Outlook 2008-2009 Issue 7

out look

03.09.09

oakton

news County Executive releases proposal for FY 2009-2010 budget, including compensation page 09

academics Senior class visits Capitol Hill, Supreme Court and Library of Congress page 10

sports Girls Basketball captures Regional Title beating the T.C. Williams Titans page 20

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID OAKTON, VA PERMIT No. 337 OAKTON HIGH SCHOOL 2900 SUTTON ROAD VIENNA, VA 22181

Graduating Illegal Immigrants fight the odds for education ...page 05

By the Numbers

$3.3 billion

total Fairfax County budget spending plan for FY 2010

$1.627 billion total part of budget allotted to Fairfax County public schools

$650 million

budget shortfall that must be compensated for through cuts and tax increases

$57 million increase in funding requested

by the school board to compensate for an estimated 5000 student enrollment increase in 2009-2010

524

full time county jobs to be cut out of the budget

300

part time jobs to be cut out of the budget

13.5

cent increase on the property tax

49

days until final budget for fiscal year 2009-2010 is approved by board of supervisors (April 27)

F

budget, and we didn’t feel that we could cut much more without affecting the quality of our education.”

Storck, along with Superintendent Jack Dale, will have to search for even more ways to cut spending for next year.

“We would have to increase class size by up to two students,” Storck said. “The budget that we have already sent to the board of supervisors has an additional half-student per class. The reason class size is often picked is because staff salaries represent In such troubled economic times, not even about 88 percent of our budget. The way to reduce Fairfax County is immune from the recession. In our budget easily is to cut employees.” response to a $650 million shortfall, Griffin had to In January, Dale predicted that without the limit more than just school funding. $57 million, FCPS would also have to cut summer Among his list of proposed budget alleviations school all together and eliminate athletic programs, is a 13.5-cent increase on the property tax, the namely indoor track and field. However, only 76 elimination of 524 full-time jobs and about 300 percent of the school system’s budget comes from part-time jobs and the closure of several community, the county. senior and health care centers across the county.

“76 percent of our revenue comes from the Between the increase in property transfer from the county, 20 tax and his slimmer-than-usual — County Executive’s percent [comes] from the state $3.3 billion spending plan, and two percent comes from the proposal did not include Griffin hopes to compensate for federal government,” said Phil the recessions effects on Fairfax the school board’s Niedzielski-Eichner, school board County. requested $57 million representative from the Providence “[Griffin] increased the tax rate increase district and budget liason. and then proposed spending cuts, — 76% of school funding Without a sufficient sum of and between the two of them, it money from other sources, FCPS comes from the county will completely eliminate the $650 is faced with two options: lobby million shortfall,” said Pat Herrity, board of supervisors; the the board of supervisors for more supervisor of the Springfield rest comes from state and money, or find ways to cut even District. federal funding more.

Griffin’s plan, however, is still — FCPS consumes about Herrity said he doesn’t feel that only a proposal. Nothing is set Griffin’s proposal is going in the half of the county’s total in stone until late April when the right direction. final budget has been voted on and budget “I’m disappointed with the determined. budget, ” Herrity said. “I think it “The board of supervisors will lacks any creativity or reorganization.

Basically, it use it as a starting point to get to a final budget,” doesn’t set the right priorities in my mind. ” Herrity said. “The board will make adjustments to it.

Herrity has his own ideas on cutting school We actually approve the final budget on April 27.” funding, ideas that he will lobby for when it comes Until April 27, the board of supervisors will time to formulate the actual budget for the fiscal conduct a budget committee meeting on March 16 year 2010. and then will hold public meetings on March 30, 31 “I think we need to look at the school and April 1. administration for reductions,” Herrity said. “We Meanwhile, in the Fairfax County Public School have one assistant principal for every 400 students system, the school board has been left to cope with a in Fairfax County, and we have 17 assistant significant gap in funding. Under Griffin’s proposal, superintendents in the school system.

FCPS will not receive its requested $57 We need to put those funds into the million increase, despite an estimated classrooms. ” enrollment increase of 5000 students for When looking to reduce costs, the 2009-2010 school year. transportation is generally a good “Basically, we made some place to start.

Herrity said he feels assumptions about our budget, and streamlining bus routes will drastically curb based on those assumptions we decided we transportation costs. needed about $57 million more from the board of “The school transportation system [still operates supervisors to keep things from getting worse,” said by using] scissors, note cards and envelopes. We Dan Storck, chairman of the Fairfax County School have 22 people to do the entire planning for the bus Board. routes.

If you look at FedEx and UPS, they plan the While the hopes for such a large sum of money routes so they only take right turns,” Herrity said. were slim, Storck and the rest of the school board The more money you save in bus routes, the more felt it to be completely necessary. money you save in the transportation system.”

“I think we understood that the county executive

fast facts

Fairfax County Budget:

airfax County Executive Anthony Griffin released his plan to balance a budget plagued by a massive economic recession. His proposal, released on Feb. 23, ultimately denied the school board’s request for a $57 million increase for the 2009-2010 school year, freezing funding at last year’s $1.627 billion.

see opinion on page 17

would have a difficult time funding our request because the county revenue has gone down a lot as well,” Storck said. “But we also knew that we had already cut tens of millions of dollars out of our

- chris weil and shayda shahbazi, feature editor and staff writer, can be reached at chris. weil@oaktonmedia.net and shayda.shahbazi@ oaktonmedia.net

page 03

feature

$

BUDGET UPDATE

County Executive releases budget proposal, including compensation for a $650 million shortfall

03.09.09

feature

page 04

Next Stop: Bogotá, Colombia

B

03.09.09

For freshman Rachel Jovene and her sister, senior Jamie Jovene, Oakton is just one of many high schools they have attended. As the children of Air Force air-tache designee Jim Jovene, the girls are used to packing up and moving all over the country. This summer the family of nine will find themselves outside the U.S. in Bogotá, Colombia.

ogotá is known as the “Athens of South America.” Its each family member was mentally fit to undergo the drahigh altitude, 2640 meters above sea level, makes it matic shift in cultures and language. the third highest major city in the world. The Jovene “They asked me basic questions,” Rachel said. “Like if I’ve family will be packing up and moving approximately 2,365 ever done drugs or alcohol, or if I take any medications.” miles from Washington D.C. to the capital of Colombia, In addition to passport renewal and psychological tests, South America. However, moving is harder for the Jovenes moving provides exciting new ways to experience a foreign than the typical family. culture for prolonged periods of time. Instead of visiting “The size of our family makes it very difficult,” said an area briefly, living in a different culture gives in-depth senior Jamie Jovene. “We’re all going to different schools and insight into regional customs and traditions. have to readjust.”

“You get to see a lot of Vince (19), Jamie (17), Rachel cool places and meet difI’ve really come to see moving as an (15), Joshua (12), Faithrenee (9), ferent people,” Rachel said.

Joseph (5) and Jonathan (1) make “There are a lot of opporadventure and new experience. up the seven children in the Jovene tunities. Germany was my family. The challenges posed by favorite. You always saw - jamie jovene, sr. their family size are further magnifarms. It was open and fied by the frequent moves. beautiful. The food was “It’s so difficult to move because everyone has so much delicious, and there’s a lot of interesting history.” stuff,” Rachel said. “We have to decide how much we can However, leaving friends and an environment you have take and how much we can’t take. We have a limited amount just adjusted to never gets easier. of weight we can carry. Sometimes you have to get rid of “The hardest part is leaving people and knowing that stuff you don’t really want to.” you’ll probably never see them again,” Jamie said.

Nevertheless, experiencing a new culture and often a As a senior, Jamie’s life will change dramatically. While foreign language may be daunting but also beneficial. she attends college in the U.S., her family will be living south “Three of my younger siblings can speak sufficient Gerof the equator. man,” Jamie said. “Later in life they’ll be able to say that “During the holidays I will want to go visit them and they learned a different language and go back to Europe and experience the culture,” Jamie said. “I’ve really come to see interact with people.” moving as an adventure and new experience. It is conveThe family, which is moving on June 30, has already nient sometimes when you get sick of a place.” begun preparations for the much warmer South American Although Jamie is reaching the end of her high school climate. career and will no longer have to move so often, she plans to “We’ve already begun to look at schools,” Rachel said. continue expanding her love for traveling.

“Someone is finding a house for us there. We’ve had to re“I would love to go back and visit the places I’ve been to new our passports and [undergo] psychological testing.” and more,” Jamie said. “Moving has instilled a desire [in me] The psychological testing was designed to assess whether to see as much of the world as possible.”

daphne martschenko

Packing in preparation for the move to Bogotá, Colombia freshman Rachel Jovene sorts through items to bring along. The family, moving June 30th, has a baggage weight limit and must decide what’s worth taking.

- daphne martschenko, staff writer, can be reached at daphne. martschenko@oaktonmedia.net

They’ve been everywhere, man...

A timeline of the Jovenes’ travels across the country, to the world Jovenes move to Alaska. Vincent and Jamie are born here

Jovenes move to Illinois

Jovenes live in Alabama.

Faithrenee is born here 1999-2002

1994-1996

1990-1991

1991-1994 Jovenes move to Delaware. Rachel is born here.

Jovenes move back to Alabama.

1996-1999 Jovenes move to New Jersey. Joshua is born here.

2006-2007

2002-2006 Jovenes move overseas to Germany. Joseph is born here.

Jovenes move overseas to Colombia 2009-...?

2007-2009 Jovenes move to Virginia. Jonathan is born here

feature

03.09.09

page 05

65,000

high school students who graduate each year are

ILLEGAL immigrants EDITOR’S NOTE: The name of the undocumented student in this story has been changed to protect his or her identity

Y

of those students, only

5-10% pursue higher

each figure represents 650 undocumented graduates, a black figure denotes an illegal graduate who pursues higher education

ou wouldn’t notice anything unusual if you A Multi-Faceted Problem saw Alex* in the hall. His clothes are clean and Even if a student like Alex were able to find a carefully chosen to fit. His backpack dangles off public university in Virginia where he could apply one shoulder, bulging with the homework from without proof of citizenship, he would likely be multiple AP classes. He wanders between classes bumping forced to pay out-of-state tuition without proper shoulders with hundreds of students whose schedule and residency registration. However, nine states have adopted workload closely resembles his own. While he blends in bills to combat this issue. with his peers, Alex is not the same; he is undocumented.

“Texas, California, New York, Utah, Illinois, Washington, When Alex arrived in the United States slightly under a Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Kansas are where it decade ago, he didn’t know any English. His arrival was not is being debated,” Vargas says. “These states allow in-state as dramatic as other news stories might suggest. Rather than students who are undocumented to pay in-state prices but wading across the Rio Grande or squeezing through a fence, explains Katherine Vargas, press secretary of the National that doesn’t mean undocumented students can just move Immigration Forum. “There is a lot of momentum all across Alex arrived legally by plane with his parents. When they into that state and pay in-state tuition.” the country from students or even friends of students who overstayed their visit, though, their papers expired and the As with any bill, not everyone in Washington shares family chose to stay in the United States illegally rather than are doing a lot of advocacy [for the bill].”

Vargas’ enthusiasm for the legislation. The “Center for Vargas, a Columbian immigrant herself, provides return home. This was never a large problem for Alex, until Immigration Studies” says the bill both direct legal services and he decided to apply to college. would offer amnesty to millions of advocacy on issues concerning “I haven’t really cared about my illegal status until family members not included in the undocumented minors. Her Latino I had no choice in coming here. I had to do recently,” Alex explains. “I try to do well; I’ve tried to be a bill’s provisions. accent only slightly detectable, she what my parents did. It’s not really my fault normal student.”

“Given the difficulty in has worked passionately to raise Being normal can be extremely difficult for someone for the situation I’m in. determining whether an applicant awareness for students like Alex. like Alex. With no social security number or legal - undocumented student meets the DREAM Act’s amnesty “I understand what the struggles documentation, Alex was instantly barred from applying requirements, coupled with are and what brings someone to to a larger university, such as Virginia Tech, despite his the overworked nature of the this country,” Vargas says. “The immigration system right numerous qualifications due to citizenship requirements immigration bureaucracy, fraud could be a significant now is very dysfunctional. The country has invested in within applications. As a result, he plans to attend Northern problem, ” the CIS advocates.

“The total number of potential these children. These are times we want to be as competitive Virginia Community College next year. amnesty beneficiaries is 2.1 million (assuming no fraud). as possible. We want to make sure these individuals are “I would like to go to Maryland to study sciences, but This does not include 1.4 million siblings and parents contributing fully to our society.” if I graduate from NOVA, I won’t know what to do,” Alex of qualifying illegals who may end up receiving de facto While it has floated around the halls says. “My mom is sad because she wants amnesty. ” of Congress for numerous years, the me to go to a good college. That’s why — undocumented: lacking DREAM Act nearly acquired the 60-vote I came here in the first place--for the documents required majority necessary for debate in 2007, but A Face in the Crowd education and a better life. They have Alex likes to draw, play soccer, watch TV and his favorite fell eight votes short. The bill, targeted for legal immigration even considered sending me back [home] videogame is Call of Duty 4. He has no disciplinary record specifically for students like Alex, aims or residence (Merriamto learn but I don’t want to [go].” of any kind, and when he is not relaxing he can be found to erode the barrier that currently Webster) slouched over a textbook or homework assignment working stands between many undocumented A National Issue — DREAM Act: diligently.

While he represents the very best Oakton has to students and higher education. Of the Alex’s plight is not as unique as one Development, Relief and offer, the reality he faces is one he has known for years. No 65,000 undocumented students who might think. With 65,000 undocumented matter how good his grades, no matter how many honor Education for Alien Minors will graduate this year, a meager 5 – 10 students graduating from high schools societies or extracurricular activities he engages himself in, percent will even attempt to pursue Act across the nation this year alone (source: next year he will be at NOVA. higher education.

National Immigration Law Center), “I had no choice in coming here,” Alex says with a soft “It is un-American to indefinitely and increased pressure has been placed on voice, lowering his gaze. “I had to do what my parents did. irremediably punish [students] for decisions made by adults Washington to address the issue. One particular bipartisan It’s not really my fault for the situation I’m in. I try to ignore many years ago,” according to a press release by the National solution first proposed in 2001 was the “Development, it and live a normal life. I just work hard.”

Immigration Law Center issued in Feb. “Congress would Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act,” otherwise legally recognize what is de facto true: these young people known as the DREAM Act. belong here.”

- matt johnson, editor in chief, can be reached at matt.

“A lot of students have advocated for the DREAM Act,”

definitions

education

johnson@oaktonmedia.net

Need Service Hours?

As part of our senior gift the Class of 2009, working with local Landscape Architect Doug Bibb, is redoing the Senior Courtyard and we need lots of help from students in every grade with the renovation!

Work on the courtyard will be done in two, four hour shifts from 8am12 pm and 12pm-4pm on March 14th, 21st and 28th (weather permitting). We hope to get between 30 and 40 students per shift.

Student volunteers would be responsible for jobs such digging holes, planting flowers, and removal of debris from the courtyard.

If you would like to voulnteer please sign up outside of Mr. Hopkins’s office in Guidance. Even if you can’t stay for an entire shift please still come for whatever time you can.

Several student organiziations have already volunteered their time including:

Football, Girls Basketball, Boys Basketball, FHS, APES, Ecology Club, MSA and HHS See your club sponsor or e-mail Mr. Hopkins at Timothy.Hopkins@ fcps.edu for more information

feature

03.09.09

page 07

Behind the scenes of being green Blue recycling bins litter the hallways and classrooms, but usually contain less recyclable materials than trash. The Outlook explores the history and use - or misuse - of these bins around the school.

A fast facts

lmost everyone is accustomed to the blue ‘recycling’ bins around the school. Fairfax County implemented them about five years ago as part of a new recycling program. But have you ever wondered where the paper you think is

— Paper recycling in 2007 prevented FCPS from throwing away an estimated 3,144 tons of recyclable materials —School board regulation 8542 requires all faculties in FCPS to recycle —Oakton’s recycling program has grown inconsistently in the past years due to lack of interest and organization

being recycled actually goes? The genuine answer: the trash.

“Students see the blue bins as trash cans, said Joe Thompson, football coach who is also head of the custodial staff. “Recycling depends on who put the paper in the blue bin, not who picks it up.”

FCPS’ web site describes the recycling program as a “school-based effort in which all staff and students are required to participate.” There is even a school board regulation requiring all school facilities to recycle.

However, lack of interest and organization in the past years have led Oakton’s program to become just for show.

“In past years, we used to have a vendor that came and picked up the paper,” said Jeanine Musgrove, AP Environmental Science teacher. “We had students that were really into [recycling], but they have since

graduated.”

Although the recycling of paper has vanished, whether the school recycles cans and bottles does remain debatable.

To spark students’ interests again, a new environment-based club will be established, OSSAGA: Oakton Students Serving Against Global Abuse.

“Our plan is to have students work with custodians to collect the paper, and to get another recycling vendor to come [and collect],” Musgrove said.“We’d like to buy more recycling bins for the school, partner with the science team and make the club studentdriven, but ultimately, keep the paper out of the landfill,” said Don Clark, history teacher.

Along with the club’s planned efforts to increase the recycling of paper, the club also wants to increase the students’ knowledge of caring for the environment.

“We want more students to be educated on what happens to the materials and where they go,” Musgrove said.

Other schools in the county have excellent recycling programs, such as Spring Hill El-

see opinion on page 19

ementary in Mclean that has a student-run compost method. Many schools have also made the transition to the use of incandescent light bulbs, which are cheaper and last longer than the fluorescent light bulbs that are currently recycled.

“In the future, we’d like to model our program similar to Herndons’, which raises money for scholarships through the program,” Musgrove said.

Along with the satisfaction from helping the environment, the school can also make money by selling white paper.

“There is a demand for [white paper] and while the price fluctuates, we could be selling it to at least cover the costs of collection- buying and replacing the bins, etc,” Musgrove said.

Although the recycling program has come to a standstill in operations, the future looks positive with OSSAGA helping to reach what is necessary.

- daniel chait, staff writer, can be reached at daniel.chait@oaktonmedia.net

Pregnant teachers begin to feel the weight

T

he room was dead silent as French teacher Emily Fugate-Brunino made her way to the front of the room.

The students watched attentively as she opened her mouth, preparing to announce her big news. “Guys, I’m pregnant,” declared Brunino, according to sophomore Yara el Mowafy, recollecting what the teacher had announced during the first week of school. “[The students in her class] were really happy and excited for her and we all began congratulating her the minute she made her announcement,” Mowafy said.

Although the majority of students were unaware of Brunino’s pregnancy, a select number of students weren’t victoria doxey surprised with the announcement.

Physics teacher Stephanie Stehle, now eight months into her “A lot [of my students] knew [about the pregnancy] when pregnancy, lectures her class on material regarding math and the school year began. I’m not exactly sure how,” Brunino science. Stehle is unsure of her baby’s sex at this point. “[My said, currently nine months into her pregnancy. husband and I] are going to be surprised. We just hope the baby Although pregnancy is an exciting event for the soon-tois healthy,” Stehle said. be mothers at Oakton, a few negative aspects get it for her, because it’s obviously challenging for a pregremain. nant woman to squat or bend down.”

“Being pregnant hasn’t really Pregnancy affects teachers in many ways causing fatigue, affected my teaching,” Brunino said. swollen feet and much more. Likewise, students with “I’m a bit more tired than usual and I pregnant teachers are feeling the effects too. can’t move around and be on my feet “Class is a lot more challenging,” Mowafy said. “We as much as I’m used to. I just started definitely move at a faster pace, and there’s that presgetting swollen feet. I put my feet up sure to keep up. It’s challenging at times, but definitely while I teach! Thanks to [Tor] Strom, I necessary to move faster if we want to get all of the now have a comfortable pillow to put on information in time. We’re under a time crunch right my chair and prop up my feet.” now, and Mrs. Brunino wants to ensure that we The teachers who struggle with aspects of y learn as much as possible before she has her s e t of pregnancy including swollen feet and cour Aiden baby and goes on her maternity leave.” eyer hoto brinkm p moodiness can rely on their students to assist Michael da bren Although working under a limited span of Campanell was them during their classes. time presents obstacles to pregnant teachborn to Special Ed teacher “[The students] try to help out as much Dawn Campanell on March 4 ers, physics teacher Stephanie Stehle, who is as we can,” Mowafy said. “Whenever Mrs. at 6:07 p.m. He was a healthy eight months into her pregnancy, has more Brunino drops something we bend down and 7 pounds 10 ounces, 19.5 in. pressing issues to worry about.

“Getting ready for the baby [is way more difficult than teaching],” Stehle said. “[My husband and I] don’t know when [the baby] is coming. I know my schedule, I know when I have to have my assignments graded by and when grades are due, but I don’t know if I’m planning for four weeks from now or eight weeks from now.”

For pregnant teachers, planning ahead and balancing time are crucial in order to teach the maximum amount possible before going on maternity leave.

Besides the limited amount of time, teachers going on maternity leave face issues regarding their students.

“I will be on maternity leave until August,” Brunino said. “I’m going to miss my students very much but am looking forward to spending time with my new family. I am thrilled to be a new mom! Of course I’m nervous about how much I don’t know, but overall I can’t wait.”

French teacher Emily Fugate-Brunino, now nine months pregnant, smiles as she holds her stomach.

“I’m going to miss my students very much but am looking forward to spending time with my new family. I am thrilled to be a new mom,” Brunino said.

- michelle chu and additional reporting by victoria doxey, staff writers, can be reached at michelle.chu@oaktonmedia.net and victoria.doxey@oaktonmedia. net

victoria doxey

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Overheard in the classroom...

T

danielle holstrom

here wasn’t another chair in the room, so I had to stand.

I thought my legs were going to give out from under me; they had turned to Jell-O. My neck felt hot, and my voice was shaking.

What was I supposed to do with my editor in chief hands? Were people going to be able to hear us from the hallway? I could perform at Reston Town Center, no problem; but put me in a French class of 20 people, and I nearly pee my pants.

A week earlier, Asli Durak asked me if I would sing a duet with her for an AP French project. She sent me the song and told me to bring lemon juice, her latest fascination; it makes the voice clearer. The next day, after five hours of practicing, we still sounded like 5-year-olds on the track.

“I guess we could just perform the song live,” she said.

“Now you tell me,” I thought.

On Feb. 19, I met Asli at Mme. Brunino’s classroom and waited while one of her classmates presented. The project required students to research a famous person of French descent and present biographical information along with a supplementary “art” project.

The song Asli chose was called “Même Si” by Gregory Lemarchal, a French pop singer who died suddenly in 2007.

After Asli’s moving PowerPoint, which elicited “oohs” and “ahs” from the class, it was our turn to perform. She sang the French verses, and I was in charge of the English, until the end when we harmonized in French.

Asli and I agreed the performance wasn’t our best, but everyone loved it. My voice didn’t sound as unsteady as I thought it would, and nobody heard the sour note we hit. By the ensuing applause, it was clear we blew everyone away. It wasn’t the first time; that’s the Asli-Danielle effect.

Our presentation was followed by Sarah Beth Rupp’s violin performance and Emma Schmitt’s charades. Literally. In her presentation about Marcel Marceau, a French mime artist, she asked members of the class to stand up and silently portray an animal. Her face paint was the highlight for me.

It was nice to be part of a class where everyone was so comfortable with each other. Most of the students have been taking French together throughout high school and were anything but hesitant about presenting in front of each other. It made me a little jealous I wasn’t taking French.

Asli and I have been singing together for a few months now, and each time is just as exciting as the last. Next, we’re working on a cover of “Way Back Into Love” from the “Music and Lyrics” soundtrack. Maybe you’ll see us in the sequel. For now, we’ll just stick to the classroom.

New classes create more choices for students

academics

Learning a language through performance

Film Studies

taylor soldner

Film Study is a course focused on watching and analyzing different aspects of films such as the effect of lighting and symbolism. The movies that will be viewed in class contain both older more up-to-date films. Mary-Clare McKesson describes the course in more detail.

Q:Why would you like to teach this course?

A:

When I found out about the class, I said that I would love to teach it. I have a background in film and television, I go to the movies almost every weekend and order millions of movies off of Netflix. You could say I am obsessed with movies.

Q:Why do you think students should take the course?

A:

Many students have a hard time reading and pulling out images with meaning. This class will try to teach students, with film, how shadows or a red scarf can affect a scene and have them learn about symbolism, so they can apply it in English class.

Q:What is the most interesting aspect of the class?

A:

The most interesting thing about this course would be opening up new films for students which they wouldn’t otherwise see, such as films from the seventies or international films they had never been able to watch before.

03.09.09

Oceanography

taylor soldner

Oceanography explores scientific fields as they relate to the ocean. Along with discussions and labs, field trips will be offered because the best hands-on experiences are through direct contact with the environment. Sean Greeney, geosystems teacher, offers insight into this new course.

Q:Why would you like to teach this course?

A:

The class is either going to be run by me or Mrs. Fernandez, we don’t know who yet. I’d like to teach it. It’s a good opportunity for a high-level course.

drew gunther

Q:Why do you think students should take the course?

During AP French, seniors Asli Durak and Danielle Holstrom perform a duet for a project. The project required students to pick a famous French person and illustrate his or her work creatively.

page 09

A:

With field trips like the one to Wallops Island, we can offer students with more of a hands-on approach to learning about marine wildlife.

Q:What is the most interesting aspect of the class?

A:

There are more opportunities to do hands-on research outside the class with the limit on the number of classes, not like with the nine classes for geosystems.

- alex zanin, staff writer, can be reached at alex.zanin@oaktonmedia.net

academics

page 10

03.09.09

Seniors dabble in politics on the Hill

For one day, seniors visited Washington to get a first-hand look at how government works. Seniors chose activities ranging from listening in on a Supreme Court hearing to meeting representatives and senators.

8:45 Arrive at Capitol, tour Library of Congress

The morning of the senior Capitol Hill trip, the cafeteria was buzzing with excitement and nerves. As seniors checked in with chaperones, teachers made sure students had passes for tours.

“Everyone had their tickets all ready and we all just got on the metro,” said senior Lihi Tzur. “It was very convenient and the weather was nice so we could just walk there.”

After exiting the metro

at Capitol south station, seniors had a variety of places to visit. One of the first stops of the day for many was the Library of Congress where seniors Camille Falisse, Sarah Webster, Jackie Tatge and Kelsey Wiley toured the building.

“We tried to do things that we were the most interested in because there wasn’t a lot of time,” Tzur said. “We sat in on the House Appropriations Committee meeting. Then we went to the Library of Congress where the Lincoln Bicentennial exhibit was.”

erica stein

10:00 Visit Representatives’ offices

Part of the government assignment included visiting representatives and senators of the students’ choosing. To earn extra points for their assignments, seniors Danielle Scarcella and Nyssa Wratschko spoke with Nancy Pelosi’s staff assistant Liz Miller. (photo right) “After being sent on a scavenger hunt by my government class, getting to speak with Congresswoman Pelosi’s staff assistant was a nice suprise,” said senior Danielle Scarcella. “Because it was her California office, we learned about what legislation Congresswoman Pelosi is working on for her home state.”

ellie kaufman

11:15 Meet and Greet with Frank Wolf

erica stein

erica stein

While listening to Frank Wolf speaking with government teacher Jeff Dunson, seniors Camille Falisse and Jessie Hekl completed assignments for government. “[Frank Wolf] talked about how he voted against the stimulus package,” said senior Laura Schorfheide. “He said we had to focus on what was going on now not what had already happened.”

Seniors had the opportunity to meet local Congressmen Frank Wolf and Gerry Connolly at two meet and greets held on the Capitol steps.

alena schwarz

1:30 Metro back to Oakton

After watching government at work for the day, students travelled back to Oakton. Whether they sat in on a committee hearing or watched the House or Senate at work from the gallery, students were able to witness the information they had been studying in the classroom up close.

“The students all learn something that I could

never teach them,” said government teacher Eliot Waxman. “What I love most about the whole thing is listening to the students talk about it, hearing how much fun they had and knowing that they learned a lot,” Waxman said.

- ellie kaufman, academics editor, can be reached at elena.kaufman@oaktonmedia.net

academics

03.09.09

page 11

Chorus students compete in three-day event with students from across the county

District Band proves to be an enlightening experience for first chair trombone player

sarah choi, sr.

jon reeg, jr.

Chorus and band students compete in districts

O

n Valentine’s Day, several students from Oakton’s Choral Department, including myself, performed at chorus, alto one Marshall High School as a part of this year’s District 12 Chorus. 12 girls from the Oakton Choral Department were selected to participate in this event.

I received my audition piece near the beginning of the school year and had a few weeks to prepare before the audition in October. The audition was blind, meaning the judges could not see us singing. It consisted of a section in which the student sings the prepared piece and a sight-singing portion. Though the audition is fairly intimidating, this year was my fourth time auditioning, so there were no surprises, and I knew what to expect.

Freshmen and sophomore girls went to the women’s chorus, and all guys and junior and senior girls went to the mixed chorus.

Each choir had a different guest conductor to work with us. I was in the mixed choir, which was fairly large, with more than 150

students from across the district.

Since we had received the music beforehand, we were prepared. During the three-day event, we devoted ourselves to rehearsing the music and making it sound as perfect as possible.

On Friday, we got to miss school and attend a seven-hour rehearsal. It was definitely tiring, but also a lot of fun and a good way to meet choral students from other schools.

What I think makes District Chorus different from normal chorus class is that everyone takes the music seriously, and we are all talented singers. Having to learn six songs in three days was only achieved through our high level of focus and commitment.

People who were members of the Mixed Choir had the opportunity to audition for All-State Chorus, which is the step further from Districts. This year I was fortunate enough to be selected as an alternate for the Alto 1 All-State Chorus.

The concert on Saturday was fantastic, and the audience enjoyed it a lot. I think it was a very rewarding experience because we all left feeling good about being able to successfully perform our selections.

IVY

CLIMBING UP TO

School. It lasted Friday and Saturday, with the concert taking place on Saturday night.

When I came into rehearsal the first day, I met my section of people who play the same instrument. We were a small section of only four, so we all got to know each other quite well.

Personally, I learned a few improvisation tricks on my instrument, like how to string different segments of music together in order to complete an improvised solo. Also, I learned how to use the notes from different scales to put together such segments.

Our director, Weiss, from the University of Kansas, had a great impact on me as well.

While my section taught me tricks about playing, he taught me about how to shape a piece of music to how you want it to sound, in other words, how to play the piece just right so that the audience could feel it.

Though we were tired from two days of straight rehearsal, when the concert came Saturday night, we came in and played our set. It turned out fantastically, and we even got a standing ovation from the audience.

Afterwards, my section and I told each other good bye, and I left to go home after two days that had significantly impacted my playing.

Though many attribute Ivy League schools solely to students with perfect SATs and GPAs over a 4.0, Oakton graduates and teachers offer oddly normal perspectives of the universities.

- alex straton and vipin reddy, copy editor and staff writer, can be reached at alex.straton@oaktonmedia.net and vipin. reddy@oaktonmedia.net

IVY LEAGUE SCHOOLS CORNELL

D

istrict Band has always been a regular experience to me. I had never really thought of it as something special band, trombone until this year.

The perfect series of events came together with the right people to make it something worth remembering. I took away how to become a better musician.

District Band is not just one single band, but actually an event in which there are three bands. The lowest is the junior band, for which middle school students can try out. High school students audition for both symphonic band, the middle level and wind ensemble, the highest level.

If you place, you put a concert together in just two days and perform on the last day.

While rehearsing the music, you learn things from both the guest conductor, usually from a major university, and from the people around you.

This year, I made the top spot on my instrument. I was definitely happy and thankful for the opportunity.

Districts took place at Chantilly High

UPENN

Katie Browning

George Hubac

OHS class of ‘08

Math teacher

HARVARD

COLUMBIA

Eliot Waxman

Steve Eslami

Seminar teacher

Spanish teacher

weather

urban environment

spanish speakers

“The culture was very similar to Washington, D.C. There were a lot of activities to do, such as sporting events, museums and orchestras.

“The spanish program is very theorybased in that you really develop your values as a teacher. You don’t get ‘practice practice,’ but you’re taught core values.”

science background

easy transfer

not the harlem renaissance

government

women in engineering

athletic rivalry

international culture

famous speakers

“I love the New York weather; it’s been snowing there since October. It’s a step backward coming home [to warmer weather].”

“I took a lot of sciences, including three APs: biology, chemistry and physics. I also did an NSLC engineering program.”

“For this group, companies come and give interview opportunities, and students can talk to major representatives.

It’s a great way to get a job after college.”

“I graduated from the Munich American School in Germany. Based on what my counselor said, I applied to UPenn.”

“UPenn had rivalries with surrounding schools, such as Drexel University and Temple. Some of the big rivalry sports were baseball, football and hockey.”

“People often joked that there wasn’t much to do nearby. However, there was more stuff to do if you went downtown.”

“I was the resident assistant for the International House. We housed 75 foreign students, and we held parties and big events, such as flag football.”

city life

“Boston may have the highest proportion of college students in the country.

It has the Charles Regatta, the Boston Marathon and the Red Socks.”

“At the John F. Kennedy School of Government, I got my masters in public policy.”

“The Institute of Politics is a research center that brings big-name speakers to the campus, from foreign leaders to the Bush administration.”

academics

page 12

news briefs Important dates:

March 12: AP/Honors night March 17: Sophomore parents program March 25: Tri-M solo and ensemble concert

03.09.09

A shot of victory...

Student playwright helps drama take home third place in districts Haley Herrinton performs “Double Shot,” a play she wrote herself. “I was one of the four main characters,” said Herrinton. “It was easier to act [in] my own play because I knew how the characters were supposed to be.”

Science Olympiad places at Regionals

Students place at regional art awards

Students competed and placed in the 2009 Regional Scholastic Art Awards. Seniors Genevieve Duy, Yoon Hee Kim, Gladys Manzur and junior Daniel Millogo recieved gold key awards. Seniors Sean Czerniak, Katie Haynie, Natalie Kerby, Ke jun Liu, Lauren Williams, Jimin Yeam and junior Catherine Harman recieved silver key awards. Seniors Katie Haynie, Yoon Hee Kim, Gladys Manzur and junior Hannah Vansickle also recieved certificates of merit. The awards ceremony was held at Ernst Cultural Center at the NOVA Annandale campus.

Students make All-State Orchestra

Eight students auditioned for All-State Orchestra at James Madison University on Feb. 28. Of the eight students, six were selected among hundreds of students to participate in the All-State Orchestra event from April 2-4. Senior Adam Celli, juniors Evan Cannon, Danny Song and freshmen Stacy Ham and Mikey Lankenau were selected.

Band to host Jammin’ Coffeehouse

The band will host a Jammin’ Oakton Coffeehouse with Rachel Carson on March 21. The jazz, steel band and percussion ensembles along with Rachel Carson’s jazz ensemble will perform at the new talent showcase.

Tickets are $5 per person or $15 for a family.

Drama 2 performs in D.C.

Drama 2 traveled to the Folger Shakespeare theatre in D.C. on March 4 to present “Legally, Loves, Labor’s Lost,” a 30 minute version of Shakespeare’s play done in the style of “Legally Blonde.” The play will also be performed during the theatre’s One-Act evening on March 9.

Regional College Fair to be held

George Mason University will host the Northern Virginia Regional College Fair on April 22 at the Patriot Center. College representatives will be available to talk to potential students and parents about their respective institutions and to answer questions.

Career Center to host college visits

The following colleges will be visiting the Career Center in the upcoming weeks. To attend, pick up a pass in the Career Center from Mrs. Kenderick.

March 13: United States Military Academy March 17: Mississippi State University March 24: Allegany College of Maryland - ellie kaufman, academics editor, can be reached at elena. kaufman@oaktonmedia.net

kasey sherman

Science Olympiad competed in the Langley Regional Tournament on Feb. 28. Seniors Thet Aung, Saruul Sergelenbaatar, Boyuan Wang and junior Patricia Raditch won second place. Seniors Boyuan Wang, Dylan Vaughn, Trevor Vaughn and junior Warsan Yusuf won third place. The students will compete in a state-wide competition on March 21.

P

erforming a play written by the girl next to you on stage is sure to give you a competitive edge, and despite some casting tribulations along the way, this helped the drama department into taking third place at the VHSL Concorde District One-Act Festival on Jan. 26 at Herndon High School, its highest ranking in three years.

The drama department performed “Double Shot,” a play written by junior Haley Herrinton. She wrote the play from scratch and entirely on her own.

“I wrote the play on my own time and submitted it for the competition,” Herrinton said.

The play stars junior TJ Markham, junior Jordan Trostle, senior Chris North and Herrinton herself. Markham’s and Herrinton’s characters begin the play as a married couple, as do Trostle’s and North’s, but as the play progresses, the characters fall in love with each other’s spouses.

“It’s about two couples in a small town who sort of cheat on each other with each other. It’s meant to be funny and ironic.’” said Herrinton.

The play experienced a few setbacks during its production, including some major last minute casting changes. North had to give up his part for a trip to Hawaii, opening the role for his understudy, senior Ross McEwen.

Markham became ill the day before the competition, passing the role on to junior Albert Anderson.

“Ross came in a week before, and Albert was cast the morning of. They both did a really good job,” said Herrinton.

McEwen took over the part of Noah, one of the four main roles.

“I got the part the week before we went up,” McEwen said.

“I had trouble learning all the lines. That was the biggest

road block.”

For Anderson, the cast change was a blessing.

“I ended up with the part I wanted from the beginning,” Anderson said. “Haley had shown me the play about a year before and I had really liked it. When I read it, I really liked and felt connected to the character I ended up playing. I only had about five hours to learn all the lines, but it was really exciting.”

The cast agreed that working with the original playwright bettered the experience overall.

“I was one of the four main characters. It was easier to act [in] my own play, because I knew how the characters were supposed to be and I could change lines [without messing up the story],” said Herrinton.

While she didn’t direct the play herself, Herrinton did have input into its overall direction.

“It definitely helped us get the characterization right,” said McEwen. “Haley could help instruct how the character was originally envisioned.”

The drama department will perform “Double Shot” at Oakton on March 9, as well as three other plays. The plays include “Love’s Labors Lost” and “The Audition,” as well as another play written by Anderson entitled “No Clue.”

Despite the emergency casting changes in this performance, Herrinton and the cast were thrilled with the competition’s results.

“I was really pleased with how the whole thing turned out.

We got third, so I was really happy,” said Herrinton.

- kyle hughes, staff writer, can be reached at kyle.hughes@ oaktonmedia.net

See the

DRAMA DEPARTMENT

ADMIT ONE perform

“DOUBLE SHOT” and three other plays

“LOVE’S LABORS LOST” “THE AUDITION” “NO CLUE”

Monday, March 9th at 7PM Tickets $10

“H

ow can Superman and Spiderman be in the same movie?” asked junior Shelby Parsons, teasing Kyler Reese, freshman and a buddy in the Best Buddies club, during a meeting.

“Hey, it’s my movie, that’s why,” Reese said, while talking about the cast he made for his movie Spiderman 3, which he presented at the beginning of their February meeting.

The Best Buddies club, which allows intellectually-disabled students to form one-on-one relationships with other students, meets the second Wednesday of every month and holds an event once a month. Dedicated members, like Parsons, help students with intellectual disabilities form friendships that they might otherwise not have.

“I joined Best Buddies because K Scarry, the president [of the club], is my best friend,” Parsons said. “She always talked about how fun it was, and I got interested, and now here I am.”

Parsons has been a member of best buddies since her sophomore year, and her current buddy is freshman Matthew Nelson “[Nelson] is a lot of fun,” Parsons said. “I love spending time with him; it’s great to be able to make a difference in his life.”

To be in Best Buddies and be paired with a buddy, members have to talk to them twice a week and hang out with them twice a month. Parsons has done her best to go beyond this requirement. “[Nelson] and I hang out a lot. We go out for ice cream, we went to a play, I went to his basketball game, and he’s coming to my orchestra concert, which I’m excited about,” Parsons said. “It’s great to hang out with him.”

Like Parsons, junior K Scarry makes sure to spend a lot of time with her buddy and puts a lot of commitment into the club.

“My buddy and I do tons of stuff over the weekends. We go to the movies, we went to a super bowl party, and we just have a lot of fun together,” Scarry said.

By forming relationships with individual buddies, the club aims to benefit the lives of intellectuallydisabled students.

“We just want the buddies to have the best high school experience they possibly can,” Scarry said.

Parsons stands by the mission statement and her belief that it makes a difference in the buddies’ lives.

“Not everybody is accepting of people with intellectual disabilities, and they might be isolated from the students and not have the same friends if they didn’t have that disability. Some of the disabilities are social, so they don’t know how to relate to people as well,” Parsons said.

“We make sure that everyone has friends and that everybody gets to hang out with people. When you go to lunch and look around and don’t know who to sit with, you feel lonely, but now they have us to be with and they’re not just by themselves.”

The club has events with other Best

clubs

Best Buddies creates lasting friendships

zoe mitchell

Sophomore Caroline McGrath hangs out with her buddy Lauren Hyer, sophomore, in between classes. Hyer has been a member of best buddies for the past two years and she and McGrath hang out and go shopping. “I always went to her swim meets [for Oakton’s team] every Friday when they had them,” Hyer said.

Buddies clubs at schools around the schools went, so I got to see some region in order to provide the budother friends from middle school.” dies with this experience.

The buddies get a lot out of the club “We had an event where the budbecause they are able to form the dies got to meet Miss Teen USA and relationships the mission statement Miss Universe, and we also had the aims for.

Special Olympics,” Scarry recalled.

“I like [Best Buddies] because I “It was a great get to meet new experience for people, I get to go them.” out, have fun and [Best Buddies] impacted me The buddies go places where I especially when I first started. have a lot of fun have never been,” I didn’t know that many people at the events Hyer said. “You coming into high school from because they get get to hang out —Best buddies has many to connect with at your buddy’s middle school, and it changed not only their house, and we my life, because I now have a lot chapters across the country peer buddies, but don’t normally get of friends.

— Peer buddies hang out with the other to do that, so it’s with the buddies at least - lauren hyer, soph. members of the fun.” twice a month and talk at club.

Hyer was able least twice a week “My favorite to meet many [event this year] would have to be the students she didn’t know before best — The club has events Valentine’s Dance at George Mason,” buddies, and she encourages everywith other Best Buddies said sophomore buddy Lauren Hyer. one to join the club. chapters in the area once a “It was fun because you could invite “It impacted me especially when I month people from other schools, and other first started. I didn’t know that many people coming into high school from middle school, and it changed my life, because I now have a lot of friends,” Hyer said.

However, the buddies aren’t the only people that benefit from the bonds formed at the club. Parsons has made many friends through the program by meeting other people from the various Best Buddies chapters from other schools at events.

“It probably made me a little more well-rounded. I see the buddies as if they were my other friends, and I am more understanding of different situations of people with different lives,” mayura iyer mayura iyer Parsons said.

During the Best Buddies meeting, juniors Shelby Parsons and Gabe Makuga write letters to soldiers for Valentine’s day. “I love - mayura iyer and zoe mitchell, staff being in Best Buddies,” Makuga said. “I’ve made so many friends and have done so many things [with the club].” writers, can be reached at mayura.iyer@ (right) Sophomore Caroline McGrath helps buddy Gabe Eli, freshman, frost a heart-shaped cookie for the club’s annual Valoaktonmedia.net and zoe.mitchell@ entine’s Day Dance. McGrath has been helping in best buddies for the past two years and is now a club officer. “I chose to do best buddies because at Oakton we have so many opportunities,“ McGrath said. oaktonmedia.net

fast facts

page 13

03.09.09

clubs

page 14

03.09.09

DECA prepares to compete at state competition DECA

Individual Role Play students group together for second chance at marketing competition in Team Decision Making

DECAfacts

Are you smarter th DECA st udent? T an a h es question s were d e exam evelope

by Mark ese will b d eting Ed tasks e regular ucation source C Reenter. A B. who w ll DECA dents ar ill be work stuer ing with C. why th an entry equired to take him e tasks ne test to d e d d to be one iscover how the y rank a D. in wha mo student t order to s. Find o ung other do the ta ut how w you kno sks e w marke ll ting, ma 3) What agemen n is ta a factor affects ship in b nd entrepreneu that rusiness a b u s in , finance e s hospitali s tions wit ’ , ty h its cus relasales an and marketing A t . o A mers? tt it ude of em d servic e. ployees B. Locati on C. Behav of suppliers 1) Wend io r y’s sells D. Condit of competitors the righ to opera io n of asso t te its re ciates staur to in

ants dividu 4) Which the com als who meet of the fo pany’s c llowing is one of a riteria.

The arra busines ngemen g s’ bigest expe t be Wendy’s and thes tween A. Utilitie nses: s e individuals is B. Insura nce A. charte an example of ring C. Rent B

. articles o C. franch f incorporation ising D. a part nership a greemen t

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2) The su pervisor h given Jo hn direc as t ions for several new job tasks. To follow th e fectively directions ef, John sh o ask the supervis uld first or: A. wheth er th

D. Payroll

Answer K ey: 1: C 2: D 3: A 4: D

G

iven the prompt, Emanuel The benefit of groups is having an Grant begins to outline energetic person and a factual person.

Team how he will answer Each can serve a function to provide the presented situation. both sides of the solution.

Decision Having received a marketing “Kids should understand Making question, Grant and his partner what their strengths are,” said must quickly decipher a solution marketing teacher Kristina Gehrki. “I and then address this potential answer tell students that the person in a team who to a judge. At least, this is how they hope is less animated should be talking about it will happen. numbers and facts. The “There are prompts outgoing and energetic — DECA’s club symbol is the or scenarios given, students should discuss diamond. and you have to give a advertising campaigns.”

— DECA operates in over solution to the judges It is important 4,000 high schools. using effective sales that students practice — DECA is co-curricular, procedures,” Grant beforehand. While many meaning it complements said. competitors merely curriculum standards with This category is walk into the ballroom extracurricular activities. presented for students without any experience. who haven’t placed in “Then they can individual role plays specialize on a specific at Districts or feel that they have a good category. Hopefully students will practice chance of succeeding with another partner. in front of a panel here,” Gehrki said. “This “It is key to always look the judges in the year the kids will have a mock presentation eyes, stay confident and pretend you know before they go. It makes a huge difference in everything,” Grant said. the competition.”

Compre hensive Exam

DECA students write business manual for state contest

F

our eager DECA students followed by 5 minutes of questions enter the ballroom of the from the judges.

Business Marriot. They have 15 “Our idea for the manual is a Manual minutes total to present their website that tells consumers the manual, which is for a website waiting time at different places,” that tells consumers the waiting said Jordan Lawson, senior. time at different local locations, such The written document will account as restaurants. They have spent all year for 60 points and the oral presentation will preparing for this one moment: DECA account for the remaining 40 points of the States. total 100 points.

“I spent from September to February “Last year the judge wasn’t our target writing the paper and from February to market,” Lawson said. “So he wasn’t March making the board,” said Shelby impressed with our project.”

Cooper, senior.

This year DECA students are using Manual writers have the advantage of their past experiences at DECA states to being well prepared ahead of time. They better this year’s presentations. can use display boards and flashcards or “Last year’s harsh criticism and nonposters to answer the judge’s questions. responsiveness has better prepared me for “I’m not good at on the spot thinking this year’s critique,” Cooper said. “I feel and processing,” said Kelly Schnitzer, more mentally able and ready for the task senior. at hand.”

- tesla jensen, clubs editor, and alex The first 10 minutes of their perry, staff writer can be reached at tesla. presentation will include an explanation jensen@oaktonmedia.net and alex.perry@ and description of their 30-page manual oaktonmedia.net

clubs

03.09.09

page 15

Habitat for Humanity helps home-building effort

T

wo Strangers usually try to avoid eye H for H of Northern Virginia has a group contact in passing, they ofton pass by called Youth United for those under the age of 18. without acknowledging one another, and This group is raising money through donations rarely greet each other with a wave or smile. and fundraising to pay for the building supplies.

Ethiopian woman Tigst Terefework and senior “We need 768,000 dollars to build the condo Sarah Peacock are complete strangers, in fact, they and we just got a 100,000 dollar loan from State life across the globe from each other. However Farm,” Peacock said. “We could not start in OctoPeacock and the rest of the Habitat for Huber because of a lack of funding.” manity club are exchanging more than All members of the H for H club have pleasentries with Terefework, they a drive to help their community and are building her a $768,000 those around them. house.

“I had done community From raising money service previously but I had •Habitat for Humanity has built 300,000 to helping build condos never felt that I had made a houses all over the world. for many destitute people to real difference in my commu•They have given more then 1.5 million collecting toys for children nity,” said co-president and copeople homes. whose parents can not afford founder, Camille Falisse, senior.

•H for H has built homes for the impoverto buy their own, Habitat for “Sarah Peacock told me one of ished on every continent except Australia Humanity (H for H) perher friends wanted us to start and Antarctica. forms all these tasks to give an H for H club at Oakton high as much help as possible to school and I thought this could underprivaleged strangers. help me make a real difference.”

The club is currently working on a project to Though they have not even met Terefework, build a condo for Terefework and Yeabsera, her everyone is still looking forward to helping someeight-year-old son. one who really needs it.

“She lost her home and is now sleeping on the “I have not met [Terefework], and neither has floor of a friend’s house,” said co-president and anyone in our club, but I’m very excited to meet founder, Sarah Peacock, senior. “She also worked her and build a home for her and her child,” Fatwo jobs to send her son to school.” lisse said. “One of my favorite parts is that we will

Schedule March Oakton Build Day

A day where the Oakton Habitat for Humanity Club goes to build the condo.

Fast

Facts

Model UN goes to Boston for conference

A family living in Kenya stands out side of their new home built by Habitat for Humanity. Around sixty percent of Kenya’s population lives on two dollars or less a day and face the constant threat of disease due to their poverty. actually be building with her and her child which will really influence us and show us that our efforts will actualy make a difference.”

Through building this family a new house, students in the club hope seek to build an attachment not just to their work, but to its recipient “By meeting with her and working with her, we can build her a house which she will be able to call home,” Falisse said.

May Act! Speak! Build! Week

Week dedicated to getting active and trying to encourage young kids to get involved in their community and Habitat for Humanity.

Lego Build Blitz

A fundraiser where elementary school kids will get to have two hours to build the best Lego structure.

YU Build Day

A day where all the factions of the YU groups will get together and work on building the condo.

- owen chesser, staff writer, can be reached at owen.chesser@oaktonmedia.net

The Model UN students prepared for weeks beforehand to be able to effectively argue their topic at the BosMUN VIII conference. The debate is based off of actual UN programs that mimic the way international diplomacy works. Students split up into designated mock programs and debate to solve world issues.

Award Winners

Jill Burke, sr.- Gavel for Best Delegate in the Roman Senate Chris Wizda sr.- Best Position Paper in the USSR Council of Ministers Mira Mehta, jr.- Best Position Paper in the ETA Mengtian Xie jr.- Best Position Paper in the Press Corp Richard Li, jr.- Honorable Mention in the UN Commission on Social Development Micheal Nye, jr.- UN Special Committee on Criminal Justice and Criminal Punishment Maria Laura Crespo, jr.- Honorable Mention on the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean Neal Pania, jr.- Honorable Mention in the UN Commission on Human Rights

rachel sapone

rachel sapone

Stuck in the airport, juniors Neal Pania and Kevin Chen wait for Mrs. Insanally and Mr. Bostaph. The students flight got canceled due to snow in the Boston area. “Because our flight was cancelled, we had to find a later flight and we were stuck in Boston for an extra four hours,” Pania said.

Talking to an administrator of the BosMUN VII conference, senior Jill Burke was happy about winning an award. Burke participated in the Roman Senate and her character part was Marcus Tullius Cicero. “I was confident in the last conference,” Burke said.

“I had never been so prepared for my topic before.”

- rachel sapone, staff writer, can be reached at rachel.sapone@oaktonmedia.net

clubs

page 16

Not just a piece of cake

03.09.09 Students in FCCLA learn how to prepare for their future as they win awards in competition

S

fast facts

tudents in Family Career and Community Leaders in that will help them with their career choices,” Dresser of America (FCCLA) competed in the district said. “For instance, Dan Nguyen entered in culinary arts. competition on Feb. 7. From this, seniors Dan Nyugen, She had to put together a portfolio with photos and letters Elizabeth Edwards, Andrea Bermudez and Allison Stafford of recommendation so [Dan] learned how to put together a won awards allowing them to advance portfolio for her future career.” to the state competition taking place on To prepare for the competition, —FCCLA is a national March 27-29 in Virginia Beach. students must create and complete a organtization FCCLA is the club that falls under project relating to their field.“We did focus — there are 20 STAR events the FACS, Family and Consumer on children,” Bermudez said. “For our —members are tested Science, branch. In it, students prepare project we go to Mosby Woods and teach in each event either for future careers and gain experience in kids to conserve energy. So we educate the through cooperative, the community. kids and have them make poster boards. individualized or “It’s a national organization,” said We had to take pictures of it and make a competitive activities Family and Consumer Science head portfolio for the competition.”

Jaquelyn Dresser. “It’s a leadership Once this is done, the FCCLA members organization where students in FACS go to Districts where they are asked classes can take any of the related fields such as culinary questions and their work is reviewed by judges. arts, consumer relations, fashion and interior design and “It was funny because we weren’t prepared at all to compete.” answer their questions,” Bermudez said. “It felt weird, but The competition has many different categories, we did okay in the end.” called STAR, Students Taking Action with Recognition, Bermudez will continue her project through the second events. STAR events are competitions in which students week of March, after which she will take it to the state level. get recognized for their achievements in their projects, “What the girls did at the district level was prepare for leadership and career preparation in the form of portfolios. the state leadership and recognition conference held in “First of all they decide on a category they are interested March,” Dresser said.

Because Districts is mainly preparation, students did not expect to place.

“We won bronze,” Edwards said. “It was pretty good.

Districts is not that important.

The judges tell you what to fix for states mainly, so we did not expect to win and were just worried about finishing our project on time.”

By doing this project and competing, students are able to prepare for their future careers by gaining experience.

“I know Allison and I want to be teachers,” Edwards said.

“So it gave us experience for the future.”

Also, through this experience, students learn about helping the community and what affects it.

“Small things count,” Bermudez said. “You don’t have to do big things to make a change, and the best way to reach out to the community is through the youth.”

Along with this, they also gained an appreciation for the topic they chose, which in Edwards’ and Bermudez’s case is the environment.

“Teaching others makes it more real to you,” Edwards said. “It was encouraging to see the kids’ reactions as well.

They were excited to learn.”

- elise werner, staff writer, can be reached at elise.werner@ oaktonmedia.net

Results of District Competition - Dan Nguyen, jr.

- Allison Stafford, sr., Elizabeth Edwards, sr. and Andrea Bermudez, sr.

Culinary Arts, First Place

Focus on Children, Third Place “I like working with kids. You pick a project that meant something to you.” -Edwards

photos courtesy of jacqueline dresser

“I enjoy culinary arts because it’s great to make something not only delicious, but really good.” -Nguyen

Young Republicans unite under common political colors

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The Young Republicans brings students with similar views together he youth vote was a key to the presidential race and gives them not only an afterschool extracurricular activity, but last Nov. Although Virginia voted Democrat experience that they will remember like visiting congressman Wolf in for the first election in over 40 years, there was the Capitol.

“It’s important to make it a fun learning experience,” Henry said. a strong Republican turnout in the area. Seniors Allie The groups sponsor, Joshua Henry, enjoys having these meetings Reed and Jill Burke are looking to because he has had experience in republican politics and is a government strengthen and expand this base by teacher here at Oakton. This enables I take a lot of pride in being a Republican, heading the new Young Republicans him to be qualified to sponsor the despite the negative connotations associated club. with being one, especially during the election, Young Republican meetings and to

The Young Republicans are planning to I felt that it became more and more necessary be a part of them, unlike with some have meetings, socials with other groups like to spread the word about what it means to be clubs, where the sponsor doesn’t seem involved. the Young Democrats, making appointments a Republican in a school full of people who This group is convenient for students with members of congress, and having guest are mostly democrats.

- jill burke, sr. in this area because D.C. is so close and speakers come in and talk to the students so they have the opportunity to plan day about republican and conservative issues. trips to meet important political figures.

“We are taking a trip to the Capital Center “I take a lot of pride in being a Republican, despite the negative to visit Congressman Wolf and we have guest speakers from the connotations associated with being one,” said club president and Fairfax County Young Republicans and the C-PAC conference coming senior, Jill Burke. “Especially during the election, I felt that it became in to talk to the students,” said AP Government teacher and Young more and more necessary to spread the word about what it means to Republican club sponsor Joshua Henry. be a Republican in a school full of people who are mostly democrats.”

These meetings and upcoming events demonstrate the tone of the club and the interests of its members and sorts of activities they wish - erik gunther, staff writer, can be reached at erik.gunther@oaktonmedia. to pursue. net

meet the members Young Republicans Club Leaders

- Joshua Henry, Young Republicans club sponsor

- Allie Reed, Young Republicans copresident

- Jill Burke, Young Republicans copresident

FCPS is suffering from an severe budget deficit of over 650 million dollars for the upcoming fiscal year. The school board will be voting on county wide budget cuts this month, but we feel that each school should also concentrate on what could be reduced separately

1) Students should pay standardized test fees.

The county pays all standardized test fees for AP tests, albeit at a discount, as instated in 2005.

Each AP test costs approximately $80 per student.

Oakton pays for the majority of all AP testing, as well as PSAT testing for all sophomores at the cost of around $10. These testing fees should be made the responsibility of the students and their families.

However, the country should pay testing fees for students who are already eligible for financial aid, so as not to limit educational opportunities based on financial situation.

2) Academy Classes should provide their own transportation.

catherine harman

Bussing students to alternative high school programs, such as Academy classes offered at Oakton, is paid for by FCPS. These students choose to be enrolled in these off school-ground programs and should pay for their own transportation as the choice to pursue these alternative classes should not effect the finances of students who remain at the school.

the Athletics Boosters fund school sports, but transportation is provided by the county. The sports should fund their own transportation, saving the county money in bus drivers and gas; even if it may require raising the price of a game ticket.

4) Give an incentive for older, higherpaid teachers to retire.

Teacher salaries are based on years of experience teaching. Teachers who have been teaching for many years are paid more than younger, newer teachers. Giving an incentive to those teachers who are near or past retirement age would allow for younger, lower-paid teachers to assume their positions, lowering the cost of staffing schools.

5) Eliminate unnecessary support positions.

Although it is always hard to eliminate employees from the staff, it may be necessary in these tough financial times to remove some support positions to avoid cutting teaching positions. If it was necessary, cuts could be made in both the security and library staffing departments. This prevents Oakton’s student to teacher ratio from exceeding the FCPS limit anymore than it currently d-oes.

6) Reduce the amount of paper used by the school. catherine harman

3) Sports boosters and athletes should provide transportation.

outlookstaff

If FCPS were to cut funding for academy education’s transportation, the county should also require school athletic programs to pay for their own transportation. At Oakton,

Editors in Chief

Academics Editor

Ethan Doyle Danielle Holstrom Matt Johnson

Elena Kaufman

Feature Editor Chris Weil Opinions Editor Nia Roberson Zoe Mitchell (Asst.)

Clubs Editor Tesla Jensen Kirin Gupta (Asst.)

Insight Editor Erica Wohlleben

Business Manager Nyssa Wratschko Yenni Tan (Asst.)

Online Editors

Sports Editor

Koorosh Massoudi Ryan O’Gorman

Alena Schwarz

Staffers

Copy Editor

Alex Buscemi Daniel Chait Michelle Chu Victoria Doxey Erik Gunther Amanda Herman Kyle Hughes

Alex Straton Photo Editor Drew Gunther Gladys Manzur

catherine harman

Oakton High School can focus on and encourage students to use less paper, which the school

see story on page 03

currently spends $40,000 on yearly. All students have access to a computer, whether at home or in the school library, and teachers should increase their usage of digital technology, such as Blackboard, as well as encourage students to turn in assignments through e-mail. Although education should not be 100 percent paperless, if Oakton reduced the amount of paper it used, the school could save a lot of money, and even some trees.

7) Eliminate Monday late buses.

If late buses were to be reduced from two days a week to one, students would still have Wednesdays to talk to their teachers to receive necessary help.

If a student needed to stay after on another day of the week they can get picked up by parents or arrange rides home with other students. If Oakton were to reduce late bus days, the county would not need to pay as many bus drivers or pay for transportation fees.

8) Rely less on air conditioning and heating.

Oakton’s heating, ventilating, and air conditioning, or HVAC, is paid for by the county. If Oakton and other high schools were to keep a stable temperature it could save the county money in HVAC costs. This would require setting the thermostat a few degrees higher in the summer, and a few degrees lower in the winter, ensuring the safety of the environment. Students can easily bring a jacket to school in the winter, and wear shorts, or other cooler clothing during the summer months. catherine harman

Eight Ways to Cut Oakton’s Budget

page 17

this staff editorial is the official opinion of the Oakton Outlook

Mayura Iyer Sarah Kashanian Daphne Martschenko Emily Mills Alex Perry Vipin Reddy Rachel Sapone Shayda Shahbazi Sarah Kashanian Owen Chesser Drew Harrington Jessica Klaber Elise Werner Alex Zanin

Advisers Chad Rummel Mary Clare McKesson 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.

03.09.09

opinions

page 18

03.09.09

Restrictions bar worthy students from college

eople immigrate to America for reasons such as war, persecution, family reunification, poverty and other dangers found in their home countries, often without the due process of law.

America is an escape for people in harm’s staff writer way in their own country. The problem is that these immigrants who need a way out and a safe place to live, go undocumented, leaving them on their own when it comes to such necessities as healthcare, education, and finding jobs.

However, they need to abide by immigration laws by applying for citizenship or work visas.

Immigrants can only benefit by becoming legal American citizens. The biggest discrepency with this, though, is that it is a long and arduous task for any immigrant to become a legal United States citizen.

The immigration laws should stay in place, but simultaneously need to be reformed to make it easier for immigrants to obtain American citizenship. Our country should do its part to help all immigrants in need so that their children and their grandchildren can live successful lives as Americans.

Keeping immigration laws helps to maintain order. If they were modified to make it easier for immigrants to become citizens, it would allow them to attend college and hold secure jobs.

Another reason why immigration laws need to stay in place is because it helps regulate how many people are let in. We cannot allow every immigrant in because it could lead to overpopulation.

Some people don’t like letting other people into the U.S. because of a fear that jobs will be taken and American culture and language will be vulnerable. Many immigrants take jobs that most Americans often refuse to do, and immigrants try to adapt to our culture as quickly as they can.

Immigration laws are needed, but the U.S. should allow immigrants into our country more efficiently. At the same time, immigrants need to become accustomed to our culture and especially the language, while Americans need to see that everyone deserves equality.

igh school revolves around my goals. Some students think school is futile.

Ninety nine asst. clubs editor percent of Oakton students aim for college as their primary posthigh-school goals. For undocumented students in VA schools, public university is not an option.

Illegal immigrants in VA may go from elementary to high school. But doing so, they should know that their opportunities for higher education are limited..

Forty-one universities in the U.S. deny illegal immigrants a proper education.

Undocumented students number around 65,000 – all of whom will be denied the chance to study, even after assimilating fully to the U.S. lifestyle.

Today, 75 percent of American students go to college. Contrastingly, only five percent of eligible undocumented students take that next step. It doesn’t make sense that the U.S. completely funds these students’ education for 12 years, and when the time comes, does not allow them to fund their own.

In the DREAM Act, set forth in Congress to undergo consideration, is a plan to allow innocent students like these the same opportunities that citizens have.

Missing papers are the roadblock at admissions of prestigous universities, forcing illegals to attend institutions of lower rank.

Students who have assimilated into the American school system and providing an option that would heighten competition with other countries, is a worthy candidate for a university spot, despite documentation.

This law is blatant discrimination. For those who have not caused legal trouble, have applied for the correct documentation, and have been brought into the U.S. and assimilated five years prior, and have attended and graduated from a U.S. high school, meeting the set requirements schools judge documented students by, abolishing this law is a necessary fight.

erik gunther

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Pro

H

kirin gupta

Immigration law maintains order, opportunity in America

Con

Police unfairly profile inexperienced drivers as easy targets

I

t’s a Friday, and kids are pouring out of school, anxious to arrive at friends’ houses to start their weekends.

However, blue lights and sirens let students know that their weekend is over before it starts. All there is to think of is the trouble they’re in and what the officer will say. When the ordeal is over, they’re slammed with a ticket, a nine hour driving course, and an optional court appearance.

Awesome.

Police, stingy when it comes to giving out warnings, and indulgent in giving tickets, seem to be increasing in numbers on the roads around school. Is this fair though? Why are squad cars suddenly swooping upon inexperienced drivers when they should be focusing on legitimate crime?

Motivated by meeting quotas to keep their jobs, officers prey on students to make an easy buck.

There are consequences for speeding, but police concentration around Sutton and Chain Bridge Roads

leaving unattended roads across the county, shows that our police officers are taking the easy way out. The biased law enforcement takes advantage of inexperienced drivers who, in most cases should really get away with warnings before

alex perry

receiving huge tickets and driving school.

Granted, we should all slow down a bit, but at the same time, the police should be more lenient towards kids who have only been driving for a few months. It’s nice that they’re trying to keep us safe, but students should be given a chance to learn from their mistakes before harsh measures are taken.

The other point is the method police officers use to distribute tickets and warnings. Driving 15 mph over the speed limit and getting a ticket compared to someone driving 20 mph over and getting off with a warning makes no sense. The inconsistency with which tickets are distributed makes getting pulled over a case of luck rather than a standard system for issuing tickets.

- jessica klaber and emily mills, staff writers, can be reached at jessica.klaber@oaktonmedia.net and emily. mills@oaktonmedia.net

opinions

03.09.09

Recyling is necessary for the environment shayda shabazi

warming, and reducing waste and green house gas emissions.

The school needs to educate students on how to recycle efficiently. The blue bins are strictly meant for white paper while the cafeteria should hold bins for plastic and glass bottles. These bins need to be visible to students to ensure garbage will not get mixed together. Also, it is necessary to have a waste bin beside each recycling bin in order for students to easily separate garbage.

Oakton should serve as a role model to other schools in the country. With all the people critiquing our school, it is truly unreasonable that we do not recycle our papers and plastics. The school could be given a bad name because of its irresponsibility and looked down upon by other, more practical counties. With the help of students, our school can rise to the top and be looked up to in the future.

Oakton has no preventable reason for not recycling plastics, papers, and glass. 46.6 percent of all paper products in the United States are not recycled. Little by little, if small organizations join together, this percentage can soon drop very low. If Oakton can make a difference in the world, then our earth can one day be much healthier.

Recycling is not the only way to go green

Pro

A

rguing against recycling is no easy task. Those who are against recycling are compared to puppy murderers and baby stealers.

Before I go any deeper into this, I am not against preserving the environment or the concept of recycling.

Recycling can be quite beneficial if it is done correctly and executed on a large enough scale. However, there are cases in which recycling can actually waste energy and money. Fairfax County should determine if it is economically and environmentally viable for a recycling system.

Many people blindly believe that recycling is a panacea that will always help the environment, and cure the world of global warming and landfills; they are ignorant and don’t understand the big picture.

Recycling is not perfect; it also has flaws and it is not always the best solution.

Although some students may disagree, FCPS is not a cold-hearted machine. The school system does not hate recycling or the environment.

There must be a legitimate reason for why the school chooses not to recycle. Students and even teachers should stand up and take initiative if they want real change to occur.

Furthermore, if one were to peer into the blue “recycle” bins

in the hallways, he or she would most likely find Pop Tart wrappers, half full Gatorade bottles, and other trash. p Recycling only staff writer works if people contribute and separate their waste and make sure it can all be recycled. Even if the school takes the time to train the janitors and make sure the recyclables can be transported to the right facilities it will be in vain if students don’t care enough to dispose of waste properly.

Protecting the environment is a bigger task than merely placing white paper in a blue bin. It means changing your lifestyle and making real sacrifices for the good of the planet. There are people who act like they care about the environment and want to stop global warming, but they drive their cars everywhere, and pour their money into the hands of corporations who recklessly endanger the environment. If someone truly wants to make a difference in the environment, he or she would be better off walking or riding their bike somewhere instead of complaining.

Finally, when trash is not recycled it is dumped into landfills. Landfills are actually not too bad for the environment if they are filled properly. Landfills are giant ditches dug out of the ground, where trash is placed.

When it is full the dirt is placed over it again. The trash that is biodegradable simply breaks down and goes back into the earth, leaving no long term, major environmental problems.

Recycling can be beneficial for the environment, but it is not always the perfect solution. If students want to make a difference, then they should change their lifestyles and try to walk, bike, or take public transportation.

drew harrington

R

ecycling is a beneficial cause that encourages people to protect the earth and atmosphere.

Oakton is one of the staff writer many places that encourages recycling among students but does not pursue this goal. The hundreds of recycling bins in the school send off a hypocritical message to most students and teachers. They believe that the thousands of pieces of paper they are recycling are going to a good cause.

However, the papers in the recycling bins are loaded into the dumpster that also holds the regular garbage of the school.

Our school has not always been against recycling. Unfortunately, last year the class of 2008 graduated the only members that actively participated in helping our school recycle. The remainder of the student body needs to step up and take the place of the previous seniors. If students joined together to help our school, we could all help the environment.

This problem needs to be addressed by the students and viewed as a major issue.

Anything done to help this cause would be advantageous in many ways. For example, the school could hold monthly earth days where students would dedicate time to separating types of garbage and help clean the school.

Recycling would be profitable to our school as well as to student’s daily lives.

Recycling would not cost the school any extra money. In fact, the school would gain money by recycling. Through the recycling of glass, plastic and papers students get the message to recycle at home and set an example for others to see. There are countless environmental benefits that include saving trees, preventing global

page 19

Con

OR DO WE? see related story page 07

Obama stimulus should benefit underprivileged schools

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kirin gupta

iving next to Washington, D.C. has its advantages. As with the current economic downturn, Oakton’s proximity has cushioned the blow of the economic downturn – maintaining the Greater Washington Area as the richest collection of asst. clubs editor counties in America. Obama’s stimulus package (worth nearly $800 billion total) promises to boost the entire country’s financial condition, but his plan may fall prey to the very same weaknesses previous recovery plans have suffered from. The most notorious fault of politicalfinancial-planners is the most likely to cause trouble – playing favorites.

Doling out the cash should be a simple matter. Whoever

needs things, gets things. There shouldn’t be another way.

But in Washington, as in everything, there are an assortment of people that the decision-maker needs to satisfy. Forever trying to maintain the image of a “clean” America, D.C. politicians have always favored the surrounding area. Take note of the abundance of homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and camouflage applied to the city’s “bad neighborhoods.”

Obama learned quickly to accommodate. Schools in the Greater Washington Area will be receiving $3.8 billion dollars towards education. Out of a $100 billion dollar total to prop up failing school systems, it seems unnecessary that the richest area in the country should receive any, let alone anything more than 3 percent.

Across the country, students sit in schools without air conditioning, teachers, textbooks, or classmates their own

age – these schools should receive attention. Redistribution of wealth does not happen like this. One cannot redistribute wealth to the wealthy.

Federal support must be distributed knowing that image is not everything, and equality should take precedence.

The U.S. government is misguided in its generosity with the Greater Washington Area. The funding we receive is largely slated for construction projects. It totals $3.8 billion for our schools, $1.6 billion for our roads and other construction. This is money that would be better spent on those who truly need it: on basics like textbooks for the underprivileged. Obama’s battle with lobbyists and unnamed administrators means his stimulus package gives us unmerited special attention. It’s our responsibility to turn attention on those who do require it desperately.

page 20

Lady Cougars take down Titans for Regional Title

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regionstats

03.09.09

fter converting on the second of two free throws by senior Jenna Cahill, the girls basketball team began the celebration. As the crowd and players simultaneously went wild, the scorekeepers penciled a 74-66 victory over T.C. Williams in the Regional Tournament finals into the history books.

Led by Regional Tournament MVP, Caroline Coyer, the Cougars prevailed in a hard-fought match to become Northern Region champions and advance erica stein to the State Tournament.

The girls basketball team crowds together as it poses for a picture holding the “The fact that we lost [the Regional Final] my sophomore year made it a Northern Region Champions banner in front of hundreds of fans. In a season of prolot easier for us since we knew what losing felt like,” said senior forward Erin gressing achievement, the Lady Cougars have now won the regular season Concord McGartland. “Knowing that [we’ve lost before], it pushed us harder to come District title, the District title and Regional title. back and win. It was nice seeing our hard work pay off.”

The Lady Cougars had the opportunity to make it to this stage as a result of their memorable win in the Regional Semi-Finals. Struggling out of the gate, the team fell into a 21-2 deficit in the first half against the Mount Vernon Majors. With their season on the line, the girls sprang into action. Storming back, the team fought their way to a 47-39 victory. “[The key was] positive attitude and team work,” said junior guard Marisa Mahoney. “We never lost sight of the goal [to win the game] and we all just kept encouraging each other.”

Although they have achieved consistent success the past few years, the girls finally attained the elusive goal of completing a season without losing a single game. This group of girls was able to accomplish something most athletes can only imagine, a feat that has not been reached since the 2005 season. Through team unity and dedication to their craft, the girls made this amazing season possible.

“These girls are my family on and off the court,” said senior guard Sasha Borojeni. “I would do anything for them, as they would do anything for me.”

Heading into the State Tournament with an unblemished 28-0 record, the girls are not prepared to let up quite yet. There is still much work to do as they continue on their quest to become state champions.

“It’s great [being undefeated],” said senior guard Jenna Cahill. “But the season is not over yet, and we cannot start to let up now. If it ends now, it won’t mean nearly as much.”

Even with all the success they have erica stein experienced, the girls maintain a high level Cutting down the nets on the baskets in Robinson’s gym after their Regional Finals of modesty and desire to push forth in their victory, senior forward Brianna Johnson and her team mates each take a personal relentless tear through the postseason. moment of pride to snip off a separate piece of the nylon hanging from the rim. This They continue to practice hard and work is the second net the team has collected already this season, capturing their first after beating Westfield for the District Championship. on improving their skills further in order to become a stronger and more powerful every game, and yes there are going to be some harder teams ahead, but we team. are just going to play the game that we know how to play to the best of our “We have great mental toughness,” said abilities.”

Coach Fred Priester. “But However, new competition will force the team to confront our strength, physical — 78-27 J.E.B. Stuart in new formations, defenses and players that they have not toughness and rebounding first round experienced thus far this season. However, it faces the are areas in need of upcoming opponents with ease and confidence in its own — 44-37 South County improvement.” abilities. in second round Although the girls have “Our great teamwork and chemistry contributed to the progressed with limited — 47-39 Mount Vernon teams success a great deal,” said sophomore guard Zora Gripping episodes of trouble up in semi-finals Stephenson. “We have so many different weapons that it’s the ball with to this point, many — 74-66 T.C. Williams extremely hard for people to defend us. If teams focus on authoritative new challenges in finals force, senior a certain player we, have four more on the floor that can await them. As Erin McGartland contribute just as well.” they move further surveys the court, Winning the Regional Tournament, the Lady Cougars are carefully weighing through the State Tournament, looking to finish their note worthy season with a bang. Capturing the state her options. The 5’8” the competition will grow championship would be the icing on the cake for them. forward is one of the Lady increasingly more difficult.

Cougars’ three senior cap“We have high expectations,” said freshman guard Caroline Coyer. “Losing is “Our biggest competition is tains and has been a key to not an option.” ourselves,” Borojeni said. the team’s success this season.

“Were trying to get better - anthony barba, staff writer, can be reached at anthony.barba@oaktonmedia.net

sports

03.09.09

page 21

Winter track concludes season with statewide successes

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Neal Hendricks, senior, races down the track.

Hendricks was the only Oakton male runner who competed in long-distance races at State’s.

— Jan. 3 - Boys: 8th Girls: 5th — Jan. 10 - Boys: 18th Girls: 4th — Jan. 16 - Boys: 15th Girls: 4th — Jan. 30 Districts - Boys: 3rd Girls: 1st — Feb. 5 District Final - Boys: 3rd Girls: 1st — Feb.21 Regions - Boys: 13th Girls: 8th — Feb. 27 States - Boys: 36th Girls: 44th

trackstats

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he air was thin, the nerves and excitement making it harder to breathe and all the athletes stood because of a lack of space, similar in dress.

The track was brand new, a symbol of the intensely difficult competition to come. Group after group of colorfully outfitted runners were closely packed, stetching their toned legs in apprehensive preparation.

“States was a whole new environment. It was intense, but it pulled most of us into getting our fastest times,” said Becca Kassabian, senior.

Getting to and winning places in District’s, Regional’s, and then States was an impressive accomplishment for the Indoor Track and Field Team. Competitors for longdistance and sprints went out for races that belong solely to the indoor track arena, like the 55m, 300m, 1600m and 3200m individual races.

In addition, Oakton runners raced in relays like the 4x 400m, the 4 x200m and the 4 x800m. Boys placed eighth in the state, while Girls placed 44th.

“The atmosphere of States is definitely very intense.

It pushes you to try and do better, and despite the pressure, a lot of people broke Personal Records,” Kassabian, who ran the 3200m (2 mile) race, said.

Amidst all the individual races, track athletes, both sprinters and long-distance runners, insist that track remains a team sport.

“Track is chill. We have to run and do the work, but being with the team is great. It’s always better to train with people, even when you run alone in the actual

race,” said sophomore Brandon Henton, who competed as a sprinter in Regional’s alongside his twin brother, Matthew.

“When there are people to distract you, you feel less pain, and it’s easier to get through everything. I don’t worry about track – my coach is cool and my teammates are fine. It’s a good sport,” said Henton.

But the students involved with Indoor Track are dedicated, and they love the sport. Many of them exhalt the sport’s virtues as the season closes, forgetting their complaints from the season’s strenuous workouts.

“I am so thankful I did track; it’s a really great character builder; it teaches focus, motivation, and how to maintain a solid relationship with your teammates,” Kassabian said.

One of Kassabian’s favorite things about the track team is their determination.

“It’s great to be around people who are so dedicated,” said Kassabian. “It’s a reminder that you’re not allowed to slack – you have to pick it up and you must be competitive. They support you when times get tough, and they’ll always be there as your best friends.”

But when her team is her “family,” the pressure also builds up to impress the coaches and her “sisters” and never let them down.

“When you don’t do your best, you feel like you’ve let down the coaches and the team. That’s what makes the mental parts of track so much more difficult than the physical aspect,” said Kassabian.

- kirin gupta, staff writer, can be reached at kirin.gupta@oaktonmedia.net

Morgan Harwood–Regional Track Athlete

What is your least favorite thing?

What was the high point of the track season for you?

of time… but sometimes it helps to be low on nerves and high on adrenaline.

What was the high point of the track season for the team?

State’s was scary for me, even though I wasn’t running. It was scary to go there and see all the intense-running people, who look like they’ve been preparing for this their whole lives.

Why do you run Indoor track?

It’s like all Track and Field seasons; for me, it’s just fun to race against people, especially when you beat them.

What was Regional’s like?

At Regional’s, I did the triple jump and ran the 300 m dash.

I didn’t know I was running that race until two seconds before and I didn’t have time to go warm up but then I had to run and check in and I was in such a hurry but when I got down to it, I actually made my personal record on the 300. You would think they would tell you these things ahead

What was State’s like?

How do you relate to other people on the track team?

On rare occasions when you get to do really

How is track similar or different to other sports?

How far did you get in the season? What made you eligible?

You relate to everyone through all the painful workouts. Running next to each other for so long, you’re bound to eventually turn around and say, “Hi! My name’s Morgan, doesn’t this suck?”

What is your favorite thing about track?

The uniforms. Stupid run-derwear.

You have the team aspect, and that support, but the actual competition is a lot of individual responsibility. Your progress is your prerogative.

On one hand, you don’t have to rely on anybody.

But on the other, there’s nobody to blame when you mess up.

kirin gupta

When we went to Districts and Girls got first. It was our goal to get a district title, so it was nice that we accomplished it.

Barrett Johnson, senior, hands the baton off to Matt Henton, sophomore, in a relay at Regional’s. Their event was the 4 x400m race, for which they made qualifying times, but were then disqualified on a technicality - the mismatched color of one of the boys’ compression shorts.

fun workouts, like boxing with each other!

Sophomore, Best Event: 300 m., 44 sec.

Buying the t-shirt at States.

erica stein

I made it to states for the 4 x200m. I was an alternate, so I didn’t end up running, but it was still exciting to be there and spend time with the team.

To make it to Regional’s you had to place top three in your event in Regions. So I feel like I’m doing okay for now, as a sophomore – maybe I could have done better, but this is where I stand.

sports

page 22

03.09.09

Boys swim breaks record, misses state championship

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t the swim and dive state competition on Feb. 20-21, the boys swim team was favored to win and beat rival Robinson High School as it had on Jan. 9. Seniors Kevin Cho, Michael Hallock and juniors Bradley Phillips and KJ Park broke the previous school and region record at Region Finals on Feb. 14 for the 400 freestyle relay, automatically making them All-American, a spot reserved for the top 100 teams in the nation.

However, the team was stripped of its shot at a state championship when the officials called an early entry by KJ Park and thus a disqualification of the relay.

Oakton Outlook talked to the four relay members to get a closer look at their recordbreaking relay and subsequent DQ.

Q: A:

How was the past season as a whole?

Kevin Cho: Awesome. We had a rough start, but once we had everyone swimming, we were unstoppable.

Bradley Phillips: This was probably one of my favorite seasons we’ve had. The team was really close. And we accomplished a lot of our goals.

Michael Hallock: It was definitely better than last year. We beat Robinson and got first in Regionals.

KJ Park: As a whole, it was good. Us beating Robinson, that was good.

Gasping for air, junior Brad Phillips swims the final lap of his 200 meter freestyle race at States; he came in first place.

The event was minutes before the fateful 400 meter freestyle relay that teammate KJ Park, junior, DQ’d on.

Q: A:

What happened when you broke the 400 meter freestyle relay?

BP: The four of us were talking about that relay the whole year. It was the icing on the cake of the season.

MH: Basically we all [decreased] our splits [individual times] and swam faster than we’d gone all season.

Q: A:

What was it like swimming with the other three in your relay?

BP: They’re great teammates, best I could ask for. Couldn’t have had any better. This year was the first time the four of us were together.

KJ: I’m sad that Mike and Kevin are going to leave after this year, we won’t be as good.

Q: A:

What happened when you disqualified?

KC: It was bad judgment on the part of the officials. They said that [KJ] left early. Brad touched and then put his head up. If anything, it was a slow start.

BP: Obviously we were let down. We just knew we had to go out there and pretend it never happened.

KJ: I personally felt bad. At the beginning

mengtian xie

I was skeptical because it was the first time I had ever DQ’d. Then they told me I DQ’d twice so that was unbelievable for me. My teammates were really sympathetic about it.

If they were [angry,] they didn’t show it.

Q: A:

What was running through your head after the DQ was announced?

KC: When we realized it was our relay, I thought, “This cannot be happening.”

MH: “Now we can’t win states; Robinson will get it for the seventh year in a row.”

Q: A:

What was the best memory from this year?

MH: After the Robinson meet when they announced we won by one point.

KJ: Us beating Robinson and setting 11 records out of 15. Getting the trophy together, screaming, going hysterical.

Q: A: Q: A:

What advice would you give to the team for next year?

KC: Don’t let this go to your head.

MH: Safe starts at states.

What are you looking forward to next year?

BP: We want to dominate the state.

KJ: I’m really looking forward to freshmen coming in. Also beating district, region, and state records again.

- danielle holstrom, editor in chief, can be reached at danielle.holstrom@oaktonmedia. net

Rakosi, Dross take final bow at states, look back at past years Preparing for the state competition, seniors Meg Dross and Emily Rakosi rehearse their final dives together. On Feb. 21, Rakosi received a medal for eighth place with Dross one point behind her in ninth.

photos by danielle holstrom

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wo divers stood side-by-side, hands clasped, hearts beating. They waited anxiously as the officials announced, starting from 16th place, the state winners.

“I heard the 10th place winner and my name hadn’t been called yet. Ninth place was Meg [Dross] and then I was jumping up and down as they called my name because I got a medal [for eighth place,]” said senior Emily Rakosi. “It was the highest I’ve ever placed.”

Feb. 21 marked the last day of their high school diving careers for Rakosi and senior Meg Dross. Rakosi stood among seven other winners to receive her first-ever state medal with Dross merely one point behind her.

“I felt honored to stand up there,” Rakosi said. “[The season] was really fun. It was a lot of hard work, but really rewarding.”

Dive coach Cheryl Meltz started coaching Rakosi the summer before her freshman year, and would continue to coach her on future summer, club and high school teams for the next four years.

“Because Emily was diving year round, she had the opportunity for more practice,” Meltz said. “She improved her degree of difficulty which led to other improvements.

The rest of the team was very young this year and she and Meg set the example for the younger divers. They showed the team good diving and great attitudes.”

Rakosi and Dross were named halves,” Rakosi said. “My coach told me emily r co-captains for the 2008-2009 a better long phase, akosi, I needed year, allowing their alreadywhere my arms extend behind sr. rooted friendship to carry them my head to push my body through their final season. backwards, but instead of my “[Meg and I] are like one arms, I moved my shoulders person during the dive seaback, which put my body over son,” Rakosi said. “We [take the board. I came down hard and first and second] in all our went into the water and started meets together. It’s nice to screaming. The pain wasn’t gohave her help.” ing away; that was when I knew I Dross had also been broke my hand. I don’t remember diving since in high school how I got out of the water.” since her freshman year. She is no Despite the pain and the cast, stranger to the toll diving takes on Rakosi was back on the board comsr. peting in, and then winning, Districts. , s its members and worked s dro with others to ensure they meg “Throwing yourself at the board is a knew how to handle it. very scary thing,” Meltz said. “Getting “It’s such a mental sport,” up and doing it again is very mentally Dross said, “that we would taxing. A week later, Rakosi hit all her just talk to the team. Obvidives and won.” ously our coach did a lot of That kind of attitude is one both work before meets and everyRakosi and Dross showcased at each thing, but Emily and I got to meet. pump up the team and give them “They are very naturally talented pep talks. It was a good experience athletes,” Meltz said. “Both of when it comes to leadership.” them displayed the will to win.

Both Rakosi and Dross have had Our theme this year was ‘we are champito overcome those mental boundarons,’ and I always told them if they believe it, ies, but the battle came to a peak during they can make it happen.” her sophomore year when Rakosi broke her - danielle holstrom, editor in chief, can be hand before Districts. reached at danielle.holstrom@oaktonmedia.

“I was doing a lot of reverse one and a net

sports

03.09.09

page 23

All Stars provide unique experience for Hirsch

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kating a couple laps around the rink, junior Matt Hirsch warms himself up for the annual NVSHL All Star game at Ashburn Ice House.

The game, held on Feb. 18, housed some of the area’s most elite high school players.

For one night, team rivalries were put aside and the Being taken down by South-Central’s forward Pat Kerbuski, junior Matt Hirsch wrestles to stay on his skates while still battling for the puck in South Central’s zone.

players showed off their extensive skill that got them a spot in the game to begin with.

The South-Central All Stars ended up winning the game 7-5 against the North-West All Stars. South-Central made a quick comeback in the third period scoring five goals, after giving trailed 4-2 after the second period.

— Name: Matt Hirsch The game was closer — Grade: Junior than last year’s North— Games Played: 10 West loss of 6-11.

— Goals: 7 The game itself — Assists: 5 differed from regular season games not only — Points: 12 in the general length, — Power Play Goals: 0 but also in the skill — Short-handed Goals: 0 level of the players.

— Penalties in Minutes: 28 “We played 20 minute periods so it was longer than usual,” Hirsch said. “It was also a lot faster paced [too]. There were less icings and offsides so the play was more consistent.”

Although he was the only player from the team at the game, partaking in the event didn’t provide any extra pride. “[Being the only one from Oakton] didn’t make the experience any more special than it already was,” Hirsch said.

However, the highlight of Hirsch’s night came fairly early in the third period when he scored his first All Star goal and fifth of the night for the North-West All Stars.

“It was a plus,” Hirsch said of the goal. “It wasn’t that good though. It was just a tip in so it felt like a normal goal.”

playerstats

alena schwarz

As for Oakton’s regular season, Hirsch seemed to think that there was still hope for next year’s team.

“Our [starting] goalie was sick a lot which set us back,” he said. “We just have to start playing as a team.”

In the team’s last game of the season, it went on to beat Lake Braddock 11-1. “[That game] showed that we could play together as a team,” Hirsch said. “We also beat our record, which was good.”

The only aspect potentially holding the team back is its lack of support.

“We need more people to come out and watch us next year,” Hirsch said. “It really helps.”

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Carrying the puck into South Central’s zone, junior Matt Hirsch awaits the perfect opportunity to pass to a teammate. Hirsch scored his first All Star Game goal later that period.

- alena schwarz, sports editor, can be reached at alena. schwarz@oaktonmedia.net

Swim/Dive

Indoor Track

Gymnastics

Hockey

Jan. 16 vs. Westfield - Girls: W Boys: W Jan. 23 at Centreville - Girls: W Boys: W Jan. 30 at Chantilly - Girls: L Boys: W Feb. 7 District Finals - Girls: 2 Boys: 3 Feb. 14 Region Finals - Girls: 6 Boys: 1

Jan. 3 Away - Boys: 8th Girls: 5th Jan. 10 Away - Boys: 18th Girls: 4th Jan. 16 Away - Boys: 15th Girls: 4th Jan. 30 Districts - Boys: 3rd Girls: 1st Feb. 5 District Final - Boys: 3rd Girls: 1st Feb.21 Regions - Boys: 13th Girls: 8th Feb. 27 States - Boys: 36th Girls: 44th

Dec. 17 vs. Briar Woods and Fairfax Jan. 8 vs. Briar Woods and Fairfax Jan. 22 vs. Centreville, Westfield, Chantilly and Fairfax Jan. 29 vs. Chantilly and Fairfax Feb. 5 Districts Feb. 12 Regions

Jan. 4 at Potomac Falls W (7-3) Jan. 16 vs. Westfield L (6-7) Jan. 23 at McLean W (4-1) Jan. 30 vs. Madison W (6-4) Feb. 6 vs. Briar Woods L (5-6) Feb. 13 at Lake Braddock W (11-1) Record: 5-5

Girls Basketball

Boys Basketball

Wrestling Pinning an opponent to the mat, senior

Chris Butters wrestles in the Regional Tournament. Butters went on to compete at States and was the sole Oakton representative.

Feb. 6 at Fairfax W (66 - 34) Feb. 13 vs. Centreville W (66 - 48) Feb. 18 District Semi W (44 - 37) Feb. 20 District Final W (36 - 34) Feb. 23 Region 1st round W (78-27) Feb. 25 Region 2nd round W (44-37) Feb. 27 Region Semi W (44-37) Mar. 2 Region Final W (74-66)

Jan. 23 vs. Robinson W (49 - 40) Jan. 30 at Chantilly L (32 - 53) Jan. 31 at Westfield L (46 - 58) Feb. 3 vs. Herndon L (54 - 63) Feb. 6 vs. Fairfax W (57 - 56) Feb. 13 at Centreville L (41 - 58) Feb. 17 at Herndon - District 1st round L (53 - 71)

Jan. 14 vs. Westfield and Centreville L Jan. 17 Pinners Dime W Jan. 22 at Herndon W Jan. 30 at Free Lance 19th Feb. 2 vs. Chantilly L Feb. 6-7 Districts 5th Feb. 12-14 Regions 12th Feb. 20-21 States 8th

Record: 28-0

Record: 2-16

Record: 7-7

S

enior Chris Butters took 8th place in the State Tournament for the second straight year. He also secured his landmark 100th win, becoming the first wrestler since 2005 to join the “Century Club.”

“The state tournament was fun, but getting through it was pretty nerve wracking,” Butters said. “Getting 100 wins and placing in the state was a great way to end my season and my career.”

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sports

03.09.09

page 25

Rugby finds foothold in NOVA through local league

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s the team hoists the trophy in celeget insurance for it since it is a contact bration, senior Adam Searle reflects sport, and they have to get all of these forms on the tough-fought match that signed off on. Will it get approved? Not in just occurred. On a scorching June day that the next two or three years, but maybe after topped out at 104 degrees, the NOVA rugby that.” team had just defeated Western Suburban The NOVA rugby team is part of a local for the first sanctioned Virginia State Title. league that is comprised of players who “We had some tough moments, and it primarily attend nearby high schools. Searle wasn’t an easy game,” Searle said. “It was plays on the U-19 team that won the state pretty much a landmark for Virginia. I title last year. This year it has added another played throughout my career in tournacoach, Joe Neuman, who is not only versed ments, and we’ve won some, but they haven’t in the sport but teaches social studies and been that big.” coaches football at Oakton.

The game itself is very different from “This is my first year with NOVA, and other sports. Though it is similar in many they have a solid base of returning players,” ways to football and even soccer, there are Neuman said. “They lost some kids from critical diflast year, but they ferences to return a solid Rugby is very fast-paced and highattaining sucbase, a handful contact. You can’t have one player cess at rugby. of starters and a who’s good and hope to win.

“It differs handful of very - adam searle, sr. from football good athletes. where game There are a play stops couple of very every few seconds, and it’s a very teamgood football players from other schools oriented sport,” Searle said. “Rugby is very that are coming out and playing this year fast-paced and high-contact. You can’t have that will kind of fill that void of experienced one player who’s good and hope to win, like players that have gone.” a quarterback. In rugby, everybody has to This league is also unique in its amount be good. Everybody plays their bit and does of travel. Since rugby is not a mainstream everything in the game. I pass, tackle, get sport in America yet, players such as junior tackled, run with the ball, throw the ball, Austin Mayhugh have found that there ruck and scrum. Everyone does everything.” are widespread tournaments that require a Currently, rugby is not endorsed by many decent period of time on the road. high schools due to the fact that it is played “We traveled to Radford University last without padding. Despite this, many are year for a tournament to play teams from hopeful that this will soon change.

Ohio and Pennsylvania, but this year we are “It’s getting more and more popular,” going to Pittsburgh,” Mayhugh said. “We Searle said. “I think it will become a varsity play regular season games at old Redskin sport one day. And then when it is played in Park. Last year’s state game was at South high school, people will start to gain more County High School.” interest. It’s already been gaining popularWith growing popularity in local high ity at the college level. Right now they can’t schools, up to 60 participants have attended

Understanding the Game

recent practices. Since rosters usually possess around 25 players, numerous teams were developed based on skill level. No players are cut in this club, but A, B and C teams are formed for corresponding ability just as in the majority of youth sports.

“Everyone plays throughout the different levels,” Mayhugh said. “Only some play on the A side level. More people play B and C side.”

As there are no pads in the sport, many people have had concerns about injuries.

Having played football in college and then rugby for over eight years, Neuman attests to the relative lack of serious injuries.

“Football is actually worse statistically for injuries than rugby,” Neuman said. “Not having pads is a certain deterrent though. In my experience of playing both football and rugby, football is worse for serious injuries, blown out shoulders and knees, things like that. You don’t get a whole lot of blown out knees in rugby because it’s a linear game.

Actually Ohio State University did a study comparing injury rates. Football was much worse for serious injuries, while rugby was worse for superficial injuries such as black eyes, broken noses, cuts and abrasions.

You’re not going to play it and come out without a nick, but the likelihood of a serious injury is less.”

After winning the state championship last year, the team has high aspirations this year.

Though they lost a decent amount of players and opposing teams have improved, the goal of another title has not been diminished.

“We had our first practice the other day, and [a championship] is the goal,” Neuman said. “It doesn’t happen easily, but States are on the first weekend in June, so there’s a long way to go. But that is the goal.”

Though this is the immediate concern of the team, Neuman has been very interested

rugby rules

Club discovers renewed interest after claiming the first Virginia state title

— Played between two teams that start 15 players each — Field is 110 yards long and 75 yards wide. Two goal posts are on opposing goal lines at each end of the field.

— Each game is divided into two halves, and game play is continuous.

— Players can score a try in which they carry the ball across the opposing goal line. This is worth 5 points and an additional 2 points if they successfully attempt a kick after scoring.

— Penalty kicks and drop kicks are worth 3 points.

in the assimilation of the sport into America. Both he and Searle have played in England, where the sport originated, they speculate at the possibilities of its potential mass expansion into the United States.

“I want to work to make it mainstream because I think there are a lot of benefits that come from the game,” Neuman said.

“It is difficult to take hold in the United States because it’s not American; it’s a British game. And Americans like their things. We invented baseball, we invented football and we invented basketball. That’s what we play.

Hopefully rugby can get there.”

- alex perry, staff writer, can be reached at alex.perry@oaktonmedia.net

Acting almost as a hybrid of three American sports, football, soccer and basketball, rugby employs a number of formations that are unique to the sport.

Scrum

Ruck

adam searle

adam searle

When the ball carrier is tackled, he releases the ball which can then be taken by either team. A loose formation of players on both teams is formed around the ball, and both teams attempt to possess it.

After a penalty, teams form lines around the ball in an effort to push back the other team and regain possession of the ball which is thrown between them by the referee.

Line - Out

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When one team takes the ball out of touch (out of bounds), a player from the other team goes to throw in the ball. Each team forms a single-file line and the ball is thrown in between them.

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The short films and music videos will be shown on the 30-foot inflatable movie screen.

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Stop by the Leadership Room or Room 196 for more information and entry forms

sports

03.09.09

page 27

Freshman Trenton Robbins of the Green Machine team is carried off the court by his teammates after being knocked out during the Gatorball tournament on Feb. 14. The force of being hit by three balls at once sent him sprawling to the ground.

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Green Machine The Don’s Hambinos Bust

2009 Gatorball Bracket

Hambinos

Bust Bust

The Groove Allegiance

- alex buscemi, staff writer, can be reached at alex.buscemi@oaktonmedia.net

Boss Hawgz

Boss Hawgz Cattle Drive Mixed Nuts

Mandy’s Men

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Groove Allegiance. “We had a couple of team practices, too.”

Team manager, senior CJ Trakas, who wore a suit and tie on the sidelines, threw the playbook to the ground when his team lost.

“We lost on a [questionable] call,” Trakas said. “My boys played their hearts out and deserved to be in the finals. It was an honor to coach them.”

Cattle Drive, a team made up of linemen on the football team, had a strategic approach to its game plan.

“We were going to have Sam Strauss just block the balls in front,” said junior Trevor Yarnall.

Green Machine, who won an award for best sportsmanship due to Robbins’ efforts, took advice from a favorite movie for help.

“We have to remember the ‘five D’s’ of dodgeball,” said senior Ross McEwen.

“Dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge.”

Prestige Worldwide, who won an award for best team name, took its dedication to the next level.

“We shaved off all our body hair to become more aerodynamic,” joked freshman Joseph Flynn.

Other teams felt as though practice, strategy and shaving were unnecessary.

“Our talent is God-given,” said senior Kenny Hansen of Mandy’s Men. “We just had to show up.”

After 12 elimination games, the two separate courts were combined to create a grand stage for the final four. In the end, Mandy’s Men took first place.

“They couldn’t touch us,” Hansen said.

“We came, we saw, we conquered.”

Mandy’s Men

Hambinos

The Unit The Groove Allegiance Goonsquad

funk with us,” written across their backs.

“It was our team name last year too; we got it from the ‘Funkadelic Song,’” said senior Devin Petel, who designed the team uniforms.

Mandy’s Men, named after the girlfriend of history teacher Joe Neuman, who played in the tournament himself, created its team’s ensembles by borrowing elements from other sports.

“We basically stole our uniforms from other sports teams,” said senior Chris Coyer.

“Our shirts are from basketball, our short shorts are soccer and our socks are baseball.”

Though all in good fun, many teams took the tournament very seriously.

“We had positions, formations and a playbook,” said senior Sheldon Mojica of

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excited about going to Oakton,” said senior Daley Michael.

Getting people involved is an evident goal as a wide array of students came out to compete. Most of the teammates chose their members based on groups they were involved with at school.

“We all knew each other and bonded through baseball, so we decided to make a gatorball team,” said sophomore Luke Willis of the Boss Hawgz team.

Teams dressed up in all kinds of wacky costumes to compete in the tournament.

Groove Allegiance sported afros and glitter, its team motto, “Don’t

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one freshman Trenton Robbins stood petrified on one side of the court, wrapping his arms around as many gatorballs as he could carry. His entire team was out, and he now faced five opponents on his own. Suddenly, he let out a piercing cry, like a warrior charging into battle. He stormed forward, unleashing ball after ball. The audience roared with astonishment as he sent a ball screaming on to his opponent’s side. Then Robbins stopped.

Realizing he was out of ammunition, he slowly crept backward. He had nowhere to run. Smiling, the opposing teammates gave a brief nod to one another, then fired the remaining balls in unison towards the helpless Robbins. Three slammed into his stomach as he crumpled to the floor. Robbins’ teammates literally had to carry him off the court. Though he lost, his fists triumphantly pumped in the air.

“I figured that if I was going to go out, I was going out with a bang,” Robbins said. “I didn’t think I’d actually hit anyone, though.”

This event marked the demise of Green Machine, one of the several teams that competed in the Gatorball tournament on Feb. 14. The name “Gatorball” can be misleading to those unfamiliar with the tradition.

“Gatorball is almost the exact same thing as dodgeball,” said sophomore Jenn Chuday, a leadership student who helped run the tournament. “We changed the name because Fairfax County banned playing ‘dodgeball’ in schools, and the company that makes the balls we use calls them gatorballs, so we stuck with that.”

The Gatorball Tournament is a fundraiser hosted by the leadership class that has become a yearly event.

“It’s about getting people involved and

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From left to right: seniors Casey Weathorford, Daniel Hanson, Evan Hyer and Sean Czerniak

“Dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge.”

Mandy’s Men slam competition at Gatorball Tournament

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senior Kenny Hanson

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