Volume 41, Issue 8

The

Bear Facts

Volume XLI, Issue 8

Lake Braddock Secondary School 9200 Burke Lake Road, Burke, Virginia 22015

May 16 2014

graphic by Jesse Sands

2 The Bear Facts

16 May 2014 Table of Contents

5 News

AP Economics has had many triumphs and tribulations.

10 Profile

Many beloved teachers are retiring this year.

15 Arts

See how Antony and Cleopatra was received.

19 In-Depth

Prom fever is sweeping the halls of LB.

24 Comment

What causes cheating, and who should receive blame?

28 Style

See which teacher’s online boutique is gaining traction.

36 Sports

The World Cup is swiftly approaching next month.

Staff 16 May 2014

The Bear Facts 3

Bear with us: Meet the staff Editors and Management Editors-in-Chief - Ben Tobin and Josh Wartel Managing Editor - Danny Murphy Copy Chief and Business Manager - Lizzie Callahan Sports Editors - Thomas Kendziora and Jordan Small News Editors - Nick Porter and Amy Wang Profile Editors - Anne Merrill and Emily Migdal Style Editors - Michael Galligan and Demetri Karounos In-Depth Editor - Sara Kim

Comment Editor - Quentin Paleo Arts Editors - Megan Cantwell and John Esper Web Editor - Nathan Zelalem Assistant Business Managers - Alex Nesterovich and Jonah Scharf Graphic Editor - Jesse Sands Photo Manager and Web Editor - Elena Simon Assistant Photo Manager - Jordan Stone Assistant In-Depth Editor - KatieVinson Assistant Comment Editor - Kai DeBus

Staff Writers Omar Amin Paul Barnhill Ian Bivona Andrew Clinton Ben Concepcion Lauren Crawford Sandi Daamash Dinali Dassanayaka Caroline Deaton Mikal Fikremariam Austin Garlick Amanda Hendrix Victoria Hodge Claire Hollinger Steve Hong Jake Hruska Kevin Hua Spencer Jolley Katie Karlinchak Patrick Kearney This student-run paper is an open forum produced by the journalism department and is given free of charge to all Lake Braddock high school students and faculty. The Bear Facts is an independent, studentrun newspaper serving the

Editorial Policy

students, the faculty and the Lake Braddock community as an open forum for student expression. Unsigned editorials reflect the opinion of the editorial board and unless otherwise noted are written by a member of the staff.

The editorial board solicits responsible commentaries and letters to the editors but

Aya Khaznadar Margaret Komoniewski Tu Lam Andres Lang Devon Lee Hannah Lim Mike Lodato Yaitza Lopez Ryan Mullins Michael Murphy Andy Ngo Connor O’Neil Victoria Park Tom Rahme Hannah Richins Pooja Shethna Marcell Subert AshleyThompson MarleenTipu Adviser - Kathryn Helmke

reserves the right to edit for style, grammar or lack of space.

Letters and commentaries containing obscenity, racial slur or libelous comments will not be published. A letter will not be excluded from the newspaper solely because it conflicts with the views of the newspaper or past or current editorials.

All letters must be signed by

the author, or they will not be published. Corrections are printed on an as needed basis on page 2 of the paper.

Advertising inquiries can be referred to bfacts@gmail.com.

The Bear Facts is located in room L202 and can be reached by calling (703) 426-1087.

Responses may also be emailed to bfacts@gmail.com.

16 May 2014 News Briefs

4 The Bear Facts

Quick Bites of Braddock and Beyond If you missed an AP Exam, makeup AP Exams will be held from Monday, May 19 through Friday, May 23. The exams are held in various locations so check with your teacher and see where you’re supposed to go.

There will be a PTSA Meeting on Wednesday, May 21. Plan on attending if you want to voice your opinion to the PTSA and the administrators. If you cannot go, talk to your class PTSA representative, they will be more than glad to speak on your behalf.

photo by Mary F. Calvert/MCTCampus

photo by Lifetouch photo by Jordan Stone

As the year progresses, more and more students are being found wandering the halls during Bruin Block. The administration is now cracking down on these students. Students found in the hall during Bruin Block will be forced to spend the period with an administrator if caught. This rule has always been in place but is now being heavily enforced with random hall sweeps.

Senior Prom will be held on Friday, June 6. It will be held at the Waterford in Springfield. Be sure to bring your ticket with you.

Earlier in the month, Boko Haram, the Nigerian terrorist organization, kidnapped 276 schoolgirls and is holding them hostage. It has been reported that a U.S. Marine Satellite has found the girls and the captors in the Sambisa Forest. The Nigerian government has come out and said that it does not want the United States to intervene.

photo by Claudia Himmelreich/MCTCampus

photo by Lifetouch photo by Jordan Stone

The Partners for Safe Teen Driving Assembly will be held in the cafeteria on Tuesday, June 3. It is mandatory for you to attend if you want to get your license.

Graduation is on Monday, June 23.

The event will be held at the Patriot Center at George Mason. There will be no school on Monday as teachers will be attending the event. School is not over though; the last day of school for underclassmen is Wednesday, June 25.

On Monday, May 12, Ukrainian separatist leaders in the Donetsk Region requested to become part of Russia. A vote was placed in different regions of Ukraine, but the people were only asked if they supported independence for their respective regions. By saying no, the Kremlin believes that they mean they’d rather be part of Russia. Ukraine’s capital has spoken out against the referendum claiming that it is propaganda.

5News

16 May 2014

AP Economics problems accumlate

by Nick Porter and Jonah Scarf Co-News Editor and Business Manager

A

P Economics has carved itself out in the past couple of years as a mainstay of the social studies department at Lake Braddock.

So much so, that in the 2013-2014 school year, the number of sections of AP Economics jumped from only two taught by James Novak, to six, taught by Novak, Terry Hatch, Rich Hoppock and Dan Maxwell. In tandem with this surge in enrollment, the LB administration, together with teachers, decided to experiment with some new forms of education, which was only the beginning of the problems AP Economics came to face this year.

Going into the class this year, most people expected a traditional classroom setting. Instead, they were introduced to a “flipped classroom” and Aplia, both experimental teaching methods implemented by the department this year. The concept behind the flipped classroom is for students to learn subject material at home with the use of video lectures, online content and other resources and then practice and discuss what they learned in class.

photo by Elena Simon

With much experimentation to the class, AP Economics has pushed kids to study the material hard at home.

Unfortunately, these new programs were not received well by students, as they cite a lack of teacher involvement as a big problem.

“I figured flipped classroom would end up reducing homework,” senior Jenny Hammersley said. “Instead, it just ended up being a lot of work out of class.”

A key component of a flipped classroom is that the teachers of the course go over the material with students in class. However, many students said that some of the teacher’s competence in the subject is questionable.

“Teachers are learning alongside the students,” senior Haley Thomasson said. “They are almost in the same boat as we are.”

Out of Lake Braddock’s four AP Economics teachers, Hoppock and Novak are the only two that have had previous experience teaching AP Economics.

Cynthia Prieto, the subschool six principal, maintains that the introduction of a flipped classroom was not correlated to the jump in Economics enrollment, calling it a “coincidence.”

“Flipped classroom is happening in math, science and history,” Prieto said.

Prieto also said that the school has wavered on the implementation of Aplia. ”We tried Aplia, and then we went away from it. We were thinking that it may not have been as successful as we thought,” Prieto said. “But then we went back to it, and the kids really hit their stride.”

The Virginia Department of Education instituted Economics and Personal Finance as a required class for graduation for new freshmen entering ninth grade for the first time in the 20112012 academic year. Students also have the option to take AP Economics to fill this requirement, which could explain the jump in enrollment.

Accompanied by this jump in enrollment, however, were students coming into the class with unreasonable expectations. Many students, including senior Erin McKenzie, thought it would be easy, but then realized the class was extremely difficult, she said.

“I think students going into

Economics forgot there was an ‘AP’ in front of it,” Prieto said.

With the difficulty of AP Econ came

“I figured flipped classroom would end up reducing homework.

Instead, it just ended up being a lot of work out of class.”

- senior Jenny Hammersley one of the biggest problems this year: widespread cheating. The cheating came to prominence at the onset of the second semester.

“A picture was taken of a Scantron and passed around,” Prieto said.

“Technology definitely played a role.”

Cheating is a regular part of high school. Within AP Econ, however, the reasons behind it are much more nuanced.

“A lot of times, cheating, especially in Econ, is driven by the fact that our teachers aren’t taking an active role in teaching us,” senior Uma Mengale said.

Senior Haley Thomasson agreed.

“Kids get desperate if they have to teach themselves [the material],” Thomasson said.

The reputation of AP Econ has certainly taken its toll, as enrollment in the course has dropped down to only two sections next year, taught by Hoppock and Maxwell.

In school years to come, Lake Braddock will expectedly continue to have growing pains as administrators and teachers strive to adjust to the new Econ and Personal Finance requirement.

As for AP Econ, however,students seem ready for a change.

16 May 2014 News

6 The Bear Facts

School Board considers later start times

by Andy Ngo - Staff Writer

A

mid a recent community push, Fairfax County high schools may start much later during the 201516 school year. This change could be 30 minutes to two hours later, as FCPS School Board cite a need to give students extra sleep, hoping for more energy and better grades. The School Board will be voting on the schedule changes in September 2014 before starting the 2014-2015 school year.

Back in 2009, the school board took a vote on whether or not to start schools later.

Of the 12 members on the board, 10 voted against pushing back start times. A majority of teachers and parents also agreed with those 10 members, and said that the change would affect their work schedules, student’s activities and childcare for younger students.

But a new board has been trying to push back high school start times since they were elected in 2010.

This time around, however, the FCPS community may have had a change of heart.

This year, the school board commissioned a study with Children’s National Medical Center to see if starting school later would help students. The study showed that students need at least eight hours of sleep a night, and students who don’t get that amount of time wouldn’t be as effective as the students who did. The transition could cost the county anywhere from $2,759,749

Middle School “Late” HS: 8:30-3:20 MS: 9:30-4:20 ES: 7:50/9:15-2:25/3:50

MS/HS “Flip” HS: 7:50/8:20-2:40/2:50 MS: 7:20-2:00 ES: 8:00/9:20-2:40/4:00

MS “Early”/ES 15 Min Earlier HS: 8:10/8:20-3:00/3:10 MS: 7:20-2:10 ES: 7:45/9:10-2:20/3:45

High School Later HS: 9:15-4:05 MS: 8:20/8:30-3:10/3:50 ES: 7:40/9:15-2:20/3:50 graphic by Nick Porter

to $7,645,208 depending on the course of action they choose. Middle and elementary schools could also be affected as a result, as MS/ES start times may move forward to as early as 7:40 a.m.

Students like freshman Ashriel Dennis said that school should start later. Dennis wants more rest for school and said he would be more effective if he wasn’t as tired.

“I would like having school start later because schools start too early right now for me to focus. I think I would do a lot better and understand the material more in my classes if I wasn’t as tired,” Dennis said. “So school starting later is a good idea.”

Others want school to start later but still get out of school at 2:10 p.m, citing less time for extracurriculars and homework.

“I mean I want school to start a little later, but I wouldn’t want to go home later than 2:10,” freshman Brandon Pearson said.

State-mandated time requirements means that’s an impossibility, because starting later must be matched with ending later.

AVID/English teacher Laura Stone loves the thought of school starting late, but she hates to imagine coming home later even more.

“I loathe getting up at the crack of dawn, but I despise the thought of driving in rush hour traffic even more,” Stone said.

FCPS is going to have to make a hard decision before the 2015-2016 school year about whether they want to keep current school schedules or make the drastic and costly change.

necessary in order to make the class more in-depth rather than trying to cover too much information so quickly. Reasoning and explaining conceptual logic is further emphasized in AP Physics I and II over solving math questions, which would help students gain a fuller understanding of the difficult subject.

While some students are excited to take the new physics classes, current AP Physics B and future AP Physics I and II teacher Chris Beatty said this shift by College Board is unnecessary.

“All of the physics teachers that I have spoken to think this is a bad idea,” Beatty said. “Because of the de-emphasis on problem solving [and how] college professors are not de-emphasizing problem solving, this is going to hurt the kids who are going to take physics in college.”

Even with the updates in AP classes, Honors Physics continues to be an option for students, but the class will be meshed with AP Physics I. Honors and Physics I students will attend the same classes and be lectured at the same time, but only the

Physics I students will take the AP exam in May. “Honors will have an extra three chapters on mechanics and a lot less electricity,” Beatty said. “I’m going to help my students for the [AP] test, after teaching them the curriculum I’ll give them hints for the [AP] test.”

Current Honors Physics teachers Bob Irelan, Mahmud Syed and Beatty will teach this hybrid class going forward, and Beatty will be the sole instructor for AP Physics II. Despite underlying questions about the switch and some schedule differences, little is going to change within LB’s classrooms.

LB’s highly capable physics teachers will continue to strive for strong achievement both in the form of tangible AP scores and a solid basis of the science that encompasses all of the universe’s existence. College Board’s announcement hopes to balance maximum learning with the ability to prove one’s knowledge on standardized tests.

Students at LB can look forward to changes in AP Physics that will hopefully set them up for success.

College Board splits AP Physics

by Amy Wang - Co-News Editor

P

icture the familiar scene of the disgruntled high school teenager hunched over homework with the clock reading an ungodly hour of the morning. Perhaps none recognize the situation better than the AP Physics students at LB. The amount of content stuffed into a single school year pushes the mind’s limits in concepts that range from abstract to entirely mathematical, making the AP Physics classes some of the most difficult and intensive at LB. But starting in fall 2014, College Board will split the rigorous AP Physics B into two whole new classes: AP Physics I and AP Physics II. AP Physics B contains a broad spectrum of topics in physics covering basic mechanics to an introduction to modern quantum physics. An algebra and trigonometry-math based class, AP Physics B’s pace speeds through 26 chapters before the May exam. According to College Board, the National Research Council study concluded that these new changes were

The Bear Facts 7

News 16 May 2014

GSA keeps acronym but shifts name

by Ryan Mullins - Staff Writer

I

n a world where people are shunned and discriminated against for being different, people often find solace in coming together. Sometimes a place is needed where an individual can go to create bonds and forge new friendships by finding people with similar ideals and beliefs.

And this is exactly what the Gay Straight Alliance is: A place where students can join together to promote understanding of all sexualities and to introduce compassion for all people.

However, its name has now been changed to the Gender Sexuality Association, a move that has brought change to the club for the better.

The Gay Straight Alliance has been a part of LB’s club selection for over a decade.

“The GSA was established about 11 years ago,” club advisor Sarah Zaniello said.

Since then it has become a club whose name is easily recognized by many

students and faculty members.

“I think most people know what the Gay Straight Alliance is,” sophomore Danny Leva said. “Probably because it’s on The Morning Bru often and is a recognizable name.”

The mission of the Gender Sexuality Association has always been to teach tolerance and acceptance of gay/lesbian/ transgender/questioning to kids in its high school and community.

“It’s purpose is to help foster a supportive environment for transgender, gay and bi kids for the LGBT environment,” Zaniello said.

Each year, the club takes part in many activities to help members and other students come to terms with their sexuality.

“It serves to provide a safe location as well as a place to discuss issues relating to gender and sexuality,” Zaniello said.

The original LB Gay-Straight Alliance is one of many GSA’s that have grown in schools across the United States. With a name that has gained more and more recognition over the past decade, it was unusual that the members and adviser

would choose now to change the name.

The change was a carefully thought-out decision and made by the student members in order to better the club as a whole.

“The students felt it needed to be more representative of the transgender student population,” Zaniello said.

This decision reveals an openness from both the members and the advisers as well as an appreciation for students of all sexualities and all genders.

“It’s not just for gay and straight people,” sophomore Juliet Eisman said.

“It’s also for bi and confused people as well as transexuals. That’s probably why the name was changed.”

With this name change comes the hope for there to be even more acceptance of all students, no matter what sexuality.

“I hope that it will attract more members,” Zaniello said, “and that it brings awareness of the issue to the student population in general.”

Despite the fact that the name is now different, what the club stands for is still the same as it always was, and always will be.

Freshmen battle to become Shakespeare bards

by Devon Lee - Staff Writer

O

n April 29, the Lecture Hall was filled with loud voices from freshmen acting out scenes from the play Romeo and Juliet, performing cheers and showing off their Shakespeare knowledge.

The Battle of the Bards was an allday event where most ninth grade honors students had to show off their knowledge of Shakespeare and his play Romeo and Juliet.

There were two shows, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Students choose to participate by either helping with door decorating, acting out a scene from the play, performing a cheer, being on the Jeopardy team, creating artwork or creating a political ad or advertising a product related to the play.

It all began four years ago when the Battling Bards was an event that all high schoolers took part of. But two years ago, it was changed to just freshman English honors classes.

“Mrs. Rice created the idea,” English teacher Emily Becker said. “[This year] Mrs. Roberts was in charge of organization and technological aspects like getting the room, creating the schedule and arranging the substitutes for our other classes.”

The format of last year’s Bard was different from this year’s. Along with the format of the Bard being different, this year, more teachers joined the celebration. Last year, only three teachers participated in the bash, but in this year’s battle, there were five teachers who were part of it.

This year, freshmen got the chance to creatively display their passion for the play. photo by Elena Simon Whether it was the Freshmen Hannah Patterson and Kevin Poussard take the stage for cheer team or Jeopardy, the Battle of the Bard. Students compete annually to celebrate William anything they chose was Shakespeare’s works through acting and trivia. related to the play Romeo be a hassle to have it at the end of the day and Juliet.

“I really enjoyed watching the theater too,” freshmen Rachel Flatt said.

English teachers plan to continue the groups perform because it actually took time and effort,” freshman Isabelle Bard next year and beyond. The amount Renteria said. “I also liked watching the of students involved in the Battle will improv scenes because it was funny what most likely stay the same because it is nice with just freshmen Becker said. they were able to come up with.”

“There is always room for Although the Bard was great, there were some downfalls to having it during improvement,” Becker said. “I want more interactions to make it more engaging the day.

“Skipping class was kind of bad with the audience. But overall, I felt like because of the work I missed, but it would this year’s Bard went well.”

8 The Bear Facts

16 May 2014 News

Student politics adapts new composition

by Caroline Deaton - Staff Writer

E

ach year, elections are held for students to elect officers for school government positions such as SGA and SAC. In past years, all classes voted for a president, vice president, treasurer, etc. but as of this school year, the voting process has evolved.

In an attempt to update the concept of elections, LB has adapted to the familiar style of creating a board of members to represent the school.

In this way, students with the most votes become president and the runner up becomes vice president for the class of 2015 and 2016.

This transition no longer allows students to run for a certain position. Also, each election now consists of students names with no specific sub-caption, and instead students must choose one name from a list of many candidates.

“The change is a hard transition,” vice president of the class of 2016 Anastasia Slepukhova said. “But in the long run it’s

photo by Lifetouch

SGA officer Zoya Naseem, a senior, addresses the audience with teacher Mel Morgan at the fall pep rally.

for the better because we are delegated for what needs to be done.”

In contrast, there is a divided reaction towards the new election process as some feel it being unfair by taking away campaign opportunities for specific roles.

“I wish they wouldn’t have changed the way elections were held right before our senior year,” vice president of the class of 2015 Madison Shock said. “People have been looking forward for running for a specific role and be elected for a certain position.”

Regardless of the situation, the elected

students still have high hopes in making positive changes in our school with fundraisers and fun events.

“I wanna have a great prom,” Shock said. “I want students to have more school spirit and the school as a whole to spread the spirit.”

The results of the elections saw Nathan Zelalem, Madison Shock, Emily Mudd, Stephanie Chewning and Tori Krugh as representing the class of 2015; Omar Elhaj, Anastasia Slepukhova, Jocelyn Escobar, Essa Bhatti and Jenny Dellen are representing the class of 2016.

Harry Fulton and Julia Manuel are representing the class of 2017; and Beatrice Thurgood, Jack Rucker, Zoe Mermagen, Noah Dunn and Andrew Delvecchio are representing the class of 2018.

As for SGA/SAC, Brian Gilmore, Rory Hatch, Holly Leinz, Hannah Lockcuff, Aninyou Morkos, Bronwyn Neal and Bobby Siefert are representing SGA; and Jocelyn Escobar, Anastasia Slepukhova, Emily Mudd, Rory Hatch and Brian Gilmore are representing SAC.

Senior trip becomes latest snow casualty

by Lizzie Callahan - Copy Chief

T

he senior trip is an annual tradition that is among the most recent of snow day casualties. It is one of the senior privileges looked forward to by students during their entire high school experience, but recently it was snatched away from the senior class without so much as student input. With the hopes and dreams of many pummeled, seniors are at a loss of how to make up for this crushing blow.

“There’s no senior trip because of the snow days,” senior class sponsor and Algebra 1 teacher Mark Purdy said. “It was a decision made by administration.”

With senioritis-induced restlessness also snowballing out of control, the decision to cancel a popular school-organized tradition for the purpose of giving students more class time might actually do little to reign in seniors. In fact, it may compel seniors to organize a school-day trip to an amusement park regardless of whether it was cancelled.

When trips are organized formally by the school, administrators and teachers can manage students to make sure they stay safe.

“Kids are just going to lie [and skip school],” senior Alexis Lunardi said. “[And] when it’s organized by the school, there’s a better level of safety.”

The cancellation of the trip is also puzzling to some, considering the fact that the school year was already extended and senior exams already pushed to a later time.

“Since the school year was extended anyway due to the snow days,” senior Stephanie Chung said, “I think it is unfair to take off even more of our down time, especially since it only affects seniors.”

Many students are upset by the a d m i n i s t r a t i o n ’s decision to cancel the event, but the fault doesn’t necessarily lie with the administration.

The county gives schools specific senior activity days, which this year were meant to be June 18, 19 and 20. However, because snow days shifted everything in terms of SOL dates and final exam, there was no time for a senior trip, subschool four Principal Peter Kelly said.

“Any trip we have to take we have to send teachers and administrators,” Kelly said. “So [during the allotted activity days]

there would be SOL retakes and finals going on. [The decision] came back to the activity days the county gave us.”

Although the school had no choice but to cancel the trip, seniors still feel as if they missed out on a privilege they earned.

“This means we just lost one of the few [senior events] we have, so I don’t think it’s fair because we have all earned a day off, and it would have been really fun to spend it with the entire class,” senior Rachel Pergerson said.

While the senior class won’t be able to take a trip together, the school is throwing around the idea of a senior picnic or a Chikfil-A lunch, Kelly said.

“We hate [cancelling the trip] because it’s one of the things seniors look forward to,” Kelly said. “But we could only do the activity days the county gave us.”

“I don’t think it’s fair because we all have earned a day off.”

-senior Rachel Pergerson

10Profile

16 May 2014

Retiring teachers deliver goodbyes

E

photo by Jordan Stone

nglish teacher Patricia Rice has been teaching at Lake Braddock for 15 years, since the fall of 1999 and has since then, become a favorite English teacher of her students.

“I will miss the students,” Rice said, “Teenagers are enjoying the best part of life, and they are always ready to share their energy.”

Because of Rice’s true dedication to educating the next generation of students, Rice has earned the respect from her

D

ebbie DeMaria has been teaching at Lake Braddock since 1976 making it her 40th year of teaching. She has become LB’s famed AP calculus BC teacher who will retire at the end of this year.

“She is a legend here at Lake Braddock, but with all the years of hard work, she truly deserves a relaxing retirement,” senior Lydia Chen said, “I feel bad for any students who won’t be able to have her, and I know the future BC Calc teacher will have big shoes to fill, but the math department at LB is very strong and everything will work out.”

DeMaria has become famed for her unique teaching methods that include arm movements to feel the concepts as well as coloring worksheets to introduce more color to her students’ lives.

“She’s great at explaining the content of calculus,” senior Jean Salac said. “She makes calculus interesting and captivating

students, both past and present.

“I had her for freshman English and debate in 11th grade,” senior Saad Amin said. “She made me a better speaker, and she makes kids try harder when they’re struggling.”

Other students remember her enthusiasm that she brought, not only to class, but to school as well.

“Her enthusiasm and her presence is enough to make people smile,” senior Lida Daniel said. “She would indirectly help you with the SAT, and she just loves teaching and learning.”

Still others, recall the helpfulness that her lessons provided in future English classes.

“I became a better writer,” senior Kim Drummond said, “and she’s definitely earned the respect of the other English teachers so they’ll be like, ‘Oh you had Mrs. Rice you should be good at this.’”

However, despite all the things that the students remember and miss about Rice, it is not enough to prevent her from retiring

at the end of this year.

“I have read Romeo and Juliet 210 times,” Rice said. “That’s enough. There are other interests I am going to pursue.

The first of which is stand-up comedy.”

Despite the repetition reading Romeo and Juliet 210 times, Rice recalls this event as one of her most favorite.

“The students’ performance in the Bard’s Birthday Bash each spring is really enjoyable,” Rice said. “I enjoy working with the ‘younger’ teachers whose clever ideas have improved the show and who are doing the show for the students, not to place the limelight on themselves.”

It is this selfless devotion to her work that will make Rice one of the most remembered teachers.

“LB’s going to be losing a great teacher who was really passionate about what she did,” Amin said.

As words of advice to future students of LB: “Read the literature more than just once, write the sentence seven different ways, and any time you get a lazy teacher, complain,” Rice said.

for the students.”

DeMaria is also known for her motherly attitude and her enthusiasm towards learning, which has made her so loved by her students.

“She really wants all of her students to do well and allows us to correct simple mistakes without penalization,” Chen said.

Students have also remembered DeMaria’s lessons, not only in calculus, but in life in general.

She is famed for teaching students about gratitude and for reminding them that they are special.

“Some people found it a little repetitive, but little things that could make your day, especially if you’re having a rough day,” Salac said, “I had a lot of those days last year, so Mrs. DeMaria’s reminders really uplifted me.”

This constant reminder has become DeMaria’s mantra for future students as well.

“Believe in yourself,” DeMaria said, “Know that you are special, and therefor to achieve, you have to work hard. You are worth that effort.”

Throughout her time at LB, DeMaria has most enjoyed the people and the learning and sharing and will miss the daily interaction with her students and colleagues.

“I am really going to miss Mrs. DeMaria next year,” Salac said. “Future students will really be missing out on Mrs. DeMaria. She is truly one-of-a-kind and has done so much for students at Lake Braddock.”

Patricia Rice

Debbie DeMaria

photo by Emily Migdal

The Bear Facts 11

Profile 16 May 2014

F

photo by Emily Migdal

or the past 11 years, Becky Hendon has been an English teacher at Lake Braddock and will be retiring at the end of this year.

“I will miss the students and the fantastic friends I’ve made at Lake Braddock over the years,” Hendon said.

“I’ll miss the autonomy I have in the classroom and seeing the “aha” moments on students’ faces.”

Both students and Hendon have learned a lot together, which has left an emotional impression on Hendon’s memories of

A

photo by Emily Migdal

na Paton is an instructional assistant who, after 15 years of working at LBSS, will be retiring. She has worked with various teachers in a variety of classroom settings with a diverse group of students.

“I will miss being among all these young students who are the future of tomorrow,” Paton said. “It’s always nice to be among the younger generation who are so tech savvy and keep us informed of all the latest trends.”

Lake Braddock.

“I have so enjoyed learning from my students, having the day-to-day interaction with them, asking former students how their year is going and hearing from students over the years after they graduate,” Hendon said.

Whether it was from students reading a poem or lamenting a paper, Hendon has experienced many different emotions throughout her years.

“I loved that every day has been different with countless possibilities for laughter, for awe, for surprise, for sadness-all those human emotions sometimes compacted into an hour,” Hendon said.

After 11 years, Hendon has decided that her years as a teacher and a friend for her students a r e behind her, and now, she is ready to move on to another set of experiences.

“I will be retiring to start a new journey,” Hendon said. “My husband and I will be traveling throughout the next year, but I’ll be back to visit.”

As a final reminder for future students, Hendon advises them to laugh every day.

“Surround [yourself] with happy, optimistic people,” Hendon said.

Becky Hendon

Despite Paton’s enthusiasm towards interacting with students, Paton will be retiring this year because her husband will also be retiring.

“We are moving to Las Vegas to be near our sons and their families,” Paton said, “I can’t take another winter like the one we just had! Vegas is hot, hot, hot!”

Throughout her time at LB, Paton has enjoyed helping the students and motivating them to get good grades.

“Seeing many students go from freshman year to senior year is amazing,” Paton said. “The changes happen during junior year, and all of a sudden they become very mature and ready to graduate and go out into the real world.”

Even though students may mature during their junior year, Paton said that every year counts when applying for college.

“Don’t wait until your senior year to get serious about studying,” Paton said, “Enjoy every year of high school because the four years go so fast. Get involved in clubs and sports, too.”

Ana Paton

A

photo by Emily Migdal

fter 17 years of service, former Air Force Officer Debra Curran will be leaving her post as the computer science teacher at Lake Braddock.

“LB is a great school, and I’ve enjoyed teaching the students and working with wonderful teachers,” Curran said.

However, Curran has decided that it is time to say goodbye to the school to which she contributed so much.

“I want to do some traveling and have time for hobbies,” Curran said. “I will

Debra Curran miss all the computer savvy students.”

Students have remembered Curran’s dedication to helping her students, especially when they are struggling.

“She helps when you need it,” sophomore Shaymi Adetayo said. “I had her for two years, and I am glad that I had her. She’s been teaching for a long time so she deserves it.”

As a last word to the next generation for tomorrow, Curran recommends taking computer science in high school “Many college majors will require at least one CS class, and it’s much easier to start in high school, rather than wait until college,” Curran said. “Students are great at using technology, but they need to have a basic understanding of how it works.”

Stories by Steve Hong - Staff Writer

12 The Bear Facts

16 May 2014 Profile

In move to Mexico, Wolfs start anew

photo by Jordan Stone

Marketing teacher Brandon Wolf works on papers in his classroom for the final month before he leaves his students. During his time at LB, Wolf became one of the most loved teachers due to involvement in marketing and DECA and his commitment to students.

By Yaitza Lopez - Staff Writer

B

randon Wolf, marketing teacher at LB, and wife Laura Wolf, history teacher at LB, are both saying adiós to LB for the next two years and crossing the border into the country of Mexico.

“International teaching is something Mrs. Wolf and I have been interested in for a little while,” Brandon Wolf said.

“Those experiences are always exciting and challenging and provide a great opportunity for us to grow as individuals and as a couple.”

The Wolfs plan on experiencing the exotic culture of Mexico, learning some of the language, getting some tanning done as they walk along the beaches of Mexico, and above all, having the opportunity to be able to teach and educate American and Mexican children in an American-style school.

“Mr. Wolf and I wanted to travel internationally and experience something different before we started to get a certain age,” history teacher Laura Wolf said.

“We both love to travel and teach so this was a perfect opportunity.”

The Wolfs were both offered jobs when attending an international job fair for teachers to be hired abroad.

“We attended a conference for Latin American Schools, and the opportunity came to us – and was too good to pass up,” Mr. Wolf said. “Our interest in teaching internationally comes from a desire to immerse ourselves in a new and different

culture.”

The American Association of School Administrators (AASA), which hires highly qualified teachers to bring new perspectives to the teaching and learning process in developing countries, hired Mr. and Mrs. Wolf to teach in Mexico.

“The inspiration to live and work internationally really derives from the many individuals in our lives that have

“I’m going to miss LB so much, it’s going to be so sad when we leave. Hopefully [my] new school really gets to know me [on] a personal level like LB has over the years.”

-Laura Wolf done it before us,” Mr. Wolf said. “Their experiences have been positive and incredible, and I hope that ours is the same.”

The Wolfs expect their school in Mexico to be similar to Lake Braddock’s educational system. The only difference is that the Wolfs will be experiencing the teachings of another culture and mastering another language.

“The foundation of AASA only gave us two weeks in deciding if we wanted to travel to Ecuador and teach or travel to Mexico instead,” Mrs. Wolf said. “We

decided to travel to Mexico because it was closer, and my little sister has been living there for the past four years so having family there makes it more comforting.”

Only 75 percent of children in Mexico graduate from the sixth grade, and the rest are forced to work in child labor for their families, according to Rural Poverty Statistics on Mexico. While being in Mexico, the Wolfs’ plan on positively impacting this epidemic and to help improve that percentage.

“While this issue is not one directly affecting the school in which we will teach, I certainly feel that this is a huge issue,” Mr. Wolf said. “Education is a pillar to societal progress and plays a pivotal role in building strong and productive communities.”

While teaching abroad in Mexico, the Wolfs will be teaching the current subject they are teaching at LB. Mr. Wolf plans on teaching IB Economics, and Mrs. Wolf plans on teaching IB history of the Americas. Both will be excited to interact with a different group of students, reminding them of the students they taught at LB. “Living there will a lot of fun; every night in the beginning will be a new experience, traversing the city and finding new places and faces,” Mr. Wolf said.

“I’m not sure if we will remain there after the two years; we will decide that at that point. We do plan on returning to the States, although we have not decided to where that will be. Burke could certainly be an option.”

The Bear Facts 13

Profile 16 May 2014

New leaders rise to power Beatrice Thurgood - 2018 - Class Board

Harry Fulton - 2017 - Class Board

The class of 2018 representatives are looking forward to their next year as freshmen at LB. Instead of having titles such as president or vice president their class officers will be a class board consisting of members with equal power. Eighth grader Beatrice Thurgood, a member of next year’s class of 2018 class board, hopes that they photo by Steve Hong will encourage more students to take part in student activities next year.

“I would like to have more participation and interaction between all of our classes,” Thurgood said.

Like the class of 2018, next year’s sophomore officers will also be a class board. Together, they will plan class fundraising activities, homecoming and organize additonal activities for members of the sophomore class.

Freshman Harry Fulton will be a member of the class of 2017 class board.

“I want to be a leader in our class,” Fulton said, “I think that I will be able to help us succeed.”

Fulton, along with photo by Steve Hong other members hope to improve student unity, organize more activities and get more students involved.

Omar Elhaj - 2016 - Class Board

Nathan Zelalem - 2015 - Class Board Next year’s senior class of 2015 president will be Nathan Zelalem.

After campaigning for weeks with a message about bringing even more attention to bullying. He was voted into office on Friday, April 11.

“I am hoping that my message to take bullying seriously will be able to help the members of my photo by Elena Simon class,” Zelalem said.

Zelalem said that through organizing events that everyone will enjoy, encouraging more participation from the class of 2015 and everyone else, and helping to change the way students think about bullying, next year’s senior class will have a better year than anyone could have imagined.

“I feel grateful that my class trusted me to have the responsibility of being the president,” Zelalem said.

“I just really wanted people to appreciate our school,” next year’s junior class president Omar Elhaj said.

Elhaj ran for president with two goals in mind, to raise as much money as possible for junior and senior year activities and to increase school spirit.

“I want us to be able to enjoy the perks of being upperclassmen,” Elhaj said. photo by Elena Simon For Elhaj, a major factor in making him want to run for class president was wanting to be a part of something beneficial for the school.

“I really like student government, and I wanted to take advantage of an opportunity that not everyone has,” Elhaj said.

Brian Gilmore SGA President 2015

Students voted junior Brian Gilmore to be next year’s SGA president.

Gilmore wants students to be able to voice their opinion more often about what is going on in the school.

“I am hoping to get our school more involved with activities,” Gilmore said. “I want them to have a say and be able to choose activities that they want to do.” photo by Elena Simon

Sophomore Jocelyn Escobar, a member of next year’s SAC, is hoping that through the work of her and other members they will be able to make next year more fun.

“I’ve always been involved with school activities,” Escobar said.

Escobar was inspired to run by her older sister.

“I just want to make [my sister] proud,” Escobar said. photo by Steve Hong

Jocelyn Escobar SAC 2016

14 The Bear Facts

16 May 2014 Profile

Cooking the competition

by Pooja Shethna - Staff Writer

L

ots of people like cooking. Many love it. However, only a handful wish to pursue a career in it, and an even fewer people take their passion to the next level and enter a competition all about cooking. When senior Valerie Truong entered a technical competition called SkillsUSA, she won first place in the state of Virginia, a 10,000 scholarship and she’s moving on to Nationals on June 24.

“Ever since I was little I always watched my mom cook, and I would often help her out sometimes in the kitchen,” Truong said. “She didn’t really directly ‘teach’ me how to cook; it was more like ‘add this’ or ‘chop this.’”

SkillsUSA was a technical competition that took place a couple of weeks ago. The competition consisted of several categories, and Truong entered in the culinary category for an event called Restaurant Service. In this, she had to perform several waiter-like duties in front of the judges.

“This event teaches you about customer interaction and how to help them and take care of any of their needs,” Truong said. “It’s one thing to know how to cook, but it’s also important to know how to treat your customers and to follow up and help them with their requests. I also believe that knowing how to interact with your customers can help give them an enjoyable meal and give them 100 percent satisfaction.”

Each competitor had to set up two of three tables: one with a formal setting

and one with an informal setting all under 10 minutes. In addition to that, they had to set up each table with four different napkin folds and display the center piece in a unique way.

“Although the competition doesn’t seem like much,” Truong said, “[My] chef (one of the judges) said that it’s actually really difficult because there are so many things you can mess up in.”

After setting up the table, they were each called up, and the judges would then place their order. No real food was involved in the competition, Truong still had to simulate a mock restaurant setting and then calculate the judges’ checks and add in sales and food tax.

“After that, we had to take a written test involving questions such as ‘Which order should a waiter serve his customers?’ or ‘Where should coffee be placed at the table’ or ‘Which order should each course be served?’” Truong said.

Truong won fourth place at districts and first place in states.

“I was also surprised because right after my competition I went out to eat at a local Chinese buffet with the people from my academy class at Edison that went to states, and I got a fortune cookie that said “Do not fear competition.”

“One of the lucky numbers on the back was ‘1’,” Truong said. “I jokingly turned to my teacher, Chef Walden, and joked that that means that I might have won, and it turns out that I did.”

Truong’s parents both love cooking so they are very happy and supportive of her future ambitions.

“Having my friends and family supporting me helps me try harder to improve in many things,” Truong said.

Truong’s achievement over the years in cooking has inspired her to major both in Baking and Pastry Arts and Food Service and Entrepreneurship at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. After completing those courses she hopes to open and run her own bakery.

“Personally I love food,” Truong said, “so making it was always fun, but what I love more is being able to make something for photos courtesy of Valerie Troung Tr o u n g h o v e r s o v e r t h e s t o v e ( t o p ) s h o w i n g o f f h e r c o o k i n g s k i l l s i n h e r other people to enjoy, and it makes k i t c h e n . S h e re c e n t l y c o m p e t e d i n a S k i l l s U S A c o m p e t i t i o n ( b o t t o m ) w h e re me happy knowing that someone she won a first place award for her cooking skills and restaurant knowledge. actually liked eating what I made.”

15Arts

May 16 2014

Classic Shakespeare tale retold

photos courtesy of David Masearik

1. Junior Nick Edwards and senior Anna Coughlan took center stage portraying the titular characters, displaying an intense romance that ultimately led to their doom. 2. The Battle of Alexandria is re-enacted on stage. The production used realistic choreography when portraying battles.

by John Esper - Arts Editor

A

t the dawn of the Roman Empire, one couple tried to defy its power, and in the end they fell together.

Taking place in between Julius Caesar and Augustus Caesar’s reigns as powerful leaders of the massive Roman empire, Antony and Cleopatra follows the love story of Mark Antony, a Roman general looking to gain power in Rome, and Cleopatra, the powerful pharaoh of the Egyptian nation.

The play contains all the classic Shakespeare elements, powerful soliloquies, grandiose sets and multiple untimely deaths. Lake Braddock Theatre brought all this alive in the Little Theatre during the first weekend in May. “I’m really excited about this production,” junior Nick Edwards said. “I think it could be one of the best ones Lake Braddock Theatre has done.”

Edwards played one half of the titular role, portraying the troubled Roman general Mark Antony. Antony struggles

with his devotion to Cleopatra, and the responsibilities he has to Rome. Edwards believes he brought a unique interpretation to the role, combining elements of comedy within the heavy subject matter.

“I think I brought a comedic focus to Antony while also showing his historical importance,” Edwards said.

Senior Anna Coughlan played the other half of the titular role, playing the part of Cleopatra, the devious Egyptian Pharaoh, who would constantly swing from emotion to emotion.

“I have a strong understanding of Cleopatra as a character,” Coughlan said, “and I can use that to my advantage when portraying her.”

Director R.L. Mirabal was the one who brought the whole play together. He had a deep understanding of the story of Antony and Cleopatra, explaining in-depth the story and the flaws of the couple.

“At the heart it is the story of a man and woman in a bad romance making very poor decisions based on their lust for one

another,” Mirabal said. “These two should never have been together, let alone having kids and running two empires.”

Coughlan saw Antony and Cleopatra along similar lines as Mirabal, but also compared it to other Shakespearian works.

“Antony and Cleopatra is like Romeo and Juliet just with no excuse for their stupidity,” Coughlan said.

Mirabal believed before the play started that the fact that Antony and Cleopatra influenced many modern television shows would allow the audience to have a better appreciation of the show and become engaged.

“Scandal and Game of Thrones are big hits, so I hope that the source material for these shows gets a fair shake from our audience,” Mirabal said.

Mirabal was right in his assessment, the show was a big hit. It was classic Shakespeare with its deceptions, musings and tragic plot.

Antony and Cleopatra proved to be a story that is timeless due to the public’s fascination with historical fiction..

May 16 2014 Arts

16 The Bear Facts

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Arts May 16 2014

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The Bear Facts 17

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18 The Bear Facts

16 May 2014 Arts

Annual art show celebrated talent

by Vickie Park - Staff Writer

it next year.”

Freshman Sabrina Adleson, along with Buzzing with excited chatter, students her friend Nico Ortiz De Zarate, performed viewed the works created by the talented in the art show and sang “Wish You Were art students of LB, who had prepared all Here” by Pink Floyd and “Horse With year for the annual art show on April 24. No Name” by America. Adleson enjoys With new additions such as a photographer sharing music and interacting with people, and a cafe, the art show also added live which led her to performing.

“The art show was really fun, I thought musicians allowing students to see the it would be a little nerve racking because performers as they viewed the artwork.

The artists were aligned in rows so that there was so many people in the gym, but everyone was able to see the art. Artists only a small group watched us,” Adleson themselves created the backboards that said. “Also Nico and I got all our music displayed their art. They were allowed to together the day before so that was a bit create any sort of backboard, and many of a rush. It’s awesome to collaborate. artists brought a chair to lounge on as the It’s amazing how you can bring people together like that.” show continued throughout the day.

Junior Jessica Pham was in the art Some artists had a notebook that allowed the audience to write comments show for the first time this year. She had and feedback on and some even offered cookies in front of her booth as a treat to the audience. She enjoyed being able to cookies and candy alongside their set up.

“It went really well, the students view all the artwork but disliked having to particularly in setting up the artwork and sit around the entire day.

“It was pretty fun since it was my first taking it down,” art teacher Phyllis Lacy said. “The students really enjoyed the year so everything was pretty new to music so I don’t see why we wouldn’t do me,” Pham said. “I liked seeing all of the artwork displayed.

So many people in our school are so talented.”

Junior Thomas Nguyen, the student who was taking pictures in the wrestling room, took portraits of students during the art show.

Displaying his own art alongside the studio, students enjoyed the chance to get their portraits taken.

Along with a cafe, the new addition of a photography studio allowed students to capture memories.

“It was really well done; he’s going to email the images to Located in Kings Park Shopping Center the people who got their pictures 8944 Burke Lake Road taken,” Lacy said.

“We’re asking for (703) 425-1555 a small donation; it doesn’t have to

$5 OFF YOUR PURCHASE OF $25 OR MORE

photo by Kristina Randall

Senior Rebecca Biersack works on a ceramic piece during this year’s art show.

be a substantial amount.”

The donations provided are to go to replacing supplies, such as the foam boards used to display the art, and to the end-ofthe-year scholarships given to students going to art school to pursue a career in the arts.

Being the first year having a photographer, the studio went fairly smooth. Nguyen hopes to continue this next year. But being in the wrestling room, not many students knew of the photography studio.

“It went well; the only problem was that the cafe covered the door so people couldn’t see in,” Nguyen said. “The original plan was so that students were able to look in.”

The cafe sold coffee and various other cafe items. Senior Ian Lewenhaupt planned on raising money for Elizabeth Hughes’ mission trip to Haiti, but art teacher Mrs. Stokes offered to purchase items for the cafe in exchange that they raise money for the art program.

They ended up selling hot chocolate, coffee, mocha, tea and apple cider. Instead of setting prices for the goods, they took donations.

As the show continued, word passed around of the photography studio that was being provided, and Nguyen started getting many more students.

“My favorite part was seeing everyone’s emotions and seeing their happiness,” Nguyen said. “Being able to be in front of the lights and the camera, everyone was able to get a nice picture.”

19In-Depth

16 May 2014

A little prom never killed nobody

by Dinali Dassanayaka - Staff Writer

A

s students sauntered into the Waterford with their dates, they found themselves standing in the midst of a city of lights. The city of lights, the theme of the prom, consisted of thousands of tiny lights encompassing the walls of the room. Scattered in the center of the room, dozens of tables awaited, each covered with a vase full of red roses and plates of food. An elegant decor completed the appearance of the spacious room. Finally, for the finishing touch, hundreds of students, dressed in expensive attire, packed the room to enjoy their final dance as high school students.

The senior prom is right around the corner, and students are scrambling to find dates, to find dresses and tuxedos, and to buy matching corsages. Guys are thinking of creative ways to ask girls to prom, while girls are either rejecting or accepting them.

Girls are also asking guys to prom in creative ways as well.

Prom will be held on June 6 at the Waterford in Springfield.

Prom is the last dance for seniors before they graduate. It is a way for seniors to just forget about all the pressures of school and to have a memorable time.

Prom is the beginning of a whole new chapter in the lives of seniors. It is a night for them to cherish and remember for the rest of their lives while forgetting about being stressed out all the time. Creative ways of asking someone to prom will only make the night even more memorable and special in so many ways.

20 The Bear Facts

16 May 2014 In-Depth

Recreating their magical mom Senior girls reflect on their experiences of true surprise and glee Marie Fletcher and Colby Wallmow

photo courtesy of Marie Fletcher

He did a scavenger hunt and it started in Starbucks.

When I got my Frappuccino the guy asked for my name to write on the cup and when I told him that my name was Marie the barista gave me a note. It said at 11:45 meet your craziest, funniest friend, which is my best friend Rachel. At 11:45 I met with my friend. She had another note and took out Chipotle.

With that note, it said to go to entrance 14. There was a line of people and a banner, and he popped out and asked.

I was very anxious throughout the whole day because I didn’t know who was asking me.

I tried to find out, but no one would tell me.

Monica Supko and Joe Darcy

pho

I’ve known Joe Darcy for a few years just became close this year.

He’s Last night I went on a run with my friend, Jade around which isn’t unusual for us. We were just running and talk all of a sudden these people in masks come out of t and abducted us. We were screaming. I was terrified!

“Superman” (Joe in a Superman costume) comes to th and picks me up, saving me from the “monsters”. expecting any of it; not even for a second so you ca how scared I was. I was crying. At one point I was actu up on the ground crying before I was “saved.” Then he if I would go to prom with him. The sign said “If you’r scared, will you be my Superwoman and go to prom

In-Depth 16 May 2014

The Bear Facts 21

ment

oto courtesy of Monica Supko

but we awesome.

9 o’clock, king when he woods And then he rescue . I wasn’t n imagine ally curled asked me re not too with me?”

Sasha Fontaine and John Mataya

Mashi Dehghanpour and Raph Erestain

photo courtesy of Sasha Fontaine

In every one of my classes and there was a red rose with my name on it, on my desk. The first time I saw the rose I thought it was from my teacher who was congratulating me for showing up to class. After seventh, I expected someone to be waiting at my locker, but no one was there. When I got home there were a hundred golf balls on the ground saying “Prom?” and when I opened the door John was holding a sign made out of my favorite candy, Recees, that said “Sasha Prom?” and all of my friends standing around. Then he says “Finally got the balls to ask you,” and I responded with a “yes.”

photo courtesy of Mashi Dehghanpour

I just didn’t see why the guy always has to ask the girl. I wanted to ask him because I wanted to show that it’s okay for a girl to ask a boy that she likes to go to prom with her. I know that he loves when I play songs for him so I figured I’d ask him in a simple way that I know he’d enjoy. He pulled up to my driveway and I had a poster that said “Prom?” and balloons up. I was sitting on a chair next to the poster with my guitar, and I played him a song, and then asked him if he wanted to go to prom with me, and he said yes.

16 May 2014 In-Depth

22 The Bear Facts

BACK IN THE DAY

photo courtesy of Kathryn Helmke

Journalism teacher Kathryn Helmke went to two proms her junior year, her own prom and her boyfriend’s. “I didn’t go senior year because my sister was graduating, but I didn’t mind. Two was enough,” Helmke said.

by Ben Concepcion - Staff Writer

T

eachers haven’t always been teaching; though for some it may seem that they never could have been young. Just a few decades ago they were all in high school, experiencing many things similar to students today.

However, as you could have expected, many teachers’ proms have looked much different than those of our time and many have excellent stories to tell.

“For my senior prom, I dyed my hair pink and black,” high school teacher Mrs. Wolf said, “The after-prom party was at my house, and we rented a bounce house and got giant boxing gloves.”

Other teachers had funny stories as well.

“We had a brick thrown through our limo going to prom. We had to walk the last four blocks,” high school teacher Mr. Wolf said.

The same emphasis on prom that exists today was not present when many teachers were in high school. “[Prom] wasn’t quite the event it was today,” high school teacher Mrs. Partlow said, “We didn’t have limos, we borrowed our dad’s best car. We went to lower scale

photo courtesy Laura Wolf

photo courtesy of Terri Hodges

With hot pink and black hair, history teacher Laura Wolf attended her high school prom with her date. “The after-prom party was at my house” Wolf said, “We rented a bounce house and got giant boxing gloves.”

Math Teacher Terri Hodges is another one of many teachers who was asked to prom in high school. “He had flower petals and he wrote ‘prom’ on the front step of my house,” Hodges said.

restaurants, because that was what we could afford. I think [prom today] is a little too much.”

Partlow explained why she thought that prom has much more importance today.

“We had a lot of dances,” said Mrs. Partlow, “so prom wasn’t as big of a deal.”

Promposals, often a creative and dra-

high school teacher Mrs. Rice said, “He was the only one who helped me with Algebra 2 homework because the teacher was worthless. So one day, out of the blue, he asked me, ‘Hey, would you like to go to prom?’ What could I say? So I went with him to prom. Steady Eddy’s bald now. I didn’t marry him. He has a lot of money now. ” Wolf, however, had a little bit of a different experience.

“I was working at Walgreens, and he bought a bar of soap. My car was out in the parking lot and he wrote all over my car with it. He was going to sing over the loudspeaker but they wouldn’t let him,” Wolf said.

However, she said that this kind of behavior isn’t necessary. “[A promposal] doesn’t have to be big.

Girls have such high expectations.”

Even though the times have changed so much, Partlow still feels that it would be best to invest more money into a good band. She believes a band can make a prom really great.

Looking back at what teachers did for their proms is entertaining, and gives us different perspective on what makes a terrific prom.

“For my senior prom, I dyed my hair pink and black.”

-Laura Wolf matic way to ask a girl to prom, have also changed a lot over the years.

“We didn’t have [creative promposals] when I was younger,” Journalism Adviser Ms. Helmke said, “this tradition is a newer thing.”

Most of the time, people just flat out asked. “[I went to prom] with steady Eddy,”

24 Comment

16 May 2014

Comp Science program needs reforming ⌂

Students don’t receive the instruction they need for their future careers

by Alex Nesterovich Assistant Business Manager

W

ith computer scientists in high demand, it’s problematic that computer science is one of the most ignored subjects in high schools across the country.

Teens’ expertise of handheld devices and computer applications is often mistaken as tech-savviness, but in reality few members of the future workforce

Lessons should focus on the basics of code structure and logic and provide a solid foundation for the students. understand the inner workings of a computer.

Many who attempt to explore the field in high school are turned off when they cannot grasp the concepts or make sense of the code. Indeed, computer science is not for everyone; it takes a special mind to understand the logic and structure of code.

But trying to reach the maximum number of those minds provides a unique challenge that, if not addressed head on, could cause technological progress to come to a standstill.

According to a Washington Post article published on April 23, a mere 29,555 students in the United States took the AP computer science exam in 2013, “far fewer than the hundreds of thousands who took calculus.”

According to the article, FCPS ranked highest in terms of students enrolled in high school computer science courses in the D.C. metropolitan area with 2,343 students, but this only makes up a miniscule percentage of the near 52,000 students in FCPS. Lower-income demographics suffer an even lower percentage of students

enrolled in high school computer science courses. Prince George’s County carries a shocking 0.6 percent enrollment in computer science courses.

Considering the problems facing computer science are multi-dimensional and complex, solutions should be as well.

Once in a while in elementary or middle school, a guest speaker would come to hold a discussion or give a speech on a topic that they study on a daily basis.

It’s an attempt to get the young students interested in that profession. Why was this never done with computer science?

Sure, fifth graders might not understand “for loops” and “recessive programming,” but demonstrating an insect find its way around a maze might spark interest in a few of those students.

The problem of students selecting classes in high school presents another challenge. Why do so few check the box next to “Computer Science”?

When students get a glimpse at the syllabus, they can be intimidated by the material and immediately shun the idea of looking further into it. Some who entertain

taking the class ask for guidance from their fellow peers and will hear recounted stories of the class.

Whatever the description of their experience, the conclusion is almost always the same: Don’t take it.

Even if a student passes all these barriers, they discover problems within the curriculum. A typical day in class involves receiving an assignment and writing a set of code that will achieve the goal outlined in the assignment.

However, students can and do bypass it by simply copying the code from a friend or computer neighbor. Homework answers are easily available online, and students can simply copy and paste for credit. Lessons should focus on the basics of code structure and logic and provide a solid foundation for the students.

Reforming the computer science curriculum to be more comprehensive will help address the multi-dimensional problems facing the field and will help create computer scientists that the next generation of technology-driven society will need.

photo by Elena Simon

The current teaching environment may be detrimental to students interested in pursuing computer science. This could be due to its over-reliance on coding assignments.

The Bear Facts 25

Comment 16 May 2014

Amazon: Almost as bad as the Joker

photo by Elena Simon

Comixology’s rating have plummeted after new business practices were adopted by Amazon.

by Mikey Lodato - Staff Writer

W

hen Action Comics #1 hit the stands in June 1938, it showed the world its very first comic hero in the form of Superman. This character helped usher in a new medium to consume content, a bold new step forward in the way of storytelling that shaped generations to come. In the past 76 years since the Man of Steel made his debut, the comics industry has seen more influx than any other. It has had its ups and downs.

It’s seen the paramount of success and the chilling lows of failure. Yet throughout time it has always persevered and held strong.

Comics are at an all-time high in terms of sales and relevance. Billion dollar comic movies are made every year and shows like The Walking Dead and Arrow dominate television. All of this is in no small part caused by the digital age we live in. An age in which you can now buy comics on most any electronic device. All of these purchases are made within a single unified app called Comixology. It’s an app that updates with new books every week and has an archive of more than 40,000 comics.

A few weeks back they were purchased

by Amazon for an undisclosed sum. The result? Amazon has decimated the app with its decisions and possibly crippled comic sales irreparably.

When Comixology was released in 2007, it promised to be a user-friendly, independent marketplace for publishers to sell their work and users to buy books. The app really received traction when the big two, DC Comics & Marvel, both agreed to publish comics. This caused digital sales to skyrocket and comic sales overall to pick up steadily. The app was praised thanks to its ease of use and easy discoverability of books. Amazon has taken away that convenience. This past weekend, Amazon eliminated the ability for users to buy any and all comics on the app. Instead, users

can download a new app for reading only. If you want to buy comics you must log onto Comixology’s website, find the book, add it to your cart, proceed to checkout and buy it, and then open up your reader app and download it. This move was done to cut Apple out of the equation. See, Apple takes a 30 percent cut of all in-app purchases, including comic books, and Amazon decided it didn’t want to play ball. The all-in-one app has become a fragmented, user-unfriendly experience hidden behind a soulless web page.

Now if there is one foot for Comixology to stand on, it is that without in-app purchases, Apple no longer takes a 30 percent cut from comic creators. But creators Paul Cornell and Gerry Conway have spoken out against the changes to the app. Creators have to ask themselves “Would you rather take a 30 percent cut or get no money at all?” Hopefully, they return to the app system that has served them so well, but with Amazon having final say it’s unlikely. Some users have bought more than a thousand comics on Comixology and don’t want to stagnate their libraries, therefore, muting any competitor app from launching. This is a sad development in the growth of comics and a greedy play by Amazon.

iPhone 5s falling behind Galaxy S5

by Omar Amin - Staff Writer

T

alk of phones has been at an alltime high recently, as the rivalry between Samsung and Apple continues. With the release of Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S5, phone fans are left to ponder between the acclaimed iPhone 5s and the new S5.

One key factor in this decision is the building of a brand. Apple is highly recognized as one of the technological giants in America and many other countries. Samsung fans are all over

photo courtesy of Samsung Corp.

The new Galaxy S5 includes innovative features like water resistance.

the world and anyone can recognize their products that range from phones to appliances. That said, both brands have large fan bases that are loyal to their products.

The second key factor is specifications.

The Galaxy S5 clearly has better specs as opposed to the iPhone 5s. The camera featured in the Galaxy S5 is 16 megapixels, while the iPhone 5s has a mere 8 megapixels. This can be a determining factor for photo enthusiasts who wish to capture every moment of their lives to post. According to techradar. com, the Galaxy S5 has the world’s fastest autofocus speed up to 0.3 seconds.

The S5 has a large 5.1” screen, while 5s has a 4” screen. A larger screen also entails higher quality resolution and a HD screen. Additionally, the S5 is water and dust resistant. The 5s has none of these qualities, just an easily breakable glass screen and scratchable aluminum back. The front camera of the S5 is 2.1 megapixels whereas the 5s has only 1.2 megapixels. Finally, Cnet, a media website that publishes reviews, said that the S5 has a 2500 megahertz processor and the

5s only has a 1300 megahertz processor.

Megahertz (MHz) determine speed of the phone, and that means the S5 is almost two times as fast as the 5s.

The S5 may also be taking on the rumored iPhone 6 soon. Although any information about the iPhone 6 is completely speculation, the rumors do stem from insiders. Phonearena.com said that it will be called the iPhone Air, following the iPad Air and Macbook Air names. Apple will take design cues from Samsung’s rounded phone styles and sizes. The phone will be released in two large sizes between 4.7”-5.5” and show a rounded corner design with a screen that goes all the way across the phone horizontally, which means it has no side margins where the screen is. Apple is basically just copying previous styles set

by Samsung and attempting to break into the large-screen phone market.

Based solely on specs, the Samsung GS5 is a much better phone that features better qualities including speed, camera quality, screen size, and durability. The right choice to make here would definitely be to choose the Galaxy S5.

The Bear Facts 26

Comment 16 May 2014

Cheating: A sign of a broken system

⌂

People who cheat aren’t always the ‘slackers’ of the classroom

by Paul Barnhill - Staff Writer

GPA, is a major deciding factor in whether they are accepted or denied at a competitive university. For example, the average igh school is an incredibly GPA of students accepted into VA Tech stressful environment last year was a 4.0, or weighted As in all that sometimes demands their classes during high school (including unreasonable amounts of work from boosts for honors and AP classes.) If your students. There are many high school competition to get into a school is at a level juniors and seniors who are taking an of perfection, then getting a B or a C for abundant number of Advanced Placement, the quarter in a class could be what stops or AP, level classes. Many of these students a student from being accepted to their stay up to the end of the night or even to dream school. With that sort of pressure on the early hours of the morning trying to a student’s shoulders, there’s an incredible finish homework and process the gale of temptation for them to cheat on a test. information being hurled at them by their Since the No Child Left Behind Act classes. These students end up going to was signed into law in 2002, the United school exhausted and sleep through class.

States fell from Or whatever their teachers 18th place in say go in one ear and out mathematics to the other; they’re too tired 36th place in to focus. One late night the Programme followed by unproductive for International classes becomes a few, and S t u d e n t suddenly these students find Assessment.

A themselves about to take similar drop can a unit test and they don’t be seen in PISA know any of the material. science scores for They can’t afford to have the United States, bad grades in their classes while reading because it will look bad when scores have mostly they’re applying to colleges, remained stagnant so what do these students do? at an above They cheat on their tests, and average, but not appear to have an excellent great level. All of knowledge of the subject these scores are while actually only having a vastly outpaced foggy understanding of little by countries to none of the material. such as China Cheating is a given in a illustration by Paul Barnhill (Shanghai), Korea high school environment.

But to what extent cheating According to a survey conducted by the Bear Facts, 70 percent of students have reported and Finland. The on a test in the past year, numbers similar to a survey conducted by Donald McCabe prevalent presence occurs is foggy. If there were cheating of Rutgers University, which reported 64 percent of students have cheated on a test. of standardized an estimate of how much cheating actually occurred in the school, semester of the year when these tests are testing in our education system has actually made education in the United States worse. then it could be shown how much of an rapidly approaching.

When a student cheats on a test, they When 70 percent of students have actual problem it is.

The Bear Facts anonymously polled usually do it because they didn’t spend cheated on a test this school year, it can be 250 students ranging from ninth to 12th enough time studying the material they assumed that perhaps students’ studying grade. People surveyed were asked if they learned, or the teacher didn’t properly habits aren’t alone to be blamed. The school have cheated on a test this past school year, cover the information that would be on a itself must take part of the blame for such and 175 people, or 70 percent of the survey test. If a student didn’t properly prepare ethics violations. The curriculum failing to population, admitted to cheating on a test in that is their fault, and they can’t blame it on teach these students the information they the past school year. Cheating has always the education they were given. It was their need is at least partly to blame. Students are been known to be a frequent occurrence choice not to properly utilize it. However, if being over crammed with information in in high school, but the abundance of a student doesn’t know the material because their classes, and as a result many students cheating found from the survey is frankly the teacher didn’t cover it well, then that’s are only taking away bits and pieces from a much more serious problem. For students their lessons. The number of students who astounding.

To understand why so many people trying to make it into competitive colleges, have cheated on test the past year is a sign pointing to a much larger problem: An are cheating on tests, we must look at letting their grade suffer is not an option.

A student’s grade point average, or inherently flawed education system. the source of the problem. Cheating is so

H

abundant because it is a sign of a broken education system. Our education system is focused on preparing students for standardized testing. This is because the funding schools receive is based off test scores like Virginia’s SOLs set by state and federal bureaucracies. Because of this, the curriculum focus of many teachers revolves around cramming students with random course information they may or may not need on a test. This is not an efficient education system. Teaching students how to solve problems and encouraging productive thought and discussion in the classroom takes a backseat to information cramming, especially during the second

The Bear Facts 27

Comment 16 May 2014

Do musical works have literary merit?

by Quentin Paleo - Comment Editor

W

hat types of works would you categorize as literature? A novel, such as Catcher in the Rye? Yes. What about a poem like “Ozymandias”?

Of course. And plays like The Crucible or Hamlet? Again, yes. But what about songs, speeches or films? Like plays they are oral literature, yet English classes spend little time analyzing them or their literary merit.

The actual definition of literature varies widely depending on the person, time period and culture. But the Oxford dictionary defines literature as “written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit,” a definition that excludes spoken works such as plays, as well as more debatable literary forms such as music and film.

Novelist Walter van Tillburg Clark said in his testimony during Alan Ginsburg’s obscenity trial, a trial that concerned the literary merit of Ginsburg’s poem “Howl,” that the final test of literary merit was its ability to endure, though it is pure speculation what contemporary works may contain literary merit 50 or even 100 years from now.

This test does not in any way exclude oral literature such as music.

There is little reason that songs should be excluded as a type of literature; they are

photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Recent works, like The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, are considered by many to be of high literary merit.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editors, The article “Amid Concerns, Boot y Bracket Shut Down” was very informative, and I’m glad it was written, as a lot of students didn’t really know the full story, myself included. Although “girls weren’t even supposed to know about it”, it is still very demeaning. The concern isn’t the bracket attempting to make girls worry about their looks, it’s about it degrading the girls. A competition based off of your classmates’butts?

Not only is it disgusting, but it’s stupid. I’m glad that the bracket was shut down, and I think all involved in the creation should issue an apology like the one in this article. Not only that, but they should stand by the apology and recognize that this whole thing was just wrong.

Mikayla Bralich Senior Dear Editors, I recently read your article regarding the new cell tower that may be coming to Lake Braddock.

While it can be seen as the cause of distraction

among students. I believe that it will have more positive side-effects. For example, if there is a family emergency and your parents try to reach you, they will have a higher chance of reaching your mobile device. However, many say that it will increase cell phone use in school. I think this is false. The people who use their phone during school currently know that they are breaking the rules and can face the consequences if they are to be caught. They already find a way to get around the security and staff members . With that being said, I don’t thing more people will abuse the cell tower than the amount of people who use the WiFi to chat on their phones.

Tristan Shaffer Senior Dear Editors, Reading this article was very upsetting.

Reading about how teachers want to dress and behave in an unprofessional manner.

I understand that teachers have not received any raises and their pay has been frozen. The teacher average salary in FCPS is $67,245 a

mediums for storytelling and comprised of words and phrases that can be written down and analyzed. We should consider songs as spoken poetry and concept albums as spoken novels.

Though we have a class to analyze films (Film Study), the critical analysis of music is almost entirely avoided. While many contemporary songs can be classified as pop songs there are still many songs such as Eminem’s “Stan” or Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone,” which have been critically acclaimed by magazines such as Rolling Stone, and they will no doubt have lasting artistic merit.

Even among established literary forms, what constitutes literary merit varies significantly. While it is almost unanimous among literary critics that The Great Gatsby has literary merit, more contemporary novels like The Glass Castle or The Kite Runner have attracted significant debate on their literary merit.

By excluding spoken literary forms from being analyzed, we are sticking to an antiquated idea that not only keeps us from exploring all of our creative potential but forgets that our earliest literature was oral literature and epics such as the Iliad and the Odyssey. English classes should incorporate the analysis of music with literary merit. year. According to the May 2012 records of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual pay for secondary or high school level teachers is $57,770. I understand that teachers want a pay increase of some kind, but I strongly believe that the way they plan on going about it is childish and will not get anything accomplished. What ever happened to teaching to help students and making a difference in the world? By teachers, saying things like, “Teachers would stop doing things like staying after school, writing college and honor society recommendation letters, chaperoning prom, sending emails, science and art fairs, travel, and to stop dressing in a professional manner,” after not doing all of these things leaves me to ask what teachers are supposed to do, and why we should be paying them while striking like this. My final statement for every teacher is: Are you willing to sacrifice 700 of your co-workers?

To put 700 FCPS positions into perspective, LBSS has a little more than 400 staff members.

Joshua Deem Senior

28Style

16 May 2014

Senior Pranks: History behind the madness

by Michael Murphy - Staff Writer

E

very year, Lake Braddock’s seniors are bestowed with the legacy to prank the school. Some classes decide to skip the tradition, while others compete to perform the best prank. There are a variety of pranks to be done. Spanish teacher Chrissy Fulfaro said a good prank must have the participants willing to accept the consequences for their actions.

“A quality prank, you need to be willing to face consequences. You might not see it as a hazard, but administration sees it a different way,” Fulfaro said. “Kids don’t always have that perspective.”

There are two main types of pranks.

First, there is a disruptive prank. This is where an action causes something to change dramatically, and thus makes it comical. An example of a disruptive prank done at LB was when the graduating class of 2004 rode bikes

down Burke Lake Road.

“The senior class of ‘04 rode their bikes down Burke Lake Road and disrupted all the traffic,” English teacher Sandra Baney said. “The security officers had to talk to the students for disrupting the traffic.”

The second type of prank that can be completed is known as a non-disruptive prank. These pranks tend to be annoying, but tolerable. Non-disruptive pranks are performed far more often than disruptive pranks. Stink bombs are one of the most widely used non-disruptive pranks.

“From what I remember, my class prank was stink bombs. The biggest thing was annoyance, you would have to walk through it and suffer,” accounting teacher and LB alum Miriam Lynch said. “It was a whole week straight.”

A prank, if done successfully, should make students contemplate how it was done.

“A good senior prank is when people ask,

‘How did they do that?’ and not ‘Why did they do that?’” middle school teacher Susan Boyle said.

With every prank being performed, there is a risk of getting caught. The class of 2012 seniors placed hundreds of cups filled with water in front of the main entrance when havoc struck.

“We were setting up the cups in front of the door when we saw blue lights,” LB 2012 alum Kelly O’Leary said. “The custodians must’ve called the cops on us; we didn’t get in any trouble we just had to clean up.”

The class of 2012 was lucky to receive no consequences. Some schools have canceled prom because of the senior prank, which prompted alumni to give advice about pranks.

“If [the class of 2014] is going to do a prank, they need to be careful that they won’t get in too much trouble,” class of 2012 alum Caitlin Landon said. “It’s not worth getting prom and stuff taken away.”

Students attempt to place an old rusty car on the roof of Lake Braddock.

1999 1977

2012

Students detonate stink bombs for a week

Seniors place hundreds of cups filled with water in front of the main entrance. They are later forced to clean the mess up.

Style 16 May 2014

The Bear Facts 29

‘Pulchritude’ boutique sells style and a cause

by Jake Hruska - Staff Writer

P

ulchritude [Puhl-kri-tood] is a word meaning beautiful, usually in reference to a shapely girl or shapely woman. It comes from the Latin word plucher and is also the name of Fashion Marketing teacher Erika Symonette’s online boutique: www. shoppulchritude.com. The store launched on Dec. 11, 2012, but work started on the store nearly a year before, which included a fundraiser on Indiegogo.

“I’ve always wanted to work for myself at some point,” Symonette said “Pulchritude is a vehicle I can use to follow my passion and give back to those less fortunate.”

Pulchritude donates a portion of all profits to help victims of human trafficking.

Symonette hopes to make the brand a name synonymous with giving back and helping others, similar to TOMS Shoes, she said.

However, the focus of the aid is not to help with rescuing women from slavery but rather helping victims after they have been rescued.

“I really want to help women and girls who have been rescued by human trafficking,” Symonette said. “There are a lot of groups that help with the actual rescuing but not the aftermath. The name is about feeling and looking beautiful; that’s robbed from you when you’re a victim of human trafficking and slavery, so we want to restore that.”

While business is good, a new, small business still faces problems. Capital and web traffic are the main problems facing

the store’s growth, Symonette said. The store is run out of Symonette’s home office. Six interns work with Symonette and all are current or former students. “[It’s] a balancing act,” Symonette said.

“I’m busy with my kids and all that; my goal is to make 10 to 12 hours a week for the store.

I can’t do anything without my interns…

Because I don’t need to live off [the store] it keeps the stress level down, but I really want it to succeed. It’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but I love it” While Pulchritude photos courtesy of Ericka Symonette is currently an onlineonly shop, Symonette Models, including history teacher Laura Wolf, pose for a group photo hopes to open a brick showing off clothes that are on sale at Pulchritude this season. and mortar store after Symonette goes to the store four to five three years of online times a year to purchase more items to business.

She also wants to grow the store, build sell at the shop. Another reason she keeps a name and possibly open a men’s store the prices low is because of the boutique’s small reputation. Although the furthest sometime in the future.

“I do not mark up high,” Symonette order came from Las Vegas, most of her said, “I based it off of H&M. What I get it clients are friends and family Symonette said. This means she has to do a lot of for at bulk allows me to keep prices low.”

Pulchritude’s merchandise comes from promoting and social media work in order a trade show called Moda Manhattan. to get traffic.

Operation Prom: Dress Drive is a success

by Hannah Lim - Staff Writer

G

irls arrive in floor-length gowns and decadent dresses alongside their dashing dates who sport tasteful tuxedos for the one night everyone stands out. Prom. But not everybody wants to worry about the cost of this expensive attire. That’s where the Do Something Club comes in. This year the club is providing an opportunity for anyone to look their best for this season’s dances through the Prom Dress Drive. So far, 52 dresses have been donated for students to wear, however the giving doesn’t stop there. Along with dresses, men’s formal wear has been donated as well.

“The purpose of the Dress Drive was to provide all students the opportunity to attend prom without the worry of cost of dress,” middle school teacher and club sponsor Laura Dougherty said. “Some students are unable to attend due to the cost associated with the event. We felt by participating in the drive we could help to alleviate some of the cost.”

The idea was created by the club, which provided a drive for the timely arrival of spring dances. Many people buy these nice dresses and tuxedos and never wear them again. Through this drive, new or gently used dresses and tuxedos can be reused and appreciated for another night.

“The drive was advertised via email,

social media and our very own news channels,” Dougherty said. “Dresses were donated by families and friends of the Bruins. We examined the formal wear donated for the obvious tears and cleanliness. The formal wear is now being stored in our building waiting to be worn.”

But the drive isn’t only for seniors.

Dresses, men’s formal attire and accessories are also available for eighth graders preparing for their formal.

“Students can visit their counselor or Ms. Samek-Smith if they need formal wear for the prom or the eighth grade formal,” Dougherty said. “They will keep the inquiry confidential and qualify students for the ability to obtain the formal wear.”

30 The Bear Facts

16 May 2014 Style

Last call for college decisions

by Michael Murphy - Staff Writer With more than 4,495 college institutions in the United States, seniors are forced to narrow it down to just one. Seniors use a variety of ways to decide what schools they will be attending. Collegeboard.com helps narrow the factors to location, environment, size, admission requirements, academics, college expenses, financial aid, housing, facilities, activities and campus visits, but in the end it’s all up to the student.

Jordan Rothwell Virginia Tech

University of Virginia

1. Good engineering, business and education schools 2. In-state tuition 3. Preppy 4. Cute campus-colonial 5. Only two hours from home, so far enough away, but close enough for people to visit.

“I chose UVA because the school’s atmosphere and academics suited me the best. I am doing engineering; however if I decide to switch out, then I can still do a major that is in a nationallyranked college at UVA. Tech only has engineering and agriculture really, and UVA’s engineering school is smaller and is more managerial. I’m also interested in going Greek, and UVA has a really good Greek life. It’s a good mix of fun and work. I also like that it’s two hours away rather than VT’s four.”

1. Has a really good engineering school 2. The food ranks number one in public in school food in the nation 3. In-state tuition

Manny Nuñez Virginia Tech

1. Nice campus 2. Industry connections (for engineering) 3. Ranked higher in engineering 4. More research 5. Food 6. In-state tuition 7. Football team

“I chose Virginia Tech [because it] has more research opportunities, more industry relations for engineering and is ranked higher in engineering (my major). It is also cheaper and has better food.”

University of Virginia

1. Nice campus 2. Prestigious school in many majors 3. In-state tuition 4. Basketball team

The Bear Facts 31

Style 16 May 2014

Lydia Chen UC - Berkley

1. This was my top choice because I wanted to study nutrition sciences.

University of Virginia

“Berkeley has been my dream the past two years, and even though it’s pricey, I’m applying for a bunch of scholarships, and I think the nutrition science program they have there will really put me on the right track for the rest of my life. My sister is also in California so I won’t get too homesick, and Berkeley is just an hour outside of San Francisco, the most beautiful city in the country.”

1. It’s close to home; they offer exercise science, which I was also interested.

[It is also] cheap.

Courtney Farmer 1. Dogs rock 2. Food 3. Business school 4. Quad is pretty 5. Not expensive 6. Know people who go/are going there

“I choose James Madison University because of money mostly. I didn’t want to go into debt forever and want to get a masters so I wouldn’t want to go into so much debt undergrad, and dogs are cool.”

Indiana University

1. Love everything about it!

2. Love the Hoosier spirit 3. I think being able to say your school colors are cream and crimson is sick

Abbey Philips 1. Location 2. Distance from home, only four hours away 3. Good college town 4. Small school atmosphere 5. Close-knit community 6. Traditions

“I ended up choosing Meredith College because of the great location of the school. Meredith is located in the capital of North Carolina, Raleigh. Another reason I choose Meredith was for professors and classmates. Overall, I knew I choose the best school for me.”

Michigan State

1. School spirit 2. Sporting events 3. Amount of majors offered

32 The Bear Facts

16 May 2014 Arts

Bruin Compositions

2

1

5

3

4

6

1. Sophomore Emily Potter painted this piece. “This flower painting is one of my favorites because I loved using and blending bright colored paints,” Potter said. 2. Freshman Allison Yeh painted this work. 3. Senior Abilene Shiefer painted this work. 4. Junior Kayla Bui created this sculpture. “I just wanted to make a moose,” Bui said. 5. Junior Daniel Jarris took this photograph. “It was taken in Snowbird, Utah,” Jarris said.

“My favorite part about the picture was the details in the mountains and trying to make it look as if you were there.” 6. Senior Katy Rickards painted this piece. “This piece was fun to work on because of the contrast between the flat geometric shapes and the black and white portrait,” Rickards said. “It was technically challenging because of the level of detail, but all the choices regarding color and composition came together well once it was finished.”

Juniors!

Sophomores!

 Our spring classes are sold out, but you can still register our fall SAT small-group courses!

 Want to get ahead on PSAT and SAT prep before the craziness of junior year?

 Still need to take the SAT? Be the first to get on the list for the class targeting the October SAT!

 Take our PSAT/SAT Jump Start Camp this summer and get ahead!

 Course begins in August—don’t wait, or you’ll miss the chance to take this class, too!

 This low-stress five day camp gives you a jump start learning PSAT/SAT content.  Do it now so you don’t have to do it later!

Test

Test Date 1.

SAT

October 11

2.

1.

2.

Dates of Class (Two Options Available)

Pre-Class #1/Family Orientation Meeting: August 17 or 24 (your choice) at 6 PM Course: Sundays, Sept 7 – Oct 5: 9 AM to 12 PM Pre-Class #1/Family Orientation Meeting: August 17 or 24 (your choice) at 6 PM Course: Sundays, Sept 7 – Oct 5: 12 to 3 PM

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Dates

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July 3 through August 3

10 AM – 1 PM

Educational Services  Individual tutoring in your home for all subjects, 9 ~12  Small-group SAT in our learning center by George Mason  Contact us at 703-250-6882 OR www.MindworksEducation.com

10501 Braddock Road, Suite 201 www.MindworksEducation.com Fairfax, VA 22032

703 250 6882

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Congratulations members of the Third Quarter All-A and A/B Honor Roll!

Ninth Grade All-A Ahmad, Sana Amin, Omar Aramayo, Maribel Armstrong, Caitlin Asquini, Arianna Bailey, Peter Baker, Chloe Baker, Emma Baker, Noelle Berlin, Jessica Bleicken, Lillian Boctor, Carol Boscia, Alexis Browning, Shannon Bryant, Sharon Carlson, Daniel Cate, Allan Chang, Eileen Chen, Jacklyn Cho, Soo Bin Chung, Alex Clark, Benjamin Clarke, Anthony Cohn, Rachel Coltson, Sarah Crawford, Jayson Cruz, Priscilla Dennis, Ekua Do, Linda Doran, Kathryn Downs, Neyla Esper, Kathryn Fandrey, Peyton Fiedorek, Daniel Fischer, Lily Fischer, Samuel Flatt, Rachel Fleming, Melody Fulton, Harry Garnjost, Andrew Gopiao, Joseph Hanson, Caroline Hinskton, Toni Hunstad, Jamie Jaskot, Mark Kambham, Anvitha Kennaugh, Nicholas Khuong, Hallie Kitchen, Taylor Lang, Katherine Le, Christina Le, Nha Lefkowitz, Rachel Lucero Carter, Ava Mahan, Simran Marietta-Perez, Noah Marker, Camille McDowell, Abigail McGilley, Claire Medina, Julia Mengesha, Shalom Michaels, Neave Monheim, Zachary Moya, Liliana Munoz, Alessandra Nakamoto, Julia Nguyen, Elyse Nguyen, Sarvina Nguyen, Stephanie Nichols, Michaela

O’Neill, Quinn Ortiz De Zarate, Nicolas Ortiz De Zarate, Valentina Park, Brian Parker, Lana Patterson, Haley Pham, Patrick Pham, Vivian Piel, Joshua Poudel, Sakshi Price, Rachel Rashid, Diyar Richardson, Hannah Rickards, Thomas Rolland, Ethan Salac, Kimberly Rose Sarment, Myriam Schiesl, Emily Schwartz, Emily Schwarz, Samuel Sita, Madelyn Sizemore, Laura Thomas, Samuel Thorpe, Eliza Tippet, Madison Toussaint, Claire Trivedi, Anuradha Truong, Calvin Un, Hanna Watson, Andrew Webb, Shaylee Willis, Rebecca Won, Sung Joon Yeung, Jeffrey Yoo, Eric Akrawi, Laween

Tenth Grade All-A Azero Berges, Karim Berst, Emily Bishop, Peyton Butseva, Sofia Cadman, Julia Chan, Tiffany Cho, Helena Concepcion, Benjamin Engelbrektsson, Brooke Flesch, Tyler Fragoso, Marco Hartley, Faith Hutson, Isabella Jones, Caroline Jung, Yoo Jin Kibble, Adair Kunc, Ryan Lee, Elizabeth Li, Yan Lin, Spencer Loza, Victor Meskill, William Muirhead, Natasha Muth, Susan Naigaga, Amanda Nicholson, Kiri Potter, Emily Renteria, Dominik Rondepierre, Mar-

garet Rucker, Alyssa Saavedra, Juan Sasseville, Bailey Savage, Daniel Sawyer, Maureen Seth, Sean Shank, Amy Stout, Mathias Strain, Robert Tao, Kathy Thompson, Austin Wang, Albert Williams, Emily

Eleventh Grade All-A Belen, Sarah Berhane-Meskel, Leul Frahmand, Ahmad Garrott, Sharon George, Marisa Haukdal, Cy Holzman, Jared Jarris, Daniel Keane, Margaret Laney, Alexander Lefkowitz, Matthew Lin, Patrick Luna, Daniel Lunardi, Kaitlyn Man, Carter McGrath, Christine Michaelsen, Anya Monogue, Kevin Pamonag, Michael Randhawa, Aseemjot Reynders, Ryan Rodriguez Martinez, Gabriela Sands, Jesse Soohoo, Karen Sparrow, Michael Tobin, Benjamin Tragakis, Katrina Wartel, Joshua Whiteside, Natasha

Twelfth Grade All-A Altobelli, Alexandra Baltz, Allison Berst, Mikaela Boodley, Matthew Bross, Lindsey Chafin, Ava Chen, Lydia Coughlan, Anna DeBus, Kai Deppmeier, Annalise Di Silvio, Deanna Drummond, Kimberly Gaffner, Ryan Gajulapalli, Pooja Grayson, Emily

Hall, Christopher Harb, Mazin Ivins-O’Keefe, Delaney Kauffman, Sulleen Leach, Andrea Lee, Ethan Leitzel, Michaela Lievano Perez, Darling Magalona, Kim Louise Meressa, Helina Mickley, Marie Monheim, Kristen Ngo, Victoria Park, Jin Hee Peterson, Anika Poussard, Leanne Price, Kristen Rickards, Kathryn Roche, Sarah Rothwell, Jordan Salac, Jean Paula Scheiner, Emily Schwartz, Lauren Wang, Amy Worthen, Diana Abseno, Lewi

Ninth Grade A/B Adleson, Sabrina Ager, Emma Altobelli, Madeline Ancira, Samuel Anderson, Hannah Anderson, James Anderson, Olivia Baig, Zain Bajaj, Shivani Baugh, Cameron Bawe, Desta Beaudoin, Declan Beirman, Danielle Bennett, Erin Bergan, Grace Blanco, Meredith Boyer, Brady Brinson, Jonathan Bumgarner, Raquel Burke, Mitchell Burns, Darby Camacho, Diana Chang, Lauren Chang, Vincent Chase, Evan Chau, Phong Chavez, Kevin Chen, Michelle Cheung, Kevin Chinyavong, Alex Cho, David Christensen, Leslie Clark, Teresa Coon, Zachary Copley, Andrea Coughlan, Erin Cox, Grayson Cox, Savannah Crow, Ryley

Crowe, Delaney Daamash, Sandi Davis, Emma DeBus, Jun Demboski, John Dennis, Ashreil Divita, Amanda Donnelly, Connor Durso, Micayla Edwards, Bailey Ellis, Timothy Em, Brandon Fedora, Tyler Fee, Brendan Felsen, Benjamin Fields, Asha Flinn, Kira Flood, Stephen Geary, Benjamin George, Austin Gibson, Benjamin Girata, Victoria Goering, Theo Golub, Adam Gonzales, Isabella Gottlieb, Dylan Grabski, Jonathan Grant, Cailin Griel, Erin Gutierrez, Andrews Gutierrez-Morales, Pedro Ha, William Haghighi, Kasra Hashimi, Tabusom Hassane, Sidrat Heger, James Helm, Katherine Henderson, Jaden Hernandez, Victoria Heyrana, Haize Hodge, Victoria Holmes, Lindsay Holzemer, Lewis Hoover, Faith Hopkins, Haley Horgan, Kate-Marie Hosein, Issa Hughes, Anneliese Hunt, Timothy Huynh, Vu-Dan Jacob, Jamelah Marie Johnson, Elliott Johnson, Porter Johnson, Tyler Ju, Seung Hun Justus, Aaron Karlinchak, Katelin Keenan, Bridget Kelley, Julia Kelly, Michael Khalefa, Raneem Kim, Andrew Knowles, Grace Komoniewski, Margaret Koontz, Jordan Kwon, Aram Ladner, Olivia Lampton, David Lankford, Evan LaRoche, Nolan Le, Kevin Lee, Devon Lee, Dong Hee

Lee, Jaewon Lee, Jason Lee, Kannon Lee, Seong Min Lee, Yuhyun Levitt, Joshua Li, Yifan Liu, Edward Lorn, Brendan Luong, Phuong Khanh Luong, Tiffanie Luteran, Maria Lynch, Sarah Marcois, Emma Mariello, Gabriella Matali, Santa McCoy, Abigail McKenrick, Justice McNally, Kelly Mejia, Walter Miceli, Sarah Mitchell, Ronal Mitiku, Kaleb Moody, Rachel Mulrooney, Laura Murphy, Katherine Naji, Mohamed Ngo, Andy Nguyen, Bryan Nguyen, Sonya Nicastle, Amanda Niles, Garrett O’Leary, Cameron O’Neill, Connor Oh, Isabella Ohanian, Patricia Oliver, Rowland Pablo, Nadia Park, Hye Joo Park, Sarah Passino, Fiona Patterson, Allyson Peterson, Jessica Pham, Gina Porth, Andrew Price, Airi Quintiliani, Julia Rafle, Amelia Rawlins, Jack Renteria, Isabelle Reyes, Eber Riley, Ellie Ringwood, Lisa Rodriguez, Alejandra Rognoni, Kayla Romero Velasquez, Juan Ryckman, April Ryder, Samantha Sabado, Jorel Saleh, Nazaneen Saleh, Nuzhat Sander, Eric Schonberger, Steven Sevachko, Michael Shala, Arta Shawver, Audrey Shelton, Roberto Sherbondy, Andrew Sheridan, Raichael Shin, Erica Shoaib, Yusra Shrestha, Brian

Simmers, Matthew Simpson, Melanie Smith, Rachel Song, James SooHoo, Lucas Sowa, Rachel Spack, Daniel Spector, Carolyn Spille, Brent Sprouse, Grace Stockstill, Caitlyn Strain, Carter Sudak, Diana Thomas, Robert Thompson, Ashley Tran, Khai Tran, Tram Tyler, Brienne Vaca Sejas, Brandon Varias, Noah Velapatino Raygal, Emely Vo, Aaron Voegtlin, Allison Walton, Benjamin Ward, Asa Warwick, Emily Waters, Jennifer Weatherington, Sarah Weidinger, Erin Wiedeman, Caralyn Wilklow, Abby Yadav, Khushbu Yarnall, Nicholas Yeh, Allison Young, Jack Young, Tristan Zelalem, Salem Zia, Faiz Zimmerman, Ariana Zirkel, James Abramovitch, Shiri Ah-

Tenth Grade A/B

mad, Soofia Anaya, Chairunisa Aung, Victoria Bailor, Lauren Barr, Elizabeth Beardsley, Melissa Beecher, Julian Berhane, Omega Bilbro, Benjamin Blair, Mason Blanco-Rios, Jonathan Boersma, Paul Bolstad, Joshua Bunton, Caitlyn Camacho Gonzales, Cristian Campbell, Christine Campbell, Stephanie Canlas, David Matthew Cantwell, Megan Carr, Ryan Castro, Micah Chase, Kirsten Chen, Judy

Cheran, Aparna Cho, Chelsea Cho, Seong Woo Cho, Yun Ki Choi, Minhyuk Christen, Sarah Churchill, Joshua Colmenarez, Gabriel Conti, Kaitlyn Cook, Benjamin Cook, Emma Cottrell, Nicole Crum, Karlyn Dang, Mi Dassanayaka, Dinali Dellen, Jennifer Deng, Kelvin Denney, Grace Do, Jimmy Doerry, Nicholas Donley, Sean Dubrow, Deena Dunzo, Machemeh Earp, Alexis Edwards, Kyle Eisemann, Juliet Elder, Kana Elhaj, Omar Emerson, Courtney Emmons, Kira Exton, Douglas Farid, Ayman Farinas, Natalie Ferguson, Daly Fikremariam, Mikal Finnegan, Cornelius Fleming, Natalie Fogg, Benjamin Garcia, Jacqueline Ges, Nicholas Gonzalez-Flores, Felicity Grass, Andrew Green, Brenna Grove, Ethan Guyton, Tyler Hayes, Claudia Henry, Caitlin Hibner, David Higgins, Avery Hirschfeld, Sarah Hong, Steve Houlihan, Amy Hruska, Jacob Hughes, Alexander Isenhour, Bradford Iturri, Kiara Iv, Michael Jacknin, Dillon Jackson, Amber Jasani, Jasmin Johnson, Ciara Johnson, Kumen Jones, Kobe Jones, Sabrina Joo, Ye Won Kang, Damhu Kaplan, Anna Keller, David Kelly, Liam Khan-Rafii, Noah Khraibani, Jenan Kim, Ji Hyun King, Whitney

Paid advertisement from the Lake Braddock Academic Boosters Kramer, Evan Laher, Sarah Lee, Aaron Lee, Alexandra Lee, Areum Lee, Cera Lee, Justin Leinz, Holly Lenhardt, Aaron Lestz, Scott Li, Cheng Liang Lim, Jalissa Lim, Hannah Lin, Jonathan Little, Laura Long, Jane Luboteni, Sharr Macasero, Alvin Jeffrey Malone, Abagale Manarchuck, Kayley Manohar, Priya Manya, Casey Marcelli, Paul Margraf, Christopher Marrs, Sydney Martin, Nicole Martin, Valerie Massarik, Michelle Melvin, Jamie Menon, Divya Menotti, Veronica Mills, Jennifer Miner, Robyn Mitchell, Shannan Monawer, Hamza Morello, Lukas Murphy, Brady Murphy, Michael Murray, Sophia Neumann, Colette Ngo, Madison Ngo, Richard Nguyen, Andrew Nguyen, Dennis Niehoff, Mallory Oliver, Sarah Orellana, Samantha Ormsby, Jocelyn Paleo, Roxanne Patel, Payal Pelayo, Ashley Peter, Andrew Peterson, Alanna Peterson, Hannah Phan, Patrick Phillips, Julia Poor ThunderHutcherson, Chyna Quackenbush, Taryn Quint, Jannell Rhee, Margaret Richard, Helen Rocha, Paul Rodriguez, David Rodriguez Sarria, Edgard Rojas, Marcelo Romero, Diego Russell, Jonathan Ryan, James Samake, Myriam Sander, Ryan

Sauter, Zachary Savage, Allyson Schulte, Chase Schweizer, Kathryn Sharif, Tara Sheppard, Leanna Sherman, Sharon Shirwani, Dareen Bazyran Shreves, Andrew Silvers, Mallory Silversmith, Jenna Small, Jordan Speranzo, Julia Stankiewicz, Christopher Syed, Tabinda Szipszky, Claire Tautges, Jordan Todaro, Jessica Trick, Jan Twomey, Liam Uzzell, Cydney Watson, Katherine Weare, Nicole Wheaton, Frank Whiteside, Naomi Wilkerson, Kaitlin Williams, Nicholas Willis, Sabrina Woodruff, Idan Woolf, Julia Wulf, Tara Yoon, Joanne Youn, Samuel Yun, Alexander Zanellato, Natale Zelkin, Annina Zinnecker, Zachery Acchione, Lawrence

Eleventh Grade A/B Acierto, Jesse Marie Ackerman, Tara Alban Garcia, Kamila Albayati, Wesam Alisa, Mohammed Amini, Mohammad Ancalle, Miguel Avery, Katherine Ayvaz, Konuralp Back, Charles Barbu, Brian Barnhill, Paul Barrera, Rene Batal, Kristina Beck, Mariae Bergan, Bryan Bills, Randall Bittner, Zara Blomster Jenc, Amanda Bond, Gary Bragg, Meagan Bridges, Grayson Buckley, Emily Bui, Anna Bui, Kayla Camacho, Deysi

Camphire, Shaw Carney, Diana Cho, Brian Cho, David Clanton, Emily Colpitts, Emma Coltson, Joel Costa, Sara Currier, Clara Dassanayaka, Jaliya Delma, Jean Marc DelVecchio, Matthew Doan, Tan Donley, Emily Duong, Tiffany Duran, Jeremy Edmiston, Rebecca Edwards, Jenna Egeland, Laura Eldred, Rainer Ellison, Claire Estep, Emily Farooqui, Maryam Feola, Richard Ferrer, Bernadette Free, Madison Gaffner, Lina Garcia, Michelle Gilmore, Brian Gopiao, Timothy Green, Michelle Haliday, Thomas Hart, Molly Hassane, Kinaya Hatch, Rory Hazera, Julianna Heizer, David Hernandez, Margarita Hilelson, Renee Hoang, Alisa Hoang, Quan Ryan Hogenmiller, Leah Holzer, Emma Hullett, Kayla Hunter, Madeline Huynh, Quang-Minh Johnson, Ivan Jones, Reagan Joseck, Louis Kaye, Sophie Keenan, Caitlin Kendziora, Thomas Ketram, Nattanon Kolb, Karina Kosmakos, Christina Kreiensieck, Amber Krishnamurthy, Bhargav Kristin, Grace Lam, Anh Tu Law, Bethany Le, Mai Le, Nathan Lee, Hannah Lee, Ji Seung Levitt, Benjamin Lockcuff, Hannah Long, Julia Long, Susan Lorence, John Lum, Victoria Lwin, Jason

Marcoe, Nathan Marzluf Quiroz, Daniel McCoy, Josiah Mendez Vega, Daira Merrill, Anne Migdal, Emily Miller, William Minesinger, Jack Moore, Devin Morgan, Austin Murphy, Jackson Neal, Bronwyn Nesterovich, Alexander Ngo, Bryan Nguyen, Andrew Nguyen, Dennis Nguyen, Phuong Loan Novella Mendoza, Marcello O’Connor, Nicholas Pampel, Melissa Partyka, Susan Patton, Amanda Pham, Jessica Piraino, Daniel Polnow, Constance Prahlad, Rhea Prieto Sotero, Marcelo Quinones, Liana Rakowski, Emma Reid, Katherine Riley, Sarah Roberts, Brandon Rochlis, Michael Rojas, Romina Romero Velasquez, Suyapa Rudacille, Mary Salazar Neuenschwander, Sergio Scrafford, Christopher Semanda, Daniel Sevim, Bunyamin Shah, Nirali Shapiro, Carly Sheikh, Mahira Shock, Logan Singh, Vikrant Song, Daniel Spitek, Joseph Steele, Emily Stenstrom, Jacob Stewart, Tyler Subert, Balint Tavernier, Olivia Thiel, Scott Thomas, Tommy Tippet, Jordan Tran, Anthony Tritle, Michael Tuero Pedraza, Paula Twomey, Thomas Udquim, Alfred-Enberg Vanderpuye, Karen Vinson, Katherine Webb, Christina Weidinger, Hannah Wold, Daniel

Wong, Lauren Yaga, Travis Ahmad, Omar Ajamian, Marissa Allen, Crystal

Twelfth Grade A/B Alshantir, Ayah Bandara, Hasini Bashaw, Gillian Beach, Ryan Beagles, Emily Belcher, Scott Benamor, Merwan Benomran, Aysha Biersack, Rebecca Blevins, Elisabeth Bomar, Justin Bonilla, Karina Bossard, Marissa Bradshaw, Lauren Brennan, Emily Brien, Mina Brobeck, Rachel Bui-Huynh, Chauvien Carlos, Walter Carney, Gabriella Chamberlin, Corrie Chelen, Noah Choi, Jeong Min Christen, Hannah Chun, Eunice Colburn, Claire Collister, Rachel Cooper, Faith Corbin, Brittanie Cordova, Paul Cotter, Georgia Cugini, Kristen DeLuca, Isabella Desautels, Kyle Doerry, Grace Dolloff, Bailey Duncan, Ridge Eckhardt, Garick Eichelberger, Allison Elhaj, Rima Ellis, Ashley Esper, John Facinoli, Michael Farinelli, Andrea Fiedorek, Samuel Fields, Benjamin Fleming, Cassidy Fletcher, Marie Flynn, William Ford, Eric Galbraith, Caitlyn Garlick, Austin Gaudian, Kristen Gianiny, Kelly Gibbons, Helen Girata, Vanessa Gomez, Vanessa Gondar-Besser, Emily Grabski, Lydia Graham, Shaetavia Hammersley, Genevieve Hammond, Lance

Hashimi, Sheba Heger, Laura Herrera, Juan Hollingsworth, David Hudson, Victoria Hughes, Elizabeth Hunt, Rachel Hutchinson, Ryan Huynh, Long Johnson, Anne Johnson, Leina-mei Jones, Taylor Katemtou, Lina Kelley, Sarah Kelly, Ryan Kent, Marie-Claire Kim, Ah Reum Kim, Alexander Kim, Janice Kim, Won Kwem Kirwan, Sydney Knickmeyer, Eric Ko, Jackie Ko, Karen Kossover, Ryan Kreidler, Rhys Kunc, Katherine Lanning, Annika Lanzas, Brian Laub, Aaron Lazo-Flores, Dean Lee, Angela Lee, Dongjun Lee, Eui Mi Lee, Hana Lee, Ji Sun Lee, Myungshin Lee, Myungsun LeGrand-Carney, Georgia Lestz, Kevin Levan, Katherine Lewenhaupt, Robert Lincoln, Todd Luboteni, Jeta Lunardi, Alexandria Lyle, Nora Mahan, Aneeka Manik, Maelona Manzo, Yulisa Martin, Kelly Marza-Urey, Kevin McCullough, Meghan McKenzie, Erin Mengale, Uma Metress, Molly Moneyhun, Kristina Montes, Michaela Moore, David Morris, Seth Moulder, Alicia Mueller, Patrick Muth, Conner Nguyen, Kristine Nguyen, Robin Nutt, Sarah O’Hare, Kevin Oliver, Olivia Paleo, Quentin Park, Unyoung Parker, Jacob Parker, Zachary Passmore, Madison Patterson, Amanda

Pehrsson, Rachel Peterson, Courtney Pham, Tho Phan-Vu, Bao-Thu Phillips, Abigail Porter, Nicholas Powers, Leah Quintiliani, Monica Randall, Kristina Remus, Kylie Roche, Kathleen Romero, Angel Rowshandel, Maxwell Rubi, Ethan Ruff, Molly Ruud, Margaret Sasseville, Anna Sauter, Nicholas Saylor, Jessica Scharf, Jonah Schiefer, Abilene Setayeshpour, Yasaman Sharif, Sakar Shivakumar, Vijay Shrader, Marcus Shrieves, Stephanie Sica, Vincent Smith, Rachael Snow, Alexandria Sohn, Monica Sosa, Marlon Spence, Marielle Sterns, Kyle Supko, Monica Terkper, Emmanuel Thakur, Shambhawi Thomas, Glen Thompson, Kyle Tomlinson, Jameel Tran, Sarah Tringale, Richard Valette, Kelly Viens, Justin Viens, Nicholas Vilca Vega, Ursula Voegtlin, Kathryn Wade, Miriam Wagner, Katherine Wallace, Colleen Wallmow, Colby Ward, Andrew Whitmarsh, Sarah Wieczkowski, Barbara Wilcher, Nicklaus David Woo, Alex Woodruff, Noah Yoo, Byung Kweon Zdancewicz, Andrew *The honor roll listed here does not reflect grade changes.

36Sports

16 May 2014

photos courtesy of Gregg Zelkin

Junior Michelle Green (left) and sophomore Evan Kramer (right) dribble the ball upfield against Centreville and Yorktown, respectively. The girls finished second in Conference 7 with a 7-5 overall record (4-1 against conference opponents), while the boys finished 3-5-4 to place sixth in the district.

Soccer shoots for playoffs

by Andrew Clinton - Staff Writer

L

ast spring, LB varsity boys’ soccer finished the regular season and conference tournament undefeated. The Bruins did not lose a game until the second round of the regional tournament, when they fell to Oakton 3-2 to end their season. Meanwhile, the girls finished the regular season with a 5-7-1 record, good for third in the conference. This year, after graduating several key players, the boys’ team has been unable to repeat its success from a season ago, and is currently ranked sixth in Conference 7 with a 3-5-4 record, while the girls are currently third in the conference at 7-5.

The boys’ team returns only eight players from last year’s district-winning squad, and the roster is incredibly young. With only one senior (midfielder Diego Menjivar), the Bruins are instead loaded with juniors, with 17 of them on the roster.

“Having one senior is unusual, but it’s just the way the class sorted itself out,” head coach Joe Soos said. “As far as soccer players go, [the class of 2014] always was a small class going back to the year they were freshman. Having seniors certainly brings a higher level of experience and maturity to the team. Those are qualities that are helpful, but there’s no way to control that element of the team.”

Although the Bruins weren’t able to perform at the same level as last year, there were still some memorable moments from this spring.

“[The highlight of our season was] beating West Potomac,” sophomore Evan Kramer said. “This was one of our best performances playing as a team and started our current winning streak right now.”

The girls’ team, meanwhile, has actually improved from last year. With only five players graduating last year, an experienced team has put together a 7-5 season, with a 4-1 record against conference opponents. “[I enjoyed] watching the growth of this team from the beginning [of the season] to now,” head coach Adam Soos said.

“Watching our players grow as individuals and collectively has been the funnest time.”

The Lady Bruins are a young team in their own right, as only eight of the 25 players on their roster are seniors. However, they returned 16 players from last season, including seniors Brianna Hollins and Katy Kunc among others.

With promising conference tournament outlooks and playoffs beginning tonight, both teams look to go deep in the playoffs and keep their seasons alive.

Number To Know: 5

The number of goals freshman Andres Garcia has scored this season, which leads the Bruins. In addition to providing scoring, he has also assisted on three other goals this year. Junior Stephen Durbin is the team’s second-leading scorer, with four of LB’s 15 total goals this year.

16 May 2014 Sports

37 The Bear Facts

Girls’ tennis smashes away years past

by Ian Bivona - Staff Writer

A

fter a disappointing 2-13 season last year, the LB girls’ tennis team has risen back to an impressive 9-2 record and is now in second place in conference play.

“I think we’re playing a lot better than last year; we’re second in the district,” sophomore Madison Ngo said.

With many returning players, LB shows promise this season. Their top six includes senior Christine Kim, sophomore Madison Ngo, senior Sarah Tran, junior Rory Hatch, senior Lida Daniel and freshmen Myriam Sarment.

“I think we’re doing well so far,” freshmen Ariana Zimmerman said. “We have a lot of good players and a strong top six.”

The first two games for the Bruins were cancelled, but LB returned for its first game against T.C. Williams, and escaped victorious, defeating the Titans 5-4. The next team to face LB was the Lee Lancers, whom the Bruins crushed 9-0. The next two games were set to be against the

Annandale Atoms, but they were canceled due to inclement weather. Next, LB hosted the South County Stallions. Unable to pull out a victory, they lost 4-5.

After the defeat by South County, the Bruins won their next four games.

First they defeated the West Springfield Spartans 6-3. Next up were the Annandale Atoms, who they destroyed, winning 9-0. After defeating Lee, the Bruins traveled to West Potomac. Winning 5-4, they left victorious. The Bruins next hosted Annandale. Again, the Atoms left defeated, 6-3. After the victory against Annandale, the Bruins traveled to T.C. Williams. Unfortunately, they would not be able to pull out a victory and lost 2-7.

“I think that we have done pretty well so far,” freshmen Caroline Clemson said.

After two more cancellations and one postponed game, LB took on West Springfield, defeating the Spartans 5-4, and then hosted WT Woodson, who up until then had an undefeated record, LB defeated the Cavaliers for the first time in four years, 5-4. LB then took on West Potomac, winning 6-3.

photo courtesy of Lifetouch

Freshman Myriam Sarment hits the ball up court during a match against W.T. Woodson on April 23.

“[Beating Woodson] was exciting and exhilarating is an understatement,” junior Tiffany Duong said.

No matter what happens during the season, this Lake Braddock girls tennis team looks to be an impressive team during the next few years.

Crew Coxswains lead boats to finish line

by Tu Lam - Staff Writer

C

rew is often overlooked as one of LB’s toughest and most grueling sports. On a boat, eight rowers must work in perfect unison in order to be efficient and as fast as possible.

The responsibility of keeping rowers coordinated, on pace and motivated falls on the coxswain. A coxswain is the only person on a boat that does not row, but instead acts as a navigator, a coach and a motivator.

Coxswains are better described as onthe-water instructors. For those moments that a coach is not there, coxswains will stand in and act as a coach for the eight other rowers on the boat. Senior Kelly Valette said that a coxswain’s job involves leading the rowers just as much as supporting them.

“The coxswain is the one motivating the other eight rowers through the race,” Valette said. “[The coxswain] tells them what to do and corrects their technique.”

The role of coxswain is a much more mental job. Rowers are tasked with the extremely physical job of propelling the boat, but Valette considers her job to be just as difficult.

“They have to row and just keep up with each other,” Valette said. “I have

to make sure that we’re not running into the other boats next to us, all eight of the rowers are doing what they’re supposed to, correcting their technique, motivating them, and getting them on and

photo courtesy of Lifetouch

Coxswain Joanne Yoon, far left, overlooks the rowers on the mens first four boat during a race on April 5.

off the water and making sure they have everything they need.”

Valette places an emphasis on passing her drive onto her rowers, yelling until she loses her voice most races. Additionally, because a tired, but motivated group of rowers will long outlast rowers that are simply tired, Valette tries to push her rowers to keep going even when the rowers next to them begin to falter, she

said.

“I yell a lot,” Valette said. “I give them motivational phrases like ‘You’re strong,’ and I’ll tell them if the boat next to us is slowing down, which will motivate them to keep going.”

Coxswains do not row, but that does not excuse them from practices. Junior Ethan Moran makes sure to work with his rowers when crew practice is at school, and, when on the water, Moran focuses more on what his rowers need to be doing.

However, there are times where Moran will need to focus on the mental aspect of being a coxswain.

“Sometimes my practice will be more focused on me and just getting myself to call [out directions] the best way I can, and sometimes it’s just getting them to row the best way they can,” Moran said.

Valette and Moran both found success at the highest levels of high school crew, as Valette nearly led her boat to last year’s finals at the Stotesbury Cup Regatta, one of the biggest crew regattas in the nation.

But a controversial decision by a referee cost her boat a spot in the finals. Moran led his boat to a fourth place finish in the national semifinals, which he said was not satisfactory but believes that he and his boat performed as well as they possibly could have.

38 The Bear Facts

1.

July 13, 1930

2.

1942 and 1946

3.

2018

4.

40

5.

2002

6.

USA

7.

1994

8.

35 million

9.

Goal line technology

10.

The first World Cup began in Montevideo, Uruguay.

The tournament was not held because of World War II.

The World Cup is to take place in Russia for the first time.

Age of the oldest player to win a World Cup (Dino Zinoff of Italy).

The World Cup was held by two countries for the first time in Japan and South Korea.

It has never won the World Cup, but reached the semi-finals in 1930.

The last time the United States hosted the World Cup.

The amount of money in U.S. dollars the 2014 World Cup champion will win.

This will be the first World Cup to use it with 14 cameras in total.

5 Most goals scored in a match done

by Oleg Salenko of Russia in 1994.

11.

Ronaldo

12.

11 seconds

13.

Norman Whiteside

Most goals scored in a career from 1998-2006 for Brazil.

Fastest goal ever made was by Hakan Suker of Turkey in 2002.

Youngest player to play in the World Cup (17 years old).

16 May 2014 Sports

26 facts for 26 days until the World Cup

14.

Roger Milla

15.

3.2 Billion

16.

Clarence Goodson

17.

Brazil

18.

1950

19.

7

20.

32 - The number of teams

21.

9 - Mexico lost a record nine

Oldest player to play in the World Cup at 42 years and 39 days old.

Amount of people who watched the World Cup in 2010.

Defender for the U.S. men’s national team is from Alexandria.

The only country to have appeared in every World Cup.

India withdrew when it was not allowed to play barefoot.

Most World Cup finals apperances (Brazil and Germany).

participating in the World Cup this year.

straight games at the World Cup. (1930, 1950-58).

22.

13 - The number of teams that

23.

25 - Germany’s Lothar

24.

27

25.

48

26.

1970

participated in the first World Cup in 1930 in Uruguay.

Matthaus has played in a tournament record 25 games.

Hungary scored the most goals by one team at a single tournament in 1954.

The number of hat tricks recorded in World Cup history.

Mexico hosts the World Cup (first nation outside of Europe and South America).

Sports 16 May 2014

The Bear Facts 39

Zeus Breaks Loose

photos courtesy of Gregg Zelkin

Top: Senior Sam Fiedorek brings the ball up the court in the regional semifinal basketball game against South Lakes on Feb. 28. LB won the game and advanced to states, where they lost in the semifinals. Bottom: Fiedorek runs with the ball in a lacrosse match against Annandale on Apr. 10. The Bruins defeated the Atoms 16-7 and are 11-4 so far this season.

Were you satisfied with this past basketball season, or are you disappointed because you didn’t win states?

I was very satisfied with the way the basketball season went. Anytime you win a conference championship, you had a good season, and just making it to states was an honor.

You are known to play with a certain intensity on the court. When did you develop this, and how do you think it benefits you and the team?

I developed my intensity when I realized it would get me more playing time. Anyone who plays hard and intense the whole game is bound to get in the game more. I think it benefited the team because it provided a good spark of energy.

Did you play other sports in your youth? How/ why did you choose to focus on basketball and lacrosse?

When I was young, I played ice hockey. It was my primary sport, and I loved it. I chose to play basketball over hockey in high school because there is no varsity hockey team, and I didn’t want to play club. If there had been a varsity hockey team, I’m sure I would have picked hockey over basketball.

You’re a senior captain for the lacrosse team this year. How have you dealt with the extra responsibility?

I haven’t really had to do a whole lot as a captain because we have a good team with a lot of selfmotivated players, but I try to lead by example.

You’re committed to Denison University for lacrosse. What was it like being recruited, and why did you end up making the choice you did?

Being recruited was interesting; you realize how many different options you have for college. I chose Denison because it was a really good academic fit, and I like the campus a lot. Being able to play lacrosse was just an added bonus.

Athlete of the Issue: Senior Sam Fiedorek