Out Oakton
Undefeated
Girls basketball team wins the state championship for the first time in school history
Volume 46 Issue 7
ook March 15, 2012
feature Small budget shoppers rejoice at a variety of better-priced second-hand boutiques in the area.
news Cougar Chorus evokes a classic, chill corner-cafĂŠ atmosphere with its monthly Coffeehouse.
opinion Google Plus brings nothing new to the already vast world of social networking.
indepth A change in the schedule for next year forces students to reevaluate class decisions.
a&e Taste Quest journeys for the most scrumptious chicken wings around.
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letter from the editors Dear students of Oakton, Although the past issue about marijuana got everyone all riled up and excited, we have moved on to less melodramatic topics. That is not to say that this issue will be boring in any way. No, dear students, this issue is the height of excitement, the top tamale, the number one nacho, the best burrito. After months of no use, the Career Center is finally being opened (page 7). Confused and desperate students, struggling with college options and career choices, now have their very own messiah, Kimberly Harris. On to a completely unrelated topic, teachers from other countries have begun visiting and observing our classes (page 10). The “Teaching Excellence and Achievement” program gives teachers the opportunity to visit foreign schools and learn from them. On to a somewhat related topic, the bell schedule will once again be changed for next year (page 18). It seems impossible for Fairfax County to keep the same schedule for more than two years. There is something to be said for consistency. For those of you jock types, we review the results of the girls’ basketball game (page 22). Hopefully we bust the myth that boys put more effort into athletics than girls. We have also busted the most common myths about our lovely school’s infrastructure (page 28), namely the ridiculous yet popular notions that our school is haunted by both restless spirits and the looming spectre of disproportional athletic spending.
Yours, Gabriela Driscoll Shannon Ragan
Outlook Staff Editors in Chief Gabriela Driscoll Shannon Ragan
News Editor
Sports Editor
Alex Belden Cole Neuffer
Allie Berube Spencer Conley
Business Manager
Feature Editor
Garrett Allen Ria Bhatia
Madlin Mekelburg Copy Editor
Opinions Editor
Marilyn Yang
Kim Gibbons
InDepth Editor
Online Editor Oliver Lopez-Gomez Photo Editor
Michelle Lorusso A&E Editor Emma Mankin
Isabella Kidane
Adviser Lauren Luna
Staff Melanie Aguilar Erin Bennett Sofia Crutchfield Reina Datta Conner Dick Rawan Elbaba Lauren Embroski Christian Forbes Karli Gillespie Daniel Greene Caroline Hipwell Callum Kelton
Christina Lee Nathan Lilande Jackson Lizardo Kari Maharaj Ramya Mukalla Reid Perkins Alana Peters Emma Pfeifer Jennifer Prosser Andy Reed Carly Stonehouse Alex Xenos
Editorial Policy The Outlook is an open forum for student expression. Unsigned editorials reflect the collective opinion of the Outlook staff. Signed editorials represent the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Outlook or Oakton High School. Reader opinions are important to the Outlook and contributions are welcome. Make your voice heard by sending us a line about what’s on your mind. Letters to the editor may be sent via email to shannon. ragan@oaktonoutlook.com or dropped off in Mrs. Luna’s box in the main office or in room 196. The Outlook reserves the right to edit submissions for grammar and content provided the meaning remains unchanged. Cover Photo By Gary Sousa
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letter march 15, 2012
gabriela driscoll
In your dreams Bizarre creations of the subconscious
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I was frolicking with ponies.
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rumtin aidun, gleefully equestrian junior
I was hiding in a Hollister store from Voldemort.
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lana bean, fashionably nose-challenged senior
I woke up in the morning, found some frogs inside my socks. Put some boots on and met a cat. His name was Mr. Edmitten. Mr. Edmitten (the kitten) loved tuna and dancing in a tux on the piano. He had no friends. His mother’s name was Mayor Winnieham. She was a horse.
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chris graham, spontaneously animalistic sophomore
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I was riding a tricycle and running away from two guys that were trying to kidnap me.
caroline fisher, acrobatically astute freshman
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I see pandas in the majority of my dreams. stenson crews, beary bamboozled senior
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I was running on a cliff, and then a unicorn with wings came down and told me I could fly, so I jumped on the unicorn and flew. Then I fell into the ocean and woke up.
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sophia silver, magically mythical freshman
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recurring march 15, 2012
I had a recurring dream that I got kidnapped by really creepy men and they put me in a box and buried me alive in our coat closet... no one ever found me.
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monica ten-kate, claustrophobically pursued senior
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in brief
MUN dominates at Boston
From Feb. 24 to Feb. 26, Model UN members dominated the 11th Model UN conference held at Boston University. After months of research and mock trials, student delegates immersed themselves in international conflict ranging from the Allied Occupation in Japan to international security. Seniors Angela Roller, Jake Wagner, Irene Arora, junior Lorelei Christie and sophomores Evelyn Wang, Ajay Mehta and Taseen Haque rang up a total of seven delegates representing Oakton HS. Roller won the Best Delegate award and gavel for her committee. “I represented John Henry Sununu in the Historical Joint Crisis committee,” said Angela Roller. “[We] debated…the Panama Canal Zone and the War on Drug.” Roller had to wake up at 1:30 AM for the midnight crisis, which “included taking members hostage, assassinating some of my committee members [and] bilateral meetings between the groups.”
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AP Trifecta visits Chinese Embassy
The Super Seminar class, taught by Rebecca Small and Sidney Dillon, paid a visit to the Chinese Embassy in D.C. on Feb. 29. The trip was a co-curricular connection to the class’s comparative government China unit. They were given a tour, followed by a video on China and a Q&A session. “When students asked questions about the state of Taiwan and Tibet, the Secretary of Education became quite tense and very defensive,” said senior Emma Kitchen. “The trip really drove home how the Chinese, or at least their government reps, feel about their country, and how important U.S.-China relations are.”
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On Feb. 28, AP Photo students went to the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. to explore historical and modern artwork. Renowned American portrait photographer Annie Leibovitz’s Pilgrimage Exhibit was the focal point of the trip. “We were trying to understand why she went on this so-called pilgrimage,” said senior Tulsi Ratnam. Students viewed most of Leibovitz’s work, including the iconic photo of a TV that Elvis shot with a gun in the 1970’s. “When we got [to the museum], I was mesmerized by the TV exhibit,” said senior Sarah Mahmood. “There were different TV’s representing each state and they all formed in the shape of the US. The TV representing Kansas was showing the ‘Wizard of Oz’ and everything was outlined by neon lights—it was amazing.”
courtesy of nikki do
news
AP Photo tours Portrait Gallery
Sophomores Elizabeth Shin and Eric Yoon have fun face painting at the Key Club Winter Carnival to raise money for Project ELIMINATE.
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Key Club works with Project ELIMINATE
courtesy of sidney dillon
For those not in Key Club, you’ve probably been wondering why students have been donning light and dark blue wristbands for the past few weeks. On Feb. 25, members of the Oakton Key Club teamed up with other 20B division members to host the Key Club Winter Carnival at Centreville HS. In alliance with UNICEF and The ELIMINATE Project, Key Club raised money to donate to African women and children who are suffering from maternal and neonatal tetanus. With a painfully high death rate of 60,000 women and infants, this lethal disease requires immunization for 100 million victims, roughly at the cost of $110 million, for complete elimination. Although it was open to everyone, the carnival mainly attracted children and their families. Volunteers were in charge of activities such as face painting, musical chairs, guessing jar, basketball, tic-tac-toe and bean bag toss. Oakton members put together a silent auction basket for “movie-night” themed items and was also in charge of the face-painting booth and guessing jars at the carnival. “It was fun raising a lot of money,” said sophomore Caitlin Yee. “It was a win-win for everyone.” Thanks to the fundraiser, Key Senior Aarya Sawant asks a hard-hitting question he prepared with Club was able to raise $2000 including wristband sales. the rest of the Trifecta government class at the Chinese Embassy.
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news march 15, 2012
erin bennett staff writer
Exhibition of excellence
Students prepare for the upcoming Exhibition of Learning where they will be showcasing their interests and talents in a display. The exhibition is an opportunity to expose the community to the projects and innovations that Oakton students work on throughout the year, and how they can relate these projects to the working world. all photos by erin bennett
briana stewart, 11 “By presenting the project at the exhibition, I want to show how beneficial the writing center is in terms of helping students improve their writing. People in the community may not necessarily know as much about the writing center so I will be giving an informative presentation to gain awareness and promote the writing center to anyone who want to know more about it.”
karina nyman, 9 “The Exhibition of Learning is a way for us to highlight the things we have learned to the community. I’m presenting my enduring legacy project from history which describes how Greek theater has had an enduring influence on modern theater. I will be explaining the process of making the poster as well as how I had to research and collaborate with others to make my project come together.”
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Students right now are nervous because it is the first time Oakton has done something like the Exhibition of Learning and they are not really sure what it is going to look like, but both students and teachers are excited because they have a more authentic audience to present their project to and it is a wonderful opportunity for the community to see the great things that Oakton does.
- sara licklider, English teacher
tommy clark, 9
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Check out all the finished projects on March 20-21 from 6:30-8:30 pm.
“In the Exhibition of learning, I will be presenting a helicopter I made for the Science Olympiad. To make the helicopter it required a lot of planning and designing, so I want to be able to show the community that not only do we complete school assignments, but we also create things that will help us in different industries later in life, such as Engineering and Physics.”
austin kendall, 11 “At the Exhibition of Learning I will be presenting my mechanical candy dispenser from engineering class. I want to show the community that there’s more to these inventions than meets the eye. For example, while most people see a simple candy dispenser they do not see the intricate designing process and the hours of manual labor required to create a machine.”
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news march 15, 2012
news
Chorus coffeehouse: a concert series
While enjoying a tasty treat and a cup of coffee, guests were be able to relax and enjoy performances by the Oakton Choral Department. From Jazz to Broadway, fellow students, along with some special guests, performed in small groups or as soloists. The concerts, which run from February to May, each have a different central theme. There will also be a different set of performers at each concert. Nikki Do, senior, who performed at the February 17th performance with Rachel Platten’s song titled “Thousand Ships,” said that the
concert was a minor success. “About forty people showed up. Most of the audience consisted of parents and friends, but it was still a lot of fun,” said Do. “Chorus baked the treats, and the coffee wasn’t bad either.” When asked why Chorus decided to hold this concert series, Do said that “normally Chorus has Cougar Cabaret. It is a lot of fun and is usually really successful, so Chorus wanted to do something similar, but on a smaller scale.” Although the last concert was a minor success, Do says that future performances are in jeopardy
cole neuffer news editor of being cancelled. While the March 2nd concert did happen, and the performances were excellent, Chorus still needs more people to attend. “We just need more people to come and enjoy music with us,” Do said. The past concert, “Valuable Voices” enabled underclassmen to show their talents while the audience enjoyed the same array of delicious treats and warm coffee. Chorus hopes that they can continue the series in order to allow its singers to perform and showcase their hard work and talent.
cole neuffer
April 13th 7:00pm “Rising Stars” OHS chorus members are joined by middle school chorus students from our feeder schools. May 4th 7:00pm “Simply Spring” OHS chorus members celebrate the beginning of spring.
Career Center reopens with new counselor from California
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here have been many changes “Once I am more adjusted, and [if the in the Guidance department office approves], I want to add more this year. Due to two counselors to the Center,” Harris said. “Currently taking maternity leave, last year’s Career the Career Center offers a library of Center counselor, Danielle Coniglio, books, CDs and pamphlets. I can help was made the counselor for students out with general questions that people with last names want to know. We from JUOdidn’t have FamCurrently the Career Center MAH. This left ily Connections in offers a library of books, CDsCalifornia because it a whole in the and pamphlets. Center, causing it was too expensive,” to close. Recently “When I found out kimberly harris, career center counseler Kimberly Harris that they had it here was hired as the new Career Center I got so excited.” counselor. The Career Center offers important “Before I moved to Virginia in 2010 tools for students of all grades. It can I ran a college and career center in help you prepare for upcoming college California,” said Harris. “Right before I applications and visits. Harris can also came here I worked at a private univeroffer assistance to students who need sity as an academic advisor.” help choosing a career path, providing Everything that was offered before information on financial aid and finding in the Center is still being offered. scholarships and military information. However, Harris hopes to add more alex belden opportunities if the office approves. news editor
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Family Connections has a lot to offer for every grade level. Here are some examples of what you can do...
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Create a resume for college or jobs.
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Apply for scholarships.
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Check statuses on transcripts.
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Compare your SAT scores to college scores.
*For more information on Family Connections, contact Kimberly Harris
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news march 15, 2012
Budding art historians retrace the brushstrokes of the past Independent art study students share oft-forgotten chapters of art history
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n March 1, 2012, Independent Art Study students lifted the cloth off several months’ worth of research and passionate inquiry with the Third Annual Art History Symposium. Normally filled with the nauseating drones of rote administrative procedure, the Lecture Hall was filled with discourse in a more expressive vein, as well as light refreshments and the eager ears of audience members, comprised of interested students, teachers and parents. Ashleigh Wilson, senior, and Sofia Diez, junior, commenced the afternoon’s presentations by shedding light on the oft-neglected role of female artists in 20th century art. The pair highlighted the artistic achievements of German anti-war activist Kathe Kollwitz, African-American conceptual photographer Lorna Simpson and the iconoclastic art of gender equality advocates Guerilla Girls. The presenters did an excellent job of accentuating the main themes of the artists, including women’s role in an artistic society dominated by men. Paola Carreno, senior, also gave a voice to an artist silenced by time and drowned out by more dominant tones. To those even outside the artistic community, revolutionary painter Pablo Picasso is a household name. An artist not so well-known is a colleague and close friend Picasso collaborated with to produce some of the great works and most innovative styles of the early 20th century, Georges
emma pfeifer The audience enraptured by the presentation in progress
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emma pfeifer
Sofia Diez and Ashleigh Wilson present the works of Lorna Simpson.
news march 15, 2012
Braque. Carreno brought up the background of both artists, highlighting their drastically different origins, followed by their mutual influence in the development of Analytical Cubism. Tense genre debates were brought up with artist Meret Oppenheim’s “Object (Le Dejeuner en Fourrure)”, presented by Mary Kate Mehegan, junior, and Alyssa Golombik, junior. It was interesting to see the subtle differences between the Dada and Surrealist movements, and the presenters opinion’s on exactly where the piece falls genre-wise. Lastly, Laura Preaskorn, junior, capped off the afternoon’s presentation portion with an indepth exploration of the real-life woman behind the Mona Lisa’s vague grimace, as well as the vast cultural influences of the famous painting. The rather convivial afternoon was ended by a National Art Honor Society induction and congratulatory words by guest speaker John M. Adams, K-12 Art Resource Teacher for FCPS. As listeners’ heads left the Lecture Hall filled with images of furry cups, cubism, and both famous and not-so famous women throughout art history, both the presenters and Mr. Adams could feel accomplished knowing that for at least one afternoon minds were broadened and perspectives expanded by the revelatory power reid perkins of art.
staff writer
emma pfeifer Art-loving students listen closely.
emma pfeifer Students hone in on the story of anti-war artist Kathe Kollwitz.
feature
Admit One: Footloose Oakton’s team of actors come together in a production that will make you want to cut loose.
Emma Mankin, 12 Role: Ariel Moore
Aidan Smith, 12 Role: Ren McCormack
reina datta reina datta
The Directors:
Make sure to get your tickets:
Director: Vanessa Gelinas Vocal Director: Tiffany Powell Musical Director: Dr. Cheryl Newton
Presale: $8 At the door: $10
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reina datta staff writer
cathe rin
e reed
Aiden Smith busts a move during a rehearsal for Footloose. “Watching the play gradually come together is my favorite experience.” said Aidan Smith.
Some dance team members, including Sophia Calopedis, senior, have volunteered to be dancers in the Footloose production. “It’s fun having dance team girls doing it,” Calopedis said. “Our season may be over, but I still get to see them.”
catherine re ed
ased on Rodgers and Hammerstein’s adaptation of “Footloose”, Oakton’s interpretation, will bring the characters and music to life in this high energy musical. When Ren McCormack, played by senior Aidan Smith, and his mother move from Chicago, Ren is prepared for the adjustment to his new school. However, he isn’t prepared for the restrictions, including a ban on dancing set by the local preacher, who attempts to control the town’s youth. The preacher’s rebellious daughter, Ariel Moore, played by senior Emma Mankin, sets her sights on Ren, which creates problems with other characters throughout the play. This story is a classic, however, students at Oakton don’t know what to expect with this version of the play. “Dancing is my favorite part of muscials,” says Caitlin Yee, sophomore “I hope they put energy into the dance numbers.” As the opening date on March 29 draws near, the actors and actresses think about how far they have come, and what they think students will remember about their show. “My favorite thing about being in the cast is that we all challenge each other and push one another to our limits so that we can achieve our best,” says Mankin. “As of right now the progress of the show is going pretty smoothly. I am confident that the show will be where we want it to be by opening night,” said Lauren Frautschi, a sophomore in the cast. “I think the students will notice the bond all of the actors have, and the cast will remember all the great friends we made during this process.”
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feature march 15, 2012
all photos courtosy of john skyles
A not so secret agent
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akton is by no means known for its buzzing criminal activity and compared to other high schools in the U.S. it is relatively tame. The recent addition of John Skyles to the Oakton security staff will definitely aid in reinforcing a safe school environment. As a retired Secret Service Agent, having served from President Ford to President Clinton, he is far from inexperienced. Although Skyles majored in business and administration at the University of Wyoming, after speaking with his uncle who worked in the government, Skyles interviewed for a position on the Secret Service staff. “I was hired after an intense background investigation,” Skyles said. “The investigator actually stopped by my house to introduce himself. He said ‘I wanted to meet you because I’ve never met a high school or college student that hasn’t done something wrong in their lifetime.’” Skyles’ personality and dedication to responsibility may have predisposed him to be an ideal candidate for the Secret Service, but he still had to spend three months training; toning his physical shape, learning the correct way to handle firearms and mastering important driving skills. “They had Nascar instructors teaching us how to drive,” Skyles said. “You learn how to high-speed chase, do J-turns and all of those cool turns you see in the movies.” All of Skyles’ hard work paid off. As a Secret Service agent, he was able to meet Princess Dianna and Mother Teresa, and he was also blessed by the Pope. “I got to travel all around the world, to places you don’t want to go, and places you do,” Skyles said. “I got to see people and go places I never would madlin mekelburg have gotten to if I hadn’t been in that feature editor position.”
As a Secret Service agent, Skyles worked in close quarters with the first family. “Everything you heard around the first family is confidential,” Skyles said. “That way they feel comfortable having you around.”
Although Skyles is used to working with Presidents and other important people, he has enjoyed his time at Oakton so far. “I enjoy the staff here, and the students are very nice,” Skyles said. “Everyone has been very welcoming.”
Exchange teachers visit Oakton
For the last few weeks, Oakton has been hosting eight teachers from around the world through the Teaching Excellence and Achievement program, run by the state department. . After being selected from thousands of applications, these teachers come to Oakton from Feb. 8 through March 7. Oakton volunteers for this program, because of the educational opportunities it provides these teachers, and Oakton teachers and students. Below, two of these teachers share their experiences and opinions about the American school system.
Dmytro Bekas, Ukraine
all photos by daniel greene
Dmytro Bekas, a Social Studies teacher from Ukraine, has been teaching for 10 years in classes fairly similar to those at Oakton. Bekas noticed a few differences between the U.S. and Ukraine, mainly regarding technology in the classroom. “We do not have the technical opportunities you have in American schools,” Bekas said. “We do not have as much equipment, Smart Boards, for example.” Bekas has enjoyed learning about the U.S. and all the new experiences. “The biggest culture shock has not been the roads or the school sizes but the amount and diversity of food,” Bekas said.
Rajesh Patil, India Rajesh Patil has been teaching English and History in an Indian government school for 21 years. While in the USA, he noticed the massive difference in class sizes. “The classes in India [are] typically around sixty students but can go up to 120,” Patil said. “Here the classes look empty.” Patil says he has learned a lot while staying here such as teaching methods along with American culture and has very much enjoyed the American experience.
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feature march 15, 2012
daniel greene staff writer
Answers for Annie party
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ot water. Something that we take for granted every day, is the cause of inspiration for Senior Kelsey Wildman, who in honor of her cousin Annie, created the “Answers for Annie Club.” The club was put together to raise money to buy a new solar water heater for the Kondanani Orphanage in Malawi, Africa. Raising money for the orphanage has always been close to the heart of the president and founder, Wildman. “My cousin was originally adopted from the orphanage in Malawi, Africa, and that led me and my family to be more aware and involved with the orphanage,” Wildman said. “Also, my Aunt, who just recently passed away, had an especially strong connection with the orphanage that made me want to help them even more.” To get the awareness across to other Oakton students, Wildman put up posters around the school to broadcast the club. This is what attracted vice president, Megan Cooney, to join the cause. “I saw posters literally everywhere, on every single wall. The posters were cute and vibrant, always catching my eye. So I decided to check it out,” Cooney said. Wildman, Cooney and the other eleven girls in the club, brainstormed and devised the idea to raise money through a party. This low budget party was held at the Vienna Community Center, accompanied by DJ Vilar, a volunteer DJ giving out two free Mac Miller tickets. “I have a mutual friend with Mac Miller’s marketing manager that actually came and asked me to be able to give free tickets at the party, so they could broadcast Mac Miller’s label to the high school students,” Wildman said. “I
Answers for Annie, a new club, held a party to raise money for orphans in Malawi, Africa carly stonehouse
Answers for Annie team members pose in front of their handmade sign before the party that night.
considered it a win-win situation; it gave me a great way to get people to come out and also helped out Mac Miller as well.” Wildman also met her initial goal of raising $4,000. She raised $2,090 from the 209 party attendees, and over $1,000 from friends and families of club members. Happy with the turnout Wildman is already making plans for another party later this spring. “I think people had a good time, so I’m hoping more people will come out to the next party,” Wildman said. “But regardless I’m definitely doing another; it was really successful, and the DJ already said he would do it again for free because carly stonehouse staff writer it was for a good cause.”
Scholastic art and writing awards
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photo courtesy of dylan staniszewski
Staniszewski’s extensive photography portfolio includes photos of everything from art work to animals, including her dog (pictured above). Since she stopped competitive swimming she has had more time to devote to her passion.
n Tuesday Feb. 21, seniors Mitchell Dollard and Tulsi Ratnam, and junior Dylan Staniszewski were awarded Scholastic Gold Key awards, for their art work. “I got my Gold Key for my work with computer graphics. After winning at the regional level, we go onto the national competition and if we win there it would be really cool,” Dollard said. “After college I want to work in Kinetic Imaging and Graphic design.” The students were recognized by The Alliance for Young Artists and Writers. It is a nonprofit organization that recognizes the creative works of teenagers all over the country for exhibition, publication and scholarship opportunities. “The Gold Key is basically the art equivalent of winning states. I used to
kari maharaj staff writer
be on swim team and that was my life but this year I really focused on my photography,” Staniszewski said. I want to do photography in college, I am obsessed with it.” Ratnam also received the Cluster VIII Assistant Superintendent’s award from Dr. Zuluaga for her photography portfolio along with a Gold Key. “I was really honored to even be recognized,” Ratnam said. “My portfolio was pictures of the seven deadly sins and then the last photo was of the sinner because in total we needed eight photos in our portfolios.” The Gold Key is the most prestigious of the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. The winning art and photos were on display at Northern Virginia Community College’s Annandale campus at the Ernst Community Cultural Center.
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feature march15, 2012
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Wide variety of clothes and shoes. Also offers electronics, artwork and sporting goods.
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3 Great selection of designer and moderate clothing, accessories, handbags, shoes, jewelry and more.
Consignment Boutique 141 Church Street NW #A Vienna, VA 22180 3
Student Band Battles at the 9:30 club Oakton students land their first gig at a famous club in D.C.
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embers of Pretend and Release got a huge break Sunday Feb. 19 scoring a spot at the infamous 9:30 club in D.C. “Overall the experience was very nerve raking, playing at such a big name club,” said senior Max Harrison lead guitarist. “But as soon as we started playing everything went away.” Pretend and Release formed in early June with Harrison on guitar and senior Ryan Hobbs strumming the bass. “Ryan and I were in a band earlier but most of the members were seniors,” Harrison said. “So we knew of some friends who could drum and sing and decided we didn’t want to leave the music scene.” After a summer of jamming and loose practices the final band debuted at Cougar Kick Off, with new additions Max Stabile moving to play on the drums and Ryan Mulreany singing lead vocals and playing guitar. “The only band I had ever been a part of was one in middle school called ‘The Conspiracy’ so it was nice to be in an organized
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band,” said Mulreany. The band practiced two times a week to stay up to speed on their music, and then they practice every day leading up to a show. Along with the kick off of their tour, the band is currently recording an album to be released in the spring. “Our fans can expect an eargasm from our CD in the spring, it’s great,” Harrison said. The band is a creative mesh of all the minds in the group, each with their own song. All the members of the band write and contribute to the lyrics. “My favorite song is ‘Can’t Help but Smile’ because when I wrote it the lyrics meant a lot” Mulreany said. Once you walked through the beaten down doors of the smug 9:30 club you enter a small hallway, where you can’t help but think to yourself “Am I at the right place or the wrong side of D.C.?” After you pass through this moment of shock and walk through the threshold of the stage door, you experience the full character of the 9:30 club: flashing lights, fog and screaming fans.
photo courtesy of stephanie miller
Lead singer Ryan Mulreany opens the night with an emotionally charged song at the highly esteemed 9:30 club. “The venue was great it was incredible seening all my friends show their support” Mulreany said.
“The atmosphere was great. There were over 300 people aside from our friends there,” Mulreany said. This concert was one of many stops on the Pretend and Release tour around the area, the next venue is the local Jamin Java on April 20, where you can expect to see a new mix of reggae.
spencer conley sports co-editor
pinions
Students weigh in on controversial topics in our daily lives
kim gibbons
FCPS takes honors classes in wrong direction
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e’ve all heard about the recent school board decision Government with English 12 Honors rather than with AP to restore several honors courses in high schools English 12 Lit, which is how it was previously offered. Many around the county. This decision has spurred much students are frustrated with this choice, as it is no longer debate over whether this decision will really benefit FCPS possible to take both AP Government and AP English 12 students and whether the strain put on teachers will be worth Lit. There are several situations such as this in the new class it. Parents, school board members and teachers continue to options that have caused frustration among students and toss ideas back and forth, despite the fact that the decision parents alike. to offer these courses has already been made. However, an The new options for honors classes are a wonderful addition important voice seems to be missing: the voice of The Staff Editorial to our curriculum, there’s no doubt about that. The FCPS students. only problem is the somewhat restricting ways in is the official Previously, sophomores were forced to choose which these classes are offered. Many students had opinion between AP and regular courses for their history already planned out their schedules for next year, and of the Outlook classes, and in junior year, had to make this the modification of class offerings has forced them decision not only for their history classes but for their English to reevaluate their choices. Students aren’t necessarily harmed classes as well. The same choices applied to seniors. However, by this decision, but for some, it has caused minor difficulties. FCPS plans to begin offering honors level English and history What FCPS should have done is offer honors classes in courses for every grade level, which is endlessly beneficial to addition to classes that are currently being offered, rather than students. at the expense of other course options. All classes should be High school is stressful, there’s no doubt about that. Plenty offered with a stand-alone option in order to meet the needs of students have commitments other than academics, such as of all students and not force them in to taking classes that sports, jobs, family obligations and many others. The addition are not fitting for them. This is another way to gauge that the of honors courses will allow students to better balance their needs of students are met; if there is a low demand for the schedules while taking these responsibilities into account. Also, class at hand, then that class can promptly be dropped, rather many students aren’t ready for college-level courses, and up than never giving students a chance to enroll in the class at all. until now they have had to take regular courses in English and Overall, this decision will take some getting used to by both history because they had no other choice. Additional honors students and teachers, but it is definitely a beneficial decision. courses will allow these students to challenge themselves Maybe, over time, FCPS and Oakton High School will be without committing to an AP class. able to re-implement the classes that were removed from the However, this decision is far from perfect. For example, curriculum, offering a plethora of courses to its students. Until Oakton High School is changing the two classes that are then we can just wait and see what these new courses have to referred to as Senior Seminar; Oakton is offering AP offer.
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opinion march 15, 2012
PC gaming offers the same It is time for a charter as console gaming and more school in FCPS
O
ver the past 15 years, the gaming industry has grown exponentially and is now the world’s biggest entertainment industry. Video games have become a part of modern culture. According to the NPD Group, 72 percent of Americans play video games of some sort or another. The question that many gamers have argued for years is which is better: PC or console? PC gaming is often overlooked, but the quality of games made for the PC (not games ported over from consoles) have never been better. Computers create an experience that consoles cannot because computers have a keyboard and mouse. Strategy games are far superior on the PC than on consoles. Computers also provide a more realistic experience for firstperson shooters (FPS). Having a mouse and keyboard is ideal for an FPS. PC gaming provides what the hardcore gamer needs. PC gaming has also allowed for much more customization and sharing of user created content. Video and audio settings are highly adjustable. There is an entire market of user created content for every game. Custom game content can be downloaded easily online and used in games for the PC. This can change how the games are played and adds many more possibilities than can be achieved on consoles. In order to use custom content on consoles with a game that does not support it, hoops have to be jumped through. This may even require downloading software onto the console illegally. Console gaming is appealing because it is affordable and fairly simple. Unlike the PC, there is no need to blow $1,500 or $2,000 on a system that can handle top notch games. Consoles are made for gaming and are usually no more than $399 with a hard drive. They are also very simple because games and software do not need to be installed. They can be placed on virtually any television and are light and easy to move. The controllers for consoles are very simple compared to a keyboard and mouse. Consoles are definitely more appealing to a more casual audience. There is no real wrong answer to which is better, but what PC gaming provides cannot be replicated by consoles while much of the experience provided by consoles can be provided by computers. From role-playing games to real time-strategy games, the PC does it. Console controllers can even be used on PCs. Unless you do not want to drop the cash or you are a more casual gamer, the PC is the ultimate gaming experience. alex xenos staff writer chris graham
What’s your opinion on...
14
opinion march 15, 2012
online gaming? “I think online gaming is much better, because most of it is free.” caleb gri-abbott, 9
W
e live in a fantasy world called Oakton High School. As a result, many of us are ignorant of issues pertaining to the rest of FCPS. One issue is that some school boundaries include higher concentrations of poverty, meaning that the educational needs of students attending these “poorer” schools are not always met. With 49% of students in FCPS living in families with foreignborn parents, the growing diversity in schools has resulted in further obstacles for administrators. Erich Welch, a teacher at J.E.B Stuart High School, has proposed a charter school that would admit 450 students from the greater Falls Church, Bailey’s Crossroads and Annandale communities. The proposed Fairfax Leadership Academy’s location is ideal because of the area’s demographic history. Because charter schools are public schools created by independent groups who want flexibility in their approaches to teaching, it would not receive extra funding from FCPS or have selective admissions requirements. Unique features to the charter school would be longer school days and a full year calendar which would help students develop the skills they need in order to graduate successfully. The biggest challenge is educating others about charter schools. Many schools, such as Falls Church High School, believe that there is an unfair advantage if their students are “taken away” from them; however, there is no selection process, and the students that would be selected are not even of high school age. More importantly, how can change happen if initial steps are not taken towards benefitting several hundred kids? This charter school is not being proposed by a random organization that is foreign to FCPS. The people supporting it are regular individuals in the county with extraordinary goals. They, like many others who follow Virginia education, know that there is a problem, and this is their solution. It is time for FCPS to try something different, because times have changed. Many programs, such as AVID, are geared toward low-income students, but they are not enough. The truth is that FCPS is not preparing every student for a successful future. Underprivileged students need more resources, and the achievement gap will keep widening if these issues are not addressed now. However, if the proposal is approved by the Fairfax County School Board this August, the school will be open to 7th and 8th graders on Aug. 12, 2013. It would be the fifth charter school in Virginia. melanie aguilar staff writer
exchange teachers at Oakton? “I really enjoy hearing about the different teaching and learning styles. It’s a cultural experience.” adria davis, 12
Sadie Hawkins: Final call for school spirit
I
went to the Sadie Hawkins dance, but I didn’t go because I wanted to dance. I just wanted to see what kind of turnout it would have, and I was expecting the worst. I honestly came out a little surprised. The Aux. gym did look nice, so clearly this was meant to be a dance equal to Homecoming. Unfortunately, it was lacking in something very important: students. There were people there, but so few students chose to attend the dance that the Aux. gym felt empty. This troubling development is just one in a long line of school spirit-related problems, and our school seems to have plenty of those. Outside of the homecoming dance and game and maybe Prom, it seems that
most people just really don’t care about school-related events. Whether it’s from indifference, having more important things to do or just a lack of time, the fact is that most students just don’t find school spirit useful or worth the effort. As you’ve probably noticed, school spirit is not everyone’s top priority, and while I have nothing against school spirit, I just don’t see the need for it. The purpose of school spirit is to create a sense of school unity, but do we really need to feel more connected to other students in this school? While it would be cool if Oakton could fill a stadium for a football game or a track meet with fans, it’s really not necessary. So in a perfect world, the administration
would see the error of their ways, use this money elsewhere and leave us alone, but that’s not going to happen. If it’s not the leadership kids trying to promote school spirit, (bless their hearts, by the way, for trying as hard as they do in such an apathetic environment) some administrator or parent would try, because someone in or around this school thinks we need school spirit. The point is, most of the students at this school do not care who wins or loses, and nothing anyone says will change that. Let us just accept that, move on and have peaceful Fridays once again. olliver lopez-gomez online editor
Google+, was released in 2004. It has practically eight years on Google+, ample time for it to tweak its features to maximize accessibility and functionality. Also, more importantly, Facebook has had those eight years to build up its user population. If Google+ hopes to surpass Facebook in terms of popularity, then it has quite an arduous journey ahead. Facebook’s 800 million users did not sign up overnight; it took eight years and plenty of changes. Furthermore, it seems unlikely that users will simply ditch Facebook for Google+ anytime soon. Facebook has had more than enough time to reinforce user loyalty. If not for its familiarity, then Facebook will retain its users for the sake of convenience; it is just too much of a hassle to switch over to a newer site like Google+ when all of your friends still use
Facebook. Re-uploading the thousands of photos that are already on Facebook does not seem fun, either. Sure, there is no problem with having accounts on both sites. However, for much of the same reasons, Facebook would likely be the one getting more browsing time. Google+ would just be cast off as an “extra” – just another part of an email account. The greatest flaw of Google+ is this competition with Facebook. Technology blogs pitted the sites against each other from the beginning, and this feud does not seem to have an end in sight. Unlike Twitter or Tumblr, which differ from Facebook enough to hold their own, Google+ follows a formula that is too reminiscent of Facebook itself. It was simply released too late to be hailed as something new and revolutionary in the already overpopulated world of social network- marilyn yang copy editor ing. marilyn yang
Google+ joins a bloated social networking market
I
n the not-too-distant past, all we had in terms of social networking was AIM. Most of us can barely remember it, but there really was a time when we worried about our latest buddy icon rather than a profile picture. We used silly abbreviations, but not necessarily because we had to fit our thoughts within 140 characters. And we inserted emoticons to digitalize our feelings, not GIFs. Now, between Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr, we are swamped with a plethora of social networking sites. Google+ recently joined the fray, portraying itself as the newest innovation in social networking. However, it is really little more than just a mere copy of any other chat site. The problem does not actually lie within the features of Google+. In fact, Google+ has all of the vital and useful features that a social networking site should have, from an instant messaging component to photo sharing. It offers multi-way video chats, something that is even relatively unique. Rather, the problem is the site itself, especially its time of release. Facebook, the target competitor of
Google+? “I think Google+ had a pretty good start, but it eventually just faded away.” aisha amjad, 11
next year’s new class options? “The opportunity to take new honors courses next year helps me to plan and balance my new schedule.” hailey dougherty, 10
Sadie Hawkins? “Sadie Hawkins, don’t know her... yet.” jacob markin, 9
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opinion march 15, 2012
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indepth statistics from a survey of 247 students
Scheduling survey
Freshman
Students give their input on recent topics of discussion regarding scheduling
Juniors
Sophomores Seniors
Do you think the addition of honors classes is a good idea? 9.7 % 17.4 % 26.4 %
17.7 %
40.3 %
25.1%
74.9 %
30.3 %
Yes
No
26.0 %
32.3 %
Of those who said Yes
Of those who said No
Do you think it would be beneficial to have the option to see two teachers during cougar time (each for 30 minutes)?
72.5%
27.5%
22.9 %
Yes
No
27.4 %
21.2 %
28.5 %
Of those who said Yes
23.5%
36.8%
25.0%
14.7%
Of those who said No
Have you ever skipped during cougar time?
16.2 % 25.7 %
21.9 %
24.9 %
21.6 %
30.0%
70.0%
36.5 %
Yes
No
Of those who said Yes
28.3 %
24.9 %
Of those who said No
17
indepth march 15, 2012
Saved by the bell Oakton has been flooding with talk about news of a new class schedule beginning next school year. Oakton administrators are now debating between two extremely different schedule options from what is currently in place at Oakton.
OPTION A Student Advisory This allows you to build more relationships among students, from freshmen to seniors. Twenty students will be randomly assigned to one classroom, where they will go every Gold day for the entire school year. The first 15 minutes will be spent on administrative needs (attendence, the pledge, morning announcements, Cougar News and a review of academic progress of students). This will essentially be your home-room, where you will turn in any forms, recieve interims and build friendships.
Eighth Period An extra period will be added next school year, though you will still only be taking seven classes. Oakton decided to add this period in attempt to remove the “singleton� everyday seventh period. An eighth period will help alleviate the problems of overcrowding in seventh period, as well as open up new options for AP science and seminar classes for seventh and eighth periods.
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indepth march 15, 2012
Two Cougar Times If schedule option A is chosen, Student Advisory students will be able to go to two different Cougar Time sessions every Gold day. Students will still be able to go to the teacher of their choosing for CT, but will be assigned to classrooms if failing a class.
karli gillespie staff writer
OPTION B Return Period Each of your seven classes will be rotated through the “Return Period,” essentially giving each class an extra 40 minutes of each. If on Monday you are assigned to first period, then on Wednesday you would go to second period for Return Period. This will run like a normal class; attendance will be taken, and time can be used to review assestments, discuss upcoming projects or continue lessons from the previous class.
Brunch Time Rather than having A Lunch start at 11:05 like this year, all lunches will be scheduled 30 minutes earlier - now to the ten o’clock hour. Whether the school changes to schedule option A or B, this new and improved lunch schedule is here to stay.
Cougar Time With schedule option B, Cougar Time will be every other day, like option A, but you will only have one 45 minute session. You will be able to go to the teacher of your choosing, unless failing a class, and have some extra time to work on assignments or get help from your teachers.
What about Collaboration Wednesdays? For most students, Collaboration Wednesdays are the highlight of their school week. You get an extra hour of sleep, or more time to complete your unfinished homework. However, next year, students won’t get an extra full hour of relaxation. After this year, Collaboration will start at 8:00 A.M., rather than the 8:20 A.M. we have become used to. While losing an extra ten minutes of sleep might be unbearable to some, unlike the the past few years’ Collaboration, there will still be Cougar Time on these days (an hour long CT with schedule Option A and 35 minutes with Option B). Adminsitrators plan to make the final desicion on which schedule to choose before Spring Break.
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indepth march 15, 2012
The honorable choice
C
Oakton is incorporating several new honors and AP courses to its 2012-2013 curriculum.
hoosing the level of difficulty for the coming school year’s classes has always been stressful and confusing. But with next year’s class options for all the grades’ history and English courses, more options are making things a little more complex. The grade that will remain the same is 9th grade’s regular and honors history and English classes. But 10th grade is where the changes start to take place. Both this grade and 11th grade will take on the addition of honors history and English in addition to the regular and AP level. English 10 teacher Sarah Licklider has mixed feelings about it. “I think [the honors option] is great for students who would be too hesitant to make that leap, so it’s great for students who have always wanted to try out the higher level course but were too shy to do so,” Licklider said. “But it does worry me that other students aren’t going to push themselves as they should.” While Licklider sees benefits in both having and not having honors classes, AP Literature teacher Sidney Dillon doesn’t see a point to having an honors option. “I think that if kids can take an honors class, they can probably do as well in an AP class. If they do honors, it’s not going to be all that much easier than AP,” Dillon said. “One thing about AP classes is that kids feed off each other. And if they’re strong students they’ll do better, so I don’t see a reason not to take it.” A large group of students are appreciative of the opportunity to take an honors class rather than AP. Sophomore Emily Stangeby is looking forward to her junior year with the comfort and reassurance of having the honors U.S./VA history as opposed to the AP version.
“I personally love the idea of honors history. I mean, it’s better to be in a class that fits you and that you’re comfortable with rather than push yourself too hard and suffer,” Stangeby said “History can be a difficult class to take at the AP level and should be the subject to have that extra option for those students who need it. It just makes things easier.” Not all students, however, are as psyched for the honors option to be presented to them. Sophomore Diana Yen doesn’t find honors applicable to her academics. “I don’t care if there is honors because I’m taking AP history my junior year either way,” Yen said. “I feel pressured from colleges because I’m already a minority and a girl, so I want to make myself look as good as possible. The grading and weights are different in honors and AP so I’m trying to be in the class that will be the best for my GPA.” Senior year class options are where things get a little more complicated. The combined AP U.S. Government and AP Literature is offered this year. Next year this will then become AP Government and honors Literature for the 2012-2013 school year. isabella kidane Another class option is called the Super Seminar “Trifecta.” It includes a full year of AP Literature, and one semester of AP U.S. Government and another semester of AP Comparative Government. In this Trifecta, three AP exams are taken at the end of the year, but only two points will be weighted to the GPA. Though the honors curriculum hasn’t been written yet, counselors still encourage students to select their classes as though the honors is an in-between for the rigor of the AP level and the basics of regular classes. Since it hasn’t been offered in the school before, only time will tell if the addition of honors is a good idea.
alana peters staff writer
So, what are the options? “Trifecta” Super Seminar
AP Literature, AP Government and AP Comparative Goverment
Senior Seminar
AP Government and Honors Literature
Like Trifecta, Senior Seminar is a combined class taking In this class, you will spend up two class periods. You all year learning AP Lit, while would spend all year learnspending first semester on AP Gov and second semester on ing both Literature and GovAP Comparative. By taking this ernment, and only have to take one AP exam in May. A class you get an automatic 1.5 point boost is also added two point boost to your GPA, and in May you will be taking to your GPA for taking this class. three AP exams.
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indepth march 15, 2012
AP Literature
Honors Government
Rather than putting yourself in a class where you must take three APs in order to take AP Literature, you can take the course all by itself. You only get a one point boost to your GPA, but you also only have to take one AP exam in May.
Unlike past years, taking stand alone AP Government is not going to be offered next year. If you are not taking either of the two seminars offered, you only have the option of taking Honors of Regular Government. However, on the plus side, you get a .5 boost to your GPA, without taking the stressful AP exam at the end of the year.
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sports in brief
quick sports news from the past weeks
michael mcnamee
integrity, display outstanding sportsmanship, On Feb. 2, senior track runner Michael Mc- to be proud but humble in our successes and, if we should happen to lose, to do so Namee broke school and district records in the 1000 meter event. His blistering time of 2 graciously,” Patrizi said. minutes and 29.05 seconds at the district meet “Tennis is a spectator sport! We welcome any and all who would like to come out vaulted him forward to victory in the event and into the state and regional competitions. to cheer for us at our matches. Let’s go “That was my goal,” McNamee said. “It was Cougars!” like having a weight lifted from my shoulboys lacrosse ders.” He proceeded to place third in the 1600 The boy’s lacrosse team has started the seameter event and racked up a top 10 finish in son with two promising pre-season showings the 500 meter dash at the Northern Region against Osbourn Park and Annandale. These tournament. It only got better at states where successful games were the product of excephe came third in the 1000 meter and 1600 tional play from attack man Sean Schweicker meter events. with 4 goals and 2 assists in both games, Matt
rugby club
The Rugby Club, which was started in the late 90’s by Mike Murphy and Clarence Williams, and consists of students around the Northern Virginia area, competes in games from NOVA all the way to Virginia Beach. Social Studies teacher and former college rugby player, Joseph Neuman, contributes to the club whenever possible. “It’s the NOVA U19 team, but Oakton kids play on it, so it’s made up of kids from Oakton, Centerville, Chantilly, Westfield-- it doesn’t follow the traditional American sports model,” Neuman said Rugby, which was founded in the United Kingdom and is highly popular all over Europe, is becoming a popular college sport.
Dunwoody on defense and Andrew Lohmann as a long stick middy. Overall the team has high hopes, with a state championship within their reach.
girls soccer
The girl’s soccer team has started their season strong with two 3-1 scrimmages victories against both Annandale and South Lakes. This start is the beginning of a strong season to couple with the formidable force Oakton soccer was last year despite the loss of their starting seniors. Girl’s soccer looks to be a serious threat this year for district, regional and even a state title with three seniors, Alex Weaver, Alex Meyers and Danielle Fitzgerald already Division 1 committed.
boys tennis
The boys tennis team has started the season strong with a formidable 8-1 win against FairTennis looks to start off this year strong with fax in their scrimmage. This year many of the new head coach Lauren Patrizi. Every team returning tennis stars are back making for a wants to win, but for Patrizi, tennis is more than huge threat in the concord District. This newly that. energized boy’s team is lead by senior captains “Every coach says ‘to win,’ right? My goals Kyle Delgado, Pat Cary and Alex Tyskowski. for the team this season are to compete with
girls tennis
professional
sports briefs
washington wizards
22
sports march 15, 2012
The standard for Washington professional sports teams is to underachieve. This is a trend that the Wizards are following once again this season. The Wizards, just a lowly 9-31, are second to last in the Eastern Conference and in the NBA overall. The Wizards were able to bring in new talent to the team this season including two first round draft picks in small forwards, Jan Vesely and Chris Singleton. However, the team seems to be doing worse with these players. In fact, both of the first round picks are averaging less than a combined six points
per game and six rebounds per game. John Wall, who was tagged as the next great point guard, has not been performing up to his expectations. Wall has been a solid passer as he is averaging 7.8 assists per game, ranking him eighth in the NBA. In contrast, Wall is first in the NBA in turnovers per game, averaging 4.1. Wall has played decently enough to be a good point guard, but the fact is that he has no help and cannot carry a team alone. While the Wizards are continuing to be a struggling team, there are some hopes. The team is extremely young and looks to be one for the future as it has been playing better as of late. Nevertheless Wizards fans are going to have to endure another season of misery and hope the future is bright.
Undefeated state champions
allie berube sports co-editor
Girls basketball wins their first AAA State Championship STATE CHAMPIONSHIP BY THE NUMBERS
STARTING FIVE KATHERINE COYER, SR. 24 Total Points 7-12 FG-FGA 10-11 FT-FTA 2 Total Rebounds 3 Assists 2 Steals CAROLINE COYER, SR. 9 Total Points 4-13 FG-FGA 1-2 FT-FTA 7 Total Rebounds 4 Assists 1 Steals ELIZABETH MANNER, JR. 13 Total Points 4-12 FG-FGA 5-6 FT-FTA 16 Total Rebounds 2 Assists 1 Block ANGELA SICKELS, JR. 8 Total Points 3-4 FG-FGA 2-2 FT-FTA 1 Total Rebounds 1 Assist 2 Blocks KARLIE CRONIN, FR. 4 Total Points 2-5 FG-FGA 4 Rebounds 1 Assist 3 Steals
TEAMS
1st
Oakton Princess Anne
14 5
2nd 3rd 10 16
15 9
4th
TOTALS
19 9
58 39 photos by allie berube
With a 58-39 victory over state rival Princess Anne, the Lady Cougars conclusively took the state title back to Vienna. For the first time in school history, led by senior captains Caroline and Katherine Coyer, Oakton finished their season 31-0 with the State AAA Championship trophy back in our locker room. Caroline earlier in the state tournament was named Virginia’s Gatorade Player of the Year and Katherine earned her stripes by dominating the game with 24 points over impressive Princess Anne defense.
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sports march 15, 2012
PRING PORTS
DON’T ASK ME
BTENGLAX LACROSSE TRACK BLAX
BASEBALL
TENNISGSOCC
OUTDOOR TRACK
SOCCERLAX
SOFTBALL
LACROSSE
LACROSSE GTENBLAX
TRACK
BASEBALL
LAX SOCCER SOFTBALL LAX
TENNIS
BASEBALL
O
TRACK SOCCER SOFTBALL TENNIS BASEBALL LAX SOFTBALLSOCCER TENNIS LACROSSE BASEBALL SOFTBALL LAX TENNIS LACROSSE SOCCER OUTDOOR BASEBALL TRACK LAX SOFTBALL BASEBALL
LACROSSE TENNIS LAX
SOCCER
BASEBALLLAX
LACROSSEGLAXSOFTBALL TRACK SOFTBALLBLAX BSOCC BASEBALL LACROSSE
allie berube sports co-editor
READY... BY THE NUMBERS HOPING I’M PEOPLE 3-4
2012 PREVIEW
1-2
5-6
16% HOW MANY DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS WILL 43% OAKTON WIN THIS SPRING SEASON? 18%
7-8
9
7%
ON A SCALE OF 1-5, 7% HOW INTENSE DO YOU THINK YOUR COACH IS? 9%
1 2
32% 37%
OA
KTO
12%
N
12
5
3
4
HOW MANY TIMES A WEEK DO YOU HAVE PRACTICE, CONDITIONING OR GAMES?
OABASKTEBALON L
1-4 DAYS
O
5 DAYS OHS
ACTUALLY COME OUT TO SUPPORT I LIKE MY COACH AS A LEADER BUT HE KNOWS VERY LITTLE ABOUT [OUR SPORT]. HOWEVER, THE ASSISTANT COACHES MAKE UP FOR THIS LACK OF KNOWLEDGE
14%
1 2 HS
As the winter season officially ended with the girls basketball team winning the AAA State Championship (see page 23), spring sports are in full swing. After winning six Concorde District Championships in 2011, Oakton’s spring teams are looking for a big year to continue their Northern Region dominance. New storylines have emerged around our campus with the hirings of new girls lacrosse and girls tennis coaches, a crop of talented freshman and a senior class sending countless athletes on to the next level. With ten different sports programs during the spring, end-of-theyear athletics are anyting but dull. To kick off this exciting spring season, the Outlook has taken an inside look at over 100 athletes opinions concerning their upcoming season, their teammates and their coaches. With so many Oakton students involved in these programs, there are bound to be ups, downs and complaints, and the Outlook has given an anonymous voice to our athletes.
SOMETIMES OFF-THEFIELD POLITICS HAVE HOW “EXCITED” I AM... A GREATER INFLUENCE I’M NOT EXCITED THAN ACTUAL ABILITY
THE SCHOOL NEEDS TO DO ADDITIONAL WORK ON OUR FIELD & FACILITIES TO SUPPORT US
THERE’S A HUGE SEPARATION IN BOTH ABILITY AND ATTITUDE BETWEEN VARSITY AND JV
RUMORS SPREAD ON ZERO FIGHTS WILL LIKE OCCUR ON THE OAKT CREW BOYS TEAM THIS ON WILDFIRE AND IT YEAR ON CREW, I REALLY DON’T KNOW ABOUT MESSES WITH US THE GIRL’S TEAM
THOUGH
WE ARE GOING TO KNOCK THEM DEAD (NOT LITERALLY)
YOU ONLY RUN ONCE 6DAYS THAT’S THE MOTTO, YORO
OHS
OR MORE
OHS
OHS
24
sports march 15, 2012
OHS
OHS
25
sports march 15, 2012
Lin-sanity hits our halls
L
incredible. InLincible. Linspirational. At first glance, it would appear that this is a list of misspelled words. In truth, these words describe the new NBA sensation that is Linovating the league, Jeremy Lin. Two years ago, Lin graduated from Harvard after four successful years. At Harvard, he averaged 12.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game and shot an impressive 47.1 percent from the field, but it still was not enough to get drafted. So why is this kid from Harvard making headlines all over the nation? The answer is simply because he is that good. Before the 2010 season started, many teams passed up on the opportunity of signing Lin. After five Summer League games and small contract offers from a couple teams, Lin
decided to sign with his hometown Golden State Warriors. After a season, the Warriors decided to part ways with Lin and released him after the NBA Lockout. In December 2011, Lin was claimed off waivers by the Houston Rockets. Then, two weeks later, the New York Knicks picked up Lin, and they could not be happier. In the past six games, Lin has become an overnight all-star. In his first game with solid minutes played on Feb. 4 against the Nets, Lin finished with 25 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Lin set a record for most points scored in his first five starts since the NBA-ABA merger in 1976, with 136 points. He has continued his success throughout the season by averaging 22.6 points and 8.7 assists in
his last 12 games. Also in the past 12 games, he had four double-doubles, and he scored a career-high of 38 points in the Feb. 10 win over the Lakers. So far this season has been one to remember for the 6’3” guard, and it has no signs of slowing down. Since Lin made headlines everywhere a few short weeks ago, he has only had one game with less than 10 points, and only one game under five assists. In just a short amount of time Lin is accomplishing more than a lot of players do in a season, and he has plenty of time left in the season to add on to his great success. He has helped bring his team back the playoff race. conner dick staff writer
Hu comes up huge at states
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ixteen hundredths of a second to the majority of athletes is an insignificant sliver, but to Girls Swim and Dive, it was the time that solidified their claim to the State Championship. Freshman Laura Branton, senior Stephanie Hallock, sophomore Kendall Lawhorn and sophomore Janet Hu clung to this time as it won them the 400 freestyle relay. Cougars were seeded second to Battlefield, who led the majority of the race, but in the last 100 m, sophomore anchor Hu pulled ahead of the reigning freestyle state champion to seal the victory. “I knew it was going to be tough,” Hu said. “I just kept my head down and tried to touch the wall first.” The come-from-behind victory earned Oakton 40 points, a significant portion of their 183 point win, only 17 points ahead of Osbourn Park High School, who came in second place. “States this year was so fast,” Hu said. “The energy was really exciting.” www.flickriver.com
Hu surfaces for air in the final sprint of the 400 freestyle relay, clinching Oakton first place.
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The sophomore had several big swims in the state meet, setting both state and pool records in the 100 yd butterfly (53.20) and 100 yd backstroke (53.45). Hu isn’t a stranger to posting big times. Two weeks before states at the regional championship meet, she set regional records for both the 100 yd freestyle (49.52) and 100 yd backstroke (53.76). Both swims were automatic All-American times. “It’s just great that all the hard work has paid off, to be a part of Oakton history and contribute to the team,” Hu said. Hu began taking swimming lessons when she was five and joined the Mosby Woods summer swim team and Curl Burke swim club when she was seven. Throughout her young development as a swimmer, her brother, junior Philip Hu, was a constant competitor. “We motivate each other,” Hu said. “I always try to beat him, but it doesn’t happen as much as when we were little.” Both Hus continue to swim for Curl
jennifer prosser staff writer Burke, and Janet is training in the pool at least three hours every day, preparing for the future. “I want to swim in college,” Hu said. “As a sophomore, I have time to decide, but somewhere in California would be really exciting.” For now, Hu will focus on high school, having fun and swimming fast with her “Oakton swim family.” “My best memories of swimming are with Oakton. It’s more fun [than club], we’re more of a team, and we support each other more,” Hu said. “Last year at the swim team lock-in I ate seven brownies, had six cups of lemonade, got no sleep, and the next morning I got my best time in the 200 free at a club meet. I got by on chocolate milk and coffee with lots of sugar, but it’s an experience I’ll never forget.” The Oakton girls have a strong returning team, and hope to repeat next year with back-to-back undefeated seasons and state championships. www.oaktonathletics.org
Festivities commence at the Jim McKay Natatorium as the Oakton Girls Swim team dove into the pool celebrating their undefeated season and first ever state championship.
OMG
Read the Oakton Outlook for all your informational needs!
COUGAR
CARICATURES
Five Myths Concerning the Hygenic, Structural, and Moral Well-being of Oakton High School he phrases “falling apart”, “dilapidated beyond repair”, and “45 years without renovations” are thrown around a lot these days, often with the word “Oakton” inexplicably close by. I’ve dusted off the storied, time-worn ailments of mythic stature often ascribed to the frame of this great institution, and much like a common punishment dished out by my old Scoutmaster, have irrefutably “debunked” them.
Myth the First: False heating and temperature reduction- they work not. Many a day are Oakton’s halls filled with the dirge-like diatribes of students bemoaning the abrupt transition from sizzling-hot trailers to classrooms reminiscent of the ice planet Hoth. While we haven’t determined the exact cause of this great thermal disparity, the theory of global warming (if it’s real, of course) tells us that such conditions will be typical in roughly 1000 years or so all throughout the world. So, the next time you find yourselves breaking out the parkas in late May, just think of yourselves as unwilling participants in a 180-day long experiment to simulate the living conditions that our human descendants and robot masters will be subject to on a day-to-day basis. Science works in mysterious ways.
Myth the Second: There is a high propensity of water leakage within these walls. Those omnipresent gray plastic trash cans you see doting the halls aren’t just for show. Due to recent global water shortages, Oakton’s administration has considered the necessity of a sustainable, reliable water source easily accessible in the face of circumstances where both outside water sources and vending machines might be compromised. By retrieving water one drop at a time from the inexplicably leaky ceilings, harvesting backwash from thrown away water bottles, and Dr. Banbury generously donating an undisclosed amount of sweat produced during one of his notoriously grueling dawn patrol workout sessions, Oakton has already produced a substantial, mostly sterile water supply.
Myth the Third: The bathrooms are flagrant violations of both human decency and godliness. Hmm. I don’t know if I’d be that harsh. Yes, the consistently clogged toilets make it hard for your waste to end up where it needs to. Yes, the oft-broken sinks somewhat obstruct the twelve people who actually wash their hands from doing so. Yes, the somewhat tasteless in-stall graffiti lacks any proper grammar usage. In all honesty, it was a choice between either renovating the bathroom facilities or producing the several thousand “OHS Honor Code – Honor Counts” complimentary pencils that were mildly well-received several months ago. Sometimes, Oakton’s administration just has to be the bigger man and make those tough decisions.
Myth the Fourth: The school is haunted. Well, we can’t exactly lay this one to rest. Oakton’s frequent unexplainable cold spots (see first myth) have led much of the administration to consider the probable existence of restless spirits within the halls of Oakton. Thankfully, local shamans have stepped in and determined the specter in question to be that of a comically displaced, though possibly vengeful, Scandinavian river spirit, summoned here via an impromptu after-school Dungeons and Dragons tournament over twenty years ago. Oakton’s ever-helpful Leadership class has “volunteered” to ritualistically carve a protective rune onto the large rock near the school’s entrance, hopefully warding off the revenant and sending the message that Oakton’s water supply need not fall prey to poison and infertility spells. Whether a correlation exists between the wrathful aquatic phantom and the incessant water leakage has yet to be determined.
Myth the Fifth: Athletic spending takes precedence over... well, every other area. Utterly ridiculous. That is all.
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reid perkins keeper of the eldritch tome
arts & entertainment
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usical come-backs
isabella kidane photo editor
usic is a large part of our generation. From the second we wake up until the moment we fall asleep, we are essentially listening to some type of music. With music being a large portion of our lives, we strongly depend on singers and songwriters to provide us with such entertainment. Although the following well-known singers have not disappeared from the media’s radar, they have not released an album in two to three years. 2012 has been dubbed the best year for all things entertainment and in hopes of keeping their names amongst the best, these stars plan to make album releases throughout the year.
Madonna
courtesy of adamlambert.com madonna.com
examiner.com
Madonna has been busy with FOR FANS OF: Christina Aguilera her fashion line, Material Girl, for the past four years. Kylie Minogue Now that the company is on Pink its feet and doing well, she has decided to return to her humble abode. Her major comeback was announced when she performed at the last Super Bowl. Her 12th album “MDNA” will be released on March 26 and will be headlining a worldwide tour come this May.
the all-american The group has been around since 2000 rejects as a mainstream rock band. Their most famous songs include, “Move Along,” “Dirty Little Secrets” and “Gives You Hell.” After performing at the 2010 Winter Olympics, the band took a break to work on their fourth album. Two years later, The All American Rejects’ fourth studio album, “Kids in the Street,” will be FOR FANS OF: released on Mar. 26. The alGreen Day bum is expected to have a completely different sound Good Charlotte Yellowcard from their previous ones. No Doubt, is by far the big- FOR FANS OF: gest musical comeback of the Gwen Stefani year. Known as one of the best Alanis Morissette groups of the 90s, the band Save Ferris is back to dominate 2012 after an 11 year sabbatical. Although they’ve been touring since 2008, No Doubt has seen mediocre attention from the mainstream media. Regardless, the once “best band of the decade” is back with, hopefully, the same amazing music. The title and release date of their upcoming album is unknown, but is scheduled for sometime this year. NO DOUBT
allamericanrejects.com
Lambert rose to fame on the eighth season of American Idol where he was the runner-up. His first album, “For Your Entertainment,” received much praise from his fans, and after a worldwide tour with fellow American Idol contestant, Allison Iraheta, and Orianthi, Lambert is finally releasing his second studio album, “TrespassFOR FANS OF: ing”, on Mar. 20. He will Freddie Mercury, also be touring with Queen Maroon 5, this upcoming summer in Sonisphere Festival. American Idol
adam LAMBERT
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photo courtesy of official website
BOOK CORNER:
The Happiness Project by Gretchin Rubin
What do you want most out of life? Middle-aged mother of two, Gretchin Rubin, decidedly answered this daunting question with “happiness.” After this defining moment, staring out the window of a city bus in the Upper East-Side of New York, she began to plot her own pursuit of happiness. “The Happiness Project” is a memoir of sorts, detailing Rubin’s year-long journey. Each month is dedicated to focusing on a different area of bettering her life. January is finding vitality or “Energy,” February is focusing on her marriage or “Love,” and so on, until December is a cumulative “Happiness Bootcamp.” Modeled after Benjamin Franklin’s “Thirteen Values to Cultivate” in his autobiography, Rubin meticulously documents her progress through a “happiness chart.” Rubin’s anecdotes of her everyday life are comical yet relatable, making this book not only a fun read, but a self-help book in disguise that is sure to brighten your day. She implores her readers to remember one thing: “The days are long, but the years are short.” emma mankin
Media Mix
The Black Keys: not ready for big time
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that the Verizon Center provides. Opening their set with the super low-fi hit “Howlin’ For You,” the Keys rocked everyone from the General Admission ticket-holder in the front row to the bleating pair of rock moms in the nosebleeds of section 409. A light show worthy of a roadside carnival and the stage presence of a stilled Ferris wheel, drummer Patrick Carney plays with a novice intensity, seemingly halted by fear and the lack of creative chops. This, paired with guitarist-vocalist Dan Auerbach’s Midwestern wailings and bassy undertones makes for a difficult transition from the road of “El Camino” to the brilliant Hollywood-infested grounds that true indie bands seek. After their encore performances of “Everlasting Light,” “She’s Long Gone” and mega-hit “I Got Mine,” the Black Keys left the arena full of reverberations and good times, thus ending another spot on their 2012 El Camino Tour.
Heading in one direction: the top
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andy reed staff writer rawan elbaba staff writer
he biggest boy band in the U.K. right now, One Direction, is ready to take the U.S. by storm as their much anticipated debut album, “Up All Night”, hits U.S. stores on March 13. One Direction, made up of Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Niall Horan and Harry Styles, aged 18-20, originated on the U.K.’s biggest talent competition, the “X-Factor.” Each member of the group originally auditioned as solo artists, but was later put into a group by the show’s head judge, Simon Cowell. After finishing third on the show, One Direction released “Up All Night” in the U.K. in mid November, debuting at No. 2. As they make their way across the pond, One Direction is guaranteed to win over thousands of American girls’ hearts with their melodic harmonies, British accents and charming good looks. The album is filled with upbeat pop love songs that are sure to get you on your feet, along with the occasional heart-filled ballad. “Up All Night” features hits like the record breaking and Brit Awardwinning single “What Makes You Beautiful”; the touching and heartfelt ballad “Gotta Be You”; their latest upbeat U.K. single “One Thing”; and the energetic photo courtesy of official website pop/rock “Tell Me a Lie” written by Kelly Clarkson. The album is also sure to help boy bands come back, especially as One Direction joins one of our own boy bands, Big Time Rush, on a U.S. tour this March.
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Outback Aside from the noisy bar and dark atmosphere, Outback Steakhouse had a friendly staff. The wings, though, were only adequate. They were insanely crispy on the outside, which would have been a good thing if the inside weren’t so dry. The wings had not been tossed in a sauce before serving, and were relatively flavorless. The blue cheese dressing was delicious, but the wings themselves could have been more soft and flavorful. 10 wings for $8.99
Glory Days
a&e editor
merican rock band the Black Keys put on a great show for D.C. last Friday, but failed to fill all of Verizon Center’s lofty seats with their promised “big-venue sound.” The opening act--English indie rockers the Arctic Monkeys--started the night off red-hot with the funky-furious “Brianstorm” from 2007 album “Favourite Worst Nightmare” Bringing in songs from “Suck It and See” and “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not,” the primates from across the pond thawed through Washington’s wintry weather with stomping versions of “Library Pictures,” “Teddy Picker” and the post-punk-revived “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor.” Arctic Monkeys set up the blues duo from Akron, Ohio to take to the stage with a vivacity more commonly seen in local Washingtonian venue the 9:30 Club. With a maximum capacity of 1200 occupants, 9:30 would have catered to the rawness of Black Keys riffs far better than that of the space-like vastness
ramya mukalla staff writer Want something to go along with your March Madness? Try these wings from around the area.
Taste Quest: Chicken Wings
With multiple TVs blaring in every direction, the sports bar Glory Days delivered what was promised- appetizing food and great service. Our wings showed up within 10 minutes of ordering, and they were soft and incredibly tangy, while celery and ranch dressing provided the perfect balance. Though hilariously messy to eat, they were an excellent addition to our game-watching experience. 12 wings for $11.99
Hooters Hooters, which prides itself in being “delightfully tacky yet unrefined”, has managed to create the crunchiest, sauciest wings out of all the wings so far. Though there is the option to have these wings “naked”that is without breading- these are best crunchy and doused with sauce. The order was brought out in a reasonable amount of time, and along with some soda and a game to watch on the TV, proved to be an excellent experience. There are a few options for the sauce, from hottest to mildest- 911, Spicy Jack, Hot, 3 Mile Island, Medium and Mild, and a variety of other flavors like BBQ and Cajun. 10 wings for $7.99
What you need to know about check oaktonoutlook.com for a review after March 23!
The Story
“The Hunger Games” fans everywhere are counting down to March 23, eagerly awaiting the big screen adaptation of the first hit in Suzanne Collins’ dystopian trilogy. It takes place in Panem, an authoritarian nation comprised of a tyrannical governing city called the Capitol and 12 impoverished districts. Every year, to prove its dominance, the Capitol randomly selects two teenagers from each district to be sent as tributes to a gargantuan arena where they must fight to the death and survive in the brutal wild. Everything is recorded and broadcasted nationwide. Our protagonists from District 12, Katniss Everdeen, who volunteered to go to the Games instead of her little sister, and Peeta Mellark, a big-hearted baker’s son, are sent to training in the Capitol. But the action starts once they’re in the arena. Katniss and the tributes are sucked into a whirlwind of violence, murder, near-starvation, alliances, beasts, staggering wounds and a looming threat: kill or be killed.
The Movie
The anticipated film adaption was directed by Gary Ross (director of “Pleasantville” and “Seabiscuit”), who also worked on the screenplay. Suzanne Collins, author of the trilogy, had a hand in both the casting and the screenplay, so it is expected that the movie will stay very true to the books. (Whew!) Jennifer Lawrence, known for her roles in “Winter’s Bone” and “X-Men: First Class”, will play Katniss. She beat about 30 other actresses for the coveted role, including Emma Roberts, Abigail Breslin
photos from IMDB.com and Emily Browning. Peeta Mellark will be played by Josh Hutcherson, known for his roles in “Bridge to Terabithia” and “The Kids Are Alright”. The decorated cast doesn’t end there: Gale, Katniss’ best friend from District 12, will be played by Liam Hemsworth (“The Last Song”); Haymitch, Twelve’s only Hunger Games victor, will be portrayed by Woody Harrelson and Cinna, Katniss’ cunning stylist, by Lenny
Kravitz.
The Myths
Myth #2: It’s a kid’s book. If the aforementioned complexMyth #1: It’s like Twilight. No it is ity, violence, psychology and not. Gossip sites and Hollywood blogs politics aren’t enough to prove have tried relentlessly to compare this one wrong, the only thing the series, but don’t fall for to suggest is to read the books it. Twilight can hardly hold a and see for yourself. The main candle to the complexity, characters might be teenagers, violence, psychology but this isn’t a book about adoand politics of The lescence. For what it’s worth, Hunger Games. my dad is a huge fan.
sofia crutchfield staff writer
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