Oakton Outlook 2012-2013 Issue 3 by Laura Murphy

Outlook oakton

vol. 47 | issue 3 | 11.20.12

Dilemmas with Diversity

A frank discussion on the implications of diversity and the unique blend of students that navigate Oaktonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hallways

inside

spotlight

Aspiring fashion designer Angela Chen shows off her unique creations

touchdown

An overview of home fitness options provide fun, easy ways to stay in shape

snailmail from the editors

outlook staff adviser lauren luna editors in chief

akton is home to a wide variety of people, all of whom bring their own unique ideas and personalities to the cultural quilt of Oakton. We’ve always been told that no matter where we come from or what our background is, we are all equal. But, the Achievement Gap for graduation rates tells a different story (Page 23). However, diversity isn’t strictly a discussion of race. Have you noticed an odd ratio of boys to girls in your AP Literature or AP Physics class (Page 27)? On a lighter note, with the frenzy of the 2012 Election finally over (Page 20), we can all relax and focus on what’s really important: “No Shave November.” It’s time for guys everywhere to hang up the razor and let their facial hair flourish (Page 18). More importantly, the month of November brings food into focus. The seasonal food hype is in full swing with the aroma of pumpkin and gingerbread wafting through every coffee shop (Page 22) and, as Thanksgiving draws closer, even the most healthy eater can feel gluttonous. Never fear, we have healthy yet satisfying recipes to relieve some of the Thanksgiving dinner guilt (Page 17).

regards,

Gabriela Driscoll Michelle LoRusso

Madlin Mekelburg Marilyn Yang

11.20.2012

newsworthy editor erin bennett showtime editor carly stonehouse touchdown editor jennifer prosser viewpoint editors sofia crutchfield kim gibbons

spotlight editor karli gillespie indepth editor melanie aguilar online editor oliver lopez-gomez business manager ria bhatia copy editor reina datta photo editor

alana peters

staff writers sunni bean abbey bonin alex driscoll natalie eberhart lauren embroski kenneth hippe jacque groskaufmanis

torri marquis ramya mukalla laura murphy anee nguyen erin preaskorn 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 marilyn.yang@ oaktonoutlook.com or dropped off in Mrs. Luna’s box in the main office or in room 135. The Outlook reserves the right to edit submissions for grammar and content provided the meaning remains unchanged.

misa mori

snailmail

gabriela driscoll michelle lorusso madlin mekelburg marilyn yang

cover photo by alana peters student body: 2138 circulation: 1300

in this issue

karli gillespie

christina fleckenstein

alana peters

skyfall-movie.com

alana peters

vol. 47 | issue 3 | 11.20.12

7 newsworthy

touchdown

center Happy 7 Writing 11 hunger goes to NCPW

conference: Oakton’s tutors obtain a national perspective on peer tutoring in Chicago

games: As sports seasons heat up, check out one of these hangouts to watch the next game

spotlight

indepth

14 Oakton dancer

24 Home away from 31

takes national stage: An Oakton senior will dance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

showtime

No one does it home: ESOL better: James students discuss Bond is back their experiences in “Skyfall,” the in America franchise’s longcompared to awaited 23rd those in their film home nations

contents 11.20.12

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newsbriefs 1

Oakton’s “sole” revitalized

The Heart and Soles club is a nonprofit organization at Oakton that works to send shoes to people who need them in the Honduras. Restored by sophomore Olivia LeBolt, the club is funded by private donations and contributions from other students. “I heard that the club was existent at Oakton but realized that it wasn’t active and decided to take initiative and start it up again,” LeBolt said. By working with Arts for Humanity, a non-profit volunteer charity, the club collects and sends new or used shoes to less fortunate people in Honduras. “A lot of people don’t care about what’s outside of their community, but it’s important to realize what others don’t have and to try to help them,” Lebolt said. The club not only collects shoes, but also collects a variety of necessities including toys, clothes and backpacks. By working with Arts for Humanity, the club can send the items to Honduras by mailing them or through through mission trips. “It’s a collaborative effort, and we need to work together,” LeBolt said. “If we all try to help we can create a big impact on others.”

A quick overview of the past month and a brief look at upcoming school events. Be sure to check out oaktonoutlook.com for more newsworthy stories.

Band gets superior ratings

The marching band received superior ratings during the state marching assessment on Oct. 27. At the assessment, contestants were judged in three major categories: visuals, music and general effect. “[Band] did a great job pulling everything we did over the last eight weeks together,” said band director Jamie Vanvelkverg. “We also did a great job incorporating all the aspects of the visual and musical.” Getting a superior rating was a very important accomplishment for band. “[A superior rating] is the highest rating you can achieve at the marching assessment,” Vanvelkverg said. “More specifically, [a superior rating] is half of what you need to achieve Virginia Band Status.” To get the other half, the Symphonic Band needs to get superior ratings at the district concert band assessment in March. Vanvelkverg has already begun preparing for it by looking at musical pieces. For band assessments, picking a good program is an important part of doing well. Marching band’s season may be over, but they are already preparing for next year. “We need to work on individual students’ marching with good form, body carriage, feet movement and marching instead of walking,” Vanvelkverg said.

Madrigals singers to perform at annual VMEA conference

The Oakton High School Madrigals, otherwise known as Mads, have been chosen to perform at the Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) conference on Nov. 15. “[VMEA] only takes so many choirs from the state of Virginia each year,” said choral director Tiffany Powell. “This year they only took three high school choirs, and we were one of those, so that was really an honor.” To be eligible to perform at the conference, choruses must show consistency of excellence four years in a row. Choirs must also show variety in the types of compositions they choose to sing. At the conference, the Mads will be performing a 30 minute arrangement with songs ranging from different genres. “It’s a great honor, and I’m so excited to perform in front of so many people,” said singer in the Mads ensemble Olivia Frankel. “We’ve been preparing since summer, and we’ve worked really hard.”

courtesy of oakton band

alex driscoll

erin bennett

newsworthy 11.20.12

Debate dominates local tournament

On Nov. 10 Oakton’s debate team went to South Lakes High School to compete in the second Washington Arlington Catholic Forensics League (WACFL) tournament. The debate team has three sections: Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum and Policy, but only the Policy section competed this in the tournament. Unlike the other divisions, Policy only debates on one topic for the entire year. This year’s topic, transportation infrastructure, was debated by the novice, junior varsity and varsity divisions. “As you move into higher levels there are more complicated arguments and a lot more strategy involved; it’s not just about whether you’re for or against it,” said Mahathi Tadikonda, Policy assistant coach. At the end of the competition, Oakton received more awards than any of the other competing schools. For each section there are 30 teams but only the first six places are given awards. Novice won four out of the six places. Sophomores Austin Bae and Michael Qu won first, sophomores Vivian Wang and Vivien Ho won third, freshmen Sragdara Khakurell and Dana Bachman won fifth and sophomore Omar Abderhmen and freshman Jack Tracey won sixth. Junior varsity placed second represented by sophomores Amitav Kamani and Anee Nguyen. Finally, varsity placed fourth represented by Monica Hanratty and Evelyn Wang. “I was very excited and glad that all of our hard work paid off. I am also really happy that everyone is so dedicated this year” Evelyn Wang said. The next tournament for Oakton debate will be in December at James Madison University. anne nguyen

newsworthy 11.20.12

NHS tutors during Collaboration

Students from the National Honor Society will be holding tutoring sessions Wednesday mornings during Collaboration in room 189. “We plan to do this on as many Collaboration days as possible,” said NHS Secretary Irene Lee. There will be tutors for every Collaboration, and students are welcome to come and receive help if they need it. “We’ll probably have about five [NHS members] every week, but if there’s a greater need we’ll have more members sign up,” said NHS Presedent Angela Sickels. Students who wish to be tutored don’t need to sign up prior to coming, they just need to show up with the materials that they need to study. “We just wanted to be more involved in helping the school scholastically,” Sickels said. “[Also,] we get hours for tutoring.” Some students are worried that if they go to the Collaboration tutoring center, they’ll be judged by the tutors. “Don’t be afraid of going, or that you’ll be judged,” Sickels said. “The people who sign up just want to help.”

Photo club captures holiday cheer

The Oakton photo club held their second annual Holiday Photo shoot on Nov. 10. Rising Oakton photographers took holiday-themed portraits for families in room 196 to raise money for more equipment. WAll proceeds raised during the event go directly to the photo club. Other than the student fees the students pay at the beginning of the year, events such as the second annual Holiday Photo shoot are the only ways the club can buy the expensive equipment needed to continue their art. “[The photo shoot] was definitely more of a success than the canned food drive we did,” said Susan Silva, Oakton’s photography teacher. “Last year we made almost $200 with the photo shoot. People love getting their pictures taken, especially this time of year when they can be used for holiday cards and Christmas cards.” The members of the photo club created all of the props in an effort to set a holiday mood. Although the shoot was a great fundraiser, for the students the photo shoot was a better opportunity than just raising money. “The photo shoot is a great way for the students to practice their photography skills and to learn how to work with the public and small kids,” Silva said. “We have great photography skills here at Oakton, so this is our way of sharing it with the Oakton community.”

alana peters

karli gillespie

Writing Center goes to NCPTW conference

The Oakton Writing Center participated in the annual National Conference on Peer Tutoring in Writing (NCPTW) in Chicago from Nov. 2-4. Writing center tutors took part in the conference to learn about the larger tutoring community outside of Oakton and how that influences tutors.

he National Conference on Peer Tutoring and Writing allowed the students to learn more about the tutoring process, as well as how tutoring affects not only the Oakton community but also the outside community. “The biggest take away from the conference was that there is a very large professional community of peer tutors in high schools and colleges, and that this is a professional occupation and experience that the tutors have,” said English teacher Beth Blankenship. The National Conference on Peer Tutoring in Writing promotes collaborative teaching to ensure that students learn to become better writers. The NCPTW offered peer tutors the opportunity to contribute to the writing center community at large. “Seven of our Oakton Writing Center tutors actually presented at the conference, which is really cool because not only was it a conference for high school kids, but it was also a conference for college writing center tutors,” said English teacher Elizabeth Dean. “The college students were really impressed with the level of thought put into the high school writing center presentations, so it was neat for the tutors to be able to be on kind of a national stage. They were able to realize that the writing center is actually a bigger community than just Oakton or Fairfax County, it is actually nationwide.” The NCPTW also offered writing center students the opportunity to learn about the ideologies behind tutoring. Many presentations were focused on expanding tutor’s views outside of just tutoring and opening their minds to the deeper meaning behind tutoring. “The other thing that tutors took away was how there is a deeper philosophy to what we do, and we don’t have time during the school day to stop and contemplate the deeper philosophy in peer tutoring and in education,” Blankenship said. “It is important to talk about those philosophies and expose young minds to those philosophies in high school. I think that is the thing the tutors were really amazed at, and I wish we had more time to teach that.” The Oakton peer tutors began preparing for the conference at the end of last year. Tutors taking part in the conference were required to submit a proposal in order to be able to prepare their 45 minute interactive presentation. “A 45 minute presentation is very nerve-wracking because in school we usually only present for about 5 minutes,” said Katie Clark, senior. “Also, while in the conference, you have a sort of credibility with people looking up to you so you have to be confidant in what you are saying. So it took a lot of effort to prepare for the speech itself.” While on the trip, the students were able to sit in on other 45 minute presentations to learn more about not only the tutoring process, but also how tutoring can benefit the outside community by increasing literacy and writing ability.

christina fleckenstein

The National Conference on Peer Tutoring and Writing offered students the ability to learn more about the writing community as a whole. “This is something that I think we need to remember,” Blankenship said. “The tutors are able to see through their presentations that tutoring is a professional experience.”

“There were also people there from George Washington University, and they talked about setting boundaries as tutors and what to do when people ask you to do things that go above and beyond what your duties as a tutor require you to do,” said senior peer-tutor Matt Colturi. “In college, tutors are paid to tutor for the writing center, and often people will ask if a tutor will do overtime or stay longer outside of regular working hours. However, it is important to let people know that just because you are a tutor doesn’t mean tutees can take advantage of you.” The Oakton peer tutors used the NCPTW as a learning experience and went to many different presentations from both high schools and colleges. The students were then able to reflect on the experience and see what they could bring back to their own writing centers. “I really enjoyed the presentation from Merrimack College, where they talked about using memes to advertise the writing center and how no one really knows what actually goes on in the writing center, so it is a publicity problem,” Colturi said. “They used the meme ‘what our parents think we do, what our teachers think we do, what society thinks we do and what we actually do.’ The presentation was very funny, and the whole experience was really great.” The Oakton Writing Center also visited Niles West High School in Chicago, which has the largest Literacy Center in the Nation. According to The Niles West Literacy Center, tutors mentor about 200 students a day and has tutored over 100,000 students since it opened. “We saw that the student body was very supportive of their writing center and used that to see how we can improve our own center,” Clark said. erin bennett news editor

newsworthy 11.20.12

touchdown N

Girls basketball looks ahead

The new team works to build their own legacy

o sport at Oakton carries quite the legacy as girls basketball does. The legendary program has sent players to Duke, Villanova and numerous other Division 1 and Division 2 schools. Much of this success can be attributed to head coach Fred Priester who has made Oakton his home for the past 18 years. Over this time Oakton has accumulated 13 district championships, four regional championships, five state final four appearances and two state finals appearances, culminating in an undefeated 31-0 2011-2012 season with district, region and state titles. Repeating last year’s season is a daunting task, but senior captains Helen Roberts and Elizabeth Manner are eager to do so. Together with junior captain Torri Marquis, they will lead the new team to move forward and make their own mark on the Oakton legacy. “It’s an entirely new season,” Manner said. “We’re just going to work hard like we always do.” The 2012-2013 team is fairly different than the team last year. Although three starters and seven total players with varsity experience are returning, a significant portion of the team is new. Three of the players rose from the junior varsity team, while two came up straight from the freshman team and one is entirely new to Oakton altogether. The diversity can also be seen by grade numbers, with four seniors, four

alana peters

Freshman Alex Marquis drives to the basket in a drill. Being the youngest on the team makes no difference in the eyes of her senior captain. “We all push each other on the court,” Roberts said.

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juniors, four sophomores and one freshman. “The younger girls have talent,” Manner said. “There are spots for them to step up into.” With the new team, chemistry both on and off the court is very important. “We’ll need to work together well and have good team chemistry and a good team effort to replace last year’s seniors and last year’s team,” Roberts said. “We’ve been having off-season workouts in the gym and on the track, and we’re all playing together in two different fall leagues. They prepare us well because we don’t have a lot of time before our first scrimmage.” The seniors have already made a game plan for when the season does begin. “We’re going to work hard and be disciplined,” Roberts said. “We just need to evenly distribute the points and have everyone contribute to the team.” Looking ahead, the team already sees tough games early in the season against Mt. Vernon (12/4) and Madison (12/18). “Mt. Vernon is going to be tough; they have a lot of returners,” Roberts said. “We were the only team they lost to last year, and they’ll come out to get us.” “We’re going to continue the tradition of doing well and having a strong program,” Manner said. “I want to help our senior class to have the best season that we can. It’s time to move forward.”

alanna peters

Sophomore Lindsey Abed makes a pass in a drill at practice. “It’s important to show the younger girls what it means to be on Oakton basketball and how we carry ourselves,” senior captain Manner said.

jennifer prosser touchdown editor

REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE

11/27 LEE Th 11/29 TipOff Tournament F 11/30 WAKEFIELD S 12/01 LANGLEY T 12/04 MOUNT VERNON F 12/07 @ YORKTOWN S 12/08 @ Georgetown Visitation T 12/11 @ FALLS CHURCH F 12/14 WEST POTOMAC T 12/18 @ MADISON 12/27-29 Charleston Tournament F 1/04 @ HERNDON M 1/07 @ CHANTILLY Th 1/10 ROBINSON F 1/18 CENTREVILLE T 1/22 @ WESTFIELD F 1/25 HERNDON T 1/29 CHANTILLY F 2/01 @ ROBINSON T 2/05 @ CENTREVILLE F 2/08 WESTFIELD

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Meet the Oakton winter sports stars

As winter sports begin, talented upperclassmen look to pave the way in their respective sports. Here is an insight into the enthusiastic minds of some of Oakton’s most dedicated winter athletes.

GIRLS SWIM & DIVE

natalie eberhart

With high expectations for another state title season, senior Melissa Shebat expects the team to dominate the region. “There really is no definite competition,” Shebat said. “We have quite a few fast underclassmen who we hope are able to qualify for states as well.”

BOYS SWIM & DIVE jennifer prosser

As 2012 state runners-up, boys swim and dive is looking for a championship. “This year will be more challenging because we lost a lot of seniors,” said senior captain Phillip Hu. “But there were a lot of fast underclassmen at tryouts who will fill the gaps from the seniors we lost.”

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GIRLS GYMNASTICS jennifer prosser

Girls gymnastics is coming off of a mediocre 2011 season with high expectations from their new teammates. “This year’s tryouts were really competitive, and we have a lot of [talented] girls this year,” said returning junior, Taylor Manley.

GIRLS TRACK&FIELD anee nguyen

Senior captain Kristi Carrigan is excited to meet new people and do shorter distances. “This season I want to win districts again and help everyone beat their personal best [records],” said Carrigan. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to keep everyone injury-free, too.”

BOYS BASKETBALL

BOYS TRACK&FIELD

Juinor captain Robert Bacon wants his new teammates to know what the varsity standards are. “They need to be able to play with the pace of the rest of the team,” Bacon said. In addition to improving his team’s playing, Bacon said, “I look forward to improving our record and having everyone perform their best.”

Junior captain Jack Stoney is a dominant figure on the track. “You just have to work hard, and it’s a lot of fun,” Stoney said. He is looking forward to improving his own times and hopes to beat other peoples’ records as well.

jennifer prosser

anee nguyen

natalie eberhart staff writer anee nguyen staff writer

Happy hunger games

alana peters photo editor

Looking for a place to hang out with friends and watch the big game? Check out these local sports grills for fun times and good food.

The Green Turtle is a classy sports bar and grill started in the 80s by two UMD graduates. While both family-friendly and capable of accepting large groups in a separate party room, the Green Turtle is both practical and convenient for anyone who wants to have a good meal. While the food is slightly pricier than other sports bars, it is of excellent quality, and there are a total of 84 TV’s to feast your eyes upon. Flat screens line the walls around the separate bar-seating area, and there are individual mini TVs with volume and channel control at each booth all photos by alana peters in the dining area. This is a great place to bring a group of friends or pre-plan a party with all your sports fans.

Less than a mile from the Green Turtle, Hard Times is a loud and happening cafe in the heart of Fairfax, arranged with seating downstairs, the pool tables and a smoking section upstairs. The food is inexpensive, and the restaurant itself is good to bring a small group of friends to watch games on the TVs in each dining area. The cheeseburger is just one of many things to die for, and your table receives samples of all four chili flavors before you order your meal (Texas Chili, Cincinnati Chili, Terlingua Red and the Vegetarian Chili). Why not bring along a few friends to share the fun experience and tasty chili while you watch your sports team?

4069 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax (703) 267-9590

3950 University Dr, Fairfax (703) 934-5550

Prime Time has some of the best (and most filling) appetizers in the area. With a plethora of seating and TVs to go with it, Prime Time is an excellent place to bring your gang for a bite and a good time. There is also a separate lounge area for relaxation and hanging out with your group and 23 HD TVs (and four jumbotrons) to keep an eye on. Prime Time also hosts games such as cornhole and the Madden challenge and has a separate area for pool and a bar. It’s a blast for both family and friends.

11250 James Swart Cir, Fairfax (703) 352-0260

Glory Days is an openly designed sports cafe with good service and even better food. The food is affordable and fresh, and the appetizers are a good size to fill you up before your entree. But game time is where it gets even better. Glory Days has a control box at each booth that lets you tune into the audio of any of the 32 TVs in the room and listen along to the games happening around you. Swing by on game night to catch everything in action. 2567 John Milton Dr,

Herndon (703) 390-5555

Tip: Make a meal of appetizers

If you’re tired of the same old burger and fries, or just want to shake things up, try pulling a bunch of appetizers from the menu to make a combination of meals that’s fun and group friendly. This is an especially good idea on dates, so there isn’t that internal confliction over what you should order, or for big groups, so that everyone can share the food and the bill. They’re easy to snack on while you cheer on your favorite team and cheap to pay for if you’re particularly broke.

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11.20.12

P90X and Zumba, your new winter workouts Structured workouts and fitness programs such as P90X and Zumba provide a way for athletes and non-athletes to stay fit and healthy in their own homes.

monsterhomefitness.com

90X, created by fitness trainer Tony Horton, is an intense fitness program that uses muscle confusion to create extreme transformations to the body in just 90 days. Junior soccer player Kasra Eslami decided to start P90X at first just for fun, but eventually it turned into a lifestyle. “I have been doing P90X for about five and a half months,” Eslami said, “and I haven’t missed a day yet.” P90X is designed for anyone willing to make a time commitment and put in the effort needed to lose weight and gain muscle. The regular P90X routine lasts for 90 days, and if you start it now you will be guaranteed results before the start of spring sports season. P90X includes twelve different workouts that strengthen all parts of the body including chest, back, arms, legs and abs. “My favorite workout is yoga,” Eslami said, “many people think that the yoga workout isn’t important, but it actually is the hardest routine, and it is important for flexibility and balance.” P90X also comes with a guide for healthy eating. It is imperative to maintain a healthy diet while exercising to maximize your results. If you are looking for a workout plan that is high effort but high reward, P90X is for you. kenneth hippe staff writer all photos by jennifer prosser

Basic exercises such as push-ups, sit-ups and squats are essential in the P90X workout.

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umba is a high-intensity, Latin inspired fitness dance that incorporates moves from salsa, flamenco and merengue. “It’s a really fun workout and a good way to get moving,” said senior Zumba participant Nadine Shabti. Created in the mid 90s by Alberto Perez in Columbia, Zumba was a spontaneous exercise class he gave when he forgot his original music tapes for his aerobics class. The only music he had was his personal latin music, which was unusual for aerobic exercise. Perez developed an exercise class on the spot using traditional Latin dance steps. Since its introduction to the U.S. in 2001 it has become one of the world’s largest and most successful dance fitness programs. In comparison to other programs, Zumba burns more calories than cardio kickboxing, power yoga, pilates or step aerobics. Whether it be in an exercise studio or by videotape in your basement, Zumba uses interval training, alternating between a fast and slow rhythm, and resistance training to be a fullbody workout. However, the easy dance steps and upbeat music make the exercise enjoyable, providing a dance party atmosphere. If you are looking for a workout that actually makes it fun to exercise, Zumba is for you. alex driscoll staff writer courtesy of nadine shabti

Oakton sisters Nadine Shabti, senior, and Mera Shabti, sophomore, practice Zumba moves in their home. “It’s a really fun workout and a good way to get moving,” Nadine said.

Fab Freshmen

Natalie Weaver

Many Oakton winter sports are welcoming some superstar freshmen this year, including a swimmer who competed at the Olympic trials and a basketball player who played on ESPN3 over the summer. Read on to learn about the new athletes to watch out for this season. jennifer prosser

“I’m really looking forward to being a part of a team with Oakton gymnastics. I hope the team can go really far.”

touchdown editor torri marquis staff writer

Megan Byrnes courtesy of megan byrnes

Girls Varsity Swim

Isaac Harris

“This summer at Oak Marr, which is actually where the Oakton team practices, I qualified for the Olympic trials in the 200 meter backstroke.”

Daniel Harris all photos by alana peters

Boys JV Basketball

“High school practices are much longer. The speed is going to be different. It’s going to take time to adjust, but it will be fine.”

Girls Varsity Gymnastics

Boys JV Basketball

“I’m looking forward to the game atmosphere, and I’m really excited to travel and play against other schools.”

Alex Marquis

Girls Varsity Basketball

“Last year my [AAU] basketball team won the showcase tournament in Florida, and it was on ESPN3. It was really cool.”

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11.20.12

spotlight

Oakton dancer takes national stage

karli gillespie spotlight editor

Dancer Shannon Holcombe, senior, is one of the few dancers across the country chosen to dance in the world renowned Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. After dancing for many years, her talent has taken her to great opportunities that few can say they have done.

janet holcombe

(from left: Victoria Sommese, Shannon Holcombe, Maria Canales, Lindsey Bolger, Tricia Gore) OHS Dance Team captains and cocaptains are all smiles following their time at their summer dance camp. “I was so proud of all our our captains and co-captains for qualifying for All-American [Dance Team],” Holcombe said. “It really was a great opportunity for us.”

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I feel like this is just another thing I’m doing for dance team. But then I remind myself that this is so much more than just dancing for Oakton. shannon holcombe | 12

”

Holcombe leaps into the air as she practices the routine she will perform on Thanksgiving Day. “I think people will be pleased with our performance,” Holcombe said. “It’s fast, fun and enjoyable.”

ka r

li g

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his year, one of Oakton’s own will be in New York City for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. But she won’t be just any bystander; she will be dancing her heart out for thousands to see by performing with the Universal Dance Association in the parade. Shannon Holcombe, senior, has been dancing since she was a little girl. She has been on the Oakton Dance team for three years and is one of the three co-captains. Her opportunity to be in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade came around this summer at one of the summer dance camps the Oakton Dance team went to. “Seniors, and juniors too if your team doesn’t have many seniors, are the ones that can try out for the All-American Dance Team,” Holcombe said. “Tricia Gore, Victoria Sommese, Maria Canales, Lindsey Bolger and I all were able to try out.” “In order to make the team, you have to memorize the choreography, make up your own dance and perform it in front of the entire camp and judges,” Holcombe said. “If you get a high enough score in your performance you make All-American and are then invited to dance in other events, like the Macy’s Parade.” After months of anxiously waiting, the Association has finally mailed Holcombe and all the other participants the details of their grand performance. “They have just sent us videos of the choreography,” Holcombe said. “So I need to memorize all four parts of the routine – which adds up to a minute and a half long – and then when we get to New York they will refresh us with the choreography and further organize everything. The routine is much easier than anything we would do at Oakton, but it has to be easy since girls across the entire country are expected to perform it. It should take me a day or two to memorize.” Dancers across the nation are coming together for the special event, but that doesn’t rattle Holcombe’s nerves. “I feel like this is just another thing I’m doing for dance team,” Holcombe said. “But then I remind myself that this is so much more than just dancing for Oakton. It’s dancing in the nationally televised Thanksgiving Parade. This is such a great thing to be a part of. “ “I’m very anxious for the parade,” Holcombe said. “I only know of a few girls that are going from Bishop O’Connell [High School], but overall I’m really excited. We’re all dancers, so I just know it is going to be a lot of fun.” So keep your eyes peeled for a familiar face when you are watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday; the Cougars are making their name known, and Holcombe is just one of the many talented students at Oakton doing so.

spotlight 11.20.12

A fashion icon in the making While Oakton is overflowing with a wide range of students who have an even wider range of interests, few students have what it takes to truly bring their passion to life. Angela Chen, sophomore, uses her interest in fashion design as a way to express her individuality and bring beauty to everyday life. All artwork on page by Angela Chen.

hile the majority of students may spend their free “Last year, I made a dress ouf of newspaper for the Exhibition time playing sports and socializing, Angela Chen, of Learning last year. Fewer people are reading the newspaper sophomore, devotes her time to fashion design. nowadays because we’re in a time of technological advancement, Her unique ideas and artistic talents have allowed her to create so I wanted to take something that people don’t really apprecidesigns that capture the beauty of being one-of-a-kind. Chen’s ate anymore and make it into something beautiful,” Chen said. passion for fashion has always been a part of her life, but her “At first I didn’t know what the construction would be like, but interest in creating her own unique designs has developed over I looked up some tutorials online and apparently lots of people time. do it. I learned how you can just duct tape the bodice and then “When I was a little kid my mom was scrolling through papier-mâché over it so the dress can keep its shape” fashion pictures on the computer, and I thought it was really As revealed through her creative use of newspaper as a interesting because I realized that this is a way of expressing medium, Chen views fashion and style as an art that provides yourself similar to art,” Chen said. “But people with an outlet through which they I really started getting into actually decan express their individuality. Fashion should make you feel good signing my own clothes in 7th grade.” when you’re wearing something. I think “The designers I like make a lot of Developing a profound curiosity evening gowns because those pieces really if the world follows that path instead towards fashion at a young age has led of following trends then it would be a encompass how pretty someone can look. I Chen to dream of one day joining the angela chen | 10 think that’s what fashion should be about,” happier place. fashion industry, no matter how dauntChen said. “Fashion should make you feel ing a task that may be. good when you’re wearing something. I “I really want to be a designer, but it’s highly unlikely because think if the world follows that path instead of following trends of the market. The design world is really catty, with the presthen it would be a happier place.” sure to be number one,” Chen said. “I think it would be really fun Chen continually takes her own advice by dreaming big and adto try merchandizing or something, but ideally I would like to mits that a lot of the designs she comes up with are not possible have my own line before I die.” for her to physically create, and if they are, the materials fall far Although the scope of Chen’s interest and the breadth of her out of Chen’s price range. But restrictions like these do not stop goals has broadened since her days as a fourth grade fashionista, Chen from doing what she loves and being who she wants to be. her taste in fashion and style has remained relatively constant. “If you think something looks nice, wear it. Be yourself. That Designers like Alexander McQueen speak to Chen because of sounds really cheesy, but it’s the best advice I can offer,” Chen their extra frills and ribbons. However, Chen has used different, said. unique materials to construct her own designs due to the high madlin mekelburg cost of fabric. editor in chief spotlight

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11.20.12

Get ready, get Stet for new art gallery

Seniors Gary Yeh and Ryan Hintzman get in the creative spirit by creating a online art gallery specifically for teenage artists.

he art community at Oakton is thriving since the reviews. We have writers from three or four different schools, and creation of an online art gallery, the Stet Gallery. The Ryan and I contribute a lot, but we are trying to expand.” brainchild of two motivated seniors, Gary Yeh and Ryan The gallery has begun to receive media attention, and articles Hintzman, the gallery provides an have been cropping up from several outlet for young, aspiring artists to different local groups including “The show and sell their work. Oakton Patch,” although the duo hopes “Our final exam question for art to reach out to “The Washington history was ‘What do you think art Post” once they have more artists join will be in the next twenty years?’ them. Currently, the gallery is looking From that we took on the challenge for more artists to contribute to their to figure that out,” Yeh said, whose website. So what are they looking for main source of inspiration was the in the fresh, new talent they hope to reAP Art History course he took at cruit? ”Obviously you have to be good, Oakton last year. technique wise,” Yeh said. “Develop All of the artists the gallery the basic techniques and really create represents are in high school, and [your] style. We let our artists’ art many are from Oakton, but plans for speak for itself.” expansion are on the horizon. As a brand new site, the Stet Gallery “We haven’t sold as many [paintshows great promise for the future. ings] as we’d like,” Yeh said. “Within Raising awareness throughout the the next few months we plan on underrepresented community of young This graphic print, by Nicasio Reed, is a self-portrait enexpanding as a visual arts sales gal- titled “Ow, My Mouth.” “I think we have nine or 10 artists artists has always appealed to the two, lery.” right now, with a few more being added soon,” Hintzman and despite separation in the coming said. The founders of the Stet Gallery years, plans for continuing the gallery also have begun planning to have an in college have been made. “I find that art education program to combat the declining national interest being involved in the art community is a lot more difficult than I in creative pursuits. thought it would be,” Yeh said, “It’s really been a growing experi“We currently don’t have any [education] programs, but long ence.” laura murphy term we want that,” Yeh said. “Right now we have an educastaff writer tion section [on our website] with articles, events and museum all photos courtesy of gary yeh

Yeh and Hintzman pose in front of a painting. “Surround yourself with people and things that inspire you and push you to grow as a person and as an artist,” Hintzman said. “Don’t rely on talent alone.”

spotlight 11.20.12

This original graphic print is by Stephen Bushey, and it is entitled “How About Them Apples.” “We let our artists’ art speak for itself,” Yeh said. “Really express your own artistic ideals.”

Healthy Thanksgiving foods and recipes

reina datta copy editor Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and if you’re like most families, this holiday is where you eat A LOT, then regret it later. These recipes are delicious, but they let you maintain a healthy diet.

Butternut squash soup 6 tablespoons of chopped onions 4 tablespoons of margarine 6 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash 3-4 cups of chicken broth 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper 1/8 teaspoon of ground cayene pepper 2 (8 ounce) packages of cream cheese This is my grandmother’s recipe, and my family’s favorite during the holidays. In a large saucepan, sauté onions in margarine until tender. Add squash, water, bouillon, marjoram, black pepper and cayenne pepper. Bring to boil; cook 20 minutes or until squash is tender. Purée squash and cream cheese in a blender or food processor in batches until smooth. Return to saucepan, and heat through. Do not allow to boil. This soup tastes great topped with some sunflower seeds.

Apple corn muffins 2 cups of flour

1/2 cup corn kernels

1/2 cup of yellow cornmeal 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup fat free milk 2 egg whites 1 apple, peeled and coarsely chopped This is the perfect recipe for a Thanksgiving dessert. It’s enough to satisfy a sweet tooth but small enough not to make you feel full after dinner. It’s also a nice alternative to the typical apple pie. Preheat the oven to 425 ° F. Line a muffin pan with paper or foil liners. In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, brown sugar, baking powder and salt. Stir until blended evenly. In a seperate bowl, combine the milk and egg whites. Add the apple and corn kernels, whisk to mix evenly and pour over the flour mixture. Stir lightly until all are slightly moist. The batter will be lumpy. Fill prepared muffin cups 2/3 full and bake about 30 min.

Garlic mashed potatoes 3 pounds of potatoes, peeled and cubed 6 garlic cloves, separated and peeled 1/2 cup fat- free milk 1 tablespoon trans fat- free margarine ground black pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsely Mashed potatoes are my favorite part of the Thanksgiving dinner. In a large stockpot, cover the potatoes with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until tender for about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return to the stockpot. In a small saucepan, cover the garlic with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until tender for about 10 minutes, then drain the garlic. In a food processor, combine the garlic and milk. Purée until smooth. Add the puréed garlic and margarine to the potatoes, and mash to the desired consistency. Season with black peper to taste. Recipe credits to Sarita Datta

spotlight

11.20.12

No Shave November

natalie eberhart staff writer

It’s a high school boy’s dream: showing off your unshaved facial hair for a full month while competing against your friends to see who can become the most “grizzly-like.” History of No Shave November

karli gillespie

natalie eberhart

karli gillespie

natalie eberhart

Name: Ratchit Bhagat Grade: 11 Movember Motivation: “Honestly, I’m just too lazy to shave. No Shave November just gives me a reason for it.”

Name: Mike Wandey Grade: 12 Movember Motivation: “A few guys on the football team and I decided it would be a fun thing to do. It’s my first year doing it.”

Name: Matt McKew Grade: 11 Movember Motivation: “This is the first year I can actually grow facial hair.”

It was originally called “Movember,” or “Mustache November.” A group of 30 men from Adelaide, Austrailia founded the movement in 2004. It was originally an attempt to raise awareness for Prostate Cancer, similar to women wearing pink to raise Breast Cancer awareness. courtesy of www.us.movember.com

Name: Patrick Devens Mustache Grade: growth was meant 12 to be a display of manMovember liness. Motivation: When “Mo“Well, I don’t vember” arrived normally shave in America, the tradition evolved into “No Shave because I don’t like November.” The rest of having a baby face. Facial hair is what the world knows it as defines a man.” “Movember.”

A couple quarrels over No Shave November “[No Shave November] is a chance for guys to be lazy. Most of them can only grow patchy beards and look ugly; most people can’t [pull it off yet]. I don’t mind [Jay’s beard] now, but by the end of November I’ll definitely be tired of it.” helen roberts, 12

“I just think [No Shave November] is a fun thing that both guys and girls can do – well, maybe not for girls as much. But it’s just a good excuse to be lazy for guys. I think [Helen] is generally okay with [my beard], but it’s day 14 now, and I think she is definitely getting a little tired of it.” jay bundren, 12

spotlight 11.20.12

karli gillespie

No Shave November not only affects your looks, but it can also affect your relationships. Senior couple Jay Bundren and Helen Roberts share their differing views on the ever-sopopular trend.

viewpoint

Oakton students share their opinions on controversial topics at Oakton and in our community marilyn yang

Underserving the underprivileged

Schools should focus on learning rather than passing tests

hat students do at school has only ever been one students in traditionally underachieving neighborhoods and part of the equation of academic success. The are comprised of mainly minorities. However, through a “Five second part seems to be often overlooked; what stuPillars” approach that includes longer school days and a focus dents do once they return home is just as important, if not more on choice and commitment, the program has been able to help so. Whether or not a student’s household emphasizes academic thousands of students succeed in underserved communities. In achievement is a crucial factor in predicting a student’s progress fact, the eighth grade class at the KIPP Academy middle school in school. Unfortunately, many students who are part of housein the South Bronx boasts the highest scores on the citywide holds that do not place as much weight on academics are also achievement test in the borough and is also one of the highest the ones who are not meeting state or national standards. achieving middle schools in New York City. More often than not, these students are part of what the While it is not financially practical to organize KIPP charter Virginia Department of Education dubs schools in every single school district, school “proficiency gap groups,” which include The Staff Editorial is systems can still learn from KIPP’s approach. disabled, African-American and Hispanic Although the program focuses on standardized students. Yet rather than develop additional the official opinion of test achievement, above all it provides students the Oakton Outlook with the necessary resources to pass these tests programs to help these underachieving students, the VDOE and many other state including a longer school day that allots time educational programs across the country focus instead on a for tutoring and more opportunities for one-on-one instruction. gradual goal-setting process that involves raising the standardAt Oakton, the addition of AVID, or Advancement Via Indiized test passing rate of certain demographic groups by a few vidual Determination, program, which fosters college readiness percentage points each year. While this is a rational process, it through the development of student-teacher mentorships and focuses too much on test scores instead of the more important motivational encouragement, is a step in the right direction. goal of helping these underachieving students develop a true Simply focusing on standardized test passing rates without interest in learning. implementing accompanying programs like KIPP and AVID is a One method of helping underachieving students has been flawed approach. What underachieving students truly need is an demonstrated and proved by the Knowledge is Power Program, environment in which they can learn the importance of educaor KIPP, which organizes free, public charter schools in cittion for their futures in an increasingly competitive, globalized ies nationwide. The KIPP charter schools specifically accept world.

viewpoint

11.20.12

The Wr ng Decision

Re-electing Barack Obama was a huge mistake

n Nov. 6, Barack Obama was reelected franchise owners will probably be cutting their as our nation’s president. This was workforce. Applebees will be following suit as a terrible mistake. President Obama they will also lay off workers due to the Affordhas done nothing to improve the state of the able Care Act. Businesses, especially the economy and has greatly increased the reach of restaurant industry, will be hit government. In this past election there were two hard because of this law. choices: the preservation of liberty or downright New reports are coming tyranny. Unfortunately the American people out every day about things chose tyranny, and there will be consequences. that the administration With the president’s reelection, “Obamacare” withheld in order to will almost certainly be institutionalized. Is this win the election. Acnot a good thing? Now there is free healthcare cording to the USDA, for everybody. Not quite. Guaranteeing health food stamp enrollment insurance does not guarantee healthcare. If that has reached a record high were the case, then Cuba would be a health care with 46,681,833 people utopia. It is not. The average Cuban waits in now receiving assistance. long lines at government hospitals and unless The Senate Budyou are a member of the party elite you will not get Committee has get very good care either. According to Canada’s stated the cost of National Post, “Even the most commonly availfood stamp spending is able pharmaceutical items in the U.S., such as projected to reach $800 Aspirin and rubbing alcohol, are conspicuously billion over the next 10 absent [in Cuba].” There is a reason why people years. The country simply from all around the world come to America for can not afford this kind of health care. Wait, what about Canada? Well if spending. you want to wait in line for months for basic It seems many students either care, then it’s great. Socialized medicine leads to think presidential elections are some kind of rationing and lack of innovation. If the governgame or they are completely ignorant on politics ment does not think you are worth saving then altogether. You do not elect presidents on how you are out of luck. “cool” they may seem, you You do not elect presidents on elect presidents on their When it comes to how “cool” they may seem. the economy willingness to protect the Obama is a disaster. Yes, he did inherit Constitution and our great country. Obama a recession, but so did Reagan, and he seems unwilling to do either. In fact, if he has lead us into a period of prosperity. In his way our military will be shredded, and we many ways the recession that Reagan will become very vulnerable. Our Constitution presided over was worse. Obama has will be disregarded as a minor inconvenience if declared a war on our energy industry it hasn’t already been so. President Obama shows using his EPA fiat. The coal industry no respect for the constitution. He has bypassed is being hunted as many mines are Congress by issuing executive orders in place of being forcibly shut down. Oil drilllegislation. When he could not get immigration ing permits have decreased on reform passed, he simply issued an order declarfederal land, not to mention that his ing that a current immigration law will not be administration rejected the Keystone fully enforced. A statement in a speech Obama Pipeline. Take the man at his own gave to Congress sums up how he feels: “If words: “Under my plan of a cap and Congress won’t act, then I will.” The president trade system, electricity rates would said himself that the Constitution “...[reflects a] necessarily skyrocket.” fundamental flaw of this country that continues Endless reports of businesses firto this day.” America has chosen a path in which ing employees are now coming out. liberty has no place in society. On election night Papa John’s CEO John Schnatter in 2008, Obama was not kidding when he said has stated that he will be forced to that he wanted to “fundamentally alex xenos reduce workers’ hours because of transform” America. Obamacare. He went on to say that staff writer

isa m i

viewpoint 11.20.12

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#CougarRants

Oakton’s widespread Twitter addiction has spawned some of the greatest tweets known to mankind. With hashtags, favorites and retweets aplenty, here is just a sample of November’s best, courtesy of OHS’ finest tweeters.

My moms never seen the notebook...shes not my mom anymore.

If you call ketchup “catsup,” i hate you.

All these kids at Oakton who think they are good rappers... #smh

Wait, Oakton is still having football games? I lost track since that last one I went to my Freshman year XD

Rainy day at oakton = more buckets than a KFC

late nights, rough mornings

I feel bad that my dad has to watch The Voice with me because I sing along with every song #sorrynotsorry

240 is the worst time to go bathroom searching in oakton

Staying afterschool<<<<<

Just realized I haven’t listened to a one direction song... Ever... #notcomplaining

Don’t forget to follow @Oakton_Outlook on Twitter for updates on all things OHS!

sofia crutchfield viewpoint editor

viewpoint

11.20.12

Pumpkin spice and everything nice

With the weather getting colder and the holidays around the corner, the craze over seasonal drinks is perfectly understandable

t seems like the perfect time to talk about one aspect of intricately prepared drinks is the inevitable hype that comes fall and winter that almost every high schooler and avid along with them. When lots of people adore something, they Starbucks drinker knows about. Yes, I’m talking about the will ask for it, and if they don’t get it, there is disappointment seasonal menu at Starbucks, which is inspired by every sweet, everywhere. According to The Wall Street Journal, many delicious food under the sun and is Starbucks cafés all over the country had ramya mukalla crafted for the sole purpose of proto place extra orders for Pumpkin Spice viding all its customers with warm Syrup while patrons left in anger. holiday treats. These drinks may be the most fabulously To counteract the cold weather and concocted, deliciously mouth-watering and how miserable it seems after summer, heartwarmingly reminiscent of famous, Starbucks provides us with a range of staple treats for the holidays. Loaded in drinks. For fall, we have the Pumpkin calories, the sweet syrups mesh together Spice Latte, Salted Caramel Mocha with the steamed milk and provide an Hot Chocolate and the Peppermint experience that is otherwise only achieved Hot Chocolate. For those of you who by summoning one’s grandma to cook and are not hip to the Starbucks lingo, the bake the divine treats that these drinks above drinks are all made with milk, resemble. Starbucks has been serving Gingerbread Lattes syrups and in some cases, shots of While the first thought that many have (pictured above) for 11 years now. espresso. about Starbucks is “too expensive” or “too The same goes with the holiday many calories,” the fact remains that ‘tis drinks: Peppermint Mochas, Gingerbread Lattes, Caramel the season. With Thanksgiving, Christmas, more-than-asked Brulee Lattes and Eggnog Lattes. While they are all pretty selffor four day weekends and the high possibility of snow, we are explanatory, they have also become somewhat of a tradition. all guilty of eating whatever we like. And an occasional splurge Starbucks has been serving the Eggnog Latte for almost 25 or craze is nothing to be ashamed of, ramya mukalla years and the Gingerbread latte for 11 years. especially when it is for a nice, Grande staff writer The most interesting consequence of having these detailed, Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Vampire trend is not undead

The popularity of vampires has decreased a lot since “Twilight” first came out and is no longer the teenage girl obsession it once was.

ince the time teenagers began obsessing over vampires, people have claimed they’re overrated. Now, a majority of people claim they’re overdone. Vampires became popular in 2008 when “Twilight” was first released and made $350 million. After seeing the success of that movie and how teenage girls hungered for more, franchises started taking advantage of the craze and pushed more vampire products. Everywhere there were girls that had “Twilight” shirts, bags, posters, Edward Cullen blankets and pillows, pens, jewelry, perfume and more. In 2009, it was the same with “New Moon,” only with the addition of the hot werewolf Jacob Black. Teenage girls fought over who was better, Edward or Jacob, even going to the point of buying shirts that proudly proclaimed what “team” they were on. The vampire theme was still going strong, and it even brought in other supernatural aspects.

viewpoint 11.20.12

However, around the time “Eclipse” came out, the buzz started dying down, meaning less fan memorabilia, fewer screaming girls and reduced overall craziness. When “Breaking Dawn: Part 1” was released in November of 2011, the obsession was going downhill fast. “Breaking Dawn: Part 2” debuted on Nov. 16, (check out oaktonoutlook.com for our review), and even fewer people are planning to see it. “I’m only going to see it because I feel like I have to, since I saw all the other ones, and to find out what happens,” said Marissa Raiti, sophomore. In a recent poll of Oakton students, 40 out of 45 people said they thought that vampires are old news. It would seem that the vampire trend has been sucked dry. erin preaskorn staff writer Yuri Hong

indepth

Students question whether Virginia and Fairfax County are doing enough to successfully prepare them for life after graduation

80.3%

By the numbers: graduation rates for student subgroups in Oakton’s class of 2012

Will some children be left behind?

n lieu of the No Child Left Behind Act, which Clark said. requires all schools that receive Title 1 funding However, Clark believes that the AMOs are from the government to make Adequate necessary to provide for the student population as economically Yearly Progress on standardized test scores, a whole. Annual Measurable Objectives (AMOs) have been “Aggregate data is helpful in tracking population disadvantaged established for Math and Reading SOLs for all trends which lead educators to allocate resources Virginia public schools. An AMO is a goal for the to specific groups,” Clark said. “It appears percentage of students that need to pass the SOL discriminatory at its face, but yet it’s just where 84.8% each year, with the eventual goal of a 73% pass the data leads us. ” rate for all students. The reality is that Fairfax County is changing. The AMOs are intended to decrease the The minority populations are increasing, and the proficiency gap between low-performing and population as a whole is projected to rise. This limited english high-performing schools. The student populations change is now impacting the school system, which proficient of each school are divided into subgroups: is Virginia’s largest as well as the 11th largest Proficiency Gap school system in The fear is that [AMOs] can reinforce racial Group 1, Proficiency the nation. 90.9% Gap Group 2 (Black Despite stereotypes when [students] see these numbers. Students), Proficiency the county’s donald clark | teacher Gap Group 3 reputation as (Hispanic Students), Students with Disabilities, being academically strong, there is a persistent hispanic Limited English Proficient (LEP) Students, graduation gap. According to a report from the Economically Disadvantaged Students, White Virginia Department of Education, the county’s 92.3% Students and Asian Students. four-year graduation rate for the Class of 2012 Each subgroup is given an AMO for every year was 91.3 percent overall but differed when ethnicfor the next six years. Each subgroup’s AMO ity, English proficiency and income level were a is based on the measured passing rates of the factor. The county graduated 96.6 percent of its 2011-2012 school year. However, the AMOs White students, 94.8 percent of Asian students, 88 black differ between subgroups. Next year, the AMOs percent of its Black students and 77 percent of its for the Asian Student group are the highest at Hispanic students. 95.1% 82% and above for the Math SOL. On the other “It makes sense because you usually see those hand, Proficiency Gap Group 2 (Black Students) types of trends,” said Eleanor Griffis, senior. is at the lower end of the spectrum with AMOs More specifically, Oakton’s Class of 2012 graduof 51% for the Math SOL. Due to these gaps ated at a higher percentage than the entire county. asian between subgroups, the Virginia State Conference “I think [the results] are a sign that Oakton is of the National Association for the Advancement better academically than some other schools,” said of Colored People (NAACP) has announced its Alyssa Yang, senior. 99.1% opposition to the AMOs. Oakton leads FCPS by 12 points in the on-time Donald Clark, U.S. History teacher, comprehends graduation rate of English-language learners. the NAACP’s rejection of the AMOs. However, Oakton graduates less of its economi“I understand the NAACP’s position that cally disadvantaged students by 2.8 percent. aggregate data can mask many individual “I think it’s pretty good considering other states white situations, and that each child should be treated as in general,” said Lauren Davis, sophomore. “You a separate child,” Clark said. know it’s one of the highest of the state, but *Information from http://www.doe.virginia.gov/ Clark also realizes that students may perceive the FCPS could do better.” statistics_reports/graduation_ AMOs in a negative light. completion/cohort_reports/ gabriela driscoll “The fear is that [AMOs] can reinforce racial index.shtml editor in chief stereotypes when [students] see these numbers,” melanie aguilar indepth editor *For more information on AMOs, check out http://www.doe.

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virginia.gov/federal_programs/esea/flexibility/faq_amo.pdf

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indepth 11.20.12

Home away from home

A day in the life of an ESOL student

Ali Hasemi, sophomore, Genesis Sanchez, junior, Karen Rivas, junior, Faxliddin Mamadiev, freshman, all students in the ESOL program, share their stories of how they came to America and the obstacles they have faced. sunni bean staff writer

Ali Hasemi, 10

li Hasemi, sophomore, moved here ten months ago from Iran. Moving 7000 miles might seem daunting, but Hasemi and his family came with high hopes for their future. “Everybody knows this country is better, right?” Hasemi said. “People come for the education and work; that’s what we did.” Living in America has introduced Hasemi to different religions and cultures than he had not previously been exposed to. “People here are all from different countries with different religions, and everybody thinks differently,” Hasemi said. “In my country, you can just see people from Iran.” Further, Hasemi has noticed major differences in his schooling in America. “[In Iran] the boys’ and girls’ schools are separate,” Hasemi said. “And we stayed in class with like 30 people every day while the teachers moved classrooms.” In regards to the social aspects, moving from country to country isn’t so different from moving from state to state. “It’s hard adjusting and making friends.” Hasemi said. However, Hasemi finds that the treatment of the American public differs from that of his native country. “It’s different because here, everybody’s the same.”

Genesis Sanchez, 11

enesis Sanchez, junior, moved last summer from the Dominican Republic to Fairfax County. Sanchez has begun a new life, struggling to learn a new language and adapt to a drastic climate change. “The language was [the hardest adjustment],” Sanchez said. “I didn’t know anything about English, so it was hard for me to communicate with others.” Sanchez was pleasantly surprised by simple aspects of the building that students might take for granted. “We didn’t have a library; we didn’t have a cafeteria like this, or football or baseball fields,” Sanchez said. The change of pace has forced Sanchez to adjust, yet she still misses parts of her old life style. “I miss my friends, my family, but also just my culture,” Sanchez said.

Karen Rivas, 11

aren Rivas, junior, moved here from El Salvador last July. The struggle to learn a new language proved to be the most difficult aspect of her transition. “The language was the hardest just because I didn’t understand what people are saying here,” Rivas said. Although Rivas found the language to be a hard adjustment, it became one of her favorite parts of moving to the U.S. “I got to learn something I didn’t know about,” Rivas said. “I learned another language, and I met so many new people.” Not all aspects of her education were enjoyable, however. “It was hard because [in El Salvador], the next year I would graduate high school,” Rivas said. “But when I came here, I came after ninth grade; it was disappointing.” Whether it is leaving school for lunch, or having the opportunity to eat with all students, Rivas has discovered a plethora of differences between Oakton and her school in El Salvador. A pleasant surprise for Rivas, however, was that American students are a great deal more welcoming than she had expected. “I thought people would look at you and think you were different from them,” Rivas said. “But it’s so different from that.

Faxliddin Mamadiev, 9

azliddin Mamadiev, freshman, came to the U.S. for the first time in August. Mamadiev moved from Uzbekistan because of his father’s job, leaving his country behind. “I always liked [America], and my wish was to come here anyway,” Mamadiev said. Mamadiev found moving overseas an easy transition, because of the multitude of similarities between countries. “There’s no difference, but there are more rules here than in my country,” Mamadiev said. However, moving away from his family and friends proved to be a much more difficult task. “I miss my family the most,” Mamadiev said. “In the summer I wasn’t with them and it was very different.” Educational systems vary from country to country, and Mamadiev found the American students’ sense of honor admirable. “I don’t like how in my country the students would cheat from me, like on homework and on tests and quizzes,” Mamadiev said. ”But here students are honest, and I like that.”

Oakton introduces AVID avi d.o rg

Advancement Via Individual Determination is a nationwide college readiness program, and Oakton has decided to adopt this program as an elective for students who may need extra academic support

About AVID PHILOSOPHY: Hold students accountable to the highest standards, provide academic and social support, and they will rise to the challenge. MISSION STATEMENT: AVID’s mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society. 89% of AVID seniors apply to 4-year colleges nationwide; 74% of seniors get accepted 98% of AVID seniors plan to graduate high school, and 73% have taken or are taking a rigorous course, such as an AP course

source: avid.org

“It is not a minority-only program. It is certainly not a remedial program. It’s not a program for students who are failing classes. It is for students who are academically motivated and just need an extra push, whether it be organizationally, whether it be asking questions wise, whether it be really learning how to take notes and study and that sort of thing. Those are the things that we are providing as well as steps to prepare oneself for college.” -Erich Heckel, Oakton AVID coordinator

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dvancement Via Individual effective ways to learn. For most of Determination, or AVID, is the class, trained tutors from Fairfax a college readiness program County come in and meet with groups of founded in San Diego, California in 1980 students to help answer questions that that aims to motivate students to pursue the students come across in their classes. academic challenges and be responsible “[Tutors] try to help [students] for their academic achievements. answer their questions by asking them Originally reaching only 32 students questions,” Heckel said. “[The purpose at one high school, AVID now reaches is] to try to get students to think over 700,000 students at over 4,900 through the process of finding the schools and is found in 16 countries and answer rather than saying, ‘Oh, here’s territories aside from the United States. how you do it.’ [Tutors] are asking the AVID also claims to be one of the most questions that will prompt students to do successful programs of its kind, and it themselves. That’s what the program according to AVID, “Policymakers and is all about: giving a student the tools to school administrators now consider do it themselves.” AVID an essential strategy for closing Unlike some programs that have similar the achievement gap and making the goals, AVID students must demonstrate college dream that they are accessible to willing to put in We’re looking for students the effort and use all students.” AVID made resources that who are motivated and have the its debut at AVID provides the goal for themselves of them. According to Oakton this year, reaching Heckel, the AVID going to college. 28 students class requires an erich heckel | english teacher incredible amount in ninth and tenth of hard work on grade. Erich Heckel, English teacher, is the part of the student. They have to Oakton’s coordinator for the program. take more notes and they have to think “Last year was sort of a planning year, about what they’re learning more than and I came on board as the coordinator a student who may not be in AVID. around late February of last year to Even at just nine weeks, Heckel can start to get things rolling for the AVID see that the way that the students are program,” Heckel said. thinking about their education is already Similar to the goal of the nationwide surpassing some of their peers. program, the primary goal of Oakton’s Although Oakton’s AVID program is AVID program is to aid students only on its first year, Heckel and other who have much academic ability and AVID teachers seem to be confident in aspiration but may need some assistance the program and hope that students who in making their goals a reality. fit the criteria will consider joining the “We’re looking for students who program next year. are motivated and have the goal for “AVID can really be a path to high themselves of going to college,” Heckel school and college success,” Heckel said. said. “What we’re trying to do is provide “Any student that has college as a goal, a structure within the school day and yet doesn’t exactly know the steps to get within the school system to provide there, should really think about applying support for those students who, for to the AVID program, because that’s whatever reason, have a lot of potential, what we do; that’s what we’re here for.” and now we’re trying to match that potential with results.” kim gibbons AVID is an elective class, and in-class viewpoint editor activities focus on teaching students

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Gender ratios to the extreme

oliver lopez-gomez online editor

Why a few classes have a bit of a wonky balance between the sexes

hile FCPS has a male to female ratio worry about it not being cleaned up,” Silva said. of 50.6 to 49.4, several classes at Most interesting is the difference in class dynamOakton for one reason or another have ics between the mostly-male AP Physics C and the thrown that ratio out the window and adopted practically all-female AP Photo. Roudebush has a more unbalanced approach to class make-ups. noticed that girls are more likely to work together While the art classes may vindicate the stereotypes and form their own groups. With fewer of them in we all hold, a few math and science classes show a a class, the smaller the groups and the more chaltrend on its way toward equal learning for all. lenging it is for each individual girl. Silva, on the The general trend seems to hold true for most other hand, has seen that the boys are more easily of Deborah Roudebush’s classes, though not all brought into a girls group, and although there are of them. While multivariable calculus has seen an only three of them, they are also less likely to band increase in female students, her AP Physics C class together. continues to lag behind. “Girls would pull them [into the in-class “It has always been a struggle to enroll girls in groups], but the girls would [also] scare them Physics C, same thing in Calculus, but that has away from the class,” Silva said. changed,” Roudebush said. Jackie Fernandez’s AP Biology class also has an With two classes and 40 AP Physics C students, imbalance, but it wouldn’t be called a problem, at Roudebush only has nine girls between them. “I least according to her. In fact, she had not even think it has to do with being socially acceptable,” noticed it. Roudebush said. “People in Physics C are viewed as “I never pay attention to it,” Fernandez said. “I nerds and never thought of as people it, [but I] had a It has to do with being socially acceptable. comfortfeeling.” deborah roudebush | physics & calculus teacher able in the With 98 total ‘Big Bang Theory,’ and that puts a challenge for students, she has 66 females compared to only 32 girls who would be comfortable in physics but not males. Yet the skewed ratio does not particularly with the nerd group.” affect the class. Trials lie ahead for Roudebush as she tries to “For class purposes, it’s the same,” Fernandez convince more girls to enroll in and take AP Phys- said. “The way the seating arrangement works ics C. out, boys sit with boys, and girls seat with girls. “I’ve been a role model for these girls and have That would be the lab groups [so] it changes that shown that it can be done, and I’m not sure why dynamic, but [otherwise] it doesn’t matter.” that hasn’t helped,” Roudebush said, but even she The class, like most APs, is in lecture format with admits that there is no “silver bullet” to solve the labs thrown in every week or so, but for the most imbalance. part students in the class do not interact with each Meanwhile, there are classes that have the exact other. Consequently, the gender balance not only opposite problem. Susan Silva’s AP Photo class does not affect learning but also flies under the seems unable to attract the male crowd with its 32 radar. students, only three of which are boys. Perhaps most fitting is the fact that this article “I don’t understand; Photo 2 is almost equal, but is being written in one of the most imbalanced there are still fewer boys,” Silva said. classes of all: journalism. I write this in a class While three boys sounds like a small number, it with only three boys, myself included, and I am was much worse before. At the beginning of the left to wonder what happened these past four years. year there was only one boy, and the year before This class that was pretty balanced three years ago there were none. has become a girl’s world. “Intially I was very excited for an all-girl class,” Electives like this are usually taken so friends can Silva said, “but as the year went on [with] the abbe with friends without regard for how challengsence of males, the ladies lost their decorum. Having the class is actually supposed to be, a deadly ing mixed genders creates a more civilized class.” cycle that will inevitably continue. So how should While Silva has made it clear that she would like it be fixed? Tell everybody about it; being the to have more boys in her class, she does not ignore token gender in a class might seem challenging, the positive aspects that an all-female class has. but classes like journalism have much practical “The positives were [that] the girls were good merit. So next spring when you’re looking for a at cleaning up after themselves [which is a] huge new class, why not give these off-balance classes a pro. We could get really messy, and I wouldn’t chance? At the very least, you’ll be welcomed.

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Class Gender Distributions AP Physics C Girls 22.5% Boys 77.5%

Mutivariable Calculus Girls 35.5% Boys 64.5% AP Photo Boys 9.4% Girls 90.6%

AP Biology

Girls 67.3%

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Boys 32.7%

GET A FRIEND TO SIGN UP TOO & YOU BOTH PAY $225 EACH!

showtime courtesy of jongin chey

Oakton students express their creativity through visual and performing arts odbfairfax.org

The Composer Hungry for art

oe Jongin Chey, junior, is what his teachers call him, but everybody else knows him as “The Composer.” On the surface he may seem like a quiet, thoughtful student, but in Chey’s head he has music flowing that reflects his identity and emotion. For almost two years now composing has been his main direction in life. Composing is not just a hobby for Chey. Every piece he writes represents his emotions at the time. “It serves as my diary of emotion,” Chey said. “Each piece I try to put myself and my best effort into the song.” Chey also strives to have his music be pure and real. That means not rushing and trying his best on each song. If he rushed on the piece, then he feels that it does not adequately represent him as an artist. Although he likes to put 100 percent into his work, Chey understands the importance of schoolwork. He even made a schedule so he isn’t neglecting either activity. He gets his homework and schoolwork done first, and then in his free time he evaluates his emotions and transcribes his thoughts into melody. “My emotion causes the inspiration, and then if I feel really proud about my piece, that feeling of pride transcends into the next piece, making each one a joy to write,” Chey said. abbey bonin staff writer

enior Dylan Staniszewski has been very busy this past year, getting involved in the Fairfax community through her artwork. Staniszewski recently submitted a graphic design to an annual art competition run by the non-profit organization Our Daily Bread. Our Daily Bread runs and operates out of Fairfax, and its goal is to feed the hungry and help lowincome families in the area. Staniszewski’s piece was chosen and was then replicated by hundreds of people wearing different colored shirts. These people situated themselves so that from an aerial view, their colored shirts combine to make Staniszewski’s design. The event, Complete the Circle, was on Oct. 21. The goal was to collect food and raise money for the financially challenged residents of Fairfax. About 700 people attended, and together they were able to accumulate 4,000 pounds of food and 10,000 dollars in donations. Complete the Circle was a major success and so was the recreation of Stanisweski’s design. “I thought it went really well,” Staniszewski said. “There were a lot of people there, and it was amazing to see my design. It was just great to get out there and do something to help people.” jacque groskaufmanis staff writer

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MOVIE

carly stonehouse showtime editor

media mix

THEATER TREATS

anee nguyen staff writer

fairfax corner 14 fairfax towne center 10

onion rings

food for

corn nuggets

thought... theater treat ratings

corn

Onion rings are definitely not the typical movie theater snack, but when you’re out late and you need something filling, these are perfect. The rings are $5.25 for at least ten palm sized onion rings. Not too salty and not too fried, these are the epitome of fried vegetables. The best part about eating these crispy delights is they are perfectly fried so that if bitten into, the onion and crunchy batter don’t separate. Warning: if you are going on a date with that special someone, these onion rings may not be the snack for you.

nuggets

onion rings

pretzel bites

pretzel in a bag

3 At $4.25 for six measly bites and a small container of what can only be described as “school lunch” nacho cheese, this snack is not recommended. The tiny snacks taste like bitter air pumped into an elastic-burnt bread bite. But because they are so tasteless and easy to pop into your mouth, you end up eating them until you feel nauseous. If you’re in the mood for lumpy elastic and cheese that bounces when you touch it, this could be the snack showtime for you. Otherwise, 11.20.12 customers beware.

While I was hesitant at first when selecting the $5 corn nuggets, the movie theater treat was as disappointing as I expected. The large quantity of nuggets was an example of an overpriced, burnt culinary disaster. The nuggets left you with the terrible aftertaste of corn, that couldn’t even be saved by a packet of ketchup. Not only did the hot dog taste like a moist piece of rubber, but it also took an unusual amount of time to chew. It’s safe to say the tray of nuggets was not finished.The corn nuggets are not even worth consuming while watching “Children of the Corn.”

pretzel bites

pretzel in a bag

photo credits to carly stonehouse and anee nguyen

For only $4.75 a heated pretzel in a bag was not as bad as I had expected. Leery when taking my first bite of the 620 calorie snack, the cinnamon pretzel was a surprise. Instead of the cinnamon being sprinkled on the outside, I experienced my first doublestuffed pretzel with cinnamon cream sauce. Although it seemed a little hard at first, it wasn’t as bad as other theater snacks. The consistency of the flavor was adequate, but after a while you discover the cinnamon sauce and the pretzel itself get old. The pretzel is definitely not a Auntie Annie’s delight.

Everyone needs a hobby

In “Skyfall,” James Bond proves that his is resurrection

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so than the previous two films of the Craig era, “Skyfall” pays homage to some of Bond’s roots from the return of gadget expert Q to Bond’s classic ride, the Aston Martin DB5. Directed by Sam Mendes of “Revolutionary Road” fame, this film was made by a Bond fan for Bond fans; even the camera angles are sure to induce nostalgia of the Sean Connery days. As Daniel Craig’s third outing, “Skyfall” also continues the character exploration of Craig’s Bond, this time venturing into Agent 007’s childhood. Longtime fans will appreciate that the film stays true to Bond creator and author Ian Fleming’s original backstory, although newer fans may emerge with more questions than answers. That is perhaps one of “Skyfall”’s sole pitfalls; only longtime fans can fully appreciate all of the nuances and references embedded across the film’s 143 minutes. (Which, as a longtime Bond fan would recognize, makes “Skyfall” the secondlongest Bond film after 1969’s “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.”) Nevertheless, newcomers should not be deterred from seeing the film. Above all, “Skyfall” is a captivating, well-made action movie featuring a charismatic yet flawed hero. James Bond, or at least the movie franchise, may be 50, but if “Skyfall” is any testament, “some- marilyn yang times the old ways are the best.” editor in chief m ovie.co

skyfall-m

kyfall,” the 23rd Bond installment that was released nationwide Nov. 9, could not have chosen a better time to premiere. Oct. 5 marked the 50th anniversary of the release of “Dr. No,” the first official James Bond film to ever grace movie screens. However, when MGM studios, the James Bond franchise’s longtime home, filed for bankruptcy in 2010, it seemed as though Bond would finally be put to rest. Yet it certainly takes more than a financial crisis to stop Bond, perhaps one of the most iconic pop culture heroes of the past half-century. Like always, Bond rose from his apparent grave, still as charming and as daring as ever. This theme is prevalent throughout “Skyfall”; during an exchange between Bond and Silva, the film’s cyber terrorist antagonist embodied by Javier Bardem, Bond actually states that his hobby is resurrection. And resurrection it is; “Skyfall” is essentially a disguised commentary on the Bond franchise itself, reflecting on MGM’s financial woes and the future of Bond in the midst of an entertainment industry dominated by Jason Bournes and Bruce Waynes. Yet the existence of “Skyfall” itself proves that even now, no one does it better than Bond. Of course, Bond has evolved with the times, with Craig’s Bond more ruthless and less gadgetdependent than his predecessors. However, more

Taylor Swift: tangential to the country curve in “Red” The 22-year-old country star sounds less like her “down home” roots and more alternative

is the same blend that has charmed her listeners since the beginning. Swift’s new album, “Red,” mirrors herself at this point in her career and personal life. It appeals to all listeners and doesn’t fall under one specific genre just like the former country star, who is now tangential to the country curve.

taylorswift.com

aylor Swift’s new album, “Red,” released Oct. 21, hit the song charts with her singles “State of Grace” and “I Knew You Were Trouble” hitting number one and two in a matter of hours. You would think that by now the songwriter would be tired of singing the same old lovelorn lyrics but the country star has yet to deter. Her new album, entitled “Red,” as if to symbolize a red light or a red alert as her way of ensuring her listeners that this time she has her guard up and will not let herself wind up with a broken heart. She sings songs about walking into traffic, wading in quicksand and flirting with guys she knows are bad news. However, this time around it’s getting harder and harder to empathize with the 22-year-old serial dater. Although Swift’s songs reflect only the “ruthlessness” of her love life, the album’s most popular song, “We Are Never Getting Back Together,” does successfully create a new and stronger image for the barely adult songwriter. It has a fierce infectious melody and becomes irresistibly charming after a few replays. Apart from all the songs having similar ideas and lyrics, Swift does do a good job at balancing the mood per song throughout the album. The hint of soothing melancholy in the song “The Last Time,” a duet with Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol, mixed with the freewheeling enthusiasm in the song, “The Lucky One,”

lauren embroski staff writer

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