The Viewpoint May 2014

th e

Viewpoint

Mountain View High School 2135 Mountain View Road Stafford, VA 22556 @mvtheviewpoint mvtheviewpoint@gmail.com

STUDENT NEWS Magazine MVHS VOLUME 8 ISSUe 5 March | APril

Finding true love in high school: Is it possible?

We're talking about relationships. Check it out on pages 16 and 17.

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The Viewpoint May 2014 Volume 8 Issue 5 Editor in Chief

Megan Clark Assistant Editor in Chief

Sami Toal Social Media Editor

Lexi Stevens Copy Editor

Joshua Guillemette Adviser

Nicole Eshelman

The Viewpoint is a cross-section of the news and opinions of the student body of Mountain View High School. It is a forum of expression published by aPrintis.

Editorials represent the views of the writers and are not necessarily the opinions of Mountain View High School, its administration or staff. Letters to the editor are welcome and should be submitted to rooms 303 or 307 or sent to mvtheviewpoint@gmail.com.

Contact us through Facebook or Twitter.

Staff Writers

MV The Viewpoint

There’s a lot of criticism out there for high school relationships.

They’re fleeting.

Trivial.

Petty.

Even the smartest of us can look dumb when we’re infatuated and lovesick, captivated and enamoured by the tiniest aspects of a person who may or may not deserve our appreciation. It always ends in heartbreak anyway, right? So is it worth it?

Not only is it worth it, but it’s brave, too.

It starts with the first conversations.

Brave might be getting his phone number. It’s having the guts to add that smiley face to that text. Not knowing if she likes you back, but asking her to hangout anyway. Maybe it’s knowing it might not be perfect, but taking the jump into the unknown.

It’s interesting to consider the changes in a relationship over time. What used to be flirty texts morph into a deeper connection as time goes on.

It’s brave to allow someone to get close to you. It might not work out. Maybe they’re not the person you though they were, or maybe they are exactly what you expected (which may be just as bad). It’s putting yourself out there. You’re making an investment to your happiness.

Making the jump into a relationship can be scary when the adults in our lives remind us that it most likely has an expiration date sometime around graduation.

So, you’re brave to be silly in love, because it’s taking a stand for what you want and what makes you happy. At the time, that’s what matters. It’s brave because you’re going to try hard to make it work. You’re going to put in time and effort

and pieces of you heart, and it might not work out.

And that’s the next part of the story.

What happens after the infatuation is over?

When we go off to college.

Or someone quits.

It just isn’t working anymore.

They need “space.”

Relationships end. It happens.

Maybe it happens when this person you let get close to your heart isn’t the person you fell for.

Your plans for the future stop. The texts from him stop pouring in. You no longer have someone to post cute couple-y pictures of. Friday’s aren’t date nights anymore.

Everything that composited the entire relationship slowly trickles away and all the sudden the present becomes the past and all that’s left are memories and would have should have could haves.

That’s just a wordy way to say breakups suck.

Being alone sucks after spending time with someone else.

It’s nice to have someone in your corner rooting for you. It sucks when that’s gone.

Making the break from someone is just as brave as jumping into a relationship. It’s an investment in yourself. The conscious decision to be alone is brave because it’s just as terrifying as the relationship was when it started. Now you know what you’re missing.

So whatever you do, be brave.

In this issue we’re talking a lot about relationships. See what faculty and students have to say about it on pages 16 and 17.

editor in chief

Inside this issue . .

Front page illustration created by Sami Toal

Mountain View High School 2135 Mountain View Rd. Stafford, VA 22556

@mvtheviewpoint

Be Brave

Erinn Black, Jonas Chechak, Nathan English, Ashley Friedl, Katie Jones, John Keppeler

2013 Free Lance-Star Best Overall Newspaper 2011 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Medalist 2011, 2010 and 2009 Virginia High School League First Place Award Winner 2008 National Scholastic Press Association First Class Winner with Marks of Distinction in Writing and Editing

MVTheViewpoint

9 28

Summer’s headed your way. Treat yourself with your favorite summer-y treats .

How much do you know about English teacher Theresa Gaddy? Read on to learn more about her talents that might surprise you.

Have you ever checked us out on issuu.c om? Get yourself over there!

The Viewpoint EXTRA has more on what’s going on at MV. Search MV the Viewpoint! may 2014 l the viewpoint l 3

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BLOOD DRIVE

Lily Cowper

Junior Shawna Mumma

AFRAID OF THE NEEDLE?

by Lily Cowper

It’s common to feel nervous or afraid to donate blood. Totally natural. However, it might help to know that, according to the American Red Cross, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.

S

enior Emily White, a previous blood donor who felt confident about donating, said the feeling of giving blood is like a pinch, then pulsing. For some, like junior, Tally Mandley, her fear was that she may faint.

Many students who donated last month weren’t nervous at all. Mumma said, “I’m not nervous, just excited.” She said that donating feels tingly, like a long shot; she also said that she has a high tolerance for pain. Regardless, she said the plans on donating again.

The main motivation for the majority of students was to help others and do the right thing. Junior Abby Carbone was excited to

save a life, and suggested that if someone had the opportunity to help someone else, they should do it.

The National Honor Society hosted a blood drive in April that gave students the opportunity to donate, many for the first time. Volunteer group leader Monette Rinonos said that 75 students signed up for the MV drive.

The American Red Cross website states that one blood donation can help up to three patients.

The blood drive had a stable system; students filled out paperwork and waited in line to be checked by one of the medical examiners.

AJ Hughes, the manager of fixed operations, said that the process was mainly to check for medical history, vital signs and give each donor a mini physical to make sure they’re OK to give blood. Next, the blood donor headed to a chair to wait to get blood drawn.

Sophomore Hailey Schleter said, “I’ve always wanted to [give blood]. I just think it would be fun, and I’ll get to know my blood type.”

Junior Athena Childers echoed the sentiment. She said that she was donating to help people who need blood.

Students who want to volunteer for the Red Cross or to donate must fit specific criteria.

For starters, donors must be at least 17 years old or16 if they have parent or guardian’s consent. To donate double red blood cells and you are a male, you must be at least 5’1 and at least 130 lbs. If you are a female, you must be at least 5’5 and 150 lbs.

Donors should eat before giving blood and generally maintain a healthy diet. Check out redcrossblood.org/midatlantic to find places to donate.

Ineligible to donate? Students can always volunteer at a local blood drive.

may 2014 l the viewpoint l 5

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How ‘bout our Twitter?

Facebook? Nah? Maybe Instagram?

Don’t just watch things as they happen.

Be a part of it.

Get off the sidelines.

Write.

Photograph.

Post. win awards.

Take Journalism.

Gifts to get your grad Sure, everyone wants money, but what else? Suppose a gift of the heart is more of what you’re after. These seniors give some gift-giving ideas. (We also made sure the budget wasn’t too high.) by Ashley Friedl IB STUDEN

T

ennis Varsity T captain

K en da ly n Feast er “I’d want a canvas for my dorm room, some nice art work would make my day. Maybe even something cute from Pinterest.”

g Band Marchin der ea Section l

J u st i n H a ll “I would want a comfy pillow to lounge around on in college.”

Renard Minion

Volunte

B en Fu lto n “I would probably want a life-size Batman to take with me everywhere, if that were possible.”

Em i ly W h i t e

Lau r en A rva i “Some cool M&Ms with my face on them.”

Musician

Artist

“I would want a blanket with my college colors on it.”

Ca i t li n C o li e “A disposable camera to take pictures with all my friends over the summer, and then hang them up in my new room.”

er

College Bound

To r i i M as i n s i n “A collage of pictures from the past couple of years of my friends and family to hang in my dorm room.”

Violinist

J o s e Ga rc i a “I’d like a cool homemade sombrero or a Chipotle gift card.”

B r i d g et B row n “Some cute couple shirt that says ‘She’s mine,’ and ‘He’s mine,’ or a nice quilt that shows where I’ve been.” may 2014 l the viewpoint l 7

Old Timers Club Take a look back on different times.

by Megan Clark and Jonas Chechak

W

alking around school you may have seen posters for The Old Lady Club.

Hmmm ...

What used to be The Old Lady Club has been changed to the Old Timers Club, to make the club more gender inclusive.

Junior and club president Emily Simmonds said, “We want to teach this generation some snazzy, older pasttimes such as knitting, swing dancing, watching black and white movies and maybe even roller skating with an ‘80s theme.”

The club started out as a joke between Simmonds and junior Natalie Chavez, however, it was quickly developed

Want to join?

into something real.

Along with listening to old music club members said they hope that have a chance to give back to the community.

“When our knitting becomes swell, we will be making hats and blankets for premature babies,” said Simmonds.

Other plans for the club include a decade dress day and group outings. Before the end of the school year, the group plans to have a ‘50s diner adventure together.

All of these activities have one goal in mind. “We want kids to understand life before Facebook and texts controlling them and we want to create a group of friends who share the same interests.”

The next Old Timers Club meeting will be on April 30 in room 310. may 2014 l the viewpoint l 8

What’s Summer the What: hot spots

by Ashley Friedl

Price Comparisons: Maggie Moo’s

To p pick s in h e a lt h y top pin gs a n d u n h ea lth y t o p p in gs.

Healthy: Granola

$5.65 Cookies 'n' Cream Shake

Stawberries

Carl’s

around $2.00

Mango

Soft serve ice cream

Tropical Smoothie

$4.75

Unhealthy: Gummies

Jetty Punch Remember to go on National Flip Flop day June 20 to get a free Jetty Punch

Candy Bits

Cup Size Options The size of your cup affects the amount of money you spend. Check out the new Banana Boat specialty at Sweet Frog. Grab a cup and serve yourself.

Small

Medium

HEALTHY OR CHOCOLATE? We polled students to see which type of fro-yo they prefer.

Brownies

Large

52% Chocolate

48% Healthy

Granola recieved the most votes in the healthy category.

Gummies recieved the most votes in the unhealthy category.

112 students have been polled for this data. may 2014 l the viewpoint l 9

Helping Honduras

Students go to Villa Soleada, Honduras over their spring break. It’s not bikinis and suntan lotion in their bags. See what they bring to help the community. by Megan Clark and Sami Toal A nicer outfit was needed for church as well as the day spent enjoying markets full of homemade items and locally grown food.

Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat were essential as members spent an entire week in 90 degree weather close the equator.

While it wasn’t all fun and games, students brought a swim suit for the last day spent soaking up the sun at the beach.

Why are they excited?

Departing April 19, Students Helping Honduras began the journey they have been planning for all year. When they arrived, the group sponsored an egg hunt for the children as they spent Easter away from their families.

16 l the viewpoint l may 10

2014

They celebrated Earth Day April 22 by teaching the children how to plant flowers and recycle. The days were spent building a school and overall experiencing the culture.

China-Lee Brown, Junior “Being able to help out orphans and making a difference in their lives.”

Caitlin Middlecauff, Senior “I’m really excited to meet the kids especially. I like kids, what can I say?”

Students brought donations ranging from shoes, to school supplies, to sports equipment for the entire village. Cleats are a popular donation as each night was usually ended with a soccer game with children of the village.

Students brought their Malaria pills and bug spray to prevent catching any diseases.

Students needed work gloves to shovel out an in-progress fish pond that will be used as a sustainable food source for the village.

Sami Toal

Shaina La Polla, Senior “Seeing the villagers again.”

Sydney Grossweiler, Junior “Going back and working with everyone again, especially the little kids. They’re all really sweet.”

Casey Walker, Senior “I’m most excited to go back to see the progress we’ve made.”

Kellen Cody, Junior “Spending Easter with the kids and celebrating with the Easter egg hunt with kids from the orphanage.” may 2013 l the viewpoint l 11 17 may 2014

Prom Couples Students were asked to submit their prom pictures via @MVtheViewpont on Twitter. If you didn’t make it in this time, have no worries, we will be adding other couples in our Extra.

Stay tuned. by Ashley Friedl

“Getting all dressed up and taking pictures with a big group of friends made prom so much more exciting” -Brooke Noeska

“My favorite part about prom was getting ready and taking pictures and spending time with my boyfriend.”

-Faith Beach

Juniors Liam McGovern and Brooke Noeska

Sophomore Faith Beach and Junior Daniel Howard

“The best prom memory would have to be seeing Matt look all snazzy and handsome in his suit as he arrived to my house to take pictures.”

-Kassandra Sejas

Seniors Blake Monroe and Chelsea Favreau

may 12 l the viewpoint llapril may |2014

2014

Senior Tyler Proffitt and Junior Kayla Bechtal

Juniors Kassandra Sejas and Matt Tovar

A family affair Jamie Hanson

a after winHannah Hanson with Juli petition. com te sta the ning first place at

Julia Hanson

Olivia Hanson after finding ou was chosen to t she be a 2014-201 5 state officer.

An FCCLA-involved family shares its experience and the positive impact the club has had on their family and others around them.

by Sarah Yakulis

In 2007, Jamie Hanson began the role of being an adviser of Colonial Forge’s FCCLA club. When she originally took the position, she could have never foreseen what she was really getting herself and her family into; a lifelong, family involved, love and commitment to this club.

FCCLA is the “Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America.” The purpose of FCCLA is to build strong leaders in families, careers, and communities for today and for the future, through many activities and projects that benefit the community; such as Julia Hanson’s Focus on the Children Project which this year won a gold medal and first place at the State Leadership and Recognition Conference.

Jamie Hanson has three daughters who, at the time, were all middle school and elementary age. Hannah, the oldest, was a 7th grader when her mother first took the role as adviser. Seeing her mother’s involvement with FCCLA and the programs and activities associated with it, Hannah joined the Colonial Forge chapter run by her mother and another teacher.

Eventually, in her Senior year, Hannah was president of the Mountain View chapter of FCCLA. Current president of our chapter and Virginia Vice President of Membership is Olivia Hanson, and the youngest daughter, Julia, who is now a freshman here, has won many state medals, this year earning a first place medal at states.

The Viewpoint: Do you see the club having a good impact on your students as well as your daughters?

Jamie Hanson: Oh my goodness yes. The best part of my job in my opinion has been the work I’ve done as an FCCLA adviser, because I got to know the kids in the club on such a personal level, especially the ones who compete. I was working with them to guide them. The absolute best is when you go with them to conference and they’ve been preparing so hard for such a long time, and to be with them before they go to present to the judges and see how nervous they are, and then how confident

Carley Rehb

, erg

and proud when they come out, it’s just the best part. Seeing them grow so much and seeing their confidence soar and seeing them feel so good about themselves after their presentation, it really didn’t matter to me how they did. To just see that growth in them through the whole process was wonderful, and to have so many win and go to Nationals was just outstanding.

TV: Have you seen the club directly impact any of your student’s or daughter’s futures or careers?

JH: When my daughter Hannah was a state officer she was selected by the board to be the Vice President of Public Relations since the board believed that was what she was most suited for. She was unsure at first about what she wanted to do as a career, until this. She’s in her first year of college now and decided to major in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations. I think that her experience lead her to know that she could be really good with that.

When I spoke to Hannah Hanson, she said that because of the skills she discovered with FCCLA she found her major to fit the best with her developing knowledge of leadership and public relations.

Next, I talked to Mountain View’s Chapter President; Olivia Hanson.

The Viewpoint: What do you think is the best impact of FCCLA? Olivia Hanson: Definitely seeing all the leadership skills through anyone who’s been in the club. My little sister for example; she was so shy and through FCCLA I’ve seen her come out of her shell and talk to new people.

TV: What is it like being Mountain View’s chapter president?

OH: You have to plan the events, get along with everyone else involved and help everyone with the projects they want to lead; it’s hard but definitely rewarding.

TV: Why did you decide to run for state office?

OH: I ran for state office because I really wanted to take my leadership to the next level. Everyone just had nothing but great things to say about it. It’s a lot of work, but worth it in the end.

TV: What do you do as a state officer?

OH: As a state officer we have to attend all of our state executive council meetings, we have to present officer focus reports and monthly reports, we have to recruit new members, we have to raise money for the FCCLA foundation, we have to plan the conference, and we have to act as leaders everywhere we go and through every aspect of our lives, including social media.

TV: Were you happy to become the state Vice President of Membership?

OH: Yes, I was. Because I have big plans for the FCCLA membership campaign. And I’m excited to put them into action.

TV: Why should people join FCCLA? OH: Everyone should join FCCLA because not everyone is going to go into business or marketing or health occupations, but everyone is going to have a family, and FCCLA definitely helps build leadership and skills for your families, careers, and communities.

Hannah, Julia, and Olivia Hanson may 2014 l the viewpoint l 13

An apple a day doesn’t always keep the doctor away.

Amiti Colson

Live a healthier, happier life

by Amiti Colson

“A

ll great change in America begins at the dinner table.” –Ronald Reagan Health. A serious topic in America. Everyone talks about it. It’s taught, preached, debated and ignored.

It’s first and foremost important to know what health is. Nutrition and Wellness teacher Danielle Evans said to have a healthy body is to have a balance between both physical and emotional health.

Evans said that diet and exercise are, of course, major factors in your health, but what many people do not consider, when it comes to their health, is their mental state.

The Mayo Clinic Staff wrote on the website www.mayoclinic.org that chronic stress can wreak havoc on your mind and body. They explained the importance of understanding your body’s natural stress response.

They said that when you encounter a threat, an alarm goes off through your entire body. This alarm activates certain hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, to release in your body.

The Mayo Clinic Staff stated that when your body continually sets off the alarm you can possibly have an increased risk for health problems like anxiety, depression, digestive problems, heart disease, sleep problems, weight gain, memory impairment and concentration impairment.

An article written by Nathan Reese and medically reviewed by George Krucik, MD, MBA, gave ten ways to easily relieve your stress levels.

Reese said that listening to classical music, calling a friend and talking about your problems, talking yourself through the problem you are having, taking a deep breath when you are overwhelmed, laughing about your problem, drinking a cup of green tea, meditating, sleeping more, eating better and exercising can all help to relieve your stress.

Exercising not only helps alleviate your stress, but it benefits your health in general. The website www.letsmove.gov has tons of information about the benefits of exercising.

The website promotes Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” slogan, which encourages everyone to get up and get active. On the website it states that physical activity is an essential component to a healthy lifestyle.

The website states that exercise can prevent numerous diseases like cancer, stroke, and heart disease. It also said that physical activity helps control weight, promote strong bone, muscle and joint development, and decreases the risk of obesity.

The website promotes children getting out of the house and moving. Children, specifically, need 60 minutes of exercise every day to grow to be a healthy weight.

14 l the viewpoint l may 2014

Www.letsmove.gov also provides information on how childhood obesity rates have tripled in America over the past three decades. Obesity has very bad effects on your health. That’s why it’s important to help combat it with exercise and eating right.

What you eat is a major factor that determines your state of health. The website www.healthiergeneration.org has information on it about the importance of eating healthy. It states that a major step in the direction of living a healthier life is increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat a day.

The website stated that only 20% of high school students in America eat the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Many families are eating more junk food than they are homemade meals and healthy fruits and vegetables.

To combat this you can take little steps to eating better. The website http:// healthvermont.gov/ provides plenty of ideas to eat better. It said that you can simply eat better by adding color to your diet with foods like oranges, bright green apples, purple grapes, and red peppers, etc.

Evans said that what you eat is very important, but the quantity of how much you eat is also essential to consider when it comes to your health.

Maya W. Paul, Melinda Smith, M.A. and Jeanne Segal Ph. D. wrote on the website http://www.helpguide.org/life/healthy_eating_diet.htm about how portion sizes are key when it comes to your health. They said that the amount of food you eat is important for weight control.

The website http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/lose_wt/ index.htm said that weight control is essential to your health because it can prevent and control many diseases and health conditions.

The website http://www.helpguide.org/life/healthy_eating_diet.htm explained how portion sizes in restaurants have ballooned recently. To combat overeating while out to eat with your family or friends, they suggest that you order an appetizer as your main meal instead of an entrée or splitting an entrée with another person.

By starting good habits like lowering your stress levels, exercising regularly, and controlling what you eat, you will be on your way to a healthier and happier future. There are always good choices to make, so start making the right ones today.

Touching hearts through literature...

by Elizabeth Ougnitch

If you’re looking for a page-turning, extraordinary book that you won’t able to get off your mind, then John Green’s newest book is perfect for you.

Readers will get a glimpse into the world of being a teenager with cancer through 16-year-old Hazel Grace Lancaster’s eyes. Growing up with cancer, dealing with treatments, the side effects of death and oblivion and navigating the fact that the world is not a wish granting factory.

As a young person with cancer, Hazel’s is forced to face her mortality because of her “crap” lungs, but thanks to treatment and miracles she continues to learn how to live with her fate. When Hazel attends a support group for cancer patients and meets the intelligent and complex Augustus Waters, her story becomes rewritten.

Augustus and Hazel share their fears and hopes for the future. Augustus has recovered from cancer, and supports Hazel through her treatment, along with Isaac, a friend of the two, suffering from a rare form of eye cancer and therefore, blindness.

They all experience their own fears and their own types of pain. Because, as Augustus says, “That’s the thing about pain, it demands to be felt.”

Hazel, a self-proclaimed “grenade,” is convinced that someday she is going to blow up and destroy everything in her path. It is riveting to read how Hazel learns to consider that she has much more to consider.

I don’t think I’ve ever cried, laughed and enjoyed myself reading a book as much as when I read “The Fault in Our Stars.”

Okay? Okay.

– Sarah Yakulis

... and now through movies

s

npr book

out June 6, 2014 , starring Shailene Woodley (Tris, “Divergent”) as Hazel and Ansel Elgort (Caleb, “Divergent” as Augustus.

If you truly enjoyed this book, or are just starting to get interested, you might want to read it before you watch the movie.

“The Fault In Our Stars” is coming

Great reads by John Green Let me preface this by saying that John Green is not my favorite author. I wasn’t a fan of “Looking for Alaska” or “An Abundance of Katherines,” but everyone tells me that “The Fault in Our Stars” is superb—that it will make you laugh and it will make you cry, so I guess I’ll give ole’ John Green another try.

This is the story of Colin, a guy who thinks that he can only date girls by the name of Katherine.

Unfortunately, these girls named Katherine have also done their fair share of dumping Colin—to the tune of nineteen times. So, Colin and his best friend, Hassan, set out in a car to help Colin forget his latest “dumping” and move on.

This book chronicles their adventures during this trip, at times funny, but often times rather bizarre. For instance, they end up in a place named Gutshot (bizarre) and learn of a factory there that makes tampon strings (even more bizarre).

Read this book to uncover the most bizarre.

-Sherry Hession Ning

John Green makes me happy.

I think he at least tries to understand teenagers. He writes his characters with enchanting flaws that the reader can relate to.

In “Looking for Alaska, “this is particularly true.

This story unfolds in a prep school with main characters The Colonel, Pudge and Alaska. It’s not long before the reader falls for these characters.

They’re quirky.

They make a lot of mistakes.

The incorporation of these aspects are vital to the understanding of this novel.

Unexpected friendships form and create everlasting relations that haunt not only the characters, but the readers as well.

-Megan Clark Deviant Art

John Green Books

Paper Towns proves that John Green remembers what it was like to be a teenager.

The plot is wildly unrealistic, but what it lacks in likeliness, it makes up for with a clever, relatable main character and a thought provoking story line.

Quentin Jacobson has always admired his adventurous neighbor Margo Roth Spiegalman, so when she showed up and takes him revenge seeking across their town he was hooked. The only problem was Margo Rosh Spiegalman went missing. She ran away, leaving Quentin clues that led him across the country searching for more than just Margo.

It is easy to crack up at Quentin’s quirky narration and then quickly jump back to questioning your own life as Quentin questions himself as he seeks this mysterious girl.

While the ending will leave most thinking about the story and characters for days, more than anything, Paper Towns is entertaining, the kind of entertaining that can sufficiently get you through a long plane or car ride.

-Sami Toal

may 2014 l the viewpoint l 15 13

High school relationships The Viewpoint polled students and faculty to determine their thoughts on high school relationships. by Sami Toal

16 l the viewpoint l may

2014

O

ne huge shock of being a freshman is the amount of couples that roam the high school halls. In middle school, holding hands, hugging and - God forbid- kissing was absolutely forbidden. Suddenly, the lockers serve to support a passionate couple as they lock lips, it isn’t uncommon to witness sketchy happenings under the staircases and many couples become familiar to the point where only their separation draws much attention. However, is high school really the time for relationships?

While some may refrain from dating due to religious reasons or strict parents, an anonymous student survey of 50 showed that 24% of students are in a romantic relationship. The poll also found that 50% of the students not in a relationship wish they were.

Faculty were also polled and asked similar questions as the students. They had the benefit of looking back to their high school experience to determine whether relationships in high school enhance or hurt one’s overall experience, as well as if high school is a time to be independent or in a relationship.

While a few of the 22 faculty polled answered that relationships simply hurt or enhance one’s high school experience, many refused to the answer the question, stating simply, “It depends.”

Answers such as, “Being a part of a relationship is an important part of growing up and learning to relate to others,” and “normal relationships are fine and are part of growing up,” dominated the survey from a generation that is able to look back upon their high school experience accurately.

A large emphasis on the individual was also stressed as faculty responded that, “Everything depends on the situation. Relationships can be beneficial and allow students to grow and mature or hurt their focus on learning,” and “It depends on the individual. If you lose yourself and your independence, then they’re hurtful. If you support each other’s goals then being in a relationship is helpful.”

Students also have their opinions on high school relationships and just exactly what they mean to them.

“I believe being in a relationship is good if you’re in it for the right reasons,” said junior Monica Kangas. “You just can’t become the other person.”

Junior Nico Samonte said, “I think if you’re helping each other, like you guys have similar goals and understand each other, then it’s beneficial.”

With the majority of the school population unattached, many students choose to remain single for various reasons.

For some, education plays a much more important role than relationships. “I’m just more focused on school and education. It just seems like a waste of time. What’s the point of it?” said freshman Alejandra Reinaga. “It’s nice to be with someone,”

said freshman Michael Chang, “but you can focus more on education and out-of-school stuff if you’re single.”

For others, it’s a matter of being independent and focusing on themselves. “It’s pointless to be in a relationship right now because I’m getting ready for college, and I’m looking for a fresh start. I don’t want to feel like I’m bound to anybody,” said senior Shelby Clutter.

Others are just uninterested in the relationship scene. “Most of the boys are immature and look like lumberjacks,” said freshman Courtney Manning.

Still, a common trend is for couples to date not for months, but for years, engaging in relationships that last as long or even longer than high school.

“It’s unrealistic to actually plan marriage, but it’s a good idea to ask yourself, in a long term relationship, ‘Would I say yes?’” said Kangas. “Relationships either end with a breakup or a marriage, so it’s important to ask yourself if it’s all worth your time.”

“When it comes to things like college, you have to make the best decision for yourself. If it’s not going to happen, it’s not meant to be,” said senior Hunter Lewis.

Psychology teacher Brian Costa said, “I think for the social experiences it’s a good idea to be in a relationship but not a long term one. Most people are fooling themselves. Most relationships won’t last much beyond high school.”

He continued, “People get experiences in tons of different ways. You can have a very fulfilling high school career without a relationship.”

However, some remain confident in the relationships formed during this time of their life.

Junior Erinn Black said, “I do think true love can exist in high school because I feel like in life, God leads you to the right person and you’re going to know. It can happen in high school, it can happen in college, it can happen later in life but when this person comes into your life, you’re never going to look at anybody the same.”

She continued, “My boyfriend and I have a serious relationship. Some people say that they want a relationship like mine, but what I tell them is it’s going to come to you when the time is right. Not everyone is going to have a high school sweetheart.”

may 2013 l the viewpoint l 17 may 2014

Nathan English Nathan English

Nathan English

Exclusive preview: ‘Anything Goes’

Mountain View’s upcoming spring performance of this classic musical is an extravaganza of singing, dancing, love, mistaken identity and comedy. by Nathan English

18 l the viewpoint l may

2014

it’s not just the chorus kids.”

One of the dance team members, junior Adelyne Anderson is not only the dance choreographer for the show, but also has a starring role as the female romantic lead, Hope Harcourt.

She has done theater since age 10, performing shows at Riverside Center Dinner Theater.

“The dances we do on dance team are a lot different than show or Broadway dancing,” said Anderson. “It’s definitely different styles.”

The singing is another large element of the show, with some of the famous numbers including “You’re the Top”, “I Get a Kick Out of You”, and the title song.

“All the other plays I’ve done have been very much vocally driven,” said senior John Del Toro, “and now it’s mainly just singing roles. It’s very interesting.”

Del Toro plays the role of Moonface, a gangster with the nickname of Public Enemy #13, who acts as comic relief.

“It’s a lot of hard work,” said junior Hunter Madden, “but all the songs are all classic. There’s not a single song in the show that I don’t like.”

Madden has some of the most songs in the play in his role as Billy Crocker, the male romantic lead.

Behind the scenes, the con-

struction for the boat set is still underway. Tech crew members and cast help with the woodwork and painting on Saturdays and Sundays.

“It takes at least five people to do one side alone,” said junior and tech crew member Joseph Fravel.

“It’s pretty challenging.”

A performance of this magnitude isn’t easy, the set is just one of several challenges.

“We’ve got a lot of time issues” said Clark. “Snow affected the audition process, and even some of the rehearsal process, there have been trips that have meant a lot of kids had to miss. And then we’re gonna miss a week for spring break.”

In the end, however, those involved are willing to persist to make the play spectacular.

“It’s probably going to be the best show that we’ve done,” said Madden. “It’s a great show for families, because the older crowd will know some of the songs and can appreciate the music. It’s very funny, so kids will enjoy the humor. And it’s a great story.”

“It’s very light-hearted, and if you’re in for a laugh, then you should come,” said Anderson.

Nathan English

Excitement is building for the newest performance from the Mountain View Wild Acts: Anything Goes.

This musical, with intertwined tales of romance and mistaken identity on an ocean liner, has been well-known since its 1934 debut and is one of the most ambitious plays attempted by Mountain View.

“It’s a famous musical,” said drama teacher and director Tom Clark. “All of the songs are famous; people don’t even know that they know the songs. It’s a famous American showpiece. You have got to do justice to these musical numbers. People have expectations about this kind of show.”

“It’s completely and utterly different,” said junior Hayley Philippart, who plays one of the passengers. “It’s so much bigger; there’s so much more people involved than any other production we’ve done, especially musically.”

As a result of the grand scale of the singing and dancing in the play, members of the dance team have been brought to participate in the show.

“Bringing [the dance team] in attracts different kinds of people to the play,” said junior and stage manager Jonathan Barsana, “because it’s not just the drama kids,

Photo Captions Upper Left: Students rehearse the musical number “Blow Gabriel Blow”.

Upper Right: Junior Hunter Madden rehearses musical numbers with junior Adelyne Anderson (top) and senior Bryna Mueller (bottom).

Lower Right: Tom Clark gives direction to his cast.

The newest games are here. Find out about them before they come out!

by Joshua Guillemette

1

5

Games for May 1

@watchdogsgame via Twitter www.elderscrollsonline.com

www.wolfenstein.com

5

mariokart8.nintendo.com

www.tropico5.com

4

3

Watch_Dogs

Release date: May 27

Probably the most anticipated next generation game of the year. As Aiden Pearce, the main character, you are a notorious vigilante wanted by the Chicago police.

Pearce’s phone is connected to Central Operating System (CtOS), the program that’s used by the city to function. With this, he can control many aspects of the city.

2

Tropico 5

Release date: May 23

Tropico 5 is a city building and government simulator where the player can build a city and rule it as a democracy or socialist or communist authority.

Haemimont Games added to the series new game aspects such as eras, dynasties and finally, multiplayer. From the colonial era to the future, make allies with your friends or deceive them and destroy their country.

3

2

games

MarioKart 8

Release date: May 30

From the beloved and classic Nintendo racing game, Mario Kart, now there is the eighth installment of the series. In the past there’s been motorcycles, hang gliders and even underwater racing. Now Nintendo included anti-gravity racing!

With a stable 60 frames per second on the Wii U, this game has new courses and karts, along with all the vehicles from the previous games.

4

Wolfenstein: The New Order

5

The Elder Scrolls Online

Release date: May 20 Imagine an alternate universe where the Nazis win WWII. That’s the setting for the ninth installment for the Wolfenstein series.

The main character is a man named William “B.J.” Blazkowicz who is a captured OSA agent tasked with the impossible: to crumble the Nazi government.

This man broke out of the prison after having amnesia. Now, he must go out into the world and find out who he is and what he must do.

Release date: April 4, PC; June, Console The Elder Scrolls online was a greatly anticipated game in the Elder Scrolls series. This game, however, this MMORPG is a disappointment. The first negative is the price. It costs $60 to get the game, then on top of that is the monthly subscription of $15.

Bethesda tried to gives us a multiplayer version of Tamriel. Well, they did but not on the scale that we expected What the fans wanted was a co-op experience. Not a huge mass of people mucking around.

may 2014 l the viewpoint l 19

Lunch Mon-Sat Zibbibo?

Dinner Mon-Sun Brunch Sunday 11 am to 3 pm

2757 Jefferson Davis Highway Stafford VA 22554 Off 610 on Rt. 1 South

540.288.3349

20 l the viewpoint l may 2014

Aer

Viewpoint Staff Writer John Keppeler caught up with David and Carter, the boys from Boston behind Aer by John

Keppeler

wowhall.org

The Viewpoint: When and why did you guys get your start in music?

Carter: We both started separately, but I started singing in the shower, which eventually led me to chorus in school. From there singing was just something I always did.

Chili Peppers, The Arctic Monkeys, Jimi Hendrix and The Beastie Boys.

VP: What is the story behind the name “Aer”?

David: Our friend came up with it and we liked how fresh and new it sounded. We had to change the I to and E because there was ink already a band named “Air.” We th

VP: Where was your best performance/best place to perform?

D: My favorite show so far was in AlbeNew Mexico. The show was e querque, r a e super small and just had so much w love in the air it was amazing. ight

“

VP: What was your ‘lucky break’?

C: We think we are successful right now but I think we have yet to hit our “lucky break”.

ul r f s s e c suc VP: How would you describe think I t u b , your own music? t i h now o t t e C: It’s too hard to describe. We ve y we ha ky break’ ” let the people choose how to exc plain it. our ‘lu r ter -Ca VP: What is the next step for Aer?

VP: How did you guys come together and how long have you been together?

C: We met in elementary school playing football. After that we kept up as friends but it wasn’t until 2010 when we formed Aer and started making music together.

VP: Who are some of your influences in music?

D: Some of our influences include The Red Hot

D: We’re shooting a bunch of music videos and touring a bunch. Gonna be putting out some gems, that’s for sure!

may 2014 l the viewpoint l 21

Sabotage:

You have to feel bad for them Arnold Schwarzenegger, Olivia Williams and most of the cast were great, but even that couldn’t save this debacle. by Jonas Chechak As much as I hoped this wouldn’t happen, Sabotage turned out to be one of “those movies.” You know the ones, the action movies that strictly follow the formula, have a thin plot that strays into nonsense frequently, and disregards realism constantly. It’s honestly sad to watch, because some of the cast puts in a lot of effort to give great performances, but with the script and plot they were given, it really didn’t make much of a difference.

Arnold plays John “Breacher” Wharton the leader of an corrupt DEA squad who attempt to steal 10 million dollars from a drug cartel’s safehouse. When the money goes missing, members of the team are slowly picked off one by one.

Olivia Williams plays FBI Investigator Caroline Brentwood, who starts to discover that it is not the drug cartel killing team members, but someone from inside the team itself.

The entire plot seems to be designed around providing as much opportunity for gratuitous violence as possible, and if this was their goal, they achieved it. If you counted every round of ammunition expended, it would probably outnumber the lines of dialogue spoken. The movie tries to squeeze in a storyline in between gunfights, but it seems to jump around with little explanation, often leaving me confused as to what is going on. If I hadn’t been in a theater, I would have been pausing every couple of minutes and rewinding to see if there was something I missed that would explain what was going on.

The other major problem is how painfully predictable everything is. You can imagine a basic team action checklist, and it will hit every single point on it.

Old grizzled commander everyone looks up to? Check.

Token female and black guy on the team? Check.

Betrayal from inside? Check.

Stoic character with hidden depressing backstory? Check.

Car chase gunfight at the end? Check.

Even when Caroline first meets Breacher, it was obvious that they were going to sleep together at some point in the movie.

The script isn’t much better, with endless streams of profanity and irritatingly cliché dialogue. Arnold himself says one of the most hackneyed lines in the film when the team looks to be breaking up, asking if they are “just going to scatter like dust to the wind,” and I wasn’t sure whether to cringe or laugh out loud. The cast attempts to do what they can, and the delivery is generally very good, but that doesn’t change the fact that the script itself is lazy and cliche.

Overall, my main issue with this movie is that I feel like I’ve seen it multiple times. It’s the same as every other run-of-the-mill action movie, spoon-feeding its audience the same overused plot twists and mindless violence. The story fails to be engaging as it attempts to be, and doesn’t even hit the point of being so bad it’s funny like “Escape from LA” or “Maximum Overdrive.” The acting is the one bright point in this film, but not even Tom Hanks or Anthony Hopkins could save this travesty.

The last thing I’ll say about Sabotage is that I’m actually glad it lost $20 million to date, because at least now they won’t make a sequel that I’d have to waste my time and money reviewing.

Conclusion: facebook.com

22 l the viewpoint l may 2014

2 out of five stars

The Raid 2: A cinematic assault The sequel to the acclaimed 2011 Indonesian action movie The Raid is here to raise the bar for the action movie genre. by Nathan English Cinema outside of Hollywood can be incredible, but unfortunately, most Americans are unfamiliar with foreign films. Whether it’s due to unawareness or an aversion to subtitles, great foreign films often fall to the wayside for mainstream audiences.

However, in 2011, the Indonesian movie “The Raid” (The Raid: Redemption in America), gained much critical attention (85% on RottenTomatoes) for its brilliantly choreographed action scenes and no-frills-all-thrills approach. The story of a police force hunting crime lords in an apartment building combined both intense shootouts and fierce martial arts. It was violent, fast-paced and completely awesome, putting most American action movies to shame.

The Raid 2 features Rama (Iko Uwais), the main character from the first film, going undercover in the Indonesian organized crime syndicates, and I’m happy to report that this sequel is not only better than the first film, it’s one of the best action movies I’ve ever seen.

The original “Raid” operated on a very simplistic plot, but here, the story is much more ambitious. It isn’t quite as visceral from the get-go, but instead takes time building tension, submersing the viewer into the grand scope of the crime world. It’s hard to pull off a great two-and-a-half hour action movie (as Michael Bay has failed to do so time and time again) but here, not one second is wasted.

The acting is great from all the Indonesian and Japanese actors involved. Iko Uwais as Rama is a more sympathetic character this time around, and his physical endurance during the action scenes puts John McClane from “Die Hard” to shame. Arifin Putra as Uco, the son of a prominent crime boss, is great as a ruthless and power-hungry scumbag. Alex Abbad as Bejo, one of the top gangsters, acts with a suave coolness that makes his character delightfully evil.

Now for the thing everyone came to see: the action scenes. How are they?

Incredible. Firearms are downplayed for a prime focus on the martial arts, along with a car chase thrown in for good measure. The stunts and choreography involved in these actions scenes are tremendous and awe-inspiring, with long takes used frequently. Stand-out scenes including Rama’s fight with “The Assassin” (pictured to the right), the hammer rampage on the subway (also pictured right), and the car chase scene The cinematography is a tad shaky at times, but unlike in many modern action films, it’s not headache-inducing or designed to mask poor stunts. Instead, it puts the viewer up-close and personal inside the action in the same way “Saving Private Ryan” did. The result is some of the most intense, off-the-wall and real-looking action scenes in recent memory.

Overall, aside from a few nitpicks about glossed-over plot points and a couple of moments that were just plain odd, I have very few complaints about “The Raid 2”. The pacing is perfect, the plot and characters are interesting, and the action is insane. Director Gareth Evans has expressed interest in making the Raid series a trilogy, so now, the bar has been set incredibly high.

Anyone who considers themselves a fan of action movies needs to check out The Raid 2. Since April 11th marked a wider theatrical release for the film, you shouldn’t have to drive to Arlington like I did.

4.5 out of five stars

sonyclassics.com/theraid2

Conclusion:

may 2014 l the viewpoint l 23

Calendar

May

by Erinn Black

MON

TUE

WED

1

Photos taken by: Stephanie Black, Josh Guillemente, Lisa Hartman, Samara Hughes, Tara Short, Sami Toal, Teresa Whitehead

THU

FRI

2

Girls Lacrosse:

JV @ 5:30 at NSHS V @ 7:30 at NSHS

JV @ 4 at BPHS JV @ 5:30 VS V @ 6 VS BPHS NSHS V @ 7:00 VS Girls Lacrosse: NSHS JV @ 10:15 at Potomac High School

Boys Soccer:

Boys Tennis:

Jv @ 5:30 VS BPHS V @ 7 VS BPHS

Girls Tennis:

Boys Track:

Varsity @ 3 VS SHS at Uni- Girls Softball: versity of Mary Washington JV @ 4 at BPHS

6

Girls Lacrosse:

Boys Baseball:

JV @ 5:30 VS SHS JV @ 4 at SHS V @ 7 VS SHS V @ 6 VS SHS

Boys Soccer:

Girls Soccer:

JV @ 5:30 VS SHS JV @ 5 at SHS V @ 7 VS SHS V @ 7 at SHS

8

Varsity meet @ 4 at NSHS

JV @ 5:30 at Patriot High School V @ 7 at Patriot High School

Soccer: Girls Varsity @ 5 VS Albemarle Boys Varsity @ 7 VS Albemarle

Girls Softball: V @ 5 at Osbourn High School

Girls Softball: JV @ 4 at Stafford High School V @ 6 VS Stafford High School

12

7

Boys Track:

Boys Lacrosse:

9

Boys Lacrosse:

Girls Tennis:

15

16

Girls Lacrosse: Girls Softball:

Boys Lacrosse:

Girls Lacrosse:

Girls Softball: Boys Baseball:

JV @ 5:30 at Riverbend V @ 7 at Riverbend

Boys Tennis:

JV @ 5:30 at CFHS V @ 7 at CFHS

JV @ 5:30 VS NSHS V @ 7 VS NSHS

Girls Soccer:

JV @ 5:30 at NSHS V @ 7 at NSHS

Girls Tennis:

Boys Track:

Varsity Invitational TBD

V @ 3:30 at NSHS V @ 3:30 VS NSHS

Varsity Conference Tournament TBA at Potomac High School

20

Varsity Conference Tournament TBA

Boys Lacrosse:

Varsity Conference Tournament TBA

Soccer:

Boys varsity and girls varsity Conference Tournament TBA

Girls Softball:

Varsity Conference Tournament TBA

26

27

Boys Baseball: Varsity Conference Tournament TBA at MVHS

Girls Soccer:

Girls Softball:

Varsity Confer- Varsity Conference Tournaence Tournament ment TBA at TBA at MVHS Potomac

Boys Track: Varsity Region Tournament TBA at Univeristy of Virginia

Tennis:

Boys varsity and girls varsity Conference Tournament TBA

24 l the viewpoint l may 2014

JV @ 4 at NSHS JV @ 4 at NSHS V @ 6 VS NSHS V @ 6 VS NSHS

Boys Soccer:

JV @ 5 VS Riverbend V @ 7 VS Riverbend

Boys Baseball:

21

22

Lacrosse:

Girls Soccer:

Boys varsity and girls varsity Conference Tournament TBA at Potomac High School

Tennis:

Boys varsity and girls varsity Conference Tournament TBA

28

Boys Soccer: Varsity Conference Tournament TBA at Potomac High School

Invitational TBD at Lee-Davis High School

V @ 4 VS Riverbend High School

14 JV @ 5:30 at CFHS V @ 7 at CFHS

Saturday: Boys Track- Varsity

Boys Tennis:

Boys Soccer: Girls Soccer:

Girls Lacrosse:

Varsity Invitational @ Caroline High School

13

JV @ 5:30 VS JV @ 4 VS RiverCFHS bend V @ 7 VS CFHS V @ 6 at Riverbend

19

JV @ 5 at BPHS V @ 7 at BPHS

V @ 4 at Riverbend High School

JV @ 4 VS Riverbend V @ 6 at Riverbend

9:30 at Potomac High School

Girls Soccer:

JV @ 5:30 at SHS V @ 7 at SHS

Boys Baseball:

Saturday: Girls Lacrosse- JV @

V @ 6 VS BPHS

Varsity @ 3:30 VS SHS

5

SAT/SUN

Boys Baseball: Boys Lacrosse:

Boys Baseball: Varsity Conference Tournament TBA at MVHS

Varsity Conference Tournament TBA at Potomac High School

Girls Softball:

Tennis:

23

Boys Soccer: Varsity Conference Tournament TBA at Potomac High School

Boys varsity Varsity Conferand girls varsity ence Tournament Conference TBA at MVHS Tournament TBA Boys Track: Varsity Conference Tournament @ 4 at NSHS

29

30

Boys Baseball:

Varsity Region Tournament TBA

Soccer:

Boys varsity and girls varsity Region Tournament TBA

Girls Softball:

Varsity Region Tournament TBA

Saturday: Boys Lacrosse- Varsity Conference Tournament TBD

Girls Lacrosse: - Varsity Conference Tournament TBD

Take it To the limits

Sports

Girls varsity soccer team may be headed toward a great season. by Katie

Jones

“This year the chemistry is so good that it’s going to show in our playing, especially as the season progresses,” senior defense Grayson Mathews said.

This year head coach Steve Cassiday said there’s a great deal of improvement with the focus of the team, and everyone does what needs to be done.

With a record of 8-1, the team seems to be coming together. Junior forward Erika Tomayko said that everyone is giving their full-out effort.

Mathews added, “The competition isn’t as good as it usually is, plus this year Mountain View’s team is solid everywhere. We could take out all of our starters and our 11 bench players would still win.”

She continued, “If we at least don’t go far in regionals, it’ll be a shocker just because of the potential.”

This season Cassiday said, “I think we should do pretty well; we’ve got a good group of girls returning and some solid newcomers.”

What makes the team hard to beat? Tomayko said that having their outside backs getting on the offense.

What makes the team better than the others?

Cassiday said “I think we’re pretty deep and we play really well together. We’ve got a lot of talent.”

Junior goalkeeper Cecilia Keppeler said, “I see the whole field; they only see where they are. I can set up the field and tell them where they need to be.” “What we need to work on is winning 50-50 balls,” continued Tomayko.

The team’s greatest strength, “We just have a young, good group of girls. Everyone just holds their weight.” Mathews said. “Our team’s greatest triumph is when we win as a team, all of us contributing, ” Keppeler said. “We’re doing so well because everyone plays for each other and not for themselves. Like at the Brooke Point game,

everyone scored a goal and no one scored twice,” Keppeler continued.

“We really play together as a team, no real weak links; each group picks the other one up,” Cassiday said.

The expectation for the girls’ team to go all the way this year is everywhere. The only portion they have left to work on in order to secure their win, is finishing, said Grayson. She added, “but that’s probably for lack of outdoor practice rather than on the gym floor.”

Cassiday said right now it’s finishing, just scoring and our attacking thirds getting the opportunity to put the game out of hand. The team plans to overcome this just with practice, learning how to finish teams off, and situational practices, Cassiday said.

Stephanie Black

may 2014 l the viewpoint l 25

boys soccer

Upcoming Games: May 6 - Stafford @ MVHS May 7 - Albemarle @ MVHS May 13 - MVHS @ Riverbend May 16 - NSHS @ MVHS

Lifetouch

jv - 5:30PM varsity - 7PM

Matt Spencer - 12- Goalkeeper

Paul Appiah - 12 - Forward

Kwame Brobbery - 12 - Forward

Billy Decker - 12 -defender

Dane Anderson - 12 -Forward

Josh GOldsmith - 12 - Forward

Matt dittmer - 10 - defender

jonathan membreno- 11 - Forward

Jake Johanson - 12 - defender

Bradley St. amour - 12 - Forward

Sam Natkin - 12 - midfield

steven dvornick- 12 - Forward

dylan mclaurin - 11 - goalkeeper

tyler garner - 12 - Forward

Ryan dvornick - 10 - Midfield

john keppeler - 12 - defender

Julian scoffield - 11 - Defender

Saul morales - 11 - Forward

26 l the viewpoint l may 2014

adam leslie- 12 - midfield

Noah Bannon- 10 - defender

Daniel Howard - 11 - Defender

Lisa Mcarthur

Lisa Mcarthur

In Yourself.

Lisa Mcarthur

Meshala Morton

Lisa Mcarthur

Believe

Catch her if you can. The Viewpoint interviews Senior Meshala Morton to stay on track with her record breaking speed. by Erinn Black The Viewpoint: How long have you been running?

Meshala: I’ve been running for about five years.

VP: What is your biggest enjoyment about running?

M: Seeing the results from working hard.

VP: Which events do you run?

M: I run the 55, 100, 200, 300, 400, some relays and occasionally I’ve ran the 500.

VP: Which race is your favorite? Why? M: I would have to give it a tie between the 100 and the 4x4. The 100 because it’s short and the 4x4 because I love the challenge. It’s the last event at a track meet which makes it most exciting.

VP: Is there any particular routine you do before each match?

M: I stretch my hamstrings and say a prayer before I get into my blocks.

VP: What has been your biggest accomplishment?

M: I went sub 7 [under 7 seconds] in the 55 and sub 12 [under 12 seconds] in the 1oo. I won my first state title in the 55 dash beating the top time in 5A- Region and 6A- Region.

VP: As an individual, how do you train yourself to become better?

M: I stay positive in the hard workouts because I know hard work does pay off. may 2014 l the viewpoint l 27

h, say can you sing?

Ever go to a Nat’s game and wonder just who sings the national anthem?

Take a close look next time. It might be IB English teacher Theresa Gaddy.

by Callie Walker

T

provided by Theresa Gaddy

he Viewpoint: When did you find out you could really sing?

Theresa Gaddy: Pretty early on. My mom said when I was little, you know like two in a half years old, and I would wake up from a nap or something.

She would always know I was awake because she would hear me singing my ABCs. I wouldn’t wake up crying or yelling, “Mom,” I would just be singing. Pretty much always been singing.

VP: When did you start singing professionally?

TG: When I was 21. I’ve grown up in this area. You know Mix 107.3 used to be called Q107. Well, every year, they would have this radio station contest where they had people call in and sing the anthem. Then they would pick 10 people to go to Tyson’s Corner Mall or Montgomery Mall to be able to sing the home opener of the Bullets. (Before they were the Wizards, they were the Bullets.)

Anyway, I went there and sang. Their first prize was to sing at the home opener. I didn’t get that. They had these five D.C. cops who sang it with harmony and they got that, but then the guy who was in-charge of it approached me, and asked if I wanted to sing 11 games. I was like, “Sure!” because I’m a huge sports fan, too, and that means free tickets, and you get really good seats.

I sang for 11 games that season and the next year. I watch basketball, but it wasn’t my favorite sport. My favorite sports are more like hockey and baseball and football. So, the next season I kept singing for the Bullets. Then I auditioned for the Capitals. I sang for both teams for about three or four seasons.

With the Capitals I got to sing the Canadian anthem, too, since they have a lot of Canadian teams . I also got to sing at play-off games. I did everything up until 1998 when I had my third child. I use to live in Maryland and these teams use to play half an hour from my house, but then they built the Verzion Center in D.C. I had three kids that were really little, and I pretty much stopped doing it in ‘98. I just recently resumed it three years ago by singing for the Orioles.

I wanted to sing it for the Nationals for a really long time, but the way they do it is that you have to be the first 50 people to send an email in. They invite you to come out and so I just did that in March but I have no idea. I went and sang but they didn’t tell us when you’ll find out or how they’re going to contact you, so I don’t know if I made it or not.

VP: Do you sing outside of sports games?

TG: I’m in a band now.

VP: What’s your band’s name?

TG: It’s called Pocket Aces, and it’s me and a guitarist. We sing at this local winery and the Colonial Tavern, places like that.

VP: Did you have a lot of musical background as a child?

TG: Not in my immediate family. My mom could always sing well, but my grandfather taught himself how to play the piano. He used to play piano at Radio City Music Hall. I don’t really think I got his kind of musicality for playing instruments and things.

VP: Do you play any instruments?

TG: Nope, no instruments here. A little bit of piano, but definitely a little bit, nothing that I would be able to play or sing at the same time. I’m one of those typical people who was in chorus in elementary school and all through highschool and a little bit in college.

VP: What has been your most memorable moment when you have sang?

TG: It’s definitely at the All-Star game in Camden Yards in ‘93. I sang the Canadian anthem. I was standing on homeplate between two really famous old time players, Jim Palmer and Reggie Jackson. I grew up watching baseball, collecting baseball cards so I knew these guys. I met Michel Jordan that day and Bill Murray.

VP: You’ve sang the national anthem so many times, do you still get nervous?

TG: No, I don’t get nervous. I mean, if you think about any kind of activity 28 l the viewpoint l may 2013

Theresa Gaddy singing the American anthem and the Canadian anthem at the Orioles game. where your going to be in a competition or play a sport or if your about to do any kind of performance, it’s more like having your game face on. I’m very strategic about it. I concentrate and I get in the zone, but I’m never ever afraid of people looking at me. It’s always been that way with me. I’ve never been a nervous person. There’s a you-tube video of me singing for the Orioles. If you type in “Theresa Anthems.” I’m singing the Canadian anthem and the American anthem.

VP: When you first started, did you ever get so nervous that you forgot the words to the Anthem?

TG: No, I’ve never forgotten the words. My most challenging anthem was probably when I sang it with a trumpet player at the Bullet’s games. They had jazz trumpet players, and we had to sing together. That day there was actually a recording company there. It was Motown records and they gave me their card, saying I could possibly be doing something with them. I wasn’t interested in doing anything professional. There are somethings you enjoy doing, and there’s some things that you want to have as a career. I’ve never really wanted to do music as a career.

may 2014 l the viewpoint l 29

Senioritis Have you caught the fever?

How are you dealing with your senioritis?

D’Amico.

Shika Nyamador

“I’m feeling senioritis because I have to deal with the college process, working and still keeping up with grades. “

Darius Jones

“I’m looking forward to graduation day because I wanna hold up what I’ve been working for my whole life.”

Jahleel Cassett

“I’m feeling senioritis because it’s already the end of the year, and I just want to go to college to study oceanography and pursue that as a career.”

30 l the viewpoint l may 2014

by Chrissi Carter, Connor Cox and Lexi

Antania Garibaldi

“I think senioritis hit me hard more during the middle of the year. The work became a hassle and an overload.”

Sam Foltz

“I felt senioritis towards the end of junior year because I just want to finish IB. “

Alesa Sumpter

“I’m feeling senioritis because I’m ready to just move on from high school.”

Ashley Friedl

“I plan to, after spring break, give up. I plan to do well until then, because how bad can I do in the two weeks that follow spring break?”

Alexis Wood

“I’ve been feeling senioritis since freshman year because I am past the high school stage. Four years in the same school is too long.”

Dontey Branch

“I’ve been feeling senioritis since the second week of school because I already know what I want to do after school.”

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The Viewpoint staff would like to give a huge “thank you” to all of our followers on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Much of our success lies in all of the support we’ve received on social media sites and without all of the support, our publication would not be the publication it is today. In the past couple years, our publication was rebooted into a magazine format, we’ve gone through three publishers and lost a lot of experience last year. Not once did the support of the students weaken or criticize the publication. For that, we would like to again thank the entire school for supporting us in our endeavors and not giving up on us.

-John Keppeler