed to be very effective.”

Alfie Khon, an American author and lecturer on education, parenting, and human behavior has also played a huge influence on Baskin’s system. One of Khon’s articles, “From Degrading to De-Grading,” Khon explains that traditional grades affect students creativity, their interest in their learning, and traditional grades prevent them from taking challenging risks.

“Learning should be about the process and interest in the learning, not the reward” said Baskin.

“I hope the students do well and that they take the opportunity to extend their learning.”

9

Tyler is wearing her Cochlear Implant. She went through surgery in 2012.

Photo by Katie Bashista

tyler

crowell

Despite hearing loss, Tyler Crowell participates in life to the fullest.

By Katie Bashista Feature Editor

10

M

eeting Tyler Crowell (‘15) for

the first time, you wouldn’t notice anything different about her. She loves reading, is an active participant in Colonial Forge’s drama program, and has a positive outlook on just about everything.

But with closer inspection, you may notice the bright pink hearing aid poking out from her hair.

“I see it as an accessory,” she said. “That’s how I’ve seen it since it happened.”

Tyler was diagnosed as deaf when she was in kindergarten. Her parents first suspected that something was wrong when her teachers reported that she was a “brat” and wasn’t listening to them. In reality, she just couldn’t hear what they were saying.

Tyler then went through a series of hearing tests, which she failed.

“We’re not positive exactly how it happened or when it happened,” she said. “The audiologist, the doctors, no one knew because my eardrums looked perfect, which is weird.

The cause of Tyler’s deafness is still unknown but what keeps her from being able to hear are the little hairs on the ear canal. These hairs curl around three times and are supposed to go upwards when sound hits. However, Tyler’s are dead which doesn’t allow sound to transmit clearly.

Tyler is completely deaf in her right ear and has very little hearing in her left ear. In an attempt to save her hearing, she got a cochlear implant during her Freshman year.

“The doctors talked about it when I was in second or third grade but didn’t want to do it until I had absolutely no hearing in that ear,” she said.

During her freshman year, that’s exactly what happened.

“It felt like my hearing aid was constantly dying when it wasn’t.” she said.

On March 19th, 2012 Tyler entered Johns Hopkins hospital in Baltimore, Maryland to receive her cochlear implant. Her mom, dad, sister, and grandparents were also there with her and circulated in and out of her room.

“At this point I was just spewing out useless facts, shooting them off every second. Someone would walk in and I’d be like ‘did you know…’ because I was freaking out,” she said. “I wasn’t really nervous I was just anxious.”

The procedure lasted three hours and was a success. Any anxieties Tyler had prior to the

her question had one of the older models of the surgery were now lifted and she was left to cochlear implant. anticipate the activation of the cochlear implant, “I don’t recall but some fluid hit the processor which she received after six weeks.

“I have videos on my phone that my mom took that they put into your head. It happened to two because she thought it was going to be some big of the models and it basically caused shocks into the brain,” she said. “Everyone started crying moment,” she said. “They turned it on and I was and telling stories of how we lost our hearing. just kind of like okay, nothing new.”

Everyone was sobbing and we all got up, group Before the cochlear implant, Tyler had been hug, ate some chocolate chip cookies, it was cast in one of Colonial Forge’s plays.

“My part included me laying on the ground and amazing.”

Tyler has seen her hearing impairment as a waiting for a cue to get back up,” she said. “I had part of her since the beginning. She doesn’t see it to pay super close attention and it was nervewracking because what if I don’t hear them and I as an impairment at all.

“I can hear, I just have a delayed reaction,” don’t get up?”

Her implant was activated before opening night she said. “If you put yourself in that position to be vulnerable about something that’s you, I feel and she was right on cue. like you’re giving people a chance to pick at you Tyler doesn’t have any more procedures lined because they see that that’s your weak spot.” up but she does anticipate that if the hearing This outlook is what allows her to keep moving in her left ear were to go completely she would forward and not let her impairment define her. have to get another cochlear implant.

She excels in school and is not afraid to speak “I don’t want to get another one,” she said. about her impairment with anyone.

“Before this cochlear implant they told me “Honestly if someone were to come up to me it’s going to be weird to hear music and be like “Oh you’re deaf? That means you’re because it’s more mechanical hearing than a hearing aid. They said I wouldn’t dumb” I know that’s not valid because I’m taking two AP classes.” She said. be able to hear acoustic Tyler is very open about her music as well and I like I’ve never been teased hearing and is comfortable with acoustic music. I don’t about it because I’ve made herself which allows everyone know what it would people very aware that I’m around her to feel comfortable be like if I were to get not ashamed of it.” with her as well. She even jokes another one.”

Tyler’s hearing -Tyler Crowell (’15) that she pulls “the deaf card” in order to make people more impairment has brought comfortable with her. her many opportunities that “When people ask me about it I’m not she wouldn’t be able to have otherwise. offended,” she said. “It’s nothing to be ashamed She applied for LOFT (Leadership about. Since day one of my diagnosis I’ve never Opportunities For Teens) which is an Alexander been teased about it because I’ve made people Graham Bell leadership camp for mainstream hard of hearing kids, which included twenty high very aware that I’m not ashamed of it.”

Tyler doesn’t see her condition to be any schoolers from all around the country. Tyler was different than some difficulties people deal with lucky enough to be one of the few selected. on a daily basis.

She spent a week at the camp in Arizona “It’s kind of a weird analogy but they’re like where the teens did leadership activities, glasses for your eyes,” she said. “When people teamwork games, and had advocacy sessions can’t see they get glasses or contacts, I can’t which are to help teens learn to speak up for hear so I get hearing aids or a cochlear implant.” themselves and let people know about their Tyler has been through a lot involving her situation.

Tyler remembers one specific session in which hearing impairment but hasn’t let it stop her from doing anything. the whole group shared an intense moment “I can’t be negative about it because that’s not and according to the counselors, bonded better my personality,” she said. “I can’t change it and than any group at LOFT has before. One of the it’s who I am.” girls asked if the magnet in the cochlear implant would someday die and the man who answered

“

Tyler’s Cochlear Implant Process Tyler had multiple hearing tests to ensure she was eligible for the implant.

Her right ear was marked for the surgery and she was given the IV.

She entered Johns Hopkins Hospital the morning of March 19th 2012.

She assured herself “you can do this” and once the anesthesia kicked in, the surgery commenced.

After three hours, Tyler woke up in the outpatient area and eventually left the hospital.

She was moved to the operating room where they were playing Taylor Swift and she was given the anesthesia.

11

making it big

Ian Bamberg (‘11) works towards his career in an appearance on Criminal Minds

By Shelby Shillingburg Editor In Chief

There’s nothing like the feeling of turning on your television and seeing a face you recognize from high school. This is exactly what happened on Wednesday, Sept.

25. At 9 p.m. (EST) a new episode of Criminal Minds aired with an appearance from Ian Bamberg (‘11).

Before Bamberg graduated, he starred in a variety of productions here, including Hairspray, I Dream Before I Take The Stand, Bye Bye Birdie, and The Proposal.

Ms. Hansen, Ian’s former Drama teacher, taught him from grades 7 to 12.

“His mom asked me in 8th grade, ‘Do you think he could go far?’ and I told her I really thought he could,” Hansen said. “ He seemed like he really had the drive and he’s a talented kid’” After graduation, Bamberg went to the New York Conservatory for a year. After that he moved to Los Angeles to study at The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to have great teachers, starting with Ms. Hansen and then in New York City and now here in L.A.,” Bamberg said. “Aside from that I really think that the act of just living– seeing different cities, meeting different people, and having crazy adventures–is not just a huge growing tool but really inspiration for myself. Everyone you meet has a story, and that’s where all the creative juices come from,” he said.

Bamberg’s two agents have helped him get appearances in a variety of movies, productions, and a commercial. His resume includes 12

Another Cinderella Story: Once Upon a Song, Second Time Around, a Cox Cable commercial, and many others.

“He was always very focused,” Hansen said. “He really wanted critiques because he wanted to grow. He listened to directions and others which made it a pleasure to work with him. I think that is part of the reason he’s getting work now.”

Bamberg has two supporting leads coming in two films coming this fall: Warrior Road and Mischief Night.

“We filmed [Warrior Road] in Charleston, South Carolina.

Everything about that trip was incredible and the cast and crew were great.” Bamberg said.

Ian watched the premiere with his other previous Drama teacher, Mr. Hainline, who now lives in L.A. Before the premiere of Criminal Minds, Ian texted Ms. Hansen “I love you Ms. Hansen, this couldn’t have happened without you.”

“I’m just happy that we’re a part of each others lives and stories. It’s good to know that he felt supported by what he learned here. I feel that about all my students. It’s like something that started here expanded to something bigger,” Hansen said.

“I wouldn’t be here without Ms. Hansen. She didn’t just tell me that I could do it, she showed me that it was really possible,” Bamberg said.

Graduate Ian Bamberg appeared in a recent episode of Criminal Minds. He played a waitor working at the same restaurant as the perpetrator. His line was “you forgot the bacon.”

Photo by: Shelby Shillingburg

Where are they Now?

Past Forge players tracked down.

‘11 ‘13 ‘11

Blake Frohnaphel Blake graduated in 2011 and went Marshall University. Blake plays as a quarterback and currently has a record of 18 out of 23 passes for 180 yards.

Jeffery Moore Moore graduated in 2013. He now attends Bridgewater College and plays as a wide receiver and kick returner. He currently has made two touchdowns this season.

Eric Frohnaphel Like his brother, Eric graduated in 2011 and went off to Marshall. He currently plays as a half back in every game. He has a current record of 13 passes for 129 yards.

REVIEWS

1975 Concert: Indie Invasion

By Katie Bashista Feature Editor

Lead singer Matthew Healy performs one of the songs off of their self-titled album “The 1975.”

Photo by: Katie Bashista

Straight out of Manchester, The 1975 is a British, indie-rock band with a hint of 90’s pop sound that was started ten years ago but is just recently making a breakthrough with their hit single “Chocolate.” The group consists of Matthew Healy (lead singer), Adam Hann (guitar) George Daniel (drums), and Ross MacDonald (bass). With four EPs under their belt and one self-titled debut album, released September 3rd of this year, The 1975 began their U.S tour this month. I was lucky enough to attend their 5th show of the tour at The Black Cat in DC. The concert began with the intro track of the album followed by one of their more upbeat, lively songs “The City.”

They performed for about an hour and a half and got through the most notable songs on the album including “Robbers”, “Chocolate”, and “Girls”, as well as a few off of their EP’s.

Matthew connected with the audience throughout the entire show with a series of winks and smiles, filming himself and the band on fan’s iPhones, and taking pictures of the crowd with his personal Polaroid camera.

The setlist consisted of tracks that give you that feeling you can only get by listening to a song on

The Fault in our Stars: Falling for John Green

By Maison Chaffin Reporter

Romance, suspense, and comedy are all of the things that you look for in a good book.

This is exactly how I would describe The Fault in Our Stars written by John Green John Green is a rising author who has written Looking for Alaska, Paper Towns, and many others.

The Fault in Our Stars is about a sixteen year old named Hazel Lancaster. She has an uncommon disease called terminal thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer is an abnormality in your cells in your thyroid gland, which is located in the front of your neck. This tragic disease causes Hazel to have to roll an oxygen tank everywhere she goes.

Hazel meets a boy named Augustus Waters, or Gus, at a cancer support group and the two instantly click. Gus had his leg amputated because of a tumor. He had to get this done in order to be able to walk again.

Throughout the story Gus and Hazel bond over a book called An Imperial Affliction,written

by Peter van Houten. The two become obsessed with it and have a dream of going to Amsterdam and meeting the author to talk to him about the strange ending.

While reading the story you get a feeling that you are in it. It is very surreal in a sense that you do feel that you are a character. Also, you can connect to the characters in the story which make it more realistic.

Read The Fault in Our Stars if you are looking for a book that you can have a deep connection to and something different from your average love story.

full volume as you drive. The whole concert was filled with constant energy being reflected back and forth from the band to the audience.

One of the most memorable moments was before “Robbers” when Matthew stated that his voice was beginning to wane as they perform night after night. During a part of the song that calls for heavy vocals from Matthew, it was clear he wouldn’t be able to get through it. The crowd finished the lyrics to which Matthew smiled and said thank you.

After performing their final songs Matthew thanked the audience for their support and for making the show an unforgettable one.

George tossed his drum sticks into the audience and Ross tossed his towel and with a few waves and nods, they left the stage. The lit-up square which outlined the drumset and illuminated the stage throughout the concert flashed and gradually came to a halt as their song “You” faded out with it.

I don’t know if the DC show on October 11, 2013 will be unforgettable for The 1975 but I can say that it will be for anyone who was able to experience them live that night.

4 books Mr. Huffman

thinks all student should read

By Luke Hillmer Reporter

The Perks of Being a Wallflowerby Stephen Chbosky “It’s about the stresses that come from being a high school student.”

The Shadow Children sequence

by Margaret Peterson Haddix “It deals with a world that is overpopulated, and the scary solutions society comes up with. I think it’s relevant since the world is becoming overpopulated.”

How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff “It deals with teenagers trying to survive during a time of war. It takes place in the future. This was a really good book.”

Just In Case by Meg Rosoff “It’s about a man who is convinced fate is trying to get him, an he turns out being right. This was a really great.”

13

FURLONG & DREWNIAK Thaddeus Furlong & Sandra K. Drewniak

A LAW FIRM OF FORMER POLICE, PROSECUTION, & MILITARY EXPERIENCE

Areas of Practice DUI & DWI OFFENSES DRUG CRIMES TRAFFIC OFFENSES VIOLENT CRIMES PROPERTY CRIMES SEX CRIMES COMPUTER OFFENSES MILITARY COURTS CRIMINAL DEFENSE JUVENILE CRIMES

Free Initial Consultation valawyernow.com call 1-800-800-4351 14

“I was just driving to get donuts for a swim party and I looked back and I ran right into him.”

“My accident was the

scariest moment of my life.”

“My accident was the worst thing that ever happened to me. If I could take one thing back, it would be that.”

“If you’re

bad with peer pressure and you go to a party, you’ll probably do it.”

“You really don’t realize what you have until it’s gone.”

“M y friends “Why not?” do it . T hey introduced

it to me and

I feel like I have now

“I just

want to be accepted.”

to keep

doing it .”

“I like to be a part of the weekend stories people talk about.”

“I watched a family member drink and it destroyed their life.”

“I got pulled

over going

41 in a 35.”

“It’s not a good thing to do. You don’t realize “When I drink, I until something picture myself in bad happens.”

Mario Kart on Rainbow Road.”

“You only hear

stories of bad things happening.

I never thought it would happen to me.”

“You just don’t want to be left out.”

“I feel bad, but then again, I don’t.”

“Parties are fun and all but sometimes I get tired of going to them every weekend.”

“Well, everyone else is doing it.”

“You don’t

know what scared is until you look at your friend and think he’s dead.”

“Smoking is a temporary relief from all of my stresses from school, family and friends.”

“All my

friends are doing it. I feel like I’ll be

“I don’t want

to be left out of what everyone else is doing.”

La w & disorder A guide to the legal implications of drinking, unsafe driving, and doing drugs.

By Alison Mairena Design Editor

Chloe Sikora Copy Editor

15

Driving The things you didn’t know...

11% of all drivers under the age of 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crash.

In 2011, 3,331 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver.

25% of teens respond to a text message once or more every time they drive.

New law: Texting while driving is a primary offense.

Drugs on school property are classified as anything that is a contraband or a controlled substance, such as a prescription drug without filed doctor’s orders. This will reult in administrative punishment.

This includes: Over the counter drugs such as Motrin, Advil, Midol, Pamprin, etc.

Prescribed drugs such as Aderal and Vivance which are ADHD medications Illegal substances such as marijuana, cocaine, etc.

Drinking

Being found with any of these substances on school property will get you arrested and taken to jail or juvenile detention.

What classifies as a drug?

“Just tell the truth; It’s the best way to avoid the maximum punishment.”

-Deputy Neal

16

First Offenses DRINKING Unsupervised probation 30 days detention Must maintain 6 months of good behavior after being caught (including speeding tickets) DRINKING AND DRVING 30 days in jail 1500 fine 1 year suspension of license complete and pay for Virginia driving clas If the BAC is over 0.15 breathalyzer, immediate jail time will ensue DESIGNATED DRIVERS Only the passengers that are drunk will be charged You have no choice but to get out of the vehicle Being in the vehicle is being in public Drunk in public doesn’t show up on your record You will be taken to a holding cell until sobered up just for public safety.

Last year in Virginia alone...

108 17 year olds were caught drinking and driving.

82 drinking and driving accidents among 15-17 year olds involved injury.

Dear Deputy If I drink with my grown up’s permission, I can’t get in trouble.

It is still illegal, and both you and your parents can be arrested or fined. Adults can get up to a $2500 fine or 112 months in jail.

e

ls Fa

If my friend’s alcohol is in my car, I can get in trouble for it.

If no one in the car claims possession, then everyone will be charged. This is the same for drugs. The maximum fine for possession is $500 and a 6-month license suspension.

If I am driving my drunk friend home, but I am sober, I cannot get in trouble.

Only your friend will be arrested or charged, depending on the age.

I can’t go to jail for speeding.

You can be arrested if you are going over 100 miles per hour.

17 15-17 year olds died from a drinking and driving accident.

I can talk on the phone while driving, even if I’m under 18.

8% of teens have driven after drinking alcohol.

There is no Virginia law stating that a person under 18 cannot talk on the phone while driving.

TRUE

TRUE

e

ls Fa

TRUE

24% of teens have ridden with a driver who had been drinking alcohol.

17

NOT GO DUI Procedure DO Standard PASS Go to a party Drink a few alcoholic start beverages

em

a I is one or ss ean

A ti c and ket up y t

e issued ll b ill lose i w w ea r ouo a y

If impaired, parents will be notified

Pay $500 fine or enjoy 50 hours of community service

Get out of the vehicle Take a breathalizer.

Legal amount for Juveniles is .02

Fine or community service depends on judge’s decision

mis cla d

DU

Meet the Deputy Doluptasp Q: How long have you been an officer?

A: 21 years total Q: What position did you do before you worked at the school?

A: I was a detective for awhile and worked on the streets, I worked in the honor court and in the marine control Q: Why did you get into police work?

A: Honestly, when I was 17 I joined the military. I got arrested in Germany and I didn’t have a good experience. I said “Never again” and that I would see what it was like on the other side. I was never a guy who grew up wanting to be a cop.

Q: What does being an officer mean to you?

A: Every once in awhile you get a Thank You. I help people. I like being here at the school because I enjoy working with kids.

Q: Give being a school deputy a job description.

A: My job right now is to keep 2100 students safe. If you don’t feel safe, you can’t learn properly. Schools are soft targets. You hear about school violence all the time. It scares me. I think about ‘what if?’ everday.

18

Go for a spin

Spotted

Get pulled over due to your crazy driving

Start over?

. Eat In or Take Out . Pasta Dinners . Pizza . Subs . Chicken Dinners . Salads . Appetizers . We Serve Beer, Wine & Mixed Beverages • Catering Available

Hours: Monday-Thursday 11am-10pm Friday & Saturday 11am-11pm Sunday 11:30am - 9:30pm

Having A Party Big or Small Let Vinny’s Do All the Work.

BG14805QU

397 Garrisonville Rd. Stafford, VA 22554

540.657.8400

Party Room Available!

(Up to 90 people)

www.vinnysitaliangrillofstafford.com

Achara Achara

540-720-0748 800-669-3274

Award Winning, Full Service Florist

Florist & Fine Gifts

10% Bring in this add and receive

Off

Aquia Park 2781 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Suites 113-115 Stafford, Va 22554 Fax: 540-720-1459 www.acharaflorist.com

19

Left to Right:

Ortner (‘14) and Zimmerman (‘14) at the train station in Connecticut.

Courtesy of Erika Ortner

Zimmerman passes the train ride by listening to music.

Courtesy of Erika Orner Top to Bottom:

Zimmerman playing his guitar.

Couresy of Erika Ortner

Erika at Starbucks before class.

Courtesy of Erika Ortner

new york, New york

Erika Ortner (‘14) and Matt Zimmerman (‘14) attend a summer workshop in New York City.

By Lexi Franklin Reporter

Ericka Ortner (‘14) and Matt Zimmerman (‘14), attended a theatre program over the summer at the Atlantic Theatre Company conservatory in New York (downtown Manhattan).

The theatre company is made up of two parts, the school where training takes place and the theatre which is where they put on performances.

They auditioned through the school in April of this year, and they were the only two from colonial forge who attended the program. Only a selected few are chosen to audition for the program. Out of the 350 people in total who auditioned, 24 were accepted.

Ms. Hansen, the drama teacher at Colonial Forge said, “usually we choose students who have the potential to get a lot out of the program and who are really dedicated and motivated.”

The rest of the trip was on their own and not sponsored by the school. They stayed in Connecticut at Ericka’s uncle’s house, and traveled an hour long train ride to the theatre each day. The program was from 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m., on weekdays, for all of July.

20

They were given something called a ‘practical handbook’ which is the theatre technique that was taught.

Ms. Hansen said, “It’s basically a technique book called the practical handbook for the actor, and is founded by David Mamet, a playwright and actor.”

This technique has become the basis for the Atlantic school, and a lot of famous actors and actresses use this as well.

The program has a slogan, ‘think before you act so you can act before you think’, “it basically focuses on an honest approach to a playwright’s work”, said Ms. Hansen.

They did other acting techniques as well, “We did this really cool exercise one day, which was a repetition technique that helped you get in the ‘moment’ for acting. We all sat in chairs and faced each other with our eyes closed, and had to describe the other person from talking” said Matt ‘12.

While in New York without parental supervision for the most part, they went to a ton of shows such as, as Alan Cumming in “Macbeth”, a musical called “Once”, and ate at local restaurants.

cover worthy Yearbook students model for Custom Ink

By Juliana May Reporter

On the morning of Monday October 14th, the yearbook students began arriving at school for their Custom Ink photo shoot. Custom Ink is a t-shirt design company based out of Northern Virginia.

“They just started producing a national catalogue...to show some of their pre design pieces, with a distribution of about eight hundred thousand,” said Ms. Kopcak, the yearbook teacher.

Custom Ink had a photo contest to pick the group of students that would be featured on the front cover of the magazine. This group would get to work with a professional photographer, professional web designer, and personal stylist.

“I sent them a picture of my yearbook staff doing the “human knot” game, which was so totally cute,” Ms. Kopcak said. “What they wanted was that sense of familiarity and the fact that my kids are a family [was the reason why they were chosen].”

The yearbook staff won the contest and was chosen to be featured on the front cover of Custom Ink’s pre design catalogue for kids K-12.

“They apparently did a photo shoot in Kansas City last month with professional models and they hated it,” Kopcak said.

The Custom Ink company supplied the students with t-shirts to model. The students were able to keep the Colonial Forge senior shirts after the shoot.

“The definition of swag is when you get free stuff,” Kopcak said.

The students had to laugh and smile at the camera for over three hours. They were told to walk down the hallway and joke around with each other.

“It was super weird because when we had to walk toward the camera they got within like six inches of our face and I would like freak out,” said Erin Duffy(‘15).

The shoot went so well that the Custom Ink photographers ended up taking pictures of individual kids for different projects than what they originally came for.

They even began to talk to other groups and clubs to work with at Forge.

“I’m a proud mamma! I am so proud of what a good job they did. I’m so proud of how well they impressed these professionals. And I’m just really pleased that they had this opportunity,” Kopcak said.

Above:

Erin Duffy (‘15), Emily Barnes (‘15), and Nicole Minahan (‘14) take a look at the pictures taken of them for Custom Ink. Photo by Tiffany Kopcak From left to right:

Tristan Jilson (‘14) takes pictures alongside the photographer from Custom Ink. Photo by Tiffany Kopcak

Nicole Minahan (‘14), Erin Duffy (‘15), David Nguyen (‘15), and Giovanna Lo Duca (‘14) pose for the photographers from Custom Ink. Photo by Tiffany Kopcak

21

Natalie Fritz and Lauren Vastano have been good friends for 3 years.

Style Speaks

Lauren Vastano and Natalie Fritz take on the world of fashion.

By Maison Chaffin Reporter

Vastano (‘15) is sporting a cheetah print skirt that she made herself.

Photo by: Mrs. Vastano

This sundress Fritz (‘15) made 2 years ago took a week and a half to make.

Photo by: Natalie Fritz (‘15)

22

Photo by: Maison Chaffin (‘16)

“Your life is always at a constant fast pace, especially because fashion is always changing. It’s hard to find time. You can’t just sit down and start sketching; you have to be inspired. So it’s definitely more of a spur of the moment kind of thing,” said Natalie Fritz (‘15).

Best friends Lauren Vastano (‘15) and Natalie Fritz (‘15) have been working extremely hard to maybe one day become a part of the fashion world. Fashion brought Fritz and Vastano together freshman year, creating a strong friendship.

“Lauren and I had art and she was talking about this fashion class she was going to, and I was like, oh my gosh, that sounds so cool. Text me what time you’re going and where it is,” said Fritz.

They both take classes at Lok Fashion Academy located in Stafford that they attend once a week, setting aside time to work on their designs. During school it becomes more difficult to find time to do their fashion and work on it. By taking these classes it forces them to sit down for a good amount of time and learn more about the industry and work on their latest project.

“I love seeing all the clothes, making them, and knowing you can do whatever you want with it. Fashion isn’t limited to only doing one thing,” said Vastano.

Last year the girls went to DC Fashion Week and the two also had the chance to go up to New York for a week and take college level classes at the Fashion Institute of Technology, also called FIT. While attending the classes they learned more about how the clothes are made and the work that goes into it. Michael Kors and Calvin Klein both graduated from FIT and now are well known designers.

“The class was about narrowing down your designs, drawing, and turning your inspiration into clothing and your ideas on paper,” said Fritz.

Vastano is currently working with the Nordstroms board for the juniors department. She is able to get together with people who share the same interests and talk about trends and what kinds of clothing they should bring in.

Fritz has had the opportunity to work with an upcoming designer named Ariella Faith in Washington DC. She goes to fashion shows and photoshoots to help her with whatever she needs.

“When you hear about all these classes and get interested, then it starts to become more defined.” said Fritz.

The two have always been involved in fashion and hope to have a future in it.

Salon&Day Spa

$15 Off

Refine, refresh, renew

Updo or Special Occasion Makeup 1425 Stafford Market PLace

Imperial Salon and Day Spa is offering three different coupons for: • $15 odd updo or special

occasion makeup • $10 off full set of gel nails • 20% off any one service To redeem, students and teachers must bring an ID Appointments and walkins welcome To call for an appointment: (540) 659-3707 1425 Stafford Market Place

SPAD0823153213.INDD

Students and Teachers

(540)659-3707

Must show ID

$10 Off Full Set OF Gel Nails 1425 Stafford Market PLace Students and Teachers

(540)659-3707

Must show ID

20% Off ANy One Service 1425 Stafford Market PLace Students and Teachers

(540)659-3707

Must show ID

Amyclae dance academy The academy encourages a theory of 3 Ds: discipline, dedication and determination Searching for a studio for your children?

Your dancers deserve the best. give them the gift of dance at AMyclae dance academy. info@Amyclaedance.com 45 Walpole Street Stafford VA 22554 (540) 657-1744

23

Come enjoy a sweet treat and recieve 20% OFF 1 small cup when you show this ad. valid at these participating locations: Carter’s Crossing VA

24

Stafford VA

15 South Gateway Drive 315 Garrisonville Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22406, USA Stafford, VA 22554, USA Phone: 540-479-1188 Phone: 540-602-7163

From 3A to 6A...

Up, Up, and Away

By Nia Washington Reporter

“The reason why we moved into conferences is because of enrollment and location,” new Colonial Forge athletic director Jeff Berry said.

Athletes are all used to playing their district rivals at least twice or maybe even 3 times throughout each sport’s season. But how would it be if some of those rivalry games were eliminated and they start playing different teams? That is what Forge is doing this year. Instead of being in districts and playing the teams in our area all the time, we’ve got moved into conferences.

What does that really mean? Basically it means that once the regular season is over with, teams play the schools in our conference. If we make it out of conference play, we move on to regionals. If we make it out of regionals, we advance to states. Being in conferences is a fair alternative for districts. We’re in the same conference as Hylton, Woodbridge, Stafford, Riverbend, Garfield, and Forest Park, which gives us an opportunity to play schools we don’t usually play that often.

“Every 2 years, the Virginia High School Sports League conducts redistricting and reclassification, which includes surveying the schools about the issues,” Ken Tilly said. Tilly is the Executive Director of the VHSL. Forge voted to move out of our district since the enrollment increased profoundly. Pushing 2,015 students and being the largest high school in Stafford, we are now a 6A school instead of 3A. “This idea came from the Executive Committee, acting on behalf of member schools. Equity, balance and expanded playoff opportunities were among the major factors that contributed to changing the classification system,” Tilly said.

Just because the teams are playing different teams, doesn’t mean they won’t play teams they had in their district anymore. Even with the changes, most teams will still face their traditional district rivals.

“We definitely wanted to try to keep our district rivals and play them during regular season. We wanted to keep North Stafford, Mountain View, Stafford, Brooke Point and more,” Berry says, “Even though we do play them during the regular season, the only game that will count is the second game we play them...that is if we play them twice,” Berry said.

The conference change will affect individual players as well as their teams. The varsity football team had an away game in Roanoke on September 27. After a 4-hour ride, the cheerleaders found that there was nowhere for them to cheer.

“Yeah it sucked having to ride 4 hours just to find out we couldn’t cheer but we got to actually sit down and watch them play for once,” varsity cheerleader Nahla Quick (‘16) said. “The other cheerleaders reactions were pretty much the same. We won, so hey, what can we do?”

Prince William County: - Forest Park High School - Gar-Field High School -Woodbridge High School -Hylton High School Orange County: - Orange County High School

Stafford County: - Mountain View High School - Stafford High School -North Stafford High School -Brooke Point High School

Spotsylvania : - Massaponax High School -Riverbend High School Albemarle: - Albemarle High School

Districts: Mountain View Stafford North Stafford Albemarle Brooke Point Massaponnax Riverbend Orange County

Conferences: Hylton Forest Park Woodbridge Riverbend Stafford Gar-Field

25

Julia Weaver (‘17) stands on the rocks at the Chesapeake Bay practicing her scorpion.

Courosy of Catherine Camden

26

Determined to Dance

Julia Weaver pursues her dancing career despite battling diabetes

By Cameron Scovell Business Manger

Not only does Julia Weaver (‘17) have dance as one of her daily tasks, but on more important matters she has to give herself insulin daily. Weaver was diagnosed with Juvenile Type 1 diabetes when she 2 was years old.

“At two years old, I got extremely sick and the doctors did not think I was going to make it. I lost 15 pounds in one week, I was extremely thirsty, and constantly went to the bathroom. Following these symptoms, I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes on January 1, 2002,” said Weaver.

Type 1 diabetes is when something in the pancreas destroys the beta cells. The beta cells create insulin for the body, so when these cells are destroyed the body doesn’t have the insulin it needs to control blood sugar.

Weaver has to give herself insulin shots, or use an insulin pump to get the amount of insulin she should have in order to maintain a normal blood sugar. Insulin brings her blood sugar down and carbohydrates bring her blood sugar up, therefore, the amount of carbohydrates she consumes in a meal determines how much insulin she gives herself.

“Before I eat meals I have to check my blood sugar, if it’s a high blood sugar I have to give myself more insulin and if it’s a low blood sugar I have to eat sugary things to get my blood sugar up,” said Weaver.

Exercise can sometimes lower your blood sugar, which for Julia can be extremely dangerous because if her blood sugar gets too low she can pass out. Before and after dance, if Julia’s blood sugar is too low she needs to eat something and if it is too high she has to give herself a little bit of insulin.

“One time, I was at a dance competition and right before I was about to perform my blood sugar was around 20, which is very low, it’s supposed to be 100 and I was on the verge of passing out and I had to eat a ton of candy right before I went on stage, to get my blood sugar up,” said Weaver.

Weaver sometimes feels discouraged during dance because when her blood sugar is too low she must sit out until it raises to its normal point.

“I feel like people are improving when I could be but I just have to keep sitting out until my blood sugar is regular,” said Weaver.

With late night insulin shots and careful monitoring of her blood sugar before every meal and practice, Weaver still continues to dance and compete every week, despite the obstacles she faces daily.

Julia Weaver (‘17) poses for her dance photos.

Courtesy of Carla Whitaker

27

lympic dreams

From left to right:

Curry (‘17), featured in the middle, working on her backstroke at a competition.

Courtesy of Holly Curry

Curry reaching the finish line at her travel team competition.

Courtesy of Holly Curry Botom:

Curry waits to start her next race.

Courtesy of Holly Curry

Backstroking to brazil

Camyrn Curry (‘17) works toward Olympic Trials in Brazil

By Cameron Scovell Business Manager

28

Seconds away from the qualifying times, freshman Camryn Curry (‘17) trains every day to compete in the 2016 Olympics for swimming. Training with STAT (Stafford Aquatic Team) Curry is fighting to compete in two different backstroke events for the next summer Olympics in Rio, Brazil.

“I am just so excited.There are days when I really don’t want to go to practice, but I know what it’s worth in the end. I am competing to be in the Olympics,” said Curry.

Hoping to be able to live every young athlete’s dream, Curry practices every day of the week except for Sundays, and sometimes has double practices. She does all of this to prepare herself for Olympic trials in early July of 2016. She is competing to be in two events; for her 100 back she is one second away from time which is 1:03 and for her 200 back she is 6 seconds away from time which is 2:14.

“Practices aren’t always that great but it does make me so much better.

Swimming in general is just really fun, I just absolutely love the competition,” said Curry.

Camryn has been

swimming competitively Peyton is nothing but happy since she was 8 years old. for Camryn and her amazing She began swimming with accomplishments. the Stafford Sharks and four “It’s really cool that she is years ago started competing training to compete in the with her current team, STAT. Olympics. She has the drive, “When I was little we she can definitely do it if she would always go to the pool keeps working like she is and I would try to swim, so now,” said Peyton. my parents made me take Having two a days, and lessons and that’s when I fell long tournaments that can in love with swimming,” said last up to 4 days involves Curry. some time commitment. Her Camryn isn’t the first mother having to drive her one in her family to be a every morning and every swimmer; her sister Peyton afternoon to swimming Curry (‘14) is can be time also a swimmer. consuming.

Peyton previously “Our Year swam for STAT Round program but ended her is a 10 month five year streak program for most last summer. For swimmers, but a while they had due to Camryn’s some tension fast times, she and competition is eligible to go Camryn because of to higher level is one swimming. competitions second “We used to be and only gets away from really competitive about 2 weeks qualifying about it, but it off in August for a eventually got to a summer vacation,” for the point when I gave said Holly Curry, Olympic up because she Camryn’s mother.

Trials for got so Curry will the 100 fast and started continue to meter back fight her way to beating all the boys,” said compete, training stroke.

Peyton. every day, and Regardless of trying to achieve the tension from swimming, her main goal of going to the Olympics.

Time Out

flipping for first

Kira Rivers (‘15), overcoming injury and fighting for a spot at the Olympics.

By Jenna Smith Sports Editor

From left to right:

Kira Rivers (‘15)doing a pike jump.

Photo by Mrs. Rivers

Rivers supported by her coach, Jarka.

Photo by Mrs. Rivers

Rivers doing a layout.

Photo by Mrs. Rivers

Rivers getting encouragement from Coach Jarka.

Photo by Mrs. Rivers

“Once I started training, it was like flying competing by the time competition season everyday,” Kira Rivers (‘15) said. “Trampoline comes back around in January. has always looked really fun.”

To qualify for the Olympics, you must be a Trampolinists do aerial skills on a larger, more Senior elite and on the national team with good professional trampoline than just your average ranking and standings with USAG. USAG is a backyard trampoline. “ I have been training run on point- based system depending on how since I was about 6 years old and i have you place at certain competitions. “If you are been competing since I was a senior elite and you have bout 8,” good rankings then you fight Right now my training Kira first became interested for your spot on the Olympic in trampolining when her team as you would any is on hold. I would love sister Kayla Rivers (‘14) competition-with passion and to be able to compete in began training on the sports said. the 2020 olympics. I was determination,”Kira acrobatics team.

If Kira is cleared to begin shooting for the 2016 “Unfortunately acro was training again in January she cut from the training at that will have on competition until olympics and that was a gym and then I began training long shot,” about April but they will soon with the T&T, trampoline and increasing. She will -Kira Rivers(’15) start tumbling, team when she did,” begin training again as soon Kira said. as she can with the hopes Kira is currently training for of making the 2020 Olympics the Olympics at Novack Gymnastics Center in without further injury.

Dumfries. However her training is on hold due to “Being an elite is nice because you get to train recent back and hip injuries. Kira sprained both with the Olympians at camps and competitions of her hip flexors and has also been told she is and ask them about their experiences. All of in Phase One Spinal Degeneration. them are really nice and talented and teach you “Right now my training is on hold. I would love a lot,” Kira said. “Currently I am a junior elite and to be able to compete in the 2020 Olympics.,” just working my way to the top like any other Kira said “I was shooting for the 2016 olympics athlete has to do and I am trying to keep my but that was a long shot,” Kira said. spirits up like anyone else.”

On a regular schedule Kira has three hour practices four to five times a week. However, with her injuries she is out of practice and is hoping to continue practicing, training and

“

29

Photo by Dominic Hernandez

changing for the better Participation in spirit has risen with the creation of the Forge Spirit Club

By Lauren Collis Reporter

Everybody painted up and dressed out in green and blue, loudly yelling in the stands, cheering on the game, even when it rains the crowd is still there to support the team. This is the green wall on a Friday night. Last year however not as many people showed up to support our team, but this year we have a Forge Spirit Club to solve this. Christian Sheets (‘14), SCA president, is one of the main people leading the club and he’s already seen an improvement in the school spirit.

“There was a lot more people and participation,” he said, “The green wall filled the stands and there was more people doing chants and screaming and what not.”

Such a big turnout was a huge improvement compared to last year’s green wall and student involvement. “[Last year’s spirit] was not very good, especially compared to other schools,” he said.

The club will also help the organization of the green wall, so that it isn’t so scattered. If everyone works together, like for example having everyone participate in the same chant, it makes the crowd more lively.

30

“To have people know what they’re going out there to do rather than just have a bunch of people doing their own thing makes it a lot more spirited,” Sheets said.

Mrs. Weiners, a sponsor of the Forge Spirit Club, also thinks that spirit in a school environment is vital. “It makes people want to be here and have more fun at school,” she said.

The club isn’t for just the football games either. Spring and winter sports are also going to be discussed during the meetings to draw in bigger crowds for those events as well.

“If people get together and talk about things and how to make things fun, like to get people to go to basketball games later in the year or the soccer games or lacrosse games, how to make it so they get fans, I think it’s important that our club does that,” Sheets said.

The reason the Forge Spirit Club exists is to make this school a more enjoyable environment. All the new ideas they’re putting forth, like a bonfire before homecoming, are to benefit the student body and make Colonial Forge an exciting place to go to school.

Design Editor Alison Mairena Copy Editor Chloe Sikora

fro m

k

Editor In Chief Shelby Shillingburg

editor’s de e s th

t s a l

s d r o W

“

We just want to fit in, we just want to have fun, we just want to make our own decisions.”

editors Features- Katie Bashista Entertainment- Brianne Clasen Sports- Jenna Smith Web- Abigail Erdelatz Photo- Amber Roca Business Manager- Cameron

Scovell Staff Nia Washington Lexi Franklin Juliana May Erin Lipson Brooke Warren Eli Hand Nathan Hawkins

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

editorial Policy The Talon is the official student magazine of Colonial Forge High School. All articles are studentwritten.

Views expressed are those of the student writers and editors, and are not necessarily shared by the administration or staff of Colonial Forge.

The staff strives to uphold the highest journalistic ethics and standards. Unsigned editorials represent the majority of the editorial board.

As high schoolers, teenagers start going to parties and all those temptations they were warned of in middle school become all too real.

Stuck between adolescence and adulthood, many ignore their conscience and try to live up to others’ expectations; they down that beer, hoping to feel accepted, to feel cool, to feel older.

We’re sure you have all heard the alcohol lecture at one point or another from a parent or a teacher. During their lectures the answer to the problem always seems so clear and simple: don’t drink and you won’t have a problem. But is it really that simple?

According to The National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 25% of youth aged 12 to 20 reported drinking alcohol in 2011 and 16% admitted binge drinking. As teenagers ourselves, we understand how easy it can be to get lost in the fun. However, that can come with immense consequences.

When students get to that party, the lectures are often thrown aside. Teenagers just want to fit in, just want to have fun, just want to make their own decisions. Although having a few drinks doesn’t seem like a big deal in the moment, it can grow to something more.

It’s okay to have fun, but there is a clear line.

Tired

Drinking is something that is easily taken too far.

One drink easily becomes five. Having a buzz can quickly become a black-out. The only way to ensure you don’t go too far is to not drink at all.

We are all in a rush to grow up and make our own decisions, but we aren’t quite there yet. If you make the grown-up decision to drink and your parents have to bail you out, how grown-up are you, really? It’s embarrassing to be arrested before you are out of high school. It’s embarrassing to be strip searched.

It’s embarrassing to go to court. And it’s embarrassing to be grounded on top of all of that.

Let’s be honest, after you are done reading this, you are still going to do what you want to do. However, we feel it’s our job to inform you.

The lectures from our parents and teachers don’t always get through to us. It doesn’t always seem like they understand what it’s like. But we do.

All we can do, as fellow students, is make the consequences of your actions clear, and the rest is up to you. It’s all a part of growing up.

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

of seeing us

o n ly q ua rt e r ly ? find us online at www.cfhstalon.com

31

These moments shine bright, but they don’t last forever.

A yearbook does.

$70. Now through December. only available at

www.yearbookforever.com 32