3501 Rebel Run Fairfax, VA 22030 FHSRebelRoar@gmail.com
Secretary of Education visits Fairfax Jordan Yost wins NOVA Classic
Graduation Spotlight:
The Path to a GED
December 18, 2008 Volume LXXVI, Issue 4
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This month in
RebelCOMMENTARY
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CoverSTORY
Substitute teachers. Hate ‘em or love ‘em? Student athletes balancing sports and grades Need advice? Ask Kevin.
RebelNEWS
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News briefs & event calendar CUE bus prices only continue Keith’s economy special - AD Gingerbread house contest on Dec. 18
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Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings vists FHS Graduatiion vs GED: For a certain type of student, getting a GED is a better option
RebelENTERTAINMENT
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F/X Players perform a modern classic New a capella group, Rebel Treble, formed Viral videos increase in popularity
RebelSPORTS
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Updated sports news and scoreboard
Rebel Ice Hockey team begins their season NOVA Wrestling Classic held at Fairfax Get to know coaches and Lukas Fischer
RebelFEATURES
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Q&A with the Fair Oaks Mall Santa Mr. Carr: The teacher who does it all Gift ideas for the holiday season
Photo by Lindsey Bush
Staff 08-09 Editor in Chief James Lee Catherine Treyz
Managing Editor Andrew Dilworth
News Editor Dan Webster
Entertainment Editor Michael Dadok Myriam Tchatchouang
Commentary Editor Kevin Dowd
Features Editor Anurag Bhatnagar Annelise Mikos
Sports Editor Jean DeOrnellas
Copy Editor Aditya Bhatnagar
Online Editor Kevin Poon
Photography Editor Lindsey Bush
Business Manager Jordan Sharpe Aneela Wadan
Staff Writer Brian Berenbaum Jacob Fulmer Steven Kendall Melissa Lin Caitlin Noone Wardah Rashid Zafar Shaw Emily Taylor Neby Teklu Alex Woodill
Adviser
Lauren Millette
The Rebel Roar is published as a public forum of student expression. Letters to the Editor encouraged. Only signed letters are considered for publication. The editors reserve the right to edit all material in the interest of clarity and space. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the staff or school administration. The staff writes unsigned editorials
on a majority basis. The Rebel Roar accepts all advertisements deemed appropriate for a public forum meant for young adults and are subject to the discretion of the editors. Students are encouraged to take an active voice in the student publication. Questions, comments, and letters can be e-mailed to FHSRebelRoar@gmail. com.
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To our readers, The holidays are finally here. The days may be getting colder and shorter, but the Rebel Roar staff is working harder and longer to provide you with a more informative newsmagazine. For this month’s issue, sports editor Jean DeOrnellas stepped out of her usual arena to follow and write about Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings when she visited FHS in late November. While at Fairfax, Spellings visited classes and engaged in a roundtable discussion with students, teachers, and Dr. Brabrand among others. She spoke favorably about FHS’s AVID program and commented on hot topics like standardized testing and graduation rates. Speaking of graduation rates, some students prefer not to follow the traditional curriculum and graduation process. For these students, General Education Development (GED) is an excellent alternative, and of course, a much better alternative than dropping out. Entertainment editor Myriam Tchatchouang provides an interesting assessment about the GED, including comments from counselors Mr. Peter Uncles and Mrs. Joan Hartman. And of course, no December issue would be complete without features about favorite holiday foods, gifts, and Santa. For this issue, we thought it would be interesting to give you a glimpse of a day in the life of a mall Santa. Staff writer Allie Sawyer got the scoop from the Fair Oaks Mall Santa. The rest of the Rebel Roar staff joins me in wishing you and your families Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
Photo by Jean DeOrnellas
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Calling all reinforcements
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Commentary
s strange as it is to imagine our teachers with lives beyond the boundaries of school, the reality is that teachers have families to take care of and colds to battle. Teachers do go out shopping, have issues to attend to, and yes, they do occasionally get sick. So when teachers find themselves in these tough situations, whether it be at home sick or on vacation, the school has no choice but to call in reinforcements: “The Subs.” We’ve all had one at some point or another and most of us have a funny story or two about the day that “the sub” came. Aside from that, most of us also have our favorite substitutes. Perhaps we don’t really know their names, but we can identify them as the substitute that gives out candy Subsitute teacher Ms. Young helps junior Allie Bosco with a physics worksheet. all the time or the substitute Photo by Melissa Lin that puts on Youtube for everyone to watch. Other times, the substitutes at Fairfax were qualified, Ms. Waddell we get substitutes that don’t seem to know what they’re answered, “Yes I do. If there are any complaints, I ask doing or ones that no one can understand. to talk to that particular substitute and make sure they Junior Victoria McCrave says of her experiences understand what they’re supposed to be doing.” with a substitute saying that, “I had this one substitute It seems like the administration has everything under who tried to teach our class but the person taught us all control, but students are still complaining about the the wrong stuff. On the other hand, I’ve also had fun substitute situation at Fairfax. Why is there such a gap substitutes that let our class listen to iPods and eat after in opinion on the ability of substitutes? “I don’t think we finished our worksheet.” people really know exactly what goes on in the substitute So what are the qualifications to become a substitute? classes”, says Junior Katie Choe, “I mean, how often is a Well, according to Ms. Jeanes and Ms. Waddell, a substitute evaluated on their ability? But students have substitute in Fairfax County needs at least two years in a first hand experience and the students know how their college and 60 credits. After two years, they can apply to own teachers teach, so they sort of already have high become a sub and teach any subject they want. In fact, expectations. Since not all substitutes teach a subject those who are on the substitute phone list get called they know well, students sometimes expect too much by a computer every morning at 5:00 AM and have the from them.” option of accepting the job or declining. Everything is There’s not much students can do to protest against done by a computer system that organizes everything. eccentric substitutes. After all, subs aren’t meant to stay Teachers can also request substitutes that they feel are for long. If you get a substitute that you happen to like, most suitable to teach their class and personally call then congratulations, sit back, and enjoy the class. And them to see if they are available. if not, think of it this way: at least it’s only temporary. On average, Fairfax High has around seven to nine substitutes per week; this however, depends on upcoming holidays. The bigger the holiday, the more Melissa Lin ‘10 substitutes there will be. When asked if she thought Staff Writer
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Making the team and making the grade
W
ell, it’s that time of year again. Basketball season has started up and I have no more spare time. From November to February, its basketball, twentyfour seven. Don’t get me wrong; I love the sport and love playing Varsity Basketball, but man, managing basketball and school gets pretty tricky sometimes. School gets out at 2:05 and by the time I get home it’s 2:30. That leaves only three and a half stinking, rotten hours to finish my homework. Practice starts at 6:00 and ends around 8:15. That doesn’t even include time in the trainer’s room for my knees. On Tuesdays and Fridays, which are game nights, we have to be back at school by 5:45 to prepare for our game at 7:30. Between homework, basketball and sleep, who has time for anything else? “Every athlete is a student athlete and the student comes first,” said Coach Konde, Varsity Girls Basketball head coach. I agree that the point of school is to come and learn (even though half the stuff won’t help me when I enter the real world. Ahem, chemistry), but we all have to do it. Extracurricular activities are important because it helps teach you time management. During basketball season, or any extra curricular activities, time management is a big deal. Trust me when I say a lack of sleep (due to working on homework all night) really affects your classroom conduct. I don’t know how many journalism deadlines I haven’t met, or how many times I’ve studied for a history quiz two minutes before my teacher passes it out. Let me give you a little advice: R and R is a great time to work on any homework. Whether it’s the stuff
for your next class or the homework you just received in second period, you’re getting it done. It’s a lot easier to go home with only an English worksheet to finish or a couple chapters to read than having all that with Spanish tarea, Geometry and Health. Just remember, you’re not alone. All the high school and college athletes suffer from S.S.C.S, also known as School and Sports Collision Syndrome. Jordan Sharpe ‘11 Business Manager
Basketball and other sports, demand not only dedication to the game, but grades as well. Photo by Jean DeOrnellas
Thumbs Down
Thumbs Up The long Holiday Break. • Gas prices • Holiday spirit. Oh Yea! • Day trip with your friends to a place other than the Chipotle down the street. • Touch screens: iPhones, the new Blackberry, and iTouch. • The Fairfax Ice Hockey team • Scarves, mittens, caps, etc. • The Capitals
• The economy Leftover turkey sandwiches, omelets, and salad. Ew. • Laying on the couch all Winter Break. • Transporter 3. They should have stopped at one. • Holiday homework. Why do teachers do that to us? • Sketchers. Leave that in elementary school. • Oprah. Ellen has stolen hundreds of viewers, so let’s make the transition smooth and let go of outdated Oprah and embrace upbeat, funny Ellen. •
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OR
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Ask Kevin
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s the school year ended in June of 2008, the Rebel Roar staff lost one of its finest writers, the one and only Pete Legros. His monthly advice columns were not only informative, but a great way to get an educated, outside opinion on a topic of your choice. Although there is no more Pete, I am here to answer all of your burning questions about school, the opposite sex, and life. I believe I can give some valuable advice seeing as I have mastered all of these. Dear Kevin, I have tried out for the Junior Varsity basketball team for the past two years and have been cut both times. I feel like my 5’5”, 105 pound frame may be some sort of factor in my rejection. How can I get taller and stronger to make the team? I find that with basketball these days, the key to rapidimprovement is to take skill and ability completely out of the equation and just get big and violent very quickly. Some people may point to steroids, but I disagree. There are other methods that require even less commitment that are proven to produce resultsBefore even touching a dumbbell or setting foot in a weight room, try carrying around a large person on your back all day. This is an incredibly efficient and effective way to become a macho man. If you want to start out a little easier, find a couple of little people to duct tape to your arms and legs. If you suffer no injuries and have enough guts to stick with this regimen for a couple of days, you should see some amazing results. If all of this work just isn’t your thing, try buying some of those ab-belts advertised on infomercials at 2 a.m. and attach them to your entire body, covering every muscle on your body. To get the full body workout, make completely sure to cover your face as well because a strong, defined face is the number one sign of a strong, defined man. You’ll need an intimidating game face to impress your coach. In no time at all, you will feel like a giant bicep and you will be able to crush anything that comes near the rim. Dear Kevin, As of late, my life is very stressful. With all of these AP classes, and year round sports and clubs, I find myself in a constant bind and it’s starting to wear me down. How can I be more time efficient and become stress free? Stress a monster that rears its ugly head many times during the school year if not throughout, and more often looks like a teacher. I am no stranger to stress. I am currently taking 12 AP classes, participating in three
If you find size to be a road block in your athletic career then you may want to look into ab-belts. Photo by Allie Sawyer winter sports, and participating in every club ever. My best advice is to not run away from the monster, but to grab it by the horns and beat it into submission. Where to start, you ask? First try hiring about three or four assistants to help you with life. If possible, dress them up like yourself and, voila, you have a couple of body doubles. These are very useful and allow you to be in two or three places at once. With more of you to go around, stress is reduced and you might have some free time. Another great solution, and one that I find the most satisfying, is blowing people off. Priorities are key in life, and when the going gets rough, sometimes you just have to say, “screw it”. To do this, you’ll have to be able to stand up to people and tell them they aren’t worth your time. I find this especially easy and fun. For some reason, teachers don’t take to this method well (just a pattern I’ve noticed). It’s easy to see why people such as yourself suffer from stress, though. Everyone has business to attend to, work to do, and people to please (which you now know is optional) all of which combine to create stress. Just remember: you never have to face stress on a level playing field.
Kevin Dowd ‘10 Commentary Editor
Fair
News
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Facts
• Fairfax hosted the Fairfax Area Invitational Model United Nations Conference (FAIMUN) on November 12th and 13th • Mumbai, India experienced three days of terror, starting on the 26th, as terrorists laid siege to the city, which was ill-equipped to handle such situations. • At the Latin Convention held in Richmond on November 20th and 21st, Fairfax won several individual awards. Some of the winners include: Phil Murphy and Brian Kelly • The United States Treasury Department officially declared that the United States has been in a recession since December of 2007. • Chris Johnston, Music & Computer Technology teacher, won the Northrop Grumman Educational
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-Basketball vs Chantilly
Leadership Award. (Pictured in center) • Ford CEO Alan Mulally and GM CEO Rick Wagoner announced that he will work for $1 a year in an attempt to get government bailout money for his company. • Freshman Class Elections were held. The winners are: President - Angela Wi. Vice-Presisent - Bingying Lin. Treasurer - Christina Kim. Secratarty - Manasa Pallapolu • Despite running against one another, President-elect Barrack Obama named Hillary Clinton as his Secretary of State. • The Canned Food Drive ended with Mr. Ascarrunz’s class as the victors with over 1300 cans. Photo by Kevin Poon.
Calender Of Events
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-Varsity Wrestling at -Interims Mailed -JV Wrestling at -Basketball vs Herdon Annandale -Gymnastics at Chantilly -Swim vs Westfield -Indoor Track Meet Potomac Falls at Episcopal
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4
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-Hanukkah
-Last Day of Win- -Basketball vs ter Break Westfield
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-Girls Basketball vs-Christmas Eve Mclean -Winter Break -Boys Basketball Begins vs Hayfield
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-Christmas
-Varsity Wrestling- -New Year’s Eve -New Year’s Day Battle at the Bridge
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-Varsity Wrestling
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-Boxing Day -Girls Basketball -Holiday Boys Bas- Marshall Holiday ketball Tournament Tournament at
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-Basketball vs Stuart -Swim vs Centerville
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-Indoor Track at Episcopal
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-Varsity WrestlingNick Mason Memorial Tournament
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CUE bus prices continue to rise L ast year, the CUE bus was free to all students who applied for an official laminated pass at Fairfax, now the bus has increased its price by $0.50. Many workers, high school students, and college students rely on the CUE bus every day for transportation. Due to the decline in the economy, the CUE bus has raised their prices to $0.75 as the regular price, $0.50 for senior citizens and people with disabilities, but remains free for George Mason students with ID cards. If a person were to use the CUE bus twice a day, everyday, over the course of one year, it would cost them $547.50. For students, senior citizens, and people with disabilities it would add up to $365 annually. New, upcoming fares will be $0.75 with an ID card Sophomore Victoria Tran believes that the increase in price is “ridiculous” and thinks that, “Fairfax County
just wants to make money off local high school students” and that “the whole idea is just stupid.” The rise the in price may create problems for students, since there are late buses only twice a week. Some students, whose parents work late and can’t pick them up on non-late bus days have to either wait for hours until their parents show up, walk very long distances, or not stay at all. Neglecting afterschool activities can be damaging to one’s academic achievement. Hopefully, Fairfax County will understand this problem not only for our sake, but for other individuals who are struggling in this time of need.
Zafar Shaw ‘11 Staff Writer
Students board the CUE Bus following school. CUE has raised the price for fairfax student from free with an ID card last year to $0.75 with an ID Card. Mason students however, may still ride for free. Photo by Lindsey Bush
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German Club hosts gingerbread house contest O
n December 18, the German Club is giving students the opportunity to get into the holiday spirit and build gingerbread houses. The event is taking place and every student currently enrolled in German is able to invite one student who isn’t taking German. The ticket price is two dollars which helps cover the cost of all the materials that required. At the event, prizes will be awarded to one gingerbread house from three different categories: modern, traditional, and castle. The judging table will be comprised of the two Fairfax High German Club Members Ethan Paster, Alex Price, Maria Spiridonova, Jackson Walters, School teachers and Daniel Zatar, and Atit Patel, and German teacher Herr Williams. They are getting ready to the German teacher host the gingerbread contest on the 18th. Photo by Lindsey Bush from Lanier Middle German singer Uwe Kind performed at Fairfax for School, Frau Lafky. After everyone finishes making their students from both FHS and around the county. For gingerbread houses, they will be allowed to eat them. those of you with a competitive edge and want to There are currently 170 students enrolled in German. participate, find a friend currently enrolled in German These students enjoy the numerous activities that are for a ticket. planned throughout the year as well as the educational atmosphere. The German Club is always trying to plan Wardah Rashid ‘09 something fun and exciting for FHS students. Recently, Staff Writer
Deutsch macht Spass!
German classes at Fairfax uniquely incorporate learning the language while participating in German cultural activities throughout the year. If you’re interested in learning German and having fun while doing so, contact Herr Robert Williams in room D-132 or REWilliams2@ fcps.ed for information about the FHS German program.
Secretary of Education visits FHS U
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Cover Story
nder a veil of secrecy, Secretary of Education Margaret student body is classified as limited English Spellings visited Fairfax High School on Nov. 19. She proficiency, the AVID program has long been visited several classrooms and attended a round table in in effect. “The kids want to learn but they don’t the library with a number of educators, administrators, know how to learn,” said the director, citing a and students. Secretary Spellings summarized problem that the program hopes to remedy. the reason for her visit in her opening comments, In addition to study skills, the program forces where she began with a series of national graduation students into challenging honors and AP courses statistics for minorities in the United States, calling the that better prepare them for post-secondary situation, “unacceptable education. Ms. and untenable,” and Service discussed recognizing the necessary the contract each challenge of providing a FHS AVID student college education to every signs, requiring them to American. “The way we take at least one upperare going to do it is through level course freshman year, programs like AVID,” she two sophomore and junior said. “This is a program that years, and three senior year, works.” with at least three AP classes The 45-minute discussion over their four years. Many largely focused on AVID programs in the past have (Advancement Via gotten students to college, Individual Determination) but not prepared them to be and other ways of increasing successful there, according student achievement. Several to Mr. Steele, the FCPS AVID members of the panel gave director. glowing recommendations Finally, panelists stressed for the program, including the need to change the the FCPS AVID director, atmosphere of the school, the FHS and Lanier AVID from encouraging teachers counselors, the JEB Stuart to build relationships with AVID director, and two FHS students to raising everyone’s students. expectations of what the The visit was prompted students can achieve. by the Department of Although Secretary Education’s push for Spellings has only a few increased accountability months left in office, she and visible results. “We is confident that her push have spent a lot of money for accountability and on a lot of stuff . . . now it is Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings answers achievement will continue time to turn that into student questions from the media regarding programs to into the next administration. achievement,” said Secretary enhance student achievement. Photo by Jean DeOrnellas In her final months the Spellings. AVID, a growing program at FHS and Lanier, Secretary is also working on reforming the federal aid is a way to do that. The AVID program is designed to available to college students, and has debuted a new increase the academic rigor of the involved students, website, college.gov, that seeks to simplify the college teach basic organizational and study tools necessary process for first-generation families. for success in higher education, and build relationships The push for innovative programs to bolster schools between students and educators. has been nationwide. FCPS is certainly not perfect, In one of the lighter moments of the program, FHS but with AVID, the school system, and FHS, has found senior Gerhard Williams was asked what AVID has a program that could be the model for the nation to given him. “Well, they’ve given us a lot of homework,” follow. he responded. He went on to talk about the study skills taught by AVID, a theme echoed by the director of Stuart High School’s program. Jean DeOrnellas ‘09 At Stuart, a school where almost 40 percent of the Sports Editor
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GED provides alternative to graduation
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o graduate or not to graduate, that is the question. All high school students have two choices; finish high school and get your high school diploma, or end now and try to get your GED. But what is a GED exactly? For those of you that do not know, GED stands for General Education Development. It is a group of five tests, that when passed, certifies that the test taker has American high school level academic skill. These tests are not recommended for everyone. “The GED is a step towards continuing [ones] educational goals, attending training or maintaining or securing a better job. In an ideal world, all young adults should finish their high school studies but family issues, illness, lack of attendance, and many other reasons stop young adults from completing,” says Ann Wyllie, Educational Specialist and GED Chief Examiner for the Adult High School Completion Program for FCPS. While both a GED and a high school diploma satisfy basic high school knowledge requirements, there are some obvious differences: the time it requires to complete them and also your future plans, whether they include getting a job or going to college. While some jobs and colleges do not care whether you chose getting your GED over getting your high school diploma, some jobs and four year universities or colleges may prefer someone with their high school diploma versus someone without one. “Lack of high school completion handicaps an individual. Many people dropped out and returned to take the GED test and are successful. Whatever the reason for the person to stop school, the GED test taker has overcome some of those barriers and moved forward in their educational/career life,” said Wyllie. At Fairfax, only 18 out of 2101 students enrolled dropped out from school during the 2007-2008 school year. “Not many kids talk to me about getting their GED. Maybe one or two per year discuss it with me. On the other hand, I may suggest a GED to some students who are not taking school seriously and are failing,” says counselor Peter Uncles.
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Counselor Joan Hartman said that the number of students she speaks with about GEDs is five or less. But those who are interested in getting their GED “talk to a counselor, think through why you would drop out of high school, and I’d let them know what their other options are,” advises Hartman. “They can go to NOVA and apply to college. If you get a GED and later want to get a high school diploma you can take adult classes.” Completing the GED Tests is not as simple as students make it out to seem. “It seems like an easy and quick way out but it’s really a comprehensive program. The first step is to speak with your school counselor. The student will eventually be required to take the Tests of Adult Basic Education and an official GED practice test to determine if the student is eligible. If the student does not qualify then it’s back to school,” explains Uncles. Between getting a GED and a high school diploma, long term differences are unknown and people of both choices may possibly be equal in success. “The long term effects for both a high school diploma and a GED are opportunities and success. Both a graduate of high school and a GED passer have many doors opened to them and earn approximately $8,000 more a year than a person without the GED. If a person does not have either a high school diploma or a GED, when they want to change careers in their 30’s or 40’s, it is difficult to have that opportunity,” explains Wyllie. Students in Virginia only have two options: getting a GED or a high school diploma. “Most students that drop out get their GED because the law of Virginia forces students to stay in school until they are eighteen,” explains Hartman. So, regardless of which choice a student makes, they have close to equal possibilities of success and failure. It just depends on the future an individual wants for themselves.
Myriam Tchatchouang ‘09 Entertainment Editor
Entertainment
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F/X Players perform modern classic Rosencrantz and Guildenstern hits the Fairfax stage
R
osencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead is a creative and comedic play about two minor characters in Hamlet. Even though Hamlet, portrayed by Alex Lissabet, makes several appearances and is Rosencrantz and Guildenstern’s childhood friend, the play is mostly about when the two characters are on their own. The main characters, Rosencrantz, played by Jeremy Tuohy, and Guildenstern, played by Brandon Tuohy, are upbeat and compliment each other like Timon and Pumba. Rosencrantz is optimistic and a bit of an airhead, but lovable and brings humor to the play. Guildenstern questions everything and tries to
find his purpose in the world . The Player, portrayed by Allie Cropp, is a clever woman who leads a band of quirky actors called the Tragedians who seem to appear at the strangest times throughout the play. The production is directed by English teacher Mr. Paul Rubenstein. “[Rosencrantz and Guildenstern] was not my favorite in the beginning but quickly became one,” says Rubenstein. Showings are December 11 through 14 all starting at 7:30pm and 2:00pm Sunday. Tickets are sold $5 per student and $10 per adult. They are also available for purchase online at www.fxplayers.org.
Alex Woodill ‘11 Staff Writer
The F/X Players perform their dress rehearsal after school for FHS faculty members. The Tuohy brothers, Brandon (far left) and Jeremy (third from left) share the spotlight starring as the title characters Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Photo by Alex Woodill.
‘Deck the Halls’ with a capella fa-la la la la
The a capella group, Rebel Treble, practices after school in order to prepare for the upcoming concert. Photos by James Lee.
I
t took more than just strong vocals to make the cut. Great voice, pitch, and projection only got them past the first round. The singers would have to bring stage presence and the ability to learn and hold their own part in order to be considered for the final cut. Only then would they be invited to join a group of elite singers known as Rebel Treble. After such a grueling audition process, invitations were offered to only 19 singers to join the new Fairfax a cappella group. A cappella is a form of singing that foregoes musical accompaniment and instead relies completely on the singers’ vocals to mimic the instruments. The 19 singers represent a complete cross-section of the student body. “We don’t have just
chorus students – we have people from orchestra and band and even some that aren’t even in the Fairfax Music Department,” said junior and co-music director Rachel Derrick. Junior Chip Barker decided to audition in order to get connected with the Music Department. “I didn’t have room in my schedule to join chorus,” said Barker. “Rebel Treble seemed like a perfect way to get involved and do something I love – sing.” The new a cappella group is the brainchild of juniors Tiffany Herndon, Emily Schutz, Rachel Derrick, and Jessica Zelenack. Herndon serves as the group’s president while Schutz works as the business manager. Derrick and Zelenack lead the group as music
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directors. The four were inspired last year by The Madison Project, an all-male JMU a cappella group. After some brainstorming over the summer and guidance from 2006 grad Glen North, Rebel Treble was born. Even before the group meets for its two hour practice, Derrick and Zelenack, the group’s music directors, had put in countless hours to prepare each piece. “We have to pull out the main parts, such as chords and instruments, and match that to voices,” said Zelenack. Even after the group leaves, each member is required to put in the time necessary to learn their parts. “Rehearsals are full of energy,” said Barker. “We have a lot of spirit which makes all the hard work easier to endure.” And after just a few practices, it’ll be time for the group to show off their talent at the Winter Choral Concert on December 18. They’ll be performing “Deck the Halls” by SheDaisy. “We wanted a holiday song – something up-beat and fun that everybody could get into,” said group president Herndon. As business manager, Schutz is working to find even more performance opportunities outside of Fairfax. “We’re working on getting gigs outside of the community once we have more songs under our belt,” she said. In the meantime, the group will be performing at all chorus concerts, with the first being this Thursday at 7:30 pm.
James Lee ‘09 Editor in Chief
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titled as one of the most popular viral videos on YouTube with over 22 million views. With this popular video, the age of viral videos was born. Millions of videos are uploaded daily on YouTube. As of April 2008, it was estimated that YouTube hosted around 83 million videos and consumed as much bandwidth as the Internet did in 2000. “I would definitely recommend YouTube to everyone. Even teachers. Cause it can be helpful for those ‘hard to reach’ lessons,” said Junior Joey Kelly. For those of you who want to watch the top ranked viral videos, there are The famous “Numa Numa” video, gathering over 23 million views on Youtube for countless websites that the past two years. Lower center photo courtesy of nbc.com and other photos couresty of youtube.com have countdowns for ave you noticed a staggering increase in the amount the Top 10 viral videos. Some of the most well-known of popular videos popping up around the web? videos include the “Star Wars Kid”, which is a video Well, in the past years making these videos, known as involving a golf club to retrieve balls from the water and viral videos has become a popular trend among many one determined young adult to showcase his awesome people both young and old. A viral video is a video powers. To “Evolution of Dance”, when a comedian clip that gains popularity and widespread attention via guides us through the history of dance, which has now sharing on the Internet, whether through e-mail, instant passed 100 million views on its YouTube page. Viral messaging, or media sharing websites like YouTube. Videos range from fighting Jedi, to men fighting wild Viral videos got their most notable start almost two bears for salmon in the “John West Salmon Bear Fight” years ago in December of 2006 with a video starring an video. The great thing about viral videos is that chances 18 year old, Gary Brolsma. He recorded himself with are, there’s most likely one out there that you’ll enjoy his webcam while lip synching to the song “Dragostea priceless time laughing at and admiring. din tei” by the Romanian band, O-Zone. This video became known around the world as the “Numa Numa” Jacob Fulmer ‘10 video, which has become a pop culture gem. It has been Staff Writer
Viral video epidemic infects world wide web
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Top 10 Viral Videos By TIME Magazine
10.
9. Clark and
5. Prison In
8. Dan Rather
4. Hillary 1984
7. Can’t Tase
Michael
Collar Up
Daft Hands
This
mates ‘Thriller’
3. Miss South
Carolina Teen USA
6.
“I Ran So Far”
2. “The Landlord”
1.
“Leave Britney Alone”
For the Record:
Scoreboard (as of 12/12)
Signed: senior Theresa Harvey to Iona
Girls Varsity Basketball: Wins: 12/02 Falls Church (77-21) 2-0 record at the Oakton Tipoff tournament Losses: 12/09 Woodson (47-54) Lauren Burford won the COX ON DEMAND player of the week, chosen by Cox communications each week from a Fairfax County team. Read the full article on digitalsports.com.
College. Harvey will be playing volleyball and swimming for the Gaels. Signed: senior Ellyn Baumgardner to University of Arizona. Baumgardner is receiving a scholarship to join the 2008 NCAA womens swimming and diving champions. Committed: senior Frances Dowd to Virginia Tech. She is receiving an athletic scholarship for track and cross country. Hired: Meredith Harris as the new swim and dive head coach. Coach Harris was previously the assistant coach. Hired: Craig Franklin as the new varsity wrestling head coach. Coach Franklin was previously the JV head coach. Hired: Angela Peterson as the new gymnastics head coach. Coach Peterson was previously the assistant coach.
Sports
Boys Varsity Basketball: Wins: 12/02 Falls Church (56-42) Losses: 12/05 West Springfield (59-61) 12/09 Woodson (57-67)
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Caleigh Patterson shoots and scores against Woodson.
Photo by Jean DeOrnellas.
Gymnastics: 12/02 meet: 3rd place 12/11 meet: 4th place Boys Swim and Dive: Wins: 12/05 Oakton (165-150) Girls Swim and Dive: Losses: 12/05 Oakton (140-175) Indoor Track: First meet: 12/12 Wrestling: 14th place NOVA classic. Cheerleading: Megan Bayne, Yesle Soh, and Valerie Cartegena were named to the 2008 All-Beltway cheerleading team.
From left to right: Theresa Harvey, Frances Dowd, and Ellyn Baumgardner sign official documents for athletic commitments. Photo courtesy of Ellyn Baumgardner.
Fairfax at the Verizon Center The girls varsity basketball team will play Hayfield at 2:00 p.m. on Dec. 27 at the Verizon Center. The Washington Wizards will play the Oklahoma City Thunder at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $30 for Coach Konde talks to the team during upper-level and $78 for lower-level. See Coach Konde in the varsity game against Woodson. room C-108 for a ticket sheet. Photos by Jean DeOrnellas.
Hidden hockey 18
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any students at Fairfax High School may not know it, but FHS has a hockey team. Although the team is not directly sponsored by the school, as the football or the basketball team is, it is still competitive in the Northern Virginia Scholastic Hockey League (NVSHL). The team has been around for about four seasons, and the playing season runs from the Thanksgiving break to late February. The FHS team participates in the JV league due to the lack of players, but the coaches believe that the team will get an influx of talent from middle schools next season. The team consists of ten students at FHS and two students from Lanier Middle School. Although the players from Lanier are on the team, they are not allowed to compete in NVSHL games. Junior Temur Hannan, who has been on the team for three seasons, said his favorite parts of hockey are “Scoring, hitting, and the ‘dangles’,” which is the equivalent of juking in football. The team is coached by Peter Players on FHS's Grose, the father of two of the players, club hockey team and Latin teacher Greg Kfoury. This is participate in a Mr. Kfoury’s first season with Fairfax game last season. hockey, although he has coached Photos courtesy of other high school and club teams for Isolina Pistolessi. more than ten years. Last season he coached at Langley High School. Mr. Kfoury said, “[Coaching is] my favorite thing in the world. To help kids get better and learn the game is the best part.” They practice on Fridays in the offseason, at the Kettler Iceplex on top of the Ballston Mall, which is also the rink the Washington Capitals practice on. Unfortunately, ice time is very expensive, and the team is only able to practice twice during the actual season. The team will hold multiple fundraisers throughout the season in an effort to get enough money for more ice time next season, as well.
Andrew Dilworth ‘10 Managing Editor
Player Spotlight Kirsten Manville How long have you been playing hockey? Six years How did you get into hockey? My brother played, so I was at the rink a lot. I also wanted to play football, but my dad wouldn’t let me, so I thought hockey was the next best choice. What is the biggest tournament you have gone to? USA Hockey Nationals. I have gone twice, and will almost definitely go again this year. We came in third my first year. What do you like about hockey? It is so different from every other sport I play. You’re on ice and you get to hit people without a whistle being blown for a penalty. That’s uncommon for female sports. Manville is going to play hockey in college, most likely at Connecticut College, her first choice.
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Head - to - head Wrestling goes mano-a-mano at the NOVA wrestling classic
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airfax High School hosted the annual NOVA Wrestling Classic on Dec. 5 and 6. This prestigious event kicks off the wrestling season and contains 32 teams from around the region and out of town. “Our main goal is to keep everyone healthy and prepare for a long season,” said Coach Craig Franklin. However, the wrestling classic is still an important benchmark for the season, especially because the team recently welcomed Coach Franklin after several years as the JV coach. "Gentlemen, we don't train to lay on our backs," said Coach Franklin to his team the day before the tournament. The team was missing several varsity members, but still managed a 14th place finish in the team score. Junior Jordan Yost won the 171 lb. division, and senior David Salgado was fifth in the 189 lb. division. “I was content with the way the team performed. A couple of the guys should have done a little better, but the season is long and I am sure that they will work hard in the room and make themselves better,” said Coach Franklin.
Jean DeOrnellas ‘09 Sports Editor
Scenes from the Classic: top, Yost
competes against a Langley wrestler on the way to a title; above right, Salgado competes against a Marshall wrestler on the way to a fifth place finish; right, a referee monitors the action; above, Coach Franklin yells instructions during Salgado's match. Photos by Jean DeOrnellas.
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Coaches Corner Meredith Harris Swim and Dive Swimming Experience:
NVSL Crosspointe Cruisers Fort Belvoir Victor Swim Club Curl Burke Swim Club
Coaching experience:
Crosspointe Cruisers Substitute in South Carolina Fairfax assistant
Expectations and Goals:
“One thing I am looking forward to is the entire season and watching the team grow and continue to improve. Last year was an amazing year. Our boys’ team excelled and is now a “force to watch” and our girls team won the Northern Region meet for a third time and went on to win states.” “I believe we can be successful this season. If our teams compete as a team, like they have in the past, that will make Fairfax Swim and Dive successful and be competitive in the district.”
Above, Coach Meredith Harris supervises warmups against Oakton. Photo courtesy of Lacey Stone.
Left, Coaches Meredith Harris and Kristin Turner consult during the meet on Dec. 05. Photo courtesy of Mary DeOrnellas.
Kevin Dowd ‘10 Commentary Editor
Crew creates opportunity for foreign exchange student
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German exchange student Lucas Fisher uses the rowing machine during pre-season crew conditioning. Photo by Lindsey Bush.
oreign exchange students are a great learning experience for high school sports teams. These students no only help their teams, but they are also themselves. Taking part in a school sport is a great way to make friends and improve their fluency in the English language. The FHS Varsity row team will soon be welcoming an exchange student to their already fantastic team. 17 year-old Lucas Fisher, a foreign exchange student from Bueckburg, Germany is looking forward to taking part in the team. In Germany, he participated in cross-country and crew. He says, “I want try out for crew because that was my sport in Germany. Crew is actually the reason I chose this school.” Fisher may be new to the country, but he isn’t new to rowing. He has been doing it for five years, ever since a friend told him to start. He works hard at his sport too, practicing three times a week by doing conditioning workouts with his team. Rowing machines, running laps around the school and weight lifting are all part of his routine and when asked which one is his favorite he says, “None of them!” His school in Germany offered crew, soccer, basketball, hockey, field hockey, and cross-country. Typically, sports differ from country to country, but Lucas said, “It is pretty much the same sport as in Germany, but it’s less competitive. Crew is more of a ‘club’ sport in Germany.”
Steven Kendall ‘11 Staff Writer
A day in the life of a mall Santa
Features
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t’s that time of year again. Time to say “hello” to all the holiday festivities. Every year Santa comes to Fair Oaks Mall and for some, the memories flood in. How much does anyone really know about the mall Santa? Here are some fun facts for a holiday favorite. I interviewed a Santa at Fair Oaks Mall.
What is the best part about working at the mall? FHS’s own Mr. French, a US History teacher, has his Talking to all the kids and the jacket. It is really cozy. own history as a Santa Clause. Photos by Allie Sawyer What are common gifts that people ask for? Santa’s Helper, also a former Fairfax student, Dana Cars, trucks, trains, and ponies… real ones. Sawyer, said: What are the most surprising gifts? What are some of Santa’s secrets? Little kids who ask for iPods, computers, and There are actually two Santas. They take turns working horses. and look a lot alike. Does Santa get breaks? What does Santa’s Helper do? Yes, twice a day to feed the reindeer. Get kids to smile for pictures and walk them over to What is the best part of Santa’s job? Santa. When they are afraid, try to calm them down. Watching the little kids get so excited about How many kids do you see? Christmas. A lot. We always have someone coming through. What does Santa do after sitting? How old are the kids? Not much. Santa can’t shop or walk around in his The average age is three to seven years. costume. He can’t even be at the mall when he isn’t working. Is your beard real? How long have you had it? Yes, all year. Ho, ho, ho! How long have you been coming to the mall? Allie Sawyer ‘10 Three years, but I have been a Santa for much longer. Staff Writer
“Little known secret, he is the real Santa.” Jennifer Copeland, Junior
“I remember Santa. I cried.” Christine Tran, Senior
What Fairfax students had to say… “I always wondered if his beard was real.” Temur Hannan, Junior “Santa is a god among men.” Brian Yonish, Senior
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Teacher Spotlight:
Mr.Carr
t Fairfax, there are many great teachers who are is a fundraiser for the Junior class and will be held on also involved in extracurricular activities, and then March 14. There are a limited number of openings for there is Mr. Carr. Apart from teaching U.S. History and the show, and students are judged by qualified members Sociology, he is the sponsor for the It’s Academic team, of the FHS staff. Ms. Varanavage, the class sponsor, will the assistant coach of indoor track, and an organizer for also work this year to organize it. the annual talent show. Mr. Carr started teaching Mr. Carr admits that at the school in 1983, and taking part in so many has been the sponsor for activities is “stressful at It’s Academic for 10 years. times, but the rewards The club has become more are great. I just really competitive since he took enjoy seeing young over as coach, and the team people grow and develop, now participates in more both intellectually and major tournaments. His physically.” initial interest to sponsor Junior Mat Tantum, who the club came from his takes Sociology, thinks Mr. enjoyment of games such as Carr “is a great teacher. Trivial Pursuit and watching He’s not strict, but teaches Jeopardy, and he’d always well and also brings humor wanted to teach students in to the classroom.” quiz bowl competitions. As the assistant coach As a high school student, Mr. Carr is involved in many activities at Fairfax. for track, Mr. Carr works Photo by Anurag Bhatnagar. Mr. Carr played football and ran with the sprinters, vertical track. Though they did not have jumpers, and throwers. This indoor season he is It’s Academic at his school, he attended many tapings of coaching the middle distance runners as well. He is very the show in the 80’s and 90’s, which got him interested optimistic for this season. “We have a very committed in becoming the sponsor. group of indoor athletes out for indoor track this year. He is very active in the school, as shown by the many Some are highly talented veterans, like David Ladd and activities he is a part of. Whether he is in his classroom Frances Dowd, but also some newcomers who have or on the field, Mr. Carr remains a great teacher. tremendous potential.” Finally, Mr. Carr helps to organize the talent show. It Anurag Bhatnagar ‘10 Features Editor
Mr. Carr holds It’s Academic practices every Wednesday. Photo by Anurag Bhatnagar.
Mr. Carr teaches U.S. History. Photo by Melissa Lin.
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What the heck? This is what I get? T he holiday season is fast approaching and millions are hitting the mall, trying to find the perfect gift for family, friends, and significant others. What if that perfect gift isn’t perfect? People of all ages try to get each other gifts that the other will like, and expect the same in return. But sometimes that’s not the case. We’ve all gotten gifts that cause us to shake our heads and wonder “why?” Some leave us standing with a look of disgust on our face. The recipient probably meant well, but then again, maybe not. Everyone expects to receive the newest digital camera, videogames, or jewelry among other lavish items. When anxious teenagers open presents this holiday season expecting something cool and new, but instead see a pair of socks, mittens, and scarves, the smile and anticipation will quickly be replaced with their mouth wide open and the question “What?” With the economy doing poorly, many of us may be in for a shock. Even though the decreasing economy may
Laptop
not affect gift buyers so much, because stores have started sales early; the recipient however, will see the difference. Sophomore Nina Udeshi said, “The worst holiday gift I’ve gotten was a book from my brother on how to make friends and influence people. That was a horrible present especially for such a cheerful time of year.” Although it seems childish to make presents, many people think that homemade gifts are better than store bought gifts because they come from the heart. Try making a frame and put in a one-of-akind picture. Something from the heart may not be the most extravagant gift, but it comes with love which is what the holiday season is really about. It’s one of the greatest times of the year so celebrate it with family and friends, no matter what they get you. Remember that it’s the thought that counts.
Aneela Wadan ‘11 Business Manager
Digital Camera
iPhone
GIFTS TO REMEMBER
Out-of-style cloths
Lord of the Flies
GIFTS TO FORGET Photo’s by Aneela Wadan
Socks
Food is a big part of any holiday no matter the season or reason. The words “holiday” and “food” fit so perfectly together that it is hard to separate one from the other. Whenever we think of a holiday we tend to associate certain types of foods with it. For example most people associate hot dogs and hamburgers with the Fourth of July, chocolates with Valentine’s Day, winter holidays with cocoa and gingerbread. Well, the holidays are upon us and visions of holiday goodies are dancing in our heads. This winter there are many yummy treats to make and share with friends and family (and maybe even a few to keep for yourself). Preparing these holiday treats are a great way to get in the holiday spirit. Here are a few recipes to help get you into the spirit of giving:
Peppermint Cheesecake Brownies Cheesecake batter: 1 8 ounce block of 1/3 less fat cream cheese 1/3 cup granulated sugar ¼ teaspoon pure peppermint extract 1 large egg 1 large egg white 1 tablespoon all purpose flour Brownie batter: 1 cup flour ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa ½ teaspoon of salt 1 ½ cups packed brown sugar ¼ cup canola oil ¼ cup buttermilk 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 large eggs whites 1 large egg Pre heat oven to 350 To prepare cheesecake batter, place cheese in medium bowel; beat with a mixer at medium speed until smooth. Add granulated sugar and peppermint extract; beat well. Add egg white and egg; beat well.
Add the flour; beat mixture until just blended. To prepare brownie batter, combine flour, cocoa, and salt in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk. Combine brown sugar, oil, buttermilk, vanilla, egg whites, and egg in a large mixing bowl; beat with a mixer at medium high speed until well blended. Add flour mixture to brown sugar mixture and beat at a low speed until just blended. Reserve ¾ cup of brownie batter. Pour remaining batter into a 9-inch square baking pan coated with cooking spray. Carefully pour cheesecake batter over the top; spread evenly to the edges. Dot cheesecake batter with reserved brownie batter. Swirl top two layers of batters together using the tip of a knife. Bake at 350 for 26 minutes or until the top is set. Cool completely in a pan on a wire rack: makes 16 bars.
Lindsey Bush ‘11 Photography Editor
Outrageously Thick Spanish Hot Chocolate 6 cups whole milk 3tbsp cornstarch 1/4 cup dutch-processed cocoa powder 3/4 cup sugar Pinch of salt 8-12 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
Pour 5 1/2 cups of milk into a large heavy-bottomed saucepan. In a small bowl or cup, stir together the cornstarch, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Add the remaining milk to make a smooth paste. Heat the milk over medium heat and just before it beings to boil, whisk in the cocoa mixture. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook 1 minute, or until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and about 8 oz of the choclate. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and combined. Tastee the hot chocolate; if desired, stir in 4 more oz for an even richer flavor. Set aside and keep warm. Serves six. From “Sticky, Chewy, Messy, Gooey” by Jill O’Conner