Oakton Outlook 2012-2013 Issue 4 by Laura Murphy

Outlook oakton

vol. 48 | issue 4 | 12.18.12

Express yourself Students explore the various methods of self expression and the importance of being yourself

inside

spotlight

Students with birthdays that fall on holidays share their experiences and traditions

touchdown

Stephanie Morrison looks for a balance between academics and her love for figure skating

snailmail from the editors

outlook staff adviser lauren luna editors in chief

An Ode to the Outlook

newsworthy editor erin bennett showtime editor carly stonehouse

As the season for gift shopping comes closer, Consider buying your parents a toaster (Page 14). If your birthday falls on a holiday (Page 15), Stop and get a milkshake at Chick-fil-a (Page 30). Make sure you don’t eat too much turkey breast (Page 19), You also should not cheat on any tests (Page 7). Save money on clothes and buy from South Butt (Online), Then go to an Oakton game and go nuts (Page 12).

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

Students satisfied their cravings for rhythm and rhyme By making sure they went to Poetry Out Loud on time (Page 6). Want to see something entertaining over vacation? Go to the movies for an awesome sensation (Page 27). Check out the new album from One Direction (Page 30), As well as movies derived from book collections (Page 26). And now we’ll leave you with this final lesson: Don’t overlook the power of self-expression (Pages 21-25).

regards,

Gabriela Driscoll Michelle LoRusso

gabriela driscoll michelle lorusso madlin mekelburg marilyn yang

photo editor

alana peters

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

Madlin Mekelburg Marilyn Yang

ori

mis

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

snailmail 12.18.12

in this issue

12 courtesy of dean grenfell

alana peters

31 27

alana peters

imdb.com

courtesy of caitlin yee

vol. 48 | issue 4 | 12.18.12

5 newsworthy

touchdown

club 5 New 12 Fan helps children section

in hospitals with cancer: Evelyn Wang is giving back to the community by starting a new club called Codi’s Hats

fuels football team: Fans show their support for Oakton’s number one sports teams

spotlight

16 indepth

16 Blast 24 from the past: A peek into some of the Oakton staff’s high school years

Put your best finger forward: Junior Caitlin Yee expresses herself by decorating her nails with unique designs

showtime

Soon to be seen on the silver screen: A preview of all the must-see movies coming out over winter break

contents 12.18.12

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newsbriefs 1

Archaeologist visits Oakton

On Wednesday, Nov. 21, world famous archaeologist Kate Wheeler came to Oakton. Thanks to the efforts of history teachers Rebecca Small and Brandon McCulla, several lucky freshmen were able to witness her lecture. “We took kids from my third and sixth period class,” Small said. “We also had kids from Mr. McCulla’s sixth period.” The students enjoyed listening to Wheeler’s stories about her career and various finds, some of which she was able to bring with her. “She had lots of interesting artifacts for us [to hold],” said freshmen Jeffery Banghart. “My personal favorite was a [piece] of a Roman mosaic.” Wheeler has experience excavating in sites all over the world, but she specializes in the Middle Eastern Bronze period. Currently, she is working on a dig site just outside of Israel. “I really hope the students enjoyed the presentation,” Small said. “I thought it was particularly useful in showing the real world connection to the students and show them how the curriculum can be applied to life outside of school.”

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.

Octagon club participates in charitable Christmas tree sales

New club aims to help children in hospitals with cancer

The Octagon Club is participating in the annual Christmas tree sales supported by the Optimist Club of Vienna. The Optimist Club of Vienna is a volunteer organization that works with kids to help them reach their full potential. The proceeds from the Christmas trees go to charitable projects within the town of Vienna. “[Vienna] Optimists is a great local group that [receives] a majority of it’s funding from their annual [Christmas] tree sales,” said Octagon Club President, Peter Ott. “[Students] should come to Vienna and buy from us to help fund the great activities the Optimists do for Vienna.” The trees are on sale Dec. 16-22 in the Maple Avenue Shopping Center next to Outback Steak house.

On Friday Nov. 16, Codi’s Hats had its first hat making session of the year. Although the club began recruitment last spring, it became an official club this year. “Codi’s Hats is a club where we paint hats for kids with cancer,” said Treasurer Neda Noori. “We have a hat making session every two months. People come and they paint hats and they bring their own materials. When these hats are done, we package them and we ship them to hospitals.” The Codi’s Hats organization was founded by two students from Thomas Jefferson High School following the death of their friend Codi who died after being hit by a car. The organization spread from its original school and established new chapters at Oakton and Marshall. “I’ve always been interested in community service projects,” said founder of Oakton’s Codi’s Hats club, Evelyn Wang. “One day my dad was telling me about this website called Codi’s Hats. I looked into it and I just thought this would be a really cool thing to start at Oakton.” During the last hat making session, the club painted about 60 hats. The officers expect to schedule another session in January. “We want the kids in hospitals to know that we care,” Noori said. “We can help them feel like there is hope.” alana peters

courtesy of rebecca small courtesy of optimist club of vienna

newsworthy 12.18.12

Passionate gamers gather and compete in the StarCraft club

The “StarCraft” club is allows students who enjoy playing the game to compete against each other once a week. Other than playing video games, StarCraft members discuss gaming strategies, learn from professional players and watch tournaments online. “One of the club’s main goals is to increase the acceptance of E-sports” said President, Michael Johns. StarCraft is recognized around the world as an E- sport. E-sports are electronic sports, and it mainly referrs to videogames. “We believe that a sport doesn’t have to be based on just the body, and that an entirely mental sport can be just as taxing and competitive,” Johns said. The StarCraft club is always open to new members and encourages students to come join even with no previous knowledge of the game. “StarCraft” club meetings have the same objectives as any other club or sport at Oakton. Members of the StarCraft club compete against members of StarCraft clubs from other schools. The clubs are all part of the High School StarCraft League and the league has been seen to be to be extremely competitive. “There are a lot of positive feelings that come from gaming,” Johns said “it is a constant learning experience and a fun, even hilarious, experience.” natalie eberhart

newsworthy 12.18.12

Students compete in poetry contest

Drama two has its first production

On Thursday, December 13, Oakton held its second annual “Poetry Out Loud” contest in the Lecture Hall. Students recited poems from a predetermined list, which included poems by writers such as Henry David Thoreau and W.D. Ehrhart. “One person was picked from each English class, and those are the 30 people that you see reading their poems,” said Alison Kambourian, junior, who recited the poem “Across the Bay” by Donald Davie. While the program aims to peak students’ interest in poetry, students also benefit from the program as a public speaking opportunity. “People tend to be afraid of public speaking,” said Gregory Lee, freshman. “’Poetry Out Loud’ really gives them a chance to step outside of their comfort zone.” Despite this being her first year competing, freshman Corina Gribble looks forward to continuing the program next year. “It was really fun and I enjoy having an opportunity to do this,” Gribble said. “I think it’s good that the school is doing it, and they should keep doing it. Everyone is doing really well.” Junior Grace Wines is the winner of this year’s contest and will compete at the regional level at Signature Theatre in Arlington on February 22.

Drama two’s “An Evening of Soap Opera Murder Mysteries” was a student written and run production that ran Nov. 29-30. “We started working on coming up with what characters we wanted to play” said Claire Robbins, sophomore. “then what it was going to be about.” The students wrote the plays and created their own 25 minute productions with 10 to 12 students in each. “The only assignment for the script was that it’s a soap opera theme and that somebody had to die,” said drama teacher Vanessa Gelinas.“I didn’t care where or when somebody died, it just had to happen in each.” Working with so many people in each cast created difficulties with group work. “The hardest part was getting everybody to work,” said Gunner Michael, sophomore. ”Some people didn’t pay attention, some put in a lot of work. It was fun and also hectic.” Both productions had a large audience, and the performance was fun for all. “I love it when the plays finally get to be onstage, and the students just get to perform their plays and have fun with it.” Gelinas said. “When the audience reacts to it, it’s everything they worked for in this little room. It’s finally on stage with lights and costumes, people are laughing and they can see that it all paid off.” gianna sheffield

photo courtesy of vanessa gelinas

Paying for the consequences

marilyn yang editor in chief

A cheating scandal involving the sale and distribution of tests hits AP Physics B classes

tudents everywhere have the battle scars, or at least the sleepless nights, to prove it: studying for tests, particularly for physics tests, is time consuming. However, the hard work and honest dedication of many AP Physics B students went to waste when the grades of a recent test were thrown out due to a widespread cheating scandal. “I actually had to take the test early, and cheating [would have messed up] the curve and put everyone else, especially me, at a disadvantage,” said Marina Fields*, senior. “But [throwing the grade out] is annoying because even if I did well, now it doesn’t help me.” Other students who were not involved in the incident are similarly irritated. “I just don’t understand why people take the time to memorize answers,” said Teresa Lynd*, senior. “You might as well just study.” The scandal, which involved the sale and distribution of a past year’s physics test that happened to be reused, was also difficult for teachers to respond to. “I found out about it because people informed me that a student had obtained copies of the test and started to distribute it in advance,” said Peter Rothfleisch, AP Physics B teacher. “I wasn’t really able to do much about it because [the informants] wanted to remain anonymous, so I didn’t really have any concrete proof. My hands were kind of tied from a disciplinary point of view.” Without additional proof, there were not many

other ways to deal with the supposed perpetrator. “I contacted the parents of the person involved, but the parents did not really step forward in any way, shape or form,” Rothfleisch said. “Beyond that, there’s not much else I can do.” In AP Physics B, where many solutions from past AP exams are widely accessible on the Internet, cheating is difficult to prevent. “[Testing] is almost like a game that I try to keep ahead of, but I can’t; I’ll lose,” Rothfleisch said. Unfortunately, methods that are more foolproof against cheating are impractical. “The only way [to truly combat cheating] is to give every student in this school the test at the same time, like the SAT or the AP exams. You can’t cheat on those,” Rothfleisch said. Technology and the Internet have undoubtedly facilitated cheating in recent years. “Nine years ago, when I first started teaching physics, I didn’t have to worry

The Stats I think sometimes it is

okay to cheat at school.

NO!! 36.1% No 39.4% Yes 21.1% YES!! 3.4% FCPS 2011-2012 youth survey

[also have to] make different tests for different classes, and it’s a lot of work. It’s kind of a sad state of affairs that I have to go through all of that.” As demonstrated by Oakton’s new cell phones and electronics policy and the introduction of online textbooks in many classes, technology is nevertheless a growing aspect of school. “With technology, we need to change the way we assess learning, but it’s time consuming,” said Deborah Roudebush, AP Physics and Multivariable Calculus teacher. “We haven’t caught up yet.” However, technology aside, the more important issue at hand is character. “I’m sad to think that a letter on a paper is more important than personal integrity,” Roudebush said. “There is no real substitute for people that actually just want to be honest,” Rothfleisch said.

is almost like a game that I “try[Testing] to keep ahead of, but I can’t. “ peter rothfleisch | physics teacher about any of this because people didn’t have the Internet on their phones,” Rothfleisch said. “Also, even though the Internet was around [back then], the [AP] test wasn’t really on there yet. The amount of information on the Internet is just growing exponentially. Technology, to be honest, has really enabled cheating big time.” Consequently, teachers have changed their attitude in an attempt to adapt to the new technological environment. “I’m not going to reuse the tests I’ve [recently] used again for at least a few years, but that means I have to make new ones,” Rothfleisch said. “We

*names changed for anonymity

newsworthy 12.18.12

Finding one’s voice during oppression

A strong survivor speaks out about enduring the Holocaust and how her ability to prevail under oppression should influence future generations

n Nov. 27 Holocaust survivor Nesse Godin gave a “I thought that [Godin] was a fantastic speaker. Usually presentation to the senior class on her life during there is whispering in the auditorium when someone is the Holocaust and how she was able to endure the talking because not everyone is listening to the speaker, but horrific ordeal. Seniors watched the presentation to learn it was dead silent,” said senior Cole Testoni. “Through the about Godin’s traumatic experience and how they can use her stories that she told, it was more of a firsthand experience of experience to learn important lessons. what the Holocaust was like from her talking to us instead of “My mother told me ‘being angry doesn’t solve anything’ just learning about it in a textbook.” but taking your experience and After coming to America, courtesy of gianna sheffield teaching others that you can Godin attend Americanization overcome it,” Godin said. school where she was able to Living in concentration and labor meet other survivors of the camps, Godin learned to have a Holocaust. The people she greater appreciation for human life. met shared stories about their She also speaks of being tolerant experiences and eventually of others and learning to accept all decided to form the Club of types of people. Peace, which created a larger “It is in [the student’s] hands, sense of community among how to treat another human being, survivors. how they can make it a better “I looked for something, world and how they can make it a for people like myself, when better United States for ourselves,” Godin has been sharing her remarkable story with high school I went to Americanization students for many years. “I have known [Godin] for about ten school. I met other survivors, Godin said. Because of the oppression during years, and she had always presented to the classes at Robin- we started to socialize and son,” said English 12 teacher Ali Porter. the Holocaust, Godin encourages then it became a bigger crowd the students to speak out and make courtesy of gianna sheffield so we organized and called sure their voice is heard. ourselves Club Shalom, Club “My aunt would say ‘zip your of Peace,” Godin said. “In mouth, don’t talk about the 1983 we had a gathering, Holocaust, nobody wants to hear and somebody said to us, it,’” Godin said. “Why would I ‘call yourself who you are, a zip my mouth? I’ll rock the boat. club of peace.’ Eventually I I don’t mind rocking the boat, I became the president, and I don’t mind standing on a rally and am still president. Now we are speaking what we need to speak called the Jewish Holocaust about.” Survivors and Friends of Godin’s message of having a Greater Washington.” voice and speaking out about The sole purpose of the “The seniors read ‘1984,’ which definitely has themes of current issues reverberated Jewish Holocaust Survivors and World War II and the Holocaust in it,” Porter said. “And the throughout the senior class and Friends of Greater Washington government students are studying propaganda, so [the inspired many students. is to remember the Holocaust presentation] really fit well in the curriculum.” “I thought it was really by sharing stories and inspirational how she wasn’t just talking about her survival experiences with fellow Holocaust survivors. but also trying to get a point out there and telling the future “Our group is strictly to remember the Holocaust,” generations that you should speak up,” said senior Naomi Godin said, “but we have meetings every month and many Folta. “In America we have all these freedoms, and we have a commemorations.” erin bennett say so we should speak up and represent ourselves.” newsworthy editor The students were also able to experience a different style of learning about the Holocaust through the presentation.

newsworthy 12.18.12

Teens, put your life in drive today!

BUY YOUR YEARBOOK NOW!

Call or text Blaze at 571-244-0718 No waiting list!!!

Buy your yearbook at: yearbookordercenter.com Order Code: 4770 Follow us on Twitter @oaktonyearbook

touchdown

December highlights of cougars on the prowl

Cougars fall to Skyhawks Boosters raise money for turf installation in State Semis he varsity football team had an incredible season, beating the first, second, and third seeds to earn the northern region title and reach state playoffs for the first time since 2008. However, they were ultimately knocked out in the state semi-finals at the hand of L.C. Bird. Bird’s main asset was their running back, Paul Robertson, who began the first quarter with an 87 yard touchdown run and finished the game with a total of 421 yards. In addition to the excellent plays executed by Robertson, Oakton’s team also had to cope with losing several valuable players to injuries, putting them at a further disadvantage. Despite a hard fight the cougars fell 41-17. “It was a season filled with ups and downs, but we learned to face adversity and had a season to be proud of,” said senior captain Mike Wandey. courtesy of oaktonpatch.com

he athletic department has been putting work towards replacing three grass fields with turf. This project initially cost about $1.8 million dollars, but after amenities its sum is approximately $2.4 million. Although a large portion of the money has already been raised, there is a remaining $200K. Students and community members are encouraged to get involved. Those who wish to contribute money can do so by going to the athletic booster website, Oaktonathleticboosters. weebly.com. On the website, there is a tab to the left of the page titled “Installation of Turf Fields to Begin May 2012.” The tab leads to a page that gives additional information about the fields and has a space for online donations. Students who are interested in donating but do not wish to do so online can bring money into the donations box in the burgundy office. alana peters alana peters

Exceptional cougar athletes finalize their futures

ami Igal, senior rower on the Oakton Crew team, signed with the University of Alabama. Alabama has been looking at Igal as a potential rower for their school since the beginning of her sophomore year. Igal received official interest emails from the University and responded with commitments. The final step in the signing process for Igal was participating in the signing ceremony to sign her letter of intent. “I’m happy and glad. I really like [The University of Alabama], so it all worked out really well,” Igal said. “I also got along well with the team.”

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alana peters

enior Elizabeth Manner signed with Stony Brook University for women’s basketball. The process began in July, when Manner played in showcase tournaments with her AAU team. At those tournaments, college scouts watched her, and she was approached by several schools including Stony Brook. In August Manner verbally committed, and she officially signed in November. “It’s definitely a relief because it’s something that I’ve always wanted to do since I was little,” Manner said. “It’s really exciting, and it’s just really cool to already know where I’m going.”

Girls basketball hits the court for the holidays

Over winter break the team will travel to the Carolina Invitational

his holiday is a busy one for the Girls Varsity Basketball team with an upcoming tournament in Charleston, South Carolina. The Carolina Invitational will take place over winter break from Dec. 26- 29. Even with the looming Christmas holiday, this timing doesn’t faze the players. “I have always been used to having tournaments right after Christmas,” said senior Elizabeth Manner, one of the three team captains. Some members, like sophomore Lindsey Abed, are attending this tournament for the first time this season. “I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I’m looking forward to playing hard and bonding with the team,” Abed said. All 13 girls on the team are attending the tournament despite the fact that it could interfere with family holidays. But for those returning to tournament, they plan on making it a positive experience. “It’s like vacation anyway, because you get to hang out with all your friends, and you play [basketball],” Manner said. This tournament is also a great time to bond with the new members who weren’t on the team last year.

“[I want] mostly to become closer to the new people,” Manner said. “It’s all just fun, like a big sleep over.” Four days of living, breathing and playing basketball may not be the typical idea of a relaxing winter holiday, but for Girls Basketball it is what they look forward to most.

alana peters

Practicing for the upcoming tournament, senior Helen Roberts passes off the ball after a drill. “I like playing in tournaments during winter break because it’s warmer [in Florida], and I get to hang out with my friends,” Roberts said.

A whole new kind of team: meet the Oakton Wrestling Managerial Squad

anee nguyen staff writer jennifer prosser touchdown editor

Behind the scenes, managers make the program run smoothly

here are 24 wrestlers at Oakton, but there are 34 But managing is not just about the work. members of the wrestling team: the 24 wrestlers, six “I love wrestling,” said Moens. “And managing is great for coaches and four invaluable managers. On the mat, you bonding with the other managers.” see the match, the sweat and work of the individual wrestler. While managing brings the girls together, it also makes them You hear the cheers from parents, friends and coaches. But closer to the wrestlers. Gerow already had a connection to what you don’t automatically notice is the hard work of the the wrestling team through her older brother, senior Eddie managers. Gerow. Eddie wrestles 135, and has jennifer prosser Juniors Julia Gerow, Lily been on the team since freshman year. Moens, Marleigh Hall and Julia Last season, Eddie placed second in the Mahoney make up the Oakton Concorde district tournament for the Wrestling Managerial Squad. 126 weight class and went on to the Together they prepare for pracNorthern Region tournament. tices, clean the mats, videotape “I managed this year because I wanted and score matches, overall keepto see my brother go to states,” Gerow ing the entire program running. said. “Getting all the spirit wear is just The managers’ work for the a bonus.” team ensures that everything Look out for the Managerial Squad on goes smoothly. the next match days, Dec. 19 and 21. “Every gold day I clean the Decked out in Oakton wrestling spirit mats during my leadership wear, you will definitely recognize this period,” said Gerow. “On bur- Moens, Mahoney, Gerow and Hall unroll the mats to prepare important part of the team. gundy days the other managers for practice. “It is a lot of work but we make it fun,” said Gerow. A lot of Disney Pandora gets blasted through the do it after school.” wrestling room.”

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12.18.12

Fan section fuels football team

kenneth hippe staff writer

Throughout the season, the Cougar Nation had its ups and downs along with the Oakton football team, but together they sparked an unforgettable post-season run.

hat better way to spend risen to the occasion and helped its a fall Friday night than team reach the state semifinal. For to go to an entertaining the first game of the postseason at Oakton football game? High the regional first round against Lake school students take pride in their Braddock, the spirit day of choice schools sports teams. Fans flock to was a white-out. After winning, any sporting events they can, and a tradition was born. All of the football in the fall is very popular. remaining games were also white “My favorite part about going to outs, and the football team took games was socializing with everyone down Centreville on Nov. 16 and while cheering for the team,” said Westfield on Nov. 24. After a last junior John Rowley. second victory against Centreville in When members of the Gameday the Regional semifinal, the players, Nation fans and We actually made a difference coaches praised the and helped the team out with gathered talent of the Oakton around all of our cheers and chants. football team Head david reed | 11 and the band Coach in early October, they also called Jason Rowley, and he persistently out the Cougar Nation’s fan section praised not only the players’ effort claiming that Chantilly would and dedication but also the new and win the spirit battle at Oakton’s improved fan section. Homecoming game. Football coaches and parents have “The challenge is out Oakton,” always encouraged the fan section to said Andy Hayes of the Gameday get rowdy, but the football players Nation. “They’ve got something to always love playing when the prove.” Cougar Nation is loud. Despite the Students immediately responded football team’s end to their season in at the Homecoming game against a tough loss against L.C. Bird in the Chantilly by packing the stands state semifinal, the fans will always decked out in neon. Since then, it is be loyal to the team, cheering them safe to say that Cougar Nation has on no matter what.

“

alana peters

The Cougar Nation packs the stands for a thrilling homecoming game against Chantilly. “It was really loud and crazy in the fan section this year, especially during the homecoming game and the playoffs,” Reed said.

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alana peters

Fans fill the stands as the mascot pumps up the crowd. “The best part of the game was watching within an excited and energized atmosphere, which made every play a lot more fun to watch,” said junior Colin Richey. alana peters

Fans throw up their O’s at the first home game of the season. “The O is a cool tradition for Oakton to get loud before kickoffs,” said junior Joe Cafiero.

Obstacles on the ice Sophomore Stephanie Morrison shares her experiences as a longe-time ice skater

or many, ice skating is a typical winter activity, but for sophomore Stephanie Morrison, it is a year-round passion. Her impressive ice skating career began with an event to which most students can relate. “I started figure skating when I was seven years old because I was at a friend’s birthday party, and I really liked it,” Morrison said. Morrison spends five days a week ice skating, with practices lasting three to four hours. Surprisingly, Morrison’s life does not revolve solely around ice skating. She also plays field hockey and takes part in the Oakton drama club and Heart and Soles club. Finding a balance between her passion, academics and various other interests has proven to be a challenge. “It’s really a tough balance sometimes with all the classes that I have, so I just do homework whenever I’m on break at the ice rink,” Morrison said. “Sometimes [there are] late nights. I’ll stay up late until 2 a.m. or 3 a.m., but that’s the latest.” Morrison also devotes early mornings to perfect her skills and technique, waking at times that other students would balk at. “Sometimes I get up at 4 a.m. if [practice is] before school,” Morrison said. However, early mornings are the least of Morrison’s worries, since she has struggled with a crippling injury. “I’ve had this knee injury for three years,” Morrison said. “In the past I haven’t been able to stand up or walk. So it’s just been a challenge I’m trying to get through.” Despite this hardship, Morrison still considers ice skating to be a worthwhile and rewarding sport. “It’s definitely a positive, because ice skating is actually

really hard [and] really demanding. And it’s just a good experience for later in life,” Morrison said. “You have to get through some things, even though there are obstacles that you do have to overcome.” Morrison’s dedication has certainly paid off. She has participated in countless competitions and has been successful.

“I won first place at the Regionals through dance, because I used dancing with my partner. That’s just extra hard, because it’s two people skating,” Morrison said. Morrison has also found ice skating to be an in-depth teamwork experience when working with partners. “Working with a partner is challenging, because you have to coordinate your schedules,” Morrison said. “But it’s a whole lot of fun because you just make the best of it. It’s just really a blast.” Since ice skating has had such a positive impact on her life, Morrison plans to continue in the future. “[I will] continue in college definitely, because I love ice skating, it’s what I spend most of my time doing,” Morrison said. Morrison strives to eliminate the misconceptions associated with her sport, and offers a piece of advice to everyone. “People should try to get out to ice skate,” Morrison said. “It’s really frustrating how people say, ‘oh it’s ice skating, anyone can do it!’ but no, you actually can’t.”

alana peters

gabriela driscoll editor in chief

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12.18.12

spotlight

Girls

Perfect gifts for your nice list

Having trouble deciding what to give your friends and family for the holidays? Here are a few ideas that will save you time on your shopping trips.

Boys

Sports shirt

Sports

Cute water bottle

“If I really liked the [sports] team I would wear the shirt every day.”

“I would definitely use [a water bottle] because I would use it a lot for dance team.”

$25.00 Dick’s Sporting Goods jeffrey yu |11

$9.99 Target maria canales | 12

Music

“Red” by Taylor Swift “I’d be pretty excited if someone got this for me. I really like her music.”

$15.00 Barnes & Noble sarah goodiel | 11 “Pitch Perfect”

“I would be so overjoyed with this gift that I would give them a kiss.”

$9.99 Target ryan frantz | 11

“Men in Black 3”

“If someone got me ‘Pitch Perfect’ they would be my new best friend.”

Movies

Headphones

“I saw this in theaters and I liked it. The ending blew my mind.”

$19.99 f.y.e anna jordan | 11

$20.99 f.y.e jake thompson | 9

It’s an even bigger challenge to figure out what gifts to buy for your parents over the holidays. Here are some presents that are sure to leave them smiling.

“The Bourne For Dads... Legacy” Framed photo $19.99 f.y.e $12.99 Target Travel mug $16.19 Target

Candle $10.00 Bath & Fuzzy socks Body Works “Hope Springs” $14.00 Kohl’s $20.99 f.y.e

For Moms...

spotlight 12.18.12

*All pictures are from each stores’ respective website

torri marquis staff writer

Happy holidays birthday The holiday season is fast approaching, so students with birthdays on holidays discuss balancing birthday celebrations with holiday traditions. courtesy of sherrill callahan

Callahan opens presents on Christmas morning and her birthday. “I got a kitten last year; her name is Noel, and she is perfect in every way,” Callahan said. “I serenade her with Christmas music because she’s a Christmas cat.”

or most people, birthdays are a day of celebration for themselves, their family and a few close friends. But for seniors Sherrill Callahan, Shannon Romulus and Steven Kralick, whose birthdays fall on Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day and Groundhog Day, respectively, the entire world celebrates. “I don’t like having my birthday on a holiday because I only get presents one day a year,” Callahan said. “I do get separate presents for Christmas and my birthday but since it’s only one day a year I go a little crazy the rest of the year.” Like Callahan, Romulus recognizes the drawbacks of having a birthday that falls on a major holiday. “I like having my birthday on St. Patrick’s day because I love seeing everyone wear green,” Romulus said. “But, I don’t like getting pinched for not wearing green. If I want to wear my favorite shirt because it’s my birthday and my shirt isn’t green, then I can’t wear it.” On the other hand, Kralick appreciates

madlin mekelburg editor in chief

the distinction his birthday gives him. “Even though I like to celebrate by sticking to regular birthday stuff, I like having my birthday on a holiday,” Kralick said. “It always presents me with a fun, interesting day and it’s a pretty unique phenomenon.” Holidays usually come with unique family traditions, but in Callahan’s family, these traditions are also in line with her special day. “I wake up in the morning and [my family and I] celebrate Christmas and then later in the afternoon we celebrate my birthday,” Callahan said. “On Christmas night, we get a big cake and we invite all of my friends and neighbors to come over to celebrate.” Special birthdays like these can also lead to an increase in creative efforts from parents. “When I was little my mom would do this leprechaun thing and have clues around the house for me to find,” Romulus said. “Unfortunately, she doesn’t do that anymore.”

Discovering a difference in education

Sophomore Katie Anderson creates tutoring program at Waples Mill Elementary to help students with their studies.

eeping up with your own studies is quite time consuming for most students, but sophomore Katie Anderson has found time to set up her own tutoring program at Waples Mill Elementary School. Her tutoring program, “Discovering a Difference,” is designed to help fourth and sixth graders with math, reading and science and to help keep them on task with their homework. “It takes a lot of initiative to contact the school and arrange it, and I’m very impressed by [Anderson’s] dedication,” said sixth grade teacher, Kathy Siems. “By working with the students, it helps them improve their work and encourages them to learn and to love school,” a clear goal of the tutoring program. “I think it’s important to help students that don’t have the opportunity to receive extra help from their teachers,” Anderson said. The program provides Oakton students

alex driscoll with the chance to volunteer and help staff writer elementary students who need support and guidance. Students can volunteer on alex driscoll Tuesdays or Thursdays from 3-3:45 p.m. In order to volunteer, students must be capable of basic fourth and sixth grade math, reading and science skills. Volunteers are separated into a variety of fourth and sixth grade classes to help the students with their weakest subjects. “It is a really great way to interact with younger students and [it] is a really great learning experience,” said sophomore volunteer, Mahathi Tadikonda. Anderson tutors an elementary school student Anderson’s goal is to get a lot of with their homework. “The one-on-one atstudents involved from both Oakton tention allows the students to be able to feel and Waples Mill, and she hopes for comfortable with their work. Everyone needs the program to branch out to other a little help sometimes,” Anderson said. elementary schools in the area. “I’m going to try my best to make spotlight it as successful as possible,” Anderson said.

12.18.12

Blast from the past

karli gillespie spotlight editor

We’ve all wondered the same thing when dozing off in class, staring blankly at our teachers: what did they look like in high school? What kind of people were they? Some teachers and staff were brave enough to brush the dust off of their old school yearbooks and send a picture of themselves when they were in high school. From their hair to their sense of style, they have certainly changed from when they were our age.

The “Smart Athlete”

The “Jock”

courtesy of chris fowler courtesy of brooke davies

courtesy of peter rothfleisch

Peter Rothfleisch - Class of 1978 The “Studious One”

spotlight 12.18.12

Brooke Davies - Class of 2006 The “Lone Wolf”

courtesy of ron hutch

courtesy of tanya insanally

Tanya Insanally - Class of 1986

Chris Fowler - Class of 1978 The “Prom Queen”

Ron Hutcherson - Class of 1966

*all current photos by karli gillespie

courtesy of dean grenfell

Dean Grenfell - Class of 2006 The “Troublemaker”

viewpoint

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

all photos by alana peters

Social media goes rogue

Individuals should be conscious about what they post on the Internet

he Internet has become an integral part of the Ameriplicit photographs shared through Twitter. Greek triple jumper can social scene over the past decade. According to Web Paraskevi Papachristou became another prime example when a Media Brands, Inc., social media use has increased 356 racist comment made about immigrants in Athens on Twitter percent in the U.S. since 2006. Furthermore, it is estimated that got her dismissed from the 2012 London Olympics. every minute of the day 100,000 tweets are sent, 680,000 pieces There can be legal implications when posting inappropriate or of content are shared on Facebook, 48 hours of video are uppotentially threatening content online. For example, frustrated loaded to YouTube, 3,600 photos are shared on Instagram, and by airport delays, accountant Paul Chambers tweeted, “Robin 571 websites are created. Hood airport is closed. You’ve got a week and a bit to get your With this increase, websites such as Twits*** together, otherwise I’m blowing the airport ter, Instagram, Tumblr and Pinterest have The Staff Editorial is sky high!!” According to the Associated Press, fostered a revolution in the way people after airport security staff came across the the official opinion of tweet, they reported it to the police, who arexpress themselves and in their ability to the Oakton Outlook rested Chambers two days before his flight was have their opinions heard. While there are many advantages to these unlimited forums to leave. Chambers was convicted of sending a of expression, including easy sharing and quick communication, threatening message and slapped with a fine. He insists the mesthe responsibility to censor oneself and be thoughtful in one’s sage was merely “innocuous hyperbole.” posts is often overlooked. Although not all social media scandals are quite as memorable Due to the ease and speed at which one can share photos and to the public, the personal consequences can be just as devastatinformation, many fail to contemplate the consequences before ing. Suggestive photos or comments posted by you, or even by hitting “post” or “send.” Additionally, they fail to recognize that friends, can lead to expulsion from school, suspension from an the Internet stores everything and forgets nothing. athletic team, dismissal from a job or rejection from a university Those already in the public eye, for instance, have had the most or institution. notable scandals caused by impulsive posts or poor judgment on Therefore, as students and teachers alike immerse themselves social media sites. Former Demoin the growing ocean of social media, they must also learn the cratic U.S. Congressman Anthony skill of self control in order to protect themselves and their spotlight Weiner, for example, lost his career futures. 12.18.12 and reputation due to sexually ex-

Counting calories: quit cold turkey

sunni bean staff writer

Making an exception to eat over the holidays and dropping the diet is part of the special occasion.

rom Thanksgiving to Christmas, every holiday always has people fretting over the food. Between the struggle to prepare all the dishes on time and the worries of eating too much, the fun is taken out of the meal. Instead of worrying about the calories, the holiday is a better experience when people leave out the pressure of diets and the overly conscious mind created by the calorie counting world. “The company, location and environment can all dictate the experience more than simply the ingredients on the plate,” said Bruce Palling of The Wall Street Journal. Just typing “holiday food” into Google, the page is filled with articles like TLC Cooking’s “Which holiday food is the worst for my body and why?” With all food depicted of everything that’s wrong with it, there’s not much room to enjoy the holiday.

That’s not to say overeating should be ignored. Eating in moderation is the key, as Marlene Schwartz, director at the Yale Rudd Center for Food Policy, puts it. “It makes sense to enjoy these special foods in moderation,” Schwartz said, “but not to use the holidays as a reason to pay no attention to what you are eating.” Most holiday foods are reserved for holidays because they’re a treat, but taking a treat and abusing the privilege isn’t the way to enjoy it. Being flexible in a diet prevents it from becoming overbearing. However, a holiday is a special occasion, and eating is part of it. Stressing over what’s wrong with every food takes away from what makes the meal special. Eat the dessert at Thanksgiving; don’t worry over winter break. The holidays are a time to forget the real world and enjoy the experience and resume a diet another time.

Are sports scholarships fair?

ramya mukalla staff writer

The idea that sports scholarships are fundamentally unfair is a short-sighted assumption.

t is difficult to comprehend the competitiveness of getting misconception is that colleges favor athletes over merit into college. The fact is that it takes a lot of work and students, when in fact that is not true. The reason why colleges determination to be able to get into one’s first choice. are diligent when acquiring athletes is because they are a form Colleges in turn offer students scholarships that provide of diversity. Also, having a good athletic standing for a school is financial aid. One of the most debated aspects of this system is important because it upholds the school’s reputation and creates athletic scholarships, which are given to students excelling in a more interesting student body. Sports also bring in revenue sports, versus merit scholarships that are given based solely on for schools, which actually means the athletic students have paid academics. educations because they are an important source of revenue for The main question that people ask is why should a person who their respective colleges. works incredibly hard at school lose a seat at a college because Even after an athlete acquires a sports scholarship, he or of a star athlete? It is said that it is wrong to pick athletic she works hard in order to excel as the school’s reputation students over merit students. The relies on them. The average athlete problem with dedicates around 40-60 hours a Athletes work hard to excel, as the assuming week solely to their sport. It is also school’s reputation relies on them. that important to note that athletes have to athletic maintain a set GPA, which is difficult scholarships are unfair is the considering their time commitment to sports. Also, to maintain lack of prior knowledge. The a scholarship, colleges often set different requirements such as process through which an having a job during the offseason. athlete procures a scholarship, One can also argue that colleges are more interested in whether it is a partial or full ride, athletes because of the “entertainment” factor, but colleges is very difficult. To begin with, also provide scholarships for athletes who do not play so called athletes have to compete with “entertainment” sports as well. These are generally nonthousands of other athletes televised sports such as hockey and volleyball. who may be just as good or Finally, it is important to note that at the end of the day, even better than them. Just athletic scholarships are actual scholarships. They provide an like merit scholarships, affordable education for numerous students who cannot pay colleges have a limited the high rates of tuition. Just like merit scholarships, athletic number of athletes that scholarships are merit in their own they require. way. One simply cannot compare viewpoint Another common apples to oranges.

“

12.18.12

what if?

season for the Redskins Injuries and missed opportunities have kept the Redskins from getting the most out of their season

12.18.12

mori

viewpoint

The Redskins had an opportunity to take hold of their division but failed to close out games. In the Rams game, the Skins took a 21-6 lead in the first half and fell apart in the second. At the end of the fourth quarter, the team was in field goal position and had a chance to tie the game when wide receiver Josh Morgan threw the ball at a Rams player after a play. This resulted in a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that forced kicker Billy Cundiff to kick a 62 yard field goal (instead of a 47 yard attempt), which he missed. The following week against the Bengals, the Skins threw away another game with penalties on a final game drive. The miscues have continued throughout the season. In week seven, the Redskins were leading the Giants with a little more than a minute remaining when the secondary gave up a 77 yard touchdown pass thrown to wide receiver Victor Cruz. If the Redskins had stopped them on that drive, the season would look a lot different with the Skins being top dogs of the NFC East. Without Meriweather, the team lacked the capability of stopping Cruz on long passes. The Redskins hit a season low as they fell to 3-6 with a loss to the Panthers, a team that had won only one game. This was a huge missed opportunity. The Redskins now have to dig themselves out of a hole that has been brought about by injuries and missed opportunities. If the Redskins had even a moderately good secondary or a greater pass rush, the Redskins would be division leaders. Even with the injuries, the Redskins could be in a much greater position than they are now. Although after four straight wins, including three important division games, the Redskins, now at 7-6 have a solid chance of making the playoffs after a late surge. However, if things went a little differently, we would be talking about what the Redskins will do in the playoffs instead of discussing if they will make the playoffs. misa

he Redskins’ season up until their recent surge has been one of missed opportunities and injuries. At 7-6 being only one game behind the Giants in the NFC East, one wonders what the season would look like if a few things went differently. Both sides of the football, offense and defense, have been affected by injuries, and fans have watched as the team has let games slip through its hands. Starting with the second game of the season against the St. Louis Rams, the Redskins have been hindered by a flurry of injuries. In this game, the Redskins lost star linebacker Brian Orakpo and defensive end Adam Carriker for the season. This has devastated the team’s pass rush which has made it even harder for the already lackluster secondary. Without pressure on the opposing team’s quarterback, it is hard to have success against the pass. The Redskins’ secondary has been downright awful. They rank 31st in passing yards allowed, giving up 299 per game. Cornerback Josh Wilson has been abused all year long by opposing receivers, and DeAngelo Hall is not exactly a shut down corner. The safety position has also been a serious point of concern as strong safety Brandon Meriweather has not even played a full game this season and will not do so. To make things worse, Meriweather was supposed to return in week four but ran into his teammate Aldrick Robinson during pre-game warm-ups. When he did this, he reinjured his knee and gave Robinson a concussion. This is a huge disappointment as many hoped for a return of the pro-bowl performances of his days in New England. This injury has forced the Redskins to rely on Reed Doughty and DeJon Gomes, both of whom have struggled tremendously. On the offensive side of the football, tight end Fred Davis, arguably RGIII’s most valuable target, was ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering an Achilles injury in week seven. The Redskins’ number one receiver, Pierre Garcon, has also had to deal with injuries and has missed six games. The team has an explosive edge in the passing game that they miss without him.

alex xenos staff writer

indepth

Express yourself: The hidden quirks, unique interests and extraordinary talents of our student body

Hitting all the right notes

melanie aguilar indepth editor

Patrick Holcomb is not only a talented musician, but can also compose and conduct.

atrick Holcomb is only a junior, but his musical ability goes far beyond his years. He started with playing the trumpet in fifth grade, but now he can also play the clarinet, the contrabass clarinet, the French horn, the mellophone, the piano and the saxophone. “I play a lot of [instruments], so it gets kind of hard to keep track,” Holcomb said. “Honestly, I started because my mom made me. She was a piccolo player here, so she made me start it.” Holcomb’s passion for music has increased throughout the years. “I didn’t think I would like it, but I really do,” Holcomb said. “It’s probably the one place that I can go and know everything.” Holcomb’s participation in the Oakton marching band has proved to be great practice for other opportunities. “We are in District 12 in Virginia and what a lot of people don’t know is that we are probably the most competitive district,” Holcomb said. “Anything I do is like insane competition. Everyone is like cut-throat. It’s as close to professional as I can get.” RIGHT Junior Patrick Holcomb plays the mellophone with the Oakton Marching Band. “I play multiple instruments in band, so I’ll have a stand with like a clarinet there and a French horn in my hand and a trumpet over there . Then, my band director tells me what parts he needs support on,” Holcomb said. all photos courtesy of patrick holcomb

Aside from marching band, Holcomb is also involved with other bands and orchestras. “I do District Band, All State Band and Senior Regional Orchestra,” Holcomb said. “I played in the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestra like a couple weeks ago, and they’re like the number one youth orchestra in America.” On top of these multiple accomplishments, Holcomb also composes music. “I’ve been composing for a long time,” Holcomb said. “It’s just something that some people have and some people don’t. You’re going to think I’m absolutely insane, but when you compose, you hear things that aren’t there. You hear instruments playing, and you just write it down. It’s like you made it up, but you didn’t make it up because it was just there.” However, this spontaneous creativity has ushered in new professional opportunities for Holcomb. “I [had] a piece I wrote performed by a professional ensemble a year ago,” Holcomb said. “It was called ‘Every Few Seconds,’ and the group was called Capital Wind Symphony.” To improve his skills, Holcomb is taking lessons from a professional composer at George Mason University about once a month. “If you have [the skill], then you can hone in on it,” Holcomb said. “It’s not something you learn.” Holcomb was lucky to have someone encourage his compositions at a young age. “My mom went to Oakton, and she had the band teacher who just retired last year, so [Cheryl Newton] has known my family for like 28 years,” Holcomb said. “I showed [my band teacher] this piece that I had written, and she thought it was really good. I was told

ABOVE Holcomb composes music in the Mediterranean. “I write about things, people that move me, emotions, landscapes, ideas and just anything that has an emotional impact on me,” Holcomb said.

we were going to perform it, and then a couple of weeks later she says, ‘Oh guess what? You’re also going to conduct it,’ so I conducted it, and the same thing happened last year.” Holcomb enjoyed this experience as a freshman and hopes to do it again this year. “It’s a lot easier [to conduct] because the music comes out of me,” Holcomb said. “I have it all memorized, and I know what’s supposed to go where. I can give cues and conduct emotionally, which some people have a difficulty with.” Holcomb aspires to double major in conducting and composition. “I haven’t decided whether I want to just keep composing like I’ve been doing or start composing for films,” Holcomb said. “It’s a huge decision that I’m going to have to make.” Holcomb is grateful for his time at Oakton. “The band program has absolutely helped me because without being able to conduct here with all my work being played, I wouldn’t be where I am at all,” Holcomb said. “All the opportunities I get where I can just play whatever I want would not have come to me without Oakton Band.”

indepth 12.18.12

Help yourself by helping others

erin preaskorn

staff writer Sophomore Olivia Lebolt sees giving up her time to help others as a way to express herself

ost people don’t think of community service as a way of expressing themselves, but a student like sophomore Olivia Bolt proves them wrong. “I volunteer almost every weekend for the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation (LDCRF),” said Lebolt. As an active volunteer for LDCRF, she spends a lot of time with animals. courtesy of olivia lebolt

Dakota is one of the dogs at the LDCRF. “You don’t understand what a blessing it is to help a pet who needs a home until you’re in that circumstance,” Lebolt said.

“ I volunteer for [LDCRF] because pets are so loving, and even if you don’t deserve it they love you unconditionally,” Lebolt said. “That’s one thing I think people in general have a problem with.” Lebolt is also a member of the Beta Club where she participates in Bingo Night at the Sunrise Senior Center in Oakton. “We have fun and try to make them laugh and smile,” Lebolt said. “Some of them don’t have anyone or anything else to live for.” Lebolt encourages other students to get involved. “There are websites you can go to, like Volunteer Farifax, or you can get involved with clubs at school,” Lebolt said. “You can really just look into something that you’re interested in. It can be pretty much anything. You can always find something that someone needs help with.” There are plenty of benefits to volunteering. “It’s good to volunteer, because you don’t know how much of an impact one

To write or not to write

Caroline Werenskjold has a fun collection of pens

viewpoint 12.18.12

melanie aguilar indepth editor

An overseas trend Hailey Yook’s cellphone case really “sticks out” from the rest

photos: melanie aguilar

n certain holidays Caroline Werenskjold, senior, can be seen writing away with her pens. “It’s a funny story,” Werenskjold said. “My grandma is kind of a hoarder and she just loves buying little novelty stuff. Whenever she can’t fit them in her attic she just sends them to her grandchildren.” Werenskjold has been collecting these pens for many years and her amusement ceases to end. “I just think it’s a fun little thing to finish a test with a turkey-shaped pen,” Werenskjold said. Students are also amused by the sight of Werenskjold’s pens. “A lot of people think that they’re really fun and they’re really cute,” Werenskjold said. “They get stolen all the time because people like to write with them. [Eventually] they give them back.” Werenskjold is happy to express herself with her pens because they are truly unique and festive. “A lot of people have different colored pens and different patterned pens, but not a lot of people have different shaped pens,” Werenskjold said.

person can have until you go out and do it and see how thankful people are,” Lebolt said. “Just get involved in something you love to do, because while you’re helping yourself, you’re helping others.” Volunteering is also an opportunity to meet new people. “You find yourself immersed in this new community of people that have similar opinions as yours, that community service is so important,” Lebolt said. Community service is not just something to beef up her resume. “I want to make a difference in people’s lives, for the better,” Lebolt said. “I’m a people pleaser, so by volunteering I don’t only help other people, but it makes me feel good too.” Volunteering in general is something that is easy to get into. “Once you’re involved in a volunteer club you notice how big of a change you can make on your own, so it kind of just starts a chain reaction of helping out,” Lebolt said.

ailey Yook, senior, owns a cell phone case like everybody else. However, her cell phone case has two plastic ears sticking out from the top. “I ordered [the cell phone case] from Korea because you don’t see it a lot here,” Yook said. “It’s really popular [there] and that’s how I knew I wanted one.” Although Yook has yet to see the case among her peers, she has seen it catch on in Hollywood with celebrities like Zooey Deschanel. “I have seen my case onTV, like on ‘New Girl,’ but I had it before [Deschanel],” Yook said. While Yook is already accustomed to her case, she still receives surprised reactions. “The one thing that everyone asks me is, ‘How do you put it in your pocket?’,” Yook said. “It’s not really a big deal,though.” However, the compliments are more common than the questions. “[People] usually say that it’s cute or funny,” Yook said.

Culinary crafting

kim gibbons viewpoint editor

Sophomore Erica Pi takes baking and decorating to the next level

all photos courtesy of erica pi

berry and coconut tart

red velvet cheesecake

ost high school students cook or bake Instead of always sticking to traditional only occasionally, such as for birthdays recipes, Pi sometimes experiments with her and holidays. For sophomore Erica Pi, baking. however, baking is a year-round hobby. “I made my own cheesecake recipe,” Pi said. “I’ve been baking for almost two years,” Pi said. “That was really exciting for me. It’s so much “ I like baking desserts, and I like to bake for my better when you know you made it yourself.” friends on their birthdays and for parties.” Although Pi is rather accomplished when Pi’s first experimentation with baking wasn’t her it comes to her baking hobby, it is likely that own idea. baking will remain just that: a hobby. “My dad wanted me to pick this up because he “It would be fun to open your own bakery,” didn’t want me to work at McDonald’s,” Pi said. Pi said. “I thought about it when I first He was like, ‘if you don’t get in to college, at least started; I was like, ‘this is really fun, I think you can bake stuff.’ Once he started pushing it, I I might do this.’ But I don’t think that would thought, ‘I actually really like doing this.’” ever happen, and my mom definitely wouldn’t Pi has also put her efforts into tackling another like that.” aspect of baking: decorating. Nonetheless, Pi enjoys baking and decorating, “[When you decorate,] you just do whatever you and she looks forward to continuing this hobby. want, and it just looks cool,” white chocolate cheesecake rose cupcakes Pi said. “Last year, my sister invited all her friends over and said, ‘teach us how to bake!’ They just had so much fun; they would pipe a whole bunch of icing on it, and I was like, ‘that’s too much, isn’t it? Are you going to eat that?’”

A little girl’s dream becomes reality

Senior Giuliana Macaluso devotes her spare time to horseback riding

oung children generally have many obsessions; the most limited to horse shows and pleasure riding. popular among little girls is horses. Senior Giuliana “Right now I’m retraining a pony that has Macaluso, however, has allowed her horse mania as a kid abuse in her past to be a show pony,” Macaluso said. to turn into a passion for horseback riding. “It’s been really fun; it’s such a good experience.” “I started horseback riding when I was in fifth grade because Macaluso has had many different experiences at the my mom bought me this book about horses and I literally read it multiple barns she has ridden at, and has even had work infinity times,” Macaluso said. “I went to experience at her barns. a pony camp and started riding then and “I’ve been to a lot of different barns. haven’t stopped. It’s my favorite thing, I’ve worked at a lot of different barns, it’s just so awesome.” but this one has been the best fit,” Of the many types of riding available Macaluso said. “I don’t work at my to Macaluso, she prefers Hunter-Jumper current barn, but I’ve been a barn and rides this style at her horse shows. manager in the past.” “[Hunter-Jumper] is my favorite type Macaluso thinks the uniqueness of riding because it’s the most free,” of her hobby is what makes it truly Macaluso said. “Things like dressage are extraordinary, and for this reason it is really uptight.” something she holds close to her heart. Macaluso primarily enjoys her “I think it’s really special to be able horseback hobby due to the unique to do a sport with another living thing experiences it lets her have. that’s not a human,” Macaluso said. “I “My favorite thing about horseback love it.” courtesy of giuliana macaluso is jumping because it feels like you’re Macaluso has let horseback riding Giuliana Macaluso rides Emma Peale, the horse she flying, which sounds really cliché, but become a significant part of her personal is currently retraining, at a horse show in Great Falls. there’s really no other way to explain it,” “I do a preparation ride the day before a show and life and it is a huge part of who she is Macaluso said. today. then a show on certain weekends,” Macaluso said. Macaluso’s experience with horses isn’t

indepth 12.18.12

Put your best finger forward

The pointe of the matter

alana peters photo editor

Caitlin Yee, junior, masters the art of nail painting, revealing her individuality in the process

aitlin Yee, junior, expresses herself through nail design. With 120 nail polish bottles and 21 nail tools total, Yee is able to use her artistic ability and creativity to design each nail for anything she wants. But her seriousness about nail design didn’t start until her family gave her a push. “It really started last year after my birthday in November,” said Yee. “For my birthday, my mom and my sister bought me a really big kit of nail stripers, which are really thin nail polish brushes with a bunch of colors, so I then got more into it. I didn’t really get serious until after.” So where does Yee get her ideas? While many, like the cougar

paws (pictured below), are original ideas, Yee also uses the Internet for inspiration. “A lot of my ideas come from [either] Youtube or pictures I see on the Internet.” Yee said. “I like ‘cutepolish’ and ‘IHaveACupcake’ to see what they’ve done.” This hobby is an easy way for Yee to show her creativity. “I think it’s fun to walk around and have people pick up your hands and be like ‘what nails do you have today’?” Yee said. “It expresses my more artistic side. It’s on me rather than me walking around with a picture I drew or something.”

One of Yee’s classic designs were the converse nails. “I was searching up ideas for different designs, and I saw one that resembled a converse shoe,” Yee said. “Though I like Converse myself, I did it for [a friend].” Yee also knows how to kick her nails into gear with school spirit. “I did these a night or two before Cougar Kick off, right before school started,” Yee said. “I did them because it was [about] getting back into the spirit of school.”

indepth 12.18.12

Yee’s commitment to her nails is several hours per design. “It usually takes about two hours on average to do my nails.” Yee said. “I probably paint my nails every two to three weeks because that’s when [the nail polish] starts to chip, and I don’t have time to do them that often. I pretty much use my dotting tools for every design because they’re so much more precise than brushes or stripers.”

The Angry Birds app has had an influence on Yee’s designs as well. “I did those either over the summer or spring and those are just a fun thing,” Yee said. “Because who doesn’t love [Angry Birds]?”

Yee’s “Hunger Games” design was by far her trickiest endeavour. “I did those because at the time I was really obsessed with the ‘Hunger Games’ series,” Yee said. “That was my hardest design. [It] took me three hours to do one hand. So for the right hand, I just painted it black.”

Erin Lewis has found a form of expression in ballet

or some, dancing is a sport. For others, it’s a fun pastime, but to Erin Lewis, sophomore, it’s a form of expression. “I’m kind of a quiet person, so I get to express myself through movement,” said Lewis. “It’s a good outlet.” Lewis has been doing ballet since she was only five years old. She now dances at the Classical Ballet Theater. “My parents wanted me to do something over the summer, so they signed me up for it and I fell in love with dancing,” Lewis said. “Dancing is good because you get to work individually and as a team.” As Lewis grew up, she became more and more involved with dancing. “There are so many benefits to dancing and you just can’t help but fall in love with it,” Lewis said. Although Lewis uses dance as a way to convey her feelings, she still dedicates a lot of time to it. “It’s really time consuming,” Lewis said. “I usually dance for an hour and a half to three hours a day for seven days. On

weekends, it could be as much as nine hours in a day.”

courtesy of erin lewis

As countries all photos courtesy of Caitlin Yee around the world came together, Yee was designing her nails in honor of the special event. “I [painted my nails this way] because it was during the Olympics and I wanted to do a design that could show that,” Yee said.

erin preaskorn staff writer

Lewis and a fellow Classical Ballet Theater student dance in the Nutcracker. “Dancing is good because you get to work individually and as a team,” Lewis said.

Up for debate

While others express themselves through visual presentation, Eric Lim, however, channels his verbal talents

ric Lim, junior has a way with words. He can study a topic, formulate his own opinion and then express his point of view in an organized manner. This ability kicked off his freshmen year. “I joined [debate] freshman year somewhere Lim, pictured right,with the Debate Team sponsor Janine D’Amura. “[We around October,” said Lim. were] talking about team registration. “There was the interest I felt stressed.” meeting and a bunch of my friends were joining. They told me to stop by. After the interest meeting I just kept on going.” Stimulating and new, debate is Lim’s way of expressing himself with a group of people who share his interests and feed off one another. “The team is probably the best part,” Lim said. “Being able to grow smarter around other smart people is probably what drives me to keep on doing research and learning about the topic. Just being able to be there with people who achieve similar interest is the reason a lot of people join clubs and the anee nguyen

Lewis and her fellow dancers from Classical Ballet Theater put on two major performances a year and many small ones in between. “A couple months before [a performance] we have rehearsals every weekend,” Lewis said. “As the date gets closer, we start rehearsing more and more until we’re doing it every day.” Though most people would shudder at the work load, Lewis says it’s worth it. “You get to stay in shape, the friends you make are definitely friends for life, and you get to have a different relationship with your trainers because they’ve seen you grow up,” Lewis said. Dancing not only keeps Lewis active, it keeps her connected to others, and gives her the opportunity form new bonds with others. “I meet a lot of people from all over the nation,” Lewis said. “You end up becoming really close with the friends you make because you spend so much time together.”

alana peters photo editor

reason I joined debate.” But how does Lim use this speaking-oriented extracurricular to express himself ? It’s all about showing his point of view. “I think it’s inherent in debate that it’s an exchange of ideas,” Lim said. “Debate has really helped me articulate my feelings and my thoughts and express myself verbally in an organized form.” As for pursuing debate in a college setting, Lim wasn’t opposed to the idea. However, as a junior in high school, he is currently undecided about incorporating debate into a career. “I will definitely be on debate all four years of high school,” Lim said. “I may do the college circuit when I move on in about two years. I don’t know if I would do it as a specific career, but I definitely know debate, public speaking and argumentation will follow me throughout my life.”

photo by alana peters

indepth 12.18.12

showtime

From books to movies, the recent flood of quality entertainment is sure to impress.

As the Holiday break comes at a rapid pace, the movie business has been at its high with the release of award-winning book-made-adaptation, The Life of Pi.

books come to life

ng Lee’s, “Life of Pi” asks all viewers to take a leap of faith. Viewers indulge in the adaption of saturated color and delirious imagination when following the heartwarming story of Piscine “Pi” Molitor Patel, and his struggle to survive after being subjected to a ship wreck in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Pi ends up being left alone on a safety boat with four animals from his family zoo- a hyena, an orangutan named Orange Juice, an injured zebra and the most dangerous of them all, an adult Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. During the electrifying tale of 227 days at sea, in a 2 hour and 5 minute movie, the viewers discover why this book was so popular. When the trailer for Yann Martel’s Man Booker Prize-winning novel was released, skepticism about whether the Taiwanese filmmaker, whose work was previously under the average moviegoer’s radar, would be able to pull it off. I too was leery of books made into movies because of the accuracy I impawards.com

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expect from the filmmakers. Luckily, the movie proved to be a perfect example of a commendable adaptation. With the work of Lee and screenwriter David Magee, the world renowned book came to life, enhancing the novel’s rarity by adding 3-D and CGI technology to make it seem like you’re floating on the life boat with Pi. Not since “Avatar” in 2009 have I seen 3-D special effects that have such a big impact on the movie. The technical advancements in “Pi” have set a new bar for filmmakers. Both directors of “Life of Pi” and “Avatar” were able to take a long movie and make it into something you can’t turn away from. Not once did I feel bored. Like “Avatar”, all of the breathtaking visuals kept my gaze mesmerized to the screen. Lee’s digital creation of some of the animals, especially Richard Parker (Tiger), appeared to be so real that without doing research on the movie I never would have guessed the animals were computer animated. The extent of visual effects and the accuracy to the book made me overlook the length of the movie altogether. In comparison to the novel, there was an ambiguous conclusion, which suggested a different ending based on the tone of the filmmaker. With the open-ended last statement (which I won’t give away), I highly suggest you read the book as well as see the movie. Even if you are not a big reader, don’t fret, the movie is still worth the ticket price and you don’t have to read it to understand the film. To anyone looking for a good winter break read, hit the nearest Barnes and Noble as soon as possible. You will not regret reading the novel or seeing the film.

Life of Pi

carly stonehouse showtime editor

Franchise ratings and summaries www.guardian.co.uk

As you are reading Life of Pi, you find yourself at the mercy of a great storyteller. Full of wonder and Yan’s ineresting facts, you come out with a new understanding of life, religion and the animal food chain. www.mctcampus.com

Watching Life of Pi was even more mesmerizing than the book. Full of bewildering visuals and a movie made for all ages, the adaption was a perfect watch for the holidays.

Soon to be seen on the silver screen With the deadline for Academy Award nominations looming at the end of the year, the 2012 holiday season is gearing up to be a cinephile’s paradise. Make the most of your frigid winter break with one of these sure-to-be-hits.

Django Unchained [NR] Dec 25 From director Quentin Tarantino comes an original film about bounty hunting and the slave trade in the time just before the Civil War. It features another superstar cast, including an Oscar-hungry Leonardo DiCaprio as a plantation owner and Jamie Foxx as a slave-turned bounty hunter by Christoph Waltz’ character. The unlikely pair attempts to save Django’s (Foxx) long-lost wife, which lands them in hot water.

Zero Dark Thirty [R] Jan 11 Kathryn Bigelow, director of Academy Award winning film “The Hurt Locker,” brings us another military thriller, this time one about the search for and defeat of Osama bin Laden. It stars Jessica Chastain as an American intelligence operative. But be wary if you have a weak stomach: “Zero Dark Thirty” includes brutal depictions of torture.

The Impossible [PG-13] Dec 21

On the day after Christmas in 2004, a catastrophic tsunami hit South Asia. “The Impossible” is based on a true story and tells the tale of a vacationing family who gets caught up in the storm. Starring Ewan McGregor and Naomi Watts, “The Impossible” is the major, English-language debut from Spanish director Juan Antonio Bayona. It was released earlier in the year at the Toronto International Film Festival and received high praise. Many extras in the film are real survivors of the storm.

Les Misérables [PG-13] Dec 25 Coming to theaters on Christmas Day, Les Mis is an adaption of one of the most successful musicals of all time, which in turn is based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel. Through renowned musical composition, the tale follows Valjean, an escaped-convict-turnedmayor, Javert, the police inspector on Valjean’s tail, and side stories (a love triangle, a pair of thieves and an illegitimate child) during the Paris Uprising of 1832. Tom Hooper, known most recently for “The King’s Speech,” directs, but the star cast doesn’t end there: Hugh Jackman stars as Valjean, Russell Crowe as Javert. Other stars include Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen.

sofia crutchfield viewpoint editor photos courtesy of (from left to right) columbia pictures, the weinstein company, summit entertainment and universal pictures

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media mix

ith the holiday season in full swing, game-makers have responded with the usual end-of-year glut and this year’s slew of titles continue to impress. With one last holiday season left for the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 who are entering their seventh and sixth year on the market, respectively, the systems must now compete with the newcomer from Nintendo, the Wii U. However the gaming market has changed drastically, since the launch of the Wii six years ago. Handhelds ranging from smart phones to tablets are also vying for the attention of the gamer on the go.

This Year’s Big Deal: The Wii U A new console launch is always exciting, and Nintendo’s sixth home console is no exception. The main selling point is the controller, which has a second touch sensitive screen that can be used in conjunction with what is shown on the TV. Nintendo Land, a pack-in with the deluxe version shows how asymmetrical play can work out and be very different from what is already available

All photos from official sources

Phones & Tablets

This Year’s Big Deal: Angry Birds Star Wars A new take on a classic franchise, both the Birds and the Wars, Angry Birds Star Wars cast classic star wars characters such as Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Ben Kenobi as the

This Year’s Big Deal: Halo 4 The start of a new trilogy for the man in the green armor brings us the best looking and playing Halo yet. With an engrossing campaign, with some excellent character development. The competitive mulitiplayer has been refined to a fine sheen and with new episodic mission through the co-op Spartan Ops made, this is one for those who still like the Chief.

This Year’s Big Deal: Playstation Plus The best thing that you can get for your Playstation 3 this year is a subscription to this service. Getting Plus not only provides discounts and cloud storage for game saves, but also 12 free games for your Playstation 3. Titles range from Playstation Network Titles to full retail games, all available to download and play for the duration of your subscription. While none of the free titles are particularly new, Plus still provides a wide variety of and almost too many quality titles for one person to play.

Red bird, Yellow Bird and Bomb Bird respectively. This isn’t a simple re-skinning though. Each bird now represents their character with Luke Red’s lightsaber, Han Yellow blaster and Bomb Kenobi’s force powers bringing new and interesting ways to play.

This Year’s Big Deal: New Super Mario Bros. 2 The New Super Mario Bros. titles continue to march on and the 3DS’s entry continues the series tradition. The princess gets kidnapped and Mario has to This Year’s Big Deal: The Playstation Vita Sony’s newest handheld hasn’t had the best reception, due to handhelds facing increasing challenges from mobile devices and even the 3DS, but that hasn’t pre-

go through eight worlds to save her in a side-scrolling adventure. What this game adds to the Mario formula is the goal to collect a million coins with the help of a golden flower that gives Mario the power to turn everything into gold coins. The 3D adds some nice depth but most will turn it off within a few minutes. Also new are downloadable levels that Nintendo has released for the game, a first for the series and the company. vented it from getting a very good catalog of games. With dual analog sticks and a touchscreen it tries to bring the world of consoles and handhelds together. This allows for some titles to try and ape console franchises such as Uncharted and Assassin’s Creed it also allow for a growing catlalog of unique titles such as Gravity Rush and Tales from Space. Combine that with an instant game collection from Playstation Plus, what’s here is solid, even if it’s underdeveloped.

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‘Tis the season for fast food

What’s the best part of the holidays? Food, of course! Check out the best and worst places to get cheap treats perfect, and not so perfect, for making your holidays a little sweeter.

all photos by natalie eberhart

McDonald’s

Burger King

Holiday Pie: My first impression of

Cinnabon Minibon Rolls: The first

the holiday pie was that it looked like a blown up Poptart with custard inside. The taste though, was nothing like that of a Poptart. The crust was bland, and cardboard like, and the custard was a nice, creamy texture but lacked flavor as well.

thing to taste the cinnabon minibon roll was my nose; the smell was incredible. The smell, although, was just a preview of the “melt in your mouth” taste of sweet cinnamon wrapped in a buttery dough. What could describe the holidays more perfectly?

Eggnog Milkshake: Due to the lack

Gingerbread Cookie Milkshake:

of “holiday” taste from the holiday pie, I was skeptical about the eggnog milkshake but I was eager to remove the gross taste left in my mouth from my previous McDonald’s venture. The milkshake was exactly what it sounds like, a chilled, smooth and creamy eggnog flavored milkshake.

The holiday delight had immense gingerbread flavor with gingerbread cookies crumbled on top of a fluffy layer of whipped cream. If you weren’t ready for Christmas before, you will be after diving into Burger King’s holiday combinations.

Dunkin’ Donuts Red Velvet Drizzle Donut: If you like limited red velvet flavor with a rather dry, hard to swallow cake, head on down to your local Dunkin Donuts. It’s safe to say Dunkin Donuts has better photographers depicting the food than the bakers who make it.

Gingerbread Iced Latte: The gingerbread iced latte had a nice, creamy texture. The latte had the real flavor of a soft gingerbread cookie. Each time I swallowed a sip I immediately went for the next. I’d say skip the donut and go straight to the coffee.

natalie eberhart staff writer

One Direction finds perfection The British- Irish boy band proves that they are not suffering from the “boyband curse” with their sophomore album.

photo from onedirectionmusic.com

ne Direction. Just saying the name of the famous boy band makes thousands of girls shriek with joy, and thousands of boys roll their eyes. Their debut album “Up All Night” was released only a year ago, but there was such rabid demand for another set of bubblegum pop

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dance tracks and sappy tear-jerking ballads, that the five British heartthrobs churned out a second album. Could it be possible that 12 months is enough time to create 17 outstanding new tracks, even with an army of producers and song writers, including Ed Sheeran and Tom Fletcher from the band McFly? Even with the eyes of almost every teenage girl in America watching the boys’ every move, they managed to produce an album so impressive, that even people who don’t like One Direction can’t help but sing along to the songs. The offical release date for the album “Take Me Home” was Nov.13, however, fans were able to listen to the full album on itunes. Their first single from the sophomore album “Live While We’re Young” was released on Sept. 28,

2012, and is an ode to seizing the day and acting like young people do. They seem to know what every girl wants to hear, with their romantic pledges and exclamations of how much fun it is to be young. Even though interviewers and reviewers across the globe want to compare them to past boy bands, such as ‘N Sync, the boys still manage to stay true to themselves. I thought after their first album, they would not be able to complete another album that was just as good, but I was proven wrong. It is obvious that the boys have no intention of ending their career any time soon. According to an interview from “The Sun,” the boys hope that in five years, they will still be together making music, and that hopefully the fans will stay loyal.

reina datta copy editor

lauren embroski staff writer

1990

“Party Like it’s 1999,” a song written by Prince and the title track of his “1999” album in 1982, was an apocalyptic yet upbeat party anthem about the world ending with the new milenium. The fun and rythmic song mocks the end of the world and instead rejoices. Despite the possible end of the world with the new milenium, Prince does no less than ponder the the future of the entire planet and party hard before tomorrow comes. Although the world did not end, the bar for pop music was drastically raised.

“Party Like it’s 1999”

1980

“1984,” a well-known novel written by George Orwell in 1949, is a dystopian and satirical story written to warn its readers about the harsh effects of a totalitarian government. “1984” emphasizes government surveillance, mind control and is famous for coining the expression, “Big brother is watching you.” Orwell predicted that by 1984, life as we know it here in America would be forever changed to a disfunctional society.

1984

2000

2020

Dec. 21, 2012 is the date that the Ancient Mayans predicted to be the end of the world. According to Mayan literature and their cyclic calendar, the world will end, and an apocalypse will occur. However, there are many mistakes in the Mayan calandar, and this prediction is subject to a lot of speculation. For example, the Ancient Mayan’s never took into account the leap year. If they had, their prediction would not have been this December and would have already happened.

2012

2010

The year 2000’s problem started in 1997 when problems were detected in computer programming, and it was thought that all technology, programs and software alike, would crash because they could not handle the date change from the 20th to the 21st century. Back in the 80s computer memory was at a premium and to save memory, years were only recorded as two digits. However, by 1999 computer memory was more advanced and easier to come by, and technology was able to handle the date change.

Y2K

ince the beginning of time, mankind has been predicting the date when the world and life as we know it here on Earth will stop. Whether it be by natural disaster or the Armageddon, people of all different backgrounds and cultures have their own thoughts about what will occur. With recent hysteria surrounding the Ancient Mayan “end of the world” prediction this December, a closer look into our history proves all former delirium wrong. What is it that makes humanity believe in such occurrences and what makes 12/21/12 different from the rest?

Is it really the end of the world as we know it?

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12.18.12

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all photos by lauren embroski

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emily stangeby, 11 john mcguinness, 12 It’s stupid because I think society if the world was to makes these freakend this December it outs to keep our would be inevitable. attention and give You can’t possibly us something to prepare for sometalk about. I don’t thing like that. Also, believe that the the Ancient Mayan’s world is going to did not take into acend this December. count the leap year These things can so this should have be interpreted in happened a long different ways. time ago.

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fetched if you think about it. Sadly, people are very easily influenced. It seems crazy, but honestly it could happen. We see people all the time in history follow strong leaders and do crazy things.

ron hutchison, security I remember what I really liked about Y2K was the lesson that people really didn’t learn. That was to plan ahead, think past tomorrow. Society is so preoccupied in the ‘now’ that they don’t take the time to plan for the future. like 1984 “ “Something isn’t really that far

kendra hauser, 12