drew gunther
s e l i F . C . D e h T Stories from the Nation’s Capital
Insight
February 4, 2009
Need Service Hours? As part of our senior gift the Class of 2009, working with local Landscape Architect Doug Bibb, is redoing the Senior Courtyard and we need lots of help with the renovation! Work on the courtyard will be done in two, four hour shift from 8am-11am and 1pm-4pm on March 14th, 21st and 28th (weather permitting). We hope to get between 30 and 40 students per shift. Student volunteers would be responsible for jobs such digging holes, planting flowers, removal of debris from the courtyard. Several student organiziations have already volunteered their time including:
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“Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends -- hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history.” -President Barack Obama, Inaugural Address
2009 Inauguration by the Numbers
integrated school was challenging at times. When she signed up for a black history course in high school, she was the only white girl in the class. “It was the first year we integrated. The students were very upset,” Clark said. “ I would come in, and there would be trash on my seat. It was very clear that I wasn’t welcome.” Regardless of the racial barriers, Clark stayed in the class for the remainder of the year and learned that through interacting with others, one can find commonality. “In February, we had black history week,” Clark said. “For our class, we had to put on a show. Our school was still very segregated, so theatre was what the white kids did. Then we started actually bonding because we had this activity to do together. At the time, we were still having a lot of walk-outs and fights, but the play was well received.” While just 40 years ago segregation was still a cause of violence in Northern Virginian schools, now the nation can hold a national gathering to celebrate the swearing in of an African American president without violence. “Two million people were in D.C. yesterday, not one arrest,” Metcalf said. “You would expect one or two people to get over-excited and have to get taken in, but no. Not one.” While some came to watch a cause they had spent months working to achieve its goal, others came to give back. For Machesney, attending the inauguration was not her original plan. However, when she found out the food stands on the Mall needed volunteers, she gladly accepted the opportunity. “I wasn’t involved [in the campaign] at all,” Machesney said. “But then my dad said he needed help, so I thought it
was a once in a lifetime chance to go to the inauguration. I was working for a lot of it, but I could hear the speeches and performances going on.” Most D.C. suburb residents take the political culture the community is so often exposed to for granted. For Machesney, experiencing politics in Washington up close was a new occurrence. “I’m new here, so it was a really cool opportunity,” Machesney said. “We heard about politics in Wisconsin, but being in D.C., where it’s all happening, is different.” For older generations, being a part of two million people gathered regardless of race, age, gender or class to watch the next president being sworn in was a representation of how far America has come. “It was moving just to see in that moment that America did elect his guy and hopefully he’ll pull it off,” Clark said. For the younger generations, Obama brings a new message of success and achievement that can be admired and followed. “I think it kind of proves that anything is possible,” Machesney said, “Anybody can do something if they really want to; they just have to work hard for it.” Whether the inauguration represented the breaking down of racial barriers or simply the message of hope and accomplishment, it was an experience shared by all Americans. “It’s not really personal; it’s universal, and I try to think of it that way all the time,” Metcalf said. - ellie kaufman, academics editor, can be reached at elena.kaufman@oaktonmedia.net. contributions from kyle hughes.
Oakton students joined the millions of Americans who convened on the National Mall to watch President Obama’s Inauguration
maggie auer
hen Obama walked out the whole crowd went silent,” said Liz Machesney, sophomore. “It was electric,” describes Eric Trude, junior. “I have never been to a rally that felt that unified by race, age, gender and class,” said SueAnna Clark, social studies teacher. The emotion, the electricity and the passion flowing through the crowd of people gathered at the National Mall that historic Tuesday was unprecedented. “When we got there at 4:30 in the morning, there weren’t that many people, but then gradually it just filled in,” Machesney said. “When the inauguration was happening, there was a sea of people. It was a huge wall.” In order to be a part of the welcoming committee for the 44th President, many braved the crowds, waited in lengthy metro lines and stood in frigid temperatures. To those who attended, this was not only an inauguration, but the dawn of a new era for this country. “For as long as I can remember, I’ve had Bush as a president,” Trude said. “Obama was definitely a breath of fresh air. It was a momentous occasion to see the first black president sworn in.” After putting in numerous volunteer hours, as well as investing both hope and heart into the Obama campaign, some came to watch all of their hard work pay off. Senior Danny Metcalf worked for the campaign and vigorously studied Obama’s policies in order to participate in a schoolwide televised debate, where he represented Obama. “It was definitely a sense of accomplishment for me,” Metcalf said. “I know I was only a small cog in the gears, but it really felt like I had contributed to that, and it felt great to see it all come full circle and get him inaugurated.” One of Metcalf ’s main jobs volunteering for the Obama campaign was registering new voters. For this election, young voters played a large part in getting Obama to the White House, but many young citizens cannot quite grasp the meaning of Obama’s presidency. “It’s [the younger] generation that made this happen,” Clark said. “I remember that I was in segregated schools in Alexandria, and I was there when they integrated. I just get it on a level that younger people don’t because those barriers have now been broken.” For Clark, being a white girl in an
$40 million 15,000 -18,000 volunteers helping Presidential Inaugural Committee around the city.
4,100
minimum number of portable toilets available to the public.
The estimated cost of the 2009 inaugural parade, balls, opening ceremonies, and other expenses for the Presidential Inaugural Committee.
13,000
military and civilian participants in the inaugural parade, including marching bands.
source: msnbc.com
POLitics
03
Acting Out
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Junior Albert Anderson takes advantage of the resources of the city by taking acting classes in D.C.
ashington, D.C. isn’t just a place for sight-seeing or taking pictures; it’s for participating as well. Albert Anderson, junior, participates in the arts life in D.C. by taking acting classes at the Studio Theatre and the Shakespeare Theatre, both located in the heart of the city. “D.C. is one of the best theater cities in America,” Anderson said. Anderson has taken classes in acting, characterization and auditioning, all taught by professional actors. “The teachers are Equity actors [part of the actor’s union], usually part of the theater or in a show there. You can make a lot of connections [at classes] with colleges and other theaters, especially New York City,” Anderson said. “A lot of people who’ve worked on Broadway move to D.C. and work there.” At the beginning of every class, the instructor leads warm-up exercises, which help get actors ready to speak and use movement in the session. Although the class takes place at a theater, they don’t always take place on stage. “[The classes] are usually in dance studios and black boxes [simple performance spaces.] It’s less intimidating,” Anderson said. Each class lasts either an entire Saturday or half of Saturday and Sunday. Students sign up for classes on a week-by-week basis. Some of Anderson’s classes were continuous, and others he took for one weekend. Acting classes provide the training he plans to use to advance his career in theatre arts. “Every time I go to class I learn something new. Acting is a progressive thing. I use what I learn in every show I do,” Anderson said. Anderson’s favorite classes are characterization classes because of the creativity he uses to come up with characters. It helps him to create a character when he’s cast in a play. “You have to create a whole background. You’re forced to improvise and learn the character.
You have to create relationships, learn how your character feels about things,” Anderson said. “In one workshop I was in, we talked to other students and observers while in character. Then we had a fake talent show where we performed in character. The goal was that people would think your character was you.” Acting is in Anderson’s blood. His mother worked in New York City as an actress before he was born. She signed him up to start taking classes when he was eight years old. Even though New York City is known for its many cultures that play into the theater scene, living near D.C. has other benefits. “I’m lucky to live next to D.C. because there’s a lot of art and diversity to take from [the city],” Anderson said. Not only does Anderson learn skills he can use while acting from these classes, he also networks with new and even sometimes important people. Though he hasn’t gotten an acting job from the classes, he has met people who could advance his career. He has also made interesting friends of the students who take classes with him. “My aunt was kidnapped a long time ago, and I met the daughter of the man who saved her life at a class one time,” Anderson said, “And I’ve kept up with a bunch of friends I’ve met in class. We sometimes hang out during a break or after class in the city and we eat.” Though acting can be a great hobby and pastime, Anderson feels that classes are most beneficial to serious actors. “They’re great; they’re a lot of fun and they’re - amanda herman, staff very, very helpful,” writer, can be reached Anderson advised, “I at amanda.herman@ would only recommend oaktonmedia.net. taking them, though, if you want to become an actor.” photo coutesy of albert anderson
Upcoming Plays at the Shakespeare Theatre The Dog in the Manger 2/10- 3/29 Lansburgh Theatre An aristocratic young women who rejects many suitors while pursuing a forbidden love with a man from a much lower class. by Lope de Vega. Ion 3/10-4/12 Sidney Harman Hall An Ancient Greek tale about a boy who grows up an orphan at Apollo’s temple. Then one day his mother comes to worship at the temple and he is forced to comfront his past and future. King Lear 6/16-7/19 Sidney Harman Hall One of Shakespeare’s must famous tragedies about a king’s decision to divide his kingdom among his three daughters.
source: www.shakespearedc.org
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Ushering in Some Great Theater Washington, D.C. is a great theater city. Every weekend, there is bound to be a play being performed. English teacher Jacqueline Foote loves the theater. To be able to go see some of her favorite plays without paying the $75 ticket price, she volunteers as an usher at two theaters in the District.
QA QA
. Where do you volunteer? . The Shakespeare Theater and the New Harman Center
QA
. Why did you decide to volunteer? . I do it because I love going to the theater, but it cost a lot of money. Being an English teacher, I love Shakespeare and Molière. It’s a nice way to go and enjoy the shows and improve myself professionally as well as personally. I’ve seen some plays I have never seen before. The other thing you get to do [as a volunteer] is meet critics and some of the actors and you can have discussions with them about what they are doing and their interpretations of play. It seems like every time I see a play, even if I’ve seen it before, there is always such a different interpretation and a different thing to learn that I can then take back to my students.
Q A
. Why would you recommend that high school stu. What do you do there? dents go to the theater? . I usher, basically I help out with whatever . You have to go to see the plays to understand the they need. I work at matinees with a friend. We comedy and the tragedy in them. When we read show people their seats, we collect tickets, we give out any them in class, there are parts that are hard to understand information needed, etc. We show up a little early for the because they are supposed to be acted out. They were show to start helping out, and then we find a couple empty written to be performed. seats to enjoy the show from. We’ve found that if we usher in the front section by the time the show starts there are always a few empty seats. I’ve been able to be in the front - erica wohlleben, insight editor, can be reached at erica. couple of rows for a lot of great shows. wohlleben@oaktonmedia.net.
ARTS
s ’ u r W Yea
The stages of Washington, D.C. attract some of the biggest names in music. On New Year’s Day, the Wu Tang Clan came to the 9:30 club for an unforgettable performance.
W
hen I first heard that the Wu-Tang Clan Unbeknownst to me at the time, the 9:30 club was comprised mostly of their notable, older songs as well was coming to Washington, D.C. on New named such for a reason, and the first opening act did as a solo track from each of the more prominent memYear’s day, despite all of my credentials as not walk on stage until exactly 9:30. Two minor, barely bers of the group. a teenage guy and hardcore hip-hop fan, I was giddy decent acts affiliated with Wu-Tang Clan came on and Seemingly before it had begun, the members of the like a preteen girl with backstage passes to meet The performed two minor, barely decent sets for about 30 group were trickling off stage around 12:30 to their Backstreet Boys. For years “The Clan” has been one of minutes each. designated after-party site. After reaching over the my favorite groups and having reThe RZA, the GZA, Masta guard rail to grab a promotional poster and high-five cently missed a chance to see them As a die-hard fan, I spent most of the time in Killa, Inspectah Deck, Raethe members U-God and Cappadonna, we left the club over the summer, I was thrilled to kwan, U-God, Cappadonna, to get back to our car. awe that I was even there, enjoying songs I see 8 of the 9 existing members and Ghostface Killah stormed Our night was not over yet, however, as our impecknew word-for-word from their creators. traveling to D.C. to celebrate the the stage and opened a blistercable timing put us face-to-face with member Inspec- ethan doyle, sr. ing set with a few classics from New Year. tah Deck as he was leaving the club’s back exit to retire I bought tickets online and their first album. By that time in the tour bus. He graciously signed our posters and began making plans with a group of friends to go to my friends and I had jostled, squeezed, pushed and shoes and took pictures with us before stepping on to the 9:30 club, a popular, medium-sized night club on shoved our way right up to the rail, an arms-length the bus, concluding our Wu Year’s Day celebration. U Street, to see the show. The tickets were expensive, away from the band. - ethan doyle, editor in chief, can be reached at ethan.doyle@ over $50 per person, but they proved to be well worth The atmosphere of the club was raucous as “The oaktonmedia.net. it. Clan” brought the ruckus for a set that Usually the trip to the 9:30 club is a breeze, requirlasted over 90 minutes. As a die-hard ing only one change from the orange line to the green fan, I spent most of the time in line at Metro Center, but unfortunately the Metro awe that I was even there, closed at 12 New Year’s night. My friends and I deenjoying songs I knew cided not to risk being stranded in D.C. after midnight word-for-word and chose to make the drive. from their D.C.’s meandering streets and confusing roundcreators. abouts can be a nightmare for inexperienced drivers The set and my parents were very wary about letting me drive was through the city after dark. However, a handy GPS system saved the day, and our ride over, and I would recommend any kid driving through the city make and Brazil and cool vintage stuff.” t has been 20 years since video sure they have one handy. Karrackchew began her hobby almost three years killed the radio star, and since Despite the frigid cold that night, we decided to ago, buying her first record while shopping for a friend. that time, iPods and other forms leave at five, early enough to wait outside the doors Although she has over 200 CDs and a huge collection of of digital music have completely taken for 45 minutes before they opened at 7. To me, the music on her computer, she is always on the hunt for new over. However, some music enthusiasts wait was worth it, as we were the second row back records. like sophomore Yasmina Karrackchew have from the stage before any of the fireworks had “When I last went I bought three records: Feminist discovered a niche within Washington D.C. where even begun. Then began the waiting game: twoSweepstakes by Le Tigre, Combat Rock by the Clash and she can keep the vinyl stars alive. and-a-half hours of it.
I
Coming soon to the 9:30 Club Rodney AtkinsSaturday 2/14 7:00 pm Mos DefMonday 2/23 6:30 and 9:30 pm Ben KwellerThursday 2/26 7:00 pm The PoguesWednesday 3/18 7:00 pm source: www.930.com
EnTERTAINment
Vintage Vinyls:
Students explore the antique boutiques of Northwestern D.C.
a record by the Cure,” Karrackchew recalled. “I currently Outside of the historic monuments and bustling government buildings, there are vibrant neighborhoods have about 50 vinyl records, but I am hoping to get more soon.” filled with interesting shops, independent restaurants Collecting records may seem like an outdated hobby, and unique culture. Karrackchew enjoys the counterbut Karrackchew argues that there is more to accumulating culture appeal of the Northwestern parts of the city to vinyl records than just building a collection. keep up her hobby. “When I started listening to records I realized something “I metro into Adams Morgan and Dupont Circle in about them just sounded more raw.” Karrackchew said. [Washington] D.C. every two weeks to shop for records. It “There is just something about listening to records; it feels only takes about 30 minutes to get there, and I usually end like you are hearing the music better.” up staying a few hours,” Karrackchew said. “I usually go Outside of record shopping, there is much to do around with my brother, but last time I went was Saturday [Jan] 24 the unique districts of Adams Morgan and Dupont Circle. with two of my friends.” Santoli especially enjoyed the change in atmosphere Julia Santoli, a friend of Karrackchew, accompanied and environment she feels while walking the streets of her and enjoyed the taste of the city she experienced while Northwestern D.C. shuffling through shelves of old vinyls. Although she visits “Adams Morgan was a bit sketchy, but I kind of like Georgetown to shop once or twice a month, it was her first it more that way; it gives the city more personality,” time shopping for records in the area. Santoli said. “There are a bunch of cool vintage shops and “I always like going to D.C.,” Santoli explained. “It was interesting places. In D.C. there is more culture and unique cool going to the music stores especially because they stuff.” are independently owned, so there’s more variety and music you can’t find at other places. I got a William Borroughs book, but there were a lot of really cool - ethan doyle, editor in chief, can be reached at ethan.doyle@ oaktonmedia.net. other things there, lots of records from Europe
05
How does our proximity to D.C. affect your education? “My friend and “Going to D.C. was a I took the Metvery enjoyable experience but educational at the same ro down to DC time. We went to the National and went to Gallery for AP Art History.” five different -Austin Johnson, Junior museums for an extra credit project in World History.” -Katie Koval, Junior
“I have yet to go on a field trip with World 2, but the juniors are going to the Newsuem this year. We do “It’s in our backyard. take advantage of I tell parents all the time D.C., especially govthat it is a lot easier taking ernment. It is very government in suburban Virbeneficial to us” ginia than Montana. The people –Tor Strom, World that I teach about are part of History teacher the community. It is a great re-
source for guest speakers as well as the Capital Hill trip.” -Eliot Waxman, Goverment Teacher
DC Through a Lens To enhance his AP Photography curriculum and for creative interest, Drew Gunther often ventures up to Washington, D.C. There he captures scenes of the city and finds different subjects that the suburbs just don’t offer.
Oakton Insight 06
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ate at night I sometimes find myself walking I run into. In a way I end up making the journey the down the middle of Independence Avenue, no destination. Most of the time when I visit the city I cars in sight and miles of green street lights, but have an idea of why I’m going there and other times I in the day time the streets are bustling and the sidejust end up following my feet, and usually when I have walks are awash of people. Imagine not caring about a plan made out I usually end up following the latter anything else except what you’re looking at through anyway. That’s what draws me to city so regularly, the your camera’s viewfinder. ability to not be tied down by a strict itinerary and to When I go to the District at anytime, during the day, be able to flow from place to place without being told at night or even early in the morning, the city is never where you need to be or need to go. the same, shadows are cast in all different directions In the District nothing every stays the same for and the sun is in one point of the sky or the other. No long, something is always being torn down to be matter how many times I visit the same spot of the replaced with the new and the people who visit are district my photographs never come out the same. always different so no matter when I go I’m bound to That’s what I enjoy most about shooting photographs see something interesting and new to capture with my in the City. Sometimes my favorite part of going to the camera. city isn’t even in being there; sometimes I end up just riding the metro throughout the entire city and take - drew gunther, photography editor, can be reached at drew. photographs of all of the different types of people that gunther@oaktonmedia.net.
Insight is an in-depth supplement to the Outlook, focusing on a single, general subject each issue. Comments regarding its content should be directed to editors@ oaktonoutlook.com. Reader opinions are important to Insight and contributions are welcome.
Insight Editor: Erica Wohlleben Staff: Chris Weil Ellie Kaufman
s ACADEMICS
row, row, row your boat
F
fiercely down the Potomac
or most student-athletes, sports practice only requires a short commute to the school gym, track or field. However, rowers have to find a body of water for practice. When the crew team is not in season, another option is to head out to the Potomac River, where some students choose to row privately during the summer and fall. One of the programs, Thomson’s Boat Center or TBC, allows rowers to practice on the Potomac and compete in races around the country and in Canada. For rowers in the off-season, the program presented an opportunity to become a better athlete and prepare for the upcoming season. “I decided to do it because Oakton doesn’t offer rowing in the summer or fall, and it’s a good way to meet other people who are competitive in the sport,” said senior Kelly Binder. “It’s a lot more competitive, so you learn better form and technique.” The program exposes high school athletes to different coaching styles, different competitions and a variety of other valuable experiences. Being on the Potomac allowed rowers to watch college teams practice and even compete against them. “There were a lot of other boats on the river from Georgetown University and Washington,” Binder said. “We had these Friday night fights where we got to actually race against the college boats. We won a couple.” For Binder, the experience on TBC helped her prepare for a future college career in crew, and it helped her meet college coaches. She is now currently deciding between Villanova University and
the University of Rhode Island for crew and ROTC scholarships. “For Rhode Island, the coach actually came down to D.C. and sat in on one of our practices,” Binder said. “The other coach I met during the summer at the national competition.” By being exposed to different coaching styles, students gained new experience and learned from former collegelevel rowers about technique. “All of our coaches are ex-rowers for high school or college,” said senior Rachel Hettler. “You learn different ways that coaches can teach.” The competitive program provided athletes with challenges that will benefit them in the spring season, beginning on Feb. 23. Most of the races and practices were harder and longer than those on the high school team. “We had three or four regattas, but they are called head races, and they are quadruple the length we do in the spring,” Hettler said. “We had practice six days a week for two to three hours.” Rowing on the Potomac is much different from rowing on the Occoquan, where the high school team practices. Although the Potomac provides a nice view for rowers, it presents other problems that the Occoquan doesn’t have. “The only problems we had were sometimes with the weather because it’s more rough than being on the Occoquan,” Hettler said. “The Occoquan is
really closed in, and it has a lot of trees, but the Potomac is more open, and it has bigger boats that create wake.” Although rowing on the Potomac presented its own set of challenges, overall rowers benefitted from a variety of opportunities offered by the club. “In the fall season we went up to a college race in Boston, and we saw the Olympic team race,” Binder said. “At the Potomac we had the Special Olympics team come. It was a touching experience.” The club did present many opportunities that simply cannot be attained on a high school team. However, commuting to D.C. after school every day for two to three hour practices was no easy feat. “It takes up a lot of time, especially time I could be using to do my homework,” Binder said. “During the school year when we have to take the metro there and drive there during traffic hours, it definitely puts you home later.” - ellie kaufman, academics editor, can be reached at elena.kaufman@oaktonmedia. net.
s s e c c m su
a e t race
b m e Fans
For the past couple of years, most Washington area professional sports teams haven’t given us much to cheer about. But with a record of 32-15-4, the Washington Capitol’s season is really heating up. Even though a lot of the metropolitan area might be getting into hockey for the first time in light of the success of our home team, Seniors Sean Czerniak, Farshin Yeganeh, Neal Hendricks and Sophomore Bobby Alvai have been major fans since they were kids.
Athletics
Q:
What was it that made you a Caps fan?
A:
Senior Sean Czerniak: “Neal [Hendricks] made me a fan, and watching the Mighty Ducks.” Senior Farshin Yeganeh: “Jan. 7, 2002 changed my life, my first ever game. I was 11 and in fifth grade, my dad called and was like, “I got tickets to a Caps game.” We played the Florida Panthers and we lost 2-1, but the moment, the intensity and everything was what caused me to become a fan. The funny thing, we missed the first goal; luckily it happened to be a Panther’s goal. I was there for our goal and remember getting scared because I didn’t know they had a goal horn, much less something that loud, but it was worth it when you hear it. Like now, it's like a whistle it's so
alena schwarz
quiet, but back then it seemed like a fire truck blaring its horn right next to you or a monster truck engine turning on right next to you.” Senior Neal Hendricks: “I [really became a fan] when I started going to games with my family” Sophomore Bobby Alavi: “I became a fan from watching the sport at a young age and I could stand up for it when others said it was [lame].”
do you like about the Q:What team?
A:
SC: “I like how you can get cheap student tickets.” FY: “The new young players are good. I think the rebuild helped; it built up a lot of emotion.” NH: “The new jerseys are pretty cool. I
also like Donald Brashear, he’s the best.” BA: “The Caps don’t disappoint. Every day there’s a Caps game, I feel better.”
do you like about goQ:What ing to games?
A:
FY: “It’s great coming together in groups for Student Rush.” NH: “I like how many fans come. There’s a lot of energy and it gets really loud.” BA: “I love the adrenaline rush I get when I go to the games. The atmosphere at the arena, the passionate fans and how everyone says the best games to watch live are hockey [games].”
- alena schwarz, sports editor, can be reached at alena.schwarz@oaktonmedia. net
07