Inside 15000 April Edition by Battlefield High School

Battlefield High School Student News Magazine

Volume 2, Issue 7 April 2015

Inside

PUTTING THE EARTH IN OUR HANDS

Bobcats take note as April celebrates our planet pages 8-9

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PHOTO Senior Becca Callison works hard at a Varsity pratice

p. 8-9

cover story

photo courtesy of Victor O'Neill Studios

THE EARTH IN OUR HANDS

Bobcats celebrate the planet in honor of its holiday

p. 4 CAN'T FOOL ME Five harmlessly hilarious springtime pranks

p. 4 HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Bobcats celebrate April's unofficial holidays

p. 10 LADY BOBCATS TAKE OVER THE FIELD

Girls soccer gears up for an exciting season COVER ART Artwork by Shelby Harris

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Inside 15000 Battlefield High School News Magazine

p. 5 DEAFENING SILENCE

Using silence to speak for the LGBTIA+ community

p. 6 FREAKS AND GEEKS Battlefield faces the reality of stereotypes

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April p. 12

p. 4

p. 10

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PATRONS p. 7 p. 13 Maureen Castellano - Kirsten DeZeeuw - Ms. Dumm - Flashpoint Internet Solutions - Jennifer RISING STARS ART AT Guyton - Sydney Guyton - Linda Hadgikinitas OF BHS Mephatter - Mr. Metts - Simon Moon BATTLEFIELD Susan Janet Richards - Paula Scalo - The Scotts -

Getting to know Battlefield's musical talent

Talent in every hallway

p. 10 SOFTBALL

p. 13 BAND GEEKS

A promising season ahead

A life of music, schoolwork, and more

p. 11 BASEBALL VS. p. 14 LACROSSE SPRING An epic showdown CLEANING Refresh, Reuse, Recycle p. 12 CRAYON DIY p. 15 A fun, easy and colorful craft OUTDOOR p. 12 BHS UNICEF ACTIVITIES One student's dream club becomes reality

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Fun ways to soak up the sun over break

Sabrina Thistle - Amy Voettiner - Otto Voettiner III - 7-Eleven

STAFF 2014-2015 EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Jayne Ross, McKenna Roper DESIGN EDITOR Justin Michna BUSINESS MANAGER Lauren Ainslie SECTION EDITORS Kelsey Ainslie, Shelby Cesario, Kirsten Dezeeuw, Thomas Kelly, Lily Korpella, Jessica Kronzer, Alie Paoli, Catie Villavicencio STAFF WRITERS Mariss Alessi, Claudia Almeda, Inez Asiama, Emily Balog, Lily Bartone, Lauren Bennett, Sidney Brooks IV, Allison Brown, Regan Buckley, Kayla Coleman, Becca Davis, Jake Dedekind, Grant Donaldson, Alyssa Estrellado, Jordan Felming, Kiwi Franklin, Megan Guthrie, Sydney Guyton, Charis Hadgikinitas, Danielle Harrington, Brandon Hoagland, Emma Hummer, Theo Key, Gyu Ri Kim, Cassidy Lee, Emily McCauley, Kyleigh McGinnis, Lauren Milloy, Simon Moon, Ashley Osuna, Zach Plaster, Bryan Plonk, Alexis Radun, Jordan Richardson, Mary Riley, Maggie Ryan, Sam Scott, Cheyenne Shifflett, Madison Southwick, Heather Trobridge, Zoe Voettiner, Megan Wagoner

STAFF ADVISOR Charlotte Peyton Publisher- Haymarket UPS Store Software- Herff Jones eDesign Paper type- 80# matte

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Can't f

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Five harmless pranks

By Regan Buckley and Alyssa Estrellado April Fool’s Day is an international holiday that has taken the world by storm. However, the fun does not have to stop there. Everyone loves to prank unexpecting victims, but it is only fine if it is harmless. Safe pranking is an art that has an underlying amount of love behind it. Happy pranking! Make “brown E's”. Get 1. some cardboard or brown colored paper. Cut into E

shapes, as many as you'd like. Put them in a serving container or on a brownie tray and cover with tinfoil. Watch the disappointment and amusement when your friends find out that their favorite treat is actually paper!

murder.

5. Give little siblings or Make some undrinkable cousins an indecipherable 3. drinks. It is easy! Just put word search that can never Jello in a clear cup, so it looks like juice. Add a straw to make it look more realistic. Then watch as your friend tries to drink but can’t!

Scare any mother or Magically turn onions 2. 4. roommate with “spilled” nail into delicious caramel apples. polish. Take any old nail polish and pour it on parchment paper the night before. The next day peel it off and place it on the ground and scream bloody

Simply put sticks in the onions and dip in a pot of melted caramel. Let them cool for a few minutes and voila, the perfect prank for sweet tooths.

be solved. There are packages on chrisdunmire.com that can be bought for 99 cents, or you can print one out for free at aprilfoolzone.com. There is a plethora of unsolvable puzzles for free on-line. One just has to go out and find it. Sources: buzzfeed.com, chrisdunmire.com, aprilfoolzone.com

Photos by Kirsten DeZeeuw

Officially unofficial Bobcats celebrate April's unofficial holidays By Danielle Harrington Holidays are celebrated by everyone throughout the year, but most people have not heard of the less well known holidays that are not as common. However, to many people, unusual holidays hold the same importance and meaning as commonly celebrated holidays. These are the top five most uncommon, unofficial national holidays that are nationally recognized but only known to few. April 9 is celebrated as National Name Yourself Day, created for those who are curious about what it would be like to be summoned by a different name. This national holiday gives one’s self a

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different name for the day. Once someone has a name picked out, they can spread it to friends and family in the hope that it will catch on, and become a funny nickname. On April 10, National Siblings Day occurs, a more common holiday. This day was specifically created for the sheer joy of recognizing the beautiful and amazing brother(s) and/or sister(s) of the nation. Siblings Day was created to benefit the families and communities of the nation, and may become a federally recognized and celebrated like Father's and Mother's Day. It was granted recognition in 2007 by the U.S. Patent and Trademark office. National Wear Your

Pajamas to Work Day is on April 16, created to celebrate the stress-less day after taxes are due by wearing pajamas to work. Celebrate it with the millions of other hard working citizens who are unwinding from the long hours and hard work of the people whose job it is to prepare taxes, and the anxiety of the last minute tax filers. Each year, on the third Thursday of April, National High Five Day is expressed for the pure love of laughing and having a good time, high fiving anyone and everyone. National High Five Day was created in 2002 by three College students, attending the University of Virginia, who wanted to create an

unofficial national holiday that would brighten up the days of their classmates, and spread laughter around their campus. These uncommon holidays are just as inspirational and educational as the better known holidays, but are an opportunity to add laughter and spontaneity to someone's life. Enjoy these few holidays that are just waiting to be celebrated by the greater population, learn more about other uncommon national holidays that are honored in other months of the year. Take advantage of the fun holidays to bring a smile to someone's face.

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The deafening silence

Using silence to speak for the LGBTIA+ community By Megan Guthrie and Lily Bartone The Day of Silence is on April 17, and it is dedicated to raising awareness of the bullying pointed towards the LGBTIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, and Asexual plus) community by staying silent. Those who sign up for this day wear a sticker that proclaims their decision to remain silent during the school day. They will still have to participate in class when called on, but that is the extent of their talking for this day. Any student can sign up in the cafeteria the week before April 17 to support the LGBTIA+ community. Bullying is an issue in today’s world that is often focused on the LGBTIA+ community, and gay-straight alliances are formed in schools to help. Senior Eve Mathews says, “As a part of the community myself, I couldn’t fathom ever bullying another member of the community because I disagree with their sexuality or gender... Bullying is not just an LGBTIA+ issue, even though it is a prevalent issue within the community. Not bullying someone is just plain human decency, and shouldn’t have anything to do with how a person is biologically predisposed.” Mathews continues on the community's bullying problems that occur both from the outside and within. “It’s important to note that bullying of the LGBTIA+ community shouldn’t be dismissed as it is the systematic oppression of people of atypical sexualities and genders. Cisgendered and Heterosexual oppression of the community as a whole

amounts to the most of the bullying, but it occurs within the community as well, with people with more recognition within the community, such as Lesbian people and Gay people, erasing the identities of Transgender people or Bisexual people.” The Battlefield GSA, of which Mathews is a member, runs the Day of Silence with the help of Peer Diversity and Mr.

show support for the LGBTIA+ community while staying silent during school’s social hours. An anonymous senior with a differing opinion about the Day of Silence says, “I will not be signing up for the day of silence; it is against my religion and I believe that it is morally wrong. However, even though I personally disagree with it, I feel that people should have the right

Dittmer. Signing up for the Day of Silence at Battlefield is a simple process. Mr. Dittmer says that, “Both the GSA and Peer Diversity will be taking part in the Day of Silence. A table will be set up from Monday, April 13 until Thursday, April 16 at all lunches. Students will be able to pick up a copy of the pledge for use on the Day of Silence, that Friday, April 17.” The pledge is a small sticker that can be worn to

to do what they want, regardless of other’s beliefs.” This goes to show that even those who do not necessarily agree with the LGBTIA+ community do not agree with the treatment some students have received by bullies. School systems worldwide have been affected by this event since 1996 when over 150 college students at UVA started the Day of Silence. Eventually the Gay, Lesbian

& Straight Education Network (GLSEN) became its official sponsor. Dittmer says that, “I think it is a unique, student-led action that helps them get their point across. Even though only a small percentage of students participate, it only takes one student in one class to raise awareness of the silence many GLBTQ (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) and their allies face through bullying, inequality and/or a fear of coming out.” Mathews also comments on the effect that the movement has on Battlefield, “I have mixed feelings about the Day of Silence. Though it brings attention to the LGBTIA+ community’s issues of oppression [in] schools, I feel that there are more effective ways of doing so, as LGBTIA+ voices have been silenced enough as it is. I appreciate the Day of Silence as a way of remembering and a way of drawing attention to the issues, but I don’t think it’s solving any of the issues that the community is facing.” The Day of Silence is a day to silently stand up for the LGBTIA+ community and to help prevent bullying and harassment from happening. It is used to remember those who were otherwise affected by the bullying in the school systems. April 17 is an important day, and pledging to stay silent is just one way to stand up for LGBTIA+ members. This day is also an important moment for the community. The Day of Silence can show LGBTIA+ members that there are more allies out there and more members of the community out there than originally thought.

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Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons

Freaks Geeks and

Battlefield faces the reality of stereotypes

By Kirsten DeZeeuw and Shelby Cesario Band geek, art nerd, orchadork, jock, emo, prep. All are stereotypes, and all potentially hurting the students that fall under the label that stems from their interests. Stereotypes are used by people everywhere; in movies, music, hallways, and home; but is so much exposure to these clichés desensitizing everyone to the harm that could be caused when people are categorized by looks? So what is a stereotype anyway? Junior Chris Laingen says, “I would describe a stereotype as a mostly negative bias that people gather when they look at a person for the first time. It’s kind of like a split second you see someone and this is what you think of them based on physical appearances.” People are often too quick to allow the characterizations of an entire group of people go unnoticed. For example, when trying to describe a classmate to a friend, what words might an average student decide to pull fro his/her vocabulary? A typical description might sound like ‘Tall, glasses, really outgoing, you know, like the rest of the drama kids.’ Sounds familiar? While most would like to say that it does not, there is no denying the fact that students' interests are frequently used to classify them in a certain way. If these groupings do not sound familiar, they are by no means exist only in the movies. Sophomore Jenna Tuzo knows that “Different classes [like]... band, orchestra, and

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chorus,” sometimes come

with their own stereotype. “Sometimes you’ll

“Why would you ever let someone else's negative thoughts dictate how you're going to live your life?” see art kids be different from like, NHS,” says Tuzo, “but honestly, those are the main groups I have seen that have a ‘definition’ so far.” While movies like The Duff portray labeling in a humorous way, it is no

laughing matter. Laingen has had

experienc e with being stereotyped, and knows that it is not always as harmless as it may first appear. “I know personally, being stereotyped kinda takes away your sense of individualism, or your sense of self. I think it feels almost a little helpless, like, ‘now I’ve got to conform to this group that people see me [this way]’, and it’s hard to break free of that.” Every day, kids are told by peers and adult to be themselves, but when labeling is on the rise, it is even harder for students to be who they really are. In the movie The Pregnancy Project, a high school senior puts everything on the line to prove that stereotypes are not always true. For her senior project, she goes against her family’s harsh warnings and society’s standards, and dresses with everyday household items to create a baby belly. With a

loving boyfriend and supportive mother. she takes the school by stride and keeps the comments made toward her in a self noted drop box. As Valedictorian, she is able to make a speech that most students, and teacherschoose to ignore. However, as this emotional commemoration to her year of constant torturous comments continues and she reveals the truth, students across her school drop their mouths and their high standards. “Why do people give into stereotypes others have about them? Why would you ever let someone else's negative thoughts dictate how you're going to live your life?” explains Gaby Rodriguez. Racial, physical, and attire features all become determining factors for first impressions. While not all Asians are Einstein-worthy, and not all blondes belong in Dumb and Dumber, some people believe that stereotypes are not only fitting but necessary. However, if anyone is being stereotyped, there is a way out. Librarian Mr. Lazer avoids being stereotyped by “[making] my life [filled] with contradictions so that just when people think they’ve got me figured out I pull out some surprise... I think people would assume ‘Oh this guys is a bookish academic’, and then I let out that I’m a Pictured: Mr. White (Left) and Grant Donaldson James Brown fan and(Right) I play Photo Courtesy of Regan Buckley and Alyssa Estrellado guitar.”

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Rising Stars of Battlefield Getting to know Battlefield's musical talent

since second grade when I sang “Livin on a Prayer” by By Heather Trobridge Bon Jovi for the talent show. I've done it since then because I've always loved music more than anything Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons and playing it for people is Who dat? Who dat? Not I-Geven more exhilarating.” G-Y! Battlefield’s halls are Beforehand he was inspired filled with amazing musical by his dad to play music, “My talent. with multiple dad is very musically talented successful open mic nights, and when I saw him play, Battlefield students are learning about the talent that when I was a baby, I couldn't wait to play guitar. Everyday I their fellow classmates have asked my parents for a guitar to offer. Junior Andrew Young, a and guitar lessons but they

on stage and do whatever song I'm playing. It's inexplicably awesome in my opinion.” Growing up, he was always influenced by music.”Even though I wasn't encouraged from the beginning by a show mom or something like that, I was surrounded by music I can remember. My uncle Kurt was also a major influence on me picking up guitar; he plays himself and also records original material and plays gigs around southern Photo courtesy of Andrew Young coastal Virginia.” For English teacher Ms. Starkey, getting into singing was a family affair, I would say that singing has been apart of my family for as long as I can remember, so my family definitely brought me into singing,” she says. “I just like sharing something that I love to do with other people. If I’m working in a group I really love hearing the different harmonies and seeing how much the audience loves that as well.” Although she loves all types Andrew Young singing at Battle of the Bands. of music, Ms. Starkey said, Photo By Sabrina Drescher “I really enjoy choral music, well known singer in the halls because it gives you the didn't let me until I was in of Battlefield, said, “I think opportunity to connect with performing is empowering in kindergarten because my other people.” a sense when you’re on that fingers wouldn't be good Senior John Crocker loves enough. But I still snuck and stage you control people’s being up on stage. “I like to bent strings on my dad's emotions. When you’re up entertain people!” he puts electric when I could.” there you can perform in a Sophomore Zach Ortiz, simply. “There’s just way that will make them a multitalented musician, has something about watching happy, sad, upset, angry, people smile after a whatever it’s however you’re learned to play several performance.” Crocker’s love stringed instruments. “My up there and project for performing also stemmed main instrument I play is the yourself.” He views from the family. “My great guitar, but with an performing as “A super grandmother, When we all understanding of guitar powerful thing and it’s got together on Sundays, nothing but adrenaline when comes a basic understanding we’d play for her.” He of similar stringed you’re up there [on stage]. mainly plays guitar and instruments.” Along with I’ve been performing for 3 guitar, Ortiz also sings. “As far sings. years and have been with 2 These rising stars are as styles go, folk and blues different bands.” always filling the halls with Freshman Devin Thistle are easily my favorite musical music. You can find them, styles, due to the continued may be young, but is no and many more, performing stranger to the stage. “I have vitality and depth of both all over the Haymarket area, genres. Its almost a weird been performing to crowds dreamy kind of feel when I go in coffee shops like Deja

Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons

Brew, or at school functions like Open Mic Night!

BHS MixTapes By Allison Brown and Alexis Radun

Brendan Hogan also known as 'The Daily' has produced many tracks on soundcloud; with over 8,000 plays and countless retweets Brendan is a star in his own right. Brendan's tracks: “The RedNation(Patriot)” “South County” “Centreville” “My favorite diss track was the Patriot one, because it was my first one and it blew up the most,” says Hogan. Junior Ryan Williams, who helped Hogan with some of his diss tracks, is beginning to make his own tracks. Williams has a different outlook on his tracks than Hogan does. While Hogan wants to get everyone ‘hyped up,’ Williams says he wants to “try to be really positive, and give back through my music.” Williams’ track named Sonic got 215 views. on soundcloud. favorites and retweets on twitter.

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The world is in our Down to

EARTH

By Catie Villavicencio and Lily Korpella

Earth Day is an annual event, celebrated on April 22, on which occurrences worldwide are held to demonstrate support for environmental protection. This day originated in the 1970s, at the height of the hippie and flower-child movement. Believe it or not, the cause for this day was not all about saving the planet. Earth Day had been originally created to take attention away from the Vietnam War, and make environmental concerns the central focus. The holiday celebrates its 45th birthday this year. Over time, the significance has shifted, and it has become more focused on global warming and on clean energy. Senior Matt

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Diefes says, “Earth Day is important because it is important to value nature. Without [preservation of] it, the world will be unable to survive.” There are many efforts that can be put forth to better the environment, many of which are put into focus on the undeniable importance of this special day. Some of these “heated” efforts include planting trees, using less gas, and eliminating waste. Senior Allison Reichel says one can better the environment by “reducing the amount of waste you use, such as using a Brita and reusable bottles, [and] don’t leave lights on or waste

gas.” Not many people seem to pay much attention to the neglected holiday; however, they should. The Earth can only survive if the environment is intact. Earth Day is a way these issues can be acknowledged. Junior Meg McCord says, “I think more efforts about raising awareness of Earth Day

should be present because our Earth is important, and Earth Day has a good message that people should pay attention to.” This Earth Day, go out and make a difference. Diefes says, “One time I planted a tree with my grandpa, and it was a fun experience.” Earth Day does not have to be boring, go out and have fun, and make environmentally friendly decisions!

By Shelby Cesario

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NDS Crafting the PLANET

By Grant Donaldson

Thousands of colleges and universities organized protests against the deterioration of the

Earth Day is mainly centered around the conservation of the Earth and its living organisms. In ....So eventually if the world 1969, there keeps going down the path was a massive we are going on, without oil spill off the prevention, there will be coast of Santa serious consequences. Barbara, California. U.S Besides Earth Day is just Senator Gaylord really cool.” Nelson witnessed this horrific event. At the time, environment. Groups that anti-war protests were had been fighting against oil everywhere and the senator spills, polluting factories and realized he could use the power plants, raw sewage, awareness surrounding the toxic dumps, pesticides, oil spill to start a movement. freeways, the loss of Although there was much wilderness, and the discussion surrounding this extinction of wildlife event, it was no easy task to suddenly realized they start an environmental shared common values.” movement when everyone Through the actions of the was concerned with war. senator he unwittingly Nelson recruited Denis Hayes started a massive movement to be his National about not only protesting the coordinator who proceeded hazards of oil spills but to construct a national staff conserving the earth in a consisting of 85 members to whole. This movement promote their movement. founded organizations, such On April 22, 1970, as the United States over 20 million Americans Environmental Protection started the protest and Agency and the passage movement known today as of the Clean Air, Clean Earth day. Earthday.org Water, and Endangered posted, “Americans took to Species Acts. Earth Day the streets, parks, and continued for 20 years auditoriums to demonstrate and was a strong for a healthy, sustainable movement that caused environment in massive political and coast-to-coast rallies.

environmental discussions to skyrocket. Earthday.org also posted, “As 1990 approached, a group of environmental leaders asked Denis Hayes to organize another big campaign. This time, Earth Day went global, mobilizing 200 million people in 141 countries and lifting environmental issues onto the world stage. Earth Day 1990 gave a huge boost to recycling efforts worldwide and helped pave the way for the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. It also prompted President Bill Clinton to award Senator Nelson the Presidential Medal of Freedom (1995) -- the highest honor given to civilians in the United States - for his role as Earth Day founder.” By the 21st century, Earth Day was globally known and millions of people still take to protesting against harm to the environment. These protest have recently brought the attention to leaders around the world that people want our governments to take the conservation of the Earth

seriously and continue the efforts that Nelson stood for. The concedes for future generations and their global environmental issues have prompted many people to actively take part in Earth Day and organize demonstrations, along with constantly taking measures to preserve their corner of the Earth. Many people have started planting community gardens and become aware of pesticides and other harmful chemicals used on lawns and gardens. One person might not affect the whole Earth, but if everybody took a small step to preserve the Earth there will be a huge positive impact. “I think Earth Day is amazing. Eventually if the world keeps going down the path we are going on without prevention there will be serious consequences. Besides, Earth day is just really cool,” says sophomore Genesis Lucius

By Sidney Brooks IV and Brandon Hoagland

““

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Spotlight on Girls Softball By: Megan Wagoner

Most students are ecstatic to see the snow finally melting and the cold weather coming to an end, but the spring season brings more than just warmer weather. Spring sports are starting up, and Battlefield girls’ softball is the team to watch. They have been a dedicated team for many years, but it seems that last year showed great improvement. “I’ve seen a ton of improvement over the last year or so. I can’t wait to see what this year has to offer us,” says sophomore Alison Wagner. The team’s improvements are duly noted and leave the fans anticipating great things this season. Watching the

team step up their game even more this year will be very interesting. The team has set goals that seem to be quite in reach. “It’d be really nice for us to win states this year; that’s a definite goal,” says junior Shelby Harris. This goal seems quite attainable considering all of the work being put in by the team’s dedicated players. Although it is sad to see the seniors leave, Battlefield wishes them the best in their futures. Senior Teresa Wagner will be playing in college, but feels it will not be the same experience as playing on the high school team. “I’ve played all four years, and I couldn’t see it any other way. I’m really excited to play in college, but

I’ll be really sad to leave my teammates,” says Wagner. Make sure to come out and support the Battlefield girls softball team this year, they will not disappoint!

Photo Courtesy of Victor O'Neill Studios

Lady Bobcats Take Over The Field By: Emily Balog and Theo Key Last year, the 2014 Girl’s Varsity Soccer team kicked their way to a State title. Going undefeated last season, the Lady Bobcats were a powerhouse. This season, they hope to capture their second state ring. According to junior Georgia Matthews, “Our girls soccer team has a lot of pressure coming off of winning states last year, but we have the same potential of [doing it again].” With the season just getting started, the team is on its way to becoming more of a unit. This being said, the team is also starting to

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recognize the teams that pose a bigger threat to stealing their chance of a back-to-back state title. Sophomore Shannon Lee states that, “Conference-wise [our biggest challenge would be] Patriot or Osbourn Park, going into the region or state, probably Lake Braddock and Centerville.” The team is not the same team they were last year, because the seniors on the team the previous season have now moved on to college; however senior Becca Callison states that she thinks that, “we have a ways to go, but I [believe] we can

get as far as we did last year.” With that being said, the 2015 girls soccer team has big cleats to fill on their way back to the top.

“... we can get as far as we did last year.” Photo Courtesy of Victor O'Neill Studios

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Baseball vs Lacrosse By: Allison Brown and Alexis Radun “Retweet for Baseball. Fav for Lacrosse” is trending over Twitter as these spring sports go into action. People, other than the players of lacrosse and baseball participated in this Twitter action by retweeting, or favoriting, which sport they thought was better. However, baseball and lacrosse are two totally different sports! So, why is there such a big ‘tension’ between the kids who play them? Why do some athletes choose baseball? “Baseball takes more skill. It is all about “hand-eye coordination,” says senior Jett Manning, who is on the Varsity Baseball team. Freshman JV baseball player, Nick Chaky, adds his opinion by saying, “I think baseball is the greatest sport ever. To me, it looks like the lacrosse

players are about to go catch some butterflies. In my opinion, I think baseball and lacrosse players dislike each other strongly because baseball is a way better sport and it's more popular.” Lacrosse players have a totally different look on things. “I respect baseball as a sport, I just choose to play lacrosse. I think there is some tension between the two sports, but it's more of a competition,” says Varsity Lacrosse sophomore Matt Cuento. Freshman Graham Weber of JV Lacrosse adds to the conversation by saying, “Lacrosse is better. Lots of people think baseball has more technique, but I think lacrosse takes more technique. Oh, and lacrosse originated first.”

Although lacrosse and baseball are very different sports, it's mainly just a personal opinion to choose one over the other. As the athletes may be good friends off the field, they become tense when talking about each others' sport.

Photo Courtesy of Victor O'Neill Studios

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Melted Crayon DIY By Kyleigh McGinnis and Mary Supplies: -Crayons (new or old) Riley This cheerful creation can make any dull wall pop! It's simple, cheap, and a fun spring time craft.

-Hot Glue Gun and Glue sticks -Canvas -Hair Dryer -Old Towel or Tshirt or Old Newspaper (to use as a drop cloth)

Step 4.

Step 1.

Tape or Hot Glue crayon on top of canvas. It can be straight across or in a pattern

Step 2.

Set up your workspace with a towel you don’t mind getting messy, and plug in the blow dryer

Step 3.

Hold the canvas vertically to help the wax melt down the canvas

Take the blow dryer and, while set at the highest temperature, blow dry the crayons until the wax is sufficiently melted and dripped down the canvas

Step 5.

Lay flat to dry

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In addition, you can write quotes or other designs on the canvas after the wax has dried.

A different kind of club

One senior's determination to change the world By Jayne Ross

When senior Lizzie Kim first approached her fellow students last year about joining her newly-founded club, L.E.T.T.U.C.E., most of them responded with blank stares. After all, the acronym seems like it would be associated with a leafy vehicle for salad dressing, not a club dedicated to raising awareness and funds for underprivileged children. LETTUCE, however, really stands for Leading Everyone To Treat Underprivileged Children Equally. Today, Kim tends to call it by its more recognizable name, Battlefield UNICEF Club, but either way, she has big goals for it. Just a few short months after its creation, Kim managed to get LETTUCE certified as an official UNICEF (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund) Club, the first of its kind in Prince William County. She

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found partners in Naomi’s Village, a Kenyan orphanage, and charities Arms of Love and Color My World. Now, she’s looking to focus her efforts a little more locally. “I want to serve not just UNICEF, but the community,” says Kim. Last summer, she and other club members visited a local Boys & Girls Club to spend time with the children there, and she plans to organize more trips in the coming months. She also has ideas for a possible food drive at Battlefield, as well as a challenge for students to spend a day living on the wages of some of the world’s poorest children. One thing she wants to make clear, though, is that the club is for those who truly want to help, not those who feel forced into it. “It’s a club of service,” she says. “Not of obligation.” One of the club’s biggest setbacks occurred earlier this year, when it lost

its faculty sponsor. For a couple of months, meetings stalled as Kim struggled to find a replacement. Then, history teacher Amy Kramer heard about the need. “I was approached by the activities director,” says Kramer, whose interaction with UNICEF began as early as her trick-or-treating days, “and I gladly volunteered.” Kramer is no stranger to working with such organizations; she has even assisted such major ones as Invisible Children in the past. As Battlefield's UNICEF sponsor, her role is one of both guidance and administration, and she is more than willing to take it on. “What I love most about the club is that members are those without a thought of college apps or trying to ‘look good,’” says Kramer. “They are… genuine people with the truest intention: to leave the world

a little better than the way they found it.” Still, even after stepping up as sponsor, she has encountered some challenges. “The biggest challenge is building awareness,” Kramer says. “Not many of us know what it’s like to go without.” Indeed, that is perhaps the club’s biggest goal: to make sure that Bobcats get at least a sense of the problems that children worldwide deal with every day. Kim hopes to see this awareness grow more with each passing year, even after she graduates in June. Besides, in her mind, even graduation cannot stop her from making a difference in Battlefield’s halls. “Trust me,” she says with a laugh. “I”ll be back.”

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at Battlefield There is a lot of talent at Battlefield. The art department has many award winning students. Recently four Battlefield students have won awards for the “Water Arts” competition. Also, some students have auditioned for a spot in the Governor’s School Art program. Being an art student takes a lot of dedication and skill. These artists started developing their talents early and from the beginning, they knew they had a passion for art. They remember drawing at a young age. Junior Sabrina Drescher recalls how she got started, “When I was little I used to draw with my grandparents and I’ve been

Drescher mentions where her inspiration comes from, “I channel a lot of my emotions through art, which I can't do By Sydney Guyton and Marissa Alessi with words.” Strother agrees that art is a great way to drawing since then. I liked paid off. Sabrina Drescher express yourself. Emotions drawing dresses, like Disney and junior Sydney Williams can be expressed through Princess dresses.” Drescher is both won the Water Art colors and techniques. not the only one who picked competition and split the Auditions for Governor’s up art at a young age. grand prize. Drescher talks Art School have already Juniors Kirsten Strother and about the night of the taken place. There are a Christina Greene also started competition and how, “The doing art as kids. grand prizes have never been handful of students who have applied, but the Many students put in a given to two people before, program is very selective. lot of time doing art for and they decided that both Drescher explains that, “..for projects and competitions. of us would get the grand the second round they take Depending on what type of prize together. So not only art students are working on it did two people get it, but two in the top in the county, then the top five, then the top takes a different amount of best friends.” three.” They also look at time for each. Junior Art is a creative way to other pieces of work that Christina Greene says, “On a express yourself and reflect the artists talent. “They regular project I spend like students find inspiration look at your art. You show probably a month on it. But throughout their daily lives. them your portfolio and for this project [the Water Art Greene says, “Seeing other score you.” Although this competition], since we [had] people’s artwork. I feel like process can be nervea time limit on it, I had to take just going off from what I’m it home and I would work on interested in [and] my values wracking for students, many have great potential. it for three or four hours a and beliefs.” Others find day.” Battlefield artist’s work inspiration from within.

Life of a Band

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Sharper than the average eye By Shelby Cesario

“Did you fall in love at first set, or should we run that again?” Walking in the halls, humming to the sound of their preferred instrument are the band geeks of Battlefield, following their own pied pipers, also known as their section leaders. Starting in August and continuing into early fall, the most loyal of these flocks join marching band. They practice thirteen hours a day, five days a week marching. “I play bass drum, and I feel like the worst thing that you can do in drumline is trip over something, because that’s it. You’re done. You go down with the drum, [so that would be my biggest phantom],” laughs Myia Thornton. Some dread going back to a sweaty practice on those lazy summer days, but they know the feeling they get while playing makes the sore

lips and achy muscles worth it. In marching band, everything has to be orderly. Their feet, uniforms, lines, and instruments, all leading up to band-induced-OCD. Their expensive instruments become their most prized possessions, their number one love, and their significant other is put in second place for the time being, “Sometimes I call Coleson [fellow bank geek] Max's boyfriend, because honestly, those boys and Myia have a huge bromance going on that I don't really want to be a part of. So I’m fine with Max having time set aside for his lovers,” joked the “geeks” girlfriend Daniella Cisneros. While some might be frightened about being mauled by a drum, or more than likely a “misplaced” flag, and find it weird to try to guess the tempo of their favorite song, to a band geek Photo by Connor McAllum

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this is a normal part of life. During the school year, their time is mainly held up by concerts, assessments, and the count down until band camp begins again. They continue to hear music on the radio and start to mark time with it as well as recite the alphabet A through G. Girls ditch their homecoming dates for a flute and trade their sparkly dress out for their pressed purple uniform. In fact, this year’s competition fell on the same day as the Homecoming Dance. Boys skip anniversaries and birthday cakes for a graded assessment. Thanksgiving is exhausted by a three day weekend of practices, and Christmas is spent wishing for a tuba. Currently, a bandwide competition is beginning for next year's drum major position. Sophomores, and some

hopeful freshmen, crowd into the bandroom with their saxophones and baritones as if they were bringing a vernacular bible to a soul church. They spend an hour and a half learning hand movements that may make some people wondering why Mr. Oaks was incorporating break dancing into their limited schedule, others--what kind of sign, or rather alien, language was being performed. While the fight for drum major is occurring, rivalries between the sections continues. Every dedicated member believes that his or her section is better than the next, whether it be the triumph sounding low brass or soothing woodwind. However, the best vying of band would be the stubborn and sometimes obnoxious trumpets competing to out vex the other performers.

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Spring has

Spring cleaning Refresh. Reuse. Recycle. by Sydney Guyton Open the windows and breathe in that fresh air because spring is here! As the warm weather rolls in, people want to shed their winter coats. Many people participate in spring cleaning to get a fresh start for the upcoming months. This allows them to go through and organize items that they accumulated over the past year. While cleaning, make sure to remember that donating items that you do not need anymore is a good alternative to throwing things away, or putting them in storage. Senior Katie White says, “I get rid of old clothes by sharing them with my friends or donating them.” Making clothes donation is not only beneficial to others, but it makes you feel good about yourself. Students at Battlefield participate in the ritual of spring cleaning. Junior Natalie Kulick says, “I look forward to renewing my closet every year!” Spring cleaning does not have to feel like a chore. She goes on to say, “It makes me feel refreshed and organized and I love the experience.” By cleaning out your closet or home you will feel as if you have a fresh start for the start of the new season. By storing your winter clothes you can make more room for spring and summer items. White says, “I put my winter clothes away to make more room for spring clothes and clean out my room.” When cleaning out

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your closet, deciding what to do with your old clothes can be a difficult decision. There are several options for discarding your old styles. Firstly, you could sell them if they are still in good condition or if you never

sell the clothes they buy and you can get name brand clothes for significantly less than originally priced. If you are feeling charitable, you can also donate your old clothes to Salvation Army or Goodwill. Salvation Army is

help out your community. Another option is getting together with your friends and swapping your old clothes. That way you can recreate your style without spending money and you know who had them before.

photo courtesy of lifehacker.com

A picture perfect closet after being cleaned out for spring. even wore them. A good place to sell your unwanted items is Plato’s Closet, located on Liberia Avenue in Manassas; they will take any boys or girls clothes and give you cash in return. They also

located on BallsFord Road in Manassas and Goodwill is located on Sudley Road in Manassas. These organizations send clothes to those who are in need of them, it is a great way to

As for those grass stained jeans and smelly old socks, you can trash them to create more space in your wardrobe.

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prung Fun in the sun Unique outdoor activities to do with friends By: Cassidy Lee As summer approaches, and students do not have to stay inside all day, it is the perfect time to try out fun outdoor activities with friends. Lawn Twister What you need: Spray paint in four colors Twister spinner With the first color, spray five circles in a row, three inches apart. Each one should have a seven-inch diameter. Use the second color and spray five more circles, again three inches apart and to the left of the first row. Do this twice more with the two other colors. Make sure all the circles are three inches apart, and let the paint dry before playing. Grab some friends, and start a game! Outdoor Sleepover and Movie What you need: Picnic blankets, giant towels and pillows Projector Speakers Audio and video cables Computer Two king sized bed sheets Duct tape Setting up the movie: Not everyone has a movie screen at the ready, so duct tape the bed sheets together and tape them up to a large flat surface. The side of a house works perfectly, but it must be near a power source for the projector and speakers. An extension cords is a big help, but unless an amplifier is at the ready, keep the moviewatching area small so the sound is loud enough with

photo courtesy of Kelsey Ainslie

A great alternative to having an outdoor sleepover on the grass would be to have it on a hammock. only two or three speakers close together. Use a video cable to connect the projector to the laptop, and use audio cables to connect the speakers to the computer. Make sure everyone knows where the cords are so they don not trip. Source: howto.wired.com Setting up the sleeping area: Spread out the blankets and towels where you want to sleep. Camp without a tent in your yard and watch a movie on a huge screen. It is perfect in spring because there aren not any mosquitos. Put the drinks and snacks on a tray where everyone can reach them.

Giant Board Game What you need: Different colors of chalk White styrofoam cube Black paint and paintbrush Paint circles on the cube like a die. Draw out a path of squares for a giant board in the driveway and add things like ‘Miss a turn’, ‘Go again’, or ‘Reverse turns’. Each person is their own playing piece to move around on the board. Roll the giant die and move that many spaces. Pass it to the next person and keep going. Make up rules to have a super fun game! Frisbee Tic-Tac-Toe What you need: Chalk or spray paint

Five blue frisbees Five red frisbees Draw a large tic-tac-toe board on a driveway or on the grass. Draw a line to stand behind, and start throwing. For a variation of the game, draw circles of varying sizes and distances from the throwing line. Each circle is worth a different amount of points depending on the difficulty of getting the frisbee in it. Have a contest of who can rack up the most points. For an even bigger challenge, play in the dark with glow sticks around each circle.

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BACK COVER Artwork by Georgia Matthews

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