oakton high school volume 44, issue 6
look
out
Laying up a Legacy Girls basketball continues tradition of success
editors’
letter
C
oming off of what seemed to be FCPS’s second winter break, the pressure to get through missed material was put into overdrive. We didn’t really understand the rush on material considering we had assignments that kept us checking blackboard hyperactively. Blackboard may have become more important than Facebook during the cancelled week. Or maybe not. Speaking of rushed material, you may have noticed our smaller edition of the Outlook. We know what you’re thinking: how could we deprive you of all the normal information the Outlook provides? But don’t worry, although we’re smaller, we’re just as information-packed. The snow has affected our deadlines, along with everything else going on in FCPS. Not only did the news channel scare us with horror stories about the possibility of being snowed in, generating a mad-dash to the grocery stores to buy every last morsel of food, but they also scared away pizza delivery, too. Without pizza delivery, what were we going to do when we ran out of the $400 worth of groceries? How were we going to try the new Domino’s recipe that repeated in commercials as we watched hours of TV? Thank God there’s a review of local pizza places on page 19. And while the snow was falling, it was good to have the Winter Olympics to waste away the snowed-in nights. With Bode Miller and Apolo Ohno racking up some serious medals for the U.S., it was no wonder references to Michael Phelps kept coming up. Phelps is almost insignificant considering we have an AllAmerican swimmer, Bradley
Phillips, right here at Oakton. Who knows, Phillips could be the next Phelps, right? He’s already on a successful path with boys swim winning states this year. Check him out on page 23. On the topic of winning, the boys and girls basketball District Championship games were a double-header to see. From Andrew Daniels scoring a buzzerbeating point to both of our teams flashing the District title signs, rushing the court was an easy decision for the fans, even if it was a bit before the game actually ended. With the winding down of winter sports, spring sport tryouts have come and gone. As the track was shoveled by many boys soccer hopefuls as well as indoor track runners, and the tennis players were desperately attempting to snow-blow at least one court, it seemed like spring sports tryouts were going to be a no-go, but they went on. Dividing up the gym space was a daunting task, but of course our athletic department figured it out. See how spring sports adjusted on page 21. Though many of the underclassmen enjoyed missing regular class time during the Electives Fair, unfortunately the seniors didn’t go on the Capitol Hill field trip. It’s that snow again delaying everything, but at least the seniors are taking the trip at a later, warmer date. So it seems that the snow has had its impact on everything. We probably should have made this issue solely dedicated to snow, but we’re trying to get over it. With the passage of option three, it looks like we can put the snow in hindsight. Enjoy, or don’t enjoy, the last remnants of snow. Go Cougars!
From,
From, march 11 2010
Alex Straton Co-Editor in Chief
02
outlook news
Erica Wohlleben Co-Editor in Chief
Outlook Staff Editors in Chief Alex Straton Erica Wohlleben News Editors Michelle Chu Elise Werner Opinions Editor Zoe Mitchell Community Editors Tesla Jensen Katie Smith Online Editor Koorosh Massoudi Ads Sarah Crain Philip Tam
In-Depth Editor Charlotte Dobry Sports Editors Alex Buscemi Daphne Martschenko Business Managers Sarah Crain Philip Tam Design Editor Sarah Kashanian Copy Editor Vipin Reddy Photo Editor Daniel Chait Adviser Chad Rummel
Staff Lisa Baumgartner Alex Belden Owen Chesser Nikki Clemons Spencer Conley Conner Dick Charlotte Dobry Drew Harrington Morgan Harwood Kyle Hughes Matt Johnson Callum Kelton Jackson Lizardo Allen Luethke Jordan Nieusma
Michelle Oh Christopher Papas Julia Picciotto Pasquale Prezioso Sonya Price Shannon Ragan Andrew Reed Shayda Shahbazi Becky Singerman Rachel Stanley Matt Steele Nick Ward Matt Woodhouse Dorothy Yen
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 may be sent via email to editors@oaktonoutlook.com or dropped off in Chad Rummel’s box in the main office or in room 196. The Outlook reserves the right to edit submissions for grammar and content provided the meaning remains unchanged.
out
look March 11, 2010
08 Snowed In nick ward
A winter of record snowfall has left Fairfax County searching for ways to make up school, as well as put students in some dangerous situations.
See what pizza was the favorite of a panel of students who tested Dominos, Pizza Hut, Vocelli’s and Papa John’s.
An Outlook writer offers humorous slants on some of the top news stories, including budget cuts, bathroom repairs and the blizzard of 2010.
10 Helping Haiti To bring relief to victims of the recent earthquake in Haiti, a student-run charity collects money and is planning a charity concert at Jammin Java.
SPORTS
21 The “Big Dig”
11 Almost Famous
Sports have been forced to shovel and move inside in order to stay in shape and ready for competition.
To gain online notoriety, one student has a YouTube channel filled with humorous videos of song covers and ATV stunts.
22 A New Era
After a 38 year streak without holding any titles, the boy’s basketball team’s persistence won them the District Championship.
VOICE
14 Extra Credit
23 Body of an Athlete rachel sapone
Student responds to school’s proposed plan to give AP credit to a class that now recieves only honor’s recognition.
Physical education and personal finance should be required courses, focusing on preparing students for the responsibilities accompanying adulthood.
19 Pizza Taste Test 20 Satire Page
FEATURE
15 Real World 101
A&E
A closer look at senior swimmer Bradley Phillips, who recently set a national record in the 400 meter freestyle. allie berube
On the Cover:
march 11 2010
Sophomore Caroline Coyer drives for a lay-up against Stonewall Jackson last Saturday in the State Quarterfinals. Oakton won 74-58. photo by allie berube
22 outlook news
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NEWS
PRIESTER BY THE NUMBERS
Priester’s 500th win 16
Number of seasons coached at Oakton
12
Number of District Championships won at Oakton
4
Number of Oakton Regional Championships (‘01, ‘05, ‘09, ‘10)
501
Number of career victories (as of press time)
The same victory that marked girls basketball’s fourth Regional title also was a personal milestone for Coach Fred Priester— his 500th career victory. “It made me take a step back for just a second and think about it,” he said, “think about all the kids I’ve coached through the years and all of the coaches that have had influences on me. It’s nice, but you know, 501 won felt just about as good as 500.” While the recognition gave him an opportunity to reflect on the past, Priester’s focus is on the future. “When I was coaching at Mclean [High School], there was a very successful soccer coach who I overheard talking with the new principal,” he recalled. “The principal asked him ‘Coach, how many championships is this for you?’ And the coach said, ‘Well, the only one that matters is the next one.’ So I’ve always tried to keep that in mind, not only in championships but games in general.”
march 11 2010
allie berube
04
outlook news
photo by blanton studios
M
Girls basketball wins District, Region
oments before the beginning “I wouldn’t say that we have a ‘star of the first game of Regional’s player’. I would say that everyone has against McLean, the girls strengths that they bring to the table, and basketball team stood along the side of the everyone does the best they can at what court to honor one of their own. Captain they’re supposed to do,” said Captain Zora Stephenson, a junior shooting guard, Marisa Mahony, senior,” and everything was being recognized for scoring her 1000th else just falls into place.” career point, a feat rarely achieved at all With only two senior players and in girls basketball, let alone in only three a starting lineup consisting of four seasons. this year’s team is “...once you’re on underclassmen, Her team considered young. While Priester the court, no one cheered for said this brought about some her from challenges, such as leadership knows that you’re a the bench and even arranging carpool, the young team.” while her overall consensus is that their - Junior Zora coach, Fred record proves that the age of their Priester, players has not hindered this Stephenson beamed team’s success. with pride. She stood “In the beginning, we for a few quick were kind of worried photographs with about being a young her parents and then team and wondered if quickly returned to that would affect us,” her team. Stephenson said. “But “It was a surprise, now, once you’re on but it really wasn’t that big of a the court, no one deal,” Stephenson said modestly. knows that you’re a young “I was happy about it for about two team.” seconds, and then I had to go play The tradition of success a game.” within the girls basketball It is part of the team’s program not only leaves philosophy that the successes them with targets on their of individual players are always backs, but also added secondary to those of the team. pressure to continue the “We try to stay away from streak. the individual stuff,” Priester said. “[What keeps the team “When individual honors come our motivated] is the standard way, it’s not a day I’m particularly that Priester requires of the happy about. I think for the most team no matter the ability part the kids feel the same way; we level,” Mahony said. “His take it for what it’s worth. Right level of expectation is so now, there are only four teams left high that you will just in the state tournament for AAA, work so hard to fulfill and we’re one of them, and that’s the legacy that’s the bigger goal.” been left behind by The importance of the team the teams before is also reflected in the team’s you.” strategy of never relying on a by Erica photo by blanton studios sole player to carry the team. Wohlleben
daniel chait
Seniors Deja Bowser and Tiffany Nicholls explain the academy course, Animal Science, to interested students. They presented the agenda of what students would be doing for the four quarters. “I brought a chinchilla named Chilli to explain the different animals we have in class,” Nicholls said.
we do in class,” Starr said. “The time [for each session] seemed pretty good, but I could have talked a little longer.” The reaction to the Electives Fair was mixed regarding how helpful it was for new students. “I think there should have been more sessions, and instead of just asking the teachers, I wanted to see an actual class,” said freshman Chang Song Yoon. “But overall, I thought it was helpful for freshmen.” by Michelle Oh
STUDENT INTERESTS
Student tutors mentor peers in Writing Center
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nglish teachers Beth Blankenship and Students are encouraged to come to the CaElizabeth Dean are working together in reer Center and take advantage of the opportuorder to initiate the Oakton chapter of nity. Students should bring the assignment sheet, the Writing Center. Every Wednesday from 2:15 the grading rubric and the rough draft. to 3:30 p.m., student tu“The tutor is more of a tors in the Career Center coach, or someone to have a teach other students discussion with,” Dean said. proper writing skills. “The tutor’s purpose is to “We are starting it to listen to concerns about the help all students be able paper and help [the tutee] to write better,” Blankenthrough the writing process. ship said. “Being a good Through this writing process, writer is a very special an improved paper will natutalent; many people work rally evolve.” hard to be a competent Nominated student tutors writer, but being a good can enroll in a new Writing daniel chait writer is something to be Center class next year and Junior Andrew Lankenau tutors sophomore shared.” assist student tutees to revise Max Stabile at the Oakton Writing Center on Tutors were chosen papers during lunch as well as Feb. 24. “I needed someone to help me make through a meticulous revisions on my paper,” Stabile said. “Andrew after school. process and trained in “The tutor-tutee method helped me with my thesis, which set up my order to provide for the whole essay.” of the Writing Center creates best possible tutorial sessions. a different, more relaxed environment from that “The students have strengths all across the of the classroom,” said junior Angus Wilson. “It curriculum, not just in English class,” Dean provides every student with an opportunity to said. “They can help with science labs, foreign improve their writing skills.” by Shayda Shahbazi language essays and even history papers.”
nondenominational religious ceremony to commemorate graduation, will be held on June 13 at 7:00 p.m. The ceremony is the first official graduation week activity and will be sponsored by the PTSA. It will be held at Saint Mark’s Church in Vienna and is open to parents and extended family members of the graduates. The Oakton Choir
and Chorale Chamber Ensemble will perform
at the event. • Oakton Drama will soon be presenting its dinner theatre on March 11th. Dinner starts at 6 p.m. and the shows will begin at 7 p.m. “It will be one act plays, put on by the drama 2’s, 3’s, and 4‘s,” said junior Taylor Volgelzang. Students will be performing shows such as “Dinner with the McGuffins,” “As You
Like it,”“The Original Last Wish Baby,” and “Sally and Sam.” The
performances will occur in the Robert ‘Skip’ Bromely Auditorium. Tickets will be $10 and may be purchased at the door. • Juniors and seniors have the option to go on a field trip to Wallops Island on the east coast in Virginia. “We will do biological labs and marine research; [the trip] is very hands on,” said Oceanography teacher, Sean Greeney. Students attending the trip will be the first to stay at the barracks. The trip will be especially beneficial for students enrolled in oceanography
or AP Environmental Science. “I get to learn
what oceanographers do in real life,” said senior Sierra Hemmig. The trip is scheduled for March 17-20. • The debate team prepared for districts on Feb. 20. Finalists will move on to regionals on March 20 and to States in April. outlook news
march 11 2010
T
he Electives Fair was the first day of school all over again for underclassman. They roamed the halls looking for classes to learn more about the courses before creating their schedule for next year. “I think [the Electives Fair] is useful depending on which courses you select,” said junior James Caracoglia. “I think it’s a great way to talk about Advanced Placement classes.” While many students believed that the time was sufficient to learn about classes, others felt it was too short to comprehend all the information. “For me, the time wasn’t long enough because the teachers only gave an overview of the class and what the course was about,” said sophomore Ashley Yim. The Electives Fair helped teachers see the number of interested students. “I had huge turn-outs, more than I have had in previous years,” said human anatomy and physiology instructor Ann Starr. “Normally, students don’t come in and talk about the class.” Teachers discussed the course agendas and features of the course that students may not have known about. “It’s a great way for students to see the room and learn about things that they wouldn’t know about, like the field trips we go to and the labs
• The Baccalaureate Ceremony, a
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Students attend annual Electives Fair
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march 11 2010
gain members and spread awareness about oppression across the globe. “People for People is trying to reach out to groups of people who are feeling oppressed in the United States and internationally,” Roberson said. A following of interested students developed after they came up with the idea. “We had the idea and instantly people were interested,” Degutis said. “It wasn’t hard to gain popularity.” There are over 40 students in the People for People club at Oakton and 80 students in total. Roberson hopes to have even more members join. Though the outlook of the club is promising, the members still have one more hurdle to overcome. “A constitution is the set up of authority for the club and it’s needed in order to make the club official,” Roberson said. “We haven’t set up a constitution yet.” Degutis and Roberson hope to bring awareness to this cause as well as a sense of having reached out to help someone else. “We’ve already started planning a fundraiser for a safe house for battered and abused women,” said Roberson. • DECA Club members are going to the state competition on March 12. Students created business ideas and put together portfolios to present in front of a judge who is generally a business person.
T
he snow storms of 2010 cost Fairfax the required make-up days and any additional County a total of ten school days. To days missed for the rest of the school year. The make up for lost time, the school board request for a waiver passed easily with an 11-1 has changed April 12 from a teacher work day to vote by the Fairfax County School Board on a full school day, and as of March 4, made the March 4. decision to extend the last day of school to June “The county should ask for a waiver,” said 25. Assistant Principal Chip Comstock. “It makes There were three options that were under no sense to go to school three more days. If consideration, and all proposed changing the anything, they should add 30 minutes to the end teacher workday on April 12 to a full school day. of each day, but for us to go on three more days Option one would extend the school days by 30 in June, what’s the point?” minutes from March 8 through June 21; and Though there is a system for assignoption two would add 30 to 45 minutes to ing make-up days, the question remains each school day between those dates. of how to designate all of these makeFinally, the third choice would This is where the debate Make-Up Dates up hours. take the remaining make-up rises: which of these options days and add them on should the board To make up for lost time, the to the end of the school choose? school board has changed year, extending the school “I think that a combiApril 12 from a teacher year. nation of taking teacher work day to a full school “The first three days [we workdays and adding day, and as of March 4, missed] are already built into minutes to the school day is made the decision to extend the schedule, so we don’t need the best option for students the last day of school to to make them up,” said Princiand teachers,” Banbury said. June 25. pal John Banbury. “Day four “The most important thing and five need to be made up, is for teachers to have enough but after five days you make up time to teach and students to every other day from then on.” have enough time to learn and When following those prepare for upcoming exams.” stadards, Fairfax County has a total of four Teachers have expressed mixed reactions as days to make up for students to reach the require- many face upcoming, unchangeable test dates, ment of 990 instructional hours for the school such as SOLs, as well as National AP examinayear. tions. “The logical question is ‘why do we do this?’, “Initially I was thrilled. Being from the Northand I honestly have no idea,” Banbury said. “We east, obviously I love snow,” said government don’t have to make up day six, but we have to teacher Eliot Waxman. “The biggest challenge, make up day seven.” however, is that I teach an AP class and College Although a decision has been reached, a Board won’t change the test date for us – May 3 waiver has been requested and passed for one of is set in stone.” While all test days are set, AP governSnowfall in Virginia in inches ment teachers are scheduled for the first date on the AP examination calendar, givThe blizzard of ing their classes even less time to prepare 2010 was the largest and learn curriculum. 33 snowstorm to hit the “Ultimately, we’ll be really crunched Virginia/DC area in for time. I’ve been forced to shave things over 90 years off my teaching schedule and compact my classes. It’ll put pressure on the students Information from CNN News and force us to sort of ‘all be in it together’,” Waxman said. “Hopefully everyone 16.7 15.8 will have a good sense of humor about it. 12.7 12.1 If not, it’ll be pretty miserable.” AP Language teacher Beth Blankenship said that while she has been working to catch up with her missed lesson plans, her classes can handle the setbacks caused by the snow “I’m for option four,” Blankenship said. “I’ve given my students enough work, and I think we should just move on.”
19
Maia Roberson and Erin Degutis, is hoping to
Aftermath of Blizzard 2010 takes its toll
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• The Oakton chapter of the People for People Club, started by juniors
STUDENT INTERESTS
19
news
briefs
SNOW FUN
news Senior Heath Micheal and others used the snow as an opportunity to snowboard off of roofs.
• English teacher Cara Burke and guidance counselor Sarah Fronckel teamed up with the
briefs
In addition to the curriculum, “snowmageddon” has also interfered with school trips and events, such as the senior Model Congress trip to Capitol Hill. “The big thing was we had to postpone the trip until spring, likely until May, though we’re still working on the when and how,” Waxman said. “The reason we postponed was because of the time lost collectively for the whole school, and the government teachers couldn’t prepare students to go.” While the visiting day has been moved toward the end of the year, the student experience will not be significantly impacted; the trip, rather than acting as an introduction to Model Congress, will be a cumulative experience. Though the snow had brought on its consequences at school, it served as a second winter break to students. As the school began announcing snow days, senior Allison Hicks, inspired by the DuPont Circle snowball fight in D.C., decided to form her own event. “It was great,” said senior Anthony Schiavo who attended the “Snow War.” “Everyone had been cooped up inside, so just getting out and doing something snow-related was awesome.” Even though there weren’t thousands of participants as there were in Dupont, Hicks was able to gather around a dozen of her friends at Fox Mill Elementary using Facebook group invitations. “It was fine the way it was. The more people there had been, the more fun it would
American Red Cross
association to aid individuals affected by the earthquake Seniors in Haiti. The Hanes for Brian Shumway, Haiti clothing drive was held Tim Goodiel and from Jan. 26 to March Julian Tigner took 5. Students donated cotton a break from goods such as shirts, socks, snowboarding. blankets and underwear. “Because of the snow, we have been,” Schiavo said. [extended] the drive through Now that the snow has stopped and school is back in session, the snow day debate options March,” Fronckel said. “We have reached the student body; both Hicks and needed to get kids excited Schiavo lean toward option three. about donating to help a “I prefer option three because I am a senior, country in need.” and I would not be going to those days,” Students donated their Schiavo said. clothing in decorated Haiti While Hicks expressed the same view, she boxes in English classes or said that the smartest option for the county would be to add minutes during the school day directly to Fronckel in the guidance office. to the end of classes. “I brought in athletic socks,” “I know my teachers get the most out of Burke said. “I think that every minute,” Hicks said. by Michelle Chu, Jordan Nieusma and Julia when you have a tragedy of Picciotto this scale it should appeal to every sense of humanity, and as one human being to another, you should try to help. We owe it to each other.” • Opus is waiting for your creative expression. Applicants may submit any type of original work from photography, prose, poetry and music to Opus at oaktonmedia.net under the Opus tab. The final deadline for all submissions is March 17 before spring break. • Opus will also be courtesy of lisa baumgartner sponsoring a Coffee House on March 24 from 2:154:15 p.m. in the cafeteria. If you are interested in performing, email opus@ oaktonmedia.net. Tickets will be sold in advance and at the door. pictures by nick ward
courtesy of lisa baumgartner
outlook news
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Although the long break due to the snow was much needed for many, for senior Elise Werner and junior Lisa Baumgartner, the snow had near fatal consequences. On Feb. 14, Baumgartner was driving Werner home and was broadsided by an SUV while making a left turn on to Rugby Road from Fairfax County Parkway leaving Werner with a six inch cut on the right side of her head and a concussion. A team of firefighters had to remove the doors from Baumgartner’s Volvo S40 in order to extract Werner who had been stuck in the passengers seat. “I don’t remember anything about the accident or the next few days following the car crash,” Werner said. “I don’t really have clear memories until a week after we crashed. I feel as if things should be normal because I don’t remember it, so it’s like it happened to someone else and I’m only listening to the story. I feel bad for thinking that this is all overblown when it isn’t. Unfortunately, despite my lack of memory, I’m having all of the side effects like tiredness, curfews and make-up work for school.” (see page 14 for further details)
march 11 2010
Massive snowfall contributes to car crash, injury for two students during cancelled days
Responding to a Call for Help matt johnson
An Oakton student responds to the disaster in Haiti in a creative and charitable way
W
ith the world turning its gaze to Haiti in the nation’s time of need, students here at Oakton are doing their part to help out. Junior Amanda Wright and her friend Erin Horil, a junior at Chantilly, created a charity called “Collective Change” in order to raise proceeds to aid the relief mission in Haiti. “Erin and I had been talking about starting a charity for a while,” Wright said. “And when the earthquake hit, we knew we had to act then.” The premise behind “Collective Change” is simple. Wright and Horil set up collection jars for people to leave their loose change in various public places. They are donating all the proceeds to the American Red Cross. “The disaster in Haiti is much bigger than most people realize,” Horil said. “Even something so small as donating pocket change can help a bigger cause.” Currently, the only jar Wright has set up is at the Franklin Farm Baskin Robbins, but the charity has already collected over $400. “I was pleasantly surprised that so many people asked me if I needed help organizing or fundraising,” said Horil. “I think everyone really wants to help, they just sometimes don’t know how.” Wright and Horil didn’t stop there. In addition to the jars, “Collective Change” plans to sell Haitian relief t-shirts. Wright and Horil also organized a charity concert at Jammin’ Java, with all the proceeds going to the Red Cross. “I got the idea from the Hope for Haiti telethon concert last month” Wright said. “Erin and I knew that we needed to do
something bigger to raise more funds, and the concert seemed perfect.” Junior Ben Webster is one of several Oakton students who decided to take part in the charity concert. “My band, Catalyst, was contacted by Amanda to play,” Webster said. “We Collective Change is selling decided to help out these T-shirts and donating since it’s for such a good all proceeds to the Red Cross. cause. It feels good to be helping people in need.” As they organized the charity, Wright and Horil realized how much work and commitment it really took. “It’s really something you have to be passionate about,” said Horil. “But to see people helping out and donating is an incredibly rewarding feeling, especially knowing that I helped start it.” Eventually, Wright and Horil plan to both use the Collective Change jars and organize additional charity concerts for other causes. In the mean time, however, Haiti is their top priority. “It’s important that people realize that although the media has slowed down on covering Haiti, Haitians will be suffering from [the earthquake] for years,” said Wright. “We can turn off the TV and move on, but they’ll never be able to.” By Kyle Hughes, Matt Johnson and Allen Luethke
concert
line up
march 11 2010
Catalyst (band) Jack Kearns (vocals/guitar) Esther Workman (vocals) Ethan Schroeder (vocals/guitar) Holly Kelly (vocals) Alex Le (piano) Blizzard (rapper) Morans (band) Just My Luck (band) Rachel Schwartz (vocals) Must See TV (band)
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O a kto n st u d ent f i n d s Yo u Tu b e fa m e
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s pst r i c ky175’s Channel S te p h e n Sharer ’s Account
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F ro m : S pst r i c k y 1 7 5 | M a rc h 1 1 , 2 0 1 0 | 1,622,514 v i ews
“‘What is Love?’ was something fun I made for a summer swim team video with Brent Willes, Joe Clark and Kenny Newcomer. I never planned on it skyrocketing in views. The views shot up by 300,000 in one night. It was crazy, the guys that were in it keep telling me that they get recognized.”
“I love ‘Party in the USA.’ This is probably my favorite video. It shows my life in the summer, which is always the best time of year and it shows the fun things I have designed and built. Watching it always brings back good feelings.” “‘Encore Snow’ was just something fun I wanted to do over the snow days. It [was filmed] the first time we had good snow this year. My family is notorious for craziness with ATVs in the snow. The other clips are just fun times in the snow.“ outlook feature
march 11 2010
ended up with a surprise hit-- his “What Is Love?” video. “[The video] was just something fun my friends and I made for summer swim team,” Stephen explains. “Because of it I got numerous offers to post ads on my channel and even got job offers.” Not only does Stephen accumulate thousands of views on his main channel, but he also has a side channel with a respectably large audience. The channel, “Singalongcar,” was started as a joke for embarassing videos. “I didn’t care if people across the world saw them, but I didn’t want people here to,” Sharer admitted. “People seem to find them funny though.” On making videos and his filmmaking career Sharer said, “I don’t remember anymore why I started making videos. I just know that I’ve been making videos since I was old enough to know how to use a camera. My ultimate goal is to be able to work in the movie industry in major films or music videos.” For now Sharer just enjoys making videos, but says, “if fame and success are the result of them, that’s fine with me.” By Shannon Ragan and Becky Singerman
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1,622,514 people have seen his face. That is 1,622,514 who have watched his videos, who care what he thinks of a new model of car or a song on the radio. 2,458 people who watched him made up as the Joker. 1,734 people who follow his every move on the Internet. He is senior Steven Sharer. Sharer made his first account (spstricky175) in eighth grade, and over the past four years has made a variety of videos, totaling 78. Stephen didn’t have to wait long before his channel brought him publicity. A year after he made a music video for a Scot Simon song, he was contacted by Rostrum Records and asked to make a music video for Simon’s pre-release, “The Start of Something.” “Making that video definitely helped make me a ‘YouTube celebrity,’” said Sharer. “It was then that I realized people enjoyed my videos.” Stephen’s first time being recognized in public was at the sports store Aardvark by a cashier who’d seen his “Ridin’ Dirty” video. Stephen continued to make videos and
“I made ‘Lady Gaga- Bad Romance the Joker’ at seven in the morning after returning from a Halloween party. ‘Bad Romance’ was popular at the time. Lady Gaga and the Joker are pretty unique. I wanted to try to impersonate the Joker as well and as creepily as I could.”
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Valentine’s reaches new level of terrible with crash lisa march 11 2010
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outlook voice
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he course work is the same. The level of difficulty is the same. The class is exactly the same, in all but name. Physics Honors, a challenging and difficult course offered to juniors and seniors, has officially been changed to Advanced Placement Physics B for the 2010-2011 school year. The one point weighted credit awarded to students upon completion of an AP course will not be offered to students of Physics Honors, despite the course containing the same course load, level of difficulty and AP exam requirement. If only we had waited a year. That is the sentiment of numerous juniors who made the decision to complete their Physics requirement in their third year of high school, and add the rigorous course to their schedule. Now, students from the same graduating class of 2011 who are taking the “Physics honors” course their senior year will get an additional one point weight added to their GPA, and the prestige of having the same course called AP rather than reddy honors. Those taking the course this year will get the benefit copy editor of a 0.5 weight and will take the AP exam but will only receive recognition for taking an honors course. Since the first day of school, students of Physics honors have been preparing for the AP Physics B exam. Every exam has been modeled after an AP exam and graded according to the exam scale. Every lab, every assignment, everything we do is geared towards preparation for the exam, as in every other AP class. The course is everything an AP course encompasses, but students of Physics honors are not recognized as AP students and do not get the one point GPA boost. Simply making the effects of the course’s name and weight change retroactive, so as to benefit students who are currently taking the course, unaware when they registered for Physics honors that in just a year’s time, the class would be a sufficient solution. Making the effects retroactive would pacify the issue, because no student would feel cheated out of the prestige on their transcript and the improvement, no matter how slight, to their GPA. By making the outcomes of the course’s title and weight change retroactive, all students currently taking the course and those who will take the course will have the prestige of having taken an AP.
Honors physics students should get AP credit vipin
t’s no secret that the single individuals in our society tend not to appreciate Valentine’s Day, and I tend to be one of them. This past February 14 marked a new level of terrible, but it wasn’t because of all the hearts, chocolates and teddy bears. My evening was actually going very nicely, up until about 11:40 p.m. when a full sized SUV going 55 mph down Fairfax County Parkway hit my poor little Volvo S40. I was on my way to deliver my friend Elise Werner to her house as I pulled into the left turn lane off of the parkway onto Rugby Road. Chances are high that people who know this intersection just mumbled an understanding “oh,” since this intersection is apparently notoriously dangerous. The light was green, but there was no arrow. While there was a pretty sizeable pile of snow shoved onto the median blocking the oncoming traffic from my immediate view, I was pretty sure I baumgartner could still see the headlights in the staffer distance and waited. I was wrong. After about a minute, I figured it was clear to go. I was wrong again. I guess the road curves and dips and twists and turns in some magical way that hid the SUV flying down the road, and the snow kept it hidden until it was too late. The next few seconds were a blur. I can barely explain the feeling I got on impact. It was a mixture of horror and complete helplessness as I realized a few tons of steel just slammed into my car and what was going to happen was going to happen. When everything stopped, it was a completely different feeling. My stereo was still playing Lady Gaga, and I was flooded with overwhelming relief as I realized I was okay. It only lasted a second though, because when I looked over I saw Elise, slumped down in her seat unconscious with blood on her arms, hair and shirt. And I screamed. At the top of my lungs, I screamed until I realized that this was not helping. My second reaction was a little bit more helpful: call 911. For about five minutes, I tried to wake Elise up. Luckily, she gained consciousness right as the ambulances and police arrived. I got out of the car, leaving my friend to the care of professionals in order to give the police officer details, names and numbers. By 3:30 Monday morning, I was home and I had heard Elise was going to be okay. No moment in my life compares to how terrified, guilty and stupid I felt. I know I’ll never have a worse Valentine’s Day.
Outlook suggested two-year class: Freshman Year:
Sophomore Year:
Three Quarters: Physical Education
One Quarter: Drivers Education
Ninth graders would start their first year in Physical Education class, similar to the set-up presently, but with a more focused and purposeful curriculum. It would focus on emphasizing ways to remain active outside of school, instead of the sitting around as they do now. The revamped subject will do students a favor by providing them skills that will allow them to create and develop their own exercise routines, ones that don’t need to be mandated by a coach’s whistle. The class would help students realize the necessity of physical activity and to becoming healthy adults. It should show how to develop individual exercise routines, instead of learning the rules to various team sports that most students won’t play beyond high school. Eating nutritiously in combination with physical fitness should be stressed to motivate students to fully take on responsibility for their physical wellbeing.
Driver’s Education would remain the beloved course that is taken as a sophomore, continuing to provide students with the education they need to receive their driver’s licenses. The focus should remain on the dangers of driving and what young people should do to prepare themselves for the challenges of the road.
One Quarter: Health Health would continue to cover all of the similar topics currently addressed in the ninth grade class. Most importantly, it should continue to focus on the harms of drugs and alcohol in addition to handling the pressures of being a teen. The course would continue to educate students on how to take care of themselves hygienically and mentally throughout their lives. Contacts for helpful organizations that can be reached in different circumstances should be provided.
One Quarter: Family Life Education Family Life Education would also remain the same, with its useful, if awkward, course load teaching important lessons that students have to learn.
Two Quarters: Econ and Finance For two quarters of sophomore year, students would cover the major points from the manadatory Economics and Personal Finance course. This class is an excellent addition to the curriculum and will teach students both important financial skills and the characteristics of our market economy. Students, who presently receive this information only briefly in history class as they gloss over various economic topics, will reap enormous benefits from this course as it provides them with the essential life skills that make the difference between real world success and failure. Next year’s course would have to be cut down minimally to meet the time requirements of the Life Skills Development class, but the revisions would be as small as possible and would still provide students with the necessary tools for economic success. march 11 2010
tudents at Oakton receive respected academic training as well as courses that offer them higher-level analytical skills and a greater work load. Even non-honors and non-AP courses still provide all the necessary educational training to be successful in the future. Academically, Oakton students can face anything. But Oakton doesn’t suceed enough in providing “real-world” knowledge to students; real, honest-to-goodness “street smarts.” The school needs to start teaching students personal management and the different responsibilities they will soon have themselves, their families, and their community. In Virginia, Health and Physical Education is a required class that focuses on different aspects of student’s health and excercise. However, P.E. has lost its way, and students spend more time playing meaningless team sports or sitting around than actually doing anything remotely relevant to the purpose of the class. P.E. needs to re-focus on providing real, lasting benefits to students [see sidebar]. The new initiative taken to introduce an Economics and Personal Finance course as a required elective for rising freshman represents everything that P.E. should be and is an intelligent step in the right direction. This required class takes away students’ liberty to decide what classes to enroll in. Instead of eating up more time in student’s schedules, let’s combine the Economics and Personal Finance and P.E. into one class, as two required electives taken freshman and sophomore year, a “super class” if you will. However, Colleges probably won’t want to see a “Super Class,” so we will have to settle for the official name of Life Skills Development, a course that will encompass all the necessary skills students will need to take responsibility for themselves, while allowing them to still have that extra elective to pursue another of Oakton’s numerous electives.
The Staff Editorial is the official opinion of the Outlook outlook voice
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Life Skills
FCPS should revise established mandatory elective requirements to keep up with modern responsibilities.
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movies to look out for
Remeber Me March 12th Robert Pattinson struggles with love in the wake of his brother’s suicide.
She’s Out of My League March 12th Jay Baruchel is insecure about his relationship with his impossibly perfect new girlfriend.
I Love You Philip Morris March 19th Jim Carrey stars as a con man who falls in love with his cellmate, Ewen McGregor.
march 11 2010
Clash of the Titans April 2nd The 3D remake of the 1981 film based on the Greek myth of Perseus.
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Dear John
formspring.me
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n today’s world, social networks are a dime a dozen. Formspring.me, brings in the twist of anonymity. Anyone can ask an anonymous question to friends, and those interested in seeing the answer can follow an individual’s profile to see responses as that person answers questions. Answers are also easy to forward to Facebook or Twitter. Formspring opens new doors for any secret, compliment or complaint to be directly stated while maintaining the veil of namelessness. Any burning crush or long-itching criticism for a friend can be presented without having to worry about the person being revealed. However, the intrigue of anonymity can be a problem. Formspring also opens the floodgates for new levels of cyberbullying formerly capped by the constraints of having a name attached to a message. In the right hands, a Formspring account can be an incredibly useful tool for each individual that uses it. But before you sign up, consider whether or not you can handle the messages you could possibly recieve. Not everyone has tough enough skin to hear the truth. by Kyle Hughes
Misc.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid March 19th An adaptation of the book series about a middle school kid’s exaggerated journal entries.
Book
Misc.
Snowpacolypse
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nowmaggedon, Snowpacalypse, Snowverkill…call it what you will, it’s generally agreed that the recent snow storm, which began on Feb. 5, 2010, dumped a lot of snow. It was actually the greatest accumulation of snow we’ve seen since 1893. While the snow may at first seem exciting— no school, snowball fights, igloos, sledding, skiing— it soon became a reason for bemoaning rather than for rejoicing. The snow, instead of liberating people from
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icholas Sparks has made the bestseller list with many of his novels. The reason as to why is clear: his books are well written with interesting characters that are believable and interesting. However, unless you’re a hopeless romantic, the plot will most likely not keep your attention. For those of you that have seen “The Notebook”, a movie based off of one of his other novels, you can get a sense of what Dear John would be like. Nicholas Sparks has mastered the art of writing sappy true love stories. Dear John, along with his other novels, are cute and romantic and have drawn in a large fan base of people eager to get lost in a romantic tale of true love. This type of book is not necessarily for me, but I was still able to enjoy this tale of two star-crossed lovers through the various challenges that their love faced. Although superficial, it was nice to take a trip into a world where true love can exist. by Rachel Stanley
a day of work or school, trapped families inside their homes with no electricity, no heat and nothing to do. The snow quickly became too deep to frolic in, whether with sleds or with boots, and called for lots and lots of shoveling. The sheer amount of snow that fell down from the sky over the course of that week cancelled school for eight days and gave us one two-hour delay Driving was treacherous and nearly impossible. It was really, really cold. On the bright side, there was no school for eight days. That’s over a week of no school…that we’re going to have to make up. by Nikki Clemons
Movie
“Alice in Wonderland”
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ver a hundred years old, the stories of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, written by Lewis Carroll, have lived on as one the most popular, and in many ways infamous, children stories of all time. Popularized by Walt Disney in 1951 when the animated movie that we all know and love was released, chances are we’ve all seen this movie- and been a little bit creeped out by it. Due to the dark element that seems to hold so much of the appeal with older audiences and the whimsical bits that are what hook us in as kids, when I heard Tim Burton was doing a remake, it seemed like a match made in heaven. When I saw the movie, I had
Received from official website
Top Three Artists: Right Said Fred,
Chumbawamba, Wham!
Top Five Tracks: 1) “New Divide” by Linkin Park 2)“You’re the Best” by Joe Esposito 3)“You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch” by Thurl Ravesncroft
4)“Star Wars Cantina” by John Williams 5) “Hail to the Redkins Fight Song”
seems to be the culmination of a fifty year career, with the singer’s voice wavering under the weight of time. Yet his voice gains a new gravity perfectly suited to his last album’s material. It is a portrait of a Man in Black, his original nickname, far removed from his Folsom Prison days, who has finally reached a level of transcendence and understanding with the world and his art form. Cash provides his audience with “one fond embrace…until we meet again.” We are lucky to be able to experience that embrace he offers, and partake in his final, memorable work of music. by Chis Papas
“Ain’t No Grave” by Johnny Cash
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he Man in Black is back, or at least his music is, with the posthumous “American VI: Ain’t No Grave”, the last of the American Recordings. This series of albums has featured Cash doing covers of contemporary songs as well as new material, and while the final installment leans mostly towards the former, Cash finds a way to make it his own. Having recorded the album in the months prior to his September 2003 death, Cash’s foresight of his own demise dominates each track. The lyrics are deliberate and full of meaning, each song chosen for a purpose. The listener hangs onto every word, experiencing this last testament of a legend. Cash fully embraces what awaits, making the album poignant and uplifting in its own right, though not particularly cheery. Indeed, the entire album
march 11 2010
Name: Doug Kaltenbaguh Position: Computer and Drawing Favorite Genre: ‘80s workout music
CD
outlook a&e
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Playing
Now
mixed feelings. Overall, I enjoyed it a lot, but it just didn’t feel like Alice in Wonderland. Yes, it had the characters and some of the plot, with Alice being aged up to 19-years-old. For some reason it was just too light- not a fault one would expect from a Tim Burton creation at all. It was definitely amusing, but if one goes expecting to be immersed in the dark and twisted world that Wonderland seems to be, you may be disappointed. Although, I have to say, I don’t think there’s a moment in film I’ve enjoyed more than Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter’s victory dance- something you have to see for yourself. by Lisa Baumgartner
Join Us March 20th and 26th at 7:30PM in front of the Starbucks at Oakton Shopping Center for a Scavenger
Hunt across Fairfax in your own Private Limo!
Want to spend three hours in a Limo with your best friends and get the chance to win a great prize?
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Reservations Required All Major Credit Cards Accepted
Majestic Limousine Service Reserve Your Limo-
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*Town Cars* Excursions* Hummer Limousines* Party Buses*
TASTE TEST The Outlook Puts Local Pizza Head-to-Head
by Katie Smith
The Jur y Christianne Butters Freshman
Clarke Hildreth Freshman
Pizza Company Papa John’s
Domino’s
Pizza Hut
Emily Corridon Sophomore
The Good
Conor Murphy Sophomore
Shelby Windmuller Junior
Sagar Moktan Junior
Average
The Bad
“There’s a lot of good flavor in the pepperoni.” - Morgan Saxer
“There’s too much sauce, the pepperoni looks funny, and it’s almost burnt.” - Emily Corridon
6.25
“It’s really good. It’s really cheesy, and the crust tastes like garlic.” - Christianne Butters
“The garlicy crust is good, but the pepperoni is kind of burnt.” - Shelby Windmiller
7.50
“Delicious!” - Sagar Moktan
“There were weird holes in the cheese, and the crust is too thick on the bottom.” - Conor Murphy
out of 10
out of 10
Morgan Saxer Senior
Allan Meyer Senior
By the Slice
Not hungry enough for an entire pizza? Check out these local favorites.
Santini’s Pizzeria:
On Chainbridge Rd Less than a mile away from Oakton, Santini’s thinner, greasier, New-York-style pizza attracts hoards of Oakton students on a daily basis.
Church Street Pizzeria:
5.50 out of 10
On Church Street Church Street Pizzeria might be hard to see from the street, but the consistent rave reviews from both local residents and newspapers make it worth searching for. (They have dessert pizza, too!)
Mama Lucia’s:
Oakton CougarsAre You Ready for Prom?
Prom Tuxedo Rentals STARTING AT ONLY $59.95!
Best Bridal and Tailoring 703-378-3222
www.bestbridalsva.com
6.50 out of 10
Need Help Improving Your Writing?
Join Us in the Writing Center Sign Up Outside the Career Center outlook a&e
march 11 2010
“The sauce and cheese are both kinda bland.” - Allan Meyer
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Vocelli’s
“The best, by far. The pepperoni is really good.” - Clarke Hildreth
Off of Pickett Road Mama Lucia’s dishes out huge slices of pizza for relatively low prices—and you can go see a movie next door.
COUGAR CARIC A TURES the Oakton Outlook satire page
Bathrooms under investigation by new security team
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march 11 2010
ad hygiene has always been “F.R.E.S.H.M.A.N. has been an issue among high school meeting regularly every day for about a students, but nowhere is the week,” Hutchison said. “We have seen issue more apparent than in our own a slight decrease in acts of depravity bathrooms. The recent increase after we implemented the new security in urinating on the floor, often by system in the bathrooms.” the freshmen, has led to murmurs Costing the school over 75 percent throughout the student body. of its quarterly budget, the new The student cameras, trip wires, “... officers are government, under holstering fully automatic fingerprint scanners the rule of senior and other equipment rifles... and a squad of president Jay used to deter the Tucker, has begun blood thirsty dobermen...” grotesque actions putting together a of the freshmen are security team to stop these atrocities. being installed. “The degradation of public “We are putting the brand new restrooms by freshmen has become security tools to good use,” McGruff more prevalent over the past few said. “All officers are holstering fully years,” Tucker said. “All we can do automatic rifles loaded with rubber is hope that the new security force, bullets, tear gas and a squad of blood which includes security officer Ron thirsty dobermen that were donated by Hutchison, investigative reporter Chad the local riot police.” Rummel, philosophical advisor Joseph John Banbury, principle gave his Neuman and McGruff the Crime Dog, full support to the newly formed team, will root out the problem and stop the praising what has been called by some freshmen from depriving students of as drastic measures. restrooms.” “The actions taken by the freshmen The security force, now dubbed have led to nothing short of a new Free Restrooms and Equal Stall era,” Banbury said. “Urinating on Habitat Marines And Negotiators, or the bathroom floors will not be taken F.R.E.S.H.M.A.N., went into effect on lightly; it is time for a military state in March 10, 2010. the halls of Oakton.” by Owen Chesser
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Degradation of Public Restrooms = 1 Befouled Bathroom
Day 1
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rachel sapone
From left to right: Seniors Faris Patterson Khan, Ryan Mazon and Coach Alisa Byers on their way to shovel the track in what teachers and students called “The Big Dig.”
Sports buried under problems
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SNOWMAGEDDON
or athletes across the east coast, “It’s pretty cramped,” said senior ster, “so our arms aren’t as warmed up as “Snowmageddon 2010” couldn’t lacrosse player Lauren Burke, whose they usually are.” have come at a worse time. Sure tryouts were moved to the cafeteria. “We Being cooped up inside because of the the snow was beautiful at first, but wasn’t couldn’t run and score as well as we could blizzard for nearly two weeks, athletes’ too long before it turned things into a on the big pre-season boys basketball regular season BY THE sloppy mess. field, which is workout games cancelled due to the snow routines NUMBERS With winter sports in the middle of important for District and Regional tournaments and showing off were coldly combined wrestling spring sports only weeks away from our skills.” interrupted. tournament for Districts tryouts, the record shattering The Buried and Regionals snowfall wreaked havoc coaches’ under snow, girls basketball on coaches’ and athletes’ decision many found regular season inches of snow from schedules. To help ease process was alternative games cancelled Feb. 5 through Feb.10. the panic, teams also strained. ways to stay due to the snow and volunteers With such in shape pitched in to limbefore the shovel away the iting conditions, some coaches upcoming spring tryouts. massive amounts had a hard time evaluating the “We couldn’t work out outside before of snow blanketplayers. tryouts, so I’m not as well conditioned as SHOVELED AWAY ing the athletic “The snow has had a major I’d like to be,” said junior lacrosse player •Boys soccer and fields. Despite their effect on our tryouts and season,” Amanda Bailey, “I ran on the treadmill lacrosse hopefuls joined efforts, the space said baseball coach Justin Janis. and lifted weights on my own to make up the indoor-track runners remained largely “We would love for each player for it.” in shoveling the track covered. to have about three intrasquad There are a lot of new coaches in mul•After about three hours “Thirty young scrimmages to prove themselves tiple sports and, in a way, these coaches of work, one lane of the men and a few in a game situation. This year we are trying out too. There has been a lot of track was cleared, just dads were able to will be lucky if the players have coaching staff changes in recent years so enough for running. clear the inside one scrimmage on the field.” new coaches are looking to earn the reAthletes also ran lane of the track,” Athletes spent months prespect of long time players. Some coaches through the snowsaid boys lacrosse paring for the spring season, in took the blizzard as an opportunity to do covering the coach Connor many cases hitting the track just that. football field for extra Barhight, “but the and scaling the bleachers “The snow situation was actually a conditioning. field is still under only a week after the fall good opportunity for coach Barhight to snow and will be season’s finish. But when the show leadership,” said senior lacrosse for a long time.” snow came, training was player Nick Ward, “He took the initiative Without fields to play on, teams were halted in the middle of the and got us a field. We probably wouldn’t forced to split time in the Main and crucial period of preparation that leads have had that kind of leadership in the Auxiliary Gyms and boys’ varsity lacrosse up to tryouts. past.” even showed up before school to fit in “We couldn’t hit or throw outside,” By Alex Buscemi, Spencer Conley, part of their tryout. said junior baseball player Walker Weband Pasquale Prezioso
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outlook sports
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I had a lot of fun this season. We didn’t do great in districts, but we had two runners place in the top six at states. Overall, it was a good year. -Allen Meyer, Sr.
charles fulgham
1/28- 2/04 Districts Girls-1st, Boys-5th 2/20 Regionals Girls-4th, Boys-13th 2/26- 2/27 States Girls-36th, Boys-35th
march 11 2010
On the Scoreboard: Indoor Track Championship Season
Brad’s Anatomy A breakdown of what makes Senior swim team member Bradley Phillips in the water Height: 6’ 3”
born free
Wingspan: 6’4”
“I enjoy freestyle the best because there is more strategy involved in the races. It comes more naturally for me.”
fueling the fire Race Day Eve: “The night before the race we have team pasta dinners. I eat lots of different pastas to carbo-load.”
the future “On the recruiting trip to UVA, I felt that I fit best with the team. I could really see myself there; it offers the best opportunities as both a student and an athlete. I felt comfortable on the grounds, I had a gut feeling the whole way along.”
Weight: 165 lbs
Race Day: “On the day of the race I always get a Subway cold cut trio, 12 inch of course.” Post-Race: “I like to drink chocolate milk; it is scientifically proven to be the best recovery drink after working out or racing.”
on the blocks
dryland gear “I bought the Gold Reebok pumps online for fun. They were not a very serious purchase, just a joke amongst a few of my friends. I wear them before every big meet to get pumped up.”
“[During] our 400 free relay at the end of the state meet this year, I was the anchor leg, so there was a lot of pressure. We needed to place well in order to win the meet. We won the race, and in the process, we broke Robinson’s 2006 national record by more than a second, in a time of 3:31.44, and won the state title.”
Shoe Size: 13
by matt woodhouse
march 11 2010
1/29 Districts Boys 1st, Girls 2nd 2/15 Regionals Boys 1st, Girls 2nd 2/19-2/20 State Boys 1st, Girls 4th
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We had a large state team go down and have outstanding individual and relay performances, especially Kaitlin Pawlowicz, who set a national record. It was the highest we had ever placed. -Laura Lyons, Sr.
”
linda tran
On the Scoreboard: Swim & Dive
Boys basketball takes District title for first time in 38 years Scoring the winning, buzzer-beating shot, senior Andrew Daniels propels the team to win Districts, beating Westfield 60-56.
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he clock on the scoreboard counts team.” down the final seconds as the team Motivated by victory and by each other, and the fans strain with the boys found themselves in the final stages anticipation for a moment that will make of the District Tournament. In comparison history. The clock with past teams, it was buzzes, and as quickexhilarating to be on their ly as it started, the home court in the ReA lot has changed in the 38 years game is over, but the gional Semifinals, which between this district title and the last... became their last game of season hadn’t ended for the Cougars. the 2010 season. “We always knew “It’s the craziest feelwe had the talent,” ing,” senior Nick Koutris US President: Richard Nixon said captain Andrew said. “Last year we only Top Movie: The Godfather Daniels, senior. “We won one game in [the expected to do well, Super Bowl Champion: Dallas Cowboys District Tournament], Population of Fairfax County: 455,021 but I still couldn’t and this year we won the imagine it. [Scoring Billboard #1 Hit: “American Pie”-Don Mclean whole thing.” the game winning With a team that has shot] was awesome.” advanced so far in the US President: Barack Obama A series of new past season, the success coaches over the has only just begun for the Top Movie: Avatar years offered the future of boys basketball Super Bowl Champion: New Orleans Saints team little stability as Population of Fairfax County: 1,015,302 in the coming years. they sought to make Billboard #1 Hit: “Tik Tok”- Ke$ha “At the beginning of themselves known the year when we would on the court. face adversity, we would doubt ourselves,” “It’s only been eight months since we’ve Brooks said. “As the year all been together,” said coach David Brooks. progressed we started “The room we have for improvement is just to rely on each other exponential. My thought when [Daniels and looked to be made the final shot at] 1.7 seconds was that aggressive rather we needed to get back to defense because than timid and something bad could happen. When the intimidated. I try clock hit zero for the third time, it was just to make the sheer elation. I was just so proud.” boys realize Throughout the season the boys found that they’re themselves dribbling and scoring with a new playing for outlook on their ability to compete and work something as a team. bigger than “We had confidence,” Daniels said. “A themselves.” new coach helped us to bring out that new by Daphne Martschenko and attitude. We couldn’t have asked for a better Callum Kelton
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then
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Championship Season
2/17 Districts 1st Round Girls- Bye, Boys-Win 47-46 2/19 Districts Semifinal Girls-Win 51-39 Boys-Win 69-53 2/20 District Finals Girls-Win 64-55, Boys-Win 43-42
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2/24 Regionals 1st Round Girls-Win 48-37, Boys-Win 64-35 2/25 Regionals 2nd Round Girls-Win 44-38, Boys-Loss 37-63 2/27 Regionals Semifinal Girls-Win 50-31
This season has been up and down. It’s great to have been so successful, and now, in the tournament, we have to focus and we have to survive and advance.
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- Zora Stephenson, Jr.
allie berube
outlook outlook sports
march 11 2010
On the Scoreboard: Girls & Boys Basketball
1. Standing on the bleachers, the fans cheer on the team at the Regional Semifinals. “Playing at home definitely takes pressure away,” senior captain David Larson said. “We have a lot of people supporting us.” 2. Performing their half time routine, the dance team kick and twirl their support during the second round of the varsity boys regional tournament. 3. Guarded by a Westfield player, senior Andrew Daniels looks for a way to move through the competition during the first round of Districts. 4. With smiles on their faces, the varsity boys watch their teammates advance to the second district round, beating Chantilly 47-46.
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